tr	0	But it was not here .
tr	0	The one no one cared about .
tr	0	The Bible would be staying here .
tr	0	It 's a long hike . "
tr	0	A very bad idea .
tr	0	What were you thinking ?
tr	0	" Where are we ? "
tr	0	she heard him mutter under his breath .
tr	0	And he wasn 't fat .
tr	0	Noah was just a big guy .
tr	0	She used to be good at this .
tr	0	But then everything happened .
tr	0	" Uh , no . "
tr	0	Off in the distance , something howled .
tr	0	Could you overdose on Raid ?
tr	0	She really loved these kind of trips .
tr	0	She felt like a fake .
tr	0	Noah deserved to be listened to .
tr	0	Several muffled giggles scattered across the group .
tr	0	I 'm such a nerd .
tr	0	Then the lesson was over .
tr	0	That attraction you 're feeling ?
tr	0	she chided herself warily .
tr	0	Not exactly Prince Charming .
tr	0	It was hauntingly beautiful .
tr	0	" Went away ? "
tr	0	We never heard from them again .
tr	0	" What other boys ? "
tr	0	The two women eyed each other soberly .
tr	0	Except the past always follows you .
tr	0	" The Paki police are pretty nervous .
tr	0	Here come the Americans .
tr	0	They 've all got bullet-proof vests . "
tr	0	The sound would cover the shot perfectly .
tr	0	Everyone in Peshawar packed lead .
tr	0	Benjamin and Alejo rolled their eyes .
tr	0	They were getting away .
tr	0	At least a little .
tr	0	It probably wouldn 't .
tr	0	And his dreams didn 't disappoint him .
tr	0	But last night had been awful .
tr	0	He also wasn 't a bad shot .
tr	0	This was his team .
tr	0	This was life in Pakistan .
tr	0	" Just how we like it . "
tr	0	" Oh come on you guys !
tr	0	Leave poor Gabriel alone !
tr	0	We 're not even engaged .
tr	0	The whole team knew it was .
tr	0	Alejo fought a sour expression .
tr	0	Stalin was grinning , amused .
tr	0	This was getting ridiculous .
tr	0	One of Gabriel 's blond eyebrows rose .
tr	0	What has that fat old dude done ?
tr	0	" I 'll tell you .
tr	0	Even without Ruben , it was enough .
tr	0	" It 's a good choice .
tr	0	How are you doing these days ? "
tr	0	And thanks for the empanada . "
tr	0	How 's it going Noah ? "
tr	0	" Uh , sure .
tr	0	We could have a drink .
tr	0	What if he ever found out ?
tr	0	I was feeling a little awkward . "
tr	0	Just got to watch for my chance ?
tr	0	And then she heard Noah 's voice .
tr	0	" Hey , no .
tr	0	All right , that 's it !
tr	0	That 's my friend there !
tr	0	" He 's with me . "
tr	0	" Oh , man .
tr	0	This is really awkward .
tr	0	We 're , uh , really sorry .
tr	0	Rudolf had stood and was apologizing .
tr	0	" You know what guys ? "
tr	0	" It can happen to anyone .
tr	0	And I 'll see you around .
tr	0	Did I actually just kiss Noah ?
tr	0	What if the mission heard about this ?
tr	0	Then she heard a soft chuckle .
tr	0	" I should never drink .
tr	0	I never learn . "
tr	0	This wasn 't going to be pretty .
tr	0	It wasn 't fair !
tr	0	Ok , yes it was .
tr	0	And she felt just destroyed .
tr	0	As if he would .
tr	0	" Hey , wait a sec . "
tr	0	Noah frowned at her .
tr	0	" I won 't tell anyone .
tr	0	" Does this even have coffee ? "
tr	0	Alejo frowned at the stuff suspiciously .
tr	0	" And that 's the scary part .
tr	0	He really said it .
tr	0	" You seriously believe it ? "
tr	0	" It 's just not possible .
tr	0	Allah has no son .
tr	0	I 'll have to tell them . "
tr	0	Alejo felt relieved it was all decided .
tr	0	" It happened right after he retired .
tr	0	Or something , I don 't know .
tr	0	Alejo 's tone turned bitter .
tr	0	The leather seats were freezing .
tr	0	The Americans had apologized .
tr	0	The Khan hadn 't accepted .
tr	0	" For the first time ever .
tr	0	You were looking pretty down yesterday . "
tr	0	It 's still ours .
tr	0	Forgot to mention it , eh ?
tr	0	Yeah , he was surprised .
tr	0	There was nothing here but run-down huts .
tr	0	And people who needed help .
tr	0	What was he doing here ?
tr	0	" Please greet our visitor . "
tr	0	His dream had finally come true !
tr	0	But why should he even do that ?
tr	0	He got like that sometimes .
tr	0	And he was a really good sniper .
tr	0	The training had been excellent .
tr	0	His salary for the next few months .
tr	0	Pakistanis had them beat .
tr	0	I 've got to pack .
tr	0	Now , on to his babies .
tr	0	That left the money .
tr	0	A chorus of a thousand horns blared .
tr	0	He was ashamed for even noticing them .
tr	0	Oh Allah , help me !
tr	0	" What are you doing ? "
tr	0	Gabriel gasped in Pashto .
tr	0	" I-I 'm not looking ! "
tr	0	I went there to deposit . "
tr	0	" You filthy liar ! "
tr	0	They had followed him from the bank !
tr	0	How had he not noticed ?
tr	0	You 've been a fool , Gabriel .
tr	0	You 'll see . "
tr	0	" There 's the deposit receipt there .
tr	0	" Hold him ! "
tr	0	Rough hands dug into his upper arms .
tr	0	The IVs mean doctors , a hospital .
tr	0	What 's with the chess game ?
tr	0	I 'm not dead .
tr	0	" Don 't move .
tr	0	You 're safe now . "
tr	0	Was Alejo looking about to cry ?
tr	0	" Someone found you .
tr	0	They didn 't cut your windpipe .
tr	0	Do you remember what happened ? "
tr	0	" You must never forget it .
tr	0	Your life belongs to him now . "
tr	0	What if he messed up ?
tr	0	Allah had saved him by a miracle .
tr	0	And Gabriel knew how it worked .
tr	0	Now he had to pay Allah back .
tr	0	But it was more than that .
tr	0	At least it felt that way .
tr	0	But he could never love me .
tr	0	The one from the news . "
tr	0	They 'll probably be back tomorrow .
tr	0	It 's getting late . "
tr	0	" Not just in the big cities .
tr	0	What were they doing here ?
tr	0	" So , hello !
tr	0	Nice to see you ! "
tr	0	she asked much too sharply .
tr	0	They didn 't come .
tr	0	Decided they just couldn 't do it .
tr	0	Noah quickly changed the subject .
tr	0	She didn 't think so .
tr	0	Because maybe God was behind this .
tr	0	The idea nearly made her cry .
tr	0	She needed time to think about this .
tr	0	" Set our priorities straight .
tr	0	Tobin , ever the clown .
tr	0	And it had to be something good ?
tr	0	Alejo pressed his lips together .
tr	0	" I know , " Gabriel nodded .
tr	0	Now even Alejo almost laughed .
tr	0	It felt good to smile .
tr	0	" Like I shouldn 't be here .
tr	0	But I should be dead . "
tr	0	What if I mess up ? "
tr	0	Gabriel paused , and wrinkled his nose .
tr	0	" Does that make any sense ? "
tr	0	" Who knows ? "
tr	0	" I 'm starving . "
tr	0	" Hey , good morning ! "
tr	0	" Come on and have breakfast !
tr	0	" Thanks for breakfast . "
tr	0	I 've got news . "
tr	0	he 's down here .
tr	0	I saw him . "
tr	0	" Uh , he 's there ?
tr	0	" Do you know why ? "
tr	0	A long , long pause .
tr	0	Alejo clenched his teeth , hard .
tr	0	Can you hurry this up ? "
tr	0	How did you know ?
tr	0	" I 'll call you back . "
tr	0	And why shouldn 't he ?
tr	0	Apparently , hiding her eyes .
tr	0	Gabriel was trying to calm him down .
tr	0	Murder is a sin .
tr	0	Are there other options ?
tr	0	But I have an idea .
tr	0	" Of course , " Alejo said .
tr	0	" Let them be collateral .
tr	0	For a huge dinner , hopefully .
tr	0	And sleep like a baby .
tr	0	" It 's getting late . "
tr	0	" Aren 't the falls awesome ? "
tr	0	" Yep , " Eduardo said .
tr	0	This was tropical paradise .
tr	0	" Hey , stop the truck ! "
tr	0	" Tu , mujer ! "
tr	0	" You , woman ! "
tr	0	" Hey , guys ! "
tr	0	she said in English , waving .
tr	0	" You scared me !
tr	0	Are you heading back into town ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , " Noah said .
tr	0	" Ok , sure .
tr	0	" Go up front ! "
tr	0	" It 's dusty back here . "
tr	0	" Thanks , man !
tr	0	We can go now ! "
tr	0	Wouldn 't want to lose her .
tr	0	Ever go there ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , . "
tr	0	In the middle of the jungle .
tr	0	Their homemade ice cream rocks ! "
tr	0	Noah couldn 't help but laugh .
tr	0	" Is that you ? "
tr	0	she said , unsteadily .
tr	0	" Yeah , it 's me . "
tr	0	" Imagine seeing you here . "
tr	0	Fun for one night , you know .
tr	0	" Why are you doing this ? "
tr	0	" Stop the truck ! "
tr	0	" I 'm getting out ! "
tr	0	I know where he lives .
tr	0	I 'll go ? "
tr	0	" Noah , just go away ! "
tr	0	" I 'll ? "
tr	0	She 's really serious .
tr	0	I 'll go back with her .
tr	0	I 'll catch you later . "
tr	0	" Alright , sure .
tr	0	We 'll miss you , man .
tr	0	Not safe on that road . "
tr	0	The Road of Death .
tr	0	Maybe you could talk with him . "
tr	0	" Thank you very much . "
tr	0	" For me and one other person .
tr	0	Do you have room ? "
tr	0	" We have lots of room .
tr	0	" How much ? "
tr	0	" What time does it leave ? "
tr	0	he realized he should have asked first .
tr	0	" On the dot . "
tr	0	What if she didn 't come ?
tr	0	Noah felt a moment of panic .
tr	0	It 's leaving right now . "
tr	0	" Are you mad ? "
tr	0	" Who cares ? "
tr	0	" Another time . "
tr	0	Probably the group who chartered the bus .
tr	0	Not very comfortable clothes for traveling .
tr	0	She 's not talking to me .
tr	0	" Why are you doing this ? "
tr	0	What was he even doing here ?
tr	0	How in the world did he ? "
tr	0	" It wasn 't a lie . "
tr	0	She nearly gagged on the words .
tr	0	" I used to date him . "
tr	0	" Oh , Noah !
tr	0	Why did you come with me ?
tr	0	We 're barely out of town . "
tr	0	Things that had happened that first year .
tr	0	" For like six weeks .
tr	0	The first year I lived in Cochabamba .
tr	0	Like the other night .
tr	0	New waves of shame washed over her .
tr	0	" And it was like he said .
tr	0	" And that 's not everything !
tr	0	Had she really done all this ?
tr	0	But it was all true .
tr	0	That was at dinner .
tr	0	He definitely hates me now . "
tr	0	There , she 'd told him everything .
tr	0	" But you repented . "
tr	0	" And God forgave you . "
tr	0	He threw a party .
tr	0	You 're back . "
tr	0	His grip on her hands tightened .
tr	0	And he was staring at her .
tr	0	Nice words , yeah .
tr	0	The same for Noah .
tr	0	He was witness to her worst moment .
tr	0	Maybe several worst moments .
tr	0	Noah was touching her ?
tr	0	He was supposed to be repulsed .
tr	0	Had he gone crazy ?
tr	0	How could you ? "
tr	0	Why was Noah on his knees ?
tr	0	Is this a joke ?
tr	0	" But how could you ? "
tr	0	" Are you serious ?
tr	0	You actually love me ? "
tr	0	Let 's just rest , ok .
tr	0	And then it was gone .
tr	0	She could barely move .
tr	0	There was no one there .
tr	0	Not a Bolivian name .
tr	0	" Passport in her bag . "
tr	0	Alejo 's heart took a nose dive .
tr	0	Not one of Salazar 's staff .
tr	0	" Where am I ?
tr	0	" Your bus has been bombed ? "
tr	0	Alejo snapped , pushing William back hard .
tr	0	the girl 's voice faltered .
tr	0	How could anyone have survived the explosion ?
tr	0	Wasn 't supposed to happen . "
tr	0	" Always such a gentleman .
tr	0	She 's going to die anyway .
tr	0	She 's a witness .
tr	0	Alejo 's mind seemed full of sludge .
tr	0	Only Salazar and his staff .
tr	0	an accusing voice bit back at him .
tr	0	We 'll start tomorrow at six .
tr	0	Last session before it 's over . "
tr	0	" Good work everyone .
tr	0	She 's a witness . "
tr	0	" Yeah , I know .
tr	0	Everything 's going to work out . "
tr	0	" What are you guys talking about ?
tr	0	" Good night ! "
tr	0	" What 's your name ? "
tr	0	Means " star . "
tr	0	He saw her swallow , hard .
tr	0	He married a Quechua lady .
tr	0	" Are you hurt ? "
tr	0	Alejo felt himself staring .
tr	0	" Cuts from broken glass ? "
tr	0	He sounded like an idiot .
tr	0	" Why do you care ? "
tr	0	What have you done ? "
tr	0	If they ever found a body .
tr	0	he asked against his better judgment .
tr	0	His mouth was bone dry .
tr	0	I didn 't really pay attention .
tr	0	More people possibly unrelated to Salazar .
tr	0	And this girl in front of him .
tr	0	And then look for his family .
tr	0	And she would tell the authorities everything .
tr	0	Thank God the Khan is gone .
tr	0	11 coffee SHE MUST BE SHOCK .
tr	0	That couldn 't be right .
tr	0	Noah had to be just fine .
tr	0	" You should sleep . "
tr	0	In this tent , with him .
tr	0	You were an accident .
tr	0	" But , why ?
tr	0	And now you 're a witness . "
tr	0	They were just going to kill her ?
tr	0	What are you waiting for ? "
tr	0	But no promises . "
tr	0	" Take these . "
tr	0	She was so thirsty .
tr	0	She was just fine .
tr	0	" Since you could have a concussion .
tr	0	Don 't try to escape .
tr	0	We 'll catch you . "
tr	0	And Paulo switched off the camping lamp .
tr	0	Or give them silver rings .
tr	0	How could you do that ?
tr	0	Did you get in trouble ? "
tr	0	In a Bolivian language . "
tr	0	" You got me . "
tr	0	" They might be mad .
tr	0	Or a couple earrings . "
tr	0	Look at this website I found . "
tr	0	" Yeah , something like that .
tr	0	They made me study international business .
tr	0	Tobin and Tobias could get one too .
tr	0	Before they killed her .
tr	0	The insistent whisper came again .
tr	0	" Time for prayers , che . "
tr	0	" I 'm coming . "
tr	0	Was it almost early morning ?
tr	0	These guys are Muslims .
tr	0	And a fat golden book .
tr	0	" How are you feeling ? "
tr	0	How was she feeling ?
tr	0	" I love this place .
tr	0	Who 's this in the picture ? "
tr	0	Those were the eyes !
tr	0	His face confirmed everything .
tr	0	13 olive green IT CAN 'T BE .
tr	0	" You 're the brother ? "
tr	0	She couldn 't believe it .
tr	0	Or a Muslim terrorist ?
tr	0	" Actually I go by Alejo .
tr	0	How is my sister ? "
tr	0	They pray for you all the time .
tr	0	But she was also afraid .
tr	0	" Are you a terrorist ? "
tr	0	" Actually I go by Alejo .
tr	0	I really hate Alejandro .
tr	0	This was a nightmare .
tr	0	His mother 's eyes .
tr	0	She couldn 't handle it .
tr	0	" And some more water .
tr	0	" How did that get here ?
tr	0	I don 't remember . "
tr	0	The ones that are left I trust .
tr	0	What choice did she have ?
tr	0	She was his prisoner , right ?
tr	0	So far so good .
tr	0	" Ok , sure . "
tr	0	" Uh , hi . "
tr	0	Morality and ethics class ?
tr	0	" My name is Gabriel Shara . "
tr	0	" Yeah , we know . "
tr	0	Gabriel was starting to cheer up .
tr	0	" We read your passport .
tr	0	" My shoes are all wet . "
tr	0	" Still there ? "
tr	0	she answered , biting her lip .
tr	0	" Just a second , ok ? "
tr	0	" Just making sure ! "
tr	0	a different voice called back .
tr	0	But I hardly have any cuts .
tr	0	What was going on ?
tr	0	Animated conversation drew nearer outside the tent .
tr	0	Alejo 's been keeping her .
tr	0	Of course we understand that .
tr	0	Alejo had bound her wrists together .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	This could not be happening .
tr	0	She hated him for it .
tr	0	he finally said coolly .
tr	0	The others drew back to make room .
tr	0	" How could you do this ?
tr	0	How could you want to kill him ?
tr	0	He never did anything to you ! "
tr	0	Oh God , please help !
tr	0	Get me through this part ?
tr	0	" Stand up ! "
tr	0	Her eyes were beginning to swell .
tr	0	God , what is happening ?
tr	0	Oh God , I 'm so sorry .
tr	0	Maybe she was dying .
tr	0	No , that was ridiculous .
tr	0	And what was with the puking ?
tr	0	Everything is spinning around so fast .
tr	0	Alejo must be carrying her .
tr	0	The sunlight was blinding .
tr	0	" I never wanted to kill you .
tr	0	" My friends are very smart .
tr	0	They couldn 't have handled it .
tr	0	Thank God they didn 't . "
tr	0	" You broke my nose ! "
tr	0	The thought made her frown .
tr	0	" So , who are you ? "
tr	0	" You have a handler ?
tr	0	" But you have a Bible .
tr	0	A really big one .
tr	0	Do you even read that thing ? "
tr	0	Of course he didn 't read it .
tr	0	He was a Muslim .
tr	0	Alejo sighed and pressed his lips together .
tr	0	This guy was a nutcase !
tr	0	She settled for scowling at him .
tr	0	Alejo turned towards her sharply .
tr	0	We 're not terrorists . "
tr	0	Alejo cut her off .
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	Alejo was still frowning darkly .
tr	0	" What about you ? "
tr	0	" You were in charge .
tr	0	" Alejo stopped and swallowed hard .
tr	0	A wave of ice engulfed her .
tr	0	Alejo shook his head bitterly .
tr	0	" They would hurt them ?
tr	0	What are we going to do ? "
tr	0	" What have I done ? "
tr	0	" I can walk now . "
tr	0	" Ya , " Alejo said .
tr	0	The Spanish equivalent of " fine . "
tr	0	She wrinkled her nose painfully .
tr	0	" Where are we going now ? "
tr	0	" There 's an airplane here .
tr	0	" Is there a pilot ? "
tr	0	" I can fly it . "
tr	0	Her face still hurt .
tr	0	" Well , good . "
tr	0	" Don 't forget .
tr	0	Maybe bring some tourists back ? "
tr	0	" Sure , if we 're lucky .
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	I won 't tell the Khan .
tr	0	Alejo yelled after him .
tr	0	" What 's up ?
tr	0	" My dad said that ? "
tr	0	Alejo tried his most convincing smile .
tr	0	We can call them .
tr	0	" What about internet ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , there 's internet . "
tr	0	She 's online like all the time .
tr	0	" My sister still uses that ?
tr	0	" Yeah , well .
tr	0	Some of us still use it . "
tr	0	I knew it ! "
tr	0	That girl was always on Facebook .
tr	0	" I 'm ok .
tr	0	I am here with your brother .
tr	0	You have to run .
tr	0	" Yes , I remember . "
tr	0	" Well meet them there . "
tr	0	It looked very final .
tr	0	This is a lot of bling .
tr	0	" Ready to go upstairs ? "
tr	0	His family had made it here .
tr	0	" It 's me .
tr	0	We 're here . "
tr	0	" Hello , " he stammered .
tr	0	Alejo was relieved that they all nodded .
tr	0	Alejo held up one hand .
tr	0	The accident that he had caused .
tr	0	" Oh dear Lord !
tr	0	The SAR search and rescue haven 't ?
tr	0	found any one who survived the crash .
tr	0	Franco Salazar must be dead .
tr	0	He had thought this out .
tr	0	I am a murderer .
tr	0	Everything is happening so fast ?
tr	0	" Until this afternoon . "
tr	0	And who are you now ?
tr	0	Do you even know ?
tr	0	" You 're a Muslim ?
tr	0	They 're terrorists ! "
tr	0	" You 're thinking of Hamas .
tr	0	" I was a Muslim .
tr	0	For a second no one could speak .
tr	0	What is going to happen to them ?
tr	0	What have you done to them ?
tr	0	How much I missed you ? "
tr	0	Not much appeared to have changed .
tr	0	He was almost looking forward to it .
tr	0	Fine , Alejo steeled himself .
tr	0	" Please sit down . "
tr	0	Alejo nodded , miserable .
tr	0	Had he not believed it before ?
tr	0	Alejo nearly shot out of his chair .
tr	0	I had to leave with her . "
tr	0	" Thank God you did ? "
tr	0	And now you left that job ? "
tr	0	I just can 't .
tr	0	Your mother thought you must be dead .
tr	0	" Maybe someday we can talk .
tr	0	His mother was right .
tr	0	He didn 't know them .
tr	0	What kind of brother am I ?
tr	0	Alejo felt his face heat .
tr	0	" I already did .
tr	0	" Of course they do , Alejandro .
tr	0	Their daughter almost died .
tr	0	But she won 't go . "
tr	0	And maybe I am .
tr	0	You sound so cold .
tr	0	" I registered us downstairs together .
tr	0	But sleep wouldn 't come .
tr	0	" Why did you do it ? "
tr	0	she wondered out loud .
tr	0	" The bus ? "
tr	0	The words tasted bitter , like copper .
tr	0	" Why would you leave ? "
tr	0	The guy looked tortured .
tr	0	My group is made up of Muslims .
tr	0	That 's a place ? "
tr	0	" I know where that is . "
tr	0	Alejo nodded with respect and continued .
tr	0	" The missing ! "
tr	0	Their families will never know . "
tr	0	I can 't fix it . "
tr	0	" Yes , I want to know .
tr	0	How could you do this ? "
tr	0	" Alejo winced but kept going " ?
tr	0	That guy had been on her bus ?
tr	0	Alejo 's eyes radiated hurt and horror .
tr	0	Why should I believe anything he says ?
tr	0	No , of course not . "
tr	0	" They probably forgot .
tr	0	Alejo was still telling his story .
tr	0	May have died ! "
tr	0	It was good he was dead .
tr	0	I am a murderer .
tr	0	I had to stop it ?
tr	0	And maybe for Ruben .
tr	0	" Hey , " he said grimly .
tr	0	At least the throbbing had died down .
tr	0	Alejandro says no cell phones .
tr	0	" Franco Salazar ? "
tr	0	" I just heard last night .
tr	0	To visit Aunt Wendy .
tr	0	You mean like right now ?
tr	0	All your buddies ? "
tr	0	Alejo shook his head .
tr	0	" I guess you 're right .
tr	0	They hadn 't found Noah 's body .
tr	0	Which meant he could still be alive .
tr	0	He had to still be alive .
tr	0	Come back to Bolivia someday ?
tr	0	No , you go on .
tr	0	You don 't know them .
tr	0	He 's one of them !
tr	0	" What do you think ? "
tr	0	I think you should stay here . "
tr	0	" Alright , " she managed .
tr	0	" We need to get going .
tr	0	he asked , standing near the door .
tr	0	I would never forgive myself . "
tr	0	Oh , this was not good .
tr	0	" What is this ? "
tr	0	" Just act natural , ok ?
tr	0	Plus , this place is pretty secretive .
tr	0	" Si , amigo ? "
tr	0	" What do you think ? "
tr	0	I 'll take that couch . "
tr	0	It was all just too much .
tr	0	" I hate it ! "
tr	0	That last sentence was muttered .
tr	0	Alejo 's heart hurt .
tr	0	It had to hurt .
tr	0	As if she would .
tr	0	And then there 's my family .
tr	0	" I guess so ... Dad .
tr	0	And I wanted that .
tr	0	" Yeah , it 's me . "
tr	0	She waited , then waited some more .
tr	0	We were so worried .
tr	0	About both of you . "
tr	0	From Noah 's church .
tr	0	Can you do it ? "
tr	0	It was her last chance .
tr	0	" You 're still alive .
tr	0	We were so worried ? "
tr	0	" Is he here ? "
tr	0	She had never seen Noah wearing it .
tr	0	" He gave it to you ? "
tr	0	Why did it really matter ?
tr	0	" That 's awesome ! "
tr	0	Eduardo was actually grinning .
tr	0	What are you waiting for ? '
tr	0	He knew several great girls .
tr	0	Noah was just plain scared of commitment !
tr	0	Eduardo looked very satisfied .
tr	0	" His mom and dad . "
tr	0	Why couldn 't that really be you ?
tr	0	Who could eat now ?
tr	0	" Are you Noah 's parents ? "
tr	0	I was his girlfriend . "
tr	0	" He never told us .
tr	0	There 's nothing for you here .
tr	0	They must not know .
tr	0	He addressed Noah 's mother .
tr	0	" I can 't do this . "
tr	0	Go sit over there . "
tr	0	He was alive for nearly two days !
tr	0	There were too many broken bones . "
tr	0	He had died all alone .
tr	0	They had brought it from the caf .
tr	0	The guitar was perfectly tuned .
tr	0	She had nearly forgotten about his existence .
tr	0	He should be miserable .
tr	0	The grief seemed to be gone .
tr	0	Nothing except the desire to go home .
tr	0	She seemed to sleeping .
tr	0	It 's all good .
tr	0	I 'm a mess .
tr	0	" Che , " he said calmly .
tr	0	" Where are you ? "
tr	0	Nothing else in sight was moving .
tr	0	Alejo needed to kill time .
tr	0	Makes me feel kind of bad .
tr	0	I only have 167 . "
tr	0	Was only Gabriel outside ?
tr	0	" My thermal imaging goggles . "
tr	0	Gabriel 's voice was light .
tr	0	Alejo swore under his breath .
tr	0	And he wouldn 't .
tr	0	What 's gotten into you guys ? "
tr	0	What was she doing ?
tr	0	" Or at least we were .
tr	0	What happened to you ? "
tr	0	Did you hear that ? "
tr	0	Alejo decided to start the conversation .
tr	0	You know what you 've done . "
tr	0	" She knows everything .
tr	0	Now he 's mad as a hornet .
tr	0	They 're going to paradise . "
tr	0	" You can 't do that . "
tr	0	" You 're an apostate ? "
tr	0	And I 've been doing it all .
tr	0	We are serving Allah every day .
tr	0	He 's got to accept me . "
tr	0	Would he ever see Gabriel again ?
tr	0	Now no one was in sight .
tr	0	" What have you guys done ? "
tr	0	Believe me , this is better . "
tr	0	" Looks like Benjamin is back .
tr	0	He made good time . "
tr	0	" The guards ? "
tr	0	We bring them food .
tr	0	How did everything come to this ?
tr	0	Alejo couldn 't help himself .
tr	0	Don 't make any noise , ok ?
tr	0	You 're gon na be alright . "
tr	0	" And the American ? "
tr	0	Benjamin 's eyebrows were raised at Gabriel .
tr	0	Alejo asked calmly , meeting his eyes .
tr	0	Gabriel 's voice cheerily interrupted them .
tr	0	" Haven 't seen him around . "
tr	0	She being his old girlfriend and all .
tr	0	" You compromised everything . "
tr	0	" Don 't thank me .
tr	0	Aren 't there any tourists around ?
tr	0	His strong voice carried across the garden .
tr	0	It wasn 't what God wanted .
tr	0	Ah , Alejo ! "
tr	0	I took you in ? "
tr	0	" Have you really betrayed us ?
tr	0	Have you told others about the Prism ?
tr	0	About my work ? "
tr	0	You know all the ways of Islam .
tr	0	Allah will forgive you . "
tr	0	" He 's an apostate , Ishmael .
tr	0	He told me himself .
tr	0	He can 't come back . "
tr	0	The change was astonishing .
tr	0	" Is that necessary ? "
tr	0	Are you a Christian ? "
tr	0	She had seen a man die .
tr	0	But she was shaking .
tr	0	" I can 't believe this .
tr	0	How could he be so stupid ?
tr	0	" It 's our job .
tr	0	" It 's Alejo ! "
tr	0	But finally she couldn 't resist .
tr	0	Very , very still .
tr	0	Was someone else here ?
tr	0	He 's still alive .
tr	0	" Alejo , can you hear me ?
tr	0	How could Alejo have survived that ?
tr	0	Alejo needed a hospital .
tr	0	" He 's still alive ! "
tr	0	" He 's your friend !
tr	0	Take him to the hospital .
tr	0	There 's still time ! "
tr	0	I thought maybe he would help me .
tr	0	Stalin 's voice was heavy .
tr	0	And it 'll be too late . "
tr	0	You 've got to run , ok ?
tr	0	Gabriel had been speaking quickly but concisely .
tr	0	" Please help him .
tr	0	He did this for you . "
tr	0	" Hurry up ! "
tr	0	" Still breathing ? "
tr	0	His eyes had closed .
tr	0	" Please , help me ! "
tr	0	He shouldn 't be alive .
tr	0	But he 's still alive .
tr	0	Who knew her here ?
tr	0	She was supposed to be dead .
tr	0	Caf Amara , vestiges of another dimension .
tr	0	" The caf is closed ? "
tr	0	" You don 't know ? "
tr	0	" Of course you know !
tr	0	We prayed for you so much .
tr	0	Her knees trembled beneath her .
tr	0	" He was shot in the head .
tr	0	" Oh , that is serious ! "
tr	0	This had been her home .
tr	0	I loved this city .
tr	0	I never wanted to leave .
tr	0	From the direction of Alejo 's room .
tr	0	" What 's happening ? "
tr	0	" He 's dying ! "
tr	0	" It 's the swelling . "
tr	0	His heart 's racing .
tr	0	We can 't do that here . "
tr	0	" He 's dying ? "
tr	0	It 's much worse than we thought .
tr	0	I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	I don 't have to watch this .
tr	0	And stayed that way .
tr	0	And then they jumped .
tr	0	Then coughed and tried another grin .
tr	0	They 're coming for us .
tr	0	Come with me ! "
tr	0	" What hospital is this ? "
tr	0	" I remember everything .
tr	0	" This is really unusual .
tr	0	He 's obviously delirious .
tr	0	" They 're coming for us ? "
tr	0	" Doctor , " she clipped nervously .
tr	0	" You can 't see ? "
tr	0	the doctor asked with concern .
tr	0	" There you go . "
tr	0	" It 's still the swelling .
tr	0	But he looked right at me .
tr	0	He knew she was there .
tr	0	And now he couldn 't see .
tr	0	Staring at the ceiling and seeing nothing .
tr	0	Tomorrow couldn 't come fast enough .
tr	0	His mom would be so proud .
tr	0	But she would probably never find out .
tr	0	That was where Manuel came in .
tr	0	Of course he wanted to marry her !
tr	0	But that was just the problem .
tr	0	There was so much to do .
tr	0	Manuel knew what today meant .
tr	0	Things aren 't so bad .
tr	0	How could he do this ?
tr	0	But he said he was prepared !
tr	0	Everything depends on him !
tr	0	I can 't believe this !
tr	0	We are so close !
tr	0	Of course there 's a way .
tr	0	But there really was no other way .
tr	0	And Allah knew all about it .
tr	0	There was no more time .
tr	0	Time to get dressed .
tr	0	This wouldn 't be so bad .
tr	0	Alejo couldn 't see .
tr	0	It was unbelievable he was even alive .
tr	0	She needed to say something to him .
tr	0	After all , this was good-bye .
tr	0	Of course he wasn 't ok .
tr	0	Had it been two people ?
tr	0	He couldn 't believe it .
tr	0	I still can 't see though .
tr	0	What was she supposed to say ?
tr	0	Boiling black smoke poured towards heaven .
tr	0	He did not sound happy .
tr	0	Alejo 's face was drawn and severe .
tr	0	Who else would do something like this ?
tr	0	Steady , she reminded herself .
tr	0	This isn 't the same bus .
tr	0	The voice was male .
tr	0	Where are you ? "
tr	0	His voice sounded urgent .
tr	0	" I 'm in the bus . "
tr	0	" We 're about to leave . "
tr	0	God made me see again . "
tr	0	The doctor said it might .
tr	0	" Do a Filomena ! "
tr	0	I could see it all !
tr	0	Yeah , I remember that .
tr	0	I thought you were crazy .
tr	0	Please come back . "
tr	0	" We 'll go to Lima .
tr	0	" Just please come back here now .
tr	0	God is calling for you .
tr	0	God is there , with Alejo .
tr	0	He gave him back his sight .
tr	0	And He wants you to go .
tr	0	" You can really see .
tr	0	Did you tell Dr. Ortega ? "
tr	0	There were two of them ?
tr	0	" There isn 't much time . "
tr	0	Who were these people ?
tr	0	Well then , rest easy .
tr	0	There isn 't much time . "
tr	0	" Will you come with us ? "
tr	0	Something she couldn 't place .
tr	0	He nodded at her and winked .
tr	0	" I 'll go . "
tr	0	" Quick , come see this ! "
tr	0	No trace of a scar .
tr	0	" Alright , then .
tr	0	" Face the wall . "
tr	0	" No one will recognize you . "
tr	0	" Time to go .
tr	0	Grab anything you need . "
tr	0	One , two , three . "
tr	0	" Climb in , " Shoulders said .
tr	0	And where are they taking us ?
tr	0	" Welcome to my home . "
tr	0	" A very good question . "
tr	0	You already met Sandal and Tabor . "
tr	0	" I 'm Alejo . "
tr	0	" Please call me Rupert . "
tr	0	Rupert 's eyes crinkled slightly again .
tr	0	" My father was Mr. Cole . "
tr	0	Rupert 's cool blue eyes flashed .
tr	0	Alejo did not appear at all fazed .
tr	0	With Tabor and Sandal .
tr	0	I assume that was you ? "
tr	0	It was as clear as day .
tr	0	Which may not have been an accident .
tr	0	Am I right ? "
tr	0	" How did you know ? "
tr	0	And here you are . "
tr	0	Aymara for star . "
tr	0	I think you both understand that . "
tr	0	" Gabriel , you idiot !
tr	0	Don 't do this to me ! "
tr	0	You were always a faithful believer .
tr	0	This is the greatest triumph . "
tr	0	" No , no , no ! "
tr	0	He slammed one fist into his knee .
tr	0	Rupert obviously had expected his .
tr	0	We will all be here tomorrow . "
tr	0	And I 've been doing it all .
tr	0	We are serving Allah every day .
tr	0	He 's got to accept me . "
tr	0	Everyone is dead , Alejo thought .
tr	0	My life is a mess .
tr	0	Alejo stood up suddenly .
tr	0	" He made you pancakes .
tr	0	The guy is a great cook . "
tr	0	Honey and butter are right there . "
tr	0	" I 'm impressed .
tr	0	" Let me get some shoes . "
tr	0	" This is where you live ? "
tr	0	" Your brother works at the embassy .
tr	0	Rupert scoffed and raised one eyebrow .
tr	0	Alejo looked over at him and whistled .
tr	0	It 's a very nice country .
tr	0	He recovered quickly and cleared his throat .
tr	0	A grin spread across his face .
tr	0	You know what I mean ? "
tr	0	Alejo nodded , seriously .
tr	0	What am I doing here ?
tr	0	" I guess I did .
tr	0	So much had changed .
tr	0	really messed up , Rupert .
tr	0	But I need help . "
tr	0	" These are hard times .
tr	0	" I just need some time ? "
tr	0	" Then I 'll be back .
tr	0	Rupert really did make strong coffee .
tr	0	" But I need it .
tr	0	I 'm kind of starting from scratch .
tr	0	Since you 're offering . "
tr	0	" I 'm offering .
tr	0	I would love to meet them .
tr	0	" You saved her life . "
tr	0	Alejo felt his jaw drop .
tr	0	" Umm , I don 't ?
tr	0	" She can learn .
tr	0	Now Alejo truly gaped .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry .
tr	0	" This is what I propose .
tr	0	It 's pretty simple .
tr	0	And would be her trainer ! "
tr	0	Why could Rupert not see this ?
tr	0	Rupert waved one hairy hand at him .
tr	0	He was her best friend .
tr	0	He loved her unconditionally .
tr	0	You can do all this . "
tr	0	I know you 're interested .
tr	0	You 'll be fine . "
tr	0	" She was . "
tr	0	Rupert seemed much too delighted .
tr	0	" So it begins ! "
tr	0	he crowed , obviously quite pleased .
tr	0	" There you go , che . "
tr	0	Alejo smiled weakly at Rupert 's words .
tr	0	Are you ready to change names ? "
tr	0	Jesus brought him back .
tr	0	Rupert 's eyes glowed .
tr	0	" I love it . "
tr	0	Tabor and Sandal were nowhere in sight .
tr	0	But Alejo was gone .
tr	0	Please , forgive me . "
tr	0	Alejo was asking her to forgive him .
tr	0	I 'm Petra now .
tr	0	" But I can 't ? "
tr	0	I accept that you can 't pay .
tr	0	I forgive you . "
tr	0	" Thank you . "
tr	0	" Thank you . "
tr	0	It was one thing to forgive him .
tr	0	Trusting him was quite another .
tr	0	One day at a time .
tr	0	And it had to start somewhere .
tr	0	" You saved my life .
tr	0	" I 'll find you . "
tr	0	Less than three weeks .
tr	0	The number wasn 't hers , though .
tr	0	Is that you , che ? "
tr	0	" Relax , che ! "
tr	0	" I 'm not with them anymore .
tr	0	I just stood there .
tr	0	" Yeah , something like that .
tr	0	" And Ishmael ? "
tr	0	" I have absolutely no idea . "
tr	0	" Guess where I am ? "
tr	0	the little screen read .
tr	0	Yes , that 's right .
tr	0	Is that creepy , or what ? "
tr	0	Alejo hoped this was a good sign .
tr	0	" I 'm still looking , che .
tr	0	My fingers are cramping . "
tr	0	The priest is giving me the eye .
tr	0	Talk to you later , Alejo . "
tr	0	And a non-Catholic one .
tr	0	Maybe it has something for me .
tr	0	Where were those kinds of books here ?
tr	0	Stalin blinked in surprise .
tr	0	Stalin felt himself staring .
tr	0	" Ok , quite a few .
tr	0	I 'm working my way through them .
tr	0	" Over there . "
tr	0	Sami didn 't mind .
tr	0	I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	" You have to come now . "
tr	0	I could have married you .
tr	0	A dove cooed overhead .
tr	0	This had been Noah 's guitar .
tr	0	Noah hadn 't made it .
tr	0	A sharp crack sounded in the foliage .
tr	0	This was a ranch , after all .
tr	0	That was ok , wasn 't it ?
tr	0	" Holy cow ! "
tr	0	" Holy cow ! "
tr	0	At her house in Montana .
tr	0	she managed , feeling herself scowl .
tr	0	" What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	Now , she was just plain irate .
tr	0	And here you are .
tr	0	I could carry your stuff .
tr	0	" Meet my parents ? "
tr	0	This guy was a killer .
tr	0	" Ok , " she blurted .
tr	0	They 're both still at work . "
tr	0	It was making her crazy .
tr	0	" I 've been taking karate .
tr	0	" Why not . "
tr	0	Like , fight with you ?
tr	0	Are you serious ? "
tr	0	" You 're fast .
tr	0	" No , no ! "
tr	0	" Get off of me ! "
tr	0	But that was her last move .
tr	0	A sharp crack sounded in the clearing .
tr	0	Alejo growled into her ear .
tr	0	Someone is shooting at us !
tr	0	Next time I won 't miss . "
tr	0	This could not be happening .
tr	0	" Don 't shoot ! "
tr	0	" Get off ! "
tr	0	" I can 't breathe !
tr	0	I 'm not crazy !
tr	0	It was really a beautiful day .
tr	0	By mid-morning , that had all changed .
tr	0	" No biggie , right ? "
tr	0	The skies became angry and violent .
tr	0	Or so we thought .
tr	0	I have to admit .
tr	0	Halfway across the traverse , Isaac stopped .
tr	0	He didn 't move .
tr	0	He didn 't look up .
tr	0	He didn 't look around .
tr	0	He just stared straight ahead .
tr	0	" Come on , Sally .
tr	0	Grow some balls and move .
tr	0	Isaac had not been swept away .
tr	0	" Dude , you see that ? "
tr	0	Isaac was gone again .
tr	0	" Oh Crap ! "
tr	0	Seconds later , the rope went slack .
tr	0	A sick feeling swept over me .
tr	0	I yelled out in disbelief .
tr	0	This was really going to suck .
tr	0	Suddenly , all went quiet .
tr	0	he yelled to me .
tr	0	I remember Isaac asking me .
tr	0	What were we thinking ?
tr	0	At least that was the plan .
tr	0	I shouted out over the howling winds .
tr	0	It 's that simple .
tr	0	It was no use .
tr	0	I then peered out around the corner .
tr	0	That Diamond was literally covered in snow .
tr	0	" Got me ? "
tr	0	I yelled to Isaac over the winds .
tr	0	I was scared ... damned scared !
tr	0	Fear roiled inside me .
tr	0	I needed a miracle .
tr	0	" Oh my God ! "
tr	0	I remember saying to myself .
tr	0	" Is this it ?
tr	0	I felt a tug ... then another .
tr	0	I could barely hold on any longer .
tr	0	The axe caught an edge and stuck .
tr	0	My feet found a stance .
tr	0	For a moment , it was over .
tr	0	I found a respite .
tr	0	Isaac shouted over the wind .
tr	0	" So , what do you think ?
tr	0	Wan na give it another shot ? "
tr	0	Isaac asked , grinning ear to ear .
tr	0	" So ... what ?
tr	0	" Yes , " I replied bluntly .
tr	0	" HOLD ME ! "
tr	0	" HOLD ME , HOLD ME ! "
tr	0	" It 's a cake walk !
tr	0	Your turn dude ! "
tr	0	Isaac yelled from the other side .
tr	0	Are you freakin ' crazy ? "
tr	0	I 'm not crazy .
tr	0	Trae , did you see that ? "
tr	0	" She 's working , Le .
tr	0	Then Mom could stay home too . "
tr	0	" Not for a long time .
tr	0	Not since before he went to prison .
tr	0	" Oh , " Lena said simply .
tr	0	" Do you miss ' im ? "
tr	0	Trae blurted out in quick reaction .
tr	0	Something just wasn 't right .
tr	0	The occupants remained a mystery .
tr	0	Trae began to feel uneasy .
tr	0	" Just a minute , Trae .
tr	0	" Du n no .
tr	0	That car 's been there a while .
tr	0	It 's just a car , Trae .
tr	0	Lena stood paralyzed in confusion .
tr	0	Trae looked into his sister 's eyes .
tr	0	She had not been hit .
tr	0	" Lena , get moving NOW ! "
tr	0	" I 'll block you .
tr	0	Go now ... hurry up ! "
tr	0	Lena cried out in fear and disbelief .
tr	0	" Lena , get inside .
tr	0	GO , NOW ! "
tr	0	Your death will save thousands . "
tr	0	The wait seemed to go on forever .
tr	0	Time was their enemy .
tr	0	No words were exchanged .
tr	0	The well-trained soldiers began their work .
tr	0	The valley below became awake .
tr	0	They had only a second to think .
tr	0	He moved faster and with more determination .
tr	0	The Rebs have killed me . "
tr	0	I love you . "
tr	0	" I do . "
tr	0	Just be careful of your fingers though .
tr	0	Wouldn 't it be faster ? "
tr	0	Asst. Fowler just nodded .
tr	0	the doctor asked rhetorically .
tr	0	" So she 's prepped ? "
tr	0	" Yes , doctor .
tr	0	Her vitals are dropping fast .
tr	0	" Yes , STAT ! "
tr	0	Dr. Warner replied urgently .
tr	0	How old is she ? "
tr	0	" What 's her name ? "
tr	0	Immediately , he reacted out of instinct .
tr	0	" She needs volume NOW .
tr	0	" Push an amp of atropine .
tr	0	Desperation could be heard as he spoke .
tr	0	Again the tiny patient 's body convulsed .
tr	0	" Belly 's full of blood .
tr	0	Eighth rib is broken too . "
tr	0	" Careful ; watch the trauma .
tr	0	Work around the transverse colon .
tr	0	Anyone know the caliber of bullet ? "
tr	0	" I 'm on it .
tr	0	Dr. Warner asked rhetorically .
tr	0	" We 're nowhere near those areas .
tr	0	he said to Nurse Edwards .
tr	0	" I knew something wasn 't right .
tr	0	Moments later , he was done .
tr	0	" There it is .
tr	0	The edges are like tiny razor blades .
tr	0	Just then , the cardiac monitor sounded .
tr	0	There were none to be heard .
tr	0	" Charge to twenty .
tr	0	Another 6 milligrams now .
tr	0	Dr. Warner frantically called again .
tr	0	Dr. Warner shouted out loud .
tr	0	Instantly , the doors sprung open .
tr	0	Dr. Warner , stop ! "
tr	0	He just wanted to forget .
tr	0	Slowly the elevator descended .
tr	0	" Hey , you .
tr	0	" Hey , come here .
tr	0	I need your help now .
tr	0	Suddenly it dawned on him .
tr	0	He felt confused by the vision .
tr	0	How is this possible ? "
tr	0	he asked of no one in particular .
tr	0	At first , David hesitated .
tr	0	Time seemed to resume its normal speed .
tr	0	" What the hell ? "
tr	0	" Whoa , son !
tr	0	" Those are bombs .
tr	0	What outfit are you from ? "
tr	0	" Outfit , lad .
tr	0	What outfit are you from ?
tr	0	Who 's your commanding officer ? "
tr	0	" This way , lad .
tr	0	Where did you come from ? "
tr	0	Allow me to be more direct .
tr	0	Are you gray or blue ? "
tr	0	" Doctor , I am neither .
tr	0	the old doctor asked bluntly .
tr	0	" No , sir .
tr	0	He then had an idea .
tr	0	" Hmm , skilled practitioner you say ?
tr	0	Where were you trained ?
tr	0	Are you a doctor ? "
tr	0	" Yes , I am a doctor .
tr	0	Have you heard of it ? "
tr	0	" Harvard you say ?
tr	0	My name is Dr. David Warner .
tr	0	David responded in kind .
tr	0	Is this accord satisfactory ? "
tr	0	Dr. Morgan asked with blunt sincerity .
tr	0	" Where 's the patient ? "
tr	0	Dr. Morgan questioned with concern .
tr	0	" Doctor , I must protest .
tr	0	His leg is too badly damaged .
tr	0	" Repair the veins and arteries ?
tr	0	Is this possible ? "
tr	0	You really think you can do this ?
tr	0	Save his leg ? "
tr	0	" Ok , son .
tr	0	Is every operation like this ? "
tr	0	Dr. Morgan looked on in total fascination .
tr	0	Taller , for sure .
tr	0	They were busily moving around .
tr	0	I needed a new disguise .
tr	0	No one complained that I took cuts .
tr	0	They probably couldn 't see me .
tr	0	I followed the winding hallway .
tr	0	The Monitors were here !
tr	0	I didn 't just need clothes now .
tr	0	I needed a really quick escape route .
tr	0	She crouched and entered it .
tr	0	It was really big .
tr	0	I wanted anything blue , not pink .
tr	0	Dozens of other kids were jumping out .
tr	0	Lots of pink among the girls .
tr	0	Everyone was running away from the building .
tr	0	Suddenly , everything was dark .
tr	0	My eyes adjusted pretty quickly , though .
tr	0	Good disguise , dog .
tr	0	The spotlights were scanning everywhere .
tr	0	I turned and fell .
tr	0	Straight down a slippery tube .
tr	0	Who could know my name ?
tr	0	" A hard case ? "
tr	0	I couldn 't imagine what she meant .
tr	0	Well , that sort of made sense .
tr	0	I started following her .
tr	0	It was almost midnight ?
tr	0	I hope it 's a school night .
tr	0	The sky got more black .
tr	0	" That 's Jim ! "
tr	0	" Of course , " she answered .
tr	0	At least I didn 't .
tr	0	And there it was .
tr	0	Her hair was plastered to her head .
tr	0	" What 's in your bag ? "
tr	0	Did I hear right ?
tr	0	Didn 't you pick it up ? "
tr	0	" Are you Nick ?
tr	0	Who are you ? "
tr	0	" Oh , there it is .
tr	0	Open it , would you ? "
tr	0	Inside was another flashlight .
tr	0	I could rock climb .
tr	0	Oops , I had to hurry .
tr	0	Yes , convenient , I know .
tr	0	" Now listen . "
tr	0	That is , until mom walked in .
tr	0	We 're doing good here . "
tr	0	But not before she grabbed my ankle .
tr	0	" It 's worth a try . "
tr	0	Had they been whispering too loudly ?
tr	0	She thought of March .
tr	0	Not potato chips , chocolate chips .
tr	0	" Your father 's grandfather . "
tr	0	" He must be ancient . "
tr	0	" That 's stupid . "
tr	0	We 'll leave very early Saturday morning .
tr	0	Sound like fun ? "
tr	0	" Mr. Stark ? "
tr	0	And what do I call him ?
tr	0	You 'll have to ask him .
tr	0	" He didn 't say . "
tr	0	That would be good .
tr	0	Maybe the lodge itself !
tr	0	It 's so pretty . "
tr	0	" Ow , my neck hurts .
tr	0	How long have I been sleeping ? "
tr	0	" Half an hour . "
tr	0	Where are we ? "
tr	0	" We are at the hard part .
tr	0	" Half an inch , huh ?
tr	0	" After your ancestors , I guess .
tr	0	I had no idea .
tr	0	They looked at each other and laughed .
tr	0	Missy was enthralled with the crude structure .
tr	0	She looked again at the small windows .
tr	0	Big Pine Lodge was enormous .
tr	0	There was a large old-fashioned keyhole .
tr	0	She stopped still and turned her head .
tr	0	A person could really sneak around then .
tr	0	But where would someone hide now ?
tr	0	Behind that fat pine ?
tr	0	Another flash of red up there !
tr	0	She was definitely being spied on .
tr	0	" Missy , come on ! "
tr	0	" Oh , call me John .
tr	0	Or just Great for short .
tr	0	The room was cozy but cramped .
tr	0	It 's already made .
tr	0	I knew your dad pretty well .
tr	0	She grabbed her coat and quickly followed .
tr	0	It 's a two-bedroom cottage .
tr	0	They were in a small entryway .
tr	0	There are stables here ?
tr	0	" That 's where you work ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , " Kevin answered .
tr	0	And check this out over here . "
tr	0	" Cute , " she said .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	We call it Mount Rocky .
tr	0	It 's pretty cool . "
tr	0	The ceiling seemed higher , too .
tr	0	Kevin was pointing to the left .
tr	0	What 's behind that last door ?
tr	0	" What 's up there ? "
tr	0	Missy rolled her eyes .
tr	0	" Yeah , right .
tr	0	" It 's locked . "
tr	0	But it 's kind of scary . "
tr	0	My parents don 't even know . "
tr	0	Now Missy really wanted to know .
tr	0	He wouldn 't mind . "
tr	0	" Well ... okay . "
tr	0	" Hey , no fair ! "
tr	0	" In here . "
tr	0	" Scary , huh ? "
tr	0	" See that hole ?
tr	0	It 's kind of fun .
tr	0	Missy wasn 't tempted .
tr	0	" Can you hear me ? "
tr	0	She knocked on the wall .
tr	0	" It 's practically invisible . "
tr	0	Missy turned and looked around the attic .
tr	0	Inside she found a fur coat .
tr	0	Genuine muskrat , the tag said .
tr	0	Those are old-fashioned riding pants .
tr	0	They rode English style not western . "
tr	0	She was very pretty and mysterious looking .
tr	0	It was so soft .
tr	0	" Feels like a key . "
tr	0	I wonder what it opens . "
tr	0	I got it ! "
tr	0	Missy went down the attic ladder first .
tr	0	See you this summer ! "
tr	0	It is awesome . "
tr	0	" Finders keepers , " he said .
tr	0	" May I keep it ? "
tr	0	" Of course , " he answered .
tr	0	They were going to spend the night .
tr	0	And I really like your lodge .
tr	0	" I don 't have time .
tr	0	But that 's okay .
tr	0	She didn 't mean to offend him .
tr	0	" It 's up to you .
tr	0	Your great-grandfather and I discussed this yesterday .
tr	0	What do you think ?
tr	0	This will be really fun . "
tr	0	There were seven things .
tr	0	See you next summer , Mary .
tr	0	The next item answered that question .
tr	0	Her father must have felt really bad .
tr	0	She hardly slept a wink that night .
tr	0	I 'll take you to your great-grandfather .
tr	0	He hasn 't been feeling well .
tr	0	I 'll show you your room .
tr	0	You 're going to love it here .
tr	0	" Hi , Kevin .
tr	0	What 's wrong with Mr. Stark ? "
tr	0	What 'd you make ? "
tr	0	Missy asked at the same time .
tr	0	" Sounds cool , " Missy smiled .
tr	0	" She left it unlocked for you .
tr	0	But you 'll like them all .
tr	0	There 's a schedule right there . "
tr	0	Missy picked up the schedule .
tr	0	They 're in the dining room . "
tr	0	Missy walked around and around the tree .
tr	0	What 's the joke ? "
tr	0	" Show her , Kevin . "
tr	0	" Look really close . "
tr	0	She could feel a difference .
tr	0	" Kevin you made a joke ! "
tr	0	What 's the trick ?
tr	0	The elevator started to ascend .
tr	0	He had climbed up the steps .
tr	0	What do you think ? "
tr	0	Had he seen the elevator ?
tr	0	Missy was enthralled with the crude structure .
tr	0	Missy 's great-grandfather owned Big Pine Lodge .
tr	0	A car was coming .
tr	0	They 're such jerks .
tr	0	" Dave was the one driving ? "
tr	0	" I couldn 't see him .
tr	0	" That was Lonnie .
tr	0	I don 't trust them .
tr	0	" Like what ? "
tr	0	" Oh , no ! "
tr	0	" That was close ! "
tr	0	she exclaimed as Kevin reached her .
tr	0	No telling what they 'll do . "
tr	0	He punched Rob on the arm .
tr	0	Let 's beat them . "
tr	0	" Jerk , " Lonnie muttered .
tr	0	It 's not deep there . "
tr	0	Should I go get dad ? "
tr	0	She just shrugged her shoulders .
tr	0	" Guess it 's something bad . "
tr	0	" We can 't hear you ! "
tr	0	they hollered back and kept paddling .
tr	0	" Me , too . "
tr	0	His brother Lonnie was little .
tr	0	He was the shortest of the four .
tr	0	" Man , are you slow ! "
tr	0	" You row a boat .
tr	0	Just wait till we get you ! "
tr	0	" Is there another way out ? "
tr	0	I think I heard something . "
tr	0	They were whispering , too .
tr	0	" I 'm not scared .
tr	0	She said nothing as she climbed down .
tr	0	At first it was darker still .
tr	0	They kept up the baby steps .
tr	0	He never seemed to get lost .
tr	0	" They 've got my lighter .
tr	0	" Give me your lighter .
tr	0	I 'll lead . "
tr	0	Lonnie thought about that for a while .
tr	0	They paddled some more .
tr	0	" Yeah , " Lonnie agreed .
tr	0	Yeah , they 'll believe that . "
tr	0	They walked without talking .
tr	0	" What are you ?
tr	0	They 're coming this way . "
tr	0	Dave heard it , too .
tr	0	Missy and Kevin stayed absolutely still .
tr	0	Missy willed herself to breathe quietly .
tr	0	Two , three minutes passed .
tr	0	" Yeah , you 're right .
tr	0	Where did they get that ? "
tr	0	That ought to stop the boys .
tr	0	" We almost got you ! "
tr	0	" Help me search for the lighter .
tr	0	They 're getting away . "
tr	0	" Found it . "
tr	0	They quickly resumed their pursuit .
tr	0	" Did you hear that ? "
tr	0	" Sounds like they fell down . "
tr	0	" You have the key ? "
tr	0	Kevin was still whispering .
tr	0	Dave said and Rob closed the cap .
tr	0	" What the heck is this ? "
tr	0	They won 't talk to him . "
tr	0	My brother snores . "
tr	0	Missy and Kevin were in luck .
tr	0	" How mean what guys are ? "
tr	0	Old Mr. Stark said .
tr	0	He bent closer and explained his solution .
tr	0	Can you ride ? "
tr	0	" No , can you ? "
tr	0	I wonder where the stables are . "
tr	0	" Oh , yeah .
tr	0	Let 's go check it out . "
tr	0	Ricky rolled his eyes .
tr	0	" Let 's see the stables . "
tr	0	The other cub followed closely .
tr	0	Missy had her duties , too .
tr	0	They liked Mr. Stark 's idea .
tr	0	We 'll pick some wildflowers .
tr	0	" Okay , " Kevin said .
tr	0	Now it was kept in the garage .
tr	0	Did you hear that ? "
tr	0	We 'll get it later . "
tr	0	They 're leaving . "
tr	0	They started yelling " Help ! "
tr	0	He started pushing up on the trapdoor .
tr	0	It still wouldn 't budge .
tr	0	" Who was that ? "
tr	0	" Remember Mr. Jackson 's utility vehicle ?
tr	0	Dave met his gaze .
tr	0	They high-fived each other and laughed hysterically .
tr	0	Dave with dark hair . "
tr	0	" You idiot ! "
tr	0	" You didn 't beach the canoe .
tr	0	It 's floated out somewhere . "
tr	0	" What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	" I see both canoes over there .
tr	0	What the ... ? "
tr	0	It 's longer . "
tr	0	He parked and turned the key off .
tr	0	" Was that a gun ? "
tr	0	Ricky looked at Lonnie .
tr	0	Lonnie picked up a riding crop .
tr	0	They hardly talked at all .
tr	0	" Who do you want to ride ?
tr	0	Keno or Johnny ? "
tr	0	Missy always had dibs on Misty .
tr	0	" I 'll ride Johnny .
tr	0	" That 's weird . "
tr	0	They whispered back and forth .
tr	0	I feel like being nice . "
tr	0	" Are you signed up ? "
tr	0	" Sure are , " Lonnie lied .
tr	0	" Have you ridden before ? "
tr	0	" Lots , " he lied again .
tr	0	He decided to test it .
tr	0	Lonnie nodded his head .
tr	0	" Yeah , I think so .
tr	0	He smiled as nicely as he could .
tr	0	" I hear ponies are fast . "
tr	0	" He 's just small . "
tr	0	Missy and Kevin exchanged a look .
tr	0	Even Ricky had to laugh .
tr	0	You 're riding western not English . "
tr	0	From behind him Kevin chuckled .
tr	0	" Check out these trees .
tr	0	He obeyed her immediately .
tr	0	Then came their brothers .
tr	0	" Surprised to see us ? "
tr	0	" That was hilarious ! "
tr	0	He looked back at Kevin .
tr	0	" What about you Jackson ?
tr	0	" Come here , Jackson .
tr	0	Get off that horse . "
tr	0	Their mother was pushing them onward now .
tr	0	Something else was in the air .
tr	0	They were still headed southwest .
tr	0	Missy let Misty have her head .
tr	0	The others were out of sight .
tr	0	We could have broken our necks !
tr	0	They could have been trampled !
tr	0	Don 't they have any brains ? "
tr	0	And so should you , he thought .
tr	0	Missy didn 't smile .
tr	0	" I 'm Missy Stark .
tr	0	My great-grandfather owns Big Pine Lodge . "
tr	0	" Let 's finish your ride . "
tr	0	Our brothers must have found it . "
tr	0	" We let them out ! "
tr	0	We 'd never tell our brothers . "
tr	0	Yeah , right , Missy thought .
tr	0	" Come on , " Lonnie begged .
tr	0	It was just a joke .
tr	0	" Where have you two been ? "
tr	0	Dave 's mom asked .
tr	0	" Around , " Dave answered .
tr	0	Then Dave 's mother looked at Dave .
tr	0	He and Ricky are in 214 . "
tr	0	He was aching and hungry .
tr	0	" Another time , " Lonnie said .
tr	0	" Whatever , " Missy said .
tr	0	She looked up and down the road .
tr	0	It was exactly the same .
tr	0	" This is stupid . "
tr	0	" Squeeze out all their toothpaste ? "
tr	0	" T.P. their room ? "
tr	0	" You think of something . "
tr	0	Just a little sand in their sheets .
tr	0	They 'll be itching all night . "
tr	0	Missy rode into the corral and dismounted .
tr	0	" Okay , that 's enough water .
tr	0	" Fat chance , girlie .
tr	0	I don 't think so . "
tr	0	Lonnie huffed and spit on the ground .
tr	0	" Come on Ricky .
tr	0	Let 's go eat . "
tr	0	The boys kept walking .
tr	0	" Ready , " he said .
tr	0	" Probably not , " Ricky said .
tr	0	Don 't let them see us . "
tr	0	Luckily there were a few sandwiches left .
tr	0	She was always so friendly and happy .
tr	0	Everyone liked Mrs. Jackson .
tr	0	" Hi , Mrs. Jackson .
tr	0	" I don 't mind .
tr	0	I love it . "
tr	0	" Tell you what .
tr	0	They ride at their own risk .
tr	0	They can hand that to you .
tr	0	" Give us our keys . "
tr	0	" Where 's mine ? "
tr	0	Ricky asked his brother .
tr	0	" On the dresser in your room .
tr	0	See you at the campfire . "
tr	0	The rumor probably started because of that .
tr	0	The wife seemed relieved .
tr	0	" What 's the matter ? "
tr	0	Angela started to laugh .
tr	0	She handed it over .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	Missy was suddenly very excited .
tr	0	It wasn 't even her birthday .
tr	0	She had the best mother ever .
tr	0	" Open it and see . "
tr	0	Work into growing up gradually .
tr	0	What could they be up to ?
tr	0	Maybe they were bothering Missy .
tr	0	A rock , maybe .
tr	0	" Well , come on .
tr	0	I already started the fire .
tr	0	Last year they let off some firecrackers .
tr	0	Kevin turned and led the way back .
tr	0	" We should have our own . "
tr	0	Here on the beach ? "
tr	0	Rob shook his head .
tr	0	" Sure , why not ? "
tr	0	The lady stood up .
tr	0	" It 's not me ! "
tr	0	" What 's he doing ? "
tr	0	Missy whispered to Kevin .
tr	0	" Help me , Kevin .
tr	0	Kevin leaned toward Missy .
tr	0	" That 's what I thought .
tr	0	Look at Lonnie and Ricky .
tr	0	They 're sneaking away . "
tr	0	It was kinda funny , though . "
tr	0	Check this out . "
tr	0	Ricky came out and crossed the room .
tr	0	" Yeah , so ?
tr	0	" Who do you think , dummy ?
tr	0	Ricky looked at Lonnie .
tr	0	" What 's your idea ?
tr	0	Catch them at an embarrassing moment ? "
tr	0	Am I a bear or what ? "
tr	0	" Well , hello , boys . "
tr	0	Both sets of parents were just arriving .
tr	0	" Did we miss the bonfire ?
tr	0	" We were just there .
tr	0	Same old , same old .
tr	0	Lonnie and Ricky slipped down the staircase .
tr	0	Now what would he do ?
tr	0	How could he explain this ?
tr	0	" Of course ! "
tr	0	He thought that this room was special .
tr	0	Grandma thought he would buy books .
tr	0	He could hardly breathe the dry heat .
tr	0	Oh , no , girls .
tr	0	What to start with ?
tr	0	What was his little brother doing ?
tr	0	He was acting like a girl .
tr	0	Tommy was momentarily stunned .
tr	0	" Hi , " Tommy said .
tr	0	Both sisters answered at the same time .
tr	0	" What ' cha doin ' ? "
tr	0	" What 's with the wig ? "
tr	0	" It 's hers .
tr	0	His name is Boots . "
tr	0	Billy answered , " He did .
tr	0	Noodle did chase Boots .
tr	0	Then he headed toward the kitchen .
tr	0	Chapter 2 Not the Basement !
tr	0	Only it wasn 't the basement .
tr	0	Soft ground , luckily .
tr	0	But the rock was spongy .
tr	0	He pinched himself and it hurt .
tr	0	This definitely was not a dream .
tr	0	It was just over that hill .
tr	0	Blue leaves on every branch .
tr	0	He could hear voices .
tr	0	Suddenly a voice stopped him cold .
tr	0	They 're very sensitive . "
tr	0	The sheep was meowing as it followed .
tr	0	He breathed it in deeply .
tr	0	Chapter 3 Step Lightly !
tr	0	" What did you do ? "
tr	0	They 're almost dead !
tr	0	What were you thinking ?
tr	0	Step lightly , now . "
tr	0	You have a pink , I see .
tr	0	Tommy got up and nodded .
tr	0	" Are you hungry ?
tr	0	" There you go , boy .
tr	0	He looked at it .
tr	0	It appeared to be a giant pretzel .
tr	0	He smelled the top .
tr	0	And he had two blue coins left .
tr	0	He stood and ate and thought .
tr	0	The walking stick was changing flavors now .
tr	0	" How rude , boy !
tr	0	What kind of help ?
tr	0	So what could I do for you ?
tr	0	The stick grew longer .
tr	0	" I just want to get home .
tr	0	How did she climb up so fast ?
tr	0	A tree was growing between them now .
tr	0	It hadn 't been there before .
tr	0	Time was all screwed up here .
tr	0	They looked just like sticks of gum .
tr	0	Then he saw it .
tr	0	All the paper looked like gum wrappers .
tr	0	What would happen next ?
tr	0	The sights were strange .
tr	0	Chewing his gum faster didn 't help .
tr	0	Tommy pondered the message .
tr	0	They felt like giant mosquito bites .
tr	0	What could the sign mean ?
tr	0	His hands began to itch dreadfully .
tr	0	" Pay the toll !
tr	0	How much do you have ? "
tr	0	The man looked harmless enough .
tr	0	Tommy didn 't have the slightest idea .
tr	0	To the dungeon with you ! "
tr	0	Why would he do that ?
tr	0	He thought he knew .
tr	0	The dungeon couldn 't have grown .
tr	0	Thirteen , fourteen , fifteen .
tr	0	" Who 's there ? "
tr	0	" Just me . "
tr	0	" Who 's me ?
tr	0	Where are you ? "
tr	0	" I 'm Tommy .
tr	0	I 'm in the dungeon . "
tr	0	" Oh , the dungeon .
tr	0	Well , why are you there ?
tr	0	What did you do ? "
tr	0	" The left fork , you say ?
tr	0	He hesitated then decided on the truth .
tr	0	" Yes , I am . "
tr	0	" Then I want to meet you .
tr	0	" But how ? "
tr	0	" That 's easy .
tr	0	In an instant the dungeon went black .
tr	0	He could hardly take it in .
tr	0	The furniture was plentiful and luxurious .
tr	0	You 're out of the dungeon .
tr	0	The other boy was stocky .
tr	0	Tommy had short , short hair .
tr	0	For an instant Tommy was confused .
tr	0	What 's your name ? "
tr	0	Is it magic ? "
tr	0	Finally he started to chew .
tr	0	He seemed pleased and Tommy relaxed .
tr	0	" What are teachers ? "
tr	0	At school , " Tommy answered .
tr	0	" What is school ? "
tr	0	Oh , and science . "
tr	0	What is school ? "
tr	0	It 's as easy as that . "
tr	0	Tommy assumed he meant bikes .
tr	0	" Come with me .
tr	0	We can 't ride without these . "
tr	0	Tommy took one and put it on .
tr	0	They are way cool .
tr	0	and everybody would run for safety .
tr	0	Usually we all had them with us .
tr	0	No cells phones at school !
tr	0	" It 's a quest ! "
tr	0	I don 't believe that girl .
tr	0	So , we followed her .
tr	0	But Sydney 's funny .
tr	0	We all stopped at the same instant .
tr	0	We couldn 't believe our eyes !
tr	0	" It 's not poop . "
tr	0	Austin was proud of his comment .
tr	0	" Is this Bigfoot ? "
tr	0	" No ants , " Austin stated .
tr	0	" Let 's get outta here ! "
tr	0	I said in a hoarse whisper .
tr	0	I managed to stay in front .
tr	0	Longer legs , you know .
tr	0	" Wait , you guys ! "
tr	0	" Hey , Morning , slow up .
tr	0	I did a quick glance back .
tr	0	So I stopped , too .
tr	0	No sense in me getting separated .
tr	0	Callie pointed up at the sky .
tr	0	" The sun . "
tr	0	" But what about the monster ? "
tr	0	" Watch out , Morning ! "
tr	0	I was cool , though .
tr	0	" You okay ? "
tr	0	Sydney bent lower and inspected my legs .
tr	0	" Callie , more wipes . "
tr	0	I wasn 't thinking .
tr	0	Callie is like the neatest person ever .
tr	0	" Callie , band aid . "
tr	0	And then she got real pale .
tr	0	It 's almost dried . "
tr	0	It was something else .
tr	0	I can 't see the sky . "
tr	0	Deep in the dark forest .
tr	0	" Not me . "
tr	0	" Not me . "
tr	0	Nothing gets to that girl .
tr	0	" Maybe it 's the creature . "
tr	0	I wasn 't falling for it .
tr	0	I made a face .
tr	0	I turned again , sniffed again .
tr	0	I picked a direction .
tr	0	" Hey , let 's sing . "
tr	0	We just ignored Sydney on that one .
tr	0	Way to not be cool .
tr	0	" Yeah , " Austin agreed .
tr	0	Not an echo exactly .
tr	0	There it was again .
tr	0	" What was that ? "
tr	0	" The Bigfoot , " Austin breathed .
tr	0	That 's what we did .
tr	0	It 's really weird .
tr	0	I might have been , too .
tr	0	Okay , back to the hysteria thing .
tr	0	Should we laugh or cry ?
tr	0	So , it was Natalie .
tr	0	Evan is her older brother .
tr	0	He 's high school cool .
tr	0	" Sydney tripped in it .
tr	0	" Did you see the footprint ? "
tr	0	Natalie just shook her head no .
tr	0	Natalie 's eyes widened .
tr	0	That got me nervous .
tr	0	Maybe he was still hearing things .
tr	0	Maybe the creature was tracking Natalie .
tr	0	You know , a victim alone .
tr	0	We looked at Callie .
tr	0	She shrugged her shoulders .
tr	0	Her internal compass was still broken .
tr	0	" Close your eyes and point .
tr	0	You have finished the final selection preview .
tr	0	I 'm not exactly sure yet .
tr	0	The hunger is a lot of things .
tr	0	Sometimes it is everything .
tr	0	I will kill him someday .
tr	0	I have to believe this too .
tr	0	Destruction concealed beneath the beauty .
tr	0	I 'm not thinking clearly at all .
tr	0	Gabe is asleep in the other bed .
tr	0	The nightmares often keep him up .
tr	0	I could almost forget my own name .
tr	0	Don 't let me kill my brother .
tr	0	At least not the one I like .
tr	0	Gabe shifts in his sleep .
tr	0	His energy flickers , and I start .
tr	0	Gabe doesn 't understand about the hunger .
tr	0	The grip I 've just lost .
tr	0	He should have killed me .
tr	0	And right now I wish he had .
tr	0	Monster hands reaching out .
tr	0	It 's the principle of the thing .
tr	0	This is me coming alive .
tr	0	Tears flowing for Nabokov and Tolstoy .
tr	0	But he isn 't any of these .
tr	0	Ryan remembers the man with the scar .
tr	0	" Of course we will .
tr	0	Everyone will want to come .
tr	0	Ryan pauses to think .
tr	0	It 's the girl .
tr	0	Too sweet and sad .
tr	0	I close the lid of my laptop .
tr	0	The first is to touch my books .
tr	0	Before we leave , I visit Avalon .
tr	0	His hand brought the island to life .
tr	0	All are warm , honest and hardworking .
tr	0	It 's all very foolish .
tr	0	I will find my orphan girl .
tr	0	I will make her real .
tr	0	But first , food .
tr	0	A figure brushes my shoulder .
tr	0	His lips find mine .
tr	0	He twitches violently , my darling .
tr	0	Chapter 2 I keep screaming .
tr	0	but I don 't think so .
tr	0	The stranger is looking at me .
tr	0	" We are leaving now . "
tr	0	Something is coming off him .
tr	0	I start to slide across the cobblestones .
tr	0	" No , no , no . "
tr	0	The stranger embraces me .
tr	0	He wraps his arms around my waist .
tr	0	We lift up into the sky .
tr	0	Someone is below us .
tr	0	Chapter 3 We fly .
tr	0	My mind flees into a dark recess .
tr	0	I pull my legs into my chest .
tr	0	His voice comes from above .
tr	0	A wail crawls up my throat .
tr	0	" Did you kill him ?
tr	0	Did you kill him ? "
tr	0	My breath is gone .
tr	0	The shoes walk away .
tr	0	I am not brave .
tr	0	He does not glow me to death .
tr	0	His palm opens to reveal two capsules .
tr	0	I wipe my nose again .
tr	0	I never even heard a sound .
tr	0	" Yes , you should have tried .
tr	0	I realize that Ryan isn 't dead .
tr	0	I am lying prone on the cot .
tr	0	My shirt is off .
tr	0	I am scared and confused and giggly .
tr	0	The stranger kneels down next to me .
tr	0	His eyebrows pinch together and then relax .
tr	0	I knew they would find you . "
tr	0	The words are whispered .
tr	0	There was an easier way , once .
tr	0	The man looks down at me .
tr	0	Three rounds of the needle .
tr	0	It will be painful for us both .
tr	0	Try to be good about it . "
tr	0	" Why are you doing this ? "
tr	0	A dog yips far away .
tr	0	Taste of tears in my mouth .
tr	0	The needle plunges into my spine .
tr	0	He was right about the pain .
tr	0	" It will be worse .
tr	0	I can 't look at him .
tr	0	He lowers himself against the far wall .
tr	0	I will bring them here .
tr	0	His voice sounds hoarse .
tr	0	I fall into a stupor .
tr	0	A figure moves in front of me .
tr	0	Shadows waver under the light .
tr	0	Big and golden-brown like honey .
tr	0	" Oh fuck . "
tr	0	A song is humming softly .
tr	0	" No , maybe not . "
tr	0	The song is growing louder .
tr	0	I can 't lift my hand .
tr	0	" Maya , the needle ... . "
tr	0	" One , " I say .
tr	0	He turns his head up .
tr	0	Oh , to be full again .
tr	0	Who 's telling the story ?
tr	0	The epic showdown had begun .
tr	0	" You two ! "
tr	0	His muscles bulged beneath his shirt .
tr	0	... Yeah , course he said that .
tr	0	I 'm losing my place .
tr	0	He was weakened but still deadly .
tr	0	The brothers were ready too .
tr	0	They 've been ready their whole lives .
tr	0	" This ends here , tonight ! "
tr	0	Both heroes raised their weapons and fired .
tr	0	The fight was totally epic .
tr	0	he asked with his trademark smirk .
tr	0	You ever think of that ?
tr	0	It was meat confetti .
tr	0	It was pretty sick .
tr	0	Gabe refused to believe this .
tr	0	She was their long lost sister .
tr	0	The door wasn 't locked .
tr	0	We didn 't get a kill shot .
tr	0	Grand had Gabe pinned to the wall .
tr	0	I tackled Grand , and we fought .
tr	0	He got me on the ground .
tr	0	It was clear you 'd been infected .
tr	0	I knew what had to be done .
tr	0	He was already emotionally attached .
tr	0	I could hear sirens in the distance .
tr	0	We didn 't have time to argue .
tr	0	... No , that 's it .
tr	0	He can only get me half in .
tr	0	" Thank you , " I say .
tr	0	Great , gaping hunger .
tr	0	I am shivering , still sweating .
tr	0	" Get in the car . "
tr	0	She 'll be fine . "
tr	0	The door by my head closes .
tr	0	I flinch at the sound .
tr	0	After a moment it opens again .
tr	0	His heart is a drum .
tr	0	I must touch the color .
tr	0	He is so close .
tr	0	My hands grow hot .
tr	0	Something is happening to them .
tr	0	" There we go . "
tr	0	The boy is gone .
tr	0	The car is moving .
tr	0	Every breath smells like blood .
tr	0	We had him . "
tr	0	He turns to look at the driver .
tr	0	" I 'm fine .
tr	0	Just twisted it a little .
tr	0	No cops behind us .
tr	0	Ditch the guns too .
tr	0	We left shell casings .
tr	0	Damn shame , though . "
tr	0	Not that you care .
tr	0	Anyone can get Glocks . "
tr	0	" We 'll cover cleanup later . "
tr	0	The passenger turns to stare at me .
tr	0	I can 't stop shivering .
tr	0	The fire is starting to separate .
tr	0	He can 't be .
tr	0	Eventually , the car stops .
tr	0	The driver gets out .
tr	0	He grabs my shoulders and pulls .
tr	0	" Damn , " he mutters .
tr	0	The passenger side door opens .
tr	0	" Jesus , where are we ?
tr	0	You got ta piss ? "
tr	0	Pant legs intrude into my visual field .
tr	0	" She 's infected .
tr	0	She only got one shot .
tr	0	" Cold hearted bastard !
tr	0	She 's blood . "
tr	0	" His blood . "
tr	0	I 'm not moving . "
tr	0	" You done ? "
tr	0	The gun doesn 't move .
tr	0	The elf takes a shaky breath .
tr	0	" I mean no !
tr	0	She could help us .
tr	0	She 'll get strong .
tr	0	She 'll get fast .
tr	0	She can fight with us .
tr	0	My protector turns and looks at me .
tr	0	The light around him swells .
tr	0	He pulls in a deep breath .
tr	0	" You know that .
tr	0	She is Grand 's daughter .
tr	0	I 'll take care of it .
tr	0	Just get out of my way . "
tr	0	The enforcer keeps his gun steady .
tr	0	" Gabe , " he says .
tr	0	" I 'm not moving . "
tr	0	Gabe spreads his arms .
tr	0	" Am I a monster ? "
tr	0	" Is that what this is ? "
tr	0	We 're family . "
tr	0	" Dr. Lee can bind it . "
tr	0	Gabe twists in the passenger seat .
tr	0	" We have to keep moving .
tr	0	Grand will want her back .
tr	0	He 'll track us . "
tr	0	She 's in trouble .
tr	0	" Go get her something then .
tr	0	You 're better at picking locks . "
tr	0	" On Mom 's grave ? "
tr	0	" On Mom 's grave . "
tr	0	I am still holding mine .
tr	0	There are other people near .
tr	0	A gun sticks out of his waistband .
tr	0	" Am I going to die ? "
tr	0	Come on now , drink this . "
tr	0	Gabe puts the cup to my lips .
tr	0	It sits uneasily in my stomach .
tr	0	" Good , " Gabe smiles .
tr	0	" That 's real good . "
tr	0	" That was tap water .
tr	0	They are a warm brown like caramel .
tr	0	" It shouldn 't be like this .
tr	0	" Something for your uh ... thing .
tr	0	Gabe is speaking again .
tr	0	God , that 's lame . "
tr	0	The last part is a mutter .
tr	0	Gabe waits for something .
tr	0	" We 'll explain everything .
tr	0	The door opens and closes .
tr	0	Chapter 8 We wait in silence .
tr	0	I am too busy dying to care .
tr	0	The words are important .
tr	0	You are one of them .
tr	0	There are no halves .
tr	0	Thin scarlet threads through his energy .
tr	0	We look at each other .
tr	0	My eyes find his .
tr	0	My hands are open and hot .
tr	0	Something new is happening to them .
tr	0	" We have the same mother . "
tr	0	" You here ? "
tr	0	I 'll let you know . "
tr	0	I stare at his scar .
tr	0	It must have been a large knife .
tr	0	Gabe opens the door .
tr	0	He walks around the bed .
tr	0	" Stay on the bed . "
tr	0	He looks up at Gabe .
tr	0	" Her hands are open .
tr	0	" Silencer on ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , yeah .
tr	0	I 'm sorry little guy .
tr	0	I really am . "
tr	0	Gabe looks down at the puppy .
tr	0	" Shit , " he mutters .
tr	0	I could grab him .
tr	0	The blood is rushing in my ears .
tr	0	Death for even the smallest relief ?
tr	0	They pulse with heat .
tr	0	I feel an explosion of cooling ecstasy .
tr	0	There is more energy in the room .
tr	0	He holds a gun at his side .
tr	0	His eyes are on the dead puppy .
tr	0	There is another man .
tr	0	He has a gun too .
tr	0	He is not distracted .
tr	0	And the other one is Gabe .
tr	0	What would Ryan think of me ?
tr	0	" The cuffs , " I moan .
tr	0	" She 's got it .
tr	0	She 's got it . "
tr	0	The two brothers watch me in silence .
tr	0	" How you feeling ? "
tr	0	" I need the bathroom . "
tr	0	" Then take them off . "
tr	0	Not that I believe him .
tr	0	We stare at each other .
tr	0	Gabe laughs and shakes his head .
tr	0	Lots of people have pointy chins .
tr	0	" I won 't hurt you .
tr	0	This may be a lie .
tr	0	I 'm not sure yet .
tr	0	" I have something for you . "
tr	0	I cry in the shower .
tr	0	I just can 't .
tr	0	He 'll just work more .
tr	0	I am something different now .
tr	0	A new musculature hints beneath my skin .
tr	0	The eyes are different too .
tr	0	The shirt is too large .
tr	0	He is leaning back on his elbows .
tr	0	Instead , I study his hat .
tr	0	The rim is frayed .
tr	0	Gabe looks up at me .
tr	0	" What am I ?
tr	0	What did that man do to me ?
tr	0	I killed a puppy yesterday . "
tr	0	Gabe sits up and scratches his cap .
tr	0	" The kid you were with .
tr	0	Gabe looks away into the distance .
tr	0	" He 's dead .
tr	0	I checked for a pulse .
tr	0	The angel was trying to take you .
tr	0	Your boyfriend got in the way . "
tr	0	But I am here .
tr	0	Not me , monster me is here .
tr	0	My voice is coming back .
tr	0	Gabe looks at me then away quickly .
tr	0	His hands fiddle with nothing .
tr	0	" That 's what they call themselves .
tr	0	He licks his chapped lips .
tr	0	They smite his enemies .
tr	0	" Where did they come from ?
tr	0	" Nah , it 's all science .
tr	0	" Tell me . "
tr	0	" It 'll sound crazy . "
tr	0	Gabe keeps staring at me .
tr	0	He created the angels .
tr	0	He was a scientist . "
tr	0	" No , not at all .
tr	0	The opposite , actually . "
tr	0	" He came up with this idea .
tr	0	Pretty damned brazen actually . "
tr	0	Maybe even human flight . "
tr	0	" Oh , " I say .
tr	0	" No , I 'm not .
tr	0	You just don 't know me . "
tr	0	I 'm sorry Ryan .
tr	0	It 's really inefficient .
tr	0	For your mind . "
tr	0	" But ... why ? "
tr	0	Think about it -- no more hunger .
tr	0	No more fighting over resources .
tr	0	" What 's happening ? "
tr	0	" The hunger ? "
tr	0	Gabe drops his hand .
tr	0	" Yeah , I know .
tr	0	Guy was a distinguished university professor .
tr	0	That sounds familiar . "
tr	0	One bad hombre . "
tr	0	" Oh yeah . "
tr	0	" He was assassinated .
tr	0	His flat was torn up .
tr	0	Gabe isn 't looking at me .
tr	0	" Yeah , " he says finally .
tr	0	They wanted to rule the world . "
tr	0	" Okay , stop . "
tr	0	Gabe sighs and squints into the sun .
tr	0	I usually drink it every morning .
tr	0	These guys were basically arrogant pricks .
tr	0	What they found was Dr. Cook .
tr	0	He was the key . "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	Gabe notices my frown .
tr	0	" He 's angry . "
tr	0	" I said move ! "
tr	0	" Come on , " Gabe says .
tr	0	" Shut up . "
tr	0	" The room was empty .
tr	0	The cuffs were on the floor .
tr	0	" Everything is fine .
tr	0	I can take care of myself .
tr	0	" She 's infected Gabe .
tr	0	" Her wrists are all torn up .
tr	0	She was in pain . "
tr	0	Gabe 's aura rears up .
tr	0	" For fuck 's sake ! "
tr	0	She 's not ! "
tr	0	Blood drips between my fingers .
tr	0	" Forget it . "
tr	0	Somehow this is funny .
tr	0	Their jaws are set almost identically .
tr	0	" Gloves , " I say .
tr	0	They both turn to me .
tr	0	" I 'll wear gloves .
tr	0	Warm lips filled with electricity .
tr	0	Where was I ? "
tr	0	What they found was Dr. Cook .
tr	0	He was the key . "
tr	0	He was your average oblivious scientist .
tr	0	He didn 't realize Thane 's motives .
tr	0	Not until it was too late . "
tr	0	" Of course , " I say .
tr	0	" Yeah , " Gabe goes on .
tr	0	Eventually , he made a breakthrough .
tr	0	This was twenty-five years ago .
tr	0	The other financial backers were next . "
tr	0	I 'm not sure what this means .
tr	0	" The formula worked .
tr	0	The people who took it changed .
tr	0	Their hearing got better .
tr	0	" The hunger . "
tr	0	" The hunger , " Gabe nods .
tr	0	" But why ? "
tr	0	A lot of them don 't care .
tr	0	I meant the others .
tr	0	You 're different . "
tr	0	" It 's not fair . "
tr	0	Gabe turns his face toward me .
tr	0	" Not to you . "
tr	0	" I won 't let him . "
tr	0	Gabe clears his throat .
tr	0	They enjoyed it actually .
tr	0	That man 's name was Canton Fox .
tr	0	He was our father .
tr	0	But there was one more thing .
tr	0	Gabe 's eyes go far away .
tr	0	His words are soft .
tr	0	I don 't remember him .
tr	0	I think I finally understand .
tr	0	" You hunt angels . "
tr	0	In the mirror , Gabe smiles .
tr	0	Chapter 13 We graze along the highway .
tr	0	Pretty sweet , huh ? "
tr	0	" Gabe , this is serious .
tr	0	There were cops all over the campus .
tr	0	People heard her scream .
tr	0	They 're already running pictures of her .
tr	0	Think it 's an abduction . "
tr	0	We have to protect her . "
tr	0	Karen doesn 't care .
tr	0	She 's got an acupuncturist appointment .
tr	0	Time is running out .
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	It 's her eyes .
tr	0	I don 't know .
tr	0	" A lot of people sigh . "
tr	0	" Come on . "
tr	0	Wild , huh ? "
tr	0	Ryan is lost at sea .
tr	0	He fell out of a boat .
tr	0	I am on the beach .
tr	0	I 've lost the perfume .
tr	0	It all suddenly seems so vast .
tr	0	We have to watch her .
tr	0	All the time . "
tr	0	No more puppies . "
tr	0	" How 's this going to work ?
tr	0	She 'll just live with us forever ?
tr	0	You can rest well now . '
tr	0	Maya will be a bridesmaid .
tr	0	So this is Missouri .
tr	0	One breath at a time .
tr	0	First , change clothes .
tr	0	Both are a size too large .
tr	0	I 've been so rude . "
tr	0	I hold up my gloved hands .
tr	0	Your incredible hospitality knows no bounds . "
tr	0	Karen in a t-shirt ?
tr	0	A soft knock on the door .
tr	0	Strong , steady energy behind it .
tr	0	I don 't answer .
tr	0	I open the door .
tr	0	" Man food , " he says .
tr	0	My thirst seems to have no limit .
tr	0	It is more maddening then filling .
tr	0	Blasted poor bastards with radiation .
tr	0	" Close enough . "
tr	0	It was a slaughterhouse .
tr	0	He 's still doing it too .
tr	0	Experimenting to find an easier way .
tr	0	The bone marrow limits him .
tr	0	" And that sucks , okay .
tr	0	So just tell me . "
tr	0	" Our father killed Robert Thane .
tr	0	Grand had too many connections .
tr	0	He found them , eventually . "
tr	0	Not even the worst ones .
tr	0	How deep the fight went inside her .
tr	0	We were in daycare .
tr	0	She picked us up and fled . "
tr	0	" I don 't remember it .
tr	0	How afraid she was . "
tr	0	" What was her name ? "
tr	0	" She died six years ago .
tr	0	I hate everything right now .
tr	0	And I kept writing .
tr	0	I turned my parents into drug addicts .
tr	0	I 've never told this to anyone .
tr	0	" Because they didn 't want me .
tr	0	Gabe 's voice breaks through my stupor .
tr	0	" Mom loved you .
tr	0	Afraid that you would be an angel .
tr	0	You gave her hope . "
tr	0	I can only manage a whisper .
tr	0	" It 's getting late . "
tr	0	He gathers up the trash .
tr	0	He drops the trash into the bin .
tr	0	I look back at Gabe .
tr	0	I dip my hand into the bowl .
tr	0	I 'm emotional , unpredictable and dangerous .
tr	0	Gabe is called irresponsible .
tr	0	Neither seems offended by his moniker .
tr	0	A compromise is reached .
tr	0	The lights go out .
tr	0	Gabe falls asleep quickly .
tr	0	He seems so remorseless in the daylight .
tr	0	My mind is numb and empty .
tr	0	And the hunger is peaking again .
tr	0	My teeth grind against each other .
tr	0	About being my brothers .
tr	0	About Grand raping my mother .
tr	0	He drops back into sleep .
tr	0	It fills the entire room .
tr	0	He doesn 't stir .
tr	0	This is probably a bad idea .
tr	0	Ryan isn 't waiting for me .
tr	0	This feels like flying .
tr	0	I am giddy with fear .
tr	0	" Don 't move . "
tr	0	The pained scarlet is more prominent .
tr	0	" You 're coming back .
tr	0	" You promised Gabe . "
tr	0	I want to break his calm .
tr	0	I want to see him afraid .
tr	0	I take a step closer .
tr	0	Keeps you going , huh ?
tr	0	A second is an achingly long time .
tr	0	We hit the ground together .
tr	0	Now I know where he 's injured .
tr	0	I feel sodden with it .
tr	0	" Do it , " he says .
tr	0	It almost sounds like a plea .
tr	0	" Don 't follow me . "
tr	0	" Maya wait ! "
tr	0	He leans over and gasps for breath .
tr	0	His bare feet are dirty and bleeding .
tr	0	" Maya , don 't go . "
tr	0	Grand will come for you .
tr	0	He 'll turn you into an angel .
tr	0	You 'll kill people .
tr	0	Men , women , children . "
tr	0	I shout back at him .
tr	0	" I want to go home . "
tr	0	" This is crazy .
tr	0	, " I look at Gabe helplessly .
tr	0	Gabe doesn 't hesitate .
tr	0	" I 'll prove it .
tr	0	" Let me do this . "
tr	0	Gabe never lets go of my eyes .
tr	0	" Maya , take my hand . "
tr	0	" I ... I can 't . "
tr	0	" Maya , you can control it .
tr	0	This is pain burning toward implosion .
tr	0	" I can 't do this .
tr	0	None of it even makes sense . "
tr	0	I won 't let you slip .
tr	0	I won 't let you fall .
tr	0	We won 't let Grand touch you .
tr	0	From now on we trust each other .
tr	0	They both look to me .
tr	0	" Okay , " I whisper .
tr	0	It hisses as I approach .
tr	0	I am so utterly alone in this .
tr	0	Perhaps it depends on who you ask .
tr	0	I thought I was doing okay .
tr	0	As not okay as can be imagined .
tr	0	This is the loss of everything .
tr	0	This will be our only meeting .
tr	0	He always bought her awesome Christmas presents .
tr	0	Gabe tries too hard to be funny .
tr	0	Or she doesn 't kill him .
tr	0	One last thing about Monster Maya .
tr	0	Theirs is a somewhat strained relationship .
tr	0	It 's the typical father-daughter trope .
tr	0	He wants her in the family business .
tr	0	She has other plans .
tr	0	Sic , sic , sic .
tr	0	You wanted a daughter ?
tr	0	Well , you got one !
tr	0	Eventually , I settle on something different .
tr	0	It feels good to have a purpose .
tr	0	Monster Maya smiles for the first time .
tr	0	I keep forgetting not to think .
tr	0	He crosses his arms behind his head .
tr	0	" Lots of retirees come out here .
tr	0	No one bothers you .
tr	0	" My hat . "
tr	0	" The lucky one . "
tr	0	" Maya , quick ! "
tr	0	It 's in my bag . "
tr	0	Then , " Come on Maya .
tr	0	" Brown duffle bag . "
tr	0	No TV , no newspapers .
tr	0	Gabe calls out to her .
tr	0	You boys back in town , eh ?
tr	0	What happened this time ? "
tr	0	Francesca crosses her arms over her chest .
tr	0	He watches out for you .
tr	0	He does good , honest work here .
tr	0	Not a mean bone in his body .
tr	0	I almost choke on my spit .
tr	0	" Always lies and that big smile .
tr	0	Francesca sees me through the window .
tr	0	He keeps his tone casual .
tr	0	" Lies , " Gabe says .
tr	0	The purple shades grow dark as wine .
tr	0	I force myself not to stare .
tr	0	" How is Dr. Lee doing ? "
tr	0	" Grumpy as ever .
tr	0	The summer is better for him .
tr	0	There 's always something to do .
tr	0	Raking up all these pine needles .
tr	0	Whenever you have time .
tr	0	She sounds like an amazing person . "
tr	0	" Okay , " Francesca says .
tr	0	I watch her energy too .
tr	0	Mostly Gabe 's , though .
tr	0	Still humming bird wings .
tr	0	He turns the engine on .
tr	0	" Nice to meet you Maya . "
tr	0	She raises her hand in greeting .
tr	0	" Yeah , " I say .
tr	0	" See ya ! "
tr	0	The smile hasn 't left his face .
tr	0	Twice a day . "
tr	0	We turn into a long driveway .
tr	0	" Oh yeah , " Gabe sighs .
tr	0	" Home sweet home . "
tr	0	" Sure , " I lie .
tr	0	I want to stay in the car .
tr	0	Avalon mocking on the wall .
tr	0	" Oh , " I say softly .
tr	0	The table is all scratched and nicked .
tr	0	The destruction is intricately choreographed .
tr	0	X-Men face off against GI Joes .
tr	0	This is so awkward .
tr	0	Gabe looks to his brother .
tr	0	" We 're all tired .
tr	0	Let 's just go upstairs . "
tr	0	I raise an eyebrow .
tr	0	You 've got your own bathroom .
tr	0	Slim , round shoulders .
tr	0	I can tell them apart immediately .
tr	0	Gabe 's honey curls .
tr	0	The little boy and girl on swings .
tr	0	The family at the beach .
tr	0	There are no later pictures .
tr	0	" Not anymore . "
tr	0	He turns and walks away .
tr	0	Gabe 's smile falters .
tr	0	" Her name was Tammy . "
tr	0	Quantum queen of tact .
tr	0	My room 's first on the left .
tr	0	" This was Diana 's room ? "
tr	0	No one goes in here now . "
tr	0	Quantum queen of tact .
tr	0	He looks so much like his father .
tr	0	Okay , well , goodnight Maya . "
tr	0	" Goodnight , " I say .
tr	0	Gabe closes the door .
tr	0	Diana is more serious .
tr	0	Nothing under the bed either .
tr	0	But I don 't cry .
tr	0	That part really is true .
tr	0	Or whatever I am now .
tr	0	The cleave of monster and human .
tr	0	Something catches my attention .
tr	0	It fills my ears , sweet drum .
tr	0	Wind kissing my face .
tr	0	It 's dead before I land .
tr	0	The sun is just coming up .
tr	0	Deep gouges score my palms and forearms .
tr	0	I remember and shiver .
tr	0	Monster Maya is Werewolf Maya .
tr	0	His fluid gait reveals a natural athleticism .
tr	0	There are heavy things on his mind .
tr	0	All three computer monitors are alight .
tr	0	" Morning , " I reply .
tr	0	" Changed my shirt though .
tr	0	You 're welcome . "
tr	0	I like that one .
tr	0	He 's like boss of the squirrels .
tr	0	It 's cool . "
tr	0	Same upturned nose and long neck .
tr	0	Rachel must be in class right now .
tr	0	Not being a monster .
tr	0	" But someone did , or something .
tr	0	Obits are how we find them .
tr	0	He nods to the computer screen .
tr	0	Not everyone survives the infection process .
tr	0	Every cell exploding in my veins .
tr	0	Bones shattering like glass .
tr	0	" And heart attacks ? "
tr	0	It 's what they feed off of .
tr	0	It 's what actually kills the person .
tr	0	But Ryan had such a strong heart .
tr	0	" You said ' iced ' ? "
tr	0	Victims are ice cold .
tr	0	Ryan cold and dead and alone .
tr	0	That 's how we find them . "
tr	0	" Google maps are the shit .
tr	0	" This map is totally interactive .
tr	0	" That 's really creepy . "
tr	0	" Not too easy . "
tr	0	It makes me nervous .
tr	0	Even Superman had a day job .
tr	0	" When do we find Grand ? "
tr	0	" Later , " he says .
tr	0	We stare at each other .
tr	0	" Can 't say I blame her .
tr	0	I roll my eyes .
tr	0	" Fox Cave ? "
tr	0	It 's where we plan stuff .
tr	0	Gabe shrugs like this is obvious .
tr	0	He 's real pissy about that . "
tr	0	Gabe doesn 't know his favorite color .
tr	0	" Yoga , really ? "
tr	0	" Oh , you 're dirty .
tr	0	You should come with .
tr	0	I try to laugh .
tr	0	He 's distracted , vulnerable .
tr	0	So many moments open for attack .
tr	0	Such blue , bright energy he has .
tr	0	I pretend like nothing 's wrong .
tr	0	Horribly , terribly , irreparably wrong .
tr	0	I jump up and hang .
tr	0	I ask to break the silence .
tr	0	" Gun shows . "
tr	0	" Gun shows are regulated . "
tr	0	" God bless ... paranoid Libertarians . "
tr	0	" Remember this , it 's important .
tr	0	" How can that possibly work ? "
tr	0	Gabe 's enjoying himself .
tr	0	" Not an option . "
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	He does think it 's cool .
tr	0	Little boy lost in his comic books .
tr	0	No baggage on it . "
tr	0	Shame unfurls in my chest .
tr	0	I had a guinea pig once .
tr	0	I pick up the box .
tr	0	" I 'll take it upstairs . "
tr	0	He is looking straight ahead .
tr	0	Not at me or the pictures .
tr	0	Gabe picked it out .
tr	0	He said you were a Mac .
tr	0	No logging into old email accounts .
tr	0	No social media things . "
tr	0	Would I kill me too ?
tr	0	" Is everything ... uh , comfortable .
tr	0	He actually mumbles like a real person .
tr	0	His mouth grows tighter .
tr	0	I left it in the hall . "
tr	0	Gabe needs to be here .
tr	0	He pauses to lick his lips .
tr	0	" You think we 're crazy .
tr	0	I still hate him though .
tr	0	well , it doesn 't matter .
tr	0	We didn 't protect you .
tr	0	I finally break in .
tr	0	" Oh , " I say .
tr	0	" Oh , thank you . "
tr	0	The bedroom is empty .
tr	0	The hits are surprising .
tr	0	Chances of my survival are slim .
tr	0	Henry holds her hand looking uncomfortable .
tr	0	The tears are dripping off my face .
tr	0	I knew he was dead .
tr	0	Ryan in a tux .
tr	0	Ryan in a coffin .
tr	0	My hands are shaking .
tr	0	I need to see his page .
tr	0	I need to post a confession .
tr	0	Ryan died because of me .
tr	0	Because he was walking with me .
tr	0	He can 't be smothered by earth .
tr	0	Not for a single second .
tr	0	Deep into the woods .
tr	0	It struggles , clawing through my skin .
tr	0	I recognize the crude metaphor .
tr	0	Poor Ryan who loved a monster girl .
tr	0	Bad things came for them .
tr	0	I push away my nausea .
tr	0	Why does that word feel so dangerous ?
tr	0	The toast comes up .
tr	0	Martha Stewart to the max .
tr	0	Perfect , perfect , perfect .
tr	0	I don 't remember to knock .
tr	0	I 'm too excited .
tr	0	I turn the handle and step inside .
tr	0	It catches in my throat .
tr	0	I drop the tray .
tr	0	He has a runner 's lean physique .
tr	0	Pale pink streaks hash across his back .
tr	0	Deep gouges down his arms .
tr	0	X 's and S 's .
tr	0	The mirror is cracked .
tr	0	Did he do it to himself ?
tr	0	My eyes flee away .
tr	0	His room is so bare .
tr	0	Not a single poster on the wall .
tr	0	No books except for one .
tr	0	Quantum queen of tact .
tr	0	His head drops ever-so-slightly .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry .
tr	0	I thought ... " I stop .
tr	0	" Find any angels today ? "
tr	0	Afraid of everything . "
tr	0	Gabe smiles to himself .
tr	0	Gabe makes quotes with his fingers .
tr	0	" Everything about it .
tr	0	Refused to carry a gun .
tr	0	" Mom and Tammy and me .
tr	0	" What about school ? "
tr	0	Our mom was a college professor .
tr	0	Gabe smiles again his sad smile .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	" I 'm not .
tr	0	Discarded shell casings wink in the sun .
tr	0	" They were twins you know .
tr	0	Fraternal , of course .
tr	0	They could finish each other 's sentences .
tr	0	Followed her around like a puppy .
tr	0	Gabe sets his bottle aside .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Tammy was fearless .
tr	0	I shake my head .
tr	0	That was Tammy 's .
tr	0	Then Mom got sick . "
tr	0	I catch a tremor beneath his words .
tr	0	That was six years ago .
tr	0	She wanted to go after him . "
tr	0	The glass sweats heavy in the heat .
tr	0	It 's just the way things were .
tr	0	Grand was too strong .
tr	0	He 'd heal from bullets in hours .
tr	0	Could smell you coming a mile away .
tr	0	But Tammy thought this was our chance .
tr	0	I knew it was a trap .
tr	0	" I called Tammy a stupid cunt .
tr	0	Gabe 's voice is shaking .
tr	0	" I would 've gone with them .
tr	0	Even if it was a trap . "
tr	0	Their phones went straight to voicemail .
tr	0	I had no idea where they were .
tr	0	I thought I had lost everyone .
tr	0	I wanted to die . "
tr	0	He shrugs away my hand .
tr	0	" ... he wasn 't coherent .
tr	0	The towel was soaked in blood .
tr	0	The things I saw on his body .
tr	0	Where is she ? "
tr	0	Gabe is so young .
tr	0	Even skinnier than he is now .
tr	0	So , so , so afraid .
tr	0	" ... All those cuts .
tr	0	All that blood , " Gabe croaks .
tr	0	" He told me what happened .
tr	0	Grand caught them both .
tr	0	It was a trap .
tr	0	" Just let him go ? "
tr	0	He didn 't know she was dead .
tr	0	Gabe pauses to steady his voice .
tr	0	He used to read all the time .
tr	0	Drink beer on the porch .
tr	0	It 's always training .
tr	0	Always searching for new hunts .
tr	0	Real sweet girl in Pueblo . "
tr	0	Gabe sits down next to me .
tr	0	All that 's left is vengeance . "
tr	0	Gabe stops and shakes his head .
tr	0	We watch the trees .
tr	0	How strong it is .
tr	0	Unfair use of super strength . "
tr	0	His body quakes with laughter .
tr	0	" It wasn 't funny ! "
tr	0	I shout at him .
tr	0	Or another way to pick at scabs .
tr	0	Things should not come out .
tr	0	Things are the snot bubbles .
tr	0	Karen with her medicine bag .
tr	0	Not submitting like Katherina .
tr	0	Not cracking wide open like Ophelia .
tr	0	Not giving up like Juliette .
tr	0	We frown at each other .
tr	0	I had meant to apologize .
tr	0	I realize that he 's testing me .
tr	0	Blood all over him .
tr	0	But I don 't .
tr	0	I stay at his shoulder .
tr	0	We 've been running hard for hours .
tr	0	Fail , fail , fail .
tr	0	Fail on the trail .
tr	0	Fall on a nail .
tr	0	Darkness stirred up and tasting sweet .
tr	0	He needs to be humbled .
tr	0	Except he 's already been humbled .
tr	0	I surprise myself -- I slow down .
tr	0	" You sure ? "
tr	0	he tries not to wheeze .
tr	0	You can keep going though . "
tr	0	We amble through the woods .
tr	0	" What was she like ? "
tr	0	I hear myself ask .
tr	0	" My mother ? "
tr	0	" Our mother . "
tr	0	It may have been an accident .
tr	0	Musing isn 't the right word .
tr	0	It 's too casual .
tr	0	" Tired , " he says .
tr	0	Gabe says she was incredible . "
tr	0	His face is thoughtful .
tr	0	" Of course she was .
tr	0	I lie more than I should .
tr	0	I never press to my full limit .
tr	0	When did she start training them ?
tr	0	When did they begin to kill ?
tr	0	Do other people fight angels ?
tr	0	What kind of love is that ?
tr	0	I know better than to answer .
tr	0	Gabe rescues me from my thoughts .
tr	0	Pixie Girl is stupid girl .
tr	0	Always know the exits .
tr	0	" Mom never pressured us to fight .
tr	0	But I wanted to fight .
tr	0	We wanted to save people .
tr	0	I thought it all sounded awesome .
tr	0	He said ' no . '
tr	0	Gabe turns his head in my direction .
tr	0	" Did you know that ? "
tr	0	Maybe she wanted to confess .
tr	0	Lay her burdens down before the end .
tr	0	" Yeah , what you looked like .
tr	0	If you had any funny quirks .
tr	0	What kind of life you led .
tr	0	If you were happy .
tr	0	" And how did I turn out ?
tr	0	Anything like you imagined ? "
tr	0	" Kind of a sore point . "
tr	0	" Thanks Gabe . "
tr	0	Gabe is quiet for a while .
tr	0	" Gabe , just tell me . "
tr	0	" I found something . "
tr	0	Is it Grand ? "
tr	0	Looks like an angel .
tr	0	Gabe pauses , swallows .
tr	0	" Good , because I 'm coming .
tr	0	I want to fight . "
tr	0	Dark wells of pain .
tr	0	This part takes fifteen minutes .
tr	0	I get it , " Gabe retorts .
tr	0	You have to realize that .
tr	0	Anything could set her off .
tr	0	Gabe 's voice jumps an octave .
tr	0	* * * Our first mission .
tr	0	I 'm not sure what to expect .
tr	0	Gabe whines but his feet slide off .
tr	0	" You need some ? "
tr	0	" How do you make money ? "
tr	0	" That 's all me . "
tr	0	Gabe looks at his brother , grins .
tr	0	He keeps his eyes on the road .
tr	0	" Oh come on .
tr	0	You make money from that ? "
tr	0	" Google Ads baby .
tr	0	PayPal sends me a cashier 's check .
tr	0	I study those elf eyes .
tr	0	" Oh God , midgets ?
tr	0	Even those people who hate everything . "
tr	0	" I don 't hate everything . "
tr	0	" Neither are books . "
tr	0	He seems to notice everything .
tr	0	" It 's hideous . "
tr	0	Think of it as being undercover . "
tr	0	And my hair is completely different . "
tr	0	" Put the hat on Maya . "
tr	0	It was his kid 's birthday .
tr	0	That was one unhappy clown . "
tr	0	I shove the hat on my head .
tr	0	" Did you kill the angel ? "
tr	0	" The hell with you both ! "
tr	0	" I can get ' em everywhere .
tr	0	Don 't doubt my mad skills . "
tr	0	He eyes the screen of his laptop .
tr	0	" Body just got called in .
tr	0	Right off the 40 .
tr	0	Wings is going East . "
tr	0	We 've seen it before . "
tr	0	" Doesn 't hurt to check .
tr	0	" It 's dangerous . "
tr	0	" Border Patrol owns Arizona .
tr	0	They can go wherever they want .
tr	0	" Border Patrol goes plainclothes ? "
tr	0	He looks back at me , winks .
tr	0	So does his energy .
tr	0	All the playful greens fade away .
tr	0	We stop in front of a door .
tr	0	I give Gabe a beseeching look .
tr	0	His words echo again through my mind .
tr	0	Anything could set her off .
tr	0	I 'll be okay here .
tr	0	" I know , " Gabe says .
tr	0	My old life is still out there .
tr	0	I try to play Zombie Hordes .
tr	0	There are no lessons learned .
tr	0	No spirits strengthened through suffering .
tr	0	The boys don 't come back .
tr	0	One less angel to worry about .
tr	0	My dreams are blurry and meaningless .
tr	0	A voice whispering daughter , daughter .
tr	0	I look at Ryan 's face .
tr	0	The room is dark around me .
tr	0	The door handle turning .
tr	0	Something strange is tugging inside my chest .
tr	0	The shower hisses to life .
tr	0	" Where 's Gabe ? "
tr	0	You miss me ? "
tr	0	Gabe catches my stare and smiles .
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	" Did you ... uh . "
tr	0	" Clipped his wings . "
tr	0	" Killed him , " I say .
tr	0	I don 't have time to answer .
tr	0	The Murano smells like blood .
tr	0	The seats look clean .
tr	0	Gabe gets behind the wheel .
tr	0	Gabe -- " No . "
tr	0	The brothers look at each other .
tr	0	" Shut up . "
tr	0	Gabe starts the car .
tr	0	We pull out of the parking lot .
tr	0	I don 't want to be crying .
tr	0	" No one but us . "
tr	0	I kneel and pet the dog .
tr	0	Shut up , I think back .
tr	0	It 's her dream of dreams .
tr	0	Why do you hate happiness ? "
tr	0	" You guys suck .
tr	0	Gabe lays his head against the window .
tr	0	One gate is open .
tr	0	I ask and toss him the ball .
tr	0	" Oh Troy ! "
tr	0	" Oh , how wonderful .
tr	0	You 're here . "
tr	0	Gabe puts on his best grin .
tr	0	I 'm fat and hideous .
tr	0	The woman gives me a crooked smile .
tr	0	" That hat , darling .
tr	0	Well , isn 't that something . "
tr	0	" Who is it ? "
tr	0	a voice calls from inside the house .
tr	0	" It 's Troy .
tr	0	" Get out the way . "
tr	0	" We 'll take it slow . "
tr	0	Don 't bother us . "
tr	0	I loosen my fists .
tr	0	Stone lions guard the path .
tr	0	" That booze hound ? "
tr	0	" She 's worthless .
tr	0	Respect is earned , not given .
tr	0	And it 's stepmother . "
tr	0	" This is Lo ? "
tr	0	" How old is he ?
tr	0	Dark eyes sit under thick black brows .
tr	0	His eyes blink rapidly .
tr	0	" Also , lose the hat .
tr	0	" Fingerprint analysis , really ? "
tr	0	Got ta ' be careful . "
tr	0	" So this is the hybrid .
tr	0	Lo shakes his head .
tr	0	" And a hottie too .
tr	0	I discard the hat and sunglasses .
tr	0	What 's her name . "
tr	0	Lo blinks and blinks again .
tr	0	" Oh , no way .
tr	0	He lets out a high-pitched laugh .
tr	0	" You guys are in deep shit .
tr	0	He pulls open a drawer .
tr	0	Ever hear of the Kama Sutra ?
tr	0	I have it memorized . "
tr	0	" You 're like twelve ! "
tr	0	Silently , I beg him to stay .
tr	0	" We 're fine .
tr	0	I 'll be right outside . "
tr	0	" Maya , this is important . "
tr	0	Rainbow shimmers down the needle .
tr	0	Colors puddle on the floor .
tr	0	The needle goes in , hits bone .
tr	0	His energy is so near .
tr	0	" Hurry , " I hiss .
tr	0	" I 'm trying .
tr	0	He backs away quickly .
tr	0	The menacing mechanical donut is last .
tr	0	I strain to catch the words .
tr	0	She 's strong , " Lo says .
tr	0	Lungs and heart oversized .
tr	0	Stomach and intestines shrunk .
tr	0	It 's all here .
tr	0	You said she only got one shot ?
tr	0	Has she shown any abilities ? "
tr	0	" No , just the general enhancements .
tr	0	Lo takes a long , hollow breath .
tr	0	" Angels are human .
tr	0	Tears gather in my eyes .
tr	0	He pauses and doubt laces his voice .
tr	0	" Oh , the soul sucker lies ?
tr	0	There 's another long pause .
tr	0	She 's going to break .
tr	0	You know she will .
tr	0	She goes psycho in a grocery store .
tr	0	She kills you in your sleep .
tr	0	That 's how it always goes . "
tr	0	I hate him for this .
tr	0	Especially his stupid jacket .
tr	0	" How 's it looking ? "
tr	0	His eyes meet mine then flick away .
tr	0	I smile and stretch .
tr	0	The boy 's energy spikes up again .
tr	0	Some sort of gang thing .
tr	0	" Gave it his all .
tr	0	That was his whole philosophy in life .
tr	0	Respect goes to the last man standing .
tr	0	I had a very pleasant childhood . "
tr	0	" No you 're not . "
tr	0	Lo looks at me .
tr	0	His eyes carry something dark and powerful .
tr	0	Anything to get ahead .
tr	0	He thought I was weak .
tr	0	I graduated high school at thirteen .
tr	0	, " ' Lo growls .
tr	0	The energy churns swiftly around his body .
tr	0	Lo 's voice cracks .
tr	0	He deserved the bullets he got .
tr	0	Him and all the others . "
tr	0	" Redmond , Washington . "
tr	0	" Let 's go . "
tr	0	And then it is over .
tr	0	I hate hospitals because of her .
tr	0	I hate nurses and lollipops and linoleum .
tr	0	Gabe looks up from his laptop .
tr	0	Wan na switch soon ? "
tr	0	" We can grab some food . "
tr	0	He pauses and his energy flicks .
tr	0	" Bags are the best . "
tr	0	I 'll take that one . "
tr	0	" This isn 't a joke ! "
tr	0	" Think about it .
tr	0	She 'll get strong .
tr	0	She 'll get fast .
tr	0	She can fight with us . "
tr	0	Gabe clutches the headrest with both hands .
tr	0	look that he was already wearing .
tr	0	" Why not , huh ? "
tr	0	" Why can 't we win ? "
tr	0	" You 're unbelievable ! "
tr	0	I want to kill them both .
tr	0	No , no , no , no !
tr	0	Something 's wrong . "
tr	0	I yell out for no reason .
tr	0	" Gabe , get back . "
tr	0	" Calm like the forest .
tr	0	Like the ocean . "
tr	0	And this brings me back .
tr	0	" Did you remember the underwear ? "
tr	0	Not that I care .
tr	0	We continue through the night .
tr	0	The darkness is a blanket around us .
tr	0	The music drums inside my head .
tr	0	My hands are hot .
tr	0	One more monumental apology .
tr	0	I just can 't .
tr	0	" Tell them about the angels ? "
tr	0	Hell , you have me now .
tr	0	I could show the world .
tr	0	" They wouldn 't be afraid .
tr	0	They would want to become angels . "
tr	0	" But ... " I manage .
tr	0	We 're not sure why .
tr	0	" Oh , " I say .
tr	0	" Our parents weighed all the options .
tr	0	It 's only us . "
tr	0	We stop for gas .
tr	0	" I need something inside . "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" And tampons . "
tr	0	" I need tampons .
tr	0	I 'm on my period .
tr	0	" Menstrual blood . "
tr	0	" I 'm pretty much gushing . "
tr	0	His hands clench into fists .
tr	0	" But that was pretty awesome . "
tr	0	The air smells wet and earthy .
tr	0	I hum to myself .
tr	0	Gabe 's habit must be contagious .
tr	0	" Do you really trust her ? "
tr	0	That ain 't much . "
tr	0	Tennis shoes , not wide .
tr	0	A pack of underwear .
tr	0	Some t-shirts and other safe Target buys .
tr	0	He already has his laptop out .
tr	0	I already have grandma underwear . "
tr	0	I wave the package at him .
tr	0	" I like that one . "
tr	0	" Alright , here 's the deal .
tr	0	We got two bodies .
tr	0	Called it a heart attack .
tr	0	" Another heart attack ? "
tr	0	" Bingo , Yahtzee and Connect Four .
tr	0	" In the park . "
tr	0	It 's not a question .
tr	0	" Police suspicious ? "
tr	0	Heart attacks all around so far .
tr	0	Gabe turns in his chair and shrugs .
tr	0	Heart attacks happen all the time . "
tr	0	" What 's the history here ? "
tr	0	" High wealth area .
tr	0	Lots of executives and well-paid engineers .
tr	0	Wait a minute . "
tr	0	Gabe 's eyes get big .
tr	0	Could just be some heart attacks . "
tr	0	Gabe rolls his eyes .
tr	0	" Yeah , " I say .
tr	0	Both brothers ignore me .
tr	0	Them 's the rules .
tr	0	You get a look at those bodies .
tr	0	Radiation is confirmation . "
tr	0	" Yeah , " I say again .
tr	0	He pauses at the door .
tr	0	" You too Maya . "
tr	0	It sounds like a threat .
tr	0	Sorry Sunshine , I think .
tr	0	No tree branch splints for you .
tr	0	I might be able to arrange that .
tr	0	" Bless your precious hearts . "
tr	0	I notice posters flapping against trees .
tr	0	Lots of missing dogs .
tr	0	" Do you think it 's here ?
tr	0	In the woods somewhere ? "
tr	0	" Don 't know .
tr	0	I step over a twisted root .
tr	0	Gabe and his smiles .
tr	0	Maya and her sighs .
tr	0	" Not ever ? "
tr	0	Ferns reach out and brush my socks .
tr	0	" Nah , course not . "
tr	0	He shrugs and keeps walking .
tr	0	" I 'm a warrior , baby .
tr	0	Much like Chuck Norris . "
tr	0	Forget I asked . "
tr	0	" Do you mind ? "
tr	0	Gabe arches an eyebrow .
tr	0	" With the radiation ? "
tr	0	Gabe fiddles with the device .
tr	0	It 's cool . "
tr	0	" It 's cool Maya .
tr	0	" Stay here , " Gabe says .
tr	0	I do not ponder Chuck Norris .
tr	0	Needles digs into my skin and hair .
tr	0	A convenient bloody handprint ?
tr	0	I think I understand .
tr	0	The angel came here to be alone .
tr	0	As alone as the hunger will allow .
tr	0	Maybe not a complete monster after all .
tr	0	Maybe something in between .
tr	0	I hear Gabe 's voice calling .
tr	0	Gabe whips out his gun .
tr	0	Chapter 35 " Gabe ? "
tr	0	he blinks and lowers his gun .
tr	0	He softens his voice .
tr	0	He hands me back my hat .
tr	0	" I found something too . "
tr	0	Next goes the medical tech badge .
tr	0	He shrugs off his blazer .
tr	0	Gabe 's eyes flick to the mirror .
tr	0	" My turn , " Gabe sighs .
tr	0	I give the rabbits a longing glance .
tr	0	" Take this . "
tr	0	" And this . "
tr	0	" Go in the shower .
tr	0	" But -- " " Everywhere .
tr	0	It sounded like a snort .
tr	0	" What kind of outfit ? "
tr	0	I ask , suspicion mounting .
tr	0	" These are pajamas ! "
tr	0	Its beady black eyes mock .
tr	0	" What about the boys ' section ?
tr	0	" This isn 't funny ! "
tr	0	The lotion burns and reeks of alcohol .
tr	0	" Hurts like a bitch right ?
tr	0	I get to stink . "
tr	0	" Man , that outfit . "
tr	0	He shakes his head .
tr	0	" Sorry about that .
tr	0	The bear on my chest pants angrily .
tr	0	The words don 't come .
tr	0	" About what ? "
tr	0	" About how you found me .
tr	0	" Grand found out about you . "
tr	0	" Grand has his ways .
tr	0	" You 've said that already . "
tr	0	Gabe is studying his knees intensely .
tr	0	" We never tried to find you .
tr	0	It was safer that way .
tr	0	You were supposed to be happy .
tr	0	" I believe you . "
tr	0	" Just tell me the rest . "
tr	0	" Grand got sloppy .
tr	0	He left a laptop behind .
tr	0	This was big time .
tr	0	Gabe gives himself a congratulatory smile .
tr	0	We had to find you first .
tr	0	We had to protect you . "
tr	0	" Like you . "
tr	0	" That 's different .
tr	0	Blood 's all we got .
tr	0	All we get . "
tr	0	" So how then ? "
tr	0	" What did she tell him ? "
tr	0	Mom didn 't leave any clues .
tr	0	We had nothing , until ... . "
tr	0	" ... put together some wicked searches .
tr	0	" It was brutal .
tr	0	" That wasn 't me . "
tr	0	All wearing tank tops .
tr	0	I still have that picture .
tr	0	Right in front of me . "
tr	0	Gabe laughs a small laugh .
tr	0	" I knew right away .
tr	0	You look like Mom .
tr	0	Purple blushes all around him .
tr	0	Mom got that look too .
tr	0	" You had a life .
tr	0	Or at least not unhappy .
tr	0	Gabe 's voice grows softer .
tr	0	He just ... just stole you away .
tr	0	Occasionally his paranoia does pay off . "
tr	0	I open my mouth .
tr	0	Gabe 's face is growing suspicious .
tr	0	Lines creasing along his mouth .
tr	0	" You saved my life . "
tr	0	" We should have done more . "
tr	0	" You did enough . "
tr	0	He hasn 't showered or shaved .
tr	0	" Shit , " Gabe mutters .
tr	0	" They 're in danger . "
tr	0	" We could set a fire .
tr	0	" First , it 's raining .
tr	0	" But -- " Gabe begins .
tr	0	The volunteers are in pairs and groups .
tr	0	They have flashlights and whistles .
tr	0	Risky for an angel .
tr	0	The easiest kill . "
tr	0	" How do you do that ? "
tr	0	" No talking . "
tr	0	He doesn 't look up .
tr	0	" You can see that ? "
tr	0	There 's an edge to his voice .
tr	0	" I can feel it .
tr	0	Sometimes , " I hedge .
tr	0	" There are mental tricks .
tr	0	I 'm too nervous to be quiet .
tr	0	And it 's cold .
tr	0	It might come back there again . "
tr	0	" You don 't trust me .
tr	0	" Then give me a gun . "
tr	0	" End of discussion Maya . "
tr	0	My body tenses , my ears honing .
tr	0	I recognize this guttural cry .
tr	0	" Maya , no ! "
tr	0	Only it isn 't Ryan .
tr	0	I kneel down next to the man .
tr	0	If only his eyes weren 't open .
tr	0	Dead , dead , dead .
tr	0	I hear the sound of footsteps approaching .
tr	0	" You here ? "
tr	0	His flashlight sweeps across the ground .
tr	0	It hits the body and stops .
tr	0	" Pastor Reynolds ? "
tr	0	" Your hands , " he whispers .
tr	0	Holy hells , bells , gazelles .
tr	0	" What ... what are you ? "
tr	0	I turn and run .
tr	0	I drop down , run toward him .
tr	0	He stops when he sees me .
tr	0	A whistle hollers , then another .
tr	0	His face is wrecked with heroic intent .
tr	0	" And do what ? "
tr	0	" I 'm a fucking mess .
tr	0	" I didn 't know my father .
tr	0	" Gabe , stop . "
tr	0	" But then there was you .
tr	0	But I hadn 't known before .
tr	0	It was something , you understand ?
tr	0	Something to fill the void .
tr	0	And then Tammy . "
tr	0	Gabe 's voice loses its strength .
tr	0	He wants to die .
tr	0	" Alright , " I blubber back .
tr	0	Let us keep you safe . "
tr	0	" Alright , Gabe , alright ! "
tr	0	" Thanks , " he says hoarsely .
tr	0	Gabe stops but doesn 't say anything .
tr	0	" Oh , okay . "
tr	0	He had to . "
tr	0	Things are still tense in the room .
tr	0	" Aw man , " Gabe says .
tr	0	I wait for him to continue .
tr	0	" What idea ? "
tr	0	So she named me Gabriel . "
tr	0	Gabe tucks his face into his pillow .
tr	0	His voice is muffled .
tr	0	" Now who 's angelic ? "
tr	0	" Oh , lame . "
tr	0	I step out of bed .
tr	0	I pull open the cage .
tr	0	" Little fucker ! "
tr	0	" Everything 's fine .
tr	0	Go back to sleep . "
tr	0	" Was I in a lake ? "
tr	0	" It 's the rain .
tr	0	You 're dreaming . "
tr	0	His breath is even again .
tr	0	Grand 's fingers trailing down my back .
tr	0	Finding what they will find .
tr	0	I knew they would find you . "
tr	0	" Where are your gloves ? "
tr	0	Gabe turns his head and blinks .
tr	0	" Oh , hey .
tr	0	What time is it ? "
tr	0	A muffled " fuck . "
tr	0	" Yeah , " I say .
tr	0	" Shut up . "
tr	0	" You 're on Facebook !
tr	0	" I have a girlfriend . "
tr	0	I 've got four girlfriends actually .
tr	0	And they 're real .
tr	0	Got screen names and everything .
tr	0	I roll my eyes .
tr	0	We go on roller coasters together .
tr	0	Then there are the nymph twins .
tr	0	Oh , those two are naughty .
tr	0	" Ah , Francesca .
tr	0	I laugh , but it sounds forced .
tr	0	" Wind resistance , " he says .
tr	0	Great message by the way .
tr	0	Just love those little guys .
tr	0	I leave my number and hang up .
tr	0	" This is montage stuff .
tr	0	I want a montage . "
tr	0	My voice sounds whiny even to me .
tr	0	" No montages in real life .
tr	0	Pointless darts of energy .
tr	0	My arms and legs were really heavy .
tr	0	" Wild huh ? "
tr	0	Did I kill you ? "
tr	0	Francesca dove in and saved me .
tr	0	" What really happened ? "
tr	0	a chipper voice replies .
tr	0	" Is this Mercedes ? "
tr	0	" Oh , wonderful !
tr	0	I 'm Kathy McGee .
tr	0	You called earlier . "
tr	0	Such precious little things . "
tr	0	" Oh , right .
tr	0	I really love that brand . .
tr	0	" Oh , they sure did .
tr	0	Did she take them all ? "
tr	0	His voice is smooth and low .
tr	0	the things I 've seen .
tr	0	Gabe turns around and grins at me .
tr	0	You understand ... Good , good .
tr	0	Anything you can tell me .
tr	0	You 're doing good .
tr	0	And finally , " I will .
tr	0	And God bless you too . "
tr	0	" What 've you got ? "
tr	0	" Could be nothing .
tr	0	Hispanic woman , drove an old Corolla .
tr	0	That 's changing now .
tr	0	Membership is starting to trickle down .
tr	0	We 've been to Harlem .
tr	0	An Indian reservation in Nevada .
tr	0	His fingers pound the keyboard .
tr	0	" Hispanic female , 30-40 years old .
tr	0	Drives an old , red Corolla .
tr	0	She 's average height , little overweight .
tr	0	Let 's say 150 - 180 pounds .
tr	0	" I demand some appreciation .
tr	0	So yeah , DMV .
tr	0	Next up was credit reporting agencies . "
tr	0	" Oh , I certainly can .
tr	0	" Stop it . "
tr	0	Said she had a farm .
tr	0	" We need to move now . "
tr	0	" It 's almost sun down .
tr	0	" Got all his info .
tr	0	" We 're storming the house .
tr	0	You 'd get in the way . "
tr	0	" Then give me a gun . "
tr	0	" Of course I do .
tr	0	Point and pull the trigger . "
tr	0	Gabe clears his throat .
tr	0	I snap at him .
tr	0	" Twenty minutes Gabe . "
tr	0	We 're trying to protect you . "
tr	0	" Gabe , come on .
tr	0	My voice is dust .
tr	0	Gabe shakes his head .
tr	0	Seeing the things we have to see .
tr	0	This isn 't a good life . "
tr	0	I 'm asking for purpose . "
tr	0	" Still mad ? "
tr	0	I understand that . "
tr	0	" We are Maya . "
tr	0	" Maya , I know .
tr	0	" Grand ruined my life .
tr	0	I 've lost everything .
tr	0	Ryan in a coffin .
tr	0	Eyelashes turning to dust .
tr	0	Worms wriggling through his eye sockets .
tr	0	Don 't let that happen .
tr	0	Please , Maya . "
tr	0	" That 's cliché . "
tr	0	Gabe strokes the rabbit 's long ears .
tr	0	" I 'm gon na keep him .
tr	0	That means he 's family now . "
tr	0	" Okay , Gabe .
tr	0	" I 'm serious . "
tr	0	I 'm pissed at him right now .
tr	0	" Awesome , right ? "
tr	0	" He loves it . "
tr	0	Let us be friends hereafter . "
tr	0	" I think she likes you . "
tr	0	Blue as blue , true as true .
tr	0	" Are you two done ? "
tr	0	Well , mostly to Gabe .
tr	0	The sounds crowd in .
tr	0	Louder than everything else .
tr	0	A girl could get curious .
tr	0	I don 't succeed .
tr	0	I draw a halo over the wings .
tr	0	It 's large , but not ostentatious .
tr	0	No fountain out front .
tr	0	Not so repentant after all .
tr	0	I might even be drooling .
tr	0	A soft click like a latch unhooking .
tr	0	Something isn 't right .
tr	0	There 's another clear bead of energy .
tr	0	I hear their voices whispering .
tr	0	" This is his office .
tr	0	He 's got to be in here .
tr	0	The rest are guest rooms . "
tr	0	" Don 't ! "
tr	0	" You can 't kill him . "
tr	0	" He 's human . "
tr	0	There is something wrong with his aura .
tr	0	What , you need the safe combination ?
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	He glances at me .
tr	0	" Slumber party then ? "
tr	0	" This isn 't a joke . "
tr	0	" I crush dreams for a living .
tr	0	" Who is it ? "
tr	0	Who 's been infected ? "
tr	0	" They don 't want to excel .
tr	0	Incredible isn 't it ?
tr	0	" Who is it ? "
tr	0	" It 's still a jungle .
tr	0	" Yes , and that is unfortunate .
tr	0	Then again , people die every day .
tr	0	They 're starving in Africa .
tr	0	You 're not saving them .
tr	0	There 's no difference .
tr	0	A crazy laugh itches in my throat .
tr	0	" It won 't work . "
tr	0	You 're welcome to them . "
tr	0	He spreads his hands on the desk .
tr	0	" It went out the window .
tr	0	He 's been stalling . "
tr	0	" You keep strange company . "
tr	0	The Jonas Brothers rock on the ceiling .
tr	0	" It 's her .
tr	0	I 've never seen one that young .
tr	0	" I 'm sure . "
tr	0	" I 'm fine . "
tr	0	We return to the office .
tr	0	" Who else ? "
tr	0	" My son is a disappointment .
tr	0	But my granddaughter is different .
tr	0	So I gave it to her . "
tr	0	She 's gone . "
tr	0	Find out who infected the girl .
tr	0	" He 's human . "
tr	0	" He 's on their side .
tr	0	" This is the job .
tr	0	" Take Maya with you .
tr	0	She shouldn 't be here . "
tr	0	Nothing snaps inside of me .
tr	0	It just comes , the anger .
tr	0	" She knows we 're coming .
tr	0	" We 're wasting time . "
tr	0	Green eyes , pointed nose .
tr	0	Poor little angel girl .
tr	0	" She 's afraid and confused .
tr	0	She feels safe there . "
tr	0	" You got any better ideas ? "
tr	0	" No , " he admits .
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	I leap over the railing .
tr	0	Ryan always accused me of being overdramatic .
tr	0	I know where she is .
tr	0	My new memory serves me well .
tr	0	The girl watches me as I climb .
tr	0	The rain is a faint mist .
tr	0	This is peace by exhaustion .
tr	0	" Hey , " I call .
tr	0	" Leave me alone . "
tr	0	" Not for me . "
tr	0	I look up at her .
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	I just want to talk . " '
tr	0	" I do want to talk . "
tr	0	" Maybe I deserve to die . "
tr	0	Her pale feet kick back and forth .
tr	0	" I 've killed people . "
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	" I killed Amanda .
tr	0	I told her not to come over .
tr	0	Amanda came over anyway .
tr	0	She 'd made a card . "
tr	0	I 'll just keep killing . "
tr	0	" You can control it . "
tr	0	" No , I tried . "
tr	0	Her hands fold into tight fists .
tr	0	The girl gives me an appraising look .
tr	0	" No you don 't .
tr	0	You 're muddled . "
tr	0	She 's fed recently .
tr	0	Gray like smoke , " she says .
tr	0	" Yes you do .
tr	0	And you 're hungry .
tr	0	" That 's not true . "
tr	0	My voice sounds weak , unconvincing .
tr	0	" We 're stronger and smarter .
tr	0	Ask me anything about the Civil War .
tr	0	Her body is in motion .
tr	0	Two terrified hearts drum against each other .
tr	0	" There 's also this . "
tr	0	" I 'm getting stronger . "
tr	0	Flip open a book .
tr	0	Toss a tennis ball across the room .
tr	0	Pick up heavier things . "
tr	0	" The killing gets easier too . "
tr	0	Amber takes a step forward .
tr	0	There was a cop tonight .
tr	0	He probably had a family .
tr	0	It tears me up inside .
tr	0	I think about Amanda all day .
tr	0	I come up here to cry .
tr	0	For a moment she stares at me .
tr	0	Amber takes another step forward .
tr	0	A new and better race .
tr	0	I don 't know about that .
tr	0	Amber closes the gap between us .
tr	0	Her nails pierce my skin .
tr	0	I 'm terrified and giggly .
tr	0	I try to snatch a breath .
tr	0	This time the night blinks out .
tr	0	Almost out of air .
tr	0	Why is she in pajamas ?
tr	0	My hands drop away from her wrist .
tr	0	I can 't find the stars .
tr	0	A hiss and the rain starts again .
tr	0	The fingers on my neck relax .
tr	0	The stars are back in the sky .
tr	0	Maybe they never left .
tr	0	Thoughts percolating but unfinished .
tr	0	A voice calls below .
tr	0	Small clips of time keep slipping away .
tr	0	" Is it raining again ? "
tr	0	Something strange in his face .
tr	0	" I think it 's hers .
tr	0	Are those my shoes ? "
tr	0	" Come on Maya , your head .
tr	0	Did you hit your head ? "
tr	0	" Of course not .
tr	0	I was very good about my head .
tr	0	The tree did though . "
tr	0	Doesn 't he think this is funny ?
tr	0	Won 't he ever smile ?
tr	0	" Ah , " he says .
tr	0	" That 's good . "
tr	0	Amber is sprawled a couple feet away .
tr	0	I take note of this slight shift .
tr	0	" What now ? "
tr	0	" I bury her . "
tr	0	" Don 't worry about that .
tr	0	But I am not brave .
tr	0	I am tired and wet and numb .
tr	0	I try to swallow then stop trying .
tr	0	We are at the motel .
tr	0	Smart , bristling , cut to shreds .
tr	0	Afraid of living most of all .
tr	0	" You were unarmed .
tr	0	It was a long time ago . "
tr	0	" And the birthmark .
tr	0	That 's how Gabe found me .
tr	0	You remembered my birthmark . "
tr	0	He turns off the engine .
tr	0	" How could he know ? "
tr	0	" He wouldn 't .
tr	0	You made a deal for your freedom .
tr	0	You had something valuable to trade .
tr	0	About the birthmark . "
tr	0	" But he was torturing you .
tr	0	Defend what you did ! "
tr	0	" No Maya , I won 't .
tr	0	You should hate me . "
tr	0	" And Tammy ? "
tr	0	I 'm not angry .
tr	0	" To salvage your pride ? "
tr	0	Can 't understand anything about him .
tr	0	" Aren 't you even sorry ? "
tr	0	He wrestles it down again .
tr	0	Strained behind closed teeth .
tr	0	I open the door of the SUV .
tr	0	Deep , moist breath .
tr	0	" I won 't tell Gabe . "
tr	0	" Thank you , " he whispers .
tr	0	" I 'll teach you . "
tr	0	He starts the engine .
tr	0	Discovering what he knows is there .
tr	0	Tricked and followed them to me .
tr	0	I knew they would find you .
tr	0	There is pain enough already .
tr	0	Burdens enough for us all .
tr	0	I will kill him .
tr	0	My brothers return together three hours later .
tr	0	" Yeah right , " Gabe mutters .
tr	0	" I guess . "
tr	0	Gabe walks to our door .
tr	0	They open and close their doors together .
tr	0	I 'm twitching harder now .
tr	0	Hands sweating under the pillow .
tr	0	The bulbs are out , pulsing hot .
tr	0	" Why do you do it ? "
tr	0	" Do what ? "
tr	0	Gabe turns his head in my direction .
tr	0	Let 's say you do win .
tr	0	All the angels are back to normal .
tr	0	" My father was a geneticist .
tr	0	You didn 't even know him . "
tr	0	" It 's our mission . "
tr	0	To give up your life for it .
tr	0	That 's not fair at all . "
tr	0	I can 't let that happen .
tr	0	I won 't . "
tr	0	His voice is rising .
tr	0	" Maya , we save people .
tr	0	It 's worth dying for .
tr	0	" Yeah , " he says finally .
tr	0	It didn 't take long . "
tr	0	" And then you killed him . "
tr	0	Rain patters against the windows .
tr	0	No nightmares for him .
tr	0	Sitting at the desk .
tr	0	Tapping , tapping , tapping my fingers .
tr	0	Trying to keep a reign on myself .
tr	0	How to describe the song .
tr	0	Open to a clean page .
tr	0	Sentences crack under the weight .
tr	0	I 'm forgetting my own name .
tr	0	Concentrate on him and his vanilla scents .
tr	0	Don 't let me kill my brother .
tr	0	At least not the one I like .
tr	0	I need to write something .
tr	0	But tonight I need distraction .
tr	0	I 'm so close to breaking .
tr	0	Keep holding myself back .
tr	0	I 'm not evil .
tr	0	This is all animal .
tr	0	Just the monster dancing to the song .
tr	0	He smells like soap and shampoo .
tr	0	His aura is so round and perfect .
tr	0	He should have never trusted me .
tr	0	My gloves are gone .
tr	0	Ever wake up again .
tr	0	A painless death for my sweet brother .
tr	0	Maybe even a sort of kindness .
tr	0	All swirled together into muddy brown .
tr	0	" Maya , take my hand . "
tr	0	Putting on deodorant just for me .
tr	0	I won 't let you slip .
tr	0	I won 't let you fall . "
tr	0	He never flinches when I touch him .
tr	0	This means there 's hope .
tr	0	Hope that I can control the hunger .
tr	0	And I believe it .
tr	0	I will start again .
tr	0	Something glitters on the horizon .
tr	0	And finally , the words come .
tr	0	You just got here .
tr	0	There 's no time for rest .
tr	0	" How far out ? "
tr	0	" We walk from here .
tr	0	I get out and shade my eyes .
tr	0	So sue me . "
tr	0	He turns and unzips .
tr	0	I can 't squelch my surprise .
tr	0	Still zipping up , Gabe comes around .
tr	0	My brothers arm up .
tr	0	" And you ? "
tr	0	But I nod anyway .
tr	0	Too fucking bad for him .
tr	0	Fear is a fascinating thing .
tr	0	Inside the barn is ... oh no .
tr	0	Gabe , you take point .
tr	0	In the barn . "
tr	0	" How many ? "
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	" Shit , " Gabe whispers .
tr	0	No auras around the two men .
tr	0	" Angels , " I confirm .
tr	0	" Both of them . "
tr	0	" The shorter one . "
tr	0	The two men stroll toward the barn .
tr	0	It can 't be ... leashes ?
tr	0	My skin breaks out in goose bumps .
tr	0	" How are we all doing today ?
tr	0	No , don 't get up .
tr	0	It 's fine . "
tr	0	" Quiet , " he hisses .
tr	0	" How ' bout you hero boy ?
tr	0	You wan na save your new friends ?
tr	0	Step on up . "
tr	0	There are scuffling noises .
tr	0	The angels tug on the leashes .
tr	0	Hendricks laughs and kicks the fallen human .
tr	0	But it isn 't just their bodies .
tr	0	" What is this ? "
tr	0	" A farm , " he says .
tr	0	" It 's a human farm . "
tr	0	" Mr. Hayward ? "
tr	0	Nathaniel is actually wearing a black cape .
tr	0	Not all of them are incredibly attractive .
tr	0	Or even mildly attractive .
tr	0	I look down at my cell phone .
tr	0	Nathaniel waves a pale hand in disgust .
tr	0	He waves a hand .
tr	0	It is the Macarena .
tr	0	He stares at it , obviously confused .
tr	0	" Here , let me . "
tr	0	" Well what ? "
tr	0	We stare at each other .
tr	0	Two things hit me .
tr	0	We are all ready to go ! "
tr	0	It is pitch-black night outside .
tr	0	" Are you all packed ? "
tr	0	Hunt wanted to know .
tr	0	Hunt flashed him a big grin .
tr	0	I haven 't seen them yet .
tr	0	' Ts gon na be fun . "
tr	0	Taylor stood up and cleared his throat .
tr	0	My name is John Taylor .
tr	0	one of the delegates asked .
tr	0	Taylor 's head was spinning .
tr	0	Who 's with me ? "
tr	0	No more words were necessary .
tr	0	I 'm coming with you . "
tr	0	How about that weather ? "
tr	0	Mary was in her maternal element .
tr	0	I know you like these .
tr	0	" You are the best !
tr	0	This is everything I own .
tr	0	" Go right ahead .
tr	0	Want some coffee too , Helen ?
tr	0	Just don 't take too long .
tr	0	Taylor was all business now .
tr	0	" We will be in unfamiliar terrain .
tr	0	Ms. Spade this goes especially for you .
tr	0	Now is the time . "
tr	0	Taylor announced to his travel mates .
tr	0	" Very high security ! "
tr	0	Helen Spade teased him .
tr	0	Still wan na try ? "
tr	0	After that you are on your own .
tr	0	Good luck to all of us . "
tr	0	" Everyone ready ? "
tr	0	Any activity in the area ? "
tr	0	The runway is all yours .
tr	0	Good luck , John ! "
tr	0	Chapter 2 : War , What War ?
tr	0	Contact DHS for more information . "
tr	0	A twelve-year-old girl was outraged .
tr	0	I 've had it .
tr	0	I am going offline ... NOW .
tr	0	See ya , Suzie . "
tr	0	They had signed the censored message !
tr	0	What were they thinking ?
tr	0	he grumbled to himself .
tr	0	He needed to be prepared .
tr	0	" Someone in Washington lost it ! "
tr	0	Peter Lowry barked across the desk .
tr	0	Use the satellite phones for all communications .
tr	0	Good luck , Peter . "
tr	0	He is still there .
tr	0	Seconds later the alarms went off . "
tr	0	" You can call off the dogs .
tr	0	But what good would that do .
tr	0	He hung up without another word .
tr	0	The dominoes fell slowly .
tr	0	Faith is a wonderful thing .
tr	0	Now she had their attention .
tr	0	What a feeling to be flying again .
tr	0	' Who would have thought ?
tr	0	" You 're telling me ? "
tr	0	Wan na go back right now ?
tr	0	" You kidding me ? "
tr	0	Taylor and Hunt looked the other way .
tr	0	Taylor did not mind .
tr	0	" I 'll be d. ... ! "
tr	0	His shout , " Water ! "
tr	0	echoed through the valley .
tr	0	All right , who 's first ? "
tr	0	Thanks for the drink , Cody . "
tr	0	That 'll make us a delicious dinner .
tr	0	I was sick to my stomach .
tr	0	Good times , right Taylor ? "
tr	0	Life was good for right now .
tr	0	" What is the most important thing ?
tr	0	The others followed suit reluctantly .
tr	0	exclaimed Hunt to nobody 's surprise .
tr	0	" Race you ! "
tr	0	What about everyone else ?
tr	0	What about me ? "
tr	0	" Who are you guys ? "
tr	0	" This is Oz ? "
tr	0	I would not trust her .
tr	0	" What are you doing ? "
tr	0	Lilly Ann asked the girl .
tr	0	Lilly Ann asked very seriously .
tr	0	" It is a bit complicated .
tr	0	Lilly Ann replied lightly .
tr	0	Lilly Ann simply asked .
tr	0	I see you have brought tents .
tr	0	You can set up camp right here .
tr	0	" Where is the village ?
tr	0	Taylor started the discussion .
tr	0	Taylor and Hunt looked at each other .
tr	0	" Let 's go right . "
tr	0	" Let 's head left . "
tr	0	They suggested at the same time .
tr	0	Wonder what they use for fuel . "
tr	0	He grinned at Taylor .
tr	0	I am kind of hungry . "
tr	0	Taylor chased Hunt up the street laughing .
tr	0	" Did you hear this ? "
tr	0	" Here it is again .
tr	0	Now Taylor heard it too .
tr	0	" No way ! "
tr	0	" That 's impossible ! "
tr	0	they started to stutter at once .
tr	0	I 'm outta here .
tr	0	" Hold on to your mama ! "
tr	0	Go ahead enjoy yourselves .
tr	0	Taylor rolled his eyes .
tr	0	Taylor asked her after Willie had left .
tr	0	" Who saved room for desert ? "
tr	0	Lilly Ann surprised her guests .
tr	0	" No way ! "
tr	0	" I 'll burst ! "
tr	0	" What are we having ? "
tr	0	He passed the drinks around to everyone .
tr	0	Chapter 5 : Bounty !
tr	0	" Ready for some eggs ? "
tr	0	she asked full of energy .
tr	0	" You 've got elephants here ? "
tr	0	Are they fed any supplements ?
tr	0	You need to ask the growers directly .
tr	0	She liked very much what she saw .
tr	0	Terribly selfish , isn 't it ? "
tr	0	Frank wanted to know .
tr	0	Farmer was listening with eyes wide open .
tr	0	he asked with a wry smile .
tr	0	he asked out of curiosity .
tr	0	I never really thought about it .
tr	0	It worked beautifully so far . "
tr	0	" Lilly Ann ? "
tr	0	" You really can fix this ? "
tr	0	" You really can fix this ! "
tr	0	she shouted for everyone to hear .
tr	0	His optimism was intoxicating .
tr	0	Now Lilly Ann was getting excited .
tr	0	Wan na do the honors ? "
tr	0	This time Taylor 's promise came true .
tr	0	" The weather girls ? "
tr	0	Taylor asked with raised eyebrows .
tr	0	They have never been wrong . "
tr	0	" Who is Leila ? "
tr	0	Who is she ? "
tr	0	There was no warning .
tr	0	Two seconds later the show was over .
tr	0	" The DNA recorder ! "
tr	0	( unknown author ) . "
tr	0	" Are you guys all right ?
tr	0	He just could not stop to talk .
tr	0	" It 's all right . "
tr	0	In the end they were lucky .
tr	0	Jack and Joe Jack were artists .
tr	0	It was a big one too .
tr	0	Maybe Geronimo was still alive .
tr	0	Rain had squelched the fires .
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	Remember that all is well . "
tr	0	" Is this heaven ? "
tr	0	he asked with a drug-induced smile .
tr	0	Where am I ? "
tr	0	This is my house . "
tr	0	Yep , all there .
tr	0	I 'll leave you two alone .
tr	0	Taylor frowned at her .
tr	0	Are you hungry ? "
tr	0	" How did I get here ?
tr	0	Are my friends all right ?
tr	0	Did a doctor examine me ?
tr	0	" How is my airplane ? "
tr	0	He sank back into the pillows defeated .
tr	0	The soup still smelled enticing .
tr	0	He fell asleep right afterwards . "
tr	0	Panic began to spread through his thoughts .
tr	0	" How did I get here ? "
tr	0	I don 't understand . "
tr	0	Not much to it really . "
tr	0	Things might get very complicated otherwise . "
tr	0	He nodded in understanding .
tr	0	" Is that so ? "
tr	0	I am so sorry . "
tr	0	" Is she for real ? "
tr	0	he asked Lilly Ann .
tr	0	she ran out of the room .
tr	0	Made in Italy ' .
tr	0	It is still sealed .
tr	0	Wan na try it ? "
tr	0	he asked hoping against hope .
tr	0	Lilly Ann asked surprised .
tr	0	" That 's it ! "
tr	0	Taylor deeply breathed in the intoxicating fragrance .
tr	0	Voila , Italian espresso . "
tr	0	Lilly Ann followed his example .
tr	0	She decided that she loved it .
tr	0	What a truly royal treat !
tr	0	was all Taylor could get out .
tr	0	" Town reporter ? "
tr	0	I 'll fetch it real quick . "
tr	0	With that she ran out the door .
tr	0	Anyway , here it is . "
tr	0	he admired the material .
tr	0	Another laughing fit shook his body .
tr	0	" This is so funny ! "
tr	0	" Look at this ! "
tr	0	" May I ask you something ?
tr	0	Lilly Ann pulled the chair closer .
tr	0	" How could I ever forget ? "
tr	0	she guided him like mother duck .
tr	0	You mentioned Law of Attraction .
tr	0	" Thoughts are vibration .
tr	0	Thoughts have a frequency .
tr	0	How can I learn this ?
tr	0	This is how the universe works .
tr	0	This always goes both ways . "
tr	0	What about my plane crash ?
tr	0	" I did ? "
tr	0	he pulled them back to his question .
tr	0	Taylor nodded with clenched teeth .
tr	0	Wouldn 't you agree ? "
tr	0	" But what about my legs ? "
tr	0	The caption read , " Hi !
tr	0	Come play with me .
tr	0	Let 's think silly together .
tr	0	He winked at Edie May .
tr	0	Cool , huh ? "
tr	0	Isn 't that great ? "
tr	0	She pointed at the appropriate hamster drawing .
tr	0	I would be lying to myself . "
tr	0	I guess you get the picture . "
tr	0	" Like what ? "
tr	0	That 's what they do .
tr	0	No action required or allowed yet .
tr	0	" Who did all these drawings ? "
tr	0	Is that for Lilly Ann F. ? "
tr	0	I 've heard them all .
tr	0	' I love grass .
tr	0	I love the hills .
tr	0	I love ewes . '
tr	0	And on and on he goes .
tr	0	I really learned a lot from him .
tr	0	Taylor was getting really curious now .
tr	0	How did you find them ?
tr	0	Now let 's play something fun . "
tr	0	" How do we play ? "
tr	0	What are we playing ? "
tr	0	Can I go next ? "
tr	0	And on and on we 'd go .
tr	0	The room was quiet for a moment .
tr	0	No one but Taylor , that is .
tr	0	Thank you so much . "
tr	0	The little house grew quiet .
tr	0	I can feel them . "
tr	0	She put her hands firmly on them .
tr	0	These feelings are real .
tr	0	Just feel my hands .
tr	0	Can you feel them ? "
tr	0	" You are one of us now .
tr	0	And so he tried and it worked .
tr	0	" Can I play too ? "
tr	0	She got up from the floor ceremoniously .
tr	0	Are you coming ? "
tr	0	And so they did .
tr	0	Isn 't this neat ? "
tr	0	She held out the robe for him .
tr	0	The result was immediate .
tr	0	she asked him back .
tr	0	At least she was consistent about that .
tr	0	Her humor was refreshing as ever .
tr	0	It was a little overwhelming . "
tr	0	" Is this a school ? "
tr	0	It 's Geronimo ! "
tr	0	" It still works , right ? "
tr	0	See for yourself . "
tr	0	His name was Abraham . "
tr	0	She did some asking on her own .
tr	0	Anyway , where was I ?
tr	0	The words she spoke were carefully chosen .
tr	0	There was no doubt Abraham spoke .
tr	0	" And are you refreshed ? "
tr	0	Sounds silly , doesn 't it ?
tr	0	Nothing that you want is upstream . "
tr	0	How can that be ? "
tr	0	Taylor looked at Edie May for answers .
tr	0	Maybe then you will understand . "
tr	0	I 'll be right back . "
tr	0	The activity around him was electrifying .
tr	0	" Let 's have a picnic ! "
tr	0	He has been fishing ever since . "
tr	0	Taylor looked at her in disbelieve .
tr	0	He does not attend any classes ?
tr	0	" But what about other things ? "
tr	0	It is very simple really . "
tr	0	" And this works ? "
tr	0	Taylor smiled and nodded his head .
tr	0	" Is this your tree ? "
tr	0	It 's simple . "
tr	0	Know what I mean ? "
tr	0	Please go on , " he asked .
tr	0	" Like your brother 's name ? "
tr	0	" More of what ? "
tr	0	came the prompt question .
tr	0	Taylor stated more than he asked .
tr	0	What 's it gon na be ? "
tr	0	You asked and now you see . "
tr	0	" Yeah , what she say ? "
tr	0	" Ask her what ? "
tr	0	Lilly Ann asked back .
tr	0	" Really , how come ? "
tr	0	" Do what ? "
tr	0	Then you go do that .
tr	0	Simple , isn 't it ? "
tr	0	Taylor didn 't know what to believe .
tr	0	or ' What do you mean ? '
tr	0	" Have you asked Lilly yet ? "
tr	0	Taylor replied on many occasions .
tr	0	Have you asked Lilly yet ? "
tr	0	Any idea what I should do ? "
tr	0	All three burst out into laughter .
tr	0	Then you both lose out .
tr	0	This was most enlightening .
tr	0	Lilly Ann continued to ask .
tr	0	Taylor wanted to know .
tr	0	" What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	' Have you asked Lilly yet ? '
tr	0	Sounds like a lot of fun . "
tr	0	" What 's wrong with that ? "
tr	0	Isn 't that normal ? "
tr	0	So , you choose again .
tr	0	Are you Geronimo ? "
tr	0	" What about other news ? "
tr	0	" There isn 't any . "
tr	0	It was as simple as that .
tr	0	Lilly Ann got her game rolling .
tr	0	" Ask what ? "
tr	0	He wasn 't giving up that easily .
tr	0	" And what would that be ? "
tr	0	" Who told ? "
tr	0	Taylor basked in his little victory .
tr	0	" What party ? "
tr	0	Taylor promptly walked straight in .
tr	0	" Wan na know ? "
tr	0	You 'll see . "
tr	0	" Orange , " she said finally .
tr	0	Taylor jumped with eyes big as saucers .
tr	0	" Sorry I missed you .
tr	0	This was going to be fun .
tr	0	" No peeking ! "
tr	0	He opened the door and looked up .
tr	0	That I will never forget . "
tr	0	Lilly Ann pulled on Taylor 's arm .
tr	0	he bowed in front of her .
tr	0	You are loved . "
tr	0	It doesn 't get better that this .
tr	0	Where was his new lover anyway ?
tr	0	" How did you do that ? "
tr	0	Taylor asked right out .
tr	0	" Do what ? "
tr	0	" I 've seen that . "
tr	0	I have to see that . "
tr	0	he greeted them cheerfully .
tr	0	Are you all right , Tom ? "
tr	0	Lilly Ann was curious .
tr	0	This time is different , though .
tr	0	he asked Tom for verification .
tr	0	Taylor was getting a little worried .
tr	0	Taylor was afraid of the answer .
tr	0	came the expected reply with raised eyebrows .
tr	0	" Does the cursing help ? "
tr	0	His finger paused for a second .
tr	0	" You sure about that ? "
tr	0	" Is she still running ? "
tr	0	Tom was not quite sure .
tr	0	Taylor did not care to answer .
tr	0	" What are you doing ? "
tr	0	" A sign for what ? "
tr	0	I like it . "
tr	0	" You really like it ? "
tr	0	he turned to Lilly Ann .
tr	0	He turned to the closest farm helper .
tr	0	" Frank is all right ! "
tr	0	Lilly Ann ran up to him .
tr	0	" Are you all right ? "
tr	0	He pointed at the second broken tractor .
tr	0	" Tried to tell me what ? "
tr	0	Nobody ever put fuel into it . "
tr	0	My hero on his rusty steed . "
tr	0	No words were necessary .
tr	0	Everyone for miles around was invited .
tr	0	one of the late arriving guests asked .
tr	0	It was just the way things were .
tr	0	What did you put in there ? "
tr	0	What 's on your mind ? "
tr	0	You make my heart sing .
tr	0	He handed the ring to Fritz .
tr	0	, " Fritz chuckled .
tr	0	" How 'd you know ? "
tr	0	" Would it have helped ? "
tr	0	He laughed and shook his head .
tr	0	would have done the trick .
tr	0	He squeezed Taylor 's shoulders .
tr	0	Really shows how much I know . '
tr	0	Taylor whispered into her ear .
tr	0	" Elves , really ? "
tr	0	Mom , this is John .
tr	0	Isn 't he adorable ? "
tr	0	I always wondered why that was . "
tr	0	There is no rush .
tr	0	Willie teased with his broad boyish grin .
tr	0	" You what ? "
tr	0	" What was that all about ? "
tr	0	Taylor wanted to know .
tr	0	Come on , let 's go . "
tr	0	" Are you kidding me ? "
tr	0	" What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	Next time it 's my turn . "
tr	0	she asked and smiled knowingly .
tr	0	Let 's see how it goes . "
tr	0	Isn 't that exciting ? "
tr	0	I talk to grandma all the time .
tr	0	Taylor did not give in so easily .
tr	0	Wan na join us ?
tr	0	You are healthy and strong .
tr	0	You have a wonderful family surrounding you .
tr	0	They both laughed knowingly .
tr	0	He is having a lot of fun .
tr	0	What is that all about ? "
tr	0	she asked with raised eyebrows .
tr	0	You are welcome , any time . "
tr	0	" And what would that be ? "
tr	0	Taylor asked her innocently .
tr	0	" Was I that obvious ? "
tr	0	Lilly Grace 's smile was answer enough .
tr	0	" They would die ? "
tr	0	" So you gave up ? "
tr	0	The magnitude of clarity was mind-boggling .
tr	0	The whole situation defied reason or definition .
tr	0	Taylor wanted to know .
tr	0	I was fully aware of it .
tr	0	Isn 't that beautiful ? "
tr	0	" Thought , huh ? "
tr	0	She was clearly having fun now .
tr	0	How far can you reach ?
tr	0	There really is no end to it .
tr	0	Well , there is .
tr	0	It 's delicious . "
tr	0	" Is there more than us ? "
tr	0	What a wonderful , wonderful idea .
tr	0	The answers follow all by themselves . "
tr	0	That sort of stuff . "
tr	0	" Oh , that 's all ? "
tr	0	Lilly Ann asked innocently .
tr	0	She kind of liked that .
tr	0	Two weeks later the guests were gone .
tr	0	Four days later the captain was back .
tr	0	They called him Geronimo .
tr	0	He was happy enough with either development .
tr	0	' I can build this . '
tr	0	Do you work in metal too ? "
tr	0	she smiled at him warmly .
tr	0	" Is that right ? "
tr	0	Are we done yet ?
tr	0	" Do you live out here ? "
tr	0	Lilly Ann was curious .
tr	0	" Behold the Condor . "
tr	0	Where did you get this ? "
tr	0	" You did , huh ? "
tr	0	Wilbur built an airplane ! "
tr	0	He looked at Taylor with hopeful anticipation .
tr	0	The engine cowl still was ominously empty .
tr	0	It didn 't look pretty .
tr	0	And so they did .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	Then Jack carved this . "
tr	0	" You remember the starting procedure ? "
tr	0	Taylor nodded at Wilbur encouraging .
tr	0	" Is she ready to fly ? "
tr	0	So that was the plan .
tr	0	Taylor reached back to squeeze his hand .
tr	0	She flew for good .
tr	0	" I what ? "
tr	0	Did you say something ? "
tr	0	She 's slow , but seems reliable .
tr	0	She 's a good airplane . "
tr	0	It 's so good . "
tr	0	He was quiet for a moment .
tr	0	" That 's good ! "
tr	0	So there is hope for them . "
tr	0	We are eternal beings .
tr	0	Sounds simple enough , right ? "
tr	0	Would it still be simple ?
tr	0	Where is the pudding ? "
tr	0	" Where is the what ? "
tr	0	Taylor didn 't follow .
tr	0	It 's in the pudding .
tr	0	So , where is the pudding ? "
tr	0	" I 'm the pudding . "
tr	0	" Did she ? "
tr	0	" The what ? "
tr	0	He is like a big old bear .
tr	0	" Are you hungry ? "
tr	0	" Guess what ? "
tr	0	she asked out of breath .
tr	0	" New shoes ? "
tr	0	Taylor was unsure were this was headed .
tr	0	He grinned mischievously at her .
tr	0	Taylor 's eyes flew wide open .
tr	0	Taylor tried to change the subject .
tr	0	You 've talked with her before . "
tr	0	Taylor tried to cheer her up .
tr	0	Lilly Ann was skeptical .
tr	0	She fell back onto the mattress .
tr	0	- I do . "
tr	0	Did it flow easily to you ? "
tr	0	I got by good enough . "
tr	0	There is nothing to prove .
tr	0	Taylor was not convinced yet .
tr	0	Taylor nodded his head .
tr	0	" Thank you , Edie May .
tr	0	Always a great help . "
tr	0	Taylor didn 't know what to think .
tr	0	Relief washed over Taylor 's face .
tr	0	He just could not help it .
tr	0	Thank you for your support .
tr	0	- I needed Teddy full time .
tr	0	' SH * T ' he said .
tr	0	Plan ' B ' , use English .
tr	0	He had stopped dead in his tracks .
tr	0	, then I had an idea .
tr	0	' Where is room one ? '
tr	0	It took us five days .
tr	0	' How heavy is twenty-five kilos ? '
tr	0	' A week early ? '
tr	0	Then the interview started to go downhill .
tr	0	' Please call me John ' .
tr	0	Simple , and no time lost .
tr	0	Natasha was obviously up and about .
tr	0	' Point taken ' I said .
tr	0	They went a funny colour .
tr	0	' How do you know that ? '
tr	0	' How long is post haste ? '
tr	0	' Very realistic ' I thought .
tr	0	' Or what ? '
tr	0	' When will that be ? '
tr	0	I asked in exasperation .
tr	0	A ' boat ' is a submarine .
tr	0	Someone might just notice it going out .
tr	0	' Show me where she is ' .
tr	0	Do you understand these rights ? '
tr	0	Now that did wake him up .
tr	0	Do you agree to this ? '
tr	0	' Whatever happened to the suit ? '
tr	0	-------------------- Now where were we ?
tr	0	Oh yes , HRH .
tr	0	It took her ten days .
tr	0	' They play cards Graham ' .
tr	0	Loads of applause - then nothing .
tr	0	( Farnborough alternates annually with Paris ) .
tr	0	' Don 't ask ' I replied .
tr	0	Enter the younger sister stage left .
tr	0	' Yes ' came the puzzled reply .
tr	0	' May we come in please ? '
tr	0	' What - over Christmas ? '
tr	0	War had now been declared .
tr	0	The war had now escalated .
tr	0	She already knew the answer .
tr	0	There was complete and utter silence .
tr	0	' Have I made a mistake ? '
tr	0	I grudgingly gave him that point .
tr	0	I was slowly getting the idea .
tr	0	' Greenhouse ' I said .
tr	0	' Is he outside ? '
tr	0	I asked , dreading the answer .
tr	0	Then I had an idea .
tr	0	That 's an odd name . '
tr	0	Now about those remaining twenty winks ?
tr	0	' Don 't know ' I replied .
tr	0	' Don 't know ' I replied .
tr	0	' Yes please ' I said .
tr	0	but I stopped her mid flow .
tr	0	I quite liked the Egyptian bum .
tr	0	Deep sigh and change of subject .
tr	0	' Do you like oils ?
tr	0	( messy ) , watercolours ?
tr	0	( runny ) , etching ?
tr	0	( later dear ) , reproductions ?
tr	0	' You were serious ? '
tr	0	' In a conservatory ? '
tr	0	What 's a void ? )
tr	0	' Will you ... . '
tr	0	-- oh , forget it ) .
tr	0	Can something like Wall really happen ?
tr	0	Time you got over that cunt .
tr	0	Someplace down river probably around Astor .
tr	0	What should I do ?
tr	0	Her struggling increased as I moved closer .
tr	0	" They ... . "
tr	0	" Where are they ? "
tr	0	She went on to tell her story .
tr	0	I cut her off .
tr	0	She said , " Sure . "
tr	0	It sounded good but just too utopian .
tr	0	Connie came up with one that worked .
tr	0	Connie woke her voice filled with alarm .
tr	0	" What 's going on ? "
tr	0	We walked up and shook hands .
tr	0	I said , " Agreed . "
tr	0	'll mean a lot to me . "
tr	0	A few minutes went by .
tr	0	" Was that good ? "
tr	0	I apologize I had it all wrong .
tr	0	She giggled like a schoolgirl .
tr	0	You look like you got butterflies . "
tr	0	Please welcome Doctor Collins . "
tr	0	He chuckled , " Just kidding .
tr	0	" Captain Collins , Captain Collins . "
tr	0	" What 's going on ? "
tr	0	Our gun was still firing .
tr	0	I asked , " Casualties ? "
tr	0	Jim we still got communications ? "
tr	0	She flung her arms around my neck .
tr	0	After dinner , Allan took me aside .
tr	0	Don 't forget your the CO. .
tr	0	Now are there any questions ?
tr	0	Dan I 'll start with you . "
tr	0	Cindy and Linda entered and sat .
tr	0	I said , " Certainly Linda .
tr	0	Have any questions or concerns ?
tr	0	I 'll tell you why .
tr	0	I called my first crisis meeting .
tr	0	" Who has any experience ? "
tr	0	" Yes Sir . "
tr	0	Next morning I sent for Herb .
tr	0	I cornered Herb first chance I got .
tr	0	Have a cup of coffee instead . "
tr	0	See how easy that was .
tr	0	He looked puzzled " When Sir ? "
tr	0	One young man stood up .
tr	0	I plan on proceeding to Key West .
tr	0	And he pointed to his forehead . "
tr	0	Abe echoed my sentiments .
tr	0	Bishop , and give him your requests .
tr	0	Connie piped up , " Two . "
tr	0	" One of your girls . "
tr	0	She asked , " Who ? "
tr	0	I told Jim and Herb that evening .
tr	0	Herb you might ask Doc .
tr	0	that might help . "
tr	0	Herb send Sam in here . "
tr	0	Dennis quickly went to work .
tr	0	I asked Dennis how things had gone .
tr	0	Thank you for coming in . "
tr	0	I said , " I agree . "
tr	0	She said , " Like what ? "
tr	0	Do you feel comfortable doing this ? "
tr	0	You 've been so restless tonight . "
tr	0	I notice you have a truck .
tr	0	" Get anything interesting ? "
tr	0	I said , " Certainly Herb . "
tr	0	" Jim your next . "
tr	0	" What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	Jeff stared at me .
tr	0	Dennis came to see me .
tr	0	I said , " What ? "
tr	0	Capt. G. Collins , Pisces .
tr	0	Then her eyes closed .
tr	0	I was in limbo waiting for news .
tr	0	I felt someone gently shaking my shoulder .
tr	0	" Sir , wake up . "
tr	0	" Linda what is it ? "
tr	0	I grabbed the mike and shouted .
tr	0	Then she squeezed my hand .
tr	0	I said , " Yeah . "
tr	0	Sam said , " Get out-of-the-way . "
tr	0	We sat in the cockpit .
tr	0	I 'll level with you .
tr	0	There would be a reply tomorrow .
tr	0	As usual Allan had the last word .
tr	0	Next day the other shoe dropped .
tr	0	Connie was first to speak .
tr	0	Instead , they continued to speculate .
tr	0	as have those running for office .
tr	0	In essence , drivel .
tr	0	Are we always 100 percent right ?
tr	0	A Wildlife Officer friend told us .
tr	0	Their farm implements were simply superb .
tr	0	Can she really do that ?
tr	0	Tolerance has many definitions and meanings .
tr	0	Our economy is totally dependent on energy .
tr	0	Stop promoting ethanol made from food crops .
tr	0	OK , great but what niche ?
tr	0	What in this knowledge could further Nature ?
tr	0	There were two ways to approach this .
tr	0	She is neither malevolent nor benevolent .
tr	0	Dictatorship or democracy she cares not .
tr	0	Who are they to tell us different ?
tr	0	but that was eight wet seasons ago .
tr	0	no more raiders even .
tr	0	but that was over twenty years ago .
tr	0	The following morning he was gone .
tr	0	She missed her children ... ... .
tr	0	particularly Gema ... ... .
tr	0	It was never spoken of .
tr	0	The noise woke her husband .
tr	0	How can I discuss this with her ?
tr	0	He is too proud ... ... . .
tr	0	but he will hunt tomorrow . "
tr	0	Gema always leading the way ... . .
tr	0	the festival , " she thought .
tr	0	The day passed ... . .
tr	0	a normal day ... . .
tr	0	We should carve another before the rains .
tr	0	The visitors continued their quiet orderly advance .
tr	0	No traditional dress , no traditional weapons .
tr	0	they knew what they were doing .
tr	0	They had almost disappeared in the glare .
tr	0	The injured were dispatched with the parang .
tr	0	said Jennings standing up .
tr	0	" Sorry Corp got held up . "
tr	0	" Hmmm ... ... . '
tr	0	He remembered her coming into his office .
tr	0	She seemed to have an inner strength .
tr	0	something soft in a very hard world .
tr	0	What an enigma she was .
tr	0	Lord God ... ... ... .
tr	0	We need some facts .
tr	0	He picked up the phone ... . "
tr	0	Mason thought about George Mudd .
tr	0	" You sent for me sir ? "
tr	0	Pull up a chair .
tr	0	Wan na cuppa ? "
tr	0	Mason took a sip of his tea .
tr	0	Usual stuff ... . .
tr	0	mud in the wet ... .
tr	0	sores ... leaches galore ... ... . .
tr	0	" Why do you ask ? "
tr	0	Mason took another sip of his tea .
tr	0	We 'll establish an alternative LZ .
tr	0	" George ... . .
tr	0	by the way ... . .
tr	0	" That 'll be fine Paddy .
tr	0	if we 've any left . "
tr	0	I 'll get to it later .
tr	0	She looked up more composed now .
tr	0	Mason marveled at her English .
tr	0	She brought him out of his reverie .
tr	0	He sat at his desk .
tr	0	or is it ? "
tr	0	" Morning Dickie ... .
tr	0	Got him thinking about it .
tr	0	Gurney started to laugh .
tr	0	Gurney was quiet for a few seconds .
tr	0	it 's a small world you know .
tr	0	Dickie 's heart took a lurch .
tr	0	Will there be anything else sir ? "
tr	0	Bye for now . "
tr	0	" He 's quite right of course .
tr	0	but how do I really feel ? "
tr	0	get Mudd back in here ... . .
tr	0	quick as you can . "
tr	0	" So what 's the verdict ? "
tr	0	" Verdict on what sir ? "
tr	0	retorted the Captain sounding irritated .
tr	0	" What 's eating him ?
tr	0	" Well sir ... .
tr	0	then take a real good look around .
tr	0	Sound OK to you sir ? "
tr	0	organize the extraction when you 're ready .
tr	0	" You know ... .
tr	0	but not on the beach . "
tr	0	He couldn 't keep up with her .
tr	0	no sign ... . .
tr	0	He was startled ... .
tr	0	she was just suddenly there .
tr	0	She laughed and turned to face him .
tr	0	The jungle is my friend and companion .
tr	0	He looked down at her .
tr	0	He was at least a head taller .
tr	0	She smelled of cinnamon , of citrus .
tr	0	how could it ever be ?
tr	0	" I think we found it sir .
tr	0	What do you fellas think ? "
tr	0	" What about weapons George ? "
tr	0	Mudd thought for a few seconds .
tr	0	" OK sir ... . .
tr	0	They are my parents ... .
tr	0	I have no choice either . "
tr	0	The tears ran down her face .
tr	0	You should know how I feel .
tr	0	no more than that . "
tr	0	I won 't mention it again .
tr	0	Why was the Colonel involved in this ?
tr	0	" Think we got ta problem boss .
tr	0	She struggled to speak ... . "
tr	0	so I did . "
tr	0	sagging in her chair .
tr	0	but that was it .
tr	0	Now that space was empty ... ... .
tr	0	Wilkinson came back from the cockpit .
tr	0	jump on the green .
tr	0	" Stand up ! "
tr	0	" Lock ' n load ! "
tr	0	shouted Mudd over the din .
tr	0	" Stand in the door ! "
tr	0	One eye on the altimeter .
tr	0	The sudden jerk of arrested movement .
tr	0	No sign of life .
tr	0	George nodded in agreement .
tr	0	" All done ... . .
tr	0	Everyone nodded in agreement .
tr	0	Harry disappeared out of the thicket .
tr	0	" Standard procedure ? "
tr	0	two getting some kip ... . .
tr	0	two on two off ? "
tr	0	the three nodded their agreement .
tr	0	no fucking snoring ! "
tr	0	stretched out on his poncho ... . .
tr	0	a pile of blackened rubble ... .
tr	0	The other two nodded their heads .
tr	0	Still he didn 't move ... . .
tr	0	just as theirs made them visible .
tr	0	Robbie knew that too .
tr	0	Nothing in sight ... .
tr	0	his thoughts came back to the team .
tr	0	hopefully their shortest and easiest .
tr	0	" Gents ... . .
tr	0	Harry had already disappeared into the underbrush .
tr	0	then again ... . .
tr	0	then again ... ... brass ... .
tr	0	Harry had already returned .
tr	0	" Holy shit ! "
tr	0	The casing was 5.56 mm .
tr	0	The house didn 't answer .
tr	0	" Where the hell 's Gema ?
tr	0	she 's usually home by now . "
tr	0	They were lucky really .
tr	0	We 've never been to his place .
tr	0	So he 'd looked for work .
tr	0	the money she made .
tr	0	colonialism at its worst . "
tr	0	" Dickie ... . .
tr	0	Wendy 's really excited about it . "
tr	0	Now she had the opportunity to return .
tr	0	~ ~ ~ Chapter 5 Going home .
tr	0	For her it was like coming home .
tr	0	No more the military traffic she remembered .
tr	0	Where we are going ... . .
tr	0	It is at it was . "
tr	0	Wendy was starting to look worried .
tr	0	don 't forget ... .
tr	0	this is what I was !
tr	0	They could trust him with their lives .
tr	0	Gema smiled and gave the traditional greeting .
tr	0	We can leave now . "
tr	0	Gema nodded her understanding .
tr	0	I check our six . "
tr	0	Gema smiled at the military jargon .
tr	0	The dark comes quickly in the tropics .
tr	0	this is my home . "
tr	0	They 're still here somewhere .
tr	0	" Trooper Mac has given me instructions .
tr	0	There we are to bivouac overnight .
tr	0	This will be hard going now .
tr	0	There are no trails ... .
tr	0	Aku tahu tempat ini . "
tr	0	" What did he say ? "
tr	0	Wendy thought she was going to die .
tr	0	Her muscles screamed for respite .
tr	0	the jungle fighter 's way .
tr	0	Gema 's heart jumped in her chest .
tr	0	It will be dark soon .
tr	0	still dark brown and oily .
tr	0	The jungle had done its job .
tr	0	Gema 's eyes misted over .
tr	0	on this very spot .
tr	0	Her mother stopped and turned .
tr	0	" I 'm looking for a grave .
tr	0	this might be my parents . "
tr	0	" What happened here ? "
tr	0	" Ada yang tahu .
tr	0	She 'd only just made it here .
tr	0	Too quickly it was time to leave .
tr	0	George lined up and swung slowly .
tr	0	leaving about twenty feet for a birdy .
tr	0	This golf course was his home course .
tr	0	just around the corner really ... ... .
tr	0	at least the other guys didn 't .
tr	0	" Hey George ... .
tr	0	" What you whispering about Trooper ? "
tr	0	So how 's the business George ?
tr	0	George mulled this over for a minute .
tr	0	" You know you 're right Harry .
tr	0	The driver never caught .
tr	0	No ' we ' any more .
tr	0	People not knowing what to say .
tr	0	thinking he was being kind .
tr	0	Shopping list on the fridge .
tr	0	The magazine she had been reading .
tr	0	The overwhelming sense of emptiness .
tr	0	more than most he supposed .
tr	0	That was his job ... . .
tr	0	Don 't dwell on it ... .
tr	0	it 's just there ... . .
tr	0	move on , have a drink !
tr	0	This is , was , his wife .
tr	0	They 'd been trying for a baby .
tr	0	didn 't really care .
tr	0	Here he was in his element .
tr	0	She was there all the time ... .
tr	0	She became a benevolent specter .
tr	0	Harry interrupted his daydreaming .
tr	0	George thought about this for a moment .
tr	0	" What will you do Harry ?
tr	0	Course he shouldn 't complain .
tr	0	His shoes were well shined ... .
tr	0	He drew contentedly on his cigar .
tr	0	Run for Heart . "
tr	0	He smiled at the thought .
tr	0	~ ~ ~ Chapter 8 Hereford .
tr	0	" Anything there from Wendy ? "
tr	0	what 's that ? "
tr	0	" Wives included ? "
tr	0	When is it ? "
tr	0	Is that from the golf club ? "
tr	0	" You playing ? "
tr	0	* " So where are they ? "
tr	0	They were standing in the pro shop .
tr	0	bloody daylight robbery ! "
tr	0	" So who 's playing who ? "
tr	0	Ron Gurney walked in .
tr	0	The four shook hands .
tr	0	So where are you from Tony ? "
tr	0	asked George , curious .
tr	0	" Where you from George ? '
tr	0	Harry here lives in Gloucester . "
tr	0	" Visitors have the honor Tony . "
tr	0	See you guys on the tee ... .
tr	0	just a couple of minutes .
tr	0	She asked for guidance .
tr	0	It was vague , without direction .
tr	0	In the shower she thought about him .
tr	0	a second wind ... .
tr	0	a third ... . .
tr	0	not that things were great before .
tr	0	He was bored to tears .
tr	0	Finally he got a job ... ... .
tr	0	She loved it ... . .
tr	0	He was a wise man .
tr	0	The miles clicked off steadily ... . .
tr	0	bypass Birmingham ... . .
tr	0	... M6 towards Manchester .
tr	0	the whole area had seen better days .
tr	0	You could buy anything here ... . .
tr	0	All you needed was the cash !
tr	0	" A pro , " thought Avi .
tr	0	" Can you handle four more ? "
tr	0	" What the hell for ? "
tr	0	" How appropriate , " he thought .
tr	0	The smartly dressed gentleman keyed his mike .
tr	0	Chap 's a bloody chameleon .
tr	0	~ ~ ~ Chapter 10 The Reunion .
tr	0	" What are your chaps wearing ? "
tr	0	She 'd cut her hair short ... .
tr	0	No wrinkles yet ... . .
tr	0	couple of laugh lines round her eyes .
tr	0	Her skin was still unblemished .
tr	0	She seemed to shine with good health .
tr	0	You ready yet ? "
tr	0	Curious she opened the envelope .
tr	0	It was bloated and covered in flies .
tr	0	" You alright ? "
tr	0	" Hey Gem what 's up ? "
tr	0	He knew ... . .
tr	0	All those years of doubt ... ... .
tr	0	of not knowing and they knew .
tr	0	if she allowed it .
tr	0	perhaps the very people in the photos .
tr	0	Not perhaps ... . .
tr	0	Control ... ... control .
tr	0	She saw her wince ... ... . "
tr	0	love it , " she thought .
tr	0	His bulk dwarfed her small frame .
tr	0	He smiled at her .
tr	0	She saw genuine warmth in his look .
tr	0	" You remember these chaps Gema ? "
tr	0	" Typical , " she thought .
tr	0	The crowd swirled around her .
tr	0	She felt like a rock .
tr	0	" Is everyone playing golf tomorrow ? "
tr	0	The evening went slowly for her .
tr	0	The noise level increased ... . .
tr	0	Gema seemed to float above it .
tr	0	Not that he really cared .
tr	0	Drive down and meet me there .
tr	0	What an idiot ... . .
tr	0	Satisfied Tony continued on his way .
tr	0	All types were getting involved in it .
tr	0	and that was the lucky ones .
tr	0	Some ended up in hospital .
tr	0	Every now and again someone was killed .
tr	0	just win at all costs .
tr	0	He had no nerves .
tr	0	He 'd seen him before .
tr	0	He went down with a crash .
tr	0	I have to talk to Avi .
tr	0	these are military ... . .
tr	0	Depends what you want too .
tr	0	Avi nodded his head .
tr	0	again Avi nodded his understanding .
tr	0	I will give you a price .
tr	0	There is no negotiation . "
tr	0	" You pay for the drinks .
tr	0	I 'm outta here . "
tr	0	or was it green ?
tr	0	He walked into meeting room number three .
tr	0	asked the Commander and David 's boss .
tr	0	" Who the hell is Tony Wei ?
tr	0	OK let 's get on with it .
tr	0	He took another sip of the coffee .
tr	0	~ ~ ~ Chapter 13 The beginning .
tr	0	" Good beer , terrific cider .
tr	0	What more can a man want ? "
tr	0	" Pint as usual ? "
tr	0	Jennie was his partner .
tr	0	" How come ? "
tr	0	" What now ? "
tr	0	he said putting down the scalding Starbucks .
tr	0	Not sure what 's going on .
tr	0	There 's something weird about it apparently .
tr	0	Bring the coffees let 's go . "
tr	0	" Who 's been killed ? "
tr	0	" Who found him ? "
tr	0	" Who is he though ? "
tr	0	" That 's Sergeant to you constable .
tr	0	She waved David down the hill .
tr	0	" You OK with this Jen ? "
tr	0	She turned back to the bunker .
tr	0	" How did he get here ? "
tr	0	I 've no idea .
tr	0	As for identification , nothing yet .
tr	0	Not much help I 'm afraid . "
tr	0	She 's pretty shook up .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	David thought for a few moments .
tr	0	some of it at least . "
tr	0	She sounded a bit hurt .
tr	0	Course they 're not completely stupid .
tr	0	I 've been around a bit too .
tr	0	I was in Malaya and Borneo .
tr	0	My contacts are pretty good .
tr	0	He looked at the items .
tr	0	" Jennings , " a voice answered .
tr	0	Jennings 's military experience was classified !
tr	0	Purely coincidental was the consensus of opinion .
tr	0	1900 hundred hours okay ? "
tr	0	" So what 's next ? "
tr	0	By the way ... ... .
tr	0	There was nothing as she expected .
tr	0	They served in Malaya together and Borneo .
tr	0	He was probably about forty five .
tr	0	We were in the same team .
tr	0	" Do you remember their names ? "
tr	0	asked Jenn , intuition she thought .
tr	0	As for Jennings I 've no idea .
tr	0	Certainly take more than one ... . .
tr	0	Jennie looked round the tastefully decorated room .
tr	0	He looked at her .
tr	0	Robbie McElroy is my manager there .
tr	0	He looked at her seriously .
tr	0	" There is ? "
tr	0	It stinks ... . .
tr	0	that 's what it does . "
tr	0	" How did you find Mudd ? "
tr	0	McElroy works for George Mudd in Brunei .
tr	0	so there is a connection . "
tr	0	He was like a Colonel Blimp .
tr	0	Jennie took the call .
tr	0	but we got it eventually .
tr	0	Another connection ... ... . .
tr	0	* It started to rain .
tr	0	as though she were somewhere else .
tr	0	It was under consideration .
tr	0	Dickie didn 't even look up .
tr	0	We do nothing together any more .
tr	0	It would work out very well .
tr	0	but not here ... . .
tr	0	not in this house .
tr	0	Dickie continued to stare into the fireplace .
tr	0	she said seemingly alarmed .
tr	0	" Just routine I suppose .
tr	0	it was a spectacular room .
tr	0	It glowed in the sunlight .
tr	0	" Shit ... . .
tr	0	a deep voice asked .
tr	0	Can you get out here ?
tr	0	How 's lunchtime sound ? "
tr	0	I 'll drive . "
tr	0	It 's bloody exasperating ! "
tr	0	" Can I get you something ?
tr	0	The different jurisdictions work on their own .
tr	0	" You remember him then ? "
tr	0	I converted them to guest rooms . "
tr	0	* " Interesting sort of bloke .
tr	0	We just have to unravel it somehow .
tr	0	~ ~ ~ Chapter 17 Dancing .
tr	0	His thoughts turned to Gema .
tr	0	He hardly ever saw her any more .
tr	0	It was almost dark .
tr	0	he thought to himself .
tr	0	the God of War of the Iban .
tr	0	" Hear me my Father .
tr	0	I learnt at your feet .
tr	0	when are you coming down ? "
tr	0	The problem might well be George Mudd !
tr	0	He is tough and obviously very focused .
tr	0	Pretty scary now I think about it .
tr	0	He 's very quiet about it all .
tr	0	Two ... ... . .
tr	0	" Do you shoot ? "
tr	0	asked the deep voice .
tr	0	" Do I what ? '
tr	0	" It might be interesting .
tr	0	" No underwear even ? "
tr	0	Want me to pick you up ? "
tr	0	He was waiting outside when she arrived .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" No business today . "
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Yes , " he replied .
tr	0	" Want the same Frank ? "
tr	0	You going to stay the night here ?
tr	0	did you make a reservation ? "
tr	0	Paddy lit a smoke .
tr	0	" OK Frank ... . .
tr	0	what 's up ... . .
tr	0	what 's all this about ? "
tr	0	Have to think about it a bit .
tr	0	* The Commander most certainly was pissed .
tr	0	Make sure he gets all the information .
tr	0	Keep me in the loop . "
tr	0	He glanced over at Jennie .
tr	0	" You warm enough ? "
tr	0	The club was definitely upscale .
tr	0	have you shot trap before ? "
tr	0	I 'm sure this is different . "
tr	0	They walked back to the car .
tr	0	I already knew you were qualified . "
tr	0	Anyway try it out and see . "
tr	0	Jennie looked a little peeved .
tr	0	" Don 't blame David Jen .
tr	0	I know what you 're thinking .
tr	0	" Kick your shoes off ... . .
tr	0	George gazed into the fire .
tr	0	Its five years ago now ... .
tr	0	probably why I joined the SAS .
tr	0	" The problem is ... . .
tr	0	too damn big anyway .
tr	0	really to warn him ... .
tr	0	although of what I 'm not sure .
tr	0	His mobile vibrated in his pocket .
tr	0	just intel for now though ! "
tr	0	He then called Jennie .
tr	0	she was familiar now .
tr	0	" So what now ? "
tr	0	He smiled grimly his face turning hard .
tr	0	George looked relaxed but still tired .
tr	0	Well OK if you prefer .
tr	0	They couldn 't be more different .
tr	0	" What about Robbie McElroy ?
tr	0	sometimes with a Bergen on my back .
tr	0	What I need is a shower !
tr	0	Got a spare toothbrush ? "
tr	0	Gema is a traditionalist .
tr	0	like I said a traditionalist .
tr	0	She 's smart and she 's tough .
tr	0	bit of a mystery that ... ... .
tr	0	Even took it to the UN .
tr	0	Waste of bloody time that .
tr	0	I 'll never stop loving you .
tr	0	He smiled to himself .
tr	0	Later he called Frank Jennings .
tr	0	" It 's a go !
tr	0	It just fit ... ... ... . .
tr	0	* Jennie pushed the doorbell again .
tr	0	She turned to leave .
tr	0	" Can I help you ? "
tr	0	" So who are you ? "
tr	0	" What about Mrs. Mason ? "
tr	0	She seems to be away a lot .
tr	0	" No Miss ... .
tr	0	That 's all we know . "
tr	0	She was quite emphatic about it .
tr	0	So that makes nine ... . .
tr	0	eight for sure I think .
tr	0	Good enough crowd for dinner . "
tr	0	They were almost full already .
tr	0	* " We 're an item ! "
tr	0	* It was bloody cold .
tr	0	never mind the noise .
tr	0	The ammunition was different though .
tr	0	playing fields ... ... .
tr	0	the old control tower .
tr	0	all closed for the night .
tr	0	Tonight he couldn 't sleep .
tr	0	He looked at the clock again .
tr	0	The clock said 0400 hours ... .
tr	0	half an hour to go .
tr	0	Everybody should be in position by now .
tr	0	Within ten feet they were virtually invisible .
tr	0	The entire exercise took seven minutes !
tr	0	I 'm going to take the chopper .
tr	0	The Commander was reading the inventory report .
tr	0	now there 's a coincidence ! "
tr	0	The Commander looked up and smiled .
tr	0	He 'd been coming here for years .
tr	0	someone to chat to .
tr	0	Not so this evening .
tr	0	One of them looked vaguely familiar .
tr	0	No neighbors or anything .
tr	0	They walked him into the kitchen .
tr	0	" Would you like some tea ? "
tr	0	milk and sugar ? "
tr	0	the cultured one again .
tr	0	He smiled at John .
tr	0	only fair after all .
tr	0	The room now was getting quite warm .
tr	0	do we have any biscuits ? "
tr	0	" Has he passed out ?
tr	0	" Goodness ... . .
tr	0	He tried to move .
tr	0	" Good show ... .
tr	0	John tried to speak .
tr	0	Jennings as the source ... ... .
tr	0	Avi as the client .
tr	0	yea and cows can fly he thought .
tr	0	I should be so lucky .
tr	0	His mind twisted and turned .
tr	0	Patience was his only friend just now .
tr	0	He was jogging his normal route .
tr	0	His heart almost stopped .
tr	0	He couldn 't breathe .
tr	0	There was no sensation .
tr	0	he no longer felt anything .
tr	0	" You following protocol ? "
tr	0	enough that we have it for now .
tr	0	" So what are you suggesting ? "
tr	0	There are some unknowns too .
tr	0	The Commander chipped in .
tr	0	the MPs can take him down easily .
tr	0	The problem is in London and Ireland .
tr	0	just the six of them . "
tr	0	The problem will be Mr. Joe Public .
tr	0	The odds are that they 're not .
tr	0	You and David should do the interview .
tr	0	" You mean all week ? "
tr	0	that includes cooking the Christmas Dinner .
tr	0	Gema Mason is coming together with Wendy .
tr	0	Just hope there isn 't any unpleasantness .
tr	0	" What about the warehouse ? "
tr	0	All the windows are barred .
tr	0	Tony Wei goes to a safe house .
tr	0	we want them alive . "
tr	0	The SAS Captain keyed his mike .
tr	0	wait for my command . "
tr	0	The door rose electrically .
tr	0	The overhead door closed silently .
tr	0	no rush he 's dead ! "
tr	0	three of us . "
tr	0	the question is ... ... ... ... .
tr	0	how naughty ... ... ... .
tr	0	so what have we got here ? "
tr	0	" Oh boy ... .
tr	0	They 're all brand new ... . .
tr	0	still in their packing grease .
tr	0	Interpol are working on that in Amsterdam .
tr	0	obviously payment for the guns .
tr	0	we 'll keep on looking though .
tr	0	a refuge ... ... a cave almost .
tr	0	They had taken to each other immediately .
tr	0	She smiled at the thought .
tr	0	" What are you laughing at ? "
tr	0	who 's drinking what ? "
tr	0	George poured all three large single malts .
tr	0	just help yourself to drinks . "
tr	0	and she should know . "
tr	0	He won 't say anything .
tr	0	no matter for how long .
tr	0	and I mean anything .
tr	0	We just have to be vigilant .
tr	0	and of course he has you now .
tr	0	he asked happiness in his voice .
tr	0	" Who 's the ten then ? "
tr	0	whole thing is bloody weird !
tr	0	I 'm surprised they 're coming . "
tr	0	The day was drawing to a close .
tr	0	He passed Robbie a small package .
tr	0	George ripped the paper off .
tr	0	" A trap machine !
tr	0	what a wonderful idea . "
tr	0	" Careful it 's quite heavy .
tr	0	the Sultan himself would be impressed .
tr	0	he says it 's urgent . "
tr	0	even the Irishmen ... ... .
tr	0	" What do you think Robbie ? "
tr	0	" Mine too ... ... .
tr	0	lots to do today .
tr	0	you look great this morning .
tr	0	He shook George 's hand .
tr	0	George served himself last and sat down .
tr	0	I trust them both implicitly . "
tr	0	" Well I never ... ... .
tr	0	suggested George giving Jennie a questioning look .
tr	0	Mother and daughter walked into the study .
tr	0	Her most startling feature was her eyes .
tr	0	She extended her hand .
tr	0	your father for longer than that . "
tr	0	With that Gema came over .
tr	0	" Yes but which block ? "
tr	0	it 's the strangest arrangement .
tr	0	" How 's that ? "
tr	0	or rather her mother 's heritage .
tr	0	" Have you noticed her eyes ? "
tr	0	" Yes but they 're cold .
tr	0	giving in to the sensation .
tr	0	" Not bad George ... . .
tr	0	" Robbie ... . .
tr	0	George started the conversation .
tr	0	" There 's something weird going on .
tr	0	I just feel it .
tr	0	don 't you agree ? "
tr	0	Terry handed the phone to George .
tr	0	" Jimmy ... ... .
tr	0	no way of telling really .
tr	0	All five need Permits to Carry .
tr	0	It 's a woman ... ... .
tr	0	she 's a copper and very smart .
tr	0	Any questions Jim ? "
tr	0	what we need is more intel . "
tr	0	" Sure got that itchy feeling . "
tr	0	except for when I was away .
tr	0	You would have liked each other .
tr	0	The time is right .
tr	0	tears were streaming down his face .
tr	0	Don 't worry ... ... . .
tr	0	" Who is it please ? "
tr	0	The door closed behind them .
tr	0	David introduced the three of them .
tr	0	Jennie appraised the man .
tr	0	no belts or laces ... ... .
tr	0	all obviously government issue .
tr	0	" You being looked after ? "
tr	0	beats a cell I suppose . "
tr	0	Tony ... ... ... .
tr	0	Sergeant Mudd 's involvement in this ? "
tr	0	again on the golf course . "
tr	0	Got ta get one ... ... .
tr	0	it 's terrific . "
tr	0	got ta get one . "
tr	0	faded with time ... ... .
tr	0	He looked at Tony .
tr	0	" Everything OK Jimmy ? "
tr	0	Other than that everything is fine . "
tr	0	lot easier when she 's here !
tr	0	Robbie what are your plans ? "
tr	0	see the New Year in here .
tr	0	even if he is in Brunei . "
tr	0	he looked and felt beaten ... . .
tr	0	he needed a shave .
tr	0	Without thinking he opened his closet .
tr	0	No that was more of a jangle .
tr	0	He checked the system again ... . .
tr	0	there was still no motion .
tr	0	Captain Mason shot himself ! "
tr	0	He was dressed in his dress blues .
tr	0	The gun had fallen to his side .
tr	0	Hours spent on the golf course .
tr	0	Hours spent in this very room .
tr	0	He knew almost everyone there ... ... .
tr	0	he was in many himself .
tr	0	His thoughts were broken by Jennie .
tr	0	She turned to the crime unit .
tr	0	How empty must the future look ?
tr	0	How alone must you feel ? "
tr	0	we should hear something soon . "
tr	0	" Where 've you been George ? "
tr	0	what 's up ? "
tr	0	" Terry was attacked in the woods .
tr	0	It 's Rafferty ... . .
tr	0	never heard a bloody thing .
tr	0	The boys are on the ball .
tr	0	anyway here 's how it is .
tr	0	George sat there gazing into the fire .
tr	0	Robbie just sat there shaking his head .
tr	0	more people could get hurt ... ... .
tr	0	We know zip ! "
tr	0	where was the family ?
tr	0	he has some news I think . "
tr	0	They sat huddled over the speakerphone .
tr	0	" Any sign of Gema ? "
tr	0	" Where 's Wendy ? "
tr	0	Jennie looked around the large room .
tr	0	The ticket was bought by you . "
tr	0	" Are you arresting me ? "
tr	0	" It 's bloody freaky ... . .
tr	0	" Where are you Jimmy ? "
tr	0	Now it was the rainy season .
tr	0	She breathed a sigh of satisfaction .
tr	0	" Robbie McElroy please . "
tr	0	" I 'm sorry Miss Mason .
tr	0	" I 'm not sure .
tr	0	You seem quieter now ... ... . .
tr	0	more at home . "
tr	0	My mother understands this .
tr	0	I have been on a plane .
tr	0	I have been in a helicopter . "
tr	0	It was summer there ... ... .
tr	0	Everything seemed to be grey ... .
tr	0	it ' s disgusting . "
tr	0	To me that is beyond being coincidental .
tr	0	" Ask your questions then . "
tr	0	" Jennings was also in Sarawak .
tr	0	I haven 't seen him since . "
tr	0	" Where 's Wendy ? "
tr	0	asked George from the window .
tr	0	" Do you know Tony Wei ? "
tr	0	David stood up and stretched his back .
tr	0	She thought for a moment .
tr	0	She strode back past the cathedral .
tr	0	Jen took another pull on her pint .
tr	0	His phone vibrated in his pocket .
tr	0	he asked the uniform .
tr	0	Two slowly moving fans moved the air .
tr	0	where is she anyway ? "
tr	0	He looked carefully at her .
tr	0	She was still a beautiful woman .
tr	0	I 'll tell you about it later .
tr	0	Call me at home .
tr	0	" We haven 't .
tr	0	" I could do with something different .
tr	0	We 'll stay in the lowlands .
tr	0	They operate over the tops .
tr	0	What 's happening ? "
tr	0	The line went dead .
tr	0	Gema Mason was from that village .
tr	0	The Commander chipped in .
tr	0	Anyone have any ideas ?
tr	0	he asked the group in general .
tr	0	Anyone want another drink ?
tr	0	Are you surviving without me ?
tr	0	Good put him on . "
tr	0	He broke into fluent Malay .
tr	0	She 's still in Bandar he thinks .
tr	0	Her mind went back to the photo .
tr	0	The whole idea was farfetched even ludicrous .
tr	0	Gema strode off down Gloucester Place .
tr	0	He was a wise man !
tr	0	" Identify yourselves please . "
tr	0	Nod your head if you understand . "
tr	0	Happy to be alive I think .
tr	0	Just gives me a bloody headache .
tr	0	They 're in and around the house .
tr	0	I was watching the Bowmore going down .
tr	0	She had needed to get away .
tr	0	It was already getting dark .
tr	0	The house is isolated and quiet .
tr	0	Nod your head if you understand . "
tr	0	Tony nodded his head .
tr	0	whoever she might be .
tr	0	She 's thought everything out .
tr	0	It will explain everything .
tr	0	" I do , " said George .
tr	0	Jesus ... what 's going on ? "
tr	0	Tony slumped in the chair .
tr	0	The terrorists needed a guide .
tr	0	" Is she on her own ? "
tr	0	The phone rang for quite some time .
tr	0	" Yes , " she answered .
tr	0	" Gema ... it 's me George .
tr	0	She was quiet for a while .
tr	0	It was my brother ! "
tr	0	to one side the blood stained parang .
tr	0	" Yea we could do that Rob .
tr	0	love that place . "
tr	0	They set off the following morning .
tr	0	He looked back and saw nothing .
tr	0	Slowly the figure turned around .
tr	0	" Wendy Mason , " he whispered .
tr	0	My family 's honor demanded vengeance .
tr	0	George hung his head .
tr	0	He knew he couldn 't fight her .
tr	0	His arm hung useless at his side .
tr	0	but you were wrong . "
tr	0	" I got your six boss . "
tr	0	The motivation for this book .
tr	0	You are a blessing .
tr	0	My children I love you guys .
tr	0	What a blessing you have become .
tr	0	Bone weary , they entered the carriage .
tr	0	I never saw such a big man .
tr	0	There is something different in him .
tr	0	Faro Iago 's reputation preceded him .
tr	0	Like this man had .
tr	0	An impossible dream for any hardened sailor .
tr	0	Cisco sighed and closed his eyes .
tr	0	A sway he hardly noticed anymore .
tr	0	The fragile lady admired Cisco .
tr	0	He is within his rights of course .
tr	0	As a sailor I know this .
tr	0	But how can I ignore her ?
tr	0	She is a pleasure to have around .
tr	0	I am just a sailor .
tr	0	I can offer her nothing .
tr	0	I will have to keep my distance .
tr	0	But I do miss him .
tr	0	I saw some of the slaves today .
tr	0	Met a young Indian girl .
tr	0	Her name is Kayla .
tr	0	She is more beautiful up close .
tr	0	That would be a mistake .
tr	0	It can never happen .
tr	0	It could never happen .
tr	0	I am a married woman .
tr	0	There is no future for us .
tr	0	She spoke with Cisco .
tr	0	Did he welcome it ?
tr	0	I cannot take that .
tr	0	The Captain was not pleased .
tr	0	For the love of a sailor .
tr	0	And then there is the lady .
tr	0	But I could not talk to her .
tr	0	I have been warned .
tr	0	What will happen tomorrow ?
tr	0	The Captain worked Cisco almost to death .
tr	0	I heard the men talking .
tr	0	How could Faro do this to me ?
tr	0	I felt so ashamed .
tr	0	Some of the sailors laughed at me .
tr	0	It was hard to leave him there .
tr	0	Tired , thirsty and lonely .
tr	0	I felt betrayed at her actions .
tr	0	It is all my fault .
tr	0	That was all there was to it .
tr	0	But I will have to watch her .
tr	0	It was short but worth it .
tr	0	I simply had to see him .
tr	0	How could they treat him like that ?
tr	0	For a long minute he fought it .
tr	0	He felt the same .
tr	0	I shouldn 't have kissed her .
tr	0	She was worried about me .
tr	0	He seldom listens to anyone .
tr	0	What a beautiful name .
tr	0	I could not blame her .
tr	0	That is where I want to be .
tr	0	I really hoped that was the case .
tr	0	I am afraid for him .
tr	0	Every eye was on us .
tr	0	I felt so ashamed .
tr	0	Her dress revealed everything .
tr	0	How could he embarrass me like this ?
tr	0	I saw Kayla again , briefly .
tr	0	The captain flogged Cisco like an animal .
tr	0	How could he endure it ?
tr	0	He was limp between them .
tr	0	He had to be unconscious .
tr	0	I must do something .
tr	0	I need to find away .
tr	0	It would break her heart .
tr	0	But at least Cisco is better .
tr	0	Alfonso guarded the door at all times .
tr	0	Soon he will be up .
tr	0	I actually loved this time .
tr	0	I know I love him .
tr	0	My stomach churns with every motion .
tr	0	Oh Lord , keep us safe .
tr	0	This was a difficult time for Portugal .
tr	0	Cisco is willing to learn .
tr	0	What a delight the day has been .
tr	0	I can hardly wait .
tr	0	But there was no sign .
tr	0	Her other brother Manuel was the farmer .
tr	0	" Captain , any news ? "
tr	0	" This news is not good .
tr	0	Come , let us go to them .
tr	0	What can be so terrible ?
tr	0	She looked up at him .
tr	0	" Are you well , Captain ? "
tr	0	He gave her a sloppy smile .
tr	0	" Can 't I get the carriage ?
tr	0	It will be more comfortable . "
tr	0	I am use to hardships .
tr	0	Don 't worry about me . "
tr	0	" Jean what is going on ?
tr	0	Are you in pain ?
tr	0	The captain is wounded , look ! "
tr	0	It hurts me too much .
tr	0	You don 't make any sense .
tr	0	Is it about Pedro ?
tr	0	And where is Alfonso ? "
tr	0	" What about Pedro and pirates ? "
tr	0	" Yes , mother . "
tr	0	There is no time to waste ! "
tr	0	Franco 's stallion stood nearby grazing .
tr	0	" Father , what is wrong ? "
tr	0	Consider this a business transaction .
tr	0	Let her bring it .
tr	0	I can use some feminine company .
tr	0	Do not try anything .
tr	0	His life is in your hands .
tr	0	The Falcon " How dare he ? "
tr	0	" How dare he ? "
tr	0	" What is his name ? "
tr	0	He is very sly and very dangerous .
tr	0	He wore black trousers with high boots .
tr	0	" We leave tomorrow morning at six .
tr	0	Be there or bear the consequences . "
tr	0	They were all stunned in disbelief .
tr	0	" How dare you ? "
tr	0	She shouted at his back .
tr	0	And he left her standing there .
tr	0	She melted into the love seat .
tr	0	Words I never thought would stand together .
tr	0	But after yesterday it was true .
tr	0	And soon to be a father .
tr	0	The greatest gift of all .
tr	0	God , Your Word is true .
tr	0	You bless the pure in heart .
tr	0	How awesome is Your Grace .
tr	0	I praise your Holy Name .
tr	0	This is all thanks to Cisco .
tr	0	They would always stay in my mind .
tr	0	Where 's the patient ? "
tr	0	He was wounded . "
tr	0	Her mother was still distracted .
tr	0	Please excuse me . "
tr	0	Again she was filled with outrage .
tr	0	I will give them hell .
tr	0	For now I will play along .
tr	0	I will bring Pedro back safely . "
tr	0	I will go and get him ! "
tr	0	He had to tend to the farm .
tr	0	How would they live with themselves ?
tr	0	" Yes , mama . "
tr	0	" Yes , Father . "
tr	0	She hardly remembered her biological father .
tr	0	I will be fine .
tr	0	I will be all right .
tr	0	Just believe in me , please . "
tr	0	Please calm down . "
tr	0	She said with much conviction .
tr	0	" No , mother . "
tr	0	She allowed them to run freely .
tr	0	The turmoil of our journey plagued her .
tr	0	Faro never attempted to help them .
tr	0	Not that I would have let him .
tr	0	Those days were hard on my lady .
tr	0	But she never complained .
tr	0	I can kiss her all I want .
tr	0	She is my joy , my delight .
tr	0	I will love her always .
tr	0	She loves her daddy so much .
tr	0	Her laughter fills the castle .
tr	0	People scrambled to get to it first .
tr	0	Someone found rotten maize .
tr	0	Two people died afterwards .
tr	0	He was a cruel man .
tr	0	Her death was senseless .
tr	0	Those were trying times .
tr	0	Our endurance was pushed to the limit .
tr	0	The whole place looked alive and festive .
tr	0	They had said all they could .
tr	0	His chuckle sent fury into her eyes .
tr	0	She pulled her chin up .
tr	0	Please follow me . "
tr	0	Well , I am here now .
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	I will stay here .
tr	0	Immediately she raised her voice in anger .
tr	0	Who does this man think she is ?
tr	0	The nerve of this man .
tr	0	The familiar stern voice greeted her .
tr	0	Can I ask why not ? "
tr	0	Defiance was in her own cold voice .
tr	0	Please leave my room . "
tr	0	I will give him hell !
tr	0	" Where is my food ?
tr	0	" Well I never ! "
tr	0	She was determined not to cave in .
tr	0	" That conceited man .
tr	0	How dare he ? "
tr	0	" He is the captain .
tr	0	" Is that right ? "
tr	0	she asked in a sarcastic tone .
tr	0	" Where is he ? "
tr	0	" That is correct .
tr	0	Did you change your mind ? "
tr	0	" No , but it is inhuman .
tr	0	How dare you not give me anything ?
tr	0	Not even water ? "
tr	0	She could physically harm him by now .
tr	0	" You are a bastard ! "
tr	0	Pierre , his second-in-command , asked .
tr	0	She is a real wildcat .
tr	0	It will be interesting to tame her .
tr	0	That is mine . "
tr	0	Roberto liked what he saw .
tr	0	My first impressions of her were correct .
tr	0	Roberto chuckled to himself .
tr	0	He knew his friend .
tr	0	What a wonderful , brilliant child .
tr	0	For weeks we did not speak .
tr	0	What a fool I was .
tr	0	And how much precious time we missed .
tr	0	Now I know better .
tr	0	What a glorious time that was .
tr	0	he asked without looking up .
tr	0	She looked at him .
tr	0	Her lips burned with thirst .
tr	0	" Yes , please . "
tr	0	He had to hand it to her .
tr	0	Pierre had already left without her noticing .
tr	0	He met her gaze .
tr	0	Ahh , the thorns , he smiled .
tr	0	The bath would be a welcome diversion .
tr	0	" I hate him ! "
tr	0	" I really hate him . "
tr	0	The ship clove the clear waters .
tr	0	His back ripped open from the lashes .
tr	0	Cisco was always there .
tr	0	Things at sea could change very quickly .
tr	0	She lived a bitter and lonely life .
tr	0	That was the love she sought .
tr	0	She would not accept this .
tr	0	Tears of frustration ran down her cheeks .
tr	0	The men were deep in conversation .
tr	0	She was looking forlorn .
tr	0	" Yes , thank you . "
tr	0	Roberto watched her from across the table .
tr	0	He wondered what she was thinking about .
tr	0	Could it still be difficult for her ?
tr	0	She reminded him of his mother .
tr	0	She could be wild and passionate .
tr	0	Not a very pretty picture .
tr	0	He would not allow it .
tr	0	But that cost her dearly .
tr	0	And when opportunity knocked he took it .
tr	0	I could not allow this .
tr	0	I had a hard time with this .
tr	0	Starved and tired , we went on .
tr	0	I would never forget that kiss .
tr	0	He cannot be trusted !
tr	0	Darkness filled the starry night sky .
tr	0	The quarter moon made it even darker .
tr	0	There was no secret in that information .
tr	0	What do I tell him ?
tr	0	Father saved us that day without wavering .
tr	0	Roberto waited next to her .
tr	0	She looked at him .
tr	0	I miss him awfully .
tr	0	I miss both my parents . "
tr	0	" You confuse me , Captain . "
tr	0	Thanks for the story . "
tr	0	I must hate him !
tr	0	He is a pirate !
tr	0	I am a father now .
tr	0	She is even more beautiful than before .
tr	0	How fortunate and happy I am .
tr	0	She wants to help with everything .
tr	0	What a sweet , strong-willed child .
tr	0	I felt it would never stop .
tr	0	I would never return to that place .
tr	0	† † † " Sails ahoy ! "
tr	0	" Can I see the papers ? "
tr	0	Roberto handed him their manifesto .
tr	0	" All seems in order .
tr	0	May I walk around ? "
tr	0	" Yes , please do .
tr	0	" At home and well . "
tr	0	" Is everything in order ? "
tr	0	" Everything seems fine .
tr	0	Thanks for warning us . "
tr	0	" Good , then .
tr	0	" How did I miss one ? "
tr	0	Everything seemed in order .
tr	0	All his men were accounted for .
tr	0	Something was not right .
tr	0	He sent word to Enrico .
tr	0	He tried to appease Roberto .
tr	0	" Yes , Captain . "
tr	0	Pierre caught it just in time .
tr	0	The situation was critical .
tr	0	" Then the ship would have returned .
tr	0	You are mad to suggest this .
tr	0	This undertaking was of the highest risk .
tr	0	Not that I could blame her .
tr	0	He was growing strong and healthy .
tr	0	We had to flee late at night .
tr	0	That only revealed her real feelings .
tr	0	This displeased him greatly .
tr	0	That means live or die .
tr	0	Nightmares still woke me during the night .
tr	0	How could she do this ?
tr	0	Roberto gritted his teeth .
tr	0	Pierre let him be .
tr	0	It did not make sense .
tr	0	Pierre asked during supper .
tr	0	" We are entering dangerous waters .
tr	0	He knew their lives were in danger .
tr	0	Would she be okay ?
tr	0	He knew that much .
tr	0	His men were his responsibility .
tr	0	" He will understand . "
tr	0	It 's his laws , remember ? "
tr	0	And Pierre sighed , shaking his head .
tr	0	" And the storm ? "
tr	0	Who will go with us ? "
tr	0	No point in arguing .
tr	0	Yes , he knew Falcon .
tr	0	He was as bad as they came .
tr	0	Her life and theirs were at stake .
tr	0	He grimaced at the thought .
tr	0	He wondered what it could have been .
tr	0	No one had moved .
tr	0	Yet it was puzzling .
tr	0	It was a painfully slow journey .
tr	0	" Yes , " came the reply .
tr	0	It does not add up . "
tr	0	" What could it mean ? "
tr	0	Roberto said deep in thought .
tr	0	and Pierre raised a brow .
tr	0	So many blessings to be grateful for .
tr	0	The medicine woman confirmed my suspicions today .
tr	0	Cisco is overwhelmed once again .
tr	0	What a beautiful , handsome boy .
tr	0	Cisco is teaching him everything he knows .
tr	0	Cisco fills my days with happiness .
tr	0	What more could I ask ?
tr	0	Tired lines marked the filthy young face .
tr	0	Why did she hide ?
tr	0	Her shapely legs drew his attention .
tr	0	Three open buttons revealed her delicate skin .
tr	0	His body demanded attention .
tr	0	This would be interesting .
tr	0	Her head wanted to split in two .
tr	0	His appearance was perfect .
tr	0	" No , dammit !
tr	0	It was another dead end .
tr	0	She went to investigate .
tr	0	She introduced herself to him in whisper .
tr	0	She could do nothing for him .
tr	0	He raised a dark brow .
tr	0	She nodded her head .
tr	0	and Pierre gasped in shock .
tr	0	He was taking it too far .
tr	0	" Yes , exactly . "
tr	0	" She is a woman ! "
tr	0	Pierre knew this tone .
tr	0	But she was a woman .
tr	0	This could simply not happen .
tr	0	" How do you know this ? "
tr	0	" They are looking for someone .
tr	0	It was not safe there .
tr	0	" Please believe me . "
tr	0	" Fasten her to the railing ! "
tr	0	Was their captain out of his mind ?
tr	0	Surely he would not whip a woman .
tr	0	It was not done , never .
tr	0	" Get started . "
tr	0	The law of the sea requires this .
tr	0	" Captain , wait .
tr	0	Pierre interrupted , touching his arm .
tr	0	He kept his voice low .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Can we step aside ?
tr	0	She realized she made a mistake .
tr	0	Roberto , you cannot flog this woman !
tr	0	Look at the men . "
tr	0	At first he did not want to .
tr	0	They barely hid their angry glares .
tr	0	" Yes , Roberto .
tr	0	Let her go . "
tr	0	The men sagged with relief .
tr	0	Something I never talked about again .
tr	0	Faro has paid for his sins .
tr	0	What kind of a man was he ?
tr	0	She kept quiet , however .
tr	0	No anger , no humiliation .
tr	0	She had never seen him so furious .
tr	0	She could not hate Roberto .
tr	0	He had saved her .
tr	0	For that she was grateful .
tr	0	She felt at home .
tr	0	There were more pressing issues at hand .
tr	0	I replaced the gag and left .
tr	0	That 's where you found me . "
tr	0	His features looked sullen but still blank .
tr	0	He returned his gaze to her face .
tr	0	He stated the obvious .
tr	0	Those men are in need .
tr	0	We are the closest to help .
tr	0	" My brother will understand .
tr	0	She squeezed his hand .
tr	0	We can make up the difference . "
tr	0	" Give the go ahead .
tr	0	Roberto grinned , his anger forgotten .
tr	0	I was gone for three weeks .
tr	0	She is beautiful when angry .
tr	0	Roberto walked closer to her .
tr	0	" Never do this again ! "
tr	0	" Not much to tell .
tr	0	It was a long time ago .
tr	0	This was his reminder to me . "
tr	0	" It is a beautiful scar . "
tr	0	Her body yearned for his touch .
tr	0	For the moment all was forgotten .
tr	0	This can never be . "
tr	0	Pushing him aside , she stood up .
tr	0	He breathed her in .
tr	0	What was that all about ?
tr	0	He thought she merely intrigued him .
tr	0	He had feelings for her .
tr	0	It was unheard of .
tr	0	" That is good . "
tr	0	His thoughts were not with the maps .
tr	0	She had a sharp mind .
tr	0	His captain would not like the competition .
tr	0	They were going at a good speed .
tr	0	The wooden beams creaked under its force .
tr	0	" Are you feeling better ? "
tr	0	" Yes , thank you .
tr	0	This they had to hear .
tr	0	She shrugged her shoulders casually .
tr	0	" Now wait , Roberto .
tr	0	That sounds like a great plan . "
tr	0	Pierre asked with a grin .
tr	0	His friend was smitten .
tr	0	My life will be safe .
tr	0	There are only ten pirates .
tr	0	We can take them out . "
tr	0	Her logic was too simple for him .
tr	0	Is that clear ? "
tr	0	" Yes , clear . "
tr	0	" I am starving . "
tr	0	He admitted after a few minutes .
tr	0	" Yeah right . "
tr	0	So many things could go wrong .
tr	0	One he had never encountered before .
tr	0	Her laughter rang through the air .
tr	0	Thoughts rushed through him .
tr	0	Come on , man .
tr	0	She is not married to you .
tr	0	He squirmed in his chair .
tr	0	His thoughts stuck on the word married .
tr	0	She was hiding behind the bravado .
tr	0	This is what she was aiming for .
tr	0	I could not stay there any longer .
tr	0	His hands were always groping .
tr	0	" What an insult ! "
tr	0	he thought his face in a scowl .
tr	0	He noticed the men surrounding her .
tr	0	Each man knew what to do .
tr	0	Please hurry , Roberto .
tr	0	There was no mercy for pirates .
tr	0	" I remember your voice .
tr	0	The captain asked in all sincerity .
tr	0	She chuckled with delight .
tr	0	She was falling for the pirate .
tr	0	He knew it was time to leave .
tr	0	Both men held their breath .
tr	0	he asked , meeting her eyes .
tr	0	" Yes , " she nodded .
tr	0	" What an honour !
tr	0	He clapped his hands together in appreciation .
tr	0	" Thank you Captain . "
tr	0	It is of the utmost importance . "
tr	0	" Yes , I will .
tr	0	" Thank you , Captain .
tr	0	Her dress puffed all around her .
tr	0	Roberto looked at her with curiosity .
tr	0	She intrigued him more and more .
tr	0	He admitted after a few minutes .
tr	0	" Yeah right . "
tr	0	So many things could go wrong .
tr	0	One he had never encountered before .
tr	0	Her laughter rang through the air .
tr	0	Thoughts rushed through him .
tr	0	Come on , man .
tr	0	She is not married to you .
tr	0	He squirmed in his chair .
tr	0	His thoughts stuck on the word married .
tr	0	She was hiding behind the bravado .
tr	0	This is what she was aiming for .
tr	0	I could not stay there any longer .
tr	0	His hands were always groping .
tr	0	" What an insult ! "
tr	0	he thought his face in a scowl .
tr	0	He noticed the men surrounding her .
tr	0	Each man knew what to do .
tr	0	Please hurry , Roberto .
tr	0	There was no mercy for pirates .
tr	0	" I remember your voice .
tr	0	The captain asked in all sincerity .
tr	0	She chuckled with delight .
tr	0	She was falling for the pirate .
tr	0	He knew it was time to leave .
tr	0	Both men held their breath .
tr	0	he asked , meeting her eyes .
tr	0	" Yes , " she nodded .
tr	0	" What an honour !
tr	0	He clapped his hands together in appreciation .
tr	0	" Thank you Captain . "
tr	0	It is of the utmost importance . "
tr	0	" Yes , I will .
tr	0	" Thank you , Captain .
tr	0	Her dress puffed all around her .
tr	0	Roberto looked at her with curiosity .
tr	0	She intrigued him more and more .
tr	0	This man might like her .
tr	0	She chuckled while the men grinned .
tr	0	Sadness shadowed her eyes .
tr	0	He would laugh about it .
tr	0	Food was very scarce .
tr	0	Some literally starved to death .
tr	0	" Tell us another one .
tr	0	How were you saved ? "
tr	0	one of the men asked .
tr	0	Mozambique was still far off .
tr	0	" He was gone for four weeks .
tr	0	The image imprinted in her mind .
tr	0	My biological father died during that storm .
tr	0	He meant to travel alone on foot .
tr	0	The memories still haunt me .
tr	0	It was very real .
tr	0	the men asked in confusion .
tr	0	There is no honour in that .
tr	0	Desperately he kicked around him .
tr	0	He had to go after her .
tr	0	Steadily the sailors pulled them in .
tr	0	He swallowed mouthfuls of the salty water .
tr	0	He called out her name in desperation .
tr	0	She was lifeless and pale grey .
tr	0	" It is all right .
tr	0	She will be fine . "
tr	0	She flinched , still unconscious .
tr	0	What a welcome sight .
tr	0	" Yes , please .
tr	0	I hear the storm has calmed down .
tr	0	" It is manageable .
tr	0	Nothing that we cannot repair . "
tr	0	" How do you feel ? "
tr	0	You are a real hero .
tr	0	How will I ever repay you ? "
tr	0	How was this possible ?
tr	0	Last night confirmed it .
tr	0	He wanted her to see it .
tr	0	She was just bathing in his revelation .
tr	0	Her heart sped up another notch .
tr	0	Softly she sighed and leaned into him .
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	I will never hurt you intentionally .
tr	0	Her fingers tingled under his touch .
tr	0	His voice was soft and soothing .
tr	0	Her tiredness was still evident on her .
tr	0	He was tired to the bone .
tr	0	Roberto rushed over to her .
tr	0	He bent over and kissed her .
tr	0	This was not a dream .
tr	0	She leaned forward and kissed him softly .
tr	0	He cupped the bruised face .
tr	0	" I love you . "
tr	0	He touched her cheek softly .
tr	0	" Do you believe me ? "
tr	0	What could it be ?
tr	0	She was tired but happy .
tr	0	She cared about him .
tr	0	She felt safe in his presence .
tr	0	They knew each other well .
tr	0	By now , her wounds had healed .
tr	0	She really missed them all .
tr	0	Leave me alone ! "
tr	0	she screamed , struggling in his hold .
tr	0	" Who is there ? "
tr	0	The doctor seized him .
tr	0	His voice was stern and cold .
tr	0	He was arrogant and defiant .
tr	0	" With one difference .
tr	0	Her scream made her intentions well-known . "
tr	0	Pierre , take him away .
tr	0	" Bastard , lock him up ! "
tr	0	With one pull Pierre led him away .
tr	0	he asked the moment he saw her .
tr	0	" I am all right .
tr	0	A little shaky . "
tr	0	" I will always protect you . "
tr	0	Her answer was critical to him .
tr	0	His presence was secure and strong .
tr	0	She could not deny it anymore .
tr	0	Surprise and joy filled his face .
tr	0	" Yes , I am sure . "
tr	0	" Marry me . "
tr	0	She gasped with delight and shock .
tr	0	Did she hear right ?
tr	0	Did he just propose ?
tr	0	" Rosa , my Rosa . "
tr	0	She was everything he wanted .
tr	0	It pleased him greatly .
tr	0	The news had spread amongst them .
tr	0	He flinched without making a sound .
tr	0	I will be back .
tr	0	Roberto turned and saw her standing there .
tr	0	" Let 's go and eat .
tr	0	I am starving . "
tr	0	She had hardly slept last night .
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	came the gruff reply .
tr	0	" But you saved me .
tr	0	You are too precious to me .
tr	0	She understood what he meant .
tr	0	But still , this was too soon .
tr	0	Her marriage to a pirate no less .
tr	0	" What is wrong , Rosa ? "
tr	0	But this was important to her .
tr	0	She looked at him in dismay .
tr	0	" How , Roberto ? "
tr	0	She touched his face once again .
tr	0	She wanted to be part of him .
tr	0	" Who would marry us ? "
tr	0	" Does this means yes ? "
tr	0	And he kissed her .
tr	0	" You already talked to him ? "
tr	0	She groaned when he kissed her again .
tr	0	Pierre did the honours and married them .
tr	0	A big hand covered her mouth .
tr	0	" Your captain cannot save you .
tr	0	You are mine , " he seethed .
tr	0	I want you ! "
tr	0	She pushed him away .
tr	0	Screaming would not help .
tr	0	She knew her weapons were still there .
tr	0	Gunpowder smoke floated in the cabin .
tr	0	He was dead before he knew it .
tr	0	Tears started to run down her cheeks .
tr	0	" Did he hurt you ? "
tr	0	Bruises had formed from the manhandling .
tr	0	The tears were unstoppable .
tr	0	His heart throbbed for her .
tr	0	Finally he placed her underneath the covers .
tr	0	" You are safe . "
tr	0	I do not blame you . "
tr	0	I am here and safe .
tr	0	" Nothing can happen to me .
tr	0	She smiled at him and he chuckled .
tr	0	" Nothing has changed , love .
tr	0	I trust you . "
tr	0	" Yes , my love , really .
tr	0	That was all that mattered .
tr	0	" Yes , Captain . "
tr	0	His tone was stern and authoritative .
tr	0	" Yes , Captain . "
tr	0	" Let me . "
tr	0	Even his crew treated her with respect .
tr	0	She looked around his now-familiar cabin .
tr	0	That was his place of solitude .
tr	0	Dark colours covered the bed and windows .
tr	0	The desk was well-organized .
tr	0	No papers lay around .
tr	0	" Yes , it is you .
tr	0	I don 't want to change anything .
tr	0	Your love for books astounds me . "
tr	0	he asked as he walked toward her .
tr	0	She chuckled with a blush .
tr	0	He kissed her soundly .
tr	0	" What happened to the man ? "
tr	0	" He met a watery grave . "
tr	0	You did me a favour . "
tr	0	" I was so afraid . "
tr	0	The rest of the crew adores you .
tr	0	He returned to the table .
tr	0	" What happen to your sister ? "
tr	0	Sorrow filled his face .
tr	0	" How old was she ? "
tr	0	" Twenty - one . "
tr	0	" It 's all right .
tr	0	I do not understand .
tr	0	It could not be easy .
tr	0	He owed her some answers .
tr	0	" I did not choose it .
tr	0	She filled their plates with food .
tr	0	We were happy in those days .
tr	0	He smiled , his thoughts far away .
tr	0	" How old were you ? "
tr	0	The food was forgotten on their plates .
tr	0	One slave girl said she was pregnant .
tr	0	I killed him later .
tr	0	Hence the scar . "
tr	0	He kissed her palm reverently .
tr	0	Your father is well-known .
tr	0	I would love to hear more . "
tr	0	" My Rosa . "
tr	0	Would they have a future ?
tr	0	Where would it put them ?
tr	0	Roberto himself had problems of his own .
tr	0	Would she not regret this marriage ?
tr	0	I cannot lose her .
tr	0	It went on for three days .
tr	0	The ship creaked dangerously but kept together .
tr	0	Their arms felt heavy .
tr	0	Every muscle felt torn from the inside .
tr	0	They were in pitiful shape .
tr	0	She knew she loved him .
tr	0	She struggled to remove his wet boots .
tr	0	She suppressed a giggle .
tr	0	He really was a handsome one .
tr	0	It made her skin tingle with pleasure .
tr	0	She could feel him move closer .
tr	0	It was too long . "
tr	0	" How much ... ? "
tr	0	" I love you ! "
tr	0	Her skin electrified under his touch .
tr	0	He held her , imbedded in her .
tr	0	She did not let go .
tr	0	He took her again .
tr	0	She gasped for breath .
tr	0	The mattress shifted under his weight .
tr	0	They continued with their discoveries .
tr	0	There nights were filled with exotic adventure .
tr	0	It made her feel wanted and alive .
tr	0	There was no end and no beginning .
tr	0	Everything began and ended with each other .
tr	0	" Do you enjoy it ? "
tr	0	she asked with desire in her voice .
tr	0	" Yes I do .
tr	0	You have made me the happiest man .
tr	0	he whispered during one of these nights .
tr	0	But how , my love ? "
tr	0	She never expected it .
tr	0	He , leaving this world behind .
tr	0	He chuckled as kisses rained on him .
tr	0	" It is possible .
tr	0	Kissing her , his voice turned serious .
tr	0	You are my husband .
tr	0	Your word means everything to me . "
tr	0	" Where did I get you ? "
tr	0	His voice sounded strange when he spoke .
tr	0	" Yes , my love ? "
tr	0	she lifted her trusting gaze to him .
tr	0	There are no laws and no morals .
tr	0	Say only what is necessary . "
tr	0	" I cannot stress it enough .
tr	0	What is he not telling me ?
tr	0	Her feelings for him had grown .
tr	0	" Trust no one else . "
tr	0	" Yes Roberto of course . "
tr	0	" Always remember that I love you .
tr	0	All will be revealed at the end .
tr	0	He shut every one out .
tr	0	Her Roberto was deeply buried .
tr	0	Be ready at any time . "
tr	0	" Yes , Captain . "
tr	0	She looked at him and he smiled .
tr	0	a bald-headed man asked with a grin .
tr	0	" Thank you ! "
tr	0	Wine sloshed against his boots .
tr	0	Clean it up ! "
tr	0	She scampered away through the door .
tr	0	" Well , tell , man !
tr	0	He kept them stashed behind his back .
tr	0	" And the daughter ?
tr	0	Is she anything like Pedro said ? "
tr	0	But that did he not disclose .
tr	0	The group laughed gruffly .
tr	0	Are you hiding something ? "
tr	0	came the low , impatient reply .
tr	0	" No , Falcon . "
tr	0	" How is Pedro ? "
tr	0	" The little sneak got away .
tr	0	" When did this happen ? "
tr	0	He slapped Tiny on his small shoulders .
tr	0	" And then it is playtime . "
tr	0	But he said nothing , as always .
tr	0	The plan was under way .
tr	0	Soon , Falcon , both thought .
tr	0	She paced their cabin nervously .
tr	0	That much she knew .
tr	0	It did not add up .
tr	0	She missed him fiercely .
tr	0	His love of good books was evident .
tr	0	His knowledge of the world astounded her .
tr	0	Her tender loving pirate .
tr	0	The scars proved that .
tr	0	Then there were the women .
tr	0	She was pale and worn out .
tr	0	There must be a reason for that .
tr	0	The bodice was hand-stitched with fine needlework .
tr	0	They helped her into the long boat .
tr	0	She did not meet the arrogant stare .
tr	0	With precision , they rowed to land .
tr	0	Her eyes were on his boots .
tr	0	I know this , trust him .
tr	0	Fierce words assaulted her .
tr	0	The Falcon , she guessed .
tr	0	He was extremely rough .
tr	0	" Ah the sister , finally .
tr	0	Ah , but you are pretty . "
tr	0	She could not help herself and shivered .
tr	0	You are pretty . "
tr	0	she hissed , unwavering before the Pirate .
tr	0	" A handful ! "
tr	0	he said , looking at his men .
tr	0	It hurt and she flinched .
tr	0	he said with a smirk of defiance .
tr	0	" I am going to enjoy you .
tr	0	Pierre held him back .
tr	0	She flinched in pain , sniffing .
tr	0	" I will take the bitch ! "
tr	0	a pirate called out .
tr	0	" I don 't mind .
tr	0	Again , the air filled with laughter .
tr	0	There are the thorns .
tr	0	He had missed them .
tr	0	" Take her away ! "
tr	0	The Falcon screamed , his eyes flashing .
tr	0	" You can have her ! "
tr	0	" I wanted a virgin .
tr	0	He did not even look at her .
tr	0	" You pirate scum ! "
tr	0	The roof was shingled with dark wood .
tr	0	He had to do it .
tr	0	How would he face her ?
tr	0	Instead , he heard her softly speak .
tr	0	He did not deserve her .
tr	0	" Yes I am .
tr	0	With hunger he devoured her .
tr	0	She was worth it .
tr	0	During the night they both woke simultaneously .
tr	0	They stood up and dressed .
tr	0	She had no need for that dress .
tr	0	He took her hand .
tr	0	She moved forward toward the sounds .
tr	0	Shadows played over the face .
tr	0	The girl stopped crying , sniffing .
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	" Why are you here ? "
tr	0	" We cannot leave her here .
tr	0	She has to come with us . "
tr	0	" I will not .
tr	0	He cupped her cheeks again .
tr	0	" Leave her alone ! "
tr	0	She will be mine . "
tr	0	I will kill you . "
tr	0	Both men knew each other 's strength .
tr	0	They circled each other .
tr	0	His sword sank deep into the flesh .
tr	0	he fell down on his knees .
tr	0	Another man screamed , running into Roberto .
tr	0	" Seize them ! "
tr	0	the Falcon yelled again .
tr	0	" Take them to the tavern . "
tr	0	A huge crowd formed around them .
tr	0	Soft sobs came from Nora .
tr	0	Her dress was torn and filthy .
tr	0	Her feet were bare and bloody .
tr	0	You were up to something .
tr	0	I could see that .
tr	0	You thought I would not know ? "
tr	0	He slapped him hard .
tr	0	" Playing daddy ! "
tr	0	Again a roar of laughter .
tr	0	Pride filled her heart .
tr	0	" Shut up ! "
tr	0	He tossed a rolled paper to him .
tr	0	His voice echoed in the silence .
tr	0	She clutched his shoulders .
tr	0	" You are safe , Pedro ! "
tr	0	" Yes sister . "
tr	0	" I love you . "
tr	0	" I love you too . "
tr	0	" I cannot believe you are here .
tr	0	Just look at you ! "
tr	0	Pedro looked at her then at Roberto .
tr	0	" Well done , sir . "
tr	0	" You are not a pirate ? "
tr	0	she asked , bewildered .
tr	0	" No my Rosa .
tr	0	Pedro chuckled and left them .
tr	0	He liked the man .
tr	0	He touched her lightly on the shoulder .
tr	0	She fitted right into him .
tr	0	he asked with concern .
tr	0	" Yes , Señor .
tr	0	" Who are you , Señor ? "
tr	0	" And who am I addressing ? "
tr	0	" Yes I am . "
tr	0	I am tired . "
tr	0	He pondered for a few seconds .
tr	0	" I would love that . "
tr	0	" I am so surprised .
tr	0	I do not know .
tr	0	" Would you like to sit down ?
tr	0	It could take a while ? "
tr	0	" Yes , and I need water .
tr	0	I am terribly thirsty . "
tr	0	" I will get you some . "
tr	0	All around them lay broken pitchers .
tr	0	The Falcon was also impressed with him .
tr	0	" I missed you , too . "
tr	0	" Señora , what an honour .
tr	0	You do your father proud . "
tr	0	It does us all good . "
tr	0	" But how ? "
tr	0	she asked , remembering something .
tr	0	" Yes it is true .
tr	0	Your brother is also working for us .
tr	0	" Did Roberto not tell you ? "
tr	0	He was proud of this woman .
tr	0	But you definitely are more beautiful . "
tr	0	" I only pretended to be one .
tr	0	Roberto and I were both undercover . "
tr	0	That is how we met .
tr	0	A blush appeared on Nora 's face .
tr	0	" Very beautiful . "
tr	0	It is a long way back .
tr	0	" I am officially giving my resignation .
tr	0	I am finished with this life .
tr	0	They both came down with the fever .
tr	0	I am sorry , Roberto .
tr	0	It was devastating news for him .
tr	0	It was a short letter .
tr	0	Go and claim it ! "
tr	0	he slapped Roberto on the shoulder .
tr	0	" You have our blessing .
tr	0	" Thanks , Captain . "
tr	0	He wrapped his wife in his arms .
tr	0	This was his life and his family .
tr	0	He kissed her solemnly .
tr	0	Pierre loved every moment with her .
tr	0	His mother would love her dearly .
tr	0	Could he really live without his Rosa ?
tr	0	There was just no way he could .
tr	0	She tried again , out of breath .
tr	0	" It is nothing . "
tr	0	He tried to shrug it away .
tr	0	" No it is not .
tr	0	Come on , tell me . "
tr	0	I 'm going nowhere . "
tr	0	" He will hate me . "
tr	0	" Do you really think that ? "
tr	0	" Yes , I do . "
tr	0	" My mother will adore you .
tr	0	She placed a finger on his lips .
tr	0	He will understand . "
tr	0	You will see . "
tr	0	" You are a temptress . "
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	The men were extremely careful around them .
tr	0	Her clothes were long outgrown .
tr	0	" You will be fine Roberto .
tr	0	Pierre squeezed his shoulder once again .
tr	0	He welcomed her body into his arms .
tr	0	" Not long now .
tr	0	A smile appeared on Roberto 's face .
tr	0	The man still did not notice him .
tr	0	" Manuel , brother ! "
tr	0	" My sister ! "
tr	0	She turned around and pulled Roberto closer .
tr	0	He stepped in front of her .
tr	0	" He is my husband , Manuel .
tr	0	Cisco stopped his son .
tr	0	" Papa , I love Roberto . "
tr	0	Let me explain . "
tr	0	Mama is waiting for us .
tr	0	Then you can explain this . "
tr	0	He turned his gaze back to Roberto .
tr	0	" Yes , Señor . "
tr	0	She squeezed his hand in support .
tr	0	Cisco finally addressed him .
tr	0	Roberto flinched under the piercing gaze .
tr	0	Cisco raised himself to his full height .
tr	0	His wife followed him .
tr	0	" Thanks , Señor . "
tr	0	This is a work of fiction .
tr	0	Still , he felt impelled to try .
tr	0	Finan shrugged his broad shoulders in resignation .
tr	0	Finan smiled at these memories .
tr	0	Silence filled the room .
tr	0	" You put it mildly .
tr	0	" You know my position , Finan .
tr	0	Those are her letters of thanks . "
tr	0	Finan turned back to the letters .
tr	0	" Some small trifles ? "
tr	0	asked Finan , his eyebrows raised .
tr	0	For a time both men were silent .
tr	0	" What will you do ? "
tr	0	The timing is safer .
tr	0	" It is necessary , Finan . "
tr	0	Finan choked in indignation .
tr	0	" No , my lord .
tr	0	" For us both . "
tr	0	" You reserve judgment , Finan ? "
tr	0	asked Lord Rafe , his tone playful .
tr	0	" Neither , my lord .
tr	0	Rafe laughed heartily at that .
tr	0	" Spoken like a true bachelor ! "
tr	0	Finan saw no reason for such hilarity .
tr	0	" Why no , my lord .
tr	0	" Master Rafe ! "
tr	0	Rafe smiled at the old servant .
tr	0	" Yes , sir . "
tr	0	" I do understand , Rafe .
tr	0	" Forgive me , Father ? "
tr	0	Growing to be a man ? "
tr	0	Lord Brogan patted his son 's shoulder .
tr	0	These were hardly cheering thoughts .
tr	0	She was suffering a great many misgivings .
tr	0	" You may depend upon me . "
tr	0	" There is yet one thing .
tr	0	What possible use is that ? "
tr	0	She seemed to struggle within herself .
tr	0	Chapter Three " Adele ? "
tr	0	" Adele , my love ? "
tr	0	What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	Adele 's voice was a little dazed .
tr	0	" Then ... he is here ? "
tr	0	" When shall I leave ? "
tr	0	" Tomorrow morning , child . "
tr	0	She knew nothing outside of the fort .
tr	0	Adele slipped from the bed .
tr	0	What sort of a man did that ?
tr	0	Her show of confusion irritated him .
tr	0	So that was it !
tr	0	It mattered naught to her .
tr	0	" She is ready , sir ! "
tr	0	" She can ride ? "
tr	0	Rafe 's eyes narrowed in thought .
tr	0	Rafe clamped his mouth firmly closed .
tr	0	" Quiet , Charger . "
tr	0	And now finally it had !
tr	0	Had she even had much choice ?
tr	0	Adele berated herself silently .
tr	0	It was too awful .
tr	0	" Steady you brute . "
tr	0	Be rid of her indeed !
tr	0	" Are you comfortable ? "
tr	0	She seemed to hesitate .
tr	0	" Can I call you Finn ?
tr	0	' Tis more friendly than Finan . "
tr	0	Rafe could have cursed in his vexation .
tr	0	" Perhaps she was mistaken ? "
tr	0	Of course he was not !
tr	0	Rafe grappled mightily within himself .
tr	0	He added privately to himself .
tr	0	" Had we best not continue ? "
tr	0	Adele looked up at the darkening sky .
tr	0	Is it far from here ? "
tr	0	Adele 's voice was comforting .
tr	0	" But ... Adele ! "
tr	0	Eda 's voice betrayed her surprise .
tr	0	" You foolish girl ! "
tr	0	" No , please ! "
tr	0	" Is it bad ? "
tr	0	Eda 's voice was agonized .
tr	0	" Will you be alright ? "
tr	0	" You mean setting up camp ? "
tr	0	" You speak from experience . "
tr	0	" How long ? "
tr	0	Rafe told them no more .
tr	0	Tonight had been different .
tr	0	" Be still , Adele ! "
tr	0	Stop for naught . "
tr	0	" Why , what is wrong ? "
tr	0	What if she screamed ?
tr	0	Do you understand , Adele ?
tr	0	What will you do ? "
tr	0	The question was simple , calm .
tr	0	And it was as simple as that .
tr	0	" Adele , what ... ouch ! "
tr	0	" You pinched me ! "
tr	0	Eda 's voice was confused and hurt .
tr	0	Adele 's voice held an authoritative note .
tr	0	" What signal ? "
tr	0	asked Eda more confused than ever .
tr	0	" Stay here and keep quiet . "
tr	0	" Will she be silent ? "
tr	0	" Then keep her so . "
tr	0	" Where are you going ? "
tr	0	" The horses . "
tr	0	Adele shook her head .
tr	0	Had he guessed at her thoughts ?
tr	0	" ' Tis alright , Eda . "
tr	0	Adele did you not see those men ?
tr	0	" ' Tis alright now . "
tr	0	" It is ? "
tr	0	" Yes , " she answered simply .
tr	0	Rafe subjected them to careful scrutiny .
tr	0	" How many ? "
tr	0	Rafe continued looking at her blankly .
tr	0	" I counted twelve . "
tr	0	She looked relieved at this evaluation .
tr	0	" And your marksmanship ? "
tr	0	" A friend ? "
tr	0	" What is it , Finn ?
tr	0	Is something wrong ? "
tr	0	His stormy gaze dropped to her again .
tr	0	" We have only just arrived ! "
tr	0	Eda gasped in surprise .
tr	0	" You swine ! "
tr	0	" Eda , stop it . "
tr	0	For a moment all was silent .
tr	0	" You deserved that , Eda . "
tr	0	Adele squeezed Eda 's shoulders .
tr	0	" What will we do ? "
tr	0	Adele asked , standing .
tr	0	How had it come to this ?
tr	0	" How do you mean ? "
tr	0	Her face broke into an appealing smile .
tr	0	" They were excellent for climbing .
tr	0	Do you remember , Eda ?
tr	0	This admission took Adele somewhat by surprise .
tr	0	She smiled placidly down at him .
tr	0	" But what , Finn ? "
tr	0	Did I miss him ? "
tr	0	smiled Finan with creditable ease .
tr	0	" I dare say he did .
tr	0	" Unaware , eh ?
tr	0	I should think he is ! "
tr	0	Where is he anyway ?
tr	0	He is not ill is he ? "
tr	0	Yet Finan could not .
tr	0	" How long do you stay ? "
tr	0	" What will you do ? "
tr	0	Finan 's voice was roughened with emotion .
tr	0	" That is not true ! "
tr	0	Finan smiled again and shook his head .
tr	0	" The evil knave !
tr	0	The cold blooded turncoat !
tr	0	No sitting on the fence .
tr	0	Unfortunately , he had none .
tr	0	Suddenly he heard himself speaking .
tr	0	" I did not mean that ! "
tr	0	" I am not nervous ! "
tr	0	Rafe looked vaguely revolted by this description .
tr	0	Again he looked sheepish .
tr	0	He broke off abruptly again .
tr	0	" I ... yes . "
tr	0	" You look tired . "
tr	0	For some reason her understanding unsettled him .
tr	0	" Now , Eda !
tr	0	Adele smiled turning to Rafe .
tr	0	Rafe shivered and pulled the cloak tight .
tr	0	Adele cast a quick glance at Rafe .
tr	0	" Eda , enough . "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" I cannot seem to stop ! "
tr	0	Adele sagged against it , laughing helplessly .
tr	0	" I shall steady you . "
tr	0	" Are you alright ? "
tr	0	" So far ! "
tr	0	" Wait , wait ! "
tr	0	" Thank you . "
tr	0	Eda looked pointedly at Rafe .
tr	0	Rafe sent her a scornful look .
tr	0	" Why is Lord Rafe there ? "
tr	0	" Why , you did . "
tr	0	He closed his eyes .
tr	0	What was he going to do ?
tr	0	What an awful mess !
tr	0	What was he going to do ?
tr	0	Are you alright ? "
tr	0	Adele 's voice was filled with concern .
tr	0	" I am well . "
tr	0	" Who taught you to whistle ? "
tr	0	Or more than that ?
tr	0	He looked back at Adele .
tr	0	Bron shifted on his mount .
tr	0	" I am not so sure .
tr	0	I would take naught for granted . "
tr	0	------ " Lord Rafe ?
tr	0	" What , what is it ?
tr	0	Why do you ... ? "
tr	0	The young page smiled cheekily and bowed .
tr	0	" Your pardon , my lord ? "
tr	0	" Now you may leave us . "
tr	0	" Lord Rafe ! "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Lord ... Rafe ! "
tr	0	" Get out ! "
tr	0	" Yes , Master . "
tr	0	" I said out ! "
tr	0	So much for diplomacy .
tr	0	" Hello , Finan lad .
tr	0	He looked his friend over .
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	" Master Finan ? "
tr	0	asked Finan by no means taken in .
tr	0	" Now go . "
tr	0	asked Finan pretending ignorance .
tr	0	Finan 's face darkened slightly .
tr	0	" The old reprobate !
tr	0	He shook his head .
tr	0	Rafe was grateful for it .
tr	0	" Lady Adele ? "
tr	0	" We shall camp here tonight . "
tr	0	" Great goodness ! "
tr	0	Adele 's voice sounded weary but surprised .
tr	0	Is something amiss ? "
tr	0	Rafe forced a shake of his head .
tr	0	whispered Eda , her voice incredulous .
tr	0	" This is his best ? "
tr	0	" Are you both alright ? "
tr	0	Her fingers were icy and still damp .
tr	0	" Are you feeling any warmer ? "
tr	0	" A little . "
tr	0	" He told you so ? "
tr	0	" So what did you do ? "
tr	0	Rafe was silent and irritably so .
tr	0	Adele 's brow creased in thought .
tr	0	" I was ... seven ?
tr	0	asked Rafe keeping his tone carefully natural .
tr	0	Adele shot an anxious glance at Eda .
tr	0	" Yes , often .
tr	0	She caught herself , suddenly looking guilty .
tr	0	Rafe was horrified by this suggestion .
tr	0	" Maybe ... but did he ? "
tr	0	Rafe struggled within himself .
tr	0	Adele 's smile was a little forced .
tr	0	Rafe kicked at a smouldering ember .
tr	0	" Yes , " answered Adele .
tr	0	Rafe groaned within himself .
tr	0	How was he to answer ?
tr	0	" Sisters , two of them . "
tr	0	" What are their names ? "
tr	0	" Really , to whom ? "
tr	0	" Was it ... before ? "
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	" I was once betrothed . "
tr	0	Did she ... ? "
tr	0	Rafe blinked at this suggestion .
tr	0	How was he to answer that question ?
tr	0	" It does not pain me . "
tr	0	" Such assurance ! "
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	Adele was thoughtful for some time .
tr	0	Rafe 's amusement disappeared abruptly .
tr	0	" What worry ? "
tr	0	" Who is worried ? "
tr	0	asked Eda with a shrug .
tr	0	Adele bent a frown on her friend .
tr	0	" Where was I ? "
tr	0	We both were . "
tr	0	Adele 's brow cleared .
tr	0	" So we were !
tr	0	" Can you not see ?
tr	0	They never gave chase to us .
tr	0	And who the he ... ? "
tr	0	" And who are they ? "
tr	0	" Who indeed ? "
tr	0	" Because I tremble you mean ? "
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	" Share our heat ? "
tr	0	A frown creased her brow .
tr	0	" Forgive me , Finn . "
tr	0	Adele hunched a shoulder defensively .
tr	0	" It would not be wrong ? "
tr	0	" Are you comfortable ? "
tr	0	Her voice was drowsy .
tr	0	" Sleep well . "
tr	0	" And you , my lady . "
tr	0	He hadn 't been able to sleep .
tr	0	He was so close to her .
tr	0	Then Rand released him .
tr	0	" What the ... ? "
tr	0	" Can you see him ? "
tr	0	" See who , Master ? "
tr	0	" The warrior you fool ! "
tr	0	Bron looked across to the cave .
tr	0	Rand heard Bron gasp beside him .
tr	0	Both looked back to the warrior .
tr	0	Bron nodded his agreement .
tr	0	" Finan , are you awake ? "
tr	0	The voice was a breathy whisper .
tr	0	" Where is the wood kept ? "
tr	0	His face took on a guilty cast .
tr	0	" You have had another dream . "
tr	0	Yet that had been during the day .
tr	0	At night it had been different .
tr	0	Chapter Twelve " Brogan ? "
tr	0	Lord Brogan was silent .
tr	0	" Have you my friend ? "
tr	0	They walked on in silence again .
tr	0	" Have you seen King Ine ? "
tr	0	" ' Tis naught . "
tr	0	" You knew ? "
tr	0	" Rafe knew ? "
tr	0	" Lady Adele ? "
tr	0	" Lady Adele . "
tr	0	" Is it morning already ? "
tr	0	" Now , now , Eda .
tr	0	" You would ? "
tr	0	Do try to be gentle ! "
tr	0	He shook his head and looked away .
tr	0	" He said killed , Adele .
tr	0	" Is that all ?
tr	0	Did he want her to fear him ?
tr	0	How could he defend himself ?
tr	0	The fall broke his neck . "
tr	0	" Why do you defend him ? "
tr	0	It was broken by Rafe .
tr	0	" Your pardon , Lady Adele . "
tr	0	Adele 's voice came with difficulty .
tr	0	" Just a moment , Eda ! "
tr	0	" In a moment , Eda . "
tr	0	Adele turned questioning eyes back to Rafe .
tr	0	" What is it , Finn ? "
tr	0	" Nothing , my lady . "
tr	0	" Understand this , Finan . "
tr	0	Rafe frowned down into her reflective face .
tr	0	So why did she still feel regret ?
tr	0	" Who are you ? "
tr	0	" I asked who you are . "
tr	0	In this conjecture he was quite correct .
tr	0	" Go on . "
tr	0	Yet he never had tried .
tr	0	Now it was too late .
tr	0	His voice was filled with merriment .
tr	0	He almost deceived himself .
tr	0	What is it ? "
tr	0	" Horse tracks , " Rafe answered .
tr	0	" Is that bad ? "
tr	0	" ' Tis a hunting party . "
tr	0	" We should continue moving . "
tr	0	" This way ! "
tr	0	" Ride as hard as you can .
tr	0	Follow the old Roman road .
tr	0	His attitude was lazily insolent .
tr	0	" It bolted . "
tr	0	" Your lands ? "
tr	0	What is money to pride ?
tr	0	Rafe studied his captor carefully .
tr	0	Nothing could alleviate the pain .
tr	0	" I shirk nothing !
tr	0	" Merely uncomprehending . "
tr	0	" I see your dilemma . "
tr	0	" You surprise me . "
tr	0	" Can you not ? "
tr	0	" You are being followed . "
tr	0	" I was aware . "
tr	0	" And if I escape ? "
tr	0	" Hang it ! "
tr	0	He slapped the arm of his chair .
tr	0	What if some accident had befallen them ?
tr	0	" You thought I might what ? "
tr	0	" Still you do not understand ! "
tr	0	" Who was she ? "
tr	0	" ' Tis a family tradition .
tr	0	He knew about Adele .
tr	0	Bron was on his knees beside him .
tr	0	Bron pointed off into the forest .
tr	0	' But they left someone here . "
tr	0	Bron pointed to the disturbed ground .
tr	0	" There was an almighty fight . "
tr	0	" The warrior ? "
tr	0	" Yes , Master .
tr	0	" No , " agreed Bron .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	He pointed again to the forest floor .
tr	0	Rand returned to Bron 's side .
tr	0	" What is this all about ? "
tr	0	And why deny him a horse ? "
tr	0	Bron looked vaguely affronted .
tr	0	returned Lord Rand with a grin .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" The tracks split here . "
tr	0	Rand leaned forwards in his saddle .
tr	0	" The two horses ? "
tr	0	Rand shifted , looking worried .
tr	0	He paused for a moment .
tr	0	I will follow Lady Adele . "
tr	0	" Well what is it ? "
tr	0	asked Lord Rand at length .
tr	0	" Just so , Bron . "
tr	0	" Yes , Master ? "
tr	0	Rand hesitated and then smiled .
tr	0	" Be careful . "
tr	0	" Thank you , Master . "
tr	0	" I mean it ; keep sharp .
tr	0	" Yes , Master . "
tr	0	Bron had always wondered why .
tr	0	What was happening to him now ?
tr	0	Would she ever see him again ?
tr	0	How had this happened ?
tr	0	More importantly how would it end ?
tr	0	He would know what to do surely ?
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	Eda wiped her tears away angrily .
tr	0	" What should we do ? "
tr	0	asked Eda at length .
tr	0	" I see no village .
tr	0	Adele shook herself awake .
tr	0	Adele watched Eda nod her head regretfully .
tr	0	" Eda , can you hear ? "
tr	0	" Hear what ? "
tr	0	replied Adele , giggling in relief .
tr	0	Eda reined in her horse abruptly .
tr	0	" No , wait !
tr	0	" Did you not hear ?
tr	0	Adele looked rather taken aback .
tr	0	She leaned forwards over Charger 's neck .
tr	0	" We are almost there , boy .
tr	0	It was too silent , too still .
tr	0	Finan tensed and turned quickly .
tr	0	He gave Finan a nudge .
tr	0	" Not just yet . "
tr	0	" What was that ? "
tr	0	" I heard nothing . "
tr	0	Both men stood listening intently .
tr	0	" Yes , immediately .
tr	0	" You will be well ? "
tr	0	" Fetch the men . "
tr	0	Finan 's voice was hollow .
tr	0	" This way , my ladies . "
tr	0	The tent was not very large .
tr	0	" Yes , Lord Rafe ? "
tr	0	" Lord Rafe ! "
tr	0	Nothing in Adele 's manner betrayed surprise .
tr	0	Finan barely noticed Eda 's outburst .
tr	0	An awful bleakness entered his eyes .
tr	0	Eda turned slightly dazed eyes upon him .
tr	0	" Yes , by all means . "
tr	0	Besides which he had known them forever .
tr	0	Eda 's voice was hesitant .
tr	0	Or for anything . "
tr	0	" Are you alright ? "
tr	0	" Why should I not be ? "
tr	0	" We hardly spoke , Eda . "
tr	0	" I do not know .
tr	0	" Please tell me , my lady .
tr	0	Finan blanched at the thought .
tr	0	It made him appear much older .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" I am not sure . "
tr	0	After a while he turned sharply .
tr	0	" And coming from different directions . "
tr	0	" Finan , the ladies ... ? "
tr	0	" Thank goodness for that ! "
tr	0	What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	Rafe 's eyes locked on his .
tr	0	" Hello , Rafe .
tr	0	" And what would that be ? "
tr	0	" I came for Adele . "
tr	0	For a second the silence was deafening .
tr	0	" Please , Finn , stop ! "
tr	0	" What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	" You have as much . "
tr	0	Rafe 's eyes never left Rand .
tr	0	" Eda is here I see . "
tr	0	" Very well . "
tr	0	Rafe didn 't flinch .
tr	0	" I had forgotten .
tr	0	Rafe took another look at Rand .
tr	0	The truth was not so comfortable .
tr	0	" What do you want , Rand ?
tr	0	Rand seated himself comfortably before answering .
tr	0	" To end this foolishness . "
tr	0	He looked again at Rafe .
tr	0	Rafe was silent for a moment .
tr	0	He asked at length .
tr	0	" Some friend ! "
tr	0	" Be still , Rafe ! "
tr	0	Finan 's voice was calm .
tr	0	" Is that true ? "
tr	0	" Do you really doubt it ? "
tr	0	Nausea swept over him .
tr	0	" Then what is this about ?
tr	0	What do you want , Rand ? "
tr	0	Rand seemed taken aback .
tr	0	" Why do you wish for peace ?
tr	0	" That is what troubles me . "
tr	0	" That is enough ! "
tr	0	" How could I forget it ? "
tr	0	" You were there !
tr	0	You forsook us ! "
tr	0	his voice was rough .
tr	0	And what of the men ?
tr	0	It was Finan who spoke .
tr	0	" Then who ? "
tr	0	Rand wrinkled his brow .
tr	0	" I believe so . "
tr	0	Rafe was silent for a moment .
tr	0	" What is that ? "
tr	0	" No , I did not ! "
tr	0	Rafe clutched at his hair distractedly .
tr	0	" You are a fortunate dog ! "
tr	0	Rafe shook his head .
tr	0	" She was correct . "
tr	0	" And he ... ? "
tr	0	Rafe turned to Rand .
tr	0	He left the tent in silence .
tr	0	Rafe closed his eyes .
tr	0	Rafe paused thoughtfully for a moment .
tr	0	" It fits . "
tr	0	Somehow it was difficult to measure .
tr	0	" ' Tis close enough ! "
tr	0	" He is right . "
tr	0	Both men turned in surprise to Finan .
tr	0	" Lord Rafe ! "
tr	0	" What has happened ? "
tr	0	" No , Master !
tr	0	" Are you well , Master ? "
tr	0	" What did you say ? "
tr	0	" You mean that she cried ? "
tr	0	" No ... maybe a little ? "
tr	0	" At first she did not speak .
tr	0	" About me ? "
tr	0	" Great goodness ! "
tr	0	" What did Lady Adele say ? "
tr	0	" She said you were taller . "
tr	0	" And then what happened ? "
tr	0	" Lord Rafe , " corrected Rafe .
tr	0	" Did she say how ? "
tr	0	" Then perhaps the child misheard . "
tr	0	" What ails you ? "
tr	0	Rafe shook his head .
tr	0	" Yes , Master Finan . "
tr	0	asked Rafe 's sleepy voice .
tr	0	Lord Brogan frowned in disapproval .
tr	0	" Such enmity will not disappear overnight .
tr	0	" You cannot reason with Kent ! "
tr	0	King Ine nodded his head in agreement .
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	King Ine demanded shortly .
tr	0	" As my liege wishes . "
tr	0	" ' Tis settled then . "
tr	0	" You may leave me . "
tr	0	" What is it , Ine ?
tr	0	That marriage produced another son .
tr	0	" He rules with his brothers ? "
tr	0	King Ine nodded gravely .
tr	0	" And what of the girl ? "
tr	0	King Ine looked across to his friend .
tr	0	Her only concern had been for Finn .
tr	0	No , that was not fair .
tr	0	Adele closed her eyes and was still .
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	" Rafe knows what he is doing .
tr	0	" Would not you ? "
tr	0	" But not so violently . "
tr	0	" Did he say why ? "
tr	0	The soldier nodded and left .
tr	0	' Tis best you stay here .
tr	0	" Is aught the matter ? "
tr	0	The soldier turned harassed eyes upon Finan .
tr	0	Finan looked the soldier over again .
tr	0	That was when Finan knew .
tr	0	Finan pressed his horse to move faster .
tr	0	" Shall we say easier ?
tr	0	" So it would appear . "
tr	0	Finan raised his voice .
tr	0	The reins in his hands were slippery .
tr	0	" Finan , what happened ? "
tr	0	" Finan , who did this ? "
tr	0	" Lord Rand ! "
tr	0	Bron emerged from the mist .
tr	0	You cannot hold them alone ! "
tr	0	Oh , there you are . "
tr	0	" Good lad ! "
tr	0	Rand permitted himself a small smile .
tr	0	" Where is Finan ? "
tr	0	" How is he ? "
tr	0	The soldier shook his head .
tr	0	The pain will be unbearable though . "
tr	0	" He will live ? "
tr	0	" Yes , sir . "
tr	0	" Does Rafe know ? "
tr	0	he asked at length .
tr	0	" That was not his aim . "
tr	0	" I do not understand . "
tr	0	asked Rand , astonished .
tr	0	That was how the betrothal came about .
tr	0	" The best way ? "
tr	0	" But not the only way ? "
tr	0	" No , not the only way .
tr	0	Lord Brogan refused however .
tr	0	What did he think ? "
tr	0	" You mistake my meaning .
tr	0	Rand 's face shuttered up suddenly .
tr	0	" Are you awake , Master ? "
tr	0	" How long did I sleep ? "
tr	0	" Since yesterday afternoon , Master . "
tr	0	" And Lady Adele ? "
tr	0	" Did he ? "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Finan is hurt . "
tr	0	He returned an hour later wounded . "
tr	0	Rafe shook his head uncertainly .
tr	0	" Come , Rafe . "
tr	0	Rand shook his head .
tr	0	" The fever is worse . "
tr	0	" He meant this for me . "
tr	0	Rafe 's voice was bitter .
tr	0	" Then whose fault is it ?
tr	0	Drogo shrugged his shoulders .
tr	0	Drogo shook his head .
tr	0	Rafe thought for a few moments .
tr	0	Rafe 's face was set .
tr	0	" He is going to Adele ? "
tr	0	" It is time . "
tr	0	" I suppose , " Rand sighed .
tr	0	" Lady Adele , wake up ! "
tr	0	" What does he want ? "
tr	0	Eda 's voice came from beside her .
tr	0	Again it was Eda that answered .
tr	0	Eda paused in her exertions .
tr	0	" What could be amiss ? "
tr	0	Rafe stood impatiently without .
tr	0	" Now , Eda . "
tr	0	" Your pardon , Finn ? "
tr	0	" Just do as I say . "
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	He was Lord Rafe ?
tr	0	So this wasn 't a dream .
tr	0	Rafe was still , uncomfortable within himself .
tr	0	Was that why he was so unhappy ?
tr	0	Adele blinked back wretched tears .
tr	0	It would be the last indignity .
tr	0	" Sit down . "
tr	0	So this was how it would be .
tr	0	She was an irritant to him .
tr	0	" Finan has been hurt . "
tr	0	" Who is Finan ? "
tr	0	" And he was hurt ?
tr	0	Rafe paused and resumed his pacing .
tr	0	" What was so important ?
tr	0	" Adele , is something amiss ? "
tr	0	" Why should anything be amiss ? "
tr	0	Eda was by turns alarmed and angry .
tr	0	" Adele , what is it ?
tr	0	Finally she shook her head .
tr	0	" Because I am so unhappy . "
tr	0	" He just stood there , Eda !
tr	0	Adele shook her head miserably .
tr	0	Adele 's voice was quietly pleading .
tr	0	She did not answer the question .
tr	0	Eda forced a smile .
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	Chapter Twenty Three " Rafe ? "
tr	0	" How is Finan ? "
tr	0	" No change . "
tr	0	" We will right this yet . "
tr	0	" Will we , Rafe ? "
tr	0	" You saw not her face . "
tr	0	" I was talking about you . "
tr	0	" And with regard to Adele ? "
tr	0	" Where do you go ? "
tr	0	" ' Tis not that .
tr	0	" And Lady Adele ? "
tr	0	" Adele is amiable .
tr	0	Rafe raised an eyebrow .
tr	0	" Could you though ? "
tr	0	" Your ingenuity knows no bounds . "
tr	0	His irritation was somewhat diminished .
tr	0	Rafe sent him a glowering look .
tr	0	How angry had Lady Adele been ?
tr	0	Rafe could hardly believe it .
tr	0	How had Adele looked ?
tr	0	How had Adele looked ?
tr	0	She seemed to hate him now .
tr	0	Great goodness ... Adele ?
tr	0	Adele paused , drawing a deep breath .
tr	0	" He does not revive .
tr	0	" Thank you , my lady . "
tr	0	------- The camp had changed .
tr	0	" Great goodness , for so long !
tr	0	What have you done for him ? "
tr	0	Adele felt sorry for the man .
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	" Drogo , my lady . "
tr	0	Adele 's brow creased .
tr	0	" And some cloths . "
tr	0	Then both ladies stood .
tr	0	" What is going on here ? "
tr	0	queried Adele , interested .
tr	0	" It is enough for now . "
tr	0	Eda pulled a face of mock disapproval .
tr	0	" He is still very hot . "
tr	0	" Give him more time . "
tr	0	" No , please . "
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	Then he took her place beside Finan .
tr	0	Adele 's eyes cleared sharply .
tr	0	It made no sense .
tr	0	" What is it , Adele ? "
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	" Leave Eda alone . "
tr	0	" I beg your pardon ? "
tr	0	He should have known .
tr	0	How could he have been so blind ?
tr	0	It had been hard to stop .
tr	0	That knowledge would always haunt him .
tr	0	It had been his penance .
tr	0	Adele lifted her eyes to him hesitantly .
tr	0	Adele continued to regard him steadily .
tr	0	Finally she seemed to decide something .
tr	0	" I would like to be . "
tr	0	The idea had sickened him .
tr	0	Pride had set these events in motion .
tr	0	" I have seen your daughters . "
tr	0	" Does it matter ? "
tr	0	" There always is . "
tr	0	" And it was not successful ? "
tr	0	" That it was his captain ! "
tr	0	" I already did . "
tr	0	" Then tell me again ! "
tr	0	" What are you thinking ? "
tr	0	You must help me !
tr	0	" You could always run . "
tr	0	Who cares for Lord Rafe ? "
tr	0	" Who is your master ? "
tr	0	" I cannot tell you !
tr	0	He must never know ! "
tr	0	" What must he never know ? "
tr	0	" Please , you must help me .
tr	0	" Your master is coming here ? "
tr	0	" For what purpose ? "
tr	0	Finan woke just after dawn .
tr	0	" How do you feel ? "
tr	0	Rafe hardly recognised his own voice .
tr	0	How long has it been ? "
tr	0	" This is the third day . "
tr	0	" So long ! "
tr	0	Finan 's tone was surprised .
tr	0	He saw the three men exchange looks .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	Finan 's eyes widened in horror .
tr	0	" You mean that ... ? "
tr	0	You let them ? "
tr	0	" How could you ? "
tr	0	Finan digested this information in silence .
tr	0	Finan 's brow wrinkled in concentration .
tr	0	Rand shrugged his shoulders .
tr	0	Finan shook his head .
tr	0	He had never even met him .
tr	0	" Must it make sense ?
tr	0	" At least there was a reason .
tr	0	Rafe smiled a little .
tr	0	" Who else could it be ? "
tr	0	" What are you ... ?
tr	0	" Good morning , my lord . "
tr	0	" Are you hungry ? "
tr	0	" And some mead . "
tr	0	Adele shook her head regretfully .
tr	0	Finan 's mouth dropped open .
tr	0	His tone was disbelieving .
tr	0	Adele 's rich laughter filled the tent .
tr	0	" Get her out of here . "
tr	0	Rafe 's shoulders began to shake .
tr	0	" Where is Eda ? "
tr	0	" Sleeping , " replied Adele .
tr	0	" Does she know ? "
tr	0	The mistake has been set right . "
tr	0	She hesitated before the tent opening .
tr	0	" Thank you , Finan . "
tr	0	Finan threw him a scowl .
tr	0	" What do you do here ?
tr	0	Was she that terrible ?
tr	0	His voice was soft .
tr	0	What was he supposed to do ?
tr	0	He couldn 't do it .
tr	0	Not as things stood between them .
tr	0	No wonder he looked so appalled .
tr	0	Why did he not say something ?
tr	0	Why must he embarrass her like this ?
tr	0	She dropped her gaze to the grass .
tr	0	Was that why she was crying ?
tr	0	They stood silent for a while .
tr	0	He swallowed with difficulty .
tr	0	It was Rand again .
tr	0	" Was that Adele ?
tr	0	Why did she leave ? "
tr	0	asked Rand , lifting one eyebrow .
tr	0	" It matters not . "
tr	0	" An old friend of yours . "
tr	0	Brogan had such a son .
tr	0	What had he sired ?
tr	0	Lord Brogan was thinking quickly .
tr	0	Perhaps he would have arrived already .
tr	0	asked Lord Brogan suddenly .
tr	0	" My men ? "
tr	0	Brogan regarded his fingernails closely .
tr	0	" Did you not ?
tr	0	It is , of course , unnecessary .
tr	0	Brogan nodded sagely and smiled within himself .
tr	0	Blood always bred to form .
tr	0	" And the second ? "
tr	0	Rafe grinned towards his friend .
tr	0	Suddenly it was an expression of menace .
tr	0	broke in Rafe as the silence lengthened .
tr	0	" What does he do here ? "
tr	0	" None of my business ?
tr	0	" How is this amusing ? "
tr	0	" There is little to tell . "
tr	0	What else is there to say ? "
tr	0	" Who is it ? "
tr	0	For an entire minute no one spoke .
tr	0	Prepare for what ? "
tr	0	" The body ? "
tr	0	Rafe felt physically sick .
tr	0	" Does he bring his army ? "
tr	0	" Enough , " intervened Rafe .
tr	0	He is also my friend . "
tr	0	" A trap ? "
tr	0	" He is not very courageous . "
tr	0	" How exactly shall we proceed ? "
tr	0	How will we subdue them ? "
tr	0	Why not you ? "
tr	0	" Are you sure ?
tr	0	Have you forgotten her ? "
tr	0	" Good day . "
tr	0	Whom do I have to forgive ? "
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	Would she hate him ?
tr	0	Or would she turn him away forever ?
tr	0	" Adele . . ? "
tr	0	" Adele , are you sure ?
tr	0	Do you not wish to know ?
tr	0	Rand 's grip upon her tightened .
tr	0	" Adele , how can you ?
tr	0	Why do you forgive me ? "
tr	0	He had suffered enough .
tr	0	" Good morrow , Lady Adele . "
tr	0	Yet , he was not relaxed either .
tr	0	she asked at length .
tr	0	Rafe paused , momentarily knocked off balance .
tr	0	" Very well , my lord . "
tr	0	An awkward redness stained his cheeks .
tr	0	That hand had betrayed him .
tr	0	Adele gazed at him blankly .
tr	0	" My lord ? "
tr	0	Adele 's eyes dilated in shock .
tr	0	repeated Adele , suddenly finding her voice .
tr	0	" That is true . "
tr	0	Adele conceded , her voice still perplexed .
tr	0	Her eyes darkened slightly .
tr	0	" This concerns only your happiness . "
tr	0	Rafe started at her words .
tr	0	Adele shook her head decisively .
tr	0	muttered Rafe in exasperation .
tr	0	The thought spread warmth through his soul .
tr	0	" It matters greatly . "
tr	0	" I care for you also . "
tr	0	" Will you do it again ? "
tr	0	The sight almost caused Rafe to laugh .
tr	0	Rafe pulled himself back from his musings .
tr	0	Rafe blinked down at her in astonishment .
tr	0	He grinned at her .
tr	0	" Rest well , Finan . "
tr	0	growled Finan in parting .
tr	0	Rafe caught Adele 's hand .
tr	0	" You will be careful ? "
tr	0	assured Finan after a moment .
tr	0	Rafe frowned and refused the libation .
tr	0	He had only ever had partial success .
tr	0	The room was quiet when he left .
tr	0	Why was he so calm ?
tr	0	Why was his confidence not shaken ?
tr	0	" Lord Rafe . "
tr	0	Do you yield ? "
tr	0	" I am not beaten . "
tr	0	" What did you ever do ? "
tr	0	He allowed himself a thin smile .
tr	0	The rescue had been timely indeed .
tr	0	" Well you are the only one .
tr	0	His only thought was for her lands !
tr	0	He had learnt much from them .
tr	0	" Yield or your master dies ! "
tr	0	" I do not know ! "
tr	0	Rafe shook him vigorously .
tr	0	I swear I did no more ! "
tr	0	Rafe released him in surprise .
tr	0	Rafe mouth was set grimly .
tr	0	" You will take someone ? "
tr	0	" Then that is that . "
tr	0	Eda and Adele hovered nearby .
tr	0	" Will he be all right ? "
tr	0	" She told me . "
tr	0	" I am sorry , Eda . "
tr	0	Her unrequited love for him ?
tr	0	" How dare you ? "
tr	0	she demanded , her voice furious .
tr	0	Suddenly she was afraid .
tr	0	" Be still ! "
tr	0	She knew she should not have come .
tr	0	Rand shook her a little .
tr	0	" Answer me ! "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Were not you ? "
tr	0	Eda snuggled her head against his shoulder .
tr	0	For a moment there was silence .
tr	0	" Did I do something wrong ? "
tr	0	she asked at last .
tr	0	Rand looked startled at the question .
tr	0	" Something wrong ? "
tr	0	Rand felt rather unwell .
tr	0	It was I who did wrong . "
tr	0	It made Rand feel like a fiend .
tr	0	He supposed he was .
tr	0	" I do not know . "
tr	0	" Would you try ? "
tr	0	After a while she nodded hurriedly .
tr	0	Rand took a deep breath .
tr	0	He shook his head .
tr	0	Now everything depended on her .
tr	0	Rand had taken her silence as rejection .
tr	0	For a moment Rand felt almost euphoric .
tr	0	Who needed them anyway ?
tr	0	" Take me to Lord Rafe . "
tr	0	" Then where is he ? "
tr	0	" Where to ? "
tr	0	Lord Brogan thought for a moment .
tr	0	" Lady Adele ? "
tr	0	" What is she doing here ? "
tr	0	Lord Brogan glanced around the tent .
tr	0	" My lords . "
tr	0	" Is his wound very serious ? "
tr	0	Delicate ; that was how she looked .
tr	0	Lady Adele 's brow furrowed in concentration .
tr	0	" ' Tis all a little complicated .
tr	0	Where is that boy of mine ? "
tr	0	Adele shook her head .
tr	0	" Or did they say dagger ? "
tr	0	" Did you hear it ! "
tr	0	" What ails the lad ?
tr	0	" Lord Brogan . "
tr	0	Lord Brogan looked the youth over .
tr	0	" Murderous fiend ! "
tr	0	To Rand Lord Brogan seemed no different .
tr	0	" Who is Lady Eda ? "
tr	0	" It is as I thought . "
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	He turned to Rand .
tr	0	Incidentally ; why were you there ? "
tr	0	asked Lord Brogan serenely .
tr	0	Rand 's expression froze .
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	It was no different this time .
tr	0	" I see . "
tr	0	" I searched for three years .
tr	0	What is amiss with Finan ? "
tr	0	Rand made an impatient gesture .
tr	0	" Yes sir ? "
tr	0	He never pushed them together .
tr	0	Adele seemed a little taken aback .
tr	0	" Yes ... in a way . "
tr	0	Lord Brogan raised his eyebrows .
tr	0	Her eyes widened in horror .
tr	0	" ' Tis much darker now . "
tr	0	Adele 's startled eyes met his .
tr	0	" You knew my mother ? "
tr	0	I knew him from youth .
tr	0	Adele nodded , eagerly leaning forward .
tr	0	Why did you care for me ?
tr	0	asked Lord Brogan softly .
tr	0	Lord Brogan squeezed her hand .
tr	0	Of all men he most deserves it .
tr	0	Lord Brogan took pity upon her embarrassment .
tr	0	" Did you find him ? "
tr	0	" A little , " he confessed .
tr	0	He turned back to Rand .
tr	0	Rafe nodded toward Lord Brogan .
tr	0	" Great goodness , why ? "
tr	0	Rafe shook his head .
tr	0	For a moment there was silence .
tr	0	She looked up , eyes questioning .
tr	0	A hush descended in the tent .
tr	0	Lord Brogan sighed , shaking his head .
tr	0	" Too eventful . "
tr	0	Adele shoved against him playfully .
tr	0	I know you will keep me safe .
tr	0	I worry only for you . "
tr	0	" Why should I have been ? "
tr	0	Rafe shook his head .
tr	0	" Despite your constant assurances otherwise ? "
tr	0	She rested her head against his shoulder .
tr	0	" You are ? "
tr	0	" Ever , " corrected Rafe .
tr	0	What are you ... ? "
tr	0	Nothing could ruin it .
tr	0	" I have a surprise . "
tr	0	Malcolm smiled , flashing his dimples .
tr	0	" Close your eyes . "
tr	0	I huffed before shutting them .
tr	0	" Hey , Savvy . "
tr	0	He nudged my arm .
tr	0	" No peeking . "
tr	0	" I 'm not .
tr	0	My imagination went wild .
tr	0	" Are we almost there ? "
tr	0	" Soon , " Malcolm said .
tr	0	But he let go and pulled away .
tr	0	I heard the unzipping of a backpack .
tr	0	" I have a confession . "
tr	0	Malcolm looped his fingers in mine .
tr	0	I tensed and pulled away .
tr	0	" What 's the confession ? "
tr	0	His cheeks turned pink .
tr	0	They at least paid to do it .
tr	0	" Forgive me ? "
tr	0	" Well , I don 't know .
tr	0	Espionage is a serious crime . "
tr	0	I paced in front of the quilt .
tr	0	" Guilty as charged . "
tr	0	I put a finger to my lips .
tr	0	You 'll get your turn later .
tr	0	" No cider while on trial . "
tr	0	The whole shebang . "
tr	0	" No , no , no .
tr	0	No indulging until proven innocent . "
tr	0	I spied the cloth napkins .
tr	0	" Hands behind your back . "
tr	0	He complied with a silly grin .
tr	0	My hostages could never escape .
tr	0	" I object ! "
tr	0	That 's ridiculous . "
tr	0	I stomped my foot and shouted .
tr	0	" Order in the court room ! "
tr	0	I said in a quieter voice .
tr	0	Did you not truly care ?
tr	0	That will be a penalty . "
tr	0	" What 're you going to do ?
tr	0	Splash more cider on my jeans ? "
tr	0	Malcolm spoke in a husky voice .
tr	0	Do you deny it ? "
tr	0	Except , we weren 't .
tr	0	He 'd underestimated me .
tr	0	I felt only slightly bad .
tr	0	Would his circulation get cut off ?
tr	0	Maybe I should loosen the ties .
tr	0	Malcolm lay in the grass .
tr	0	Just like I left him .
tr	0	A bit of fun revenge .
tr	0	I swayed , dizzy on my feet .
tr	0	Now he appeared to be unconscious .
tr	0	I 'd turned away for three seconds !
tr	0	Like a bullet wound .
tr	0	But I never heard a gunshot .
tr	0	He was a waiter .
tr	0	I quickly covered it up .
tr	0	DOCTOR , my mind screamed .
tr	0	I struggled not to pass out .
tr	0	Who would hurt Malcolm ?
tr	0	And what if they were still watching ?
tr	0	With a gun aimed at us ?
tr	0	" After tying me up . "
tr	0	" It 's not that bad . "
tr	0	His eyes blinked open briefly .
tr	0	He felt his arm , wincing .
tr	0	" Not that bad ?
tr	0	You 've been shot ! "
tr	0	I had to act .
tr	0	And it had to be soon .
tr	0	Before this situation got any worse .
tr	0	Only one thing to do .
tr	0	I dropped to the ground .
tr	0	" Come close and listen . "
tr	0	" I like you . "
tr	0	A twisted laugh escaped his lips .
tr	0	" I shouldn 't .
tr	0	But I do . "
tr	0	" Let me get help . "
tr	0	" Help me up . "
tr	0	" What if they shoot again ?
tr	0	I let his words soak in .
tr	0	This was a warning ?
tr	0	Eating too many chocolat au pains ?
tr	0	His words puffed out with each breath .
tr	0	To bring my dates .
tr	0	Their dads like that . "
tr	0	" You run one way .
tr	0	I 'll run the other .
tr	0	Don 't talk anymore . "
tr	0	" I 'm serious .
tr	0	Go , " he barked .
tr	0	Most people rushed past us .
tr	0	But I didn 't move .
tr	0	I fumbled with the ties .
tr	0	" Let me get you untied . "
tr	0	I choked back a sob .
tr	0	" Thirty minutes . "
tr	0	What if Malcolm was wrong ?
tr	0	That 's what I needed to do .
tr	0	I breathed in and out .
tr	0	What the hell just happened ?
tr	0	The owner of the cart .
tr	0	" Merci , " I said .
tr	0	Light danced in his eyes .
tr	0	I couldn 't get him involved .
tr	0	I just need to rest . "
tr	0	I assured him , shaking my head .
tr	0	Or was he after Malcolm ?
tr	0	When would thirty minutes be up ?
tr	0	He might not have gotten shot .
tr	0	Why did he get shot ?
tr	0	I had to be safe , right ?
tr	0	But it was never him .
tr	0	Shivers racked my body .
tr	0	My head pounded and my heart ached .
tr	0	Pretty boring , actually .
tr	0	But people seemed to love it .
tr	0	Not put him on trial .
tr	0	What had I said ?
tr	0	I had to tell Dad .
tr	0	I entered the kitchen .
tr	0	" Morning , Savvy . "
tr	0	" We need to talk . "
tr	0	But he kept reading , as usual .
tr	0	" It 's serious . "
tr	0	Something kinda happened last night . "
tr	0	" With Malcolm ? "
tr	0	I held up my hands .
tr	0	" Malcolm didn 't do anything . "
tr	0	Warmth spread through my chest .
tr	0	" Yeah , um . "
tr	0	Did you see or hear anything ? "
tr	0	That was my chance to tell all .
tr	0	Why did I blow it ?
tr	0	Maybe Dad knew something .
tr	0	" Did anyone get hurt ?
tr	0	Were any bodies found ? "
tr	0	" Well , okay .
tr	0	More like a horror movie .
tr	0	Dad straightened the paper .
tr	0	" Ah , here it is .
tr	0	" Oh , right .
tr	0	No sign of anything .
tr	0	Did that mean Malcolm might have died ?
tr	0	Four " You look pale . "
tr	0	Dad sounded like he cared .
tr	0	" Are you feeling okay ? "
tr	0	Except I 'd made a huge mistake .
tr	0	I never should 've tied him up .
tr	0	What had I been thinking ?
tr	0	" Can we talk later ? "
tr	0	He clasped his hands together .
tr	0	We 'll talk later then . "
tr	0	" Okay , but be careful .
tr	0	Stay with the crowds . "
tr	0	" Maybe tomorrow . "
tr	0	I 'll see you there . "
tr	0	Or say he was sorry ?
tr	0	That had to wait .
tr	0	My priority was finding Malcolm .
tr	0	No sign of Malcolm .
tr	0	I walked right into a big somebody .
tr	0	Cinnamon dusted his shoulders .
tr	0	I waved my hand .
tr	0	" What is up ? "
tr	0	She crinkled her nose and laughed .
tr	0	" You are never in the mood .
tr	0	And touring ancient castles ? "
tr	0	Aimee puckered her lips to the side .
tr	0	That is different . "
tr	0	" I cannot stand it anymore . "
tr	0	" Stand what ? "
tr	0	With the cute waiter ? "
tr	0	Her friendship was too important .
tr	0	Aimee waved her hand .
tr	0	" Put away the menus .
tr	0	" He did not show .
tr	0	I already asked . "
tr	0	" I have heard that groan before .
tr	0	I remembered his quick kiss .
tr	0	I remembered his fine-looking bare chest .
tr	0	" We 've got to go .
tr	0	Aimee placed her hand on my arm .
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	Let 's go . "
tr	0	That 's what I loved about her .
tr	0	" Sounds romantic . "
tr	0	I couldn 't do it .
tr	0	At first , her face showed nothing .
tr	0	I 'm an idiot . "
tr	0	" Oh , Savvy .
tr	0	I 'm sure . "
tr	0	" Almost sure . "
tr	0	The cops were already gone .
tr	0	" You sure about all this ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , I 'm sure . "
tr	0	" What if something terrible happened ? "
tr	0	" I doubt that . "
tr	0	Aimee crouched next to me .
tr	0	" Do you like him ? "
tr	0	" Heck , no . "
tr	0	Then she tapped her watch .
tr	0	Like what the hell happened to Malcolm .
tr	0	I brushed them off with one swipe .
tr	0	My fingers dug into the support beam .
tr	0	" You can do it ! "
tr	0	They all nodded hello .
tr	0	Or free , tasteless coffee .
tr	0	I rubbed my arms .
tr	0	The beam beneath my feet creaked .
tr	0	" It is about to start . "
tr	0	It was all part of the act .
tr	0	" We have a serious situation . "
tr	0	Before it 's too late . "
tr	0	Malcolm became a blur .
tr	0	Nice , hard cement under my feet .
tr	0	That was all I cared about .
tr	0	Give a hand to Nancy ! "
tr	0	Of course , they all performed perfectly .
tr	0	They all landed with grace and style .
tr	0	And then there was me .
tr	0	Maybe it was Malcolm .
tr	0	Frankie winked at me .
tr	0	My homemade bulletproof vest .
tr	0	Aimee and I played informants .
tr	0	She worked the Eiffel .
tr	0	I blew it a kiss .
tr	0	I peeked over my right shoulder .
tr	0	A real art student .
tr	0	He 'd never understand my job .
tr	0	Maybe I could be of help . "
tr	0	" Oo la la !
tr	0	What a gorgeous painting ! "
tr	0	He was wearing a wig !
tr	0	" What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	I was right in front of them .
tr	0	And she is ze most wonderful teacher .
tr	0	" I thought you were dead . "
tr	0	" Do they sell blueberry scones ? "
tr	0	I gave my scripted line .
tr	0	Something to talk to Dad about .
tr	0	I 'm pretty forgiving . "
tr	0	Pecan brown splattered across my face .
tr	0	" What stunt ? "
tr	0	I ignored the slam .
tr	0	" What stunt ? "
tr	0	The hard tone in his voice softened .
tr	0	I refused to feel guilty .
tr	0	" I 'm glad you 're alive .
tr	0	The guard raced forward .
tr	0	" You had food ?
tr	0	In the Louvre ? "
tr	0	Come with me . "
tr	0	" You 'd better hurry . "
tr	0	" Oui , see you there . "
tr	0	Talk about good timing .
tr	0	All three hundred steps .
tr	0	Tourists passed me in a blur .
tr	0	It had to be her .
tr	0	And then I heard a desperate voice .
tr	0	I stopped and turned around .
tr	0	Recognition flashed across the woman 's face .
tr	0	I whipped open my bag .
tr	0	" Take the clue . "
tr	0	He got their adrenaline pumping .
tr	0	I 'd probably lost her for good .
tr	0	Obnoxious laughter carried on a breeze .
tr	0	Peyton pointed in my direction .
tr	0	This was a job .
tr	0	Then I could look for Mom .
tr	0	I put my hand on my bag .
tr	0	Her voice was just above a whisper .
tr	0	I nodded at her .
tr	0	" Sorry , I don 't . "
tr	0	She tried again and still messed up .
tr	0	The Spy Games client tried again .
tr	0	No games this time .
tr	0	" Where have you been ? "
tr	0	" What 's going on ? "
tr	0	Can you do this for me ? "
tr	0	" Where are you staying ?
tr	0	" Savvy , this is important .
tr	0	You must follow my directions .
tr	0	" Sure , I got it . "
tr	0	Act like a teenager .
tr	0	She snapped out of it .
tr	0	Her words rushed out .
tr	0	I 'll find you .
tr	0	" I promise . "
tr	0	What had gotten into her ?
tr	0	And damn it I wanted an explanation .
tr	0	I snapped out of it .
tr	0	" What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	" Never mind that .
tr	0	That guy is crazy . "
tr	0	" I messed up .
tr	0	An angry voice pierced the air .
tr	0	" I can 't believe you ! "
tr	0	" You mean that guy ? "
tr	0	He pointed to his right .
tr	0	I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	" Oh , yes .
tr	0	I know all about that .
tr	0	He put his face inches from mine .
tr	0	Spit hit me as he spoke .
tr	0	He whipped his head toward her .
tr	0	I had to call Mr. Bent . "
tr	0	" I am sorry .
tr	0	I was not sure what to do .
tr	0	Not good at all .
tr	0	His breath made me gag .
tr	0	He would never understand about my mom .
tr	0	And what could I say ?
tr	0	The Louvre was my fault .
tr	0	Is that what you do for fun ?
tr	0	" This isn 't over ! "
tr	0	" Oo , I am so sorry .
tr	0	I made things worse .
tr	0	I placed my hands on her shoulders .
tr	0	" This was not your fault .
tr	0	Aimee shook her head .
tr	0	" You made a mistake .
tr	0	I tucked her hair behind her ears .
tr	0	I pulled her off to the side .
tr	0	He 's totally psycho .
tr	0	No telling what he 'll do . "
tr	0	" I will be fine .
tr	0	She didn 't need to say it .
tr	0	I knew better than to say anything .
tr	0	I needed to shrug this off .
tr	0	Freckles dotted his arms and face .
tr	0	" Oo , scary . "
tr	0	My cell phone vibrated .
tr	0	" You in position , Savvy ? "
tr	0	Cliff Peyton had called my dad .
tr	0	So I screwed up .
tr	0	But something was totally off with him .
tr	0	" Not yet . "
tr	0	" Mr. Peyton called me twice .
tr	0	He was extremely volatile . "
tr	0	" Are you okay ? "
tr	0	" I 'm fine .
tr	0	Just getting ready to torture Frankie .
tr	0	And did you know I saw Mom ?
tr	0	I 'm stuck in traffic .
tr	0	" Did you hear that ? "
tr	0	I tapped the crate .
tr	0	" You can 't fool me .
tr	0	I 'm about to kick your butt .
tr	0	I can feel it . "
tr	0	We played a few more cards .
tr	0	Frankie stopped again , poised to listen .
tr	0	" I 'm serious .
tr	0	Something 's going on up front . "
tr	0	I 'd recognize that voice anywhere .
tr	0	" Told ya , " Frankie said .
tr	0	She was supposed to be following him .
tr	0	Frankie struggled against his ropes .
tr	0	He must 've sensed the tension .
tr	0	I 'm sure of it . "
tr	0	I kept my voice low and calm .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry about the Louvre .
tr	0	I 'm sorry about the Eiffel .
tr	0	A vein pulsed in his neck .
tr	0	She 'd better be okay .
tr	0	I choked down a nervous laugh .
tr	0	I read it . "
tr	0	I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	I decided on a personal approach .
tr	0	He shoved me up against the wall .
tr	0	" Got it ? "
tr	0	" Yep , " I squeaked .
tr	0	" Don 't you touch her ! "
tr	0	Frankie threatened , struggling against the ropes .
tr	0	Peyton ignored him and focused on me .
tr	0	More like to take his revenge .
tr	0	" Leave her alone ! "
tr	0	What 's going on ? "
tr	0	Awe for my dad grew .
tr	0	" You don 't understand .
tr	0	She ruined everything . "
tr	0	We 'll talk later about refunds . "
tr	0	You 'll be hearing from me . "
tr	0	" Are you okay ? "
tr	0	Muscles in his jaw twitched .
tr	0	He cared but he was still mad .
tr	0	Get some ice on your cheek .
tr	0	I 'll see you at home . "
tr	0	I loved this place .
tr	0	Inside , I ordered a latte .
tr	0	And if I was honest ?
tr	0	Time to go home .
tr	0	The front door moved in the breeze .
tr	0	That was what I needed .
tr	0	What if he knew where we lived ?
tr	0	My bedroom door was open .
tr	0	I heard it again .
tr	0	I spun around to confuse any intruder .
tr	0	The clicking noise was my open window .
tr	0	I slumped onto my bed .
tr	0	What would someone want from us ?
tr	0	My measly piggy bank ?
tr	0	Or maybe a package !
tr	0	I sprinted back to the front door .
tr	0	I brought it inside .
tr	0	Mom had a strict rule .
tr	0	I ripped it open .
tr	0	I mean , that was it ?
tr	0	Now that told me something .
tr	0	Mom was into something big .
tr	0	Voices floated in from outside .
tr	0	Dad never brought them to our house .
tr	0	I didn 't have a good feeling .
tr	0	What would I say to everyone ?
tr	0	And what is that ?
tr	0	Anything else you want to know ? "
tr	0	" What 's up ? "
tr	0	Dad barely acknowledged me .
tr	0	Maps of Paris covered the table .
tr	0	The job was too important .
tr	0	" Where 's Aimee ? "
tr	0	He couldn 't have gotten to her .
tr	0	Ten " Dad ? "
tr	0	" Where 's Aimee ? "
tr	0	He whispered to Gray .
tr	0	Basically , Dad ignored me .
tr	0	He glanced over his notes .
tr	0	I tried not to think about Aimee .
tr	0	Maybe she had to run errands .
tr	0	Maybe she got the stomach bug .
tr	0	" Go home and relax .
tr	0	It 's been a long day . "
tr	0	Gray nodded to me .
tr	0	" Good luck , " he whispered .
tr	0	Not a good sign .
tr	0	Finally , they were gone .
tr	0	Our apartment felt huge .
tr	0	I decided to start first .
tr	0	" I can explain .
tr	0	Just give me a chance . "
tr	0	Dad 's voice sounded a bit impatient .
tr	0	" No , really .
tr	0	He got me kicked out . "
tr	0	" Kind of . "
tr	0	He tilted his head to the side .
tr	0	Dad sighed in exasperation .
tr	0	I told him to shadow you ! "
tr	0	Why didn 't you tell me ? "
tr	0	This would 've changed everything .
tr	0	" And spilling candy constitutes trouble ? "
tr	0	" Unfortunately , yes .
tr	0	We 've broken the contract . "
tr	0	" I 'll apologize .
tr	0	I 'll write them a letter .
tr	0	The words tasted bitter on my tongue .
tr	0	The apology was only a habit .
tr	0	Not that it ever worked .
tr	0	" It won 't matter . "
tr	0	" Are you that unhappy ? "
tr	0	I know you slack off at times .
tr	0	Oh , the shame !
tr	0	How do parents know everything ?
tr	0	Dad moved to the brown leather loveseat .
tr	0	He rubbed his temples .
tr	0	" It 's about Aimee . "
tr	0	You can 't do this .
tr	0	The Louvre wasn 't her fault .
tr	0	You can 't fire her too .
tr	0	" Where is she ? "
tr	0	I held the paper .
tr	0	Not for one second .
tr	0	Or talk to you about it ?
tr	0	Or talk to me ? "
tr	0	" What about her grandmother ? "
tr	0	This isn 't over .
tr	0	This isn 't over .
tr	0	" What about Peyton ? "
tr	0	Dad waved his hand .
tr	0	He was letting off some steam .
tr	0	" But he threatened us earlier . "
tr	0	Then it hit me .
tr	0	I stifled a gasp .
tr	0	We could work on finding Aimee together .
tr	0	We 'd be spies .
tr	0	He 'd love it .
tr	0	Hope bubbled up in my chest .
tr	0	Why wouldn 't he believe me ?
tr	0	His stress level was rising .
tr	0	" Yeah , sure . "
tr	0	Dad rubbed the scruff on his jaw .
tr	0	His shoulders were hunched over .
tr	0	Then he finally spoke .
tr	0	And then I was alone .
tr	0	We 'd dreamed so much together .
tr	0	She 'd at least call .
tr	0	My arm jerked with the revelation .
tr	0	But this wasn 't about me .
tr	0	It was about Aimee .
tr	0	I needed a shot of caffeine .
tr	0	I wanted to be wrong .
tr	0	I smelled the coffee .
tr	0	It wasn 't my dad .
tr	0	Could it be Peyton ?
tr	0	Relief flooded my limbs .
tr	0	What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	I waved the knife .
tr	0	" Where else would I be ? "
tr	0	What was he talking about ?
tr	0	He closed his laptop .
tr	0	" Hope the coffee is right .
tr	0	I know you like it strong . "
tr	0	I mimicked his casual approach .
tr	0	What else had he noticed ?
tr	0	Why had Dad let him in ?
tr	0	" What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	I managed to swallow .
tr	0	" We are not going anywhere . "
tr	0	I remembered the kiss .
tr	0	Okay , screw that .
tr	0	" Why are you here ? "
tr	0	He stood and took a step closer .
tr	0	" The note explains everything . "
tr	0	He glanced at his watch .
tr	0	How could I have slept that long ?
tr	0	And with Aimee missing ?
tr	0	" That explains the outfit . "
tr	0	" Don 't answer that . "
tr	0	His face grew serious .
tr	0	It sounded perfect . "
tr	0	A replacement for Aimee already ?
tr	0	Hate to disappoint you . "
tr	0	" Already signed on the dotted line .
tr	0	I start training today .
tr	0	" Sorry about your friend . "
tr	0	He didn 't even wait a day .
tr	0	" I 'm going to check inside .
tr	0	I 'll be right back . "
tr	0	I missed my friends and my mom .
tr	0	This Extravaganza was it .
tr	0	I signed up then hurried back outside .
tr	0	Blah , blah , blah . "
tr	0	Malcolm interrupted my thoughts .
tr	0	" Right , the debriefing .
tr	0	" I was thinking about Aimee . "
tr	0	" The friend you meet here ? "
tr	0	" Not really . "
tr	0	" Sometimes people make impulsive decisions .
tr	0	Ones they might regret later . "
tr	0	" How 'd you get home ? "
tr	0	" Let 's go . "
tr	0	The tray was in his hand .
tr	0	" Er , right . "
tr	0	Malcolm grabbed his backpack .
tr	0	Did he kinda like me ?
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Always listen to your gut . "
tr	0	" Let 's go . "
tr	0	Thirteen Malcolm whispered in my ear .
tr	0	I elbowed him in the gut .
tr	0	Someone had to find her .
tr	0	" What 's she saying ? "
tr	0	Malcolm raised his eyebrows .
tr	0	Who is she ? "
tr	0	Marie stopped in front of us .
tr	0	I coughed and spoke louder .
tr	0	" It 's Savvy .
tr	0	Aimee 's friend ? "
tr	0	" What was I thinking ?
tr	0	I did not recognize you .
tr	0	It has been far too long . "
tr	0	They both spoke English .
tr	0	She released me and noticed Malcolm .
tr	0	" Who is this ?
tr	0	A special man in your life ? "
tr	0	She kissed both his cheeks .
tr	0	" I was visiting next door .
tr	0	You must come inside for some tea .
tr	0	" Yeah , about that . "
tr	0	It is your lucky day .
tr	0	" Looks great , " I said .
tr	0	" I like the new furniture . "
tr	0	Take a seat and help yourself .
tr	0	I will be right back . "
tr	0	" What were you thinking ? "
tr	0	He rubbed his shin .
tr	0	He reached for a cookie .
tr	0	She winked at me .
tr	0	" And a gentleman , too . "
tr	0	I licked my dry lips .
tr	0	Is Aimee here ? "
tr	0	Marie lowered her eyebrows .
tr	0	" Aimee should be at work .
tr	0	Is everything okay ? "
tr	0	Marie put her teacup down .
tr	0	I decided on a more direct approach .
tr	0	She clasped her hands in her lap .
tr	0	" Should I be worried ? "
tr	0	" No , not at all .
tr	0	" Sure , dear .
tr	0	First room on the right . "
tr	0	" I 've got it , pumpkin .
tr	0	Be right back . "
tr	0	" No one 's perfect . "
tr	0	I kept my eyes on the room .
tr	0	His breath tickled my ear .
tr	0	Shivers rippled down my spine .
tr	0	In a good way .
tr	0	I strode over to her jewelry box .
tr	0	Except for a pair of hiking boots .
tr	0	You might be right . "
tr	0	Malcolm sat next to me .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	" What now ? "
tr	0	We stood as I answered .
tr	0	I had a mission .
tr	0	Malcolm stepped out from behind the hedge .
tr	0	He also carried a small black backpack .
tr	0	" Yes , I did . "
tr	0	I motioned him inside .
tr	0	" We don 't have much time .
tr	0	Because it 's totally hot .
tr	0	Dang , he looked good in black .
tr	0	" What now ? "
tr	0	I shook it off .
tr	0	" Follow me . "
tr	0	" No coffee this morning ?
tr	0	Then I proceeded to untwist it .
tr	0	" Lesson for the day .
tr	0	How to pick a lock . "
tr	0	Malcolm glanced back at the door .
tr	0	" Yeah , so ? "
tr	0	But I 'd be lying .
tr	0	" Client files . "
tr	0	Malcolm crouched close by .
tr	0	Now it 's your turn . "
tr	0	" Okay , move over .
tr	0	Peyton 's file was the first one .
tr	0	I wasn 't sure .
tr	0	Maybe he 'd gotten fired or divorced .
tr	0	" Your dad ! "
tr	0	" Maybe he cut it short .
tr	0	The door opened and slammed .
tr	0	His footsteps pounded in the hallway .
tr	0	Under the bed . "
tr	0	" Hurry up , " I whispered .
tr	0	Dad answered his phone a little breathless .
tr	0	" Admit it , " he whispered .
tr	0	Malcolm faded into the background .
tr	0	I need more time . "
tr	0	I remembered the Extravaganza I entered .
tr	0	Something on the advertisement mentioned prize money .
tr	0	" I 'll find the money somehow .
tr	0	I can sell off some assets . "
tr	0	Like our house in Pennsylvania ?
tr	0	" We 're not superheroes . "
tr	0	" Watch and learn . "
tr	0	" But we have only two . "
tr	0	My hands shook as I wiggled it .
tr	0	I gently kicked open the door .
tr	0	This was for Aimee .
tr	0	Fifteen Malcolm peeked in from the side .
tr	0	" You check the kitchen .
tr	0	I 'll find the bedroom .
tr	0	I whipped open the closet door .
tr	0	Cliff Peyton was kinda boring .
tr	0	" I might 've found something . "
tr	0	" That 's not good . "
tr	0	I dropped onto the bed .
tr	0	The mattress was probably from the 1800s .
tr	0	" That could be for anything . "
tr	0	" Are those -- " " Trackers ?
tr	0	Why , yes , they are .
tr	0	Fancy you should ask . "
tr	0	" Add them to his clothes .
tr	0	He 'll never know . "
tr	0	" Where did you get these ? "
tr	0	He ran his finger over them .
tr	0	" Isn 't this illegal ? "
tr	0	Get to work . "
tr	0	Could we go to jail for this ?
tr	0	" Breathe , " he whispered .
tr	0	" Hey , how you doing ? "
tr	0	The Eiffel Tower ? "
tr	0	Complete annoyance settled in his eyes .
tr	0	" How could I forget ? "
tr	0	Nothing that would help me .
tr	0	" You ruined everything ! "
tr	0	Malcolm moved in front of me .
tr	0	Peyton , right ? "
tr	0	I pushed him back .
tr	0	Not my actions , not my words .
tr	0	Not when you are completely psycho ! "
tr	0	" Good one . "
tr	0	" What 's your problem ? "
tr	0	I whipped away from Malcolm 's grasp .
tr	0	I pointed a finger at him .
tr	0	" After you threatened us . "
tr	0	" I know you do . "
tr	0	I followed Malcolm 's lead .
tr	0	" That 's crazy . "
tr	0	" That 's right , coward .
tr	0	Enjoy your last days of freedom ! "
tr	0	Probably a vase or lamp .
tr	0	But she wasn 't here .
tr	0	Malcolm quickened his stride .
tr	0	" We completed our mission .
tr	0	" Yep , " I said .
tr	0	I shook my head and kept walking .
tr	0	I glared at him .
tr	0	" Thanks for the professional analysis . "
tr	0	It 's not like Peyton is French .
tr	0	" Probably , " I answered .
tr	0	His flushed face was close to mine .
tr	0	He was millimeters from my face .
tr	0	" You 're the trainer .
tr	0	What 's the lesson here ? "
tr	0	He needed an answer .
tr	0	The crowds of people passed us by .
tr	0	A slight breeze stole between us .
tr	0	He traced his thumb across my lips .
tr	0	He smiled a warm and cocky grin .
tr	0	" Why yes , I do . "
tr	0	He didn 't look back .
tr	0	All combinations of ingredients failed epically .
tr	0	What was it really all about ?
tr	0	It was so useless .
tr	0	" Is everything okay ? "
tr	0	" Um , yeah . "
tr	0	I waved at my face .
tr	0	I nodded like the dutiful daughter .
tr	0	" Why did Mom leave ? "
tr	0	" Mom 's not here .
tr	0	She 'll be back . "
tr	0	Dad 's silence told me everything .
tr	0	" Good idea . "
tr	0	I bit my lip , then spoke .
tr	0	" Sure , right . "
tr	0	The next few hours sucked .
tr	0	Malcolm entered the tiny living room .
tr	0	Was it something about Aimee ?
tr	0	Dad entered the room .
tr	0	" Oh , Malcolm .
tr	0	I forgot you were stopping by . "
tr	0	Dad flashed a cheesy grin .
tr	0	" Sorry , Savvy .
tr	0	I forgot to tell you . "
tr	0	" Tell me what ? "
tr	0	Malcolm stepped closer to me .
tr	0	Your dad agreed . "
tr	0	" An afternoon off might help .
tr	0	" Wait and see . "
tr	0	" I 'll be right back . "
tr	0	" There go all my plans .
tr	0	You might as well go home . "
tr	0	I tried to shake it off .
tr	0	I could be relaxed about this too .
tr	0	He unlocked the door and we entered .
tr	0	" I totally get it . "
tr	0	The counter had nothing on it .
tr	0	Not even one candle .
tr	0	Boy , did I ever .
tr	0	" Peyton 's on the move . "
tr	0	My face heated up .
tr	0	He did know something !
tr	0	" Tell me . "
tr	0	He separated the quilting scraps .
tr	0	" Yeah , " I huffed .
tr	0	" He 's not moving .
tr	0	" Of course , duh . "
tr	0	" Get dressed . "
tr	0	I gave him my dumb blonde look .
tr	0	" Your disguise ? "
tr	0	I blew air through my lips .
tr	0	He tried to hide a muffled snicker .
tr	0	I stopped and pulled my arm away .
tr	0	" I 'm fine .
tr	0	He slipped his fingers through mine .
tr	0	" Let 's go , Hilda . "
tr	0	Kind of like my mom and dad .
tr	0	Except they 're not that old yet .
tr	0	" Parc des buttes . "
tr	0	I picked up my pace .
tr	0	Peyton was on the move .
tr	0	Eighteen Malcolm grabbed my hand .
tr	0	" Slow down , dear .
tr	0	Let 's enjoy the day . "
tr	0	I couldn 't help it .
tr	0	It had already been too long .
tr	0	What do they say ?
tr	0	" Did you see him ? "
tr	0	Malcolm pointed and peered across the bridge .
tr	0	" I think it was Peyton . "
tr	0	Maybe I needed glasses .
tr	0	Dark shapes moved in between the trees .
tr	0	Sound like him ? "
tr	0	Sounded exactly like Peyton .
tr	0	" Are you sure ? "
tr	0	Adrenaline rushed through my body .
tr	0	" Stop and breathe . "
tr	0	Malcolm rubbed my back .
tr	0	" It would be too late . "
tr	0	This could be anything . "
tr	0	Malcolm blew out a breath .
tr	0	He 's leaving the park . "
tr	0	It couldn 't be .
tr	0	I needed to be alone .
tr	0	I should never have pointed it out .
tr	0	That could 've been anything . "
tr	0	" Or it could be everything .
tr	0	It 's pretty common rope . "
tr	0	He held out his hand .
tr	0	" Let 's go back and regroup .
tr	0	We 'd find him ?
tr	0	We crossed the safe bridge .
tr	0	Aimee would 've loved it .
tr	0	It won 't work . "
tr	0	" Did we enjoy our honeymoon ? "
tr	0	My heart was lodged in my throat .
tr	0	He gently kissed my cheek .
tr	0	But we didn 't .
tr	0	Instead , tears slipped down my face .
tr	0	It was much more than that .
tr	0	I didn 't have many .
tr	0	Birds burst from the trees like fireworks .
tr	0	I was inches from the edge .
tr	0	My vertigo maxed out .
tr	0	" When I say three .
tr	0	Don 't look back . "
tr	0	" What about you ? "
tr	0	" I 'll be right behind .
tr	0	Another shot shattered the air .
tr	0	" Quick , follow me . "
tr	0	My whole body shook .
tr	0	Who would shoot at us ?
tr	0	I hoped not for Aimee 's sake .
tr	0	I didn 't dare move .
tr	0	" Who -- " " Shh .
tr	0	No talking , " Malcolm reprimanded .
tr	0	The rustle of the leaves .
tr	0	The wind moving in the branches .
tr	0	The geese on the nearby lake .
tr	0	Malcolm 's breath on my neck .
tr	0	Footsteps on the gravel path .
tr	0	They kept walking . "
tr	0	I held back a sob .
tr	0	" I don 't dare move .
tr	0	What if he 's still searching ? "
tr	0	Who could it be ?
tr	0	" What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	She did not want to be found .
tr	0	And all that money .
tr	0	What if this was about the money ?
tr	0	I spoke the revelation before realizing it .
tr	0	" What do you mean ?
tr	0	About your mom ? "
tr	0	" It has to be Peyton .
tr	0	Malcolm shifted his body and sat up .
tr	0	And the hostage site . "
tr	0	My stomach growled , interrupting us .
tr	0	That 's why I came prepared . "
tr	0	A girl could hope .
tr	0	" Sadly , no .
tr	0	But maybe this will do ? "
tr	0	" You 're the best ! "
tr	0	Where are your provisions ?
tr	0	" Good cover . "
tr	0	He handed me a chocolate bar .
tr	0	I bit my lip .
tr	0	" Black crickets . "
tr	0	Not what you expected ?
tr	0	Black crickets freak me out .
tr	0	" Your turn . "
tr	0	He fell silent , lost in thought .
tr	0	" A year away from home ? "
tr	0	" It 's a tradition .
tr	0	I knew something about that .
tr	0	Why else would Mom have left ?
tr	0	Your dad loves you .
tr	0	I can tell . "
tr	0	Time to change the subject .
tr	0	" That 's easy .
tr	0	There was this one time .
tr	0	" What was it then ? "
tr	0	" Let 's go .
tr	0	Enough excitement for today . "
tr	0	I shivered in its shadow .
tr	0	I had reached that dead end .
tr	0	I had absolutely no other clues .
tr	0	Next Monday , then ? "
tr	0	I was officially on my own .
tr	0	I knocked on the door .
tr	0	I knocked a bit harder .
tr	0	Not even a scuffle of footsteps .
tr	0	" It 's Savvy .
tr	0	Aimee 's friend ? "
tr	0	But there was nothing .
tr	0	Not one hint of spice or warmth .
tr	0	Twenty " Hello ? "
tr	0	Was it that loud last time ?
tr	0	I turned to the closet .
tr	0	But hiking shoes she 'd bring .
tr	0	So why were they still here ?
tr	0	This intruder sounded like me .
tr	0	It was my only escape route .
tr	0	Maybe I should hide in the closet ?
tr	0	I heard footsteps on the stairs .
tr	0	I threw the other leg over .
tr	0	The bedroom door creaked .
tr	0	I couldn 't drop .
tr	0	What if the person heard me ?
tr	0	What were they looking for ?
tr	0	I couldn 't hold on much longer .
tr	0	The door creaked again .
tr	0	The intruder seemed to have vanished .
tr	0	Who could the intruder have been ?
tr	0	I didn 't dare move .
tr	0	Her eyes held a hint of fear .
tr	0	She spoke in choppy English .
tr	0	" No one lives here . "
tr	0	She let go and turned abruptly .
tr	0	" What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	" What about Marie and Aimee ?
tr	0	You must be mistaken ! "
tr	0	But the lady was gone .
tr	0	Her words stayed with me .
tr	0	And then it hit me .
tr	0	That was what was missing .
tr	0	And that was never a good sign .
tr	0	Twenty-one Finally , the big day arrived .
tr	0	But no sign of Mom .
tr	0	I approached the registration table .
tr	0	" You , little girl . "
tr	0	I stopped and turned .
tr	0	But his eyes freaked me out .
tr	0	I 'd never noticed them before .
tr	0	A creepy chill crawled across my back .
tr	0	" Are you stupid , girl ? "
tr	0	A female reporter nudged me .
tr	0	" I applaud your efforts , girl .
tr	0	" Kris Kringle ? "
tr	0	He pulled me close .
tr	0	A word of warning .
tr	0	He knew about the camera ?
tr	0	What else could he have meant ?
tr	0	The layout was simple but breathtaking .
tr	0	Small tarts were cars .
tr	0	I shoved the cupcakes under the table .
tr	0	I didn 't care .
tr	0	And keeping my mind on my mission .
tr	0	And waiting for Mom .
tr	0	Maybe she wasn 't just paranoid .
tr	0	Why a special camera ?
tr	0	My heart rate increased exponentially .
tr	0	My mission became a reality .
tr	0	I could do this .
tr	0	The crowds drifted around me .
tr	0	My vision blurred and my hands shook .
tr	0	Special glazes glinted in the sun .
tr	0	Or I seriously hurt the guy .
tr	0	But I had my answers .
tr	0	Mom was possibly a cold-blooded assassin .
tr	0	She was a killer .
tr	0	And now I was too .
tr	0	Like mother like daughter .
tr	0	No wonder she wasn 't here .
tr	0	Not to chat with me .
tr	0	I had no clue .
tr	0	Extremely suspicious since the shop was closed .
tr	0	Someone had used me .
tr	0	Did Mom know about all this ?
tr	0	I slipped inside after him .
tr	0	The succulent , sweet smells were deceiving .
tr	0	The shop was quiet and dark .
tr	0	Where did the man go ?
tr	0	A musty smell tingled my nose .
tr	0	The hairs along my arm rose .
tr	0	Voices echoed from beyond the open doorway .
tr	0	What did Malcolm know ?
tr	0	I had two paths .
tr	0	Man , it was heavy .
tr	0	A shock of freezing air engulfed me .
tr	0	I was stuck in the freezer .
tr	0	I kneeled and peered out the opening .
tr	0	Wasn 't the butler always guilty ?
tr	0	Did he work for Jolie , too ?
tr	0	Did either of them know about Jolie ?
tr	0	I might 've killed a man .
tr	0	They continued to talk .
tr	0	He switched over to English .
tr	0	" And what about the prisoner ? "
tr	0	Malcolm interjected , speaking clearly .
tr	0	Were they talking about me ?
tr	0	You planted the fake evidence .
tr	0	You led her to the cliffs .
tr	0	Yet she is here . "
tr	0	My body turned rigid .
tr	0	Had he set me up ?
tr	0	I remembered his brush off .
tr	0	Were they still talking about me ?
tr	0	The numbing cold spread .
tr	0	What would they want with my mom ?
tr	0	" Get the information from your girlfriend .
tr	0	Or I will . "
tr	0	My fingers and toes were slightly numb .
tr	0	Please , please , I prayed .
tr	0	I had to run .
tr	0	I stumbled through the streets for home .
tr	0	Moments with Malcolm tore at me .
tr	0	Tender moments , laughing , and flirting .
tr	0	Anger rose above my fear .
tr	0	" Hey , it 's Malcolm .
tr	0	No way was Malcolm a hired gun .
tr	0	He wouldn 't hurt me .
tr	0	I quickly shut the door and gulped .
tr	0	I was hungry . "
tr	0	" What brings you here ?
tr	0	He showed me his stuffed backpack .
tr	0	" Yeah , not in the mood .
tr	0	I stayed behind the table .
tr	0	We can stay here . "
tr	0	Surprise must have showed on my face .
tr	0	Not with the big commotion going on .
tr	0	I got out of there . "
tr	0	" So what happened anyway ? "
tr	0	" Oh , right .
tr	0	He zipped open his pack .
tr	0	I wasn 't an assassin .
tr	0	Malcolm caught my arm .
tr	0	" Are you okay ?
tr	0	You beat out top pastry chefs . "
tr	0	" Just luck , " I murmured .
tr	0	Of course he was right .
tr	0	I certainly hadn 't created my entry .
tr	0	Not sure I wanted to know .
tr	0	" The finals are in two weeks .
tr	0	For now , let 's celebrate . "
tr	0	I shook off my paranoia .
tr	0	I was just an assignment to him .
tr	0	He patted the blanket .
tr	0	I promise I won 't bite . "
tr	0	I 'd heard those words before .
tr	0	" I thought we were past that .
tr	0	A crafty look played across his face .
tr	0	Malcolm popped a grape in his mouth .
tr	0	I relaxed , a little .
tr	0	" What about your family .
tr	0	I know your dad .
tr	0	How about your mom ? "
tr	0	They had been talking about Mom .
tr	0	I could play his game .
tr	0	He flashed me a fake smile .
tr	0	" She wasn 't like normal moms .
tr	0	" Oh , yeah .
tr	0	I swear she was psycho .
tr	0	I poured him another .
tr	0	" What else ? "
tr	0	I tapped my head .
tr	0	" Let 's see .
tr	0	Did he like me at all ?
tr	0	I continued my story .
tr	0	Again , they were trembling a bit .
tr	0	" And what was that ? "
tr	0	Let 's talk about Jolie .
tr	0	" Probably some jealous competitor . "
tr	0	" Yeah , probably .
tr	0	But I think he 's bad . "
tr	0	I turned and faced him .
tr	0	" I 'm serious .
tr	0	I think Jolie did . "
tr	0	Malcolm choked on a grape .
tr	0	" Who knows ? "
tr	0	" True , but still . "
tr	0	" You 're right .
tr	0	He gently pulled me into him .
tr	0	Would anything distract him from his mission ?
tr	0	His vein pulsed and his breathing quickened .
tr	0	What was the reason behind her obsessions ?
tr	0	" Sure I do . "
tr	0	" Did you find anything else ? "
tr	0	Was he feeling anything ?
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	I 'd gotten the information I needed .
tr	0	I forced a giggle .
tr	0	" Good one . "
tr	0	More like go back and report .
tr	0	Leaving so soon ? "
tr	0	He might hold the answers .
tr	0	I had lost touch with the truth .
tr	0	What had happened to Aimee ?
tr	0	I cleared my throat and spoke louder .
tr	0	Nancy gave me her motherly smile .
tr	0	" Sounds like fun .
tr	0	I bet clients love it . "
tr	0	" The entrance stays . "
tr	0	Everyone was staring at me .
tr	0	" What do you think ?
tr	0	Will that work ? "
tr	0	A blush crept across my skin .
tr	0	I had to cover .
tr	0	I couldn 't disappoint him .
tr	0	Dad can brainstorm some pretty wacky ideas .
tr	0	Like dropping from ceilings .
tr	0	" You believed that note ? "
tr	0	" Why wouldn 't we ? "
tr	0	" Because she never said goodbye .
tr	0	" It takes years to know someone .
tr	0	Did you take psychology ? "
tr	0	We had something in common .
tr	0	He looked around at all the staff .
tr	0	How could Malcolm betray me like that ?
tr	0	I 'd told him all about Aimee .
tr	0	I thought he 'd agreed with me .
tr	0	How could Dad believe Malcolm over me ?
tr	0	I couldn 't take it anymore .
tr	0	" Aimee 's in trouble . "
tr	0	" Where you going , Savvy ? "
tr	0	Not sure how dads do that .
tr	0	" Heading out for a run . "
tr	0	And a little bit of espionage .
tr	0	He picked up a folder to review .
tr	0	" How 's he coming along ?
tr	0	Will he be a good replacement ? "
tr	0	We were lucky . "
tr	0	" He 'll be just peachy . "
tr	0	She 'd laugh at the irony .
tr	0	Malcolm 's darkened window mocked me .
tr	0	A shade called double agent .
tr	0	I slipped in like a night shadow .
tr	0	There had to be something .
tr	0	Something to tie the pieces together .
tr	0	I mean who was he really ?
tr	0	" Why , Malcolm ? "
tr	0	I shook the memories away .
tr	0	He was probably faking it all anyway .
tr	0	That 's what I needed .
tr	0	Maybe he kept laptops in here too .
tr	0	And there it was .
tr	0	Sitting next to the coffee maker .
tr	0	How had I missed it ?
tr	0	I gently opened it and pressed power .
tr	0	Everything was locked down .
tr	0	Immediately a document popped out at me .
tr	0	He had a file on me .
tr	0	The mouse hovered over the file .
tr	0	I clicked on the file .
tr	0	In Malcolm 's apartment .
tr	0	" Soooo , " Malcolm drawled .
tr	0	Malcolm 's voice was sultry and suggestive .
tr	0	" I love it .
tr	0	What do you have in mind ? "
tr	0	All I could picture was strip poker .
tr	0	That doesn 't sound like fun . "
tr	0	" Let me explain . "
tr	0	Chairs moved against the floor .
tr	0	" And take a shot . "
tr	0	A stripping and a drinking game .
tr	0	" You start , " Malcolm said .
tr	0	That was so obvious .
tr	0	She clearly just wanted to get naked .
tr	0	" Lie , " Malcolm answered .
tr	0	" How 'd you know ? "
tr	0	" My turn . "
tr	0	My mouth opened slightly in shock .
tr	0	A family of assassins ?
tr	0	Or so I 'd thought .
tr	0	" True , " Malcolm said .
tr	0	I jumped a mile then whipped around .
tr	0	Where the hell was a frying pan ?
tr	0	Twenty-six " I. . .
tr	0	Then you showed up with her . "
tr	0	I jerked my thumb toward his bedroom .
tr	0	" What is going on ? "
tr	0	I will call friends .
tr	0	A cupboard hung partly open .
tr	0	" We need to talk . "
tr	0	" Yeah right , " I said .
tr	0	He moved away from the door .
tr	0	Is that so wrong ? "
tr	0	My arms slightly trembled .
tr	0	It splintered and crashed to the floor .
tr	0	It was the smell of freedom .
tr	0	I was almost there .
tr	0	" What do you want with me ?
tr	0	Just tell me . "
tr	0	" No way . "
tr	0	" Nice rope you got there . "
tr	0	I got in a few good kicks .
tr	0	" So now I 'm your prisoner ?
tr	0	" You 're not my prisoner . "
tr	0	" Could 've fooled me . "
tr	0	Minutes later , late-night coffee percolated .
tr	0	They talked about my mother .
tr	0	" I want the truth . "
tr	0	Coffee sloshed over the sides .
tr	0	You 've got to understand that . "
tr	0	His words sounded familiar .
tr	0	I let out a loud sigh .
tr	0	He didn 't say anything .
tr	0	Seconds or maybe minutes passed .
tr	0	My heart rate spiked .
tr	0	" What about the girl ? "
tr	0	I closed my eyes .
tr	0	" What about the girl ? "
tr	0	He kissed my cheek .
tr	0	That we couldn 't work out .
tr	0	That I was an assignment .
tr	0	He brought his lips inches from mine .
tr	0	I spit out the words .
tr	0	And you probably kidnapped Aimee too . "
tr	0	That 's where my plan went wrong .
tr	0	" You win . "
tr	0	My plan was backfiring .
tr	0	" So you admit it ? "
tr	0	" I admit nothing . "
tr	0	" Then I 'm done here . "
tr	0	" I 'll see you later . "
tr	0	I 'm not interested . "
tr	0	" You don 't understand . "
tr	0	" Oh , I understand everything .
tr	0	She used to work for Jolie . "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	He gripped the back of the chair .
tr	0	I narrowed my eyes .
tr	0	" Did she ? "
tr	0	He lowered his head .
tr	0	Should I believe him ?
tr	0	" Go ahead . "
tr	0	" Are you working for Jolie ? "
tr	0	He slid into the chair .
tr	0	" I 'm a good worker .
tr	0	I earned his respect quickly . "
tr	0	I rubbed my chin .
tr	0	" Okay , fine .
tr	0	Guess I 'm a liar too .
tr	0	Peyton hadn 't kidnapped Aimee .
tr	0	Possibly a good place to keep prisoners .
tr	0	My only lead was Jolie .
tr	0	What mysteries was he hiding ?
tr	0	What did he know about Aimee ?
tr	0	Why was he spying on me ?
tr	0	And the grass needed to be cut .
tr	0	There had to be some mistake .
tr	0	Was this his house ?
tr	0	Or was he visiting someone ?
tr	0	Only one way to find out .
tr	0	His stern voice echoed from the backyard .
tr	0	Their stream of French washed over me .
tr	0	The door slammed and someone went inside .
tr	0	I dared to peek around the corner .
tr	0	A chicken pecked at the ground .
tr	0	Who has chickens for pets ?
tr	0	But then I looked past Jolie .
tr	0	I choked on my saliva .
tr	0	This was the man behind the name ?
tr	0	Her back was to me .
tr	0	Her voice plucked my heartstrings .
tr	0	It couldn 't be .
tr	0	How could I not have recognized it ?
tr	0	She turned and confirmed my worst fears .
tr	0	And someone as sweet as Marie ?
tr	0	He 'd better be treating her right .
tr	0	Maybe she was kidnapped later that day ?
tr	0	Only yards away from me ?
tr	0	Dad would never believe me without proof .
tr	0	Or the start of it .
tr	0	I 'd be a hero .
tr	0	A strong hand grabbed my wrist .
tr	0	Would Jolie believe I was lost ?
tr	0	" Please , join me . "
tr	0	Should I make a run for it ?
tr	0	Use the potted plant ?
tr	0	His voice held fake enthusiasm .
tr	0	We have cookies and tea . "
tr	0	Like the picture I took .
tr	0	I searched his face for any recognition .
tr	0	But then I remembered my mission .
tr	0	" These cookies look delicious .
tr	0	He waved his hand .
tr	0	We have always had this tradition .
tr	0	Yeah , sure . "
tr	0	I racked my brain .
tr	0	We used to . "
tr	0	My determination slipped a bit .
tr	0	Nothing more important than family .
tr	0	His eyes narrowed in on me .
tr	0	Was he threatening me ?
tr	0	He pushed the plate of cookies closer .
tr	0	We are not that different . "
tr	0	" What happened to your friend ?
tr	0	I have not seen her there . "
tr	0	I know the truth .
tr	0	" I know Aimee , her granddaughter .
tr	0	He spluttered a bit .
tr	0	" Yes , I do .
tr	0	I demand you release them .
tr	0	And my name is Savvy .
tr	0	You are quite amusing . "
tr	0	I stopped inching away .
tr	0	" I 'm serious . "
tr	0	He whispered in my ear .
tr	0	But playtime is over .
tr	0	My interest in you is waning .
tr	0	Thank you for the brief entertainment . "
tr	0	His agility amazed me .
tr	0	" Well , thanks for the cookies .
tr	0	My dad 's expecting me home . "
tr	0	I wrinkled my nose .
tr	0	I 'd be happy too . "
tr	0	I pounded on it .
tr	0	" I won 't keep you forever .
tr	0	What could I say ?
tr	0	No smart answer to that ?
tr	0	Basically , I had no one .
tr	0	Were hens protective of their eggs ?
tr	0	I pasted on a cheesy smile .
tr	0	I 'm a friend .
tr	0	So much for my 007 act .
tr	0	Twenty-nine I scrambled to my feet .
tr	0	" What 's going on ?
tr	0	Is Aimee okay ? "
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	" You must leave now .
tr	0	I must get back inside . "
tr	0	But this time I was prepared .
tr	0	The steam coated my face in warmth .
tr	0	" Any more shootings ? "
tr	0	" Thankfully , no .
tr	0	I bit into an apple and munched .
tr	0	" Good idea . "
tr	0	I played his game .
tr	0	It was called deflection .
tr	0	And he always fell for it .
tr	0	" It 's great .
tr	0	We 're all set for this Saturday .
tr	0	" Well , yes .
tr	0	Get the word out . "
tr	0	" Expecting someone ? "
tr	0	Dad nodded to the fridge .
tr	0	Dad coughed and lifted the newspaper .
tr	0	" Spy Games business . "
tr	0	" That 's right .
tr	0	A smile lit up his face .
tr	0	Someone knocked on the door .
tr	0	" Come on in ! "
tr	0	Good going , Dad .
tr	0	Again , the cobblestones got to me .
tr	0	" You ready ? "
tr	0	" Can you imagine ? "
tr	0	" Being here , living here .
tr	0	" Let 's go . "
tr	0	And if Malcolm didn 't act suspicious .
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	" I think it 's great .
tr	0	Another big tourist place . "
tr	0	Dad 's looking to cut costs . "
tr	0	A chill descended into my bones .
tr	0	He set this whole thing up ?
tr	0	" Yes , exactly .
tr	0	Was this a veiled threat ?
tr	0	Or was I being too melodramatic ?
tr	0	It 's been done before .
tr	0	Let 's get started . "
tr	0	We climbed around and around and around .
tr	0	The stairs were endless .
tr	0	" How much longer ? "
tr	0	" We 're almost halfway .
tr	0	" I 'm not sure about that .
tr	0	I stopped to rest .
tr	0	After a couple minutes , I stopped .
tr	0	We were being followed .
tr	0	" We 're almost halfway .
tr	0	And there 's a small café ! "
tr	0	I ran to catch up with him .
tr	0	And then forget all this ever happened .
tr	0	First , I had to escape .
tr	0	But what I saw confirmed my fears .
tr	0	The rest of the four hundred stairs .
tr	0	Did Paris hold something against me ?
tr	0	Did my terrible accent offend her ?
tr	0	I wished it were that simple .
tr	0	Jolie , Malcolm , and Aimee .
tr	0	Surely , Malcolm had left .
tr	0	Was that even his home ?
tr	0	I didn 't know .
tr	0	No sneaking around this time .
tr	0	No slinking or acting like a criminal .
tr	0	I peered through a window .
tr	0	I hesitated at the backdoor and listened .
tr	0	Even if they weren 't perfect .
tr	0	I wanted that back .
tr	0	I whispered , then scolded myself .
tr	0	I tiptoed across the tiny hall .
tr	0	A car door shut outside .
tr	0	A tiny sob escaped .
tr	0	Or a smoke bomb ?
tr	0	A voice cleared on the stairs .
tr	0	Jolie whistled in the hall .
tr	0	I heard a zipper .
tr	0	I shuddered as he relieved himself .
tr	0	I held my breath and silently prayed .
tr	0	I begged forgiveness for anything and everything .
tr	0	I don 't usually notice hands .
tr	0	I gasped for my breath .
tr	0	He was taking a shower ?
tr	0	Someone rapped on the door and shouted .
tr	0	They sounded rushed and upset .
tr	0	The water shut off .
tr	0	Jolie pulled on his pants .
tr	0	My body trembled violently .
tr	0	The hand of God in their lives .
tr	0	I probably looked like one too .
tr	0	The Harry Potter music .
tr	0	The girl 's voice .
tr	0	How could this be ?
tr	0	I pulled the photo out .
tr	0	Aimee and Marie weren 't prisoners .
tr	0	Our entire friendship was a lie .
tr	0	Did she even care about me ?
tr	0	Did Jolie and Aimee go down there ?
tr	0	I knew what I should do .
tr	0	I needed a flashlight .
tr	0	Time to suck it up .
tr	0	I climbed down and down .
tr	0	What did they store down here ?
tr	0	Finally , I reached the bottom .
tr	0	A narrow hallway opened up before me .
tr	0	Water seeped from the limestone walls .
tr	0	I needed a plan .
tr	0	Had Malcolm been with him ?
tr	0	What was in here ?
tr	0	Did animals live down here ?
tr	0	Their voices drew closer .
tr	0	Out of the darkness , Aimee appeared .
tr	0	Jolie lifted his arms in exasperation .
tr	0	Tell them you 're through with them !
tr	0	A black T-shirt matched his black jeans .
tr	0	He looked quite the spy .
tr	0	The rope glimmered in the soft light .
tr	0	An Indiana Jones whip .
tr	0	Malcolm had never made me promises .
tr	0	So we 'd shared a kiss .
tr	0	Just what I needed .
tr	0	Bones and more bones .
tr	0	I was in a crypt !
tr	0	They couldn 't hurt me .
tr	0	A sob formed deep in my chest .
tr	0	With frayed ropes around it .
tr	0	Was the prisoner dead ?
tr	0	Maybe the prisoner escaped .
tr	0	To search for the prisoner !
tr	0	That felt like a century ago .
tr	0	Had she been hiding from Jolie ?
tr	0	Because Mom wasn 't talking .
tr	0	My fingers curled into a fist .
tr	0	Footsteps echoed from the tunnel .
tr	0	Panicked French from more than one person .
tr	0	They were after me .
tr	0	Every footstep jarred my body .
tr	0	Sweat dripped into my eyes and stung .
tr	0	What would they do to me ?
tr	0	A pool of light shimmered up ahead .
tr	0	I pushed and pushed .
tr	0	This was absolutely crazy .
tr	0	I stopped , my foot in midair .
tr	0	Jolie peppered Malcolm with words .
tr	0	I heard my name and Extravaganza .
tr	0	Talking about me again .
tr	0	I 'm not that interesting .
tr	0	What else would he share about me ?
tr	0	He didn 't know that much .
tr	0	He slipped into English .
tr	0	I hid my gasp .
tr	0	Is that how he thought of me ?
tr	0	He paused , probably to breathe .
tr	0	Malcolm laughed out loud between wheezes .
tr	0	It turned my insides .
tr	0	Malcolm was someone different for everyone .
tr	0	Did he care about me at all ?
tr	0	" Take care of her . "
tr	0	" Take care of her . "
tr	0	Was that a death threat ?
tr	0	No voices echoed up the stairwell .
tr	0	What if they exterminated me right then ?
tr	0	Stuck me in a freezer .
tr	0	Would Malcolm do that ?
tr	0	Up , up , and up .
tr	0	I slammed the door shut .
tr	0	I had to get out of there .
tr	0	As in last week .
tr	0	The manager grabbed my arm .
tr	0	I kicked the guy in the shins .
tr	0	Cakes splattered against the wall .
tr	0	And maybe I was .
tr	0	Someone yelled behind me .
tr	0	Darkness shadowed the tables and the streets .
tr	0	I leaped over miniature poodles .
tr	0	He was too convincing for a waiter .
tr	0	Everything about him was a lie .
tr	0	Would he ever hurt me ?
tr	0	I wasn 't sure anymore .
tr	0	But it never came .
tr	0	I had to stop and rest .
tr	0	Malcolm was nowhere in sight .
tr	0	I 'd made it out .
tr	0	I stifled a laugh .
tr	0	I hated being sneaky .
tr	0	Except when I kinda liked it .
tr	0	Mom had never been honest with me .
tr	0	Like mother , like daughter .
tr	0	" Why hello there .
tr	0	What happened to you ? "
tr	0	I choked and froze .
tr	0	His alliance with Jolie .
tr	0	Whether he liked me or not .
tr	0	Oh , those traitorous lips .
tr	0	And this was a tricky one .
tr	0	He wanted to know what I knew .
tr	0	Where did you disappear to yesterday ?
tr	0	" Major girl problems . "
tr	0	I lied like a pro .
tr	0	That shut him up .
tr	0	Always a good excuse .
tr	0	" Why didn 't you call ? "
tr	0	" My phone was dead . "
tr	0	He pulled his arm back .
tr	0	" I don 't believe you . "
tr	0	" That 's fine .
tr	0	How could he ask me these questions ?
tr	0	We both knew the answers .
tr	0	The tarts have gotten top reviews .
tr	0	You 'll love it . "
tr	0	Both my fingers clenched into fists .
tr	0	" Will you just stop ? "
tr	0	" I 'm sorry .
tr	0	I wasn 't a spy .
tr	0	Tell me about my mom .
tr	0	" Don 't touch me . "
tr	0	I jerked my head away .
tr	0	You want to talk about something else .
tr	0	And then I couldn 't help it .
tr	0	I punched him in the stomach .
tr	0	" For a girl . "
tr	0	" I 'm not joking .
tr	0	I punched him again .
tr	0	He didn 't fight back .
tr	0	But you wouldn 't .
tr	0	I know that now .
tr	0	You got yourself into this . "
tr	0	One question burned there .
tr	0	But you need to know the truth .
tr	0	I pretended to like you . "
tr	0	I didn 't think so either .
tr	0	" Stop asking questions .
tr	0	I 'm a good liar .
tr	0	As you know . "
tr	0	He never looked back , not once .
tr	0	I 'd been through the wringer .
tr	0	One word pounded in my heart .
tr	0	Like being held prisoner in the catacombs .
tr	0	My room was pitch black .
tr	0	Someone was in the house .
tr	0	Thirty-five Shoes tapped on the kitchen floor .
tr	0	I held my breath .
tr	0	Who was in our apartment ?
tr	0	Drawers opened in the kitchen .
tr	0	Could they really think we were spies ?
tr	0	The floor creaked right outside my door .
tr	0	He wasn 't wasting any time .
tr	0	I raised the book above my head .
tr	0	Except it didn 't feel like Malcolm .
tr	0	Or sound like him .
tr	0	He let go of me .
tr	0	" I was trying to sleep . "
tr	0	And then I got mad .
tr	0	His eyebrows went up .
tr	0	" What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	I 'm a little tired .
tr	0	And trying to stay alive .
tr	0	" Come on into the living room .
tr	0	We need to talk . "
tr	0	Dad rubbed his temples .
tr	0	" It 's about Spy Games . "
tr	0	" And one more thing . "
tr	0	I stared at him .
tr	0	Dads don 't lie .
tr	0	Tears stung my eyes .
tr	0	" Oh , okay . "
tr	0	That she might never see daylight again ?
tr	0	The door creaked open .
tr	0	I mean really looked at me .
tr	0	" Do you want to stay here ?
tr	0	" Why did she leave ? "
tr	0	I blurted out , testing him .
tr	0	" But you 're strong .
tr	0	You 're a fighter .
tr	0	Don 't forget that . "
tr	0	He believed in me .
tr	0	Then I saw the hat .
tr	0	It wasn 't so bad .
tr	0	At least it wasn 't zebra striped .
tr	0	A switch in my brain flicked on .
tr	0	I 'd been doing it .
tr	0	I thrived on danger .
tr	0	I needed to be at the Extravaganza .
tr	0	But I had to go .
tr	0	Spies could be normal people .
tr	0	Step one in Operation Save Prisoner ?
tr	0	Don 't slow down .
tr	0	I 'd never seen this .
tr	0	Then I found the book .
tr	0	You have five minutes .
tr	0	If only Dad could see me .
tr	0	What would Aimee think ?
tr	0	Truth was I missed her .
tr	0	He could call the police .
tr	0	Only one way to find out .
tr	0	This guy hated me .
tr	0	The idea of breaking in tempted me .
tr	0	I knocked once more .
tr	0	And the door opened a crack .
tr	0	How clumsy of me .
tr	0	But it didn 't matter .
tr	0	No half-empty coffee cups .
tr	0	No loaf of bread on the counter .
tr	0	I scoured the apartment .
tr	0	The nose strips were gone .
tr	0	The books , the maps , everything .
tr	0	It was like Peyton never lived here .
tr	0	But I 'd tried .
tr	0	I was a spy .
tr	0	I 'd be different .
tr	0	The kind of spy who saved people .
tr	0	And I 'd make my dad proud .
tr	0	Dad studied his notes .
tr	0	I stared at him in awe .
tr	0	I mean how hard was this ?
tr	0	I 'd been doing it for months .
tr	0	And the hat was totally dorky .
tr	0	What was I thinking ?
tr	0	They laughed like old friends .
tr	0	God , he was cute .
tr	0	I clutched my throat .
tr	0	Was it closing up ?
tr	0	I thought about Aimee .
tr	0	All his hopes and dreams in me .
tr	0	I could do this .
tr	0	I could find and rescue my mom .
tr	0	Malcolm ran right into me .
tr	0	A noticeable gleam filled his eyes .
tr	0	" Welcome , Savvy . "
tr	0	He finally managed to say .
tr	0	Gray nodded in approval .
tr	0	My eyes flicked over to Malcolm 's .
tr	0	I couldn 't read his expression .
tr	0	" Malcolm , your turn . "
tr	0	I handed out clues with confidence .
tr	0	This round was not about a hostage .
tr	0	Today would be different .
tr	0	Today I 'd save my mom .
tr	0	Magnificent entries surrounded me .
tr	0	A sense of unease sapped my confidence .
tr	0	And not in an artistic way .
tr	0	I cracked my knuckles .
tr	0	The fun and games were over .
tr	0	Time for stage one .
tr	0	I needed a distraction .
tr	0	His voice was sharp and commanding .
tr	0	The guard narrowed his eyes .
tr	0	He nodded and strode off .
tr	0	I glanced over at Jolie 's table .
tr	0	The guard was just reaching him .
tr	0	I wiggled harder , but nothing happened .
tr	0	" Um , Bonjour ? "
tr	0	I kept my back to him .
tr	0	A torrent of French filled the shop .
tr	0	Then he switched to English .
tr	0	" How dare you ? "
tr	0	You are a conniving spoiled brat . "
tr	0	He waved his hands in disgust .
tr	0	" Worked with my dad ?
tr	0	What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	That made no sense .
tr	0	He laughed , a deep belly laugh .
tr	0	Tears streamed from his eyes .
tr	0	You know nothing . "
tr	0	This is serious . "
tr	0	He wiped his eyes .
tr	0	" I don 't believe you . "
tr	0	No men in dark clothing .
tr	0	Nobody offering me candy .
tr	0	" Let me explain . "
tr	0	He took a bow .
tr	0	And they call Americans obnoxious .
tr	0	" Malcolm was a plant . "
tr	0	Okay that sounded totally childish .
tr	0	He burst out again , laughing .
tr	0	" Why so pale ?
tr	0	" But why ? "
tr	0	" I 'm a nobody . "
tr	0	But I needed to make sure .
tr	0	I stepped closer to him .
tr	0	" That is classified . "
tr	0	" Please , enlighten me . "
tr	0	" I know things about you too .
tr	0	I know about your precious Aimee .
tr	0	Slowly , a change came over him .
tr	0	His breath smelled like peppermint and sugar .
tr	0	My body trembled under his roar .
tr	0	I straightened my back and stood firm .
tr	0	A devious smile pranced across his face .
tr	0	I looked out the window and gasped .
tr	0	Drool wet the side of my cheek .
tr	0	I mumbled out words of protest .
tr	0	The smell of peppermint washed over me .
tr	0	" You can 't fool me .
tr	0	Throbbing pain racked my body .
tr	0	My family wanted to take him out ?
tr	0	I think I could find it again .
tr	0	With a groan , I stood up .
tr	0	It was a straight shot .
tr	0	I called as loud as I dared .
tr	0	But I didn 't find Mom .
tr	0	Fresh ropes bound his ankles and hands .
tr	0	Dirty clothes hung off his body .
tr	0	The pants were tan , maybe ?
tr	0	Once , and then again .
tr	0	" You , " he whispered .
tr	0	I took a step back .
tr	0	I got down on my knees .
tr	0	" You know me ? "
tr	0	" It 's you .
tr	0	You 're real . "
tr	0	What was I thinking ?
tr	0	" Let me untie you .
tr	0	I 'm so sorry . "
tr	0	He ran his fingers down my hair .
tr	0	" Long and black .
tr	0	I knew it . "
tr	0	Compassion surged through me .
tr	0	The last time I was here .
tr	0	Obviously , he hadn 't made it .
tr	0	I tried to help him up .
tr	0	" I know a way out . "
tr	0	I need to talk to you . "
tr	0	" They will come .
tr	0	I 'm not strong enough to escape .
tr	0	The guy was having delusions from dehydration .
tr	0	I tipped the bottle .
tr	0	" Then you 'll see . "
tr	0	He choked and pulled away .
tr	0	You 've been too kind .
tr	0	You need to listen . "
tr	0	He slipped into a different language .
tr	0	You must know ! "
tr	0	" I 've been hiding the truth .
tr	0	I left my brethren .
tr	0	To save your life . "
tr	0	Clearly this guy wasn 't going stop .
tr	0	But make it quick .
tr	0	" That is not important .
tr	0	" More water ? "
tr	0	I offered the bottle again .
tr	0	A few years ago I had visions .
tr	0	And you were there . "
tr	0	" Okay , listen . "
tr	0	Was that muffled footsteps I heard ?
tr	0	" They 're coming .
tr	0	We have to go .
tr	0	I must tell you ! "
tr	0	His voice rose to a frantic pitch .
tr	0	But they laughed me off . "
tr	0	This guy had completely lost his marbles .
tr	0	This time , the fire faded .
tr	0	You were gone . "
tr	0	His voice came out raspy .
tr	0	When I left , they followed me .
tr	0	They will come after you . "
tr	0	Forty Both the prisoner and I turned .
tr	0	The prisoner pulled me behind him .
tr	0	Could this guy be telling the truth ?
tr	0	He sounded completely off his rocker .
tr	0	" You cannot save her ! "
tr	0	" And you cannot save yourself either .
tr	0	Time seemed to freeze .
tr	0	I couldn 't believe this was happening .
tr	0	Not to me , nice Savvy Bent .
tr	0	No more running from the truth .
tr	0	" Back on the chair . "
tr	0	But I felt nothing .
tr	0	He 'd been shot in the side .
tr	0	" Oh my God .
tr	0	Oh my God . "
tr	0	" My time has come .
tr	0	I need to finish .
tr	0	His breathing became quick and labored .
tr	0	Something had to help .
tr	0	No one had done that before .
tr	0	I just wasn 't that important .
tr	0	What had I done ?
tr	0	That was completely different .
tr	0	" That doesn 't matter .
tr	0	I looked into his eyes .
tr	0	They were still full of compassion .
tr	0	He wasn 't judging , just waiting .
tr	0	I didn 't say anything .
tr	0	I didn 't say a word . "
tr	0	He could only manage short sentences .
tr	0	Not a good sign .
tr	0	I need to tell you .
tr	0	And it wasn 't mine .
tr	0	She placed the tray on the floor .
tr	0	" You 've been feeding him ? "
tr	0	Aimee grabbed the napkins .
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	But I found him . "
tr	0	" Has he been talking ? "
tr	0	Would she tell me the truth ?
tr	0	My voice turned sharp and prickly .
tr	0	" I thought you were gone !
tr	0	Kidnapped by that lunatic Peyton !
tr	0	Was that too much to ask ? "
tr	0	" Answer me ! "
tr	0	My voice rang out loud and clear .
tr	0	Heck , why stop there ?
tr	0	Aimee dropped everything and rushed at me .
tr	0	My face pressed into the floor .
tr	0	Why wouldn 't she tell me ?
tr	0	Why did she take off ?
tr	0	" I had my reasons . "
tr	0	Her voice sounded close to breaking .
tr	0	" I thought you were gone .
tr	0	I thought you were in trouble .
tr	0	You were my friend .
tr	0	I know about you and Jolie . "
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	She couldn 't look at me .
tr	0	Guilt was etched across her face .
tr	0	" There is no time . "
tr	0	She grasped his hands .
tr	0	" You must see a doctor .
tr	0	We wasted enough time already . "
tr	0	" Tell her . "
tr	0	" Tell me what ? "
tr	0	My words sounded like an accusation .
tr	0	Aimee shook her head sadly .
tr	0	Her voice grew desperate .
tr	0	" But he is in trouble . "
tr	0	" Like I care . "
tr	0	Tears splattered against her chest .
tr	0	What was our connection ?
tr	0	Her voice was a whisper .
tr	0	I was afraid he would die .
tr	0	And my mom ? "
tr	0	I choked on my argument .
tr	0	Was she an assassin ?
tr	0	He forced me to disappear . "
tr	0	She snapped her fingers .
tr	0	" My family is not dangerous . "
tr	0	At least not me and Dad .
tr	0	That did not look good . "
tr	0	She narrowed her eyes .
tr	0	Aimee put her arm around his back .
tr	0	He pulled me close again .
tr	0	His ragged breaths were filled with pain .
tr	0	Aimee put a hand to his face .
tr	0	" He is burning up .
tr	0	He must go now . "
tr	0	She pushed my hand away .
tr	0	" I need your help . "
tr	0	I want to help him ! "
tr	0	Tears filled her eyes once more .
tr	0	I speak the language .
tr	0	But could I trust Aimee ?
tr	0	I am still your friend .
tr	0	I am like you . "
tr	0	She lifted her head .
tr	0	" Trying to save my family . "
tr	0	Had that been a warning for him ?
tr	0	I had to know .
tr	0	This time , we both screamed .
tr	0	" I do not know . "
tr	0	Aimee shook her head .
tr	0	My grandfather is in trouble .
tr	0	I can feel it . "
tr	0	It felt bulky and obvious .
tr	0	" One more thing .
tr	0	" I am sorry .
tr	0	But the words stuck in my throat .
tr	0	I never learned his name .
tr	0	At the doorway , the man turned .
tr	0	Protect your life . "
tr	0	My feet felt rooted to the ground .
tr	0	I could 've killed him .
tr	0	I had to focus .
tr	0	Aimee wanted me to save her grandfather .
tr	0	I needed to mix with the people .
tr	0	A crowd of people strutted past .
tr	0	Why were they here ?
tr	0	I wasn 't sure .
tr	0	The teams flooded the street and sidewalks .
tr	0	Then Jolie had told the truth .
tr	0	He was working with my dad .
tr	0	This was so not in the plans .
tr	0	They jostled for position .
tr	0	What would he do ?
tr	0	He cleared his throat and spoke again .
tr	0	French sputtered out of his mouth .
tr	0	I turned my back and listened .
tr	0	The tower of pastries wobbled a bit .
tr	0	The frosting shone in the sun .
tr	0	My arms strained under the weight .
tr	0	" Just watching out for you . "
tr	0	" Go back home .
tr	0	" Does someone have a little crush ?
tr	0	Do you know how dangerous that is ?
tr	0	Thank God I 'm here .
tr	0	To get the job done . "
tr	0	Was Jolie in danger ?
tr	0	Aimee counted on her grandfather .
tr	0	I wanted to save him for real .
tr	0	" Back off , " Malcolm threatened .
tr	0	" I got this .
tr	0	The sugary smells made me feel sick .
tr	0	Why would they want to murder Jolie ?
tr	0	Jolie 's voice roared above the crowd .
tr	0	I never would again .
tr	0	Who else could they be ?
tr	0	Did they spring from the cobblestones ?
tr	0	Maybe it was coincidence .
tr	0	They didn 't blink an eye .
tr	0	" Hey , Dad ! "
tr	0	" What is this all about ? "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	My voice sounded like Alvin the Chipmunk .
tr	0	" Oh , that .
tr	0	" I don 't .
tr	0	They all arrived at the same time .
tr	0	Time for the truth .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	Dad and I turned and watched .
tr	0	The moment of reckoning had arrived .
tr	0	Some kind of bird .
tr	0	" Mon Dieu ! "
tr	0	I felt a tiny bit bad .
tr	0	Dad gripped me in a hug .
tr	0	I tensed , ready for the lecture .
tr	0	" Say that again ? "
tr	0	He had to be kidding .
tr	0	But you took risks .
tr	0	He deserves it . "
tr	0	Jolie gave up on his tarts .
tr	0	Inch by inch , Jolie turned around .
tr	0	His fingers were curled into fists .
tr	0	I had to warn him .
tr	0	His life was in danger .
tr	0	What did you do ? "
tr	0	Dad asked in a low voice .
tr	0	" Nothing really . "
tr	0	Just stole his pastries .
tr	0	And freed his hostage .
tr	0	" Um , Savvy ? "
tr	0	" Not now , Dad .
tr	0	Evil is nigh . "
tr	0	" Your tray . "
tr	0	The whole middle section slid forward .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry , sir . "
tr	0	Jolie narrowed his eyes .
tr	0	Possibly for the kill .
tr	0	Jolie chuckled and faced his fans .
tr	0	They echoed a forced chuckle .
tr	0	" Silly girl . "
tr	0	" Yes , I do . "
tr	0	" Your life is in danger . "
tr	0	" Um , Savvy ? "
tr	0	" The cakes ! "
tr	0	Jolie 's eyes flashed .
tr	0	You Americans are not rational .
tr	0	How is that for rational ? "
tr	0	" Is this true ? "
tr	0	I was done lying .
tr	0	That is a joke . "
tr	0	Dad puffed out his chest .
tr	0	He 'd stuck up for me .
tr	0	" Oh , how touching . "
tr	0	He signaled to his guards .
tr	0	" These people are disrupting the Extravaganza .
tr	0	Escort them to the exit . "
tr	0	I grabbed a hunk of cake .
tr	0	" Hey , Jolie ! "
tr	0	The man infuriated me .
tr	0	And I had to warn him .
tr	0	Forty-five Cake splattered the ground .
tr	0	A tart smeared into Jolie 's hair .
tr	0	Veins in his neck bulged .
tr	0	I gasped and wiped it off .
tr	0	Aimee 's smile flashed in my eyes .
tr	0	I caught sight of dark hair .
tr	0	But they were there .
tr	0	Maybe just shoot him in the knee .
tr	0	But what if I missed ?
tr	0	Or hit someone else ?
tr	0	Frosting made my fingers slippery .
tr	0	But I still had to save him .
tr	0	My knees landed on his stomach .
tr	0	Everyone screamed and dropped to the ground .
tr	0	Frosting and tears stung my eyes .
tr	0	A sob poured out of me .
tr	0	It wasn 't me .
tr	0	I didn 't shoot it .
tr	0	He had to be here .
tr	0	Not too far away .
tr	0	The crowd ignored me .
tr	0	My nose smashed into the ground .
tr	0	No one stopped to help .
tr	0	I struggled to get to my feet .
tr	0	Someone brushed into me .
tr	0	I shouldn 't be here .
tr	0	I never should have been .
tr	0	I should have stayed in Pennsylvania .
tr	0	A raspy noise gurgled from my throat .
tr	0	I didn 't recognize it .
tr	0	His face was blurred .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry .
tr	0	I should 've told you everything . "
tr	0	You 'll be fine . "
tr	0	It wasn 't Dad .
tr	0	Forty-six Adrenaline shot through my body .
tr	0	He didn 't say anything .
tr	0	I flashed in and out of awareness .
tr	0	He lowered me to the stony ground .
tr	0	My eyes fluttered wider .
tr	0	Fake it until it 's real .
tr	0	Call me , ninja .
tr	0	He grabbed my foot .
tr	0	I screamed and kicked him off .
tr	0	I know all about you . "
tr	0	My words came out a sob .
tr	0	" I wouldn 't hurt you .
tr	0	He laid me down gently .
tr	0	" Don 't move . "
tr	0	Why , I have no idea . "
tr	0	" But I didn 't . "
tr	0	Malcolm handed him the knife .
tr	0	" Whoa , whoa , whoa ! "
tr	0	" Hey there , darling .
tr	0	He poised the knife above my leg .
tr	0	This might hurt . "
tr	0	" He 's here to help . "
tr	0	I held my breath .
tr	0	" You 're lucky .
tr	0	The bullet wasn 't in too far .
tr	0	This will sting . "
tr	0	" What the hell ? "
tr	0	" I 'm cleaning it .
tr	0	I 'm almost done . "
tr	0	I don 't understand . "
tr	0	My world had gone topsy-turvy .
tr	0	He slapped Malcolm on the back .
tr	0	" Good luck . "
tr	0	He turned back to me .
tr	0	Warmth hung like a halo around Peyton .
tr	0	Or he 'd had me completely fooled .
tr	0	" That would be nice . "
tr	0	He bit his lip .
tr	0	" I saw you . "
tr	0	He 'd used me .
tr	0	He wouldn 't be a hit man .
tr	0	" Answer the question .
tr	0	Who shot at me ? "
tr	0	" That was my brother .
tr	0	As the mime . "
tr	0	And then it all came together .
tr	0	And at the Extravaganza .
tr	0	" Who are you ? "
tr	0	His gaze lingered on the rippling water .
tr	0	I could see it in his eyes .
tr	0	" Just tell me the truth . "
tr	0	She 's a scrapbooker . "
tr	0	I highly doubted that was true .
tr	0	He took a swig .
tr	0	" Tell me about her . "
tr	0	A battle raged on his face .
tr	0	" Our families are enemies .
tr	0	They have been for centuries .
tr	0	" What about my family ? "
tr	0	I mean how bad could it be ?
tr	0	Finally , the truth .
tr	0	My mom wasn 't an assassin .
tr	0	My mom wasn 't an assassin .
tr	0	My mom wasn 't an assassin .
tr	0	" How 'd you find out ? "
tr	0	" We laid a trap . "
tr	0	" What about the prisoner ?
tr	0	" Don 't say anymore .
tr	0	I get it . "
tr	0	A crazy laugh bubbled up .
tr	0	His body pressed into mine .
tr	0	His hand grazed my cheek .
tr	0	It was just me and him .
tr	0	My heart broke a little bit .
tr	0	I don 't even know why .
tr	0	Even with frosting in your hair . "
tr	0	The words sank in and something broke .
tr	0	My face was wet with tears .
tr	0	He pulled away and kissed them .
tr	0	It can get you killed . "
tr	0	Malcolm rubbed his thumbs under my eyes .
tr	0	His soft lips were warm and inviting .
tr	0	" You and me .
tr	0	Their line of business .
tr	0	I want to leave it all .
tr	0	But I can 't .
tr	0	" We can get past this .
tr	0	I won 't let that happen . "
tr	0	" The judge pronounces you guilty . "
tr	0	" Gee , thanks . "
tr	0	Blood rushed to my face .
tr	0	" But , but my leg !
tr	0	" But , but , my dad !
tr	0	And he 'll hunt you down ! "
tr	0	" I 'll be gone . "
tr	0	He punched numbers into his phone .
tr	0	" I 'll hunt you down ! "
tr	0	But I turned away .
tr	0	Instead , he said , " Savvy .
tr	0	You have to believe me .
tr	0	About our families and the age-old battle .
tr	0	Live a normal life . "
tr	0	Then he turned and walked away .
tr	0	How soon would the vodka wear off ?
tr	0	Would I be able to walk home ?
tr	0	I had to try .
tr	0	This was going to be impossible .
tr	0	That was my goal .
tr	0	Like anyone would believe my story .
tr	0	I 'd need more like six months .
tr	0	The shadows were my friend .
tr	0	At least I 'd survived .
tr	0	Sweat dripped down my sides .
tr	0	" I didn 't see anyone running !
tr	0	Your guy must be somewhere else ! "
tr	0	I yelled in a raspy voice .
tr	0	The spotlight stayed on me .
tr	0	They were after me .
tr	0	I couldn 't breathe .
tr	0	My chest stopped rising and falling .
tr	0	The uniforms crawled all over me .
tr	0	I leaned over and puked .
tr	0	Cold words bounced off me .
tr	0	I yelled for my dad .
tr	0	I asked where they were taking me .
tr	0	They slammed the door shut .
tr	0	The car zoomed through Paris .
tr	0	I would be strong .
tr	0	He said I was beautiful .
tr	0	Like I believed him .
tr	0	Malcolm was a sneak and a liar .
tr	0	I guess I deserved it .
tr	0	Stern eyes met mine .
tr	0	" We 're leaving the country . "
tr	0	I hope you liked it !
tr	0	I hope you 'll check them out .
tr	0	I appreciate all reviews .
tr	0	Would you mind posting a review ?
tr	0	At the time , we were juniors .
tr	0	Stories to tell their grandchildren .
tr	0	We didn 't even debate .
tr	0	There was no doubt .
tr	0	It 's just smoke , Cassidy . "
tr	0	" We really should get going .
tr	0	A sure signal I needed to leave .
tr	0	She was still fixated .
tr	0	I didn 't stop .
tr	0	I held out my chemistry book .
tr	0	His voice grew deeper and more threatening .
tr	0	My getaway slowed to a crawl .
tr	0	I waved the thick text .
tr	0	" Got to get studying . "
tr	0	I glanced at the woods .
tr	0	It was almost our senior year .
tr	0	I was too young to die .
tr	0	" Hands up ! "
tr	0	He nodded toward the fleeing prom couples .
tr	0	I blurted out the truth .
tr	0	" Okay , yes , I lied .
tr	0	I panicked and cops scare me . "
tr	0	My parents will kill me .
tr	0	" One more thing ? "
tr	0	Maybe there was a slight chance .
tr	0	They were all innocent mistakes .
tr	0	I should 've stuck to the story .
tr	0	With your parents . "
tr	0	Mine probably wasn 't any better .
tr	0	But no such luck .
tr	0	The drive home was silent and scary .
tr	0	She 'd love to hear from you !
tr	0	Sign up for Laura 's newsletter .
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	" That 's for sure . "
tr	0	A wide porch fronted the entire structure .
tr	0	Scott slammed on the brakes hard .
tr	0	It looked like a piece of nylon .
tr	0	" I 'll leave it alone . "
tr	0	" Actually , yes . "
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	It looked old and weathered . "
tr	0	" Maybe an old flag marker ? "
tr	0	" It wasn 't that shape .
tr	0	It was more of a rectangle .
tr	0	" A bird maybe ? "
tr	0	Scott shook his head .
tr	0	" That was no bird .
tr	0	" Damned strange , " Steve frowned .
tr	0	He motioned to the nearest barrel .
tr	0	Maybe a glass of milk would help .
tr	0	Scott looked at the three drums .
tr	0	What are you doing up ? "
tr	0	" Shhh , " he hushed .
tr	0	" Don 't turn the light on .
tr	0	Come here , " he whispered .
tr	0	" Just watch . "
tr	0	" Keep watching . "
tr	0	" See that ? "
tr	0	What is that ? "
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	" But what is that image ? "
tr	0	" Maybe a coyote ? "
tr	0	" Not likely . "
tr	0	Steve frowned into the darkness .
tr	0	That 's when the white image appeared .
tr	0	It 'd scare them away .
tr	0	" Oh my God ! "
tr	0	Did you see that ? "
tr	0	" It was a child . "
tr	0	" Do you think so ? "
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	Scott looked at his brother .
tr	0	" Maybe a backpack or a jacket .
tr	0	" Protecting a friend ? "
tr	0	We need to do something . "
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	" You lost me . "
tr	0	" Invite it to supper . "
tr	0	So , we leave food for it .
tr	0	Steve Lyndon nodded his approval .
tr	0	He looked at the third drum .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Just worried . "
tr	0	Scott pointed to the thicket .
tr	0	" Only one way to find out .
tr	0	" You can take it . "
tr	0	It 's for you . "
tr	0	He had no intentions of moving .
tr	0	" My God ! "
tr	0	the driver said in a hoarse voice .
tr	0	" That 's a little girl ! "
tr	0	" That kid has to eat .
tr	0	She 's not very big . "
tr	0	" What makes you say that ? "
tr	0	" Because she understood what I said .
tr	0	" Find anything ? "
tr	0	Scott shook his head .
tr	0	I even checked the missing children sites .
tr	0	There 's nothing . "
tr	0	She returned the bag ?
tr	0	" Whatcha ' got ? "
tr	0	" Are you sure ? "
tr	0	But it was laying on the tray .
tr	0	" Why would she return it ? "
tr	0	" Find anything ? "
tr	0	" What could he do ? "
tr	0	She 's too wild . "
tr	0	Ok , no sheriff .
tr	0	What next then ? "
tr	0	" I don 't know . "
tr	0	Steve got to his feet .
tr	0	I think she 's too wild . "
tr	0	" Oh hell ! "
tr	0	" You forget something ? "
tr	0	Steve checked his watch .
tr	0	" Good night . "
tr	0	It was peeled perfectly .
tr	0	That 's a banana peel .
tr	0	I 'd recognize it anywhere . "
tr	0	Steve Lyndon 's frown was instant .
tr	0	" No it doesn 't .
tr	0	My main concern is winning her trust .
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	" When did she show up ? "
tr	0	He smiled at her .
tr	0	" Did you see that ? "
tr	0	Steve asked in a whisper .
tr	0	" Me too . "
tr	0	" I wonder what that means . "
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	Maybe she wants something to eat ? "
tr	0	" Maybe , " Scott replied .
tr	0	He held out his hand .
tr	0	To his surprise she shook her head .
tr	0	" Our help with what ? "
tr	0	" I have to find out . "
tr	0	" You 're not going alone . "
tr	0	Scott smiled at the little girl .
tr	0	" We will go with you . "
tr	0	She pointed toward the mountain peaks .
tr	0	He frowned then stopped the truck .
tr	0	" Where 'd she go ? "
tr	0	This is open government land . "
tr	0	" No , wait . "
tr	0	" Bring me a pair . "
tr	0	You 're nuts ! "
tr	0	" Get me the gloves Steve . "
tr	0	" Want to come with me ? "
tr	0	" You can come too . "
tr	0	" And take it easy . "
tr	0	" Wait , " Scott said gently .
tr	0	" It 's ok . "
tr	0	" He can come too . "
tr	0	" What was that ? "
tr	0	Steve asked through the open back window .
tr	0	" It 's ok .
tr	0	" Where do you want them ? "
tr	0	" Where do you want it ? "
tr	0	He glanced at his brother .
tr	0	" It 's ok .
tr	0	You 'll be alright . "
tr	0	" I guess you were right . "
tr	0	" Tell me about it . "
tr	0	Scott off the leather gloves .
tr	0	" You 're probably right .
tr	0	" That we did .
tr	0	" What kind of problem ? "
tr	0	" The chains won 't reach ? "
tr	0	" Don 't you have three ? "
tr	0	I 'll be right up . "
tr	0	" Thanks boss . "
tr	0	The man waved and grinned .
tr	0	Scott asked Doug Burnett .
tr	0	He shook his head .
tr	0	" Ain 't gon na work .
tr	0	" You ok Chet ? "
tr	0	" You ever play pick-up sticks ? "
tr	0	" When I was a kid . "
tr	0	" Do you see another option ? "
tr	0	" I see three options .
tr	0	One , play pick-up sticks .
tr	0	That 's all we needed .
tr	0	Scott 's gaze was on the bear .
tr	0	He lowered his hand and smiled .
tr	0	" Show me , " she repeated .
tr	0	" He 's stuck . "
tr	0	" She 's coming your way Chet .
tr	0	Under the logs . "
tr	0	" I 'm not sure .
tr	0	" What 's she doing ? "
tr	0	She 's pushing on it . "
tr	0	" Is it doing any good ? "
tr	0	" What 's she doing now ? "
tr	0	" Still pushing and pulling . "
tr	0	Seconds later , " She stopped . "
tr	0	Doug Burnett joined the pair .
tr	0	" Me either . "
tr	0	" That 's the same bear . "
tr	0	Just leave them alone .
tr	0	He 's her protector .
tr	0	" Who is she ? "
tr	0	" We don 't know .
tr	0	I started setting food out for her .
tr	0	" We thought of that .
tr	0	" Yep , " Doug agreed .
tr	0	" She 's wild .
tr	0	" That is one remarkable kid . "
tr	0	What was the bear doing sleeping here ?
tr	0	Did she want help again ?
tr	0	" Show me . "
tr	0	" I don 't understand . "
tr	0	What was she trying to say ?
tr	0	What was she trying to do ?
tr	0	" Hello Sidney . "
tr	0	" Hello Scott . "
tr	0	" My bear . "
tr	0	Scott grinned and looked at the bear .
tr	0	" My dog . "
tr	0	Scott smiled at the coyote .
tr	0	" Hello Duke . "
tr	0	He frowned at that .
tr	0	" Sleeping , where ? "
tr	0	Scott forced the frown from his forehead .
tr	0	" Not far away . "
tr	0	" Show me ? "
tr	0	He turned and hurried to the house .
tr	0	" The little girl 's back .
tr	0	I 've been talking to her . "
tr	0	Both of his eyebrows shot upward .
tr	0	" Her name is Sidney .
tr	0	The bear and coyote are with her .
tr	0	" Ready to go ? "
tr	0	" Go in blue car ? "
tr	0	and she pointed to the truck .
tr	0	" Ready to go . "
tr	0	He led her toward the truck .
tr	0	Scott smiled and nodded .
tr	0	" It 's ok .
tr	0	They can come too . "
tr	0	" It 's ok . "
tr	0	" Are we getting closer ? "
tr	0	She seemed to be looking for something .
tr	0	He met the blue gaze .
tr	0	It was definitely beautiful here .
tr	0	" Show me . "
tr	0	" This many winters . "
tr	0	Scott took a deep breath .
tr	0	The blonde head bobbed .
tr	0	The winters here were horrid .
tr	0	Humans cannot do that .
tr	0	Duke visits me . "
tr	0	But what about food ?
tr	0	That 's how she did it .
tr	0	He smiled at her .
tr	0	Her nod was instant .
tr	0	Sidney pointed to the north .
tr	0	" Show you ? "
tr	0	" Ready to go ? "
tr	0	Scott came up beside her .
tr	0	He lifted the radio and keyed it .
tr	0	" Portable two to base . "
tr	0	The reply was instant .
tr	0	Where are you ? "
tr	0	" Find anything ? "
tr	0	What are you going to do ? "
tr	0	" We 're going down there .
tr	0	He looked over his shoulder .
tr	0	How much time do you want ? "
tr	0	It 's just after nine .
tr	0	You got the animals with you ? "
tr	0	Be careful Scott . "
tr	0	See you in a few .
tr	0	Portable two clear . "
tr	0	" Base clear . "
tr	0	Sidney looked at the radio then grinned .
tr	0	Scott laughed then nodded .
tr	0	" Ready to go ? "
tr	0	It seemed well traveled .
tr	0	But , by what ?
tr	0	The going would not be easy .
tr	0	He saw her smile and returned it .
tr	0	" Ready to go ? "
tr	0	" Wait , " she said quietly .
tr	0	" Mommy is still sleeping too . "
tr	0	He looked at the backpacks .
tr	0	Had they followed that rule ?
tr	0	He had to try .
tr	0	She looked up at him .
tr	0	He gestured to the blue backpack .
tr	0	She looked at the bones then nodded .
tr	0	But no writing of any kind .
tr	0	Where are you keeping it safe ? "
tr	0	" At my house . "
tr	0	She pointed back toward the camp .
tr	0	" Show you ? "
tr	0	He shook his head .
tr	0	" Not yet . "
tr	0	He looked at the red backpack .
tr	0	Scott smiled at the innocence .
tr	0	That made the smile return .
tr	0	" That 's ok .
tr	0	You are doing very well . "
tr	0	He held it up .
tr	0	" Is this Mommy 's locket ? "
tr	0	Scott opened it to see two pictures .
tr	0	They were slightly faded but easily discernible .
tr	0	Do you have a brother ? "
tr	0	The little girl sighed softly .
tr	0	She held up five fingers .
tr	0	" Mommy would like that . "
tr	0	He looked at the little girl .
tr	0	Did she have relatives somewhere ?
tr	0	Why hadn 't the bodies been discovered ?
tr	0	He had to think of her first .
tr	0	The rest would come later .
tr	0	" Portable Two to base . "
tr	0	" There you are .
tr	0	You 're late . "
tr	0	" Find anything ? "
tr	0	" Not a thing . "
tr	0	" Portable Two clear . "
tr	0	The grin was returned .
tr	0	" Portable Two to base . "
tr	0	" We 're back at the truck .
tr	0	" Portable Two clear . "
tr	0	" Ready to go ? "
tr	0	" Ready to go . "
tr	0	" Yes Sidney ? "
tr	0	" Was Sammie your brother ? "
tr	0	He searched her face for tears .
tr	0	" Are you ok ? "
tr	0	She smiled and nodded .
tr	0	" Yes , I will . "
tr	0	" What do you have there ? "
tr	0	" Five years ? "
tr	0	" Tell me about it . "
tr	0	" You 'd think so .
tr	0	If they found it . "
tr	0	He had to have been buried . "
tr	0	" That 'll bring the sheriff . "
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	" Find something ? "
tr	0	" What kind of digging ? "
tr	0	" Let 's hope it does . "
tr	0	" What the hell was that ? "
tr	0	" I 'm not sure .
tr	0	" And there 's Sidney . "
tr	0	Her smile was instant .
tr	0	Scott walked slowly toward the little girl .
tr	0	" What do you have ? "
tr	0	" Daddy 's wallet . "
tr	0	" Oh , " he said .
tr	0	A post office box address .
tr	0	Well , it was better than nothing .
tr	0	Scott closed the snap compartment .
tr	0	Not a lot of help there .
tr	0	That was a high gas bill .
tr	0	A big red and white car ?
tr	0	Could that car have been a motorhome ?
tr	0	Scott thought that was a distinct possibility .
tr	0	She is truly a nature 's child .
tr	0	Somehow , he doubted it .
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	He smiled and nodded .
tr	0	Are you that man Scott ? "
tr	0	" I am . "
tr	0	Chapter 8 " Scott ? "
tr	0	He smiled at her .
tr	0	" Yeah Sid ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , he 'd better .
tr	0	She nodded and was gone .
tr	0	But her studying had not stopped there .
tr	0	I figured Doug had sent her . "
tr	0	That had not changed either .
tr	0	They made a good doorbell .
tr	0	Scott focused on the sheriff .
tr	0	" Howdy Scott . "
tr	0	" Hey there Duke . "
tr	0	He shook the man 's hand .
tr	0	" Got time for coffee Josh ? "
tr	0	What brings you out this way ?
tr	0	" Hello darlin ' . "
tr	0	" What do you mean Josh ? "
tr	0	" Jansen , isn 't it ? "
tr	0	" I know that darlin ' .
tr	0	The man 's smile melted .
tr	0	" Thanks for letting us know . "
tr	0	Steve wanted to know .
tr	0	" Damned if I know .
tr	0	He took a gulp of his coffee .
tr	0	" Thanks Josh , " Scott smiled .
tr	0	" That girl is absolutely remarkable . "
tr	0	" That she is . "
tr	0	He sat up in bed and listened .
tr	0	" Where 's Duke ? "
tr	0	he asked through the lack light .
tr	0	She motioned to her closed bedroom door .
tr	0	" They 're all in there . "
tr	0	" About two hundred yards out . "
tr	0	" I hear a truck . "
tr	0	" What kind ? "
tr	0	" Not a big one .
tr	0	" That one was closer .
tr	0	So is the truck .
tr	0	" I 'm watching . "
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" A coyote . "
tr	0	" Do you know it ? "
tr	0	It 's a grey .
tr	0	Sidney shot a glance at her brother .
tr	0	" She 's dead . "
tr	0	Scott sighed and hugged her tenderly .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry . "
tr	0	" Part of it .
tr	0	" Goodnight Sid . "
tr	0	" Did you find it ? "
tr	0	The blonde head bobbed .
tr	0	" She had two pups . "
tr	0	" Were they ok ? "
tr	0	" I brought them back with me .
tr	0	Princess is watching them right now .
tr	0	Her hand curled around his tightly .
tr	0	She looked toward the window .
tr	0	" Here comes the sheriff . "
tr	0	He grinned at her .
tr	0	" You and your keen hearing .
tr	0	Better pour him a cup of coffee .
tr	0	" What 's up ? "
tr	0	" Dark blue Ford four by four .
tr	0	Like a midnight blue . "
tr	0	Josh looked to Scott for an answer .
tr	0	" I don 't think so .
tr	0	Both were answers he was expecting .
tr	0	" You know who it is ? "
tr	0	" I think so .
tr	0	Scott looked back at his sister .
tr	0	" What do you think Sid ? "
tr	0	She sighed softly then shook her head .
tr	0	" You bet I can . "
tr	0	Scott chuckled at the playfulness .
tr	0	Scott nodded a quick greeting .
tr	0	I 'm Dan Jansen . "
tr	0	This was no man !
tr	0	" What do you want Jansen ? "
tr	0	" I , . . "
tr	0	he stammered and swallowed again .
tr	0	There was that voice again .
tr	0	" You killed their mother . "
tr	0	They did what comes naturally .
tr	0	They have to eat to survive .
tr	0	They were here first .
tr	0	It was their land .
tr	0	" I have to survive too . "
tr	0	She took a step forward .
tr	0	The snarling coyotes matched her stride .
tr	0	He shrank back into the corner farther .
tr	0	She took another step forward .
tr	0	" I 'm really sorry . "
tr	0	The coyotes matched her movement .
tr	0	There was no way to stop it .
tr	0	It had to burn out by itself .
tr	0	" Consider the subject closed Jansen .
tr	0	He decided to chance a comment .
tr	0	" That sounds like a. . . "
tr	0	" Sit down Jansen . "
tr	0	" I said sit down .
tr	0	" Finish feeding Duchess for me Scott .
tr	0	" What 's she doing ? "
tr	0	" Watch , " Scott said .
tr	0	" And learn . "
tr	0	And then the wrestling match was on .
tr	0	" My God ! "
tr	0	Scott looked at Dan Jansen and smiled .
tr	0	" This is our evening entertainment . "
tr	0	" They do this every night ? "
tr	0	" Never seen friends wrestle Jansen ? "
tr	0	" Yes , friends .
tr	0	She looked at her brother .
tr	0	" Is she always like that ? "
tr	0	" No , " he said casually .
tr	0	Scott met Dan Jansen 's gaze .
tr	0	" You know ? "
tr	0	" So does she . "
tr	0	" For which reason ? "
tr	0	" All of them .
tr	0	" Then I saw your sister .
tr	0	When she spoke , I melted .
tr	0	He looked at Scott Lyndon .
tr	0	He bit his lower lip .
tr	0	" Yeah , I have . "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	" Yes , and that 's Sidney .
tr	0	Rich , for encouragement .
tr	0	A wise old man .
tr	0	The ribbons swayed gently above her .
tr	0	" Morning , Dad .
tr	0	Good job on the breakfast !
tr	0	" Wow , " he finally said .
tr	0	" In the fly , maybe .
tr	0	You 're gon na burn out . "
tr	0	I do it because I want to .
tr	0	He says you 're obsessed with it .
tr	0	" No , silly .
tr	0	I want you to be a kid .
tr	0	That 's more than I work ! "
tr	0	It 's what I enjoy doing .
tr	0	Rick just smiled at her tenderly .
tr	0	she blasted in frustration .
tr	0	" Uh , no .
tr	0	Ours isn 't big enough . "
tr	0	She appeared to be asleep standing up .
tr	0	He looked around for her clothes .
tr	0	Anna was nearly fifteen now .
tr	0	Anna was extremely tall and very skinny .
tr	0	" Time to get up ! "
tr	0	What time is it ? "
tr	0	Rick thought he sensed a pattern here .
tr	0	" Soon , " she repeated .
tr	0	Rick patted her on the leg .
tr	0	But that only took a minute .
tr	0	" One , " Jessica replied instantly .
tr	0	" No thanks ! "
tr	0	But nobody had ever questioned the rule !
tr	0	Anna was all about appearances .
tr	0	She often wondered if they even existed .
tr	0	Was it good ? "
tr	0	You make me sick , girl ! "
tr	0	Alex just shrugged and hugged her .
tr	0	I can 't go without you .
tr	0	" You don 't get it .
tr	0	Next year you 're going too . "
tr	0	Chelsea snorted in disbelief , " Right .
tr	0	" Race you to the shower ! "
tr	0	Chelsea winning again too .
tr	0	" That wasn 't fair ! "
tr	0	OK , see ya Monday then ! "
tr	0	Alex said as they hugged .
tr	0	" It 's Friday .
tr	0	He never gives tests on Friday .
tr	0	Anderson loved to teach and loved history .
tr	0	Eyebrows raised , foreheads crinkled .
tr	0	I want to do something different .
tr	0	hoping he had made a mistake .
tr	0	" Yes , dear , you .
tr	0	" Please , explain , Christy .
tr	0	She relaxed and smiled , " OK .
tr	0	Were there normal families then ?
tr	0	Of course there were !
tr	0	We just never hear about them .
tr	0	What did the kids do ? "
tr	0	" Did the kids play sports ? "
tr	0	There were 24 students , 32 questions .
tr	0	I 'll be lenient on this .
tr	0	Does that sound fun ? "
tr	0	" I 'm so glad you asked !
tr	0	OK , dismissed ! "
tr	0	The girls went to their next classes .
tr	0	Kaylie blushed , " I do not !
tr	0	" I do not !
tr	0	We just get along well !
tr	0	That 's my dad , Kay ! "
tr	0	Do I drool over your dad ? "
tr	0	Definitely not drool material . "
tr	0	" Good points , " Alex said .
tr	0	They all said yes , except Kaylie .
tr	0	Kaylie didn 't get one .
tr	0	This will be fun she thought .
tr	0	Kaylie kept on running for the goal .
tr	0	she chirped and popped up to help .
tr	0	Jessica went to sit beside her cousin .
tr	0	and stared angrily , awaiting an answer .
tr	0	" So what are you worried about ?
tr	0	Heck , you might even like it !
tr	0	What do you think ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , looks easy enough ! "
tr	0	Shock registered on his face .
tr	0	" Try it that way . "
tr	0	" I 'm afraid to .
tr	0	" Great job ! "
tr	0	she gasped in amazement .
tr	0	" Uh , yeah , wow .
tr	0	I guess so ! "
tr	0	But not this week , OK ? "
tr	0	I hate the 200 anyway !
tr	0	You 're not last in anything .
tr	0	" Yeah , you 're probably right .
tr	0	" You 're next .
tr	0	Alex giggled and dove in .
tr	0	" What is that ? "
tr	0	Jodie asked , mesmerized .
tr	0	Alex grabbed her stuff and followed .
tr	0	" Odd , " Alex observed .
tr	0	" What is that ? "
tr	0	" Look , Alex !
tr	0	They giggled and Alex set it down .
tr	0	Wouldn 't that be sweet ? "
tr	0	Honey , I 'm home ! "
tr	0	came Rick 's voice from the basement .
tr	0	" What 's that , Rick ? "
tr	0	The idea had actually been hers .
tr	0	" Gee , thanks .
tr	0	She felt like this was her home .
tr	0	Rick had to smile at that .
tr	0	I wanted to run . "
tr	0	she quickly agreed and trotted off upstairs .
tr	0	he finally got a chance to ask .
tr	0	" That sounds easy enough .
tr	0	" That doesn 't help much . "
tr	0	" No , I guess not .
tr	0	He checked her progress .
tr	0	" All of this cheese ? "
tr	0	This should help . "
tr	0	" I 'd say !
tr	0	The rolls were done .
tr	0	Rick laughed , " Maybe .
tr	0	" Speak of the devil ! "
tr	0	" Come here , " Kaylie urged .
tr	0	she claimed as she studied the picture .
tr	0	" High jump ? "
tr	0	Rick puzzled out loud .
tr	0	" Awesome , honey ! "
tr	0	" When are we eating ?
tr	0	" Where 's Alex ?
tr	0	Kay , set the table .
tr	0	He found it immediately .
tr	0	The others gathered and stared too .
tr	0	Isn 't it time to eat ? "
tr	0	" Yes , yes , of course .
tr	0	Girls , let 's eat . "
tr	0	" What about the box ? "
tr	0	Alex said , giggling .
tr	0	" The truth is out there ! "
tr	0	Someone toss me a roll .
tr	0	ET phoned home already !
tr	0	Like something alien ? "
tr	0	" Think about it .
tr	0	" Drama Queen , " Jessica added .
tr	0	" Alexandra Williamson ! "
tr	0	" Or aliens ! "
tr	0	" You 're an alien ! "
tr	0	She slowly put the chicken back down .
tr	0	I 'll be downstairs .
tr	0	The girls grumbled and nodded .
tr	0	Rick called it ' heaven . '
tr	0	He typed , " Ya there ?
tr	0	Got something that may blow your mind .
tr	0	You got a video link available ? "
tr	0	" Well , thank you ! '
tr	0	" And you look very pretty too .
tr	0	What is it ? "
tr	0	" Hmmm ... Light ?
tr	0	What can I help you with ? "
tr	0	The video finished loading and beeped .
tr	0	" She called you dear ! "
tr	0	" Is she your girlfriend ? "
tr	0	she asked , confused .
tr	0	" Uh , yeah .
tr	0	she informed him tersely .
tr	0	" Me too ! "
tr	0	I 'm so sorry , Abby . "
tr	0	" Isn 't it , darling ? "
tr	0	" That 's what I thought !
tr	0	Walt wasted no time asking .
tr	0	Wait , it 's coming now .
tr	0	" What Mayan numbers ? "
tr	0	" Yeah ... like Braille ? "
tr	0	Those are Mayan numbers .
tr	0	Four bars equals twenty .
tr	0	" I do ! "
tr	0	" As in ? "
tr	0	" Get on with it Walter ! "
tr	0	Abby wrote , just as he finished .
tr	0	Rick broke the trance first .
tr	0	That 's not possible . "
tr	0	Hey , can I keep this video ?
tr	0	" Of course ! "
tr	0	I 'll be around .
tr	0	" I don 't believe it ! "
tr	0	a sober Abby proclaimed .
tr	0	Rick said , still dazed .
tr	0	Alex asked , stunned .
tr	0	Christy observed rather loudly .
tr	0	Rick startled the girls into silence .
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	Abby said , unable to follow .
tr	0	They had advanced mathematics .
tr	0	I suppose time travel would require that !
tr	0	" To stop World War III ? "
tr	0	" I don 't think so .
tr	0	Anna submitted , jokingly .
tr	0	" Maybe it came from Uranus ! "
tr	0	You 're all dorks ! "
tr	0	Jessica pronounced , giggling .
tr	0	What do we know of Atlantis ? "
tr	0	Blank faces stared back at him .
tr	0	What could it be ?
tr	0	An actual time machine ?
tr	0	All ears suddenly turned to her expectantly .
tr	0	Definitely : ' time is critical . '
tr	0	Is it some kind of directions ?
tr	0	Yes : ' follow the path . '
tr	0	A chorus of " What ? "
tr	0	came from each mouth in perfect harmony .
tr	0	" In a space ship ? "
tr	0	I 'm going to hurry .
tr	0	I 'll see you all shortly .
tr	0	Don 't be hurt by it .
tr	0	" Looks like door number three ! "
tr	0	They filed downstairs to wait for Abby .
tr	0	" You 're so stupid ! "
tr	0	" It came with instructions . "
tr	0	" I think 25 times .
tr	0	" Kill the lights ! "
tr	0	Abby pondered out loud .
tr	0	Maybe it 's a clue ?
tr	0	I don 't know .
tr	0	Nothing seemed to work .
tr	0	" The what ? "
tr	0	Christy warily handed it to her .
tr	0	" That 's not possible ! "
tr	0	Jessica challenged , holding the red teardrop .
tr	0	" That is the time stone .
tr	0	" Uh , the what ? "
tr	0	" What time machine ? "
tr	0	" It comes with the job . "
tr	0	The girls gathered on both sides .
tr	0	Christy added , interested in math .
tr	0	AU is gold . "
tr	0	The girls giggled at the acronym .
tr	0	Christy said , amused .
tr	0	" But this may still intrigue you .
tr	0	" What is this ?
tr	0	Someone draw it with a crayon ? "
tr	0	This is a piece of cake ! "
tr	0	Do you think it has possibilities ? "
tr	0	" Looks brand new .
tr	0	" You looked it up , eh ?
tr	0	Abby came back quickly .
tr	0	" You know me too well .
tr	0	Thanks a lot ! "
tr	0	Seal it back up for me please .
tr	0	Thanks , " Rob replied confidently .
tr	0	" Thanks , Rob ! "
tr	0	" You would do that ?
tr	0	" Dr. Jonathan Taylor here .
tr	0	Testing , one , two .
tr	0	All eyes were glued to the images .
tr	0	He seemed completely comfortable in the outfit .
tr	0	Alex quickly chose it from the menu .
tr	0	He looked scary and sounded even scarier .
tr	0	I know I winged you , too .
tr	0	He was carrying the open box carefully .
tr	0	" Any questions now ? "
tr	0	" Did he die , Daddy ? "
tr	0	Anna answered for him .
tr	0	" I said stop .
tr	0	You saw that list . "
tr	0	Relax , take a chill pill ! "
tr	0	Abby tried a different approach .
tr	0	Rick was studying the picture .
tr	0	The picture was huge .
tr	0	Another file arrived , then another .
tr	0	See the bike trail ?
tr	0	That made sense to Rick .
tr	0	" Well , that took some effort .
tr	0	Rick was already looking at it .
tr	0	" That , I can 't find .
tr	0	" Let me guess .
tr	0	" Wow , close !
tr	0	" Oh , I get it .
tr	0	Rick printed all the information .
tr	0	They certainly act like cavemen sometimes .
tr	0	Savor it while we can .
tr	0	Rick yelled , giggling and smiling broadly .
tr	0	" What 's next ?
tr	0	" No , " Jessica blurted .
tr	0	Rick said , undeniably blunt .
tr	0	Everyone whined and moaned .
tr	0	" Yes , amazing ! "
tr	0	Abby added with a full mouth .
tr	0	was the peculiar response .
tr	0	Are you calling about the property ?
tr	0	I don 't know .
tr	0	the man shot back .
tr	0	" The beginning , preferably ? "
tr	0	There was a long pause .
tr	0	" Do you know who ? "
tr	0	" Can 't say I blame you .
tr	0	Rick asked as nicely as possible .
tr	0	" You planning on buying it ? "
tr	0	" Of course not .
tr	0	I 'm not foolish ! "
tr	0	" Well sure , then .
tr	0	I 've seen no rules about trespassing .
tr	0	It 's fully insured , too .
tr	0	I see no reason why not .
tr	0	Why , I don 't know .
tr	0	" Johnson , Edsel Johnson ! "
tr	0	You have been most helpful .
tr	0	Rick hung up and smiled at Abby .
tr	0	Do you understand ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , I guess so .
tr	0	" Oh Dad , " she whined .
tr	0	He turned and glared at her .
tr	0	" OK , OK ! "
tr	0	" Can I stay , too ? "
tr	0	" Me too ? "
tr	0	Same rules apply to you , too .
tr	0	She rolled her eyes for effect .
tr	0	Jessica was already bored .
tr	0	" OK , this is fun .
tr	0	Rick asked , seeing her boredom .
tr	0	" Sounds good to me ! "
tr	0	his daughter answered instantly .
tr	0	Rick pulled out his phone .
tr	0	Jessica rolled her eyes .
tr	0	Was that really your plan ?
tr	0	A lot of them had fur !
tr	0	Some of them were soooo cute ! "
tr	0	I 'll call you in a while .
tr	0	Anna had joined her .
tr	0	" That 's cool .
tr	0	" What 's your first event ? "
tr	0	" A 200 meter relay .
tr	0	" I hope not .
tr	0	" Coach says you can . "
tr	0	" Don 't call me that ! "
tr	0	Anna laughed , " Stop !
tr	0	You 're embarrassing me ! "
tr	0	" And immature , " said Anna .
tr	0	They don 't look so hairy either .
tr	0	Christy selected and played the file .
tr	0	" A missile ? "
tr	0	Kaylie asked in shock .
tr	0	" What 's the predicted damage ? "
tr	0	They call destroying Earth an experiment ?
tr	0	How could ... Why ?
tr	0	Alex finally declared and grabbed her phone .
tr	0	Kaylie asked no one in particular .
tr	0	he finally managed to say .
tr	0	" It 's about time Dad !
tr	0	What 's going on there ? "
tr	0	" How important ? "
tr	0	" We weren 't .
tr	0	Just write down the entry for me .
tr	0	" OK , will do .
tr	0	" What was that about ? "
tr	0	Abby whispered in his ear .
tr	0	Well , at least Alex and Kaylie .
tr	0	" I like that idea . "
tr	0	" Where is she ? "
tr	0	Alex asked after several minutes .
tr	0	" High jump , " Jessica answered .
tr	0	" It was still cool !
tr	0	" Oh please , Dad .
tr	0	" Yeah , really !
tr	0	The instructions said nothing about these features .
tr	0	I wonder what else they do ? "
tr	0	She sunk back down a bit .
tr	0	They knew not to push any further .
tr	0	" I did it , Dad !
tr	0	I did it ! "
tr	0	he teased her , squeezing her tightly .
tr	0	" Let her celebrate , brat ! "
tr	0	She grunted , " Fine !
tr	0	" Does this mean we win ? "
tr	0	Christy asked , confused .
tr	0	I could win that ? "
tr	0	No problem , " Abby offered .
tr	0	Or even with Alex or Christy ? "
tr	0	" You know my rules . "
tr	0	" I 'm thirteen ! "
tr	0	You could easily dodge a speeding vehicle .
tr	0	I must be stupid ! "
tr	0	The trophy presentation lasted longer than anticipated .
tr	0	" Old man who ? "
tr	0	You all know him . "
tr	0	he opened the door and showed her .
tr	0	" That does look like him !
tr	0	Rick asked how the game was going .
tr	0	" They 're winning four to two !
tr	0	" Who 's hungry ? "
tr	0	an anxious Abby asked .
tr	0	It 's five to two now ! "
tr	0	Rick proclaimed in amazement .
tr	0	She 's going to be mad ! "
tr	0	" What a pig ! "
tr	0	Jessica rudely announced , indicating Kaylie .
tr	0	What do you expect ?
tr	0	" That 's enough Jess ! "
tr	0	" She 's been running too . "
tr	0	Everyone agreed , including Jessica .
tr	0	Alex remarked , excitedly .
tr	0	" Party pooper ! "
tr	0	Abby stuck her tongue out at him .
tr	0	We are not exploring time .
tr	0	" I 'm finished ! "
tr	0	Kaylie just laughed , satisfied .
tr	0	" What 's this for ? "
tr	0	he made a pained face for emphasis .
tr	0	" OK , how far ? "
tr	0	" Just grin at it ! "
tr	0	Rick answered between whacks at the brush .
tr	0	he wiped the sweat with his sleeve .
tr	0	A few seconds later , " Ewww !
tr	0	I got two ! "
tr	0	Alex walked toward the entrance .
tr	0	Rick stopped her cold .
tr	0	" How 's that ? "
tr	0	He handed her the camera .
tr	0	" OK , Daddy .
tr	0	" You two are the light crew .
tr	0	" Everyone knows what to do ? "
tr	0	If anyone gets separated , scream .
tr	0	If her light disappears , yell .
tr	0	" OK , OK !
tr	0	" OK , lights ? "
tr	0	" Oh yeah ! "
tr	0	Rick looked at Abby for further instructions .
tr	0	" What do you mean ?
tr	0	Rick and the girls all laughed .
tr	0	Let 's go ! "
tr	0	" Let us look , please ? "
tr	0	" Sure , knock yourself out .
tr	0	" What a bummer ! "
tr	0	" All this way for nothing ! "
tr	0	a depressed Kaylie sulked .
tr	0	Ice cream solves all problems ! "
tr	0	" That 's the spirit ! "
tr	0	" Hah , good idea !
tr	0	OK , let 's move it .
tr	0	Yell if anyone needs to stop .
tr	0	Set a fast pace . "
tr	0	His blank stare indicated he had none .
tr	0	Only groans came from behind him .
tr	0	" Ugh , " Rick moaned .
tr	0	He and Abby climbed out .
tr	0	" No , " he answered curtly .
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	I 'm not carrying everyone !
tr	0	Anna finally had her seatbelt off .
tr	0	he snorted , then held his nose .
tr	0	" You , too ! "
tr	0	" Get a bath , girls ! '
tr	0	he instructed the others .
tr	0	" You sure ? "
tr	0	she asked , disbelieving .
tr	0	" Of course I am !
tr	0	Rick switched on his best poker face .
tr	0	She giggled , " OK ! "
tr	0	and ran back up the stairs .
tr	0	Rick stood and pondered for a moment .
tr	0	Just what exactly did the thirteen-year-old suspect ?
tr	0	It 's my first real bikini .
tr	0	Abby elbowed him under the water .
tr	0	Kaylie pondered out loud .
tr	0	" The drawing ! "
tr	0	" What is it , Abby ? "
tr	0	" Follow the path ! "
tr	0	she seemed to be scolding herself .
tr	0	" Follow the path ? "
tr	0	The girls giggled at him .
tr	0	" Follow the path ! "
tr	0	" Don 't you see ?
tr	0	He finally cooperated and got out .
tr	0	" What do you want ? "
tr	0	he finally asked at the desk .
tr	0	He missed her shoulder a couple times .
tr	0	" Oh my god !
tr	0	Kaylie yelled , startling everyone .
tr	0	" We found the time machine ! "
tr	0	" We found a wall . "
tr	0	We are going back tomorrow ! "
tr	0	Alex stuck her tongue out at him .
tr	0	" Me either , " Alex agreed .
tr	0	I thought -- " " Chill !
tr	0	" Oh , " she replied sheepishly .
tr	0	The two girls raced up the stairs .
tr	0	" Sure you do !
tr	0	" Like ... who shot JFK ?
tr	0	Where 's Jimmy Hoffa ?
tr	0	What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
tr	0	Was there really an Anastasia ?
tr	0	Or did apes devolve from us ?
tr	0	What stages of change did we undergo ?
tr	0	Or were we really created ?
tr	0	When did it begin ?
tr	0	Not that much ! "
tr	0	He kept grinning at her .
tr	0	She cocked her head sideways .
tr	0	I was much more serious then .
tr	0	Now it 's my daughters . "
tr	0	" Including me ? "
tr	0	" Who 's first ?
tr	0	Or is she your girlfriend ? "
tr	0	" She 's your girlfriend ! "
tr	0	Of course it 's my business !
tr	0	" How can I answer that ?
tr	0	" You called me old first ! "
tr	0	Whipped cream should work . "
tr	0	Christy and Jessica were hovering overhead .
tr	0	" You girls got breakfast ready ? "
tr	0	They looked at him stupefied .
tr	0	" Because I told you to . "
tr	0	" Where 's Kaylie , Dad ? "
tr	0	Go get her , please . "
tr	0	" It was a sandal ! "
tr	0	Alex and Kaylie came up the stairs .
tr	0	Anna added , surprised .
tr	0	Jessica cried , rubbing her head .
tr	0	" Get back here .
tr	0	They all slowly walked back .
tr	0	Rick smiled wickedly and reached for another .
tr	0	A chorus of gripes and complaints ensued .
tr	0	was his stoic reply .
tr	0	" Bout time , " Anna grumbled .
tr	0	Goosebumps raised instantly on their arms .
tr	0	" It 's warmer in here .
tr	0	" What do you think ? "
tr	0	The girls all nodded reverently in agreement .
tr	0	Six puzzled expressions shot back at him .
tr	0	" How 's it feel ? "
tr	0	Alex asked when she noticed .
tr	0	His irritation halted Jessica 's reply .
tr	0	So Alex answered , " The water .
tr	0	It has to go someplace ! "
tr	0	" There 's an exit ! "
tr	0	Alex pondered out loud .
tr	0	" To our time machine ! "
tr	0	" What do you think ?
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	" Where 's that rope ? "
tr	0	So he went to the next .
tr	0	" Yeah , sure .
tr	0	" Feels good , be right back .
tr	0	" Of course ! "
tr	0	Not too strong , he thought .
tr	0	" There he is ! "
tr	0	" What 's taking so long ? "
tr	0	Abby said , pacing .
tr	0	You miss him already ? "
tr	0	How long had it been ?
tr	0	Abby was not amused .
tr	0	Abby finally asked him .
tr	0	Don 't worry . "
tr	0	A frustrated Abby demanded of the girl .
tr	0	What to shoot ? "
tr	0	He finally decided : Everything !
tr	0	Could it really be a. . .
tr	0	Chapter 13 -- Wonder -- Full !
tr	0	You 're an adult , right ? "
tr	0	I 'm being childish !
tr	0	She practically jumped out of her skin .
tr	0	Abby asked , startled too .
tr	0	" Rick 's coming back ! "
tr	0	" What are you doing ? "
tr	0	she declared and waded into the water .
tr	0	" Is it cold over there ? "
tr	0	Rick added the cube and the camera .
tr	0	Rick turned the lantern on .
tr	0	He thrust off the wall toward her .
tr	0	" That was fun ! "
tr	0	Rick knelt down and opened the cube .
tr	0	Nothing happened right away .
tr	0	" Rick , " he replied .
tr	0	" Um , I guess so . "
tr	0	" Authorizing Rick , I guess so .
tr	0	Destination , please ? "
tr	0	It was complete with weather patterns .
tr	0	" Alex , " she responded .
tr	0	" Uh , no . "
tr	0	" No , " he decided quickly .
tr	0	Am I mistaken ? "
tr	0	No , you 're right .
tr	0	What 's your name ? "
tr	0	" Hi , Christy .
tr	0	Nice to meet you . "
tr	0	What kind of name is that ? "
tr	0	" Hi , Abby . "
tr	0	" I 'm Anna . "
tr	0	" Hi , Anna . "
tr	0	" I 'm Kaylie . "
tr	0	" Hi , Kaylie . "
tr	0	The sphere instantly changed to that scene .
tr	0	You are all good people .
tr	0	He was not . "
tr	0	" Of course , Rick .
tr	0	Then , select a location .
tr	0	The world view shifted back into place .
tr	0	Please , try , Rick . "
tr	0	Rick asked , floored .
tr	0	" Yes , Rick .
tr	0	" You cannot be serious ! "
tr	0	she said , amazed .
tr	0	" About how long ? "
tr	0	" Yes , Kaylie . "
tr	0	" What kind ? "
tr	0	" Yes , Alex , I can .
tr	0	" Like the missile ? "
tr	0	Who removed them ? "
tr	0	" Can we get them back ? "
tr	0	Would you like to see it ? "
tr	0	Or was that a joke ? "
tr	0	" A diamond ? "
tr	0	" Yes , Jessica , a diamond .
tr	0	The display showed four crystals being inserted .
tr	0	" That was definitely sarcastic ! "
tr	0	" Merely an observation , Rick .
tr	0	Rick studied the display mindlessly .
tr	0	T gave him an overview of Rome .
tr	0	No , I cannot , Rick .
tr	0	" When did he exist ? "
tr	0	A curly blonde-haired boy appeared .
tr	0	Can I look ? "
tr	0	" Yes , Rick ? "
tr	0	" Just a minute , honey .
tr	0	Thanks , T ! "
tr	0	" Is that satisfactory , Rick ? "
tr	0	Who 's next ? "
tr	0	Anna grabbed her meal and sat there .
tr	0	" Done , Rick .
tr	0	Rick pondered the question .
tr	0	" Without , please . "
tr	0	" Oh ... my ... gosh ! "
tr	0	" Really , T ? "
tr	0	Anna asked , shocked .
tr	0	Alex interrupted , " Dad !
tr	0	I found it ! "
tr	0	she yelled , bursting with excitement .
tr	0	" The yellow memory crystal ! "
tr	0	" Alex , what do you think ?
tr	0	" How should I know ? "
tr	0	Where does he go ?
tr	0	Who is he usually with ? "
tr	0	" Who does his hair ?
tr	0	" Done , Rick . "
tr	0	" That 's a perfect idea ! "
tr	0	The girls groaned in perfect harmony .
tr	0	" No , Kaylie , nobody has .
tr	0	she said , instead of complaining .
tr	0	" What 's in the lockers ? "
tr	0	Abby patiently waited for her solution .
tr	0	Not the puppy dog eyes ! "
tr	0	" We can do it !
tr	0	" Oh bull ! "
tr	0	" Besides , you heard T .
tr	0	Rick thought a moment , fuming slightly .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Sewing kit , " she smiled .
tr	0	" Figures , " Rick sighed .
tr	0	" Yes , Rick .
tr	0	" Me neither ! "
tr	0	" I 'm not afraid ! "
tr	0	" I 'm not either ! "
tr	0	said Christy , standing a little taller .
tr	0	" A severed finger ?
tr	0	Arrows through the shoulder ? "
tr	0	Alex asked with a horrified look .
tr	0	" And car wrecks ! "
tr	0	" Because you love us ? "
tr	0	" Because we can help ? "
tr	0	" Who found the cube ?
tr	0	Who opened the cube ?
tr	0	Who learned how to operate the UC ?
tr	0	Who found the tunnel leading in here ?
tr	0	Who found out about the world ending ?
tr	0	Who found the crystal ?
tr	0	was his only argument .
tr	0	Now Rick felt stupid and guilty .
tr	0	" Not you too , Abby ? "
tr	0	" Et tu Brute ? "
tr	0	Because the excitement is worth the risk .
tr	0	This would be both exciting and educational .
tr	0	Everyone stared angrily at him .
tr	0	Kaylie led the cheers .
tr	0	He still didn 't agree .
tr	0	Abby emphatically shook her head yes .
tr	0	The three girls launched into work immediately .
tr	0	The girls were all diligently working .
tr	0	" Yeah , it 's really incredible .
tr	0	Was that an opening ?
tr	0	Abby didn 't notice his awkward behavior .
tr	0	" Where are you , Rick ? "
tr	0	" I might ! "
tr	0	" No catch , " she insisted .
tr	0	Not that I 'm complaining ! "
tr	0	" She 's not the only one .
tr	0	Should we tell them ? "
tr	0	Rick raised his eyebrows , " Oh ?
tr	0	That worries me , " Kaylie said .
tr	0	" Why does that worry you ? "
tr	0	" Groundhog Day ! "
tr	0	" Practically , yes .
tr	0	Good plan too , I think . "
tr	0	Very nice looking ! "
tr	0	" I did , " Anna claimed .
tr	0	" You girls did an excellent job .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	They let out a collective sigh .
tr	0	We 'll try that .
tr	0	" That 's dishonest . "
tr	0	We 're trying to save the world .
tr	0	That doesn 't sound right . "
tr	0	Like you 're my father ! "
tr	0	Sit down now ! "
tr	0	Jessica ceased quickly , " No ! "
tr	0	Rick added a menacing glare .
tr	0	" One minute ? "
tr	0	That is the default setting .
tr	0	Do you wish to change that ? "
tr	0	Jessica complained , disappointed .
tr	0	Rick didn 't remember traveling .
tr	0	" What did you expect ?
tr	0	It was a beautiful , sunny day .
tr	0	The road they needed to take soon .
tr	0	He also felt useless .
tr	0	Alex and Kaylie shot her angry glares .
tr	0	Who goes there ? "
tr	0	the oldest boy yelled back angrily .
tr	0	He stood a mere five feet tall .
tr	0	Kaylie nodded almost imperceptibly .
tr	0	She looked much healthier though .
tr	0	The older boy demanded .
tr	0	she said with a bright smile .
tr	0	What brings you to our farm ? "
tr	0	This felt like a grain sack .
tr	0	Where are your horses ?
tr	0	And who do you travel with ?
tr	0	Where are your parents and servants ?
tr	0	Certainly not three kids .
tr	0	Alex blurted , frightened .
tr	0	I 've uncovered a plot !
tr	0	" No , of course not ! "
tr	0	He 's -- " " Dead !
tr	0	He 's dead , Lucius !
tr	0	He lowered his head and left .
tr	0	Titus can 't even do that . "
tr	0	I 'll let you decide .
tr	0	She hoped she could help .
tr	0	Kaylie asked , now she was confused .
tr	0	He may be worried . "
tr	0	" Can I go with you ? "
tr	0	the bright-eyed Roman girl asked .
tr	0	They allowed her to catch up .
tr	0	Together , they approached the bushes .
tr	0	Rick chuckled and hugged her .
tr	0	Her eyes started to form tears .
tr	0	" Hi , I 'm Rick .
tr	0	She just stared blankly .
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	" Oh , I 'm so sorry .
tr	0	" That 's a good idea .
tr	0	She smiled and bounced off .
tr	0	Wouldn 't that be nice ?
tr	0	Alex accepted the offer gladly .
tr	0	" This is fun ! "
tr	0	was her cheery reply .
tr	0	" Just pay attention , OK ? "
tr	0	Awww , he 's so cute !
tr	0	" OK , Father ! "
tr	0	" What of this ? "
tr	0	It belonged to my mother . "
tr	0	she was half crying through her explanation .
tr	0	" She 's lying ! "
tr	0	the hateful woman spat .
tr	0	" Arrest this woman ! "
tr	0	It may just be a misunderstanding .
tr	0	" She ripped my hair out ! "
tr	0	The other girls shrieked in alarm .
tr	0	Christy casually pointed out .
tr	0	Alex asked her dad .
tr	0	Rick seriously considered the question .
tr	0	Alex asked again , impatiently .
tr	0	The girls helped Rick to his feet .
tr	0	" What is it ?
tr	0	Do you see him ? "
tr	0	" Who was that woman ? "
tr	0	the little Roman girl realized .
tr	0	she seemed to be asking for forgiveness .
tr	0	As night fell , the streets cleared .
tr	0	The rest of the trip was uneventful .
tr	0	" She never wastes candles !
tr	0	He reached out and hugged her .
tr	0	Aren 't you coming with me ?
tr	0	You can 't leave yet !
tr	0	" We want you to have it .
tr	0	her tears flowing freely now .
tr	0	Everyone stared at her .
tr	0	I needed it for history class ! "
tr	0	They skidded to a stop simultaneously .
tr	0	" This cannot continue now , Rick .
tr	0	You 're not ever going back .
tr	0	Abby stared in amazement .
tr	0	Abby forgot her anger instantly .
tr	0	" What is that ? "
tr	0	I can 't worry like that ! "
tr	0	" You 're all mad !
tr	0	T 's voice interrupted .
tr	0	" Yes , T ? "
tr	0	Kaylie gasped , " No ! "
tr	0	" What 's the deal ? "
tr	0	Jessica asked , confused .
tr	0	He was immediately assaulted with accusing eyes .
tr	0	he yelled louder this time .
tr	0	" We can 't go back .
tr	0	What if she 's dying ?
tr	0	You don 't even care ! "
tr	0	" Nice going , Dad . "
tr	0	Alex 's words cut through him .
tr	0	" I 'm using the bathroom ! "
tr	0	Kaylie shot at him angrily .
tr	0	" Go away ! "
tr	0	" No , I 'm just mad .
tr	0	I 'm not mad at you .
tr	0	Not fair at all ! "
tr	0	" No , no it 's not .
tr	0	But we will make it fair .
tr	0	She shook her head yes .
tr	0	All of us . "
tr	0	Anna picked up his meal for him .
tr	0	Abby asked after the long silence .
tr	0	" Yeah , that sounds about right .
tr	0	We 'll have to do some research .
tr	0	" Sounds good to me . "
tr	0	" What about us ? "
tr	0	Alex asked , interrupting their exchange .
tr	0	Christy fluttered her eyelashes .
tr	0	Abby looked at Rick .
tr	0	" Tell them what ? "
tr	0	You 're finally moving in ! "
tr	0	" Is it true ? "
tr	0	They all finished eating .
tr	0	Rick asked T how the device worked .
tr	0	" Wow , OK .
tr	0	That makes sense . "
tr	0	" How does that work ? "
tr	0	" That 's neat ! "
tr	0	" What about the natural cave ?
tr	0	" The same way we originally planned .
tr	0	" I can do it !
tr	0	No problem at all .
tr	0	A concerned Jessica asked .
tr	0	The rope will make it simple too .
tr	0	Rick nodded his approval .
tr	0	Anna was closer and grabbed it .
tr	0	" I will , " she said .
tr	0	" I have one , Jess .
tr	0	I can make it ! "
tr	0	" I can ! "
tr	0	" Me too ! "
tr	0	They all volunteered to go first .
tr	0	Thanks for the suggestion . "
tr	0	They quickly dried off and dressed .
tr	0	Abby drove them home .
tr	0	" Speak for yourself ! "
tr	0	Really , I 'm OK .
tr	0	Christy and Kaylie did the same .
tr	0	" Oh , and girls ? "
tr	0	He smiled , " Sorry .
tr	0	I won 't be able to . "
tr	0	" Thanks so much .
tr	0	I sent them to the showers . "
tr	0	" Yeah , I think so .
tr	0	Abby stared blankly at him .
tr	0	Or was it a dream at all ?
tr	0	Or save the girl .
tr	0	Christy and Jessica both shrieked .
tr	0	Christy said , " Nope ! "
tr	0	" Get back here ! "
tr	0	You 're fixing breakfast . "
tr	0	" I might as well help .
tr	0	He threw his hands up in frustration .
tr	0	She then rifled through some papers .
tr	0	She relayed the message .
tr	0	Tension enveloped the vehicle .
tr	0	" Yeah , right .
tr	0	And he made a mistake .
tr	0	A grim look crossed his face .
tr	0	She rolled her eyes .
tr	0	" All your years ?
tr	0	she shot back with a smirk .
tr	0	Scott admired the house as they approached .
tr	0	" Check the doors and windows . "
tr	0	It flashed and faded on .
tr	0	Nice touch , eh ?
tr	0	You might want to watch . "
tr	0	She continued to read the statement .
tr	0	" Yes , Jordan , he is .
tr	0	Samantha asked the experienced newsman .
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	she pursued , genuinely intrigued .
tr	0	" Amazing , " Samantha commented .
tr	0	Jordan shook his head sadly .
tr	0	Please don 't leave us . "
tr	0	Are you going to be OK ? "
tr	0	Now she regarded him as the alien .
tr	0	This book is a work of fiction .
tr	0	Then there was only darkness .
tr	0	They absorbed into the creature 's skin .
tr	0	" No , no ! "
tr	0	" Hush , Margaret .
tr	0	You 're being too noisy . "
tr	0	That stopped her screaming .
tr	0	The monster knew her name .
tr	0	Carlos suddenly lost his grin .
tr	0	Charred remnants of something large .
tr	0	Behind Carlos , the other riders approached .
tr	0	Carlos looked around at his friends .
tr	0	He would have to be the first .
tr	0	No smoldering ashes , no embers .
tr	0	Three jocks and one nerd .
tr	0	The fifth rider was markedly different .
tr	0	Her name was Josie Winters .
tr	0	Josie walked boldly into the blackened sands .
tr	0	Something had caught her eye .
tr	0	And large twin diesel engines .
tr	0	Josie moved in closer .
tr	0	Yes , it was definitely a man .
tr	0	And a gaping hole in his chest .
tr	0	A gaping wound above his left eyebrow .
tr	0	Nearly half the skull was removed .
tr	0	Are we even near any water ? "
tr	0	The other boys followed him .
tr	0	" How did he get here ? "
tr	0	The sun was starting to set .
tr	0	" It 's starting to get dark .
tr	0	The other boys looked around as well .
tr	0	Josie didn 't notice them leave .
tr	0	Josie finally looked away from the corpse .
tr	0	Jimmy held out her helmet .
tr	0	The rain was coming steady now .
tr	0	Josie leaned in closer .
tr	0	The man was made of stone .
tr	0	It made no sense .
tr	0	" Let 's go ! "
tr	0	Jimmy yelled from the bikes .
tr	0	The rainfall was starting to get heavy .
tr	0	Thunder rumbled in the distance .
tr	0	And in the cavity of his head .
tr	0	First with water , then with stone .
tr	0	Droplets began to fall from his chin .
tr	0	" Do we report this ? "
tr	0	" Report what ? "
tr	0	Carlos elbowed his friend .
tr	0	Kendall gave her a confused look .
tr	0	Kendall laughed at the absurdity of it .
tr	0	In the desert ? "
tr	0	" Wearing clothes ? "
tr	0	Josie knew her friends wouldn 't listen .
tr	0	" What is it , Josie ? "
tr	0	Josie didn 't want to say more .
tr	0	" I think the girl is scared !
tr	0	Never seen that before ! "
tr	0	Jimmy watched Josie carefully .
tr	0	He knew there was more to this .
tr	0	" What is it , Josie ? "
tr	0	" Get outta here ! "
tr	0	Carlos chimed in next .
tr	0	" Man , I knew it !
tr	0	Kendall watched Josie carefully .
tr	0	He 'd never seen that before .
tr	0	It made Kendall feel uncomfortable .
tr	0	" Nice try , Josie .
tr	0	" Fine , " Josie snapped .
tr	0	The man looked around him .
tr	0	With great effort he lifted himself up .
tr	0	He slowly began to feel better .
tr	0	The man 's jaw set with determination .
tr	0	The man carefully picked it up .
tr	0	Liquid sloshed in the can .
tr	0	It was large , plastic .
tr	0	Cool to the touch .
tr	0	He opened the cooler .
tr	0	He could smell the water inside .
tr	0	One was not enough , though .
tr	0	The man was starting to feel better .
tr	0	His vision was no longer blurred .
tr	0	He reached for another bottle of water .
tr	0	It was a strange coincidence .
tr	0	Then she heard a noise again .
tr	0	Josie 's eyes opened .
tr	0	The night desert was quiet and still .
tr	0	Then the sound of plastic .
tr	0	One of the guys must be thirsty .
tr	0	How thirsty were they ?
tr	0	How many of them were up ?
tr	0	Why weren 't they talking ?
tr	0	She just instinctively knew something was wrong .
tr	0	Whoever was up was still drinking .
tr	0	She eased out of her tent .
tr	0	He was too tall .
tr	0	Was she seeing things ?
tr	0	Josie was suddenly scared .
tr	0	" What is - ? "
tr	0	Kendall started to demand .
tr	0	" It 's him .
tr	0	The guy from the boat wreck ! "
tr	0	The guys all gave Josie dumbfounded looks .
tr	0	Josie pointed to her own neck .
tr	0	" The necklace ! "
tr	0	Jimmy suddenly charged forward .
tr	0	" Get him ! "
tr	0	The stranger seemed genuinely surprised .
tr	0	" Stay back , man ! "
tr	0	" I mean it ! "
tr	0	He raised his hands submissively .
tr	0	The stranger turned around quickly .
tr	0	Carlos demanded , his voice cracking .
tr	0	The stranger became calm again .
tr	0	He started to raise his hands .
tr	0	Carlos fired the revolver in fear .
tr	0	The stranger looked down at his chest .
tr	0	The stranger looked back at Carlos .
tr	0	But this wasn 't most anything .
tr	0	Everybody had run away .
tr	0	Carlos wasn 't surprised .
tr	0	Now Carlos felt bad .
tr	0	His wounds were healing .
tr	0	Like he was a sponge .
tr	0	The chest wounds were different .
tr	0	Bullet fragments were slowly pushed out .
tr	0	The stranger seemed surprised too .
tr	0	" What are you ? "
tr	0	Josie finally asked , breaking the silence .
tr	0	" An American , " he said .
tr	0	Josie 's throat felt dry .
tr	0	" How 'd I do this ?
tr	0	" Who are you ? "
tr	0	It all seemed so surreal .
tr	0	The stranger watched her closely .
tr	0	" I 'm Mark .
tr	0	At least he wasn 't a zombie .
tr	0	" Are you sure ? "
tr	0	This was getting stranger and stranger .
tr	0	Hazel eyes were green and brown .
tr	0	" Josephine Winters - Josie .
tr	0	My friends call me Josie . "
tr	0	The stranger smiled warmly .
tr	0	Josie couldn 't help but smile back .
tr	0	Mark asked , looking around .
tr	0	Well , almost all of them .
tr	0	He knelt carefully beside Logan .
tr	0	Mark stood up and faced Josie .
tr	0	Guys - we need your help !
tr	0	Logan 's hurt ! "
tr	0	After several seconds , nothing happened .
tr	0	Jimmy was first to walk over .
tr	0	" Is he okay ? "
tr	0	Mark nodded an affirmative .
tr	0	" He will be . "
tr	0	Kendall too was suspicious .
tr	0	" Are you a super hero ? "
tr	0	Carlos asked , excitedly .
tr	0	" A what ? "
tr	0	" I don 't do tights .
tr	0	Or capes , " Mark responded .
tr	0	" Good throw . "
tr	0	Kendall gulped and sheepishly accepted the knife .
tr	0	Josie asked , confused .
tr	0	Okay ... groovy ? "
tr	0	Even their pop up tents .
tr	0	Have you seen super-powers before ? "
tr	0	" Yeah , " Josie said .
tr	0	" All the time .
tr	0	" On TV ? "
tr	0	Dawn was just starting to break .
tr	0	Mark could see a lot better now .
tr	0	Nothing like the trucks he remembered .
tr	0	She noticed it wasn 't bleeding .
tr	0	" What year is that truck ? "
tr	0	" It 's a 2005 . "
tr	0	" Did you buy it new ? "
tr	0	Smart kid , he thought .
tr	0	" So what year is it ? "
tr	0	Josie almost dropped the water bottle .
tr	0	Carlos leaned close to Josie and whispered .
tr	0	" What are you doing ? "
tr	0	Mark turned around to face Josie .
tr	0	" Here , use mine . "
tr	0	Josie pushed Carlos ' hand away .
tr	0	Carlos shrugged and put his phone away .
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	Mark looked from Carlos to Josie .
tr	0	" You were there ? "
tr	0	Mark asked , incredulously .
tr	0	Confusion showed on Mark 's face .
tr	0	He looked from teen to teen .
tr	0	What kind of people are these ?
tr	0	Mark laughed at the absurdity of that .
tr	0	" I don 't think so . "
tr	0	" Not stoned , " Josie corrected .
tr	0	" Like a statue . "
tr	0	Mark crossed his arms over his chest .
tr	0	His flesh was warm , but hard .
tr	0	" Covered in ash . "
tr	0	Josie was taking this way too calmly .
tr	0	" What else do you remember ? "
tr	0	Mark looked up at the girl .
tr	0	Kendall thought that sounded reasonable .
tr	0	Everyone turned to Kendall with puzzled looks .
tr	0	Kendall was suddenly embarrassed .
tr	0	Josie turned back to Mark .
tr	0	Maybe something to jar your memory ?
tr	0	What about that necklace ? "
tr	0	He covered it defensively .
tr	0	" Did you check your pockets ? "
tr	0	Mark gave Jimmy a skeptical look .
tr	0	His fingers stopped against plastic .
tr	0	Mark 's hand slid in .
tr	0	There was close to four thousand dollars .
tr	0	" A lot of it . "
tr	0	Mark thought to himself .
tr	0	Oh , more modern slang .
tr	0	Just in case something came up . "
tr	0	" When were you in Korea ? "
tr	0	He thought it was crazy himself .
tr	0	The war , " he answered .
tr	0	He remembered every detail of it .
tr	0	The teens all looked shocked .
tr	0	Josie looked close at the bill .
tr	0	Kendall snatched the bill back from Josie .
tr	0	" I remember dying .
tr	0	In this case , romantic complications .
tr	0	Maria was always excited about work .
tr	0	" Tired of me already ? "
tr	0	Maria laughed and handed Mark her hairbrush .
tr	0	Mark hurried to keep up with her .
tr	0	" What 's this ? "
tr	0	" How 'd you get this ? "
tr	0	Maria corrected , smiling mischievously .
tr	0	" I have lab assistants , remember ?
tr	0	" Why the fish ? "
tr	0	His face became grim .
tr	0	" Is anyone hurt ? "
tr	0	" It 's sealed in now . "
tr	0	Those were her people down there .
tr	0	" We can 't . "
tr	0	Why was he hesitating ?
tr	0	I can 't just stay here ! "
tr	0	Then it 's problem solved . "
tr	0	" We have protocols for everything . "
tr	0	Mark considered his wife 's plea .
tr	0	" What if I get petrified ? "
tr	0	Not that he really worried about that .
tr	0	But his wife was right .
tr	0	Inside was his cache of emergency gear .
tr	0	Grenades , explosives , web gear .
tr	0	Except maybe this one .
tr	0	Mark turned to his wife once more .
tr	0	An eerie stillness was in the hallway .
tr	0	The freight elevator doors suddenly opened .
tr	0	Maria nodded at the ceiling .
tr	0	He was a crack shot .
tr	0	The comment was more for herself .
tr	0	" Open it , " he ordered .
tr	0	It was a hideous creature .
tr	0	" Don 't shoot its eyes ! "
tr	0	Except the rounds ricocheted off the scales .
tr	0	He threw down his Thompson .
tr	0	Maria hastily began to remove the jacket .
tr	0	Mark struggled against the burning debris .
tr	0	Mark began to scream .
tr	0	Carlos had reluctantly agreed to go along .
tr	0	Then they started putting their motorcycles away .
tr	0	Mark watched the work quietly .
tr	0	But nothing since ? "
tr	0	Josie too had changed .
tr	0	Jimmy glared at Mark .
tr	0	" I could have done that . "
tr	0	Jimmy noticed Josie was watching Mark closely .
tr	0	No doubt checking out his bulging muscles .
tr	0	" They 're not nightgowns ! "
tr	0	" Kesha , man ! "
tr	0	" She 's a famous musician . "
tr	0	Kendall and Logan laughed .
tr	0	Carlos turned to glare at Logan .
tr	0	" Why are we helping him ? "
tr	0	Logan shrugged , but said nothing .
tr	0	Mark stepped back from the truck .
tr	0	" Maybe he just forgot . "
tr	0	Carlos rubbed his arm but said nothing .
tr	0	He was genuinely worried about Josie .
tr	0	And maybe even Jimmy .
tr	0	" Let 's split . "
tr	0	With his bulging muscles and tan skin .
tr	0	This kid needed an attitude adjustment .
tr	0	The trio quickly exited the truck .
tr	0	The boat was clearly burnt .
tr	0	Mark asked as he continued his inspection .
tr	0	Jimmy had been wondering about that too .
tr	0	She reached down and picked it up .
tr	0	" Whatcha got ? "
tr	0	All three immediately recognized what she held .
tr	0	A human heart - made of stone .
tr	0	Even its weight had changed .
tr	0	" How 'd you do that ? "
tr	0	You don 't believe in magic ? "
tr	0	I can 't compete with that .
tr	0	" Why are we here ? "
tr	0	Josie turned to face her friend .
tr	0	Concern showed on her face .
tr	0	He recognized it immediately .
tr	0	What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	It made sense to Jimmy .
tr	0	" Died in a fire ? "
tr	0	He 's standing right there . "
tr	0	He turned to face the kids .
tr	0	Josie was glad to change the subject .
tr	0	" Find anything ? "
tr	0	" I was loaded for bear . "
tr	0	" You were hunting ? "
tr	0	This Mark guy talked weird .
tr	0	Mark considered for a moment before speaking .
tr	0	" I think so .
tr	0	In a manner of speaking . "
tr	0	" What were you hunting ? "
tr	0	Then Mark had come along .
tr	0	Jimmy asked , a little condescendingly .
tr	0	" I was a soldier .
tr	0	I fought , " Mark answered matter-of-factly .
tr	0	" Fought what ? "
tr	0	Jimmy asked before Josie could .
tr	0	" Communists mostly , " Mark responded .
tr	0	He was clearly being evasive again .
tr	0	Josie was a little perturbed herself .
tr	0	Mark considered that for a moment .
tr	0	" Or it was .
tr	0	Or we can 't help you . "
tr	0	He could tell the girl was sincere .
tr	0	He briefly considered telling her more .
tr	0	" Report in to where ? "
tr	0	" Good question , " Mark said .
tr	0	He hadn 't thought of that .
tr	0	You need our help .
tr	0	" Slowly , " Mark agreed .
tr	0	Josie clapped her hands once .
tr	0	My mom and I live alone .
tr	0	Jimmy 's jaw dropped .
tr	0	Josie turned to look at Jimmy .
tr	0	He knew he was beaten .
tr	0	A new idea occurred to Jimmy .
tr	0	" He can stay with me . "
tr	0	Mark was genuinely surprised .
tr	0	She put a hand on his arm .
tr	0	Jimmy asked in shock .
tr	0	That was not the plan .
tr	0	" Hey , I found him !
tr	0	Mark looked from Josie to Jimmy .
tr	0	" What danger ? "
tr	0	Josie asked , looking up at him .
tr	0	Mark had no choice .
tr	0	" I was hunting something .
tr	0	It 's still alive . "
tr	0	" How do you know ? "
tr	0	" What killed you ? "
tr	0	" That 's it there . "
tr	0	Another Fed in a bad suit .
tr	0	" Was he alone ?
tr	0	What did he talk about ? "
tr	0	Kendall was getting suspicious .
tr	0	Why all these questions ?
tr	0	" Is he dangerous ? "
tr	0	Logan was with Kendall .
tr	0	Something wasn 't right .
tr	0	" Who wants to know ? "
tr	0	The agent gave a smile .
tr	0	Not a warm , friendly smile .
tr	0	Their eyes rolled up in their heads .
tr	0	Headquarters was quick to answer .
tr	0	Mark wasn 't much of a talker .
tr	0	Josie had tried changing tactics .
tr	0	Mark was the youngest of seven boys .
tr	0	Two didn 't make it back .
tr	0	Jimmy was glad Mark had stopped talking .
tr	0	Josie led Mark around to the pumps .
tr	0	He seemed fascinated by the design .
tr	0	Josie held her hand out to Mark .
tr	0	" I need some cash . "
tr	0	Josie pointed to his bare feet .
tr	0	" You need shoes . "
tr	0	Mark looked down at his feet .
tr	0	But it didn 't hurt .
tr	0	" And I 'm hungry .
tr	0	So pay up . "
tr	0	Josie glared at Jimmy .
tr	0	Josie said , shocked .
tr	0	Josie plucked the money from his hand .
tr	0	" That 'll do fine . "
tr	0	Jimmy started pumping gas into his truck .
tr	0	And he kept them busy .
tr	0	Everyone talked about them .
tr	0	But their crime fighting was waning .
tr	0	Some formed philanthropic organizations .
tr	0	The government later reported he had died .
tr	0	" How many vanished ? "
tr	0	The whole submarine thing sounded very familiar .
tr	0	I wasn 't even born yet .
tr	0	" What 's an internet ? "
tr	0	Josie finally emerged from the gas station .
tr	0	Josie had attracted some attention though .
tr	0	Cletus and Pete were dressed like rednecks .
tr	0	Plaid shirts with the sleeves torn off .
tr	0	Cletus looked Josie up and down .
tr	0	Look what we got here ! "
tr	0	Cletus said appreciatively , elbowing Pete .
tr	0	" You 're mighty fine , missy !
tr	0	What 's your name ? "
tr	0	She gave them a withering glare .
tr	0	" I sure hope so , baby .
tr	0	And the precise flattop hair cut .
tr	0	Josie worried where this might be going .
tr	0	She hoped she could prevent that .
tr	0	" You 're right , girly .
tr	0	I want all of it ! "
tr	0	Cletus immediately let go .
tr	0	Pete didn 't like that .
tr	0	Nobody treated his best pal like that .
tr	0	Especially some scrawny , little city girl .
tr	0	No matter how good she looked .
tr	0	The small shove sent Pete flying .
tr	0	Mark touched Josie lightly on the shoulder .
tr	0	" You okay ? "
tr	0	Jimmy was just shocked .
tr	0	Cletus had an axe .
tr	0	Pete had a garden hoe .
tr	0	Mark turned to Josie and Jimmy .
tr	0	" Get in the truck .
tr	0	I 'll handle this . "
tr	0	Cletus and Pete exchanged puzzled looks .
tr	0	You are lumberjacks , right ? "
tr	0	His solution was to attack .
tr	0	Pete and Cletus were astonished .
tr	0	He still had an axe that worked .
tr	0	" Are we done here ? "
tr	0	And he still had a big stick .
tr	0	Several reached for cellphones in their pockets .
tr	0	He dropped them on the unconscious Pete .
tr	0	" Another sighting , sir ! "
tr	0	" Did we scout it ? "
tr	0	Small town , nothing remarkable .
tr	0	Why was he still in the area ?
tr	0	" Where 'd he go ? "
tr	0	" Call up the FBI .
tr	0	Get some units to that area .
tr	0	" Yes , sir . "
tr	0	" Why are we stopping here ?
tr	0	The sun was low on the horizon .
tr	0	" I 'm going in .
tr	0	Jimmy didn 't wait for an answer .
tr	0	Jimmy was very surprised by this .
tr	0	It was very dusty .
tr	0	The dispatcher finally came back .
tr	0	That made no sense .
tr	0	" 10-4 , Dispatch . "
tr	0	" 532 , 10-8 . "
tr	0	They always did things so differently .
tr	0	Josie knew the mall layout well .
tr	0	" What size are you ? "
tr	0	He did remember he hated shopping .
tr	0	It was silky and delicate feeling .
tr	0	This was going to be difficult .
tr	0	Josie suddenly had an idea .
tr	0	Not that her grandpa would wear sneakers .
tr	0	It seemed he wore a size fourteen .
tr	0	" Rethink what ? "
tr	0	Jimmy was at it again .
tr	0	" He was protecting me . "
tr	0	Even he thought it was weak .
tr	0	But he just couldn 't do it .
tr	0	" He 's fine .
tr	0	" That is so gross !
tr	0	Josie felt her cheeks flushing in embarrassment .
tr	0	She had to admit Mark was attractive .
tr	0	He felt sick to his stomach .
tr	0	The new clothes were a great improvement .
tr	0	" Feel better now ? "
tr	0	Wherever that might be .
tr	0	He was running low on cash now .
tr	0	Just a few hundred dollars remaining .
tr	0	" Finally , " Jimmy said .
tr	0	His memory was indeed returning .
tr	0	A war in the middle east .
tr	0	They had purchased a lot of food .
tr	0	Five orders of fries .
tr	0	And three thirty-two ounce soft drinks .
tr	0	" Did we get enough ? "
tr	0	Josie frowned at Jimmy .
tr	0	" You have seen him , right ?
tr	0	Jimmy glumly sat across from Josie .
tr	0	" Anything ring a bell ? "
tr	0	" Lots of them .
tr	0	Josie pushed the fries closer to Mark .
tr	0	" We had french fries in 1962 .
tr	0	" You didn 't have chicken nuggets .
tr	0	They came out in the eighties . "
tr	0	He poked at them with his finger .
tr	0	They looked like fried chicken .
tr	0	But with no bones .
tr	0	" I 'm not really hungry .
tr	0	I 'd just like some water . "
tr	0	You need to eat something . "
tr	0	" In the present . "
tr	0	Josie ate a fry .
tr	0	" I got you a Coke .
tr	0	Jimmy said , snapping his fingers .
tr	0	Jimmy then started unwrapping his burger .
tr	0	Mark asked , a little worried .
tr	0	" Corn syrup - it 's cheaper .
tr	0	" What 's wrong ? "
tr	0	Jimmy asked around a mouthful of food .
tr	0	Mark asked , surprised .
tr	0	Josie almost choked on her food .
tr	0	" Not at the Mall ! "
tr	0	Mark frowned , and looked back down .
tr	0	It tasted like fried chicken .
tr	0	Mark finished his taste of the chicken .
tr	0	Jimmy gulped down his fries excitedly .
tr	0	" That scandal is something !
tr	0	Josie rolled her eyes .
tr	0	It bored her to death .
tr	0	" Oh , come on , Jimmy .
tr	0	They 'd sure had this conversation before .
tr	0	Jimmy gave her a smug look .
tr	0	Mark thought for a moment .
tr	0	If only he could recall it .
tr	0	" Okay ... " Josie shrugged .
tr	0	Jimmy pouted and resumed eating his fries .
tr	0	" Anything special about him ? "
tr	0	It was a dragon .
tr	0	Glowing red , with yellow eyes .
tr	0	Mark 's face suddenly became very serious .
tr	0	Like he wanted to kill someone .
tr	0	" What is it ?
tr	0	He suddenly seemed older , stiffer .
tr	0	" My memory 's coming back .
tr	0	" That 's great ! "
tr	0	His phone was ringing .
tr	0	An incoming call from an unknown party .
tr	0	" He is . "
tr	0	" It 's for you ... ? "
tr	0	Mark raised an eyebrow , surprised .
tr	0	" It 's some guy .
tr	0	A voice on the other end said .
tr	0	The word did sound familiar .
tr	0	It suddenly came back to him .
tr	0	It was his call sign .
tr	0	" Yes , I 'm here .
tr	0	Who is this ? "
tr	0	" Are we on speaker phone ? "
tr	0	" I 've been promoted . "
tr	0	Mark cut him off .
tr	0	" To where ? "
tr	0	And not in front of civilians . "
tr	0	Mark had heard enough .
tr	0	He turned to Josie .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	Mark was definitely in a different mood .
tr	0	" Stay calm , " Mark said .
tr	0	He set his drink down slowly .
tr	0	" We 're surrounded .
tr	0	I can handle it . "
tr	0	" What 's going on ? "
tr	0	Mark looked over at her slowly .
tr	0	He was scared , and it showed .
tr	0	He sat up straight , back stiff .
tr	0	His eyes rolled up in his head .
tr	0	Josie didn 't like it .
tr	0	" Wha - ? "
tr	0	This was absolutely against protocol .
tr	0	" I don 't think so .
tr	0	Jimmy seemed confused for a moment .
tr	0	But that would just hurt Jimmy .
tr	0	Josie was in full-blown panic mode .
tr	0	" His girl ? "
tr	0	It all suddenly made sense .
tr	0	Jimmy was like a brother to her .
tr	0	Josie turned to Mark .
tr	0	" Can he hear me ? "
tr	0	" None taken , " Mark said .
tr	0	The telepath controlling Jimmy nearly laughed .
tr	0	It was a perk of the job .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Fifty thousand volts of protection .
tr	0	A stun gun . "
tr	0	Jimmy said , clearly worried .
tr	0	Then it faded out .
tr	0	Mark released his grip and leaned back .
tr	0	" What was that ? "
tr	0	Josie also was wondering what to do .
tr	0	The agents finally decided to move in .
tr	0	His name was Steve Cooper .
tr	0	He spoke slowly , and calmly .
tr	0	Mark turned to Cooper again .
tr	0	He whispered into his microphone .
tr	0	" He wants to leave . "
tr	0	Mark took one step toward Cooper .
tr	0	Agent Cooper nodded his head affirmatively .
tr	0	They were collectively relieved as well .
tr	0	Mark turned to Josie .
tr	0	Mark gave Cooper one last glance .
tr	0	She located them , then dropped them .
tr	0	Josie was very nervous .
tr	0	Josie realized Mark was watching her .
tr	0	Josie didn 't find that funny .
tr	0	For Josie , it was surprisingly painful .
tr	0	Her eyes watered uncontrollably .
tr	0	She even had difficulty coughing .
tr	0	Then he stepped up to the agents .
tr	0	The agent went down .
tr	0	Mark and Josie finally emerged .
tr	0	Mark appeared unaffected by the smoke .
tr	0	Mark glared at the new agent .
tr	0	Special Agent Bennett fired his taser .
tr	0	Then he grabbed the taser .
tr	0	And the Agent 's hand .
tr	0	Bennett dropped to his knees in pain .
tr	0	But the teargas couldn 't be resisted .
tr	0	His nose and mouth burned .
tr	0	His chest was now on fire .
tr	0	Her eyes were red and burning .
tr	0	Her vision was blurry .
tr	0	She had found the bottle .
tr	0	He had just seen his attacker .
tr	0	And black leather pants .
tr	0	" Oh , good grief .
tr	0	What are you supposed to be ? "
tr	0	he asked , knowing she wasn 't .
tr	0	Adepts hated to be questioned or mocked .
tr	0	Everybody knew who she was .
tr	0	" I used to be .
tr	0	And she was all about the money .
tr	0	Well , enough with the routine stuff .
tr	0	She 'd get creative .
tr	0	" What 's next ? "
tr	0	" The kitchen sink ? "
tr	0	The parking lot rumbled .
tr	0	The ground shook slowly .
tr	0	Mark looked up when it was over .
tr	0	" Refreshing , " Mark said .
tr	0	Mark swallowed his ice snack .
tr	0	" Now what ? "
tr	0	He had felt that blow .
tr	0	Mark resisted the urge to double over .
tr	0	His patience was just about exhausted .
tr	0	" I surrender ! "
tr	0	" Give me your ' cuffs . "
tr	0	" You disgusting , man ! "
tr	0	Then he walked away .
tr	0	Josie handed him the keys .
tr	0	It was a dark blue one .
tr	0	" Believe in magic now ? "
tr	0	The FBI was having a fit .
tr	0	It made no sense .
tr	0	How could he possibly have amnesia ?
tr	0	He began yelling again .
tr	0	" Is that wise ?
tr	0	Or they would be replaced .
tr	0	Campbell barked at the Airman .
tr	0	He couldn 't remember what .
tr	0	They had to get there quick .
tr	0	And this suit was really itchy .
tr	0	It was the hood of some sedan .
tr	0	He was driving a four door .
tr	0	Josie was no longer wearing her sundress .
tr	0	Josie was saying something .
tr	0	Jimmy shook his head .
tr	0	This didn 't make any sense .
tr	0	Now Josie was wearing a bikini .
tr	0	And her hair was once again long .
tr	0	She smelled like flowers .
tr	0	She seemed very relaxed .
tr	0	Massaging her neck and shoulders .
tr	0	Large , tanned hands .
tr	0	He was once again shirtless .
tr	0	Jimmy realized he was standing on sand .
tr	0	They were all on a beach .
tr	0	" Jimmy , " Josie said .
tr	0	Are you alright ? "
tr	0	Jimmy didn 't know what to think .
tr	0	He was wearing baggy swim trunks .
tr	0	" Jimmy , " Josie said .
tr	0	Jimmy suddenly looked back up .
tr	0	Josie was pointing a pistol at him .
tr	0	Then she shot him .
tr	0	Josie 's voice calmed Jimmy .
tr	0	He finally realized where he was .
tr	0	" He awake ? "
tr	0	Mark asked from the front seat .
tr	0	" Yeah , " Jimmy croaked .
tr	0	His throat hurt really bad .
tr	0	" Where are we ?
tr	0	Jimmy asked between drinks .
tr	0	" You feeling alright ?
tr	0	Outside the truck it was night .
tr	0	They were on a highway .
tr	0	But , man , that hurt ! "
tr	0	He was fully awake now .
tr	0	He remembered the whole terrible ordeal .
tr	0	Jimmy felt embarrassed suddenly .
tr	0	Good , Jimmy thought .
tr	0	God , he was such an idiot .
tr	0	What did I miss ?
tr	0	Jimmy closed his eyes .
tr	0	He was embarrassed to look at her .
tr	0	But also a little confused .
tr	0	What was going on here ?
tr	0	Why was she being so nice ?
tr	0	" They 're tracking us from orbit .
tr	0	Or maybe with a ghost walker . "
tr	0	" Ghost walker ? "
tr	0	Jimmy asked , keeping his eyes closed .
tr	0	Josie did the same thing .
tr	0	" I 'm immune to telepathy . "
tr	0	" How convenient , " Jimmy responded .
tr	0	" Anything you can 't do ? "
tr	0	" So now what , Mark ? "
tr	0	" Well , I remember my mission .
tr	0	Mostly , " Mark said .
tr	0	" And who killed you ? "
tr	0	Okay , now Jimmy was really worried .
tr	0	That definitely didn 't sound good .
tr	0	" Oh , c 'm on !
tr	0	We 're fugitives now ! "
tr	0	Now he was a fugitive as well ?
tr	0	" How can you be so sure ?
tr	0	" Wha - ? "
tr	0	This was making no sense .
tr	0	He pictured multiple Marks .
tr	0	All flexing and posturing and distracting Josie .
tr	0	" What 's it doing here ?
tr	0	Where 'd it come from ? "
tr	0	" That 's disgusting ! "
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	With their hearts ripped out and missing .
tr	0	The trail led to Arizona .
tr	0	But a shapeshifter was something different .
tr	0	Something that hadn 't been seen before .
tr	0	But this was something different .
tr	0	Weary travelers just wanting somewhere to stay .
tr	0	It was an easy process .
tr	0	Ammo pouches were on his left thigh .
tr	0	He wasn 't used to field work .
tr	0	The intel on the target was disturbing .
tr	0	Echo carefully eased Marshall out of bed .
tr	0	And at least a quart of sweat .
tr	0	Echo steered Marshall out of the room .
tr	0	They 'd be sore in the morning .
tr	0	They were a varied selection of Americans .
tr	0	An elderly woman in a nightgown .
tr	0	The telepath opened his eyes .
tr	0	The Colonel had absolutely forbidden that plan .
tr	0	Who wouldn 't get tired .
tr	0	A shapeshifter would be child 's play .
tr	0	Cronus was the second soldier out .
tr	0	" In position ? "
tr	0	Atlas asked into the radio .
tr	0	" Ready , " Hyperion answered .
tr	0	The bullets could penetrate concrete blocks .
tr	0	Atlas stopped firing after only five seconds .
tr	0	Scratch one murdering fiend .
tr	0	Atlas lowered his rifle .
tr	0	" Target down . "
tr	0	Relieved , but a little worried .
tr	0	He 'd come to Arizona seeking work .
tr	0	Atlas was back on his feet now .
tr	0	The holster was empty .
tr	0	" Lose something ? "
tr	0	They were made for fighting paranormal people .
tr	0	Fists might not be enough .
tr	0	But they had survived so much .
tr	0	But they were professionals .
tr	0	But he was a shapeshifter .
tr	0	The stone soldiers did not realize this .
tr	0	The shapeshifter suddenly sat up .
tr	0	Hyperion was quicker than the shapeshifter .
tr	0	She had striking blue eyes .
tr	0	She had been a mother of three .
tr	0	Then its head exploded .
tr	0	But this was not a human form .
tr	0	He went to work with his batons .
tr	0	The giant held his ground .
tr	0	he asked the giant .
tr	0	The giant spun around , surprised .
tr	0	The giant looked closer .
tr	0	The heart had turned gray .
tr	0	Blood no longer dripped out of it .
tr	0	The giant squeezed the heart .
tr	0	It had turned to unyielding stone .
tr	0	And made him very angry .
tr	0	The pain was excruciating .
tr	0	His skin reddened then grew scales .
tr	0	He 'd never had this happen before .
tr	0	His reaction time was drastically reduced .
tr	0	He couldn 't avoid the dragon tail .
tr	0	Then he smashed into something .
tr	0	A trailer connected to a parked truck .
tr	0	But it was all he had left .
tr	0	It was a unique feeling .
tr	0	He was rapidly losing consciousness .
tr	0	Echo turned and looked up .
tr	0	He reached out with his mind .
tr	0	He squinted , concentrating harder .
tr	0	But still , a contact remained elusive .
tr	0	This one would do .
tr	0	But it was different , more animal-like .
tr	0	Suddenly , it hit Echo .
tr	0	He was too afraid to even move .
tr	0	The dragon suddenly attacked .
tr	0	His vision was now growing dark .
tr	0	Was his number finally up ?
tr	0	Who knew there even were such things ?
tr	0	He could almost remember them all .
tr	0	That clinched it - Mark was crazy .
tr	0	" So you remember everything now ? "
tr	0	" Your whole life ? "
tr	0	" Dying , that is . "
tr	0	" I was born in 1928 . "
tr	0	" Holy crap ! "
tr	0	Josie was impressed as well .
tr	0	" A lot of work . "
tr	0	" How are you so strong ? "
tr	0	What could they possibly do ?
tr	0	Give the dragon indigestion ?
tr	0	" Shapeshifter , remember ?
tr	0	He could be anyone now . "
tr	0	" Anybody can be a hero . "
tr	0	" So now what ? "
tr	0	Josie asked , ignoring Jimmy .
tr	0	" It 's still here .
tr	0	" How can you know that ? "
tr	0	How could he know anything ?
tr	0	That made no sense to Josie .
tr	0	" Politicians never listen to us .
tr	0	" That 's just stupid .
tr	0	Can you hear me ? "
tr	0	It was Major Campbell again .
tr	0	" Is that your cellphone ? "
tr	0	She pointed to the rearview mirror .
tr	0	Especially flying phones - whatever that meant .
tr	0	And that maybe they had been friends .
tr	0	" I 'm not alone .
tr	0	I have a new team .
tr	0	And a plan . "
tr	0	That 's my mirror ! "
tr	0	First his girl , now his truck .
tr	0	" It 's seen me .
tr	0	It 'll recognize me .
tr	0	" We 're bait ? "
tr	0	" No - messengers .
tr	0	" No way man !
tr	0	" How does that work again ? "
tr	0	" It 's classified . "
tr	0	Josie asked , surprised .
tr	0	" The Secret Service .
tr	0	That 's their job . "
tr	0	Inside was a body .
tr	0	These modern humans amused the shapeshifter .
tr	0	They didn 't know about power .
tr	0	He 'd need that to get in .
tr	0	They were at their destination .
tr	0	Josie looked at Mark , then Jimmy .
tr	0	He explained that . "
tr	0	That 's how I 'll find him .
tr	0	I 'll be outside , waiting . "
tr	0	" I promise . "
tr	0	Or at least , he had been .
tr	0	Agent Williams came up to the shapeshifter .
tr	0	His khaki pants were severely wrinkled .
tr	0	They both could use a shower .
tr	0	And her nervous companion , Jimmy .
tr	0	He too had noticed the approaching teens .
tr	0	The agents exchanged nods .
tr	0	she finally blurted out .
tr	0	" That hurts ! "
tr	0	Jimmy looked over at Josie .
tr	0	" We know , " Josie said .
tr	0	Another Agent was inside the elevator .
tr	0	They too stepped in quickly .
tr	0	" Basement , " Franks said tersely .
tr	0	The two teens were safe now .
tr	0	He was ready for a rematch .
tr	0	Jimmy winced at the pain .
tr	0	We didn 't threaten him ! "
tr	0	Agent Williams suddenly looked alarmed .
tr	0	Agent Williams ' hand .
tr	0	" It 's him !
tr	0	It 's the shapeshifter ! "
tr	0	For a human she wasn 't bad .
tr	0	The shapeshifter turned to Jimmy .
tr	0	Right against the back of its head .
tr	0	" Run , Josie ! "
tr	0	Her t-shirt was likewise sprayed with blood .
tr	0	Jimmy screamed at her .
tr	0	" Run , Josie - Run ! "
tr	0	Shoot first , ask questions later .
tr	0	Beside Josie there was a door .
tr	0	She dashed through it .
tr	0	They began to panic .
tr	0	Agent Jones turned quickly .
tr	0	The cord was too short .
tr	0	Something was very wrong in the basement .
tr	0	" He 's in the basement ! "
tr	0	Blood dripped from his hands .
tr	0	Finch turned his head slowly .
tr	0	He smiled when he saw Josie .
tr	0	" There you are ! "
tr	0	Finch said into her ear .
tr	0	His eyes grew wide with surprise .
tr	0	He immediately shoved Josie aside .
tr	0	He looked down at his ruined shirt .
tr	0	" Memories and powers ?
tr	0	" Trying to stall , Colonel ? "
tr	0	" This body only knew so much .
tr	0	What are you ? "
tr	0	Where are all your guns ? "
tr	0	They built temples and monuments to him .
tr	0	His food loved him .
tr	0	But they could not kill him .
tr	0	Time passed slowly for the imprisoned shapeshifter .
tr	0	Then , they had all vanished .
tr	0	A man wearing bright blue clothing .
tr	0	The man had a companion .
tr	0	A land called America .
tr	0	The human did know how to fight .
tr	0	He still had plenty of lives left .
tr	0	But the shapeshifter was accustomed to pain .
tr	0	His hair turned silver and lengthened .
tr	0	He was in his element now .
tr	0	Josie called out , worried .
tr	0	" Where 'd they go ? "
tr	0	" Running out of air ? "
tr	0	He began to transform again .
tr	0	Agent Keen was stunned also .
tr	0	This made no sense .
tr	0	Fire began to swell in its throat .
tr	0	The dragon bellowed in rage .
tr	0	His pants were bloody and ripped .
tr	0	" Are you okay ? "
tr	0	They had all holstered their weapons .
tr	0	Suddenly , the dragon 's eyes opened .
tr	0	Two were knocked into the pool .
tr	0	The agents began to fire their weapons .
tr	0	He splashed down in the deep end .
tr	0	Bullets began to fly .
tr	0	Suddenly , Keen lifted his pistol .
tr	0	Or I 'll kill this man ! "
tr	0	" Put your hands up ! "
tr	0	" And I have a gun . "
tr	0	She squeezed the trigger of the pistol .
tr	0	But enough was enough .
tr	0	" I will consume you both ! "
tr	0	The dragon now only had one wing .
tr	0	Of course his wing was still severed .
tr	0	But he didn 't need wings .
tr	0	The shapeshifter 's heart was torn free .
tr	0	Shock showed on his face .
tr	0	Her tears had dried up .
tr	0	Josie began firing her pistol .
tr	0	Pain flared in his chest .
tr	0	More bullets slammed into the giant .
tr	0	Josie was wearing a matching t-shirt .
tr	0	She would need stitches .
tr	0	She couldn 't believe Jimmy was gone .
tr	0	She was ashamed of herself .
tr	0	She saw Mark staring at her .
tr	0	But it just keeps growing back . "
tr	0	Another black suited agent approached .
tr	0	The Colonel 's face became very grim .
tr	0	It was Jimmy 's body .
tr	0	He began to give the agent instructions .
tr	0	Her heart was pounding .
tr	0	Her throat was very dry .
tr	0	" Don 't . "
tr	0	Josie felt sick to her stomach .
tr	0	" Is that Jimmy ? "
tr	0	This was a child - a girl .
tr	0	She stepped away from him .
tr	0	" Jimmy 's dead ! "
tr	0	The coyote followed the scent .
tr	0	The smell grew stronger .
tr	0	It was a heart .
tr	0	But hunger brought it back .
tr	0	The coyote bit into the heart .
tr	0	The flesh was still warm .
tr	0	Suddenly , it whimpered .
tr	0	Its eyes narrowed angrily .
tr	0	Josie was worried during all this time .
tr	0	No one was telling her much .
tr	0	Could it really be fixed ?
tr	0	The Colonel smiled at Josie .
tr	0	" You 'll see . "
tr	0	" Where are they taking him ? "
tr	0	The elevator descended again .
tr	0	They finally stopped at B-3 .
tr	0	The light was almost too bright .
tr	0	Josie hurried to catch up with him .
tr	0	" This is where you work ? "
tr	0	" This is where I live . "
tr	0	Machinery hung over the four tables .
tr	0	" The Pentagon ? "
tr	0	" You are , sir . "
tr	0	" Then let 's do this . "
tr	0	Josie gasped at the sight of Jimmy .
tr	0	His face was now slack , pale .
tr	0	" What is this place ? "
tr	0	" A job ? "
tr	0	Josie said , surprised .
tr	0	" I 'm a teenager !
tr	0	I just graduated high school .
tr	0	What could I do ? "
tr	0	" Are you serious ? "
tr	0	Josie turned her head .
tr	0	Josie said , astonished .
tr	0	Josie looked back to Mark , amazed .
tr	0	Josie ran to Jimmy .
tr	0	" Where am I ? "
tr	0	" What is this place ? "
tr	0	" Me too , " Jimmy said .
tr	0	Jimmy was still stunned by the kisses .
tr	0	Josie turned around , grinning broadly .
tr	0	It was just a pool of water .
tr	0	It was maybe fifty feet deep .
tr	0	The bottom was covered in fine sediment .
tr	0	" He 's not dead anymore . "
tr	0	He felt very much alive .
tr	0	Josie looked down at Jimmy 's chest .
tr	0	She ran her hand over his skin .
tr	0	Jimmy and Josie said in unison .
tr	0	Josie gripped Jimmy 's hand tighter .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry , Jimmy .
tr	0	We can 't fix you right now .
tr	0	" Fix me ? "
tr	0	Jimmy asked , confused .
tr	0	" What 're you talking about ? "
tr	0	She looked at Jimmy , confused .
tr	0	Josie released Jimmy 's hand reluctantly .
tr	0	What 's wrong with him ? "
tr	0	" You 'll feel cold .
tr	0	" There 's nothing wrong with him !
tr	0	He 's healed ! "
tr	0	" The water is cursed .
tr	0	Jimmy and Josie were utterly confused .
tr	0	It made no sense .
tr	0	He only had one life .
tr	0	Josie had a sudden revelation .
tr	0	The Fountain of Youth ? "
tr	0	Jimmy and Josie looked inside the box .
tr	0	They couldn 't help themselves .
tr	0	Jimmy 's skin began to turn gray .
tr	0	His hair grayed , even his eyes .
tr	0	His smooth skin became rough , pitted .
tr	0	His body stiffened and his breathing stopped .
tr	0	She couldn 't understand .
tr	0	She looked back at the box .
tr	0	It too was made of gray stone .
tr	0	One eye was missing .
tr	0	Even his clothes had been petrified .
tr	0	" What did you do ? "
tr	0	" Why wasn 't I - ? "
tr	0	THANK YOU FOR READING !
tr	0	Comments and questions always welcome !
tr	0	Available now in digital and print editions !
tr	0	Available now in digital and print editions !
tr	0	" You are such a flirt ! "
tr	0	William Cunningham was assisting with the surgery .
tr	0	Toby also had a massive disability .
tr	0	CHAPTER TWO " William , come in .
tr	0	" Oh William stop !
tr	0	The procedure was a success ! "
tr	0	Victoria beamed rising to greet him .
tr	0	She seemed tired but happy .
tr	0	Ron was such a bag of wind .
tr	0	" That 's a good thing . "
tr	0	" Of course , " said Victoria .
tr	0	Victoria looked back at Ron doubtfully .
tr	0	Don 't worry about this for now .
tr	0	" What is your name ? "
tr	0	The room had no windows .
tr	0	Perhaps it was just wishful thinking .
tr	0	Might I suggest another ? "
tr	0	" No thank you 007 .
tr	0	What is William working on today ? "
tr	0	Sounds pretty cool to me .
tr	0	See you later . "
tr	0	" Thank you 007 .
tr	0	He was a workaholic .
tr	0	" Toby is missing you .
tr	0	He said he works for NET . "
tr	0	" Of the extra equipment ?
tr	0	He can really only use the memory .
tr	0	The change is astounding .
tr	0	How well are the accelerometer suits working ?
tr	0	The HS units adapt to it well .
tr	0	" How about a suit for Toby ?
tr	0	They were well on their way .
tr	0	007 could be seen over his shoulder .
tr	0	Don 't worry about the costs .
tr	0	" God , I miss Jacob . "
tr	0	" We need to talk . "
tr	0	" I am here . "
tr	0	Dealing in people trafficking ?
tr	0	I will consider this offer . "
tr	0	" I know nothing of it . "
tr	0	" Why are you asking ? "
tr	0	" And close friend . "
tr	0	I will consider your offer . "
tr	0	Toby asked , eyeing Victoria .
tr	0	You can learn how everything works . "
tr	0	" I think I already have . "
tr	0	said William , astonished .
tr	0	That 's very good . "
tr	0	" Side effect ! "
tr	0	said Victoria changing the subject .
tr	0	" Free Entertainment , by Victoria Cunningham .
tr	0	Please don 't read my work .
tr	0	The project is doomed from the beginning .
tr	0	" They 're just notes . "
tr	0	What was it he had read ?
tr	0	Hopefully this isn 't all in text .
tr	0	It 's a breakthrough for mankind .
tr	0	THAT 'S WILLIAM ! "
tr	0	" Good afternoon , Dr. Cunningham .
tr	0	You look smashing today .
tr	0	That black sweater is your color . "
tr	0	" This is actually a black shirt .
tr	0	Keep working on your lines .
tr	0	He was seeing through 007 's eyes .
tr	0	" That 's the spirit .
tr	0	" Curse , hell !
tr	0	We have to be careful now . "
tr	0	Jacob could get so excited .
tr	0	Thinking of Alfred , Victoria shivered .
tr	0	It 's the same .
tr	0	" But why us ? "
tr	0	Maybe you should just go with him .
tr	0	" He hasn 't paid . "
tr	0	We 'll all move faster together .
tr	0	It was making Toby unbearable . "
tr	0	" I think he enjoys the challenge .
tr	0	Victoria said sitting up in surprise .
tr	0	" Something more fun ? "
tr	0	" Accelerometer suits ? "
tr	0	" That can be your job .
tr	0	I just make them work . "
tr	0	" The workout suit is an example .
tr	0	They have dozens of them . "
tr	0	" That 's no fun .
tr	0	I 'll be right back . "
tr	0	It stretched to fit her perfectly .
tr	0	" Wow , that 's cool !
tr	0	What about my face ?
tr	0	" Move around some .
tr	0	Are you holding it all inside ? "
tr	0	" You 're out of shape . "
tr	0	Alfred had done despicable things .
tr	0	What had happened to him ?
tr	0	It didn 't matter .
tr	0	They were all in this mess now .
tr	0	The HS project was a long-shot .
tr	0	" Hello Toby ! "
tr	0	" Hello 007 ! "
tr	0	Toby studied 007 's face .
tr	0	He will be pleased . "
tr	0	" It 's great !
tr	0	Toby stopped in wonder .
tr	0	He intended to uncover that secret .
tr	0	Goodbye , 007 . "
tr	0	" I shall give William your message .
tr	0	Good bye Toby . "
tr	0	My name is Jacob . "
tr	0	" Hello Jacob . "
tr	0	" You work at NET ? "
tr	0	" I used to .
tr	0	Toby , I am Victoria 's father .
tr	0	My name is Jacob Crawford . "
tr	0	Are you coming back now ? "
tr	0	You and I need to protect William .
tr	0	" You and I can protect them ?
tr	0	What do they need protection from ? "
tr	0	" William and mother ? "
tr	0	Jacob shook his head and looked down .
tr	0	Jacob smiled at him and paused .
tr	0	You 're a good boy , Toby .
tr	0	Why do you need me ?
tr	0	You are not telling me everything . "
tr	0	" We can protect William now .
tr	0	Victoria never told me this . "
tr	0	" She was protecting you . "
tr	0	Let me give you some background . "
tr	0	My birth was engineered .
tr	0	" You took me there .
tr	0	The mesh network has paths into everything .
tr	0	It makes William vulnerable too .
tr	0	I can prove myself .
tr	0	" All of the others have died .
tr	0	" Oh , Toby ! "
tr	0	Please stay with us . "
tr	0	" That 's correct .
tr	0	" You have 8 CPUs idle .
tr	0	I 'll just use the one .
tr	0	His sensitivity needs work . "
tr	0	Stay connected to him whenever you can .
tr	0	I like to watch him think . "
tr	0	Why do you ask ? "
tr	0	William laughed out loud .
tr	0	" No , do not terminate .
tr	0	Someone ... is using that account . "
tr	0	" Yes I did ! "
tr	0	... Who is we ? "
tr	0	When will you be home ? "
tr	0	I think you should come home soon .
tr	0	Talk to you soon . "
tr	0	But thank you ! "
tr	0	Where was this going ?
tr	0	" Yes , in due time .
tr	0	007 is another huge win for us .
tr	0	It will be quite different .
tr	0	Alfred patted Ben on the shoulder .
tr	0	" Yes I know .
tr	0	Alfred called Ron Smith .
tr	0	" Hello Ron , quick message . "
tr	0	" Not a problem .
tr	0	Great , thought Alfred .
tr	0	He was certain something was wrong .
tr	0	" I 'll be right out .
tr	0	" Don 't be silly !
tr	0	" I hate surprises .
tr	0	Who is it ? "
tr	0	" Take your jacket off . "
tr	0	Had he ever heard Toby laugh ?
tr	0	Dear , bring him some water . "
tr	0	Good night , William .
tr	0	His hair had been blond .
tr	0	He had lost weight .
tr	0	Jeans ; short , dyed hair .
tr	0	" Victoria and Toby would know .
tr	0	Victoria knew all along .
tr	0	Alfred had to think I was dead .
tr	0	The authorities never solved the crime .
tr	0	William asked in disbelief .
tr	0	" I threatened to turn him in .
tr	0	It was a lucrative deal .
tr	0	Thanks to Victoria , I wasn 't .
tr	0	We just turned and walked out .
tr	0	We were badly shaken .
tr	0	We parked and watched the mayhem .
tr	0	Jacob leaned back , closing his eyes .
tr	0	" I was holding her hand .
tr	0	" Victoria called off the next day .
tr	0	We 're bioengineering . "
tr	0	" No , " sighed William .
tr	0	I did typically stay at the Marriott .
tr	0	Its air conditioning was the best . "
tr	0	" She called Alfred .
tr	0	She said she had not seen me .
tr	0	Had we had any contact ?
tr	0	William shot his Scotch down .
tr	0	" Why did you keep quiet ? "
tr	0	He was not aware of unauthorized implants .
tr	0	All the rest died .
tr	0	She lied to me .
tr	0	And she ' s never been married .
tr	0	William just stared at Jacob .
tr	0	After the sale , I went ballistic .
tr	0	Anyways , all of it was history .
tr	0	It couldn 't be changed .
tr	0	So I relaxed a bit and thought .
tr	0	Alfred did make one slip .
tr	0	" You know Alfred .
tr	0	I stayed in Jakarta .
tr	0	" Maybe I 'll stay dead .
tr	0	There are some advantages . "
tr	0	" Name one . "
tr	0	" Welcome to the party , mate .
tr	0	" Then explain it to me . "
tr	0	" Good morning sunshine ! "
tr	0	" Let him cook .
tr	0	Sit down and eat . "
tr	0	" What is that ? "
tr	0	" It 's your cure .
tr	0	Just drink it , " Jacob replied .
tr	0	Jacob was a freak .
tr	0	This also means Alfred can monitor anything .
tr	0	" Toby is calling him a hack .
tr	0	They ate in silence for a moment .
tr	0	" What 's the endgame ? "
tr	0	We 're scientists , not commandos . "
tr	0	Jacob gathered their plates .
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	We can use him as bait .
tr	0	" Sounds aggressive , " said William .
tr	0	" Good morning , William ! "
tr	0	" What are you doing outside ? "
tr	0	" Just taking a stroll .
tr	0	But his breakfasts are therapeutic . "
tr	0	" You must be careful . "
tr	0	007 looked back sheepishly , chastised .
tr	0	" Of course , I understand " .
tr	0	" That wasn 't natural .
tr	0	" Do you remember Alfred ? "
tr	0	I want to avoid him .
tr	0	" Right , " said Victoria .
tr	0	I ' m just rambling . "
tr	0	I know you 're a hacker ! "
tr	0	I know you can 't resist me .
tr	0	Toby had pushed the question to 007 .
tr	0	" I saw him early this morning .
tr	0	Maybe you should ask him out . "
tr	0	" He 's not my type .
tr	0	But I must be on my way .
tr	0	Our weather radar , right ?
tr	0	" Man the desk .
tr	0	" What does that mean ? "
tr	0	Jacob and Victoria laughed .
tr	0	Toby gave then a blank stare .
tr	0	" We have what I wanted .
tr	0	" Resume flirting mode . "
tr	0	007 watched her appreciatively .
tr	0	" You really are a handsome devil .
tr	0	Now be on your way !
tr	0	" Thank you Jenny .
tr	0	007 proceeded to Ben 's office .
tr	0	Apparently everyone was at their desk working .
tr	0	" Hello , Ben ! "
tr	0	" Hello 007 , please come in .
tr	0	You 're looking dapper today . "
tr	0	" It 's for testing .
tr	0	" An admirable goal .
tr	0	I will pass your message to William .
tr	0	" Thank you . "
tr	0	Toby is direct connected !
tr	0	Why didn 't you say something ? "
tr	0	" I just did say something .
tr	0	" What are his capabilities ?
tr	0	" Well , hello guys .
tr	0	" I am earning my name . "
tr	0	" Toby has progressed rapidly .
tr	0	" We just spilled the beans .
tr	0	Victoria 's here too . "
tr	0	" Hi folks , " said William .
tr	0	What have you been up to ?
tr	0	" Sounds right , " said William .
tr	0	The pure research I left behind . "
tr	0	" You 're right .
tr	0	It 's a practical limitation .
tr	0	" Oh , yes .
tr	0	I uploaded the entire HS runtime environment .
tr	0	This software is your design . "
tr	0	007 broke his silence .
tr	0	" Lovely , " said William .
tr	0	That goes for everyone . "
tr	0	" You 're all here .
tr	0	Join us ; please sit down . "
tr	0	" Did it work ?
tr	0	Victoria observed Jacob for a moment .
tr	0	Perhaps publicity was exactly what they needed .
tr	0	" You 're right , we will .
tr	0	" That will help .
tr	0	I think I can control them .
tr	0	" Yes well , you 're welcome .
tr	0	I must be going now . "
tr	0	Alfred rumbled out of the room .
tr	0	" Right , " said Victoria .
tr	0	" No , I can call him .
tr	0	Like a month off . "
tr	0	Jacob silently shot Victoria a puzzled look .
tr	0	Victoria shook her head and looked away .
tr	0	Practically forced Jacob to go . "
tr	0	What the hell does that mean ? "
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	The hour became late .
tr	0	Alfred needs to be drawn out further .
tr	0	I think he planned the bombing .
tr	0	There are too many coincidences . "
tr	0	" How about Toby ! "
tr	0	Ben 's voice was strained .
tr	0	Victoria called Toby to the kitchen .
tr	0	" Toby , meet Mac .
tr	0	Mac , this is Toby . "
tr	0	Mac was clearly a woman .
tr	0	Everyone calls me Mac . "
tr	0	Toby noticed her eyes were jet black .
tr	0	It wasn 't a question .
tr	0	" You are unique . "
tr	0	" That 's fine too .
tr	0	Mac was barefoot the entire time .
tr	0	She had taken over two hundred photographs .
tr	0	The corporate backbone connection must remain down .
tr	0	You sleep too much anyways . "
tr	0	This lab reeks of research nerds . "
tr	0	" Back to the task at hand .
tr	0	I 'm leaving now .
tr	0	We 'll talk about it more tomorrow .
tr	0	Good night , 007 .
tr	0	" As you wish , William .
tr	0	" Hi Mac , " said William .
tr	0	" He looks harmless enough .
tr	0	He 's basically a workout dummy .
tr	0	Personal training demonstrations are all he knows .
tr	0	" What a bore .
tr	0	What 's the extra twist ? "
tr	0	It 's good money . "
tr	0	" Make it an extra 30 grand .
tr	0	I need new supplies . "
tr	0	The video feed was separate .
tr	0	Let 's have some fun today .
tr	0	I see HS2 is online .
tr	0	Can we reboot him in 006 mode ?
tr	0	007 : 006 mode !
tr	0	007 : You can do that remotely .
tr	0	William would like you to try .
tr	0	He 's in the room .
tr	0	Give it a try . "
tr	0	Every few seconds his eyes blinked .
tr	0	" The reboot takes some time . "
tr	0	Alfred was in the café .
tr	0	007 slid out of the room .
tr	0	Alfred called across the crowded hallway .
tr	0	" Yes , Dr. Harland . "
tr	0	No sense in retiring poor .
tr	0	Then the priority would be regaining health .
tr	0	007 was a different case .
tr	0	Toby started giggling , then Victoria .
tr	0	" Sit down . "
tr	0	Alfred sat still , awaiting a reply .
tr	0	Would you like details ? "
tr	0	" This research tool is interesting .
tr	0	But I am not .
tr	0	I require the boy too . "
tr	0	Contact me when you are ready .
tr	0	Make it soon . "
tr	0	The connection was dropped .
tr	0	He was sweating profusely .
tr	0	" Shut it off ! "
tr	0	Victoria shouted , exasperated .
tr	0	" Are there any doubts now ? "
tr	0	Jacob asked , breaking his silence .
tr	0	" Welcome back , Jacob .
tr	0	He was sure the Tux was overkill .
tr	0	" Come on in , mom . "
tr	0	" There , you look fine now .
tr	0	" Your eyes won 't match .
tr	0	" Hello , William . "
tr	0	Toby and 006 looked like identical twins .
tr	0	" Why are we whispering ? "
tr	0	Everyone expected an immediate response .
tr	0	He could feel his heart racing .
tr	0	" Yes , indeed .
tr	0	" Tom and Jerry ? "
tr	0	" They are my personal escorts .
tr	0	I require at least rudimentary security . "
tr	0	" Is that the boy ? "
tr	0	They were both dressed formally .
tr	0	Victoria lowered her voice .
tr	0	You know my negotiation skills .
tr	0	I can help you out here . "
tr	0	" You do need me . "
tr	0	Alfred stopped and stared at her .
tr	0	Everyone but Ahmad seemed to be mute .
tr	0	" How did you deduce that ? "
tr	0	" You are an interesting young man .
tr	0	" Of course , dear .
tr	0	" Of course , Miss Crawford .
tr	0	" You know Victoria ? "
tr	0	" What about her father ?
tr	0	He may not be the right guy .
tr	0	Something doesn 't feel right here .
tr	0	" Alfred just split them up .
tr	0	Verbal money negotiations , at least .
tr	0	The all stopped and looked at him .
tr	0	NET can relocate devices that connect here .
tr	0	These buffoons wouldn 't have a clue .
tr	0	The fourth was an alert from security .
tr	0	" No , no !
tr	0	Please make yourselves at home .
tr	0	I mean , have some coffee .
tr	0	The Asians were after him .
tr	0	It 's open ! "
tr	0	You are among friends here . "
tr	0	Why did you run ? "
tr	0	" Young man , you are terrified .
tr	0	Come with me . "
tr	0	" Are you recording this ? "
tr	0	" Do you hunger ? "
tr	0	" They 're not from India . "
tr	0	They had taken Toby .
tr	0	Alfred 's breathing had become labored .
tr	0	How can I salvage this ?
tr	0	What was the alert message from security ?
tr	0	Victoria thought it was important .
tr	0	" I will return shortly . "
tr	0	Maybe Jacob was alive .
tr	0	I witnessed you kidnapping Toby . "
tr	0	" To the airport ? "
tr	0	" We can go to my office .
tr	0	It 's upstairs . "
tr	0	Alfred turned toward the elevators .
tr	0	" You may call me Mohammed .
tr	0	Near the top of the stairs ? "
tr	0	" That is correct .
tr	0	Where did you get that information ? "
tr	0	Jacob was in the building .
tr	0	" Does he have a pulse ? "
tr	0	" We cannot see him .
tr	0	" The Eye ! "
tr	0	He was to lead the teams . "
tr	0	" So you had Jacob killed ? "
tr	0	Mohammed slammed his hand against a chair .
tr	0	" I could have told others . "
tr	0	" But you did not .
tr	0	Let 's focus on Alfred . "
tr	0	" It seems to have disappeared .
tr	0	Jacob and Victoria left the lab .
tr	0	William went to the back .
tr	0	He was weak , but still alive .
tr	0	The empty , familiar feeling returned .
tr	0	" What about him ? "
tr	0	" He 's gone too . "
tr	0	They needed 006 back .
tr	0	" Come on , let 's go .
tr	0	" Thank you , Einstein .
tr	0	Can you find them ? "
tr	0	You guys sit tight in my office .
tr	0	We would have to open it ? "
tr	0	" This is likely a bomb .
tr	0	" Where are we going ? "
tr	0	" To the airport .
tr	0	We 're bringing back 006 .
tr	0	I 'll be right out .
tr	0	" What about the briefcase ? "
tr	0	007 ran out the security entrance .
tr	0	The smell of burnt rubber was heavy .
tr	0	I was just having fun .
tr	0	I presume you 'll delete that recording .
tr	0	Just get us to the airport .
tr	0	" I think he 's gone . "
tr	0	Victoria heard , but didn 't answer .
tr	0	" He was Alfred 's contact ? "
tr	0	" It 's going to be fine .
tr	0	You need to be strong through this .
tr	0	The Asian was nowhere in sight .
tr	0	" Well , that is simple .
tr	0	We could just leave him . "
tr	0	" It 's show time now .
tr	0	Stop fooling around . "
tr	0	" Certainly , young master Toby . "
tr	0	Toby checked 006 's view .
tr	0	Toby passed the commands to 006 .
tr	0	Let 's get back to NET . "
tr	0	" Indeed , master Toby .
tr	0	William could pull off some strange feats .
tr	0	Who 's with you ? "
tr	0	Is 007 driving a car ? "
tr	0	" Yes , the limo .
tr	0	Tell me about the briefcase . "
tr	0	" Is that all ? "
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	It is likely a bomb .
tr	0	" In the parking lot ?
tr	0	William was silent for several seconds .
tr	0	They both stood to address their hosts .
tr	0	" Who is your friend ? "
tr	0	Everyone believes you died last year . "
tr	0	" You tried to kill me . "
tr	0	Ahmad let his eyes wander over Victoria .
tr	0	" I trusted you . "
tr	0	" Trust is a weakness . "
tr	0	" You are gravely mistaken , doctor .
tr	0	Your protection is gone . "
tr	0	" Mohammed is dead .
tr	0	" Mohammed is a professional .
tr	0	" Bring the coward to me . "
tr	0	" You are a liar . "
tr	0	" Mohammed was acting alone .
tr	0	Ahmad calmly sat down .
tr	0	I was close to you .
tr	0	" The technology has been applied ? "
tr	0	He appeared ready to strangle Ahmad .
tr	0	" Remember your oath .
tr	0	" We 're after him . "
tr	0	" Not Toby . "
tr	0	Victoria listened to the fans power up .
tr	0	Do you require medical attention ? "
tr	0	Where 's Toby ? "
tr	0	" Toby is in the lobby .
tr	0	Victoria stared at him in disbelief .
tr	0	Ahmad has no place to run . "
tr	0	Jacob appeared close behind him .
tr	0	Jacob slipped silently through the stairwell door .
tr	0	" Sorry about the bomb .
tr	0	Luckily , William detected the timer .
tr	0	Ahmad had said as much .
tr	0	" That was the final straw . "
tr	0	Apparently , it worked .
tr	0	One friend , Frank , was available .
tr	0	Jacob was in deep with the FBI .
tr	0	Copyright 2012 by San Marco Press .
tr	0	" We 're here to see Ireland .
tr	0	" I get it .
tr	0	He shook his head .
tr	0	" And a lager . "
tr	0	They have logging in Ireland ?
tr	0	Like in Seattle , and stuff ? "
tr	0	The next morning it was raining .
tr	0	" And it 's only September . "
tr	0	" They do , over here . "
tr	0	" It 's ham . "
tr	0	" The toast is weird . "
tr	0	" Good boy . "
tr	0	" Oh , crap .
tr	0	Don 't they have coffee ? "
tr	0	" It 's in the other carafe .
tr	0	David tousled his son 's hair .
tr	0	" It sucks . "
tr	0	His mother frowned at him .
tr	0	They braked to a halt .
tr	0	" Rain makes Ireland emerald .
tr	0	Rain makes Ireland muddy . "
tr	0	David grinned at her .
tr	0	John pulled his head into the car .
tr	0	" I 'm starving , Mom .
tr	0	What 's there to eat ? "
tr	0	" Oh , great .
tr	0	" Want your first beer ? "
tr	0	There 's horses here .
tr	0	" David , yes . "
tr	0	She looked at him fiercely .
tr	0	David stepped out of the rental car .
tr	0	" There were no horses . "
tr	0	You got ta see this ! "
tr	0	John ran back to the car .
tr	0	" Can we , Dad ? "
tr	0	John literally jumped in delight .
tr	0	David looked at Sarah .
tr	0	John met them on the porch .
tr	0	" And only one bed .
tr	0	Sarah and David went inside .
tr	0	Two easy chairs faced the fireplace .
tr	0	There 's a TV ! "
tr	0	He began to fiddle with its dials .
tr	0	" It 's a nice bed . "
tr	0	" I booked a two-bedroom cottage . "
tr	0	David said , clapping his hands together .
tr	0	Sarah looked at him .
tr	0	" You 're okay with this ? "
tr	0	" Do we have an option ? "
tr	0	" I don 't really know .
tr	0	I have a phone number . "
tr	0	" Thanks , " she whispered .
tr	0	It was cold in the little cottage .
tr	0	" David , " she murmured .
tr	0	" I 'll make breakfast . "
tr	0	" Can I watch TV ? "
tr	0	" Thanks , Mom . "
tr	0	Only the accents have been changed . "
tr	0	John turned up the TV .
tr	0	Because it doesn 't matter anyway .
tr	0	He jumped out of bed .
tr	0	" Sarah , something 's happened . "
tr	0	" There 's been a. . .
tr	0	an incident or something .
tr	0	John , go out and play . "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" What 's happening ? "
tr	0	" It 's America . "
tr	0	Are we ... are they attacking us ?
tr	0	Are we being bombed ? "
tr	0	Sarah wrapped her arms around her boy .
tr	0	" Just listen , " she whispered .
tr	0	John turned to his mother .
tr	0	" What 's happening , Mom ?
tr	0	Is it going to be okay ? "
tr	0	Sarah stood and ushered the boy outside .
tr	0	She hugged him tightly .
tr	0	" Are they attacking us ? "
tr	0	" What do we do ? "
tr	0	David shook his head .
tr	0	They were silent for a moment .
tr	0	" It 'll be crazy there .
tr	0	David took his wife 's hand .
tr	0	" Which cities ? "
tr	0	I couldn 't tell .
tr	0	The Irish newscasters didn 't know .
tr	0	" Come to me , son ! "
tr	0	" What the hell , David ? "
tr	0	Sarah was on her feet .
tr	0	" What just happened ? "
tr	0	" What was that big flash ? "
tr	0	" Sarah , calm down .
tr	0	Let 's all just calm down . "
tr	0	That 's what 's important . "
tr	0	He could see she was terrified .
tr	0	Everything looked so normal now .
tr	0	The birds were singing .
tr	0	Sarah held out her hand to him .
tr	0	The car wouldn 't start .
tr	0	" Crap , " David said .
tr	0	Sarah looked over at him .
tr	0	" Do you know something ? "
tr	0	she asked in a frantic note .
tr	0	" The car 's too new .
tr	0	Sarah gaped at him .
tr	0	" Is that what you think happened ?
tr	0	Is everything okay ? "
tr	0	John 's voice shook .
tr	0	David opened the car door .
tr	0	" Come on , sport .
tr	0	As Sarah jumped out of the car .
tr	0	Her purse spilled onto the dirt driveway .
tr	0	" Did America get bombed ? "
tr	0	" Did you hear they were ? "
tr	0	For a moment , no one spoke .
tr	0	" Was that us getting bombed ? "
tr	0	Were their homes bombed ?
tr	0	Was Washington still there ?
tr	0	Were her parents still alive ?
tr	0	" Why can 't we ride ? "
tr	0	John asked for the hundredth time .
tr	0	" David , are you serious ? "
tr	0	She looked at him with horror .
tr	0	Are you going to set the bone ?
tr	0	They have minds of their own . "
tr	0	So that day they walked into town .
tr	0	Sarah wanted to slap her .
tr	0	" Have you heard from him ? "
tr	0	" Or any news at all ? "
tr	0	The woman shook her head .
tr	0	She indicated the dark overhead light fixtures .
tr	0	David asked , looking about the store .
tr	0	" I 'm dead cleaned out .
tr	0	" That explains a lot . "
tr	0	" There 's a goat ? "
tr	0	Have you looked ? "
tr	0	" There is . "
tr	0	" And the caretakers ? "
tr	0	" Unless it 's yourselves . "
tr	0	" We 're the caretakers .
tr	0	" Likely that would be the Kennedys .
tr	0	" How much for this lantern ? "
tr	0	" Will we get rickets ? "
tr	0	" What , sweetie ? "
tr	0	We read about it in school .
tr	0	" How about a hamburger ? "
tr	0	" Siobhan thinks they 're still serving .
tr	0	Sarah walked ahead of David .
tr	0	He was thin and young and dirty .
tr	0	She smelled him as he walked past .
tr	0	" Did you see that ? "
tr	0	John was tired and so fretful .
tr	0	" I 'm tired , Mom . "
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	That 's so unlike you . "
tr	0	" Oh , my dear God . "
tr	0	" Nuclear radiation did this ? "
tr	0	" But it will take time . "
tr	0	She looked at him for confirmation .
tr	0	" What are you thinking ? "
tr	0	" Literally , " David said .
tr	0	" What do we do ? "
tr	0	John asked , holding his nose .
tr	0	" Aw , Mom . "
tr	0	She opened the first stall door .
tr	0	My shoes are already ruined . "
tr	0	" Sarah , no . "
tr	0	David shook his head emphatically .
tr	0	How are we going to get there ?
tr	0	" You just made that up ! "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	You get that , right ?
tr	0	He looked up at her .
tr	0	" That might take months . "
tr	0	" Got any better ideas ? "
tr	0	David asked with surprise .
tr	0	She looked at the huge pasture .
tr	0	" Do we feed them ?
tr	0	" I 'm a city boy . "
tr	0	" Lotta help that is ! "
tr	0	she said , laughing .
tr	0	He started to grin .
tr	0	" Are you guys okay ? "
tr	0	John asked , frowning .
tr	0	" We 're losing it ! "
tr	0	Sarah said , still laughing .
tr	0	John revisited his rickets question .
tr	0	" Look , " his mother said .
tr	0	Tomorrow we 'll go looking .
tr	0	" You are ? "
tr	0	" We 'll need butter or lard .
tr	0	This is all so difficult . "
tr	0	" Who knows we 're here ? "
tr	0	" What do you mean ?
tr	0	At least we have a roof . "
tr	0	She knew there was nothing to see .
tr	0	She kissed David on his unshaven cheek .
tr	0	Sarah snuggled down into the covers .
tr	0	David poured the tea into three mugs .
tr	0	He held the reins to the pony .
tr	0	" I 've ridden before . "
tr	0	Her voice was stern .
tr	0	You have to actually control him . "
tr	0	" It 'll be fine .
tr	0	Up you go , sport . "
tr	0	" Need a leg up ? "
tr	0	" I forgot , " she said .
tr	0	" Let me fix your helmet . "
tr	0	She approached John and his pony .
tr	0	" Star is really easy to ride .
tr	0	I 'm ready to go ! "
tr	0	David trotted over to them .
tr	0	" Everybody ready ? "
tr	0	" We can just explore today . "
tr	0	She leaned over and squeezed his hand .
tr	0	" Of course , " he said .
tr	0	" No problem . "
tr	0	She could hear his disappointment .
tr	0	" Come on , sport .
tr	0	They moved through the open paddock gate .
tr	0	The horizon was almost treeless .
tr	0	She thought she could smell it .
tr	0	" Relax , Sarah .
tr	0	He 's doing fine .
tr	0	How about you ? "
tr	0	They rode without seeing another soul .
tr	0	" Maybe a few months .
tr	0	" I hope so . "
tr	0	Not be home before Christmas ?
tr	0	Would they lose the house ?
tr	0	Was the house still there ?
tr	0	Were her parents still alive ?
tr	0	" Oy , Mack . "
tr	0	Finn lazily beckoned to him to approach .
tr	0	No one had given him a break .
tr	0	No one had given him a hand .
tr	0	Her cry had done her good .
tr	0	" Isn 't Star a great pony ?
tr	0	She found herself thinking .
tr	0	" Poor Dan , " she said .
tr	0	She leaned down and patted his neck .
tr	0	David trotted back to her .
tr	0	" Aren 't you , boy ? "
tr	0	" Hello , " David said .
tr	0	The man said nothing .
tr	0	" The Americans ? "
tr	0	" We 're renting the cottage . "
tr	0	Let 's leave . "
tr	0	" You 're all very welcome .
tr	0	What a handsome boy !
tr	0	Come in all of you . "
tr	0	They 're the Americans .
tr	0	She laughed loudly and winked at John .
tr	0	" Seamus will take the horses . "
tr	0	Sarah could smell bread baking .
tr	0	About the war , you mean ? "
tr	0	Sarah noticed the interior light was out .
tr	0	Most Americans aren 't interested in riding .
tr	0	Sarah looked around the room .
tr	0	" Do you have a car ? "
tr	0	" A car ? "
tr	0	" Not for ages now .
tr	0	" Seamus and I will be fine .
tr	0	She brought the teapot to the table .
tr	0	" What about yourself ?
tr	0	She handed the mug to Sarah .
tr	0	" Surely , you 're joking ? "
tr	0	" You have a child .
tr	0	Sarah knew she sounded weak and whiny .
tr	0	" We 'll help each other .
tr	0	You 've met the Kennedys ? "
tr	0	Sarah drained her tea mug .
tr	0	" Not yet , " she said .
tr	0	" Don 't be silly , now .
tr	0	Your tea 's right here . "
tr	0	She went to fetch another mug .
tr	0	" Where 's Seamus ? "
tr	0	" That 'd be wonderful .
tr	0	Finn said , raising his voice .
tr	0	The fear in their faces pleased him .
tr	0	" Okay , Brandon .
tr	0	Someone who tells me the truth . "
tr	0	He mumbled a thank-you .
tr	0	All the men jumped up .
tr	0	He was looking at their stunned faces .
tr	0	He took the pony 's reins .
tr	0	" Are you sure ? "
tr	0	Suddenly , she froze .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Our cell phones ? "
tr	0	" Our television , the iPad ? "
tr	0	" Okay , fine , David .
tr	0	We 're not safe here . "
tr	0	" We 'll sort it out .
tr	0	We 'll find a work-around . "
tr	0	John had been playing outside .
tr	0	He came in the front door .
tr	0	Is there anything to eat ?
tr	0	I 'm starving . "
tr	0	" You just ate breakfast . "
tr	0	" I 'm hungry .
tr	0	" When will that be ready ? "
tr	0	" Have a spoonful of this . "
tr	0	" Without bread ? "
tr	0	I 'm going to watch it carefully .
tr	0	They had no butter .
tr	0	" I made a rabbit trap . "
tr	0	he said , hopefully to Sarah .
tr	0	Pretty crappy breakfast . "
tr	0	" He 's a growing boy . "
tr	0	" Don 't worry . "
tr	0	The lunch was eaten quickly .
tr	0	Baking is a science , she knew .
tr	0	She paused for a moment remembering that .
tr	0	She did used to do that .
tr	0	Like a turning point , somehow .
tr	0	Unless you count me .
tr	0	" Great , " she said .
tr	0	" Horses okay ? "
tr	0	He looked at her in surprise .
tr	0	" Where 's John ? "
tr	0	" And catch up with me . "
tr	0	She led Dan and the pony .
tr	0	There was no fence .
tr	0	He 's only ten years old . "
tr	0	What if those people are still around ?
tr	0	What if they have him ? "
tr	0	You don 't know , David ! "
tr	0	Sarah didn 't bother replying .
tr	0	Damn horses , she thought .
tr	0	They can read your mind .
tr	0	Tears of relief came to her eyes .
tr	0	He was safe and sound .
tr	0	" Where 's Rocky ? "
tr	0	he asked when they met up .
tr	0	" Dad 's got him .
tr	0	" How come ? "
tr	0	" You scared us to death .
tr	0	We didn 't know where you were .
tr	0	John moved out of her hug .
tr	0	" Mom , stop .
tr	0	You 're pinching me .
tr	0	" Okay , " she said .
tr	0	She steadied herself with a long breath .
tr	0	" They 're ours . "
tr	0	It matches the brand at Cairn Cottage .
tr	0	" Sheep , " she said .
tr	0	" That 's nice . "
tr	0	We 've got sheep , now . "
tr	0	Do they live out there ? "
tr	0	" Good logic , " she said .
tr	0	We were worried sick . "
tr	0	" They 're for the fur . "
tr	0	" The wool , " Sarah said .
tr	0	Mom knows how to knit . "
tr	0	Sarah shouted : " John , no !
tr	0	" Who 's there ? "
tr	0	CHAPTER SEVEN They had caught a rabbit .
tr	0	His tea was black but sweetened .
tr	0	" To eat , you mean . "
tr	0	Answer me that . "
tr	0	He pushed his plate away .
tr	0	David walked into the kitchen .
tr	0	John stared down at his hands .
tr	0	David sat down next to him .
tr	0	John looked up at him .
tr	0	" That 's right , son . "
tr	0	David looked up at Sarah .
tr	0	Sarah decided it was just as well .
tr	0	Sarah said as she sat down .
tr	0	David poked a log in the fireplace .
tr	0	" They all know that ? "
tr	0	With the gimpy leg ?
tr	0	John gave her a barely tolerant look .
tr	0	John turned to her and grinned .
tr	0	" Uh huh , " John said .
tr	0	" Only if we just relax ... .
tr	0	" And trust our Shepherd ? "
tr	0	Where are you taking us ? '
tr	0	David stared at his son .
tr	0	" How old are you again ? "
tr	0	He looked at his Dad .
tr	0	Are they just stupid or what ? "
tr	0	The older woman seemed tired to Sarah .
tr	0	That 's how they discovered the murder .
tr	0	" Aye , of course .
tr	0	" Guns , you mean ?
tr	0	" Did he have dogs ? "
tr	0	It 's just one night . "
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	" Are you okay , Mom ?
tr	0	You look a little nervous . "
tr	0	" Just missing Dad 's company .
tr	0	" Ready to hear chapter eight ? "
tr	0	she asked , picking up the book .
tr	0	" Yeah , sure .
tr	0	Hey , you know , Mom ? "
tr	0	" Yes , sweetie ? "
tr	0	Sarah ran a hand through her hair .
tr	0	" Where did it come from ? "
tr	0	" Does it have bullets ? "
tr	0	John shrugged and nodded to the gun .
tr	0	" How hard can it be ? "
tr	0	Sarah lifted the rifle gingerly .
tr	0	It was very heavy .
tr	0	Her son grinned at her .
tr	0	Probably at the hotel in Limerick .
tr	0	She expected him any time .
tr	0	She looked at him , frowning .
tr	0	He pointed to the cocking mechanism .
tr	0	She held out another round .
tr	0	" It has to go underneath . "
tr	0	She handed the gun to her son .
tr	0	" Show me , " she said .
tr	0	The boy took the rifle .
tr	0	But the recoil knocked him flat .
tr	0	He took careful aim at the target .
tr	0	Okay for horses , bad for cars .
tr	0	Our days are very busy .
tr	0	No wonder the Irish drink !
tr	0	" What were you writing ? "
tr	0	John asked , focused on his chessboard .
tr	0	He looked up and smiled .
tr	0	She poured the tea .
tr	0	" Horses okay ? "
tr	0	" What about the sheep ? "
tr	0	That appeared to satisfy John .
tr	0	" What about the chickens ? "
tr	0	She smiled to herself .
tr	0	" What do you mean ?
tr	0	Is it better in the cities ? "
tr	0	" I guess they think so .
tr	0	John hopped up from the table .
tr	0	But John was already gone .
tr	0	" Yeah , " David said .
tr	0	They were all going to get rickets .
tr	0	She looked around for the rooster .
tr	0	He was probably strutting around outside somewhere .
tr	0	He 's fine . "
tr	0	He held up his bandaged hand .
tr	0	" He 's barely ten .
tr	0	You let him do too much .
tr	0	You tend to be jittery .
tr	0	" You got ta come ! "
tr	0	Sarah grabbed his arm .
tr	0	" What is it ?
tr	0	What 's happened ? "
tr	0	" It 's the sheep .
tr	0	Besides , he 's right .
tr	0	We have to protect the sheep . "
tr	0	David was mounted on Rocky .
tr	0	Are a few sweaters really worth it ?
tr	0	The dead sheep had been savaged .
tr	0	Even so , the flock needed protection .
tr	0	David decided to join them .
tr	0	He put the gun beside him .
tr	0	My flock of sheep , in fact .
tr	0	He figured he could sleep .
tr	0	He 'd gotten used to that .
tr	0	He closed his eyes .
tr	0	John started counting the sheep .
tr	0	" Mom says breakfast is ready .
tr	0	I 'll take over now . "
tr	0	" Is that true ?
tr	0	They only attack at night ? "
tr	0	David realized he had no idea .
tr	0	" Fine , " John muttered .
tr	0	She didn 't need to .
tr	0	She never got wet .
tr	0	" Did you bring the gun ? "
tr	0	" No , why ? "
tr	0	Sarah gaped at him .
tr	0	" Are you serious ? "
tr	0	" So he can eat our chickens ?
tr	0	( He 'd named the goat . )
tr	0	Saw him stalking the flock . "
tr	0	Sarah looked at the sheep .
tr	0	They 're oblivious , she thinks .
tr	0	They 're too stupid to be afraid .
tr	0	It looked like someone 's pet .
tr	0	Not a dingo or something wild .
tr	0	Just something hungry and desperate .
tr	0	David tossed the reins to John .
tr	0	Your old man 's beat . "
tr	0	She would 've been impossible to rehabilitate .
tr	0	But then I found these little guys .
tr	0	They 're starving . "
tr	0	" One died on the way back .
tr	0	" Oh , David . "
tr	0	He smiled at the thought .
tr	0	That would be just about everyone .
tr	0	That evened things up some .
tr	0	He knew they let him win .
tr	0	Will write again later .
tr	0	The house was quiet .
tr	0	John was still asleep .
tr	0	Life had fallen into a steady routine .
tr	0	In the dark , she would pray .
tr	0	She cleaned and mended their clothes .
tr	0	Evenings , she knit or read aloud .
tr	0	He looked half asleep still .
tr	0	" ' Morning , sweetie . "
tr	0	Is the child a mind reader ?
tr	0	" Just kidding , " he said .
tr	0	They were growing stronger .
tr	0	" Did you wash your hands ? "
tr	0	" What 's the point ?
tr	0	He asked over his shoulder .
tr	0	" Get it over with .
tr	0	Would the neighbors help them ?
tr	0	He prayed they would .
tr	0	Man , it was really coming down .
tr	0	David smiled at Seamus .
tr	0	Do nice guys really finish last ?
tr	0	This is totally different , he decided .
tr	0	Sarah 's morning had not gone well .
tr	0	Be at peace now .
tr	0	Oh , this is nonsense .
tr	0	The three cows grazed peacefully nearby .
tr	0	Had the fence been deliberately broken ?
tr	0	The dog had its neck slit .
tr	0	Why would someone kill a dog ?
tr	0	Even John looked worried .
tr	0	Sarah knew he was right .
tr	0	" No , he hasn 't .
tr	0	" Based on what ? "
tr	0	He turned back to her .
tr	0	" Not yet , " he said .
tr	0	" Well , why don 't you ?
tr	0	He left the dogs with her .
tr	0	The thought stopped her .
tr	0	How could that be ?
tr	0	It was coming from the barn .
tr	0	They turned , almost as one .
tr	0	" Go away . "
tr	0	They looked dangerous , desperate and aggressive .
tr	0	Clearly , he was the leader .
tr	0	" I 've seen the telly .
tr	0	She repeated it with a third round .
tr	0	John approached with the shovel .
tr	0	She took another deep breath .
tr	0	John looked at the men .
tr	0	" It 's not personal . "
tr	0	" He makes me nervous . "
tr	0	" Michael , wake up .
tr	0	Wake up , you stupid sod ! "
tr	0	" We 're begging you , Missus .
tr	0	" But which ones ? "
tr	0	The unharmed man snarled .
tr	0	That was her moment .
tr	0	She never even felt the recoil .
tr	0	David shook his head .
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	So I don 't know . "
tr	0	" He grabbed our son .
tr	0	" He had John .
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	" It just went bad .
tr	0	" I loved him , too . "
tr	0	" I promise you that . "
tr	0	CHAPTER TWELVE They needed more bullets .
tr	0	And they needed news .
tr	0	Sarah stopped and looked at him .
tr	0	He still couldn 't believe it .
tr	0	She sat down with a thump .
tr	0	" I need news . "
tr	0	" Then I 'll go . "
tr	0	I think I can handle it . "
tr	0	He noticed she was breathing fast .
tr	0	" Are these for me ? "
tr	0	David grinned and released his wife .
tr	0	Sarah tacked up Dan .
tr	0	Did he have children of his own ?
tr	0	Sat next to him in church ?
tr	0	" Your attention , please . "
tr	0	" A moment of your time . "
tr	0	" And food ? "
tr	0	an elderly woman yelled out .
tr	0	" Or we could just leave . "
tr	0	Siobhan turned to the crowd .
tr	0	" Why would you stay here ? "
tr	0	She glanced up at Donovan .
tr	0	" You know that .
tr	0	Siobhan addressed the crowd .
tr	0	" Whatever comes now . "
tr	0	She knew what she was missing .
tr	0	So , she stopped riding alone .
tr	0	She patted his neck .
tr	0	Sarah nodded her head in commiseration .
tr	0	The woman spoke again .
tr	0	" I hate to ask .
tr	0	It 's for my babies . "
tr	0	Sarah looked back at her .
tr	0	A Glock 19 complete with shoulder holster .
tr	0	" Where are you located then ? "
tr	0	The young woman shook her head .
tr	0	She pointed to her saddled pony .
tr	0	" He 'll be here . "
tr	0	No dogs barking to herald her presence .
tr	0	No smoke in the grate .
tr	0	Bad weather was moving in .
tr	0	There was no sign of the pony .
tr	0	She held her breath and waited .
tr	0	There was no other sound .
tr	0	The man by the horse saw her .
tr	0	" Can I help you ? "
tr	0	Why do we Americans say that ?
tr	0	" Help me ? "
tr	0	" Are you looking for Devon ? "
tr	0	Where the hell was the other guy ?
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	Obviously , I know .
tr	0	I 'm in his cottage .
tr	0	" And you are ... ? "
tr	0	" She 's the American . "
tr	0	" That 's right . "
tr	0	" She 's my neighbor .
tr	0	She asked me to check on Devon .
tr	0	You see that ? "
tr	0	" I 'm being careful . "
tr	0	Donovan looked at Sarah .
tr	0	" I know , Da .
tr	0	Donovan shook his head .
tr	0	" Maybe a heart attack ?
tr	0	He waved a hand at the cottage .
tr	0	" He was my teacher .
tr	0	Well , everyone 's .
tr	0	Donovan waved her off .
tr	0	" These are times to be untrusting .
tr	0	There 'll be no moon tonight . "
tr	0	She hated how she had acted .
tr	0	" Being American and all . "
tr	0	" Is it just Herself ? "
tr	0	He grinned at his father .
tr	0	Gavin made a face and hesitated .
tr	0	A really interesting American movie .
tr	0	Tears sprang to her eyes .
tr	0	They are tough and resourceful . )
tr	0	( Ha ha ! )
tr	0	We are surviving very well .
tr	0	She closed and latched it carefully .
tr	0	" Sleep okay ? "
tr	0	John made a muffled response .
tr	0	" Dad here ? "
tr	0	" Not yet , " she said .
tr	0	He reached for his tea .
tr	0	He looked like such a little boy .
tr	0	Where are you , David ?
tr	0	Your family needs you here .
tr	0	" I was just looking . "
tr	0	John climbed out of bed .
tr	0	She turned to look at him .
tr	0	" I guess I was . "
tr	0	" Someone will know where she lives .
tr	0	Everybody knows everyone in Ireland . "
tr	0	Sarah could feel the tears coming .
tr	0	" I know you are , sweetie .
tr	0	You accept it . "
tr	0	" No , " he said .
tr	0	I do , Mom . "
tr	0	John sat back down next to her .
tr	0	" You okay ? "
tr	0	" You 're right .
tr	0	" Are you serious ? "
tr	0	" Can we go now ?
tr	0	It 's nowhere near dark yet .
tr	0	I hate Ireland , Sarah thought .
tr	0	I must be crazy .
tr	0	" Let 's go . "
tr	0	The rain hammered them the whole way .
tr	0	She and John spoke very little .
tr	0	Did she think they would find David ?
tr	0	Could it really be that simple ?
tr	0	Sarah didn 't survive the turn .
tr	0	He normally didn 't sleep .
tr	0	There had been no conversation .
tr	0	The camp was quiet .
tr	0	" Anybody else up yet ? "
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	" Did you make tea ? "
tr	0	" Never mind , " he said .
tr	0	The question surprised her .
tr	0	She licked her lips .
tr	0	" And saw him ? "
tr	0	" What kind of accident ? "
tr	0	" But he 's still alive . "
tr	0	" ' Restrained from leaving ' ? "
tr	0	he asked , still laughing .
tr	0	" That 's beautiful . "
tr	0	" How about we visit her today ?
tr	0	Would you like that , Jules ?
tr	0	" Mom , you fell .
tr	0	" I 'm okay . "
tr	0	Are you sure you 're okay ? "
tr	0	Her head hurt badly .
tr	0	" Where ... where 's Dan ? "
tr	0	" He 's over there .
tr	0	Oh , Jesus God .
tr	0	" Are you sure , Mom ? "
tr	0	" Just to sit up . "
tr	0	she said , trying to look around .
tr	0	" How long was I out ? "
tr	0	" I don 't know .
tr	0	Maybe fifteen minutes ? "
tr	0	" That 's a long time . "
tr	0	I 'm not good at times . "
tr	0	Sarah threw up onto the road .
tr	0	She eased her helmet off .
tr	0	Nobody was going to be riding anywhere .
tr	0	The night was nearly unbearable .
tr	0	Was it really just this morning ?
tr	0	" Is it far ? "
tr	0	She let him go .
tr	0	while they huddled in the other .
tr	0	Sarah couldn 't help but laugh .
tr	0	" Do you think ? "
tr	0	She kissed him on the cheek .
tr	0	" Yes , sweetheart ? "
tr	0	" We will , dear boy .
tr	0	Now go to sleep . "
tr	0	He probably twisted an ankle or something .
tr	0	I cut their wool off too .
tr	0	I don 't know .
tr	0	We did it once before .
tr	0	Poor John is so worried .
tr	0	It really is agonizing , not knowing .
tr	0	Isn 't that weird ?
tr	0	Somehow , I just know that .
tr	0	Love , Sarah P.S. .
tr	0	If he were still alive .
tr	0	John tossed the brush on the couch .
tr	0	" No presents , no turkey . "
tr	0	He made a face .
tr	0	I can always wash the brush .
tr	0	" We brought Christmas dinner . "
tr	0	David licked his lips in agony .
tr	0	How long had he been gone ?
tr	0	Had they come looking for him ?
tr	0	What had he been thinking ?
tr	0	She begged his advice .
tr	0	She had wept for his loss .
tr	0	Did he even question it ?
tr	0	A damsel in distress .
tr	0	David smiled and extended his hand .
tr	0	" You 're Julie 's mother ? "
tr	0	" Okay , great , thanks . "
tr	0	David looked at Julie .
tr	0	" It 's your mother ? "
tr	0	Julie looked back at David .
tr	0	There 's no difference .
tr	0	And I 'm here now . "
tr	0	He looked at the older woman .
tr	0	" Was that part true ?
tr	0	She indicated the kitchen chair again .
tr	0	And you 'll be called ? "
tr	0	She always called him Danny .
tr	0	Julie had left long since .
tr	0	That had been nearly two weeks ago .
tr	0	She wanted to trust him .
tr	0	She wanted to let him go .
tr	0	The fire was long gone cold .
tr	0	And the dear woman had brought dinner .
tr	0	And then she stopped .
tr	0	The thought surprised her .
tr	0	" Dad might still be alive . "
tr	0	" Nor were we ever . "
tr	0	It wasn 't a question .
tr	0	" I can do both . "
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	" Did he ? "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	Oh , he had a tongue .
tr	0	David 's stomach growled .
tr	0	" I can 't do anything .
tr	0	Betta appeared not to hear him .
tr	0	" What could I do ? "
tr	0	she repeated to him .
tr	0	Did I do right , Danny ?
tr	0	He closed his eyes .
tr	0	" Water , Betta .
tr	0	Please , water . "
tr	0	David tried to remember who they were .
tr	0	His brain seemed to have stopped working .
tr	0	He licked his dry lips .
tr	0	They asked about you .
tr	0	Did you hear that ? "
tr	0	David opened his eyes .
tr	0	" They just left .
tr	0	I know you saw them . "
tr	0	" Your horse is in the barn .
tr	0	Her voice was flat .
tr	0	David turned to look at her face .
tr	0	She stared at him .
tr	0	Nothing moved , no sound anywhere .
tr	0	" Forgive you , " he said .
tr	0	Could he really still be alive ?
tr	0	God help me , she thought .
tr	0	They were trampling Betta 's garden .
tr	0	John was very quiet this evening .
tr	0	He watched the flames in the fireplace .
tr	0	Sarah thought about it .
tr	0	David did reflect more than she did .
tr	0	" Life is what it is .
tr	0	Sarah looked at her and nearly laughed .
tr	0	And most of the time ?
tr	0	" Or the arrogance ? "
tr	0	" Some things are best left unsaid .
tr	0	It 's dinner now . "
tr	0	" Did you wash you hands ? "
tr	0	Look , we 're having chicken again .
tr	0	Our lives have improved already . "
tr	0	An indicting look , Sarah thought .
tr	0	" I know . "
tr	0	And I 'm disappointed , too . "
tr	0	That 's all . "
tr	0	Me , too . "
tr	0	John looked at her and nodded .
tr	0	" Amen , " he said .
tr	0	Smells like something died in here . "
tr	0	He was joined by two other men .
tr	0	" Jesus , Davey .
tr	0	One way or the other .
tr	0	" Who is he ? "
tr	0	He 's daft as a loon .
tr	0	Look at his eyes .
tr	0	Should we tell Finn ? "
tr	0	Then kill ' im . "
tr	0	That was the plan .
tr	0	" We will be fine .
tr	0	That group of gypsies travels by day .
tr	0	" I 'll be back by nightfall .
tr	0	She looked at John .
tr	0	" I will . "
tr	0	" I know , Mom .
tr	0	Be careful is all .
tr	0	Be real careful . "
tr	0	Do the Irish get tornadoes ?
tr	0	" Dear Lord , " she said .
tr	0	" Please let me find Seamus .
tr	0	And me on my trip today .
tr	0	Dear God , I pray . "
tr	0	She jumped down from the cart .
tr	0	A young gypsy boy entered the kitchen .
tr	0	The boy looked around the room .
tr	0	The boy nodded and left the room .
tr	0	His arm hurt him today .
tr	0	It didn 't always .
tr	0	One in each of his legs .
tr	0	It was nearly his favorite part .
tr	0	Sarah found Seamus in the back bedroom .
tr	0	" Am I glad to see you .
tr	0	" You ... You remember me ? "
tr	0	she asked , looking about the room .
tr	0	Did he have moments of clarity ?
tr	0	Slowly , Sarah reached for his hand .
tr	0	" I am , " she said .
tr	0	She cleared her throat .
tr	0	He looked out the window .
tr	0	I never would 've predicted it . "
tr	0	she asked looking around the room .
tr	0	" Let 's go .
tr	0	Have you got everything ? "
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	She took a breath .
tr	0	" I left my glasses . "
tr	0	" Where did you have them ?
tr	0	In your bedroom ? "
tr	0	She heard voices coming from the front .
tr	0	The voices were louder now .
tr	0	" We know you 're in there .
tr	0	" She 's in there ! "
tr	0	" I just saw her . "
tr	0	" Behind you , Sean ! "
tr	0	A voice from outside screamed .
tr	0	" She 's behind you ! "
tr	0	That brought about some sniggering .
tr	0	Sarah licked her lips .
tr	0	" Oy , she 's awake . "
tr	0	One of the men approached the cart .
tr	0	He jerked her to a sitting position .
tr	0	Another man spoke from behind her .
tr	0	Sarah looked at him blankly .
tr	0	He shook his fist .
tr	0	He dropped his fist .
tr	0	The other two laughed .
tr	0	" Why does he want her ? "
tr	0	He was watching her now with curiosity .
tr	0	" She 's not young . "
tr	0	Didn 't you know ? "
tr	0	" Bugger me . "
tr	0	Sarah looked back at the man .
tr	0	Out you go , now . "
tr	0	He didn 't move .
tr	0	He pulled out a shotgun .
tr	0	She hated to disappoint him .
tr	0	He nodded , resigned .
tr	0	But nothing was broken .
tr	0	Tonight was for celebration , she thought .
tr	0	" It had to be done .
tr	0	You know that , right ? "
tr	0	You guys okay ? "
tr	0	" Aren 't you surprised ?
tr	0	About Seamus , I mean ? "
tr	0	" So ... it won 't last ?
tr	0	His being lucid like this ? "
tr	0	She sat down at the table .
tr	0	" What is it , dear ?
tr	0	" David 's horse . "
tr	0	The weather was cold but clear .
tr	0	He hurried Gavin to finish the loading .
tr	0	There were only five of them .
tr	0	She walked Dan closer to them .
tr	0	What the hell is she doing ? "
tr	0	They gave no indication of it .
tr	0	I can do this , she thought .
tr	0	One of the men shouted .
tr	0	The rest of them laughed .
tr	0	A glazed look came over his face .
tr	0	What kind of nightmare am I living ?
tr	0	They 're pretty done for .
tr	0	You know that , Da . "
tr	0	He turned back to Sarah .
tr	0	" They had his horse .
tr	0	" Cor , Da !
tr	0	She 's talking about Finn .
tr	0	She 's the one shot him . "
tr	0	" Is that true ? "
tr	0	" Do you know them ? "
tr	0	" His name is Finn .
tr	0	A natural leader is our Finn .
tr	0	She looked at Mike .
tr	0	" And for the other . "
tr	0	" The other ? "
tr	0	My name is Sarah Woodson . "
tr	0	He 's all I have left .
tr	0	" Likely dead , " Mike said .
tr	0	He turned back to Sarah .
tr	0	Gavin 'll go with you . "
tr	0	" I will ? "
tr	0	You got the rifle ? "
tr	0	" He ... shot them ?
tr	0	All , " she said .
tr	0	He turned back to his son .
tr	0	The house was burning .
tr	0	Her energy slowly seeped from her .
tr	0	And Dan came to a halt .
tr	0	She stared , stunned and paralyzed .
tr	0	She knelt and turned him over .
tr	0	" John Matthew ! "
tr	0	Sarah approached the cottage .
tr	0	He touched her arm gingerly .
tr	0	" He 's not in there . "
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	" Aye , well . "
tr	0	Her eyes never left the cottage .
tr	0	And then they would know for sure .
tr	0	... And then they would know .
tr	0	He looked tired and filthy .
tr	0	Is that alright ? "
tr	0	" Fine , " she said dully .
tr	0	Maybe in an hour or so . "
tr	0	It was all she could do .
tr	0	Something inside her just knew .
tr	0	Thank you , God .
tr	0	Sarah turned to look at him .
tr	0	One of the women approached .
tr	0	" Thank you , " she said .
tr	0	" Thank you for everything . "
tr	0	The woman knelt down across from Sarah .
tr	0	She spooned into the stew .
tr	0	" Sorry , " Sarah said .
tr	0	" What news ? "
tr	0	Donovan said to his sister .
tr	0	" There 's news ? "
tr	0	Donovan took in a big sigh .
tr	0	He jerked his head at Fiona .
tr	0	" Gather the others .
tr	0	" Is it good news ? "
tr	0	" Were you expecting good news ? "
tr	0	" That maybe help was coming ? "
tr	0	" Yes , actually . "
tr	0	Donovan shook his head .
tr	0	" What I intend to do ? "
tr	0	Your husband is gone .
tr	0	" We 're building a community .
tr	0	Donovan sputtered in frustration .
tr	0	" You have nothing left here .
tr	0	Why would you stay ? "
tr	0	She looked at Donovan .
tr	0	" You want them to come ? "
tr	0	Not by a long shot . "
tr	0	" So you 'll help me ? "
tr	0	They 're survivors , she thought .
tr	0	She smiled at the young mother .
tr	0	One of the men stepped forward .
tr	0	Donovan shook his head .
tr	0	" A rumor , " he said .
tr	0	" Not true . "
tr	0	We could have left , Sarah thought .
tr	0	He turned to Sarah .
tr	0	John spoke up , his voice shaking .
tr	0	" Incompetent idiots , " someone shouted .
tr	0	Donovan addressed the man who spoke .
tr	0	" How long to rebuild ? "
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	" About what happened .
tr	0	" He did say that . "
tr	0	John pointed a finger at the dog .
tr	0	" I said , stay , Patrick !
tr	0	" Dad called it . "
tr	0	Dad does , too . "
tr	0	Sarah smiled at him .
tr	0	" How old are you again ? "
tr	0	John looked up from grooming his dog .
tr	0	Sarah looked at him .
tr	0	John stopped brushing his dog .
tr	0	" But what ? "
tr	0	Sorry , sweetie . "
tr	0	For him , that was then .
tr	0	And it was that simple .
tr	0	" Until we find him . "
tr	0	How was that possible ?
tr	0	They had only gone on vacation .
tr	0	" May I join you ? "
tr	0	" Of course , please do . "
tr	0	Sarah moved over to give her room .
tr	0	" I can 't do it alone .
tr	0	But not straightaway . "
tr	0	" You 're here now .
tr	0	Why not end it now ? "
tr	0	Mike wasn 't too specific . "
tr	0	" We 're from all over .
tr	0	There was no one place .
tr	0	Was she referring to David ?
tr	0	" And with thanks .
tr	0	" I was hoping you would . "
tr	0	" Shoot , " she said .
tr	0	" A riding accident .
tr	0	She was brilliant , so she was .
tr	0	" She fell ? "
tr	0	" In a competition .
tr	0	The horse shied at something .
tr	0	Went to bed that night .
tr	0	Mike loved her something fierce .
tr	0	But there you are . "
tr	0	" There we are . "
tr	0	She patted him on the neck .
tr	0	She patted his neck .
tr	0	Sarah turned back to her horse .
tr	0	You want revenge . "
tr	0	" I 'm afraid for my life .
tr	0	For my son 's life . "
tr	0	She turned and looked at him .
tr	0	I can 't live like that . "
tr	0	You 'll be protected .
tr	0	That 's what communities do . "
tr	0	" I absolutely want that .
tr	0	" It 's the same thing . "
tr	0	" Tell me how it isn 't !
tr	0	" I can 't . "
tr	0	Donovan took a step back .
tr	0	" Mike , it 's okay .
tr	0	Sarah touched him on his sleeve .
tr	0	" Let 's forget it , okay ?
tr	0	Donovan waved away her words .
tr	0	" I can . "
tr	0	" That 's good .
tr	0	That was a shocker .
tr	0	He hadn 't meant to hurt her .
tr	0	It was her own fault .
tr	0	He was only defending himself .
tr	0	" Oy , Mack ! "
tr	0	People are getting hungry . "
tr	0	The boy looked nervous to Finn .
tr	0	" What people ? "
tr	0	The boy didn 't speak .
tr	0	" Where 's the Yank ? "
tr	0	" Is he talking ? "
tr	0	They turned when he came in .
tr	0	" Where 's Brendan ? "
tr	0	It made him feel anxious .
tr	0	Brendan stood up at Finn 's approach .
tr	0	" Checking out your plantation ? "
tr	0	" Comfortable , I see ? "
tr	0	he said to the man .
tr	0	Friends , are we ?
tr	0	But there was something else about him .
tr	0	Something settled and self-assured .
tr	0	Likely , it still did .
tr	0	" I just know I am . "
tr	0	By any means possible .
tr	0	" Your boy doing okay ? "
tr	0	Not at all . "
tr	0	" I 'm not thinking that . "
tr	0	" Something like that . "
tr	0	" Growing up fast .
tr	0	Donovan looked back at her and smiled .
tr	0	" How so ? "
tr	0	Sarah picked her plate back up .
tr	0	" No , it 's not that .
tr	0	Ireland is full of strong women .
tr	0	No , it 's not that .
tr	0	" Yeah , must be . "
tr	0	There were two , not counting Gavin .
tr	0	Where did you get more news ? "
tr	0	" About me ? "
tr	0	" He heard something about David . "
tr	0	Donovan held her by the arm .
tr	0	" I knew he was okay . "
tr	0	He looked at her sadly .
tr	0	" This changes everything . "
tr	0	" No way . "
tr	0	Sarah jumped to her feet .
tr	0	" How much do we have ? "
tr	0	" Is it very much ?
tr	0	John approached the table .
tr	0	He turned to his mother .
tr	0	" We need every man .
tr	0	Mr. Donovan said so . "
tr	0	Sarah turned and looked at Donovan .
tr	0	" I did not say that . "
tr	0	" Damn it , " she said .
tr	0	" Of course . "
tr	0	" Except that . "
tr	0	" The plan ? "
tr	0	" Pull that national shite on me .
tr	0	This is not an epic poem .
tr	0	" I would . "
tr	0	" Because you 're crazy . "
tr	0	Donovan sighed heavily and looked away .
tr	0	Finn had slept very well .
tr	0	Finn roared to his men .
tr	0	" And we 'll meet her halfway .
tr	0	Are we not accommodating ? "
tr	0	The plan was easy if not foolproof .
tr	0	Sarah sat quietly atop Dan .
tr	0	It wasn 't early .
tr	0	Would he be able to identify them ?
tr	0	Would this nightmare ever be over ?
tr	0	" Whoa , sport .
tr	0	Where would ye be heading now ? "
tr	0	It was not a friendly stare .
tr	0	Why were they doing this ?
tr	0	Let 's just do this .
tr	0	He seemed fine with the suggestion .
tr	0	She was grateful for the man .
tr	0	That 's thanks to you . "
tr	0	David looked at the man .
tr	0	" Do I look worried ? "
tr	0	" What happened ? "
tr	0	she yelled to the group .
tr	0	He wasn 't moving .
tr	0	John sat next to her .
tr	0	He seemed to be watching her .
tr	0	" You okay , Mom ? "
tr	0	He looked at her anxiously .
tr	0	Sarah could see his problem .
tr	0	He frowned at her .
tr	0	She leaned over and hugged him .
tr	0	" It is . "
tr	0	It is because it has to .
tr	0	" Is he in much pain ? "
tr	0	Fiona smiled at her as she passed .
tr	0	Sarah nodded and returned her smile .
tr	0	His eyes were closed .
tr	0	" How you doing ? "
tr	0	Stupid question of course .
tr	0	" They 're the best shots .
tr	0	Gypsies are famous cowards . "
tr	0	" This isn 't a movie .
tr	0	" Don 't show myself .
tr	0	Sarah nodded and watched him with concern .
tr	0	" So , " she said .
tr	0	Yes , that 's sensible .
tr	0	Donovan looked at her .
tr	0	" So , " Sarah said .
tr	0	" My part . "
tr	0	Donovan took a moment to speak .
tr	0	Be ready to use them .
tr	0	You hear me ? "
tr	0	" I mean it , Sarah .
tr	0	Can you do that ? "
tr	0	" So you know .
tr	0	That information made her start .
tr	0	" I do . "
tr	0	To find David ? "
tr	0	To find Finn . "
tr	0	You got that ? "
tr	0	" Shoot the bastard .
tr	0	He nodded at her .
tr	0	He 'd sent them out hours ago .
tr	0	Maybe she knew Conor was listening ?
tr	0	Maybe she was setting him up ?
tr	0	Where the shite was that bloody Brendan ?
tr	0	Gavin insisted on being in the lead .
tr	0	Aidan and Jimmy rode behind her .
tr	0	What could the gunshot mean ?
tr	0	He looked back over his shoulder .
tr	0	It was totally quiet .
tr	0	He 'd obviously given it some thought .
tr	0	David nearly laughed in his face .
tr	0	Why not make it a million ?
tr	0	" Done , " he said .
tr	0	The bitch puked on me ! "
tr	0	" Shut your gob , you git !
tr	0	Just bring ' er . "
tr	0	" The bastards are getting away ! "
tr	0	Her eyes rested on Gavin .
tr	0	That 's my fault , she thought .
tr	0	That poor boy ... " Forget it .
tr	0	They 're too far . "
tr	0	They were bringing Gavin , too ?
tr	0	Did that mean he was still alive ?
tr	0	They pushed her towards a smaller horse .
tr	0	He was looking down at his hands .
tr	0	Brendan looked up at his leader .
tr	0	" No , " he said .
tr	0	" You did . "
tr	0	" What did he promise you ? "
tr	0	An hour with his wife ? "
tr	0	" I swear . "
tr	0	Brendan looked back at Finn .
tr	0	" I could go back out there .
tr	0	He looked at Brendan with hooded eyes .
tr	0	Finn looked at Sarah and smiled .
tr	0	She tasted her own blood .
tr	0	" Mom , you okay ? "
tr	0	John 's eyes were wide with fear .
tr	0	" You leave her alone ! "
tr	0	He thinks I have a plan .
tr	0	" It 's okay . "
tr	0	He looked around the room .
tr	0	She had screwed this up so badly .
tr	0	" You okay , Mom ? "
tr	0	" You 're breathing funny . "
tr	0	" I 'm good , sweetheart .
tr	0	" I coulda , though , Mom .
tr	0	Guess they figured I don 't count .
tr	0	So they didn 't find this . "
tr	0	Sarah took another deep breath .
tr	0	Another noise made them both freeze .
tr	0	He needn 't have worried .
tr	0	Her face was bruised and bloodied .
tr	0	" You 're really here . "
tr	0	" It 's a five foot drop .
tr	0	Clear the bushes and wait for us .
tr	0	Mack Finn was framed in the doorway .
tr	0	" Well , well .
tr	0	He gestured to John .
tr	0	Finn turned back to him .
tr	0	" Or what , Yank ? "
tr	0	" You see your mate , Brendan ?
tr	0	" You ... you bastard ! "
tr	0	Finn hefted his knife in his hands .
tr	0	" You remember me ? "
tr	0	He spoke to Sarah .
tr	0	She 'd lost a tooth .
tr	0	" You tried to steal my horses .
tr	0	Your brother was hurting my boy . "
tr	0	Finn was shaking his head .
tr	0	" No , no , no !
tr	0	That is not what happened .
tr	0	" Do you remember this ? "
tr	0	David stared at him .
tr	0	It all happened so fast .
tr	0	" No , missus ! "
tr	0	" Is he dead ? "
tr	0	" Check him , " she said .
tr	0	" Name 's Mick . "
tr	0	" Move to the front door .
tr	0	Don 't touch the doorknob . "
tr	0	You okay in there ? "
tr	0	Why was the bastard smiling at her ?
tr	0	Were they all demented ?
tr	0	You got ' im ! "
tr	0	" We can 't quit now .
tr	0	" How are you doing ? "
tr	0	" We 're not home yet . "
tr	0	" I know , I know . "
tr	0	A voice called from the back window .
tr	0	" Don 't shoot , missus !
tr	0	It 's me , Aidan . "
tr	0	What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	We 're here to save ya ! "
tr	0	He and Gavin often came to dinner .
tr	0	" Waiting for Uncle Mike ? "
tr	0	Where 's Dad ? "
tr	0	" You 'll freeze out here . "
tr	0	He grinned at his wife .
tr	0	Sarah returned his smile .
tr	0	David handed the wire cutters to John .
tr	0	His face was flushed from the cold .
tr	0	Sarah shook her head .
tr	0	She cupped his cheek with her hand .
tr	0	He leaned over and kissed her .
tr	0	" Come on , Patrick .
tr	0	It just gets worse from here . "
tr	0	" Me , too . "
tr	0	David leaned over and took her hand .
tr	0	Sarah looked at him and smiled .
tr	0	Mike cleared his throat .
tr	0	" Your news always sucks . "
tr	0	" News about the crisis ? "
tr	0	" Jesus , " David said .
tr	0	" What is it ?
tr	0	What is it ? "
tr	0	He leaned over and snatched it up .
tr	0	" A cell phone ! "
tr	0	" Aye , " Mike said .
tr	0	" That it is . "
tr	0	Sarah returned to the table .
tr	0	" Should I be jealous ? "
tr	0	" So what is the news ? "
tr	0	Sarah asked , ignoring David .
tr	0	" The grid 's back on ? "
tr	0	" The towers are back up ? "
tr	0	You 're too hard on him . "
tr	0	" They got cars working again ? "
tr	0	" You 'll be leaving soon .
tr	0	He looked at Sarah and smiled .
tr	0	It 's hard to explain .
tr	0	We 've been happy here .
tr	0	But no one came .
tr	0	She turned away from the pasture .
tr	0	" You coming , Sarah ? "
tr	0	She quickened her step in his direction .
tr	0	They were not inviting .
tr	0	The silence of the forest depressed him .
tr	0	Valerian swore in amazement .
tr	0	" Don 't you know ? "
tr	0	" Of course I followed you .
tr	0	" But what else could I do ?
tr	0	You know what my provocation was . "
tr	0	" Sure , " she agreed .
tr	0	Valerian stamped his booted foot and swore .
tr	0	" That 's obvious ! "
tr	0	Again her eager eyes devoured him .
tr	0	Her horse was better than yours .
tr	0	" Well what ? "
tr	0	" What of the Stygian ? "
tr	0	She laughed at him .
tr	0	" What do you call yourself ?
tr	0	Your disdain doesn 't deceive me .
tr	0	You know that , too . "
tr	0	No better employment offered .
tr	0	" Turn west , " she answered .
tr	0	I have friends among them .
tr	0	I 'm sick of the jungle . "
tr	0	" I have other plans . "
tr	0	" Don 't be a fool ! "
tr	0	" I can if I choose . "
tr	0	Be sensible , boy .
tr	0	" Keep back , you barbarian dog !
tr	0	Nothing but words ! "
tr	0	She knew it was the truth .
tr	0	she exclaimed in exasperation .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Lions are slaying the horses ! "
tr	0	" Lions , nothing ! "
tr	0	" Did you hear a lion roar ?
tr	0	Watch , now ! "
tr	0	" Here it comes ! "
tr	0	The sight sent panic racing through him .
tr	0	She must have died of starvation .
tr	0	There are no bones broken .
tr	0	He fought down a surging of panic .
tr	0	She shook her head .
tr	0	" I thought of that .
tr	0	They 'd break with our weight .
tr	0	" I won 't do it !
tr	0	" Sit still and calm down .
tr	0	" I saw it before you came .
tr	0	" What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	" You wait and see . "
tr	0	" What good will that do ? "
tr	0	was one of her more printable queries .
tr	0	" I don 't believe it . "
tr	0	What did I tell you ? "
tr	0	" Is she running away ? "
tr	0	" The poison makes her thirsty .
tr	0	Let 's go ! "
tr	0	" Down there ? "
tr	0	We 'll make for the city !
tr	0	After me , in a hurry ! "
tr	0	" She 's on our trail ! "
tr	0	It 's the city or nothing now !
tr	0	Instantly a horrible roar shook the woods .
tr	0	" It 's touch and go now .
tr	0	" How do these people live ? "
tr	0	" Maybe , " she grunted .
tr	0	They probably wouldn 't let us in .
tr	0	" Lie down and sleep .
tr	0	I 'll keep the first watch . "
tr	0	He sat up , rubbing his eyes .
tr	0	" What about yourself ? "
tr	0	" They live in the saddle .
tr	0	" Skin your teeth in that pear .
tr	0	I may be too , some day .
tr	0	Why shouldn 't I ? "
tr	0	His terrors of the night were past .
tr	0	Many a prince would envy you . "
tr	0	Her compliments no longer irritated him .
tr	0	Her evident admiration pleased him .
tr	0	I do not like this city . "
tr	0	Vision did not extend beyond that ring .
tr	0	He looked uneasily at the city .
tr	0	" But who built it ?
tr	0	Where did they go ?
tr	0	Why did they abandon it ? "
tr	0	" Who can say ?
tr	0	It doesn 't look like Stygian architecture .
tr	0	" Can we open the gate ?
tr	0	" Not in such quantity ! "
tr	0	" That 's jade ! "
tr	0	Let 's look around .
tr	0	That bolt 's freshly broken .
tr	0	Rust has eaten nearly through it .
tr	0	It 's long as a street .
tr	0	Valerian shrugged his white shoulders .
tr	0	" Otherwise we 'd find skeletons .
tr	0	broke in Valerian rudely .
tr	0	" We 'll never know .
tr	0	Look at these friezes .
tr	0	What race do they belong to ? "
tr	0	Let 's go up those stairs . "
tr	0	A woman was stealing along the hall .
tr	0	She did not see him .
tr	0	Valerian 's eyes widened .
tr	0	Her curved sword lay near him .
tr	0	They gave up no secret .
tr	0	Suddenly another figure entered the grim drama .
tr	0	The other did not move .
tr	0	" Who are you ?
tr	0	You have slain the Burning Skull !
tr	0	The boy heard nothing .
tr	0	" We must hasten ! "
tr	0	They may be all around us here !
tr	0	The clan of the woman you slew .
tr	0	" Where is that ? "
tr	0	" Wait a minute ! "
tr	0	he growled , flinging off her hand .
tr	0	What 's all this about ?
tr	0	Where would you take me ? "
tr	0	" Do not touch it !
tr	0	Do not even look at it !
tr	0	Madness and death lurk in it .
tr	0	He scowled at her uncertainly .
tr	0	Yet she seemed sincere in her protestations .
tr	0	" You are a stranger .
tr	0	" Do not look at the skull !
tr	0	Do not look at the skull ! "
tr	0	You have destroyed it !
tr	0	Come away quickly , now ! "
tr	0	There were no challenges or war cries .
tr	0	" Dog of hell ! "
tr	0	" What is all this ? "
tr	0	" Five dead dogs ! "
tr	0	Five crimson nails for the black pillar !
tr	0	The gods of blood be thanked ! "
tr	0	Valerian shrugged his shoulders .
tr	0	Maybe we 'd better go with her .
tr	0	" Come away , now ! "
tr	0	" We have done enough !
tr	0	My people will welcome you !
tr	0	They will honor you !
tr	0	muttered Valerian under his breath .
tr	0	" Crom knows ! "
tr	0	Valerian shivered in spite of himself .
tr	0	He feared no woman .
tr	0	" No squares nor open courts .
tr	0	We call it the Halls of Silence .
tr	0	Why do you ask ? "
tr	0	Come swiftly now ! "
tr	0	The darkness was absolute .
tr	0	The hallway seemed interminable .
tr	0	After me , quick !
tr	0	Oh , quick ! "
tr	0	I think I cut it asunder .
tr	0	" It was the Crawler !
tr	0	In Set 's name , hasten !
tr	0	The Crawler is at our heels ! "
tr	0	I could neither fight nor run .
tr	0	I could only await the stroke .
tr	0	" But wait ! "
tr	0	" There is more !
tr	0	Two the man killed .
tr	0	" Who are these people ? "
tr	0	" You can never reach the coast !
tr	0	" We are your friends .
tr	0	The Cimmerian was suspicious .
tr	0	Her dusky skin went ashy .
tr	0	Only Olmec seemed not to have heard .
tr	0	" What 's the matter ?
tr	0	What are you gaping about ? "
tr	0	I killed a dragon .
tr	0	" But dragons are immortal ! "
tr	0	They made war incessantly upon one another .
tr	0	Yet they came not into the plain .
tr	0	" At dawn she opened the gates .
tr	0	Herds of elephants provided them with ivory .
tr	0	" Five years they dwelt in peace .
tr	0	Aye , he went willingly enough .
tr	0	" There was much bitterness .
tr	0	Blood was shed on both sides .
tr	0	Half a century the feud has endured .
tr	0	I was born in it .
tr	0	We expect to die in it .
tr	0	Valerian listened with morbid fascination .
tr	0	It filled their whole lives .
tr	0	This feud is none of our business .
tr	0	" What do you say ? "
tr	0	" Then you agree ? "
tr	0	Her eyes burned with a weird flame .
tr	0	" Where do I sleep ? "
tr	0	" Who is Olmec ? "
tr	0	He is -- Olmec !
tr	0	" What are you talking about ? "
tr	0	" That man is beautiful and young .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	" Ask me not !
tr	0	I dare not speak .
tr	0	" That one ? "
tr	0	" Who spoke of fear ? "
tr	0	You have my leave to go . "
tr	0	Outside , night had fallen .
tr	0	Valerian awoke suddenly on his couch .
tr	0	What 's that in your hand ? "
tr	0	" The black lotus ! "
tr	0	said Valerian between his teeth .
tr	0	You were trying to drug me !
tr	0	What 's your game ? "
tr	0	He lifted his head and listened intently .
tr	0	" Did Olmec send you ? "
tr	0	" Why don 't you scream ? "
tr	0	Whom do you fear ?
tr	0	Stubborn silence always fans anger .
tr	0	" You sulky gigolo ! "
tr	0	he said between his teeth .
tr	0	But he did not cry out .
tr	0	" I will tell . "
tr	0	He was trembling in every limb .
tr	0	" Let me drink .
tr	0	I am weak with pain .
tr	0	Then I will tell you all . "
tr	0	" Oh , help !
tr	0	Help , in Set 's name !
tr	0	Valerian felt his skin crawl .
tr	0	But what peril could have befallen her ?
tr	0	The other meditated for a space .
tr	0	" But afterward ? "
tr	0	" After we have slain them all ?
tr	0	They could not go beyond that .
tr	0	hissed the last speaker .
tr	0	Her mate looked into the mirror .
tr	0	" They are within the door ! "
tr	0	" What the devil is it ? "
tr	0	" That racket sounds like it . "
tr	0	But the conclusion was inevitable .
tr	0	Oh , a scratch here and there .
tr	0	Nothing to bother about .
tr	0	" We have won ! "
tr	0	" The feud is ended !
tr	0	" Wait a minute ! "
tr	0	he shook her off impatiently .
tr	0	" I will go ! "
tr	0	Go with the Cimmerian .
tr	0	This was done quickly .
tr	0	" What the devil ? "
tr	0	" It is the Crawler ! "
tr	0	" Are you mad , too ? "
tr	0	gasped the dying woman .
tr	0	" I know not why .
tr	0	" But she struck me down .
tr	0	She is a beast .
tr	0	Take Valerian and flee !
tr	0	Fear not to traverse the forest .
tr	0	He frowned as he spoke .
tr	0	" Do you believe in ghosts ? "
tr	0	He had not cried out .
tr	0	There will be no more fighting .
tr	0	First let us drink ! "
tr	0	His slim fingers stroked her locks lightly .
tr	0	Her booming voice filled the room .
tr	0	I have endured too much from you !
tr	0	Get hence before I slay you ! "
tr	0	You know you cannot withstand me .
tr	0	You cannot fight against me .
tr	0	Mechanically the princess obeyed .
tr	0	It is still in working order .
tr	0	Oh , you stare at that !
tr	0	I am not of royal blood .
tr	0	I am greater than a prince .
tr	0	" What for ? "
tr	0	But I 'm in a hurry .
tr	0	Where 's Valerian ? "
tr	0	" Loose me ! "
tr	0	" I will tell you all ! "
tr	0	" Tell me first . "
tr	0	The prince 's heavy jaws set stubbornly .
tr	0	" All right . "
tr	0	" Olmec took his from me .
tr	0	" It 's worse than you think .
tr	0	Olmec is old -- centuries old .
tr	0	" Are the doors locked ? "
tr	0	" And keep ahead of me .
tr	0	" After you , comrade ! "
tr	0	She was in the great throne room .
tr	0	The first person she saw was Valerian .
tr	0	He was not bound .
tr	0	Then I will decide your own . "
tr	0	She was trapped , like a wolf .
tr	0	" Be silent , fool ! "
tr	0	" The ghost is a myth . "
tr	0	They looked , and they saw .
tr	0	What grisly food did you find ?
tr	0	" You sought something hidden ! "
tr	0	whispered Olmec , cringing back .
tr	0	" And you have found it !
tr	0	You remember the feud !
tr	0	It smote between his shoulders .
tr	0	Then began the slaughter .
tr	0	She chose no special victim .
tr	0	" Slay her if you can ! "
tr	0	Where did these people keep their food ?
tr	0	I 'm hungry . "
tr	0	It 's well the breed exterminated itself .
tr	0	They might be haunted . "
tr	0	" What matter ? "
tr	0	by Howard Pyle Swash !
tr	0	" Thanks for asking . "
tr	0	Clem Johnson was a grizzled local fisherman .
tr	0	" No fishing today , Clem ? "
tr	0	" But you 're right .
tr	0	This 's a bad 'n alright . "
tr	0	" TV out ? "
tr	0	" Went just after noon . "
tr	0	" We 'll miss the wedding . "
tr	0	The bartender looked thoughtful before he spoke .
tr	0	" Maybe not , " he said .
tr	0	" Lucas ... you there Lucas ? "
tr	0	What 's going on ? "
tr	0	" I 'm down the stretch .
tr	0	Where you at ? "
tr	0	There was another burst of static .
tr	0	" Think you better get down here .
tr	0	The new radios were nothing but trouble .
tr	0	" Thanks for the coffee , Marcus .
tr	0	" You seein ' this ? "
tr	0	Lucas reached for his radio .
tr	0	Lucas saw that much was true .
tr	0	He blinked them away .
tr	0	Mike was the first to speak .
tr	0	Lucas hadn 't heard him .
tr	0	Chris smiled and got out of bed .
tr	0	" Can I help ? "
tr	0	Almost done here . "
tr	0	The winter months were always the worst .
tr	0	" You finish the book ? "
tr	0	she asked as he rummaged .
tr	0	" Any thoughts ? "
tr	0	So yeah , he thought .
tr	0	He could do a lot worse .
tr	0	" How do you mean ? "
tr	0	" Know what I mean ?
tr	0	All those stories about his life .
tr	0	He made them up , right ?
tr	0	So , you know what I think ?
tr	0	Gatsby isn 't even his real name !
tr	0	The title is supposed to be ironic .
tr	0	She chuckled and shook her head .
tr	0	" But for what it 's worth ?
tr	0	I think you 're dead on . "
tr	0	" Back soon . "
tr	0	" Take the clothes ! "
tr	0	Outside , the dog was waiting .
tr	0	Curious , he moved faster .
tr	0	" It 's okay , pup .
tr	0	Nothin ' to be afraid of . "
tr	0	" Go get it , pup ! "
tr	0	he said beneath his breath .
tr	0	" How are you , Paul ? "
tr	0	Cobb asked , reaching out his hand .
tr	0	" Thanks so much for calling . "
tr	0	The two men shook .
tr	0	" No problem , " Quinn answered .
tr	0	Who found it ? "
tr	0	Local kid named ... " Cobb smiled .
tr	0	" Tell me all about it ! "
tr	0	Cobb crinkled his forehead .
tr	0	" Don 't know yet .
tr	0	" Remarkable , " he said again .
tr	0	" What is ? "
tr	0	" After all this time . "
tr	0	Smiling , Cobb couldn 't blame him .
tr	0	Lucas thought a moment .
tr	0	" What do we do ? "
tr	0	Discourage folks from taking souvenirs . "
tr	0	" Anything I can do ? "
tr	0	But still , he was disappointed .
tr	0	" What 's it to you ? "
tr	0	Barney was always careful what he said .
tr	0	Barney sighed to even think about it .
tr	0	He didn 't take it out anymore .
tr	0	Not since Pam died .
tr	0	He just called it love .
tr	0	" That one was from Australia ! "
tr	0	Was that how he talked now ?
tr	0	" What are they ? "
tr	0	Duesenberg smiled and nodded .
tr	0	" Take a look at this . "
tr	0	Chris looked up at the professor .
tr	0	" What is it all ? "
tr	0	The professor beamed back at him proudly .
tr	0	" Now , this .
tr	0	Do you recognize what it is ? "
tr	0	" Sorry , my boy .
tr	0	Chickens and rabbits and rats .
tr	0	Moments later , Cobb phrased it differently .
tr	0	The other was dressed as a workman .
tr	0	The men spoke in low tones .
tr	0	Chris caught only snatches of their conversation .
tr	0	He was ready for anything .
tr	0	It wasn 't too late .
tr	0	There was no need .
tr	0	It began with a thunderous BOOM !
tr	0	It looked like a war zone .
tr	0	Anyway , it didn 't matter .
tr	0	Seconds later , the bombardment began .
tr	0	" I 'm hit !
tr	0	I 'm hit ! "
tr	0	But the man paid Chris no mind .
tr	0	He couldn 't make out a word .
tr	0	" Ah ha ha !
tr	0	Ah ha ha ! "
tr	0	The man wasn 't done yet .
tr	0	he mumbled into the receiver .
tr	0	" Evening , Sparky ! "
tr	0	boomed a now familiar voice .
tr	0	" Not at all .
tr	0	Don 't you think ? "
tr	0	That 's the reason I 'm calling .
tr	0	A snag of some sort .
tr	0	Any truth to that ? "
tr	0	he once famously snorted .
tr	0	" Built my company using it .
tr	0	He wouldn 't buy a company otherwise .
tr	0	Seth couldn 't recall .
tr	0	Know how they work .
tr	0	Know how to make ' em better .
tr	0	Lots of room for expansion .
tr	0	None taken , Seth thought .
tr	0	He really didn 't care .
tr	0	You going to be the first ? "
tr	0	Still , he needed time to think .
tr	0	And it just wasn 't fair .
tr	0	" You still there , Sparky ? "
tr	0	" Yes , yes .
tr	0	Of course , " Seth answered .
tr	0	Alright , son , now listen carefully .
tr	0	Here 's the deal .
tr	0	Have your boys look ' em over .
tr	0	Think you 'll find everything in order .
tr	0	" Good , " Pickett went on .
tr	0	" So we 're agreed .
tr	0	Get while the gettin 's good .
tr	0	That 's number forty-eight in my book .
tr	0	Pickett let out a cackle .
tr	0	Number seventy-eight , was it ?
tr	0	" Just kidding ... maybe .
tr	0	If you 're smart , that is .
tr	0	I can tell that about a man .
tr	0	The line went dead .
tr	0	It was the foundation of everything else .
tr	0	Quite a show . "
tr	0	" Now , now , laddie .
tr	0	" Where 're your clothes ? "
tr	0	Where had he come from ?
tr	0	His mind churned with possibilities .
tr	0	Not now , anyway .
tr	0	But one thing was certain .
tr	0	He didn 't seem drunk .
tr	0	His speech wasn 't slurred .
tr	0	No , he thought .
tr	0	It was Easter Sunday .
tr	0	" Let 's go ! "
tr	0	he said , turning around again .
tr	0	" This way , " he whispered .
tr	0	" Climb in and get some clothes .
tr	0	" No , no .
tr	0	This won ' do .
tr	0	And oh , this be nice too .
tr	0	The man inside the box just chuckled .
tr	0	" Now , now .
tr	0	Patience , me boy .
tr	0	Chris bit his tongue .
tr	0	" Just great . "
tr	0	" Now now , me boy .
tr	0	We be seein ' ye again . "
tr	0	He had been seen .
tr	0	Chris pinched himself hard .
tr	0	The minister went on .
tr	0	Chris couldn 't help it .
tr	0	A snort came out of his nose .
tr	0	His body went tight .
tr	0	A moment , if ya please . "
tr	0	He didn 't dare turn around .
tr	0	Temperatures were in the mid-seventies and climbing .
tr	0	The sun was high in the sky .
tr	0	He broke into a broad grin .
tr	0	A kind of wariness .
tr	0	" Silent and stealthy .
tr	0	" Chris , " he answered .
tr	0	" Chris Duggan . "
tr	0	The man smiled widely .
tr	0	" What 's your name ? "
tr	0	Ye never seen me .
tr	0	He turned and rushed to his car .
tr	0	" Where we going ? "
tr	0	" What do we have here ? "
tr	0	" Wanton destruction ! "
tr	0	" Who did this ? "
tr	0	" Doesn 't look like a prank .
tr	0	" Anyhow , I 'll investigate .
tr	0	Do some asking around . "
tr	0	He turned to Cobb and nodded .
tr	0	" Don 't worry .
tr	0	Chris perked his ears .
tr	0	And the keel is hard maple . "
tr	0	" I knew it ! "
tr	0	" I knew it !
tr	0	It was the only explanation . "
tr	0	" Knew what ? "
tr	0	Cobb turned to Chris .
tr	0	The New England colonies !
tr	0	" ... a national treasure ! "
tr	0	The man seemed to understand .
tr	0	" What are you doing here ? "
tr	0	Like a historic artifact . "
tr	0	Truth was , Chris despised math .
tr	0	Not that he was bad at it .
tr	0	Where things add up every time .
tr	0	Know what I mean ?
tr	0	Smiling again , he went on .
tr	0	It helps keep my mind sharp ! "
tr	0	Chris wasn 't sure about that .
tr	0	Barney stared out at the ocean .
tr	0	It 's yours , you know .
tr	0	Yours and yours alone . "
tr	0	But Barney was right too .
tr	0	" I appreciate it . "
tr	0	But enough of that .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	Pretty cool , no ? "
tr	0	" Son , " he began .
tr	0	They 'd be crazy not to .
tr	0	They 'll be world famous !
tr	0	What I 'd leave behind .
tr	0	I will go where it goes .
tr	0	How far have you gotten ?
tr	0	A very exciting year for immigration . "
tr	0	But he went through the motions anyway .
tr	0	Name a building after him ?
tr	0	They 'll take it ?
tr	0	But he had gotten something , anyway .
tr	0	Lucas was glad about that .
tr	0	Just the way he liked them .
tr	0	Everyone he 'd spoken to had alibis .
tr	0	Truly an impressive site , he thought .
tr	0	A worthy centerpiece for the town .
tr	0	One which he was proud to serve .
tr	0	He was looking forward to that .
tr	0	The tallest was a beefy black man .
tr	0	Vasa and Mary Rose .
tr	0	Vasa and Mary Rose .
tr	0	Christmas at the earliest .
tr	0	Something he was already familiar with .
tr	0	It was a massive thing , though .
tr	0	Some were curious , others just stunned .
tr	0	Billy is me name .
tr	0	What folks call me , anyway .
tr	0	That always lifted their spirits .
tr	0	It had been a good day .
tr	0	The man lifted his glasses .
tr	0	" My , my .
tr	0	What do we have here ? "
tr	0	The words meant nothing to Chris .
tr	0	It was the same coin .
tr	0	" A Spanish dollar .
tr	0	Crude , but effective .
tr	0	Got the weight about right , anyway .
tr	0	Chris was ready for that .
tr	0	He ... he died recently . "
tr	0	" Hey , but you know what ?
tr	0	" What do you mean ? "
tr	0	The man looked at the coin .
tr	0	And , the market changes , fluctuates .
tr	0	The man went on .
tr	0	Though dazed , Chris smiled and nodded .
tr	0	What 's your name , son ? "
tr	0	No , that 's not right .
tr	0	Billy it is ! "
tr	0	Chris feared it would bark .
tr	0	" Go around front and wait ! "
tr	0	Still carried the walking stick too .
tr	0	" No problem . "
tr	0	He couldn 't wait .
tr	0	I can feel it . "
tr	0	The two sat down .
tr	0	He hoped the question wouldn 't offend .
tr	0	After a moment , he got it .
tr	0	" Who told you ? "
tr	0	" Now , now laddie .
tr	0	An artist who sells black canvases . "
tr	0	He looked thoughtful before finishing .
tr	0	Scary lookin ' things they were . "
tr	0	" They 're angry .
tr	0	More treasure than they ever dreamed of !
tr	0	" About him coveting your ship .
tr	0	You were right . "
tr	0	" Not for sure , I mean .
tr	0	Put it in a museum .
tr	0	" They finally done it , then ?
tr	0	Raised up Mary Rose ? "
tr	0	" Don ' matter now , laddie .
tr	0	Or , they 'll just hang me .
tr	0	Chris couldn 't argue with that .
tr	0	" Well , laddie .
tr	0	He held them out to Chris .
tr	0	" Take these laddie .
tr	0	You earned ' em .
tr	0	to the man at the counter .
tr	0	His eyebrows went up .
tr	0	This is a first .
tr	0	No , a second actually . "
tr	0	Unusual , is all .
tr	0	The sun was getting higher .
tr	0	The day was warm .
tr	0	He now had seven of them .
tr	0	Sounded English , you know ?
tr	0	But they were dressed funny too .
tr	0	" Thanks , Earle .
tr	0	And you 're right .
tr	0	It 's probably nothing .
tr	0	But I 'll look into it .
tr	0	" Anyhow , you know what ?
tr	0	Think I 'll just have the usual .
tr	0	And tell Dave it 's for me .
tr	0	He knows how I like it . "
tr	0	" Guess who ! "
tr	0	said a voice from behind .
tr	0	Chris arched his back and pulled away .
tr	0	I didn 't mean it ! "
tr	0	Making him feel bad .
tr	0	Just thought it would be fun . "
tr	0	She smiled and moved toward it .
tr	0	" Really , I mean it . "
tr	0	" No , you do .
tr	0	But she was right .
tr	0	" Want a sandwich ? "
tr	0	" I 'm a vegetarian now .
tr	0	How do you feel about that ? "
tr	0	She made a face and turned away .
tr	0	Anyway , I 'm all organic now .
tr	0	Her pants and sandals were brown .
tr	0	" All made from hemp .
tr	0	That George Washington used to grow it ?
tr	0	What were they again ?
tr	0	He didn 't remember .
tr	0	And get them to understand .
tr	0	Do you know what I mean ? "
tr	0	He had to smile when she shrugged .
tr	0	What are you smiling about ? "
tr	0	It was her turn to smile .
tr	0	All your secret places ?
tr	0	I can tell you that now .
tr	0	Braces did the job . "
tr	0	He blushed and closed his mouth .
tr	0	She smiled and winked and waved goodbye .
tr	0	It was just beginning , he knew .
tr	0	Things were looking up for everybody .
tr	0	Yet , here it was .
tr	0	" What do you want ? "
tr	0	" Don ' hit me ! "
tr	0	Fifteen , certainly no older than sixteen .
tr	0	" What do you want ? "
tr	0	the boy asked miserably .
tr	0	" I won 't hurt you .
tr	0	Chris needed to think about that .
tr	0	He had a thousand questions .
tr	0	He decided to start at the beginning .
tr	0	" Why are you following me ? "
tr	0	" They asked me to . "
tr	0	" Which one was Sykes ? "
tr	0	" The short bald fella .
tr	0	Mean one , he is . "
tr	0	" Who is he ? "
tr	0	Seemed eager to join us .
tr	0	Captain made him our pilot .
tr	0	Mistake , that was . "
tr	0	The boy looked thoughtful before answering .
tr	0	" Hard ta explain , really .
tr	0	Smooth talker , he is .
tr	0	In what way ? "
tr	0	The boy scrunched his face .
tr	0	" Whole things a bollocks , really .
tr	0	All by himself , he was .
tr	0	Except Sykes , that is .
tr	0	" For what ? "
tr	0	" What happened in Tortuga ? "
tr	0	" What happened next ? "
tr	0	" That 's when the weather hit .
tr	0	But half-full aren 't enough fer some .
tr	0	It wasn 't fer Sykes .
tr	0	An on it went . "
tr	0	" Then what happened ? "
tr	0	He said ... " " What ? "
tr	0	The boy lowered his head .
tr	0	" What about you ? "
tr	0	The boy looked pained once again .
tr	0	Worst seas I e 're encountered .
tr	0	Chris was shocked by this revelation .
tr	0	Sykes jes wanted to run him through .
tr	0	Thought they owed him that much .
tr	0	I was on deck at the time .
tr	0	Chris had heard enough .
tr	0	He shook that vision from his mind .
tr	0	" Sure 'n I was .
tr	0	Me ' an Fletcher , I mean .
tr	0	He 's the quartermaster .
tr	0	The boy looked away .
tr	0	" William ... Billy , I mean .
tr	0	Chris 's stomach lurched .
tr	0	Her face broke into a smile .
tr	0	" Hey , stranger !
tr	0	Where 's the fire ? "
tr	0	This was all he needed .
tr	0	" Where are they ? "
tr	0	Two stacks of familiar looking coins .
tr	0	Chris knew then he was miles away .
tr	0	What 's going on ? "
tr	0	The room was filled with people .
tr	0	Seventeen or eighteen , at least .
tr	0	His hands were bound behind his back .
tr	0	Sykes was the only other man standing .
tr	0	No blindfold for him , Chris saw .
tr	0	The crew had taken notice of Sarah .
tr	0	Chris turned to look at her .
tr	0	Then , Billy surprised him .
tr	0	" Yer in luck .
tr	0	An ' yer right , of course .
tr	0	This council is over , me boy .
tr	0	An ' punishment has been decided . "
tr	0	Heads turned in his direction .
tr	0	Even Sykes ' eyes narrowed .
tr	0	Chris asked it again .
tr	0	" Mr. Quartermaster ? "
tr	0	After a moment , he spoke .
tr	0	" Aye , ' tis true .
tr	0	Mos ' fundamental law of the ship .
tr	0	Sykes beat him to it .
tr	0	" Tell the men .
tr	0	They deserve that much . "
tr	0	" Go on , " Chris said .
tr	0	Sykes heard the murmurs too .
tr	0	He raised his leg again .
tr	0	Most every head turned in his direction .
tr	0	All but Sykes , that is .
tr	0	The murmurs settled down .
tr	0	His leg slowly descended to the floor .
tr	0	His legs were shaking .
tr	0	" It 's community theater , right ?
tr	0	Improv of some sort ?
tr	0	Even Billy 's mouth dropped open .
tr	0	" Captain was giving chase .
tr	0	Sykes leaped to his feet .
tr	0	" It 's true .
tr	0	Everybody knows about it .
tr	0	Only two of their crew survived . "
tr	0	The men went silent a while .
tr	0	Except they hadn 't , Chris thought .
tr	0	They had all come back .
tr	0	Sykes had sat down again .
tr	0	There was no need to consult him .
tr	0	His opinion was known .
tr	0	" What are they doing ? "
tr	0	Sarah whispered in Chris 's ear .
tr	0	" They 're deciding his fate . "
tr	0	Exciting , " Sarah said .
tr	0	Chris nodded his agreement .
tr	0	To what , he had no clue .
tr	0	Doing his best for the captain .
tr	0	Gentlemen , please . "
tr	0	" Ale fer the men !
tr	0	All ye can spare . "
tr	0	But their singing went on .
tr	0	Otherwise , the beach was deserted .
tr	0	These were indeed good bones .
tr	0	But here was an entire ship .
tr	0	That was another curious thing .
tr	0	But where were the news stories ?
tr	0	Where was the media ?
tr	0	" Don 't do that ! "
tr	0	" Sorry , " he said .
tr	0	Do a body good . "
tr	0	" Where 's your dog ? "
tr	0	Jes like his master .
tr	0	That or he be with the crew .
tr	0	His patience paid off .
tr	0	The captain went on .
tr	0	" I canna let that happen .
tr	0	The professor was now in serious danger .
tr	0	" What really happened in Tortuga ? "
tr	0	After a while , the captain spoke .
tr	0	" Now , lad .
tr	0	" Good , laddie .
tr	0	Yer a smart one , you are .
tr	0	" Cursed how ? "
tr	0	Strangely , the captain smiled .
tr	0	" Doesn ' matter how laddie .
tr	0	I shoulda seen it coming .
tr	0	That be me downfall .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Aye , I do .
tr	0	What was done was done .
tr	0	" Nothing , " he answered .
tr	0	" I 'm fine .
tr	0	Let 's go . "
tr	0	The two continued their walk in silence .
tr	0	The captain wouldn 't look at him .
tr	0	" There 's another way ! "
tr	0	" I 'm sure of it .
tr	0	I just need some time .
tr	0	But you have to trust me . "
tr	0	But it just might work .
tr	0	He turned to the captain .
tr	0	Chris smiled , then nodded .
tr	0	" Pretty sure , " he said .
tr	0	Remarkable things they were too .
tr	0	What was done was done .
tr	0	Not long afterward , the sky blackened .
tr	0	Their captain decided this was only fair .
tr	0	He was just its steward .
tr	0	Barney and the captain looked his way .
tr	0	Chris grasped the railing and held fast .
tr	0	" I told you .
tr	0	It 's your ship .
tr	0	Well , him and the university .
tr	0	The ship had returned to the sea .
tr	0	The uniformed men could only watch .
tr	0	" Yup , " Lucas replied .
tr	0	" Certainly does . "
tr	0	We knew it would probably happen .
tr	0	The ranger smiled and nodded .
tr	0	Chris pinched himself and looked down .
tr	0	For that , he was grateful .
tr	0	" What do we do now ? "
tr	0	" What do we do now ? "
tr	0	Chris turned and shut off the television .
tr	0	" Do you remember anything else ? "
tr	0	Maybe Sarah hadn 't seen it yet .
tr	0	" What 's that ? "
tr	0	Sarah asked , pointing .
tr	0	Sarah shook her head .
tr	0	After a while , Chris spoke .
tr	0	" See that big one there ?
tr	0	He 's the male .
tr	0	The other three are females .
tr	0	These ones here are called Mountain Zebras .
tr	0	Now , look closely .
tr	0	Sarah followed his direction .
tr	0	" They 're different .
tr	0	No two Zebras are striped alike .
tr	0	He paused a moment before going on .
tr	0	Oh , they 're just for fun .
tr	0	And for the kids .
tr	0	They 're doing good .
tr	0	He really loves them .
tr	0	" Hey , you know what ? "
tr	0	" What old monkey ? "
tr	0	" Mister Bobo , " he said .
tr	0	No biggie either way .
tr	0	Then , he stopped in his tracks .
tr	0	" What is it , silly ? "
tr	0	" What did you just say ? "
tr	0	She had to think a moment .
tr	0	" Before that . "
tr	0	Chris smiled and shook his head .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Nothing , " Chris replied .
tr	0	" Just ... you 're right .
tr	0	He waited a moment before asking .
tr	0	What night , I mean . "
tr	0	" September third , " she replied .
tr	0	My last night here .
tr	0	In fact , know what ?
tr	0	Maybe we can watch it together ! "
tr	0	" It 's a ... yeah .
tr	0	That might be fun . "
tr	0	Not to him , anyway .
tr	0	More than impossible , really .
tr	0	Dawkins , Barney 's lawyer .
tr	0	Chris couldn 't help asking .
tr	0	" Is everything okay ? "
tr	0	Barney waved his hand dismissively .
tr	0	" Nothing wrong with me , son .
tr	0	Now , young man , tell us .
tr	0	Why have you brought us here ? "
tr	0	But Sarah was right too .
tr	0	Barney was smiling and nodding .
tr	0	Even he knew it would sound crazy .
tr	0	He said it anyway .
tr	0	" But I know this much .
tr	0	Something is going to happen . "
tr	0	Canna be done . "
tr	0	We are nae without resources .
tr	0	That 's the end of it . "
tr	0	Barney raised his eyebrows .
tr	0	The barkeep motioned to the clock .
tr	0	Then again , times were tough .
tr	0	" No fishing today , Clem ? "
tr	0	Angelina was crying , as usual .
tr	0	Behind the bar , Marcus snorted .
tr	0	" Chad 's ? "
tr	0	" Excuse me ? "
tr	0	Lucas asked before he could stop himself .
tr	0	" Nor is it Blake 's .
tr	0	The baby belongs to Reese .
tr	0	Lucas caught Marcus 's eye .
tr	0	Lucas wasn 't so sure about that .
tr	0	But he couldn 't concentrate now .
tr	0	The moment was spoiled .
tr	0	He was covered in paint .
tr	0	That 's exactly the point . "
tr	0	His dog was beside him .
tr	0	" How 's it going ? "
tr	0	" Goin ' well , laddie .
tr	0	He 'd expected that .
tr	0	But what the hell , he thought .
tr	0	~ Arthur Cobb knew something was up .
tr	0	But he knew it nonetheless .
tr	0	He didn 't know .
tr	0	Maybe he was losing his mind .
tr	0	It was quite vexing .
tr	0	Yes , it was a shame .
tr	0	He needed to do something about that .
tr	0	Could a friend help a guy out ?
tr	0	What kind of work , they asked ?
tr	0	A down payment , it was called .
tr	0	Clem and Perry both nodded their acknowledgment .
tr	0	" Wal-Mart , " he answered .
tr	0	" Superstore 's just across the street .
tr	0	They got everything there . "
tr	0	" Ah , yes .
tr	0	That be the place . "
tr	0	" And then some . "
tr	0	There was no getting around it .
tr	0	No , Seth could wait for that .
tr	0	But not the other .
tr	0	More of the same , he feared .
tr	0	" What section is that ? "
tr	0	Lucas asked the manager .
tr	0	It took Lucas a moment .
tr	0	After a moment , Lucas answered .
tr	0	" Yes , I do . "
tr	0	" They look like pirates ! "
tr	0	the manager said excitedly .
tr	0	Lucas gritted his teeth .
tr	0	" Yes , " he answered coolly .
tr	0	" Yes , they do . "
tr	0	The chorus went on and on .
tr	0	Do you understand me ? "
tr	0	" I guess . "
tr	0	" Small world ! "
tr	0	Eventually , he let it slip .
tr	0	No big deal either way . "
tr	0	And then , she said it .
tr	0	She was going with Billy Grey .
tr	0	She thought he had a cute accent .
tr	0	Chris wanted to puke .
tr	0	" So you should come with us !
tr	0	Lots and lots of rope .
tr	0	But they hadn 't taken any nails .
tr	0	His mind raced with possibilities .
tr	0	But where could it be ?
tr	0	Their own difficulties were long behind them .
tr	0	Most importantly , he had the resources .
tr	0	Oh well , he thought .
tr	0	Arthur asked in his sweetest tone .
tr	0	" Of the Cape Cod Times ? "
tr	0	Yes , yes , I know .
tr	0	Yes , yes , I know .
tr	0	It was among his favorite days .
tr	0	That strange amalgam of accents .
tr	0	So let them have their romance .
tr	0	What did he care ?
tr	0	Kids were running about here and there .
tr	0	" There ye are , laddie ! "
tr	0	came a familiar shout .
tr	0	Catching his eye , she smiled .
tr	0	Hip Hip ... " " Hooray ! "
tr	0	Chris returned the hey and the smile .
tr	0	He turned to Sarah .
tr	0	" Having fun ? "
tr	0	Her eyes smiled back as she nodded .
tr	0	" These guys are great !
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" The other night stuff ?
tr	0	And the cheer ? "
tr	0	" Pirates , " he said dismissively .
tr	0	Maybe just kids having a little fun .
tr	0	That was no way to make detective .
tr	0	He was sure of it .
tr	0	Clever idea , really .
tr	0	Great way to stretch a dollar .
tr	0	He could just see it .
tr	0	But the money didn 't hurt .
tr	0	And it wasn 't much .
tr	0	Chris knew it was pretty lame .
tr	0	He saw Sarah and smiled in greeting .
tr	0	" Hey , stranger ! "
tr	0	" Let 's go ! "
tr	0	" You want something ? "
tr	0	" Where 's Billy ? "
tr	0	" Haven 't seen much of him .
tr	0	But their appearance had changed .
tr	0	Turnabout was fair play , after all .
tr	0	Talk to me . "
tr	0	" Calvin , " he began smoothly .
tr	0	" Seth Zimmerman here .
tr	0	Hope I 'm not disturbing you ? "
tr	0	" Course not , Sparky !
tr	0	How the hell are you ? "
tr	0	" Very well , Mister Pickett .
tr	0	Seth cleared his throat before he began .
tr	0	" Son , " Pickett said .
tr	0	" That is wonderful news .
tr	0	Couldn 't be happier .
tr	0	Hesitation equals weakness or some such thing .
tr	0	" What is it ? "
tr	0	" Well , " Pickett began .
tr	0	But what 's done was done .
tr	0	" Truly sorry to hear that .
tr	0	Happens to lots of folks .
tr	0	Won 't happen to me , though .
tr	0	" The Jumble ! "
tr	0	" Do it every day without fail .
tr	0	Keeps the mind sharp ! "
tr	0	" Why is that ? "
tr	0	Do you understand me ?
tr	0	Chapter and verse , my friend . "
tr	0	Sweat dripped down Seth 's face .
tr	0	" Looking forward to it ! "
tr	0	he replied , wiping it away .
tr	0	Oh well , he thought .
tr	0	" Local Historian Finds Treasure ! "
tr	0	" Who knows ? "
tr	0	The first two had arrived by boat .
tr	0	" They are , " Chris agreed .
tr	0	" They truly are . "
tr	0	" How tall are they ? "
tr	0	" Guess she 's about fifteen feet .
tr	0	" Wow , " Sarah said .
tr	0	" Not so stupid , really .
tr	0	There 's actually some debate about that .
tr	0	" Hey , you know us guys .
tr	0	" Sounds kinky , " Sarah said .
tr	0	" I 'm serious .
tr	0	Sarah rolled her eyes .
tr	0	I cross my heart . "
tr	0	" What 's going on ? "
tr	0	Well , reconstructed , he thought .
tr	0	The rest of her was black .
tr	0	Can 't leave this room .
tr	0	He watched her smile .
tr	0	Chris smiled too before grabbing her arm .
tr	0	Let 's check it out . "
tr	0	He recognized most everybody .
tr	0	' Slap it lib ' rally ! '
tr	0	Billy turned to appraise the ship .
tr	0	" Don ' quite believe it meself .
tr	0	But Billy just smiled .
tr	0	" He 's right , ya know .
tr	0	Got ta get back ! "
tr	0	Chris took one last look around .
tr	0	" Well , " he said .
tr	0	" We should probably go .
tr	0	Might 've been McGarvey 's .
tr	0	Or maybe Annie 's Variety .
tr	0	To his surprise , the man smiled .
tr	0	" Go on , " he said .
tr	0	The man actually blushed .
tr	0	I mean , they are everywhere .
tr	0	Got one myself just the other day .
tr	0	Have you seen those ?
tr	0	The man got suddenly less chatty .
tr	0	" A kid , you say ? "
tr	0	" That 's right .
tr	0	Fourteen , maybe fifteen .
tr	0	Hell , I don 't remember .
tr	0	Lucas was getting impatient .
tr	0	" The name ? "
tr	0	The man searched his mind .
tr	0	Billy was what he said .
tr	0	Less than nothing , he thought .
tr	0	Clever boy , this Billy Grey .
tr	0	The ship 's bell .
tr	0	This was big , he knew .
tr	0	This was really big .
tr	0	" Bastard , " he said .
tr	0	" Bastard , " it read .
tr	0	Some things never changed , Chris thought .
tr	0	What were you going to do ?
tr	0	The Rump was a small place .
tr	0	Make yourself comfortable . "
tr	0	" Want a sandwich ? "
tr	0	" Don 't be frightened .
tr	0	He turned and raised his eyebrows .
tr	0	She looked away before going on .
tr	0	" I 'm not sure , really .
tr	0	But I mean , everything I guess .
tr	0	Running an inn with your mother .
tr	0	Not having a father .
tr	0	" I 'm sorry .
tr	0	I have no business asking .
tr	0	He saw she was smiling .
tr	0	" At least from my perspective .
tr	0	Because , it 's my life .
tr	0	He let it dangle for a moment .
tr	0	" Oh , yeah , that .
tr	0	Just like anywhere else , I guess .
tr	0	Who drinks too much .
tr	0	Who hasn 't worked in years .
tr	0	Who hits their wives .
tr	0	And then there 's the church .
tr	0	Everyone went to that as well .
tr	0	Know what I mean ? "
tr	0	" And then there 's the inn .
tr	0	It was like , their dream .
tr	0	Know what I mean ?
tr	0	He smiled before going on .
tr	0	I can listen too .
tr	0	Anyway , home schooling is pretty cool .
tr	0	" Now , that last thing .
tr	0	I guess that 's the hardest .
tr	0	Just forget what he looks like .
tr	0	And his laugh , oh boy .
tr	0	Know what I mean ?
tr	0	Get the hell out of bed . '
tr	0	Silly , I know .
tr	0	But it helps . "
tr	0	" Sorry , " he said .
tr	0	" Thanks , " she said .
tr	0	" I really appreciate it . "
tr	0	" Ah , hell .
tr	0	Speaking of ... hey , look ! "
tr	0	He pointed down at the beach .
tr	0	Chris knew it was .
tr	0	The crew cheered that milestone .
tr	0	The captain too was smiling .
tr	0	But he paid that no mind .
tr	0	What would happen would happen .
tr	0	Chris couldn 't believe it himself .
tr	0	Unconsciously , he started shaking his head .
tr	0	Every morning , really , he thought .
tr	0	His glasses were askew .
tr	0	Perhaps that would help .
tr	0	Maybe she 'd land on her feet .
tr	0	Not in this economy .
tr	0	She really was good .
tr	0	It was one of his confounded rules .
tr	0	Nothing to be alarmed about .
tr	0	The man was simply tired .
tr	0	Some spoke in hushed whispers .
tr	0	A long night at the Cove .
tr	0	Every man had his price .
tr	0	To what possible end ?
tr	0	There were easier ways to find firewood .
tr	0	Lucas looked away first .
tr	0	But that made no sense either .
tr	0	He was sure of that .
tr	0	But nothing was impossible .
tr	0	But enough of this .
tr	0	Maybe that was somehow connected to this .
tr	0	Only a few minutes though .
tr	0	The poor man needed his rest .
tr	0	the cop asked as they walked .
tr	0	Any one of a thousand things .
tr	0	" No , " he answered truthfully .
tr	0	" Nothing worth talking about anyway . "
tr	0	" What are you waiting for ? "
tr	0	He came up laughing .
tr	0	he asked , returning the volley .
tr	0	Moments later , they both broke it .
tr	0	Chris smiled and sat up .
tr	0	Probably both , Chris thought .
tr	0	Sarah motioned him to turn .
tr	0	The others answered with the chant .
tr	0	" Ah , here be young Christopher .
tr	0	Where ye been keepin ' yerself lad ?
tr	0	It had weighed heavily on his mind .
tr	0	But it needed to be said .
tr	0	" He 's a good guy .
tr	0	Anyway , you were right .
tr	0	Lem me see it . "
tr	0	" Promise , " Chris said .
tr	0	He wasn 't an idiot .
tr	0	The rest was out of his hands .
tr	0	But how did ye know ? "
tr	0	The ship grounding and sinking .
tr	0	" But now , " Chris said .
tr	0	" Anything , me boy .
tr	0	So why were you coming ? "
tr	0	Is that right ? "
tr	0	He went on to detail those provisions .
tr	0	Chris smiled and promised he 'd visit .
tr	0	" Remember your promise .
tr	0	" Costco , " he shouted .
tr	0	They got everything there . "
tr	0	Chris smiled and nodded .
tr	0	In the starlit darkness , Chris smiled .
tr	0	She certainly wasn 't stupid .
tr	0	" Anyway , " he went on .
tr	0	He opened his eyes .
tr	0	His bladder let go .
tr	0	The one in the middle .
tr	0	The man had come from nowhere .
tr	0	Tears formed in Arthur 's eyes .
tr	0	Arthur showed far more self-control this time .
tr	0	Their eyes went wide .
tr	0	On the open sea .
tr	0	" Let 's go ! "
tr	0	The two ran down the gangway .
tr	0	Chris returned his smile .
tr	0	You know him ? "
tr	0	Chris nodded and smiled .
tr	0	" Master William , " he began .
tr	0	Billy smiled and took Sarah 's arm .
tr	0	Realizing that , he stopped a moment .
tr	0	~ Arthur Cobb lay in bed brooding .
tr	0	The man heard it .
tr	0	Looking over at Cobb , he smiled .
tr	0	Arthur couldn 't , but nodded anyway .
tr	0	The man went on .
tr	0	But this man seemed harmless enough .
tr	0	Perhaps things were about to get interesting .
tr	0	That 's what I 'm here about .
tr	0	Ya see , they be bad men .
tr	0	Arthur shuddered at the thought .
tr	0	" Dead serious , boy .
tr	0	But no , that was stupid too .
tr	0	The captain nodded again .
tr	0	With a sigh , Chris climbed in .
tr	0	Half of those invited hadn 't come .
tr	0	The board of Decatur Heath had not .
tr	0	Oh well , he thought .
tr	0	None wanted to meet his eye .
tr	0	Oh well , he thought again .
tr	0	Nothing he could do about it now .
tr	0	The ship jerked beneath their feet .
tr	0	" Where are we going ? "
tr	0	" Shouldn 't be too far .
tr	0	" What are they ? "
tr	0	" Umm , " he answered quietly .
tr	0	" I 'm not sure . "
tr	0	Moments later , they heard barking .
tr	0	They 'd had a good run .
tr	0	And it was all because of him .
tr	0	That message had been delivered .
tr	0	That was pure Calvin .
tr	0	And still , she kept coming .
tr	0	Moments later a rousing cheer rose up .
tr	0	It was headed straight for her .
tr	0	He handed his captain the binoculars .
tr	0	The first mate raised his eyebrows .
tr	0	Then , surprisingly , the captain smiled .
tr	0	It happens sometimes . "
tr	0	" I surely don 't . "
tr	0	That had been nice .
tr	0	But it lasted only a moment .
tr	0	It could only be the captain .
tr	0	" Permission to come aboard ! "
tr	0	The two of them approached the ladder .
tr	0	Permission for them ta pass . "
tr	0	" Climb on up ! "
tr	0	But Pickett was right about one thing .
tr	0	It was time to finish this .
tr	0	But there was nothing .
tr	0	Oh well , he thought .
tr	0	Some people were just ungrateful .
tr	0	And that was just his own cut .
tr	0	Finally , he thought .
tr	0	" What 's shakin ' ? "
tr	0	The cheers and applause eventually died down .
tr	0	" Out of sorts .
tr	0	But no , his mind insisted .
tr	0	He refused to believe anything else .
tr	0	Throw a monkey wrench into the works ?
tr	0	Nip it in the bud ?
tr	0	" Not at all .
tr	0	So no , Calvin .
tr	0	I 'm not here to stop anything .
tr	0	" Chair ... what ? "
tr	0	Would you mind ? "
tr	0	Is that correct ? "
tr	0	It 's the way I do business .
tr	0	One of my rules . "
tr	0	" We appreciate that , Calvin .
tr	0	Folks willing to work hard .
tr	0	Work as a team . "
tr	0	Barney smiled again and signed his name .
tr	0	" That is wonderful news , Calvin .
tr	0	Seth felt a tightness in his groin .
tr	0	" Two peas in a pod .
tr	0	" No doubt at all .
tr	0	" But fear not , Seth .
tr	0	" You know , Calvin .
tr	0	You mentioned your book .
tr	0	Have you ever thought about it ? "
tr	0	Am I right about that . "
tr	0	" Wonderful , wonderful .
tr	0	" Sparky , " he began .
tr	0	Seth started feeling lightheaded .
tr	0	Write that down , Sparky ! "
tr	0	Seth 's knees buckled .
tr	0	To his left , Pickett spoke .
tr	0	" You two having fun ? "
tr	0	Sarah answered for them both .
tr	0	Barney turned to Chris .
tr	0	Everything to your satisfaction ? "
tr	0	" So what happens tonight ? "
tr	0	That 's when the moon goes new .
tr	0	" Well then , " he answered .
tr	0	" Goes both ways . "
tr	0	The boathouse lights came on too .
tr	0	Stand by for boarding .
tr	0	Repeat , unknown vessel .
tr	0	Stand by for boarding . "
tr	0	" Prepare to repel , men !
tr	0	Prepare to repel ! "
tr	0	It was his true pirate voice .
tr	0	The order came again from the cutter .
tr	0	Prepare to be boarded .
tr	0	Prepare to be boarded . "
tr	0	The approaching boat moved closer .
tr	0	He had to stop this .
tr	0	Chris didn 't care .
tr	0	All had their guns drawn .
tr	0	Why , he had no idea .
tr	0	Mind catching this rope ? "
tr	0	" Billy , " he shouted .
tr	0	Come help me . "
tr	0	Chris couldn 't blame them .
tr	0	Chris couldn 't blame him either .
tr	0	He looked away quickly .
tr	0	Chris knew why , of course .
tr	0	He would be getting his ship back .
tr	0	There was no doubt about that now .
tr	0	But summer was over .
tr	0	The state police captain droned on .
tr	0	" Gentlemen , " he began .
tr	0	The lieutenant moved toward Barney .
tr	0	The lieutenant stopped in his tracks .
tr	0	Chris couldn 't blame him .
tr	0	" Have you been listening ?
tr	0	Just arrest them all . "
tr	0	" Officer , " Barney said .
tr	0	Barney asked it again .
tr	0	" Mister Haskins , please .
tr	0	Haskins could only nod .
tr	0	Haskins just looked down .
tr	0	" Day before . "
tr	0	" Just word games .
tr	0	" Quite right , " Barney answered .
tr	0	That was nice too .
tr	0	Oh well , Chris thought .
tr	0	Frustrated now , he asked it again .
tr	0	The Lady Grace is yours .
tr	0	Every bit of her .
tr	0	And this ship is yours . "
tr	0	But really , thanks for coming . "
tr	0	Go to court to solve it . "
tr	0	" Aye , ' tis true .
tr	0	We sail upon the tide . "
tr	0	He turned to the captain .
tr	0	" This vessel is stolen property !
tr	0	Barney glanced down at his watch .
tr	0	The ship was only visible intermittently .
tr	0	" What 's going to happen ? "
tr	0	Unusual for her , he thought .
tr	0	" What are you thinking ? "
tr	0	" How do you mean ? "
tr	0	" Why not ? "
tr	0	" Then where are they going ? "
tr	0	Chris had wondered the same thing himself .
tr	0	" Where 's Barney ? "
tr	0	The Lady Grace sailed on .
tr	0	Said you were a natural .
tr	0	" What was it ? "
tr	0	He could only shake his head .
tr	0	Chris realized then he was indeed ravenous .
tr	0	Turning to Sarah , he smiled .
tr	0	Still smiling , he returned the volley .
tr	0	Kind of retro , actually .
tr	0	Make a good conversation piece , anyway .
tr	0	He might just keep it .
tr	0	Funny how that worked , he thought .
tr	0	Oh well , he thought .
tr	0	You can 't have everything .
tr	0	Was that what the man said ?
tr	0	Hmm , he thought .
tr	0	Have to think about that .
tr	0	It was a big one .
tr	0	Angelina was due to have her baby .
tr	0	He couldn 't wait .
tr	0	Then , he heard a voice .
tr	0	It was a man 's voice .
tr	0	Nothing special about it .
tr	0	Daylight streamed through his window .
tr	0	Get the hell out of bed . "
tr	0	So look out , I !
tr	0	You 'll be welcomed .
tr	0	It means a lot .
tr	0	And you know what ?
tr	0	She 'll be your flight attendant today .
tr	0	A word of caution , though .
tr	0	There , he meets a woman .
tr	0	A heartwarming and life-affirming coming-of-age tale .
tr	0	His kind of trouble .
tr	0	Registered with the UK Copyright Service .
tr	0	First Smashwords Edition : May 2012 .
tr	0	You know who you are .
tr	0	Today , I died again .
tr	0	It was smashed to pieces .
tr	0	' Yo yourself , ' I said .
tr	0	' What 's up ? '
tr	0	' And a new phone . '
tr	0	There was a short silence .
tr	0	' Where are you ? '
tr	0	I glanced at the man beside me .
tr	0	We were private investigators , of sorts .
tr	0	It was a new cell .
tr	0	I raised my eyebrows slightly .
tr	0	' That was fast . '
tr	0	' What happened ? '
tr	0	Reid looked at me expectantly .
tr	0	Something in my voice made him frown .
tr	0	Silence followed my words .
tr	0	' I 'm fine by the way .
tr	0	He shot a hard glance at me .
tr	0	' We need the cash . '
tr	0	I stared at him .
tr	0	' Are you pimping me out ? '
tr	0	He glanced my way .
tr	0	It was ten years ago this summer .
tr	0	Unfortunately , I got in his way .
tr	0	In short , I was drunk .
tr	0	He shot me in the head .
tr	0	That had been my fourteenth death .
tr	0	He still carried the Glock .
tr	0	' Why did he kill you ? '
tr	0	I grimaced and scratched my head .
tr	0	I hesitated before nodding briefly .
tr	0	My birth was a notable exception .
tr	0	For a while , life was good .
tr	0	I should have died that day .
tr	0	All that was left was ash .
tr	0	The road ahead was deserted .
tr	0	I suppressed them firmly .
tr	0	He stared at me .
tr	0	It was ten am .
tr	0	' Yo , ' said Reid .
tr	0	I rubbed my eyes and yawned .
tr	0	So was the phone number .
tr	0	' Pick me up in twenty . '
tr	0	I avoided his eyes .
tr	0	' I don 't like guns . '
tr	0	There was a calculated pause .
tr	0	' What about a sword ?
tr	0	You 're good with swords . '
tr	0	I looked at him steadily .
tr	0	Besides , I 've told you before .
tr	0	I don 't like violence . '
tr	0	' What about Louisiana ? '
tr	0	' Louisiana was a fluke . '
tr	0	I frowned at his words .
tr	0	Was Haus acting by himself ?
tr	0	Then again , it hardly mattered .
tr	0	Reid was on his fifth cigarette .
tr	0	' Is that him ? '
tr	0	I looked across the street .
tr	0	' Yes , ' I murmured .
tr	0	Reid slowed down and followed .
tr	0	We were not far from the water .
tr	0	The roads became deserted .
tr	0	Red tail lights flashed up ahead .
tr	0	The Chevy rolled to a standstill .
tr	0	Reid turned the engine off .
tr	0	Another bullet whizzed out of the alley .
tr	0	It was followed by a wild cackle .
tr	0	' Why is he laughing ? '
tr	0	' I don 't know .
tr	0	' Now what ? '
tr	0	he shouted from the alley .
tr	0	Reid 's frown deepened .
tr	0	' He does a bad Nicholson impression .
tr	0	The wind had picked up .
tr	0	The organic stench of the river .
tr	0	The acrid reek of gunpowder .
tr	0	' North-east corner of the roof ? '
tr	0	' Yes , ' I murmured .
tr	0	' I can smell you , half-breed !
tr	0	You stink higher than a skunk ! '
tr	0	shouted Haus from the neighbouring rooftop .
tr	0	Reid looked at me pointedly .
tr	0	He let off another five rounds .
tr	0	He gritted his teeth in response .
tr	0	Bullets riddled the water behind me .
tr	0	I debated my options .
tr	0	The Hunter would not kill Reid .
tr	0	This I was certain of .
tr	0	It was raining again .
tr	0	It slid down smoothly to the ground .
tr	0	I started to climb .
tr	0	They all hit their target .
tr	0	' What did you expect ?
tr	0	I glanced behind Haus .
tr	0	' Cain and Abel ? '
tr	0	' Go figure . '
tr	0	He did not rise again .
tr	0	Haus froze , his body stiffening .
tr	0	I never looked at his left hand .
tr	0	' Olsson was right .
tr	0	You 're weak , half-breed ! '
tr	0	hissed the Hunter with a distorted grimace .
tr	0	I felt my heart slow down .
tr	0	My knees gave way beneath me .
tr	0	It was still raining .
tr	0	' Yo , ' said Reid .
tr	0	It was that , or shoot him .
tr	0	Reid never asked about the Hayabusa .
tr	0	My name is Cain Haus .
tr	0	A friend recommended your agency to me .
tr	0	There was a slight pause .
tr	0	There was more silence .
tr	0	' Wan na talk about it ? '
tr	0	' That bad , huh ? '
tr	0	' Mikael Olsson . '
tr	0	He looked at me blankly .
tr	0	Rain drummed against the window .
tr	0	said Reid after a while .
tr	0	A frown marred Reid 's brow .
tr	0	A door slammed in the corridor outside .
tr	0	Voices rose and faded in the background .
tr	0	my partner said carefully .
tr	0	Olsson wrote for the Morning Post .
tr	0	Olsson was similarly shocked .
tr	0	I shook my head .
tr	0	' Did he have any enemies ? '
tr	0	' You suspected the Hunters ? '
tr	0	But they never came after me . '
tr	0	' I 'll call Novak and Price .
tr	0	I stared at him .
tr	0	Besides , we need the money . '
tr	0	I pursed my lips thoughtfully .
tr	0	' No , I don 't .
tr	0	' He 's a good cat . '
tr	0	A soft sigh escaped her lips .
tr	0	she murmured , hovering by a chair .
tr	0	I shook my head .
tr	0	It looked like it was grinning .
tr	0	' Can I have this ? '
tr	0	I indicated the picture .
tr	0	She smiled and nodded .
tr	0	I left the apartment a moment later .
tr	0	' How 're you doing ? '
tr	0	He wants to hire us . '
tr	0	' That 's great .
tr	0	The park was divided into four sections .
tr	0	I personally did not mind cats .
tr	0	I stopped and looked up .
tr	0	I stepped carefully towards the metal staircase .
tr	0	There was resolute silence from above .
tr	0	I sighed and put the bag away .
tr	0	I glanced over my shoulder .
tr	0	They looked like they were grinning .
tr	0	The cat looked unconvinced by my threat .
tr	0	The golden eyes widened in mild interest .
tr	0	The strays scattered further along the alleyway .
tr	0	I pressed the ' answer ' button .
tr	0	My grip tightened on the cell .
tr	0	I murmured hesitantly after several heartbeats .
tr	0	A faint chuckle followed .
tr	0	' What do you want ? '
tr	0	Olsson drawled in the same playful tone .
tr	0	Haus already told me about you . '
tr	0	' Did he now ? '
tr	0	His voice was no longer friendly .
tr	0	' Ah , ' murmured Olsson .
tr	0	Then , movement below drew my gaze .
tr	0	I turned and raced up the stairs .
tr	0	Glass shattered somewhere above me .
tr	0	A falling shard caught my cheek .
tr	0	' Hang on ! '
tr	0	I gasped at the cat .
tr	0	It was an incoming call from Reid .
tr	0	' Where are you ? '
tr	0	I snapped into the mouthpiece .
tr	0	There was a pause .
tr	0	' What 's that noise ?
tr	0	I needed to find an exit .
tr	0	I said sharply before ending the call .
tr	0	The gunman 's eyes widened .
tr	0	My feet landed on his chest .
tr	0	Footsteps pounded the stairs behind me .
tr	0	I turned and raced towards it .
tr	0	he said harshly after several seconds .
tr	0	He glanced sideways and paused .
tr	0	' And what is that ? '
tr	0	I had forgotten about the cat .
tr	0	' Is that an arrow ? '
tr	0	Reid 's frown deepened .
tr	0	he said after another pause .
tr	0	I grimaced and looked at the dashboard .
tr	0	Bullet wound to the head , DOA .
tr	0	' Copy , Control . '
tr	0	Reid glanced at me .
tr	0	' Yes , ' I said calmly .
tr	0	' Where did you go afterwards ? '
tr	0	' How long did that take ? '
tr	0	' About an hour twenty minutes . '
tr	0	' And you found the cat ?
tr	0	Just like that ? '
tr	0	I kept my expression carefully neutral .
tr	0	Meyer returned to his seat .
tr	0	' What do you mean ? '
tr	0	Meyer sighed and waved a hand .
tr	0	' No , ' I said quietly .
tr	0	The older detective 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	' He exaggerates somewhat . '
tr	0	' What did Meyer say ? '
tr	0	' Did he say anything else ? '
tr	0	I glanced at the sleeping cat .
tr	0	' Has it got a name ? '
tr	0	' It 's Cornelius . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	' You 're kidding , right ? '
tr	0	This was a half-truth .
tr	0	He glanced at me .
tr	0	' Why now ? '
tr	0	' I don 't know .
tr	0	A dry smile dawned on my face .
tr	0	' I know . '
tr	0	Another minute ticked by .
tr	0	Reid finally said , scowling .
tr	0	We were headed down the Sumner Tunnel .
tr	0	The cat woke up and yawned .
tr	0	Reid was quiet for several seconds .
tr	0	' What 's in New York ? '
tr	0	he said , glancing at me .
tr	0	I stroked the cat 's head .
tr	0	Reid 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	I stared at him .
tr	0	' I 'm already involved . '
tr	0	He glanced at me and scowled again .
tr	0	And don 't say another word . '
tr	0	' I wasn 't intending to . '
tr	0	' What about Price ? '
tr	0	I looked down at the cat .
tr	0	' Okay , ' I said finally .
tr	0	' But we need more weapons . '
tr	0	I paused and glanced at the dashboard .
tr	0	Reid 's frown deepened .
tr	0	Reid appeared to mull over something .
tr	0	' You have a car ? '
tr	0	Several , actually . '
tr	0	He knew his weapons well .
tr	0	' Then definitely leave them .
tr	0	And take your passport . '
tr	0	No one had followed us .
tr	0	he said in a neutral voice .
tr	0	I indicated the guns .
tr	0	' Take what you can carry . '
tr	0	I passed the paper across to him .
tr	0	' The solicitors ? '
tr	0	He stared at the numbers .
tr	0	My lips parted in a wry smile .
tr	0	Reid frowned and struck a match .
tr	0	he said after a while .
tr	0	I gazed at him steadily .
tr	0	His eyes roamed the underground garage .
tr	0	Reid glanced over his shoulder .
tr	0	The golden gaze switched to Reid .
tr	0	Cornelius glanced at me warily .
tr	0	A larger figure appeared in the corridor .
tr	0	' This is a lotta money . '
tr	0	She paused and stared at us .
tr	0	Our landlady was frowning .
tr	0	' Now get outta here .
tr	0	He paused and frowned .
tr	0	I looked at the rear view mirror .
tr	0	' What is it then ? '
tr	0	Reid stared down at the tin box .
tr	0	' Got your seatbelt on ? '
tr	0	' Yeah , why ? '
tr	0	' We 're being tailed .
tr	0	Entry was strictly by invitation only .
tr	0	The owners liked it that way .
tr	0	Reid followed in my footsteps .
tr	0	Am I clear ? '
tr	0	he said firmly to the young man .
tr	0	The latter nodded nervously .
tr	0	' You look awful . '
tr	0	' I 've been better . '
tr	0	Reid grasped the proffered hand hesitantly .
tr	0	' You are Reid ? '
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose .
tr	0	' He does ? '
tr	0	The woman 's smile widened .
tr	0	She looked at me .
tr	0	' Did you drive ? '
tr	0	' Was it awful ? '
tr	0	I frowned at Reid .
tr	0	' It wasn 't that bad . '
tr	0	Reid studied the couple thoughtfully .
tr	0	he said after a while .
tr	0	Solange 's expression sobered .
tr	0	' But we knew of him . '
tr	0	' What 's going on ? '
tr	0	' Oh , Lucas !
tr	0	Your sixteenth death ? '
tr	0	They 're looking for something .
tr	0	Or someone , ' he added gravely .
tr	0	' The First Council ? '
tr	0	Reid 's gaze shifted to me .
tr	0	Reid 's eyes never left my face .
tr	0	Silence fell across the room .
tr	0	A faint smile crossed his face .
tr	0	' What will you do ? '
tr	0	' I don 't know . '
tr	0	He passed the note across .
tr	0	' Who is this ? '
tr	0	My eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	' Will he help ? '
tr	0	' I doubt it .
tr	0	' Won 't you spend the night ?
tr	0	' Yes , they are . '
tr	0	He stretched his shoulders and yawned .
tr	0	' So , where to now ? '
tr	0	' We 're going to Washington . '
tr	0	Reid stared at me .
tr	0	I nodded briskly and looked ahead .
tr	0	' Put your seat belt on . '
tr	0	' I think I should drive . '
tr	0	I closed my eyes briefly .
tr	0	' Investment bank ? '
tr	0	Reid frowned and shook his head .
tr	0	Not in DC , anyway . '
tr	0	He paused and glanced at me .
tr	0	What do you wan na do ? '
tr	0	It had just gone eight .
tr	0	' This personal business ? '
tr	0	he said after he placed his order .
tr	0	' Thought so , ' he grunted .
tr	0	' Thanks , ' I murmured gratefully .
tr	0	The FBI analyst scratched his head .
tr	0	' Amongst other things . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose fractionally .
tr	0	He shrugged at our stares .
tr	0	' What 's this about anyway ? '
tr	0	He stared at our expressions .
tr	0	Show starts at six fifteen . '
tr	0	' Oh , and Soul ? '
tr	0	I stared at the cell phone .
tr	0	I smiled faintly at his tone .
tr	0	' That 's the beauty of it .
tr	0	He won 't be there . '
tr	0	' Probably , ' I murmured .
tr	0	' That 's an original Rembrandt . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	' It is ? '
tr	0	I turned back to the desk .
tr	0	' You 're kidding , right ? '
tr	0	Reid said in a shocked voice .
tr	0	' High density fire-resistant body .
tr	0	I looked at the desk .
tr	0	He looked slightly impressed .
tr	0	An image slowly filled the screen .
tr	0	She was smiling at the man .
tr	0	Strauss is the key .
tr	0	Must secure at any cost . "
tr	0	A soft tinkle sounded somewhere downstairs .
tr	0	Reid and I glanced at each other .
tr	0	' You go first .
tr	0	I 'll hold them off . '
tr	0	Reid looked at me with a frown .
tr	0	Unspoken words filled the silence between us .
tr	0	There was a thud outside the room .
tr	0	The dresser shifted slightly .
tr	0	The ones who didn 't had guns .
tr	0	' This is the half-breed . '
tr	0	The last Hunter begged for his life .
tr	0	I closed my eyes briefly .
tr	0	' I 'm sorry . '
tr	0	Reid pulled away swiftly .
tr	0	' How 's your leg ? '
tr	0	Another followed close behind it .
tr	0	We headed away from Capitol Hill .
tr	0	' They all dead ? '
tr	0	I waited a while .
tr	0	' I need another favour . '
tr	0	There was a long pause .
tr	0	' You 're kidding , right ? '
tr	0	' Thanks , ' I said gratefully .
tr	0	The restaurant was dark .
tr	0	' Why are we here again ? '
tr	0	said Reid behind me .
tr	0	' Can I help you ? '
tr	0	The old man 's eyes widened .
tr	0	' You speak Han Chinese ? '
tr	0	he exclaimed in broken English .
tr	0	' Come in , come in . '
tr	0	' Are you the patriarch ? '
tr	0	' Qin Lee ? '
tr	0	The young man looked up sharply .
tr	0	' What do you want ? '
tr	0	he said with a heavy frown .
tr	0	Reid 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	Reid held my gaze for several seconds .
tr	0	' This will cost you . '
tr	0	' We need them tonight . '
tr	0	I paused at his shocked expression .
tr	0	Where are we going ? '
tr	0	His eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	' Any particular reason ? '
tr	0	Reid gazed ahead thoughtfully .
tr	0	' You sure about this ? '
tr	0	he said after a while .
tr	0	' When do we leave ? '
tr	0	' Hello , Pierre ?
tr	0	It 's Lucas . '
tr	0	I paused and listened .
tr	0	' We 're fine .
tr	0	This has to be discreet . '
tr	0	' Thanks , Pierre .
tr	0	Give my love to Solange . '
tr	0	' Are you Pierre 's friends ? '
tr	0	he said in an amiable voice .
tr	0	He glanced at our bags .
tr	0	' Will this be all ? '
tr	0	' Good , ' he said .
tr	0	' Come aboard . '
tr	0	Thirty minutes later , we were airborne .
tr	0	We turned and gazed down the strip .
tr	0	he said with a blindingly white smile .
tr	0	Reid studied the roadster with raised eyebrows .
tr	0	' What can I say ?
tr	0	We like the classics . '
tr	0	There was a pregnant pause .
tr	0	' Nom de Dieu ! '
tr	0	' My word , Lucas !
tr	0	You haven 't changed at all !
tr	0	' About that . '
tr	0	Still , he never asked us questions .
tr	0	I glanced at Reid .
tr	0	Gustav looked at me expectantly .
tr	0	The detective 's eyes widened .
tr	0	' In Paris ? '
tr	0	His tone was strangely bemused .
tr	0	Gustav frowned and shook his head .
tr	0	Not that I 've heard of anyway .
tr	0	He 's coming over for dinner tonight .
tr	0	He might know something . '
tr	0	Christophe Lacroix leaned back in his chair .
tr	0	' We 're private investigators . '
tr	0	The brown eyes had narrowed thoughtfully .
tr	0	I might be able to help . '
tr	0	' I 'm afraid that 's impossible .
tr	0	Our clients are very -- particular .
tr	0	My famous Coq au Vin .
tr	0	The conversation turned to more mundane matters .
tr	0	There were five of them .
tr	0	It was opened by an elderly gentleman .
tr	0	' Any luck ? '
tr	0	Let 's try the next address . '
tr	0	I frowned , but nodded nonetheless .
tr	0	' No luck here either ? '
tr	0	' No , ' I murmured thoughtfully .
tr	0	We headed across the river .
tr	0	' Fancy a walk ? '
tr	0	I said to Reid after a while .
tr	0	It beats sitting here the whole night .
tr	0	There was a soft click .
tr	0	' Is someone there ? '
tr	0	' Is that you , Hubert ? '
tr	0	Reid and I froze on the landing .
tr	0	I glanced at Reid .
tr	0	He was already reaching for the Glock .
tr	0	Reid switched on a pen torch .
tr	0	Inside , the shelves were well stocked .
tr	0	' You noticed the pictures ? '
tr	0	murmured Reid with a frown .
tr	0	They were all empty .
tr	0	We were inside the master bedroom .
tr	0	I lifted it to the light .
tr	0	Bloody fingerprints covered the metal .
tr	0	Most of them were bills .
tr	0	I picked up a small rectangular board .
tr	0	It was a postcard from Italy .
tr	0	The transaction was dated four weeks ago .
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose .
tr	0	' I don 't know . '
tr	0	Instead I only had more questions .
tr	0	We turned into a side passage .
tr	0	Beyond it was a lab .
tr	0	I finally found 129 .
tr	0	The door hung loosely from its hinges .
tr	0	It was also glaringly empty .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	I tried the key .
tr	0	' Smart guy , ' murmured Reid .
tr	0	I leafed through the well thumbed pages .
tr	0	A second later , it opened .
tr	0	I motioned Reid wordlessly around the aisle .
tr	0	We turned and headed for the car .
tr	0	I thought for a moment .
tr	0	' On the count of three ? '
tr	0	We turned and exchanged fire .
tr	0	' Cover me ! '
tr	0	I shouted , indicating the Jag .
tr	0	I ran for the car .
tr	0	One round ricocheted off the wing mirror .
tr	0	It was the memory stick .
tr	0	Seconds later , flames flashed up ahead .
tr	0	' They 're getting reckless .
tr	0	He glanced over his shoulder .
tr	0	I glanced at the rear view mirror .
tr	0	Reid looked at me .
tr	0	' Are they firing at us ? '
tr	0	I glanced at the wing mirror .
tr	0	There was a distant bang .
tr	0	he said conversationally seconds later .
tr	0	I glanced at the speedometer .
tr	0	' Not really . '
tr	0	My gaze shifted to the road ahead .
tr	0	We were coming up to a roundabout .
tr	0	I shifted gear and swerved sharply .
tr	0	' Yes , ' I said tersely .
tr	0	' Put your seat belt on . '
tr	0	Bales of hay scattered across the lanes .
tr	0	' It worked . '
tr	0	' You 're bleeding again . '
tr	0	He pointed at his right temple .
tr	0	Both have been involved in crashes .
tr	0	The female presenter paused and frowned .
tr	0	' I don 't get it . '
tr	0	Reid stared at me blankly .
tr	0	Reid scratched his chin thoughtfully .
tr	0	Reid 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	Where 's the connection ? '
tr	0	The screen in front of Reid flickered .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	My eyebrows rose fractionally .
tr	0	I glanced at him .
tr	0	We exited the cafe .
tr	0	' What 's going on ? '
tr	0	' Are you all right ? '
tr	0	' Where to now ? '
tr	0	' We 're going to Zurich . '
tr	0	Thoughtful silence followed my words .
tr	0	' Amongst other things . '
tr	0	Reid gazed at my profile .
tr	0	' I 'm betting on it . '
tr	0	The cottage remained dark and lifeless .
tr	0	The countertops were tidy and clean .
tr	0	The cupboards were well stocked .
tr	0	The fridge and the bin were empty .
tr	0	' Yes , it is .
tr	0	It 's a daguerreotype . '
tr	0	' This original ? '
tr	0	Neither of us could decipher the code .
tr	0	' Yes , it is . '
tr	0	It was dated three months ago .
tr	0	We need to talk . "
tr	0	said Reid with a frown .
tr	0	The letters looked vaguely familiar .
tr	0	There was a name next to it .
tr	0	It was Prof. AM Godard .
tr	0	' Do you have an appointment ? '
tr	0	she asked pleasantly , unfazed .
tr	0	' I 'm afraid not . '
tr	0	' This is a police matter . '
tr	0	I looked at him blankly .
tr	0	' My name is Florent Mueller .
tr	0	How may I be of assistance ? '
tr	0	Muller was short and dapper .
tr	0	This is FBI Agent Barnes . '
tr	0	He indicated the lift .
tr	0	' After you . '
tr	0	It looked like another dead end .
tr	0	' The safety deposit box ? '
tr	0	' Professor AM Godard . '
tr	0	He paused and looked around .
tr	0	He indicated the alarm on the wall .
tr	0	The door beeped and swung open .
tr	0	I took a step towards her .
tr	0	Beyond it was a laboratory .
tr	0	Several figures sat behind the crowded worktops .
tr	0	' Can I help you ? '
tr	0	I turned and studied the speaker .
tr	0	The woman studied the ID .
tr	0	She seemed unfazed by it .
tr	0	I said , keeping my tone neutral .
tr	0	The woman shook her head firmly .
tr	0	Anna is very conscientious .
tr	0	This is most unlike her . '
tr	0	A rumble rose behind her .
tr	0	' Helena was here ? '
tr	0	the woman gasped in a high-pitched squeak .
tr	0	' When was this ? '
tr	0	The shoulders rose again .
tr	0	' Not that long ago .
tr	0	Ten , fifteen minutes maybe . '
tr	0	' Did she say anything ? '
tr	0	' What does Helena look like ? '
tr	0	We fell into step behind her .
tr	0	I said quietly as we strolled past .
tr	0	The woman ended the call .
tr	0	The figure behind the pillar froze .
tr	0	Then a scream left her lips .
tr	0	Reid and I started to run .
tr	0	' I 'll take the left ! '
tr	0	he shouted , drawing the Glock .
tr	0	There was a flash to my right .
tr	0	My fingers closed over the katana .
tr	0	I leapt to my feet .
tr	0	I felt my pulse slow down .
tr	0	My lips parted in a grim smile .
tr	0	A bullet had grazed my thigh .
tr	0	' Get down ! '
tr	0	' Now go ! '
tr	0	His eyes widened when he saw me .
tr	0	The figure next to him turned .
tr	0	' Do I know you ? '
tr	0	The old man started to say something .
tr	0	Bullets whipped through the air once more .
tr	0	The gunfire drowned out his words .
tr	0	A clang of bells erupted behind me .
tr	0	I glanced over my shoulder .
tr	0	I felt time slow down .
tr	0	A gasp left my lips .
tr	0	I threw myself to the ground .
tr	0	The ground shook beneath me .
tr	0	I stumbled and leaned against the bench .
tr	0	There was movement beside me .
tr	0	' Whoa , ' said Reid .
tr	0	Sirens rose in the distance .
tr	0	I started to run .
tr	0	Reid shouted behind me .
tr	0	I yelled and banged on a window .
tr	0	The old man turned at the sound .
tr	0	His eyes visibly widened .
tr	0	' Don 't follow us ! '
tr	0	The old man did not reply immediately .
tr	0	Then , he was gone .
tr	0	I think he 's a Bastian . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyes widened .
tr	0	' And you know this how ? '
tr	0	He studied the photograph for several seconds .
tr	0	A frown dawned on Reid 's face .
tr	0	' Have you two met before ? '
tr	0	Reid mulled this over for a while .
tr	0	' What about the woman ? '
tr	0	he added after a pause .
tr	0	I glanced at him .
tr	0	Where 's the link ? '
tr	0	' Vienna , ' I replied .
tr	0	A hush fell inside the car .
tr	0	' Look at it this way .
tr	0	' Yes , they are . '
tr	0	' Are they always this friendly ? '
tr	0	The low murmur of conversation started again .
tr	0	' What will it be ? '
tr	0	' The original beer . '
tr	0	An old stock of some sort ? '
tr	0	Tense silence had fallen over the tavern .
tr	0	Several gold teeth glinted in the gloom .
tr	0	I stared at him steadily .
tr	0	' That 's strange . '
tr	0	said the bartender politely .
tr	0	' You 're an immortal ? '
tr	0	he said after a short silence .
tr	0	The bartender glanced at Reid .
tr	0	He offered his hand .
tr	0	the bartender barked over his shoulder .
tr	0	he said , sitting down heavily .
tr	0	' Those were tough times . '
tr	0	' That was from a Turkish sabre .
tr	0	He sounded faintly surprised .
tr	0	' Better make the most of it .
tr	0	Mortals rarely get to savour this . '
tr	0	I glanced at Reid .
tr	0	' Do you know this man ? '
tr	0	' He 's a Bastian immortal .
tr	0	The bartender 's expression remained unchanged .
tr	0	He indicated the door .
tr	0	I studied the narrow lane .
tr	0	' Fancy some coffee ? '
tr	0	A shadow moved across the glass .
tr	0	We waited for ten minutes .
tr	0	The front door remained resolutely closed .
tr	0	said Reid after a while .
tr	0	Reid followed on my heels .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	' Isn 't this the sewers ? '
tr	0	I pulled on it sharply .
tr	0	It came away in my hands .
tr	0	Reid came through the opening after me .
tr	0	Reid directed the torch downwards .
tr	0	We headed in that direction .
tr	0	More locked grilles appeared in our path .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	I was silent for some time .
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	' Ah , ' said Reid .
tr	0	A glum look dawned on his face .
tr	0	' That 's definitely bad . '
tr	0	He pulled on the handle .
tr	0	The door refused to budge .
tr	0	' Let 's keep going . '
tr	0	There was no lock on this one .
tr	0	I studied the room we had entered .
tr	0	' What 're you doing ? '
tr	0	He stared at me incredulously .
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose .
tr	0	There were more footprints in the dust .
tr	0	I glanced at Reid .
tr	0	It gave way immediately .
tr	0	I felt Reid move behind me .
tr	0	' Where are they ? '
tr	0	' My name is Lucas Soul .
tr	0	He lowered the Glock .
tr	0	He cocked his head towards me .
tr	0	' Yes , ' I replied steadily .
tr	0	There was a long pause .
tr	0	' I 'm sorry .
tr	0	I frowned at the unfamiliar name .
tr	0	He rose wearily from his seat .
tr	0	swore the bearded man in German .
tr	0	He hesitated and glanced at us .
tr	0	The bearded man glared at him .
tr	0	' I know you want to fight .
tr	0	The bartender hesitated before nodding grudgingly .
tr	0	Two immortals fell beneath the blade .
tr	0	A scream rose somewhere ahead .
tr	0	My head snapped up .
tr	0	They struggled upright and started to run .
tr	0	' We 'll cover you ! '
tr	0	Black clad bodies fell around me .
tr	0	The bullet hissed past my ear .
tr	0	I pulled the katana out .
tr	0	He fell backwards with a dull thud .
tr	0	' Look out ! '
tr	0	There was movement behind me .
tr	0	The first bullet grazed my left cheek .
tr	0	There was a noise behind me .
tr	0	' What are you doing here ? '
tr	0	He struggled upright and winced .
tr	0	' Don 't ! '
tr	0	I looked at him steadily .
tr	0	My gaze shifted briefly to Anna .
tr	0	The old man seemed to freeze .
tr	0	he hissed at the end .
tr	0	Footsteps sounded behind us .
tr	0	Reid followed a few paces behind .
tr	0	' Is everyone all right ? '
tr	0	said Victor with a frown .
tr	0	' It 's just a scratch . '
tr	0	Victor 's frown deepened .
tr	0	He turned and studied the shadowy canal .
tr	0	A short and sharp exchange followed .
tr	0	The minutes unfolded slowly while we waited .
tr	0	' Get them . '
tr	0	Reid and I glanced at each other .
tr	0	' And the others ? '
tr	0	' We 'll deal with Marcus later .
tr	0	' Welcome aboard , boys .
tr	0	My eyes shifted to the vehicle ahead .
tr	0	Anna 's face rose in my mind .
tr	0	Something twisted inside my chest .
tr	0	' Watch out ! '
tr	0	They fired at the Skoda .
tr	0	I couldn 't agree more .
tr	0	' Go after them ! '
tr	0	He glanced at a side mirror .
tr	0	Something else caught my gaze .
tr	0	I stared at the road .
tr	0	It was what ultimately saved us .
tr	0	Another cracked its windshield slightly .
tr	0	Gunfire erupted in the night .
tr	0	The car lurched forward and accelerated .
tr	0	The Hummer was back on our tail .
tr	0	' Aim for the engine ! '
tr	0	The van swung towards the center line .
tr	0	' Hang on ! '
tr	0	said the red-haired driver .
tr	0	The Humvee barely jerked on its suspensions .
tr	0	' Take out their tires ! '
tr	0	yelled the Bastian driver .
tr	0	' Oh shit ! '
tr	0	The engine sputtered and died .
tr	0	It had slowed down .
tr	0	The rocket launcher was being reloaded .
tr	0	bellowed Victor 's bodyguard .
tr	0	Buzzing silence surrounded me .
tr	0	The stench of gasoline was overpowering .
tr	0	I coughed and blinked .
tr	0	Reid lay heavily against me .
tr	0	' Are you okay ? '
tr	0	' I 'll live . '
tr	0	It was the driver .
tr	0	The others followed behind me .
tr	0	The Skoda was a fireball .
tr	0	Sirens blared in the distance behind us .
tr	0	' Did they make it ? '
tr	0	I murmured almost to myself .
tr	0	' Don 't worry . '
tr	0	The driver glanced over his shoulder .
tr	0	The sirens were growing close .
tr	0	the driver of the Skoda muttered .
tr	0	They shouted a warning in German .
tr	0	' This way ! '
tr	0	said the red-haired immortal .
tr	0	' Follow me ! '
tr	0	Footsteps and shouts broke out behind us .
tr	0	Someone yelled ' Stop !
tr	0	This is the police ! '
tr	0	A brick wall loomed in our path .
tr	0	' The dumpster ! '
tr	0	We skidded to a stop .
tr	0	someone shouted in German , then English .
tr	0	Frustration gnawed at me .
tr	0	My hands unconsciously balled into fists .
tr	0	Better do as they say . '
tr	0	' We meet again . '
tr	0	I looked at him steadily .
tr	0	Lacroix 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	He studied me with a frown .
tr	0	The Frenchman stared at me incredulously .
tr	0	' So what are you saying ?
tr	0	I suppressed a sigh .
tr	0	Lacroix did not reply .
tr	0	I gazed at him for silent seconds .
tr	0	' Not just him .
tr	0	He glanced at his watch .
tr	0	Our time was fast running out .
tr	0	That lack of knowledge left me cold .
tr	0	' Is that a threat ? '
tr	0	The Frenchman was frowning again .
tr	0	he finally said gruffly .
tr	0	' And the gunfight ? '
tr	0	A hush fell across the room .
tr	0	' You found the trucks ? '
tr	0	Lacroix 's frown deepened .
tr	0	' They were empty . '
tr	0	Lacroix opened his mouth to reply .
tr	0	The Austrian officer interrupted him .
tr	0	' Yo , ' he said .
tr	0	' Yo yourself . '
tr	0	' How 're you holding up ? '
tr	0	' I 've been worse . '
tr	0	I sat down on a bench .
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose .
tr	0	He scratched his head and grimaced .
tr	0	' You 're right .
tr	0	There were sounds of a scuffle .
tr	0	He winced and indicated the driver .
tr	0	' That 's Anatole . '
tr	0	The red-haired immortal nodded amiably .
tr	0	' Lucas , ' I murmured .
tr	0	He was grinning at the bodyguard .
tr	0	Bruno grunted and lapsed into silence .
tr	0	Several armed officers appeared .
tr	0	The lines around his mouth were strained .
tr	0	He avoided meeting our eyes .
tr	0	I glanced at Reid .
tr	0	Another security door opened ahead of us .
tr	0	We entered the main reception .
tr	0	' Hello , Lucas . '
tr	0	' You know this guy ? '
tr	0	' That 's Olsson . '
tr	0	' What 's going on here ?
tr	0	Why are the prisoners being moved ? '
tr	0	he said sharply , glancing at us .
tr	0	The Austrian investigator 's expression grew shuttered .
tr	0	Olsson took a step forward .
tr	0	' Who the hell are you ? '
tr	0	Olsson smiled and held up a badge .
tr	0	I stared at Reid .
tr	0	My voice rang across the marble floor .
tr	0	I looked at Lacroix .
tr	0	A strained silence fell across the reception .
tr	0	A low chuckle escaped Olsson 's lips .
tr	0	They 're obviously lying . '
tr	0	' Check their guns .
tr	0	Just kindly hand them over . '
tr	0	It was the wrong tone to take .
tr	0	The Austrian investigator 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	' What 's the rush ? '
tr	0	Olsson grunted and jerked backwards .
tr	0	' My swords are in there . '
tr	0	I extended my hand brusquely .
tr	0	' On the count of three ? '
tr	0	I glanced over my shoulder .
tr	0	Rounds scored the floor behind us .
tr	0	Anatole grunted and staggered slightly .
tr	0	The corridor was blessedly empty .
tr	0	Blood was already seeping through it .
tr	0	Reid came back into the room .
tr	0	' Armoury door was wide open . '
tr	0	' Nice , ' said Bruno .
tr	0	Bruno held up a hand .
tr	0	' Stop right there .
tr	0	' He 's right .
tr	0	I returned his smile grimly .
tr	0	' Just try and keep up . '
tr	0	The first Hunter fell again .
tr	0	There was movement behind me .
tr	0	' You 're right . '
tr	0	I had to know .
tr	0	' Why , Mikael ? '
tr	0	My knee gave way beneath me .
tr	0	The longsword clattered onto the polished floor .
tr	0	Blood spurted between his fingers .
tr	0	He collapsed to the floor .
tr	0	Bruno shouted by the exit .
tr	0	I looked around the station 's reception .
tr	0	Reid and I stepped towards the exit .
tr	0	Lacroix yelled behind us .
tr	0	' They 'll come after us again .
tr	0	Lacroix studied me with a frown .
tr	0	I knew he was referring to Olsson .
tr	0	' Yes , I could have .
tr	0	But first , I need answers . '
tr	0	We started to run .
tr	0	Bruno barked the order again in German .
tr	0	They dropped from his grasp .
tr	0	' You 're the better driver ! '
tr	0	' Here , apply firm pressure . '
tr	0	He turned and dove inside the car .
tr	0	' Hang on ! '
tr	0	The passenger window cracked .
tr	0	' Get us out of here ! '
tr	0	I frowned and floored the accelerator .
tr	0	A tram had materialised on the road .
tr	0	We were directly in its path .
tr	0	Reid glanced at his side mirror .
tr	0	He glanced at me .
tr	0	' Hang on ! '
tr	0	A blare of horns erupted around us .
tr	0	I wondered whether Olsson was amongst them .
tr	0	I looked over my shoulder at Anatole .
tr	0	' How 's he doing ? '
tr	0	The bodyguard was frowning .
tr	0	' Where are you going ? '
tr	0	' There 's no reception here .
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose .
tr	0	' Victor 's coming to meet us .
tr	0	He 'll be here tonight . '
tr	0	Bruno glanced at me .
tr	0	He stared into the flames .
tr	0	' Someone called Marcus ? '
tr	0	Bruno 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	' He works for Victor . '
tr	0	I studied the bodyguard with a frown .
tr	0	' Why would he betray you ? '
tr	0	' I honestly don 't know . '
tr	0	I hesitated before voicing the next question .
tr	0	' And Tomas Godard ? '
tr	0	Bruno looked at me thoughtfully .
tr	0	He gave me a level-headed stare .
tr	0	The bodyguard nodded with an awkward expression .
tr	0	' What 's a pureblood ? '
tr	0	Bruno shifted uncomfortably under my unrelenting stare .
tr	0	He took another gulp from his glass .
tr	0	I narrowed my eyes at that .
tr	0	' Is Victor the current leader ? '
tr	0	' No , ' Bruno replied gruffly .
tr	0	A grimace crossed his face .
tr	0	Silence fell across the room once more .
tr	0	Anatole stirred on the sofa .
tr	0	A scowl dawned on Bruno 's face .
tr	0	He glared at the fire .
tr	0	Bruno 's eyes widened at my words .
tr	0	Bruno looked suitably impressed .
tr	0	' How many is it now ? '
tr	0	Bruno whistled softly under his breath .
tr	0	' That 's not good . '
tr	0	' No , it isn 't . '
tr	0	A sigh left my lips .
tr	0	A grimace crossed the bodyguard 's face .
tr	0	How 're you feeling ? '
tr	0	' Like hell , ' said Anatole .
tr	0	You already had half the gin . '
tr	0	Anatole muttered in a distinctly disgruntled tone .
tr	0	Headlights appeared between the trees .
tr	0	' You guys ready ? '
tr	0	' Yes , ' said Bruno .
tr	0	' Put your stuff in the van .
tr	0	We 're leaving the car . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	' Where 's that ? '
tr	0	' In the Czech Republic . '
tr	0	Reid stared at me .
tr	0	' Anyone got a smoke ? '
tr	0	' How 's Godard ? '
tr	0	I said after a while .
tr	0	His tone clearly discouraged further conversation .
tr	0	Awkward silence fell inside the vehicle .
tr	0	Why do you ask ? '
tr	0	Victor stared at me in the mirror .
tr	0	I shook my head .
tr	0	' You could say that .
tr	0	Tomas Godard is my godfather . '
tr	0	A clearing appeared ahead of us .
tr	0	The driver slammed on the brakes .
tr	0	Anatole swore behind me .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	The shock wave rocked the van violently .
tr	0	He took a step towards the van .
tr	0	The conflagration engulfed the entire house .
tr	0	' Where would they have gone ? '
tr	0	' Not far , ' Victor replied .
tr	0	' We need to leave .
tr	0	I hesitated , before nodding slightly .
tr	0	' Get down ! '
tr	0	A muffled curse sounded to our right .
tr	0	' Come on , move ! '
tr	0	Reid shouted with a savage grin .
tr	0	' Let 's go ! '
tr	0	The forest rapidly thickened .
tr	0	Gunfire erupted on our left .
tr	0	Reid grunted and clutched at his arm .
tr	0	' We need to split up ! '
tr	0	I called out to Victor urgently .
tr	0	' You okay ? '
tr	0	Another explosion rocked through the night .
tr	0	Shots rang out from somewhere close .
tr	0	The immortals fell with hardly a cry .
tr	0	A splinter sliced through my scalp .
tr	0	I studied the landscape with narrowed eyes .
tr	0	The trees thinned out .
tr	0	A glade materialised out of the gloom .
tr	0	Reid blinked at me blankly .
tr	0	His gaze shifted to my face .
tr	0	Heat exploded on my right flank .
tr	0	A shocked grunt escaped my lips .
tr	0	The immortal was tall and lean .
tr	0	I parried his blows unevenly .
tr	0	Tears rose in my eyes .
tr	0	Reid was going to die .
tr	0	A grunt left my lips .
tr	0	I slowly rose to my feet .
tr	0	My eyes widened in dull incomprehension .
tr	0	The immortal took a deliberate step forward .
tr	0	Someone spoke quietly in Czech .
tr	0	I opened my eyes .
tr	0	A sea of green hovered above me .
tr	0	' Hi , ' said Anna softly .
tr	0	A faint frown marred her brow .
tr	0	she murmured in a puzzled tone .
tr	0	Her lips curved into a wry smile .
tr	0	I stiffened and stared at her .
tr	0	Anna 's expression sobered .
tr	0	Another image rose in my mind .
tr	0	' Reid is fine .
tr	0	As was I , incredibly enough .
tr	0	A myriad of questions clouded my mind .
tr	0	' Where are we ? '
tr	0	My thoughts were clearing .
tr	0	' That was my seventeenth death . '
tr	0	My gaze switched to Anna .
tr	0	Silence fell across the room .
tr	0	' What happened ? '
tr	0	She paused and looked at me .
tr	0	I frowned , then winced .
tr	0	Even my face hurt .
tr	0	You had no detectable pulse . '
tr	0	A frown marred her brow again .
tr	0	' Yes , ' I said flatly .
tr	0	Footsteps sounded outside the room .
tr	0	He favoured his right leg slightly .
tr	0	This time , I was successful .
tr	0	' Two days , ' Anna replied .
tr	0	' How are you feeling ? '
tr	0	Anna 's frown deepened .
tr	0	' How , exactly ? '
tr	0	' What 's going on ? '
tr	0	said the figure that came into view .
tr	0	It was Tomas Godard .
tr	0	' She 's your doctor .
tr	0	She gave you her blood . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyes widened .
tr	0	He stared at Anna .
tr	0	' You did ? '
tr	0	She nodded , her cheeks colouring .
tr	0	Reid looked fairly stunned .
tr	0	He needs to rest . '
tr	0	The safe house was a manor .
tr	0	Something about the pictures piqued my curiosity .
tr	0	Their eyes looked vaguely familiar .
tr	0	' Where are Bruno and Anatole ? '
tr	0	I said , taking the seat .
tr	0	A tense hush fell across the room .
tr	0	Victor shifted awkwardly in his chair .
tr	0	I knew this man .
tr	0	' Who are you ? '
tr	0	Godard suddenly looked incredibly old .
tr	0	Anna 's head snapped up .
tr	0	He glanced at his granddaughter .
tr	0	' What do you mean ? '
tr	0	Anna 's voice rose slightly .
tr	0	A hush followed her tormented words .
tr	0	My hands fisted under the table .
tr	0	The old man looked positively haggard .
tr	0	' Why not ? '
tr	0	Reid laid a hand on my arm .
tr	0	Why be coy about it now ? '
tr	0	Tomas shook his head .
tr	0	Anna frowned and nodded .
tr	0	He glanced at Victor again .
tr	0	The latter was frowning into his coffee .
tr	0	I stared at him , still doubtful .
tr	0	Tomas Godard looked down at his hands .
tr	0	' Grandfather , ' Anna whispered .
tr	0	She placed her hand over his .
tr	0	Reid frowned at the immortal .
tr	0	That woman used to bully me . '
tr	0	Victor 's ears glowed brightly .
tr	0	I said at last .
tr	0	' Yes , ' said Victor .
tr	0	A dozen questions clouded my mind .
tr	0	' Why did you leave me ? '
tr	0	Godard looked away from my gaze .
tr	0	' The wolves ? '
tr	0	My gaze shifted to Godard .
tr	0	' Yes , sometimes .
tr	0	' Yes , ' said Tomas .
tr	0	A frown clouded his face .
tr	0	Anna rose and switched on the lights .
tr	0	Night had fallen outside .
tr	0	Godard 's eyebrows rose .
tr	0	' Felix was there that night ? '
tr	0	he said in a stunned voice .
tr	0	' Yes , ' I replied .
tr	0	Victor and Godard exchanged troubled glances .
tr	0	Tomas 's frown deepened .
tr	0	' They 're getting bold .
tr	0	Another jolt of shock darted through me .
tr	0	Anatole was more straight-forward .
tr	0	' Anatole , ' Bruno murmured tersely .
tr	0	The Bastian driver shrugged .
tr	0	My gaze switched to Tomas Godard .
tr	0	Tomas Godard shook his head regretfully .
tr	0	' I don 't know . '
tr	0	' Anyone hungry ? '
tr	0	said Anatole in the silence that followed .
tr	0	Bruno glared at him .
tr	0	the driver said with another shrug .
tr	0	The furniture was old and sturdy .
tr	0	' How did you know Strauss ? '
tr	0	I said , looking at Anna .
tr	0	said Reid , eyebrows raised .
tr	0	Anna shook her head .
tr	0	' Why did you leave Paris ? '
tr	0	Even Hubert agreed . '
tr	0	A sad smile crossed her face .
tr	0	Hubert was quite surprised .
tr	0	' What was it again ? '
tr	0	said Reid with a frown .
tr	0	' What happened ? '
tr	0	Anna closed her eyes briefly .
tr	0	' He succeeded . '
tr	0	Stunned silence fell over the room .
tr	0	' And the entire European continent ?
tr	0	You 're kidding , right ? '
tr	0	he added in a tone of disbelief .
tr	0	I stared at Anna .
tr	0	' Hubert discovered something else .
tr	0	' That 's the thing .
tr	0	A reflective silence followed this statement .
tr	0	' You were helping him ? '
tr	0	I raised my eyebrows .
tr	0	I said after a while .
tr	0	Hubert got scared and contacted me . '
tr	0	Anna glanced at me .
tr	0	It was Anna 's turn to frown .
tr	0	' What picture ? '
tr	0	she said , puzzled .
tr	0	Anna 's expression softened .
tr	0	' Where did Strauss go ? '
tr	0	A sad light dawned in her eyes .
tr	0	' How did they find him ? '
tr	0	I stared at her steadily .
tr	0	She looked at her grandfather .
tr	0	It was Tomas Godard who replied .
tr	0	Silence fell over the room once more .
tr	0	I suddenly remembered something .
tr	0	' My goodness , ' murmured Godard .
tr	0	' I remember that day . '
tr	0	A smile dawned on his face .
tr	0	' It was raining .
tr	0	You had just turned ten . '
tr	0	Her head snapped up at his words .
tr	0	she said in a stunned voice .
tr	0	Anna stared at me .
tr	0	' You went to the bank ? '
tr	0	Anna sounded fairly appalled .
tr	0	It was my turn to frown .
tr	0	I said , puzzled .
tr	0	' Will this help ? '
tr	0	' Where did you find this ? '
tr	0	She glanced at me quickly .
tr	0	There was a memory stick . '
tr	0	' What 's wrong ? '
tr	0	I stared at her .
tr	0	Anna shook her head .
tr	0	We changed them all the time .
tr	0	' What 's that ? '
tr	0	said Reid , frowning .
tr	0	Anna glanced at me distractedly .
tr	0	' How much time ? '
tr	0	Reid 's words mirrored my own thoughts .
tr	0	' And a few other things . '
tr	0	He gave Bruno an address .
tr	0	' Go to this place .
tr	0	' Do you need a hand ? '
tr	0	Her eyebrows rose slightly .
tr	0	Anna studied me for several seconds .
tr	0	Victor shook his head .
tr	0	His worried gaze shifted to Victor .
tr	0	Tomas sighed and shook his head tiredly .
tr	0	' It isn 't .
tr	0	The scowl returned to his face .
tr	0	' Besides , you forget .
tr	0	Tomas Godard hesitated before nodding slightly .
tr	0	The others retired for the night .
tr	0	A sigh left Anna 's lips .
tr	0	I pointed it out to Anna .
tr	0	' What 's this ? '
tr	0	Anna studied the sketch .
tr	0	A tired chuckle left her lips .
tr	0	' He liked to doodle . '
tr	0	I gazed at Anna blindly .
tr	0	Anna frowned at the diagram .
tr	0	Her eyes slowly widened .
tr	0	' It isn 't similar . '
tr	0	She leaned over the journal .
tr	0	We stared at each other .
tr	0	' Is that common ? '
tr	0	She looked at me gratefully .
tr	0	I studied her pale face anxiously .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	' What about it ? '
tr	0	I added in a patient tone .
tr	0	Anna stared at me .
tr	0	' What does that mean ? '
tr	0	I felt my blood grow cold .
tr	0	Anna shook her head .
tr	0	' Yes , ' said Anna .
tr	0	A frown clouded her face .
tr	0	Her footsteps faded on the stairs .
tr	0	' Is that -- ' ' Yes .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	I stared at the crimson liquid inside .
tr	0	' Is that blood ? '
tr	0	Anna 's gaze shifted to me .
tr	0	She raised a hand and stopped me .
tr	0	' I just have to do this .
tr	0	' How long will this take ? '
tr	0	' Can I have your sword ? '
tr	0	I stared at her , nonplussed .
tr	0	' What is this all about ? '
tr	0	She studied her grandfather dully .
tr	0	' You had better sit down . '
tr	0	Anna hesitated and glanced around the table .
tr	0	Stunned silence descended on the room .
tr	0	' You mean -- ' Tomas started .
tr	0	My eyes never left Anna 's face .
tr	0	Anna 's head came up .
tr	0	She met my gaze unflinchingly .
tr	0	' Yes , ' she whispered .
tr	0	There was no humor in her laughter .
tr	0	' Hang on , ' said Reid .
tr	0	She looked physically drained .
tr	0	Anna glanced at me .
tr	0	' No , ' she concurred .
tr	0	' What are you saying ? '
tr	0	Tomas Godard went pale at her words .
tr	0	Anna shook her head vehemently .
tr	0	' No , ' said Anna .
tr	0	Logs hissed and popped in the fireplace .
tr	0	' What now ? '
tr	0	Victor leaned back in his chair .
tr	0	said Victor in a frustrated voice .
tr	0	The immortal rose from his seat .
tr	0	' Enough of this !
tr	0	' Did someone die ? '
tr	0	He stared at Bruno and Anatole .
tr	0	Victor slapped him lightly on the shoulder .
tr	0	' Don 't worry .
tr	0	But we need some answers . '
tr	0	He sobered at Victor 's expression .
tr	0	' Sorry , boss . '
tr	0	She paused and frowned .
tr	0	' And this one ? '
tr	0	A faint smile crossed her face .
tr	0	' You 've been busy . '
tr	0	Something tightened in my gut .
tr	0	Anna suddenly rose to her feet .
tr	0	A flush tainted her cheekbones .
tr	0	What did surviving my seventeenth death mean ?
tr	0	Would I survive my eighteenth death ?
tr	0	And the ones after that ?
tr	0	Was that man Tomas Godard ?
tr	0	The noise came again .
tr	0	I sat up and frowned .
tr	0	His hands were tied behind his back .
tr	0	He glared at Bruno and Anatole .
tr	0	A shadow detached itself from the wall .
tr	0	The man looked around and visibly blanched .
tr	0	' Victor , ' he whispered hoarsely .
tr	0	' Does Roman know about this ? '
tr	0	They were only after the woman . '
tr	0	Tomas Godard appeared behind her .
tr	0	His gaze never left Tomas 's face .
tr	0	I started down the stairs .
tr	0	His eyes widened further still .
tr	0	Victor glanced at me with hooded eyes .
tr	0	Victor stared at him .
tr	0	' Fear not , Marcus .
tr	0	I promise you that at least . '
tr	0	Cigarette smoke wafted past my head .
tr	0	I glanced over my shoulder .
tr	0	The skin had broken over them .
tr	0	Anna looked away with a frown .
tr	0	' Can we help ? '
tr	0	Victor glanced at us .
tr	0	His gaze focused on me .
tr	0	Bruno stood silently behind him .
tr	0	' What now , Victor ?
tr	0	Victor shook his head .
tr	0	I have a better idea . '
tr	0	' You wouldn 't dare . '
tr	0	' Oh , but I would . '
tr	0	The prisoner glanced at me and snorted .
tr	0	Look at him ! '
tr	0	All he ever does is run ! '
tr	0	Reid took a step forward .
tr	0	the little man continued derisively .
tr	0	' Every Hunter knows it .
tr	0	A hush fell across the vault .
tr	0	I added in the same neutral tone .
tr	0	The little man nodded once .
tr	0	Blood seeped onto his shirt .
tr	0	My lips parted in a small smile .
tr	0	It makes sense now .
tr	0	' I won 't anymore . '
tr	0	He studied our grim faces anxiously .
tr	0	' Father , ' Victor murmured back .
tr	0	His gaze shifted to Godard 's right .
tr	0	I frowned at the name .
tr	0	' I prefer Soul . '
tr	0	Reid shifted and stretched his wounded arm .
tr	0	I said with a frown .
tr	0	The door opened behind us .
tr	0	Bruno paused on the threshold .
tr	0	I glanced at Reid .
tr	0	' Come , join us . '
tr	0	' Look here . '
tr	0	He gestured vaguely in my direction .
tr	0	Tomas Godard went rigid .
tr	0	Anna placed a hand on his arm .
tr	0	She was also frowning .
tr	0	The stranger subsided in his chair .
tr	0	We have no grief with him . '
tr	0	There was a low grunt beside me .
tr	0	' Who made those rules ? '
tr	0	Reid said in a hard voice .
tr	0	Costas 's gaze shifted past me .
tr	0	He studied my partner coolly .
tr	0	' And you are ? '
tr	0	' A friend , ' said Reid .
tr	0	' For now . '
tr	0	The Bastian noble frowned .
tr	0	I glanced at him .
tr	0	You need me . '
tr	0	My eyes narrowed further .
tr	0	I glanced at my grandfather .
tr	0	' Thorne is here ? '
tr	0	His eyebrows rose at Victor 's expression .
tr	0	the driver said innocently .
tr	0	He cleared his throat .
tr	0	Costas had gone red in the face .
tr	0	' You 're lying !
tr	0	He turned to Roman .
tr	0	' I was there . '
tr	0	' And you forget .
tr	0	A hush fell over the room .
tr	0	The other Council members shared guarded glances .
tr	0	' How is that possible ? '
tr	0	he said , his eyes sparkling brightly .
tr	0	The immortals all stared at Victor expectantly .
tr	0	He glanced at his father .
tr	0	Anna 's eyes narrowed at his words .
tr	0	' Wait a minute .
tr	0	Anna sat back in her seat .
tr	0	A sigh of frustration left her lips .
tr	0	Anna gazed at me steadily .
tr	0	' All right , ' she muttered .
tr	0	The frown still marred her brow .
tr	0	she added in a warning tone .
tr	0	I smiled faintly in response .
tr	0	There 's more , ' said Victor .
tr	0	He looked at his father pointedly .
tr	0	' She wasn 't alone .
tr	0	He paused until the mutters died down .
tr	0	Stunned silence followed this statement .
tr	0	The Council member was right .
tr	0	He gestured to Bruno .
tr	0	He straightened and looked around the table .
tr	0	' The aim is simple , gentlemen .
tr	0	They will not be expecting this . '
tr	0	There was a long pause .
tr	0	His smile turned grim .
tr	0	We 're just the decoy . '
tr	0	' The decoy ? '
tr	0	' Yes , ' said Victor .
tr	0	He studied the faces around the table .
tr	0	They worked well together in Vienna . '
tr	0	A grin lit up Anatole 's face .
tr	0	Anna scowled at Victor .
tr	0	' That sounds too risky . '
tr	0	' What do you say ? '
tr	0	Victor 's gaze shifted to my side .
tr	0	' What 's not to like ? '
tr	0	Victor nodded with a satisfied expression .
tr	0	' It 's settled then .
tr	0	We leave at dusk . '
tr	0	I said in a low voice .
tr	0	Anna rolled her eyes at me .
tr	0	Come with me . '
tr	0	' What are we doing here ? '
tr	0	Sullen silence followed my words .
tr	0	' Give me the gun ! '
tr	0	' Like this ? '
tr	0	Anna murmured , correcting her grip .
tr	0	' Bend your knees more .
tr	0	Relax your elbows . '
tr	0	' Got your sights ? '
tr	0	' Take a deep breath .
tr	0	Now squeeze the trigger . '
tr	0	' That was good . '
tr	0	She looked at me quizzically .
tr	0	I shook my head slowly .
tr	0	' Why did you leave medicine ? '
tr	0	' How 's that ? '
tr	0	' Er , good .
tr	0	There was a noise behind us .
tr	0	' Am I interrupting something ? '
tr	0	' Was he now ? '
tr	0	' Reid 's a great shot .
tr	0	Where 're you going ? '
tr	0	' Thank you . '
tr	0	' I had a good teacher . '
tr	0	' Shall we ? '
tr	0	Reid lit a cigarette and inhaled lazily .
tr	0	I stood back and lowered the swords .
tr	0	The older man relaxed .
tr	0	Others looked strangely thoughtful .
tr	0	' I never doubted it . '
tr	0	Does it have a specific meaning ? '
tr	0	Sundown came too fast .
tr	0	A sigh left his lips .
tr	0	Tomas Godard shook his head .
tr	0	Olsson 's assertion was evidently misguided .
tr	0	' Thank you , ' I murmured .
tr	0	' You 're welcome . '
tr	0	The frown had returned to her face .
tr	0	' How are you doing ? '
tr	0	said Reid after a while .
tr	0	The immortals were chatting among themselves .
tr	0	Reid continued in the same tone .
tr	0	A crooked smile crossed Reid 's face .
tr	0	We entered the estate from the north-west .
tr	0	Startled voices rose to the dark skies .
tr	0	There was a faint click .
tr	0	' There 's a dead rat . '
tr	0	' Great , ' murmured Anatole glumly .
tr	0	' I hate rats . '
tr	0	The earpiece in my ear crackled .
tr	0	Bruno paused and frowned .
tr	0	' What is it ? '
tr	0	He pointed at a crate .
tr	0	' Oh , come on ! '
tr	0	hissed Anatole as he trotted after him .
tr	0	Muted voices rose south of our position .
tr	0	We froze in the gloom .
tr	0	There was a pause .
tr	0	' They 're not friendlies . '
tr	0	I glanced at Reid and Bruno .
tr	0	They never heard our shots .
tr	0	Bruno glanced at me .
tr	0	I glanced at my watch and frowned .
tr	0	ETA in ten seconds . '
tr	0	' This is our lucky day . '
tr	0	I said in a low voice .
tr	0	' I 'm with the Bastian escort .
tr	0	I appear to have lost my way .
tr	0	' Is he alone ? '
tr	0	His hands froze over the keyboard .
tr	0	' Thorne killed you ! '
tr	0	' There , ' said Anatole .
tr	0	He stepped back and admired his handiwork .
tr	0	' Can you work this ? '
tr	0	said Reid behind me .
tr	0	I looked at my watch .
tr	0	Which ones did I need to access ?
tr	0	I stared at the monitors again .
tr	0	' What 's wrong ? '
tr	0	Reid 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	I shook my head .
tr	0	' There 're hundreds of folders .
tr	0	It would take too long . '
tr	0	' Gotcha , ' said Bruno .
tr	0	He and Anatole moved towards the door .
tr	0	A strained pause followed .
tr	0	They 're getting ready to leave . '
tr	0	One , then three and five .
tr	0	It was titled " Red Death " .
tr	0	I copied it and exited the system .
tr	0	I pushed back from the desk .
tr	0	' I 'm done . '
tr	0	I knew that voice .
tr	0	' It 's Felix Thorne . '
tr	0	' Is he alone ? '
tr	0	In fact , I could hardly wait .
tr	0	But there are others close by . '
tr	0	' How many ? '
tr	0	Thanks , ' I murmured .
tr	0	' Do you need back-up ? '
tr	0	the voice said hesitantly .
tr	0	' Will do . '
tr	0	There was a pause .
tr	0	' And Soul ? '
tr	0	' Good luck . '
tr	0	Reid 's eyes widened .
tr	0	Silence followed my words .
tr	0	Here , catch . '
tr	0	I threw the memory stick at Reid .
tr	0	The others are yours . '
tr	0	I stepped out in the corridor .
tr	0	Thorne barely glanced at them .
tr	0	' How is this possible ?
tr	0	I watched you die . '
tr	0	' What have you done ? '
tr	0	A smile tugged at my lips .
tr	0	The whine of bullets rose behind me .
tr	0	' I can kill you again . '
tr	0	I grunted and took a step back .
tr	0	' You forget , Uncle .
tr	0	Thorne 's eyes narrowed .
tr	0	He leapt backwards to avoid the blow .
tr	0	A shocked grunt escaped Thorne 's lips .
tr	0	' Your father marked me once . '
tr	0	A savage grin crossed his face .
tr	0	I felt my heart rate slow down .
tr	0	I blocked his first blow .
tr	0	That was when I realised something astounding .
tr	0	What 's going on ? '
tr	0	Thorne never looked away from me .
tr	0	The woman 's frown deepened .
tr	0	I should have blinked back tears .
tr	0	' But I won 't . '
tr	0	' You ready ? '
tr	0	' Yes , ' I replied grimly .
tr	0	Voices rose in the distance behind us .
tr	0	' Let 's go . '
tr	0	I glanced around anxiously .
tr	0	There were no visible exit routes .
tr	0	' What are you waiting for ? '
tr	0	shouted the voice in my earpiece .
tr	0	' Get on ! '
tr	0	Bullets crisscrossed the air around us .
tr	0	He smiled at me faintly .
tr	0	' Are you guys okay ? '
tr	0	said a voice anxiously in my ears .
tr	0	I looked at the others .
tr	0	There was an audible sigh .
tr	0	There was silence from the headphones .
tr	0	' She watched me fight Thorne . '
tr	0	This time , the silence was short-lived .
tr	0	' Did you kill him ? '
tr	0	' No , ' I replied quietly .
tr	0	' I wounded him . '
tr	0	Victor was the one who voiced it .
tr	0	' Could you have ? '
tr	0	' Yes , ' I said bluntly .
tr	0	' Are you all right ? '
tr	0	Anna shook her head .
tr	0	' We were waiting for you . '
tr	0	' It was Costas 's idea .
tr	0	He paused and clicked on a mouse .
tr	0	' Here 's the first file . '
tr	0	We stared at the information on display .
tr	0	' We know this already . '
tr	0	' Here 's the second one . '
tr	0	A familiar image filled the screen .
tr	0	More data streamed down the display .
tr	0	The tech whistled softly under his breath .
tr	0	We studied the screen .
tr	0	' What does it mean ? '
tr	0	Anna was quiet for some time .
tr	0	' May I ? '
tr	0	Victor interrupted with a frown .
tr	0	' Like making someone immortal ? '
tr	1	Today was Tuesday , and that meant Bible class .
tr	1	Because now the boy knew : none of it really mattered .
tr	1	They hadn 't moved a finger to help .
tr	1	What in the world was he supposed to do now ?
tr	1	It was him , the boy 's best friend .
tr	1	Why had she let herself be talked into this ?
tr	1	The turquoise knit cap she wore slid over one eye .
tr	1	" This place looks like the Twilight Zone . "
tr	1	Noah was right : it looked downright freaky out there .
tr	1	Noah tried to stretch , then grimaced and gave up .
tr	1	Seriously , that 's about all I 'll be good for .
tr	1	And Noah , good friend that he was , never asked .
tr	1	" Sounding so Bolivian , and looking it too .
tr	1	Behind trendy maroon glasses , her eyes were honey brown .
tr	1	Trailing wisps of clouds slithered around boulders below .
tr	1	Her own failings couldn 't ruin the moment for the kids .
tr	1	" Of the thunder when it storms . "
tr	1	He 's stronger than anything in this world . "
tr	1	That 's just because Noah is your friend .
tr	1	He was much too goofy for anything else .
tr	1	Noah was always so happy-go-lucky and watched way too many cartoons .
tr	1	Plus , he didn 't really know her .
tr	1	" I was wondering about something one of the kids said .
tr	1	" She and I both have older sons , teenagers .
tr	1	" We call them ' the missing ' . "
tr	1	We do not know where they could have gone .
tr	1	" From all over the mountains , many different communities .
tr	1	I hope she hasn 't already heard about this .
tr	1	There were some things that even time couldn 't erase .
tr	1	Three years in a comfy cell with three meals a day ?
tr	1	That was more than most Afghan children could dream of .
tr	1	Alejo evened his breathing and willed his weak arm still .
tr	1	Below in the Old City , the timing was perfect .
tr	1	Alejo set his jaw , then motioned to Benjamin and Gabriel .
tr	1	" Goodness , I 'm just kidding . "
tr	1	Gabriel flashed merry eyes at them and winked .
tr	1	" Let 's get out of here . "
tr	1	Alejo tried to tell himself he should be happy .
tr	1	In the morning his team would meet here early .
tr	1	" The coffee smells strong today , " Gabriel nodded proudly .
tr	1	Benjamin commented without looking up from the cheese .
tr	1	By speaker , he meant the next target .
tr	1	Was the guy never going to let it go ?
tr	1	Everybody seems to like him back in Bolivia .
tr	1	" Guys , Alejo knows what he 's talking about . "
tr	1	I don 't know if I can say this .
tr	1	Alejo did his best to focus , felt his face darken .
tr	1	But he didn 't tell them about Ruben .
tr	1	When Alejo was finished , Benjamin 's face burned .
tr	1	" Just fine , I 'm doing fine . "
tr	1	But who was she to judge , right ?
tr	1	" I 'm glad you 're feeling better .
tr	1	She is always making me up free food from the kitchen .
tr	1	You 're not singing til later , right ? "
tr	1	It 's only 9 now , right ? "
tr	1	Noah smiled at her so warmly her knees actually went weak .
tr	1	But then she caught herself and angrily kicked herself into reality .
tr	1	She could never be with someone like him .
tr	1	" I could use a good drink . "
tr	1	Noah leaned back and spoke into her ear .
tr	1	" I didn 't know you drank . "
tr	1	" Are you gon na have anything ? "
tr	1	Noah 's face was just inches from hers .
tr	1	Then she broke away and looked Rudolph right in the eye .
tr	1	" Yeah , man , " Tiago rushed on .
tr	1	Tiago swore and took a deep breath , smiling nervously .
tr	1	Someday , if it 's all over ? "
tr	1	She had , and in front of witnesses .
tr	1	Oh God , I can 't believe this !
tr	1	I am the worst missionary in the world !
tr	1	" Can we sit down here for a sec ? "
tr	1	" Sure , fine , " she answered too hurriedly .
tr	1	" So , that was my first kiss . "
tr	1	It was no one 's fault but her own .
tr	1	Oh yeah , and I 'm drunk , she thought angrily .
tr	1	And just please , don 't tell anybody . "
tr	1	" I won 't tell anyone , " Noah promised her .
tr	1	" I 'm not letting you go home by yourself !
tr	1	You , my dear , are totally wasted . "
tr	1	And don 't worry , " he said seriously , kindly .
tr	1	" You 've been reading that book again .
tr	1	And that means questions , big life and death questions .
tr	1	" You don 't like caramel mochas ? "
tr	1	Your arguments convinced me : the texts are authentic .
tr	1	Alejo felt his brow lower saying it out loud .
tr	1	Stalin swore under his breath across the table .
tr	1	" I can 't help it , I just do .
tr	1	I believe Jesus is the son of God . "
tr	1	But the one Alejo really dreaded telling was Ishmael Khan .
tr	1	" Don 't you remember what happened to Marco ? "
tr	1	Marco leaves the Prism to take up agriculture .
tr	1	And why wouldn 't the 964 be surprised ?
tr	1	Because they were behind the whole thing , that 's why .
tr	1	Frost crept into Alejo 's veins as it all came together .
tr	1	A house number clearly visible over the door .
tr	1	" If we leave , people we care about die . "
tr	1	The rest of Alejo 's team had stayed behind in Peshawar .
tr	1	They didn 't know why he personally hated Salazar so much .
tr	1	" And as for you , your hour has come .
tr	1	Did I not tell you I had a surprise for you ?
tr	1	Alejo hid his displeasure behind a passive mask .
tr	1	" Well , come see your surprise ! "
tr	1	And then the men opened their mouths and spoke .
tr	1	And the Khan wanted Gabriel to take the job !
tr	1	" Think about it and let me know . "
tr	1	But Gabriel didn 't need to think about it .
tr	1	For goodness sakes , he should just do it for free !
tr	1	And now Gabriel was just passing it all on .
tr	1	Gabriel , it 's not about the money !
tr	1	It was all about doing what Allah wanted .
tr	1	Then came the hard shelled black case from under the bed .
tr	1	He carefully placed the small case inside his backpack .
tr	1	Debit cards existed for a reason , didn 't they ?
tr	1	You 've got to make me pure and clean .
tr	1	Feeling true panic , Gabriel swore in Spanish .
tr	1	Maybe they had mistaken him for someone else .
tr	1	If you look at us , you 'll die ! "
tr	1	If I were Alejo I would fight these guys ?
tr	1	The taste of his own blood made him want to gag .
tr	1	" Or we 'll cut your throat , dirty Afghan . "
tr	1	Gabriel swallowed hard and took a steadying breath .
tr	1	I have the money right here in my pocket .
tr	1	All my money is there , in my wallet . "
tr	1	" We saw you go into the bank .
tr	1	How could you get so lost in your thoughts ?
tr	1	Sweat ran down Gabriel 's face , along with the blood .
tr	1	Gabriel felt his heart beat slow and cold .
tr	1	Stitches he really didn 't even want to imagine .
tr	1	" It is truly a miracle you are still here .
tr	1	Gabriel felt his face spread into a grin .
tr	1	That was supposed to be comforting , wasn 't it ?
tr	1	But Gabriel felt the smile drain from his lips .
tr	1	A dilemma that never would have bothered her before .
tr	1	She knew , now , that she really did love him .
tr	1	" A bus went over the mountain ! "
tr	1	a man called from a few rows back .
tr	1	Old accident or not , the bus passengers were curious .
tr	1	" Good heavens , " an elderly man stammered .
tr	1	" They 're just going to leave them here ? "
tr	1	" Looks like Islam is growing here , too . "
tr	1	She paused , frowning , wondering what Tobin was doing here .
tr	1	Standing in front of her bench , smiling down at her .
tr	1	" Aww , we 're sorry we scared you guys ! "
tr	1	" We didn 't know it would freak you out . "
tr	1	" What are you guys doing here ? "
tr	1	Well , she had also been avoiding him .
tr	1	What is it , Eduardo , a 24-hour hike ? "
tr	1	She had to think of something normal to say .
tr	1	His parents were wealthy and did not believe in God .
tr	1	On their way to a beach resort in Brazil .
tr	1	Now , Noah set his jaw and looked away .
tr	1	Hotels here aren 't up to their sky high standards . "
tr	1	You guys want to come with us ? "
tr	1	Maybe there was a chance Noah could love her .
tr	1	To squash the hope that right now was blooming to life .
tr	1	You miss seeing us without our t-shirts in the waterfall . "
tr	1	There must be some reason God was doing this .
tr	1	' Morning , " Alejo croaked , then cleared his throat .
tr	1	" I think we 're late to breakfast . "
tr	1	His gaze went back to the mist in the distance .
tr	1	" You sure you want to come along this weekend ? "
tr	1	" You can take more time off , you know . "
tr	1	Stupid person who installed barbed wire on the slopes . "
tr	1	" I mean , what a freak accident , right ?
tr	1	Running into wire at neck level while skiing ? "
tr	1	And what if I don 't do what he wants ?
tr	1	Gabriel looked at Alejo , one sandy eyebrow raised .
tr	1	" Did Ishmael talk to you about all this ? "
tr	1	I can 't even grow a beard ! "
tr	1	" Whatever Allah has for me might even be good . "
tr	1	Gabriel scoffed , but seemed quite pleased by the thought .
tr	1	He kicked the mini refrigerator door closed after replacing the milk .
tr	1	He 's got to be careful , you know . "
tr	1	The street was packed and hemmed in by tall buildings .
tr	1	" The speaker for the crusade we 've been planning ? .
tr	1	Alejo blinked , suddenly at a loss for words .
tr	1	" Yeah , you 're going to love this .
tr	1	" I need to get back to the group .
tr	1	Like I said , wish you were here . "
tr	1	Alejo rubbed his temple and spoke before allowing himself to think .
tr	1	" Did any of them say Ruben ? "
tr	1	That 's the kid on the guy 's lap . "
tr	1	Gabriel leaned against a fat banana plant , visually disturbed .
tr	1	" What are you going to do , che ? "
tr	1	Alejo flipped the phone shut and jammed it into his pocket .
tr	1	We have to do it before the trip to Thailand . "
tr	1	And right now , I 'm his hands .
tr	1	I can hike into town and find a new spot .
tr	1	Alejo narrowed his eyes at Gabriel , feeling possessed .
tr	1	Are you really thinking of killing the guy ?
tr	1	Alejo stopped in his tracks and held up one hand .
tr	1	" In Cochabamba the sniper could easily get away .
tr	1	Tell me honestly if you can do this . "
tr	1	Gabriel let out a low whistle and looked at Alejo .
tr	1	The staff , for sure , would be collateral . "
tr	1	They know , I 'm sure of it .
tr	1	" Oh , this is going to be fun ! "
tr	1	" I 'll get some stuff from Boris ' place .
tr	1	Then , I 'm going to mail a package . "
tr	1	8 scarlet THIS WOULD NEVER , EVER HAPPEN back in Ohio .
tr	1	Thank you God for letting me be here .
tr	1	" So , what did you guys think ? "
tr	1	Kayaking yesterday was cool though , too . "
tr	1	" This guy taught me everything I know about camping . "
tr	1	" We 're really pumped for this hike . "
tr	1	Noah leaned over the side of the truck .
tr	1	he called out in his most booming voice .
tr	1	" Can we give you a ride ? "
tr	1	" We 're , like , almost there . "
tr	1	she said back , seeming a little nervous .
tr	1	I should have made Tobias get out of the front .
tr	1	" So , what have you been doing today ? "
tr	1	I just came from that really cool restaurant , Villa Bella .
tr	1	" That place run by the hippy lady and her family .
tr	1	" Uh-huh , and it 's all organic . "
tr	1	Why hadn 't some guy snatched her up ?
tr	1	Tobin asked loudly , then flushed and cleared his throat .
tr	1	" They 're just on my hands and feet . "
tr	1	" That 's where henna tattoos work the best . "
tr	1	Not quite the good little missionary girl you might expect . "
tr	1	She jogged into the hotel without even looking back .
tr	1	Noah called after her , absolutely furious , shivering with anger .
tr	1	Trying to compose himself , he knocked loudly on the door .
tr	1	I can 't believe he would say that .
tr	1	Do you want me to go beat the jerk up ?
tr	1	" I 'm going home , to Cochabamba !
tr	1	It won 't be the same without you . "
tr	1	Are there any buses to La Paz tonight ? "
tr	1	" Can we buy a ride on this bus ? "
tr	1	What if the last bus out tonight left without them ?
tr	1	She stared at the two tickets Noah clutched in his hand .
tr	1	He paused , noticing her lip was quivering .
tr	1	Nothing was ever going to be ok between them ever again .
tr	1	" She 's a lot of fun for one night .
tr	1	" I mean , what is his problem ?
tr	1	We met at a church youth thing . "
tr	1	Her hands twisted the hem of her sweater into a pulp .
tr	1	She licked her lips , determined to finish the story .
tr	1	When I came back to Cochabamba he was gone .
tr	1	Never gave him back the money and the ring .
tr	1	The tone was a statement , not a question .
tr	1	" But it doesn 't feel like it . "
tr	1	" Now might not be a good time .
tr	1	In fact , you just might kill me .
tr	1	" I 'm kind of messing this up .
tr	1	He said he wanted to be with me ?
tr	1	" Ok then , " he said nervously .
tr	1	" Everyone in the world is desperate for grace . "
tr	1	" This is what 's unique about Christianity : grace .
tr	1	No other religion has a god who gives grace . "
tr	1	She came to consciousness as if in a dream .
tr	1	He was relived to see that his friend seemed pleased .
tr	1	Something that had the shape of a human .
tr	1	Alejo swore , immediately understanding what was going on .
tr	1	He glared at all of them , including Gabriel .
tr	1	" What were you thinking , bringing her here ?
tr	1	The girl moaned again and then her eyes slit open .
tr	1	" Yeah , this is cool , huh ? "
tr	1	Alejo 's plans hadn 't included this possibility .
tr	1	This girl didn 't even seem to be burned .
tr	1	" You guys shouldn 't talk that way around a lady .
tr	1	" Oh , cut it out , Stalin ! "
tr	1	There weren 't supposed to be other people on the bus .
tr	1	But you didn 't know that for sure , did you ?
tr	1	There could have been children on that bus .
tr	1	Your own family could have been on there .
tr	1	Acid scalded Alejo 's stomach and he took a deep breath .
tr	1	She and I are going to retire . "
tr	1	Gabriel picked up the backpack and passed it over .
tr	1	" Sorry , " Gabriel barely whispered as he leaned closer .
tr	1	" The other guys made me bring her .
tr	1	But she would have had to go anyway .
tr	1	The girl began to squirm feebly against Alejo .
tr	1	Get your butt out here with your sleeping bag .
tr	1	Stalin passed by them on his way to the door .
tr	1	" I 'm not going to hurt you , ok ?
tr	1	" You 've got to lay down ! "
tr	1	" You were in an accident , ok ?
tr	1	I 've got to see how badly you 're hurt .
tr	1	Alejo was surprised to hear a Bolivian name .
tr	1	A gold star ring twinkled in the America girl 's nose .
tr	1	" Why do you have a name from Bolivia ? "
tr	1	" My grandpa was a missionary , too .
tr	1	" I have a medical kit , " he said hoarsely .
tr	1	His team needed him to kill this girl .
tr	1	For the mission , he had to kill this girl .
tr	1	And he was asking her if she needed Band-Aids .
tr	1	She glared at him then , jaw clenched with anger .
tr	1	" Who else was on the bus ? "
tr	1	Thankfully , it looked like everyone was in their tents snoring .
tr	1	No one had seen him out here vomiting .
tr	1	The guys could even be sent after him to kill him .
tr	1	Ishmael was off to Peru , then home to Peshawar .
tr	1	If Ishmael were here , she 'd be dead already .
tr	1	This time Alejo felt he had no plan .
tr	1	She blinked , noticing he wasn 't wearing a t-shirt anymore .
tr	1	And now she was stuck here with him .
tr	1	" My name is Paulo , " he said .
tr	1	" Please at least tell me what 's going on . "
tr	1	You and Noah had nothing to do with it .
tr	1	You weren 't supposed to be there . "
tr	1	You weren 't supposed to be there , but you were .
tr	1	" So you 're just planning on killing me too .
tr	1	You never would have known a thing . "
tr	1	" You 're sure you 're not bleeding ? "
tr	1	" It 's you you should worry about .
tr	1	But I 'm not sure what the big deal is .
tr	1	Well , at least one of them wasn 't really naughty .
tr	1	Noah was just a nice guy who wanted an earring .
tr	1	Islam is the only light for Latin America .
tr	1	" That 's a little bit freaky . "
tr	1	" The part about fighting against Western Imperialism .
tr	1	Noah cocked his head to one side and shrugged .
tr	1	Noah blinked , then settled back slowly into his chair .
tr	1	Or when he sang here at the caf .
tr	1	The memory of where she was crushed her .
tr	1	She and Noah weren 't laughing in the caf together .
tr	1	As a linguistics geek , she could definitely recognize Arabic .
tr	1	I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God .
tr	1	She was being held captive by a group of Muslims .
tr	1	Who had put a bomb on her bus .
tr	1	For the first time she wondered where she was .
tr	1	They couldn 't have carried her far , could they ?
tr	1	The perfect hiding spot for terrorists , apparently .
tr	1	He saw her sitting there , then paused .
tr	1	Was she really supposed to be feeling anything other than awful ?
tr	1	I go here all the time in Cochabamba .
tr	1	Paulo was blinking at her , obviously shocked .
tr	1	she forced herself to say the awful words out loud .
tr	1	" The one who 's been missing . "
tr	1	Then he erased his pained expression and scooted closer to her .
tr	1	" Why don 't you find out yourself ? "
tr	1	she snapped at him , voice bordering on hysterics .
tr	1	" Your family has , like , adopted me in Cochabamba .
tr	1	They 've been wondering for years where you 've been ! "
tr	1	He hadn 't contacted his family in all these years .
tr	1	he insisted , waving his hand at her .
tr	1	" We are not terrorists , ok ? "
tr	1	That would be what my father called me . "
tr	1	She blinked , realizing it was her purple backpack .
tr	1	I teach kids morality and ethics class . "
tr	1	" You 're going to get cut on the rocks ! "
tr	1	I mean , we 'll be far enough away ? "
tr	1	Gabriel turned back towards her with a cool grin .
tr	1	" Don 't even think about disappearing , ok ?
tr	1	A masculine voice hollered from somewhere in the bushes .
tr	1	Maybe the explosion blew the glass away first .
tr	1	A pause while a lower voice rumbled something .
tr	1	Then , " Yeah , she 's in there .
tr	1	" We 're a little busy right now .
tr	1	" That 's my girlfriend , you idiot ! "
tr	1	" Your ex-girlfriend , isn 't it ? "
tr	1	" This is the missionary you used to go out with ?
tr	1	Well you should thank me then for doing you a favor .
tr	1	Her boyfriend is dead , along with Salazar .
tr	1	Don 't get your knickers all up in a knot .
tr	1	Alejo panted , sweat running down his back .
tr	1	I didn 't know , I promise you .
tr	1	Just for you , I won 't touch her again . "
tr	1	" Yes , I think fun time is over . "
tr	1	Sweat dripped down her back and she was terrified .
tr	1	I 'm sure you are a nice girl . "
tr	1	Noah was your friend , wasn 't he ?
tr	1	" Gabriel shouldn 't have to watch this .
tr	1	I 'll take her into the forest . "
tr	1	" Whatever you do , don 't scream .
tr	1	I 'm not going to hurt you . "
tr	1	" You 're going to kill me later , then ? "
tr	1	" I 'm so sorry , " he choked .
tr	1	" I told you I wasn 't going to hurt you .
tr	1	Nothing 's going to happen to you now , ok .
tr	1	I 'm gon na take you where it 's safe . "
tr	1	She couldn 't be dying from a broken nose .
tr	1	But she felt so dizzy , and simply couldn 't move .
tr	1	That he was sorry he had broken her nose ?
tr	1	Those intense hazel eyes were just plain scary .
tr	1	The rest of the blank faces as they simply stared .
tr	1	" Why didn 't you kill me ? "
tr	1	They would have been able to tell if you trusted me .
tr	1	I was in charge of the rest there at the camp .
tr	1	Two more seconds and he would have cut your throat .
tr	1	He had to break her nose to save her life ?
tr	1	" If it 's broken , I can set it .
tr	1	Had Alejo cleaned blood from her face while she was sleeping ?
tr	1	Are you , like , a hit man ? "
tr	1	" No , I 'm not a ' hit man ' !
tr	1	Alejo looked away at the wooden truck slats .
tr	1	" We don 't just go around killing people .
tr	1	" So you follow Jesus by killing people . "
tr	1	she finally asked to break the unpleasant silence .
tr	1	But first there 's something I have to do .
tr	1	" I know they 're going to look for them . "
tr	1	" I was a leader ; I know everything .
tr	1	He saw me as family and I betrayed him . "
tr	1	A shiver ran from her toes to her scalp .
tr	1	Alejo rested his arms on his knees and hid his face .
tr	1	Alejo 's answer was clipped but not impatient .
tr	1	The man 's ample face instantly spread into a grin .
tr	1	" Che , how 's it goin ' ? "
tr	1	The guy with the mermaid tattoo slapped Alejo on the shoulder .
tr	1	" Che , what have you been doing to this woman ?
tr	1	I hope it wasn 't you , eh ? "
tr	1	" Boris , I 'm taking her to the doctor . "
tr	1	Alejo saw her glaring at him and smiled tightly .
tr	1	" Since I 'm going into Cochabamba anyway on business . "
tr	1	Boris shrugged and his belly jiggled under the white undershirt .
tr	1	" On the way back we can have a beer .
tr	1	" Hey , Alexis , " Alejo greeted the girl .
tr	1	My friend here would like to borrow some of your clothes .
tr	1	" Fine , no problem , Alejo . "
tr	1	Alexis shook her head and rolled her eyes .
tr	1	" Nope , " Alejo shook his head firmly .
tr	1	" Well , I can catch your sister on Facebook .
tr	1	She 's got to be online right now . "
tr	1	" Don 't we have to ask ? "
tr	1	But there was no time for beating around the bush .
tr	1	You could never guess who is here with me right now .
tr	1	anyway , he knows you are in trouble .
tr	1	" Alejo says to go to the Hostel Salta NOW ! "
tr	1	" Do they remember where it is ? "
tr	1	" You know where it is , right ? "
tr	1	" Tell my brother I love him . "
tr	1	For once , her status was listed as Offline .
tr	1	Alejo was staring at what his sister had typed .
tr	1	" I 'm erasing this conversation , " he said .
tr	1	" Put these on in here , " he instructed .
tr	1	" I 'm going to help Boris ready the plane . "
tr	1	Go outside , she ordered herself , gritting her teeth .
tr	1	They both headed for the steps of the Hostal Salta .
tr	1	But cheap hostels didn 't ask for copies of your ID .
tr	1	And he was going to have to face them .
tr	1	A hurried grinding noise sounded inside as the door quivered .
tr	1	His mother stood there , older but still beautiful .
tr	1	Had he really not seen his mother in so many years ?
tr	1	" Anyone following you on your way here ? "
tr	1	" Any strange cars outside your house ? "
tr	1	" Everyone left behind their cell phones ? "
tr	1	The swelling has to go down first . "
tr	1	" And she said you were with Alejandro .
tr	1	" I was thrown out of the bus .
tr	1	Alejo remembered her , the sister closest to him in age .
tr	1	And suddenly he knew he 'd missed her .
tr	1	Her voice choked and she grabbed onto her mother for support .
tr	1	I just can 't believe you 're alive ! "
tr	1	Your parents were still waiting to see what happens .
tr	1	Everyone from the bus is presumed dead . "
tr	1	Everyone was crying , well at least it seemed like it .
tr	1	Salazar needed to die , whatever the cost .
tr	1	Of course it was possible there could be other casualties .
tr	1	The broken voice of his father sliced through his heart .
tr	1	Alejo turned towards him as if in daze .
tr	1	" And that she was with you . "
tr	1	" I 'll tell you everything , " Alejo promised hoarsely .
tr	1	" But not in front of the children .
tr	1	The silence suffocated , and Alejo needed to escape it .
tr	1	" No , Hezbollah has renounced terrorism , " Alejo insisted .
tr	1	Alejo paused , trying to come up with words .
tr	1	Alejo 's mouth flattened into a wry , grim line .
tr	1	His knuckles tightened violently around the edge of his chair .
tr	1	Everyone else seemed too horrified to even speak .
tr	1	Are they safe sleeping here , with you ?
tr	1	Oh God , " she repeated , her voice breaking .
tr	1	Alejo , don 't you know how much I loved you ?
tr	1	Alejo felt that until now his father had been ominously silent .
tr	1	Well , I was happy as a Muslim , Dad .
tr	1	Alejo sat down in the chair , hiding his uneasiness .
tr	1	His father 's face , however , was unreadable .
tr	1	Alejo groaned and leaned back heavily in his chair .
tr	1	Alejo cut him off , his whole body tense .
tr	1	" I can 't talk about all this now .
tr	1	For that , you don 't know how sorry I am .
tr	1	Or working for drug dealers , in prison ? "
tr	1	He immediately regretted his sarcastic words as his father looked away .
tr	1	Seeing his parents again still had the sheen of unreality .
tr	1	But they were his brothers and sisters , for goodness sake !
tr	1	And now , suddenly , that life was over .
tr	1	You didn 't know who I was . "
tr	1	" We should call your family , " he said .
tr	1	His mother and sister must think him a psychopath .
tr	1	It was time to leave this room , and quickly .
tr	1	As if they weren 't your family too .
tr	1	But it had been so long , an entire lifetime .
tr	1	Everyone started , and Alejo faced his parents .
tr	1	Besides , I told her I 'd take care of her .
tr	1	I 'm not letting her out of my sight . "
tr	1	Only sleep would bring the blessed unconsciousness she craved .
tr	1	Alejo twisted to face her , hazel eyes rimmed in red .
tr	1	" It started because of Jesus , " he said .
tr	1	But then there is Ishmael , our boss . "
tr	1	Alejo 's mouth pressed together in a firm line .
tr	1	He shook his head and then sat up straighter .
tr	1	Alejo 's voice faltered , and he cleared his throat .
tr	1	" Do you really want to know ? "
tr	1	She crossed her arms tighter across her chest and shivered .
tr	1	Alejo closed his eyes , then looked away .
tr	1	not only a government official for the state of Cochabamba .
tr	1	Did you know Thailand is a major center for child prostitution ?
tr	1	The man was protected from every angle you can imagine .
tr	1	A medium-sized town on the outskirts of Cochabamba .
tr	1	We always played cars and war and everything you can imagine .
tr	1	My dad had a lot of influence in the community .
tr	1	My dad even had his own radio program .
tr	1	And , of course , my mother agreed .
tr	1	Biblical submission to your husband and all that . "
tr	1	It wasn 't ' people ' who died .
tr	1	But why couldn 't only he be dead !
tr	1	But I did what seemed right in the moment .
tr	1	it was the best I could do ! "
tr	1	He seemed relieved to see it was only her .
tr	1	" Could you come over to the other room ? "
tr	1	" We really need to talk about some stuff . "
tr	1	Alejo 's voice sounded unnatural saying the word .
tr	1	" Can you come here for a second ?
tr	1	I need to run this by you . "
tr	1	" Have you heard any more news ? "
tr	1	She was terrified they might have heard more news .
tr	1	She was so glad they hadn 't found Noah .
tr	1	He said that you guys used to know him . "
tr	1	I know why he wanted Salazar dead . "
tr	1	The word still seemed to taste bitter in his mouth .
tr	1	" Won 't they be watching the bank ?
tr	1	I 'll get all that to you later . "
tr	1	" None of the family have passports , except Dad .
tr	1	" They won 't help them because you 're a terrorist ?
tr	1	But that 's why they need help ! "
tr	1	Alejo 's mouth twisted into a grim smile .
tr	1	" We 'll go to plan B , " he announced .
tr	1	" I can 't go without Noah . "
tr	1	" I won 't leave Bolivia until I know . "
tr	1	He closed his eyes and massaged his temples even harder .
tr	1	I 'm not going to leave you alone . "
tr	1	I 'll just ward off all of those killers myself .
tr	1	I did such a lovely job of it last time .
tr	1	All of the kids ' clothes and toys stayed behind .
tr	1	The faded pinstriped sheets and lumpy pillows were still waiting .
tr	1	Alejo closed the door and turned on the light .
tr	1	Did she want to go to La Paz ?
tr	1	" I don 't know , " she finally said hoarsely .
tr	1	She cleared her throat and mumbled , " Right now ? "
tr	1	And besides , now 's a good time .
tr	1	We 'll be going under cover of darkness . "
tr	1	His hazel eyes were watching her , expression unreadable .
tr	1	" Are they going to find them ? "
tr	1	Alejo scooted closer and slung an arm around her shoulder .
tr	1	We 've got these nice , dark tinted windows .
tr	1	That 's why I picked this taxi . "
tr	1	" You 'll talk to the boy for us , right ?
tr	1	Just slit the window so no one 'll see us . "
tr	1	He couldn 't be more than ten years old .
tr	1	What was he doing in this kind of place ?
tr	1	He raised his eyebrows at Alejo in the mirror .
tr	1	The entire interior of the room was varying shades of red .
tr	1	he had the audacity to ask with a crooked grin .
tr	1	" Of course you can have the bed .
tr	1	That 's why they 're going to be so mad . "
tr	1	And Stalin and I have been friends for ten years . "
tr	1	She felt sick and weary to the bone .
tr	1	Alejo closed his eyes slowly , then opened them .
tr	1	" I think we should try to rest . "
tr	1	He dragged his feet over to the couch .
tr	1	Alejo grimaced at the back of the couch .
tr	1	He had no idea what else to say .
tr	1	It was obvious she cared about him , a lot .
tr	1	Alejo closed his eyes but he just couldn 't sleep .
tr	1	There was nothing Alejo could say that would make it right .
tr	1	Alejo 's father turned to face his son squarely .
tr	1	You said that you have been a Muslim ? "
tr	1	It 's him I want , not a religion . "
tr	1	Pablo sighed deeply , eyes boring into his son 's .
tr	1	He would have forgiven you , Alejandro . "
tr	1	He jerked upright at a foreign sound filling the room .
tr	1	His brain told him he should say something .
tr	1	A morning in which Alejo would go to a funeral .
tr	1	23 bittersweet THE MORNING PASSED BY AS IF IN A DREAM .
tr	1	Everyone turned to stare as she slipped through the door .
tr	1	Tobin was folding her into an embrace against his bony shoulders .
tr	1	" I can 't believe this happened to Noah .
tr	1	Of course she would sing , if it was for Noah .
tr	1	Then he was off in the direction of the living room .
tr	1	" Yeah , " Eduardo said , and sighed .
tr	1	" They gave you Noah 's ring ? "
tr	1	he asked , staring at the shining silver on her hand .
tr	1	Eduardo grabbed her hand quickly and examined the ring .
tr	1	" Isn 't that Noah 's ring ? "
tr	1	" Did you find it after the accident ? "
tr	1	Eduardo sniffed loudly , but his face lit up .
tr	1	He gave it to you ... right ? "
tr	1	" We 'll talk another time , ok ? "
tr	1	If the world ended now , that would be just fine .
tr	1	" Were you one of his friends ? "
tr	1	This picture must be from when he was studying international business .
tr	1	Oh , we wasted so much time ? "
tr	1	" What was your name , dear ? "
tr	1	Look what comes of all this supposed ' doing good ' !
tr	1	For the love of God , leave this terrible place ! "
tr	1	He paused , obviously noticing the three confused gringo faces .
tr	1	And guess what , no one knew anything !
tr	1	Why didn 't they find our son until last night ?
tr	1	Noah 's parents wanted to know what they had found .
tr	1	" I can 't translate this , how he was ? "
tr	1	" I 'm going to translate for them .
tr	1	" Verifying the identity of these bodies took until yesterday .
tr	1	She had already passed away from severe trauma .
tr	1	They just called me with the autopsy results . "
tr	1	" No , sir , I can assure you ? "
tr	1	Hector 's voice trailed off and he sighed .
tr	1	" I was there when we found him .
tr	1	But then a different picture swallowed that one up .
tr	1	Oh God , I can feel that so much right now .
tr	1	Why do I have to stay here any longer ?
tr	1	I don 't think I can stay here one more minute .
tr	1	Then maybe they could sneak out with no one following .
tr	1	God , I need help , Alejo groaned out loud .
tr	1	I don 't even know how to talk with you .
tr	1	" Oh , good , thank goodness ! "
tr	1	Those little poodle things can be quite mean . "
tr	1	Alejo 's blood chilled as he recognized the voice of Gabriel .
tr	1	" Oh , just outside the wall , having a snack .
tr	1	" Facebook , " Gabriel answered , matter-of-factly .
tr	1	" You wouldn 't believe how many friends this guy had .
tr	1	" So how did you know we were in here ? "
tr	1	I think they never cut the grass over there .
tr	1	The rest , as they say , is history . "
tr	1	" I 'll go with you and talk to the Khan .
tr	1	She doesn 't know what 's going on .
tr	1	Downstairs , something hissed , smooth wood scraping across tile .
tr	1	as he ran across the grass to try to reach her .
tr	1	" We 're friends , che , aren 't we ? "
tr	1	Gabriel looked at Alejo and shook his head sadly .
tr	1	So don 't try anything on the way , ok ?
tr	1	Do I have to cuff you so you 're not tempted ?
tr	1	I know you could take me out like a fly . "
tr	1	Well this time , I couldn 't let her die . "
tr	1	Alejo knew Gabriel understood who he was talking about .
tr	1	" It was an accident that she was there .
tr	1	The right thing was to let her live . "
tr	1	But there was no other acceptable option , che !
tr	1	If she 's not dead , she 'll tell .
tr	1	I don 't even think I could trust you anymore . "
tr	1	" Yeah , " Gabriel nodded , " With all that ?
tr	1	" Well I thought it was just plain wrong .
tr	1	Gabriel frowned , opened his mouth , then snapped it shut .
tr	1	God 's going to reward them for that .
tr	1	What 's the big deal if they die ?
tr	1	" I am , " Alejo said evenly .
tr	1	Alejo exhaled and leaned his head back into the seat .
tr	1	We are the best of the best , che .
tr	1	Why would we need some person to take away our sins ?
tr	1	We 're not unbelievers who don 't follow his laws .
tr	1	Alejo was going to lose one of his best friends .
tr	1	It was either this or some dumpy hostel .
tr	1	Gabriel glanced in the rearview mirror as Benjamin shut the gate .
tr	1	" They 're fine , " Gabriel waved away his concern .
tr	1	Two silver guns with silencers , glinting in the afternoon sun .
tr	1	Please let me honor you , oh God .
tr	1	She can get out and run away . "
tr	1	Of course Ishmael had found it in Alejo 's tent .
tr	1	Stalin sighed , glumly , and Alejo felt bad for him .
tr	1	" He wants to talk to you . "
tr	1	Of course you know what you 've done ? "
tr	1	" So , you left the gringo couple alone ? "
tr	1	You 're the one who 's in trouble . "
tr	1	" I 'm coming in a sec , guys .
tr	1	Thank God he said he 'll let her go .
tr	1	" He asked for time off , " Stalin said tightly .
tr	1	Stalin continued , whispering , sweat trickling down his temple .
tr	1	" You 're gon na be alright . "
tr	1	The voices died away , followed by a few electronic beeps .
tr	1	he cautioned , throwing her a warning look .
tr	1	Then the bombshell : " I 'm letting you go . "
tr	1	" I 'll be back pretty soon , I assume .
tr	1	Alejo doesn 't know how to do that stuff . "
tr	1	God , are they really going to kill him ?
tr	1	" You were a nephew to me , my own family !
tr	1	You must tell me the truth , son . "
tr	1	" You are all like family to me .
tr	1	I don 't want anything to happen to any of you .
tr	1	His pale face was twisted but his eyes narrowed with determination .
tr	1	The older man 's voice was hurt and angry .
tr	1	Alejo was on the ground seemingly before the shot even roared .
tr	1	" Oh no , oh no , oh no ! "
tr	1	She forced herself to focus on the scene outside again .
tr	1	Gabriel and Stalin were pulling Alejo onto a gray wool blanket .
tr	1	They were going to put his body in here .
tr	1	Stalin 's voice echoed around her , crackly and breaking .
tr	1	I don 't think I can do this . "
tr	1	We just do what we have to do , Stalin . "
tr	1	Stalin hissed , tone suggesting he wanted to yell .
tr	1	She was holding her breath , heart in her throat .
tr	1	His shoulder blades shifted upwards , then fell .
tr	1	She was confused to find that she was crying .
tr	1	I saw him shot point-blank in the head !
tr	1	She had to tell the guys up front .
tr	1	The vehicle spun to a skidding stop and two doors slammed .
tr	1	The two guys peered into the truck , expressions grim .
tr	1	She scrubbed her hand frantically on her black pants .
tr	1	We 've got to hurry , or he 'll suspect .
tr	1	Gabriel snapped his long fingers , calling her attention back .
tr	1	He suddenly slowed down and his shoulder sagged .
tr	1	Stalin said loudly , and then slammed one of the doors .
tr	1	She left a palm on Alejo 's back .
tr	1	Then he dashed to the passenger side of the truck .
tr	1	" Help , somebody help , please ! "
tr	1	And he might not be for much longer .
tr	1	The bullet 's shock waves could have serious repercussions .
tr	1	I 'm going to be honest with you .
tr	1	An airlift to Chile or Argentina would take too long .
tr	1	The idea brought a new chill of shock .
tr	1	And that she had seen the whole thing ?
tr	1	This whole week we prayed for you , and that boy .
tr	1	What am I thinking , how could I forget that !
tr	1	The word ' friend ' was spoken rather tightly .
tr	1	The doctors think he might not live . "
tr	1	" We must pray for this poor boy , too .
tr	1	Few people passed the hospital on the unlit sidewalks .
tr	1	But now Cochabamba seemed full of unknown stalkers and haunted memories .
tr	1	" It 's gotten worse , making him convulse .
tr	1	The only way to relieve the swelling is to operate .
tr	1	" But the impact still caused this swelling .
tr	1	His heart can 't keep this up much longer .
tr	1	She clutched the bed sheet with white knuckles .
tr	1	Alejo 's heart rate accelerated further and his back arched .
tr	1	" His heart rate 's normal , " he stammered .
tr	1	" He told me I wouldn 't remember your name .
tr	1	I can 't believe I 'm here . "
tr	1	We 'll have to run some more tests .
tr	1	It 's to be expected with the brain trauma . "
tr	1	That had sounded like a line out of Terminator .
tr	1	" I can 't see anything , " he answered .
tr	1	" Get some rest , " the doctor says .
tr	1	He was waiting for Manuel , and Manuel was not coming .
tr	1	He sighed deeply at the memory of his mom .
tr	1	The whole idea was enough to make Gabriel downright delirious .
tr	1	But he really didn 't feel at peace .
tr	1	And in Palestine , there was no work .
tr	1	The thought caused Gabriel 's stomach to churn .
tr	1	What if He wouldn 't let him into Paradise ?
tr	1	He wouldn 't be late for this , would he ?
tr	1	Not after all the time we 've spent .
tr	1	How could he be late , today of all days ?
tr	1	He 'd said he wanted his life to mean something .
tr	1	How could he not understand how important this is ?
tr	1	Ok , yes , it 's a little scary .
tr	1	Manuel , how dare you chicken out on me !
tr	1	I can replace Manuel , tell them the conservatory sent me .
tr	1	I should never have trusted Manuel to do this .
tr	1	She really didn 't want to open her eyes .
tr	1	Thank God , Dr. Ortega said it wasn 't actually broken .
tr	1	He was blind and rather out of his mind .
tr	1	" The tests from yesterday show the swelling is down .
tr	1	Dr. Ortega came in while you were sleeping .
tr	1	For that , he said just wait and see .
tr	1	He said maybe my sight 'll come back .
tr	1	She was wiped out , barely keeping herself together .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry this happened to you ? "
tr	1	There really wasn 't much else to say , was there ?
tr	1	Yesterday I found out the bus is leaving at six . "
tr	1	They spent the next three hours watching TV .
tr	1	Or listening to TV , in Alejo 's case .
tr	1	On the news they said it was an explosion .
tr	1	But the news story wasn 't over yet .
tr	1	He knew about this , didn 't he ?
tr	1	I 'm sure they 'll come to meet me .
tr	1	The only other person who has my number .
tr	1	Could " they " be after her again ?
tr	1	She covered the mouthpiece of the phone with her hand .
tr	1	" No , no it didn 't just come back .
tr	1	Well she came to pray for me , in Quechua .
tr	1	His voice was still shaking , and he was obviously elated .
tr	1	" There 's something God 's going to show us .
tr	1	And he had a miraculous healing to back it up .
tr	1	She gaped back at him , still not quite believing this .
tr	1	I think it 's time for check out . "
tr	1	These were the messengers Alejo had been told about ?
tr	1	" There 's someone who would like to talk with you .
tr	1	Alejo told me that both of you are believers in Jesus ?
tr	1	But if you will come , we have to hurry .
tr	1	" There you go , " Braids said .
tr	1	" I used to have a crush on her . "
tr	1	" I think it 's the braid . "
tr	1	It couldn 't be here for us , right ?
tr	1	" They won 't recognize the four of us together . "
tr	1	Braids turned around , crouching on the stairs .
tr	1	" The police car is parked just around the corner . "
tr	1	The two strangers broke pace next to dented white Toyota Corolla .
tr	1	" You two newbies in the back . "
tr	1	It 's as if I 'd never even been shot ! "
tr	1	Are these real people , or could they actually be angels ?
tr	1	The man 's voice was deep and calm .
tr	1	" I am really very glad you came . "
tr	1	Then Alejo asked , " Who are you ? "
tr	1	The older man 's cool blue eyes crinkled around the edges .
tr	1	You have arrived at an ostrich farm . "
tr	1	Rupert motioned them towards the brown leather couches .
tr	1	" Please don 't run away just yet .
tr	1	I work for an organization that can help . "
tr	1	Alejo regarded the older man calmly , face giving nothing away .
tr	1	" How do you know about us ? "
tr	1	" I had a dream about you , Alejo .
tr	1	After all , he had known they would be coming here .
tr	1	In my dream I saw her with a star .
tr	1	She gripped the armrests of her chair tighter .
tr	1	Please don 't be angry at me for this .
tr	1	You shall rejoice in making such an exchange .
tr	1	Alejo was back in his chair , leaning forward , pleading .
tr	1	But of course everyone realized that he already had .
tr	1	But then again , I may not miss them at all .
tr	1	I have always been a very quirky guy .
tr	1	Alejo was bowed over onto his knees , sobbing .
tr	1	But with these videos , the investigation starts for real .
tr	1	" Of course , " Sandal understood perfectly .
tr	1	" I 'll take you to your room .
tr	1	We are the best of the best , che .
tr	1	Why would we need some person to take away our sins ?
tr	1	We 're not unbelievers who don 't follow his laws .
tr	1	Except man can 't earn God 's favor .
tr	1	Alejo groaned and leaned forward onto his knees .
tr	1	Alejo immediately pegged her as not a morning person .
tr	1	Tabor wore running gear and seemed chipper and alert .
tr	1	" The ones with nuts are banana mango .
tr	1	Then there are the German chocolate ones , too .
tr	1	Alejo looked up at him and offered a tight smile .
tr	1	" You know I don 't do mornings . "
tr	1	Alejo reluctantly forced himself to eat and gulp down coffee .
tr	1	" Don 't let my pale face fool you .
tr	1	" Where did you grow up then ? "
tr	1	Rupert grinned and raised one fuzzy eyebrow at Alejo .
tr	1	Rupert 's calm eyes did , indeed , widen .
tr	1	" Uh , yes , actually , I would ! "
tr	1	" We make a fine pair , hmm ? "
tr	1	Alejo pressed his lips together , staring straight ahead .
tr	1	For now , it is this organization . "
tr	1	Rupert 's voice drawled lazily , but his tone was intense .
tr	1	Like I said , I want to help you .
tr	1	Alejo scrunched up his face , surprised by the thought .
tr	1	" We 're called CI , " Rupert told him .
tr	1	We 've transformed the company into something a little different .
tr	1	Alejo 's temple throbbed and he felt himself grimacing .
tr	1	Of course , this was what he wanted to do .
tr	1	He could do this , work with Rupert in CI .
tr	1	Now Alejo barely even knew who he was .
tr	1	What you 're saying is all I want to do .
tr	1	" I know , " Rupert said simply .
tr	1	What would you say if we prayed , right now ? "
tr	1	" Take a half-hour , " he said , eyes sparkling .
tr	1	We have plenty of time to discuss details about CI later .
tr	1	It 's going to be good , son . "
tr	1	He felt so relieved , being forgiven by Jesus .
tr	1	Rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves and warmed his face .
tr	1	" Coffee , " he said briefly , taking another swig .
tr	1	" I have a slew of chairs over on the porch .
tr	1	Rupert settled in a little , then faced Alejo squarely .
tr	1	Do you think I would drive you batty ? "
tr	1	He felt his mouth tip into a lopsided smile .
tr	1	Rupert held up his hand to stop Alejo .
tr	1	Last night in my office , you mentioned her a lot .
tr	1	He paused , trying to think of something rational to say .
tr	1	When we prayed today , we talked about God 's forgiveness .
tr	1	This was a totally unexpected turn of events .
tr	1	Besides , being close to him was dangerous .
tr	1	I don 't know what you 're talking about . "
tr	1	I want you to take Noah 's place . "
tr	1	" Uh , that is a very bad idea .
tr	1	Alejo had to really work to compose himself enough to speak .
tr	1	" It 's never going to happen , " he repeated .
tr	1	He was a man who loved the Lord .
tr	1	Alejo 's mouth opened , then snapped shut .
tr	1	" I think you 're already a little attracted to her .
tr	1	Just a little penance , a little making things right .
tr	1	For that , I 'm giving you some time .
tr	1	Alejo got up from the muddy grass , rather shakily .
tr	1	he asked , feeling a headache coming on .
tr	1	What plots had they been hatching in Rupert 's office ?
tr	1	He fixed his eyes on Alejo , who grimly nodded .
tr	1	Unfortunately , Peter was not a good name for women .
tr	1	" You know , Greek for ' rock ' . "
tr	1	" It 's good , " he said simply .
tr	1	I 'm here because He forgave my huge debt .
tr	1	The words formed very slowly in her brain .
tr	1	" It 's all taken care of . "
tr	1	She struggled to know what else to say to him .
tr	1	But what good is forgiveness if it 's only words ?
tr	1	You gave up a lot to save me .
tr	1	Then Alejo broke the silence , voice thick with relief .
tr	1	" So , we 'll meet in three months , then .
tr	1	You 're going to see your parents ? "
tr	1	Alejo blinked fast , obviously pleased with her idea .
tr	1	Now Alejo 's mouth flickered into a full-blown smile .
tr	1	Usually he was done feeding the huge birds by about five .
tr	1	So when it rang now , he startled .
tr	1	The hairs on Alejo 's arm stood on end .
tr	1	Oh my goodness , it 's been so long ! "
tr	1	" How did you get this number ? "
tr	1	Stalin 's tone was not cautious at all .
tr	1	As to how I got this number -- don 't ask .
tr	1	Stalin 's voice cracked and he swore softly .
tr	1	" Alejo , I was a loser and a coward .
tr	1	It was so good to hear from a friend .
tr	1	You did the right thing in the moment .
tr	1	" Yeah , so what happened to her ? "
tr	1	" Both sent to another country in South America .
tr	1	The conversation cheered Alejo up more than he could have imagined .
tr	1	Alejo clicked the sound off and read : " At mass .
tr	1	But che , I 'm thinking about it . "
tr	1	They weren 't that old yet , after all .
tr	1	Spain seemed like a perfect pick to settle down and hide .
tr	1	That had been a very , very heavy day .
tr	1	" God Wants You to be Rich ! "
tr	1	Wasn 't there anything here that just told about Jesus ?
tr	1	Most importantly of all , he saw no wedding band .
tr	1	Her accent told Stalin she was all Spanish , however .
tr	1	Or the theological arguments for why Jesus was divine . "
tr	1	There are a lot about the atonement . "
tr	1	" Have you ever read any of them ? "
tr	1	" A few , " Shannon flicked her hand dismissively .
tr	1	So I get some studying time in , yes . "
tr	1	But Sami knew why he was really here .
tr	1	Something rustled behind him and Sami snapped back to reality .
tr	1	Today , Sami 's feet were bare and bleeding .
tr	1	I 'll see you again , my sister .
tr	1	Sami swallowed and his Adam 's apple grazed the abrasive stone .
tr	1	We could have gone away to Germany or Canada together .
tr	1	It had been three months , and it still hurt .
tr	1	So unexpected sounds made her a little nervous .
tr	1	She had never imagined she would see him here .
tr	1	Some of the spark in Alejo 's hazel eyes faded .
tr	1	And in Bolivia I said I 'd find you .
tr	1	I just really wasn 't expecting you . "
tr	1	And , insanely , her possible future co-worker .
tr	1	" My parents aren 't here now , though .
tr	1	What in the world were they supposed to talk about ?
tr	1	I 've got to see if you 've been slacking . "
tr	1	" Besides , " Alejo 's tone was quiet yet challenging .
tr	1	So for today I 'm just going to use beginner skills .
tr	1	Just show me what you 've got . "
tr	1	Apparently all the hours of practice were paying off !
tr	1	He eyed her with something she could almost call appreciation .
tr	1	" You did really well , though . "
tr	1	Her first thought was : It 's a bullet .
tr	1	She elbowed Alejo roughly , face sizzling with chagrin .
tr	1	They have three adorable children and currently live in beautiful Cochabamba .
tr	1	Shortly after that photo , all Hell broke loose .
tr	1	Has anyone every dropped an ice cube down your back ?
tr	1	I know , I know ... pure genius .
tr	1	Isaac 's and my plan for the climb was simple .
tr	1	Hanging there in the cold , the winds howled .
tr	1	He was now at a point called the Notch Couloir .
tr	1	Just then , the world went white before me .
tr	1	There was Isaac : still standing where I saw him last .
tr	1	I yelled out to Isaac , but he never heard me .
tr	1	Then I saw it through the falling snow .
tr	1	Isaac yelled across the cliff face to me .
tr	1	The rush of beating the tempest had his adrenaline pumping .
tr	1	I could see he was scared , yet invigorated .
tr	1	It was indeed my turn to run the gauntlet .
tr	1	My survival instincts kicked in and I dug deep .
tr	1	If you didn 't , the result could be disastrous .
tr	1	" Perfect , " I remember saying to myself .
tr	1	As quickly as the avalanche came , it went .
tr	1	I immediately crawled higher and leapt to my feet .
tr	1	Then he added , " Let 's go , NOW ! "
tr	1	Isaac yelled to me over the roar of the avalanche .
tr	1	" Yeah ... cool , " I replied grimly .
tr	1	That 's where it gets a little sketchy .
tr	1	" Yup , " I replied dryly through gritted teeth .
tr	1	Only the mother of all rock faces in Colorado .
tr	1	He stared at it for what felt like an eternity .
tr	1	" No way , man ... it aint happening .
tr	1	That whole face is covered in snow , " Isaac said .
tr	1	" We got ta find another way up .
tr	1	Using my hands alone just wasn 't going to work .
tr	1	I looked up at the corner I was now climbing .
tr	1	Isaac must have seen the fear in my eyes .
tr	1	My stomach churned as I looked down through the falling snow .
tr	1	My hands sweated even while they froze to the axe handles .
tr	1	My feet skidded momentarily , then one popped off its placement .
tr	1	My left axe wobbled and popped out of its feeble placement .
tr	1	Is this how I 'm going to die ? "
tr	1	I felt my body lunge sideways toward him .
tr	1	He was nearly pulling me off the cliff .
tr	1	Isaac tugged again and drew me in from the corner .
tr	1	For a moment it held ... then it didn 't .
tr	1	I made another desperate lung with my free hand .
tr	1	I collapsed in my tiny crater and rested .
tr	1	I buried my face in the snow and waited .
tr	1	There , standing with teeth clenched , stood Isaac .
tr	1	Forty feet , thirty feet , Isaac moved with determination .
tr	1	Just then , Isaac was caught in an avalanche .
tr	1	His boots seemed mere feet from going over .
tr	1	As the wave slowed , so did Isaacs descent .
tr	1	Fifteen feet , ten feet , five feet .
tr	1	Isaac 's feet were now dangling in air .
tr	1	The Gods of nature smiled down upon me .
tr	1	" Nice night for a walk , eh ? "
tr	1	he asked " Lovely , " I replied in pleasant tone .
tr	1	We had been climbing for almost 20 hours straight .
tr	1	Nope , a crazy man would have let go .
tr	1	Sadly , he never made it out alive .
tr	1	She 'll be home in a couple hours .
tr	1	Maybe you can show her then , " Trae answered .
tr	1	" Le , you do have a dad .
tr	1	Lena stopped running and sat down next to Trae .
tr	1	" Do you ever see your dad , Trae ? "
tr	1	That was before you were born , " Trae replied .
tr	1	" Well , I miss my dad , " Lena replied .
tr	1	How could you even miss ' im ? "
tr	1	Trae knew his sister was hurting from her father 's rejection .
tr	1	" Bet I can , " Lena replied , laughing .
tr	1	Trae focused more of his attention on the car .
tr	1	A knot in the pit of his stomach began to grow .
tr	1	Strangely , there were no other vehicles in sight .
tr	1	" Lena , come here , " Trae said .
tr	1	" Trae , what 's the matter ? "
tr	1	" Ahhh , " Lena sounded out in protest .
tr	1	" I don 't want to go inside .
tr	1	With deafening sound , their automatic weapons came to life .
tr	1	One by one , each bullet miraculously missed it mark .
tr	1	" I 'm scared , " Lena whimpered .
tr	1	Trae said , his voice now barely audible .
tr	1	Turning away , he stared out over the city and spoke .
tr	1	Spread out shoulder to shoulder , they presented a menacing sight .
tr	1	He sat pensively and observed the scene below .
tr	1	Any retaliation by rebel forces would start with them .
tr	1	They both were seasoned military men who understood each other implicitly .
tr	1	-- -- -- -- -- " FIRE ! "
tr	1	As fate and misfortune collided , so did shell and flesh .
tr	1	Cries of agony could be heard as they fell .
tr	1	Instantly , he fell overboard and floated downstream .
tr	1	Instantly , he dropped to the ground in agony .
tr	1	In his delirium , his world seemed to slow .
tr	1	He rolled on his belly and began to crawl .
tr	1	Suddenly , a soldier lay in his path , face down .
tr	1	This was his first pass through as he searched for casualties .
tr	1	Doc Morgan will have that leg off in no time .
tr	1	He stiffened a moment and looked down at his maimed appendage .
tr	1	It was all he could do , and it was enough .
tr	1	It started as a low clicking sound , barely audible .
tr	1	He spun on his heels and ran toward the operating wagon .
tr	1	There were three soldiers lying with their feet toward him .
tr	1	He stood for a moment and awaited further orders .
tr	1	First we determine the point of incision closest to the wound .
tr	1	Looking up at his assistant , then up to Corp. .
tr	1	Fletcher to ensure he was unconscious , he was now ready .
tr	1	This really should be quite simple with him unconscious . "
tr	1	As he did this , he asked a question .
tr	1	Dr. Morgan reached for a longer bladed scalpel .
tr	1	He then began to aggressively saw through the bone .
tr	1	See those strands that look like tiny pieces of twine ?
tr	1	Eventually , their own bodies and minds began to fail them .
tr	1	They had pushed themselves to the limits of human endurance .
tr	1	" Ok , what do we have ? "
tr	1	Her belly 's distended , must be filling up with blood .
tr	1	Her vitals are low , about eighty-five over sixty .
tr	1	BP is eighty over fifty-five , pulse ox is eighty-five . "
tr	1	" Should we get an ultrasound in here ? "
tr	1	Dr. Stadler asked as he started to tie his gown .
tr	1	" My god , she 's just a baby .
tr	1	" The chart says Lena Williams , " Nurse Edwards replied .
tr	1	Charge the paddles to fifty , " Dr. Warner retorted back .
tr	1	" Clear , " Dr. Warner called out .
tr	1	The patient 's body convulsed from the current coursing through her .
tr	1	" Fifty again , " Dr. Warner called out once more .
tr	1	" Sinus tach , " Dr. Stadler cried out in relief .
tr	1	Dr. Warner roughly placed paddles back on tray .
tr	1	replied the Dr. Stadler , now regaining his composure .
tr	1	" OK , eight blade , " Dr. Warner requested .
tr	1	He finished the incision and called , " Clamp . "
tr	1	Nurse Edwards placed the clamp in his hand .
tr	1	" Suction , " Dr. Warner called out .
tr	1	" Looks like about a .22 , " Dr. Warner informed .
tr	1	" Awful , just awful , " Nurse Edwards replied sadly .
tr	1	Dr. Warner called out as he quickly worked .
tr	1	Can you repair it while I attend to the spleen ? "
tr	1	" Doctors , BP is dropping again , sixty-five over forty-eight .
tr	1	" Dammit , where is she bleeding from ? "
tr	1	" Hang another two units , " Dr. Warner requested anxiously .
tr	1	" Dr. Warner , do you see this ? "
tr	1	" It appears that way , why ? "
tr	1	Dr. Warner asked as he worked on the kidney .
tr	1	" Dammit , you know what that is ?
tr	1	That 's another entry wound , " Dr. Warner replied .
tr	1	" Eight blade and sternal saw , STAT ! "
tr	1	" What are the odds of that happening ?
tr	1	I mean , two bullets with the same entry wound ? "
tr	1	Quickly , Nurse Edwards handed Dr. Warner the saw .
tr	1	" Rib spreader , " Dr. Warner requested .
tr	1	Anticipating his request , Nurse Edwards handed him the instrument immediately .
tr	1	" Probe , " Dr. Warner requested from Nurse Edwards .
tr	1	As he did , Dr. Warner examined the cleaned areas .
tr	1	I need more suction , " Dr. Warner asked with frustration .
tr	1	Forceps , " Dr. Warner requested with an almost frantic tone .
tr	1	They sliced through the veins on contact , " he announced .
tr	1	" There must be a dozen fissures to repair . "
tr	1	He pulled his hands from her chest and stood back .
tr	1	" Call it , " he mumbled quietly .
tr	1	Standing in front of the elevator , he pushed the button .
tr	1	She watched as the doors closed behind him .
tr	1	He appeared somewhat accidental to the photo 's purpose .
tr	1	David gazed upon the doctors in the photo .
tr	1	A feeling of contempt swept over his body .
tr	1	Turning around to investigate , he stiffened and froze in place .
tr	1	His heart began to pump wildly and his whole body shook .
tr	1	This is one strange dream , " David said out loud .
tr	1	" Whoa , I 'm seeing color in this dream .
tr	1	the old doctor called out to David in frustration .
tr	1	Something in his gut was telling him not to go .
tr	1	David turned and took a step onto the grass .
tr	1	A confused expression crossed his face as he spoke .
tr	1	" That is quite an unusual uniform you have on .
tr	1	David replied , still in a deep state of shock .
tr	1	" I see you 've been in surgery already .
tr	1	I don 't recall another medical unit around here .
tr	1	the old doctor asked casually as he worked .
tr	1	He knew he couldn 't say he was from the future .
tr	1	" Uh huh , and where did you come from ?
tr	1	the old doctor asked without breaking his concentration .
tr	1	" Young man , are you a deserter ? "
tr	1	I am not in the military , " David responded .
tr	1	" Doctor , the truth is I need a job .
tr	1	the old doctor said , continuing his interrogation .
tr	1	I was trained in New England at Harvard University .
tr	1	" Well , doctor , do you have a name ? "
tr	1	the old doctor asked , now warming to David a bit .
tr	1	May I ask what your name is ? "
tr	1	He tied the last bandage and lifted his head .
tr	1	With piercing eyes , he stared directly into David 's .
tr	1	Slowly , he extended his hand in greeting .
tr	1	" I 'm pleased to make your acquaintance , David .
tr	1	David replied , trying to contain his confidence .
tr	1	David viewed his crude operating environment with shock .
tr	1	This was as primitive as he could imagine .
tr	1	He wasn 't sure he could do it .
tr	1	" Son , I don 't want you to manage .
tr	1	I want you to perform as a trained operator .
tr	1	These young men deserve more than a butcher or a charlatan .
tr	1	Next , he checked pupil dilation and reaction with a match .
tr	1	He observed that his skin color was pale and felt clammy .
tr	1	In addition , the young man seemed somewhat withdrawn and lethargic .
tr	1	" Dr. Warner , what is your assessment ? "
tr	1	I am making some effort to stabilize him before invasive surgery .
tr	1	He continued , " Do we have the chloroform ready ? "
tr	1	Dr. Morgan asked , now intrigued by David 's plan .
tr	1	Satisfied with his cleansing , he slowly washed away the soap .
tr	1	Quickly , David set up next to the young soldier .
tr	1	With the patient out , Dr. Morgan looked on closely .
tr	1	The damage was much more extensive , but manageable .
tr	1	With the operation over , he began to bandage the wound .
tr	1	All he could do now was to wait .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	These samplings are brought to you by Big Pine Lodge Books .
tr	1	Sometimes that happens to me in this place .
tr	1	I don 't think it 's memory loss or anything magical .
tr	1	My dad thinks I 'm the star of Little League .
tr	1	But back to the building I found myself in .
tr	1	There were a lot of kids , mostly older than me .
tr	1	I know because that 's what I did .
tr	1	I peeled off some nice jeans and a dark blue tee-shirt .
tr	1	Stealing someone 's freshly washed laundry would have to do .
tr	1	But before I could change I suddenly found myself outside .
tr	1	Then I went looking for the giant washing machines again .
tr	1	Then suddenly an announcement blared from speakers in the ceilings .
tr	1	Then I ducked into an open machine to change .
tr	1	These machines were bigger than the closets at our old apartment .
tr	1	Most were in clothes too baggy or too tight .
tr	1	No one was yelling or screaming , not even the girls .
tr	1	( I 'm not allowed to say fat . )
tr	1	Down the center trail went a bunch of girls .
tr	1	Now , finally , they were making noise , giggling .
tr	1	But I could barely see who he was following .
tr	1	The sliding slowed as the tunnel evened out .
tr	1	I had to crawl out the last three feet .
tr	1	She was an ageless woman , maybe thirty-five , maybe sixty .
tr	1	She looked a lot like every teacher at my school .
tr	1	" I don 't know what you 're talking about . "
tr	1	Just follow me for now , " she said .
tr	1	I must be experiencing some kind of memory blackout .
tr	1	I wondered what we were going to be late for .
tr	1	The straight river below held a steamboat trapped on a rock .
tr	1	I wondered how I knew it was Jim .
tr	1	We had no tools , no equipment of any kind .
tr	1	Higher than even Matt Jennings and it was his birthday party .
tr	1	Miss Jackson hissed , thrusting her paper and pencil at me .
tr	1	She turned on her recording device and started capturing the dialogue .
tr	1	I didn 't see the point in my taking notes .
tr	1	" What do you think will happen if it fits ? "
tr	1	" Think it will just automatically open ? "
tr	1	" This is going to take a while .
tr	1	There must be a thousand possibilities here . "
tr	1	Missy needed to swat a mosquito but was afraid to move .
tr	1	Jessica passed her the key and held her breath .
tr	1	Jessica gasped , " Look out , Missy ! "
tr	1	She didn 't have any friends , not here anyway .
tr	1	" You mean there 's someplace more north than here ? "
tr	1	There were lots of lakes , state forests , and campgrounds .
tr	1	Hey , stork , what long skinny legs you have .
tr	1	Hey , stork , deliver any babies recently ?
tr	1	I really can 't tell you much more .
tr	1	He seemed nice , not a crotchety old geezer .
tr	1	He said he especially wanted to give you something . "
tr	1	We might need boots and warmer jackets . "
tr	1	" Wow , there must be two inches of snow .
tr	1	What 's that , about two or three miles ? "
tr	1	The snow stopped and the sun came back out .
tr	1	" Mom , there 's a town named after us ! "
tr	1	It 's too small to be printed on this map . "
tr	1	It was about the size of a kid 's playhouse .
tr	1	It was a dark brown log building three stories high .
tr	1	Missy turned to see her mother pointing off to the left .
tr	1	It looked like the lodge had had twelve identical babies .
tr	1	She only saw more pine trees and leafless oaks and maples .
tr	1	Her eyes followed the lines of the bark up the tree .
tr	1	But from this side the platform above wasn 't visible .
tr	1	Ha , ha , ha , ha ! "
tr	1	His eyes , behind large glasses , were watery but friendly .
tr	1	" Can I get you some coffee or hot chocolate ?
tr	1	I just have to stick it in the microwave . "
tr	1	Her mom looked puzzled and answered , " Maybe .
tr	1	Old Mr. Stark just chuckled and said , " Another mystery .
tr	1	We have lots of mysteries and secrets around here .
tr	1	" I never knew this , " Kim Stark said .
tr	1	" Missy 's dad sure was a loyal secret keeper . "
tr	1	I 'll get Kevin to show you around . "
tr	1	It was quite loud and echoed across the lake and back .
tr	1	Should she say something about the tree fort ?
tr	1	We 've lived there as long as I can remember .
tr	1	At least that 's what Mr. Stark told me .
tr	1	" And you said there were cooks and waitresses ? "
tr	1	Come on , I 'll show you . "
tr	1	Missy walked over to the windows and looked out .
tr	1	Mr. Stark lets me keep all of the profits .
tr	1	" Come on , I 'll show you more . "
tr	1	" You want to see the guests ' rooms ? "
tr	1	Kevin went to the first door and pushed it open .
tr	1	The walls were paneled in light knotty pine .
tr	1	Behind the door on the left was a bathroom .
tr	1	Missy walked to the window and looked out .
tr	1	I 've gone there climbing a bunch with my dad .
tr	1	" I 'm not going to be here for the summer .
tr	1	All he said was , " We 'll see . "
tr	1	It was a two-room suite , much larger and brighter .
tr	1	Again Missy went to the window and looked out .
tr	1	Now she could see the " mountain " better .
tr	1	" See that trail past the last cabin ?
tr	1	That leads to the stables and where I live . "
tr	1	Kevin wasn 't about to be teased by a girl .
tr	1	He reached for the knob but it wouldn 't turn .
tr	1	" So open it , you 've got a key . "
tr	1	" How do you know if you don 't try ? "
tr	1	She wiggled it back and forth and pushed on the door .
tr	1	It 's a secret Mr. Stark showed me .
tr	1	She said , " But I 'm family .
tr	1	He laughed and challenged her to a race down the stairs .
tr	1	He lifted a poster of Snoopy and revealed a narrow door .
tr	1	" Yeah , this is pretty scary , " she confessed .
tr	1	" Okay , you go back and take the stairs .
tr	1	She could hear Kevin laughing on the other side .
tr	1	A small amount of light was coming in through some vents .
tr	1	The trunks looked the most interesting , however .
tr	1	" This is cool , " she said .
tr	1	She thumbed through the album and put it back .
tr	1	They put everything back and closed the trunk 's lid .
tr	1	She pulled out a most strange looking key .
tr	1	" Mom , wait till you see the lodge .
tr	1	It was your father 's when he was a boy . "
tr	1	Missy reached out her hands and took the box .
tr	1	Your dad and I made that together a long time ago .
tr	1	Pretty good for an old man , huh ? "
tr	1	Then suddenly he laughed the most uproarious laugh of all .
tr	1	" Is that how old you think I am ?
tr	1	Did Kevin tell you to say that ? "
tr	1	He was still laughing but Missy was embarrassed .
tr	1	Actually that wasn 't so far from the truth .
tr	1	" Are you coming , too , Mom ? "
tr	1	" Weekends and one week in August . "
tr	1	Wow , she thought , I got it !
tr	1	She poured the treasured objects out onto the carpet .
tr	1	It was an old newspaper clipping about a drowning .
tr	1	The article said that her body was never recovered .
tr	1	The scenery was certainly different from that snowy day in March .
tr	1	Just then her mother stepped hard on the brakes .
tr	1	They drove up to the front of the lodge and parked .
tr	1	Wait ' til you see what we made . "
tr	1	Missy 's mom asked " Hi , Kevin .
tr	1	Kevin slowed down and answered Mrs. Stark first .
tr	1	He 's in the dining room now . "
tr	1	Mr. Stark helped me make an elevator for the tree house .
tr	1	It was in the servants ' wing on the first floor .
tr	1	She 's finishing up in the kitchen now . "
tr	1	There 's Danielle , Lindsay , Courtney , and Alicia .
tr	1	They wait tables , clean rooms , and make beds .
tr	1	He pointed to a paper on the nightstand .
tr	1	Her mother must have been reading her mind .
tr	1	" You still have a bedtime , Missy .
tr	1	" She 's probably going over receipts with your great-grandfather .
tr	1	Mrs. Jackson was a nice-looking lady with medium length brown hair .
tr	1	His beard was trimmed up quite a bit , though .
tr	1	Kevin pointed to the bark at the bottom of the tree .
tr	1	Now she could see that the bark appeared fake .
tr	1	" Yeah , I 'm " stumped " .
tr	1	I can feel a difference , though , " Missy said .
tr	1	Kevin stepped onto the tiny platform and held the ropes .
tr	1	This project only took us two weeks this spring . "
tr	1	The view from the fort wasn 't what she expected .
tr	1	Maybe he didn 't have any more friends than she did .
tr	1	" Oh , you startled me , " Missy said .
tr	1	" Sorry , but you didn 't send the elevator back .
tr	1	Missy was pleased that he was asking for her opinion .
tr	1	Missy learned a lot more about her great-grandfather and the lodge .
tr	1	He helped her into the elevator then took the steps .
tr	1	He was maybe a high school boy , fifteen , sixteen .
tr	1	His hair was longish and he didn 't look pleasant .
tr	1	It was about the size of a kid 's playhouse .
tr	1	Missy pulled it out of her pocket and handed it over .
tr	1	Missy just nodded and kept her feelings to herself .
tr	1	A second crunch indicated that another vehicle was following the first .
tr	1	Kevin pulled up two large ferns and thrust one at Missy .
tr	1	They were just guessing that I 'd be here .
tr	1	Who was the one who threw out the cigarette ? "
tr	1	They 'll do whatever Dave tells them to do . "
tr	1	" What did your parents do when they found out ? "
tr	1	No way were they going to help by carrying stuff in .
tr	1	They got out of earshot as fast as they could .
tr	1	Lonnie and Ricky pushed past them and ran for the canoes .
tr	1	They laughed as they watched it fill with water and sink .
tr	1	" Rules are rules , now you behave .
tr	1	She shouted louder and they just kept paddling away .
tr	1	" We 're gon na check out the trails , Mom .
tr	1	Kevin glanced toward the trail along the beach .
tr	1	" I bet I know where the younger brothers are going .
tr	1	Come on , let 's go follow them . "
tr	1	Without a second 's hesitation Missy took off after Kevin .
tr	1	" Tell me again which one is which ? "
tr	1	He had dark hair and eyes and a dark personality .
tr	1	" Yeah , you row like girls , " Ricky added .
tr	1	" What if somebody else is down there ? '
tr	1	Somebody 'll come along sooner or later . "
tr	1	" They 're all here , " he whispered .
tr	1	" They didn 't know about the flashlights .
tr	1	I just don 't think it 's a good idea . "
tr	1	They had discovered this entrance the first week of the summer .
tr	1	They took baby steps and rounded the corner .
tr	1	Out on the lake Lonnie and Ricky were having second thoughts .
tr	1	They won 't dare go in somebody else 's place . "
tr	1	" Ooo , we 're gon na get lost .
tr	1	Haven 't you noticed the little glow-in-the-dark reflector arrows ? "
tr	1	Dave laughed loudly and called Rob several humiliating names .
tr	1	" Come on , little baby , we 'll head back .
tr	1	Lonnie and Ricky must have taken a different tunnel .
tr	1	They 're probably out and in our canoe by now . "
tr	1	Missy 's heart started its hummingbird flapping again .
tr	1	" Is that you breathing so hard , moron ? "
tr	1	Rob and Dave were just as still in the total darkness .
tr	1	They noisily entered the next tunnel and pretended to head on .
tr	1	" Let 's hurry , " he whispered .
tr	1	It hung over the opening completely and hid the entrance .
tr	1	" Ow , get off me , " Rob grunted .
tr	1	Dave rolled to the right and searched blindly for the lighter .
tr	1	They came to a fork in the tunnels .
tr	1	Kevin didn 't hesitate in choosing the right tunnel .
tr	1	Kevin hurried to the drapery that hung over the exit .
tr	1	The drapery that hid it didn 't reach the ground .
tr	1	Kevin gave Missy a boost and up she went .
tr	1	She climbed the ladder first and unlocked the trapdoor .
tr	1	We could just wait here , " Dave said .
tr	1	Rob held the candle up high then down low .
tr	1	See how it 's scuffed up here ? "
tr	1	Dave agreed and they followed the tunnel to the large cavern .
tr	1	" They 're probably half way back by now ! "
tr	1	" Think of something else , " Ricky said .
tr	1	" Okay , let 's go check out our room .
tr	1	I 'm glad our folks are letting us share .
tr	1	They dashed through the lobby and cut through the dining room .
tr	1	He had come up behind them without a sound .
tr	1	A little punishment 's not a bad thing .
tr	1	" I heard they 've got horses here this summer .
tr	1	" No , but it can 't be hard .
tr	1	" Okay , but what about Rob and Dave ?
tr	1	And the Jackson kid and the girl ? "
tr	1	" I thought we agreed on our story . "
tr	1	Their claws were sharp and their digging was fast and methodical .
tr	1	The flock rose as one and noisily flew off .
tr	1	Your dad 'll probably ask you tonight . "
tr	1	Its army green color made it look like a small tank .
tr	1	Speed was controlled by a gas lever in the right handlebar .
tr	1	They could hear footsteps on the plank floor .
tr	1	" Are we just gon na leave the rope ? "
tr	1	Missy watched the rope tighten up and lift off the ground .
tr	1	again then stopped when they heard a scraping sound above .
tr	1	" Get up here and help me , " Dave ordered .
tr	1	The one he wouldn 't let us ride in ? "
tr	1	" Well , his son and somebody else just drove away .
tr	1	Ricky and Lonnie may still be down in the caves . "
tr	1	Rob turned and looked back at the open trapdoor .
tr	1	" You thinkin ' what I 'm thinkin ' ? "
tr	1	" I think he saw us , " Missy said .
tr	1	How long were we down there anyway ? "
tr	1	" Wait , why are you going that way ?
tr	1	" We can catch that tank , that 's why .
tr	1	Kevin turned into the driveway and drove up to the garage .
tr	1	" Hold your ears , " he warned .
tr	1	" Who 'd be shooting in the summer ? "
tr	1	" Maybe somebody 's poaching out of season .
tr	1	Shooting a nice buck or doe , " Lonnie surmised .
tr	1	They didn 't think at all about bear hunting .
tr	1	Then she used the same trick on Misty .
tr	1	" How did they get out of the caves ? "
tr	1	" There really must be another way out after all . "
tr	1	" I want to know how they did it .
tr	1	Lonnie said as he and Ricky blocked their way .
tr	1	" Getting a couple of horses ready for us ? "
tr	1	Missy followed next and the two bullies trailed after .
tr	1	" I 'm not riding no pony , " Lonnie said .
tr	1	" He 's not a pony , " Missy said .
tr	1	" Are you sure you 've ridden before ? "
tr	1	" I know what I 'm doing , " Lonnie huffed .
tr	1	He burst out laughing and so did Missy .
tr	1	" Stupid horse , " was all that Lonnie said .
tr	1	He got up and walked over to Johnny .
tr	1	Missy went through the opening first followed by Lonnie on Johnny .
tr	1	" Hey , loosen up on the reins .
tr	1	Ricky let out a yell but succeeded in regaining his seat .
tr	1	He started to speed up , but Dave pulled him back .
tr	1	There was no room to turn the horses around right here .
tr	1	Her only option was to start to trot .
tr	1	Keno waited for Kevin 's command then trotted smoothly behind Blackie .
tr	1	The first horse passed beneath them snorting and tossing his head .
tr	1	That was just enough to send Johnny over the edge .
tr	1	He pushed into Misty 's left flank and tried to pass .
tr	1	Is that nag too old to run or what ? "
tr	1	Dave , however , was feeling a lot less sympathetic .
tr	1	The young bear cubs couldn 't have been less interested .
tr	1	It was all fun and food for them .
tr	1	Ricky was starting to like Blackie 's canter .
tr	1	They jumped off the trail just in time .
tr	1	They should be banned from the lodge . "
tr	1	I 'm Lonnie and this is Ricky . "
tr	1	Missy pulled his head up and straightened around in the saddle .
tr	1	She signaled for a walk and led the group on .
tr	1	" Wait , " Lonnie said , trailing behind her .
tr	1	" Tell us how you got out of the caves .
tr	1	We know there 's another way out , isn 't there ?
tr	1	Kevin hollered from the end of the line .
tr	1	" But how did you guys get out ? "
tr	1	" If it 's a secret , you can trust us .
tr	1	We were gon na let you out in five minutes .
tr	1	Missy continued to ignore him and Kevin stayed silent , too .
tr	1	Rob glanced at Dave and raised an eyebrow .
tr	1	" Ricky 's already riding , ma . "
tr	1	She started to rise from her chair then sat back down .
tr	1	" I suppose your brother is riding , too ? "
tr	1	Lonnie and Ricky were starting to get sore bottoms .
tr	1	He couldn 't figure out how to do it .
tr	1	Missy stopped her horse and held up her hand .
tr	1	" We have to get back for lunch . "
tr	1	There were rarely any cars that went by here .
tr	1	" Payback time , " she whispered to Kevin .
tr	1	Missy slowed to a trot and finally a walk .
tr	1	Her great-grandfather wouldn 't object , she was sure .
tr	1	Now the plan they had hatched seemed kind of lame .
tr	1	" Think of something else , " Dave said .
tr	1	He tossed his handful of ketchup into the wastebasket .
tr	1	" Get me off this nag , " Lonnie muttered .
tr	1	Bring them over here , " Missy commanded .
tr	1	We would have told you about the other cave entrance ! "
tr	1	" I hope those are for lunch , " Lonnie said .
tr	1	They back tracked around the side and circled the lodge .
tr	1	" Hi , Missy , " Mrs. Jackson greeted her .
tr	1	Are there any more people signed up to ride ? "
tr	1	Looks like you 'll be riding all day long . "
tr	1	" What 's the matter , dear ? "
tr	1	" Oh , nothing , well , yeah .
tr	1	" Let me guess , Dave and Rob ? "
tr	1	Mrs. Jackson scowled , raising one eyebrow for a question mark .
tr	1	" No , their brothers , Lonnie and Ricky . "
tr	1	Mrs. Jackson shook her head and thought for a moment .
tr	1	That will be the " riding coupon " .
tr	1	The rest of the afternoon was fun for everyone .
tr	1	Dave and Rob never got into the water .
tr	1	Missy assured them that the rumor was false .
tr	1	The conversation was sometimes boring and sometimes interesting .
tr	1	Missy flopped on the bed and let out a big sigh .
tr	1	It was so unexpected to get a gift .
tr	1	It took only one match to get the flames going .
tr	1	He steadily added more wood from the pile they had nearby .
tr	1	One by one families came out and settled around the blaze .
tr	1	Kevin looked around for Missy who hadn 't shown up yet .
tr	1	It wasn 't like her to miss a bonfire .
tr	1	He also didn 't see the older brothers .
tr	1	They 'd be asked to leave for sure .
tr	1	" Hey , where have you been ? "
tr	1	" Just doing stuff in my room . "
tr	1	" Yup , same old bonfire , " Dave answered .
tr	1	" Nah , they 'd make us put it out .
tr	1	There 's an old fireplace in the cabin ruins . "
tr	1	Lonnie and Ricky bent over double , laughing their heads off .
tr	1	As soon as they straightened up the loud farts began again .
tr	1	she said and picked up her chair to move away .
tr	1	He stuffed it under his armpit and folded his arms .
tr	1	A long disgusting eruption of farting sounds came from Mr. Stark .
tr	1	It 's just a remote control farting machine . "
tr	1	" That was hilarious , " Ricky said .
tr	1	" Yeah , until that old fart found it .
tr	1	" Yeah , I like your thinking . "
tr	1	They checked inside and made a pit stop in the bathroom .
tr	1	He moved left just as he heard Ricky flush .
tr	1	Let 's change into all black clothing . "
tr	1	" Turn the lights off , " he ordered .
tr	1	He let out some low growls then asked , " Well ?
tr	1	Especially with some snorts and some leaves rustling . "
tr	1	Lonnie 's father patted them both on the shoulders .
tr	1	" You didn 't miss anything , " Lonnie said .
tr	1	He gripped her hands and pulled her toward him .
tr	1	Tommy fell on his butt , mouth open in shock .
tr	1	Tommy slapped his hands to the sides of his head .
tr	1	" She must have been taken to the dungeon ! "
tr	1	he jerked back then realized how stupid he had been .
tr	1	He searched the air again until he located the spot .
tr	1	It took twice as long to find it again .
tr	1	He wasn 't afraid that she 'd ask him to help .
tr	1	He planned to spend the money on candy .
tr	1	Even comic books , she said , were good purchases .
tr	1	A wall of hot air greeted him as he entered .
tr	1	He rushed to the old train trunk and opened it .
tr	1	There was a small doll carriage , too .
tr	1	He crossed the street and turned the corner .
tr	1	Probably little kids , he thought , or girls .
tr	1	This had to stop and it had to stop right now .
tr	1	The little girl grabbed at it and pushed it back down .
tr	1	" We 're playing house , " Billy announced .
tr	1	Better hide it up high in his bedroom closet .
tr	1	It looked like a rock but it felt like a pillow .
tr	1	Maybe this was all a dream , he thought .
tr	1	He looked all around and everything was clear as day .
tr	1	Then he laughed at himself for thinking such a silly thought .
tr	1	He straightened up again and the dizziness was gone .
tr	1	The hill that boasted two very tall blue Spruce trees .
tr	1	Tommy should have been scared , but this place felt comfortable .
tr	1	The voices sounded friendly but you never knew .
tr	1	Tommy peered around the blue branches and watched .
tr	1	Neither of the two people headed his way .
tr	1	He began bouncing his way along from rock to rock .
tr	1	" Step lightly there , young man ! "
tr	1	There was an inscription that made no sense to him .
tr	1	He chuckled to himself and took off down the left trail .
tr	1	He crumpled the wrapper and tossed it away .
tr	1	He mouth fell open and the gum slipped out .
tr	1	Tommy awoke with a start from the hard ground .
tr	1	I 'll give you a whole dinner for that pink coin .
tr	1	A whole dinner and two blue coins in change . "
tr	1	He had just bought a walking stick for dinner .
tr	1	This wasn 't a bad deal after all .
tr	1	He looked around for a place to sit and eat .
tr	1	The center was meaty and juicy and a bit salty .
tr	1	There was a door on the tree with a glass window .
tr	1	Don 't you know to knock before you enter ?
tr	1	And you 've eaten your dinner , I see .
tr	1	She turned her back again and stirred some more .
tr	1	Tommy started climbing and reached the door , which automatically opened .
tr	1	The old woman 's face was in the window smiling .
tr	1	He reached up and put all his weight on a branch .
tr	1	How could such a thing happen so quickly ?
tr	1	He dropped to the ground and started down the left fork .
tr	1	He would have to climb up and have a look around .
tr	1	He reached down and pressed his fingers into the rock .
tr	1	The rock began to vibrate and Tommy lost his balance .
tr	1	He quickly scrambled forward and down the backside .
tr	1	Four dongs close together ; it must be quarter after something .
tr	1	The sounds were better : songbirds and owls .
tr	1	Each tree was twisted and grew in unexpected directions .
tr	1	An owl flew straight at him and nipped his ear .
tr	1	He stopped short and was hit again from behind .
tr	1	He felt his forehead where the first one smacked him .
tr	1	He heard a pathetic cry and he instantly felt sorry .
tr	1	screamed a childlike man from behind the gate .
tr	1	" Two blue coins , " Tommy obediently answered .
tr	1	He rose up and took the torch from the closest wall .
tr	1	Tommy decided he had made a mistake the first time .
tr	1	Now there were six plus the two in his hands .
tr	1	He wondered just how big he could make this place .
tr	1	He counted as he circled the great room .
tr	1	Eight , nine , ten , eleven , twelve .
tr	1	He was getting tired and running out of breath .
tr	1	So much fire now and smoke , too .
tr	1	Tommy stood at torch number eighteen and looked .
tr	1	Flames from the far opposite walls looked like matches .
tr	1	It sounded like another boy his own age .
tr	1	The gate keeper pulled a lever and sent me here . "
tr	1	" No , I 'm not from anywhere around here .
tr	1	Blow out one torch and they 'll all go out . "
tr	1	Tommy did and found himself in a lavish palace chamber .
tr	1	A voice behind him made him jerk his head around .
tr	1	And even I can 't send you back .
tr	1	He had to at least ask for a name .
tr	1	" Hi , like I said , I 'm Tommy .
tr	1	The prince frowned at such a small and simply wrapped gift .
tr	1	Then he brightened , " What is it ?
tr	1	That really annoys teachers , " Tommy added .
tr	1	The Prince chewed slowly on the gum and eyed Tommy suspiciously .
tr	1	" This is fascinating , " the Prince proclaimed .
tr	1	" Can I save it for later ? "
tr	1	" Yeah , but it 'll get hard .
tr	1	Just throw it away and get a new one . "
tr	1	Will you tell me how to get home ? "
tr	1	The prince shook his curls and got up from the ottoman .
tr	1	Then they stepped outside into a pink and blue garden .
tr	1	" Don 't even answer their stupid questions . "
tr	1	Tommy had no idea what he was talking about .
tr	1	A very tall door was closed and barred .
tr	1	The Prince was already three feet up and continuing .
tr	1	At the top both boys swung a leg over and balanced .
tr	1	This book is available in paperback and digital e-book format .
tr	1	But I don 't think I 'm cool .
tr	1	I guess it 's ' cause I 'm tall .
tr	1	Anyway , I hang with the cool kids .
tr	1	Like Austin Michaels , he 's my best friend .
tr	1	I tell people he 's like a brother to me .
tr	1	But cool won 't help you against Bigfoot .
tr	1	Okay , I know you don 't believe we saw Bigfoot .
tr	1	I didn 't know what a hobo was .
tr	1	The thing about Sydney is you never see her not smiling .
tr	1	Austin and I just stared and covered our mouths and noses .
tr	1	I picked it up and handed it over .
tr	1	She checked and of course it didn 't work .
tr	1	Syd gave me a smile and was cool about the phone .
tr	1	" What do ya think that stuff is ? "
tr	1	He kept staring at the enormous dung pile .
tr	1	He claimed he was making sure it wasn 't bat poop .
tr	1	" Maybe it 's from Bigfoot , " Callie offered .
tr	1	For once I didn 't have anything to say .
tr	1	Sydney crouched down and stretched her hand across the imprint .
tr	1	I think each toe was as big as her hand .
tr	1	I wondered why she wasn 't trembling ' cause I was .
tr	1	Callie was calling from the back of the pack .
tr	1	I can 't run in these sandals . "
tr	1	Now I know that Callie gets good grades .
tr	1	Like always know what time it was without a watch .
tr	1	Which way should we go , Callie ? "
tr	1	" Yeah , the monster , " Sydney echoed .
tr	1	Austin warned me , but it was too late .
tr	1	" You 're still bleeding , " Sydney said .
tr	1	" I can 't tell which direction to go now .
tr	1	Chapter 4 - Sounds So there we were .
tr	1	Or something else ... " Okay , who let one ? "
tr	1	I think she 's happy to be lost .
tr	1	The others followed like the little lambs they are .
tr	1	" It 's only a little bit after one .
tr	1	" We just had lunch before we came .
tr	1	We haven 't been out here that long . "
tr	1	I knew that they had heard it , too .
tr	1	Well , we all had to laugh at that .
tr	1	Callie comes out with some good ones all the time .
tr	1	We started to laugh and we couldn 't seem to stop .
tr	1	My sides started aching and Austin was clutching his stomach .
tr	1	This is what I found out later is called hysteria .
tr	1	The bushes were shaking and something was definitely moving closer .
tr	1	Her dad can actually tell a joke without using any English .
tr	1	Natalie 's lip curled up toward her nose .
tr	1	Syd held her hand out , fingers spread wide .
tr	1	Making little noises that would attract a predator .
tr	1	Predator was a spelling word we had last month .
tr	1	Cool that I get to use it in a sentence .
tr	1	" I think we should go , " Austin said .
tr	1	" Natalie , do you know the way back ? "
tr	1	" Let 's vote , " Sydney grinned .
tr	1	Now one , two , three , open your eyes . "
tr	1	At least this is what I have to believe .
tr	1	Especially now , right now , because the hunger has me .
tr	1	It hums in gentle cadence with his dreams .
tr	1	There are others in the motel with different auras .
tr	1	My name is Maya , and his name was Ryan .
tr	1	For a moment I am lost in the hunger .
tr	1	And I only stabbed myself in the eye once this morning .
tr	1	Willing to jump in front of buses for Orwell and Vonnegut .
tr	1	It was finding friends with strange passions and loud laughs .
tr	1	Somehow my constant metaphors and little dramatics only spark amused forbearance .
tr	1	The realization that it 's okay to dream .
tr	1	Summer in Connecticut seems determined to go out muggy and hot .
tr	1	His pale blue eyes follow my progress down the path .
tr	1	His face is all cheekbones and smooth planes .
tr	1	His face is familiar , but I can 't place it .
tr	1	* * * Ryan and I sit down for lunch .
tr	1	" High standards , " I chime in .
tr	1	The man , he looked , I don 't know . "
tr	1	" Dangerous , " he says , nodding with satisfaction .
tr	1	I need to paint her heart a darker hue .
tr	1	There are two things I do for inspiration .
tr	1	This is the second thing I do for inspiration .
tr	1	Other citizens jog by or ride past me on bicycles .
tr	1	They are doctors , teachers , janitors and construction workers .
tr	1	Ryan and I are in complete agreement on this point .
tr	1	He stutters something about the stars , and I look up .
tr	1	Ryan laughs at this thought when I say it out loud .
tr	1	" You are a strange one , Pixie Girl . "
tr	1	Blue eyes move up my body and pause at my face .
tr	1	A pale fuzz of light blurs the lines of his fingers .
tr	1	I can only see the left side of Ryan 's face .
tr	1	The stranger steps back , and Ryan collapses to the ground .
tr	1	Some part of him cracks hard against the pavement .
tr	1	He opens his arms , and I don 't understand .
tr	1	I am crouched over Ryan , gripping his shirt .
tr	1	The invisible force pries my fingers loose one by one .
tr	1	" No , no , no , " I moan .
tr	1	I vomit across his shirt and down my own .
tr	1	A low gurgled moan comes out of my throat .
tr	1	It is the boy with the baseball cap and curly hair .
tr	1	He pauses at Ryan 's body , looks around .
tr	1	I hear his voice echoing in the distance .
tr	1	I stare at the stranger 's shoes between my tears .
tr	1	I wrap my arms around my body and weep .
tr	1	" Take them , " the man says .
tr	1	I try to scream and suck down the pills instead .
tr	1	For the first time , I look around .
tr	1	The man turns from me to reach into the duffle bag .
tr	1	Now , lay down on the cot . "
tr	1	This is strange , because Ryan never plays jokes on me .
tr	1	His face is composed in concentration , searching .
tr	1	I am going to take away all your weaknesses . "
tr	1	This is the first emotion he 's allowed across his face .
tr	1	The man picks up the needle from the towel .
tr	1	" The change shouldn 't be this difficult .
tr	1	For now though , bone marrow will suffice .
tr	1	The colors are running all around the room .
tr	1	Maybe he 'll slip on them , but he doesn 't .
tr	1	Your body will try to fight the change . "
tr	1	He turns his head , and a smile touches his lips .
tr	1	" I 'm making you my daughter . "
tr	1	I find it strange that I conjure such a line .
tr	1	It 's so hard to think at all right now .
tr	1	I scream again as the needle plunges into my back .
tr	1	Two explosions so loud that I cover my ears .
tr	1	The figure in front of me is gone .
tr	1	Elf eyes above a sharp nose and triangle mouth .
tr	1	A ball cap on his head with wavy hair spilling out .
tr	1	I am watching the strange blue light glowing around his face .
tr	1	Strange , mystical music telling me to touch the light .
tr	1	" We 're too late , " another voice says .
tr	1	The elf 's voice wavers in and out with the pain .
tr	1	" ... need you to concentrate ... how many shots ? "
tr	1	I watch the light around the elf 's face .
tr	1	That 's good ... ... work with that .
tr	1	" We have to go , " the other voice says .
tr	1	Each of my vigilante custodians has their own method of evasion .
tr	1	So , it was a dark and stormy night .
tr	1	Somewhere far off a coyote howled to the moon .
tr	1	" It 's show time , " Gabe growled .
tr	1	The heroic brothers heaved up the storage unit door .
tr	1	The angel jumped up , rage alighting in his eyes .
tr	1	It 's pink and got little flowers all over it .
tr	1	... Oh , now that 's just mean .
tr	1	The angel was quick , moving like a blur .
tr	1	Fists and legs flew at the speed of light .
tr	1	" Is that the best you 've got ? "
tr	1	Maybe I wanted to be up against the wall .
tr	1	Maybe I had ' em right where I wanted him .
tr	1	Ranger T hollow points , got ta ' love ' em .
tr	1	For you see , this wasn 't just any girl .
tr	1	" Damn it , I will save you ! "
tr	1	This was our only chance to finally take him out .
tr	1	I had a second Glock strapped to my leg .
tr	1	The shot took off most of his left hand .
tr	1	Gabe thought there might be a way to help you .
tr	1	Then , " this is , um , awkward . "
tr	1	I want to touch the blue glow around him .
tr	1	This will soothe the pain inside of me .
tr	1	The strap of my bra has fallen to my elbow .
tr	1	They sound closer than they could possibly be .
tr	1	" Yeah , it 's a warm night .
tr	1	Glowing spirals of blue cloak his body like colored steam .
tr	1	The skin of my palms is puckering , splitting open .
tr	1	I 'm still burning to death , by the way .
tr	1	The driver whispers to himself , " We had him .
tr	1	" We 'll kill Grand some other time . "
tr	1	" Your eye is swelling up , " the passenger says .
tr	1	I 'll throw some ice on it whenever .
tr	1	We need to switch our plates when we stop .
tr	1	" Put that away , " the driver says .
tr	1	I watch the delicate shades of blue pulse around him .
tr	1	This is an exquisite hurt , all neural and twitchy .
tr	1	The door by my head is wrenched open .
tr	1	The seatbelt digs into my hips , and I cry out .
tr	1	The driver pulls me roughly out of the car .
tr	1	I hit the ground and curl my legs into my chest .
tr	1	The enforcer of Avalon levels his gun at me .
tr	1	There 's a lot of blood on him .
tr	1	We have to do it now while she 's weak . "
tr	1	She 's like ... a hybrid or something . "
tr	1	" We can 't take the chance . "
tr	1	She could be , like , the key .
tr	1	The elf boy 's voice has gone harsh .
tr	1	We can ... " " And the hunger ? "
tr	1	So blue with sudden streaks of lavender lashing across .
tr	1	" We 'll buy her rabbits , " he says finally .
tr	1	" She 'll lapse and feed on humans . "
tr	1	The enforcer 's voice echoes into the trees .
tr	1	I lift myself up to my elbows with difficulty .
tr	1	I don 't know which one I want to prevail .
tr	1	A bullet would be quicker than this slow burn .
tr	1	The legs in front of me step a little wider .
tr	1	" No , " the elf says again .
tr	1	She may feed on humans one day , maybe not .
tr	1	" No , " Gabe looks at me over his shoulder .
tr	1	" Wouldn 't do much good anyway . "
tr	1	" It 's the least of our worries . "
tr	1	He clutches the headrest with both hands and peers at me .
tr	1	If I concentrate , I can catch their words .
tr	1	won 't make it through the night unless she feeds . "
tr	1	I think he might have other things on his mind .
tr	1	We 've got to hole up for the night . "
tr	1	" I won 't kill her unless I have to . "
tr	1	" Why do you always say that ? "
tr	1	" Cause I know you 'll keep it . "
tr	1	He steps back quickly and lets out a breath .
tr	1	The melody of hunger is filling up my head .
tr	1	I hear a TV chattering in the next room .
tr	1	Upstairs , a woman cries beneath the spray of a shower .
tr	1	Gabe is talking , offering a cup of liquid .
tr	1	" It 'll help , " he says .
tr	1	I ask in a thin little girl voice .
tr	1	The liquid is rusty on my tongue , but I swallow .
tr	1	" Keep it down , " Gabe says .
tr	1	Pale purple filaments blink in and out of existence .
tr	1	Something in his face seems so sad and so real .
tr	1	You 're probably freaking out right now . "
tr	1	We should 've been able to protect you . "
tr	1	Lying against a headboard with his hands cuffed behind his back ?
tr	1	Boyfriend gone , gone , gone , gone ?
tr	1	" ... well , it 's the truth .
tr	1	Finally , he puts his hat back on .
tr	1	Their eyes say something to each other that I cannot fathom .
tr	1	I feel Gabe 's weight lift off the bed .
tr	1	My wrists are sore from straining against the handcuffs .
tr	1	" I imagine it must be very painful .
tr	1	The hunger , " a voice says from far away .
tr	1	I blink and make the effort to turn my head .
tr	1	If I hold onto them , they may keep me afloat .
tr	1	There is a small table in the corner of the room .
tr	1	When you prove him wrong , I will kill you . "
tr	1	You see , most people choose to be infected .
tr	1	It 's easy to lose control when you feed .
tr	1	The dog 's tail wags from side to side .
tr	1	" All I found was a pet shop .
tr	1	They didn 't have anything grown , " Gabe says .
tr	1	The dog lifts its head and licks Gabe 's chin .
tr	1	" Stop that , " he says sternly .
tr	1	" Stop being ... so god damn adorable . "
tr	1	She 's been straining against the cuffs . "
tr	1	" She 's hungry , " Gabe says .
tr	1	He moves to the end of the bed .
tr	1	A blade slides between my skin and the cuffs .
tr	1	The plastic snaps off , and I think I understand .
tr	1	And there 's something even more wrong with my hands .
tr	1	Gabe releases the puppy , and then I forget everything .
tr	1	It lands on the bed and immediately shrinks away from me .
tr	1	There is no knowledge to this , only instinct .
tr	1	My body greedily soaks up the animal 's energy .
tr	1	The little dog trembles just as Ryan trembled earlier this night .
tr	1	I let the limp body fall out of my arms .
tr	1	The hunger is already kindling inside of me , growing louder .
tr	1	I look up and see a boy in a ball cap .
tr	1	I suddenly know that I am faster than him .
tr	1	His voice is too loud , even though he 's whispering .
tr	1	I think about the question , and then I stop thinking .
tr	1	He smiles like he can 't help it .
tr	1	I hated to see you in these things . "
tr	1	He pulls out a pocket knife and cuts through the cuffs .
tr	1	I tuck my hands protectively into my body .
tr	1	Gabe reaches for a bag on the floor .
tr	1	Anyway , I , uh , I got you a shirt .
tr	1	What do you think of Battlestar Galactica ? "
tr	1	Ryan sometimes talked about the show with his nerdy friends .
tr	1	I can 't look at my hands right now .
tr	1	And then there 's my mother , Karen .
tr	1	What if the stress gives her another ulcer ?
tr	1	They 're almost invisible , except I know they 're there .
tr	1	Flat stomach , patchy legs , foolish purple bangs .
tr	1	I guzzle the water as we exit the room .
tr	1	I realize I don 't know where we are .
tr	1	" Wait for it , " Gabe says .
tr	1	I could reach over , snatch away that vibrant blue .
tr	1	The thing might have been white some decades ago .
tr	1	The symbol on the crest is worn away , almost unintelligible .
tr	1	" It 's a lot to take in .
tr	1	We don 't have to talk about it now . "
tr	1	I wait a while for this to set in .
tr	1	" Why ... " I take a breath .
tr	1	" Why did you call him an angel ? "
tr	1	In the Bible , angels are God 's warriors .
tr	1	I am pushing my palms flat against the concrete roof .
tr	1	What I manage is , " just tell me . "
tr	1	" What , like a mad scientist ? "
tr	1	" By mixing up monsters in his lab ? "
tr	1	" Dr. Cook decided to make angels . "
tr	1	He can 't actually be serious ... except that he is .
tr	1	" That 's where he got his inspiration .
tr	1	He wanted to turn men into angels . "
tr	1	Gabe turns his head to look at me .
tr	1	" You 're taking this a little too well . "
tr	1	Revenge would surely be beneath you , but not me .
tr	1	" To save us from ourselves , " Gabe shrugs .
tr	1	The superhuman part , I guess I can see it .
tr	1	A lonely little smile plays across his lips .
tr	1	" No one can actually be that naïve . "
tr	1	I have absolutely no idea how to respond to this .
tr	1	Luckily , I get distracted by my body going crazy .
tr	1	Some additional weirdness is definitely happening to me .
tr	1	Sunlight crawls up my knees and flows across my hands .
tr	1	It 's feeding you , " Gabe says .
tr	1	He holds his hand out into the light .
tr	1	Cook got close , but not close enough .
tr	1	For decades he worked on his project in secret .
tr	1	" He was a very wealthy and very brutal man .
tr	1	They still don 't know who did it .
tr	1	It 's , like , a huge unsolved mystery . "
tr	1	" Thane didn 't fund Dr. Cook alone .
tr	1	No more anything until I figure something out .
tr	1	This whole thing is already beginning to feel somehow unwinnable .
tr	1	" You don 't have to believe me Maya .
tr	1	I shouldn 't even be telling you all this .
tr	1	" How did you even learn all of this ? "
tr	1	I can feel his energy rushing up the stairs .
tr	1	" He 's always angry , " Gabe sighs .
tr	1	" What the hell were you thinking ? "
tr	1	Gabe stands up and thrusts back his shoulders .
tr	1	Even changed my own diaper this morning . "
tr	1	You 're too blind to recognize what she is .
tr	1	Dear little sis could have latched onto you and killed you .
tr	1	" I don 't give a damn about her wrists . "
tr	1	" I didn 't hurt him , " I say .
tr	1	" We need to think about this . "
tr	1	My mind is little jagged puzzle pieces all falling apart .
tr	1	The pull of energy makes words hard to string together .
tr	1	Silence , then Gabe 's eyebrows part ways .
tr	1	he cries , " she 's got a sense of humor .
tr	1	I need all the help I can get . "
tr	1	He smiles at me , and I smile back .
tr	1	This is the moment I decide that I will run away .
tr	1	Chapter 12 Gabe tells me that we 're going home .
tr	1	Home is Farewell , Colorado , just outside of Pueblo .
tr	1	My mind is starting to go crazy again .
tr	1	He looks up , clicks off his window .
tr	1	" I want to hear the rest , " I say .
tr	1	He sighs , closes the lid of his computer .
tr	1	The smile drops off of Gabe 's face .
tr	1	There 's some sort of conflict going on in his mind .
tr	1	" Thane and his group financed Dr. Cook 's work .
tr	1	" For a long time , Cook came up with nada .
tr	1	I mean , he spent a lifetime on this thing .
tr	1	Dr. Cook was growing old , and Thane was getting impatient .
tr	1	Thane 's son , Grand , was the first angel .
tr	1	His energy begins to churn faster around his body .
tr	1	I press my palms harder into my knee caps .
tr	1	" Keep going , " I tell him .
tr	1	He takes a deep breath and then continues .
tr	1	So did their sight and sense of smell .
tr	1	Could memorize whole books in an afternoon . "
tr	1	They needed more , and the hunger was overwhelming .
tr	1	But it all demanded a constant supply of energy .
tr	1	The angels all eventually turned to feeding on humans . "
tr	1	" They can , but there 's something else . "
tr	1	Gabe lays his head back against the headrest .
tr	1	The hunger is overwhelming , and humans are the easiest targets .
tr	1	Some angels have learned to control the hunger better than others .
tr	1	" You hope , " I say quietly .
tr	1	" This shouldn 't have happened , " he says .
tr	1	" He won 't hurt you , " Gabe whispers .
tr	1	We all sit there in this awkward silence for a while .
tr	1	" You sure you feel up to driving ? "
tr	1	" Don 't make any sudden moves , " he says .
tr	1	" If you need anything , just ask . "
tr	1	" Cook was devastated when he realized what his formula did .
tr	1	He sought the betterment of mankind , but created monsters instead .
tr	1	" She wanted to know , " Gabe shrugs .
tr	1	" I 'm right here , " I say to him .
tr	1	Those artic eyes peer at me through the rearview mirror again .
tr	1	The silence is so heavy I could almost choke on it .
tr	1	Quite a kick in the balls , right ? "
tr	1	Long fingers of red reach all the way through his energy .
tr	1	" Together , they destroyed all of Cook 's research .
tr	1	Thane always had a way of getting what he wanted .
tr	1	Cook had no one else to turn to . "
tr	1	His knuckles are turning white on the steering wheel .
tr	1	It is a promise he gave his life for .
tr	1	A promise my brother and I carry forward . "
tr	1	" That 's what we do , " Gabe says .
tr	1	" Yeah , " he says and looks at his brother .
tr	1	It 's a sad smile , heavy with purpose and pain .
tr	1	Sun drizzles through the windows , and I drop into sleep .
tr	1	" Did you see the shirt I got her ?
tr	1	" Well , it kind of is . "
tr	1	Karen is with me , but she isn 't helping .
tr	1	I keep telling her that Ryan is in trouble .
tr	1	They get all sad and angry at the same time .
tr	1	I swear Mom had the exact same look .
tr	1	I realize that I 'll never find him .
tr	1	I decide to build a sandcastle in Ryan 's memory .
tr	1	I wander the beach looking for a bucket .
tr	1	We 'll become fast friends and go angel hunting together ?
tr	1	" You 're going to find a cure .
tr	1	While I 'll sweep Francesca off her feet .
tr	1	You 'll be my best man at the wedding .
tr	1	That 's how it 's going to work . "
tr	1	And the next and the next after that .
tr	1	" There 's dye and scissors in the other bag . "
tr	1	I pull out a pack of white cotton full coverage underwear .
tr	1	The kind that settles just under the belly button .
tr	1	I gather up my clothes and escape to the bathroom .
tr	1	My voice could carry through these thin walls .
tr	1	That means I have to get away from them first .
tr	1	Maybe I won 't go to the police .
tr	1	Maybe I 'll go straight home to Karen and Henry .
tr	1	That whole total prick thing is just his defense mechanism .
tr	1	" Oh , and I got us some grub . "
tr	1	We sit on the floor in a semi-circle .
tr	1	" We found one of his labs awhile back .
tr	1	God , we 've got to kill that bastard . "
tr	1	" And he 's my father , " I say .
tr	1	" He is , isn 't he ? "
tr	1	" I don 't think ... " he begins .
tr	1	" I 'm draining live fish for food .
tr	1	And ... " My mind spins and comes up empty .
tr	1	It took him two years to get close enough .
tr	1	It was a terrible fight , but our father won . "
tr	1	" Our parents were smart but also naïve in many ways .
tr	1	They were still trying to live functional lives during the day .
tr	1	There are two fish left in the bowl .
tr	1	They do not have the capacity for happiness or sadness .
tr	1	" Grand had no idea what she was capable of .
tr	1	" We hid for a long time , " Gabe says .
tr	1	The first story I ever wrote was about them .
tr	1	A hundred stories to justify why they gave me away .
tr	1	I hated her so much , but now I know .
tr	1	I keep my eyes on the oblivious fish .
tr	1	" No Maya , it wasn 't that . "
tr	1	She was so afraid when she got pregnant .
tr	1	" But why ... give me up ? "
tr	1	That you would never be burdened with the truth . "
tr	1	" Until now , " I say to him .
tr	1	Both brothers put their guns under their pillow .
tr	1	I watch the movement of his energy slow and even out .
tr	1	Each time , his heart beat rises to a quick gallop .
tr	1	It is entirely different from the thing I once resided within .
tr	1	I can smell the lingering whiffs of salad dressing and burger .
tr	1	Even the boys each have their own unique scent .
tr	1	A new latent energy coils inside my muscles .
tr	1	I wonder what I can do with it .
tr	1	I can tell who is awake and who is not .
tr	1	If they are having sex or watching TV .
tr	1	I struggle to filter it into a coherent message .
tr	1	I couldn 't possibly sleep even if I wanted to .
tr	1	Not with their auras glowing so blatantly bright .
tr	1	I can feel blood soaking through the bandages .
tr	1	I won 't give up , can 't give up .
tr	1	I keep thinking that just maybe Ryan isn 't dead .
tr	1	Maybe everything they 've told me is a lie .
tr	1	What if they 're really the bad guys ?
tr	1	I draw back the covers and step out of the bed .
tr	1	My muscles are all clenching hard to my bones .
tr	1	I can 't really go back , I know that .
tr	1	Doctors can 't stitch up these new tears in my hands .
tr	1	He and his brother spend their days running around murdering people .
tr	1	I don 't care what happens after that .
tr	1	This is some kind of mix between dreaming and reality .
tr	1	He is gasping for breath , trying to hide it .
tr	1	The run has drained me ; I need fuel .
tr	1	" You won 't shoot me , " I say .
tr	1	He 's trapped , but he doesn 't know it yet .
tr	1	" But she isn 't here either is she ? "
tr	1	" Don 't you dare ... " he whispers .
tr	1	There is a strange glint of relief in his face .
tr	1	I stand up and take a wobbly step away .
tr	1	I turn away from him , toward the highway .
tr	1	" Oh god , don 't ... go yet .
tr	1	Just ... give me ... a second . "
tr	1	You think it 's hard to control the hunger now ?
tr	1	If you turn , it 'll be impossible .
tr	1	" How do I know you 're telling the truth ?
tr	1	She knew that , and we know that . "
tr	1	This is insane , " my voice squeaks .
tr	1	The words fall from my lips like haunted things .
tr	1	" I don 't know what I am . "
tr	1	" You 're our sister , " he says .
tr	1	He squares his shoulders and stretches out his hand .
tr	1	Take my hand without your gloves on . "
tr	1	" Don 't ask me to do this . "
tr	1	" Come on , " he says again .
tr	1	" It 's because I believe you 're not an angel .
tr	1	It 's because I want to help you .
tr	1	We 're the only ones who can protect you from Grand .
tr	1	I taste blood where I 've bitten through my lip .
tr	1	" It 's ... all too much , " I gasp .
tr	1	Things I can 't even begin to describe .
tr	1	And we 've lost a lot , just like you .
tr	1	" No more cuffs , " Gabe says .
tr	1	We 're the only family we 've got left .
tr	1	Luminous eyes blink , curious at my plight .
tr	1	I can still hear the highway close by .
tr	1	My entire body is tight and sore and aflame with hunger .
tr	1	We take turns washing our feet off in the tub .
tr	1	We all close our eyes and pretend to sleep .
tr	1	Chapter 17 " I 'll be fine , " I say .
tr	1	" Yeah , but next time I pick the color . "
tr	1	I hold up the box of hair dye .
tr	1	The hair swings back just beneath my chin .
tr	1	Maya enjoyed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches very much .
tr	1	She used to hate Sarah Hendrickson until they became best friends .
tr	1	Then Sarah got pregnant and stopped hanging out .
tr	1	They are both very goal-oriented individuals and talented in select weaponry .
tr	1	It 's really all up in the air at this point .
tr	1	He 's looking for water under the bridge .
tr	1	She will find a way to destroy him .
tr	1	Monster Maya doesn 't get shin splints anymore .
tr	1	One more lock of hair dangling behind my left ear .
tr	1	Engaged practically , though the topic never came up .
tr	1	I cannot recall a single argument between us .
tr	1	He had not one bad habit that got on my nerves .
tr	1	Short , simple , poignant , yet cliché .
tr	1	It 's only fair that I return the favor .
tr	1	Just so that I 'm ready when the moment comes .
tr	1	I put down Gabe 's PSP and look out the window .
tr	1	The temperature is dropping quickly as evening sets in .
tr	1	" Farewell to civilization , " Gabe says with a laugh .
tr	1	" Ah yes , the lucky one . "
tr	1	He rifles through it as the car slows .
tr	1	" Plus , Dr. Lee 's a total hermit .
tr	1	The air carries scents of pine sap and loose soil .
tr	1	Broke a company record actually , but who 's counting . "
tr	1	" Did you know that he drowns baby kittens ? "
tr	1	" It 's his only passion in life . "
tr	1	" He thinks he 's sooo cute and clever . "
tr	1	" I 'm incredibly handsome and clever . "
tr	1	His energy is fluttering like humming bird wings .
tr	1	" Okay , " Francesca turns toward the house .
tr	1	He goes outside to read during the day .
tr	1	He likes to be in the sun . "
tr	1	" Me too , " I say for no reason .
tr	1	He gives me a warning glare through the rearview mirror .
tr	1	" Yeah , " Francesca tugs on her jean skirt .
tr	1	Then a good mow and putting in seeds .
tr	1	We always need help keeping this place together . "
tr	1	" You 're doing a great job , " Gabe says .
tr	1	I 'll give him a call when we get settled .
tr	1	We got ta get some groceries and supplies in the morning .
tr	1	" In the worst kind of way , " Gabe confirms .
tr	1	We 're gon na ' have beautiful children .
tr	1	Shadows from the trees sweep over us in bands .
tr	1	The ghosts of my dreams rattling chains and moaning softly .
tr	1	I follow timidly and stop just inside the door .
tr	1	My first impression is that the house seems empty and plain .
tr	1	There is a distinct lack of strong colors .
tr	1	I notice a crack in the wall beside the back door .
tr	1	" See if you can find the Care Bear .
tr	1	" What do you think , basement next ? "
tr	1	I shift , but Gabe is already reaching forward .
tr	1	" And , your room , madam . "
tr	1	That 's important for girls , right ? "
tr	1	The bay window is painted black by the night sky .
tr	1	It hasn 't been opened in a long while .
tr	1	For a moment I am back in my apartment .
tr	1	Then I catch sight of something even more compelling .
tr	1	Little staggering steps take me to the second bookshelf .
tr	1	The children are made up of skinny legs and knobby knees .
tr	1	The dark-haired boy is looking down at his sandals .
tr	1	" I 'm the cute one , " Gabe says awkwardly .
tr	1	I ignore them and pick up a wedding photo .
tr	1	My mother 's hair is feathered and long .
tr	1	The mystery little girl who mixes both their features well .
tr	1	Canton looks down at her with a warm smile .
tr	1	There are different lines on his face now .
tr	1	The family seems to linger only in those early years .
tr	1	I hold out the beach photo to the boys .
tr	1	" She died , " he says softly .
tr	1	I put the picture back on the shelf .
tr	1	It 's kind of a rule for any closed doors . "
tr	1	" Wait , " I call as he turns to leave .
tr	1	" Yeah , " Gabe leans forward against the doorway .
tr	1	" That 's not true , " I say without thinking .
tr	1	Your scent is there , on the edge of the bed .
tr	1	You must come in to look at the pictures .
tr	1	They 're the only things without dust on them . "
tr	1	I notice Gabe 's flushing cheeks and realize my mistake .
tr	1	" Oh , yeah , well , " he murmurs .
tr	1	" Sure , you have the enhanced senses . "
tr	1	He looks away , and I see his real face again .
tr	1	" Gabe , I 'm sorry , " I say .
tr	1	" No , it 's fine , " he lies .
tr	1	" It 's okay , " I say brilliantly .
tr	1	" If you need anything , just knock .
tr	1	Her voice goes all soft and dangerous when she is angry .
tr	1	The little girl , Tammy , is boisterous and aggressive .
tr	1	The night feels too long , and I 'm not tired .
tr	1	I peek into the closet and find it empty .
tr	1	I slide my fingers through my short hair .
tr	1	The property around the house devolves into thick woods .
tr	1	My body responds , hands growing hot and glowing .
tr	1	It 's time to know what I can do .
tr	1	I take a deep breath and exhale slow with reverence .
tr	1	So many new adjectives that I can rightfully commandeer .
tr	1	My body is moving , leaving my thoughts behind .
tr	1	My heart beats loud thuds that join the high cricket strings .
tr	1	For a moment I am hurtling through the air .
tr	1	Just the emptiness and that little dot of energy growing larger .
tr	1	I snatch it right off the branch as I fall .
tr	1	He stands there for a while and then closes the door .
tr	1	What happened to the shy boy in the photographs ?
tr	1	" You 're wearing the same jeans from yesterday . "
tr	1	" I caught a squirrel , " I tell him .
tr	1	" Did it have a crooked tail ? "
tr	1	No , I don 't think so . "
tr	1	Disgraced green army men lay where they fell .
tr	1	Wolverine has his claws plunged through a Happy Meal Shrek figurine .
tr	1	She looks a little like my freshmen roommate .
tr	1	The girl on the computer screen is not in class .
tr	1	Her picture on the screen accompanies her obituary .
tr	1	" No , not us , " Gabe follows my gaze .
tr	1	" And you look for dead people ? "
tr	1	For some people , their bodies give out .
tr	1	Radiation is a strong component of the process .
tr	1	Turning , twisting , contorting into something else entirely .
tr	1	" Oh , " I say when Gabe raises his eyebrows .
tr	1	" Bingo , Yahtzee and Connect Four . "
tr	1	Angels kill by absorbing a victim 's energy .
tr	1	Autopsy will show a way low body temp at death . "
tr	1	Frozen on the pavement while I fly away .
tr	1	" It 's the only way not to get caught .
tr	1	Gabe doesn 't hear him , but I do .
tr	1	" You stay , but get in a workout . "
tr	1	So many dark hues shifting within his blues .
tr	1	So do his eyes , and that scar .
tr	1	Do I know any good Chuck Norris jokes ?
tr	1	" When do you start training me ? "
tr	1	" Want to go work out in the basement ?
tr	1	" We got weights and stuff down there . "
tr	1	It is cooler down here , shadowy and bare .
tr	1	A cardboard cutout of Keira Knightley pouts in the corner .
tr	1	He makes a bicep for Keira and kisses it .
tr	1	" Fox Cave , " Gabe nods to the door .
tr	1	" You know , like the Bat Cave .
tr	1	Don 't bother him in the lab unless it 's important .
tr	1	" And maybe Francesca happens to take the same class .
tr	1	It seems we both have very centered souls . "
tr	1	And her hair , sometimes it gets loose .
tr	1	Got to keep the super powers on the down low . "
tr	1	A new and dark awareness is awake inside of me .
tr	1	Gabe rolls over and wipes his face on his shirt .
tr	1	" How do you get the guns ? "
tr	1	Gabe lies against the ball and crunches up .
tr	1	He speaks with the rhythm of his motion .
tr	1	I was very , very proud of that pull up .
tr	1	Gabe laughs and sits up on the ball .
tr	1	Whatever you want , you can get it .
tr	1	Guns , drugs , people , credit card numbers , whatever .
tr	1	" It 's not easy , but it 's doable .
tr	1	" Bingo , Yahtzee , and Connect Four .
tr	1	You just learned a very important life lesson . "
tr	1	Everything he just said terrifies the piss out of me .
tr	1	" But if you do get caught ... " I venture .
tr	1	I drop down , brush my hands on my jeans .
tr	1	" It 's okay Maya , it 's cool . "
tr	1	Gabe 's voice carries to my sensitive ears .
tr	1	" I don 't got a week . "
tr	1	I let him in , but he pauses at the threshold .
tr	1	" Come in , " I tell him softly .
tr	1	" Thanks , " I turn away from him .
tr	1	" You have to be careful about everything .
tr	1	We stare past each other at odd angles of the room .
tr	1	The silence roams wide circles around us , teasing .
tr	1	I assume he still wants to kill me .
tr	1	I can 't blame him , I really can 't .
tr	1	There 's extra blankets in the closet . "
tr	1	" We have a responsibility for you now . "
tr	1	We both just let that hang there for a while .
tr	1	" There 's uh , one more thing , Maya .
tr	1	It might be better for us both if he doesn 't .
tr	1	I watch the scar move as he speaks .
tr	1	" I was in your apartment when Grand snatched you .
tr	1	The expression on my face stops his rush of words .
tr	1	In that smile I see the little boy from the photos .
tr	1	" Why are you telling me this ? "
tr	1	I kneel on one corner and push the paper wide .
tr	1	A figure stands just out of my view .
tr	1	Chapter 22 My new body requires little sleep .
tr	1	There is nothing ahead of me except Grand 's blood .
tr	1	She is wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with my face .
tr	1	His skin is gray , his suit rumpled .
tr	1	The genuineness of their shared misery strikes me .
tr	1	" Please , we just want our daughter back . "
tr	1	I should stop , but I don 't .
tr	1	Because I tucked my hand in his back pocket .
tr	1	Even if we can never see each other again .
tr	1	Even if I still get turned into this freak .
tr	1	I need Ryan to be alive somewhere in the world .
tr	1	Breathing and laughing and chewing on his lip .
tr	1	Panicking about a test that he will inevitably ace .
tr	1	Ryan can 't be trapped in a coffin .
tr	1	The song won 't stop in my head .
tr	1	I 'm in jean shorts and no shoes .
tr	1	I drop the limp body and keep running .
tr	1	Running away from the self-loathing and pity that compete for dominance .
tr	1	The bins are filled with vegetables and fruits .
tr	1	There 's a whole drawer filled with bottled water .
tr	1	Like a mousetrap luring my weak heart to a deadly prize .
tr	1	I don 't understand at first what I am seeing .
tr	1	There is no beginning or end to the wounds .
tr	1	Thin cuts and thicker furrows where the skin has grown over .
tr	1	Our eyes lock through the mirror , until his slide away .
tr	1	" I ... breakfast , " I stutter .
tr	1	Now I learn what his shame looks like .
tr	1	The wind brings moist breaths and the smell of damp things .
tr	1	The back door opens , and Gabe eases down beside me .
tr	1	" Few suspicious deaths , probably nothing , " he answers .
tr	1	" Just need to keep my eye on it . "
tr	1	" We , uh , we don 't talk about it .
tr	1	" He hated ' the mission . " '
tr	1	Did the driving when he got tall enough . "
tr	1	" I would have liked to go to prom though .
tr	1	Gabe takes another long sip of his beer .
tr	1	Completely opposite in personalities , but close as could be .
tr	1	She always knew when he was in one of his moods .
tr	1	All the boys did anytime we stopped long enough .
tr	1	Every one of ' em was in love with Tammy . "
tr	1	" There 's an old motorcycle in there .
tr	1	Our mother was the only one who could ever control her .
tr	1	When he does , Gabe 's voice is quiet .
tr	1	We buried her , and Tammy went wild .
tr	1	She liked hunting , and she was good at it .
tr	1	Gabe sets down his empty bottle and pulls out a second .
tr	1	He has abilities we don 't even know about .
tr	1	" Mom always said he was too dangerous to hunt .
tr	1	She would know , after everything she went through .
tr	1	He 'd tried to lure us out before .
tr	1	Tammy and I ... we had a terrible fight about it .
tr	1	I , uh , " Gabe laughs and shakes his head .
tr	1	His fingers tap the sides of the bottle between his hands .
tr	1	Next morning when I woke up they were gone .
tr	1	" You can 't know what it was like .
tr	1	" I was eighteen , " he says quietly .
tr	1	" This is so stupid , " he mutters .
tr	1	All of his scars are crystalized in my mind .
tr	1	I blink , but the image doesn 't go away .
tr	1	His scars rip open , pulse blood through his tattered clothes .
tr	1	I thought he was going to die . "
tr	1	Gabe asks over and over again , " Where is she ?
tr	1	Blood smears the window as he presses his hand against it .
tr	1	" I didn 't know if Grand was following him .
tr	1	I was afraid he 'd kill himself . "
tr	1	Gabe lays his forehead against the post and closes his eyes .
tr	1	Gabe opens his eyes , stares out across the lawn .
tr	1	We went back to hunting angels , and he was relentless .
tr	1	We killed more that first year then the past three combined .
tr	1	He doesn 't do any of that anymore .
tr	1	After a while he says , " There .
tr	1	Now you know the big family secret . "
tr	1	I put my hand on his shoulder again .
tr	1	How much brighter it glows than anything else out here .
tr	1	Did you ... was he , like , naked ? "
tr	1	Totally not funny at all , " he wheezes between laughs .
tr	1	I don 't have any use for an outlet .
tr	1	The last lines of the letter wait for closure .
tr	1	It has a real spine and thick vanilla paper .
tr	1	I didn 't ask him to buy it .
tr	1	* * * The next morning I am ready .
tr	1	I pretend I wasn 't at all expecting a compliment .
tr	1	" I want to run with you , " I say .
tr	1	I had meant to say " hello . "
tr	1	I keep my face placid , but my anger flares .
tr	1	The gun held steady , aimed at my head .
tr	1	His cold eyes locking onto mine in the mirror .
tr	1	The heavy sun propels me even as it weakens him .
tr	1	The trees trap the heat and turn it swampy around us .
tr	1	Broken to this and me trying to crush the pieces smaller .
tr	1	" Yeah , I 'm about to drop .
tr	1	" It 's fine , " he says .
tr	1	" You don 't know the way back . "
tr	1	I keep the hurt out of my voice .
tr	1	" I remember ... she always seemed tired . "
tr	1	It takes a lot of energy to be incredible . "
tr	1	No trace of any vial holding a magic , glowing cure .
tr	1	What did our mother 's voice sound like ?
tr	1	When did Diana tell her children about angels ?
tr	1	Do the Fox brothers have aunts and uncles and grandparents ?
tr	1	Was she so obsessed with revenge that she would sacrifice anything ?
tr	1	How far would you go to kill Grand ?
tr	1	Why did you even carry me to term ?
tr	1	For good measure , he kicks off his shoes .
tr	1	I bring the renegade footwear back to Gabe .
tr	1	Tried to talk us out of it , actually .
tr	1	She said it was lonely , bitter , exhausting .
tr	1	" Of course , that was before , " Gabe adds .
tr	1	No one asked me junior or senior year .
tr	1	I bought a dress though , just in case .
tr	1	It 's still hanging in my closet at home .
tr	1	Well , if my parents didn 't clean it out . "
tr	1	Mom only told me the week before she died .
tr	1	Afterwards , I would wonder about you sometimes . "
tr	1	I kind of imagined you with more freckles for some reason .
tr	1	" I know that sounds lame , but it helped . "
tr	1	" Well , then not angelic at all .
tr	1	He sits up , still won 't look at me .
tr	1	I 'll need a gun , " I say .
tr	1	" It 's not your choice anymore Gabe .
tr	1	Make sure it 's what you really want . "
tr	1	The next half hour is spent arguing about me .
tr	1	" Why are we going over this again ?
tr	1	" Gabe , she could lose control at any moment .
tr	1	We need to take her to Lo . "
tr	1	Plus , I hate that little fucker . "
tr	1	" Come on , we 're wasting time . "
tr	1	" She 's trying real hard , " he says .
tr	1	" But that doesn 't change the risk she presents . "
tr	1	The basement stairs groan as the brothers climb up .
tr	1	An extensive scene where the boys change into high-tech fighting costumes ?
tr	1	A little while later , he looks out the window .
tr	1	" Except when you 're killing people . "
tr	1	They deserve to find love just like everyone else .
tr	1	" Guns aren 't people , " Gabe says .
tr	1	When I laugh , Gabe turns to me .
tr	1	He 's right ; books are so much better than people .
tr	1	I clap , and Gabe gives me a little bow .
tr	1	" I 'm wearing these huge , stupid sunglasses . "
tr	1	I cry , and slump down into my seat .
tr	1	" Can you get police dispatches out here ? "
tr	1	" Sedona , " Gabe calls out a few minutes later .
tr	1	" Suppose he doesn 't drive the whole day .
tr	1	Maybe he rests after he ices his victim , hangs around .
tr	1	" Yeah , why the hell not ? "
tr	1	" Got ta have fun with your job . "
tr	1	" Doing okay with all of this ? "
tr	1	I get dumped in a place that charges by the hour .
tr	1	" There we go , " he says .
tr	1	Gabe glances in the room and wrinkles his nose .
tr	1	" Yeah , this one is pretty bad .
tr	1	We 'll probably only be gone an hour or so .
tr	1	As soon as we 're done , we 'll leave . "
tr	1	He stares are me , waiting for an affirmation .
tr	1	" Here , " Gabe offers his PSP .
tr	1	" I 've got Zombie Hordes in there right now .
tr	1	Just make sure you don 't save over my game . "
tr	1	" Just this one time , " I say .
tr	1	" Next time I go with you . "
tr	1	I take off the hat , the sunglasses .
tr	1	What can I say to Amy so that she will understand ?
tr	1	What is there to understand about this at all ?
tr	1	Gabe is standing below us screaming , " Shit ! "
tr	1	" Baby , you 're dead , " I tell him .
tr	1	I feel a flow of energy come into the room .
tr	1	His face gives nothing away , but his body does .
tr	1	" Oh my god , " I gasp .
tr	1	He goes into the bathroom , shuts the door .
tr	1	" Were you sleeping on the carpet ? "
tr	1	Gabe sets the duffle bags onto the bed .
tr	1	This sicko liked to hang around his own crime scenes .
tr	1	You know , get off on it . "
tr	1	I follow the smell back toward the trunk .
tr	1	A lumpy bundle wrapped in a tarp lies in the trunk .
tr	1	The boys are done cleaning the room in minutes .
tr	1	I wonder if they found the dead mouse under the bed .
tr	1	" We 'll make it in about five hours . "
tr	1	" Is there a body in the trunk ? "
tr	1	" Yeah , of course , " Gabe replies .
tr	1	I hear the body listing in the trunk .
tr	1	I don 't want the boys to see me crying .
tr	1	I 'm so damn tired of my own tears .
tr	1	* * * Las Vegas has a hangover in the morning .
tr	1	The city is washed out , dry and nasty hot .
tr	1	The lights blink and jive with futility against a brazen sun .
tr	1	Easy target , a thought whispers in my mind .
tr	1	Shut up , shut up , shut up !
tr	1	" But Maya wants to see Cirque du Soleil .
tr	1	" I don 't really ... " I begin .
tr	1	" Your humility is heartwarming , " Gabe cuts in .
tr	1	The bundle in the trunk shifts whenever the car turns .
tr	1	Little iron lions rear up on each post .
tr	1	" Come on , " is all he says back .
tr	1	He 's pretty much perfected the stoner look .
tr	1	Her breasts swell beneath a tight , pink blouse .
tr	1	Don 't make me keep reminding you . "
tr	1	" Hola , you 're looking lovely as usual . "
tr	1	Oh , you boys look good enough to eat ! "
tr	1	" This is Buffy , " Gabe nods to me .
tr	1	" Why , aren 't you a skinny little thing . "
tr	1	" Thanks , I simply adore it . "
tr	1	Troy is here , " the woman calls behind her .
tr	1	His eyes find mine and alight with interest .
tr	1	" That 's what Big Brothers is for . "
tr	1	" If you boys need anything , just go get it .
tr	1	Watch out , I think there 's some broken glass . "
tr	1	We 're going to be in the lab .
tr	1	" Oh , how lovely of you . "
tr	1	The smile tips back onto the woman 's face .
tr	1	" Lee , there 's cookies in the kitchen .
tr	1	I touch them and feel warm marble beneath my fingertips .
tr	1	The boy turns around and gives me an appraising look .
tr	1	He emotes a bad ass vibe with middling success .
tr	1	" How old you want me to be ? "
tr	1	Those women should just kill themselves already . "
tr	1	" We 're working on some dangerous shit in here Troy .
tr	1	A smug smile comes and goes on the boy 's face .
tr	1	Microscopes and racks of beakers sit on the counter tops .
tr	1	" How did you manage a CT Scan ? "
tr	1	It 's worked out quite nicely so far . "
tr	1	I gaze at the black freezer chest in the corner .
tr	1	It 's large enough to fit a body .
tr	1	I turn and notice Lo staring at me .
tr	1	" You kind of look like that chick who 's missing .
tr	1	" Yeah , " Lo coughs and blinks .
tr	1	" You know , this must be really traumatizing .
tr	1	If you need a shoulder to cry on .
tr	1	I 'm here for you , baby . "
tr	1	Raw , bright colors edge into his aura .
tr	1	" That 's not what my fake ID says . "
tr	1	" We 've got work to do . "
tr	1	* * * They do get to work .
tr	1	I am poked and prodded , X-rayed and scanned .
tr	1	" But ... " Gabe looks at me .
tr	1	I 'm mentally clinging to him like a frightened cat .
tr	1	Fire licking up the insides of my bones ... .
tr	1	" If you drug me I might lose control .
tr	1	His energy pulses fast as he leans over me .
tr	1	" I can control it , " I tell Lo .
tr	1	" I 've heard that before , " Lo says .
tr	1	The energy around him jumps once , high off his body .
tr	1	Your bones are ... stronger than normal , " Lo says .
tr	1	" Well , muscle composition is definitely enhanced .
tr	1	She probably can 't digest solids anymore . "
tr	1	" Bone structure matches the others we 've seen . "
tr	1	We 've been keeping her intake as low as possible . "
tr	1	" Well , allow me to repeat myself .
tr	1	You two are in deep crapola here . "
tr	1	" She 's no hybrid ; she 's an angel . "
tr	1	" It 's not that simple , " he says .
tr	1	They just exhibit severely progressed expression of innate human potential . "
tr	1	It 's possible that her energy needs are equally stunted . "
tr	1	" The hell it is , " Lo retorts .
tr	1	Something will set her off , and then what happens ?
tr	1	I feel his energy flare before he corrals it down .
tr	1	Hate him , hate him , hate him .
tr	1	I ask casually as I pull out the iPod ear buds .
tr	1	" We 're getting a lot of important information . "
tr	1	The tears are still building up behind my eyes .
tr	1	I force them back and look at Lo .
tr	1	" How did you get into the sidekick business ? "
tr	1	Now I recognize the man in the painting .
tr	1	He was in the papers about two years ago .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , " I say .
tr	1	" My father got himself infected , turned into an angel .
tr	1	Lo smiles , but it 's a mean expression .
tr	1	Didn 't hold back his opinion on the matter .
tr	1	He didn 't show up for either ceremony .
tr	1	He thought it was worth the risk . "
tr	1	Gabe 's muffled voice calls on the other end .
tr	1	" I think we 've got another angel . "
tr	1	He looks at his brother , then at me .
tr	1	I 'm in one of those moods again .
tr	1	Part 3 Chapter 31 " Oh Troy , mi amor ! "
tr	1	I 'm in a terrible mood , an angel mood .
tr	1	Henry is boxed up and tucked away in two pages .
tr	1	My resentment is gooey and heavy and black like tar .
tr	1	I knew what " metastasized " meant when I was six .
tr	1	" We should also put together a bag for Maya . "
tr	1	" She doesn 't need a bag , " Gabe responds .
tr	1	" Of course I need a bag and a gun .
tr	1	" You don 't want this life . "
tr	1	This is when I should stop , but I don 't .
tr	1	" I 'm a freak , " I yell .
tr	1	Might as well pass around the superhero Kool-Aid . "
tr	1	Gabe 's voice is suddenly low , raspy .
tr	1	Gabe 's voice shifts from anger to concern .
tr	1	" Did she feed at all today ? "
tr	1	He locks all the doors as I reach to stumble out .
tr	1	" I need some air , " I moan .
tr	1	The song offers me the promise of bliss .
tr	1	" None of those things are calm , " I moan .
tr	1	" You don 't know , " I whisper .
tr	1	In this moment , I hate those people .
tr	1	I get my bliss , short and sharp as it is .
tr	1	" I 'm getting a guinea pig , " she says .
tr	1	" I like those too , " I reply .
tr	1	I don 't even ask if I can go in .
tr	1	Gabe 's laugh has only a touch of strain .
tr	1	Hard to tell the difference , I know . "
tr	1	I always secretly resented Karen for not being my real mother .
tr	1	Now I 've just got one letter left .
tr	1	* * * Sometime in the night we all switch seats .
tr	1	" Why don 't you tell people ? "
tr	1	" People wouldn 't be able to handle it . "
tr	1	The population would fragment into angels and food . "
tr	1	" So far the angels have kept themselves hidden .
tr	1	The public can 't know , for their own protection .
tr	1	I put the window all the way down .
tr	1	The cold fingers of the wind feel good on my face .
tr	1	" Never mind , I 'll get it . "
tr	1	" I think we have some in the car somewhere . "
tr	1	" It 's up to you , " I shrug .
tr	1	I fall back against the seat and smile .
tr	1	" Pants on fire , " Gabe calls out .
tr	1	" What , and wash all the luck out ? "
tr	1	It 's just past one in the morning .
tr	1	A new day that feels no different from the last .
tr	1	He doesn 't say what they 're watching for .
tr	1	" We have to , " Gabe says .
tr	1	" How else is she going to get through this ?
tr	1	I scan the carpet but find no immediate sticky black globs .
tr	1	It seems we 've moved up in the world .
tr	1	Gabe lied , they 're plain and white .
tr	1	" I want to buy my own clothes .
tr	1	He seems oblivious to my evil monster vibe .
tr	1	Gabe shrugs and puts his laptop on the desk .
tr	1	Day after that , they have a concert in the park .
tr	1	And get this , a runner just went missing yesterday . "
tr	1	" They 're searching for her now . "
tr	1	The envy inside of me is sudden and sharp .
tr	1	All I got was a damn guinea pig .
tr	1	" Over 600 acres filled with people wandering off by themselves .
tr	1	" It 's possible we 've got a newbie here .
tr	1	Doesn 't know the tricks of the trade yet .
tr	1	Then again , this angel really doesn 't need to move .
tr	1	Lots of people running alone , hiking away from others .
tr	1	You got Microsoft and Nintendo just around the corner .
tr	1	" Do you think it could be Bill Gates ?
tr	1	All those mosquito nets for African orphans were just a cover .
tr	1	Gabe smirks and looks up to his brother .
tr	1	" I call park , " Gabe says .
tr	1	" Yeah , because you never call it .
tr	1	Both brothers turn to look at me for the first time .
tr	1	I scrawl Mercedes Dantes onto the sign-in sheet .
tr	1	Gabe politely declines to be included in the larger search groups .
tr	1	He tucks it in his pocket before continuing on .
tr	1	I hear other voices across the park raising the call .
tr	1	A branch snaps behind me , and I shiver .
tr	1	Gabe looks up from his map and shrugs .
tr	1	It seems to come out in the evening . "
tr	1	" Does any of this ever scare you ?
tr	1	" This is kind of my hobby , remember ? "
tr	1	He seems to have a lot of different smiles .
tr	1	A ruddy flame sparks and dies in Gabe 's aura .
tr	1	We stop , and Gabe consults his map again .
tr	1	Not very useful with you standing next to me . "
tr	1	" Sometimes I forget how weird this all is . "
tr	1	" We 're just slightly weirder than most .
tr	1	At least we don 't collect Beanie Babies . "
tr	1	Ponder that , " and then resumes his tracking .
tr	1	I ditch the hat and climb up a thick tree .
tr	1	I 'm not sure what I 'm looking for .
tr	1	They halt at a wide expanse of river .
tr	1	The swatch is too small to guess at its origins .
tr	1	I close my eyes and inhale the fabric 's scent .
tr	1	Why would the angel come this far away from its quarry ?
tr	1	Lake Sammamish to my right , dark and placid .
tr	1	His aura flares up , all spiky , dark and violent .
tr	1	The expression on his face is intent and murderous .
tr	1	" Just ... don 't do that again .
tr	1	" I didn 't know where you were . "
tr	1	We 've got radiation on concert guy , " Gabe says .
tr	1	I pull the fabric swatch from my pocket .
tr	1	" How 'd it go Dr. McDreamy ? "
tr	1	A little black bottle with no label drops into my hand .
tr	1	Don 't miss anywhere -- " " What is it ?
tr	1	There 's an outfit in there for you .
tr	1	I accuse , pulling out black stretch pants .
tr	1	" You want me to wear pajamas on a stakeout ? "
tr	1	Did you check the boys ' section ? "
tr	1	I scream at Gabe who is snickering behind me .
tr	1	I huff to the bathroom and slam the door .
tr	1	That 's the best thing about being bait .
tr	1	Gabe leans back in his chair and looks me over .
tr	1	I can 't get my glove off fast enough .
tr	1	I drop the limp body on the floor .
tr	1	The only questions left are the dangerous ones .
tr	1	The ones that might be lions in disguise .
tr	1	Gabe picks at the holes in the knees of his jeans .
tr	1	Why you came back after all those years . "
tr	1	" I just want you to know that . "
tr	1	Took me a couple days , but I cracked it . "
tr	1	It was only a matter of time , Maya .
tr	1	" Why does Grand even care about me ? "
tr	1	" His family takes blood very seriously . "
tr	1	" Mom did a good job of hiding you .
tr	1	" Me being a genius , of course . "
tr	1	He was six years old when you were born .
tr	1	The next morning , you were gone . "
tr	1	That 's when me and my genius brain got involved . "
tr	1	I take a long breath and try to concentrate .
tr	1	my voice is all breathy , more air then sound .
tr	1	And then I don 't hear him anymore .
tr	1	The stranger trails his fingers down my shoulder .
tr	1	I don 't think I slept for a week , honestly .
tr	1	We were in the crappiest motel on the planet .
tr	1	These daggers in my lungs feel so real .
tr	1	" Your high school newspaper archives all of its issues online .
tr	1	The girl in the middle had a birthmark on her shoulder .
tr	1	You could barely see it , but it was there .
tr	1	And it was so ... so amazing to see you there .
tr	1	All these pictures of this person I 'd been imaging .
tr	1	There 's this one , " he laughs again .
tr	1	Lots of weird literature stuff and inside jokes .
tr	1	It was , like you were ... " " Normal ? "
tr	1	He confirmed that you were you , our sister . "
tr	1	" Grand didn 't know , " my voice cracks .
tr	1	The air is so hard to pull in .
tr	1	Gabe stands up , but I beat him to the door .
tr	1	Now I understand the pumice stone and the alcohol lotion .
tr	1	He wears a snug black jacket and black pants .
tr	1	Gabe is still in his torn jeans and wrinkled shirt .
tr	1	" We 've got to get them out of the park .
tr	1	They 're easy pickings for the angel . "
tr	1	" We can 't , " he decides .
tr	1	" We won 't be able to find them all . "
tr	1	The fire trucks come , shoo the people away . "
tr	1	Third , the firemen would be just as likely targets . "
tr	1	" What we can do is present a more tempting target .
tr	1	It will be looking for the most vulnerable prey .
tr	1	The brothers look at each other , energies syncing again .
tr	1	" Your energy , it 's going down . "
tr	1	" They can sense emotions like fear or nervousness .
tr	1	I don 't like Gabe out in the open all alone .
tr	1	" You can 't take on an angel by yourself . "
tr	1	I rest my chin on my gloved hands and fume .
tr	1	The minutes and hours are stubborn , digging in their heels .
tr	1	I press my teeth together to keep them from chattering .
tr	1	Dead , the word punches into my head .
tr	1	Not a boy , really ; he must be my age .
tr	1	This kid must be dumber than I am .
tr	1	The boy would run right into my embrace .
tr	1	I hook my arm in his and swing him around roughly .
tr	1	I tug him behind me , keep running .
tr	1	Behind us the boy screams , " Come back here ! "
tr	1	This is what brings me down enough to start thinking .
tr	1	" Don 't get in my way . "
tr	1	I think he 's actually going to kill me .
tr	1	Gabe 's energy is bright as a star .
tr	1	Gabe sighs -- such a long whoosh of air .
tr	1	He goes around back , opens the trunk .
tr	1	I deserve a monumental ' I told you so . " '
tr	1	" Running after that angel , that was stupid .
tr	1	" Don 't ever do that again . "
tr	1	" Why do you even care so much about me ? "
tr	1	It wasn 't , like , a tradeoff or anything .
tr	1	We lost Mom , but now I had a sister .
tr	1	It 's been years , but he hasn 't gotten better .
tr	1	" You have to take care of yourself .
tr	1	He gathers up his supplies and walks to the bathroom .
tr	1	I 'll do it in the morning . "
tr	1	I can feel it , see it in Gabe 's energy .
tr	1	" Did Diana know about angels before you were born ? "
tr	1	" Then why did she name you Gabriel ? "
tr	1	" She had this kind of idea . "
tr	1	Again he doesn 't speak until I prod .
tr	1	Gabe rolls onto his side and pegs me with a stare .
tr	1	" She wanted to remember what angels really were .
tr	1	I was her reminder of a better world , I guess .
tr	1	I find a new thread and pull it loose .
tr	1	Kind of a lot to live up to . "
tr	1	" I 'm calling it a night . "
tr	1	He clicks off the lamp , dousing the room in darkness .
tr	1	The song plays in my head , pure notes of hunger .
tr	1	It takes me a second to remember why .
tr	1	I can 't even tell the rabbits apart .
tr	1	It 's not enough to slake the hunger .
tr	1	Gabe 's voice is heavy , skewed by the pillow .
tr	1	" K , thanks , " Gabe sighs .
tr	1	Chapter 39 I am awake and on my feet instantly .
tr	1	He looks at me , and his face goes hard .
tr	1	" They itched , " I say lamely .
tr	1	He spots the dead rabbit sprawled on the floor .
tr	1	he chokes and reaches out to touch his brother .
tr	1	" The angel killed a preacher last night .
tr	1	The blanket comes off , and Gabe sits up .
tr	1	" They are setting up their own search teams . "
tr	1	" Which means now they 're in danger .
tr	1	" We 're running out of time . "
tr	1	The eggs , " he mumbles through a mouthful of food .
tr	1	Since when is your status ' in a relationship ' ? "
tr	1	We go on mind blowing dates all over the world .
tr	1	I even got my own love island . "
tr	1	" Oh my god , you 're such a nerd ! "
tr	1	" No one is on Second Life anymore . "
tr	1	You can buy some crazy toys in Second Life .
tr	1	My heart of hearts will always belong to her . "
tr	1	" But we need to finish the mission first .
tr	1	Things aren 't ... they 're not safe yet .
tr	1	Man : This is Bob ... Woman : And Kathy McGee .
tr	1	We hope you are having a blessed day .
tr	1	Man : We can 't come to the phone right now .
tr	1	Together : May the Lord be with you !
tr	1	" Uh ... hey there , my name is Mercedes .
tr	1	And I was wondering if you have any left .
tr	1	I 'm great with dogs , by the way .
tr	1	" This is stupid , " I tell Gabe .
tr	1	A second window is plastered with an unreadable block of code .
tr	1	" Damn it , I need my lucky hat . "
tr	1	He stands up , stretches his arms up over his head .
tr	1	He 's not going to get anything at that park . "
tr	1	" No , we 're going to find something here . "
tr	1	Just hard work and some really awesome hacking .
tr	1	It 's tedious , mind numbing , incredibly frustrating .
tr	1	" ... like , glowy , like ahhhh . "
tr	1	" You were saying ' Gabriel , take my hand .
tr	1	Gabe picks up his burger and resumes eating .
tr	1	Turns out she was once a Navy Seal .
tr	1	His teases express themselves as little greenish whirls in his aura .
tr	1	I grab my phone with a dripping hand .
tr	1	" Yes , yes it is , " I say .
tr	1	Well , shucks , that 's too bad .
tr	1	I hope they all found good homes . "
tr	1	She seemed like such a wonderful woman . "
tr	1	Gabe snags the phone out of my hand .
tr	1	" Oh no , no , you 're not in trouble .
tr	1	oh yes , I know ... terrible business ... .
tr	1	I give him my Wild West Squint O ' Death .
tr	1	" Such as one person buying an entire litter of puppies .
tr	1	Gabe hangs up and tosses the phone back at me .
tr	1	" Old , white , male and rich .
tr	1	" Got it , " he murmurs to himself .
tr	1	I tense in response to the flare in his energy .
tr	1	" I am a friggin ' genius ! "
tr	1	" That was me , " I add .
tr	1	" Do you always have to do this ? "
tr	1	" That 's legal , " I say .
tr	1	That 's where I got a hit on the list . "
tr	1	Gabe laughs at the audacity of this statement .
tr	1	Big Brother is out to get you Maya !
tr	1	He 's everywhere , " Gabe intones in a spooky voice .
tr	1	" Wow , you actually think you 're funny .
tr	1	That 's kind of sad , " I retort .
tr	1	We 'll lose him if he gets to the park .
tr	1	We 've got to take him at home . "
tr	1	I 'll do better this time , I swear . "
tr	1	You have to take the safety off first . "
tr	1	My voice is shrill enough to check his steps .
tr	1	" You 've been doing this your way forever .
tr	1	After everything I 've been through ... " My voice catches .
tr	1	For once in my life I 'm not acting .
tr	1	" I need to learn how to fight .
tr	1	" Because you 're so fucking good at that ! "
tr	1	" I have to be a part of this . "
tr	1	" You don 't want to do this .
tr	1	" I 'm not asking for a good life .
tr	1	I lay my head back down on the pillow .
tr	1	" You 're doing this for my own good .
tr	1	" Gabe , I want to learn how to fight .
tr	1	" I know it hurts ... " A pause .
tr	1	Whatever I 'm searching for , I come up empty .
tr	1	All I can think of is ... . "
tr	1	Again , he takes his time in answering .
tr	1	I 'm in no mood for soft landings .
tr	1	" Did you know you can house train rabbits ? "
tr	1	" I looked it up , " he says .
tr	1	" Great , I 'm in a favor granting mood . "
tr	1	" Swear you won 't kill him . "
tr	1	It turns its face up into his hand .
tr	1	I swear on my beloved floppy hat . "
tr	1	Not with his sad smiles and mischief eyes .
tr	1	Gabe looks down at the rabbit and smiles .
tr	1	I humbly apologize for my previous attempts to kill you .
tr	1	Gabe picks up the rabbit between his hands .
tr	1	And because he 's Gabe , the matter is closed .
tr	1	The song is always here , and it always comes first .
tr	1	" Be careful , " I say to them .
tr	1	I turn the water cold in the shower .
tr	1	I try to be all serious and professional while doing this .
tr	1	I 'll probably bumble in and get us all killed .
tr	1	I know this , and I 'm going anyway .
tr	1	At the gate , the guardhouse is empty .
tr	1	" Master bedroom is clear , " Gabe says .
tr	1	We go in , we take him out . "
tr	1	I 'm past Gabe before he can swing his weapon around .
tr	1	Gabe is behind him , gun trained on me ... again .
tr	1	He 's looking at the teddy bear on my chest .
tr	1	" Maya , " he says , confused .
tr	1	He lets go of my wrists and I sit up .
tr	1	Chapter 42 It is a dark and stormy night .
tr	1	A young woman stands in the back of the room .
tr	1	There is something strange about her , something wild and hungry .
tr	1	Heroes who are too sarcastic for their own good .
tr	1	Can 't crack it yourselves like proper thieves ? "
tr	1	" We 're not here for your money . "
tr	1	" That , I am sure of . "
tr	1	I 've faced my share of threats before . "
tr	1	" There 's radiation all over the house .
tr	1	" People are sheep , " he says .
tr	1	They want to watch football and drink beer .
tr	1	They want to throw back diet pills instead of running .
tr	1	Human life is a commodity like everything else . "
tr	1	How could any of this possibly be real ?
tr	1	" You 're going to tell us who and where . "
tr	1	" Now , or I 'll start cutting .
tr	1	This is me , still lingering behind the two boys .
tr	1	" That 's why he didn 't turn himself . "
tr	1	I heard the noise right before you stormed the office .
tr	1	" A deck , the carpet is wet . "
tr	1	She 's the angel , " I say .
tr	1	Children can 't survive the infection process . "
tr	1	" Stay focused , " he tells me .
tr	1	" Oh , you sick fuck , " Gabe says .
tr	1	He 'll drink it up in a month .
tr	1	Not just book smart , but cunning , clever .
tr	1	She is worthy of the chance to excel .
tr	1	And perhaps our own need to leave something important behind . "
tr	1	He glances at Gabe 's gun and smiles .
tr	1	" Amber knew to run if anything happened .
tr	1	" Make sure he 's telling the truth .
tr	1	And kill him when you 're done . "
tr	1	If he lives , he 'll warn his contacts . "
tr	1	Wipe down everything when you 're done . "
tr	1	I follow him to the door and stop .
tr	1	" Did you give her a choice ? "
tr	1	It 's there , filling me all the way up .
tr	1	The anger grows bigger and bigger inside of me .
tr	1	" She 's at the park , " I tell him .
tr	1	She wouldn 't go back there , " he counters .
tr	1	The park is where she goes to think .
tr	1	" The car is down the block . "
tr	1	" Maya , you can 't come with me . "
tr	1	" You won 't be able to keep up . "
tr	1	My feet crush divots into the soggy ground .
tr	1	Everything seems drowned , hunched over to wait out the night .
tr	1	Flashlights cut through the branches , diluted with distance .
tr	1	I hear the soft sucking of boots pulling away from mud .
tr	1	I look up into the trees , earning a fresh baptism .
tr	1	The wind has decided to rest its voice .
tr	1	Her red hair is unbound and plastered around her head .
tr	1	" But I just climbed up this huge tree . "
tr	1	" This is you trying to be my friend . "
tr	1	" No , " I pause , thinking .
tr	1	" Not that hard , " the girl says softly .
tr	1	" Are you going to kill me ? "
tr	1	" You 're not actually supposed to say that .
tr	1	You 're supposed to say ' no , of course not .
tr	1	Ryan with worms crawling out of his eyes .
tr	1	That I was moving to Tahiti to live in the wild .
tr	1	" And Grandpa says I 'm special now .
tr	1	" I know what you 're going through . "
tr	1	No , not from her -- within her .
tr	1	" I don 't have an aura . "
tr	1	There 's still some human left in you . "
tr	1	" You 're not as strong as me .
tr	1	" Grandpa says I need to accept this new reality .
tr	1	I 've memorized most of my history textbook .
tr	1	" Amber , I think I can help you . "
tr	1	I know somewhere , somehow this is funny .
tr	1	Amber looks down at me , tentacle hair framing her face .
tr	1	" At first I could only move little things .
tr	1	But each time I feed I can throw a little harder .
tr	1	Her face is too stoic for a child .
tr	1	Phantom hands push me back a step toward the trunk .
tr	1	" I 'm not evil , at least not yet .
tr	1	I feel bad about the people I 've killed .
tr	1	Maybe this is the way things are meant to be .
tr	1	The only thing I do know about is the hunger .
tr	1	Before I can stand , her fingers wrap around my throat .
tr	1	Chapter 44 I kick hard , connecting to Amber 's ribs .
tr	1	She hisses with pain and tightens her hold .
tr	1	Amber is falling toward me , rolling off the branch .
tr	1	On the ground , somehow , kneeling against the tree .
tr	1	I have a strange croaking voice that I don 't recognize .
tr	1	My neck feels pulpy and bruised like rotted fruit .
tr	1	Secrets hidden in the scars or because of the scars .
tr	1	" I asked if you 're bleeding . "
tr	1	" Why did you steal my shoes ? "
tr	1	His voice going deeper like the creases across his forehead .
tr	1	The creases come out , and his mouth sets .
tr	1	My thoughts are coming back , stitched crooked but good enough .
tr	1	She clearly could not control her hunger . "
tr	1	Maybe it 's all the same to him .
tr	1	You 're going back to the motel . "
tr	1	Tears slip down my face as we head back .
tr	1	I turn my head and stare at my brother .
tr	1	" You remembered me , " I say .
tr	1	He wasn 't sure it was me until he saw it .
tr	1	" Yes , I told Grand about you .
tr	1	" Won 't you even make an excuse ? "
tr	1	How can he keep doing this to me ?
tr	1	We 've been sitting here in silence too long .
tr	1	" Gabe doesn 't know , does he ? "
tr	1	" It 's possible , " he says .
tr	1	I can 't understand the expression on his face .
tr	1	It would have been nearly inaudible to my old ears .
tr	1	Rain pecks at my leg and shoulder as I step out .
tr	1	Puddles broken and clouded by my muddy feet .
tr	1	We look at each other , defenses dented but holding .
tr	1	" I need to learn to fight . "
tr	1	He baited my brothers with their own concern .
tr	1	Faulty heroes , but I won 't tell them .
tr	1	There 's been no sun today or the day before that .
tr	1	The rabbit is smart enough to hide beneath Gabe 's bed .
tr	1	Everything you ever stood for will be forgotten .
tr	1	Grand is still out there in the world .
tr	1	I listen to their car doors open and close .
tr	1	The faint whispers of energy I know so well .
tr	1	" Do you think she 'll be alright ? "
tr	1	" She doesn 't have a choice . "
tr	1	He pauses , probably fishing for his key card .
tr	1	For now ... just keep being you . "
tr	1	" Alright , " Gabe says softly , surprised like me .
tr	1	I hitch my breath when Gabe pauses by my bed .
tr	1	He moves on , and I let my breath out slow .
tr	1	Gabe stays in the shower for a long time .
tr	1	We lay in our separate beds staring at different things .
tr	1	I try to stay as still as the twitching will allow .
tr	1	The world will still be a violent and ugly place .
tr	1	There will still be gangs and drugs and war .
tr	1	" What your father did is not your fault Gabe .
tr	1	" It 's not your job to save the world .
tr	1	" If the angels win , it 's all over .
tr	1	That 's worth everything , everything that we 've suffered .
tr	1	" There are certain pressure points on the body .
tr	1	We are silent a long while after this .
tr	1	Gabe shifts to his back , stares at the ceiling again .
tr	1	" I don 't know , " Gabe whispers .
tr	1	Eventually , the torment loosens its grip on Gabe 's mind .
tr	1	Now his energy hums , smooth and quiet .
tr	1	Thinking of what Amber said about being evil .
tr	1	But I can 't think , not really .
tr	1	That thing is happening when I lose all my thoughts .
tr	1	This means I have to think of Ryan .
tr	1	Even if it means giving voice to the monster .
tr	1	I 'm not sure the words even make sense .
tr	1	There is no Maya left to be evil .
tr	1	That wavy hair is all over his pillow .
tr	1	It will be quick ; he won 't even wake up .
tr	1	My hand reaches toward him , glowing bright .
tr	1	" I 'm trusting you with my life right now . "
tr	1	There is one letter I haven 't written .
tr	1	One person 's forgiveness I have not yet begged .
tr	1	Because to ask forgiveness is to acknowledge that he is dead .
tr	1	I open the notebook and flip past the other pages .
tr	1	The words don 't come , but they will .
tr	1	I take a deep breath , all wet and wonderful .
tr	1	Didn 't I just pass the most crucial test of all ?
tr	1	Little snaps go off in my stomach , like butterflies exploding .
tr	1	" I 'm in control , " I whisper , awed .
tr	1	And the story of a girl with broken wings .
tr	1	The first lip of sun edges up from the darkness .
tr	1	A girl with broken wings , done falling .
tr	1	It 's time to say goodbye to Ryan .
tr	1	Keep In Touch Wait , don 't go !
tr	1	Please come by and say hello if you have time .
tr	1	His adorableness is his primary strength as a writer .
tr	1	Individual houses crop up every couple of miles or so .
tr	1	" Bout three quarters of a mile . "
tr	1	Our cover is that we 're hikers . "
tr	1	Summer isn 't leaving New York without a fight .
tr	1	I feel hemmed in by these large trunks .
tr	1	" Yeah , well , I got ta go again .
tr	1	His mouth quirks up in a short smile .
tr	1	" Yeah , I guess , " I reply .
tr	1	He goes extra solider , his back cranking a little straighter .
tr	1	We don 't pass any other residences on the way .
tr	1	" Lotta cars out there , " Gabe whispers behind me .
tr	1	Next to the house is a large metal barn .
tr	1	Gabe is already climbing up a tree behind me .
tr	1	" There 's something wrong with their energy .
tr	1	They 're sharing something , and it isn 't good .
tr	1	Hendricks has something clutched in his right fist .
tr	1	" Who wants to join us for brunch ? "
tr	1	He limps with abuse unseen beneath a stained t-shirt and jeans .
tr	1	Weak as the wavering flames of a dying candle .
tr	1	I can hardly get the words out of my mouth .
tr	1	" This is Deidre from the Bullseye ... employment ... .
tr	1	And they definitely don 't stay young forever .
tr	1	" You 're late , " Nathaniel says .
tr	1	" What kind of watch is that ? "
tr	1	" It 's a phone , " I tell him .
tr	1	" Everyone is so excited about those damn phones .
tr	1	Give me a telegraph any day of the week . "
tr	1	Nathaniel 's piercing blue eyes give me the once over .
tr	1	" I see you chose to wear pants . "
tr	1	His bushy black eyebrows crunch together in disappointment .
tr	1	" How very improper for a woman . "
tr	1	I look down at my nice navy slacks .
tr	1	" Nope , it 's just me . "
tr	1	" Though , perhaps it doesn 't matter .
tr	1	" These pants are just fine , " I huff .
tr	1	" I think ... I think I 'll just go . "
tr	1	I turn to leave when a sound fills the room .
tr	1	" Go on and pick it up . "
tr	1	" Of course not , " he snaps back .
tr	1	I 've considered moving to Tennessee for just that reason . "
tr	1	First , Nathaniel is one hell of a misogynist and racist .
tr	1	Secondly , I think I just got the job .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	Taylor swung his legs out into the morning chill .
tr	1	" I thought you would never get out of bed .
tr	1	You 'll sleep through the best part of the day .
tr	1	We are not going to leave until hours from now .
tr	1	Sit down and have a bite to eat .
tr	1	Did you go to sleep at all last night ? "
tr	1	Taylor rolled his eyes and put on the coffee .
tr	1	I hope you remembered to pack lightly . "
tr	1	" I only take what I am carrying right now . "
tr	1	John , my friend , they are all yours . "
tr	1	the questions started to come from all over the assembly .
tr	1	" Wouldn 't this be your expertise , Mr. Intelligence ? "
tr	1	They are almost ready to give you a green light .
tr	1	Shut up and let me handle this . "
tr	1	I 'd say we let Taylor try his luck .
tr	1	Shiner will issue the passports to his officer .
tr	1	You know where to get your fuel and supplies .
tr	1	Don 't make me look like a fool .
tr	1	Later that night Cody Hunt held his sides from laughing .
tr	1	" The Council finally lost their minds ! "
tr	1	He slapped Taylor on the back , almost knocking him over .
tr	1	Air traffic was very light on most days .
tr	1	Taylor strolled across the parking ramp to the administration buildings .
tr	1	" I pulled up the weather thirty minutes ago .
tr	1	" You be careful out there , you hear me ? "
tr	1	Taylor leaned over the counter and kissed Mary on the cheek .
tr	1	Taylor 's wristwatch showed ten minutes after five .
tr	1	He actually had to pull out a wrench to accomplish this .
tr	1	Taylor stabbed his elbow into Hunt 's rib cage .
tr	1	He was the proverbial kid before a road trip .
tr	1	" What the ... , " Cody started without a thought .
tr	1	Can I store this somewhere around here until we get back ?
tr	1	Farmer hauled Spade 's trunk into Taylor 's living container .
tr	1	" Mind if I have a cup ? "
tr	1	We 'll start loading the plane in a minute here . "
tr	1	You are here to observe and to gather intelligence .
tr	1	You are not to engage anyone we meet on your own .
tr	1	Only Hunt had a half disguised grin on his face .
tr	1	It was time to get the plane ready .
tr	1	Fine with me , fine with me . "
tr	1	Man , I could use a good steak ! "
tr	1	Taylor laughed and turned around to shut off the fuel pump .
tr	1	It was a quarter after six and everything was progressing smoothly .
tr	1	He had to pack parachutes for each of them .
tr	1	It is just standard requirement for military flight rules . "
tr	1	So , suit up and get into the plane .
tr	1	" Put on the headphones and switch on the noise canceling .
tr	1	Better yet , don 't talk , " Taylor advised .
tr	1	The stars slowly dimmed out of sight for the day .
tr	1	They did not remain the only ones for very long .
tr	1	In the end of course the decision was all about money .
tr	1	Seconds later one of his senior agents stormed into the room .
tr	1	We are scanning all channels for traces of it . "
tr	1	Let 's put out this fire while it is small .
tr	1	He did not allow himself to get contemplative for too long .
tr	1	" I assume you already initiated damage control actions . "
tr	1	It is no secret to us who stands behind this . "
tr	1	Stone was dumbstruck by this casually uttered revelation .
tr	1	We need a more proactive plan to resolve this mess .
tr	1	Let 's see how this plays out until tomorrow .
tr	1	And so the dominoes had begun to fall .
tr	1	That gorge almost swallowed the country for two long centuries .
tr	1	What would it feel like to be a real teacher ?
tr	1	No one ever made it that far back these days .
tr	1	The librarian was used to not question the teachers .
tr	1	Often they were the only effective protection from outside raider attacks .
tr	1	They had started from runway 36 and were flying due north .
tr	1	" How 's everyone doing so far ? "
tr	1	Taylor asked pushing the intercom button on the steering wheel .
tr	1	He was not feeling quite so frisky then .
tr	1	Taylor looked at Hunt with a little chuckle .
tr	1	Do not try to throw it out of the window !
tr	1	Disturbing the peace was furthest from his desires for this trip .
tr	1	He pointed the spot out to Hunt to get his opinion .
tr	1	he asked into the microphone of his headset .
tr	1	The sound of cabin doors opening cut the tender moment short .
tr	1	Spade and Farmer looked at each other rolling their eyes .
tr	1	" What are we going to do for water supply ? "
tr	1	Let 's gear up and happy trails ! "
tr	1	They grabbed their backpacks and helped each other strap them on .
tr	1	This promised to be interesting to say the least .
tr	1	For him it all was invigorating and intoxicating .
tr	1	People are going to name a steak after you . "
tr	1	" Yes , sir , " Tim replied promptly .
tr	1	Hunt made good on his promise to find water .
tr	1	Hunt and Farmer stayed with the group for now .
tr	1	They quietly marched on , enjoying the changing scenery .
tr	1	The air was getting cooler as they slowly reached higher altitudes .
tr	1	" Make room for the chuck wagon ! "
tr	1	Farmer yelled , bursting from the forest onto the clearing .
tr	1	" First I 'll cook , then we 'll eat . "
tr	1	He reemerged with the items he was looking for .
tr	1	I also brought a few packs of real coffee .
tr	1	This was not Tim Farmer 's first rodeo .
tr	1	He looked at Hunt who just shrugged his shoulders .
tr	1	At least that was what we were told . "
tr	1	He took a sip from his coffee before he continued .
tr	1	Another look at Hunt earned him a big grin .
tr	1	I needed a quick ride out of there .
tr	1	I didn 't know what to think . "
tr	1	They also removed all markings , insignia and serial numbers .
tr	1	" Yep , good times , " Taylor replied thoughtfully .
tr	1	Chapter 4 : What Is The Most Important Thing ?
tr	1	" What is the most important thing ? "
tr	1	For a second she pretended to be all serious .
tr	1	" No , I am Lilly Ann . "
tr	1	She replied , " What 's your name ? "
tr	1	She was not happy about that at all .
tr	1	Yes or no , did you fly here ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann was having a ball at Taylor 's expense .
tr	1	" Is there a town somewhere nearby ? "
tr	1	" Yes , " Lilly Ann was not too forthcoming yet .
tr	1	Lilly Ann had tears in her eyes and gasped for air .
tr	1	All of a sudden she had an idea .
tr	1	" Look , they all talk to each other .
tr	1	She surely must be a very special child .
tr	1	In any case it was quite a wondrous thing to hear .
tr	1	What do you think , should we help them out ? "
tr	1	The girl looked intently at the four strangers .
tr	1	She started to slowly walk down the road .
tr	1	Surely Lilly Ann was playing games with them .
tr	1	Do you know anything about DNA or genetics ? "
tr	1	Well , DNA is at the heart of my request .
tr	1	How did that work out for you ? "
tr	1	We still have much work to do . "
tr	1	He paused to let the information sink in for a moment .
tr	1	" So , what can I do to help ? "
tr	1	So , here we are , and you are for real .
tr	1	Are you sure you have thought this through ? "
tr	1	I have to ask you for something though . "
tr	1	Lilly Ann interrupted him with an impatient gesture .
tr	1	All I must ask you is not to reveal our location .
tr	1	" I would like to hear it from Ms. Foxy here .
tr	1	I think she is the nosey one , right ? "
tr	1	" Did she really ask that baby for permission ? "
tr	1	" Did you see the artwork in the road ? "
tr	1	I can only see a road in the forest . "
tr	1	Did you guys see how she was looking at him ?
tr	1	Put up a tent or something , will ya ? "
tr	1	" I am aware of that , I am aware .
tr	1	" Yes , sir , " Tim Farmer acknowledged instantly .
tr	1	A few hundred yards further they came up on an intersection .
tr	1	Maybe she is in the mood for a few questions .
tr	1	I am kind of worried about the answers though . "
tr	1	They did not have to search for long .
tr	1	He didn 't have to wait long for an answer .
tr	1	They use recycled vegetable oil for fuel , sweet . "
tr	1	I hope Lilly Ann is going to be back soon .
tr	1	" Grow up already , Cody , will ya ? "
tr	1	Someone is having a good time back there . "
tr	1	Farmer 's and Spade 's eyes were big as saucers .
tr	1	He ran after Taylor as quickly as he could .
tr	1	" Whatcha think , isn 't she a beauty ?
tr	1	Lilly Ann and Taylor mounted the front seats .
tr	1	It seemed that no one was in any particular hurry .
tr	1	People were obviously familiar with Lilly Ann 's van .
tr	1	May be we can have a chat later on .
tr	1	Good to have you here , folks . "
tr	1	Without asking he put drinks in front of each of them .
tr	1	We enjoy it when our hospitality is appreciated . "
tr	1	Seconds later another foaming mug magically appeared in front of Hunt .
tr	1	He was starting to like this place a lot .
tr	1	He explained to those unfamiliar with the tradition of the restaurant .
tr	1	" Does your whole family work here ? "
tr	1	He exhaled loudly and looked encouraging to the others .
tr	1	He grabbed the old man 's hand and shook it vigorously .
tr	1	Now there was an icebreaker from an unlikely direction .
tr	1	" Did you save something for me ? "
tr	1	" Just kidding , did you enjoy the breakfast ?
tr	1	So , what do you want to do today ? "
tr	1	Farmer blurted out jumping off the rock he was sitting on .
tr	1	Might take a while , though , " she laughed .
tr	1	Do you grow them separately for dairy and for meat ?
tr	1	Are they held in stables or on pastures ?
tr	1	What kind of veterinarian care do you provide for them ? "
tr	1	" Does this town have a name ? "
tr	1	Pull the van around the barn , dear . "
tr	1	" Did you come here to marry me after all ? "
tr	1	he looked like a little boy on Christmas Day .
tr	1	" So , who of you is the scientist ? "
tr	1	Turner just laughed and tipped a finger to his forehead .
tr	1	" Why the long face , Farmer ? "
tr	1	Helen Spade asked when she joined him at the fence .
tr	1	I have a hard time knowing what to think . "
tr	1	It was going to be a long day of hard work .
tr	1	Helen Spade was not shy around the animals either .
tr	1	She thought that this spoke very highly of his work ethics .
tr	1	" Wow , " he exclaimed , " this looks interesting .
tr	1	" What are you using for fuel up here ? "
tr	1	Taylor just looked at her with a raised eyebrow and nodded .
tr	1	Bye , bye my trusty old VW . '
tr	1	She took a deep breath to relax before she replied .
tr	1	He didn 't know if he should laugh or cry .
tr	1	This was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for him .
tr	1	The starter turned over twice and then havoc broke loose .
tr	1	The roar coming from the rear of the vehicle was deafening .
tr	1	I can 't drive around like this . "
tr	1	Tears were flowing down his cheeks from laughter .
tr	1	No need to be uncomfortable in your tents . "
tr	1	Hunt , Farmer and Spade took the news without much emotion .
tr	1	Lilly Ann looked at him thoughtfully and hesitated for a moment .
tr	1	" Where did you hear that name ? "
tr	1	Let 's just leave it at that for now . "
tr	1	With that little joke her lightheartedness was back in full bloom .
tr	1	Taylor was glad to be on his way .
tr	1	Farmer complained , " I can 't leave without it . "
tr	1	" Did you see the plane go down ? "
tr	1	Spade asked afraid of the answer that she knew already .
tr	1	He pointed at a distinct mountain peak in the distance .
tr	1	He was trying to fly back to where we came from .
tr	1	I can 't believe it , lightning for crying out loud !
tr	1	Do you think Mr. Taylor is ok ? "
tr	1	Let 's make sure we make good use of it . "
tr	1	The implementation of the Taylor Gene Pool was an unprecedented success .
tr	1	Taylor pigs make better pork - who would have thought ?
tr	1	Jack and Joe Jack lived in the woods .
tr	1	They were brothers , not by birth but in spirit .
tr	1	They spent most of their days cutting down trees .
tr	1	You could say they were lumberjacks , what a coincidence .
tr	1	Jack and Joe Jack looked at each other incredulously .
tr	1	Why would someone be flying into the storm ?
tr	1	The black cloud grew bigger and so did the bird .
tr	1	His scream echoed through the valley , " Geronimo ! "
tr	1	If he survived the fall he 'll live . "
tr	1	" Geronimo , " he whispered softly like a prayer .
tr	1	John Taylor 's eyes flew open , " Geronimo ? "
tr	1	Without another word they picked up their load .
tr	1	It was almost night when they reached the outskirts of town .
tr	1	" Go on , lead the way , " Jack requested .
tr	1	she started to shout half a street block away .
tr	1	" Your friend is back , Lilly Ann ! "
tr	1	She spotted the lifeless figure on the makeshift stretcher .
tr	1	" The metal bird was struck by lightning and caught fire .
tr	1	Edie May came and sent all the visitors home .
tr	1	Just try not to forget who you really are .
tr	1	She did not know if he knew that he was different .
tr	1	" I knew it too , " Lilly Ann said softly .
tr	1	It 's a dilemma that can tear a man apart . "
tr	1	They probably think John didn 't make it .
tr	1	I wonder why he didn 't use his parachute . "
tr	1	I am Lilly Ann , do you remember ?
tr	1	Don 't want to get in between this one . "
tr	1	Still laughing he retreated out of the house .
tr	1	" Do you make a joke of everything ? "
tr	1	" How long have I been out ? "
tr	1	" A few days , " Lilly Ann answered vaguely .
tr	1	Lilly Ann gently put her index finger across his lips .
tr	1	That 'll get us some of your strength back . "
tr	1	I think we are in good shape . "
tr	1	" You are a strange cookie , John Taylor .
tr	1	Taylor didn 't quite know how to respond .
tr	1	Taylor tried to be on his best manners .
tr	1	Every sip he took made him more awake and alert .
tr	1	All three of them felt the mood change in the room .
tr	1	" Who are Jack and Joe Jack ? "
tr	1	I owe them and you my life . "
tr	1	That is a big burden to carry around .
tr	1	This thought he could live with , funny how that works .
tr	1	The next suitable hospital might be hundreds of miles away . "
tr	1	The question struck Taylor like a bolt of lightning .
tr	1	His eyes grew big and his face turned white as paper .
tr	1	" You 'll feel better after you sleep a bit . "
tr	1	The next morning Taylor felt almost his old self again .
tr	1	Still laughing and repeating , " I 'm so sorry . "
tr	1	" Yes , how 'd you know ? "
tr	1	He was excited like a little boy on Christmas morning .
tr	1	What do we do with it now ? "
tr	1	Then you can pour the coffee into small cups .
tr	1	Thank you , John Taylor , " she added lovingly .
tr	1	" Oh , Lilly Ann didn 't tell you ? "
tr	1	I can 't wait to read it . "
tr	1	I hardly thought about it myself in all that time .
tr	1	Would you want to see the latest issue ? "
tr	1	This one is from my personal secret recipe . "
tr	1	If butterflies were rhinos he would have been in big trouble .
tr	1	" How do you come up with this ? "
tr	1	What a great pleasure and honor to see and read this .
tr	1	Thank you so much for sharing it with me . "
tr	1	That was definitely him asking , right John ?
tr	1	She was impatiently hopping up and down the small room .
tr	1	" Can anyone explain to me what 's going on ? "
tr	1	" Are you talking about the biblical Abraham ? "
tr	1	" And what was the right answer ? "
tr	1	Can we move on to something more fun now ? "
tr	1	That 'll give you some time to be all serious . "
tr	1	Do you have an idea what that could mean ? "
tr	1	Edie May was curious about Taylor 's understanding so far .
tr	1	She continued before Taylor had time to express his confusion .
tr	1	There was a moment of silence before Taylor found words again .
tr	1	How do I get my thoughts to mold energy ?
tr	1	Is there a method or do I just have to concentrate ?
tr	1	As a matter of fact , you cannot not do this .
tr	1	" What do you mean by ' equivalent vibration ' ? "
tr	1	" You are on the right track , John .
tr	1	" I have seen that , " Taylor agreed .
tr	1	Most of all , what about my legs ? "
tr	1	" Always the tough questions first , right ? "
tr	1	They both had to laugh at that image .
tr	1	Teachers connected to the infinite wisdom of the universe .
tr	1	They are inspiration , joy and most of all love .
tr	1	They are what we are in our innermost core .
tr	1	Just that now you know their name . "
tr	1	" So , about those sixty-eight seconds ? "
tr	1	No one else can create in your reality .
tr	1	Taylor wasn 't too amused at that suggestion .
tr	1	Taylor looked at her with a quizzical expression .
tr	1	From then on you were just their chauffeur . "
tr	1	The point she was driving at suddenly became very obvious .
tr	1	Taylor did not like where this was headed .
tr	1	Edie May and Taylor both erupted in relieved laughter .
tr	1	I 'm the star of many pages in this book . "
tr	1	She pulled another page out of the stack .
tr	1	If you try you probably land in the bushes .
tr	1	" I guess I could do that , " Taylor laughed .
tr	1	It was an interesting observation to say the least .
tr	1	All these figures stacked on top of each other .
tr	1	It looks like a Native American totem pole , just funnier .
tr	1	Do you follow so far , John ? "
tr	1	That feels better , at least now you can breath .
tr	1	Remember , all of this is work done in your thoughts .
tr	1	They all look so cute I could eat them up .
tr	1	He looks so happy , don 't you think ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann looked at both of them for confirmation .
tr	1	" What do you want to play , dear ? "
tr	1	What 's the name of that game ? "
tr	1	Taylor enjoyed being the center of Lilly Ann 's creative fireworks .
tr	1	It is a very long game , " she added importantly .
tr	1	I 'll be still here with my legs not working . "
tr	1	Everyone clapped and cheered when Fritz had finished his story .
tr	1	I 'd bet that the goats would be faster .
tr	1	Embarrassment is a foreign planet to a pure soul .
tr	1	Lilly Ann secretly wiped away a tear from her eyes .
tr	1	He had many hours before stopped worrying about his legs .
tr	1	So many wanted to have a turn in the game .
tr	1	He couldn 't get the words out fast enough .
tr	1	I can feel my feet , " he yelled again .
tr	1	Release all the other sensations that rush through your mind .
tr	1	" No need to thank me , " she replied quietly .
tr	1	" What is going on out there ? "
tr	1	he asked more to himself than anyone else .
tr	1	Come back to bed now and close the window . "
tr	1	There was not the slightest hint of surprise in her voice .
tr	1	Taylor was the first one to awake in the house .
tr	1	Then I 'll try to make it to the kitchen . "
tr	1	Maybe you understand it better than I do .
tr	1	Taylor took a closer look of the fabric .
tr	1	I 'll close my eyes and promise not to peek . "
tr	1	Taylor 's right knee came up like a reflex .
tr	1	He finally stood there panting from the concentrated effort .
tr	1	" Now we walk , " Lilly Ann said confidently .
tr	1	There was no arguing with that kind of logic .
tr	1	Lilly Ann turned to Taylor , " See ? "
tr	1	Come , sit down , have breakfast with us . "
tr	1	I heard you woke up half the town last night . "
tr	1	" I can imagine that , " Edie May nodded .
tr	1	" Sorry that I can 't stay for breakfast .
tr	1	I am sure Lilly Ann would love to drive you .
tr	1	You think you are strong enough for that ? "
tr	1	This was going to be interesting , to say the least .
tr	1	They obviously had entered a world of learning and teaching .
tr	1	It 's mostly about the questions though . "
tr	1	One of them started yelling , " It 's Geronimo !
tr	1	Her arm made a big sweeping gesture around her .
tr	1	Taylor got curious about the scientifically looking device on the desk .
tr	1	" It 's a computer , " he exclaimed .
tr	1	They made themselves comfortable and Edie May began her tale .
tr	1	" It all began at the end of the last millennium .
tr	1	The ultimate student had found his ultimate teacher .
tr	1	She read books , talked with the dead and loved life .
tr	1	Her whole life was a celebration of lightness and enjoyment .
tr	1	" That is a good start , John .
tr	1	I 'm choosing my own vibes ! " '
tr	1	I have a short passage cued up for you , John .
tr	1	Her voice came back with a more focused and deliberate timbre .
tr	1	After a short pause for effect they continued .
tr	1	They looked around the room searching for any sign of comprehension .
tr	1	It is as if they were speaking specifically about me .
tr	1	Enough of that heavy brainiac intellectual stuff for now .
tr	1	Let me show you my favorite spot at Sudbury .
tr	1	" Is fishing part of the curriculum here ? "
tr	1	" You mean all he ever does is fish ?
tr	1	How is he supposed to learn other basic things ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann thought about it for a moment .
tr	1	She learned a lot about herself in these days .
tr	1	He can predict the weather just by looking at the waves .
tr	1	I think he is doing extraordinary well . "
tr	1	It was as magnificent and inviting as he had imagined it .
tr	1	he asked , " Let 's have our picnic there . "
tr	1	" Good idea , " Lilly Ann agreed .
tr	1	Taylor popped open his lemonade filled mason jar .
tr	1	because he has found a brand new friend .
tr	1	His wish makes the energy flow to get him the T-shirt .
tr	1	She looked at John waiting for a sign of understanding .
tr	1	" Nothing that you want is upstream , huh ? "
tr	1	Taylor 's eyes lit up with a smile .
tr	1	There 's got ta be a catch somewhere . "
tr	1	She bit off another hearty chunk to gather her thoughts .
tr	1	Lilly Ann was exhausted just holding that picture in her mind .
tr	1	Taylor looked out over the river deep in thought .
tr	1	" Yep , " was Lilly Ann 's short answer .
tr	1	" This sounds simple enough , " he concluded .
tr	1	" Told you , " Lilly Ann beamed .
tr	1	" But not easy , " he cautioned .
tr	1	" No one ever said that , " she shrugged .
tr	1	I guess that 's what we are here for . "
tr	1	Much of it made sense and it felt good .
tr	1	In that regard reality was very convincing to me . "
tr	1	They didn 't ask so they could not see .
tr	1	She was certain that this could not be healthy for anybody .
tr	1	Then she said , ' Your turn . '
tr	1	She jumped up , said , ' See ? '
tr	1	" What was the girl 's name ? "
tr	1	and then find any Lilly and ask her .
tr	1	" You are leading me on , right ? "
tr	1	So you choose that , no harm done .
tr	1	They won 't hold it against you . "
tr	1	This was a tough pill to swallow for Taylor .
tr	1	For anything complicated or far reaching we just ask Lilly . "
tr	1	" Do all children have this ability ? "
tr	1	" Hi John , have you asked Lilly yet ? "
tr	1	became the standard greeting that Taylor was welcomed with around town .
tr	1	Now there was a closed loop if there ever was one .
tr	1	The young man waved and yelled , " Geronimo !
tr	1	His girlfriend giggled and slapped him over the head .
tr	1	She started to cross the street with Michael in tow .
tr	1	I can 't seem to get rid of him .
tr	1	What 's the story that people are telling ? "
tr	1	She quickly lost her trepidation to talk candidly .
tr	1	I for one find it hard to even imagine .
tr	1	That takes some guts and confidence in your own vibes . "
tr	1	" Sure , anything , " Michael said without hesitation .
tr	1	I do all of this mainly for my own benefit . "
tr	1	" I don 't know , maybe ten or twenty ?
tr	1	Does this exercise have any practical merit ? "
tr	1	He didn 't want anything to do with either one .
tr	1	Lilly Ann was royally amused by his strong willed outburst .
tr	1	Sometimes I think I 'll never really get it . "
tr	1	" You know , " Taylor broke the silence .
tr	1	" I have no intention to found a church . "
tr	1	" I know , " was Lilly Ann 's lazy reply .
tr	1	There 's not much you can do about that .
tr	1	It has happened before , you know ? "
tr	1	" I knew you would say that , " Taylor laughed .
tr	1	" I knew that you know , " Lilly Ann replied .
tr	1	" John , have you asked Lilly yet ? "
tr	1	You have no idea how much we really appreciate this . "
tr	1	End of one story , beginning of the next one . "
tr	1	" Isn 't that the end of personal accountability ? "
tr	1	" What is your question for Lilly really ? "
tr	1	What am I going to do in the meantime ?
tr	1	I would have to earn my keep somehow .
tr	1	Taylor had a hard time not laughing out loud .
tr	1	" Don 't mention it , " the boy replied .
tr	1	Her big dark green eyes were calmly fixed on Taylor .
tr	1	She cautiously stepped down the wooden stairs with her bare feet .
tr	1	she said with a voice that could have melted a glacier .
tr	1	" His name is Geronimo too , " she announced .
tr	1	Taylor 's heart was about to jump into his throat .
tr	1	he asked in the simplest way he could think of .
tr	1	The girl did not hesitate for a second .
tr	1	" Wan na play ' Chinchilla ' ? "
tr	1	she asked pulling him towards the back yard .
tr	1	Lilly Ann greeted Taylor as he opened the door .
tr	1	She whistled an impromptu melody skipping down the stairs .
tr	1	" Aren 't you going to ask ? "
tr	1	he had to remember to be more careful next time .
tr	1	she blurted out before she recognized her mistake .
tr	1	Now I 'm never gon na tell you . "
tr	1	I am the queen of the secret game ! "
tr	1	she just couldn 't let him off the hook that easily .
tr	1	" Am I ever going to meet your parents ? "
tr	1	" Sure , " Lilly Ann replied quickly without further explanation .
tr	1	Lilly Ann looked him up and down and curled her lips .
tr	1	" What are you going to wear ? "
tr	1	Meet me in the kitchen in an hour . "
tr	1	The irony was not completely lost on him .
tr	1	' This might work out after all , ' he thought .
tr	1	He fought a bit to get the cufflinks working correctly .
tr	1	Taylor almost did not recognize himself in the unfamiliar wardrobe .
tr	1	Everything about this suit accentuated his most favorable features .
tr	1	" Are you ready for your party ? "
tr	1	" Do we walk or take the van ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann and Taylor didn 't mind the least .
tr	1	He shook more hands than he could remember names .
tr	1	Taylor got up from his chair and raised his glass .
tr	1	There wasn 't much time to be contemplative , though .
tr	1	The variety of dishes that were served was fantastic .
tr	1	Taylor got up from his chair and turned to Lilly Ann .
tr	1	Her eyes locked onto his as she stepped closer .
tr	1	Lilly Ann looked around her , confused only for a moment .
tr	1	She nodded and took him by the hand .
tr	1	Taylor needed a moment to regain his bearings .
tr	1	Yes , right , last night , Lilly Ann .
tr	1	" Good morning , my love , " he greeted her .
tr	1	As she turned around his chin almost dropped to the floor .
tr	1	Another double clap and the lights would go out .
tr	1	Edie May asked back with a knowing smile on her face .
tr	1	Taylor had some difficulty not to get impatient .
tr	1	He decided to let Edie May have her moment of humor .
tr	1	" Nobody had an explanation for this strange phenomenon .
tr	1	He clapped his hands , and the lights came on .
tr	1	Can you imagine their looks when the people saw this ? "
tr	1	was all he could utter for the moment .
tr	1	" Don 't feel bad , " she said .
tr	1	Yet , that morning Tom was nowhere to be found .
tr	1	He blinked his eyes a few times and waved at them .
tr	1	" So , how 'd it go ? "
tr	1	" You want us to meditate with you ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann inquired , " We can do that . "
tr	1	He lovingly patted the faded green cover of the diesel generator .
tr	1	So , what am I looking at here ? "
tr	1	He looked at the drawings that Tom presented to him .
tr	1	" Longer than anyone can remember , " Tom replied casually .
tr	1	" And it 's been running on what ? "
tr	1	" Wan na give it a try ? "
tr	1	Tom opened the electrical box that housed the starter button .
tr	1	he asked Taylor , his concern for the machine obvious .
tr	1	Tom pushed the button and the generator came to life .
tr	1	He just laughed and closed the panels over the generator assembly .
tr	1	Lilly Ann had hardly spoken a word during all that time .
tr	1	His reputation made the rounds and people marveled at his skills .
tr	1	she asked Taylor looking out through an opened window .
tr	1	" It 's a sign , " Taylor winked at her .
tr	1	It really looked interesting , almost like a piece of art .
tr	1	" Yes , " she said simply and closed the window .
tr	1	" Jimi , what 's going on ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann asked the breathless boy when she opened the door .
tr	1	The tractor stopped and the tree fell on Mr. Turner .
tr	1	Is Mr. Taylor here , he can help . "
tr	1	It was a short , wild ride to Turner Farm .
tr	1	A quick look under the hood confirmed Taylor 's worst fears .
tr	1	" Is there another tractor we can use ? "
tr	1	someone yelled from the other side of the tree .
tr	1	she asked him , " That was quite a show ! "
tr	1	Taylor asked David , who had caught up with them .
tr	1	" Do you think we have to tell anyone ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann danced around him fighting imaginary dragons .
tr	1	He took Taylor 's hand and shook it vigorously .
tr	1	That night Frank Turner celebrated his new lease on life .
tr	1	" So , what did really happen ? "
tr	1	Winter had been fun , exciting and exhausting .
tr	1	" I don 't know really , " Taylor answered truthfully .
tr	1	The aroma and richness of taste is amazing .
tr	1	" May I ask you a personal question ? "
tr	1	Taylor asked without really knowing where he was headed .
tr	1	He took the first ring from the chain .
tr	1	He got up from his chair and hugged Taylor .
tr	1	Taylor looked at him with a quizzical look .
tr	1	He flared his nostrils to soak up the aroma .
tr	1	" Did Jenny have herself a cookout ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann asked lazily having made herself comfortable in her chair .
tr	1	Lilly Ann 's answer was just as prompt and direct .
tr	1	I want to marry you because I love you .
tr	1	Taylor looked at him with a sour smile .
tr	1	" Did she ask you ' Why ? '
tr	1	Taylor asked , " Am I missing something here ? "
tr	1	Fritz folded Taylor 's hand over the ring .
tr	1	Around here we don 't have much patience for long-term commitments .
tr	1	He looked at Taylor with a quizzical look .
tr	1	Shows how much I know , right ? "
tr	1	" What are your plans a week from Saturday ? "
tr	1	Tell your elves that they done good . "
tr	1	Taylor had never slept better in his life .
tr	1	Was life really supposed to feel that good ?
tr	1	" Are you all right , love ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann stuck her head through the doorframe .
tr	1	You could have given me a bit of a warning though .
tr	1	What did I see downstairs anyway , what was that ? "
tr	1	There was just a hint of panic in his voice .
tr	1	We 'll walk up the rest of the way . "
tr	1	" How many people are you expecting to show up ? "
tr	1	The place was buzzing with activity and excitement .
tr	1	As far as Taylor could see there were no women present .
tr	1	After one of the more explicit numbers Taylor turned to Willie .
tr	1	" So , why are the girls doing this ? "
tr	1	Willie could only laugh and shook his head .
tr	1	he replied in disbelieve , " The girls love this .
tr	1	Willie jumped from his seat and ran towards the man .
tr	1	You are a life giving phenomenon for this community . "
tr	1	Why don 't you join us for a drink ?
tr	1	Willie has outdone himself organizing this party . "
tr	1	' Something more to look forward too , ' he thought .
tr	1	He laughed and turned back to the street to walk home .
tr	1	He quietly sneaked into the house and up the stairs .
tr	1	He wrapped his arms around Lilly Ann and pulled her closer .
tr	1	Everything fell into place , no rush and no second thoughts .
tr	1	He looked around the place to let his words sink in .
tr	1	Today I choose to put my heart into your hands .
tr	1	The crowd burst into cheers of relief and appreciation .
tr	1	I want to be there when he is ready . "
tr	1	" What are my favorite girls up to ? "
tr	1	Taylor put on the charm as he walked into the kitchen .
tr	1	" He is going to do what ? "
tr	1	She is so funny , cracks me up every time . "
tr	1	Wouldn 't that feel exactly the same way ? "
tr	1	There was a moment of silence between the two men .
tr	1	Fritz sank back into his chair to catch his breath .
tr	1	What do I need to do to make this happen ? "
tr	1	Remember our talks and the affection we feel for each other .
tr	1	They all said their goodbyes without drama or hesitation .
tr	1	Last words had been spoken , last tender gestures exchanged .
tr	1	At every street corner they would stop and gather around .
tr	1	He says , he loves this town and its people .
tr	1	He loves the little fella more than ever .
tr	1	Who knows who will need it next . "
tr	1	When did he tell you about that ? "
tr	1	The old man had kept his word after all .
tr	1	I sure do appreciate it , though . "
tr	1	He had a hard time even formulating an actual question .
tr	1	I wanted to get that out of the way .
tr	1	Taylor 's answer was as much a question as a suggestion .
tr	1	We also had complete faith in the principle of wellbeing .
tr	1	They both had to laugh at the dramatic display .
tr	1	Something to look forward to in another plane of existence . "
tr	1	" What was the first thing you seriously asked ? "
tr	1	" It was actually one of Michael 's long lasting riddles .
tr	1	When he asked , ' What is gravity ? '
tr	1	" So , what was the answer ? "
tr	1	Gravity is thought , very old static not ever changing thought .
tr	1	Lilly Ann always avoided my questions about where her parents lived .
tr	1	I assume there is a connection somewhere here ? "
tr	1	" She never told you , huh ? "
tr	1	We had a lot to talk about that evening . "
tr	1	" That sounds wild , " Taylor muttered .
tr	1	Guess where your wedding ring came from ? "
tr	1	" I 'm afraid to ask , " Taylor laughed .
tr	1	From a distance they look like a string of pearls .
tr	1	" You are kidding me , right ? "
tr	1	" How deep does the complexity of your thoughts go ?
tr	1	Are there even words to convey your findings ? "
tr	1	He had a million questions popping up at the same time .
tr	1	We have given up to speak in ultimate terms altogether .
tr	1	Joy through expansion and expansion through joy . "
tr	1	The simple answer is , ' Yes ! '
tr	1	, as many as your mind can imagine . "
tr	1	And you know what , you are right .
tr	1	We are the expression of source energy on the leading edge .
tr	1	Thank you so much for this , John Taylor .
tr	1	As you see , the power always lies in the question .
tr	1	Taylor had fun playing with that new clarity .
tr	1	We really appreciate you and love you for it . "
tr	1	Lilly Ann looked at Taylor in amused bewilderment .
tr	1	Wilbur was obsessed with the idea of flying .
tr	1	Every child in town knew his name now .
tr	1	Wilbur turned around not even the slightest surprised .
tr	1	" Yes , " he agreed , " yes I do .
tr	1	You know , I want to fly too . "
tr	1	Hm , didn 't even think about that until now .
tr	1	So , what was it you wanted to show me ? "
tr	1	Would you want to join us for lunch first ?
tr	1	" Yeah , don 't mention it , " Wilbur murmured .
tr	1	I have decided to get serious now . "
tr	1	I can 't wait to show you and Mr. Taylor . "
tr	1	" This is why I brought you here . "
tr	1	Meanwhile Lilly Ann was besides herself from joy and excitement .
tr	1	Do you think that would be enough ? "
tr	1	I want to get a ride too . "
tr	1	Taylor had rekindled his love affair with all things flying .
tr	1	Taylor was engulfed in a full-blown hurricane of emotions .
tr	1	The stout little engine had been granted another lease on life .
tr	1	Taylor and Lilly Ann finally made an appearance .
tr	1	Taylor asked , " Looks like a. . . "
tr	1	What kind of wood is it made of ? "
tr	1	They are very dry and hard as rock .
tr	1	It takes a big man to carve these . "
tr	1	Taylor ran his fingers over the highly polished wood surface .
tr	1	No use in making big plans and getting ahead of themselves .
tr	1	The engine said plop plop plop and was silent again .
tr	1	Again Wilbur grabbed the propeller and rotated it .
tr	1	Taylor nodded again and Wilbur went to repeat the procedure .
tr	1	It sputtered and protested against the inappropriate fuel mixture .
tr	1	Lilly Ann was hopping up and down clapping her hands .
tr	1	Taylor smiled at Wilbur who hadn 't moved or said anything .
tr	1	" Right , thank you , " Taylor shrugged .
tr	1	They were in this together now , for better or worse .
tr	1	The Condor had made the step into a new frontier .
tr	1	They couldn 't believe what they saw with their own eyes .
tr	1	The careful calculations of weight and balance had paid off .
tr	1	He paused for a moment to find the right words .
tr	1	Are you having second thoughts about your choice ? "
tr	1	He pulled Lilly Ann closer to feel her warmth .
tr	1	We create our own reality by the power of our thoughts .
tr	1	Law of Attraction brings us whatever we direct our attention to .
tr	1	No preaching to the flock in hope that something sticks . "
tr	1	" Ah , the prime directive , " Taylor mocked .
tr	1	now it was Lilly Ann 's turn to raise her eyebrows .
tr	1	Lilly Ann set a neat little trap for him .
tr	1	" Then there was Mary from the airport office .
tr	1	She is the sweetest woman you can ever imagine .
tr	1	" You are wearing new underwear , I like it . "
tr	1	She took Taylor 's hand and dragged him into the kitchen .
tr	1	she wasn 't making this any easier for him .
tr	1	" Yes , " came the slow reply .
tr	1	There was an obvious question mark attached to his answer .
tr	1	There is a little Lilly growing under your hand . "
tr	1	" I am ... this is ... when ... how ? "
tr	1	She obviously had not lost her quirky sense of humor .
tr	1	A child , his child , their child , their Lilly .
tr	1	" What do I know about being a mommy ? "
tr	1	" What do I know about being a mommy ? "
tr	1	she turned and looked at him with tear filled eyes .
tr	1	He did not anticipate the resistance he was suddenly facing .
tr	1	" Leila , " Lilly Ann said without hesitation .
tr	1	But that 's not going to do it today . "
tr	1	For a split second he was tempted to return the favor .
tr	1	" So what was the problem again ? "
tr	1	" Yeah , sure , I love playing with kids .
tr	1	" Bringing in the ships , are we ? "
tr	1	" Do you think Leila would talk to me ? "
tr	1	" What do you want to ask her ? "
tr	1	Lilly Ann looked at Taylor in utter amazement for his logic .
tr	1	" What do you know about money ? "
tr	1	How was the experience of money for you , John ?
tr	1	There really is nothing to worry about . "
tr	1	" But what am I going to do ? "
tr	1	What brings you the most joy , John Taylor ? "
tr	1	" I hear you want to fly to Texas ? "
tr	1	Edie May said casually as he was getting up to leave .
tr	1	What are you going to tell me tomorrow ? "
tr	1	There was no use in delaying the inevitable .
tr	1	Definitely not before you know my name . "
tr	1	Was I mortified over the loss of Sandra ?
tr	1	' But what about the deck hook ? '
tr	1	I think that was the beginning of the end .
tr	1	' Can you wait until we have had dessert ? '
tr	1	' These ' I said , and turned over the photograph .
tr	1	' Language Edward - not in front of Andrew ' .
tr	1	It was tough but somebody had to do it .
tr	1	( b ) There were no cartridges in it anyway .
tr	1	Then the ladder was removed and I was on my own .
tr	1	I quickly passed 2,000 feet , and then 5,000 feet .
tr	1	' Yes it was exhilarating ' I said .
tr	1	' I think I might just go up again later ' .
tr	1	( 1 ) Possible leaders , for us to deliberate over .
tr	1	I grabbed the friendliest looking one and went to find Heidi .
tr	1	Why did I not doubt him in the slightest ?
tr	1	It was going to be a long night .
tr	1	The whole episode had taken less than ten minutes .
tr	1	That would definitely be framed and end up on my mantelpiece .
tr	1	That was the slinging part of the exercise over with .
tr	1	' The one and only ' she replied .
tr	1	The first one in was Swiss , ex Swiss Air Force .
tr	1	I 'm sure that was really important - I think not .
tr	1	' Isn 't that a specialist trade in itself ' ?
tr	1	He wanted the same thing with the Plane Captains .
tr	1	She shut down the tiny aircraft and trotted over to me .
tr	1	' How did you do the hovering thing ? '
tr	1	I then let her into my little secret .
tr	1	Apparently two had , Sally Peters and Peter Frost .
tr	1	A slight exaggeration , but they got the point .
tr	1	' Do you want numbers or letters ' asked John .
tr	1	' Great idea , I like it ' .
tr	1	' That 'll do , problem sorted ' .
tr	1	As you can image it was not a literal translation .
tr	1	He then rang an unlisted number at the DEA .
tr	1	' In your dreams sunshine ' I finished with .
tr	1	That was when my mobile phone entered stage left .
tr	1	A positive ID - then the blanket fell to the ground .
tr	1	The dot started to circle and she stopped humming .
tr	1	' Hello my darling , is that you ? '
tr	1	The dot moved up and down , ' yes ' .
tr	1	' I 'm fine my darling , is Charlie listening in ?
tr	1	The dot moved from side to side , ' no ' .
tr	1	This made both of them very angry indeed .
tr	1	Why didn 't he just take ten million dollars for himself ?
tr	1	He didn 't think that she liked them very much .
tr	1	That shut him up , but not Harley .
tr	1	' You have the right to remain silent .
tr	1	You have the right to an attorney present during questioning .
tr	1	Charlie recited ; his favourite TV program was CSI Miami .
tr	1	' How do you think we got away so easily ?
tr	1	Half the police are in our pockets ' .
tr	1	This was definitely a ' just in case ' case .
tr	1	Blackmail noted and accepted I sat back and waited .
tr	1	San Miguel del Mar came to a standstill for her mother .
tr	1	' Why are you out of a job ? '
tr	1	I said , and plonked an envelope in her hand .
tr	1	' He who laughs last , laughs longest ' .
tr	1	I hope she doesn 't get them mixed up .
tr	1	I wondered , and why did Teddy want a flying office ?
tr	1	So that he could terrify the aircrew of course .
tr	1	She had to disgorge the ground crew before we arrived .
tr	1	It was obviously time for slapped wrists all around .
tr	1	' Just you wait and see sunshine ' .
tr	1	' That 's right Sally , what do they do ? '
tr	1	' It 's a special game Graham . '
tr	1	' Then Mr Michaels laid the Two of Diamonds . '
tr	1	' But all aircraft have rear view mirrors ' Sally moaned .
tr	1	' Natasha has your aircraft got a make-up mirror ? '
tr	1	' Why haven 't I seen you here before then ? '
tr	1	' The good news is that it isn 't cancer ' .
tr	1	' Has he got a mobile on him ' I asked .
tr	1	I was beginning to like the whole family .
tr	1	Sasha looked at me and blushed -- and Margaret kicked him .
tr	1	It was certainly turning out to been one of those days .
tr	1	~ ~ ~ ~ Chapter 15 What 's wrong with me ?
tr	1	' Sh * t ' grunted Topsy and stormed off .
tr	1	I must have saved myself an absolute fortune .
tr	1	' Jack , what are you doing here ? '
tr	1	Dear Mr. Peters , or may I call you Aaron ?
tr	1	2 - Think of a name beginning with ' T ' .
tr	1	' I wonder what he needed it for ? '
tr	1	Why on earth did they need a steam roller I thought ?
tr	1	Suddenly he had ' clout ' and lots of it .
tr	1	Within an hour the injunction had been served .
tr	1	Why hadn 't Sandra asked me that question ?
tr	1	' Why wasn 't I aware of this ' he stormed .
tr	1	He was a qualified miniature railway engine driver .
tr	1	' I do ' I thought , but let it slide .
tr	1	' That would have been even worse ' he shouted .
tr	1	He hadn 't put his job security before his mechanics safety .
tr	1	' Yes sir , shall I send him in ? '
tr	1	' Yes David , what is it ? '
tr	1	I just loved it when she talked dirty .
tr	1	She had an idea and we went outside .
tr	1	' How about a test drive ' I asked .
tr	1	' Isn 't Monday your day off ? '
tr	1	But I did , so I became a silent partner .
tr	1	' Point taken ' , change of subject .
tr	1	' Right then , what pictures do you like ? '
tr	1	' Seeing your taste , about a million .
tr	1	' That 's not too bad ' I said .
tr	1	Ordered compliance , and again my head shook .
tr	1	she spluttered , between giggles , ' it 's horrendous ' .
tr	1	' No , on the back of my toilet door ' .
tr	1	Perhaps Paco and Alba weren 't that bad after all .
tr	1	-- but I did like the colour pink .
tr	1	' Round are so boring , can I have square ones ?
tr	1	Were they going to poop on my parade , or not ?
tr	1	This book is the second in my Andrew Michaels trilogy .
tr	1	The third , Above and Beyond has also now been released .
tr	1	Like everyone , I grumbled and griped about the deteriorating situation .
tr	1	An attack was promptly launched by Arab nations on Israel .
tr	1	The Balkan states were once again torn asunder by ethnic conflict .
tr	1	The creek ran through the forest to Alexander Springs State Park .
tr	1	The only transportation was by foot , bicycle or canoe .
tr	1	I had finished most of my preparations before the rains started .
tr	1	Whoever it was had turned into the creek ?
tr	1	The big guy said , " Reckon anybody 's home ? "
tr	1	There wasn 't much except they had talked about a woman .
tr	1	She said , " Over two months . "
tr	1	I asked , " Are there any others ? "
tr	1	She nodded weakly and said , " Yes . "
tr	1	Chilling horrors one stacked upon another until I became queasy .
tr	1	I fixed breakfast ; we sat in the cabin and ate .
tr	1	She said , " Three or four times a year . "
tr	1	The interior although in disarray wasn 't in bad shape .
tr	1	Anything of a sexual nature is strictly your call .
tr	1	She came back with coffee and sat down .
tr	1	" What we just went through is a human bubble .
tr	1	Most of mankind has been too busy looking for heaven elsewhere .
tr	1	" Surreal what 's your twenty over ? "
tr	1	I was wary of giving away our exact position .
tr	1	" Surreal do you have an emergency ? "
tr	1	We rooted through the drawers for a watch .
tr	1	Still I wish we could send out for a pizza . "
tr	1	" Well , anyway you know what I mean .
tr	1	Not once in the last months had I heard .
tr	1	" Ask your doctor if X is right for you . "
tr	1	I gently pulled Connie closer and drifted off .
tr	1	It was about a week after our first radio contact .
tr	1	I finished early and decided to save her the trip .
tr	1	Get your ass in this boat right now ! "
tr	1	Connie and Skipper had both saved my bacon .
tr	1	I hollered , " Is that you Sam ? "
tr	1	Connie was sitting up in bed holding the 22 .
tr	1	Sam climbed on board and grabbed me in a bear hug .
tr	1	No , it was just a knee-jerk kinda thing .
tr	1	I continued relating the story of our survival .
tr	1	Sam said , " Yeah , that yours ? "
tr	1	You 'll probably have to switch out the battery . "
tr	1	Still there were signs the country was beginning to recover .
tr	1	They would provide the needed impetus to get things rolling .
tr	1	Thousands were engaged in tilling fields and planting crops by hand .
tr	1	American cities lay abandoned filled with the remains of their inhabitants .
tr	1	I shouted , " Ahoy Hammer permission to come alongside . "
tr	1	I quickly asked , " Got any coffee going . "
tr	1	I asked , " What brings you guys down here ? "
tr	1	Tell you what ; I 'm willing to meet you halfway .
tr	1	Yes , I 'll probably outlive you , so what !
tr	1	I asked , " How come Astor ? "
tr	1	Connie invited them out to the Glen for the weekend .
tr	1	Sam said , " I hope , never . "
tr	1	What a crock of shit we were living in .
tr	1	GW you won 't believe what they did !
tr	1	I said , " Skipper drop that , right now . "
tr	1	He asked , " Is that a sailboat ? "
tr	1	I said , " That 's affirmative . "
tr	1	I said , " Both at present . "
tr	1	He said , " Stand by Surreal . "
tr	1	I replied , " We can only make four knots . "
tr	1	He saluted , and the gig pulled away .
tr	1	I said , " I don 't go around advertising it .
tr	1	She asked , " What were you in the Navy ? "
tr	1	She said , " No I meant what rank ? "
tr	1	Still it 's on the up and up . "
tr	1	I said , " Be back in a jiffy . "
tr	1	Did you really think there was some grand conspiracy afoot ? "
tr	1	She stopped , feigned surprise , and then grinned .
tr	1	We took comfort in knowing our relationship had solidified into granite .
tr	1	We walked in ; the hall was already filling up .
tr	1	We wandered the aisles chatting as we went .
tr	1	I was looking forward to talking with him throughout the week .
tr	1	I got up , " What is it . "
tr	1	I asked , " What 's it about ? "
tr	1	He said , " Don 't rightly know sir . "
tr	1	I asked , " What 's the uniform ? "
tr	1	He said , " I 'd say dress down sir . "
tr	1	Connie was up by this time and asked .
tr	1	I walked up the gangway saluted and came aboard .
tr	1	Jim came up and said , " Sir , Commander .
tr	1	Gully wishes to see you on the bridge . "
tr	1	I looked through the powerful night vision glasses .
tr	1	I reached him and assisted him to his feet .
tr	1	She said , " I think so , sir . "
tr	1	I said , " Take the con . "
tr	1	She asked , " What heading sir ? "
tr	1	Does anyone know if we still have fire control ? "
tr	1	Somewhere in the darkness I could hear mumbling .
tr	1	Fire when ready and keep hammering him . "
tr	1	I shouted , " Cease fire , cease fire . "
tr	1	Once again , night closed in around us .
tr	1	He said , " Don 't know sir . "
tr	1	The damage to the bridge was cleared away .
tr	1	By God George , I was right about you .
tr	1	I 'll be around to see you off tomorrow morning .
tr	1	I got out and walked around the front of the truck .
tr	1	I asked , " John Anders I presume . "
tr	1	I said , " Damn glad you did . "
tr	1	I asked , " Just how much armament ? "
tr	1	No sir , but we do have a tiny CIC . "
tr	1	I said , " Allan about the armament ? "
tr	1	I went over what I expected of my officers .
tr	1	Therefore , we need to be prepared for any eventually .
tr	1	" Jim how about you , any concerns ? "
tr	1	Allan said , " George you get all settled in ? "
tr	1	Next morning we made plans to go to sea .
tr	1	It is me more than you I worry about .
tr	1	My father and especially my grandfather have the same problem .
tr	1	I asked Linda , " Have anything to add ? "
tr	1	She said , " Sir , permission to speak freely . "
tr	1	OK , thank you , you 're dismissed . "
tr	1	I told myself George you worry too much .
tr	1	Well , I hoped I had covered all the bases .
tr	1	Just then , a call came from the bridge .
tr	1	Herb did last minute checks and gave the order to fire .
tr	1	Herb rushed to see what had caused the problem .
tr	1	I saw a sly grin pass over Herbs face .
tr	1	" OK let 's try it again . "
tr	1	Allan sent word that there was a meeting tomorrow at nine .
tr	1	Allan had charts spread out on the table .
tr	1	I said , " Let Herb in on the action .
tr	1	I sent for the cook and called him onto the carpet .
tr	1	I guess it was left up to the cook .
tr	1	Somebody go and tell the cook to come back in . "
tr	1	He asked , " How are things going ?
tr	1	" You were right Herbs a go-getter saved the day .
tr	1	" Thanks , Herb , Everything going OK ?
tr	1	" Yes sir cooks in seventh heaven . "
tr	1	He guaranteed satisfactory results and everybody would be happy .
tr	1	Got any more problems I can help you with ? "
tr	1	We 'll start deploying gear in about an hour .
tr	1	Thank you and let 's hope for the best . "
tr	1	Good luck , Joe give it your best shot . "
tr	1	When the gear had been brought aboard I called a meeting .
tr	1	Jim , Herb , Dan can you think of anything ?
tr	1	How 's your side of things shaping up ? "
tr	1	I noticed Abe now wore captain 's rank .
tr	1	Abe said , " I 'll take care of it ... .
tr	1	Is that going to sit OK with you George ? "
tr	1	Do you think we 'll be OK going into Havana ? "
tr	1	I still see their faces at night and it haunts me .
tr	1	I told him we were going to Hispaniola next .
tr	1	Jim had suggested that all officers be issued side arms .
tr	1	he will try to work them in . "
tr	1	That evening I queried Connie further about Ms. Abernathy .
tr	1	I asked , " She been hitting on you . "
tr	1	I said , " Two who else ? "
tr	1	" She said , " Your Ensign , Cindy . "
tr	1	I remained with the guards until everyone was off the beach .
tr	1	Dan how close are you to having your problems fixed ?
tr	1	This time he was waving a white flag .
tr	1	Everyone was standing around the chart table looking at the panties .
tr	1	I said , " Good send for him right now . "
tr	1	I asked , " Got anybody in mind ? "
tr	1	I ended with what I hoped would have meaning to Carol .
tr	1	Next two ammo cases filled with junk were loaded .
tr	1	The ships crew were all wide-awake and at general quarters .
tr	1	There were only three pairs on board which still worked .
tr	1	We took turns watching the beach for any movement .
tr	1	Linda suddenly said , " Flare over there sir . "
tr	1	I doubt if the others are even awake yet . "
tr	1	I ordered the anchor raised and we got under way .
tr	1	I asked , " Jim what do you think . "
tr	1	Jackson came up to the bridge and saluted .
tr	1	I asked Jackson what was passing for a Government .
tr	1	He said , " Not in a diesel . "
tr	1	Connie asked , " GW is something bothering you ?
tr	1	" Why would you even think something like that ? "
tr	1	" Oh , honey right there , yes . "
tr	1	I hurried over to the bridge port bridge wing .
tr	1	Mr. Vella stepped on deck I met him and shook hands .
tr	1	Puerto Rico and the US have had a long partnership . "
tr	1	I went down to engineering and returned in five minutes .
tr	1	I said , " Sorry for the interruption . "
tr	1	Ensign Jackson will accompany you and show the way . "
tr	1	When they left , I went and quizzed Linda .
tr	1	They were debating whether to take you at face value .
tr	1	" What did they say about Connie ? "
tr	1	Gentlemen , the table is now open to discussion .
tr	1	I called on Jim , " Jim . "
tr	1	A tanker full of fuel would certainly let him do it .
tr	1	Herb was first , " Permission to speak freely . "
tr	1	Well , that 's all we can do for now . "
tr	1	I got out of bed Connie was still sleeping .
tr	1	" Sir I have something to tell you . "
tr	1	I said , " Can 't it wait . "
tr	1	Now robed , we stood in the passageway .
tr	1	I asked , " Where is he ? "
tr	1	She said , " In the conference room . "
tr	1	She said , " Yes sir , no problem . "
tr	1	Linda had joined us and was pouring the coffee .
tr	1	Saturday rolled around we were dressing for dinner .
tr	1	We were treated and entertained in a manner befitting visiting royalty .
tr	1	I wanted to add a little icing and decorate the ship .
tr	1	We weighed anchor and departed the harbor in a gala mood .
tr	1	Sam and Ned walked on to the bridge .
tr	1	You have it , I relinquish command . "
tr	1	In a moment , Ned was working on her .
tr	1	Sam carried Connie to the helicopter and strapped her in .
tr	1	I watched it disappear and suddenly felt old and empty .
tr	1	I thanked her but left the food untouched .
tr	1	What force was there that could be greater than love ?
tr	1	I sat up on the edge of the bunk .
tr	1	She said , " He says so . "
tr	1	" Jim asked , " Ready to resume command sir . "
tr	1	" Captain those guns you 'll never make it passed them .
tr	1	She 's my wife I and owe it to her .
tr	1	I said , " Sam I 'm going alone . "
tr	1	Connie looked so pale laying there barely breathing .
tr	1	Connie said , " Be nice she saved my life . "
tr	1	Populations consumed whatever was available then collapsed or moved .
tr	1	I had no idea what the options ashore would be .
tr	1	We checked the complex but found no sign of human activity .
tr	1	This was one of the bleakest spots in northern South America .
tr	1	I didn 't say anything , just handed Sam the glasses .
tr	1	It was around one thirty before the anchorage became quiet .
tr	1	Sam grabbed a line and swung aboard and I followed .
tr	1	Sam and I fully intend working toward making it happen . "
tr	1	We shoved off and made our way to the ketch .
tr	1	When it quit I said , " Here goes nothing . "
tr	1	I played with the battery connections with no results .
tr	1	Sam had his head over my shoulder looking in .
tr	1	I said , " Wait there 's a compression release . "
tr	1	We scrambled topside I took the wheel while Sam cut lines .
tr	1	Sam went over and read the sight glass .
tr	1	We plugged in a portable charger and used the boats generator .
tr	1	I asked , " Is there any coffee ? "
tr	1	There was no telling what useful stuff it might have contained .
tr	1	We carried the hose and hooked it up .
tr	1	As they say , enquiring minds want to know .
tr	1	I said , " Don 't trust your captain either ?
tr	1	I just couldn 't get over our luck finding Fantasy Island .
tr	1	I became interested in Mesoamerica especially the Mayan civilization .
tr	1	Then one said , " Jus where your ship ? "
tr	1	As I was telling these guys it 's a long story .
tr	1	Claude said , " We did better than most I believe .
tr	1	We came alongside Homeward Bound with a dingy full of food .
tr	1	We celebrated by opening another bottle of expensive Pinot Chardonnay .
tr	1	He moved over and said , " Go ahead . "
tr	1	" Yes sir , were all OK . "
tr	1	He said , " Hope that 's a good thing ? "
tr	1	We were in a jovial mood the rest of the day .
tr	1	We climbed in the dingy and rowed over to the gangway .
tr	1	We walked in the next morning Allan was all smiles .
tr	1	If you choose , Homeward Bound will be your flagship .
tr	1	They could manage fewer and larger loans for greater return .
tr	1	Markets , like banks , no longer performed their traditional function .
tr	1	Something went drastically wrong following the Viet Nam era .
tr	1	It defies virtually every principal the United States was founded upon .
tr	1	As the population grew immigration naturally became stricter .
tr	1	Borders Borders not only divide but also define .
tr	1	Are you going to seek legal recourse , you bet !
tr	1	Several contractors I know made millions from illegal labor .
tr	1	Sometimes you can 't judge a book by its cover .
tr	1	I get so aggravated when I hear stories like this .
tr	1	Remember these guys should represent you first and their parties second .
tr	1	Many of my close friends worked for G.M. .
tr	1	That 's the major reason GM is where it is .
tr	1	I just assumed these learned men with their PhD .
tr	1	As we evolve so should models of our economic systems .
tr	1	Next in importance is the instillation of culture and civilization .
tr	1	Punishment in school led to punishment at home .
tr	1	I would have done nothing different with one of my own .
tr	1	Schools are only as good as their teachers .
tr	1	One bad teacher can ruin a generation of young people .
tr	1	There are those among us who are touched with genius .
tr	1	Roughly , this is how it translates into practice .
tr	1	Break any of these parameters and I will become intolerant .
tr	1	In the end , no good can come of it .
tr	1	Every day we tarry puts us further into the quagmire .
tr	1	I think we should reserve med schools for General Practitioners only .
tr	1	Drug companies also need to change their approach to doing business .
tr	1	Yes , I concede research , development and testing is expensive .
tr	1	It reeks of the days of selling snake oil .
tr	1	They have become as dangerous as any illicit drug cartel .
tr	1	Governments are only as good as the people that comprise them .
tr	1	Factors affecting government like all things change over time .
tr	1	A Theory Independently developed By George Walter Collins Ph.D. .
tr	1	Throughout Nature , there are countless examples of such symbiotic relationships .
tr	1	Humans alone have evolved the ability to recognize this threat .
tr	1	Nature has instilled the will to survive in all her creations .
tr	1	Nature 's answer to this quest was the development of humankind .
tr	1	She is giving mankind the ability to act on her behalf .
tr	1	This led to the most startling conclusion of all .
tr	1	Why , simply because it hadn 't been invented .
tr	1	There was one overriding fact to these incidents .
tr	1	She set to work using what she had on hand .
tr	1	For this , he evolved the ability to develop language .
tr	1	We are just her tools to achieve some result .
tr	1	This fact in itself accounts for our accelerated mental evolution .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	Everyone knows that we inherit the souls of our forebears .
tr	1	Now , Gema , would be twenty three summers old ... .
tr	1	Was she married , had she been tattooed as was required ?
tr	1	who should have been a man ... ... .
tr	1	She had watched them play fight as was traditional .
tr	1	" How can he just sleep like that ? "
tr	1	They are my children , the children of warriors .
tr	1	They will have learned enough at my feet . "
tr	1	" I do not know how many days we will be .
tr	1	Your father is getting old now and slower . "
tr	1	She looked at the ladder and the veranda twenty feet up .
tr	1	" My husband is right about my father .
tr	1	" The harvest will be on us soon .
tr	1	It was quiet but more so than usual this morning .
tr	1	Even the animals below the house were quiet .
tr	1	The very jungle seemed to be holding its breath , waiting .
tr	1	Looking over the rail he saw them advancing through the rice .
tr	1	Green jungle fatigues and boots , well armed , disciplined soldiers .
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 2 Kuching , Sarawak several days later .
tr	1	Jennings was attached to HQ ' A ' Squadron 22 SAS .
tr	1	" What 's he on about Paddy ? "
tr	1	said the Captain walking over to his office .
tr	1	" Jennings suggested we might bring Gema in ... .
tr	1	She smiled as she sat down , carefully smoothing her skirt .
tr	1	She could read and write English , Malay and Dutch .
tr	1	He had dinner with her a couple of times .
tr	1	She straddled , with ease , two opposing ways of life .
tr	1	they still had heads hanging in the rafters of their home .
tr	1	They had almost no contact with the outside world .
tr	1	an officer and a gentleman , an enigma indeed !
tr	1	Christ we don 't even like admitting that we exist .
tr	1	Plenty of jungle experience in Malaya ... speaks fluent Malay ... .
tr	1	" There 's some sort of stink brewing down there .
tr	1	" Hello there Gem , how are you this afternoon ?
tr	1	Mason struggled to get his mind on the business at hand .
tr	1	her eyes twinkling well aware of his discomfort .
tr	1	Gema nodded quite prepared to let him speak .
tr	1	" What is it she 's so upset about ? "
tr	1	He didn 't have to wait too long the following morning .
tr	1	" Boss is on the phone , " called Paddy .
tr	1	Ron Gurney here , how 're things ? "
tr	1	" Hmmmm , " Gurney was quiet for a few seconds .
tr	1	" Ok , here 's how we 'll play it .
tr	1	We don 't want them talking behind our backs . "
tr	1	I will certainly take what you have said under advisement .
tr	1	" Where the hell have you been Sticky ? "
tr	1	they feel like a bloody BB gun ... .
tr	1	must be more of a flap on than we thought . "
tr	1	you might want to think about dropping in too . "
tr	1	Downer , Brenner , McElroy and myself of course .
tr	1	" I 'm glad too , " said Gema .
tr	1	He stood there wondering what had happened ... .
tr	1	He walked fifty yards further and then back ... .
tr	1	I just didn 't want you to forget that . "
tr	1	She took a step backwards and looked up at him .
tr	1	She smelled the way he imagined a wild doe might smell .
tr	1	She just stood there , holding his head letting him breathe .
tr	1	There is no sound , there is no movement .
tr	1	He didn 't want to break the spell .
tr	1	He didn 't want the ugly world to intrude .
tr	1	" got ta be out of my mind . "
tr	1	" Show him in Paddy , " said Mason .
tr	1	" So what have you got for us ? "
tr	1	I 'd feel safer doing a HALO jump .
tr	1	Brenner you 'll be jumping with the new radio ... .
tr	1	don 't bust it there 's a good chap .
tr	1	Peter , you have the radio so go with the M16 .
tr	1	Robbie , I 'd like you to take the Bren again .
tr	1	I 'll take the FLN which makes the ammo inter changeable .
tr	1	Harry , you 're medic this time , any questions ? "
tr	1	" Bloody Yorkshireman , " said Downer laughing .
tr	1	George will have the camera , photograph everything and anything .
tr	1	If you trip up over any bad guys ... . .
tr	1	shoot and scoot ... we need the intel .
tr	1	He arrived well before she normally left for work .
tr	1	" Gema , will you marry me ? "
tr	1	She stood still looking up into his face .
tr	1	" My heart tells me to say yes .
tr	1	Please , Dickie , don 't be disappointed in me .
tr	1	You have breathed my spirit and those of my ancestors .
tr	1	I need time to think ... ... . .
tr	1	What was the team going to find out ?
tr	1	and boss she doesn 't look too good . "
tr	1	Dickie got that sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach .
tr	1	Dickie got her a chair and helped her sit down .
tr	1	" Would you like some water Gem ? "
tr	1	She shook her head , tears running down her cheeks .
tr	1	he took her hands in his ... . .
tr	1	She lifted up her face to look into his ... .
tr	1	She 'd recognized the area in the photos .
tr	1	She had no way of confirming what might have happened .
tr	1	She hadn 't seen her mother in almost eight years .
tr	1	The photos were grainy and lacking in detail .
tr	1	The doubt set in , perhaps part of her denial .
tr	1	She felt alone for the first time in her life .
tr	1	" Equipment check , " said Mudd quietly .
tr	1	Personal weapons plus frag grenades and claymore mines .
tr	1	We jump together and for God 's sake stay together .
tr	1	Our LZ is the big padi by the river .
tr	1	Apparently there 's no wind which should make it easier . "
tr	1	Navigator will come back and give you a hand . "
tr	1	He disappeared forward and closed the door behind him .
tr	1	Too soon the navigator clambered back from the cockpit .
tr	1	he yelled over the noise of the engines .
tr	1	Sensory overload falling through the gloom of the early dawn .
tr	1	Staying together using arms and legs as flight controls .
tr	1	Looking down ... ... pretty much on target ... . .
tr	1	Twenty five hundred feet ... ... ... pull the cord .
tr	1	Release the Bergen on its ten foot line .
tr	1	Collapse the chute and hit the quick release .
tr	1	The quiet hangs over the encampment like a pall .
tr	1	Any visitors are liable to come from the river .
tr	1	When you 're back we 'll move out . "
tr	1	Normally this would be soaked as they irrigate every day . "
tr	1	" OK , let 's move out , " whispered George .
tr	1	" What the hell is that cooking smell ? "
tr	1	Most of them probably got caught in there . "
tr	1	He took the glasses and focused on the ruins .
tr	1	Beyond that the building had collapsed into itself ... ... .
tr	1	Robbie , leave the Bren here bring the M16 .
tr	1	well aware that any movement made him visible ... ... .
tr	1	They knew each other well perhaps too well considering their occupation .
tr	1	His thoughts came back to the river in front .
tr	1	Course where the hell would it be going ? "
tr	1	All four had become close over the last few years .
tr	1	This was their fifth covert insertion ... . .
tr	1	we 've no choice but to take a chance now .
tr	1	you 'll see a game trail ... . .
tr	1	set them well to each side of the trail ... . .
tr	1	I 'm going to photograph everything we think necessary . "
tr	1	What was left of the body was covered in blue tattoos .
tr	1	It was impossible to get into the Longhouse .
tr	1	George took a number of photographs from different angles .
tr	1	They took the path down to the river 's edge .
tr	1	Two clicks told him the message had been received .
tr	1	All they had to do now was wait !
tr	1	He looked at it closely then looked at it again .
tr	1	George took the shell casing and looked at it carefully .
tr	1	The only troops using this in Borneo were the 22 SAS .
tr	1	He stood in the hallway for a moment .
tr	1	" I wonder what 's for dinner ? "
tr	1	he thought , wandering into the spotless kitchen .
tr	1	He poured himself a sherry and took it into the study .
tr	1	Smart girl too , he 'd found that out pretty quickly .
tr	1	Funny when you think about it ... . .
tr	1	He thought about his own life since he 'd retired .
tr	1	after all how many rounds of golf can you play ?
tr	1	The travelling she was able to do ... .
tr	1	" Screw ' em , " he thought .
tr	1	She had become Guru Muda the equivalent of a black belt .
tr	1	He had seen her in action , she was formidable .
tr	1	" I 'm in the study , " he replied .
tr	1	" Did you grab the mail when you came in ? "
tr	1	" Still intent on doing it are you ? "
tr	1	The disagreement had started after Wendy had been accepted by Cambridge .
tr	1	every now and again it would flare up into an argument .
tr	1	Of course it reached far further than that .
tr	1	For Wendy it was everything her mother constantly spoke of .
tr	1	It was not the first time she had travelled of course .
tr	1	more the speed and the accent than anything else .
tr	1	She sat back and took a long pull of her drink .
tr	1	She had to call him in the morning to confirm everything .
tr	1	Believe me when I say everything changes but nothing changes .
tr	1	She knew that up till now it had been easy .
tr	1	A small wizened man had appeared at their side .
tr	1	" I speak little English but good Malay . "
tr	1	He was barefoot his arms and legs fully tattooed .
tr	1	It is about one day to the border .
tr	1	After a couple of hours they stopped to stretch their legs .
tr	1	" We make camp now , hide truck . "
tr	1	The jungle night sounds seemed to welcome her home .
tr	1	They woke in the morning before the sun rose .
tr	1	Gema nodded her agreement with Wendy looking on in amazement .
tr	1	It is about three hours to the border .
tr	1	" Do you know where we 're going ? "
tr	1	It was all just thick , almost impenetrable , jungle .
tr	1	Her shoulders were bruised from the pack on her back .
tr	1	She wasn 't even sure she could make it .
tr	1	What was there for her once they arrived ?
tr	1	" Wait here I 'll be back . "
tr	1	Wendy was just happy that the end was in sight .
tr	1	Again Gema smiled , she was fond of this little man .
tr	1	They entered the old village site early in the morning .
tr	1	The old , rickety docks had long disappeared .
tr	1	The entire site was completely overgrown in secondary growth .
tr	1	Wendy could see her mother fighting her emotions .
tr	1	Wendy put her arm round her mother 's shoulders .
tr	1	I spent the first fifteen years of my life here ... .
tr	1	" What are we looking for mum ? "
tr	1	My brother and I played here all the time ... . .
tr	1	hard to imagine now , " she said wistfully .
tr	1	" This is what we came so far for ... . .
tr	1	head bowed down the traditional way of the Barat .
tr	1	The spirits were quiet as they had been before .
tr	1	Wendy was dreading the four day trek back to the truck .
tr	1	1985 George stood just off the fairway on the fourteenth .
tr	1	A little thick but on the green ... ... ... .
tr	1	Other than his business , golf was his second love .
tr	1	other than when he was deployed of course .
tr	1	The Brecon Beacons loomed brown and green in the distance .
tr	1	Dickie and his wife lived in Hereford ... ... .
tr	1	Harry lived in Gloucester not too far away really ... . .
tr	1	He usually stayed with either George or Dickie .
tr	1	George saw him several times a year on business .
tr	1	In nineteen eighty the worst of the worst !
tr	1	He let his mind spiral back to that day .
tr	1	The day the police did not come to him .
tr	1	He was still living in the same house in Hereford .
tr	1	Flashing lights , yellow tape , ambulance , police cars .
tr	1	Not much blood but left leg and arm in unnatural positions .
tr	1	He knelt by her side , no tears .
tr	1	The house seemed to echo ... ... hollow in the missing .
tr	1	He 'd seen his fair share of death ... . .
tr	1	He didn 't feel alone but he did feel loneliness .
tr	1	His business just took off almost in spite of him .
tr	1	Sometimes he imagined he could hear her voice .
tr	1	Robbie McElroy came on board as General Manager Oil Rig Security .
tr	1	" Have you heard from Peter recently ? "
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 7 A Gentlemen 's Club in Kensington .
tr	1	not a sign of racism ... not bloody much .
tr	1	He always sat with his back to the wall .
tr	1	usually by the shoe boy in the club 's lobby .
tr	1	He certainly wasn 't afraid of hard work .
tr	1	he 'd even run a half marathon ... . "
tr	1	what in the world is happening to our society ?
tr	1	He smiled to himself and turned to the sports page .
tr	1	He walked through the door to the restaurant .
tr	1	It was half full with the lunchtime crowd .
tr	1	" That doesn 't look like a bill ... .
tr	1	Gema passed the rather stiff square envelope across the table .
tr	1	as though nobody knows , " she said derisively .
tr	1	he said nodding at another envelope lying on the table .
tr	1	How much money do they want this time ? "
tr	1	" Seen the price of these new sweaters ?
tr	1	" Sorry to keep you chaps waiting . "
tr	1	Chaps meet George Mudd and Harry Downer . "
tr	1	asked George making conversation as they walked to the first tee .
tr	1	" Were you born there or come from somewhere else ? "
tr	1	All four teed off , all four finding the fairway .
tr	1	I think he likes it over there . "
tr	1	" George and Harry stood side by side at the urinal .
tr	1	" That oriental bastard cheats , " said George .
tr	1	I 'll tell you something else Harry ... .
tr	1	She asked for a sign ... ... but nothing was forthcoming .
tr	1	She could never talk to Dickie about it .
tr	1	Dickie 's retirement changed everything ... ... ... .
tr	1	selling houses for an Estate Agent in Hereford .
tr	1	The real crunch came when Gema got ' The Job . '
tr	1	The money was great and she got to travel .
tr	1	She still felt alien in an alien land .
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Part 2 * Chapter 9 The Northern business .
tr	1	Tony left the golf club feeling well satisfied with himself .
tr	1	Just south of Rochester he pulled into a truck stop .
tr	1	He walked through Departures and took the escalator down to Arrivals .
tr	1	Avi sat , quietly waiting , nursing his lemonade .
tr	1	The bar started to fill up , not good this .
tr	1	His tradecraft screamed at him to get out now .
tr	1	" Leeds is playing Fulham at home ... ... Elland Road .
tr	1	Make sure no one grabs the seat next to you .
tr	1	Someone will be along with the ten grand . "
tr	1	Tony picked up the tickets and walked out onto the street .
tr	1	" Not bad really , " he thought .
tr	1	" He 's settled in for the night .
tr	1	" What are the ladies wearing tonight ? "
tr	1	" It 's optional , " called Dickie .
tr	1	The retired guys will probably show up in suits or blazers .
tr	1	I couldn 't get into my old uniform if I tried .
tr	1	Just blazer and slacks for me I think .
tr	1	I 'm sure Ron 'll be in his Mess kit . "
tr	1	it was so much easier to look after .
tr	1	" Is everyone staying at the Lodge , Dickie ? "
tr	1	Save them having to drive back for the tournament tomorrow .
tr	1	Pulling out of the laneway he suddenly stopped .
tr	1	She went back into the house and into his study .
tr	1	Tears sprang to her eyes but she forced them back .
tr	1	Dick was honking the horn in the yard .
tr	1	She sat there mute hardly daring to open her mouth .
tr	1	Her emotions were crashing around in her head .
tr	1	her husband ... ... they knew ... ... they all knew .
tr	1	Hi there Robbie , at last a friendly face .
tr	1	Brunei seems to agree with you , you look terrific . "
tr	1	" No pubs , that 's the problem .
tr	1	Other than that it 's fine enough . "
tr	1	" Please not him , " she thought . "
tr	1	" Seen anyone else here you know ? "
tr	1	" Not yet but we 've only just arrived .
tr	1	They both worked in your husband 's office in Kuching . "
tr	1	" I remember you both very well , " she said .
tr	1	" how nice to see you again . "
tr	1	hand shaking ... ... back slapping ... ... .
tr	1	" Do you remember ... ... ... ... . . ? "
tr	1	Speeches after dinner , Remembrance for people passed .
tr	1	It wasn 't often she voiced her dissatisfaction .
tr	1	I 'll be out of your hair , " he replied .
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 11 A night at the fights .
tr	1	He 'd make sure to collect ... . .
tr	1	We 'll talk about it then , " he said .
tr	1	Of course Avi had given him an argument .
tr	1	It was just a short walk to the gym .
tr	1	The black kid watched him from the store .
tr	1	I 'm better than that , " smiling .
tr	1	Have someone pick him up on the way out . "
tr	1	There was already a good crowd in the gym .
tr	1	He knew professional men who fought on a regular basis .
tr	1	Some of them did it for the money or the notoriety .
tr	1	Some , like Tony , did it for the rush .
tr	1	There were no rules and no ' decision . '
tr	1	He never felt nervous just a feeling of anticipation ... ... .
tr	1	Stepping into the ring he eyed his opponent .
tr	1	He was developing a bit of a belly .
tr	1	The brawler came out of his corner heavy on his feet .
tr	1	He swung a tentative roundhouse at Tony 's head .
tr	1	The brawler rushed in and took him in a bear hug .
tr	1	He was strong for sure and needed a shower badly .
tr	1	Tony relaxed completely and slipped out of his grasp .
tr	1	" I need to get this over with .
tr	1	I 'd rather do that not feeling like crap . "
tr	1	He probably could have finished it then but why risk .
tr	1	As he stood Tony gave him a foot to the stomach .
tr	1	The air came out of him with a whoosh .
tr	1	Tony watched Avi carefully over the top of his Guinness . "
tr	1	Why drive all the way down here from Yorkshire ? '
tr	1	" How come you can 't get them in Leeds ? "
tr	1	I was sure you might have a contact . "
tr	1	" We 're prepared for that , " said Avi .
tr	1	Tony noticed the use of the word ' we . '
tr	1	I 'll give you a mobile number to use .
tr	1	One mistake in this and I 'm gone . "
tr	1	Wonder why they 've brought me down from Hereford ?
tr	1	" Room 's soundproofed , " he said to himself .
tr	1	" Let 's get on with it then .
tr	1	Major just sift out the info that 's relevant just now .
tr	1	How much of this involved the Chinese wasn 't certain .
tr	1	Opinion was that Wei was playing both ends against the middle .
tr	1	He recently had a meeting in Brixton with Avi .
tr	1	" So Commander what 's my play in this ? "
tr	1	David stay back for a while would you . "
tr	1	" So how you making out up there Dave ? "
tr	1	" Bored out of my tree , " said David .
tr	1	" Your army contacts still good Dave ? "
tr	1	" Buy a lonely girl a drink ? "
tr	1	" Sounds good to me , where you been ?
tr	1	She 'd been divorced for a couple of years now .
tr	1	" Nothing serious , bit of business , anything happening ? "
tr	1	She was waiting for him at the counter .
tr	1	The uniforms are out there waiting for us .
tr	1	" Any idea who the deceased is ? "
tr	1	They haven 't been allowed to leave . "
tr	1	Jennie walked over , careful where she was putting her feet .
tr	1	" I was Miss , " said one of the uniforms .
tr	1	Relocate the tape at least a hundred yards in every direction .
tr	1	This is not the primary crime scene . "
tr	1	said David , " who the hell is he ?
tr	1	I want photos of everything from every angle .
tr	1	Tell the pro the course is closed until further notice .
tr	1	As of now the entire golf course is a crime scene .
tr	1	As far as cause of death ... . .
tr	1	They 'll send back the toxicology report when they 're done .
tr	1	Whoever did that is very , very strong .
tr	1	" Check with Missing Persons , " said David .
tr	1	" OK , but you 're buying . "
tr	1	Later , sitting in an alcove in the Dragon .
tr	1	I thought there was something about you . "
tr	1	Now you 've a need to know I guess .
tr	1	That 's really all you need to know I think . "
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 14 Moving right along .
tr	1	better call first and let him know I 'm coming . "
tr	1	might have a bit of business for you . "
tr	1	That was twice in just a few days .
tr	1	" Tern Hill Barracks , " was the announcement .
tr	1	" Quartermaster 's stores please , " said Jennings .
tr	1	" Quartermaster , " after a few rings .
tr	1	" Paddy it 's Frank , how you been ?
tr	1	David and Jennie listened to the recording for the tenth time .
tr	1	have we heard back from Forensic Services in London ?
tr	1	" Would you like a cup of tea ?
tr	1	she asked , " the kettle 's on . "
tr	1	" That would be lovely , " said Jennie .
tr	1	There were photos everywhere but none of any kids .
tr	1	She set the tray down on the coffee table .
tr	1	She seemed relieved , she brightened up and poured the tea .
tr	1	" Marjorie , who is George Mudd ? "
tr	1	" George is or rather was Harry 's best friend .
tr	1	They 'd known each other for over twenty years .
tr	1	A few of them managed to stay close you know .
tr	1	Two black labs came bounding round the corner barking their greeting .
tr	1	He rough housed the two dogs as she eyed him .
tr	1	" What a beautiful house , " she said .
tr	1	You may call my Super to confirm if you wish . "
tr	1	" That won 't be necessary Jennie ... . .
tr	1	may I call you Jennie or would you prefer Sergeant ? "
tr	1	He smiled at her across the coffee table .
tr	1	We fought together in both Malaya and Borneo .
tr	1	So , you see , it 's more than friends . "
tr	1	" In those days we were a very small group .
tr	1	Peter lives up in Leeds but comes down here quite often .
tr	1	Robbie actually works for me and lives in Brunei . "
tr	1	" Do you remember the names of the clerks too ? "
tr	1	" Any idea what happened to those two ? "
tr	1	Do you have any idea what killed Harry ? "
tr	1	Our people in Ledbury couldn 't figure it out . "
tr	1	probably more than two , " he said wistfully .
tr	1	" What do you do for a living Mr. Mudd ? "
tr	1	Fair question , " he said blue eyes twinkling .
tr	1	not sure why but let 's do one anyway . "
tr	1	Eventually I had him call the Commander in London .
tr	1	He seems to have his head on right .
tr	1	He 'll let me know if there 's anything serious .
tr	1	Other than that that 's about it for now . "
tr	1	I want to see who 's there . "
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 15 Gema 's Cave .
tr	1	She seemed to grow stronger with time ... ... .
tr	1	" We certainly tend to go our own ways .
tr	1	You have your job and I have mine .
tr	1	Dickie we 've just grown apart , it happens .
tr	1	at least it will put that flat to use at last .
tr	1	Two sides were primarily window looking out over farmland ... .
tr	1	Gema had added her own touch to it .
tr	1	It was her cave ... ... her sanctuary .
tr	1	" Yes , " she replied , waking up suddenly .
tr	1	" This is George Mudd out at Eaton Bishop .
tr	1	you might also want to bring your partner with you . "
tr	1	" Be a couple of hours Mr Mudd .
tr	1	I have to shower and grab some breakfast .
tr	1	Not sure I 've seen you in a skirt before . "
tr	1	" Oh shut up , " said Jennie .
tr	1	Driving out to Eaton Bishop they discussed the case in hand .
tr	1	" Hello there Sergeant , please come in .
tr	1	They shook hands each noting the grip of the other .
tr	1	The room was silent , each lost in their own thoughts .
tr	1	" Go right ahead Inspector , " said George .
tr	1	George just shrugged , " up to you . "
tr	1	" Tony Wei that cheating bastard , " said George .
tr	1	Over lunch David and George swapped stories concerning their military histories .
tr	1	They seemed to have a lot of mutual friends and acquaintances .
tr	1	They hit it off as old soldiers usually do .
tr	1	" This used to lead to the old servants quarters .
tr	1	Both Jennie and David gasped as they walked in .
tr	1	The opposite wall was covered with modern weapons .
tr	1	Walking over to the safe he knelt and dialed the combination .
tr	1	Reaching in he drew out a short bamboo tube .
tr	1	Cooking it up is passed down from generation to generation .
tr	1	Good for years so I 've been told .
tr	1	Without the sugar content the effects are purely temporary .
tr	1	" Careful it 's bloody sharp too . "
tr	1	He fancies you for sure , Jen . "
tr	1	They drove in silence for a few minutes .
tr	1	Dick Mason sat in his study deep in thought .
tr	1	Obviously George had a source of inside information .
tr	1	" What the bloody hell is going on ? "
tr	1	" What does she do in there on her own ? "
tr	1	She stood up , the firelight reflected off her glistening body .
tr	1	" Switch to scrambler please Major , " asked the voice .
tr	1	" I 'm going to drive up to Hereford , Dave .
tr	1	We can have a bit of a chat and swap information .
tr	1	I think they were happy to get rid of it .
tr	1	Two of the team are still alive plus their old CO. .
tr	1	" This sounds ominous , " said the Commander smiling .
tr	1	I 'd like to keep her involved . "
tr	1	Don 't see why I couldn 't get her temporarily transferred .
tr	1	" What 's the ' other ' ? "
tr	1	just jump in if you have anything to add .
tr	1	Let 's take a look at where he 's at .
tr	1	Two close friends of his have been murdered recently .
tr	1	Together they saw a lot of action in the jungle .
tr	1	The Commander got up and paced the small room .
tr	1	" The way I see it we have two options .
tr	1	they 're up to something very naughty I just know it .
tr	1	She reached for the phone as it rang .
tr	1	" I wondered if you ever did any shooting .
tr	1	Sort of keep my eye in I suppose . "
tr	1	" George ... I wondered who the hell it was .
tr	1	I 'm qualified in semi automatic pistol and shotgun .
tr	1	Sounds like fun , what should I wear ? "
tr	1	It 's not far and it 's on the way .
tr	1	I 'll be there in about an hour . "
tr	1	" OK but only after one question , " she said .
tr	1	" Good that 's all I need to know . "
tr	1	Half a dozen cars behind the watcher keyed his mike again .
tr	1	He turned towards the smartly dressed man standing behind him .
tr	1	The gentleman smiled grimly and nodded his head .
tr	1	Paddy and Frank had taken a small table in a corner .
tr	1	Commander 's going to be seriously pissed . "
tr	1	They pulled into the parking lot of a busy local pub .
tr	1	They 're smarter than we think . " "
tr	1	Paddy flicked the cigarette butt out of the window .
tr	1	We just have to react to their actions .
tr	1	Pain in the arse but what else can we do ? "
tr	1	The Commander rang off leaving David to his thoughts .
tr	1	He 'd spent a stupid amount of money having it restored .
tr	1	He smiled at the memory of the red shoes .
tr	1	" First thing we have to do is get you registered .
tr	1	There 's a waiver to sign for insurance purposes .
tr	1	" You 've got everything here , " commented Jennie .
tr	1	That was a safety issue but also a damned good investment .
tr	1	Anyway enough of all that guided tour stuff ... ... .
tr	1	I brought you some kit you 're going to need . "
tr	1	He passed her some ear protection and shooting glasses .
tr	1	" I 'm pretty sure these 'll fit you .
tr	1	He reached into the trunk and brought out a leather case .
tr	1	" What a beautiful gun , " she said .
tr	1	George was hitting his customary twenty to twenty two .
tr	1	You ready to hit the handgun range ? "
tr	1	Behind the shooting line George unlocked the two cases .
tr	1	It 's a bit lighter and certainly fits your hand better .
tr	1	It was obvious that Jennie was not a beginner .
tr	1	" No he didn 't but your Commander filled me in .
tr	1	That 's almost the equivalent of a full SAS squadron .
tr	1	Most of them are still here in England .
tr	1	" Coming in for a coffee , Jen ? "
tr	1	make yourself at home , " said George .
tr	1	They 'd talked about music , books ... ... . .
tr	1	" Judy was killed only a couple of miles from here .
tr	1	hit and run ... ... the driver was never caught .
tr	1	He paused , memories flooding into his mind .
tr	1	I should probably get rid of it ... .
tr	1	As for Harry and Peter ... that 's different .
tr	1	" I spoke to Rob yesterday ... ... .
tr	1	Well maybe that half wished he 'd asked her too !
tr	1	I 'm on the Fleetwood ferry heading over to Larne .
tr	1	I 'll get back to you later . "
tr	1	" Why don 't you come over this evening Jen ? "
tr	1	he asked , " I 'll tell you all about her .
tr	1	I might have heard something from Ireland by then too . "
tr	1	She pulled up in front of the house later that day .
tr	1	George came round from the back of the house .
tr	1	They sat at the ancient pine table in the kitchen .
tr	1	" Tell me about Gema Mason , " she said .
tr	1	Great money apparently and she gets to travel a lot .
tr	1	She 's involved in some sort of martial arts thing .
tr	1	" Would you like me to stay ? "
tr	1	" When would be convenient for you ? "
tr	1	You 'd be more comfortable and it would be more private .
tr	1	She rang off and looked over at David .
tr	1	It was impossible not to recognize Gema when she walked in .
tr	1	" What a stunning looking woman , " thought Jennie .
tr	1	They sat facing each other as though sizing each other up .
tr	1	Jennie was surprised , Gema suddenly seemed defensive almost combative .
tr	1	Food for thought wouldn 't you think ? "
tr	1	" I run most mornings you know ... . .
tr	1	anywhere from ten to twenty miles ... ... .
tr	1	George picked up his tea and walked out of the room .
tr	1	By now the study was a familiar , friendly place .
tr	1	We 're being asked to provide security down there .
tr	1	Be just like the old days patrolling the bush . " "
tr	1	Think she was on a bit of a quest .
tr	1	Never did figure out who did it ... ... . .
tr	1	When she visited I helped her out a bit .
tr	1	Silly little bugger , " he added affectionately .
tr	1	You would like her and she would like you .
tr	1	" They were two of my closest friends .
tr	1	The Wednesday market is still held to this day . "
tr	1	From a different call box he dialed a number in Belfast .
tr	1	He was casting his eyes around looking for a suitable victim .
tr	1	" I 'm looking forward to this Christmas .
tr	1	" Remind me to pick up a couple of kids gifts .
tr	1	I have to drop them off at the barracks .
tr	1	They were no further along with the two murders .
tr	1	" He was in an Anglican Church the other day .
tr	1	No idea why , his army records show he 's Catholic .
tr	1	" Are we sure it 's a man ? "
tr	1	She could hear it ringing stridently inside the house .
tr	1	Suddenly the door opened , a middle aged lady stood there .
tr	1	asked Jennie hoping she sounded chatty and friendly .
tr	1	" When will the Mason 's be back ? "
tr	1	Put it down to female intuition she thought .
tr	1	Maybe if I scare her a bit she 'll open up .
tr	1	I 'm not suggesting that your employers are involved ... . .
tr	1	in fact far from it but I do need background information .
tr	1	Mr. and Mrs. Mason knew both the deceased . "
tr	1	" Anything else you think I should know ? "
tr	1	Mrs. Mason spends a lot of time with the daughter ... .
tr	1	I 'm still waiting to hear from Robbie .
tr	1	" What excuse did Dick make for Gema ? "
tr	1	asked Jennie playing with the dog 's ear .
tr	1	Enough people into which six extra could easily disappear .
tr	1	Paddy strolled through the market but could not make them out .
tr	1	The collections had been done a little earlier this year .
tr	1	They would not be replaced until the following morning .
tr	1	Not a bad bet he thought to himself .
tr	1	have to see the funny side of it . "
tr	1	She was responding to a question from David concerning George Mudd .
tr	1	" Yes and old friend from London ... ... .
tr	1	We 've been seeing each other for a long time now .
tr	1	The whole situation seems to be tearing him apart .
tr	1	It was even cooler in here than in the kitchen .
tr	1	A pigeon locked in for the night after the evening service .
tr	1	Slowly his eyes became accustomed to the gloom .
tr	1	He had the feeling that the church was watching him .
tr	1	On duty was a small guard force plus RAF maintenance personnel .
tr	1	a neat little apartment in a co-op type building .
tr	1	There was still plenty of time to go .
tr	1	Through the bedroom window there was no blush of daylight .
tr	1	They settled in for a wait of about five hours .
tr	1	By now the other two teams should be in place .
tr	1	All six waited with the patience of the well trained .
tr	1	As it blew the van pulled up in front .
tr	1	A second breaching charge blew the door to the armory .
tr	1	I 'll be there in about an hour .
tr	1	George had been quiet up to this point .
tr	1	my team can look after that for you . "
tr	1	Some say it 's been in existence since 1630 ... ... .
tr	1	Often there was someone here he knew ... ... . .
tr	1	He sensed rather than saw the two men behind him .
tr	1	I haven 't seen you around for a while . "
tr	1	John hadn 't heard another vehicle for over twenty minutes .
tr	1	They tied him to the chair with plastic ties .
tr	1	Slowly the room warmed up as the peat took hold .
tr	1	Take your time John there 's no hurry . "
tr	1	He got up and poured himself another mug of tea .
tr	1	My name is James , people call me Jimmy ... ... .
tr	1	The nature of that retribution is entirely up to you .
tr	1	You can tell us what we need to know right now .
tr	1	For that we simply hand you over to the authorities .
tr	1	The roar of the gun exploded in the room .
tr	1	The tarp was spattered with blood from the shattered knee .
tr	1	hmm we 'll ask him again when he comes round . "
tr	1	" He 's awake , " said Jimmy .
tr	1	John came round to find himself lying on the floor .
tr	1	He could see the two shapes sitting at the kitchen table .
tr	1	The effort brought a moan of pain to his lips .
tr	1	he 's come around at last , " said Jimmy .
tr	1	One of the shapes stood up and kneeled by his side .
tr	1	Tony Wei sat in his club in Kensington .
tr	1	Maybe he would be deported but to where ?
tr	1	He had set himself up as the middleman ... ... .
tr	1	He simply had to get out every day for a while .
tr	1	This time of the morning it was barely light .
tr	1	In fact he hadn 't seen anyone for quite a while .
tr	1	He could see the locks several hundred yards ahead .
tr	1	It looked like the runner that had passed him earlier .
tr	1	He slowed down to almost a walk as he approached .
tr	1	The runner 's foot and leg were a blur .
tr	1	It was so fast he almost didn 't see it happening .
tr	1	The foot struck him just below the heart .
tr	1	I don 't know about Leeds or Ireland .
tr	1	At least it 's a known quantity ... ... .
tr	1	The biggest unknown is going to be in Brixton ... .
tr	1	" David I want you take responsibility for Tony Wei .
tr	1	You 'll also have to coordinate with the Met ... ... .
tr	1	He can do it nice and quiet like . "
tr	1	one of them right on my patch in Hereford .
tr	1	They were sitting in the kitchen at the large pine table .
tr	1	" You going to stay here over Christmas ? "
tr	1	" I 'd love to ... ... . .
tr	1	Do we know who 's coming for Christmas yet ? "
tr	1	" Good news there Jen , I heard from Robbie .
tr	1	they 'll all dive underground , we 'd be screwed !
tr	1	He 's actually AWOL never mind everything else . "
tr	1	After introductions had been made the Commander asked for an update .
tr	1	We also have snipers covering the front and the back .
tr	1	We go in simultaneously as soon as Jennings has unloaded .
tr	1	" Works for me Commander let them all stew over Christmas .
tr	1	One of the phones rang jolting them into alertness .
tr	1	Traffic was light on this side street off the Brixton Road .
tr	1	" Only one man in the van ... ... ... .
tr	1	confirm as Frank Jennings , let him unload ... ... .
tr	1	" Yorkshire and Ireland you have a go .
tr	1	With a resounding crash all three were detonated together .
tr	1	We 're coming in now ... ... . .
tr	1	The lobby was cloudy with dust from the explosion .
tr	1	The three of them walked out into the warehouse .
tr	1	" Tony Wei and Frank Jennings ... ... .
tr	1	you 've both been naughty boys ... ... ... .
tr	1	" No wonder they looked heavy , " he said .
tr	1	He sliced open a few more ... ... . "
tr	1	I suppose he could be long gone by now .
tr	1	I think that 's about it for now .
tr	1	This place was like an island ... ... .
tr	1	She had met Robbie for the first time just last night .
tr	1	that was the nature of the team . "
tr	1	" I hope that 's Bowmore , " said Robbie .
tr	1	" Now it even sounds like Christmas , " she said .
tr	1	He walked out of the room the dogs following .
tr	1	" Bloody dogs follow him everywhere , " said Robbie smiling .
tr	1	Jennie just sat contentedly watching the flames flicker .
tr	1	Jennie just sat quietly gazing into the fire .
tr	1	He looks after them , provides them with benefits .
tr	1	I wouldn 't want him getting into trouble ... ... .
tr	1	he sends her stuff from time to time .
tr	1	They 're in all those packages in the corner . "
tr	1	" Och man it 's beautiful , " said Robbie .
tr	1	" It 's radio controlled and will throw timed doubles . "
tr	1	In the study she tore off the paper .
tr	1	Gun and Rifle Makers ' under the Royal Crests .
tr	1	I know what it 's worth ... ... .
tr	1	probably more than I make in a year . "
tr	1	They found him in the canal in Market Drayton .
tr	1	The Military Police called the Commander who called David .
tr	1	" We had everyone under surveillance ... . .
tr	1	asked George his breath curling away into the night .
tr	1	" Aye there 's something not right here .
tr	1	Three people dead now that we personally know .
tr	1	Back of my head is getting itchy . "
tr	1	The elderly couple sat down and George proceeded to serve everyone .
tr	1	Robbie followed him around pouring the champagne and orange juice .
tr	1	I , for one , have given up arguing .
tr	1	Their names are actually Terry and Margaret . "
tr	1	He looked up at them quizzically , Margaret started to blush .
tr	1	" Dickie ... ... Merry Christmas ... ... .
tr	1	great to see you , " said George .
tr	1	By now the spicy smell of Christmas was pervading the house .
tr	1	Gema seemed to have hardly changed at all .
tr	1	She was beautiful twenty years ago and she was still beautiful .
tr	1	youthful and hard but it was Wendy that caught him aback .
tr	1	She was tall , as tall as her father .
tr	1	Ignoring her father she walked over to him .
tr	1	" I know exactly what you mean , Jen .
tr	1	I 'm not quite sure why all the Masons came .
tr	1	Did you get to talk to Wendy at all ? "
tr	1	David got to talk to Wendy quite a lot though .
tr	1	" David described her as being her mother 's daughter .
tr	1	" How could you miss them ... . .
tr	1	she 's a stunning looking young woman . "
tr	1	I got the impression she was calculating all the time .
tr	1	They make a strange couple that 's for sure . "
tr	1	George 's hand had moved up to her breast .
tr	1	She felt her nipple harden and her breath quickened .
tr	1	I 'm surprised I had room for anything after yesterday . "
tr	1	They laughed together in the warmth of the kitchen .
tr	1	They might well be right but I 'm not comfortable .
tr	1	I 'd rather be safe than sorry , Terry ... .
tr	1	" Sly bastard , " was Robbie 's only response .
tr	1	I need five men , yourself plus four more .
tr	1	I need them here in Hereford quick as you can .
tr	1	I 'll make reservations for you at the Green Dragon .
tr	1	No that 's it for now Jimmy ... .
tr	1	see you in a day or two . "
tr	1	He hung up the phone and sat there nursing his tea .
tr	1	Check on the proximity alarms in the woods ... ... .
tr	1	make sure everything 's on line ... ... .
tr	1	nobody in without checking with the house first . "
tr	1	Thanks to you my collection has almost doubled in size . "
tr	1	Taking the Land Rover they drove towards the village .
tr	1	That huge , stained glass window was installed in 1320 .
tr	1	They stopped in front of a white marble headstone .
tr	1	I told her about you quite some time ago .
tr	1	I haven 't felt her presence for some time now .
tr	1	She looked up at George ... ... . .
tr	1	George was doing the driving with Jennie sitting up front .
tr	1	" You worried there might be more George ? "
tr	1	I would doubt though that they 've considered themselves at risk .
tr	1	" May I see your identification please ? "
tr	1	" Technology 's a wonderful thing , " said the matron .
tr	1	" Please leave your weapons with Robert here ... ... . .
tr	1	you can retrieve them when you leave . "
tr	1	Jennie looked angrily at George who shrugged his shoulders .
tr	1	David and Jennie sat down in arm chairs facing the Asian .
tr	1	He was wearing a beige jumpsuit and slip ons ... ... .
tr	1	" So what exactly is George 's ... .
tr	1	" Never heard of them , " Tony quickly responded .
tr	1	" Bullshit , " George from the corner of the room .
tr	1	You drove up North to see Avi in Leeds .
tr	1	He walked over to where they were sitting .
tr	1	He held up the camera so they could see .
tr	1	but still easily discernible with the help of the flash .
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 31 Somebody hit me .
tr	1	The guys seem to be settled in at Terry 's .
tr	1	" Fine with me Rob , " said George .
tr	1	would be helpful if we knew the significance . "
tr	1	He didn 't seem to have any energy ... ... . .
tr	1	He frowned at the man looking back at him .
tr	1	His pale blue eyes seemed tired ... ... ... ... .
tr	1	he remembered , later , teaching her to kiss .
tr	1	His eyes filled with tears and he turned away .
tr	1	How come it was so neat and tidy ?
tr	1	He slowly dressed in front of the mirror .
tr	1	He squared it away and looked at himself in the mirror .
tr	1	Beneath the photos a cardboard box , an old shoe box .
tr	1	He lifted it out , it was heavy .
tr	1	It gleamed dully under its sheen of gun oil .
tr	1	Slowly he clawed his way out of the deep sleep .
tr	1	Margaret lay asleep by his side , gently snoring .
tr	1	Whatever it was it hadn 't woken her up .
tr	1	He jerked awake , leapt out of bed .
tr	1	The proximity alarms ... ... the heat sensors in the woods !
tr	1	He ran downstairs and into the estate office .
tr	1	There was no one currently up at the house to call .
tr	1	It could be the minders themselves of course .
tr	1	He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his body .
tr	1	He slowly moved forward soundless and almost invisible in his camo .
tr	1	He knew he was within range of the sensor .
tr	1	He willed his heart to slow down and waited .
tr	1	Slowly and quietly he followed the trail away from the house .
tr	1	The blow took him behind the right ear .
tr	1	* George and Jennie were driving over to see Dickie Mason .
tr	1	Showing her warrant card they went in through the front door .
tr	1	They stood in the entrance to the study .
tr	1	Dick was sitting in his armchair by the cold fire .
tr	1	He looked at all the photos on the walls .
tr	1	Jennie went outside to talk them before they entered the house .
tr	1	" I want this site treated as a crime scene .
tr	1	It certainly looks like a suicide but ... ... .
tr	1	She saw the doctor 's eyebrows go up .
tr	1	Now where the hell are Gema and Wendy Mason ? "
tr	1	It seemed far away from the harsh realities of her job .
tr	1	He had massive bruising on and in his chest . "
tr	1	" Any sign of Gema or Wendy yet ? "
tr	1	It had started to snow again blowing in from the west .
tr	1	Luckily it wasn 't too far to Eaton Bishop .
tr	1	He was outside for quite a while before we found him .
tr	1	I should be there in about fifteen minutes ... . .
tr	1	it 's snowing pretty hard just now . "
tr	1	Old bugger thinks he 's still thirty five . "
tr	1	George walked straight down the corridor to the guest rooms .
tr	1	He glared at George as he walked in .
tr	1	We 'll bring Margaret into the house for a while .
tr	1	You might have to get involved yourself ... ... ... .
tr	1	George stood up and poured them both a drink .
tr	1	Really don 't even know where to start .
tr	1	Can 't just hold a defensive position for ever ... ... .
tr	1	and we don 't know why ... ... or who .
tr	1	The conclusion was definitely suicide , no note had been found .
tr	1	still no sign of either Gema or Wendy .
tr	1	Terry had healed and was his old self .
tr	1	Robbie was making rumblings about returning to Brunei .
tr	1	" Not yet Jennie , she seems to have disappeared . "
tr	1	She knows more than she 's letting on . "
tr	1	She knocked on the door of the main house .
tr	1	" Let me tell you how it is Mrs. Mason .
tr	1	" I 'm not sure that I know Sergeant ... .
tr	1	Wendy is in Brunei , Bandar to be accurate .
tr	1	She flew out three days ago via Kuala Lumpur .
tr	1	You 're just helping us with our enquiries .
tr	1	" I was in her flat ... . .
tr	1	" On Bath St. keeping an eye on Jennie ... . .
tr	1	she 's in the cop shop just now . "
tr	1	stay in touch and keep me in the loop . "
tr	1	" Mudd Security , how may I help you ? "
tr	1	I arranged it with him in England . "
tr	1	Now I have a wife , two children and a home .
tr	1	She looked at this rock of a little man .
tr	1	" Yes , " she replied , " more than that .
tr	1	I am Guru Muda as is my mother .
tr	1	I practice with my mother when I am at her home .
tr	1	She envied Wendy being in Sarawak or wherever she was .
tr	1	Here she was dodging puddles and the spray from passing vehicles .
tr	1	What could the police possibly want with her ?
tr	1	One of the fluorescents needed a new ballast and flickered annoyingly .
tr	1	" Bloody depressing place isn 't it Gema ? "
tr	1	" George what the bloody hell are you doing here ? "
tr	1	I apologize for sounding so callous but I have little option .
tr	1	The idea is quite preposterous , please say something . "
tr	1	Gema stood , gathered her coat , bag and gloves .
tr	1	I will leave you his name and number . "
tr	1	She looked at David who nodded his agreement .
tr	1	I would much prefer not to have to do that . "
tr	1	David , opening a leather bound note pad .
tr	1	" I never had a relationship as you put it .
tr	1	Brenner and Downer were part of a fire team .
tr	1	" Do you know a Frank Jennings ? "
tr	1	" He was at the funeral , " said George .
tr	1	" What was your relationship like with your husband ? "
tr	1	" Never heard of him , who is he ? "
tr	1	George walked over from the window and sat down .
tr	1	We will be putting a forensic team in there immediately .
tr	1	" I don 't have a problem with that .
tr	1	Her parents , life in the Orang Ulu ... . .
tr	1	He looked forward to changing shifts with Rafferty .
tr	1	Ledbury is really too far away to service Hereford . "
tr	1	I wouldn 't like to take her on !
tr	1	Her life must be one of constant push and pull . "
tr	1	George gazed into the fire the single malt warming his stomach .
tr	1	Brunei can wait for the time being . "
tr	1	She went straight home ... walked all the way .
tr	1	He was sure he had it with him .
tr	1	He parked up on the grass verge outside the gate .
tr	1	He opened the door and just stood there in amazement .
tr	1	They had to be at least twenty feet clear .
tr	1	" I wonder how she feels inside ? "
tr	1	She 's probably far more at home in Indonesia than here .
tr	1	I would say they probably belong to someone from the Kalimantan .
tr	1	I couldn 't say anymore than that . "
tr	1	" You going to be here long Jen ? "
tr	1	he asked , walking back into the great room .
tr	1	We already have ears on her cell phone . "
tr	1	" That 's in Wales isn 't it ? "
tr	1	Sounds like a nice change , what do we need ? "
tr	1	They can be really pretty this time of year .
tr	1	We could be back come late afternoon . "
tr	1	They had seen no one over the first few miles .
tr	1	It 's really tough , maybe the toughest in the world .
tr	1	Shadows seemed to move in the gentle breeze .
tr	1	Her phone vibrated gently in her jacket pocket .
tr	1	" I think we have the link ... a connection .
tr	1	Give me a bell when you 're back in town . "
tr	1	He held it up for them to see .
tr	1	It comprised of myself , Robbie McElroy , Brenner and Downer .
tr	1	Many of the inhabitants would have been her relatives .
tr	1	It seemed a collective sigh came from the table .
tr	1	" Absolutely she would Sir , " replied George .
tr	1	He paced up and down scratching his head .
tr	1	" Do we think she would be capable of this ? "
tr	1	Didn 't she say she wanted to go up to London ?
tr	1	Here 's what I think we should do .
tr	1	I don 't want her suspicious at all .
tr	1	I 'll arrange it with Mrs. Thompson ... .
tr	1	the lady with the big gun , " he said laughingly .
tr	1	Jen lay on the couch , head in Georges lap .
tr	1	" He 's probably still plucking up courage .
tr	1	He really hasn 't figured the phone out yet .
tr	1	I thought he was going to crap himself .
tr	1	George periodically just nodded whilst Jen tried to look interested .
tr	1	They talked back and forth for over fifteen minutes .
tr	1	He now knows about Brenner , Downer and Dick .
tr	1	He also said he 'd just seen Wendy .
tr	1	She obviously doesn 't know about her father .
tr	1	She 'd quickly packed a bag and left .
tr	1	It was a chance she was going to have to take .
tr	1	Let me know exactly where you are now .
tr	1	" Too fast , too fast , " she thought .
tr	1	I 've only been here a couple of hours or so .
tr	1	" She 'll be on the move in the morning ... .
tr	1	on foot ... so keep an eye on her . "
tr	1	I 've no bloody idea where she went . "
tr	1	Mrs. Thompson 's hollow voice responded from the speaker .
tr	1	There were cameras in every room plus cameras outside .
tr	1	The different cameras then picked up the rest of the action .
tr	1	If it 's the latter , that makes her doubly dangerous .
tr	1	If she has another bolt hole we 're screwed .
tr	1	We 'll only be able to react to her .
tr	1	During the short drive Tony had tried to talk to her .
tr	1	" If you speak I will shoot you .
tr	1	Perhaps I could just take a short leave of absence . "
tr	1	You know I think Robbie was getting a little pissed .
tr	1	She sat in the pitch black of the garage .
tr	1	Nobody knows where we are and neither do you .
tr	1	For now she held all the cards ... .
tr	1	" Shuffle into the kitchen , " she said .
tr	1	" She never had any intention of killing me you know .
tr	1	She said to tell everyone she 's sorry .
tr	1	She must have had another car stashed up there .
tr	1	I 've no idea what she 's talking about . "
tr	1	Secondly ... she doesn 't expect to live through it .
tr	1	There would be plenty of time for sleep later .
tr	1	Tony slept intermittently his head falling to his chest .
tr	1	The candles flickered giving the whole scene a macabre look .
tr	1	She started to sway , as though to an unseen drum .
tr	1	The sweat beaded and rolled down between her breasts .
tr	1	She turned her hands out , palms to her own face .
tr	1	Tony 's eyes rolled back in his head as he fainted .
tr	1	However there is now a change to our agreement .
tr	1	I have seen a photograph of their grave .
tr	1	For years I wondered who it could possibly be .
tr	1	For that , my brother , you must pay .
tr	1	~ ~ ~ Chapter 44 Hereford " She 's back !
tr	1	Suddenly there she was ... in the window . "
tr	1	Withdraw to a spot where you can eyes on the vehicle .
tr	1	I 'll call you once we are in position . "
tr	1	They had taken up positions around the house .
tr	1	" Might be better coming from me , " said George .
tr	1	It 's almost like full circle , please come out . "
tr	1	I have done what I set out to do .
tr	1	Last time we were there everything went sideways . "
tr	1	Jen and I walked down there when we were there .
tr	1	We can stay at the Brecon Castle again ... .
tr	1	Robbie took a pleasant single overlooking the river .
tr	1	He stood there as his breathing returned to normal .
tr	1	The dart took him high on the left shoulder .
tr	1	He hardly felt it it being so sharp .
tr	1	George sensed that Robbie was no longer behind him .
tr	1	The figure came at him in a lightening blur of speed .
tr	1	The startling blue eyes glared at him out of the balaclava .
tr	1	Your team killed my grandparents and the rest of my family .
tr	1	Robbie died easily and painlessly as did the other two .
tr	1	George knew there was nothing he could do ... . .
tr	1	A diminutive figure appeared out of the pine trees close by .
tr	1	" Nice gun , got it from your new wife ! "
tr	1	Meet him on his website ... ... click here .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the work of this author .
tr	1	The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious .
tr	1	Her stories left me breathless and always wanting for more .
tr	1	Cisco thought back to where their journey had begun .
tr	1	Five years I stayed in this hell hole .
tr	1	Finally I am leaving , a disillusioned wife and mother .
tr	1	I hope we don 't bring him any trouble .
tr	1	I hope I can see the sailor again .
tr	1	I never thought I would love this so much .
tr	1	What would the fellows say if they hear about this ?
tr	1	The eyes were shadowed as if to hide something deeper .
tr	1	The man clearly did not appreciate her or his daughter .
tr	1	Maybe even a piece of land where I could retire .
tr	1	Can I be so bold to continue this dream ?
tr	1	The hammock swayed with the gentle movements of the ocean .
tr	1	The business transaction had been profitable to both parties .
tr	1	Faro did not care for her or for his four-year-old daughter .
tr	1	I could see his eyes were always seeking the captain .
tr	1	There are quite a number of people on the ship .
tr	1	The Captain warned me today for the final time .
tr	1	She is married , a lady of good means .
tr	1	But I can dream , even if it is futile .
tr	1	I don 't want to bring her trouble .
tr	1	He is a sailor and cannot spend time with her .
tr	1	He swayed on his feet , his eyes bloodshot .
tr	1	She was very beautiful and several sailors looked at her .
tr	1	I know it is wrong but I cannot help myself .
tr	1	The feelings I have for her are growing daily .
tr	1	A sailor and a lady are absolutely unsuited .
tr	1	He smelled of the ocean , clean and fresh .
tr	1	He was strong and enormous in size but I fit perfectly .
tr	1	Those seconds were wonderful , I wish I could have more .
tr	1	It felt so right , although it was wrong .
tr	1	My Cisco , her hand on his arm .
tr	1	I saw the fury raging in his eyes .
tr	1	Am I now in contest with a slave ?
tr	1	The look in the Captain 's eyes said so much .
tr	1	She found me talking to that slave girl .
tr	1	She looked at me as if I were her last hope .
tr	1	I cannot give in and make matters worse for him .
tr	1	I explained to my four-year-old daughter but I doubt she understood .
tr	1	I cannot allow him to suffer on account of us .
tr	1	I had to know if he was okay .
tr	1	How could they do this to this man ?
tr	1	He is a gentle , kind and loving man .
tr	1	But I had to make sure he was okay .
tr	1	It was everything I hoped it would be .
tr	1	But that kiss told me what he felt .
tr	1	It all told me that he felt the same way .
tr	1	† † † September 21 , 1621 It was a mistake .
tr	1	But how can I resist the one woman I truly love ?
tr	1	But we both know it was a not to be .
tr	1	She cried so loud that it drew everyone 's attention .
tr	1	But he said he would not harm his own crew .
tr	1	He was not pleased about her open disdain towards him .
tr	1	He slapped her and dropped her on the deck .
tr	1	Her yellow teeth were a sharp contrast against her pale skin .
tr	1	No doubt she was one of the favorites .
tr	1	She looked down at me and refused to speak to me .
tr	1	What I did to her I don 't know .
tr	1	His skin split open as blood seeped from his wounds .
tr	1	He was covered in his own blood from the shoulders down .
tr	1	I tried to run to him but someone held me back .
tr	1	He roared in agony and four men carried him away .
tr	1	My heart aches for her and for him .
tr	1	When I reached him he had a high fever .
tr	1	I brought some ointment and tended his wounds .
tr	1	He was delirious , calling out my name .
tr	1	I made him as comfortable as I could .
tr	1	At least I know he will be all right tonight .
tr	1	The clouds formed over us , dark and menacing .
tr	1	He had his first meal in three days .
tr	1	Alfonso assured me he would be all right .
tr	1	But I cleaned and tended the wounds the best I could .
tr	1	I could attend to him and touch him often .
tr	1	Somehow I will find a way to be with him always .
tr	1	But I must admit the weather has me worried .
tr	1	Even the captain is not his usual confident self .
tr	1	I really hope the ship will hold up .
tr	1	Help us to find a way to be together .
tr	1	In the end it became possible for us to be together .
tr	1	The last few days he had been extremely emotional .
tr	1	We both felt a deep compassion for him .
tr	1	When I handed him the papers he was shocked .
tr	1	Disbelief shone clear in the blue depths of his eyes .
tr	1	This was more than he ever dreamed of .
tr	1	The magnificent wooden staircase spiralled to the upper levels .
tr	1	The black and white marble tiles gleamed in the late sunlight .
tr	1	She chattered nonstop , even if it was her first visit .
tr	1	His good , kind heart draws people closer .
tr	1	When he approached the animal the horse responded in like fashion .
tr	1	There are so many things I still want to show him .
tr	1	I just know this will leave him speechless .
tr	1	A breeze rippled playfully on the water 's surface .
tr	1	They held her past but also her future .
tr	1	At twenty-four she knew her future would be colourful and beautiful .
tr	1	Pedro always had a bigger love for the sea .
tr	1	The smaller frigate usually accompanied the merchant ship as extra security .
tr	1	They had lived on it and had survived its worst .
tr	1	Pedro was still very young , inexperienced about life .
tr	1	She just wanted to find out any news .
tr	1	With only the Contra O Vento coming in she was worried .
tr	1	With short , uneven steps he descended the plank .
tr	1	He patted her hands as if to comfort her .
tr	1	I will speak to all of you . "
tr	1	" No , dear , we are almost there .
tr	1	He clipped every word , taking a breath between each .
tr	1	Come , sit down , my friend . "
tr	1	Cisco put the letter down and reached him in one stride .
tr	1	" Let me look at that leg . "
tr	1	" What has happen to you , Jean ? "
tr	1	" It is a long story , my friend .
tr	1	I have failed you , you and your family . "
tr	1	" How did you fail me , Jean ?
tr	1	Calm down and tell us what is going on .
tr	1	She looked at Cisco , panic filling her dark brown eyes .
tr	1	" Cisco , what is going on ? "
tr	1	She stayed calm as she knelt before their friend .
tr	1	" Franco , we need the doctor here at once !
tr	1	With a whinny he was ready for action .
tr	1	He was even paler than before and her parents looked worried .
tr	1	The more she read , the angrier she got .
tr	1	It will all depend on how quickly you can deliver .
tr	1	He talked about his lovely sister so often .
tr	1	She had to read the letter twice to understand the contents .
tr	1	The more she read , the angrier she grew .
tr	1	" You have to leave tomorrow morning early .
tr	1	A white shirt showed beneath his long black jacket .
tr	1	The guffaw that burst from his throat rolled over her .
tr	1	She stamped her foot in frustration on the marble floor .
tr	1	My heart wants to beat out of my chest .
tr	1	I cried for the first time in my life .
tr	1	She has made me have pride in myself .
tr	1	Because of her I can fulfil my dreams .
tr	1	You knew my desires and You fulfilled them .
tr	1	There was never a dull moment with him around .
tr	1	Rosa - Lee is blossoming with him as her father .
tr	1	But that was only the start of our journey .
tr	1	But we would have died if not for him .
tr	1	He saved me when Faro wanted to rape me .
tr	1	Those days were filled with horrific scenes of death and survival .
tr	1	† † † " Cisco , you have called for me .
tr	1	His whole family was endangered by one man 's insanity .
tr	1	She did not hear anything else around her .
tr	1	Tears streamed down her face but she made no sound .
tr	1	" I will go get some warm water , Doctor .
tr	1	" I will not send my only daughter to that place .
tr	1	Cisco raised his voice in frustration and anger .
tr	1	They argued for a long time about this .
tr	1	Don 't worry , please , I will be fine . "
tr	1	Cisco gathered her closer , her face pressed into his shoulder .
tr	1	He held her for a very long time , shaking .
tr	1	standing on her tip toes , she kissed his handsome face .
tr	1	He hugged her once more before he let her go .
tr	1	This was not the time to be a hero .
tr	1	She did not experience half the nightmares Mama did .
tr	1	" Mama , please , don 't make it so hard .
tr	1	You and Papa have taught me everything you know .
tr	1	The outcome can be devastating for both you and Pedro . "
tr	1	Her mother looked at her in shock , grabbing her shoulders .
tr	1	You will not try something foolish and get yourself killed .
tr	1	She held her mother 's hands , kissing them .
tr	1	" I will be back with Pedro , I promise . "
tr	1	She hid her pistol and knife in her trunk .
tr	1	Her life would depend on her skill and alertness .
tr	1	She panicked and moaned uncontrollably in her sleep .
tr	1	Faro 's attempt to rape her terrified her .
tr	1	I wish I could take those haunting images away .
tr	1	People fell down from exhaustion because the captain refused to stop .
tr	1	I can hardly wait for this little one to come .
tr	1	My protruding tummy is a joy for Cisco .
tr	1	He simply cannot keep his hands off me .
tr	1	Anything would do just to get the hunger pains under control .
tr	1	A lonely dog barked , seeking attention from the Captain .
tr	1	In disgust I watched as they ate it just like that .
tr	1	Again , people ate it and got stomach cramps .
tr	1	Cisco thought it wise to take me away .
tr	1	In the process we were attacked by savages .
tr	1	In the confusion we were separated from the group .
tr	1	† † † Commotion filled the harbour early the next morning .
tr	1	Captains barked out commands to their scurrying crews .
tr	1	The small , streamlined frigate lay waiting in the calm water .
tr	1	This was his life , here , working the land .
tr	1	She would miss him , her big bear of a brother .
tr	1	" Very touching , but it is time . "
tr	1	Roberto saw the fury and it drew him .
tr	1	This will be an interesting time with her aboard the ship .
tr	1	Ochre eyes roamed over the enticing body wrapped in green taffeta .
tr	1	The dark braided hair lay over a creamy shoulder .
tr	1	Her bodice clung to the small frame in the latest fashion .
tr	1	Her perky breasts looked ripe for the plucking .
tr	1	He grinned at the picture he knew he will enjoy .
tr	1	She looked at him , eyes locking his with defiance .
tr	1	His guffaw rumbled up his throat , mocking her .
tr	1	Without a word , she turned to wave to her parents .
tr	1	Backbone I would like to break and bend to my will .
tr	1	Yes , I am definitely going to enjoy this voyage .
tr	1	His eyes followed her and he gave her a light nod .
tr	1	He muttered something and the man looked away with a smirk .
tr	1	Big brown eyes had an easy smile in them .
tr	1	He was quite likeable , considering the predicament she was in .
tr	1	I might just as well make the best of it .
tr	1	" Well , Enrico , show me the way . "
tr	1	" That door leads to my cabin . "
tr	1	" I refuse to eat with that man .
tr	1	I do not want any contact with him in anyway .
tr	1	It would be close enough to get to easily .
tr	1	When she turned around , Roberto stood behind her .
tr	1	" I will not eat with you , a pirate . "
tr	1	" I don 't want to discuss this any further .
tr	1	You will sit at my table and that is final ! "
tr	1	" Make me , " she said through clenched teeth .
tr	1	When he left , she let out her breath .
tr	1	She had not even realized that she was holding it .
tr	1	She braided her long hair with trembling fingers .
tr	1	Her throat was dry and she was hungry .
tr	1	This morning she was already gone before breakfast was served .
tr	1	A few minutes later Enrico entered her room .
tr	1	and she stamped her foot on the floor in anger .
tr	1	" Can I at least have water ? "
tr	1	" No , " came the abrupt reply .
tr	1	" Take me to him , " she demanded .
tr	1	The captain 's cabin lay two doors down the passageway .
tr	1	" How long do you think she will hold out ? "
tr	1	I have all the time in the world .
tr	1	The Falcon knew he could trust Roberto with her .
tr	1	I can tame her to fit into my needs quite nicely .
tr	1	In the , end she will be mine without a question .
tr	1	These will be an interesting four months " voyage for sure !
tr	1	Pierre wondered what the smile was all about .
tr	1	That Roberto was up to something was very clear to him .
tr	1	A month of surprises , new opportunities and new experiences .
tr	1	She is everything I want in a daughter .
tr	1	She is everything I want , need and more .
tr	1	She is brilliant , stunning and she is all mine .
tr	1	Every hardship I had to endure was worth it .
tr	1	Still today , I thank God for that .
tr	1	Afterwards I knew she had no chance with him .
tr	1	He was devoted only to one woman , me .
tr	1	He was always close by when Faro was in my presence .
tr	1	No matter how exhausted he was I was always his priority .
tr	1	Derek and Cisco became friends on that journey .
tr	1	" Can I have some water and food , please ? "
tr	1	He lifted his head to meet her eyes .
tr	1	" Can I have some water and food , please ? "
tr	1	" Will you sit at my table ? "
tr	1	" Sorry , I did not hear you . "
tr	1	" Yes , I will sit at your table ! "
tr	1	Every nerve ending in her body shouted cravings for the sweetness .
tr	1	With shaking hands she finished the water in one thirsty gulp .
tr	1	Droplets ran from the side of her mouth .
tr	1	She had held out for three hot days .
tr	1	Brave and strong was this delicate little flower .
tr	1	" Without a doubt , " she snapped .
tr	1	" Enrico is preparing a bath for you as we speak .
tr	1	For the last three days , she received no bath .
tr	1	These men , these savages , will not humiliate me !
tr	1	Now she could not look at the smirk on his face .
tr	1	It was her first time taking a voyage again .
tr	1	She remembered hugging his thick leg , feeling safe .
tr	1	Her young heart immediately reached out to him .
tr	1	It did not matter how hard they tried to ignore it .
tr	1	Their feelings became stronger over the period of time .
tr	1	She knew the sea was never a friend .
tr	1	That changed after she married the gentle giant .
tr	1	To be loved like that was her one goal .
tr	1	There was no way that her life would end this way .
tr	1	The captain sat at the head of the table .
tr	1	The captain nodded in her direction and they started the meal .
tr	1	The men continued with the conversation and she listen still half-heartedly .
tr	1	Not once did she make eye contact with anyone present .
tr	1	Emotions played on her face that even brought her to tears .
tr	1	His mother was also beautiful as a young woman and gentle .
tr	1	Yes , this woman intrigued him on a completely different level .
tr	1	He would take her and make her his .
tr	1	He knew what the Falcon had planned for her .
tr	1	Her father was correct in expecting the worse .
tr	1	Her fate would lead to death if he did not intervene .
tr	1	The Falcon was a brute when it came to women .
tr	1	We stumbled on another African village , not deserted this time .
tr	1	For two days we could rest and have shelter .
tr	1	The next morning when I found her I was angry .
tr	1	I went straight to the chief 's hut to demand justice .
tr	1	And in return he demanded Kayla as his wife .
tr	1	Kayla was still very young and I felt responsible for her .
tr	1	The baby is growing fast and I struggle to walk properly .
tr	1	We buried people and by the fourth week only six remained .
tr	1	The once brusque and impatient man turned into a loving father .
tr	1	That was my train of thought all awhile Cisco was gone .
tr	1	It was not the same group that left with him .
tr	1	My heart went on a rampage the moment I saw him .
tr	1	He stood there , dumbfounded at the sight he saw .
tr	1	He searched for me and did not recognise me .
tr	1	At that stage I was a walking skeleton .
tr	1	My once soft black hair was all tangled and without life .
tr	1	The signs of our ordeal were still visible on him .
tr	1	For the second time since I knew him he kissed me .
tr	1	But a week later Cisco convinced me of his love again .
tr	1	Now we can laugh about it but then it was serious .
tr	1	It took a spider to bring me to my senses .
tr	1	" Yes , I would like that . "
tr	1	Don 't you want to tell me a story ? "
tr	1	She asked hesitantly , " You know my brother ? "
tr	1	I have spoken with him a few times . "
tr	1	" Was he still fine when you left ? "
tr	1	" Yes , he was , " came the honest reply .
tr	1	He could see she was reliving it , closing her eyes .
tr	1	People cried out that we were going to die .
tr	1	Blood mixed with the liquor but people still drank it .
tr	1	I will never forget the madness of that night .
tr	1	A few still able to think with clarity reacted immediately .
tr	1	Once the rope was secured , those ashore sent a signal .
tr	1	" I held on to him with everything that I had .
tr	1	My mother never made a sound from in front of him .
tr	1	He was unselfish and we felt safe with him .
tr	1	He was always gentle and kind to me .
tr	1	This was a contrast to everything she knew about this man .
tr	1	He had a beautiful , calming voice : strong and steady .
tr	1	" I have heard that many times . "
tr	1	She thought as she watched his retreating back .
tr	1	My heart is too big for my chest .
tr	1	How fortunate I am to have my family .
tr	1	Once again she has blessed me beyond measure .
tr	1	She is everything I wanted in a daughter and more .
tr	1	I normally have to fight for time between the two .
tr	1	But it does not bother me at the least .
tr	1	To see Cisco this happy is more than worth it .
tr	1	We remember those frightful days as if it was yesterday .
tr	1	But it took us some time to come to that place .
tr	1	Help never came and we were on our own .
tr	1	We wandered through that wilderness in a daze .
tr	1	I can barely remember the sights around me .
tr	1	Maybe she could send a word or get some help .
tr	1	His fierce look pierced through everyone and everything .
tr	1	Both men assessing each other as both bowed in chivalry .
tr	1	A young sailor moved closer to the captain and his men .
tr	1	He made no sound and no eye contact .
tr	1	The deep voice of the captain filled the air .
tr	1	he demanded " Captain Roberto of the Contra O Vento .
tr	1	" It ran into trouble after a storm .
tr	1	We are on our way to help . "
tr	1	From a distance , his crew watched everything in silence .
tr	1	We will be on the lookout for any pirates .
tr	1	" Thank you , Sir , and goodbye . "
tr	1	His men were highly alert , looking for any trouble .
tr	1	" I have looked everywhere but I cannot find her . "
tr	1	The man in front of him was not easily fooled .
tr	1	" Did you look on every deck ? "
tr	1	Sweat formed on the boy 's forehead and upper lip .
tr	1	" What are you not telling me , Enrico ? "
tr	1	Then it dawned on Roberto who the seventh person was .
tr	1	" She is on the other ship ! "
tr	1	He slammed his fist down on the table .
tr	1	" We will have to go and get her .
tr	1	" She was disguised as one of the men .
tr	1	She has put us all in danger with her game .
tr	1	" I realize that , but we have no choice .
tr	1	If she talks we are all dead . "
tr	1	" Who says she didn 't talk already ? "
tr	1	" I will go alone , " Roberto said .
tr	1	She really looked well considering she was five months pregnant .
tr	1	Derek was overwhelmed , keeping a tight hold on her hands .
tr	1	She in turn could not get enough of little Manuel .
tr	1	The rest of the group scattered in a different direction .
tr	1	But I took my punishment and made the best of it .
tr	1	I knew she loved me but she never showed it openly .
tr	1	I never had to think so quickly as on that day .
tr	1	Sometimes all you have left is your instincts to act on .
tr	1	7 August 22 , 1624 Today was exceptionally warm day .
tr	1	He was extremely busy this time of the year .
tr	1	The responsibilities of a land owner weighed heavily on him .
tr	1	Alfonso arrived a week ago and is helping him .
tr	1	Alfonso had no qualms about resigning from his old ship .
tr	1	It was easy to see the sailor was smitten with her .
tr	1	Previously another woman just wanted his name for her unborn child .
tr	1	He thought it was his until the baby was born .
tr	1	It was really a pity since he is a fine man .
tr	1	I wish them all the happiness in the world .
tr	1	† † † It was a clear day with brilliant sunlight .
tr	1	He thought the last four days had changed things .
tr	1	Fool that he was , he had trusted her .
tr	1	What could she do on the ship , surrounded by ocean ?
tr	1	He never thought she was capable of doing this .
tr	1	" Sly foxes , " he called them .
tr	1	They went through the tasks of running the ship in silence .
tr	1	He had raided them a few times himself .
tr	1	She will pay for this foolishness he thought once again .
tr	1	We need to get away while there is still time . "
tr	1	Would she be all right among the sailors ?
tr	1	If they touched her ... he clenched his fists .
tr	1	He did not want to think about it .
tr	1	The pain and loss was unbearable at times .
tr	1	These were the thoughts that he struggled with .
tr	1	My father will kill me if I lose her . "
tr	1	" No , Pierre , you know he will not .
tr	1	" Are we still getting her from the ship ? "
tr	1	I don 't want anyone else in danger . "
tr	1	Physically both he and Roberto were capable of doing this .
tr	1	He and Pierre had talked about that in detail .
tr	1	Their large scale might make it almost impossible .
tr	1	His soft snores a sure sign of deep sleep .
tr	1	" You will wait here , and I will go .
tr	1	The normal military alertness and precision were not evident .
tr	1	There were no guards , and it made him wary .
tr	1	Men were hanging in their hammocks , snoring .
tr	1	The small manicured hands were a dead giveaway .
tr	1	For a brief moment he just took in the sight .
tr	1	Satisfied and without a word , he carried her out .
tr	1	Again , he furrowed his brows but left it .
tr	1	Another three hours passed as they rowed against the wind .
tr	1	" Did you also find it very strange ? "
tr	1	Roberto whispered when they were a safe distance away .
tr	1	Our second Christmas together as a family is already here .
tr	1	8 April 01 , 1625 We are expecting our second child .
tr	1	In a few days Manuel will be one year old .
tr	1	He loves being outside and amongst the animals .
tr	1	Everyone says he will be a farmer one day .
tr	1	How could I refuse him the pleasure of being a father ?
tr	1	She looked small and fragile on the oversized bed .
tr	1	He paced the floor in discomfort and drank wine .
tr	1	" You finally decided to join us ? "
tr	1	A stern , angry voice spoke directly in front of her .
tr	1	She trembled with fear , yet was happy she was back .
tr	1	She followed him to the captain 's cabin .
tr	1	When his second-in-command appeared , the conversation gave it all away .
tr	1	I will find that bastard and kill him . "
tr	1	They muttered angry words , words she could not understand .
tr	1	Sunlight drenched the cabin , streaming in from large windows .
tr	1	A uniformed man lay inside , tied and gagged .
tr	1	Blood crusted the collar of his white shirt .
tr	1	Footsteps and voices filtered through the upper deck .
tr	1	came the clipped words laced with bottled up anger .
tr	1	" Do you want to say something ? "
tr	1	" You cost me two days , " Roberto continued .
tr	1	" Roberto , what are you going to do ? "
tr	1	He only received warning flashes back from the dark ochre eyes .
tr	1	By the sound of Pierre , it was something terrible .
tr	1	" That is why I hid in the lower deck .
tr	1	It did not matter how hard they were .
tr	1	" Are you disobeying an order , Pirate ? "
tr	1	His heart missed a beat but he had to continue .
tr	1	He had to be strong and punish her .
tr	1	Roberto looked at him , annoyed , his face blank .
tr	1	I don 't want the crew to hear . "
tr	1	Roberto kept his eyes on her as they moved away .
tr	1	All eyes were fixated on the woman and the captain .
tr	1	You will have a mutiny on your hands .
tr	1	Seeing the worried eyes of his friend made him glance around .
tr	1	Roberto removed his jacket and wrapped it around her bare shoulders .
tr	1	But at the end it worked out for good .
tr	1	But still it left a bitter taste in my mouth .
tr	1	Enjoying the joy of motherhood and new life .
tr	1	He had humiliated her in front of pirates .
tr	1	This time his anger was aimed at himself .
tr	1	He had integrity and honour that the others lacked .
tr	1	They talked about women as if they were scum .
tr	1	It was a strange feeling but one she would consider later .
tr	1	My father has met with many of those men .
tr	1	That in itself I found very odd at the time .
tr	1	No names were mentioned , but he was very angry . "
tr	1	He told me not to do something foolish and to hide .
tr	1	" You do know that we are pirates as well ? "
tr	1	" And I suppose you have a plan ? "
tr	1	Your brother 's life is on the line . "
tr	1	Please , Roberto , we need to help them . "
tr	1	Besides , we do not know in which direction they went .
tr	1	" I saw the charts on the table .
tr	1	While they were talking they leaned on it .
tr	1	Walking to his table , she pointed at the open chart .
tr	1	" What do you think , Pierre ? "
tr	1	We are going on a rescue mission ! "
tr	1	Roberto said to Pierre , who laughed at the new adventure .
tr	1	The tall grasses made it difficult to see any one .
tr	1	I went to investigate and took a few men with me .
tr	1	They all died on the way of fever .
tr	1	I myself almost died as I reached the fort .
tr	1	In that time the group we left behind had similar fates .
tr	1	With enough food and medication to assist the last survivors .
tr	1	It took us seven days to reach them .
tr	1	Kayla was very clingy and refused to let go of me .
tr	1	I didn 't notice this or go to her aid .
tr	1	The past few days " experience had left her numb .
tr	1	She looked down at her hands in her lap .
tr	1	I was afraid that I would not see you again .
tr	1	" Does this mean that I am forgiven ? "
tr	1	" Tell me the story , " she whispered .
tr	1	I killed a man who raped my sister .
tr	1	He also spoke in a soft husky tone .
tr	1	When her finger ended at his lips , he kissed it .
tr	1	She pressed her forehead against his , his closeness affecting her .
tr	1	" And I think I need to go .
tr	1	She walked out , exposing creamy skin with each step .
tr	1	Never had he felt this vulnerable in all his life .
tr	1	He knew she had the same struggles as he did .
tr	1	She was fighting , refusing to recognize it .
tr	1	He could understand why she was fighting it .
tr	1	In her eyes , he was a pirate .
tr	1	Ladies like her never fell in love with pirates .
tr	1	But then , he was not an ordinary pirate .
tr	1	He could still feel her touch on his face .
tr	1	The winds look good , " Pierre reported after a while .
tr	1	She was not only beautiful but very intelligent too .
tr	1	If he had half a chance , he would pursue her .
tr	1	She smelled like cinnamon and honey , his favorite smells .
tr	1	The bath was wonderful and Enrico is very good . "
tr	1	" I am glad you are pleased , Mon Petite . "
tr	1	Roberto thought his heart almost stopped at the ridiculous plan .
tr	1	" Do you have a better idea ? "
tr	1	But she brought out the best in him .
tr	1	That in itself was a thought that kept him awake often .
tr	1	And he would never forgive himself if she got hurt .
tr	1	When Pierre looked at him , Roberto scowled .
tr	1	His second smiled and continued with the conversation .
tr	1	The woman can talk to whomever she wants .
tr	1	They were both masked , their identities sealed from prying people .
tr	1	They were still pirates , enemies on the waters .
tr	1	And again that unknown feeling coursed through him .
tr	1	Roberto knew he would never hear the end of this .
tr	1	To show so much of herself was a first .
tr	1	He seemed ugly as his eyes ran hungrily over her body .
tr	1	She had to fight the shivers running through her .
tr	1	" My good captain , finally we can meet .
tr	1	I was distracted when you were on the ship earlier .
tr	1	That captain , Roberto , what a beast ! "
tr	1	One tried to touch her and he balled his fists .
tr	1	It was all an act , he knew , but still .
tr	1	Did she have to make it look so good ?
tr	1	The remaining men went down the stairs to free the crew .
tr	1	Held in steel grips , the pirates could not fight back .
tr	1	Sailors scattered around as they started to do their daily chorus .
tr	1	Why were you on my ship in the first place ? "
tr	1	" The captain set me straight quickly after he rescued me .
tr	1	Is there anything that we can do for you ? "
tr	1	" Can I ask who you are ? "
tr	1	Pierre 's hand was almost touching the soldier 's hat .
tr	1	A few seconds passed that felt like minutes .
tr	1	Then he disappeared up the steps and they breathed again .
tr	1	I have heard so much about your father . "
tr	1	" Please make sure that you deliver the letter .
tr	1	Good-bye , and a safe journey to you . "
tr	1	The rest of the Contra 's crew had already left .
tr	1	The rescuers thought it wise to withdraw quickly .
tr	1	But she brought out the best in him .
tr	1	That in itself was a thought that kept him awake often .
tr	1	And he would never forgive himself if she got hurt .
tr	1	When Pierre looked at him , Roberto scowled .
tr	1	His second smiled and continued with the conversation .
tr	1	The woman can talk to whomever she wants .
tr	1	They were both masked , their identities sealed from prying people .
tr	1	They were still pirates , enemies on the waters .
tr	1	And again that unknown feeling coursed through him .
tr	1	Roberto knew he would never hear the end of this .
tr	1	To show so much of herself was a first .
tr	1	He seemed ugly as his eyes ran hungrily over her body .
tr	1	She had to fight the shivers running through her .
tr	1	" My good captain , finally we can meet .
tr	1	I was distracted when you were on the ship earlier .
tr	1	That captain , Roberto , what a beast ! "
tr	1	One tried to touch her and he balled his fists .
tr	1	It was all an act , he knew , but still .
tr	1	Did she have to make it look so good ?
tr	1	The remaining men went down the stairs to free the crew .
tr	1	Held in steel grips , the pirates could not fight back .
tr	1	Sailors scattered around as they started to do their daily chorus .
tr	1	Why were you on my ship in the first place ? "
tr	1	" The captain set me straight quickly after he rescued me .
tr	1	Is there anything that we can do for you ? "
tr	1	" Can I ask who you are ? "
tr	1	Pierre 's hand was almost touching the soldier 's hat .
tr	1	A few seconds passed that felt like minutes .
tr	1	Then he disappeared up the steps and they breathed again .
tr	1	I have heard so much about your father . "
tr	1	" Please make sure that you deliver the letter .
tr	1	Good-bye , and a safe journey to you . "
tr	1	The rest of the Contra 's crew had already left .
tr	1	The rescuers thought it wise to withdraw quickly .
tr	1	His dark eyes had menacingly reinforced to her his stern warning .
tr	1	Respect and discipline were of the utmost importance .
tr	1	" The captain that led us was a cruel man .
tr	1	Secondly , his whole posture was one that promised safety .
tr	1	Ten lashes because he answered a few questions !
tr	1	She dabbed away the moisture from her eyes and continued .
tr	1	We had only the plants around us to eat .
tr	1	He wanted to kill Father in his delirious state .
tr	1	Out of self-defence , Father had to kill him . "
tr	1	The people had a great respect for him .
tr	1	Under his leadership no one was left behind .
tr	1	No one was hungry if he could help it . "
tr	1	Silence ruled on the ship as men listened to her .
tr	1	Her voice was soothing to their hardened hearts .
tr	1	" Father had to leave us at one stage .
tr	1	" It was painful to see them in that state .
tr	1	Five days later , we were at the fort .
tr	1	She swallowed again at the memories of that man .
tr	1	She could not even remember what he looked like anymore .
tr	1	" His way of life finally caught up with him .
tr	1	She did not want to be apart from him any longer .
tr	1	" How long did it take you to get back ? "
tr	1	" Will you ever go back there ? "
tr	1	The search teams stayed away for longer and longer times .
tr	1	My mother refused but he tried to overpower her .
tr	1	He received a flogging because of that from the captain .
tr	1	Those are the things that I struggle with the most . "
tr	1	For the hardened pirates it was difficult to comprehend .
tr	1	13 Another week passed before a storm hit them .
tr	1	The stifling cabin would not become her coffin .
tr	1	When the pounding became uncontrollable she decided to tie herself down .
tr	1	She tried desperately to untangle herself but it was futile .
tr	1	The cry went out that a man was overboard .
tr	1	Roberto rushed over to see who it was .
tr	1	With the first few attempts , he could not find her .
tr	1	Finally , they reached safety on the rolling deck .
tr	1	Men grabbed them and hoisted them over the railing .
tr	1	Getting his footing , Roberto laid the lifeless body down .
tr	1	But there was no time to ponder this new revelation .
tr	1	The doctor rushed to her side , working over her .
tr	1	" Sorry , " He replied in a whisper .
tr	1	She smiled and fell into a deep sleep .
tr	1	He only saw her beauty gripping his heart .
tr	1	Blood streamed from her shoulder and Roberto gasped softly .
tr	1	Roberto watched as the doctor worked on her .
tr	1	The storm calmed down about an hour later .
tr	1	" I owe you thanks for saving me . "
tr	1	" Can I give you some water ? "
tr	1	he asked as he came closer , squinting his eyes .
tr	1	They were still burning from the salt water .
tr	1	Is there much damage to the ship ? "
tr	1	He smiled back , his heart racing at her smile .
tr	1	I remember you dove into the waters to rescue me .
tr	1	A pirate had fallen in love with her .
tr	1	" You need to give me some time .
tr	1	This is very confusing to me , " she finally said .
tr	1	she asked , looking up to him , eyes wide .
tr	1	" I am going to ask you to trust me .
tr	1	He kissed her hands for a second time .
tr	1	It made him even more attractive to her .
tr	1	She smiled , her body trembling with exhaustion and excitement .
tr	1	She relaxed into the softness of the mattress .
tr	1	He could see that her eyes wanted to close .
tr	1	There is something we need to discuss . "
tr	1	The smile on his face reflected his heart .
tr	1	He covered a yawn as he entered his own cabin .
tr	1	" Are you okay , my Rosa ? "
tr	1	" My shoulder hurts , " she said hoarsely .
tr	1	" A lady can get use to this . "
tr	1	" I thought it was a dream . "
tr	1	And he kissed her on the cheek " This is real .
tr	1	She wiped the salt water from her body .
tr	1	She listened intently , enjoying the food set before her .
tr	1	He had to act while still on the open seas .
tr	1	But to do that he needed her trust and love .
tr	1	This would change both their lives in an instant .
tr	1	She was now more aware of him as a man .
tr	1	One could not miss the respect and devotion between the two .
tr	1	The doctor assured her that with time it too would fade .
tr	1	She wondered how it would feel to be loved by him .
tr	1	Over the past few days she and Roberto became good friends .
tr	1	Roberto , engrossed in his work , heard the scream .
tr	1	Every bone in his body came to life .
tr	1	Immediately he rushed up to the upper deck .
tr	1	Anger filled Roberto when he realized what was going on .
tr	1	The man held her down tight against the railing .
tr	1	When Roberto caught up with him he was seething .
tr	1	" You were out of line , sailor . "
tr	1	" Yeah , but she is worth it .
tr	1	The lady is not interested in you , you rat !
tr	1	We will deal with him in the morning . "
tr	1	Roberto said in a low , cold tone .
tr	1	The sailor was silent as blood formed on his lip .
tr	1	" Are you all right , my Rosa ? "
tr	1	" Again , my hero , " she said , smiling .
tr	1	" It 's becoming a trend now . "
tr	1	Drawing her closer , he placed a kiss on her forehead .
tr	1	" When are you going to talk to me ? "
tr	1	All he saw was trust , and could it be ?
tr	1	his dark ochre eyes were wide and serious .
tr	1	Careful curiosity filled them as he watched her .
tr	1	He was not afraid of admitting how he felt .
tr	1	He lowered his head and brushed against her lips .
tr	1	Her body trembled and she stared wide-eyed up to him .
tr	1	She leaned into him and returned the kiss .
tr	1	" Does that means it is a yes ? "
tr	1	he asked with a smile breaking over his whole face .
tr	1	The man received ten lashes and was untied .
tr	1	" I love you and don 't want to wait .
tr	1	There is no need to be in a hurry .
tr	1	Besides , I would love to have my parents present . "
tr	1	" No , " he said , unexpectedly loud .
tr	1	She had to admit she wanted more than just this .
tr	1	And what would her parents say of this sudden marriage ?
tr	1	Questions poured through her , bringing her back to reality .
tr	1	She tried to move away but he did not let her .
tr	1	His eyes were wary as he looked upon her youthful face .
tr	1	Her eyes were wide with concern and hesitance .
tr	1	" I really want my parents to witness this occasion .
tr	1	You know how I feel about them . "
tr	1	Among others , she thought , not meeting his gaze .
tr	1	" That is not your biggest concern though ? "
tr	1	She could not lie to him or be dishonest .
tr	1	" Roberto , " she whispered and clasped his arms .
tr	1	His authoritative voice left no room for argument .
tr	1	She looked at him with concern etched in her mind .
tr	1	She really loved the man that stood in front of her .
tr	1	Her whole being cried out to be with him .
tr	1	He chuckled as his mouth once again captured her mouth .
tr	1	" You are conceited , Mr Pirate . "
tr	1	The celebration continued for the rest of the day and night .
tr	1	All shyness disappeared as he explored every inch of her .
tr	1	Everyone scurried around to tie everything down to the ship .
tr	1	The winds were strong and icy cold against their skins .
tr	1	He grabbed the skirt and she could hear the material rip .
tr	1	One shoe fell with a thud on the floor .
tr	1	The other she had lost during the struggle .
tr	1	" Did you really think that those lashes would stop me ?
tr	1	" I promise I will have you . "
tr	1	Straightening himself , he tore at her clothing .
tr	1	Her bodice laces were hanging loose in front of her chest .
tr	1	She willed herself to be calm and to think .
tr	1	She kicked again to move herself up closer to the pillows .
tr	1	He released a guffaw that vibrated through her fear .
tr	1	The sailor 's head was in between her legs .
tr	1	The bullet was imbedded between the beady eyes .
tr	1	" A few scratches , but I am fine . "
tr	1	He just held her as she clung to him .
tr	1	She could hear his heart racing , echoing her own .
tr	1	She nodded softly , numbness in her limbs .
tr	1	When she opened her eyes she looked bewildered .
tr	1	The memories of the previous night came back in a flash .
tr	1	For a moment she did not know where she was .
tr	1	She pulled him closer , holding him tightly .
tr	1	He moved her up toward him pressed against his hard chest .
tr	1	" This is not your fault my love .
tr	1	" I vowed to protect you , " he said .
tr	1	" You are everything I want in a man .
tr	1	Beside I am married to a mean pirate . "
tr	1	" I do not feel like that right now . "
tr	1	" What , my brave and fearless pirate is terrified ? "
tr	1	You are still the only man for me .
tr	1	He looked at her as if she was saying something profound .
tr	1	Now go and get me some clothes . "
tr	1	He kissed her before he jumped out of bed .
tr	1	" I will get Enrico to get you a dress . "
tr	1	" I want a dress , Roberto . "
tr	1	Enrico was back in minutes with her nightgown .
tr	1	Roberto helped her to dress and Enrico asked .
tr	1	He took the brush from her and continued .
tr	1	Since they got married he cared for her .
tr	1	Nothing was amiss and she felt truly loved and adored .
tr	1	The mean man she met months ago was gone .
tr	1	A man 's holy place , her father had once said .
tr	1	Not even her own fragrance could extinguish his smell .
tr	1	And she loved it would not change it for anything .
tr	1	The pirate was in the back , lingering .
tr	1	Do you think all pirates are ignorant ? "
tr	1	" You are quite surprising for a pirate . "
tr	1	" I am glad to have the lady 's approval . "
tr	1	" I am glad to hear that . "
tr	1	She could not believe what she had done .
tr	1	" I 've caused a lot of problems for you ? "
tr	1	He walked to his desk to collect some water for her .
tr	1	" I know , but you are safe now .
tr	1	When she was done she gave it to him .
tr	1	It was still hard after all these years .
tr	1	The stoic reply sent shivers up her spine .
tr	1	" I am so sorry for your loss . "
tr	1	It was a very long time ago . "
tr	1	You do not act like a pirate yet you are one .
tr	1	her eyes filled with sincere emotions of hope .
tr	1	" Why did you choose this lifestyle ? "
tr	1	She is trying very hard to make sense out of this .
tr	1	It chose me , " he finally answered .
tr	1	" Don 't you want to tell me ? "
tr	1	Enrico knocked and she quickly took the food from him .
tr	1	She took it over to the chairs where they sat down .
tr	1	" I am a farmer by birth . "
tr	1	She gasped , placing a hand on his arm .
tr	1	" I was nineteen , my sister twenty-one . "
tr	1	Two months later she became sick with morning sickness .
tr	1	He is a very clever man and I learned a lot .
tr	1	The cargo was of much importance to the Falcon .
tr	1	They respected him although they never met him . "
tr	1	he smiled at her and she returned the smile .
tr	1	Your brother 's stories didn 't do you justice .
tr	1	You are more impressive in real life . "
tr	1	Roberto pulled her closer and kissed her , demanding .
tr	1	She came closer , opening herself to him .
tr	1	" I know what you mean , " She replied .
tr	1	You have captured my mind and my heart swiftly .
tr	1	My body had no other choice but to follow . "
tr	1	" For a pirate you are very romantic . "
tr	1	" Please don 't tell anyone , " he murmured .
tr	1	It is my secret tucked in my heart .
tr	1	I love you , Roberto de Ville . "
tr	1	The last few weeks had been filled with discovery for him .
tr	1	His recklessness to expose his heart was a revelation .
tr	1	In the process she opened up as well .
tr	1	She opened to him unabashedly , pliant under his coaching .
tr	1	" Let me put you in bed . "
tr	1	There was nothing that could compare to this bonding .
tr	1	It was as if they could not get enough .
tr	1	All was forgotten except to just live for the moment .
tr	1	She could feel his body reacting to her .
tr	1	Her resistance crumbled under the care and love she received .
tr	1	Pierre would tell of his bravery on many occasions .
tr	1	Because there would be no mercy once he was caught .
tr	1	What if children were born out of this union ?
tr	1	He said she was brave but she was not .
tr	1	† † † A month later , another storm hit them .
tr	1	High-speed winds went through them , leaving them cold and helpless .
tr	1	The cook prepared a warm stew that the men gobbled up .
tr	1	She had no doubt in her mind any more .
tr	1	She wanted him to know that she cared more .
tr	1	With trembling hands she started to push him to the side .
tr	1	The moment she touched him he was awake .
tr	1	He smiled at the determination with which she did the task .
tr	1	When she started to leave , he spoke sleepily .
tr	1	It startled her and she blushed , keeping her face down .
tr	1	The exploring of their tongues ignited fire in them both .
tr	1	she finally could say , out of breath .
tr	1	" Tell me again , how much ? "
tr	1	With a thump they fell on the floor .
tr	1	He removed her petticoat , pressing kisses on her flat stomach .
tr	1	He took her to a high plain of heated desire .
tr	1	Her brain exploded with him inside of her .
tr	1	Roberto was in a blissful state of his own .
tr	1	He turned her around as she whimpered from the release .
tr	1	" My wife , my Rosa , I love you . "
tr	1	17 Time moved on but yet stood still .
tr	1	His lips searched and kissed every part of her .
tr	1	She found she had spots that responded more to him .
tr	1	She chuckled when he too pleaded gruffly , her eyes shimmering .
tr	1	He wanted to tell her so much but could not .
tr	1	" Yes , Roberto , those are beautiful words .
tr	1	she replied , out of breath and speechless .
tr	1	He knew that it fettered her mind continuously .
tr	1	Piracy was good to me , but the farm is waiting .
tr	1	You will have to be strong , stronger than before .
tr	1	Our safety can only be guaranteed with you trusting me . "
tr	1	he sighed in contentment and he pulled her closer .
tr	1	He groaned and crushed her mouth with his again .
tr	1	" It is the southern point of Madagascar .
tr	1	The only law that counts is the Falcon 's .
tr	1	The best course is always to be straightforward .
tr	1	" Roberto , you frighten me when you talk like that !
tr	1	There is no doubt in my mind . "
tr	1	His character was not that of a pirate .
tr	1	" Roberto , what are you not telling me ? "
tr	1	That is all I can say for now .
tr	1	But it was easier to speak to her than Roberto .
tr	1	Her body was adjusting and aroused under his raw desire .
tr	1	She had to wait on board for him .
tr	1	Roberto himself had great difficulty in leaving her behind .
tr	1	The Falcon was unpredictable on the best of days .
tr	1	But he could not afford to turn around .
tr	1	He had to leave her behind and think clear-headed for now .
tr	1	That was the difference between survival and certain death .
tr	1	He was rushed to the Falcon 's place immediately .
tr	1	Everyone in the group was loyal to the Falcon .
tr	1	The few men he knew were not among this group .
tr	1	He was living in the place as a chief .
tr	1	A woman was over his knee and hit her without mercy .
tr	1	When the Falcon noticed Roberto he stopped the smacks .
tr	1	The woman fell to the ground and he kicked her aside .
tr	1	Two men stepped forward and reached for her unceremoniously .
tr	1	One smacked her hard and she fell backward .
tr	1	" Take her , dammit , " the Falcon cursed loudly .
tr	1	" What must we do with her ? "
tr	1	Roberto looked at Pierre who stood there with clenched jaw .
tr	1	Both men knew they could not help her .
tr	1	What she had done to displease him they could only guess .
tr	1	" Roberto , I trust you are well ? "
tr	1	" Pierre , " Falcon acknowledged him briefly .
tr	1	" Falcon , " Pierre returned the greeting as Roberto had .
tr	1	" And have you brought me the ransom ? "
tr	1	The Falcon 's dark eyes glimmering with satisfaction .
tr	1	" Yes , Captain , " Roberto answered .
tr	1	" Well let me hear all about it ! "
tr	1	" Now look what you have done , you idiot woman .
tr	1	Pierre was right it was not time for any heroics .
tr	1	We are anxious to hear of your travels . "
tr	1	He was ruthless in his endeavours and vicious to any captive .
tr	1	The young woman was back with another pitcher .
tr	1	" So , she is in good health ? "
tr	1	" You don 't offer much , Roberto .
tr	1	Roberto met the Falcon 's glare head on .
tr	1	The patrols are canvassing the island as we speak . "
tr	1	Falcon asked , bringing them back to the subject at hand .
tr	1	Both he and Pierre got up and left the hut .
tr	1	Her heart ached because of her unexpected love for him .
tr	1	It was the not knowing that drove her to pacing .
tr	1	Roberto lived them , making it all real .
tr	1	The crew was on alert all the time .
tr	1	Tension hung like a thick , unseen blanket in the air .
tr	1	The not knowing , not being out there created more nerves .
tr	1	He was also a good man and the crew respected him .
tr	1	He had a self-assurance about him that made him attractive .
tr	1	He laughed easily and was pleasant to talk to .
tr	1	She had also noticed that they did not call her Señora .
tr	1	She was sure it would become clear later .
tr	1	Her waist was cinched small , according to the latest fashion .
tr	1	Men watched her , following her with greedy , hungry eyes .
tr	1	The nose was a dead giveaway to the name .
tr	1	Disgust filled his eyes as the pirate touched her .
tr	1	" Where is my brother , you bastard ? "
tr	1	" Your brother will come when I am good and ready .
tr	1	Let me have a look at you . "
tr	1	He brushed away her hair , cupping her breasts again .
tr	1	Roberto fumed , clenching his fists and stepping forward .
tr	1	She felt humiliated , exposed to every hungry glare .
tr	1	You bloody bitch , you 've had sex ! "
tr	1	Enraged , he slapped her and she fell to the ground .
tr	1	He slapped her again so that she fell on her backside .
tr	1	An instant later she stood up straight again .
tr	1	Her hair fell forward and covered one breast .
tr	1	Her chin lifted and his heart swelled with pride .
tr	1	Her body was rigid as she stared the Falcon down .
tr	1	Roberto was quiet all the way to his hut .
tr	1	He was also hungry and very tired . "
tr	1	She tried to hide it , never cried .
tr	1	" A savage tribe helped my father to get food .
tr	1	We thought the chief was a good man .
tr	1	To them , it did not matter where they were .
tr	1	As long as they had food , they were satisfied .
tr	1	The two women did not even put up a fight . "
tr	1	And she comforted him , his head on her shoulder .
tr	1	You were so brave , my Rosa . "
tr	1	His touch on her cheek stung after the slaps .
tr	1	" I am going to be a father ! "
tr	1	" Make love to me , " she whispered .
tr	1	" How can I refuse that request ? "
tr	1	He brought her closer , their lips locked in tenderness .
tr	1	" I love you , my Rosa . "
tr	1	He crushed her body against his , demanding her mouth .
tr	1	She removed his clothing , struggling to get to the bed .
tr	1	To fight for their future was worth everything .
tr	1	He smiled as she stretched her body against him .
tr	1	" There is no sign of Pierre or Enrico .
tr	1	We will have to get away from here .
tr	1	A young girl stood crying behind a tree .
tr	1	" We are here to help you . "
tr	1	" I was captured from the coast of Mozambique .
tr	1	They brought me on a ship this afternoon .
tr	1	They heard movement behind them , as people came closer .
tr	1	Quickly , they introduced themselves to the young girl .
tr	1	" Get in , " said Roberto and started to push .
tr	1	Nora was already at the edge when they were stopped .
tr	1	" You really care about this bitch , son .
tr	1	" You will not touch her again , Falcon .
tr	1	The Falcon laughed , drawing out his sword .
tr	1	" Let 's see if you can . "
tr	1	Both knew they had the same cunning and skill to win .
tr	1	Both had a roguish grin on their faces .
tr	1	The younger man clearly had the upper hand .
tr	1	Roberto sidestepped again , punching the man in the face .
tr	1	He fell to the ground as the Falcon moved forward again .
tr	1	Grabbing the sword , his face was stunned .
tr	1	" You wounded me , you son of a bitch ! "
tr	1	She waited for him as he moved forward again .
tr	1	Her sword disappeared into the man 's chest .
tr	1	Waves covered him , pulling him farther out to sea .
tr	1	Roberto managed to strike the sword away from him .
tr	1	One man grabbed Nora , holding his sword under her chin .
tr	1	Fear filled her eyes but no sound came out .
tr	1	Looking at Nora , they lowered their swords .
tr	1	" Your bitch has killed one of my men ! "
tr	1	She pronounced each word in clipped tones , her promise unmistakable .
tr	1	When they reached the tavern , they were tied up together .
tr	1	It looked like she had been dragged at one point .
tr	1	She was full of scratch marks on her lower arms .
tr	1	I have watched you for a while now .
tr	1	Roberto 's head snapped back , his ears ringing .
tr	1	He returned his gaze , hate smouldering in the depths .
tr	1	" A pirate with a wife , what a laugh ! "
tr	1	Roars of boisterous laughter filled the place and goblets slammed together .
tr	1	Are you going to marry her too ? "
tr	1	" You are the one that made sure that Pedro escaped .
tr	1	" My men saw your brother at Santa Apollonia .
tr	1	I am waiting for their return as we speak .
tr	1	Both are so pretty , don 't you think ? "
tr	1	To see her younger brother was truly a big relief .
tr	1	" I am tired of you slapping me .
tr	1	The moment Roberto released her she sprang into action .
tr	1	With one fierce blow to his heart , she killed him .
tr	1	The emotions were too much for brother and sister .
tr	1	She left Roberto 's arms and threw herself into his .
tr	1	He hugged her , pulled her away and smiled .
tr	1	She smiled , wiping tears from her face .
tr	1	All the pirates were finally apprehended and tied up .
tr	1	He clapped his new brother-in-law on the shoulder .
tr	1	I am an honest member of the working society . "
tr	1	He would be a good husband to her .
tr	1	I just do not understand what is going on .
tr	1	Does this mean that I am free ? "
tr	1	He bowed before her with a gorgeous smile .
tr	1	The sight of her bloody foot dismayed Pierre greatly .
tr	1	He crouched down and examined one foot and then the other .
tr	1	" Would you like to sit down ? "
tr	1	He rose to his full height , towering over her .
tr	1	Dimples appeared on each cheek and Pierre was mesmerized , lost .
tr	1	" Yes , kind Señor , " she chuckled .
tr	1	" What would you like to know ? "
tr	1	" There are a million questions racing through my mind .
tr	1	I don 't know where to begin , " she replied .
tr	1	Start at the beginning , I guess . "
tr	1	It was a wonder this one was still intact .
tr	1	She raised it to her mouth and took small sips .
tr	1	After much negotiation , they gladly accepted the offer .
tr	1	He smiled at her and her eyes were fixed on him .
tr	1	Pedro was impressive , to say the least .
tr	1	" But how did Pedro " escape " ? "
tr	1	I searched for him all over the island .
tr	1	I was not sure what was going on . "
tr	1	" I missed you , " she pouted .
tr	1	He smiled as he kissed her pouty lips .
tr	1	Captain le Roux came to the couple with questioning brows .
tr	1	We thank you for the letter and your bravery .
tr	1	" He was really adopted by the Falcon ? "
tr	1	Roberto placed a kiss on her nose with a conceited smile .
tr	1	Proudly , he stood there smiling at her .
tr	1	" Hi , sister , " Pedro said sheepishly .
tr	1	" Roberto , why didn 't you tell me ?
tr	1	Your secret would have been safe with me . "
tr	1	She pulled him closer , kissing him in front of everyone .
tr	1	The arousal she sensed in him made her forget everyone else .
tr	1	" But are you not a pirate ? "
tr	1	she asked , seeing the commotion around her .
tr	1	She looked at him puzzled , and he explained .
tr	1	Since then , we have become good friends . "
tr	1	" You are very brave , Captain . "
tr	1	he whispered , just above the crashing of the waves .
tr	1	She leaned in and offered her lips without saying a word .
tr	1	He brushed against her plum lips , sighing in contentment .
tr	1	I am going to make an effort to court her .
tr	1	† † † " What is next for you ? "
tr	1	I am going to be a farmer from now on .
tr	1	I only received the news three months ago .
tr	1	" I have found the will that your father left .
tr	1	The Captain handed two letters over to him .
tr	1	His father was not one to mince words .
tr	1	It told him how much they had missed him .
tr	1	How he had missed these two people over the years .
tr	1	He now knew he would never see them again .
tr	1	He shook Captain le Roux 's hand firmly .
tr	1	You have done a lot for us over the years .
tr	1	Pierre returned Nora to Mozambique where she had been abducted .
tr	1	His mother and sister would look after her .
tr	1	Her knowledge was vast and full of wit .
tr	1	He knew he had made the right choice .
tr	1	They had not met under the best of circumstances .
tr	1	He had kidnapped the man 's daughter right under his nose .
tr	1	How would he react to their bonding as a married couple ?
tr	1	What if he did not accept him as her husband ?
tr	1	With a sigh , she opened her warm mouth .
tr	1	" You don 't play fair , " he pouted .
tr	1	" Well , are you going to talk to me ? "
tr	1	He looked away , avoiding the piercing eyes .
tr	1	She looked away , not sure what to think .
tr	1	They might be angry but they would not chase him away .
tr	1	" They will never chase you away , " she whispered .
tr	1	" You are silly to think this way . "
tr	1	If it was me , I would shoot me . "
tr	1	" He will not shoot you , Roberto .
tr	1	He is loving and caring , everything you are as well .
tr	1	She placed another kiss on his plump lips .
tr	1	" You taught me , so don 't complain . "
tr	1	he said , and captured her mouth seductively .
tr	1	She felt sweaty and gigantic even though she knew .
tr	1	The seams had been let out until nothing remained .
tr	1	Nora had it a bit better but not much .
tr	1	They watched the land coming closer with every passing hour .
tr	1	You are making it too much of an issue .
tr	1	Dark eyes turned to him and he gave a tense grin .
tr	1	" Yes , I hear you , my friend . "
tr	1	" Were you looking for me , Rosa ? "
tr	1	She looked past him to the busy harbour .
tr	1	" I have missed you , my Rosie . "
tr	1	" Rosie , are you in the family way ? "
tr	1	His light blue eyes filled with suspicion and surprise .
tr	1	" Papa , I must introduce you to my husband . "
tr	1	" Step aside , sister , " he hissed .
tr	1	" Manuel , you don 't understand ! "
tr	1	" What is this pirate doing here ? "
tr	1	" But child , he kidnapped you . "
tr	1	" I think we need to go home .
tr	1	" Papa , meet Roberto de Ville . "
tr	1	He almost flinched under the pain but kept his face blank .
tr	1	† † † The reunion between mother and daughter was heart-warming .
tr	1	He could not help but feel elevated by her .
tr	1	He came back later and joined them again .
tr	1	My pirate days provided well for me over the years . "
tr	1	There is no other woman for me . "
tr	1	" I appreciate your honesty , Roberto . "
tr	1	I could not have chosen better than you .
tr	1	He clasped Roberto 's hand in a fatherly gesture .
tr	1	" Papa will be fine , son . "
tr	1	Roberto swallowed at the lump in his throat .
tr	1	When was the last time he had used that word ?
tr	1	He brushed away the dark locks covering her beautiful face .
tr	1	A dimpled smile appeared as she cuddled deeper into him .
tr	1	He could only shake his head at his own stupidity .
tr	1	The castle was filled with laughter and baby voices .
tr	1	They just knew their mothers were in distress .
tr	1	It was an enmity that led to war .
tr	1	He believed that he had destroyed every trace of his enemies .
tr	1	Yet this decision was fraught with its own difficulties .
tr	1	" No good will come of this . "
tr	1	" Will you not listen to sense , Rafe ? "
tr	1	They were in Lord Rafe 's personal chambers .
tr	1	" You think me a fool , Finan ? "
tr	1	Is your displeasure such that you will not help me ? "
tr	1	He remembered back to his lord 's youth .
tr	1	Even as a boy , he had commanded respect and affection .
tr	1	" I do not understand , " replied Finan slowly .
tr	1	Rafe 's smile had stretched a little wider .
tr	1	" Why do you fear for my safety , Finan ? "
tr	1	As always , Finan , you are correct . "
tr	1	Finan knew that his master was brewing trouble .
tr	1	He looked up , steady eyes willing Finan to understand .
tr	1	Rafe grinned and relaxed back into his chair .
tr	1	Shaking his head , he continued to peruse the writing .
tr	1	Finan 's eyes fell on the first line of the missive .
tr	1	Understanding filled his mind and his eyes met Lord Rafe 's .
tr	1	" You begin to understand , I think . "
tr	1	" She believes herself to be writing to your father ! "
tr	1	His voice was hoarse and his face seemed suddenly too pale .
tr	1	" I cannot ... how will you explain to King Ine ?
tr	1	" I never knew you to be dramatic before . "
tr	1	" He will cause me no trouble . "
tr	1	" What does your father say to this , Rafe ? "
tr	1	Lord Brogan 's disapproval would be weighing heavily on his mind .
tr	1	Do you not think that your father is right ? "
tr	1	Finan regarded the untouched wine in his goblet .
tr	1	" I take it that your father did ? "
tr	1	" Then you must do as you think best . "
tr	1	Finan looked at his lord , genuinely surprised .
tr	1	" I happen to be your only son , sir . "
tr	1	Rafe shifted his weight awkwardly and pulled on his tunic .
tr	1	" I take it you are ready to leave ? "
tr	1	Rafe hesitated , fingering the sheathed knife on his belt .
tr	1	' Tis not my wish to hurt you . "
tr	1	Rafe grasped his father 's hand tightly in his own .
tr	1	The man within made his way towards Rafe 's horse slowly .
tr	1	" What is your business here , sir ? "
tr	1	" I am here to visit the fort . "
tr	1	Rafe held the letter out toward the man .
tr	1	The penetrating , dark eyed stare roamed over him swiftly .
tr	1	The voice was sharply bracing and Rafe suddenly rediscovered his tongue .
tr	1	She led him across the courtyard toward a stone building .
tr	1	" ' The man whom I most trust ' . "
tr	1	" She must be well taken care of .
tr	1	She stood abruptly , indicating that he was to follow her .
tr	1	" Now I will take you to your chamber .
tr	1	" I shall have some food sent to you . "
tr	1	Although what more they could give her she did not know .
tr	1	It was the chest that contained Lord Rafe 's letters .
tr	1	Adele could have recited every word from memory .
tr	1	Lord Rafe was a kind , generous man .
tr	1	He had no time for such purposeless self-indulgence .
tr	1	How could he have forgotten she would need one ?
tr	1	What was he going to do with her ?
tr	1	His patience , never very lasting , was wearing increasingly thin .
tr	1	The poor girl ... this must be alarmingly new for her .
tr	1	He bowed slightly but Adele neither replied nor moved .
tr	1	In truth he seemed unconscious of his good fortune .
tr	1	" Had she better not change for the journey ? "
tr	1	He shook his head , surprised at his own thoughts .
tr	1	A sudden look of foreboding entered his eyes .
tr	1	" Then she will have to be led . "
tr	1	" Either way she must be dressed appropriately . "
tr	1	He also noticed that she brought with her another young lady .
tr	1	She was very beautiful , as striking as Adele was subtle .
tr	1	At first glance she totally eclipsed Adele with her brilliance .
tr	1	" Very well , I shall take her too . "
tr	1	Things , he felt , could only improve .
tr	1	How was she supposed to sit atop that ?
tr	1	How many times had she viewed these fields from the fort ?
tr	1	Adele looked away , feeling the sudden plummeting of her spirits .
tr	1	Adele looked at the man riding silently before her .
tr	1	His voice was gentle , belying the harshness of the words .
tr	1	It might not be too bad after all .
tr	1	His mother would ... Great goodness , what was he thinking !
tr	1	" The first time you ride can leave you aching . "
tr	1	" ' Tis possible that I will ache later .
tr	1	" Why do you call him Charger ? "
tr	1	she asked eventually , nodding to the horse .
tr	1	" Valiant ; he has more courage than sense . "
tr	1	" Charger and Valiant , and what may I call you ?
tr	1	" If that is what you wish , my lady . "
tr	1	She turned to him , fixing him with her huge eyes .
tr	1	How had he not seen the pit falls ?
tr	1	Now the problem was how to tell her the truth .
tr	1	It was ridiculous , he had to tell her and now .
tr	1	Illumination broke like a sunrise in Adele 's mind .
tr	1	He could tell her , but what would her reaction be ?
tr	1	He would tell her the moment they gained his border .
tr	1	Rafe gazed up at her in faint amusement .
tr	1	She pulled her cloak around her more closely .
tr	1	" I don 't see a dwelling , " she observed .
tr	1	" Do you not , my lady ? "
tr	1	Her eyes , calm and clear , regarded him steadily .
tr	1	" You mean we are to sleep outside . "
tr	1	Eda looked over her shoulder and all around .
tr	1	" We cannot , you cannot expect us to ! "
tr	1	Rafe began to drag wood together , ignoring Eda 's outburst .
tr	1	" It will be fine , Eda . "
tr	1	Her voice seemed to calm her friend a little .
tr	1	Tension spread through every line of his body .
tr	1	" You must be hungry both of you . "
tr	1	" Those provisions are from the fort ! "
tr	1	Rafe saw nothing in that fact to weep over .
tr	1	" But ... how will you cook it ? "
tr	1	The cheese was formed into a large round .
tr	1	" Come , you should be nearer the warmth . "
tr	1	Adele tried to object as Rafe took hold of her arm .
tr	1	he exclaimed , making as if to pull her upright .
tr	1	Eda grasped his arm and tried to pull him away .
tr	1	" Leave her be , let go you brute ! "
tr	1	" Here , you had best lean on me . "
tr	1	He reached out , taking the meat from off the fire .
tr	1	Its savoury smell reminded him that he was still hungry .
tr	1	grinned Rafe ruefully , stirring the fire with a stick .
tr	1	When you take part you think ' twill be glorious .
tr	1	He broke off , shaking his head in dissatisfaction .
tr	1	His voice was bitter , his face strangely haggard and troubled .
tr	1	Victory , when finally attained , is not courageous .
tr	1	Adele didn 't press him to speak again .
tr	1	In general it was not a problem for him .
tr	1	He lay still , knowing he had a choice to make .
tr	1	I will hold them here while you try to escape .
tr	1	If you stop you will not survive . "
tr	1	" You mean if they do not kill you ? "
tr	1	' Tis unlikely that there will be so few . "
tr	1	" Could you not run with us ? "
tr	1	" Eda , be quiet and lay still ! "
tr	1	" Eda , please be quiet , " begged Adele .
tr	1	Adele , ' tis the middle of the night !
tr	1	We are in the middle of nowhere . "
tr	1	" Eda , please be silent and listen ! "
tr	1	When the attack came it was sudden and loud .
tr	1	The gloominess was frightening , closing over them with disorientating thickness .
tr	1	With a soldiers sixth sense he knew they had gone .
tr	1	Adele listened in the silence that followed and heard nothing .
tr	1	She looked up at Rafe again but his face was thoughtful .
tr	1	He seemed surprised , and she released him hurriedly .
tr	1	Rafe stepped away from her and she felt suddenly unsupported .
tr	1	He shook her roughly as if to drive home his point .
tr	1	" Just get on the horse , " he whispered irritably .
tr	1	" All is well , " assured Rafe .
tr	1	Eda nodded and rested her head on Adele 's shoulder .
tr	1	Eda snuggled her cheek against Adele 's shoulder .
tr	1	" I mean how many men were there ? "
tr	1	" Where did you learn to use a bow ? "
tr	1	" Not if you will not believe it . "
tr	1	Rafe 's eyes narrowed , swift suspicion filling his mind .
tr	1	She rubbed her hands together , trying to warm them .
tr	1	For a moment he fancied that she hesitated .
tr	1	" A friend , " smiled Adele softly , looking away .
tr	1	Eda struggled upright , listening to their conversation carefully .
tr	1	" A good friend , " Adele answered quietly .
tr	1	" Why did you come with us ? "
tr	1	" You need me to protect you . "
tr	1	" That was before I heard the horses . "
tr	1	" Are you suggesting that I am heavy ? "
tr	1	Adele pushed the tangle of curls back from her friends face .
tr	1	" But , Adele , ' tis all so vile ! "
tr	1	" You have said that already , dear . "
tr	1	She did not need the complication of his fears .
tr	1	She had never felt that sense of belonging .
tr	1	Adele was thoughtful for a moment before shrugging her shoulders slightly .
tr	1	" The village is built upon a hill and is extensive .
tr	1	" We had apple trees at the fort . "
tr	1	Rafe considered Adele silently from beneath lowered brows .
tr	1	" I fell from an oak tree once . "
tr	1	" Really , how old were you ? "
tr	1	Rafe grinned and set Eda behind her on the horse .
tr	1	How close he had come to giving himself away .
tr	1	He had been going to say that Finan had startled him .
tr	1	" My friend startled me and I lost my balance . "
tr	1	" I hope you did not hurt yourself . "
tr	1	" I broke my arm , " he answered curtly .
tr	1	How did King Ine take Rafe 's delegation of duties ? "
tr	1	He would listen to me anyway ; nobody ever does ! "
tr	1	" So , what gives , eh ? "
tr	1	" No ' tis naught like that . "
tr	1	It was simply that it was not his secret to confide .
tr	1	" I know not , " replied Finan with a shrug .
tr	1	Not that they hadn 't listened to him with respect .
tr	1	" As I recall you were barely crawling ! "
tr	1	" I was almost five years old at the time . "
tr	1	Finan heaved himself from his seat with a growl .
tr	1	He roamed angrily with the force of his convictions .
tr	1	Did you ever hear ought to equal it ?
tr	1	To secure his own safety before lashing out in vile premeditation .
tr	1	No one directed the path of their life absolutely .
tr	1	" Such things should never be forgotten . "
tr	1	She must be tired , she had to be .
tr	1	He was surprised to find that the hush had become oppressive .
tr	1	The robin fluttered away nervously and Adele laughed .
tr	1	" ' Tis only crumbs , you silly thing . "
tr	1	A moment later it hopped a little nearer again .
tr	1	" He 's a handsome fellow , isn 't he ? "
tr	1	Rafe was startled to hear Adele 's warm and friendly voice .
tr	1	" I was thinking , " answered Rafe apologetically .
tr	1	" You are worried , " shrugged Adele .
tr	1	It is not pleasant to be always troubled . "
tr	1	She scattered a few more crumbs for the waiting robin .
tr	1	Her serene eyes drifted up to meet his gaze .
tr	1	Rafe stared hard into her softly unfocused eyes for some moments .
tr	1	" You are a very unusual girl . "
tr	1	The words slipped from his mouth before he could check them .
tr	1	Thankfully there had never been the need to say very much .
tr	1	It was different with Adele , she required active participation .
tr	1	" Are you thirsty , Lady Adele ? "
tr	1	He registered the meaning of his words and began to stammer .
tr	1	" You are funny when you become nervous . "
tr	1	" You do not think Lord Rafe will mind ? "
tr	1	" You think he will like it , Finn ? "
tr	1	The conversation was becoming a little too complicated , too difficult .
tr	1	He was gone again , lost to her as a companion .
tr	1	She didn 't speak again , did not question him .
tr	1	" So do you , " she replied .
tr	1	She stole a look up at him from beneath lowered lashes .
tr	1	Adele bent to touch Eda 's shoulder lightly .
tr	1	Do you want us all to be caught ? "
tr	1	" I think I would prefer capture to this . "
tr	1	She sat up , stretched and then winced .
tr	1	They were travelling downward into a valley that he knew well .
tr	1	Valiant slithered and scrambled to regain his footing .
tr	1	" I think it would be best if we dismount . "
tr	1	Rafe could feel the blood drain from his face .
tr	1	What would he do if she were to become unwell ?
tr	1	" Or take me down with you ! "
tr	1	" I cannot think how you managed to stay upright . "
tr	1	" You are wet through , " Rafe noted .
tr	1	Adele smiled up at him , laughing again .
tr	1	" ' Tis raining , had you not noticed ? "
tr	1	Rafe realised the inanity of his statement and began to chuckle .
tr	1	She turned to Eda , holding out her other hand .
tr	1	" Come Eda , then we may all be steady . "
tr	1	Eda slithered toward them and latched onto Adele firmly .
tr	1	Adele blew a lock of hair back from her face .
tr	1	Finan : at that moment pretending to be Lord Rafe !
tr	1	Rafe listened to the bright sound in amusement .
tr	1	She bore no signs of being a star crossed lover .
tr	1	Nor had he ever viewed one woman above another .
tr	1	Chapter Nine Rand looked across the rain slashed valley .
tr	1	They would be getting terribly wet under the leafless boughs .
tr	1	" They do not slow him up much , Master . "
tr	1	" They do not , but it makes little matter .
tr	1	We shall be upon them soon enough , Bron . "
tr	1	" You said that yesterday , Master Rand . "
tr	1	" What do you intend to do , Lord Rand ? "
tr	1	" We will take the longer route , Bron . "
tr	1	Rand pulled on the reins and wheeled his horse about .
tr	1	The finish hastened toward him with the promise of his release .
tr	1	The voice was insistent but Finan did not hear it .
tr	1	He felt a sharp tug on his tunic and turned absently .
tr	1	Finan caught his breath and rolled exasperated eyes toward the page .
tr	1	asked Finan , his large frame stiffening slightly .
tr	1	If you do not start young they become unmanageable . "
tr	1	Just the fragrance alone made him feel warmer .
tr	1	Finan answered , not missing his queue this time .
tr	1	" What ails the boy , is he ill ? "
tr	1	" Yes , yes : what is it ? "
tr	1	Finan took no notice but turned again to the small page .
tr	1	" I do not think you would . "
tr	1	" Do not think I would what ? "
tr	1	" Wake up , " answered Finan wearily .
tr	1	" No , I suppose I would not . "
tr	1	" Say Finan , are you alright ? "
tr	1	Finan allowed his gaze to travel over the youth slowly .
tr	1	" Well I have not done so have I ? "
tr	1	" And there he has you , Finan ! "
tr	1	Finan arrested the child 's movements as he made to leave .
tr	1	" What was he doing here anyway ? "
tr	1	Father has ambition enough for us both ! "
tr	1	" I have never noticed that you lack a thing .
tr	1	" He wishes I were more like Rafe .
tr	1	" Yes I am always in his train . "
tr	1	" But for my father that is not enough .
tr	1	Finan felt a dull anger creep over him .
tr	1	Competing with one another in friendly rivalry was one thing .
tr	1	" Cheer up , Finan , it may never happen ! "
tr	1	He managed to force a rather sad smile .
tr	1	Chapter Ten Rafe stopped and looked out into the gathering darkness .
tr	1	" You should get out of the rain . "
tr	1	" Eda , be silent , " whispered back Adele .
tr	1	So please , Eda , please ... no more tonight . "
tr	1	With great patience he fed the blaze with the damp wood .
tr	1	" Fine , " assured Eda , looking away .
tr	1	Adele nodded but Rafe could see her trembling with cold .
tr	1	They were sitting rather close , Rafe reflected .
tr	1	Still , it was a very strange experience .
tr	1	As he spoke she could feel his breath stirring her hair .
tr	1	" He used to climb over the fort wall . "
tr	1	Rafe felt a little easier at this circumstance .
tr	1	It was not really a question but a statement .
tr	1	" And you met the page too , I suppose ? "
tr	1	" Well , yes , " answered Adele guiltily .
tr	1	" Well ... we played with them . "
tr	1	For some reason this last seemed monstrously unfair .
tr	1	Suddenly the significance of her remark dawned upon him .
tr	1	" How long ago did you meet him ? "
tr	1	" And when did you see him last ? "
tr	1	" A month ago , " she answered .
tr	1	Adele turned eyes that sparkled with excitement toward him .
tr	1	" Anyone must see that the situation is difficult . "
tr	1	" Is that how Lord Rafe feels ? "
tr	1	" That our betrothal is ... difficult ? "
tr	1	she asked , and then held her hand up before her .
tr	1	" It does seem to be a course of wisdom . "
tr	1	" Do you have any brothers or sisters , Finn ? "
tr	1	" Are they older or younger than you ? "
tr	1	" You could not tell , Adele ? "
tr	1	" You mean you never even came close ? "
tr	1	Adele broke off not knowing how to form the question .
tr	1	" She did not die , no . "
tr	1	" She did not wish to marry you , eh ? "
tr	1	" I do not recall asking her . "
tr	1	" Oh , " Adele removed her hand flustered .
tr	1	" How did you reach that conclusion ? "
tr	1	" What other conclusion could there be ? "
tr	1	" I am , I must be ! "
tr	1	" Of what problem do you speak ? "
tr	1	It was Adele 's turn to look surprised .
tr	1	" But it was you who spoke of it ! "
tr	1	" Be silent , you merely confuse things more . "
tr	1	" It seems we are no further forward then . "
tr	1	" You remember my telling you that I heard horses ? "
tr	1	Why do they follow us if they mean us no harm ?
tr	1	Rafe halted abruptly , recalling Adele and Eda 's presence .
tr	1	" I have no idea , " returned Rafe shortly .
tr	1	He became aware suddenly that Adele was shivering and cursed himself .
tr	1	Adele fixed him with clear , trusting eyes .
tr	1	Bless Adele and the day on which she had been born !
tr	1	He hadn 't even been able to keep them warm .
tr	1	Great goodness ; she wanted him to explain ?
tr	1	Her eyes pleaded with him to ease her fears away .
tr	1	She turned to meet Eda 's disapproving look .
tr	1	" Yes , thank you , Finn . "
tr	1	His eyes were obscured and therefore his expression was inscrutable .
tr	1	Now here he couldn 't seem to leave .
tr	1	Rand started , his attitude becoming more tense .
tr	1	" Can you not see his place is empty ? "
tr	1	Its eerie glow was fickle , playing tricks on his eyes .
tr	1	" He could not possibly ... " Bron swallowed .
tr	1	He lifted his hand and the dagger flew from his fingers .
tr	1	If we leave it he will never know for sure . "
tr	1	Why are you not asleep like everyone else ? "
tr	1	Finan rubbed his hand over his face and neck , yawning .
tr	1	" ' Tis no matter , lad . "
tr	1	" Rafe curses more than anyone I know .
tr	1	It was a statement , not a question .
tr	1	Finan remembered the first time he had met him .
tr	1	" Almost as traditional as war between Mercia and ourselves . "
tr	1	You were never more pleased than when a fight loomed .
tr	1	Lord Brogan smiled at this reference to his wife .
tr	1	Lord Brogan lifted his hand in a lazy gesture of dismissal .
tr	1	" And why do they say that ? "
tr	1	" Do not we all upon occasion ? "
tr	1	------- Rafe was awakened by the extreme coldness of his hand .
tr	1	He straightened and made to stretch before remembering Adele .
tr	1	" Wake up , Eda , ' tis morning . "
tr	1	Eda moaned and pulled the cloak up over her head .
tr	1	Rafe continued setting out the rye bread and chicken .
tr	1	He stood , leaving both women to go and retrieve it .
tr	1	The cloak inched down a little and Eda regarded her speculatively .
tr	1	Eda slowly pulled herself upright , giving a groan .
tr	1	" Why are you in such a hurry ?
tr	1	" Why are you in such a hurry anyway ? "
tr	1	She was startled to hear his voice when he spoke .
tr	1	" What did he do to inspire such devotion ? "
tr	1	" Adele , have you naught to say to this ? "
tr	1	She reached out a hand picking it up .
tr	1	" Look ; Finn forgot to take his breakfast . "
tr	1	Did he wish to make her hate him ?
tr	1	He still felt heavily the blood on his hands .
tr	1	" It is not what you think . "
tr	1	I know Lord Rafe would never kill an innocent man . "
tr	1	Rafe 's grip tightened , turning his knuckles white .
tr	1	" We were banqueting in the king 's hall . "
tr	1	So stupid , such a pointless waste of a life . "
tr	1	What happened was not Lord Rafe 's fault . "
tr	1	Whose fault is that if not Lord Rafe 's ? "
tr	1	This conversation must end now , before one of us . "
tr	1	For a moment there was complete silence between them .
tr	1	" I am sorry if I have overstepped my place . "
tr	1	" Adele ... " He stretched out a hand towards her .
tr	1	Adele called back , but she hesitated and did not leave .
tr	1	" Adele ... " " Adele , are you coming ? "
tr	1	He sighed , looked down , and shook his head .
tr	1	She nodded her head uncertainly and turned away .
tr	1	He hesitated within himself on the brink of calling her back .
tr	1	Eda caught his arm as he turned from her .
tr	1	Her voice was calm but filled with warning .
tr	1	That must surely be enough to satisfy you ? "
tr	1	It seemed to him that they contained a sympathy of sorts .
tr	1	Strange , but he had not paid Eda much attention .
tr	1	She did look different from usual he had to own .
tr	1	Somehow a lie seemed safer than the truth .
tr	1	Still , the truth would have to be faced .
tr	1	She could not have done that however much she liked him .
tr	1	Be assured that Lord Rafe is more than capable . "
tr	1	" Please reconsider , think a little . "
tr	1	Think of how pleased the king would be . "
tr	1	" Think how proud your father would be ! "
tr	1	He fell backwards , sprawling on the carpet of leaves .
tr	1	" My lord ... " " I said leave !
tr	1	They believed he would betray his friends for parental recognition .
tr	1	His father had always wanted so much from him .
tr	1	" I see you managed to join us .
tr	1	" It means that someone has passed this way recently . "
tr	1	Rafe looked around at the many hoof prints .
tr	1	" At least six horses with riders . "
tr	1	" I can see where they reined the horses in . "
tr	1	" They passed this way not long ago . "
tr	1	" Finn , should we not ... ? "
tr	1	" But ... " " Now , Eda ! "
tr	1	" Finn , what will you do ? "
tr	1	Eda could do nothing but cling to his mane .
tr	1	Charger followed and soon both horses were out of sight .
tr	1	" What is your business upon them , stranger ? "
tr	1	" I merely travel across them , " answered Rafe .
tr	1	" And what became of your horse ? "
tr	1	The fair haired youth laughed scornfully at such ineptitude .
tr	1	" It strikes me that I know you from somewhere . "
tr	1	" ' Tis possible , I am known to some . "
tr	1	A general murmur of amusement rippled through the riders .
tr	1	" Only by the village half wit , " replied Rafe .
tr	1	" Whip the dog for his impudence , " he demanded .
tr	1	Adele had escaped ... to him that was all that mattered .
tr	1	Chapter Fourteen It was some time later that Rafe regained consciousness .
tr	1	The chair directly across from him caught his attention .
tr	1	Some would say ' tis no less than you deserve . "
tr	1	" I am sorry for what happened , truly I am .
tr	1	Do not think that I treat the thing lightly .
tr	1	" You think I care ought for your explanations ? "
tr	1	Rafe set his jaw , his fingers curling into fists .
tr	1	" So now you think to shirk the blame ? "
tr	1	" He seems a little naïve , Brother . "
tr	1	The youth strolled lazily forward to stand next to the fire .
tr	1	" What do I do with you ? "
tr	1	" They are , very unpleasant , " replied Rafe stiffly .
tr	1	Rafe 's eyes met his a steely light in their depths .
tr	1	" But you have not even begun to see ! "
tr	1	" Yes , I rather thought I would .
tr	1	" Your family is bound together by love and affection .
tr	1	" The answer is before you , just the same . "
tr	1	" Who was on the other horse ? "
tr	1	" That is it , is it not ?
tr	1	Rafe wondered where they were , if they were safe ?
tr	1	What if they hadn 't made it to the border ?
tr	1	Adele could even now be helpless in their power !
tr	1	" You still suppose this is about love .
tr	1	" That is what this is all about ? "
tr	1	" It has nothing to do with perception !
tr	1	Rafe looked down at the sword in relief .
tr	1	" ' Tis the name of my mother .
tr	1	My grandmother and great-grandmother 's names are above it . "
tr	1	" Master , you know what this means ? "
tr	1	" More than that , Master , " replied Bron .
tr	1	" Two horses continued in that direction . '
tr	1	" Why were they in danger from the hunt ? "
tr	1	asked Rand , turning to survey the surroundings .
tr	1	" Then Lady Adele is without protection . "
tr	1	" Something that I do not understand . "
tr	1	They enter from a different direction to the rest .
tr	1	" And so you doubt that such a man exists ? "
tr	1	" The warrior is of secondary importance . "
tr	1	Bron nodded , but looked a little doubtful .
tr	1	Bron belatedly saw his mistake , and found himself speechless .
tr	1	" Bring the warrior to me alive . "
tr	1	" You are upon occasion useful to me , Bron . "
tr	1	Or was it because he had found his life richer there ?
tr	1	Bron did not know , nor was he likely to ask .
tr	1	------- Adele snuggled closer to Charger 's neck .
tr	1	Adele hardly noticed ; all she could think of was Finn .
tr	1	She didn 't really want to think about that either .
tr	1	" ' Tis all I can think of too . "
tr	1	Have you forgotten those who follow us ? "
tr	1	" They must stop and have some respite too , Adele .
tr	1	Adele was tempted ; it seemed so logical .
tr	1	Adele felt that she was doing the right thing .
tr	1	Her fingers were so chilled she could barely grip the rein .
tr	1	It brought tears to smart behind her eyelids .
tr	1	" That is it , we have to stop !
tr	1	Adele caught Eda 's arm as she made to dismount .
tr	1	Finn said that there would be a road , remember ?
tr	1	Chapter Sixteen Finan gazed out into the mist .
tr	1	" He would be driven mad by such weather . "
tr	1	Finan accepted the beverage and inhaled its sweet aroma .
tr	1	" He is right ; I feel completely demoralised . "
tr	1	" What is it that we are looking for ? "
tr	1	" I can see plenty of that . "
tr	1	Finan forced a smile that he was obviously far from feeling .
tr	1	" Come , Finan , what is it ? "
tr	1	" Perhaps I might direct you to your final destination ? "
tr	1	" You wish to see Lord Rafe ? "
tr	1	" Where is ... er ... Finn ? "
tr	1	Silently he lead them through the camp to his tent .
tr	1	Adele took the opportunity to go to Charger 's head .
tr	1	Finan turned to find her watching him with candid interest .
tr	1	" That is , you must be tired .
tr	1	" You are going to aid Finn ? "
tr	1	Eda and Adele remained silent after his hurried exit .
tr	1	She laid a gentle hand on Adele 's shoulder .
tr	1	" Would you care for some wine , Adele ? "
tr	1	Rafe had been amused by the child 's pithy wisdom .
tr	1	" I ... I just thought ... " Adele smiled .
tr	1	" What did you think of him ? "
tr	1	" But you must have thought something . "
tr	1	Adele was silent , a thoughtful crease between her brows .
tr	1	" Well if that is not just like you ! "
tr	1	" What more do you wish me to say ? "
tr	1	I knew that before I came here from reading his letters .
tr	1	" What did you say your name was ? "
tr	1	" Mine is Adele , this is my friend Eda . "
tr	1	" Please , my lady , where is he ? "
tr	1	He knew the danger that Lord Rafe was in .
tr	1	" The men are ready , Finan . "
tr	1	" What do you expect to find , Finan ? "
tr	1	" You think I do not know that ? "
tr	1	Finan shook his head and sat motionless , listening as well .
tr	1	But who were the mounted men on his right ?
tr	1	Rafe leaned against Finan 's horse in relief .
tr	1	" Why have you been following me ? "
tr	1	It took Rafe no more than a second to recognise him .
tr	1	I should have known that it was you of course . "
tr	1	Adele did worse than argue , she ignored .
tr	1	" For goodness sake , will you not end it ? "
tr	1	" ' Tis a matter between those two men .
tr	1	He felt suddenly that he had come up lacking somehow .
tr	1	" If not more , to lose . "
tr	1	Rafe turned to her and saw worry in her eyes .
tr	1	Go back to the tent and rest . "
tr	1	" I know , Adele , I know . "
tr	1	" She will see you are comfortable . "
tr	1	" What do you want , Rand ? "
tr	1	" Just a little of your time . "
tr	1	They will be returned to you when you leave . "
tr	1	" Come , I will show you . "
tr	1	Rand knew that Adele thought him to be Finan .
tr	1	Surely the threat of exposure could mean nothing to him now .
tr	1	They had been friends , or so he had thought .
tr	1	Rand had fought at his father 's side .
tr	1	Other than Adele , for she is already taken . "
tr	1	" Speak plainly , Rand , I am tired . "
tr	1	" ' Tis ridiculous and has gone on long enough . "
tr	1	Rand lifted his hand in a placating gesture .
tr	1	" You expect me to believe that ? "
tr	1	" You have little choice , " replied Rand .
tr	1	" I think you will find we have every choice . "
tr	1	" And how did you reach that conclusion ? "
tr	1	" How did you know where Adele was ? "
tr	1	" That is not what this is about . "
tr	1	" I told you ; I want peace . "
tr	1	" Do you not think it is time this ended ? "
tr	1	Without his habitual smile he seemed cold and unfriendly .
tr	1	" She has no need of your comfort ! "
tr	1	Rafe has safeguarded Adele and provided for her for sixteen years .
tr	1	" Do not try to distance yourself from it ! "
tr	1	" You could have come back to us . "
tr	1	" And desert my mother and sister ? "
tr	1	" Leave them to the madman that my father had become ?
tr	1	Do you think I could have lived with that ?
tr	1	They had no choice but to obey my father 's command .
tr	1	However , do not think that it was easy for me .
tr	1	" Is she still in danger from your father ? "
tr	1	" My father has been dead these four years . "
tr	1	" The truth is that I do not know exactly .
tr	1	I believe he means to harm Adele too . "
tr	1	" The men who attacked us at the first camp ? "
tr	1	" Someone from Wessex wishes me dead ? "
tr	1	" If that is what you wish . "
tr	1	" Very well ; is that all ? "
tr	1	Rafe groaned and ran a weary hand across his forehead .
tr	1	" I had forgotten about that , " he admitted .
tr	1	" Finan , you did not surely ? "
tr	1	I had not time to stop him ! "
tr	1	" There must be some way around this ! "
tr	1	" Yes , I would , " answered Finan unmoved .
tr	1	Finan choked over the words that flooded to his lips .
tr	1	" He does have a point though , Rafe .
tr	1	Had you better not tell Lady Adele the truth ? "
tr	1	Rafe 's eyes snapped into a rather cold focus .
tr	1	" Very well , but allow me to say this . "
tr	1	His eyes twinkled as he let out a low whistle .
tr	1	" I have one other question , " broke in Finan .
tr	1	" But ... how did you manage to escape ? "
tr	1	" I did not , " Rafe answered .
tr	1	I will not have them disturbed further . "
tr	1	Rafe knew the source of Rand 's reluctance and shrugged .
tr	1	No , he would never be able to forget .
tr	1	Perhaps it would even be wrong to do so .
tr	1	" What do you say , Finan ? "
tr	1	He had kept clear of women ever since .
tr	1	" I do not see how that made much difference .
tr	1	His actions were in the interests of peace . "
tr	1	Finan 's pale eyes met those of his friends .
tr	1	" His reasons for his behaviour were honourable . "
tr	1	" Lady Adele said that you had been captured ! "
tr	1	" If that is what you wish , Lord Rafe . "
tr	1	And then later I heard them talking about you . "
tr	1	Not that he could accurately remember that which he had said .
tr	1	It was Rafe 's turn to look astonished .
tr	1	" She did not , she could not ! "
tr	1	" I am little , not stupid ! "
tr	1	" Would you care for something to eat , Master ?
tr	1	" Later , now I just need to sleep . "
tr	1	" I have heard nothing of this . "
tr	1	" It seems then that we should prepare for war . "
tr	1	" Even enemies can find unity in a common cause . "
tr	1	King Ine twisted his beard around his finger .
tr	1	" What do you think , Brogan ? "
tr	1	" How do you propose to do that ? "
tr	1	" They are not to be trusted . "
tr	1	" My liege must do as he sees fit . "
tr	1	He cast the parchment on to the table .
tr	1	Maybe it was their differences that made them so incompatible .
tr	1	" A moment if you please , Brogan . "
tr	1	Lord Brogan paused , lifting one eyebrow in inquiry .
tr	1	King Ine passed a weary hand over his brow .
tr	1	" The matter is delicate , " he replied .
tr	1	I lost my uncle , Mul , to the Kentish revolt .
tr	1	King Ine 's face took on an expression of grim displeasure .
tr	1	------ Adele lay staring at the walls of the tent .
tr	1	Adele turned her flushed face into the furs .
tr	1	What would Finn think of her if he knew ?
tr	1	She groaned , how would she face Lord Rafe now ?
tr	1	She had not even realised that she had become emotionally involved .
tr	1	Why had no one warned her of this ?
tr	1	Why had Lord Rafe put her in this impossible position ?
tr	1	Chapter Twenty " He should tell her the truth . "
tr	1	Finn looked out into the mist shrouded camp .
tr	1	" It is possible that it is not needed . "
tr	1	" You think he plans to tell her ? "
tr	1	Finan lapsed into meditative silence for a few moments .
tr	1	" He had not slept in two days ! "
tr	1	Either way there was going to be trouble .
tr	1	His temper , always so easy , was pricked .
tr	1	" My being alone was so very important ? "
tr	1	" Enemies are an uncomfortable thing are they not ? "
tr	1	" You prove yourself an enemy to King Ine ! "
tr	1	The men were allowed to continue in confused disarray .
tr	1	Behind him he could hear the sounds of pursuit .
tr	1	Finan felt a sudden grim sense of victory .
tr	1	Finan found that his mouth was dry and fought to speak .
tr	1	At Rand 's words his expression became alarmed .
tr	1	" But , Master , they approach too fast !
tr	1	Rand turned to find the boy standing at his elbow .
tr	1	Now the effect is so much more daunting . "
tr	1	" In my quarters , come I will show you . "
tr	1	Rand turned and led the way to one of the tents .
tr	1	It had been like seeing a ghost from his childhood .
tr	1	" There was no time to wake him . "
tr	1	" Now I am almost afraid to . "
tr	1	" ' Tis ... difficult to explain . "
tr	1	Rand was silent as he absorbed this information .
tr	1	Of course Rand recalled how proud Rafe had always been .
tr	1	Not so much at first , but later . "
tr	1	" Ah ... I see , " Rand smiled a little .
tr	1	It was Rand who broke it , smiling awkwardly .
tr	1	Now Rand controlled that which others saw of him .
tr	1	For a moment he couldn 't think where he was .
tr	1	Rafe sat upright , holding his head in both hands .
tr	1	Rafe climbed out of bed and stretched , yawning loudly .
tr	1	" I believe so , my lord . "
tr	1	For a moment they stared at one another in silence .
tr	1	" Do we know how it happened ? "
tr	1	" Why did you not wake me ? "
tr	1	" Of what use would it have been ?
tr	1	There was nought any of us could do . "
tr	1	" You had best take me to him . "
tr	1	" It is time to forgive , Rafe . "
tr	1	" I saw you change before my eyes .
tr	1	They walked to Rand 's camp in silence .
tr	1	" No , Rafe , not between us . "
tr	1	Rafe struggled awkwardly for something to say but could find nothing .
tr	1	" How is Finan , any change ? "
tr	1	Rafe strode forwards , dropping to his knee beside the bed .
tr	1	" What did they do to you ? "
tr	1	The aggravation had made the wound bleed again .
tr	1	He gazed at the blood stain silently for some time .
tr	1	" He would not , why should he ? "
tr	1	The three men fell silent until Rafe turned again to Finan .
tr	1	" When do you expect the fever to break ? "
tr	1	" You think we should move within your boundaries ? "
tr	1	" But there is something I must do first . "
tr	1	" But in others you remain the dunce . "
tr	1	" Are you ready , my lady ? "
tr	1	" He wants to talk to us now ? "
tr	1	" Yes , my lady , he waits outside . "
tr	1	He checked on the threshold , pausing as he registered Eda .
tr	1	" I must speak to Lady Adele alone , Eda . "
tr	1	" Finn , are you out of your senses ? "
tr	1	For a second their gazes held and then she was gone .
tr	1	The room was quiet after she had left .
tr	1	" Ask me my name , Adele , " he demanded .
tr	1	" Very well , Finn , " she smiled nervously .
tr	1	He knew not what to say , how to explain .
tr	1	Had she said something that had displeased him ?
tr	1	Her cheeks suddenly blanched ; had he known ?
tr	1	Had she somehow betrayed her feelings for him ?
tr	1	Yet she only looked up at him stunned and hurt .
tr	1	He felt as though her eyes accused him softly .
tr	1	Rafe turned from her , angered by his own ineptitude .
tr	1	Rafe hesitated , unsure what he should do .
tr	1	" You have no need to explain yourself to me . "
tr	1	Could he do nought without making it worse ?
tr	1	Rafe had begun pacing around the restricted space of the tent .
tr	1	However , his face was still darkened by an angry frown .
tr	1	All his life he had known what to do .
tr	1	Why did he keep staring at her like that ?
tr	1	" Please send Eda back into me when you leave . "
tr	1	He bowed slightly , stiffly , and was gone .
tr	1	demanded Eda , entering the tent a few moments later .
tr	1	Adele gulped , trying to bring her tears under control .
tr	1	" Eda , Finn is Lord Rafe ! "
tr	1	Eda stared at her , trying to accept the information .
tr	1	Adele nodded again as fresh tears spilled over her cheeks .
tr	1	Adele brushed the back of her hand across her face .
tr	1	" I thought that we liked Finn ? "
tr	1	Adele bit her lip trying to fight back her tears .
tr	1	" Come , Adele , this is unlike you ! "
tr	1	" No , he was in perfect control of himself . "
tr	1	" How did you do it , Eda ? "
tr	1	She turned , her face set in determined , numb repose .
tr	1	Eda shook her head trying to clear her thoughts .
tr	1	She had been a little nervous of the feeling at first .
tr	1	Either way , his manner had changed abruptly .
tr	1	The pain of it had shocked her with its potency .
tr	1	The cordiality had disappeared between them and left only coolness behind .
tr	1	" Forgive me , Eda , I meant no harm . "
tr	1	She lifted her free hand to rest upon Adele 's .
tr	1	Adele 's eyes widened and she looked away .
tr	1	" I never said that I loved him , Eda . "
tr	1	Eda paused , her expression becoming softly unfocused .
tr	1	I have set guards to patrol the perimeter . "
tr	1	" He will be powerless to do aught else .
tr	1	I will fight him with every means at my disposal .
tr	1	" Lady Adele was not best pleased I take it ? "
tr	1	" I fail to see the connection . "
tr	1	" Ouch , that bad was it ? "
tr	1	Rafe shook his head , his shoulders sloping tiredly .
tr	1	Rafe scowled and turned back to his task .
tr	1	" What would you have me do ? "
tr	1	" Of course , if that is your wish . "
tr	1	" There is no harm in asking , " he replied .
tr	1	I have a mind to lay claim to her myself .
tr	1	It could be said my claim is stronger than yours ! "
tr	1	" Ah yes , but she doesn 't know that .
tr	1	" And destroy my chances with her ? "
tr	1	" Am I being insufferably ill tempered ? "
tr	1	In most things Rafe was completely open with Finan and himself .
tr	1	Although his care of her had never faltered .
tr	1	He took another look at his friends face .
tr	1	" So , is the wedding to proceed ? "
tr	1	It was a gamble asking so direct a question .
tr	1	How could this happen twice in the same day ?
tr	1	First Adele calmly indicating that his audience with her had finished .
tr	1	Rafe groaned again , digging his fingers into his scalp .
tr	1	Adele was warm , generous and kind , maybe even loving .
tr	1	Had it been Eda it would have been different .
tr	1	He began to laugh ; surprised , helpless .
tr	1	All his life he had been told that he was fortunate .
tr	1	" There is something amiss , sir ? "
tr	1	" He does not fare well , my lady . "
tr	1	Great goodness , would it always be thus ?
tr	1	Had he laughed at her or pitied her ?
tr	1	Either thought brought choking rebellion up into her throat .
tr	1	" Lord Rafe mentioned that someone had been hurt . "
tr	1	We know not what more to do for him . "
tr	1	" Perhaps if you might lead the way ? "
tr	1	Adele was not sure what was different , but something was .
tr	1	The enclosed space held a great many people .
tr	1	She was shocked to see the worry in his eyes .
tr	1	He gave Eda a hefty shove and propelled both ladies inside .
tr	1	He seemed to radiate almost as much heat as the fire .
tr	1	" How long has he been like this ? "
tr	1	" Since yesterday night , my lady . "
tr	1	" I tried to bring the fever on hotter . "
tr	1	" Mine is Adele , I will need your help . "
tr	1	" Yes , my ... Lady Adele . "
tr	1	She smiled and started to fold back her sleeves .
tr	1	" What do you want to give him , Adele ? "
tr	1	She had spread the bag open over the floor .
tr	1	" Do you think they will come back ? "
tr	1	" Just as soon as you have him ready . "
tr	1	" Where did you think we had gone ? "
tr	1	" We will need that cold water now , Drogo . "
tr	1	Adele directed that it should be placed at her side .
tr	1	Adele 's hand was still pressed against Finan 's brow .
tr	1	For the first time her voice was a little uncertain .
tr	1	" Trust a man to make things difficult . "
tr	1	Adele smiled gratefully at this attempt at humour .
tr	1	" I had best make some more . "
tr	1	Eda straightened from her awkward position with difficulty .
tr	1	" Will you be alright for the moment ? "
tr	1	It was the young man that had brought her here .
tr	1	His eyes were worried and she felt herself smiling with reassurance .
tr	1	" ' Tis my turn I think . "
tr	1	Somewhat to his surprise he found Adele stood obediently .
tr	1	" Not by the fire , I am too warm . "
tr	1	Yet there had to be something about him that was special .
tr	1	Adele closed her eyes and leaned her head back .
tr	1	His face was closed against her scrutiny , giving nothing away .
tr	1	" And how long have you and he been friends ? "
tr	1	Her eyes met his , large , wondering , and soft .
tr	1	Rand opened his mouth to speak but no words would come .
tr	1	Adele continued to watch him , her expression the same .
tr	1	Adele made an irritated noise in the back of her throat .
tr	1	She tilted her head a little to one side .
tr	1	He had done nothing of which he was ashamed .
tr	1	His eyes shifted to where Rafe knelt beside Finan .
tr	1	Damnation , it always came back to that .
tr	1	They had only been girls , very young and very innocent .
tr	1	He should have realised that something like that might happen .
tr	1	He felt quite sick just thinking about it .
tr	1	It had made him feel important and clever .
tr	1	It had made him feel older and wiser .
tr	1	He knew it would have been easier for him .
tr	1	He looked bleak , a little uncomfortable , and very irritated .
tr	1	" Is there nought more we can do for him ? "
tr	1	Rafe 's face took on a relaxed , peaceful cast .
tr	1	How much affection he must have had for the sick man .
tr	1	" Do not be ; I think you were right . "
tr	1	" It reminds me of easier times . "
tr	1	Rafe felt horribly uncomfortable under her unflinching glaze .
tr	1	" I was happy too , Rafe . "
tr	1	Adele disconcerted him by remaining silent for some time .
tr	1	Rafe stood , moving out of her way with reluctance .
tr	1	He would have liked a more definitive answer to his question .
tr	1	They had saved his life , Rafe realised .
tr	1	It was not an idea he really liked to dwell upon .
tr	1	He felt a sudden and unaccountable pride in her .
tr	1	Rafe 's face twisted into a bitter smile .
tr	1	Life , he reflected bitterly , was a funny thing .
tr	1	" I do not think that likely . "
tr	1	" I did not mean that sort of alliance !
tr	1	" I thought we might help each other a little . "
tr	1	" But it would help you too ! "
tr	1	" Why do you want him dead ? "
tr	1	" Lord Rafe seems to have that effect . "
tr	1	" You see , there was an attempt already . "
tr	1	" How were you to know what ? "
tr	1	That meant he would need to set up camp .
tr	1	" How was I to know he was not Lord Rafe ?
tr	1	He will kill me if I fail ! "
tr	1	He looked wildly from one to the other of them .
tr	1	" Then we must see he is not disappointed . "
tr	1	He looked weak , but the fever had left him completely .
tr	1	A touch of humour entered Finan 's face .
tr	1	" As though an army had marched over me .
tr	1	" Do not excite yourself , Finan . "
tr	1	Finan looked up at Rafe as though he had gone mad .
tr	1	Of whom do you suppose he was speaking ? "
tr	1	" He would not do this , " responded Rafe .
tr	1	Tis common knowledge that he hates you . "
tr	1	" He would not have let it weigh with him .
tr	1	" He would see no need to be devious . "
tr	1	" I could almost think you like him , Rafe . "
tr	1	Rafe shook his head , indicating he had no idea .
tr	1	" Come , Rafe , surely there must be someone ? "
tr	1	Rand 's question sounded very much like a statement of fact .
tr	1	" You cannot be so well liked as that ! "
tr	1	" Well then , who else is there ? "
tr	1	" You feared for Adele 's safety , " reminded Rand .
tr	1	However to seek to harm me is to challenge King Ine .
tr	1	It is a far more serious thing . "
tr	1	He turned quickly , but knew already what he would find .
tr	1	She moved toward the bed and the men parted before her .
tr	1	" How do you feel , Finan ? "
tr	1	" Well enough , " he answered shortly .
tr	1	" Some bread and cheese with a little meat . "
tr	1	His eyes took on a faintly glazed expression of anticipation .
tr	1	" I think perhaps it would be unwise . "
tr	1	" I am no infant , my lady ! "
tr	1	Adele turned to him , her eyes sympathetic .
tr	1	" I do not wish to trouble you . "
tr	1	She smiled again and turned to kneel beside the fire .
tr	1	" You know , I do not think I shall . "
tr	1	" I rather think you will , " he observed .
tr	1	" Finan , please ; she has brought you this far .
tr	1	She kneeled beside him and held out the prepared eggs .
tr	1	" I did not like to wake her . "
tr	1	Finan shook his head , casting Adele a wary glance .
tr	1	" Forgive me , but I think I should check Eda .
tr	1	A touch off irritation was evident on Finan 's face .
tr	1	" Next you will be letting her feed you ! "
tr	1	" Anyone can see she means well , " he responded .
tr	1	You mean you actually are going to go to sleep ? "
tr	1	" I gave her my word , " answered Finan evenly .
tr	1	Was it such a dreadful fate to be married to her ?
tr	1	It was Rafe 's voice , speaking just behind her .
tr	1	Generally he fled the room and left them to his mother .
tr	1	He grimaced wryly , looking down at Adele 's trembling mouth .
tr	1	What he would give to do that now .
tr	1	What if she shrank from him in confusion ?
tr	1	What if she were horrified by the action ?
tr	1	What if she only accepted that sort of comfort from Rand ?
tr	1	But no , it was a risk he could not take .
tr	1	He might never be able to forgive her the rebuff .
tr	1	" I am glad that Finan is going to recover . "
tr	1	He realised that she had no particular wish to be released .
tr	1	He did not wish her to pull away at the liberty .
tr	1	Adele shivered , faint colour staining her cheeks .
tr	1	" She said that it would always be useful . "
tr	1	" I must remember to convey my thanks to her . "
tr	1	" Eda will be ... I should ... goodbye ! "
tr	1	Before Rafe could say a word Adele had fled .
tr	1	He returned to his reason for searching Rafe out .
tr	1	" We have a visitor to the camp . "
tr	1	Rafe said nothing but his brows drew together ominously .
tr	1	The murmur of many voices encircled them , loud but indistinct .
tr	1	" What have you been thinking of all this while ? "
tr	1	" Nothing very much , " replied Lord Brogan .
tr	1	" Only about that boy of mine . "
tr	1	Brogan , who placed so much more store by diplomacy .
tr	1	It was almost as though the boy was taunting him .
tr	1	So why would he have turned to Rafe for help ?
tr	1	Why would he meekly submit himself to Rafe now ?
tr	1	His friend 's eyes began to shine eagerly .
tr	1	" We will show those boys how ' tis done .
tr	1	He relished the rare chance to bring Rafe down a little .
tr	1	" Will King Ine be able to spare you ? "
tr	1	Brogan snapped his fingers and a page appeared at his elbow .
tr	1	" How long will it take to rally your men ? "
tr	1	" I had not thought to take them . "
tr	1	Brogan saw his words taking effect and continued smoothly .
tr	1	" I dare say he would capitulate to you immediately . "
tr	1	" I will send for them at once . "
tr	1	" It will be just as it used to be .
tr	1	That which others saw of him was that which he was .
tr	1	Maybe sometimes that was all that was needed .
tr	1	------ The tent was very still when Rafe entered .
tr	1	" No doubt you now regret our bargain ? "
tr	1	" Ask and I shall tell you . "
tr	1	" Very well , what was it ? "
tr	1	" I am proud of you , Rafe !
tr	1	" After all ; I know how hard it is . "
tr	1	His posture took on a more aggressive rigidity .
tr	1	It was no longer a playful catalogue of tricks .
tr	1	" ' Tis none of your concern . "
tr	1	Rand was startled by the coldness of Rafe 's tone .
tr	1	" You think it none of my business ? "
tr	1	" Of what danger do you speak ? "
tr	1	" Not him , " his tone was rough .
tr	1	" I do not understand , how did you ... ? "
tr	1	" I had it from his own lips . "
tr	1	" Come , ' tis not so shocking as all that .
tr	1	" He came to you for help ? "
tr	1	" Yet you brought him here , to me ? "
tr	1	" I thought it would be amusing . "
tr	1	" Perhaps if you told me from the start ? "
tr	1	" What a shock he must have had ! "
tr	1	Your true enemy is far more cunning . "
tr	1	" You knew he had a master then ? "
tr	1	" What possible reason could he have for killing you ? "
tr	1	" Nothing , only much to lose . "
tr	1	" Very well , his actions are not sane anyway .
tr	1	" He wishes to see the body . "
tr	1	" Then we must prepare to fight . "
tr	1	It had never been his custom to shirk it .
tr	1	" You will stay to fight alongside us ?
tr	1	" How will you see it done ? "
tr	1	" And what do you propose to do with him ? "
tr	1	" You suggest we let him go free ? "
tr	1	" I have already taken command of his men . "
tr	1	" It seems you have thought of everything . "
tr	1	Rafe 's voice had taken on a frosty inflection .
tr	1	" And when shall I meet her ? "
tr	1	" Now , if it please you . "
tr	1	Chapter Twenty Eight Adele stood in the aperture of the tent .
tr	1	" You honour us with your kindness . "
tr	1	" ' Tis my lady who has shown kindness .
tr	1	" You have just been told , Adele . "
tr	1	" I would have the truth from your own lips . "
tr	1	Still , he dreaded her reaction to the revelation .
tr	1	Would she give him the chance to explain ?
tr	1	She stopped before him and raised her hand .
tr	1	His voice was little more than a whisper .
tr	1	" May God grant you peace , Brother . "
tr	1	" There is nothing to forgive you for .
tr	1	It was Rand 's comfort she had sought and not his .
tr	1	The knowledge burnt into his soul leaving only charred remains .
tr	1	Put quite simply this whole thing was driving him to distraction .
tr	1	He would speak plainly to her and set matters straight .
tr	1	And so Rafe found himself once more inside Adele 's tent .
tr	1	What could have possessed her , wondered Adele .
tr	1	He doubted they were talking of the same thing .
tr	1	Rafe sought to keep his impatience in check .
tr	1	" Yes I do , so please let me . "
tr	1	She felt a slow smile curve her lips in understanding .
tr	1	" Adele ... " He paused , swallowing with difficulty .
tr	1	" I know that our betrothal is not easy .
tr	1	Its purpose was that you should be kept safe . "
tr	1	" You hope I will be happy with Rand ? "
tr	1	" Because I wish only that you might be happy . "
tr	1	Rafe gritted his teeth and gripped his hands tightly together .
tr	1	" Then you wish our betrothal to proceed ? "
tr	1	" If you are agreeable to it , Finn . "
tr	1	Rafe felt a chuckle well up within him .
tr	1	Rafe looked up , surprise written on every feature .
tr	1	" How came you to know of that ? "
tr	1	" How came he to know of it ? "
tr	1	" You will be careful , Finn ? "
tr	1	He held her still , preventing the escape .
tr	1	" It matters to you that I am careful ? "
tr	1	" What is the same for you , Finn ? "
tr	1	" The kiss , I ... I liked it very much .
tr	1	" Do you hear me , Rafe ? "
tr	1	What had possessed him to lump Finan in with the ladies ?
tr	1	It was Adele who came to his aid .
tr	1	She laid her hand on Finan 's arm .
tr	1	She had saved both Finan 's pride and his .
tr	1	" Anything to set my lady 's mind at rest . "
tr	1	Adele 's lips twitched into a mischievous smile .
tr	1	' Tis enough to turn a man 's stomach . "
tr	1	Rafe gritted his teeth but could not ignore the challenge .
tr	1	" ' Always together , never apart ' . "
tr	1	Her eyes moved down to the names listed below .
tr	1	" I think the gesture to be a gracious one .
tr	1	He turned to Rafe , his manner still superior and teasing .
tr	1	I begin to find myself plagued by boredom . "
tr	1	" See that you stay close to Finan and Rand . "
tr	1	Another kiss , a grin , and he was gone .
tr	1	It was only Finan who saw how badly her hands shook .
tr	1	" Another goblet of wine , Lord Rafe ? "
tr	1	He had risen to make his way to the courtyard .
tr	1	The quiet subservient slant of his shoulders was gone .
tr	1	The polite salutation seemed foolish in the circumstances .
tr	1	Your men are surrounded , as are you .
tr	1	Yield or I shall be forced to kill you . "
tr	1	" Always the same , are you not ? "
tr	1	What did you ever do to deserve all that you have ?
tr	1	He paused looking Rafe over with a venomous glare .
tr	1	" I remember the first time ... do you ? "
tr	1	You are even now entrusted with protecting this kingdom . "
tr	1	Filthy , deceptive , cunning , obsequious lies !
tr	1	" My father wished to keep Lady Adele safe ! "
tr	1	His anger levelled , and suddenly he no longer trembled .
tr	1	However , he was nowhere near his own standard .
tr	1	He staggered as the force rippled up his arm .
tr	1	" Then tell me how far you did plan . "
tr	1	His anger would have consumed my family also . "
tr	1	" Especially in the heat of battle . "
tr	1	" May I accompany you , Rafe ? "
tr	1	" You think he might come back to harm them ? "
tr	1	" Did she tell you , Eda ? "
tr	1	It had not been his intention to attach her feelings ?
tr	1	Rand stepped backward in surprise , waiting for her to continue .
tr	1	" I do not ... what ... ? "
tr	1	" Are you trying to insult me yet further ? "
tr	1	Rand stared at her blankly , not understanding her anger .
tr	1	" You smug , self centred , dishonourable knave ! "
tr	1	His voice sent an unpleasant chill down her spine .
tr	1	Eda tried to gather her scattered wits together .
tr	1	" You were enjoying it , were you not ? "
tr	1	" Yes , but I always knew that I would . "
tr	1	" When we ... when I ... " She blushed awkwardly .
tr	1	" Did I do something to anger you before ? "
tr	1	" No , Eda , you did nothing wrong .
tr	1	A wary look came into Eda 's eyes .
tr	1	Eda averted her face studiously , focusing on the trees .
tr	1	" Do you think that you could like me again ? "
tr	1	" That is ... you do not understand . "
tr	1	He paused , his voice coming with difficulty .
tr	1	He had gone as far as his pride would let him .
tr	1	She understood it and she could not really fault the decision .
tr	1	If you count me worthy , I would be yours . "
tr	1	Great goodness but scruples were vile things to live with !
tr	1	" Yes ... but you may , " she answered mischievously .
tr	1	" I can be quite a handful ! "
tr	1	Rand looked down at her his eyes narrowed .
tr	1	Eda blushed thinking of the kisses they had just shared .
tr	1	" Great goodness , you intend to argue with me ! "
tr	1	" Well , ' tis sure to happen sometimes . "
tr	1	Eda laughed , playfully slapping him on the shoulder .
tr	1	He turned to the soldier who held the horse 's reign .
tr	1	His musings were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Adele .
tr	1	Lord Brogan listened to the husky tones in appreciation .
tr	1	" Yes , I had expected to find Rafe present .
tr	1	A faint blush of colour stained Lady Adele 's cheeks .
tr	1	" You must forgive me , my lord .
tr	1	Lord Brogan waved his hand in an airy gesture of dismissal .
tr	1	Adele heard genuine worry in his voice and relaxed a little .
tr	1	Lord Brogan did not look like his son , Adele decided .
tr	1	" Is he off on this wild chase as well ? "
tr	1	He was surprised even if his face did not betray it .
tr	1	Lord Brogan was silent as he absorbed these facts .
tr	1	" Adele , Finan is trying to get up again .
tr	1	he roared , pulling his sword from its sheath .
tr	1	" You look well , Lord Brogan . "
tr	1	Lord Brogan looked his lost foster son over slowly .
tr	1	The difference was in his determinedly proud bearing .
tr	1	The same suspicion was still vague in his mind now .
tr	1	Still the same Lord Brogan , he reflected wryly .
tr	1	For the first time a smile lightened Lord Brogan 's face .
tr	1	" I fear you will never recover from the experience . "
tr	1	It might make your task easier , " instructed Lord Brogan .
tr	1	Adele hesitated , not wishing to leave Lord Brogan alone .
tr	1	She could not tell what he was thinking .
tr	1	" Were you happy at the fort , Lady Adele ? "
tr	1	" Yes , I was very happy there . "
tr	1	" It must have been hard to leave . "
tr	1	" Perhaps you might tell me of it ? "
tr	1	" There is not so very much to tell .
tr	1	" He cooked us pork over the campfire . "
tr	1	" When did he tell you the truth ? "
tr	1	Adele turned from him and gazed into the fire .
tr	1	" It must have been difficult for you to accept . "
tr	1	Adele was silent , unsure how to answer .
tr	1	Lord Brogan paused , seemingly lost in his reverie .
tr	1	Lord Brogan nodded sadly , his eyes filled with grief .
tr	1	" Then I returned to my own tent .
tr	1	" Yes ; you look very much like your mother . "
tr	1	" And your father ; we were good friends .
tr	1	" But I had three older brothers . "
tr	1	" I am sorry for your loss . "
tr	1	Adele blinked back the tears that gathered in her eyes .
tr	1	" You will make Rafe a good wife , I think .
tr	1	He rose from his chair , offering Adele his arm .
tr	1	They were both smiling as they walked to Finan 's tent .
tr	1	The hum of voices became more distinct as he neared .
tr	1	" You look tired , Rafe , " Lord Brogan commented .
tr	1	" What do you do here , sir ? "
tr	1	" How much have you told him ? "
tr	1	" You are tired , Finn , " she murmured .
tr	1	" Because Adele was given to me and not to him .
tr	1	" It would please me if you would stay .
tr	1	" But that was not the whole reason ? "
tr	1	That means that he must keep his lords ' happy .
tr	1	" Why did you not tell me this before ? "
tr	1	" Because it did not matter , " responded Lord Brogan .
tr	1	Rafe nodded , but his face was still troubled .
tr	1	" Things will seem much clearer in the morning . "
tr	1	Lord Brogan gifted his son with a warm smile .
tr	1	" It takes a brave man to admit his mistakes .
tr	1	Adele sighed and snuggled closer against his warmth .
tr	1	" The day has been eventful , Finn . "
tr	1	" Think you he will cause yet more trouble ? "
tr	1	" Such hate as he possesses will not fade .
tr	1	He will continue to cause what trouble he may . "
tr	1	Adele smiled at the surprise she could hear in his voice .
tr	1	He felt Adele 's arms tighten , drawing them closer together .
tr	1	After a moment though , Rafe pulled back .
tr	1	Rafe grinned and touched his lips to hers .
tr	1	Promises had been made , some never to be kept .
tr	1	Yet I fear the answer would depend upon whom you asked .
tr	1	Why does Tom know so much about these people ?
tr	1	And why do they know so much about him ?
tr	1	Okay , maybe I was a tiny bit .
tr	1	Maybe he 'd surprise me with a boat ride .
tr	1	Grass tickled my ankles , and I gripped his hand tighter .
tr	1	So maybe it wasn 't a boat ride .
tr	1	I opened my eyes and gasped at the sight before me .
tr	1	I should 've known it couldn 't last .
tr	1	He shifted his weight from foot to foot .
tr	1	I didn 't mean to spy on you .
tr	1	I drew out the word , while my mind raced .
tr	1	In my fantasies , this date was about me .
tr	1	Not about a cute boy using me to supplement his income .
tr	1	" Yeah , I know it was kinda stupid . "
tr	1	Cider splashed out of the plastic , fluted glass .
tr	1	He smiled awkwardly and held it out to me .
tr	1	" I want to believe you liked me for me .
tr	1	" Why do you think -- " " Whoops . "
tr	1	" The defense is not allowed to speak .
tr	1	Some of it splashed out on his jeans .
tr	1	He snorted , trying to hold back his laugh .
tr	1	I stifled a grin and continued my interrogation .
tr	1	My heart fluttered , but I stayed on task .
tr	1	" Was that an admission of guilt ? "
tr	1	I jerked away , spluttering and gasping , but completely delighted .
tr	1	" The defense is not allowed to sway the verdict .
tr	1	" Are you flirting with the defense , Ms. Bent ? "
tr	1	But with a laugh , I stepped back .
tr	1	That it was just a way into Spy Games for him .
tr	1	I cleared my throat in a judicial sort of way .
tr	1	Except for the blood running in rivulets down his arm .
tr	1	Minutes ago he 'd kissed me , offered me sparkling cider .
tr	1	He groaned again , and I ran to his side .
tr	1	Only a serious injury could cause that much blood .
tr	1	I was a nice girl having her first date in Paris .
tr	1	Things like getting shot didn 't happen in situations like that .
tr	1	Some pulled out their phones and snapped pictures .
tr	1	A boy might possibly be bleeding to death ! "
tr	1	I knew exactly how this would look to the police .
tr	1	I dropped to the ground next to him , huddling close .
tr	1	" Please , please be okay , " I whispered .
tr	1	I shook with relief that he was talking and still breathing .
tr	1	I kept pressing the quilt against his arm .
tr	1	" Do you know who might 've shot you ? "
tr	1	" Do you have a jealous ex-boyfriend ? "
tr	1	A bit of drool clung to the corner of his mouth .
tr	1	" This is nothing to joke about , " I snapped .
tr	1	" We need to get you to a doctor . "
tr	1	" It 's just a grazing , I think . "
tr	1	I hooked my arms under his shoulders and pulled .
tr	1	That was why I never heard the gun shot .
tr	1	The gun had a silencer on it , which meant professionals .
tr	1	I said in a tiny , scared voice .
tr	1	" We need to run , " he said .
tr	1	Or what if you pass out from blood loss ? "
tr	1	He held his breath and grimaced with pain .
tr	1	Or I could do as Malcolm wanted and run away .
tr	1	A cramp gripped my side , but I kept pushing .
tr	1	Benches and tourists were a blur as I zipped past .
tr	1	I pushed harder , almost to the tower .
tr	1	Immediately I slumped to the ground , my chest heaving .
tr	1	Sweat streamed off me and dripped into my mouth .
tr	1	Someone touched my shoulder with a soft hand .
tr	1	A man with corn silk hair offered me a rose .
tr	1	He spoke in French , and I nodded .
tr	1	he asked , his brow crinkling with concern .
tr	1	He seemed perfectly content to sell roses all day .
tr	1	Had the mad man with a license to kill gone home ?
tr	1	I wasn 't sure I wanted to know .
tr	1	My legs cramped and my shoulders felt tight and sore .
tr	1	It would be hard to miss a guy in his underwear .
tr	1	With every flash of brown hair , my heart leaped .
tr	1	Why hadn 't I gotten his phone number ?
tr	1	The next morning , I woke up in a haze .
tr	1	I 'd stayed up late into the night , worrying .
tr	1	Not that we needed weapons for Spy Games .
tr	1	Why did I act so impulsively last night ?
tr	1	He had no idea I 'd almost died last night .
tr	1	I had to get his nose out of the newspaper .
tr	1	" Sure thing , what 's up ? "
tr	1	More serious than whatever drama he was reading about .
tr	1	He put the newspaper down , his full attention on me .
tr	1	Dad sat straighter and his voice became sharp .
tr	1	" We were walking near the Eiffel Tower .
tr	1	" Did you say the Eiffel Tower ? "
tr	1	I searched for the right words but they wouldn 't come .
tr	1	" There was a shooting last night by the Eiffel .
tr	1	Maybe you should stay home today and skip Spy Games . "
tr	1	Dad picked up the paper again like the decision was made .
tr	1	Not if I ever wanted any kind of social life again .
tr	1	I 'd have to take care of Malcolm myself .
tr	1	But I want you to be careful . "
tr	1	" So what happened on your date ? "
tr	1	" You could say it was an adventure . "
tr	1	My legs jiggled up and down , fighting off the dread .
tr	1	They 're combing the Seine for a body . "
tr	1	I leaned over and fiddled with my shoelaces .
tr	1	" I 've been meaning to talk to you . "
tr	1	" I 'm meeting Aimee early this morning . "
tr	1	And I had to see about a body .
tr	1	I had to know if Malcolm was okay .
tr	1	He pushed back the chair and it banged into the cupboard .
tr	1	He dumped the rest of his cold coffee into the sink .
tr	1	And then I felt worse , if that was possible .
tr	1	I nodded and downed a glass of water before slipping outside .
tr	1	What if he 'd wanted to tell me about Mom ?
tr	1	She should be here to get them herself .
tr	1	The birds singing in the trees needed to be shot .
tr	1	I sprinted to the corner before slowing to a jog .
tr	1	" Oo la la , you look terrible ! "
tr	1	I had bigger concerns than poofy pastry chefs .
tr	1	I leaned forward and nibbled on my croissant .
tr	1	I wrapped my hands around the warmth of the cup .
tr	1	Have you talked to your papa about this yet ? "
tr	1	I tested my latte before taking a sip .
tr	1	I didn 't want to talk to Aimee about my date .
tr	1	What if she wrote me off as a total jerk ?
tr	1	And then slowly backed out of our friendship ?
tr	1	I couldn 't handle losing my only friend .
tr	1	He did not show for work this morning . "
tr	1	I fiddled with the menu and sipped my latte .
tr	1	" Share now , before I make a scene . "
tr	1	" I 'll tell you on the way .
tr	1	A girl can never have too much protection .
tr	1	We half ran , half walked toward the Eiffel .
tr	1	When we were almost there , I breathed a bit easier .
tr	1	Ever since we met , she always cared .
tr	1	Wanting to know what was wrong without wanting anything back .
tr	1	I took several deep breaths then summed up the previous evening .
tr	1	Then I told her the rest , almost .
tr	1	I talked about his admission of guilt and the mock trial .
tr	1	Then her lips twitched , and her eyes crinkled .
tr	1	She lowered her head while her shoulders shook .
tr	1	But the truth was nothing to laugh at .
tr	1	How do you get into these messes ? "
tr	1	I just need to know he escaped . "
tr	1	A part of me wished I 'd told her the truth .
tr	1	She cocked her head and suppressed a grin .
tr	1	Not even a bit of yellow police tape was visible .
tr	1	Aimee asked , a hand on my arm .
tr	1	I couldn 't let myself think he might 've died .
tr	1	Even if I did , what did it matter ?
tr	1	He 'd gone missing and could very well be dead .
tr	1	Aimee nodded as if to say , yeah right .
tr	1	She stood and slung her backpack over her shoulder .
tr	1	But I had bigger things to worry about .
tr	1	A serving tray could possibly save my life .
tr	1	Newly spun webs clung to my face and neck .
tr	1	His wild red hair and acne scars just added to it .
tr	1	And then there was Aimee and me , the lowly informants .
tr	1	Dad had strict orders -- no talking in the rafters .
tr	1	My palms grew sweaty , like last time .
tr	1	No chairs or tables or water coolers were in sight .
tr	1	" Look at them , " I whispered .
tr	1	A group of balding men walked in wearing trench coats .
tr	1	I made a mental note to stay away from him .
tr	1	I swayed and clenched my teeth to hold my breakfast back .
tr	1	The smell of bat excrement made me feel positively sick .
tr	1	I checked and rechecked my cables and attachments .
tr	1	A cold draft sent goosebumps down my legs .
tr	1	Maybe I 'd end up in a hospital next to Malcolm .
tr	1	Aimee whispered , " You can do this . "
tr	1	" Doesn 't mean I want to . "
tr	1	Gray gave us a stern look to stop talking .
tr	1	Kind of like when God created the earth , I imagined .
tr	1	Unfortunately , his dramatic efforts worked on everyone but me .
tr	1	Dad took full advantage of everyone 's gawking stares .
tr	1	" A high profile executive has been taken for ransom .
tr	1	It 's your job to follow the clues and save him .
tr	1	The warehouse door screeched open , and everyone looked .
tr	1	Joy burst through my veins and flooded my body .
tr	1	All this time , I believed he could 've been dead .
tr	1	I desperately reached for Aimee , swinging my arms wildly .
tr	1	I swung back and forth , dangling from a wire .
tr	1	Clearly , he needed to develop his skills of telepathy .
tr	1	I was stuck until it was time to drop .
tr	1	I just wanted to stop swinging like a monkey .
tr	1	Nancy swooped past me to the cheering of the crowd .
tr	1	Dad boomed out their names as they dropped down .
tr	1	Six Dad cleared his throat after an awkward silence .
tr	1	That distraction came in pieces of colored candy .
tr	1	A special tag allowed me to bypass buying a ticket .
tr	1	There was something very satisfying about collecting stacks of green .
tr	1	Only a small bench with black padding decorated the room .
tr	1	" Been working on it for a long time ? "
tr	1	And I wasn 't in the mood to explain .
tr	1	He didn 't even try to hide the innuendo .
tr	1	With a dramatic flourish , I finished off the wings .
tr	1	" Do they always dress like that ? "
tr	1	He stopped painting and turned his gray eyes on me .
tr	1	While I thought he might be dead , he played jokes !
tr	1	" You might want to work on that accent . "
tr	1	" Your fake British accent isn 't much better . "
tr	1	The lady glanced back at her team and shrugged .
tr	1	They waved her on and pointed toward me .
tr	1	Then I dug into my satchel and handed her an envelope .
tr	1	" Haven 't you caused enough trouble ? "
tr	1	Malcolm didn 't look at me but mixed his paints .
tr	1	" The least you could do is say you 're sorry .
tr	1	After that we both turned to our easels .
tr	1	My throat ached but I held back the sob .
tr	1	I didn 't know if you were dead or alive .
tr	1	I had to completely turn away before I throttled him .
tr	1	" I didn 't realize you cared . "
tr	1	" I told you it was just a grazing . "
tr	1	His voice dropped lower and he nudged me with his elbow .
tr	1	You think I 'm cute , don 't you ? "
tr	1	It was my turn to splatter him with paint .
tr	1	He rubbed the red marks on his wrists from the ties .
tr	1	" At the time I had my reasons . "
tr	1	A guard sauntered across the room , close enough to listen .
tr	1	" You can at least let me explain ! "
tr	1	With one final yank , I ripped it from his hands .
tr	1	Green bills fluttered in the air as I lost my hold .
tr	1	Tiny rainbow-colored pebbles seemed to float in the air around us .
tr	1	Shock crossed Malcolm 's face and he paled .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , " Malcolm gasped out .
tr	1	I 'd forgotten to throw out the rest of my Skittles .
tr	1	Or they were because their informant wouldn 't be here .
tr	1	I yanked the artist smock over my head .
tr	1	I pulled my coat together and folded my arms .
tr	1	Tips of skyscrapers poked at the sky in the distance .
tr	1	I squinted and my heart dropped straight to the ground floor .
tr	1	The lady slipped into the crowds like any other tourist .
tr	1	Someone tugged on my coat , but I brushed them away .
tr	1	The words yanked me back into the real world .
tr	1	She tucked a strand of graying hair back into her bun .
tr	1	She seemed a little unsure , so I nodded .
tr	1	And I could ask her why the hell she left .
tr	1	I so wasn 't in the mood for his ' tude .
tr	1	I closed my eyes , to center myself .
tr	1	He sent a youngish woman from his group over to me .
tr	1	I hated when they screwed up the line .
tr	1	Dad had strict orders to not help them out .
tr	1	She said something about a Dr. Pepper float .
tr	1	The lady with the blue scarf passed us .
tr	1	Mom couldn 't speak French to save her life .
tr	1	Her look softened and she grasped my hands .
tr	1	" My dear , are you okay ? "
tr	1	That was all she could say to me ?
tr	1	Hide it in a closet or better yet , burn it .
tr	1	I don 't want you getting involved . "
tr	1	She glanced to the left and right and squeezed my hand .
tr	1	" They probably already know you are in France .
tr	1	They could have spies watching us right now .
tr	1	They already took a dear friend of mine .
tr	1	I won 't let them take you too . "
tr	1	She walked away like she didn 't even know me .
tr	1	We had a museum to visit and lattes to drink .
tr	1	She shook her head and disappeared into the crowds .
tr	1	I wasn 't sure , but I did know one thing .
tr	1	I couldn 't wait to get home and open that package .
tr	1	Her eyes , wide with panic , darted left and right .
tr	1	We have got to get out of here .
tr	1	She tugged on my arm and dragged me toward the elevator .
tr	1	" And then she refused to give it to me .
tr	1	I wanted you to have the full spy experience .
tr	1	I thought Mr. Bent might have an alternate plan for you .
tr	1	And then the guards led me away . "
tr	1	Cliff Peyton kept his face inches from mine .
tr	1	" You were both probably in on it .
tr	1	I slipped my hand into hers , squeezing .
tr	1	" You need to find your group . "
tr	1	Clearly the guy had more problems than just us .
tr	1	He acted more like a teenager than we did .
tr	1	I should have given him the clue . "
tr	1	I started it when I brought candy into the Louvre . "
tr	1	That is no reason for him to lose it . "
tr	1	I 'll explain everything to my dad . "
tr	1	" That would be nice , but no . "
tr	1	Aimee set her jaw and the fear left her eyes .
tr	1	" I am going to follow him . "
tr	1	She wanted proof so my dad wouldn 't fire her .
tr	1	The first team to free the hostage would win the game .
tr	1	Unfortunately , all we could offer were cheap trophies as prizes .
tr	1	I 've beaten him at War like five times .
tr	1	They let us use a small storage room in the back .
tr	1	He already had the cards set up on an overturned crate .
tr	1	" Don 't ever think about crossing me . "
tr	1	A client had never called my dad on me .
tr	1	Dad really needed to do background checks or something .
tr	1	" Just strapping on my belt , " I said .
tr	1	" Have any of the groups made it there yet ? "
tr	1	Maybe he was going to let the whole Cliff thing drop .
tr	1	The hint of concern in his voice caused mine to shake .
tr	1	Maybe you should -- " " Dad ? "
tr	1	No answer except the empty silence of a lost connection .
tr	1	I sensed a huge lecture in my near future .
tr	1	I shut the phone and jammed it into my bag .
tr	1	It seemed to always come back to him .
tr	1	Frankie and I squeezed in a few games of War .
tr	1	Don 't try and get out of losing .
tr	1	And he wasn 't singing show tunes either .
tr	1	" Get in the chair , " I answered .
tr	1	Peyton towered in the doorway , but no group .
tr	1	Not a good sign that he split from his team .
tr	1	" You can 't stop me now ! "
tr	1	Facing Peyton , I drew in a deep breath .
tr	1	" You 're supposed to stay with your group .
tr	1	I 'm sure they need your help . "
tr	1	He puffed out breaths while cracking his knuckles .
tr	1	Behind me , Frankie mumbled something but I couldn 't focus .
tr	1	I wish I could change what happened . "
tr	1	" I could 've won this game . "
tr	1	" You think this is a joke ? "
tr	1	" Don 't even think about it . "
tr	1	" I know life can be hard sometimes . "
tr	1	I had no idea what to say to him .
tr	1	The door to the storage room slammed shut .
tr	1	Malcolm rushed across the room and punched Peyton in the gut .
tr	1	I grabbed the screwdriver and jabbed Peyton in the arm .
tr	1	Pain shot through my head , radiating out from my cheek .
tr	1	Peyton regained his footing and gasped at my reddening cheekbone .
tr	1	" You should 've stayed out of this . "
tr	1	Malcolm gripped the back of Peyton 's neck and squeezed .
tr	1	Peyton dropped to the floor , writhing in agony .
tr	1	" What 's going on in here ? "
tr	1	Dad kicked the crate out of his way and approached Peyton .
tr	1	Cards fluttered only to settle on the wooden floorboards .
tr	1	Nancy and Gray both arrived , breathless and with flushed faces .
tr	1	With a grunt , he strode from the room .
tr	1	I nodded , all words trapped in my throat .
tr	1	Malcolm picked up the cards scattered on the floor .
tr	1	His shoulders slouched , and I could tell he blamed me .
tr	1	Maybe Dad would ship me off to boarding school .
tr	1	I highly doubted he 'd believe today was my best effort .
tr	1	Aimee must have forgotten to meet me here .
tr	1	And open the package Mom told me to burn .
tr	1	He would never leave the door unlocked , much less open !
tr	1	A noise came from the down the hall in my bedroom .
tr	1	With light steps , I headed down the narrow hallway .
tr	1	A draft ruffled the ends of my hair .
tr	1	I wasn 't going to tiptoe around my own home .
tr	1	I stopped and swayed , a bit dizzy .
tr	1	I let out a breath and closed the umbrella .
tr	1	The person was gone , but someone had definitely been here .
tr	1	But Mom wasn 't here , was she ?
tr	1	Whatever it was , Mom didn 't want me to know .
tr	1	The front door rattled , and I froze .
tr	1	" Glad you could join us , Savvy . "
tr	1	Dad posed a question to the group every few seconds .
tr	1	Gray took notes and punched numbers into a calculator .
tr	1	Nancy nodded , but her whole body drooped .
tr	1	Like when your dad eats your last piece of Halloween candy .
tr	1	Peyton 's last threat echoed in my mind .
tr	1	" I 'll be working on a new route .
tr	1	There are many terrific tourist sites in Paris .
tr	1	There were lots of perfectly good reasons for her absence .
tr	1	" Thanks , everyone , " Dad concluded .
tr	1	The staff gathered their stuff and filed out .
tr	1	Nancy squeezed my shoulder , and Frankie winked at me .
tr	1	Maybe I 'd gotten Aimee fired , too ?
tr	1	I couldn 't lie my way out of this one .
tr	1	" I didn 't do it on purpose .
tr	1	And then you must 've had your phone turned off . "
tr	1	" We had a strict contract with the museum .
tr	1	I couldn 't look him in the eyes .
tr	1	" I 'll go back and explain , " I said .
tr	1	I 'll get down on my knees and beg .
tr	1	I 'll scrub their floors for a year . "
tr	1	And I thought I 'd hid it so well .
tr	1	He missed Mom just as much as I did .
tr	1	I know you mock some of the clients .
tr	1	Dad 's voice was sharp , and I stopped babbling .
tr	1	" Aimee isn 't fired , and neither are you . "
tr	1	Dad pulled out a letter and handed it to me .
tr	1	" I found this taped to the door . "
tr	1	My hand shook a little bit as I quickly read it .
tr	1	The words blurred on the page , not making any sense .
tr	1	But it was probably awkward for her . "
tr	1	" Aimee is very responsible , " I continued .
tr	1	" She 'd never leave without making alternate arrangements . "
tr	1	" I don 't think he 's any trouble .
tr	1	Yes , I made mistakes , but he overreacted .
tr	1	You 've always said to follow our instincts .
tr	1	We could work -- " He zipped his briefcase .
tr	1	" I admit her leaving is a bit strange .
tr	1	But instinct is different than an overactive imagination .
tr	1	You 're too close to this to see properly . "
tr	1	" Did you put ice on your cheek ? "
tr	1	I traced circles on the arm of the couch .
tr	1	He started to say something , then stopped .
tr	1	I couldn 't believe she 'd just take off .
tr	1	I didn 't remember any mention of a trip .
tr	1	I wanted the letter to be a prank .
tr	1	And I needed to find out about this pastry Extravaganza thing .
tr	1	I leaned against the kitchen counter and rubbed my eyes .
tr	1	I studied the reflection but it was too blurry .
tr	1	Like he was alone in his bedroom or something .
tr	1	Normally , I loved when Dad left early for work .
tr	1	Malcolm smiled , his eyes glued to the screen .
tr	1	I had to get him out of our apartment .
tr	1	" My gosh , will you look already ! "
tr	1	His gaze flicked up and locked on the knife .
tr	1	My hand wavered and so did my confidence .
tr	1	" As a waiter , I notice these things . "
tr	1	He sipped his coffee , his eyes still on mine .
tr	1	" Just waiting to hear back from a friend . "
tr	1	" Anything I can do to help ? "
tr	1	Unless you have a crystal ball or a magic wand . "
tr	1	" Where do we go from here ? "
tr	1	But I don 't date anyone based on a kiss .
tr	1	A hot kiss totally makes me want a second date .
tr	1	It was what happened after the kiss that ruined everything .
tr	1	Why did he keep acting like we worked together ?
tr	1	His eyes widened and understanding flashed across his face .
tr	1	Trust in my knowledge of the situation disappeared .
tr	1	" I thought you knew I was here . "
tr	1	He smiled and glanced down at my lack of clothing .
tr	1	" You think I entertain all guests this way ? "
tr	1	" Your dad was supposed to leave you a note . "
tr	1	" I met with your dad this morning .
tr	1	I wanted an exciting job for some extra cash .
tr	1	" Don 't sign any contracts yet , " I said .
tr	1	" Because we still don 't have confirmation she really left .
tr	1	He took the final step and grabbed my wrist .
tr	1	I tried to pull away , my hopes crashing .
tr	1	How could my dad sign someone so soon ?
tr	1	Malcolm pulled me closer , his fingers loosening their grip .
tr	1	Okay , working with him might not be that bad .
tr	1	Twelve I found the note confirming Malcolm 's story .
tr	1	I 'd train him but I 'd look for Aimee too .
tr	1	I placed my hand on his arm to shut him up .
tr	1	The official Extravaganza sign-up was taped to the front counter .
tr	1	The preliminaries were in less than two weeks .
tr	1	He held a cup of coffee in his hands .
tr	1	" Is this part of the Spy Games route ?
tr	1	You and your friend came here often enough . "
tr	1	I couldn 't leave until I was absolutely sure .
tr	1	" How do you start a typical work day ?
tr	1	After coffee and croissants , that is . "
tr	1	" You want to talk about it ? "
tr	1	Don 't forget gloves for the bat poop . "
tr	1	" But you don 't believe that . "
tr	1	Time to get this out in the open .
tr	1	That usually doesn 't happen on my first dates .
tr	1	And thanks for helping me out with Peyton . "
tr	1	I just wish the kiss had lasted longer . "
tr	1	" I can 't tell you all my secrets . "
tr	1	As soon as he said that , he pulled back .
tr	1	I couldn 't tell , so I changed the subject .
tr	1	I started to walk away , but Malcolm didn 't move .
tr	1	" Slide it up your shirt for protection . "
tr	1	I straightened my back and tucked my hair behind my ears .
tr	1	Now it 's time to get started . "
tr	1	" I 'm ready for anything , boss . "
tr	1	Or was this some big game to him ?
tr	1	" Does some super-secret evil villain live here ? "
tr	1	" She 's basically telling us to scram .
tr	1	" I 've got the right place . "
tr	1	Malcolm muttered , " She 's on the attack . "
tr	1	She switched to English and pasted on a smile .
tr	1	" Bonjour , Aimee 's young friend . "
tr	1	A bit of young love is just what I need . "
tr	1	Malcolm put his arm around me and squeezed .
tr	1	" I was lucky to find such a gem . "
tr	1	He leaned over and planted one on me .
tr	1	I made gingerbread cookies and the kettle is on .
tr	1	Maybe you can talk sense to her . "
tr	1	We followed Marie into a tiny sitting room off the kitchen .
tr	1	" I couldn 't disappoint an old woman .
tr	1	She probably lost her husband in a war long ago .
tr	1	Would it kill you to make her day ? "
tr	1	" Fine , but let me steer this conversation .
tr	1	Her hand shook , and I worried she would drop it .
tr	1	" Let me do that for you . "
tr	1	Marie smiled and crinkled her face up with tiny lines .
tr	1	" No , no , nothing like that .
tr	1	Aimee is a valued part of the team . "
tr	1	" Did Aimee tell you where she was headed today ? "
tr	1	She borrowed a sweater of mine last week .
tr	1	I excused myself from the table , needing to be alone .
tr	1	" Do you need help , sweetie ? "
tr	1	I mustered the most sugary voice I could .
tr	1	I begged to differ with the flowered apron .
tr	1	I took the stairs two at a time .
tr	1	You almost sent her to an early grave .
tr	1	Was I supposed to learn from that ? "
tr	1	It looked different and I wasn 't sure why .
tr	1	" What 's our next lesson , boss ? "
tr	1	Most of it was gone except for a necklace .
tr	1	She 'd never leave without her hiking boots .
tr	1	Malcolm fussed around in the room behind me .
tr	1	" No ticket reservations or books on Europe or hotel reservations .
tr	1	I slumped to the floor and leaned against her dresser .
tr	1	I was ready to spy -- I mean train a spy .
tr	1	He pulled an innocent baby face quite effectively .
tr	1	" You said to wear spy clothes . "
tr	1	I strode across the room to his private filing cabinet .
tr	1	Or perhaps a stroll to the patisserie ? "
tr	1	" But this is your dad 's office . "
tr	1	" Why are you spying on your dad ? "
tr	1	After several minutes of jiggling , I handed it to him .
tr	1	" Okay , I showed you how to do it .
tr	1	" I don 't feel right about this . "
tr	1	" This is the only way to find Aimee .
tr	1	Malcolm leaned over and jiggled the paper clip in the lock .
tr	1	He bit his lower lip and stared at it .
tr	1	Keep watch out the window for my dad . "
tr	1	I flipped through the files and found P quickly .
tr	1	I 'd never realized how many personal questions Dad asks .
tr	1	Maybe to tailor the games to the clients ' needs ?
tr	1	I crushed the file on Peyton in my grip .
tr	1	" He could only have gotten in a few miles . "
tr	1	He must have had a teleconference and forgotten .
tr	1	" You couldn 't unlock the filing cabinet . "
tr	1	" It was part of your training . "
tr	1	Strand by strand , I pulled microfibers from the rug .
tr	1	" Yes , I understand the economy is hard .
tr	1	Spy Games was popular and doing well , wasn 't it ?
tr	1	What about all the money I wasted on pastries and lattes ?
tr	1	I thought about Mom 's money stashed in the closet .
tr	1	Malcolm found my hand and entwined his fingers with mine .
tr	1	I closed my eyes and listened to Dad 's words .
tr	1	I blocked out the rest of the conversation .
tr	1	The tall brick buildings were built for tourists and quick money .
tr	1	Not exactly high class , but it was still in Paris .
tr	1	Malcolm focused on the front of the building .
tr	1	" Do you think Aimee could be here ? "
tr	1	My voice caught , betraying the state of my nerves .
tr	1	I wasn 't exactly a pro at breaking the law .
tr	1	" You saw how psycho Peyton was yesterday .
tr	1	When you , um , saved me . "
tr	1	" Was he mad at Aimee too ? "
tr	1	" Because sitting in this bush kinda sucks . "
tr	1	I waltzed up the front walk and right through the door .
tr	1	We 're going to ' slice the pie . '
tr	1	Normally , we 'd need three people for this .
tr	1	" I 'll open the door , and you peek in .
tr	1	" What if he 's in the room ? "
tr	1	I couldn 't help but feel a twinge of guilt .
tr	1	Good for us , but possibly terrible for Aimee .
tr	1	I poked it into the hole , and I prayed .
tr	1	After a few minutes of intense humiliation , the lock clicked .
tr	1	Malcolm turned the knob and opened the door a crack .
tr	1	I stuffed the hairpin in my back pocket , relieved .
tr	1	I held up fingers , counting to three .
tr	1	Each breath sounded like a freight train in my ears .
tr	1	Breaking and entering went against every moral fiber in my being .
tr	1	Okay , peeking at Dad 's files didn 't count .
tr	1	He gave a thumbs up , and we entered .
tr	1	My heartbeat felt like gunshots going off in my chest .
tr	1	Maybe he had already used some of it on Aimee .
tr	1	" This isn 't a Clue game , " I said .
tr	1	I zipped opened my backpack and reached inside .
tr	1	" We 'll know for sure in a couple days . "
tr	1	I 'll put them in his shoes . "
tr	1	I sounded way more 007 than I felt .
tr	1	" Don 't you ever watch the movies ?
tr	1	Rip open the seam a tiny bit and shove it in .
tr	1	I pulled out a pair of sneakers from the tiny closet .
tr	1	" It might be , but I have strong probable cause .
tr	1	For the next ten minutes , we worked in silence .
tr	1	" Let 's get out of here , " I urged .
tr	1	Malcolm gripped my arm and held me back .
tr	1	" I 'll take care of this . "
tr	1	I had to show him we weren 't the bad guys .
tr	1	He stood still , his fingers twitching at his sides .
tr	1	" What the hell are you doing in my room ? "
tr	1	I said it as casually and friendly as I could .
tr	1	" And you decided just to let yourselves in ?
tr	1	Is this how they do things in Paris ? "
tr	1	I didn 't bother to give him a dirty look .
tr	1	" I guess we got off on the wrong foot . "
tr	1	" That 's one way to look at it . "
tr	1	" Why don 't we talk about this ?
tr	1	" I did not ruin anything , " I argued .
tr	1	Peyton snorted like he didn 't believe a word I said .
tr	1	" I don 't have to explain anything to you .
tr	1	Malcolm grabbed my arm and rushed toward the door .
tr	1	" A Spy Games staff member is gone . "
tr	1	Color crept up his neck and across his face .
tr	1	Because soon the police will be after you .
tr	1	" Let 's go , " I said .
tr	1	Sixteen After running several blocks , I finally slowed down .
tr	1	Malcolm started to talk but I cut him off .
tr	1	" I don 't want to talk about it . "
tr	1	He nodded , any hint of a smile disappearing .
tr	1	And by tonight I might be in jail .
tr	1	I 'd pissed him off , but I didn 't care .
tr	1	Hopefully , Peyton will lead us right to Aimee . "
tr	1	The French police might just laugh in our faces . "
tr	1	His lips tightened and a muscle twitched in his jaw .
tr	1	I blinked away my tears and hardened my face .
tr	1	" Don 't you have to go to work ? "
tr	1	Two days later , I woke up a total grump .
tr	1	Flannel nightgowns are highly underrated , soft and comforting .
tr	1	I checked the remote showing the position of Peyton 's trackers .
tr	1	Why did I have to take that guy 's picture ?
tr	1	Following stupid instructions didn 't bring me any closer to Mom .
tr	1	I didn 't hear you come in . "
tr	1	" It 's just hot in here . "
tr	1	" Your mom would have to explain that . "
tr	1	" Sometimes people need a break to figure things out .
tr	1	" So the split isn 't permanent ? "
tr	1	Finally , he said , " Only time will tell . "
tr	1	He wiped a smudge of frosting off my nose .
tr	1	" Why the sudden interest in cooking ? "
tr	1	" A hobby to keep me busy between Spy Games . "
tr	1	I blinked back the tears blurring my vision .
tr	1	" Bet I can beat you in chess ? "
tr	1	When Mom , Dad and I were a family .
tr	1	The light faded , and he cleared his throat .
tr	1	I 've got some paperwork to catch up on . "
tr	1	He turned his back to me , his shoulders hunched .
tr	1	I struggled to hold back the words churning in my mind .
tr	1	I didn 't want to be that girl anymore .
tr	1	That girl wouldn 't be searching for her best friend .
tr	1	That girl wouldn 't dare stick up for herself .
tr	1	And that girl wouldn 't challenge her dad .
tr	1	" You can 't ignore me forever ! "
tr	1	" Savvy , I 'm not ignoring you .
tr	1	" Whoa , it 's just me . "
tr	1	I sensed a conspiracy and didn 't like it .
tr	1	Dad started cleaning up the chess game for me .
tr	1	Dad raised his eyebrows and peered at me .
tr	1	He continued , " Which I 'll forgive .
tr	1	" I wanted it to be a surprise . "
tr	1	" How come I wasn 't involved in this decision ? "
tr	1	Dad backed away with his hands in the air .
tr	1	Malcolm crossed the room and grabbed my hand .
tr	1	" I wasn 't exactly a princess either . "
tr	1	I tried to make my voice low and menacing .
tr	1	He flipped around on the stairs , brushing up against me .
tr	1	Time to prove I wasn 't about to fall apart .
tr	1	The couch didn 't even have a pillow .
tr	1	" Why you don 't invite girls up here . "
tr	1	He caught my eye and my stomach fluttered .
tr	1	" Atmosphere has nothing to do with romance . "
tr	1	Are you going to divulge our afternoon plans ? "
tr	1	I 'd smash a lock and break down the door .
tr	1	" I 've been doing a bit of spying myself .
tr	1	He 's been on the move for a couple of hours .
tr	1	Yes , even us black-haired beauties have our moments .
tr	1	" Of course , I knew that . "
tr	1	But I liked that he was helping me .
tr	1	Malcolm leaned on his cane and shuffled his feet .
tr	1	I could be moments from rescuing my friend .
tr	1	After twenty-four hours the chance of finding someone decreases ?
tr	1	Because every place in Paris has a history .
tr	1	" I bet I know where he 's headed . "
tr	1	I shivered a bit because the cliff towered over a lake .
tr	1	" I need this more than you . "
tr	1	He cupped his hand to shield the sun from his eyes .
tr	1	" Why , what did you see ? "
tr	1	" Tall , dark hair , an obnoxious swagger .
tr	1	" We can cross the safe and legal one . "
tr	1	I growled and ripped out of his grasp .
tr	1	The wooden slats creaked and swayed under my weight .
tr	1	I didn 't care about the rules or the danger .
tr	1	Halfway across , Malcolm stopped and the bridge creaked .
tr	1	I groaned , my fingers digging into the railing .
tr	1	The leaves and ferns brushed my face and arms .
tr	1	I found nothing but fox dens or rabbit holes .
tr	1	After looking under every rock and tree , my adrenaline crashed .
tr	1	Malcolm called out , " I found something .
tr	1	The heartbreak in Malcolm 's eyes told me everything .
tr	1	" This doesn 't mean she was here .
tr	1	I pulled out the tracker and we both looked at it .
tr	1	The leaves and rope blurred in front of my eyes .
tr	1	Some pieces of trash weren 't real clues .
tr	1	But then why did I feel my hope slipping away ?
tr	1	" Honestly , I don 't think she was ever here .
tr	1	" You might as well take in the view .
tr	1	We did tell your dad we 'd have some fun . "
tr	1	" Tell me again about our wedding day . "
tr	1	I stiffened a bit when he put his arm around me .
tr	1	Except I couldn 't muster the energy to play his game .
tr	1	" You can quit trying to cheer me up .
tr	1	" I remember now , " he said .
tr	1	" We got married under the Arc de Triomphe at sunset .
tr	1	We , of course , were safe under the arc . "
tr	1	I relented and couldn 't help but smile .
tr	1	I just about lost my breath when he said that .
tr	1	For once I didn 't have anything to say .
tr	1	He ran his fingers down my arms and goosebumps quickly followed .
tr	1	Maybe even some of the men if they were being honest .
tr	1	Maybe , just maybe , I could call him a friend .
tr	1	A shot rang out , ripping a hole through the fantasy .
tr	1	I hit the wood with a muffled clang .
tr	1	All my breath shot out my mouth , leaving me gasping .
tr	1	" Are you still wearing that stupid tray ? "
tr	1	" Forget about it , " Malcolm said .
tr	1	My heart pounded for a completely different reason .
tr	1	I scrambled to my feet , gathered my skirt and sprinted .
tr	1	Malcolm dove under the nearest sweeping tree branches .
tr	1	I gripped the bench to stop the shaking in my arms .
tr	1	He was mad , but was he completely psycho ?
tr	1	I huddled close to Malcolm , trying to shrink from sight .
tr	1	" It 's okay to breathe , " Malcolm whispered .
tr	1	" Whoever was on the path didn 't see us .
tr	1	The rest of my breath came out in a big whoosh .
tr	1	" We can wait a bit then . "
tr	1	I couldn 't believe Peyton would try to shoot at us .
tr	1	" What if this wasn 't Peyton ? "
tr	1	" This might be about my mom . "
tr	1	His voice rose as if he were suddenly interested .
tr	1	I saw him on the other side of the bridge . "
tr	1	" Glad he 's not walking past right now . "
tr	1	" I didn 't say I was going to share it .
tr	1	I unwrapped it and smelled the milk chocolate .
tr	1	" So , tell me your biggest fear . "
tr	1	" Since we 've been shot at together .
tr	1	Maybe we should know each other a little bit better . "
tr	1	Water came out Malcolm 's nose when he laughed .
tr	1	After a few minutes , he looked up .
tr	1	" My biggest fear is failing my dad .
tr	1	" He has a funny way of showing it . "
tr	1	" What 's your most embarrassing moment ? "
tr	1	I was on a date with this cute girl . "
tr	1	But that wasn 't the embarrassing part . "
tr	1	I clasped my hands together and fiddled with my fingers .
tr	1	This was my most embarrassing moment , for sure .
tr	1	Moments passed , and we didn 't say a word .
tr	1	The breeze hugged us , pulling us closer together .
tr	1	" We should be okay to leave . "
tr	1	Minutes later , we trudged up to the gate .
tr	1	On the Metro ride home we didn 't say a word .
tr	1	He stared out the window at the blurred underground walls .
tr	1	Maybe he 'd decided I wasn 't worth getting shot over .
tr	1	Possibly being killed moved a big ole cloud right over us .
tr	1	I wanted to check out Aimee 's room again .
tr	1	Something hadn 't felt right the first time .
tr	1	Or maybe I just wanted to feel close to her .
tr	1	The once happy blooming flowers in the window boxes drooped .
tr	1	At first , I stood in the doorway and observed .
tr	1	I ran my fingers over the beaded jewelry .
tr	1	The faded smell of her perfume barely lingered .
tr	1	I remembered the laughter and her crinkly smile .
tr	1	This was where the clues I was missing would magically appear .
tr	1	Wouldn 't someone walking into her house make more noise ?
tr	1	Why didn 't I think to bring rappelling hooks ?
tr	1	I crept over to the window and pushed it open .
tr	1	A breeze drifted through bringing fresh air to the stale room .
tr	1	I prayed the person would leave because my fingers were cramping .
tr	1	My feet ached but I dove into the nearest bush .
tr	1	If the intruder was leaving they had to come this way .
tr	1	Who else was interested in Marie and Aimee ?
tr	1	A middle-aged woman with mousy hair rounded the corner .
tr	1	I breathed deep and tried to call up a smooth response .
tr	1	I 'd seen enough spy thrillers with my dad .
tr	1	I should be able to get out of any situation .
tr	1	" Just visiting Marie 's granddaughter , Aimee . "
tr	1	I called out and caught up to her .
tr	1	The lived-in feeling of a teenage girl 's room .
tr	1	And trust me , I had a list of questions .
tr	1	I walked the streets , a pile of nerves .
tr	1	What the hell was my mom getting paid to do ?
tr	1	I wasn 't sure if I wanted to know the truth .
tr	1	The smell of sweet frosting and cinnamon laced the air .
tr	1	I guess older men consider teenagers to be little .
tr	1	Entering a contest this big with professionals . "
tr	1	He said professionals as if the word was synonymous with royalty .
tr	1	" Do you know who I am ? "
tr	1	The throng of adoring fans all laughed too .
tr	1	He dropped his voice low so only I could hear .
tr	1	" I know who you are and why you are here .
tr	1	Shaken , I stumbled away until I found my table .
tr	1	I double-checked my number against the table number .
tr	1	With a silly grin , I stood behind my masterpiece .
tr	1	My palms grew sweaty , and I fiddled with my ponytail .
tr	1	An army of tarts and croissants surrounded his entry .
tr	1	I pressed the button on top of the camera .
tr	1	The force of something leaving the camera pushed my body back .
tr	1	I murdered a famous pastry chef in a foreign country .
tr	1	I didn 't want to stick around to find out .
tr	1	My legs gave way , and I stumbled backward .
tr	1	I needed to take the money and run .
tr	1	I only knew I couldn 't stay here .
tr	1	So far , no one was after me .
tr	1	Or was she an unsuspecting pawn simply following directions ?
tr	1	I ducked under the flowered trellises hung over the doorway .
tr	1	I walked around the glass cases and into the kitchen .
tr	1	A door to the right was cracked open .
tr	1	I wasn 't sure I wanted to know .
tr	1	Was he the chef who 'd sneaked into the shop ?
tr	1	Hairs instantly stuck out across my arms and down my legs .
tr	1	Or worse , he could lock me in a freezer .
tr	1	Malcolm spoke in low tones , his voice barely reaching me .
tr	1	The butler 's voice rang out , harsh and angry .
tr	1	The guy was the French version of Betty Crocker .
tr	1	The butler eventually had to stop and take a breath .
tr	1	" I 'll persuade the prisoner to talk .
tr	1	Isn 't that why you hired me ? "
tr	1	My heart contracted so fast it pounded against my chest .
tr	1	The butler spoke , " Oui , oui .
tr	1	I tried to pick out what few words I might recognize .
tr	1	I pressed my head against the icy metal of the door .
tr	1	The butler spoke again , in a cold clear voice .
tr	1	The walls of the freezer seemed to close in on me .
tr	1	And if I did that , I shuddered to think .
tr	1	And they must have kidnapped Aimee to do it .
tr	1	" What 's up with the pan ? "
tr	1	I flipped it around , a gigantic smile on my face .
tr	1	I looked back and forth between the pan and Malcolm .
tr	1	I needed to keep our distance so I could think clearly .
tr	1	Did my dad ask you over again ? "
tr	1	He turned his back to me and reached into his backpack .
tr	1	" Heard you made it through to the Extravaganza finals . "
tr	1	Twenty-three Malcolm lowered the party horn and plopped his pack down .
tr	1	Relief flooded my arms and legs , and my body sagged .
tr	1	Better yet , my mom wasn 't an assassin .
tr	1	Honestly , winning that contest is about impossible .
tr	1	" No such thing as luck in that contest .
tr	1	He pulled a soft blanket from his pack .
tr	1	Someone with the skills had helped me win .
tr	1	What would I have to do at the Extravaganza finals ?
tr	1	He pulled out grapes , bread , cheese , and champagne .
tr	1	Hopefully it wasn 't drugged with truth serum .
tr	1	And if I didn 't answer what would he do ?
tr	1	I 'm offering you a chance to redeem yourself . "
tr	1	" So , Savvy Bent , tell me about yourself . "
tr	1	Obviously he was going with the not-so-subtle approach to questioning .
tr	1	" What do you want to know ? "
tr	1	" What else did she like to do ?
tr	1	After sipping on champagne , I finally answered .
tr	1	She was extreme about her exercise regime . "
tr	1	He tilted his head and gave me his full attention .
tr	1	I tried to act as sincere as I could .
tr	1	It was more like business trip after business trip .
tr	1	he asked , ripping off a chunk of bread .
tr	1	He moved behind me and rubbed my shoulders .
tr	1	I know a little bit about obsessive parents . "
tr	1	I wondered how much he was getting paid .
tr	1	I can 't believe someone knocked him out . "
tr	1	Why would you think he 's bad ? "
tr	1	It was my turn to pump him for information .
tr	1	After breathing deeply , Malcolm raised an eyebrow .
tr	1	" But that was a week before the Extravaganza .
tr	1	He wouldn 't even have heard of you . "
tr	1	On the outside , Malcolm 's rationale made sense .
tr	1	He couldn 't have known , " I said .
tr	1	As expected , he gently pushed me away .
tr	1	" You 're killing me , " he said .
tr	1	" What did you discover about your mom ?
tr	1	You can 't leave a guy hanging . "
tr	1	He responded by lifting my chin with his finger .
tr	1	He moved closer until our lips were inches apart .
tr	1	He jerked away , breaking from our light kisses .
tr	1	He didn 't care about me , and that stung .
tr	1	" My mom isn 't a spy . "
tr	1	" We haven 't even talked about my dad yet . "
tr	1	That was when I decided it was my turn to spy .
tr	1	And what did that have to do with me ?
tr	1	" Your dad explained it to me , " he said .
tr	1	He rambled on , but I quickly lost interest .
tr	1	I refused to be another toy in his chest .
tr	1	But I couldn 't ask him to repeat it .
tr	1	He wanted me to be the perfect Spy Games staff .
tr	1	" Does anyone here even miss Aimee ? "
tr	1	My voice was louder than I meant it to be .
tr	1	" How long did you know her ? "
tr	1	He seemed embarrassed to be fighting over words with me .
tr	1	" Actually , I 've taken two courses online . "
tr	1	Dad rubbed the scruff on his chin , clearly impressed .
tr	1	We 'd spied on Peyton together and searched Aimee 's apartment .
tr	1	Dad asked from his slumber on the sofa .
tr	1	I smoothed down my black shirt over my black pants .
tr	1	I 'm going to , um , continue working . "
tr	1	Yeah , right , I laughed to myself .
tr	1	He lowered the file , his eyes fixed on me .
tr	1	" I had a good feeling when I hired him .
tr	1	Just the word replacement turned Aimee into a piece of Tupperware .
tr	1	I 'd give anything to talk to Aimee .
tr	1	Not only on Peyton , but now on Malcolm .
tr	1	What does a guy like him do in his spare time ?
tr	1	I knocked , ready to run if I heard any movement .
tr	1	With a slight turn , the door opened .
tr	1	I sank into one of his kitchen chairs .
tr	1	I opened the closet doors and shined my flashlight into it .
tr	1	This was where he 'd kept our disguises .
tr	1	Someone like him would have passwords , right ?
tr	1	I opened a folder left on the desktop .
tr	1	All I had to do was click on it .
tr	1	Did I really want to know what he had on me ?
tr	1	I scrolled down but the text was complete gibberish .
tr	1	I couldn 't read it if I tried .
tr	1	I ran to the door and peeked out .
tr	1	Except , they were about to get one .
tr	1	" Sure , " oozed her sugary voice .
tr	1	I doubted he had Connect Four in mind .
tr	1	" Ooh , sounds naughty , " the blonde replied .
tr	1	I was sure she didn 't need much convincing .
tr	1	" Last summer I climbed Mt. Everest . "
tr	1	She probably didn 't start with her socks .
tr	1	I hoped her bra was old and ratty .
tr	1	I taught him everything he knew about being a secret agent .
tr	1	" How 'd you see through me ? "
tr	1	It has to be something about yourself . "
tr	1	" I giggle when I 'm nervous . "
tr	1	um ... stopped by to talk about Spy Games .
tr	1	" Where 's the flash drive then ? "
tr	1	I 'll have to get it to you tomorrow . "
tr	1	" I have something I need to take care of .
tr	1	Maybe we should call it a night . "
tr	1	He leaned back and whispered in her ear .
tr	1	She gave me the evil eye before kissing his cheek .
tr	1	" You live close enough to walk ? "
tr	1	Malcolm asked as he followed her to the door .
tr	1	The blonde left and the door clicked shut .
tr	1	Malcolm turned and blocked the doorway with his body .
tr	1	Major adrenaline kicked in , causing my body to tremble .
tr	1	His kind of talking probably meant torture of some kind .
tr	1	" What are you doing sneaking around my place ?
tr	1	I clenched my teeth and settled in for a fight .
tr	1	" Not one step closer until you answer . "
tr	1	" I was just trying to get to know you .
tr	1	I was so tired of being lied to .
tr	1	In one bold move I threw the plate against the wall .
tr	1	The smell of old carpets teased me from the hallway .
tr	1	I struggled , but he was too strong .
tr	1	What the hell is going on , Malcolm ? "
tr	1	He grew agitated and fumbled in a kitchen cupboard .
tr	1	He poured a cup of coffee but never took a sip .
tr	1	He placed it down too hard on the table .
tr	1	" I can 't , " I whispered .
tr	1	" I want to find my mom ... and Aimee .
tr	1	That was exactly what Mom had said to me .
tr	1	That was the last thing he should 've said .
tr	1	Now I knew for sure that somehow this was all connected .
tr	1	Jiminy crickets , he was spying on my family .
tr	1	I tried to keep the hurt from my voice .
tr	1	" You don 't have to worry about her . "
tr	1	He reached around behind me , pressing his chest against mine .
tr	1	He was supposed to get mad , not get turned on .
tr	1	And I mean in more ways than in the bedroom sense .
tr	1	I needed to leave before I hurt the poor guy .
tr	1	" I 'm so outta here , " I said .
tr	1	He crossed the room and grabbed my hand .
tr	1	I want you stop the games and work with me . "
tr	1	" I still have questions before I can trust you . "
tr	1	" How come you didn 't tell me this before ? "
tr	1	" I didn 't want to scare you . "
tr	1	His story had more holes than Swiss cheese .
tr	1	" How did he trust you so quickly ? "
tr	1	I needed to find out more about Jolie .
tr	1	And why they were talking about my mother .
tr	1	I stuck out my hand , and we shook on it .
tr	1	He really shouldn 't have believed anything I said .
tr	1	I pulled my hat low , to hide my face .
tr	1	Malcolm and Jolie had purposely led me to believe he had .
tr	1	Jolie didn 't want me to focus on him .
tr	1	Was he possibly connected to my mom and the money ?
tr	1	Thoughts swirled in my mind like creamer in coffee .
tr	1	He must be off on some devious mission of death .
tr	1	It wasn 't too big or too small .
tr	1	Pansies lined the walkway up to the front door .
tr	1	This did not look like the residence of a master criminal .
tr	1	And I 'd never felt like such a criminal .
tr	1	But I didn 't hear anything like that .
tr	1	They didn 't seem to be having a friendly conversation .
tr	1	The door shut and an older woman walked down the steps .
tr	1	I held my breath , waiting for her to turn .
tr	1	How dare he keep an elderly lady captive ?
tr	1	I fought the urge to sneak through the window for proof .
tr	1	He kicked out a black wrought iron chair .
tr	1	" How nice of you to drop by .
tr	1	His clear blue eyes were smart and didn 't miss anything .
tr	1	He nodded and smiled then tossed the phone on the table .
tr	1	I needed to be suave , gentile , and sophisticated .
tr	1	Is that your neighbor who baked them ? "
tr	1	Meet after work and sip tea while talking .
tr	1	Do you have such traditions with your family ? "
tr	1	I did miss one tradition I 'd started in Paris .
tr	1	His mustache twitched before he stroked it into obedience .
tr	1	I 'd do anything for a friend . "
tr	1	Any resolve I had to be 007 disappeared .
tr	1	" I thought you might know something about that .
tr	1	Considering you 're making her grandmother be your servant . "
tr	1	He puffed his belly out a bit more .
tr	1	I gripped the sides of the table and stared him down .
tr	1	I stood up and inched toward the side .
tr	1	I know the two of them disappeared last week .
tr	1	And now I know you 're a liar . "
tr	1	His boisterous laughter made my blood run cold in my veins .
tr	1	I put my hands on my hips for emphasis .
tr	1	" You can call the police if you 'd like .
tr	1	I 'll even give you your phone back . "
tr	1	" It will be a waste of time .
tr	1	" They probably know you because you paid them off . "
tr	1	I regretted the words as soon as I said them .
tr	1	He opened the door and pushed me toward the small opening .
tr	1	Jolie and I were caught in a push and shove battle .
tr	1	" You can 't keep me in here . "
tr	1	Just a little payback for the tranquilizer dart . "
tr	1	Yes , I know all about that . "
tr	1	I 'd told him I wouldn 't spy on Jolie .
tr	1	Feathers ruffled and one hen jumped to the dusty floor .
tr	1	I wanted to send a quick text to Stephen King .
tr	1	I had the perfect idea for his next horror novel .
tr	1	She cocked her head and stared at me .
tr	1	It was debating if I was a threat or not .
tr	1	I searched her eyes but found nothing that revealed the truth .
tr	1	The next morning , I was ready to go .
tr	1	I poured a cup of coffee , black this time .
tr	1	I didn 't need a sugar crash later in the day .
tr	1	Or he 'd take over and lock me in my room .
tr	1	" How 's the new route coming along ?
tr	1	Are we ready for Spy Games this weekend ? "
tr	1	I don 't blame him because most of me didn 't .
tr	1	I think the new addition will be perfect .
tr	1	But I had no idea where the money came from .
tr	1	And it will be good for the business .
tr	1	I finished my apple and tossed it into the trash .
tr	1	Maybe I learned my conversational tactics from him .
tr	1	What do you want me to do ? "
tr	1	" I thought you 'd never ask . "
tr	1	" And perfect timing , " Dad said .
tr	1	Malcolm entered , and I about peed my pants .
tr	1	And we 're on a mission for your dad . "
tr	1	I shook it off along with Malcolm 's arm .
tr	1	Malcolm spun , his outstretched arm pointing to the interior .
tr	1	" Yeah , but it 's a church .
tr	1	Isn 't it wrong to play games here ?
tr	1	And we have to pay to get to the towers .
tr	1	I knew he didn 't care about Spy Games .
tr	1	" Isn 't this the church famous for the hunchback ? "
tr	1	That hunchback was held prisoner in the towers overlooking Paris .
tr	1	He sneaked a glance at me and smiled .
tr	1	In that moment , I wanted to tell him everything .
tr	1	Trust me , the climb is totally worth it .
tr	1	There 's no way we can do this for the games .
tr	1	Just climbing the stairs will take two hours ! "
tr	1	An echo of footsteps behind us also stopped .
tr	1	Thirty " Come on , " Malcolm called over his shoulder .
tr	1	At the same time , my chest ached deep inside .
tr	1	He stood with his back to me at a postcard rack .
tr	1	A man in a suit coat stood a couple feet away .
tr	1	Malcolm passed him an envelope , probably a payoff .
tr	1	I sprinted the only place left to go .
tr	1	We were here because of Mom 's apartment .
tr	1	That was who this all came down to .
tr	1	My trouble started when I opened the package .
tr	1	All the pieces were connected to her secrets and lies .
tr	1	A permanent chill had descended on my shoulders .
tr	1	I texted Dad saying the mission had failed .
tr	1	The cathedral was a no go for Spy Games .
tr	1	And I didn 't care as long as I found Aimee .
tr	1	I gripped the straps of my backpack and studied the house .
tr	1	The neighbors wouldn 't question a visitor opening the backdoor .
tr	1	Not surprising for the house of a pastry chef .
tr	1	A girl 's jacket lay across a worn plaid loveseat .
tr	1	A chess game sat on the table , half played .
tr	1	Framed pictures of family were on the wall .
tr	1	My chest tightened as memories from Pennsylvania rushed back .
tr	1	Family times with my mom and my dad .
tr	1	A good spy does not let emotions cloud her mission .
tr	1	The stairs were at the back of the kitchen .
tr	1	At the top , I could go right or left .
tr	1	I poked my head in the door on the right .
tr	1	The closet filled with towels and sheets was too small .
tr	1	A deep growly voice , one that I recognized .
tr	1	Thirty-one Please , please go into the bedroom .
tr	1	The whistling entered the bathroom , and I cringed .
tr	1	His pants landed on the floor outside me .
tr	1	Water streamed into my mouth and dripped into my ears .
tr	1	Terrible foreboding images flashed through my brain , scarring me forever .
tr	1	Jolie spit out directions and rushed out of the bathroom .
tr	1	And I was supposed to be the hero .
tr	1	Many were old black-and-white photos of unsmiling ancestors .
tr	1	I couldn 't rip my eyes away from the photo .
tr	1	I 'd felt guilty because our relationship seemed focused on me .
tr	1	No deep conversations -- unless they were about me .
tr	1	I didn 't want to think about it .
tr	1	In front of a giant hole in the floor .
tr	1	My eyes widened as I took in the room .
tr	1	But what secrets were they hiding down there ?
tr	1	My backpack weighed a ton and dripped water with every step .
tr	1	The passageway was short and opened into a small cavern .
tr	1	I crept along the best I could , avoiding the mud .
tr	1	A layer of dust clung to my wet clothes and face .
tr	1	With every step , I strained to hear voices .
tr	1	Then I heard the unmistakable voices of Jolie and Malcolm .
tr	1	Except it was in French , damn it .
tr	1	Thirty-two Malcolm being down here didn 't surprise me at all .
tr	1	Jolie and Malcolm were thick as thieves , evil twin brothers .
tr	1	Or was there a separate entrance and Malcolm met him ?
tr	1	The crowbar in my backpack jabbed into my spine .
tr	1	She continued to talk , a crease appearing on her forehead .
tr	1	His hand rested on a coiled rope on his belt .
tr	1	I looked twice , wanting to pull out my flashlight .
tr	1	But ropes don 't usually take on a gleam in candlelight .
tr	1	Construction tools were candy to someone like Malcolm .
tr	1	Jolie was paying Malcolm to torture a prisoner ?
tr	1	What kind of trouble could a pastry chef get into ?
tr	1	I studied the yellowish hue of Malcolm 's face .
tr	1	Was he the tough guy he pretended to be ?
tr	1	He entered the conversation and motioned toward the hallways .
tr	1	Knees and elbows of the dead poked through .
tr	1	I remembered feeling the hills and valleys of the walls .
tr	1	I flashed my dim light against the walls .
tr	1	A chair sat in the middle of the floor .
tr	1	I remembered the crease on Aimee 's forehead .
tr	1	She would have more than a crease if someone had died .
tr	1	That was why they went down the tunnels .
tr	1	My body shivered as my wet clothes pressed against my skin .
tr	1	And that 's why Malcolm infiltrated Spy Games and my family .
tr	1	His muffled voice called out to his partners in crime .
tr	1	I brushed against limestone walls and sloshed through squishy mud .
tr	1	These steps made those seem like chocolate cake .
tr	1	Spy Games was nothing compared to the real thing .
tr	1	Almost at the top , voices echoed from below .
tr	1	I should go , but listening was too tempting .
tr	1	" You don 't have to worry about her .
tr	1	" She has some skill from working for her dad .
tr	1	" She is not capable of infiltrating your organization . "
tr	1	The conversation dwindled , and Malcolm asked in a threatening voice .
tr	1	" What would you like me to do with her ?
tr	1	You 've barely tapped into my skills since hiring me . "
tr	1	And then Jolie spoke in English , loud and clear .
tr	1	A pompous jerk and a tad bit too emotional .
tr	1	But he would never make death threats on innocent teen girls .
tr	1	I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood .
tr	1	Legs burning and pain shooting through my chest .
tr	1	I sprinted down it and up the small set of stairs .
tr	1	Angry French voices followed me , footsteps thumped .
tr	1	Their arms froze in position with frosting tubes in their hands .
tr	1	A girl 's toes are her best weapon !
tr	1	I left them behind and sprinted out the front door .
tr	1	Of course , I had no plans of stopping .
tr	1	I dodged and ducked tables and Parisians out for a stroll .
tr	1	I tried my hardest not to look behind me .
tr	1	All the lies made me doubt anything he 'd told me .
tr	1	Jolie wasn 't shoving me into his freezer .
tr	1	Everything I hated about being a spy I had become .
tr	1	I could 've been a statue carved hundreds of years ago .
tr	1	" ... like you 've been dragged through the mud .
tr	1	I pressed that one deep down into my subconscious .
tr	1	" Okay , I 'll try another one .
tr	1	You never came out of the bathroom at the Notre Dame .
tr	1	I had to sneak in and look for you .
tr	1	And that 's dangerous territory entering a girl 's bathroom . "
tr	1	Did he think I couldn 't see through his act ?
tr	1	In two days , I 'll be a spy .
tr	1	I might need some last minute tips . "
tr	1	Even if they weren 't what I wanted to hear .
tr	1	You must be tired of talking about Spy Games .
tr	1	I didn 't have to act like one .
tr	1	" I don 't want to play this game anymore .
tr	1	Why did you ask me out that first night ?
tr	1	Was it to spy on my family ? "
tr	1	But the words came pouring out , unbidden and free .
tr	1	I grabbed his shirt and pulled him close .
tr	1	" Good one , " he said in a strangled voice .
tr	1	In the arm , the chest , until my fist hurt .
tr	1	" Fine , you want the truth now ? "
tr	1	You nosed around in things you know nothing about .
tr	1	Too stunned to form thoughts , never mind words .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry if I confused you .
tr	1	I thought your flirtations were part of the game .
tr	1	And I didn 't even care about any romantic feelings .
tr	1	I mean was he my friend or not ?
tr	1	And then it was as if he 'd read my mind .
tr	1	" I don 't want to hurt you .
tr	1	" And this is my warning to you .
tr	1	And you might get away with your life . "
tr	1	His words left a trail of dread wrapping around my body .
tr	1	My body felt depleted , empty of any emotion .
tr	1	But that was better than through the living room .
tr	1	Maybe she had good reasons for not being around .
tr	1	I could barely think , never mind say his name .
tr	1	Dad normally slams the door and talks to himself .
tr	1	My legs shook so hard I could barely stand .
tr	1	What did Jolie or Malcolm think we were hiding ?
tr	1	he said with a grunt and wrapped his arms around me .
tr	1	I scrambled away and flicked on the light .
tr	1	" Savvy , what are you doing ? "
tr	1	Only because I 've been training people for Spy Games . "
tr	1	He sighed and waited almost a minute before speaking .
tr	1	I pulled about fifty threads out of the pillow .
tr	1	" Dad ... " I didn 't know what to say .
tr	1	" I 've been lying to you . "
tr	1	They always tell the truth and set the example .
tr	1	" I know how to communicate with your mother .
tr	1	I haven 't , but I know how . "
tr	1	He pulled at the threads of a frayed pillow too .
tr	1	" But , but ... " I couldn 't finish .
tr	1	I haven 't been much of a dad lately .
tr	1	Not without telling him about my recent spy missions .
tr	1	And then just like that , he turned and left .
tr	1	I 'd messed up big time with Dad .
tr	1	I crawled out of the closet and sat on my bed .
tr	1	He wasn 't perfect , but he cared .
tr	1	His whole body seemed to lighten and the wrinkles smoothed out .
tr	1	But I 'll still try and communicate with your mom . "
tr	1	" Those are questions only your mother can answer . "
tr	1	" I know it 's hard , without her around . "
tr	1	If you can survive my cooking , you can survive anything .
tr	1	I wore disguises and listened in on conversations .
tr	1	What did I ever have against spying anyway ?
tr	1	I couldn 't be in two places at once .
tr	1	I could find some answers and free my mom .
tr	1	I grit my teeth to pull out another ten sit-ups .
tr	1	The chill in the air encouraged me to move .
tr	1	I dug down for the book on breaking codes .
tr	1	I opened it and my mouth dropped open .
tr	1	When the time was up , I sat back with satisfaction .
tr	1	She 'd laugh and say , " About time . "
tr	1	We 'd chat and joke about Spy Games .
tr	1	And that was only a couple of weeks ago .
tr	1	I contemplated how he might react to my surprise visit .
tr	1	He could tie me up and stuff me into a closet .
tr	1	The apartment was empty of everything but the furniture .
tr	1	As in no signs of people living there .
tr	1	But not the cold-hearted , sneaky kind who worked for profit .
tr	1	I 'd be a daughter and rescue my mom .
tr	1	And then , I 'd be ... a spy like me .
tr	1	For some reason , I couldn 't make myself walk forward .
tr	1	But that was when I didn 't care .
tr	1	Maybe I shouldn 't have worn these pants .
tr	1	They did make my butt look a little big .
tr	1	They 'd probably take one look at me and laugh .
tr	1	I should 've got here before anyone else arrived .
tr	1	I watched as Nancy chatted gaily with Malcolm .
tr	1	He 'd tangled up my heartstrings , made me care .
tr	1	They all cast nervous glances at each other .
tr	1	I stepped back from the door and took several shallow breaths .
tr	1	Thirty-seven " What are you doing out here ? "
tr	1	Why didn 't I memorize some cool spy lingo ?
tr	1	His eyes widened and traveled up and down my body .
tr	1	I glared at him , trying to hide my reaction .
tr	1	Dad opened his mouth but no words came .
tr	1	Dad 's voice boomed , " And here 's Savvy ! "
tr	1	The wind rippled through my shirt and my eyes teared up .
tr	1	I clenched the ropes until my feet landed on the cement .
tr	1	I think I even got a few gasps myself .
tr	1	I breezed through my informant job at the Eiffel Tower .
tr	1	Extra points for the team who could name the double agent .
tr	1	Sellers cried out and promoted their homemade goodies .
tr	1	The smell of apples and cinnamon floated in the air .
tr	1	It looked like something from a Tim Burton movie .
tr	1	A security guard blocked the door to Jolie 's bakery .
tr	1	The guard approached , liked I hoped he would .
tr	1	I changed hands and kept trying to force it to work .
tr	1	Rough hands gripped my arm and whipped me around .
tr	1	Thirty-eight Jolie didn 't even crack a smile .
tr	1	Okay , not quite the way I 'd envisioned this happening .
tr	1	Normally , I love the French language but not today .
tr	1	" Don 't hold back , " I shot out .
tr	1	" I would never let my granddaughter talk like that .
tr	1	No way would Dad work with a homicidal pastry chef .
tr	1	Quite ironic , don 't you think ? "
tr	1	The knowing smile on Jolie 's face reflected the truth .
tr	1	My anger went from simmering to rolling waves .
tr	1	" I know a lot , " I shouted .
tr	1	The word burst from his mouth like a gunshot .
tr	1	" I am not some sort of joke .
tr	1	He was never a struggling waiter in need of cash .
tr	1	Malcolm is way out of your league my dear .
tr	1	He will bring you nothing but heartache . "
tr	1	Do not worry you passed the test . "
tr	1	" You needed to make sure about what ? "
tr	1	He made the motion like he was zipping his lips .
tr	1	And I know your secret in the basement . "
tr	1	Jolie stopped blabbing , his words dried up .
tr	1	" How do you know about that ? "
tr	1	It felt really good to have pulled something over on him .
tr	1	I 'm not at liberty to say . "
tr	1	He growled and pushed me away in disgust .
tr	1	And you can forget all about me . "
tr	1	" I know nothing of your mother . "
tr	1	I reached into my large purse and grabbed my taser .
tr	1	With one quick thrust I aimed for his big belly .
tr	1	But he wasn 't as stupid as he looked .
tr	1	He caught my wrist inches from his belly .
tr	1	His grip tightened on my arm until I groaned in pain .
tr	1	" You want to play with the big boys ?
tr	1	Then I will treat you like one . "
tr	1	I hit the floor with no chance of blocking my fall .
tr	1	He grabbed my wrists and dragged me across the floor .
tr	1	I know your family has been watching mine .
tr	1	With that , he gave me a push down the stairs .
tr	1	Jolie 's last words were burned into my mind .
tr	1	But he 'd be back with his minions .
tr	1	I turned the knob and stared down into the never-ending darkness .
tr	1	I came to a halt and stared in shock .
tr	1	A man sat slumped over in the chair , snoring gently .
tr	1	Did this mean Mom was out free and clear ?
tr	1	Or did they have her tied up in a separate cavern .
tr	1	Finally he lifted his head and tried to focus on me .
tr	1	His eyes were so dark brown the whites appeared very white .
tr	1	He rubbed his wrists and then reached out to me .
tr	1	" You don 't know me , sir . "
tr	1	He must be the prisoner who 'd escaped .
tr	1	He probably hadn 't eaten a proper meal in forever .
tr	1	" I can 't believe it 's you . "
tr	1	His eyes grew moist , but he shook it off .
tr	1	His eyes cleared and he glanced down the tunnels .
tr	1	I 've been waiting , staying alive , for you . "
tr	1	" Come on , let 's go . "
tr	1	He pulled away and spoke in English again .
tr	1	We have angry French pastry dudes coming after us . "
tr	1	You have more dangerous enemies than Jolie . "
tr	1	I saw fire -- great flames -- leaping toward the ceiling .
tr	1	I thought the wind was from the fire .
tr	1	" Now I know you 've got the wrong girl .
tr	1	" At first I thought it wasn 't important either .
tr	1	All that was left were the charred bones of the dead .
tr	1	This time they took my words very seriously .
tr	1	A voice rang through the cavern , sounding like a gunshot .
tr	1	And you thought you could get away ? "
tr	1	The photo on Malcolm 's laptop flashed back to me .
tr	1	You have been too much trouble for the master .
tr	1	You both have run out of time ! "
tr	1	The butler went on , but I blocked him out .
tr	1	The butler waved the gun at the prisoner .
tr	1	I gripped his shirt , not letting him go .
tr	1	I switched the knife to my right hand .
tr	1	I crawled over to the prisoner , fearing for his life .
tr	1	I smoothed his hair away from his face .
tr	1	Someone groaned again , but not the prisoner .
tr	1	The butler was curled into a fetal position .
tr	1	" Is , is he doing to die ? "
tr	1	Spying on someone was one thing , but killing a man ?
tr	1	I didn 't want murder on my resumé .
tr	1	Yes , it was probably my fault . "
tr	1	Finally , I ran out of words and grabbed his hand .
tr	1	Finally he stopped , but his face was pale .
tr	1	He choked and blood dribbled out the side of his mouth .
tr	1	I pressed harder against his shirt to stop the bleeding .
tr	1	" Jolie thought I knew about your family .
tr	1	You must -- " A high-pitched scream interrupted his story .
tr	1	Her frizzy blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail .
tr	1	I had absolutely no clue what was going on .
tr	1	It felt like years had passed since I 'd seen her .
tr	1	" I hoped my mom was down here .
tr	1	But I think he 's lost it . "
tr	1	" Where the hell have you been ? "
tr	1	Oh , but I had lots to say .
tr	1	Maybe you can tie me up , too .
tr	1	Go after my dad and mom too . "
tr	1	Her arms wrapped around my middle and she pushed .
tr	1	We struggled , pushing and shoving , rolling in the dirt .
tr	1	Aimee pushed up but wouldn 't look at me .
tr	1	He closed his eyes , his chest barely rising and falling .
tr	1	I stood to my feet , ready for round two .
tr	1	" Do you know where my mom is ?
tr	1	Did your crazy grandfather lock her up too ? "
tr	1	" I do not expect you to care for my grandfather .
tr	1	But it has to do with you , too . "
tr	1	I didn 't know how much more truth I could take .
tr	1	" Months ago , my grandfather started acting jumpy and nervous .
tr	1	She stopped and her head dropped to her chest .
tr	1	The prisoner squeezed her hand and reached for mine .
tr	1	" I think someone was threatening his life .
tr	1	" What does this have to do with me ?
tr	1	" My grandfather thought your mom had something to with it .
tr	1	But then she disappeared , and you and your dad arrived .
tr	1	I joined Spy Games to spy on you and your family .
tr	1	" So why leave without saying goodbye ? "
tr	1	Then he hired Malcolm to take my place . "
tr	1	Mom used to go on a lot of trips .
tr	1	I thought they were for her scrapbooking business .
tr	1	But maybe they were official trips to kill people .
tr	1	" It was always about my mom , " I murmured .
tr	1	" I must get you to help . "
tr	1	I put my hand behind him to help her .
tr	1	" There is nothing I can do to help you .
tr	1	" I need you to save my grandfather .
tr	1	I can bring this man to a hospital .
tr	1	But I cannot do that and save my grandfather . "
tr	1	He 'd put himself last , and me first .
tr	1	Jolie does not always make the right decisions .
tr	1	He has a bit of a temper . "
tr	1	She twisted her hands , not able to meet my eyes .
tr	1	Maybe today at the finals , they 'd finish the job .
tr	1	Maybe instructions were waiting up at the table for me .
tr	1	I didn 't have time to think , just react .
tr	1	I 'd watched just enough spy thrillers with my dad .
tr	1	My leg shot out and caught the butler in the face .
tr	1	" Is he one of the bad guys ? "
tr	1	" I will come back later for him .
tr	1	I stood , unable to turn around and leave .
tr	1	She pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear .
tr	1	For not letting you know somehow that I was okay .
tr	1	For not telling you the truth from the start .
tr	1	I had a revolver sticking out the back of my pants .
tr	1	But for some crazy reason , it felt right .
tr	1	At the front door , I paused , scanning the Extravaganza .
tr	1	I slipped out the door and joined the flow .
tr	1	A shiver ran through the core of my body .
tr	1	He was supposed to be working for Spy Games .
tr	1	The news Jolie had been spotted rippled through the teams .
tr	1	Spy Games ' clients pressed in on them .
tr	1	Too bad he was too annoyed to speak in English .
tr	1	The few pastries on it weren 't even stacked high enough .
tr	1	I absolutely could not let Malcolm see me .
tr	1	About ten yards away , I peeked around a strawberry tart .
tr	1	" What the hell is your problem ? "
tr	1	You haven 't left me alone since I found her . "
tr	1	Malcolm lowered his voice , and I couldn 't hear .
tr	1	I pushed through the crowds a bit further .
tr	1	How did Malcolm know the mime so well ?
tr	1	My arms shook harder , and I almost dropped the tray .
tr	1	In one big flood my feelings toward Jolie changed .
tr	1	And I 'll take care of the girl too . "
tr	1	The colors and sounds of the Extravaganza swirled around me .
tr	1	Why would the mime be following Malcolm around ?
tr	1	And what girl would they be taking care of ?
tr	1	Silence gripped the crowds as the last clue landed .
tr	1	The lines on his forehead looked like mountain ridges .
tr	1	I forced a smile and waved , a tad bit relieved .
tr	1	He pointed to the mountain of pastries on my tray .
tr	1	I , um , entered the pastry contest . "
tr	1	He would be proud if he knew the truth .
tr	1	I had finally become everything he wanted me to be .
tr	1	Dad eyed them while pulling me a few steps away .
tr	1	" Is there something you 're not telling me ? "
tr	1	I won first place and advanced to the finals .
tr	1	The words seemed useless and my voice dropped to a whisper .
tr	1	Strawberry juice dripped off their hands like blood .
tr	1	It could 've been a rated R violent movie scene .
tr	1	" I 'm proud of you , Savvy . "
tr	1	" I 'm not saying you did everything right .
tr	1	Dad didn 't know the half of it .
tr	1	He stood with his back to us , his shoulders heaving .
tr	1	With one word , Jolie commanded my attention .
tr	1	" It is too late for that . "
tr	1	A man with curly hair pushed through the wall of people .
tr	1	Jolie moved his killer glare to the reporter .
tr	1	Like someone might try to plant a bullet in his chest .
tr	1	" You do not know what you are talking about . "
tr	1	I stepped closer to him and lowered my voice .
tr	1	As Jolie laughed hysterically , Malcolm and the mime closed in .
tr	1	Use the revolver , a tiny voice inside my head commanded .
tr	1	Your daughter attacked me earlier with her zapper .
tr	1	Dad hooked is arm through mine and pulled close to me .
tr	1	" But only so I could search his shop . "
tr	1	Jolie eyed the pastry cakes on my tray .
tr	1	" And she is stealing cakes for an entry . "
tr	1	Don 't you dare try to deny it . "
tr	1	" Like you had a chance of winning ?
tr	1	Why did I want to save this man ?
tr	1	" My daughter can bake a mean birthday cake .
tr	1	" Way to go , Dad , " I whispered .
tr	1	But I had to make him believe me .
tr	1	Jolie 's goons ripped Dad away from me .
tr	1	He fought against the men holding his arms .
tr	1	The tray weighed on my arm and on my mind .
tr	1	Blue , green , and white squeezed between my fingers .
tr	1	Right as he turned , I threw it .
tr	1	Two seconds later , warm cake hit my eye .
tr	1	Use the revolver , the tiny voice commanded again .
tr	1	I couldn 't think about right or wrong .
tr	1	Jolie spluttered and gasped , wiping frosting from his eyes .
tr	1	Two dragged my dad away toward the exit .
tr	1	I 'd lost sight of Malcolm and the mime .
tr	1	I pulled out the gun and aimed at Jolie .
tr	1	With a small sob , I let go .
tr	1	I grabbed an apple tart , somehow untouched in the chaos .
tr	1	I couldn 't tell if I was screaming or not .
tr	1	I needed to get away , find my dad .
tr	1	They focused on their beloved idol and their own safety .
tr	1	Most people made a mass exit toward the main streets .
tr	1	I shivered even as the sun beat down on me .
tr	1	I stopped moving and rested my cheek to the warm stone .
tr	1	Arms hooked under my shoulder and rolled me over .
tr	1	The face was fuzzy but I saw Dad 's dark hair .
tr	1	But he held me tight and wrapped something around my leg .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry but this is going to hurt . "
tr	1	Away from the crowds and the jabbing feet .
tr	1	Dizziness and nausea rushed over me , and I cried .
tr	1	Through the pain , my mind locked in on his voice .
tr	1	Probably calling in the big guns to get rid of me .
tr	1	I 'd never get a chance to explain everything .
tr	1	Don 't try and talk , " he murmured .
tr	1	" Don 't let anyone kill me . "
tr	1	My head rolled side to side as he walked .
tr	1	I smelled the tangy waters of the Seine .
tr	1	" Don 't try to escape , " he said .
tr	1	I was a fearless warrior who would never give up .
tr	1	He struggled against the momentum and fell backward .
tr	1	I shook it off and took a deep breath .
tr	1	I 'd crawl away if I had to .
tr	1	Three seconds later , his arms wrapped around me .
tr	1	The floodgates opened and I beat against him with my fists .
tr	1	" I was going to shoot him , " I whispered .
tr	1	The gut-wrenching pain made me want to puke .
tr	1	" Hey , isn 't that why you called me ? "
tr	1	My life had become a funhouse full of mirrors .
tr	1	Peyton grinned a normal , nice , warming smile .
tr	1	Bet you never expected to see me again . "
tr	1	" I have to dig around a bit .
tr	1	I pushed back and tried to squirm away .
tr	1	Malcolm gripped my arms so I couldn 't move .
tr	1	He 's much better at this than me . "
tr	1	Pain like a thousand fireworks exploded in my leg .
tr	1	Peyton focused on my leg , his hands gentle but confident .
tr	1	He unrolled a bandage and wound it around my leg .
tr	1	Peyton smiled at me again but spoke to Malcolm .
tr	1	" Man , you can 't stay here long .
tr	1	The police are crawling all over the city . "
tr	1	" Sorry about all that fuss and trouble I caused you .
tr	1	He winked and then disappeared up the stairs .
tr	1	He was not the same man from Spy Games .
tr	1	" Guess you want some answers , huh ? "
tr	1	The knife still lay at Malcolm 's side .
tr	1	" Peyton is a friend of the family .
tr	1	My words grated and tension throbbed between us .
tr	1	" If you didn 't shoot me , who did ? "
tr	1	We would 've had a normal first kiss .
tr	1	He lifted my head and sloshed water down my throat .
tr	1	It streamed along the sides of my face .
tr	1	My thoughts swirled together and turned into a blurry haze .
tr	1	" When did your mom first contact you ? "
tr	1	I don 't know what you 're talking about . "
tr	1	" I know all about your family , " he said .
tr	1	" I don 't know anything about yours . "
tr	1	" You don 't want to know . "
tr	1	" This might help with the pain . "
tr	1	My heart completed a set of short , staccato beats .
tr	1	Was this some sort of cathartic release he was experiencing ?
tr	1	He opened the flask and handed it to me .
tr	1	" Do you know anything about your mom 's work ? "
tr	1	After taking another sip , my body already felt the effects .
tr	1	" What do you know about my mom ? "
tr	1	And then he gave the typical cryptic response .
tr	1	" I don 't know where to find my mom .
tr	1	He clearly didn 't know how much to tell me .
tr	1	I was pretty sure he meant take care of permanently .
tr	1	" Are you sure you want to know ? "
tr	1	We fell silent as I soaked in his words .
tr	1	Malcolm grimaced and I took this to be bad news .
tr	1	There was no smirk on his face this time .
tr	1	We planted the package and the money . "
tr	1	He picked at his fingernails and glanced at me .
tr	1	How does he fit into all this ? "
tr	1	Heat washed over me as his kiss deepened .
tr	1	I stifled a tiny groan of pain and pleasure .
tr	1	The vodka had pretty much numbed any feeling in my leg .
tr	1	He was gentle and loving , like he cared .
tr	1	His past , my past , our families all faded .
tr	1	One more person I cared about more than they did me .
tr	1	In one suave lift , my shirt was off .
tr	1	My hands roamed across his chest , exploring .
tr	1	Emotion flooded out and filled every inch of my body .
tr	1	You 're the most amazing girl I 've ever met . "
tr	1	Just being with me puts you in danger . "
tr	1	His voice held a note of sadness and regret .
tr	1	At that moment , I didn 't care .
tr	1	" I wish I was half as strong as you are .
tr	1	You 've made me question everything in my life .
tr	1	" Not if you want to stay alive . "
tr	1	" I can 't let you get hurt .
tr	1	Something cold and metal clamped around my wrists .
tr	1	Somehow , I didn 't think the cuffs were for fun .
tr	1	The high school scenario of two teens fooling around dissolved .
tr	1	Malcolm 's eyes twinkled and he stood up .
tr	1	Forty-eight " Oh , but I would . "
tr	1	Shouldn 't you bring me to a hospital or something ? "
tr	1	" I 'm sure someone will find you soon . "
tr	1	" I 'll be disappointed if you don 't . "
tr	1	The words barely made it past the lump in my throat .
tr	1	" Am I just an assignment to you ? "
tr	1	" You didn 't answer the question . "
tr	1	But it 's not too late for you .
tr	1	Walk away from all this and forget about me .
tr	1	Bitterness settled on his shoulder like a winter wind .
tr	1	Because next time you might not be so lucky . "
tr	1	Not long after , the sirens grew louder in the distance .
tr	1	I glanced at the bandage on my leg .
tr	1	I limped up the stairs , wincing at every step .
tr	1	Couples held hands while chatting happily and strolling innocently .
tr	1	Families dragged tired kids back to the Metro .
tr	1	Businessmen strode through without even a glance at their famous tower .
tr	1	My hands were still cuffed behind my back .
tr	1	It wasn 't one I could explain in one sentence .
tr	1	I made it to the road and started down the sidewalk .
tr	1	I always rose clean , refreshed and ready for more .
tr	1	Or ever hear the rest of the prisoner 's story .
tr	1	Men in uniform rushed at me from all sides .
tr	1	They didn 't seem to care I couldn 't breathe .
tr	1	The cold metal shocked the skin on my stomach .
tr	1	I heard a bunch of expletives in French .
tr	1	I didn 't think it was a free ride home .
tr	1	I must be pretty important to have an escort .
tr	1	Tears pushed at my eyes but I refused them .
tr	1	The guy I 'd knifed was an accident , self-defense .
tr	1	The second cop took off his hat and turned toward me .
tr	1	I couldn 't forget those warm chocolate eyes .
tr	1	" You 're lucky I found you . "
tr	1	... to be continued in Heart of an Assassin .
tr	1	Click to purchase book 2 - Heart of an Assassin .
tr	1	Thank you for reading A Spy Like Me .
tr	1	Would you like to know when my next book is available ?
tr	1	Did you know this book is part of a series ?
tr	1	I also wrote Heist , a darker time travel mystery .
tr	1	1 girl + 1 prom + 3 guys = Prom Impossible !
tr	1	Maybe we used one too many blasters . "
tr	1	Jules peered around the corner of the building .
tr	1	" I 'll see you back at the car . "
tr	1	I didn 't want to end up like that .
tr	1	" You had nothing to do with this ? "
tr	1	" That 's the truth , sir . "
tr	1	His face steeled like I was in for it .
tr	1	" I appeal to your softer side , officer .
tr	1	Maybe you have kids and know they make mistakes .
tr	1	I 've made mistakes but I 've seen the light . "
tr	1	He raised an eyebrow and his face softened .
tr	1	You can see that , right , sir ? "
tr	1	That definitely would 've made me look guilty .
tr	1	Even bakery cookies would do in a pinch .
tr	1	Dad finally spoke when we were in the driveway .
tr	1	That was all that was said for weeks .
tr	1	Sign up for my newsletter to be notified of new releases .
tr	1	" Them damned bears have been in the garbage again . "
tr	1	" Maybe we 'll have to resort to that . "
tr	1	" We 're going to have to think of something .
tr	1	We don 't need any damned bears wandering into camp . "
tr	1	It was interesting work and something both brothers loved .
tr	1	Scott steered the dozer into the edges of the underbrush .
tr	1	Its front legs were outstretched and its teeth barred .
tr	1	He eased his finger down onto the trigger slowly .
tr	1	Scott straightened slowly and the bear stopped growling .
tr	1	" Hmm , " Scott pondered and straightened .
tr	1	To his surprise , the bear stopped again .
tr	1	" Get into a fight with a bear ? "
tr	1	" That 's damned strange actions for a bear .
tr	1	I wonder what that nylon was from . "
tr	1	Maybe ten by fifteen inches , and the edges were frayed .
tr	1	A split second later something hit the rifle .
tr	1	" Was the bear coming at you ? "
tr	1	It seemed to be guarding that piece of red nylon . "
tr	1	They had no further encounters with the black bear .
tr	1	" I clamped these lids on tight last night .
tr	1	" Steve , " he said and looked at his brother .
tr	1	" That bear 's being awfully damned selective . "
tr	1	" Damned insomnia , " he cursed under his breath .
tr	1	He shot a glance at the clock and sighed .
tr	1	Moments later , it reappeared and moved further east .
tr	1	He watched it closely until it stopped at the trash barrels .
tr	1	He heard soft footfalls come up behind him .
tr	1	" It looks like our bear friend . "
tr	1	Scott watched the bear dig into the drum again .
tr	1	" Well , no chance , I guess . "
tr	1	" Yeah , " he said in a hoarse whisper .
tr	1	He sighed then tossed the peeling in the open barrel .
tr	1	It did have that kind of weight . "
tr	1	" You might be on to something there little brother .
tr	1	It also might explain how your rifle got hit . "
tr	1	" We saw the bear digging in the drum .
tr	1	The younger Lyndon looked off into the underbrush .
tr	1	I never thought it possible in real life .
tr	1	" Maybe that 's exactly what we could do . "
tr	1	" And just how do you expect to do that ? "
tr	1	" It comes down here foraging for food .
tr	1	The tray was there but there was something on the tray .
tr	1	Evidently the bear had been playing watchdog while the child ate .
tr	1	Why had he thought the child would return ?
tr	1	" Just don 't get your hopes up brother dear . "
tr	1	" Watch that underbrush on the right . "
tr	1	" You think it 's the kid ? "
tr	1	Turn off the engine and keep that rifle handy . "
tr	1	Scott was not sure why he had called out like that .
tr	1	But , to his shock , the child stopped .
tr	1	" It 's ok , " he kept the gentle tone .
tr	1	Scott looked at the place where the two had disappeared .
tr	1	How old do you think she is ? "
tr	1	" I 'd say maybe eight or ten .
tr	1	" I 'd have guessed about that age too .
tr	1	She didn 't learn that from the bear . "
tr	1	" But she was talking to that bear .
tr	1	Steve asked when he came into the office just after four .
tr	1	Steve perched on the corner of the desk .
tr	1	" I 'll check the surrounding states tomorrow . "
tr	1	" The paper bag I gave the little girl yesterday . "
tr	1	" Yeah but this little girl 's wild .
tr	1	" His connections are better than ours . "
tr	1	" And that would mean catching her . "
tr	1	" I have to agree with you there .
tr	1	" Closer so we can do what ? "
tr	1	" I have to run into town for supplies .
tr	1	Let me put on a clean shirt . "
tr	1	" A little small for you isn 't it ? "
tr	1	" I was just wondering what size she might wear .
tr	1	" I forgot to put out her food . "
tr	1	" It 's only a little after ten .
tr	1	I 'm sure you have plenty of time yet . "
tr	1	Scott swallowed hard and lowered his hands slowly .
tr	1	He held it out in an open palm .
tr	1	He smiled again then took a step back .
tr	1	" Bringing your breakfast to the office now ? "
tr	1	Steve Lyndon teased when he saw his brother enter .
tr	1	" I wanted you to see this . "
tr	1	" I found that on the tray this morning .
tr	1	I added a banana to her supper last night . "
tr	1	" She knows how to peel a banana ? "
tr	1	" I can 't see the bear teaching her that . "
tr	1	" Neither can I. " Steve looked up at his brother .
tr	1	But right now that 's the furthest thing from my mind .
tr	1	I think I took a step toward that last night . "
tr	1	Further internet searches had still turned up nothing .
tr	1	he asked his brother through barely moving lips .
tr	1	" When I looked up they were standing there . "
tr	1	I 'd swear she gave it an order . "
tr	1	" Let 's see if we can find out . "
tr	1	Even though there was trepidation there he could see question too .
tr	1	Scott frowned in thought then took a chance .
tr	1	" Show me , " he told her .
tr	1	" If I knew that I wouldn 't be guessing . "
tr	1	" I wonder where the bear went . "
tr	1	The truck followed , swerving around old stumps and downed trees .
tr	1	" We 've never been up this far .
tr	1	Both men exited the truck and started toward the little girl .
tr	1	" Show me , " he told her gently .
tr	1	She sat down beside it and began stroking its fur .
tr	1	" I think this coyote 's another protector . "
tr	1	" Do you have any leather gloves in the truck ? "
tr	1	But I 'm going to keep the rifle handy . "
tr	1	Scott looked from the bear to the little girl and back .
tr	1	" That coyote will tear you apart . "
tr	1	" Why don 't you put this in the truck . "
tr	1	Other than a whimpering whine Scott heard nothing from the animal .
tr	1	He smiled and wondered if she would understand .
tr	1	Scott thought most of the questioning expression had diminished .
tr	1	Together the pair came down the hill toward the truck .
tr	1	" What the hell are you doing ? "
tr	1	" You 've thought that for years . "
tr	1	She sat down beside him and instantly began petting the coyote .
tr	1	To his relief , she stopped and looked at him .
tr	1	" It 's ok , " he said gently and nodded .
tr	1	Instantly the bear lumbered toward them at a trot .
tr	1	" She was talking to the bear . "
tr	1	The coyote was docile and this shocked Scott .
tr	1	He was sure it was because the little girl was there .
tr	1	Scott smiled at the little girl 's questioning eyes .
tr	1	We 're going to fix your friend 's paw . "
tr	1	It dropped to its haunches and sat there watching them .
tr	1	" Lay the blanket in front of me .
tr	1	Scott turned his attention to the little girl and smiled .
tr	1	" I 'll move the truck later . "
tr	1	He turned and went into the office leaving the trio alone .
tr	1	" I never thought logging would include fixing coyote paws . "
tr	1	I wonder where it 'll get us . "
tr	1	" You want me to move the truck ? "
tr	1	Steve nodded then turned back to his phone call .
tr	1	He said a prayer for her then went back inside .
tr	1	Chapter 5 " Site two to base . "
tr	1	Scott went to the transceiver and picked up the microphone .
tr	1	" Scott , we got us a problem up here . "
tr	1	" Chet 's got himself pinned between a couple of logs .
tr	1	We tried but came up about fifteen feet short .
tr	1	" You sure he isn 't injured ? "
tr	1	" Says he just can 't pull his foot out .
tr	1	He says it 's caught on something . "
tr	1	came the sharp cry and the truck jerked to a halt .
tr	1	Scott Lyndon nodded then surveyed the bed of logs .
tr	1	" That 'd do the trick but we don 't . "
tr	1	" How 'd he get stuck in there anyway ? "
tr	1	His leg slipped down in and that 's the result . "
tr	1	He studied the jam with a thoughtful frown .
tr	1	" That 's the first thing we thought of .
tr	1	Doug Burnett swiveled his head and looked at his boss .
tr	1	" That 's what we 'd be facing .
tr	1	Scott Lyndon scowled and examined the situation again .
tr	1	You didn 't bring your rifle did ya ' ? "
tr	1	Could it be the little girl 's protector ?
tr	1	" You guys stay here , " he instructed .
tr	1	He closed the distance by almost half before he stopped .
tr	1	When the bear growled again there was less fierceness in it .
tr	1	The faintest of smiles touched her lips and she nodded .
tr	1	" Uhm , " he said and looked at Chet .
tr	1	" What 's she gon na do ? "
tr	1	The man in the midst of the logs asked in disbelief .
tr	1	But whatever it is be ready for it . "
tr	1	I think she 's trying to free my foot .
tr	1	When she offered the chain he took it and smiled .
tr	1	" That 's why I had to laugh . "
tr	1	We discovered she was eating out of our garbage drums .
tr	1	" Why not just call the sheriff ? "
tr	1	" Seems he 'd have more connections than you would . "
tr	1	It 'd kill her to be in captivity . "
tr	1	He spotted the empty tray long before he reached it .
tr	1	He decided to try the same approach they had both used .
tr	1	Her gaze , filled with question , never left his .
tr	1	To his surprise , she laid her tiny hand in his .
tr	1	" Hello , " she said in the same angelic voice .
tr	1	Scott Lyndon did not know what to make of this .
tr	1	It was almost as if she were trying to introduce herself .
tr	1	He glanced at the bear to see him watching them .
tr	1	The animal seemed totally content with what was going on .
tr	1	He smiled and leveled an index finger at himself .
tr	1	To his surprise the bear emitted a soft growl .
tr	1	A soft howling cry erupted from her throat .
tr	1	" Where 's your Mommy and Daddy ? "
tr	1	There was nothing up there but steep mountains and deep gorges .
tr	1	" Is the place they are sleeping far away ? "
tr	1	Scott hurried in and tossed the tray on the counter .
tr	1	" That 's some damned rough terrain up there . "
tr	1	" You 'd better take a two way . "
tr	1	The blue gaze slid to the truck and back .
tr	1	She lifted her hand and slipped it into his then smiled .
tr	1	The trek by foot would have been too lengthy .
tr	1	He buckled her seatbelt , saw her questioning frown and smiled .
tr	1	The frown disappeared and she smiled and nodded .
tr	1	He buckled his seatbelt then started the truck .
tr	1	Scott hoped she knew what he had meant .
tr	1	He was not one for wild goose chases .
tr	1	" There , " she said and pointed toward the north .
tr	1	Scott slowed the truck 's speed to twenty .
tr	1	Less than a mile farther , she found it .
tr	1	Scott did as instructed and looked at the landscape .
tr	1	A wide , deep gorge separated the two .
tr	1	He closed the door then looked around the area .
tr	1	" There , " she said and pointed straight down .
tr	1	Scott lowered the binoculars and looked around the area .
tr	1	He looked at the little girl to see her watching him .
tr	1	This little girl had been in these mountains for five years ?
tr	1	And the snow never fully melted until spring .
tr	1	" Where do you sleep in the wintertime Sidney ? "
tr	1	Her smile was instant and she pointed to the bear .
tr	1	" Do you sleep all winter too ? "
tr	1	Certainly the coyote could not bring her food .
tr	1	He had not even considered that she had spent winters here .
tr	1	" Where do you get food in the winter ? "
tr	1	" Keep food from summer to eat in winter . "
tr	1	" Oh , " he decided would be the best response .
tr	1	He looked over the edge of the dropoff again .
tr	1	" How do you get down to see them ? "
tr	1	She came back to him with a questioning expression .
tr	1	Sidney showed me an easy way to get down .
tr	1	Or , to be more precise , Sidney would be .
tr	1	They reached the end of the trail forty-five minutes later .
tr	1	Scott looked up at the sheer cliffs and then looked south .
tr	1	she asked then looked back at the coyote and bear .
tr	1	She emitted a throaty cry and the coyote came forward .
tr	1	Scott thought the animal looked a lot like a point man .
tr	1	He followed her path and found the going quite easy .
tr	1	Moments later the animal released a piercing growl and leaped forward .
tr	1	Could there be something in them that told him their names ?
tr	1	Would the little girl even let him look in the backpacks .
tr	1	" Can I look in your Daddy 's backpack ? "
tr	1	" Daddy is sleeping so it 's ok . "
tr	1	He squatted down by the backpack and unzipped it carefully .
tr	1	No identification and there was nothing else in the main compartment .
tr	1	Scott stuffed the book back in then looked at the rations .
tr	1	They were generic rations and displayed no store logo .
tr	1	They also had a four year old expiration date .
tr	1	The backpack had cost $ 20 and was bought at Sears .
tr	1	" Sidney , does Daddy carry a wallet ? "
tr	1	" I don 't see your Daddy 's wallet . "
tr	1	" That 's very nice of you Sidney .
tr	1	" Can I look in Mommy 's backpack too ? "
tr	1	Two bodies , two sets of bones , and no identities .
tr	1	Who were these people and how did they get here ?
tr	1	Did Mommy and Daddy drive a car ? "
tr	1	" A big red and white car . "
tr	1	" Where 's the big red and white car ? "
tr	1	That would have generated a report and an investigation .
tr	1	She looked around the mountains for several seconds before sighing softly .
tr	1	" I don 't ' member , " she said sadly .
tr	1	He recognized the little girl as a younger Sidney .
tr	1	" He went away , " she said simply .
tr	1	" How old was your brother when he went away ? "
tr	1	Sidney looked down at the bones then smiled and nodded .
tr	1	" Shall we go and let Mommy and Daddy sleep ? "
tr	1	Was there family who had been searching for them ?
tr	1	Why hadn 't the sheriff discovered a car ?
tr	1	" You coming back to camp now ? "
tr	1	We 're still a quarter-mile from the truck .
tr	1	Scott pulled the radio from his belt and keyed it .
tr	1	Should be home in thirty minutes or so . "
tr	1	Oh how sorry he felt for this innocent child .
tr	1	" No Sidney , " he said gently .
tr	1	She sighed heavily then looked out the window .
tr	1	" They went to sleep like Sammie did . "
tr	1	" Yes Sidney , " he said gently .
tr	1	" They went to sleep like Sammie did . "
tr	1	She swiveled her head and looked at him .
tr	1	Sidney looked at it then looked up at him .
tr	1	" Will you keep Mommy 's locket safe for me ? "
tr	1	" Looks like you made some headway . "
tr	1	Scott looked back at where the trio had disappeared .
tr	1	" I feel so sorry for that little girl . "
tr	1	" She said she 's been here five winters . "
tr	1	" How in the hell did she survive ? "
tr	1	" That kid has more guts than anyone I know . "
tr	1	" Well these people had to live someplace .
tr	1	" What do you plan on doing ? "
tr	1	" Report that I found those two skeletons . "
tr	1	" What are you going to do about Sidney ? "
tr	1	Steve asked when they met in the hardware section .
tr	1	They gathered their purchases and headed for the checkout .
tr	1	" How 's it goin ' Sheriff ? "
tr	1	Steve called after a quick glance at his brother .
tr	1	" We just picked up a passenger , " he commented .
tr	1	" This is going to take some getting used to . "
tr	1	" Do you think Sidney 's around somewhere ? "
tr	1	My guess though , would be yes . "
tr	1	Scott looked at the girl with a smile .
tr	1	She had had a lot more contact with Scott .
tr	1	When Scott reached Sidney he squatted down in front of her .
tr	1	Scott took the wallet and noticed it was well worn .
tr	1	He took a deep breath and opened it .
tr	1	His gaze fell instantly on a Colorado driver 's license .
tr	1	Across from it was a blonde haired little boy .
tr	1	" Sammie , " he decided then flipped the leaf over .
tr	1	He examined it but found no markings on it .
tr	1	Please contact me if I can be of further assistance .
tr	1	Could it be the family was moving to California ?
tr	1	It was a small cabin that Susan and I built ourselves .
tr	1	Our daughter Sidney , does not know of our plans .
tr	1	She is a sweet little girl with the innocence of angels .
tr	1	" Can you keep it safe with Mommy 's locket ? "
tr	1	Scott Lyndon had to blink back the tears .
tr	1	The smile she gave him alighted her blue eyes .
tr	1	Sidney had come a long way in ten years .
tr	1	" I saw Sid cross the yard at a full gallop .
tr	1	Sidney had not lost her ability or desire to run either .
tr	1	" Hello Duke , " he said with a smile .
tr	1	" She 's in the big shed . "
tr	1	Actually , the number of animals had grown .
tr	1	Sidney had taken them in and raised them .
tr	1	Indeed , it was quite a remarkable family .
tr	1	We usually don 't see you till the snow flies . "
tr	1	That had not changed as she 'd grown older .
tr	1	" That 's the one , " the sheriff confirmed .
tr	1	But you know how these new people are .
tr	1	They got to be drawn a map . "
tr	1	" So send him over , " Sidney told him .
tr	1	" I 'll bet you would too darlin ' . "
tr	1	" We will Josh , " Scott assured .
tr	1	Big city boys got big city ideas . "
tr	1	Sidney Lyndon was used to this kind of ribbing .
tr	1	" You know I 'm just waitin ' for you . "
tr	1	The uniformed man looked after her then shook his head .
tr	1	Scott and Steve exchanged glances before Scott smiled .
tr	1	" That 'd put it on our land . "
tr	1	A little smaller than our new four by four . "
tr	1	" Be careful Sid , " he told her .
tr	1	" The guy might be trigger happy . "
tr	1	Scott could now hear the truck and told his sister so .
tr	1	" I 'm going to go see it . "
tr	1	He watched her walk through the yard in her bare feet .
tr	1	She looked around then stopped beside the motionless animal .
tr	1	" All they 're trying to do is survive .
tr	1	Too many people and not enough hunting ground .
tr	1	" Did you get a good look at the truck ? "
tr	1	Scott asked , knowing her keen night vision .
tr	1	The passenger was older and had gray hair .
tr	1	The driver was younger with dark hair . "
tr	1	" Did you catch the license number ? "
tr	1	" We 'll call the sheriff first thing in the morning .
tr	1	" Sometimes it pays to have friends in the wild . "
tr	1	Scott chuckled then gave her a kiss on the cheek .
tr	1	" I had some checking to do . "
tr	1	They 're eyes are barely open Scott . "
tr	1	He reached across the table , covering her hand with his .
tr	1	" They 're in good hands now Sid .
tr	1	" You 're the best brother I could have . "
tr	1	" I gather that 's the calling card he left . "
tr	1	" Ok , give me the particulars . "
tr	1	Scott relayed the information then let Sidney fill in the rest .
tr	1	He was not sure he wanted to know the truth .
tr	1	" What window 'd he shoot out ? "
tr	1	" The lower left window on the big shed . "
tr	1	" I would , " Sidney replied evenly .
tr	1	He closed his notebook and tucked it back into his pocket .
tr	1	" Do you want to file a complaint ? "
tr	1	The truck description and plate prefix matches Jansen 's .
tr	1	I can take care of the grey and everything else . "
tr	1	Scott knew the ' everything else ' was the pups .
tr	1	He slid his gaze back to the sheriff .
tr	1	" But could you do me a favor ? "
tr	1	They were good people and they didn 't rile easily .
tr	1	He downed his coffee as he got to his feet .
tr	1	Scott 's checked the truck 's license plate .
tr	1	Scott thought him to be in his mid-twenties .
tr	1	" What can I do for ya ' ? "
tr	1	" I 'm looking for either Scott or Sidney Lyndon .
tr	1	" I 'm Scott Lyndon , " he told the man .
tr	1	Never had he thought he would be facing this !
tr	1	He had thought Sidney Lyndon was a man .
tr	1	He swallowed again and pressed himself tightly into the corner .
tr	1	Dan Jansen felt his heart pound in his chest .
tr	1	" But it wasn 't enough , was it ?
tr	1	Dan Jansen swallowed again then sighed and hung his head .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , " he said feebly .
tr	1	" Get up and sit down on the porch .
tr	1	You 'll help me feed the pups . "
tr	1	He dared a glance to see all three coyotes watching him .
tr	1	Her gaze slid to Jansen to see him watching her .
tr	1	She nodded when the pup took the nipple and began sucking .
tr	1	" You are very good with animals Miss Lyndon . "
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , " he muttered .
tr	1	When he looked back he caught the look of his sister .
tr	1	Two of the occupants of the porch recognized the voice .
tr	1	They should get in the house where it would be safer .
tr	1	Sidney handed the pup she was holding to her bother .
tr	1	She perched her booted foot on the top rise .
tr	1	She reached down and scratched the bear 's ear .
tr	1	You do know the meaning of the word , correct ? "
tr	1	" I think Tip 's done eating . "
tr	1	Scott Lyndon looked at the distant form of his sister .
tr	1	" She 's actually taking it pretty slow tonight . "
tr	1	" I feel like such a fool . "
tr	1	Country life is just too slow for me . "
tr	1	I fell head over heels in love with her on sight .
tr	1	" You 're not that far off base .
tr	1	Do you still plan on selling the ranch and leaving ? "
tr	1	I don 't think I could live without her . "
tr	1	" Any advice for a lovesick puppy ? "
tr	1	" Sid gave you the key to the door .
tr	1	What you do with it is up to you . "
tr	1	" Does she actually talk to them ? "
tr	1	" Yes , and they respond too . "
tr	1	" That 's remarkable , " Dan Jansen commented .
tr	1	The End This book is a work of fiction .
tr	1	Copyright 2012 J. C. Allen All rights reserved .
tr	1	The history behind this novel is completely disputable .
tr	1	Although based on years of factual research , it is fiction .
tr	1	The man 's labored breath was exceptionally clear .
tr	1	You could almost hear his heart pounding out of his chest .
tr	1	Occasionally , an upside-down glimpse of his face came into view .
tr	1	" Not ... gon na ... make ... it ! "
tr	1	" I know I winged you , too .
tr	1	He was about to give up the chase .
tr	1	His eyes closed before the man reached him .
tr	1	He was face down , apparently clutching something to his body .
tr	1	It was a warm morning , but a damp one .
tr	1	Alex loved swimming and was good at it .
tr	1	Alex 's dad was Richard ( Rick ) Williamson .
tr	1	He was holding up seven first-place ribbons to show the camera .
tr	1	Beyond the luxurious bathroom was what Alex called Hurricane Jessie .
tr	1	A single large globe dangled in the entryway .
tr	1	How do you always know what I want ? "
tr	1	" What are you getting at , Dad ? "
tr	1	She didn 't like the questioning look on his face .
tr	1	You practice almost five hours a day counting the gym work .
tr	1	Honey , that doesn 't sound healthy . "
tr	1	" When I was twenty , Alex , not twelve .
tr	1	" So , you want me to become more destructive ? "
tr	1	Have fun , don 't work all day .
tr	1	" Is that not good enough for you ?
tr	1	" No , honey , I won 't .
tr	1	I want you to take your own path . "
tr	1	" Why do you even set it ? "
tr	1	Rick had finally told her about him when she turned fourteen .
tr	1	Rick yelled through the door as he banged on it .
tr	1	Rick was always leery of barging into Anna 's room .
tr	1	When are you going to start setting the alarm clock ? "
tr	1	But he recognized they really needed to start learning some responsibility .
tr	1	I think you can start getting yourself up soon . "
tr	1	" Soon , like when I 'm 29 ? "
tr	1	" Breakfast will be waiting , your highness . "
tr	1	Rick thought , Why try to understand her ?
tr	1	" How many eggs do each of you want ? "
tr	1	It took twenty minutes to walk to school .
tr	1	Nope , still skinny , just the way she liked it .
tr	1	This precise routine was followed every day , to the second .
tr	1	Her parents were never home in the morning .
tr	1	Her parents were never home in the evening either .
tr	1	She headed out the door for school after breakfast .
tr	1	She literally dove back in and coasted with another dolphin kick .
tr	1	She immediately looked up to the electronic timer .
tr	1	" I have a clock in my head .
tr	1	Alex asked expectantly , seeming oblivious to her own accomplishment .
tr	1	" Don 't you know what that means , Alex ? "
tr	1	By next year you 'll be clawing at 28 . "
tr	1	" They call that track and field , dork ! "
tr	1	Chelsea slowed up and waited for Alex to catch her .
tr	1	Chelsea argued , not truly upset by it .
tr	1	Do I ever let up on you in the pool ? "
tr	1	" So I 'm a sucker then , eh ? "
tr	1	You goin ' to practice after school ? "
tr	1	She grabbed her books and headed for class with them .
tr	1	" Yeah , right , " said Alex skeptically .
tr	1	Why don 't we ever learn what 's important ? "
tr	1	Mr. Anderson was following closely behind , eavesdropping .
tr	1	The kids all joked that he was alive when history started .
tr	1	He paused as the kids reluctantly did so , mumbling dislike .
tr	1	Close your books , class , " he decided spontaneously .
tr	1	Many kids could be heard murmuring about the rumored pop quiz .
tr	1	and took up residence right beside the admired elder .
tr	1	I like where you 're going with this ! "
tr	1	What did the normal moms and dads do ?
tr	1	" Yeah , what did the kids our age wear ?
tr	1	All we know is what the royalty wore . "
tr	1	Others joined in , " What was school like ? "
tr	1	" Where did the kids hang out ? "
tr	1	It 's definitely not in our book ! "
tr	1	Everyone nodded warily , waiting for the deal before answering .
tr	1	But you best be finished by at least Friday .
tr	1	He just knows everything about the stuff I 'm interested in .
tr	1	That picture is just yummy ... " " Gross !
tr	1	They finished lunch and went through the rest of their classes .
tr	1	" Are we all meeting up at my house tonight ? "
tr	1	Kaylie loved to practice as much as playing .
tr	1	" OK , we 'll play one half .
tr	1	The girls quickly got into position and threw in the ball .
tr	1	A new record , she smiled to herself , satisfied .
tr	1	Her coach understood and allowed her tardiness every day .
tr	1	Shouldn 't I be in the long jump ? "
tr	1	The coach blared , " Get over here , now ! "
tr	1	Anna stared blankly , considering all he had said .
tr	1	That 's more points for the team , isn 't it ?
tr	1	" Yes sir , " Anna slumped in defeat .
tr	1	Go sit down and stick around after we 're done . "
tr	1	He turned to Anna and motioned her over .
tr	1	" That 's 4 ' 6 " , Jenkins .
tr	1	She smirked and backed up about ten feet .
tr	1	" That was actually 4 ' l0 " .
tr	1	I 'll land on my head and break my neck ! "
tr	1	Just put your hands up to catch your fall .
tr	1	She cleared 5 ' 8 " on her second try .
tr	1	" That , Ms. Jenkins , is our state record ! "
tr	1	" Yeah , and you just learned a few minutes ago .
tr	1	She knelt down and clawed away some mud .
tr	1	She then noticed something else , something rattling inside .
tr	1	She put her prize back in her locker and sped outside .
tr	1	" Oh yeah , made a huge difference .
tr	1	That 's pretty amazing , if you ask me . "
tr	1	" Yeah , but I 'm last in everything else ! "
tr	1	Are we working out after practice today ? "
tr	1	Think you can pull this one out ? "
tr	1	Jodie and Alex continued to train on their own .
tr	1	The gym was deserted and the two girls went to work .
tr	1	" Let 's get out of here . "
tr	1	" Best idea you 've had all day ! "
tr	1	Alex picked up the sandwich bag and tore the box free .
tr	1	" It 's really weird , " Jodie commented .
tr	1	What in the -- let me see it ! "
tr	1	" More like balsa wood , " Alex said .
tr	1	It soon emerged spotless and Alex held it out to examine .
tr	1	There were absolutely no dents or scratches anywhere .
tr	1	" How could it be so perfectly smooth ? "
tr	1	" What are you going to do with it ? "
tr	1	Jodie asked as she finished toweling her hair dry .
tr	1	I want to take this to Dad ASAP ! "
tr	1	" Jeeze , chill , I 'm almost done ! "
tr	1	They secured their lockers and walked briskly to their bikes .
tr	1	Alex yelled over her shoulder as they pedaled off .
tr	1	Call me later or something , will you ?
tr	1	They even came in when Alex wasn 't home .
tr	1	" Nobody 's home yet , Kaylie ! "
tr	1	Ironically he was commanding his army against the Roman Empire .
tr	1	" Caesar raided your lands , too ? "
tr	1	As long as you explain what 's going on .
tr	1	Don 't worry about hurting my feelings , " she joked .
tr	1	He mused at her choice of words : ' Home . '
tr	1	I do recall peasants and field workers , at least .
tr	1	" OK , what about the servants and peasants ? "
tr	1	He laid them on the counter and went to help her .
tr	1	" I didn 't know you put ham in it . "
tr	1	Kaylie finished putting the broccoli in the pot .
tr	1	" Do I put this other stuff in here ? "
tr	1	Where was ' Feed the Children ' during this time ? "
tr	1	" How would they make a soccer ball ? "
tr	1	Kids have always found ways to make balls .
tr	1	Even leather balls were found over a thousand years ago . "
tr	1	" Oh , cool , I need that ! "
tr	1	" Did you find your answer yet , Kay ? "
tr	1	" I thought you did the long jump .
tr	1	Am I that out of touch now ? "
tr	1	Can 't we talk about all this over dinner ?
tr	1	The girls pitched in and they soon had the table set .
tr	1	" You have got to see this ! "
tr	1	she blurted , still fumbling with the zipper .
tr	1	" But you have to see it ! "
tr	1	she protested , groping at the bag unsuccessfully .
tr	1	Alex puffed out her lip , but reluctantly sat down .
tr	1	" What 's this -- uh -- holy -- !
tr	1	" Put down your little toy , Daddy .
tr	1	They all agreed , sat down , and started passing food .
tr	1	And look , those are definitely Japanese symbols ! "
tr	1	" No , not all of them , " Rick corrected .
tr	1	He picked up the cube and rotated it to show her .
tr	1	" Jodie said it 's from some alien space ship ! "
tr	1	Christy intoned , following up with spooky noises .
tr	1	Jessica rolled her eyes , " Oh , please !
tr	1	I saw the movie ; now let 's just eat . "
tr	1	" Or hasn 't been invented yet , " Jessica added .
tr	1	" Don 't be stupid , " Christy snorted .
tr	1	There were writings about ' strange metals ' that they used .
tr	1	We know experts on other cultures and languages too .
tr	1	" Girls , I 'm going to call my friend .
tr	1	" OK , " Anna jumped up from the table .
tr	1	" The rest of you get clean-up duty .
tr	1	Satisfied they would be compliant , he headed down the stairs .
tr	1	The girls called it ' the theater . '
tr	1	It would have to be for five , though .
tr	1	" Would you happen to be reading about Mayan artifacts ? "
tr	1	What 's going on ; you must really miss me ! "
tr	1	The other girls came bounding down the stairs and gathered around .
tr	1	" Wow , she looks pretty today ! "
tr	1	He held it up for her to see .
tr	1	" We were hoping you might help us figure that out .
tr	1	Alex dug it out of a creek bank .
tr	1	" No , more like ... popcorn ! "
tr	1	But it is written about by countless ' observers . '
tr	1	" So what did you find so quickly ? "
tr	1	" It 's definitely not Mayan , dear . "
tr	1	The girls all snickered and poked at him playfully .
tr	1	I should have realized that , " he admitted sheepishly .
tr	1	" OK , so we 're stupid and wasted your time .
tr	1	" You two are creeping me out now ! "
tr	1	" They 're just flirting , " Anna told her .
tr	1	she shot back , glancing at Rick 's face .
tr	1	He tells us to stay away from them ! "
tr	1	Abby laughed harder , taking a minute to compose herself .
tr	1	" I couldn 't possibly offer any better advice than that !
tr	1	Look at me -- I 'm 38 and still happy ! "
tr	1	Abby smiled , " I didn 't think so .
tr	1	Jessica looked up at him , reverently , " Dad ?
tr	1	I 'm always off digging up bones , remember ?
tr	1	" So , what do you think about it ? "
tr	1	Let me check to see if he 's online . "
tr	1	" Hi , Walt , " Abby wrote .
tr	1	" Hi , Abby , and this must be Rick ?
tr	1	" So , what 's this intriguing mystery ? "
tr	1	All I could make out was a few Mayan numbers . "
tr	1	" Exactly , it looks kind of like Braille .
tr	1	They have a system based on the number twenty .
tr	1	" I don 't get it , " Rick said .
tr	1	" Those are dates , this is amazing !
tr	1	Well , they 're most likely years , at least .
tr	1	" I just translate , you historians and archeologists interpret !
tr	1	" Thanks , Walt , " Abby said .
tr	1	" Did I find something like ... important ? "
tr	1	Kaylie stuck her tongue out at Alex this time .
tr	1	" Too bad he 's got the hots for Abby ! "
tr	1	What if those texts were just slightly misunderstood ? "
tr	1	How else could anyone explain some of the descriptions ?
tr	1	These Mayans could have gone back in time .
tr	1	" Maybe time travel was developed by aliens ! '
tr	1	That it came from Anna 's big butt ? "
tr	1	So we 've learned absolutely nothing about it then ? "
tr	1	" Future aliens visiting the past , " Jessica concluded comically .
tr	1	Jessica turned to leave , " Sounds good to me .
tr	1	Chapter 7 -- Following the Path " OK . "
tr	1	I can try to find someone who studies the myth . "
tr	1	" Abby , what do you know of the myths ? "
tr	1	Those could be up to 64 million years . "
tr	1	" I didn 't say I could solve everything !
tr	1	I just said I think I can answer those questions ! "
tr	1	" Best idea I 've heard all night ! "
tr	1	Abby waved , blew a kiss and signed off .
tr	1	" She didn 't even recognize us , " Christy observed .
tr	1	She 's been there nearly nine months and just finished . "
tr	1	" Oh , " Christy seemed to understand .
tr	1	" Hurry up , go get ready , girls ! "
tr	1	Jerking it wide open , they startled Abby .
tr	1	She abandoned her purse and duffle bag near Rick 's door .
tr	1	Rick pulled all the curious heads away from it .
tr	1	Curiosity overcoming apprehension , Rick came forward to examine the contents .
tr	1	Satisfied it was not dangerous , he passed it around .
tr	1	Rick then plucked a thin device off the square .
tr	1	It resembled a cell phone without a display .
tr	1	It had five buttons arranged in a cross pattern .
tr	1	There was no clasp , obviously fitting over the head .
tr	1	" What could be the significance of 1755 ? "
tr	1	This is all a bit difficult to comprehend ! "
tr	1	Twelve eyes stared at her like puppy dogs at a whistle .
tr	1	A menu appeared with options of record and playback .
tr	1	I assume that means ' in another time . '
tr	1	These things are made to keep records of time travel .
tr	1	It operates the ' displacement machine ' . "
tr	1	Anna was still totally baffled by the whole thing .
tr	1	" The time machine , you dork ! "
tr	1	Stunned , everyone swiveled their heads toward the wall at once .
tr	1	" No , " he admitted , squishing her hopes .
tr	1	She then asked Rick to take a picture to send Rob .
tr	1	" What do you mean about algebra ? "
tr	1	Found my map to the Holy Grail at last ? "
tr	1	" Indiana Jones found that already , " she replied .
tr	1	" What 's the matter , Rob , intimidated ? "
tr	1	" I 'll leave the line open for ya . "
tr	1	" Who 's paying the bill on this one ? "
tr	1	Well , we 'll consider it , " Abby wrote .
tr	1	" So I don 't get paid otherwise ? "
tr	1	" You know I 'll find a way , Rob .
tr	1	" And that alone should drive you , right ? "
tr	1	Rob loved a challenge and intrigue doubled the fun .
tr	1	Now I won 't sleep tonight until I find it .
tr	1	Chapter 8 -- Don 't Look Back ... in TIME !
tr	1	There were barely any shapes visible in the rust colored dust .
tr	1	As you can see , this entire city is gone .
tr	1	Now it 's flat , " he said sadly .
tr	1	" What do you think , Daddy ? "
tr	1	At first , the Chronicler was in view .
tr	1	He let out an obviously painful cough as he got up .
tr	1	I should have checked but wasn 't thinking .
tr	1	Taylor then darted off the path and through the woods .
tr	1	" I know you 're out there , Taylor !
tr	1	I encourage you to never travel to the future .
tr	1	Be careful with time ; it 's dangerous .
tr	1	Jessica asked with a sad expression , full of empathy .
tr	1	We have to find out what happened ! "
tr	1	" We have to find the time machine ! "
tr	1	They all stared at him like he just kicked their dog .
tr	1	" Let 's check the messages first . "
tr	1	Just as he finished typing , he received a file .
tr	1	Rob replied , " Got the picture ? "
tr	1	" Just did , go ahead and explain . "
tr	1	" I trust my coin is well preserved ? "
tr	1	Look at the image you gave me , then this photo .
tr	1	" OK ... what 's the other line ? "
tr	1	" That , my friend , is the forgotten trail .
tr	1	Rick received another file and quickly loaded it .
tr	1	I wasn 't sure if you wanted that or not . "
tr	1	How did you get the name of the owner ? "
tr	1	Can you send me a picture of the coin ?
tr	1	I know someone who would probably jump right on it . "
tr	1	Kaylie then lumbered over and asked what was going on .
tr	1	" I think it 's time you girls get to bed .
tr	1	We have a track meet and a soccer game tomorrow . "
tr	1	Rick said bye to Rob and thanked him .
tr	1	He shook Anna awake and told her to go to bed .
tr	1	Chapter 9 -- Soccer Dad Rick awoke to bouncing and shaking .
tr	1	Two giggling girls were using his bed as a trampoline .
tr	1	" I think they like you being here ? "
tr	1	Anna then delicately poured the appropriate drinks and reclaimed her seat .
tr	1	" What is going on , Alex ? "
tr	1	What would you desire on your plate this morning ? "
tr	1	" OK , why are you doing this today ? "
tr	1	You sure it 's not because Abby 's here ? "
tr	1	We did it -- " " Because we love you ! "
tr	1	Anna interrupted , as if to hide something .
tr	1	Anna 's eyebrows shot up to her hairline .
tr	1	" I 'm not going in no cave . "
tr	1	That 's why we can 't go this morning .
tr	1	Anna shot a very menacing look her way .
tr	1	" No , " Rick waved her off .
tr	1	" And tell us about the caves ... " Christy added .
tr	1	" Um , hi , is this the Taylor Foundation ? "
tr	1	Someone is pressuring you to sell the land ?
tr	1	It 's not worth a lot ... " " Exactly !
tr	1	It 's a hillside -- that 's what I tell them .
tr	1	They offer millions ; I say no ; they offer more .
tr	1	Speak up , boy , what do you want ? "
tr	1	It 's one of the oldest in the area .
tr	1	I don 't see why that could be a problem .
tr	1	Well , hmm ... where to start ? "
tr	1	It was her late husband , John 's wish .
tr	1	It 's really an endowment , you know .
tr	1	It 's over two billion dollars now . "
tr	1	" Wow , what 's the ... " " The purpose ?
tr	1	Must 've been special to the poor old sod ! "
tr	1	You know how much interest there is on two billion dollars ?
tr	1	Seems foolish to even attempt to buy you out .
tr	1	Do you mind if we check out the property ? "
tr	1	Why , no , just walk right on up to it .
tr	1	No minerals have ever been found in the caves or anything .
tr	1	" Is there a fence or anything ? "
tr	1	No , there must not be anything but weeds around it .
tr	1	Worthless hunk of land , it is . "
tr	1	We 'll be up in a minute ! "
tr	1	" Johnson , I thank you so much for your time .
tr	1	" Yeah ... Yeah , definitely , " he replied distractedly .
tr	1	We have to keep this a complete secret .
tr	1	There 's some reason why Taylor thought it should be destroyed .
tr	1	Can I stay in the van and play with it ? "
tr	1	Nobody opens a door or even a window without me watching .
tr	1	" Can we have the keys to run the air ? "
tr	1	Rick sat down with Abby and Jessica bracketing him .
tr	1	" I 'll see what the girls want on the way .
tr	1	" What are those boys doing getting in my van ? "
tr	1	Is that why you wanted to stay ? "
tr	1	What would you girls like from the concession stand ? "
tr	1	They were already in line to order when he hung up .
tr	1	Kaylie slid the door open when they arrived , excited .
tr	1	S -- T -- U -- PID ! "
tr	1	" That 's what I don 't want you to see .
tr	1	" Here , let me look , " he said .
tr	1	She handed it over and he found the options .
tr	1	There are still things that are dangerous to watch .
tr	1	You want some of my drink and hot dog ? "
tr	1	" A little -- a bite or two .
tr	1	" How do you do them both then ? "
tr	1	Coach said it won 't be a problem . "
tr	1	Abby said with a sly smile on her face .
tr	1	" I didn 't realize I looked so young ! "
tr	1	" I want to see something from the Roman Empire .
tr	1	We do have that assignment to do , remember ? "
tr	1	" Those dinosaurs are so incredible , though ! "
tr	1	" Hey , these guys look a lot less ugly .
tr	1	" Looks that way , but why ? "
tr	1	" And you 're sure nobody will detect it ? "
tr	1	" We got ta tell Dad about this ! "
tr	1	" Didn 't that guy look familiar to you ? "
tr	1	Sorry , what 's going on there ? "
tr	1	" You have to see this Dad , " Alex insisted .
tr	1	" We 're way too interested in this right now .
tr	1	" I 'm kind of worried ... " Rick started .
tr	1	You seem to like to worry , I don 't .
tr	1	Personally , I think they 're extremely mature .
tr	1	But I may be naive in such matters .
tr	1	So , do you think they can handle it ? "
tr	1	I don 't think you need to worry . "
tr	1	" Says Ms. Oblivious ... " " Shush . "
tr	1	" Don 't give me that , " Abby said indignantly .
tr	1	You don 't give them enough credit for their maturity . "
tr	1	We need to see how the real people lived . "
tr	1	That 's what I 'm worried about , girls !
tr	1	The chariot race was more violent than the gladiators ! "
tr	1	" The dinosaurs and cavemen were really the coolest though .
tr	1	You should see how huge some of those things were !
tr	1	He kept saying ' Red , where are you ? '
tr	1	He quickly silenced her with a hand over her mouth .
tr	1	" Remember what I said about keeping it a secret . "
tr	1	Kaylie leaned over and whispered with concern , " Us too ?
tr	1	You won 't let any of us ? "
tr	1	" I don 't know yet , honey .
tr	1	" Then you best be studying fast ! "
tr	1	" Don 't you mean Uncle Ricky ? "
tr	1	" Dad , " she said again , defiantly .
tr	1	I 'll go get the Gatorade bucket ! "
tr	1	Christy was now excited for some strange reason .
tr	1	" Did anyone else win five events today ? "
tr	1	" Why can 't I just go by myself ?
tr	1	" Because I 'm responsible for you . "
tr	1	He feigned shock and realization , " Wow !
tr	1	You 're a grown woman then , huh ?
tr	1	" I care , that 's all . "
tr	1	" You should be glad , " Abby commented .
tr	1	They stood to watch the last two events end .
tr	1	Alex insisted he watch the video of the missile launch .
tr	1	They 're probably wondering where we are . "
tr	1	Kay has two goals , " Christy cheerfully announced .
tr	1	The second half was underway when they returned with refreshments .
tr	1	" Kay scored another goal , her third .
tr	1	Alex updated them as they reclaimed their spots on the blanket .
tr	1	" She could score if she was the goalie ! "
tr	1	Kaylie finally joined them after shaking hands with the other team .
tr	1	" She 's not that bad , " Anna offered .
tr	1	" That 's because you stink , too ! "
tr	1	Jessica blurted , with two fingers tightly clasped on her nose .
tr	1	" I can 't wait to go back in time .
tr	1	I 'm going to pet a dinosaur , first thing ! "
tr	1	" I 'm going straight to the Roman Empire ! "
tr	1	" I 'm going to the future ! "
tr	1	" I 'm with Anna , the past already happened !
tr	1	" Oh no , not you too ? "
tr	1	" Hmmm ... Never thought of it that way . "
tr	1	" How long till we get there ? "
tr	1	" Besides , it may be cold in the cave .
tr	1	Abby rubbed some insect repellent on everyone 's exposed skin .
tr	1	" I think we 're all ready , " she declared .
tr	1	" What if we run into a bear ? "
tr	1	Kaylie asked , half curious , half worried .
tr	1	" OK , Davy Crockett , " Abby snickered .
tr	1	They looked at him as if he had sprouted horns .
tr	1	" OK , I guess we move on .
tr	1	Abby checked her locator and started through the forest .
tr	1	" Stop , " Abby instructed as she consulted the GPS .
tr	1	They all found resting spots while Rick checked his clothes .
tr	1	" Wait until we 're all ready . "
tr	1	" Who wants to mark our path ? "
tr	1	Can I take some pictures outside , first ? "
tr	1	He nodded and she proceeded to click away .
tr	1	" Kaylie , you 'll be my backup .
tr	1	" OK , " she accepted the honor .
tr	1	" I 'll help Anna , " said Christy .
tr	1	Rick smirked at her , shaking his head .
tr	1	Everyone is responsible for watching the person in front of them .
tr	1	Anna , you have to watch Christy too .
tr	1	We must all stay together no matter what . "
tr	1	This part of the cave should be really open . "
tr	1	The crew of seven stood and stared in awe .
tr	1	They shared their thoughts with a knowing glance .
tr	1	she replied and drew huge arrows on the walls .
tr	1	Looks like 250 feet or so to the next fork . "
tr	1	Abby spoke up , " These are not natural caves .
tr	1	she waved her arms around broadly for effect .
tr	1	" Yeah , right " Anna said , rolling her eyes .
tr	1	" You 'll be OK , " Rick assured her .
tr	1	They all came back with sad , disappointed faces .
tr	1	Jessica perked up , " Yes , definitely !
tr	1	Rick said as he patted her on the head .
tr	1	Alex and Christy , I want you two to lead .
tr	1	There are miles of them down there . "
tr	1	I don 't see one , do you ? "
tr	1	She put her hands on her hips and awaited an answer .
tr	1	" It was fun though , wasn 't it ?
tr	1	Abby grabbed the trash to throw it away .
tr	1	Come on -- move your lazy butt ! "
tr	1	He grumbled all the way back down to the van .
tr	1	Kaylie and Alex were bleary-eyed , but awake .
tr	1	Anna simply glared at him , " Fine ! "
tr	1	Rick shook Kaylie and Alex , whose eyes had shut again .
tr	1	" Why doesn 't Christy have to take a bath ? "
tr	1	" Mmmm ... that does sound good . "
tr	1	She suddenly had the energy to get up .
tr	1	Rick decided he had better make quick work of Anna .
tr	1	" Where are you going , Rick ? "
tr	1	You can 't have mine , " he joked .
tr	1	She couldn 't know -- or could she ?
tr	1	Maybe she just thought she knew but really didn 't .
tr	1	" Thanks , I just got it last weekend .
tr	1	Alex says it makes my boobs look big though . "
tr	1	I thought you went to get a drink . "
tr	1	There has to be a path there , somewhere !
tr	1	" Do you think that 's possible ? "
tr	1	" Stay here , I 'll show you . "
tr	1	Maybe it 's the new ' open sesame ' . "
tr	1	" Don 't look at me that way .
tr	1	She paused as if everyone were supposed to understand and agree .
tr	1	Alex 's face showed the dawn of recognition .
tr	1	Alex and Kaylie joined them as they were printing the pictures .
tr	1	It was taken point-blank , straight at the wall in question .
tr	1	" It is a rock , dork ! "
tr	1	There must be lines for a door or something ! "
tr	1	Now Abby could clearly see what had grabbed his attention .
tr	1	Where is this on the second picture ? "
tr	1	he announced loudly , almost bursting with excitement .
tr	1	she declared , posing defiantly , hands on hips .
tr	1	" I think I can stay up a while myself .
tr	1	" How can you sleep at a time like this ? "
tr	1	" Isn 't it OK to dream though ? "
tr	1	" Every one of them , Kay " he smiled .
tr	1	" Maybe you 're not excited enough , " she retorted .
tr	1	Get excited about something for once instead of just worrying .
tr	1	don 't really know , Kay , " he stuttered .
tr	1	I mean , did we evolve from apes ?
tr	1	Or are we two separate , but similar species ?
tr	1	Could we have both evolved from the same species ?
tr	1	Which leads to ... how did life begin ?
tr	1	Kaylie was rapt , seeing Rick share his desires .
tr	1	Oh , and who was really his father ?
tr	1	she managed to giggle out as he proceeded to tickle her .
tr	1	Kaylie whispered , still smiling that happy , fun smile .
tr	1	" Do you want her to be ? "
tr	1	She loves us as much as she does you !
tr	1	She looked so happy and comfortable playing mommy today .
tr	1	" That 's awful big talk coming from a thirteen-year-old ! "
tr	1	" Yeah , but ... " " Enough !
tr	1	Why don 't we wake Alex and go to bed ?
tr	1	" Yes , they do , we should fix that .
tr	1	their attitudes changed as they raced out of the room .
tr	1	She had obviously fallen asleep directly out of the shower .
tr	1	He closed her door and went to the garage .
tr	1	He put it in gear and eased out of the garage .
tr	1	" Why don 't you get her up ? "
tr	1	Jessica asked as she stuffed half a fritter in her mouth .
tr	1	" She should be downstairs on the couch . "
tr	1	Did you actually look on the couch ? "
tr	1	" Uh , no , I got on the computer . "
tr	1	Seconds later , Anna emerged in her nightshirt , steaming mad .
tr	1	" She hit me with a shoe ! "
tr	1	Anna smacked her on the back of the head again .
tr	1	" Hit her again and you 'll be grounded . "
tr	1	" Well , my butt is not fat ! "
tr	1	" So , when are we going ? "
tr	1	Kaylie asked as soon as she was in sight .
tr	1	I can 't wait to see that time machine ! "
tr	1	he yelled , they all stopped in their tracks .
tr	1	" I 'm not hungry , " Anna told him defiantly .
tr	1	" Me either , " the others agreed .
tr	1	" You need to learn to be patient and behave ! "
tr	1	All the girls suddenly realized they were hungry and complied .
tr	1	Christy asked , " Why do we need these clothes again ?
tr	1	He locked up the van and unsheathed the machete .
tr	1	" You like having a place to put your earrings ? "
tr	1	Rick smiled , waving the blade at her .
tr	1	He and Abby led the party down the trail .
tr	1	They arrived at the cave and climbed right in .
tr	1	The swirl pattern matched perfectly with that in the inset area .
tr	1	A lot , " Anna commented , taking off her shirt .
tr	1	" It 's amazing , " she replied softly .
tr	1	" No , I mean what do we do now ? "
tr	1	She was at the far end of the pathway .
tr	1	" Rick , there 's more to this map .
tr	1	" That 's what I was gon na show you ! "
tr	1	Jessica protested , wanting credit for the discovery she had made .
tr	1	" Come here and turn out your lights ! "
tr	1	" Wait a minute , " Jessica instructed .
tr	1	Each of them patiently waited for their eyes to adjust .
tr	1	" Uh , where does it go , though ? "
tr	1	" What do you think you 're doing , Kay ? "
tr	1	I 'm gon na swim through to our time machine ! "
tr	1	" See all that water coming out of the ceiling ? "
tr	1	That would make quite a current , " he explained .
tr	1	" What are we supposed to do then ? "
tr	1	He stopped at the first support beam and studied it .
tr	1	I have lots of sample bags -- what size ? "
tr	1	" This size , " he held up his flashlight .
tr	1	" How 's the water , Dad ? "
tr	1	Don 't worry , " he assured them .
tr	1	He winked at Kaylie , who returned the wink .
tr	1	an obviously tense , and now relieved , Jessica exclaimed .
tr	1	" I 'm going to go down to that path .
tr	1	He quickly learned this path was not a long one .
tr	1	" Seriously , he hasn 't tugged on the rope ? "
tr	1	Kaylie decided to check the rope , just to make sure .
tr	1	How dare you scare us all like that ! "
tr	1	" I had fifteen seconds left , why the panic ? "
tr	1	" You don 't even care if we were worried ? "
tr	1	He asked her for another plastic bag and she provided it .
tr	1	Abby fumed at Kaylie , " What is this ?
tr	1	" What are you doing , Rick ? "
tr	1	He glanced at her , " You have to see this .
tr	1	Rick walked up the slope inside the secret room seconds later .
tr	1	The top of the podium was flat and black .
tr	1	" So he 's putting you up to this ? "
tr	1	Kaylie was baiting her to demand more info .
tr	1	" But how do I tell him ? "
tr	1	Abby chastised herself , " Gosh , you 're so right .
tr	1	No wonder you and Rick are such good friends , Kaylie .
tr	1	Nobody spoke , anticipating the details of his photography session .
tr	1	After only fifteen pictures , Alex abruptly turned the camera off .
tr	1	The other girls hurriedly shucked their clothes as well .
tr	1	She gathered all the clothes now strewn about the cavern .
tr	1	he jerked his head to look her in the eye .
tr	1	She simply winked in reply as she headed toward the pool .
tr	1	Rick grabbed an arm and shoved her toward the ramp .
tr	1	Rick caught her leg and twisted her toward the ramp .
tr	1	Rick tapped her shoulder and her eyes sprang open .
tr	1	She practically climbed over him to enter the room .
tr	1	" OK , but don 't touch anything ... anything !
tr	1	Several excited nods later , they were darting about the room .
tr	1	He finally looked back down at the open cube .
tr	1	The time stone begged him to pick it up .
tr	1	" You mean a place to travel ? "
tr	1	" No , a date , Rick . "
tr	1	" Please identify yourself , voice not recognized . "
tr	1	" How do you know anyone else is here ? "
tr	1	Christy stepped forward , " I 'm Christy .
tr	1	" I assume you were addressing me ? "
tr	1	Abby spoke first , " I 'm Abby . "
tr	1	T definitely had some kind of personality and ... feelings ?
tr	1	I don 't want to make any fatal errors . "
tr	1	Rick turned to Abby , " What should I ask ? "
tr	1	If you prefer a general area , you can say that .
tr	1	An aerial view of Pearl Harbor popped up .
tr	1	" You can normally select a location manually , as well .
tr	1	He noticed it would zoom faster if he pushed in further .
tr	1	He maneuvered until he could see a sidewalk .
tr	1	We can look inside of things , even through things ? "
tr	1	Rick froze as he contemplated the enormity of T .
tr	1	He couldn 't even wrap his mind around the concept .
tr	1	" Yes , please , T. Where were we ? "
tr	1	" Where 's the nearest bathroom , T ? "
tr	1	" What else can you do , T ? "
tr	1	" I can replicate any food you desire , Jessie . "
tr	1	Do you require a change at this time ? "
tr	1	Rick was taken aback , " Why ? "
tr	1	" Those memories have been removed , Rick . "
tr	1	" Yes , Rick , " she answered flatly .
tr	1	" What can you tell me about it , T ? "
tr	1	" What the heck does all that mean ? "
tr	1	need ... to learn more about your memory technology ? "
tr	1	" Yes , Rick ; you do . "
tr	1	Rick turned to Abby and shrugged , totally baffled .
tr	1	And thanks for transferring the poem , to the UC . "
tr	1	" Did I just hear a hint of cynicism ?
tr	1	" Did you notice the shape of this ? "
tr	1	Quite obviously the memory crystals fit into the slots .
tr	1	" Does it matter what color goes where ? "
tr	1	" No , Alex , color is irrelevant .
tr	1	The arm retracted and disappeared into the console .
tr	1	" Can you give us the answers to the clues ? "
tr	1	" Very wise of you to notice , Rick .
tr	1	" And he 's dead , " Jessica contributed .
tr	1	Rick again caught himself staring at the rotating figure .
tr	1	" Change location to Rome , please . "
tr	1	Ferdinand did not exist in that time . "
tr	1	" A diamond of yellow , " Rick mumbled .
tr	1	" Oh , you think this ... boy has it ? "
tr	1	Caesar is still alive at this time , right ?
tr	1	" Can you get us something to eat ? "
tr	1	" Would you like fries with that , Rick ? "
tr	1	When Anna ordered , an identical table rose from the floor .
tr	1	Alex now has permission to control the console . "
tr	1	He pointed , " That wall , if you can ? "
tr	1	It was four feet high , six wide .
tr	1	" What would you like to watch , Rick ? "
tr	1	Christy butted in , " Do you have cable here ? "
tr	1	" Is this volume level acceptable , Rick ? "
tr	1	" Perfect , T. ' " Whoa ! "
tr	1	We cannot discuss any of this with anyone .
tr	1	Rick asked , jerking around to face her .
tr	1	The necklace he wore clearly had a crystal attached to it .
tr	1	" Those guys look mean , " Abby said .
tr	1	" Those swords look mean , " Rick added .
tr	1	" That guy looks gay , " Anna concluded .
tr	1	Kaylie giggled , " More like flaming little fairy . "
tr	1	" He 's clearly not wearing that necklace now . "
tr	1	" Exactly fifteen minutes and 48.3 seconds , Rick . "
tr	1	How should we go about getting it ? "
tr	1	" He does his own hair , " Alex told her .
tr	1	she answered her father at the same time .
tr	1	" Pause , T , " Alex said wearily .
tr	1	" OK , I should probably go alone .
tr	1	" It 's completely safe , Rick , come on !
tr	1	Hey T , has anyone ever died using this machine ? "
tr	1	That does present a problem , doesn 't it ? "
tr	1	" I thought of that already " Kaylie said confidently .
tr	1	He couldn 't think of a better one either .
tr	1	Kaylie asked tentatively , putting on her most endearing face .
tr	1	" Um ... me , Alex , Christy ? "
tr	1	Abby grabbed a shirt and put it on .
tr	1	Sure enough , it only went just past her waist .
tr	1	She raised her arms and it came up even further .
tr	1	" It 's just too dangerous , Kaylie .
tr	1	Kaylie grinned and pulled a box out of a locker .
tr	1	Jessica retorted in support of her father now .
tr	1	Alex said , changing her mind yet again .
tr	1	" I thought you didn 't want to go ! "
tr	1	He sighed , " OK , OK ! "
tr	1	" You and I are going treasure hunting .
tr	1	Nice to be a part of it ! "
tr	1	Rick thought , suddenly feeling tightness in his chest .
tr	1	He fumbled for words , playing with the coins absently .
tr	1	her words snapped him out of his trance .
tr	1	she said playfully , knowing his habit well .
tr	1	" Why are you suddenly so eager now ?
tr	1	" Does that little birdie have jet black hair ? "
tr	1	" Sounds like the same birdie , " she giggled .
tr	1	She turned and smiled at him as he left .
tr	1	Abby now wondered why she had waited so long .
tr	1	" Well , how 's it going ? "
tr	1	" It 's not that bad , we 're just looking .
tr	1	They 're about our age , " Alex suggested .
tr	1	Perhaps we should go in and learn on our own .
tr	1	" Crude , but effective , " Kaylie concurred .
tr	1	A tug at his shirt accompanied the address .
tr	1	" How do we talk to these people ?
tr	1	They speak a different language , don 't they ? "
tr	1	" OK girls , let 's get ready .
tr	1	How far ahead are we going in ? "
tr	1	" One hour , 45 minutes , " Alex said .
tr	1	Anna stopped , considering her plans for a moment .
tr	1	So we go there and wait for them to return ? "
tr	1	That should allow us to get close enough to Octavian .
tr	1	The group continued to finalize their plans while they finished eating .
tr	1	" Can we watch them from here , T ? "
tr	1	" No , " Rick answered , " that 's perfect .
tr	1	" Pick one , " he told the girls .
tr	1	" Do you wish to disable safety protocols , Rick ? "
tr	1	" Destination confirmed safe , initiating displacement , " T answered .
tr	1	" They just vanished , no fancy lights , no countdown ?
tr	1	T had mentioned a slight , brief orientation period upon arrival .
tr	1	The view of the land gradually faded in .
tr	1	they answered , eager to be trusted with their task .
tr	1	an over-excited Christy shouted before they were even spotted .
tr	1	" They look much smaller in person , " Alex whispered .
tr	1	He looked to be a normal-sized eight-year-old kid .
tr	1	Kaylie thought he sounded more frightened than anything .
tr	1	" I ... um , " she stammered .
tr	1	" What odd names , " the little boy commented .
tr	1	Her big , round eyes opened widely with awe .
tr	1	He plans to ambush us and take our lands ! "
tr	1	You think everything is an evil plot lately . "
tr	1	" Where is your father , then ? "
tr	1	He hides because , well , because he 's embarrassed .
tr	1	His tunic is ruined and he has nothing else to wear .
tr	1	A couple fell to the ground and Lucius picked one up .
tr	1	" But ... they belong to our father !
tr	1	And we need the money , now go ! "
tr	1	" Our father died two years ago in a battle .
tr	1	He was a soldier in the Thirteenth Legion .
tr	1	Our mother has been trying to keep the land ever since .
tr	1	About all Lucius is good for is milking cows .
tr	1	" That 's sad , " Alex commented .
tr	1	Anything is better than starving while it hangs uselessly . "
tr	1	Alex was floored with compassion for the story .
tr	1	Titus came out just then carrying a studded leather tunic .
tr	1	I have more chance of becoming a man than he . "
tr	1	Kaylie suddenly asked , forgetting where she was .
tr	1	" You sure are in a hurry ! "
tr	1	It must be due to his wonderful parenting !
tr	1	" So , she wants to be our guide ?
tr	1	" There , does it look good on me ? "
tr	1	" You look good , Rick , " Christy blurted .
tr	1	Rick saw she had frozen , but could not tell why .
tr	1	I understand you would like to guide us through Rome ? "
tr	1	She started to answer , but couldn 't .
tr	1	What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl !
tr	1	Are you going to be OK now ? "
tr	1	It feels good to be able to help .
tr	1	We should be on our way , shouldn 't we ?
tr	1	I understand you 're in a hurry for some reason ? "
tr	1	She ate up the tale like french fries .
tr	1	Nobody was paying attention to anything but her .
tr	1	She then turned and blended into the crowd .
tr	1	" Why do you need to carry someone ? "
tr	1	They giggled and agreed the idea made sense .
tr	1	He smiled at everyone , often waving like a beauty queen .
tr	1	This made Rick laugh uncontrollably when Christy explained it to him .
tr	1	The soon-to-be emperor finally turned and started to walk toward them .
tr	1	He patted a little crippled kid on the head .
tr	1	" Just the important details , OK ? "
tr	1	A woman was screaming , " Thief ! "
tr	1	" Two of the guards are running at us ! "
tr	1	Christy almost yelled in his ear from the excitement .
tr	1	demanded the larger of the two guards on the scene .
tr	1	" This rodent has stolen a necklace from me ! "
tr	1	Her brow scrunched up in a way that spoke of evil .
tr	1	This woman tried to steal from me ! "
tr	1	This startled both the guards and the woman .
tr	1	Rick scolded , his voice filled with authority .
tr	1	He immediately recognized the decorations on the man 's chest .
tr	1	I got scared and tried to run away from her ! "
tr	1	It was blue , but roughly the same size and shape .
tr	1	" No , please , let her go .
tr	1	" Mission accomplished , " Kaylie declared proudly .
tr	1	Rick stopped and turned , getting down on one knee .
tr	1	You should have come to me when you spotted it . "
tr	1	He was on a balcony across the street .
tr	1	He was loading another bolt into his crossbow .
tr	1	The girls followed , shielding themselves behind him .
tr	1	Grab that arrow and yank it out ! "
tr	1	Alex was hysterical , " I can 't !
tr	1	You 're not supposed to do that anyway , Dad ! "
tr	1	" Why don 't we just use the necklace ? "
tr	1	" But so could you , Daddy ! "
tr	1	Now just quit complaining and do what you 're told ! "
tr	1	She cheerfully asked then , " When do we go ? "
tr	1	" Do you think you can make it ? "
tr	1	All those thoughts assailed his mind at once .
tr	1	A trio of protesting howls came from the girls .
tr	1	Kaylie went once again and bought a blanket from a merchant .
tr	1	She had found the two girls hiding behind piles of trash .
tr	1	It was nearing dark when they finally reached the last alleyway .
tr	1	The girls rested while Rick crept forward to look around .
tr	1	" No , I can 't tell who 's out there .
tr	1	" So that 's why you let her go ? "
tr	1	" It doesn 't even hurt now ! "
tr	1	" Perhaps you weren 't punished enough then ! "
tr	1	We couldn 't have done it without you . "
tr	1	I wanted you all to meet her , too ! "
tr	1	Her eyes widened , " I can 't take that !
tr	1	It 's worth more than our entire farm ! "
tr	1	Keep it unless you absolutely need it , " he suggested .
tr	1	I want this one to remember you by .
tr	1	She wiped them on her already wet tunic .
tr	1	Rick shook his head , " Probably not .
tr	1	Take care of yourself and your family , OK ? "
tr	1	he said , kissing the top of her head .
tr	1	" We have to get back , Kay .
tr	1	" This will just take a minute ! "
tr	1	They all heard her yelling at the girl to stop .
tr	1	Do you think it will survive a washing ? "
tr	1	But right now , we got ta go .
tr	1	He squeezed the necklace and commanded , " Return ! "
tr	1	" What do you think they 're doing ? "
tr	1	Jessica fretted after only fifteen seconds had passed .
tr	1	" What on earth happened to you ? "
tr	1	I 'm not losing you now , mister ! "
tr	1	Abby taped a thick wad of gauze to the puncture holes .
tr	1	Rick grinned and pulled the crystal out of his pouch .
tr	1	Kaylie proudly unfolded it and dangled it in front of her .
tr	1	I traded her , " she grinned triumphantly .
tr	1	Is that an actual basket made by Roman hands ?
tr	1	" We didn 't expect him to be there . "
tr	1	" That minute can be an eternity though !
tr	1	Please talk some sense into your father ! "
tr	1	The girls all remained steadfastly silent in support .
tr	1	There 's no way I will let you go back ! "
tr	1	" I have another message now , " she informed him .
tr	1	" Oh , great , " Alex sighed .
tr	1	I 'll always be there , for the three you seek .
tr	1	" Come here , Kaylie , what is it ? "
tr	1	She zoomed in further and told T to rotate the image .
tr	1	" We have to go back and help her ! "
tr	1	We only have a week , remember ? "
tr	1	Rick held up a hand to stop her .
tr	1	Kaylie 's tirade had already sliced him to pieces .
tr	1	" Kay , we will go back for her .
tr	1	" So you 're not mad at me ? "
tr	1	I know you care -- it 's just not fair .
tr	1	" No , I 'll help you , " she said .
tr	1	Let 's figure out what to do next now .
tr	1	We are doing nothing tonight but go home .
tr	1	Then we 're discussing Salem , Massachusetts . "
tr	1	" So , what 's in Massachusetts ? "
tr	1	You got any books of that time ? "
tr	1	It sounds good , doesn 't it ? "
tr	1	Anna asked , holding onto her excitement until she was sure .
tr	1	He chewed it a while as they continued to celebrate .
tr	1	" How are we going to get out of here ? "
tr	1	It was clear and extended a couple feet from the floor .
tr	1	Rick asked , " You mean the opposite ? "
tr	1	The replicator changes the molecular state of air to objects .
tr	1	" Where do you get your power , T ? "
tr	1	" Wow , how much power does that produce ? "
tr	1	" How were the tunnels dug , T ? "
tr	1	They can be programmed to create any shape . "
tr	1	" Can 't we just -- " " No ! "
tr	1	" Will you be able to make it , Daddy ? "
tr	1	Then you 'd have room for three more people ! "
tr	1	He then surfaced , " I 'm fine .
tr	1	The girls and Abby took turns supporting him .
tr	1	" Help me downstairs , " Rick ordered when they arrived .
tr	1	" Just take me to the computer , please . "
tr	1	Alex turned as the other two staggered on .
tr	1	You have to get Jess and Anna up tomorrow , too .
tr	1	Alex nodded assent , too tired to speak .
tr	1	But , " he looked up at her in confusion .
tr	1	None of it makes sense with the riddle .
tr	1	I can make it to the bed on my own . "
tr	1	Why were they being led into this quagmire of madness ?
tr	1	" So ... did you get the crystal ? "
tr	1	" Are you gon na beat us ? "
tr	1	" That wouldn 't be fair , would it ? "
tr	1	The girls stopped and moped back to him .
tr	1	" Go put away your things and get back here .
tr	1	She walked over to Rick and hugged him .
tr	1	You should be resting , " she pointed to a chair .
tr	1	He opened it and started watching Jessica and Christy 's adventure .
tr	1	" I hope so , " Scott answered , lacking confidence .
tr	1	" Tell them we 'll be there in two minutes .
tr	1	" He made a mistake this time , " Scott said .
tr	1	" Are you suggesting this one 's a setup as well ?
tr	1	" You 're right , it 's not her .
tr	1	It 's a man -- I know it . "
tr	1	" Here we are , " he said rather tensely .
tr	1	" Want to call it off now ? "
tr	1	" Nobody 's home , " she called to them .
tr	1	" The computer is on , but the monitor is off .
tr	1	" Turn it on , " she ordered .
tr	1	" And movie market as well , " Jordan added .
tr	1	" How did he become so popular ? "
tr	1	" Well , Samantha , it 's really quite simple .
tr	1	The industry seemed unable to produce anything new .
tr	1	" Why can 't anyone create something fresh and new ? "
tr	1	It was obvious he found this scenario rather revolting .
tr	1	" Good luck with that , " she responded .
tr	1	" And Reed says there 's no hope for this generation .
tr	1	You are capable of independent thought -- even humor !
tr	1	That was really funny , Sam , " he said sarcastically .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	Then the giant , reaching into his chest .
tr	1	She stopped crawling - and screaming - and looked slowly up .
tr	1	Red scales faded , turning tan like the desert .
tr	1	Now all Margaret cared about was her life .
tr	1	The boat sat in silence , undiscovered , for days .
tr	1	Until a group of motorcycle riders stumbled across it .
tr	1	He let off the throttle and slammed on his brakes .
tr	1	A great black spot lay in the desert ahead of him .
tr	1	Carlos nodded to his friends then took off for the wreckage .
tr	1	The bikers rolled cautiously down the slope toward the burnt wreckage .
tr	1	The thirty foot wide circle of ash smelled of burnt plastic .
tr	1	That 's how they were described at school .
tr	1	Sure enough , the wreckage was that of a boat .
tr	1	The body of a man lay in the wreckage .
tr	1	At least Josie thought it was a man .
tr	1	A very tall man , with thin limbs .
tr	1	Josie crouched down , moving around the corpse .
tr	1	Carlos finally stepped forward onto the ashes and debris .
tr	1	" What 's a speedboat doing out here ?
tr	1	Josie ignored her friends and stared at the burnt corpse .
tr	1	Around his neck something gleamed in the sun .
tr	1	A gold necklace , covered in ash and soot .
tr	1	Hanging from the chain was a fish symbol .
tr	1	Another boy , Logan , walked up behind Josie .
tr	1	" Is that a hole in his chest ? "
tr	1	As ash moved , sun glinted off something metal .
tr	1	" I think this is a gun ! "
tr	1	We need to head back , " Kendall said .
tr	1	She was transfixed by the thin , burnt corpse .
tr	1	Even in death , the face seemed peaceful .
tr	1	A sudden splash of water on her cheek startled Josie .
tr	1	She looked up as more drops began to fall .
tr	1	" I thought the forecast was for clear skies ? "
tr	1	Big drops fell everywhere - including on the burnt corpse .
tr	1	A statue , dressed in pants , looking so life-like .
tr	1	Suddenly , the stone man 's hand twitched .
tr	1	Josie nearly fell over as she jerked back .
tr	1	Had she just seen what she thought she 'd seen ?
tr	1	A couple of the guys were already starting their motorcycles .
tr	1	Josie gave the burnt stone body one more look .
tr	1	Josie finally shook her head and stood up .
tr	1	They were the last two riders to carefully drive away .
tr	1	Water began to pool on the ground around the stone man .
tr	1	The stone man 's gaping wound begin to fill .
tr	1	In seconds , the wounds had filled in .
tr	1	The stone man was now just a shirtless , gaunt figure .
tr	1	As suddenly as it began , the rain stopped .
tr	1	Pooled water began to soak into the sand .
tr	1	Then it began to soak into the stone .
tr	1	The gray then faded , turning to tanned skin .
tr	1	They were glad the flash storm had stopped so suddenly .
tr	1	Jimmy was first to finally break the silence .
tr	1	Logan asked around a mouthful of energy bar .
tr	1	" The boat - that corpse , stupid . "
tr	1	Josie wasn 't eating , she was staring into the fire .
tr	1	" I don 't think it was a corpse . "
tr	1	" The rain was washing the ashes off .
tr	1	" That makes no sense , Josie , " Logan said .
tr	1	They had been frightened to even approach the burnt boat .
tr	1	Her lifelong friend since kindergarten , Jimmy knew something was wrong .
tr	1	" I - I don 't know . "
tr	1	She 's trying to screw with us ! "
tr	1	Her steely gaze was tinged with a bit of fear .
tr	1	You had me going for a sec , " Kendall said .
tr	1	" Big day in the Canyons tomorrow , losers .
tr	1	Logan held up his hands and stood up .
tr	1	He wisely remained quiet and walked off to his own tent .
tr	1	Carlos likewise stood up and left in awkward silence .
tr	1	Only Jimmy and Josie remained by the fire .
tr	1	Finally , he stood up and offered a hand to Josie .
tr	1	" You sure you 're all right ? "
tr	1	Once again , she 'd become the girl of the group .
tr	1	She climbed to her feet and batted Jimmy 's hand away .
tr	1	Angry at herself , she stomped off to her tent .
tr	1	He leaned forward and put his hands down .
tr	1	He looked at the sand and wreckage around him .
tr	1	A military knife lay on the ground , the handle melted .
tr	1	The man pushed the knife aside and tried to stand again .
tr	1	They were loose and baggy - several sizes too large .
tr	1	The man opened his eyes and looked around him .
tr	1	He began to walk forward , toward the distant campfire .
tr	1	The man staggered , forcing himself to walk .
tr	1	His legs were sore , his throat dry .
tr	1	Not much - maybe only a few drops .
tr	1	The man made a face as he tasted the liquid .
tr	1	He looked at the can in the moonlight .
tr	1	His eyes refused to focus on the slender , tall can .
tr	1	Past the can , he saw something else .
tr	1	The man dropped the can and moved slowly toward the cooler .
tr	1	He saw the many bottles inside the cooler .
tr	1	The cold water went down his throat quickly .
tr	1	The man relaxed as he drained the bottle .
tr	1	The man dropped the bottle and reached down for another .
tr	1	But it was not a career she wanted .
tr	1	Josie lay unmoving in her tent , listening .
tr	1	She wondered briefly if she had dreamt about her father again .
tr	1	She 'd been dreaming about him a lot lately .
tr	1	Something she hadn 't done since she was very young .
tr	1	The more she thought about it , the odder it became .
tr	1	There was a short pause , then an empty bottle falling .
tr	1	The hair on the back of Josie 's neck was up .
tr	1	She had slept in her motocross pants and a large t-shirt .
tr	1	She carefully reached for her boots and slipped them on .
tr	1	He was standing by the cooler , drinking from a bottle .
tr	1	Then she realized he was bald and shirtless .
tr	1	He wore black pants , and one boot .
tr	1	But he appeared to be in his 30s .
tr	1	He had smooth skin - especially on his bald head .
tr	1	Josie watched as he drained another water bottle .
tr	1	The man 's arm seemed to be swelling .
tr	1	Not swollen from drinking too much liquid , but more muscular .
tr	1	It was the burnt , stone man from the boat wreck .
tr	1	He stopped , turning his head toward Josie .
tr	1	" Good evening , " he said calmly .
tr	1	It looked as though it had been freshly cut .
tr	1	I think I owe you some water . "
tr	1	Jimmy looked around , not knowing what to do .
tr	1	The stranger stepped calmly aside letting Jimmy charge past him .
tr	1	The stranger dropped his last empty water bottle on the ground .
tr	1	Logan wasn 't about to stand there slack-jawed .
tr	1	With his other hand he pushed against Logan 's chest .
tr	1	He looked at his arm , then his chest .
tr	1	Kendall didn 't care how big the stranger was .
tr	1	The stranger regarded Kendall with an eerie calmness .
tr	1	From behind the stranger , Jimmy had sprung back up .
tr	1	Kendall saw the stranger reaching for his friend and panicked .
tr	1	The blade sank deep into the man 's back .
tr	1	Now he had an angry look on his face .
tr	1	He held it in shaking hands , pointed at the stranger .
tr	1	The stranger lowered his hand , then opened it slowly .
tr	1	Carlos panicked - then fired his pistol five more times .
tr	1	His shots all hit the stranger 's bare chest .
tr	1	It wasn 't that Carlos was a chicken .
tr	1	He didn 't consider himself afraid of most anything .
tr	1	That was definitely something to be scared of .
tr	1	Josie never really seemed to be afraid of anything .
tr	1	He probably was in no condition to run .
tr	1	A splotch of gray that faded back to flesh color .
tr	1	Then he looked down and watched his chest wounds silently heal .
tr	1	" And judging from these stars , you are too ? "
tr	1	Josie asked , taking a slow step forward .
tr	1	The stranger 's hand was dry and smooth - and warm .
tr	1	Josie asked as she slid her hand away .
tr	1	The stranger looked around the camp as he continued to speak .
tr	1	" You 're in Arizona , " Josie said .
tr	1	" What 's your name , kid ? "
tr	1	Josie had never seen eyes like the stranger 's .
tr	1	" Pleased to meet you , Josie . "
tr	1	She hadn 't realized all the guys had fled the area .
tr	1	" I don 't - " she started to say .
tr	1	" Let 's check on that one . "
tr	1	When he saw the stone man approaching , he panicked .
tr	1	His eyes went wide and he held his hands up defensively .
tr	1	Logan winced but didn 't cry out in pain .
tr	1	He eyed the stranger , Mark , with great suspicion .
tr	1	Jimmy asked , trying to see around Mark .
tr	1	Carlos and Kendall walked over , standing close to Josie .
tr	1	Oh , great , Kendall thought to himself .
tr	1	" What do you mean by super-powers ? "
tr	1	Kendall couldn 't believe he was going to join this conversation .
tr	1	" Or being bullet-proof , " Jimmy added .
tr	1	Mark twisted his head around and tried to look behind him .
tr	1	He folded the knife and then offered it back to Kendall .
tr	1	He shoved the knife into his pants pocket .
tr	1	I thought you said your name was Mark ? "
tr	1	Mark shook his head from side to side .
tr	1	" I 'm still not clear on what a superhero is .
tr	1	The last show he could remember watching was about cowboys .
tr	1	They were strangely shaped , with off-road tires .
tr	1	Mark pointed to the one of the trucks .
tr	1	Mark was surprised but kept his face straight .
tr	1	" Jimmy , that is ridiculous , " Josie declared .
tr	1	" You got me , kid , " Mark finally said .
tr	1	" Uh , it 's 2013 , " Jimmy said .
tr	1	He suddenly didn 't think he was so clever anymore .
tr	1	She stopped pouring the water , nearly dropping the bottle again .
tr	1	Mark looked at the small device , cocking his left eyebrow .
tr	1	" When we found you ... You had a. . .
tr	1	head wound ... " " Found me ? "
tr	1	" She means in the desert , " Carlos said .
tr	1	Josie looked down for a moment , embarrassed .
tr	1	Who would leave an injured man in the desert to die ?
tr	1	" You were stone , " Josie tried to explain .
tr	1	Even if they did look like they were dead .
tr	1	He didn 't like where this really weird conversation was going .
tr	1	" That doesn 't make any sense at all .
tr	1	Are you sure you kids aren 't stoned ? "
tr	1	Harder than any muscles she 'd ever touched .
tr	1	And half your head was missing , " Josie said .
tr	1	" And he was all burnt up , " Jimmy added .
tr	1	" I don 't know , " he said .
tr	1	First the stranger had problems with his name .
tr	1	Then he didn 't know what year it was .
tr	1	Now he didn 't even recognize his own clothing .
tr	1	" Do you have any ID on you ?
tr	1	But like always , Jimmy reluctantly followed Josie 's lead .
tr	1	" He 's right , " Josie agreed .
tr	1	" If your pants survived that fire , who knows ? "
tr	1	Mark shrugged and went to reach into his right pocket .
tr	1	Melted plastic - the pocket was fused shut .
tr	1	He pushed against the plastic , ripping it .
tr	1	" I 'll be damned , " he said aloud .
tr	1	He felt around - there was a lump of something papery .
tr	1	" Here 's for all that water I drank . "
tr	1	" Dude - what 's with all the Benjamins ? "
tr	1	The super-powered stranger looked like he was in his 30s .
tr	1	Yet here he stood , not a wrinkle on him .
tr	1	" I was thinking the same thing , " Mark admitted .
tr	1	It was a modern one-hundred , printed in 2011 .
tr	1	" You didn 't get that in 1952 . "
tr	1	" What do you remember after the war ? "
tr	1	The day of his death had come so unexpectedly .
tr	1	His boots were polished to a perfect shine .
tr	1	As always , she wore slacks , turtleneck and lab coat .
tr	1	Maria smiled at Mark as she brushed her hair .
tr	1	" Ready to go back to work ? "
tr	1	Mark folded his newspaper and tucked it under his arm .
tr	1	It still felt strange to wear a ring .
tr	1	She then turned and headed towards the apartment 's tiny kitchenette .
tr	1	She 'd remember her honeymoon vacation for a long time .
tr	1	" I tend to get what I want . "
tr	1	" Oh , is that how you got me ? "
tr	1	As he remembered it , it was the other way around .
tr	1	" My wedding present to you , " Maria said .
tr	1	Mark picked up the small box , very surprised .
tr	1	" Put it on , " Maria directed .
tr	1	He tucked it under his shirt to stay within uniform regulations .
tr	1	" I fig - " Maria started to say .
tr	1	A red phone that was never supposed to ring .
tr	1	I 'll inform Dr. Guerrero , " Mark finally said .
tr	1	He hung up the phone and turned to face Maria .
tr	1	" Someone dropped the basilisk eye into the Fountain . "
tr	1	Maria asked , standing up from her chair .
tr	1	" It fully regenerated , " Mark said solemnly .
tr	1	" We 've got to get down there ! "
tr	1	" Mark , those are my people down there !
tr	1	Mark shook his head from side to side slowly .
tr	1	" Protocol says we keep it locked in until nightfall .
tr	1	" It 's the Army , " Mark answered .
tr	1	Maria struggled to get free of her husband 's grip .
tr	1	" I need that eye , Mark , " she pleaded .
tr	1	" I 'm so close to figuring out how it works !
tr	1	Reluctantly , he released his wife 's arm .
tr	1	He dreaded the answer , but knew what it would be .
tr	1	" It was done once before , " Maria reminded him .
tr	1	It was the fangs and teeth part that bothered him .
tr	1	" Fine , but you have to stay here .
tr	1	I 'll know you 'll be safe here . "
tr	1	Maria walked up to Mark and his gun closet .
tr	1	Only the hum of the lights could be heard .
tr	1	Nothing could escape the chamber and its heavy blast door .
tr	1	She wished she 'd spent more time at the range herself .
tr	1	Mark reached across to a handset hung up in the elevator .
tr	1	The control room didn 't like this plan .
tr	1	They were still trying to reach Command for authorization .
tr	1	Hidden hydraulics took over , slowly swinging the door outwards .
tr	1	The door swung to its half-open position and stopped .
tr	1	From beyond the blast door came a strange skittering noise .
tr	1	The basilisk suddenly darted out from behind the door .
tr	1	Like its shimmering scales , the feathers were blood red .
tr	1	It immediately tasted the scent of the two humans .
tr	1	It hissed and turned to face Mark and Maria .
tr	1	A perfect kill shot , directly over the heart .
tr	1	Mark looked over at his wife , worry on his face .
tr	1	" You didn 't tell me it was bulletproof . "
tr	1	The basilisk felt the impact of the bullets .
tr	1	" You aren 't using a big enough gun ! "
tr	1	Maria nearly fell down in the elevator , but quickly recovered .
tr	1	Then it opened its mouth and swallowed the grenade .
tr	1	A second later , it spit the grenade back out .
tr	1	He began to feel the heat from the flames .
tr	1	Suddenly , she spied Mark , pinned under the flaming debris .
tr	1	She turned and lunged for the fire extinguisher in the elevator .
tr	1	Maria turned back to Mark , swinging the fire extinguisher around .
tr	1	Logan was hurt , and needed to go to a doctor .
tr	1	Kendall was only too willing to take him .
tr	1	Tents were taken down and the camp packed up .
tr	1	And he wasn 't even sweating in the heat .
tr	1	Josie asked from the bed of the truck .
tr	1	Her hair was back in a long pony tail .
tr	1	" There are some definite gaps , " Mark answered .
tr	1	" But it is starting to come back ? "
tr	1	" Can we get this guy some clothes ? "
tr	1	Josie turned to Kendall 's truck and shouted over at Carlos .
tr	1	You have any more of those nightgowns of yours ? "
tr	1	Carlos said , offering the shirt to Mark .
tr	1	Mark accepted the shirt and started to put it on .
tr	1	It clung to Mark like it was painted on .
tr	1	" Carlos is in love with her . "
tr	1	She jumped down out of the bed of the truck .
tr	1	Jimmy finished closing up the tailgate of his truck .
tr	1	Mark turned to look off into the morning desert .
tr	1	" It 's that way , right ? "
tr	1	" Yep , " Josie said , still watching Carlos .
tr	1	Kendall helped Logan down , then helped him into the truck .
tr	1	" Because he needs our help , " Josie responded .
tr	1	" I don 't trust him , " Jimmy pouted .
tr	1	" And when did you start helping people ? "
tr	1	She had a handful of friends and that was it .
tr	1	Logan eyed Mark suspiciously but took the money .
tr	1	" Sorry about the ribs , kid , " Mark added .
tr	1	He was in too much pain to argue .
tr	1	From the back seat , Carlos chimed in .
tr	1	" Hope you get your memory back , mister . "
tr	1	" Josie can handle herself , " Kendall said .
tr	1	Josie slid over , next to Jimmy , who was driving .
tr	1	It was an uncomfortable , slow ride over the desert sand .
tr	1	His truck couldn 't navigate as well as his motorcycle had .
tr	1	It made Jimmy wish for a paved road .
tr	1	" Are you sure your friends will be all right ? "
tr	1	Mark leaned around Josie to look at the driving teen .
tr	1	Jimmy immediately noticed Josie got out on Mark 's side .
tr	1	Or , in Mark 's case , his bare feet .
tr	1	" What 's the nearest body of water to here ? "
tr	1	Almost as big as a softball , oblong .
tr	1	It was heavy , and hard , like a stone .
tr	1	Jimmy leaned in , trying to see what Josie had found .
tr	1	Complete with the stubs of stone arteries sticking out from it .
tr	1	" That looks like a human heart , " Mark commented .
tr	1	Thank you , Mr. Obvious , Jimmy thought to himself .
tr	1	Mark reached out a finger and touched the heart .
tr	1	The glow began to spread out over the heart .
tr	1	As it did so , the stone turned to flesh .
tr	1	Mark started to walk away from the two baffled teens .
tr	1	Crouching down , he picked around in the ashes .
tr	1	Jimmy leaned in close , trying to whisper .
tr	1	" Seeing where he died might jog his memory . "
tr	1	" That 's not what I meant , " Jimmy said .
tr	1	" What 's wrong with you , Jimmy ? "
tr	1	It just wasn 't like Jimmy to be like this .
tr	1	That she should be more willing to help others .
tr	1	Wasn 't that what she was trying to do now ?
tr	1	" I don 't trust this guy , " Jimmy said .
tr	1	" Well , I do , " Josie replied .
tr	1	Brass casings , thicker than bananas - grenades ?
tr	1	He finally found a knife in the debris .
tr	1	He 'd carried that same knife in Korea .
tr	1	" This is because of your dad , right ? "
tr	1	Even though she 'd only been two when it happened .
tr	1	Josie asked , a little angry at the suggestion .
tr	1	" Do you realize how crazy you sound ?
tr	1	Josie pointed to Mark to emphasize the point .
tr	1	" Straps , belts , holsters , " Mark said .
tr	1	It just kept getting more and more interesting .
tr	1	" I can 't remember , " Mark admitted .
tr	1	" I don 't remember this boat either . "
tr	1	Jimmy was reaching the limits of his patience .
tr	1	" It 's classified , " he said .
tr	1	Josie took a step forward , toward Mark .
tr	1	Jimmy asked , folding his arms across his chest .
tr	1	Josie walked up to Mark , her eyes pleading and sincere .
tr	1	Your memories are coming back , right ? "
tr	1	" So you just need somewhere to stay for awhile .
tr	1	Jimmy didn 't like where this was going .
tr	1	" Josie ... " Mark thought about it for a moment .
tr	1	I don 't think that 's a good idea ! "
tr	1	This wasn 't a stray dog they were talking about .
tr	1	What if he turned out to be a homicidal killer ?
tr	1	Jimmy had made it crystal clear he didn 't like him .
tr	1	Now Jimmy was offering him a place to stay .
tr	1	Josie grinned even wider and turned back to Mark .
tr	1	He wanted to get Josie away from this Mark guy .
tr	1	Josie stepped around beside Mark , facing back across at Jimmy .
tr	1	And you know I like a good mystery . "
tr	1	" I don 't know if that 's a good idea .
tr	1	He was going to have share more than he wanted .
tr	1	" I thought you couldn 't remember anything since 1962 . "
tr	1	" I remember dying , " Mark said .
tr	1	" That I don 't remember , " Mark admitted .
tr	1	" It 's like a dream I can 't quite recall .
tr	1	Mark pointed to the stone heart Josie had dropped .
tr	1	CHAPTER SEVEN Kendall had been serious about going to the police .
tr	1	At first , they 'd been met with skepticism and laughter .
tr	1	But when they described Mark , the Deputy took interest .
tr	1	The boys were quickly moved to an interrogation room .
tr	1	" Shut up , Carlos , " Kendall said .
tr	1	He tried to avoid looking at the man in the suit .
tr	1	" He 's right , " Logan whispered .
tr	1	" We should have just kept our mouths shut . "
tr	1	He was interrupted by the door to the interrogation room opening .
tr	1	" Out in the desert ... " Carlos blurted out .
tr	1	" Is this the man you and your friends met ? "
tr	1	" That 's him , " Kendall confirmed .
tr	1	" What can you tell me about the man ? "
tr	1	He was emotionless , robotic in his manner .
tr	1	" Please answer the question , " the agent said .
tr	1	" What did the man talk about ? "
tr	1	It sent chills down the teens ' backs .
tr	1	They became stiff , as though being electrocuted .
tr	1	He dialed his superiors and held the phone to his head .
tr	1	" He 's alive , " the agent announced .
tr	1	" And he doesn 't remember a thing . "
tr	1	The family had originally come from Germany , centuries before .
tr	1	Thomas was the only one to survive the Atlantic crossing .
tr	1	A couple of years later , he saw action in Korea .
tr	1	And that 's about where Mark decided to clam up .
tr	1	Josie imagined he 'd seen some horrible stuff in the war .
tr	1	Josie had taken far too much interest in him .
tr	1	Jimmy pulled up to the gas pumps to refuel .
tr	1	He could feel the pavement was hot , very hot .
tr	1	Even small rocks on the asphalt didn 't bother him .
tr	1	" Yeah , well we need gas , " Jimmy added .
tr	1	Which was doubly weird considering Jimmy normally liked everyone .
tr	1	" Hey , he ruined our summer vacation too . "
tr	1	This was so out of character for him .
tr	1	Josie then turned and started walking to the gas station .
tr	1	Even if he still didn 't like Mark .
tr	1	Talking was better than staring at each other in silence .
tr	1	The media had been all over his sudden appearance .
tr	1	The public bought it - with the help of Hollywood .
tr	1	By the 1980s , superheroes were selling toys and lunch boxes .
tr	1	By 1990 , the super heroes had become a passing fad .
tr	1	Until 1995 when it all finally came to an end .
tr	1	The Sentinel responded and was allegedly killed rescuing the crew .
tr	1	Two weeks later , he reappeared in Los Angeles .
tr	1	That pretty much ended the whole superhero thing .
tr	1	" At least thirty , " Jimmy said .
tr	1	She carried a couple of plastic bags over to the truck .
tr	1	Mark looked at the foam rubber and plastic shoes with disdain .
tr	1	She gave Jimmy some beef jerky and a bottle of water .
tr	1	Dirty , ragged blue jeans and cowboy boots .
tr	1	They walked right up behind Josie with big grins .
tr	1	" Can I help you with something ? "
tr	1	He grinned evilly and winked at his pal , Cletus .
tr	1	I need lots of help , " Pete said .
tr	1	Guys like this they had plenty of in 1962 .
tr	1	" Well , hello , Sarge , " Cletus mocked .
tr	1	" You just get back from the war ? "
tr	1	She held her hand up , towards the locals .
tr	1	With little effort , he pushed against Pete 's chest .
tr	1	He rolled several more feet before he came to a stop .
tr	1	Holding his groin , he staggered over to his friend .
tr	1	" I 'm fine , " Josie responded .
tr	1	He 'd wanted to say something , to do something .
tr	1	But like always , he 'd been too scared .
tr	1	They were too stupid to realize just how strong Mark was .
tr	1	This time he pulled out an axe as well .
tr	1	" You guys know where I can get some pancakes ? "
tr	1	" Mister , we 're gon na pancake your face ! "
tr	1	Mark stood only a few steps short of the dirty duo .
tr	1	For Pete , it was like hitting a rock .
tr	1	Mark followed up with a quick jerk to the right .
tr	1	He was going to take this guy 's head off .
tr	1	The impact doubled Cletus over and sent him hurling backwards .
tr	1	He 'd choke the gigantic freak with it .
tr	1	Mark then turned and walked back to Jimmy 's truck .
tr	1	Josie and Jimmy were already getting back inside .
tr	1	Sgt. Brown announced , holding out the tablet .
tr	1	Campbell took the tablet and read over it .
tr	1	It had to be him , Campbell thought to himself .
tr	1	Campbell looked up from the tablet , surprised .
tr	1	" There 's still been no contact ? "
tr	1	" Witness descriptions were pretty clear , " Sgt. Brown replied .
tr	1	He had no relatives as far as Campbell knew .
tr	1	Campbell hated it , but they were going to need help .
tr	1	We need to contain and assess , " Campbell ordered .
tr	1	But first , Josie wanted to stop by the mall .
tr	1	I thought we were going to Jimmy 's ? "
tr	1	It would be night in a couple of hours .
tr	1	He switched off the motor and got out .
tr	1	" And you really do need some new clothes . "
tr	1	Mark sighed , and got out of the truck .
tr	1	It rolled to a stop behind Jimmy 's parked truck .
tr	1	Officer Raymond Lee confirmed the vehicle description with dispatch .
tr	1	" Standby , 532 , " the dispatcher advised .
tr	1	Lee waited patiently , eyeing the empty , parked truck .
tr	1	" Is this the fugitive vehicle or not , dispatch ? "
tr	1	" We 're to standby but make no contact . "
tr	1	" I don 't remember , " Mark replied .
tr	1	Jimmy felt awkward , standing around with nothing to do .
tr	1	Mark felt at the thin fabric of the shirt .
tr	1	" I prefer cotton , " Mark said unhappily .
tr	1	" Okay , " Josie said , putting the shirt back .
tr	1	Once more , Jimmy wanted to question what they were doing .
tr	1	" Helping this guy , " Jimmy explained .
tr	1	" Did you see what he did to those rednecks ? "
tr	1	" I think he has anger issues , " Jimmy suggested .
tr	1	It was all he could come up with .
tr	1	Those two idiots had definitely deserved the thrashing they got .
tr	1	" Why are you so against helping him ? "
tr	1	Jimmy briefly considered telling Josie how he felt about her .
tr	1	Josie missed the meaning of Jimmy 's statement .
tr	1	Oh , did he hope he was wrong .
tr	1	Josie was taken aback by Jimmy 's accusation .
tr	1	He 's old enough to be my dad ! "
tr	1	But that was not why she was helping him .
tr	1	" I trust him , Jimmy , " Josie explained .
tr	1	" He 's not going to hurt us . "
tr	1	You do like him , " Jimmy said .
tr	1	How could he compete with a super hero ?
tr	1	They were leather , with air soles and arch supports .
tr	1	" I 'd prefer boots , " Mark said .
tr	1	" Letting your kids pick out some new clothes ? "
tr	1	the clerk asked when she gave Mark his change back .
tr	1	" Something like that , " Mark said .
tr	1	" Can we go get something to eat now ? "
tr	1	Mark at first was amazed by the number of restaurants available .
tr	1	Not this particular food court , but the idea .
tr	1	The front page was filled with depressing news .
tr	1	Not much different from a newspaper in 1962 .
tr	1	Two orders of chicken strips and three chicken sandwiches .
tr	1	" What if he doesn 't like any of this ? "
tr	1	" He 's bound to like something , " Josie said .
tr	1	I 'm pretty sure he could eat all of this . "
tr	1	Mark folded his paper and set it down on the table .
tr	1	Josie helped Jimmy set out the rest of the food .
tr	1	" You 've had french fries before , right ? "
tr	1	" Yes , " Mark said , frowning .
tr	1	Jimmy pushed an order of chicken strips in front of Mark .
tr	1	Josie laughed as she chewed on a piece of chicken herself .
tr	1	" Jimmy is a fast-food historian ... Among other things . "
tr	1	" I think you 're in shock , " Josie said .
tr	1	" You know , waking up in the 21st century .
tr	1	" Yeah - but you don 't remember .
tr	1	Josie frowned at Jimmy , and picked up Mark 's drink .
tr	1	I know those were big back then . "
tr	1	Mark reluctantly took the drink and gave it a sip .
tr	1	He immediately made a face at the taste .
tr	1	" This is not how I remember it tasting . "
tr	1	" They used to put sugar in coke . "
tr	1	" What do they put in it now ? "
tr	1	Mark clasped his hands together and tucked his chin down .
tr	1	Jimmy and Josie immediately stopped chewing their own food .
tr	1	" People don 't say a blessing anymore ? "
tr	1	Closing his eyes , he mumbled a quick blessing to himself .
tr	1	Jimmy and Josie looked at each other , completely baffled .
tr	1	Mark finally picked up a chicken strip and tried it .
tr	1	Josie finished a mouthful of food and took a drink .
tr	1	" So what was familiar in the paper ? "
tr	1	He picked up a napkin and wiped his mouth .
tr	1	" Taking his family on a vacation , apparently .
tr	1	To get away from some scandal , " Mark responded .
tr	1	Politics was one of Jimmy 's favorite subjects .
tr	1	All politicians do stuff like that , " she said .
tr	1	" I bet Ronald Reagan didn 't . "
tr	1	Mark was about to try a french fry and stopped .
tr	1	Ronald Reagan , the actor from California . .
tr	1	Get this - he was President back in the 1980s !
tr	1	" Bet you didn 't see that coming in 1962 . "
tr	1	See , your memories are coming back ! "
tr	1	She really needed to take him to Washington some time .
tr	1	" Let 's stick to more modern times for now . "
tr	1	" What can you tell me about the VP ? "
tr	1	" Other than - " Mark started to say .
tr	1	Something about it was so very familiar to Mark .
tr	1	If only ... The memories came flooding back .
tr	1	He was wasting time sitting here in a mall .
tr	1	Jimmy felt a little chill go up his spine .
tr	1	Mark 's normally pleasant , laid back eyes seemed angry now .
tr	1	He wasn 't sure he wanted the answer .
tr	1	Mark shifted his gaze back to Jimmy then Josie .
tr	1	He rubbed his eyes briefly as if he had a headache .
tr	1	" I remember why I was in Arizona . "
tr	1	Josie rubbed Mark on the back , between the shoulder blades .
tr	1	Jimmy reached into his pocket and pulled out his iPhone .
tr	1	Jimmy said after he put the phone to his ear .
tr	1	" Uh , yes , " Jimmy said into the phone .
tr	1	Perplexed , Jimmy extended the phone to Mark .
tr	1	" This is Major Campbell ... " the voice said .
tr	1	Mark was surprised , and looked at Jimmy and Josie .
tr	1	" What is your mission status , Colonel ? "
tr	1	He dimly remembered being a Colonel , but not getting promoted .
tr	1	We need to debrief you , " Campbell explained .
tr	1	" What if I want answers first ? "
tr	1	" And why I should you trust you ? "
tr	1	" You 've got to come in . "
tr	1	" I haven 't got to do anything . "
tr	1	" How do you hang this up ? "
tr	1	Josie grabbed the phone and ended the call .
tr	1	she asked Mark , handing the phone back to Jimmy .
tr	1	Josie was more calm , but also looked around .
tr	1	" So why don 't you , already ? "
tr	1	Before Mark could answer , Jimmy suddenly jerked in his seat .
tr	1	Then , just as quickly as it happened , Jimmy relaxed .
tr	1	His eyes normal again , he looked calmly at Mark .
tr	1	There was no trace of fear in his face or voice .
tr	1	" Colonel , may we speak in private ? "
tr	1	" Yes , sir , " Jimmy answered .
tr	1	" Have the girl go with our men , please . "
tr	1	It was a thin , wide , evil smile .
tr	1	" We 've changed the rules a bit .
tr	1	Mark wanted to punch the telepath right in the face .
tr	1	" This one doesn 't like you that much .
tr	1	Josie looked up suddenly , her hands still in her pockets .
tr	1	Josie leaned forward , her voice dropping to almost a whisper .
tr	1	" No offense , " she hastily told Mark .
tr	1	Jealousy sure explained Jimmy 's behavior toward him .
tr	1	" We didn 't have those in 1962 . "
tr	1	Mark held up his hand , open , toward Josie .
tr	1	Josie placed the stun gun in his palm .
tr	1	" What are you doing with something like this ? "
tr	1	Mark shrugged - that did make a lot of sense .
tr	1	The pain was excruciating for Jimmy and the telepath .
tr	1	The brief touch of the stun gun had its desired effect .
tr	1	The other people on the food court had noticed the commotion .
tr	1	It was hard to miss someone being stunned .
tr	1	" Call it an exorcism , " Mark said .
tr	1	Mark looked all around for the telepath that had controlled Jimmy .
tr	1	Or maybe laying on the roof , next to a skylight .
tr	1	The people on the food court had seen enough .
tr	1	There was a near stampede as the food court cleared out .
tr	1	The agents kept their distance , unsure what to do next .
tr	1	Mark calmly wiped his mouth with a napkin .
tr	1	They formed a large circle around Mark and Josie 's table .
tr	1	The closest agent was at least fifteen feet away .
tr	1	" Let 's not go crazy , shall we ? "
tr	1	Mark , then Josie , stood up slowly .
tr	1	" Sir ... " Cooper started to say .
tr	1	" Do I really need to repeat myself ? "
tr	1	" They 're just letting us leave ? "
tr	1	" Nobody likes spending a month in traction . "
tr	1	Mark and Josie walked quickly toward where they had parked .
tr	1	" Those guys were terrified of you . "
tr	1	" Should I be afraid of you ? "
tr	1	Her eyes , nose and throat were on fire .
tr	1	She couldn 't see and was having trouble breathing .
tr	1	The agents could hear coughing coming from the cloud .
tr	1	Standing next to her was the dark silhouette of their target .
tr	1	The agents stepped closer and fired their tasers .
tr	1	The small darts from the tasers struck Mark in the chest .
tr	1	Electricity immediately began pulsing down the darts ' trailing wires .
tr	1	The agent doubled over , the wind knocked out of him .
tr	1	Mark reached out and pulled at the agent 's gas mask .
tr	1	Off it came , dislodging the agent 's helmet as well .
tr	1	He promptly passed out from the sheer pain .
tr	1	She grabbed at it and pushed it tight against her face .
tr	1	Mark tugged at the straps , trying to tighten it .
tr	1	He too held a taser at the ready .
tr	1	But more importantly , the gas had hurt Josie .
tr	1	He couldn 't help but breath in deeply .
tr	1	Mark turned to Josie and helped her back to her feet .
tr	1	" Get in , " Mark told her .
tr	1	The cable began to glow faintly green where it touched him .
tr	1	He was suddenly jerked off his feet before he could finish .
tr	1	He rolled over quickly and sprang to his feet .
tr	1	She wore thigh-high , black leather riding boots .
tr	1	Thick makeup around her eyes gave them a sunken look .
tr	1	They were always flashy and dressing in garish costumes .
tr	1	" Are you supposed to be a superhero ? "
tr	1	She had marketing people to make sure of that .
tr	1	Mark turned around and started to walk away .
tr	1	Where the fire touched Mark , a bright green light flared .
tr	1	Mark turned slowly around after the fireball quickly burnt itself out .
tr	1	Green light flared again where the flames touched his skin .
tr	1	Mark again appeared unharmed by the mystic flames .
tr	1	He casually brushed ash off his bare chest .
tr	1	" You 're going to be difficult aren 't you ? "
tr	1	With her left she made mystic gestures in the air .
tr	1	It raced out , spreading as it did so .
tr	1	They began to grow bright red then burst into flame .
tr	1	She couldn 't believe what she was seeing .
tr	1	She 'd have to dig deep for this one .
tr	1	The ice pillar exploded in a cloud of ice shards .
tr	1	The shards then hung in the air , defying gravity .
tr	1	Hundreds of shards , each four inches long .
tr	1	The ice sliced into his skin in thirty to forty places .
tr	1	Lancing into his arms , his chest , his stomach .
tr	1	Then they faded back to his tanned flesh tone .
tr	1	His burns from the asphalt debris were now gone as well .
tr	1	Aside from no shirt , he appeared unharmed .
tr	1	It was time to get her hands dirty .
tr	1	She held the cane high , over her head .
tr	1	Mark reached up and felt at the corner of his mouth .
tr	1	It quickly absorbed into the skin of his fingertips and vanished .
tr	1	The impact of the kick caused Mark to grunt out .
tr	1	The blow sounded like a boxer striking a side of beef .
tr	1	Mark caught the cane with his left hand .
tr	1	His hand began to glow green where he held the cane .
tr	1	Her vision swirled as her blood pressure reached dangerous levels .
tr	1	Blood began to trickle out of her nose .
tr	1	Mark held out his left hand , open .
tr	1	He nearly jumped to his feet , then handed them over .
tr	1	" You can 't treat me this way !
tr	1	" How dare you treat me like this ! "
tr	1	Her spittle went all over Bennett 's face .
tr	1	Mark held up a hand and waved goodbye .
tr	1	Mark closed the driver 's door and started the engine .
tr	1	Their best capture team was down with multiple injuries .
tr	1	The FBI 's telepath was in a coma .
tr	1	He 'd had whole limbs blown off before .
tr	1	He regretted it the moment it escaped his lips .
tr	1	The General didn 't find that a helpful suggestion .
tr	1	" Yes - I know our Target is still out there .
tr	1	Given what little we know of the Target ?
tr	1	Can 't we call off the trip ? "
tr	1	They supported decisions and were expected to produce results .
tr	1	" Yes , sir , " Campbell said .
tr	1	Major Campbell hung up the phone and reached for some antacids .
tr	1	" Get me patched into that truck , pronto ! "
tr	1	Josie was seated beside him , wearing a bright sundress .
tr	1	She was laughing at something funny he 'd just said .
tr	1	They were driving on a long highway , speeding toward Arizona .
tr	1	Which was odd , considering he had never owned a suit .
tr	1	Jimmy turned to Josie to ask what was going on .
tr	1	She was now wearing a suit just like Jimmy 's .
tr	1	She had her hair cut short , and pinned up .
tr	1	" We can take him down just like any other .
tr	1	Josie smiled at Jimmy , and leaned back in her seat .
tr	1	Jimmy noticed there were hands on her shoulders .
tr	1	He was no longer in the black suit .
tr	1	The sunburn seemed to be increasing in intensity .
tr	1	Smoke was coming off Jimmy 's arms and legs .
tr	1	The smoke burned his nostrils and made him cough .
tr	1	His eyes , throat and nose were burning .
tr	1	He sat up suddenly , wondering where he was .
tr	1	Jimmy was on the back seat of his truck .
tr	1	Josie reached around Jimmy and handed him a bottle of water .
tr	1	Jimmy leaned back against Josie and drank the water .
tr	1	" I can 't believe you stunned me ! "
tr	1	The telepath telling them Josie was his girl .
tr	1	Especially since she 'd made it so clear how she felt .
tr	1	" Those guys were Feds , right ? "
tr	1	" They weren 't suit salesmen , " Mark said .
tr	1	" So why didn 't you just go with them ? "
tr	1	" Because you can 't remember everything ? "
tr	1	" No , because I remember the important parts . "
tr	1	Mark waited a moment , then spoke again .
tr	1	" Why aren 't they coming after us ? "
tr	1	" Astral Projection is the technical term , " Mark said .
tr	1	Jimmy panicked at the mention of a telepath .
tr	1	He sat up suddenly and began looking out the windows .
tr	1	They could see nothing but darkness surrounding the truck .
tr	1	" You can 't see them , " Mark said .
tr	1	" Why didn 't they just take your mind over ?
tr	1	Why 'd they have to give me the headache ? "
tr	1	Something about the way he said it worried Jimmy .
tr	1	" But I don 't think you want to know . "
tr	1	" You 've got to tell us ! "
tr	1	How was he going to explain this to his parents ?
tr	1	" No one 's going to disappear you kids . "
tr	1	" Because I 'm that Campbell guy 's boss .
tr	1	Amnesia or not , I 'm in charge . "
tr	1	" I 'll keep it simple for you .
tr	1	My team and I were hunting a shapeshifter . "
tr	1	Jimmy immediately was struck by the whole team thing .
tr	1	It was time to tell these kids what was going on .
tr	1	" We don 't know where it came from .
tr	1	We tracked it to a hotel in the desert .
tr	1	Not too far from where you found me . "
tr	1	" It tried to eat your heart ? "
tr	1	Josie asked , remembering the stone heart in the desert .
tr	1	After my team and I failed to stop it . "
tr	1	Then the FBI had brought in a specialist .
tr	1	A shapeshifter was to blame for the deaths .
tr	1	Each time , a new face doing the killing .
tr	1	Normally the face of one of the previous victims .
tr	1	Ordinarily , the FBI had capture teams for situations like this .
tr	1	So the FBI passed the case on to them .
tr	1	A diner , a souvenir shop and a small convenience store .
tr	1	Satellite reconnaissance showed twenty people staying in the motel .
tr	1	More ammo pouches hung under his right armpit .
tr	1	On his belt , grenades and more ammo pouches were aplenty .
tr	1	He was careful to land as light as possible .
tr	1	Echo was nearly done with his removal operation .
tr	1	For Echo , the whole thing was a little unnerving .
tr	1	Echo also wasn 't sure about his new commander .
tr	1	And whether he had been given all the details .
tr	1	Echo reached out to the sleeping traveler inside .
tr	1	He was glad this one was wearing clothes .
tr	1	The salesman wore boxer shorts and a dirty white t-shirt .
tr	1	Echo had not enjoyed dressing the last man .
tr	1	He reached up to his earpiece to signal the Colonel .
tr	1	" Move to safe distance , " he directed .
tr	1	Thermal imaging showed the target still in bed , sleeping .
tr	1	Their choice of weapons differed slightly from the Colonel .
tr	1	They carried far more grenades than the Colonel as well .
tr	1	And all four of the men were made of stone .
tr	1	But with few exceptions , they 'd all been mortal .
tr	1	They could be , and sometimes were , killed in combat .
tr	1	And who would be far stronger than normal men .
tr	1	Because hair didn 't hold up well when petrified .
tr	1	Atlas hesitated just outside the door to the target 's room .
tr	1	The target was awake immediately , sitting up in bed .
tr	1	It wore the form of red-haired , skinny woman .
tr	1	Instead , she 'd had her heart ripped out .
tr	1	All seventy-five of his fired shots had found their target .
tr	1	The Colonel grabbed up his rifle and looked through the scope .
tr	1	His hand snaked down for the pistol on his leg .
tr	1	The shapeshifter emerged from the hole in the wall .
tr	1	He wore blue jeans , tennis shoes and his fresh t-shirt .
tr	1	If shooting didn 't work , maybe beheading would .
tr	1	The shapeshifter was surprised by the dust and stone pieces .
tr	1	They had been briefed they weren 't truly indestructible .
tr	1	Forty-five bullets per second just weren 't enough .
tr	1	They just kept firing to make sure the target died .
tr	1	Hyperion was now standing in the shapeshifter 's room .
tr	1	This time into the surprised head of Cronus .
tr	1	He too dropped his empty machine gun as he lunged forward .
tr	1	He kept his cool and continued to methodically reload .
tr	1	Again , the shapeshifter began to be riddled by bullets .
tr	1	His shots were not as accurate as before .
tr	1	He was uninjured and ripped out her heart .
tr	1	Hyperion had recovered , and rolled off the car .
tr	1	He balled his fists , ready to continue the fight .
tr	1	In his long career , he 'd seen a lot .
tr	1	A lesser man would have trouble using them for long .
tr	1	Which meant it would have a heart the shapeshifter could consume .
tr	1	The giant was staggered back by the blows .
tr	1	He thought he heard his neck vertebrae fracture .
tr	1	He threw his batons down on either side of him .
tr	1	" How many times do I have to kill you ? "
tr	1	It was the giant 's turn to attack .
tr	1	His heart was exactly where it should be .
tr	1	This didn 't kill the giant , but it blinded him .
tr	1	It was time for this to finally end .
tr	1	His arms bulged and lengthened , into matching appendages .
tr	1	It cracked his ribs and lifted him off his feet .
tr	1	He felt himself flying through the air a considerable distance .
tr	1	He noticed his hand was trembling as he did so .
tr	1	He might not have five minutes left after all .
tr	1	" My turn , " the shapeshifter said .
tr	1	Simultaneously , the shapeshifter fired his last shot .
tr	1	His own bones were far harder than a normal man 's .
tr	1	The shapeshifter stepped forward , again transforming into his dragon form .
tr	1	Across the street , Echo emerged from the diner .
tr	1	Echo noticed the large hole in the Colonel 's chest .
tr	1	He couldn 't believe he was still alive .
tr	1	" Hang in there , Colonel , " Echo said .
tr	1	Far above , the dragon noticed Echo on the ground .
tr	1	And he was staring intently at the shapeshifter as he circled .
tr	1	The shapeshifter made up his mind - he needed more hearts .
tr	1	The shapeshifter tucked his wings in and dove toward the ground .
tr	1	His eyes stared blankly while the veins in his forehead bulged .
tr	1	He wondered why he couldn 't seize control of the shapeshifter .
tr	1	Unlike the Colonel , the shapeshifter did give off psychic energy .
tr	1	He tore and pulled , chewed and sliced .
tr	1	In seconds , he had torn Echo 's chest open .
tr	1	He wondered if this time he 'd wake up from death .
tr	1	He didn 't know whether to be scared or amazed .
tr	1	" Now you remember dying just a few days ago ? "
tr	1	" It 's not a big deal . "
tr	1	Probably from before he lost half his brain .
tr	1	" Why do you remember 1962 so well ? "
tr	1	" How old are you , anyway ? "
tr	1	" You look good for your age . "
tr	1	" Like being able to turn to stone ? "
tr	1	" And I don 't do it on purpose . "
tr	1	Maybe one day he 'd tell them more .
tr	1	They were proving to be very resourceful teens .
tr	1	And there were some openings in the team now .
tr	1	He was sick of hearing Mark impress Josie .
tr	1	" What are we supposed to do ? "
tr	1	She trusted Mark , but this sounded crazy .
tr	1	" We don 't even have any super powers ! "
tr	1	" Wouldn 't they have called off his visit ? "
tr	1	Of course they 'd tell them , " Jimmy insisted .
tr	1	" My team 's operations are very classified . "
tr	1	He made sure the truck 's radio was turned off .
tr	1	He could almost remember what Campbell looked like .
tr	1	" Then you need to come in , sir .
tr	1	He couldn 't believe he 'd walked into such a mess .
tr	1	He then threw it out the open window beside him .
tr	1	" But we are just a couple of kids .
tr	1	We just graduated high school a couple of weeks ago ! "
tr	1	You won 't be in any danger . "
tr	1	I mean , you 're lucky to even be alive ! "
tr	1	I had six older brothers , as did my father .
tr	1	" They 're going to be the bait . "
tr	1	A resort the Vice President was staying at .
tr	1	The shapeshifter laughed to himself at the idea .
tr	1	Power was something you could hold in your hands .
tr	1	He could change his physical form , but clothes needed cleaning .
tr	1	" Why do we both have to go ? "
tr	1	He then glanced over at Josie , and got embarrassed .
tr	1	" No need for Josie to be in any danger . "
tr	1	" You won 't be in any danger .
tr	1	" And you can 't do this yourself because ... ? "
tr	1	" They won 't know he 's telling the truth .
tr	1	" Right ... " Jimmy said , nodding his head slowly .
tr	1	Jimmy thought about the plan for a moment .
tr	1	" Are you sure we aren 't bait ? "
tr	1	On particular Chef worked harder than the others .
tr	1	Before the shapeshifter tore out his heart and assumed his identity .
tr	1	He glanced at the badge , then the face .
tr	1	He nodded toward the shapeshifter and moved on .
tr	1	Being in the kitchen was making him hungry .
tr	1	The shapeshifter set down his knife , and his sliced chicken .
tr	1	He walked over to the same exit and left the room .
tr	1	Jimmy 's gray shirt was rumpled and sweaty .
tr	1	The teens stopped and looked around for a Secret Service agent .
tr	1	Josie elbowed Jimmy , then pointed toward the elevators .
tr	1	" That 's got to be them , " she said .
tr	1	Jimmy rushed to keep up with his long-legged friend .
tr	1	Franks stepped out a pace as Josie got near .
tr	1	He held up his hands for her to stop .
tr	1	Josie bit her lower lip for a moment .
tr	1	" The Vice President is in danger ! "
tr	1	Their eyes looked around quickly , searching for any threat .
tr	1	" He specifically said we wouldn 't get hurt ! "
tr	1	" Yes , sir , " Agent Williams said .
tr	1	The elevator doors closed and the elevator began to descend .
tr	1	So far , everything was proceeding to plan .
tr	1	They fanned out , looking around the lobby .
tr	1	Do you have to squeeze my arm so hard ? "
tr	1	He looked back and forth between Josie and Jimmy .
tr	1	He briefly shook blood , brains and gore from his hands .
tr	1	His eyes narrowed evilly as he regarded the terrified teen .
tr	1	The shapeshifter suddenly transformed into Echo , the telepath .
tr	1	Jimmy immediately stiffened , eyes rolling up in his head .
tr	1	His arms and legs twitched and he nearly swallowed his tongue .
tr	1	" So , the man with the stone heart still lives ?
tr	1	And he 's outside , waiting for me ? "
tr	1	Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would explode .
tr	1	" And where do you think you 're going ? "
tr	1	Behind her , the elevator doors suddenly opened .
tr	1	Jimmy lunged from his position in the corner .
tr	1	At long last , the elevator doors opened .
tr	1	The elevator was a bloody mess - literally .
tr	1	And on Agent Williams - particularly his hands and arms .
tr	1	One looked like Franks , the other 's face was gone .
tr	1	A girl tumbled out of the elevator when the doors opened .
tr	1	Agents Finch and Todd hastily grabbed for their pistols .
tr	1	Josie hoped they weren 't talking to her .
tr	1	" Gentlemen ... " the Chef said , smiling warmly .
tr	1	The Service had a simple protocol for dealing with such threats .
tr	1	Finch and Todd followed their training and began to shoot .
tr	1	" Is that any way to treat a lady ? "
tr	1	the shapeshifter said , smiling as it stepped from the elevator .
tr	1	In the lobby , the gunfire sounded distant and faint .
tr	1	Clerks and receptionists dove behind the cover of the front desk .
tr	1	Suddenly , a stairwell door near the elevators burst open .
tr	1	They had all been listening to feverish commands over their earpieces .
tr	1	She threw her hands up , her eyes wide .
tr	1	She glanced around the lobby - then saw Mark .
tr	1	As the agents fired , the stairwell door once again opened .
tr	1	Agent Finch emerged , wearing a torn , bloody suit .
tr	1	Josie screamed at the top of her lungs .
tr	1	" What do you call yourself anyway ? "
tr	1	" And what of you , Colonel ? "
tr	1	Just the guy that 's going to kill you . "
tr	1	" I 'm going to beat you to death . "
tr	1	They began to willingly sacrifice each other to him .
tr	1	They wore him down with spears and stones and flint knives .
tr	1	Others desecrated his temple with their horrible acts against each other .
tr	1	Centuries that he felt must surely be turning into millennia .
tr	1	Suddenly , his Sarcophagus began to fill with water .
tr	1	Cold sea water , pouring in from all around him .
tr	1	Chains eroded by time and the sudden flow of saltwater crumbled .
tr	1	His flesh hung like rags on his skeleton .
tr	1	His eyes were sunk deep in his massive skull .
tr	1	The second man dropped his spotlight and swam quickly away .
tr	1	But his rapid ascent came to an abrupt end .
tr	1	Drifting in the ocean current nearby was the Lady Jane Franklin .
tr	1	Research vessel and home to twenty-eight scientists and explorers .
tr	1	A new land lay not far to the West .
tr	1	A land he had visited many times in his youth .
tr	1	CHAPTER SEVENTEEN The pool area behind the hotel was now abandoned .
tr	1	The water in the pool was still and unmoving .
tr	1	His skin was cut in dozens of places from broken glass .
tr	1	His suit was just tattered strips of black fabric .
tr	1	" I 'm not done with you . "
tr	1	His wounds all healed , he felt better .
tr	1	These modern era humans had truly mastered unarmed combat .
tr	1	He flew backwards and landed roughly on the pavement .
tr	1	Josie appeared at the broken window leading out of the hotel .
tr	1	She wondered if the shapeshifter was finally going to stay down .
tr	1	The giant felt three teeth break free inside his mouth .
tr	1	Impossibly , the human had been holding back before .
tr	1	He was even more powerful in the water .
tr	1	He felt his feet slide down the incline of the pool .
tr	1	Their eyes were nearly level with one another .
tr	1	On land , any fatigue he felt was healed quickly .
tr	1	The two titans toppled backwards , beneath the water .
tr	1	His head throbbed , and he ached all over .
tr	1	The telepathic assault had rendered him barely able to stand .
tr	1	But he had to see what was going on .
tr	1	It sank to the bottom of the pool .
tr	1	The shapeshifter 's skin turned red and grew scales .
tr	1	His body swelled to the size of a large horse .
tr	1	His limbs thickened , forming clawed paws at the ends .
tr	1	A great tail and wings sprouted from his back .
tr	1	For Josie , standing behind Keen , it was simply unbelievable .
tr	1	She knew Mark had been fighting a shapeshifter .
tr	1	Keen took aim and began firing his pistol at the dragon .
tr	1	The dragon opened its jaws and drew in a breath .
tr	1	He had pushed off from the bottom of the pool .
tr	1	Josie and Agent Keen quickly dashed away from pool side .
tr	1	Behind the glass door of the box was an axe .
tr	1	Josie smashed her elbow against the glass , shattering it .
tr	1	It bounced on the concrete , sliding toward him .
tr	1	Five agents tentatively stepped out of the broken window .
tr	1	His fresh , light skin darkened back to its tan color .
tr	1	His eyebrows and flattop grew back into place .
tr	1	Even the back of his head dripped blood .
tr	1	Bones broke as the agent was sent hurtling over the pool .
tr	1	The third agent was now firing as well .
tr	1	He lunged forward and let loose an uppercut punch .
tr	1	He knew these modern humans cared about one another .
tr	1	He shoved both hands in the pockets of his tattered pants .
tr	1	The freed agent collapsed to the ground , unconscious .
tr	1	" Well , played , Colonel , " the shapeshifter said .
tr	1	" But now I have a knife . "
tr	1	" You wouldn 't shoot me , would you ? "
tr	1	Josie 's lips trembled and she tried to hold back tears .
tr	1	Who 'd secretly had feelings for her all these years .
tr	1	Josie knew it wasn 't her friend Jimmy looking at her .
tr	1	He quickly transformed back to his giant form .
tr	1	A tail and one wing sprouted from its back .
tr	1	The other was still laying on the side of the pool .
tr	1	But the glass held , blackening under the terrific heat .
tr	1	Then he began to shrink , transforming into his giant form .
tr	1	He could not believe what had just happened .
tr	1	He fell backwards , crashing down on an overturned table .
tr	1	His legs had grown numb and his vision was getting blurry .
tr	1	There was no instant repair of the injuries .
tr	1	First one up his nose , then one into his eye .
tr	1	" I 'll be back in a minute . "
tr	1	The teenager 's face was frozen with a look of terror .
tr	1	He stepped away from the gurney , holding up his hands .
tr	1	She hoped , she prayed , it wasn 't .
tr	1	Maybe the shapeshifter could take forms without killing people ?
tr	1	He turned and nodded to the agent and paramedics .
tr	1	They began to walk away with the gurney and body bag .
tr	1	And she had just lost a loved one .
tr	1	This was out of his area of expertise .
tr	1	It was all her fault for making him come along .
tr	1	The coyote pawed at the dirty lump , flipping it over .
tr	1	The heart beat once , scaring the coyote , who recoiled .
tr	1	It sniffed at the heart , then licked it .
tr	1	In just a few moments it had consumed the entire heart .
tr	1	The small canine expanded rapidly to the size of a horse .
tr	1	Its ratty tail elongated , turning hairless and also growing scales .
tr	1	Josie guessed the larger body was the shapeshifter 's .
tr	1	After takeoff , the plane had headed east .
tr	1	All the military people she had met were nice to her .
tr	1	The two guards with the giant 's body wheeled it out .
tr	1	" We want to see what makes him tick . "
tr	1	Josie watched the floors count down on the panel .
tr	1	As they walked , Josie noticed the doors of the hallway .
tr	1	Heavy blast doors , made of thick steel .
tr	1	They looked like what you 'd see in a bunker .
tr	1	He pressed his hand against a glass panel .
tr	1	Light flared as a scanner read his palm print .
tr	1	Calm , almost soothing , despite its obvious machine inflection .
tr	1	Medical equipment , cabinets , and tables were in abundance .
tr	1	She had a stern look on her face .
tr	1	" Who 's in charge of this facility again ? "
tr	1	The huge blast door slowly cycled shut behind them .
tr	1	Josie said , wiping the tears off her cheeks .
tr	1	They were struggling to lift Jimmy 's body off the table .
tr	1	They carefully carried Jimmy down the steps and into the water .
tr	1	The water was moving around , by the doctor 's feet .
tr	1	He gasped for breath as he looked around .
tr	1	The doctor and her assistant helped him to his feet .
tr	1	He nodded for her to go over to Jimmy .
tr	1	She could see that his chest was healed .
tr	1	She stepped down into the water , and hugged Jimmy .
tr	1	Josie was crying , tears of joy rolling down her cheeks .
tr	1	She grabbed Jimmy by the ears and kissed him .
tr	1	He stopped several feet from the edge of the water .
tr	1	She held onto one of Jimmy 's hands tightly .
tr	1	" It 's what 's keeping him alive . "
tr	1	Down at the water she and Jimmy were standing in .
tr	1	So clear , Josie could see down into it .
tr	1	Stone walls lined the sides of the vast pool .
tr	1	" I don 't understand , " Josie said .
tr	1	She was getting that cold chill up her back again .
tr	1	" I 'm very sorry , " Mark said .
tr	1	" But , technically , he still is . "
tr	1	It was large enough to hold a basketball .
tr	1	The assistant carried the steel box over to him .
tr	1	There was not the faintest mark or scar .
tr	1	But we might be able to later . "
tr	1	She looked at the doctor , who nodded slowly to her .
tr	1	Then it 'll be like going to sleep . "
tr	1	Josie said , stepping in front of Jimmy .
tr	1	" Turns out , that 's not entirely accurate . "
tr	1	Jimmy was petrified - turned to gray stone .
tr	1	In the steel box there was a head .
tr	1	The remaining eye was not stone , but flesh .
tr	1	It gave off a weird , yellow glow .
tr	1	Josie looked back at Jimmy , a frozen figure of stone .
tr	1	She ran her hands over his stone body .
tr	1	" I don 't - " Josie started to say .
tr	1	" Medusa 's eye only works on men . "
tr	1	She felt tears welling up in her eyes again .
tr	1	She had gotten Jimmy back , now he was a statue .
tr	1	BLOOD AND STONE The last shapeshifter has survived .
tr	1	And also a woman the Colonel imprisoned nearly forty years ago .
tr	1	He 's only under twilight anesthetics at this point .
tr	1	Victoria looked back at him , faking astonishment .
tr	1	" Can you detect the bio organism ? "
tr	1	I can see the organism is charging electrical power .
tr	1	Victoria shivered , a chill passing through her body .
tr	1	" Yes dear , " HS2 said with a wink .
tr	1	Ron 's assistant , Jenny , wasn 't at her desk .
tr	1	He collapsed onto the sofa , reflecting on recent events .
tr	1	He appeared to lack complete control over his short-term memory .
tr	1	" Go on back , Victoria arrived some time ago . "
tr	1	We 've been waiting for you , " said Ron .
tr	1	" Monitor the device via our internal mesh net ? "
tr	1	" This is incredible " , said Victoria .
tr	1	" Oh William , of course you 're right ! "
tr	1	" That is an exceptionally good thing , " William answered .
tr	1	How can we help Toby in the next few days ? "
tr	1	" You can monitor his brain activity remotely ? "
tr	1	" It 's possible , " said Ron .
tr	1	" Thank you , Ron " said William standing .
tr	1	" Besides , I do work for NET . "
tr	1	Toby entered William 's study , slamming the door loudly .
tr	1	He wanted Victoria to know he was mad .
tr	1	A deep tan carpet contributed to the relaxing atmosphere .
tr	1	Being connected to the Network was a funded government service .
tr	1	This input was also a type of real-time ongoing census .
tr	1	" Good morning Toby , 007 here . "
tr	1	It seems you have a new name , " said Toby .
tr	1	He left the following message for you : Hello Toby .
tr	1	Goodbye Toby , " 007 said with a flair .
tr	1	Toby spotted a pile of unfamiliar papers on an end table .
tr	1	" Of course not , think not a thing of it .
tr	1	Your father felt a need to protect his daughter .
tr	1	" " He didn 't tell me everything about NET ? "
tr	1	" Hello William , I 'm glad I caught you . "
tr	1	I think I just witnessed his first tantrum . "
tr	1	" Do you think he 's aware ? "
tr	1	" It 's all part of healthy development .
tr	1	Dr. Smith thinks Toby has made remarkable progress . "
tr	1	" Ben , we have an appointment ? "
tr	1	" That 's what I 'm told . "
tr	1	" You wanted to talk about 007 ? "
tr	1	Well it would be nice to finish the current projects . "
tr	1	Can we move a functioning organism from one host to another ?
tr	1	HS units in particular , but also between humans .
tr	1	In less than two minutes he received a reply in text .
tr	1	Your expenses to run this process should be minimal . "
tr	1	" My friend , which one of us is the terrorist ?
tr	1	" Why would we want to kill your lead technologist ? "
tr	1	They were sitting closely together at the kitchen island .
tr	1	" Why did you leave the documents out for me ? "
tr	1	" I know you want to help , " said William .
tr	1	There was always more going on than people would tell you .
tr	1	" Some of your notes Victoria , " said Toby .
tr	1	I can quote the entire text for you . "
tr	1	Go ahead and tell us some , Toby . "
tr	1	It was so much more effective to deal only with facts .
tr	1	" Thank you Toby , that 's enough .
tr	1	" This goes on for 30 pages , " said Toby .
tr	1	" What did you learn from this paper ? "
tr	1	" Did William leave me anything new to read ? "
tr	1	It was basically just a notion , a thought .
tr	1	I 'll see if she lets me stay on for long .
tr	1	That thing wants to take over my implant ?
tr	1	I guess I 'm just along for the ride .
tr	1	" Good afternoon , 007 , " said William .
tr	1	too loud , Victoria is going to shut this off !
tr	1	007 , please tell me your instructions for the afternoon . "
tr	1	Record all sensor readings for the entire session .
tr	1	Turning the corner ... " Hello , 007 . "
tr	1	I didn 't expect to see you in the lab today .
tr	1	You 're both a powerful and handsome man ! "
tr	1	" Well there 's no accounting for my designers taste . "
tr	1	Continuing through the turn , the original view retuned .
tr	1	" 007 , why did you turn around back there ? "
tr	1	" I was given the motor command sequence to perform . "
tr	1	" I did not give you a motor command . "
tr	1	" The command came from the host . "
tr	1	" Where did he learn to curse like that ? "
tr	1	Victoria , Did you see that whole session ? "
tr	1	I guess William went ahead and changed his name .
tr	1	Victoria needed to explain her feelings more to him .
tr	1	She just wanted Toby to lead a normal life now .
tr	1	He 's integrating the organism into his brain functions . "
tr	1	We need to keep Toby moving through sessions with me .
tr	1	I 'll work a plan to build out his capabilities .
tr	1	" Alfred really creeps me out , " said Victoria .
tr	1	" Alfred is in over his head , " said Jacob .
tr	1	This needs to be done here and now by us .
tr	1	I could raise Toby without all this . "
tr	1	" I admit , that will be a challenge .
tr	1	Did you ever want to be a spy ? "
tr	1	" That 's not funny , " said Victoria .
tr	1	I 'm afraid someone will want to remove the organism . "
tr	1	The old bastard is already made of money .
tr	1	I 'll see that he ends up in prison .
tr	1	Which reminds me , how much is he paying you ? "
tr	1	" Just don 't spend the money , " said Jacob .
tr	1	They paused , both letting the statement sink in .
tr	1	Toby will learn much faster with his own suit .
tr	1	We ' ll fix that , then tell William . "
tr	1	" You 're going to tell Toby who you are ? "
tr	1	Are you going to tell him he can trust me ? "
tr	1	As much as I think he can handle .
tr	1	" A hotel room is no place to raise a child .
tr	1	Toby doesn 't ask many questions about me .
tr	1	His developmental problems have prevented him from getting close to anyone .
tr	1	" He 's learning very quickly , " said William .
tr	1	" He 's an amazing little boy , " said Victoria .
tr	1	He 's been amazing me for a long time . "
tr	1	" Why would he want to do that ? "
tr	1	The organism is self-sustaining as long as it has power .
tr	1	" Do you think you can do it ? "
tr	1	Victoria settled back down , snaking her arm around him .
tr	1	Victoria was shaking her head , " He 's certainly multi-faceted .
tr	1	He treated Dad and I so differently . "
tr	1	She really didn 't want to think about Alfred now .
tr	1	" Just pull it on over your cloths . "
tr	1	Her pulse reading increased ten points on the display .
tr	1	William held the display for her to see .
tr	1	What was it he used to say ... enough never is .
tr	1	AI projects had lacked real substance for years .
tr	1	Victoria vowed to never let Alfred near Toby again .
tr	1	All that really mattered to her now was her family .
tr	1	I see you are wearing the suit he left for you .
tr	1	007 waved his hand and gave a charming smile .
tr	1	" Be sure to tell William I said thank you .
tr	1	I 'll get to work on this right now .
tr	1	You have a private message waiting which I cannot read .
tr	1	I can show you how to work with William . "
tr	1	Toby wondered if this man could be trusted .
tr	1	Information about him must exist in NET 's databases .
tr	1	" Possibly , and others -- many others .
tr	1	Toby was beginning to feel this man could be trusted .
tr	1	She knows many things she won 't say to me . "
tr	1	" She tries to protect you , Toby . "
tr	1	You left off the last three letters to test me .
tr	1	" They probably think it 's William 's account .
tr	1	Or , they may not have noticed yet . "
tr	1	NET could catch you , catch us on their network .
tr	1	I know you 're supposed to be dead .
tr	1	" Why do you need me to protect William ? "
tr	1	The information is in their research databases . "
tr	1	" I 'm asking your mother to join us . "
tr	1	Toby looked into her eyes flatly , holding her gaze .
tr	1	" I 'm sure you have many questions , Toby .
tr	1	The Human Simulation project holds great promise for the world .
tr	1	Toby looked to Victoria , who nodded in agreement .
tr	1	I have natural parents whom I 'll probably never know .
tr	1	Why hadn 't she told him these things ?
tr	1	" Toby , how do you know these things ? "
tr	1	NET has many sensors and databases , all on their network .
tr	1	Their system only challenges connections to join the network .
tr	1	Now they will let me work with them , thought Toby .
tr	1	" Alfred is a bad man , " said Toby .
tr	1	They were all silent for a moment ; so many questions .
tr	1	Toby , looking despondent , decided to share another fact .
tr	1	I 'm the only experiment to survive past 12 months . "
tr	1	" You shouldn 't have kept all this inside . "
tr	1	" Neither of us should have , " said Toby .
tr	1	" Victoria , Toby and I have some work to do .
tr	1	" What sensor is the closest to you ? "
tr	1	" All the rest have died , " Toby said flatly .
tr	1	Let 's get started , shall we ? "
tr	1	" The term is hacker , and it 's ancient slang .
tr	1	What you are doing with CPU 1 , Toby ? "
tr	1	" Let me know what you find , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" Can you locate the HS units ? "
tr	1	Let 's delight the old boy , " chuckled Jacob .
tr	1	" You like to play tricks , " said Jacob .
tr	1	There are many old processes on the network .
tr	1	It 's just funny in a sick way .
tr	1	There are some things we need to talk about soon .
tr	1	" Ben , I 'm going to get to the point .
tr	1	Ben said sincerely , tipping his cup in Alfred 's direction .
tr	1	I wish Jacob was here to see it . "
tr	1	Ben noticed Alfred was trembling , his eyes glassy .
tr	1	This is the biggest thing we 've ever undertaken .
tr	1	Ron hasn 't taken it to the attorneys yet . "
tr	1	Then it will be some time -- another year ? "
tr	1	William will be famous , just like you .
tr	1	" Well , one thing at a time .
tr	1	At least I have plenty of work , thought Ben .
tr	1	I guess he 's not laying me off .
tr	1	" William tells me that Toby is doing much better .
tr	1	Sounds like the implant is working , " said Ben .
tr	1	" Yes , I 've heard the great news ! "
tr	1	" I never felt right about the children 's surgeries . "
tr	1	" Don 't be hard on yourself . "
tr	1	I should be on my way , then .
tr	1	We 'll let you know when we have something . "
tr	1	Ben and William are still stirring the pot .
tr	1	I think I 'm booked for the next year already .
tr	1	" I have considered the offer for your second deliverable .
tr	1	Three people in the apartment , all in the study .
tr	1	William noticed the router name in the study had been changed .
tr	1	We 're entertaining company in the study . "
tr	1	" I 'm so glad you 're home . "
tr	1	He relaxed a bit ; apparently nothing major was wrong .
tr	1	" Don 't tell me you 're pregnant . "
tr	1	We have a guest you 'll be happy to see . "
tr	1	William felt his knees go weak , his vision going dark .
tr	1	" William , old boy , sorry for the fright .
tr	1	I 'm not a ghost , " Jacob said .
tr	1	" Toby and I were just getting to know one another .
tr	1	Victoria and I have some explaining to do .
tr	1	Will you both be here in the morning ? "
tr	1	The two left the room as if walking on air .
tr	1	Jacob Crawford was wearing blue jeans and a light blue sweater .
tr	1	I am truly sorry ... " Jacob stopped speaking .
tr	1	There had to be a reason for this .
tr	1	He had to set the pain of the past aside .
tr	1	Jacob pushed William back by both shoulders to arms length .
tr	1	William turned away , shaking his head and wiping his eyes .
tr	1	He asked , " Alfred planned to kill you ? "
tr	1	" Why would he plan to kill you ? "
tr	1	We may need more than one drink , " Jacob said .
tr	1	What made you so sure I didn 't drink this ? "
tr	1	" Let 's start from the beginning , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" We didn 't plan faking my death .
tr	1	It was quite the opposite , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" There was obviously much confusion after the bombing .
tr	1	We only had four people there including Victoria . "
tr	1	Another long moment passed , William content to wait .
tr	1	We immediately left the lobby through a side door .
tr	1	I hadn 't even set my bag down .
tr	1	" Well , it 's true , " said Jacob .
tr	1	There was smoke , glass and bricks everywhere .
tr	1	Then Victoria realized we had missed the meeting .
tr	1	" It is a peculiar sequence of events .
tr	1	Called the attorney , but the number had been disconnected .
tr	1	Later we drove to the address of the attorney 's office .
tr	1	Cloning makes it sound like we 're just copying something .
tr	1	We never learned who set that up or why .
tr	1	By the second day they had me declared dead . "
tr	1	William cleared his throat and rearranged himself on the sofa .
tr	1	William could feel his pulse quickening , his anger rising .
tr	1	How long could he get away with that ? "
tr	1	Before I could respond he told me about Toby . "
tr	1	William drained his glass again , " This involves Toby ? "
tr	1	Toby was not the first by any means .
tr	1	He is the first to survive past one year .
tr	1	Said Toby was her son from Grant . "
tr	1	But I could prevent him from continuing in the future .
tr	1	There was mounting circumstantial evidence of foul play .
tr	1	She 'd been gone for over five years .
tr	1	Alfred was hot to polish and sell the golden eggs .
tr	1	" We need to stop drinking , " said William .
tr	1	Actually , to Victoria , there is no deal .
tr	1	Anyways , looking you up was the first thing she did .
tr	1	Your relationship is outside of this business with Alfred .
tr	1	The Toby bribe was a surprise to us .
tr	1	Jacob sat back in the recliner and looked at the ceiling .
tr	1	" What are you going to do now ? "
tr	1	I knew I could count on you . "
tr	1	" I think I understand , " said Jacob .
tr	1	The tears running down her cheek sparkled in the light .
tr	1	" You 're not hung over , " said Jacob .
tr	1	Everything hurt , even the sound of his own voice .
tr	1	" Make yourself at home , Jacob , " William said .
tr	1	" And Yes , Toby is a rather amazing lad .
tr	1	Surely the grease would be the end of him .
tr	1	Jacob and Victoria dug into their breakfast with abandon .
tr	1	Jacob picked up from the previous evening 's conversation .
tr	1	No one to this day has disabled it .
tr	1	The only security is getting on the network .
tr	1	Once you 've signed in , access is wide open .
tr	1	He means hacker , " said Victoria , looking at William .
tr	1	Without the Scotch he wouldn 't have slept at all .
tr	1	What have you been doing with him ? "
tr	1	You can only see some marketing splash pages .
tr	1	William caught Victoria smiling , almost glowing again .
tr	1	" What about the accelerometer suit for Toby ? "
tr	1	" You two were pushing hard for that . "
tr	1	" What 's your goal with that ? "
tr	1	He may be our best chance for success on this project .
tr	1	" A person directing multiple human sims ... " said William .
tr	1	" What do you think , dear ? "
tr	1	He needed more time to absorb this and think it though .
tr	1	" It appears we 're stuck dealing with terrorists .
tr	1	" I 'm not worried about Alfred at least . "
tr	1	Jacob 's face was reddening , his anger growing .
tr	1	Victoria 's newfound maternal instincts were on high alert .
tr	1	Oh , and Toby says Jacob is a Hack !
tr	1	William wondered how much he really did understand .
tr	1	Toby had promised not to tell 007 much .
tr	1	He seems to have great control over my systems .
tr	1	Now I 'm moving smoothly and actually with newfound freedom .
tr	1	" Continue your surveillance exercise , 007 , " William said .
tr	1	He instinctively planned to protect and expand his new abilities .
tr	1	Victoria was on the other recliner , Jacob on the sofa .
tr	1	007 recognized his new host and began accepting commands .
tr	1	The focus required to operate 007 had been exhilarating .
tr	1	Each day was filled with vaguely familiar but brand new experiences .
tr	1	" No , not really , " said Toby .
tr	1	It appears something happened to him , similar to brain damage .
tr	1	" You 're right , something has happened to him . "
tr	1	He was back , his eyes gleaming again .
tr	1	The combination is a leap over regular robotic controls . "
tr	1	007 's skin has many more sensors than my suit .
tr	1	William designed those modules and he is truly a wizard . "
tr	1	But don 't start thinking you can push commands to me .
tr	1	" Don 't worry , I wouldn 't even try . "
tr	1	" My , you do look handsome today .
tr	1	" A coffee at the café soon , then .
tr	1	" Tell me , have you seen Dr. Harland today ? "
tr	1	" He seems to be keeping an eye out for you .
tr	1	" OK , young man , that is enough . "
tr	1	" Ah , Jenny , you are such a tease .
tr	1	Oh , I 'm not sure how you knew that .
tr	1	It will only take me five minutes . "
tr	1	Any calls coming in will be handled by the automated system .
tr	1	Just keep an eye out for someone looking for help .
tr	1	007 , Toby , Jacob and Victoria watched her bounce away .
tr	1	" He has the legs of ten men . "
tr	1	007 sat down and looked around the receptionist 's desk .
tr	1	007 's vision was relayed to each of them .
tr	1	Clear the display and history , " said William .
tr	1	" I 'm cut to the quick . "
tr	1	And thank you for the rain warning . "
tr	1	I 'm glad I could be of assistance .
tr	1	I look forward to our coffee date ! "
tr	1	" Please give William a message for me . "
tr	1	" That 's interesting , " said 007 .
tr	1	Why would he want to do that ? "
tr	1	When did he give you that message ? "
tr	1	" Toby 's using a remote host right now ? "
tr	1	Can he monitor any of your sensors ? "
tr	1	" William 's there too , I presume . "
tr	1	" Yes , Dr. Cunningham joined a short while ago .
tr	1	William wrapped his knuckles on 007 's forehead .
tr	1	" We do not invade personal space . "
tr	1	" Ah , perhaps there are some issues .
tr	1	We 'll see where his loyalties lie , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" I have Toby and Victoria connected from my study .
tr	1	" Hi Ben , " said Victoria from off screen .
tr	1	" Well , let 's have it , Toby .
tr	1	Toby could see everyone seated at the conference room table .
tr	1	Anyways , it 's been quite useful for me .
tr	1	I still have memories from my first week after birth .
tr	1	Pushing memories to bio organisms is the right direction .
tr	1	" Short-term memory must have a limit , " said Victoria .
tr	1	I 'd categorize it as a personality trait . "
tr	1	Ben said skeptically , pushing back into his chair .
tr	1	The hardware doesn 't have to be replicated , right ?
tr	1	" Well it works , " Toby said triumphantly .
tr	1	" But the real beauty is the sensor inputs .
tr	1	" He 's absolutely right , " said Ben .
tr	1	" We need to secure the network . "
tr	1	" Alfred will love that , " said Ben .
tr	1	We 're not ready to share this information yet .
tr	1	William , Ben , Toby and both HS units . "
tr	1	Alfred looked like an overinflated red balloon , ready to burst .
tr	1	" Yes , but only temporarily , " William lied .
tr	1	Alfred leaned back in his chair and seemed to relax slightly .
tr	1	Alfred turned his gaze to Toby on the display .
tr	1	" How have you been feeling , Toby ? "
tr	1	" Yes , word has been traveling the corporate grapevine .
tr	1	We 'll have a news leak soon if someone slips up .
tr	1	Publicity is not what Toby needs right now . "
tr	1	" How is the power interface coming along ? "
tr	1	" Not a bad idea , " said William .
tr	1	" Sharing this now sounds risky , " Ben protested .
tr	1	" They 'd have to sign non-disclosure agreements .
tr	1	I think commitment from investors can help us tremendously . "
tr	1	Alfred paused , looking into Toby 's face on the display .
tr	1	Remember Toby , all men are created equal .
tr	1	" Toby , is that an accelerometer suit ? "
tr	1	" That 's the idea , " said William .
tr	1	" Keep up the great work , folks ! "
tr	1	Victoria moved into the picture , standing behind Toby 's recliner .
tr	1	" We 've worked together for years , " said William .
tr	1	" We know what to expect from each other .
tr	1	We 've had potential investors walk away before .
tr	1	" I like dealing with venture capitalists and making deals .
tr	1	It would give me an excuse to catch up .
tr	1	" He said he planned all the details of the trip .
tr	1	" He said something similar to me , " Victoria said .
tr	1	" There 's more , " said Ben .
tr	1	Both Ben and William were visible in the display .
tr	1	" Then why was he dealing with them ? "
tr	1	I suspect it was just part of doing business there .
tr	1	The United States hasn 't cornered the market on corporate bribery .
tr	1	" So what do you two think ? "
tr	1	I don 't understand why anyone would do that .
tr	1	I don 't think we 'll ever know .
tr	1	It ' s pretty lame , actually . "
tr	1	They were bonding , as a group with a common goal .
tr	1	" He 's expensing his meals to terrorists ? "
tr	1	" No , I meant the guilt is eating him .
tr	1	Typically , they level major parts of the building .
tr	1	There was no one at the desk , by the way .
tr	1	In each case there was a long medical history .
tr	1	Each candidate seemed ideal , and this was their last shot .
tr	1	We all felt our research would apply in industry one day .
tr	1	Helping people , not blowing things up . "
tr	1	" It was naïve to trust Alfred . "
tr	1	" I believe Toby was an exception , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" The problem is that few people knew about him .
tr	1	Alfred and a few others at NET designed the entire operation .
tr	1	We all thought we were dealing with the same man . "
tr	1	" We can take advantage of that for now .
tr	1	" Hello , Mac , " said Toby .
tr	1	" Mac sounds like a man 's name . "
tr	1	" Mac is the makeup artist who created 007 's face .
tr	1	They seemed to absorb the room and bore into him .
tr	1	Do you mind if I take your picture ? "
tr	1	" No , but please don 't publish it anywhere .
tr	1	I don 't want to be famous . "
tr	1	" How do you want me to pose ? "
tr	1	It helps me to understand your skin . "
tr	1	Hopefully this won 't take too long . "
tr	1	" We should give him a new name . "
tr	1	Which reminds me , how about some artwork ?
tr	1	" Just stick to the plan , please .
tr	1	You can select some art to show me another time . "
tr	1	" I already have a gallery 's worth of fine pieces .
tr	1	Lock down when I leave and get this rolling .
tr	1	The entire length of the cable glowed bright blue .
tr	1	" You can review the recording from my apartment last night .
tr	1	Surveillance mode entered , Dr. William Cunningham may unlock .
tr	1	" I wore my favorite three-piece just for you . "
tr	1	The other one was hitting on me the whole time . "
tr	1	Maybe I should work on the other one .
tr	1	" You 're planning to deceive someone . "
tr	1	" You 're the best at both . "
tr	1	He had not grown tired of the console messages .
tr	1	He 'd found he could easily ignore either .
tr	1	William 's face flashed into view above the console messages .
tr	1	Toby closed his eyes to focus on the image .
tr	1	" Hello , Toby , " said Victoria .
tr	1	" Hello , Toby , " said Jacob ignoring the question .
tr	1	I 'm sending the shutdown and boot 006 commands now . "
tr	1	He seemed to be studying the wall to his left .
tr	1	" He 's down , " said William .
tr	1	" He looks the same as before , " said Victoria .
tr	1	" I can 't tell the difference . "
tr	1	He cannot do anything else right now . "
tr	1	" Alfred sends encrypted messages most days about this time .
tr	1	The sensor had been idle for over an hour .
tr	1	It was lunch hour and the floor was empty .
tr	1	He moved quickly , noting that his hair was perfect .
tr	1	The shiny marble floor appeared to be slippery but was not .
tr	1	" 007 , is William still off the backbone ? "
tr	1	These types of tests were typical behavior for HS units .
tr	1	" Please ... honey , " said William .
tr	1	" I think he forgot something , " William said .
tr	1	We need to focus , " said William .
tr	1	" The video feed is working , " said William .
tr	1	" I 'm here , are you available ? "
tr	1	" By this time I have worked up a large appetite .
tr	1	Will this sweetener prolong my satisfaction further ? "
tr	1	" An interesting feat if the organism remains stable .
tr	1	This is a less expensive testing tool , no ? "
tr	1	" Yes , but it has vast application potential . "
tr	1	My engineers will be happy to have another toy .
tr	1	You have successfully implanted an organism in a young boy .
tr	1	" In exchange for not delivering additional resources to clone ? "
tr	1	Answer now -- do not keep me waiting . "
tr	1	[ I 'm a little confused by this section .
tr	1	William moved the Eye to focus on Alfred 's face .
tr	1	" Oh my G ... " Victoria was hyperventilating .
tr	1	" Not give , sell , " said William .
tr	1	" For a fortune , no doubt . "
tr	1	" I 'll bring 006 home , " said Toby .
tr	1	" That will break the video connection . "
tr	1	" I 'm a believer , " said 007 .
tr	1	Nice work today Toby , you handled 006 exquisitely . "
tr	1	Grab your shoes and let 's go . "
tr	1	Oh , I wish you could talk . "
tr	1	Toby and Victoria will be here soon . "
tr	1	A deceased employee had never walked the halls of NET before .
tr	1	As they approached , the commotion stopped immediately .
tr	1	" They 're the same height , " whispered Victoria .
tr	1	" Well , that 's just great , " said 007 .
tr	1	" The glass is always half full , " said William .
tr	1	Alfred had sent the administrative assistants home for the day .
tr	1	To hell with them , they could wait .
tr	1	He grabbed his suit jacket and headed for the lobby .
tr	1	It didn 't matter , there was good cause .
tr	1	He had taken the stairs twice today already .
tr	1	Hopefully it would establish a trail of incriminating evidence .
tr	1	" Gentlemen , I am Dr. Alfred Harland . "
tr	1	" Alfred , you may call me Ahmad .
tr	1	We are here for the deliverables as agreed . "
tr	1	" It 's good to finally meet you . "
tr	1	Ignoring the comment , Ahmad pointed over Alfred 's shoulder .
tr	1	He recovered quickly , motioning for them to join the group .
tr	1	" Allow me to introduce Victoria and Toby Crawford . "
tr	1	" Hello , young man , " said Ahmad .
tr	1	" Hello , " Toby said , taking Victoria 's hand .
tr	1	" Alfred has told me about your implant .
tr	1	I would love to hear what you think of it . "
tr	1	Toby , can you lead the way , please ? "
tr	1	" I asked you to join us later .
tr	1	What are you doing here now , young lady ? "
tr	1	" You 're from Indonesia I presume . "
tr	1	" That is correct , " said Ahmad .
tr	1	They were outnumbered and these men could clearly overpower them .
tr	1	" An interesting conclusion to draw based on limited information . "
tr	1	" It has provided me with a functioning short term memory .
tr	1	" We will join you in the lab shortly . "
tr	1	It is a privilege to see you again . "
tr	1	" Yes , I was her lead researcher in Jakarta . "
tr	1	I am an engineer , here to study technology . "
tr	1	" Why am I not dealing with ... ? "
tr	1	" You will deal with the appropriate people as required .
tr	1	For now you have some technology to share with us . "
tr	1	" I will direct the transaction as I see fit .
tr	1	The two promptly turned and walked toward the exit .
tr	1	I think he may have worked for Victoria .
tr	1	" He used to work for me . "
tr	1	" Let 's turn 006 over to them now .
tr	1	" I 'll go out with him , " said Victoria .
tr	1	" Yes , that 's brilliant , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" Turn left here , " said Alfred , pointing .
tr	1	Alfred recognized the tuxedo and bouncy blond hair .
tr	1	" Is something wrong , Dr. Harland ? "
tr	1	" Run to the limo , " cried William .
tr	1	Alfred could see but no longer hear the action .
tr	1	" Toby , we mean you no harm .
tr	1	" My name is Mohammed , and this is Mohan .
tr	1	The three walked side-by-side back to the rental car .
tr	1	Toby simply nodded , focusing intensely on the data feeds .
tr	1	Mohan directed 006 into the passenger seat and closed the door .
tr	1	" Why are they using Indian names ? "
tr	1	Why would they do that without even knowing his abilities ?
tr	1	Why was Toby leaving the building in the first place ?
tr	1	Alfred recognized the security alert he had set up .
tr	1	It must be a glitch in the system .
tr	1	They certainly were entering and exiting the building as they pleased .
tr	1	It was time to visit William 's lab .
tr	1	Surely , none of this was an accident .
tr	1	Hell , maybe he was one of them .
tr	1	In that case there had to be others involved .
tr	1	" You realize of course that we have security cameras .
tr	1	" Yes , of course , " sighed Alfred .
tr	1	" I suppose I have no choice . "
tr	1	Alfred pushed the button to summon the elevator .
tr	1	" Your office is on the second floor , no ?
tr	1	" I will meet you in your office . "
tr	1	What a fool I 've been , thought Alfred .
tr	1	It was amazing to Alfred that this system worked at all .
tr	1	" He must have run up the stairs without Alfred . "
tr	1	Jacob asked , as he paced around the room .
tr	1	" It 's connected now through the mesh .
tr	1	006 must have left a connection in place somehow .
tr	1	Jacob cleared his throat , looking intensely at her .
tr	1	Victoria rolled her eyes and joined him pacing the room .
tr	1	Mohammed was pacing in front of Alfred 's desk .
tr	1	Alfred sat down at his desk , remaining silent .
tr	1	" Technically , you did , Alfred . "
tr	1	" It was your choice to involve him in our business .
tr	1	He was a technologist and needed to remain as such . "
tr	1	Jacob was at one time your closest friend .
tr	1	You have one last choice to make , Alfred . "
tr	1	" Alfred shot him through the desk , " said Toby .
tr	1	" We 're not ready for company yet . "
tr	1	" He 's fine , " said Toby .
tr	1	" On his way to the airport like they said .
tr	1	" I 'll get up there and help Alfred . "
tr	1	Stay here no matter what happens , and stay in touch .
tr	1	We 'll need you to get through this . "
tr	1	" Shouldn 't I call for medical help ? "
tr	1	I 'll stay in touch with Toby . "
tr	1	007 reached Alfred a full minute before Ben .
tr	1	" Tell them , he wasn 't the one . "
tr	1	Alfred 's words were broadcast through 007 to the team .
tr	1	" Toby is calling me back , " said 007 .
tr	1	asked Ben , tilting his head toward Mohammed .
tr	1	" You know how to drive , right ? "
tr	1	" I am an accomplished driver , yes .
tr	1	" Today you get your chance on city streets .
tr	1	Have you driven around town with William ? "
tr	1	I 'm sure I can navigate city streets safely .
tr	1	Do you know where the keys to the limo are ? "
tr	1	They arrived in the lobby , both noticeably winded .
tr	1	007 overrode his central control monitor to match Toby 's respiration .
tr	1	" Okay , " said Toby , working fast .
tr	1	" What you doing , young man ? "
tr	1	Let 's just get it out of here .
tr	1	007 , bring the limo around to this entrance . "
tr	1	This shared lot is huge , several miles , actually .
tr	1	Toby stayed behind , looking around the lobby , thinking .
tr	1	He didn 't want their exit to be seen by anyone .
tr	1	" I didn 't know a limo could do that . "
tr	1	I want to get back before anyone discovers we left . "
tr	1	You really should use terminology from your own generation . "
tr	1	Just act like you know what you 're doing . "
tr	1	" What exactly is the plan , young Toby ? "
tr	1	You , 006 and I are the main bargaining chips now .
tr	1	We 'll arrive , in style , in eleven minutes .
tr	1	How clumsy of me not to have noticed . "
tr	1	I just want to get the story out of Ahmad first .
tr	1	I 'm going to play the tough guy . "
tr	1	" We 're keeping this simple , " said Toby .
tr	1	Just like that brain dead bag of bolts .
tr	1	This probably isn 't worth whatever risk we 're taking .
tr	1	Back up to the second office window . "
tr	1	" Let 's see if they like some American music . "
tr	1	" 007 , drive away calmly and quickly .
tr	1	I see no human activity within 100 yards of this location .
tr	1	I certainly hope that fine suit wasn 't damaged . "
tr	1	The HS still looked presentable and eerily like himself .
tr	1	He strategically kept his face from showing on multiple cameras . "
tr	1	" The security system shows you in my lab .
tr	1	You shouldn 't have left without telling me . "
tr	1	" You wouldn 't have let me go . "
tr	1	" That 's right , it 's too dangerous .
tr	1	" A physically identical briefcase was used in that bombing .
tr	1	" That won 't be possible , " said Toby .
tr	1	" I believe whatever is in that case cannot be good .
tr	1	Don 't tell me you put it there . "
tr	1	Okay , he won 't tell you . "
tr	1	" Silence , 007 , " William roared .
tr	1	Just get back here without drawing any attention to yourselves .
tr	1	Don 't get sidetracked , come straight back here . "
tr	1	" Good afternoon , Victoria , " said Ahmad .
tr	1	Victoria was sure she heard something break in the door frame .
tr	1	You are looking well for a dead man .
tr	1	" Yes , I did arrange the details .
tr	1	The plan was to kill you both . "
tr	1	" We worked together for three years , " said Victoria .
tr	1	I already have one of your assets . "
tr	1	" Your two guards are no longer with us .
tr	1	Your team has been disarmed and separated . "
tr	1	It indicated that he and 007 were in William 's lab .
tr	1	We are turning you over to the authorities . "
tr	1	" I do not think you will do that .
tr	1	" Tell me about your deal with Alfred . "
tr	1	Here is a recording of the event . "
tr	1	" Your dearly departed Dr. Harland was a criminal . "
tr	1	You could have permanently killed the technology as well . "
tr	1	I knew the team could complete this work .
tr	1	Victoria asked , feigning surprise , looking to Jacob .
tr	1	" Control yourself , Dr. Pickerington , " said Ahmad .
tr	1	It 's not in your nature to take life . "
tr	1	" Ben is a supremely capable man , " said Jacob .
tr	1	" Do you believe I 'm acting alone ?
tr	1	At that moment , an explosion rocked the building .
tr	1	The lights blinked several times , then remained off .
tr	1	The building rocked enough to knock them all off balance .
tr	1	Victoria squatted , placing her hands flat on the floor .
tr	1	Footsteps could be heard in the stairwell near the elevator .
tr	1	" He 's running , " said Victoria .
tr	1	The stairwell door slammed shut , then re-opened .
tr	1	The stairwell door slammed shut again and he was gone .
tr	1	Jacob had apparently entered the stairs before Ben .
tr	1	Ten seconds later , the lights came back on .
tr	1	She listened , but the building was silent .
tr	1	We should stay here and secure the area .
tr	1	Ben and Victoria were still on the lower level .
tr	1	Ahmad squinted and spotted 006 directly in front of him .
tr	1	Luckily , Jacob spotted him from across the lobby .
tr	1	The airport security office reported detaining an Asian on weapons charges .
tr	1	" You set off the bomb on purpose ? "
tr	1	" The bomb was rigged , " said Toby .
tr	1	For whatever reason , Ahmad planned to wipe out NET . "
tr	1	" These people are insane , " said Jacob .
tr	1	The parking lot and some power lines would be damaged .
tr	1	Hopefully we didn 't break any windows . "
tr	1	Victoria hugged Toby so hard he could hardly breathe .
tr	1	" I 'm so proud of you . "
tr	1	He had always intended his research to become public domain .
tr	1	The technical hurdles , the excuses , went on and on .
tr	1	Eventually the FBI found higher priority projects and walked away .
tr	1	Most of his original team remained ignorant of the preceding events .
tr	1	Victoria and William were wed in a private ceremony .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	he said , as he stared out the airplane window .
tr	1	Rural , beautiful , lots of history and stuff .
tr	1	Sarah frowned and caught her husband 's eye .
tr	1	" Let 's go find those loggers , " she said .
tr	1	They tucked John into a cot in the small hotel room .
tr	1	They kissed briefly before falling into bed early themselves .
tr	1	" They cooked the tomatoes , " he said .
tr	1	" And I ordered bacon but they gave me ham . "
tr	1	" This is what their bacon looks like . "
tr	1	" Well , so is bacon , really . "
tr	1	It 's part of the reason one travels .
tr	1	To have things not the same as where you live . "
tr	1	John cut a piece of ham and ate it .
tr	1	" It 's not terrible , " he said .
tr	1	" Eating an authentic Irish breakfast , are you ? "
tr	1	" Just kidding , " he said , grinning sheepishly .
tr	1	" You got all the directions to the rental cottage ? "
tr	1	Did you ask someone about the iPhone charger ? "
tr	1	" Hey , there 's sheep up ahead . "
tr	1	" Don 't run over ' em , Dad . "
tr	1	" I won 't , " David said , slowing down .
tr	1	John rolled down his window and stuck his head out .
tr	1	" And man , those sheep are dirty . "
tr	1	" Lots of mud in Ireland , " Sarah murmured .
tr	1	" Are you losing your grip , honey ? "
tr	1	" Maybe we should throw our watches away . "
tr	1	" Here , I saved it from your breakfast . "
tr	1	Now we 're in an episode of Survivor Man . "
tr	1	John took the biscuit and bit into it .
tr	1	" I 'm dying of thirst , " he said .
tr	1	The house was what the Irish called " self catering . "
tr	1	Mom , did you know there would be horses here ? "
tr	1	John leaped out of the car and ran to the barn .
tr	1	" Are you positive this is it ? "
tr	1	" Did it look like this on the Internet ? "
tr	1	" This isn 't the one I saw online , remember ?
tr	1	" Did the other one have horses ? "
tr	1	" Of course not , " she said , still seated .
tr	1	" There are three horses in there ! "
tr	1	" Are we supposed to take care of the horses ? "
tr	1	" Can the small one be mine ? "
tr	1	John ran to the front door and pushed it open .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , David , " she said .
tr	1	" It 's just got one room , " he said .
tr	1	I don 't get my own bed ? "
tr	1	" Well , " David said with a sigh .
tr	1	" To quote my son , this sucks . "
tr	1	A large king-sized bed was pushed up against the far wall .
tr	1	" It 's actually very cozy , " David said .
tr	1	" Very comfy -- except for the one bed thing . "
tr	1	" On the table next to the bed . "
tr	1	" Look , David , I 'm sorry , okay ? "
tr	1	He got up and took her in his arms .
tr	1	" Don 't bother , " he said .
tr	1	" You gon na come out and see the horses ? "
tr	1	David turned to look at Sarah , who shrugged .
tr	1	Show me the horses , " he said .
tr	1	The two walked out the door and headed for the barn .
tr	1	Sarah buttoned her sweater and rubbed her hands together .
tr	1	She began looking for the thermostat she would never find .
tr	1	CHAPTER TWO It happened sometime during their first night .
tr	1	" Mom , can we ride the horses today ? "
tr	1	" He shouldn 't be in the barn .
tr	1	Too many things to fall on his head . "
tr	1	" Stay inside until we 're all up . "
tr	1	It had begun to rain in the night .
tr	1	John came over and sat on the side of the bed .
tr	1	He leaned over and kissed his mother on the cheek .
tr	1	He jumped up and snapped on the set .
tr	1	" It 's the same droning idiocy as back home .
tr	1	David yawned and sat up beside his wife .
tr	1	" Morning , " he said , and kissed her .
tr	1	" Mom , I think something 's wrong . "
tr	1	" Don 't tell me it doesn 't work , sweetie .
tr	1	We 're here to -- " David 's body tensed .
tr	1	" It 's raining outside , Dad . "
tr	1	The images on the television looked like amateur video .
tr	1	" What 's happening back home , Mom ?
tr	1	" Take him outside , Sarah , " David said .
tr	1	The two of them stood on the porch .
tr	1	" It 's going to be okay . "
tr	1	" I don 't know , sweetie , " she said .
tr	1	" Dad will let us know in a bit . "
tr	1	The clouds had blown away , leaving a clear blue sky .
tr	1	" It 's bad , " he said .
tr	1	" So we can 't get home . "
tr	1	" But it just goes to a recording . "
tr	1	" Should we drive back to Limerick ? "
tr	1	Probably wouldn 't be able to get a hotel room .
tr	1	At least here we have a place to stay . "
tr	1	" Did they say who did this to us ? "
tr	1	They made it sound like whole cities are affected . "
tr	1	Sarah felt the panic rise in her throat .
tr	1	It wasn 't much in the way of news .
tr	1	Just knew the US was under attack . "
tr	1	It was over in less than five seconds .
tr	1	" I 'm not really sure , " he said .
tr	1	" Look , you guys , " David said .
tr	1	" We 're together and we 're safe .
tr	1	Sarah looked at him with fear growing in her eyes .
tr	1	" Something just happened here , didn 't it ? "
tr	1	" I don 't know , Sarah , " David said .
tr	1	His own heart was pounding fast in his throat .
tr	1	" Sarah , let 's stay calm , okay ? "
tr	1	" John , wan na go into town ? "
tr	1	" I 'll drive , " he said .
tr	1	" I was afraid of this , " he said .
tr	1	Ireland had a nuclear bomb dropped on it ? "
tr	1	We 're not taking the car today . "
tr	1	" David , why is the damn car not starting ? "
tr	1	David ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation .
tr	1	John looked from one parent to the other .
tr	1	David turned to him and put his arm around him .
tr	1	" Yes , son , " he said .
tr	1	" That big flash that just happened , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" I don 't know , Sarah , " David said .
tr	1	" So , now do we ride ? "
tr	1	CHAPTER THREE The first day had been the hardest .
tr	1	All she could think was : we have to do something !
tr	1	" Not for you , " he said stubbornly .
tr	1	" They seem gentle , " David offered .
tr	1	David looked at his son who nodded enthusiastically .
tr	1	" And what if one of us breaks something ?
tr	1	Horses are not like golf carts , you know .
tr	1	She reached over and tousled John 's hair .
tr	1	" But I 'm sorry for your troubles .
tr	1	My own boy , Michael , lives in New Jersey . "
tr	1	Sarah tried not to break down crying right in the store .
tr	1	" Sure , no , " she said .
tr	1	" Just something terrible bad , that 's for sure .
tr	1	She nodded to the shelves in her store .
tr	1	What took you so long to come to town ? "
tr	1	" We woulda driven , " John said .
tr	1	" But our car won 't start . "
tr	1	" You 've got nothing at all ? "
tr	1	" No milk , no cans of stuff ? "
tr	1	" Sorry , no , " she shook her head .
tr	1	David gave his wife 's shoulders a squeeze .
tr	1	" We 'll look , " he said .
tr	1	" They 've eaten some grass , " John offered .
tr	1	Sarah persisted , refusing to be shamed by the woman .
tr	1	They live about five miles the other side .
tr	1	" That 's the name of our place ? "
tr	1	We 'll find fresh fruit and vegetables . "
tr	1	" That may be a bit trickier . "
tr	1	A few moments later , David joined them .
tr	1	Guess the locals don 't eat out much . "
tr	1	" Yeah , she 's not really awful .
tr	1	In fact , I think she means to be helpful .
tr	1	But David was looking at the shuttered and dark village windows .
tr	1	David opened the door to the dark interior of the cottage .
tr	1	He went in first and set the bag down .
tr	1	" Power is definitely out , " he called to them .
tr	1	" Give me a sec to get the lantern lit . "
tr	1	" I know , angel , " she said .
tr	1	" We 're good , family , " David said .
tr	1	" And you don 't have any theories about what happened ?
tr	1	" No , it 's called electromagnetic pulse .
tr	1	" Everything has to be rebuilt , " he said .
tr	1	It 's a total destruction of the infrastructure . "
tr	1	Sarah stared out into the dark Irish night .
tr	1	" We 're safe , " he said .
tr	1	She tilted her face up to her husband .
tr	1	They kissed and then sat in silence a moment .
tr	1	Sarah could see David was working something out in his mind .
tr	1	" Where do you imagine that damn goat is ? "
tr	1	The first thing they did was locate the root cellar .
tr	1	" Hand me the lead , would you , David ? "
tr	1	The horse was big , at least seventeen hands .
tr	1	He was a dark bay with a blaze on his forehead .
tr	1	" God , it 's a mess in there .
tr	1	" What are we going to do , David ? "
tr	1	" No , I mean about everything , " Sarah said .
tr	1	There should be an American consulate there . "
tr	1	She looked around for a place to tie up the horse .
tr	1	She knew she was telegraphing her anxiety and frustration to him .
tr	1	" We can 't even feed ourselves here .
tr	1	I want us to go to Limerick . "
tr	1	" Okay , Sarah , that 's crazy .
tr	1	It 's like two hundred miles or something . "
tr	1	There are no laws now to protect us . "
tr	1	She clasped her hands as the fear sifted through her .
tr	1	" Oh , thanks , sweetie , " she said .
tr	1	She looked at the pile of horse manure .
tr	1	" Let 's find the damn goat . "
tr	1	The goat was in the pasture with a kid .
tr	1	" Isn 't he cute , Mom ? "
tr	1	He laughed as the baby goat jumped around him .
tr	1	" Does this mean we can 't milk her ? "
tr	1	" Were you going to milk her ? "
tr	1	" God , this keeps getting weirder and weirder . "
tr	1	" Do we let them run wild out here ? "
tr	1	" I mean , is this where they live ? "
tr	1	" Sarah , I have no idea , " David replied .
tr	1	" Yeah , that 'd be helpful , " she said .
tr	1	He was holding the squirming kid in his arms .
tr	1	" You 've got a child to think of . "
tr	1	" How do we cook ' em ? "
tr	1	Our whole family knows we 're in Ireland . "
tr	1	" What if they 've all been killed ? "
tr	1	" Don 't even say that , John .
tr	1	Our family is fine , I know it .
tr	1	" What if it 's worse for them ?
tr	1	Maybe they don 't even have a house ?
tr	1	The rain began again as if to underscore the point .
tr	1	She looked at David and he nodded at John .
tr	1	" Promise , son , " he said .
tr	1	She watched him staring out into the dark night .
tr	1	He turned but made no move toward the bed .
tr	1	" Go back to sleep , Sarah , " he said .
tr	1	" I 'll be there in a bit . "
tr	1	Sarah lay back down but now she couldn 't sleep either .
tr	1	The morning light peeked in between the gaps in the curtains .
tr	1	" What 's on the agenda for today ? "
tr	1	" I don 't suppose that 's still on . "
tr	1	" Yeah , " he said , " very funny . "
tr	1	" Are we gon na ride the horses today ? "
tr	1	John said through a yawn as he sat up in bed .
tr	1	" Hey , guy , how long you been awake ? "
tr	1	" You guys didn 't say anything important . "
tr	1	" I 'm not walking , " John said flatly .
tr	1	" We could all use the exercise . "
tr	1	The one with the white blob between his eyes ? "
tr	1	" That 's called a star , " his mother said .
tr	1	" Which one you want , Dad ? "
tr	1	" Maybe there 's a horse cart of some kind . "
tr	1	John looked from parent to parent with growing excitement .
tr	1	" I 'll look in the barn . "
tr	1	Sarah looked at David with worry and misgiving .
tr	1	They stood in the middle of the small paddock .
tr	1	" Mom , I can do it . "
tr	1	" Come on , Sarah , " David said reassuringly .
tr	1	He patted the quiet bay gelding that he would ride .
tr	1	" This helmet is too big for me , Mom .
tr	1	It keeps dropping down in front of my eyes . "
tr	1	" You have to wear a hard hat , John .
tr	1	David handed Sarah the reins of the big bay named Dan .
tr	1	" You used to ride a little ? "
tr	1	" Had a girl friend in high school who rode . "
tr	1	She watched John jogging along the fence line .
tr	1	His hat was bobbing up and down on his head .
tr	1	David swung into the saddle of his horse .
tr	1	Sarah shifted her weight and closed her calves around Dan .
tr	1	The horse moved toward the center of the ring .
tr	1	" Wait up , John , " she called .
tr	1	" This is so great , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	She adjusted the buckle on his helmet for a tighter fit .
tr	1	" Try that , sweetheart , " she said .
tr	1	We don 't want to get back in the dark . "
tr	1	The feeling of panic would not go away .
tr	1	She knew she was transmitting her unease to her horse .
tr	1	" It 's okay , Dad , " John said .
tr	1	" We can 't afford any accidents , okay ? "
tr	1	Let 's check out who our neighbors are . "
tr	1	" Which way , do you think ? "
tr	1	" I 'll lead , " John said .
tr	1	Sarah tried to remember how far away the ocean was .
tr	1	" You think we 'll be home by Christmas ? "
tr	1	" I have no idea , " he said .
tr	1	Sarah watched them both on the road ahead of her .
tr	1	Her spine stiffened , which slowed her horse .
tr	1	He didn 't look at the faltering , approaching boy .
tr	1	They sounded particularly sweet this morning , he decided .
tr	1	As if they knew that a better new world was coming .
tr	1	A world that belonged to the strong and the fearless .
tr	1	Life may have come apart at the seams for everyone else .
tr	1	But for Mack Finn , it had just come together .
tr	1	" Isn 't this great , Mom ? "
tr	1	We got ta bring him home with us . "
tr	1	Or is that a legacy of this generation of indulged children ?
tr	1	John pointed to a running rabbit along the rock wall .
tr	1	She could also feel Dan loosen up when she smiled .
tr	1	Sarah squinted in the direction he was indicating .
tr	1	" Maybe they are our caretakers , " she said .
tr	1	A dog barked and ran to meet them .
tr	1	" He looks unfriendly , " John said .
tr	1	" He 's just alerting his owners , " David said .
tr	1	" We 're your neighbors from Cairn Cottage . "
tr	1	" Might only speak Irish , " Sarah said .
tr	1	His fingers tightened on his dog 's collar .
tr	1	" I think we 're freaking him out , David .
tr	1	Just then , an old woman came out into the yard .
tr	1	" Hello , " she called to them .
tr	1	" Are you the Americans next door ? "
tr	1	The riders halted and looked back at her .
tr	1	" Yes , that would be us , " David said .
tr	1	And this your little lad , is it ?
tr	1	She thumped the old man on the arm .
tr	1	" Have you gone totally daft , man ?
tr	1	They steered their horses back to the cottage .
tr	1	She wiped her hands on a dishtowel tucked into her waistband .
tr	1	" Come in , come in , " she repeated .
tr	1	Sarah dismounted and handed the reins to Seamus .
tr	1	The older woman stuck her hand out and they shook .
tr	1	" I 'll just put the kettle on . "
tr	1	I mean , do you have any information ? "
tr	1	" We 're at ... it 's a war ? "
tr	1	She had to steady herself with her hands against the table .
tr	1	Wouldn 't know one end from the other . "
tr	1	" Do you and Seamus get out ? "
tr	1	It was simple and poor but tidy and clean .
tr	1	We have a gig , you see . "
tr	1	She moved to the stove to get the kettle .
tr	1	In fact , no different , really . "
tr	1	We 'll be fine , please God . "
tr	1	She poured the tea into two of the mugs .
tr	1	Sarah shook her head and felt tears welling up .
tr	1	" No way to reach them , " she said .
tr	1	She could hear David and John talking outside the cottage .
tr	1	The tea was hot and good and it helped .
tr	1	Sarah felt better after just a few sips .
tr	1	You 'll do what you have to . "
tr	1	She leaned over and patted Sarah 's hand .
tr	1	" And you have neighbors , " she said .
tr	1	" We thought you might be them . "
tr	1	She laughed at her own joke and Sarah laughed too .
tr	1	It felt like years since she had laughed .
tr	1	" Hey , what 's so funny , guys ? "
tr	1	David said as he poked his head in the cottage .
tr	1	" He 's with the horses , " John said .
tr	1	She handed David and John their tea mugs .
tr	1	She winked at John and he grinned back .
tr	1	They looked apprehensive at their leader 's entrance .
tr	1	One seated man had a squirming puppy in his lap .
tr	1	All of them either shook their heads or mumbled negative responses .
tr	1	Finn knew the boy hadn 't eaten his dinner .
tr	1	Finn of course knew it was a lie .
tr	1	And don 't eat me tea no more . "
tr	1	Startled , the man jumped to his feet .
tr	1	" Did you say something , Gerry ? "
tr	1	" Remember , lads , " Finn shouted .
tr	1	" I can be unforgiving , too . "
tr	1	The visit had done all of them much good .
tr	1	She and David spoke little on the ride home .
tr	1	" The front door 's open , " she said .
tr	1	" We were lucky , " David said .
tr	1	" They took mostly the useless stuff , " he said .
tr	1	" And the axe and the knives . "
tr	1	" I hope they choke on the food . "
tr	1	" They were probably hungry if that 's any consolation . "
tr	1	" Maybe they have a son to feed , too . "
tr	1	It 's not a good thing , though , you know ?
tr	1	She finished her wine and looked out across the pasture .
tr	1	There was no moon and the fields were black .
tr	1	He pulled her close to him and kissed her .
tr	1	The pleasure of the day was long gone .
tr	1	Sarah assumed it had something to do with better fortifying them .
tr	1	It was so easy to take care of him back home .
tr	1	I 'm helping Dad and it makes me hungry . "
tr	1	" Not for awhile , " she admitted .
tr	1	" You 're doing it without butter ? "
tr	1	" I didn 't know you knew so much about cooking .
tr	1	Don 't worry , it 'll be fine . "
tr	1	" How 's that trap coming , son ? "
tr	1	" Oh , yeah , " John said .
tr	1	" To catch as in for eating ? "
tr	1	" Well , not for pets , eh , sport ? "
tr	1	" You just had breakfast , " Sarah said with exasperation .
tr	1	" Of a sort , " he said .
tr	1	" Two spoons of jam and tea without sugar or milk .
tr	1	" We only have seven eggs left , " she said .
tr	1	" We need to be really mindful of our rations . "
tr	1	" I 'll trade my services for another dozen eggs . "
tr	1	" And maybe some milk , Dad ? "
tr	1	" I hate drinking tea without milk . "
tr	1	Sighing , she tried to remember the ingredient amounts .
tr	1	By God , she was going to make him bread today !
tr	1	Mostly they were paperbacks left by previous vacationers .
tr	1	And when she did , she literally whooped with delight .
tr	1	Not just a recipe , but a cookbook .
tr	1	John had collected and stacked the wood without being told .
tr	1	She scanned the vacant courtyard between the barn and the house .
tr	1	We don 't have an automatic washing machine any more .
tr	1	He looked over his shoulder toward the pasture .
tr	1	" I turned them out , " he said .
tr	1	" I thought all pastures were fenced . "
tr	1	" I thought he was in the house . "
tr	1	For a moment , she felt like she might hyperventilate .
tr	1	" Grab the halters , " she said .
tr	1	They walked and called for forty minutes before Sarah turned back .
tr	1	They found all three horses but not John .
tr	1	David led the big bay he called " Rocky . "
tr	1	" I thought he was with you , " David said .
tr	1	Her focus was on getting her boy back .
tr	1	" I 'm sure he 's just exploring . "
tr	1	What if he gets caught out here and it storms ?
tr	1	She estimated that she was about fifteen minutes from the cottage .
tr	1	He was leading the sheep by a rope .
tr	1	He waved and she started down the hill to meet him .
tr	1	He 's up in the far pasture looking for you . "
tr	1	" John , " she whispered into his hair .
tr	1	Did you tell anyone you were leaving ? "
tr	1	" Sorry , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	" So , what 's with the sheep ? "
tr	1	The one in the barn on the stalls ? "
tr	1	" Mom , " he said with exasperation .
tr	1	" We can make wool from their fur , you know ?
tr	1	" Why were they wandering about out there anyway ?
tr	1	" I don 't know , " he said .
tr	1	" Next time tell someone you 're leaving , though .
tr	1	David and John played cards by the fireplace .
tr	1	" Yeah , for sweaters and blankets and stuff .
tr	1	David and John were on their feet in an instant .
tr	1	David put his hand on John and nodded .
tr	1	John moved to join him but Sarah grabbed his arm .
tr	1	David jerked open the door and strode out onto the porch .
tr	1	He hesitated and then moved off the porch into the night .
tr	1	Sarah fried up the last of the eggs .
tr	1	There was a decent store of sugar in the cellar .
tr	1	" He put it here to help sustain us . "
tr	1	" I don 't know , son , " he said .
tr	1	He looked up at Sarah and she nodded .
tr	1	" I provided for the family , " he said .
tr	1	John pulled his plate back and picked up his fork .
tr	1	" No more eggs left , sorry , " she said .
tr	1	David sighed and reached for a slice of cold toasted bread .
tr	1	The first time , he brought fresh eggs back with him .
tr	1	Besides , Sarah thought , all of this was just temporary .
tr	1	Best to just sit tight and ride it out .
tr	1	She pulled out the novel she had been reading to them .
tr	1	" But they 're not stupid , " he said .
tr	1	he asked , smiling a welcome to Sarah .
tr	1	" Well , no , " John admitted .
tr	1	Like when the big shaggy one , you know , Orca ?
tr	1	Got stuck in the ditch over by Blue Rock ? "
tr	1	" How do you know the name of it ? "
tr	1	" Like us , " his mother said .
tr	1	They 're like all freaked out ' Where are we going ?
tr	1	Even though we were just there two days before .
tr	1	The old couple had been to town the day before .
tr	1	" He 'd been murdered in his bed .
tr	1	she said as she sat down heavily into a kitchen chair .
tr	1	" Took everything but left the animals to wander .
tr	1	" Are you worried about the two of you ? "
tr	1	Sarah asked , her own worry ratcheting up .
tr	1	We 're sitting ducks , we are . "
tr	1	Oh , aye , but Iain had guns too .
tr	1	I 've been reading too many mysteries , Sarah thought .
tr	1	" They didn 't bark because they knew them .
tr	1	Iain was killed by someone he knew . "
tr	1	" Get them settled in and reassured the best you can .
tr	1	Sarah saw that John looked a little nervous too .
tr	1	" Not at all , " she said .
tr	1	We 're really the Three Musketeers , aren 't we ?
tr	1	" Yeah , I know what you mean . "
tr	1	Sarah sat at the kitchen table staring at the small rifle .
tr	1	" Dad found it in the barn . "
tr	1	John opened a kitchen drawer and withdrew a box of bullets .
tr	1	He pushed the box across the table to her .
tr	1	" Does Dad know how to shoot it ? "
tr	1	" It 's not loaded , " John said .
tr	1	" Do we know how to load it ? "
tr	1	He wanted to cut them but Sarah wouldn 't allow it .
tr	1	The weather was biting cold and the wind had picked up .
tr	1	She held the gun muzzle away from her as if frozen .
tr	1	" You got ta cock it , " John said .
tr	1	" Slide that part up and it drops in . "
tr	1	" Remind me to watch you closer . "
tr	1	John 's first shot went straight to the head .
tr	1	She told her parents that they were fine .
tr	1	That 's not a lie , she thought with surprise .
tr	1	She said she prayed they were , too .
tr	1	So , how to describe our daily round here ?
tr	1	Sarah looked over the letter and felt a little better .
tr	1	Reading it seemed to help put it in perspective for herself .
tr	1	" A letter to Nana and Grandpa , " she said .
tr	1	" Telling them a little about our life here . "
tr	1	" That 's cool , " he said .
tr	1	Sarah was pulling muffins out of the oven .
tr	1	she asked , handing John a towel for his wet hair .
tr	1	" They 're fine , " David said .
tr	1	" They 'll freeze to death out there . "
tr	1	They 're all wearing wool coats , you know .
tr	1	Sarah said as she poured her own tea and sat down .
tr	1	Or maybe they 're just moving to be closer to family .
tr	1	I mean , look at us , here .
tr	1	It 's really hard just making breakfast happen .
tr	1	" Wait up , sport , " he said .
tr	1	" It is hard here , " Sarah said .
tr	1	She felt as proud as if she 'd laid them herself .
tr	1	She heard a noise behind her and whirled around .
tr	1	" Why aren 't you with John ? "
tr	1	" Sarah , he doesn 't need me .
tr	1	And why didn 't you tell me about the gun ? "
tr	1	I didn 't want to add to your anxiety . "
tr	1	David settled down on a blanket on the ground .
tr	1	This was nuts beyond believable , he thought .
tr	1	He pulled a blanket over his shoulders and shivered .
tr	1	He felt in his pocket for one of the biscuits .
tr	1	He unwrapped one of the biscuits and bit into it .
tr	1	In their old life , she was always so together .
tr	1	He finished the biscuit and wiped his fingers on his jeans .
tr	1	Sarah had been downright fearless in those days .
tr	1	He wondered if she thought that about him .
tr	1	Had he changed since they 'd come to Ireland ?
tr	1	And David found himself smiling as he dropped off to sleep .
tr	1	" Whoa , you 're a heavy sleeper , Dad .
tr	1	What if I were a wolf or something ? "
tr	1	" Hey , John , " he said .
tr	1	David packed his saddlebag and tightened Rocky 's girth .
tr	1	" Only at night , " he said .
tr	1	" Don 't stay out too long , okay , sport ?
tr	1	I 'm going home to catch some shut-eye . "
tr	1	" I 'll be fine , " John said .
tr	1	" You don 't need the gun , " David said .
tr	1	Later , Sarah quietly did the dishes and let David sleep .
tr	1	She tried to remember when that had stopped .
tr	1	She leaned down and patted the horse on the neck .
tr	1	She 'd left her own hardhat in the barn .
tr	1	Trust that he knows what he 's doing , she thought .
tr	1	We 're gon na have to shoot him . "
tr	1	Was her own ten year-old son suggesting they kill a dog ?
tr	1	That a dog 's killing the sheep ? "
tr	1	" No , about wanting to kill the dog . "
tr	1	" I don 't want to kill the dog .
tr	1	I want the sheep to not get eaten . "
tr	1	Sarah felt a wave of exhaustion and resentment .
tr	1	Why do we have to go through this ?
tr	1	Why does everything have to be so hard ?
tr	1	" If you 're sure it 's the dog . "
tr	1	" Saw him with blood on his face .
tr	1	Let 's let Dad sleep a little longer .
tr	1	We 'll stand guard on the flock in the meantime .
tr	1	Danger is so close and they don 't know .
tr	1	Sarah watched the dog retreat -- but reluctantly , she thought .
tr	1	" Grab a bite to eat and feed Star .
tr	1	You don 't need to see this . "
tr	1	Later that evening , David returned from the pasture .
tr	1	Sarah couldn 't remember ever seeing him look so tired .
tr	1	She and John had heard the rifle report an hour earlier .
tr	1	She and John met him in the frontcourt .
tr	1	John cried out , with laughter in his voice .
tr	1	" You killed ... you had to ... " John said .
tr	1	" Yeah , you were right , sport .
tr	1	" Not for long , " Sarah said fiercely .
tr	1	I 've got some goat milk in the house . "
tr	1	John ran to the barn with the big horse .
tr	1	" There were three , " David said tiredly .
tr	1	I parked it under a stone out there . "
tr	1	Sarah reached up on tiptoe and kissed him .
tr	1	" We 're not savages yet , " she said .
tr	1	He had a plan , a bloody , wonderful plan .
tr	1	Especially now , with all that 's happened .
tr	1	It was one of the perks of rank .
tr	1	At least not with the ones who didn 't know him .
tr	1	But then , need and want were two very different things .
tr	1	But maybe it has value in this new life of ours .
tr	1	Me , I 'm still trying to learn .
tr	1	Sarah put down her pen and flexed her fingers .
tr	1	Sometimes he ended up working so late that he just stayed .
tr	1	They were two months into their new life .
tr	1	The dairy and all of the other shops were boarded up .
tr	1	They hadn 't seen anybody now for nearly three weeks .
tr	1	For Sarah , her day began before it was light out .
tr	1	Later , she lit the cook stove and made the tea .
tr	1	At first light , she often wrote to her parents .
tr	1	Sometimes she tested John on his Latin or French vocabulary .
tr	1	The sun was up and made mesmerizing sparkles on the snow .
tr	1	She couldn 't help but think any day now .
tr	1	When she fed them , they rushed to greet her .
tr	1	They all had to do difficult things in this new life .
tr	1	John came to the breakfast table and sat down .
tr	1	She set his mug of tea down on the table .
tr	1	" Is this the day you gon na kill Ethel ? "
tr	1	" You ... you named the chickens ? "
tr	1	He sipped his tea and then grinned at her .
tr	1	" That would be dumb , naming chickens .
tr	1	She watched the puppies from the kitchen window .
tr	1	John collected the dogs from outside and returned to the table .
tr	1	" So when you gon na do it ? "
tr	1	" As soon as possible , " she said .
tr	1	She made a face at him that made him laugh .
tr	1	" Gosh , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	He laughed again , amused at his own wit .
tr	1	David pulled off his sweatshirt in spite of the dropping temperatures .
tr	1	He 'd been steadily sweating most of the day .
tr	1	Where 's the quaint thatched roof when you need it ?
tr	1	he thought , already tired before the day had even begun .
tr	1	" Breakfast in a tick , " she whispered .
tr	1	He wondered how Sarah 's parents were doing this morning .
tr	1	Would they reach out and help keep them safe ?
tr	1	" And maybe a few odd jobs . "
tr	1	David nodded and joined Seamus at the table .
tr	1	The rain looked worse from the kitchen window .
tr	1	" Morning , Seamus , " he said .
tr	1	Frankly , it wasn 't the most pleasant living situation .
tr	1	And he still had a full afternoon 's chores to do .
tr	1	Now she was sweating and nearly as upset as the chicken .
tr	1	All laughter aside , this was upsetting in anyone 's book .
tr	1	I am , in fact , freeing you .
tr	1	The motion in the bag slowed and then stopped .
tr	1	Bright red blood began to seep out around her hands .
tr	1	David examined the broken fence by the eastern pasture .
tr	1	Seamus ' dog lay dead in the ditch .
tr	1	How did he miss this , this morning ?
tr	1	Were they trying to take out the couple 's alarm system ?
tr	1	Was it just an act of senseless violence ?
tr	1	" Sorry about this , Seamus , " David said .
tr	1	" Did you hear him bark at all last night ? "
tr	1	David looked at the cows , then back at the dog .
tr	1	David nodded and turned to head back to the house .
tr	1	" I 'll get the shovel , " he said .
tr	1	He felt a wave of weariness and disappointment .
tr	1	Never had she been more proud of a simple roast chicken .
tr	1	It was after three and she had expected him hours ago .
tr	1	She tapped on the window and he looked up .
tr	1	" Let me know when you see Dad , okay ? "
tr	1	Sarah sat down with a cup of tea .
tr	1	She stood up to look out the window again .
tr	1	Four hours later , she and John finished their dinner alone .
tr	1	" They know we need him , too . "
tr	1	" He 's been this late before , " she said .
tr	1	" I 'm sure he 's fine . "
tr	1	Probably got more worked up about that than was rational .
tr	1	She must have a week 's supply left in her suitcase .
tr	1	One of the horses in the barn screamed again .
tr	1	As soon as they turned , John disappeared into the barn .
tr	1	" Leave us , " she said hoarsely .
tr	1	Their faces were filthy and bearded , their eyes glazed .
tr	1	She knew she should be taking the measure of the speaker .
tr	1	She felt a tinge of gratitude that John had disappeared .
tr	1	She 's American , " he said to his companions .
tr	1	The one who 'd stepped forward had not come any closer .
tr	1	Her eyes never left the man in front of her .
tr	1	The speaker laughed and slapped the man next to him .
tr	1	He screamed and grabbed his upper arm which instantly mushroomed red .
tr	1	She didn 't waste the moment he 'd given her .
tr	1	The unharmed man slowly raised his hands in surrender .
tr	1	" Keep ' em covered , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	Sarah nodded , not trusting herself to speak .
tr	1	" Mack , you hear this maniac ? "
tr	1	" Desperate times call for desperate measures , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" You can 't just shoot us , " he said .
tr	1	" Language , please , John , " Sarah said .
tr	1	We never woulda hurt you and the lad .
tr	1	The wounded leader stared at her with an intense expression .
tr	1	" Yeah , that 's good , " John said .
tr	1	She licked her lips , ignoring the body on the ground .
tr	1	" You didn 't worry about hitting John ? "
tr	1	" I just knew I had to stop it now . "
tr	1	David looked over his shoulder to the other room .
tr	1	" Do you think he 's okay ? "
tr	1	We were joking about shooting them to try to scare them .
tr	1	And then all of a sudden it just happened .
tr	1	" You were joking about killing them ? "
tr	1	No , I ... I didn 't think twice . "
tr	1	Their first raid and he had made a bollocks of it .
tr	1	the girl Jules had asked as she bound up his arm .
tr	1	Finn knew they were sweet on each other .
tr	1	" Hush , girl , " he said .
tr	1	She moved to where he lay and sat next to him .
tr	1	The girl nodded and seemed to try to smile .
tr	1	Devon hadn 't visited in nearly three weeks .
tr	1	She turned her back to him to address the stove .
tr	1	He was still trying to process what had happened .
tr	1	But knowing that Sarah had shot them and killed one ?
tr	1	Except for the body he needed to bury .
tr	1	He hesitated and picked up his fork instead .
tr	1	" Fine , " she said , getting up again .
tr	1	" Of course you can handle it , " he said .
tr	1	" They are now , " he said .
tr	1	David would keep the gun with him while he worked .
tr	1	She carried a knife and two bottles of Côte de Rhône .
tr	1	This would only take her about a mile off her route .
tr	1	She shook her head and took a long breath .
tr	1	" You 'll all be knowing me , " he said .
tr	1	And we 'll live better together than apart .
tr	1	" We have enough , " Mike said to her .
tr	1	" Where would that be , now ? "
tr	1	Mike 's hands rested on his hips as he addressed her .
tr	1	I think Father McGinty will take issue with that . "
tr	1	" I 'll not be coming back , " she said .
tr	1	She had trail ridden for years , and happily .
tr	1	She knew what magic riding out in the world held .
tr	1	All things considered , her fall had been a gentle one .
tr	1	It had healed quickly and she had eagerly returned to ride .
tr	1	But , bit by bit , everything changed .
tr	1	The tapes ran in her head when she rode alone .
tr	1	So she stopped going out on the trails .
tr	1	She had always been afraid of big horses .
tr	1	The Irish and their music , she thought .
tr	1	There were also four pony traps still attached to the ponies .
tr	1	A lot less tricky with a fully saddled horse .
tr	1	She walked Dan to the line of horses .
tr	1	She loosened his girth to the very last notch .
tr	1	" It 's fair to killing me , you see . "
tr	1	The young woman had a problem , that was clear .
tr	1	Sarah wiped the grime off the palms of her hand .
tr	1	It 's not for myself , you understand .
tr	1	Her hand touched the package in her lap .
tr	1	" Yes , yes , " the woman said .
tr	1	But if your husband could come and dig out the well .
tr	1	" Sure , it 's impossible to describe the way .
tr	1	" So you see the problem in it . "
tr	1	And I can 't thank you too much .
tr	1	" Don 't worry , Julie , " she said .
tr	1	What time tomorrow can you be here ? "
tr	1	" You tell me when , I 'll be here . "
tr	1	It looked like it had been built in the fifteen century .
tr	1	She buttoned her jacket to her neck and inspected the sky .
tr	1	She looked up again at the greying sky .
tr	1	She sighed and moved forward , leading her horse .
tr	1	I can 't not check on him , she thought .
tr	1	Somewhere off in the pasture , she heard a bird singing .
tr	1	Now she could see that the door was ajar .
tr	1	She returned to the frontcourt of the cottage and dismounted .
tr	1	He was lying on the floor in front of the couch .
tr	1	Sarah stepped over an overturned chair to the body .
tr	1	She noticed a lone tea mug on the kitchen table .
tr	1	She shrugged off her sentimentality and turned to leave .
tr	1	There was nothing she could do for Devon now .
tr	1	It was also the moment she heard voices outside .
tr	1	She waited for him to notice her or make a move .
tr	1	Sarah resisted the urge to point the gun at him .
tr	1	" Devon 's dead , poor bugger . "
tr	1	" I 'm a friend of Devon 's sister-in-law . "
tr	1	" The ones rented the McKinney place , right ? "
tr	1	They hadn 't seen him in awhile . "
tr	1	" Cor , she 's got a pistol , Dad .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" Too right , " the older man said .
tr	1	We 've come to bury the old man .
tr	1	We mean you no harm , missus . "
tr	1	" I got the keys to his car , Dad .
tr	1	Sarah didn 't care who took whose car .
tr	1	" Fine , " she said , not moving .
tr	1	" I 'll let you get on with it . "
tr	1	But we need to ... " " Slowly , son .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , " she said again .
tr	1	" I 've had cause not to trust people recently . "
tr	1	" Do you know how he died ? "
tr	1	" Aye , no , " he said .
tr	1	And then the hyenas came down to pick the bones . "
tr	1	The light was nearly dusk but still Sarah lingered .
tr	1	Did you not know he was the village schoolmaster ?
tr	1	You 'd best get on where you 're going .
tr	1	Mike watched Sarah ride off and shook his head in amazement .
tr	1	" How do you know about her ? "
tr	1	he asked as he handed Gavin the shovel .
tr	1	" It 's all over town , " he said .
tr	1	" Took a fancy , did ya , Da ?
tr	1	" Aw , no , why , me ? "
tr	1	He glanced again in the direction she had gone .
tr	1	It rained nearly the whole way back to the cottage .
tr	1	She just knew she couldn 't do it herself .
tr	1	She let Dan pick his pace and his path .
tr	1	Snow was piled up along the sides of the road .
tr	1	I 'm really getting the hang of haggling .
tr	1	Thought you 'd get a chuckle out of that , Dad .
tr	1	So I must leave you until next time .
tr	1	Too much heat got lost with the fireplace .
tr	1	Ten days later , David still hadn 't come back .
tr	1	As if her watching for him might make him come .
tr	1	It wasn 't like David to just ... not come .
tr	1	She would make enough for all three of their meals today .
tr	1	" That 's what you said yesterday . "
tr	1	" Blow on it , " she said .
tr	1	Who would he be when they finally made it back home ?
tr	1	Will I ever be able to trust people again ?
tr	1	Sarah decided they needed to be able to see their sheep .
tr	1	Sarah stood up and went to the front door again .
tr	1	" That 's right , " she said .
tr	1	" You were watching , " he said .
tr	1	" You 're right , " she said with a smile .
tr	1	" It 's just straight down that road .
tr	1	" This , we have to give to God . "
tr	1	" Well , we can pray , you know ? "
tr	1	" I DO pray , Mom , " John said earnestly .
tr	1	" Now , John ... " Sarah said .
tr	1	She covered her eyes when she began to cry .
tr	1	She forced the tears back and smiled at him .
tr	1	We 'll go first thing in the morning . "
tr	1	John jumped again and clapped his hands in his excitement .
tr	1	Why do we have to wait ' til morning ?
tr	1	It 'll take me two secs to saddle everybody up . "
tr	1	" First thing in the morning , " she said .
tr	1	" We 're still going , right ? "
tr	1	" We are still going , " she said .
tr	1	He was back in one of the stalls not listening anyway .
tr	1	" Put your shirt collar up , " she said .
tr	1	" Else the rain 'll go straight down your back . "
tr	1	Although what lunatic would be out in this weather ?
tr	1	Hope is a wonderful thing , she thought .
tr	1	She still would have lost control of Dan .
tr	1	She looked over her shoulder at Mack still asleep .
tr	1	He had come to bed late and drunk .
tr	1	She crept out the door of the trailer .
tr	1	Julie tiptoed to her spot in the woods and relieved herself .
tr	1	He would be awake when she got back .
tr	1	It had been a rare gift to have awakened first .
tr	1	She 'd paid the price for that mistake early on .
tr	1	That seemed to please him at least a little .
tr	1	She knew he liked to be the first one awake .
tr	1	He asked it as if he expected an obvious affirmative .
tr	1	She cursed herself for not thinking of it .
tr	1	" I put the water on , " she said .
tr	1	She returned to her place in bed , watching him .
tr	1	Until this moment , Finn had not mentioned it again .
tr	1	" About a month , I think , " she said .
tr	1	" And you checked on him a few weeks ago ? "
tr	1	" I went to visit me Mum , " she said .
tr	1	" Yes , yes , " she said .
tr	1	Finn looked at her and then burst out laughing .
tr	1	So we can relieve her of her responsibility . "
tr	1	Oh , gosh , Mom , can you please be okay ?
tr	1	It was so dark , she couldn 't see his face .
tr	1	" Oh , Mom , I was so scared .
tr	1	" You 're bleeding , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	" A whole bunch , like everywhere . "
tr	1	He ran for a while and then he came back .
tr	1	But he 's all trembling and he 's limping , too .
tr	1	I think I saw him fall down . "
tr	1	" Help me up , sweetie , " Sarah said .
tr	1	Worse , what she was seeing was slightly double .
tr	1	" Is it ... is it night already ? "
tr	1	" Well , maybe it wasn 't that long .
tr	1	The rain never let up for a moment .
tr	1	I saw it when we came out this morning . "
tr	1	" What if there are snakes or rats inside ? "
tr	1	Let me just ride ahead and check it out , okay ?
tr	1	It 's better than sleeping out in the open . "
tr	1	Not near , but not far enough away , either .
tr	1	" Maybe He wants us to try harder .
tr	1	" Try to get some sleep , sweetie . "
tr	1	( I did , too , but am fine . )
tr	1	He seems to be getting better , thank God .
tr	1	But now , it seems such a waste .
tr	1	I don 't know how , I can 't imagine how .
tr	1	So , take care of each other , you two .
tr	1	We celebrated John 's eleventh birthday this week .
tr	1	" Is that my hairbrush you 're using ? "
tr	1	He paused and gently pulled Patrick 's ear .
tr	1	" No Dad , " he said quietly .
tr	1	" A savior was still born today , " she said .
tr	1	" I know , John , " she said .
tr	1	" We 've got the best part of Christmas , though .
tr	1	That 's what we need to remember . "
tr	1	The dog closed his eyes while John brushed him .
tr	1	Sarah spilled her tea and John bolted for the front door .
tr	1	" Happy Christmas , darlin ' , " she said .
tr	1	His lips were cracked and dry , his throat parched .
tr	1	A threat she had obviously made good on .
tr	1	How long had it been since he had had water ?
tr	1	He waited until his eyes adjusted to the dark .
tr	1	How long had he been tied to this filthy bed ?
tr	1	Dear God , would he ever see Sarah and John again ?
tr	1	He cursed himself for allowing them to stay .
tr	1	She was terrified that they were coming for her next .
tr	1	She heard that the gypsies had murdered them .
tr	1	This signaled the fact that his nightmare would resume shortly .
tr	1	Why hadn 't he realized it couldn 't be true ?
tr	1	No , he saw what he wanted to see .
tr	1	David struggled to a sitting position against the headboard .
tr	1	Both legs were loosely tied to the end of the bed .
tr	1	There were no cows that he could see and no children .
tr	1	" Sure , can 't you tell the resemblance ? "
tr	1	David sat down heavily in one of the kitchen chairs .
tr	1	He smiled and accepted a mug of tea .
tr	1	It took us nearly four hours to ride back . "
tr	1	" Which is why we 're never there .
tr	1	And why the needing of a man was so desperate . "
tr	1	" So it 's not you that needs help ? "
tr	1	Julie looked away and her mother answered for her .
tr	1	I practically had to beat her to do it . "
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , mister , " she said .
tr	1	But he said : " You 're right .
tr	1	" Can you show me the well ? "
tr	1	You have a well that 's collapsed ? "
tr	1	My name is Betta , by the by .
tr	1	Gradually , David got stronger although his broken arm mended poorly .
tr	1	He could move about the room but not leave it .
tr	1	Hers , entreating him to stay with her willingly .
tr	1	There was much work to do on the place .
tr	1	The morning was cold and she needed to start the tea .
tr	1	Her arrival last night had been their Christmas miracle .
tr	1	A cold roast chicken with potatoes and even gravy .
tr	1	Sarah eyed the grey clouds from her kitchen window .
tr	1	She put a pan of water on the hot stove .
tr	1	" I told Seamus something awful bad must 've happened . "
tr	1	" Your mother must go and find your Da .
tr	1	Seamus can wait , sure he can . "
tr	1	But her eyes were sorrowful and belied her words .
tr	1	" Needing to feel useful , are you ? "
tr	1	She sat down and cupped her own mug of tea .
tr	1	Sarah looked again at the snow clouds outside the kitchen window .
tr	1	" I 'll not talk you out of it .
tr	1	I know he 's gone , my Seamus . "
tr	1	She put her mug down and stared out the window .
tr	1	" It 's just that ... " " I know . "
tr	1	Sarah reached out and touched the old woman 's hand .
tr	1	" Mike Donovan said he was the village school teacher . "
tr	1	" I promise I 'll find him . "
tr	1	" Please , God , " she said .
tr	1	Betta stood by David 's bed and wrung her hands .
tr	1	His head was aching and he felt so weak .
tr	1	It was all he could do to speak .
tr	1	I can 't help you unless you give me water . "
tr	1	" I did what I thought was best .
tr	1	" You did right , " he whispered .
tr	1	" Margie and Jamie came this morning , did you know ?
tr	1	Sure , you must 've heard them . "
tr	1	" You heard them , Danny , didn 't you ?
tr	1	" They were ... people were ... here ? "
tr	1	She sounded like she had caught him in a terrible crime .
tr	1	" You hate me , don 't you ? "
tr	1	" You hate me for keeping you here . "
tr	1	His words formed slowly as if he were speaking through cotton .
tr	1	CHAPTER SIXTEEN Sarah stood in the barn brushing Dan .
tr	1	The physical exertion helped the roiling anxiety in her stomach .
tr	1	The disappointment of having to push her expedition back was intense .
tr	1	Was David out there somewhere trying to get back to them ?
tr	1	Like Seamus , was this how it would end for him ?
tr	1	Was this really how it was to end for him ?
tr	1	Riding off into the Irish countryside never to be seen again ?
tr	1	Will I not even be able to go tomorrow ?
tr	1	At first , he couldn 't be sure what was real .
tr	1	She was pleading , it seemed to David .
tr	1	He had heard that begging shrill voice even in his nightmares .
tr	1	He could not make out what they were saying .
tr	1	He heard three gunshots , one right after another .
tr	1	Betta 's horrible wailing scream grew higher and higher .
tr	1	David struggled to sit up and pulled uselessly against his restraints .
tr	1	" The smart ones need time to think it all through .
tr	1	I felt like I did change it . "
tr	1	John came to the table and sat down .
tr	1	John looked up at her from his hands .
tr	1	" I know you 're not blaming me for the weather .
tr	1	He looked up at her and his eyes filled with tears .
tr	1	David felt like he was an actor in a grainy movie .
tr	1	An actor with no lines and no future .
tr	1	She 's got him chained to a boat anchor .
tr	1	And us with no workin ' cellphone cameras .
tr	1	God , but it stinks in here . "
tr	1	" See if there 's anything worth taking in here .
tr	1	She noticed that John had watched closely too .
tr	1	" You 're going to be okay here ? "
tr	1	John came over and gave his mother a hug .
tr	1	" We 're armed , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	" No one 's messing with us . "
tr	1	" Stop worrying , Sarah , " she said .
tr	1	Mind you see them before they see you . "
tr	1	She turned half way down the drive to wave .
tr	1	" And please let me find David , I beg you .
tr	1	Please let us get where we 're going safely .
tr	1	Her thoughts had been calm and her mind open and hopeful .
tr	1	Finn sat in Betta 's kitchen drinking a mug of tea .
tr	1	The horse was his now , he thought with satisfaction .
tr	1	His eyes were badly crossed , his skin mottled with acne .
tr	1	" Oy , Finn , " the boy said .
tr	1	" What do we usually do , you daft bugger ? "
tr	1	" Well , the rushes are set , " he said .
tr	1	" Mind if I finish me bloody tea , first ? "
tr	1	Finn looked in the direction of the bedroom .
tr	1	His men turned and looked at him as if awaiting orders .
tr	1	He watched her come without fear or recognition .
tr	1	" Hey , Seamus , " she said .
tr	1	Sarah sat down on the bed next to him .
tr	1	" Let 's go to her , okay ?
tr	1	She 'll have lunch ready for us . "
tr	1	" We 're on vacation here in Ireland . "
tr	1	I taught him for six years , you know . "
tr	1	" Did well in London , I 'm told .
tr	1	" Come on , Seamus , " she called .
tr	1	He walked toward her uncertainly , his gaze foggy and unsure .
tr	1	" ... is waiting for you at my place , remember ?
tr	1	She touched his elbow and he moved toward the porch .
tr	1	" Off we go , " she said .
tr	1	" Can we talk about it on the road ? "
tr	1	" I can 't read without my glasses . "
tr	1	" Right , yes , okay , " she said .
tr	1	She ran to the bedroom and jerked open the nightstand .
tr	1	Dear God , had Seamus found the gun ?
tr	1	Her first instinct was to rush out onto the porch .
tr	1	There were at least two , maybe more , male voices .
tr	1	She looked around the room for a weapon .
tr	1	Come out or we shoot the old man . "
tr	1	Sarah saw a shadow cross the back window .
tr	1	She crawled into the kitchen and wrenched a drawer open .
tr	1	the voice called from the back of the house .
tr	1	Three men , all of them seemingly talking at once .
tr	1	Seamus sat in front where she 'd left him .
tr	1	" Finn wants her alive , I tell you . "
tr	1	" How do you even know she 's the one ? "
tr	1	" She 's American , you daft bugger .
tr	1	How many bloody Yanks you think there are out here ? "
tr	1	Her face felt bruised and swollen ; her shoulder felt broken .
tr	1	" I tell you , she 's the American . "
tr	1	" Say something , you stupid cow , " he snarled .
tr	1	" I told you , " the one man said .
tr	1	The lout looked at Sarah with naked admiration .
tr	1	He spoke with a rough accent that didn 't sound Irish .
tr	1	At least at first , " the other man said .
tr	1	" Okay , Granddad , here 's where you get out .
tr	1	He never moved from his seat in the cart .
tr	1	" Did you happen to find my reading glasses ? "
tr	1	" Dear God in heaven , " the older woman murmured .
tr	1	Sarah put out a hand to touch her on the shoulder .
tr	1	" Of course , I know that , " she said .
tr	1	" It was awful , they were awful .
tr	1	Now I have to go to bed . "
tr	1	" It 's late , John , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" You mean , him not acting daft and all ? "
tr	1	" Any time now , he 'll leave us again .
tr	1	" Just grateful for when it comes . "
tr	1	" Something you 're not tellin ' me . "
tr	1	" There is something , " Sarah admitted .
tr	1	" It had to do with the gypsies ' horses . "
tr	1	" The ones you turned out into the pasture ? "
tr	1	" One of the horses was Rocky , " she said .
tr	1	" Stay safe , sweetie , " she said .
tr	1	" God willing , Dad and I will be back tonight .
tr	1	If they tell you to hide , you hide .
tr	1	It hadn 't rained or snowed in 24 hours .
tr	1	" You 're right , " he said , watching her .
tr	1	" Wonder what she 's doing here . "
tr	1	Donovan needed the firewood that Siobhan kept behind her store .
tr	1	Sarah had hoped there would be another market going on .
tr	1	All the storefronts were either boarded up or smashed .
tr	1	The frustration coursed through her until she wanted to scream .
tr	1	" I have absolutely no idea , " he said .
tr	1	He was grinning broadly and looked very drunk .
tr	1	The rest of the men roared with laughter .
tr	1	Anything they might say would probably be useless to her .
tr	1	She looked at Donovan and her eyes filled with tears again .
tr	1	" Drink your tea , " Donovan said quietly .
tr	1	Gavin had led her horse into the store too .
tr	1	" I 'm sorry , missus , " Donovan said .
tr	1	I wouldn 't expect any trouble from them soon . "
tr	1	" Or even the worst of ' em .
tr	1	" What is your interest in them ? "
tr	1	" He tried to hurt my boy . "
tr	1	He 's been a worthless piece of shite from the beginning .
tr	1	Come in to his own , you might say .
tr	1	I guess to get revenge for shooting him . "
tr	1	Sarah stood up and set her mug down .
tr	1	" I have to get back , " she said .
tr	1	Donovan held out a hand as if to restrain her .
tr	1	" Stop ... calling me ' missus . '
tr	1	She moved past him to where Dan was dozing .
tr	1	" Look , Sarah , you can 't leave . "
tr	1	Donovan moved quickly to put himself between her and the horse .
tr	1	He gestured in the direction of the window .
tr	1	" I have to get to my boy . "
tr	1	" Sarah , please , " Mike said .
tr	1	" But it looks like they 're packing up , Da .
tr	1	Sarah didn 't care one way or the other .
tr	1	" Fine , " she said between gritted teeth .
tr	1	Donovan moved over to the window to look out .
tr	1	" When are you coming , then ? "
tr	1	Don 't look for us until tomorrow . "
tr	1	" I 'm surprised he hasn 't done it before now .
tr	1	He turned away from his son to speak to Sarah .
tr	1	" And this was two days ago ? "
tr	1	Mike had a bad feeling about the timing of all this .
tr	1	" Go on , get going , " he said .
tr	1	" I 'll be there with your uncle before nightfall . "
tr	1	Sarah closed her legs firmly around Dan and urged him forward .
tr	1	For now , she had to get back to him .
tr	1	A part of her almost believed she could feel the heat .
tr	1	Gavin was laboring up the hill with his horse and wagon .
tr	1	" You nearly gave me a heart attack . "
tr	1	From the looks of it , all of them .
tr	1	She closed his eyes and saw her hand was shaking badly .
tr	1	She left the barn and ran to the paddock .
tr	1	It was empty except for more dead sheep .
tr	1	One of John 's dogs lay dead in her path .
tr	1	She didn 't take her eyes off the burning cottage .
tr	1	" I 'm sure of it , " he said .
tr	1	" There 's also a woman , " she said .
tr	1	Gavin looked back at Seamus lying on the ground .
tr	1	He shook his head and looked at the cottage .
tr	1	" That 's not good , " he admitted .
tr	1	As she watched , she realized she was praying .
tr	1	Gavin spoke to her again , this time louder and closer .
tr	1	Sarah couldn 't take her eyes off the cottage .
tr	1	It made him look like he 'd been crying .
tr	1	John was hungry all the time , too .
tr	1	" I 've buried the old man , " he said .
tr	1	" And me Da will be here soon .
tr	1	She bowed her head and finished her prayers .
tr	1	He came running from around the corner of the barn .
tr	1	And that was when she started to weep .
tr	1	Dear Lord in Heaven , thank you , thank you .
tr	1	" But he never came , Mom . "
tr	1	" You 're Da would be proud . "
tr	1	Donovan had come not forty minutes after John was found .
tr	1	They buried both her and Seamus that very night .
tr	1	Sarah could not take her eyes off John .
tr	1	He was holding out a metal cup in his hands .
tr	1	" You didn 't , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" I 'm never going to feel safe again . "
tr	1	" What a nice man you are , " she said .
tr	1	" You brought all these people here to help us . "
tr	1	She took another sip and let the alcohol do its work .
tr	1	" All of us related in some way . "
tr	1	She wore baggy jeans and a tired smile .
tr	1	She handed Sarah a bowl of stew and a dented spoon .
tr	1	" You 'll be hungry , " she said .
tr	1	She shook her head in wonder and accepted the warm bowl .
tr	1	" Sure , it 's nothing , " the woman said .
tr	1	" I 'm Fiona , Mike 's big sister . "
tr	1	It 's a pleasure to finally meet you . "
tr	1	" I guess we 're famous , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" I didn 't mean it like that . "
tr	1	" Has Mike told you the news yet ? "
tr	1	Sarah snapped her head to look at Donovan .
tr	1	I don 't want to say this twice . "
tr	1	There 's no real need to stay now , is there ?
tr	1	Your animals are gone , your house is gone . "
tr	1	Sarah stared at him for a minute with her mouth open .
tr	1	" You should come with us , " he continued .
tr	1	It will be safer for you with us .
tr	1	" I can 't leave , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" For the love of God , why not ? "
tr	1	Will you be living out of the barn ?
tr	1	" And this time I 'll be ready for them . "
tr	1	Now it was Donovan 's turn to stare .
tr	1	he said , his face twisted in confusion .
tr	1	" You 're crazy , " he said .
tr	1	It really isn 't just the movies , is it ?
tr	1	This is how you Yanks really are . "
tr	1	Good people to have with you in a fight .
tr	1	Without electricity or doctors or formula or baby monitors .
tr	1	" We now know what happened , " he said tiredly .
tr	1	Mike held up his hands for quiet and spoke solemnly .
tr	1	" Basically , what happened was this , " Donovan said .
tr	1	It would 've been safe to leave after all .
tr	1	" When are they going to fix it , then ? "
tr	1	Where did you say your folks lived ? "
tr	1	But from where I 'm standing , competent enough . "
tr	1	" They 're working on that now , " Mike replied .
tr	1	" Our country will help you , " John said .
tr	1	He said it was mostly likely an EMP . "
tr	1	" You 're right , " Sarah said .
tr	1	Me , I like to know about why .
tr	1	How to say " prepare yourself for the worse ? "
tr	1	She reached over and drew him to her .
tr	1	Her concerns now centered on his very survival .
tr	1	" We 'll never stop trying , " she said .
tr	1	Dear God , had she really lost him forever ?
tr	1	Fiona approached with two tin cups of tea .
tr	1	" Sound pretty nuts when you put it like that . "
tr	1	She pointed to the blackened hulk of the cottage .
tr	1	" They 'll just come do this to you eventually . "
tr	1	" I ... where is it you 're going ?
tr	1	" Why not stay where you were ? "
tr	1	Most of us didn 't own the land we lived on .
tr	1	" So you 're betting that this chaos is permanent ? "
tr	1	Fiona looked down at her hands and took her time answering .
tr	1	" And watch each other 's backs . "
tr	1	Sarah nodded as if it made a lot of sense .
tr	1	" We 'll come , of course , " Sarah said .
tr	1	I 'm so grateful to have found family . "
tr	1	" I 'm glad , " Fiona said .
tr	1	" What happened to Gavin 's mother ? "
tr	1	" That would be Mike 's Ellen , " Fiona said .
tr	1	" She died when the boy was five . "
tr	1	" Yeah , " she said , watching him work .
tr	1	" Hey , boy , you doing okay ? "
tr	1	His lashes were long and he regarded her sleepily .
tr	1	" What are you doing in here ? "
tr	1	" Probably same as you , " he said .
tr	1	" I talked to Fi this morning , " she said .
tr	1	But it doesn 't take away the threat .
tr	1	" It 's not at all the same thing . "
tr	1	Donovan looked at her and then burst out laughing .
tr	1	She finally pulled away and put her fingers to her lips .
tr	1	" Mike , no , " she said .
tr	1	" I am so sorry , Sarah , " he said .
tr	1	Believe me ... " " I do , I do .
tr	1	And you still wondering if your husband is alive or dead .
tr	1	I don 't know what came over me . "
tr	1	It was a good chair with a comfortable pad .
tr	1	They had found the farm abandoned a few days earlier .
tr	1	He decided it suited him , being a landowner .
tr	1	He recognized that he missed the girl Jules .
tr	1	When the old woman was killed , Jules had gone mental .
tr	1	It was all he could do to protect himself from her .
tr	1	He said he came alone , like . "
tr	1	He was used to just taking when he needed something .
tr	1	He wasn 't sure he liked the feeling of ownership .
tr	1	" Hey , Guv , " he said easily .
tr	1	It annoyed Finn that Brendan never acted worried about him .
tr	1	The American looked up and , amazingly , smiled .
tr	1	It was all Finn could do not to smile back .
tr	1	What the hell did he see to smile about ?
tr	1	Oh , so it 's like that , is it ?
tr	1	" I was just helping out , " the man said .
tr	1	The Yank was his winning ticket to getting her .
tr	1	" So you got enough to eat ? "
tr	1	Finn stood up and stared down at the man .
tr	1	The kind of something that Finn absolutely hated .
tr	1	David watched the scruffy little gypsy walk away .
tr	1	" I don 't know , man , " David said .
tr	1	" Thanks , man , " he said .
tr	1	" I really appreciate everything you 've done for me . "
tr	1	" At least it 's not squirrel again . "
tr	1	" Fiona 's a good girl , " Donovan said absently .
tr	1	Sarah appreciated his question but knew there was more to it .
tr	1	" Not at all , not at all .
tr	1	Sarah looked away to hide the emotion stinging her eyes again .
tr	1	Would she ever get over those thirty minutes ?
tr	1	" It 's part of our culture . "
tr	1	Sarah watched the other men sitting around the campfire .
tr	1	Instantly , Sarah tried to locate John with her eyes .
tr	1	She needed to see him before the landscape changed yet again .
tr	1	" Same place I got the first bit , Aidan Kinney .
tr	1	" I 'm glad for you , Sarah .
tr	1	" Thank you , God , " she whispered .
tr	1	Donovan rubbed her arm lightly where he held her .
tr	1	" You 're wrong , Mike , " she said .
tr	1	he said , with hope in his voice .
tr	1	" We 're going after the bastards . "
tr	1	The American woman and her group were planning to raid them !
tr	1	Donovan surveyed the picnic table in front of him .
tr	1	Sarah stood next to him and looked down on the table .
tr	1	Is it enough , do you think ? "
tr	1	He held a large biscuit in one hand stuffed with jam .
tr	1	" That is a lot of guns . "
tr	1	" Stop it right now , John , " Sarah said .
tr	1	John blushed and turned away from the table .
tr	1	Sarah called after him but he kept walking .
tr	1	" Come on , Mike , " she said .
tr	1	Donovan looked down at the guns and sighed .
tr	1	" In fact , it sounds more like planned suicide . "
tr	1	" Which is what I 've been telling you all along .
tr	1	" Don 't do that , " " Do what ? "
tr	1	This is not bloody England , you know .
tr	1	She held up a hand to cut off his protests .
tr	1	" I have no doubt you would . "
tr	1	He shook his head but she could see he finally agreed .
tr	1	He touched it now and massaged it gently .
tr	1	" The bitch is coming to us ! "
tr	1	He may have encouraged that assumption more than was absolutely accurate .
tr	1	The bad weather was definitely moving in and quickly .
tr	1	Couldn 't the storm have held off just one day ?
tr	1	Would they shoot first when he hailed them ?
tr	1	He needed to get distance from himself and the camp .
tr	1	The words were as friendly as the tone was deadly .
tr	1	" Making a run for it , Yank ? "
tr	1	Unless ... she looked at the glowering wife again .
tr	1	Unless some of them didn 't come back .
tr	1	Why were these thoughts invading her head now of all times ?
tr	1	He waved to her but didn 't smile .
tr	1	She waved to him and forced a smile .
tr	1	David began to move in the direction of the camp .
tr	1	" Why would you willingly be his house slave ? "
tr	1	" Clearly , you do , " David said .
tr	1	" I 'm talking to one now . "
tr	1	Name calling me isn 't a way to do that . "
tr	1	" Neither is tying up people , Brendan . "
tr	1	David held up his hands to illustrate the point .
tr	1	What she saw , instead , was bad .
tr	1	She could see now it was Donovan on the ground .
tr	1	She reached over and gave his knee a squeeze .
tr	1	" Of course , sweetie , " she said .
tr	1	" But you 're still going , right ? "
tr	1	" Yes , John , " she said .
tr	1	" Dad 's there and so I 'm still going . "
tr	1	John shook his head and looked at her .
tr	1	" I 'm worried , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	" Who says I don 't have a plan ? "
tr	1	" I guess so , " he said .
tr	1	Sarah let her eyes adjust to the darkened barn interior .
tr	1	Fiona walked out of the stall carrying two empty tea mugs .
tr	1	Sarah assumed they must have just finished a long chat .
tr	1	She came in quietly and knelt down in front of him .
tr	1	" Hey , Mike , " she said softly .
tr	1	A grimace of pain shot across his features .
tr	1	" I assume you 're still going , " he said .
tr	1	" Nothing 's really changed , " she said .
tr	1	" Except , maybe , our odds . "
tr	1	Donovan looked at her fiercely and spoke in a low voice .
tr	1	And they 're the ones with the rifles .
tr	1	If you show yourself , you 'll be shot .
tr	1	" Then I make my move , " she said .
tr	1	You haven 't come to my part , yet . "
tr	1	" Does he know how much you love him ? "
tr	1	Sarah sighed and picked up Donovan 's uninjured hand .
tr	1	Donovan just listened , his eyes never leaving her face .
tr	1	" Have your guns out -- one in each hand .
tr	1	Kids the age of young John there . "
tr	1	He noticed her eyes left his for a minute .
tr	1	" What is my purpose in coming into the camp ?
tr	1	" God , I wish I were going with you .
tr	1	Can I not talk you into delaying this insane idea ? "
tr	1	But once they do , things should settle down pretty quickly .
tr	1	She indicated the group of three men waiting outside the barn .
tr	1	" Be careful , Sarah , " he said .
tr	1	" Come back safe to your lad . "
tr	1	Plus , the American bastard and Brendan were still not back .
tr	1	Have I been watching too many Stephen Spielberg movies ?
tr	1	Is there any way this can have a happy ending ?
tr	1	Only the sound of his own labored breathing breaking the silence .
tr	1	He was too slow , too interested in talking .
tr	1	" Five thousand US , " Brendan said .
tr	1	" If any of you 're alive . "
tr	1	It had been the exact right thing to say .
tr	1	They were no taller than her but wiry and muscled .
tr	1	" Should we go after ' em ? "
tr	1	Let 's get these two back to camp .
tr	1	Sarah looked at the body in the road .
tr	1	Try to run and we shoot yer mum , yeah ? "
tr	1	" We 're bringin ' him a little bonus . "
tr	1	" What do you mean you couldn 't find him ? "
tr	1	He had returned not ten minutes before , empty handed .
tr	1	He looked back at the big gypsy before him .
tr	1	" I need that bastard back here ! "
tr	1	" I ... I could try again , yeah ? "
tr	1	I 'm sure I know the way he went . "
tr	1	Oh , please don 't do this . "
tr	1	" I 've got to leave you . "
tr	1	She recognized the gypsy she had shot back in October .
tr	1	" Get ' er up , " he barked harshly .
tr	1	Dear God , don 't let this be happening .
tr	1	" Well , I 'll be damned , " he said .
tr	1	Sarah stared at the gypsy and licked her lips .
tr	1	She didn 't know how he wanted her to respond .
tr	1	One of the gypsies who was holding John asked .
tr	1	They held the boy between them in front of their leader .
tr	1	Sarah couldn 't imagine what she must look like to him .
tr	1	The gypsy holding him gave his jacket a hard jerk .
tr	1	John never took his eyes off his mother .
tr	1	Oh , my God , she thought , her stomach roiling .
tr	1	" I got a little surprise I need to get ready .
tr	1	The men ushered Sarah and John into one of the bedrooms .
tr	1	John scrambled to his feet and ran to Sarah .
tr	1	" Mom , I 'm sorry , " he said .
tr	1	" What are we gon na do ? "
tr	1	The bedroom had a window facing the back of the farm .
tr	1	She tried to steady herself with deep breaths .
tr	1	John came and sat down on the bed next to her .
tr	1	Did he hurt you when he tied your hands ? "
tr	1	" You didn 't bring a gun , did you ? "
tr	1	" Yes , that 's right , that 's right . "
tr	1	They didn 't even check me for weapons .
tr	1	" That 's good , sweetie , " she said .
tr	1	" Don 't you want me to cut you loose ? "
tr	1	" Don 't worry about nicking me , " she said .
tr	1	" Guards out back too , I guess ? "
tr	1	But they wouldn 't be for long if Sarah screamed .
tr	1	John said not a word but hugged his father fiercely .
tr	1	David pulled away and looked into his wife 's eyes .
tr	1	" We need to go , family , " he said .
tr	1	" Leave him alone , Finn , " David snarled .
tr	1	He nodded to his men who entered the room fully .
tr	1	" Tie ' im , " Finn said .
tr	1	John fidgeted and she forced herself not to look at him .
tr	1	He walked to Sarah and held the knife to her chin .
tr	1	Finn spoke with his face mere inches from David 's .
tr	1	" Bet you have three cars , don 't you ? "
tr	1	" Go to hell , " he said .
tr	1	" Hold ' im , " he said .
tr	1	Sarah tried to put herself between David and Finn .
tr	1	Blood blossomed in large crimson blots in the knife 's trail .
tr	1	John scrambled off Finn 's thrashing body and grabbed the rifle .
tr	1	David collapsed into a sitting position onto the bed .
tr	1	" I 'll live , " he said hoarsely .
tr	1	" Dead as a cod , " he said .
tr	1	" You , " she said to the gypsy .
tr	1	They could hear loud voices outside the bedroom door .
tr	1	Sarah heard the noise behind her and instinctively turned toward it .
tr	1	She heard John yell out : " You got ' im !
tr	1	Sarah got to her feet and went slowly to the bed .
tr	1	There 's about a hundred gypsies out there . "
tr	1	" It hurts like shit , " he said , wincing .
tr	1	" But I don 't think anything major got cut .
tr	1	" This back bedroom is not safe , " she said .
tr	1	" We can 't see what 's going on .
tr	1	We need to get away from that window . "
tr	1	" I du n no , " David said , frowning .
tr	1	" Feels awfully exposed in the front room .
tr	1	Maybe we should stay -- " " Oy !
tr	1	Sarah looked at David , her mouth open .
tr	1	" Don 't look at me , " David said .
tr	1	John ran to the back window before Sarah could stop him .
tr	1	" Aidan , hey , It 's me , John !
tr	1	A month had passed since the killings at the gypsy camp .
tr	1	The pony trap sat on the side of the barn .
tr	1	The boy was so much older than his eleven years .
tr	1	They watched David take Gavin 's gun and leave .
tr	1	They always brought fresh meat with them when they came .
tr	1	" Hey , Mom , " he said .
tr	1	Dinner and biscuits are out of the oven .
tr	1	John jerked his head absentmindedly to indicate behind him .
tr	1	" Still messing with the fence , " he said .
tr	1	" It won 't close or something . "
tr	1	David spoke as he followed his son from around the house .
tr	1	" I didn 't even notice , " she said .
tr	1	What is it with the Irish and no trees ?
tr	1	" Mom , can I ride before dinner ? "
tr	1	" No , sweetie , " she said .
tr	1	" Uncle Mike and Gavin will be here in a minute .
tr	1	You , too , " she said , turning to David .
tr	1	David turned and waved to the two men in the wagon .
tr	1	Mike lit his pipe and waved out the match flame .
tr	1	" You know , Mike -- " Sarah started .
tr	1	" We were so lucky , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" But it didn 't , " he said .
tr	1	" I 've got news , " he said .
tr	1	" Is that what I think it is ? "
tr	1	John jumped up and ran to the table .
tr	1	" Doesn 't work , " Gavin called from the hearth .
tr	1	" Well , it would work , " Mike said .
tr	1	" But its charge has run down . "
tr	1	" No , it isn 't , " Mike agreed .
tr	1	" Come on , Da , " Gavin said .
tr	1	Mike placed his whiskey glass on the table .
tr	1	David asked , leaning eagerly over the table toward Mike .
tr	1	Sarah covered her mouth and watched him intently .
tr	1	Was the nightmare really about to be over ?
tr	1	John put the cell phone back onto the table .
tr	1	Sarah looked at him , surprised he said it so flatly .
tr	1	Probably don 't even need to bother planting .
tr	1	You likely won 't be here for the harvest . "
tr	1	David sat back in his chair and crossed his arms .
tr	1	" That is news , " he said .
tr	1	" So , we 'll drink to it , eh ? "
tr	1	" Here , here , " David said , drinking .
tr	1	Anyway , sorry to get all grim on you !
tr	1	I 'm sure it was a nightmare there at home .
tr	1	No electricity , no cars , no shopping !
tr	1	Doesn 't make sense to me , either .
tr	1	God , I hope that doesn 't happen .
tr	1	David appeared on the porch of the cottage .
tr	1	The latter were incongruous , in view of his present environs .
tr	1	There was the color of the sea in his wide eyes .
tr	1	But something else caught his attention at the moment .
tr	1	" What are you doing on my trail ? "
tr	1	She laughed at his insolence and flexed her mighty biceps .
tr	1	Lucky thing for you , too , boy !
tr	1	" I know it , " he replied sullenly .
tr	1	" But you were wise to run away .
tr	1	" Why , what do you suppose ? "
tr	1	Otherwise I 'd have caught up with you long ago . "
tr	1	" Don 't talk like a fool , " she grunted .
tr	1	" Come , boy , don 't be such a spitfire .
tr	1	" A penniless vagabond , " he taunted .
tr	1	" And now what do you intend doing ? "
tr	1	We 'll get to the coast and find a ship .
tr	1	" Then be on your way , " he advised .
tr	1	" You can 't keep on wandering through this forest . "
tr	1	" But what do you intend doing ? "
tr	1	" That 's none of your affair , " he snapped .
tr	1	" Yes , it is , " she answered calmly .
tr	1	I 'm not going to harm you . "
tr	1	I 'll spit you like a roast pig ! "
tr	1	She scowled , her sensations a tangle of conflicting emotions .
tr	1	She knew he was as quick and ferocious as a tigress .
tr	1	" Blast your soul , you hustler ! "
tr	1	Above them the green roof spread its dusky canopy .
tr	1	Through the thicket was thrust a head of nightmare and lunacy .
tr	1	" Back up the crag , quick ! "
tr	1	" How long do you suppose she 'll crouch there ? "
tr	1	Valerian looked at her blankly , his resentment forgotten .
tr	1	But the prospect now confronting his congealed his blood .
tr	1	Anyway , she can 't climb this crag . "
tr	1	The branches that touch the crag down there are too light .
tr	1	he cried furiously , kicking the skull clattering across the ledge .
tr	1	You 'd only break your steel on her scales .
tr	1	" We need not starve , " he said .
tr	1	" There is fruit we can reach . "
tr	1	" Who 'd have thought to find a city here ?
tr	1	Could black people build a city like that ?
tr	1	She shrugged her shoulders and dropped down on the shelf .
tr	1	And they might not , if they could .
tr	1	The people of the Black Countries are generally hostile to strangers .
tr	1	The agitation of the leaves made the monster restless .
tr	1	She had also cut several strands of tough , thin vine .
tr	1	But we always fight by clans and tribes . "
tr	1	And it had its effect on the monster .
tr	1	Most horribly the monster 's silence was broken .
tr	1	Now she feels the bite of the poison .
tr	1	She 'll be blind in a few more minutes .
tr	1	" She 's making for the pool ! "
tr	1	And others of her kind may come at her cries .
tr	1	Somewhere beyond the forest the sun was sinking to the horizon .
tr	1	" Mitra , grant that the wind blow not ! "
tr	1	His face was a pallid oval in the gloom .
tr	1	Valerian bit his lip to check a cry .
tr	1	She could tear down any tree we 'd climb .
tr	1	Behind them the forest was a black impenetrable ocean of shadows .
tr	1	" There 's the plain ahead , " breathed Valerian .
tr	1	Out of the south a wind had sprung up .
tr	1	It blew over them directly into the black forest behind them .
tr	1	" It 's all we can do ! "
tr	1	Neither tearing tusks nor trampling feet had touched him .
tr	1	Not a leaf stirred , nor a bird chirped .
tr	1	But nothing disturbed the silence of the thickets .
tr	1	His buoyant self-confidence began to thaw out again .
tr	1	No use coming to their gates in the night .
tr	1	" Suppose a dragon comes out of the woods ? "
tr	1	She was staring at the city , a few miles away .
tr	1	Not a light shone from spire or tower .
tr	1	She did not reply nor look toward him .
tr	1	" You didn 't awake me , " he accused .
tr	1	" You let me sleep all night ! "
tr	1	" You were tired , " she answered .
tr	1	You pirates aren 't used to horseback . "
tr	1	My ears keep watch while my eyes sleep . "
tr	1	It 's food and drink to a desert woman .
tr	1	" Is there anything you haven 't done ? "
tr	1	inquired the boy , half in derision and half in fascination .
tr	1	" But I 've dreamed of being even that .
tr	1	He too hitched his sword belt as he rose .
tr	1	But look : once this plain was cultivated . "
tr	1	" It hasn 't been opened for years ! "
tr	1	Let 's go in and explore a bit . "
tr	1	The walls were of a shiny green material .
tr	1	" That 's what the people of Punt call them .
tr	1	They glow like a cat 's eyes in the dark .
tr	1	We might find a cache of jewels . "
tr	1	" Shut the door , " advised Valerian .
tr	1	" They undoubtedly left by another door , " suggested Valerian .
tr	1	I seem to see a door at the other end . "
tr	1	Each door merely opened into another chamber or hall .
tr	1	" Why don 't we come to a street ? "
tr	1	Maybe it became haunted , and everybody got up and left .
tr	1	Maybe -- " " Maybe , hell ! "
tr	1	" I never saw people exactly like them .
tr	1	he asked , masking his keen curiosity with derision .
tr	1	Let 's have a look through that door over there . "
tr	1	" You have a look , " advised Valerian .
tr	1	She was built with an economy that was almost repellent .
tr	1	The woman he had seen was still in the chamber .
tr	1	Her body was limp , her arms spread wide .
tr	1	He wondered why she should lie there so motionless .
tr	1	Her face was an ashy mask of fear .
tr	1	Valerian realized that it was not fear alone that paralyzed her .
tr	1	Valerian acted according to the first impulse of his wayward nature .
tr	1	He was amazed to realize that he understood her .
tr	1	It was but a woman beneath it , after all !
tr	1	" They are west of the Great Hall !
tr	1	They may be creeping upon us even now ! "
tr	1	" Whom do you mean by ' they ? ' "
tr	1	They who dwell by the eastern gate . "
tr	1	" You mean to say this city is inhabited ? "
tr	1	She was writhing in the impatience of apprehension .
tr	1	" The quarter by the western gate ! "
tr	1	To touch it causes madness and destruction . "
tr	1	It seemed to possess some sort of life of its own .
tr	1	Its jaws yawned at his and snapped together .
tr	1	Valerian shook himself like a lion shaking her mane .
tr	1	" But I can 't go , " he protested .
tr	1	He side-stepped a thrust , even as he parried a slash .
tr	1	His eyes danced and his lips smiled without mercy .
tr	1	She could not long keep up that flailing whirlwind .
tr	1	He had forgotten the wounded woman on the floor .
tr	1	Valerian wrenched and tore savagely , but in vain .
tr	1	He hurled the severed head across the room .
tr	1	" What the devil 's going on here ? "
tr	1	She was bleeding from the stab deep in the thigh .
tr	1	" What sort of place can this be ? "
tr	1	" I 've seen her kind before , though .
tr	1	" We must beware lest they be lying in wait ! "
tr	1	" How long have you dwelt here ? "
tr	1	I have never set foot outside the city .
tr	1	For the love of the gods , let us go silently !
tr	1	These halls may be full of lurking devils .
tr	1	" I heard steel clink against stone . "
tr	1	" Perhaps they are your friends , " suggested Valerian .
tr	1	" They may be lurking there , too .
tr	1	It may all be a trick to draw us into it .
tr	1	Neither made as much noise as a cat would have made .
tr	1	Suddenly they were galvanized by a sound behind them .
tr	1	Women had come into the corridor behind them .
tr	1	It rolled across the floor with an appalling clatter .
tr	1	And the sounds were not all those of human feet .
tr	1	" I told you the halls were full of them . "
tr	1	" Why don 't they open the door ? "
tr	1	" They are puzzled at the sight of you . "
tr	1	-- They will open , " she assured her allies .
tr	1	Then the closing door shut off the view .
tr	1	The door was made to stand the battering of a siege .
tr	1	" What about those fellows who were following us ?
tr	1	Won 't they try to storm that door ? "
tr	1	The woman on the ivory seat had not risen .
tr	1	" Are you telling us we 're prisoners ? "
tr	1	We would not restrain you against your will .
tr	1	Her eyes flickered to Valerian , and she lowered them quickly .
tr	1	" This man is Olmec , " she said .
tr	1	But let food and drink be brought our guests .
tr	1	But an invitation to eat and drink never found her backward .
tr	1	" I have read the books of our mothers .
tr	1	It was trying to gobble us up . "
tr	1	Their swords broke like twigs against their scales ! "
tr	1	" It was ancient when they first came into the land .
tr	1	" She promised to open the gates to the warriors .
tr	1	" These they enslaved and set to building a city .
tr	1	They could fight neither by sorcery nor the sword .
tr	1	The quarrel became a feud , the feud an open war .
tr	1	The central part of the city was left bare and uninhabited .
tr	1	When the feud began there were hundreds in each faction .
tr	1	In that long butchery a whole generation had perished .
tr	1	We have never set foot outside the walls .
tr	1	You are professional fighters -- why not fight for us ?
tr	1	" And will you help us destroy the dragons ? "
tr	1	" Besides , the roofs would be hard to clamber over .
tr	1	They are mostly spires and domes and steep ridges . "
tr	1	Do not fear ; naught can harm you here . "
tr	1	With the realization came anger and instant action .
tr	1	" What the devil were you doing bending over me ?
tr	1	" The blossom whose scent brings deep sleep .
tr	1	Valerian cast his from his to sprawl on the floor .
tr	1	The pirate glared at the prostrate figure with blazing eyes .
tr	1	Fear and revulsion of this weird city swept him .
tr	1	" Why did you try to drug me ? "
tr	1	" Do you fear someone will hear you ?
tr	1	" Well , are you going to talk ? "
tr	1	That must be the door that hed to the catacombs .
tr	1	Their attitude was casual , though habitually alert .
tr	1	" The strangers are strong allies , " said one .
tr	1	She spoke as a soldier in a war might have spoken .
tr	1	The captives we will burn and flay and quarter . "
tr	1	Will it not seem strange to have no foe to fight ?
tr	1	With the feud ended , what is left ? "
tr	1	Her thoughts had never gone beyond the destruction of their foes .
tr	1	Suddenly both women stiffened at a noise outside the door .
tr	1	she screamed , in a voice hardly human .
tr	1	His sword was like a living thing in his hand .
tr	1	Neither sex nor condition was considered by the maddened combatants .
tr	1	It was not a human cry of triumph .
tr	1	" You look like a butcher yourself , " he laughed .
tr	1	She shook a red shower from her hands .
tr	1	But that calf ought to be bandaged . "
tr	1	Oh , for a captive to flay alive !
tr	1	Yet it is good to look upon their dead faces .
tr	1	Twenty red nails for the black column ! "
tr	1	" Here , boy , let me see that leg . "
tr	1	The fire of fighting still burned brightly in his soul .
tr	1	" How do we know these are all of them ?
tr	1	These might have come on a raid of their own . "
tr	1	" The pipes of madness , " he said .
tr	1	" I 'll go if somebody will guide me . "
tr	1	" And you 're not going either , Valerian .
tr	1	In a little while that leg will be getting stiff . "
tr	1	They saw no one , heard no sound .
tr	1	But only their quick , hurried breathing disturbed the silence .
tr	1	" There is my brother 's head ! "
tr	1	" And there is my father 's younger brother !
tr	1	And there beyond them is my sister 's eldest son ! "
tr	1	She did not take her eyes from the heads .
tr	1	" Any word you want to send to your people ? "
tr	1	This whole affair had an aspect of lunacy .
tr	1	With the other she clawed and hitched herself along .
tr	1	She thought she had slain me , but I crawled away .
tr	1	They slew each other years ago , all save the strongest .
tr	1	For a dozen years there has been only one dragon .
tr	1	Rapidly she reckoned the numbers of her former allies .
tr	1	They had not yet begun to pale for dawn .
tr	1	But there was nothing else but to attempt it .
tr	1	Presently she was glaring through a doorway upon a weird scene .
tr	1	Her next move was to catch his in her giant arms .
tr	1	It availed his nothing against her brute strength .
tr	1	She seemed impervious to any pain he could inflict .
tr	1	For the first time in fifty years it is unguarded .
tr	1	We shall spend our lives in drinking and love-making .
tr	1	New experiences were flooding Valerian 's proud soul that night .
tr	1	The prince laughed and dashed the blood-stained strands into her face .
tr	1	Her mouth gaped , but no sound issued .
tr	1	Her fall jolted Valerian out of his paralysis .
tr	1	It would have stretched a woman senseless on the floor .
tr	1	I think it will be quite convenient now . "
tr	1	" She is only paralyzed temporarily , " he remarked conversationally .
tr	1	The cords that confined his were apparently unbreakable .
tr	1	He closed the door but did not bolt it .
tr	1	" You shall restore the youth of Olmec .
tr	1	She died , then -- some said by poison .
tr	1	Valerian 's tongue clove to the roof of his mouth .
tr	1	It was the burning , hypnotic , terrible eyes of Olmec .
tr	1	" What the devil are you doing on that thing ? "
tr	1	" Be careful , for Set 's sake ! "
tr	1	" Do you think I care what happens to you ?
tr	1	Words came in a rush from the captive 's ashy lips .
tr	1	Free me and I swear I will help you rescue Valerian .
tr	1	A knife thrown from behind will do the work .
tr	1	Now neither needs the other , and one must die .
tr	1	My people will obey me when Olmec is dead . "
tr	1	It ceased at a steep flight of steps leading downward .
tr	1	She pushed past the princess and started down the stair .
tr	1	The impact would have snapped the vertebrae of a lesser woman .
tr	1	But this did not affect her ferocity to any appreciable extent .
tr	1	There were fifteen people in that room besides herself .
tr	1	Between them he could neither rise nor move .
tr	1	Her hands clenched into iron hammers as she started for him .
tr	1	She stumbled and almost fell , checked in her headlong stride .
tr	1	Every door in this chamber is guarded by such traps .
tr	1	Her sword was on the stair behind her .
tr	1	His eyes burned like nothing on the hither side of hell .
tr	1	He paused beside the altar and spoke in the tense stillness .
tr	1	" Your life shall make me young , white man ! "
tr	1	The skin was not like that of a normal human .
tr	1	" No myth , then , no ghost !
tr	1	You have dwelt for twelve years in darkness !
tr	1	Twelve years among the bones of the dead !
tr	1	But why have you waited so long to strike ?
tr	1	Were you seeking something , in the pits ?
tr	1	Some secret weapon you knew was hidden there ?
tr	1	And have you found it at last ? "
tr	1	She was not mad , as a woman is amd .
tr	1	After all these years of blackness , you remember ! "
tr	1	he panted , and pressed a heavy knife into her hand .
tr	1	" I have no magic to withstand her ! "
tr	1	The men watched tensely , holding their breath .
tr	1	" It 's been a hell of a night !
tr	1	" You need a bandage on that leg . "
tr	1	" I can walk on it , " she assured him .
tr	1	It 's dawn , outside this infernal city .
tr	1	I don 't want any of their accursed jewels .
tr	1	" There 's nothing we can 't conquer .
tr	1	And then we 'll show the world what plundering means ! "
tr	1	Can they stop him before he completes a devastating ritual ?
tr	1	Ice monsters and an ancient , beautiful evil await .
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	Cover image : " Who Shall Be Captain ? "
tr	1	McGarvey 's burger joint was locked up tight .
tr	1	Only the bartender glanced up from his Us magazine and smiled .
tr	1	" How 's it hangin ' , Luke ? "
tr	1	The cop hung his slicker by the door .
tr	1	the cop asked while heading toward his usual place .
tr	1	He 'd secretly been looking forward to the wedding for months .
tr	1	Angelina still loves him , you know . "
tr	1	There was a brief burst of static before the answer came .
tr	1	Looks like ... " His words were lost in another crackle .
tr	1	Lucas tried hailing him a few more times before giving up .
tr	1	Course , he knew the storm wasn 't helping anything .
tr	1	He downed the last of his coffee before standing .
tr	1	We 'll see you boys on Monday . "
tr	1	Moments after he came to a stop , his radio squawked .
tr	1	Tomlinson stepped out of his cruiser as Lucas came screeching alongside .
tr	1	It took only another minute for the rest to go .
tr	1	" The Rump 's an island again , " he said .
tr	1	Upon hearing footsteps , his mother turned and smiled .
tr	1	Chris walked over and gave her a kiss .
tr	1	he asked , reaching his finger into the muffin batter .
tr	1	Though she smiled , Chris knew she was worried .
tr	1	Shielded from her view , Chris rolled his eyes .
tr	1	Chris spent as much time there as schoolwork and chores allowed .
tr	1	And where did he get his money from , anyway ?
tr	1	I think he 's just a thief and a gangster .
tr	1	There 's nothing ' great ' about him at all . "
tr	1	" Going for a walk , " he said .
tr	1	" Button up , " his mother said .
tr	1	" Can 't have you catching cold . "
tr	1	He picked up the clothes and opened the door .
tr	1	" And stay away from the water ! "
tr	1	Smiling , Chris patted it on the head .
tr	1	The dog had been coming around ever since .
tr	1	The trick never failed to make Chris smile .
tr	1	He guessed sunrise was about twenty minutes away .
tr	1	He especially liked spending it here at the beach .
tr	1	Chris picked it up and threw it again .
tr	1	His heart raced with excitement after hanging up the phone .
tr	1	Some of the young parents had brought their toddlers to gawk .
tr	1	Seeing Cobb , the ranger smiled at his approach .
tr	1	" You 're the first one I thought of . "
tr	1	" Oh , I know him all right .
tr	1	Tutor him in history on Tuesdays and Thursdays . "
tr	1	Catching Chris 's eye , he waved him over .
tr	1	" So you 're the famous discoverer ! "
tr	1	he said , clapping him on the back .
tr	1	But let 's take a closer look , shall we ? "
tr	1	After a thoughtful moment , he began to speak .
tr	1	" And obviously , most of it is still buried .
tr	1	Some in the crowd moved closer to listen .
tr	1	Cobb pointed toward the peg he had scraped and went on .
tr	1	He looked up and smiled , almost embarrassed .
tr	1	See these notches along the sides of the pegs ?
tr	1	" Care to give us a hand ? "
tr	1	He pointed toward the kids playing in the sand .
tr	1	Chris asked , peering over the professor 's shoulder .
tr	1	Cobb stroked his chin a moment before responding .
tr	1	" Could be any of a thousand , " he began .
tr	1	It wasn 't every day you stumbled across a shipwreck .
tr	1	" Is this sort of thing common ? "
tr	1	" It 's not as unusual as you might think .
tr	1	He 'd hate to see that happen to the Rump .
tr	1	" It 's gon na get worse , " Haskins shouted .
tr	1	" This is just day one , " he answered .
tr	1	After that will come the scientists and marine archeologists .
tr	1	Thing like this doesn 't happen every day . "
tr	1	Haskins asked Lucas to move the crowds back .
tr	1	He seemed to hesitate a moment to phrase his question correctly .
tr	1	Haskins glanced toward the wreck , snapping another picture before answering .
tr	1	" Most important thing right now is to keep it intact .
tr	1	" With the stretch out , patrols will be limited . "
tr	1	Lucas introduced him to the Park Service historian .
tr	1	" I 've read much of your work . "
tr	1	Cobb beamed before asking , " What 's next ? "
tr	1	Well , that was big news , of course .
tr	1	They were so much more predictable than people .
tr	1	his son had asked in a recent telephone conversation .
tr	1	became forever associated with both him and his store .
tr	1	He looked at his watch and did the math .
tr	1	He put that out of his mind while approaching the house .
tr	1	He added on another four before she passed .
tr	1	He 'd built the front of this house entirely of glass .
tr	1	she yelled excitedly after writing down another reservation .
tr	1	Misty Rowling and Bill Foley were there too .
tr	1	That was the extent of the accommodations on the Rump itself .
tr	1	The rest would have to find something on the mainland .
tr	1	The story got heavy play those first few days .
tr	1	After that came outlets from Boston and Providence and Maine .
tr	1	The cable news networks had all come too .
tr	1	Everywhere he went , people stopped to ask him about it .
tr	1	She had started clipping all the news stories that featured him .
tr	1	Sitting on his bed , he examined it closely .
tr	1	Then , he remembered something he 'd seen on TV .
tr	1	He crinkled his face in thought before speaking .
tr	1	" This isn 't done yet , is it ? "
tr	1	" You 're exactly right , my young friend ! "
tr	1	And if not an artist , then certainly a critic . "
tr	1	But he knew there was more to it than that .
tr	1	Or maybe it was more formal than that , Chris thought .
tr	1	Perhaps the Park Service had made him a liaison or something .
tr	1	An expensive looking microscope was off to one side .
tr	1	Chris guessed the numbers were a code of some sort .
tr	1	Another was a strangely curving tube labeled Stem .
tr	1	After Chris seemed to take it all in , Cobb spoke .
tr	1	" Now , see here , " he continued .
tr	1	Then he picked up the long , curving artifact labeled Stem .
tr	1	But you and I know it better as chicken .
tr	1	" Known to us as the Norwegian Rat . "
tr	1	But then , Chris couldn 't really blame him .
tr	1	But the other side of the hull was remarkably intact .
tr	1	echo across the sand to his hiding place above .
tr	1	The well-dressed man did most of the talking .
tr	1	They 'd row the last few hundred yards , Chris realized .
tr	1	But he also knew the cop 's rounds by heart .
tr	1	It had the shape of an expensive yacht of some sort .
tr	1	What he was about to do surprised even him .
tr	1	The metallic chunk was invisible in the darkness .
tr	1	Closing them quickly , he turned the glass over .
tr	1	The object landed on the bottom with a muffled clink .
tr	1	Smiling , Chris scratched behind its ear and got to work .
tr	1	After a nervous moment , it caught with a smoky hiss .
tr	1	He watched the fiery trail run slowly up the dune .
tr	1	Chris guessed he had about thirty seconds left .
tr	1	Moments later a piercing explosion lit the night sky .
tr	1	He reached into his bag and removed another .
tr	1	The air was redolent with the acrid smell of sulfur .
tr	1	More importantly , Chris saw the fireworks were doing their job .
tr	1	He turned on the flashlight , then flicked his lighter .
tr	1	Whatever it had been , it was gone now .
tr	1	But by then , Chris knew they had done their job .
tr	1	It took him another moment to realize it wasn 't him .
tr	1	His shouts and cackles were directed toward the fleeing men below .
tr	1	Ye 'll soon ta be gettin ' yers !
tr	1	Chris looked away to spare himself the view .
tr	1	" Hope I didn 't wake you ! "
tr	1	" No , no , " he said .
tr	1	Burning the midnight oil here as well . "
tr	1	" That 's reason number twenty-eight why I 've been successful .
tr	1	Course you already know that from reading my book .
tr	1	You have read my book , haven 't you ?
tr	1	And if you haven 't , you will .
tr	1	Required reading for every member of Decatur Heath Management .
tr	1	My lawyers tell me there 's some kind of holdup .
tr	1	Seth tried to get his foggy mind in gear .
tr	1	Seth had only skimmed it and hoped to do no more .
tr	1	Only buy companies with long track records and good management .
tr	1	So important , I made it number twenty-six in my book .
tr	1	Hell , I already make lamps and sofas and beds .
tr	1	Makes sense to buy the stores that sell ' em .
tr	1	And your stores in particular have lots of growth opportunity .
tr	1	Never had anyone turn down a billion dollars before .
tr	1	No , I 'm not , Seth thought .
tr	1	Probably twenty times if you included " other compensation . "
tr	1	Granted , those were public companies answerable to mere shareholders .
tr	1	Still , it was expensive for Seth to keep up appearances .
tr	1	But Seth couldn 't say no to either of them .
tr	1	Gives you til the end of the summer .
tr	1	After that , you 're on your own .
tr	1	Important to strike while the iron 's hot .
tr	1	What 's in my book , I mean .
tr	1	Seth 's mouth moved , but no sound came out .
tr	1	" Heh heh , " Pickett went on .
tr	1	And I think you 're smart , Sparky .
tr	1	Anyway , time to get back to work ! "
tr	1	He stayed up a long while after that thinking .
tr	1	But he had his lawyers working on it .
tr	1	He smiled to think he remembered that one .
tr	1	Services had become even more crowded since the bridge went out .
tr	1	But that was okay too , he supposed .
tr	1	It was just their way of trying to include everybody .
tr	1	He knew times were tough for him and his mother .
tr	1	It all added up to the same thing .
tr	1	It looked like his heart was no longer in it .
tr	1	The man then turned toward the dog and crouched down .
tr	1	At that same moment , a voice came from behind .
tr	1	" ' Twas quite a show you put on , laddie .
tr	1	I don ' mean ya no harm . "
tr	1	He decided to start with what seemed the most obvious .
tr	1	But all of that was at least a month away .
tr	1	But there are certain things I do remember .
tr	1	Wind an ' rain an ' heavy seas .
tr	1	Chris almost smiled to himself thinking , no shit Sherlock .
tr	1	But who was the guy , Chris wondered ?
tr	1	On the other hand , the guy didn 't seem dangerous .
tr	1	He just hoped that someday was other than today .
tr	1	" Come with me , " he said .
tr	1	He had a small nose and wide lips .
tr	1	His patchy beard was mostly red with streaks of black .
tr	1	From behind , he heard the man speak .
tr	1	Chris rolled his eyes and continued leading them toward their destination .
tr	1	It might also help keep away any late-night gawkers .
tr	1	He guessed the bin to be about half-full .
tr	1	" Look , " Chris said , motioning to the man .
tr	1	Chris watched the man 's face as he peered inside .
tr	1	His voice echoed around the metal box as he spoke .
tr	1	Must be new dyes comin ' in from the far east .
tr	1	Starting from the bottom , Chris worked his way up .
tr	1	" Well , me boy , " the man said proudly .
tr	1	I 'm much obliged fer yer kindness , " he said .
tr	1	But before his mouth closed , the man began to speak .
tr	1	The man paused to catch Chris 's eye before going on .
tr	1	Now , go home an ' get some rest .
tr	1	" An ' anyway , " the man continued .
tr	1	Get quit of me sea legs , as it were . "
tr	1	Like the rest of the congregants , his eyes were closed .
tr	1	But Chris had turned before the man completed it .
tr	1	" Now , now , " he began .
tr	1	It seemed like the whole town had come to services .
tr	1	After stepping into the parking lot , he loosened his tie .
tr	1	" Ya scurry faster than a hunted rabbit .
tr	1	In his other was a large cup filled with black coffee .
tr	1	Perhaps remembering his manners , he held the plate toward Chris .
tr	1	The man seemed to sense Chris 's unasked question .
tr	1	" Anyway , " the man went on .
tr	1	Chris turned away , embarrassed by the man 's effusive introduction .
tr	1	But mostly , he turned to see if anyone was watching .
tr	1	" Come with me , " he said .
tr	1	" You 're not going to believe it ! "
tr	1	After running inside to tell his mother , Chris followed .
tr	1	Cobb just shook his head and kept driving .
tr	1	Lucas and the ranger were beside the hole .
tr	1	It really had been one hell of a show .
tr	1	He looked away so as not to betray himself .
tr	1	Cobb asked , staggering a bit after looking into the hole .
tr	1	The cop was still going through the contents of the bags .
tr	1	" Hard to say , " he began .
tr	1	" Fireworks might indicate a party of some sort .
tr	1	Throw in teenagers and beer and maybe that fueled the vandalism .
tr	1	Or maybe it was a dare of some sort . "
tr	1	But we 'll check all the trash barrels before leaving . "
tr	1	We 'll get to the bottom of it . "
tr	1	When he was gone , Cobb turned to the ranger .
tr	1	" You said you had some news ? "
tr	1	" You were right , " Quinn began .
tr	1	Chris asked , raising his head to glance at the professor .
tr	1	But now ... " Cobb turned toward the wreck .
tr	1	Cobb 's excited voice distracted Chris a moment .
tr	1	" Has the carbon dating come back yet ? "
tr	1	After saluting Chris , he lowered himself down .
tr	1	" I agree , I agree , " Quinn said .
tr	1	" I suspect they 'll do exactly that . "
tr	1	But Cobb himself seemed satisfied with the outcome .
tr	1	After Lucas could no longer be seen , Chris spoke .
tr	1	It took Chris a moment to realize it was a question .
tr	1	" His name 's Professor Cobb , " Chris answered .
tr	1	" No , he 's not , " Chris said .
tr	1	" He just thinks it 's important , is all .
tr	1	But believe me , laddie , ' tis more than that .
tr	1	You can always tell by the look in their eyes .
tr	1	It was certainly true that Cobb was here every day .
tr	1	But Chris knew it was kind of his hobby .
tr	1	He had even written books on such things .
tr	1	He told himself he was happy to fade into the background .
tr	1	Anyway , he 'd have to think about that another time .
tr	1	" You go on home , boy , " he said .
tr	1	With that , Chris turned and began sliding down the dune .
tr	1	But the birds were having none of it .
tr	1	" They 'll figure it out , Clark ! "
tr	1	The sweating animal expert wasn 't giving up .
tr	1	Right and wrong get ... mixed up sometimes .
tr	1	His voice went soft on that last part .
tr	1	Chris heard a kind of sadness creep in .
tr	1	But Barney didn 't allow it to linger .
tr	1	It made his own head want to explode .
tr	1	He didn 't want to let Barney down .
tr	1	A short man , he wore round eyeglasses and ill-fitting suits .
tr	1	His pale mustache was almost invisible against his paler face .
tr	1	" A moment Barney ... " he said .
tr	1	Barney turned to Chris and smiled , then excused himself .
tr	1	It was as if he 'd lost interest in most everything .
tr	1	What are you going to do with it ?
tr	1	Chris thought about that and knew Barney was right .
tr	1	He 'd let himself be shunted to the side .
tr	1	For reminding him of that , Chris was grateful .
tr	1	" Thanks , Barney , " he said .
tr	1	" You just think about that , " he said .
tr	1	But Chris wasn 't here to talk about immigration .
tr	1	The authorities who were no doubt trying to track him down ?
tr	1	" Pretty cool , isn 't it ? "
tr	1	Chris asked , looking up from his open book test .
tr	1	I have no doubt they 'll take it .
tr	1	In fact , I 'm confident they 'll provide the funds .
tr	1	He got pensive for a moment before going on .
tr	1	I intend to sail with the Lady Grace . "
tr	1	" But enough about me and my silly dreams .
tr	1	Maybe have bamboo shoots stuck up his fingernails .
tr	1	And all appeared well down at the marina .
tr	1	Lucas couldn 't wait to see how things turned out .
tr	1	But all that would have to wait until Monday .
tr	1	But as he moved closer , they simply looked strange .
tr	1	He quickly turned around again and swerved back onto the road .
tr	1	The fifth was obviously the oldest of the bunch .
tr	1	She knew he was too polite to say anything .
tr	1	Not to mention her annoying habit of creeping up on him .
tr	1	But this year , her parents were going to China .
tr	1	She 'd be finishing school early and arriving next week .
tr	1	If nothing else , he was always polite .
tr	1	But he figured they were too ancient to be anything else .
tr	1	Like Vasa , the Mary Rose was a warship .
tr	1	The Mary Rose too was now in her own museum .
tr	1	It had come from the direction of the wreck .
tr	1	" Come with me , " he said .
tr	1	~ Chris turned to leave once they all came out .
tr	1	Before he went too far , a voice stopped him .
tr	1	The man opposite squinted his shifty eyes in disbelief .
tr	1	" Well ... thank ya anyway , son .
tr	1	An ' if I might give ya a word of advice ?
tr	1	Ya come across anyone a that name , stay far away .
tr	1	He figured that was kind of their thing anyway .
tr	1	The boy was also the only one whose name Chris asked .
tr	1	To a man , they all seemed to want that .
tr	1	he did answer that , saying they were around somewhere .
tr	1	It was hard enough to like the one you had .
tr	1	Chris walked the half-mile into town to Dr. Feldman 's office .
tr	1	" Help you find something son , " a voice said .
tr	1	Chris looked up to see a man behind the counter .
tr	1	His glasses hung from a string around his neck .
tr	1	The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up .
tr	1	After a moment , Chris found his voice .
tr	1	He finished talking before he realized it was happening .
tr	1	What the English called a ' piece of eight . '
tr	1	The irregular shape is because of the way they made it .
tr	1	He paused to see if Chris was keeping up .
tr	1	See that cross with the castles and the lions ?
tr	1	That was the family of the kings of Spain .
tr	1	Looking down , he answered , " From my grandfather .
tr	1	Your grandfather must have liked you a whole lot . "
tr	1	Chris nodded before truly understanding what the man had said .
tr	1	" Well ... it 's hard to say , really .
tr	1	And of course , a lot depends on condition .
tr	1	But , " the man said , pausing before going on .
tr	1	Chris 's eyes went wide at how much they were worth .
tr	1	Bet you wish you had three more ! "
tr	1	He thought about bolting , but figured that would be suspicious .
tr	1	On the other hand , he wasn 't prepared for that .
tr	1	Least that 's what my friends call me . "
tr	1	The man smiled cheerily and said , " Okay , then .
tr	1	They probably belonged to the National Park Service or ... somebody .
tr	1	Again , he put that out of his mind .
tr	1	And now , he finally knew what it meant .
tr	1	Moments later , another head appeared beside the dog 's .
tr	1	Chris raised his finger to his lips and shushed him .
tr	1	" I 'll be out in a minute . "
tr	1	Chris tiptoed upstairs , pleased to see the kitchen was empty .
tr	1	" Umm , sure , " Chris replied .
tr	1	" Come with me , " he said .
tr	1	Chris opened his bag and took out two sandwiches .
tr	1	The dog immediately came over and sat beside him .
tr	1	The dog leaped and snatched it , swallowing it in seconds .
tr	1	" Where have you been keeping yourself ? "
tr	1	Chris did , but decided to say nothing for the moment .
tr	1	Something in what he 'd said surprised Chris .
tr	1	Methinks young Sally behind the counter be sweet on me .
tr	1	" But like no painter I ever seen . "
tr	1	" What do they want you for ? "
tr	1	Alas , it wasn 't meant ta be . "
tr	1	He went quiet after that , staring out to sea .
tr	1	After another few moments , he went on .
tr	1	An ' I canna say I blame them .
tr	1	" About the professor , " Chris went on .
tr	1	" So what are you going to do about it ? "
tr	1	" About your ship , I mean ? "
tr	1	They 'll put me on trial and hang me .
tr	1	But either way , laddie , I end up hung .
tr	1	An ' I canna say I don ' deserve it . "
tr	1	" They don 't hang people anymore , " he said .
tr	1	Turning , he looked back out to sea .
tr	1	But I be workin ' on that too .
tr	1	" These be fer yer time an ' yer trouble . "
tr	1	Chris stared at them and shook his head .
tr	1	" I can 't take them , " he said .
tr	1	An ' a paltry sum it is fer yer kindness .
tr	1	Anyway , there be plenty more where they came from . "
tr	1	Smiling , he said , " Help you with something ? "
tr	1	" Just wondering if this old thing has any value . "
tr	1	Tie 's probably too tight , he thought .
tr	1	" Now , now , " the coin dealer said .
tr	1	" Just making a joke , is all .
tr	1	He took off his jacket and laid it by his side .
tr	1	He could have covered it up as simple curiosity .
tr	1	Earle looked thoughtful for a moment before he answered .
tr	1	" Had a busy day the other day .
tr	1	You know , first day of the barge and all .
tr	1	Lucas picked up the coins and put them in his pocket .
tr	1	And you keep your eyes open too , okay ? "
tr	1	After Earle nodded , Lucas set aside his menu .
tr	1	" Don 't ever do that again , " he shouted .
tr	1	He realized immediately it had come out a whiny squeal .
tr	1	" It 's good to see you , " she said .
tr	1	" And again , I 'm sorry about that .
tr	1	" It 's all right , " he answered grudgingly .
tr	1	And even he had to admit , not that shabby .
tr	1	He set that thought aside and sat down himself .
tr	1	" You look good , " she said .
tr	1	He waved off the compliment , but she went on anyway .
tr	1	I mean , we were both kids back then .
tr	1	But ... you were a little chunky , remember . "
tr	1	Looking down , he realized there was one sandwich left .
tr	1	She looked at the thing as if it were poison .
tr	1	No , thank you , " she answered .
tr	1	The USDA has an allowable amount of feces in your food !
tr	1	In answer to her question , he took a big bite .
tr	1	" I 'm telling you , " she went on .
tr	1	Well , I 've got all summer to convince you .
tr	1	Chris looked at her getup and just shrugged .
tr	1	" It 's hemp , " she said .
tr	1	Which should be legal , by the way .
tr	1	Did you know this country was built on hemp ?
tr	1	" That 's the way most people feel .
tr	1	But we 've got to stop people from just ... shrugging !
tr	1	" Hey , how long were you back there ? "
tr	1	" I just got here , " she answered .
tr	1	he asked , not sure he wanted to hear the answer .
tr	1	I followed you around for a whole summer , remember ?
tr	1	Did you know I used to have a crush on you ?
tr	1	I wanted to marry you and everything . "
tr	1	He had to admit it was a nice one .
tr	1	" Hey , we were kids , " she said .
tr	1	And by the way , you 're teeth look really good .
tr	1	" Got a couple of guests coming this afternoon . "
tr	1	~ But Chris didn 't go home straight away .
tr	1	The town was awakening from its slumber , Chris thought .
tr	1	Now , nobody could get anywhere near the thing .
tr	1	Much of the lower hull was still intact .
tr	1	Most all of the hull on the starboard side .
tr	1	He 'd realized earlier with certainty that somebody was .
tr	1	Seeing who it was , Chris stood up .
tr	1	The boy started , then raised his head to look up .
tr	1	Probably still has his sea legs , Chris thought .
tr	1	Crawling up the boy 's legs , he straddled his chest .
tr	1	I 'm not gon na hit you , " he said .
tr	1	" Just wan na talk , is all .
tr	1	He figured he had gauged the boy 's age about right .
tr	1	Chris waited for him to raise his head and look up .
tr	1	" Don 't worry , " Chris replied .
tr	1	I just wan na ask a few questions . "
tr	1	" What do you want to know ? "
tr	1	Said he was familiar with the New England shore .
tr	1	Chris nodded , remembering his reading from the web .
tr	1	But him bein ' the captain , nobody questioned it .
tr	1	" Well ... mutiny is what other folks 'd call it .
tr	1	It was almost like ... " Billy paused a moment .
tr	1	The boy 's eyes reflected his search for the right words .
tr	1	The two went quiet for a while after that .
tr	1	" What did you think about all this ? "
tr	1	An ' powder boy be about the lowest station there is .
tr	1	" How did you end up here ? "
tr	1	" The crew wanted to hang the old captain .
tr	1	Said he had at least earned the right to be heard .
tr	1	Knocked me on my bottom , it did .
tr	1	An ' then ... " The boy 's eyes glazed over .
tr	1	" That 's alright , " he said gently .
tr	1	" Were you following me this morning ? "
tr	1	We been following you for three days . "
tr	1	" I said enough , " he replied .
tr	1	He seemed to mull it over before answering .
tr	1	" Suppose there 's no harm in tellin ' ya now .
tr	1	He looked away before saying his next words .
tr	1	Marcus tore his eyes away from something and looked up .
tr	1	Chris glanced down and saw what Marcus had been staring at .
tr	1	After untangling herself , she said , " Chris ?
tr	1	It was a look Chris was getting used to .
tr	1	He sprinted down the short hallway and threw open the door .
tr	1	He was surprised to see so many of them .
tr	1	To Chris , their outfits now looked less ridiculous somehow .
tr	1	He had turned around when Chris entered the room .
tr	1	Its other was tied around the captain 's neck .
tr	1	He turned again and raised his leg with relish .
tr	1	He was going out on his own terms .
tr	1	Chris closed his eyes , unable to bring himself to watch .
tr	1	That same moment , Chris felt two bumps from behind .
tr	1	Only then did Chris realize it was Billy who had spoken .
tr	1	But the looks on their faces had changed .
tr	1	She seemed a little confused , but undaunted .
tr	1	Her bold move hushed the men for a moment .
tr	1	Chris turned and saw Sarah gazing around the room .
tr	1	All except Sykes , that is , who continued his leer .
tr	1	Chris almost smiled to see Sykes leg was still uplifted .
tr	1	Thing must be getting awfully tired , he thought .
tr	1	Sykes asked with venom , staring him down .
tr	1	So it surprised him to see Sykes smile .
tr	1	Not an angry smile , but a sincere one .
tr	1	" Well then , me boy , " Sykes began .
tr	1	A grumble of agreement rose and fell from the assembled crew .
tr	1	Chris saw a muscle in Sykes ' leg move .
tr	1	" I mean ... point of order ! "
tr	1	Even Sykes turned to throw a malevolent glare his way .
tr	1	Staring straight at Sykes , Chris went ahead anyway .
tr	1	Still , it seemed to hit a nerve .
tr	1	He watched the men slowly turn to each other .
tr	1	Captain 's in total command when in pursuit of a prize .
tr	1	" We weren ' after a prize , boy .
tr	1	The assembled crew all turned to stare at the captain .
tr	1	Tell them what prize you were after on that trip .
tr	1	The captain 's silence lingered for what seemed like forever .
tr	1	" It 's all lies , " he said .
tr	1	An ' I fer one wish to hear it . "
tr	1	Chris closed his eyes and let out a long breath .
tr	1	He thought for a moment he might faint from the tension .
tr	1	Moments later , he felt soft breath near his ear .
tr	1	When their eyes met , she went on .
tr	1	One of those audience participation murder mystery things . "
tr	1	" These guys are supposed to be pirates , right ? "
tr	1	Chris smiled , and after a moment , he answered .
tr	1	It was my plan that we take her . "
tr	1	Chris glanced around and saw disbelief on the men 's faces .
tr	1	Fletcher again consulted the man seated beside him .
tr	1	" Exactly why , Mister Fletcher , I told nobody .
tr	1	Fletcher nodded his acknowledgment of the captain 's apology .
tr	1	" Doesn 't matter , " Chris interjected quickly .
tr	1	" Looks to me like it 's a wash . "
tr	1	" It 's LIES I 'm tellin ' ya ! "
tr	1	There ain 't an ounce of truth in it ! "
tr	1	Not far from here , in fact . "
tr	1	Looking up , he glanced around the room before concluding .
tr	1	Chris had yet to figure that one out .
tr	1	He had his arms crossed and his eyes closed .
tr	1	" By the way , you did really good !
tr	1	I 'm surprised there aren 't more people , though .
tr	1	But I guess that 's another sign of the times .
tr	1	Anyway , it looked like the deliberations were almost over .
tr	1	Or , she might have been looking at Billy .
tr	1	They stood and clapped each other on the back .
tr	1	Another shouted cry came up from the assembly .
tr	1	He wasn 't at all sure how he felt about that .
tr	1	~ It had already been a long day .
tr	1	All the rooms but one were filled this evening .
tr	1	And that was the point of the fence , he knew .
tr	1	In the right hands , they would make someone a fortune .
tr	1	All of those quotes were from the same person .
tr	1	Chris jumped at the voice in his ear .
tr	1	Felt sure ya detected me presence by now . "
tr	1	Chris rolled his eyes , but couldn 't help smiling .
tr	1	He supposed he had been lost in thought .
tr	1	It was the captain 's turn to smile .
tr	1	He waited for a reaction but got none .
tr	1	He come down here with three other men .
tr	1	I canna help but overhear them talkin ' . "
tr	1	Chris remained silent , knowing the rest would come .
tr	1	" He plans on takin ' me ship .
tr	1	Don ' know quite how he 's gon na do it .
tr	1	Or maybe put the whole thing on a huge beastie .
tr	1	But he plans on takin ' me ship . "
tr	1	The captain stopped walking and stared straight at Chris .
tr	1	" An ' I canna let that happen , boy .
tr	1	You know I canna let that happen . "
tr	1	Chris tore his eyes away and looked down .
tr	1	" Pretty thing , isn 't it ? "
tr	1	he asked , before putting it in his pocket .
tr	1	Chris nodded and the two started walking again .
tr	1	But that don ' make ' em any less real .
tr	1	After thinking about it for a moment , Chris nodded .
tr	1	But I will say this : It be me own fault .
tr	1	But still ... " The captain went quiet .
tr	1	She even foresaw me bein ' cast in irons .
tr	1	An ' yet ... here we are . "
tr	1	" Here you are , " he said .
tr	1	The captain blanched , but after a moment nodded his head .
tr	1	The captain stopped too , looking back to stare with curiosity .
tr	1	Chris was thinking about what the captain had just said .
tr	1	He knew there was something to those words .
tr	1	And then it came to him : Chaos .
tr	1	" What ye be thinkin ' about laddie ? "
tr	1	After a moment , Chris felt his stomach settle and stood .
tr	1	When the captain caught his eye , he looked away guiltily .
tr	1	Only one or two umbrellas still dotted the landscape .
tr	1	" I already told ye ... " he began .
tr	1	Chris looked away , thinking about it another moment .
tr	1	" I think I know somebody who might help .
tr	1	There 's somebody I want you to meet . "
tr	1	I mean , can we trust him ? "
tr	1	" Just trying to make myself useful . "
tr	1	After all , it was found on public property .
tr	1	He couldn 't blame himself for feeling proprietary toward it .
tr	1	But oh , he thought , if they only knew !
tr	1	He 'd already put two and two together .
tr	1	After that , the skies opened and the rains came .
tr	1	It was , after all , their ship .
tr	1	Chris nodded and made his way toward the stairs .
tr	1	Then again , he suspected the Pamela ran mostly silent anyway .
tr	1	Happy to do anything I can to help . "
tr	1	He soon turned away to let him have his privacy .
tr	1	Then , one day , they were gone .
tr	1	~ The third man on the beach felt different .
tr	1	He had remained curiously silent during the ranger 's explanation .
tr	1	The ranger figured it best they see for themselves .
tr	1	" Got ta go write up a report on this .
tr	1	But I expect we 'll see her again . "
tr	1	Annie 's Variety has just about the best in town . "
tr	1	She was waiting for him to lose it .
tr	1	To his credit , he was getting better at it .
tr	1	Maybe that adult gene was finally kicking in , he thought .
tr	1	He had his nose turned up like he smelled something bad .
tr	1	To the untrained eye , they fit right in .
tr	1	All men who made no money from the tourist trade .
tr	1	He chalked it up to that adult gene again .
tr	1	He also caught a glimpse of Arthur Cobb .
tr	1	" You know what I mean , " Chris said .
tr	1	" You can 't stay here , " he said .
tr	1	He waited to ensure the captain understood what he meant .
tr	1	After it became obvious that he did , he went on .
tr	1	After the prayer , the minister made the weekly announcements .
tr	1	Sunday school would end for the summer the following week .
tr	1	Even better , maybe she 'd like to go with him .
tr	1	" For the giraffes , " Chris answered , smiling .
tr	1	" It 's just not right , " she said .
tr	1	But wild animals should remain in the wild . "
tr	1	" Their social groups are called harems , " he began .
tr	1	Do you see the differences between them ? "
tr	1	" Look closely at their stripes , " Chris said .
tr	1	That 's how they tell each other apart .
tr	1	" Now , about those giraffes he 's getting .
tr	1	The ones you think should stay in the wild ?
tr	1	They 're going to be West African giraffes .
tr	1	But the truth is , their territory has shrunk to nothing .
tr	1	They 're still being hunted for fur and meat .
tr	1	He keeps a couple of zoologists on staff too .
tr	1	He 's just trying to do good . "
tr	1	" Typical , " Sarah said , then watched Chris smile .
tr	1	You seem to know a lot about them . "
tr	1	That 's about it , " Chris answered .
tr	1	They were in commercials together all the time .
tr	1	Come on , let me show you his digs .
tr	1	He 's got the nicest apartment on the Rump . "
tr	1	Sarah was aghast to see the chimp chain smoking cigarettes .
tr	1	It 's gon na be cool , is all . "
tr	1	" So , when is it supposed to happen ?
tr	1	" It 's a Sunday , the day before Labor Day .
tr	1	But he could think of no other way .
tr	1	The lawyer dutifully and silently made note of it .
tr	1	Chris began reciting what he 'd learned from his research .
tr	1	With the moon in shadow , the comet would be spectacular .
tr	1	Chris took a moment before saying it out loud .
tr	1	" We have to rebuild her , " he said .
tr	1	" I don 't know , " Chris said honestly .
tr	1	He stopped to look each man in the eye before finishing .
tr	1	Chris looked first at Fletcher , then at Woolsey .
tr	1	" ' Tis a mere three months , laddie .
tr	1	" Yes , it can , " Chris insisted calmly .
tr	1	Boston used to make those things by the ... boatload . "
tr	1	Barney said , " That 's not a problem .
tr	1	" We 've imposed on yer hospitality quite enough .
tr	1	" He won 't have to , " Chris said softly .
tr	1	But with those two , you could never tell .
tr	1	A quick whistle from the bartender made them turn their heads .
tr	1	When they all saw the time , they scattered .
tr	1	Another took a seat at the far end .
tr	1	Four men took a table in the corner .
tr	1	Only the bartender glanced up from his People magazine and smiled .
tr	1	" What 's the word today , Luke ? "
tr	1	Clue was , ' Beside each other ' . "
tr	1	the cop asked the man to his right .
tr	1	" Went out this morning , " Clem Johnson answered .
tr	1	Setting down his cup , he glanced around the bar again .
tr	1	I think it might be Blake 's . "
tr	1	" His love for her was pure . "
tr	1	Marcus waved his hand dismissively and turned back to the TV .
tr	1	There was a cane hanging from his leg .
tr	1	He turned to Marcus for a little help .
tr	1	He be the only man who truly loves her . "
tr	1	~ Chris descended the stairway from Dale Duesenberg 's studio .
tr	1	Today , Dale had him working on drip paintings .
tr	1	" That 's the point , my boy .
tr	1	The end of school was just days away .
tr	1	" My , my , laddie , " he said .
tr	1	The two began walking together , the dog scampering along behind .
tr	1	An ' I got me a crew with the same problem .
tr	1	He didn 't know quite how he knew it .
tr	1	First , there was that business of the vandalism .
tr	1	But that was crazy too , wasn 't it ?
tr	1	Americans were obsessed with just ... leaving things alone .
tr	1	These things happened all the time , he had said .
tr	1	He hadn 't believed a word of it .
tr	1	While speaking , he realized he 'd been gritting his teeth .
tr	1	For he was certain that that was exactly what had happened .
tr	1	There were others who had made the crossing earlier .
tr	1	Similarly attired , they waited anxiously on the other side .
tr	1	The smarter of these men arranged phone calls to each other .
tr	1	One or two had difficulty lying to their wives .
tr	1	They simply said they 'd found some work .
tr	1	Their wives eyed them suspiciously , fearing the worst .
tr	1	Their husbands simply shushed them and told them not to worry .
tr	1	It was all on the up and up .
tr	1	In fact , they 'd already been paid some .
tr	1	The old man was healthy as a horse .
tr	1	Anyway , the guy couldn 't live forever , could he ?
tr	1	But while reading , his heart rate quickened .
tr	1	You just never know what fate has in store for you .
tr	1	Chapter Twelve ~ Lucas and the rookie Tomlinson got the call .
tr	1	Once inside , they began to loot and pillage selectively .
tr	1	The cutlery section was almost a total loss .
tr	1	His body language suggested he couldn 't believe his eyes .
tr	1	" You know , " he went on .
tr	1	" Swords and foils and sheaths and stuff like that .
tr	1	You 'd be surprised what big sellers those things are .
tr	1	Folks like to hang them in the house as decoration .
tr	1	They 're also big in Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactments .
tr	1	" Hey , you know what they look like ? "
tr	1	The manager had already gone back to looking at the video .
tr	1	But moments later , he just couldn 't help himself .
tr	1	He just shook his head and returned to his scrubbing .
tr	1	The truth was , he still couldn 't quite believe it .
tr	1	So he looked at her and said it again .
tr	1	" You 're going with Billy Grey ? "
tr	1	she yelled , before asking where he was going .
tr	1	They 're showing some movie tomorrow night on the green .
tr	1	The two talked a while and seemed to hit it off .
tr	1	The two had taken walks on the beach .
tr	1	He 'd been away at sea ever since .
tr	1	But she thought he was dreamy and exciting .
tr	1	By itself , Arthur knew it didn 't mean anything .
tr	1	The men had taken brass fittings and spikes and fasteners .
tr	1	It was almost as brazen as his own scheme .
tr	1	Of course , that didn 't make any sense either .
tr	1	Maybe the man still bore him a grudge .
tr	1	He felt sure he could smoke out whoever it was .
tr	1	Don 't want my own hygiene to derail the plan .
tr	1	The phone rang four times before a terse voice said hello .
tr	1	" Hello , is this Brad Cullen ? "
tr	1	After the man answered in the affirmative , Arthur went on .
tr	1	It does seem to have washed away again .
tr	1	The sea giveth and the sea taketh , right ?
tr	1	It had , after all , been his idea .
tr	1	On screen , a pirate ship sailed through a brutal storm .
tr	1	Chris turned away , embarrassed by it as usual .
tr	1	He saw Sarah on a blanket to his right .
tr	1	Chris turned and headed for Sarah 's blanket .
tr	1	" Hey , " she said , smiling .
tr	1	" Neither have I , " he said .
tr	1	Neither have I. " Sarah still looked puzzled about something .
tr	1	She took a moment to compose her question .
tr	1	" What did they mean by all that ? "
tr	1	Chris simply shrugged and turned to glance at the crew .
tr	1	All of them appeared to be having fun .
tr	1	In answer to Sarah , he turned and shrugged again .
tr	1	" Who ever knows what they 're up to ? "
tr	1	No , he was certain now that 's what was happening .
tr	1	He needed to do something to raise his profile .
tr	1	Nothing he could really put his finger on , mind you .
tr	1	Might be he was just being paranoid , but even so .
tr	1	He needed to do something to change his fortunes .
tr	1	Restaurants and galleries were packed with diners and shoppers .
tr	1	The beaches were filled with sunbathers and swimmers .
tr	1	Even his family 's inn was booked solid most every night .
tr	1	Bill Foley and Misty Rowling spent lots of time there too .
tr	1	Still , he wouldn 't have missed it for the world .
tr	1	" Hey , yourself , " Chris answered .
tr	1	he asked , motioning to the food vendors .
tr	1	" Nah , I 'm good , " she answered .
tr	1	Down the street , they heard the brass band tuning up .
tr	1	Talked to him after church last Sunday , though .
tr	1	Says he 's real busy with something . "
tr	1	Chris nodded , knowing full well what Billy was busy with .
tr	1	A crash of cymbals signaled the parade was underway .
tr	1	Folks along the route cheered as sirens began to blare .
tr	1	He began to hear cheering and whistles from down the street .
tr	1	Its palm tree masts were festooned with purple lilacs .
tr	1	The billowing sails were made of sheets of green sod .
tr	1	And the captain was the best dressed of all .
tr	1	When he stood up again , Chris couldn 't help himself .
tr	1	He picked up the phone after the first ring .
tr	1	It wasn 't something the always assured Pickett normally did .
tr	1	" Just surprised Barney went along , is all .
tr	1	But he has shunned all my more than reasonable offers .
tr	1	Tell me , how did he vote ? "
tr	1	" Sorry to hear that , son . "
tr	1	Pickett answered , a clear note of annoyance in his voice .
tr	1	Seth felt beads of sweat break out on his forehead .
tr	1	God , it was going to be a long year .
tr	1	" It 's in my book , son .
tr	1	An executive has to keep his mind sharp at all times .
tr	1	Nothing was going to dampen his happiness on this day .
tr	1	" Perhaps now , we 'll never know .
tr	1	Cobb laughed aloud after reading the last line .
tr	1	It would be his first visit to Barney 's in weeks .
tr	1	There were three things he wanted to see .
tr	1	" The shorter one 's the cow , " Chris answered .
tr	1	But one day , someone noticed they hardly ever did that .
tr	1	" So what do they think now ? "
tr	1	Chris was embarrassed to answer , but figured what the hell .
tr	1	" Now , they think it might be sexual .
tr	1	" Kinky , " Sarah said , smiling .
tr	1	I haven 't even seen it myself yet .
tr	1	It was Chris 's turn to swat her on the arm .
tr	1	Then again , with him , anything was possible .
tr	1	" Sounds like they 're building something , " Sarah said .
tr	1	" You have no idea , " he replied .
tr	1	Chris didn 't know quite where to begin .
tr	1	" Remember that ship I found in the sand ? "
tr	1	" The one I told you about ? "
tr	1	He guessed that was the idea , anyway .
tr	1	Chris recognized it was the African pirate named John .
tr	1	Turning to Sarah , he saw her eyes were wide .
tr	1	" She 's called the Lady Grace , " Chris said .
tr	1	Barney is ... well , he 's bankrolling the rebuilding .
tr	1	But like I said , it 's real secret .
tr	1	They began making their way across the gangway toward the ship .
tr	1	A man standing nearby waited for the basket .
tr	1	When it was filled , he ran off with it .
tr	1	" He 's making the nails , " he said .
tr	1	Beyond that sat women at long tables running sewing machines .
tr	1	It seemed like more than half the town was here .
tr	1	Upon seeing Chris , Bill winked and smiled .
tr	1	Moments later , they heard a shout from above .
tr	1	Just then , they heard another shout from above .
tr	1	This one had an edge of cruelty in it .
tr	1	Chris recognized the voice by the time he looked up .
tr	1	Don 't want to get in the way . "
tr	1	The man took one glance at them before he spoke .
tr	1	But he wasn 't yet ready to show his hand .
tr	1	Lucas knew that , but tried not to let it show .
tr	1	" In fact , " the coin dealer went on .
tr	1	First , it was Susan B. Anthony , then Sacagawea .
tr	1	Now , they 've got that presidents series .
tr	1	Got a James K. Polk recently handed to me as change .
tr	1	Instead , he reached into his pocket for his notepad .
tr	1	I remember because he was only a kid .
tr	1	But he said he got the coin from his grandfather . "
tr	1	" Said it was ... William ... no .
tr	1	Lucas wrote down the name and closed his notebook .
tr	1	Don 't you wan na know more about the coin ? "
tr	1	Being passed off as dollars on the Rump .
tr	1	Hell , maybe grandpa was in on it too .
tr	1	He needed an ironclad case before he brought it to anyone .
tr	1	Boy , would he keep his ear to the ground .
tr	1	Most of all , there was the bell .
tr	1	But he would do what he could anyway .
tr	1	Turning around , he saw it was Sarah .
tr	1	I used to follow you around all the time . "
tr	1	After she sat beside him , he reached into his bag .
tr	1	She smiled and went back to her sandwich .
tr	1	Living on the Rump , isolated like this .
tr	1	It 's just ... usually I do most of the talking .
tr	1	Just want you to know I 'm curious , is all .
tr	1	And I 'd listen if you want to talk . "
tr	1	The last line made Chris turn his head .
tr	1	" I can listen , you know , " she said .
tr	1	" I mean , I am capable of it . "
tr	1	It 's just the cards I 've been dealt .
tr	1	But lem me see , your first question was ... ? "
tr	1	" Living on the Rump , " she said .
tr	1	I mean , it 's a really small town .
tr	1	But there 's a flip side to that too .
tr	1	Did you know before it was Unitarian it was Catholic ?
tr	1	It 's kind of cool , stuff like that .
tr	1	When she nodded and smiled , he went on .
tr	1	But it was like she was driven to do it .
tr	1	" Now , home schooling , " he said .
tr	1	Turning to Sarah , he saw she was smiling .
tr	1	Might be the best part of living here .
tr	1	Plus , the tutors I have are awesome .
tr	1	I like it just fine over here . "
tr	1	Sometimes , I forget what he looks like .
tr	1	Because I forget what my father looked like .
tr	1	Funny thing though , I still remember his voice .
tr	1	Not that there was anything special about it .
tr	1	That 's another thing I 'll never forget .
tr	1	And I remember he used to call me buddy .
tr	1	He went quiet a while before going on .
tr	1	He turned away quickly when he saw her eyes were damp .
tr	1	" Didn 't mean for that to happen .
tr	1	But you did ask , and I answered . "
tr	1	He gave her a moment before looking at her again .
tr	1	When she looked where he was pointing , he went on .
tr	1	" Your boyfriend got some sand in an uncomfortable place . "
tr	1	Others he didn 't know did the same .
tr	1	The rest of the crew were scattered here and there .
tr	1	Funny though , Chris couldn 't see the outcast Sykes anywhere .
tr	1	One after another they fell away from the ship .
tr	1	Teams of other men came to hurriedly roll them away .
tr	1	But a strange thing happened when the final beam fell .
tr	1	Others had already begun squeezing their clothes or shaking their caps .
tr	1	Smiling , he turned to Sarah and pointed .
tr	1	" They wouldn 't do that , " he thought .
tr	1	" They ... just wouldn 't do that . "
tr	1	Slowly , he turned his head left and right .
tr	1	Perhaps this was even a blessing in disguise .
tr	1	But he said them anyway before shooing her out the door .
tr	1	The menu alone made Seth 's mouth water .
tr	1	Reading it somehow always made him feel better .
tr	1	~ " Anyone know anything about this ? "
tr	1	Lucas asked , studying every face for clues .
tr	1	But Lucas knew that could be caused by just about anything .
tr	1	Worry about work or where their next paycheck was coming from .
tr	1	That is , he supposed , unless the price was right .
tr	1	On the left , he recognized the young Duggan kid .
tr	1	At least the Duggan kid met his eye .
tr	1	Almost as if he knew something the others didn 't .
tr	1	They just didn 't have it in them .
tr	1	And it wasn 't an act of vandalism .
tr	1	He was certain that in time , he would .
tr	1	I need to speak to the minister . "
tr	1	Poor man , he was taking it very hard .
tr	1	" You notice anything else unusual going on around here ? "
tr	1	There was always something unusual going on around here .
tr	1	That was part of the Rump 's charm , he supposed .
tr	1	There was that little matter of the offering , though .
tr	1	But then , he knew times were tough .
tr	1	Really , though , he couldn 't blame them .
tr	1	~ Unofficially anyway , summer was coming to a close .
tr	1	If that bothered her , she was too polite to complain .
tr	1	she asked smiling , before going under again .
tr	1	He waited for her to come up before answering .
tr	1	" You don 't understand , " he said smiling .
tr	1	" It 's different for guys , is all .
tr	1	After a brief water war , a truce was called .
tr	1	He just shrugged after Sarah commented positively on his spiral .
tr	1	Before long , Chris felt Sarah 's hand in his .
tr	1	" We got ta go , " she said .
tr	1	Crowds were gathered at the shops closest to the beach .
tr	1	He motioned Sarah to take a peek as well .
tr	1	From behind , Chris heard a motorcycle start up .
tr	1	Moments later , he felt a tug on his arm .
tr	1	He clutched tightly to the giant 's waist .
tr	1	He watched her from behind for a while before remembering .
tr	1	When the captain saw him , he smiled .
tr	1	Sure 'n ye know we miss you . "
tr	1	Chris smiled and apologized , saying he 'd been busy .
tr	1	Smiling , Chris asked about the ship 's progress .
tr	1	" Jes say what ye hafta say , laddie .
tr	1	The phrase left his lips before he even realized it .
tr	1	" What have ye got there , laddie .
tr	1	" First , you got ta promise . "
tr	1	But still , he 'd made Chris a promise .
tr	1	Anyway , Chris had done all he could .
tr	1	After filling the bowl , he smoked in silence .
tr	1	" How 'd ya know I was lyin ' ? "
tr	1	When Chris glanced up at him , he went on .
tr	1	Ye said I was lyin ' , and you were right .
tr	1	Chris had to think a moment before he answered .
tr	1	But Billy said you weren 't even at the helm .
tr	1	He said Sykes had already taken control and you were below .
tr	1	" It 's my turn to ask you something . "
tr	1	" Can ' keep anything from you laddie , can I ?
tr	1	Truth is , I was acquainted with certain people in Boston .
tr	1	People high up , if ya know what I mean .
tr	1	Silly now , lookin ' back on it .
tr	1	But it was the only thing I could do . "
tr	1	Chris told him where he could find them .
tr	1	There was no need for larger vessels for this haul .
tr	1	Len smiled but kept his eye on the water ahead .
tr	1	Len kept his eyes on the water when he answered .
tr	1	~ Late Friday night , Sarah stopped by the inn .
tr	1	Its rocky tail came to an obvious cone at the end .
tr	1	" It 's beautiful , isn 't it ? "
tr	1	He figured now was as good a time as any .
tr	1	" The pirates are leaving Sunday night , " he said .
tr	1	" I don 't think you do , " he said .
tr	1	She squeezed his hand tighter than was necessary .
tr	1	" I 'm not stupid , you know .
tr	1	Anyway , I figured it out a while ago . "
tr	1	Chris was surprised , but only for a moment .
tr	1	She squeezed his hand and let his words speak for themselves .
tr	1	I wouldn 't dream of going without you . "
tr	1	He smiled again before they lapsed into a comfortable silence .
tr	1	He ran through the list again and could find nothing .
tr	1	Before he could , he felt another , and then another .
tr	1	He pressed himself deeper into his soft mattress .
tr	1	The sharp ends of the swords followed him down .
tr	1	" You , " one of them said .
tr	1	But this was not what he 'd expected .
tr	1	" Now , I made a promise not ta kill ya .
tr	1	But I made no promise I wouldn ' hurt ya .
tr	1	With that , the knife beneath his ear pressed forward .
tr	1	" An ' so , I 'll ask again .
tr	1	" Back room , " Arthur choked out .
tr	1	Arthur didn 't hear any of them leave the room .
tr	1	Looking up , they both stopped in their tracks .
tr	1	No time to dwell on that now , he thought .
tr	1	he said to Sarah , grabbing her hand .
tr	1	At the end of the rope was a shiny bell .
tr	1	The two of them caught each other 's eye and smiled .
tr	1	" Anyway , young lad an ' lassie .
tr	1	Windows on either side let in plenty of light .
tr	1	He caught Sarah smiling as if she already knew .
tr	1	" Hang yer ass out an let fly ! "
tr	1	The captain must have seen Chris eying them .
tr	1	Unfortunately , ye can 't have everything . "
tr	1	Chris stayed quiet during that part of the conversation .
tr	1	Confused for a moment , Chris scampered after him .
tr	1	But something was wrong , and he wasn 't sure what .
tr	1	There was a many days growth of beard on his face .
tr	1	" Jes a spot a hygiene , is all .
tr	1	That 's how I know where ye live . "
tr	1	Jes be glad they ain 't kidnapped ya . "
tr	1	" Those men , " the man went on .
tr	1	" They plan on leavin ' this place soon .
tr	1	~ " You can 't be serious , " Chris said .
tr	1	" But ... but ... " Chris stammered .
tr	1	Surely , Chris could fit into some of Billy 's clothes .
tr	1	Then again , he knew , so did the captain .
tr	1	" Now ye be lookin ' like a pirate .
tr	1	Chris was still stewing as the captain glanced skyward .
tr	1	The entire board of Zimmerman Furniture had come .
tr	1	Maybe then they 'd think twice about any drastic changes .
tr	1	Elegant soirees such as this were a thing of the past .
tr	1	Nothing at all could detract from this wonderful day .
tr	1	Suppressing his sigh , he glanced at his watch .
tr	1	Only a few more minutes until the contract signing ceremony .
tr	1	~ Sunlight poured through the open boathouse door .
tr	1	Welders had worked all morning to remove the potential obstruction .
tr	1	From outside the boathouse came the sound of outboard motors .
tr	1	He smiled moments later to realize the boathouse was staying put .
tr	1	It was the Lady Grace that was moving .
tr	1	Whatever happened , he knew he was in good hands .
tr	1	It began to feel as if they were flying .
tr	1	" I 'm not sure , " Chris began .
tr	1	To see how she shakes out and whatnot . "
tr	1	Probably just a trick of the sea , he thought .
tr	1	His ears were back and his tail wagged ferociously .
tr	1	Maybe some things are just universal , he thought .
tr	1	Before today was over , they 'd all be rich too .
tr	1	His hands were stuffed down the front of his unbuckled pants .
tr	1	His chin rested against his chest as if he were napping .
tr	1	Seth still marveled at the fact he 'd come alone .
tr	1	It would only be wasted on these people .
tr	1	Some thought she even picked up speed the closer she came .
tr	1	After peering through them , the captain smiled .
tr	1	One look from the captain put a stop to all that .
tr	1	" No , sir , " the first mate answered .
tr	1	It was Chris who had done all the changing .
tr	1	But the captain appeared to have no doubts at all .
tr	1	Their captain looked down at the elegant and well-dressed Barney .
tr	1	Barney climbed the stairs while his lawyer trailed behind .
tr	1	Seth had even caught him glancing at his watch .
tr	1	He 'd left all that to the lawyers .
tr	1	" Hey , Seth , " Barney said dryly .
tr	1	Glad to see it ain 't so . "
tr	1	Another round of applause and some scattered whistles broke out .
tr	1	His father had been slipping off the deep end for years .
tr	1	" Yes , Seth , " Barney said .
tr	1	Barney stepped behind the table and sat down to rousing applause .
tr	1	" You know it is , Barney , " Pickett said .
tr	1	" Wouldn 't have it any other way .
tr	1	Setting that contract aside , he picked up the next .
tr	1	" We usually do , " Calvin replied .
tr	1	But we 've got plenty of time to fix that . "
tr	1	Barney set aside the sixth pen and raised the seventh .
tr	1	" You see , " Barney went on .
tr	1	" The Zimmerman family stock is all quite restricted .
tr	1	Certainly , our family will have a very good payday today .
tr	1	The lawyers put that in place years ago .
tr	1	So yes , we 're very rich indeed .
tr	1	Barney signed his name to the seventh contract and went on .
tr	1	" Only every day , " Pickett answered .
tr	1	Barney signed the last contract and lay the pen down .
tr	1	Let Seth record those pearls of wisdom as they come !
tr	1	Might even end up with more rules ! "
tr	1	Seth was certain at that moment some pee had escaped .
tr	1	Barney smiled and leaned back in his chair .
tr	1	His world turned black as Pickett went on .
tr	1	" I have only two questions , Sparky .
tr	1	In fact , that 's one of my new rules .
tr	1	Barney peered over the table at his now prone son .
tr	1	" Bet it was the salmon , " he said .
tr	1	He smiled as he approached Sarah and Chris .
tr	1	he asked , kind enough not to mention Chris 's getup .
tr	1	" Well , son , " he said .
tr	1	His eyes were far away while he scanned the horizon .
tr	1	Barney went on , pulling him from his thoughts .
tr	1	he asked eagerly , sounding like a little boy .
tr	1	Chris smiled for only a moment before his face went serious .
tr	1	" I 'm not really sure , " he answered .
tr	1	Chris smiled again to see pirate democracy in action .
tr	1	" Goes both ways , Captain , " he said .
tr	1	The two said goodbye to all their pirate friends .
tr	1	They were laughing at him , of course .
tr	1	He 'd have done the same in their shoes .
tr	1	So with nothing else to do , he smiled .
tr	1	The three of them captured the ropes and tied them off .
tr	1	Officer Lucas was there , though that was no surprise .
tr	1	Indeed , the smirk hadn 't left his face .
tr	1	Chris still hadn 't figured out that one yet .
tr	1	Chris shuddered to think that maybe he just liked it here .
tr	1	Chris heard a familiar voice come from behind .
tr	1	He had no idea what was going on either .
tr	1	" Sir , " the state police captain began .
tr	1	" Perhaps you haven 't heard properly , " Cobb said .
tr	1	Though his eyes narrowed , Haskins nodded again .
tr	1	Haskins froze , finally understanding where this was all going .
tr	1	" And what conveyance brought you here ? "
tr	1	Isn 't that so , Officer Lucas ? "
tr	1	" That 's true , " he answered .
tr	1	" Word games is all that is , " he said .
tr	1	And we have lawyers too , you know . "
tr	1	She whispered , " What 's going on ? "
tr	1	While Chris had been thinking those things , his mind drifted .
tr	1	" The question on the floor , " Barney said .
tr	1	It 's the law of the sea , my boy .
tr	1	Been that way a long , long time .
tr	1	" ' Tis the honest truth , I swear !
tr	1	At least ... that was me story . "
tr	1	He paused to let the crew 's laughter pass before continuing .
tr	1	I 'd prefer it if you all leave .
tr	1	" Everybody off this boat , " he ordered .
tr	1	His booted men began shuffling across the deck toward the ladder .
tr	1	But right now , he had no way to prove it .
tr	1	That the men were dressed like pirates was circumstantial .
tr	1	After returning the nod , the captain began to speak .
tr	1	It was a bag of some sort , and heavy .
tr	1	" Not sure what the joke is , " he said .
tr	1	" But you can keep your funny money .
tr	1	But did I hear you say something about leaving ? "
tr	1	" And you 're not coming back , right ? "
tr	1	" You 're not doing your job ! "
tr	1	" It 's well past time , " he said .
tr	1	Chris went thoughtful for a while before he spoke .
tr	1	" I have no idea , " he said .
tr	1	He watched Sarah seem to hesitate before she spoke .
tr	1	She took a moment to pose her question .
tr	1	" Well ... isn 't it going to change everything ? "
tr	1	" I wouldn 't worry about that , " he said .
tr	1	It simply wasn 't possible to go back in time .
tr	1	" I don 't know , " he said .
tr	1	" Another dimension ... a parallel universe ... maybe a wormhole .
tr	1	They heard soft footsteps approach through the mist .
tr	1	Chris thought it might be Barney coming to join them .
tr	1	He came over and joined them on the rail .
tr	1	She was about fifty yards away now , sailing true .
tr	1	The lawyer 's glance answered Chris 's question anyway .
tr	1	" I know , " he answered quietly .
tr	1	A hand reached up and began rubbing his back .
tr	1	" He 's made arrangements for you , " he began .
tr	1	Barney has big plans for it , all well laid out .
tr	1	Ultimately , the directorship if you want it .
tr	1	He always watched you around the animals , you know .
tr	1	" What was Cobb 's beef with Barney anyway ? "
tr	1	" Cobb was on the zoning board years ago .
tr	1	Until they came to an accommodation , that is . "
tr	1	Chris asked , almost not wanting to know .
tr	1	" Cobb 's books , " Dawkins answered .
tr	1	Sarah returned his smile and pulled her hand away .
tr	1	Chris saw him raise his hand and begin waving it .
tr	1	Reaching out , Chris caught the surprisingly heavy thing .
tr	1	Cobb had continued his nattering throughout their voyage .
tr	1	But that didn 't look like it was happening anytime soon .
tr	1	After all , what harm had been done ?
tr	1	He took one last glance at the -- Panamanian ?
tr	1	But in his sleep , Chris smiled to hear it .
tr	1	Even a few sentences can make all the difference .
tr	1	And please take a moment to explore my other offerings .
tr	1	Once again and most sincerely , thanks for reading .
tr	1	Don 't you believe it ... Meet Jill .
tr	1	Turns out her day was almost as bad as his .
tr	1	Who was the blonde English chef berating his cooking skills ?
tr	1	Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author .
tr	1	Acknowledgments To all my friends who helped make this possible .
tr	1	PART ONE : DEATH Prologue My name is Lucas Soul .
tr	1	It also cleansed away the blood beneath my body .
tr	1	I turned and stared at the tower behind me .
tr	1	I was not sure what I was expecting to see .
tr	1	Bar the heavenly deluge , the skyline was fortunately empty .
tr	1	Steam rapidly fogged up the glass wall before me .
tr	1	There was a soft click after the fifth ring .
tr	1	' Yo , ' said a tired voice .
tr	1	A barely suppressed yawn travelled down the line .
tr	1	' I need a ride , ' I replied .
tr	1	' Get in , ' said the figure behind the wheel .
tr	1	I opened the door and climbed into the passenger seat .
tr	1	There was a disgruntled mutter from my left .
tr	1	I , on the other hand , had been neither .
tr	1	He grunted indistinct words and struck a match .
tr	1	' That 's going to kill you one day . '
tr	1	' He wasn 't happy to see me . '
tr	1	' How unhappy are we talking here ? '
tr	1	I would say he was pretty unhappy . '
tr	1	' That 's not good , ' said Reid finally .
tr	1	Thanks for asking , ' I said wryly .
tr	1	A month without angel cakes was making us twitchy .
tr	1	' This makes it what , your fourteenth death ? '
tr	1	So , two more to go , ' he murmured .
tr	1	The car had stopped before a set of red lights .
tr	1	' Did you do something to piss him off ? '
tr	1	There was a trace of suspicion in his tone .
tr	1	' You mean , he 's one of you ? '
tr	1	They are the only races of immortals on Earth .
tr	1	The greater part of those who survived had become infertile .
tr	1	We were happy and I never wanted for anything .
tr	1	It was another decade before the Hunters finally tracked us down .
tr	1	We can only survive up to sixteen deaths .
tr	1	I watched them kill my mother seventeen times .
tr	1	I did , in fact , suffer my very first death .
tr	1	Each one apparently took away a piece of our soul .
tr	1	Thus , Death as an ultimate end was unavoidable .
tr	1	And then the crows come for most of us .
tr	1	' So , the meeting was a trap ? '
tr	1	His voice jolted me back to the present .
tr	1	The car had pulled up in front of my apartment block .
tr	1	Rain pounded the roof of the Monte Carlo .
tr	1	Unpleasant memories rose to the surface of my mind .
tr	1	' Will he try to kill you again ? '
tr	1	' What are you gon na do ? '
tr	1	Sunlight streamed into the room between the curtains opposite my bed .
tr	1	The sky beyond was a vivid cerulean blue .
tr	1	' The address Haus gave you was a dead end .
tr	1	' How do you wan na play this ? '
tr	1	Reid nodded at old acquaintances while we waited for our orders .
tr	1	' Hunters normally work as a pack . '
tr	1	' And how do you intend to kill him ? '
tr	1	' You 're a first class shot . '
tr	1	' Where do you propose I keep it ?
tr	1	' Unfortunately , violence likes you , ' said Reid doggedly .
tr	1	' Oh , and let 's not forget Rudy . '
tr	1	Things started to go wrong when the Feds got involved .
tr	1	' Lots of things in your life are flukes . '
tr	1	He returned within minutes and settled in the driver 's seat .
tr	1	' Haus is still inside , ' he said briskly .
tr	1	' Doorman said he arrived two days ago .
tr	1	I had wondered briefly that morning which side he belonged to .
tr	1	' That 's the man who murdered me . '
tr	1	Reid manoeuvred the Chevrolet into peak time traffic .
tr	1	Twenty minutes later , we had barely moved two blocks .
tr	1	We drove through a series of increasingly rundown neighbourhoods .
tr	1	The cab pulled to a stop next to an abandoned warehouse .
tr	1	Haus stepped out and stood watching as the car drew away .
tr	1	We glanced at each other and slowly exited the car .
tr	1	' I thought you said he had a sword . '
tr	1	He frowned and took the Glock out of his holster .
tr	1	Reid looked at me with a puzzled frown .
tr	1	I asked him the same question last night .
tr	1	' It doesn 't sound like healthy laughter to me . '
tr	1	' I know what you mean , ' said Reid .
tr	1	' It kinda reminds me of that Jack Nicholson movie . '
tr	1	" ' One Flew Over the Cuckoo 's Nest ? " '
tr	1	' No , " The Shining " , ' said Reid .
tr	1	' Come out , come out , wherever you are ! '
tr	1	Just for that , he deserves a bullet . '
tr	1	The inside of the warehouse was unusually warm .
tr	1	The air was fetid and smelled of death .
tr	1	It was a short climb to the roof .
tr	1	It brought with it a range of smells .
tr	1	The rank odour of oil from a nearby refinery .
tr	1	The chemical stink of the tannery half a mile away .
tr	1	' He 's a smart bastard , ' grunted my partner .
tr	1	' I 'm pretty sure it 's the latter . '
tr	1	Neither Order forbade their Hunters from playing with their prey .
tr	1	Without warning , a section of the roof collapsed beneath us .
tr	1	In hindsight , it had been a pretty obvious trap .
tr	1	The deafening noise of the semi-automatic filled the confined space .
tr	1	I darted across the room , deadly shards erupting around me .
tr	1	It was two hours before I got back to the apartment .
tr	1	Night had long since fallen across the city .
tr	1	I touched an ordinary looking section of the cool white stone .
tr	1	No one knew that I owned the apartment complex .
tr	1	My gaze was finally drawn to the center of the panel .
tr	1	Light flooded the large subterranean space before me .
tr	1	The basement was off limits to the other tenants .
tr	1	The idea was so ridiculous I discarded it straight away .
tr	1	He probably thought it was poetic justice or something .
tr	1	The alley behind the tower was blessedly empty .
tr	1	I raised my head cautiously above the concrete parapet .
tr	1	I caught a glimpse of a bulletproof vest beneath it .
tr	1	The giant was a much taller and wider version of Haus .
tr	1	Muscles bulged across his shoulders and rippled under his tailored trousers .
tr	1	After all , he is a half-breed . '
tr	1	The Hunter paused , his expression hardening beneath his pale skin .
tr	1	' Finish him , Abel , ' he said coldly .
tr	1	I muttered wryly as I rose to my feet .
tr	1	I moved the katana once and stepped back smoothly .
tr	1	He fell backwards slowly and hit the ground hard .
tr	1	The gun and the sword clattered out of his grip .
tr	1	~ * * * ~ I gasped and opened my eyes .
tr	1	Chapter Three The downpour continued into the next day .
tr	1	Somehow , I suspected it was the former .
tr	1	We were in our office in Mission Hill .
tr	1	I decided to take this as a compliment .
tr	1	The woman 's face had filled with doubt at his words .
tr	1	Bar some bird droppings , the car had remained miraculously untouched .
tr	1	I heard Reid press the button on the answer phone .
tr	1	The last message was from several days ago .
tr	1	' I particularly want to meet with Mr Soul .
tr	1	' Any chance Haus knew him from way back then ? '
tr	1	he said finally , his gaze steady on my face .
tr	1	' Mikael disliked the Hunters as much as I do . '
tr	1	' So , what are you saying ? '
tr	1	I turned from the window and stared blindly at the wall .
tr	1	' I think he might still be alive . '
tr	1	It was the only logical conclusion I could reach .
tr	1	I could not , however , fathom the why .
tr	1	It was not long before we became firm friends .
tr	1	We drifted apart ten years later , as friends sometimes do .
tr	1	Then , one night ten years ago , everything changed .
tr	1	Though I searched for weeks , I never found his body .
tr	1	' And the cops never found out who did it ? '
tr	1	' Was it to get to you ? '
tr	1	' I don 't know , ' I replied carefully .
tr	1	He shrugged into his coat and headed for the door .
tr	1	' You 're giving me the cat ? '
tr	1	Reid paused and gestured at his wounded leg .
tr	1	' You just don 't like cats , do you ? '
tr	1	Golden Leaf was a retirement complex built in the early 1970s .
tr	1	' I do hope nothing bad has happened to him . '
tr	1	I glanced at the shelves and sideboards in the front room .
tr	1	The colour had faded in most of them .
tr	1	' Would you like something to drink ? '
tr	1	' This is a recent picture of him . '
tr	1	The shot had been taken in the courtyard below .
tr	1	I frowned faintly ; I suspected that my partner was grinning .
tr	1	' Come get me when you 're done . '
tr	1	I crossed the street and entered the shadows beneath the trees .
tr	1	I explored the open spaces first before heading for the woods .
tr	1	I heard the first inquisitive meow after several minutes .
tr	1	I paused at an intersection and glanced over my shoulder .
tr	1	There was not one silver tabby among them .
tr	1	Behind me , the strays followed the scent of catnip .
tr	1	I paused beneath the ladder and gazed at the cat .
tr	1	It stared at me with unblinking , round , golden eyes .
tr	1	' Here , kitty , ' I said self-consciously .
tr	1	I retrieved the catnip from my pocket and waved it again .
tr	1	The cat rose on its legs and watched me warily .
tr	1	The ring of my cell phone shattered the fragile balance .
tr	1	' As good as always , I see .
tr	1	I suddenly became aware of how terribly exposed I was .
tr	1	I shifted and studied the dim passage beneath me .
tr	1	I looked up and stared at the opposite building .
tr	1	The entire structure had a deserted air about it .
tr	1	' You might as well get to the point .
tr	1	His words crackled with static from my movements .
tr	1	' And what exactly did Haus say ? '
tr	1	The strays had scattered and were rapidly disappearing down the alleyway .
tr	1	I grabbed the startled cat and jumped back onto the landing .
tr	1	Heat bloomed on the back of my hand .
tr	1	For a second I thought I had been shot .
tr	1	I gripped him tightly and dodged a further spray of bullets .
tr	1	I rolled , climbed to my feet and started to run .
tr	1	I grabbed the cell and glanced at the display .
tr	1	' Outside the client 's building , ' he replied .
tr	1	And why do you sound so breathless ? '
tr	1	' Get to the north entrance of the park .
tr	1	A narrow , gloomy stairwell opened up beneath me .
tr	1	I turned and started swiftly down the steps .
tr	1	A man entered the building in a flood of daylight .
tr	1	I emerged in a narrow passage between two buildings .
tr	1	A squeal of tires shattered the relative silence behind me .
tr	1	I shouted , waving wildly with my free hand .
tr	1	A dull thud erupted from the rear of the vehicle .
tr	1	I yelled , glancing at the side mirror .
tr	1	' They 'll aim for the tires ! '
tr	1	Reid pulled away sharply and floored the accelerator .
tr	1	' What the hell 's going on ? '
tr	1	I nodded and pulled myself up on the seat .
tr	1	Reid had inherited an old police radio scanner with the car .
tr	1	It had proven useful on many of our previous investigations .
tr	1	Have responded to the disturbance at Golden Leaf .
tr	1	Suspect is on foot and may be armed . '
tr	1	Will dispatch EMT and notify Patrol and Operations . '
tr	1	The inside could have been any other station in the city .
tr	1	Despite these flagrant discrepancies , they made a good team .
tr	1	said Meyer , frowning at the notepad in his hand .
tr	1	' I wanted to ask them about the cat . '
tr	1	Pratt 's gaze shifted to the furry bundle on my lap .
tr	1	' Is that the feline in question ? '
tr	1	' What 'd you do after that ? '
tr	1	' The catnip helped , ' I volunteered .
tr	1	' That 's correct , ' I answered truthfully .
tr	1	' Does this kind of thing happen to you often ? '
tr	1	I pretended ignorance and gazed at him steadily .
tr	1	' Do you have a gun , Mr Soul ? '
tr	1	' That 'll be all for today , Mr Soul .
tr	1	We 'll be in touch again in the next few days .
tr	1	Make sure you 're available for questioning . '
tr	1	Reid was waiting in the reception on the ground floor .
tr	1	Reid finally asked once we were inside the car .
tr	1	' He told me not to leave the city . '
tr	1	The beam from the Chevy 's headlights washed across the asphalt .
tr	1	' What are you intending to do with that ? '
tr	1	I guess it 's staying put for the time being . '
tr	1	A resigned look dawned on my partner 's face .
tr	1	' I don 't know the answer to that either . '
tr	1	Deep down , I suspected I knew the reason why .
tr	1	And if I was right , things would only get worse .
tr	1	I didn 't exactly get time to ask them questions . '
tr	1	' Maybe they 're under new management . '
tr	1	' That 's a helluva lot of don 't knows . '
tr	1	I sighed , the smile leaving my lips .
tr	1	I stared out of the window , stalling for time .
tr	1	Traffic was unusually light for the time of day .
tr	1	' I 'm going to New York , ' I murmured .
tr	1	A low rumble of approval erupted from its belly .
tr	1	The fire was on the east side dock yards .
tr	1	His voice sounded strangely detached even to my own ears .
tr	1	' I 'm coming with you , ' he grunted .
tr	1	' This will get ugly , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' Price can wait , ' Reid retorted dismissively .
tr	1	' And a new set of wheels . '
tr	1	' What 's wrong with the Chevy ? '
tr	1	' How many of them are there ? '
tr	1	he said with a healthy dose of skepticism .
tr	1	I leaned against the head rest and closed my eyes .
tr	1	He unlocked the heavy-duty military padlocks and flipped the lid open .
tr	1	The cat sauntered across the floor to investigate .
tr	1	I stared at the contents of the crate .
tr	1	' Leave those , ' I said firmly .
tr	1	' I thought you said we needed weapons . '
tr	1	His hand hovered over the small arsenal inside .
tr	1	' Do you hold a license for the guns ? '
tr	1	' Just in case , ' I added with a shrug .
tr	1	We took the lift to the tenth floor .
tr	1	Reid finally rose to his feet and joined me .
tr	1	' How long have you had these ? '
tr	1	' These are the codes for my accounts .
tr	1	' I 've already given Bergman and Sacks your details . '
tr	1	' Why are you telling me this ? '
tr	1	The flame caught the edge of the paper .
tr	1	He dropped the burning ashes in the fireplace .
tr	1	' You never really needed the job , did you ? '
tr	1	' Life as an immortal would be tedious without one . '
tr	1	' This is quite a collection , ' he said dully .
tr	1	I pressed the remote control button on the key ring .
tr	1	' I called her when we were at your place . '
tr	1	Little Isabelle opened the door at the sound of the bell .
tr	1	She paused and inspected the silver tabby closely .
tr	1	' This is for taking care of him . '
tr	1	' Not anymore than usual , ' I said drily .
tr	1	She returned seconds later with a large cake tin .
tr	1	And take care of yo 's elves . '
tr	1	Reid was strangely silent on the way back to the SUV .
tr	1	' This is a lotta cake , ' he stated dully .
tr	1	I smiled , glanced at the side mirrors and stiffened .
tr	1	The doorman eyed us coolly when we walked up to him .
tr	1	We moved past him and headed down a dimly-lit spiral staircase .
tr	1	He finished polishing a wine glass and turned around slowly .
tr	1	' We 're not to be disturbed under any circumstances .
tr	1	Reid and I stepped behind the bar and followed .
tr	1	Carpeted stairs led up to the three-storey townhouse above the club .
tr	1	He held a hand out to the former US Marine .
tr	1	Reid glanced from the bubbles in the flute to the bottle .
tr	1	' This looks expensive , ' he stated warily .
tr	1	' It is , ' said a voice from the doorway .
tr	1	It was the woman in the red cocktail dress .
tr	1	' Pierre and I own the club . '
tr	1	' Lucas speaks very highly of you . '
tr	1	' Yes , ' I said , carefully avoiding her eyes .
tr	1	She turned to Reid with a sympathetic grimace .
tr	1	Solange burst out laughing , the sound clear and musical .
tr	1	' You 're immortals , aren 't you ? '
tr	1	' Yes , we are , ' she replied quietly .
tr	1	' Does that mean you knew Olsson ? '
tr	1	The older man paused and looked at us quizzically .
tr	1	' Have you heard anything unusual recently ? '
tr	1	' The Second Council is the Assembly , ' Solange continued .
tr	1	said Solange softly while we waited for his return .
tr	1	I placed the empty champagne glass on the tray .
tr	1	I stared at a name and an address .
tr	1	But you might find something useful at his place . '
tr	1	It 's been so long since we last saw you . '
tr	1	Solange crossed the room and stopped in front of me .
tr	1	I leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek .
tr	1	A sad smile flitted across Solange 's face .
tr	1	' Straight into the lions ' den , huh ? '
tr	1	He stiffened and studied the rear view mirror .
tr	1	' Why , we being tailed again ? '
tr	1	Even more puzzling was how Olsson fitted into any of it .
tr	1	I put the Cruiser into gear and followed .
tr	1	There were no visible nameplates or signs outside it .
tr	1	' Well , we won 't get anywhere just sitting here .
tr	1	' Who do we know in town ? '
tr	1	He popped a white tablet in his mouth and winced .
tr	1	You didn 't exactly give me a lot of notice . '
tr	1	' This guy is as clean as a whistle .
tr	1	His lips were parted in a cold , artificial smile .
tr	1	' The company was first registered in DC in nineteen seventy .
tr	1	Reid whistled softly under his breath while he studied the printouts .
tr	1	' Hey , I 'm just quoting all this stuff .
tr	1	I stared at the blueprints on the table .
tr	1	' He had the place renovated five years ago .
tr	1	These will do for now , ' I said .
tr	1	' Forget I asked , ' he muttered .
tr	1	There was a pause at the end of the line .
tr	1	You 've got forty-eight hours until I call it in . '
tr	1	' So , what 's our next move ? '
tr	1	It took us eight minutes to disable it .
tr	1	I closed the blinds and switched the lights on .
tr	1	Reid set about investigating the contents of the bookcases and cabinets .
tr	1	I turned my attention to the computer on the desk .
tr	1	he muttered , watching my fingers fly across the keyboard .
tr	1	' Not really , ' I said drily .
tr	1	Reid had dislodged one of the paintings from the wall .
tr	1	' Do you think he 'll notice ? '
tr	1	he said , setting it back on its hooks .
tr	1	' It 's worth about half a million dollars . '
tr	1	I rose from the desk and joined him .
tr	1	' It 's a high security composite safe . '
tr	1	I crouched and ran my fingers over the cold metal door .
tr	1	I looked up into Reid 's blank stare .
tr	1	' I worry about you , ' he said dully .
tr	1	' Luckily , it has an electronic combination lock . '
tr	1	' Somehow that doesn 't make me feel any better . '
tr	1	' Help me bring the computer over . '
tr	1	Fifteen minutes later , I opened the safe door .
tr	1	' This the person they 're after ? '
tr	1	I reached for the swords at my waist .
tr	1	The blades shuddered in my hands , blocking round after round .
tr	1	Behind me , Reid fired the Glock repeatedly .
tr	1	' You owe me for this , ' Reid muttered darkly .
tr	1	He disappeared into the night a second later .
tr	1	I turned to face the men who crowded inside the room .
tr	1	The rest of the immortals glanced at each other warily .
tr	1	My feet unconsciously shifted into the basic starting stance of kendo .
tr	1	' Gentlemen , ' I murmured with a brief nod .
tr	1	The next sixty seconds were a blur of light and shadows .
tr	1	A bullet missed my head by an inch .
tr	1	Throughout it all , I breathed deeply and steadily .
tr	1	They stared at me curiously while I climbed into the SUV .
tr	1	' It 's only a flesh wound . '
tr	1	I clenched my fingers distractedly , feeling strangely numb .
tr	1	' I 'll live , ' said Reid gruffly .
tr	1	Reid finally muttered while he negotiated the evening traffic .
tr	1	' Tell me it wasn 't you guys ? '
tr	1	Voices and music echoed faintly in the background behind him .
tr	1	' I 've been listening to the scanner .
tr	1	' No doubt they 'll call us in . '
tr	1	' And we might as well tell you now .
tr	1	Lights were still on in the electrical store .
tr	1	We left the Cruiser and walked to the house .
tr	1	I glanced at the toys that littered the passageway .
tr	1	' For my sins , ' grumbled the old man .
tr	1	' They all useless , the lot of them .
tr	1	Only one who make money is Qin Lee . '
tr	1	The frames around his eyes glinted under a spotlight .
tr	1	The latter glanced at us hesitantly , nodded once and left .
tr	1	' I already have a passport , ' he said .
tr	1	' You need new ones , ' I replied .
tr	1	The young man pursed his lips and studied me curiously .
tr	1	' Money 's not an issue , ' I said briskly .
tr	1	' When can you have the documents ready ? '
tr	1	' Day after tomorrow , at the earliest . '
tr	1	' Like I said , money isn 't an issue . '
tr	1	I glanced at him and started the engine .
tr	1	' What do you want to know ? '
tr	1	' It 's the only clue we 've got . '
tr	1	Look , we need to get to Paris .
tr	1	... No , commercial flights are out of the question .
tr	1	' Yes , we are , ' I replied .
tr	1	' I 'm Jim , your pilot . '
tr	1	And where did Olsson feature in all of this ?
tr	1	' He said he would arrange transportation for you . '
tr	1	We unloaded our bags and bade the pilot goodbye .
tr	1	French hip-hop music blasted loudly out of its open windows .
tr	1	He threw the car keys across to me .
tr	1	The rap lyrics faded slowly in the distance .
tr	1	It had been a while since I drove the old antique .
tr	1	' Nice , ' said Reid , staring ahead .
tr	1	Surprise elevated the pitch of the man 's voice .
tr	1	Moments later , the doors to the building slammed open .
tr	1	What 's it been , ten , twelve years ? '
tr	1	' I see you still have the old car . '
tr	1	Gustav 's eyes glinted when he spotted the roadster .
tr	1	' So , what brings you to Paris ? '
tr	1	he said once we were inside his apartment .
tr	1	He sat down in a large , padded armchair .
tr	1	' Sorry , that was a stupid question .
tr	1	' You 've known my uncle for long ? '
tr	1	' Yes , ' I replied in a carefully neutral tone .
tr	1	' What do you do for a living ? '
tr	1	The French detective 's gaze never wavered from my face .
tr	1	' Why don 't you tell me more ?
tr	1	They would like to keep this as low-key as possible . '
tr	1	He paused in the doorway and studied us carefully .
tr	1	' Thank you , ' I murmured gratefully .
tr	1	Eight minutes later , we entered the suburb of Montreuil .
tr	1	I thanked him and strolled back to the car .
tr	1	They remained so for the next half hour .
tr	1	' Wan na check out the last place ? '
tr	1	I have a feeling that 's the place we want . '
tr	1	It led to a gate behind the property .
tr	1	It took but seconds to scale the wooden palisade .
tr	1	We landed silently in a short , walled rear garden .
tr	1	A security light illuminated a common stairwell to our left .
tr	1	We headed for the one that faced onto the cul-de-sac .
tr	1	she said in a frail voice , her tone hesitant .
tr	1	We carried on more cautiously down the corridor .
tr	1	Silence greeted us when we stopped outside Strauss 's apartment .
tr	1	The low rectangular outlines of furniture slowly appeared around us .
tr	1	A drawing room occupied half the width of the apartment .
tr	1	A glass of rancid orange juice stood forlornly on the countertop .
tr	1	Dotted around the apartment were dozens of photo frames .
tr	1	' Lucas , ' Reid said quietly seconds later .
tr	1	I looked to where he directed the torch beam .
tr	1	It looked very much like the entry point of a bullet .
tr	1	My gaze shifted from the crimson droplets to the Degas .
tr	1	Something had been taped to the back of the painting .
tr	1	I looked at the space behind the headboard .
tr	1	Reid joined me and shone the torch across the floorboards .
tr	1	I leaned down further and reached for the object .
tr	1	My fingers closed around something hard and cold .
tr	1	It was a key attached to a strip of adhesive tape .
tr	1	Beneath them were engraved the letters CNRS and the numbers 129 .
tr	1	There was mail inside HE Strauss 's box .
tr	1	' That 's a Swiss dialling code . '
tr	1	One of the letters was from Strauss 's bank .
tr	1	' Does this mean he 's in Switzerland ? '
tr	1	I had been hoping to find some answers in Paris .
tr	1	' Are you sure you can 't stay for longer ? '
tr	1	said Gustav while he cleared the breakfast table .
tr	1	The Frenchman looked despondent at the news of our early departure .
tr	1	At nine in the morning , the grounds were practically deserted .
tr	1	' I hate hospitals , ' Reid muttered under his breath .
tr	1	My eyes widened as I gazed upon the rows of lockers .
tr	1	Frustratingly , the lockers were not arranged chronologically .
tr	1	Something about the door did not look quite right .
tr	1	I slowly traced the metal numbers with a finger .
tr	1	Two aisles down , we found locker 139 .
tr	1	There was a faint click from the lock .
tr	1	I reached for the brown package taped to the roof inside .
tr	1	' He must have known they were after him . '
tr	1	The envelope contained a memory stick and an A5 journal .
tr	1	' This the same " A " from the postcard ? '
tr	1	' The handwriting looks similar , ' I murmured .
tr	1	The first entry in the journal was dated two years previously .
tr	1	A clink sounded outside the door to the locker room .
tr	1	Someone started to whistle softly under their breath .
tr	1	We left silently and exited the building through the rear door .
tr	1	It was another minute before we noticed the men tracking us .
tr	1	I could feel the weight of the guns under my coat .
tr	1	' They must have been watching Strauss 's office . '
tr	1	Reid nodded , his lips tightening in a grim smile .
tr	1	' How do you wan na play this ? '
tr	1	' Divide and conquer is always a good plan . '
tr	1	Seconds later , we parted and headed briskly in opposite directions .
tr	1	Shouts of surprise and alarm followed from the bewildered students .
tr	1	A dark figure appeared in my left peripheral vision .
tr	1	A spray of bullets scored the ground next to the wheels .
tr	1	I spun the car to the left sharply .
tr	1	Reid cursed as he slammed into the door .
tr	1	The suspension groaned as the vehicle bounced back onto the asphalt .
tr	1	I frowned and glanced at the journal by my feet .
tr	1	Whatever 's in there , they want it badly . '
tr	1	' You 're probably right , ' said Reid .
tr	1	There were two black SUVs on our tail .
tr	1	' Hang on , ' I said grimly .
tr	1	A horn blared and angry words rose from the other vehicle .
tr	1	The SUVs shot out onto the asphalt behind us .
tr	1	Something pinged off the rear of the roadster .
tr	1	A resigned expression dawned on Reid 's face .
tr	1	' Darn , ' he said , shaking his head .
tr	1	' I really hate shooting in the wind . '
tr	1	The SUVs were forty feet away and closing .
tr	1	He grinned and slid down into the seat .
tr	1	The blown-out front tyre destabilized the leading SUV .
tr	1	A couple more bullets struck the backend of the Jag .
tr	1	I winced at the thought of the expensive paintwork .
tr	1	' Can this thing go any faster ? '
tr	1	We were already doing one hundred and twenty miles per hour .
tr	1	' No , it sure ain 't , ' said Reid .
tr	1	' So , you got any other bright ideas ? '
tr	1	I frowned and studied the layout of the road .
tr	1	He spun his steering wheel to his left .
tr	1	I steered the roadster onto the road and drove off .
tr	1	Reid stared from the chaos behind us to me .
tr	1	' That was a bit wild , ' he said .
tr	1	Just before noon , I pulled into the town of Troyes .
tr	1	The incident at Gif had already made the news .
tr	1	The live feed had been shot on the Gif campus .
tr	1	So far no information is available on its possible whereabouts . '
tr	1	Her eyes widened as she stared into the camera .
tr	1	Silence followed while we stared at the images on the computer .
tr	1	' The Hunters put the body there ? '
tr	1	I gazed blindly at the elm trees on the screen .
tr	1	' Well , we 've got his journal . '
tr	1	' But they 've got the memory stick . '
tr	1	Things were getting more dangerous by the hour .
tr	1	He studied it for a couple of seconds and sighed .
tr	1	Reid indicated the monitor with a cocked thumb .
tr	1	' Looks like we 've both made the wanted lists . '
tr	1	' Do we always look that disreputable ? '
tr	1	A name on the Interpol site drew my eyes .
tr	1	The agent assigned to our case was one Christophe Lacroix .
tr	1	' Do you need to tell Sam ? '
tr	1	' Besides , they might trace the call . '
tr	1	He struck a match and lit a cigarette .
tr	1	Reid inhaled slowly and blew smoke rings towards the ceiling .
tr	1	The frown had taken on a life of its own .
tr	1	' Come on , let 's get out of here .
tr	1	We need to find a new car . '
tr	1	I found a public phone booth and called Gustav Lacroix .
tr	1	said the old detective in a troubled voice .
tr	1	' I 'm sorry , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' We never meant to cause you any trouble . '
tr	1	said Reid once we were back on the motorway .
tr	1	' We checking out Strauss 's bank ? '
tr	1	Reid used the lock pick to open the door .
tr	1	A single cold mug of black coffee stood by the sink .
tr	1	The rest of the house was decorated in pale pastels .
tr	1	I looked up into Reid 's blank stare .
tr	1	She was holding on tightly to the man 's left hand .
tr	1	We left the house and returned to the hotel .
tr	1	We had not had time to study it yet .
tr	1	' Do you understand any of this stuff ? '
tr	1	' Not really , ' I replied reluctantly .
tr	1	The pages of the journal were mostly filled with scientific jargon .
tr	1	Occasionally a series of exclamation marks followed a particularly complex paragraph .
tr	1	He held out a copy of a printed email .
tr	1	' That 's a lot of money . '
tr	1	' Isn 't this a Swiss email address ? '
tr	1	The bank 's decor was pale and fairly clinical .
tr	1	She lifted a handset and spoke softly into the mouthpiece .
tr	1	' If you would please take a seat ?
tr	1	' You had one an hour ago . '
tr	1	' What does that have to do with anything ? '
tr	1	I sighed and smoothed out the wrinkles in my coat .
tr	1	I am the Executive Director of the bank .
tr	1	He had a firm hand grip and smelled faintly of menthol .
tr	1	' I am Agent Petersen of Swiss Interpol .
tr	1	We would like to study the details of the account . '
tr	1	Seconds later , we stepped out onto the fifth floor .
tr	1	A man stood waiting for us inside the director 's office .
tr	1	' These gentlemen are from the International Police .
tr	1	They would like some information on one of our clients . '
tr	1	' I 'm afraid there 's not a lot to see .
tr	1	No further transactions have been made since then . '
tr	1	I glanced at Reid with a sinking feeling .
tr	1	I repeated slowly , staring at the man .
tr	1	' Want to check out the university ? '
tr	1	They glanced at us curiously as we hesitated on the landing .
tr	1	' Wait , ' I said , touching his arm .
tr	1	' Here , let me give you a hand . '
tr	1	I hunched down and helped her gather the scattered folders .
tr	1	I watched her until she disappeared from view .
tr	1	It was a woman in a white coat .
tr	1	' We 're looking for Professor Godard . '
tr	1	' And this is with regards to ? '
tr	1	We believe he was a friend of Professor Godard . '
tr	1	The woman 's eyes widened slightly at the name .
tr	1	She glanced at the man with the dreadlocks .
tr	1	' I 'm sorry , ' she murmured after a pause .
tr	1	A look of anxiety had replaced the frown .
tr	1	' Is this normal behaviour for Professor Godard ? '
tr	1	My gaze shifted to the man with the dreadlocks .
tr	1	' Why didn 't you tell me ? '
tr	1	The man shrugged and pushed the bifocals further up his nose .
tr	1	The man shifted awkwardly and glanced at the woman for reassurance .
tr	1	The last words came out as a guilty mumble .
tr	1	' I think she took something from Anna 's office . '
tr	1	' She 's tall , slim , with long blonde hair .
tr	1	' And she had her green scarf on today . '
tr	1	We bade our goodbyes and left the building swiftly .
tr	1	' You thinking what I 'm thinking ? '
tr	1	said Reid as we jogged across the park .
tr	1	' She 's probably meeting with Godard . '
tr	1	We now had a name for the elusive " A " .
tr	1	She waited several seconds before she started to talk .
tr	1	' Can you make out what she 's saying ? '
tr	1	The woman in the camel coat lifted a hand and waved .
tr	1	Shouts of alarm and panicked screams followed seconds later .
tr	1	It was the old man from the daguerreotype .
tr	1	A sharp sting suddenly bloomed on my face .
tr	1	I rolled , my heart thudding against my ribs .
tr	1	I sheathed the katana and grabbed the guns from the floor .
tr	1	' Hey , I 'm running out of ammo ! '
tr	1	Reid called out urgently somewhere to my left .
tr	1	A series of flashes erupted on the ground behind them .
tr	1	He froze in his tracks and twisted around .
tr	1	I saw her face fully for the first time .
tr	1	Just then , more Hunters appeared from around the mall .
tr	1	Seconds later , I emerged onto the thronged pavement .
tr	1	The whine of an engine rose from the right .
tr	1	It swerved sharply , its wing mirror grazing a lamp post .
tr	1	Another engine suddenly gunned into life behind me .
tr	1	Bullets whizzed past my head and shoulders as the Hunters fired .
tr	1	The front right tire of the SUV blew out .
tr	1	I saw no signs of the old man or the woman .
tr	1	' What say we get the hell out of here ? '
tr	1	' Hey , where 're you going ? '
tr	1	I found them boarding a train on the last platform .
tr	1	It was pulling away when I reached it .
tr	1	' Why are the Hunters after you ? '
tr	1	' I could not bear to lose both of you . '
tr	1	Our room was as we had left it .
tr	1	' There were CCTV cameras all over that place . '
tr	1	' The old man at the station was an immortal .
tr	1	I reached inside my coat and handed him the daguerreotype .
tr	1	' You mean he 's the one in the picture ? '
tr	1	' You think he 's one of them ? '
tr	1	I recalled the tears in the stranger 's eyes .
tr	1	' I honestly don 't know , ' I answered truthfully .
tr	1	I was still nowhere near grasping the possible answers .
tr	1	' Where 're we going now , anyway ? '
tr	1	' What makes you think they 'll be there ? '
tr	1	' They could have gotten off anywhere . '
tr	1	' There 's a large population of immortals in Vienna .
tr	1	It 's got safe houses where they could hide . '
tr	1	He looked less than impressed with this statement .
tr	1	I had only been to Vienna once before .
tr	1	The Hauptbahnhof gunfight had already made the headlines .
tr	1	' Are immortals really that much above the law ? '
tr	1	Reid seemed to sense my smouldering anger nonetheless .
tr	1	A young woman came over to take our order .
tr	1	The woman 's eyes narrowed at my words .
tr	1	' May I help you , gentlemen ? '
tr	1	The grin did not shift from the large man 's face .
tr	1	And what is it that you find strange , sir ? '
tr	1	' He 's not , ' he stated , matter-of-fact .
tr	1	' It 's the eyes , isn 't it ? '
tr	1	' There 's something about the eyes . '
tr	1	' Rogues , ' I translated at Reid 's puzzled frown .
tr	1	' So , you were here during the Ottoman siege ? '
tr	1	The wood creaked in protest beneath his bulky frame .
tr	1	I stared at the shallow indentation in the bartender 's calf .
tr	1	' You were here during both sieges ? '
tr	1	The faces of dead friends rose in my mind .
tr	1	' This is good , ' said Reid .
tr	1	' You 're right , ' I murmured .
tr	1	' Why are you here , really ? '
tr	1	' No , ' he finally retorted dully .
tr	1	He pushed the frame back towards me , his face shuttered .
tr	1	If anything , it became even more unreadable .
tr	1	' I think you should leave , ' he said coldly .
tr	1	' You don 't act like Hunters . '
tr	1	' He knows something , ' said Reid .
tr	1	' Yes , he does , ' I murmured .
tr	1	Faint light shone through the thick lead windows .
tr	1	Lights came on behind the windows on the first floor .
tr	1	' Is there an exit at the back ? '
tr	1	he said harshly , coming to a halt at my side .
tr	1	I closed my eyes briefly while I sifted through old memories .
tr	1	His eyebrows rose when he stopped beside me .
tr	1	It 's also one of the ways into the tunnels . '
tr	1	' This passage has been here since before the Ottoman siege .
tr	1	I 've had to use it on a few occasions . '
tr	1	I hesitated for a heartbeat before stepping inside the hole .
tr	1	he muttered as water squelched beneath our feet .
tr	1	Several yards in , we were engulfed in darkness .
tr	1	The narrow beam barely cut through the greasy gloom around us .
tr	1	Seconds later , there was a faint click .
tr	1	Beyond the doorway , narrow stone steps spiralled downwards into darkness .
tr	1	We followed it and soon arrived a junction .
tr	1	Beyond it , the tunnel branched out into three corridors .
tr	1	The tunnel twisted and split again several times .
tr	1	There was a soft , undeniable click after the fifth attempt .
tr	1	' There must be a bolt on the other side . '
tr	1	I looked down the passage to the right .
tr	1	The wooden bar behind it gave away after a few kicks .
tr	1	The ceiling was higher than the tunnel outside .
tr	1	' Checking for a hidden door , ' I murmured .
tr	1	' Old buildings like this one always have hidden doors . '
tr	1	A sigh left his lips before he joined me .
tr	1	I paused , pressed my fingers against it and stood back .
tr	1	' Well , what do you know ? '
tr	1	On the other side of it lay another corridor .
tr	1	We followed the faint tracks and came to an empty chamber .
tr	1	' How the devil did you find me ? '
tr	1	The third figure sitting at the table finally stirred .
tr	1	I studied the middle-aged man who had spoken .
tr	1	Piercing dark eyes dominated his slim and rugged features .
tr	1	His tone , though slightly accented , was old school aristocracy .
tr	1	Something flickered in the other man 's eyes .
tr	1	A sad smile flitted across the older man 's face .
tr	1	' I 've already said too much . '
tr	1	' I 'm afraid I must ask you to leave . '
tr	1	' Hang on a minute -- ' started Reid .
tr	1	For a moment , we all stood frozen .
tr	1	' You two , come with me . '
tr	1	' Victor -- ' he started to say .
tr	1	I breathed the fresh night air gratefully and looked around .
tr	1	shouted the woman I now knew as Anna .
tr	1	I felt my heart stutter in my chest .
tr	1	yelled the man called Victor to my right .
tr	1	The immortal cursed , the weapon dropping from his wounded hand .
tr	1	The second Hunter turned , pistol in hand .
tr	1	It struck the immortal on the shoulder just as he fired .
tr	1	The Hunter blinked , took aim again and suddenly froze .
tr	1	Blood dripped down his wounded arm as he took aim .
tr	1	' Help me , ' said Anna softly .
tr	1	It was too dark to see the colour of her eyes .
tr	1	A grunt of pain left the latter 's lips .
tr	1	' I think it has something to do with you . '
tr	1	Victor and his men rounded the corner of the buttress .
tr	1	I wiped at the trickle of blood coursing down my face .
tr	1	' Grandfather 's hurt , ' Anna replied stiffly .
tr	1	' We need to get you out of here . '
tr	1	He pulled a cell from his coat and dialled a number .
tr	1	Victor straightened from where he leaned against the canal wall .
tr	1	A sigh of exasperation left Victor 's lips .
tr	1	' Will you stop being so stubborn ? '
tr	1	There was a dark light in the large man 's eyes .
tr	1	He paused abruptly and seemed to struggle with his emotions .
tr	1	Victor stiffened , his eyes going wintry with anger .
tr	1	My sense of foreboding was growing darker by the hour .
tr	1	' Send word to the First Council . '
tr	1	' You two , get in the car . '
tr	1	' I 'm trying , ' the driver replied steadily .
tr	1	The red-haired driver swore as the wheel twisted between his hands .
tr	1	The Humvee was heading straight for the van .
tr	1	A sudden shout from the bodyguard made me look forward .
tr	1	Thirty feet ahead and closing on us was another Hummer .
tr	1	The Bastian driver shifted gears and slammed on the accelerator .
tr	1	The Bastian driver spun the wheel of the Skoda .
tr	1	The driver of the Skoda frowned and changed gears again .
tr	1	Seconds later , sharp pings rose from the boot .
tr	1	I turned and looked out of the rear window .
tr	1	Gun muzzles appeared along the sides of the behemoth .
tr	1	Our next bullets entered the front grille of the Hummer simultaneously .
tr	1	An alarm sounded shrilly in the night as we sped away .
tr	1	' Just slow them down , goddammit ! '
tr	1	Just then , the Humvee 's loading door swung open .
tr	1	We stared into the mouth of a rocket launcher .
tr	1	The car shuddered and spun uncontrollably across the asphalt .
tr	1	Its tailgate finally swung around and crashed against a fire hydrant .
tr	1	We sat stunned for a couple of seconds .
tr	1	He cursed and twisted the key again frantically .
tr	1	We were too late to avoid the second grenade .
tr	1	The world tilted as we were flung into the air .
tr	1	I was lying at an angle against the door .
tr	1	A crimson trail oozed from the gash on his head .
tr	1	' Reid , ' I murmured in a dazed voice .
tr	1	Low groans rose from the front of the car .
tr	1	I said anxiously , shifting to give him space .
tr	1	' I think so , ' Reid grunted and winced .
tr	1	Smoke was curling up from the hood of the car .
tr	1	The resulting blast knocked us all to the ground .
tr	1	The Bastian driver grinned and wiped blood from his face .
tr	1	' We better get out of here . '
tr	1	We started down the road and turned into a side street .
tr	1	He turned and headed towards an alley on the left .
tr	1	Two police cars sat blocking the exits at either end .
tr	1	He dashed across the road and entered another alley .
tr	1	We turned a corner and staggered to a halt .
tr	1	The driver pointed at the grey skip to the side .
tr	1	Seconds later , we were over the top of the wall .
tr	1	' That 's not good , ' said Reid .
tr	1	' Anybody see a way out of this ? '
tr	1	' Nope , ' muttered the Bastian driver .
tr	1	Victor 's bodyguard frowned and shook his head slowly .
tr	1	We were rapidly surrounded by a group of uniformed policemen .
tr	1	Lacroix crossed the floor and took the seat opposite mine .
tr	1	' Why don 't we start at the beginning ? '
tr	1	' Would you care to elaborate on that ? '
tr	1	He wasn 't there at the time . '
tr	1	I paused and carefully considered my next words before uttering them .
tr	1	' The men who murdered him are still out there . '
tr	1	' They should be here in about nine hours . '
tr	1	' It 's a friendly warning , ' I said evenly .
tr	1	It was Lacroix 's turn to be silent .
tr	1	I sat back in the chair and forced myself to relax .
tr	1	' We went there to look for information on Strauss . '
tr	1	I glanced at the man at the back of the room .
tr	1	There was a fresh dressing on his head .
tr	1	He winced and massaged the back of his neck gingerly .
tr	1	I studied his gaunt expression with a pang of guilt .
tr	1	He patted the pockets of his jacket and sighed .
tr	1	' Damn , they took the cigarettes . '
tr	1	He leaned against the wall and gazed at the ceiling .
tr	1	' So , you found out anything interesting ? '
tr	1	' The FBI 's on their way from DC . '
tr	1	A wave of weariness suddenly washed over me .
tr	1	Silence fell in the narrow corridor that separated our cells .
tr	1	The door at the end of the passage opened .
tr	1	They were pushed roughly inside the cells next to us .
tr	1	' They 're kinda like the local secret service . '
tr	1	I hesitated while I studied the two immortals closely .
tr	1	' I 'm Bruno , ' he muttered gruffly .
tr	1	' Reid , ' said my partner from across the way .
tr	1	' We know who you are , ' said Bruno .
tr	1	' The immortal who can kill other immortals . '
tr	1	Tense silence followed the bodyguard 's stiff words .
tr	1	' Give him a break , will you ?
tr	1	He could 've finished you off if he 'd wanted to .
tr	1	' The orders have just come through . '
tr	1	A voice from the past greeted me across the floor .
tr	1	I stopped and stared at the man who had spoken .
tr	1	' And by whose authority , exactly ? '
tr	1	The Frenchman had gone red in the face .
tr	1	Lacroix turned and studied him from head to toe .
tr	1	Behind him , Bruno and Anatole caught my glance and tensed .
tr	1	' They are the ones who tried to kill us . '
tr	1	' Come now , these men are desperate .
tr	1	The laughter did not quite reach his eyes .
tr	1	The other two were at the Hauptbahnhof yesterday . '
tr	1	A faint smile replaced the frown on Olsson 's face .
tr	1	He reached inside his coat and pulled out a gun .
tr	1	I did not wait to see him fall .
tr	1	I was joined by Reid and the two Bastian immortals .
tr	1	' We need to get to the evidence room ! '
tr	1	The sergeant behind the reception had been shot in the chest .
tr	1	I ordered harshly in German above the noise of gunfire .
tr	1	The young officer stared at us , petrified .
tr	1	He gulped and passed his firearm across with a shaking hand .
tr	1	I grabbed the weapon and tossed it to Reid .
tr	1	I gritted my teeth , rage surging afresh through my veins .
tr	1	' And look what else I found . '
tr	1	He caught the one that Reid tossed at him .
tr	1	The two of you could -- ' I started to say .
tr	1	I spotted Lacroix behind a wall to the left .
tr	1	Two of the Hunters groaned and sat up slowly .
tr	1	There was a gasped ' Nom de Dieu ! '
tr	1	By then , I was already halfway across the floor .
tr	1	The katana hissed through the air with a silken sound .
tr	1	The tip of Olsson 's longsword missed my neck by inches .
tr	1	Blood dripped from the edges of my blades .
tr	1	I moved and blocked a bullet with the katana .
tr	1	A cynical smile dawned on Olsson 's face .
tr	1	The sword shuddered in my hands when further bullets struck it .
tr	1	he hissed and brought his sword around in an arc .
tr	1	Olsson grinned coldly as I was slowly forced to the floor .
tr	1	There was a flash at the corner of my vision .
tr	1	By the time Olsson turned , he was already too late .
tr	1	Reid levelled the Glock and shot him point-blank in the neck .
tr	1	' Let 's get the hell out of here ! '
tr	1	A warning shot was fired above our heads .
tr	1	I paused and turned , struggling to hide my impatience .
tr	1	If we stay , all of you will die . '
tr	1	Just then , one of the fallen Hunters coughed and blinked .
tr	1	Another groaned on the floor next to him .
tr	1	To my knowledge , that left no one else .
tr	1	He looked up in surprise at our footsteps .
tr	1	' The keys , please , ' he said sharply .
tr	1	The old man 's eyes widened in confusion .
tr	1	Reid cursed and leaned down to pick them .
tr	1	The latter cried out in shock and fell to the ground .
tr	1	Reid unlocked the estate and threw the keys at me .
tr	1	' You , come here , ' Reid beckoned curtly .
tr	1	Shots pinged across the hood of the Volvo .
tr	1	I started the engine and engaged the transmission .
tr	1	The wheels spun madly before gripping the asphalt .
tr	1	Flashes erupted from the muzzle of his gun .
tr	1	I said grimly and jerked the wheel sharply to the left .
tr	1	The Volvo 's bumper caught the immortal across the legs .
tr	1	' I 'm trying , ' I muttered between gritted teeth .
tr	1	We crashed through the security barrier in a hail of gunfire .
tr	1	Bullets slammed into the boot of the car .
tr	1	A spider web crack appeared in the rear window .
tr	1	A tortured squeal of brakes rose unexpectedly from the left .
tr	1	I swore and twisted the driving wheel to the right .
tr	1	The roar of police sirens rose in the distance behind it .
tr	1	We were drawing close to a bridge that crossed the canal .
tr	1	Reid sat back in the seat and stared ahead .
tr	1	The black sedan swung around it and stayed on our tail .
tr	1	Several figures staggered out in a billow of black smoke .
tr	1	Seconds later , the bridge disappeared behind us .
tr	1	I had enough blood on my conscience as it was .
tr	1	' Not so good , ' said Bruno .
tr	1	' He 's lost a lot of blood . '
tr	1	He paused and studied the buildings outside the window .
tr	1	I know a place where we can hide . '
tr	1	He turned and headed for the front door .
tr	1	Bruno paused with his fingers on the handle .
tr	1	' I need to get in touch with Victor . '
tr	1	He indicated the cell phone in his hand .
tr	1	' There 's a public telephone in the woods ? '
tr	1	It 's about an hour 's walk away . '
tr	1	His eyes shifted uneasily to Anatole before he left .
tr	1	' Isn 't that a bit much ? '
tr	1	he muttered , staring at the half-empty bottle of liquor .
tr	1	I threaded a needle and turned to the unconscious immortal .
tr	1	' He 's going to need it . '
tr	1	I finally broke the silence that had befallen us .
tr	1	We decided to move them to another safe house .
tr	1	That 's when you guys turned up . '
tr	1	' You mean he 's a pureblood ? '
tr	1	' Victor 's the Head of our Counter Terrorism Section . '
tr	1	Roman is still alive , if somewhat frail . '
tr	1	He leaned forward and threw another log onto the flames .
tr	1	He caught the wary glance I exchanged with Reid .
tr	1	' Forty-eight hours later , he killed me . '
tr	1	The logs crackled and hissed in the hush that followed .
tr	1	He glanced over his shoulder at the unconscious driver .
tr	1	' Anatole here 's on his eighth . '
tr	1	' He 's always been a bit of a pacifist . '
tr	1	' I heard that , ' mumbled Anatole .
tr	1	He opened his eyes , sat up slowly and groaned .
tr	1	His gaze alighted on the bottle on the table .
tr	1	' Here , pass me the whisky . '
tr	1	' I don 't think you should be drinking .
tr	1	' What are you , my mother ? '
tr	1	' Besides , that was strictly for medicinal purposes .
tr	1	Now shut up and give me the bottle . '
tr	1	Victor studied Anatole 's face with a frown .
tr	1	' You look like hell , ' he said bluntly .
tr	1	' Thanks , boss , ' muttered the Bastian driver .
tr	1	' You don 't look so hot yourself . '
tr	1	We emptied the Audi and climbed inside the minivan .
tr	1	' So , where we headed now ? '
tr	1	' We sure travel a lot , don 't we ? '
tr	1	Victor glanced at my reflection in the rear view mirror .
tr	1	' He 'll live , ' he said with a grunt .
tr	1	' He 's a tough old man . '
tr	1	' Do you know a man called Mikael Olsson ? '
tr	1	' I can 't say I 've heard the name before .
tr	1	' Does he bear a grudge against you ? '
tr	1	' Not that I was aware of . '
tr	1	The lane was replaced by a rutted dirt track .
tr	1	Two miles later , the trees started to thin out .
tr	1	The pale stone walls shone eerily in the night .
tr	1	Victor stiffened and leaned forward in his seat .
tr	1	He took the Beretta from his coat and checked the magazine .
tr	1	I studied the house through the front windshield of the van .
tr	1	The lantern above the front door was dark .
tr	1	We sat stunned for a second before scrambling for the doors .
tr	1	Flames erupted on the ground floor of the house .
tr	1	' There 's a secret passage in the basement .
tr	1	He glanced warily at the woods around us .
tr	1	Victor staggered unsteadily across the ground towards him .
tr	1	' And things were just starting to get interesting ! '
tr	1	I grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the trees .
tr	1	Crowded trees blocked out the ambient light from the sky .
tr	1	I drew the Glock and fired blindly into the night .
tr	1	Up ahead , Bruno cried out and almost fell .
tr	1	Fear drenched my body in a cold sweat .
tr	1	The shadows between the trees were drawing closer .
tr	1	He cast a quick glance around and nodded in agreement .
tr	1	' Yeah , ' he replied with a grimace .
tr	1	' The bullet went through the flesh . '
tr	1	A second later , footsteps thundered past the bushes .
tr	1	Reid raised his head slightly and peeked through the low branches .
tr	1	We were halfway across the clearing when Reid gasped and fell .
tr	1	I dropped to my knees by his side .
tr	1	This is definitely not good , ' he murmured .
tr	1	His eyes fluttered close and he lost consciousness .
tr	1	Wet warmth coursed down my side and leg .
tr	1	' We meet again , half-breed , ' he said calmly .
tr	1	And it was evident from his words that he knew me .
tr	1	I pushed this troubling feeling aside and focused on his feet .
tr	1	I knew they would betray his next move .
tr	1	Already , my vision was starting to blur .
tr	1	The flow of blood from my flank doubled .
tr	1	Metal clashed against metal when our blades met a heartbeat later .
tr	1	His expression grew childishly gleeful when I stumbled .
tr	1	A moment later , I was down on my knees .
tr	1	I raised the katana and blocked the fatal blow in time .
tr	1	' Give up , ' growled the immortal .
tr	1	' You know you 're going to die , half-breed ! '
tr	1	The blade left my body with a sickening wet noise .
tr	1	The blade pierced my heart in a single savage blow .
tr	1	The pain and coldness that shrouded me faded .
tr	1	I drifted through a seemingly endless space , unaware and nonexistent .
tr	1	Was this Heaven , or was this Hell ?
tr	1	Then , rather unexpectedly , came the voices .
tr	1	Muted words drifted tantalisingly in and out of earshot .
tr	1	Slowly but steadily , I started to perceive my own consciousness .
tr	1	It was dim and ill defined , but nevertheless there .
tr	1	Something soft and warm glided over my face .
tr	1	They 're green , ' I repeated slowly .
tr	1	My voice sounded weak and raspy even to my own ears .
tr	1	A pair of dimples appeared in her cheeks .
tr	1	They are , ' she acknowledged with a chuckle .
tr	1	The sound of her laughter stabbed through my chest .
tr	1	Then , coldness gripped me as my memory returned .
tr	1	' I died , ' I stated bluntly .
tr	1	A tired smile crossed her face at my stricken expression .
tr	1	He 's resting in the next room , ' she added .
tr	1	A wave of unspeakable relief washed over me at her words .
tr	1	I glanced around and asked the most immediate one .
tr	1	Cobwebs populated the distant corners of the room .
tr	1	She glanced away , looking as confused as I felt .
tr	1	Anna rose from the bed and walked restlessly to the window .
tr	1	' We heard the explosions and the gunshots .
tr	1	We came to look for you afterwards . '
tr	1	' What of Victor and the others ? '
tr	1	' How long have I been out ? '
tr	1	' You lost a lot of blood . '
tr	1	A figure loomed in the doorway behind him .
tr	1	He looked pale but otherwise seemed to be his normal self .
tr	1	' I heard voices , ' he said with a grunt .
tr	1	Anna 's eyes narrowed when she saw the cigarette .
tr	1	' Besides , you owe her your life .
tr	1	' All of you , leave , now .
tr	1	' There 's a bathroom across the corridor .
tr	1	The clothes in the wardrobe should fit you . '
tr	1	Already , I could feel strength flowing back into my limbs .
tr	1	Voices rose from a dim corridor to my left .
tr	1	Reid silently drew out the chair next to him .
tr	1	Reid unearthed a cigarette from somewhere and struck a match lazily .
tr	1	To my surprise , a chuckle escaped Tomas Godard 's lips .
tr	1	I stared at the blue eyes so alike to mine .
tr	1	He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly .
tr	1	I sat frozen , Godard 's words ringing in my ears .
tr	1	' How -- ' Anna started haltingly , her expression troubled .
tr	1	' Why have you never spoken of this before ?
tr	1	I thought mother was an only child . '
tr	1	She could barely mask the accusing tone in her voice .
tr	1	Godard looked at her with a sad light in his eyes .
tr	1	He reached out and touched her face with gentle fingers .
tr	1	Anger and anguish darkened her irises to a cloudy sea green .
tr	1	I was surprised at the anger that suddenly surged through me .
tr	1	A pained expression flitted across Tomas Godard 's face .
tr	1	' We don 't like to use that term . '
tr	1	' I don 't understand , ' whispered Anna .
tr	1	She stared from me to her grandfather , her face pale .
tr	1	He paused and looked at Victor with a troubled expression .
tr	1	' The noble 's name was Balthazar Thorne . '
tr	1	He stopped as if to gather his thoughts .
tr	1	He turned to Anna , his expression troubled .
tr	1	' I 've always thought it an archaic rule .
tr	1	A sorrowful smile crossed Godard 's face at her words .
tr	1	' Nine years passed and they managed to stay concealed .
tr	1	' Look , I wouldn 't go that far .
tr	1	' You were there when my parents died ? '
tr	1	The rage that threatened to overwhelm me had abated .
tr	1	In its place was a cauldron of mixed emotions .
tr	1	' We got there just after your first death .
tr	1	' We always arrived at the same conclusion .
tr	1	An incident from that time suddenly came to me .
tr	1	They had unexpectedly disappeared after the third day .
tr	1	' It took a while to get rid of them .
tr	1	' Did you know where I was all these years ? '
tr	1	I was silent as I digested this information .
tr	1	' Is he related to my father ? '
tr	1	He blinked and turned a solemn gaze on me .
tr	1	Their names were Cecil , Felix and Balthazar Thorne .
tr	1	Of the three , only Felix is still alive . '
tr	1	I said , astounded by this latest disclosure .
tr	1	They paused at the sight of us at the table .
tr	1	' Hey , you 're up , ' said Bruno .
tr	1	I mean , the guy survived his seventeenth death .
tr	1	No immortal has ever done that before . '
tr	1	' He 's right , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' I was just as surprised as everyone else . '
tr	1	' We still got ta eat , right ? '
tr	1	Bruno was guarding the rear of the manor .
tr	1	I turned away from the window and faced the room .
tr	1	Ceiling to floor bookcases lined the walls around us .
tr	1	' And what were the two of you working on ? '
tr	1	' No , not a cure , as such .
tr	1	She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed .
tr	1	It was too good an offer to refuse .
tr	1	The pieces of the puzzle were almost all there .
tr	1	I just couldn 't see how they fit together yet .
tr	1	' Yes , ' she replied with a nod .
tr	1	At that notion , a different thought crossed my mind .
tr	1	He 's the Head of their Research & Development Section . '
tr	1	Somehow , this latest news hardly came as a surprise .
tr	1	Or why they 're trying to kill me again . '
tr	1	' You 're right , ' she murmured .
tr	1	Something far more staggering than a cure for cancer . '
tr	1	Anna glanced at him with a frustrated expression .
tr	1	I don 't know , ' she said .
tr	1	' I lost contact with Hubert before he could tell me .
tr	1	' No , ' Anna replied , shaking her head firmly .
tr	1	' Our messages to each other were always encrypted . '
tr	1	' Why did Strauss open a bank account in Zurich ? '
tr	1	Anna 's troubled gaze shifted to the fire .
tr	1	He wanted access to the latest research data .
tr	1	This was just after Hubert made the major breakthrough .
tr	1	' Was that when he went into hiding ? '
tr	1	' Is that how they got your picture ? '
tr	1	She looked at her grandfather with a faint smile .
tr	1	That was before our trip to Italy . '
tr	1	' He was going to join me there . '
tr	1	' No , ' said Anna , shaking her head .
tr	1	' How did you end up on the run ? '
tr	1	Grandfather took me into hiding that very evening . '
tr	1	' Here , I believe this is yours . '
tr	1	' I thought I 'd lost this . '
tr	1	She rose from her chair and showed the picture to Tomas .
tr	1	I flushed self-consciously and glanced out of the window .
tr	1	' What was in the safety deposit box in Zurich ? '
tr	1	Reid asked Anna while she gazed warmly at the daguerreotype .
tr	1	' How do you know about the safety deposit box ? '
tr	1	' And they let you see details of the account ? '
tr	1	' Wasn 't his latest discovery in there as well ? '
tr	1	He didn 't include it in those papers . '
tr	1	I removed Strauss 's battered journal from my pocket .
tr	1	The scent of oranges wafted faintly from her hair .
tr	1	I tried not to inhale the heady smell .
tr	1	' Did you find something else with this ? '
tr	1	said Victor , coming to stand by her side .
tr	1	' The cipher must be on the memory stick . '
tr	1	Part of the challenge was decoding them . '
tr	1	' I 've never seen this one before .
tr	1	It looks like it might be a stacked cipher . '
tr	1	' It 's quite difficult to unravel . '
tr	1	' Do you think you can decrypt it ? '
tr	1	' Given time , yes , probably . '
tr	1	Anna 's gaze switched from the journal to Victor .
tr	1	I could see wheels turning behind her eyes .
tr	1	' I need a computer , ' she said briskly .
tr	1	' We 'll get it for you . '
tr	1	Five minutes later , she handed him a short inventory .
tr	1	I asked Anna as she started to unpack a laptop .
tr	1	' Are you any good with this stuff ? '
tr	1	' I 'm not too bad with them . '
tr	1	I ignored Reid 's muffled snort from across the room .
tr	1	' All right , ' she said , nodding curtly .
tr	1	' Have you received any news from your father ? '
tr	1	' They 're stalling for time , ' he said gruffly .
tr	1	' She 's currently unreachable , ' said Victor drily .
tr	1	The old man was quiet for some time .
tr	1	' This is going to take a while . '
tr	1	Time and time again , we hit a dead end .
tr	1	' How did you usually come up with the ciphers ? '
tr	1	She opened her eyes and fixed me with a green stare .
tr	1	' They were mostly about things we had in common .
tr	1	She paused , a sad smile dawning on her face .
tr	1	' It was a bit of a game for Hubert .
tr	1	My fingers stilled on the last page on the journal .
tr	1	' I think I saw something similar earlier . '
tr	1	I thumbed back over the pages and paused seconds later .
tr	1	It took another hour to uncover the other two .
tr	1	I stayed silent , suddenly aware of how close we sat .
tr	1	I watched her writing grow slower as she double-checked her work .
tr	1	Finally , she stopped and put the pen down carefully .
tr	1	' Dear God , ' she murmured in a shaky voice .
tr	1	Anna glanced at me with a distracted expression .
tr	1	I frowned , unable to grasp the significance of her words .
tr	1	Anna 's eyes reflected the fear in her voice .
tr	1	' No , not just immortality as we understand it .
tr	1	My stunned voice broke the ensuing deadly silence .
tr	1	' You mean , beyond seventeen deaths ? '
tr	1	' But there 's something I don 't understand . '
tr	1	From that day at the Hauptbahnhof , ' Anna replied breathlessly .
tr	1	' This is what Helena was bringing me . '
tr	1	I studied the nervous apprehension in her eyes .
tr	1	Something was tugging at the back of my brain .
tr	1	' I need to test this sample , ' said Anna .
tr	1	I opened my mouth to voice another question .
tr	1	It 's the only way I 'll know for sure . '
tr	1	' What kind of lab do you need ? '
tr	1	I said , switching on the overhead lights .
tr	1	' Two hours at the most , ' Anna replied .
tr	1	' Thank you , ' Anna said softly .
tr	1	' You 're welcome , ' I murmured .
tr	1	All the while , a tiny frown wrinkled her brow .
tr	1	She stared at the data crowding the page for timeless seconds .
tr	1	We left the campus and headed back to the estate .
tr	1	said Godard anxiously as we entered the foyer .
tr	1	' Hubert 's discovery was -- immortality . '
tr	1	' Yes , ' Anna interrupted with a sombre expression .
tr	1	' He made a cell that can never die . '
tr	1	The shock that coursed through the room was almost palpable .
tr	1	Bruno let out a soft whistle under his breath .
tr	1	' It was your blood , wasn 't it ? '
tr	1	This time , the silence that ensued was almost deafening .
tr	1	' Why on Earth did you -- ' said Tomas Godard .
tr	1	' Why did I give him a sample of my blood ?
tr	1	' You 're right , ' said Anna .
tr	1	' I 've even used some in my own research . '
tr	1	' But it never worked before , ' I said flatly .
tr	1	he murmured , glancing from Anna to me .
tr	1	' It 's my blood , ' said Anna harshly .
tr	1	He glanced at me with an unreadable expression .
tr	1	' I 'm not saying he did , ' I said .
tr	1	' Did Strauss know that you were an immortal ? '
tr	1	' But I 'm sure he must have suspected something .
tr	1	Tomas 's gaze shifted from Anna to me .
tr	1	Olsson 's words suddenly rose in my mind .
tr	1	' In the way of what though ? '
tr	1	Let 's see what the First Council has for us . '
tr	1	He strode out of the room with the cell in hand .
tr	1	The back door opened and Anatole strolled in .
tr	1	He grinned and lifted a dead pheasant in his right hand .
tr	1	' What 's with the gloomy faces ? '
tr	1	' Just give me the goddamned eggs , ' he muttered .
tr	1	He was trying to cross the border into Germany . '
tr	1	' That bastard , ' Anatole said under his breath .
tr	1	A grim smile dawned on the immortal 's lips .
tr	1	The bodyguard and the driver glanced at each other meaningfully .
tr	1	' You 're going to torture him ? '
tr	1	' That 's the spirit , Gramps ! '
tr	1	The two immortals left the manor a short time later .
tr	1	I studied the dark circles under Anna 's eyes .
tr	1	' You should get some rest , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' So should you , ' Anna retorted .
tr	1	' I should really check your wounds first though . '
tr	1	They paused over a faint scar next to my birthmark .
tr	1	' That 's from last week , ' I said stiffly .
tr	1	I glanced at the recent bullet wound she indicated .
tr	1	' Just be careful you don 't reopen your wounds . '
tr	1	I stared at the door long after she had gone .
tr	1	Sometime around noon , I drifted into a light slumber .
tr	1	I blinked at the orange light pouring in through the curtains .
tr	1	It had originated from elsewhere in the mansion .
tr	1	I paused at the top and studied the scene below .
tr	1	A thick hood covered the stranger 's head and face .
tr	1	Anatole reached out and yanked it off unceremoniously .
tr	1	The man staggered forward a step and blinked in the light .
tr	1	This time the man went as white as a sheet .
tr	1	' And they weren 't trying to kill you .
tr	1	' Anna is Tomas Godard 's granddaughter . '
tr	1	' I swear to God , I didn 't know .
tr	1	He looked up , his frantic gaze finally falling on me .
tr	1	" ' Felix Thorne himself killed you " .
tr	1	Is that what you were about to say ? '
tr	1	' The interesting thing is , he did .
tr	1	' Down here if you please , gentlemen . '
tr	1	The door closed softly behind the four men .
tr	1	An hour later , footsteps rose outside the study .
tr	1	Victor opened the door and walked into the room .
tr	1	The cellar under the mansion was large and cool .
tr	1	His right wrist was twisted at an odd angle .
tr	1	He glared at us out of his bloodshot right eye .
tr	1	' Just let me shoot him , ' muttered Anatole .
tr	1	' No , that would be far too easy .
tr	1	' He couldn 't do anything even if he wanted to .
tr	1	An ugly grimace crossed the Bastian 's lips .
tr	1	Your half-breed is nothing but a coward ! '
tr	1	' I believe you 're aware of my abilities ? '
tr	1	I was surprised at how calm I felt .
tr	1	In its place was another , even stronger emotion .
tr	1	I 've been running for a long time . '
tr	1	' They 'll be in Europe tonight . '
tr	1	He crossed the foyer and hugged his son .
tr	1	' And this must be your granddaughter . '
tr	1	Anna returned the older man 's stare steadily and nodded once .
tr	1	The dark , piercing eyes finally fell on me .
tr	1	I was subjected to a long and penetrating stare .
tr	1	' Lucas Thorne , ' he said softly .
tr	1	' Soul it is then , ' he said .
tr	1	' I guess I owe you a long-overdue apology . '
tr	1	I had been receiving guarded looks for most of the morning .
tr	1	' Bet they make you feel twitchy , huh ? '
tr	1	The lawn in front of the mansion was crawling with immortals .
tr	1	' How 's your arm by the way ? '
tr	1	' The boss is asking for you . '
tr	1	' Mr Roman is who I mean . '
tr	1	Some visibly stiffened when I came into the room .
tr	1	A number of unfamiliar faces occupied the chairs around them .
tr	1	He indicated an empty seat at the end of the table .
tr	1	I crossed the floor and took the chair .
tr	1	Reid shifted and leaned against the wall next to me .
tr	1	' All right , everyone calm down . '
tr	1	He turned and addressed the man with the bulldog face .
tr	1	' Soul came off our wanted list a long time ago .
tr	1	Reid struck a match and lit a cigarette .
tr	1	' It 's okay , ' I murmured .
tr	1	' Unfortunately , the current situation concerns us all .
tr	1	This is a matter of survival , pure and simple .
tr	1	The man next to Roman shifted uneasily in his seat .
tr	1	' Yes , ' Victor 's father replied wearily .
tr	1	the Bastian noble snarled , almost spitting in his fury .
tr	1	' This is a grotesque farce , Roman !
tr	1	' No immortal has ever lived beyond seventeen deaths . '
tr	1	He waited until the rumble of voices died down .
tr	1	One of the Hunters pulled his chair up .
tr	1	Victor glanced at me , his own expression vaguely troubled .
tr	1	' No one knows the answer to that question .
tr	1	And they may let their guard slip . '
tr	1	The man next to Roman leaned forward on his elbows .
tr	1	' What do you have in mind ? '
tr	1	The leader of the Bastian Hunters nodded slightly .
tr	1	That 's going a bit far , ' she said harshly .
tr	1	' That makes me feel so -- useless ! '
tr	1	' You 're not , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' But no pointless heroics , okay ? '
tr	1	' That 's not the entire plan , is it ? '
tr	1	Shocked murmurs broke around the table at this news .
tr	1	I stared at Victor and his father with a frown .
tr	1	Then , I saw the glint in Victor 's eyes .
tr	1	Not everyone wishes to see another immortal war . '
tr	1	I was hardly surprised when his gaze found mine .
tr	1	' I propose Lucas , Reid , Bruno and Anatole .
tr	1	' Now we 're talking , ' he muttered excitedly .
tr	1	I stared at the immortal for several seconds .
tr	1	We had to get some answers , and fast .
tr	1	' I 'm in , ' I said steadily .
tr	1	' Do you have some time to spare ? '
tr	1	The time to see it through was now or never .
tr	1	she said , eyeing the well-used target boards suspiciously .
tr	1	I looked up into a stormy green gaze .
tr	1	Anna stared at me fiercely , a flush darkening her cheeks .
tr	1	' All right , what am I doing wrong ? '
tr	1	I stifled a smile and walked up behind her .
tr	1	' Put your fingers high on the back strap . '
tr	1	The next two shots echoed loudly around the range .
tr	1	That was -- better , ' I muttered distractedly .
tr	1	I avoided his calculating gaze and smiled at Anna .
tr	1	Why don 't you stay and practise with him ? '
tr	1	I turned briskly and headed for the trees .
tr	1	' I haven 't used the swords for a while . '
tr	1	' Those are some good moves you 've got there . '
tr	1	' Miyamoto Musashi was an excellent swords master . '
tr	1	I noted the two-handed longsword he carried with a faint frown .
tr	1	' Touché , ' Roman said in a slightly strained voice .
tr	1	' Look lower , ' I said steadily .
tr	1	' Well done , ' he murmured grudgingly .
tr	1	' I 'm surprised you lost to Felix Thorne .
tr	1	You 're as skilled as he is . '
tr	1	' I 'll be more prepared next time . '
tr	1	I suddenly became aware of the silence around us .
tr	1	Some sixty Hunters lined the edge of the clearing .
tr	1	More than a few of the immortals wore faint frowns .
tr	1	He turned without a word and walked back towards the mansion .
tr	1	Anna glanced at me apologetically before going after him .
tr	1	' That was quite a show , ' Victor said mildly .
tr	1	' He had it carved in the blade . '
tr	1	Roman watched me with an inscrutable expression before nodding .
tr	1	' She 's a scarily fast learner . '
tr	1	' No , I can 't say that I do .
tr	1	The King of Poland had died only the day before . '
tr	1	An unexpected wave of relief washed over me at his words .
tr	1	The blue eyes so alike to mine widened slightly .
tr	1	' All right , ' he murmured , shaking his head .
tr	1	We climbed down a metal ladder and descended into murky darkness .
tr	1	' This place stinks , ' he whispered .
tr	1	Bruno nudged something with the edge of his boot .
tr	1	He paused reflectively while he cast the beam around .
tr	1	' Make that a lot of dead rats . '
tr	1	A dark and cool cellar lay beyond it .
tr	1	Bottles of expensive spirits glowed briefly in the torchlight .
tr	1	Bruno muttered something rude under his breath and started walking again .
tr	1	Darkness and silence greeted us across the threshold .
tr	1	We paused in a dark recess at the top .
tr	1	' It should take you to the first floor . '
tr	1	We turned and headed swiftly along the passage .
tr	1	They nodded and headed quietly down the stairs .
tr	1	That will leave four less of them to contend with . '
tr	1	I rose to my feet and stared at him steadily .
tr	1	' I have never killed in cold blood . '
tr	1	The Bastian immortal studied me for silent seconds .
tr	1	The earpiece crackled again just as we entered a corridor .
tr	1	We slid into the shadowy recesses next to the windows .
tr	1	' Well , well , ' murmured Bruno .
tr	1	Chapter Eighteen I stared at the man in the white suit .
tr	1	The guard on the right spotted me first .
tr	1	The second guard frowned , recognition dawning in his eyes .
tr	1	We returned to the closed door seconds later .
tr	1	' Yes , ' came the reply from the Bastian tech .
tr	1	' Hello , ' I said with a cold smile .
tr	1	' I believe you know who I am . '
tr	1	But -- but -- you 're dead ! '
tr	1	The words stumbled out of his mouth in a breathless rush .
tr	1	' He did , ' I said steadily .
tr	1	A second later , he yelped and clutched at his hand .
tr	1	Smoke curled from the suppressor on Reid 's gun .
tr	1	' You 'll never get out of here alive ! '
tr	1	' That 's much better , isn 't it ? '
tr	1	I stretched my neck and flexed my fingers .
tr	1	' There 's only one way to find out . '
tr	1	I scrutinized the lists on the screens with a frown .
tr	1	My gaze shifted to the bound man on the couch .
tr	1	' The data 's encoded , ' I replied calmly .
tr	1	' I don 't know what I 'm looking for . '
tr	1	' Can 't you just download all of it ? '
tr	1	All I had to do now was decipher the code .
tr	1	A series of unhappy high-pitched sounds ensued from the speakers .
tr	1	This was not an option under the current circumstances .
tr	1	Lists of decoded folders streamed down the monitors .
tr	1	A second later , the doorknob turned and rattled .
tr	1	Open the door , ' someone said through the woodwork .
tr	1	' Are Roman and Victor out of the building ? '
tr	1	At my tone , Reid glanced towards me and frowned .
tr	1	' Seriously , you guys need to move .
tr	1	There 's an unfriendly right outside the room . '
tr	1	' I know , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	There was a buzz of static from the earpiece .
tr	1	' Shit , ' the voice finally said dully .
tr	1	' He said it , ' muttered Anatole .
tr	1	' We haven 't got time to argue .
tr	1	He palmed the rectangular piece and glared at me .
tr	1	Chilly , gunmetal eyes widened slightly as they focused on me .
tr	1	There was movement behind me while the others exited the room .
tr	1	Dark pupils dilated wildly within a sea of wintry grey .
tr	1	The thin lips pulled back in a sneer .
tr	1	' Nothing much , ' I said with a shrug .
tr	1	' I just wanted to say hello . '
tr	1	' After all , we are family . '
tr	1	An ugly expression dawned on the immortal 's face .
tr	1	' You are no relative of mine , half-breed ! '
tr	1	I ignored it and glanced at Thorne 's waist .
tr	1	' I see you have your sword with you . '
tr	1	My smile widened , which only seemed to infuriate Thorne further .
tr	1	' Would you care for a rematch ? '
tr	1	His first move was so fast I barely blocked his blow .
tr	1	The next seconds were a blur of movement .
tr	1	The tip of Thorne 's sword hummed past my face .
tr	1	I ducked , twisted on one heel and kicked out .
tr	1	His hand rose slowly and he fingered the cut .
tr	1	' He paid for it with his life . '
tr	1	My feet shifted into the starting stance of kendo .
tr	1	' Let 's do this , ' I said coldly .
tr	1	A snarl ripped from Thorne 's throat as he attacked .
tr	1	I blocked his second , then his third blow .
tr	1	I was faster and stronger than he was .
tr	1	I felt my heart stutter in my chest .
tr	1	Her face was pale and as ancient as the stars .
tr	1	She paused and studied us with a faint frown .
tr	1	' It 's your grandson , the half-breed ! '
tr	1	My gaze shifted to the woman in the doorway .
tr	1	Her mouth was pinched in a bitter expression .
tr	1	' I did , ' said Thorne with a scowl .
tr	1	The very thought struck a discordant chord deep within my soul .
tr	1	Instead , my vision had never been clearer .
tr	1	The immortal grunted , the grey eyes widening in shocked incredulity .
tr	1	' I could kill you now , ' I said dispassionately .
tr	1	I stared from him to the woman in the blue gown .
tr	1	Reid blinked when he saw me and slowly lowered the Glock .
tr	1	The ricochet of gunshots erupted around the gardens .
tr	1	I rose and followed Reid to the woods .
tr	1	Chips of bark and plant debris rapidly clouded the air .
tr	1	The sound of rotors followed a moment later .
tr	1	I squinted upwards and blinked dust out of my eyes .
tr	1	They were echoed by the stutter of machine guns from above .
tr	1	The rest retreated swiftly under the cover of the trees .
tr	1	' Don 't mention it , ' grumbled the Bastian noble .
tr	1	' Yes , we 're fine , ' I replied .
tr	1	' I 'm glad to hear it , ' said Victor .
tr	1	' We stalled for time as long as we could .
tr	1	I stared into the darkness outside the cabin window .
tr	1	' Did she say anything to you ? '
tr	1	Bruno glanced at me with a troubled expression .
tr	1	I could feel the question in the air .
tr	1	' I 'll see you back at the house . '
tr	1	Caught off-guard , I stiffened in his embrace .
tr	1	He stood back and looked me over with an anxious frown .
tr	1	I 'm fine , ' I murmured self-consciously .
tr	1	' We have the data you sent , ' she said .
tr	1	' Good , ' I said with a brief nod .
tr	1	' Have you looked at it yet ? '
tr	1	A group of Bastian Hunters entered the hallway behind us .
tr	1	' Well done , ' said Roman with a broad smile .
tr	1	' So did we , ' drawled Reid .
tr	1	' You never told us about the helicopter . '
tr	1	He thought it might come in handy . '
tr	1	The Bastian noble scowled in the face of our stares .
tr	1	' So , we looking at this data or what ? '
tr	1	Moments later , we gathered in the study .
tr	1	The Bastian 's fingers moved over the keys .
tr	1	It took several more minutes to decipher the code .
tr	1	The Bastian tech finally leaned back from the keyboards .
tr	1	' That 's the best I can do . '
tr	1	It was filled with reams of scientific jargon .
tr	1	A second later , I saw Anna stiffen .
tr	1	He glanced from her still face to the projected data .
tr	1	She looked at the Bastian tech and gestured towards the keyboards .
tr	1	' Be my guest , ' said the immortal .
tr	1	Her tone was dull while she read out the details .
tr	1	A sick feeling formed in the pit of my stomach .
tr	1	Anna gazed at the information on the screen .
tr	1	Restless murmurs rose from the Bastian Council members .
tr	1	Anna 's fingers moved on one of the keyboards .
tr	1	There were some five hundred odd names on it .
tr	1	Olsson 's was halfway down the sixth list .
tr	1	' One that would be eternally loyal to her . '
tr	1	' It will only lead to another war . '
tr	1	They will wipe out our very existence . '
tr	1	' No , they can 't , ' she said quietly .
tr	1	She glanced at me with a puzzled expression .
tr	1	' I have no idea what it 's for . '
tr	1	' Not that I can see , anyway . '
tr	1	' Reid , have you got the memory stick ? '
tr	1	she said , her green eyes widening anxiously .
tr	1	I didn 't have time to send it through . '
tr	1	A box opened up on one of the screens .
tr	1	For once , the data within it was not encrypted .
tr	1	Her words echoed the palpable dread in the air .
tr	1	' Yes , ' said Victor with a nod .
tr	1	He paused , his lips pinched in a bitter smile .
tr	1	' We had our own version to contend with . '
tr	1	And that wasn 't the worst of it . '
tr	1	She looked around the room with a troubled expression .
tr	1	' This can 't be right , ' Anna whispered .
tr	1	' This virus has the ability to cross species . '
tr	1	Understanding exploded in my mind as her words sank in .
tr	1	I said stiffly , staring at her ashen face .
tr	1	' It looks like they intentionally designed it that way . '
tr	1	' What 's she hoping to achieve by this ? '
tr	1	' She must be stopped , ' said Roman emphatically .
tr	1	The Bastian leader 's tone was edged with steel .
tr	1	The ensuing silence was broken by a hesitant voice .
tr	1	Anna frowned and glanced from the immortal to the screen .
tr	1	' Do you think you could make another one ? '
tr	1	I said , voicing the unspoken question in the air .
tr	1	Anna let out a frustrated sigh and shook her head .
tr	1	She paused and stared at us with a defeated expression .
tr	1	Although -- ' Her voice trailed into silence .
tr	1	Victor smiled faintly and turned to the Bastian Council members .
tr	1	I doubt he would want to see a second one . '
tr	1	He looked out of the windows of the study .
tr	1	' I propose we all get some rest .
tr	1	' I thought you should come along . '
tr	1	I studied him silently , nodded and gathered my weapons .
tr	1	Up ahead , fresh tire marks were visible in the dirt .
tr	1	He paused several feet from the silent figures .
tr	1	' It 's been a long time . '
tr	1	' I must say , the years have served you well .
tr	1	He paused and glanced over Victor 's shoulder .
tr	1	' I see you brought Soul with you . '
tr	1	His tone remained light while he addressed Victor .
tr	1	It was Victor who broke the tense silence that followed .
tr	1	' It 's the eyes , isn 't it ?
tr	1	' I 'm surprised you didn 't finish him off . '
tr	1	' I had my reasons , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' Let 's walk , shall we ? '
tr	1	' You 're on the list , ' he said grimly .
tr	1	Life as an immortal is long enough . '
tr	1	' She must be stopped , ' Victor stated flatly .
tr	1	Her actions will undoubtedly lead us to another immortal war .
tr	1	A faint smile appeared on Victor 's face .
tr	1	' Are we in the presence of her proposed replacement ? '
tr	1	He stopped suddenly and turned to face me .
tr	1	' However , the question still remains , Lucas Soul .
tr	1	Up until yesterday , I had had similar doubts .
tr	1	' Tell us about Germany , ' he said finally .
tr	1	Anna said breathlessly as she crossed the hall towards me .
tr	1	Anna glanced at him with a distracted frown .
tr	1	' The equipment you asked for will be there . '
tr	1	' Here , give this to the techs .
tr	1	' It 'll be all right , child .
tr	1	I won 't leave you , ' he said gruffly .
tr	1	' And you , make sure he 's okay . '
tr	1	' Yes ma 'm , ' drawled Reid .
tr	1	Anna and Tomas headed for the front doors .
tr	1	The sound of rotor blades rose from outside .
tr	1	' How many men are you sending with them ? '
tr	1	He put a hand up to hush me .
tr	1	And the fewer people know about it , the better . '
tr	1	He looked over his shoulder at the mansion .
tr	1	' And these are satellite images from an hour ago . '
tr	1	About two thousand feet , ' the Bastian Hunter replied briskly .
tr	1	' And that 's just the first level . '
tr	1	One of his men handed him a large roll of paper .
tr	1	' It 's a mining map of the area .
tr	1	' The tunnel collapsed , ' Friedrich said bluntly .
tr	1	' There 's about twelve feet of rubble blocking the entrance .
tr	1	Beyond that , it looks clear all the way . '
tr	1	And they have to have safety exits for the facility .
tr	1	It may explain why they seem unconcerned about guarding it .
tr	1	' He 's right , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' We 'll leave half of the men on the surface .
tr	1	Friedrich 's team had used their time well .
tr	1	Steel girders lay on the ground next to it .
tr	1	' This is gon na be like that time in Rome .
tr	1	The rats were the size of my arm . '
tr	1	The tunnel was clear for the first ten feet .
tr	1	' Be careful , ' he said steadily .
tr	1	' I 'll be waiting for your return . '
tr	1	Timber frames propped up sections of the walls .
tr	1	The odd pickaxe and shovel still littered the floor .
tr	1	He was looking at me with a frown .
tr	1	I took a deep breath and headed deeper into the mine .
tr	1	Up ahead , Anatole muttered a short prayer .
tr	1	He opened the panel , changed a fuse and tried again .
tr	1	A high-pitched roar erupted from the old electric motor .
tr	1	The gears engaged and the elevator whined into life .
tr	1	' All the way to the bottom , ' replied Friedrich .
tr	1	I could hear Anatole 's heavy breaths somewhere to my left .
tr	1	' We 're close to the facility . '
tr	1	I could feel tension spreading through the group .
tr	1	A muted light appeared in front of us .
tr	1	The shaft was thirty feet wide and smooth walled .
tr	1	The roof of the borehole was lost in darkness .
tr	1	' Oh boy , ' Anatole murmured behind me .
tr	1	We followed him across one at a time .
tr	1	A staircase was visible at the opposite end of the passage .
tr	1	he murmured into the mouthpiece of his microphone .
tr	1	We froze and flattened ourselves against the wall .
tr	1	We waited a moment before resuming our descent .
tr	1	' That 's not good , ' said Reid quietly .
tr	1	Friedrich slipped a small rectangular device from his bag .
tr	1	' Do you have a better idea ? '
tr	1	Does anyone have a wireless cell phone ? '
tr	1	Seconds later , a low beep issued from the containment door .
tr	1	I disconnected the cell and handed it back to Bruno .
tr	1	' I 'm impressed , ' he murmured .
tr	1	Thirty feet in , we reached a junction .
tr	1	The Bastian team leader looked at me with a faint frown .
tr	1	He paused and gave me a steady stare .
tr	1	Five minutes later , my earpiece crackled into life .
tr	1	' Does something strike you as odd ? '
tr	1	' I think he might be right , ' Reid muttered .
tr	1	Friedrich 's tone was tense over the earpiece .
tr	1	I heard a muffled hiss , followed by a protracted silence .
tr	1	' It 's empty , ' said Friedrich .
tr	1	A cold chill ran down my spine at his words .
tr	1	' There 's no one here , ' Friedrich continued uneasily .
tr	1	' Most of the equipment 's gone as well . '
tr	1	' I 'm gon na check it out . '
tr	1	We joined him and looked at the body on the floor .
tr	1	A sign above the lintel read " UL 2 " .
tr	1	' What the hell is going on ? '
tr	1	' It 's a trap , ' I said dully .
tr	1	We only left Prague a few hours ago . '
tr	1	' I can only think of two reasons . '
tr	1	I paused and glanced over my shoulder at the immortals .
tr	1	I stopped by the second body and crouched down .
tr	1	They were probably hired from the nearest town . '
tr	1	I studied the grey space behind the door .
tr	1	I opened it and stepped across the threshold .
tr	1	Reid paused and met my stare with a frown .
tr	1	' Just shut up and get in the suit . '
tr	1	I observed him for silent seconds before sighing loudly .
tr	1	' They may not have erased the hard drives . '
tr	1	The door closed after us with an ominous hiss .
tr	1	The bloated and bruised bodies of several dead rats lay inside .
tr	1	' Lucas , ' Reid said softly behind me .
tr	1	I turned and looked to where he stared .
tr	1	They were still attached to life monitors and IV drips .
tr	1	' They look dead enough from here , ' Reid muttered .
tr	1	There was a disconnected ET tube taped to her mouth .
tr	1	The body of a man lay in it .
tr	1	This time , the coldness that gripped me felt arctic .
tr	1	The last figure was also that of a man .
tr	1	A drop of blood had oozed out of his left nostril .
tr	1	As I watched , it trickled down his cheek .
tr	1	I looked up and saw his eyelids flicker open .
tr	1	The man blinked and gazed at me blindly .
tr	1	he murmured weakly through dry , cracked lips .
tr	1	Either that or he was delirious from his sickness .
tr	1	Get out before it 's too late ! '
tr	1	For a moment , I feared that he had passed away .
tr	1	' They took it all away , ' he whispered .
tr	1	A cloud of white plaster dust drifted down from the ceiling .
tr	1	The fading sounds of a distant blast reached us .
tr	1	There was a burst of static in my earpiece .
tr	1	' I want you to leave right now .
tr	1	There was a short silence from the earpiece .
tr	1	' We need a sample of the virus . '
tr	1	I slid the needle under the man 's skin .
tr	1	' This is the next best thing . '
tr	1	A cloud of fine plaster and brick dirt billowed past us .
tr	1	A shadow suddenly loomed in front of us .
tr	1	He shifted the unconscious man across his shoulder .
tr	1	' He 's bringing the last of his men out . '
tr	1	We rose to our feet and stared at the debris .
tr	1	Besides , we can dig them out later . '
tr	1	' To save Friedrich , ' Bruno replied bitterly .
tr	1	' Shut up , ' Reid grunted grimly .
tr	1	There was another detonation elsewhere in the facility .
tr	1	Moments later , we reached a dead end .
tr	1	' Wasn 't this the way to the lab ? '
tr	1	A faint noise drew my gaze back to the rubble .
tr	1	There was a disturbance in the mound of debris .
tr	1	His left leg was broken in at least two places .
tr	1	The Bastian Hunter blinked and gazed at me in mild confusion .
tr	1	' One of my men was behind me ! '
tr	1	The wall of rubble shifted with an ominous groan .
tr	1	We hauled the wounded men upright and headed towards the exit .
tr	1	' Why did you come back for us ? '
tr	1	said Friedrich , his words punctuated by painful grunts .
tr	1	I shouted , racing up the final steps .
tr	1	Or rather , where the door should have been .
tr	1	' We 're trapped , ' Friedrich said dully .
tr	1	Reid held my eyes for several long seconds .
tr	1	Fragments of plaster and concrete filled the room .
tr	1	' Well , I 'll be damned , ' he murmured .
tr	1	' It 's a long way up , ' said Friedrich .
tr	1	' It might be best to leave us here . '
tr	1	There was the sound of another distant explosion .
tr	1	A fine blanket of dust rained down around us .
tr	1	Moments later , we reached the edge of the ventilation shaft .
tr	1	' How 're we gon na do this ? '
tr	1	Reid grabbed him seconds later and helped him to the ground .
tr	1	Chunks of concrete rained down around me from the collapsing wall .
tr	1	' What the hell are you waiting for ?
tr	1	The air left my lungs in a stunned grunt .
tr	1	We lifted the wounded men upright and headed into the mine .
tr	1	' We 're almost there , ' I gasped to Friedrich .
tr	1	His eyes closed and he slipped into unconsciousness again .
tr	1	' I 'll let Victor know you 're safe .
tr	1	Violent tremors shook the floor of the tunnel .
tr	1	There was a small fracture in the wall of the syringe .
tr	1	No , no , he seems fine otherwise . '
tr	1	Victor brought the cell back to his ear .
tr	1	He ended the call , his eyes never leaving my face .
tr	1	I shifted in my restricted confines and remained silent .
tr	1	We were on a private plane bound for the States .
tr	1	' How many has he smoked so far ? '
tr	1	A wry light appeared in Victor 's eyes .
tr	1	' The injection site is a bit sore . '
tr	1	' You should get some rest , ' I said quietly .
tr	1	' It wasn 't meant to be . '
tr	1	' The lady didn 't sound very happy . '
tr	1	' No , she didn 't , did she ? '
tr	1	' Look on the bright side , ' said the immortal .
tr	1	' I 'm fine , ' I replied .
tr	1	' We 're not far from the compound . '
tr	1	Twelve hours had passed since I injected myself with the virus .
tr	1	The truck 's engine roared into life minutes later .
tr	1	It rolled across the tarmac and quickly gathered speed .
tr	1	The gradient grew steeper and the ground more uneven .
tr	1	A face appeared through the window of the transport chamber .
tr	2	He should leave the Bible here in the ditch by the cows .
tr	2	He had finally told them what had happened and they didn 't care .
tr	2	The boy 's hazel eyes narrowed and his lower lip quivered like a baby 's .
tr	2	And then he saw the blackened fingers rising from the silky grass in the ditch .
tr	2	His friend was dead , and he hadn 't been able to stop this .
tr	2	He would take his stuff from his parents ' house and leave .
tr	2	If he never saw them again , that would be just fine .
tr	2	Her best guy friend Noah was waking up from his perch back with the luggage .
tr	2	Not a single light outside , and the murky sky tossed off thick shadows .
tr	2	" Did you have a nice nap back there with the potatoes ? "
tr	2	Word on the street is you speak Quechua like a native . "
tr	2	Can you imagine anyone ever mixing me up with a Bolivian ? "
tr	2	" I would be seriously worried about anybody who thought you were Bolivian . "
tr	2	Frozen fingers brushed lazily over her cheeks from the hulking mountains all around them .
tr	2	They still had a seven-hour hike ahead of them , up the forested granite .
tr	2	She stifled a heavy yawn and fixed her gaze on the diamond stars .
tr	2	In the morning , she woke up to scruffy feathers and a beak .
tr	2	All she had to do was tell Noah 's story to the kids in Quechua .
tr	2	" I 'm afraid of the terrible goat that lives down the hill . "
tr	2	You would never think of Noah as anything more than a friend .
tr	2	" You must have heard my son Edgar talking , " she finally nodded .
tr	2	" He 's only six but he is so worried about his older brother . "
tr	2	That is why we call them and the other boys ' the missing ' . "
tr	2	Even if she wanted to be with Noah , she would never deserve him .
tr	2	A giant block of Neapolitan ice cream , sizzling under the Peshawar heat .
tr	2	" So , they just entered the courtyard , " Gabriel said softly .
tr	2	Gabriel 's bony fingers tightened on the scope and his voice rose with excitement .
tr	2	But no one would expect a shot to come from this distance .
tr	2	A cacophony of horns blasted from the matchbox cars snaking along below .
tr	2	" Targets are moving towards the mark , " Gabriel said calmly .
tr	2	He heard each beat of his heart echo in his ear , steady and slow .
tr	2	Alejo could tell there was no need to take a second shot .
tr	2	And less than twenty blocks away , three lives had just been extinguished .
tr	2	That night , the feast at Ishmael Khan 's house was bounteous .
tr	2	Milky tea simmered in bone white porcelain , rich with sugar crystals and cardamom .
tr	2	The first stabs of light through the golden curtains were a welcome relief .
tr	2	Last came Stalin , wheezing like a badger in the hazy Peshawar pollution .
tr	2	By the time Alejo closed the door , his team was already making themselves comfortable .
tr	2	" Yeah you guys , we shouldn 't even be talking about her .
tr	2	" But that 's when you fell in love , isn 't it ? "
tr	2	He was trying to get up the nerve to ask for her hand in marriage .
tr	2	Stalin , mouth still full of food , beat him to it .
tr	2	" I would nominate the Southern Baptist mission house back in Cochabamba .
tr	2	The world couldn 't be a much worse place without them , right ? "
tr	2	A grin stretched his tanned face and Benjamin seemed to agree with him .
tr	2	" I 've already lined up the next speaker , " Alejo shook his head .
tr	2	" It 's Franco Salazar , " Alejo said , cutting them off .
tr	2	His chipper grin died away at the look on Alejo 's face .
tr	2	The smell of death threatened to engulf him here , fifteen years later .
tr	2	And when I 'm done , you 'll know why Salazar has to die . "
tr	2	Stalin chewed on his lip , and Gabriel looked ready to vomit .
tr	2	She was always thrilled to talk with a foreigner in her native Quechua .
tr	2	" I tell you , the Lord is healing me of my arthritis .
tr	2	The older lady nodded with smiling , crinkly eyes and headed back towards the kitchen .
tr	2	Just as Tiago pushed his way through the caf door , sending little chimes dinging .
tr	2	" Hey , there , " Tiago drew out the greeting with a sly smile .
tr	2	" This is my new friend Rudolf , from Germany , " Tiago grinned .
tr	2	" We 'll just stay a little while , be friendly , go back .
tr	2	She knew this was going to be a bad idea , just knew it .
tr	2	She whirled around to see Rudolf leaning way , way too close .
tr	2	" I think you 're a little confused about my Noah here . "
tr	2	She pulled him closer , feeling the hot flush of her friend 's face .
tr	2	" I didn 't know why you were always talking to us and stuff .
tr	2	Noah unexpectedly burst into laugher and ran his fingers through his hair .
tr	2	Just so you know not to try to , you know , hook me up .
tr	2	He threw Tiago and company one last red-faced smile and headed for the door .
tr	2	It was obvious that neither of them felt like going back into Caf Amara .
tr	2	Just one more thing to add to her list of awful indiscretions .
tr	2	She couldn 't help glancing over at him to see if he was serious .
tr	2	Memories flooded her heart , unwelcome , and she swatted them away in anger .
tr	2	I don 't know what I would have done without you . "
tr	2	Since then he 'd been too busy trying to save the world .
tr	2	I am an expert on the document in question , after all . "
tr	2	Alejo glanced behind them , checking that they were still alone here in the corner .
tr	2	And if I believe that , I can 't be Muslim anymore . "
tr	2	A bead of sweat popped out of his forehead and he slurped caramel and cream .
tr	2	" I do , " Alejo crossed his legs and leaned back .
tr	2	If Gabriel finds out , he 's going to have a cow . "
tr	2	Yeah , Gabriel was really religious , more than anyone else on Alejo 's team .
tr	2	But Stalin 's eyes had gone all buggy behind his tiny round glasses .
tr	2	Stalin licked a film of whipped cream off his upper lip and sighed .
tr	2	Marco , until a year ago , was the Prism leader for Colombia and Venezuela .
tr	2	Stalin was watching the memory cross Alejo 's face and he nodded grimly .
tr	2	But the lazier of us have time to sit around and listen to rumors .
tr	2	Then weeks later , he 's murdered , along with his entire family .
tr	2	The scary thing is , the 964 didn 't seem the least bit surprised . "
tr	2	The 964 was the group of incredibly wealthy people who financed the Prism .
tr	2	The broken hand of two-year old Jamila was what Ishmael Khan fought for .
tr	2	The chill from his conversation with Stalin yesterday still sat in Alejo 's bones .
tr	2	Gabriel cleared his throat from the third row of seats behind Alejo .
tr	2	To them he was just another scumbag who was about to be offed .
tr	2	Alejo started , and realized they were near the current battle zone .
tr	2	With a cool hiss , the metallic doors of the Hummer unlocked and opened .
tr	2	" There 's nothing to be afraid of right here , in this village .
tr	2	Our commander is in constant contact with me , by sat phone . "
tr	2	Ishmael patted the pocket of his gray wool jacket from a posh London shop .
tr	2	Alejo 's leather sandals sucked at the mud as he followed Ishmael .
tr	2	He felt the Khan push past him , forcing him further inside the room .
tr	2	An unexplained feeling of dread crept across his chest as he watched them .
tr	2	He tried to catch Alejo 's eye with a smile as they entered the restaurant .
tr	2	The customers who were already here for lunch would simply pray together here .
tr	2	Alejo took Gabriel 's place at the faucet and began washing , quiet and morose .
tr	2	He had to wait another week , but Gabriel finally got some time off .
tr	2	You mean at ten , Gabriel raised an eyebrow at the departing guard .
tr	2	Now that the violin is here , wherever we go I 'll be home .
tr	2	Then he realized what he was thinking , and his face began a slow burn .
tr	2	Here I 've been offered this great mission , and I 'm so unworthy .
tr	2	The force of their bodies propelled Gabriel face first against the coarse concrete wall .
tr	2	With his light skin , he did look a lot like an Afghani .
tr	2	yelled one of the men in a voice that sounded like a traffic accident .
tr	2	And then he felt the prick of a very wicked knife pressed against his throat .
tr	2	Gabriel stammered , hating himself for not being able to control the tremor .
tr	2	Something hot and tangy oozed off Gabriel 's bloodied lip onto his tongue .
tr	2	" Give us all the money you got from the bank . "
tr	2	If you 're hiding the money , we 'll slaughter you like a pig . "
tr	2	Gabriel swallowed hard , felt his Adam 's apple rub raw across the concrete wall .
tr	2	You can see that I left a deposit there in the bank .
tr	2	All the money I have now is there in my wallet . "
tr	2	There was only his Afghan identity card , thanks to the Khans .
tr	2	The man holding the blade at Gabriel 's throat swore violently in his ear .
tr	2	Someone else pulled on his hair , forcing Gabriel 's face towards the sky .
tr	2	Gabriel attempted to roll over to one side , morbid curiosity winning out over sluggishness .
tr	2	If he held really still , the pain of talking was manageable .
tr	2	Of course , she felt ridiculous for having embarrassed herself in front of him .
tr	2	" They find the survivors first , then bring up the bodies .
tr	2	A beautiful brick fountain gurgled in the atrium , splashing water across smooth pebbles .
tr	2	Next year they finish that huge mosque in Cochabamba , you know . "
tr	2	And the Iranians had built many hospitals and schools in needy parts of the country .
tr	2	She panicked and tried to lean forward but couldn 't break away .
tr	2	A quick glance over at Eduardo showed white teeth flashing against his tan jaw .
tr	2	He paused and waved his hand as if to erase the past .
tr	2	How could we have ended up coming to the same place for weekends away ?
tr	2	I never heard Noah or any of the guys talking about this !
tr	2	" Suit yourselves , " Tobias waved them away , pretending to be offended .
tr	2	He swatted at a mosquito that was whining its way around his ear .
tr	2	" I rested a lot last week though , at Mom 's house .
tr	2	His mouth twitched and some of the old sparkle glowed in Gabriel 's eyes .
tr	2	One of his hands drifted to his throat and Gabriel 's Adam 's apple bobbed .
tr	2	Gabriel actually smiled now and stood up , dusting off his sweat pants .
tr	2	" Can you see me with all those tough guys , wearing a turban ?
tr	2	" Let 's go over to the caf , " he grinned .
tr	2	" Sure , I think I could choke down one of your brownies today . "
tr	2	Alejo made a face at the sight of crumbs spewing across the table .
tr	2	" So , we 'll be back on Monday afternoon , then . "
tr	2	" Tuesday we 'll start getting everything ready for the crusade . "
tr	2	No one would ever know where the sniper 's bullet had come from .
tr	2	" So the guy made this humongous statue out of white plaster or something .
tr	2	I think it 's supposed to be himself as some great benefactor .
tr	2	Alejo 's head reeled but he managed to focus , fingers digging into the phone .
tr	2	Fallen eucalyptus leaves perfumed the air as his sandals crushed them into the ground .
tr	2	Alejo slammed a fist into the trunk of the banana plant , swearing loudly .
tr	2	To think that after all this time , Salazar still remembered , was still gloating .
tr	2	No one cared , no one was going to make him pay .
tr	2	God help me if I just sit here and watch without doing something .
tr	2	I don 't need a lot of time to do calculations . "
tr	2	Noah now stood next to the foaming pool that formed the base of the waterfall .
tr	2	He leaned close to be heard over the pounding of water upon water .
tr	2	It was good they had brought Kory Tour 's truck instead of the Jeep .
tr	2	" That was the most fun I 've had in a long time .
tr	2	Eduardo smiled at her , motioning for Tobias to be a gentleman .
tr	2	Just because I 'm too much of a chicken to get a real one . "
tr	2	Her eyes twinkled , and Noah realized she wasn 't wearing her glasses today .
tr	2	" She 's pretty though , isn 't she , Noah ? "
tr	2	He winked into the mirror and then slid his dark glasses back on .
tr	2	" Thanks guys , but I 've got to go with her , ok ?
tr	2	At the moment , the street was dark and empty under the glowing street lamps .
tr	2	" No , no buses tonight , " the elderly man answered his inquiry .
tr	2	The scent of mint pomade and syrupy orange made Noah 's head buzz .
tr	2	" The agencies don 't want to take passengers out this late , you know .
tr	2	" But buses do leave at night sometimes , don 't they ? "
tr	2	" I think I rode a bus to La Paz after dark one time . "
tr	2	" There is that one bus , parked down there by the store . "
tr	2	The driver is over there , smoking , just outside the door .
tr	2	The man took a drag of his cigarette and sized Noah up .
tr	2	He should get back to the plaza so he wouldn 't miss her .
tr	2	She looked devastated , red eyes visible even in the dim lighting of the plaza .
tr	2	" Please don 't be mad , but I got some bus tickets for us .
tr	2	" I just didn 't want you to go all alone . "
tr	2	Noah sat next to her , and she wanted to die , just die .
tr	2	With a soft hiss , the bus door closed and the vehicle rumbled to life .
tr	2	There 's no way I 'm letting you stay on this bus yourself . "
tr	2	Noah still seemed a little stunned by what she had just said .
tr	2	I went to Montana for four months and never talked to him again .
tr	2	Noah was speaking , but focusing on his voice was a struggle .
tr	2	A moment later his eyes rounded and he jerked his gaze back to her .
tr	2	In reality , Noah 's eyes said that he still loved her .
tr	2	" We , my dear , have a lot to talk about .
tr	2	Her heart was thudding against her ribs , but her eyelids drooped .
tr	2	A roaring heat swallowed her and something solid and icy smacked her in the head .
tr	2	To her left was an expanse of flat ground and spiky , clumped grass .
tr	2	Shadowy trees bent over the ravine , dipping low in the wind towards death below .
tr	2	A snap cracked above the quiet chorus , and Alejo jerked his head up .
tr	2	Alejo made out Gabriel 's pale face at the front of the line .
tr	2	" 99.9 % probability , and yes , check , " Gabriel said merrily .
tr	2	" She 's American , " Christian grinned , crooked teeth visible in the darkness .
tr	2	" We just thought you might want to share in the spoils of victory . "
tr	2	She looked around frantically , trying to get up but obviously lightheaded .
tr	2	Alejo clenched his fist and fought the urge to knock William out .
tr	2	" Come on , " he said , helping her stand up by his side .
tr	2	It 's not her fault she ended up here with all of us .
tr	2	Alejo 's mind cleared and he decided what he was going to do .
tr	2	Marching over towards Stalin , Alejo motioned for him to move out of the way .
tr	2	Her weight sagged against him , so weak she could barely protest .
tr	2	Then he glared at the guys who were still leering at their prisoner .
tr	2	" If anyone 's having any fun here tonight , it 's me .
tr	2	Alejo winked again and then said a little louder , " You did it .
tr	2	" Thanks , " Gabriel said , glowing expression admitting he enjoyed the praise .
tr	2	he called to Gabriel , then raised his voice as he approached the tent .
tr	2	Bad news -- you 're going over to bunk with Benjamin . "
tr	2	She sucked in air with a shudder , still sagging against Alejo .
tr	2	he insisted , inwardly kicking himself because he knew he was scaring her to death .
tr	2	You probably have a concussion , so you need to hold still . "
tr	2	She stiffened , then curled up on the sleeping bag , eyes squeezed shut .
tr	2	My parents let my grandma name me and she gave me a native name . "
tr	2	Her tone rose frantically , and she curled up tighter on his sleeping bag .
tr	2	Sucking in a slow breath , Alejo tried to clear his mind and think .
tr	2	She would have to leave and never come back , always look over her shoulder .
tr	2	Who in the world were these guys , and where was she ?
tr	2	There was no way she felt like going to sleep right now .
tr	2	" There was a bomb on the bus , " he said finally .
tr	2	" It was in a package that we mailed freight to La Paz .
tr	2	" There are a lot of things I can 't explain to you .
tr	2	Was it her imagination or did he actually wince hearing his own words ?
tr	2	If we let you go , that causes some major problems for us .
tr	2	" It 's Ibuprofen , " he said , mouth twisting wryly .
tr	2	She took the medicine silently , draining half a bottle of water .
tr	2	" I 'll have to wake you up every hour , " he informed her .
tr	2	And just so you know , we have motion detectors around our camp .
tr	2	She peered at Noah over the top of her maroon glasses , still grinning .
tr	2	Half the Bolivian guys I 'm friends with here have an earring .
tr	2	" Islam is the only hope for Latin America , " the title proclaimed .
tr	2	She could see the earring again , and he looked kind of cute with it .
tr	2	" Didn 't your parents want you to be a stock broker ?
tr	2	Or something , " she asked him , totally changing the subject .
tr	2	Maybe if I wore a tie to work it would help . "
tr	2	Noah in the cut-off shorts and a wrinkled t-shirt with giant Hawaiian flower flip-flops .
tr	2	She was here in a tent somewhere , captured by some really dangerous guys .
tr	2	Or what were these guys doing up in the middle of the night ?
tr	2	" Time for prayers , " the man who came to get Paulo had said .
tr	2	I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God .
tr	2	She then recognized the opening lines of the first surah or chapter of the Quran .
tr	2	All of the men outside bowed in unison , backs straight , gaze lowered .
tr	2	The men must have carried her , unconscious , from the road after the accident .
tr	2	She really needed to use the bathroom , but wasn 't about to ask .
tr	2	Because the book wasn 't a Quran at all ; it was a Bible .
tr	2	This guy , Paulo , had a Bible here in his tent ?
tr	2	Something fluttered out of the Arabic Bible pages , swishing to the nylon tent floor .
tr	2	Droplets of water still clung to his temples and curly black hair .
tr	2	Maybe she should talk to him , try to at least seem sympathetic .
tr	2	It wasn 't very likely he would care , but worth a try .
tr	2	" That 's my family , " Paulo said , obviously wanting the picture .
tr	2	What were they all doing eating ice cream at Dumbo like decent people ?
tr	2	Paulo 's clear hazel eyes widened and then closed , very slowly .
tr	2	It was him , that skinny kid from the missing brother picture .
tr	2	Her nerves were beyond frayed , and her hands trembled on her lap .
tr	2	It wasn 't the first time she 'd let that word float through her mind .
tr	2	" I 'm not sure I believe you , Alejandro , " she said .
tr	2	But before you eat , there 's a stream close by in the forest .
tr	2	They 're going to take you there and bring you right back .
tr	2	Alejo nodded curtly and eyed her again before turning to stride out of the tent .
tr	2	The bulky guy stepped forward hesitantly and held out one arm for her bag .
tr	2	She handed it to him without a word and followed the two of them outside .
tr	2	After a few steps in blinding sunlight , they entered the shade of the trees .
tr	2	A chorus of cicadas and tropical birds was rising above the canopy .
tr	2	You 've been here in Bolivia for a really long time . "
tr	2	The frigid water burned her scalp and she realized she probably did have some cuts .
tr	2	I must have gotten thrown out the window , she realized with a shiver .
tr	2	She slogged across the spiky grass on her bare feet and scooped up her backpack .
tr	2	" Ok , you can take me back now , " she called sadly .
tr	2	The sight of all the olive green tents quickly brought the chill back .
tr	2	" Take care of things for me a while , will you Benjamin ? "
tr	2	Inside , her dropped her arm and latched the tent door shut .
tr	2	" Bad news , " Alejo frowned at her , then immediately began to pace .
tr	2	She started to ask , but Alejo held up a hand to cut her off .
tr	2	Something thin and biting dug into her flesh , pricking her hands .
tr	2	It was no use ; she was caught like a worm on a hook .
tr	2	Alejo winked at her , then turned towards the guys at the door .
tr	2	I told the guys I 'd be right back , Ishmael . "
tr	2	Alejo released her hair and she turned to see the newcomers , face still flaming .
tr	2	Alejo started with surprise and a moment of silence rang over the tent .
tr	2	Alejo 's fingers dug into her arm as he dragged her through the tent door .
tr	2	" I like you , che , and I really hope that 's enough .
tr	2	Benjamin must have released her just as Alejo 's punch slammed into her nose .
tr	2	" We have extenuating circumstances here , sir , " she heard Alejo say calmly .
tr	2	To the other men he called , " We 'll meet in town ! "
tr	2	" Don 't scream , " he whispered lowly in her ear .
tr	2	Even though Alejo had told her to be quiet , she had to know .
tr	2	He hadn 't looked sorry a few minutes ago when he did it .
tr	2	He was still here , sitting with arms propped on his knees .
tr	2	They were in the back of a truck , surrounded by high wooden slats .
tr	2	He had given her a concussion ; she was sure of it .
tr	2	After a long pause , Alejo answered her , voice detached but non-threatening .
tr	2	I 've set a lot of broken noses , including mine . "
tr	2	There was no way she was letting Alejo touch her swollen nose .
tr	2	she finally asked , slowly working her way over onto her back .
tr	2	" I 'm not a Muslim anymore , " he finally said .
tr	2	She tried to scoff , but the effort just hurt her nose .
tr	2	A few seconds later , a Pakistani man came along and found him lying there .
tr	2	" What if that Pakistani guy had come along while Gabriel was still being attacked ?
tr	2	" Jesus said to love your enemies , " she finally managed .
tr	2	Aren 't you going to get in big trouble for this ? "
tr	2	" I 'm going to keep you safe , I swear it .
tr	2	There 's no way the Khan isn 't going to be furious .
tr	2	" If we can warn them first , they can run . "
tr	2	Alejo 's voice was flat and a sheen of sweat painted his forehead .
tr	2	Alejo seemed startled by her sudden question , but he didn 't slow his stride .
tr	2	We can take it to get to Cochabamba and warn my family . "
tr	2	Alejo laid a hand on her shoulder , and she cringed , stepping away .
tr	2	But now I 've got ta fly like a bat outta hell .
tr	2	Do you think we could get her up in five minutes ? "
tr	2	Just sign the log please , and I 'll get her ready . "
tr	2	" Let your daughter lend some clothes to this poor girl . "
tr	2	Say , your dad said I could ask you a big favor .
tr	2	Alexis kissed Alejo on the cheek but looked skeptical about his offer .
tr	2	" I know the numbers of all your family 's cell phones .
tr	2	Good old Alexis must have a phone we can use , right ? "
tr	2	Alejo was opening a little black fridge in the corner of the office .
tr	2	Nope , me and my friends kind of half live here . "
tr	2	Alexis came in , winked at Alejo and tried to strike a sultry pose .
tr	2	" Bring me a pair of really tight jeans , ok Alejo ?
tr	2	You 'd better take a good look so you can remember my size . "
tr	2	Some really bad people are going to come looking for your family to KILL you .
tr	2	" They need to register as the Rojas family , " Alejo told her .
tr	2	" They 're going to come here when they realize I 'm gone . "
tr	2	The windows in the small room were covered by rickety bamboo blinds .
tr	2	Three unlit stars sagged on a brick red wall splattered with graffiti .
tr	2	It was now sundown , and despite the chill , Alejo felt feverish .
tr	2	If something happened to his family , he would never forgive himself .
tr	2	Alejo closed the door with one foot and slid the deadbolt into place .
tr	2	" I-I 'm glad that you 're here , " he said hoarsely .
tr	2	He only went home to get some of his clothes and CDs .
tr	2	he stood up stiffly from the bed and fought the urge to pace .
tr	2	" I know that she 's in some pain , but she 'll be fine .
tr	2	Crusty patches of blood had dried around her violet and yellow nose .
tr	2	He was sitting right by me , but I couldn 't find him . "
tr	2	Her lip shook , and she visibly forced herself not to cry .
tr	2	I passed out , and then was picked up , by the killers . "
tr	2	Never in his worst nightmares had he imagined being reunited with his family like this .
tr	2	Alejo 's chest began to constrict , and he tried in vain to be rational .
tr	2	The unspoken question hung in the air , surrounded by children 's shuddering sobs .
tr	2	With a start , he wondered if he should use the past tense .
tr	2	The weight of what he had done felt as if it could never be erased .
tr	2	Alejo cleared his face of emotion and tried to state the facts clearly .
tr	2	" I was the leader of a team in an organization that kills evil men .
tr	2	They would have killed her too , and I left with her to avoid that .
tr	2	So I suppose my membership in the organization has been canceled . "
tr	2	" Alejo , those are your little brothers and sisters below us in that room .
tr	2	Was the pastor shocked that his son had been living as a Muslim ?
tr	2	Did you really , honestly expect me to want to be a Christian ?
tr	2	Did you ever realize what you had done , when you heard about Ruben ?
tr	2	He needed to talk with his father about a plan to save their lives .
tr	2	It was a heavy first conversation , all in all , after fourteen years .
tr	2	He gently closed the rusting door with a slight clang behind him .
tr	2	" Are your brothers , sisters , and your mother safe downstairs ? "
tr	2	I have to get all of you out of here as soon as possible .
tr	2	Alejo winced as he heard his own words , suddenly realizing how crazy they sounded .
tr	2	" You need to explain this to me again , " Pablo sighed seriously .
tr	2	" Yep , they as in some pretty well-trained , smart guys .
tr	2	If I don 't get you into hiding , they will find you . "
tr	2	" He was an evil man , and the bomb was meant for him . "
tr	2	" Did you only come back to warn us because we are your family ? "
tr	2	But I found out that if I left , they would come after you ! "
tr	2	Pablo muttered , appearing to be still trying to take it all in .
tr	2	I have more than enough money , and I 'll do whatever it takes . "
tr	2	Alejo shifted his eyes uncomfortably , refused to let his gaze ride to the floor .
tr	2	" You shouldn 't have opened to me , " he scolded softly .
tr	2	" Your dad will be down in a minute , " he told them .
tr	2	They 're probably worried I left him dead up there on the roof .
tr	2	And before that , how he had handcuffed her and kissed her .
tr	2	" They must want you to come home , right away . "
tr	2	" She won 't go until she finds out if Noah is still alive . "
tr	2	" I 'm sorry , but you 'd better come with me . "
tr	2	She forced her breathing to even , willing herself to sleep , just sleep .
tr	2	Alejo drew in a breath , and it was sharp , hurried .
tr	2	He raised his eyes to hers , slowly closed then opened them .
tr	2	But they end up in the Tribal Area , or God knows where else . "
tr	2	" It 's not going to make you feel any better , you know .
tr	2	This is not the first time Salazar has been to Thailand . "
tr	2	I told my parents , because I thought they would do something .
tr	2	They had a school , and three or four hundred people coming to their church .
tr	2	My father told me that we had to keep this to ourselves .
tr	2	And who would be the light of the gospel to the community then ?
tr	2	Alejo shrugged , as if all he had said were suddenly of no importance .
tr	2	A few fiery rays of sun poked out from behind a tall red brick building .
tr	2	After the emotional encounter of last night , she didn 't know what to say .
tr	2	She felt a little better than yesterday , after a quick shower .
tr	2	As long as there was no news , there was still hope .
tr	2	Shed seen them whispering and laughing as they got on the bus .
tr	2	" Alejo said that Franco Salazar was involved in all kinds of horrible stuff .
tr	2	" That part of our history is a painful memory that marked our lives forever .
tr	2	The kids were so young they didn 't know what was really going on .
tr	2	" Did he tell you we didn 't report what happened to Ruben ? "
tr	2	She blinked and turned her head towards Alejo , deep in discussion with his father .
tr	2	" It took years for us to understand how wrong we were .
tr	2	We started the children 's center in Villa Candelaria to try to repent , somehow .
tr	2	" You guys are involved with the Children 's Center in Villa Candelaria ?
tr	2	I 've heard of that place -- it 's famous all over the country .
tr	2	We also need to let the embassy know you 're alive . "
tr	2	" They agree with you , " Alejo scowled at the little gray phone .
tr	2	" Since the good old U.S. of A has been so helpful ? "
tr	2	Alejo grimaced and massaged his temple , feet planted on the tile floor .
tr	2	Without all those contacts , I can 't get passports , visas , anything . "
tr	2	" I 'll put them on a bus to Lima this afternoon .
tr	2	They can get passports at the embassy there and take a flight to another country .
tr	2	" You should call the embassy to come pick you up , " he said .
tr	2	" I 'll stay with you until they know , " Alejo said finally .
tr	2	" My family can go on ahead , and we can meet them .
tr	2	So why did her heart flood with something like relief at his plan ?
tr	2	Then he sighed and asked : " Do you want to go to La Paz ?
tr	2	" Yeah , right now , " Alejo said , almost sounding apologetic .
tr	2	" Fine , " she answered him , sliding her eyes back shut .
tr	2	" But I think you 'll have to pack my bag for me . "
tr	2	" I promise you can sleep when we get to our new place . "
tr	2	she asked groggily , as she followed Alejo out the door into the hallway .
tr	2	Without turning around , he answered carefully , " I don 't think so .
tr	2	The taxi driver 's eyes met Alejo 's in the rear view mirror .
tr	2	" Yep , " Alejo nodded to him , mouth turning up .
tr	2	The courtyard they entered was grassy , shaded with trees , and mostly dark .
tr	2	Alejo winked at the driver , who seemed to be enjoying this .
tr	2	" Ask him how much for two days , " Alejo told the driver .
tr	2	" I have never seen anything so ugly in my entire life .
tr	2	" It 's just that it really is the best spot to hide ? "
tr	2	" Were you really good friends with all those guys I saw up there ? "
tr	2	And she really didn 't want to talk with Alejo about it .
tr	2	She wandered over to the bed and collapsed on it with slumped shoulders .
tr	2	" Its cold in here , " he offered it to her .
tr	2	Her nose was a sickly violet and yellow , puffy under her reddened eyes .
tr	2	Franco Salazar was dead , and he couldn 't say he was sorry .
tr	2	His voice cracked a little , and Alejo felt his shoulders tense .
tr	2	He stopped and sighed , obviously thinking something along the lines of , " ?
tr	2	People pretending to praise God while peeking to see whose hands were raised the highest .
tr	2	I don 't want to be a Christian like I was taught .
tr	2	Then he actually stepped forward to clasp Alejo 's shoulder , tears in his eyes .
tr	2	" We all need a lot of grace right now , " he said hoarsely .
tr	2	Without looking back he said , " Noah had Jesus living in him .
tr	2	Then Noah was a better man that I am , he thought .
tr	2	But then she realized she couldn 't feel anything , not yet .
tr	2	He lifted his eyes to hers again , blinking behind the trendy glasses .
tr	2	I told him so many times that that was a bunch of hogwash .
tr	2	He had never mentioned anything about his parents ' relationship with each other .
tr	2	To put to death the idea of marriage and living happily ever after . "
tr	2	A long table was set up in the corner with punch and refreshments .
tr	2	She reluctantly raised her head and stared at the speaker through bleary eyes .
tr	2	He seemed at home in an expensive black suit with a sky blue tie .
tr	2	Drops of perspiration trickled down his forehead despite the coolness of the room .
tr	2	" And you must have been a good friend , " she sniffed .
tr	2	Yes , for a few minutes , but what did that matter now ?
tr	2	Noah 's father looked shocked , and his mother burst into tears .
tr	2	This is how they wanted him to be , she thought miserably .
tr	2	Mrs. Hearst let her go , again swiping at tears under her painted eyes .
tr	2	" I didn 't know he had a girlfriend " she rasped .
tr	2	Noah 's mom broke off , bit her lip , then tried to compose herself .
tr	2	" For your parents , leave this awful country and go home .
tr	2	Looking for Noah 's body among the twisted vines and jungle thorns .
tr	2	They had started , of course , with the charred remains of the bus .
tr	2	The last scene of Noah in the jungle was one she could live with .
tr	2	Her fingers curled tightly around the neck , metal strings biting into her flesh .
tr	2	If Noah is with you , I want to be there too , at home .
tr	2	His face was red and puffy , and he looked really , really miserable .
tr	2	The feelings of anger she had just been tempted with were gone .
tr	2	One more hour and we can leave this place and get back to the motel .
tr	2	As if that 's going to be any better than being here .
tr	2	But he was supposed to believe God would forgive him , just like that ?
tr	2	Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary in the empty yard .
tr	2	He had already made sure all the doors of the house were locked .
tr	2	Just to be on the safe side , Alejo decided to answer the phone .
tr	2	Maybe he could just give some poor gringo directions and put an end to this .
tr	2	Alejo marched towards the desk and snatched up the receiver , punching the talk button .
tr	2	It took me a little bit to get this number , though . "
tr	2	" How 'd you know the funeral was going to be here ? "
tr	2	" There 're all kinds of poky plants in that park across the street .
tr	2	Alejo jerked , glancing out the window where Gabriel was still on the street .
tr	2	The sound of a door banging echoed throughout the house and Alejo panicked .
tr	2	Gabriel called louder , banging on the metal side of the truck .
tr	2	Then she added , " Don 't do anything to Noah 's parents .
tr	2	" I didn 't want to leave all of you , che . "
tr	2	" That 's where I think you are wrong , " Gabriel stated firmly .
tr	2	All the Bolivian guys , huddled up there near the skirmish zone ? "
tr	2	happened before I came home from Pakistan , we never really talked about that .
tr	2	I thought it was amazing , so many guys ready to follow God . "
tr	2	But now they 're getting a chance to make their lives really count .
tr	2	Alejo glanced sharply at his friend and then back at the road .
tr	2	Gabriel shook his head and then drilled Alejo with a serious stare .
tr	2	" Listen , che , you are like a brother to me .
tr	2	" Che , I 've heard all this Christian stuff before , ok ?
tr	2	The chances of Alejo surviving this next encounter with the Khan were slim .
tr	2	This house and its gardens and lands were his retreat from his mansion in Cochabamba .
tr	2	Inhaling sharply , Alejo recognized those glinting eyes , malicious when they needed to be .
tr	2	" Oh , no one uses this place anymore , " Gabriel shrugged .
tr	2	We 'll take a few little treasures with us to make it look authentic . "
tr	2	His friend hesitated , then turned to Alejo with a pained look in his eyes .
tr	2	Neither of them looked particularly happy ; in fact , Stalin looked downright miserable .
tr	2	The Khan was calmly flipping through a book , which Alejo recognized as his Bible .
tr	2	He doesn 't seem to be too disturbed that she 's dead . "
tr	2	Then , quieter , he hissed , " How could you do this , che ?
tr	2	" As promised , " Benjamin 's mouth tipped up in a dry smile .
tr	2	" That wouldn 't have been an extremely pleasant experience for me .
tr	2	I 've got ta get my gun out of the truck . "
tr	2	Alejo let Stalin and Benjamin frame him and walk him towards Ishmael Khan .
tr	2	" He wouldn 't admit it , but this whole thing had him upset .
tr	2	She ignored the burning in her arms , watching the dented white metal door .
tr	2	I have to leave the door open or they might suspect . "
tr	2	Gabriel looked down at her from where he stood , face slick with sweat .
tr	2	" It could have been true , but that 's not what happened . "
tr	2	I caused something , and I 'm willing to pay the penalty for it .
tr	2	I had to do what 's right and try to help her . "
tr	2	The older man 's voice cut off as he glanced away , dramatically .
tr	2	" You would destroy a book that even the Quran calls holy ? "
tr	2	" I won 't believe it until I hear it from your own lips .
tr	2	Gabriel kept his grip tightly on his gun , staring at Alejo , pallid .
tr	2	Say you will leave this blasphemy , that God has a son .
tr	2	Say you will return to Islam and no longer follow Jesus . "
tr	2	Ishmael hadn 't even had time to lower the gun , and Alejo was gone .
tr	2	And they are coming back here , to the truck , with his body .
tr	2	That next thought beat urgently against her dazed brain , and she tried to focus .
tr	2	Ishmael Khan wandered off towards a more shaded part of the garden .
tr	2	Gabriel and Stalin began to haul the blanket slowly across the grass towards the truck .
tr	2	With every breath she felt like she was making the whole truck tremble .
tr	2	" The worst is over , " Gabriel said , sounding quite sick as well .
tr	2	Somehow , in the middle of all this mess , he had saved her life .
tr	2	Her stomach churned , complicated by the wild motion of the delivery truck .
tr	2	She kicked the heavy tarps off her body , desperate for fresh air .
tr	2	She shivered and turned her eyes back to the darkened ceiling , breathing deeply .
tr	2	Time was up for any kind of decision ; they were coming back here .
tr	2	" I told Stalin that you were back here , " Gabriel clipped .
tr	2	" He 's a nice guy anyway , kind of a pushover .
tr	2	Stalin blanched and turned away from the sight of his friend covered in blood .
tr	2	Invent something to tell the doctors , but don 't tell them the truth .
tr	2	If you tell anyone about us , the authorities and media will find out .
tr	2	The sun had already disappeared , and the sky was deep blue .
tr	2	" Go with God , " Stalin muttered , covering his eyes with his hands .
tr	2	Alejo 's ribcage rose shakily , then he gagged and shuddered into the wool blanket .
tr	2	" We 're not out of the woods , yet , by any means .
tr	2	The creaky voice calling to her in Quechua took her totally unaware .
tr	2	Do a Filomena , the elderly lady who worked at Caf Amara !
tr	2	The woman smiled , dispersing a legion of crow 's feet across her copper cheeks .
tr	2	Her voice faded to a whisper as she asked , " Why ? "
tr	2	They said that you had been found and that you were all right .
tr	2	And then she heard herself say something she never would have expected .
tr	2	" Do a Filomena , can you please pray for another friend of mine ? "
tr	2	Do a Filomena shook her head slowly , thin gray braids scratching her worn sweater .
tr	2	But he wasn 't hers to care for , not by a long shot .
tr	2	She needed some time , needed to be close to people she actually liked .
tr	2	The halls were dim and empty and a faint , urgent beeping drilled the walls .
tr	2	Five or six nurses in white were framing the bed , grim and sober .
tr	2	the nurse with the clogs snapped , then turned back to Alejo .
tr	2	Dr. Ortega 's face shone slick with sweat above a bushy black beard .
tr	2	But her heart surged to her throat , vibrating with what she realized was compassion .
tr	2	He was sitting , suddenly , gasping and leaning forward onto the pale blue blanket .
tr	2	The monitor 's beeping dove from a constant beep to deep electronic thuds .
tr	2	The nurses had drawn back and were gaping at Alejo sitting up on the bed .
tr	2	It was weak and lop-sided , and looked out of place on his pale face .
tr	2	And he said we 're just supposed to go , and do whatever they say .
tr	2	he moaned , leaning over onto his knees with head in his hands .
tr	2	The nurses rushed towards him , firm hands admonishing the patient to lie back down .
tr	2	Alejo was lying still on the rumpled pillow , eyes opened narrowly .
tr	2	It was such an honor that the Khan had thought of him for this job .
tr	2	Okay , so Gabriel wouldn 't carry out the actual mission today , of course .
tr	2	Gabriel was the mastermind behind the whole thing , providing all the technical support .
tr	2	The world was full of people suffering , their daily lives full of misery .
tr	2	But as long as I 'm with my violin , it feels like home .
tr	2	He felt a little faint as it occurred to him that Manuel was not coming .
tr	2	Gabriel slammed a fist into the wooden doorframe and leaned against it , breathing heavily .
tr	2	There wasn 't much time , and he really needed to think .
tr	2	How can we let this opportunity slip away , just because Manuel didn 't show ?
tr	2	But without him , there 's no way to get close enough to the targets .
tr	2	When they hear me play , there won 't be a single complaint .
tr	2	She could cause all kind of damage to the cause of Allah .
tr	2	Alejo sighed and tried to smile towards her , but it was a sad smile .
tr	2	Alejo 's face was impassive as he said he agreed with her decision .
tr	2	he ordered , straining to hear the blaring voice of a female announcer .
tr	2	It was a building on Cochabamba 's Prado avenue , and it was burning .
tr	2	Initial estimates for the death toll are between sixty and seventy . "
tr	2	I 've got to get out of here , she thought in a daze .
tr	2	Even the bus station was sounding preferable now than staying here and watching this .
tr	2	she stammered , eyes searching his even though she knew he couldn 't see her .
tr	2	" I know nothing about this , " he stated each word slowly and clearly .
tr	2	But it was obvious that something about the bombing had him upset .
tr	2	Then he said what she never expected : " I can see .
tr	2	Alejo 's voice was racing , and his sentences all ran together .
tr	2	She said she knows you , and you told her to pray for me . "
tr	2	She heard a loud bang beneath her as the baggage compartment door was slammed shut .
tr	2	She didn 't really like him , and she didn 't really trust him .
tr	2	She staggered down the aisle , ignoring the curious glances of the other seated passengers .
tr	2	" Well , I was about to , but then I got some more visitors .
tr	2	The man who wants to see you is a believer as well , your brother .
tr	2	The two visitors grinned a little , and the woman motioned towards Alejo .
tr	2	" Is this the first time you 've seen a healing ? "
tr	2	" Neither of you turn around , " Braids snickered at her .
tr	2	He did a double take , then blinked at her a couple times .
tr	2	She followed the three others into the hallway , which was still eerily silent .
tr	2	With each step , her cheap plastic sandals squished noisily across the tiles .
tr	2	The murmur of conversation and screech of guard whistles rose around them .
tr	2	A siren beeped , then hushed , and Alejo 's eyes narrowed .
tr	2	On three , we all stand up and walk towards the street .
tr	2	" So , you can see now , " she eyed him nervously .
tr	2	" But are you sure you 're ok to leave the hospital ? "
tr	2	The motorcycles ' headlights cut through the heavy darkness of the cornfield under the stars .
tr	2	The spacious room inside the house was a stark contrast to the blurry darkness outside .
tr	2	He was wearing brown slacks and a tan button-down shirt , with wool slippers .
tr	2	" Hello , " he said , hands loose at his side .
tr	2	Both men watched each other for a moment , sizing each other up .
tr	2	" My name is Rupert Cole , and this is my home .
tr	2	Mr. Cole seemed to expect the surprised looks on their faces , and he chuckled .
tr	2	" I 'm sure they just went to change out of those clothes .
tr	2	I don 't have your names , " Mr. Cole told them quietly .
tr	2	Alejo held out his hand as Mr. Cole reached forward to shake it firmly .
tr	2	" It 's a pleasure to meet you , Mr. Cole . "
tr	2	But for now , I really want to help you , however I can .
tr	2	Now before you laugh , it 's not like this happens all the time .
tr	2	This is only the third time God showed me something in a dream . "
tr	2	" So , what I saw was a man with a gun against his forehead .
tr	2	Rupert 's calm gaze searched Alejo 's face , which had grown very serious .
tr	2	" It wasn 't an accident , " Alejo admitted in a low voice .
tr	2	A tiny black computer desk sat under a picture window that really needed washing .
tr	2	Rupert plopped down on a chair in front of the extra-wide flat screen .
tr	2	" I apologize in advance , in case this is upsetting . "
tr	2	It was posted on YouTube , but of course has already been taken down .
tr	2	Gabriel was repeating a prayer or verse from the Quran in Arabic .
tr	2	Dad , you were wonderful , and I thank you for your example .
tr	2	Mom , I will especially be waiting for your good cooking . "
tr	2	I pray Allah will purify me by fire and accept me into Paradise . "
tr	2	Had Gabriel thought he disobeyed God by letting her and Alejo go ?
tr	2	Gabriel 's mouth twisted wryly again , and he lowered the violin to his side .
tr	2	I 'll miss the brownies , the trips , all our conversations over coffee .
tr	2	Gabriel lowered his lashes , then looked up and started to walk towards the camera .
tr	2	" This was a very strange video of this type , I know .
tr	2	" Of course , this is what happened to the Hotel Diplomat this afternoon .
tr	2	Alejo resisted the urge to sink back down onto the bed , depressed .
tr	2	Only the Savior of the world can atone for the sins of men .
tr	2	The early estimates were in favor of a death toll of over seventy .
tr	2	I have to do something , or I 'm going to go crazy in here .
tr	2	" Ru really wants you to stay , " Tabor said , languid eyes twinkling .
tr	2	" I don 't know why you didn 't just stay in bed .
tr	2	You only ran like a hundred meters with me , anyway . "
tr	2	Sandal glared at him , then forked a bite of pancake rather violently .
tr	2	He shuffled up the winding wood staircase , where Alejo assumed her slept .
tr	2	" This is my home , yes , " Rupert said thoughtfully .
tr	2	" I 'm gone of course , often , for my work . "
tr	2	And you live here , in the Bolivian countryside , and have an ostrich farm .
tr	2	Why would a gringo want to live all the way out here ? "
tr	2	" Yeah , well you at least have been following the path of your parents .
tr	2	By the time I was fifty I was on my third wife . "
tr	2	What he didn 't know was what was going on now , in the present .
tr	2	We believe in that , bringing God 's kingdom to earth . "
tr	2	So Rupert wants me to work with him and become a luke .
tr	2	When Rupert had finished praying , Alejo felt too weak to get up just yet .
tr	2	he started to say hoarsely , but Rupert was already heading out of the vineyard .
tr	2	There is one thing we have to talk about now , though .
tr	2	Fallen grapes fermenting in the sun gave off the essence of sweet red wine .
tr	2	" You might as well know , I 'm an addict . "
tr	2	Alejo unscrewed the lid of the thermos and took a drink of the bitter liquid .
tr	2	But it is kind of nice in here , isn 't it ?
tr	2	What that means is learning to follow Jesus , to be a disciple .
tr	2	I want you to know , too , that we can help your family .
tr	2	" I really messed her life up , too , " Alejo muttered .
tr	2	" Can you get a new ID and passport for her , too ?
tr	2	Unintentionally , but I still believe that God would have you make it right . "
tr	2	He swallowed against a throat that was dry like sandpaper , then sputtered .
tr	2	I 'm the man who blew up her bus and killed Noah . "
tr	2	Alejo felt sure that Rupert would see the craziness of what he had just suggested .
tr	2	I 'd feel a lot better knowing I could keep an eye on her .
tr	2	Alejo could just see the look on her face now : repulsion at the idea .
tr	2	" She might accept being a luke , but she would never love ? .
tr	2	I can read you pretty well , even if no one else can .
tr	2	Coffee spewed from Alejo 's lips onto his muddy knees as he nearly choked .
tr	2	" I didn 't mean we should tell her tonight that you 're proposing marriage !
tr	2	The day before it had been orange butterscotch and strawberries with a wine sauce .
tr	2	" I swear I will take care of you like my own daughter .
tr	2	She headed towards the office , where Rupert motioned towards a swivel chair .
tr	2	At the seaside , after Jesus rose again , he brought Peter back .
tr	2	Peter swore with a curse he didn 't know Jesus and Jesus forgave him .
tr	2	He didn 't remove his gaze from the floor and his hands shook .
tr	2	" I can never pay you for what I did to you .
tr	2	And now it 's time for me to follow in His footsteps .
tr	2	Starting visibly , Alejo lifted his head and peered at her with reddened hazel eyes .
tr	2	He let his head roll back towards the ceiling , then faced her again .
tr	2	There was something she still hadn 't said to him , and it was important .
tr	2	" Thank you , " she told him honestly , searching his face .
tr	2	She pressed her lips together and tried to match Alejo 's small smile .
tr	2	" Should I give you the phone number to my parents ' house ? "
tr	2	It was crazy , but a lot of the time he thought about her .
tr	2	Alejo warily punched the talk button and pressed an ear to the speaker .
tr	2	I 've run away , to join the circus , as they say .
tr	2	" Yeah , che , I should have listened to you earlier .
tr	2	I let Ishmael shoot my best friend for being an infidel . "
tr	2	Alejo found himself grinning , despite the contrition in Stalin 's voice .
tr	2	Alejo couldn 't bring himself to mention the fact that Gabriel had also been there .
tr	2	They 'll stay out of Bolivia for a while , I assume . "
tr	2	Alejo could picture Stalin shaking his head , scraggly hair dragging over his bulky shoulders .
tr	2	Stalin was alive and well , and possibly dining every evening on sushi and rice .
tr	2	I 'm sitting here in Spain at mass with about five little old ladies . "
tr	2	Then , following quickly , " And they 're all dressed in black .
tr	2	" But then again , so was Gabriel , " Stalin added .
tr	2	Alejo typed , " Don 't you want to talk on the phone ?
tr	2	It was warm , they spoke Spanish , and rumors were that bathing was topless .
tr	2	, " God Can Control Your Diet " , and " Exercising for Jesus " .
tr	2	Her hair fell to her waist , and was chestnut brown with shimmers of red .
tr	2	" My father always loved Ireland so he gave me an Irish name . "
tr	2	I feel like I 'm in the self-help section of some bookstore .
tr	2	Stalin found himself taken aback when Shannon chuckled again , a deep , full-throated laugh .
tr	2	Shannon pulled a purple cell phone out of her purse and glanced at the time .
tr	2	Stalin felt as though the flaming arrow of Cupid had pierced his chest .
tr	2	" Get up , " the guard ordered , dragging him to his feet .
tr	2	It was more than obvious he didn 't want to be here .
tr	2	The old Sami was gone , and he was a different person now .
tr	2	Sami felt his feet slap across the hot , soiled square in slow motion .
tr	2	She shrieked without meaning to , nearly dropping the guitar on her toes .
tr	2	she gasped again , less fear and more irritation lacing her voice now .
tr	2	He had been behind the bomb that killed Noah on the bus .
tr	2	She could let the light live , or blow it back out .
tr	2	" I know , " Alejo 's lips twisted into a smile .
tr	2	Alejo pressing the hunting knife to her throat and dragging her into the forest .
tr	2	Per your instructions , " she informed him just to break the silence .
tr	2	" Think you can show me some of what you 've learned ?
tr	2	She had been going to classes every stinking day , after all .
tr	2	You could hold me off for a while with those lightning kicks .
tr	2	Unfortunately , because I 'm bigger , I can do this . "
tr	2	The hiss of Alejo 's breath in her ear was quite annoying .
tr	2	Her knees buckled as his weight slammed into her and they crashed to the ground .
tr	2	But instead of another bullet , a low voice cut through the clearing .
tr	2	" Get away from her , or you 're a dead man .
tr	2	His eyes narrowed and he trained an unwavering shotgun exactly at Alejo 's head .
tr	2	Well , that would be a welcome relief to a pile of snow .
tr	2	Before the sixth dowsing of snow , I pulled my hood over my head .
tr	2	I could feel the energy draining from my body by the minute .
tr	2	Time seemed to move so slowly as I watched Isaac cross that traverse .
tr	2	I watched Isaac stand like a statue , far out in front of me .
tr	2	I felt the rope go taut and pulled hard to take up the slack .
tr	2	I saw Isaac look up toward the Notch Couloir , then shuffle quickly across .
tr	2	Watching him cross , I looked down the full length of the 1500 foot cliff .
tr	2	I felt damned scared , but buried my fears and concentrated on my job .
tr	2	Moments later , Isaac made it to the other side of the snowy slope .
tr	2	I pulled hard on the rope and locked off my belaying device .
tr	2	I braced myself again for the tug that I figured would be Isaac .
tr	2	" Ok Man , you 're up next , " he yelled out to me .
tr	2	The rocky face was cold and now had a light dusting of snow on it .
tr	2	The snowflakes were large and accumulating at a rate of nearly two feet an hour .
tr	2	That much snow could easily sweep you off and over the cliff .
tr	2	Quickly , I dug my hands and feet into the snow and hung on .
tr	2	I knew I had only seconds before the next wave of snow came .
tr	2	I saw Isaac look upward and I knew disaster was on its way .
tr	2	Harder and more determined , I plowed across the last feet steps .
tr	2	Isaac reached out , grabbed my jacket and hauled me into safety .
tr	2	" Dude man , you were almost a statistic ... pretty cool , huh ? "
tr	2	I remember in my mind saying , ' HELL NO , it 's not OK .
tr	2	Fortunately , we were only planning on doing the very last fifty feet of it .
tr	2	Isaac pulled himself back over land and worked his way back up to me .
tr	2	You swing the pick into ice and pull on the handle to climb higher .
tr	2	I brushed the heavy snow off the rocks and searched for a handhold .
tr	2	As I placed my hand on a nice blocky surface , it quickly slid off .
tr	2	ICE ... a thin layer of ice had now glazed the rock 's surfaces .
tr	2	I placed the front point into a tiny crack and pulled hard .
tr	2	I pulled on the axe handle and moved higher as Isaac paid out the rope .
tr	2	He smiled encouragingly and yelled , " You 'll be Ok . "
tr	2	As I weighted it , I moved my right foot out onto the Diamonds face .
tr	2	I didn 't want to look down ... I couldn 't really .
tr	2	Something in my subconscious mind wouldn 't allow me to do it .
tr	2	Suddenly , my foot found something ... a nob , a tiny nob .
tr	2	I stepped on it and immediately pushed hard forcing me closing to Isaac .
tr	2	I could feel the veins in my neck pulsating with savage fear .
tr	2	" If I wasn 't so tired , I 'd kill you right now . "
tr	2	Isaac ascended higher on the slope and waited for the next avalanche to pass through .
tr	2	Even before the rush had dissipated , he started off to the other side .
tr	2	I heard him scream out , now barely audible twenty feet from him .
tr	2	He jumped up and tried to " swim " higher up the slope .
tr	2	I pulled hard on the rope , holding him against the inevitable .
tr	2	As Isaac fought for his life , he began his downward slide toward the cliff .
tr	2	Then , as quickly as the avalanche struck , it was gone .
tr	2	By the time we got back to our camp , it was after midnight .
tr	2	" Damn Le , you 're like a ninja or something , " Trae replied .
tr	2	" Damn , Le , you never even seen ' im before .
tr	2	" Hey , Le : check out those moths over by the street .
tr	2	He glanced over to Lena , then back at the suspicious car .
tr	2	" Le , come here for a minute , " Trae said in nervous tone .
tr	2	Besides , I can take care of myself , " Lena stated proudly .
tr	2	Suddenly , aggressively , the old Buick released its brakes and stormed around the corner .
tr	2	" Oh no , " Trae murmured to himself , almost in sobbing tone .
tr	2	Trae watched in horror as the Buick 's dark tinted windows began to lower .
tr	2	Quickly , Trae leapt to his feet , pulling Lena up with him .
tr	2	The sight of the two still alive spread quickly to the driver of the car .
tr	2	Trae grabbed Lena around the waist and sprang from the edge of the road .
tr	2	With their guns still drawn , they wasted no time in continuing their task .
tr	2	Instantly , Lena dropped onto the porch , Trae collapsing beside her .
tr	2	An eerie quiet spread over the neighborhood as the four thugs reloaded .
tr	2	With his hand covered in blood , they slipped off the edge of the door .
tr	2	" Le , get in the house ... stay low , " Trae ordered .
tr	2	Lena , scared and crying , lay beside her brother , unable to move .
tr	2	" No , I can help you , " Lena replied with determination .
tr	2	Before Trae could protest , Lena reached down and grabbed him by his shirt .
tr	2	She pulled with all her might as Trae pushed with his feet .
tr	2	Immediately , she slumped to the ground , then rolled over on top of Trae .
tr	2	Further south , along Signal Mountain , Dr. Phineas Morgan stood on his wooden deck .
tr	2	" The dominoes of destiny are now tumbling ... Godspeed , David . "
tr	2	Perfectly concealed , they laid on their stomachs and waited for their signal .
tr	2	Time seemed to slow as they waited on their signal of death .
tr	2	Shifting their weight from side to side , they tried to alleviate their discomfort .
tr	2	Waiting quietly in the underbrush , each soldier pondered his own fate .
tr	2	Standing by their designated cannon , each soldier mentally prepared himself for the battle .
tr	2	The Confederates would hear the sound of the Union rifles and fire in that direction .
tr	2	This would certainly be more tolerable -- as long as the good weather held .
tr	2	Dr. Morgan was a compassionate and sympathetic older man , but tough nonetheless .
tr	2	His private philosophy was , " If you can walk , you can fight . "
tr	2	Instantly , his men responded and lit the fuses to their cannons .
tr	2	All around the city , that first barrage of munitions inflicted devastating damage .
tr	2	No one noticed him as he lay sprawled on the ground between the cannons .
tr	2	Up ahead , several yards away , he spotted a boulder for protection .
tr	2	Fear and anxiety coursed through his veins as he struggled to stay alive .
tr	2	Instinctively he pushed the private 's hand away and opened his eyes .
tr	2	In a weakened voice , he said , " They 've killed me .
tr	2	As he reached to lift the fading corporal , he replied , " Nonsense .
tr	2	You 'll be good as new in a just a few days . "
tr	2	He smiled as he spoke , hoping to lift the Corporal 's spirits .
tr	2	With the ghastly wound in his stomach , he didn 't have long to live .
tr	2	Lying there in his agony , he cried out to God to end his suffering .
tr	2	It was the hooves from a team of horses as they trotted .
tr	2	He strained his eyes in the direction of the sound , but still saw nothing .
tr	2	" Yes sir , " the private quickly responded , hopping to his feet .
tr	2	He pulled into the clearing and rolled to the waiting operating wagon .
tr	2	Immediately , Dr. Morgan ran to the wounded and began his assessment .
tr	2	Dr. Morgan looked up while cutting and said , abruptly , " Save it .
tr	2	I 'll have his leg off well before he ever wakes up . "
tr	2	He then turned a large lever on the tourniquet to take in the excess slack .
tr	2	Moments later , the blood that oozed from the wound slowed to a slight trickle .
tr	2	Dr. Morgan 's hands were already covered in blood as he reached for his scalpel .
tr	2	With his pant leg gone , Corporal Fletcher 's right leg was fully exposed .
tr	2	Start at the top , here , " he said , pointing with the scalpel .
tr	2	The two incisions were so quick , Asst. Fowler barely had time to comprehend .
tr	2	Looking up at his assistant , Dr. Morgan replied , " Good question , lad .
tr	2	The accepted practice is the double incision , as we are doing now .
tr	2	" Ok , we 've pulled the muscles higher up the bone .
tr	2	He reached for his saw and placed his thumb on the bone as a guide .
tr	2	In seconds , he was nearly through the bone , as he began to slow .
tr	2	They are the various blood vessels that supplied the lower leg with blood .
tr	2	Seeing none , he then began to sew up the exposed wound .
tr	2	He quickly pulled the extra skin over the muscle and began to stitch across them .
tr	2	Working side by side , Dr. Morgan monitored his assistant 's work .
tr	2	Through blank and pallor faces , some stared out into nothingness as shock deadened reality .
tr	2	Dr. Warner asked in abbreviated speech , a function of his occupation .
tr	2	Before he could receive an answer , surgical nurse Jill Edwards burst through the door .
tr	2	Without hesitation , Dr. Warner quickly responded , " Gloves and gown , now !
tr	2	Her chest heaved and expanded , then fell and contracted back onto the table .
tr	2	The three medical personnel focused on the cardiac monitor for signs of activity .
tr	2	He replaced the paddles in the previous locations and delivered a second charge .
tr	2	Looks like some major hemorrhaging where the bullet hit the spleen , pancreas and kidney .
tr	2	Immediately the unmistakable stench of blood and fecal matter wafted through their protective masks .
tr	2	With a better view , Dr. Warner could now see the damaged organs more clearly .
tr	2	Dr Warner asked , as Nurse Edwards handed him the needle and suture .
tr	2	He turned to Dr. Stadler and instructed him to repair the transverse colon .
tr	2	" Looks like we have a small puncture in the transverse colon .
tr	2	Pulse ox is very low : seventy-seven , " Nurse Edwards announced .
tr	2	" We 're working the areas now , Dr. Warner , " Dr. Stadler replied .
tr	2	The bullet exited out her back , through the kidneys , " Dr. Stadler replied .
tr	2	" I know , but this much blood loss isn 't adding up .
tr	2	This can 't be from just the organs , " Dr. Warner replied .
tr	2	" More suction , Kerry , " Dr. Warner instructed Dr. Stadler .
tr	2	He then glanced up and asked Nurse Edwards , " How 's our supply ? "
tr	2	But there 's only one entry wound , " Dr. Stadler replied in disbelief .
tr	2	Dr. Stadler asked rhetorically , shaking his head now in further disbelief .
tr	2	He then called to Dr. Stadler to begin suctioning the open areas .
tr	2	Working feverishly to repair the profuse bleeding , the needle contacted something hard .
tr	2	Moments later , Dr. Warner watched as the heart began to slow .
tr	2	" Doctor , she 's in PEA , " Nurse Edwards announced .
tr	2	He shocked the heart , sending the current deep within , but to no effect .
tr	2	The cardiac monitor continued to report its menacing tone -- flat line .
tr	2	In horror and sadness , they watched the monitor register no change .
tr	2	Dr. Warner frantically searched his mind for a solution as he continued manual compressions .
tr	2	His mind raced as he stared at the carnage in front of him .
tr	2	He thought about the smiles she must have displayed just a few hours before .
tr	2	He thought about her violent death and the injustice of it all .
tr	2	Deeply saddened and sickened by the grievous sight , he could stand no more .
tr	2	Nurse Edwards called as she ran down the corridor toward the elevator .
tr	2	He was no longer staring through the photo , but directly at it .
tr	2	Somehow it helped to soothe the pain that gnawed away at his soul .
tr	2	At the left side of the photo sat an old man on a rickety stool .
tr	2	Yet something else shone through in the old man 's eyes -- wisdom .
tr	2	He looked at the bandage , bulbous and barbaric on the poor soldier 's leg .
tr	2	The sound of shattering glass and cracking plastic snapped him back to reality .
tr	2	The air suddenly felt dense , as if the relative humidity dramatically increased .
tr	2	A strange yet familiar odor drifted from behind him and penetrated his nostrils .
tr	2	He felt he was dreaming : but never before had a dream felt so real .
tr	2	I 'm almost finished , " the voice called again from beyond the elevator door .
tr	2	David looked around inside the elevator , then over to the control panel .
tr	2	He turned back to the scene that was unfolding in front of him .
tr	2	The man standing before him was the same man in the picture .
tr	2	David thought about answering him , but thought it to be silly .
tr	2	' It 's just a dream , ' he thought to himself .
tr	2	He pulled away from his patient and moved quickly to intercept David in flight .
tr	2	They 're trying to kill us , " David replied , almost hysterical .
tr	2	Quickly , they walked back to the wagon , with the doctor leading the way .
tr	2	David pulled off his rubber gloves and tucked them into his pocket .
tr	2	As he worked , the old doctor began to interrogate his new assistant .
tr	2	David searched his mind for an answer that would be suitable for the old man .
tr	2	Quickly he devised a cover story until he could make sense of his dilemma .
tr	2	I 'd like to join the military to in order to practice medicine .
tr	2	" Completely , doctor , " David replied back with a smile of understanding .
tr	2	I have a young man waiting amputation I 'd like you to attend to .
tr	2	Dr. Morgan signaled to the private to bring up the next patient .
tr	2	He quickly took the patient 's pulse and determined it to be weaker than normal .
tr	2	We must remove it before gangrene develops , " Dr. Morgan said .
tr	2	At least we give him a chance to save the leg , " David reasoned .
tr	2	David could see the old man 's forehead furrow as he thought .
tr	2	A moment later , David saw the worried expression leave the old man 's face .
tr	2	He now began to smile a bit as he came to grips with his decision .
tr	2	Tell me exactly what you need , " Dr. Morgan finally replied .
tr	2	" It 's going to take some time to collect these things .
tr	2	" Keeping the water boiling is the only time consuming consideration , " David responded .
tr	2	Resigned to his selection , David placed the instruments into the boiling water for sterilization .
tr	2	David looked over and could see the contempt in Dr. Morgan 's eyes .
tr	2	As if on cue , Dr. Morgan moved in for a closer look .
tr	2	Using his scalpel , he cut away the torn and mangled muscle tissue .
tr	2	Eagerly , he waited for David to attempt the more difficult area of the operation .
tr	2	Dr. Morgan now watched as any spectator would watch a professional in his element .
tr	2	He was in awe and excited to observe even greater feats of medicine .
tr	2	He then closed the wound as he had done on the other side .
tr	2	When completed , he rinsed again and sterilized the entire area with the alcohol .
tr	2	In a day 's time , the results of his work would be evident .
tr	2	This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	I peered into one after some middle school kids turned the corner .
tr	2	After all , I was pretty noticeable in this bright orange shirt and torn jeans .
tr	2	Just so you know , the babysitter is watching my younger sister , Gracie .
tr	2	Darn , I knew there would be challenges when I came here .
tr	2	This lady I was following went into a room with a swimming pool .
tr	2	I was glad to see I was wearing some fairly new underwear .
tr	2	I wrapped myself in one of the softest white towels I had ever felt .
tr	2	Strange as it seems almost everyone I passed was wearing a white towel .
tr	2	A hint of dryer lint and fabric softener in the air was guiding me .
tr	2	I guess she had to peel off the stuff that got stuck to the back .
tr	2	I took my chances and I grabbed what I wanted from the table .
tr	2	I hurried to one of the small windows that looked out toward a fading sunset .
tr	2	I wasn 't the only sloppy dressed kid trying to escape this place .
tr	2	I wiggled through the opening and did the same surfing run down the hill .
tr	2	My arms flapped at my sides as I tried to keep my balance .
tr	2	I felt I better stick with the guys so I went right .
tr	2	That meant I had to follow a guy in a soccer uniform .
tr	2	If I wasn 't so scared I would have laughed and enjoyed the ride .
tr	2	" We 've got a hard case here , " she said .
tr	2	" It 's almost midnight , we don 't want to be late . "
tr	2	" And we 're here to save him and the little guy with him . "
tr	2	I must have grown some new memories to replace the old or something .
tr	2	But how were we going to save this Jim and this little guy ?
tr	2	I looked toward this nice lady and waited for the next flash of lightning .
tr	2	An image of her was burned into my eyes with hot redness .
tr	2	There was a strap across her shoulder and a large bag under her arm .
tr	2	I asked , turning my attention back to the flickering boat lights below .
tr	2	And then her flashlight glowed over the larger duffel bag behind me .
tr	2	The zipper stuck every couple of inches , but I managed to force it open .
tr	2	There was also a rope and a ton of rock climbing gear .
tr	2	I went twenty feet up the rock wall at the indoor center .
tr	2	I caught some good footing and finished the drop by swinging into a cave .
tr	2	There was cussing and a whole lot of " the n word " .
tr	2	I was really shocked , but Miss Jackson just kept scribbling notes .
tr	2	I couldn 't write near as fast as she had been , or as well .
tr	2	" Enough , " Jackson whispered , dropping her device into her bag .
tr	2	She held it open for me to toss in the paper and pencil .
tr	2	Then she stepped back and disappeared through a hole in the floor .
tr	2	I flew after her , bumping against the smooth sides of yet another tunnel .
tr	2	This book is available in paperback as well as in digital e-book form .
tr	2	Next is THE SECRET IN THE HIDDEN CAVE Chapter 1 The key .
tr	2	She glanced down and saw the tiny insect glistening gold in the afternoon sunlight .
tr	2	She started to stand and move toward Jessica who was stretching out her hand .
tr	2	She grabbed at the indentations ; some were deep enough to provide a handhold .
tr	2	Instinct made her grab for it before it fell forever lost below .
tr	2	She quickly added , " but I 'm sure it will be interesting . "
tr	2	Not all of the smaller roads ' names appeared on the map .
tr	2	" What was , I mean , is , his first name ?
tr	2	I 've talked to him on the phone a couple of times .
tr	2	No , it was probably some dumb worthless heirloom like his wife 's wedding ring .
tr	2	Missy sat staring out the car window trying to think of any other possibilities .
tr	2	Spread the map on your lap so I can see it . "
tr	2	Missy opened the map and found the exit number her mother had marked .
tr	2	They drove on slowly over the now white and slippery country roads .
tr	2	They couldn 't see very far ahead because the road would either dip or turn .
tr	2	If another car came toward them there was nowhere to go but backwards .
tr	2	At the side of the narrow road was an old wooden structure .
tr	2	It would be a neat place to spy on visitors , she thought .
tr	2	One more turn through thick pine trees and the promise was revealed .
tr	2	It looked like Paul Bunyan had used giant Lincoln Logs to build it .
tr	2	There was no knocker or doorbell so Missy started pounding on the door .
tr	2	Missy ran to the base of the fat pine tree and circled it .
tr	2	They came around to the front of the cabin and knocked on the door .
tr	2	" You must be Kimberly , " he said to Missy 's mother .
tr	2	His laugh was as infectious as his grin and Missy liked him immediately .
tr	2	A coffee pot , microwave , and toaster limited the workspace on the counter .
tr	2	A small table and four wood chairs divided the kitchen and living room .
tr	2	There was a door that led to the bathroom and bedroom but it was closed .
tr	2	He was already moving toward the kitchenette so they both agreed to hot chocolate .
tr	2	He laughed that funny laugh of his again and Missy laughed too .
tr	2	She turned to her mom and asked , " Was I named after her ? "
tr	2	I 'll tell you a secret I 'll bet you never knew .
tr	2	Now don 't you go getting your grandmother into trouble by spilling the beans . "
tr	2	Kevin had stopped just outside the door and Missy bumped into him .
tr	2	He was slightly taller than Missy and had dark brown curly hair .
tr	2	He 's either shy , stupid , or mute , Missy thought .
tr	2	She tried to think of something to say to start a conversation .
tr	2	Well , she thought , he 's not shy , stupid , or mute .
tr	2	Missy closed the door and said , " Wait , wait , slow down .
tr	2	But the stable used to have a dozen horses that the guests could rent .
tr	2	There were eight round tables with their chairs placed upside down on top .
tr	2	" I sell soft drinks , candy , and ice cream in the afternoons .
tr	2	There were two sets of French doors on either side of a two-sided stone fireplace .
tr	2	There was a counter for customers to check in at near the front doors .
tr	2	A wide staircase led to a landing and turned to continue on up .
tr	2	It was full of pre-school toys , a tiny table , and two little chairs .
tr	2	It was rather dark in the hallway with all of the rooms ' doors closed .
tr	2	The two double beds were separated by a pine table with a deer antler lamp .
tr	2	My mom works hard but I know we couldn 't afford to stay here . "
tr	2	It would be so cool to stay here and explore , she thought .
tr	2	" Oh , " she paused , " well , anything else to see here ?
tr	2	It didn 't seem like there 's enough room there for another suite . "
tr	2	" It 's a linen room ... and the way to the attic . "
tr	2	She grabbed the key from his hand and stuck it roughly in the keyhole .
tr	2	There was no cord to pull on to lower the fold-down ladder .
tr	2	He hesitated , " And I don 't know if I should show you .
tr	2	She hopped onto the banister and slid , much more slowly , after him .
tr	2	He switched it on and started up a steep circular metal stairway .
tr	2	It was like a long firehouse pole with narrow steel steps bolted to it .
tr	2	" I don 't know if I want to do this anymore . "
tr	2	You can spy on people , listen to them , see what they 're reading .
tr	2	Trust yourself , her mom would say , people have instincts just like animals .
tr	2	" I don 't think so , " was all that Missy said .
tr	2	Then he walked past her to the other side and turned on another one .
tr	2	" Show me where you came up the hidden staircase , " Missy said .
tr	2	" I can see why it 's a secret , " she said .
tr	2	One was gray with a big keyhole but it wasn 't locked .
tr	2	She put the coat on and knelt back down at the trunk .
tr	2	One newspaper was dated thirty years ago but she didn 't check the other ones .
tr	2	" Ooooo , " Missy said , " I know what those are .
tr	2	They 're kind of puffed out at the sides and tight below the knees . "
tr	2	" Must be from when they had the stables filled with horses .
tr	2	Some were in color but most of them were in black and white .
tr	2	Missy was thinking that this weekend had turned out pretty fun after all .
tr	2	There were big pockets on the sides and she reached her fingers into them .
tr	2	She slipped her arms out of the coat and took it off .
tr	2	She pressed the object between her fingers trying to determine what it was .
tr	2	" Hey , Kevin , " she called , " come here . "
tr	2	" Feel this , " Missy said and held up the bottom of the coat .
tr	2	" I think it was in the pocket and slipped through a hole .
tr	2	He ran over to the lights and pulled the strings to turn them off .
tr	2	" Oh , well , " Kevin said , " no big deal . "
tr	2	When they got back to the cabin they were red-faced and panting .
tr	2	Kevin kept on trotting past the cabin and yelled , " Bye !
tr	2	She still held the strange key in her hand when she entered the cabin .
tr	2	" Look what we found in an old fur coat in the attic . "
tr	2	" Maybe you 'll want to keep that in this treasure box .
tr	2	He was holding out a wooden puzzle box about the size of a large shoebox .
tr	2	I have no idea what treasures or secrets he had in there .
tr	2	This is a cool place but don 't you get lonely in the winter ? "
tr	2	" And I 've really gotten attached to that computer there , too .
tr	2	Maybe I should shave this beard and stick it on top of my head !
tr	2	I 've got more than a dozen years before I see one hundred .
tr	2	Apparently he had been , and maybe still was , a gifted inventor .
tr	2	Something he had patented as a young man was still bringing in money .
tr	2	Missy looked quickly at her mother who was smiling and nodding her head .
tr	2	Would you like to spend the summer at Big Pine Lodge ? "
tr	2	Chapter 4 The rest of the school year went quickly for Missy .
tr	2	She worked on trying to open the puzzle box everyday after her homework was done .
tr	2	Missy had to wait impatiently another three weeks before it came in .
tr	2	It literally fell open like the trapdoor leading to the lodge 's attic .
tr	2	First there was an old photo of a girl about thirteen or fourteen .
tr	2	The last thing was a Swiss Army knife full of all sorts of gadgets .
tr	2	She followed the directions she had written out to put the box back together .
tr	2	When they saw the Starkville sign they knew they weren 't far .
tr	2	As they passed the fort it was half obscured by the two-foot high ferns .
tr	2	Missy rolled down her window and breathed in the warm mid-June air .
tr	2	One in particular sounded so haunting that she thought it was warning her off .
tr	2	Three deer darted across the lane and disappeared instantly in the thick woods .
tr	2	And I was worried about hitting another car , " her mom said .
tr	2	Kevin was on a porch swing waiting and immediately jumped up and waved .
tr	2	He scampered down the steps and greeted them with a grin , " Hi !
tr	2	He looked at Missy and said , " You won 't believe it .
tr	2	And it 's invisible so you have to know the secret to work it . "
tr	2	Kevin helped them with their bags and led them first to Missy 's room .
tr	2	" You 're sharing with Angela , " Kevin said , pushing the door open .
tr	2	So you 'll be able to meet them in a little while . "
tr	2	Her name was on it , too , but her duties ended before noon .
tr	2	They followed him down the hallway and through the lovely reception area / living room .
tr	2	They entered the dining room where there were still a few people finishing up lunch .
tr	2	At the table nearest the kitchen sat Mrs. Jackson and John Stark .
tr	2	She had the same smile as Kevin and stood up to greet them .
tr	2	Missy thought that her great-grandfather looked paler but he acted the same as before .
tr	2	" You 're not going to believe this , " said Kevin .
tr	2	She could see the platform high above and the steps on the one side .
tr	2	The steps had rope coming down along each side , but where was the elevator ?
tr	2	" All right , " she said , " I give up .
tr	2	Mr. Stark joined them and was coughing a little bit but smiling .
tr	2	Missy knelt down in the thin grass and got close to the ground .
tr	2	Missy , open-mouthed , stared upward , " This is so cool ! "
tr	2	She felt just a little dizzy but swallowed hard and took a deep breath .
tr	2	She heard them laughing below and then the sound of her great-grandfather coughing .
tr	2	Missy smiled to herself and then looked all around at the beautiful surroundings .
tr	2	He was squinting at her from the third floor and she felt very uncomfortable .
tr	2	You have finished the first 5 chapters of THE SECRET IN THE HIDDEN CAVE .
tr	2	This book is available in paperback and online in digital e-book format .
tr	2	There had been snow on the ground then and she had seen Kevin 's tracks .
tr	2	Later they had helped capture wild bobcats that were scaring the lodges ' guests .
tr	2	Her mother was back in the city working and would visit occasionally .
tr	2	She had taken the items out often and thought about her dad .
tr	2	" My dad uses it in the fall as a deer blind .
tr	2	He got a six point buck last year , " Kevin said .
tr	2	Missy ducked down and dropped the fern , but Kevin stayed steady .
tr	2	The car rambled on and the noise of the boisterous teens faded .
tr	2	He 's not too bad , but his brother Dave is mean .
tr	2	And the other two brothers , Rob and Rick , are just plain weird .
tr	2	" We 're going to have to watch those jerks all the time .
tr	2	" I don 't think so , little brothers , " Dave yelled .
tr	2	The older boys quickly outpaced the younger ones and reached the pair of canoes first .
tr	2	They shoved one canoe out then jumped into the second one and started paddling .
tr	2	His older brother , Dave , just looked back and raised up one finger .
tr	2	Ricky had already removed his socks and shoes and told Lonnie to do the same .
tr	2	" Come on , " he said , " we can still get the canoe .
tr	2	From the back porch of the lodge old Mr. Stark stood shaking his head .
tr	2	He dreaded seeing these two families return to the lodge each year .
tr	2	The younger boys protested that they could swim just fine and didn 't need them .
tr	2	Put these on and take the other two out to your brothers . "
tr	2	The younger boys pulled the canoe onto the beach and dropped the paddles .
tr	2	Finally she turned around and carried the jackets back to the lodge .
tr	2	" What do you think they 'll do in the woods ? "
tr	2	" I don 't know , but I 'm more worried about Dave and Rob .
tr	2	They 're headed for the stone cottage and the entrance to the caves .
tr	2	If they run they can beat the canoes to the other side .
tr	2	" Yeah , YOU 'RE the little girls here , you morons .
tr	2	Missy and Kevin creaked the front door open and tiptoed into the cottage .
tr	2	He handed Missy a small flashlight and she tucked it into her back pocket .
tr	2	" I don 't think I want to go down there , " she said .
tr	2	" Ladies first , " he said , still pushing Kevin ahead of Missy .
tr	2	The mother bear never checked to see if her babies were following her .
tr	2	That key had opened the playroom 's hidden trap door down to the caves .
tr	2	Kevin started moving forward out of the cellar and into the dank dark cave .
tr	2	He felt his way with his hands on the cold stone walls .
tr	2	They 're probably way ahead by now , " he said in a low voice .
tr	2	Dave grabbed Rob 's hand and almost burned himself taking possession of the lighter .
tr	2	" Maybe we should go back and move the stove , " Ricky said .
tr	2	The sun shone down intensely , not a cloud in the sky .
tr	2	" Oh , yeah , well ... " Ricky thought some more .
tr	2	They began to paddle again , faster , and headed toward the lodge .
tr	2	Kevin finally decided that it was safe to turn on the flashlight .
tr	2	He got his bearings and they turned down the tunnel that ran under the lake .
tr	2	" Yeah , but they were all pointing the way we came from . "
tr	2	" Right , you moron , so we can find our way out . "
tr	2	" Shh , " Kevin said , " I hear laughing . "
tr	2	Kevin gave Missy a little push and whispered , " Get back around the corner .
tr	2	No way would they get lost as long as the lighter held fluid .
tr	2	Rob pointed with his other hand first to his ear and then down the tunnel .
tr	2	Dave motioned to Rob to stay put then he closed the lighter and waited .
tr	2	They jogged in pursuit as fast as they could without the flame blowing out .
tr	2	Dave kept yelling , " We 're gon na get you ! "
tr	2	" Oh , no , " Missy whimpered , " go faster , Kevin . "
tr	2	If they could just reach the large cavern they could duck behind the drapery .
tr	2	Lettering that had been painted on the cloth announced : The end of the caves .
tr	2	They would think that they had taken a different route and would keep on searching .
tr	2	The right tunnel would take them to the cavern with the hidden way out .
tr	2	He held it out and Missy slipped under it and reached up for a handhold .
tr	2	They emerged from the tunnel into a smaller cavern that had stalactites and stalagmites .
tr	2	" Hey , Rob , look , I think I found a candle . "
tr	2	" Great , now we don 't have to waste any more lighter fluid . "
tr	2	Dave cursed and blamed Rob for making them go down the wrong tunnel .
tr	2	" We can shove it back out now , sink it , maybe . "
tr	2	" Um , I see your mom coming out the back door . "
tr	2	They ran across the beach and ducked into the woods out of her sight .
tr	2	We 'll tell them that we saw Mr. Jackson bringing it back .
tr	2	" Let 's stay out here some more , " Lonnie said .
tr	2	Ricky usually let Lonnie have his way so they headed deeper into the woods .
tr	2	They watched the boys glance toward the lodge then scurry off to the woods .
tr	2	" Wow , " Missy said , " we beat them back here . "
tr	2	I don 't want to be there when they find out they 're trapped . "
tr	2	" Maybe it 's time to tell your dad how mean these guys are . "
tr	2	I don 't suppose the younger brothers would go back and move the stove .
tr	2	No , hmmm , " he paused , " I 've got an idea .
tr	2	He didn 't like being called a dummy but he let it go .
tr	2	" You want to go back and let them out already ? "
tr	2	The mama bear and her cubs had stopped to chomp on some berries .
tr	2	Soon mama bear finished her last morsel and turned her attention toward her offspring .
tr	2	She took care of the stable and guided the guests on horseback rides .
tr	2	For a very old man in his eighties he was smart and fun .
tr	2	Blackie was the smallest and friendliest and always available for a nose rubbing .
tr	2	Missy called their names and tried to coax them over but they ignored the kids .
tr	2	" I feel like I sort of lied to my dad , " Kevin admitted .
tr	2	" I 'm glad he didn 't ask what the favor was . "
tr	2	" Well , I would have told him it was a surprise .
tr	2	You know we better have an answer ready when we come back .
tr	2	Missy followed him feeling a little bad herself for coming up with lies so easily .
tr	2	" Those little jerks must 've put something heavy over this . "
tr	2	Sure that the people above weren 't their brothers they started yelling for help .
tr	2	When the boys below started yelling for help Missy gasped and Kevin smiled .
tr	2	" Listen , " Rob said , " it 's that motor again .
tr	2	" Whoever it is , they 're moving something up there , " Dave said .
tr	2	The thud was loud enough for Missy and Kevin to hear outside .
tr	2	I think maybe they were the ones who trapped us down there .
tr	2	" We beached it together and we threw the paddles right here .
tr	2	" I 'm gon na kill ' em , " Dave growled .
tr	2	The little vehicle seemed to protest harsh treatment by backfiring like a canon .
tr	2	" Let 's check out the stable since nobody 's around , " Lonnie said .
tr	2	Ricky grabbed another one and they dueled as if they were having a sword fight .
tr	2	Keno and Johnny weren 't quite as big and they were brown .
tr	2	Blackie , small as a pony , was usually ridden by children .
tr	2	I like how calm he is and his trot is smoother . "
tr	2	She walked toward Johnny first talking softly and soothingly , calling his name .
tr	2	They both went back in to get the other tack and the helmets .
tr	2	They sat on the bench and changed from sneakers to riding boots .
tr	2	Lonnie smirked and Ricky knew that they were going to scam the younger kids somehow .
tr	2	They set their sneakers where the boots had been then strapped on their helmets .
tr	2	This time Missy grabbed a saddle and Kevin carried the bridle and pad .
tr	2	Two steps to the door and ... " What do we have here ? "
tr	2	" Do you need us to guide you on the trails ? "
tr	2	Lonnie and Ricky looked at each other and Ricky shrugged his shoulders .
tr	2	We 've never ridden here , so your expert guidance would be greatly appreciated . "
tr	2	" Come on , " Kevin said as he pushed passed them .
tr	2	Ten minutes later all four horses were ready and Kevin handed out helmets .
tr	2	He cinched up Blackie and asked , " Okay , who 's first ? "
tr	2	Ricky stepped forward , " I don 't mind , " he said .
tr	2	She looked straight at Lonnie and added , " Like some people . "
tr	2	Ricky easily mounted and Missy adjusted his stirrups for him before handing him the reins .
tr	2	Missy handed them up and asked him if he wanted the stirrups adjusted .
tr	2	" They 're fine , " he said , " let 's go . "
tr	2	He had wanted to ride Johnny , but Keno was obedient and fast .
tr	2	He could leave those two bullies in the dust any time he wanted .
tr	2	Blackie stumbled over a root and pitched Ricky forward onto his neck .
tr	2	If it 's our brothers we can scare the crap out of them .
tr	2	If it 's some other people , we 'll stay hidden . "
tr	2	Her first thought was of the older boys they had freed from the caves .
tr	2	It would make sense that they would follow them back on this trail .
tr	2	The boys would have to jump into the woods to avoid being run over .
tr	2	Johnny and Blackie followed at a trot , bobbing their untrained riders up and down .
tr	2	Kevin halted Keno as soon as he saw the two goons drop from the branches .
tr	2	Some scent that alerted her taste buds and persuaded her to pick up the speed .
tr	2	She knew that the frightened animal would calm down after a little run .
tr	2	He couldn 't even think about looking behind to see where the others were .
tr	2	He had stopped bellowing for help when the trot had smoothed into a canter .
tr	2	Keno bolted up the trail and Kevin hollered at the older boys to look out .
tr	2	When she finally stopped they were at the bottom of Mount Rocky .
tr	2	Missy couldn 't help but scold the bullies , " Your brothers are jerks !
tr	2	Lonnie wanted to find out about how the kids got out of the cave .
tr	2	He patted Keno 's neck and felt the heat radiating off the animal 's hide .
tr	2	Instead of giving a false answer she just didn 't say anything .
tr	2	" We 're , uh , we 're sorry we trapped you down there .
tr	2	Chapter 4 Dave and Rob were sweaty and hungry when they finally reached the lodge .
tr	2	There were sandwiches set out in the dining hall and they helped themselves .
tr	2	His mother didn 't press for a better answer and took another bite .
tr	2	" I don 't want any trouble this year , " she warned .
tr	2	" Oh , just wait till your father gets back from golfing . "
tr	2	We tried to stop them , but they wouldn 't listen to us . "
tr	2	Dave 's mother turned back a second and handed Dave two room keys .
tr	2	" Here , " she said , " we unpacked your suitcases .
tr	2	Your room is 212 and the other key you can give to your brother .
tr	2	Dave 's mom never should have trusted him with Lonnie 's key .
tr	2	They circled around half of Mount Rocky before reaching a two-lane road .
tr	2	Lonnie looked back at Ricky who gave his head a little shake .
tr	2	She gently urged Misty into his slowest canter and Kevin did the same with Keno .
tr	2	Johnny and Blackie , however , kept up by trotting as fast as they could .
tr	2	Lonnie and Ricky had no idea how to make the horses change gaits .
tr	2	It was all they could do to hang on and bounce up and down painfully .
tr	2	The last stretch was long enough for the horses to all cool down .
tr	2	Apparently their mothers had left the doors open when they unpacked everything .
tr	2	Dave walked over to the window and looked down at the beach .
tr	2	He tossed the reins over the horse 's head and into the water .
tr	2	He walked as steadily as he could to the gate and let himself out .
tr	2	Ricky stumbled after him and was just nice enough to latch the gate behind himself .
tr	2	They slipped back into their own room and locked the adjoining door from their side .
tr	2	They changed into their bathing suits and grabbed a couple of bath towels .
tr	2	Lonnie and Ricky stopped near the kitchen windows and gaped at the pies .
tr	2	They entered through the front door and cut through the lobby to the dining room .
tr	2	When they finished their food they searched out their mothers to get their room key .
tr	2	She munched the last of her sandwich and wiped her hands on her jeans .
tr	2	Mr. Jackson had been a stable boy and Mrs. Jackson had been a maid .
tr	2	" No , honey , you 've just got the one couple .
tr	2	If they try that stunt again , ask them for a " riding coupon " .
tr	2	" Here , " Dave shoved a key at Lonnie , " get lost . "
tr	2	The wife had heard a rumor that there were mountain lions around .
tr	2	As soon as she finished her dessert Missy headed back to her room .
tr	2	She wanted to be pretty like the Georgia girls and have boys flirt with her .
tr	2	Angela surprised her , popping out of the bathroom , a hairbrush in one hand .
tr	2	" Oh , I thought you were gone already , " Missy sat up .
tr	2	" Wait a sec , " she turned and went back into the bathroom .
tr	2	She wasted no time and poured out the contents onto the bedspread .
tr	2	It looked like her mother had bought something from every shelf in the cosmetics aisle .
tr	2	Try one thing , like the mascara , and save the rest .
tr	2	Trust me , you 'll be old before you know it . "
tr	2	Mr. Jackson usually let Kevin light the fire and tonight was no different .
tr	2	His dad set up lawn chairs in a circle around the fire .
tr	2	Kevin took two water buckets to the lake and filled them up .
tr	2	They liked to have them close by for drenching the coals later .
tr	2	The sun set and the cloudless night sky was a wonder of constellations .
tr	2	One dad was pointing out Orion 's Belt and the Big Dipper .
tr	2	A three-year-old started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and everyone clapped when she finished .
tr	2	He glanced at Mr. Stark and then decided to check on things himself .
tr	2	Kevin looked toward the lodge and picked his way along the path .
tr	2	His night vision was pretty good and he didn 't have any trouble going along .
tr	2	Dave and Rob were trying their best to win points with Melanie and Tara .
tr	2	Let 's go through the woods over to the old settlers ' ruins .
tr	2	Melanie and Tara looked at each other and seemed to come to the same conclusion .
tr	2	Missy glanced over at Lonnie and Ricky and saw that one was nudging the other .
tr	2	Suddenly there was an embarrassing farting noise from one of the ladies .
tr	2	The little kids laughed out loud while the grownups tried to act like nothing happened .
tr	2	Ricky moved into the spot she had left and motioned for Lonnie to join him .
tr	2	They stood there with their hands in their pockets trying not to laugh anymore .
tr	2	" Watch what Lonnie does with that thing under his arm . "
tr	2	Missy and Kevin got theirs last and sat down on their makeshift seats to eat .
tr	2	The campfire was burning down some now since no one wanted to feed the fire .
tr	2	There were a few moments of complete silence and then it was broken .
tr	2	" Okay , " he said , " you can all laugh .
tr	2	" Yeah , and at least it didn 't hurt anybody . "
tr	2	" We 're gon na have to steal it back now . "
tr	2	While Lonnie waited for Ricky he looked out from their second floor window .
tr	2	Lonnie pointed to the right and scooted back so Ricky could take his spot .
tr	2	Looks like somebody has a fire over near the settlers ' ruins . "
tr	2	We didn 't mean to stay at that bar quite so long . "
tr	2	She smiled and added , " After a little bathroom break , that is . "
tr	2	Tommy 's face registered disbelief as he reached for Noelle and struggled to free her .
tr	2	He dug in his heels and yanked his friend with all his might .
tr	2	It was as if Noelle had been captured through a rip in reality .
tr	2	This time he used both hands and tried to enlarge the opening .
tr	2	He kicked up off the ground and plunged his head and chest through .
tr	2	But at that moment the other screams stopped and Noelle grabbed his arms and pulled .
tr	2	Grandma and Grandpa Gustafson allowed them to bring their pet dog , Noodle , along .
tr	2	Billy and Tommy , on the other hand , could be big trouble .
tr	2	Their rooms were straight up the stairs and Tommy didn 't hesitate .
tr	2	She always said that whenever they visited as if they needed even another reminder .
tr	2	It was only three blocks away and no busy streets to cross .
tr	2	He was allowed to go alone , but he usually had to drag Billy along .
tr	2	He got his wish when he went inside to get his money .
tr	2	He could actually hear Billy rummaging through the stuff in the playroom .
tr	2	It seemed to cover him from head to toe like a suffocating wool blanket .
tr	2	" Be careful crossing the street , " his grandmother hollered from the garden .
tr	2	Too bad there aren 't any kids on this block , he mused .
tr	2	He noticed a for sale sign on the house across the street .
tr	2	It would be nice if a boy his age moved in there by next summer .
tr	2	Suddenly he tripped on a couple of large stones in the middle of the sidewalk .
tr	2	The large front porch had two bikes sitting side by side on it .
tr	2	He vaguely remembered meeting some little girls who were visiting there years and years ago .
tr	2	He reached the corner drugstore in no time and pushed through the heavy glass door .
tr	2	Tommy suspected that fighting was going to be more common as they got older .
tr	2	He leaned against the side of the building and peered into the bag .
tr	2	He was leaning over a doll 's baby carriage and pushing down on something .
tr	2	" Billy , " he startled them , " what are you doing ? "
tr	2	The poor thing was wearing a baby bonnet and a diaper and was meowing frantically .
tr	2	Billy tore it off his head and handed it back to Tracy .
tr	2	Noelle joined them and asked Tommy if he wanted to go bike riding with her .
tr	2	She nodded and Tommy took off at a run for the back of the house .
tr	2	First he fished out the gum and put two packs in his pocket .
tr	2	Tommy had fallen on his butt as soon as his feet hit the ground .
tr	2	There was clumpy grass under him and his heels were resting on a rock .
tr	2	He blinked his eyes several times and just stared at the ground .
tr	2	Little blue ants were scurrying every which way around the soft rock .
tr	2	Now that he really looked around he saw that all the trees were blue .
tr	2	He heard the same greetings but then they lowered their voices and spoke in whispers .
tr	2	One of them pointed toward Tommy 's hideout and the other two looked quickly .
tr	2	It wound around several blue trees and into a forest of blue .
tr	2	Tommy could see the man was concerned but not quite angry with him .
tr	2	" Oh , you 're a visitor , aren 't you ? "
tr	2	Tommy looked down at the path then back at the man and the animal .
tr	2	Always take the left fork and pay for what you eat . "
tr	2	When Tommy opened his hand he was surprised to find a hard round pink coin .
tr	2	He watched the man and sheep go back up the right fork of the trail .
tr	2	His stomach started to growl and he thought of the gum in his pocket .
tr	2	He was breathing heavily and getting a stitch in his side that ached .
tr	2	Quite soft and , he noticed , there was a sweet scent wafting upwards .
tr	2	It was making his stomach growl more but his eyes grew heavy .
tr	2	More aromas arose : hot chocolate , fudge , popcorn , roses , tangerines .
tr	2	" Wait a minute , " Tommy began , but the old woman was fast .
tr	2	The top part where she had broken off the rounded head was flaky and warm .
tr	2	He broke off a bigger piece and stuffed it into his watering mouth .
tr	2	Maybe the old woman would help him if he gave her back the blue coins .
tr	2	Then he moved around the giant tree and stepped in front of a welcome mat .
tr	2	A likeness of the old woman 's face was embroidered on it in the middle .
tr	2	He put one foot on the mat and reached forward about to knock .
tr	2	She mumbled that last part under her breath , obviously cursing him .
tr	2	He stood up and as he did the welcome mat shot upwards .
tr	2	" I can 't show you or we 'll both be in the dungeon .
tr	2	He leaped over the mat and looked back as the door closed .
tr	2	He went around the tree and found his way back to the path .
tr	2	Curiously Tommy felt the bark and ran his hand up and down the trunk .
tr	2	The leaves of this incredible new tree were as blue as every other growing thing .
tr	2	But as he looked up into the branches he could see pink rectangles scattered throughout .
tr	2	Could this tree have grown from the one piece he had chewed ?
tr	2	It was gum , all right , the same flavor he had been chewing .
tr	2	Maybe he should drop his coins , he thought , and start a bank .
tr	2	He found another foothold and heaved himself higher up onto a ledge .
tr	2	It was as hard as going down the up escalator back at the mall .
tr	2	A peal of thunder clapped loudly nearby followed by three more bangs .
tr	2	Tommy watched for lightning , but there was not a cloud in the sky .
tr	2	Strangely the sky was turning from a normal blue to a sunset of greens .
tr	2	There were all shades of green , but none of the usual sunset colors .
tr	2	He thought again of the crashing sound of what he had assumed was thunder .
tr	2	Bad smells , skunky smells , burnt rubber smells , ashtray smells .
tr	2	He breathed through his mouth and found that he could taste the stench .
tr	2	The trail grew narrower and harder to follow because of the trees .
tr	2	He burst threw the tangled branches of a blue spruce and scattered the songbirds .
tr	2	A small silver sign at the side of the path warned of this latest phenomenon .
tr	2	He wasn 't bleeding but there was a bump there and it itched .
tr	2	The back of his head also sported a lump and he scratched around the spot .
tr	2	He pushed them aside with his hands and moved forward a few steps .
tr	2	He emptied his pocket and held the blue coins up to the fading light .
tr	2	The small man 's eyes gleamed , " Toss them over . "
tr	2	He had been astonished to see the little man eat the coins .
tr	2	He couldn 't be sure that he had checked all the walls .
tr	2	He shook his head and counted all the torches along the walls .
tr	2	The room was larger yet , but no brighter even with the extra torches .
tr	2	What once had been a small square room was now huge and almost round .
tr	2	" I wish I hadn 't done that , " he mumbled aloud .
tr	2	His eyes searched the dimness madly , but there were only flame shadows .
tr	2	Come out of the dungeon at once , " the young voice ordered .
tr	2	The floor was covered with furs and on the walls hung tapestries and great paintings .
tr	2	The high ceiling was golden with beams the size of oak trees .
tr	2	The other boy 's hair was long and curly , down to his shoulders .
tr	2	The voice had sounded male , but the long curls shouted female .
tr	2	He swept a large feathered hat off his head and bowed deeply .
tr	2	Tommy wanted to laugh as the prince 's curls dangled over his face .
tr	2	Tommy thought quickly then pulled a package of gum out of his pocket .
tr	2	The prince gently drew out a stick and pulled the wrapper off .
tr	2	He sniffed it a bit and licked one side before setting it on his tongue .
tr	2	" You can blow bubbles with it and make a loud popping sound , too .
tr	2	" Teachers , you know , the grown-ups who teach you stuff .
tr	2	" I don 't know many of these words you 're using .
tr	2	He took the gum from his mouth and stared at the glob .
tr	2	The palace grounds were like none he had ever read about or imagined .
tr	2	Soon they arrived at a round enclosure much like a rodeo ring .
tr	2	Though the dirt was like blue dust the rest of the scene seemed familiar .
tr	2	A red barn , taller than most , stood at one end of the ring .
tr	2	The Prince removed his feathered hat and held it out at his side .
tr	2	" Here , Willie , take this hat and bring me two riding hats . "
tr	2	A moment later the little door closed and Tommy spotted the footprints returning .
tr	2	He handed one to Tommy and explained , " Queen 's orders .
tr	2	You have finished reading the first 5 chapters of A TICK IN TIME .
tr	2	Kids call me " Morning " as a nickname ' cause my initials are A.M. .
tr	2	And we play , I mean hang , with mostly cool girls like Sydney Lock .
tr	2	You know , bouncy house , face painting and the other usual stuff .
tr	2	Sydney got up and looked around for some big leaves to wipe herself off with .
tr	2	Callie handed her some wet wipes she kept in her back pocket .
tr	2	You could always count on Callie for a tissue or a bandaid or anything .
tr	2	" Don 't just stand there , Morning , " Sydney said to me .
tr	2	I mean , really , why get your panties in a bunch ?
tr	2	I really wanted to get my nose out of the whiff zone .
tr	2	What kind of animal leaves a turd that big and wet ? "
tr	2	Austin was our resident expert on the types and colors of droppings .
tr	2	She 's probably the most timid and easily scared of the four of us .
tr	2	Sydney turned and started leaping over logs and ferns and leading us followers on .
tr	2	I couldn 't imagine Callie or me or Austin in her place .
tr	2	Chapter 2 -- Back tracking " What in heaven 's name is that ? "
tr	2	She 's really into church stuff and heaven comes up a lot .
tr	2	It wasn 't that I was any more scared than anyone else .
tr	2	Austin was right on my heels with Sydney a few feet behind him .
tr	2	" What makes you think we 're going in the wrong direction ? "
tr	2	She spun around and pointed pretty much back the way we had just come .
tr	2	Callie simply shrugged her shoulders and reached down to tighten her left sandal .
tr	2	Again Austin was right on my tail , in front of the girls .
tr	2	I had been swatting frantically and I missed seeing the fallen branch across the trail .
tr	2	Must have been some natural ability I didn 't know I had .
tr	2	I tossed the bloody wipes on the trail and Callie instantly scolded me .
tr	2	There 's no chance of getting away with littering when she 's around .
tr	2	He really stretched out the word " that " when he said it .
tr	2	A sound that could have been someone else trying to mimic him .
tr	2	I glanced back and again everyone was swinging their heads all around .
tr	2	And sure enough , the next thing I knew they were crying like babies .
tr	2	We all started screaming and then the bushes started screaming , too .
tr	2	And then Natalie broke through some dense pine boughs , still screaming .
tr	2	Gee , maybe I learned a lot from Mrs. Buckley in fourth grade after all .
tr	2	" I 've been following you guys since you got to the fence .
tr	2	Yeah , really , one little sound from her says that much .
tr	2	She waved her fingers in front of her stained shirt and shorts .
tr	2	I guess she used all her words up when she first spoke .
tr	2	" Everybody close your eyes and point in the direction you think we should go .
tr	2	Then we 'll open our eyes and see which direction most of us are pointing .
tr	2	Want to find out what happens next in all of these stories ?
tr	2	Thank you for taking the time to check out these fine books .
tr	2	Mostly , the hunger is a song with a secret melody only I can hear .
tr	2	The music clings to each breath of wind and the calm in between .
tr	2	The night holds fast , and the song lulls me with sweet siren notes .
tr	2	Some spiking as they make love , others a weak beat in sleep .
tr	2	I would spend nights awake conjuring intricate plans to break open his lips .
tr	2	When he did smile , it filled me with hot bubbles and vanilla scents .
tr	2	Part 1 Chapter 1 A few weeks and a very different life ago .
tr	2	I am proud of the purple bangs combed in a slant across my face .
tr	2	It 's no matter that the color didn 't manifest quite right .
tr	2	This is me rebelling , all badass with black eyeliner scrawled along each lid .
tr	2	It didn 't start with Ryan , but I tell him it did .
tr	2	He isn 't my first boyfriend , just the first one who matters .
tr	2	Our apartment together is terrifying , because it doesn 't scare me at all .
tr	2	Then I become aware of an unknown figure leaning against a tree .
tr	2	He could have been a track star or some arrogant frat boy .
tr	2	Not with those cold eyes couched in such a quiet , intense face .
tr	2	Surely I would have noticed him if he were in one of my classes .
tr	2	The current excavation for a sense of humor is slow but promising .
tr	2	" I didn 't know we needed enforcers , " I reply .
tr	2	They 'll try to sneak in every which way , but we have standards . "
tr	2	It is very important for him to find just the right word .
tr	2	He uses his newly freed voice to announce that he is hungry .
tr	2	We know a Mexican place run by real Mexicans just outside of campus .
tr	2	It serves plates full of greasy meat wrapped in warm tortillas for a couple dollars .
tr	2	Ryan is unsure of his drawing skills , but he is brilliant .
tr	2	" It 'll be here when you get back , " Ryan says behind me .
tr	2	A club meeting ends and students issue from the building in front of us .
tr	2	His eyes are wet , shining onyx hiding behind his long bangs .
tr	2	Then we both become aware of a figure blocking the path in front of us .
tr	2	He takes a step towards us , and this is when I recognize the danger .
tr	2	That single step seems to have propelled him across the divide between us .
tr	2	The man puts his hand , palm forward , against Ryan 's chest .
tr	2	A person who is not kicked around , who wins fights before they even start .
tr	2	I am also watching the stranger 's glowing hands , wondering if it hurts .
tr	2	I feel the vibrations of it hook around me and tug me upright .
tr	2	I clutch Ryan 's shirt , and his body drags with me .
tr	2	Ryan drops back , and I spin into the stranger 's arms .
tr	2	I feel his breath cut across my ear , and my stomach wrenches .
tr	2	The air is cool , and the stranger 's arms are strong .
tr	2	I close my eyes and feel the tears flicking off my chin into the dark .
tr	2	My lumpy purse is under my hip , its strap still twisted around my arm .
tr	2	Rather , he crouches down near me , and his eyes probe my face .
tr	2	He extends his hand , and I realize that we 've come to the end .
tr	2	" I was prepared for such an outburst , disappointing as it is . "
tr	2	His voice is still soft , still calm with no inflection of emotion .
tr	2	He has changed into a navy polo shirt with white buttons at the collar .
tr	2	The air is warm and heavy with the scent of old things and lost memories .
tr	2	Lying on the towel is a long needle with a wicked , thick point .
tr	2	I lurch forward on my shaky legs and stumble toward the door .
tr	2	I don 't even realize what I 'm doing until I 'm doing it .
tr	2	The stranger is already there , impossibly , standing in front of me .
tr	2	He holds a bottle of water in his hand , which he extends to me .
tr	2	The light is beginning to change color , and this is funny .
tr	2	I turn my head to watch the stranger 's hands as he moves toward me .
tr	2	His fingers brush the hair away from my neck and travel between my shoulder blades .
tr	2	I flinch , and he catches my eyes , shakes his head .
tr	2	I can tell the exact moment he finds what he 's looking for .
tr	2	The fingers make a soft circle behind my right shoulder and then take another lap .
tr	2	" It 's okay to be weak , " I say for no reason .
tr	2	It shimmers like a rainbow in the light and seems to grow in his hand .
tr	2	A process that bestowed much more power , but that knowledge has been destroyed . "
tr	2	" I 've had to start all over , but I will find it .
tr	2	Where I 'm floating away through the ceiling but still here lying on the cot .
tr	2	He lifts up his shirt and slowly inserts the needle into his hip .
tr	2	Panic squeezes in my chest with both hands and lots of leverage .
tr	2	His hand grips my neck , and he digs a knee into my back .
tr	2	" Please don 't , " I say or try to say .
tr	2	" There are two boys who have ... caused me trouble in the past .
tr	2	The flames lick up my spine , shooting hot coals through my arms and legs .
tr	2	It seems like a brave thing to say , or at least defiant .
tr	2	Maybe I just want to believe I am capable of some grit .
tr	2	He has put acid inside of me or drain cleaner or bleach .
tr	2	" One more and it will be done , " the stranger says .
tr	2	The blur that must be him sinks against the wall and lays his head back .
tr	2	It looks like a man , but the lines of his body are wavering .
tr	2	Girl who was unconscious for most of it or the guy who saved the day ?
tr	2	The fog rolled in thick and heavy as two shadowed figures cut through the night .
tr	2	They warily approached a storage unit , guns glinting at their sides .
tr	2	" It 's been a long time coming , " said Gabe .
tr	2	Wait , you 're making me laugh , I got ta keep going ... .
tr	2	He went to her and realized with shock that she had been infected .
tr	2	" As God is my witness I will save you , " Gabe vowed heroically .
tr	2	He heard us coming and was ready when we threw open the door .
tr	2	We both got a round off , but he was moving too fast .
tr	2	I was knocked back in the fight , and I lost my gun .
tr	2	His hands were glowing , and I knew he was getting ready to feed .
tr	2	He was reaching out to drain me , but I pulled the barrel between us .
tr	2	Grand figured the odds and fled before I could line up another shot .
tr	2	That 's the only reason I didn 't kill you then and there .
tr	2	I hear his steps moving quickly around the back of the car .
tr	2	He leans over me , grappling with the buckle under my back .
tr	2	I hear the whoosh of air in and out of his lungs .
tr	2	I smell him , the sweat on him , the damp of his clothes .
tr	2	I am moving my arm , dizzy with even this effort but desperate .
tr	2	I keep reaching up hoping to catch any lingering wisps of the glow .
tr	2	I 'm giggling like a maniac , but only in my head .
tr	2	I shove my hands under my body , because this will somehow help .
tr	2	" My guy went through a lot of trouble to get this baby .
tr	2	" We should probably get her a shirt , " he says .
tr	2	My body jerks , so that I fall back painfully onto the buckle .
tr	2	It 's hunger , but not like a hunger I 've ever known before .
tr	2	We leave behind the highway and then the street lamps and then the other cars .
tr	2	We sail through the night for a long while , and the tears eventually dwindle .
tr	2	All that is left is the hunger growing louder and louder in my bones .
tr	2	The driver pulls a gun from his waistband , and I am not afraid .
tr	2	I stare at the scar running along his jaw and recognize him .
tr	2	The blood stains across his shirt and jeans are already turning dark .
tr	2	The hybrids are always the key in , you know , stuff . "
tr	2	" We 'll take the body back to Lo 's lab . "
tr	2	" No , she ... " " THEY ALWAYS FEED ON HUMANS . "
tr	2	He 'll come after her again and by then she 'll be strong .
tr	2	" I 'm on fire , " I say for no reason .
tr	2	She deserves a chance ; I don 't care who her parents are .
tr	2	If she crosses over , I 'll kill her myself , but not today . "
tr	2	You kill me first , ' cause killing innocent people is what bad guys do .
tr	2	" Well , kinda , but we 're going to help you .
tr	2	I try not to think , and the pain makes this easy .
tr	2	" Well , " he stutters , " just be careful with it . "
tr	2	" Uh , last time I checked he was minus a hand .
tr	2	You 'll blow her brains out as soon as I turn my back . "
tr	2	I can sense them , the different ebbs and flows of their energies .
tr	2	I 've never seen any of them drink tap water , " Gabe replies .
tr	2	I stare at the glow as it rotates on a slow current around his body .
tr	2	Gabe looks me over for a long time , and I focus on his eyes .
tr	2	I dig deeper , discovering tiny gold flakes caught up in the caramel mix .
tr	2	He said we were blood , but I don 't understand what that means .
tr	2	Gabe takes off his cap and runs his fingers through his wavy hair .
tr	2	I 'm not sure which one of us he expects to fill the gap .
tr	2	" That thing before with the gun ; don 't worry about that .
tr	2	I let out my breath and feel the skin unfold back down against my palms .
tr	2	" Someone once told me that it 's like a fire that consumes you forever .
tr	2	Feeding will lower the flames , but it will never extinguish them entirely . "
tr	2	He sits and takes his time speaking so that each word is clear and resonant .
tr	2	" I am sorry that you were infected , but it happened .
tr	2	" Gabe thinks you will be strong enough to control the hunger .
tr	2	I hope that he 's right , but I don 't think so .
tr	2	His head comes up and those cold eyes guard his thoughts well .
tr	2	That makes the killing a little easier , but I never enjoy it .
tr	2	It is a struggle to keep my gaze anchored with the energy moving around him .
tr	2	He drops the bag and fishes a gun from his waist band .
tr	2	I pull my wrists free of the cuffs and concentrate only on the dog .
tr	2	Gabe would shoot me , but wouldn 't it be worth it ?
tr	2	The glow around its body dims and wavers and then vanishes like a candle snuffed .
tr	2	My mind is lost , drowned in the pleasure that is all too quickly vanquished .
tr	2	I put my arms behind my back , try to close up my hands .
tr	2	He backs away , and Gabe lets out a heavy huff of breath .
tr	2	The animal inside me is so much stronger than my fragile self .
tr	2	The sheets are twisted and smeared with blood from the oozing wounds on my wrists .
tr	2	Chapter 9 The nearness of energy breaks my sleep and sets my heart beating hard .
tr	2	He looks tired and too young for the things in his eyes .
tr	2	Gabe is a head taller than me and thin as a coat rack .
tr	2	His long limbs are trapped in a baggy t-shirt and worn jeans .
tr	2	" I don 't know , it 's just ... it 's you . "
tr	2	" I really need to go to the bathroom , " I say .
tr	2	I just have to pee , and I 'd like to take a shower . "
tr	2	Shades of lavender blush within the cloud of color around his body .
tr	2	" Don 't take too long , or we 'll miss it .
tr	2	" There was a comic book shop next to the pet store .
tr	2	Should 've seen the poor excuse for a lock they had on the door .
tr	2	My wrists are torn up , but I don 't know how bad .
tr	2	My blood and dried vomit pigment the water then wash down the drain .
tr	2	What if she mixes up her anti-anxiety pills with her sleeping pills again ?
tr	2	Henry , my father , isn 't strong enough to keep Karen under control .
tr	2	There 's a good chance he won 't even care that much .
tr	2	I see a thin girl with honey colored hair turned dark with water .
tr	2	Ryan always accused me of being overdramatic -- of seeing things that weren 't there .
tr	2	Maybe , but I look into my own eyes and I see ruin .
tr	2	It swallows my body , and the sleeves settle into the crooks of my elbows .
tr	2	" Come on , " Gabe says as soon as I open the door .
tr	2	The air is chilled but warming , and the birds are waking up .
tr	2	I sniff the air and receive a heavy bouquet of scents I cannot place .
tr	2	Lots of times they disguise themselves as humans , but they 're something else .
tr	2	I 'm not sure if this is a joke until Gabe laughs .
tr	2	Evil genius , Frankenstein science , and ... " He stops and looks at me .
tr	2	His eyes come up to meet mine , and there is no humor in them .
tr	2	" Gary Cook was the poster child for good intentions gone bad .
tr	2	I 've begun to barricade my emotions behind a mental door with ruthless efficiency .
tr	2	" Cook 's theory revolved around energy transference , " Gabe continues .
tr	2	I thrill at the sparks of pain when my nails press into the gashes .
tr	2	Little bits of dried blood fall into the apron of my shirt .
tr	2	Think of the way plants can just suck it up right from the sun .
tr	2	We get our energy by eating the plants or the animals that eat the plants .
tr	2	He thought that such pure energy would allow humans to reach their full physical potential .
tr	2	It 'd be like steroids times a hundred , except not only for muscles .
tr	2	" Cook envisioned a world where everyone fed directly off the energy of the sun .
tr	2	" Haven 't you ever wanted to create a better world ? "
tr	2	Chapter 10 " Gabe , " I say to get his attention .
tr	2	My skin tingles , and my hands peel back and grow hot .
tr	2	Out in the distance , the sun has just cleared the horizon .
tr	2	I gaze through the tinted windows of a squat building three streets down .
tr	2	" You 're taking energy from the sun , just like Cook theorized .
tr	2	" But I 'm still ... I mean , it 's still inside me . "
tr	2	Eventually , he got funding from a very powerful man named Robert Thane . "
tr	2	" He owned casinos in Vegas a couple of decades ago , " Gabe replies .
tr	2	A bright streak of orange flowers and dies in Gabe 's aura .
tr	2	These were powerful men and women who thrived on success and competition .
tr	2	" You 're talking secret society with cowls and skull goblets and stuff ? "
tr	2	I feel my chest tightening up , and I push back , hard .
tr	2	I think you should just relax today and ... " " No .
tr	2	" Okay , so we 've got the super evil club , " Gabe continues .
tr	2	Rich as hell and bored of buying all the crap they could ever want .
tr	2	They decided to search for a way to become even more powerful .
tr	2	" What exactly is it that you and your brother do ? "
tr	2	" Hold on , I 'll get there , " Gabe grins at me .
tr	2	I hear a door opening and closing below us , feel a familiar energy .
tr	2	He squares his shoulders as the door to the roof bursts open .
tr	2	His words finally penetrate , and I quickly scoot away from Gabe .
tr	2	I have to turn away and wrap my arms around my waist .
tr	2	I thought ... " " I wanted to take her out into the sun . "
tr	2	She 's in the cuffs until we figure this thing out . "
tr	2	His eyes have turned gunmetal gray just like mine do when I 'm furious .
tr	2	The hunger is flooding my mind , and I strain to hold onto my senses .
tr	2	My nails dig into my wrists , and the pain keeps me anchored .
tr	2	His face is all sharp bones , strong chin and cruel smiling scar .
tr	2	That way you 'll have some warning if I decide to kill you both . "
tr	2	I bring my knees to my chest , loop my arms over them .
tr	2	I see Ryan fall , hear the last pained hiccups dry on his lips .
tr	2	" You didn 't finish your story , " I say to Gabe .
tr	2	" Rich as hell and bored of buying all the crap they could ever want .
tr	2	They decided to search for a way to become even more powerful .
tr	2	I see it in the shifting ribbons of color in his aura .
tr	2	Once Thane saw the results , he infected himself and his two other children .
tr	2	They couldn 't digest real food anymore ; could only drink purified water .
tr	2	Gabe 's voice wavers , but he catches himself , picks it back up .
tr	2	" It was all Dr. Cook had dreamed of , except for one thing . "
tr	2	Gabe takes off his cap , massages the inside rim with his thumbs .
tr	2	" Humans offer huge caches of energy , and they 're easy to obtain . "
tr	2	But even the ones who try to control themselves will slip occasionally .
tr	2	In the resulting silence , I realize that I am meant to answer .
tr	2	" Alright , " I say and try to keep my voice steady .
tr	2	As soon as we get onto the highway , Gabe continues his story without prompting .
tr	2	" Thane and the others didn 't care about the hunger and killing .
tr	2	In the passenger side mirror , I see Gabe roll his eyes .
tr	2	Gabe offers a little smile , but it doesn 't get too far .
tr	2	The sunlight falls across me in bands , and this helps a little .
tr	2	" Enter the handsome , young protégé , " Gabe is saying .
tr	2	Burned his notes , smashed his equipment and set fire to his lab .
tr	2	Dr. Cook knew Thane would come for him , for the formula .
tr	2	Before Cook shot himself in the head , he extracted a promise from my father .
tr	2	I am walking through a forest , and the trees are falling down after me .
tr	2	" ... totally exhausted , " Gabe 's voice in the background .
tr	2	" Someone saw you standing over the boy 's body with a gun .
tr	2	" That 's the other thing ... " I am looking for Ryan .
tr	2	I don 't know what kind of trouble , but I have to rescue him .
tr	2	I run up to her and beg her to come with me .
tr	2	" ... looks like Mom a little , don 't you think ? "
tr	2	Same nose , and she has this way of looking at you .
tr	2	And then , when we were on the roof , she did this sigh . "
tr	2	Karen has wandered off , but she gave me a bottle of her perfume .
tr	2	They will know how much I loved Ryan and how much I miss him .
tr	2	" Yeah , and we need to find something ugly for her to kill .
tr	2	There is something black and sticky tangled in the shag carpet fibers near my knee .
tr	2	I am forcing myself only to think of the present , to observe without judgment .
tr	2	Second , figure out which of the millions of questions to start with .
tr	2	I lay them aside , careful to avoid the black carpet stain .
tr	2	" I didn 't have to get you anything at all . "
tr	2	She 'll probably even be wearing a t-shirt with my face on it .
tr	2	No , she 'll stick with a rhinestone encrusted " Find Maya " button .
tr	2	" Underneath he 's really a lovable teddy bear with an affection for guns .
tr	2	Gabe presents himself with a cheeseburger and a can of Red Bull .
tr	2	The smell of dead meat fills the room , and I shudder .
tr	2	" And for you ... " Gabe reaches into the bag , " Goldfish !
tr	2	I make sure I am out of arm 's reach of both boys .
tr	2	I 've already downed the two bottles of water Gabe set in front of me .
tr	2	Drops of rain on my parched tongue while two forbidden lakes sit before me .
tr	2	Eventually he discovered that bone marrow injected into the spine worked . "
tr	2	Gabe crushes the paper wrapper from his burger and throws it in the bag .
tr	2	" That 's what makes him the most dangerous one of them all . "
tr	2	His energy pulses a deep crimson , the color of dried blood .
tr	2	" Grand was Thane 's eldest son , and he wanted revenge . "
tr	2	" She doesn 't need to know the details , " Gabe says roughly .
tr	2	Their orange bodies make quick laps around the bowl with thoughtless determination .
tr	2	" She set the house on fire , " Gabe says and laughs suddenly .
tr	2	I was only two , but she told me about it later .
tr	2	I hate that about him , the truth it conveys of our shared parentage .
tr	2	Especially these stupid fish not knowing that I 'm going to kill them .
tr	2	Especially my stupid mouth that suddenly opens and lets my whole world spill out .
tr	2	" And when I was little I would make up all these stories about them .
tr	2	Or my mom was a prostitute or the high school whore who got pregnant .
tr	2	I made up terrible things because I was so , so angry . "
tr	2	I really am trying to shut the hell up , but I can 't .
tr	2	Maybe my father never even knew about me , but my mother had no excuse .
tr	2	When she was sick she told me how she thought about you all the time .
tr	2	" We 'll need to start out early in the morning . "
tr	2	Gabe remains seated , and his doleful eyes catch mine and hold them .
tr	2	I snatch a fish out of the water and suck its life away .
tr	2	I leave the faucet running and lean against the door to listen .
tr	2	The subject under heated discussion is the need for a night watch .
tr	2	The intended object of the watch is , of course , me .
tr	2	Gabe disagrees , noting that I seem to be taking the whole thing in stride .
tr	2	Gabe kicks off his shoes and throws his jeans on the floor .
tr	2	Again and again his energy field begins to smooth down , then jumps high .
tr	2	Through the walls , I catch faint throbs of energy from the other motel patrons .
tr	2	The sheer volume of new information is difficult to parse and process .
tr	2	I take my time with the handcuffs , giving them long concentrated pulls .
tr	2	I keep still , forcing my breathing to remain low and even .
tr	2	It is amazing he can 't hear the wild beating of my heart .
tr	2	I pull the lock back slowly on the window and catch it behind my hand .
tr	2	I will go out into the night , and I will run .
tr	2	I can hear the faint hiss of the highway in the distance .
tr	2	I pause , pulling air into my lungs and try to regain my bearings .
tr	2	The night is dark , but my eyes cut right through it .
tr	2	I 've run at least a couple of miles , and the highway is close .
tr	2	His long-sleeved shirt is soaked with sweat and clinging to his body .
tr	2	I know that I could outrun him , but suddenly I don 't want to .
tr	2	" On your mother 's grave , " and this is becoming fun .
tr	2	They 're both worm shit rotting in ... " " Shut up ! "
tr	2	His face is taunt with rage , and that 's how I win .
tr	2	His concentration is off , and he is a second too slow .
tr	2	The bullet hisses by my left ear just as my knee catches his shoulder .
tr	2	He shudders in pain and lays stunned , red crackling all around him .
tr	2	" I am in control , " I tell him through gritted teeth .
tr	2	Gabe stumbles out into the field still wearing his t-shirt and striped boxers .
tr	2	Gabe straightens up , and the moon catches his flushed face and tousled hair .
tr	2	" If you go back it 'll be all over the news .
tr	2	How do I know any of this is real at all ? "
tr	2	" That 's why she gave you away , to protect you .
tr	2	She never blamed you for who your father was or how you were conceived .
tr	2	" I 'm trusting you with my life right now , " Gabe says softly .
tr	2	And together , we 're going to defeat him and all the other angels . "
tr	2	There is nothing harder , nor more painful than not killing Gabe right now .
tr	2	The tears are hot on my cheeks , dripping off my chin .
tr	2	My body is so exhausted from the strain that I can hardly stand .
tr	2	But just because bad things happen doesn 't mean the fight isn 't worth fighting .
tr	2	And it doesn 't mean we can 't find some measure of happiness even so .
tr	2	You 're my sister , and I 'm going to protect you .
tr	2	He runs his fingers through his hair trying to tame the wild strands .
tr	2	One by one , we slip back through the open window to our room .
tr	2	I try to ignore the song and what it tells me to do .
tr	2	Instead , I find Ryan in my thoughts and conjure ways to make him smile .
tr	2	Sunlight filters through the window , and I turn my face toward it .
tr	2	He 's sitting on the bed with his laptop open in front of him .
tr	2	The scissors have a sharp sic to them as they shear away my long locks .
tr	2	The metaphor is too simplistic : a physical transformation that embodies the inner evolution .
tr	2	This is bordering on sci-fi graphic novel without the huge tits and witty comebacks .
tr	2	I should have prepared something appropriate for the funeral and for the welcome party .
tr	2	She doesn 't have any friends , but she does have two brand new brothers .
tr	2	She doesn 't have a mother anymore , but she does have a father .
tr	2	Possibly involving guns or daggers or throwing stars , or her bare hands .
tr	2	I sit on the toilet , eyes watering as my hair absorbs the potent chemicals .
tr	2	I am now convinced that Ryan and I were desperately in love .
tr	2	Our time together is ringed with soft white lighting around the edges .
tr	2	This leads me to my second train of thought : How I will kill Grand .
tr	2	I throw open the bathroom door and ask Gabe for a pen and paper .
tr	2	Upon further reflection , this one doesn 't make a whole lot of sense .
tr	2	You took everything from me , the man I loved , even my own humanity .
tr	2	I 'll rid this world of every single one of your angels of death .
tr	2	I will soak your dreams in blood and burn them to ash .
tr	2	I step into the shower and raise up my face to the spray of water .
tr	2	Part 2 Chapter 18 Rust blooms across the sign pointing to Farewell , Colorado .
tr	2	It must be a strange weed the locals haven 't figure out how to kill .
tr	2	Farewell is a battered town , holding itself together with stubborn grit .
tr	2	An old town of old men and old women grown gray together .
tr	2	" Like all superheroes , we 've got to live on the down low . "
tr	2	Sometimes thin mailboxes peeking from the foliage are the only flag of life .
tr	2	Just get yourself a Life Alert system and you 're golden . "
tr	2	Gabe twists around in his seat to hammer me with his eyes .
tr	2	I stare at his energy , at that purple saturation , with longing .
tr	2	" I know , " I say as I grab the strap .
tr	2	The world could be enslaved by intergalactic overlords and he wouldn 't even notice .
tr	2	Gabe exclaims as he wrestles the dingy white hat from his bag .
tr	2	I look out and see a neat cabin bordered by looming pine and spruce .
tr	2	A woman is tipping a large watering can over the window box flowers .
tr	2	I notice right away that she is shamelessly over imbued with good features .
tr	2	Clearly she got to the body part bins before all the other little kids .
tr	2	When his window doesn 't budge , he turns to his brother .
tr	2	" If you try to keep us apart , I will kill you .
tr	2	She sets the watering container next to her foot and leans against the mailbox .
tr	2	" Why are you always so mean to your big brother , huh ?
tr	2	" Dr. Lee is lucky to have a girl like you helping him out . "
tr	2	" He has a good heart , " Francesca says , and her voice softens .
tr	2	" Tell Dr. Lee ' hello ' from me and my brother .
tr	2	She shivers , and I watch goose bumps pattern along her arms and legs .
tr	2	" Well , it 's always good to have you boys back .
tr	2	I hope you stay for a while this time , " Francesca says .
tr	2	When the car moves on , Gabe falls back against the seat .
tr	2	" I could tell that she totally wanted you , " I respond .
tr	2	" When this is all over , I 'm going to marry her .
tr	2	Gray brick meets green siding at the second story , just above the garage .
tr	2	The paint is peeling and rust eats its way up the gutters .
tr	2	The living room looks cared for just enough , though everything seems old and overused .
tr	2	There 's an Xbox and a precarious tower of DVDs next to the TV .
tr	2	He is my rambling tour guide , and his energy ticks with nervousness .
tr	2	We move to the kitchen with its glass cabinets and long counters .
tr	2	Dishes are piled in the sink and reeking of dried spaghetti sauce and salad dressing .
tr	2	The dining room is next , which isn 't a dining room at all .
tr	2	A Ninja Turtle stands proudly over the broken body of a Ken doll .
tr	2	Here 's a hint , it ain 't got a head anymore . "
tr	2	He pauses , and I think he 's actually waiting for a laugh .
tr	2	I shouldn 't look at this as a prison or a punishment .
tr	2	He twists the knob and opens the door into the master bedroom .
tr	2	The boys are still standing in the doorway , but I have forgotten about them .
tr	2	For a moment , I am distracted as energy flares around both boys .
tr	2	Diana is smiling softly and ducking her head to avoid the camera .
tr	2	All the lines on their faces come from the smiles they wear .
tr	2	White fluffy dress , little black shoes and a crooked birthday hat on her head .
tr	2	Next is a bathroom and then a closet with towels and stuff .
tr	2	Canton would have Gabe 's laugh -- a free , warm chuckle .
tr	2	Gabe is a gurgling infant , the happy kind that never cries .
tr	2	I take my time circling the room , running my eyes over every surface .
tr	2	So I slip out the window , glad for the cold air .
tr	2	I 'm thinking it might be peaceful up here , but it isn 't .
tr	2	This is an entirely new body , acrobatic and strong like an elite gymnast .
tr	2	The prey is a sharp bright point skittering across a branch next to me .
tr	2	The squirrel is frozen in fear , its heart throbbing mad , making me crazy .
tr	2	* * * I wake up on the roof and notice my gloves are gone .
tr	2	I let out my breath in a big whoosh and untangle myself from the blankets .
tr	2	He flinches when he catches me out of the corner of his eye .
tr	2	Even hit some deodorant now that we 've got a girl in the house .
tr	2	He 's expecting a retort back , but my throat has gone tight .
tr	2	I study the warring action figures arranged on the shelf above Gabe 's computers .
tr	2	I can 't imagine the fused feet were anything but a liability .
tr	2	" Did you , uh , " I try to be cool about this .
tr	2	" Google alerts are the greatest thing ever except for Keira Knightley .
tr	2	Gabe spins his chair around , so that he faces me again .
tr	2	" That 's a lot of obits ... wait , radiation poisoning ? "
tr	2	It wreaks havoc on your body , screwing up your DNA , no offense .
tr	2	And where there 's one dead angel ... " Body on fire .
tr	2	The fear of not knowing what is happening or if it will ever stop .
tr	2	I would lay my head against his chest and ... I swallow .
tr	2	" Oh yeah , well angels suck away body heat with everything else .
tr	2	That 's how I tell a regular heart attack from an angel .
tr	2	Google should just take over the world , seriously , " Gabe says .
tr	2	His mouse grazes across the screen , and each pin lights up with notes .
tr	2	" Most of the angels move around a lot , " Gabe continues .
tr	2	By following a wake of bodies , we can put together a crude trail .
tr	2	How can two guys living out in the middle of nowhere be fighting a war ?
tr	2	" Did I tell you about the new one I 'm putting together ?
tr	2	His aura is taut , ticking up and down like an animal on the prowl .
tr	2	The only thing I know is that I want to go home .
tr	2	" Uh ... " Fine yellow hues pulse through Gabe 's aura .
tr	2	It 's just me , and I think you 're full of shit . "
tr	2	" She likes to watch me work out , " Gabe says .
tr	2	It 's not every day you get front row seating at the gun show . "
tr	2	Between grunts and gasps , Gabe tells me that he is 22 .
tr	2	When they 're not on a mission , the Fox brothers train almost constantly .
tr	2	" If Keira starts swooning ... make sure and ... catch her . "
tr	2	The red is dropping out of Gabe 's face but stays in his cheeks .
tr	2	" Does her Downward Dog happen to be at the center of your soul ? "
tr	2	That 's just , well , God , she 's really flexible .
tr	2	Just don 't , like , start doing finger pushups or anything .
tr	2	Gabe moves on to pushups , executes twenty , thirty , forty with ease .
tr	2	This is the sense of a predator , the mind of a monster .
tr	2	" I still can 't believe you 're here , " he mutters .
tr	2	Before , when I was human , I could do exactly one pull up .
tr	2	As long as they can 't find you , they can 't stop you . "
tr	2	" But if you do ... " " How many is that ? "
tr	2	Throughout our conversation , I 've been steadily pulling myself up to the bar .
tr	2	I look at Gabe , at his free smile and bright elf eyes .
tr	2	It 's a small thing and huddles in the corner of its cardboard box .
tr	2	Yes , I would have killed the guinea pig at the table .
tr	2	It 's everything I can do to hold myself back this long .
tr	2	I want to grab its soft body in my fist and squeeze .
tr	2	I fed her pellets every morning and then mixed salad and chopped carrots at night .
tr	2	The rib is killing him ; each breath stitches red through the murky blue .
tr	2	I wonder why he is so relentless in his concealment of vulnerability .
tr	2	Old life , gone , gone gone ... and more gone . "
tr	2	I look at the empty wedge of space in the middle of the bookshelf .
tr	2	He leaves the room , and I wonder if he will come back .
tr	2	As far as I can tell , Gabe 's face always follows his energy .
tr	2	I 'm usually careful , but when Gabe called I left without cleaning up .
tr	2	So , I had to get back before the cops started dusting the place . "
tr	2	The way he ducks his head , has no idea how handsome he is .
tr	2	Avalon opens below me , and I drop into the magical island .
tr	2	I ride up the elevator of the tallest building and step out onto the roof .
tr	2	Instead , I look out across the island , taking in its beauty .
tr	2	Ryan comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist .
tr	2	There is a video clip of my story on a local news website .
tr	2	Her makeup is skewed too heavy , and pouches bulge beneath her eyes .
tr	2	As I fumble to click off the website , I hear Karen 's voice .
tr	2	" Ryan died because of me , " I whisper to the empty bedroom .
tr	2	I pull up Facebook and then remember that I can 't log on .
tr	2	I must take this back somehow , undo the damage I have caused .
tr	2	I dump the computer off my lap and climb out the bay window .
tr	2	He got real cold , and she was flown away to a dark place .
tr	2	Then I crawl onto the roof and watch him set off on his run .
tr	2	Maybe we 'll become fast friends , and wouldn 't Gabe be so pleased ?
tr	2	Without missing a beat , I take my tray up the stairs .
tr	2	Just as I reach his door , I wonder if he locked it .
tr	2	One long jag starts at his right shoulder blade and travels down his back .
tr	2	I follow it through the mirror as it curves around , crossing his abdomen .
tr	2	Small , playful cuts just to tease and prod and many much deeper .
tr	2	Now I know why Gabe tries so hard to make him laugh .
tr	2	My body opens to the sunlight , taking in the thin stream of sustenance .
tr	2	He hands me a bottle of water and sets a case of beer between us .
tr	2	" So , the scars , " Gabe wipes his mouth and shakes his head .
tr	2	He gazes out into the trees , eyes searching for something far away .
tr	2	Hardly went to karate lessons and never hit back when we fought .
tr	2	Classic literature and mythology , but she was real smart about everything .
tr	2	They always make a big deal about it in the movies . "
tr	2	The wind has died down , and bugs flit through the scraggly grass .
tr	2	Gabe starts at my voice , as if he 'd forgotten my presence .
tr	2	Reckless , Mom said , but I looked up to my big sister .
tr	2	A smile from Tammy was worth ... You been in the garage yet ? "
tr	2	She would disappear for days , weeks , hunting on her own .
tr	2	She called me a coward and other things , threw a plate at my head .
tr	2	I said ... I said , " Gabe takes a deep breath .
tr	2	" I said something I 'll regret for the rest of my life .
tr	2	I put my hand on his arm , and he doesn 't flinch .
tr	2	His eyes are wet , turned a warm honey in the sunlight .
tr	2	It was ... it was , " his voice cracks , " God ! "
tr	2	Gabe stands up and leans against the wooden beam supporting the overhang .
tr	2	" I 've never seen so much blood in my life , " Gabe whispers .
tr	2	He tries not to cry , struggles not to let the fear overwhelm .
tr	2	I kept asking where Tammy was , and he wouldn 't tell me .
tr	2	The sound echoes through the trees , snapping me back to reality .
tr	2	He took them to one of his ' labs ' to have some fun .
tr	2	As soon as he could get out of bed , he was running every morning .
tr	2	He even had a girlfriend once , if you can believe it .
tr	2	I try to keep my expression stern , but I can 't .
tr	2	So I apologize instead , and I use my safe little notebook .
tr	2	For any awkwardness my disappearance may have caused her and my classmates .
tr	2	I close the notebook and trace the intricate swirls on the front .
tr	2	I crouch on the roof , letting the rising sun wake my skin .
tr	2	If he is impressed with my mad skills , he fails to show it .
tr	2	We move through the woods , skipping over roots and shuttling up and down embankments .
tr	2	We run in silence for an hour as the sun warms the air around us .
tr	2	The stupid nice things he does that almost make me feel sorry for him .
tr	2	One glance at his energy field , and I know that I can beat him .
tr	2	Sweat runs down his face , and his heart is thudding hard .
tr	2	But I 'm going to win , and it won 't be long now .
tr	2	I want him to fail , and I sing it to him in my head .
tr	2	I am giddy with the idea of watching him crumple from heat exhaustion .
tr	2	Just as fast as it comes , the anger empties from my mind .
tr	2	He still insists on long sleeves and pants even though I know .
tr	2	His heart rate is still fluttering hard , so I beg to walk .
tr	2	There are no crazy experiments , no dashes of lightning and high , cackling laughs .
tr	2	To press guns into their hands and deny them a chance to know anything different .
tr	2	The question echoes in my mind then turns its fangs on me .
tr	2	I try to rein myself in , but the darkness is awake and churning .
tr	2	We both look up at the stars and don 't say anything for a while .
tr	2	The night is filled with cricket harmonies and the slow dip of fireflies below .
tr	2	There is such a loneliness in this -- remembering what I alone have lost .
tr	2	One of them picks up speed and goes tumbling down the slope of the roof .
tr	2	He tells me that Diana started training her children young in self-defense .
tr	2	" We had a choice , " Gabe insists though I did not challenge him .
tr	2	" The police called off the search for me yesterday , " I tell him .
tr	2	No , there 's been a few deaths out in Arizona , California and Mexico .
tr	2	He 'll have us out the door and on the road in ten minutes . "
tr	2	" He won 't want to leave you alone in the house . "
tr	2	" Please Maya , " Gabe whispers , " sit this first one out .
tr	2	" I know what -- " " Just this one time , for me .
tr	2	" She 's not a lab animal ; she 's our sister .
tr	2	When Gabe speaks again , his voice is so low I almost miss his words .
tr	2	I roll over on my back and stare at the cracks racing across the ceiling .
tr	2	" Money , " I say before any silence can get a foothold .
tr	2	" I 'm assuming some sort of fraud here , " I say .
tr	2	Gabe turns in his seat to look at me with feigned offense .
tr	2	" I am an upstanding , law-abiding citizen as far as anyone knows . "
tr	2	" I had to dress up as a clown once , " Gabe says .
tr	2	" We had to get into this guy 's home , " Gabe continues .
tr	2	Gabe glances at his brother but gives him no time to respond .
tr	2	Tied him up , took his costume , threw him in the trunk .
tr	2	" That guy iced a lot of people before we found him .
tr	2	Gabe sits up , stretches , and I watch the colors shimmer through his aura .
tr	2	" If he fed , then he won 't turn up for another day . "
tr	2	" Hmmm , " Gabe 's fingers skate lightly across the keyboard .
tr	2	" Sedona isn 't near the border , and we don 't have uniforms . "
tr	2	Plus we 're plainclothes Border Patrol agents on a secret , undercover mission .
tr	2	Words like murder , danger , blood , bullets , bat shit insane .
tr	2	As if he can read my mind , Gabe 's face turns serious .
tr	2	" Trust me , you 're getting the better deal , " he says .
tr	2	We all just kind of stand there , peering into the room .
tr	2	I take the video game player , careful not to brush his skin .
tr	2	I shift the curtains aside and watch the Murano pull out of the parking lot .
tr	2	Instead , I just stand there like a dolt , feeling adrift .
tr	2	* * * The hours lapse upon each other like large , slow waves .
tr	2	I sprawl on the dirty concrete and let the sun filter directly onto my skin .
tr	2	No , he would finish what he started -- a bullet through my brain .
tr	2	Ryan swooping down from the sky and snatching me up in his arms .
tr	2	Gabe walks through the door carrying a duffle bag on each shoulder .
tr	2	I look him over , assessing his aura for any hints of red .
tr	2	He unzips one of the bags and picks out a set of clothes .
tr	2	" Followed him until he was alone and ... well , " Gabe shrugs .
tr	2	" So , how far 'd you get with Zombie Hordes ? "
tr	2	" Maya , just don 't think about it , " Gabe says .
tr	2	Gabe brings back a scarred pit bull , the leash wrapped tight around his hand .
tr	2	" You play poker on your computer all day long , " I add .
tr	2	I hold a basketball in my lap , and bounce it on my knees .
tr	2	I rock on the balls of my feet feeling conspicuous among the grandeur .
tr	2	The jacket works , and the faded jeans give him an air of cool casual .
tr	2	A faint crash sounds from within the house followed by a high giggle .
tr	2	" Someone 's been hitting the sauce again , " Gabe mutters under his breath .
tr	2	" We brought Chutes and Ladders , " Gabe says to him cheerfully .
tr	2	He stands in a boxing ring , and two lions prowl behind him .
tr	2	We take a back door and emerge into the sun behind the house .
tr	2	I am briefly distracted by a two-tiered pool disappearing into a grove of lush plants .
tr	2	" You said he was a brilliant scientist , " I argue .
tr	2	" I 'm smarter than you 'll ever be , " he states matter-of-factly .
tr	2	Lo taps in a code on the keypad and presses his thumb against the screen .
tr	2	A green light blinks on above the door , and Lo pulls it open .
tr	2	He takes his time , running his gaze up and down my body .
tr	2	His face remains passive , but his eyes are expressive and bright with curiosity .
tr	2	Lo pulls on a black lab coat , skull and crossbones on the pocket .
tr	2	Holy Jesus , Mary and Joseph , you two are unbelievable . "
tr	2	" Just shut up and do whatever it is you 're supposed to do . "
tr	2	" Freezer , " Lo says without looking up from his microscope .
tr	2	The lid closes , and I turn to find Gabe giving me a sympathetic expression .
tr	2	Bring us back some cookies in an hour or so , " Lo says .
tr	2	" We can 't afford to let any angels slip by us . "
tr	2	I know this is true , but I need Gabe to be here anyway .
tr	2	I 'm ready to spring onto the ceiling if he makes a lunge for me .
tr	2	Lo rolls up my shirt , but he isn 't making any jokes .
tr	2	I lay on my back as the machine whirls and hums around me .
tr	2	Her numbers are lower , but she 's made up just like one of them .
tr	2	" All her physical indicators are lower than the others we 've tested .
tr	2	" Since when have you started believing in your brother 's little fairy tales ?
tr	2	" Look , she 's cute , I 'll give you that .
tr	2	She drains that dumb brother of yours before you can ... " " Alright ! "
tr	2	" Yeah , if she doesn 't kill all of us first .
tr	2	As the brainy sidekick , I 'm going to be the first to die .
tr	2	I sit up , yawn and rub my eyes , brushing the tears away .
tr	2	Took all the right pills , stuck himself in the ass with syringes every day .
tr	2	He would do anything to hit the other guy a little bit harder .
tr	2	The energy ripples in excited hiccups around his body as he steps into the room .
tr	2	The way he says it , I almost laugh but don 't .
tr	2	Gabe pitches his voice high and leans across the seat , shouldering his brother .
tr	2	" Stop it , " he growls and grips both hands on the wheel .
tr	2	* * * Time moves , miles move , the sun dips in the sky .
tr	2	I pull out my journal and write jostled apology letters to my parents .
tr	2	But there are little things that I only appreciate now that he 'll never know .
tr	2	Each year we drifted farther and farther apart on our different tracks of life .
tr	2	I 'm beginning to realize that I might just have been a very terrible daughter .
tr	2	" Sure I do , " I close my notebook a little too hard .
tr	2	" There 's no ' just in case , " ' Gabe snaps back .
tr	2	" No , she 's not getting a bag , a gun , anything .
tr	2	" Whoa , I 'm right here , " I wave in the backseat .
tr	2	Gabe takes off his seatbelt and twists around to look at me .
tr	2	Only , it 's so hard to keep my eyes on Gabe 's face .
tr	2	His aura is growing bright , expanding within the tight confines of the car .
tr	2	How exactly do you propose to reverse this whole situation anyway ? "
tr	2	Gabe 's energy is glowing bright , shredding the layers of my control .
tr	2	I realize too late that I haven 't been minding the monster .
tr	2	It 's all just me in here fighting against my own instincts .
tr	2	I smile at the girl and pet the dead creature in my arms .
tr	2	" Just got him , " I say , and the little girl beams .
tr	2	When they enter the store , I throw the rabbit down a sewer grate .
tr	2	* * * The Fox brothers do a quick Target run for me .
tr	2	" Yep , pretty pink underwear with bows on the front . "
tr	2	Gabe takes the wheel and announces we are in for a treat .
tr	2	" Nah , that 's actually what he looks like when he 's happy .
tr	2	I tuck them under my legs and don 't think about the rabbits .
tr	2	The dim glow of the dashboard offers enough light for my eyes .
tr	2	Avalon destroyed forever , but I can 't even think about that right now .
tr	2	His energy flicks dangerously , the dark blues growing brighter at the edges .
tr	2	As soon as this hits the light , the FBI would be all over it .
tr	2	Whatever the reason , they 're not talking and we 're not talking .
tr	2	We still have a score to settle even if he doesn 't realize it yet .
tr	2	" Don 't turn your face to the cameras , " he says sharply .
tr	2	" As long as you don 't mind blood all over your car .
tr	2	I catch his elf eyes open and bright in the rearview mirror .
tr	2	Gabe crosses his arms over the hat and drifts back to sleep .
tr	2	I try not to listen by only kind of straining to catch their words .
tr	2	We 're all that she has , and fuck , look at us .
tr	2	* * * The room is done in beige , nice and impersonal .
tr	2	I also notice that the television remote is not bolted to the table .
tr	2	Gabe drops his own bag at the foot of the other bed .
tr	2	I have a mad urge to throw the underwear at his head .
tr	2	Gabe is looking at a rabbit standing separate from his huddled , shivering companions .
tr	2	Three days ago it was a dead homeless guy lying in the brush .
tr	2	Guy goes off to pee in the woods , doesn 't come back out . "
tr	2	If they find that runner they 'll call it the same thing . "
tr	2	I stand next to the bed , trying to look serious and engaged .
tr	2	Kids , dog walkers , runners , hikers , those crazy bird watching people .
tr	2	These guys know the right people and could definitely buy their way in .
tr	2	" Witness statement describes our dead homeless guy as ' ice cold . '
tr	2	Dude got touched by an angel in a very bad way . "
tr	2	Maya and me 'll sweep the park , see what we can find .
tr	2	How do you feel about some sweet vengeance in the near future ?
tr	2	The clouds give up sunlight in sporadic hiccups that aren 't worth chasing .
tr	2	Gabe pauses to tear down a flyer for a lost golden retriever named Buckeye .
tr	2	My hands are pulsing with heat , and I ball them into fists .
tr	2	I feel like we 're in the opening credits of a cheesy horror flick . "
tr	2	Death , destruction , and impossible escapes are what I live for .
tr	2	" They found the homeless guy ' bout a quarter mile up the trail . "
tr	2	He shrugs off his backpack and pulls out a bright yellow box .
tr	2	" Gabe , is it safe for you to be around me ? "
tr	2	I tug off a wide leaf and twist it between my fingers .
tr	2	" Everyone 's weird , " he shrugs and gives me a warm smile .
tr	2	" I 'll sweep and see if I can pick up a trail . "
tr	2	I ponder all the little snacks scurrying up the trees and weaving through the plants .
tr	2	It looks like a whole valley of Christmas trees fanning out in front of me .
tr	2	I breathe in , close my eyes and jump , letting instinct take my body .
tr	2	I loosen the fabric and rub the soft fleece between my fingers .
tr	2	I sit down on the branch and take in the world around me .
tr	2	My eyes find lush tree tops and foggy mountain silhouettes in the distance .
tr	2	The wind thoughtfully explores my face , touching soft lips to my cheeks .
tr	2	Without thinking , I leap from the tree to land in front of him .
tr	2	His brows come together , and he grimaces , as if in pain .
tr	2	Gabe tucks the gun back into his waistband , and his eyebrows come away .
tr	2	" Radiation is confirmation , " I say and am relieved to see him smile .
tr	2	I expect him to argue against my participation but he doesn 't .
tr	2	Let the water run over your body then scrub with the stone . "
tr	2	Then turn the water off and rub the lotion on your entire body .
tr	2	Come on this is we -- " " Wait two minutes then rinse off .
tr	2	A smiling teddy bear sits on the front holding a pink heart between its paws .
tr	2	The pumice eats away at my skin , but I don 't mind .
tr	2	I push harder , leaving angry red rashes across my breasts and stomach .
tr	2	Fear of anything and everything , but mostly because I 'm so damn tired .
tr	2	I grit my teeth as I wipe down my raw skin with the gooey mess .
tr	2	It 's everything about this day and the hunger still here , growing loud .
tr	2	I walk over to the rabbit cage and pull open the door .
tr	2	" Not the gray one , " Gabe 's voice is soft .
tr	2	I reach around and pull out one of the remaining white bunnies .
tr	2	I slump against the bed , eyes closed , forcing my breathing to slow .
tr	2	Gabe turns his face away , but I catch the flicker of disgust .
tr	2	Everything was encrypted of course , and not that pansy off-the-shelf crap .
tr	2	Gabe clears his throat , brushes the hair out of his eyes .
tr	2	A smile flickers on Gabe 's face but doesn 't get far .
tr	2	You were crying and stinking and generally annoying him even from your earliest days .
tr	2	Finally , she stopped at some motel and put us all to bed .
tr	2	This feels so hollow , like we 're talking about someone else .
tr	2	This isn 't my life , my mother driving me to exile with such conviction .
tr	2	Which , for our purposes , meant that you could be anywhere .
tr	2	The air conditioning was broken or something , and it was like 100 degrees outside .
tr	2	And then one day I got to your name on the list . "
tr	2	Damn him , I can actually see happy lilac streaks pulsing through Gabe 's aura .
tr	2	As for me , another shiver sweeps through my body , rattling my bones .
tr	2	From there I hacked your Facebook page , and there you were .
tr	2	There were all these postings from your friends and that guy Ryan .
tr	2	We went straight to Connecticut from Tennessee to figure out the situation .
tr	2	" The day we found out was the day Grand took you .
tr	2	I need to breathe ; need to get to a window or a toilet .
tr	2	" Grand didn 't know you were coming , " I say quickly .
tr	2	I can hardly catch his scent even when I 'm only five feet away .
tr	2	Without a word , we make our way out of the motel .
tr	2	I exude mentally handicapped charity case and Gabe just comes off as homeless .
tr	2	I learn on the drive over that this is exactly the point .
tr	2	Rain patters against the windows of the SUV , and I shiver .
tr	2	Second , the volunteers would come back as soon as the fire was out .
tr	2	When we hunt we have to lock down on those things . "
tr	2	I keep imaging a black shadow swooping down and snatching him away .
tr	2	My senses are off kilter , and I feel naked without them .
tr	2	You don 't think I can control myself , " I accuse .
tr	2	The hunger hasn 't let up , and it erodes away my composure .
tr	2	I wonder if the angel will tumble backwards , flipping end over end .
tr	2	The initial fear and jitters exhaust themselves , dulling into a waxy wariness .
tr	2	The restrained memories twist against their chains , screaming terrible things beneath their gags .
tr	2	Then it comes , a low strangled call , uh , uh , uh .
tr	2	Ryan made the same seizing sound as Grand tore the life from his body .
tr	2	I need to get to the sound , I need to save Ryan .
tr	2	I find the crumpled body of a man a half mile away from our stakeout .
tr	2	I listen for a heartbeat , watch his chest for breath and find nothing .
tr	2	Then , because it 's me , things get a lot worse .
tr	2	For this reason alone , I fall wildly in love with him .
tr	2	The beam of light jerks , hits my knee and then rushes up my body .
tr	2	I don 't have to look down to know they are glowing .
tr	2	After a pause , I hear his steps come crashing after me .
tr	2	Soon , a whole chorus of shrill notes rise up out of the forest .
tr	2	He stares at me , and his hand hovers over the gun at his waist .
tr	2	His eyes flash back on me , gray as flint and just as hard .
tr	2	I am shivering so hard that water droplets jump out of my hair .
tr	2	I crawl into the back seat and slump against the opposite window .
tr	2	" Go ahead , " I tell Gabe as soon as the door closes .
tr	2	" It 's not that , " Gabe says , almost to himself .
tr	2	This is the second time he 's said that to me today .
tr	2	I still haven 't figured out any type of answer that makes sense .
tr	2	Gabe stiffens , and a wave of red goes through his aura .
tr	2	To me he was always gone , " Gabe says and looks away .
tr	2	He grips the sides of his bag , and the words rush on .
tr	2	" Please stop , " I whisper , and this seems to spur him on .
tr	2	" You can 't do stupid shit like that , you can 't . "
tr	2	His aura is a rush of rusted oranges , browns and reds .
tr	2	" He , uh , was checking to make sure ... " Gabe swallows .
tr	2	" I knew you didn 't ... but he had to check , Maya .
tr	2	I 'm almost 100 % sure he doesn 't actually own a set of pajamas .
tr	2	" Your turn , " Gabe says indicating the bathroom with his head .
tr	2	When my dad killed Robert Thane , he got real scraped up .
tr	2	She had this way of grilling you until you sang like a canary .
tr	2	Mom was so pissed that she went into labor right then and there .
tr	2	I was born right in the middle of the worst argument they ever had . "
tr	2	I put my hand over my heart and raise my other hand .
tr	2	" Gabriel is supposed to be God 's messenger , " I say .
tr	2	" Yeah , he brings people hope and stuff ... " " Wow . "
tr	2	Gabe reaches out for the lamp on the table between our beds .
tr	2	My mind is cloudy and confused as I slowly bob along the surface of consciousness .
tr	2	It really is a fire , with flames that burn a different , deeper burn .
tr	2	I sit up , fumbling with my gloves before I stop myself .
tr	2	His energy is a noose around my mind , pulling me closer , tightening .
tr	2	A part of me is fighting this , but her words are papery whispers .
tr	2	All I see is their bright energy hooping around their bodies in golden bands .
tr	2	A blur of energy streaks across the room and slips under Gabe 's bed .
tr	2	The memories lash against their bonds , the ones I can 't think about .
tr	2	He doesn 't say anything , but his eyes have those daggers in them again .
tr	2	He gives me a nice big scowl for my performance last night .
tr	2	" We should have tried to get everyone out of the park last night . "
tr	2	" Tastes like food , " Gabe swallows and takes a long swig of coffee .
tr	2	" That 's exactly what the highly-paid chemists want you to think . "
tr	2	" You shut up ; I 'm doing really serious work here . "
tr	2	No , you just switched the screen , but I saw it .
tr	2	Gabe picks the melted cheese off the wrapper and brings it to his mouth .
tr	2	" Anyway , I 've got something you can help me with . "
tr	2	It takes me a second after the beep to gather my bearings .
tr	2	I squint at Gabe 's crowded writing , " Tabs , what , oh Labs .
tr	2	He 's typing into a password field , grimacing each time it rejects his inputs .
tr	2	This here , the grueling research , this is where the real breaks come .
tr	2	Gabe pulls the cap out of his bag and brushes it off .
tr	2	Hey ... " he reaches under his bed and pulls something into his arms .
tr	2	Gabe laughs and scratches the rabbit behind its long , floppy ear .
tr	2	Gabe gets a burger , and I get another bag of fish .
tr	2	It was storming ; we 're talking torrential rains , wicked lightening , humongous waves .
tr	2	Every time I tried to breathe , I kept getting water in my mouth . "
tr	2	I screamed his name , even though I knew he couldn 't hear me .
tr	2	I wouldn 't and you got mad and started cussing me out . "
tr	2	Another note about living a sequestered life -- it tends to foster under-developed social discretion .
tr	2	The writer in me knows that dreams often unmask the unconscious mind .
tr	2	" Well , yes , she has quite a large farm and ... . "
tr	2	I grasp for it back , but he pushes my arm away and turns around .
tr	2	" Hello there , this is Agent Adama with Wildlife Protective Services . "
tr	2	Anyway , I 've had my assistant looking for suspicious activity . "
tr	2	Like any exclusive club , it 's an old boy 's network .
tr	2	Chapter 40 " See if you can keep up , " Gabe says .
tr	2	The rabbit is sprawled on his shoulder , strangely passive in his care .
tr	2	I keep my eyes away from the rabbit , away from the boys too .
tr	2	I 'm sitting on my bed , hands pressed firmly against the comforter .
tr	2	" I mean , not the one who picked up the litter .
tr	2	" You can 't just find all that information about people , " I accuse .
tr	2	" He knows you spend all your time on Robert Pattinson fan sites . "
tr	2	I swear he must have been a mall cop in all of his past lives .
tr	2	He would have the money and connections to hook up with the angel network .
tr	2	And best of all , his McMansion is three miles outside the park . "
tr	2	My heart is picking up , tuning to the rise in both their energy levels .
tr	2	" Alrighty , " I say stupidly as I stand up from my bed .
tr	2	This is pure turmoil burning my cheeks , crowding inside my throat .
tr	2	I look between them , searching for a breach in their faces .
tr	2	I lie down on the bed and tuck my hands beneath the pillow .
tr	2	I want to kill Grand more than anything in the world . "
tr	2	He takes a while before answering , another thing the real Gabe wouldn 't do .
tr	2	Would you believe me if I said hate isn 't worth the heartache ? "
tr	2	" If you let the hate consume you , then you really will lose everything .
tr	2	I turn away from the tiles to stare at the person who is Gabe again .
tr	2	" So , I need you to do me a favor . "
tr	2	Not when his energy calms every time he picks up the damn thing .
tr	2	It doesn 't matter ; I 'm getting used to looking stupid .
tr	2	I think I already know what I 'm going to do with it .
tr	2	I hear a slow and steady heartbeat coming from the thick hedges surrounding the gate .
tr	2	The wind picks up , gusting rain into my mouth and eyes .
tr	2	The back door is unlocked , and the security alarm is dead .
tr	2	A vacuum stands in the middle of the floor , looking lonely .
tr	2	The thin film of light around my hands is evident in the darkness .
tr	2	I keep moving through the house , honing in on the boys .
tr	2	I hear the faint creaks of their footsteps above and something else .
tr	2	I 'm running up the stairs , skipping four at a time .
tr	2	I turn around and look at the figure sitting behind the desk .
tr	2	His eyes , dark and hostile , are sunken into bruised pouches of skin .
tr	2	His wispy silver hair is combed back from a high forehead and heavy brow .
tr	2	" You don 't seem surprised to see us , " Gabe says .
tr	2	People are getting so fat they 've had to expand airplane seats .
tr	2	We 're choking on our own excess , begging for more . "
tr	2	" People are dying , " Gabe speaks up , " innocent people . "
tr	2	" Humans are not commodities , " Gabe 's voice is rising .
tr	2	" He 's not afraid , because he 's already dying . "
tr	2	" I won 't really be needing my fingers much longer anyway .
tr	2	The lights wake at my touch and throw me into a world of confusion .
tr	2	Little wooden bubbles hang on the wall , each holding a picture .
tr	2	In the first , three cheerleaders hide behind their pompoms , eyes squinted in laughter .
tr	2	" I 'm fine , " I say and then say it again , louder .
tr	2	She can read people , twist them to get what she wants .
tr	2	" It is love that propels us to do anything for our children .
tr	2	" You want me to torture an old dude with cancer ? "
tr	2	" I asked her if she wanted to be better than all her classmates . "
tr	2	He opens his mouth , no doubt to issue a rebuke about me wasting time .
tr	2	" It 'll be faster to cut through the houses on foot . "
tr	2	I walk out to the balcony ; let the misting rain cool my skin .
tr	2	Wings would be nice , but there are other ways to fly .
tr	2	The branches tremble and shed pearl curtains of water when I step upon them .
tr	2	After a few slips , I kick off my shoes to gain better traction .
tr	2	I manage to balance on two thin branches a little below her .
tr	2	Her voice is solemn but beneath it I catch a hiccup of fear .
tr	2	We 're going to move , but I 'll kill people there too .
tr	2	Her face is close to mine , and I feel the energy emanating from her .
tr	2	The light pulses softly beneath her skin , someone else 's energy .
tr	2	You might be surprised to know that the greatest killer of all was disease .
tr	2	Amber extends her hand , and a phantom force pushes me off my perch .
tr	2	As I slip off , I wrap my arms around it and twist back on .
tr	2	" I don 't think you can do that , " she says .
tr	2	I can 't be evil if I still cry , right ? "
tr	2	Lost like I have been lost ever since the day Grand stood in my path .
tr	2	I hold against her power , but my feet are slipping against the wet bark .
tr	2	I have to feed , so that 's what I do . "
tr	2	" I 'm so sorry , " she whispers into my ear .
tr	2	A tear trembles on her lower eyelid then makes the jump to her cheek .
tr	2	" You 're the first one I 've gotten to apologize to . "
tr	2	I get a knee into her stomach , and the hands loosen .
tr	2	Amber pulls me up and slams me down against the limb again .
tr	2	A little girl 's face peers over mine , long tentacles reaching for me .
tr	2	I should try to kick again , but my legs are too heavy .
tr	2	I can 't seem to understand what 's happening or really care anymore .
tr	2	The terror is loosening but whatever thoughts were backing up are gone .
tr	2	There is only a darkness that might not be the night sky .
tr	2	I carefully twist over to my stomach and squint past the powerful flashlight beam .
tr	2	* * * The pain drums through my skull , big , powerful timpani beats .
tr	2	Arms shaking , so weak , as I lower myself from the branches .
tr	2	That scar and the others concealed , but I can still see them .
tr	2	He 's too close , and there 's this expression on his face .
tr	2	Fingers in my hair , feather touches , but it still hurts .
tr	2	And suddenly I 'm so afraid , because I can 't be losing time .
tr	2	" Oh , of course , " he says , and his face is changing .
tr	2	I 've tipped him off too much about what I can see .
tr	2	I would help him wrap up the broken , bloody body in tarp .
tr	2	About why he got so close to me without keeping a hand on his gun .
tr	2	I couldn 't let ... " " When I was a baby .
tr	2	My voice cracks , mind cracks , memories rampaging , crushing boxes .
tr	2	" How could you bargain for your own life and not hers ? "
tr	2	" You never told him how Grand found out about me . "
tr	2	" Yes , " he says again , this one even softer .
tr	2	I tilt my head back and catch falling raindrops in my mouth .
tr	2	They taste like rust , but I feel a little more human for doing it .
tr	2	I clutch the sides of the sink , retching up the dust in my stomach .
tr	2	I 'll rid this world of every single one of your angels of death .
tr	2	I will soak your dreams in blood and burn them to ash .
tr	2	He followed the boys once , but he must have lost them after the fight .
tr	2	He hasn 't found us yet , but he 'll try again .
tr	2	" I 'm going to find a way to make it easier for her .
tr	2	I can still smell the bleach on the clothes he was wearing .
tr	2	Bad things will always happen to good people , angels or not . "
tr	2	They 'll breed humans for food or hunt us down like animals .
tr	2	In the long pause that follows , Gabe 's energy shivers with wan yellows .
tr	2	We wait the night out together , lost in our very different struggles .
tr	2	I pull my notebook , all soggy with apologies , out of my bag .
tr	2	Gabe breathing slow ; stupid enough to fall asleep with a monster in the room .
tr	2	And maybe Avalon if I can get over these knives sticking in my heart .
tr	2	Not until Gabe shifts in his sleep , and his energy jumps .
tr	2	I 'm not evil , even though I 'm suddenly standing over his bed .
tr	2	No more worries , no more fear , no more aching loneliness .
tr	2	It would be too cruel to take away the only person he has left .
tr	2	" You 're my sister , and I 'm going to protect you .
tr	2	This is how Gabe rescues me again , like he always does .
tr	2	I have the notebook in my hands , and now I remember .
tr	2	" I am a hybrid , " I say the words out loud .
tr	2	Wasn 't the song drowning me and still I held my breath ?
tr	2	I take up my pen and turn to the next empty page .
tr	2	Friends Review Friends ' Books If you enjoyed FALLING , please consider writing a review .
tr	2	The opposite of the jittery nervousness and uncertainty that is the clay of Maya .
tr	2	The air is hot and heavy enough to mix with a wooden spoon .
tr	2	" It was only a twenty minute drive , " I tell him .
tr	2	I beat feet to the other side of the car and cover my ears .
tr	2	He sees me , peers over to Gabe 's side of the car and shrugs .
tr	2	They both sling a pair of military grade binoculars around their necks .
tr	2	Gabe throws me a pair of sad eyes but doesn 't say anything .
tr	2	He hates that I 'm doing the mission thing with them now .
tr	2	Sure enough , up ahead , the dirt road leads to a handsome colonial .
tr	2	Three floors at least , with a heavy façade of bricks and white siding .
tr	2	Maya and I will ... " " The barn , " I whisper .
tr	2	I feel the whisper of their auras , even from this distance .
tr	2	They don 't say anything , but I know those identical expressions .
tr	2	He 's rocking a heavy gold watch on his wrist that glitters under the sun .
tr	2	The bigger of the two angles pulls open the door of the barn .
tr	2	Even from this distance , his loud , arrogant voice carries to my sensitive ears .
tr	2	The angels emerge from the barn , dragging two young men behind them on leashes .
tr	2	The humans have their hands bound in front of them and collars around their necks .
tr	2	He then starts walking again , dragging the whimpering boy across the ground .
tr	2	He supports the boy 's weight , and his face is set with grim determination .
tr	2	" Come in , " a deep , sonorous voice calls from inside .
tr	2	" Come into the sitting room child , " that spooky voice speaks up .
tr	2	Now I wonder if maybe I should crank it up to $ 12.50 an hour .
tr	2	I guess it 's also time to deflate another long-held vampire myth .
tr	2	In the grate , a large fire blazes and throws shadows wildly across the room .
tr	2	" Yeah , telegraph , those were the best , " I mumble .
tr	2	" And you seem quite old to be seeking independent employment . "
tr	2	" Surely you are married and have born your first child . "
tr	2	Okay , this part is definitely illegal , but I answer him anyway .
tr	2	Yep , this is the best comeback I can muster on short notice .
tr	2	" Damn , " Nathanial says , " it 's the telegraph . "
tr	2	I give Nathaniel the message , and this puts a sour expression on his face .
tr	2	" I need to stop eating so many obese humans , " he says .
tr	2	" I 'm not your slave , " I reply before I can stop myself .
tr	2	This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	April could still have a bite in the air this time of day .
tr	2	Taylor tried to keep his friend Cody Hunt from ruining his morning rituals .
tr	2	Taylor nodded to a small backpack that leaned against the wall next to the door .
tr	2	The hot coffee worked its magic to get Taylor 's brain into gear .
tr	2	" I was just trying to get you out of bed for good .
tr	2	" He 's gon na come in handy should we really find something useful .
tr	2	Maybe someone just wants her out of the way for a few days .
tr	2	I 'll make sure to keep her off your back , " he reassured Taylor .
tr	2	The two men sat silently for a moment enjoying the simple meal and hot coffee .
tr	2	There was much hollering and laughing and poking fun at each other .
tr	2	I 'll shut them up so you can have your say . "
tr	2	Times have changed though , so I wish him more luck for his quest today .
tr	2	They referred to the area by its old name , the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas .
tr	2	Many of them worked in the fields bringing in crops or tending to live stock .
tr	2	I could not detect any genetic degeneration or defects in either plants or animals . "
tr	2	Taylor paused for effect before he made an effort to drive his point home .
tr	2	I want to go to the Ozark and have a look for myself .
tr	2	" Did you get in contact with any of the eyewitnesses from back then ? "
tr	2	" How much do we know about the security status in Sector XXI ? "
tr	2	the thin voice of self-proclaimed intelligence officer Mark Shiner pierced through the upcoming murmur .
tr	2	It was quite apparent that he did not have much confidence in Shiner 's capabilities .
tr	2	Maybe there 's a better future in it for all of us .
tr	2	he blurted out when Taylor told him the outcome of his latest petition .
tr	2	" You are really going on this trip , aren 't you ?
tr	2	You are a genius , John , no two ways about it . "
tr	2	It was clear that he would not take ' no ' for an answer .
tr	2	The air was still but heavy with humidity covering asphalt and grass with glittering dew .
tr	2	Mary was in her early sixties and had seen the worst of the war .
tr	2	" Good morning Ma , " Taylor greeted her when he entered the office .
tr	2	" Any chance to get current weather information to the northeast of here ? "
tr	2	" Well , thank you , why not , " Taylor replied .
tr	2	" It might be a few days until I get an earnest brew again .
tr	2	I knew you would show up before your trip to Sector XXI .
tr	2	It looks good from what I see , should be smooth sailing . "
tr	2	Taylor studied the map prints that Mary had laid out in front of him .
tr	2	" Wish me luck , " he added with a big smile .
tr	2	She reached behind her desk and pulled out a small paper bag .
tr	2	You never know when you might need something extra to eat . "
tr	2	There was the faintest idea of a silver lining on the eastern horizon .
tr	2	Arriving back at his container Taylor heard a Jeep engine approaching from the main gate .
tr	2	It seemed there were some perks involved in being employed at the intelligence agency .
tr	2	" Sorry , " Cody mumbled into the giggles that came from Spade and Taylor .
tr	2	We do not know if we have to deal with any hostility .
tr	2	If we come across strangers , I will be the only one who addresses them .
tr	2	I want to be very clear about this before we get going .
tr	2	Taylor looked everyone into the eyes to make sure he was taken seriously .
tr	2	The plane had been converted from cargo duty to accommodate passengers for this trip .
tr	2	" I hear you get a fill on the Council 's tab ?
tr	2	He fumbled with the fuel caps and struggled to get them open .
tr	2	Taylor walked over and flipped the switch as he had done so many times before .
tr	2	It seemed that he and his adventure were the talk of the town .
tr	2	He had rebuilt and repaired this motor more often than he cared to remember .
tr	2	Flight controls , brakes , instruments and electric systems all checked out in his tests .
tr	2	The cargo compartment was still half empty which suited him just fine .
tr	2	Jump , count to three and then pull the D-ring , nothing to it .
tr	2	It looks as if the sun is just about to come up .
tr	2	They each put on the parachutes and climbed into their assigned seats .
tr	2	The big cargo doors made entry and exit of Taylor 's plane very comfortable .
tr	2	Both of them were flipping switches , checking gauges and twiddling with this and that .
tr	2	If you want to talk just push the button on the cable .
tr	2	I 'll be back in a few days , keep the coffee on .
tr	2	He released the breaks and the plane slowly moved off its parking position .
tr	2	The era of the Millennium with its great spiritual teachers had come and gone .
tr	2	Information technology made strides way beyond the comprehension of its casual and unsuspecting users .
tr	2	Suzie Truman cried , screamed and threw herself onto her bed and pounded the pillows .
tr	2	She was not to be reached by means of electronic communication again .
tr	2	E-mails started to be returned to the senders , " Message could not be delivered .
tr	2	Her classmates were the first ones who contemplated to follow their friend 's example .
tr	2	It was a chaotic situation and there was a sense of panic in the room .
tr	2	Nobody was all too upset about the government 's plans to automate this process .
tr	2	Sam Stone was shaking his head in disbelieve for the thousandth time .
tr	2	" Good luck trying to intimidate a twelve year old these days , ha ! "
tr	2	He could hear warning sounds chirping from computers in the offices down the hall .
tr	2	' Paper , ' he thought , ' what a wonderfully predictable medium . '
tr	2	" I saw it , " the thin voice came slowly across the line .
tr	2	" Unfortunately , son , that was no clown who wrote and posted this note .
tr	2	Freddie was always jealous and critical of our venture and especially of our government contracts .
tr	2	" Anyway , I got a text message this morning on the secure line .
tr	2	Sleep on it and give me a call in the morning with ideas . "
tr	2	DHS officials denied accusations that the federal government had any involvement in deploying the servers .
tr	2	This system had been compromised and scrutinizing it started to become a favorite past time .
tr	2	Anthony Hager 's sigh of relief was heard and felt throughout the mighty plant .
tr	2	Rachel Summers taught sixth grade history at Lincoln High , Tallahassee , Florida .
tr	2	Something new and unknown , frightening and exciting began to awake in Rachel .
tr	2	The old librarian looked surprised to see a teacher walk in during school in session .
tr	2	Books were just ancient relics and kept around for sentimental reasons more than anything else .
tr	2	The second sneeze felt even more liberating and made her feel lightheaded .
tr	2	It feels as if you were aiming for every single one of them . "
tr	2	He didn 't get an answer but heard the paper bags being pulled out .
tr	2	Everyone was enjoying the beautiful scene before them and relaxed into their fate .
tr	2	Do you see any reason why we should not take this spot to land ? "
tr	2	The surface of the chosen landing site was clear of large rocks or other debris .
tr	2	" It 's o.k. , ... thanks ... em , " he mumbled softly .
tr	2	They had managed the first leg of their journey according to plan .
tr	2	Now it was time to get oriented and to plan their hike up the mountains .
tr	2	Remember , it was you who begged me to come along . "
tr	2	They both laughed feigning a sparring match in the middle of the road .
tr	2	Farmer asked , " The canteens we brought are not going to last long . "
tr	2	" We are going to follow this highway north for about fifteen miles . "
tr	2	There 's still got ta be buildings and signs to recognize it .
tr	2	From there we head west on 74 or 377 whichever we find .
tr	2	It was obvious that Farmer and Spade were very helpful to each other .
tr	2	Keep some of it free for that steak you were talking about .
tr	2	They were enjoying themselves while Taylor and Spade kept a reasonable pace on the road .
tr	2	It took him a moment to get his wits back and follow her lead .
tr	2	Taylor chuckled to himself and followed the two at a safe distance .
tr	2	None of them had ever tasted water so sweet and refreshing in their entire lives .
tr	2	All four of them were in good spirits from the refreshing rest .
tr	2	" Let 's set up the tents and get a fire going .
tr	2	Cody , do you mind going for some fire wood with Farmer ? "
tr	2	" Not at all , come on cowboy , let 's go . "
tr	2	Hunt came back with his arms loaded with dry and brittle branches .
tr	2	Not long and a lively fire radiated cozy warmth into the dusk .
tr	2	Everyone was looking perplexed when he disappeared into the tent that harbored his backpack .
tr	2	" I 'll cook this and stir in the dry rations with water .
tr	2	Care to share the story how the two of you met ? "
tr	2	Taylor did not care much for the tone in which the question was asked .
tr	2	" All right Ms. Nosy , " Taylor teased , " why not .
tr	2	" It 's actually quite a story when I think about it .
tr	2	' OK , you win , ' I say , ' what is it . '
tr	2	" So we sat down and he laid an ugly story on me .
tr	2	Hunt points at the lights , ' Land there , we 'll be safe . '
tr	2	We learned much later from a friend that they never even missed the plane . "
tr	2	The center of the once wide road was still smooth and almost free of vegetation .
tr	2	A hilarious little mouse in a red jumpsuit came to mind right away .
tr	2	" Well , health and safety , " finally came from Tim Farmer .
tr	2	Helen Spade 's reaction had a big question mark painted all over it .
tr	2	With that she burst into more laughter and started to escape into the woods .
tr	2	she screamed at the top of her lungs while she disappeared between the trees .
tr	2	Taylor shouted after her , " Wait up , where are you going ? "
tr	2	Hanging upside down from tree branches was obviously her favorite place for a conversation .
tr	2	Taylor asked half jokingly , " So that would make you Dorothy , right ? "
tr	2	Taylor was glad that this conversation continued without another chase through the forest .
tr	2	It seemed she did not want to give up the security of her tree entirely .
tr	2	All of a sudden the forest opened onto a beautifully crafted cobble stone road .
tr	2	The little child wore colorful denim carpenter pants and a straw hat .
tr	2	Maybe her father was the town leader and she enjoyed special schooling .
tr	2	She had said that she would help them after all , didn 't she ?
tr	2	he asked Lilly Ann to find a starting point for his request .
tr	2	" Sure , it 's what our bodies know , " she replied without hesitation .
tr	2	There was this feeling of not being taken seriously bubbling up again in Taylor .
tr	2	He blinked hard and tried to push it away with a brief chuckle .
tr	2	They wanted to be the heroes of the day , I guess . "
tr	2	It is kind of mind boggling for me , to be honest . "
tr	2	Lilly Ann looked at Taylor in disbelieve , " You want to have our cows ?
tr	2	It takes about two to three generations for the new genes to have an effect .
tr	2	Tim Farmer here is a genetics engineer and an expert in reconstructive DNA synthesis . "
tr	2	" I can 't see any harm in what you want to do .
tr	2	" That is the least we can do for your generosity , " Taylor agreed .
tr	2	Lilly Ann walked up to Helen Spade and looked her squarely in the eyes .
tr	2	" I suppose I can leave your exact location out of my reports .
tr	2	With that she turned around and skipped down the road out of sight .
tr	2	" Do you think this is the place we were looking for ? "
tr	2	" Was she just teasing us or is she for real ? "
tr	2	Hunt slapped Taylor on the back almost knocking him over and laughed .
tr	2	Let 's see how it goes tonight at dinner , " Taylor answered thoughtfully .
tr	2	It was time to prepare for the task they had come for .
tr	2	" Tim , how much free memory do you have in your DNA scanner ? "
tr	2	The data management within the scanner is a bit cumbersome , " Farmer suggested .
tr	2	Cody and I will explore the area to get an idea where we are .
tr	2	If you interact with anyone I expect you to be at your best behavior . "
tr	2	" Yes , daddy , " mocked Helen Spade , batting her eyes .
tr	2	She turned around to join Farmer before Taylor was able to respond .
tr	2	They started down the street to the point where Lilly Ann had disappeared .
tr	2	On both sides of the road stood mighty trees of various kinds .
tr	2	The underbrush was cleared in most places and was getting lighter the further they walked .
tr	2	Taylor definitely did not want to make matters more complicated than they had to be .
tr	2	They took in as much as they could while slowly walking on .
tr	2	If this thing actually moves by itself it is the epitome of a bona-fide miracle .
tr	2	The noise of a screeching door opening high above their heads made them look up .
tr	2	A man wearing dark green coveralls stepped out of the door onto a deck .
tr	2	He dropped the end of a rope ladder and swiftly climbed down to the ground .
tr	2	Serious contemplation of little green men and unicorns passed the time of their return walk .
tr	2	Hunt asked Taylor cupping his right ear in the direction of the forest .
tr	2	" Let 's have a look , " he said walking towards the trees .
tr	2	They found a little path that someone had recently hewn into the bushes .
tr	2	Her skin tight T-shirt made every man keenly aware of her shapely figure .
tr	2	" Did you two run away from the bear that just ransacked the camp ? "
tr	2	Hunt just could not pass up the opportunity to have a little fun with them .
tr	2	" Oh boy , " Taylor laughed , " the sight of a bad conscience .
tr	2	You can find me at the camp when you are done with your frolicking . "
tr	2	They could still hear him laughing after he was out of sight .
tr	2	The side windows and back doors were adorned with drapes of similar colorful artistic expression .
tr	2	Lilly Ann jumped out of the driver 's side door with a joyful squeal .
tr	2	Taylor claimed the front seat for himself to the amusement of everyone .
tr	2	" Sorry ' bout that , " she whispered into his ear with a smile .
tr	2	" All comfy back there , " Taylor teased over his shoulder .
tr	2	They went down the same road that Taylor and Hunt had walked before .
tr	2	Many of the homes they passed on their ride were sights to behold .
tr	2	" Papa , these are the travelers that I told you about earlier .
tr	2	After he finally put down his mug Hunt glanced around the table a bit embarrassed .
tr	2	Was he really the only one who had finished his glass in one big gulp ?
tr	2	Willie , a young man of maybe sixteen years of age , approached their table .
tr	2	" I bet it 's good business too , " Hunt suggested .
tr	2	Lilly Ann pointed proudly at the feast and exclaimed , " Dig in ! "
tr	2	All eyes turned to Hunt who had eaten at least as much as anyone else .
tr	2	he protested , " A man can ask , can 't he ? "
tr	2	She looked around for Willie and nodded slightly when they made eye contact .
tr	2	With that he raised his glass and finished the drink in one big gulp .
tr	2	Taylor was the first to follow suit , after him Hunt , Spade and Farmer .
tr	2	It is a most surreal pleasure to meet you , sir . "
tr	2	Do you grow various breeds or did they blend together over time ?
tr	2	" You mean this is not what it 's supposed to sound like ? "
tr	2	It will use a lot less fuel too if it runs better . "
tr	2	He just hoped that the ancient engine would cooperate with his mechanical prowess .
tr	2	Lilly Ann glanced to the side at Taylor happy to see him relax somewhat .
tr	2	Frank Turner 's farm was the largest cattle producer in the valley .
tr	2	He hugged her with his strong arms and lifted her off the ground .
tr	2	" Hey , " Taylor started to protest before Turner stopped him .
tr	2	" That would be Tim Farmer over there , " Taylor pointed him out .
tr	2	I selected prime specimen of three distinctive breeds to give you a better spread . "
tr	2	He pulled out Spade 's data pad and punched in some numbers .
tr	2	" Sure , why not , " was Lilly Ann 's not too enthusiastic reply .
tr	2	Taylor disappeared into the shop rummaging around loudly in a quest for the required tools .
tr	2	He says he puts new oil into the car every now and then .
tr	2	" OK , do you have any of these head gaskets with you ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann threw her arm in the air and did a little celebration dance .
tr	2	He nodded in agreement with himself and dove under the hood to install the part .
tr	2	Lilly Ann turned the key and stepped slightly on the gas pedal .
tr	2	It reverberated between the walls of the farm buildings and echoed from the adjacent hills .
tr	2	Taylor was sitting on the ground behind the car holding his ears .
tr	2	" No worries , " he said to her still gasping for air from laughing .
tr	2	" Sure , you stay right there , " Lilly Ann laughed back at him .
tr	2	" We wouldn 't want to be any burden , " Taylor subjected .
tr	2	I 'll tell the others , we 'll leave tomorrow at dawn . "
tr	2	Taylor asked her without being fully aware of what the question was really about .
tr	2	You know , I can 't miss you if you won 't go away . "
tr	2	The looming weather situation was in all the conversations throughout their two-day hike .
tr	2	He checked the engine instruments and the flight controls for one last time .
tr	2	Steadily the small engine propelled them forward to a speed suitable for getting airborne .
tr	2	At the precise moment he smoothly pulled back the stick easing them into flight .
tr	2	They had climbed through three thousand feet when the cloud density ahead seemed to decrease .
tr	2	" What the ... " cursed Taylor into the panicked screams of his travel mates .
tr	2	A satisfied smile claimed Taylor 's face as he stepped out of the cabin .
tr	2	Together they were able to cut her free and get her safely to the ground .
tr	2	" I didn 't see Taylor jump , I 'm sure he had his reasons .
tr	2	It did not take much shouting for them to hear Farmer 's answer back .
tr	2	When I lost sight of him the plane was still flying . "
tr	2	They both turned to Cody Hunt who was processing what he had just heard .
tr	2	For all we know Taylor gave his life saving the DNA data .
tr	2	If they were able to arrange for some form of transportation it might be less .
tr	2	It was almost out of sight when the first lightning of the season struck .
tr	2	The metal bird sank lower and lower with its scream hoarse and coughing .
tr	2	" Make haste , " Joe Jack said as the first raindrops fell .
tr	2	They knew they were close , just a few more minutes of pressing on .
tr	2	They climbed up the slope in a hurry and found the man still breathing .
tr	2	He shook his head when his face lit up with an idea .
tr	2	Joe Jack cradled Taylor like a baby and eased him onto the branches .
tr	2	He took off his jacket and covered the man to protect him from the rain .
tr	2	A day and a night and a day they walked without rest .
tr	2	Raindrops were their drink and hard bacon strips from their pockets were their meals .
tr	2	The rounded wall panels were decorated in colorful stucco reminiscent of gingerbread decorations .
tr	2	she turned to Joe Jack while pushing them through the door into her house .
tr	2	" He took a fall , " Joe Jack repeated his observation .
tr	2	He 'll be all right , " he added with the confidence of a child .
tr	2	" Send for Edie May and tell her that someone is hurt .
tr	2	She has a potion that will keep him asleep for a while . "
tr	2	She had a look at Taylor and expertly felt his pulse and temperature .
tr	2	There was something about John Taylor that sat him apart from his travel mates .
tr	2	Edie May came by every now and then to check on his condition .
tr	2	His question from the first night remained the only words he spoke .
tr	2	" I guess he couldn 't leave and he couldn 't stay .
tr	2	Do you even have a doctor here , or a hospital ? "
tr	2	The more Taylor grew awake the more an avalanche of questions stormed through his head .
tr	2	" Thank you , but I can eat myself , " he pouted .
tr	2	They both went back into the house and started to prepare breakfast .
tr	2	His mood however came crushing down at the first thought of his legs .
tr	2	He still did not have any feeling or control from his pelvis down .
tr	2	Jack and Joe Jack heard your battle scream as you jumped from the plane .
tr	2	she screamed at the top of her lungs until the word turned into uncontrollable laughter .
tr	2	You 'll have to tell me what it means some time . "
tr	2	How could she poke fun at him at the sight of his obvious misery ?
tr	2	She waited if her words had any impact on Taylor at all .
tr	2	" Well , Edie May , it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance .
tr	2	The tableware was an eclectic collection fitting the house and its owner .
tr	2	I was sure I would be gone before I hit the ground .
tr	2	They saw you when you first arrived and they saw you leave .
tr	2	It took Taylor a few seconds to absorb what he just had heard .
tr	2	I just never thought I would find myself on the receiving end of them . "
tr	2	I will have to find a way to repay you somehow . "
tr	2	" Anything , " Taylor said eagerly , " just name it . "
tr	2	" I don 't know , " Taylor was getting agitated again .
tr	2	" I can 't feel them and I can 't move them .
tr	2	I guess my back was hurt worse than it appears from the outside .
tr	2	The other question would be where to bring you in the first place .
tr	2	" Are you saying that I am stuck here without proper medical care ? "
tr	2	" None , " he said with a lifeless voice , " none .
tr	2	It 's all up to you how your life will unfold from here on . "
tr	2	Taylor turned his head to look her in the eyes and nodded slowly .
tr	2	Sing with rapture and dance like a dervish , would you ? "
tr	2	When you mentioned coffee I remembered that the label reads ' Illy .
tr	2	Taylor 's eyes lit up at the sight of the unexpected treasure .
tr	2	She picked up the pot and ran to show it to Taylor .
tr	2	The rich aroma of dark roasted , finely ground coffee instantly filled the room .
tr	2	" Hmm , " she purred softly , " this is nice .
tr	2	" Put some of the coffee grinds into the filter and press it down .
tr	2	Fill the lower part of the pot half with water and screw it together .
tr	2	Then put it on the stove until you hear it steam and sputter .
tr	2	He slowly brought the cup to his lips and loudly slurped the drink .
tr	2	It took even longer this time for her to know if she liked the sensation .
tr	2	And if so , why would she not just do it ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann looked long into his eyes wondering how much he wanted to understand already .
tr	2	There it was again , the giggling and skipping and screaming through the hallways .
tr	2	Everybody was so excited that she gave a detailed report the day you left . "
tr	2	These get handed down from house to house until everyone has seen them .
tr	2	I usually get to keep a copy of each issue in my archives .
tr	2	As if on cue Lilly Ann popped her head through the door .
tr	2	The first thing Taylor noticed was the unusual texture and color of the paper .
tr	2	" This is astounding paper stock , where did you get this ? "
tr	2	She ran her hand tenderly over the pages brushing slightly against Taylor 's hand .
tr	2	It was truly a moment when time stood still and life was created anew .
tr	2	Of course like all moments since the beginning of time , this one too passed .
tr	2	I admire their determination with which they accomplish mighty tasks despite their doubts and fears .
tr	2	Lilly Ann jumped up from her chair not able to sit still any longer .
tr	2	She sat on the edge of her seat fidgeting at the building suspense .
tr	2	Taylor looked at her not quite sure what to make of the situation .
tr	2	" But that is not the really important stuff , is it ? "
tr	2	Me and the others almost peed our pants the way you scared us . "
tr	2	That seems to be something an engineer like myself can wrap his brain around . "
tr	2	The properties of this focused energy are defined by its vibration or frequency .
tr	2	Energy always flows and its properties or frequencies are always changing . "
tr	2	Edie May smiled in anticipation of the surprise she had on hand for her student .
tr	2	This all sounds a bit like voodoo to me , to be honest . "
tr	2	" The thoughts that you entertain in your mind draw from you an emotional response .
tr	2	" There is always more in front of you than meets the eye .
tr	2	He looked at Edie May with a mixture of challenging her and hoping for answers .
tr	2	Taylor asked , " What do you mean by ' with them ' ? "
tr	2	No one else to blame anymore , now that didn 't sound right at all .
tr	2	That 's a bit too much to swallow , you know ? "
tr	2	Not too bad creating for someone who didn 't know what you know now .
tr	2	She pulled a huge folder from a shelf at the back of the room .
tr	2	Lilly Ann cradled the book in her arms and brought it to Taylor 's bed .
tr	2	The second page showed a much more developed drawing of the same cartoon character .
tr	2	This time he was wearing a blue T-shirt with ' 17 SEC . '
tr	2	Taylor was wondering if Lilly Ann would ever stop the sentence and breathe again .
tr	2	Lilly Ann was searching her brain for an easier way to make her point .
tr	2	She waited for a sign of comprehension from Taylor , " Get it ? "
tr	2	" This sounds like a lot of work , " Taylor remarked .
tr	2	Taylor continued to look at the many pages and drawings in the folder .
tr	2	Don 't you have one down the street from your grandpa 's place ? "
tr	2	Taylor just gave her a confirming nod , curious where this exercise was leading .
tr	2	Once you feel secure there you might reach for a thought of frustration or pessimism .
tr	2	Then the road to contentment or even hopefulness isn 't very far .
tr	2	' Two , four , six , eight , who do we appreciate ? '
tr	2	Edie May knew the tone of voice she had just heard from Lilly Ann .
tr	2	" That is a very long title for a game , " Edie May teased .
tr	2	We can invite other people to play too if we run out of ideas .
tr	2	" Let 's start , " Lilly Ann shouted , " I go first . "
tr	2	We would try to stretch out legs so our toes get all sprayed with water .
tr	2	And we would stare to see the trout standing behind the rocks .
tr	2	We 'd take off our shoes and socks and roll up our pant legs .
tr	2	Lilly Ann was glowing from the excitement of the adventure in her head .
tr	2	What was he supposed to say at the display of such unadulterated joy and affection ?
tr	2	That is , if you let me join the game of course .
tr	2	He couldn 't help but to get curious where all of this would lead them .
tr	2	My hands and feet are pulsing hot from the slaps and wild dancing . "
tr	2	Taylor looked at Lilly Ann but she just laughed and did not avert her eyes .
tr	2	And when we were finished I 'd give him a big kiss .
tr	2	Everyone knew , when the children come , miracles start to happen .
tr	2	" Thank you , Leila , " she whispered without anyone else taking notice .
tr	2	He was swept away by the unconditional support that the community poured over him .
tr	2	Food and drink of all sorts was appearing out of nowhere in front of him .
tr	2	Everybody seemed to have the time of their lives , and all on his behalf .
tr	2	Lilly Ann asked through the door on her way upstairs to her bedroom .
tr	2	" Will do , " Lilly Ann chirped and left the room .
tr	2	What followed was laughter , uncontrollable laughter and yelps of joy and groans of pain .
tr	2	It hurt and it was like fire and like ice in the next moment .
tr	2	Sensing that the jig was up Mr. Big disappeared like a black and white flash .
tr	2	At first he was able to move his big toe , Mr. Big 's favorite .
tr	2	Lilly Ann 's voice came from the door that had opened silently .
tr	2	" No , " Taylor joked , " this game is for fallen pilots only .
tr	2	" Did anyone ever tell you that you are a ham ? "
tr	2	She walked out of the room fully expecting that Taylor would follow her .
tr	2	I can 't wait to meet your mother to talk math with her . "
tr	2	She held her hands in front of her eyes and turned her back to Taylor .
tr	2	" Try to remember what it feels like to move your legs .
tr	2	" Whoa , " he laughed , " slow down the horses . "
tr	2	He stretched out the right knee and the left had the same reaction .
tr	2	He sat up and looked at Lilly Ann with one eyebrow raised .
tr	2	You think you are strong enough to help me get up ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann grabbed his right arm and stood up , " Ready ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann lightly held on to his arm never putting any real force onto it .
tr	2	The expression ' baby steps ' never had a more literal meaning .
tr	2	If time is a matter of perception so is distance it seemed .
tr	2	" What are we going to do when we run out of coffee ? "
tr	2	" Hm , the thought never crossed my mind , " Lilly Ann answered surprised .
tr	2	The gentle rap at the door was unmistakably that of Edie May .
tr	2	I went looking for it and there it was on the top shelf .
tr	2	You are more than welcome to it , if you want it . "
tr	2	He would never try to bring up ' running out of coffee ' again .
tr	2	" Would you mind if I had a look at the book some time ? "
tr	2	She heard more infectious laughing on her way out of the house .
tr	2	The simple yet powerful vibration that resonated with these words was not lost on Taylor .
tr	2	A group of children , maybe four or five years of age had spotted Taylor .
tr	2	Taylor could not believe to stand in front of this ancient technology in working condition .
tr	2	Whenever she moved her hand a data pointer on the screen moved accordingly .
tr	2	Taylor saw more questions than answers arise from being confronted with this historic artifact .
tr	2	She brought Abraham 's teachings to an entire different audience than the original texts .
tr	2	" Many put up camp and stayed to see where all of this was heading .
tr	2	Their numbers grew daily and so did the tension and anticipation . "
tr	2	Edie May looked at Lilly Ann with a smile and then at Taylor .
tr	2	The woman with the van had traveled all the way from southern California to Arkansas .
tr	2	" Does your name , Edie May , have any relation to this woman ? "
tr	2	There had to be something more to convince those first settlers . "
tr	2	All she could read in her eyes was happy love , adoration and infinite patience .
tr	2	It seemed that no cloud could ever cast a shadow on her sunny face .
tr	2	Watch and listen , and you too will understand , " Edie May promised .
tr	2	" Hi , " Esther Hicks said and giggled , " bye . "
tr	2	There was not a hint of hesitation or uncertainty in the delivery of the message .
tr	2	The scene was obviously recorded after the meeting had come back from a break .
tr	2	You put your boat into the river of life and you start paddling upstream .
tr	2	you answer every time , ' It never entered my mind . '
tr	2	The audience was quite amused by the picture that Abraham was painting .
tr	2	The three of them stood in silence staring at the blank screen .
tr	2	Taylor did as he was told and leaned against the wall for support .
tr	2	He was most intrigued by the youngest attendants of the learning institution .
tr	2	They were obviously approaching a river that noisily made its way down the valley .
tr	2	Water was rushing between boulders and rocks spiking white fountains high into the air .
tr	2	Trout are smart though , big trout are old and old trout are even smarter .
tr	2	This time the fish smelled the deceit and let the bait swim by untouched .
tr	2	Taylor asked Lilly Ann jokingly pointing in the direction of the young man .
tr	2	Look around , I would say it works wonderfully , wouldn 't you ? "
tr	2	His movements grew steadier and more fluid with every inch of the way .
tr	2	Lilly Ann watched him with great satisfaction , only occasionally offering a helping hand .
tr	2	She stuck out her tongue and ran up the tree trunk in three swift strides .
tr	2	" That river , " Taylor broke the silence , " it gets me thinking .
tr	2	Remember , Law of Attraction always brings you what you focus on ?
tr	2	The thing is , LOA as the name suggests is a Law of the universe .
tr	2	It is something like the older brother of the Law of Gravity .
tr	2	" Yep , " Lilly Ann eagerly awaited Taylor 's next thought .
tr	2	" And if I do that , I get whatever I want ? "
tr	2	" I think the reason is ' more ' , " Lilly Ann said cryptically .
tr	2	Much of it made sense but it did not feel good at all .
tr	2	" There is a lot you can learn from a river , right ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann got on her feet signaling that this picnic had run its course .
tr	2	I bet things would be a lot different from what they are now . "
tr	2	Also , your friends saw the same things around here that you did .
tr	2	He felt a growing responsibility to the people he had left behind .
tr	2	, kissed me on the cheek and skipped down the road giggling .
tr	2	She looked him straight in the eyes without a hint of concern .
tr	2	The word Lilly and small child or baby is almost interchangeable here . "
tr	2	" Wow , " was all Taylor could utter for a few moments .
tr	2	Maybe this society was even more complex and different than he had imagined .
tr	2	, ' Do we build a new street or leave the old one alone ? '
tr	2	Taylor felt very smart because he thought he had uncovered a flaw in the system .
tr	2	" At what age would you stop asking a child for advice ? "
tr	2	Once a Lilly answers something like ' Let me think about this . '
tr	2	then they know on their own that it is time to choose a new name .
tr	2	was a question Taylor would start to hear several times every day .
tr	2	" Not yet , you think it 's time to ask ? "
tr	2	Taylor had seen them on several occasions but had never talked to them before .
tr	2	Taylor was delighted by the fresh and entertaining spectacle those two provided for him .
tr	2	You coming back in such a spectacular fashion sparked all kinds of discussions and contemplations .
tr	2	Everyone is rooting for you , that much is certain , though . "
tr	2	" How many miracles does it take to make a saint ? "
tr	2	" Three , I guess , " Taylor remembered from his theological classes in school .
tr	2	" How many saints does it take to found a church ? "
tr	2	Taylor was a bit dumbfounded by that train of thought for a moment .
tr	2	They will make you their saint and call your house their church .
tr	2	They will say , ' He is the only one who knows . '
tr	2	and they will praise you and worship you and then nail you to a cross .
tr	2	Edie May greeted him and laughed when she saw him roll his eyes .
tr	2	" So happy to be of service , " he continued the joke .
tr	2	With that in mind , you also cannot get it wrong , ever .
tr	2	Edie May was curious , " Have you even thought about it yet ? "
tr	2	I can 't very well stay here and abuse Lilly Ann 's hospitality . "
tr	2	" So , the question is ' Do I stay or do I go ? '
tr	2	Lilly Ann seized the opportunity when Taylor had to take a breath .
tr	2	" I guess it boils down to that , " Taylor confirmed .
tr	2	" Thank you Randy , " he said , " you are very helpful . "
tr	2	A little girl in a flowery summer dress peeked from behind the half opened door .
tr	2	She smiled at him and held the stuffed bear she was clutching towards Taylor .
tr	2	Lilly stood there patiently waiting for him to make up his mind .
tr	2	' It doesn 't get any better than that , ' Taylor said to himself .
tr	2	Determined to forever keep this moment in his memory he took a deep breath .
tr	2	" Yes , " Lilly 's reply was like a secretive whisper .
tr	2	She laughed an intoxicating laugh , skipped down the stairs and grabbed Taylor 's hand .
tr	2	With a sigh of relief he added , " Thank you , Lilly . "
tr	2	" So , you 'll stick around for a while longer ? "
tr	2	" Good news does , " Lilly Ann smiled back at him .
tr	2	Taylor had a feeling that something was up but he didn 't ask .
tr	2	For a fraction of a second Lilly Ann was thrown off balance .
tr	2	" No fair , " she complained , " that 's against the rules !
tr	2	" Only if you want to tell , " he replied nonchalantly .
tr	2	" Now that is mighty nice of them , " Taylor was genuinely moved .
tr	2	He sensed that there was more to the story than Lilly Ann let him know .
tr	2	" We are looking for something fancy and fun , " Lilly Ann decided .
tr	2	" Just kidding , " Lilly Ann laughed , " how about this ?
tr	2	Black and blue , can 't go wrong with that , right ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann had to remind herself to breathe and not stare at Taylor .
tr	2	" Are you all right , " Taylor was getting a bit concerned .
tr	2	A moment later she had regained her center and was being herself again .
tr	2	" I am looking forward to it already , " Taylor answered smilingly .
tr	2	Maybe a walk in fresh air would help him clear his mind .
tr	2	A few hours after the sun had passed its zenith Taylor returned to the house .
tr	2	Edie May 's remedy had obviously worked a genuine miracle on him .
tr	2	His hair was growing long which gave his face a daring yet poetic touch .
tr	2	He could not take his eyes off her , not even to blink .
tr	2	She graced him with the smile of a woman who liked what she saw .
tr	2	The magical moment had passed and reality settled down on them like a comfortable blanket .
tr	2	Lilly Ann 's voice lured him back to their moment in time .
tr	2	" Neither , " she announced , " I commanded a carriage . "
tr	2	She slipped her hand under Taylor 's arm and pulled him to the front door .
tr	2	" My prince , your ride , " Lilly Ann proclaimed theatrically .
tr	2	The vehicle that was parked in front of Lilly Ann 's house defied any definition .
tr	2	He jumped off his seat and opened the doors for his two passengers .
tr	2	" Hop in , " he said eagerly , " make yourselves comfortable . "
tr	2	Willie mounted his driver 's perch and cracked his whip for fun .
tr	2	" Don 't say something like that , " she jabbed him in the arm .
tr	2	" Would you be so kind as to give me this dance , Mademoiselle ? "
tr	2	She laughed and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor .
tr	2	Surprised looks turned into knowing smiles as other dancers spotted the two guests of honor .
tr	2	Lilly Ann smiled at Taylor and invited him into her dancer 's embrace .
tr	2	In a tender moment they both opened their eyes , their faces closer than ever .
tr	2	she exclaimed to give herself and Taylor time to readjust to their surroundings .
tr	2	He looked at her as if asking , " Are you sure ? "
tr	2	The promise of more was apparent in every touch and kiss and every word .
tr	2	No words were necessary between them , their understanding easy and complete .
tr	2	Taylor quietly climbed down the stairs , an interesting journey first thing in the morning .
tr	2	He found Lilly Ann in shorts and T-shirt gathering the ingredients for a hearty breakfast .
tr	2	" You better believe it , " Lilly Ann confirmed the obvious .
tr	2	I tried it before and it does not work for me . "
tr	2	" Come here , I 'll show you , " she finally agreed .
tr	2	Somewhere between here and the main grid the power cords had been destroyed .
tr	2	They asked him to come to another house and the same thing happened .
tr	2	Of course everybody tried to do like he did but no luck .
tr	2	Taylor stared at Edie May with his mouth and eyes wide open .
tr	2	It took a long while of silence before he regained his speech .
tr	2	Later that night when he was alone with Lilly Ann he asked her about it .
tr	2	Wan na come along to pay him a visit at the Wal Star building ? "
tr	2	That 's one of the few remaining chain stores in the country , Wally World .
tr	2	The sound of their feet on the loose gravel made him look up .
tr	2	" Hello , what brings you out this way on such a lovely afternoon ? "
tr	2	" I guess sometimes meditation alone is not enough , right ? "
tr	2	Nothing seems to be broken but it just doesn 't want to run .
tr	2	Look , " he said and pushed a button inside a little electrical box .
tr	2	Somebody indeed had had a background in engineering , or so it seemed .
tr	2	" You say this thing has been running for how long ? "
tr	2	" How often do you adjust the valves on the diesel ? "
tr	2	They went back out to the generator to see what the problem might be .
tr	2	The proceedings of the next few hours looked very familiar to Lilly Ann .
tr	2	Lilly Ann teased him , " I could try it too if it does . "
tr	2	" Only one way to find out , " Taylor encouraged him .
tr	2	How am I supposed to know if she 's still running ? "
tr	2	Walking out the door it came to him , Law of Attraction .
tr	2	Taylor went back into the house and picked up his tool belt .
tr	2	An orphaned wheel off a child 's bicycle fit his bill perfectly .
tr	2	So , here is the sign that I am officially hanging up my tool belt .
tr	2	Taylor turned around to look at his work from a new angle .
tr	2	Taylor stood there a while longer contemplating this new turn of events .
tr	2	We can 't get it started again to lift off the tree .
tr	2	Taylor jumped out of the car and ran over to assess the situation .
tr	2	He knew that there was nothing he could do quickly here to salvage this engine .
tr	2	Taylor did not pay attention to the objections the man was yelling after him .
tr	2	For a second he studied the levers and wheels to find his bearings .
tr	2	Slowly the mighty tree began to move , lifting its crown from the ground .
tr	2	Taylor quickly jumped off the farm machine and sprinted to a safe distance .
tr	2	Taylor asked , not sure if he wanted to hear the answer .
tr	2	Both men looked long into each other 's eyes and shook their heads .
tr	2	The physical labor had helped him get back into the best shape of his life .
tr	2	" Mm , " he nodded his head , " this one is really good .
tr	2	Keep guessing , you 'll figure it out eventually , " he laughed .
tr	2	He very much liked the thought to officially welcome Taylor into his family .
tr	2	A lot of folks just move in together and stay , and that is that .
tr	2	Others have big ceremonies and parties that last several days or weeks .
tr	2	" I think I can help you there , " Fritz winked at him .
tr	2	Carefully pulling out the chain it revealed two small white gold rings dangling from it .
tr	2	That art is clearly lost on me , that 's for sure . "
tr	2	" I will keep that in mind , " Taylor said jokingly .
tr	2	" So , what did you have on your mind earlier ? "
tr	2	Taylor pulled the ring out of his pocket , still hiding it from Lilly Ann .
tr	2	" Well , it makes me feel good to be around you .
tr	2	You already have all of this without getting married right here and now . "
tr	2	" Don 't ask , " he groaned , " she shot me down cold .
tr	2	I guess I won 't be needing this any time soon . "
tr	2	" Do you have any idea what she wanted to hear from me ? "
tr	2	I 'm afraid my head would explode if I would try . "
tr	2	She is your mother and you obviously love her and she loves you .
tr	2	That is enough reason for me to want to love her . "
tr	2	The guys are waiting for us at Magic Mountain for your bachelor 's party .
tr	2	Taylor had not even considered that this tradition had survived in this remote area .
tr	2	We 'll take her van to drive out to the bottom of the hills .
tr	2	He had grabbed a warm sweater for Taylor on his way out .
tr	2	They both climbed into the van and Willie took the driver 's seat .
tr	2	" Now that 's what I call a party , " Taylor exclaimed .
tr	2	His eyes grew wider and wider as they approached the festival meadow .
tr	2	He jumped onto one of the tables and let out a fierce whistle .
tr	2	Taylor was handed around from table to table and from group to group .
tr	2	As soon as he had sat down an endless barrage of drinking toasts ensued .
tr	2	The violin screamed its heart out , as the girl 's dance grew wilder .
tr	2	With the last note of the violin absolute silence befell the breathless crowd .
tr	2	It was Taylor who managed to regain control of his limbs and banished the spell .
tr	2	I am so excited that you were able to make it , dad . "
tr	2	Not wanting to be too direct or insistent he relaxed and enjoyed the building curiosity .
tr	2	She answered with a soft moan of agreement as they both fell asleep .
tr	2	Life itself in its ever-expanding glory provided the stage for the celebrations to come .
tr	2	She looked at one of her bride 's maids and nodded her head .
tr	2	Then he continued , " John , do you want to say something ? "
tr	2	I drowned in your spirit , Lilly Ann , your beauty and your grace .
tr	2	The truth of your soul cast the shadows out of my life .
tr	2	The crowd held their breaths in anticipation of what her words would be .
tr	2	Would she stay true to her never fading lightness and fun loving nature ?
tr	2	How much bliss can a man or a woman endure in one day ?
tr	2	They sure made an honest attempt to find out just how much .
tr	2	Lilly Ann asked her mother a few days later at the breakfast table .
tr	2	" Papa is going to make his transition soon , " Lilly Ann said cheerfully .
tr	2	How can you be so certain of something that you really cannot know ? "
tr	2	I 'm not that wise , but she always has been and still is . "
tr	2	Taylor shook his head with raised eyebrows as he joined them at the breakfast table .
tr	2	But , I 'll take your word for it , for right now anyway . "
tr	2	He poured a cup of coffee and helped himself to a bite to eat .
tr	2	I am sure he would be happy to see you too . "
tr	2	Wan na meet back here for lunch in a couple of hours ? "
tr	2	" That would be nice , " said Taylor and waved them good-bye .
tr	2	" I guess it is , " Fritz joined into the laughter .
tr	2	Don 't you ever loose that , it is precious - priceless . "
tr	2	" You know what the difference between you and me is ? "
tr	2	Ah , ever expanding life itself , it doesn 't get better than that . "
tr	2	Taylor nodded in agreement eager to hear the other part of the equation .
tr	2	I can 't even begin to imagine the things you have seen and done .
tr	2	I really got a kick out of seeing Lilly Ann get married , you know .
tr	2	She is quite a little hurricane sometimes , well , most of the time . "
tr	2	" All right , " Taylor answered a bit skeptically , " You are on .
tr	2	I 'm telling you , this is going to be so much fun . "
tr	2	The tone of his voice and the expression on his face continued to change .
tr	2	Laughing and cheering and candid expressions of love and appreciation accompanied the tales .
tr	2	Food and drink were served in abundance and the conversations were lively and loud .
tr	2	The stories and jokes that were told that night had a common theme though .
tr	2	Lilly Ann stepped down from the chair and joined Taylor at their table .
tr	2	Taylor just shook his head and laughed , " It 's nothing , really .
tr	2	" Oh , " Taylor just replied and slowly nodded his head .
tr	2	One sip from the magic potion was all the proof Taylor needed .
tr	2	The realization trickled slowly through Taylor 's being and warmed his soul to the core .
tr	2	There seemed to be an optical illusion brought on by the fabric or the color .
tr	2	" What can I do for my favorite mother in law ? "
tr	2	It took us many months to work through that little curveball . "
tr	2	She laughed and looked at Taylor to see if he was still with her .
tr	2	" We did not have the slightest idea what we were getting ourselves into .
tr	2	You should have seen our faces when that happened , it was almost comical . "
tr	2	She contorted her face and shook her whole body in feigned seizures to demonstrate .
tr	2	" So you didn 't die , I suppose , " Taylor joked .
tr	2	" I bet , that was the moment when it happened , " Taylor guessed .
tr	2	For most of the information we received there weren 't even words to describe it .
tr	2	" Sounds like a bad case of good peyote to me , " Taylor laughed .
tr	2	He was besides himself by the simplicity and beauty of the answer .
tr	2	He couldn 't stop saying , ' Did you hear that ? '
tr	2	Taylor couldn 't believe that she would leave him hanging like that .
tr	2	Even after all these years Lilly Grace was still in awe by this simple concept .
tr	2	Taylor tried to ingest this information , " Now that is worth a thought . "
tr	2	He paused as he realized the irony of what he had just said and laughed .
tr	2	Lilly Grace laughed , " It is really not so simple to say .
tr	2	" So , this is what you do now all the time ? "
tr	2	It is a beautiful constellation with just a few hundred thousand stars .
tr	2	One of them is a hot , white glowing sun with fifteen tiny planets .
tr	2	Can you imagine that there is relief from pure bliss and ecstasy ?
tr	2	We are what is projected to the boundaries of thought by Source .
tr	2	In this sense we are the language that Source uses to communicate with another .
tr	2	Fun and joy , all the rest is just a means to that end . "
tr	2	You have brought so much new energy into her life and into ours .
tr	2	Taylor mockingly stood at attention and snapped his right hand to his temple .
tr	2	" What did ma and you have to discuss all afternoon ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann was curious when they both sat down for dinner by themselves .
tr	2	His imagination merged the missing parts back into place and suddenly he could see it .
tr	2	Can you help me take it apart and bring it back to town ? "
tr	2	" There is someone who would like to meet you , John . "
tr	2	" It 's an honor , sir , " Wilbur replied very politely .
tr	2	" Oh , " Taylor chuckled , " sorry for being so assumptions .
tr	2	I also need to clean up before I can leave the house . "
tr	2	He grabbed the wrought iron handle resembling a propeller and pulled the door open .
tr	2	The object Wilbur 's sweeping gesture enveloped left Taylor and Lilly Ann speechless .
tr	2	" I built it , " he drove the surprise to a new peak .
tr	2	Taylor shook his head , still in shock , and stepped closer to the aircraft .
tr	2	He immediately noticed the resemblance with his old plane in proportions and basic construction .
tr	2	It seemed that this airplane was about three quarters the size his plane had been .
tr	2	It was entirely built of steel and wood frames covered with canvas .
tr	2	Everything else was there as far as he could see at a first glance .
tr	2	" I asked Jack and Joe Jack to help me get your airplane here .
tr	2	I also used much of the structural material to build the fuselage frame . "
tr	2	" I thought that some of the parts looked awfully familiar , " Taylor smiled .
tr	2	" Naturally , " Wilbur agreed and looked tensely at Lilly Ann .
tr	2	Wilbur had no trepidation getting his hands dirty and neither did Taylor .
tr	2	" Let 's fire her up after we got some sleep , " Taylor suggested .
tr	2	They pulled the garage doors shut and drove home for some well-deserved rest .
tr	2	He pulled the wrapping apart and revealed a jewel of a wooden propeller .
tr	2	Their handshake and smile was all the expression of appreciation needed between the two men .
tr	2	Grease , sweat and curse words can form a bond that goes beyond spoken words .
tr	2	Wilbur removed the wheel chocks to free the bird from its birthplace .
tr	2	There was no other way than to hand prop the motor at this time .
tr	2	All the way down the list he announced , " Ignition on , check . "
tr	2	Silence , broken by the crackling of the hot metal rewarded his actions .
tr	2	He touched Wilbur 's arm to bring him out of his freeze .
tr	2	" Let 's get to work then , " Taylor assumed control of the situation .
tr	2	He touched Taylor 's shoulder to let him know that he was ready .
tr	2	The Condor slowly gained speed hopping and bobbing eastwards on its big wheels .
tr	2	Soft backpressure on the elevator control put distance between the wheels and the ground .
tr	2	One of their own had built this thing , and it flew .
tr	2	The very conservative wing profile and generous dihedral made for a very stable flying aircraft .
tr	2	The reaction to aileron input was smooth and predictable and the plane turned without complaint .
tr	2	Taylor turned the plane back towards the airfield and set it straight and level .
tr	2	After counting to five he released the control stick stretching his arms to both sides .
tr	2	Wilbur had to remind himself to soften his white-knuckle grip on the flight stick .
tr	2	Taylor surfaced from his contemplation , " Oh , I 'm sorry , love .
tr	2	He reached for Lilly Ann 's hand and pressed it against his lips .
tr	2	" It sure would be nice to see Cody again , " he added quietly .
tr	2	They would love to see that you are well , I 'm sure . "
tr	2	We are energy and creative god force at the very core of our being .
tr	2	" Do you think the world you came from is broken and needs fixing ? "
tr	2	" Well , " Taylor started , " you have met Cody .
tr	2	There was a lot of life that he had left behind without ever looking back .
tr	2	Then they could see for themselves and make up their minds . "
tr	2	She stood up from the garden bench humming the melody of an old holiday tune .
tr	2	She kicked her leg up at the last word and clapped her hands .
tr	2	" I can eat , " he finished their favorite phrase and laughed .
tr	2	" You are wearing a new dress , " Taylor gladly played along .
tr	2	" Yes , but look , " she slowly lost her patience .
tr	2	" Could you be a little more single minded , please ? "
tr	2	" Remember how you asked Lilly the first time you thought about going back ? "
tr	2	" This Lilly , " she said , " our Lilly . "
tr	2	" Who have you been talking to before I came in ? "
tr	2	Lilly Ann looked at him asking herself how he cold not know .
tr	2	I never even thought about having a baby before you showed up . "
tr	2	Lilly Ann pulled a large handkerchief from under her dress and blew up a hurricane .
tr	2	She jumped to her feet and started bouncing up and down on the bed .
tr	2	he asked Edie May who curiously looked up from her studies at the sudden question .
tr	2	Over time that developed into the economic system of abundance that we live in .
tr	2	Security is in what we know , not in what we have . "
tr	2	He would have to figure out for himself what this meant to him .
tr	2	" Maybe the burden of choice should not be yours alone ? "
tr	2	A choice with that knowing is a lot easier to make . "
tr	2	It was easy to loose track of time in the daily pursuit of joy .
tr	2	The changes Taylor saw in Lilly Ann were gradual , yet dramatic .
tr	2	Her whole being seemed to conform to the transition that her outer form underwent .
tr	2	" You are more beautiful than ever , " he whispered into her ear .
tr	2	" That you are more beautiful than ever , " Taylor smiled at her .
tr	2	She purred her satisfaction with that answer and snuggled up against him .
tr	2	Taylor 's arms steadied her shoulders , his gaze fixed on her face .
tr	2	He would not have missed the birth of his daughter for anything in the world .
tr	2	Please give me clarity to find the path of greatest joy and purpose . "
tr	2	As she opened her bright green eyes a smile spread over John Taylor 's face .
tr	2	Well in my case it now seems to be for about six months .
tr	2	Sandra was suitably distracted , and we disappeared off into a multitude of aircraft hangars .
tr	2	I asked , ' isn 't that a bit of wasted hardware ? '
tr	2	Page one , photo two , sixteen black Hunters in a perfect diamond formation .
tr	2	I walked around the glass walkway to the ' senior staff quarters ' .
tr	2	' Hi Boss , care to join us ' , Teddy chirped .
tr	2	' I want Teddy to become my full time Director of Aviation . '
tr	2	' You are forgetting about my squadron of fighters ' I politely reminded him .
tr	2	At last , someone else that will be calling me by my Christian name .
tr	2	Now all I needed to do was get them to Dorset - enter the Lawyers .
tr	2	' Viola ' total silence - and not a funeral pyre in sight .
tr	2	Two down , two to go , was someone trying to tell me something ?
tr	2	' Bureaucracy ' and ' political correctness ' , meet ' union might ' .
tr	2	I don 't know , but I now know a man that does .
tr	2	It 's a good job that I already know my port from my starboard .
tr	2	He liked the sound of ' all those ' bit of junk .
tr	2	Apparently he was on a ' too lower a pay grade ' to think .
tr	2	' Shall I see if my staff at El Campo can speed things up ? '
tr	2	Topsy had even had his wish and removed the fence ' his way ' .
tr	2	Absolutely nothing happened until Topsy started wa pumping away on the hydraulic systems hand pump .
tr	2	, would I like them to take her straight to England ' .
tr	2	' Do they know the delivery address ' I asked Topsy ' .
tr	2	I was amazed , one man controlling this leviathan - he must be superhuman .
tr	2	' Mr Michaels , how nice to meet you a week early ' .
tr	2	' For when I go to the toilet , the door lock is broken ' .
tr	2	First he opened his mouth , big mistake , and then he started speaking .
tr	2	Her servicing schedule if anything was more complicated than the first one .
tr	2	Under her guidelines Topsy wouldn 't even be allowed to sweep the hangar deck .
tr	2	He didn 't want a mass of technical Officers ; just one deputy .
tr	2	( Topsy , when asked ' why didn 't you go through for Officer ? '
tr	2	They would be his back-up support team to cover sicknesses and other emergencies .
tr	2	I mentally ticked the box ' give a solo aerobatic display ' .
tr	2	( She could switch the Russian accent on and off at will ) .
tr	2	' Have any of the team got four engined aircraft rating ? '
tr	2	and of course they will all be in gold ' I added .
tr	2	Good lad , he was starting to get the hang of it at last .
tr	2	I don 't like ' oh ho 's ' , especially in the dark .
tr	2	' Guess work ' she said , ' but based on sound logic .
tr	2	She would bet her pension ( who said she was going to get one ? )
tr	2	, and just in time to see me disappear out of the door .
tr	2	He saw the drug bundles slipping quickly by , and threw the hook .
tr	2	' What about road blocks , aerial surveillance , c. . . ' ?
tr	2	' Err yes ' I replied , wondering where this conversation was going .
tr	2	' Well you had better send them on over then ' I told him .
tr	2	This intrigued her , so she stuck her head out of the door .
tr	2	' David , take Charlie outside ' she ordered , nodding to his weapons .
tr	2	He pitied the four thugs , not a lot , but a little .
tr	2	Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law .
tr	2	If you cannot afford an attorney , one will be appointed for you .
tr	2	Charlie locked eyes with him and reached down with his free hand .
tr	2	There was one small problem though ; the laptop had a fingerprint reader on it .
tr	2	Then he spilled the beans , big time , and in glorious Technicolor .
tr	2	I have spoken to their parents and all 's well that ends well ' .
tr	2	What I was in dire need of was a bit of Hunter therapy .
tr	2	David wanted his pound of flesh ( or was it now a kilo ? )
tr	2	I hear you ask , the same thing , ' jump or be pushed ' .
tr	2	The Director of the FBI now had another rectal orifice , 2 .
tr	2	Did I realise that the Secretary-General was very partial to southern Spain ?
tr	2	Me thinks I should rename my home ' Hotel El Campo ' .
tr	2	' Why on earth would I want to sack my Deputy Housekeeper ? '
tr	2	His Lordship took one look at her attributes and promptly had a heart attack .
tr	2	As we slowly entered the throng it became obvious that it was a friendly demonstration .
tr	2	When the skins start to bubble , split along their length with a fork .
tr	2	' Red Arrows move over , there are new kids on the block ' .
tr	2	They reached an imaginary point high in the sky and then seemingly dissolved .
tr	2	' How about twenty five ' I said , and that shut everybody up .
tr	2	As I had nothing to sell we were only doing the last two days .
tr	2	' No , No ' Sally screamed ' you are pointing the wrong way ' .
tr	2	Apparently not all the rest of my pilots were tucked up in bed .
tr	2	I started to get worried ; perhaps it was my personal hygiene .
tr	2	She had found El Campo by accident when her engines had started spluttering .
tr	2	' Daiquiri por favor ' Sasha replied , I liked her style .
tr	2	' I suppose I had better let it go ' she said .
tr	2	I opened the cockpit hood , switched everything off ; and then sat perfectly still .
tr	2	I really didn 't want an uplifting experience - by kind courtesy of Martin Baker .
tr	2	' There really must be an easier way of earning a crust ' thought Fred .
tr	2	Did I want the bad news -- or the even worse news ?
tr	2	By mid-day every Hunter in a flyable state world-wide would be grounded by the CAA .
tr	2	Cloth -- most likely grease impregnated - with imprint of a key in it .
tr	2	Then David leaned forward and Topsy thought that the end of his world was nigh .
tr	2	The aircraft were jacked up , batteries removed and all the systems drained .
tr	2	I glanced down at it , and gave an almost imperceptible nod .
tr	2	Those that couldn 't make it would receive their mementos via an ex-servicemen 's organisation .
tr	2	On landing he thanked me , and then returned to his hard bitten self .
tr	2	I hope Maria wouldn 't be too upset if it cluttered up my desk .
tr	2	His father was an avid enthusiast and he had been weaned on miniature steam engines .
tr	2	, but no , now I was contemplating getting into trains as well .
tr	2	No one moved a muscle as he marched outside , with me trailing bemused behind .
tr	2	I was starting not to like the direction this one sided conversation was going in .
tr	2	' Four Hunters taxiing past would have certainly blown it over the fence .
tr	2	I didn 't think it was prudent to ask him for a lift .
tr	2	' Where to ' he asked ' front door or greenhouse ? '
tr	2	I picked up the second letter and of course it was from David .
tr	2	I looked up at Maria and asked ' is David outside ? '
tr	2	On my return perhaps I should try to broaden my horizons , but how ?
tr	2	She had joined the brokerage firm six years ago following her divorce .
tr	2	I looked at the cover , ' Road to Recovery ' by Tony Wilson .
tr	2	' Do you want me to empty the stuff out of her stern ? '
tr	2	With a perfect ' Nelson ' , Hank said ' what stern ? '
tr	2	' Mind you if you use any of them , you replace them ' .
tr	2	Landscapes , seascapes , cityscapes , still-life , floral , rural or mythological ? '
tr	2	I shook my head and signalled her to rotate it a further 45 degree .
tr	2	It was crude , but it kept him alive until the paramedics arrived .
tr	2	Fortunately Alice was one of the latter and pushed Kia through the door .
tr	2	Another bowl was set down and she was sat in front of it .
tr	2	, oh yes a big jump , but what 's a jump ? )
tr	2	' Good one ' I thought , trying rather unsuccessfully to be serious .
tr	2	' We can give them different flavours , which ones would you prefer ?
tr	2	I knew once I reached my decision there was no turning back .
tr	2	These gems , when strung together , began to paint a bleak picture .
tr	2	If I intended to survive , it would necessitate separating myself from the general population .
tr	2	I made several excursions before coming upon a small spring that fit the bill .
tr	2	These days everyone fished , so it had raised no one 's suspicions .
tr	2	Then there were things such as spare bulbs , candles , flashlights , and batteries .
tr	2	Panels and commissions sprang up everywhere searching for solutions and assigning blame .
tr	2	The US suddenly found itself down to less than a three-month supply of grain .
tr	2	West Africa already weakened by a new Ebola outbreak and religious strife began to collapse .
tr	2	People everywhere began bowing under rising food prices , shortages and fear of infection .
tr	2	Hungry bellies and religious fervor prevailed as war erupted in the Middle East .
tr	2	As civilization collapsed , hundreds of thousands began dying and the rule of law disintegrated .
tr	2	Nothing was spared as even zoos were raided , and their collections butchered and eaten .
tr	2	No cell phones , internet , television , or radio , all gone .
tr	2	I had to become as vile and cruel as any I was likely to encounter .
tr	2	Living with only nature for a companion was turning me into a swamp rat .
tr	2	A quietness descended as if Nature herself knew something extraordinary was about to happen .
tr	2	My main concern was the possibility the surrounding trees would damage it .
tr	2	I quickly jumped into the canoe and paddled the few feet to the bank .
tr	2	The big guy said , " See any guns or anything ? "
tr	2	I was only a few feet away and fired two more rounds almost point-blank .
tr	2	Was this indeed the new reality of life , kill or be killed .
tr	2	I misjudged and hit hard enough that I was almost thrown out of the seat .
tr	2	I felt conspicuous and vulnerable as I moved around in the open surveying the situation .
tr	2	She saw me and frantically began struggling in a desperate attempt to free herself .
tr	2	" Everything 's all right ; those two animals won 't bother you again . "
tr	2	She quit struggling yet looked at me with the frightened stare of a wild animal .
tr	2	I removed the gag and began working on the knots binding her wrists .
tr	2	" OK , let 's get going and find you some clothes . "
tr	2	She said , in a voice , filled with alarm and fright .
tr	2	I 'll turn on the water heater so you can have a hot shower .
tr	2	I took what was left of her old clothes and tossed them in the cockpit .
tr	2	She dried off , dressed , and emerged with her hair wrapped in a towel .
tr	2	I could do no more than to put her to bed in the V berth .
tr	2	I asked , " Did you see anybody else along the river ? "
tr	2	I asked , " Where did they get all the gas ? "
tr	2	Ralph tried to force me , but I didn 't they took ... . "
tr	2	I asked Connie , if she felt up to a trip tomorrow weather permitting ?
tr	2	The Glen looked so deserted from when Dad used to take us . "
tr	2	I asked , " You used to go to the Glen ? "
tr	2	I hadn 't thought about asking her if she wanted to carry a gun .
tr	2	I asked , " Can you use one of these things ? "
tr	2	I gave her the 22 and a box of shells and strapped on the 357 .
tr	2	We can set up here and wait for awhile and see what happens .
tr	2	We can try to find them or wait and let them come to us . "
tr	2	It was going to take a couple of trips to move everything .
tr	2	We came to a big trawler which took up almost the whole canal .
tr	2	We towed it with the canoe stopping to pick up our booty as we went .
tr	2	It took some pulling , but finally the motor came to life .
tr	2	There was a sunken cruiser just the other side of the sand bar .
tr	2	I was going to have to overcome the line stretch and find more leverage .
tr	2	It now held part of the venison I had shot on the Juniper Club .
tr	2	Connie said , " Probably sitting in Silver Glen watching the sun set .
tr	2	GW I never asked before but what do you think happened ... really ?
tr	2	" Better fix us some more coffee ; it 's a long story . "
tr	2	I believe that Nature and God are closely connected possibly one and the same .
tr	2	I tuned back , and coming through the speaker was a man 's voice .
tr	2	" We 're located halfway down the St. Johns River in Florida . "
tr	2	Then there followed a debate over whether it was showing standard or daylight time .
tr	2	We huddled around the radio listening to groups of names being read off .
tr	2	He lamented as usual seems no bodies where they needed to be .
tr	2	I hope civilization takes its sweet ass time catching up to us .
tr	2	Both of us too busy pursuing careers to make a life together .
tr	2	Just two people going through the motions , it had all been a facade .
tr	2	We had paddled over to the Juniper Club to work in the garden .
tr	2	I said , " I think I just heard a ghost . "
tr	2	As I opened the door to the rear deck and stepped out .
tr	2	I said , " We manage to limp along , how about you ? "
tr	2	He said Mobile was a hellhole where every-day people were dying by the thousands .
tr	2	I had to admit his ordeal of survival had far eclipsed ours .
tr	2	We changed out the battery , and I topped it off with gas .
tr	2	I thought ; leave it to Sam to ferret out something nobody else could find .
tr	2	I felt stupid for not doing it sooner , but nobody listened to AM anymore .
tr	2	At the present , everyone was engaged in some aspect of food or energy production .
tr	2	They were destined to stand as crumbling monuments to man 's greatest folly .
tr	2	We sat at the mess table and were asked if we would like something .
tr	2	I told him who we were and roughly what we had been doing to survive .
tr	2	" That 's part of our mission to bring the bridges back into operation .
tr	2	My first contact with civilization had already begun pulling at our relationship .
tr	2	Modern civilization failed us both and I won 't let it happen again .
tr	2	I said , " Yeah , a couple , and also an Icom SSB . "
tr	2	This time we brought Sam and Joyce , with us to meet the Hammer .
tr	2	On the other hand , it 's not right for me to keep you .
tr	2	I love you GW , I believe our paths were meant to cross .
tr	2	We rounded up Sam , and Joyce then headed to the bridge .
tr	2	We walked across the bridge and down the steps to the dock .
tr	2	Allan Bright Connie asked , " What do you suppose he means ? "
tr	2	I reached across the cockpit we shook hands then sealed it with a kiss .
tr	2	Houses , that were too rundown or damaged were systematically burnt and cleaned up .
tr	2	Plans were in place and equipment was arriving to set up a temporary power plant .
tr	2	The glass had all been cleaned up , and the inside swept clean .
tr	2	Connie and Joyce came in through the open holes where the windows had been .
tr	2	I 'm tempted to tell Allan Bright we 're just going to stay here .
tr	2	She said , " It has been almost like heaven , hasn 't it . "
tr	2	I can 't go with you ; I can never go back there .
tr	2	I said , " I 'll make it as quick as I can . "
tr	2	I noticed she had the pistol out and was fingering it nervously .
tr	2	I went ashore , Connie said , " Call Skipper take him with you . "
tr	2	I muttered damn you bastards to hell and felt rage building within in me .
tr	2	When I had finished , I stood for a moment , then said .
tr	2	He said , " Are you under power or sail sir ? "
tr	2	We entered , and I said , " Captain Collins to see Captain Bright . "
tr	2	I heard Allan say , " Thanks , Sherry , send him in . "
tr	2	I discovered you 've made quite a name for yourself over the years .
tr	2	Understand you caught a lot of flack over those , forced you into early retirement .
tr	2	This symposium is an attempt to find ways to straighten out this mess .
tr	2	I 've modified many of my views since I wrote the original article .
tr	2	We are born religious creatures , and it 's a non-starter to deny it .
tr	2	Now you have a willing audience , and you want to back off .
tr	2	The minute you start trampling on people 's beliefs the more entrenched they become .
tr	2	I can do a lot better for you than a river pilot .
tr	2	She said , " It 's tempting but what Captain Bright says makes sense .
tr	2	I said , " Engineering mostly , a stint in gunnery for a while . "
tr	2	I said , " Came out into the reserves a lieutenant . "
tr	2	It 's supposed to give you the right mindset and prepare you to assume command .
tr	2	Let 's just say it wasn 't a happy time for an introvert .
tr	2	" God , I sure hope we 're not getting in over our heads .
tr	2	Allan said , " let 's get you processed and into uniform . "
tr	2	We were finished just in time to meet the ladies for lunch .
tr	2	I looked her over , from her newly done up hair to the high heels .
tr	2	I said , " Honey you literally took my breath away . "
tr	2	She said , " Mine as well , you look so wonderfully military . "
tr	2	I also noticed she studied some individuals more than others as if sizing them up .
tr	2	I listened closely and felt relieved by what Allan had just said .
tr	2	I only answer to the president otherwise I 'm he who must be obeyed .
tr	2	Strange circumstances called for even stranger measures , and these were strange circumstances indeed .
tr	2	We ambled along the wharf hand in hand ; I stopped and turned toward her .
tr	2	Constance Francine Parker will you marry me and make me your husband ? "
tr	2	Connie asked , " How do you feel , you going to be alright ?
tr	2	The car dropped us off ; Allan was out front to greet us .
tr	2	Not in some far off mysterious place but right here on this very Earth !
tr	2	" Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to come before you today .
tr	2	" Now I 'll turn it back to my distinguished colleague Dr. Binder . "
tr	2	Yeah , Allan had a unique way of yanking me out of my comfort zone .
tr	2	I retorted , " Hell I 'm already an old salt . "
tr	2	Four in the morning I awoke to someone knocking on the boat .
tr	2	I said , " OK , I 'll be with you in a minute . "
tr	2	He put his finger on a large chart spread on the table .
tr	2	I said , " I 'll just get in the way . "
tr	2	We pulled alongside ; the cutter was alive with last minute preparations .
tr	2	I doubt the tanker is capable of making more than fifteen knots tops .
tr	2	I said , " Just try and keep us in some sort of firing position .
tr	2	I shouted again , " Fire Control , Yes or No ! "
tr	2	The reply finally came , " Yes sir , we do now . "
tr	2	I said , " Train on target wait for my command . "
tr	2	" I asked , " What 's our situation , do we have integrity ? "
tr	2	He said , " So far four dead , seven serious including Commander Gully . "
tr	2	I asked the kid on the con , " We have propulsion and steerage ? "
tr	2	She said , " Yes sir seems to be answering the helm OK . "
tr	2	The dead placed into body bags and laid on the flight deck .
tr	2	I was standing on the bridge when we reached the sea buoy .
tr	2	Jim said , " Sir would you like to take her in ? "
tr	2	We tied up ; the wharf was packed , everyone focused on the damaged bridge .
tr	2	I said , " Ouch , careful I 'm a little tender back there . "
tr	2	Still we held each other as if we had been separated for a year .
tr	2	We arrived back in the Glen after being in relative civilization for almost three weeks .
tr	2	We visited Astor often ; the little hamlet was coming back to life .
tr	2	Connie dived in , recovered it , and handed it to me .
tr	2	I fished out the note it read John Anders Warsaw Ky. landing Pierson .
tr	2	I waved that I understood and the plane dipped its wings and headed east .
tr	2	Connie opened her door but sat with the 22 on her lap .
tr	2	He turned and grinned , " One and the same , at your service . "
tr	2	Allan had a car standing by and was waiting to meet us at the Pisces .
tr	2	Introductions were made all around ; the bags were picked up and hustled aboard .
tr	2	We walked aboard I asked Jim , " What have we got here ? "
tr	2	Isn 't it against international convention to be arming research vessels ? "
tr	2	Honey it doesn 't hurt to have some options just in case . "
tr	2	We no more than got settled and it was off to the Bright 's .
tr	2	If there are no more questions Linda , Cindy you 're dismissed .
tr	2	Where we intend to cruise , I see no way to obtain parts .
tr	2	" Herb you 're last but not least , like to add anything ? "
tr	2	I take comfort in the fact you 're both more than qualified to run Pisces .
tr	2	I 'd like to get it out-of-the-way before the scientific types arrive next week .
tr	2	I felt the need to bring this to your attention now before we sail . "
tr	2	If you encounter any problems , bring them to my attention immediately .
tr	2	Let me add the same rules apply to you ladies as well .
tr	2	I said , " It 's your ball game just show me the baby . "
tr	2	Connie , Joyce , and Sam came on the bridge to watch the show .
tr	2	I looked over at Jim and said , " Bring back any memories . "
tr	2	This time ten rounds hit the target before the gun again jammed .
tr	2	Jim , Herb she 's all yours I 'm going to turn in . "
tr	2	If conditions are , right maybe , take the chopper and have a look around .
tr	2	If you see any boats , treat then as hostile until proven otherwise .
tr	2	Next cruise the Virgins we don 't know what 's going on there either .
tr	2	It 's your decision how far down the chain you go from there .
tr	2	The foredeck was swarming with activity and Herb was cussing like a sailor .
tr	2	I had taken Herb aside and asked , " Think they got a chance ? "
tr	2	Go fetch Dan and we 'll come up with our own ideas .
tr	2	The gun is the essential piece of equipment here not your cover .
tr	2	It 's your choice , either way the damn things leaving here today . "
tr	2	I didn 't mind taking care of bottlenecks as they came with the job .
tr	2	Then early the next morning I had a crisis dropped in my lap .
tr	2	It landed like a rock thrown thru the window , seemingly out of nowhere .
tr	2	What to serve for dinner and the decision was left to me .
tr	2	I just knew it happened , trucks pulled up and things came on board .
tr	2	Herb said , " I was quartermaster of provisioning on a guided missile frigate . "
tr	2	You have written orders giving us priority to requisition , use them .
tr	2	What else had I missed , was there something more ominous we knew nothing about ?
tr	2	Herb was regular Navy and wore the uniform , which was a definite asset .
tr	2	The original fiberglass cover was placed on the gun and it was looking like new .
tr	2	Must be keeping you busy as you haven 't been around bugging me lately .
tr	2	Christ a truckload the whole base had only been receiving two loads a month .
tr	2	" Captain Bright informed me there was a hijacking involving a truckload of meat .
tr	2	It 's a shame I guess we 'll just have to do without meat .
tr	2	None appeared to be over forty , three men and three women .
tr	2	Joyce immediately recognized one of her old colleagues and there was a tearful dockside reunion .
tr	2	Captain it 's going to be an interesting trip to Key West . "
tr	2	Both my XO and chief engineer have expressed doubts about the helicopter pad .
tr	2	" My guys assumed they did and let them have their way .
tr	2	Well OK , I could play the game and pass the buck too .
tr	2	It took two hours to get everyone on board and cast off .
tr	2	I asked Connie to get her crew rounded up and into the conference room .
tr	2	I said , " Good we can use you see Dan , our engineer . "
tr	2	It was a nice feeling to have something go right for a change .
tr	2	We had dinner with Joyce , Sam , and a couple of the scientific party .
tr	2	She said , " GW , you sound disappointed , are you ? "
tr	2	" Welcome to Key West George how 's Pisces been performing for you ? "
tr	2	" What a turnaround , first diplomatic mission for the US will be Cuba !
tr	2	Well , anyway we need to see if maybe we can get some trade going .
tr	2	We proceeded , and entered the historic Port of Havana and dropped anchor .
tr	2	The Mohawk stayed far enough back that she could act as support .
tr	2	We tried to be fair even members of my own family were left to die .
tr	2	I agreed and also gave many of the crew access to assault rifles .
tr	2	If we anchored close to shore , the watch would be doubled and armed .
tr	2	These rules could only amended by Jim , Herb , or myself .
tr	2	It 's better to keep our guard up until we know all the facts . "
tr	2	I 'd let Herb and Jim deal with Ms. Abernathy from now on .
tr	2	I said , " Great that 's all I need is a Sapphic aboard . "
tr	2	" My girls , I only got two , you , and the ship . "
tr	2	I said , " I 'll be damned , had no idea . "
tr	2	Regardless of her sexual orientation I think she 's a bitch . "
tr	2	I said , " Ms. Abernathy , especially if she 's mistreating my sweetie . "
tr	2	She said , " Don 't worry your sweetie can take care of herself . "
tr	2	Gerald said , " Reckon the whole islands this way , everybody bought it ? "
tr	2	I looked through the glasses and saw a man and woman sailing in our direction .
tr	2	They said there was only a dozen or so left they knew of .
tr	2	They took the tackle thanked us saying they would bring us some fish tomorrow .
tr	2	I said , " Maybe it 'll improve the bitch 's attitude .
tr	2	The next morning everyone was anxious to go ashore and spend the day .
tr	2	Back on Pisces the couple in the small sailboat returned with the promised fish .
tr	2	It was late afternoon the ribs were done , and everyone had a plate .
tr	2	Cindy came running into the gathering dropped to her knees out of breath .
tr	2	I ran over to her and asked " Cindy what happened . "
tr	2	" Captain I 'll be done in a couple of hours . "
tr	2	Looks to be a rough day tomorrow honey , try to get some sleep . "
tr	2	Cindy said dryly , " Their Carols " I declined to ask how she knew .
tr	2	Bring the couple on board and have them wait in the conference room . "
tr	2	She said , " Let me run get my laptop I have a translation app .
tr	2	It took almost an hour for Connie to come up with the story .
tr	2	I was going to have to stall them and formulate a plan .
tr	2	I sent the couple out and had Jim and Herb come in .
tr	2	Make up a response telling them we will meet all their demands tomorrow morning .
tr	2	" Just make up anything that will keep them believing it 's going to happen .
tr	2	I gave the note to the couple and sent them back to the kidnappers .
tr	2	Dennis spent the morning going over the plans until everyone understood their part .
tr	2	Dennis watched and studied making a mental picture getting the rhythm of the group .
tr	2	In the darkness , we took turns with the night vision glasses .
tr	2	The inflatable had been waiting at the ready hidden behind the tour boat .
tr	2	A blanket was quickly passed down ; she was wrapped and helped on board .
tr	2	I said , " Follow me time for debriefing in the conference room . "
tr	2	Dawn was breaking when we saw the group gathered on the beach .
tr	2	Herb gave the order and in three rounds the boat and people ceased to exist .
tr	2	I sent a short report to Allan by radio as we proceeded to San Juan .
tr	2	In future , I would greatly appreciate it if you tried to follow them .
tr	2	Ensign Jeffery Jackson USN at your service , permission to come aboard , sir . "
tr	2	I said , " Herb your Navy , help me feel this guy out .
tr	2	Come along and give us an update , I 'll send for some coffee . "
tr	2	He had been home on leave awaiting his first assignment when the Collapse came along .
tr	2	He dug out his uniform and threw himself into the only job he knew .
tr	2	He had become the official unofficial Commander of both the Coast Guard and Navy .
tr	2	Though people were sparse , there was an air of normal day-to-day life taking place .
tr	2	This was a US protectorate and it was our obligation to help out its people .
tr	2	I felt I knew Linda well enough to ask her in for a talk .
tr	2	I said , " Christ Dan couldn 't you find something a tad smaller ? "
tr	2	No , the hand hadn 't been dealt yet , much less played .
tr	2	I couldn 't leave the table before the game had even begun .
tr	2	Jim called excitedly , " George you 've got to see this ! "
tr	2	Jim never addressed me as George so I knew he was distracted .
tr	2	" Were here to conduct scientific research you met Dr. Brothers at lunch .
tr	2	Vella said , " Yes young Jackson is a fine young man and good worker .
tr	2	I myself have to be content for the moment to go by horse .
tr	2	That 's not to say we don 't welcome warm relations between our countries .
tr	2	It 's understood by everyone that things can never be as they were .
tr	2	" A little sir it was mostly about you and Mrs. Collins .
tr	2	" No sir not at all , this is getting interesting . "
tr	2	" I said , " Keep in mind , it could also get dangerous . "
tr	2	It was a certainty that one small tanker of fuel could not an empire maintain .
tr	2	I think Mr. Vella has plans in place and is ready to act upon them .
tr	2	He said , " Captain are you sure of Vella 's intentions ? "
tr	2	Herb asked , " You think the Jackson kids a party to it ? "
tr	2	I don 't believe it to be in any way foolhardy . "
tr	2	I sent Dennis along with them to scope out the battery at Morro Castle .
tr	2	I decided tomorrow I would get Gerald and take a tour in the chopper .
tr	2	The rapping came again , usually I would be hailed on the intercom or phone .
tr	2	" No sir I think you 'll want to hear this . "
tr	2	I said , " Just a second let me get a robe on . "
tr	2	I got dressed then went into the conference room Jeffery was waiting .
tr	2	I said , " Linda says you have something to tell me . "
tr	2	" Yes Sir , " I said , " Go ahead shoot . "
tr	2	" Yes I have but I 'd prefer to hear yours first . " "
tr	2	Hell Jeff , pull this off and your well on your way to flag rank .
tr	2	If he 's putting an armada together , I haven 't seen it . "
tr	2	I said , " Put your heads together and come up with some plans . "
tr	2	They had done it under the guise of working on one of the patrol boats .
tr	2	He holds all the strings and makes all of the decisions himself .
tr	2	" That 's what she told you ; wan na know what she told me .
tr	2	I 'm sure the bastard 's already done it in his mind .
tr	2	She said , " You men are all alike sexist pigs a heart . "
tr	2	I said , " Not me honey I married you strictly for your mind . "
tr	2	We entered the candlelit interior ; it was like stepping back in time .
tr	2	Vella introduced us all around with Linda and Jeff providing additional translation .
tr	2	I thought good girl charm the snake then watch hubby pinch off its head .
tr	2	Good all was going according to plan and it was down to fine-tuning .
tr	2	He was impressed that he would be given the place of prominence .
tr	2	Once we were at their mercy he , would be in total control .
tr	2	Vella showed genuine surprise ; Sam and Ned moved in to place them in cuffs .
tr	2	Captain , order those ships to follow you into the harbor . "
tr	2	I reached for the mike , Connie shouted , " GEORGE DON 'T . "
tr	2	I asked , " Gerald are you willing to try it ? "
tr	2	Connie had become my life without her there would be no future left to me .
tr	2	I wandered slowly back to our cabin and set on the bunk .
tr	2	I took Connie 's nightgown in my bloody hands put it to my face .
tr	2	it retained the faint fragrance of her , I broke down and began to cry .
tr	2	Connie had arrived and was undergoing surgery that was all we knew .
tr	2	it 's too rough for the helicopter and Gerald 's stuck in San Juan . "
tr	2	I said , " OK , Linda can Ned collect blood ? "
tr	2	I said , " Sure wish Dennis had done something about those damned guns . "
tr	2	I said , " I have to try that was a brave thing she did .
tr	2	I 'm going alone so I won 't put anyone else in danger . "
tr	2	Sam was holding the wrench and screwdriver trying to keep the line from leaking .
tr	2	" God damn you Jim don 't be risking my fucking ship . "
tr	2	In minutes , they were alongside , and I handed the cooler over .
tr	2	Sam said , " Go , I got this shit under control . "
tr	2	Connie said , " Maybe I 'd better start watching you . "
tr	2	I said , " No honey you 're plenty peculiar enough for me . "
tr	2	Jim asked me to let him know when I wished to take over command .
tr	2	What lay before us as we continued our journey I couldn 't begin to guess ?
tr	2	I said , Thanks , Jim you have the bridge and walked off .
tr	2	With Pisces replenished , we were ready to work our way down the chain .
tr	2	Sadly cannibalism had so often been the rule rather than the exception during the Collapse .
tr	2	This was the legacy future generations would be left to ponder and debate .
tr	2	We encountered people just barely hanging on to life living in appalling conditions .
tr	2	He had prepared for such an eventuality and had the parts on board .
tr	2	Dennis had gone ashore and made a search but had found no threats .
tr	2	I looked over at Connie and was thankful she had fully recovered from her wound .
tr	2	He asked , " What do you reckon is going on . "
tr	2	I said , " Has to be the southern half of Vella 's Navy ? "
tr	2	He panned around and the glasses stopped in the direction of the grill .
tr	2	Sam and I agreed it was worth the risk to check them out .
tr	2	We told them to stay in the launch and be ready when we got back .
tr	2	I said , " Flesh and blood girl you have my solemn promise . "
tr	2	It took us over two hours and a lot of bailing to reach our destination .
tr	2	We made our way across to the vantage point we had occupied the night before .
tr	2	Sam had the glasses and from time , to time would make a sweep .
tr	2	He said in a low , excited voice , " GW quick . "
tr	2	Sam had the glasses and was giving a play-by-play of the goings on .
tr	2	Sam went aboard , and I passed the fuel and battery up to him .
tr	2	I said , " Shit the battery 's dead were screwed . "
tr	2	He said , " Is that the crank hanging on the wall ? "
tr	2	Already shoving passed me he grabbed the crank and fitted it on the shaft .
tr	2	It was a statement I had to admit reflected my sentiments exactly .
tr	2	He said , " Wait a minute I got an idea . "
tr	2	He said , " That 'll give them something to worry about besides us . "
tr	2	He cut the last line I rammed the gearshift in forward and opened the throttle .
tr	2	It took us less than an hour to get back to Connie and Joyce .
tr	2	Connie took the wheel while Sam and I broke out the sails .
tr	2	We could now take full advantage of the light breeze and I took the helm .
tr	2	We stripped the launch bare of anything useable then set it adrift .
tr	2	I way praying some of my contacts had come through the Collapse .
tr	2	He shouted , " GW this son of a bitch is three-quarters full . "
tr	2	The rest went on exploring while I hung around checking over the generator .
tr	2	We walked outside to discover the island lit up from one end to the other .
tr	2	I hollered for Sam , who was by this time back on the dock .
tr	2	I went back started the pump and Sam shouted , " We got diesel . "
tr	2	" Curiosity killed the cat ; maybe we should leave it alone . "
tr	2	He said , " Yeah but they also say ... satisfaction brought it back .
tr	2	There 's got to be a key somewhere on the island . "
tr	2	Connie christened it with a bottle of champagne and we celebrated with two more .
tr	2	I said , " One bottle only take the rest back . "
tr	2	She said , " Don 't tell me you 're starting too . "
tr	2	I said , " No it 's strictly medicinal in my case . "
tr	2	She said , " I 'll ask Connie to get you one . "
tr	2	She answered , " That 's strictly for medicinal purposes too ... .
tr	2	Whoever owned this island knew what the term top shelf meant . "
tr	2	She was by now most likely in Grand Cayman or headed to Key West .
tr	2	The more they argued , the more determined I became to find the truth .
tr	2	Once again , I was placing my flesh and blood girl 's life at risk .
tr	2	" Captain George Collins United Stated Coast Guard and this is my wife , Constance .
tr	2	They looked at Connie and I deciding whether to believe us or not .
tr	2	I 'm a captain in the US Coast Guard at present ... .
tr	2	We arrived at the old Governors House and put or bikes in the rack .
tr	2	I said , " Belize looks like it came through all right . "
tr	2	I wished I could be there to see Allan when he got the news .
tr	2	He said , " A Bright mon he wants to talk to you . "
tr	2	and handed the mike to me , " Allan , George Collins here . "
tr	2	I told the group Pisces was on the way and would be here tomorrow .
tr	2	we sat in the cockpit till almost midnight before sleep overcame the excitement .
tr	2	I contacted Key West and asked for confirmation then ordered a course change .
tr	2	The mission was essentially at the end and I felt like a fifth wheel .
tr	2	Homeward Bound made an uneventful passage the weather and wind remained in our favor .
tr	2	We arrived in Key West a couple of days ahead of Pisces .
tr	2	We walked back to the boat in silence digesting what Allan had said .
tr	2	We swamped the new big box stores and gorged on the low priced imports .
tr	2	After all , this seemed to be the direction the country was headed in .
tr	2	Gone were the days of holding long term the trusty old Blue Chips .
tr	2	Avarice and greed crept through the financial system until they became the norm .
tr	2	Morals are iffy , and especially iffy when vast sums of money are at stake .
tr	2	Markets have rebounded and life is once again good on Wall Street .
tr	2	They can continue using their renewed vigor and low-interest rates to formulate the next bubble .
tr	2	They began to favor strip malls , apartment complexes , and subdivisions .
tr	2	The markets have become in many respects the largest criminal enterprises in human history .
tr	2	Granted politics is boring and the media have done much to reinforce this .
tr	2	Unfortunately , for the last thirty years it has mostly worked in their favor .
tr	2	Both political parties have been hijacked and are absolutely riddled by disingenuous , self-serving extremists .
tr	2	Fringe elements by their very nature are blind to everything but their narrow agendas .
tr	2	American Journalism News and journalism have with a few exceptions served the America public well .
tr	2	Major network news organizations skip over the hard issues in their attempt to be impartial .
tr	2	Viewers are able to see behind this disingenuous façade and realize they are being manipulated .
tr	2	Melting Pot America used to affectionately be referred to as a melting pot .
tr	2	I wouldn 't be surprised to find that we have already surpassed that point .
tr	2	Illegal immigration is the same we have no idea who is coming into the country .
tr	2	We are encouraging this type of immigration for only one reason , greed .
tr	2	As they grow in numbers , they push only their own agendas .
tr	2	This ban on profiling makes me sick , it has become a fiasco .
tr	2	We do this in order to determine danger or friend from a foe .
tr	2	Conversely , the bad guys many times use profiling to select a victim .
tr	2	They looked conspicuously out-of-place and you had better believe I was profiling them .
tr	2	The American people need to pay more attention and vet those running for office .
tr	2	Poor management decisions alone are left to account for International Harvesters demise .
tr	2	They would tell me the stupid things the company did from time to time .
tr	2	This along with government mandates set them on the road of decline .
tr	2	You cannot be successful manufacturing a product you don 't like or believe in .
tr	2	No business should be above another it takes everyone to make the world go round .
tr	2	It is conceivable this will trigger a cascade leading to worldwide famine .
tr	2	I do believe that education is of the utmost importance for several reasons .
tr	2	Her mother said , " Young lady pick those up and put them back . "
tr	2	Conversely , one extremely good teacher may well advance the whole of civilization .
tr	2	We need to separate and concentrate on these individuals in different and creative ways .
tr	2	Almost any kid can become productive if you can find the right buttons .
tr	2	You have twelve whole years in which accomplish this failure is not an option .
tr	2	There is plenty of time in college for specializing in the advanced stuff .
tr	2	They have gone far in unlocking Natures secrets and the very essence of life itself .
tr	2	Any attempt at logical reason deserts them and they become fixated on defending the indefensible .
tr	2	Tolerance Tolerance is one of the most misused and abused words in our language .
tr	2	Its personal its part of me and it 's just the way it is .
tr	2	We have now reached one of those crisis points in our journey .
tr	2	The main thing holding us up I believe is the oil lobby .
tr	2	Those who graduate as General Practitioners would remain the top dogs so to speak .
tr	2	Laws are inherently bad they are an indicator that there exists a problem in society .
tr	2	We as humans are at our best when we set and work towards goals .
tr	2	therefore , I have not attempted to place it in APA format .
tr	2	This theory makes no attempt to shed light on the Creator or creation .
tr	2	Science has advanced man 's understanding of himself and the natural world .
tr	2	I hadn 't heard any more about it until I began writing this paper .
tr	2	I reasoned if species could unknowingly evolve into partnerships then why not humans .
tr	2	Species have the ability to adapt over time to counter new threats .
tr	2	Nature has done an admirable job of filling the planet with life .
tr	2	That nature with her infinite patients has and is behind the scenes pulling the strings .
tr	2	It brings to mind the passage " God made man in his own image . "
tr	2	Nature made us into the best possible image she could for our intended purpose .
tr	2	We come to the principal unknown in the theory , that of the causal agent .
tr	2	Yet like black holes , dark matter , and string theory it likely exists .
tr	2	Free will may have replaced the apparent lack of these observable instincts in modern humans .
tr	2	Each brought with it horrendous devastation and disrupted most if not all life on Earth .
tr	2	He now possessed the right physiology and nature set about refining her creation .
tr	2	His eyesight was just adequate as was his hearing and sense of smell .
tr	2	Everywhere he went he was at the mercy of the elements and stalked by predators .
tr	2	He was forced through necessity to improve his environment first finding then later building shelter .
tr	2	Nature has needed and encouraged a diverse human population to drive technology forward .
tr	2	She hasn 't been beaten and behind the scenes , remains in charge .
tr	2	This step is both logical and necessary as we go forward into interstellar space .
tr	2	This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	It was still dark , the night sounds coming through the open shutters .
tr	2	Her forearms should have been done by now but she had left for another life .
tr	2	She sat up , naked , her body tattoos glowing blue in the moonlight .
tr	2	Did she favor Gema over him , is that why he left ?
tr	2	Gema had always strived to be the best at what she undertook .
tr	2	She gazed at him fondly , middle aged now but still strong and proud .
tr	2	Each being taught that they were equally responsible for the defense of their community .
tr	2	She looked down the well beaten path to the rice padi by the river .
tr	2	the hot sun marching across the sky as it did every day .
tr	2	I will look for a tree as close to the water as possible .
tr	2	Six small boats pulling up on the mud to the side of the rice padi .
tr	2	The sun suddenly burst upon the new day but up behind the menacing line .
tr	2	Automatic fire raked the building , the thin , woven walls offering no protection .
tr	2	The bullet took him square in the chest as he reached the bottom .
tr	2	a funeral pyre ... the stink of burning flesh filling the air .
tr	2	Still he would have preferred the white beaches and breezes of Labuan .
tr	2	he thought , " the bloody walls are still hot from yesterday . "
tr	2	Keep an ear out and make sure Jennings is kept up to speed .
tr	2	Her hair was long and jet black , hanging below her waist .
tr	2	As she walked to his desk it swung heavily and shone in the lamplight .
tr	2	She did not boast of her accomplishments just stated them as fact .
tr	2	she was the most beautiful woman the young captain had ever seen .
tr	2	we can 't possibly get into any discussion concerning cross border incursions .
tr	2	Best thing is to wait and see for the time being . "
tr	2	George cast his mind back to the difficulty of that particular incursion ... . .
tr	2	" As you know sir it was a ' Claret ' operation .
tr	2	" Bloody well and impenetrable crap , you could never see more than ten feet .
tr	2	If it 's quiet we can chopper you out , if not ... .
tr	2	George stood up , came to attention and turned towards the door .
tr	2	You might want to get yourself and your guys qualified on them .
tr	2	" Interpreter will be here at 1500 hours if that 's okay sir ? "
tr	2	" Gem you know we keep a radio watch on Radio Jakarta ? "
tr	2	I , or rather we , were wondering if you 'd heard anything . "
tr	2	It 's obvious that they 're just trying to generate some propaganda mileage .
tr	2	This time they 're being quite graphic with some very specific numbers .
tr	2	Gem , what 's the name of that newspaper their army 's publishing now ? "
tr	2	" God , I 'm a long way from Hereford , " he thought .
tr	2	He let her finish her tea and walked her to the door .
tr	2	see she gets home safely it 's almost the end of your watch .
tr	2	I 'll keep an eye on things here until Jennings get in . "
tr	2	he thought , " it 's just rumor , propaganda ... ... .
tr	2	not sure if everyone likes them that much but time will tell .
tr	2	We 're also well into the training of a new group of Border Scouts . "
tr	2	If they persist in this try and get a location from the Scouts .
tr	2	" With you there sir , I 've already had a chat with Mudd .
tr	2	She gives us insights that we probably couldn 't see for ourselves .
tr	2	Dickie hung up the phone thinking on what the Colonel had had to say .
tr	2	Mason stood up and paced over to the window ... ... thinking .
tr	2	" If you roped in you could take one of those new radios .
tr	2	We could set up a listening post on the border ... ... . .
tr	2	I 'll get Brenner checked out on the new radios straight away .
tr	2	Hopefully they 'll get lucky , save us a lot of agro .
tr	2	The moon shone , creating a pathway down the quiet water like daylight .
tr	2	She had taken her shoes off enjoying the feel of the sand between her toes .
tr	2	at first I hated shoes and took them off every chance I had .
tr	2	She ran into the palms lining the beach ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .
tr	2	She looked so fragile but he knew she was far tougher than he was .
tr	2	He wanted to reach out and hold her but didn 't dare .
tr	2	" Take a deep breath in through your nose , " she whispered .
tr	2	To him , it was one of those moments in life when everything stands still .
tr	2	He left her at the door and drove back to his billet .
tr	2	He shook his head , the native girl and the British Officer ... ... .
tr	2	There 's a Flight Officer Wilkinson here to see you sir . "
tr	2	Weight is still not a big issue and we can all land together .
tr	2	" Unless anyone has other ideas this is how I 'd like to see it .
tr	2	Best I can do is a Dakota but it 'll get you there .
tr	2	Tomorrow draw your kit ... ... check out your own chutes ... . .
tr	2	She stood in the middle of the room , eyes searching for his ... .
tr	2	You are here because you have to be and eventually you will leave .
tr	2	My head screams at me questioning how it could possibly work for us .
tr	2	He took her in his arms and they each breathed the spirit of the other .
tr	2	Is it going to get ugly or is it just much ado about nothing ?
tr	2	" That 'll get them a long way , " he thought .
tr	2	Gema 's in the outer office insisting she see you straight away ... . .
tr	2	She 'd obviously been crying , in her left hand she held a folded newspaper .
tr	2	She unfolded the newspaper and spread it on the desk so he could see it .
tr	2	but you asked me to find a copy of the newspaper ... . .
tr	2	" Nooooo , " she was looking over his shoulder ... ... . .
tr	2	Obviously something terrible had happened but exactly what was not readily apparent .
tr	2	Mudd quietly , " we jump at ten thousand feet which is kinda low .
tr	2	By the time we get there we should just be able to see it .
tr	2	They were already sweating profusely weighted down with all the extra gear .
tr	2	" OK fellas the truck 's outside , let 's get it on . "
tr	2	The silence was shattered as he started up the two Pratt and Whitney engines .
tr	2	The time passed slowly , the throb of the engines lulling McElroy to sleep .
tr	2	Clipping on his safety line he opened the wide door to starboard .
tr	2	The roar of the engines increased and the cool night air rushed in .
tr	2	Mudd whispers , " we 'll sit pat here for twenty or so .
tr	2	The three of them lay in the dry padi as Harry disappeared behind them .
tr	2	Harry was back in a few minutes , suddenly appearing at their sides .
tr	2	that 'll make their day if they show up , " he whispered .
tr	2	We stay in the tree line and move down about a hundred and fifty yards .
tr	2	Without another word he turned off the unit to conserve his batteries .
tr	2	questioned Robbie in his broad Glasgow accent , " two on watch ... . .
tr	2	" Robbie , you and I take the first watch ... . .
tr	2	you gents get some kip , " whispered George , " and Harry ... . .
tr	2	To his left , well into the trees , a snuffling noise .
tr	2	" Just as well , " he thought , " who needs it ?
tr	2	He looked up , " shit you don 't even see a plane .
tr	2	Set ' em further down the river where Robbie and I were ... . .
tr	2	If they come they 'll use the river and they won 't use the trails .
tr	2	Ever vigilant , safety catches off , they walked towards the ruins of the Longhouse .
tr	2	They moved on to the body at the foot of the steps .
tr	2	This second body was a much older man , deeply wrinkled with grey hair .
tr	2	The flies were still thick in the pool of dried blood in the dirt .
tr	2	It had collapsed into itself creating a pile of blackened timbers and ash .
tr	2	" Let 's work our way back through the padi , " suggested George .
tr	2	" Shit George it 's all over the place , " he said .
tr	2	George took a couple of photos of the grave and finally put the camera away .
tr	2	" OK Harry ... time to call up the taxi service . "
tr	2	His heart gave a lurch and that funny feeling settled in his stomach .
tr	2	They had no neighbors behind them just some woods bordering a neighboring farm .
tr	2	Wendy would be leaving soon , heading off to Cambridge on a scholarship .
tr	2	They were mostly army friends from when he was stationed in Malaya and Sarawak .
tr	2	The others were on the golf course and at various functions with Gema .
tr	2	She was tall , unlike her mother , easily as tall as he was .
tr	2	She had an ear for languages and was already multi-lingual ... . .
tr	2	Ron Gurney actually lives here in Hereford ... George lives down in Eaton Bishop somewhere .
tr	2	George has done better than any of us since we all retired .
tr	2	Well good on him I say , bloody good golfer too . "
tr	2	With Gema 's job he could easily have become a gentleman of leisure .
tr	2	He 'd actually tried it for a while but got bored to death ... .
tr	2	' Gema 's job ; ' he resented the pleasure she got out of it .
tr	2	The slamming of the front door brought him back to the present .
tr	2	She walked in , dressed in the black track suit she used for working out .
tr	2	Her hair was in a pony tail tied up with an elastic .
tr	2	she asked , " I 'm expecting something from the travel agents . "
tr	2	After her family had been killed Gema had never been quite the same .
tr	2	She seemed to turn off in a way that was only apparent to him .
tr	2	What she hadn 't expressed was her own excitement over the trip .
tr	2	For the last twenty years she 'd successfully hidden her true emotions concerning her origins .
tr	2	Kuching was now a bustling metropolis , a hodgepodge of races cramming the pavements .
tr	2	" This will not be like before , where we are going is different .
tr	2	There is no running water , there are no phones , there is no electricity .
tr	2	She had called him in Brunei from England asking him for both advice and help .
tr	2	" Wendy ... ... from tomorrow on you must do everything I say ... . .
tr	2	Where we are going is home for me , I will be welcome there . "
tr	2	According to Robbie they would not know him but he would know them .
tr	2	They followed him to a four wheel drive obviously provided by Robbie .
tr	2	It looked like a relic from the sixties ... ... an ex-military Champion .
tr	2	The road is not too bad , it is maintained by the logging company .
tr	2	Sitting there in the quickening dark Gema felt as though she 'd never left .
tr	2	" Trooper Mac sent something special for you Gema , " he whispered .
tr	2	Out of oily paper he unpacked six claymore mines , wire and a small transmitter .
tr	2	" This will get their attention , " he said in Malay , laughing .
tr	2	I will recce the border to make sure it is safe to cross .
tr	2	He said , " I know this place , " replied Gema thoughtfully .
tr	2	She dreaded looking at her feet as she had more than one blister on each .
tr	2	Her face was badly scratched from the constant struggle through the underbrush .
tr	2	pack on his back ... rifle strapped to his chest ... . .
tr	2	" We are there , it is no more than an hour . "
tr	2	" I recce 'd the whole area ... we will be alone ... .
tr	2	They spoke of their lives previous to the fighting , their villages , their families .
tr	2	He was genuine but he made her sad , he reminded her of what was .
tr	2	Mac will know where I am , I will guide you . "
tr	2	They pushed through the brush in the general direction of where the Longhouse had stood .
tr	2	The cairn had collapsed over the years and was now just a pile of rubble .
tr	2	Gema sank to her knees , tears flowing unashamedly down her face .
tr	2	He stood up smoothly and moved away from the stones leaving Gema and Wendy together .
tr	2	She just knelt there still and quiet ... ... remembering the good things .
tr	2	She just shook her head and hoped she would not let her mother down .
tr	2	" Six iron 'll probably do it , " he thought reaching into his bag .
tr	2	Harry was already walking up to the green , bag over his shoulder .
tr	2	As George walked up , skirting a couple of bunkers , he looked around .
tr	2	He really liked this golf course although he had played many others .
tr	2	Whenever he travelled , which was often , his clubs went with him .
tr	2	He looked off to his left through the trees and across the fifteenth fairway .
tr	2	George had bought a small estate in Eaton Bishop just down the road .
tr	2	Unfortunately they didn 't see much of Robbie at all ... ... .
tr	2	enough for Harry to have to buy the drinks in the clubhouse .
tr	2	Sitting in the bar overlooking the first tee and the eighteenth green Harry said . "
tr	2	although there never seemed to be too much for him to do .
tr	2	The bugger had now completely retired and still played with George on a regular basis .
tr	2	His wife Judy was killed in a hit and run while jogging one morning .
tr	2	The day a friend in the West Mercia Police called him with the news .
tr	2	Her face was quiet , no marks , a look of surprise perhaps .
tr	2	Police , walking the lane looking for skid marks perhaps ... . .
tr	2	not to die for his country but to make the other bastard die for his .
tr	2	That had been his profession and he 'd been good at it .
tr	2	The things he 'd wanted to say to her and never did .
tr	2	He found the emptiness almost unbearable although he 'd spent most of his life alone .
tr	2	In fact now he was rarely alone , his friends gathering around .
tr	2	He couldn 't see where he was going without her ... . .
tr	2	He threw himself into his work sometimes working twenty hours a day .
tr	2	Suddenly he was a wealthy man but nothing could replace the loss of Judy .
tr	2	In the quiet moments he missed her desperately but he still never cried for her .
tr	2	Shit some of them are working for you in Brunei , " said Harry .
tr	2	you 've got a bit of a one man show over there in Gloucester .
tr	2	" Shouldn 't be too much of an issue , depends on the timing really .
tr	2	He drew on the cigar until it was burning evenly and looked around him .
tr	2	Of course you can buy yourself into anything today and he certainly could afford it .
tr	2	" If only my old friends could see me now , " he thought .
tr	2	Nobody really knew where the money came from originally and nobody seemed to care .
tr	2	He paid his taxes and contributed to charities of his choice ... ... .
tr	2	" Kids don 't write anymore , " said Gema , " they use e-mail .
tr	2	" Next one is shortly , Richmond Club , they 're coming here .
tr	2	At least we don 't have to go down there , snobby bunch . "
tr	2	" Here 's your competition I was just giving them the two quid tour .
tr	2	" Born and bred around here Tony , definitely a local boy .
tr	2	" I got ta pee before we go to the tenth , " said George .
tr	2	if he 's from Viet Nam I 'll blow you in the bar ! "
tr	2	She looked for the spirits of her forebears but she couldn 't see them .
tr	2	She knew that within her was a simmering anger but didn 't know why .
tr	2	Sometimes she 'd wake up in the morning angry and not know why .
tr	2	He just didn 't get it , far too cerebral for him .
tr	2	He 'd just brush it off and tell her not to worry about it .
tr	2	The coming of Wendy was a bright light in an otherwise rather dull life .
tr	2	At every opportunity she drove herself hard at the gym and the dojo .
tr	2	He 'd tried being a gentleman of leisure , the atypical retired military officer .
tr	2	other than the army the first job he 'd ever had ... ... .
tr	2	He never really liked it but it got him out of the house .
tr	2	Her multi-lingual skills landed her a position with an international translation company .
tr	2	Dickie slowly became more and more resentful of her success ... ... . .
tr	2	He spent more and more time with his cronies on the golf course .
tr	2	If he didn 't actually play he would spend the time in the bar .
tr	2	Sure they went through the motions , lots of people did she knew .
tr	2	He hadn 't touched her in months but she didn 't really mind that .
tr	2	He adamantly refused , got angry with her , saw it as a personal attack .
tr	2	She , in turn , became resentful of anything and everything military .
tr	2	He 'd won his match which was all he was concerned about .
tr	2	Continuing north he found the M62 east in the direction of Leeds .
tr	2	* Avi sat on the worn , plush bench seat facing the street door .
tr	2	The whole pub had seen better days , fuck ... ... . .
tr	2	The barman , leaning over the bar talking to a known local pimp .
tr	2	" OK , " answered Avi , " give me forty quid . "
tr	2	" Your little black dress should do the job , " replied Dickie .
tr	2	" If they 're still serving it 'll be number two dress .
tr	2	Gema sat at her dressing table looking at her reflection in the mirror .
tr	2	" I 'll be down in a few minutes , " she called .
tr	2	" Damn I 've forgotten the invitation , need that to get in . " "
tr	2	I 'll get it , " she said , " where is it ? "
tr	2	" Where the hell would he have put it , " she thought .
tr	2	She looked through a couple more drawers but still couldn 't see it .
tr	2	She had to hold on to the desk to stop herself falling .
tr	2	She tried not to panic exerting self control that was almost unnatural .
tr	2	asked Dickie driving away , " you don 't look well at all . "
tr	2	" We 'll get you something to settle your stomach at the club .
tr	2	We 'll be there in less than half an hour , " he said .
tr	2	The wife offered a perfunctory greeting to Gema and a limp handshake .
tr	2	Gema responded with a brief hello and a swift , steely grip of the hand .
tr	2	" There 's more people here than I thought , " said Gema . "
tr	2	Ron told me that slightly more than half would be showing up .
tr	2	Good turnout I think , " replied Dick , his eyes quickly scanning the room .
tr	2	" He also said not to forget what he told you . "
tr	2	Robbie looked out over the crowd and suddenly waved two men over .
tr	2	Inwardly she was seething , her mind a maelstrom of conflicting thoughts .
tr	2	It was as though she was looking down on it ... . .
tr	2	We could have left two hours ago and no one would have noticed . "
tr	2	Gema shook her head in exasperation ... and thought of Wendy at school .
tr	2	Tony sat in his favorite chair in his club feeling particularly pleased with himself .
tr	2	" I 'll be down at the gym in Brixton Wednesday evening .
tr	2	Dressed in jeans and Chelsea Football Club jacket he fitted in well with the crowds .
tr	2	Once he walked into a department store and out of a different door .
tr	2	" He 's getting careless , " he thought , " getting a bit complacent .
tr	2	Illegal , bare fisted fighting was gaining in popularity and not just in London .
tr	2	His training allowed him to not consider the consequences ... ... . .
tr	2	" The belly , " he thought , " that 's the weak point .
tr	2	Tony took a head butt , aimed at the bridge of his nose .
tr	2	He took it on the forehead and promptly stamped on the guys instep .
tr	2	Stepping in he slashed with his foot behind the guys left knee .
tr	2	He waited for him to get up , the crowd getting more anxious .
tr	2	The crowd wasn 't happy but Tony had other things to do tonight .
tr	2	he asked himself , " there 's nothing he can 't get up there . "
tr	2	Firstly I don 't want to get them locally and secondly ... .
tr	2	It 's a Pay as you Go number so it can 't be traced .
tr	2	It had seen better days and he knew it was scheduled for demolition .
tr	2	didn 't think I was that popular ' round here anyway . "
tr	2	Closing the door behind him and noticing that it closed with a satisfying clunk .
tr	2	There followed a detailed report on Wei 's coming and goings over the last month .
tr	2	It must have been pretty important to bring him all the way down from Leeds .
tr	2	Okay gentlemen unless anyone has something to add that 's an end to this meeting .
tr	2	The group filed out leaving all the notes on the table destined for the shredder .
tr	2	Like someone said ... ... never take a knife into a gun fight ! "
tr	2	You get results but the world seems to be a changing place .
tr	2	" If needs be we 'll invoke the Counter Terrorism Act ... . .
tr	2	that tends to cut through the red tape and gets people 's attention . "
tr	2	Hopefully we 'll bring something to light in the next week or so . "
tr	2	" This has to be my favorite pub , " thought David .
tr	2	" No slot machines or pin balls , " I like that .
tr	2	haven 't seen you for a couple of days , " said Jennie .
tr	2	A career cop although you wouldn 't know just looking at her .
tr	2	He knew she had a caustic wit but was an excellent copper .
tr	2	She 'd had the occasional date but nothing serious according to station gossip .
tr	2	" I knew it was too bloody quiet , " she said .
tr	2	" We have a killing out at the Belmont Lodge Golf Club .
tr	2	asked David , keeping his eyes on the road the siren clearing the traffic .
tr	2	Apparently the body 's out there somewhere , these must be all the members . "
tr	2	asked Jennie , heading out onto the course the golf pro driving the golf cart .
tr	2	" Our first foursome of the day found him , " said the pro .
tr	2	There were several police and two para medics close to the bunker .
tr	2	Get everyone out of here and gather by that golf cart up on the hill .
tr	2	" I 'll survive David , don 't worry about me . "
tr	2	The body was laid out in the middle of the bunker as if on display .
tr	2	" So what do you see Jen or rather what don 't you see ? "
tr	2	There 's a message here ... ... ... for someone anyway . "
tr	2	Let the forensic people down here but no truck for the time being .
tr	2	See you back at the clubhouse , nothing more to be gained here . "
tr	2	Without an ID we can do virtually nothing , let 's get on it ! "
tr	2	I can tell you from the body temperature that he died late the previous evening .
tr	2	We 've sent blood samples down to the Forensic Science Service in London .
tr	2	We 'll get confirmation when we hear from the FSS in London . "
tr	2	It wasn 't much later in the day that they received a fax from London .
tr	2	" I can get the file that 's not a problem , " he said .
tr	2	" OK , out with it , David , it is David isn 't it ?
tr	2	Truth is I was a bad boy by my boss 's standards .
tr	2	" Get the file on Downer and talk to the wife , " he said .
tr	2	Tony sat in his Brixton office looking at the unidentifiable fax in front of him .
tr	2	" Expensive stuff , what they going to do , start a bloody war ?
tr	2	Only place to get this stuff is a military armory , " he thought .
tr	2	" Do I call or just drive up to Worcester and surprise him ?
tr	2	He took a number from his personal phone book and dialed it directly .
tr	2	" Dave I want you to take a look at a guy in Worcester .
tr	2	Make it quick , need the intel within twenty four hours . "
tr	2	The silver grey Audi picked him up as he went past High Wycombe .
tr	2	There was already a team staking out the store and a tap on the phone .
tr	2	The recording machines automatically switched on and logged the time and date .
tr	2	" See you then Paddy , " replied Jennings and rang off .
tr	2	we really need to know the cause of death of the headless man . "
tr	2	He smiled grimly , " I thought you said it was quiet round here ! "
tr	2	* Marjorie Downer was a tall , rather angular , woman in her mid forties .
tr	2	Jennie introduced them both and she invited them into the living room .
tr	2	Whilst she was out of the room David did a quick circuit .
tr	2	Mostly they were old army buddies , many obviously taken in the jungle .
tr	2	" After Harry left the army he opened a martial arts school here in Gloucester .
tr	2	" Marjorie , if I may call you that , " said David .
tr	2	" Harry loved it in the Regiment , most of them do .
tr	2	Jennie asked the standard questions about known enemies and strangers hanging around .
tr	2	Harry always used to say ... ' George has my six . '
tr	2	They played golf regularly at Belmont Lodge , at least twice a week .
tr	2	Robbie McElroy used to be around a lot but he 's in Brunei now .
tr	2	Later that day , " okay , Jen , lets divide and conquer .
tr	2	" They won 't hurt you , " a tall gentleman standing in the doorway .
tr	2	She took a few moments to study him before walking over to shake his hand .
tr	2	" Yes , I sort of rattle around in it on my own .
tr	2	Just couldn 't bring myself to sell it when my wife Judy died .
tr	2	I would think we saved each other 's lives several times over .
tr	2	Just the one troop working out of Kuching , four teams of four chaps each .
tr	2	He either stays with me here or with Dickie Mason in Hereford .
tr	2	She had a local burr to her voice and seemed very at ease with herself .
tr	2	" I own a security company , we specialize in oil field security .
tr	2	As a matter of interest nearly all my staff are retired SAS troopers .
tr	2	They know their business , they 're a formidable lot , " he said laughing .
tr	2	" Got ta be off , " she said , " love your house . "
tr	2	* " There is a connection you know , " said Jennie .
tr	2	She and David were sitting in a corner alcove in the Dragon comparing notes .
tr	2	said David , " sure it 's not just bloody coincidental ? "
tr	2	" He was more upset than he likes to make out , " she answered .
tr	2	The big thing seems to be is there a tie in with Wei ?
tr	2	Not sure he would notice anything if it was right under his nose .
tr	2	It was several days before they received the toxicology report from FSS in London .
tr	2	It was preceded by a phone call from one of the managers down there .
tr	2	* It wasn 't raining but it would soon , a dull , gloomy day .
tr	2	" Who 's the bloke with the wispy moustache and the gorgeous Asian ? "
tr	2	The house seemed very empty to him what with Wendy being at Cambridge .
tr	2	Her car pulled into the cobbled yard in front of the house .
tr	2	He didn 't know if he was pleased to see her or not .
tr	2	The truth be known he was a bit nervous about seeing her .
tr	2	She came into the kitchen after hanging up her coat in the hallway .
tr	2	You go to the golf course , I go to the gym or the dojo .
tr	2	She got up and walked over to the window overlooking the courtyard .
tr	2	" I 'm going to move into the barn ... ... ... . .
tr	2	I think we should hire a housekeeper full time and I have someone in mind .
tr	2	She will look after the house , do the cooking and everything else .
tr	2	If you want to go ahead and have an affair go right ahead ... . .
tr	2	Inside a modern kitchen and bathroom with ten foot ceilings , the bedroom the same .
tr	2	She had imported teak flooring which cost more than the appliances in the kitchen .
tr	2	" It better be good , I was asleep , " she muttered .
tr	2	" Yea right , " said David grinning , " so what 's up ? "
tr	2	I have another meeting in London next week perhaps something will come of that .
tr	2	Pulling in through the wrought iron gates the house came into sight .
tr	2	George seemed very subdued as he showed them into the drawing room .
tr	2	" I think we 're fine for the time being , " said Jennie .
tr	2	We 'd have found out eventually but it would have taken forever . "
tr	2	" Mind if I use your phone , it 's a London call ? "
tr	2	David dialed the building on Gower St. and was connected to the Commander .
tr	2	" Perhaps I owe you an explanation , " he said turning towards George .
tr	2	" I 'll give you the bare bones then , " said David .
tr	2	I 'm part of the Counter Terrorist Squad currently working out of Hereford .
tr	2	" It 's all circumstantial stuff just now , we need a break . "
tr	2	They 'd both been in Malaya and Borneo and seen jungle action .
tr	2	" Jennie it is then , " he said , " call me George . "
tr	2	She looked at David ... David said , " Harry was poisoned .
tr	2	The room was windowless and quite large about twenty five long by fifteen wide .
tr	2	The lighting was subdued except for the individual spotlights highlighting certain items on the walls .
tr	2	" I also have several handguns but they 're in the safe too .
tr	2	Carefully removing the cover off one end of the quiver he removed a dart .
tr	2	George replaced the dart in the quiver and returned it to the safe .
tr	2	" They 're locked up because that stuff is still deadly , " he said .
tr	2	Apparently it 's the sugar that causes it to be absorbed by the bloodstream .
tr	2	Feel the balance of this thing , " he said , handing it to David .
tr	2	and their basket weaving , " he said nodding at several hanging on the wall .
tr	2	I like him but then again we have a lot in common .
tr	2	They were driving back to Hereford both seemingly lost in their thoughts .
tr	2	" After all it 's not costing me anything so why should I bother ? "
tr	2	She called on the souls of her forbears to enter her body .
tr	2	As she moved around the teak floor her movement became less sensual , less feminine .
tr	2	The beat quickened even more and with it her movements became more and more aggressive .
tr	2	You spoke to me of many things and I have not forgotten . "
tr	2	The sweat poured off her naked body and stained the mat where she knelt .
tr	2	" What the hell is she doing , " he thought , " exercises ?
tr	2	but it looks as though she doesn 't have any clothes on . "
tr	2	" I 'll get you a room at the Green Dragon Sir ... .
tr	2	Does this mean we have a serial killer on our hands ? "
tr	2	George Mudd lives close by and Dick Mason lives right here in Hereford . "
tr	2	" I don 't see why that would be a problem Dave .
tr	2	I 'll talk to her boss and the Chief Constable if I have to .
tr	2	" I see a problem going forward with this and Jennie ... ... . .
tr	2	They spent years together along with the guy in Brunei Robbie McElroy .
tr	2	He 's not the type you can just ' warn off . '
tr	2	He 'd be very polite and then do whatever the hell he wants . "
tr	2	Not to worry though I 'm convinced there 's something heavy in the wind .
tr	2	Tons of circumstantial evidence but nothing we can really move on ... .
tr	2	Having missed her customary two days off Jennie was taking the day off .
tr	2	I periodically drive down to Bristol , to a gun club down there .
tr	2	I shoot a bit of trap or skeet then go on the hand gun range .
tr	2	" Just come as you are Jennie it 's just a gun club . "
tr	2	" I 'm just wearing a tee shirt , " she said laughing .
tr	2	he asked joining in her laughter , " sounds good to me .
tr	2	" No it 's OK , George , I 'll drive down to Eaton Bishop .
tr	2	" You have to make me a promise today , " he said smiling . "
tr	2	" Have you spoken to either David or his boss today or late yesterday ? "
tr	2	" He 's going too slow , he 'll spot me if I stay here .
tr	2	Frank took his time , rarely going over sixty miles per hour .
tr	2	The ancient hotel was easy to find except some of the streets were ridiculously narrow .
tr	2	" Lord no Paddy , pint of bitter will do just fine .
tr	2	Don 't know how you drink that stuff , " he replied .
tr	2	I don 't usually open up the shop much before ten anyway . "
tr	2	" How many do they want Frank and what are they ? "
tr	2	The trick is to get them out without them figuring out who took 'em .
tr	2	Let 's get back into town , we 've still time for another pint . "
tr	2	I still think he might go off on his own a bit .
tr	2	Outside Gloucester he picked up the M5 in the direction of Bristol .
tr	2	Double checking the trunk was locked he walked with Jennie into the lobby .
tr	2	You 'll have to show some form of identification " he said almost apologetically .
tr	2	" I would think my warrant card should be enough don 't you ? "
tr	2	I also brought you a shotgun which should fit you too . "
tr	2	" I 've actually booked a trap range for a couple of hours .
tr	2	that 's if you want to bring me , " she said quietly .
tr	2	After putting the shotguns away he took out two locked steel cases .
tr	2	" I took the liberty of bringing a couple of pieces down with me .
tr	2	They walked over to the indoor range and checked in with the range officer .
tr	2	Remember I employ better than sixty chaps who are all either ex SAS or Paras .
tr	2	Glad I did too , " he added smiling at her frown .
tr	2	Too soon the Healey turned up the laneway to the old manor .
tr	2	It was a comfortable room the corners lit by the flickering fire .
tr	2	They sat , in companionable silence , watching the fire burn down .
tr	2	All my life I 'd lived a hard life being a professional soldier .
tr	2	All my life I 'd pushed myself to extremes ... ... . .
tr	2	The two of them sat there gazing into the fire now burning down .
tr	2	" I never cried you know , " said George looking at her .
tr	2	They were both competitive field trial dogs and he shot over them regularly .
tr	2	He 's either going to be picked up or he 'll take a bus .
tr	2	Pulling his directory up on his laptop he dialed a number in Belfast .
tr	2	Get hold of him on his mobile ... ... he might need a hand .
tr	2	By the way what do you know about Dick Mason 's wife Gema ?
tr	2	I have to interview her but she 's been out of the country . "
tr	2	Now , what the hell is he doing with the IRA ? "
tr	2	He shrugged his shoulders , " all we can do really is wait .
tr	2	She noticed that although still tanned he had tired lines around his eyes .
tr	2	Anyway he persevered , threatened to resign and they eventually married out there .
tr	2	I know for a fact she had a lot of trouble back here in England .
tr	2	The army wives just wouldn 't accept her but she developed her own life .
tr	2	Dickie says she 's some sort of ' master ' or something .
tr	2	You remember when you were looking at that stuff in the ' museum ' ?
tr	2	She looked up at David and frowned , phone to her ear .
tr	2	she asked , " I 'd much prefer to come to the house .
tr	2	She was not able to add anything to what they already knew .
tr	2	" Yes but what 's that got to do with anything ? "
tr	2	She sat opposite David and George in an alcove in the snug .
tr	2	She woke in the morning not quite sure where she was for a moment .
tr	2	What had started out slow and gentle ended up rough but a good rough .
tr	2	The click of the door opening made her pull the comforter up to her chin .
tr	2	She walked into the breakfast room while George was feeding the dogs .
tr	2	She started to blush heavily with embarrassment and turned back towards the door .
tr	2	They talked for a while about the Brunei business and their involvement with Brunei Shell .
tr	2	The company seems to be concerned about terrorist incursions but more the possibility of kidnap .
tr	2	Shouldn 't be a problem though , after all they 're all in this together !
tr	2	She 's part of the investigatory team concerning Harry and Peter . "
tr	2	" Tell me what you know about Gema Mason , Robbie " asked Jennie .
tr	2	" Do you want the short or the long of it Jennie ? "
tr	2	She was over here with her daughter not so long ago you know .
tr	2	Yep she 's tough alright ... ... still very much at home in the jungle .
tr	2	Just traditional blankets and prayer mats ... ... stuff like that . "
tr	2	George continued his conversation for another few minutes , most of it business .
tr	2	I guess what I 'm saying is ... ... watch your back ! "
tr	2	* George sat on the oak bench in the old church yard .
tr	2	The sun was still warm although you could tell it was autumn already ... . .
tr	2	Looking around he marveled at how time seemed to stand still in this place .
tr	2	He sat on the bench , elbows on his knees , deep in thought .
tr	2	He sat up straight as though he 'd just made a decision .
tr	2	" Judy ... it 's time for me to move on now .
tr	2	We trusted each other implicitly and often placed our lives in each other 's hands .
tr	2	He stood up and nodded as though a weight had been lifted off his chest .
tr	2	The village that slowly developed around this market became known as Market Drayton .
tr	2	Our most successful charity is the collection of Christmas gifts for the needy .
tr	2	St. Mary 's not being in the center of town was a distinct advantage .
tr	2	They were dressed for the outing , boots , parkas , thick winter gloves .
tr	2	" It 's years since I chopped down a Christmas tree . "
tr	2	" fact is I haven 't done it since Judy died . "
tr	2	He stopped , put down the chain saw and pulled her close to him .
tr	2	He looked into her eyes and kissed her on the end of the nose .
tr	2	Jennie thought a change of tactics might do the trick with this lady .
tr	2	" It was Mrs. Mason that gave me the job , " she said quietly .
tr	2	" So , George , who 's coming over for Xmas ? "
tr	2	It 's as though she doesn 't quite know where she belongs .
tr	2	Paddy knew this from the tour guide , not that he really gave a shit .
tr	2	Looking around he could see that it was not like the summer .
tr	2	He knew they were there but that they had been instructed to remain unobtrusive .
tr	2	Each one knew his job and they wouldn 't be coming together until the Friday .
tr	2	As Quartermaster Sergeant he had a lot of contact with local suppliers .
tr	2	These were loaned annually to St. Mary 's church for the collection of Christmas toys .
tr	2	Paddy glanced at the full laundry hampers and decided it was time .
tr	2	He buried these also topping up the cart with toys from the other four .
tr	2	With a ' Merry Xmas ' he climbed back into the cab and drove away .
tr	2	If it 's that bad why don 't they just split up , period ? "
tr	2	Frank Jennings sat in his black van behind St. Mary 's church .
tr	2	He couldn 't run the engine in case it was noticed ... . .
tr	2	The room looked new and was obviously part of a recent addition .
tr	2	He retraced his steps back into the kitchen and tried the other door .
tr	2	Rows of tables and chairs set up for informal gatherings and for feeding the needy .
tr	2	The weapons themselves didn 't take long at all and weren 't particularly heavy .
tr	2	Five thousand rounds took him over a dozen trips to the truck .
tr	2	He left no sign that anyone had even been in the Church that night .
tr	2	It was scheduled to stay this way until after the New Year .
tr	2	They were both dressed entirely in black their heads and faces covered in black balaclavas .
tr	2	Both were carrying back packs and Uzi sub machine guns strapped across their chests .
tr	2	Paddy looked at the clock yet again , the hands had hardly moved .
tr	2	One man jumped out with cable cutters and joined the other two in the building .
tr	2	The fourth turned the van around and opened up the back doors .
tr	2	They had four minutes to get out as much as they could carry .
tr	2	It took over an hour for the quick response team to arrive from Hereford .
tr	2	By the time the protocols had all been followed the six were long gone .
tr	2	I want to know exactly what 's missing including the serial numbers . "
tr	2	He had read the initial reports on the attack sketchy though they were . "
tr	2	Let 's look at what we actually know , " he said quietly .
tr	2	We will go down that road for the time being at least . "
tr	2	" I knew you 'd have your uses , " he said .
tr	2	They pulled up in front of an old farm house , surrounded by trees .
tr	2	Bit too isolated for me ... ... but it has its uses . "
tr	2	The one with the gun took off his parka and poured three mugs of tea .
tr	2	" No need to be rude old boy , " again the cultured one .
tr	2	" Go fuck yourself , " said John straining at the ties .
tr	2	They sat around for quite a while enjoying the tea and biscuits .
tr	2	Jimmy took a notebook out of his jacket pocket and an old fashioned fountain pen .
tr	2	" Go fuck yourself , " said John , sweat shining on his forehead .
tr	2	" Pick him up there 's a good chap , " said Jimmy quietly .
tr	2	" You might as well kill me now , " he whispered .
tr	2	Again the gun roared out , the kneecap visibly shattering in front of them .
tr	2	The kitchen lights were dazzling above him , the windows dark with the coming night .
tr	2	We 've done this before , you 're not going to die .
tr	2	~ ~ ~ Chapter 26 Was the night before Christmas ... . .
tr	2	The attack on Tern Hill had been relegated to the third page in The Times .
tr	2	Speculation was rife concerning the circumstances although details were sparse to say the least .
tr	2	His greatest concern was that this had something to do with Jennings .
tr	2	He had never felt this exposed , after all two troopers had been killed .
tr	2	If to China , same thing ... ... he wouldn 't live too long .
tr	2	His papers were false and wouldn 't stand the type of scrutiny that deportation demanded .
tr	2	Perhaps a light lunch and a good bottle of wine would settle his nerves .
tr	2	* It was exactly a week since the attack on Clive Barracks .
tr	2	He could hear footsteps behind him , somebody younger , faster catching him up .
tr	2	A jogger ... ... no , more of a runner went past him .
tr	2	He turned down towards the canal , his favorite part of the run .
tr	2	He was running a little easier now ... ... must have got his second wind .
tr	2	He ran by a line of canal boats all tucked up for the winter .
tr	2	This is where he could cross the canal and jog down the other side .
tr	2	He felt the cold water close over him as he slipped under the surface .
tr	2	His whole chest was numb ... ... he couldn 't feel anything .
tr	2	" It 's Frank , " the voice in his ear replied .
tr	2	" Don 't worry Tony , I 'm calling from a call box . "
tr	2	When Tony rang off he didn 't notice the other gentleman check his watch .
tr	2	" Well , " he said " lots of activity in the last few days .
tr	2	We know they 're meeting on Monday so that 's when we 'll take them .
tr	2	The Commander took a sip of his drink and looked over at George .
tr	2	" George I assume your people have located all the Irishmen ? "
tr	2	The last thing we need is some innocent to get caught up in it !
tr	2	OK , here 's how I propose we go about this . "
tr	2	The Commander stood up and started to walk about the room lost in thought .
tr	2	Just make sure that your guys keep a low profile ... ... . .
tr	2	As soon as we have him in his new home we 'll be in touch .
tr	2	I 'd like to leave everything until after Christmas if that 's possible .
tr	2	By the time they get Tony Wei locked up it 'll be Christmas Eve .
tr	2	There 's also a bit of a turn up for the book ... ... . .
tr	2	I don 't know how Dick feels about that , he might not even know .
tr	2	Jennings hadn 't even left for London yet so there was plenty of time .
tr	2	David dialed the direct line to the Lieutenant he had met up at Clive Barracks .
tr	2	He looked at the wall clock , " Jennings should be leaving soon .
tr	2	should bring them all up to London , puts the pressure on .
tr	2	Jennings is on the move now and should arrive in about ninety minutes .
tr	2	We 're an eight man team plus the two of us in here .
tr	2	" Just keep them all alive if possible ... ... anything to add Major ? "
tr	2	" Once they 're in custody where are we taking them ? "
tr	2	You and I will take him , that OK with you David ? "
tr	2	" Jennings is about ten minutes out , " said the Captain tersely .
tr	2	It was impossible to see inside from the camera placed across the street .
tr	2	There were ten cardboard boxes of average size followed by four large wooden crates .
tr	2	In the distance the sirens as the London Police blocked off the side street .
tr	2	Two men were kneeling on the concrete floor hands tied behind them with plastic ties .
tr	2	said the Commander , nodding at the pile of boxes and crates .
tr	2	David took out his pocket knife and sliced open one of the cardboard boxes .
tr	2	He pulled off the cardboard box to reveal a military looked ammunition box .
tr	2	David lifted out one of the machine guns and reeled off the serial number .
tr	2	The Commander walked over to the two men kneeling on the floor .
tr	2	" These are some of the weapons stolen from Clive Barracks recently .
tr	2	fly that close to the sun ... ... ... ... ... Icarus I believe . "
tr	2	" Firstly we have to commend everyone for a job well done .
tr	2	other than the Chinaman 's driver ... ... couldn 't be helped .
tr	2	Avi and his group , plus the eight illegals , are all in custody .
tr	2	Jennings is sitting in Brixton Prison and Tony Wei is in a safe house .
tr	2	" Any objections to me coming up to London on Friday as well ? "
tr	2	asked George over the phone , " I might be of some help there . "
tr	2	It lay on the pine trees and fields like a great white , fluffy blanket .
tr	2	It all seemed so far away from what she did for a living ... ... .
tr	2	measured strides down the hallway and the two men walked into the room .
tr	2	He was a huge man , in his forties now but still lean and hard .
tr	2	He 'd shaved off his beard and was deeply tanned from the Brunei sun .
tr	2	He made George appear small yet George himself was well over six feet .
tr	2	The two of them were obviously more than just comfortable in each other 's presence .
tr	2	he asked almost to himself , " what the hell is going on here ? "
tr	2	He won 't take this thing with Harry and Peter lying down you know .
tr	2	Many of them would not know what to do , you know , after retirement .
tr	2	Life after Special Forces can be hard for many of them ... ... me included .
tr	2	You get used to the camaraderie ... ... ... the living on the edge .
tr	2	He 's done extremely well for himself and can afford just about anything he wants .
tr	2	" So what have you guys been talking about behind my back ? "
tr	2	that 's the Border Scout I was telling you about Jennie ... . .
tr	2	She must have a museum like yours George , " he said jokingly .
tr	2	What 's curious is that she never lets anyone in there ... ... .
tr	2	Everyone should show up around lunchtime and dinner should be around four I think . "
tr	2	Good bonus this year too , they 're on the company payroll of course . "
tr	2	it 's the real thing and has a terrific edge on it . "
tr	2	George and Robbie manhandled the carton out into the middle of the floor .
tr	2	" It 's beautiful George but how can I possibly accept it .
tr	2	Ye can try it out on that machine you bought for him . "
tr	2	Jennie got up and picked up the phone on the side table .
tr	2	She sat for a few minutes , gazing into the fire thinking .
tr	2	George got up , poked the fire and put on another log .
tr	2	so it can 't be anyone we 've had our eyes on . "
tr	2	Merry Christmas darling , " George was standing in the doorway leaning on the frame .
tr	2	" Merry Christmas , " he boomed as he stepped into the room .
tr	2	He picked up his glass and offered a toast " Merry Christmas everyone . "
tr	2	he 's a hard man but loves horses , " he added laughing .
tr	2	Roast turkey , a separate pan of walnut stuffing , bread pudding .
tr	2	Robbie eyed the two from where he was standing in front of the fire .
tr	2	It was years since he had seen Gema and Wendy he 'd never actually met .
tr	2	Her figure looked the same as it had all those years ago ... ... .
tr	2	In her heels she had to be well over six feet towering over her mother .
tr	2	I 've known your mother for over twenty years now ... ... .
tr	2	He had to lean right over to kiss her on the cheek .
tr	2	Gema whispered and turned away to be introduced to David and Pauline .
tr	2	Apparently she 's been to Indonesia several times recently hence the tan .
tr	2	David says she 's taking a bit of time off from Cambridge .
tr	2	she said , trying to ignore the effect George 's hand was having on her .
tr	2	Both her and Gema seemed to spend a lot of time talking with Robbie .
tr	2	Did you notice how quiet they both were when we went into the museum .
tr	2	" You 're not wearing a tee shirt , " he whispered .
tr	2	They sat around the kitchen table fresh mugs of tea in their hands .
tr	2	I 'll fill you all in after you 've all made yourself at home here .
tr	2	Robbie McElroy will be second in command as long as he is here .
tr	2	Probably have a line-up of fellas wanting to come , anything else ? " "
tr	2	" Might be overkill but , like I said , better safe than sorry .
tr	2	Terry I want you to keep an eye out now until Jimmy shows up .
tr	2	They walked back to the house in silence each lost in his own thoughts .
tr	2	Back at the house George and Robbie went back to the museum .
tr	2	He was kneeling on the floor , twiddling the dial , unlocking the safe door .
tr	2	" You might want to keep that in your room while you 're here . "
tr	2	He tucked the SIG into his belt at his back , under his sweater .
tr	2	There was a bench , snow covered now , at right angles to the gravesite .
tr	2	" I came and sat on this bench just about every week for years ... .
tr	2	In some ways you are alike , in most you are different .
tr	2	Jennie took his hand and turned to him , tears shining in her eyes .
tr	2	As predicted the Land Rover took the road conditions in its stride .
tr	2	Driving up the High Road towards Barnet George turned the radio off .
tr	2	they 'll be working within the law and staying within the confines of the property .
tr	2	Jennie turned towards him her arm over the back of the seat .
tr	2	At this stage of the game I 'd much rather be safe than sorry .
tr	2	Of course I could also be totally wrong and I hope I am . "
tr	2	" There are certain criteria but that 's what makes them attractive on the market .
tr	2	a pleasant female voice from the intercom speaker to the side of the door .
tr	2	The door silently closed behind them and self locked with an audible set of clicks .
tr	2	she asked politely , " put them on the desk in front of me . "
tr	2	" Two of you are armed , " she said smiling , Jennie looked shocked .
tr	2	I 'm not sure exactly where to start as there is so much .
tr	2	Suffice it to say we have enough to put you away for several lifetimes .
tr	2	" Our interest is the murders of Harry Downer and Peter Brenner . "
tr	2	We 'd be better to simply hand you over to the Chinese .
tr	2	After Tony had sat down George fiddled around with the back of the little camera .
tr	2	" Look at this , " he said " bloody amazing ... ... .
tr	2	He showed them the little screen at the back of the camera .
tr	2	" See those are the pics I just took ... ... . .
tr	2	She 'll be in Hereford all this week as will David ... ... .
tr	2	Robbie stretched his long legs and took a pull of his beer .
tr	2	" I think I should stay here until next week ... ... ... ... .
tr	2	Right now the less anyone knows the better ... ... ... ... . .
tr	2	No one really ... ... ... certainly not his old army buddies .
tr	2	His world seemed to be shrinking to the confines of the house .
tr	2	He was scheduled to be going into work but hadn 't bothered .
tr	2	He needed a shave and a shower but couldn 't be bothered .
tr	2	He found himself in his bedroom looking into his full length dressing mirror .
tr	2	He remembered that day on the beach with Gema so many years ago .
tr	2	He took down a suit bag , laid it on the bed and unzipped it .
tr	2	Inside the bag his dress blues , the dress uniform of the Parachute Regiment .
tr	2	The two rows of theatre ribbons looked colorful against the dark blue background .
tr	2	Quickly the image faded to be replaced with nothing to be liked .
tr	2	He found photos of Gema and himself taken in and around Kuching .
tr	2	Some of the bluing was worn where it had rubbed for years in the holster .
tr	2	He worked the slider ... ... it still operated with a satisfying click .
tr	2	They had installed a series of sensors in the woods surrounding the property .
tr	2	They were sited in such a way that progress could be recorded .
tr	2	He quickly dressed , put on a white camouflage suit and balaclava .
tr	2	It had snowed again , lying on the ground muffling any sounds he might make .
tr	2	He stopped , motionless , every ten paces or so ... . .
tr	2	There were boot prints leading away to the east following the line of the fence .
tr	2	He remembered wondering why he hadn 't heard anything before the blackness overcame him .
tr	2	Rather than drive home to Eaton Bishop George had stayed over at Jennie 's .
tr	2	He wanted to see Dick to warn him of what his intuition was telling him .
tr	2	The room was being kept empty as the coroner had not yet arrived .
tr	2	Jennie looked carefully at the scene trying to analyze exactly what had happened .
tr	2	He 'd taken off the maroon beret and left it on the coffee table .
tr	2	She called the station on Bath St. and explained the situation to David .
tr	2	It certainly looks like a suicide but we can 't be sure . "
tr	2	" When did you last see Mrs. Mason and her daughter ? "
tr	2	The coroner 's van pulled into the yard followed by the crime scene investigation unit .
tr	2	She struggled to get the sight of Dick Mason out of her mind .
tr	2	" How desperate do you have to be to take your own life ?
tr	2	" Nothing yet but the Commander is on the job ... ... . .
tr	2	You coming with me Jen or are you staying in Hereford ? "
tr	2	he slid the transmission into four wheeled drive as the snow built on the road .
tr	2	He was looking forward to putting his feet up and spending time with his dogs .
tr	2	Robbie asked , " we 've been trying to find you for a while . "
tr	2	" I had my phone off for a while Rob ... ... .
tr	2	Nasty bruise on the side of his head but he 's a tough old bastard .
tr	2	I was in ' B ' troop in the ' Regiment ' . "
tr	2	" Some bastard jumped me in the woods down by the paddock ... . .
tr	2	" OK ... ... you stay where you are at least until tomorrow .
tr	2	They are applied at different stages of their lives and are a status symbol .
tr	2	Apparently the problem is not with the oil company itself but more with the Sultan .
tr	2	you 've played golf with him after all ... ... maybe you can convince him .
tr	2	I think he 's more worried about the optics of it . "
tr	2	Jennie 's taken over the investigation because of his links to the other guys . "
tr	2	" What the hell is going on here , " he said thickly .
tr	2	Winter had now set in with a vengeance , unusual for Herefordshire .
tr	2	The old timers said it reminded them of the winter of forty seven .
tr	2	The old house had become a home away from home for her .
tr	2	He and Margaret had moved back into the Lodge down by the estate entrance .
tr	2	Either she 's no intention of coming back or she doesn 't know when . "
tr	2	Sitting in the living room she looked around startled by what she saw .
tr	2	before Gema could answer she continued , " let me help you out a bit .
tr	2	" No ... nothing of the sort , why would I do that ?
tr	2	When would be convenient for you , how 's tomorrow morning first thing ? "
tr	2	She 'd immediately called George on getting back to the office and was almost shouting .
tr	2	Her hair was short but auburn not black like her mother 's .
tr	2	The air was full of lively chatter mostly in Malay ... . .
tr	2	' Airport Arrivals ' always seems to be such a happy place she thought .
tr	2	" Radisson Brunei please , " she said as she settled into the back seat .
tr	2	It was still not yet lunchtime as the flight from Malaya had not taken long .
tr	2	The phone was answered by a woman with a Scottish burr to her voice .
tr	2	" I 'm so sorry but Mr. McElroy is out of the country just now .
tr	2	We don 't expect him back for another week or so . "
tr	2	He was originally scheduled to be back by now but he got held up .
tr	2	I apologize , is there anything I can do to help you ? "
tr	2	I have no other reason to be here in Brunei other than to see him .
tr	2	I have often wondered about that after that first time with Gema .
tr	2	I never met your father although I have heard of him of course .
tr	2	He got me an Indonesian passport and brought me to Brunei ... . .
tr	2	I attend the dojo three times a week and enter into combat .
tr	2	It is my heritage as it is my mother 's and all our forbears . "
tr	2	The weather still comes rolling in from the grey Atlantic and over the Welsh Hills .
tr	2	grey weather , grey buildings , grey people even her mood was grey .
tr	2	Now she wished she 'd paid a little more attention to them at Georges .
tr	2	she asked , " for that matter what am I doing here too ? "
tr	2	" Thought you might like a friendly face , " he said laughingly .
tr	2	Nothing to be afraid of just be sure not to drink the coffee ... . .
tr	2	In our line of work it is hard to accept coincidences on face value .
tr	2	All three were murdered under unusual circumstances which we are unable to divulge to you .
tr	2	" I will have no part in this , I 'm leaving now .
tr	2	If you wish to speak to me in the future please speak to my solicitor .
tr	2	Jennie stood up and took up a position in front of the door .
tr	2	She 'll be going up to Cambridge in September to read Asian Studies .
tr	2	" I don 't understand the relevance of that question , " she retorted .
tr	2	" I think it 's common knowledge in this room that we were estranged .
tr	2	We hadn 't lived together as man and wife for a long time .
tr	2	He had a hard time with his retirement and was severely depressed .
tr	2	He was on medication as I 'm sure you 'll find out . "
tr	2	They are added to as life progresses , as achievements are made .
tr	2	Many men would be covered from head to toe particularly in the old days .
tr	2	They vary from tribe to tribe , clan to clan and family to family . "
tr	2	" The coroner still has not made a determination concerning Dickie 's death Gema .
tr	2	In fact they 'll be there by the time you get home .
tr	2	Sorry for the inconvenience as they 'll be looking in every nook and cranny .
tr	2	Do you have anywhere else to stay for a short time ? "
tr	2	" I could stay at Wendy 's flat in London for a few days .
tr	2	Do me good to get away from here for a while anyway . "
tr	2	She was in easy sight now and seemed to be heading home .
tr	2	She 's very bright , speaks five languages fluently and is as hard as nails .
tr	2	Apparently it 's very old , originated in the fifth or sixth century .
tr	2	Like I said I really wouldn 't like to take her on . "
tr	2	I think for the time being I 'll keep Robbie in England .
tr	2	Your forensic van was at the house so they 'll be starting now .
tr	2	A couple of uniforms were meeting her there to give her a hand .
tr	2	There was no room to park in the Mason 's cobbled yard .
tr	2	He entered into a tastefully furnished entrance hallway with a distinct oriental feel to it .
tr	2	" Through that door in the main room Sir , " she answered .
tr	2	" I told you what it was like George didn 't I ? "
tr	2	The room was at least fifty feet long and perhaps half of that wide .
tr	2	Certainly not out of place in Indonesia , I 've seen them myself ... .
tr	2	I would probably feel the same , why are you here anyway ? "
tr	2	" I had a bit of a brainstorm on the way home .
tr	2	She looked up , " I thought you were my friend George .
tr	2	What I do believe is that you can help us clear up this mess .
tr	2	She didn 't cry , her face remaining expressionless staring out of the window .
tr	2	George could see her reflection as it started to get dark outside .
tr	2	he thought , " she 's part jungle animal and part professional interpreter .
tr	2	She had to be forty five but didn 't look a day over thirty .
tr	2	Her face was calm but she seemed tense like a coiled spring .
tr	2	We think he 's some sort of " sleeper " attached to the Chinese .
tr	2	I told him , to his face , I thought he was Indonesian . "
tr	2	" You going to stay in town or come out to Eaton Bishop ? "
tr	2	" I thought you hadn 't finished the search of the Mason 's yet ? "
tr	2	He thought for a moment , " you ever been to Brecon ?
tr	2	The village has a military history which is why I know it so well .
tr	2	The weather at this time of year can change in a heartbeat .
tr	2	" Hang on a minute George my phone 's going , no bloody peace ! "
tr	2	" Hi it 's David , where the hell are you ? "
tr	2	One of the uniforms found something tying Gema Mason to Brenner and Downer .
tr	2	David had in front of him an old , legal sized envelope .
tr	2	Written on the front in faded ink were the words ' Sarawak 1965 . '
tr	2	We had received a report that a massacre had occurred , probably the Indonesians .
tr	2	Most of the photos were taken from the air as you can see .
tr	2	The close up photos on the ground , were taken by myself .
tr	2	The spent shells in the photos were 5.56 mil and had obviously been left deliberately .
tr	2	The photo of Brenner and Downer standing over their grave was taken by me .
tr	2	I remember that the propaganda was disseminated via a newspaper controlled by the Indonesians .
tr	2	I can only assume that Dickie kept these photos and Gema found them .
tr	2	" George would she have known who comprised the rest of the team ? "
tr	2	We have eyes on her constantly plus her phones and mobile are monitored . "
tr	2	As I sit here looking at these photos there is another common denominator ... .
tr	2	They all look similar to me , must be more than pure coincidence .
tr	2	The Commander stood up and looked more closely at the photos on the wall .
tr	2	She is also a Grand Master in Silat a deadly form of martial arts .
tr	2	Go and have a look in her flat if you want some insight into that .
tr	2	She was brought up on stories of tribal battles and clan feuds .
tr	2	You should have seen him the first time we took him up in a helicopter .
tr	2	The jangling of the phone brought everyone upright tipping Jen onto the floor .
tr	2	" You pick it up Robbie ... it 's probably Bandar . "
tr	2	Robbie then spoke more with Mrs. McDonald and gave her some instructions .
tr	2	He finally hung up the receiver and poured himself another measure of his favorite .
tr	2	I told him there was no problem but to just go ahead .
tr	2	He 's really upset that 's why I was so long on the phone .
tr	2	Apparently she was in to see me not realizing I was still in England .
tr	2	Rafferty was circling the block impatiently waiting for a parking spot to open up .
tr	2	She could 've walked out of the back door for all I know . "
tr	2	They must be following me ... but why go to the trouble ?
tr	2	" Of course anything I can do to help , " she answered .
tr	2	" Why don 't I pick you up in the morning then ? "
tr	2	She assumed she was being followed but was not able to make anyone out particularly .
tr	2	She walked over to the Hertz desk and rented a compact Fiesta .
tr	2	She had no choice but to use her real identity plus a credit card .
tr	2	He almost didn 't recognize her when she walked out of the Tube station .
tr	2	The next sequence they had played at least ten times as it happened so quickly .
tr	2	They could see her mouth some words as there was no audio .
tr	2	She knew we would see the tapes ... ... ... she looks almost apologetic . "
tr	2	" The question is ... where the hell did she go ... and why ?
tr	2	Pulling into the ' short stay ' she parked close to her rental Fiesta .
tr	2	If you try to get out of the car I will shoot you .
tr	2	If you try to get anyone 's attention I will shoot you .
tr	2	* There was little point in either George or Jennie staying in London .
tr	2	They were back in their favorite room with Robbie and the dogs .
tr	2	When David shows up I 'll have him talk to the Commander .
tr	2	Frankly I would feel a lot better about things if you stayed down here . "
tr	2	We have to assume she killed Harry and Peter because of the photo she found .
tr	2	Now she 's in the wind and knows she 's been on camera .
tr	2	Nothing to lose really , mission accomplished ... ... ... ... almost . "
tr	2	She killed two people almost effortlessly and she might be coming here . "
tr	2	We have around us some of the best fighting men in the world .
tr	2	One thing 's for sure ... nothing 's ever scared him . "
tr	2	Eventually she turned south on the Banbury Road with only another twenty minutes to go .
tr	2	It was by now completely dark with thick cloud cover , which suited her purpose .
tr	2	You will sit quietly in that seat until I tell you to move .
tr	2	Pulling a kitchen chair out from under the table she made him sit down .
tr	2	Leaning against the kitchen counter she threw two plastic ties into his lap .
tr	2	" Tie your ankles to the chair legs , " she said conversationally .
tr	2	" Do it yourself bitch , " he hissed at her in Malay .
tr	2	" At least you 've answered one question for me , " she said .
tr	2	The chair and Tony crashed to the floor accompanied by his yell of pain .
tr	2	" Please get up and tie your ankles to the chair legs Tony ... .
tr	2	" There 's a good boy , " as he did as he was told .
tr	2	She pulled the table out of the way and spread the tarp on the floor .
tr	2	With difficulty she heaved Tony on the chair into the centre of the tarp .
tr	2	Now we 'll have some tea , we 've had a rather exciting day . "
tr	2	They found my car and the keys up in Barnet in the Tube Parking .
tr	2	* Gema spent the night in the kitchen wide awake exerting mind over matter .
tr	2	She held her gloved hands , palms together and continued to pray .
tr	2	She moved out of his line of sight and he could hear the rustling .
tr	2	When she came back in front of him she was quite naked .
tr	2	He couldn 't help but gasp at the sight of her magnificent body .
tr	2	He could almost hear the drum that was obviously sounding in her head .
tr	2	He had refused anything to eat and the stink of fear was around him .
tr	2	I have brought myself peace concerning the other people in the photographs .
tr	2	Only someone that ' knew ' could guide them up the river .
tr	2	That question was answered the moment I saw the photograph of your hands .
tr	2	That is me my brother , thanks to your dishonor I am your only relative !
tr	2	The parang whistled through the air , a silver blur in the darkened room .
tr	2	Blood spurted up out of his neck to be caught by the tarp .
tr	2	Now what will be will be , it doesn 't matter anymore . "
tr	2	" Should we give her the opportunity to come out quietly ? "
tr	2	said George , " or do we just go in guns blazing ? "
tr	2	We 're outside ... Robbie , David , myself and a complete SAS team .
tr	2	The scene upon entering the flat would be seared on his brain .
tr	2	The magnificent room was softly lit by the lamps in the corners .
tr	2	The expanse of teak floor gleamed like it had been recently oiled .
tr	2	The small wooden bowl was back in place as was the little black drumstick .
tr	2	She had placed the pistol in her mouth and pulled the trigger .
tr	2	So it 'll be back to business as usual I think . "
tr	2	She got up off the couch , poked the fire and threw on another log .
tr	2	" I was going to talk to you about that , " he said .
tr	2	" Seriously , " he said , " will you marry me , Jen ?
tr	2	" There 's someone I would have to ask first , " she said .
tr	2	" Sounds fun to me Georgie , haven 't been there in years .
tr	2	Maybe we could do that little run down by the waterfall ? "
tr	2	The river and streams were high as the spring runoff had begun .
tr	2	They maintained an easy pace running easily along the well worn path .
tr	2	Slowly the silence was broken by the roar of the waterfall in full flood .
tr	2	Robbie felt a stitch coming on and slowed watching George move further ahead .
tr	2	The pain of the stitch bent him over as he came to a standstill .
tr	2	He looked at it in amazement and tried to call out to George .
tr	2	He quietly approached the two , his runners quiet on the trail .
tr	2	He couldn 't get his breath , his whole chest felt paralyzed .
tr	2	The attacker was tall and seemed to be just standing there appraising him .
tr	2	She reached up and pulled the balaclava off her head exposing her auburn hair .
tr	2	He thought of Jen and his dogs and knew he would never see them again .
tr	2	He looked back at Robbie crumpled in the middle of the path .
tr	2	at least the sun was shining and he could hear the blackbirds .
tr	2	He 's enjoyed dogs , horses and sailed boats all over the world .
tr	2	This e book may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	Especially Ena Murray a well known South African writer through my growing years .
tr	2	The gentle giant gazed at her with so much love and adoration .
tr	2	His lustful eyes raked over me and I felt violated by this act .
tr	2	The look of disdain from the captain towards the blond sailor was undeniably menacing .
tr	2	She brushed the dark locks of her daughter and kissed the rosy cheeks .
tr	2	The chatter of the little girl was interesting to say the least .
tr	2	She was not happy , even if she was married to the rich merchant .
tr	2	How could she be married to that scoundrel , who was so far beneath her ?
tr	2	How many times have I wished for a wife and child of my own ?
tr	2	She touched a very deep desire for a family of my own .
tr	2	† † † September 13 , 1621 Again we spent time with Cisco today .
tr	2	At first he was reluctant to encourage her , tending to his work at hand .
tr	2	I can see she is interested as well but this could never be .
tr	2	I should work on the mast where the little girl cannot find me .
tr	2	† † † September 15 , 1621 Cisco was on the mast today .
tr	2	Even when she called out to him he did not look at her .
tr	2	I was uneasy at her common flirting with them while we talked .
tr	2	In the future I will be careful of her and the company she keeps .
tr	2	† † † September 16 , 1621 I bumped into the lady today .
tr	2	For a few seconds I could only enjoy the lady in my arms .
tr	2	I will have to work harder to avoid her as much as possible .
tr	2	† † † September 17 , 1621 What is that woman up to ?
tr	2	Then I saw the pleading in Cisco 's eyes before he looked away .
tr	2	I am a lady of noble birth , my upbringing beyond reproach .
tr	2	I saw the disappointment , the hurt on the lady 's face .
tr	2	† † † September 19 , 1621 Today was an unpleasant day on the ship .
tr	2	I wanted to offer him water at least but another sailor stopped me .
tr	2	I had to , before I would finally let go of him .
tr	2	I begged him to kiss me and at first he was hesitant .
tr	2	His breath was warm on my face as his eyes raked over mine .
tr	2	He did not conceal the look of love as he whispered my name .
tr	2	The emotion swept me from my feet , but I was not startled about it .
tr	2	That was the most pleasurable wonderful thing that has ever happened to me .
tr	2	I can still feel them around me ; still feel the touch of his lips .
tr	2	She refused to let go , even with gentle urging from him .
tr	2	When I finally did get her away I pleaded for Cisco 's life .
tr	2	I was sure the vicious man was going to do something to him .
tr	2	But when I tried to get Cisco 's attention he refused to look at me .
tr	2	Alfonso came and helped me with her and led me to our cabin .
tr	2	Cisco disappeared and Faro went back to the Captain 's cabin , no doubt .
tr	2	One woman , robust and ample in her curves , sneered at me today .
tr	2	High and mighty , she looked down at me as if I am beneath her .
tr	2	She reeked of alcohol and tobacco , Faro 's favorite vices besides women .
tr	2	† † † September 22 , 1621 I cannot believe what I saw today .
tr	2	When I wanted to go to him the captain refused my request .
tr	2	How can I sit here and know that he is in pain ?
tr	2	† † † September 23 , 1621 Finally Alfonso managed to get me to Cisco .
tr	2	For a long time I sat next to him and watched as he slept .
tr	2	Alfonso promised me he will stay close and let me know if anything changes .
tr	2	† † † September 26 , 1621 Today the sea was stormy .
tr	2	I could only see him for short intervals in the last few days .
tr	2	The motion of the ship where more fierce than what we are used to .
tr	2	It rolls from side to side , the upper decks swaying into the waves .
tr	2	As a Christmas gift I gave him full ownership of my estate .
tr	2	He had the same expression when we first arrived two days ago .
tr	2	His mind was stunned and dumbfounded at the magnitude of the riches he faced .
tr	2	He stood in the enormous foyer of the castle and gaped in awe .
tr	2	Fires were already laid all through the house , for which we were grateful .
tr	2	The staff had done a magnificent work in maintaining the place while we were gone .
tr	2	But the difference was she is used to these riches and he was not .
tr	2	He struggled for words this morning , but accepted the responsibilities as property owner .
tr	2	The country was in a transitional phase and landowners were often unfair dictators .
tr	2	But I knew he was wise and would treat his people with respect and kindness .
tr	2	Already he and Franco , the manager of the estate , have a close friendship .
tr	2	It took us a while to get him back in the house .
tr	2	† † † It was the year 1641 on the south coast of Portugal .
tr	2	The lone figure of a young woman looked over the vast blue sea .
tr	2	The foreboding feelings accumulated again within her heart , making her anxious and troubled .
tr	2	The leather-bound books were soft under her touch , the papers already yellowing .
tr	2	Their father had taught them all about the sea since they could understand and walk .
tr	2	He sent them on the ship for countless lessons ; lessons they never tired of .
tr	2	He inherited the love of the land and its people from his mother .
tr	2	At the tender age of eighteen , he was already a leader .
tr	2	Not knowing his whereabouts was difficult but they could only remain calm , waiting .
tr	2	It was faster and streamlined , not her father 's bulky merchant ship .
tr	2	The ensign on the top of the main mast certainly was her father 's crest .
tr	2	The months of waiting in anticipation of Pedro had been too long .
tr	2	" You will have to be very strong for your parents . "
tr	2	Looping her hand in his arm , she walked next to him , supporting him .
tr	2	Finally , standing before her father , he handed him a letter .
tr	2	With shaking hands he said , " Cisco , my dear friend . "
tr	2	" I don 't know how to give this news to you . "
tr	2	she cried out in distress , kneeling in front of him and spreading the jacket .
tr	2	His black pants were stained with blood , the metallic scent filling their noses .
tr	2	his piercing eyes dropped first to his friend 's leg then stared up at him .
tr	2	I don 't know if I will be able to tell you .
tr	2	" Yes , it is Pedro , and I hope he is still alive .
tr	2	When I left him at the Isle of Saint Marie , he was barely alive .
tr	2	Alfonso died trying to defend Pedro from being captured by the pirates . "
tr	2	When Franco called his name , his ears perked to full attention .
tr	2	The cloth fell on the floor and a dark stain formed , unnoticed .
tr	2	Otherwise you will not make the deadline , " Captain Jean gasped .
tr	2	" His second-in-command is his son , a ruthless and cunning man .
tr	2	Finally Cisco spoke , and the anger in his voice was unmistakable .
tr	2	They had not noticed him before now and swung toward the deep baritone voice .
tr	2	A scar ran from the corner of his left lip to his left eye .
tr	2	The deep ochre shade of those eyes made him look even more dangerous .
tr	2	For a moment , fear gripped her heart and her knees buckled .
tr	2	I am a land owner , married to the most beautiful woman in the world .
tr	2	She has blessed me since the moment she stepped in my life .
tr	2	Even when I walked through the valley of death and feared , You remained faithful .
tr	2	Cisco was like a child , riding his horse all over the place .
tr	2	Cisco , the man who always steps up when the situation calls for it .
tr	2	Jealous because he did not save everyone and the people admired Cisco .
tr	2	Cisco built us a hut to shelter us from the continuous rains .
tr	2	He was the one that made sure there was food enough for everyone .
tr	2	The people trusted him more and for that he was punished again .
tr	2	Again flogged like an animal when he shot a deer to feed the many mouths .
tr	2	Then at last he followed the familiar voice to his friend and family doctor .
tr	2	Cisco turned to Captain Jean , still holding his wife around the shoulders .
tr	2	She walked out , the anger she felt earlier building up inside of her .
tr	2	She was twenty-four years old and she knew how to defend herself .
tr	2	Her father had taught her the skill of the pistol and the sword .
tr	2	They had to know that they could count on her to bring Pedro back .
tr	2	† † † " Mother , Father , please let me go .
tr	2	Her father had refused to give in to the demands of the pirate .
tr	2	I have heard many things about this pirate and Isle of Saint Marie .
tr	2	" But Father , the letter states plainly that I must go .
tr	2	We must do as they say , else they will kill Pedro . "
tr	2	Finally , when it was already late that evening , Father reluctantly gave in .
tr	2	They had to give in to the demands of the pirate or lose their son .
tr	2	However , the thought of their daughter in the hands of those brutes terrified them .
tr	2	Cisco knew what they did to women , how they treated them .
tr	2	" Trust that what you have taught me will save me and Pedro . "
tr	2	Her eyes were wide with determination as she stepped closer to them .
tr	2	" I need to pack still , and it is late . "
tr	2	She handed her daughter petticoats to pack in and only sniffed few times .
tr	2	The abuse they had suffered under him had made him easy to forget .
tr	2	It took me awhile to calm her enough for her to realize we were safe .
tr	2	My heart ached for her and for what we were going through .
tr	2	The lack of food and the constant rain stalled us over and over .
tr	2	The man was more interested in the slave girls that travelled with us .
tr	2	The man was simply arrogant in his dealings , but those women loved him .
tr	2	She took everything with her head held high , a true lady to the bone .
tr	2	I swore to myself that I would keep her safe , protect her .
tr	2	I did not care what any one said as long as she was safe .
tr	2	Now , to have her in my arms every night is a blessing .
tr	2	I make love to her and she simply melts in my arms .
tr	2	There were days that I did not know how we got at a certain point .
tr	2	My body and soul were so tired for lack of everything basic .
tr	2	After two months we finally arrived in an empty stad , a town .
tr	2	Two days later when we found them we were charge with mutiny .
tr	2	It was the first time I saw Cisco completely lose his temper .
tr	2	He is a big man , taller and more bulky than most .
tr	2	From that day forward the Captain was not so hostile toward Cisco .
tr	2	She bravely smiled at her family and they held her for a moment in silence .
tr	2	Now they all had to believe that this voyage would not end in disaster .
tr	2	He looked menacing , unwavering in the same dark clothes of the previous day .
tr	2	She met his gaze in the same manner ; unwavering , defiant .
tr	2	She stepped away from her parents with anger still visible on her face .
tr	2	Wood creaking , the ship started to sail away from the harbour .
tr	2	" I will be your chamber boy for the duration of the trip .
tr	2	He could not be more than sixteen years old , very small in posture .
tr	2	Surprised at the richness she looked around and took in the sparse furniture .
tr	2	She expected a bunk , but finding a bed in there was so much better .
tr	2	He showed her a golden cord which hanged in the corner of the bed .
tr	2	He pointed out a door in the left corner of the cabin .
tr	2	Enrico nodded his head in understanding and walked out , closing the door behind him .
tr	2	Not suitable for a woman , but for this voyage it would do fine .
tr	2	She was busy brushing her long hair when she heard a knock .
tr	2	Thinking that it will be Enrico , she answered , " Please come in . "
tr	2	His voice cold , while his eyes took in the interior of the cabin .
tr	2	He nodded but she did not bother to turn around to notice .
tr	2	This man will learn that I am not very willing or easy to please .
tr	2	By late afternoon , she finally decided to call for him and pulled the cord .
tr	2	She had not eaten last night after the news they had received .
tr	2	Enrico kept his eyes cast down , not meeting her angry stare .
tr	2	" Point taken , but I am the captain , therefore my rules . "
tr	2	" Don 't know , but it will be interesting to see . "
tr	2	" She has a lot of spunk , " Pierre continued with a lopsided grin .
tr	2	Yes , she will do perfectly for all the plans I have for her .
tr	2	He would have to test her during the time they had on the open seas .
tr	2	The man is wild among the women , usually , taking what he wants .
tr	2	Something about little Pedro 's sister is of interest to the captain .
tr	2	It just may be the man has met his match with this young woman .
tr	2	Her eyes show how she feels and she is not afraid like most .
tr	2	No , this one is defiant , a real wild cat , as Roberto says .
tr	2	Yes , this will be an interesting time , with the stunning woman on board .
tr	2	And my dear wife -- how can I describe the love I feel for her ?
tr	2	My heart still jumps when she enters a room , still taking my breath away .
tr	2	Through all our trials He kept us healthy when people died around us like flies .
tr	2	When Cisco wanted to help me carry water for the sick I screamed at him .
tr	2	Kayla , of course , used this time to get to him , I thought .
tr	2	I trust him with everything because I know his love is unchanging .
tr	2	He fell in love with Kayla and they got married a month after us .
tr	2	While he poured the sparkling , clean water , she watched his every movement .
tr	2	He placed the water carafe back on the table and handed her the cup .
tr	2	She , however , did not notice the stare or the shift .
tr	2	He smiled at her when she finally let go of the glass .
tr	2	She felt sticky from the sea air , her hair hanging listless on her shoulders .
tr	2	" Thanks , Señor , " she said , a bit friendlier .
tr	2	She felt humiliated by the experience and she could see that he loved her discomfort .
tr	2	" It was a pleasure , " he said as she left .
tr	2	She could hear his laugh following her all the way to her door .
tr	2	Two hours later , she felt refreshed and clean , her skin soft and creamy .
tr	2	Walking to the bow , a man busy with ropes looked at her with interest .
tr	2	A light sea spray met her that was welcoming in the heat .
tr	2	He was a loving , gentle giant , and she loved him fiercely .
tr	2	Never once did she seek for his affection or love again throughout the voyage .
tr	2	Ever since her mother and he met , they had loved each other dearly .
tr	2	He had nothing to keep him busy except gambling with the sailors .
tr	2	She was happy on their estate , helping in the villa and in the village .
tr	2	Sadly , she wondered if she would ever set eyes on that place again .
tr	2	She remembered when Manuel and Pedro were born and how happy Mama and Papa were .
tr	2	But after their birth it disappeared , replaced by contentment and joy .
tr	2	Before their marriage her mother had been called an " ice queen . "
tr	2	He never gave in to the demanding men and she loved him even more .
tr	2	She acknowledged their gesture with a simple nod of the head and sat down .
tr	2	When she was almost done with the meal she heard the captain addressing her .
tr	2	There was a sadness on her face and Roberto wondered about it .
tr	2	He even imagined a few children running around , enjoying the fruit of his labour .
tr	2	Since he had seen her , he knew she would be the one .
tr	2	She would keep him on his toes but he would keep her in his arms .
tr	2	She would come alive , begging him to satisfy her every need .
tr	2	She would be a wild cat , and he could not wait to tame her .
tr	2	The life he led had been forced upon him at a very young age .
tr	2	It was the only way that he could help his parents and save the farm .
tr	2	From the life of a pirate he longed to go back to being a farmer .
tr	2	He only enjoyed them for a while and then threw them to his men .
tr	2	It left me sick to my stomach and brought back memories best forgotten .
tr	2	He learns fast and with Franco guiding him I know he can only succeed .
tr	2	We travelled for weeks by foot after we left yet another village .
tr	2	But the moment they left the fever once again swept through the group .
tr	2	Faro himself was on his last breath and during this time we made peace .
tr	2	My loyalty and love belonged to Cisco , but I was still married to Faro .
tr	2	He asked for forgiveness for the hard and cruel times I had endured under him .
tr	2	In a sense we made peace , but I could never love him .
tr	2	My beauty had faded , my skin was like sandpaper and darker than normal .
tr	2	He was rested , and very handsome in a new pair of clothing .
tr	2	But the moment he saw me , he wrapped me in his arms .
tr	2	I cried , not caring about the people and what they might say .
tr	2	He said that he would no longer stand in our way and gave his blessing .
tr	2	We did have a disagreement a few days later on our way to the fort .
tr	2	I was so weak I could not walk , my feet troubling me once again .
tr	2	In my frail and weak state I easily saw things differently than what they were .
tr	2	The fact that he asked her to walk with him shocked her the most .
tr	2	Only the sound of the ship breaking through the waters interrupted the silence .
tr	2	The few men that were on duty were quiet , nodding when they passed .
tr	2	If she did not know better , she would have thought that they were alone .
tr	2	" Please , tell me a story , " he repeated , looking at her .
tr	2	Deep in thought , she began to relate a story very familiar to her .
tr	2	" A horrific storm came up near the northeastern coast of Africa .
tr	2	He and my mother are inseparable , even to this day . "
tr	2	His hands clasped behind his back , he could hear her struggling for control .
tr	2	The stern and menacing look from the last three days had vanished .
tr	2	" Maybe one day you will meet a man like that as well . "
tr	2	" My name is Roberto , not Captain , " he said with a chuckle .
tr	2	" You confuse me Roberto , " she said , but with a grim smile .
tr	2	She removed her hand and abruptly said , " Good night Roberto . "
tr	2	I will have to find a way to get free and help my brother .
tr	2	My dreams have changed into reality and I can love and enjoy them every day .
tr	2	Cisco is a joy to watch as he carries the infant from room to room .
tr	2	All I remember was the continued effort to survive in an unkind and untamed wilderness .
tr	2	the call from the crow master resounded from the main mast four days later .
tr	2	Sails appeared on the horizon , coming closer with each passing hour .
tr	2	" They want permission to come on board , " the crow master yelled down .
tr	2	It seemed that he was a part of the crew , staring at his shoes .
tr	2	The tall man took the papers and inspected them , fingering the names listed .
tr	2	" What is wrong with the ship you plan to escort ? "
tr	2	Roberto only answered the necessary questions and did not offer any further details .
tr	2	They were alert , their gaze fixed on the ship in front of them .
tr	2	We will be off so that you can continue with your voyage . "
tr	2	Slowly he relaxed and Pierre gave the signal that they could continue .
tr	2	As he walked to his grand cabin Roberto was deep in thought .
tr	2	He could feel it , but he could not put his finger on it yet .
tr	2	" Not in her cabin , Captain , " Enrico replied cautiously .
tr	2	Enrico was clearly distracted and fearful fidgeting with his pants , his eyes down cast .
tr	2	But she would not listen to him and he could not lie to this man .
tr	2	The plates and glasses rattled and a bottle of wine toppled over .
tr	2	For this she will pay , " he said , seething and pacing the floor .
tr	2	It is a good thing that the moon is not shining tonight . "
tr	2	They fell back , keeping their distance with the crow master giving feedback every hour .
tr	2	† † † June 11 , 1624 Kayla came for a short visit .
tr	2	In Africa you learn to think on your feet and use the tools you have .
tr	2	All finesse and veneer is stripped away and all that is left is survival .
tr	2	You don 't think , you just act and hope it was the best thing .
tr	2	It was a glorious summer day and Cisco relaxed with the children .
tr	2	There was trouble with other land owners and they had held meetings the week before .
tr	2	It irritated him greatly since it took him away from his home and family .
tr	2	Also there were problems with the villagers he had to sort out .
tr	2	He took the job Cisco offered since he receives part of the profits as payment .
tr	2	Alfonso met a young woman in India that he brought with him .
tr	2	He is talking about marriage before he leaves in another two weeks .
tr	2	She loves Alfonso as much as he does her , which we are thankful for .
tr	2	Cisco said that Alfonso was shocked and turned his attentions away from any woman .
tr	2	The sounds and smells of people dying were embedded in our minds .
tr	2	With not much to do but hope that she would not betray them .
tr	2	" Never underestimate your enemy or a woman , " Falcon always said .
tr	2	Pierre tried to talk to him but Roberto was not in a conversational mood .
tr	2	" Roberto , don 't you think we must turn away ? "
tr	2	Roberto sat and ate his meal , tasting nothing of the delicious food .
tr	2	He listened to every argument his lieutenant had , and they made sense .
tr	2	But he could not leave her , even if she did betray them .
tr	2	He asked himself once again , would they treat her like the lady she is ?
tr	2	He wanted her back on the Contra O Vento , back with him .
tr	2	He was also in a place where he made decisions for them all .
tr	2	" I hear you Pierre , but we need to get her back .
tr	2	Her lanterns gave them enough light to follow and get as close as possible .
tr	2	Finally , after another hour of rowing , they reached the ship .
tr	2	When Roberto crawled over the railing onto the deck , all was quiet .
tr	2	Grey puffs released into the dark night air , away from the cabins .
tr	2	Their muscles were tired of the exercise but they forced themselves to move forward .
tr	2	They would have to move swiftly and not draw any attention toward themselves .
tr	2	I have a good idea where she will be , " Roberto whispered to Pierre .
tr	2	Some men were in a drunken stupor , others slept because of exhaustion .
tr	2	He made sure that his eyes were accustomed to the dark before he moved further .
tr	2	Something had to have spooked her to make her keep herself hidden .
tr	2	Startled at the hold on her mouth she awoke and recognized him .
tr	2	He looked around to make sure the sound did not attract any unwanted guests .
tr	2	Giving him a thumb up , he let Pierre know everything was okay .
tr	2	He could not speak to Pierre at this moment because they would attract attention .
tr	2	" Yes , I looked around while you were on the lower deck .
tr	2	Roberto watched the unconscious face , a very beautiful unconscious face sternly .
tr	2	Marriage is everything if you can share it with the one you love .
tr	2	I will take great care to give her the opportunity to meet such a man .
tr	2	Sometimes I have to remind him the child was only one this year .
tr	2	But he is convinced Manuel understands him and continues with the lessons .
tr	2	Men watched the procession as they walked down the main stairs to the lower deck .
tr	2	The captain of the vessel would have helped her unless something spooked her .
tr	2	The curve of her breasts was visible in perfect roundness under the shirt .
tr	2	His imagination was running wild with things he wanted to do to her .
tr	2	When daylight coloured the water he saw her stir in her sleep .
tr	2	He waited patiently for her to wake , the fear and anger still raging within .
tr	2	She lifted her head and looked straight at him , still in a daze .
tr	2	His menacing eyes piercing through her made her fearful of the man dressed in black .
tr	2	He was abrupt and rude as he barked at everyone coming into his view .
tr	2	" Captain , did you find the man you were looking for ? "
tr	2	Before she opened the door she had her knife in her hand .
tr	2	She was fearful of discovery and made sure she was well hidden .
tr	2	She could do nothing but wait once again for a moment to slip away .
tr	2	Enrico came into sight and offered her some water , helping her sip it .
tr	2	" Please , Roberto , I know I am at fault , but listen .
tr	2	" I am not interested in anything you have to say at the moment .
tr	2	He was the captain and he ran the ship as he saw fit .
tr	2	" Please , Roberto , I need to tell you something . "
tr	2	Pierre raised his voice to his captain and he raised a dark brow in question .
tr	2	She was scared , hanging between the men like a rag doll .
tr	2	She struggled again against the hands that held her in iron grips .
tr	2	Roberto gave the next command the moment they stepped up onto the upper deck .
tr	2	he barked the next order His men looked at him in horror .
tr	2	Yet they did as they were told , fearing the captain more at this point .
tr	2	The man looked at him and then at Pierre with beseeching eyes .
tr	2	This was a lady and you did not treat a lady like that .
tr	2	Roberto asked stoically , eyebrows raised , his hands on his hips .
tr	2	" She told me something that you need to know , Captain . "
tr	2	But no one did , the play before them capturing every harden sailor .
tr	2	Roberto bit hard down on his jaw ; he could not afford to be soft .
tr	2	She did not make a distress call because the men were looking for someone else .
tr	2	She was hiding , hoping to get away as soon as possible .
tr	2	He did not know how she felt but he could only guess .
tr	2	He held her closer to his hard body , feeling her stirring .
tr	2	Back in his cabin , he set her down in a leather chair .
tr	2	His eyes never left the small woman gripping the arms of the wooden arm rest .
tr	2	He did not know what to say , feeling small in her presence .
tr	2	When she lifted her eyes to glance at him , he could only see relief .
tr	2	In a softer tone he asked " Tell me what you have seen . "
tr	2	She had really thought that he was going to go through with his plan .
tr	2	Roberto had never made her feel like that , neither him nor his crew .
tr	2	When I reached the captain 's cabin , the substitute captain was fuming .
tr	2	The man was weak but remained calm under the distress he faced .
tr	2	Maybe you will get one hanging less for a good deed done . "
tr	2	" I like her , " Pierre said with a wide-open grin .
tr	2	" No , but I am sure we can come up with something . "
tr	2	" You do realize that this will cause us to not meet our deadline .
tr	2	They could have stopped at Santiago or continued to the Mediterranean Sea . "
tr	2	She smirked knowingly , letting go of his hands and raising herself .
tr	2	" She 's right , we can catch up the way she said . "
tr	2	" How many are there , besides the fake captain and his second-in-command ? "
tr	2	" As far as I could see , they were ten total .
tr	2	When Pierre barked the new orders on the upper deck the pirates were stunned .
tr	2	The fever got hold of me but the doctor helped me and I lived .
tr	2	Although tired we carried them weak and exhausted after the last encounter .
tr	2	When I finally woke I looked for her and saw her crying .
tr	2	Even during the first week of our recovery at the fort she kept her distance .
tr	2	In the end , fear of a spider caused her to run back to me .
tr	2	10 Enrico and Pierre left them alone and a silence fell between them .
tr	2	Finally she spoke , " I am sorry for the delay that I caused . "
tr	2	I was angry , frustrated , not knowing if you would be all right .
tr	2	Angry for the situation we were in and that I could not change it . "
tr	2	Their faces were so close that he could lean in and touch those rosebud lips .
tr	2	His hands brushed over her curves and his jacket fell to the ground .
tr	2	Deep in thought , he slipped into it , her warmth captured inside .
tr	2	Smiling softly , he thought he would have to be patient with her .
tr	2	He could have a future with her , but he could not reveal it .
tr	2	Roberto stood over the maps and studied them , but Pierre knew him .
tr	2	He had seen how Roberto looked at her when he thought nobody was watching .
tr	2	His captain was in love with her , and who could blame him ?
tr	2	She was the picture of a stunning female , now more than before .
tr	2	" At this rate we will catch up in time , " Roberto thought .
tr	2	How could he put her back , knowing what he had just discovered ?
tr	2	All eyes were on him , the food forgotten , as they waited .
tr	2	Reluctantly , Roberto had to agree to the plan and finally said : " Okay .
tr	2	Chuckles filled the cabin ; even Roberto revealed a grin before it disappeared again .
tr	2	She clearly had put a lot of thought into it and they could win .
tr	2	He frowned as she talked to Pierre , who listened to her with interest .
tr	2	He knew he was acting childlike but he could not help himself .
tr	2	He walked to his grand cabin and plopped down in his chair .
tr	2	He was the only man Roberto trusted to protect her at all costs .
tr	2	Roberto thought his heart was going to stop at the sight of her .
tr	2	To think that he gave in to the plan was utter madness .
tr	2	Roberto almost had a heart attack when he saw her at first .
tr	2	Some of his men smiled with pleasure and he gave them angry warning looks .
tr	2	To display her attributes before other men was not good at all .
tr	2	It made him resentful to the whole absurd idea all over again .
tr	2	When she finally got on board , the impostor greeted her keenly .
tr	2	She swallowed at the bile threatening to rise and plastered a smile on her face .
tr	2	Your fame precedes you , and your second in command is a worthy opponent . "
tr	2	" When I was in distress I convinced the men to bring me here .
tr	2	You can be sure that we will take good care of you .
tr	2	They both slipped into the castle , where the captain 's cabin would be .
tr	2	Her lips tightened into a smile even though she felt uncomfortable among them .
tr	2	Several minutes later , the voice of the real captain roared over the deck .
tr	2	They were taken down below , where they would be tried and immediately hung .
tr	2	It was so quick that I thought I was dreaming , but here you are !
tr	2	For eight days I was a captive in that dresser with no way of escape .
tr	2	More things to add to the already confusing puzzle in her mind and heart .
tr	2	In just a few short days her heart was pulling toward the rogue .
tr	2	No matter how she tried she could not ignore the feelings he stirred .
tr	2	" I am so sorry , my good captain , my manners are unforgivable .
tr	2	His glance at her bosom irritated Roberto but he could not fault the man .
tr	2	Footsteps stopped just above their heads and then followed down the steps as well .
tr	2	When the man stood still and looked down the passageway they waited .
tr	2	From his place in the water he could not help but to admire her .
tr	2	She clearly had put a lot of thought into it and they could win .
tr	2	He frowned as she talked to Pierre , who listened to her with interest .
tr	2	He knew he was acting childlike but he could not help himself .
tr	2	He walked to his grand cabin and plopped down in his chair .
tr	2	He was the only man Roberto trusted to protect her at all costs .
tr	2	Roberto thought his heart was going to stop at the sight of her .
tr	2	To think that he gave in to the plan was utter madness .
tr	2	Roberto almost had a heart attack when he saw her at first .
tr	2	Some of his men smiled with pleasure and he gave them angry warning looks .
tr	2	To display her attributes before other men was not good at all .
tr	2	It made him resentful to the whole absurd idea all over again .
tr	2	When she finally got on board , the impostor greeted her keenly .
tr	2	She swallowed at the bile threatening to rise and plastered a smile on her face .
tr	2	Your fame precedes you , and your second in command is a worthy opponent . "
tr	2	" When I was in distress I convinced the men to bring me here .
tr	2	You can be sure that we will take good care of you .
tr	2	They both slipped into the castle , where the captain 's cabin would be .
tr	2	Her lips tightened into a smile even though she felt uncomfortable among them .
tr	2	Several minutes later , the voice of the real captain roared over the deck .
tr	2	They were taken down below , where they would be tried and immediately hung .
tr	2	It was so quick that I thought I was dreaming , but here you are !
tr	2	For eight days I was a captive in that dresser with no way of escape .
tr	2	More things to add to the already confusing puzzle in her mind and heart .
tr	2	In just a few short days her heart was pulling toward the rogue .
tr	2	No matter how she tried she could not ignore the feelings he stirred .
tr	2	" I am so sorry , my good captain , my manners are unforgivable .
tr	2	His glance at her bosom irritated Roberto but he could not fault the man .
tr	2	Footsteps stopped just above their heads and then followed down the steps as well .
tr	2	When the man stood still and looked down the passageway they waited .
tr	2	From his place in the water he could not help but to admire her .
tr	2	Her brother 's shirt had covered her chest and only her back had been bared .
tr	2	To be so close to a flogging would make her think twice before another attempt .
tr	2	The cabin was too confining and small for her to breathe properly .
tr	2	He was not afraid of doing the small , mundane stuff with them .
tr	2	His strength and fitness attracted her so that she openly stared at him .
tr	2	First , he looked lonely and sad and that attracted me to him .
tr	2	However , without me knowing it , I put him in danger .
tr	2	At first , the captain said it was okay because my mother was upset .
tr	2	" The next morning he was tied to the ropes and flogged .
tr	2	My mother tried to hide it from me , but I did see it .
tr	2	" After the storm and the shipwreck we landed on a strip of white sand .
tr	2	The captain refused to take care of them and left them behind .
tr	2	After that , he found stray dogs , grilled them and forced us to eat .
tr	2	She closed her eyes , the images still so clear in her mind .
tr	2	" My father took over the role of captain and life became easier .
tr	2	She had to brush a tear away , missing both of her parents extremely .
tr	2	The group was very tired and weak from weeks without any nutrition .
tr	2	By his calculations , we had to be close to a fort .
tr	2	When they reached the fort , my father himself became very sick .
tr	2	The fever plagued our group as well and one by one , people died .
tr	2	At that point , they did not care that my biological father was still around .
tr	2	The group decided they would go with him and not stay behind .
tr	2	My mother was the first to refuse to let him go alone .
tr	2	The governor was good to us and helped us to get on our feet again .
tr	2	Mostly the faces of those people that stayed behind in fear and trembling haunt me .
tr	2	Father stepped in when he heard her scream for help and saved her .
tr	2	" Why do you say that your biological father wanted to rape your mother ?
tr	2	" Yes , but my mother was forced into the marriage by her parents .
tr	2	Pierre tried several times to convince her to go below deck but she refused .
tr	2	When the first heavy rain fell she came topside , fear gripping her thoughts .
tr	2	Waves higher than the ship fell on them all with crushing strength .
tr	2	Men rushed over the deck as water ran like strong currents over the rolling deck .
tr	2	The rope and a part of the ship 's railing were still tied around her .
tr	2	Shock and fear gripped her heart the moment she plunged into the dark angry depths .
tr	2	Her dress was too heavy for her to stay afloat on the water .
tr	2	Kicking with everything he had within him , he followed the lifeless body .
tr	2	The concept emerged within his heart and he had no time to tell her .
tr	2	" You are hurting me , " she coughed out , and the doctor grinned .
tr	2	Shocked , he looked at the doctor but he squeezed his shoulder .
tr	2	He brushed soft kisses over her face , his heart too big for his chest .
tr	2	The markings of the rope on her shoulder were red and swollen .
tr	2	The doctor looked closer and found a broken nail imbedded in her shoulder .
tr	2	Roberto brought a light closer while the doctor searched in his bag .
tr	2	He put a few stitches in the shoulder and bandaged it with a white cloth .
tr	2	Her face was bruised and swollen but the doctor assured him that would go away .
tr	2	The cuts would not become permanent scars and for that , he was grateful .
tr	2	The paleness had made way for colour and she looked beautiful against the white sheets .
tr	2	" By allowing me to love you , " he said without thought .
tr	2	However , it does not change the fact that I have feelings for you .
tr	2	Withdrawing , he laid her down , the love shining unmistakable , and she smiled .
tr	2	You always treat me with respect and I admire you for the captain you are .
tr	2	You are not indifferent to me , and that much I know . "
tr	2	Again she looked at him , perplexed , allowing herself to enjoy the kiss .
tr	2	Again , she reached out , touching the scar on his face .
tr	2	She closed her eyes , enjoying the closeness of him , her heart racing .
tr	2	Later I will be back and we can give you some food to eat .
tr	2	He smiled , stroking the bluish cheek before he walked out of her cabin .
tr	2	When she tried to move , pain shot up into her shoulder and she moaned .
tr	2	The nails did do some damage on your shoulder , " he explained .
tr	2	" Thanks , Roberto , for taking such good care of me . "
tr	2	Her eyes wide in wonder " No dream , my Rosa . "
tr	2	" Yes , I believe you , " she finally said and he grinned .
tr	2	Walking to the table , he brought the food over and helped her to eat .
tr	2	Her body stung , but it felt good to be clean again .
tr	2	Her face was swollen but Enrico ensured her she still look beautiful .
tr	2	All through the afternoon she thought about Roberto and his feelings for her .
tr	2	He asked her to trust him and she knew she did trust him .
tr	2	He said he wanted to discuss something and he was quite serious .
tr	2	When the evening bell rang she was at her place at the dining table .
tr	2	Her eyes met his briefly and she could feel her heart leap .
tr	2	Everyone knew his feelings , since he had confessed it loudly enough .
tr	2	That was his own stupidity , but it was no use in fighting it .
tr	2	And it had almost cost her life for him to recognize his feelings for her .
tr	2	His constant companionship convincing her that he was genuine in his feelings .
tr	2	What amazed her was that he did not care what the men said in passing .
tr	2	They joked about his affections when they were on the upper deck .
tr	2	Still he did not speak about the thing he wanted to ask her .
tr	2	But still it kept her wakeful most nights , her feelings in turmoil .
tr	2	She and Pierre also developed a friendship under the vigilance of Roberto .
tr	2	She kept her hair over the shoulder to cover it from public view .
tr	2	His lips barely brushed her skin and the whole act left her breathless .
tr	2	It always made her feel that she was a part of something bigger .
tr	2	The villagers had caused a few funny moments , which she told with zeal .
tr	2	Every night they would stroll on deck , enjoying the night air .
tr	2	When she came to the port side , she noticed a figure in the shadows .
tr	2	He rushed over , hearing a blunt voice speaking to her in a frightful manner .
tr	2	I want to have a taste of that lady as much as you do . "
tr	2	He opened his arms and she stepped in as he folded her into his chest .
tr	2	It was a beautiful sound to her , a sound filled with love and hope .
tr	2	she whispered in his coat and he pushed her slightly away , searching her eyes .
tr	2	Each took a few sips to calm them from the sudden rush .
tr	2	His face was still stern but a muscle rippled in his jaw .
tr	2	He held both her hands in a firm grip , his tension real .
tr	2	She knew she cared for him , trusted him , but could it be love ?
tr	2	The scar she had come to love softened and creases formed over his cheeks .
tr	2	" Marry me , my Rosa , " he repeated , this time louder .
tr	2	She could not help but just stare as his lips touched her once again .
tr	2	He was hesitant and soft at first before he took her mouth hungrily .
tr	2	She was warm and inviting and when he finally pulled back she smiled .
tr	2	" You know how to pursue a girl , " and giggled .
tr	2	and she vanished into his embrace as he devoured her lips once again .
tr	2	Roberto dismissed the subject and Pierre looked at the Captain in stunned disbelief .
tr	2	† † † The next morning at six , the sailor was flogged .
tr	2	When he fell on the deck , salt water was poured over him .
tr	2	" Take him below , " Pierre instructed with a stern voice .
tr	2	He smiled , his love visible in the ochre depths of his eyes .
tr	2	She looped her arm into his with a smile playing over her face .
tr	2	She looked at him in surprise and wonder , " But why so quickly ? "
tr	2	Last night just confirmed how vulnerable you are on this ship . "
tr	2	" But Roberto , I can defend myself , " she insisted .
tr	2	" Not against men like the Falcon and that pirate last night .
tr	2	All shyness was gone as she gave herself over to the bliss he offered .
tr	2	She did not want to be the one who caused them any more grief .
tr	2	Her smile faltered briefly and she dropped her arms to her sides .
tr	2	Roberto saw the change , stopped her , and lifted her chin with a finger .
tr	2	But he was a very perceptive man and forced her back to him .
tr	2	" It is because of what I am , isn 't it ? "
tr	2	" Roberto ... " But he put a finger on her lips , quieting her .
tr	2	" You will see , my love , " He kissed her softly .
tr	2	But for now , my men will be the only guests at our wedding . "
tr	2	" Let me go to Pierre and tell him the wedding is on . "
tr	2	A feast was prepared under the blue heavens for all to enjoy .
tr	2	Her hair waved behind her beneath a tiara he had given her that morning .
tr	2	Rubies in the form of a rose were imbedded in the tiara .
tr	2	She looked ravishing as his gaze was on her , covering her with his love .
tr	2	† † † Ten days later another storm hit the Contra O Vento .
tr	2	She could not fight the strength of the hands holding her tightly .
tr	2	She scrambled away but he grabbed her leg , bringing her closer to the edge .
tr	2	He pulled her closer , pressing his full weight on her as he spoke .
tr	2	He planted a wet kiss on her lips and she bit him .
tr	2	He lowered his head to her breast , closing hungry lips around her .
tr	2	She had left them when they got married along with everything else .
tr	2	This was the first time she had been back in her old cabin .
tr	2	Now she had to get to it , stretching her body as far as possible .
tr	2	She stretched again as he tore her petticoat , her legs exposed before him .
tr	2	His rough hands stroking her thighs as he tore more fabric away .
tr	2	With a final effort she reached the pistol , bringing it into her hand .
tr	2	She did not mention it to Roberto though , the shock overwhelming her .
tr	2	The storm calmed down as men 's feet stopped running above them .
tr	2	Roberto lifted her drenched body and walked with her to their cabin .
tr	2	Roberto could only hold her next to his drenched body while he caressed her .
tr	2	He made her stand up , stripping the wet dress from her .
tr	2	Eyes closed , she looked pale and tired as he watched her while stripping himself .
tr	2	He lay down next to her , covering himself , nestling her closer to him .
tr	2	They both fell asleep , once he was certain she was all right .
tr	2	He could feel her tremble under his touch , relaxing into him .
tr	2	" So far I am not doing a very fine job of it . "
tr	2	Taking deep breaths , she would not show him how much last night shook her .
tr	2	He pulled a cord and in a few seconds Enrico was at the door .
tr	2	It was no use to argue with him once he made up his mind .
tr	2	" Should I bring your food here as well , Captain ? "
tr	2	the moment Enrico stepped out Roberto placed a kiss on her cheek and she smiled .
tr	2	With the brush she started to brush her hair , all tangled with sea salt .
tr	2	The simple act was reassuring as the silk fell through his fingers .
tr	2	She never thought that a man could be so caring like this man .
tr	2	Books filled a bookshelf near the window and on an end table .
tr	2	A book lay open next to an easy chair , worn out at the armrests .
tr	2	In the one corner was a glass cabinet filled with weapons and swords .
tr	2	" You are everything I want in a man , " she added .
tr	2	" I would like that , " and closed her eyes for a second .
tr	2	They were furious when they heard what the man tried to do .
tr	2	If you had not killed him one of them would have . "
tr	2	This was the one question she wanted to ask but avoided so far .
tr	2	Softly she got to her feet and walked over to him standing near the window .
tr	2	This time she comforted him , wrapping her arms around his waist .
tr	2	It would be so easy to love you , but your lifestyle , your choices .
tr	2	My father always said we must never judge a book by its cover .
tr	2	He could see genuineness in her posture when she asked the question .
tr	2	He wrapped her in his arms , thankful for her understanding and acceptance .
tr	2	He smiled when he saw disbelief written on her face and continued .
tr	2	" My parents have a huge farm on the south coast of France .
tr	2	We loved one another and the joy of working in the fields made me content .
tr	2	My father fell into debt and finally it was time to pay up .
tr	2	The lender who helped my father was the cousin of the Falcon .
tr	2	My sister and I were given as slaves to pay off the debt .
tr	2	It was the hardest thing my parents had to do but we understood . "
tr	2	Everyone knew what had happened to her and everyone made the connection .
tr	2	The raw emotions played over his face as she watched Roberto reliving those dreadful times .
tr	2	But she said no words as she listened to his life story .
tr	2	He looked at her with pleading , hoping that she would still love him .
tr	2	She laid a hand on his cheek , the action solemn and caring .
tr	2	She smiled and asked , " How did you meet Pedro ? "
tr	2	" He was on your father 's ship when we captured it .
tr	2	After a long battle and lives lost it was in our hands .
tr	2	" We would have never met if it was not for the ransom . "
tr	2	" No , although I am sure I would have found another way .
tr	2	He swept her from her feet and onto the bed in record time .
tr	2	Later they let go of each other and ate from the food on the table .
tr	2	He stood up to light more lanterns and sat down again next to her .
tr	2	Her smile was shy but her eyes looked at him like he hoped she would .
tr	2	Usually he kept everything for himself but with her , he just blurted it out .
tr	2	His body was in permanent desire for her , to know her intimately .
tr	2	" One day you must tell me about your parents and the farm .
tr	2	" I will do so , but I think we need to go and sleep .
tr	2	You are still very tired , " Roberto said , standing up .
tr	2	He held his arm out and she slipped her arm into his .
tr	2	He wrapped her in his arms and whispered , " I love you .
tr	2	Since the moment I saw you , my Rosa , I 've loved you .
tr	2	She placed a hand on his chest and kissed him on the lips .
tr	2	† † † Every day they passed each other on the deck .
tr	2	The magnitude of their hearts , the passion of their bodies drew them closer .
tr	2	They would talk and he would open more to her the things that were important .
tr	2	She always felt safe though , with Pierre and the rest of the crew .
tr	2	On occasion when alone her mind would drift to her parents left behind in Portugal .
tr	2	How would she go on knowing that any day he could be arrested and hanged ?
tr	2	Could she really live a life on the run , with uncertainty her only constant ?
tr	2	The mere thought of him being killed left her shaken with fear .
tr	2	He would watch her as she strolled down the deck , deep in thought .
tr	2	He knew that he had done the right thing to marry her .
tr	2	She made him happy and he felt content with her being his wife .
tr	2	But if everything worked out as he hoped could he continue being happy with her ?
tr	2	It was so much for her to trust him without knowing the truth .
tr	2	He was the only one he could trust with his feelings and his future .
tr	2	He was the only one that knew what this could cost him if he failed .
tr	2	The day quickly turned into night as thunderous black clouds formed in the sky .
tr	2	The swells of the seas grew bigger and higher with every passing minute .
tr	2	Exhausted , the men fell down and slept in shifts during this time .
tr	2	His voice was scarcely audible over the high wind and tossing waves .
tr	2	She wanted to take care of him as he had cared for her many times .
tr	2	She had to get to the buttons to strip the wet clothes from his body .
tr	2	Her small hands were trying to roll him , pressing against his body .
tr	2	A soft , womanly smile played over her lips , dimples appearing .
tr	2	They clung to his feet and it took her awhile to dispose of them .
tr	2	He closed his eyes and relaxed under her stare , allowing her to study him .
tr	2	A soft mat of black hair was on his chest trailing down to his manhood .
tr	2	Stay with me , " he murmured , and then appeared to doze off .
tr	2	She traced them , giving each one attention with her fingers , brushing against him .
tr	2	She could feel his hands busy with the lace of the bodice .
tr	2	" I need you , my Rosa , " he whispered against her lips .
tr	2	She arched toward him , his hand rough but yet soft on her bare skin .
tr	2	The sensations of desire flooded her very being and she was ready for him .
tr	2	Her eyes shone with adoration as she brought him closer and kissed him .
tr	2	He did not disappoint , teaching her the things he loved to do to her .
tr	2	But he did want to assure her of a future with him .
tr	2	He swallowed hard , touching her face " Things will be different there .
tr	2	Things will seem strange , and sometimes what seems true is not .
tr	2	He is a hard and cruel man and does not take deception lightly .
tr	2	Urgency filled his voice and he held her with a rigid firmness .
tr	2	Again , the familiar , confused thoughts from the beginning entered her mind .
tr	2	For weeks , she had seen a side of him that she adored and loved .
tr	2	She respected him not only as her husband but also as a man .
tr	2	Stories her father told her of them convinced her that he was not one .
tr	2	She did not know what to expect once they were on land .
tr	2	she asked after a while , her heart beating loud in her chest .
tr	2	It felt as if he were branding her with every touch and every kiss .
tr	2	He kissed her palm and then her lips in a final good-bye .
tr	2	He had watched her the last few days and knew she did not feel well .
tr	2	Now was a good time to determine what was wrong although he had his suspicions .
tr	2	It was with great difficulty that he calmed her down once his suspicions were confirmed .
tr	2	But he had to determine if everything was still all right on the island .
tr	2	A pirate 's life changed in minutes and he had been gone eight months .
tr	2	A path snaked through the trees and bushes , leaving the place dark at times .
tr	2	Screams echoed from the large hut and Roberto could only guess what was going on .
tr	2	Several men stood around him as smacks on her bare bottom resounded through the silence .
tr	2	Roberto clenched his fists in anger but he could not show it .
tr	2	" Take her away , " he barked to no one in particular .
tr	2	That was Trevor , a rogue they had picked up on the streets of London .
tr	2	the Falcon said as he stood before Roberto with a grin , scratching his chin .
tr	2	He wrapped an arm around Roberto 's neck and walked with him to the table .
tr	2	Roberto sat down and watched with growing hatred the abuse to the young woman .
tr	2	The Falcon 's second , Tiny Forehand , came and sat next to him .
tr	2	Before she could pour the contents Roberto got up and took it from her .
tr	2	The Falcon 's eyes swept between him and Pierre but neither elaborated on anything .
tr	2	Roberto asked instead , and a smug grin appeared on the Falcon 's face .
tr	2	Nothing was said between them but each had a grin on their faces .
tr	2	In all this time , she had neither heard from nor seen Roberto or Pierre .
tr	2	She kept thinking of all the evidence against the man she now called husband .
tr	2	He was not acting like the pirates her father told her about .
tr	2	He loved them , missed them and still talked about his sister reverently .
tr	2	They had known him , enjoyed his lovemaking long before she was in the picture .
tr	2	They were ready for anything , but it was not good for her nerves .
tr	2	All familiarity was gone and they treated her like in the beginning .
tr	2	His eyes roamed over her body and she felt shivers running down her spine .
tr	2	After about fifteen minutes of walking through the throng , they came into a clearing .
tr	2	Men stood all around her , looking down at her with piercing , hungry eyes .
tr	2	She remembered his words and repeated to herself , He loves me .
tr	2	Handsome was not a word used in the same sentence with this man .
tr	2	His face had a leather-like look from years of exposure to the elements .
tr	2	He looked at her ; the grin reached his eyes but made it more sinister .
tr	2	He roared with laughter and the men joined in , except Roberto .
tr	2	He stood there emotionless , looking straight at her , not missing anything .
tr	2	An overwhelming , disgusting stench came to her when he breathed directly into her face .
tr	2	Anger filled her and she stood up straight , looking him directly in the eye .
tr	2	" You would like to kill me , wouldn 't you , sweetheart ? "
tr	2	Again , a roar broke loose , men slapping their knees as they laughed .
tr	2	It will take more than that to break her , he thought .
tr	2	she hissed , but Roberto did not flinch as pirates roared , calling her names .
tr	2	Five steps led up to the veranda without any railings around it .
tr	2	As they stepped onto the wooden deck , it creaked underneath their weight .
tr	2	Pierre and Enrico stepped aside as he opened the door for her .
tr	2	Her imagined angry words resounding in his head after he had slapped her .
tr	2	He bandaged them with strips of his shirt under much protest from her .
tr	2	Father continued with the nursing of her feet and she was grateful in the end .
tr	2	Father compared them to the chief 's own wives , over weight and huge . "
tr	2	He wanted big , chubby women and showed off his own women standing behind him .
tr	2	By then they were used to being abused and given away to whoever owned them .
tr	2	" I said I would trust you , no matter what . "
tr	2	The doctor confirmed it two days ago , and I wanted to surprise you . "
tr	2	He lifted her in the air , twirling her around , laughter in his voice .
tr	2	When they finally did manage to get there , he became tender in his love .
tr	2	He rolled her on her back and made love to her in the sweetest way .
tr	2	Moonlight streamed in through the shutter slats so that they could make out anything inside .
tr	2	The dress on the floor was torn ; the fabric stretched and damaged .
tr	2	In the back corner of the wooden structure was a trap door that he lifted .
tr	2	They went through it quickly and he closed the door behind him .
tr	2	He motioned for her to go out and stay in the bushes close by .
tr	2	He wanted to see what was going on at the front door .
tr	2	After a few minutes , he returned , speaking into her ear .
tr	2	" As long as she does not hold us up , " he whispered .
tr	2	Please , take me with you , " came the desperate plea .
tr	2	She took the girl 's hand in her own , clutching it tightly .
tr	2	" Not so fast , Roberto , " a stern voice said from behind them .
tr	2	Reaching toward her , he lifted the torch to her face and smirked .
tr	2	Her heart was racing as she slapped his hand away , lifting her sword .
tr	2	The point of the sword tore a hole in the Falcon 's black shirt .
tr	2	You bitch , you scratched me , " he said in surprise .
tr	2	Roberto stepped gracefully to the side and landed another blow to Falcon 's face .
tr	2	Blood streamed from the Falcon 's wounds , down his leg , into the sand .
tr	2	Nora screamed and covered her mouth with a hand , trembling in fear .
tr	2	Roberto fought against the two men and he fell as a blow struck his head .
tr	2	A stream of blood ran down his face and the Falcon came for him .
tr	2	More men rushed forward and the Falcon yelled , " Get them ! "
tr	2	Their swords were taken and the Falcon came closer , punching Roberto on the cheek .
tr	2	His ring cut through the skin and a trickle of blood dripped from his face .
tr	2	He grabbed her shirt and pulled her up to face him directly .
tr	2	His eyes spat angry blue flames , shoving her toward the lights in the distance .
tr	2	" Did you really think that you would get rid of me this easily ?
tr	2	Mocking could be heard all over , the men parroting their leader .
tr	2	" And then you steal another slave from one of my men .
tr	2	" What are you waiting for , Falcon , here I am ! "
tr	2	At that moment she knew how her father looked at that age .
tr	2	Her heart beat increased , trying to make sense of the new development .
tr	2	The Falcon slapped her again and she fell down under the onslaught .
tr	2	" You better stop that , " she seethed , struggling to reach for him .
tr	2	He stepped closer to her and spoke , not to alarm her .
tr	2	With a satisfied grin , Roberto left them to be reunited once again .
tr	2	" You don 't look so bad yourself , " she said .
tr	2	Long blond tresses covered the face and he wondered who it was .
tr	2	Holding out a hand , he helped her to her feet gallantly .
tr	2	He could see that she was distressed , tears running down her face .
tr	2	" It is not that bad , Señor , just some scratches . "
tr	2	" No , thanks , I think if I sit down I will fall asleep .
tr	2	Everyone was still busy with the pirates and a thought occurred to him .
tr	2	He left her arms to draw a pitcher closer with some wine in it .
tr	2	Sniffing at the contents , he found it drinkable and handed it to her .
tr	2	" When we arrived back on the island , Pedro was already gone .
tr	2	That is why I left you on the ship so long , for your protection .
tr	2	This was all a plan to capture the Falcon for his misdeeds throughout the years .
tr	2	She had married him for the man he was and not the title he wore .
tr	2	The title of pirate , placed fear in most , but not her .
tr	2	" Papa will be so proud , " she whispered and he grinned with delight .
tr	2	" He reminds me a lot of you , the same courage and persistence .
tr	2	You are a wonderful man , and I love you very much . "
tr	2	† † † Pierre and Nora strolled away down to the beach .
tr	2	I saved his life and offered my services on the same day .
tr	2	As they stopped on the white sands , the midday sun warmed their bodies .
tr	2	He stepped closer , brushing the long blond tresses with his fingers .
tr	2	Pierre had waited a long time to find a woman he was interested in .
tr	2	Since he laid his eyes on the little blond , he was exceptionally interested .
tr	2	" Your father passed away six months ago , and your mother four months ago .
tr	2	There is a neighbour looking after the place , awaiting your return . "
tr	2	He blinked his eyes as moistness formed and bowed his head for a second .
tr	2	He had to walk away as he read the letter from his father .
tr	2	He would miss their wisdom , their love for the land that he had shared .
tr	2	When he turned back , his emotions were under control and he spoke .
tr	2	" Thank you , Captain , for everything you did for them . "
tr	2	" Your farm is waiting for you ; for you and your wife .
tr	2	There will be , of course , a bonus included in your pay .
tr	2	Everything else you can keep , " he said smiling at him .
tr	2	21 Pierre was made the new Captain of the Contra O Vento .
tr	2	Pierre knew this was the woman for him , even if she was very young .
tr	2	He told her all about the land near Lyon and the life they led there .
tr	2	Then and there and she knew , returning with a positive answer .
tr	2	They stayed on the island for a week to recover and restock food and water .
tr	2	They arrived one night during a festival her father celebrated for her mother .
tr	2	He had to convince her father that he was the right man for her .
tr	2	They laughed easily , enjoying life in general and were a beautiful couple .
tr	2	Her mother was at ease when Nora left with her new husband .
tr	2	He patted her on the back , assuring her that he was fine .
tr	2	He looked at her with dark piercing eyes , tracing her spine with a finger .
tr	2	He was ticklish and he grinned , grabbing her hand to stop her .
tr	2	She rose , leaning on her elbow , all her attention fixated on him .
tr	2	I plan to stick to you like barnacles on the hull of the ship .
tr	2	They would be shocked and surprised but they would not hate him .
tr	2	" He might be angry for a day , but he will love you . "
tr	2	My other brother may challenge you , but he will like you . "
tr	2	" He is brave and caring and not a hard , careless man .
tr	2	she began straddling him with her enticing hips and he groaned softly .
tr	2	But then seasickness would set in and the doctor filled his days controlling it .
tr	2	The cook baked special biscuits in the hopes that it would help .
tr	2	They hugged each other in relief and the men joked with them , seeming unmoved .
tr	2	Roberto turned to look at her with tender love , softening the tensed features immediately .
tr	2	" Yes love , I was wondering when we will dock ? "
tr	2	Nora also joined them and together the two couples watched the harbour coming closer .
tr	2	His wife 's joy filled him and he eased up a bit .
tr	2	Cisco asked , and then he looked up to see Roberto right behind her .
tr	2	She turned back to her father with huge eyes , looking for support .
tr	2	" Manuel , wait , let 's hear what is going on . "
tr	2	" Yes , Papa , but he saved my life , mine and Pedro 's .
tr	2	Her father looked down at her , his face grim and he touched her shoulder .
tr	2	Without any thought , she pulled him into an embrace and kissed both his cheeks .
tr	2	Cisco held him in and out of respect for his father , he walked away .
tr	2	Slowly Cisco came around , the wary look turning into one of interest .
tr	2	Because he knew she knew her family better , he allowed her to proceed .
tr	2	With her at my side , my future is filled with promise . "
tr	2	I vow to look after her and treat her with the utmost love and devotion .
tr	2	She will lead the life she is used to , lacking nothing .
tr	2	" You are a good man , Señor , " Roberto said .
tr	2	" Yes , of course , Roberto , she is tired after the long journey .
tr	2	I will have the physician here tomorrow to look at both ladies .
tr	2	In the meantime , son , you are welcome in my family .
tr	2	His eyes misted over and the man stepped forward and gave him a bear hug .
tr	2	All his worries over the last four months were dispelled as utter nonsense .
tr	2	His fretting was in vain and he pulled her closer and closed his eyes .
tr	2	He slept the sleep of a contented man , his world perfect .
tr	2	Roberto was like a proud peacock showing its colourful feathers in a swelled chest .
tr	2	Manuel accepted Roberto reluctantly and in the end , they departed in good spirits .
tr	2	The pirate farmer and his Rosa were content with their new life .
tr	2	She lives with her husband of 28 years in Gauteng , South Africa .
tr	2	She has three children , Arline , Odette and Paul , one grandchild , Nathan .
tr	2	" But , Rafe , " continued the giant carefully , " this is folly .
tr	2	A second chair , half pulled out from the table , separated the two men .
tr	2	" And what have I done that you should have so little faith in me ?
tr	2	I have never yet been bested by aught , have I ? "
tr	2	" Come , Finan ; now who 's being the fool ? "
tr	2	As always he could not seem to come to any definite decision .
tr	2	The years had bought experience and a widening out of his character .
tr	2	Rafe leaning back in his chair fixed Finan with a mischievous smile .
tr	2	" Pardon my ignorance , but I still do not understand . "
tr	2	Finan watched Rafe finger the edge of the parchment before him again and waited .
tr	2	Rafe laughed as though he saw only amusement in such a statement .
tr	2	" As you so succinctly put it , I am not beloved by all men .
tr	2	I should hate for my bride to be singled out for their attention .
tr	2	You 'll agree that she has been persecuted enough for her family ties ? "
tr	2	" And why is it that I may not be that man ? "
tr	2	You need have no fear of stumbling upon any impassioned phrases of undying love ! "
tr	2	Some were a little brown with age , but all were in good order .
tr	2	They did not show any signs that they had been read more than once .
tr	2	he could only abhor the vile impact they seemed to have on a reasonable man .
tr	2	" Yet again perfectly correct , Finan , " nodded Rafe with a sigh .
tr	2	" If that is your wish , my lord , " bowed Finan .
tr	2	Finan allowed his master 's words to linger on the air for some moments .
tr	2	" And if I am to be you , who are you to be ? "
tr	2	Lord Rafe 's eyes were again fixed on the flames in the fire place .
tr	2	When he learns the truth you will have made another enemy . "
tr	2	Finan watched Lord Rafe 's face carefully as he shifted in his chair .
tr	2	Finan watched as several emotions crossed Lord Rafe 's face and felt sympathy for him .
tr	2	" I see I am sunk yet lower in your esteem , Finan ? "
tr	2	" No , although it is advisable to learn from the wisdom of others .
tr	2	" I have to know , Finan , " answered Lord Rafe slowly .
tr	2	" He understands that the situation is difficult , " replied Rafe cautiously .
tr	2	" I have known you to make such a statement yourself , my lord . "
tr	2	I see no need to join myself to their ranks , " answered Finan comfortably .
tr	2	Despite all that , I know that at heart you are a bachelor . "
tr	2	" For my bride 's sake I hope you may be wrong , Finan . "
tr	2	If asked he would have said it was a mark of respect .
tr	2	He was speaking with a small wizened man dressed solely in black .
tr	2	" I am come to speak with my father if he is free . "
tr	2	" I 'm always free to see my most troublesome son ! "
tr	2	" That would explain why ' tis only you that gives me trouble then . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan regarded his son closely for several moments before heaving a large sigh .
tr	2	You hold him in your arms and he is naught but a scrappy little thing .
tr	2	------- The village was big , much bigger than he had expected .
tr	2	" I am afraid , sir , that you cannot visit the fort . "
tr	2	" Your pardon , sir ; I was only obeying my orders . "
tr	2	It was a circumstance that made for a very inauspicious start to an inevitable relationship .
tr	2	" Kindly state your business or be gone , young man . "
tr	2	Her face was heavily wrinkled , yet made lively by her curious , questing eyes .
tr	2	She was , Rafe reflected , the tiniest woman he had ever beheld .
tr	2	The fort was , as he already knew , a relic from the roman invasion .
tr	2	The woman opened another large oak door and Rafe entered into a hall .
tr	2	Despite the warmth emanating from the fire , the stone walls made the room cold .
tr	2	" You have , I think , a letter for me ? "
tr	2	" The letter makes no mention of a travelling companion for Lady Adele . "
tr	2	" I believe Lord Rafe considered that you would provide a young lady . "
tr	2	" Although I dare say her needle work is above reproach ! "
tr	2	" What is done , is done and was done for the best . "
tr	2	It is too late for Lady Adele to be travelling tonight . "
tr	2	A drowsy stirring beneath the covers told her that Adele was awake .
tr	2	Only a fool would think it romantic to marry a complete stranger .
tr	2	She became aware that Adele was wide awake and watching her closely .
tr	2	" No , my love , he wrote that his liege needed him elsewhere .
tr	2	He had sent his most trusted man to escort you to his home .
tr	2	" But ... it is yet some months to the day of the wedding . "
tr	2	" You must sleep now , for you have along day before you . "
tr	2	She was only too aware that love was an emotion of degrees .
tr	2	At first she had imaged the gifts to have been sent by his father .
tr	2	And so it occurred that Lady Adele was disposed to think well of Lord Rafe .
tr	2	Long ago Adele had decided that Lord Rafe must be a rather shy man .
tr	2	Adele 's thoughts paused and she felt a sudden need to blink back tears .
tr	2	She had never thought about leaving the ladies of the fort before .
tr	2	He had waited sixteen years for her that he might honour his promise .
tr	2	What , questioned Rafe , had he ever done to deserve this ?
tr	2	Lady Adele was his bride , it mattered not if the arrangement suited .
tr	2	First among these feelings was expectation ; that finally he was to meet Adele .
tr	2	Rafe saw the flicker of surprise in her eyes and mistook it for fear .
tr	2	All in all his face was , she thought , very expressive .
tr	2	Its well constructed features constantly adjusted in response to the things occurring around him .
tr	2	Rafe looked over his betrothed 's apparel again , this time a little doubtfully .
tr	2	Her red lips were full , and her eyes glittered with liveliness .
tr	2	He hardly seemed to notice , instead he turned a considering stare on her friend .
tr	2	The ladies were still looking at him as though expecting him to speak again .
tr	2	If he attempted to explain he would only succeed in making himself appear foolish .
tr	2	Rafe wasn 't moved ; he turned a little , studiously avoiding her gaze .
tr	2	" Come girls , ' tis time to make your farewells . "
tr	2	------ Lady Adele and Lady Eda wasted a great deal of time in saying goodbye .
tr	2	The horse heard the command in his voice and was immediately obediently still .
tr	2	It was strange to feel the powerful beast so tame and gentle beneath her .
tr	2	How much more must Eda be feeling when she was leaving her heart behind ?
tr	2	He was easy in the saddle , moving effortlessly with the black horse .
tr	2	Of all this , of course , Lord Rafe was in ignorance .
tr	2	Rafe reined in a little so that their horse came abreast of his .
tr	2	Rafe was surprised by the rebuff and jerked his head around to Adele .
tr	2	Her blue eyes had dilated , and she nodded her head slowly in reply .
tr	2	Adele did not reply , but her dark blue eyes fixed upon him quizzically .
tr	2	He found himself strangely unsettled by their steady , wide eyed stare .
tr	2	It was , Rafe realised , the first time he had heard her speak .
tr	2	Charger is the calmest , placid for want of a better word .
tr	2	" I see , and what is the name of your horse ? "
tr	2	He hadn 't expected to feel bad about it , so ... deceitful .
tr	2	Now she was studiously avoiding so much as glancing in his direction .
tr	2	She regarded him with a baleful stare , as though cursing him for his rudeness .
tr	2	He felt suddenly horribly at fault , a need to explain himself .
tr	2	Rafe bit back an impatient curse ; did she have to ask that just then ?
tr	2	Adele observed that he had declined to answer any of her questions .
tr	2	If there was one thing Rafe could not stand it was a crying woman .
tr	2	' But I never knew he was such a coward before ! '
tr	2	Only he knew how damaging that answer could prove to be for them both .
tr	2	" It will be night soon and we have not arrived at our lodging place .
tr	2	" Just think , Eda , what an adventure it will be ! "
tr	2	" A very cold adventure , " muttered Eda with a sniff .
tr	2	Eda moved towards the flames instantly , drawn by the promise of warmth .
tr	2	It was as though he had forgotten them , his task , even their surroundings .
tr	2	He turned and saw Adele regarding him , wide eyed and unperturbed .
tr	2	Adele watched as he opened the provisions that had been strapped to it .
tr	2	As he open this last package the aroma of spices filled the air .
tr	2	Her large eyes were also glistening , though she resolutely blinked the tears away .
tr	2	Looking down at the parcel of meat he suggested that they might like some .
tr	2	" You should come closer to the flames , you shall freeze over there . "
tr	2	" We agreed , did we not , that I would be stiff tonight ? "
tr	2	Understanding flooded through his mind , and he crouched down beside her .
tr	2	She had the feeling it was a task he had preformed many times before .
tr	2	Adele 's eyes fluttered open , dazzled for a moment by the fire light .
tr	2	She looked down to where he still held her hand enfolded loosely in his own .
tr	2	" It seems to me that you have done this before . "
tr	2	" ' tis a strange thing a battle , most especially your first .
tr	2	Mail flashes in the sunlight , and you feel the nervous excitement of the unknown .
tr	2	' Tis an uncivilised emotion that grips you ; a kind of thrill . "
tr	2	Too soon it becomes obvious that there is nothing romantic in the sorry sight .
tr	2	A horror of youth lost and destroyed , an innocence that would never return .
tr	2	She felt sudden compassion for him , a wish to comfort that surprised her .
tr	2	Chapter Six Rafe had not found it easy to go to sleep that night .
tr	2	Or he could drag Adele and Eda awake and make a run for the horses .
tr	2	After a moments hesitation he moved his hand along the ground towards hers .
tr	2	Yet when he had hold of it he wasn 't sure how to proceed .
tr	2	Her voice was low and drowsy , lifting slightly at the end in inquiry .
tr	2	Rafe wondered whether or not to tell her , what if she panicked ?
tr	2	He sighed knowing that he had no choice but to tell her .
tr	2	" We have been followed and in a while they will attack .
tr	2	Take both if you can , ride one whilst the other rests .
tr	2	" I do not know how many of them there are , Adele .
tr	2	He was mad , he was foolish , and he was very , very brave .
tr	2	A tear slipped from beneath her tightly shut lids and she bit her lip .
tr	2	Rafe noted that Adele 's voice was roughened slightly and he heard Eda moan softly .
tr	2	" Eda , please just listen ; we have to run . "
tr	2	" When the signal comes we have to run in to the forest . "
tr	2	" You shall know when you hear it , " replied Rafe .
tr	2	Rafe did not turn to see if the two girls had obeyed his instructions .
tr	2	It was then that he heard the sound , familiar to every soldier 's ear .
tr	2	It made his plan to make a stand whilst Adele and Eda escaped untenable .
tr	2	They plunged through the undergrowth for a long time , but suddenly Rafe stopped abruptly .
tr	2	Eda sank , a quivering mass of sobs , to the ground .
tr	2	He looked out again into the darkness , and whistled ever so softly .
tr	2	After a moment he bent his head towards her and she flinched away a little .
tr	2	He looked down at Eda where she huddled , still cowering , on the floor .
tr	2	He moved away from her and instinctively she reached out to stop him .
tr	2	" Then we will need the horses , for I 'll not carry you ! "
tr	2	As he disappeared into the darkness she felt a blush flood her cheeks .
tr	2	Did he know what she had supposed he had been going to do ?
tr	2	Eda 's voice trembled and she brushed a hand over her wet cheeks .
tr	2	Adele rocked her back and forth slightly , and Eda 's weeping lessened a little .
tr	2	They were still sitting thus when Adele heard the snap of a twig .
tr	2	Pulling the arrow back she pointed it in the general direction of the approaching sound .
tr	2	She still had her eyes closed when Rafe jerked her to her feet .
tr	2	" What the ... what did you think you were doing ? "
tr	2	" Do you know how close you came to finding your mark ? "
tr	2	Rafe made a curt gesture for silence and drew her toward the horse .
tr	2	She staggered as he helped her upright and fell against him , trembling violently .
tr	2	Eda sniffed and allowed him to lift her on to the horse .
tr	2	Adele sagged against one of the large moss covered rocks and closed her eyes .
tr	2	Adele opened her eyes suddenly , meeting his considering gaze and disconcerting him .
tr	2	Adele 's face was innocent with no hint of guile as she answered him .
tr	2	" Looks can be deceiving can they not , Lady Adele ? "
tr	2	He had been annoyed by the disclosure that Adele 's life had been so insular .
tr	2	Her words made no sense to Rafe and it was a moment before he answered .
tr	2	Rafe glanced speculatively behind him in the direction that they had come .
tr	2	He hunched his shoulders in the frosty air , rubbing his hands together .
tr	2	" Then , if you are ready , we should keep on moving . "
tr	2	" Come , stop this , ' tis of little help . "
tr	2	" So perhaps it is a little uncomfortable ... " Eda snorted .
tr	2	Let us not think , or talk , of it anymore . "
tr	2	Eda sniffed and wiped the back of her hand over her cheeks .
tr	2	" I do not think so ; ' tis far too cold . "
tr	2	Adele laughed and flicked an infinitesimal drop of water up at her friend .
tr	2	Eda screamed and recoiled with a shudder , but she was laughing .
tr	2	The water was cold , acknowledged Adele , but it quenched her thirst quickly .
tr	2	She didn 't believe he was angry , there was no stiffness about him .
tr	2	Rafe turned and began to walk away , pondering the wisdom of telling her all .
tr	2	However , she was a female in his sole protection and undertaking an arduous journey .
tr	2	He would tell her the facts , but his suppositions he would keep to himself .
tr	2	It seems that we will need their protection as we travel home . "
tr	2	" Well ... what is the village like , the grounds ? "
tr	2	Rafe struggled , trying to decide what she would be most interested in .
tr	2	Adele braced her hand against his shoulder as he helped her to mount .
tr	2	You looked vastly amusing hanging upside down with your skirts covering your face !
tr	2	She said that it was not fitting behaviour for a lady to climb trees .
tr	2	" I would not have fallen but for F ... " Rafe stopped abruptly .
tr	2	Even as he recoiled from the mistake he wished that he had made it .
tr	2	------ Finan knew he ought to do something even as he stood speechless .
tr	2	His startled eyes met the similarly startled eyes of the man before him .
tr	2	He knew he had to think and act quickly , but his mind was blank .
tr	2	I thought , at least I was told , that Rafe was in here .
tr	2	" King Ine is unaware of it , my lord , " answered Finan .
tr	2	" Need you fling my title in my face like an insult every other second ?
tr	2	" My father thought I might benefit from learning to dance the diplomatic . "
tr	2	" ' Tis a private matter that Lord Rafe wishes to attend to himself . "
tr	2	He did not feel in any way slighted and was therefore not ill at ease .
tr	2	That fact had not stopped them from pursuing a hostile course toward each other .
tr	2	" So many men lost to both sides , such needless bloodshed . "
tr	2	He could neither understand nor comprehend that a man could kill innocent women and children .
tr	2	There was no answer and thinking of such things only made him agitated and uncomfortable .
tr	2	There were only two courses open to anyone ; the roads of good and evil .
tr	2	No matter what anyone else said , there was no opaque grey area .
tr	2	Eda was even now asleep , curled up in the shelter of a fallen log .
tr	2	No word of complaint had passed her lips , yet still he was uneasy .
tr	2	Certainly he had never voluntarily conversed with any lady not related to him .
tr	2	Maybe he should talk to her , but he could think of nothing to say .
tr	2	He looked up to find her regarding him from wide , clear eyes .
tr	2	She was still smiling , there was no reproach in her words .
tr	2	" Forgive me , I have not been very good company for you . "
tr	2	Rafe had never been easy in their company , it had rendered him silent .
tr	2	Strangely enough this silence had the effect of inspiring admiration in female hearts .
tr	2	Gradually he had learnt to suffer the discomfort he felt in their presence stoically .
tr	2	It had never occurred to Adele that she might be different to other girls .
tr	2	" It is only that I did not mean it like that . "
tr	2	He even had a vague suspicion that the discussion should not have been taking place .
tr	2	Rather she sat looking up , her eyes placid , waiting for him to respond .
tr	2	Adele stood , brushing a few lingering crumbs from the fabric of her cloak .
tr	2	She tilted her head upwards and gazed up at the darkening sky .
tr	2	" Eda ... wake up , we have to move on now . "
tr	2	Eda groaned , snuggling her head further down in to the warmth of her cloak .
tr	2	" And you look as though birds have taken up residence in your hair . "
tr	2	Adele 's voice was soothing as she dragged her friend to her feet .
tr	2	" By all means let us think of these cheering things . "
tr	2	" ' Tis an impossible task and who is here to see anyway . "
tr	2	" You will notice , Finn , that we are no one . "
tr	2	Rafe froze momentarily , hearing his own words ringing in his ears .
tr	2	" Yet now we have the added pleasure of trawling through the mud . "
tr	2	She was pretty sure that Eda 's quips were beginning to irritate him .
tr	2	Rafe found himself grinning , and held out a hand toward her .
tr	2	Still , this rather grim statement would have brought her merriment to an abrupt end .
tr	2	He hadn 't realised until then just how morose he had become in some respects .
tr	2	Adele pulled against him , a gentle pressure that caused him to pause .
tr	2	" To tell the truth I had forgotten all about you , " answered Rafe .
tr	2	" I guessed that to be the case , " replied Eda coolly .
tr	2	Why couldn 't she see that he did not appreciate her questioning his actions .
tr	2	Adele frowned , trying to think of some way to shatter the awkward silence .
tr	2	" Oh yes , I could not perfectly recall the name . "
tr	2	Perhaps it would be best if she did not meet Finan at all .
tr	2	" You 've become so pale , you are not ill are you ? "
tr	2	Rafe shook his head as if doing so would clear his mind .
tr	2	Was it possible that they had been ... attached in some way ?
tr	2	For a certainty he had on occasion taken pleasure in watching pretty women .
tr	2	However , he had never felt the least wish to commit any folly .
tr	2	However , he had never actually placed them , their personalities , above each other .
tr	2	His eyes slid away from his lord 's stare and became engrossed in the horizon .
tr	2	He was enjoying pitting his wits against the warrior who had collected Lady Adele .
tr	2	He felt a strange need to compete suddenly for the hearts of his own soldiers .
tr	2	Yet he knew he could not risk his men in so fool hardy a gesture .
tr	2	" Better than your life , Bron , would you not agree ? "
tr	2	The track that Lord Rand had chosen to take was of a much shallower gradient .
tr	2	There was little room and the horses had to traverse its length in single file .
tr	2	Though unpleasant for the moment , he could see the end in sight .
tr	2	" Forgive me , Lord Rafe , I meant not to intrude . "
tr	2	" A rather forward child , he seems not to know his place . "
tr	2	" Yes , I know ; you have already said that . "
tr	2	" I am so glad we have managed to come to an understanding . "
tr	2	" Now we might find a way to come to terms . "
tr	2	As he is not present , all I can offer you is hospitality . "
tr	2	It took several seconds for the full meaning of his words to sink in .
tr	2	" Great goodness , " sighed Finan , weary irritation creeping into his voice .
tr	2	Finan lowered himself into his chair , sinking his head into his hands .
tr	2	" I would have extended my greetings but he was skulking betwixt the tents ! "
tr	2	" You do not think he is perhaps a little mad do you ?
tr	2	" That is , I did as you told me to , Master Finan . "
tr	2	Finan was silent for some time , a serious frown on his face .
tr	2	" You know , beneath that childish veneer hides the soul of a fiend .
tr	2	" The truth of it is I rather admire his cheek ! "
tr	2	" But it never will be ; the boy likes me ! "
tr	2	" Yes , well ; as we have seen he has deplorable taste . "
tr	2	" I lack sufficient ambition to please my father , not that it matters .
tr	2	Finan 's brow darkened on hearing this and his next words were rather brusque .
tr	2	It was not his way for he needed neither to bolster his ego .
tr	2	She looked down , her tired eyes surrounded by a dark smudge of fatigue .
tr	2	Her drowsy eyes looked into his and in their depths he could see genuine admiration .
tr	2	Rafe was surprised by a wish to hold her close in an appreciative bear hug .
tr	2	It was an impulse that shook him to the very centre of his being .
tr	2	" Can you not see that he is doing his best for us ? "
tr	2	For the first time Eda saw fiery sparks of anger spill from Adele 's eyes .
tr	2	Rafe sat back from the task , reclining against the rock next to Adele .
tr	2	He leaned across , taking her hand that was furthest from him in his own .
tr	2	He looked out into the rain , wondering if any of them would sleep tonight .
tr	2	" So I do not precisely understand how you know this ' Randolph ' . "
tr	2	" So he was one of the boys from the village then ? "
tr	2	No doubt they had played with the very toys that he himself had provided !
tr	2	Yes , that would be about right , " she mused aloud .
tr	2	" But he was due to visit us again a few days from now . "
tr	2	It was nice to have his visits to look forward to . "
tr	2	Adele smiled faintly , relaxing a little as she gazed dreamily into the fire .
tr	2	The words almost choked him to say , but still he forced them out .
tr	2	Adele blinked slowly two or three times , her gaze never wavering from his face .
tr	2	Do not answer that question ; I should never have asked it .
tr	2	" I find that maxim has always kept me from disappointment . "
tr	2	Rafe sighed ; this was obviously a topic she was determined to pursue .
tr	2	" ' Tis why my father did not seek to marry them elsewhere .
tr	2	" Have you , or indeed are you married , Finn ? "
tr	2	Rafe fought within himself to find a suitable answer for this question .
tr	2	To Adele 's amazement Rafe began to laugh , his whole form shaking .
tr	2	" I am sure you must be right , " he grinned .
tr	2	" I would you might tell it to me , Finn . "
tr	2	Great goodness , tell her that she was the lady they were talking of ?
tr	2	" It is difficult for me to talk of it , my lady . "
tr	2	Rafe had a sudden suspicion that they were no longer talking of the same thing .
tr	2	" So it would seem ; we were talking of worry . "
tr	2	The one that is more than just the thought that someone followed us . "
tr	2	" Was that not what you were speaking of , Finn ? "
tr	2	" Nor is that an end to the matter , for they follow us still .
tr	2	If they do wish to attack us , why do they not make their move ?
tr	2	Yet he had nothing , just the strange behaviour that their pursuers were exhibiting .
tr	2	It gave him no clue at all to either their identity or their intentions .
tr	2	He looked down at the two women shivering in the inadequate shelter .
tr	2	Absolute silence greeted this statement , and Rafe began to feel rather ill used .
tr	2	Rafe felt his cheeks grow warm , and shifted his gaze from hers .
tr	2	And you looked so horrified when you thought you would have to explain . "
tr	2	Adele giggled again , but it was a nervous sound this time .
tr	2	" It would be for the best , would it not , Finn ? "
tr	2	" Eda ... it ... there is no other way to keep warm . "
tr	2	Rafe had spread his cloak wide that both ladies might recline upon it .
tr	2	With thoughtful consideration she had taken her cloak off that it might also cover him .
tr	2	Such ministrations seemed to Rafe to call for some comment on his part .
tr	2	Of course , he would have to do something about the warrior first .
tr	2	Still he lingered , unable to tear himself away from his hiding place .
tr	2	Soon the time would come , his wait would not be long .
tr	2	The wind picked up and sent a sighing breath of dampness through the trees .
tr	2	For a second the figure clawed and struggled strenuously , but silently .
tr	2	" I did not notice that you were much surprised , Master . "
tr	2	However , as Lord Rand had stated , the warrior was no longer there .
tr	2	Rand flung out a hand and gripped his shoulder tightly to silence him .
tr	2	They waited for endless moments , Rand 's posture becoming even more taut .
tr	2	At the last moment he looked up and across to where Rand crouched .
tr	2	" No , no ; ' tis just a trick of the light . "
tr	2	" No , leave it , just in case it was a guess .
tr	2	The two of them retreated , silently making their way back to their camp .
tr	2	Finan listened as the prowler pulled himself upright and set the stool to rights .
tr	2	" Forgive me , Finan ; t ' was unthinking of me to wake you .
tr	2	Finan himself had been fifteen , guarding over a nine year old Rafe .
tr	2	" War is always imminent between Kent and Sussex , ' tis traditional . "
tr	2	" I never thought to see you so poor spirited , Brogan .
tr	2	When I think of how it was with you when we were boys .
tr	2	" Yes , I have been with him this hour and more . "
tr	2	" It matters not , I have the time to wait . "
tr	2	He then settled back into the soft furs that covered his chair .
tr	2	" There are those who say it cannot be resolved , " he finished .
tr	2	" But of course I did ; Rafe told me weeks since . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan 's deep chuckle rumbled softly across the space between them .
tr	2	She was somehow very beautiful ; not striking perhaps , but quietly pleasing .
tr	2	When awake her eyes drew all attention , mesmerising with their luminous wonder .
tr	2	Adele slowly got to her knees and crawled out from beneath the outcrop .
tr	2	A muffled snort sounded from beneath the cloak , and Adele laughed .
tr	2	" Eda , if you wake up I shall tidy your hair for you . "
tr	2	" I am so stiff , I could not even tell you . "
tr	2	When Rafe returned it was to find Adele frowning and Eda wincing .
tr	2	" We shall have time to eat before we go then ? "
tr	2	Adele murmured her apologies , and continued to pull the comb through Eda 's hair .
tr	2	Eda winced and scowled as the comb caught on another knot and snagged .
tr	2	" Not that I had noticed that our previous pace was relaxed . "
tr	2	He could tell them , but what would be the gain of such an action ?
tr	2	Rafe had never known a feeling like he experienced then , could not explain it .
tr	2	Would she ever see more than the little that he allowed her to see ?
tr	2	Are you not even a little put out by this news ? "
tr	2	Rafe 's face twisted bitterly , and Adele suddenly found his eyes upon her .
tr	2	" If we had not been there that night , his son would live still .
tr	2	The silence that greeted this question was broken by Adele standing abruptly .
tr	2	Rafe watched the colour disappear from her face and her eyes fill with fiery anger .
tr	2	Her voice was tight and shaking with the effort to remain controlled .
tr	2	His mouth opened that he might explain , but he had no words .
tr	2	" Before one of us says something that cannot be forgiven ! "
tr	2	Eda 's voice called from where she stood next to the smouldering fire .
tr	2	" Was there something else you wished to say , Finn ? "
tr	2	Rafe stared down into her face , knowing what he should do but still hesitating .
tr	2	Rafe watched her leave , wishing even as she did that he had told her .
tr	2	Her grip was surprisingly strong causing him to spin round to face her .
tr	2	" I have apologised for the whole and begged Lady Adele 's pardon .
tr	2	In truth she was trying to ignore the way her heart was pounding .
tr	2	It was only because she and Finn had argued , she told herself .
tr	2	Yet even as she assured herself she winced , knowing it to be a lie .
tr	2	Adele sighed heavily ; things had become so much more difficult since leaving the fort .
tr	2	Indeed she had believed that she had wisdom beyond her years in that respect .
tr	2	Adele shook her head ; but there had been nothing like this .
tr	2	The recollection of their respective stations had been a jarring note of discordance .
tr	2	He had not even balked when Eda had been at her most irritable .
tr	2	Perhaps there was more to the incident than Finn 's brief account had implied ?
tr	2	" In the answer to that question I am greatly interested . "
tr	2	And be thankful that you still have the use of all your limbs ! "
tr	2	Did they really suppose that his father would be impressed by such a base action ?
tr	2	Yes , his father wanted him to succeed like Rafe - or even surpass him .
tr	2	Just a few moments ago he had been happy in spite of his restless night .
tr	2	Now he was filled with a cold , heavy emotion he recognised only too well .
tr	2	Anyone might think you had been up all night , Finan ! "
tr	2	" How can you tell whether there were riders or not ? "
tr	2	He reined in , listening intently with his head to one side .
tr	2	Eda broke off as Adele 's hand covered her mouth and silenced her .
tr	2	They all sat quietly for innumerable seconds as the sound moved closer to them .
tr	2	Rafe closed his eyes trying to decide from which direction the clamour was coming from .
tr	2	Both women clung to the horse and prayed that they might keep their seat .
tr	2	However he knew Charger could not , not when he carried two riders .
tr	2	" My duty is to see that you are safe , I stay here . "
tr	2	Rafe drew his sword and turned to meet the hunting party as they approached .
tr	2	All halted as they came across Rafe standing alone and with sword drawn before him .
tr	2	Three of his men slid from their horses and advanced on Rafe menacingly .
tr	2	His hair was dark and a beard covered the lower half of his face .
tr	2	" My esteemed father died at harvest time ... fortunately for you .
tr	2	" You need not go the same road as a grieving old man . "
tr	2	What he could not understand was the way they wished to torment him .
tr	2	" You have to say that to convince me to spare you ! "
tr	2	To him was entrusted the wealth and prosperity of our House ! "
tr	2	The only reason we have survived this long is pride in our family name .
tr	2	We may hate each other , but others are not allowed the same luxury .
tr	2	So you see , through you I have attained my brother 's station .
tr	2	Yet I cannot be seen to allow you to escape without punishment . "
tr	2	" Did you really think that I would not know also ? "
tr	2	Sword I will allow you , for I like to see some sport !
tr	2	We will see how long you can evade those who are pursuing you .
tr	2	" You saw not how he fought today , Brother , " he replied softly .
tr	2	If he sent out riders after them would they have a sufficient head start ?
tr	2	Rafe took a deep breath and sank into the chair before him .
tr	2	That does not mean that I wish to see you fail in this endeavour . "
tr	2	" Your family will hardly be satisfied should I triumph , " replied Rafe .
tr	2	King Ine demanded that we accept payment rather than demand retribution with the sword .
tr	2	This arrangement restores to us the element of choice that was denied us before . "
tr	2	" You perceive that your hand has been shortened in some way ? "
tr	2	Chapter Fifteen Rand crouched in the clearing and studied the ground carefully .
tr	2	" Very well : for some reason they were in danger from the hunt .
tr	2	Bron stepped over to where the leaves had been drawn into a pile .
tr	2	" From here they must have lifted him onto a horse . "
tr	2	Rand looked again to Bron as if appealing for an answer to the conundrum .
tr	2	Bron caught the bridle of Lord Rand 's horse and led it to his master .
tr	2	It was only when both men were seated on their mounts again that Rand spoke .
tr	2	" I have yet to meet the man I could not track . "
tr	2	" I shall make you this promise , Master , " replied Bron evenly .
tr	2	" You had better take two of the men and follow his tracks .
tr	2	Rand 's mount moved forward eagerly , but he reined in again .
tr	2	Rand 's smile wavered , and his voice took on a more serious .
tr	2	The warrior 's movements will be unexpected , they always are . "
tr	2	Come to that he would not mind the chance of finding one of those himself .
tr	2	Bron wasn 't entirely sure what his master expected to gain from his present course .
tr	2	Around her the trees had thinned and they had entered a clearer , flatter terrain .
tr	2	The moon shone brightly , illuminating the desolate landscape with ethereal light .
tr	2	No , she wasn 't sure that that was something she wanted to think about .
tr	2	" Do you suppose that we are still going in the right direction ? "
tr	2	" For all I know we could be travelling in circles , " sighed Eda .
tr	2	Great goodness , I never knew how stupid I could be ! "
tr	2	" Finn said that we would be able to find our way . "
tr	2	" He said that we should be there by night fall . "
tr	2	Mercia 's border is close , what if we should cross it by accident ? "
tr	2	Surely Eda was right and that those on their trail needed rest also .
tr	2	It seem that to lie down and rest just for a moment could not hurt .
tr	2	She had enough faith in him to know that he was correct .
tr	2	" It is best that we do just as Finn told us . "
tr	2	They would have died that first night if it hadn 't been for Finn .
tr	2	In any case the fact remained that Finn had saved her and Eda 's lives .
tr	2	Adele bit her lip ; she wished she had not put that thought into words .
tr	2	' Tis too much ; you are tired and beginning to scare me . "
tr	2	Eda was tired , confused , and slightly worried by Adele 's behaviour .
tr	2	" And the sooner we can help Finn , " Eda finished quietly .
tr	2	It was early , a cold damp day of drizzle falling from invisible skies .
tr	2	Finan cleared his throat uncomfortably , sliding the weapon back into its sheath .
tr	2	" What say we go and toast ourselves by the fire ? "
tr	2	" ' Tis only the mist , it ... unsettles me . "
tr	2	It had been early , the mist had been present at first light .
tr	2	When the attack came it was as unexpected as it was fierce .
tr	2	Rafe had found his sword and turned to grapple with another phantom like shadow .
tr	2	Finan lifted his hand , demanding silence , and stared out into the milky whiteness .
tr	2	" I cannot make out from which direction they are coming . "
tr	2	His friend had paled dramatically , and he flexed restless fingers against the hilt .
tr	2	To his ears , the approaching hoof beats were tired of pace .
tr	2	As they came closer they took on the more recognisable form of horse and rider .
tr	2	Finn said that he would be here , I need to speak with him . "
tr	2	For the first time the other lady spoke , her voice impatient .
tr	2	Neither man made any noise or movement , but both stood stock still .
tr	2	Eda glanced nervously from one to the other and then across at Adele .
tr	2	Finan turned from helping Adele and Eda to dismount to speak to the boy .
tr	2	" You did splendidly ; enjoy your rest , good boy . "
tr	2	Eda gasped , her eyes sliding to where Adele sat near the fire .
tr	2	" Yes , my lady , rest assured that all will be well . "
tr	2	The assurance was perfunctory and with a swift bow he was gone .
tr	2	" Might I fetch a goblet of wine for you , my lady ? "
tr	2	Adele did not answer at first , but gazed into the depths of the fire .
tr	2	As it was there was little time for awkwardness , was there ?
tr	2	" I thought that he was not so tall as Finn . "
tr	2	He relaxed a little , the half anxious frown disappearing from his chubby face .
tr	2	She reached out and pulled him to rest his head against her shoulder .
tr	2	Chapter Seventeen Finan strode through the camp , his mind filled with worry .
tr	2	His face was grim , completely different from the usual genial expression that resided there .
tr	2	" I do not know ; I thought I heard something . "
tr	2	As Finan spoke he was pulling his sword free of its sheath .
tr	2	" Who are you and what business do you have here ? "
tr	2	It was Finan 's voice breaking the silence , its timbre challenging .
tr	2	" ' Tis a question I have been burning to ask these three days . "
tr	2	" Safe and sound , at this very moment resting in your tent . "
tr	2	He kept his tone reasonable , yet there was confidence behind his words .
tr	2	Their struggling was fierce , and very soon both were covered in wet soil .
tr	2	Her diminutive figure was interestingly conspicuous among the brawny , battle toughened men all around .
tr	2	Adele caught Rafe 's arm as he brought it back to deliver another blow .
tr	2	He halted sharply as Adele caught his ear and squeezed none too gently .
tr	2	Letting out a yelp , he turned to look down at her flushed face .
tr	2	What did you think that you were doing hitting Finn when he was defenceless ?
tr	2	His action was designed to provoke , and Rafe 's hands clenched into fists .
tr	2	He found it took all his restraint to keep from lunging at Rand again .
tr	2	As it was he had the satisfaction of seeing Adele slap Rand 's hand away .
tr	2	Adele was sure that the conversation had more than its surface meaning .
tr	2	There was something she didn 't understand , something very important connecting the two men .
tr	2	Such an intensity of feeling as was between them was impossible between strangers .
tr	2	Some of the stiffness left Rand 's rigid features and he smiled .
tr	2	" I promise I will not lay a hand on him . "
tr	2	Rand tuned back to Adele , lifting her hand briefly to his lips .
tr	2	" We can talk in my tent , " he suggested mildly .
tr	2	Rand nodded stiffly and gestured to Bron that he should follow also .
tr	2	Chapter Eighteen They were a silent procession , each man ill at ease .
tr	2	The last time he had seen him Rand had been an eleven year old boy .
tr	2	Rafe made his way to the nearest chair and slumped into it .
tr	2	For a moment he closed his eyes , leaning his head back against the chair .
tr	2	" You are right : those dead deserve better than that . "
tr	2	" You betrayed me , Rand , you betrayed us all ! "
tr	2	Rafe paused trying to swallow the bitterness that threatened to choke him .
tr	2	You have no idea what I did and why I did it !
tr	2	" I do not care what you want , Rand , " panted Rafe .
tr	2	Rand wrenched himself from Finan 's hold and sat back down in his seat .
tr	2	" Why should we believe that you mean peace when you threaten us ? "
tr	2	Every one turned to look at Bron in surprise , having entirely forgotten his presence .
tr	2	No he didn 't , he wished he could but it fitted far too well .
tr	2	Rafe had known it , had known that somewhere something was strange .
tr	2	It was that which had puzzled him , and Rand 's explanation made everything clear .
tr	2	Rafe knew it was true but somehow could not bring himself to admit it .
tr	2	As I recall it was not so important to you once . "
tr	2	" It is important to me now , " replied Rand stiffly .
tr	2	" I suppose you would not believe that no such trouble exists ? "
tr	2	I think it would be as well if you remembered that . "
tr	2	Rafe 's knuckles showed white as he gripped the arms of his chair .
tr	2	It was Finan who answered him , his voice low and his gaze steady .
tr	2	He was the only person who knew that I visited Adele , no one else .
tr	2	" Then the only thing we can do is form a truce . "
tr	2	" And of course , not forgetting , ' Lord Rafe ' . "
tr	2	It would be best if he kept out of her way . "
tr	2	Finan lifted a hand , his face losing some of its colour .
tr	2	" There was a way around it , " replied Finan evenly .
tr	2	" Finan surely you would not have left me so entirely ? "
tr	2	Do you have any idea of the things I have been through ?
tr	2	Rafe looked a little surprised as these activities were listed to him .
tr	2	" The man loathes and detests you ; why would he let you go ? "
tr	2	" But I wish to speak to Adele before I go ! "
tr	2	Who knew what Rafe might say to them while he was not there to hear .
tr	2	" Do not worry that I shall try to poison their minds against you .
tr	2	For another , I shall not have time : I also need to rest . "
tr	2	Rafe had again closed his eyes and leant his head back against the chair .
tr	2	" He was shorter than I remember him , " he remarked casually .
tr	2	What help could there be in sharing the bitter thoughts in their minds ?
tr	2	If he could forgive , would he ever be able to forget ?
tr	2	" However only you know if it fits his actions in following you . "
tr	2	" The truth is it fits too well for him to be lying . "
tr	2	He wished he could give them that which they so evidently wanted .
tr	2	" I am sorry ; I cannot give you an opinion . "
tr	2	He looked up to find two pairs of anxious eyes upon him .
tr	2	" Whatever I say , I cannot but be swayed by personal feelings .
tr	2	I think then , that it would be best if I say nothing . "
tr	2	he asked , attempting to turn the conversation to less emotive lines .
tr	2	Rafe 's brow creased and the troubled looked on his face deepened .
tr	2	Before Rafe could answer there was a commotion at the tent opening .
tr	2	Rafe looked relieved for a moment before a frown settled on his brow .
tr	2	Lady Eda was worried I think , she kept asking her if she wanted anything .
tr	2	" Maybe ... Lady Eda was asking what she thought of Lord Rafe . "
tr	2	Finan groaned , realising that they must have been referring to him .
tr	2	Rafe smiled ; it seemed such a typical thing for Adele to have said .
tr	2	" I managed to hear the rest right , did I not ? "
tr	2	The little boy was intent upon his task and did not look up .
tr	2	Pulling up a chair nearer the fire , he spread the cloak to dry .
tr	2	Chapter Nineteen " Are we certain that this information is correct ? "
tr	2	Lord Brogan was silent , weighing each word carefully before he spoke it .
tr	2	" Nevertheless someone has to be the first to offer the trust of negotiation . "
tr	2	" Such an endeavour as this requires careful handling , " King Ine murmured thoughtfully .
tr	2	" I believe he will excel in finding an answer to this situation . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan quelled a sudden rush of anger at this slight to Rafe .
tr	2	" You wish to see to this affair yourself , you mean ? "
tr	2	King Ine did not look best pleased and sat in irritated silence for a moment .
tr	2	The three men present bowed deeply in respect and turned to leave the great hall .
tr	2	" There is yet something I wish to discuss with you . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan returned to the table and seated himself opposite his king .
tr	2	This thing seems to have hit you harder than I imagined it would . "
tr	2	" This has been something I have feared for years , " replied King Ine .
tr	2	Adele remained completely still and listened to her friend 's rhythmic breathing .
tr	2	She couldn 't remember a time when she had felt more foolish .
tr	2	She was promised to Lord Rafe , how could she have let this happen ?
tr	2	Surely this was as cruel a twist for him as it was for her ?
tr	2	Adele bit her lip , feeling a sudden rush of pity for her betrothed .
tr	2	Never would she give him pain or cause to regret that kindness .
tr	2	She would make recompense with the years that they would spend together .
tr	2	She would make those years happy , she would make him happy .
tr	2	He would lose nothing , for he did not want her anyway .
tr	2	" Fine , but this time you can tell him so . "
tr	2	" He would not listen and besides , ' tis not my place . "
tr	2	Until now the course he has chosen to pursue has done more good than harm .
tr	2	Now that the reverse is true , he will set things straight . "
tr	2	" I am not so sure , there was something so strange about him today .
tr	2	" We were all angry , how could we not be ? "
tr	2	" And you know that in personal matters Rafe has never been cool headed .
tr	2	" Rafe has a temper and loses it as often as not .
tr	2	We both know that you would never have imagined that you would need to . "
tr	2	Never once did his anger or impatience get the better of him then .
tr	2	Finan did not look satisfied , and opened his mouth to argue the point .
tr	2	" No , my lord , only that it was a personal matter . "
tr	2	" Would you like me to accompany you , Lord Rafe ? "
tr	2	A few moments in their company and you would have them at sword point .
tr	2	You only care to use that smooth tongue of yours in the company of women .
tr	2	" My master asked that you might come quickly , my lord . "
tr	2	The soldier inclined his head a little ; he looked impatient to be gone .
tr	2	" ' Tis only that we must make haste , " he replied .
tr	2	So why , wondered Finan , was the soldier perspiring so profusely ?
tr	2	" What is so wrong that your master sent for me with such urgency ? "
tr	2	The soldier 's eyes flickered to Finan for a moment , filled with hesitant worry .
tr	2	You see , Lord Rafe , someone does not view you with kindness . "
tr	2	" My master wishes you dead , my task is to facilitate . "
tr	2	" Not by you , Lord Rafe , nor by anyone else . "
tr	2	The blade flew swiftly through the air , but the distance was far .
tr	2	He knew the most important thing was that he kept his seat .
tr	2	The crowd of soldiers was no longer as tight as it had been .
tr	2	His only hope was that there was distance enough between him and them .
tr	2	Maybe he would reach the camp before they caught up with him .
tr	2	Every movement Brute made jolted him making him feel sick and dizzy .
tr	2	Rand held him tightly , choking a little over his words as he spoke them .
tr	2	Rand looked down at Finan ; his eyes were closed and his breathing shallow .
tr	2	Rand called for the page , and gave Bron his full attention .
tr	2	Bron nodded and ran into the mist , his figure disappearing almost instantly .
tr	2	Rand looked down and saw the reason for the boy 's revulsion .
tr	2	Seeing that the camp was small they advanced at a gallop , spears levelled .
tr	2	Rand stood his ground , his feet firmly planted as one soldier advanced towards him .
tr	2	Rand felt that he had never heard a sweeter sound than Bron returning with reinforcements .
tr	2	" ' Tis only I , Drogo , " reassured Rand , raising a hand .
tr	2	" More fortunate than I can tell you , " he answered .
tr	2	" The bleeding is heavy , but the wound itself is not deep .
tr	2	" Because Rafe took it into his head that Lady Adele was still in danger .
tr	2	" But I do not see why Rafe had to become Finan . "
tr	2	" To be honest I think his fear was as much for her as himself .
tr	2	Rand had always been open and earnest , incapable of even the smallest deception .
tr	2	Rafe watched him carefully as he set out a dry piece of cloth .
tr	2	" I suppose that means I am to expect a visit from him then ? "
tr	2	Finan is unconscious and a little feverish , he sleeps still . "
tr	2	" Come then , he is resting at Rand 's camp . "
tr	2	They entered the tent to find Drogo bent over Finan 's form .
tr	2	" I am afraid there is little we can do but wait . "
tr	2	" Why is it always inactivity and patience that is required ? "
tr	2	He settled himself in a chair and commenced tapping his fingers against the wood .
tr	2	Rafe squirmed uncomfortably and began to fiddle with the leather tassel on his belt .
tr	2	" She has to know now , this has gone far enough . "
tr	2	" He will feel better once he has made this plain to her . "
tr	2	" You were always very clever in some ways , Rand . "
tr	2	Chapter Twenty Two Adele stirred and shrank away from the hand that shook her gently .
tr	2	" Lor ... Master Finan requires a few moments of your time . "
tr	2	" If we wait but a moment Finn will make all plain to us . "
tr	2	Rafe held back the flap of the tent ready for her to pass through .
tr	2	" I hope you know what you are doing , Finn . "
tr	2	Adele surreptitiously regarded Rafe from beneath her lashes and found he looked preoccupied and distant .
tr	2	Adele hesitated , she might have laughed but he seemed so detached and remote .
tr	2	Then he saw her gaze turn self conscious and embarrassment flooded her face with colour .
tr	2	By and by she began to notice that all was not well after all .
tr	2	She must be angry , probably hurt , and definitely wishing him gone .
tr	2	He wished she would speak , say something that would tell him her thoughts .
tr	2	His anger was directed at her , little though she understood it .
tr	2	" ' Tis a pleasure to meet you , my lord . "
tr	2	She must have felt badly hurt to have retreated behind a façade of distant civility .
tr	2	" Try to believe , Adele , that there was reason for the deception .
tr	2	Somehow it made it worse , but she would not cry in front of him .
tr	2	At his blunt words Adele 's eyes met his with fresh misery in their depths .
tr	2	Adele felt a little easier ; this was familiar , this restless impatience .
tr	2	It was something she recognised in the man who suddenly seemed a stranger .
tr	2	Why must it be that he lost that ability when talking to Adele ?
tr	2	He felt suddenly that a whole area of his education had been passed over .
tr	2	He hadn 't the slightest idea what he ought to do to make things better .
tr	2	The words broke from his mouth with little connection to that which had gone before .
tr	2	" He was introduced to you as Lord Rafe , I believe . "
tr	2	" He was ambushed by someone who thought that he was Lord Rafe .
tr	2	Rafe was watching her carefully , as if looking for some reaction .
tr	2	" Adele , I ... " Rafe paused trying to marshal his thoughts .
tr	2	" Adele , I am sorry for any pain I have caused you . "
tr	2	There could be no mistaking her meaning and Rafe felt the rebuff forcefully .
tr	2	Adele remained so still that she might have been carved in rock .
tr	2	" Well he is in a black temper , is he not ? "
tr	2	It must have been bad to put him in such a foul mood . "
tr	2	I cannot remember a time when I have seen you cry so . "
tr	2	Eda rocked back on her heels , her face showing plainly her shock .
tr	2	" He is not Finn , Eda , he is Lord Rafe . "
tr	2	" Adele he was kind to me , to both of us . "
tr	2	But she had been certain that there was more to it than that .
tr	2	They had been so young , she and Adele ; so sheltered and innocent .
tr	2	Eda remembered a conversation in which she and Adele had fallen out badly .
tr	2	How many times had she thought that there had been something in his eyes ?
tr	2	She had been wrong , or maybe he had changed his mind .
tr	2	He had started to treat her distantly , as though she had been a stranger .
tr	2	Rafe did not turn from his task but became even more intently focused upon it .
tr	2	Some time elapsed before Rafe spoke again , his voice filled with determined bravado .
tr	2	" Fear is not an emotion to be disparaged , it breeds a dangerous power .
tr	2	Only think ; with one move he has placed all he has in jeopardy .
tr	2	He has nothing more to lose and his actions will be desperate . "
tr	2	Rafe 's head jerked around , his eyes turbulent and just a little bit wary .
tr	2	" It is a different matter altogether and has no bearing on this . "
tr	2	" Forgive me ; to which of your problems do you refer ? "
tr	2	" If it please you , I wish to speak with Lady Adele . "
tr	2	" I never thought of that , " his tone was startled .
tr	2	" I do not know if they will be of any use . "
tr	2	" You do not seem to hold either lady in very high esteem . "
tr	2	" Having seen her I should say she will not disappoint in that duty . "
tr	2	You will remember that I offered her my hand and heart before you did .
tr	2	I could have been suffering under a hopeless passion all these years ! "
tr	2	" For a woman , nay , a babe you had never even met ? "
tr	2	" Besides ' tis no more than you would do to me . "
tr	2	It had become obvious that he had looked forward to his marriage with trepidation .
tr	2	For the most part however , Rafe had sought to expunge Adele from his mind .
tr	2	All in all he thought that Rafe might brush through the thing very well .
tr	2	" I do not forget my duties just because it becomes difficult . "
tr	2	" I actually meant is she still agreeable to marrying you ? "
tr	2	It must have been pretty bad to put Rafe in such a foul temper .
tr	2	He wondered if perhaps Lady Adele had berated him for the deceit .
tr	2	Rafe groaned , leaned forward , and rested his head in his hands .
tr	2	He didn 't want it on his conscience , didn 't want that responsibility .
tr	2	To be faced suddenly with losing that friendship he felt a good deal of regret .
tr	2	He had never made such a mess of anything in his life .
tr	2	For a shocked moment Rafe was completely still ; even his thoughts would not move .
tr	2	Her demeanour , apart from that faint flicker of unease , was composed .
tr	2	" I see , Finn said ... " Adele broke off flushing painfully .
tr	2	Here was yet another person who had known that Lord Rafe was deceiving her .
tr	2	She was determined that she would not open herself up to more ridicule .
tr	2	That which she saw in his face brought the ache of tears to her throat .
tr	2	It dulled somewhat as his gaze fell on her , and he looked perplexed .
tr	2	Adele 's eyes travelled to the man lying on the makeshift bed .
tr	2	The last time she had seen him she had thought him to be her betrothed .
tr	2	She blushed faintly and moved towards the bed , placing her hand on his brow .
tr	2	" I will need hot water too , but mostly cold . "
tr	2	Adele 's voice was faintly questioning as though asking whether Eda concurred .
tr	2	Eda nodded and , picking up one of the leather pouches , unbound the tie .
tr	2	" Now you have to prepare him for bathing , Drogo . "
tr	2	Adele smiled toward him , and she and Eda left the tent .
tr	2	It was Adele 's voice , coming from outside of the tent .
tr	2	Within a few moments Finan was ready and both ladies re-entered the tent .
tr	2	" The men are bringing it up from the stream , " he replied .
tr	2	Even as he spoke a soldier staggered in with a large cauldron of water .
tr	2	Another soldier arrived with more water and placed it next to Eda .
tr	2	Adele was not sure how long they sat applying the cold cloths .
tr	2	Adele nodded , already trying to bring some coolness back to Finan 's skin .
tr	2	Adele nodded briefly , and Eda stood and moved back to the fire .
tr	2	No , he was not Finn , she reminded herself : he was Lord Rafe .
tr	2	He bent down , caught her elbow , and gave a gentle tug .
tr	2	Rafe dragged the seat to the tent opening where there was a slight breeze .
tr	2	She shrugged as he moved to her side and leaned against her chair .
tr	2	It was far too careful an expression for a man who had nothing to hide .
tr	2	" Let us not pretend that you know not what I mean . "
tr	2	" Or perhaps you would like me to go into greater detail ? "
tr	2	Rand 's face remained blank , but within he felt a seething emotion bubbling furiously .
tr	2	Even his father had known that there was only so far he could be pushed .
tr	2	Rafe , he was more than certain , would see to it .
tr	2	Still , it didn 't change the fact that he had done no wrong .
tr	2	Even more than that , he had liked the way she had looked at him .
tr	2	Then again , perhaps a clean break would have been better after all .
tr	2	Surely it could have been no worse than that which had followed .
tr	2	Perhaps it would have been easier for her if it had just ended .
tr	2	Adele was watching his face closely for some sign as to his thoughts .
tr	2	Adele stood , moving to where Rafe kneeled and sinking down beside him .
tr	2	She resolutely reined in her thoughts and took the cloth from his slackened grasp .
tr	2	" How long will it be before the fever poses no threat ? "
tr	2	She took a quick look up at him from beneath her lashes .
tr	2	" It matters not to me if you call me by it sometimes .
tr	2	Rafe winced ; that hadn 't come out as he had meant it to .
tr	2	More than anything he wanted to say something , to explain to her his thoughts .
tr	2	He knew that if he tried it would only become more tangled .
tr	2	" Do you think , Adele , that you could be happy again ? "
tr	2	Before he could say anything more Eda arrived with another brew for Finan .
tr	2	Strangely , he would have been satisfied just conversing with Adele for a little longer .
tr	2	Rafe 's jaw clenched and he felt his fingers curl into fists .
tr	2	He was damned if he would let Rand take her from him .
tr	2	Even then he had wondered if perhaps there was more than friendship between them .
tr	2	What if Adele had feelings for Rand , feelings that he reciprocated ?
tr	2	If she and Rand loved one another , could he deny her freedom ?
tr	2	" I thought t ' would be some foolishness of that sort .
tr	2	You find yourself in trouble and expect me to help you out of it .
tr	2	" My master finds Lord Rafe to be something of an irritant . "
tr	2	" And how is it precisely that Lord Rafe offends your master ? "
tr	2	He looked scared , almost hunted , and had the air of a petulant child .
tr	2	I had never met him , how was I to know ? "
tr	2	However , Lord Rafe did not come , the Gordo man did . "
tr	2	He said he was ; why should I have doubted him ? "
tr	2	" That there is more to this than either of us know . "
tr	2	" There is nowhere that I would be safe from him ! "
tr	2	" Come , come ; Lord Rafe ... " " Lord Rafe ?
tr	2	We must attack now , all must be finished before my master arrives . "
tr	2	Finan 's lips moved as he repeated this assurance over to himself silently .
tr	2	" I do not remember but ... " He broke off with a weak smile .
tr	2	Now of course I can quite understand why he should have been .
tr	2	Why would he let me go , just to have me killed later ? "
tr	2	" Have you no sense knocking around that thick head of yours ? "
tr	2	You know that to lay a hand on Adele is to challenge me .
tr	2	She turned to Drogo and asked that he might bring her eggs and milk .
tr	2	" This is not necessary , " he managed to grind out .
tr	2	Finan gazed up at him , his indignation taking away the power of speech .
tr	2	Allow her to stay and see you recover as quickly as possible . "
tr	2	Finan looked a little abashed that she had heard his whispered comments .
tr	2	Finan was surprised how appetising their aroma was and felt his stomach growl in anticipation .
tr	2	He drained the goblet swiftly , finding it to be surprisingly good .
tr	2	Adele had warmed the milk and it brought him a comfortable feeling of wellbeing .
tr	2	Before he could speak Adele 's voice floated across from where she stood .
tr	2	She turned from her task and dried her hands on a piece of cloth .
tr	2	" Fear not , Finan , I shall not drag you before an altar .
tr	2	She spoke lightly and there was even an inflection of amusement in her voice .
tr	2	" You will not try to get up , will you , Finan ? "
tr	2	He caught sight of her eyes and saw that they were sympathetic and apologetic .
tr	2	Against his better judgment he felt a good deal of his temper flee .
tr	2	" I think , my lady , that will be possible , " he replied .
tr	2	" She knows a man is not returned to childhood just because he feels unwell .
tr	2	Rafe was already at the tent opening , watching Adele as she walked away .
tr	2	He remained undecided for a moment longer and then suddenly strode after her .
tr	2	Adele hunched a shoulder and dashed a hand across her cheek before turning .
tr	2	He thought of his sisters ; what did he do when they became upset ?
tr	2	He shifted , it pained him to see her so miserable and yet do nothing .
tr	2	With a petulant sniff she reflected that her nose was probably red .
tr	2	Although in truth he looked as ill at ease as she felt .
tr	2	She sighed , he only ever looked like that when he was with her .
tr	2	Among his men , or with his friends , he was assured and relaxed .
tr	2	Perhaps Eda was right and this was just as hard for him .
tr	2	Rafe thought not but felt very grateful to her for making it easier on him .
tr	2	" I am only pleased that we could be of help . "
tr	2	" How was it that you knew that which had to be done ? "
tr	2	Rafe watched her hasty retreat , a slow smile spreading over his face .
tr	2	Rand 's eyes travelled to where Adele was disappearing into the tent .
tr	2	As a young man he had been the best warrior in the kingdom .
tr	2	A boy no better than a king 's jester , prone to levity and laziness .
tr	2	He hunted , he told stories , and generally engaged in vain and reckless behaviour .
tr	2	He was pulled roughly from his reverie by Lord Brogan 's voice .
tr	2	I wonder what he can have had to do there then . "
tr	2	" An excellent plan , there is little enough going on here . "
tr	2	Fancy dawdling all this time , what are they thinking of ? "
tr	2	There is nothing like the wisdom that age brings to sort these things out . "
tr	2	Rather it was based on a knowledge of each other 's different qualities .
tr	2	Rafe nodded briefly , aware of what his friend must be thinking .
tr	2	" You held off seven men for longer than I had thought possible . "
tr	2	" Any man that can hold his own against Stefan has my admiration . "
tr	2	The movements were still the same , but something in his execution had changed .
tr	2	Its warmth was gentle and forgiving , healing the breach between them .
tr	2	" What do you mean ; who do you try and warn me of ? "
tr	2	Whom else did you suppose he would turn to when he failed ? "
tr	2	How was he to know that we had already settled our difference ?
tr	2	To him I was the perfect ally for the situation he found himself in . "
tr	2	Rafe chose to ignore his enjoyment and returned to the subject at hand .
tr	2	" He came , he told us of his actions and we bound him .
tr	2	Yet , great goodness , that was no reason to kill him !
tr	2	" There must be something , his actions are not sane otherwise . "
tr	2	" Whatever it is , I do not know what it could be . "
tr	2	It was his curse , the price of his father 's actions .
tr	2	I am truly honoured to receive so much help from your family .
tr	2	His words were quiet , but no less powerful for being so .
tr	2	It seems to me you have forgotten something of great importance . "
tr	2	The silence that greeted this question was shattered by a feminine voice .
tr	2	Her hair was hanging loose , tumbling over her shoulders in thick and gleaming waves .
tr	2	Adele turned the full power of her gaze upon both men and each bowed deeply .
tr	2	Adele turned back , a slow smile pulling her lips into a rich curve .
tr	2	Never did I think to see a breach such as this healed so completely . "
tr	2	Rafe 's grip on her hand tightened , seeking to give her reassurance .
tr	2	She did not return the pressure but her hand remained limp in his .
tr	2	There was a slight pause , and then Rand gave an abrupt nod .
tr	2	His voice and face were blank , concealing his feelings from her probing eyes .
tr	2	Adele moved forward , resting her head against his shoulder and embracing him .
tr	2	Rand held her away from him so that his eyes might search her face .
tr	2	He hated uncertainty , and Adele inspired uncertainty in almost all of their dealings .
tr	2	However , he found his determination had once again under gone a perceptible change .
tr	2	Adele glanced up at his face and surprised a faraway look in his eyes .
tr	2	" Perhaps you would care to sit down , my lord ? "
tr	2	She well knew that he disliked the confines of a chair at any time .
tr	2	With great strength of will she managed to prevent herself from averting her eyes guiltily .
tr	2	" Adele , yesterday ... " " You need not explain , my lord . "
tr	2	She folded her hands in her lap and Rafe took a deep breath .
tr	2	Adele had not raised her gaze from the contemplation of her joined hands .
tr	2	Adele looked up sharply , but Rafe 's eyes were concentrated on freeing the knot .
tr	2	" If it is your wish , that purpose is achieved . "
tr	2	" How can you hope such a thing when I am betrothed to you ? "
tr	2	" It is obvious that you hold him in much affection . "
tr	2	" Rand will marry Eda , Finn , " she said gently .
tr	2	Adele 's flush deepened and she raised painfully self-conscious eyes to lock unwaveringly on his .
tr	2	Rafe continued to stare at her for some time after she had made this declaration .
tr	2	He paused , waiting to see if she would accept the gesture .
tr	2	" Adele , I want you to know it is the same for me . "
tr	2	" You make me very happy , Finn ... " she paused .
tr	2	Adele found herself laughing , wondering what slumbering beast she had awakened .
tr	2	The truth of it was that he was feeling rather sorry for his friend .
tr	2	Adele knelt at Finan 's side , smearing ointment on his wound .
tr	2	His words did not seem to have any heartening effect on his foster brother .
tr	2	Rafe bit his lip as Finan 's face showed plainly his chagrin .
tr	2	" It is a great favour to me that he should do so . "
tr	2	She held the sword in both hands and read the inscription aloud .
tr	2	" I rather thought you would think so , Lady Adele . "
tr	2	Rafe pulled her towards him and set a light kiss against her lips .
tr	2	" Do not fear for me , sweetheart , all will be well . "
tr	2	" Rafe knows how to look after himself , Lady Adele . "
tr	2	Adele said nothing , but kneeled back at his side and replaced his bandage .
tr	2	Rafe stirred in his chair ; all of the inactivity was frustrating him .
tr	2	He stood and began to pace the length of the Hall restlessly .
tr	2	He opened his mouth to speak , but words were not forthcoming .
tr	2	Rafe fingered the sword at his side but did not pull it from its sheath .
tr	2	He need to understand what he had done to inspire such vengeful hate .
tr	2	Rafe moved his hand so that it rested against the hilt of his sword .
tr	2	" As you must have guessed , we are aware of your plans .
tr	2	" Your men are surrounded by three armies ; I assure you that you are .
tr	2	" What did I ever do to you that I should deserve such hate ? "
tr	2	" What an excellent question , one I have asked myself constantly over the years .
tr	2	Rafe was startled by such injustice and angry words sprang to his lips .
tr	2	For your courage you were given a place as King Ine 's adviser .
tr	2	" Always so ready to believe in honour , pride , and unselfishness .
tr	2	He blocked the blows but didn 't seek to land any of his own .
tr	2	The blade plunged into the warrior 's unprotected stomach with sickening ease .
tr	2	With a groan the man staggered back and fell to the floor .
tr	2	Yet there was still men pouring through the open door that led into the courtyard .
tr	2	Many was the man he had seen felled just as hostilities had ended .
tr	2	" Quickly , cur , before I choke it from your deceitful throat ! "
tr	2	" I do not know ... I did not plan that far ! "
tr	2	" I only ... the men ... that they should enter from the back .
tr	2	Be assured that when I return I shall devise many imaginative punishments for you . "
tr	2	" However , for the rest you must answer to King Ine . "
tr	2	Rafe turned to the youth , surprise and respect filling his eyes .
tr	2	If ever you have need of help , I am yours to command . "
tr	2	Without the incentive of argument , he would have no reason to do more .
tr	2	Eda jumped as she heard Rand 's voice , low and close to her ear .
tr	2	Eda flinched a little at his words , but her face remained expressionless .
tr	2	" There is no need to apologise to me , only to Adele .
tr	2	As she has freely forgiven you , you need not feel guilty anymore . "
tr	2	Her tone was carefully neutral but he felt the words held a barb .
tr	2	" I did not ... " Rand broke off turning toward her again .
tr	2	" It ... it was not my intention to try and attach your feelings . "
tr	2	Surely the least he could do was feign ignorance of her emotions ?
tr	2	She waited , obviously expecting him to answer her question whatever it was .
tr	2	" Have you not done enough damage , have you not mortified me enough ? "
tr	2	she spat , bringing her hand up and landing a forceful slap across his cheek .
tr	2	Rand 's hand closed around her upper arm , his fingers hard and unyielding .
tr	2	Eda could do naught but obey him and gaze with longing at the camp .
tr	2	He paused , waiting for her to reply , but Eda remained dumb .
tr	2	but the ... I want to go back to the camp now . "
tr	2	Then , as suddenly as he had kissed her , she was released .
tr	2	" If only I had known , " she lamented with a laugh .
tr	2	" Do you think that you could do more than just like me ? "
tr	2	" That is too much ... I cannot tell you that . "
tr	2	It was as though all hope had gone , leaving him suddenly bleak .
tr	2	Eda saw the disappointment fill his face and realised he had not understood her .
tr	2	Reaching out she clutched his arm as he turned away from her .
tr	2	Enlightenment dawned in Rand 's eyes , and he lifted her hand to his lips .
tr	2	" I have always loved you , Eda , but there are complications . "
tr	2	As he spoke he slipped an arm around her waist pulling her closer again .
tr	2	When I was with you I was free of him , I felt ... worthy .
tr	2	" I would not have thought such a thing , " replied Eda softly .
tr	2	" And anyone who is associated with us must bear that shame also . "
tr	2	Only a fool would put himself in the position of being rejected . "
tr	2	It soon became apparent that he had said all he was going to say .
tr	2	" Rand ... " She hesitated , struggling to find the right words .
tr	2	My father was a Creole who knew not what to do with a female child .
tr	2	Had I been a boy , he would have had use of me .
tr	2	Please ... " Rand looked down at the soft creature nestled within his arms .
tr	2	It was very likely that he would be able to keep her in line .
tr	2	" Do you intend to settle all of our arguments that way ? "
tr	2	" You can ask that , when you irritate me thus ? "
tr	2	" Forgive me , Master , but Lord Rafe is not here . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan fixed the soldier with a clear , all seeing gaze .
tr	2	" I - I know not , Master , " stammered the soldier .
tr	2	" Then you had best take me to see Master Finan . "
tr	2	He gasped and opened his mouth a few times but no words were forthcoming .
tr	2	As she entered the tent she inclined her head toward the two men .
tr	2	" You are wondering what has happened to your son no doubt ? "
tr	2	I never meant , of course , that you should be forbidden entry . "
tr	2	" If Finan needs to rest then he must rest , " he replied .
tr	2	" He is fine now , but still a little weak . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan , aware of Adele 's scrutiny , was in turn inspecting her .
tr	2	asked Lord Brogan , settling himself into a seat by the fire .
tr	2	Lord Brogan smiled appreciatively ; Rafe was indeed a fortunate young man .
tr	2	His willingness to follow his friend into battle was spoken well of by everyone .
tr	2	With a deft movement he had removed the sword from the older man 's hand .
tr	2	" ' Tis a long time since last I saw you , Rand . "
tr	2	He sought to deflect attention from the fact that he was actually collecting Lady Adele .
tr	2	He paused , feeling that his omission of certain facts was only wise .
tr	2	" Have I not always said that he were a devious knave ? "
tr	2	He did not think that this was the best time to argue the point .
tr	2	Relief entered Rand 's eyes and he took Lord Brogan 's outstretched hand eagerly .
tr	2	" I am only happy that I was there to help . "
tr	2	" Is there anything you want to tell me , Rand ? "
tr	2	Rand squirmed , Lord Brogan could say a great deal with those two words .
tr	2	" You lived too long with Rafe , Rand , " he chuckled .
tr	2	For a moment Rand wondered what he could mean and then he realised .
tr	2	For a moment Rand stared at her in confusion and then his eyes cleared .
tr	2	" Of course , my lord , " replied Lady Adele , seating herself .
tr	2	" However I had always known that one day I would leave .
tr	2	" Rafe protected us from the worst ; it was actually rather fun . "
tr	2	At first I was under the impression that his name was Finn .
tr	2	" Rafe has always been adept at living out of doors . "
tr	2	" Here , in fact , in this very tent , " she answered .
tr	2	Lord Brogan thought he could hear a tinge of bashful confusion in her voice .
tr	2	" You know ; I remember the first time I saw you . "
tr	2	As silence stretched out between them , Adele felt emboldened to ask a question .
tr	2	Adele covered her mouth with her hand , her throat tightening with emotion .
tr	2	" I managed to make Rafe rest , " continued Lord Brogan sadly .
tr	2	That was when one of my men brought a young woman before me .
tr	2	They were so very proud of you , the only daughter they had . "
tr	2	Adele nodded , the flush on her face refusing to be quelled .
tr	2	" And now I think that we had best visit Finan . "
tr	2	Rafe shook his head and , held out a hand toward Adele .
tr	2	I told you I would take care , did I not ? "
tr	2	He seems to think that we have been treated with an unfair favour . "
tr	2	Adele made to pull away from him , but Rafe would not permit it .
tr	2	Before either of them could put these plans into action , Lord Brogan spoke .
tr	2	" Is there something you wish to ask me , Rafe ? "
tr	2	More than anything the role of king is of mediator , not of dictator .
tr	2	However , once she married , her husband would take control of her lands . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan sat back in his chair , his eyes firmly fixed on his son .
tr	2	We were the only ones whom King Ine could trust not to turn upon him .
tr	2	That is why your suit was accepted above all others , Rafe . "
tr	2	Lord Brogan reached out and placed his hand upon his son 's shoulder .
tr	2	" You should get some sleep , Rafe , " he counselled .
tr	2	Rafe nodded but remained standing before his father , determination in his stance .
tr	2	Adele had voiced a wish to retire and he had immediately risen to escort her .
tr	2	The air around them was cold and Rafe could feel her trembling .
tr	2	Rafe nodded his agreement as he ran a hand lightly up her arm .
tr	2	In the darkness she could not see the grin she heard in his voice .
tr	2	" Words rarely help me to express the things I feel , Adele . "
tr	2	" I had noticed , and I am glad of it . "
tr	2	" The saying of such things is only easy if one has had much practise .
tr	2	It pleases me to know that you have not spoken such things often . "
tr	2	She never finished the question , but found herself lifted from the ground and silenced .
tr	2	" I do not mind you calling me ' Finn ' sometimes , Adele .
tr	2	Indeed ... " He smiled , pressing his lips to her forehead .
tr	2	" I have noticed that you only do so when we are pleasantly engaged .
tr	2	I do not need every one thinking that you would rather have had Finan . "
tr	2	Family loyalties were redirected , their fortunes made more , or less , certain .
tr	2	You ask , Dear Reader , of the promise for which this book is named .
tr	2	It is , therefore , for you to decide the promise of this particular tale .
tr	2	Which , Dear Reader , would you have me regale you with next ?
tr	2	When these three worlds collide ugly truths come to light on every side .
tr	2	Is there any way to make peace , or will the world end in discord ?
tr	2	Super fun beginning , great story , and an ending that won 't disappoint .
tr	2	Gemma Halliday , NYT best selling author of Spying in High Heels .
tr	2	This is a work of fiction , and is produced from the author 's imagination .
tr	2	People , places and things mentioned in this novel are used in a fictional manner .
tr	2	Ever since I 'd moved to France with my dad , I 'd wanted normal .
tr	2	Give me a healthy dose of swearing , loud-mouthed , impatient Americans , thanks .
tr	2	Malcolm 's warm hand pulled me forward , and I stumbled in the dark .
tr	2	I tripped for the third time , straining to hear the lap of the water .
tr	2	The tips of my fingers brushed against his when I accepted the glass .
tr	2	Malcolm lifted his hands , palms out , in an act of surrender .
tr	2	Malcolm sipped his sparkling cider , which I promptly whipped away from him .
tr	2	It 's how I felt waiting for him to ask me out .
tr	2	Once I 'd admitted it , I couldn 't look him in the face .
tr	2	He reached for a strawberry tart , but I slapped his hand .
tr	2	" Do I get my one phone call and a lawyer ? "
tr	2	" Did you not put much forethought into the planning of this date ?
tr	2	He leaned forward and before I could officially object , he kissed me .
tr	2	He tilted his head , completely underestimating the girl he 'd offended .
tr	2	I sipped the sparkling cider , letting the tart liquid coat my throat .
tr	2	I pulled off his crisp white tee and let it stay bunched by his hands .
tr	2	I ignored the sudden desire to drop the case and pushed forward .
tr	2	Boys don 't play games with me and get away with it .
tr	2	" The court has decided to let you off with an easy sentence . "
tr	2	His face turned a bit pale as he realized I meant what I said .
tr	2	And then , I was outta there for the full term of the sentence .
tr	2	About two steps away and one bite into the tart , I heard a groan .
tr	2	Two All I did was tie his wrists together and take off his clothes .
tr	2	The sounds of Paris rushed around me , swirling into a crescendo .
tr	2	My eyes were trained on the boy , my date , in front of me .
tr	2	He 'd smiled and invited me into his world , his life .
tr	2	Blood gushed down his arm , leaving a trail and dripping onto the grass .
tr	2	But I had no idea if it was working , especially in the growing darkness .
tr	2	Slowly , I pulled the quilt off and peered at his arm .
tr	2	The smell of blood and the protruding flap of skin sent my stomach into upheaval .
tr	2	I called out to tourists and couples walking past , but they ignored me .
tr	2	And I had no idea how to say in French , " Help !
tr	2	Or , " I tied him up but I didn 't shoot him ! "
tr	2	" Oh , now you want me to be okay , " Malcolm mumbled .
tr	2	I felt past the quilt to the cloth napkin tied around his wrists .
tr	2	I inched over to his side so I could see his face .
tr	2	I couldn 't even hold his hands because they were tied up .
tr	2	He glanced to the right and left as if hoping to spot the shooter .
tr	2	" If they wanted us dead , we 'd be dead . "
tr	2	Then I heard another ping and the grass tore up next to me .
tr	2	I smothered a scream , grabbed my bag , and got to my knees .
tr	2	" I 'll slip out of these knots in two seconds . "
tr	2	I didn 't look back , but flew across the grass toward the main road .
tr	2	Three I flew across the grass , feet pounding , arms pumping .
tr	2	What if the gunman had bad aim or sneezed as he pulled the trigger ?
tr	2	I reached out to grab the stem , trying to miss the thorns .
tr	2	He didn 't seem to understand and went back to selling roses .
tr	2	I let my head fall against my knees and tried to ignore the guilt .
tr	2	With each painful minute , I pictured Malcolm , running , falling , getting shot .
tr	2	I rubbed my shoulders , ignoring the fear squeezing the breath out of my chest .
tr	2	Clouds passed over the moon , casting a shadow over the city of lights .
tr	2	Thirty minutes had passed several times , and I had to go home .
tr	2	The one full of different spy gadgets -- gifts from Dad , of course .
tr	2	I was hoping to find a bulletproof vest or weapon of some sort .
tr	2	I handed out coded clues at the Louvre and later tortured the hostage .
tr	2	And I especially liked that he was a cute boy who could speak English .
tr	2	Leaning against the wall , I breathed deep and tried to calm my beating heart .
tr	2	I peeled a banana , took one bite , then threw it away .
tr	2	Instead , I poured coffee and drew comfort from three extra sugars .
tr	2	My mouth went dry and I struggled to find the right words .
tr	2	I didn 't want to see his reaction to me getting shot at .
tr	2	" The news didn 't say , but I 'm glad you 're safe .
tr	2	I knew right then I couldn 't say a word about what happened .
tr	2	" Oh , man , but I was so excited for Spy Games today ! "
tr	2	But I didn 't even care anymore why Malcolm asked me on the date .
tr	2	I cared if I 'd accidentally had a hand in killing him .
tr	2	Right next to the stories about some big pastry extravaganza contest and a dog show .
tr	2	I missed Mom too , but I had to know Malcolm made it .
tr	2	The paper says the police found evidence of a shooting and lots of blood .
tr	2	I left a guy half-naked by the Eiffel Tower last night , alone and bleeding .
tr	2	I never should 've tried to play the role of the flirty date .
tr	2	He folded his newspaper twice over , which always meant the talk was serious .
tr	2	Usually it meant chatting about my future , especially since I was eighteen .
tr	2	My words came out kind of breathless , like I 'd run ten miles .
tr	2	" You up for the fiver or the tenner this afternoon ? "
tr	2	I hadn 't run more than a mile since we got to France .
tr	2	I 'll be at the warehouse preparing for the debriefing at nine sharp .
tr	2	I turned to leave and tripped over a brown paper package on the step .
tr	2	Every piece of mail we get addressed to Mom makes her absence that much worse .
tr	2	Prayers slipped from my lips , me making a deal with God .
tr	2	Something about Malcolm being alive and at work , and me never eating cookies again .
tr	2	He frowned at me , his shaggy eyebrows almost touching his nose .
tr	2	" I 'm so sorry , " I mumbled , then rushed past him .
tr	2	The sun gilded Aimee 's blonde frizzy hair and speckled her blue eyes .
tr	2	" I don 't think I can do Spy Games today . "
tr	2	I poked my finger into the melting chocolate , which I 'd normally be devouring .
tr	2	" But have you talked with your grandmother about backpacking across the world yet ?
tr	2	After tapping the side of her cup and staring intensely , Aimee squealed .
tr	2	I gagged on my drink and spit it out on the patio .
tr	2	But the color red bled into my images and ruined the memory .
tr	2	" Something must be terribly wrong if you leave half your latte . "
tr	2	I combed my fingers through my hair and tried not to hyperventilate .
tr	2	A little out of breath , Aimee said , " Start talking . "
tr	2	Aimee clasped her hands together with a dreamy look on her face .
tr	2	She stopped giggling , wiped at her tears , and then grabbed my hand .
tr	2	" I 'm positive someone found him last night after you left .
tr	2	What if he was lying in a foreign hospital or tied up as a hostage ?
tr	2	And I had no idea why or what he was mixed up in .
tr	2	The whole ride on the Metro , I tried not to think about Malcolm .
tr	2	Overall , it was kind of creepy -- exactly what Dad wanted .
tr	2	I gripped the metal handle , and the door opened with a familiar screech .
tr	2	Aimee climbed the steps on the side of the warehouse , and I followed .
tr	2	Dad evoked this kind of scary presence when he was in full Spy Games mode .
tr	2	His deep booming voice bounced off the walls and echoed between the rafters .
tr	2	He settled into the back of the crowd , cool and composed .
tr	2	He could 've called , texted , or thrown pebbles at my window .
tr	2	I leaned slightly forward to catch a look at his guilty face .
tr	2	I felt a spinning sensation before I realized I was falling forward .
tr	2	She caught the edge of my shirt , but gravity ripped it from her hands .
tr	2	Images of me going splat on the cement floor flashed through my mind .
tr	2	I 'd look like a loser , but I didn 't care .
tr	2	" And here 's the staff to help you with your spy mission today .
tr	2	Blood rushed to my face , mostly because I was tilting forward .
tr	2	My limbs hung useless , the halter riding up between my legs .
tr	2	I begged the spy gods to whisk me away , somewhere , anywhere .
tr	2	The ground drew closer , and I tried to get my feet to land first .
tr	2	But I just ended up flopping around like a fish on a hook .
tr	2	A part of me wanted to , and I swear I heard a snicker .
tr	2	I walked past the macho man and noted his name : Cliff Peyton .
tr	2	It wasn 't real money , of course , but it looked it .
tr	2	The paintings more than made up for the lack of fancy furniture .
tr	2	These quiet moments alone were the hardest because inevitably they gave me time to think .
tr	2	" If you need any tips on the naked part , let me know .
tr	2	He turned his back to me with a toss of his scraggly hair .
tr	2	" Just being here among the masters fills my soul with love . "
tr	2	The art student nodded toward the amateur spies as one of them crossed the room .
tr	2	He pushed his hair away from his face and revealed his familiar face .
tr	2	" Not even a ' glad to see you 're alive ' ? "
tr	2	" Glad to see you 're alive , " I managed , controlling my rage .
tr	2	I just love painting and being an art student so much . "
tr	2	All my arm waving and mixtures of Italian and French had been pointless .
tr	2	Malcolm thickened his accent and branched off into the subtleties of shadowing techniques .
tr	2	She rushed back to her group , waving the envelope in the air .
tr	2	" I can 't believe you followed me here , " I whispered .
tr	2	As soon as they turned to leave , Malcolm jabbed his paintbrush at me .
tr	2	" At least I didn 't take your clothes off and tie you up . "
tr	2	" Though you do have an odd way of showing it . "
tr	2	" Aren 't you the least bit interested in what happened ? "
tr	2	I grabbed my bag from the floor and used it as a shield .
tr	2	Malcolm put his hands on the bag and tried to keep me from backing away .
tr	2	I pulled back , hard , and pushed him away with my right foot .
tr	2	He fell back on his butt , except he never let go of my bag .
tr	2	I lunged for the handle , and we fought in a tug-of-war .
tr	2	The momentum pulled me back and I flailed my arms for balance .
tr	2	Before I could pick up the candy , the guard stepped up to me .
tr	2	One more spy team was set to come through , and I was screwed .
tr	2	Weaving in and out of the tourists , I raced to the first floor .
tr	2	Crisp air filled my lungs as I entwined my fingers through the mesh cage .
tr	2	The Seine snaked across the land , and the bridges looked like Lego pieces .
tr	2	My eyes went out of focus until I caught a flash of blue go by .
tr	2	Mom had shoulder-length brown hair that she claimed grew one inch every ten years .
tr	2	The blue and yellow scarf teased me , bobbing in and out of the crowds .
tr	2	" I found the scones but where can I find a root beer float ? "
tr	2	I 'd always imagined Mom visiting and walking with me through the Louvre .
tr	2	We 'd quiz each other on which painters went with which paintings .
tr	2	He was a regular guy who would be out of my life in fifteen minutes .
tr	2	Her blonde hair fell right below her chin and swished back and forth .
tr	2	" Do you know where I could buy some root beer ? "
tr	2	With not so gentle a nudge , I pushed her aside and sprinted .
tr	2	I dodged an older woman with a baby and grabbed my mom .
tr	2	She turned , and the fringes of her scarf hit my cheek .
tr	2	I stared , mouth agape , as French flowed from her mouth in angry currents .
tr	2	Even so , it was Mom , and she pretended not to know me .
tr	2	She leaned closer and whispered , " Did a package arrive for me ? "
tr	2	Hot tears filled my eyes , but I refused to let them fall .
tr	2	You 've got to call Dad , let him know you 're here . "
tr	2	" In a couple weeks there is a big pastry event near the apartment .
tr	2	What had happened to my business-like mom who wasn 't scared of anything ?
tr	2	I didn 't know the mom who wore disguises and told me to burn packages .
tr	2	But after years of being so busy with work , she needed my help .
tr	2	After leaving Dad and me two years ago , did I want to help ?
tr	2	It happened so fast , and I was not sure what to do . "
tr	2	I gritted my teeth and nodded toward Peyton , who stormed toward us .
tr	2	Not only did you fail there but you did here too . "
tr	2	Aimee 's grip loosened on my arm , and she moved between Peyton and me .
tr	2	He jabbed a finger into her chest , pushing her into me .
tr	2	Pick one guy in the room and screw up his day ? "
tr	2	With one last grunt and glare at Aimee , he strode away .
tr	2	At the door to the elevator , he turned and pointed at us .
tr	2	As soon as he was gone , Aimee turned and hugged me .
tr	2	I want to make sure he treats the rest of his spy group okay .
tr	2	I waited while the few tourists we 'd attracted got bored with staring .
tr	2	Still , I wasn 't sure I was ready to accept it with no explanations .
tr	2	" That 's right , " I said in my most threatening tone .
tr	2	It was hard to focus even on a game that required no strategy .
tr	2	In the middle of our third game , Frankie jerked straight and cocked his head .
tr	2	" Little late to start playing the game , don 't you think ? "
tr	2	" They probably do , especially since you screwed up everything for us . "
tr	2	Desperate to send him on his way , I practically begged him .
tr	2	I didn 't need an inner spy sense to tell me I was in trouble .
tr	2	I wished like hell I didn 't know how to tie such a good knot .
tr	2	" Thanks to you and your friend I won 't even finish .
tr	2	With a little convincing , she told me where to find the hostage . "
tr	2	" Oh , " I said meekly and then moved behind Frankie .
tr	2	" How are you going to make up for your big mistake ? "
tr	2	The big man doubled over then two seconds later he rammed into Malcolm .
tr	2	Two seconds later , Malcolm punched him in the face with a solid right hook .
tr	2	Horror filled his eyes but they hardened when he saw the screwdriver in my fist .
tr	2	Not taking his eyes off Peyton , my dad grabbed him by the arm .
tr	2	Immediately , Gray strode over to Frankie and removed his gag and blindfold .
tr	2	After a moment of tense silence , Peyton said , " Fine .
tr	2	Is this what it took for Dad to act like he cared ?
tr	2	Blood rushed to my face , and the room felt about a hundred degrees hotter .
tr	2	His face turned into a mask , but the lines on his forehead seemed deeper .
tr	2	I grabbed my backpack , hiding the tears , and ran from the room .
tr	2	The counter and the pastries behind the glass case became a blur .
tr	2	As the director of Spy Games , Dad was the guru of safety precautions .
tr	2	I crept up the steps and nudged the door open with my foot .
tr	2	I grabbed Dad 's umbrella by the door and tiptoed across the room .
tr	2	But I saw no overturned tables or fallen lamps like on television .
tr	2	Still , I couldn 't breathe easy until I checked the rest of the apartment .
tr	2	Peyton 's angry face flashed in my mind and my legs shook .
tr	2	I eased open the umbrella and charged into the room with a war cry .
tr	2	No one was allowed to touch her mail or go through her things .
tr	2	Again , at the Eiffel , she 'd told me to burn this .
tr	2	But more importantly I found a note , typed , with no signature .
tr	2	My fingers brushed against the clean feel of printed bills , lots of them .
tr	2	I started pulling them out , more and more , until green covered the table .
tr	2	More money than I 'd ever need in my life , or maybe a year .
tr	2	And if it wasn 't a rule , I just made it one .
tr	2	Dad chuckled and talked , and I heard Frankie and Nancy and Gray .
tr	2	The whole crew moved into the kitchen and shuffled chairs around for a staff meeting .
tr	2	I shoved everything into the back of my closet and waited to make my entrance .
tr	2	Why yes , I did get kicked out of the Louvre . "
tr	2	One person was missing , and I knew she 'd never ditch a staff meeting .
tr	2	Frankie 's legs twitched like he wanted to bolt and avoid the confrontation .
tr	2	" Except for that one incident , we got mostly positive feedback . "
tr	2	I ducked my head in epic shame , biding my time as Dad closed .
tr	2	I was doing great at the Louvre and then Malcolm messed up everything .
tr	2	" Did you or did you not bring candy into the Louvre ? "
tr	2	And no one would 've known if it hadn 't been for Malcolm . "
tr	2	" Malcolm asked to observe Spy Games before officially applying for a job .
tr	2	You ran out of the debriefing so fast I didn 't have a chance .
tr	2	Part of what drew customers was incorporating big tourist spots like the Louvre .
tr	2	I always apologized , hoping to smooth over the tension in the house .
tr	2	With a sigh , he closed the file folders spread on our kitchen table .
tr	2	After stuffing them into his leather briefcase , he stopped and studied me .
tr	2	I shriveled up and wanted to crawl away and hide in a sandbank .
tr	2	He motioned for me to sit down , but the stubborn side of me refused .
tr	2	She takes care of her grandmother and counts on this job . "
tr	2	I plopped on the couch even though a part of me wanted to run away .
tr	2	I read over it again , but I didn 't believe it .
tr	2	Peyton 's words pounded in my brain and spread into my heart like poison .
tr	2	I bit my lip and flashed back to the scene in the Eiffel .
tr	2	I 'd failed Dad today but this was my chance to make up for everything .
tr	2	He 'd always wanted me to get into the whole spy thing .
tr	2	We could work together on a mission , and he 'd be so happy .
tr	2	" Dad , I have a strong feeling she did not go backpacking .
tr	2	I could tell by the multiplied number of lines on his forehead .
tr	2	He stood up from the couch , looking like he 'd aged about twenty years .
tr	2	" I 'm going back to the office to work on the new route . "
tr	2	A year ago I would 've agreed with Dad and squashed any doubts .
tr	2	Monday morning came , and I woke with a major Spy Games hangover .
tr	2	I wanted Aimee to meet me for a latte this morning as usual .
tr	2	The blurry reflection in the toaster of a dark shape caught my attention .
tr	2	Today , I wished he were about to stumble from his bedroom .
tr	2	I tugged on my T-shirt , trying to stretch it past my knees .
tr	2	He jotted notes on a small notepad on the table beside his laptop .
tr	2	" If you have a flash , I can download any documents . "
tr	2	He snorted and moved his laptop as if it were a shield .
tr	2	I slashed the knife through the air like I was a sheik from Arabia .
tr	2	I was determined not to show that his surprise visit had me rattled .
tr	2	Thoughts of Aimee were constantly with me , hovering in the back of my mind .
tr	2	I wouldn 't consider me almost getting him killed the start of an epic romance .
tr	2	The silence grew heavy with expectation as I struggled to find the right words .
tr	2	Maybe if I apologized he 'd forget about the whole underwear thing .
tr	2	Who was he to waltz into my kitchen at this time in the morning ?
tr	2	I waved the knife in the air to show I meant what I said .
tr	2	I mean , I really didn 't know anything about this guy .
tr	2	He smirked and opened his mouth to speak , but I cut him off .
tr	2	One of his employees left suddenly and he needed a quick replacement .
tr	2	He might as well have taken the knife and plunged it into my heart .
tr	2	" I could really use your help with this whole spy thing .
tr	2	At the café , Malcolm and I hovered at the edge of the outdoor patio .
tr	2	I searched the flow of customers but Aimee was nowhere to be seen .
tr	2	Watching him listen and care for her made me feel a bit empty .
tr	2	Mom 's words came back to me about meeting at some pastry thing .
tr	2	Malcolm was leaning against a lamppost with his legs crossed , so casual and relaxed .
tr	2	I took up guard next to him , my eyes glued on the moving faces .
tr	2	Muscles in my arms and legs tensed , willing Aimee to appear .
tr	2	Maybe she couldn 't break through my blabber to tell me she was leaving .
tr	2	Wear long johns because it gets kinda chilly hanging from the rafters .
tr	2	" I meant talk about whatever it is you 're worried about . "
tr	2	" The one who supposedly quit the games to travel the world . "
tr	2	He blew on his coffee , meeting my eyes over the rim of his cup .
tr	2	But I probably wouldn 't enjoy another one until I found Aimee .
tr	2	Malcolm emphasized the word regret and didn 't take his eyes off me .
tr	2	Inch by inch , the slow burn of embarrassment crept across my neck and face .
tr	2	" Yeah , um , sorry about the other night and you almost getting killed .
tr	2	He tipped his head back for the last drops from his cup .
tr	2	" As your official Spy Games mentor , I 'm responsible for your safety .
tr	2	Why was I even thinking about that when my best friend was missing ?
tr	2	I whispered , " There 's one exception to the rule . "
tr	2	" Somehow rose trellises and flower boxes don 't say evil to me . "
tr	2	" I 'm trying to figure out how this is training , " Malcolm complained .
tr	2	Before I could knock , a shrill voice yelled at us in French .
tr	2	Aimee 's grandmother , Marie , stormed across the neighbor 's tiny yard .
tr	2	I looked at Marie and stared back at the cottage in front of me .
tr	2	A look of understanding and a bit of apprehension crossed her face .
tr	2	" I keep asking Aimee when you are going to visit again . "
tr	2	He didn 't hesitate for a second when Marie enveloped him in a hug too .
tr	2	She opened the door and entered the cottage with a wave of her hand .
tr	2	He slowly let me go , and I had trouble finding my breath .
tr	2	I keep telling Aimee she needs to find a good man and settle down .
tr	2	Tiny chairs surrounded an equally tiny glass table the size of a checkerboard .
tr	2	As soon as she left , I kicked Malcolm in the shins .
tr	2	" All the better to brighten her day with our young love . "
tr	2	Marie cut our conversation short when she entered with a kettle and poured us tea .
tr	2	I distracted myself with a tiny thread unraveling from the cloth napkin .
tr	2	The more I got to know Malcolm , the more I liked him .
tr	2	" To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit ? "
tr	2	Malcolm leaned back with a cookie , an amused look on his face .
tr	2	How exactly do I tell a grandmother that her only living relative is missing ?
tr	2	" We were in the neighborhood and thought we 'd drop by for a visit .
tr	2	Malcolm kicked me under the table as if to say " good one . "
tr	2	" Um , my dad gave certain staff the day off to rest . "
tr	2	" I have not seen Aimee since she left for work yesterday morning . "
tr	2	It was hard to laugh and act like nothing was the matter .
tr	2	I waved my hand and laughed , probably a little too loud to be convincing .
tr	2	Do you think I could take a look in her room ? "
tr	2	I was at the stairs when I heard Marie encourage Malcolm to go with me .
tr	2	In the doorway , I looked over the room before poking around .
tr	2	I promptly moved into the room , desperate to find proof she was on vacation .
tr	2	I threw open the doors to her closet to find half of her clothes gone .
tr	2	The reality that my best friend was most likely kidnapped hit me in the gut .
tr	2	I was ninety nine percent sure I knew who 'd done it .
tr	2	Fourteen The next morning , I whipped off the covers as soon as Dad left .
tr	2	" Are you trying to get arrested for robbing a bank ? "
tr	2	He stepped inside , and I realized why spies dress like that in the movies .
tr	2	I scowled at him and pulled a paper clip from my pocket .
tr	2	Sweat broke out on my forehead when I didn 't hear the click .
tr	2	After a few minutes , I heard a click and the drawer opened .
tr	2	I opened it and scanned it , my heart in my throat .
tr	2	But he 's across the street and he 's booking it . "
tr	2	I grabbed a pen from the desk and scribbled the address on my hand .
tr	2	As he chatted , I became very aware of the wannabe spy lying behind me .
tr	2	His breath hit the back of my neck , causing me to shiver .
tr	2	Dad stopped talking for a second and I didn 't dare say anything else .
tr	2	I prayed he wouldn 't need to get into his client files .
tr	2	I 'd put myself in a dangerous position , but it was all for Aimee .
tr	2	" The business has only been running for a few months . "
tr	2	Dad 's voice grew tense , like when he 'd argue with Mom .
tr	2	" Most small businesses need at least five to ten years to pay off .
tr	2	I 'll have the first payment by the end of the month . "
tr	2	Malcolm seemed to sense this and placed his hand on my arm .
tr	2	Maybe I could truly help out , instead of screwing everything up .
tr	2	" I doubt it , but at some point she probably was . "
tr	2	" Are we going to scale the wall and break in through a window ? "
tr	2	Malcolm broke a twig in half that was sticking into his back .
tr	2	I yanked the ski cap off his head and threw it behind the bushes .
tr	2	I took the stairs to the third floor , with Malcolm at my heels .
tr	2	Malcolm pursed his lips to the side and took a step back .
tr	2	I don 't think we 're in too much trouble in this apartment building . "
tr	2	He 's probably out soaking in more of the Eiffel before leaving for home . "
tr	2	On tiptoes , I approached # 307 and pressed my ear to the door .
tr	2	It was a long shot and would 've been way too easy .
tr	2	Malcolm stood in the doorway , a coil of rope dangling from his hands .
tr	2	He sat next to me on the bed , which sagged and pushed us together .
tr	2	His eyes darted between Malcolm and me , and he backed up a few steps .
tr	2	Malcolm muttered , " I can tell you 've got this . "
tr	2	All the meaningless words from Peyton 's file flashed in my memory .
tr	2	" You think I had something to do with your friend 's disappearance ? "
tr	2	" I came to check out your place for any clues . "
tr	2	He pulled out his phone from his pocket and started stabbing at numbers .
tr	2	I didn 't stay for coffee , and ran out the door .
tr	2	I slammed the door as something crashed against the other side of it .
tr	2	" This is how to leave a scene when you 've been compromised . "
tr	2	We booked it out the front door , Peyton 's words ringing in my ears .
tr	2	I turned down one street and then the other with no direction in my mind .
tr	2	Aimee and I often roamed Paris , talking until we found a spot we liked .
tr	2	We 'd sampled about every croissant , tart , and scone in Paris .
tr	2	I kept walking , leaving him with the sting of my words .
tr	2	Why did I feel like such a crab , pincers and all ?
tr	2	My words came out as a whisper as my throat closed up .
tr	2	With both hands on his chest , I pushed him away and broke the spell .
tr	2	" I 'll text you about our next training , " I yelled .
tr	2	I wasn 't even close to finding a creative pastry recipe for the Extravaganza .
tr	2	Each hour gnawed away at the faith that I 'd find Aimee .
tr	2	How in the world of French pastries would I beat out top chefs ?
tr	2	I wished a best selling recipe had been included in the package .
tr	2	I didn 't even know if I wanted to be close to her .
tr	2	I didn 't want to talk to him about any of this .
tr	2	And I didn 't even know if cheesecake could get air bubbles .
tr	2	I didn 't dare glance up because I didn 't want to see the truth .
tr	2	He put his finger under my chin and lifted my head up .
tr	2	A light that I hadn 't seen in weeks flickered in his eyes .
tr	2	He glanced at the table and I could sense the flooding memories .
tr	2	Slowly , he turned and faced me , his face worn and weary .
tr	2	I 'm trying to get this business off the ground and provide for you . "
tr	2	Why did I feel guilty for wanting to spend time with my dad ?
tr	2	I jumped from the chair like I had a rocket strapped to my back .
tr	2	He coughed and his eyes shifted to the right like he regretted leaving his office .
tr	2	I directed my glare of complete evil between the two of them .
tr	2	" Malcolm called earlier and said you 'd missed a couple days of training . "
tr	2	I hid my face and got busy cleaning up the rest of the games .
tr	2	" Uh , I just remembered a teleconference I have in a couple minutes .
tr	2	" I have to come up with an entry for the Extravaganza . "
tr	2	The best ideas come when we 're not looking for them . "
tr	2	" And I wanted to say sorry for being a jerk the other day .
tr	2	Next time we can pass a hundred shops if you want before choosing one . "
tr	2	I drew closer and whispered , " What 's going on ? "
tr	2	His lips curved up , showing the dimples I couldn 't resist .
tr	2	As we headed up the stairs to Malcolm 's apartment , my excitement grew .
tr	2	" I hope you 're not planning an afternoon of flirting . "
tr	2	he said , as he dug around in the smallest closet in France .
tr	2	I ran my finger across an empty bookshelf hung on the wall .
tr	2	He went back to digging , and in that moment , I believed him .
tr	2	He pulled an ugly green gym bag from the depths of the closet .
tr	2	I 'd hoped he had a crystal ball that would reveal how to find Aimee .
tr	2	As I waited for his answer , I allowed myself a brief daydream .
tr	2	The stale smell of an abandoned house would greet me but I 'd push through .
tr	2	I 'd call for Aimee to hear her struggle from a back room .
tr	2	On our way out , I 'd take down a couple bad guys .
tr	2	" Haven 't you been paying attention to the trackers you planted ? "
tr	2	And I 've been up to my eyeballs with Spy Games stuff . "
tr	2	I figured you 'd want to be all business today without your dad knowing . "
tr	2	I could tell from the moment Malcolm had walked into my living room .
tr	2	The flutter in my chest had told me great things would happen today .
tr	2	I 'd never seen this side of Malcolm , all business and no play .
tr	2	He whispered , " Do I look like I could dance ? "
tr	2	" You 're not very good at this , are you ? "
tr	2	We didn 't say much on the ride underground per Malcolm 's orders .
tr	2	I burst out laughing , but when we entered the park , my mood shifted .
tr	2	I swayed with dizziness just looking at it , and I gripped Malcolm 's cane .
tr	2	I followed his gaze , fearing and hoping that he 'd seen someone .
tr	2	" A man just ducked into the woods over on the cliff . "
tr	2	Malcolm grabbed my hand , trying to pull me in the other direction .
tr	2	" We cross now and have him lead us to Aimee . "
tr	2	Pain was good , a reminder that nothing should matter but Aimee .
tr	2	Malcolm was soon with me , gently lifting me up by the arm .
tr	2	Wasn 't that the same kind of rope we found in Peyton 's apartment ? "
tr	2	He 'll be on the move again and we 'll find him . "
tr	2	Large tree branches dipped their fingers into the edge of the water .
tr	2	I leaned my head against his shoulder , refusing to give in to tears .
tr	2	I didn 't want Malcolm to know how much it was getting to me .
tr	2	Very easily , I could 've slipped into this role and forgotten .
tr	2	Malcolm didn 't say anything but traced his fingers down my back .
tr	2	My legs grew weak , and I leaned into him a little bit more .
tr	2	He kissed the side of my head and whispered , " Oh , yeah . "
tr	2	He laced our hands and pressed his face into the crook of my neck .
tr	2	Malcolm wrapped his arm around my waist and slammed me to the bridge .
tr	2	My granny shoes clicked against the bridge , until I finally kicked them off .
tr	2	The crunch and snap of branches breaking behind us motivated me to take the dive .
tr	2	Hopefully that meant whoever was on the outside couldn 't see me .
tr	2	I closed my eyes as tight as I could and held my breath .
tr	2	I didn 't want to hear those footsteps coming closer and closer .
tr	2	I didn 't want to see a gun poke through the branches .
tr	2	I wasn 't sure how much time passed but I needed to breathe .
tr	2	So ever so slowly I let air escape out the side of my mouth .
tr	2	I took several deep breaths , trying to steady my shotgun heart and shaking legs .
tr	2	What if he 's waiting for us to come out of hiding ?
tr	2	I was glad I didn 't have to look him in the eyes .
tr	2	I didn 't want to talk about my mom , or share about the package .
tr	2	What did you do to be prepared in the face of danger ? "
tr	2	He covered the food with his hands and waited for an answer .
tr	2	As we munched on the food , our conversation dwindled and awkwardness settled in .
tr	2	Malcolm guzzled his water , then looked at me with honest eyes .
tr	2	Malcolm played with the cap of his water bottle and studied a pile of dirt .
tr	2	First my brother did it and now it 's my turn . "
tr	2	And why she didn 't trust me enough to talk to me ?
tr	2	I tried to lower my head , but he wouldn 't let me .
tr	2	Gray flecks swirled in his eyes and I fell into them , head first .
tr	2	The breeze swirled , and for a moment , I forgot everything .
tr	2	But then he stiffened and pulled away , the honesty in his eyes fading .
tr	2	I brushed off the hurt and confusion and helped him pick up the chocolate wrappers .
tr	2	He grabbed my hand but then let go as if he made a mistake .
tr	2	Somehow I knew I 'd wind up on my own trying to find Aimee .
tr	2	I 'd missed something , some clue , important to finding her .
tr	2	At Marie 's house , right away I knew something was wrong .
tr	2	I expected the smell of cinnamon and ginger because Marie always baked .
tr	2	Call it my budding spy sense , but trespassing uninvited seemed the best option .
tr	2	I wasn 't going to eat any cookies , just take a peek inside .
tr	2	I walked through and closed the door , hoping a neighbor hadn 't seen me .
tr	2	I quickly made my way up the stairs to Aimee 's room .
tr	2	The room looked the same as when Malcolm and I were here .
tr	2	The fading wallpaper , her bed , her jewelry , the half-empty closet .
tr	2	I stepped in the room and made my way over to her dresser .
tr	2	If Aimee left on a hiking trip , she wouldn 't bring necklaces .
tr	2	I sat on the bed and closed my eyes , letting my mind drift .
tr	2	Except for the creak downstairs , which wasn 't part of any memory .
tr	2	My meditation came to an abrupt end , and I sat straight and listened .
tr	2	Somehow I had to leave the house , and I couldn 't use the stairs .
tr	2	I wasn 't the kind of girl to jump out of second story windows .
tr	2	I held on for dear life and hoped the person couldn 't see my hands .
tr	2	Sweat broke out all over my body in a rush of heat .
tr	2	Aimee wasn 't a criminal who stored cocaine or top military secrets in her closet .
tr	2	The impact shot up through my legs and forced a groan from my chest .
tr	2	I sat and massaged my fingers while waiting for my body to stop shaking .
tr	2	But spies don 't stop in the middle of a mission because their fingers hurt .
tr	2	I crawled along the side of the house until I got to the kitchen window .
tr	2	I sank back down and stayed crouched by the side of the house .
tr	2	Marie 's front door slammed , and I jumped up to run like crazy .
tr	2	I couldn 't catch one word of her French it was flowing so fast .
tr	2	She slowly faced me and shook her head no , then hurried into her house .
tr	2	I lied to Dad about needing a day of shopping then slipped out .
tr	2	And what about the piles of money stashed in the back of my closet ?
tr	2	A group of older men with beards and violins played classical music .
tr	2	I ignored this statement because why would anyone call me a little girl ?
tr	2	He seemed to look right through me as if he knew all my secrets .
tr	2	And then he let me go like I was a street urchin .
tr	2	Or drop a note by my side stating a time and place to meet .
tr	2	Is that so the film couldn 't be traced back to anyone ?
tr	2	I zoomed in on his table overflowing with samples from his bakery .
tr	2	Frosting of multiple colors decorated the tops with fancy lettering and ribbons .
tr	2	Or if she was , it was just to make sure I finished the job .
tr	2	Except my highly trained Spy Games eye caught a man slithering through the crowds .
tr	2	If I was about to go into hiding , I wanted to know why .
tr	2	I shuddered at the dank atmosphere that reminded me of scary movies and zombies .
tr	2	I knew he worked here but what the hell was going on ?
tr	2	Their voices drew closer , and I sprinted back the way I came .
tr	2	I turned to open door number two , but voices filled the room .
tr	2	He stood by a pillar with ivy wrapped around it and faced Malcolm .
tr	2	If he found me , he could smother me with decorated cakes .
tr	2	he said , and then a flood of French spewed from his mouth .
tr	2	I couldn 't hear the words , never mind understand the French .
tr	2	Images of him unmoving on his bed of pastries sneaked into my conscience .
tr	2	Columns of my smoky breath rose in the air and dissipated in front of me .
tr	2	Their words shot through the air like gunshots pinging back and forth at each other .
tr	2	" Trust me , she 's an innocent in the whole thing . "
tr	2	I was sure it would echo into the other room and possibly down the street .
tr	2	My fingernails dug into the palms of my hands , breaking the skin .
tr	2	In Peyton 's apartment , it was Malcolm who brought me the rope .
tr	2	With my eyes closed , my brain struggled to understand and remember .
tr	2	I wished I could turn off my heart and hide it in layers of ice .
tr	2	Heat wrapped around me , but the shivers came from deep inside .
tr	2	He 'd acted like he liked me when clearly it was all a ruse .
tr	2	My eyes widened , breaking the frozen tears that were still in my eyelashes .
tr	2	I grabbed the largest frying pan we owned and crept toward the door .
tr	2	Did I welcome in a cute guy who had been hired to spy on me ?
tr	2	" Thought we could head to a quiet little park somewhere . "
tr	2	" And we don 't have a real good history in public . "
tr	2	" You didn 't stick around long enough to hear the results ? "
tr	2	And I was freezing my ass off while learning you were a spy .
tr	2	This was where I 'd learn if I was a cold-blooded murderer or not .
tr	2	I guess someone in the crowd shot him with a tranquilizer gun . "
tr	2	" I can 't believe you didn 't know you 'd won . "
tr	2	If he were to question me would he wait until before or after the champagne ?
tr	2	It didn 't work out too well for us the last time . "
tr	2	He brushed his hair out of his eyes and smoothed the edge of the blanket .
tr	2	She got up before the crack of dawn to run like fifteen miles . "
tr	2	" She 'd sprint across the nearby cow pastures and hurdle hay bales .
tr	2	I had to stop inviting them over because she 'd scare them away .
tr	2	I don 't even want to talk about the knife throwing . "
tr	2	" It was all good until I figured out the reason behind her obsessions . "
tr	2	He stopped rubbing and slid his hands down the sides of my arms .
tr	2	" Oh , I don 't want to bore you with details .
tr	2	" Savvy , he 's one of the most loved figures in France .
tr	2	And I don 't think Peyton had anything to do with Aimee disappearing .
tr	2	He pounded his chest , tears in his eyes , until the coughing attack stopped .
tr	2	The more I thought about it , the more likely it seemed .
tr	2	Heck , he probably kidnapped Aimee so he could take her job .
tr	2	I lifted my head slightly and brushed my lips against his neck .
tr	2	I planted small kisses on his neck , moving up to his jaw .
tr	2	You don 't really want to talk about my parents , do you ? "
tr	2	He gently kissed me as if he really didn 't care about my answer .
tr	2	Each brush of his lips against mine was turning my brain to mush .
tr	2	Tiny sparks of heat spread from the touch of his fingers on my skin .
tr	2	His hands dropped from my arms as if my skin were poison .
tr	2	The only thing she ever exterminated were the dust bunnies under our couch . "
tr	2	Twenty-four While Gray rambled on about the business , I hid behind my latte .
tr	2	I rubbed my arms and blew into my hands to warm my fingers .
tr	2	Though chilled on the outside , a fire burned in my belly .
tr	2	Clues , images , and snippets of conversations swirled in and out of my brain .
tr	2	My voice echoed in the large room but still sounded small and wimpy .
tr	2	Okay , that conversation never happened , but no one had to know .
tr	2	A part of me wished I knew what I was agreeing with .
tr	2	The rest of the meeting , I imagined different ways to torture Malcolm .
tr	2	Except , it made me miss Aimee , because she would have had great ideas .
tr	2	It was like she 'd been erased from the earth and no one cared .
tr	2	She never talked about it and that 's not like her . "
tr	2	While silently cursing him , I prepared for Operation Take Down Malcolm .
tr	2	" I might stop by Malcolm 's to review some Spy Games rules . "
tr	2	On my way to the Metro , I let the cool air clear my mind .
tr	2	She 'd tell me in a flash if this were ludicrous or brilliant .
tr	2	I wiggled one of Dad 's fancy devices in the keyhole and the lock popped .
tr	2	I stormed through his bedroom , closets , and kitchen looking for something , anything .
tr	2	After about half an hour , I plunked down at the table .
tr	2	I had to stop thinking like Nancy Drew , searching for clues in the cupboards .
tr	2	I closed my eyes , willing the walls to whisper his secrets .
tr	2	A high-pitched giggle from outside Malcolm 's apartment cascaded over me like confectioner 's sugar .
tr	2	Malcolm was stumbling up the stairs with some blonde hanging off him .
tr	2	Just as I slid the doors shut , they waltzed into the room .
tr	2	" Would you like a drink to top off the evening ? "
tr	2	" Why don 't we have some fun and play a game ? "
tr	2	" I 'd love to move the game to the bedroom , " she said .
tr	2	As I 'm sure she racked her empty head for something to say .
tr	2	" I think you might be taking Spy Games a little too seriously . "
tr	2	" I felt stupid , so I hid in the closet . "
tr	2	Malcolm flashed a wry grin , like he didn 't believe me .
tr	2	I smiled and cheese practically fell out my mouth it was so fake .
tr	2	I grabbed a plain white dish and held it out like a shield .
tr	2	" Give me one minute and then I 'll let you leave . "
tr	2	" What are you doing asking so many questions about my mom ? "
tr	2	" I like you and wanted to get to know you better . "
tr	2	The emotion built in my chest until I yelled , " LIAR ! "
tr	2	Until he grabbed my arm and yanked me back into the room .
tr	2	Not letting go of me , he kicked out a chair with his foot .
tr	2	After he pushed me onto a chair , he tied my arms in the back .
tr	2	" I don 't want you running away before you hear me out . "
tr	2	He poured water into a small coffee maker then stood staring it .
tr	2	" The thing is ... I can 't tell you the truth .
tr	2	Please , just go about your way and act like a normal teen . "
tr	2	His eyes peered into mine , open and honest , then dropped to my mouth .
tr	2	How could he look at me like he wanted to kiss me ?
tr	2	My body and heart were traitors to what I knew in my mind .
tr	2	That he was a liar and refused to tell me the truth .
tr	2	" Do you still have that damn serving tray up your shirt ? "
tr	2	" I know you work for Jolie and you 're keeping secrets .
tr	2	My words spurred him on as if he didn 't care I knew his secrets .
tr	2	With a flick of his wrist , he untied the ropes from my arms .
tr	2	He picked me up off the chair and put me on the kitchen table .
tr	2	He moved in to kiss me , but I pushed him away .
tr	2	Halfway through the doorway , I heard him shout out , " The girl .
tr	2	That sick feeling I 'd gotten my facts wrong sat in my gut .
tr	2	I turned my back and let his words run through my mind .
tr	2	I wasn 't that stupid , but he didn 't need to know it .
tr	2	" Did you have anything to do with Aimee being kidnapped ? "
tr	2	It was time to get to know the person behind the name .
tr	2	I had money for the Metro or to hire a cab if I needed to .
tr	2	White shutters at the windows winked at me in a friendly sort of way .
tr	2	I almost could see the confectioner 's sugar still lingering in his twisted beard .
tr	2	Feeling the need for stealth , I crawled along the side of the house .
tr	2	The voice of his companion was familiar , but I couldn 't quite place it .
tr	2	They were debating , words pinging back and forth at each other .
tr	2	Were those the same clothes she wore when I visited her with Malcolm ?
tr	2	Twenty-eight With a quick but strong yank , someone pulled me from my hiding spot .
tr	2	His full , curly beard still held crumbs from his day in the kitchen .
tr	2	I had a feeling the pictures of him and Marie were deleted .
tr	2	Back when Mom lived at home in Pennsylvania , and we were a family .
tr	2	But since we 'd arrived in France it was all about Spy Games .
tr	2	" I used to meet my close friend Aimee for croissants every morning . "
tr	2	" Traditions , meeting with friends and family that is the joi de vive .
tr	2	" Girl , you do not know what you are talking about . "
tr	2	Jolie roared with laughter , great big bouts that dwindled down to chuckles .
tr	2	" You are a washed up pastry chef heading past his prime .
tr	2	Release the prisoners , and I won 't report you to the police . "
tr	2	Suddenly he was by my side , his fingers digging into my arm .
tr	2	The police know me and would never doubt a famous chef . "
tr	2	He pulled me toward the back of the yard , his footsteps quick and sure .
tr	2	He grunted his disapproval as we reached the back of the yard .
tr	2	The henhouse was a dingy gray and a distinct odor wafted between its walls .
tr	2	" Did you want me to make you scrambled eggs for dinner ?
tr	2	Okay so they weren 't chained in the basement , but something was very wrong .
tr	2	I still had my phone , but who was I going to call ?
tr	2	Had Jolie left me to die at the claws of a bunch of chickens ?
tr	2	A cobweb brushed against my cheek , and I let out a tiny scream .
tr	2	With a wave of my arms , I tried to shoo the hen away .
tr	2	I could see through its beady eyes to the small workings in its teeny brain .
tr	2	I won 't touch your eggs no matter how hungry I get .
tr	2	I never claimed to be a great spy and this proved it .
tr	2	" But ... " I tried to argue , but she forcibly pushed me away .
tr	2	Dad sat at the kitchen table buried in the newspaper as usual .
tr	2	Let 's talk about you so we don 't talk about me .
tr	2	" There are some leftover pancakes in the fridge if you want them . "
tr	2	Thirty minutes later , Malcolm and I stood outside the Notre Dame cathedral .
tr	2	Tourists brushed past us to enter the old church , but I wasn 't ready .
tr	2	That might be why I barely noticed when Malcolm slipped his arm around me .
tr	2	If history could be carried on a breeze , it rushed and swirled around me .
tr	2	" That sounds great , but I have to work this afternoon .
tr	2	I shouldn 't have to use it if I played the game .
tr	2	" I don 't think this is going to work for Spy Games . "
tr	2	We paid the fee and headed toward the start of the spiral stairs .
tr	2	I stopped in my tracks , right at the bottom of the stairs .
tr	2	That 's why I think people will love it , especially Americans . "
tr	2	All of a sudden every tourist pointing a camera in my direction became the enemy .
tr	2	I could end up in something worse than a smelly chicken coop .
tr	2	After they extracted whatever secret information they thought I had embedded deep in my psyche .
tr	2	I took a deep breath and forced myself to climb the stairs .
tr	2	That I wasn 't a spy , that I wasn 't a danger to anyone .
tr	2	" I was just thinking how we 've got a lot of stairs to climb .
tr	2	" Okay , " I said , " Let 's do this . "
tr	2	Again , a few seconds later , the footsteps behind us stopped too .
tr	2	I took little comfort in the feel of the metal tray pressed against my chest .
tr	2	Escape here , go to Jolie 's and rescue Aimee and Marie .
tr	2	Have Jolie arrested and go to the Extravaganza to complete Mom 's mission .
tr	2	Fear chased me , always a step away , ready to grab me .
tr	2	Finally at the top , I collapsed in a corner and curled into a ball .
tr	2	The grimacing demon and other winged gargoyles sent shivers through my body .
tr	2	The best way would be to act natural , like I belonged .
tr	2	Confident Jolie wasn 't home , I stepped inside into the lingering smell of cinnamon .
tr	2	Being in Jolie 's home , which felt cozy and happy , pricked my heart .
tr	2	Not wanting to wake up a snoozing pastry chef , I crept through the downstairs .
tr	2	I needed to sweep the whole house and be smart about this .
tr	2	I tested each wooden step before putting my entire weight on them .
tr	2	Must be Jolie 's with the clean room and professionally made bed .
tr	2	My body froze up , and I couldn 't get my legs to move .
tr	2	Why didn 't I bring rope to escape out the second story window ?
tr	2	I was trapped , too afraid to move in case they heard me .
tr	2	Maybe they 'd returned for their sweaters before going back out to dinner .
tr	2	I shimmied into the bathroom and whipped back and forth for a spot to hide .
tr	2	If I made it through this , I 'd confess to everything .
tr	2	But this one could be my downfall , and it hovered inches from my face .
tr	2	Instead , the knob squeaked and the pipes shuddered to the life .
tr	2	My lips moved in silent confession as I tried not to choke on the water .
tr	2	The girl on the other side of the door kept yelling through it .
tr	2	Hairs were plastered to my head , and I felt like a drowned rat .
tr	2	But many showed the growing up of a girl with blonde curls .
tr	2	Finally , I found the tip of one poking out underneath a deck of cards .
tr	2	But maybe , just maybe , that was how she 'd wanted it .
tr	2	Jolie 's dining area off the kitchen had morphed into a gaping hole .
tr	2	Warm , musty air , thick and heavy rose up from the hole .
tr	2	A rusty metal ladder clung to the side of the rocky wall .
tr	2	And more importantly , how it was all connected to my family and me .
tr	2	I opened their kitchen drawers completely guilt-free and dug around until I found a flashlight .
tr	2	The dull , flickering flashlight cast weird shadows and barely penetrated the darkness .
tr	2	Niches carved into the walls held candles with small flames lighting the way .
tr	2	But I heard nothing , only my ragged breathing and muffled footsteps .
tr	2	I trailed my fingers along the small hills and valleys of the wall .
tr	2	I shut out my broken and confused feelings and focused on the moment .
tr	2	Eventually , they 'd return and go back up the ladder to Jolie 's kitchen .
tr	2	My skin crawled like a zillion ants were marching over my body .
tr	2	Like zombie rats that had morphed into larger creatures with sharper teeth ?
tr	2	My eyes were drawn to the way his hair fell below his eyebrows .
tr	2	His lips were pressed together as if he wanted to speak his mind .
tr	2	His face was pale , almost sickly , like he was nervous .
tr	2	There must be a practical reason Malcolm would need a whip down here .
tr	2	Or had he gotten involved in something he couldn 't get out of ?
tr	2	The splinters that used to be my heart broke into more splinters .
tr	2	He headed down one tunnel , and Jolie and Aimee the other .
tr	2	But before Jolie swept from the room he blew out all the candles .
tr	2	A scream rose into my throat as I bit down on my hand .
tr	2	The knobby stones dug into my knees and I shined the light down at them .
tr	2	I breathed in and out trying not to cry and puke at the same time .
tr	2	Had they been arguing about how to get rid of the body ?
tr	2	If they tortured me , I couldn 't be as strong as Mom .
tr	2	A sob rose up from my chest causing my throat to burn .
tr	2	My legs still ached from my climb up the tower in the Notre Dame .
tr	2	And I wasn 't even a real spy , just a determined teenager .
tr	2	With my hand cupped around my ear , I turned toward the voices .
tr	2	He said my name again , and I dug my fingers into the stone wall .
tr	2	For Dad he was the loyal staff member , knowledgeable in all areas .
tr	2	I know , it 's so cliche , but what did he mean ?
tr	2	He was a little lost lamb grazing in a meadow filled with wild flowers .
tr	2	Finger by finger , I pulled my hand away from the wall .
tr	2	Slowly , I lifted my foot off the stair and backed up .
tr	2	He said he wouldn 't hurt me , but I couldn 't take my chances .
tr	2	When their steps pounded below , I dropped any pretense of a subtle get-away .
tr	2	I burst up the stairs like there was only one pastry left on the shelves .
tr	2	I flew through the passage with no idea where I 'd end up .
tr	2	All the chefs turned and stared at me with their beady eyes .
tr	2	He let out a howl and in the process let go of my arm .
tr	2	I ran from kitchen , pushing waiters and chefs to my right and left .
tr	2	and other French niceties got lost in the crashing of pans and dishes .
tr	2	Young couples in love cast strange looks like I was a bit cuckoo .
tr	2	My breath wheezed out like an old air-conditioner on its last life .
tr	2	The doorways of cute little boutiques blurred past me as I ran .
tr	2	Even though we 'd kissed that didn 't mean squat in his world .
tr	2	My lungs burned , so I plopped down on a hard wooden bench .
tr	2	I breathed a deep sigh of relief and let out a couple deep sobs .
tr	2	I let my head fall back and stared up between the tree branches .
tr	2	I hated lying to people as much as I hated being lied to .
tr	2	Hands gripped my shoulder and I felt his breath against my ear before he whispered .
tr	2	He played with the ends of my hair , twirling it between his fingers .
tr	2	He tugged at the strand of my hair , nudging me to answer .
tr	2	Spies act cool , calm , and suave in any and all dangerous situations .
tr	2	He continued rambling on about this perfect date we should go on .
tr	2	The blood raced beneath my skin , roiling and boiling at this boy 's balls .
tr	2	" And then we could talk a bit more about Spy Games this weekend .
tr	2	I whipped around in my seat , my glare piercing through his act .
tr	2	Do you have -- " He put a finger to my lips .
tr	2	My voice cracked and trembled , threatening to betray my real feelings .
tr	2	" That 's fine if you were paid to spy on my family .
tr	2	I don 't get why because we 're a broken family from Pennsylvania .
tr	2	The fear and rage coursed through my limbs , spreading and gaining speed .
tr	2	You can 't make this go away with a joke and a laugh . "
tr	2	He took it , took in all my feelings of hurt and betrayal .
tr	2	I tried to distract you and to warn you to stay away .
tr	2	I might 've started it , but did he care about me at all ?
tr	2	Because at this point the friendship part was hurting a lot more .
tr	2	I was playing a game I knew nothing about and should 've stayed away from .
tr	2	I 'll make up something to keep the big boys away from you .
tr	2	Those were his last words to me before he got up and strode briskly away .
tr	2	When I looked back to the road , Malcolm had disappeared into the crowd .
tr	2	The games were in two days , but I only cared about one thing .
tr	2	I slipped out of my clothes and stuffed them into a bag to be incinerated .
tr	2	I prayed she 'd escaped from the clutches of the mad pastry chef .
tr	2	At some point in between sleep and wake I jolted up in bed .
tr	2	Heat pricked my skin , needles running up and down my arms .
tr	2	" I didn 't want to wake you in case you were sleeping . "
tr	2	But he always found a way to make my confessions seem foolish .
tr	2	I wanted to rewind time , before my parents started arguing almost every night .
tr	2	That summer we 'd made fires out in the fire pit and roasted marshmallows .
tr	2	Finally , he looked at me but still couldn 't find my eyes .
tr	2	" After tomorrow , I give you my official blessing to leave Spy Games .
tr	2	I promise I 'll stop trying to live my dreams through you .
tr	2	I 'd screwed up at the Louvre , but I 'd make up for that .
tr	2	He squirmed like a child who 's stolen a cookie from the cookie jar .
tr	2	You could be back in the States next month or earlier . "
tr	2	How could I possibly tell him that mom probably wouldn 't answer the phone ?
tr	2	He opened his mouth several times before spitting out what was on his mind .
tr	2	The smile on his face radiated and was like salve on my heart .
tr	2	He sat on the bed and put his hand on my shoulder .
tr	2	He kissed my forehead , then he left with a fresh spring in his step .
tr	2	The anger and fear faded and morphed into something new and different .
tr	2	The wonderful , glorious black hat Dad gave me as a gift .
tr	2	I crouched down on the floor and ran my fingers across the folded edge .
tr	2	But many more lay in the box , screaming out the same message .
tr	2	The Extravaganza was this Saturday , the same exact time as Spy Games .
tr	2	The answer came quickly in the form of the person I 'd offended the worst .
tr	2	I needed to embrace my allies instead of leaning on my enemies .
tr	2	Thirty-six I had one day to train and be ready for Spy Games .
tr	2	I might not have done my job before , but I would do it now .
tr	2	Do fifty more push ups and twenty lunges , my internal trainer shouted .
tr	2	Sweat soaked my shirt and dripped off the sides of my face .
tr	2	I hobbled back to my room and dragged the box out of my closet .
tr	2	Dad gave me this when we arrived in Paris as a welcoming gift .
tr	2	At the bottom of the box , I found a silver case .
tr	2	With shaky fingers , I flicked it and a sharp knife popped out .
tr	2	When I 'd called Peyton , his phone number had been disconnected .
tr	2	Or he might just take my offer and help out during Spy Games .
tr	2	I shrugged it off and went home to gear up for the next day .
tr	2	Then I pulled out the switchblade and tucked it into my sock .
tr	2	I 'd run my first tenner in five months even if it killed me .
tr	2	At nine a.m. on the dot , I creaked open the door to the warehouse .
tr	2	Nancy and Malcolm entered from the side , with Frankie on their heels .
tr	2	Dad nodded at them as they took their spots around the table .
tr	2	I couldn 't move from watching them through the crack in the door .
tr	2	I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants , and sudden panic hit me .
tr	2	Cool air breezed across my face and hair sending goosebumps down my arms .
tr	2	After one more giant breath , I grabbed the door and opened it again .
tr	2	My spy hat slipped , and I pushed it back into place .
tr	2	Minutes later , I was clicking into my cables and tightening the ropes .
tr	2	After his introduction speech , Dad boomed out the names of the staff .
tr	2	Frankie dropped down first then Nancy until it was Gray , Malcolm , and me .
tr	2	His steely gray eyes caught mine and held them for a few seconds .
tr	2	When I arrived at the Extravaganza , I stood on the side street .
tr	2	The small groups of musicians played music and whisked me back to the 1800s .
tr	2	And then , where I shot the guy with a tranquilizer dart .
tr	2	I wandered past the tables , searching for a table with the number 14 .
tr	2	Gold , silver , and red frosting bled across the white paper tablecloth .
tr	2	The wires that held the cupcakes were twisted and deformed with sharp edges sticking out .
tr	2	Even the cupcakes with a creamy fillings had been slashed , their guts spilled .
tr	2	Emotions whipped through me like the wind , tearing at my insides .
tr	2	But the one that stayed with me , lodged in my throat , was fear .
tr	2	Instead , he unlocked the door and pushed me into the bakery .
tr	2	He continued to yell , his words falling on me like pieces of glass .
tr	2	Technically , I was the more innocent of the two of us .
tr	2	And I never would have worked with your papa if -- " I flipped around .
tr	2	" He asked me to be a part of his Spy Games .
tr	2	He knew I knew about him , and he didn 't care .
tr	2	" Yes , quite , considering you 're the spy , " I said .
tr	2	" It won 't be funny when you 're convicted and put in jail . "
tr	2	" I know he took Aimee 's spot to get to me . "
tr	2	I had my suspicions , but to hear it stated out loud made it real .
tr	2	My anger went from rolling waves past boiling to the cracking stage .
tr	2	" You 're not the only ones with secrets , Santa Claus . "
tr	2	His nostrils flared and his face turned the color of a brilliant sunset .
tr	2	He twisted my wrist around and jammed the end of the taser into my side .
tr	2	Bolts of electricity entered my body , zaps of pain shot through my limbs .
tr	2	Jolie 's evil cackle filled the air and settled deep into my soul .
tr	2	A door creaked open , and he brought his face close to mine .
tr	2	I will take your family out before they can finish me off . "
tr	2	Finally the world stopped spinning , and I lay on the floor .
tr	2	The dull glow from a flickering light on the ceiling blurred in out of view .
tr	2	Cracks ran down the plastered walls and grit was on the floor .
tr	2	The door was shut and probably locked at the top of the stairs .
tr	2	I had to save Mom and then keep running and exit through Jolie 's house .
tr	2	The room spun , and I waited for my vision to clear .
tr	2	I pulled a flashlight from my pack and made my way down .
tr	2	As the tunnels twisted and turned , I realized there were no forks or turns .
tr	2	I think I even smelled whipped cream and a bit of hazelnut .
tr	2	I tiptoed closer , afraid to wake him but knowing I needed to .
tr	2	He murmured in his sleep , but I couldn 't understand him .
tr	2	Underneath the dirt and grime , he probably wasn 't too much older than me .
tr	2	He had a heavy accent I didn 't recognize , but he spoke perfect English .
tr	2	He tried to move his arms , and his face flashed with pain .
tr	2	With one slice , his hands were free and then his feet .
tr	2	I let him touch me because clearly he wasn 't in his right mind .
tr	2	He stared off , and the start of a smile tugged at his mouth .
tr	2	I pulled out a water bottle and held it up to his lips .
tr	2	I gently gripped his arm to help him stand and lead him away .
tr	2	Our time was running out , and I couldn 't just leave him here .
tr	2	His eyes held a hint of desperation and he grabbed my arms with newfound strength .
tr	2	His voice grew scratchy , probably from lack of talking during his captivity .
tr	2	I kept them to myself and did nothing because they made no sense .
tr	2	This guy seemed nice and all but being a hostage had affected his mind .
tr	2	" I think the air down here has gotten to you . "
tr	2	" I tried to tell the brethren about my visions , that you needed help .
tr	2	I 'm here to save you , not the other way around . "
tr	2	" I made the mistake of telling the brethren about the new vision .
tr	2	" You girl , have become too much trouble , " he growled .
tr	2	The smell of body odor drifted off him , but I didn 't care .
tr	2	The rough texture of his shirt hit my cheek , and it clicked .
tr	2	The girl who never picked a fight , and who almost always followed directions .
tr	2	To run away , search for Mom , or to go get Dad .
tr	2	Then I could go into therapy and hypnosis and brainwash the memories away .
tr	2	With my left arm , I shoved the prisoner to the side .
tr	2	The butler 's piercing black eyes caught mine , and he grinned .
tr	2	I whipped my arm over my head and let the knife fly .
tr	2	It soared toward its mark at the same time the revolver went off .
tr	2	Thankfully the butler was probably better at serving pastries than shooting a gun .
tr	2	His chocolate eyes were kind , but reflected pain as he turned them on me .
tr	2	This man did this for me , or so he 'd said .
tr	2	The knife stuck out of his side , and blood seeped through his fingers .
tr	2	I stammered , clutching the prisoner 's arm , forgetting the Band-Aids .
tr	2	All I could see was the red stain , spreading , growing .
tr	2	" Something just came over me when I saw the gun pointed at us .
tr	2	His body relaxed as his words poured forth , and peace spread across his face .
tr	2	Forty-one Aimee had entered , headlamp on , carrying a tray of food .
tr	2	We fell silent , staring , barely acknowledging the secrets that had torn us apart .
tr	2	My fingers curled into tight balls and anger shot through me like lightning .
tr	2	I wanted to say so much more as the questions piled up .
tr	2	She ripped the man 's shirt and pressed the napkins to his wounds .
tr	2	Her forehead creased in thought , like she had a lot to say to me .
tr	2	Rage built on days of worry simmered underneath my thinning veil of patience .
tr	2	Her movements became fast and jerky , but she still did not answer .
tr	2	All I needed was proof , a real note , a goodbye , face-to-face .
tr	2	She wrapped the man 's wounds with precision , her lips pressed tight together .
tr	2	I pushed her shoulder , angry , trying to get her to say something .
tr	2	I reached up , wrapped my fingers around her ponytail , and yanked her off .
tr	2	I managed to flip around and twist her arm behind her back .
tr	2	She wiggled out and we locked arms , unable to move each other .
tr	2	And if Jolie was a criminal what did Aimee know about it ?
tr	2	Tears might have streaked my dirty cheeks but I didn 't pay any mind .
tr	2	I lied to my dad and broke rules so I could find you .
tr	2	She rubbed the prisoner 's hand but her words were for me .
tr	2	My body sagged , and the last bit of anger trickled out .
tr	2	" Go on , " I said , my anger slowly dissipated .
tr	2	That she was here to take his life , because she was watching him .
tr	2	I thought your dad might pick up where your mom left off . "
tr	2	I thought about the camera and all the money someone had sent my mom .
tr	2	" My grandfather found out I was working for your dad and was furious .
tr	2	" I tried to tell my grandfather that , but he would not believe me .
tr	2	And then you started poking your nose around where you should not .
tr	2	I didn 't know whether to be furious , happy , or sad .
tr	2	He tried to talk but his words jumbled together and he spoke nonsense .
tr	2	This man had risked everything , and he might lose his life , for me .
tr	2	A girl from a vision who he didn 't even know existed until today .
tr	2	" You do not trust my grandfather , and you are right .
tr	2	" He is probably involved in something illegal but I know nothing about his business .
tr	2	Maybe I 'd be a distraction , while some hired gun finished the job .
tr	2	Or maybe it was my mom who would be doing the killing .
tr	2	Forty-two The shot glanced off the wall with a spray of dust .
tr	2	The butler was crawling toward us , the revolver hanging from his hand .
tr	2	His head fell to the floor and he didn 't move , knocked out .
tr	2	In my apartment , in my bedroom closet is a whole lot of cash .
tr	2	She was still my friend , and this was goodbye , possibly forever .
tr	2	Instead I 'd let her distract me and had focused on my problems .
tr	2	I ran back through the tunnels , my thoughts confused , my heart aching .
tr	2	I couldn 't think about everything he 'd said , his visions , my death .
tr	2	I thought about the times I 'd zoned out at staff meetings .
tr	2	I thought about Dad 's plans to include a well-known businessman after the Louvre disaster .
tr	2	I thought about Jolie bragging how he was going to work for my dad .
tr	2	The groups weaved in and around the reporters and mimes looking for someone .
tr	2	One spy client waved his arms and shouted Jolie 's name to his group .
tr	2	My dad had asked Jolie to be an informant and hand out clues ?
tr	2	Three of them approached him like school children gathering around the most popular kid .
tr	2	Their greedy hands reached forward hoping to touch his apron or grab the clue .
tr	2	He strode up to the great pastry chef who would propel him to victory .
tr	2	Red crept around the guy 's collar line and up his neck .
tr	2	In front of his group , leading the charge , would he tolerate being ignored ?
tr	2	His face turned redder and redder as the spies all called out for the clues .
tr	2	I gripped the tray to prevent myself from dropping it and running .
tr	2	Taking baby steps , I moved as close as I could without being obvious .
tr	2	" Do you have the guts to follow through , or should I ? "
tr	2	The papers fluttered in the breeze , dancing over the heads of the spies .
tr	2	I crouched , but as I approached , men in tuxedos closed in on me .
tr	2	They stood in a perfect line , not saying a word , their faces unreadable .
tr	2	I waved my hand at them , gesturing I needed to get through .
tr	2	They couldn 't drag me away , not with Dad to protect me .
tr	2	He eyed the line-up of men in tuxedos and leaned closer to me .
tr	2	He pointed to the crowd of Spy Games clients all grasping at the paper clues .
tr	2	" Please tell me you don 't have anything to do with this . "
tr	2	I searched his eyes , looking for some hint of understanding or compassion .
tr	2	" That 's why I lied earlier about not feeling well . "
tr	2	In a matter of seconds , they were covered in an assortment of colors .
tr	2	And that man has been the most stubborn mule to work with .
tr	2	I tried to step back , but the wall of minions blocked my way .
tr	2	He searched the crowds , back and forth , until his eyes landed on me .
tr	2	Reaching around with a forceful shove , I pushed the whole masterpiece back into place .
tr	2	I slowly faced him while the tray balanced precariously on my arm .
tr	2	He gripped a digital tape recorder and a pencil stuck out from behind his ear .
tr	2	Jolie spoke in rapid French and the reporter backed away , cowering .
tr	2	I scanned the mass of people until I found the mime to my left .
tr	2	He did his mime thing , and with every exaggerated motion , he moved in .
tr	2	I had to get close enough to talk to Jolie without anyone else hearing .
tr	2	My limbs trembled and blood pumped through my heart so fast it scared me .
tr	2	I didn 't take my eyes off Jolie , while keeping the pastries balanced .
tr	2	It seemed rather silly that I gripped the pastries as if they could protect me .
tr	2	The cold metal of the barrel pressed against my lower back , hidden away .
tr	2	I 'm sure we can work things out here like reasonable people . "
tr	2	" Only because you destroyed my entry before I even got here .
tr	2	" I do not have time for this petty back and forth . "
tr	2	The cake landed in Jolie 's beard and dripped onto the front of his shirt .
tr	2	He reached his hand up only to smear the colors into his beard .
tr	2	He shifted back and forth between his feet as if ready to run or attack .
tr	2	A low growl sounded in his throat and rose to a loud pitch .
tr	2	He rushed at me , arms outstretched , aiming for my neck .
tr	2	I waited until the last second and then slammed the tray into his face .
tr	2	Sweat dripped down his face and mixed with the frosting stuck in every crevice .
tr	2	With one swoop , he grabbed a hunk of cake from the ground .
tr	2	Three of the men in tuxedos pushed me aside and rushed to their boss .
tr	2	The revolver clattered to the stones and I kicked it under a table .
tr	2	I smashed the tart smack dab in the middle of his face .
tr	2	As I bent down to whisper in his ear , a shot rang out .
tr	2	The bodies blurred around me , piling up like it was a mass murder .
tr	2	Jolie shoved me off of him , and I landed on the cobblestones .
tr	2	He 'd whisk me back to Pennsylvania and put me back together .
tr	2	Or talk about how we 'd work together to get Mom to come back .
tr	2	Feet trampled , landing on my back , my head , my arms .
tr	2	I collapsed to the ground and crept forward , painful inch by painful inch .
tr	2	He put his arms underneath me and scooped me off the ground .
tr	2	Why did he pick me up when he could have left me to die ?
tr	2	While holding me , Malcolm talked into his earpiece , telling someone to meet him .
tr	2	This was not how I planned on spending my last minutes on earth .
tr	2	No one in the town would have pegged me for death by assassin .
tr	2	I struggled to get out of Malcolm 's clutches and mumbled empty threats .
tr	2	I tried to call for help , but my voice came out hoarse and raspy .
tr	2	He pulled out a knife , and Dad 's words rolled through me .
tr	2	" Yes , you heroically jumped in front of a bullet to save Jolie .
tr	2	With short , jerky movements he rubbed a cloth over his knife .
tr	2	Material ripped as Malcolm 's knife cut through my right pant leg .
tr	2	The leather from the most expensive pair of pants I owned fell to the ground .
tr	2	A shadow fell over us and a familiar voice tickled my ears .
tr	2	Gone was the swaggering , cocky jerk who had participated in Spy Games .
tr	2	In my world , Peyton had packed and gone back to the States .
tr	2	My leg throbbed but I clenched my teeth because I needed the truth .
tr	2	I called him in to distract and lead you away from Jolie . "
tr	2	His face showed no emotion as he finished adding extra tape to my leg .
tr	2	He 'd pretended to romance me just to spy on my family .
tr	2	Maybe we would 've dated and gone to the movies or for ice cream .
tr	2	With the bottom of his shirt , he wiped off any frosting from my skin .
tr	2	The mime I 'd seen on our date at the Parc des Buttes .
tr	2	Forty-seven Malcolm didn 't answer me but sat with his arms resting on his knees .
tr	2	Except that his brother likes to dress like a mime and try and kill people .
tr	2	I guess I wasn 't the only one with a dysfunctional family .
tr	2	He reached into an inside pocket and pulled out a small flask .
tr	2	Tell me the truth , heal me , and then let his brother kill me ?
tr	2	" She 's one more person who 's not what they seem . "
tr	2	Those words danced in my head and in my heart , lifting my spirits .
tr	2	My heart broke at how their trap had affected Aimee 's life .
tr	2	It was a carefully laid trap for your mom first and then you .
tr	2	" But why did you try and kill him if he was innocent ? "
tr	2	" He was probably aiming for you before you jumped on Jolie .
tr	2	That 's why she told me to burn the package , to not get involved .
tr	2	The whole scenario sounded like some unbelievable story that belonged on Dateline or something .
tr	2	His hands slid down my back to the hem of my shirt .
tr	2	He tenderly ran his fingers down my arm , and I shivered .
tr	2	He whispered in my ear , " God help me , you 're beautiful .
tr	2	" In my line of work , you can 't care about anyone too much .
tr	2	" That 's good , because I don 't care about you .
tr	2	The tears are purely a post-traumatic side effect of getting shot . "
tr	2	At least I was pretty sure my life wouldn 't end tonight .
tr	2	He pressed his mouth against mine harder , and a thrill ran through my insides .
tr	2	He pushed me back , kissed my cheek , and whispered in my ear .
tr	2	" Savvy Bent , don 't you ever let anyone hold you back .
tr	2	" I could 've told you that from our first date , " I teased .
tr	2	I pulled him back to me , needing to feel him against me .
tr	2	I held him tight , close to me , as if that could fix everything .
tr	2	His face changed , from soft and passionate to hard and determined .
tr	2	In one swift movement , he pulled my arms behind my back .
tr	2	It was too hard to kick my legs again without shooting pain .
tr	2	" You didn 't think I 'd forget , did you ? "
tr	2	Fear rose in my throat and clamped down on my vocal chords .
tr	2	He started to leave , but I was still desperate for answers .
tr	2	When I first asked you out , I didn 't know any of this .
tr	2	By the time my family filled me in , it was too late .
tr	2	I pushed up onto my feet , balancing delicately on my good leg .
tr	2	I couldn 't easily forget that I was in my underwear and bra .
tr	2	It would be near impossible to get home without anyone seeing me .
tr	2	The green grass and paths with scattered trees and benches stretched in front of me .
tr	2	I thought about summer nights in Pennsylvania after a tough afternoon of pulling weeds .
tr	2	Several cars screeched to a stop on the road next to me .
tr	2	A huge spotlight swept back and forth until it stopped on me .
tr	2	When he realized my arms were cuffed , he dragged me out into the street .
tr	2	The vodka must have worn off because the pain in my leg returned full force .
tr	2	Rough hands grabbed at me until I was pushed into the car .
tr	2	Two cops sat in the front , the mesh cage separating me from them .
tr	2	Maybe the same reason Mom didn 't want to fight for me .
tr	2	The cop driving the car gripped the steering wheel in a death grip .
tr	2	" I thought I told you to burn the package and not get involved . "
tr	2	My heart stopped beating , and I looked into the rearview mirror .
tr	2	The cop took off her pointed hat and long brown hair spilled down her back .
tr	2	So many words burned in my throat , wanting to be spoken .
tr	2	Her lips pressed together , but her eyes stayed on the road .
tr	2	In a few years they 'd be thanking us and laughing about it all .
tr	2	The smoke in the air tickled my nose and back of my throat .
tr	2	" Just a few more seconds , " she finally whispered back .
tr	2	I stepped out from behind the bush , my feet itching to run .
tr	2	" Stop right there , miss , " the deep voice called from the shadows .
tr	2	Slowly , I moved toward the woods while spitting out the planned excuses .
tr	2	" Just getting my chem book for finals , officer , sir . "
tr	2	Slowly , I turned and raised my hands with the heavy text .
tr	2	I didn 't even give the cop a chance to ask any questions .
tr	2	" Oh , please , sir , I 'm just trying to achieve high grades .
tr	2	My senior year is coming up and that means college applications . "
tr	2	My voice came out shaky like I was about to break down .
tr	2	They said one more thing and my life would be over . "
tr	2	I swore I saw someone sneak a homemade bomb into the trashcan .
tr	2	Thank God I didn 't mention all our failed pranks this past year .
tr	2	I 'd hoped for some comfort food like cupcakes or homemade chocolate chip cookies .
tr	2	We are disappointed in your decision , and there will be consequences . "
tr	2	Support and respect for the copyrighted works of this author are greatly appreciated .
tr	2	The characters in this book are fictional products of the author 's imagination .
tr	2	" How in the hell are they getting those lids off ? "
tr	2	Steve Lyndon raised deep blue eyes to the dense forest that covered the north hillside .
tr	2	" One of the boys said they 've seen bear tracks up that way . "
tr	2	Back within minutes , Scott Lyndon was carrying a high caliber rifle in his hand .
tr	2	Scott snapped the rifle out of the clamp and aimed it toward the animal .
tr	2	" Ok , " he told the bear and took a step back .
tr	2	As he neared the dozer the bear took a few steps forward then stopped .
tr	2	If I didn 't know better I would swear someone threw a rock . "
tr	2	" They 'd have to have pretty good aim to hit a rifle barrel . "
tr	2	It wasn 't a sharp blow but it was enough to break my aim . "
tr	2	There 's no way in hell a bear could have opened them . "
tr	2	Scott looked into the three barrels as he gained a deep frown .
tr	2	He pointed to the newspaper he had tossed in it the night before .
tr	2	Your fiction mind is getting the better of you brother dear . "
tr	2	But I think there 's more to this than what we know . "
tr	2	He studied it for a few moments before sliding his gaze downward casually .
tr	2	He focused on the shadow until it disappeared behind a stand of trees .
tr	2	Scott lost track of it then found it again several yards east .
tr	2	It sniffed the first one then the second one before stopping at the third .
tr	2	" Well I 'll be damned , " he said in less than a whisper .
tr	2	" Look out by the trash barrels , " Scott whispered softly .
tr	2	He focused in on the shadows again and quickly found the bear .
tr	2	Then he slid the lid over until it fell off the barrel onto the ground .
tr	2	" There 's one way to find out what it is . "
tr	2	I was hoping to find out what it was without the light . "
tr	2	" Not much chance of that with the haze in the air tonight . "
tr	2	The two brothers watched the images for several more minutes before Scott stifled a yawn .
tr	2	He heard soft footfalls diminish and knew where his brother had went .
tr	2	Instantly , the two images at the garbage can were illuminated by the light .
tr	2	Scott 's eyes widened sharply as the white image came into visual focus .
tr	2	he said in a hoarse whisper and felt a chill cascade through his body .
tr	2	They surveyed the open drum and the litter around it with deep frowns .
tr	2	An array of bones and fruit peelings were scattered around the small area .
tr	2	" Teeth marks , " Steve Lyndon frowned at the distinct indentations in the peeling .
tr	2	" I 've read about this kind of thing happening but it was always fiction .
tr	2	Not scraps like it 's been eating , but real food . "
tr	2	It 'd sure beat the hell out of what it has been eating . "
tr	2	He sat the tray on top of the third drum then went to bed .
tr	2	Scott stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the now empty tray .
tr	2	Scott laid the apple on top of the third drum then returned to the house .
tr	2	Steve asked when his brother laid a large sack on the floor of the cab .
tr	2	" You 've become obsessed with that kid haven 't you ? "
tr	2	" I think you 've taken care of both of those concerns . "
tr	2	" I don 't know , " Scott said as he grabbed the bag .
tr	2	If the child was wild there was no way it would understand words .
tr	2	He heard another low throaty growl and knew the bear was close by .
tr	2	She was wearing what seemed to be an adult t-shirt or maybe a petticoat .
tr	2	" It 's ok , " he said in a gentle voice .
tr	2	Scott stayed motionless in hopes of not antagonizing either the little girl or her watchdog .
tr	2	He saw her gaze jet to the bag and back again and he smiled .
tr	2	" Food , " he repeated and saw her take a step toward it .
tr	2	Scott was sure the bear was only issuing a warning but it did not matter .
tr	2	He listened to the rustle until it was lost in the light breeze .
tr	2	Only then did he return to the safety of the truck cab .
tr	2	" Yeah , " and then took a deep breath , releasing it slowly .
tr	2	" It took a lot of guts to face down a bear . "
tr	2	I think I am going to do some digging on the internet this afternoon .
tr	2	The two men continued up the hill and picked up the logs .
tr	2	After they returned to camp Scott went straight to the office and began his investigation .
tr	2	I checked both California and Nevada newspapers plus every archive I could find .
tr	2	Scott looked inside the brown bag , unsure of what he thought he might find .
tr	2	I 'd say there 's a real good chance it 's the same bag . "
tr	2	" Our parents always returned the container if someone gave us food in one . "
tr	2	" He 'd have to have more information than we have , " Scott relayed .
tr	2	His gaze drifted to one of only two windows in the office .
tr	2	" I just can 't see that little girl in a cage .
tr	2	Then I thought I 'd stop off at Cliff 's for a couple of beers .
tr	2	Scott looked up and chuckled then hung them back on the rack .
tr	2	That little dress or shirt she had on was awfully tattered and dirty . "
tr	2	Although I 'm not sure she 'd be willing to take something like that .
tr	2	The night we saw them they didn 't come till after three .
tr	2	He could make out the shadowy outline of the black bear against the brush .
tr	2	He smiled then turned and went into the cabin and closed the door .
tr	2	He laid the peel on the tray and headed for the office .
tr	2	Scott grinned then sat the tray on the desk in front of his brother .
tr	2	She had to have been taught that before she ended up in the wild . "
tr	2	Scott revealed the happenings of the previous evening and what he had witnessed .
tr	2	" What are you going to do if you do win her trust ? "
tr	2	I guess I 'll cross that bridge when I get there . "
tr	2	Chapter 4 It was two weeks before Scott Lyndon saw the little girl again .
tr	2	It was looking more and more like their only avenue was the local sheriff .
tr	2	The bear seemed to sniff with disgust before it dropped to its haunches .
tr	2	" I think she wants our help , " Scott told his brother .
tr	2	In the blue pickup the two men steered it toward the north ridge road .
tr	2	" I 'm going ten and barely keeping up with her . "
tr	2	" Damn , " Steve muttered as he swung the truck further up the hill .
tr	2	Less than two minutes later the little girl stopped beside a large boulder .
tr	2	If not for the severity of the situation Scott would have laughed .
tr	2	The coyote lifted its head and growled at the man , baring sharp fangs .
tr	2	" We 've got a coyote caught in a bear trap up here . "
tr	2	Scott frowned as he watched the little girl go to the coyote .
tr	2	Scott looked down at the little girl 's face and saw pleading there .
tr	2	" Uh , maybe you 'd better leave that rifle in the truck . "
tr	2	" Not with a wild coyote up there I won 't . "
tr	2	" Steve , put the rifle in the truck and bring me the gloves .
tr	2	Then you can go back to the truck and watch from there . "
tr	2	" Just bring me the damned gloves , " Scott snapped coarsely .
tr	2	To his surprise the bear dropped back to all fours and sank to its haunches .
tr	2	Steve did not think anyone would have been able to resist those beautiful blue eyes .
tr	2	Scott pulled on the thick leather logging gloves and tightened the wrist straps .
tr	2	He gave his brother a wide eyed glance before crossing mental fingers .
tr	2	He stepped around the boulder then looked back at her and smiled again .
tr	2	A light flickered to life in the blue eyes before she stepped over to him .
tr	2	" We 'll ride in back , " he told his brother .
tr	2	" It 's ok , " he said in the same gentle voice .
tr	2	When she looked up at him with that questioning blue gaze he smiled .
tr	2	Whatever bond held these three together was a strong one , and an old one .
tr	2	I saw it in the office closet a few weeks ago . "
tr	2	" Ok , " Steve called as he turned the truck off and got out .
tr	2	" Doug , go back in the barn and stay there . "
tr	2	Moments later Steve came out of the office with the blanket and a white box .
tr	2	I 'll put the coyote on it then turn him around with the blanket . "
tr	2	" Do you think you should clean that wound out first ? "
tr	2	But all we have is either water or peroxide , both of which would sting .
tr	2	Besides , he 's been licking it so it 's rather clean . "
tr	2	" Why don 't you bring me a pan with fresh water in it .
tr	2	He was back a minute later with a basin of fresh water .
tr	2	" I think I 'll move him over by the garbage drums .
tr	2	" I 'll pick him up and you move the blanket . "
tr	2	Gently , Scott eased his hands under the still docile coyote and lifted him .
tr	2	When the animal whined softly Scott said , " Its ok fella .
tr	2	But she needed our help and we took a huge step with her today . "
tr	2	He heard nothing unusual and when he reached the drums , he saw nothing unusual .
tr	2	He picked up the basin and blanket and returned to the cabin .
tr	2	He dumped out the water then laid the pan under the porch .
tr	2	Scott raced up the hill toward the foreman who was surveying the logs .
tr	2	Scott called to the man in the middle of the logs . "
tr	2	" He was crossing over to the other side and the logs shifted .
tr	2	" Did he try pulling his foot out of his boot ? "
tr	2	He can 't get down in there far enough to get to the boot . "
tr	2	One matchstick at a time and if we take the wrong one Chet loses . "
tr	2	Both men spun to see a black bear standing about twenty yards up the hillside .
tr	2	Even though most black bears looked alike there was something familiar about this particular bear .
tr	2	There was a rustle in the underbrush and the little girl appeared .
tr	2	" Show me , " she said in the tiniest of voices .
tr	2	Under normal circumstances Scott would have thought she was offering her help .
tr	2	" He 's stuck like your friend was , " he told her .
tr	2	" We need to get him out but it will take time . "
tr	2	The little girl took another step forward and held out her hand again .
tr	2	He studied her blue eyes that were filled with question then pointed to Chet .
tr	2	She emitted a soft gurgling cry and the bear lumbered down the hill toward her .
tr	2	I 'm not sure but I can feel her touching my boot .
tr	2	Scott Lyndon felt totally helpless and extremely frightened for the little girl 's safety .
tr	2	Moments later Chet pulled his leg out of the crevice , minus his boot .
tr	2	He heard the softest of voices say a muffled , " It 's ok . "
tr	2	" Thank you , " he said and handed the trap to Chet .
tr	2	He looked at the boot that was still wedged in the bear trap .
tr	2	" Why 'd you laugh when you saw the boot in that trap ? "
tr	2	" So she paid you back the same way , " the foreman said .
tr	2	" I 've seen that bear a few times before , " Chet commented .
tr	2	I don 't think he 'll hurt you as long as you stay away . "
tr	2	" All I can do is make sure she 's eating something besides garbage . "
tr	2	Chet looked up at the spot where the girl and bear had disappeared .
tr	2	He frowned at it then took a step closer before he recognized fur .
tr	2	He looked around for the little girl but did not see her .
tr	2	While Scott was debating his next move a blonde head appeared from behind the bear .
tr	2	A small smile touched the little girl 's lips before she got to her feet .
tr	2	It was a tiny voice and one that Scott thought might belong to an angel .
tr	2	He was not sure what to say next or even if he should move .
tr	2	Scott slid his gaze back to the little girl and her outstretched , upturned hand .
tr	2	Eight steps later and the little girl stopped in front of him .
tr	2	" I don 't know what you want , " he said almost sadly .
tr	2	They had come close to touching before but this confused the hell out of him .
tr	2	It came out broken into two distinct syllables but Scott understood it and he smiled .
tr	2	He saw her look around quickly as a small frown touched her forehead .
tr	2	" Duke , " she said and looked at the man in front of her .
tr	2	If they had gotten this far Scott wondered how much further they could get .
tr	2	" Sidney , " he said gently and saw her gaze become expectant .
tr	2	Sidney seemed to think about that for a moment before she shook her head .
tr	2	She nodded and , removing her hand from his , then took a step back .
tr	2	He slowed his pace as he neared her for fear of spooking her guardians .
tr	2	He smiled as he neared her and received a smile in return .
tr	2	Scott was glad she was so willing to go in the truck .
tr	2	" They will have to ride back here , " he told her .
tr	2	Sidney was obviously a very well behaved child and he wondered about that .
tr	2	Scott asked as they turned off on the forestry road and headed east .
tr	2	He was in unfamiliar territory now and on land owned by the federal government .
tr	2	It was set aside as a nature preserve and off limits to people and vehicles .
tr	2	It was mostly deep rolling hills on this side of the terrain .
tr	2	He watched her drop to her stomach then crawl slowly toward the edge .
tr	2	When she stopped and looked back at him Scott could see the " Well ? "
tr	2	expression and he smiled then dropped to his stomach and crawled up beside her .
tr	2	She smiled then crawled forward again , stopping at the edge of the drop-off .
tr	2	He lifted the binoculars , brought them into focus and looked at the objects again .
tr	2	" How long have your Mommy and Daddy been sleeping down there ? "
tr	2	She emitted a soft growl , received one back from the bear .
tr	2	Sidney looked back at Scott and held up her hand , spreading her fingers .
tr	2	It might work if she had a way of drying the food .
tr	2	But was she that well versed in living in natural surroundings to know that ?
tr	2	Scott 's mind was flooding with questions he did not think Sidney could answer .
tr	2	" Do you ever go down and see your Mommy and Daddy ? "
tr	2	Scott said then crept backwards a safe distance before he got to his feet .
tr	2	When she stood up , Scott turned back to her and smiled .
tr	2	" Here , " she said and pointed to a gradual incline .
tr	2	When he saw her start down the path he called , " Wait . "
tr	2	" I need to call my brother and tell him where we 're going . "
tr	2	" Yeah , at the bottom of a two hundred foot gorge . "
tr	2	Evidently she 'd had some kind of contact with a radio , most likely CB .
tr	2	She nodded then turned and started down the path again with Scott right behind her .
tr	2	The path was a gradual one that wove along the hillside much like a switchback .
tr	2	Scott had no idea what kind of animals lived in the preserve .
tr	2	If they encountered anything in the gorge , they would be well-protected .
tr	2	The gorge floor was littered with rocks of all shapes and sizes .
tr	2	Although it was not a rattlesnake Scott realized the coyote was taking no chances .
tr	2	He looked down at the tiny blonde when she turned and looked up at him .
tr	2	" It 's ok , " she smiled and was off again .
tr	2	Less than twenty minutes later the coyote stopped and dropped to its haunches .
tr	2	He put them back in then looked at the jacket and gloves .
tr	2	He tried to read the store name on the receipt but it was too faded .
tr	2	Scott closed that pocket and went to the next only to find it empty .
tr	2	Scott pulled the nametag paper out , turned it over and found a price tag .
tr	2	He put the nametag paper back in and sighed before he straightened .
tr	2	Scott looked around the bones again but saw nothing that even closely resembled a wallet .
tr	2	He checked the front and back covers for a name but found nothing .
tr	2	" Do you think Mommy will be mad when she wakes up ? "
tr	2	" No , I 'm sure she won 't be mad . "
tr	2	He reached down and picked up a locket that was dangling from a golden chain .
tr	2	He looked at the little girl that was moving along the rocks .
tr	2	Together they hiked along the hillside in silence , reaching the truck in record time .
tr	2	He shut the tailgate then opened the passenger door and watched Sidney climb inside .
tr	2	It was just before they reached the logging road when Sidney spoke .
tr	2	" Mommy and Daddy aren 't going to wake up are they . "
tr	2	" Your Mommy and Daddy are going to sleep for a really long time . "
tr	2	Scott Lyndon decided he had to try to find any family she might have .
tr	2	Scott sighed then turned to see his brother standing on the office porch .
tr	2	" Sidney told me they 've been down there five years . "
tr	2	He took the locket and , opening it , looked at the two photos inside .
tr	2	" That little girl has run wild in these hills for five damned years ? "
tr	2	" She said she sleeps with the bear and the coyote visits her .
tr	2	Evidently she stores food somehow then eats that during the winter . "
tr	2	" She said they came in a big red and white car . "
tr	2	Sidney said she had a brother Sammie but he had died when he was five .
tr	2	" I want to try to find out if she has any family . "
tr	2	But what if the sheriff finds out they had a little girl with them ? "
tr	2	I guess I 'll have to cross that bridge when I get there . "
tr	2	" I guess we need to take a trip into town . "
tr	2	Scott nodded and displayed the clothes he had draped over his arm .
tr	2	" Howdy boys , " Josh Logan called as he unfolded himself from the squad .
tr	2	To their relief the officer sauntered past them and into the store .
tr	2	" I want to do a little more digging before I have to . "
tr	2	" Sidney said she was keeping her Daddy 's wallet safe for him .
tr	2	" Something 's up on that bank , " he told the driver .
tr	2	Steve snapped as he hit the brakes , bringing the truck to a skidding halt .
tr	2	Steve grinned and shook his head before he moved the truck forward again .
tr	2	As the camp came into view Scott looked at the garbage drums and he smiled .
tr	2	" Is it ok if I look in Daddy 's wallet ? "
tr	2	He flipped the cellophane leaf and saw a picture of a much younger Sidney .
tr	2	He read the Denver Public Library card that was registered to Steven Southington .
tr	2	He pulled out a small stack of items and began to leaf through them .
tr	2	More gas receipts ; one from a station in Colorado and two from Nevada .
tr	2	Neither Sammie nor Sidney have a birth certificate or a social security number .
tr	2	We taught them in home school so they never attended public school .
tr	2	We cherish the simple life and have tried to raise our children the same way .
tr	2	Our children have not been raised with the luxuries of electricity or modern frills .
tr	2	We have purchased an inexpensive motorhome and placed all of our earthly belongings in it .
tr	2	Soon , we will reach our new home in California 's Sierra mountains .
tr	2	We pray that whomever she finds will take care of her and love her .
tr	2	Scott felt sorry for the couple and wished he could have helped them .
tr	2	He looked up at the innocent blue eyes of Sidney Southington and realized he could .
tr	2	" Yes , I will keep it safe with your Mommy 's locket . "
tr	2	When she released him and pulled back , Scott saw question in her face .
tr	2	He smiled at the little girl he now knew to be eleven years old .
tr	2	" Yes Sidney , " he said gently as a tender smile touched his lips .
tr	2	Ten years had passed since he had first encountered the little girl .
tr	2	Much of that part of her childhood was erased from her memory now .
tr	2	The two hundred foot deep gorge was now barely one hundred feet deep .
tr	2	A gold , heart-shaped locket hung on a gold chain around her neck .
tr	2	Might as well do it now since we 've got rain in the forecast . "
tr	2	And she still loved the hills and was on them at every opportunity .
tr	2	Sidney had retained her friends who had become permanent fixtures around the Lyndon Logging camp .
tr	2	Princess , was a white female and lived up to her name perfectly .
tr	2	During the winter they would make deals and plans for the following season .
tr	2	He hoped they were pleased with the way their daughter had been raised .
tr	2	Scott was all smiles at the sheriff 's lack of fear of the coyotes .
tr	2	" Howdy Steve , " he nodded to the man at the other desk .
tr	2	" I 'm afraid this ain 't exactly a social call fellas . "
tr	2	" I 'll draw him a map he won 't ever lose . "
tr	2	" Why didn 't Jansen just come over and talk to us himself ? "
tr	2	" I 'm sure Sid could set him in his place . "
tr	2	The sheriff almost choked on his coffee when he started to laugh .
tr	2	She got it from the crew , especially her brothers , all the time .
tr	2	" Now sheriff , " she said in her typical soft , angelic tone .
tr	2	Chapter 9 Scott awoke to what sounded like a distant rifle shot .
tr	2	" In my room , " Sidney told him , wiping sleep from her eyes .
tr	2	He saw the blonde who was dressed in black pajamas stop near a window .
tr	2	" He 's coming down the south slope , " she whispered .
tr	2	" He 'll be in the yard in a little bit . "
tr	2	Most greys stay south of here , lower in the valley . "
tr	2	She still had too much wild blood in her to be stopped .
tr	2	He felt her arms go around him and felt her shoulders tremble .
tr	2	I 'll take Duke and we 'll bury her in the morning . "
tr	2	" I noticed it was a Ford and it looked black . "
tr	2	By then we 'll be able to find out which window he shot out . "
tr	2	She was staring down into her cup and looked up when he entered .
tr	2	He turned and leaned against the counter as he sipped his coffee .
tr	2	" Duke and I went out looking for the grey 's den . "
tr	2	They 'll be fine with you and Princess taking care of them . "
tr	2	Scott looked at the window and only then heard the sound of the car .
tr	2	He 's going to want something for being dragged out here this early . "
tr	2	Scott opened the kitchen door as the familiar sheriff extracted himself from the squad .
tr	2	The sheriff jammed his thumb over his shoulder , aiming at the dead coyote outside .
tr	2	" Damn , " Josh said and pulled a notebook out of his pocket .
tr	2	Scott had seen the broken window when he had checked the yard just after sunrise .
tr	2	" Would either of you recognize them if you saw them again ? "
tr	2	I didn 't have a good angle and it was too dark . "
tr	2	He saw Scott Lyndon look at his sister and knew something passed between their gazes .
tr	2	" We won 't file a complaint , " he told the uniformed man .
tr	2	They were a quiet bunch , never bothered anyone and rarely asked for favors .
tr	2	He tapped the brim of his hat in salute then headed for the door .
tr	2	Everything had been quiet and had returned to normal at Lyndon Logging .
tr	2	He reached down and scratched her ears then smiled when she nuzzled his hand .
tr	2	" Shhh , " he told her and smiled inwardly when she quieted down .
tr	2	He watched the man get out of the truck and come toward him .
tr	2	The hair on the backs of their necks was raised and their teeth were barred .
tr	2	All three were emitting deep throaty growls that would curdle most men 's blood .
tr	2	" And that lady in front of you is my sister Sidney . "
tr	2	She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen , bar none .
tr	2	Her face , although he could not read it , was flawless .
tr	2	He swallowed hard once , twice , then took a deep breath .
tr	2	" I just wanted to make amends , " he managed through his parched throat .
tr	2	Dan Jansen blinked back at the innocence before his gaze shifted to Sidney Lyndon again .
tr	2	Any fight he 'd had in him drained away as did his desire to stand .
tr	2	" She was killing my cattle , " he said in weak defense .
tr	2	" You forced her and all others like her into a corner .
tr	2	" You can survive in the big city , " Sidney shot back .
tr	2	" How does it feel to be pushed into a corner Jansen ? "
tr	2	" How does it feel to have no place to go ? "
tr	2	Sidney emitted a low , throaty sound then stepped back two paces .
tr	2	Dan Jansen was not the kind of man who cared to take orders from anyone .
tr	2	He looked at the man two chairs away to see him watching him intently .
tr	2	He had watched the entire occurrence with both lightness and heaviness in his heart .
tr	2	He felt sorry for Jansen but knew he deserved what he had gotten .
tr	2	It was evident in his eyes , in his face , and in his voice .
tr	2	He wondered if his sister had seen it ; was pretty sure she had .
tr	2	The man 's gaze rifled to the three coyotes that were still watching him .
tr	2	The man to her left gave her a quizzical glance then looked at the animals .
tr	2	Although they were still watching him , they were not in attack position now .
tr	2	Scott turned his head and looked the other way to hide a smile .
tr	2	The twinkle in her eyes told him she had seen Dan Jansen 's reactions too .
tr	2	Just then a deep , reverberating growl rolled up from the underbrush .
tr	2	Dan Jansen 's gaze shot to the far side of the yard and widened sharply .
tr	2	He stopped when a massive black bear appeared near the outer rim of the yard .
tr	2	Dan Jansen looked at the massive black bear again then looked down at the pup .
tr	2	" It 's usually more lively but it was interrupted tonight . "
tr	2	Sidney stopped at the foot of the steps with all four animals beside her .
tr	2	Sidney rose onto the porch and took the pup from the man .
tr	2	" There is room for all of us to live in this world . "
tr	2	" I didn 't mean ... " " I know what you meant . "
tr	2	" Whether you decide to take my advice or not Jansen is up to you .
tr	2	I planned on selling the ranch and moving back to the city .
tr	2	His gaze wandered sideways and found the red spot on the hill .
tr	2	" I felt as if the entire coyote population was chewing me out . "
tr	2	Dan Jansen watched the red dot disappear behind a patch of dense underbrush .
tr	2	" I don 't know if I want to after meeting Sidney .
tr	2	One sound from her and those coyotes would have run you off the place . "
tr	2	Scott Lyndon smiled at the group that was racing across the distant hillside .
tr	2	And a special thanks to you , the reader , for supporting me !
tr	2	Branches , bushes and trees flew by on the amazingly stable video display .
tr	2	He had several scratches on his face , mostly from running through the heavy brush .
tr	2	he panted with difficultly as he stopped to gather his senses -- and breath .
tr	2	He ducked behind a tree , concealing his breathing as much as possible .
tr	2	Just give me the box and we 'll get ya patched up . "
tr	2	He tapped his gun , which was lying across his legs , impatiently .
tr	2	J.T. " Chapter 1 -- Alex Friday , May 11 -- Southern Virginia .
tr	2	The sheer white curtains fluffed in and out in rhythm with the breeze .
tr	2	" You 're too young to compete nationally , " her dad had always said .
tr	2	She had a fluffy , frilly bed with matching desk , dresser and nightstand .
tr	2	A blown-up picture of her swimming taken last year , decorated the waterline .
tr	2	She also had a huge walk-in closet on the same wall as the entry door .
tr	2	Her emerald eyes looked wide awake , but her short brown hair was a mess .
tr	2	Matching wall sconces graced both sides of the fireplace in the living room area .
tr	2	" Father 's intuition , " he said , shrugging playfully as he finished pouring .
tr	2	He kissed her on the head and sat down beside her to eat .
tr	2	" You know that 's second in the nation in my age group ? "
tr	2	You know that 's my favorite ... " " Like your dad , eh ? "
tr	2	Not because it was your best , but because I like it the best too .
tr	2	It 's the one stroke that can set you apart from everyone else . "
tr	2	" Honey , I 'm just worried that you 're working too hard .
tr	2	" Your coach told me you spend the entire morning practice on the butterfly .
tr	2	I 'd do it all day if it weren 't for school .
tr	2	Are you going to force me to play with dolls or something ? "
tr	2	I don 't like everything you do ; I just like swimming ! "
tr	2	" Now I got ta hurry up and get to practice . "
tr	2	He grabbed both and yanked her off the bed and put her on her feet .
tr	2	He laid out some clothes and headed downstairs to Anna 's room .
tr	2	As he started cracking the eggs in the skillet , Jessica came down the stairs .
tr	2	Anna considered her answer a moment before answering , " Four . "
tr	2	He then poured each a glass of juice , and sat down to join them .
tr	2	He watched a few minutes in silence , enjoying his orange juice .
tr	2	screeched Anna , holding her hand up in the classic ' Stop ' pose .
tr	2	Rick chuckled and shook his head before continuing down the stairs without comment .
tr	2	She played in spring and fall leagues and year-round anywhere else she could .
tr	2	That was her dad 's secret to the butterfly and she employed it beautifully .
tr	2	" Don 't you ever look at your time , Alex ? "
tr	2	I told you 29 seconds isn 't far away for you ! "
tr	2	I 'll be more confident when I hit 27 ... or 26 . "
tr	2	Chelsea raised the corner of her lip as well as an eyebrow at her .
tr	2	" Don 't give me that look , you 're not done improving .
tr	2	" You don 't stand a chance against me on land , Flipper ! "
tr	2	Chelsea panted as she entered the shower room and hurriedly peeled off her suit .
tr	2	Alex laughed back at her as she followed and did the same .
tr	2	Alex was almost to her locker where Christy and Kaylie had been waiting for her .
tr	2	She watched him carefully , guessing he was going to chastise her for her thoughts .
tr	2	Well , it seems every government oppresses its people or is corrupt or even evil .
tr	2	Everyone couldn 't live in palaces and have servants to do everything for them .
tr	2	A large boy stood up then , " What did they eat ? "
tr	2	" Were the kids of normal families forced to marry strangers too ? "
tr	2	" OK , class , let 's try to answer all of these questions .
tr	2	Christy , you go first and mark off the question you want to answer . "
tr	2	If you can answer any of them I will give 25 bonus points each . "
tr	2	A boy in the middle asked , " Where do we find the answers ?
tr	2	I 'm sure some of these answers will be very difficult to dredge up .
tr	2	I know I 've never seen the answer to quite a few of these myself .
tr	2	I 'll make a deal with you all though , OK ? "
tr	2	" Some of you may be ready by Monday , so we 'll start then .
tr	2	Does anyone want to do the assignment I had originally planned for today ? "
tr	2	He smiled broadly , " Anyone want to do that instead ? "
tr	2	The bell then rang and the kids all started to get up .
tr	2	" You kiss Alex 's picture of him every time you enter her room ! "
tr	2	After the last bell of the day , they all met at the bike rack .
tr	2	" Girls , it 's Friday -- do you want a short practice ? "
tr	2	If everyone puts out enough effort , we 'll quit then . "
tr	2	I 'll be playing against the entire starting lineup with the subs .
tr	2	Her team gathered around her and cheered , taunting the starting players .
tr	2	Christy arrived at gymnastics class 45 minutes early ; she had nowhere else to go .
tr	2	She peeled off her leotard and literally wrung the sweat out of it .
tr	2	She only had six of them in her locker at the gym .
tr	2	She took a quick shower , dried off , dressed , and then headed out .
tr	2	She was always late for practice because she was responsible for taking Jessica with her .
tr	2	Jessica watched Anna practice handing off the baton for what seemed like a hundred times .
tr	2	" You 're in high jump tomorrow Jenkins , " the coach said dismissively .
tr	2	" But , uh , coach ... I 've never even tried high jump .
tr	2	She smiled halfheartedly , " Uh , yeah , of course ! "
tr	2	" OK coach , " she obediently went back to sit beside Jessica .
tr	2	Coach dished out the rest of the assignments for the meet and dismissed everyone .
tr	2	He then walked over to the high jump bar and set it .
tr	2	She blasted off and dove right over , head first , rolling off the mat .
tr	2	She tried once and ran into the bar on her way up .
tr	2	She was discouraged , but the coach urged her to try again .
tr	2	The second time she hit the bar with her arm before going over .
tr	2	Then she started to get the hang of it and cleared it easily two times .
tr	2	Anna hit her butt on the bar three times in a row .
tr	2	she yelled over and over , " I really did it ! "
tr	2	She cleared it two more times , and he moved it up again .
tr	2	I think you 're ready for tomorrow , don 't you ? "
tr	2	I still like long jump better , in case you have any goofy ideas ! "
tr	2	I think we can still win that without you , and put you in both .
tr	2	she called back happily as she strutted off with Jessica to the locker room .
tr	2	It was a beautiful sight and worth it to dawdle along the path .
tr	2	She nearly ran into the bridge railing and was temporarily stunned by the brightness .
tr	2	She regained her composure and stared toward the light , shielding her eyes and squinting .
tr	2	She chipped some of it away but decided to finish digging it out first .
tr	2	As if on cue , she heard the coach 's long whistle call .
tr	2	Jodie was upset with her performance as she climbed out after her turn .
tr	2	Alex tried consoling her because she was the youngest in her age group .
tr	2	How many points have I contributed to the team this year , hmmm ? "
tr	2	That makes about eight points this season , you score fifty every week ! "
tr	2	You 're fifth in breast and fly , and moving up in all of them .
tr	2	Wait until Monday when coach times us again , you 'll see ! "
tr	2	Alex giggled as she clasped her fingers around Jodie 's tiny arm .
tr	2	Alex made her do two laps while holding her feet to work the arms .
tr	2	Jodie was worn out and sprawled out on the wet cement after the torture .
tr	2	Jodie rolled over and grumbled something about slavery being abolished years ago .
tr	2	" Time for the gym now , " Alex announced after the short rest .
tr	2	Jodie griped some more but Alex snatched her arms and pulled her to her feet .
tr	2	Jodie was starting to understand as Alex demonstrated what each muscle did .
tr	2	" OK , now that my entire body hurts are we done ?
tr	2	Alex handed the object over and watched her eyes expand in amazement .
tr	2	She weighed it in her hands , " It 's light , like aluminum ! "
tr	2	" I have no idea what it is or where it came from . "
tr	2	Three sides were already clean and they could see symbols in the silvery metal .
tr	2	The other three sides required a little more effort to remove the hardened clay .
tr	2	The surface was completely smooth , like glass , but felt like metal .
tr	2	The only one that didn 't change was a big spiral on one side .
tr	2	" I thought that 's what it was when I first saw it . "
tr	2	I don 't think I could hurt it with a sledgehammer ! "
tr	2	The two friends quickly washed up and headed back to their lockers .
tr	2	" I 'm going to take it home and let my dad check it out .
tr	2	Jodie finished drying her hair and sat on the bench to pull out her brush .
tr	2	That 's sort of what I wanted to talk to you about . "
tr	2	She knew he was just being honest -- and she knew she reeked of sweat .
tr	2	" I wouldn 't ever think of doing that , " he smiled .
tr	2	" You smell like a room full of sweaty socks , " he teased further .
tr	2	But if this was her home , he had fatherly duties to do .
tr	2	Rick finished his changes , saved them , and wandered up to the kitchen .
tr	2	" So , chatterbox , what is it you want from me ? "
tr	2	Those sound like they 're about the upper-class , like every other book .
tr	2	She was cutting up the broccoli when Rick returned with two books .
tr	2	The rice was boiling , and Rick tossed the broccoli in the other pan .
tr	2	" Put those in that dish when you 're done , " he ordered .
tr	2	" Um , OK , what 's it going to be ? "
tr	2	I didn 't know what was in it -- all this stuff ? "
tr	2	" I 'm going to chop up some onions to put in the beans .
tr	2	" Some of these drawings are really good , and really detailed .
tr	2	He studied the picture closely , " That one looks like a ball of string .
tr	2	I 've also seen some made of dried stomach sacks filled with straw or cloth .
tr	2	" We found an ancient Roman drawing with kids in the background playing soccer ! "
tr	2	" I just broke the state record in the high jump ! "
tr	2	" Wow , I didn 't even know you could high jump .
tr	2	" No , silly , I didn 't know I could either .
tr	2	I tried and jumped way over her best on my first try .
tr	2	It smells sooooo good in here , " groaned Jessica , rubbing her stomach .
tr	2	" Well , OK , I guess we 'll just have to start without her .
tr	2	Christy , Anna , Jess , take your stuff to your rooms .
tr	2	If she 's not here soon , I 'm calling her coach . "
tr	2	It 's so ... light ... but so ... hard , so ... weird ! "
tr	2	He began examining it more closely , turning it over in his hands .
tr	2	Except Jessica , who sat at the table , ready to eat .
tr	2	she said , uninterested in the cube , but intently eyeing the grub .
tr	2	" It 's some kind of Japanese puzzle box , " Kaylie proclaimed .
tr	2	" And I see some that I have no clue what they are !
tr	2	Christy picked up a roll and started to throw it at her .
tr	2	" You may be on to something there , Kay , " Rick acknowledged .
tr	2	" Oh yeah , you would agree with her , Dad , " Alex protested .
tr	2	Why don 't you just kick me out and adopt her ! "
tr	2	Rick shouted , " Get up and clean that mess up right now ! "
tr	2	She snagged a paper towel and came back to clean up the rest .
tr	2	Alex and Kaylie can put up the leftovers ; Chris and Jess -- dishes .
tr	2	As Rick came down the stairs , the basement came into view .
tr	2	A huge oval coffee table fit perfectly in the arc formed by the couch .
tr	2	To one side stood a fully stocked fridge and bar with four stools .
tr	2	He started to send it to Abby as she popped up on his screen .
tr	2	" This ... " He stuck out his hand and Anna handed him the cube .
tr	2	Their people still exist , but have nothing to show of their great former empire .
tr	2	" Thanks , Abby , " Rick said sarcastically instead of answering her .
tr	2	Rick told her as he attempted to wipe the blush off of his face unsuccessfully .
tr	2	" Well , sweetheart , did you notice the writing on it ? "
tr	2	" More like teasing us , " Jessica more thoughtfully and correctly pointed out .
tr	2	Not an ounce of fat had collected on her over the years .
tr	2	What on earth could I offer that your dad can 't ? "
tr	2	Heck , who do you think I go to when I need personal advice ? "
tr	2	Do you think we would have as much fun without your dad there ? "
tr	2	" Well , some of the languages and symbols are oddly familiar to me .
tr	2	I 've uncovered things with those same markings before but I don 't understand them .
tr	2	Do you care if I send him a copy of this video ? "
tr	2	" No , as long as he can keep it a secret . "
tr	2	She typed a message to him and nearly instantly got a reply .
tr	2	" Yes , this is Rick , glad to meet you , Walt . "
tr	2	" I sent you a video ; didn 't you get it ? "
tr	2	Rick and Abby read the words simultaneously , their silence showed their confusion .
tr	2	I 'm going to spread all this out and see what goes where .
tr	2	" I don 't understand it , much less believe it ! "
tr	2	Alex stuck her tongue out at Kaylie , for teasing her about her future theory .
tr	2	" Kaylie may have been right , too , " Rick allowed .
tr	2	" And you 're both still jealously fighting for his attention ! "
tr	2	" The Mayans had ' strange metals , ' technology ... this cube definitely qualifies .
tr	2	It all starts to make perfect sense now , as impossible as that seems .
tr	2	We would have obviously lived through that to develop time travel . "
tr	2	" I 'm gon na shove it up your -- " " Stop ! "
tr	2	Let me know if you have any in ... tell ... i. . .
tr	2	" That still leaves us with the enigma itself : the cube .
tr	2	" I want to know what 's in it , " Alex stated .
tr	2	" I think I can answer those questions ... " Kaylie submitted confidently .
tr	2	she straightened back up and calmed herself as the others waited expectantly for her answer .
tr	2	" Well , I don 't have any plans this weekend , why not ?
tr	2	" Go to the future first and tell us what this thing is ! "
tr	2	The ' 65 Mustang was out of the question , as was the Dodge Viper .
tr	2	He climbed in and wheeled around front to await his five passengers .
tr	2	The girls quickly ushered her in and guided her down the stairs .
tr	2	The entire gang continuously poked and prodded the cube , trying to figure it out .
tr	2	Nobody seemed to be in any hurry to watch the movies they had selected .
tr	2	She then began tracing the vortex with her finger from the outside to the inside .
tr	2	The top unfolded to the left and each side slowly peeled away and laid flat .
tr	2	All seams vanished as if on command , forming a smooth surface .
tr	2	He held it and closed his fingers around it ; it seemed to radiate heat .
tr	2	" Maybe we shouldn 't touch this stuff , Dad , " Alex timidly protested .
tr	2	Under the tangle was a coin -- a shiny and barely worn gold coin .
tr	2	Alex demanded , " I think I can read this ... maybe ! "
tr	2	" There was a ' date ' matching that on the cube .
tr	2	" The time machine the map leads to , " Alex revealed .
tr	2	" But I don 't quite understand it all , " Alex admitted .
tr	2	" So like , uh , what do we do now ? "
tr	2	We have reason to believe it was sealed up the entire 250 years .
tr	2	" There 's something you 're not telling me , Abby , " Rob accused .
tr	2	He possessed small , almost squinting eyes compared to his bushy brown eyebrows .
tr	2	" This is it , the first test of the Universal Chronicler .
tr	2	" Amazing , " said Abby in awe , followed by similar comments by all .
tr	2	" My next mission is to find out precisely how and when it happened . "
tr	2	" I don 't know what to think , " he shook his head .
tr	2	The video continued for a few minutes as the doctor collected soil samples .
tr	2	Dr. Taylor had evidently just selected to record and shut down the display .
tr	2	" This could be my final hour , " he whispered dramatically .
tr	2	I thought he would give up by now , but he 's mad ! "
tr	2	He suddenly reacted to a noise , turning to check it out .
tr	2	His eyes widened and he began to run as fast as he could .
tr	2	Alex tried to locate the source of the sound , but could not .
tr	2	" Not ... gon na ... make ... it , " he panted .
tr	2	Just give me the box and we 'll go get ya patched up ! "
tr	2	He paused , and then continued through the woods , noticeably weaker .
tr	2	It is dangerous to see the future ; I found that out the hard way .
tr	2	" I 'm -- " he forced a chuckle , " history !
tr	2	And Anna , set up the DVD for us , OK ? "
tr	2	Rick strode to the computer and settled comfortably into his cushioned chair .
tr	2	It was a satellite image from space of the area where Alex found the cube .
tr	2	" OK , I don 't see anything ... " " My coin ? "
tr	2	" Waterways can change drastically in 250 years , " was Rob 's easy reply .
tr	2	Rick looked at the next image -- a view of a mountain .
tr	2	The Taylor Foundation , a firm in Raleigh , owns the land .
tr	2	As far as I can tell , that is their only holding .
tr	2	I 'd like to see what kind of background these caves have . "
tr	2	There were no minerals found inside , either ... maybe mined out ?
tr	2	Both girls nodded , gave him hugs and kisses , and plodded up the stairs .
tr	2	Rob promised to continue researching and update him on anything else he could find .
tr	2	She whined , but agreed , and then promptly closed her eyes .
tr	2	I 'll bet every utensil is in a precisely measured spot . "
tr	2	Let 's eat and enjoy it now though , while it lasts .
tr	2	" Yes , definitely , " she said , ignoring half of his statement .
tr	2	Alex stood next , reaching for some food to dish out for them .
tr	2	Is someone going to chew our food for us as well ? "
tr	2	Christy snickered and added , " I 'm supposed to wipe your mouth . "
tr	2	I certainly hope not , because it 's not for sale and never will be .
tr	2	It 's imperative that you accept that and do not trouble me about it further .
tr	2	I have grown weary and impatient with your people calling me time and time again .
tr	2	Understand that it 's not for sale , at any price , period ! "
tr	2	He finally said to the old man , " What do you mean ?
tr	2	It was started with ten million dollars , and always growing with inflation .
tr	2	The executor keeps the interest after a certain percentage is funneled back into it .
tr	2	Well , the only purpose I know of is to keep from selling the land !
tr	2	No , can 't say that I do ; don 't care either .
tr	2	They offered me four million to sell the land a while back .
tr	2	No , I suppose not , or there would be some upkeep on it .
tr	2	He turned back to the phone , " Well , Mr ... ? "
tr	2	" Goodbye , Mr. Johnson , thanks again for your time ! "
tr	2	" Intrigue , surrounded by mystery , wrapped in an enigma ... " she said .
tr	2	They sat silently for a minute , waiting for the events to start .
tr	2	How about we go get some hot dogs and drinks and candy ? "
tr	2	" I 'll stay and watch the stuff , " Abby offered .
tr	2	she answered , perturbed that he was already checking up on her .
tr	2	I -- " He burst into laughter , " I 'm joking honey !
tr	2	She instantly lowered her voice , but continued , " So neat !
tr	2	" Cavemen were stupid , Dad , " Alex chimed in next .
tr	2	" Must have been one of your ancestors , " Jessica commented with a giggle .
tr	2	I wish the thing had some kind of parental control -- " " It does .
tr	2	I mean there are options to hide certain content or skip or black out scenes .
tr	2	Alex rolled her eyes , " I 'm not that immature , Dad . "
tr	2	" You girls be careful with that thing , you hear me ?
tr	2	Call me or write down anything you think is important as well , OK ? "
tr	2	He and Jessica strolled back through the crowd and sat back down beside Abby .
tr	2	Coach said to join my family if I wanted until then ! "
tr	2	I might get sick if I eat too close to a race . "
tr	2	The high jump and the 200 are at the same time . "
tr	2	" You think I can win all five , Uncle Ricky ? "
tr	2	" Whatcha gon na do , beat me up , Uncle Ricky ? "
tr	2	" If I have to humble you , I will , little buttercup ! "
tr	2	" Dish it out , but can 't take it , eh , buttercup ? "
tr	2	" You sure you 're not their brother instead of their father ? "
tr	2	" Why , thank you for the compliment , " Rick said happily .
tr	2	" You don 't , you just act like it , " Jessica told him .
tr	2	" It 's OK , Dad , we love when you 're silly ! "
tr	2	" Look for more cavemen , I 'm fascinated by evolution ! "
tr	2	" One more , then we get to pick some , " Christy agreed .
tr	2	The majority of workers stopped and focused suddenly on a single point .
tr	2	" Perfect , do you think it will really alter the course enough ? "
tr	2	Anna was thirty yards from the finish line when Rick 's phone rang .
tr	2	Anna has another race in ten minutes , can 't you just explain it ? "
tr	2	" Maybe not , but remember what you said about your own childhood ?
tr	2	Your mother let you take your own chances and learn from your mistakes .
tr	2	Look at me ; you 're a hundred times more emotional than I am ! "
tr	2	" Time to go , " he said as soon as she answered .
tr	2	" OK Dad , we 're coming , " she easily agreed .
tr	2	He watched them get out and walk to where he sat with Abby and Jessica .
tr	2	" I thought her last event was the 100 , " Kaylie stated .
tr	2	We were just starting to learn about the Romans and Gauls and stuff ! "
tr	2	" Yeah , but it was mostly the stuffy upper class , " Christy said .
tr	2	They actually tried to kill each other , unlike the warriors ! "
tr	2	Alex finally paused long enough to take a breath and see Rick 's reaction .
tr	2	I don 't want you getting too worked up over all this stuff . "
tr	2	" We will find it , today , " Kaylie confidently promised .
tr	2	The extended family focused on Anna , who was starting the high jump .
tr	2	She was visibly nervous and kept looking up at her supporters for confidence .
tr	2	" Umm , I think I 'm the only one entered in five events .
tr	2	" That 's not fair -- it 's just across the street ! "
tr	2	" Yeah , but why can 't I walk across the street alone ? "
tr	2	She lowered her head , " Sorry , I am glad you care .
tr	2	Anna reunited with the team as Abby took Kaylie and Christy to the soccer field .
tr	2	She leaned over the back of the seat to point , " There ! "
tr	2	" This guy is a lot younger though -- I don 't know .
tr	2	We always joke that he 's been around since the beginning of time . "
tr	2	" Well , I have a hard time believing that 's him .
tr	2	" OK , girls , let 's go find Abby and Christy .
tr	2	They found Abby and Christy sitting on the sidelines on a blanket and joined them .
tr	2	She griped all the way to the van about only having two hot dogs .
tr	2	Chapter 10 -- Some Things Aren 't So Easy " You stink ! "
tr	2	Rick admonished , " You know she 's been running for almost two hours .
tr	2	" Sorry , " Jessica apologized , " but they do stink . "
tr	2	" Whatever , " Kaylie finally answered with a mouth full of fries .
tr	2	" I 'll just change back into my clothes before we get there .
tr	2	No use taking a shower when we could be getting really dirty again anyway .
tr	2	A muffled affirmation came from Kaylie 's mouth , " Me too ! "
tr	2	" Let me make this perfectly clear ; we are exploring a cave tonight .
tr	2	Kaylie announced , after stuffing the last couple fries in her mouth .
tr	2	" It 's just a couple minutes , believe it or not .
tr	2	Jessica shrieked , flailing her hands to brush herself off as if bees were attacking .
tr	2	Christy asked as he handed her an outfit that was way too big .
tr	2	" Just put them on , honey , " he told her .
tr	2	He pulled out a kerosene lamp and checked to make sure it was full .
tr	2	Abby fiddled with her GPS device and turned around to get her bearings .
tr	2	" OK , everyone stays five feet behind me , no exceptions !
tr	2	He dramatically sliced the air in front of them with the machete for effect .
tr	2	" If you get hit by it , our trip is certainly over ! "
tr	2	She punched at the device for a few seconds , " Only 0.4 miles . "
tr	2	Nobody lags behind -- if you need to stop , make it known . "
tr	2	" We 've only walked like a few hundred yards , " Anna teased .
tr	2	She let it fall to the ground and grinned , unfazed by his antics .
tr	2	Within five minutes they could glimpse the hillside through the trees past an open field .
tr	2	" We should be 25 meters from the cave entrance now ! "
tr	2	They all looked at the hillside , it was steep and rocky .
tr	2	Rick imagined it would be almost impossible to walk up the loose rock .
tr	2	I suspect you each have a few undocumented passengers right now . "
tr	2	Rick chuckled as each girl squealed or screeched at the discovery of another parasite .
tr	2	Abby , a veteran of many wilderness treks , calmly removed her trespassers .
tr	2	" Here , " he tossed her a large piece of chalk .
tr	2	She drew a huge A , nearly a foot tall , on a nearby rock .
tr	2	" I want you to take a picture of every intersection and pathway . "
tr	2	And carry one of these flares and a couple extra batteries . "
tr	2	He pulled out two extra flashlights and handed one each to Alex and Christy .
tr	2	Everyone else keep your flashlights in your pockets in case you need them later . "
tr	2	" OK , I 'll help Abby with lighting the map , " Alex offered .
tr	2	" We get ya , Dad ; let 's go before it gets dark ! "
tr	2	Abby briefly explained , " Looks like about 120 feet downhill to the first intersection .
tr	2	The ground was smooth dirt and the cave walls seemed to reflect light .
tr	2	" Don 't forget to mark ... " he started to say .
tr	2	In two minutes they made the first junction uneventfully , and paused .
tr	2	She directed , " We keep going down ; the other path dead-ends .
tr	2	If they had poured concrete floors it wouldn 't be any smoother .
tr	2	" Maybe the next turn will get nasty , " Anna joked .
tr	2	But we 're leaving in five minutes if we can 't find anything . "
tr	2	" OK girls , it 's a disappointment , but we 're not through yet .
tr	2	Anna joked , not looking forward to the long , sad walk back .
tr	2	" What do you think they did with all the rock from those tunnels ?
tr	2	They both dismissed the question and set about helping the girls out of the cave .
tr	2	Jessica didn 't have the energy to take off the extra pants and shirt .
tr	2	Rick leaned in , unbuckled Jessica and lifted her out of the van .
tr	2	Wake the others -- tell them the van 's on fire , whatever it takes .
tr	2	They both mimicked Anna 's rueful expression , but shook their heads in assent .
tr	2	It didn 't take long to discover she was sprawled across his bed .
tr	2	Anyway , we have a date with the hot tub , " he informed her .
tr	2	" I 'll be waiting , " she said , turning to wink slyly .
tr	2	" I was looking for you while Alex took her bath . "
tr	2	" Mmmm , that sounds really nice , can I come with you ? "
tr	2	It didn 't fool Kaylie a bit , but she let him think it did .
tr	2	Go get on your suit , and bring your own rubber ducky , OK ?
tr	2	During his internal struggle , he had almost forgotten ... " Oh , Abby ! "
tr	2	" That 's really a nice suit , Kaylie , " Abby said casually .
tr	2	Rick was feeling out of place , " OK , let 's not go there .
tr	2	It looks nice ; let 's leave it at that , OK ? "
tr	2	Alex popped her head in the door , " There you are !
tr	2	So what were you saying about the tunnels when I came in ? "
tr	2	Luckily , Jessie took a lot of hi-res pictures of each tunnel and intersection .
tr	2	Rick questioned , still startled by her abrupt departure from the tub .
tr	2	Dripping wet , she grabbed a towel on her way out the door .
tr	2	She was carrying a printout of the map from the drawing , very much enlarged .
tr	2	Look closely , they don 't end there , it 's erased ! "
tr	2	Abby nodded emphatically as she grabbed Rick 's arm , attempting to pull him out .
tr	2	" Alex , can you tape these up under the floodlights ? "
tr	2	Alex took the first photo to the wall ; Abby followed with the second .
tr	2	Kaylie brought the third enormous print and held it for Alex to tape .
tr	2	The room filled with quiet tension as each eye scrutinized the scenes .
tr	2	It was an exact mirror image of the one on the cube .
tr	2	He held the cube beside it , " The vortex is the key ! "
tr	2	The girls jumped up and down , screaming and hugging each other .
tr	2	" I don 't think I could sleep right now , " Kaylie said .
tr	2	We can 't sit on the couch in wet bathing suits , doofus ! "
tr	2	She had been rambling on for thirty minutes or more , completely starry-eyed .
tr	2	Don 't you want to see all those same things I do ? "
tr	2	I 'm afraid maybe you 're getting a little too excited . "
tr	2	You 're really cool when you 're not trying to be an old fart ! "
tr	2	Come on , what would you like to do with a time machine ? "
tr	2	How were some of the wonders of the world built and who built them ? "
tr	2	She giggled , " It 's just nice to see you so excited .
tr	2	You 've been so serious all weekend , I like you better this way . "
tr	2	If you weren 't a motorcycle or swimming pool , I wasn 't interested .
tr	2	But it was because my love then was swimming -- that was my passion .
tr	2	" Hah , " he tried to shrug off the seriousness of her question .
tr	2	He squeezed her in a sideways hug , " I 'm honored .
tr	2	" She 's my best friend ; let 's leave it there , OK ? "
tr	2	Tell me the truth , is she or isn 't she ? "
tr	2	Did you ever think maybe she 's ready to grow up ? "
tr	2	" Don 't make me go back in time and kick your thirteen-year-old butt ! "
tr	2	" Don 't make me go into the future and well , never mind .
tr	2	They laughed together for a moment , causing Alex to stir again .
tr	2	" What would you think of me when I 'm 35 ? "
tr	2	she reached back and whacked him in the arm , " that 's not funny .
tr	2	We 're not watching this movie and you 're starting to look tired .
tr	2	" You two still need baths , " he said , sitting up .
tr	2	He started the Viper and smiled at the rumble of the massive V-12 engine .
tr	2	Jess , go get Anna up ; Alex , go get Kaylie . "
tr	2	" I was down there earlier ; I didn 't see her . "
tr	2	" Whew , " Rick sighed , " don 't scare me like that .
tr	2	She stomped over to the counter and whacked Jessica on the back of the head .
tr	2	" I 'm not sure you didn 't deserve that , " he said .
tr	2	" It jiggles like jello when you hit it with a sandal ! "
tr	2	" After we eat and get ready , " Rick told her .
tr	2	Christy and Jessica galloped straight to the van , forgetting their shoes .
tr	2	They were actually in the van and fully prepared before anyone else .
tr	2	The trip to the path was a short one , taking two to three minutes .
tr	2	When the last bite disappeared into his mouth , the girls jumped up expectantly .
tr	2	Jessica traced the swirl with her finger , expecting to get lucky again .
tr	2	" Worth a try , " she shrugged , not even slightly disappointed .
tr	2	A seam immediately appeared in the wall and everyone took a cautious step back .
tr	2	Almost choreographed , they each untied their shirts from their waists and slipped them on .
tr	2	The roof was carved squarely , instead of arched like the others .
tr	2	Christy broke the spell , " Wow , it 's so pretty ! "
tr	2	As he returned , he focused the beam of his light down into the water .
tr	2	Alex , who had gasped , was now tugging at his arm as well .
tr	2	Kaylie proclaimed as she sat down to take off her shoes and socks .
tr	2	In the dim light , he noticed the others doing the same .
tr	2	" You wouldn 't be able to get back very easily , would you ? "
tr	2	" My dad can hold his breath for like three minutes , " Alex bragged .
tr	2	Rick ignored the concern , " You got any plastic bags ? "
tr	2	Abby rummaged through her bag and handed him a clear baggie perfect for the job .
tr	2	He grabbed the rope and allowed the current to drag him in .
tr	2	He opted to go back and explain what he was going to do instead .
tr	2	" One minute , 45 seconds , " Alex called , looking at her watch .
tr	2	She only pulled it a couple feet when she felt pressure on the other end .
tr	2	The slight jerk of the rope snapped Rick out of his trance .
tr	2	He slowly pulled back four times to let them know he was OK .
tr	2	Are you helping him play some kind of joke on me ? "
tr	2	Kaylie fought to control her expression as he smiled at her while going under .
tr	2	He slowly pulled the camera from his pocket and opened the baggie .
tr	2	He turned on the power and raised the camera to his face .
tr	2	The room was the shape of a dome : twenty feet high , thirty wide .
tr	2	Along the far wall appeared to be a slanted desk full of large papers .
tr	2	The trunk of this tree was round and completely illuminated the room .
tr	2	" Yeah , and you act like you want to stay too .
tr	2	Hook , line and sinker , Kaylie smiled inwardly as she reeled her in .
tr	2	" It just scared me , " Kaylie said , indicating the rope .
tr	2	she yelled to the girls across the water and they all splattered over to her .
tr	2	Twelve eyes stared intently at him as he emerged from the pool .
tr	2	Anna was clutching the rope tightly with both hands , eyes closed firmly .
tr	2	All the girls were standing silently on the stone floor , staring , mouths agape .
tr	2	she was yelling at him , splashing him with fists in the water .
tr	2	" Please , identify yourself , voice unrecognized , " it answered .
tr	2	" Hello , Rick , will you be controlling displacement parameters ? "
tr	2	" Would you like to manually or verbally choose a location , Rick ? "
tr	2	Rick was too awestruck to answer , so Alex did , " Pearl Harbor . "
tr	2	" Hi , Alex , I cannot change location -- Rick is controlling parameters .
tr	2	Would you like to share or give control to Alex , Rick ? "
tr	2	" Would you like to allow anyone else to share control , Rick ? "
tr	2	" Would the rest of you like to identify yourselves now ? "
tr	2	Rick thought the machine had a hint of loneliness in its voice .
tr	2	Rick chuckled at what certainly sounded like a joke from the computer .
tr	2	" It is the designation I was given by my creator , Dr. Jonathan Taylor .
tr	2	Rick decided to ask , " Do you know what happened to John ? "
tr	2	" Yes , sorry , T. " " That 's quite all right , Rick .
tr	2	He died 21 minutes , 32 seconds after this recording ended . "
tr	2	" Can you help me understand what to do here , T ?
tr	2	Within seconds , he had an amazing image of the heart of New York .
tr	2	" Yes , Rick , this is a fully functional 360-degree 3D projection system .
tr	2	" Wait ... you hold all of history ... in memory ? "
tr	2	The girls were all sitting on the floor now , almost completely dry .
tr	2	" On the contrary , I can never be anything but serious , Anna . "
tr	2	" Approximately 32 days , Kaylie , would you like me to begin ? "
tr	2	" No thanks , " Kaylie instantly decided , eyes bulging out of her head .
tr	2	" Can you change the temperature and lights and stuff , T ? "
tr	2	" I am not permitted to tell you that , Rick . "
tr	2	" Can we be ... displaced to that time , T ? "
tr	2	" I am programmed to anticipate your needs , Rick , " T said .
tr	2	" I believe she 's trying to give you a clue , Rick . "
tr	2	" I have transferred the message to your UC , as you call it .
tr	2	Would you like to learn about my memory technology now , Rick ? "
tr	2	It rotated in front of them , filling most of the five-foot display .
tr	2	I only intend to educate you on the function of my crystal memory interface . "
tr	2	" So , T , where would we find these crystals ? "
tr	2	" But you 're not permitted to answer that either , are you ? "
tr	2	" I am not permitted to answer -- " " Of course not ! "
tr	2	" That would be feasible , Rick , if you had another time displacement machine .
tr	2	" You mentioned you can actually locate a person , correct ? "
tr	2	He was sitting on a stool in his room , apparently having his hair styled .
tr	2	Rick asked , " Can you show me his room , T ? "
tr	2	and was rewarded with an instant display of Octavian 's sleeping quarters .
tr	2	Rick thought for a moment , he was tired and hungry as well .
tr	2	T , give me a Whopper with cheese and extra tomato , " he ordered .
tr	2	" Yes , please , and a Sierra Mist , too , " he added .
tr	2	A square column silently rose out of the floor and stopped at nearly chest height .
tr	2	Rick cautiously walked to it and opened a door on the side .
tr	2	" Cool , thanks , T. " " No need to thank me , Kaylie .
tr	2	Kaylie took her food to the table as Jessica ordered , then Christy .
tr	2	Abby ordered , and Alex continued to play with the display instead of eating .
tr	2	" Would you like it with or without commercials , Rick ? "
tr	2	And I 'm not sure if we should even be doing it . "
tr	2	" Yes , Jessie , I am fully capable of manipulating memories . "
tr	2	" Stop , T , play at half speed , forward , " Alex commanded .
tr	2	" Historians always describe Octavian as ' very feminine ' , " Rick told her .
tr	2	Rick silenced her with a scowl , " Don 't be rude . "
tr	2	" T , how much time is missing when it stops ? "
tr	2	" Do we need to guess what happened to this missing time , T ? "
tr	2	" You 've been watching the boy , what are his habits ?
tr	2	I wonder where he got it -- he must have gotten it from them ! "
tr	2	" He hasn 't taken it off in five days , Dad . "
tr	2	T , share control with Kaylie , please , " he directed .
tr	2	Rick laughed , " I hope you aren 't suggesting I try ? "
tr	2	I 'm not taking any chances on you girls getting hurt , " Rick said .
tr	2	" Come on , Dad , I found the cube in the first place ! "
tr	2	" You 're not going wearing those goofy shorts , are you ? "
tr	2	He looked down at his Hawaiian print , bright yellow shorts , " Hmmm .
tr	2	They finally settled on one each , opening and calling out what they found .
tr	2	" If I were to take anyone , it would be Abby . "
tr	2	" If we called our parents , you know they would say it 's OK .
tr	2	" We don 't have anything to cut the shirts with . "
tr	2	Anna cringed , " I don 't think I want to go now ! "
tr	2	I bet that 's lower than playground accident rates and much safer than gymnastics ! "
tr	2	" OK , " Rick said , " I 'll make this easy .
tr	2	You give me a good reason why I should let you go ? "
tr	2	And I would just have to worry about you the whole time . "
tr	2	Of course it didn 't take much to get a response from her .
tr	2	" I don 't , but they do ... and they deserve to ! "
tr	2	he looked at Abby as if she stabbed him in the back .
tr	2	" Can I get some of this armor on before we do battle ? "
tr	2	And if you don 't like it , you won 't go . "
tr	2	" How will we know if they are willing to sell it ? "
tr	2	The two girls glowed with pride as they hurried to the console .
tr	2	Abby wrapped her arms around him , " And what chore do I get ? "
tr	2	" I 've never seen them so excited and united , " Rick whispered .
tr	2	" Is that an invitation to move in , or a proposal ? "
tr	2	Your girls always make me feel at home and loved -- like a mother .
tr	2	" I think we need to surprise them , " Rick quickly decided .
tr	2	I think we found a good home , too , " Kaylie said .
tr	2	I 'd rather go twice than three times , if you know what I mean .
tr	2	This could take days if we don 't prepare right -- " " Rick ? "
tr	2	He turned to find Anna , Christy and Jessica all wearing their creations .
tr	2	" They only have a few coins , no jewels at all .
tr	2	We 'll leave after we eat , " Rick said , looking at his watch .
tr	2	" I don 't see your father trying to set a good example ! "
tr	2	" Jess , you want to take a swim with me ? "
tr	2	" Sorry , Anna , " Jessica added as she got the hint .
tr	2	A fellow soldier would be able to get closer , " Alex said .
tr	2	I 'm glad , actually ; I was worried it would take all night . "
tr	2	He held three necklaces out after slipping the gold one around his neck .
tr	2	" No , " he answered that question much quicker than the others .
tr	2	Abby , Jessica and Anna all stepped back after giving everyone a quick hug .
tr	2	Rick nervously stood with his arms crossed ; the girls all held hands firmly .
tr	2	Suddenly anxious , Alex croaked , " What if we get scrambled or something ? "
tr	2	They all gathered and locked arms around each other , taking in the view .
tr	2	" We chose this spot because it was not exciting , " Kaylie reminded her .
tr	2	The fresh , new green grass rolled for half a mile past the farm house .
tr	2	Here he was , just observing , as the costumed trio headed toward their quarry .
tr	2	He mused that it was probably enough to buy the United States .
tr	2	As they approached , the girls stalled , with Kaylie stepping forward slightly .
tr	2	The younger brother was a carbon copy of his older sibling , only smaller .
tr	2	The little boy 's shoulder strap was ripped and hung down across his chest .
tr	2	" Yes , yes they are silk -- " Christy started to say .
tr	2	You don 't even smell like you 've been near a horse !
tr	2	he pointed , then stood with arms crossed , impatiently waiting for an answer .
tr	2	These girls ' clothes are worth more than our entire farm , Lucius !
tr	2	" He 's up there , in the bushes , " Kaylie pointed .
tr	2	He sent us down here to see if we could perhaps purchase one ? "
tr	2	Lucius attempted to defy his sister once more , " Mother will be furious ! "
tr	2	" Don 't feel pity for us , we 'll survive ! "
tr	2	the Roman girl said with the same happy smile she wore when they met .
tr	2	" Take it , it 's far less value than my father 's pride . "
tr	2	" Do you really have to get married when you 're sixteen here ? "
tr	2	The girl seemed confused , " Well , if you 're rich , yes .
tr	2	" Oh , not too far , but I 'm only thirteen .
tr	2	My father told me I could wait until we get settled in Rome though .
tr	2	" Oh , yeah , we should hurry , " Christy added .
tr	2	" We should ask father , " Alex finally answered for her .
tr	2	Rick smiled at the thought that the girls seemed to make friends everywhere they went .
tr	2	He quickly dragged the tunic over his head , finding it fit surprisingly well .
tr	2	But if you were going to battle , you couldn 't possibly be better dressed .
tr	2	They ducked out of the brush to be welcomed by the others .
tr	2	Tell us about Rome , and yourself , on the way , will you ?
tr	2	He explained that it was a priceless family jewel that meant a lot to them .
tr	2	Christy soaked up all the information she could about the sports they played .
tr	2	He leaned over in a huddle with the girls and started giving instructions .
tr	2	If we get separated , we 'll meet you at your farm , OK ? "
tr	2	Remember , girls , use the necklace if there is any danger whatsoever to anyone .
tr	2	They were at an intersection , hundreds of people shuffled around them .
tr	2	She tapped Rick 's arm and asked if she could go play .
tr	2	" You have four minutes , not a second more , " he answered .
tr	2	Alex then pulled him over to a stand where they checked out the food .
tr	2	She simply smiled and handed over what the woman requested , plus two extra bits .
tr	2	They were nearly ten minutes into their stroll when Rick saw a commotion up ahead .
tr	2	Rick lowered her quickly to the ground , " Stay with me , girls ! "
tr	2	he ordered as he tried to follow the guards without looking too obvious .
tr	2	If he had any hair , it was hidden under his helmet .
tr	2	She was a fairly attractive thirty-something lady wearing a moderately expensive flowing purple robe .
tr	2	Rick nodded , " Yes , honey , show the captain your necklace .
tr	2	Come now , I find that impossible to believe , " he determined .
tr	2	He gathered his thoughts as he heard the captain speaking in praise of him .
tr	2	The captain raised his eyebrows at the woman , who was quite shocked , indeed .
tr	2	Rick clasped his hand over the little girl 's mouth , nodding at the guard .
tr	2	She lowered her head , afraid to look him in the eyes .
tr	2	She pulled a bloody hand away from her side and stared at it with incomprehension .
tr	2	As the shocked girl looked at her hand , she began to faint .
tr	2	Rick scooped her up and tried to stand when he felt his own pain .
tr	2	He awkwardly struggled around the corner before another arrow could be flung in his direction .
tr	2	Rick gritted his teeth through the pain , fighting to remain conscious .
tr	2	" See , I knew it didn 't hit an artery . "
tr	2	" Now let 's go before one does , " Rick grunted .
tr	2	As Rick ripped the cloth into strips , he asked Alex to find some water .
tr	2	She whimpered as Alex calmed her by gently stroking her face with a damp cloth .
tr	2	She looked down as he attempted to clean the blood and nearly passed out again .
tr	2	He quickly realized he was in no shape to carry her a couple miles .
tr	2	You 've got a deep cut on your side , that 's all . "
tr	2	No , that wouldn 't be right ; they were responsible for the girl .
tr	2	He knew it would be a much different journey in his present condition .
tr	2	So yeah , he thought , he would be quite an easy target to spot .
tr	2	" We could go through the sewers , " she answered quickly .
tr	2	He agreed , " No , probably not ... But how else ? "
tr	2	She looked around to get her bearings and easily calculated their best route .
tr	2	She also gave some small boys with distended stomachs part of their fruit .
tr	2	" Who was that man shooting at us , and why ? "
tr	2	" Are you still mad at me for stealing it back ? "
tr	2	Rick went to check again and saw nobody but a couple drunken soldiers .
tr	2	When they neared her home , a light was shining through the window .
tr	2	Is it OK if I run ahead so she knows I 'm all right ? "
tr	2	She shoved back to look at Rick 's face , " What ?
tr	2	You have no place to stay tonight , you must stay with us !
tr	2	Who will tell mother I 'm not lying about the whole thing ?
tr	2	" You act like you 're never going to see me again .
tr	2	She giggled and reached her free arm around him for another hug .
tr	2	He then turned her around and nudged her gently toward her home .
tr	2	I 'm going to bleed to death eventually , " Rick joked .
tr	2	" Guess I 'll have to wash it to get all the blood off .
tr	2	Rick shrugged , " I 'm sure we can find a way to clean it .
tr	2	" They 'll be fine , stop worrying , " Anna told her .
tr	2	" I wonder how long they 'll be there , " Jessica continued .
tr	2	" Please remain outside the red area , " T 's voice suddenly announced .
tr	2	Rick could see Abby , flanked by Jessica and Anna , fading into view .
tr	2	" I 'm OK , but you should see the lion , " Rick joked .
tr	2	Abby decreed as she slowly unwrapped the bandage on Rick 's shoulder .
tr	2	" You 're lucky he didn 't use poison , you fool !
tr	2	Rick twitched in pain as she wiped and scrubbed with every harsh word .
tr	2	She gently forced him back down and proceeded to work on his leg .
tr	2	" It 's a real authentic Roman Republic tunic that a real kid wore ! "
tr	2	Abby 's archaeologist persona kicked in and Rick 's wound became unimportant to her .
tr	2	It 's really itchy , " Kaylie explained , scratching for effect .
tr	2	As Alex joined them , Abby turned to her , " Oh my god !
tr	2	Eventually , Abby remembered Rick 's leg and returned to treat his wound .
tr	2	They described how the people looked , how they acted , what they wore .
tr	2	Christy talked about Octavian and his guards for ten minutes , offering minute details .
tr	2	" You only have to worry for one minute , " he teased .
tr	2	" I 'll be good to go in -- " " Rick ? "
tr	2	he rotated gingerly to face the time machine , as if it mattered .
tr	2	" Well , you 've found one crystal , bet you think you 're smart .
tr	2	But there 's still three more , so that 's only a start .
tr	2	And to make things worse , you have just one week ! "
tr	2	She was terrified , pointing at the machine and shaking her head in disbelief .
tr	2	Rick wanted to comfort her , but couldn 't manage to get up .
tr	2	he asked , but she remained in place , eyes transfixed on the screen .
tr	2	" T , play the last ten seconds of that again , " Kaylie instructed .
tr	2	Kaylie turned , looking at them all , eyes wide with fear .
tr	2	" Well , I 'm going to see what happened -- " Abby started .
tr	2	" But can 't we just see if she 's OK ? "
tr	2	She became enraged , crying , " You don 't even care about her !
tr	2	She threw the tunic in his face and stomped off to the bathroom .
tr	2	He could see her smiling face ; saw her bouncing off down the street .
tr	2	Rick winced in pain , but fought back to swing the door open again .
tr	2	With anguish on his face , Rick knelt down in front of her .
tr	2	" You can 't carry me with that hurt leg , Rick . "
tr	2	Anna smiled and ordered her own meal and the others did the same .
tr	2	" Late seventeenth century , like 1692 , but that 's all I know . "
tr	2	" OK , I 'll snoop through those while you search online , OK ? "
tr	2	" Yeah , don 't you remember how valuable we are ? "
tr	2	" OK , we 're going to have to discuss this tomorrow .
tr	2	" I think you should tell them , " Rick said with a smile .
tr	2	" You girls aren 't happy about this , are you ? "
tr	2	She replied , " Just like the food replicator , Rick . "
tr	2	That launched a barrage of questions that made Rick forget Abby 's original inquiry .
tr	2	" This particular unit is capable of producing 125 megawatts per hour , Christy . "
tr	2	" Why would they make it look natural , and put supports in it ? "
tr	2	I just got scared coming down because I didn 't know the way .
tr	2	" Here , Alex , can you hang this in a locker for me ? "
tr	2	Christy got above him on the ramp and jumped onto his back .
tr	2	Rick calmly lowered himself into the water until he submerged them both .
tr	2	He patiently sat on the bottom until she was forced to come up for air .
tr	2	Alex interrupted , " You should leave me back here instead , Dad .
tr	2	I 'm the best swimmer and I 'm trained in lifesaving . "
tr	2	Abby seemed relieved , feeling clueless about how to save someone in water .
tr	2	" OK , if that 's all ... " Everyone gave a thumbs up .
tr	2	It was definitely cooler in the grotto and Rick was starting to shiver uncontrollably .
tr	2	She thought a moment , but ultimately gave in and helped him to his chair .
tr	2	" You know you can do this tomorrow , " she still insisted .
tr	2	" I won 't be able to sleep right now , Abby .
tr	2	The ride home gave me a chance to rest and recover some strength . "
tr	2	Kaylie , Christy and Alex came down , like zombies , to say goodnight .
tr	2	They each looked at him as if he were growing bunny rabbit ears .
tr	2	" I put everything away , where are the other girls ? "
tr	2	" I will in a minute , soon as I finish reading this . "
tr	2	Settling into one of the recliners , she started reading the first few pages .
tr	2	His older daughter , Alex , really had found an obscure and intriguing artifact .
tr	2	He held out his hand and Jessica deposited the crystal in it .
tr	2	They whined and complained about being tired , but did as they were told .
tr	2	Rick hobbled to the table , grabbing the cube on the way .
tr	2	The rest of the clan eventually joined them and all listened to the tale .
tr	2	Oddly though , Mr. Anderson made no strange moves , barely acknowledging the girls .
tr	2	It ranges from 8 BC to anywhere in the next twelve years .
tr	2	He was average height and had a generally serious , but approachable look .
tr	2	Her hair was straight , silky and jet black , her eyes dark as midnight .
tr	2	" They 're all in place , awaiting orders , " she told her partner .
tr	2	I thought you said this one was it , " she challenged .
tr	2	" Listen , Shee , this guy is making a statement of some kind .
tr	2	" We 've seen no movement , no car in the driveway .
tr	2	The plants and hedges had been placed with an eye for beauty and symmetry .
tr	2	At the same time , agents approached the back entrance , by the pool .
tr	2	A few seconds later , an agent announced the back door was unlocked .
tr	2	" But , it could contaminate the ... " he started to protest .
tr	2	I want to see what 's on the screen , " she told him .
tr	2	With a shrug he said , " Very well , you 're the boss . "
tr	2	I thought you would like it to be a woman this time , though .
tr	2	He was about to make the biggest announcement of his career -- to him anyway .
tr	2	As Samantha finished her script , the camera switched focus to Jordan .
tr	2	" Wow , Samantha , " he soberly intoned , shaking his head in disbelief .
tr	2	Now in his sixties , he was by far the oldest anchor still on HV .
tr	2	As he spoke , the statistics appeared in colorful displays all around the two reporters .
tr	2	" In 2010 , when he began writing , the well seemed dry .
tr	2	Old movies were recycled , mainly because nobody would chance anything different .
tr	2	He said his generation strove for mediocrity , while this one strove for nothing .
tr	2	In 2015 , twelve of the top hundred songs were remakes of old songs .
tr	2	He predicted that by 2035 , more than 95 of a hundred would be recreations .
tr	2	His somber mood didn 't abate after they signed off ; he was really crushed .
tr	2	Jordan stared a hole into her as if she were from another planet .
tr	2	" I was serious , " she informed him with a straight face .
tr	2	This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	Margaret continued to scream , finally undoing her belt and falling out of the plane .
tr	2	Wind pushed down on her - the down blast from large wings .
tr	2	The dragon was red as blood - covered in glistening , metallic scales .
tr	2	As she watched , the wings slowly tucked in , folding up .
tr	2	The creature reared up on its hind legs , then seemed to shrink .
tr	2	The giant smiled at Margaret , revealing a double row of teeth in his mouth .
tr	2	Finally , it made its mind up about what to do with Margaret .
tr	2	Ahead of the riders , the desert sands stretched out for miles for their enjoyment .
tr	2	The leader of the pack , Carlos , topped a rise at full speed .
tr	2	Beneath his helmet he grinned , wondering if any of the others would catch him .
tr	2	As they got closer they could make out the shape of whatever it had been .
tr	2	The bikers stopped a dozen feet from the edge of the burnt wreckage .
tr	2	One by one , the riders stepped off their motorcycles and removed their helmets .
tr	2	Long black hair spilled out of her helmet as she took it off .
tr	2	It wasn 't easy being the only girl in a group of guys .
tr	2	She was still the girl and the guys never let her forget it .
tr	2	Most of it was melted now , revealing an aluminum frame and railings .
tr	2	" This is messed up , " Kendall said , breaking the silence .
tr	2	Now she could also see part of the man 's head was missing .
tr	2	She squatted down in front of the corpse , staring at the blackened face .
tr	2	Another of the boys , Kendall , looked around at the sky .
tr	2	The guys were all back at their bikes , putting their helmets back on .
tr	2	Kendall , his helmet visor flipped up , looked over at his friend Logan .
tr	2	In the middle of nowhere , in the melted remains of a boat .
tr	2	It remained motionless , more and more ash and soot washing off .
tr	2	She jogged over to her bike , where Jimmy handed her helmet over .
tr	2	Once her helmet was on , Josie and Jimmy started their motorcycles in unison .
tr	2	Stone expanded up , like a sponge in the man 's head and chest wounds .
tr	2	Well over six feet tall , with thin limbs and sunken cheeks .
tr	2	A silent figure of stone with one boot and black , cargo pocket pants .
tr	2	Drops on the stone man 's skin trickled down his head and chest .
tr	2	The water clung to the stone surfaces of the man , defying gravity .
tr	2	The stone man suddenly sat up - his mouth opening wide and gasping for air .
tr	2	The teens changed out of wet clothes , trading riding jackets for dry t-shirts .
tr	2	It was stone underneath , " Josie said , finally looking up from the fire .
tr	2	She took a long drink from her water bottle and remained quiet .
tr	2	" Yeah , Josie , you 're more of a man than Carlos is ! "
tr	2	They guys would think she was crazy , but Josie knew what she had seen .
tr	2	She looked up at her friends , as if to dare them to say anything .
tr	2	Logan laughed and threw an empty water bottle across the fire toward Josie .
tr	2	He started to walk away from the fire - headed toward his tent .
tr	2	Logan moved a little closer toward Josie , a big grin on his face .
tr	2	Jimmy , on the other side of Josie , glared at Logan .
tr	2	He was more than tired of all the flirting Logan did with Josie .
tr	2	Josie frowned at Logan and threw her water bottle into his lap .
tr	2	This side of Josie he 'd seen before - her angry face .
tr	2	Jimmy watched his best friend closely for several seconds as she stared into the fire .
tr	2	Josie hated that she had let herself get spooked in front of the guys .
tr	2	He finally opened his eyes - strange , almost black , dark-green eyes .
tr	2	At his clothes , the melted boat wreck , his one boot .
tr	2	No sooner was he on his feet than he collapsed to his knees .
tr	2	The man knelt in the sand for a few moments , catching his breath .
tr	2	This time , the man was able to stay on his feet .
tr	2	But he had to hold his pants up with his right hand .
tr	2	Sighting a nearby rise in the sand , he started walking toward it .
tr	2	In the distance , a tiny , orange glow could be seen .
tr	2	The man plodded into the camp , past tents filled with sleeping teenagers .
tr	2	He looked around , panting lightly from the exertion of his long walk .
tr	2	A small , metal can lay on the ground near a tent .
tr	2	The plastic bottle flexed in the man 's hand and he seemed taken aback .
tr	2	He examined the bottle as though it were some kind of alien thing .
tr	2	Then he grabbed the cap with his teeth and twisted it off .
tr	2	Again , he opened it with his teeth and drained out the cold water .
tr	2	She had always been able to wake from the soundest sleep completely and immediately .
tr	2	Her step-father told her it was the fireman coming out in her .
tr	2	Putting out fires was dangerous - as her father had proven , with his life .
tr	2	Josie closed her eyes , hoping she could dream about something else .
tr	2	This time she recognized it - an empty water bottle falling against another .
tr	2	Again , Josie heard sloshing in the cooler as another bottle came out .
tr	2	Josie quietly sat up in her tent and folded back her sleeping bag .
tr	2	Picking up full bottles from the cooler , then dropping empty ones .
tr	2	Josie crawled slowly to her tent flap and began to unzip it .
tr	2	She could see a shape - a guy in the center of the campsite .
tr	2	Around the man 's feet lay almost a dozen empty water bottles .
tr	2	He held another in his left hand , and drank from one in his right .
tr	2	Framed by the moon , the man 's features were hard to make out .
tr	2	Then she noticed a gleam of gold around the man 's neck - a chain .
tr	2	And hanging from the chain , a gold , Christian fish pendant .
tr	2	The man put the bottle to his lips and began to drink .
tr	2	As Josie watched , hair began to sprout over the man 's eyes .
tr	2	Eyebrows she hadn 't realized were missing suddenly reappeared - thick and black .
tr	2	On his head , hair began to grow - jet black in color .
tr	2	The man dropped the empty bottle from his left hand and waved .
tr	2	They struggled to put boots on and stumble out of their tents .
tr	2	The stranger dropped an empty bottle and nodded a greeting toward Kendall .
tr	2	His muscles rippled in the moonlight and his gold necklace glinted against his tanned skin .
tr	2	" Hey , I 'm sorry , but I really needed that water . "
tr	2	He stepped forward and threw a roundhouse punch at the bulging , gigantic stranger .
tr	2	The stranger snapped a hand up , almost not looking and caught the punch .
tr	2	" Calm down , son , " the black-haired water thief said calmly .
tr	2	The stranger turned to face Jimmy , a curious look on his face .
tr	2	He then extended a hand , as if to help the teen up .
tr	2	In his palm were the fragments of a bullet , and some blood .
tr	2	His head wound slowly closed up , leaving behind only a faint , gray bruise .
tr	2	Even with shaking hands and white knuckles , Carlos couldn 't miss at this range .
tr	2	Some fragments fell back out of the wounds after the firing stopped .
tr	2	Again , what little blood had escaped his skin seeped back inside the stranger .
tr	2	" I 'd really appreciate it if you 'd stop doing that . "
tr	2	This was a bullet-proof man that had come back from the dead .
tr	2	And Logan had been thrown through the air like a rag doll .
tr	2	Not bad enough to come out from behind his rock , but bad .
tr	2	The head wound - which wasn 't very deep at all - had closed up .
tr	2	Josie had watched the blood on the wound soak back into the stranger 's head .
tr	2	What she had first thought was a bruise she now realized was something else .
tr	2	Josie watched in fascination as the wounds swelled up from inside the stranger .
tr	2	The stranger looked up at the sky , at the stars , for several seconds .
tr	2	" Yes , Yes ... No - I mean , how - ? "
tr	2	The stranger dropped the metal bullet fragments from his hand and pointed to his chest .
tr	2	Josie looked at the large hand for a second then reluctantly shook it .
tr	2	Despite his freakish strength and bulging muscles , the stranger 's grip was gentle .
tr	2	" Speaking of your friends - you think they 're coming back ? "
tr	2	Logan was laying on a collapsed tent , where Mark had thrown him .
tr	2	The stone man , Mark , pointed a thumb over his shoulder , at Logan .
tr	2	Mark turned and walked to the flattened tent Logan was laying in .
tr	2	He had come down hard , and he was sure his ribs were broken .
tr	2	" Relax sport , I 'm not going to hurt you . "
tr	2	" I don 't think anything 's broken - maybe just bruised .
tr	2	We ought to wrap the ribs ... you have any first aid kits ? "
tr	2	" A superhero ... You know , cape , tights , super-powers . "
tr	2	" Do you even realize you have a knife sticking out of your back ? "
tr	2	He reached back and was just able to pull the knife free .
tr	2	Mark wiped the blade on his pants , cleaning off his blood .
tr	2	" Don 't worry , we 're jake , " Mark said calmly .
tr	2	Josie leaned back a bit , looking at the cut on Mark 's back .
tr	2	She uncapped it and started pouring water on the wound as the conversation continued .
tr	2	Carlos and Kendall stepped around Mark , watching Josie pouring water on the cut .
tr	2	" I need to get to a phone , " Mark said .
tr	2	" You weren 't exactly moving , dude , " Carlos remarked .
tr	2	She had to admit , leaving someone stranded in the desert was pretty bad .
tr	2	" Mist - Mark , you had a big hole in your chest .
tr	2	Jimmy did not like Josie touching all over the shirtless man with the bulging muscles .
tr	2	" Yeah , man , why weren 't your pants burnt up too ? "
tr	2	" I don 't remember ever seeing this kind of material before . "
tr	2	" Okay , so your name is Mark , " Josie said , calmly .
tr	2	She could tell by the look in his eyes there was a problem .
tr	2	Mark looked down and held up a hand to touch the necklace .
tr	2	Mark pulled the object out - it was a wad of money .
tr	2	Mark peeled a hundred off of the wad of bills and offered it to Kendall .
tr	2	Kendall was shocked , but snatched out his hand and grabbed at the bill .
tr	2	Carlos ' eyes were bugging out as he looked at the wad of cash .
tr	2	He hesitated to answer - no telling what these kids were going to think .
tr	2	" I got there in 1952 and stayed for a few years .
tr	2	Like it was only a few years ago - not more than sixty .
tr	2	Josie reached over and took the one-hundred out of Kendall 's hand .
tr	2	" That 's a 2011 bill , " Josie said , ignoring Kendall .
tr	2	In those days , Mark wore green Army fatigues , clean and pressed .
tr	2	Doctor Guerrero was as fetching as the day Mark had been assigned to protect her .
tr	2	He stood up , almost subconsciously running a thumb over his new wedding band .
tr	2	" I still can 't believe you got them to let me out . "
tr	2	He set her hairbrush and his newspaper in one of two remaining empty chairs .
tr	2	Mark sputtered , embarrassed , unable to think of what to say .
tr	2	" You mean , how 'd I get this when we 're never apart ? "
tr	2	Mark pulled the necklace from its box and slipped it over his head .
tr	2	" Thanks - I like it , " Mark said , smiling at his wife .
tr	2	Maria and Mark exchanged worried glances , then Mark all but ran for the phone .
tr	2	Mark listened intently to the person on the other end for several moments .
tr	2	" There 's been an accident in the lab , " he said sternly .
tr	2	All the color drained from Maria 's face at the implication of that statement .
tr	2	" At least three people were petrified before they lost communication with the chamber . "
tr	2	Maria moved away from the breakfast table and all but sprinted for the door .
tr	2	Mark grabbed her by the arm as she headed for the door .
tr	2	" So you want me to go kill it and cut out its eye ? "
tr	2	" A lizard staring you in the eye shouldn 't either . "
tr	2	This was a test of his abilities he didn 't really want to take .
tr	2	He turned and walked to a nearby closet door and opened it .
tr	2	Everything he might need to fight his way to the surface in any circumstance .
tr	2	" The safest place is right next to you , dear , " she said .
tr	2	Maria was still in her lab coat , clutching her shotgun with anxiety .
tr	2	But everyone knew this was the only chance the people in the lab had .
tr	2	Mark and Maria took a tentative step forward , out of the elevator .
tr	2	Beyond its head the creature had a bright plumage of feathers down to its shoulders .
tr	2	He fired a quick burst at the side of the basilisk facing him .
tr	2	Maria aimed and fired her shotgun as the basilisk began running toward them .
tr	2	Mark decided this was a bad plan and it was time to change it .
tr	2	Her eyes widened in horror at the sight of the grenade in Mark 's hand .
tr	2	The basilisk skidded to a halt , perplexed by the approaching canister .
tr	2	A split-second after that , a second detonation erupted - the gas lines overhead exploding .
tr	2	Fire burned in the hallway and most of the lights were out .
tr	2	All he could do was turn his head enough to look into the elevator .
tr	2	She had to hold on to the open doors of the elevator to stay standing .
tr	2	He was in agonizing pain - the fire had finally reached his flesh .
tr	2	Kendall was wrapping Logan 's ribs with duct tape , over his shirt .
tr	2	The hot sun beat down on his tan skin and his fish pendant necklace .
tr	2	She 'd also put on makeup , which made her look remarkably different .
tr	2	Mark walked over to the struggling Jimmy and put a hand on his shoulder .
tr	2	" Yes , " Mark said to Josie , as he stepped back .
tr	2	Josie steadied the motorcycle and began to fasten it in place with tie down straps .
tr	2	Carlos had just gotten his motorcycle onto the trailer along with Kendall and Logan 's .
tr	2	His face twisted up in indignation and he almost stamped a foot on the ground .
tr	2	Carlos stomped around the trailer , to the cab of the truck .
tr	2	He pulled out a black t-shirt and stormed over to Mark with it .
tr	2	" I don 't get it , " Mark said , looking back to Carlos .
tr	2	" No - I mean , why do you have such big shirts ? "
tr	2	Jimmy frowned while he struggled to get Josie 's motorcycle up into the truck .
tr	2	Jimmy finally managed to get Josie 's motorcycle up into the truck .
tr	2	" How come you don 't put your hair up in curlers , too ? "
tr	2	His face was turning red - partly from anger , partly from embarrassment .
tr	2	Carlos finally stopped his fuming and walked around Josie , headed toward Kendall 's truck .
tr	2	Carlos also got in , riding in back , while Logan rode shotgun .
tr	2	While Josie watched her friends , and Mark , Jimmy stepped up beside her .
tr	2	" We can 't just leave him out in the desert . "
tr	2	" Sorry I shot down your summer vacation , boys , " he said .
tr	2	Mark turned and walked away from the truck , back towards Josie and Jimmy .
tr	2	" Hope you get your memory back , " Kendall mockingly said .
tr	2	" Why didn 't you ask for his autograph , too ? "
tr	2	" He could still be a superhero , " Carlos said defensively .
tr	2	" He could be a super villain , too , dumbass . "
tr	2	" We 're just going to leave them out here with that freak ? "
tr	2	" Ready to go see if any of those memories come back ? "
tr	2	As they neared the boat wreck , Mark finally broke the silence .
tr	2	There she was , smiling at him again , Jimmy thought to himself .
tr	2	" Here we are , " Jimmy announced , putting the truck in park .
tr	2	Sitting in the middle of a large black stain on the desert .
tr	2	The trio walked around in the wreckage , poking at unrecognizable chunks with their boots .
tr	2	She dropped the heart as it turned from stone to squishy flesh .
tr	2	And you 're a bulging muscle man with bronze skin , Jimmy thought to himself .
tr	2	Mark was looking back at the wreckage now , as he spoke .
tr	2	He headed for the spot he remembered waking up in the burnt wreckage .
tr	2	He found buckles and rivets - remnants of military belts and web straps .
tr	2	A harness of some type that had supported a lot of gear .
tr	2	Josie and Jimmy stood quietly , side by side , watching Mark .
tr	2	He was the one always telling her she should get out more .
tr	2	She didn 't know why , but she didn 't feel in any danger .
tr	2	Mark picked the knife out of the ashes and dusted it off .
tr	2	Jimmy wasn 't willing to let the conversation with Josie end there .
tr	2	Josie looked at Jimmy as though he were an escapee from a mental institution .
tr	2	Josie had been haunted by nightmares about her father being burnt alive for years .
tr	2	" Procedure would be for me to report in , " Mark stubbornly said .
tr	2	" I just can 't seem to remember from ' 62 to now . "
tr	2	We have a big house - you can stay with us . "
tr	2	" You want to just drop the amnesiac off in the middle of nowhere ? "
tr	2	I don 't want to put you kids in any danger . "
tr	2	But , I remember that whoever it was , they ripped my heart out . "
tr	2	It was the stranger from the boat wreck who barely remembered his name .
tr	2	" Well , this was a good idea , " Carlos said sarcastically .
tr	2	He wondered why the suited man just stood there , staring at them .
tr	2	A tall , black man with a shaved head , also wearing sunglasses .
tr	2	" So , where do you boys think your friends are now ? "
tr	2	The agent reached under his jacket and pulled out a 5x7 photo .
tr	2	He laid it on the table and slid it across for the boys to see .
tr	2	" He was super-strong ... He picked up a motorcycle with one hand ! "
tr	2	The agent took off his sunglasses , folded them and set them on the table .
tr	2	The agent reached into his jacket again and extracted a small cell phone .
tr	2	Josie had tried a few more times to ask Mark about his deaths .
tr	2	Mark had again been reluctant to speak , but Josie wore him down .
tr	2	Born in 1928 , Mark was the son of a Titanic survivor .
tr	2	In Western Canada , he 'd met Mark 's mother , Mary .
tr	2	Mark himself was later accepted into West Point , and graduated in 1950 .
tr	2	Once out of the desert , the trio had hit the highway headed home .
tr	2	" Surprisingly , my feet don 't hurt , " he told Josie .
tr	2	She couldn 't understand why he so obviously didn 't like Mark .
tr	2	" It 's okay , " Mark said , reaching into his pocket .
tr	2	He and Mark just stood there for several moments , in awkward silence .
tr	2	" Tell me more about these super-heroes , " Mark finally asked .
tr	2	Only a month or two later , more superheroes began coming out of the woodwork .
tr	2	There were debates on whether or not super powers should be regulated .
tr	2	Hollywood was accused of covering this up to keep raking in the money .
tr	2	Some retreated to private communes or went overseas in search of fortune .
tr	2	A military helicopter gunship had to come in to drive him away .
tr	2	" You 're lucky they even had any that big , " Josie said .
tr	2	While Mark tried the shoes on , she rummaged in her other plastic bag .
tr	2	Josie rolled her eyes , then turned around to face the locals .
tr	2	Pete took his hat off long enough to wipe sweat off his brow .
tr	2	Cletus and Pete seemed to notice Mark and Jimmy for the first time .
tr	2	Jimmy didn 't impress them - a skinny nerd wearing nerdy clothes .
tr	2	Cletus suddenly grabbed Josie around the waist and pulled her in close .
tr	2	His sweat soaked through her shirt and he reeked of body odor and stale beer .
tr	2	She drove her knee up into Cletus ' groin as hard as she could .
tr	2	He also stepped back a few steps , doubled over , holding his privates .
tr	2	He felt like throwing up , and his vision swirled a little .
tr	2	Mark stepped in , calmly reaching out with both hands open , intercepting Pete .
tr	2	Nearly twenty feet , like he 'd been hit by a car .
tr	2	Cletus , still doubled over , couldn 't tell what had happened .
tr	2	His vision had cleared and he saw Pete hit the ground behind him .
tr	2	She was trying to brush the invisible filth of Cletus off of her .
tr	2	And now the local was trying to pick himself up from the ground .
tr	2	If Jimmy didn 't like Mark , he 'd think that was pretty darned cool .
tr	2	Cletus and Pete , meanwhile , had come to a different conclusion .
tr	2	They staggered over to the front of the gas station 's store .
tr	2	The duo grabbed at the wood handles and each pulled out a weapon .
tr	2	Pete threw the hoe down on the ground and reached back into the barrel .
tr	2	They gripped their weapons tightly and turned to face Josie , Jimmy and Mark .
tr	2	Jimmy nodded affirmatively as Mark started walking over toward Cletus and Pete .
tr	2	He seemed very calm for someone about to get in a fight .
tr	2	As Mark approached a surprised Cletus and Pete , he asked them something strange .
tr	2	He snapped the axe head right off the handle with relative ease .
tr	2	Pete just stood there , slack-jawed , not sure what to do next .
tr	2	Mark calmly pitched the axe head in his hands aside and turned back to Pete .
tr	2	Pete grabbed the broken axe handle in both hands - one on either end .
tr	2	As Pete stepped forward , Mark shot out a quick jabbing punch .
tr	2	His knuckles struck the axe handle with terrific speed , snapping it in half .
tr	2	The punch then continued on , square into Pete 's mouth and nose .
tr	2	Teeth and cartilage crunched , and Pete was knocked off his feet .
tr	2	People from the gas station and surrounding buildings were starting to come outside .
tr	2	They saw Pete , unconscious , laying on the ground at Mark 's feet .
tr	2	Major Bill Campbell watched over the room with concern on his face .
tr	2	A Sergeant in camouflage ACU uniform approached Campbell , holding a tablet computer .
tr	2	" Another local police report in Arizona , " Sgt. Brown explained .
tr	2	" Yes , sir , I had a Ghost Walker check it out .
tr	2	" Except it 's less than 50 miles from the Target site . "
tr	2	" How do we know this isn 't some random Titan ? "
tr	2	It would only be a matter of time before it was located .
tr	2	It was just too big an area for Detachment 1039 's remaining field operatives .
tr	2	Mark asked as they pulled into the mall 's busy parking lot .
tr	2	" And do you really want to keep wearing those flip flops ? "
tr	2	Josie slid across the seat behind Jimmy , exiting on his side of the truck .
tr	2	Josie got far more attention , in her leather jacket , short-shorts and sandals .
tr	2	She led Mark and Jimmy directly to a men 's Big & Tall clothing store .
tr	2	" I think this 3X Tall looks about right , " she said .
tr	2	He too hated shopping - something Josie was always making him do .
tr	2	If Mark was really born in 1928 , he would probably dress like her grandpa .
tr	2	But it turned out those were the only shoes large enough for Mark .
tr	2	Mark went into a dressing room to try on the clothes Josie had selected .
tr	2	He stood close to Josie while they waited outside the dressing rooms .
tr	2	" Josie , we need to really rethink this , " Jimmy said .
tr	2	" I just don 't want to see you get hurt . "
tr	2	" I can 't explain it , but I feel perfectly safe around him .
tr	2	Before Josie could respond , Mark stepped out of the dressing room .
tr	2	Nothing like the canvas high tops he 'd worn in the ' 50s .
tr	2	But the longer he stood there , it started to seem familiar .
tr	2	And the current President embroiled in some kind of scandal involving a mistress .
tr	2	Josie slid in next to Mark - much to Jimmy 's dismay .
tr	2	But it 's all still hazy , " Mark said , eyeing the food suspiciously .
tr	2	She gave herself a set of chicken strips while Jimmy opted for a burger .
tr	2	Mark eyed the deep fried chunks in their small , paper container suspiciously .
tr	2	" We 've established I 've been here before , " Mark reminded her .
tr	2	It 's like you get to discover things all over again . "
tr	2	" Like who tried to kill you , " Jimmy pointed out .
tr	2	She moved it toward his face , trying to get him to try it .
tr	2	Jimmy was about to take a bite of his burger , but stopped .
tr	2	Oh , and they 've changed the formula a few times over the years . "
tr	2	Mark set down the drink as Jimmy took a large bite out of his burger .
tr	2	Mark looked up , first at Josie and Jimmy , noticing they were already eating .
tr	2	" Something about the Vice President coming to Arizona rang a bell . "
tr	2	Josie said quickly , before Jimmy could bombard Mark with questions about the White House .
tr	2	Mark knew there was something there - about the current Vice President .
tr	2	He then seemed to drift off , looking past Josie at something .
tr	2	His angry glare was gone , without Josie ever having noticed it .
tr	2	she asked , putting a hand on Mark 's shoulder in concern .
tr	2	" Had a flash , " Mark said , sitting up straight .
tr	2	Before Jimmy could decide , he felt a buzzing in his pocket .
tr	2	Mark looked at the slim cell phone , wondering how it worked .
tr	2	In fact , he was sure he 'd heard it countless times .
tr	2	" I think we need to talk in private , sir . "
tr	2	" You can talk in front of my friends , " Mark said .
tr	2	" Besides , I don 't really know how this phone of theirs works . "
tr	2	" Sir , I have to insist - " Campbell started to say .
tr	2	" Okay , so I 'm a Colonel and you 're a Major .
tr	2	So I guess I can ORDER you to start talking , right ? "
tr	2	" I think you need to come in , Colonel , " Campbell finally suggested .
tr	2	He remembered his call sign , but not really when he got it .
tr	2	" I can 't do that over an unsecured line , sir .
tr	2	" Sir , time is critical in this matter , " Campbell said .
tr	2	Mark did not like not getting answers when he asked for them .
tr	2	" There are a lot of innocent civilians there - including your companions . "
tr	2	Mark sipped his drink , staring straight ahead , past Jimmy , seemingly at nothing .
tr	2	Mark 's eyes glanced at Josie quickly , then went straight back ahead .
tr	2	Jimmy turned his head around , looking quickly one way then the other .
tr	2	" They must want me to come in , really , really bad . "
tr	2	Like a crazy person might give - right before they killed you .
tr	2	" That was a long time ago , Colonel , " Jimmy said .
tr	2	And I wouldn 't say this is entirely against his will . "
tr	2	Josie had grown up almost part of Jimmy 's family after her dad died .
tr	2	And he thought she was interested in Mark - as a boyfriend .
tr	2	" These men are here to assist you in getting there . "
tr	2	" I was spending a week in the desert with four boys . "
tr	2	" Call me on the phone next time , " Mark said angrily .
tr	2	He then touched the stun gun to Jimmy 's forehead and activated it .
tr	2	Jimmy 's eyes rolled up in his head and he fell face forward , unconscious .
tr	2	The agents surrounding Josie and Mark were also getting up from their tables .
tr	2	Again , there was the flare of ghostly green light around Mark 's hand .
tr	2	Josie asked as she stuffed the stun gun back in a jacket pocket .
tr	2	The black suited agents in the food court had all stood up by now .
tr	2	Mark reckoned the telepath was in a store nearby , in civilian clothes .
tr	2	Mark popped a couple more chicken tenders in his mouth , then finished his drink .
tr	2	They all had their hands under their jackets now , gripping their holstered pistols .
tr	2	" I 'm going to stand up , " Mark told the scared agent .
tr	2	Agent Cooper swallowed and nodded an affirmative to the agents around him .
tr	2	Agent Cooper gulped in fear and raised his left hand up to his mouth .
tr	2	Mark gave Agent Cooper the same terrifying stare Jimmy had glimpsed earlier .
tr	2	" Yes , sir , " Cooper said respectfully , and stepped aside .
tr	2	Mark stopped and turned to watch her pick the keys back up .
tr	2	" Apparently , I 'm a bad ass , " Mark answered .
tr	2	It was a teargas canister , pumping out a thick cloud of gas .
tr	2	Several more canisters started hitting the ground around Mark and Josie in rapid succession .
tr	2	In seconds , they were enveloped in a thick cloud of dense , white smoke .
tr	2	They had on helmets , gas masks and were dressed all in black .
tr	2	They approached the teargas cloud with taser pistols drawn and at the ready .
tr	2	Balancing Jimmy on his shoulder while adjusting a gas mask was surprisingly difficult .
tr	2	Somewhere in the back of his mind , he knew it wouldn 't work .
tr	2	Mark released his grip on Josie , who sank to her knees .
tr	2	But he imagined this is what it must feel like to do so .
tr	2	The taser cracked and popped as it broke into several plastic pieces .
tr	2	Bennet was sure the bones in his hand were doing the same .
tr	2	He took the keys from her and unlocked the driver 's door .
tr	2	He then opened the rear door and carefully laid Jimmy down on the back seat .
tr	2	Tears streaked down her cheeks , along with most of her eye makeup .
tr	2	She groped for a bottle of water she remembered Jimmy putting in the door pocket .
tr	2	" I guess you aren 't so scary after all , " Josie said .
tr	2	She quickly unscrewed the cap and began pouring water into her eyes .
tr	2	" This doesn 't look goo - " Mark started to say .
tr	2	She wore a loose , white silk blouse and a long , black leather jacket .
tr	2	She couldn 't believe the target didn 't know who she was .
tr	2	Fifteen years fighting crime , then another ten on the Strip as a headliner .
tr	2	The flames hit Mark square in the chest , swirling around him for a second .
tr	2	From under the car she stood on , a crack appeared in the asphalt .
tr	2	The molten , burning asphalt stuck to Mark , burning his skin .
tr	2	As he brushed them off , burns were revealed on his skin .
tr	2	The past ten captures her name and reputation alone were enough to ensure surrender .
tr	2	Her left hand balled into a fist , then she suddenly extended her fingers .
tr	2	He popped the piece in his mouth and started to chew it .
tr	2	All the wounds that should have been bleeding were closing up , turning gray .
tr	2	He straightened , facing the witch and again opening his mouth to speak .
tr	2	When he pulled his hand away , there was a trickle of blood .
tr	2	" I 'm normally against hitting a woman , " Mark said .
tr	2	Behind him , in the truck , Josie winced at the terrific impact .
tr	2	" I really don 't want to hit a girl ... " he said .
tr	2	He then stepped back and held the cane high , up over his head .
tr	2	" You can have this back when you start behaving better , " Mark said .
tr	2	Then he slammed it down over a raised knee , cracking it in half .
tr	2	With the slightest of throws , he sent the two pieces vanishing in opposite directions .
tr	2	" Lady , you are a royal pain in the ass , " Mark said .
tr	2	He held up his good hand , as if to shield himself .
tr	2	Mark grabbed a wrist and put a pair of handcuffs on her .
tr	2	" How dare you address me like that , you - you , caveman ! "
tr	2	Josie reached into the shopping bag and got out another polo shirt from the mall .
tr	2	Now , Campbell was getting yelled at on the phone by his superiors .
tr	2	" He has amnesia , " Campbell explained to the General on the other end .
tr	2	" No , we don 't know why , " Campbell admitted .
tr	2	Campbell was given a long lecture on the cost of the current debacle .
tr	2	" I told you we couldn 't stop him , " Campbell said in frustration .
tr	2	Major Campbell had to move the phone away from his ear at this point .
tr	2	He regretted the privilege to speak freely his former commander had granted him .
tr	2	The General on the other end finally eased off on his tirade .
tr	2	He had caught a lot of flack for that earlier as well .
tr	2	" Yes , I 'm aware of that , " Campbell said .
tr	2	The General had just reminded him of the importance of the original mission .
tr	2	Instead of a tie , she wore a loose , white silk blouse .
tr	2	What I want to know is why the military wants him so bad . "
tr	2	Jimmy turned his head and saw Mark sitting in the back seat .
tr	2	Josie was sitting on a blanket while Mark rubbed lotion on her back .
tr	2	His skin was sunburned and he was even skinnier than he remembered .
tr	2	" I 'm not your girl , Jimmy , " Josie said .
tr	2	He 'd been laying down , his head in Josie 's lap .
tr	2	Mark , now wearing a dark blue shirt , was driving in the front seat .
tr	2	He kept his eyes on the road , glancing up to the rearview mirror occasionally .
tr	2	" Just relax , Jimmy , " she said , pulling him back .
tr	2	" We had some complications after we left the mall , " Mark said .
tr	2	" Would you have rather I let that brain jockey keep riding you ? "
tr	2	He again glanced into the rearview mirror as he talked to Jimmy and Josie .
tr	2	That was not how he wanted Josie to find out how he felt about her .
tr	2	" He should be out of commission for a couple of days . "
tr	2	" Because I don 't know if I can trust them . "
tr	2	She eased Jimmy back down into her lap and started rubbing his temples .
tr	2	" Not unless you 've got a touch of clairvoyance yourself . "
tr	2	Jimmy didn 't know what clairvoyance was , but he relaxed a little .
tr	2	He had suddenly realized that there were worse things than merely being on the run .
tr	2	" How would it take over the Vice President 's identity ? "
tr	2	" First it killed my men , then it killed me . "
tr	2	The Coast Guard boarded the vessel to find all thirty passengers and crew dead .
tr	2	The shapeshifter was murdering people , then assuming the identities of his victims .
tr	2	Contractors hired for their own paranormal abilities , coupled with human support agents .
tr	2	The military had people trained for that sort of heavy duty response .
tr	2	Across the street from the motel , a row of buildings sat dark .
tr	2	The team had a telepath attached to them , call sign Echo .
tr	2	A huge , semi-automatic magnum hung under his left armpit , just above his belt .
tr	2	The tactical targeting visor also provided night vision and real-time satellite feeds .
tr	2	He wondered just what the Colonel really thought of him and this mission .
tr	2	His dreams were filled with nightmares about paying his mortgage and supporting his family .
tr	2	Along the way , his bare feet stepped on small bits of gravel .
tr	2	Marshall crossed the dark street with no difficulty , then entered the diner .
tr	2	But then , he couldn 't exactly telepathically communicate with the Colonel .
tr	2	" All clear - that was the last one , " Echo whispered .
tr	2	It took him at least three minutes , but he was finally off the lot .
tr	2	There , Echo hid in the kitchen , watching over his sleeping charges .
tr	2	Like wraiths , the other four members of the squad emerged from hiding .
tr	2	And only one Bowie knife each , hung on their chest harnesses .
tr	2	A soldier who didn 't need to eat , to drink , to even breathe .
tr	2	First , from his concealment behind a parked car , came Atlas .
tr	2	Like Atlas , Cronus and the whole squad appeared to be moving , bald statues .
tr	2	He was the only member of the squad to have been reluctant to become petrified .
tr	2	Behind the motel , the final stone soldier emerged from the brush .
tr	2	Her face was frozen in place with a mix of surprise and pain .
tr	2	The blankets and sheets that had covered her body were bloody and shredded .
tr	2	This had gone far too easy , even for his stone soldiers .
tr	2	Inside the motel room , Atlas suddenly came to the same conclusion .
tr	2	Despite being a pulped mess , the redhead from Oklahoma sprang out of her bed .
tr	2	As the gory redhead landed on his chest , he stepped back .
tr	2	The shapeshifter was faster , catching his wrist with its left hand .
tr	2	Then he stepped into a pair of shoes , and walked toward the exit .
tr	2	Atlas reached up for the Bowie knife hanging from his combat harness .
tr	2	Heavy weapons designed for use mounted on vehicles had been an early choice .
tr	2	The barrels were shortened and the shoulder stock replaced with a pistol grip .
tr	2	Only his boots and the legs of his pants remained where he had been standing .
tr	2	He lowered the pistol and walked over to the pile of debris .
tr	2	That they had to avoid certain things , like direct cannon fire or anti-tank rockets .
tr	2	He too began firing his machine gun , riddling the shapeshifter with rounds .
tr	2	Bullets that tore through his body , bursting organs and shattering bones .
tr	2	As soon as organs popped or bones snapped , they swelled back together .
tr	2	It was like trying to hold back a wall of water with machine gun fire .
tr	2	He extended his arm and fired the other barrel of his stolen pistol .
tr	2	His clothes and gear were blown off the body nearly to the waist .
tr	2	The windows of a car parked nearby shattered from the shock wave .
tr	2	The shapeshifter dropped the pistol he was holding as he sprang to his feet .
tr	2	Beneath the shredded t-shirt , the new body was fresh and undamaged .
tr	2	" That 's for Atlas and Cronus , you scumbag , " he said .
tr	2	It had been designed as a last-ditch weapon , capable of stopping anything .
tr	2	The roof of the car collapsed under the impact and the windows all blew out .
tr	2	The shapeshifter stood back up , chest covered in blood from the Bowie knife .
tr	2	If lead bullets wouldn 't stop the shapeshifter , maybe some refined iron would .
tr	2	Again , the shapeshifter changed into a new form to heal its wounds .
tr	2	The shapeshifter 's shoes started to split and tear , its feet enlarging .
tr	2	They smashed into the asphalt , burying their ends three inches deep .
tr	2	His left-hand knife punctured deep into the giant 's side , cleaving a kidney .
tr	2	His right-hand knife punctured deep into the giant 's chest , spearing his heart .
tr	2	Or where his heart would have been if he were a human .
tr	2	" And that is game , set and -- " he started to say .
tr	2	He normally carried the magnum in a shoulder holster , his last backup firearm .
tr	2	One that he was pinpoint accurate with , at distances up to a hundred feet .
tr	2	The shapeshifter 's body again began to bulge and distort as he changed form .
tr	2	His neck and head lengthened , while wings grew from his back .
tr	2	A tail emerged from the shapeshifter 's back , stretching out into a barbed tip .
tr	2	He really did need his heart back - and a lot of water .
tr	2	Worse , without a heart , his body was already shutting down .
tr	2	He 'd crashed into a long , sleek boat on a trailer .
tr	2	The shapeshifter had turned the beloved grandfather and husband into a heartless corpse .
tr	2	With shaking hands , his vision starting to blur , he quickly reloaded .
tr	2	The round detonated , blowing a huge hole through both sides of the boat .
tr	2	He spread his wings and flapped them once as he vaulted into the air .
tr	2	Beating his massive , leathery wings , the shapeshifter quickly gained altitude .
tr	2	He had a diner full of innocent civilians , and there were no more soldiers .
tr	2	Something was there , but Echo couldn 't quite latch on to it .
tr	2	He pressed his fingers to his temples , mustering all his willpower .
tr	2	Dressed in shabby clothes , the telepath didn 't seem like much of a threat .
tr	2	But he was standing right next to the fallen soldier with the heart of stone .
tr	2	He dropped like a stone through the air , directly toward the straining telepath .
tr	2	Echo didn 't flinch , he was too intent on making the psychic connection .
tr	2	The dragon saw the sudden panic in Echo 's eyes as the telepath stopped straining .
tr	2	Echo stood defiantly , more scared then he had ever been in his life .
tr	2	Its jaws gaped wide , then it chomped down on Echo 's head .
tr	2	Then he plucked the heart out with his teeth and swallowed it whole .
tr	2	Once more , the dragon spread its wings and took to the air .
tr	2	Mark still drove , and Josie and Jimmy rode in the back .
tr	2	The shapeshifter possessing the form of a giant and a dragon he did share .
tr	2	" Let 's get back to this dragon guy , " Jimmy said .
tr	2	" How are you going to fight it without your team ? "
tr	2	" Says the guy who can come back from the dead . "
tr	2	" No - they 're both in flight mode , " Josie answered .
tr	2	" It 's an OnStar system ... Like a cell phone in your car .
tr	2	" Colonel - we need to work this out , " Campbell said .
tr	2	He didn 't care for this modern era and radio phones were everywhere .
tr	2	" Sir , how do you plan on stopping the shapeshifter now ?
tr	2	" Uh , I appreciate the confidence you put in us , " Josie said .
tr	2	I need the element of surprise - and that 's where you come in . "
tr	2	" I was born on the vernal equinox - in a leap year .
tr	2	The driver finally slowed the car to a stop and got out .
tr	2	While he looked like Echo , the driver was in fact the shapeshifter .
tr	2	He was now wearing white Chef 's pants and shirt , with white shoes .
tr	2	The shapeshifter walked to the rear of the small two-door , and opened the trunk .
tr	2	They imagined their young country to be so powerful in the current world .
tr	2	The shapeshifter started to go through the pockets of the deceased Chef .
tr	2	He quickly found what he was looking for - a security pass for the hotel .
tr	2	The shapeshifter had not come to Arizona to replace a petty bureaucrat .
tr	2	And he would tear out their hearts and make their powers his own .
tr	2	Jimmy finally came out of the bathroom and got back in the truck .
tr	2	He noticed Josie had moved to the front seat , beside Mark .
tr	2	" Now , you 're both clear on this , right ? "
tr	2	Surely she didn 't think he meant she should go by herself ?
tr	2	" I mean , I could just do this myself , " Jimmy hastily added .
tr	2	" It 'll be the safest place to be when it hits the fan . "
tr	2	" As soon as they start scrambling , the shapeshifter will head out of there .
tr	2	" Jimmy , you aren 't in any danger , " he said .
tr	2	The shapeshifter was hard at work , slicing chicken for a particular dish .
tr	2	Agent Williams quickly finished his sweep of the kitchen and exited through a rear door .
tr	2	The lobby was lined with expensive marble floors , and rich , wood-paneled walls .
tr	2	Josie was still in her short shorts , her t-shirt and sandals .
tr	2	The wall to their left was broken up by a small café and elevators .
tr	2	Josie wasted no time , and set off directly for the agents .
tr	2	" I 'm sorry , this elevator is not available , " Franks said .
tr	2	" That 's nothing to kid about , Miss , " Franks said at last .
tr	2	He wondered if the dirty teenagers were trying to be funny or stupid .
tr	2	" She 's not kidding , she - " Jimmy started to say .
tr	2	Even he didn 't know what the Service 's telepath looked like .
tr	2	Special Agent Franks reached out and pressed the call button for the elevator .
tr	2	" We 're going to go have a talk , kids , " Franks said .
tr	2	After several uncomfortable seconds , the elevator arrived and the doors opened .
tr	2	He had followed Jimmy and Josie inside , and watched over them .
tr	2	Beside the elevator , a stairwell door opened and three more suited agents burst out .
tr	2	It was only a matter of time until they flushed out the shapeshifter .
tr	2	He was interrupted by a hand exploding out of his chest , under his sternum .
tr	2	" Very interesting , " the shapeshifter said , looking Josie up and down .
tr	2	This telepathic intrusion was more violent than either he had so far endured .
tr	2	Josie began to edge toward the control panel while the shapeshifter was distracted .
tr	2	Having taken what he needed , the shapeshifter released Jimmy , who nearly fell over .
tr	2	His eyes burned and he had the worst possible headache he could ever imagine .
tr	2	The shapeshifter suddenly lunged at Josie , grabbing her with one hand around the throat .
tr	2	The blow staggered the shapeshifter , causing him to lose his grip on Josie .
tr	2	She tumbled backwards out of the elevator , falling down on her butt .
tr	2	Jimmy dropped to the floor again , this time grabbing the shapeshifter 's left leg .
tr	2	Jimmy hugged the leg as tight as he could , ducking his head .
tr	2	CHAPTER FIFTEEN Agent Todd and Agent Finch had been dispatched to meet the elevator .
tr	2	Behind Williams lay the suited bodies of two agents , in large pools of blood .
tr	2	She wore short shorts , showing off her long legs that were sprayed with blood .
tr	2	Josie fell onto the floor , coming out of her sandals as she did so .
tr	2	She looked up , behind her , and saw the two agents drawing their pistols .
tr	2	Agents Todd and Finch screamed , aiming their pistols at the elevator .
tr	2	Agent Williams then transformed , into the older , thinning haired Asian Chef .
tr	2	Finally she was able to get to her bare feet and look around in panic .
tr	2	The shapeshifter meanwhile was jerking and twitching as bullets tore into his torso .
tr	2	Then he changed into a shorter , Hispanic woman with flowing hair and large breasts .
tr	2	He got that feeling seconds before the sound of gunfire started in the basement .
tr	2	As he neared the agent , people began to realize what the gunfire was .
tr	2	Josie came running out , barefoot , her face white with fear .
tr	2	The five remaining agents in the lobby all drew their pistols and assumed firing stances .
tr	2	Josie stumbled to a halt as she saw the guns pointed her way .
tr	2	As one , the agents turned to see who Josie was speaking to .
tr	2	Jones was slumped over , held up by the belt like a wet noodle .
tr	2	The .40 caliber rounds were meant for stopping people and struck with vicious impact .
tr	2	They saw Agent Finch , bloody , holding the teenage girl also covered in blood .
tr	2	His shirt was soaked in a dozen places from blood seeping out of his wounds .
tr	2	" I was starting to like this shirt , " he said aloud .
tr	2	Finch suddenly twisted and convulsed as he transformed into Echo the telepath .
tr	2	Josie began to walk slowly toward Mark , sideways , circling away from the shapeshifter .
tr	2	After a few steps , she ran up to Mark and jumped around behind him .
tr	2	I just need to know what to put on your tombstone . "
tr	2	" Sorry , but you don 't look very scary to me . "
tr	2	" Oh , I 'm going to do this the old fashioned way .
tr	2	A fist that was filled with fresh , beating hearts three times a day .
tr	2	The shapeshifter had learned early in his life the secrets of the dark arts .
tr	2	Others mocked him with sacrifices , of all things , human hearts .
tr	2	It had started with strange knocking noises that awoke him from his dream state .
tr	2	And the man had a strange , clear crystal over his face .
tr	2	Tubes came out of his mouth , extending to large cylinders on his back .
tr	2	Some had even fled across manicured lawns to the beach of the nearby lake .
tr	2	They collided in a fury of fists - trading punches of terrific force .
tr	2	The shapeshifter 's body convulsed and twisted , bulging under his skin and tattered suit .
tr	2	The sidekick shattered ribs - driving some partially out the shapeshifter 's back .
tr	2	The blow lifted the shapeshifter off his feet and sent him flying into the pool .
tr	2	The water was clouded with blood leaking from the shapeshifter 's battered body .
tr	2	He spun in midair , his hips twisting around as his right leg swinging out .
tr	2	Organs ruptured in the giant 's torso from the power of the blows .
tr	2	The giant had made a huge mistake by fighting him in the pool .
tr	2	Beaten , broken , barely recognizable , he had lain wrapped in chains for millennia .
tr	2	Josie ran to the edge of the pool , trying to see what had happened .
tr	2	Blood tinged the roiling water as Mark and the giant wrestled beneath the surface .
tr	2	Even though she knew water healed Mark , she worried about what was happening .
tr	2	Agent Keen appeared at the broken window , barely able to stand .
tr	2	He staggered out to the pool side where the girl was standing .
tr	2	He still wasn 't sure what was going on or who was fighting .
tr	2	Impossibly , the six-foot , four-inch human was stronger than he was .
tr	2	The two combatants twisted and turned in the water , straining against each other .
tr	2	He grabbed the edge of the pool with his claws and pulled himself free .
tr	2	He shook water from his wings and turned around to face the water .
tr	2	But to see such a thing in person ... she was simply stunned .
tr	2	He soared out of the pool , punching with his right fist .
tr	2	He tucked his body in close and squeezed with all his might .
tr	2	Josie happened to glance to her left and saw a red fire box .
tr	2	She pulled the axe free and turned back to Mark wrestling with the dragon .
tr	2	The blow was so terrific it almost broke the wooden axe handle .
tr	2	Several chairs and toppled umbrellas ignited as the stream of flames passed over them .
tr	2	Blood sprayed out as the huge wing of the dragon was severed from its body .
tr	2	His vision came back , as his regenerated eyes turned back to flesh .
tr	2	He was once again shirtless , and his Christian fish pendant gleamed in the sunlight .
tr	2	As did the blade of the axe , held over his head .
tr	2	The dragon 's flame sputtered out as its eyes rolled up in its head .
tr	2	He stood up out of the water , skin regenerated , hair slowly growing again .
tr	2	Josie ran to the edge of the pool to see if Mark was okay .
tr	2	The five approached the felled dragon slowly , pistols drawn and ready .
tr	2	He stepped up out of the pool , Josie moving out of his way .
tr	2	The panicked agents all leapt back , clawing at their holstered pistols .
tr	2	All three agents then rose slowly , robotically , to their feet .
tr	2	He swatted the agent aside as though he were hitting a mosquito .
tr	2	The agent struck the ground behind the shapeshifter and his hostage , unconscious .
tr	2	His face was already turning back to flesh , the bullet wounds healed .
tr	2	Jimmy , who had never wanted to go along on this adventure .
tr	2	The shapeshifter was impressed the human could even try to shoot her friend .
tr	2	His neck stretched as his head swelled and formed the dragon 's head .
tr	2	The giant 's limbs swelled , forming the four legs of the fire-breathing monster .
tr	2	He would burn them both alive , then burn them to ash .
tr	2	He punched through the dragon 's chest and deep into its body .
tr	2	No one had ever thought to do this to the shapeshifter before .
tr	2	His throw carried it up and away , where it disappeared from sight .
tr	2	The bullets tore into the giant 's chest , punching through his flesh and bone .
tr	2	Bullets began to tear into the giant 's neck , then his chin .
tr	2	Josie continued to shoot - five more times , before her pistol was empty .
tr	2	Military helicopters had flown in , armed troops spilling out and forming a perimeter .
tr	2	Ambulances were everywhere , treating minor injuries and checking people for shock .
tr	2	He had that same look of concern her mother often gave her .
tr	2	There , two paramedics were waiting with a gurney that held a black body bag .
tr	2	He held her shoulders , his grip unbreakable , but not painful .
tr	2	Josie yelled , panicked as the body was wheeled away " Jimmy ! "
tr	2	This wasn 't a soldier to be consoled after the death of a comrade .
tr	2	Her face was red and tears were again streaming down her cheeks .
tr	2	" We may be able to fix that , " he said .
tr	2	It was some thousand feet away from the humans and all their activity .
tr	2	The coyote sniffed along the edge of the road , looking for food .
tr	2	The coyote sat on its haunches , licking blood off its mouth , then paws .
tr	2	The coyote leapt to its feet and spun around , biting at its own side .
tr	2	Wings sprouted from its back and its limbs thickened , sprouting grasping claws .
tr	2	In seconds , the coyote had turned into a red , four-legged , winged dragon .
tr	2	The dragon looked over at the hotel over a thousand feet away .
tr	2	The crew all wore suits , and were very courteous to Josie .
tr	2	Josie quickly figured out these weren 't the Secret Service or the FBI .
tr	2	After she cleaned up , Josie went back to the passenger compartment .
tr	2	He was now cleaned up , and wearing a camouflage Army uniform .
tr	2	Jimmy and the giant 's body bags were loaded onto a military helicopter .
tr	2	But she was beginning to feel a little paranoid , like Jimmy would have .
tr	2	The helicopter eventually flew over a large city on the coast just before nightfall .
tr	2	Josie recognized it as Miami - she 'd seen it on TV numerous times .
tr	2	They finally landed on the rooftop , where four more armed guards waited .
tr	2	As the elevator descended , Josie finally couldn 't keep her curiosity in check anymore .
tr	2	" I wish you 'd tell me where we were going . "
tr	2	He was impressed the girl had been able to keep quiet for so long .
tr	2	The hallway leading out from the elevator was lined with plain tile .
tr	2	The last two guards wheeled Jimmy 's body out of the elevator and followed them .
tr	2	" Welcome back , Colonel , " a strange , computerized voice announced .
tr	2	In the middle of the chamber , there was a large pool of water .
tr	2	At least a dozen technicians were at work at stations around the room .
tr	2	" Colonel , I must object to - " the woman began to say .
tr	2	" You can object , or you can keep your job . "
tr	2	" The Pentagon hasn 't - " the doctor started to protest .
tr	2	They unzipped the body bag and pulled it down , exposing Jimmy 's body .
tr	2	The blood on his shirt had dried and she could see the gaping chest wound .
tr	2	The doctor nodded to an assistant and walked over to Jimmy 's body .
tr	2	The guards stepped back , turning and saluting the Colonel as they exited the chamber .
tr	2	The doctor held him under the arms , while the assistant held his feet .
tr	2	" Of course , you 'd have to take your classes over the internet .
tr	2	The doctor and her assistant had lowered Jimmy 's body into the water .
tr	2	In a splash of water , Jimmy suddenly sat up , gasping for air .
tr	2	His skin looked healthy , alive , no longer the pallor of the dead .
tr	2	" I thought you were dead , " Josie said between kisses .
tr	2	Jimmy didn 't know which was better - being alive or Josie kissing him .
tr	2	Josie looked around , at the stern faces of the doctor and her assistant .
tr	2	The technician stepped out of the water and walked over to the table .
tr	2	The Colonel was careful to hold it only by the corners , and the handle .
tr	2	The doctor stepped in and put her hands lightly on Josie 's shoulders .
tr	2	Josie looked at Mark , holding the steel box in front of him .
tr	2	He held the box 's handle with his right hand , like a lantern .
tr	2	He reached his left hand up to the hinged face of the box .
tr	2	After midnight it 'll take away from Jimmy twice what it 's given him . "
tr	2	If the water gave him life , what could it take away from him twice ?
tr	2	The doctor closed her eyes and looked away , repulsed by what she saw .
tr	2	Josie looked at Jimmy then at her own hands , which remained normal .
tr	2	Instead of hair , long tendrils , also of stone , hung from its scalp .
tr	2	He held out a hand to help Josie out of the water .
tr	2	" Then we 'll see if Jimmy 's ready to enlist . "
tr	2	He had no short-term memory , a condition they were laboring to reverse .
tr	2	The memory and CPU diagnostics were successful and the radio appears to be functioning . "
tr	2	Victoria had a seven year old son , Toby , from a previous marriage .
tr	2	Toby was impressive , with a photographic memory to complement his obviously high IQ .
tr	2	He was forgetful and frequently lacked the common sense even toddlers exhibited in family situations .
tr	2	Perhaps Toby would provide another successful link in this particular line of science .
tr	2	" Hello William , " said Jenny , returning to the office .
tr	2	" Thank you , " said William , snapping out of his daydream .
tr	2	He crossed the room quickly , knocked , and opened the door .
tr	2	William and Ron were in different branches of the private research group .
tr	2	Ron was an executive and until recently , the two were only casual acquaintances .
tr	2	" That 's the problem with having a trophy girlfriend , " said William .
tr	2	" Men are always trying to sneak time alone with her . "
tr	2	William was tired and more than slightly suspicious of Dr. Smith 's intentions with Victoria .
tr	2	" Yes , it 's actually old technology now , " said Ron .
tr	2	" Tell me Ron , can you clone the accelerometer networked devices William is designing ?
tr	2	Do you think they could work with this memory we 've implanted in Toby ? "
tr	2	" Ron , I must apologize for Victoria , she 's so taken with technology .
tr	2	" Doctor Smith , I 'm so sorry for getting us off track . "
tr	2	" We really cannot interpret the data , only confirm that activity is occurring .
tr	2	" Look , we 're happy when a patient doesn 't reject the organism .
tr	2	Victoria sat on the edge of the bed , William standing by her side .
tr	2	Used to a rigorous daily schedule of mental challenges , Toby quickly became bored .
tr	2	" I 'm sorry Toby , we can 't go there now .
tr	2	William 's study was comfortable , with the feel of a private library .
tr	2	The data was timely and had proven to make life more convenient .
tr	2	He had gladly spent hours pouring through the contents of each quadrant of the room .
tr	2	Your observation is commendable ; you didn 't notice things like that before .
tr	2	Your solution to this problem is brilliant and you solved it in 15 seconds .
tr	2	Toby wondered if William had programmed that into 007 just for him .
tr	2	Surely the HS wasn 't reading Latin poetry in his spare time .
tr	2	He purposely leaves these texts for me then asks about them later .
tr	2	... But it 's true ... How could he have done this ?
tr	2	He added fifteen pounds to his large frame each decade after turning 40 .
tr	2	If Jacob were alive , I think you may have broken his heart .
tr	2	" Our aspirations and yours appear to be aligned , my dear .
tr	2	" You caught me dear , but I need to escape soon .
tr	2	" I 'll try to get home early tonight , " said William .
tr	2	" Let him play in the study , he seems to love that . "
tr	2	Actually , I don 't know how he feels ... he can be so unpredictable .
tr	2	Maybe he needs the challenges you pose to him to continue growing . "
tr	2	I 'm just concerned because he 's never had to deal with many emotions . "
tr	2	He ' ll probably find something new to memorize and impress us with .
tr	2	Sounds more exciting than a workout dummy for the personal trainer field .
tr	2	Looking at Ben , William raised his eyebrows , trying not to laugh .
tr	2	" I will have a second deliverable available to you , " said Alfred .
tr	2	We have dealt with traffickers at much expense to perfect this process .
tr	2	" What can you tell me about the bomb at the Jakarta Marriott hotel ? "
tr	2	" And now you understand why I no longer have close friends , or family .
tr	2	You know of it , know it was Dr. Crawford , but you cannot help ?
tr	2	Perhaps you know a great deal about this issue , " said Alfred .
tr	2	It was far out of your control , on this you can trust .
tr	2	Two overhead spotlights illuminated their feast ; the rest of the apartment was dark .
tr	2	Toby noticed that both Victoria and William stopped eating and were looking at each other .
tr	2	" Toby , what else have you read in the study recently ? "
tr	2	Victoria , I think you could have a story there , " said William .
tr	2	They watched the distant clouds together in silence while he finished his lunch .
tr	2	There 's something going on here they want me to determine on my own .
tr	2	He could hear them inside his head , like they were in the same room .
tr	2	Toby was on his feet now , pacing around the study , his pulse racing .
tr	2	007 , now please repeat your surveillance program instructions for the afternoon . "
tr	2	" Thank you 007 , I 'll be at the host . "
tr	2	Somehow Toby instinctively felt he was a man of authority , and he looked familiar .
tr	2	" Great , " said William , " that 's new . "
tr	2	He mentioned that to me the other day on the phone . "
tr	2	Victoria was feeling increasing guilty over not sharing everything with William yet .
tr	2	" Why did you take the risk of controlling the HS ? "
tr	2	Jacob said , " That session was better than I had hoped for .
tr	2	" That 's great , " said Victoria , her spirits sinking .
tr	2	If Alfred somehow gets wind of this , we ' ll have big problems .
tr	2	We need to tightly control how this proceeds and tightly control how it ends . "
tr	2	Victoria broke in , " We just can 't let Alfred near Toby .
tr	2	He 'll progress quicker if he 's not dealing with emotions and relationship issues .
tr	2	" Do you how long he 's been involved with these terrorists ? "
tr	2	" I 'm so worried Toby will always be a part of this .
tr	2	" Victoria , don 't count on any get out of jail free cards yet .
tr	2	Jacob broke the silence , " Keep pushing for the accelerometer suit .
tr	2	I want to tell him who I am , gain his trust . "
tr	2	" OK , but don 't you think he 'll try to tell William ? "
tr	2	" I 'm going to tell Toby as much as I can .
tr	2	" Thank you for letting Toby and I stay with you , " said Victoria .
tr	2	" I think Toby is just happy to have a father figure around .
tr	2	The new memory is really giving him a new lease on life . "
tr	2	Victoria laid her head on William shoulder , relaxed and closed her eyes .
tr	2	Victoria winced , regretting her comment and regretting her role in this .
tr	2	It 's an incredible thing your father and his team pulled off . "
tr	2	" Can 't you come up with a more creative name ? "
tr	2	It basically senses acceleration relative to freefall , reporting the direction and force of motion .
tr	2	Victoria sounded out the word slowly as if trying it for the first time .
tr	2	Victoria was playing with the large suit , stretching the arms apart .
tr	2	Victoria slipped around the corner into the master bathroom and slipped off her night shirt .
tr	2	Victoria followed Williams gaze to the host display and saw a lifelike representation of herself .
tr	2	Victoria moved around the room , watching the display in Williams 's hand .
tr	2	It was early Saturday morning and William had already left for the lab .
tr	2	Toby fantasized about spending time with William every day , working on his HS projects .
tr	2	He ran down the hall to the study and closed the door .
tr	2	Victoria saw him flash past the kitchen , his feet pounding the hardwood floor .
tr	2	Simple childhood acts that most kids did a dozen times each day .
tr	2	He had lived a lavish lifestyle most of his life , it was a habit .
tr	2	Somehow , he just wasn 't the same giving , caring man .
tr	2	They had been on this path for many months and taken huge risks .
tr	2	She had always adored him ; holding back the truth from him was painful .
tr	2	There would be a day of reckoning soon and she would make him understand .
tr	2	She had the utmost faith and devotion for her father , but failure seemed certain .
tr	2	She was seething , and the long months had made her bitter .
tr	2	At least Toby was starting to behave like a normal seven year old .
tr	2	It felt like flannel pajamas , only better ; a soft stretchy full-body fit .
tr	2	" William is busy and is sorry he could not see you this morning .
tr	2	" I will try to learn all I can from this , " said Toby .
tr	2	" There is no try , only do , " said 007 .
tr	2	How did they program this HS to be so effective in any given situation ?
tr	2	There was always more going on with the adults than they would tell him .
tr	2	I just have to learn what 's going on for myself , he thought .
tr	2	" They told me you left and you couldn 't come back .
tr	2	" Let 's talk to him now , I know how to help . "
tr	2	Something is going on at NET that can hurt William and your mother . "
tr	2	When he looked back to Toby again his expression had clearly turned sad .
tr	2	William will not want to do this , but they will make him . "
tr	2	" I need to talk to mother about this , " said Toby .
tr	2	I want you to tell your mother about me and everything I tell you .
tr	2	" Mother already know you have come back to help , " Toby said .
tr	2	" That 's an old login you used to get into NET .
tr	2	" They may not know I 'm using this login , " said Jacob .
tr	2	You can be like one of them , see what they see .
tr	2	You can be their host , seeing more of what is going on around NET .
tr	2	Minutes passed , and Jacob waited in silence , staring at a blank screen .
tr	2	" I suspect sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between good people and bad people .
tr	2	" I have started to discuss NET and our concerns , " said Jacob .
tr	2	Unfortunately , NET wants to sell it to a foreign intelligence agency . "
tr	2	" And I , " said Toby , " am a research project too .
tr	2	" The implant seems to be a great success , " said Jacob .
tr	2	" I 'm glad you agree your life is better with it .
tr	2	Of course she had done the same , and he probably didn 't understand .
tr	2	He was so young and hadn 't been given the chance for a normal life .
tr	2	Victoria hugged Toby , and he relaxed , letting her squeeze him .
tr	2	" Toby , you are some 7 year old , " said Jacob .
tr	2	Toby felt this would all somehow turn out okay , despite the inherent danger .
tr	2	" Are you able to see the readings from your suit ? "
tr	2	" And you can see the readings from my suit too . "
tr	2	" 007 is in the front room of William 's lab , " said Toby .
tr	2	" 007 knows you are not brain damaged , " said Jacob .
tr	2	I think he could have a lot of fun with your average psychologist . "
tr	2	" Yes , I 've seen some of that logic , " said Toby .
tr	2	" I can say something he 'd recognize coming from me and not 007 .
tr	2	William was sitting at his desk in his lab at NET , lost in thought .
tr	2	007 repeated the message out loud : " Free Entertainment , by Victoria Cunningham .
tr	2	William laughed out loud again , tears coming to his eyes , his voice trembling .
tr	2	Dr. Jacob Crawford was killed , terminated , over a year ago .
tr	2	Toby was peering back at him , grinning and obviously proud of himself .
tr	2	" It seems you 're learning quickly , " William said hesitantly .
tr	2	Ron Smith is chief of the medical group , but you 're the brains .
tr	2	" Yes , and you do it well , " said Alfred .
tr	2	" You took Jacob Crawford 's cloning design and made it a reality . "
tr	2	This is extraordinary work , a once-in-a-lifetime achievement , from extraordinary men .
tr	2	NET , and the world , stand to reap substantial gain for years to come .
tr	2	We stand the best chance for integration between hardware and a bio org with 007 .
tr	2	I 'm thinking a micro fuel cell is what we need . "
tr	2	" The ones we used were all destined to perish in their orphanages . "
tr	2	I think we 'll have some favorable revisions , " said Alfred .
tr	2	I 'll sit on it until I hear back from you , " said Ron .
tr	2	His own network connections should be the only way to scan the room .
tr	2	William hugged her tightly , then held her back , searching her face .
tr	2	" Toby , I ' m afraid it ' s bed time .
tr	2	We need to let these two catch up , " said Victoria .
tr	2	" I 'm glad you came home , but I am tired .
tr	2	Toby allowed himself to be lead , rubbing both eyes with his free hand .
tr	2	As his everyday life had once been , he trusted Jacob explicitly .
tr	2	" It 's good to see you , my friend , " said William .
tr	2	" Alfred planned my murder , and he thinks he succeeded , " said Jacob .
tr	2	I intended to follow through and I think he understood that . "
tr	2	" I think you need to slow down and give me all the details .
tr	2	I 'll fix us a drink , " William said , leaving the study .
tr	2	" You should buy better alcohol for your friends , " said William .
tr	2	Another several moments passed , along with most of the first drink .
tr	2	" We just covered up the fact that I didn 't die .
tr	2	I should have been in that hotel lobby when the bomb went off .
tr	2	Jacob took another drink and continued , " Alfred made all the arrangements .
tr	2	He paid for the trip , including a chauffeured limo to the hotel . "
tr	2	She had said we could make it across town if we hurried .
tr	2	Jacob drained his glass quickly and rose to pour them both another .
tr	2	The blast had come from the lobby where we had both just been .
tr	2	Later we realized we had watched the limo drive away like nothing had happened .
tr	2	" We didn 't speak , just sat , for an hour maybe .
tr	2	Nothing that would hold up in court yet , " said William .
tr	2	" We drove in silence to her apartment , " he said .
tr	2	I was remembering how orderly , almost choreographed , my trip had been .
tr	2	It was empty and looked dusty through the windows -- probably unoccupied for months . "
tr	2	For all we know , they may have planned a separate trap for her .
tr	2	" Later that day , Alfred called the Jakarta office several times .
tr	2	The office did tell him that she had called in that day .
tr	2	Victoria picked up the phone after a while , but played dumb .
tr	2	Presumably , I was at the hotel when the bomb went off .
tr	2	He was worried I had shared everything -- that I had told her too much .
tr	2	" I just laid low , stayed at the apartment for the next two weeks .
tr	2	Jacob mimicked him , then poured two more , noticing the bottle was half empty .
tr	2	Alfred is an influential person , with many business contacts going back years .
tr	2	It was probably easy for him to find unscrupulous directors he could bribe .
tr	2	He said all the patients , including the children , were terminal .
tr	2	" Alfred had Toby 's birth engineered by the genetics group at NET .
tr	2	" Victoria , " William said , " is not Toby ' s mother .
tr	2	She is raising him , so Alfred and Victoria have worked that out .
tr	2	" Alfred sprung the news about Toby on me with the rest of this .
tr	2	He appealed to the researcher in me - seek first to understand .
tr	2	There was some legal work to finish , which took an entire day .
tr	2	Alfred learned of her return and hounded her to meet with him at NET corporate .
tr	2	" Victoria and I saw this as a way to right Alfred 's wrong .
tr	2	I believe through training they taught him how to use his long-term photographic memory . "
tr	2	" Your relationship with Victoria is not part of her deal with Alfred .
tr	2	" People have stopped trying to kill me , " said Jacob .
tr	2	" Then I suppose you 'll enjoy an advantage over me , " said William .
tr	2	CHAPTER SIXTEEN " Toby can connect to the network in my lab ? "
tr	2	William met her eyes as she suppressed a smirk , apparently entertained by the sight .
tr	2	You won 't be disappointed , " whispered Victoria , grasping William 's arm .
tr	2	Jacob was dividing scrambled eggs , bacon and toast among three plates .
tr	2	" I 'll have the rest of your cure ready shortly , " said Jacob .
tr	2	William tentatively tasted the slurry and determined he could survive this meal .
tr	2	" I worked from Victoria 's apartment , logging into NET with my old account .
tr	2	I was paranoid for weeks , thinking he would detect me on the network .
tr	2	" He knows the difference , he 's teasing me , " said Jacob .
tr	2	" Playing dead all these months , you are a hack , " said William .
tr	2	" Toby 's talented but it makes sense he had someone guiding him along .
tr	2	It 's a little amazing the consulting side doesn 't have a bigger presence . "
tr	2	" That 's really no more than the obvious , " said Jacob .
tr	2	He 's expendable to me ; I 'm just returning the favor . "
tr	2	" I 'm going to clean up and get Toby moving . "
tr	2	" I 'll be happy just to hold down my breakfast . "
tr	2	Toby was fitting into normal social settings better each day as he gained confidence .
tr	2	" You took me by surprise , " said William , his heart pounding .
tr	2	The women love me in this suit and I 'm milking it .
tr	2	There were a half dozen people walking toward the building , none within earshot .
tr	2	William laughed , 007 was truly a work of art and science .
tr	2	William shuttered , and 007 seemed to notice a look of concern crossing his face .
tr	2	The possibility of being kidnapped and tortured obviously added a new dimension to the projects .
tr	2	" You really should pause to breath when you speak , " said William .
tr	2	And yes , I suppose you both still have a lot to learn . "
tr	2	A human and an HS were learning from and adapting to one another .
tr	2	All visitors were permanently tracked in NET 's database , which was continuously archived .
tr	2	He sat in William 's study on the recliner , wearing his accelerometer suit .
tr	2	There are records available at NET that could be incriminating to Alfred . "
tr	2	" He was once a great man , Toby , " said Jacob .
tr	2	" I 'm a little unnerved when I 'm around 007 , " said Victoria .
tr	2	" He 's so lifelike and insightful , but you know he 's a machine .
tr	2	It would give him an unfair leg up on the competition , even stranger still .
tr	2	I think I 'd prefer to know what he is ... Oh , never mind .
tr	2	" I 'm going to take over control of 007 and meet William outside . "
tr	2	" Toby , can you show us what you 're seeing ? "
tr	2	" That 's right , if I let you , which I will .
tr	2	The display was of the administrative receptionist 's area from 007 's perspective .
tr	2	" Hello , " said 007 , leaning over the desk trying to flirt .
tr	2	" When are we going out for a drink , Jenny ? "
tr	2	By the way , I didn 't expect to see you here . "
tr	2	Will you do me a favor and stay by my desk until I 'm back ?
tr	2	" Yes , Jenny , I will man the desk for you . "
tr	2	Be right back ... " Jenny ran down the hall and turned the corner .
tr	2	" I really don 't have the legs for this job , " chuckled 007 .
tr	2	" Toby , let 's go say hello to Ben Pickerington , " said William .
tr	2	The halls between the consulting division and the research division were quiet .
tr	2	Ben regularly surprised junior staff members with expert knowledge in multiple disciplines .
tr	2	" Indeed , " said 007 , standing tall and smiling broadly .
tr	2	" William has me running the surveillance session today , dressed in my best . "
tr	2	Please let me know how I can help , " said 007 .
tr	2	" I have a message from a friend , " said 007 .
tr	2	" That , " said Ben , " sounds like Toby Cunningham .
tr	2	" Just now on my shared host connection , " said 007 .
tr	2	Ben looked into 007 's eyes , wondering exactly what Toby was seeing .
tr	2	It was his idea for me to visit you , " said 007 .
tr	2	" William would like Toby 's ability to be our little secret for now .
tr	2	" He 's fine , " William and Victoria both said at the same time .
tr	2	I 'll let Toby explain , " said William , pointing to the display .
tr	2	Normal memory , not used , fades away , " said Ben .
tr	2	" I 'm not so sure about that either , " said Toby .
tr	2	But the process taught me the function of the HS units . "
tr	2	" Are you saying you can execute our programs in your brain ? "
tr	2	" Alfred will be arriving here in 13 seconds , based on current pace . "
tr	2	" It was rocky from the beginning , connecting in fits and starts .
tr	2	Can Toby get on the mesh and see 007 's sensors ? "
tr	2	" I think it 's a huge win that he connected at all .
tr	2	He seemed relaxed and composed , which was more than she could say for herself .
tr	2	007 would be reporting her elevated respiration to the group if he could .
tr	2	" Like a new person , thank you , " said Toby .
tr	2	I hope we 're all in agreement that would be bad for NET and Toby .
tr	2	William and Ben nodded their heads in agreement , avoiding prolonged eye contact with Alfred .
tr	2	Jacob and Victoria looked at each other , shaking their heads in disbelief .
tr	2	" I 've found a potential investor interested in watching a clone process .
tr	2	They 'd like a better understanding of the process than I can give them . "
tr	2	Basically I 'll rip their group in two if we 're damaged in any way .
tr	2	Besides , you knew we 'd have to start sharing this at some point .
tr	2	" Toby , " said Alfred , " keep up your spirits .
tr	2	You are the most remarkable young man I 've seen in a long time .
tr	2	The important thing is that you 're using the implant and improving every day . "
tr	2	" Yes , I 'm trying to connect to it and learn the protocols . "
tr	2	That suit produces the same outputs as the HS unit 's , right ? "
tr	2	I had the impression he shared things completely with you two . "
tr	2	Maybe I should see if Alfred needs some help with this , " said Victoria .
tr	2	Alfred looks worse every time I see him ; I think he needs a break .
tr	2	William and Ben were eyeing each other , a decision being made .
tr	2	said Victoria , raising her voice and leaning over Toby 's shoulder .
tr	2	" We 've talked about it , " said Ben , shrugging his shoulders .
tr	2	I suppose I understand him feeling guilty , with the uncertainty and all .
tr	2	" Well , there 's more to the story , " said Victoria .
tr	2	" I think it 's a good idea , Ben , " said William .
tr	2	Now , my worst fears about these surgeries seem to be true . "
tr	2	We really don 't know what or who we 're dealing with . "
tr	2	Alfred used to be trustworthy , but something happened to him over time .
tr	2	" Pleased to meet you , young man , " Mac said .
tr	2	Mac opened the small suitcase she had deposited on the island and retrieved a camera .
tr	2	Toby felt uncomfortable and broke out into a sweat , but tried to remain calm .
tr	2	" You 're able to change the appearance of people , " stated Toby .
tr	2	" Oh , yes , I do that ... for movies and TV .
tr	2	I 'd like to apply some things to your face , too .
tr	2	" She is the definition of bizarre , " said Toby , making Victoria laugh .
tr	2	" She is eccentric , " Victoria conceded , " but she 's the best .
tr	2	" The guys are gone all day , no explanations , then ... that .
tr	2	You guys are cooking up a plan , and you 're using a decoy . "
tr	2	He intended to upgrade the unit to dual boot , effectively giving it two personalities .
tr	2	The same for all levels of the accelerometer interfaces and language interfaces .
tr	2	" Don 't worry big boy , that 's not the plan . "
tr	2	Wake me if anything goes wrong or falls outside of these parameters . "
tr	2	Reference Ben 's notes on the subject for the past week . "
tr	2	What I 'd like to do is share some thoughts with Jenny .
tr	2	I 've detected we share common ground in our love of wilderness paintings . "
tr	2	It should only take an hour or so with the wire . "
tr	2	We need to be careful and not trust anyone but of them and Toby . "
tr	2	" This has something to do with Jacob , does it not ? "
tr	2	Delete it when you 're done , from both my host and your memory .
tr	2	You can have the knowledge , but not the recording , it 's too dangerous .
tr	2	He 'll basically just sit in the chair like this and behave himself . "
tr	2	They had cleaned the apartment , and the room felt foreign without the normal clutter .
tr	2	Victoria had left him alone , intending to watch from her display in the kitchen .
tr	2	It was incredible how much work the implant did on its own .
tr	2	" It 's just an old program executing to make him look lifelike .
tr	2	I thought it might come in handy during the duration of a reboot .
tr	2	" We need to get this show on the road , " said William .
tr	2	We need 007 to set the Eye and make the connection soon . "
tr	2	Other than the motion sensors , his would be the only recording of this event .
tr	2	It had taken only five seconds to set and verify the sensor .
tr	2	007 waved , turning his head to make eye contact , but kept moving .
tr	2	" I hope he doesn 't forget that he forgot , " said Toby .
tr	2	Toby was belly laughing now , causing the sensors in his accelerometer suit to spike .
tr	2	William rotated the video feed and focused on the text as Alfred sent his message .
tr	2	" I 'm back , " 007 declared , jogging up to William 's desk .
tr	2	" The buffoon is sitting at the top of the stairs staring into space . "
tr	2	" We have agreed to the HS and the clone process , including a demo .
tr	2	I 'm struggling to provide the means to demo the clone as it is .
tr	2	The outfit was complete with a black jacket , bow tie and shiny black shoes .
tr	2	" Are you picking up the data feeds from the suit ? "
tr	2	There was no need for the lasers to tag him with an ID dot .
tr	2	" I had him lowered by two inches , " replied William .
tr	2	" Now I 'm the fourth best dressed person in the room . "
tr	2	" Well , that should do , " said Jacob , entering the room .
tr	2	Playing " host " to these visitors was enough stress to kill a horse .
tr	2	There was little doubt he would find and destroy the main recording .
tr	2	" We have shared many messages over the past months , " said Alfred .
tr	2	Alfred started to speak , but Victoria waved him off and continued .
tr	2	Alfred started to walk , pulling her arm to follow the group .
tr	2	Ahmad spoke near perfect English , although the words seemed odd coming from him .
tr	2	We were just taking a bathroom break when we stumbled onto you . "
tr	2	" Ahmad , it is good to see you again , " said Victoria .
tr	2	She took Toby by the hand and led him down a corridor beside the elevators .
tr	2	But you are correct , it appears we do not need the security .
tr	2	" No , " said Ben , " Ahmad looks familiar to me .
tr	2	I think we need to record a conversation about money and terms . "
tr	2	The two goons are heading back to the car , " said William .
tr	2	" I suppose we could lock them out and call the cavalry . "
tr	2	" Guys , " said Jacob , " we need more evidence .
tr	2	" We 're not safe in this building , " said William .
tr	2	" Don 't be a fool , they 'll take you too . "
tr	2	They 're likely to kidnap him if given half a chance . "
tr	2	Toby shared the video , audio and text console message feeds with the group .
tr	2	" Then have him walk quickly out the front door , looking around , panicky .
tr	2	CHAPTER THIRTY The elevator bell sounded and the door opened on the lower level .
tr	2	" Please excuse me , I need to check my messages . "
tr	2	" It 's okay , make him jump inside , " Jacob said .
tr	2	" Hey Toby , stop , " called the larger one in the lead .
tr	2	You must trust that I have your best interests at heart . "
tr	2	" Mohan , take Toby out to eat and get him anything he wants .
tr	2	You would like a cheeseburger , french fries and a chocolate milk shake , no ?
tr	2	" He told him to take Toby back to the airport , " said Toby .
tr	2	" Cooperate , " said Jacob , " go along with him .
tr	2	It takes one of them out of here and we can track them . "
tr	2	" Get a close-up still shot of this guy coming in , " said Jacob .
tr	2	Ahmad nodded at him from the sofa and raised his coffee cup in acknowledgement .
tr	2	Had he been played from the beginning -- from Jacob 's trip to Jakarta ?
tr	2	An attorney had convinced him it was essential for Jacob to make the trip .
tr	2	" May we please go to a more secure area to discuss the deliverables ? "
tr	2	This was done through several seemingly redundant checks based on sensors available in the area .
tr	2	Alfred had a bout of nausea that nearly made his knees buckle .
tr	2	" Look , " she called out , pointing to her display .
tr	2	The motion sensors have fired , and he appears to be moving .
tr	2	We 'll be able to see him if he enters the stall . "
tr	2	Immediately they could see the stall door open , and a shadow as Mohammed entered .
tr	2	He took a step forward , coming into full view as Toby focused the eye .
tr	2	" He 's attaching a silencer to a pistol , " said Ben .
tr	2	" We can 't just let him murder Alfred , " said Victoria .
tr	2	" We need more information , and maybe he only intends to scare him . "
tr	2	Mohammed was back in the hall again when Alfred 's elevator arrived .
tr	2	After a long moment , the two walked to Alfred 's office without comment .
tr	2	The teams had enough talent to deliver the tools , they only needed a leader .
tr	2	But Dr. Crawford had to be eliminated , thanks to you . "
tr	2	Mohammed pulled the pistol out and pointed it at Alfred 's chest .
tr	2	Alfred slumped forward in slow motion , his head coming to rest on the desk .
tr	2	" Toby , stop the security system from reporting this alert , " said Jacob .
tr	2	007 left the room on a dead run , heading toward Alfred 's office .
tr	2	" Right , " said Ben , rushing out of the room .
tr	2	Alfred will be in the best hands possible when Ben gets there .
tr	2	Alfred cannot be in better hands than Dr. Ben 's right now .
tr	2	Alfred rolled his eyes forward , looked at 007 , and reached for him .
tr	2	" Go on back to Toby then , I 'll take care of this .
tr	2	Take that pistol back to William 's lab and hide it someplace safe . "
tr	2	" No , but I 'm an expert on several driving simulators .
tr	2	After some real experience , perhaps I 'll suggest a night out with Jenny . "
tr	2	" Of course , they 're right where the chauffeur left them . "
tr	2	" Of course , but I don 't need the keys to operate the limousine .
tr	2	They just never let me take her out for a spin . "
tr	2	Toby left the lab on a run with 007 on his heels .
tr	2	I 'm going to research a bit further , and then go find it . "
tr	2	Anyone checking on them would think they had stayed in the lab .
tr	2	" Mohammed came into the building with a case of some type .
tr	2	He didn 't have a gun the first time he entered . "
tr	2	" You can 't scan this and determine what 's inside can you ?
tr	2	I 'm blocking the security system from tracing our exit from the building .
tr	2	They 'll think we 're in the lab the whole time . "
tr	2	But you realize this is a completely unsanctioned activity , " said 007 .
tr	2	" We 'll leave it in the middle of the parking lot .
tr	2	Toby ran to the limo , clawed the rear door open , and jumped inside .
tr	2	" Like most of NET assets , this is no ordinary limo .
tr	2	I must drive conservatively after we leave NET property to avoid drawing attention . "
tr	2	" While we 're still on NET property , let 's make haste .
tr	2	Go to the private entrance ; I think 006 is in the private plane hangar .
tr	2	You should be able to get this NET asset through the security .
tr	2	The clone process is not going to happen in that basement lab .
tr	2	We have the most power if all three of us are together .
tr	2	" Now what are these red , yellow and green lights at the intersections ? "
tr	2	" Just teasing you , " said 007 , giggling like a school girl .
tr	2	I have a fix on 006 's position , and you 're right .
tr	2	Apparently , I 've been a driver for NET for five years now .
tr	2	" It was my business , and my responsibility to know , " said Jacob .
tr	2	She was thinking of the bomb in Jakarta , and of Toby .
tr	2	We 'll lock these two in the basement and call the authorities .
tr	2	Toby connected to the video feed from 006 , seeing through 006 's eyes .
tr	2	" 006 is right inside that hanger , third window down . "
tr	2	007 complied , the rear bumper of the limo just even with the window .
tr	2	The room was still empty , the quiet music the only sound .
tr	2	Toby stripped off his clothes and handed the accelerometer suit to 006 .
tr	2	There was nothing to do now but wait and worry about them getting back .
tr	2	Of course , I don 't know yet that we have a bomb here .
tr	2	Our lobby is armored , walled off from the rest of the facility . "
tr	2	" Oh , " said 007 , " I love these conversations .
tr	2	" 007 , keep your eyes on the road , " Toby hissed .
tr	2	" Do you have a better idea of what to do with it ? "
tr	2	Victoria and Jacob entered the lower level , looking for the two Asians .
tr	2	Victoria raised her eyebrows , nodded approvingly , and looked at Ahmad .
tr	2	" I think I 'll let Daddy handle you , too . "
tr	2	Victoria was trembling , fighting an overwhelming urge to run and find Toby .
tr	2	She mirrored Jacob 's composure , willing her emotions to not betray her .
tr	2	" You so helpfully chose to meet your father at the hotel .
tr	2	You both knew enough to cause us problems , but you didn 't act . "
tr	2	" I am never without contingency plans , even if that were true . "
tr	2	Your friend at the airport will be in the hands of security by now .
tr	2	" Alfred died of a heart attack after he killed your professional . "
tr	2	" Alfred shot Mohammed , in self-defense , and then suffered a heart attack .
tr	2	Ahmad sighed , folded his hands , and looked at them pensively .
tr	2	" Tell us something we don 't know , " said Victoria .
tr	2	The new technology was already discovered , it just had to be applied . "
tr	2	" Please , Miss Crawford , I am not an amateur . "
tr	2	Ben entered from the stairwell and crossed the room slowly , ignoring the others .
tr	2	There are several parties -- in Asia alone -- keenly interested in this technology .
tr	2	Loud noises came from throughout the building as items crashed off shelves in surrounding rooms .
tr	2	An emergency light around the corner came on , but did not illuminate their room .
tr	2	" Stay here , " Ben called out , already at the stairwell .
tr	2	Victoria 's stomach dropped and she strained to hear , remaining perfectly still .
tr	2	Suddenly the stairwell door burst open , and 007 ran into the room .
tr	2	" You are a sight for sore eyes , " said Victoria .
tr	2	You know , he 's really quite capable of taking care of himself . "
tr	2	A full second later , a new sensor in the lobby reported his arrival .
tr	2	At that instant , Toby restored the electric power to the building .
tr	2	Toby stood , holding his finger to his lips , motioning to be quiet .
tr	2	The parking lot was a crater with several cars randomly strewn about .
tr	2	007 followed them , leading Prasad by a plastic tie binding his wrists .
tr	2	007 and Jacob locked Prasad in the security scanner hall with Ahmad .
tr	2	Toby convinced me it was our best alternative , " said William .
tr	2	" We have so much explaining to do , " said Victoria .
tr	2	" It would detonate if tampered with , or in 72 hours .
tr	2	We 're not dealing with the best and brightest , here . "
tr	2	" 007 detected a low-level radio signal communicating on a secure connection within the briefcase .
tr	2	Someone far away , probably another country , was monitoring the unit .
tr	2	Perhaps they were going to detonate it manually , " said Toby .
tr	2	They all paused , considering the implications -- that others may be seeking the technology .
tr	2	Other than ourselves , there was no one within a two-mile radius of the bomb .
tr	2	Or , possibly , Ahmad sent off a signal somehow and they detonated it remotely .
tr	2	Toby was misty-eyed , with one arm around Jacob , the other around Victoria .
tr	2	The explosion and the crater in the parking lot were attributed to a gas leak .
tr	2	The details of Alfred 's final two years , including his death , remained private .
tr	2	This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	CHAPTER ONE The bad thing happened on the second day of their vacation .
tr	2	The Boeing 757 touched down at Shannon Airport outside of Limerick in early September 2011 .
tr	2	" And you 're positive I 'll be able to recharge my iPhone ? "
tr	2	" But consider giving the iPhone a break , " Sarah said .
tr	2	I just don 't want to be bored out of my mind , okay ?
tr	2	Plenty of time to fight this old battle later , his expression said .
tr	2	" Let 's find some authentic Irish food , " he said with a smile .
tr	2	" Come get warm by the fire and eat something , " Sarah said .
tr	2	John settled into a chair next to his mother and examined his breakfast plate .
tr	2	" John , everything is weird when you 're in a foreign country , okay ?
tr	2	The door swung open and an icy blast of air invaded the room .
tr	2	David strode in , gave her a quick kiss and sat down .
tr	2	The road divided undulating hocks and hills crisscrossed by ancient stone walls .
tr	2	John tossed aside his Game Boy and pointed over his mother 's shoulder .
tr	2	" Give it to the sheep , dear , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" Just trying to adjust to island time , you know . "
tr	2	" Or at least pack them away until it 's time to go home . "
tr	2	They sat in silence as the sheep and their shepherd moved slowly across the road .
tr	2	They had all gotten stretched thin with their schedules back in Jacksonville .
tr	2	It was clear that no one had lived in the place for a long time .
tr	2	David looked at the piece of paper Sarah held in her hand .
tr	2	David asked , his eyes still taking in the small stone cottage .
tr	2	" Let 's look in the house first , son , " he said .
tr	2	" It 's not locked , " he said before darting inside .
tr	2	" The one I booked on the Internet was much bigger . "
tr	2	Next to it was a door , which Sarah hoped was to an indoor bathroom .
tr	2	The floor was polished wood and several thick rugs covered most of it .
tr	2	" Why don 't we unpack our groceries and get settled in a little ? "
tr	2	" I say we make the most of what we 've got . "
tr	2	He kissed her then called to John : " Come on , John .
tr	2	" John , " David moaned from his side of the big bed .
tr	2	" We need to have some rules about the TV , " she said .
tr	2	He stood next to his son in front of the TV set .
tr	2	Sarah pulled on a sweatshirt and joined David and John in front of the TV .
tr	2	There were explosions , cars flipped over , crumpled buildings , and fires .
tr	2	" My God , what is -- " Sarah covered her mouth with her hands .
tr	2	" It 's home , " she turned to look at David .
tr	2	" For God 's sake , don 't let him see this . "
tr	2	The rain splattered droplets of mud onto the legs of their pajamas .
tr	2	" They 've shut down all flights in and out of the States .
tr	2	" I don 't know if that 's a good idea , " he said .
tr	2	" They 're suggesting some place in the Middle East , big surprise .
tr	2	It was just , you know , mayhem and fire and explosions .
tr	2	The brightness faded and the sky returned to a bright Irish fall day .
tr	2	" We need to get into town and see if anybody knows anything there . "
tr	2	He looked out over the pasture where the flash had lit up the sky .
tr	2	" Keys , David , please , " she said , her voice becoming shrill .
tr	2	" Let 's don 't do this here , " he said .
tr	2	" It 's a world catastrophe , Sarah , " he said .
tr	2	" So , why doesn 't our car work in Ireland ? "
tr	2	Sarah stared at the car as if she were in a trance .
tr	2	" Or anywhere else , " David said , looking toward the dusky blue horizon .
tr	2	" John , please stop asking me that , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" It 's been too long since I rode , " she said .
tr	2	Sarah stood up from the porch step where she had been sitting .
tr	2	" Both of you , listen to me , " she said with exasperation .
tr	2	" Why don 't we try one out in the paddock ? "
tr	2	The first person they met was Siobhan Scahill , the dairy and pub owner .
tr	2	" Mom says we need to take things slow , " John replied .
tr	2	The telly went out about two hours ago with the rest of the power . "
tr	2	" My Michael is hard to locate at the best of times .
tr	2	" Although Jimmy Hennessey did say he got his tractor to working . "
tr	2	But you 're staying at the McKinney place , aren 't you ? "
tr	2	More of a weekend cabin , not really a tourist rental ? "
tr	2	" But you 've got the goat , don 't you ? "
tr	2	" They 'll be living in London , won 't they ? "
tr	2	" But the emails I got from her said there were caretakers .
tr	2	" Well , sure you 'll be needing to take care of the horses .
tr	2	Don 't tell me the poor things haven 't eaten since you 've arrived ? "
tr	2	" I suppose there 's horse feed in this root cellar , too ? "
tr	2	" I 'll not be knowing anything about any caretakers , " she said .
tr	2	" Who 's been taking care of the horses until now ? "
tr	2	David pointed to a kerosene lantern sitting high up on a corner shelf .
tr	2	" And I see you still have matches and a jug of kerosene . "
tr	2	There 's a little restaurant down the way , " he nodded down the street .
tr	2	Sarah began limping before they had turned the first corner out of town .
tr	2	" Just a few more seconds and you 'll be in bed . "
tr	2	" All the cellphone towers are fried , all the cars , the power grid .
tr	2	" Oh , my God , " she said , her voice a whisper .
tr	2	" I 'm sure everyone is already working on rebuilding things , " he said .
tr	2	" In the meantime , " Sarah said , " We 're safe ? "
tr	2	David dragged a bag of feed and the three of them went into the stables .
tr	2	It was obvious that the horses ' stalls had not been mucked out for weeks .
tr	2	" Oh , shit , " Sarah said when she saw it .
tr	2	" I 'll do one and you do two , " she said to David .
tr	2	She took a leather halter off the hook in front of the first stall .
tr	2	The name " Dan " was on a tarnished metal plaque on the door .
tr	2	" Just gon na arrange breakfast and do a linen change , big guy . "
tr	2	Carefully , she approached the horse and slipped the halter over his head .
tr	2	She was grateful for his calmness and tried to force herself to relax .
tr	2	He handed her the leather lead he had found hanging on the wall .
tr	2	She clipped the lead to the halter and led the horse out of the stall .
tr	2	" Don 't you think we should try to get to Limerick ?
tr	2	" I don 't think staying here is a good idea , " she said .
tr	2	He had started to stamp his feet and that made her more nervous .
tr	2	" Even if the cities aren 't radioactive , it 's still a bad idea .
tr	2	" I mean whatever has happened , it 's because of us .
tr	2	" Should we ... should we stay away from town , do you think ?
tr	2	" I don 't know , " Mat said , picking up the pitchfork again .
tr	2	Sarah hadn 't noticed John enter the barn and wondered how much he had heard .
tr	2	An hour later , all the horses had been fed and their stalls cleaned .
tr	2	" I guess we won 't know until communications have been restored . "
tr	2	Sarah came up behind him , and wiped her hands on a towel .
tr	2	" And you think we should just live here in the meantime ? "
tr	2	" Well , I suppose I could analyze the bigger questions here . "
tr	2	" God knows , you 'll have time to do it , too . "
tr	2	" Well , I wish you 'd both chill , " he said .
tr	2	" It 's only September so there should be berry patches somewhere .
tr	2	" I 'm going to make bread tomorrow , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" We 've got salt and water and bags of flour in the cellar .
tr	2	I don 't think I even need yeast to make it work . "
tr	2	" Let 's just take this one step at a time . "
tr	2	They 're probably working right this minute to try to get us home . "
tr	2	" Trust me , sweetie , " Sarah said as she kissed him .
tr	2	She saw his silhouette as he stood at the living room window .
tr	2	Watching him , she could feel the anxiety and tension pinging off him in waves .
tr	2	His voice sounded hoarse and muffled -- as if he 'd been crying .
tr	2	Sarah woke to the feel of her husband and son nestled beside her .
tr	2	" I 'll make tea , " her husband murmured into his pillow .
tr	2	He got out of bed and threw several logs in the woodstove .
tr	2	" Don 't worry , " John said , pulling on his jeans .
tr	2	" I want the little brown one , " John said to his Dad .
tr	2	" So I 'll call him Star , " he said happily .
tr	2	" Right , " David said , settling on the bed with them .
tr	2	The two horses and one pony were tacked up and stood quietly .
tr	2	" This is not like how you 've ridden before , John . "
tr	2	Just walk around the paddock and get used to him , " she said .
tr	2	" Kind of , " he said , lacing his fingers to boost her up .
tr	2	Now that she was on , she felt herself relaxing just a bit .
tr	2	" David , I 'm not sure about this , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" Why don 't we take some time to get comfortable with the horses first ?
tr	2	" It 's just that ... " David ran his hand over his chin .
tr	2	" Let 's don 't rush it , darling , " she said .
tr	2	he said , squinting down the road that led from Cairn Cottage .
tr	2	" Just move with your pony , " Sarah called ahead to John .
tr	2	" How long do you think we 'll be stuck here ? "
tr	2	" I don 't know , " David said , clicking to his horse .
tr	2	He trotted his horse away from her to catch up to John .
tr	2	His hands rested on his knees as he stared out across the scrubby Irish landscape .
tr	2	Finn could smell the boy 's fear and he smiled to himself .
tr	2	A world that was uninterested in rules or laws or should or musts .
tr	2	Sarah knew she had psyched herself out with horses many years ago .
tr	2	Now she had living proof that it was all in her head .
tr	2	She was still worried , but the tension in her gut seemed to have eased .
tr	2	When John trotted up beside her she realized she had been holding her breath .
tr	2	he asked , his face pink with fresh air and his exertion .
tr	2	Is it just Americans who think in terms of ownership when they like something ?
tr	2	Sarah smiled , and she could feel the knot in her stomach diminish .
tr	2	" Your friends got happy-go-lucky green riders and you got the basket case . "
tr	2	" I think there 's a farm up ahead , " he said .
tr	2	" If there 's anyone home , we can find out about our caretakers . "
tr	2	He turned to Sarah and said , " Maybe he doesn 't speak English ? "
tr	2	She smiled at the man who only narrowed his eyes at her .
tr	2	" Oh , come in , come in , " she said .
tr	2	She touched the older man on the shoulder and spoke abruptly to him in Gaelic .
tr	2	" I 'm so glad to meet you , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" We were afraid you wouldn 't be able to get out and about .
tr	2	She poured the hot water into an old brown teapot on the kitchen counter .
tr	2	Have you been able to get word back to your people in America ? "
tr	2	" Meanwhile , there 's us getting on and getting by . "
tr	2	" I 'm not sure how we 'll survive out here , " she said .
tr	2	" You 'll take it one day at a time and you 'll learn . "
tr	2	And with Himself tracking in every manner of dirt all day long .
tr	2	" Mom , you can 't understand a word he says . "
tr	2	" Are you heading somewhere today or just visiting the neighbors ? "
tr	2	David sat down next to Sarah and gave her arm a squeeze .
tr	2	" If you 're sure it 's no trouble , " she said .
tr	2	Fresh meat would be a welcome and the company even more so .
tr	2	Eight other men sat or stood around the small fire smoking and drinking beer .
tr	2	The men around the campfire were unshaven and their clothes virtually rags .
tr	2	" I seen ' im , Mack , " one man said .
tr	2	He grinned and mimicked Brandon 's pointing gesture when he had fingered Billy .
tr	2	He put his hand on the shoulder of the man now holding the dead dog .
tr	2	David stashed them in his saddlebags as if they were the finest caviar .
tr	2	They were both enjoying their own thoughts as they processed the day 's events .
tr	2	John , sensing the change in her , shook his sleepiness away .
tr	2	Sarah caught her breath and pulled him away from the front steps .
tr	2	" The food they took was food stolen out of your son 's mouth . "
tr	2	" They didn 't find the wine , " David said with a smile .
tr	2	The next morning , David was up early hammering on the house 's exterior .
tr	2	Sarah felt a kernel of anxiety in the pit of her stomach .
tr	2	She was not at all sure about that but she didn 't have any choice .
tr	2	David came into the kitchen and dropped a heavy hammer onto the dining table .
tr	2	Sarah tried to keep the note of incredulity out of her voice .
tr	2	Sarah added two more eggs to the skillet and felt her own stomach growl .
tr	2	John took his plate of eggs and sat down at the kitchen table .
tr	2	" I 'll bring back milk and eggs , " he promised .
tr	2	She pulled open drawers in the kitchen , looking for a bread recipe .
tr	2	Sarah crossed the living room and began pulling books off the shelves .
tr	2	On the very bottom shelf of the bookcase , she found it .
tr	2	Finding it felt like the first real stroke of luck since the crisis .
tr	2	She was surprised by a stack of wood outside the kitchen door .
tr	2	David came out of the barn , wiping his hands on his jeans .
tr	2	" Hey , " he said , walking toward her and smiling .
tr	2	" Do you know for a fact that the pasture is fenced ? "
tr	2	Sarah literally vibrated with the anxiety that pulsed through her at his words .
tr	2	Instead , she found herself turning toward the pasture at a run .
tr	2	" You can 't just let him go do his own thing .
tr	2	" I 'm sorry ... " " We were broken into last night !
tr	2	" Look , I know -- " " No , you don 't know !
tr	2	Some part of her knew he wasn 't to blame for John being missing .
tr	2	She turned to walk back to the house , praying that John was there .
tr	2	" You keep looking for him out here , " she said .
tr	2	" I 'm going to see if he 's back at the cottage . "
tr	2	It was early afternoon but already it seemed as if the sun had disappeared .
tr	2	The courtyard was empty but something caught her eye in the pasture behind the house .
tr	2	A small herd of fluffy white sheep were moving steadily toward the cottage .
tr	2	Sarah looked closer and could see John 's red shirt in front of the flock .
tr	2	Sarah shifted both lead ropes to one hand and hugged him tightly .
tr	2	The fear and anxiety of the last hour would take awhile to abate .
tr	2	" Well , let 's get them into the paddock , " she said .
tr	2	Sarah let the flock go ahead and followed with the two horses .
tr	2	" You know , we can eat the sheep , too , " David said .
tr	2	" These sheep are not for eating , " John said , firmly .
tr	2	All of a sudden the room reverberated with the sound of a shrill scream .
tr	2	Sarah could tell he was making his voice sound deep and threatening .
tr	2	The next morning , Sarah noticed that John was very quiet at breakfast .
tr	2	" You know , God made that rabbit for us , " she said .
tr	2	John pushed his eggs around with his fork and did not look up .
tr	2	" We need the meat and you helped give us that . "
tr	2	David learned how to quickly gut and skin a rabbit ( without gagging ) .
tr	2	She made it " family friendly " when needed as she read .
tr	2	The second time , John accompanied him and they brought back a live chicken .
tr	2	" It 's ' cause the sheep trust us , " John was saying .
tr	2	" They just know that we know what 's best for them . "
tr	2	" I don 't know the real name of it , " he said .
tr	2	" It 's big and blue so that 's what I call it .
tr	2	That 's the point I was trying to make , " he said .
tr	2	David sat back in his chair and picked up the hatchet he was sharpening .
tr	2	" And we 're Orca with the gimpy leg , " he said .
tr	2	" Well , that 's what I think , " he said .
tr	2	" I see it every time I move ' em to a new pasture .
tr	2	But when they chill and let me do the leading , they 're fine . "
tr	2	John dumped the bridle he was working on to the floor next to him .
tr	2	" Why do girls always go down to the basement when they hear a noise ?
tr	2	" Do you ... is there any way to protect yourselves ? "
tr	2	A fat lot of good they did him , lying in his own gore . "
tr	2	" So , maybe the killers were someone who knew the dogs ? "
tr	2	" It 's just , it would explain why ... " she said .
tr	2	That night , Sarah and John sat in front of the fireplace as usual .
tr	2	" Feels weird , Dad not being here , " John said .
tr	2	Just feels wrong not to all be here , is all . "
tr	2	" Dad said not to tell you , " John said , frowning at her .
tr	2	" He said you 'd freak out about a gun in the house . "
tr	2	" He says he had a rifle when he was a kid . "
tr	2	Sarah looked at her son as if there were more to the story .
tr	2	CHAPTER EIGHT The next morning , they woke up to frost on the ground .
tr	2	John 's jacket was so big , he folded the sleeves back .
tr	2	What if they were here long enough for him to grow into them ?
tr	2	She couldn 't remember the last time the child had been clean .
tr	2	She found herself looking up repeatedly to see if David might appear on the horizon .
tr	2	She fetched the rifle from the kitchen and the box of rounds .
tr	2	With shaking fingers , she fumbled a round into the side port .
tr	2	" Dear God in Heaven , how do you know that ? "
tr	2	" I saw it on YouTube , " he said , shrugging .
tr	2	" You can 't put that in port side , " John said .
tr	2	He turned facing the scarecrow and pointed the gun in that direction .
tr	2	" Just two shots apiece to save ammunition , " she said .
tr	2	Sarah 's first shot hit the body and the second one missed entirely .
tr	2	( Which , of course , works out okay these days . )
tr	2	The mornings are crystal blue and so bright at first that it hurts your eyes .
tr	2	Every once in awhile he got up and added a stick to the fire .
tr	2	She folded the letter and tucked it inside her Joy of Cooking cookbook .
tr	2	When they came back into the kitchen , their clothes were wet .
tr	2	His injured hand was bandaged and he held it out away from his body .
tr	2	David took a hot muffin and sat down at the kitchen table .
tr	2	But we 'll check on them later to make sure they 're good . "
tr	2	" I had no idea it would snow this early in Ireland . "
tr	2	Most people wouldn 't live like this if they had a choice . "
tr	2	" I don 't like the feeling of being out here by ourselves . "
tr	2	" I 'm tacking up Star , " he said , shrugging into his jacket .
tr	2	" Gon na check on the sheep in the far pasture . "
tr	2	Give it to God Give it to God Give it ... She looked at David .
tr	2	" But unlike everyone else , we don 't have a choice . "
tr	2	She was going to serve up the goat butter she had made earlier .
tr	2	It made her feel more confident the more she was around them .
tr	2	She picked up the chicken feed bowl and visited the coop first .
tr	2	David stood in the door , cradling his hand to his chest .
tr	2	" I thought you were going with him to check on the sheep . "
tr	2	" This is not a safe place to be wandering about anymore , David .
tr	2	Sarah tried to fight down the surge of fear that began to radiate from her .
tr	2	" We can 't live like scared rabbits , either , Sarah . "
tr	2	" Alive scared rabbits , " she said , suddenly furious with him .
tr	2	" I thought you 'd do pretty much what you 're doing right now .
tr	2	The arrogance of him thinking he was less anxious than she was !
tr	2	" One of ' em 's ... one of ' em got killed . "
tr	2	Her son looked like he might cry and Sarah felt her stomach tighten .
tr	2	John shoved his pony 's reins to Sarah and ran after this father .
tr	2	Sarah handed him the rifle and a small bag of cold biscuits with goat butter .
tr	2	" So you 're going to be doing this from now on ?
tr	2	" Look , Sarah , I don 't know what their value is to us .
tr	2	That first night , he loosened Rocky 's girth and tethered him to a bush .
tr	2	The sheep had found a natural stone windbreak and had bedded down nearby .
tr	2	The grease from the goat butter coated his fingers and he licked them clean .
tr	2	That was a part of her that didn 't surprise him at all .
tr	2	No matter what life threw at them , she dealt with it .
tr	2	On the other hand , he knew her ability to function came at a price .
tr	2	He had to admit there was a lot to be afraid of nowadays .
tr	2	David woke to the sight of his son walking toward him and leading his pony .
tr	2	" I don 't suppose you brought a thermos of coffee ? "
tr	2	" I don 't think predators will attack in the daylight , " he said .
tr	2	" Something comes , throw rocks at it or come get me . "
tr	2	" We don 't know how long he 'll be gone . "
tr	2	She listened intently for any sound of her boy and his flock .
tr	2	The world around her was beautiful and she was an integral part of it .
tr	2	She could see John from the top of the little knoll she had just climbed .
tr	2	" Maybe we could catch the dog , " she said with no conviction .
tr	2	Unless you 're cold and want to -- " " I 'm good . "
tr	2	Maybe , she thought with surprise , maybe they 're not so stupid .
tr	2	" And don 't come back with him , " she told him .
tr	2	But she could see he didn 't want to argue the point with her .
tr	2	" Put him to bed for the night , will you , sport ?
tr	2	Sarah put her hand on David 's sleeve and then jerked it back .
tr	2	Something was moving in the knapsack he had used to store the gun .
tr	2	She gathered up the dogs in her arms and spoke to John .
tr	2	" Hurry with Rocky , and then come help me , okay ?
tr	2	" A real survivalist would 've strangled them all , " he said .
tr	2	" The last thing we need is more critters to feed . "
tr	2	" You turned a bad day into a sort of miracle . "
tr	2	It wasn 't just him and his kind feeling the lack but everyone .
tr	2	He knew he would win the hand and the one after that .
tr	2	Didn 't he , of all people , know that , if nothing else ?
tr	2	I 'm glad to see my son already understands how to do it .
tr	2	I cannot tell you what a day I have ahead of me today !
tr	2	Outside it was as dark as night , yet she knew her workday had begun .
tr	2	The cottages on the perimeter of the town were empty as well .
tr	2	Sometimes people actually showed up in their frontcourt asking for food or news .
tr	2	With effort , it could be moved with both of them dragging it .
tr	2	She milked the little goat daily and made bread dough every other day .
tr	2	She went in the barn often to check the horses for injuries .
tr	2	She had decided to make a special meal for David 's homecoming .
tr	2	There were eight now and they could afford to lose one to a meal .
tr	2	They gave her the precious eggs that made life so much more bearable .
tr	2	The thought of killing one of the " girls " was difficult .
tr	2	He led them at a run to the front door and he flung it open .
tr	2	Then he turned and went back to the bathroom , closing the door behind him .
tr	2	It 's the one part of me that 's always clean . "
tr	2	Then she added a large scoop of scrambled eggs to the plate .
tr	2	He pulled off two pieces of biscuit and fed them to his dogs .
tr	2	" Is this egg one of Ethel 's , do you think ?
tr	2	' Coz that 's what I call giving to the bitter end . "
tr	2	Sarah wagged a warning spatula at him that just made them both laugh harder .
tr	2	He tried to imagine the chaos at home and how his in-laws might be faring .
tr	2	The old man looked at him blankly over his morning cup of tea .
tr	2	He had milked them , fed them , and returned them to the pasture .
tr	2	Sarah seemed to be handling it better than he could ever have imagined .
tr	2	Was all this just another case of him not being able to say no ?
tr	2	This was a world crisis needing everyone to pitch in and help each other .
tr	2	It suddenly occurred to him that the two farms would do better to consolidate .
tr	2	Then , Ethel acted like she had prior Intel about the afternoon 's planned activities .
tr	2	From the minute Sarah came into the coop , the chicken ran from her .
tr	2	And because she ran , the other chickens became afraid and ran , too .
tr	2	The bag twitched and convulsed maniacally at the end of her arm .
tr	2	David shook his head and looked at Seamus who stared peacefully out across the pasture .
tr	2	The dog , if he had barked , would not have awakened him .
tr	2	It didn 't look like he would be going home early today after all .
tr	2	She was out of yeast but David seemed to prefer the simple flour biscuits anyway .
tr	2	The aroma from the chicken dish nearly brought tears to her eyes .
tr	2	He gave a thumbs up to indicate he understood and turned back to his training .
tr	2	She noticed a single chicken feather wafting alone in the corner of the room .
tr	2	The plucking and gutting had been nearly as traumatic as the killing .
tr	2	But the thrill of her accomplishment blotted out the pain and horror of the day .
tr	2	" Do you think something happened to him on the road ? "
tr	2	He walked to the front door and looked out at the road .
tr	2	" John , did you do last check on the animals ? "
tr	2	" You 're terrible at chess , " he said , shrugging into his coat .
tr	2	It occurred to her that she had stopped taking her anti-anxiety medicine weeks ago .
tr	2	She had dreaded the day when she would take her last pill .
tr	2	And then , things got so busy , she actually forgot to take them .
tr	2	Sarah 's hand froze as she was wrapping the biscuits and stared at the dogs .
tr	2	One boy , her own child , stood between them and the barn .
tr	2	She stood with the rifle to her shoulder and aimed at them .
tr	2	One took a step toward her and she shifted her aim toward him .
tr	2	Sarah dared not take her eyes off the man in her sights .
tr	2	He watched her eyes carefully and grinned at her through broken teeth .
tr	2	" She 's got two chances then she 's done , " he said .
tr	2	" I got one for each of you now , " she said .
tr	2	The man with his arms upraised looked from Sarah to the man who was bleeding .
tr	2	The wounded man looked at Sarah , his face contorted with loathing .
tr	2	" I 'm protecting my family , " Sarah said , feeling stronger every second .
tr	2	" I 'll need you to stand away from the barn a bit .
tr	2	The one John had crowned with the manure shovel howled the loudest .
tr	2	She pointed with the rifle barrel at the one in the dirt .
tr	2	" So are you saying she should kill me then , Mack ? "
tr	2	Sarah watched it as if she were watching a movie with the sound turned off .
tr	2	She saw the wounded man 's mouth open in a large cavernous but mute oval .
tr	2	He retrieved the shovel and stood , panting with excitement , next to Sarah .
tr	2	" You and your buddy leave now before I change my mind . "
tr	2	David threw a tarp over the body and returned to the kitchen .
tr	2	He had ridden home , determined not to be separated another night from his family .
tr	2	On the road , he had seen two men stumbling in the dark .
tr	2	" I just knew that at that range I couldn 't miss . "
tr	2	" I didn 't have time to worry about that , " she said .
tr	2	" It went bad , " Georgie kept saying afterward to anyone who would listen .
tr	2	As if he wouldn 't have gotten around to taking her from his brother eventually .
tr	2	He put his hand out to her from where he lay on the cot .
tr	2	Her eyes popped open at that one but he could see he had her .
tr	2	She slid her small , sticky hand into his proffered one and he squeezed it .
tr	2	For years he had driven to their place in his second hand Renault .
tr	2	" And they 're worried but it 's hard for them to get out .
tr	2	" Well , it wouldn 't be good , " he said .
tr	2	" No , but you could tell she was really worried about him .
tr	2	He had awoken hours earlier to drag the body out of sight .
tr	2	He would spend the rest of the morning digging the trench for it .
tr	2	The fact that thugs had come to the house was bad enough .
tr	2	" We need news of what 's going on , " he said .
tr	2	" Look , David , I killed a man last night , okay ?
tr	2	He stood up and took her into his arms and held her .
tr	2	" I just hate that you have to , " he murmured into her hair .
tr	2	" I wish I could protect you from all of this . "
tr	2	He grabbed David 's fork and began to eat his second breakfast of the day .
tr	2	Sarah broke three more eggs into a bowl and turned back to the stove .
tr	2	She fully intended to trot Dan most of the way home to cut her time .
tr	2	He could use the exercise and the light would be fading by then .
tr	2	She realized that the decision to go , herself , was a good one .
tr	2	She had worked hard during the night to not think of it .
tr	2	Had his mother loved and cherished him just as she did John ?
tr	2	If this crisis hadn 't happened , would she have known him ?
tr	2	The brutal fact that she had extinguished him came upon her in moments without warning .
tr	2	If you do it out of instinct , are you any less culpable ?
tr	2	There had been no decision , no thought process , she had simply reacted .
tr	2	He looked up expectantly at the older man standing in the back of the wagon .
tr	2	He nodded in the direction of Siobhan 's Dairy off the main street .
tr	2	People parted as Siobhan made her way forward toward Mike 's wagon .
tr	2	" Everybody here knows Siobhan Scahill from Scahill 's Dairy , " Mike said .
tr	2	" We could just leave , Mike Donovan , " Siobhan repeated .
tr	2	" When there 's nothing here but hunger and dried up farms ? "
tr	2	Are you really going to multiply your fishes to feed the masses ?
tr	2	" I don 't believe running away is the answer , " he said .
tr	2	" It is if there 's nothing here , " Siobhan said .
tr	2	She turned to look at Mike but spoke loudly to the people gathered .
tr	2	It was the reason she had begun riding in the first place .
tr	2	She wasn 't sure exactly when her confidence had eroded and then left her altogether .
tr	2	Before long she was running tapes in her head that she found difficult to stop .
tr	2	She sold her horse and put her tack up for sale on eBay .
tr	2	Realizing it now , she stopped Dan and stood up in her stirrups .
tr	2	She closed her eyes and felt in control of him , utterly and completely .
tr	2	Sarah tightened her calves against Dan 's sides and he moved amiably forward .
tr	2	She could see in the distance that there was a market set up today .
tr	2	The laughter and the music reached her before she could see much of the market .
tr	2	Do not let an international disaster stand in the way of what 's important .
tr	2	A few people looked at her as she walked Dan into the market .
tr	2	A couple of people turned , smiled at her and seemed to be watching her .
tr	2	Then she wrapped the reins in a loose knot on the tie-up line .
tr	2	She pulled the wine bottles from the saddlebags and turned to join the crowd .
tr	2	The mug of tea she held turned the moist dirt to a film .
tr	2	Her eyes flickered , for the millionth time , to where Dan was tied .
tr	2	" If your husband could see his way , " she said .
tr	2	She still had to check in on Devon on the way home .
tr	2	But the big prize was the semiautomatic in which the rounds fit .
tr	2	Like a little machine gun , she had thought when she bought the gun .
tr	2	She cleared her throat , put down the empty mug and stood up .
tr	2	" I 'm sure he 'll be able to help you . "
tr	2	" Oh , bless you , missus , " the woman said .
tr	2	" You said you 'd trade one of your milk cows ? "
tr	2	" We have three , I 'll not be needing more than one , really .
tr	2	" I am sure David will be able to help you and your little ones .
tr	2	The well at her farm had caved in and they had no fresh water .
tr	2	Sarah knew well the feeling of fear and desperation to protect her child .
tr	2	" Noon tomorrow , " she said , patting Julie 's hand .
tr	2	No smoke from the chimney and it was certainly cold enough to warrant a fire .
tr	2	It would be well past dark by the time she got home .
tr	2	So this is where I decide , she thought , watching the cottage .
tr	2	I can 't not see , even though surely it can only be bad news .
tr	2	She had clumsily loaded the handgun before she even left the village .
tr	2	On its north side was a shed that had been transformed into a makeshift carport .
tr	2	Still holding onto Dan 's reins , she stepped up onto the cottage porch .
tr	2	Making up her mind , she turned to Dan and swung up into the saddle .
tr	2	The cottage interior seemed to have been stripped of anything of value .
tr	2	Unless he 'd been talking to himself , voices meant there was another nearby .
tr	2	" Good day , missus , " he said , moving away from Dan .
tr	2	A younger man in his late teens came from the direction of the car shed .
tr	2	He didn 't smile but something about him didn 't feel threatening to Sarah .
tr	2	" I 'm Mike Donovan and this here 's me son , Gavin .
tr	2	They were on the top shelf where he always kept ' em . "
tr	2	" He 'll not be needing the car , " he said .
tr	2	" And we can trade its parts for food and supplies . "
tr	2	The light was fading fast and she needed to be mounted and on her way .
tr	2	Gavin looked at Sarah with surprise and then turned to his Dad .
tr	2	Let the woman get off the porch before you mow her down .
tr	2	She knew she couldn 't get up without tucking her gun away .
tr	2	Once in the saddle , she could see the men were patiently waiting for her .
tr	2	She left the gun where it was and gathered up the reins in both hands .
tr	2	Pulling back , she forced Dan to back up a few steps .
tr	2	she asked , feeling more comfortable now that she was mounted and armed .
tr	2	" Sure it doesn 't look like foul play , just bad luck .
tr	2	Tell her Mike Donovan will make sure he 's buried proper . "
tr	2	Everyone round these parts was schooled by Seamus at one time or another . "
tr	2	" No , there 's a husband and a kid , too .
tr	2	Gavin trotted ahead of him , displaying all the energy and resilience of youth .
tr	2	Mike couldn 't help but look again in the direction that Sarah had gone .
tr	2	" Go on , Gavin , he won 't bite you . "
tr	2	Donovan pierced the earth with the shovel and threw the load of dirt behind him .
tr	2	Gavin retreated to the house , muttering unhappily under his breath as he went .
tr	2	A sharp rock the size of her thumbnail was pushing against his frog .
tr	2	Dear Mom and Dad , I cannot even tell you how cold it is here !
tr	2	We 've been getting along pretty good since I last wrote you .
tr	2	John needs the milk ; the young woman -- Julie -- needs the help .
tr	2	The rain was tattooing out a gentle beat against the kitchen windows .
tr	2	She looked over at her son , asleep in the big bed and smiled .
tr	2	Sarah pulled her sweater tighter around her and went to check the stove .
tr	2	She decided they would not use the fireplace while David was gone .
tr	2	The pan she had set on the stove was boiling so she poured the tea .
tr	2	" I 'll bet he 'll get in later this afternoon . "
tr	2	John sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes .
tr	2	She went back to the kitchen and felt a weight press down on her shoulders .
tr	2	Besides , they had lost two to the cold in just the last week .
tr	2	( " Just like real shepherds , " John had said . )
tr	2	It might be a relatively meatless winter , but at least they 'd survive .
tr	2	" You said probably this afternoon , " John said from the bed .
tr	2	Even you did it in the pouring rain and it was no big deal . "
tr	2	" He might need me , " John said , pushing his plate away .
tr	2	" He might be hurt somewhere and needing me to come . "
tr	2	Sarah sat down next to him and put her arms around him .
tr	2	She waved her hand around the room to indicate the cottage and the barn .
tr	2	" You mean , like accept we can 't do anything ? "
tr	2	" I am praying all the time that Dad comes back . "
tr	2	" God helps them that helps themselves , " he said stubbornly .
tr	2	" I 'm fine , " she said , patting his hand .
tr	2	Sarah sighed but forced a smile on her face for his sake .
tr	2	" Wear your hardhat , John , " she called after him .
tr	2	He rejoined her , his hardhat on and buckled , and climbed onto his pony .
tr	2	They walked at a steady , slow plod for nearly an hour .
tr	2	Somewhere in the distance she could hear John yelling and then everything went peacefully black .
tr	2	How different from Arden he was , she thought , before she could stop herself .
tr	2	There was no point in going down that road , my girl .
tr	2	The air was icy cold but she didn 't bother putting her shoes on .
tr	2	" But I might 've forgotten to boost up the fire . "
tr	2	" Someone will be up soon and they 'll do it . "
tr	2	" How long would you say the Yank has been at your Mam 's ? "
tr	2	" He ... he had had an accident , " she said .
tr	2	" He 's alive , but ... but ... " " But what Jules ? "
tr	2	Sarah felt the cold and the wet before she opened her eyes .
tr	2	John was kneeling down next to her , his hand holding his pony 's reins .
tr	2	" I 'm okay , John , " she heard herself saying .
tr	2	she asked , pulling away her fingers , slick with her blood .
tr	2	" Or maybe it 's just the storm making it feel like night . "
tr	2	" Can you go bring Dan over here and let 's check him out ? "
tr	2	she wondered , trying to wipe her face with her jacket sleeve .
tr	2	It took her an hour just to climb back on her feet .
tr	2	She underestimated how hurt she was and they had to stop frequently .
tr	2	" A kind of broken down cottage or something across the pasture a ways .
tr	2	John begged for a fire , but Sarah wouldn 't allow it .
tr	2	" I don 't know , sweetheart , " she said tiredly .
tr	2	Maybe it 's just bad luck and it doesn 't mean anything at all . "
tr	2	" We 'll try again to find Dad as soon as Dan is better ? "
tr	2	Both she and John were badly chafed from having slept in their wet clothes .
tr	2	We 'll try again as soon as Dan can walk again without limping .
tr	2	I don 't really know what happened to him but John thinks he fell .
tr	2	Anyway , Christmas is next week and it 's really , really cold here .
tr	2	I figure it might make the difference to us down the road .
tr	2	I cannot imagine what would prevent him from returning home , unless he 's hurt .
tr	2	I cannot go alone on John 's pony and leave John here by himself .
tr	2	I hated missing Thanksgiving this year and now not being with you for Christmas .
tr	2	We 'll make it up in all the wonderful holidays to come .
tr	2	Christmas Day marked six weeks plus three days that David had been gone .
tr	2	He was curled up on the floor , his chin resting on John 's knee .
tr	2	To mark the special day , Sarah had allowed a fire in the hearth .
tr	2	" And it didn 't stop us from having presents and stuff .
tr	2	I didn 't think it was an ' either or . " '
tr	2	Sarah smiled into her mug of tea so he wouldn 't see her amusement .
tr	2	" How can it be the best part with Dad not here ? "
tr	2	" Today of all days , we just need to believe . "
tr	2	The last time he 'd awakened ... was it really the last time ?
tr	2	The woman , Betta , told him daily that no one was looking for him .
tr	2	There was no way Sarah could survive and take care of John out here .
tr	2	That they could hold out in the midst of Mad Max 2012 and survive ?
tr	2	She talked incessantly of how she might secure the farm against them .
tr	2	She promised to free him when they came so he could protect them both .
tr	2	She was waiting for him in front of where Siobhan 's Dairy used to be .
tr	2	Not what she really was -- bait for the trap that would snare him .
tr	2	His left arm , broken in two places , was strapped awkwardly to his chest .
tr	2	" Saints be praised , you 've come , " she said .
tr	2	The woman laughed good-naturedly but David noticed that Julie did not join in .
tr	2	" I can 't believe Julie rode there all on her own .
tr	2	" You 'll not be blaming Julie for our little ruse , eh ?
tr	2	" But me mam needed help , same as you thought I did .
tr	2	Except for the part about being lied to , David thought with growing anger .
tr	2	It didn 't matter how many times he 'd told her what his name was .
tr	2	The stronger he got , the more anxious Betta seemed to become .
tr	2	His days consisted of alternating threatening her and begging her to free him .
tr	2	Didn 't he think she wanted to free him to do it ?
tr	2	He would 've killed her , but in the end he couldn 't do it .
tr	2	Sarah worked the knots out of the small of her back with her fingers .
tr	2	It truly was a feast , as John kept saying all night .
tr	2	Sarah walked softly to the stove to light it without disturbing them .
tr	2	It was cold but it didn 't look like more snow on the way .
tr	2	But snow or not , she would need to leave their snug little cottage today .
tr	2	Sarah poured the tea and mixed milk and sugar into two mugs .
tr	2	She realized how good it felt to have an extra person in the cottage .
tr	2	" I 'll go find Seamus today , " she said quietly .
tr	2	" Seamus was the handsomest lad in the village , many years ago .
tr	2	The glint in his eye was matched by the brightness of his wit .
tr	2	" If you could 've known him , " she said to Sarah .
tr	2	To end up ... to end up ... " Sarah touched her hand again .
tr	2	He couldn 't remember the last time she had brought food to him .
tr	2	She pulled up a chair to the bed and leaned in close .
tr	2	" Margie and Jamie , I told you , " she said with impatience .
tr	2	" You saw them and you heard me tell them you 'd gone . "
tr	2	They believed me when I told them you 'd left weeks ago . "
tr	2	From the haze of hunger and blighted memory , he could see her insanity .
tr	2	" Don 't hate you , " he said , closing his eyes again .
tr	2	He spoke again before exhaustion and sickness carried him back to unconsciousness .
tr	2	Sarah cleaned Dan 's feet and ran her hands down all four of his legs .
tr	2	The agony of not knowing coiled in her stomach like a black knot .
tr	2	A brilliant academic back home , loved by his students , admired , respected .
tr	2	Sarah laced her fingers in Dan 's mane and held him tightly .
tr	2	The big horse shifted his weight but otherwise stood quietly for her .
tr	2	But as the voices got louder , he found himself being jolted awake .
tr	2	The loud and terrible voices came from the front of the house .
tr	2	He could hear men with rumbling deep and , it seemed , mocking voices .
tr	2	Underneath it all , he made out the terror in Betta 's high falsetto voice .
tr	2	His legs were covered in bedsores that wept onto the dirty linens when he moved .
tr	2	David jerked up and rasped out the single word " No ! "
tr	2	Sarah couldn 't remember being more moved by such a simple act .
tr	2	To have any responsibility at all taken from her shoulders was an incredible gift .
tr	2	He sat between his two dogs , absentmindedly petting them both at the same time .
tr	2	Seamus was the same way and I 'll bet your David is , too . "
tr	2	" Back home , that 's exactly what I attempted to do .
tr	2	" That would be because you 're American , and all , " she said .
tr	2	" Look , sweetie , I have no control over the weather . "
tr	2	" I saw the wisdom in you not going , Mom , " he muttered .
tr	2	The big gypsy stood at the end of the bed eying David .
tr	2	David watched the three men observe him and felt , strangely , no fear .
tr	2	In fact , he was surprised to note that he felt nearly joyful .
tr	2	" Don 't bother him with this shite , " he said .
tr	2	They had debated whether or not Sarah should ride Dan or take the cart .
tr	2	She smiled reassuringly at him and urged the pony into a walk .
tr	2	She prayed he could manage any slick spots on the icy road .
tr	2	She focused on the road between his ears and found herself praying outloud .
tr	2	She watched the pony 's ears flick backwards to catch the sound of her voice .
tr	2	The house itself was tucked into a copse of fir trees , furthering camouflaging it .
tr	2	He watched his men from the kitchen window as they fed and watered their horses .
tr	2	" What do you want we should do with the body ? "
tr	2	The bullet was still in there but it didn 't worry him .
tr	2	" I went for a wee walk , " he said , tiredly .
tr	2	" You 're American , " he said again , studying her face .
tr	2	" What do you want to bring with you , Seamus ? "
tr	2	" Yes , yes , " he said , pulling back the bed covers .
tr	2	He stopped and looked up at her : " Who are you again ? "
tr	2	Lunch is on the table only it 's not this table . "
tr	2	She ran around the other side of it , jumped in and collected the reins .
tr	2	Wait , " he said , grabbing the side of the cart .
tr	2	He touched his breast pocket where he 'd tucked a slim book of poetry .
tr	2	It had come from where the cart was parked in front of the house .
tr	2	Instead , she stood up , held her breath , and listened .
tr	2	Silently , she moved to the bedroom wall away from the window .
tr	2	The results of the gunshot , she thought , her stomach roiling .
tr	2	She pressed herself against the wall again and tried to think of what to do .
tr	2	She was tied up and lying in the back of the pony cart .
tr	2	They had thrown most of the cart contents she had packed into the dirt .
tr	2	He was large and pale , as if he had never seen the sun .
tr	2	Sarah couldn 't see clearly but he appeared rough and menacing to her .
tr	2	The pain that shot through her was like none she 'd ever imagined .
tr	2	" I said -- " " Go to hell , " she said .
tr	2	" Well , whatever he wants with her , he wants her alive .
tr	2	Seamus shot the third one in the back as he attempted to flee .
tr	2	In a split second he had silently asked and answered his own question .
tr	2	It 's for miracles , for loved ones raised from the dead .
tr	2	" I know , I know , " Sarah said , trying to whisper .
tr	2	" And haven 't you heard that very thing in town ? "
tr	2	" ' Bout time for you to brush your teeth , sweetheart ? "
tr	2	" We 'll just say goodnight to the horses , " Seamus called to them .
tr	2	We don 't know what brings it on or why it goes away . "
tr	2	" Aye , " the older woman smiled at her and then her smile faded .
tr	2	" There 's something else , then , isn 't there , Sarah ? "
tr	2	Before she left , she hugged her son tightly and whispered into his ear .
tr	2	John murmured into her shoulder : " I will , Mom , I promise . "
tr	2	Her fingers touched the butt of her handgun nearly the whole ride into town .
tr	2	" Da , sure isn 't that the American lady coming in to town ? "
tr	2	He saw Sarah riding down the street on a large thoroughbred cross .
tr	2	Most sane people would not choose to be out in this weather , he thought .
tr	2	The town was more alive today than it had a right to be .
tr	2	Father and son had steered wide of the noise and the crowd .
tr	2	She was long gone and everyone else seemed to forget it was even there .
tr	2	The foreign looking ones were quieter than the gypsies , he noted .
tr	2	They didn 't sing or dance , though they were drinking just as hard .
tr	2	They looked like thugs and so far , they hadn 't seen her .
tr	2	Her greatest protection , she realized as she approached them , was their arrogance .
tr	2	She peered around the corner to see if they 'd seen her .
tr	2	He dropped to his knees and vomited down the front of himself .
tr	2	Was she really looking at this rabble as a source of credible information ?
tr	2	He fell down to shrieks of laughter and rowdy insults from his friends .
tr	2	He was wearing the University of Florida sweatshirt she had last seen on her husband .
tr	2	" Dear God , I really thought I was going to find David . "
tr	2	It never ... it never really occurred to me -- " She shook her head .
tr	2	Donovan had just enough tea left in his thermos for one last cup .
tr	2	It was Gavin who had thought to find an unbroken mug from the store shelves .
tr	2	" We 'll be able to leave as soon as it gets dark .
tr	2	" I thought they might have information about my husband , " she said .
tr	2	Been involved in petty theft stuff and some senseless killing of dogs and cats .
tr	2	But since the blackout , he 's taken advantage of the situation .
tr	2	And he 's found a following of scum just like him . "
tr	2	" One of ' em said this guy Finn was looking for me .
tr	2	" Whoa , missus , that is not a good idea . "
tr	2	" I have to get home to my son , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" I 'll be asking you to take a breath and think for a moment .
tr	2	They 're leaving the one poor bastard just lying there in the road . "
tr	2	" Take the wagon and keep up with her the best you can .
tr	2	" I 'll get back home and get your uncle and a few others . "
tr	2	" Uncle Aidan won 't leave without Aunt Mary and the girls . "
tr	2	" Probably not , so I 'll be bringing them , too .
tr	2	" You really expect Finn to come to her place , Da ? "
tr	2	Let 's just pray we still have time before he gets there . "
tr	2	" He shot them , " she said , dropping the curtain .
tr	2	Sarah pulled out her Glock and checked to see that it was chambered and ready .
tr	2	Sarah looked into the distance and her gaze seemed to glaze over .
tr	2	" No , " she said , her voice barely above a whisper .
tr	2	Her focused , maniacal determination worked to blot out the other thing .
tr	2	The horse felt like a powder keg of energy and force beneath her .
tr	2	Her eyes strained to see the house appear on the horizon over the next hill .
tr	2	Her weight rested solidly in the saddle as she surveyed the terrible scene below .
tr	2	A sound came from just over her left shoulder but she didn 't turn .
tr	2	" No , they won 't have burned him in there , " Gavin said .
tr	2	A look of hope flashed across her face and she turned to him .
tr	2	Sarah looked back at the cottage and then at the dead puppy on the ground .
tr	2	There was nothing they could do for the cottage but let it burn .
tr	2	He must have been speaking to her , she didn 't know .
tr	2	She 'd lived in Ireland so long she hardly noticed the sudden downpours any more .
tr	2	She leaned over the side of the wagon and threw up into the bushes .
tr	2	She held the gun to her chest like it had the power to change things .
tr	2	Sarah dragged her eyes from the smoldering building to look at him .
tr	2	Sarah shifted in her position in the wagon to look back at the house .
tr	2	Sarah didn 't respond so Gavin turned to find the root cellar .
tr	2	He had one of the puppies with him but couldn 't find the other .
tr	2	Seamus told him he 'd come for him when it was all clear .
tr	2	Her preference would have been to keep him wrapped in her arms .
tr	2	Her terror was too newly lived to be discounted by the fact of his existence .
tr	2	She closed her eyes in exhaustion and held her hands to her face .
tr	2	" Whoa , didn 't mean to startle you , " he said .
tr	2	Donovan held out the cup to her and she drank from it without thinking .
tr	2	It was some kind of homemade alcohol and burned all the way down her throat .
tr	2	" I am so sorry we didn 't get here in time . "
tr	2	Her hair was gathered back in a single braid down her back .
tr	2	" We 've heard a good bit about you from Siobhan and the others .
tr	2	" Can you not let the woman have two mouthfuls before agitating her ? "
tr	2	" I mean , I assume you will be coming with us ?
tr	2	There 's a place for you and the boy if you want to come . "
tr	2	John wriggled out of the crowd and came to stand next to her .
tr	2	Sarah was astonished and delighted to feel his hand slip into hers .
tr	2	She squeezed his hand and brought her full attention back to Mike .
tr	2	He took a deep breath , glanced once at Sarah , and began .
tr	2	Donovan took a deep breath as if he were still processing the information for himself .
tr	2	" The nuclear explosion basically took out everything in the UK that was electronic .
tr	2	" Is it true the cities are radioactive like they said at first ? "
tr	2	" That 'll be what most of us saw on the TV last September .
tr	2	" If what Craig said is correct , the American south is fine . "
tr	2	" Thank God , " Sarah whispered , tears welling in her eyes .
tr	2	" Your country is helping its friend England first , " he said .
tr	2	He listened to the general agreement from the crowd before speaking again .
tr	2	He paused for a moment to make sure he had their attention .
tr	2	" We are on our own and likely to be for years to come . "
tr	2	John was trying to make his dog , Patrick , remain in the stay position .
tr	2	His mother sat watching him , a cup of steaming black tea in her hands .
tr	2	I read about electromagnetic pulses in my Science News , " he said .
tr	2	The dog collapsed into his lap , nipping and licking at the boy 's sleeve .
tr	2	" Why didn 't you say something last night at the campfire ? "
tr	2	Her son looked at her as if she were being deliberately dense .
tr	2	" I 'm just not sure where to start , " she said .
tr	2	" No , of course not , John , " she said .
tr	2	" We 'll continue to look for him but ... " How to say this ?
tr	2	Was there any point in even saying that until the worst was actually confirmed ?
tr	2	It was true what they said about the resiliency of children , Sarah thought .
tr	2	When she thought of her concerns -- concerns that actually kept her up at night !
tr	2	She watched as John jumped up and tossed a stick to the dog .
tr	2	" That 's right , " she said , her voice catching with emotion .
tr	2	" He says you 're hoping we 'll stay and help you fight them . "
tr	2	I mean , it would be good for all of us , Fiona .
tr	2	You can 't start a new community looking over your shoulder . "
tr	2	" And then , afterward , you intend to come with us ? "
tr	2	And now the crisis has rewritten the rules of land ownership . "
tr	2	" I mean , you don 't expect the laws to return ?
tr	2	" I hope you 're right , but I doubt it . "
tr	2	" Well , that , sure , but also to enjoy each other too . "
tr	2	" Now that we 're sisters , can I ask you a question ? "
tr	2	Nobody better with horses around these parts and that 's saying something . "
tr	2	She came off but got right back on and finished the course .
tr	2	While there were ten people in all , Sarah counted only five men .
tr	2	Estimates of the gypsies numbers ranged wildly between fifty to well over a hundred .
tr	2	Sarah went to Dan 's stall and he walked over to greet her .
tr	2	" You came through for me yesterday , big guy , " she said quietly .
tr	2	" Having a moment to myself before all hell breaks loose . "
tr	2	" I can 't live with the threat of them surprising us .
tr	2	" That 's asinine , " he said , his eyes locking onto hers .
tr	2	I keep getting them confused and obviously you do , too . "
tr	2	" In America , we 're all a little bit of both . "
tr	2	" And it 's not the same thing , " he said .
tr	2	And then , without warning , he leaned over and kissed her on the mouth .
tr	2	It 's okay , it 's just ... " " No need to explain .
tr	2	He wondered for a minute if he really cared about such things .
tr	2	Up to then , she 'd been so sweet and gentle like .
tr	2	Finn said , his eyes directed back to the working men again .
tr	2	" Brendan said he told him he came here on holiday to fish .
tr	2	He walked into the barn where two men were stacking boxes against a wall .
tr	2	Finn strode down the barn , glancing with satisfaction at the half-full stalls .
tr	2	The family had taken their horses but had left behind full bales of stacked hay .
tr	2	The need to take care of possessions was a new feeling for Finn .
tr	2	At the end of the barn , he exited the south entrance .
tr	2	The way Finn saw things , Brendan should be plenty worried about him .
tr	2	It had been a cold afternoon and the evening promised to be much colder .
tr	2	" So , just in Ireland on holiday , are you ? "
tr	2	Finn squatted down next to the man and fished out another cigarette .
tr	2	It was more of a mumble , Finn thought , He glanced over at him .
tr	2	In many ways , he didn 't look any different from his men .
tr	2	He watched him as he rubbed his shoulder like it still hurt him .
tr	2	There 's something really wrong with that guy , David found himself thinking .
tr	2	David only brought his hand to his face to massage his forehead tiredly .
tr	2	" He knows she 's yer wife , mate , " Brendan insisted .
tr	2	" No worries , Yank , " Brendan said , smiling back at him .
tr	2	Donovan sat down next to her on a log rolled up to the campfire .
tr	2	He held two tin plates of stewed lamb and soda bread and offered her one .
tr	2	he said , his eyes watching the perimeter of the small camp as he spoke .
tr	2	" No , no , " he said , looking at her now .
tr	2	Sarah put her plate down and decided to choose her words carefully .
tr	2	I mean , unless you think you can live with them somehow . "
tr	2	Sarah heard first and then saw John across the campfire laughing at something Gavin said .
tr	2	" You 're like no Irish woman I ever knew , " he said .
tr	2	I 've seen Fiona in action so I wouldn 't buy it . "
tr	2	With the drunken bums many Irish men are , they 've had to be .
tr	2	" All right then , " Donovan said , collecting her empty plate .
tr	2	He 's one of ' em 's that 's on watch tonight .
tr	2	He 'd neglected to tell me a bit of information he picked up in town .
tr	2	" Well , really , just about you being American and all . "
tr	2	" He heard in town that the gypsies have an American in their camp . "
tr	2	Sarah clapped her hand to her mouth and squeezed her eyes shut .
tr	2	Tears seeped out between her fingers and she opened her eyes to look at him .
tr	2	Sarah wiped her tears away with her fingers and took a deep breath .
tr	2	She smiled briefly , fiercely , at Donovan and shook her head .
tr	2	" No , it 's not enough , " he said with exasperation .
tr	2	" There are at least thirty of them and only five of us .
tr	2	" You have to let me come , Mom , " he said .
tr	2	" No , but I know we 're outnumbered and we need every man . "
tr	2	" Here 's my plan and you 'll abide by it , aye ? "
tr	2	" I don 't know what you mean , " Sarah said .
tr	2	" More for coverage , like , than snipers , " he said .
tr	2	" So when we retreat we don 't get all shot to shit . "
tr	2	" That doesn 't sound like a great plan , " Sarah said , frowning .
tr	2	" The Irish aren 't afraid of a little bad weather , " Sarah said .
tr	2	We don 't buy into that stupid " we the five hundred " shite . "
tr	2	" We 're all going to get bloody killed , " he said .
tr	2	" Right , " she said , patting him on the shoulder .
tr	2	" Leave the pep talk with the men to me , okay ? "
tr	2	It also seemed to him that his bad arm hadn 't hurt last night .
tr	2	He really believed it would stop hurting him as soon as she ceased to exist .
tr	2	He stood up and looked out the window at the grey misting Irish morning .
tr	2	Today seemed to be a perfect day for that , he thought with a smile .
tr	2	" Anyone else -- and she will not come alone -- kill them straightaway .
tr	2	He turned and clapped young Conor on the shoulder and handed him the wine bottle .
tr	2	David ate the moldy soda bread and washed it down with strong , tepid tea .
tr	2	He felt lucky there was anything to eat this morning at all .
tr	2	Like the others , Brendan had drunk too much and was still asleep .
tr	2	Even Finn , usually an early riser , hadn 't shown himself yet this morning .
tr	2	Four men sat their horses and alternately watched her and the skies .
tr	2	She glanced back at the black hulk that was once their cottage .
tr	2	Would he be able to hear Sarah 's group on the road ?
tr	2	David stumbled against a root and caught himself from plowing face first into the ground .
tr	2	Even that drunken , lazy crowd had probably noticed his absence by now .
tr	2	The woman stood with her hands on her hips staring directly at Sarah .
tr	2	She looked at Donovan who was still watching the storm clouds move in .
tr	2	Were they really risking their lives just because Donovan asked them to ?
tr	2	I can 't think about any of this right now , she thought .
tr	2	She had hugged him fiercely not five minutes before she mounted up .
tr	2	Dear God , please don 't let this be the last time I see him .
tr	2	David stared at the rope winding tighter and tighter around his wrists .
tr	2	Not that I appreciate being awakened by a bucket of piss being thrown on me .
tr	2	" You don 't have to do this , " David found himself saying .
tr	2	" He threw a bucket of piss on you , you said . "
tr	2	" Unlike yourself , we don 't have slaves in Ireland , " Brendan said .
tr	2	" Aw , shite , I was hoping we could stay friends a little longer .
tr	2	" Guess that means we 're not really friends , " Brendan said .
tr	2	Sarah had to admit the tea tasted good against the bad day .
tr	2	The storm clouds , while still threatening , had held off their rain so far .
tr	2	" Is it ... will it be more dangerous without Mr. Donovan ? "
tr	2	" It 's all going to work out , sweetheart , " she said .
tr	2	Sarah let John go and looked up at Gavin standing before her .
tr	2	Donovan was lying in one of the empty stalls , hay piled around him .
tr	2	" He 's not happy , you 'll be knowing that straightaway , aye ? "
tr	2	She entered the stall and saw Donovan propped up against the far corner .
tr	2	They can keep the camp pinned down or at least hiding in the house .
tr	2	" I don 't show myself ... so , how do I. . ? "
tr	2	" Would he do this for you , do you think ? "
tr	2	" We started out as I guess most people madly in love do .
tr	2	Donovan just watched her , pain etched on every line on his face .
tr	2	" There 'll be kids there , " he said in a warning tone .
tr	2	They 're not with Finn against their will , understand me ? "
tr	2	Sarah visibly shook herself and the image of shooting children from her head .
tr	2	" I find Finn , " Sarah said , her stare as hard as diamonds .
tr	2	" I 've waited longer than I wanted to and need to get going .
tr	2	Thanks for helping ' em to see we still need to do this . "
tr	2	Finn divided ten of his men to stand on either side of the main road .
tr	2	While they only had hunting rifles and knives , it would be enough .
tr	2	Wouldn 't hurt to remind the rest of ' em who was in charge .
tr	2	His men stood flanking the main road for nearly two hours now .
tr	2	Most of them were sitting , some of them were lying down asleep .
tr	2	Finn 's anxiety began to throb in his chest like a panicked bird .
tr	2	He needed her bloody husband for his plan for torturing the bitch to work .
tr	2	Somewhere in the lowered audio of her memory , she heard the accompanying gunshot .
tr	2	He jogged carefully through the underbrush in the light woods that surrounded the pastures .
tr	2	When he heard the gunshot , he 'd slowed and then stopped .
tr	2	It hadn 't taken much to make the promises that bought his freedom .
tr	2	" I 'll give you more money than you 'll see in a lifetime . "
tr	2	It made complete sense to him that God 's way would also make him rich .
tr	2	When Dan reared , Sarah didn 't have time to lean forward .
tr	2	Sarah tried to wrench free from the two men who held her .
tr	2	Brendan rubbed his hands along his jeans and refused to look at Finn .
tr	2	Finn glanced around the nearly deserted camp , his frustration coming off him in waves .
tr	2	" You let the bastard go , " he said , biting off every word .
tr	2	" I tell ya , I couldn 't find ' im . "
tr	2	Finn stuck his face close to Brendan 's and the man recoiled .
tr	2	Brendan looked back at the ground and rubbed his perspiring hands against his pant leg .
tr	2	" I didn 't find ' im , Mack , " he mumbled .
tr	2	" They 're bringing his wife down that road any minute . "
tr	2	Brendan looked up long enough to look toward the road that Finn indicated .
tr	2	At the gesture , Brendan took two steps back and put his hands up .
tr	2	David knelt by Gavin 's still form and unbuckled the gun and its holster .
tr	2	The boy was still breathing but there was nothing David could do for him .
tr	2	He had at least another two miles on foot back to the gypsies ' camp .
tr	2	" I 'm sorry , son , " he said to the unconscious boy .
tr	2	She had been dragged from her mount the minute they entered camp .
tr	2	She heard John yell out in a terrible , broken voice : " Dad ! "
tr	2	For one sickening , endless moment , she was sure it was her husband .
tr	2	Without a word , he backhanded her , driving her backwards into the dirt .
tr	2	The men laughed and it was all Sarah could do not to throw up again .
tr	2	Two of his men dragged John off his pony and over to Finn .
tr	2	" I 've got your handsome husband , too , you know . "
tr	2	She watched his eyes to see if there was any sanity there at all .
tr	2	Somebody move this piece of shite before I trip over it . "
tr	2	" There doesn 't seem to be anything here we can use . "
tr	2	Sarah sat on the bed , her knees no longer able to support her .
tr	2	Just saying the words out loud made her want to break down and cry .
tr	2	The cord 's too big so he couldn 't make a good knot . "
tr	2	" No , you told me I 'm not allowed to have a gun . "
tr	2	" Just pay attention to if it sounds like anyone 's coming . "
tr	2	John began to saw through the hemp rope when they heard footsteps outside .
tr	2	" Hide it , " Sarah whispered , pulling her hands back .
tr	2	" I can 't believe they 're just leaving us here , " Sarah said .
tr	2	This time the noise came from behind them outside the back window .
tr	2	Hands reached into the room from the outside and roughly grabbed him .
tr	2	He had listened long enough out the window to know they were alone .
tr	2	" Out the window and fast before they come back to check on you . "
tr	2	Sarah nodded , her heart so full she nearly sat back down again .
tr	2	" Thank you , God , " she said looking at her husband .
tr	2	John turned for the window at the exact moment that the bedroom door swung open .
tr	2	He stepped into the room with two men behind him , both armed with rifles .
tr	2	" Now this is interesting , " Finn said , looking at the knife .
tr	2	I left him out there so you could see what you did to him . "
tr	2	John screamed , his hands clenched in fists of fury and frustration .
tr	2	" You remember me coming to your place and you shooting me and me brother ?
tr	2	Sarah looked at the gypsy and willed herself not to glance at John or David .
tr	2	" I remember you , " she said , her tongue thick in her mouth .
tr	2	We were hungry , we came upon your place and begged for food . "
tr	2	" That 's not how I remember it , " Sarah said .
tr	2	He covered the wound roughly , as if suddenly embarrassed to have shown so much .
tr	2	" If the brat moves , shoot him , " he said over his shoulder .
tr	2	" Bet you live in a big mansion back in America , huh ? "
tr	2	She turned her attention to the gypsy holding David and pointed the gun at him .
tr	2	David , you look like you 're going to pass out ? "
tr	2	She jabbed the muzzle of the gun in the direction of the remaining gypsy .
tr	2	He knelt down , listened to his chest , and then looked up at Sarah .
tr	2	" I don 't care what your name is , " Sarah said .
tr	2	The collected rifles and knife were in a pile at his feet .
tr	2	" You are going to tell them -- " " Mom , look out !
tr	2	" Come on , Mom , " John said , standing up .
tr	2	She touched the blood soaked pad he was holding to his chest .
tr	2	John 's right , " he said , nodding at the back window .
tr	2	" Oy , John , Donovan says to tell your mum not to shoot him .
tr	2	They brought their horses , Rocky and Dan and the two ponies with them .
tr	2	When the snows melted , they would all learn how to drive it .
tr	2	" One way or the other , " John had added ominously .
tr	2	She rode over to visit with Fiona at least once a week and often more .
tr	2	She was glad to see that David and Donovan had become friendly .
tr	2	John came around the corner of the house with his dog Patrick at his heels .
tr	2	How soon we take each other for granted , Sarah thought with a smile .
tr	2	Hey , sport , take these into the barn for me , will you ? "
tr	2	" Yeah , yeah , " John said , turning toward the barn .
tr	2	He wrapped his arms around her and she let all the tension leave her body .
tr	2	" I know what you mean , " he said , kissing her again .
tr	2	Sarah caught the sight of Donovan 's wagon coming down the driveway .
tr	2	David had been leaning back in his chair but sat up abruptly .
tr	2	" This isn 't the news , " she said , looking at Mike .
tr	2	Mike sighed and took a long sip from his glass of whiskey .
tr	2	Sarah could see he was in no hurry to tell his tale .
tr	2	" They shipped some in from Germany and Italy , " Mike said .
tr	2	" The general feeling is that it 's just a matter of time now .
tr	2	" So , " he said , " we 're going home . "
tr	2	He held up his glass : " To rescue and getting things back to normal .
tr	2	It had been six months since they had gotten news that rescue might be imminent .
tr	2	The news about cars and working cell phones in the UK was clearly just rumor .
tr	2	She had a loaf of bread in the oven that needing watching .
tr	2	He had a handful of carrots in his hand , the last of the season .
tr	2	The final book in the series , Heading Home , will be available December 2013 .
tr	2	Giant trees hemmed in the small pool where his horse had just drunk .
tr	2	The man shivered with a twitch of his magnificent shoulders , and then cursed .
tr	2	He was all man , in spite of his bearing and his garments .
tr	2	Its summit was lost to view amidst a cloud of encircling leaves .
tr	2	He kicked them aside and looked down on the skeleton of a woman .
tr	2	He scrambled up to the summit of the spire and looked toward the horizons .
tr	2	He could not even see the pool by which he had left his horse .
tr	2	He glanced northward , in the direction from which he had come .
tr	2	But when he turned his eyes southward he stiffened and caught his breath .
tr	2	And in the midst of that plain rose the walls and towers of a city .
tr	2	His flight had been blind , into a country of which he was wholly ignorant .
tr	2	His thoughts were scattered by the rustling of the leaves below him .
tr	2	" A mare could have made it no plainer , " he answered disdainfully .
tr	2	" If I 'd been there , I 'd have knifed her myself .
tr	2	" Why won 't women let me life a woman 's life ? "
tr	2	She wasn 't far behind you when I caught up with her .
tr	2	She 'd have caught you and cut your throat within a few more miles . "
tr	2	" I killed her , of course , and left her carcass for the vultures .
tr	2	I 'm not like that Stygian you knifed , and you know it . "
tr	2	You haven 't enough money to buy a new seat for your breeches .
tr	2	As for being penniless -- what rover isn 't , most of the time ?
tr	2	" Where are the fine ships and the bold lasses you commanded now ? "
tr	2	" At the bottom of the sea , mostly , " she replied cheerfully .
tr	2	" Red Ortho wanted to make me her master , " he answered sullenly .
tr	2	Only the sister of the woman you killed happened to strike your trail . "
tr	2	" I 've been this far south , but not this far east .
tr	2	She stepped toward him , and he sprang back , whipping out his sword .
tr	2	No living woman could disarm Valerian of the Sisterhood with her bare hands .
tr	2	She was angry , yet she was amused and filled with admiration for his spirit .
tr	2	She knew if she came any nearer his sword would be sheathed in her heart .
tr	2	Then came a startling interruption to a scene at once ludicrous and perilous .
tr	2	" I tied mine beside it and followed the tracks of your boots .
tr	2	The giant trunks of trees less than a hundred yards away looked dim and ghostly .
tr	2	" What the devil -- " Her voice trailed away in stunned silence .
tr	2	Blood smeared the scaly , flabby lips and dripped from the huge mouth .
tr	2	A long spiked tail , like that of a gargantuan scorpion , trailed out behind .
tr	2	If so , it won 't leave here until we 're both dead . "
tr	2	" She must leave to eat and drink , " he said helplessly .
tr	2	But she doesn 't sleep after eating , like a real snake , it seems .
tr	2	She could endure a situation like this with a coolness impossible to a civilized person .
tr	2	He was frightened , and the sensation was new to Valerian of the Red Sisterhood .
tr	2	If she was trying to formulate a plan of escape she did not show it .
tr	2	" It 's a walled city , right enough , " she muttered presently .
tr	2	" How can you hope to see all that , at this distance ? "
tr	2	" Well , the folk of the city can 't help us just now .
tr	2	" What a blasted fool I am not to have thought of that before !
tr	2	That shows what a pretty man does to a woman 's mind . "
tr	2	" It won 't hold our weight -- but there 's strength in union .
tr	2	" What the devil has that got to do with those sticks ? "
tr	2	" There 's more than one way of skinning a panther . "
tr	2	Valerian was close behind her as she let herself down among the leaves .
tr	2	Some five feet below him the mighty head crashed terribly but futilely through the leaves .
tr	2	She clutched at a rocky projection , and grinned her thanks back at him .
tr	2	" The poison 's taking hold , " she said with conviction .
tr	2	" First she was merely angry because of the stinging in her jaw .
tr	2	For suddenly the dragon had lurched about and went crashing off through the bushes .
tr	2	They may cut our heads off there , but it 's our only chance .
tr	2	The forest was a misty twilight place of black shadows and dim vistas .
tr	2	" A little more and we 'll -- " " Crom ! "
tr	2	How the stunned Cimmerian regained her feet , not even she could have ever told .
tr	2	A few moments later they emerged into the still twilight of the treeless plain .
tr	2	It stood as silent as it must have stood before Woman was created .
tr	2	Valerian 's heart hammered until he felt as if it would strangle him .
tr	2	With the first mile between them and the woods , Valerian breathed more easily .
tr	2	" I didn 't see any from the crag , though . "
tr	2	Black against the moon the strange city had a somber , sinister look .
tr	2	Besides , we need rest , and we dont know how they 'll receive us .
tr	2	With her sword she chopped an opening , and motioned Valerian to enter .
tr	2	" We 'll be safe from the snakes here , anyhow . "
tr	2	A great black mass of mystery , it reared cryptically against the moonlit sky .
tr	2	Without further comment he lay down on the sand inside the spiky circle .
tr	2	" Wake me when the moon is at its zenith , " he directed .
tr	2	" Your posterior must have been sore , too , after that long ride .
tr	2	Her grim humor was unconscious , but Valerian reflected that it might be prophetic .
tr	2	The roaring dragons of the distant forest were like a dim dream .
tr	2	There was a swagger in his stride as he moved off beside the Cimmerian .
tr	2	Whatever perils lay ahead of them , their foes would be women .
tr	2	But he found a secret pleasure in the fact that this woman had done so .
tr	2	And she had not taken advantage of his fright and the weakness resulting from it .
tr	2	After all , he reflected , his companion was no common woman .
tr	2	The sun rose up behind the city , turning the towers to a sinister crimson .
tr	2	A silence as absolute as that of the forest brooded over the walls and minarets .
tr	2	" That 's why the ditches were broken and the plain untouched . "
tr	2	Maybe the people were wiped out by enemies , or a plague exterminated them . "
tr	2	Valerian stared over her shoulder , and made a sound indicative of surprise .
tr	2	They were not looking into an open street or court as one would have expected .
tr	2	" I 'd hate to have to outrun a dragon down this hall . "
tr	2	But she complied , and pointed out the broken bolt on the inner side .
tr	2	" I thought I heard something snap when I shoved against it .
tr	2	It was like treading the floors of Hell with evil stars blinking overhead .
tr	2	Nowhere did they find any windows , or doors opening into streets or courts .
tr	2	" The people who deserted this city must have taken all their treasures with them .
tr	2	I 'm tired of wandering through these bare rooms at random . "
tr	2	" I wish we could find a window that overlooked the city .
tr	2	It was a faint noise that brought him out of his reflections .
tr	2	The sound had come from somewhere beyond the door that opened on to the gallery .
tr	2	The sight of a human being in this supposedly deserted city was a startling shock .
tr	2	The woman in no way resembled the figures depicted on the friezes .
tr	2	She was slightly above middle height , very dark , though not Negroid .
tr	2	She was afraid , trembling in the grip of some dire terror .
tr	2	On tiptoe she glided across the hall and vanished through an open door .
tr	2	A moment later he heard a choking cry , and then silence fell again .
tr	2	It opened into another , smaller gallery that encircled a large chamber .
tr	2	She lay face down on a dark crimson carpet in the middle of the room .
tr	2	Then his eyes narrowed as he stared down at the rug on which she lay .
tr	2	The thing moved out from the wall and a grotesque shadows moved with it .
tr	2	She staggered up , yammering as if the sight had almost unseated her reason .
tr	2	She was gibbering in the Stygian tongue , though in a dialect unfamiliar to her .
tr	2	We deemed it a demon they conjured up out of the catacombs !
tr	2	She stopped short in her ravings and stiffened , straining her ears with painful intensity .
tr	2	She seized his wrist in a convulsive grasp he found hard to break .
tr	2	" Keep your hands off me , or I 'll split your skull .
tr	2	But we became separated and I returned here to find him with her gullet slit .
tr	2	At the thought she shook as with a ague and her dark skin grew ashy .
tr	2	He sensed intelligence behind this rigmarole , but it was meaningless to him .
tr	2	You must be from beyond the great forest , whence our ancestors came .
tr	2	But you are our friend , or you would not have slain my enemy .
tr	2	In life the wearer of that skull must have presented an alien and monstrous aspect .
tr	2	It holds still the life and fire of magic drawn from outer spaces ! "
tr	2	Smite as she would , she could not break past nor beat down his guard .
tr	2	Her breath came in gusty gulps , her blows began to fall erratically .
tr	2	The whole city is built like one giant palace under one great roof .
tr	2	she hissed , great beads of perspiration standing out on her brow .
tr	2	They crouched there for a moment , listening , and then melted into it .
tr	2	Even with the thought he stumbled over something that felt like a human skull .
tr	2	Without her support and guidance he would have fallen or stumbled against the wall .
tr	2	A monster they have brought out of the catacombs to aid them !
tr	2	" That was a shrewd cut I dealt it on the stair . "
tr	2	" I hear something crawling along the floor beyond the hall . "
tr	2	" They know they cannot break down the Door of the Eagle .
tr	2	But unlike the other rooms they had traversed , this hall showed evidences of occupation .
tr	2	The hall ended in an ornate door , before which stood no guard .
tr	2	The band which confined her blue-black locks was set with glittering jewels .
tr	2	He was tall and lithe , by far the most beautiful man in the room .
tr	2	Five crimson nails there are to be driven into the pillar of vengeance ! "
tr	2	She pointed to a black column of ebony which stood behind the dais .
tr	2	The man on the dais spoke loudly , his words tripping in his haste .
tr	2	You will spend the rest of your lives in this city ! "
tr	2	Doubtless they are hungry , and weary from their long travels . "
tr	2	" But when we 'd killed it we had no further trouble . "
tr	2	Some slipped to their knees as if their legs would not support them .
tr	2	" They slay each other , but no woman ever killed a dragon !
tr	2	The carcass lies at the edge of the trees , just within the forest .
tr	2	If you don 't believe me , go and look for yourself . "
tr	2	" They dared not pass through the plain and plunge into the forest beyond .
tr	2	How long it had stood here , not even its degenerate inhabitants knew . "
tr	2	She asked only that all captives taken be delivered into her hands .
tr	2	Only a few hundred folk dwelt there , decaying remnants of a once great race .
tr	2	When their city was completed , they slew all the black slaves .
tr	2	Their wizards had died , and the people had forgot their ancient necromancy .
tr	2	Already , in the days of peace , they had divided the city between them .
tr	2	" Anger and resentment and jealousy blossomed into bloodshed and rape and murder .
tr	2	Those empty halls and chambers became a battleground , and a region of brooding terror .
tr	2	She knew many secrets of the city she never told the others .
tr	2	All in this chamber , except Olmec , were born in it .
tr	2	They were born in it , and they expected to die in it .
tr	2	The feud that was an obsession to his clansmen seemed meaningless to him .
tr	2	We are not accustomed to the open sky and the naked sun .
tr	2	Are you trying to tell me that he was a wife fifty years ago ? "
tr	2	He is a warlock , who possesses the secret of perpetual youth . "
tr	2	And touching her finger to her lips , she glided from the chamber .
tr	2	He noted that the doors were supplied with bolts , and asked where they led .
tr	2	" I just like to know what sort of harbor I 'm dropping anchor in .
tr	2	No , I don 't want you to sleep at the foot of my couch .
tr	2	I 'm not accustomed to being waited on -- not by men , anyway .
tr	2	Somewhere among the dark towers , a night wind moaned like a restless spirit .
tr	2	Through the dim passages , stealthy figures began stealing , like disembodied shadows .
tr	2	For a bemused instant the apparition seemed part of the dream he had been dreaming .
tr	2	He was sinking into scented billows of insensible bliss , when something touched his face .
tr	2	The man made no reply , but sought to cast away the object .
tr	2	" Tell me , or I 'll tear your arm out of its socket ! "
tr	2	He crouched , watching his captor with eyes baleful as those of a basilisk .
tr	2	Valerian turned and tore a handful of cords from a near-by hanging .
tr	2	" I can keep this up all night , if necessary . "
tr	2	Valerian reeled backward , shaking and clawing the stinging liquid out of his eyes .
tr	2	The pirate was after his instantly , sword out and murder in his heart .
tr	2	A damp moldy scent reeked up from it , and Valerian shivered .
tr	2	He had no intention of groping his way down those stone steps .
tr	2	There was no doubt that it had been he who had cried out .
tr	2	Regaining his chamber , he closed the door and shot the bolt behind him .
tr	2	Her face was that of a wooden image , her expression one of horrified listening .
tr	2	Nor was there any to say what had prompted that mad attempt .
tr	2	Valerian fought beside her , his lips smiling and his eyes blazing .
tr	2	He was stronger than the average woman , and far quicker and more ferocious .
tr	2	Some dying woman on the floor had fleshed her dagger with her last effort .
tr	2	Her eyes were red , like the reflection of flame on black water .
tr	2	" I will stake my head upon it that we have slain them all .
tr	2	There were less of them than I dreamed , and they must have been desperate .
tr	2	The princess was untouched , though he had fought as savagely as any .
tr	2	A few moments later she was leading her companions down the hall .
tr	2	Among the dead the living moved aimlessly , like people moving in a trance .
tr	2	The pirate followed the man into an adjoining chamber , already beginning to limp slightly .
tr	2	The terror of it had stalked through their dreams since earliest childhood .
tr	2	As each woman set foot over the threshold she stared and glared wildly about her .
tr	2	She heard no noise , and the rooms had an empty feel .
tr	2	" Come on , " she muttered , and started down the hall .
tr	2	A great wound in the neck showed what had caused its death .
tr	2	" They brought it up from the black tunnels below the catacombs .
tr	2	It was useless to seek to stanch the blood gushing from the horrible wound .
tr	2	Her primitive instinct of direction led her unerringly along the route they had come .
tr	2	Ah , Set , how far I have crawled in my own blood !
tr	2	If you have slain her , there is naught in the forest to harm you .
tr	2	Three had died since , which left seventeen enemies with which to reckon .
tr	2	But the innate craft of the wilderness rose to guide her berserk rage .
tr	2	The events of the night had been crowded into a comparatively short space of time .
tr	2	It came from somewhere ahead of her , and to the left .
tr	2	" Couldn 't you have done it just as well in the throne room ? "
tr	2	She stared fixedly at the man , and he rose and glided from the chamber .
tr	2	A moment later she was hurrying from the chamber , carrying his in her arms .
tr	2	" You cannot be such a dog as to do this thing !
tr	2	Then casting aside the weapon , she fled on along the corridor .
tr	2	sneered Valerian , trembling with fury and the shame of physical coercion .
tr	2	She was too utterly cynical to be at all interested in his thoughts or opinions .
tr	2	The liquor slopped over , stinging his lips , splashing down on his naked pectorals .
tr	2	Olmec brought his other hand from behind his and displayed a small gold vessel .
tr	2	Her muscles relaxed , and Valerian broke away and put the table between them .
tr	2	His laughter was less merciful than the ring of flint on steel .
tr	2	" Once , in your youth , you spoke words of love .
tr	2	Her eyes glared , her great hands fell limply to her sides .
tr	2	Olmec strode back to her , bent and gripped her by the hair .
tr	2	Valerian swore softly and tugged vainly , with his legs braced against the chair .
tr	2	Olmec presently returned alone ; behind his a muffled groaning issued from the chamber .
tr	2	" I have chosen you for a great honor , " he said .
tr	2	I am old , so old I do not remember my childhood .
tr	2	I am Olmec , whose youth your own glorious youth shall restore . "
tr	2	He sensed here a mystery darker than the degeneracy he had anticipated .
tr	2	" I 'll find his myself , after you 've been reduced to a jelly .
tr	2	I 've never been anything but a puppet in Olmec 's hands . "
tr	2	" Why , the filthy -- " " No , no ! "
tr	2	He renews his life and his youth by the sacrifice of beautiful young men .
tr	2	That 's one thing that has reduced the clan to its present state .
tr	2	Only Olmec and I know , and he thinks me helpless and you slain .
tr	2	Standing shoulder to shoulder the two women presented a formidable picture of primitive power .
tr	2	She might have been an image of primal strength cut out of bronze .
tr	2	" This secret has been guarded for half a century , " she said .
tr	2	At the head of the altar knelt a young woman , holding his wrists firmly .
tr	2	A young man knelt at the other end of the altar , grasping his ankles .
tr	2	Only the ridged muscles of her calf saved the bone from being splintered .
tr	2	The accursed thing had sprung out of the smoldering floor without warning .
tr	2	" Did you think I would not guard against your possible return ?
tr	2	Stand there and watch now , while I fulfill the destiny of your handsome friend !
tr	2	The site of Valerian 's naked body added flame to the fire of her rage .
tr	2	" They did not return from the catacombs , prince , " answered a woman .
tr	2	Framed in the door to the left of the dais stood a nightmare figure .
tr	2	Rags only partly covered her gaunt frame , revealing half-naked limbs strangely unnatural in appearance .
tr	2	whispered Olmec , livid , while the others crouched in speechless horror .
tr	2	She had dwelt apart from humanity so long that she was no longer human .
tr	2	It missed Olmec , but the man holding Valerian 's ankles was in the way .
tr	2	The woman who had held Valerian 's hands was the next to die .
tr	2	And bodies fell like falling leaves about the altar and at the doors .
tr	2	Olmec bent and touched the floor , pressing a design upon it .
tr	2	Instantly the iron jaws released the bleeding limb and sank back into the floor .
tr	2	" I had to do that much , for my own self-respect ! "
tr	2	" Well , this cleans up the feud , " she grunted .
tr	2	Larceny , magic and dancing await , in an all expenses paid evening .
tr	2	This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people .
tr	2	~ Book I " Where there is a sea there are pirates . "
tr	2	Down the street , Annie 's Variety had closed just before noon .
tr	2	All the boats at the small marina were present and accounted for .
tr	2	They didn 't bother turning their heads when the door opened and Lucas walked in .
tr	2	" Down and to the left today , Marcus , " he answered .
tr	2	Ain 't had a blow like this since ... when was it ?
tr	2	Lucas stopped in about this time every day to catch a few minutes .
tr	2	" Smart money 's still on Reese coming back to break things up .
tr	2	Removing the radio from his belt , Lucas lifted it to his mouth .
tr	2	" Stopped by the Cove for a cuppa , " Lucas answered .
tr	2	Lucas nodded once before again donning his heavy slicker and heading into the deluge .
tr	2	Most summer homes on the Rump had been in the same families for generations anyway .
tr	2	Across from the green loomed the steeple of the Rump 's only church .
tr	2	" You better get while the gettin 's good , " his radio blared .
tr	2	Putting his car in gear , he headed for the entrance of the bridge .
tr	2	Now unsupported by earth , long stretches of asphalt dangled above the sea .
tr	2	Moments later , a long segment near the Rump did the same .
tr	2	They 'd had only four guests in February , and eight in all of March .
tr	2	There weren 't many kids , but it wasn 't all bad .
tr	2	" I don 't see what 's so great about him , " he said .
tr	2	" Well , first off , he 's a fake , " he said .
tr	2	Turning , he looked at his mother and saw she was smiling .
tr	2	he asked , embarrassed to think he might have missed the point entirely .
tr	2	" Nothing , " she said , returning to her mixing bowl .
tr	2	He knew that someday , his mother 's protectiveness was going to get annoying .
tr	2	After watching it fly , the dog bounded over to retrieve it .
tr	2	But the dog seemed more excited than nervous , wagging its tail happily behind him .
tr	2	The yelps got more excited when the dog realized the game was again afoot .
tr	2	Chris said , before whipping it up and back over the dune .
tr	2	Chapter Two ~ Arthur Cobb was feeding his cat when the call came in .
tr	2	Cobb knew most of the two dozen or so people gathered around .
tr	2	He smiled and nodded to one or two while making his way through .
tr	2	Turning toward the wreck , Cobb asked , " So what 's the story ?
tr	2	The ranger gestured toward a blond kid with short hair standing away from the crowd .
tr	2	Chris recounted the story , embarrassed there wasn 't much to tell .
tr	2	When finished , he asked , " What do you think it is ? "
tr	2	That done , he turned and put his hands on his hips .
tr	2	After that , you see mostly octagonal pegs in ship construction . "
tr	2	Upon seeing them , he got an idea and waved to two locals he recognized .
tr	2	They 'd gone down only about twelve inches before Clem 's bucket struck something hard .
tr	2	Cobb used his hands to scrape away the rest , revealing what had been struck .
tr	2	They might have simply cut it down and turned into a barge . "
tr	2	The reporter wrote down a note or two before composing his next question .
tr	2	" I mean for them to just ... show up like this . "
tr	2	About ten years ago , the wreck of an old freighter washed ashore in Orleans .
tr	2	" But this ... " Cobb said , gesturing toward the vessel .
tr	2	~ Inside the wreck , Chris held firm to one of the ribs .
tr	2	Raising his hand , he dropped it into his pocket and hoped nobody noticed .
tr	2	By the time he arrived at the station , things had calmed down a bit .
tr	2	Halfway across , the ranger saw the cop shake his head at all the activity .
tr	2	He saw Arthur Cobb being interviewed by a TV reporter he recognized .
tr	2	In the middle of his photography , Lucas caught Haskins eye and waved him over .
tr	2	" That 's gon na be hard to do , " Lucas replied .
tr	2	Haskins looked thoughtful before saying , " That might actually help things .
tr	2	When finished with his latest interview , Arthur Cobb walked over and joined them .
tr	2	" It 's a pleasure to meet you , " Haskins said .
tr	2	" Marine archeologists will be along in the next few days , " Haskins answered .
tr	2	" They 'll take more precise measurements than we did and get her GPS coordinates .
tr	2	Probably also do some preliminary digging to see how much more there is . "
tr	2	" Just spread the word , tell folks to keep an eye on it .
tr	2	We 'll put up signs in the next few days warning folks about it . "
tr	2	Glancing over , Lucas saw some in the crowd had moved into the wreck .
tr	2	Cobb walked over to warn them about souvenirs while Haskins began packing his stuff .
tr	2	The old man looked forward to the boy 's visits more than he had realized .
tr	2	On the other hand , it couldn 't have happened to a nicer kid .
tr	2	He couldn 't wait for Chris to tell him all about it .
tr	2	he replied neutrally , knowing his son recorded all of their conversations .
tr	2	There was always a strange hiss or clicking sound when the two talked .
tr	2	It wasn 't enough his son had inherited the stores and the presidency .
tr	2	But then , Barney knew hard work was never Seth 's strong suit .
tr	2	He glanced over to his boathouse , built into a V-shaped cove .
tr	2	He recalled her saying once that her favorite toy growing up had been a dollhouse .
tr	2	Misty was an older woman whose eight children had all moved away .
tr	2	Bill Foley was a retired cop who did light maintenance at the inn .
tr	2	Town Council was called into emergency session to decide what to do about the Rump .
tr	2	The Cape Cod TV stations and newspapers were the first to arrive .
tr	2	Chris was nearby eavesdropping when a reporter from CNN interviewed some of the locals .
tr	2	When he heard she wanted to interview him , he made himself scarce .
tr	2	They all had a real good belly laugh at the Cape Cod rubes .
tr	2	But his mother was so proud he just kept that to himself .
tr	2	Chris went to his history class with Mr. Cobb on Tuesdays and Thursdays .
tr	2	Bubbles began coming to the surface , and then surrounded the hunk of metal itself .
tr	2	With a sparkle in his eye , Dale said , " You tell me . "
tr	2	Chris began moving slowly from one to the next , examining each of them closely .
tr	2	He stopped at the leftmost of the six when he saw something different about it .
tr	2	Beaming , he added , " We 'll make an artist out of you yet !
tr	2	Whatever it was , it was something he couldn 't quite put his finger on .
tr	2	Within easy reach were two mounted magnifying glasses that swiveled here and there .
tr	2	Each artifact was placed atop a numbered index card on which were written other notations .
tr	2	Chris assumed the number corresponded to a location on the map where it was found .
tr	2	But we have found at least one bowl , which is particularly exciting .
tr	2	Probably not a fair question , given they 've practically made it illegal nowadays .
tr	2	When Cobb saw the gleam of comprehension in his eyes , he went on .
tr	2	Turning to Chris , he paused a moment to catch his eye .
tr	2	" This style of pipe was quite popular in the early eighteenth-century . "
tr	2	He pointed to another index card that looked to have larger sticks on it .
tr	2	" My boy , the wreck we 've found may very well be historic .
tr	2	Though whimpering with the obvious desire to bark , the dog seemed to understand implicitly .
tr	2	It had always saddened him to think that one day there 'd be nothing left .
tr	2	But to think that day might be today angered him beyond measure .
tr	2	The motors got louder as the boats moved closer and then suddenly cut off .
tr	2	It surprised him they were coming by sea , but it hardly mattered .
tr	2	After overhearing the scavengers plan , his first instinct had been to talk to Lucas .
tr	2	Nearer to shore , two smaller patches of black moved closer by the minute .
tr	2	He heard a hushed cough followed by an urgent " shush ! "
tr	2	and moments later heard a crunching sound as the boats met sand .
tr	2	Eight silhouettes departed the two inflatables , then dragged them onto the beach .
tr	2	He wondered again about this strange compulsion to spend time at the wreck .
tr	2	If anything went wrong , he was certain he could escape into the darkness .
tr	2	He stared at it a moment before lifting it from the drawer .
tr	2	After thinking a moment , he carried the glass to the laundry room .
tr	2	But it was the size and shape of no coin he was familiar with .
tr	2	Whatever second thoughts he might have had about this evening were gone .
tr	2	They were breaking down the formwork supporting the wreck , Chris knew .
tr	2	Turning to the dog , he asked , " You ready ? "
tr	2	The dog wagged its tail , cocked its head , and licked his hand .
tr	2	Then again , the instructions on the colorful packaging had made it easy .
tr	2	It was a slow burning fuse , moving at about two inches per second .
tr	2	Looking up , he saw their orange trails glowing like tracers in the night sky .
tr	2	Smoke rising from erupting pyrotechnics was as thick as a London fog .
tr	2	Glancing over the dune , he looked down at the conflagration below .
tr	2	He chalked it up to an unfamiliar firework going off , or maybe a dud .
tr	2	Crossing his fingers again , he hoped , but again , there was no need .
tr	2	Whatever the man was shouting , it was another language to Chris .
tr	2	Chris realized only then that the last of his fireworks had gone off .
tr	2	" Happy to hear it , Sparky , " the man said anyway .
tr	2	" Important for us big shots to work just as hard as our underlings .
tr	2	Goes without saying we 're looking forward to having you be a part of us .
tr	2	If it was good enough then , it 's good enough now . "
tr	2	It was just the sort of thing that would come in handy right about now .
tr	2	" I buy and sell companies like yours every day , son .
tr	2	And Zimmerman Furniture is exactly the kind of company I 'm looking for .
tr	2	But a hard edge entered Pickett 's voice that set his nerves on edge .
tr	2	Gon na have my boys send over a copy of the contracts .
tr	2	Gon na date these contracts to expire in a hundred and twenty days .
tr	2	Seth thought about his answer a moment , but there was no need .
tr	2	You do know we quiz our managers on this , don 't you ?
tr	2	He was multitasking , something else Seth remembered Pickett stressing in his book .
tr	2	But you 'll find out one way or the other before long .
tr	2	It wasn 't hard to convince rich men to become even richer .
tr	2	But he also knew his mother would have laughed too , if she could .
tr	2	Because except for the summer tourist season , it was hard to make a living .
tr	2	He had noticed some of the restaurants normally closed for the season had opened up .
tr	2	The art galleries and antique shops that shut down in winter opened early as well .
tr	2	~ The sound of motors faded as the boats moved further from shore .
tr	2	He looked away after a moment to let the two have some privacy .
tr	2	Setting aside their hurried desertion of the place , they otherwise seemed like professionals .
tr	2	Anyway , that was a problem for Lucas or the Park Service , not him .
tr	2	There really wasn 't anything he could do about that now , was there ?
tr	2	" Can ' say fer sure , laddie , " he began .
tr	2	But it was late and he was tired and he just wanted to get home .
tr	2	She would kill him if she knew how much he snuck out .
tr	2	She 'd be disappointed in him , and that was the worst punishment of all .
tr	2	No stomachache or pretend fever was going to get him out of that .
tr	2	After thinking about it for a moment , he got an idea .
tr	2	His voice was low , with the guttural cadence of a longtime smoker .
tr	2	" But sure 'n it do give off a powerful glow . "
tr	2	He had no idea how he 'd ever explain being with this strange person .
tr	2	Turning , Chris saw the man was still a few paces behind .
tr	2	When they got there , Chris opened the sliding door and peeked in .
tr	2	His eyes at first narrowed , as if he were suspicious about something .
tr	2	" Ah , ' tis mighty Christian of you , boy , " he said .
tr	2	Sur 'n yer trip to heaven is now all but assured . "
tr	2	Sure 'n I 'll be the most fashionable man that e 're set sail . "
tr	2	Outside the box , Chris rolled his eyes and shook his head .
tr	2	Ahh , now this be what I call a hat ... " Chris sighed .
tr	2	Creeping up his legs were a pair of once white , now yellowed athletic socks .
tr	2	Over that was a knee-length , gray woolen coat with wide lapels .
tr	2	Topping off the outfit , in his right hand was an old wooden cane .
tr	2	Chris continued to stare , but realized after a moment he was just being rude .
tr	2	" Can ' thank ya enough fer yer kindness , " he said .
tr	2	Chris wasn 't sure how he felt about that , but nodded anyway .
tr	2	His head was bowed for a moment of silent contemplation and prayer .
tr	2	Opening his eyes , he turned to see what all the fuss was about .
tr	2	Only when she was certain that was the end of it did she let go .
tr	2	The service ended as it always did , with some brief announcements .
tr	2	But she stopped to talk to Misty Rowling and Chris knew that could take forever .
tr	2	While standing in line , Chris turned occasionally to watch folks enter the large room .
tr	2	But Cobb seemed distracted about something and hadn 't noticed Chris 's hello .
tr	2	The two fishermen walked in next , Clem Johnson and his crewman Perry Winslow .
tr	2	Turning , he watched the crazy man walk in , and he wasn 't alone .
tr	2	" Sure 'n we make a grand entrance , don 't we ladies ?
tr	2	It had been warm in the church and seemed even warmer outside .
tr	2	" There ya are , laddie , " he said as he approached .
tr	2	After swallowing the last bit , he seemed to come back to himself .
tr	2	Still hungry , Chris reached out and took a donut from the bottom .
tr	2	Occasionally , someone did come out to start their car and head for home .
tr	2	But there was something else in his eyes too , something suspicious .
tr	2	Chris suppressed his grin , suspecting the man had an encounter with one last night .
tr	2	It took Chris a moment to realize the man had nodded toward the clothes bin .
tr	2	Chris was named after his grandfather , but was too polite to mention it .
tr	2	Smiling , the man bent low and began executing his delicate and deep bow .
tr	2	Before he could object , the deed was done and the man began to speak .
tr	2	He waited to grab hold of Chris 's eyes before going on .
tr	2	Sure 'n that not be too much ta ask , one sailor to another ? "
tr	2	Chris didn 't know how to respond to that , so he just nodded .
tr	2	At that moment , someone called to Chris from inside the church .
tr	2	There you are , " Cobb said , coming out the door looking agitated .
tr	2	Chris glanced at Cobb and saw his mouth was a stern line .
tr	2	While walking , Chris glanced again at Cobb and saw him staring back .
tr	2	Standing , he put his hands on his hips and went on .
tr	2	And I 'm surprised I don 't see empty cans laying around .
tr	2	Chris watched Lucas slowly survey the scene , trying to piece it all together .
tr	2	Boston or Portsmouth or Quincy or any of a half-dozen more places . "
tr	2	Cobb turned to Quinn , who mercifully also had his back to the dune .
tr	2	Tuning them out , Chris turned his attention back to the man on the dune .
tr	2	Cobb said triumphantly , though Chris had missed most of the discussion .
tr	2	Cobb just shrugged and turned back in the direction of the car .
tr	2	" The one with the flowery scarf and the pink face . "
tr	2	" He 's ... well , he 's kind of a historian . "
tr	2	When after a moment he did speak , his eyes never left the wreck .
tr	2	Was it so farfetched that he now believed this was his ship ?
tr	2	' Tis a look ya need always be on guard agin . "
tr	2	He be comin ' ta stare at it , ta touch it .
tr	2	It was also true he had insinuated himself into every aspect of the dig .
tr	2	Mostly , Chris remembered Cobb calling the wreck " what we 've discovered . "
tr	2	He alone had appeared in all the recent articles and news reports about it .
tr	2	Chris 's own role in the discovery was mentioned less and less .
tr	2	" Well ... I 've got to go now , " Chris told the man .
tr	2	There were another two stories below that were lost to their vision .
tr	2	Chris told him of the trench and of the students digging for artifacts .
tr	2	Pausing in their stroll , they leaned on it to rest a while .
tr	2	" What do you mean , " Chris asked , not understanding .
tr	2	But for a while now , it hadn 't felt that way .
tr	2	~ On Tuesday afternoon as usual , Chris was over Cobb 's house .
tr	2	Anyway , he had to admit there was a certain charm about him .
tr	2	Must be nice to go through life completely oblivious to reality , Chris thought .
tr	2	Cobb took a moment to finish what he 'd been typing before looking up .
tr	2	Chris answered , " What you and the ranger talked about on Sunday .
tr	2	Cobb 's face went hazy a moment , thinking back on the encounter .
tr	2	Not as big as Vasa , mind you , but certainly bigger than Mary Rose .
tr	2	He 'd heard that name before , spoken by a crazy man .
tr	2	Exciting was about the last word Chris would use to describe it .
tr	2	He 'd rather be doing quadratic equations or having a cavity filled .
tr	2	But mostly , he needed to know more about the Lady Grace .
tr	2	All the regulars were there when he stopped by McGarvey 's burger joint for lunch .
tr	2	The archeology students who had spent long days there were long gone .
tr	2	The tools were of the sort that could have come from anyone 's basement workshop .
tr	2	But he 'd been right about Angelina , and there was some solace in that .
tr	2	Further up the road , Lucas smelled the freshly mowed lawn of the town green .
tr	2	It was fun for families and a cheap date for the younger folks .
tr	2	Like a silent sentinel looming above the freshly mowed grass was the town pine .
tr	2	Smoke rising from others revealed a few were getting a head start on barbecue season .
tr	2	He smiled to think what a nice town this was , an almost idyllic community .
tr	2	Lucas swiveled his head as he passed and was fully turned before realizing it .
tr	2	He wore an outfit similar to the black man 's , but in twinkling red .
tr	2	All but the Indian had scarves tied around their heads and necks .
tr	2	And the answer he arrived at in that moment of quiet introspection was unambiguous .
tr	2	But specifically requesting that he sit down to dinner with her and Misty ?
tr	2	So , he smiled and nodded and pretended to listen to their conversation .
tr	2	His scrubbing also revealed a few letters and glimpses of designs carved into the coins .
tr	2	Of course , that they were real silver and real gold was only a guess .
tr	2	It took him to an online encyclopedia , where he began reading about the Vasa .
tr	2	Hundreds of artifacts were found , along with hundreds of bodies of her crewmen .
tr	2	Yawning , Chris glanced at the clock and saw it was past midnight .
tr	2	They were about ten feet away when they caught sight of Chris .
tr	2	Chris shook his head and felt his lips curve up in a wry smile .
tr	2	Chris took a moment to pretend to think about it and then shook his head .
tr	2	Chris just shrugged and turned again , leaving the men to fend for themselves .
tr	2	Chris himself was beyond all that now , beyond being stunned or surprised .
tr	2	After thinking a moment , the boy answered , " William ... no .
tr	2	And every morning , when asked that question , Chris shook his head .
tr	2	To the east soared dozens of masts from sailboats moored at a private marina .
tr	2	Just as he imagined would happen , he didn 't recognize himself .
tr	2	He figured he 'd get used to his new self , in time .
tr	2	After close to two hours in the dentist 's chair , he was finally free .
tr	2	Not much bigger or wider than the Internet closet back at the inn .
tr	2	His tie was loose , but mostly hidden behind a stained brown apron .
tr	2	He felt his face go red before trying again , slowly and carefully this time .
tr	2	Reaching into his pocket , he placed the coin on the counter .
tr	2	After Chris raised his head and nodded , the man went on .
tr	2	" The front of the coin , that 's called the obverse .
tr	2	Next to that is the L , which stands for Lima , in Peru . "
tr	2	Sorry to hear that , kid , " the man said kindly .
tr	2	" Given its condition , your coin is probably at the lower end of this .
tr	2	But still , that should cover the first year anyway , don 't you think ?
tr	2	Chris turned his back and was almost out the door when the man shouted .
tr	2	There was more scratching followed by a loud thump just before a large head appeared .
tr	2	Shaking his head , Chris walked to the window and opened it .
tr	2	The dog wagged its tail and put its snout to the screen .
tr	2	Remembering the man was wanted ... at least by some ... Chris got an idea .
tr	2	" Ah , thank you laddie , " he said , taking it .
tr	2	Chris had no idea what he was talking about and didn 't care to ask .
tr	2	" An ' a course , I been keepin ' an eye on me ship .
tr	2	" An ' I been told they been askin ' after me . "
tr	2	Sure 'n you know by now I can take care of meself .
tr	2	He could imagine the eccentric artist getting along just fine with the eccentric sailor .
tr	2	The two went quiet after that , until Chris asked another question .
tr	2	An ' ta be fair , they 've every right ta be .
tr	2	Enough to last all of us an ' our families fer generations ta come .
tr	2	Or maybe , they 'll forego the trial an ' just hang me .
tr	2	The silence lingered before Chris said , " You were right , you know . "
tr	2	But what I think he 's gon na do is take the ship away somehow .
tr	2	Chris nodded , surprised at first , then realizing that perhaps the timing made sense .
tr	2	Now that the rest 're back , I haven ' got a prayer .
tr	2	Whatever it was , it wasn 't interesting enough for the dog to venture further .
tr	2	I canna thank ya enough for both yer hospitality and yer company .
tr	2	As he executed his bow , Chris asked , " Where you been staying ? "
tr	2	Though I must say , what passes for ale these days be sorely lacking .
tr	2	" And you know , you really shouldn 't use them around town .
tr	2	It 's gon na ... " Chris struggled to find the words .
tr	2	" You just shouldn 't be using them , is all . "
tr	2	But it 's the best I can do in me present circumstances .
tr	2	Having done that , he apparently thought it best to place it on the counter .
tr	2	The coin man looked down and saw it was a soap opera magazine .
tr	2	The coin man took it and placed it down on the velvet mat .
tr	2	But I 'll be happy to tell you all about it . "
tr	2	When he did , he saw the two coins sitting there and picked them up .
tr	2	Though blackened like the others , he knew immediately these were gold .
tr	2	The more of them he acquired , the harder that was to believe .
tr	2	Before he had a chance to turn around , his world went black .
tr	2	~ " No , you were right to tell me about it , Earle .
tr	2	Lucas looked up from the strange coins someone tried to pass at McGarvey 's .
tr	2	" You have any idea where they might have come from ? "
tr	2	Lots of bikers come in to get new ink down the tattoo parlor .
tr	2	" Though to be honest , I might just think that because of their accents .
tr	2	Anyhow , them boys acted like they never had a hamburger in their lives .
tr	2	Earle nodded and smiled and took the order back to the kitchen .
tr	2	And he wasn 't real proud of his clumsy fall from the rock either .
tr	2	He felt his face go red , looking away before picking himself off the ground .
tr	2	But when she removed them and said , " I 'm sorry !
tr	2	Now , it was long and untamed , falling well below her shoulders .
tr	2	He turned to stare at her , hoping to put some malevolence into it .
tr	2	He took it out of the bag and handed it to her .
tr	2	Do you have any idea how they treat the animals that go into that sandwich ?
tr	2	It must have been a rhetorical question , because she didn 't let him respond .
tr	2	And do you know there are allowable amounts of rat hair and feces in them ?
tr	2	While she 'd been talking , Chris was unwrapping the plastic wrap from the sandwich .
tr	2	" If you only knew what was in that , you wouldn 't eat it .
tr	2	See this shirt , and these pants , and the sandals ? "
tr	2	The shirt was green with some kind of designer peace sign on it .
tr	2	Chris turned away while she continued her rant and stared out at the ocean .
tr	2	He swallowed down the last of his sandwich and wiped his mouth with his sleeve .
tr	2	And whatever they were , he didn 't have an answer so he just shrugged .
tr	2	" See , that 's what I 'm talking about , " she said .
tr	2	With some difficulty , Chris stopped himself from shrugging before remembering something .
tr	2	" What , you think I don 't know where you go ?
tr	2	Chris asked , unconsciously running his fingers along his once rubbed red raw neck .
tr	2	" Well , you sure had a funny way of showing it . "
tr	2	" That 's what you do when you 're a kid , I guess .
tr	2	" Well , I got to be getting home , " he said .
tr	2	Sarah got up , and the two walked into the woods and down the hill .
tr	2	Come next weekend and all the way through September , the Rump would be mobbed .
tr	2	The man cleaning windows at the ice cream parlor saw Chris walk by and waved .
tr	2	The two made eye contact for only a moment before the boy turned to run .
tr	2	" I 'm not gon na hit ya , " Chris said .
tr	2	When the boy continued wriggling , he added , " Look at me ! "
tr	2	Reaching out , Chris grabbed his ankle and the boy put up no further resistance .
tr	2	Chris thought back to the various men he had ... shepherded back into this world .
tr	2	Gave him the same rations as anyone else an ' the run of the ship .
tr	2	I always figured it was the captain 's reputation , ya know ?
tr	2	Rain like a waterfall , an ' hail the size of fists .
tr	2	But as always , the captain acted as if it were nothin ' unusual .
tr	2	In fact , he kep ' drivin ' the ship harder an ' harder .
tr	2	But the captain said no , kep ' insisting we stay bound for the north .
tr	2	" Seems the men decided it was time fer a new captain .
tr	2	Run us onto a sandbar , knockin ' a hole in the hull .
tr	2	Billy thought about it a moment before looking Chris straight in the eye .
tr	2	" Well , we found him now , didn 't we ? "
tr	2	" In fact , I expect by now , he 's already been hung . "
tr	2	" Can 't talk , " he said , blowing past her toward the Cove .
tr	2	Clem was watching bowling on television while Perry was busy with a scratch ticket .
tr	2	Moments later , he heard the door open and turned to see Sarah come in .
tr	2	Worn couches and old chairs were strewn around without any apparent thought or design .
tr	2	There were tables scattered here and there covered with empty beer bottles .
tr	2	Chris saw they were all here , the crew of the Lady Grace .
tr	2	And all of them had turned their heads to stare at him .
tr	2	Chris looked up into the face of the captain , who just stared stoically ahead .
tr	2	As he did , he realized there was something that didn 't make sense .
tr	2	But the second was harsher , pushing him off to the side .
tr	2	Chris noticed that even Sykes had leaned forward , curious what was coming next .
tr	2	" I ain 't yet heard the evidence , " Billy said with authority .
tr	2	Billy turned to look at one of the men in the front row .
tr	2	The way he asked the question made Chris believe Billy already knew the answer .
tr	2	Looking chastened , the man named Fletcher stood slowly and crossed his massive arms .
tr	2	A grim sort , Chris thought , and probably not a man you should cross .
tr	2	You were in pursuit of a prize on that voyage , weren 't you ? "
tr	2	Chris thought he might have seen a slight twitch beneath the captain 's right eye .
tr	2	" We was chasing Black Sam , " a soft voice said .
tr	2	Walking to his right , he took a chair directly beneath the captain .
tr	2	Then , he looked up , crossed his arms , and waited .
tr	2	With his eyes still closed , he felt a soft hand on his shoulder .
tr	2	Turning , he opened his eyes and saw Sarah smiling at him .
tr	2	Taking his hand in hers , she walked them over and the two sat down .
tr	2	The shaking in Chris 's legs subsided , but his heart still raced .
tr	2	He refused to believe it had anything to do with the soft hand in his .
tr	2	Leaning forward , Chris put his head between his legs to let the nausea pass .
tr	2	" I 've heard of these , but never done one , " she whispered .
tr	2	Chris had no idea what she was talking about , but nodded anyway .
tr	2	" They prefer to be called ... privateers , " he said .
tr	2	And it looked now as if the captain was about to speak .
tr	2	" I 'm tellin ' ya it 's all lies , " he muttered .
tr	2	With a hun 're d an ' fifty men an thirty guns ?
tr	2	" It does sound a little ... far fetched , ya ask me . "
tr	2	An ' fer that , an ' only that , I do apologize . "
tr	2	In fact , how do we even know Black Sam was headed here ? "
tr	2	You all swore an oath that during chase he was to be obeyed without objection .
tr	2	The captain broke the code by not telling you and has apologized for it .
tr	2	" You all broke the code too , " he said instead .
tr	2	He again moved too close to the captain 's chair for Chris 's comfort .
tr	2	" There is , " Chris said quietly , but with authority .
tr	2	" It was the same storm that sank the Lady Grace . "
tr	2	After their silent contemplation , quiet talking broke out among the men .
tr	2	The men ceased their hushed whisperings and turned their attention to the quartermaster .
tr	2	Staring straight ahead , he 'd apparently resigned himself to whatever his fate would be .
tr	2	At that moment , Chris felt a hand take hold of and squeeze his knee .
tr	2	He paused a moment to glance around the room before going on .
tr	2	" ... that ye shall live , an ' ye shall remain our captain . "
tr	2	Chris felt the blood begin to flow in his leg as Sarah removed her hand .
tr	2	He was waving and smiling to them all when he caught sight of Marcus .
tr	2	She was still applauding wildly , but he noted she wasn 't looking at him .
tr	2	" Yes , it was , " Chris said , almost to himself .
tr	2	Chris returned home after the captain 's acquittal to help his mother around the inn .
tr	2	Walking down to the water , Chris then began strolling west along the shore .
tr	2	It had been weeks since Arthur Cobb determined the identity of the ship .
tr	2	Cobb had also said that if they weren 't interested , others were lining up .
tr	2	Turning quickly , he saw standing next to him was the captain himself .
tr	2	" Just a little jumpy I guess after ... well , you know . "
tr	2	But remembering the trial of this morning brought something else to Chris 's mind .
tr	2	After the two had walked a bit , the captain spoke again .
tr	2	Maybe take it apart an ' put it on one of yer larger wheeled beasties .
tr	2	Chris turned to look at the captain and saw he wasn 't joking .
tr	2	Most important , whatever ye do , stay away from the damned Tarot .
tr	2	Chris looked up and saw he had a puzzled look on his face .
tr	2	" It jes makes no sense , is all , " he said .
tr	2	But the way I recollect it , the spell that she cast was irrevocable .
tr	2	There was no way we was ever comin ' back from that .
tr	2	Every word , though it chills me now ta even think of it .
tr	2	Though it took a moment , Chris felt the blood drain from his face .
tr	2	He stopped walking and bent over , putting his hands on his knees .
tr	2	Yet there was no reason in the world to share that with the captain .
tr	2	The captain pondered that a moment , before asking , " Are ya sure laddie ?
tr	2	After the news broke , Cobb did what he could to mitigate the damage .
tr	2	Of course , it would again bring more gawkers to the scene .
tr	2	It wasn 't surprising the public would have an interest in seeing something so unusual .
tr	2	Still , he had taken responsibility for the excavation and the wreck .
tr	2	At least the fence had put a stop to the vandalism and teenage partying .
tr	2	Perhaps most remarkable of all was the heavy item now cradled in his arms .
tr	2	But he smiled to know that soon , even that would be fixed .
tr	2	For some of those men , it was their first ride in an automobile .
tr	2	Beside them , a man named Fletcher kept twirling his cap with nervousness .
tr	2	He heard muffled laughter and soft voices occasionally from other men down in the mess .
tr	2	" Think I 'm gon na get some air , " he said .
tr	2	But they both knew he owed the boy too much to make a comment .
tr	2	In the bright light of intermittent lightning , he saw other ships across the water .
tr	2	Chris figured there had to be some unpleasant history between Barney and the professor .
tr	2	As curious as he was , it wasn 't his business to ask .
tr	2	Amphibious vehicles had already crashed onto the shore releasing dozens of men .
tr	2	Though Chris couldn 't see most of it , he knew what was happening .
tr	2	Raising the Lady Grace had taken about an hour and a half .
tr	2	The ranger had just finished reminding Cobb that they 'd seen it before .
tr	2	It was the same ship that Paul Revere eluded before making his famous midnight ride .
tr	2	No , he wasn 't at all sorry to see it gone .
tr	2	In fact , he hadn 't said a word since he 'd arrived .
tr	2	" Seems to be taking it hard , " the ranger said .
tr	2	" Well ... " the ranger said , embarrassed to be watching the scene .
tr	2	" I expect , " he replied , though he hoped that didn 't happen .
tr	2	~ Memorial Day came and went and summer got into full swing on the Rump .
tr	2	They were certainly not the sorts of men who would take charity .
tr	2	Yet even after closing his eyes , he felt his mother 's stare .
tr	2	But folks were used to that now and the minister droned on .
tr	2	Opening his eyes , Chris turned to look and saw it was as he expected .
tr	2	They were nothing new to Chris , often staying at the inn throughout the summer .
tr	2	In fact , he 'd never met one he hadn 't liked .
tr	2	Before turning around , he caught Sarah 's eye , and she smiled .
tr	2	Chris noticed he seemed to only go through the motions those days he tutored .
tr	2	It took a moment for the captain to return from wherever he 'd been .
tr	2	After throwing the remote on the coffee table he sat down again .
tr	2	" I mean , you can 't stay in the ... here .
tr	2	It 's ... well , it won 't work , is all . "
tr	2	" So , what I 'm asking is , " Chris said .
tr	2	Whoever this woman was , when she cursed you , you were cursed but good .
tr	2	When Chris heard what it was , he allowed himself a smile .
tr	2	The long-necked beasts eyed them suspiciously but otherwise allowed them to pass .
tr	2	" I mean , don 't get me wrong , they 're cute and all .
tr	2	Chris let that pass without comment as they approached the fenced-in area containing the zebras .
tr	2	But they 're still being hunted , so it 's still touch and go .
tr	2	And it used to be , way back when , that horses were zebras too .
tr	2	When Chris went quiet , Sarah asked , " What about the emus ? "
tr	2	Veterinary students are always here , seeing to the animals and learning about them .
tr	2	" I know about emus and llamas and zebras and giraffes and one old monkey .
tr	2	That 's how his furniture stores became so well known , him and Mister Bobo .
tr	2	I guess he 's the first animal Barney got real close to .
tr	2	After only a few minutes , Chris apologized and said he had to leave .
tr	2	He was needed back at the inn for the wine and cheese party .
tr	2	As they walked home , Sarah stayed quiet a while before opening up .
tr	2	Sarah went five more paces before she realized he wasn 't there .
tr	2	Turning , she saw him standing in the middle of the road .
tr	2	Should make the thing light up the night sky , is all . "
tr	2	He started walking again , and when he joined Sarah the two walked together again .
tr	2	Yet , even after the students excavated her , she hadn 't looked like much .
tr	2	Chris could understand why that was important in their line of work .
tr	2	~ The meeting was held in the dining room of Barney 's mansion .
tr	2	He was busy reading something or other and not paying much attention .
tr	2	Open on the table in front of him was his ubiquitous briefcase .
tr	2	But as always , the lawyer kept his thoughts on the matter to himself .
tr	2	It would be at its brightest and most visible in early September .
tr	2	Maybe because it 's such a common thing , he 'd simply disregarded it .
tr	2	After he 'd completed his recital , the crew of the Lady Grace just stared .
tr	2	" So what 's your plan , son , " he asked .
tr	2	" That 's when what 's going to happen , laddie ? "
tr	2	" And I know that 's the night you can all go home . "
tr	2	Faraway looks had come into both sets of eyes at the mention of home .
tr	2	An ' in case ye haven ' noticed , we 're a small company .
tr	2	Truth be told , ye already been far kinder than we deserve .
tr	2	~ After he had detailed his plan , Barney smiled and nodded knowingly .
tr	2	Even his crew began to concede that it just might be possible .
tr	2	The men were so caught up in their discussions they lost track of time .
tr	2	Two ran for their usual seats at the bar nearest the door .
tr	2	None bothered turning their heads when the door opened and Lucas walked in .
tr	2	" Well , you 'll get ' em tomorrow , " he said .
tr	2	Another man was in the back glancing at the selections on the jukebox .
tr	2	Another half-dozen were situated around the bar , drinking alone or talking quietly .
tr	2	Lucas wondered if the obviously torn priest was about to come clean about that .
tr	2	After a long pause , Angelina confessed she didn 't know who the father was .
tr	2	" Nah , it 's not Blake 's , " Lucas said .
tr	2	Leaning back , Lucas saw the man who had spoke was an odd-looking duck .
tr	2	His goatee was also braided and decorated with the same colorful beads .
tr	2	But the Cove was HIS place , while they had places of their own .
tr	2	When he shared that thought with Dale , his art teacher smiled widely .
tr	2	Chris patted him gently behind the ears before putting him back onto the ground .
tr	2	The two began walking again , past the shops and toward the green .
tr	2	" I know where you can get your wood , " Chris said .
tr	2	He didn 't know exactly what , and couldn 't prove anything anyway .
tr	2	On an intellectual level , he knew the park ranger was right .
tr	2	Why , it had happened only last summer with the bones of the Somerset .
tr	2	Still ... there was something more going on here than met the eye .
tr	2	Tool bags left behind with no visible sign of where they 'd come from .
tr	2	He hadn 't dared share his suspicions with either the local cop or the ranger .
tr	2	They recognized and understood the importance of saving historical relics for future generations .
tr	2	~ It was after midnight when the men assembled down at the marina .
tr	2	They were all told there was plenty more where that came from .
tr	2	Blood pressure , heart rate , cholesterol , all within the normal and healthy range .
tr	2	The management subcommittee of the board also needed to be notified immediately .
tr	2	From the camping section , they took every canvas tarp in the place .
tr	2	From sewing , they took needles and thread and piles of loose material .
tr	2	He turned to Lucas and saw that he still didn 't understand .
tr	2	In fact , swords of all kinds are among our company 's biggest sellers . "
tr	2	He was on the verge of remembering something important when the manager spoke .
tr	2	With swords in their hands now , you couldn 't help but see it .
tr	2	It was the exact word the security guard had used to describe them .
tr	2	He looked the manager in the eye before laying down the law .
tr	2	While working , he 'd been running the scene over and over in his mind .
tr	2	" Billy Grey , " he remembered saying , not quite believing it .
tr	2	Funny , only a few summers ago , he couldn 't shake her .
tr	2	Still , when she came onto the steps and saw him , she smiled .
tr	2	Billy had even come by her house a few times during the week .
tr	2	" But we 're only going as friends , " Sarah said .
tr	2	After he 'd read it , all of Arthur Cobb 's suspicions were confirmed .
tr	2	But the fact it wasn 't included in the news report clinched it for Arthur .
tr	2	When he was finished with it , the ship would have become a public trust .
tr	2	One that people would have to pay to see , no doubt .
tr	2	The robberies were local , so that meant the ship hadn 't gone far .
tr	2	Who would have the motive and the opportunity ... no , that wasn 't right .
tr	2	The question was , who would have the resources to pull it off ?
tr	2	The more he thought about it , the more only one name came to mind .
tr	2	The retired furniture dealer had never shown any interest in such things .
tr	2	Even so , perhaps he had dismissed " motive " too quickly .
tr	2	It seemed the man never left the Rump , so he had the opportunity .
tr	2	Arthur knew he was the only one on the island who did .
tr	2	But even if it wasn 't the furniture dealer , it didn 't matter .
tr	2	Besides , he was starting to think the local cop was an idiot .
tr	2	" You may not remember me , but my name is Arthur Cobb .
tr	2	You interviewed me about that ship unearthed on the Rump last spring ?
tr	2	Halfway there , he nodded to a young couple hurrying in that direction .
tr	2	Chris knew all about the success of their mission the other night .
tr	2	But really , that wasn 't much to base a relationship on .
tr	2	Vendors selling popcorn and hot dogs and ice cream had their carts on the sidewalk .
tr	2	In a chair beside him sat Barney Zimmerman , who smiled at Chris 's approach .
tr	2	Chris thought he looked as happy as he 'd ever seen him .
tr	2	Billy was there too , and he smiled and nodded as well .
tr	2	" By now , no doubt , ye all know young Master Christopher .
tr	2	the crew shouted , raising their own cups and cheering in Chris 's direction .
tr	2	There was more shushing from nearby blankets , but the crew paid no attention .
tr	2	Turning , he nodded toward Billy as well , asking how he was .
tr	2	I mean , I 've never seen anything like it before . "
tr	2	He knew that most were seeing a movie for the first time .
tr	2	He sent a wink and a smile her way before turning back to the screen .
tr	2	Frankly , he hadn 't thought them a big deal at the time .
tr	2	By dismissing it as nothing , he 'd already blown it once .
tr	2	So yes , he would stop into that coin dealers first chance he got .
tr	2	They 'd seen each other only once since that night at the movies .
tr	2	He reminded himself to make time to visit the boathouse one of these days .
tr	2	Another marching band followed , and Chris knew the short parade was almost over .
tr	2	Everyone stood on tiptoes trying to get a glimpse of what it was .
tr	2	Whatever it was , his float was getting the most effusive cheers .
tr	2	It took more than a moment for him to realize it was their clothes .
tr	2	Gone were the silly hand-me-downs taken from the giveaway bin at the church .
tr	2	It didn 't matter , because as expected , Pickett was still at his desk .
tr	2	Seth was told the original IBM PC had come with a metal keyboard .
tr	2	There was a pause for a few more clicks before Pickett answered .
tr	2	Simple matter now of finalizing the contracts and we 're done . "
tr	2	But ... I got ta ask ... " Seth was surprised at the hesitation .
tr	2	In fact , Seth remembered then it might well have been one of his rules .
tr	2	Seth wasn 't prepared for this , so he 'd just have to wing it .
tr	2	It 's ... well , his mind is going , I 'm afraid .
tr	2	And oh boy , Seth thought , that hadn 't been easy .
tr	2	Some of them thought Barney should have the opportunity to defend himself .
tr	2	But she simply gave him his change and went back to looking bored .
tr	2	He waited until he was comfortably situated in his chair at home before reading it .
tr	2	was the title of the article , and it was everything he 'd hoped .
tr	2	" I was simply trying to be helpful , " Cobb said .
tr	2	But the storm did unearth a number of artifacts that escaped earlier excavation efforts .
tr	2	" The National Seashore belongs to the Park Service , " Cobb said .
tr	2	" They alone will decide in which museum these artifacts ultimately reside . "
tr	2	Now , if his suspicions were true , all he had to do was wait .
tr	2	Taller one 's the bull , and he 's about seventeen . "
tr	2	" Stupid question , but why on Earth do they have such long necks ? "
tr	2	The bigger and more powerful the neck , the more dominant the male .
tr	2	Again , the longer the neck , the better advantage the bull has . "
tr	2	" You know , there 's something else I want to show you .
tr	2	He wondered if that was the understatement of the year before going on .
tr	2	" But before I say anything , you got ta cross your heart . "
tr	2	After a moment , he realized they 'd been shorn of all their hair .
tr	2	He smiled to think he was pretty sure Barney wasn 't making sweaters .
tr	2	He watched her nod as the two walked beneath Pamela 's sharp prow .
tr	2	Her port side rested on a series of ramps spaced evenly apart .
tr	2	She would then slide down the ramps and plop gently into the water .
tr	2	But what astonished Chris the most was the hull appeared almost complete .
tr	2	The outer layer took most of the wear and tear and was easily replaced .
tr	2	" Hope to die , " she answered , with wonder in her voice .
tr	2	From the ground , they saw far more activity than met the naked eye above .
tr	2	Moments later , another man showed up with an empty basket and the cycle repeated .
tr	2	He saw Paul Wilson and Ron Fernald , and the fisherman , Clem and Perry .
tr	2	There was nothing for Chris to do but wink and smile back .
tr	2	" You oughta be more careful with that stuff , you know . "
tr	2	" Don ' know ' bout that , " Billy replied playfully .
tr	2	" Because every time I 'm careful , I get yelled at .
tr	2	they say , so that 's what I 'm doin ' . "
tr	2	" I can 't believe how much progress you 've made , " Chris said .
tr	2	" Get yer arse back up here boy , " it said .
tr	2	" Don ' recall anyone sayin ' it be break time . "
tr	2	He was a rung or two up the ladder when he answered .
tr	2	" Anyhow , " Billy went on , halfway up the ladder now .
tr	2	Sarah nodded , and the two started back the way they had come .
tr	2	Hell , it could have been the Cove for all he knew .
tr	2	But he knew now that whoever it was , they were getting sloppy .
tr	2	He raised his eyebrows and said , " Can I help you ? "
tr	2	Lucas removed the coins from his breast pocket and set them on the counter .
tr	2	The man seemed almost bored by them , as if reciting the facts by rote .
tr	2	There was more going on here than met the eye , Lucas realized then .
tr	2	" Buddy , these are showing up all over the place . "
tr	2	Lucas didn 't want to play hardball , but would if he had to .
tr	2	You and me both , brother , Lucas thought , as the man went on .
tr	2	Lucas had no opinion on James K. Polk and so remained silent .
tr	2	" Can 't say as I got any names , but ... wait .
tr	2	Came in here about a month , maybe a month and a half ago . "
tr	2	He 'd already had his suspicions confirmed : Peruvian , worth eight whatevers in Peru .
tr	2	Maybe even hitting the mainland , if what the coin guy said was true .
tr	2	~ The article was waiting on the kitchen table when Chris got home .
tr	2	Cut out of the newspaper with scissors , it spanned two pages .
tr	2	Above the article on the first page was a photo of a smiling Arthur Cobb .
tr	2	Cobb had absolutely no idea what he was getting himself involved in , Chris thought .
tr	2	He noticed only then that a corner of the first page had been turned down .
tr	2	-- Howard Pyle Chapter Fifteen ~ Summer flew by , as only summers can .
tr	2	" Thought I 'd find you here , " a voice whispered in his ear .
tr	2	Her eyes sparkled when she added , " I know all your secret places . "
tr	2	She cocked her head for a moment before smiling and taking it .
tr	2	The two sat quietly while Chris again began taking in the sights below .
tr	2	" I know why you come up here , " she said .
tr	2	After a while , she asked , " What 's it like ? "
tr	2	He started to chuckle and chew again , and she laughed along .
tr	2	" There 's not much to tell , really , " he began .
tr	2	But it 's not strange to me , know what I mean ?
tr	2	For example , anytime someone needs something , there 's somebody there to provide it .
tr	2	Most of the time , they don 't even have to ask .
tr	2	Funny , and you know , she only told me this once .
tr	2	Not that she couldn 't have done something else , I mean .
tr	2	The light slap on his arm indicated his interest hadn 't gone unnoticed .
tr	2	I know lots of folks do it because of religion or whatnot .
tr	2	She 's still that way , and for now , I try to accommodate her .
tr	2	The woman below apparently decided getting her toes wet was more than enough .
tr	2	It 's only been three years now , and you know what ?
tr	2	When that happens , I go into a kind of panic , you know ?
tr	2	I can hear it in my head right now , matter of fact .
tr	2	But he was always making jokes , or pulling pranks on my mother .
tr	2	My mother tells me I have his laugh , so maybe that 's it .
tr	2	" So anyway ... " he said , turning to Sarah and smiling .
tr	2	Like I said , there aren 't any secrets on the Rump .
tr	2	Though there was still much to do , work on the hull was complete .
tr	2	Chris had visited only a week ago when painting had begun in earnest .
tr	2	Sarah and Chris hurried over and waited for the show to begin .
tr	2	Turning to Sarah , Chris whispered , " Any time now . "
tr	2	She smiled and moments later , took his hand in hers and squeezed .
tr	2	The engineer barked out an order for the first team to go .
tr	2	Men standing beside four of the huge beams began beating their sledges against them .
tr	2	" It 's like she 's talking , " Sarah whispered in his ear .
tr	2	Chris smiled , because he 'd been thinking exactly the same thing .
tr	2	Chris spared one glance for the captain , high above it all .
tr	2	He saw Fletcher , the quartermaster , whisper something in his ear .
tr	2	One by one , they fell away and were pulled clear of the vessel .
tr	2	Chris marveled at the fact she stayed completely level all the way .
tr	2	Only then did Chris turn away to glance at what he 'd looked at earlier .
tr	2	By the time he reached the ringing chamber , he had indeed covered his ears .
tr	2	The sexton contemplated simply letting the curtain drop and walking away , never to return .
tr	2	To him , it sounded like the man was shouting : " The twee !
tr	2	Seth shuddered to recall that too was one of Warren Pickett 's rules .
tr	2	Alas , he discovered to his dismay that the book had remarkable powers of somnolence .
tr	2	A mere sentence or two was enough to make his eyes droop .
tr	2	And though he 'd said those things , he didn 't believe any of them .
tr	2	He 'd been on her once before for a wedding and been very impressed .
tr	2	Oh well , he thought , imagining that Pickett worked on Sundays anyway .
tr	2	The story concerned the travails of a man on vacation with his family .
tr	2	He was pleased afterward to note it had brought a chuckle from the crowd .
tr	2	Others stood quietly and watched an obviously annoyed Officer Lucas survey the scene .
tr	2	After a moment of looking from face to face , he began to speak .
tr	2	At the far end of the crowd he saw the professor , Arthur Cobb .
tr	2	He 'd wait a few days to see if they got any letters claiming responsibility .
tr	2	If you were a pine tree cult , that was certainly the tree for you .
tr	2	He just needed to put all the pieces together , find where they all fit .
tr	2	No , he wasn 't sure the minister had anything further to add .
tr	2	Yes , it was probably best to hear that from the man himself .
tr	2	But he wasn 't comfortable sharing the church-going habits of his congregation with an outsider .
tr	2	No , he wasn 't going to share that with the cop .
tr	2	In fact , he 'd received more than a dozen of them that morning .
tr	2	And with the economy the way it was , work was surely hard to find .
tr	2	The water was now above his waist so he was just about ready .
tr	2	" Oh , so that 's how it 's gon na be ? "
tr	2	After a few more minutes , the two agreed it was time to come out .
tr	2	" You 're turning a shade of red not normally seen in nature . "
tr	2	As they passed the Captain 's Cove , Chris heard something else familiar .
tr	2	There were too many voices for it to simply be the crew .
tr	2	Someone in there -- it might have been Ron Fernald -- was doing the shout .
tr	2	Anyway , he knew it could 've been just about anyone in town .
tr	2	He asked the captain across the street , to the wall beside the green .
tr	2	After the two sat down , Chris didn 't know quite how to begin .
tr	2	" As one shipmate to another , I give ye my word , son .
tr	2	Whatever it is ye want , I 'll give ye my word . "
tr	2	The two sat quietly for a few minutes before the captain spoke .
tr	2	So why would they blame you for something you didn 't do ? "
tr	2	I know you were running from the curse and all , but why here ?
tr	2	That was the only way I could think ta be rid of the thing .
tr	2	" Laddie , ye been so kind that I hate ta even ask .
tr	2	Wouldn ' dream of takin ' our first voyage without ya . "
tr	2	Chapter Seventeen ~ It was after midnight when the men assembled down at the marina .
tr	2	They had gotten used to their sons or tenants keeping odd hours .
tr	2	Each was assigned to one of a dozen or so small or medium sized boats .
tr	2	One by one , motors started and the boats began pulling away from the dock .
tr	2	Each of them smiled , for they knew they would soon be at sea again .
tr	2	The happiest of these men stood erect at the bow of Len Doyle 's skiff .
tr	2	After a smiling Chris greeted her at the door , they stepped onto the porch .
tr	2	The two stepped out beneath the starlit sky and walked down to the beach .
tr	2	He 'd hardly been born when the last comet was truly visible in the sky .
tr	2	The massively bright snowball in front was as big as ten stars .
tr	2	Through the darkness , Sarah found Chris 's hand , and it was good .
tr	2	She stayed quiet a while before saying , " I know . "
tr	2	" I 'm gon na miss them when they 're gone , " he confessed .
tr	2	But details kept running through his mind anyway , mostly , had he forgotten anything ?
tr	2	~ Asleep in his bed , Arthur Cobb felt a gentle tickle at his throat .
tr	2	Just enough to allow him to get a word or two out .
tr	2	An ' I made no promise I 'd let ya keep yer ears . "
tr	2	You got tings don ' belong to ya , do you not ? "
tr	2	Moments later came another thunderous clap as the door to the closet was kicked open .
tr	2	It seemed to take an eternity , but shuffling sounds came from up the hall .
tr	2	" Think that 's it , Captain , " the voice said .
tr	2	An epoch after that , the knife was removed from behind Arthur 's ear .
tr	2	The smile left his face when he remembered that wasn 't possible .
tr	2	Halfway to the ship , Chris heard the high-pitched ringing of a bell .
tr	2	It only served to underscore how ... new the thing really was .
tr	2	When the two stood , Chris said , " You know Sarah , right ? "
tr	2	It 's time fer ye to be getting ' the tour . "
tr	2	" Normally , it would be extra cannon an ' balls , lad .
tr	2	Sarah asked if he was excited about going home , and he was .
tr	2	Still puzzled , thinking something just wasn 't right , Chris hurriedly followed .
tr	2	After the ignominy of last evening , he had no desire to face the world .
tr	2	But for some reason , Arthur sensed it was a sincere smile just the same .
tr	2	" Shh , shh , " the man said , not unkindly .
tr	2	He took the knife and used it to pick beneath his fingernails .
tr	2	" Anyhow , I hate to jes pop in on ye like this .
tr	2	I overheard ' em makin ' their plans an ' followed ' em here .
tr	2	So no , I ain 't in any hurry to leave here at all .
tr	2	The captain stared back at him with a gleam in his eye .
tr	2	He glanced into the captain 's face and noted the gleam in his eye .
tr	2	" You 're going to make me do this , aren 't you ? "
tr	2	When he emerged from his seventh trip , the captain was more than satisfied .
tr	2	Unfortunately , the food was not as good as he had remembered .
tr	2	Yes , he had a one-year contract to fulfill with Decatur Heath .
tr	2	Seth figured it was maybe that after today , they 'd all be free agents .
tr	2	Then , Chris saw the wall of the boathouse start to move .
tr	2	After it slipped beneath without incident , a cheer went up among the crew .
tr	2	The two leaned back in awe as the powerful vessel surged ahead .
tr	2	I mean , it 's just a trial run , you know ?
tr	2	Chris glanced to where she pointed , somewhere far out to sea .
tr	2	He had his front legs over the railing and his head facing into the wind .
tr	2	And don 't think that wasn 't the first thing he planned to do .
tr	2	He turned from the window and saw Calvin Pickett sitting alone at their table .
tr	2	He could understand why he hadn 't brought along his board members .
tr	2	Glancing at his watch , Seth saw it was just before two .
tr	2	I wonder if I might have your attention for a moment . "
tr	2	The stunned and now drenched crowd went silent a moment , before someone started applauding .
tr	2	" Vessel approaching from the port side , Captain , " he said .
tr	2	While the mate was doing that , the captain addressed the bridge .
tr	2	He waited for his first mate to lower the binoculars before going on .
tr	2	~ Chris and Sarah held tight to the railing throughout their hellish rollercoaster ride .
tr	2	Come to think of it , the captain hadn 't really changed at all .
tr	2	There had been no sign of the man for some time now .
tr	2	In fact , it looked as if he had reveled in it .
tr	2	It was Barney , and behind him , his ever-present lawyer , Dawkins .
tr	2	But why he hadn 't enjoyed it from above deck , Chris had no idea .
tr	2	Today , Barney was dressed in a sharp suit and red tie .
tr	2	He expected there might be some congratulatory applause or ... something to mark the event .
tr	2	He wasn 't quite sure what was so special about the sixth contract .
tr	2	" Heard you was under the weather , Barney , " Pickett said .
tr	2	" You know , I suppose to a certain extent that has been true .
tr	2	Seth was doing what was in the best interests of the company .
tr	2	Seth asked , the words out of his mouth before he could stop them .
tr	2	It took Seth a moment to understand he was being asked to vacate his chair .
tr	2	" Me and Sparky get along just fine , " Pickett said .
tr	2	Between you and me , I 'm not sure he 's even read my book .
tr	2	" I have no doubt of that , Calvin , " he said .
tr	2	Seth braced himself , thinking a little pee might have come out .
tr	2	I 've arranged it so your annual stipend will match your current salary .
tr	2	You shouldn 't at all have to modify your standard of living .
tr	2	I , for one , have long thought there should be a sequel .
tr	2	Smiling , Barney raised his pen over the eighth and final contract before going on .
tr	2	" That 's what the lawyers call it , " Pickett responded .
tr	2	Let him jot down any ideas or random thoughts you may have .
tr	2	Pickett raised his eyebrows and turned to a now leaking from most every orifice Seth .
tr	2	" I see now just where it is you get your business sense .
tr	2	How quick can you get to Muncie , and how are your Lotus 1-2-3 skills ?
tr	2	Gon na have to brush up on those to work for me .
tr	2	Mercifully , his mind shut down as he collapsed to the floor .
tr	2	His gray hair whipped every which way in the late afternoon breeze .
tr	2	" What do you think of the job we did rebuilding your ship ?
tr	2	Chris smiled to hear Barney again call it " his " ship .
tr	2	Of course , neither Cobb nor his mother knew the half of it .
tr	2	~ The Lady Grace dropped anchor in the cove just off Barney 's estate .
tr	2	The cook muttered beneath his breath before going below to accede to their wishes .
tr	2	" Couldn 't have accomplished any of this without ye , young Christopher .
tr	2	Billy smiled and thanked him , assuring Chris he 'd take advantage .
tr	2	Spotlights from Barney 's estate above came on , shining brightly down toward the ship .
tr	2	Placing it around his waist while walking , he buckled it without missing a stride .
tr	2	Letting go of Sarah 's hand , he began running across the deck .
tr	2	Raising his hand , he shouted , " Wait ... wait ... wait ! "
tr	2	Chris leaned over the rail , almost able to make it out .
tr	2	he shouted one more time , meeting the captain 's stare before turning again .
tr	2	On its deck were dozens of officers , all wearing riot gear and bulletproof vests .
tr	2	It took more than a moment for Chris to realize they were pointing at him .
tr	2	Though his face burned red , he really couldn 't blame them .
tr	2	Chris looked up in time to see the rope coming his way .
tr	2	Chapter Twenty ~ A state police captain read the list of charges .
tr	2	Right on his heels came Arthur Cobb , looking quite smarmy this evening .
tr	2	It had been a fun summer , all right , one he would never forget .
tr	2	It was time for everyone -- including him -- to get back to their lives .
tr	2	The state police captain was apparently a man who didn 't appreciate being interrupted .
tr	2	Turning to his lieutenant , he said , " Arrest that man . "
tr	2	" You 're not going to do that , " Dawkins said .
tr	2	Glancing up , Chris saw even the state police captain looked confused now .
tr	2	As the confused silence lingered , an anxious Cobb stepped forward to fill it .
tr	2	Laughing a little , obviously enjoying the moment , he went on .
tr	2	Just when he appeared about to nod his head , Barney spoke .
tr	2	" If I may , I think I can clear up any confusion . "
tr	2	" Mister Haskins , " he said , addressing the Park Service archeologist .
tr	2	" Did you come to the Rump the day the vessel was found ? "
tr	2	~ Chris watched the back and forth like a ping pong game .
tr	2	during one particularly heated exchange , and all Chris could do was shrug .
tr	2	He figured that after this , he might just have to get used to that .
tr	2	It took a moment for a light to dawn inside Chris 's head .
tr	2	" It 's what I 've been telling you all along , Chris .
tr	2	Every spar , every beam , every ... " he shot a look at Cobb .
tr	2	Ya see , the ship was abandoned when I come across her .
tr	2	There were some more guffaws and hooting from the crew before the captain went on .
tr	2	An ' right now , all tings bein ' equal , that would be you .
tr	2	Chris glanced up and saw even the state police captain looked down at him expectantly .
tr	2	The captain threw something toward him , which Lucas instinctively reached out and caught .
tr	2	" Alas , I don 't expect so , " the captain answered sadly .
tr	2	Lucas thought for a moment before glancing toward Quinn , who nodded imperceptibly .
tr	2	In fact , we wouldn ' dream of leavin ' without ya . "
tr	2	At that same moment , a heavy mist began washing up over the boat .
tr	2	" But I suspect they 'll know it when they see it . "
tr	2	" Going back in time ... going back to where they came from .
tr	2	Isn 't that going to change the way everything is now ? "
tr	2	Chris almost smiled , thinking about all the time travel movies he 'd seen .
tr	2	It was Chris 's turn to take a moment to phrase his response .
tr	2	" They 're not going back in time , " he answered wistfully .
tr	2	Even Einstein knew that couldn 't be proven , but he believed in it anyway .
tr	2	And if it was good enough for Einstein , it was good enough for Chris .
tr	2	Barney had joined the pirates on their adventure to who knew where .
tr	2	He felt a pang of sadness at the loss of his friend .
tr	2	" He loved you , you know , " Dawkins said out of the blue .
tr	2	But the lightning they glimpsed across the water had a curious greenish tint to it .
tr	2	Beneath his feet , Chris felt the Pamela 's engines slow , then stop .
tr	2	" The estate and mansion are to become a wild animal preserve .
tr	2	Anyway , there 's plenty of time for us to talk about that . "
tr	2	He did everything he could to put roadblocks in Barney 's way .
tr	2	" Every one of them has long passages lifted from other things .
tr	2	And so , the roadblocks to Barney 's plans were at an end . "
tr	2	Across the water , a second man had taken up the chorus from the first .
tr	2	Another loud thunderclap followed by a brilliant flash of green lightning illuminated the sky .
tr	2	" The cook has prepared some snacks in the salon , " Dawkins said .
tr	2	The ship and crew are yours for as long as you 'd like . "
tr	2	And it was long past time for him to find a head .
tr	2	She had continued rubbing his back throughout , and he hesitated for that to stop .
tr	2	Couple of discounted burgers or sodas was really all it amounted to .
tr	2	He was almost embarrassed to think he 'd contemplated bringing the Feds in on it .
tr	2	What was done was done , he thought , feeling cleaner now .
tr	2	~ A Note from the Author : Thanks for taking a chance on Swash !
tr	2	I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it .
tr	2	From humor to horror , I 've got the H 's covered .
tr	2	But soon , they find themselves thrown together in a deadly race for survival .
tr	2	A charming and hilarious tale sure to delight baseball fans of all ages .
tr	2	But only after his father has another heart attack do his real troubles begin .
tr	2	This eBook is licensed for the personal enjoyment of the original purchaser only .
tr	2	This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people .
tr	2	This is my fifteenth death in the last four hundred and fifty years .
tr	2	Chapter One I woke up in a dark alley behind a building .
tr	2	It gurgled in the gutters and storm drains off the main avenue behind me .
tr	2	I blinked at the drops that struck my face and slowly climbed to my feet .
tr	2	A face peering over the parapet of the glass and brick structure .
tr	2	As for me , the bruises would start to fade by tomorrow .
tr	2	It would take another day for the wound in my chest to heal completely .
tr	2	I glanced at the sky again before walking out of the alley .
tr	2	The voice had gone blank , devoid of all traces of emotion .
tr	2	' I know , ' I muttered in the same neutral tone .
tr	2	The sigh at the other end was audible above the pounding of the rain .
tr	2	Water dripped onto the leather cover and formed a puddle by my feet .
tr	2	Reid certainly qualified as one , being a former Marine and cop .
tr	2	He took something from his raincoat and tossed it across to me .
tr	2	' I met up with our new client , ' I muttered .
tr	2	Small PI firms like our own had just about managed before the recession .
tr	2	As a result , the rent on our office space was overdue by a month .
tr	2	She gave these out to her tenants when they paid the rent on time .
tr	2	' Broadly speaking , he seemed opposed to my existence , ' I murmured .
tr	2	Reid crushed the cigarette butt in the ashtray and stared at me with narrowed eyes .
tr	2	However , the two immortal societies wanted me to be the last .
tr	2	Fearing for my existence , my parents fled and took me into hiding .
tr	2	That was when I learned one of the most important lessons about immortals .
tr	2	When the birds left , the remains of my parents had disappeared as well .
tr	2	Unlike our bodies , our souls could not regenerate after a death .
tr	2	No one was really clear as to where the birds took our unearthly remains .
tr	2	However , death by boredom is greatly underestimated , ' I replied .
tr	2	I finally shifted on the leather seat and reached for the door handle .
tr	2	I exited the car , crossed the sidewalk and entered the lobby of the building .
tr	2	Chapter Two A persistent ringing brought me out of a deep sleep .
tr	2	I did however find someone by that name staying at the Parker Hotel . '
tr	2	Thirty minutes later , we were sitting in a booth in Betty 's Cafe .
tr	2	Betty 's opened forty years ago in what is now a prime location in Roxbury .
tr	2	' You need to get a gun , ' said my partner .
tr	2	' That doesn 't mean I have to carry a gun . '
tr	2	Another sigh left my lips : my partner was being unusually vocal .
tr	2	' And I was fine by the end of the week . '
tr	2	I looked away from his piercing gaze and shifted uneasily in my seat .
tr	2	Even I had to admit that Louisiana had been an ugly affair .
tr	2	On our left , the Hancock Tower gleamed against a clear sky .
tr	2	Reid pulled up behind a hot dog vendor and went inside the building .
tr	2	At this rate I was going to die from second hand smoking .
tr	2	Shortly after , it pulled off the highway and turned into a side road .
tr	2	He turned briskly and disappeared into an alley at the side of the building .
tr	2	Sandy loam crunched softly beneath our boots as we made our way towards the alley .
tr	2	The blares of car horns carried on the wind from the distant toll bridge .
tr	2	I heard the crack of the bullet before it hit the ground next to us .
tr	2	Reid swore as I pulled him sharply into the lee of a building .
tr	2	All he did was laugh louder and call me a half-breed . '
tr	2	I touched his shoulder and silently indicated the roof of the adjacent building .
tr	2	We turned and headed for the broken side door we had walked past earlier .
tr	2	He rose on one knee and fired two rounds at the opposite building .
tr	2	We landed in the room with the mannequins with a thunderous crash .
tr	2	Above the noise of falling debris , I heard a harsh grunt from Reid .
tr	2	Reid was lying stiffly next to the bank of industrial sewing machines .
tr	2	' That 's not good , ' I said bleakly , meeting his eyes .
tr	2	' Found you , you dirty half-breed , ' hissed the immortal .
tr	2	A jagged piece of metal tore a gash across the back of my left hand .
tr	2	Instead he would use my partner as bait to lure me out .
tr	2	That 's what I would do if I were in his shoes .
tr	2	I turned with the faintest misgiving and let the current carry me north .
tr	2	I hesitated briefly before selecting a Glock 17 and a Smith & Wesson .45 ACP .
tr	2	Moments later , the Hayabusa roared through the dark streets of the city .
tr	2	I ignored the wet spray rising from the asphalt and headed swiftly across town .
tr	2	' Welcome , half-breed , ' said Haus from somewhere in the darkness .
tr	2	He looked down and fingered the holes in his fine wool , roll neck sweater .
tr	2	The canted hilt looked small in the grip of the man who held it .
tr	2	Out of the corner of my eyes , I saw Haus sneer .
tr	2	His right hand was cuffed to a bolt in the door frame .
tr	2	' And they 're brothers as well , ' he said , grinning weakly .
tr	2	The words had barely left his lips when the giant bellowed and charged .
tr	2	' How -- ' Haus mumbled , eyes widening in an ashen face .
tr	2	It did not matter whether it was their first or their sixteenth death .
tr	2	A few crows spiralled out of the night sky and landed on the rooftop .
tr	2	It was difficult to tell whether my partner 's voice held disgust or admiration .
tr	2	I asked him once why he had been so determined to work with me .
tr	2	Besides , the homicide unit was starting to wear me down . '
tr	2	We had ridden to the docks earlier that morning to retrieve the Chevy .
tr	2	Our landlady had called about our overdue rent , her tone somewhat cool .
tr	2	The beep of the machine was loud in the silence that followed .
tr	2	I rose and walked to the filing cabinet that served as our drinks tray .
tr	2	I reached for the bottle of bourbon and poured another measure into my mug .
tr	2	' That 's the name Haus mentioned last night , ' I said dully .
tr	2	' It 's also the name of a friend who died ten years ago . '
tr	2	' Was he the one you were mourning when Suarez shot you ? '
tr	2	' I don 't think so , ' I replied , shaking my head .
tr	2	We shared the second floor of the building with several other offices .
tr	2	In the distance , the elevator doors opened with a faint ' ping ' .
tr	2	' And I think he faked his own death , somehow . '
tr	2	' There was nothing in the house to suggest the identity of his killer ? '
tr	2	' If he did , he never told me of them . '
tr	2	The immortals were the only ones who could have executed such a smooth assassination .
tr	2	' If they knew about Mikael , then they must have known where I was .
tr	2	Reid studied me for a while longer before rising from his seat .
tr	2	' Do I look like I 'm fit to chase felines up trees ?
tr	2	I also sensed I would jeopardise our friendship if I did so .
tr	2	They 're smug and they always look like they 're up to something . '
tr	2	Her cat , a silver tabby , had gone missing two weeks previously .
tr	2	Reid dropped me at her address before driving off to meet with Price .
tr	2	Apartment 12B was a first-floor corner unit with views over the park opposite the complex .
tr	2	The apartment was small and neat , and smelled faintly of vanilla .
tr	2	She crossed the floor to a writing desk and removed something from a drawer .
tr	2	She took the seat opposite mine and leaned across the narrow coffee table .
tr	2	Hands covered in paper-thin skin and fine spidery veins touched the photograph .
tr	2	The cat was sitting in the shade of a tree and appeared half-asleep .
tr	2	' We 'll do our best to find him , ' I said quietly .
tr	2	Predictably , a careful search of the buildings and the courtyard yielded no results .
tr	2	' Price thinks one of his employees has been playing with the numbers .
tr	2	His voice was almost drowned by the city traffic in the background .
tr	2	I 'm going to the park to look for the cat . '
tr	2	Half an hour later , I had completed my search of the park .
tr	2	Several squirrels and strays had shown interest in the bag in my hands .
tr	2	I had , however , found no trace of the silver tabby .
tr	2	I stared thoughtfully at the dim passages before crossing the road to the nearest one .
tr	2	A ginger tom peered at me curiously from under a metal skip and meowed again .
tr	2	The cats stopped in their tracks and watched me with large , solemn eyes .
tr	2	I reached into my pocket and removed the picture the retired teacher had given me .
tr	2	There was no mistaking the pattern of stripes : it was the missing feline .
tr	2	There were no two ways about it : I was going to have to climb .
tr	2	The strays had sat down in anticipation of the up and coming show .
tr	2	The silver tabby watched me carefully while I made my way towards him .
tr	2	A minute later , I reached the landing next to the ledge .
tr	2	The silver tabby shot up and disappeared in the shadows above me .
tr	2	I said shortly into the mouthpiece , trying to mask my irritation .
tr	2	The sound of soft breathing reached me from the other end of the line .
tr	2	Then , a voice from the past said , ' Hello , Lucas . '
tr	2	I didn 't think you 'd recognise me after all these years . '
tr	2	' Come now , is that any way to greet an old friend ? '
tr	2	I stepped over the railing and took a cautious step towards it .
tr	2	' So , he did manage to kill you again before he died . '
tr	2	I looked up at a sudden loud hiss in front of me .
tr	2	One of them paused , leaned over the handrail and raised a black object .
tr	2	If truth be told , I was getting tired of being shot at .
tr	2	As I negotiated the dingy corridors of the empty building , my phone beeped again .
tr	2	An emergency door finally materialised at the end of the next passage .
tr	2	I hit the door at a run and almost went over a metal banister .
tr	2	He grunted and flailed backwards , the Beretta clattering out of his hand .
tr	2	Bullets struck the ground close on my heels when I emerged out of the alleyway .
tr	2	I grabbed the door handle , yanked it open and dove inside .
tr	2	' Victim is resident at the address , white female , late seventies .
tr	2	He dwarfed his partner , a much younger sergeant detective called Pratt .
tr	2	' You said you left the victim 's apartment at around thirteen hundred ? '
tr	2	It was evidently a tactic he used to try and unsettle potential suspects .
tr	2	Evidently bored by the proceedings , the silver tabby had gone to sleep .
tr	2	' I scoured the neighbourhood and the park across the road . '
tr	2	Meyer rose from the other side of the table and walked to the window .
tr	2	he said , his back to the room as he gazed at the fading light .
tr	2	The random strangers trying to kill you , ' he muttered drily .
tr	2	I wondered how he would react if I told him the truth .
tr	2	I let a faint smile cross my lips again and silently cursed my absent partner .
tr	2	' I don 't like guns , ' I said , neatly sidestepping the question .
tr	2	' That 's not an answer , ' said the younger detective harshly .
tr	2	Meyer rose to his feet stiffly and pushed the chair under the table .
tr	2	We left the building without exchanging a word and strolled to the Chevy .
tr	2	' So , what 're you gon na do about it ? '
tr	2	Another wry smile crossed my face at his words : he knew me well .
tr	2	I looked down to find the golden eyes gazing at me unwaveringly .
tr	2	' Someone who has the answers , or knows where I can get them . '
tr	2	A faint orange glow smudged the skyline ahead and to the left .
tr	2	' Yes , he did , ' I acknowledged with a nod .
tr	2	I kept a lookout while he packed some bare essentials in a large rucksack .
tr	2	' He likes you , ' I said with a faint grin .
tr	2	Reid grunted something unsavoury and pulled a crate out from under his bed .
tr	2	Fifteen minutes later , we strolled inside the lobby of my building .
tr	2	They both watched silently while I headed for the Monet and took the painting down .
tr	2	I paused in the act of loading firearms and magazines into the second bag .
tr	2	The bank in Zurich has a deposit box under my name . '
tr	2	' There 's enough there to buy you and your family security for life . '
tr	2	' Because I have a feeling I 'm going to die . '
tr	2	He still looked thoughtful when I led him to the private elevator .
tr	2	His eyes widened slightly when I turned on the lights in the basement moments later .
tr	2	' Why have I never seen you drive any of these before ? '
tr	2	he added with a frown when he climbed into the passenger seat of the 4x4 .
tr	2	I put the cruiser into gear and drove out into a back alley .
tr	2	' We 're not taking the cat with us , are we ? '
tr	2	She stared at the silver tabby , shrieked excitedly and ran back inside the apartment .
tr	2	' Why , he 's a handsome specimen , isn 't he ? '
tr	2	I felt Reid 's hot stare on the back of my head .
tr	2	' You boys aren 't in some kinda trouble now , are you ? '
tr	2	' Wait here , ' she said and disappeared into the kitchen .
tr	2	I manoeuvred the Cruiser into the nighttime traffic and glanced at him .
tr	2	' That 's not what I 'm thinking about , ' said Reid .
tr	2	It had taken a quarter of an hour to lose the two SUVs tracking us .
tr	2	Despite the lateness of the hour , the Henry Hudson Parkway was packed .
tr	2	I crossed Broadway and Park Avenue , and finally turned right onto Lexington .
tr	2	He glanced at my business card , nodded briefly and stepped to the side .
tr	2	The room was drowned in deep reds , purples and rich earth tones .
tr	2	I paused by a tall , black leather and cherry wood stool .
tr	2	' Hello , Pierre , ' I said quietly to the man behind the counter .
tr	2	He closed the doors , turned and embraced me in a tight hug .
tr	2	' Lucas , ' he murmured , slapping me gently on the shoulder .
tr	2	He took a step back and examined me with a critical eye .
tr	2	' You were like a stuntman on the Nürburgring , ' Reid retorted darkly .
tr	2	' I 'm surprised a patrol car didn 't pull us over . '
tr	2	' I see , ' said Reid after Solange explained the circumstances of our meeting .
tr	2	' Mikael 's alive , ' I announced with a carefully neutral expression .
tr	2	The couple stared at me , shock and surprise dawning on their faces .
tr	2	I gave them a brief account of the events of the last few days .
tr	2	' It 's the largest mobilization of Hunters we have seen since the immortal wars .
tr	2	' It consists of the Regional Division directors under each Head of Section .
tr	2	The last attempt on my life by the Hunters was in nineteen ten . '
tr	2	' I have rarely known them kill a human in such an open fashion . '
tr	2	' That 's what it was about , wasn 't it ? '
tr	2	The same thought had crossed my mind after our client 's murder .
tr	2	' However , our contact might be able to point you in the right direction .
tr	2	He rose and disappeared through a door at the end of the room .
tr	2	I nodded , tucked the note inside my coat and rose to my feet .
tr	2	' Let 's go , ' I said , glancing at Reid .
tr	2	We said our goodbyes and left the building through the back door .
tr	2	Lights were already on behind the wide bay fronted windows on the ground floor .
tr	2	The Lincoln headed south and merged with the morning traffic on the I-295 North .
tr	2	I stopped the Cruiser on the opposite side of the road and studied the building .
tr	2	' You guys normally go through official channels for this kind of intel . '
tr	2	He pulled an envelope from his coat and slid it across the table .
tr	2	' That 's all I could get my hands on for the time being .
tr	2	I opened the brown package and spread the contents on the table .
tr	2	I mean , he doesn 't even have a speeding ticket to his name . '
tr	2	I stared at the copy of an article from the Washington Post .
tr	2	He frowned as he leafed through the fact sheets that came with the article .
tr	2	' What is it that they 're trying to do , exactly ? '
tr	2	' Are these the floor plans for the house in Capitol Hill ? '
tr	2	I couldn 't find any copies filed with Building and Land Regulation . '
tr	2	' I 'll let you know if I find anything else . '
tr	2	' There 's a temporary felony want out for you in Boston .
tr	2	' Meyer 's going to issue a warrant for my arrest . '
tr	2	Reid lapsed into silence and stared out of the window at the passing traffic .
tr	2	' Well , we knew it was coming , ' he said finally .
tr	2	' Won 't the man object to us just waltzing into his place ? '
tr	2	A search of the ground floor and the upstairs bedrooms revealed nothing of interest .
tr	2	Halfway through , Reid came up behind me and peered curiously over my shoulder .
tr	2	' Do I even wan na know how you learned to do that ? '
tr	2	He picked it up gingerly and stared at a small chip in the frame .
tr	2	' Who the hell keeps that kind of thing in his house ? '
tr	2	' Inner and outer steel plates , ' I said in a low mutter .
tr	2	I thought that was only possible in movies , ' said Reid .
tr	2	The recurring subject matter appeared to be cell cycle control and DNA transposition .
tr	2	I turned to the computer and typed Strauss in the search box .
tr	2	A single jpeg file and an email reference came up under the results .
tr	2	I directed the arrow over the jpeg file and clicked the mouse once .
tr	2	They were sitting next to a large bay window inside a restaurant .
tr	2	I forced my gaze away from the image and looked up the email .
tr	2	Dated several weeks ago , the message was brief : " Arrange Council meeting .
tr	2	A second later , a smoke grenade clattered onto the wooden boards .
tr	2	Bodies swiftly fell before me as we were forced inexorably up the steps .
tr	2	I crossed the floor swiftly and glanced outside the window at the empty yard below .
tr	2	' Be careful , ' one of the Hunters murmured to his companions .
tr	2	Another one scorched a red track across the back of my right hand .
tr	2	Sirens blared in the distance when I came out of the house .
tr	2	' You 're bleeding , ' he said , glancing at my hand .
tr	2	It had been some time since I last killed so many men .
tr	2	Blood had seeped through the bandage around his wound and stained his trousers .
tr	2	A patrol car raced past us , lights flashing brightly in the night .
tr	2	' Yes , ' I replied in a neutral voice , cursing my foolishness .
tr	2	The blare from my cell phone was loud in the silence that followed .
tr	2	His gaze kept straying to the blood on my hand while I explained my request .
tr	2	You 're probably not gon na be able to ID any of them . '
tr	2	A sigh left his lips and he removed a notepad from his rear pocket .
tr	2	Before I could utter a reply , the wooden door creaked open .
tr	2	A small , wizened elderly man peered at us through the narrow crack .
tr	2	' A little bit , ' I said with a faint smile .
tr	2	A few curious faces appeared in an open doorway to the left .
tr	2	The old man gestured frantically and shouted a few sharp words in Mandarin .
tr	2	We followed him to an alcove at the end of the hall .
tr	2	Qin Lee waited until the door closed at the top of the stairs .
tr	2	' I need some passports for him , amongst other things . '
tr	2	A sigh left his lips : he knew not to ask for the reasons why .
tr	2	I turned to Qin Lee and listed the additional items I required .
tr	2	The only plane on the tarmac with lights on was a white Cessna 750 .
tr	2	' Wake me up when we get there , ' mumbled Reid across the aisle .
tr	2	He lowered his seat into a comfortable position and closed his eyes .
tr	2	I spent the next two hours poring over the information in Strauss 's papers .
tr	2	The timing of the events was too close for this fact to be a coincidence .
tr	2	' Pierre called , ' said Jim when he opened the aircraft door .
tr	2	The roadster braked to a halt a few inches from our legs .
tr	2	he shouted over his shoulder as he jogged over to the 2CV .
tr	2	We watched the car do a screeching U-turn and hurtle erratically down the runway .
tr	2	Seconds later , a gruff voice barked a mildly disgruntled ' Oui ? '
tr	2	I grinned at the short , portly middle-aged French man with the thick moustache .
tr	2	He greeted Reid like an old acquaintance and ushered us inside the building .
tr	2	' We have some business in town , ' I said vaguely .
tr	2	A wry smile appeared on the old detective 's face as he studied our expressions .
tr	2	' Actually , I do have a question , ' I said after a while .
tr	2	' Have there been any -- unusual incidents in the city of late ? '
tr	2	You haven 't met him before ; he just moved to Paris from Lyon .
tr	2	Christophe Lacroix turned out to be a much taller and slimmer version of his uncle .
tr	2	he said , watching us lazily over the rim of his glass .
tr	2	Fifteen minutes later , we rose from the table and headed for the front door .
tr	2	' Here , this is the spare key for when you get back .
tr	2	I 'm afraid one of you will have to sleep on the sofa .
tr	2	said the man in a frail voice , blinking in the porch light .
tr	2	Moments later , I pulled into the empty parking space we had used previously .
tr	2	The apartment on the second floor was as dark as when we had left .
tr	2	He reached through the narrow opening and thumbed the internal lock of the sash window .
tr	2	Seconds later the old woman frowned , sighed softly and closed the door .
tr	2	I tried the door handle ; it twisted easily in my grip .
tr	2	The interior of the apartment was inky black and as still as a tomb .
tr	2	The air was stifling and overlaid with a faint stench of decay .
tr	2	We paused just inside the doorway while our eyes adjusted to the gloom .
tr	2	Dust motes danced in the narrow beam as it swept across the vast space .
tr	2	Large double French doors at the rear opened onto a dining room and a kitchen .
tr	2	The hard drive of the computer in the study had been wiped clean .
tr	2	Only the paintings in the drawing room and bedrooms had been left untouched .
tr	2	There was a small , perfectly round hole scant inches from it .
tr	2	I crossed the floor and carefully lifted the painting off the wall .
tr	2	The light glinted off something metallic , half obscured by a dust covered suitcase .
tr	2	There were a few invitations to forthcoming international symposiums and conferences on molecular genetics .
tr	2	Something slipped out from the pile of correspondence and fell to the floor .
tr	2	I looked at the figures that preceded the telephone number and frowned .
tr	2	' I 'm afraid not , ' I replied with an apologetic smile .
tr	2	' The trail will get cold if we leave it any longer . '
tr	2	Twenty minutes later , I pulled up outside a 24-hour cafe with internet facilities .
tr	2	' I 'm glad to hear it , ' I said wryly .
tr	2	Once inside , we found an administration office on the ground floor .
tr	2	Next to the board , another door opened onto a small office .
tr	2	An empty picture frame stood adjacent to a dying cactus plant on the window sill .
tr	2	' This key has got to be for something here , ' I said tensely .
tr	2	We left the lab and started to explore the rest of the building .
tr	2	' Looks like someone got here before us , ' said Reid .
tr	2	There was an inscription on the inside page of the thick volume .
tr	2	The sound of shuffling feet and the slow squeak of wheels followed .
tr	2	The roadster was still some hundred feet away , in the shadow of another building .
tr	2	Despite the tension humming through my body , I kept my expression carefully neutral .
tr	2	As more gunshots echoed to the blue skies , panic gripped the campus .
tr	2	By the time the screams started , Reid and I were already running .
tr	2	I leapt over a low crash barrier , landed on my feet and kept running .
tr	2	I raised my gun and fired , still racing for the roadster .
tr	2	Reid 's voice finally made it through the ringing in my head .
tr	2	' Where the hell are you -- ' Reid shouted behind me .
tr	2	I was already out of the door and lunging for the silver rectangle .
tr	2	Somewhere to the right , a panicked scream was abruptly cut off .
tr	2	I shifted gear and headed towards the north exit of the campus .
tr	2	' Well , that was fun , ' said Reid with a scowl .
tr	2	The Jag was doing ninety miles per hour when we hit the road .
tr	2	Birds erupted from the trees that lined the carriageway at the sound of screeching tires .
tr	2	He loaded another magazine into the Glock and leaned out of the window .
tr	2	He gripped the gun in both hands and fired twice in rapid succession .
tr	2	The second SUV swung around the smashed up vehicle with a sharp squeal of tires .
tr	2	It almost lost control , righted itself at the last moment and resumed the pursuit .
tr	2	Reid leaned out of the window again and emptied the magazine in the Glock .
tr	2	' That 's a shame , ' he continued in the same relaxed tone .
tr	2	' They just lifted the rocket launcher out through the sunroof . '
tr	2	Reid absent-mindedly wiped some dirt off his arm and looked over his shoulder .
tr	2	A glance at the rear view mirror showed the SUV thirty feet behind and closing .
tr	2	Behind the windscreen of the elevated cabin , the driver 's eyes widened in horror .
tr	2	The roadster skidded into a lay-by , raising a cloud of dirt and gravel .
tr	2	Flames erupted from beneath the hood and rapidly engulfed the front of the vehicle .
tr	2	We grabbed something to eat and went in search of a cyber cafe .
tr	2	The men implicated in the disturbance subsequently fled the scene in separate vehicles .
tr	2	Under the elm trees , two coroner officers were zipping a body into a bag .
tr	2	Her hand went to her earpiece and she listened intently for several seconds .
tr	2	' If he 's the one they were looking for , why kill him ? '
tr	2	I tapped a finger on the cover of the late professor 's journal .
tr	2	' Maybe it wasn 't him they were after , ' I murmured .
tr	2	' I still don 't see what any of this has to do with you .
tr	2	Yet , I felt I was still far from arriving at any answers .
tr	2	' Well , I 'm afraid I 've got more bad news . '
tr	2	' Depends on the time of day , but yeah , mostly we do . '
tr	2	I sometimes suspected they would get back together at some point in the future .
tr	2	' No , it 'll only make things worse , ' said Reid .
tr	2	' I don 't think you 're allowed to smoke in here . '
tr	2	The latter did not return it ; instead a frown marred his reddening brow .
tr	2	' It 's been a busy day , ' he said coldly .
tr	2	I closed down the computers , rose and dragged Reid off the chair .
tr	2	' Tell your nephew that not everything is as it seems . '
tr	2	We bought a second hand Audi A4 from a dealership just outside Troyes .
tr	2	I glanced at him , my grip light on the steering wheel of the Audi .
tr	2	' The number Strauss had been calling is also in Zurich . '
tr	2	' You think this " A " person is there as well ? '
tr	2	To the south , the fading sunlight glistened on the distant peaks of the Alps .
tr	2	Lights came on in the neighbouring house as we stepped onto the lawn .
tr	2	Seconds later , we were on the wooden steps that led to the rear porch .
tr	2	Beyond it was a kitchen full of bright and vivid autumnal colours .
tr	2	An imposing antique Louis XVI desk occupied the space in front of the main window .
tr	2	There was a single letter on the doormat inside the front door .
tr	2	' This looks old , ' he muttered , handing it to me .
tr	2	I turned the daguerreotype over and stared at the picture under the glass .
tr	2	The first one was a tall , thin man with greying hair .
tr	2	To complicate matters further , several sections of the journal had been heavily encrypted .
tr	2	' This is interesting , ' Reid said a few minutes later .
tr	2	He also demanded access to the laboratory samples that the scientist had been working on .
tr	2	Strauss had forwarded the email to a third party on a separate server .
tr	2	The reply was encrypted with one of the codes from Strauss 's journal .
tr	2	' And isn 't the University of Zurich close to here ? '
tr	2	He rose and brought the map on the bed over to the table .
tr	2	' Let 's see what we can find at the bank first . '
tr	2	The next day , we left the hotel early and went to buy some suits .
tr	2	An armed guard stood unobtrusively next to a potted palm tree to our left .
tr	2	The woman 's smile became slightly strained as she studied the badge .
tr	2	The Director will be with you immediately , ' she murmured politely .
tr	2	" Immediately " turned out to be a quarter of an hour later .
tr	2	By then , Reid had loosened his tie and paced around the lobby several times .
tr	2	' I need a smoke , ' he explained at my stare .
tr	2	He transferred a rather substantial amount of money to your bank a fortnight ago .
tr	2	Mueller glanced at Reid 's rumpled suit and carefully studied our identification .
tr	2	Mueller inspected the paper , nodded and turned to speak to the receptionist briefly .
tr	2	He transferred another one hundred thousand Euros into the account four weeks later .
tr	2	A light rain was falling over the city when we exited the bank minutes later .
tr	2	From there it was a short walk across the park to the university .
tr	2	One flight up , a glass security door appeared in our path .
tr	2	A couple of students strolled down the steps from the floor above .
tr	2	' On the other hand , we could always break the fire glass . '
tr	2	A young woman was approaching the security door from the opposite side .
tr	2	We moved silently aside as she crossed the threshold , her head cast down .
tr	2	A shocked gasp left her lips and the files fell out of her arms .
tr	2	We swiped through the security door and headed down a wide corridor .
tr	2	Twelve feet in , a floor to ceiling glass wall appeared on our left .
tr	2	I held up the badge and took a few steps towards her .
tr	2	' It 's a rather delicate matter , I 'm afraid . '
tr	2	' We haven 't seen or heard from Anna in a fortnight . '
tr	2	' I 'm afraid I don 't know , ' I replied truthfully .
tr	2	' I didn 't think it was important , ' he said , flushing slightly .
tr	2	' She said not to tell anyone she 'd been here today . '
tr	2	She was wearing a cream coat and hat , ' he replied .
tr	2	It took us twelve minutes to get to the Hauptbahnhof on the tram .
tr	2	A blonde woman in a cream camel coat was disappearing into a glass lift .
tr	2	We took the escalator down to the shopping mall beneath the station .
tr	2	Moments later , she paused outside the window of a confectionary shop .
tr	2	It was a skill that had come in handy in many of our past investigations .
tr	2	' Not in the language she 's using , ' he murmured after a while .
tr	2	Her steps quickened as she reached inside her bag and removed a short grey flask .
tr	2	She fell to the ground with a soft thud and lay still .
tr	2	Bullets whined through the air and scored the ground next to her .
tr	2	Hunters materialized from behind the columns and escalators that punctuated the mall .
tr	2	The sound of gunshots echoed to the roof of the shopping mall .
tr	2	A harsh cry erupted from my right , drowning the background noise .
tr	2	I turned and fired at a Hunter next to the stairs on my left .
tr	2	The immortal who faced me paused and frowned , the sword raised above his head .
tr	2	' The half-breed , ' he hissed , recognition dawning in his narrowed eyes .
tr	2	Seconds after I delivered the killing blow , something struck my left leg .
tr	2	The pair straightened and started to run , the old man glancing over his shoulder .
tr	2	The pair turned and ran towards the escalators leading to the upper level .
tr	2	They rushed through the opening and rapidly merged into the teeming crowd .
tr	2	I swore and shouted a warning as I raced for the exit .
tr	2	I turned and saw a black 4x4 pull out of a parking space .
tr	2	A grunt left my lips as my hip struck the metal rail .
tr	2	The crowd on the busy strip scattered , panicked shouts rising towards the sunny skies .
tr	2	Bullets suddenly shattered the rear window of the vehicle and drew sparks from its bumper .
tr	2	A second SUV was racing up the packed avenue towards the couple .
tr	2	I dropped the Glock and lifted the Smith and Wesson in my right hand .
tr	2	The vehicle veered wildly in a squeal of burning rubber and flipped .
tr	2	One of Reid 's bullets had pierced the petrol tank of the first 4x4 .
tr	2	He stared into the muzzle of the Smith and Wesson , his hands raised defensively .
tr	2	I slowly lowered the gun and fought to control the tremor in my hands .
tr	2	He approached the side of the carriage and pushed the window open .
tr	2	I heard Reid call out behind me , stumbled and almost lost my footing .
tr	2	I shouted between gasps , struggling to keep pace with the moving train .
tr	2	I raced along the platform , the gap separating us widening by the second .
tr	2	The sound of sirens filled the air in the distance behind us .
tr	2	' So , you wan na tell me what that was about back there ? '
tr	2	' He looked like he knew you , ' he said slowly .
tr	2	' Most of the immortals who know of me are Hunters . '
tr	2	' Which would make her an immortal as well , ' Reid stated evenly .
tr	2	The same questions had been going round in my head for the last half hour .
tr	2	Reid looked up from the daguerreotype and gazed out of the window .
tr	2	Despite its breathtaking beauty , the place still held unpleasant memories for me .
tr	2	The screen filled with a grainy video clip of the inside of the Hauptbahnhof .
tr	2	I lapsed into silence , afraid that my words would betray my emotions .
tr	2	' You can 't undo what 's been done , ' he said quietly .
tr	2	I crossed the busy square and led Reid down a narrow , nondescript side street .
tr	2	We turned into an even smaller passageway several hundred feet from the canal 's edge .
tr	2	Halfway along the street stood one of the oldest pubs in the city .
tr	2	Soft lighting painted the interior walls of the tavern in muted shadows .
tr	2	Reid muttered behind me as we crossed the floor to a small corner table .
tr	2	she drawled in a bored voice , tucking a lock of hair behind her ear .
tr	2	I looked up into the large , bearded face of the bartender .
tr	2	' It 's okay , Maria , ' he said in heavily accented English .
tr	2	He waited until the disgruntled young woman left before turning to us with a grin .
tr	2	I studied the bartender carefully while the hubbub of conversation gradually resumed around us .
tr	2	' I 'm afraid that beer is no longer in production , sir . '
tr	2	Although his tone remained pleasant , I detected the hint of wariness in his gaze .
tr	2	There were a few raucous laughs from the shadows around the tavern .
tr	2	' Yes , I was , ' I replied with a faint smile .
tr	2	' For my sins , ' said the bartender with a hearty laugh .
tr	2	I removed the daguerreotype from my coat and carefully pushed it across the table .
tr	2	I believe he 's in Vienna tonight , ' I said in a low voice .
tr	2	' I suspect he will be seeking shelter with his friends in the city . '
tr	2	The chair rocked on its back legs as the bartender rose from his seat .
tr	2	' Look , we 're only trying to help , ' said Reid .
tr	2	' On the other hand , I don 't quite know what you are . '
tr	2	' I 'm afraid I really do have to insist that you leave . '
tr	2	My gaze landed on a building hidden in the shadows some fifty feet away .
tr	2	At three in the morning , the last patrons finally left the bar .
tr	2	Moments later , the lights went off and darkness shrouded the tavern .
tr	2	' Yes , but it only leads to an enclosed yard . '
tr	2	I hastily threw some coins on the table and raced out of the cafe .
tr	2	Seconds later , I rose and started to run towards the canal .
tr	2	Reid was a few yards behind me as I climbed down the embankment .
tr	2	I studied the bars carefully before grabbing a rectangular section of the grill .
tr	2	' You 've led a charming life , haven 't you ? '
tr	2	Moments later , I paused at the entrance of a side passage .
tr	2	There were faint , fresh black scuff marks on the dry stone floor .
tr	2	By then , we had reached the catacombs of St. Stephen 's Cathedral .
tr	2	Room after room stacked with bones and grinning skulls unrolled around us .
tr	2	A faint orange glow ahead finally alerted us to the presence of the bartender .
tr	2	After studying the keyhole for a moment , Reid inserted a fine pin inside it .
tr	2	' Judging from your expression , I take it that 's a bad thing ? '
tr	2	Chapter Ten Reid tried several lock pins in the keyhole of the oak door .
tr	2	A hundred feet later , another door appeared in the stone wall .
tr	2	It took a couple of minutes to find the subtle oval depression in the stonework .
tr	2	A section of the wall swung inwards with a low grinding noise .
tr	2	He nodded , drew the Glock and stood to the side of the door .
tr	2	I stepped back , raised my leg and kicked sharply at the lock .
tr	2	My eyes narrowed : I had just noticed the door in the rear wall .
tr	2	' Look , we just want to talk to them , ' said Reid .
tr	2	The man with the beard stared at me , his eyes narrowing .
tr	2	Finally , he sighed and rubbed a hand tiredly across his face .
tr	2	The sound of gunshots suddenly rose in the distance , faint but unmistakable .
tr	2	But right now the safety of our other friends is paramount ! '
tr	2	Beyond it was a maze of underground cellars and tunnels lit by flickering flame torches .
tr	2	Minutes later , we emerged under a bridge somewhere below the streets of the city .
tr	2	In the sky beyond it , stars shone faintly next to a crescent moon .
tr	2	The gun blasts echoed around the stone walls of the water duct .
tr	2	We were already running when two of the figures being pursued fell .
tr	2	The katana hissed through the air , moonlight glinting on the edge of the metal .
tr	2	The man was good , but nowhere near as good as Haus had been .
tr	2	Seconds later , I pulled the bloodied katana from his still figure .
tr	2	I raced towards the running figures , my feet splashing in the bloodstained water .
tr	2	A second later , I swung the katana and caught him across the arm .
tr	2	Out of the corner of my eyes , I saw Anna look around wildly .
tr	2	She grabbed a piece of driftwood from the ground and hurled it with a cry .
tr	2	The other Hunter was back on his feet , gun in hand .
tr	2	He staggered backwards and went to reach for a gun in his ankle holster .
tr	2	A soft grunt left his lips as the bloodstained katana slashed across his neck .
tr	2	I removed the katana from the Hunter 's body and walked to the fallen pair .
tr	2	His eyes blinked opened when we propped him against the canal wall .
tr	2	Blood seeped between her slim fingers where they lay on the old man 's clothes .
tr	2	' I told you not to follow us , ' he said harshly .
tr	2	He stared at me for silent seconds , a horrified expression dawning on his face .
tr	2	My eyes widened when a stream of colourful Czech suddenly left his mouth .
tr	2	I stood up swiftly , my fingers curling around the handle of the katana .
tr	2	Despite her stern protests , the injured man slowly climbed to his feet .
tr	2	' Help 's on the way , ' he said after he disconnected .
tr	2	With Anna supporting her grandfather on the other side , they started up the stairs .
tr	2	Blood had soaked into the waistband of his trousers and sweat beaded his pale face .
tr	2	' Marcus betrayed us , ' the innkeeper gushed out without preamble .
tr	2	For now , we have to get Tomas and Anna to a safe house . '
tr	2	He looked at Reid and me before indicating the Skoda parked a few feet away .
tr	2	Please fasten your seat belts 'cause this is gon na be a bumpy ride . '
tr	2	I glanced at the skyline above the rooftops while the unfamiliar roads unrolled before us .
tr	2	A lightening edge on the horizon heralded the imminent arrival of dawn .
tr	2	Another bike appeared seconds later on the left side of the car .
tr	2	' What the hell -- ' the red-haired driver started , frowning at the apparitions .
tr	2	The figures riding pillion had pulled semi-automatic guns out of their jackets .
tr	2	' I think one of the bullets pierced the fuel tank . '
tr	2	I glanced over my shoulder , my heart thudding against my ribs .
tr	2	It did not look like it was intending to stop anytime soon .
tr	2	The tires squealed shrilly while the acrid smell of burning rubber rose around us .
tr	2	The wheels finally gripped the asphalt seconds before impact and the Skoda shot backwards .
tr	2	The car turned in a sickening lurch until we were facing the right way again .
tr	2	I lifted the Smith and Wesson and leaned out of the side window .
tr	2	Flames erupted from the engine and licked the underside of the vehicle .
tr	2	Up ahead , the Humvee was a scant few feet behind the van .
tr	2	It accelerated sharply and collided with the rear bumper of the Transporter .
tr	2	He shifted gears once more , accelerated and rear ended the Humvee .
tr	2	The shock jolted us all forward and buckled the hood of the Skoda .
tr	2	Victor 's bodyguard grunted and leaned out of the window , gun in hand .
tr	2	The Bastian driver spun the wheel of the car sharply to the left .
tr	2	The blast blew the rear window in and showered us with broken glass again .
tr	2	My gaze shifted to the truck a few hundred feet in front of us .
tr	2	The Bastian driver turned the key in the ignition : the car stuttered and stalled .
tr	2	A heartbeat later , the engine sprang into life with a sharp , high-pitched screech .
tr	2	He shifted into reverse and started to pull away from the kerb .
tr	2	At the penultimate moment , gunfire from the Transporter caused the Humvee to swerve slightly .
tr	2	Victor 's bodyguard and the driver of the Skoda shifted slowly as consciousness returned .
tr	2	I turned back in time to see Reid 's eyes flutter open .
tr	2	' Oh crap , ' someone murmured dully from the front seat .
tr	2	My eyes widened when I looked past him and saw what he had spotted .
tr	2	' I vote we get the hell out of here now ! '
tr	2	Seconds after we started running , flames ignited the liquid trail to the fuel tank .
tr	2	The bodyguard nodded and rubbed the back of his head with a wince .
tr	2	' Have I mentioned that this is turning out to be a shitty day ? '
tr	2	We ran after him and emerged on a parallel side road moments later .
tr	2	The sirens that been blasting through the crisp morning air stopped abruptly .
tr	2	Scrambling noises and thuds rose behind us as uniformed officers appeared over the wall .
tr	2	I had been so close to Anna Godard and the answers that I sought .
tr	2	' It 's irony , definitely irony , ' Reid muttered at my side .
tr	2	' That was quite a stunt you guys pulled back there , ' said Lacroix .
tr	2	I suspected there were others behind the glass partition to my right .
tr	2	' What do you know about the murder of Professor Strauss ? '
tr	2	' Not a lot , I 'm afraid , ' I said truthfully .
tr	2	That his body miraculously reappeared in his apartment after you left ? '
tr	2	I rested my elbows on the edge of the table and leaned forward .
tr	2	' We did not kill Hubert Strauss , ' I said emphatically .
tr	2	' Are these the same men who allegedly tried to kill you in Boston ? '
tr	2	' I see you 've been talking to Detective Meyer , ' I murmured .
tr	2	I stared at my hands while I struggled to hide my anxiety and anger .
tr	2	' That 's not strictly within your jurisdiction now , is it ? '
tr	2	I paused on the threshold of the interview room and looked back at the Frenchman .
tr	2	Ten minutes later , Reid was ushered into the cell opposite mine .
tr	2	Considering what they 've done so far , that wouldn 't surprise me . '
tr	2	Victor 's bodyguard and the driver of the Skoda came into view .
tr	2	' It 's about time we got to know your names . '
tr	2	I remained silent while I tried to gauge the two immortals ' moods .
tr	2	I would need their help if we were to get out of there .
tr	2	Half an hour later , the door to the cell block opened again .
tr	2	This was probably going to be our one and only chance to escape .
tr	2	Mikael Olsson had hardly changed in the decade since I had last seen him .
tr	2	Steely grey eyes studied me coolly from beneath a familiar fringe of dark hair .
tr	2	His tall and lanky frame was slightly more muscular than I recalled .
tr	2	' Yes , ' I said , struggling to maintain my composure .
tr	2	Lacroix stormed out of the passage beyond and marched up to the Austrian officer .
tr	2	' I have received orders from my superiors , ' he said coldly .
tr	2	' These men are to be placed in the custody of the State Police . '
tr	2	' These men are not from the State Police , ' I said loudly .
tr	2	' Oh , there 's no rush , ' the immortal said calmly .
tr	2	' If you want to live , give me your gun ! '
tr	2	We rose from behind the counter and raced for the security door on our right .
tr	2	Several Austrian officers lay dead or wounded on the floor of the reception .
tr	2	I headed for the evidence room and shot through the security lock on the door .
tr	2	Our guns , holsters and Bruno 's cell were in a box next to them .
tr	2	He threw us a Kevlar vest each and magazines for our guns .
tr	2	He grinned as he held up a couple of Steyr AUG assault rifles .
tr	2	' It 's like Christmas come early , ' Anatole said with a weak grin .
tr	2	' Look , there 's no need for all of us to stay .
tr	2	The boss gave us strict orders to look after your sorry asses .
tr	2	' We can 't let you guys have all the fun . '
tr	2	The gunfire was still going strong when we emerged in the reception seconds later .
tr	2	Four of them lay on the floor , apparently dead from shots to the head .
tr	2	He folded silently at my feet , a look of stunned surprise on his face .
tr	2	He swore when the katana carved a deep cut on the underside of his arm .
tr	2	' There 're a lot of things you don 't know about me . '
tr	2	' Because you 're the only one who stands in our way .
tr	2	And because the man who killed my father holds you dear to his heart ! '
tr	2	Olsson grunted ; his knuckles whitened as he pressed down with his sword .
tr	2	Though they hit the vest , I still gasped at the stinging pain .
tr	2	Blood oozed from a cut on his face and the shallow wound on his shoulder .
tr	2	The Volvo owner 's hand shook as he slowly passed the keys across .
tr	2	I turned and fired at a pair of figures some hundred feet away .
tr	2	A scream of panic rose from elsewhere in the underground car park .
tr	2	A young woman cowered behind a parked van a few yards away .
tr	2	I didn 't wait for the door to close and stepped on the gas .
tr	2	The smell of burning rubber filled the air as the car shot forward .
tr	2	He landed on the hood with a sickening crunch and slipped off to the side .
tr	2	The exit finally appeared in a flood of daylight at the other end .
tr	2	A trio of black sedans appeared in the rear view mirror seconds later .
tr	2	The front right tire of the leading car went out in a burst of flames .
tr	2	' Tell me you 're not thinking of -- ' he started to say warily .
tr	2	I righted the car , crossed a lane and overtook a truck .
tr	2	I glanced at the rear view mirror at the sound of an explosion .
tr	2	The car braked abruptly and skidded to a stop on the side of the lane .
tr	2	Anatole drifted in and out of consciousness for most of the drive up .
tr	2	' He 'll live if he makes it through the night . '
tr	2	I 'll have to make the call from a phone box . '
tr	2	' They made it to one of the hideaways , ' the bodyguard announced bluntly .
tr	2	We made a meal from the contents of the cans we found in the larder .
tr	2	' No , ' he replied with a shake of his head .
tr	2	' Victor received an urgent request for help from Tomas Godard late yesterday afternoon .
tr	2	' The bartender mentioned a name at the canal last night , ' said Reid .
tr	2	' I guess there 's no harm in telling you , ' he muttered .
tr	2	He swallowed a mouthful of whisky and paused , as if choosing his words carefully .
tr	2	' He is true nobility , if you know what I mean . '
tr	2	I gazed at him silently while the meaning behind his words sank in .
tr	2	Reid 's eyes narrowed and his gaze shifted from Bruno to me .
tr	2	' Godard mentioned another name last night , ' I said curiously .
tr	2	Amber liquid splashed into his glass as he poured in more whisky .
tr	2	I knew what he alluded to without him having to clarify the question .
tr	2	' I 'm only on my tenth , ' said Bruno finally .
tr	2	' It 's Victor , ' he said , his stance visibly relaxing .
tr	2	Moments later , a black Volkswagen minivan rolled to a stop next to the Audi .
tr	2	He closed the door behind us and we headed down the porch steps .
tr	2	' Consider it your first European tour , ' I said brightly .
tr	2	It was half hour before we crossed the border into the Czech Republic .
tr	2	' I 'd rather Tomas did the explaining , ' he said tiredly .
tr	2	I glanced out of the window as we drove past a small hamlet .
tr	2	' You and Godard seem to be good friends , ' I added reflectively .
tr	2	The land gradually rose and a wooded hill appeared on the skyline .
tr	2	' Something 's wrong , ' said Victor with a heavy frown .
tr	2	Burning bricks , wood and smouldering debris drifted down slowly around the clearing .
tr	2	Glass popped and cracked inside the burning building as further explosions shook its foundations .
tr	2	' We need to get out of here , ' said Victor urgently .
tr	2	I placed my hand firmly on his arm , stopping him in his tracks .
tr	2	I stared at the fire tensely , heat washing over my face in waves .
tr	2	The pressure waves from the explosion sent us tumbling across the pine cone covered track .
tr	2	I crawled to my knees , my ears ringing from the blast .
tr	2	A bullet whizzed past my head and slammed into the dirt by my hand .
tr	2	Dead leaves and branches snapped beneath our feet when we entered the woods .
tr	2	I raised the Smith and Wesson in my other hand and half emptied the magazine .
tr	2	He clamped a hand across the fresh bullet wound on his thigh and kept running .
tr	2	Seconds later , we divided into pairs and headed off in different directions .
tr	2	Hungry flames painted the sky above the burning house with an orange glow .
tr	2	The light also revealed the dozens of figures closing in on us .
tr	2	He glanced at me and nodded once , the Glock gripped tightly in his hands .
tr	2	By the time their bodies struck the forest floor , we were already running .
tr	2	We darted between trees , bullets peppering trunks and showering us with fragments of wood .
tr	2	I blinked blood out of my eye and focused on where my feet were landing .
tr	2	Considering the events of the last week , this was hardly a surprise .
tr	2	The darkness ahead grew lighter , distracting me from my grim reflections .
tr	2	He lay on his back in a shallow puddle of inky water .
tr	2	He lifted a hand to his chest and stared at his crimson fingers .
tr	2	I felt and heard the faint whistle beneath my fingers and pushed down harder .
tr	2	I blinked fresh blood out of my eyes and twisted on my knees .
tr	2	I didn 't have to look to tell that I was bleeding heavily .
tr	2	The stranger paused a dozen feet from where I stood , swaying slightly .
tr	2	I almost missed the first swing of his blade and lurched backward awkwardly .
tr	2	The edge of the sword glinted as it whispered past my face .
tr	2	Barely ten seconds passed before I found myself forced back a step .
tr	2	A spasm of guilt and anguish racked my body , almost paralysing in its intensity .
tr	2	I frowned , my knuckles whitening on the handle of the katana .
tr	2	I was unprepared for the ring of blackness that closed in around me .
tr	2	The stranger 's sword entered my chest just beneath my right ribcage .
tr	2	I looked down slowly and saw the metal embedded in my flesh .
tr	2	I stood frozen for a moment , before falling to my knees once more .
tr	2	' Tell your mother and father that Felix Thorne says hi ! '
tr	2	An overpowering feeling of peace washed over me and I found myself crying .
tr	2	They were faint but insistent , like echoes in a vast and watery tunnel .
tr	2	After waxing and waning for an eternity , it faded once more .
tr	2	I sank back into the dark oblivion and felt a strange sense of loss .
tr	2	I blinked and became aware of the tears that clouded my vision .
tr	2	They were framed by thick lashes and long , luxuriant chestnut curls .
tr	2	There wasn 't an inch of me that did not seem to be hurting .
tr	2	' We 're in a safe house outside Prague , ' said Anna .
tr	2	' Not so fast , ' she said firmly and took the glass away .
tr	2	I settled down in the bed and stared blindly at the ceiling .
tr	2	A single question now occupied my mind , far ahead of the queue of others .
tr	2	' It took us to the woods on the other side of the hill . '
tr	2	She turned then and stared me straight in the eye , her gaze unflinching .
tr	2	' When we found the two of you , Reid was almost dead .
tr	2	' By the time Bruno returned with a car , you were breathing again . '
tr	2	His eyes widened when he saw me and he stopped in his tracks .
tr	2	' So , you 're finally awake , ' he said evenly .
tr	2	There was a fresh dressing on his forehead and a bandage around his hand .
tr	2	I glanced from him to Anna and tried to sit up again .
tr	2	That was when I saw the bandages encircling my chest and flanks .
tr	2	' Although , technically , I shouldn 't even be here , ' I added .
tr	2	She strode briskly across the room and snatched the roll from his lips .
tr	2	' I removed a bullet from your chest barely forty-eight hours ago .
tr	2	The least you could do is not smoke , ' she said sharply .
tr	2	Reid looked down at her without a trace of remorse on his face .
tr	2	' You do realise this will only delay my recovery , don 't you ? '
tr	2	' By not letting me smoke , you 're causing me undue stress .
tr	2	' Your granddaughter 's infringing on my rights , ' Reid explained blandly .
tr	2	Anna brushed a hand through her hair and squared her shoulders determinedly .
tr	2	' Right , ' she said in a tone that bade no argument .
tr	2	She shooed the three men out of the room and paused on the threshold .
tr	2	I crossed a foyer at the bottom of the stairs and paused .
tr	2	I followed the sounds to a large kitchen at the back of the house .
tr	2	There was a lull in the conversation when I paused in the doorway .
tr	2	' I sent them out to get provisions , ' Victor replied .
tr	2	Anna 's head whipped around at the sound and she frowned at him .
tr	2	' In that respect at least , you resemble your mother . '
tr	2	I stiffened , a tremor of shock coursing through me at his words .
tr	2	I said in a low voice , almost afraid to hear the answer .
tr	2	' I am your grandfather , ' he said in a clear voice .
tr	2	Victor took a sip of his coffee and put the cup down carefully .
tr	2	' Anna 's mother , Lily , was my youngest child . '
tr	2	The logs in the fireplace crackled and hissed loudly in the shocked silence that followed .
tr	2	' Besides , the knowledge would only have brought you pain . '
tr	2	' I take it she doesn 't know about the half-breed thing ? '
tr	2	This time , I was unable to hide the fury in my voice .
tr	2	Tomas Godard leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes briefly .
tr	2	You were born forty years later , in fifteen sixty , in Prague .
tr	2	The only function it appears to serve is to separate the two societies further . '
tr	2	' Yes , I thought so too , from that time forth . '
tr	2	On their tenth year in hiding , the Hunters finally found them .
tr	2	He lifted his head and gazed at me with a tortured expression .
tr	2	' I could never order the murder of my own daughter and grandchild . '
tr	2	' But -- the old man said you tried to stop the Hunters . '
tr	2	' And I believe he still does to this very day . '
tr	2	' She was a hundred years younger than you , ' said Tomas .
tr	2	' Stop talking nonsense , old man , ' he mumbled under his breath .
tr	2	Memories of that snowy day in the Carpathian Mountains rose afresh in my mind .
tr	2	I stared at my grandfather and asked the one that troubled me the most .
tr	2	' Victor and I debated this time and time again , ' he said .
tr	2	If you had remained with me , the Hunters would undoubtedly have found you again .
tr	2	I have to admit , I nearly gave myself away the second time . '
tr	2	I stared at him , unable to voice the feelings that choked my throat .
tr	2	' In exchange , I promised never to make contact with you . '
tr	2	I thought of his words at the Hauptbahnhof and finally understood their meaning .
tr	2	There are only a handful of us still alive today who know the truth . '
tr	2	A door slammed at the front of the house , startling us all .
tr	2	Bruno and Anatole entered the kitchen moments later , their arms laden with bags .
tr	2	He glanced at me awkwardly while he placed the bags on the countertop .
tr	2	We were in a large study on the ground floor of the mansion .
tr	2	A fresh fire crackled in the hearth at the head of the room .
tr	2	' Hubert was a Professor in molecular genetics , ' said Anna .
tr	2	' So you were trying to find a cure for cancer ? '
tr	2	We were attempting to -- well , control the disease , really . '
tr	2	' I was promised my own lab and as many research assistants as I wanted .
tr	2	' Even though I left the UPMC , we kept in touch .
tr	2	' It sounds like a big enough reason to me , ' said Reid .
tr	2	' I 'm afraid he isn 't , ' said Victor wryly .
tr	2	' What could be a bigger find than a cure for cancer ? '
tr	2	' I guess the only one he trusted to do this objectively was me . '
tr	2	' He stalled for time as long as he could , ' she said .
tr	2	You met in a restaurant , at night , ' I explained .
tr	2	' He was staying at their farm until I returned to Zurich . '
tr	2	I contacted Grandfather for help shortly after our return from Italy . '
tr	2	' Thankfully , they couldn 't get past the security on the safe .
tr	2	Anna 's cheeks coloured as she took the frame from my grasp .
tr	2	A flash of envy stabbed through me as I looked at the smiling pair .
tr	2	Shocked at the unexpected emotion , I turned and caught Reid 's shrewd stare .
tr	2	' We 've been doing our own research , ' Reid replied with a shrug .
tr	2	' Yes , ' I said , not showing the least sign of remorse .
tr	2	Anna blinked and settled down , though a frown still hovered over her face .
tr	2	' I think he was too afraid to write down what it was exactly . '
tr	2	She shot out of her chair and crossed the room to where I stood .
tr	2	She touched the journal reverently , her fingers lingering on the cover .
tr	2	Anna took the diary from my hands and leafed through the last few pages .
tr	2	' Hubert encrypted the last twenty pages of the journal , ' said Anna .
tr	2	Her frown deepened while she gazed at the last entry in the diary .
tr	2	' Haven 't you used the same ones in the past ? '
tr	2	' Write down what you want , ' said Victor with a curt nod .
tr	2	They should have everything ready by the time you get there . '
tr	2	On the other side of the desk , Tomas Godard turned to Victor .
tr	2	' Roman and the entire Order of Bastian Hunters will be behind us .
tr	2	He 's talking to the rest of our Councils as we speak . '
tr	2	' I hope you 're right , for all our sake . '
tr	2	' You should try and get some sleep , ' said Anna softly .
tr	2	She walked around the desk and placed a hand on her grandfather 's arm .
tr	2	' This is impossible , ' Anna finally murmured just after two am .
tr	2	I lifted the journal from the desk and randomly leafed through the encrypted pages .
tr	2	He loved nothing more than coming up with the most intricate ciphers . '
tr	2	' That 's a drawing of an Okazaki fragment , ' she said .
tr	2	The feeling that I had just touched on something significant would not go away .
tr	2	I tapped my finger over a second drawing at the edge of the paper .
tr	2	An hour later , Anna was on the final page of Strauss ' diary .
tr	2	' No wonder he didn 't want to put this on paper . '
tr	2	' Remember the " off " switch I was talking about ? '
tr	2	' You mean the one that can slow down cancer cell production ? '
tr	2	' Hubert found an " on " switch , ' she said flatly .
tr	2	' It means that he discovered a way to control the cell cycle . '
tr	2	' He 's made a genetically modified cell that can never die . '
tr	2	She turned to the desk and rifled through the papers from the Zurich deposit box .
tr	2	I murmured , still trying to absorb the staggering implication behind Strauss 's research findings .
tr	2	' Oh , no , ' she whispered slowly , gazing blindly ahead in horror .
tr	2	I rose from my seat when she stood up abruptly and ran from the room .
tr	2	Anna opened the canister and carefully removed a slim vial from it .
tr	2	I studied her stricken expression for a moment longer before turning to the computer .
tr	2	She found some gloves and removed the vial of blood from the metal canister .
tr	2	' I need a sample of my blood , ' Anna explained quietly .
tr	2	I took a seat in the corner of the room and silently watched her work .
tr	2	Forty minutes later , Anna came and took a seat next to me .
tr	2	' Now we wait , ' she said at my questioning gaze .
tr	2	' It 's done , ' she said in a flat tone .
tr	2	Victor and Tomas were waiting for us when we reached the mansion .
tr	2	Her hands shook slightly when she placed it on the table in front of her .
tr	2	' Hubert created a genetically altered cell that can replicate forever , ' said Anna .
tr	2	Although I knew the answer , I still had to ask the question .
tr	2	A low chuckle left Anna 's lips as she stared down at her hands .
tr	2	Well , they do say that the best scientists experiment on themselves . '
tr	2	' Hubert didn 't know it was my blood , ' she said .
tr	2	' Even if he knew , he would never have betrayed me . '
tr	2	After all , I 've hardly aged in the last twenty-five years . '
tr	2	' Mikael said I was the only one who stood in their way . '
tr	2	The grave mood that permeated the room finally made an impression on him .
tr	2	Victor returned to the kitchen moments later , a thoughtful look on his face .
tr	2	' They 're taking him to Linz , ' Victor continued , ignoring the interruption .
tr	2	' I 'm sending the two of you to collect him . '
tr	2	' You 're not allowed to rough him up , ' he added tersely .
tr	2	' I wouldn 't mind having a go at the man myself . '
tr	2	said Anatole with an enthusiastic grin , punching the air with his fist .
tr	2	The sound of the Transporter 's tires grinding across gravel gradually faded in the distance .
tr	2	We left the kitchen and walked up the stairs to my room .
tr	2	Anna knelt before me and gently took down the dressings that covered my ribcage .
tr	2	' Last week as well , I 'm afraid , ' I murmured .
tr	2	Finally , I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes .
tr	2	The sun was sinking towards the horizon when a noise woke me hours later .
tr	2	Angry voices erupted from the direction of the foyer as I headed towards the stairs .
tr	2	Bruno and Anatole stood holding a man in the middle of the dimly lit vestibule .
tr	2	' Not only does he know , he thoroughly approves , ' Victor said coldly .
tr	2	He glanced at Anna , who stood watching silently from the doorway of the study .
tr	2	' You have no idea what you 're up against this time .
tr	2	' He needs to be , ' said Tomas Godard with a heartfelt sigh .
tr	2	' Yes , I think you can , actually , ' he said thoughtfully .
tr	2	Undaunted , the little man spat out a cracked tooth and sneered .
tr	2	You 're going to set the rest of your dogs loose on me ? '
tr	2	' You know as well as I do that he has never attacked an immortal .
tr	2	I put a hand on his arm and felt the rigid tension running through him .
tr	2	The anger that had been burning inside me for days seemed to have melted away .
tr	2	' You 're right , ' I stated , more to myself than to him .
tr	2	' So far , I have only ever killed to defend myself . '
tr	2	I watched understanding begin to dawn on the man 's startled face .
tr	2	' It 's because I truly am the only one who can stop her . '
tr	2	He leaned against the window frame next to me and gazed outside .
tr	2	' I guess they 're on our side now , ' I said cautiously .
tr	2	' Much better than I thought it 'd be , ' he said thoughtfully .
tr	2	' The bullet wound in my chest has pretty much healed up as well . '
tr	2	We turned and followed the bodyguard to the back of the manor house .
tr	2	Several armed Hunters stood to attention next to the windows and doors of the kitchen .
tr	2	The immortal turned to Roman with a look of clear distaste on his face .
tr	2	' Do you really expect us to work together with this -- half-breed ? '
tr	2	He ignored Anna 's scowl and nonchalantly blew out a couple of smoke rings .
tr	2	' I heard you nearly got yourself killed , ' he said derisively .
tr	2	Next to him , Bruno closed his eyes and shook his head slightly .
tr	2	' Sorry boss , but half the men out there know about it already . '
tr	2	He rose abruptly from the table , the chair clattering behind him .
tr	2	There 's no way he could have survived his seventeenth death ! '
tr	2	' Soul did , ' Victor stated loudly above the furore that followed .
tr	2	No one in our history has the ability that he has . '
tr	2	He sat down slowly , a stormy frown still clouding his face .
tr	2	If they believe that Lucas is out of their way , they will get bolder .
tr	2	' First and foremost , we must protect Anna Godard , ' Victor said firmly .
tr	2	As I was rapidly discovering , she was too stubborn to resist a challenge .
tr	2	' Victor and I are intending to drop in for a visit . '
tr	2	' That 's suicide , ' the man next to Roman said dully .
tr	2	The bodyguard stepped up to the table and spread a map on the top .
tr	2	A series of high-definition satellite and surveillance photos were pinned to it .
tr	2	He studied the expressions of incredulity on the faces of the other Council members .
tr	2	said Costas , his face bearing a look that managed to combine disbelief with disgust .
tr	2	he repeated , his puzzled frown mirroring the others around the table .
tr	2	I 'm certain there 'll be a lot of data in that place . '
tr	2	' This team needs to be small ; three , four men at the most .
tr	2	' On the contrary , ' said Victor , his eyes never leaving my face .
tr	2	Still , I could not shake the feeling that our time was running out .
tr	2	I shrugged , silently indicating that the choice was his to make .
tr	2	An idea had been taking shape in my mind for the last two days .
tr	2	Anna looked at me with a puzzled frown and slowly rose from her seat .
tr	2	Her eyes widened when we came to a shooting range minutes later .
tr	2	I took the Glock 17 from the holster on my hip and checked the magazine .
tr	2	' You need to learn how to use a gun , ' I murmured .
tr	2	she said , clearly exasperated as she lowered the Glock towards the ground .
tr	2	I closed my hands over the back of hers and lifting them gently .
tr	2	I stepped back and quietly let out the breath that I had been holding .
tr	2	Anna was silent while she checked the magazine like I had taught her .
tr	2	She raised the gun and smoothly fired another couple of shots at the target .
tr	2	When I didn 't reply , she turned and stared at me .
tr	2	Someone had cleared their throat in a deliberate attempt to gain our attention .
tr	2	I closed my eyes briefly , already suspecting who it was going to be .
tr	2	said Reid in a suspiciously oily voice as he stepped onto the range .
tr	2	' Lucas was just showing me how to use a gun . '
tr	2	I glanced over my shoulder and touched the handle of the katana .
tr	2	I could feel his narrowed eyes on my back as I exited the range .
tr	2	He walked to the opposite end of the glade and turned to face me .
tr	2	' It would be an insult if you did , ' Roman retorted mildly .
tr	2	Amongst them were the Bastian nobles that made up the First Council .
tr	2	Tomas Godard stood slightly to the side , his face full of a nameless emotion .
tr	2	' There 's something I need to ask you , ' I said quietly .
tr	2	' Do you know a man by the name of Mikael Olsson ? '
tr	2	' I knew a Johan Olsson once , ' said Godard after a thoughtful pause .
tr	2	' He worked for the Order of the Bastian Hunters during the sixteen hundreds .
tr	2	I was still an advisor for the First Council at the time . '
tr	2	I thought of my own gruesome deaths during the Battle of Vienna .
tr	2	' You know where I am if you wan na talk . '
tr	2	The plot was enclosed by an impressive stone wall topped with barbed wire .
tr	2	At exactly seven pm , there was a sudden flurry of activity around the property .
tr	2	Dozens of black-clad figures left their posts on the grounds and hurried towards the mansion .
tr	2	' You 're good to go , ' said a voice after several seconds .
tr	2	Dusty wine racks lined the floor in even rows that extended to a low ceiling .
tr	2	On the left , an entire wall was stacked high with beer barrels .
tr	2	Halfway down the middle aisle , Anatole stopped and stared into the gloom .
tr	2	' Damn , ' the red-haired immortal finally murmured in wide-eyed awe .
tr	2	' That 's a whole case of Chateau Latour eighteen eighty-six ! '
tr	2	' You 're still good to go , ' said the voice in my ear .
tr	2	My fingers gripped the handle of the katana tightly when the door swung open .
tr	2	We were almost at the top when the voice barked an abrupt ' Stop ! '
tr	2	Anatole and I swiftly ascended the last steps , guns in hand .
tr	2	He hesitated before murmuring , ' You could finish them off with your sword .
tr	2	' All right , ' he finally muttered with a curt nod .
tr	2	Fifteen minutes had elapsed since we entered the service tunnel under the gardens .
tr	2	' Three bodies moving towards you from the front of the house .
tr	2	' Thanks , ' I murmured , studying the passage we stood in .
tr	2	Thick velvet curtains framed the French windows that lined one aspect of the long gallery .
tr	2	A moment later , the double doors at the end of the gallery swung open .
tr	2	A third man dressed in a white evening suit followed behind them .
tr	2	The Hunters took up position on either side of the door as he closed it .
tr	2	I signalled my intentions to the others before stepping out of the alcove .
tr	2	His eyes narrowed and he reached for the gun at his waist .
tr	2	' Hi , ' I said with an engaging smile and raised my empty hands .
tr	2	Could you guys point me in the direction of the main hall ? '
tr	2	' I 'm getting a high background heat signal from that place .
tr	2	Looks like he has a lot of hardware up and running in there . '
tr	2	When this did not elicit the desired response , he finally looked in our direction .
tr	2	' I wouldn 't touch anything if I were you , ' he murmured grimly .
tr	2	I took the seat at the oak desk and studied the monitors on the wall .
tr	2	Another five minutes had passed since I last glanced at the dial .
tr	2	Fortunately , he had already entered the primary password to access the mainframe .
tr	2	If that happened , I would have to reboot and start all over again .
tr	2	' By the sounds of things , Roman and Victor have overstayed their welcome .
tr	2	At ten , I opened my eyes and typed in " Immortality " .
tr	2	I slowly placed the receiver back into my ear and rose from the chair .
tr	2	I said carefully into the mouthpiece , my gaze not shifting from the doorway .
tr	2	' They 're walking to the cars , ' came the reply .
tr	2	' We 'll be fine , ' I said into the mouthpiece .
tr	2	' Just make sure Victor and Roman get through those gates safely . '
tr	2	' Hey , look here -- ' Anatole started in a disgruntled voice .
tr	2	' None of you stand a chance against Thorne , ' I interrupted bluntly .
tr	2	Bar the clothes , Felix Thorne was exactly as I remembered him .
tr	2	' Hello , Uncle , ' I said in a pleasant enough voice .
tr	2	' I see you 've improved , ' he continued in the same condescending tone .
tr	2	Our blades clashed again and again , sparks rising from the gleaming steel edges .
tr	2	It slipped an inch past his guard and scored a gash across his chest .
tr	2	' You 'll regret this , ' he whispered , staring at his bloodied palm .
tr	2	With every swing of the blade , his breathing grew more erratic .
tr	2	I deflected all his strikes with an ease that enraged him to no end .
tr	2	Set within it were grey eyes an identical shade to my father 's .
tr	2	I broke his attack with the katana and forced him back a step .
tr	2	The katana slid along Thorne 's sword and entered his chest in a single blow .
tr	2	There was a barely audible gasp from the woman at the end of the passage .
tr	2	Blood soaked rapidly through his shirt and dripped onto the expensive Venetian carpet .
tr	2	Reid paused at my side and fired the Glock in rapid succession .
tr	2	Shadows fell in the darkness behind us ; more appeared to replace them .
tr	2	We entered the shadows beneath the trees in a hail of gunfire .
tr	2	A black chopper appeared in the sky and pulled up sharply above the treetops .
tr	2	We rose , ran the few steps to the ropes and jumped .
tr	2	I reached the door of the aircraft 's cabin behind Reid and was pulled inside .
tr	2	' Thanks , ' I gasped gratefully and looked up into Costas 's grim face .
tr	2	' Someone had to get your sorry asses out of there . '
tr	2	Except for some scratches , everyone appeared to be in one piece .
tr	2	' I met her , ' I said , my voice devoid of emotion .
tr	2	I leaned back against the headrest and gazed at the roof of the helicopter .
tr	2	This time , Victor 's sigh was barely perceptible above the noise of the rotors .
tr	2	Chapter Nineteen Tomas Godard was waiting for us in the foyer of the mansion .
tr	2	He strode across the floor and pulled me roughly into his arms .
tr	2	If the older man noticed , he did not give any indication of it .
tr	2	I glanced over his shoulder and saw Anna smiling from the doorway of the study .
tr	2	' That 's the data from Hubert 's latest research , ' she said impatiently .
tr	2	' They even have details of the Zurich account , ' she muttered .
tr	2	' They probably hacked into the bank 's computer system , ' I said thoughtfully .
tr	2	' All right , let 's look at the next file , ' said Victor .
tr	2	' The process is very similar to stem cell transplant , ' Anna explained .
tr	2	' If the trial works , they plan to mass produce the serum . '
tr	2	The significance of her words finally started to dawn on everyone else in the room .
tr	2	Tomas Godard sat down heavily in an armchair , his face grey .
tr	2	' Let me get something straight , ' he said with a frown .
tr	2	' Can they actually do any of this without Anna 's blood ? '
tr	2	' There 's something on here that I don 't understand . '
tr	2	I felt my blood grow cold as I remembered the title of the folder .
tr	2	I said in a voice that sounded strangely detached even to my own ears .
tr	2	Silence fell across the room while we stared at the information streaming on the display .
tr	2	said Reid , gazing in confusion at the fearful expressions around the room .
tr	2	' Once infected , the end came within a matter of days .
tr	2	' The worst part was that most of those who survived became infertile . '
tr	2	' It looks like they genetically reengineered it , ' she said distractedly .
tr	2	' To make it more deadly , ' she stated dully , confirming my suspicion .
tr	2	I took a step towards her , tension humming in my veins .
tr	2	I knew the answer even before she returned my gaze unflinchingly and nodded once .
tr	2	' If this virus is set loose -- ' He lapsed into abrupt silence .
tr	2	' This only goes to show how crazed she has become over the centuries .
tr	2	Eyes widening , she turned to the keyboard and started to type quickly .
tr	2	The monitor flickered and data from a scientific website appeared on the screen .
tr	2	There was a stir among the senior immortals ; they glanced at each other uneasily .
tr	2	' The man is barely a hundred years older than you , ' he said .
tr	2	' We 're talking about the mass genocide of an entire race of immortals . '
tr	2	' Hey , let 's not forget the puny mortals , shall we ? '
tr	2	The door to Reid 's room opened when we strolled past it .
tr	2	His eyes narrowed when he took in our attire and the swords at my waist .
tr	2	' If he 's going then so am I , ' said Reid .
tr	2	We climbed into a pair of vans and drove away from the estate .
tr	2	From amongst them emerged a group of men dressed mostly in utilitarian black .
tr	2	His full lips , straight wide nose and strong jaw suggested a Slavic ancestry .
tr	2	His eyes were deep and dark beneath a pair of bushy eyebrows .
tr	2	You don 't look a day older than the last time I saw you . '
tr	2	' As rude as ever , I see , ' he grumbled .
tr	2	' You just bring out the best in me , ' he said lightly .
tr	2	His gaze shifted and he stared at me with a carefully neutral expression .
tr	2	' Lucas has a deeply vested interest in this matter , ' he said coolly .
tr	2	' I 'm with him , ' Reid replied , cocking his thumb my way .
tr	2	It 's got ta be the eyes , ' he muttered under his breath .
tr	2	He removed a Cuban cigar from the inside pocket of his coat and lit up .
tr	2	' Their men are loyal to them , as are mine . '
tr	2	' It looks like she 's about to get her wish . '
tr	2	' Half of them do so out of greed and a hunger for power .
tr	2	The other half are just too afraid to face up to her . '
tr	2	His gaze was curiously intense and his voice laced with steel as he spoke .
tr	2	' Will you really be able to kill your own kin in cold blood ? '
tr	2	The wind picked up , causing ripples to course across the grass .
tr	2	' Yes , ' I finally said in a cold and steady tone .
tr	2	Finally , he grunted and nodded at me with a strangely satisfied expression .
tr	2	Wherever she is , she won 't be safe for long . '
tr	2	' We need to move you to another safe house , ' he said .
tr	2	Victor stopped a passing Hunter in his tracks and handed him a sheet of paper .
tr	2	They should be making their way to the compound even as we speak . '
tr	2	Tomas Godard appeared next to Anna and laid a hand on her shoulder .
tr	2	Anna placed her fingers over her grandfather 's and stared at me intently .
tr	2	' Get me something from that lab , ' she said in a low voice .
tr	2	I frowned as I stared at the black chopper landing on the lawn .
tr	2	I glared at him and opened my mouth to voice a protest .
tr	2	Still , I could not quieten the feeling of dread in my gut .
tr	2	Anna 's grim face disappeared from view as the helicopter rose towards the azure skies .
tr	2	' He needs to talk to the Bastian Councils , as well as the Assembly .
tr	2	' We have to gather as many troops as we can . '
tr	2	' I fear we will need them all at the end . '
tr	2	This was not exactly going to be a walk in the park .
tr	2	Anatole whistled softly under his breath and earned himself a dark look from Bruno .
tr	2	This entire forest is located above the remains of an old coal mine .
tr	2	You probably passed the disused main gates on the way here . '
tr	2	' Not completely , obviously , ' he added at our expressions .
tr	2	We 've already confirmed that they have no cameras down there . '
tr	2	' There 's a strong possibility that the rest of the tunnel is unstable .
tr	2	' They 're to support the tunnel entrance , ' replied Friedrich .
tr	2	' We 'll need an escape route if we get out of there alive . '
tr	2	' You know how I feel about underground spaces , ' he muttered .
tr	2	It took an hour for the digger to move the core of the debris .
tr	2	The air was dry and choked with the dust stirred up by the excavation .
tr	2	To be truthful , I was not particularly comfortable with confined underground spaces either .
tr	2	Months spent in the battle trenches during the First World War had seen to that .
tr	2	Friedrich shone his torch over the control box at the side and pulled a lever .
tr	2	We climbed inside and started a slow , rickety descent into the gloom .
tr	2	Two hundred feet down , horizontal galleries started to appear off the central shaft .
tr	2	said Anatole uneasily as he eyed the tunnels being reclaimed by the shadows above us .
tr	2	The lift eventually stuttered to a stop about a thousand feet below ground .
tr	2	More galleries appeared , branching off the main conduit at regular intervals .
tr	2	Half a mile later , a faint whine emerged in the distance .
tr	2	' The fans in the south-west ventilation shaft , ' murmured Friedrich .
tr	2	Soft clicks around me indicated that the others were doing the same .
tr	2	We stopped on the edge of a brightly lit , circular vertical duct .
tr	2	Narrow handrails rose on the east side of the shaft and disappeared into the gloom .
tr	2	Friedrich holstered his gun and removed a pistol bow from his backpack .
tr	2	Moments later , the panel finally creaked and moved on its hinges .
tr	2	We gazed over the threshold into the bowels of a modern elevator shaft .
tr	2	Six hundred feet below , we came to a stationary lift cabin .
tr	2	We continued past it and reached the base of the shaft minutes later .
tr	2	A single , narrow access door stood in the north wall of the structure .
tr	2	' As ready as we 'll ever be , I guess , ' he murmured .
tr	2	Chapter Twenty-One An empty boiler room lay beyond the base of the ventilation shaft .
tr	2	A second door appeared on the other side of the boiler room .
tr	2	' The labs should be a couple of levels beneath us , ' said Friedrich .
tr	2	' You 're clear , ' a voice replied in our earpieces .
tr	2	We headed along the corridor in single file and started down the stairs .
tr	2	Rapid footsteps echoed on the metal steps and faded in the distance .
tr	2	Two storeys below , we came to a high containment , stainless steel door .
tr	2	' That 'll take too long , ' I said with a frown .
tr	2	The Bastian Hunter looked at the device before staring at me steadily .
tr	2	Friedrich peered around the corner of the wall and drew his head back sharply .
tr	2	We parted ways , Reid , Anatole and Bruno following behind me .
tr	2	We paused at a crossroad and studied another pair of empty hallways .
tr	2	Another set of glass doors stood closed on the other side of the room .
tr	2	I paused in front of the doors leading to the next room .
tr	2	' Either she 's a tactical genius , or someone betrayed us . '
tr	2	' It must lead to a decontamination room and a sterile lab . '
tr	2	Reid came in behind me and started to climb into one of them .
tr	2	' We 're not having this discussion again , ' he said gruffly .
tr	2	I turned towards the doorway , where Bruno and Anatole stood watching us .
tr	2	Moments later , there was a sensation of pressure and air whistled from the room .
tr	2	The light on the next containment door changed to green and a panel slid aside .
tr	2	I took a step towards the door in the middle of the glass wall .
tr	2	The body on the first bed was that of a young woman .
tr	2	Several IVs were hooked to her arms and a central line dangled from her neck .
tr	2	Reid 's eyes widened in consternation as he slowly moved to the second bed .
tr	2	It was obvious that he could not see clearly through the visor of the suit .
tr	2	' Yes , it 's me , ' I lied in a steady voice .
tr	2	I lowered his limp hand to the sheet and slowly closed his staring eyes .
tr	2	At that moment , the walls and floor of the lab shook violently .
tr	2	I looked around the room , my heart slamming a rapid tempo against my ribs .
tr	2	Rescue the others if you can , then get out of here ! '
tr	2	I finally found what I was searching for inside one of the trolleys .
tr	2	I said harshly , lifting a sterile needle and syringe out of a plastic wrapper .
tr	2	Reid stared as I tied a tourniquet around the dead man 's arm .
tr	2	' What the hell makes you think I 'm going to leave without you ? '
tr	2	It took us several minutes to reach the passage that led to the stairs .
tr	2	In that time , more explosions rocked the foundations of the underground facility .
tr	2	Behind him , Anatole was dragging a second wounded immortal towards the containment door .
tr	2	A blast suddenly brought down part of the passage Reid and I had just exited .
tr	2	Seconds later , a strip light shattered onto the wall of rubble .
tr	2	' This place is about to come down on our heads ! '
tr	2	' Victor will -- ' ' Victor will understand , ' I interrupted roughly .
tr	2	' Everyone suspects that I might be truly immortal , ' I said patiently .
tr	2	' Now 's as good a time as any to test that theory . '
tr	2	I reached inside my backpack , removed the biohazard container and threw it at Reid .
tr	2	He caught the metal flask and stared at me with a puzzled expression .
tr	2	The canister flew back across the corridor and hit me in the chest .
tr	2	I sighed , slipped the container inside the pack and followed in his footsteps .
tr	2	I caught the immortal 's faintly murmured words as we turned the corner .
tr	2	' Hey , he called us heroes , ' I said lightly .
tr	2	' I don 't think so , ' I replied with a sinking feeling .
tr	2	Dirt trickled out in a minor landslide near the bottom of the barricade .
tr	2	Fingertips appeared in the gap , followed by the rest of a hand .
tr	2	Seconds later , I grabbed the flailing arm and we pulled the buried man out .
tr	2	Blood oozed from a jagged , gaping wound on his grimy forehead .
tr	2	The man had severe crush injuries to the chest and legs and was barely conscious .
tr	2	The whole corridor shook violently as another explosion rocked the underground lab .
tr	2	We reached the corridor to the steel containment door and started up the stairs .
tr	2	My eyes widened when I saw the deadly debris falling towards us .
tr	2	Pipes burst around us , releasing jets of hot steam that further obscured our vision .
tr	2	I blinked and coughed dirt out of my mouth before looking around slowly .
tr	2	I was lying on my back under a thin layer of rubble .
tr	2	A jagged piece of metal protruded from the ground inches from my left eye .
tr	2	I rolled over carefully , disturbing my earthly blanket , and crawled to my knees .
tr	2	Reid was climbing to his feet a few yards to my right .
tr	2	' Hell , talk about bad luck , ' he said flatly after a pause .
tr	2	I took a deep breath and depressed the switch on the remote control detonator .
tr	2	I stared at the wall , a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth .
tr	2	We made our way unsteadily across the uneven floor and crawled into the space beyond .
tr	2	I glanced anxiously from the wounded immortals to the metal rungs rising up the wall .
tr	2	Friedrich grunted and took a thin coil of climbing rope from his belt bag .
tr	2	Reid headed swiftly across the duct with one end of the rope .
tr	2	A jagged crack tore through the east wall of the ventilation shaft .
tr	2	Heart thudding erratically in my chest , I launched myself across the gaping space .
tr	2	Six feet from the mouth of the tunnel , the arrow finally gave .
tr	2	A second later , I slammed into the wall of the shaft .
tr	2	I slipped a couple of feet , the wire cutting into my palms .
tr	2	I looked past Reid 's anxious face and stared at the distant roof .
tr	2	He grabbed my shoulders and heaved me inside the tunnel a heartbeat later .
tr	2	' I was admiring the view , ' I retorted drily in between coughs .
tr	2	My arms and legs shook from the strain of carrying the injured immortal .
tr	2	The elevator shaft to the upper mine finally appeared in the gloom .
tr	2	We raced the final yards to the elevator shaft just as the roof collapsed .
tr	2	Darkness and silence engulfed me as I was buried beneath the rubble .
tr	2	Hands reached through my earthy tomb and dragged me into a clear space .
tr	2	Blood oozed from a cut on his head and the fresh scrapes on his knuckles .
tr	2	Several feet behind him , the immortals were slowly struggling to their knees .
tr	2	I smiled weakly through the cloud of dust and grabbed the hand he offered .
tr	2	As he pulled me upright , something clattered to the ground behind me .
tr	2	I opened it and carefully removed the shattered remains of the inner holder .
tr	2	' I 'll get in touch when we land , ' he murmured .
tr	2	I said presently , gazing at Victor through the transparent barrier that separated us .
tr	2	The Bastian immortal turned and glanced elsewhere in the aircraft 's cabin .
tr	2	' You 're a jackass , ' he stated darkly without preamble .
tr	2	' It was the only option available , ' I explained for the tenth time .
tr	2	I glanced at the red halo surrounding the needle mark at my left elbow .
tr	2	And neither could I control the people staring in at me , I thought tiredly .
tr	2	Strangely enough , this thought occupied my mind for the remainder of the flight .
tr	2	We touched down somewhere on the US eastern seaboard six hours later .
tr	2	said Victor above me while my steel and glass prison was securely latched into place .
tr	2	The pod rocked slightly on its metal bed , jarring me along with it .
tr	2	We set off again and finally came to a stop several minutes later .
tr	2	Footsteps scuttled past the pod and shadows played across the glass port .
tr	2	' Apart from some pain where he injected himself , no , ' said Reid .
tr	2	' I can hear you , you know , ' I said mildly .
tr	2	' I 'm not ready to talk to you yet , ' she said harshly .
tr	2	The pod was lifted from the rear of the truck and onto a trolley .
tr	2	A hundred feet or so later , I was wheeled into a large service elevator .
tr	2	' Anna and the other scientists set up their lab down here .
tr	2	We thought it would be the safest place on the compound . '
tr	2	A glass wall appeared in front of me as I moved into a vertical position .
tr	2	A window occupied the upper half : several figures were visible behind it .
tr	2	Someone punched a code into the access panel on the side of the transport chamber .
tr	2	A sigh left my lips when I stepped onto a tiled floor .
tr	2	I looked away from Godard 's stricken expression and gazed at her awkwardly .
tr	2	Anna 's eyes narrowed while she carefully inspected me from head to toe .
tr	2	She reached out and lifted my left arm in her gloved hands .
tr	2	' There 's a bathroom through there where you can change . '
tr	2	' Place your clothes in the plastic carrier inside and give them to me . '
tr	2	Anna paused at the door : she was the last one to leave the room .
tr	2	An hour later , Anna returned and took another sample of blood from my arm .
tr	2	' Any idea how long I 'm going to be in here ? '
tr	2	' We should know within the next twenty-four hours if you develop any symptoms .
tr	2	' Can you make a vaccine from the samples you 've taken from me ? '
tr	2	' It might take some time , but it 's definitely feasible . '
tr	2	She glanced over her shoulder at the wall that separated us from the outer lab .
tr	2	' Were you aware that our grandmother died during the first plague ? '
tr	2	By then , a pounding headache was already hammering at my temples .
tr	2	Chills soon racked my body and sweat soaked the bed sheets beneath me .
tr	2	At one stage , I opened my eyes and saw Anna at my side .
tr	2	The tone of her words alarmed me more than anything happening to my own body .
tr	2	' It 's all right , ' I whispered , my teeth shattering uncontrollably .
tr	2	' I 'm going to be fine , ' I said more firmly .
tr	2	It was another twenty-four hours before Anna returned to give me the news .
tr	2	' Your body mounted a response in the form of an elevated white cell count .
tr	2	For the first time in days , her eyes were bright with barely concealed excitement .
tr	2	' You already have significant levels of protective antibodies in your blood . '
tr	2	' You think this has something to do with surviving the seventeenth death ? '
tr	2	' Yes , I suspect it does , ' she finally murmured .
tr	2	I stared at the glass wall , uncertain how I felt about that statement .
tr	2	' The virus is no longer detectable in your blood stream or your swabs .
tr	2	I said , unable to hide the hint of hope in my voice .
tr	2	The first person to greet me outside the sterile chamber was Reid .
tr	2	' A bit stiff , but okay otherwise , ' I replied .
tr	2	More than anything , I was relieved to be out of the containment room .
tr	2	Godard pulled me towards him and engulfed me in a tight hug .
tr	2	' Yeah , ' I murmured awkwardly , ' I get that a lot . '
tr	2	' No , it isn 't , ' said Victor with a heartfelt sigh .
tr	2	' We suspect a few of them are deliberately delaying the process . '
tr	2	' You 'll do well not to question your superiors , Soul . '
tr	2	' I will not -- ' ' Lucas is right , ' Victor interrupted sharply .
tr	2	' Present company excluded , of course , ' the Bastian added grudgingly .
tr	2	It was almost midnight when we finally ended our negotiations with the FBI and Interpol .
tr	2	Homeland Security and the CDC had been placed on high alert and standby .
tr	2	The Bastian Council member hovered in the doorway , a frown on his face .
tr	2	' It won 't be easy to hide the abilities of our kind from them .
tr	2	After grabbing a quick bite , I showered and got into bed .
tr	2	I stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours before eventually drifting off .
tr	2	I lifted my head off the pillow and stared at the figure that stood there .
tr	2	She pulled the covers back and crawled into the space next to me .
tr	2	The strength in her warm and supple legs as they clung to my waist .
tr	2	I paused as I got my first daylight look at the Bastian compound .
tr	2	He lit up , inhaled deeply and blew out a smoke ring .
tr	2	Victor tells me they 've had this place for over sixty years . '
tr	2	' It 's bigger than the FBI 's training grounds in Quantico . '
tr	2	You know far too much as it is , ' growled the Bastian Council member .
tr	2	Despite the anxiety humming through my veins , my lips twisted in a wry grin .
tr	2	' These are the latest thermal satellites images we have of the tower . '
tr	2	' How did you guys get your hands on that kind of money ? '
tr	2	The new body armour they possess will protect their other vital points . '
tr	2	' They are , ' said the FBI chief with a curt nod .
tr	2	said my partner while he loaded a magazine into the chamber of his Glock .
tr	2	Seconds later , our convoy screeched to a halt around the Pennsylvania Avenue tower .
tr	2	The doors of the van slammed open and we spilled out onto the asphalt .
tr	2	We stepped swiftly through the gaping frames , broken glass crunching loudly beneath our feet .
tr	2	We heaved the bodies of the dead men out and stepped inside the lift .
tr	2	' Wasn 't gon na say a word , ' Reid said wryly .
tr	2	Distant explosions reached our ears when we drew close to the tenth floor .
tr	2	Victor , Costas , Bruno and Anatole were crouched inside it , their guns raised .
tr	2	he hissed in a stage loud whisper , gesturing pointedly at Lacroix .
tr	2	' It shouldn 't come as a surprise , really , ' said Victor .
tr	2	Bullets riddled the air and ricocheted against the walls when we charged into the corridor .
tr	2	Doors slammed in the distance ; footsteps pounded the floor and drew closer .
tr	2	Victor shouted , indicating the fire escape at the end of the passage .
tr	2	At the rear of the falling body , more Hunters raised their guns at me .
tr	2	Halfway to the next landing , the sound of gunshots rose up from the stairwell .
tr	2	Reid moved in front of me and shot him in the head .
tr	2	On the landing above , Costas and Lacroix had already ploughed through several Hunters .
tr	2	Most of them were breathing heavily , while others looked ready to fall .
tr	2	' Oh boy , ' muttered Reid , mirroring my own thoughts .
tr	2	Flashes of light and smoke filled the air as gunfire exploded around us .
tr	2	I spun and kicked out , taking out the three remaining Hunters .
tr	2	The katana flashed and sliced through their ribs in rapid succession a moment later .
tr	2	Seconds later , I reached the next landing and opened the fire door .
tr	2	I lay low and covered my head with my arms as debris riddled the stairwell .
tr	2	Thick , choking billows of dust rose around me when the noise finally abated .
tr	2	' We found a pass for the lift , ' said Anatole with a grin .
tr	2	Victor glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the damaged stairwell .
tr	2	' Our friends will have to find another way up , ' he said finally .
tr	2	We made our way carefully up the steps to the final landing .
tr	2	As Anatole reached for the handle , a familiar whine reached my ears .
tr	2	Victor stared at me , his eyes widening as understanding quickly dawned .
tr	2	Coughing at the acrid haze , we rose and darted swiftly across the threshold .
tr	2	My eyes remained focused on the steel doors on the other side of the floor .
tr	2	A pair of French doors stood open in the middle of it .
tr	2	I hit the ground , rolled to one knee and rapidly squeezed the triggers .
tr	2	My fingers grazed the starboard skid landing gear and closed around it .
tr	2	My legs dangled into empty space as the sky rise dropped rapidly away beneath me .
tr	2	Despite this , the man was frantically trying to reload the weapon on his lap .
tr	2	I found myself on the floor , the handle of a case in each hand .
tr	2	I crawled to my knees and stared through the open starboard door in dull incomprehension .
tr	2	A hundred feet away , Felix Thorne stared at me from the second Bell helicopter .
tr	2	The river grew close and rapidly disappeared ; we flew low over a busy highway .
tr	2	I was sitting on a kerb some thousand feet from the waters of the Potomac .
tr	2	By the sound of their raised voices , things were not going well .
tr	2	' You just jumped from an exploding aircraft into the twelfth floor of a skyscraper .
tr	2	' Yeah , I get that a lot , ' I muttered .
tr	2	I nodded , shrugged off the blanket around my shoulders and rose to my feet .
tr	2	And you probably have a hairline fracture under that gash in your head ! '
tr	2	' They 'll heal , ' I said , and followed in Victor 's footsteps .
tr	2	' We 'll be able to help millions of people with this . '
tr	2	' We have to move fast , ' Victor finally said with a sombre expression .
tr	2	A cold foreboding filled my veins as I watched his expression change .
tr	2	Seconds later , he disconnected and stared at me blindly , his face pale .
tr	2	It was another half hour before we were able to leave Arlington .
tr	2	' This isn 't the end of the matter , is it ? '
tr	2	But I 'm afraid we can 't involve you further than this . '
tr	2	I looked at the Frenchman steadily and tried to mask my mounting agitation .
tr	2	He was one of the main players behind the incidents in Europe . '
tr	2	' Yes , but he wasn 't the leader , was he ? '
tr	2	' Well , good luck , ' he finally muttered with a sigh .
tr	2	' Shit , ' Anatole said softly as he stared through the windscreen .
tr	2	Moments later , the first bodies started to appear across the grounds .
tr	2	We found the largest group of Bastian Hunters at the top of the rise .
tr	2	Flames engulfed the upper level and black smoke billowed from broken windows and the rooftop .
tr	2	Victor snarled between gritted teeth while he stared at the burning building .
tr	2	I asked stiffly , gripping the Smith and Wesson so tightly that my fingers blanched .
tr	2	His words were barely audible above the muted explosion from a nearby building .
tr	2	It was another hour before we managed to piece together the events of that morning .
tr	2	Moments later , the monitor flickered and a room appeared on the screen .
tr	2	A sculptured oak table stood in the middle of a flagstone floor .
tr	2	By the frowns on their faces , they were not pleased with the interruption .
tr	2	' We have the vaccine but Thorne got away with the virus . '
tr	2	' There 's something else you need to know , hence my call .
tr	2	Along with the fear and anger coursing through me , unease filtered through my consciousness .
tr	2	' About that , ' he began in an obvious tone of distaste .
tr	2	' We still have to vote on it , of course . '
tr	2	He glanced around the chamber , his gaze lingering on several faces .
tr	2	' The Council members would like to consult with the nobles under their command . '
tr	2	' With or without your help , I 'm going after them . '
tr	2	' Wow , you sure told them , ' Anatole murmured with a soft whistle .
tr	2	' It took me two hundred years to get him to exchange birthday cards . '
tr	2	' I want you to contact this number on a secure line .
tr	2	' We got our hands on the vaccine , ' said Victor .
tr	2	' Does it have anything to do with matters at hand ? '
tr	2	They took Anna and Tomas Godard , ' Victor continued after a brief pause .
tr	2	She doesn 't need the approval of the First Council for urgent tactical decisions . '
tr	2	Dusk was falling across the mountains when I entered the main lodge a while later .
tr	2	Glittering fragments crunched under my feet when I entered the first chamber .
tr	2	Bullets had damaged most of the equipment Anna and the scientists had been using .
tr	2	' Never thought I 'd hear the bulldog defend you , ' Reid added drily .
tr	2	We turned and stared at the figure striding across the floor of the bunker .
tr	2	I ignored the activity around us and studied Victor 's face intently while he spoke .
tr	2	An infrared , night vision satellite image appeared on a projection screen .
tr	2	Narrow courtyards and labyrinthine paths intersected the extensive gardens that fronted it .
tr	2	Figures were visible on the roofs and the extensive walkways that topped the walls .
tr	2	I clenched my fists and ignored the numb coldness spreading through my limbs .
tr	2	He glanced at Costas , who stood scowling silently at the back of the room .
tr	2	Victor crossed the floor and stopped in front of the frowning immortal .
tr	2	You would think after all that time I 'd know the man inside out . '
tr	2	' They will have to answer to my blade if they do ! '
tr	2	I said curtly , struggling to hide the anxious impatience in my voice .
tr	2	' We can be airborne in two hours , ' said Victor .
tr	2	' But first , we have to consider the small matter of logistics . '
tr	2	Victor finalized the details of our operation and ordered everyone to get some rest .
tr	2	Reid had moved across the aisle and taken the seat next to mine .
tr	2	It felt like a lifetime ago since I held Anna in my arms .
tr	2	I stepped off the plane onto hot , cracked asphalt and looked around .
tr	2	Some of the men paused to glance at us curiously before going about their duties .
tr	2	' That 's a sight you don 't see every day , ' said Reid .
tr	2	' The bulldog 's bark is definitely harsher than his bite . '
tr	2	Shrewd black eyes studied us from beneath a pair of thick white eyebrows .
tr	2	' Are these the two men you want me to coach ? '
tr	2	' It 's good to see you again , ' I muttered .
tr	2	His injuries appeared to have healed and he walked with a barely visible limp .
tr	2	Vincenzo nodded , his gaze shifting to the sky outside the hangar doors .
tr	2	Several figures were loading a large amount of gear into the rear of the fuselage .
tr	2	' Well , we 'll have to see what we can do . '
tr	2	' Oh boy , ' Reid muttered behind me as we climbed inside the plane .
tr	2	' That was good work , ' he said with a satisfied expression .
tr	2	' Well , the major said we wouldn 't die , ' Reid replied drily .
tr	2	' Coming from Carlo , I would take that as a compliment . '
tr	2	' Dimitri and the remaining Council members arrived on the island an hour ago . '
tr	2	' Costas and I will be heading for the port in fifty minutes .
tr	2	Two of the major 's lieutenants had accompanied us on the flight .
tr	2	Reid 's voice was low even through the earpiece attached to my head .
tr	2	' I could do with a smoke , ' came the dull reply .
tr	2	I sighed , shook my head and settled back in the seat .
tr	2	' We 're fifteen minutes from the drop zone , ' said the pilot .
tr	2	' Yeah , we hear you , ' I replied into the mouthpiece .
tr	2	They 've secured access to the external security cameras and the radars .
tr	2	' On three , ' he mouthed , signalling with his fingers .
tr	2	The HALO jump over the Mediterranean Sea was from thirty thousand feet .
tr	2	I turned towards it and concentrated on keeping my breaths slow and steady .
tr	2	I braced myself for the sudden deceleration and reached for the steering toggles .
tr	2	Seconds later , we landed on the rooftop of one of the castle 's towers .
tr	2	I caught the limp body and lowered it quietly to the ground .
tr	2	A second before I reached them , the men fell from the tower .
tr	2	No cries of alarm sounded in the night ; our landing had gone undetected .
tr	2	Friedrich waved briefly from a nearby tower and disappeared in the gloom .
tr	2	I paused at the top of the steps and glanced over the metal banister .
tr	2	We moved silently down the spiral staircase and reached the bottom moments later .
tr	2	I turned , dropped to one knee , raised both guns and fired .
tr	2	Cold air whipped over the tall rampart from the sea on the left .
tr	2	To the right , a thick parapet overlooked a dark courtyard a hundred feet below .
tr	2	The darkness and the rush of the wind helped mask our approach .
tr	2	The words had barely left my lips when a faint gasp reached my ears .
tr	2	Reid 's silent shot whizzed past me and caught the man on the leg .
tr	2	I dove and tackled him to the ground a dozen feet from the opening .
tr	2	The Hunter quickly rolled out from under me and reached for his gun .
tr	2	I said in a low voice while Reid relieved him of his weapon .
tr	2	' I don 't know what you 're talking about , ' he said gruffly .
tr	2	As he opened his mouth to reply , voices rose through the brilliant arch ahead .
tr	2	' You 'll never get there in one piece , ' he said scornfully .
tr	2	' Just show us to the nearest computer terminal , ' he muttered .
tr	2	Five seconds later , we had disposed of the two guards inside .
tr	2	The Bastian tech 's voice came over the earpiece with a faint buzz of static .
tr	2	With this , we would be able to see live feeds from the entire complex .
tr	2	My eyes were immediately drawn to one on the bottom right of the monitor .
tr	2	The Bastian tech knew which feed I meant without me having to spell it out .
tr	2	Floor plans of the castle appeared at the side of the image .
tr	2	There was an audible intake of breath from the other end of the line .
tr	2	' My grandfather 's bound to be down there as well . '
tr	2	The Bastian tech guided us down a further two floors of the castle .
tr	2	' This is as far as I can take you , ' said the tech .
tr	2	In addition to the Glock , he also held a Beretta pistol in his hand .
tr	2	The numbers on the indicator panel above the elevator had started to glow .
tr	2	I was surprised at how composed I felt at seeing him again .
tr	2	Olsson 's eyes burned with anger , his body rigid from trying to keep still .
tr	2	I grabbed a cable tie from my backpack and closed it around Olsson 's wrists .
tr	2	You have no idea what these people are capable of , do you ?
tr	2	He knew what he was getting himself into , ' I said quietly .
tr	2	I 'll never help you , so you might as well kill me now ! '
tr	2	' Not while there 's a chance that we could still use you . '
tr	2	' Looks like they started the party without us , ' said Reid .
tr	2	He absentmindedly stroked the end of his nose with the Glock and sighed .
tr	2	Smoke wreathed the air and bullets crisscrossed a wide subterranean lobby ahead of us .
tr	2	I blinked slowly at the clearing haze and stared at the bodies covering the vestibule .
tr	2	He came to a stop at my side and changed the magazine in his gun .
tr	2	' Though I 'm sure there 'll be plenty more where they came from . '
tr	2	' You look like shit , ' Reid told Anatole with a grin .
tr	2	A gleam appeared in his eyes as his gaze shifted to the left .
tr	2	' Costas and Bruno are holding the lower floors to the dock .
tr	2	A security panel sat on the wall to the left of the jamb .
tr	2	' It won 't be practical for all of us to go that way . '
tr	2	I crossed the floor to the control panel next to the steel doors .
tr	2	It was similar to the one I had in my apartment in Boston .
tr	2	' We 'll create a diversion to give you a fighting chance . '
tr	2	' See you on the other side , ' Victor murmured from below .
tr	2	A minute later , we came to an opening in the ceiling .
tr	2	I frowned and turned to face the approaching wave , my swords in hand .
tr	2	A heartbeat later , the blades arched and danced through the air .
tr	2	Another skimmed past my right eye and grazed the top of my ear .
tr	2	Moments later , we had secured the principal entrance to the underground facility .
tr	2	I nodded briskly and started to run , Reid and Anatole close on my heels .
tr	2	More guards appeared in our path the deeper we ventured inside the island .
tr	2	' Well , that should buy us what , a minute or two ? '
tr	2	They barely had time to raise their guns before they fell under the blades .
tr	2	I commanded harshly , indicating the sealed entrance in the containment wall .
tr	2	He froze as the barrel of a gun touched the back of his head .
tr	2	Anna 's eyes opened when I reached the side of the bed .
tr	2	' I knew you 'd come for me , ' she said softly .
tr	2	I said , lifting her gently and cradling her against my body .
tr	2	I turned and carried her briskly across the floor towards the exit .
tr	2	' Put me down , ' she commanded in a firm tone .
tr	2	Anna took a few steps towards the scientist cowering behind the desk .
tr	2	A second later , her arm moved and she fired the Glock .
tr	2	We headed back along the passage and paused at the intersection with the glass hall .
tr	2	' This way , ' said Anna briskly , indicating the corridor to the left .
tr	2	The stairs ended in front of a metal door three floors below .
tr	2	Several minutes passed , during which we crossed a series of deserted passages .
tr	2	' It 's bad , ' said the immortal with a firm nod .
tr	2	I glanced at her and saw my own horror reflected in her eyes .
tr	2	Several figures appeared over the threshold and slowly crossed the polished floor .
tr	2	My eyes never left the man in the middle of the small procession .
tr	2	' Still , I fear you have made a grave mistake , ' said Godard .
tr	2	I felt my pulse start to race as a wave of fury rose inside me .
tr	2	' My friends , ' she said once the clapping had died down .
tr	2	' I am pleased to see you in such good spirits . '
tr	2	It was the second time I had heard my grandmother 's voice .
tr	2	I present to you the former leader of the Bastian Hunters , Tomas Godard . '
tr	2	Some of the nobles glanced around the room , their expressions troubled .
tr	2	Among the roar of approving voices that followed , one spoke up .
tr	2	' Really Agatha , is now the time to be engaging in such dreadful theatrics ?
tr	2	We hear that the Bastian army is on their way to this fortress .
tr	2	She stood her ground defiantly in the face of the critical stares around her .
tr	2	A cold smile dawned on his face and twisted the scar on his cheek .
tr	2	Rest assured , I shall take the greatest pleasure in personally killing them both . '
tr	2	He took a step towards the glass wall , a dark scowl clouding his face .
tr	2	' Don 't you dare lay a finger on them , you monster ! '
tr	2	' My dear Tomas , why ever should I do that ? '
tr	2	A needle came down and perforated the rubber top of the container .
tr	2	I tied the other end of the line to a carabiner and turned to Anna .
tr	2	' I have to do this , ' I whispered against her lips .
tr	2	' Look after her , ' I said , glancing at Reid .
tr	2	I squeezed the triggers rapidly , shooting round after round into the cracking glass .
tr	2	The Hunters raised their guns and started to shoot at the cage .
tr	2	The blades flashed under the lights , blocking bullets and carving through flesh .
tr	2	' They 'll be expecting us if they see this one light up . '
tr	2	I lowered the Glock and the Smith & Wesson and squeezed the triggers rapidly .
tr	2	A bullet whizzed past my ear and struck the floor by my feet .
tr	2	' I 'll go first , ' he said and moved towards the stairs .
tr	2	I stared into his blue gaze , nodded briskly and stepped into the stairwell .
tr	2	I paused near the top of the stairs and scanned the hallway ahead .
tr	2	A stunned gasp left the Bastian 's lips : he blinked and went still .
tr	2	The katana blocked the edge of his sword an inch from Victor 's neck .
tr	2	Costas moved to Victor 's side and slowly lowered the bleeding immortal to the floor .
tr	2	Thorne moved forward with a hungry expression and brought his sword down with a grunt .
tr	2	It struck the floor an inch from my head , raising sparks from the stone .
tr	2	Blood rushing loudly in my ears , I kicked him in the leg .
tr	2	' Looks like you still lose , half-breed , ' Thorne gasped mockingly .
tr	2	I yanked the katana out of his heart and watched him drop to his knees .
tr	2	I turned and strode towards my grandmother , my chest burning in anger .
tr	2	The gun in her hand moved to the woman next to Tomas Godard .
tr	2	Her face contorted in a mask of horror while she stared at Anna .
tr	2	she shouted shrilly , pointing the gun at the sun cross pendant .
tr	2	My grandfather 's eyes opened : there was a triumphant look in the blue depths .
tr	2	' Yes , ' Tomas Godard replied with more than a trace of satisfaction .
tr	2	' I 'm sorry , child , ' he murmured , his expression sorrowful .
tr	2	He drew a rasping breath ; a sliver of blood trickled past his lips .
tr	2	Godard raised a bloodied hand and touched his granddaughter 's face with shaking fingers .
tr	2	A savage cry left her lips and she levelled the gun at Godard 's head .
tr	2	She fell to the ground , anger clouding her open eyes even in death .
tr	2	' I 've been waiting for this moment for so long . '
tr	2	I want you to know that I always loved ... you . '
tr	2	Anna buried her face in his chest , her muffled sobs filling the room .
tr	2	' I told him I was gon na shoot him , ' Reid muttered .
tr	2	Shocked relief washed over me , taking some of the numbness away .
tr	2	Victor pushed away the helping hands around him and slowly climbed to his feet .
tr	2	We walked out onto the rooftop , Anna following in our footsteps .
tr	2	PART THREE : RESOLUTION Epilogue The sound of an engine rose faintly in the distance .
tr	2	Sun beams danced across emerald green waters , the light almost blinding in its radiance .
tr	2	Anna came out through the patio doors and paused by my side .
tr	2	She kissed me on the cheek , turned and disappeared inside the house .
tr	2	' Did I hear someone mention the word " drinks " ? '
tr	2	Sweat poured down his face and he breathed heavily from his run around the island .
tr	2	A second man climbed onto the wooden jetty and looked around with evident interest .
tr	2	Seconds later , the pair made their way up towards the house .
tr	2	I shook his hand briskly and turned to the man behind him .
tr	2	Victor walked across , kissed her on the cheeks and took it off her .
tr	2	' My dear , you look as lovely as ever , ' he muttered .
tr	2	Ironically , Olsson 's demise at Reid 's hands had also been his final one .
tr	2	We had yet to tell Victor and Dimitri of this intriguing phenomenon .
tr	2	' Victor said you had something you wanted to tell us ? '
tr	2	' I 'm not quite sure where to start , ' he added hesitantly .
tr	2	' How much do you know of the history of the immortals ? '
tr	2	' They seem to have been at war pretty much since . '
tr	2	' What if I was to tell you that this was not always the case ?
tr	2	And that we 've been around since well before that time ? '
tr	2	' Of course , there 's a lot more to it than that . '
tr	2	The first is a series of scriptures that narrate the origins of the immortal races .
tr	2	' That 's impossible , ' Anna stated flatly in the silence that followed .
tr	2	We have , of course , moved the scriptures to a more secure location . '
tr	2	' What are these -- " remains " you 're alluding to ? '
tr	2	' The first one had unfortunately already been ransacked when we discovered it .
tr	2	The second cave was much deeper and located in a different rock formation . '
tr	2	' The remains were a pair of hearts , embalmed in individual clay pots .
tr	2	I thought we did that a while ago , ' said Reid dully .
tr	2	' This one requires a lot more of it , I 'm afraid . '
tr	2	We cannot fully confirm this as part of the texts are missing . '
tr	2	An eerie sense of premonition crept into the back of my mind .
tr	2	' The two of you are unique , ' he said quietly .
tr	2	' I suspect that Anna would also survive her seventeenth death . '
tr	2	It had only been a couple of days since we found out ourselves .
tr	2	' What do you -- ' I started to say with a frown .
tr	2	I thought you deserved to know about our discovery as it concerned you directly .
tr	2	' We 're not expecting you to give us an answer straight away . '
tr	2	' I don 't think we 're likely to change our minds anytime soon . '
tr	2	' I told you Peanut was a bad choice of name for a dog .
tr	2	' No , he isn 't , ' Anna said with a frown .
tr	2	She rose from the chair and petted the puppy on the head .
tr	2	Cornelius curled around her ankles as she headed towards the patio doors .
tr	2	' When you have a dog , you can call it Bob . '
tr	2	' What 're you gon na call him in the meantime ? '
tr	2	And the last thing I want to thank the Universe for energizing me every time .
tr	2	Psychology teacher , shorter and bald , with a sharp mind that man .
tr	2	Mr. Bins again smiled at the students , because they looked excited , me not .
tr	2	I sighted again , thinking that I never traveled with a ship before .
tr	2	I could not believe my own eyes , was my dead father .
tr	2	" Yes ... yes ... I just had a nightmare , " I said whispered .
tr	2	" In a half time " she answered me with a smile .
tr	2	At last , in this way I will take my mind off the dream .
tr	2	I asked , hoping that I will not wake up lonely on the island .
tr	2	" Yes , but most likely we will pay loads of euros . "
tr	2	" I have no idea , but I think will be ok . "
tr	2	" Don 't worry , is not your fault , " she said stressful .
tr	2	" But ... " Her worries and fears stricken me to the core .
tr	2	I did not wish to draw attention and to speak with somebody .
tr	2	Therefore , I put my headphones in ears and waited to leave .
tr	2	The people around start to stare at me but I didn 't care .
tr	2	Was interesting to see a small mountain in the middle of the water .
tr	2	I looked around to see the Minotaur maze from where Icarus flew .
tr	2	I took my phone out , answering emasculated : " Hello ? "
tr	2	" I 'm so sorry , was a traffic jam on my way here .
tr	2	" I 'm Helen Bones ; I 'm your guide , or supervisor .
tr	2	" Yeah we have , but let 's not forget where we are .
tr	2	" Chill " she said , putting her hand on my shoulder .
tr	2	She just smiled and I was wondering if she was somehow mentally handicapped .
tr	2	Now , what you have to do is ... " she said with an enthusiasm .
tr	2	" To call for a taxi to take me to the airport ? "
tr	2	I interrupted her ironically , and for my surprise , she started to laugh .
tr	2	Therefore , I did not doubt any more of her healthy mind .
tr	2	I could see very easy the blue beautiful see from my balcony .
tr	2	I went straight ahead in it , closing my eyes and took a deep breath .
tr	2	I liked it ; I was no more terrified because of this experience .
tr	2	I opened it and in front of me was standing a very beautiful girl .
tr	2	Gosh , I woke you up , sorry , sometimes I 'm so rude " .
tr	2	" Su ... sure " , I was such an idiot that I fumbled .
tr	2	She giggled and waved her hand to me , exiting my room .
tr	2	But honestly , why an American girl came to take me out to dinner ?
tr	2	" Well ... I couldn 't ignore you , I would seem rude . "
tr	2	" You 'll see , I ate there yesterday and was delicious . "
tr	2	She came with me from U.S.A ; she drove me insane with her boyfriend . "
tr	2	We went slowly towards it ; I took a seat in front of her .
tr	2	My name is Damian Jones / " " Pleasure and how you are called ? "
tr	2	" I am so sorry ... I ... " I start to agitated .
tr	2	When I felt her silky skin , my heart jumped in the air .
tr	2	But the project presume something else , you know , right ? "
tr	2	" But are we allowed to come closer to a man with schizophrenia ? "
tr	2	" True , but in his case the illness is in an easy form .
tr	2	" I want you to make me a fly reservation from Heraklion city .
tr	2	" I am very sorry Damian , but I cannot do this .
tr	2	I remained like a donkey in the rain and an urge started to cover me .
tr	2	I jumped over my luggage and started to charge them chaotically with things and clothes .
tr	2	I was not the type to risk his life for the sake of science .
tr	2	I took the elevator with the luggage after me , and pushed the downstairs button .
tr	2	I was already on the other side of the street , heading to a taxi .
tr	2	I putted my sunglasses on and I waited in silence until the destination .
tr	2	I paid 15 euros to the driver and I was heading to the booking office .
tr	2	I simply cannot do it , plus that I feel lost here . "
tr	2	" Just relax " , she changed her look from me to the sea .
tr	2	Now that I embarrassed enough , let 's do business , shall we ? "
tr	2	she said smiling with warm , giving me snakes in my stomach .
tr	2	You have to open yourself , to get if off from your chest .
tr	2	We 'll be friends " she smiled at me and I back .
tr	2	But the idea to be open with her , grained to me .
tr	2	" Well we will go back to the hotel , eat something .
tr	2	You will leave your luggage and then we 'll go and visit the Mill family .
tr	2	I made a scene of sickness at that thought , making Abby laugh .
tr	2	And like the first day , Helen waved her hand happily , making us laugh .
tr	2	The elevator 's door opened , and I turned my face to Abby .
tr	2	I saw that she tress her hair again , emphasizing her green eyes .
tr	2	" Is not true , in this way you will learn to be more sociable .
tr	2	He likes action movies , fantasies , and listens to rock and hip-hop music .
tr	2	I couldn 't fake or at least not for a long time .
tr	2	A thin woman , boney , with her hair black and long until the shoulders .
tr	2	" Here you go , " she said and we took the glasses .
tr	2	We said thank you and take a seat on a white sofa , looking around .
tr	2	Abby looked at her and said joyfully : " You have a beautiful home . "
tr	2	Me and my husband are thinking to intern him to a hospital . "
tr	2	" This is not a solution , " Abby said with passion .
tr	2	" Yes but what happens if his ill will not pass ? "
tr	2	" I ... can stay here " , I said whispering while Mrs. Mill left .
tr	2	Contrary my will , the girl took my hand and together went to his room .
tr	2	His room looked like a teenager 's one , full of posters with musician bands .
tr	2	In that moment , the boy got suddenly up , I jumped off my skin .
tr	2	Him , for my surprise , smiled and said : " Cool .
tr	2	I took a seat on the bed with Abby next to me .
tr	2	Lars was sitting down in front of us , on a chair .
tr	2	Well , I 'm younger then you with one year ... 21 . "
tr	2	" She says that Greek people are difficult and they don 't speak English .
tr	2	I 'm from New York , but I was born in Canada .
tr	2	" Nope ... I like to ground myself in just one place .
tr	2	In his voice , I could easily discern a trace of regret .
tr	2	Me , not like him , I was perfect happy without any friends .
tr	2	He frowned his eyebrows and asked while he was playing with a pen .
tr	2	" But it 's weird ... why did you came to know me ? "
tr	2	He smiled , and I was so amazed how convincing Abby could be .
tr	2	To call me when you guys want go " " Sure . "
tr	2	Not for nothing , his parents move a lot , just for others safety .
tr	2	she said , while she was cleaning her nose with a napkin .
tr	2	Arriving at the hotel , from my despair , Helen stopped us .
tr	2	" We are going in the club , " Abby said with red eyes .
tr	2	Laurence will come , our subject , or whatever , our friend .
tr	2	But no , she was happy at the thought that a psycho will join us .
tr	2	" She is right " Abby said making me turned shocked my face at hers .
tr	2	" Women " I said , rolling my eyes , joining her in the elevator .
tr	2	Laurence was talking about his dance competitions and Abby seemed very interested about his stories .
tr	2	" Abby , I hope that you are sure what you are doing . "
tr	2	Despite of Alex waking from Laurence and drown us in the sea .
tr	2	I have them with me , in case of him to forget . "
tr	2	If it wasn 't for you , I would gave up my big dream . "
tr	2	I agreed with her , or the part , which did not , implicates Laurence .
tr	2	I take fitness classes ; I want to look in shape . "
tr	2	An image of me holding her hand , and Lars with Helen were not around .
tr	2	A monster started to get birth in me , much dangerous then that schizophrenic .
tr	2	Helen entered first in a club located on an intersection of small paved roads .
tr	2	" Well what do you know , we got in my place . "
tr	2	The party , if I can named like this , was in full swing .
tr	2	Abby took a shot of Tequila , inviting me to do the same .
tr	2	I said without fearing and I did not know from where the words came out .
tr	2	For my despair , Helen came too , taking me to dance .
tr	2	Abby accepted the Lars 's invitation , both of them dancing very closed .
tr	2	My mom called thousand of time , I don 't feel well . "
tr	2	" Lars , we 'll take a cab and get you home . "
tr	2	It was six in the morning and there was no bloody soul in the resort .
tr	2	The all alcohol cleared , and a little headache started to annoy me .
tr	2	" You never had a best day like ... " " No .
tr	2	On his sincere face , the first reddish rays of Greek sunshine could be seeing .
tr	2	I mean ... she is a funny girl , beautiful , special .
tr	2	" We should go , " I said , looking at the watch .
tr	2	I love how she is sleeping , " he said , smiling .
tr	2	The image with her on the beach in the dawn came into my mind .
tr	2	The reddish rays of sunshine , playing in her brown and easy curly hair .
tr	2	Her beautiful smile , that I could taste her sweet lips without satisfying .
tr	2	I went to bathroom and the first thing I did was a cold shower .
tr	2	Was nice to walk , my mind was cooling while my thought start to clear .
tr	2	I started to read them bored , speedy : " Are you alright ?
tr	2	I said polite , inviting her to seat next to me at the table .
tr	2	I just woke up recently ; I took a cab until here .
tr	2	Barely I escaped from Helen , she wanted to come with me .
tr	2	" Honestly , that 's torn it to me to ruin my good humor . "
tr	2	I finally slept much longer , since I have changed the time zone .
tr	2	I really did not want the image of Lars to destroy my day .
tr	2	But why you said I will go instead of we will go ? "
tr	2	I curiously asked , even if I was happy that I would not go .
tr	2	Just because he 's a schizophrenic that doesn 't mean that he has to kill .
tr	2	" Ok , but promise me that you will tell no one .
tr	2	My mom is a shrink , and she got the Laurence file . "
tr	2	" You are ... a genius , " I shouted , jumping .
tr	2	Laurence Edger Mill , born in Vancouver , Canada , in 6 January 1992 .
tr	2	When he gets mad or he gets scared , he has issues with breathing . "
tr	2	" Well I believe so , if he stays locked in his room . "
tr	2	His friends , illusions of course , told him to do this . "
tr	2	" We can go home ... " " No we won 't !
tr	2	If they will catch us , we can say good-bye to our future !
tr	2	We will stay here and pretend that we are still working . "
tr	2	But I still had a dose of happiness , considering that Abby remained with me .
tr	2	She wants to know how you 're e managing so far . "
tr	2	Abby smiled and we started to drink our coffees before it will turn into ice .
tr	2	Was an irony , considering that outside the sun was already a fireball .
tr	2	I said , didn 't want to seat all day in a hotel room .
tr	2	I will go alone , now that the project it 's done .
tr	2	The created monster in me , whispered that Abigail Woods was lying .
tr	2	Abby made me open my eyes to see what she was shouting about .
tr	2	She figured it out that I wasn 't myself today and somehow I was angry .
tr	2	" Aw , I am terrible sorry that I called you on your full name .
tr	2	She turned around from me , but my inside monster came above .
tr	2	She left me open-mouthed and she left me for good , breaking away .
tr	2	No ... I wanted to forget , but how to do that .
tr	2	And probably now , she was sharing with that handicap bastard , with rotten mind .
tr	2	So therefore I turned away back , and I knock down a girl , literally .
tr	2	" I am so sorry ... I am ... " " You are stupid .
tr	2	I didn 't had no idea where was I. Clearly , I got lost .
tr	2	I just wanted to make sore that I was crazy and not intuitive .
tr	2	I came from London , which is the capital of the Grand Britain . "
tr	2	But formally is called The United Kingdom of Grand Britain and North Ireland . "
tr	2	I checked my phone and saw that I had a message from Abby .
tr	2	With my heart located in my neck , I read it : " Damian .
tr	2	She did not want to talk with me because I upset her .
tr	2	From her voice , I could notice that she was more then upset on me .
tr	2	I don 't understand a damn from what you 're e saying .
tr	2	Damian , we will talk tomorrow when you will be sober . "
tr	2	She said to me , when she saw me standing straight at the elevator .
tr	2	And all that I 'm asking you Damian is to not destroy our friendship . "
tr	2	" So ... for ... for you I am just ... a friend ? "
tr	2	Go up , calm down , rest and we will talk tomorrow . "
tr	2	I don 't have to look in every single seaport bars or in parks .
tr	2	Was hurting me so badly , and the monster within me was dyeing .
tr	2	Somehow was a good thing that my jealousy was passing away , disappearing from me .
tr	2	And all that I 'm asking you Damian is to not destroy our friendship . "
tr	2	" Hello mother , yes I am ... no , I am not ok .
tr	2	I squatted near the balcony door , feeling a breeze like a soft petting .
tr	2	" Mom , I want for you to tell me something very honestly .
tr	2	But what you felt , I am feeling now for a person . "
tr	2	" It is not a joy mother ... what did you felt .
tr	2	" Only you can help yourself my sweet , just try to forget her .
tr	2	I felt so much pain for this and having so much spite .
tr	2	I felt that I was choking in my pain , but what could I do .
tr	2	I looked behind my back , terrified , not knowing who or what was there .
tr	2	" D ... Dam ... Damian " she hummed , strongly shaking .
tr	2	I grab her in my arms but she was still shaking and calling me .
tr	2	In that moment , the Minotaur hit me , throwing me away .
tr	2	He got closer to Abby and with a stroke ... I woke up .
tr	2	I realized that I was dreaming and I started to breath easily .
tr	2	I felt my face heavy from so much crying , and my back was hurting .
tr	2	I did not saw Abby at the breakfast and for that , I was relieved .
tr	2	To be an open book for her and after that to burn me down ?
tr	2	They were happy together and who am I to ruin their happiness ?
tr	2	Like in Abby 's case , she knows everything about him ... and still .
tr	2	What I loved the most about the mornings in that hotel was the coffee .
tr	2	" Damian ... I want ... I want to apologize for the past days .
tr	2	" It 's not our place anymore , since you spoiled it with Laurence . "
tr	2	I took a clean glass and pouring water in it , giving then to her .
tr	2	For the first time , since she came to my door , I watched her .
tr	2	Even if I , somehow , had an intuition what will be next .
tr	2	You 're ... " " I 'm an ass , that 's who I am !
tr	2	" I saw Alex last night , for the first time . "
tr	2	Is one more , and has the same answer as the first one . "
tr	2	" When you tried to run away , when I stopped you .
tr	2	" Abby " I said , making her turn around to me , pretty fast .
tr	2	And her ... but she didn 't want to say that words , fearing Laurence .
tr	2	Not because he can harm her , but because she loves him .
tr	2	The evening came slowly , and Abby didn 't came to my door .
tr	2	I raked about for an envelope , in one of the drawers .
tr	2	You were my dear friend and hugged me when I was sad . "
tr	2	I smile , but still my intuition did not left me alone .
tr	2	I had to calm down otherwise I could end up making disasters .
tr	2	Anyway , I need to speak with him to see how he is .
tr	2	I knocked softly on the door , waiting bored but no answer .
tr	2	Not again , why I always have to find out details from Helen ?
tr	2	So off I go from the hotel outside , starting to cry .
tr	2	He was the only person on that island in which I put faith .
tr	2	" H ... hello " I managed to say , from running .
tr	2	" I want to know if the ferry to Athens already left . "
tr	2	I remained a statue , feeling the world spinning around , wasn 't possible .
tr	2	He left , this time he really left and left me on the island .
tr	2	I smiled to the waiter and he smiled back , watching me with interest .
tr	2	I put them back in my purse and sighed , taking the envelope .
tr	2	The phone started to ring and I answer it fast , thought that was Damian .
tr	2	Nothing special , I ... just went with Damian to the ferry . "
tr	2	Is Saturday and my parent 's best friend invited us to her place .
tr	2	" Now it 's 1 pm , but at the evening love , like 7 .
tr	2	I tried my luck with some pairs of high hills , borrow them from Helen .
tr	2	I prayed to not meet with Damian on my way to the hotel 's entrance .
tr	2	Anyway , I was sorry for doing that , because he wouldn 't go away .
tr	2	I ask curious , knowing that he didn 't have his personal car .
tr	2	I didn 't like lying , but I don 't have a choice .
tr	2	Well you know , I look after Damian to not see me with you .
tr	2	He was so dear to me and he looked so well in the suit .
tr	2	And trust me , this is the last thing I want to do . "
tr	2	When you 'll be ready then ... " " Maybe I will never be ready .
tr	2	I realized that wasn 't a single building around , nothing like .
tr	2	Then he kissed me with passion , taking my fears from my shoulders .
tr	2	To bad you didn 't tell me that the restaurant was invisible . "
tr	2	I said that I will bring you to a special place to dinner . "
tr	2	On the table , I could see two plates with spaghetti , looking yummy .
tr	2	I was not surprised when I found out that he had a sexual fantasy there .
tr	2	" Ah ... I forgot , " He said , making me curious .
tr	2	" Wow ... Lars , you are ... the sweetest boyfriend . "
tr	2	He got closer to me , and handed the roses to me .
tr	2	He looked into my eyes , making me wanting him more and more .
tr	2	I didn 't eat anything , just to eat with you tonight . "
tr	2	You are a part of me now , and I want to know you . "
tr	2	He took the bottle of red wine and open it , pouring in glasses .
tr	2	I 've seen a sign in which says something like private propriety . "
tr	2	Well it happened to me in the first year of high school .
tr	2	But after that I found out that he just wanted to sleep with me . "
tr	2	Ok , I had my time of humiliation , now your turn . "
tr	2	You 're e telling me that I 'm the second one ? "
tr	2	I had a lot of proposes but I just refused them polite .
tr	2	I prefer to have a good one for the rest of my life .
tr	2	Same at me happened , was in junior year of high school .
tr	2	I really wouldn 't know how to react if I was you . "
tr	2	Both of you have the same beauty inside , same smile which drives me nuts .
tr	2	I wonder if I was the one who could erase his ill .
tr	2	I drink a little , and felt how the blood was rushing .
tr	2	He looked at me , very serious but with a little smile on his face .
tr	2	" Do you know if here it 's a toilette or something ?
tr	2	Was like when you want to go to bathroom and you hear the flowing water .
tr	2	We laughed together and then I went straight to the toilette with y little purse .
tr	2	Was pretty far , but I just loved to walk on the soft sand .
tr	2	I looked myself into the mirror and noticed that I was all red .
tr	2	I told them , that my ass is not for their faces .
tr	2	Those losers started to laugh and one of them was getting closer to me .
tr	2	" What do you say about killing you if you 'll not get lost ? "
tr	2	I started to scream , and the second one pulls up my dress .
tr	2	He looked mad and angry , beating him hard , until the German collapse down .
tr	2	The bleeding guy yelled and after that he with his friends ran out .
tr	2	Don 't need to thank me that I saved your precious ass . "
tr	2	The thought that I will be abandon on the beach , scared me .
tr	2	You 're e a big girl , you can handle it " " No !
tr	2	I was not able to talk anymore because of I was frighten .
tr	2	He put his hand on my shoulder and felt how I was shaking .
tr	2	He came closer to puts his hands on my hips , kissing me .
tr	2	I pushed him away from the instinct , and he felt on the sand .
tr	2	" If you care about you life , then I suggest you to obey . "
tr	2	I felt how he pulls down my underwear and he opens his pants .
tr	2	She answered with a rusty voice , sign that she was sleeping .
tr	2	" YES , God , just tell me where exactly are you . "
tr	2	I asked for it , to have a crush on a lunatic .
tr	2	" Don 't you worry ; I will go with the girl from the reception .
tr	2	The arcade started to heal , but still that memory , scares me .
tr	2	After he will rape me again , maybe will kill me too .
tr	2	And me with Laurence standing out , wearing short pants with black sunglasses .
tr	2	But I refrain for thinking much farther , and I called Lars .
tr	2	" Yeah , in 10 minutes I 'll be at the hotel . "
tr	2	" I will meat with my boyfriend , how are you ? "
tr	2	You are not coming to shopping but you 're going out with a psychopath ?
tr	2	This will not end here Abby , I can promise you that . "
tr	2	I didn 't say a word after that , walking away furious .
tr	2	Helen shouted from the balcony , and Laurence looked straight to her .
tr	2	I said polite , putting the glasses nicely on the table . "
tr	2	" I really don 't want to know how he will react .
tr	2	After a couple of minutes , Lars and his mom came in .
tr	2	We were going at the road known by me , namely the road to Hersonissos .
tr	2	Another memory came into my mind , like it had a device or something .
tr	2	I got in the car , and Helen didn 't say a word .
tr	2	So , I dressed and went to the next floor , being decided .
tr	2	She told me that he was taking his breakfast at the restaurant .
tr	2	I was heading back to the reception and I 've seen him entering the elevator .
tr	2	He didn 't turned around , pretending that he didn 't hear me .
tr	2	Nothing , I already felt how my tears wanted to come out .
tr	2	" Damian ... I just ... wanted to apologize for the last days .
tr	2	" It is not our place any longer , since you spoiled with Laurence . "
tr	2	What a kick , his voice was so calm but still so harsh , cold .
tr	2	I took a seat on his bed , looking at him with a serious face .
tr	2	My hand was shaking and eventually he looked into my eyes , grabbing a chair .
tr	2	You 're ... " " I 'm an ass , that 's who I am !
tr	2	I opened my mouth but I didn 't know what to say .
tr	2	" I saw Alex last night , for the first time . "
tr	2	He smiled softly , ironically and he stood up , placing himself near me .
tr	2	Is one more , and has the same answer as the first one . "
tr	2	" When you tried to run away , when I stopped you .
tr	2	I was sure that he was chewing everything he heard , what was going on .
tr	2	I bowed down my eyes , feeling that I was this close to cry .
tr	2	I was not capable of telling him more or what to believe .
tr	2	" Abby " He called me , and I turned fast to him .
tr	2	I wanted to tell him this , but other words came and replace them .
tr	2	And in the end I managed to say : " Bye Damian . "
tr	2	I cannot remember what happened since when you went to the bathroom .
tr	2	I noticed Lars at a table in the back , waving his hand .
tr	2	He looked cheerful , only that I was far away from that feeling .
tr	2	" I really don 't know what to start with , trust me . "
tr	2	But if you like to start with the end , be my guest . "
tr	2	" I don 't deserve for you to be so sarcastic with me . "
tr	2	No matter what happened , I have a reason for this . "
tr	2	" Look ... somehow I know what happened ... I don 't remember much . "
tr	2	Was impossible for me to let him go after he will tell me the truth .
tr	2	And I 'm afraid that the same thing will happen with you . "
tr	2	Maybe was not such a good idea to tell him the all truth .
tr	2	And I really don 't know what I want to become . "
tr	2	I propose something more bigger then that , like a family doctor . "
tr	2	" Dad , how long it will take until we 'll get there ? "
tr	2	Was very hot outside and Helen and me were seating in the airport .
tr	2	I didn 't got it , why the blonde had hills on that heats outside .
tr	2	We have to take a cab until the Blue Paradise Hotel . "
tr	2	But most of the British guys are rained like their weather . "
tr	2	Once I met one at a party , when I was in Milan .
tr	2	The hotel , at least in the appearances , was leaving you with mouth opened .
tr	2	" But you didn 't know at what time he will arrive ? "
tr	2	Or if you prefer to sleep in the car , I don 't mind .
tr	2	Only that in the morning you will see everything upside down . "
tr	2	The sea was gone in view , being hidden by the mountains .
tr	2	" In Greece , the widows have to wear all their life black . "
tr	2	" Mara , this is my son 's girlfriend , Abigail Woods , or Abby .
tr	2	" I think both of them want to sleep in the same room , no ?
tr	2	I pet him a little bit , while I was enjoying the coolness from inside .
tr	2	And mother and father I will show you where you will sleep . "
tr	2	He got closer to me and kissed my lips , hugging my thin body .
tr	2	" Hope you 're feeling better , anyway we 'll not stay longer here . "
tr	2	Me instead I took a seat on the bed , watching him suspiciously .
tr	2	He sighed , but still didn 't answer , having his attention on the unpacking .
tr	2	I watched him how he sighed again and somehow he was grudging me .
tr	2	" If you would really care about me , you would tell me . "
tr	2	" Why you don 't understand , that it 's better like this ? "
tr	2	I didn 't say anything , I just walked away from him .
tr	2	I took a seat slowly , worried , trying to not make much noise .
tr	2	" Anyway , not about me I want to talk , but about you . "
tr	2	I took another drink from my warm chocolate , watching the stars .
tr	2	I shouldn 't do ... " " On the contrary , my dear child .
tr	2	" I know that , I mean he is closed itself . "
tr	2	Somehow , I felt a sorrow when I pronounced the last word .
tr	2	" I think that at Lars , well his illness it is about gone . "
tr	2	If he will take his medicine at time , he will be fine . "
tr	2	She stood up and went slowly in the house , but she turned suddenly .
tr	2	Laurence told me that you are very curious about why you came here .
tr	2	When I spoke with him today , from three words , two were about you .
tr	2	The last day of the trip , or the next day after we came .
tr	2	The shortest trip I had in my life came to the end .
tr	2	It was a cute one , comfy , having light blue walls like color .
tr	2	I took a seat on a sofa , and she smiled at me .
tr	2	" If it 's possible , can I stay in Greece with Mill family ?
tr	2	At least a period , but Abby ... " " Yeah ? "
tr	2	On the other hand , Laurence was watching me in silent , thinking .
tr	2	He wasn 't smiling , and that thing putted me to think .
tr	2	I was looking to him thinking , not knowing what exactly happened to him .
tr	2	A terrified thought drove my attention , namely that Laurence found out the truth .
tr	2	I got up from a huge bed , to detect the breeze 's source .
tr	2	Was a blonde boy , with long hair until the shoulders , dressed in white .
tr	2	" All in good time , now let 's go for a walk . "
tr	2	He smiled to me and it reminded me about someone , someone like .
tr	2	I contacted you in your dream ; otherwise , I could not possibly do it .
tr	2	" It 's weird , especially that you ... you know . "
tr	2	" Yeah , but you don 't actually die by your hand !
tr	2	" Abigail , he entered into the door to the illness room . "
tr	2	He is still my son , and I am always with him no matter what .
tr	2	Damian still loves me , he wears me in his soul all the time . "
tr	2	What he told me was that he and his mother don 't get that well .
tr	2	He is back to England ; I don 't know an address , nothing . "
tr	2	He smiled to me and without warning , took me in his arms with warm .
tr	2	He kissed me on my forehead like a parent , and I opened my eyes .
tr	2	I looked amazed at Laurence , which still stood with his eyes closed .
tr	2	You have to remember before you ask my parents about me . "
tr	2	I felt a hitch , because Laurence took my arm and turned me to him .
tr	2	Why do to so when Miss Woods cannot control her curiosity and ask everyone around .
tr	2	I asked her something at Mara 's place , making her to promise me .
tr	2	I 'm not stupid , I know that Mara told you everything .
tr	2	" Why are you trying to deny , and to not tell the truth ? "
tr	2	That I spoke with Mara why we came just for a single day there ? "
tr	2	Laurence pouted and he slams his head on the back , looking up .
tr	2	You 're really making me seeking the truth from other sources . "
tr	2	" Mara is a extraordinary psychologist Lars , she can help you a lot . "
tr	2	I remained turned away , I pushed the latch and I whispered to him .
tr	2	" You are seating there , pretending as if you don 't know ?
tr	2	" You could be hurt or something horrible happen to you . "
tr	2	I 'm a big girl , I can take care of myself .
tr	2	I said firm , seating straight up , pointing to the door .
tr	2	" Oh , so you want me to get out , right ? "
tr	2	Be careful for the door to not slam you when you get out . "
tr	2	I yelled and ran from my room outside , smashing the door on my way .
tr	2	An old woman right next , was trying to enter her room .
tr	2	Helen was seating in front of the elevator 's doors waiting for it .
tr	2	I shouted , and the old woman hurried to open the door .
tr	2	I didn 't know what I was doing , I was like possessed by demons .
tr	2	She started to yell , putting herself down on the knees because of the pain .
tr	2	I couldn 't resist no longer , I just wanted to kill her .
tr	2	I applied a knee in her mouth , making her to spit blood .
tr	2	" Get in and go in hell , you cheap slut . "
tr	2	Something was telling me that this all story wasn 't over yet .
tr	2	Was like I had schizophrenia , and the disease was putting imaginary things in front .
tr	2	Finally he answered , exactly when I was about to hang out .
tr	2	I had a huge fight with Helen and ... " " Your fitness instructor ? "
tr	2	My mind blocked , and I felt something cold on my forehead .
tr	2	I heard Lars 's voice , which for my surprise was a lovely one .
tr	2	After a while , my eyes came back and I managed to open them .
tr	2	The first thing that I saw was Laurence 's beautiful masculine face .
tr	2	" Don 't worry , it 's a job already done . "
tr	2	I forgot to mention , was not anymore nighttime , but daylight .
tr	2	" Of course , someone had to take care of you . "
tr	2	I couldn 't stand no longer to hide or hold the truth in me .
tr	2	Was no longer needed to act and to have the courage to tell him .
tr	2	" You know Laurence , it 's something that you don 't know .
tr	2	I knew about your illness from a file ... " " Meaning ? "
tr	2	He said , watching me with calm and smiling , taking my hand into his .
tr	2	From frowning , I made large eyes , almost popping from the orbits .
tr	2	Like I said , you are here because of me and of Mara .
tr	2	She helped me from a long time to be calm and temperamental .
tr	2	She already chose you and Damian for it , and asked my opinion .
tr	2	Of course , I agreed to become friends you guys and not a simple subject .
tr	2	Not to mention your photo from it , I liked you since then .
tr	2	Was a dream ... How the ... how can everything be planned before ?
tr	2	The truth was that a part of me was denying and the other one accepting .
tr	2	I didn 't had much to say about this , now that cards are shown .
tr	2	He went to his desk and pulled the drawer , searching for something .
tr	2	He returned to my bed and he puts himself in the knees .
tr	2	" Abigail Woods , do you want to be my wife ? "
tr	2	" L ... Lars , we just met a month ago . "
tr	2	" I accept , but it 's my turn to put a condition . "
tr	2	I was seating at the airport , looking around for a cab .
tr	2	Maybe was a good idea , and cheaper of course to take the bus .
tr	2	I was waiting quiet at my place , until I will get down .
tr	2	A lot of thought were crossing my mind , like a water torrent .
tr	2	Arrived there , with emotions what so ever , I knocked softly on the door .
tr	2	To run , then to spend all my life full with regrets ?
tr	2	It opened and a read head woman with green eyes came into the picture .
tr	2	She had a little round face and the skin white as snow .
tr	2	Seemed to be that the depression putted its marks pretty serious on the house .
tr	2	A big plant in the corner of the room was somehow like thrown there .
tr	2	She drank from the cup , like she was avoiding intentional the subject .
tr	2	I knew that , not in vain I was passionate about psychology .
tr	2	" Oh no ... No ... He didn 't take his phone with him . "
tr	2	" Do you ... do you think I am lying to you ? "
tr	2	Because she wasn 't speaking , I got up watching the window .
tr	2	Was royal after his family , but he quit the title for you .
tr	2	After the broking cup sound , I realized that I shocked her .
tr	2	Damian is not safe , that 's why please be honest with me .
tr	2	I didn 't know what to say in that moment , to apology for everything ?
tr	2	He is no longer him , I don 't recognize him anymore . "
tr	2	" I do not think it is such a good idea . "
tr	2	My mom used to tell me stories about mental sick persons in the centers .
tr	2	There a woman , pretty big , like in those horror movies , stopped us .
tr	2	After a couple of minutes , my heart came back into my throat .
tr	2	The nurse came back but this time with someone else , holding hands .
tr	2	" Damian , let 's show your mother what you drawn . "
tr	2	I smiled myself when I saw it , not knowing how to control my tears .
tr	2	I smiled with all my mouth , having tears in my eyes .
tr	2	" Abby , my best and best and best and best friend . "
tr	2	Mrs. Jones hugged her son with love , then was my turn .
tr	2	Even if he remained in my soul , I will never forget that child face .
tr	2	The Night Watchman Express by Alison DeLuca Copyright 2012 Alison DeLuca All rights reserved .
tr	2	Smashwords Edition , License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only .
tr	2	This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	Furnace , the butler , was in the middle of a speech about her guardians .
tr	2	" That could only mean ... " " The master 's room .
tr	2	I 'm aware of that , Mrs. Williams , " Furnace replied calmly .
tr	2	And now she could read whatever books she found on the shelves .
tr	2	And now , she supposed , she herself would be held in trust .
tr	2	" Their letter said to expect them any time after eight this evening . "
tr	2	" That means a good dinner wasted , like as not . "
tr	2	" That 's none of our business , Mrs. Williams , " Furnace replied .
tr	2	She breathed on the glass and wrote her name on the glass .
tr	2	It was dark outside , and dark clouds huddled over the moon .
tr	2	Slowly , she breathed on the windowpane again and wrote again : I AM PEARSON .
tr	2	Nelly , the maid , came into the room and pointed at the window .
tr	2	" And how did I know that you were going to say just that ? "
tr	2	" Ah , sure , that 's enough of that , " Nelly said .
tr	2	Miriam considered whether to scream and throw things , as she sometimes did .
tr	2	However , Nelly had a bony hand and was not afraid to use it .
tr	2	Furnace opened it to reveal four people at the top of the marble steps .
tr	2	She flicked her gaze over the dark-haired youth but did not address him .
tr	2	The entrance led to a sitting room that was lit by a cheerful fire .
tr	2	Virgil entered the room and a pleased smile appeared on his face .
tr	2	He picked up a plate and poised a hand over the plate of sandwiches .
tr	2	" Shall I have your bag sent upstairs with your other luggage , sir ? "
tr	2	" That is , I 'll hold onto it myself for the moment . "
tr	2	" You heard him , idiot -- leave the bag alone . "
tr	2	Ignoring this , Theodosia turned from her husband and looked at Furnace .
tr	2	" She did wait , but your carriage was somewhat delayed . "
tr	2	" I leave it all in your very capable hands , my dear . "
tr	2	Poor old Pearson -- wonder what he would say if he were here tonight . "
tr	2	" As he is dead , I presume he would say nothing at all . "
tr	2	" Oh , I 'm certain of that , my dear . "
tr	2	He drained his glass , poured himself another large drink , and winked at her .
tr	2	She turned to the table beside her and rang the bell on it .
tr	2	She continued in her loud voice as if he hadn 't spoken .
tr	2	" I 'll have her moved upstairs to the attics , " she said .
tr	2	I 'll close my eyes for just a moment , she reasoned .
tr	2	Without knowing it , she slumped forward and rested her head on her knees .
tr	2	Downstairs , the large grandfather clock whirred , followed by twelve chimes .
tr	2	By this time , Simon and Neil had finished the sandwiches and were asleep .
tr	2	A long whistle began , rising like a scream , getting louder and louder .
tr	2	In the boys ' room , Neil was also lost in a nightmare .
tr	2	When he looked down , his feet were crusted with soft sand .
tr	2	He didn 't pause to see if his follower would enter as well .
tr	2	It opened onto a ledge that stuck out over a dizzying height .
tr	2	He saw a cage that hung from the bottom of the ledge .
tr	2	A woman was in the cage , and she looked up at him .
tr	2	The cage hung from the rock on a huge chain from the stone ledge .
tr	2	Neil looked down helplessly , and his head swam from the huge height .
tr	2	If he did not , he and his friends were utterly lost .
tr	2	As he shook the door , the bolt on the outside shot back .
tr	2	She carried a tray with a bottle and two glasses on it .
tr	2	It grew even more deafening until Simon thought that his eardrums would crack .
tr	2	He pressed his hands over his ears and shouted , ' Turn it off !
tr	2	The music was so loud that he could not hear his own voice .
tr	2	She stood there and watched , faceless and nameless in her own shadow .
tr	2	He picked up his own pillow and threw it at Neil 's face .
tr	2	His luggage included two other shirts and some underpants , and that was it .
tr	2	Simon demanded , trying to tame his own hair at the mirror .
tr	2	" She 's just a kid ; we won 't have to worry about her .
tr	2	The house was a large one , built in the shape of a squared-off C .
tr	2	Neil picked his way past various urns and pots of well-tended flowers and bushes .
tr	2	They ran across the back lawns and arrived at the wooded portion of the house .
tr	2	They followed the path down to where it emerged from the woods .
tr	2	The sea lay in front of them and sparkled in the early morning sun .
tr	2	" Come on , there 's a way down over here ! "
tr	2	They ran over to a break in the scrubby hedge on the cliff .
tr	2	Neil thought it looked like giant 's cotton thread running through several huge needles .
tr	2	Simon plunged down the steps in breakneck fashion , with Neil following more slowly behind .
tr	2	" She 'll probably have a net or two , " Neil said .
tr	2	Neil jumped onto the sand and followed Simon towards the towering cliffs .
tr	2	" I 'm not going to let up on you , you know .
tr	2	" But I honestly can 't ... " Simon lost interest in the conversation .
tr	2	He turned his back on Neil in mid-sentence and wandered closer to the cliff .
tr	2	There were twelve of them , and they were level with the cliff .
tr	2	" Never seen anything like it , " he concluded at last .
tr	2	" They 're not buttons , or levers , or anything like that . "
tr	2	A button would have some kind of rim or space to move in . "
tr	2	" Well , what are they for , since you 're so clever ? "
tr	2	Neil pointed at a flat stone in front of the mysterious circle .
tr	2	It looks as if it was moved there , on purpose . "
tr	2	" You look just like that Da Vinci drawing , " he said .
tr	2	Simon resumed his position , crossed his eyes , and stuck out his tongue .
tr	2	Not bothering to change her clothes , she got up and listened at the door .
tr	2	" I 'll not have all my bread stolen by the likes of you ! "
tr	2	She pulled out the book of Arabic tales she had been reading the day before .
tr	2	Her footsteps died away and Miriam became absorbed in her story again .
tr	2	When she reached the end of the story , she looked up and sighed .
tr	2	The beggar had defeated the evil Grand Vizier to win the hand of the princess .
tr	2	Somebody -- no , two people -- had entered the room while she read .
tr	2	She had been so absorbed that she hadn 't heard them come in .
tr	2	A man sat at her father 's desk , leafing through some of the bills .
tr	2	" Never know what could be written on the back of a simple handbill . "
tr	2	The woman ignored him and started to pore over the pages of a large ledger .
tr	2	First we will have to make sure that you are washed and dressed properly .
tr	2	" Don 't think you can talk to me like that ! "
tr	2	Come back here , you -- " Miriam managed to twist loose .
tr	2	He hurriedly applied his finger to a brass button near the door on the wall .
tr	2	Miriam had gone back to the desk to pile more papers into her arms .
tr	2	Her shouts also increased in volume as the girl screamed louder and louder .
tr	2	The door opened and Furnace stood , looking into the room without showing any emotion .
tr	2	" Find her a black dress , or some decent mourning wear .
tr	2	Theodosia stood at the window , her arms held stiffly down by her sides .
tr	2	He pulled down the corners of his mouth and looked at his wife .
tr	2	Theodosia turned from the window and raised one hand as if brushing away a fly .
tr	2	Now that she has been sent upstairs I cannot toss her out .
tr	2	It is all her fault that I forgot to do so ! "
tr	2	" Virgil , leave the child to me , while you get things in order .
tr	2	You have too much on your mind to worry about a little baggage like that .
tr	2	Scorching him with an impatient look , she pushed past him in the hall .
tr	2	" That 's enough from you , George , " Furnace said .
tr	2	" Mrs. Williams , if you would be so kind as to pass the mustard .
tr	2	He added a slice of cheese to the bread he had liberally spread with mustard .
tr	2	Mrs. Williams , the cook , put down her cup of tea and sighed .
tr	2	Never in my household has a child gone hungry or wanted for a meal .
tr	2	He put the folded packet into his breast pocket and left the room .
tr	2	" You 'll keep doing your duty , and I 'll do mine . "
tr	2	" Theodosia , I always say you know best , but this must cease . "
tr	2	He spluttered , " The child -- threw -- things at me !
tr	2	She will stay on bread and water for another week , " she added .
tr	2	" She has been on bread and water for almost a week already ! "
tr	2	He arose , came forward , and got down on one knee beside her .
tr	2	" We cannot allow one little girl to ruin what we have planned .
tr	2	" We must hire a governess to take care of her . "
tr	2	She stared straight in front of her for a moment and sucked in her breath .
tr	2	She 'd be flayed alive before she called him uncle , or that Woman aunt .
tr	2	There was a light tap at the door , and Furnace entered with a tray .
tr	2	Moving the hard piece of bread aside , he put the fruit on the plate .
tr	2	I 'm going to open a window to let in some fresh air . "
tr	2	After a moment , she picked up the pear and bit into it .
tr	2	Apparently , the room in which she sat stank , and so did she .
tr	2	Oh , didn 't know that Theodosia had any more interviews lined up today . "
tr	2	Furnace adjusted the silver coffee urn a fraction of an inch and stood back .
tr	2	He picked up a delicate biscuit from the tray and began to nibble on it .
tr	2	Blowing out a shower of crumbs , he waved one hand at the visitor .
tr	2	Virgil coughed desperately , and he finally managed to clear his throat .
tr	2	" But , well , I mean , you 're a Black !
tr	2	She smoothed her skirt , and said , " Shall we begin ?
tr	2	Look here , the salary is only forty pounds per annum . "
tr	2	But surely you wish to interview me , ask about my methods and such ? "
tr	2	" I -- there 's no point , " he said weakly .
tr	2	" My wife -- " " Well , why don 't you invite her in ?
tr	2	She sat back , folded her hands , and fixed him with a steady gaze .
tr	2	As Furnace withdrew , Virgil tried to regain control of the situation .
tr	2	Why do you need to see me -- Holy living ghost ! "
tr	2	A dark figure stood behind Furnace in the hall , obscured by the shadows .
tr	2	You 'll have to learn to be more observant in my care .
tr	2	The governess reached into her shirt pocket and withdrew a small white handkerchief .
tr	2	After a second 's hesitation , Miriam leaned forward and grabbed the handkerchief .
tr	2	So am I. By the way , you need a good wash . "
tr	2	In contrast , Mana was so neatly turned out that she shone with cleanliness .
tr	2	" I 've been in here for nearly two weeks on bread and water . "
tr	2	" Yes , you are , " Mana replied with complete composure .
tr	2	Mana took off a large apron , and quickly opened some drawers .
tr	2	" She wanted you to take a bath , and now you have . "
tr	2	And besides , they want to steal my father 's company . "
tr	2	Mana sat back on her heels , holding the stockings in one hand .
tr	2	" Fat lot of good you 'll do about it holed up in here . "
tr	2	She quickly gathered up one stocking and slipped it over Miriam 's toe .
tr	2	Remarks like that are what I would expect an idiot to say , not you .
tr	2	" You 're not going to fight them , " Mana replied .
tr	2	Downstairs , Theodosia heard Miriam 's screams as Furnace closed the door .
tr	2	" So was I. " " Oh , for goodness ' sake .
tr	2	" But I don 't care about that , " Miriam argued .
tr	2	" Pick that up , and we 'll be on our way . "
tr	2	Without looking to see if Miriam obeyed or not , she left the room .
tr	2	She smiled and headed towards the sitting room , Miriam close behind .
tr	2	Furnace put the port on the table and took the tray instead .
tr	2	In the sitting room , Theodosia idly leafed through a book of fashions .
tr	2	Closing her lips before she said anything else , she stepped back .
tr	2	Theodosia rose to her feet and stepped forward , shaking one finger .
tr	2	Smiling faintly , Theodosia said , " I knew how it would be .
tr	2	" Miriam has expressed her apologies , and I think we should accept them . "
tr	2	Mana 's voice cut into the melee coolly , and everyone stopped talking .
tr	2	You will be put on bread and water , just as I said . "
tr	2	I will take care of Miriam 's punishments from now on . "
tr	2	" You will take care of Miriam 's punishments from now on . "
tr	2	" But why won 't you tell me how you did it ? "
tr	2	Second , I am not a ' native ' ; I am an islander .
tr	2	You may be my only pupil , but I am indeed running a school . "
tr	2	Mana added a spot of milk to her cup and sipped her tea .
tr	2	" We 'll see how you do in your lessons first . "
tr	2	" And if I do well , will you show me ? "
tr	2	She pointed to a heavy volume that lay on the little table by her bed .
tr	2	Miriam whispered something that was too quiet for the governess to hear .
tr	2	Miriam wasn 't pleased when she saw how much work was set for her .
tr	2	Mana called a halt to their studies when lunch was sent up to the room .
tr	2	" You may , when lessons are finished , " Mana replied .
tr	2	Miriam muttered something under her breath , but did as she was told .
tr	2	Aunt Theodosia turned away , but turned back to deliver one more comment .
tr	2	She imagined herself on horseback , riding as fast as she could with vital information .
tr	2	Mana opened the door and coming in with some garments draped over one arm .
tr	2	Miriam recited the poem , finding that the lines rolled easily off her tongue .
tr	2	At the end , she stopped and looked at Mana for praise .
tr	2	" Not bad , " Mana said , biting off a thread .
tr	2	" However , must you tap your feet while you 're reciting ? "
tr	2	Maybe you can learn the next one by blinking your eyes . "
tr	2	" Mana , do I really have to move to another room ? "
tr	2	" Come here , " she said , holding out one hand .
tr	2	Miriam walked over , and Mana put her hand on the girl 's arm .
tr	2	Mana stood up , and pointed to a door in the corner of the room .
tr	2	She walked to the door and opened it to reveal a small staircase .
tr	2	Rather grudgingly , Miriam admitted , " I never knew that was there . "
tr	2	" This is -- not bad , " Miriam said , looking around .
tr	2	Keep that chest closed for now , and use a pencil instead . "
tr	2	" But , how did you know what was in my trunk ? "
tr	2	That friend he was walking around with outside is probably a scab too .
tr	2	The governess read a book and sang something softly in an unknown language .
tr	2	Mana turned to look at Miriam , but the girl slept peacefully .
tr	2	A few hours earlier , Mrs. Williams and Nelly were engaged in making fruitcake .
tr	2	" Miss Miriam 's room no longer , " Furnace reminded him .
tr	2	" Haven 't heard a squeak out of the girl today , " George said .
tr	2	Chapter 9 Miriam , Simon , and Neil his one 's a bit better . "
tr	2	Pick up that box of colors , and give me your sketchbook . "
tr	2	Miriam tumbled her pencils into the wooden box and squeezed it shut .
tr	2	" Of course you will learn your lines , " Mana responded .
tr	2	" Wonder if I have to meet that stupid boy , that Simon . "
tr	2	Mana looked at her pupil sternly , but her voice quivered with amusement .
tr	2	The ' shining light ' was sitting in the library , scowling at his mother .
tr	2	Simon got up and exploded , " Don 't talk about him like that ! "
tr	2	Theodosia whirled on him , anxious to take her displeasure out on someone .
tr	2	" Tea is ready in the drawing room , madam , " Furnace replied .
tr	2	The governess bowed and said , " Say hello to your aunt , Miriam . "
tr	2	To make matters worse , the door opened and Neil came in .
tr	2	The thin boy looked rather nervous when he saw the assembled company .
tr	2	The sound echoed through the room , but Mana seemed entirely at her ease .
tr	2	" That 's near the West Indies , isn 't it ? "
tr	2	" And it 's imported by Pearson 's , " Miriam added .
tr	2	" My father used to wonder how they were able to bring such quantities over .
tr	2	He couldn 't imagine his parents actually hiring someone who was a native .
tr	2	I haven 't done one yet today , but I 'll learn it before dinner .
tr	2	She had black curls escaping from a grey ribbon , and large , black eyes .
tr	2	" You 'd better hand me your cup and saucer and return upstairs . "
tr	2	It was very pleasant to have a talk with you both . "
tr	2	" You 're staying in my room , " she said to Simon and left .
tr	2	Mana selected three volumes from the bookcase and looked out the window .
tr	2	" Well , tell me what your story is about , " Mana said .
tr	2	" Her wicked uncle has put her there , " Miriam continued .
tr	2	" A talking greyhound , " Mana repeated , listening with full attention .
tr	2	Miriam kept thinking of things that she wanted to add to her story .
tr	2	Once found , the scepter would help the princess defeat her uncle .
tr	2	" And do not swallow your food without chewing , " Mana continued .
tr	2	" Give me that , and I 'll hang it up . "
tr	2	" I think I 'm ready now , Mana , " Miriam said .
tr	2	" That was rather well done , " she said at the end .
tr	2	" If you like , you may work on your story for a bit . "
tr	2	Simon looked at a book in the library , sighed , and put it back .
tr	2	He went up to his room and picked up a few of his schoolbooks .
tr	2	The girl had a book on her lap and a pencil on one hand .
tr	2	He climbed onto the seat and drew the curtains closed behind him .
tr	2	A second later , they could hear the door as it opened .
tr	2	Simon and Miriam both let their breaths out at the same moment .
tr	2	She firmly put the book behind her back and stared at him .
tr	2	Miriam looked at him for a moment , and t she couldn 't help giggling .
tr	2	" Do you have a straw boater to go with that ? "
tr	2	She hesitated , and asked , " Promise not to laugh ? "
tr	2	Miriam explained about the princess in the tower made of ice and the wicked uncle .
tr	2	" I think she 'll have to make friends with the greyhound . "
tr	2	She could use her crystal scepter to melt the ice and save everyone . "
tr	2	" Just something she found in a secret hiding place before she was walled up .
tr	2	She took her pencil , which had grown rather blunt , and wrote furiously .
tr	2	" You 've got that right , " he said with feeling .
tr	2	" It is a bit stubby , " Miriam admitted , handing it over .
tr	2	He seized it , took out a pocketknife , and began to sharpen the point .
tr	2	she added , reaching for her pencil as the point grew sharper .
tr	2	" You 're the one who grabbed at it , " he said .
tr	2	" It would have been fine if you had just let me sharpen it . "
tr	2	Footsteps came forward quickly , and the curtains were swept back by a determined hand .
tr	2	They both looked up at Theodosia , whose mouth opened in shock .
tr	2	" I will take care of Miriam , madam , " she said .
tr	2	" But you could perform that mind control thing , " Miriam argued .
tr	2	" You know ... that mesmerizing trick that you pulled before . "
tr	2	" Yes , and exhaust myself for no reason , except your own obstinate nature .
tr	2	Instantly , Miriam ran to her and clasped her arms around Mana 's waist .
tr	2	" That girl is outside of enough , " she stated without preamble .
tr	2	" Surely you can find a way to skim off the current profits ?
tr	2	" I have been considering the profits , " Virgil said stiffly .
tr	2	" And we don 't want them involved , " Theodosia said , frowning .
tr	2	" It is all tied up in trust , " Virgil said .
tr	2	" She has been nothing but a thorn in our sides since we arrived .
tr	2	Is there no way we can divert that income without those papers ?
tr	2	" Do you think that I haven 't been over this a thousand times ?
tr	2	" Just listen to me for a minute , Theodosia , " he said .
tr	2	He leaned back in the chair , a satisfied smile spreading across his features .
tr	2	Now , hand me that bottle of port , would you , my dear ? "
tr	2	" But I 've never been all the way down to the sand .
tr	2	" So I suppose that means that we can 't go . "
tr	2	A few minutes later , Miriam came flying down the stairs , hat in hand .
tr	2	" You forgot your coat , " Mana said as Miriam danced up to her .
tr	2	" That takes us down to the sea , I believe . "
tr	2	They opened it and were out in the fields that led to the sea .
tr	2	Mana cut off Simon 's response , and said , " Isn 't it obvious ?
tr	2	Simon and Neil are coming down to the sea , just like we are .
tr	2	Miriam and Simon shot after her , and Neil followed rather uncertainly .
tr	2	Simon watched for a minute and began to remove his shoes as well .
tr	2	" That smell always reminds me of home , " she said .
tr	2	" Perhaps they are only there for the day , " Mana answered calmly .
tr	2	" Islands don 't move around from one latitude to another ! "
tr	2	" That sounds familiar -- where have I heard that before ? "
tr	2	" I overheard my father say that once , " Miriam agreed .
tr	2	Miriam asked , " What is the name of Little Star in your language ? "
tr	2	" I 'll expect you to draw the biggest thing you catch . "
tr	2	" Oh , we 'll find something better , " Neil said .
tr	2	Simon instantly wielded the net and managed to get it into the largest jar .
tr	2	He picked it up and looked at it from the bottom , and Miriam recoiled .
tr	2	" Look at its disgusting legs , and those little wiggly things in its center .
tr	2	You 'll need to refresh the water from time to time as well . "
tr	2	" You 'll never get it off now , " Miriam said .
tr	2	" Come on , I 'm going to look for prawns . "
tr	2	Miriam 's hair fell into her face and she pushed it out of the way .
tr	2	" Thanks , " Simon said , looking up at her in surprise .
tr	2	She held out a loaded plate , which he took with alacrity .
tr	2	" Don 't get cheeky , " Mana said , leaning back against a rock .
tr	2	I don 't see why I put up with him , do you ? "
tr	2	" You crib off my essays ; go on , you can admit it . "
tr	2	" A lot of the chaps don 't like him for that .
tr	2	" They wouldn 't talk to him for months , " Simon went on .
tr	2	Her teeth were very white against her dark skin , and both boys smiled back .
tr	2	" Remember when you won that chess game against Bartleby Minor ? "
tr	2	" Bartleby thought he had the perfect opening , " Neil explained .
tr	2	" I think it 's about time to go back , Miriam .
tr	2	Mana began to pack the stone jug and picnic things in her basket .
tr	2	" I can use it to frighten the life out of the chaps ! "
tr	2	" Well -- you have to obey what she says , don 't you ?
tr	2	Mana was waiting with the basket , a neatly folded rug and her umbrella .
tr	2	" You can leave the jars and nets , " Simon said .
tr	2	" We 'll bring them up for you when we come up . "
tr	2	Mana handed the items to him and walked over to the stone steps .
tr	2	" Are you really going to give me more things to draw ?
tr	2	He hissed , " No , of course we won 't look for shells .
tr	2	" Have you ever noticed the silver circles on the cliff over here ?
tr	2	Do you know why they are there , or what purpose they have ? "
tr	2	He prodded one with a forefinger , yelled , and jumped back .
tr	2	Those things are live with -- some sort of electrical current ! "
tr	2	Miriam put his hand down , but she peered closely at the ring of circles .
tr	2	Did they really change since the last time you saw them ? "
tr	2	Other than protruding from the rock , there was no other change in the circles .
tr	2	Simon looked at him for a moment and dashed for the stairs .
tr	2	At the top of the Giant 's Needles , the three of them looked around .
tr	2	She sighed and wiped her floury hands and forearms on her apron .
tr	2	" Isn 't it a saint 's own list I have meself ? "
tr	2	She eyed the cook , but Mrs. Williams was not looking at her .
tr	2	It was George , who was outside doing the stable and helping the gardeners .
tr	2	" Here , take that and get on with your work , young George .
tr	2	Mrs. Williams poured out another cup and handed it to him through the window .
tr	2	" Drink up quickly , now , and give me back my cup . "
tr	2	" Old Walking Stick , " George repeated , through a mouthful of bun .
tr	2	Mrs. Williams flung her dishtowel at him , and Nelly gave a shriek .
tr	2	Give me your cups , and go and do some work for a change .
tr	2	Armed with a duster , she began with Miriam 's new room .
tr	2	She went to close the door , but the large chest caught her eye .
tr	2	She was fairly certain that the new missus wanted her to perform a search .
tr	2	Besides , she was curious to see what was kept in there .
tr	2	Nelly reached into the chest and pulled out the Crown Phoenix machine .
tr	2	The heavy device made her stagger , but her curiosity got the better of her .
tr	2	After a few more tries she closed the lid of the chest on the thing .
tr	2	Her heart thumped in her chest as she closeted the ball and left the room .
tr	2	Nelly didn 't know , but she vowed never to touch it again .
tr	2	It 's not as if anyone wants me down there really , except maybe Neil .
tr	2	Miriam , however , pretended to herself that they were actually pearls .
tr	2	" Can 't I look at the back of my head with two mirrors ? "
tr	2	" By not asking questions and doing what I 'm told , " Mana answered .
tr	2	Miriam could see the back of his head , which looked sleek and polished .
tr	2	" Our little ward , " Virgil added , swirling the liquid in his glass .
tr	2	Miriam sat down on a hard cushion as far from the stranger as possible .
tr	2	" I 'm very well , thank you , " Miriam answered .
tr	2	Still , Mr. Cantwell continually turned to her to include her in his comments .
tr	2	Virgil throttled the decanter and pouring some red liquid into three glasses .
tr	2	" Where did you work before you came to Pearson 's , Mr. Cantwell ? "
tr	2	" Wait until you 're spoken to before you speak yourself , " Theodosia muttered .
tr	2	" Alas , my sister and I are alone in the world . "
tr	2	He laughed , exposing a lot of very white , even teeth .
tr	2	Theodosia looked at her in astonishment , and she gazed back at her guardian .
tr	2	" But I thought were a young debutante at the very least !
tr	2	I was going to ask you to play for us after dinner ! "
tr	2	" Young girls must get their rest and not bother their elders . "
tr	2	Of course , Simon and Neil had to stay and talk to that pompous ass .
tr	2	Perhaps Cantwell , at this very moment , was calling them the Young Masters .
tr	2	He had talked a great deal , but he never revealed any information about himself .
tr	2	The sun shone in through the window on her smooth black hair .
tr	2	She stared out at the neat lawns , not really seeing them .
tr	2	Mana stood up and walked over to the window , beckoning for Miriam to follow .
tr	2	" Oh , I see , they 're heading for the park . "
tr	2	Miriam and Mana watched for a moment , but nothing else happened .
tr	2	Lunch was sent up , and Miriam thankfully put her pen down .
tr	2	Mana poured tea for herself and Miriam and put down the pot .
tr	2	" Be careful , " she said , pointing at the man .
tr	2	" For the moment , I 'm content to stand back and watch .
tr	2	People reveal themselves when they are certain of their outcome before it happens . "
tr	2	" I came here to take care of you , as you well know .
tr	2	His back plainly said , ' Right , I 'm off . '
tr	2	Virgil let his mouth open in disbelief , before he began to shout again .
tr	2	Mana stood up and said , " A very interesting little scene .
tr	2	" Are you going to keep an eye on them all ? "
tr	2	" Listen , Miriam ; for the moment , forget about what we saw today .
tr	2	As far as you 're concerned , I 'm simply a governess . "
tr	2	She wrote something in the margin and slid it back across the table .
tr	2	In a way ... Is there anything I can do to stop it ?
tr	2	And if you find out what it is , will you leave ?
tr	2	" Very well , " Mana said , but Theodosia had already closed the door .
tr	2	" Such a delightful stay I 'm having , " he said .
tr	2	He reverted to his usual bored attitude as his mother eyed him and Miriam suspiciously .
tr	2	" Well , how could two such complete idiots have a relatively nice son ?
tr	2	" All your wonderful influence , of course , " she said .
tr	2	" Her governess won 't mind two more young inquisitive minds . "
tr	2	Outside the schoolroom door , however , he lost a bit of his confidence .
tr	2	It was closed in a forbidding fashion , which made him hesitate .
tr	2	" Do we stand here all day , or are you going in ? "
tr	2	In fact , he couldn 't remember ever seeing the governess at a loss .
tr	2	See what 's going on in the lessons , that is . "
tr	2	Well , nothing wrong with listening in to a lesson or two , is there ?
tr	2	Could always use some more information up there in the old noggin ! "
tr	2	" Miriam is almost finished her journal , aren 't you , Miriam ?
tr	2	And maybe after she has finished , we may all go for a walk . "
tr	2	" When I first met you , I thought you were just like your parents .
tr	2	Mother 's a frightful snob , and Father can 't keep her in line .
tr	2	I can hardly believe they let me have Neil here to stay . "
tr	2	" Stop it at once or write lines , " Mana said with great firmness .
tr	2	" There is absolutely no need to discuss someone else 's parents .
tr	2	I hope I can publish a story one day , though . "
tr	2	" Why not show them that story you 're writing , " Mana said .
tr	2	I like to read , but anything I write is utterly foul .
tr	2	" What happened at the end of that one you were writing before ? "
tr	2	" When it comes to specimens , I 'm the king . "
tr	2	" You 're a specimen all right , " Simon shot back .
tr	2	The girl was dressed in a new black dress , despite her protests .
tr	2	Virgil joined them in the dining room , just as they were sitting down .
tr	2	Furnace came in with the starter , and Theodosia turned to Simon .
tr	2	" Simon , we haven 't had a chance to hear much about your school .
tr	2	You must tell me about your achievements last term , " she said .
tr	2	" They live on the coast , " Neil answered , stuttering .
tr	2	" I 'd like to learn how to fish , " Miriam said determinedly .
tr	2	" He talks a lot but he doesn 't say anything , " Miriam said .
tr	2	" I think Mother thinks he 's a bit of a ripping fellow . "
tr	2	" I laugh at her all the time , " Simon burst out .
tr	2	I bet it 's coming from your father 's income , Miriam . "
tr	2	He stopped , breathing heavily , and they all stared at him .
tr	2	" I 'm sorry you feel that way about your parents , " Mana said .
tr	2	" Above all , I can 't stand the way she treats Neil .
tr	2	Or you , " Simon added as an afterthought , looking at Miriam .
tr	2	Surprised , she responded , " It 's not so bad . "
tr	2	Mana put her sewing down and regarded them over the lenses of her glasses .
tr	2	" We weren 't sure who our next ruler would be , " Mana said .
tr	2	" Let 's go out , Neil , " Simon said , getting up .
tr	2	The door to the library was closed , but the handle turned at once .
tr	2	The door to the library opened suddenly , and Simon himself came in .
tr	2	He pushed past the heavy desk and large chair to where she stood .
tr	2	" Well , don 't think that I had anything to do with it ! "
tr	2	He looked around the study and pushed it under the corner of the blotter .
tr	2	He laughed a bit , feeling a certain exultation at avoiding his mother .
tr	2	The next moment she opened her eyes and realized where she was .
tr	2	The colors set off her reddish hair and strange , dark orange eyes .
tr	2	" Of course not -- " Theodosia began , but Mr. Cantwell interrupted her .
tr	2	" She advises me in every capacity , including my current search for lodgings . "
tr	2	" At the moment , we must make do with hired rooms . "
tr	2	" Oh , do say you will , " Theodosia said eagerly .
tr	2	Barbara tilted her head as if considering , and Theodosia watched her hopefully .
tr	2	You mean Barbara , " Miriam said , stressing the last word .
tr	2	They had only come into contact if Neil and Mana were in the vicinity .
tr	2	" You won 't start this kind of thing , will you ? "
tr	2	He never answers any questions , even though he talks and talks .
tr	2	" I mean -- I 'm a guest in your house . "
tr	2	And besides , all we 'll be doing is observing them . "
tr	2	Neil capitulated ; he obviously was dying to do a little spying .
tr	2	" I 'll try to talk some sense into Simon as well . "
tr	2	" Well , " Miriam said , " do what you can . "
tr	2	" Think I have any whiskers on my cheeks , old man ? "
tr	2	" I think you have whiskers on your brain , " Neil retorted .
tr	2	" Listen , about that girl , you know -- " " Barbara ? "
tr	2	Simon supplied quickly , putting down his razor and drying off his face .
tr	2	" Come on , " Neil said hurriedly , backing away and giving it up .
tr	2	Simon handed her into her seat as if she were made of glass .
tr	2	" There 's always some such thing in the vicinity , isn 't there ? "
tr	2	Barbara asked to everyone , her eyes returning , however , to Simon 's face .
tr	2	" You know what I mean , Virgie , " Cantwell said .
tr	2	" He has been begging you to come and stay in this house again ? "
tr	2	" I 've never met finer hosts ; have you , Valiant ? "
tr	2	She managed to nudge Neil , who looked straight ahead and nudged her back .
tr	2	" Now , back to that issue , " Virgil said determinedly .
tr	2	" Furnace , the finest bottle of sparkles , at once . "
tr	2	" I 'm afraid nothing would help me , " she said .
tr	2	Theodosia beamed and held out her glass to be filled with champagne .
tr	2	She stole a glance at Neil , to see how he was taking it .
tr	2	He crossed his eyes at her and allowed one eyeball to swivel back and forth .
tr	2	Theodosia looked at Miriam and Neil with disapproval and shook her head .
tr	2	She could go and work on her dragonfly story , which was nearly finished .
tr	2	In the drawing room , a large silver pot was placed by Theodosia 's chair .
tr	2	" Oh , all right , " he replied , somewhat at a loss .
tr	2	" You look like an anxious curate , " Miriam said in his ear .
tr	2	A ripple of notes emerged from the piano as Barbara began the song .
tr	2	" I enjoy a nice song , I suppose , " she replied .
tr	2	Mr. Cantwell got up , dusted off his trousers , and looked at the cup .
tr	2	I 'll drink this one , Miriam , and we 'll ring for another . "
tr	2	The door to the study suddenly opened , and Mana came in .
tr	2	I will , of course , pay for the carpet to be cleaned . "
tr	2	Uncle Virgil and Aunt Theodosia , would you mind if I retired now ?
tr	2	Neil , Simon and Simon 's parents stared at her , their mouths open .
tr	2	Valiant and Barbara , however , appeared as they always did : elegantly amused .
tr	2	" Mana , " she said with concern , " what is it ?
tr	2	Mana was sitting by the window , holding something in her hand .
tr	2	The girl swung her legs out of bed and padded over to see .
tr	2	It 's one of the bone china cups that are kept for best company .
tr	2	She turned it this way and that , studying the cup and she sniffed it .
tr	2	Mana turned to face her , and she put her hand on the girls arm .
tr	2	Did you , at any point , taste the coffee in this cup ?
tr	2	Mana put the cup in her lap and put both arms around her .
tr	2	" Of course you may , " Mana said , " in a minute .
tr	2	She put a biscuit on the saucer , and she handed it to him .
tr	2	I remember thinking how strange it was , since she usually ignores him . "
tr	2	" But , Mana , " Miriam asked , " what does it all mean ?
tr	2	" I think so , " Miriam replied , taking another long slurp of tea .
tr	2	" Good morning , Neil , " Mana said , smiling at him .
tr	2	Miriam asked " He spends all his time blabbing with that woman . "
tr	2	" I think that Neil should be in on the secret . "
tr	2	" I 'll write to them today , at any rate , " he said .
tr	2	" We need to be as quiet as possible , " she said .
tr	2	" Oh , Mana can do mind control , " Miriam said impatiently .
tr	2	" It 's just something that Simon and I noticed , " Neil mumbled .
tr	2	" I 'll show you later if you like , " Neil offered .
tr	2	" Lessons first , if you feel energetic enough , " Mana insisted .
tr	2	In fact , he suddenly realized he had been neglecting Neil lately .
tr	2	He ran upstairs , calling for him , but no one answered .
tr	2	Grabbing a pullover , he dashed outside , still calling Neil 's name .
tr	2	He pushed through the woods , went over to the steps and looked down .
tr	2	" Thanks , " he said gruffly , observing that he was desperately thirsty .
tr	2	He pushed up his sleeves and leaned back to feel the sun on his face .
tr	2	" Of course he did , " Miriam said , regaining her power of speech .
tr	2	It does have to do with the business , but it 's not ordinary .
tr	2	Biting into it , he chewed thoughtfully , watched by Neil and Miriam .
tr	2	Something strange happened last night , and Miss Cantwell was part of it . "
tr	2	He stood up and marched to the steps , not looking back .
tr	2	She began to plan trips to the country for Barbara and Simon .
tr	2	" That would mean I would have to act like a young lady . "
tr	2	" Mana , Simon and Neil 's school break is almost over .
tr	2	With him gone -- well , perhaps Miss Cantwell will find other interests . "
tr	2	" Well , you know what I mean , " Miriam said .
tr	2	" What a very interesting comb , " someone said behind them .
tr	2	Barbara stood in the doorway , one arm on the doorframe in an elegant attitude .
tr	2	" Good morning , " Miss Cantwell said , coming into the room .
tr	2	" I will listen to you as long as you wish . "
tr	2	Barbara withdrew a fraction of an inch and smiled again in her most winning manner .
tr	2	" Forgive me , " she said , a small laugh bubbling from her .
tr	2	Barbara stopped smiling , and she looked at Mana for a long moment .
tr	2	" I 'm sure you know better than most , " Mana responded .
tr	2	At last , Mana whispered , " That could not have been worse timing .
tr	2	" Do you know , Miriam , you are right , " Mana said .
tr	2	Will you do up the catch in this necklace for me ! "
tr	2	She stood up and placed her fingertips on the arm that he held out .
tr	2	You know I don 't want anyone else taking me in to dine .
tr	2	Barbara reached around him and closed the door again , so they were alone together .
tr	2	" But Simon , may I just tell you one thing in confidence ?
tr	2	" Oh , distasteful things , actions that we would really prefer not to take .
tr	2	" You know , I have absolutely no idea what you 're talking about . "
tr	2	" And what if your parents want you to marry her ? "
tr	2	Barbara asked , stroking the material of his coat sleeve under her hand .
tr	2	Shocked , Simon asked , " How the devil did you know about that ? "
tr	2	" Duty , " he repeated mechanically , reopening the door and stepping back .
tr	2	She took his arm and nestled next to him for a brief instant .
tr	2	She stepped into the hall , certain that he would follow her .
tr	2	" Oh , darling Theo , I just couldn 't be more comfortable ! "
tr	2	" What made you consider someone of , well , her complexion ? "
tr	2	" Aha , " Barbara said , sitting back as if satisfied .
tr	2	Simon exploded , unable to keep silent in the face of such snobbery .
tr	2	" Virgil , call that woman down here at once , " she demanded .
tr	2	Going to the bell , he pushed it , whistling to himself .
tr	2	" Everything will work out just as I told you earlier , Simon . "
tr	2	Furnace stepped into the room , and Theodosia instantly got up and approached him .
tr	2	" You will send that governess to me instantly , do you hear ? "
tr	2	Persons of quality simply shouldn 't have to put up with such things . "
tr	2	" Mother , you sound as if you were in the last century ! "
tr	2	Valiant put his cigar in one corner of his mouth and applauded .
tr	2	" I always knew that he was something out of the ordinary . "
tr	2	Who cares where she comes from and what she looks like ? "
tr	2	" Miss Cantwell tells me that you gave her grave offence today ! "
tr	2	The door opened again and Miriam burst in and went over to Mana .
tr	2	" I 'm very sorry , but I cannot do so , " she said .
tr	2	" I promise , " Barbara said , smiling at her brother .
tr	2	Swiftly she raised one hand and dealt two blows to Theodosia 's face .
tr	2	" Please forgive me , Theo , but you were about to faint . "
tr	2	" I am going to take Miriam up to her dinner , " she said .
tr	2	" It 's my house , you idiotic , frightful ... ancient ! "
tr	2	Mana put her hand on Miriam 's shoulder , stopping the outburst , and smiled .
tr	2	" Tell Neil , " Mana said to Miriam , and she left the room .
tr	2	" Now , you 're going to cooperate , aren 't you ?
tr	2	" She 's a girl , " he continued , staring at Valiant .
tr	2	" If you want to say something , say it to me . "
tr	2	" Your little suitor is actually becoming a man , Barbara ! "
tr	2	Don 't worry , Mr. Cantwell ; I 'll behave myself . "
tr	2	He still knelt in front of her , tightly holding her arms .
tr	2	Breathing heavily , Simon looked between Miriam and his father 's partner .
tr	2	" Simon , " Barbara said , " do sit down . "
tr	2	" Don 't worry about it , Virgil , old chap , " Valiant said .
tr	2	She strode out and closed the door on Barbara 's soft laugh .
tr	2	Miriam didn 't believe the story of her ' being interested in island artifacts ' .
tr	2	For all the trouble it had caused , it was beautifully made .
tr	2	She ran one finger over the teeth , feeling how smooth the wood was .
tr	2	She got into bed and turned out the light but couldn 't fall asleep .
tr	2	Staring at the ceiling , she reviewed the scene in the drawing room .
tr	2	It was just too frustrating being young and not being able to do anything .
tr	2	Miriam sighed and flopped onto one side , and the other after a few minutes .
tr	2	Again , she found herself in front of a tall , iron door .
tr	2	You 've got to believe me , Miriam shouted in the silence of her dream .
tr	2	She would have to live there , and work there , in its darkness .
tr	2	She found her robe and crept downstairs , trying not to make the steps creak .
tr	2	Well , I can pour myself a cup of milk , Miriam reasoned .
tr	2	She froze , but there was no sound at all coming out of the room .
tr	2	Miriam looked at it for a moment but couldn 't understand it .
tr	2	Quickly , quickly , she said to herself as she pulled on a dress .
tr	2	Why did garments twist themselves around you when you were in a hurry ?
tr	2	She ran to her chest , and pulled out the typing machine .
tr	2	Miriam opened it and grabbed the few small notes that were inside .
tr	2	She crossed to her bed and took the comb out from under her pillow .
tr	2	Heading to the back door , she wondered how much time she had left .
tr	2	There was a muttered exclamation , and a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist .
tr	2	" I think Mana 's leaving right now on the train , " Miriam said .
tr	2	" I wanted to take her some things before she left . "
tr	2	" Just go back to bed and stop playing about , will you ?
tr	2	Neil drew a breath , and there was a loud sigh from Simon .
tr	2	" I know the basics , " he said , heading for the stables .
tr	2	she said suddenly , looking through the driver 's window at Simon .
tr	2	" I 've got my trousers on , " Neil blurted out .
tr	2	" I thought Mana might be hungry , " Miriam responded with injured dignity .
tr	2	" You 'll just have to go hungry -- these are for Mana ! "
tr	2	" There 's no one here , " Simon said , glancing around .
tr	2	" You 're the one walking around in pyjamas and slippers , " Miriam retorted .
tr	2	Let 's at least wait until the train arrives , " Miriam argued .
tr	2	Its bright lights flashed , revealing the track ahead , and Miriam caught her breath .
tr	2	The whistle died down , and the train chugged into the station .
tr	2	Something grabbed her from behind , and a large hand covered her mouth .
tr	2	A dark cloth came over her face , and all she could see was darkness .
tr	2	She opened her mouth to scream , but something heavy knocked her on her head .
tr	2	Neil waited by the horse 's head , checking his watch frequently .
tr	2	He got out and looked around , but the place was absolutely silent .
tr	2	On that receipt , or piece of paper , or something that she had found ?
tr	2	Cautiously he followed the cart , which drew up behind the station .
tr	2	" The instructions have changed , " one of the men from the station said .
tr	2	And mind how you go ; they don 't want any interfering . "
tr	2	He extracted a short , stout bottle from an interior pocket and waved it about .
tr	2	" Can 't , " the voice said from the station , registering some regret .
tr	2	We 've got to deal with the mistaken goods on the Night Watchmen .
tr	2	What would Simon and Miriam think when they came back to an empty carriage ?
tr	2	Or -- his stomach lurched -- would they come back at all ?
tr	2	Was it possible that Miriam and Simon had gotten on board the Night Watchman Express ?
tr	2	The animal was probably not at all happy about taking such a steep descent .
tr	2	There was a small pop , which evidently was the small bottle being uncorked .
tr	2	He would just close his eyes for a minute , he told himself .
tr	2	He could see gray and pink sky streaking through the chinks of the straw .
tr	2	Looking around , he saw a mass of gorse bushes to one side .
tr	2	Neil pulled himself further into the bush as the cart drove away .
tr	2	Neil could see that her hands had been tied behind her back .
tr	2	he asked , licking dry lips and blinking in a befuddled manner .
tr	2	The ground was rocking beneath her , and she could hear a rhythmic clacking outside .
tr	2	" I 'd say we were on the Night Watchman Express , " she said .
tr	2	This was a rather complicated maneuver , as his hands were tied as well .
tr	2	We promise we won 't go anywhere , don 't we , Simon ? "
tr	2	He closed the door with finality , and they heard his footsteps retreating .
tr	2	" Oh ho , so you admit that I 'm right now ! "
tr	2	" Maybe I didn 't strike the right tone , " he admitted .
tr	2	" Obviously , we have to wait until we get where we 're going .
tr	2	" Well , thank you for pointing out the obvious , " Simon said .
tr	2	" Whatever would I do without you here to set me straight ? "
tr	2	" Still be tied up , for one , " Miriam retorted .
tr	2	Nelly padded downstairs and stopped on the landing by Miss Miriam 's room .
tr	2	She felt the same vibration now , a kind of movement in the air .
tr	2	Without hesitating , she turned the handle and peered into the room .
tr	2	Miriam 's bed was empty , and the girl was nowhere to be seen .
tr	2	" Go back to bed at once , " she snapped at Nelly .
tr	2	Was it because of his extreme bravery and loyalty to Simon and Miriam ?
tr	2	He could just imagine what would happen during the next few weeks .
tr	2	After their disappearance was discovered , Simon 's parents would go on a rampage .
tr	2	His parents would be bewildered by the fuss and publicity , frightened , and angry .
tr	2	Remembering the storm at hand , Neil opened one eye and looked at the sky .
tr	2	There was a wrapped packet as well , and Neil opened it eagerly .
tr	2	Just as he had hoped , it contained a flat cake of ship 's biscuit .
tr	2	The food was hard and stale , but it was something he could chew on .
tr	2	He managed to gnaw off a large bite , and he munched on it gladly .
tr	2	It was cold and wet , but it let him swallow the dry food .
tr	2	He pushed at the ocean waves with his one oar , cursing to himself .
tr	2	What a ridiculous position for the son of a fishing family to be in !
tr	2	His parents shouted at him to sit up and get a move on .
tr	2	Neil repeated his exhausted plea and tried to sit up but couldn 't .
tr	2	It bumped once or twice against something and seemed to travel steadily .
tr	2	He shook his head and managed to pull himself upright , staring forward .
tr	2	Did he see a long , pale shape , or two , beneath the surface ?
tr	2	Suddenly there was a more violent bump , and the boat overturned .
tr	2	He set out for the sound , swimming with his very last reserve of strength .
tr	2	He pitched forward and lay with his head on a rock , coughing and retching .
tr	2	Someone was on his or her way , maybe to the sea .
tr	2	Her bright , inquisitive eyes looked into his , and she nodded to herself .
tr	2	He heard it once and again , the laughing gurgle of a freshwater stream .
tr	2	He had to go between two rocks that stood like a pair of sentinels .
tr	2	He had never known how delicious it was until he swallowed that first mouthful .
tr	2	Neil pushed himself back and wiped his dripping mouth with one forearm .
tr	2	" Oh , " the older woman said , " of course .
tr	2	Forgive my daughter ; she is young and didn 't think . "
tr	2	" Of course we do , " the young girl said impatiently .
tr	2	-- won 't you come inside and have a proper drink ? "
tr	2	The girl , Riki , folded her arms and rolled her eyes upwards .
tr	2	The woman sighed and shook her head , and Neil quickly intervened .
tr	2	" She 's right , Miss , er , Mrs. , uh , madam .
tr	2	Our home is modest , but I believe that you will find it comfortable . "
tr	2	The pillars that supported the balcony above the porch were carved into more figures .
tr	2	There were twisting snakes , acrobatic fish and even one elongated squid .
tr	2	Tall , elegant pedestals held vases full of flowers and bowls of fruit .
tr	2	Neil couldn 't help staring at one particularly ripe mango , and his stomach contracted .
tr	2	I hope I 'm not -- " " You 're right , " Riki said .
tr	2	" You will sit and talk to our guest and show him some manners . "
tr	2	" Now sit down , Riki , do you hear me ? "
tr	2	Riki ran forward and began dipping her hand in the various plates .
tr	2	Privately , Neil agreed ; he was already tired of hearing the name Riki repeated .
tr	2	" Mr. Neil , would you like some of our island delicacies ? "
tr	2	" Please stay with us for as long as you require . "
tr	2	As he watched her eat , Neil was reminded of his table manners .
tr	2	" No , I must -- " A sudden , rattling yawn shook him .
tr	2	" Have a rest inside , and we can talk later , " she said .
tr	2	" There are extra things in the trunk there carved with starfish .
tr	2	Neil grabbed one , thrust it over his head , and fell onto the bed .
tr	2	I could stay here for the next two hours , he thought .
tr	2	The thing twisted in the wind as she tried to shout to him .
tr	2	He wanted to thank her for the clothes , the nap , and the bath .
tr	2	As he opened one of the huge doors , Neil nearly tripped over Riki .
tr	2	The girl sat with her long , spider legs stretched out across the doorway .
tr	2	Obviously , halfway through the hairdo , Riki had grown bored of the braiding process .
tr	2	Instead of getting annoyed , Riki merely shrugged and tugged on his arm .
tr	2	" Maybe I can do some work for you to repay you . "
tr	2	He wrapped his arms around his wife and squeezed her for a moment .
tr	2	In an important manner , Riki added , " I found him on the beach .
tr	2	She spoiled the effect by pleading , " Can I keep him ? "
tr	2	Obviously , they were just as tired of hearing it as Neil was .
tr	2	" But now , we cannot stand around and discuss this now .
tr	2	Furthermore , this never would have occurred when Mr. Pearson ran the Company . "
tr	2	She burst suddenly into tears , pushed back her chair and ran from the room .
tr	2	" Perhaps that would be best , " the father said , considering seriously .
tr	2	" I 'm going to find my parrot and play with him . "
tr	2	I 'm like the prime exhibit in a zoo , Neil thought .
tr	2	" Sit down and I 'll show you , " Neil said .
tr	2	" You seem to have bewitched my daughter , Mr. Neil . "
tr	2	" I have never seen her act in such a polite manner !
tr	2	" Well , of course , but -- " Neil remembered Mana .
tr	2	" Now , eat , Mr. Neil , or my wife will have my head !
tr	2	Many hours later , he woke up and immediately bounded out of bed .
tr	2	He 'd try to find out who that was and go to see him .
tr	2	He washed and dragged on some clean clothes that were left beside the bath .
tr	2	" I thought it was early , " Neil said , annoyed .
tr	2	Maybe you could be , you know , sort of a guide . "
tr	2	She considered this for a moment , and her face lit up .
tr	2	Neil added , " If that 's all right with you , sir ? "
tr	2	" If it 's all right with you , sir , of course . "
tr	2	She wore a red gown that was embroidered with gold snakes and dragons .
tr	2	she asked , and an unmistakable gleam of relief appeared in her eye .
tr	2	The truth is that Riki is a little much for me at times . "
tr	2	I 'm afraid our daughter takes advantage of my wife and the situation disgracefully . "
tr	2	The two brothers , as usual , nodded agreement at their father 's words .
tr	2	" He is the ruler of our islands , " he replied .
tr	2	" At least , he took over when the Company changed hands recently . "
tr	2	" She 's just a normal girl , " he couldn 't help saying .
tr	2	Neil balanced the load of fishing gear that she had dumped on him .
tr	2	I will take off my shoes and go in the water now . "
tr	2	" We 'll probably get lost in the mountains and have to sleep outside ! "
tr	2	She grew thoughtful , and Neil knew with dread that she pondered this new possibility .
tr	2	" I won 't talk to you , " he said , incensed .
tr	2	" I 'm very sorry , my dear , dear , dear Neil .
tr	2	Please talk to me -- you 're the only one who does ! "
tr	2	She clasped her hands under her chin and dropped to her knees .
tr	2	Before he could stop himself , one corner of his mouth twitched up .
tr	2	This was a new weapon in the attack on Riki 's frightful manners .
tr	2	He found her on top of an even larger outcropping of stones .
tr	2	Some were orange in color with flecks of green herbs and pieces of tomato .
tr	2	Riki began to argue , before she appeared to remember the threat of silence .
tr	2	" But I just can 't wait to catch a darling little crab ! "
tr	2	Neil felt his mouth twitching up again , and she burst into her loud laugh .
tr	2	" Don 't you want to see what color it will be , though ?
tr	2	When you and I get married , you 'll be rich . "
tr	2	Riki smiled at him and swallowed the last of her sweet roll .
tr	2	" Besides , " he added , " you 're just a child . "
tr	2	" I don 't want to talk about this anymore , " Neil stated .
tr	2	" Come on , finish your sandwich , and we 'll check our lines . "
tr	2	" They are colorful , " he said and closed the bag .
tr	2	Riki pointed across the sea to where the smaller island could now be seen .
tr	2	As he watched , she took the baby to a thick carpet in her garden .
tr	2	They reached the rocky slope , and without hesitation , Riki headed inland .
tr	2	" I thought we were going to follow the beach all around the island ! "
tr	2	Riki darted back to him and pointed to a long outcropping of rocks .
tr	2	" We 'd have to climb over that , " she said .
tr	2	We could cut right through the palace grounds to the foothills , " she said .
tr	2	" There 's a well-marked path from there that 's pretty easy to climb . "
tr	2	And there 's nothing you can do or say to stop me ! "
tr	2	We need to follow that path by the grounds of the palace . "
tr	2	They left the beach and made their way towards their goal , the large palace .
tr	2	There was the long veranda and the second story balcony on top of the porch .
tr	2	Riki began to climb up the slope , ascending as neatly as a goat .
tr	2	What 's that great dark hole , at the top of the mountain ?
tr	2	" Hard to tell , " Neil said , squinting into the fierce sun .
tr	2	Neil spoke with enthusiasm , and Riki looked at him , astonished .
tr	2	" Well , no , but it 's what my brothers would do . "
tr	2	" I can just picture them saying that , " he said finally .
tr	2	That man we saw in the tunnel , or whatever it is !
tr	2	She got up and prepared to jump down the other side of the slope .
tr	2	A man ran up the hill behind them , and he looked extremely angry .
tr	2	The man reached them and thrust one end of his staff into the ground .
tr	2	Sweat ran down Neil 's face into the loose collar of his tunic .
tr	2	We 're probably breaking about fifty of your country 's laws . "
tr	2	His glasses slid down his nose again , and he gave them an angry shove .
tr	2	Riki pushed him to one side and digging in the remains from lunch .
tr	2	I think it had something to do with Mr. Pearson and the Company . "
tr	2	" You mean Miriam 's father put another man on the throne ? "
tr	2	You 're as bad as -- " " As bad as you ?
tr	2	" I must be out of my mind to try and tell you anything serious .
tr	2	And by the by , do you know where you 're headed ? "
tr	2	" Not at all , " Riki said and cackled with wild laughter .
tr	2	With a smile , she held her arms out to Riki and Neil .
tr	2	" Time for a wash , and an hour of sleep before dinner . "
tr	2	" I 'm sure you would like to rest as well . "
tr	2	He realized that she meant he was filthy and sorely needed a scrub .
tr	2	" You must think that we are a very strange family . "
tr	2	" But what my husband says is no more than the truth .
tr	2	When Riki was an infant , she didn 't stop crying for days .
tr	2	" May I ask you something , in that case , sir ? "
tr	2	" Everything we have here is in jeopardy if we discuss such a thing .
tr	2	Such domestic matters are none of my affair , my dear ! "
tr	2	Neil watched them both , and he decided to press his advantage .
tr	2	" Very well , my love , " he said , touching her hair briefly .
tr	2	" Do -- not -- mention -- that -- name -- ever -- again ! "
tr	2	" And you will stay with us until we say you may leave .
tr	2	Neil was about to argue , when a terrible odor assailed his nostrils .
tr	2	Grabbing his nose , he gasped , " What is that smell ? "
tr	2	Riki propelled him inside the door and shamelessly applied her eye to the keyhole .
tr	2	Just as shamelessly , Neil squatted beside her and tried to spy through the window .
tr	2	Ignoring the shove , she whispered back , " Heard the row .
tr	2	She went somewhere for a job , and she came back -- like that .
tr	2	And why wouldn 't he want anyone to help the poor thing ? "
tr	2	" Let 's go to the back garden and let them fight it out .
tr	2	" But , " he added , " What makes her do that ? "
tr	2	But you don 't like it when need help for my quest .
tr	2	She ran after him with sandwiches , or a hat , or something .
tr	2	Obviously , they were all afraid that he would try to escape .
tr	2	" In truth , Mr. Neil , her recovery is very slow .
tr	2	It seems that each time she regresses , these spells last longer and longer . "
tr	2	" That we can do to help , don 't you mean , Neil ? "
tr	2	" Right , Riki , that we can do , " Neil repeated .
tr	2	" You 'd get bored with that in five minutes , " Neil said .
tr	2	" Oh , yes , very happy , " Neil said , nodding .
tr	2	" And maybe we 'll go fishing , " he added grandly .
tr	2	Why are you so gloomy , mopey , and depressing lately ? "
tr	2	The day was hot and overcast , which suited his mood exactly .
tr	2	Riki didn 't say any more , and the silence yawned into the afternoon .
tr	2	They were both very pretty , with long hair and huge , brown eyes .
tr	2	They threw down bundles of rope and sat cross-legged opposite each other on the beach .
tr	2	Listen to those girls over there and tell me what they 're saying ! "
tr	2	Well , they said that something is going on in the tunnel that we saw .
tr	2	He was hugely pleased with himself and his ability to understand the island language .
tr	2	" Anyway , they said that there have been sounds coming from the tunnel !
tr	2	" Well of all the -- " she stared at him for a moment .
tr	2	If he could reach the mountain , he could start to investigate that tunnel .
tr	2	Once dressed , he crossed to the door and grasped the handle .
tr	2	A rush of pure , unadulterated fury rushed to his head in a red wave .
tr	2	Neil slumped down against the wall and let his head fall into his crossed arms .
tr	2	Wiping his nose on one sleeve , he managed a husky , " Uh-huh . "
tr	2	He shook his head in a disgusted way and plopped down on the bed .
tr	2	" Well , I can 't go now , " Neil said .
tr	2	" You 'll want to raise the alarm , or something . "
tr	2	Now you 're going to cry , or scream , or have hysterics or something .
tr	2	She stood with mouth open , staring at him , for a minute .
tr	2	You get the rope and things , and I 'll get the food .
tr	2	Oh , and I 'd better get dressed so I 'm not in pajamas .
tr	2	She made for the bedroom door , but Neil grabbed her arm .
tr	2	" We can 't go now ; it 's too late ! "
tr	2	The sun will be rising before we even get to the tunnel !
tr	2	He shrugged and picked up a tray with a delicate porcelain bowl .
tr	2	Neil exclaimed and clapped one hand to his nose as the smell hit him .
tr	2	Breathing as shallowly as possible , he waved the fan at the girl 's face .
tr	2	He wiped it with his apron and tried again , with the same result .
tr	2	" Oh , look , this is ridiculous , " Neil finally said .
tr	2	" This will come in handy for the -- you know . "
tr	2	She dropped her voice to a secretive growl on the last two words .
tr	2	Neil let her go and made for the front of the house .
tr	2	She must be given a real place to sleep at once . "
tr	2	No , I 'm afraid I can 't allow that , Mr. Neil . "
tr	2	Riki came from behind him and put one hand on her sleeve .
tr	2	" Yes , and you can also blame the entire situation on me . "
tr	2	" Not pith helmets or barometers or parasols , for heaven 's sake .
tr	2	Remember that we 'll have to lug most of that up a mountain . "
tr	2	During the entire meal , she winked and gave him meaningful looks .
tr	2	We don 't have to stay and talk to her , do we ? "
tr	2	As it was the most tiresome type of gossip , eventually he stopped listening altogether .
tr	2	A light scrape proclaimed that she was turning the key in his lock .
tr	2	He couldn 't wait in that locked room forever and not do something .
tr	2	Time felt as though it scraped by , leaving claw marks on his skin .
tr	2	He knelt down and opened the bag , and she watched him anxiously .
tr	2	Her voice was smug , but at that moment Neil could have hugged her .
tr	2	Chapter 9 The Argument he jungle path seemed stranger and more mysterious at night .
tr	2	Gosh , Neil said to himself , and beside him , he heard Riki sigh .
tr	2	It raised one arm to its mouth , and a long puff of smoke followed .
tr	2	The person moved and puffed again , and another shape joined him .
tr	2	One of the men spoke , and he forgot all about the smoke .
tr	2	We must do research , refine the drug , and make it less addictive .
tr	2	There was a pause and another puff of smoke wafted their way .
tr	2	" I say , decent bit of leaf , this , " the voice added .
tr	2	He racked his brain , trying to recall , but the answer eluded him .
tr	2	It makes no sense to call this thing off , " the voice continued soothingly .
tr	2	Some physicians are starting to suspect opium and laudanum of being dangerous drugs .
tr	2	The mountain man stayed where he was , standing motionless by the lagoon .
tr	2	Neil , bursting with impatience , formed desperate , mental orders : Move on .
tr	2	A third shadow separated itself from the trees and glided over to the king .
tr	2	" But , Majesty , the worth of a nation is held in its people .
tr	2	The guard bowed , turned and the two of them moved off into the night .
tr	2	Eventually Riki whispered , " You can breathe again , idiot . "
tr	2	" Come on , " she said , grabbing his arm again .
tr	2	And -- who was that first man , the one who had mentioned laudanum ?
tr	2	The huge guard with the evil weapon actually spoke like a decent human being .
tr	2	" We 've got to be back in our beds before that time . "
tr	2	Neil slithered behind her , feeling the loose rocks slide under his feet .
tr	2	She had unhesitatingly started along the outside , and he hissed , " Hold on !
tr	2	The surrounding sounds were different here as well ; the insect activity had ceased completely .
tr	2	Besides , how will Old Meatball find out that we didn 't stay in there ?
tr	2	" Amen to that , my brother , " the second voice replied .
tr	2	Well , Neil thought , we 've encountered our second lot of guards .
tr	2	As if reading his thoughts , Riki pointed into the muddy center of the marsh .
tr	2	He wrapped it around the bag Riki had brought and tied both to his head .
tr	2	The two men appeared to have taken out some dice and started a game .
tr	2	She shook him off and pointed , and Neil climbed out of the ooze .
tr	2	Behind him , he could hear the faint echo of the guards arguing .
tr	2	Neil gasped for air , but Riki only allowed him a few seconds ' rest .
tr	2	It was indeed an entrance to a cave , or at least a tunnel .
tr	2	She tugged on his sleeve and he followed her into the tunnel .
tr	2	The stone walls swallowed the echoes of the gamblers ' quarrel in an instant .
tr	2	Despite his blasé attitude , he couldn 't help being as excited as Riki .
tr	2	A thin wail suddenly echoed down the walls of the stone passage .
tr	2	Riki screamed , dropped the torch , and threw herself into his arms .
tr	2	He felt annoyed , more at himself for being frightened than at her .
tr	2	As he did so he lost his grip on the torch , which plummeted downward .
tr	2	Its dying light showed that they were on the very edge of a huge cliff .
tr	2	Thank goodness he hadn 't let that precious bag fall as well .
tr	2	Suddenly furious , Neil yelled back , " Shut up , can 't you ?
tr	2	" I didn 't know if you could ever find me or not .
tr	2	" And I 'm so glad I 've found you , " he said .
tr	2	" Listen , Simon and Miriam were put on that train , I think .
tr	2	She shifted her hands in order to get a better grip on the bars .
tr	2	" Papers inscribed with our laws , " Riki said , interrupting .
tr	2	" Riki , I am very pleased to make your acquaintance , " Mana said .
tr	2	He 'll tell you all about me now , and about our other friends .
tr	2	" You can 't go back that way , though ; that 's certain .
tr	2	" I bet I could do it , " Riki said immediately .
tr	2	" Mana , " Neil asked , " are they feeding you ?
tr	2	He considered for a moment and looked over his shoulder at Riki .
tr	2	" I 'm going to throw some supplies down , " he called .
tr	2	Of course , a slight breeze started at that instant , making the cage sway .
tr	2	" I won 't deny that these are very welcome indeed . "
tr	2	The world seemed to tilt beneath him as he stepped off the ledge .
tr	2	A slim , brown hand curled around his ankle and stabilized him .
tr	2	Neil righted himself , but he hadn 't even the breath left to thank Riki .
tr	2	Don 't look down , don 't look down , he repeated to himself .
tr	2	Thank goodness they didn 't have to crawl through the hideous swamp again .
tr	2	His foot missed a step and horror froze his heartbeat as he felt himself fall .
tr	2	" Ha , ha , " Riki jeered , pointing at him .
tr	2	Hey , you look even dirtier now than the first time I saw you !
tr	2	" I 'm going to fall asleep unless we start moving right away . "
tr	2	Neil , feeling his stomach rumble in response , could only nod .
tr	2	The long streaks of pink and purple in the sky from the ensuing sunrise lengthened .
tr	2	Riki always ate hers with about a pound of butter and guava jelly .
tr	2	" Maybe we can find some turtle 's eggs , " she continued .
tr	2	And what are we going to do , suck them raw ? "
tr	2	" We have to get her out of that cage , " Neil said .
tr	2	He thought she forgot her hunger as she lit up with her familiar enthusiasm .
tr	2	Neil interrupted Riki , who was obviously picturing herself as the Jungle Wonder Girl .
tr	2	Riki clapped her hands , entranced with the thought of tricking her father .
tr	2	" Just don 't overdo it , " Neil warned with some misgivings .
tr	2	Riki lifted her nose in the air and sauntered on for a few steps .
tr	2	" That woman -- Mana -- said that you would tell me all about her .
tr	2	" Well , I 'm not really sure , " Neil said .
tr	2	" But that will take forever if we keep going around , " Riki complained .
tr	2	" Besides , I bet we 've passed the palace by now . "
tr	2	Neil was just in time to see Riki disappear into a tumble of vines .
tr	2	There 's the way we want -- it leads right back to my house .
tr	2	Come on -- I want coffee and mangos and breadfruit fritters . "
tr	2	Your glasses are covered with green spots , and your shirt smells . "
tr	2	" But why did you have to go fishing so early ? "
tr	2	The tall man bowed to Neil and went to kiss his wife 's cheek .
tr	2	" I am glad that you and Riki are becoming such good friends . "
tr	2	Mr. Neil has been nothing but polite and honorable with Riki . "
tr	2	The door suddenly opened , and everyone stopped talking as Riki walked in .
tr	2	Somehow , over the past week , you have tamed our daughter . "
tr	2	If he met her glance , he would probably start to laugh .
tr	2	" Excuse me , Papi , but Neil has something to say . "
tr	2	Taking a deep breath , he stood up and opened his mouth .
tr	2	He picked up his cup again and took a long slurp of coffee .
tr	2	" Papi , please listen to him , " Riki said in her sweetest voice .
tr	2	Please , don 't interrupt -- just hear me out for once .
tr	2	That 's how I met Miriam , and through her , Mana . "
tr	2	A member of our royal family would never stoop to such a thing . "
tr	2	They advertised for a governess , and she arrived on their doorstep . "
tr	2	" I have heard of him , anyway , and his partner , Cantwell . "
tr	2	Instantly , the members of the family all began to speak at once .
tr	2	Neil spread out his hands , trying to calm the resultant uproar .
tr	2	She is imprisoned in a horrible cage , hanging from the cliffs beyond the tunnel !
tr	2	They could have lost our house , and be living on the streets .
tr	2	Maybe together we can do something together , although I don 't know what . "
tr	2	" We will also help you , Neil , " he said .
tr	2	" You -- you helped , too , " he finally stammered .
tr	2	" I 'll be ever so good for ever so many months .
tr	2	" But I 'm not going to be the one left waiting here at home .
tr	2	She folded her arms across her chest and glared at her husband .
tr	2	" What are you going to wear to the festival , my sweet ? "
tr	2	Take that , you fat , gossiping old cow , Neil thought .
tr	2	I 'm going to wear green and gold with matching earrings . "
tr	2	She speared one final bite into her mouth and got up from her seat heavily .
tr	2	Turning back to Neil and Riki , she snorted , " Maroon caftan , indeed !
tr	2	" But we need to rescue Mana as soon as possible ! "
tr	2	" She stopped calling you Mister Neil , did you notice ? "
tr	2	" That means she thinks that you 're one of us now . "
tr	2	" Still , I want to go and rescue Mana as soon as we can .
tr	2	Neil , who sat as quietly as possible , nearly screamed with frustration .
tr	2	Across the table , Riki winked at him in a sympathetic manner .
tr	2	Neil leaned forward and took a slice of papaya from the dish .
tr	2	" Although we should rescue her as quickly as possible , " his brother objected .
tr	2	" True , but we need to have a secure , organized plan . "
tr	2	Which way did you say you took to return home , Riki ? "
tr	2	If you keep heading east , eventually you reach a space between the rocks . "
tr	2	That night , a line of black figures moved slowly up the rocky coast .
tr	2	She saved my skin a few times when we came here before . "
tr	2	He considered , and said , " I may regret it , but very well .
tr	2	Neil could just make out a dark shape huddled at the bottom of the cage .
tr	2	There was nothing he could do for her on that crumbling step .
tr	2	The chain dropped with a clank , and patiently the two began again .
tr	2	Riki hopped up and down with excited agony and gnawed on one nail .
tr	2	Please , he thought , looking out from the tunnel up at the stars .
tr	2	It was somewhat of a comfort to feel her small , wizened claw .
tr	2	The men groaned and pulled , their faces growing purple with the effort .
tr	2	We just can 't get the cage up over the lip of the rock . "
tr	2	" You could slip on the chain , or the cage could fall .
tr	2	Neil nodded ; he felt that his heart was too full to say anything .
tr	2	He looked down and shouted back , " I can reach the chain !
tr	2	I 'm dropping a knife -- make sure you catch it ! "
tr	2	There was a short pause , and he said with satisfaction , " Excellent .
tr	2	" Oh , I just can 't bear it , " she moaned .
tr	2	Neil disengaged his hand from her grip and put his arm around her .
tr	2	Neil rolled his eyes , but he couldn 't help grinning back .
tr	2	" And , by Jove , he 's got the princess ! "
tr	2	Their back muscles strained as they pulled Mana 's limp body over the edge .
tr	2	He peered out of the cave , and he sighed with relief .
tr	2	Who would dare to treat a woman in such a way ! "
tr	2	" It has nothing to do with her family or her background .
tr	2	He had never heard them laugh or make jokes at each other 's expense .
tr	2	Mana moved and whispered something , and he forgot all about them .
tr	2	Which means , Neil , that yes , she 's going to recover . "
tr	2	" But who 's going to watch for the guards while we nap ? "
tr	2	" ' Very well , " she mumbled , and they headed for their rooms .
tr	2	Despite the cool tiled floor and the darkened shutters , the heat was fierce .
tr	2	He quickly got out of bed , splashed himself with tepid water , and dressed .
tr	2	" Look , why don 't you rest for a bit ? "
tr	2	You won 't do us any good if you 're exhausted . "
tr	2	" There 's some fruit and cheese on that table there . "
tr	2	He put his hand on Neil 's shoulder for one moment before leaving the room .
tr	2	Despite the dark weather and the increasing heat , Neil felt incredibly cheerful .
tr	2	" They must have found that Mana and the cage are gone . "
tr	2	I must say I didn 't expect them so - " " Hurry ! "
tr	2	" Yes , you 're right , Neil , it could work .
tr	2	" You come up with the idea , and they steal all the best bits .
tr	2	We can 't lose now that we 've come this far . "
tr	2	" That bird will ignore us and go to sleep now , " she complained .
tr	2	" What do you think those are up in the sky , flying fish ?
tr	2	" It doesn 't matter where I come from , you idiot !
tr	2	A sudden shout from the front garden brought him to his senses .
tr	2	His lips split in an unpleasant grin as he marched up to Riki and Neil .
tr	2	The men disappeared inside , and Riki and Neil were left alone .
tr	2	" Come on , don 't get all overheated and huffy . "
tr	2	Neil frowned and walked over to the parrot 's cage and back again .
tr	2	She went to pick up the huge cage , but Neil stopped her .
tr	2	The lightning illuminated the hall , and one of the men upstairs shouted something .
tr	2	Machi shouted back , and the other guards all began yelling at once .
tr	2	They all looked at each other , hope dawning in their eyes .
tr	2	The guard laughed in his oily way and motioned for the others to leave .
tr	2	Neil jumped out of bed and padded over to the door in his bare feet .
tr	2	She stayed outside however , and in a minute he joined her in the hall .
tr	2	Once they were in the kitchen , Riki began to snort again .
tr	2	You too , Riki , and close the door after you . "
tr	2	Neil did as he was told and entered , closely followed by Riki .
tr	2	A medicine , but something to make you feel worse instead of better . "
tr	2	" I think you know more than you realize , " she said .
tr	2	" Yes , except it is even more insidious than that foul poison . "
tr	2	It 's like they think we are rats , or mice , or something . "
tr	2	" These are the same people who have taken your friends ? "
tr	2	" So Simon 's parents are the ones who did all this ! "
tr	2	Neil nodded in agreement , trying to look as innocent as possible .
tr	2	" However , he and my daughter must go back to bed , now . "
tr	2	At some point during the night , the rains started up again .
tr	2	She thumbed back through several pages of her notes and found her place .
tr	2	Go on , eat something , and then we 'll go . "
tr	2	No , I 'll have no arguments ; my mind is made up .
tr	2	He would even have preferred writing out some plans in that ridiculous little notebook .
tr	2	She took a deep breath and let it out in a gusty sigh .
tr	2	" Anything special we need to do , or say , or anything ? "
tr	2	She had probably heard the catalogue of forbidden sins many times before from her parents .
tr	2	" Bet I can make you laugh first , " she whispered .
tr	2	Neil crossed his eyes and made one eyeball swivel back and forth .
tr	2	Riki gave one of her loud snorts , which made Neil begin to laugh helplessly .
tr	2	They walked towards the temple , which was a small , squat building .
tr	2	" Hence the term , ' Reflecting Pool ' ... Ha Ha .
tr	2	He got down on all fours and peered into the dark pool .
tr	2	A match flickered , and Neil smelt the acrid odor of incense .
tr	2	Perhaps it was , but she was a different Miriam from the one he knew .
tr	2	The pool wavered , and a long , steady wave drifted across it .
tr	2	Now Neil could see a boy in a tiny , dirty room .
tr	2	At its sound , the boy in the pool rippled and disappeared .
tr	2	How about some cinnamon coffee and iced cakes when we get home ? "
tr	2	We were just about to have a warm drink and some pastries . "
tr	2	Yes , it is tonight ; how odd that no one told you ! "
tr	2	Satin and lace , my dear , with a fan-shaped train . "
tr	2	" Someone to see , " he said , straightening and looking at Neil meaningfully .
tr	2	" And sir , I believe you already know why we must search again .
tr	2	" It 's too late for that , " someone said softly in the doorway .
tr	2	I just pray that you do not get punished too severely over it . "
tr	2	" Actually , I believe that I am now Queen , " she replied .
tr	2	At that moment , Neil could see the resemblance between her and Riki .
tr	2	He read quickly , scanning the lines , and he looked up at his guards .
tr	2	" Let her go , " he said , pointing to Mana .
tr	2	" Wife , how did you get possession of those documents ? "
tr	2	" Be quiet at once , all of you , " Mana 's voice declared .
tr	2	Suddenly he got down on one knee and bent his head in front of her .
tr	2	" I hope you will understand why I acted as I did . "
tr	2	" We 're going to be much too busy to think about treason .
tr	2	" I see now that she is much like my wife . "
tr	2	" The most important issue is : how do I look ? "
tr	2	A heavy wave of perfume overtook him , and he backed away with a cough .
tr	2	Otherwise , they would actually have to walk , or ride some ridiculous animal .
tr	2	She climbed in , sat down , and arranged her skirts around her feet .
tr	2	She 'll be splashed with mud from head to foot with this rain !
tr	2	Yes , her hem is nearly four inches deep with it already . "
tr	2	I 'm going to file a complaint -- oh , look ! "
tr	2	Quickly she was absorbed by a large group of other women , all involved in .
tr	2	" And so brave of you to wear such an overwhelming perfume .
tr	2	She shrank back as a red imp popped up from behind her cushions .
tr	2	It looked at her closely through the holes of its feathered , sequined mask .
tr	2	She opened her eyes as wide as she could , staring back .
tr	2	" You give everyone a lot of entertainment , " it whispered .
tr	2	" I am a top hostess , if I do say so myself .
tr	2	There was a hiss from the imp , and a low laugh .
tr	2	More guards helped the guests alight by picking up fans and gloves and long skirts .
tr	2	In the huge ballroom , the guests crowded into small groups , chattering and laughing .
tr	2	It bounded into a series of wild flips , past the line of hooded figures .
tr	2	She needn 't have worried ; immediately they bounded up and ran up the steps .
tr	2	Slowly , he rolled back one tight scarlet sleeve , revealing white skin .
tr	2	They both were cowering by the throne , hoping to be forgotten .
tr	2	They had been standing in a row by the steps , forgotten in the tumult .
tr	2	Will you allow this pretender to take the throne from your king ? "
tr	2	Someone in the back yelled , " Hurrah for our queen ! "
tr	2	He took Machi 's spear and broke it over his own knee .
tr	2	It was as if the king had simply melted into thin air .
tr	2	He must have been afraid that he would eventually be deposed . "
tr	2	" That was only to be expected , Captain , " she said .
tr	2	We must decide on a plan of action as quickly as possible . "
tr	2	Is there somewhere we can sit and talk , and work something out ? "
tr	2	" Oh , no , not that drafty , dreary hall , " Mana said .
tr	2	" I remember my father complaining about it when I was a child .
tr	2	" Heh heh , " Riki cackled , and she nudged Neil with one elbow .
tr	2	I hope he 's going to help us save Miriam and Simon .
tr	2	" Your elbows feel like they 're made out of iron . "
tr	2	" Let 's dispense with all that at present , " Mana said .
tr	2	It should be simple enough , now that the passage is open . "
tr	2	" You are needed here in order to get things organized . "
tr	2	" I 'm going , " Mana responded , holding his stare .
tr	2	Riki nudged him again , but Neil felt too pleased to mind .
tr	2	At last -- he could now look for his friends , and with adult help .
tr	2	Your time of spies and plans with Neil is over , daughter .
tr	2	And I promise I 'll come back soon -- Riki , wait ! "
tr	2	" Still , she did seem much more mature , didn 't she ?
tr	2	She reached for the little book she had been writing in earlier .
tr	2	He tried to smile back at her , but found that he couldn 't .
tr	2	There they will face human experiments in a laboratory known as The Infirmary .
tr	2	Sleep stole over her once more , and her head banged against the wall again .
tr	2	She felt as though the inside of her lids had been filled with fine sand .
tr	2	" You yawned so much just now that my ears nearly popped .
tr	2	My head bangs against the side of the carriage when I do . "
tr	2	He looked away and strained his ears for any sounds from another carriage .
tr	2	It could even be the conductor who had refused to listen to him earlier .
tr	2	Another man entered , and another , all connected by the same chains .
tr	2	They didn 't look like the types to inspire a friendly chat .
tr	2	" What would you lot prefer today , the poached eggs or smoked kippers ?
tr	2	He aimed a kick at the dark one and left , still chuckling .
tr	2	After a minute , the train screeched and began to move again .
tr	2	" That 's right , Frank , " the one with blue eyes agreed .
tr	2	Naturally , we 'll be sent back to my parents right away . "
tr	2	Miriam saw , with a shudder , that most of his back teeth were missing .
tr	2	Simon opened his mouth again , but he obviously decided not to reply .
tr	2	" You 're on your way to Devil 's Kitchen , sure as eggs . "
tr	2	" Carrying the water and sifting the sludge , " the last man said .
tr	2	" No idea , but it doesn 't sound too promising . "
tr	2	" Well of all the - " she started , when Frank interrupted .
tr	2	Couldn 't I just show you how to fancy a girl in my time ?
tr	2	The door to the carriage opened again , and the guard thrust his head in .
tr	2	" On your feet , you lot , " he said to the prisoners .
tr	2	This caused Simon , Miriam and the prisoners to tilt forward and snap back upright .
tr	2	The door opened again and the guard shouted , " All out !
tr	2	Miriam waited until they had left , and she got up and followed them .
tr	2	" Have a nice stay , " the guard said as Miriam passed him .
tr	2	He continued in this vein , and Miriam could feel Simon get warmer with aggravation .
tr	2	The sky overhead was dark with clouds , and it had started to rain .
tr	2	Miriam stepped over the train rails and stood behind the other prisoners .
tr	2	The building in front of them was surrounded by stone that was dark as slate .
tr	2	" Just a second , " Miriam hissed and grabbed his sleeve .
tr	2	Frank immediately said to the man behind him , " Oy , watch it ! "
tr	2	I 'm certain that the authorities are on a hunt for us now . "
tr	2	The Headmistress stared for a moment longer , and she spoke again to the door .
tr	2	" Just listen to him for a moment -- it 's the truth ! "
tr	2	The woman stretched out one long arm and gripped the girl 's shoulder .
tr	2	You have now seen what will happen if you try to speak . "
tr	2	The Headmistress turned to Miriam and addressed her directly for the first time .
tr	2	" We 'll put her in the one on the West Side .
tr	2	The Headmaster gripped Miriam and dragged her towards another set of the doors .
tr	2	He inserted a large key into a lock on one and opened it .
tr	2	The Headmaster suddenly stopped her and made her turn to face another door .
tr	2	Taking out another key , he opened it and said , " In here . "
tr	2	Instantly , a woman appeared from a door in the opposite wall .
tr	2	The eyes of the woman , however , were dull and listless .
tr	2	Miriam started forward and asked , " Are you from the Island ?
tr	2	The woman looked up for a moment , but she shielded her eyes .
tr	2	My name is Miriam , " she told her , speaking slower .
tr	2	One was counting a mass of folded , gray shirts on some shelves .
tr	2	The woman said nothing but pushed Miriam forward and pointed to the bath .
tr	2	" I 'm not going to undress here -- oy , stop that ! "
tr	2	The woman from the island disappeared , leaving Miriam with the other workers .
tr	2	Miriam stretched out her hand , covered with greasy suds from the heavy soap .
tr	2	Headmistress 'll have our hides if she sees such a thing . "
tr	2	" Oh , give her the silly thing , Dora , do .
tr	2	She and Oh No made another left turn to more steps that went straight down .
tr	2	Oh No brought her to the only open door and pointed inside .
tr	2	The other came to his side , and he struggled to open both eyes fully .
tr	2	He had been dreaming , but he could remember nothing of that dream .
tr	2	No , it was someone different , but in the same clothes .
tr	2	" Don 't struggle , " she said in a low tone .
tr	2	She turned to the table and brightened the lamp on the table beside the bed .
tr	2	Large paintings hung on the walls , portraits of foreign royalty next to large landscapes .
tr	2	" Maybe we 'll try some soup now , " she said .
tr	2	She pressed him back on the pillow and carefully held a spoonful to his mouth .
tr	2	She pressed him back and blew on the spoonful to cool it .
tr	2	" Just get your strength back now , and we can talk more later .
tr	2	His voice was a bit garbled , so he cleared his throat and asked again .
tr	2	They took her into that dreadful factory , the Devil 's Kitchen .
tr	2	" Look , I 've got to find my friends , " he said .
tr	2	Simon knew she didn 't believe one word of what he had just told her .
tr	2	" Why don 't you just call me Nurse , " she said .
tr	2	She walked to the door , carrying the discarded vase of flowers .
tr	2	She opened the door and slipped out before Simon could say anything .
tr	2	Simon tottered to one of the windows and brushed away the curtain .
tr	2	He tried to open the window , but the catch would not move .
tr	2	Of course , he told himself , he was still terribly weak .
tr	2	He dragged himself to the other window , but the view was the same .
tr	2	On a chair by the door there was a silk , padded dressing gown .
tr	2	It seemed as though in the blink of an eye he was now gone .
tr	2	It had been several months past and he hadn 't thought of it since .
tr	2	As he passed the low window he could see someone coming across the field .
tr	2	He could see him clearly now , strolling up the long , green pasture .
tr	2	Ah yes , to help me with the repair on my roof .
tr	2	They eased their rope ladders down the side and lowered themselves to the grass .
tr	2	And since when have you become so mysterious , old friend ? "
tr	2	What is this secret you can 't tell your best friend ? "
tr	2	Several have claimed to have seen him but can offer no proof .
tr	2	By the time he crawled back into his boat the man was gone .
tr	2	But that would have to wait ; there was still the roof to finish .
tr	2	They started back up and in just another turn their task would be finished .
tr	2	But now his mind held other thoughts , those he scarcely remembered from his youth .
tr	2	Well , who among us hasn 't had such thoughts , he chuckled .
tr	2	The land was too rich , the scents too crisp and clean to concentrate .
tr	2	It would be a long walk back and the hour would be late .
tr	2	Although he did have visitors on rare occasions , most were considered odd as well .
tr	2	They were usually old friends though most had long since passed away .
tr	2	He turned his back to the door and looked out over the hillside below .
tr	2	I was wondering if I might have a few minutes of your time . "
tr	2	Folks aren 't as friendly as they were in my day , you understand .
tr	2	It seemed homey , the walls decorated with personal mementos and quaint paintings .
tr	2	You live down by the low hills , do you not ? "
tr	2	" You were just a boy the last I spoke to you .
tr	2	Oh , there were a few streaks of white , just a few , though .
tr	2	They are the creatures of the underworld , those that have no souls .
tr	2	They are the cruelest of creatures for they have no love for anyone or anything .
tr	2	Most are servants of greater lords , yet these lords keep themselves hidden .
tr	2	They reside in the lower depths and spread their foul odors through their servants . "
tr	2	I would be interested to hear how they have changed through gossip . "
tr	2	The fire was beginning to die and the night airs were invading the cabin .
tr	2	It is seldom I have the chance to recount my old tales to anyone .
tr	2	As a matter of fact , I have someone I would like you to meet .
tr	2	Nothing like a fine meal to work up a good conversation . "
tr	2	He saw movement and looked hard straining to see through the mists covering the fields .
tr	2	The sun was climbing higher and it was now time to leave .
tr	2	They were so excited they had set a quicker pace than expected .
tr	2	The evening would be cool and supper would hopefully be a good one .
tr	2	You must be tired , and maybe just a little hungry ? "
tr	2	Dinner was cooking in a separate fire to the left of the main hearth .
tr	2	He was not in the habit of hearing himself addressed in that manner .
tr	2	It was just one of Mr. Clancy 's peculiarities he would discover throughout the night .
tr	2	He was not offended , and after all , it was time to eat .
tr	2	There was a fourth place set but no food was served on those plates .
tr	2	The room was lit only from the fires in their respective hearths .
tr	2	The light from the main fireplace filled the room with a warm , peaceful glow .
tr	2	Supper was on the table and the cooking fire was beginning to wane .
tr	2	The meat was soft and tender and pulled easily from the charred carcass .
tr	2	The vegetables were crisp and fresh , but they too were different .
tr	2	They were dipped in a tangy , clear oil filled with specks of all colors .
tr	2	They had gardens that grew special plants during the short summers of the north .
tr	2	Supper was finished and all three sat back in their chairs , breathing deeply .
tr	2	At Mr. Clancy 's suggestion they moved to the main fireplace and took their seats .
tr	2	" Please stay seated , that is surely my other guest . "
tr	2	Mr. Clancy moved quickly to the door and without hesitation , opened it .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy came first passing under the arm of his giant friend .
tr	2	He didn 't know why but a sudden calm settled over him .
tr	2	I can guess your thoughts but I assure you , you have nothing to fear .
tr	2	The fire was warm with a soft glow as they all settled in .
tr	2	Please , I am not in the custom of being addressed as ' Mr. ' .
tr	2	But if I may ask a question ; the Northern Kingdom of where ? "
tr	2	They gave laws to men when there was chaos after the great wars .
tr	2	The smell of dried wood was familiar and comforting as they uncovered the pile .
tr	2	Storms often raged throughout the valleys giving life again to the lands .
tr	2	" It is a call from the north , a beckoning homeward .
tr	2	" Bring the wood here by the fire , my good fellows .
tr	2	They deposited their load next to the hearth and took their seats .
tr	2	He walked slowly back to the large chair made of strange wood and sat down .
tr	2	Remember , long ago those that left and spread their wings over other lands .
tr	2	" Many have I seen on the roads and in the night sky , Clancy .
tr	2	I will not bother you to remember that which you know so well .
tr	2	If that is true , he must return to the Kingdom of Snow . "
tr	2	" You speak of strange things and of strange places , Mr. Clancy .
tr	2	" I may have something to keep the mood festive a while longer .
tr	2	You have hoarded those spirits for a long time , indeed . "
tr	2	He pulled over a small stump of a log and jumped on top .
tr	2	Clancy opened the cupboard and took out a leather-wrapped package and climbed back down .
tr	2	" Now my friends , this is not something to be careless with .
tr	2	He looked briefly at them and in one sudden motion , drained it .
tr	2	His head fall forward and he let out a long , slow sigh .
tr	2	I would advise the two of you not to drink it that way .
tr	2	Satisfied this was not some strange wizard 's brew , he took a sip .
tr	2	His eyes lit like fire and with sudden approval , took a drink .
tr	2	The barrels themselves were of a special type of wood to help develop the flavor .
tr	2	At the proper time , the barrels were tapped and the brew sampled .
tr	2	" Now is the time we must turn our tales to more serious talk . "
tr	2	What special bird is this and how do you know of its song ? "
tr	2	The Northern Kingdom and the Kingdom of Snow are one in the same .
tr	2	In his mind he had blotted everyone else in the room out of existence .
tr	2	I believe he does not think I search for an ordinary rock .
tr	2	Clancy was quick to realize the mood in the room had changed .
tr	2	If you remember , I referred to the line of my king . "
tr	2	The cane is the symbol of the line of the kings . "
tr	2	" Are they feeble that they need to walk with a cane ?
tr	2	The cane is not a crutch , it is a staff . "
tr	2	It has been the symbol of my lands and peoples since . "
tr	2	Clancy had long thought about what he would do if this time ever came .
tr	2	He knew his answer would come in the course of the next two sunrises .
tr	2	I was returning to Clancy 's home the day you spied me .
tr	2	I was sure Clancy would be an accurate source of knowledge . "
tr	2	" If the crystal is so valuable , why is it here ? "
tr	2	" The crystal has power untold when in connection with the cane .
tr	2	No living thing , man or creature is sure where it rests . "
tr	2	It has taken my entire life and that of many of my fathers . "
tr	2	To them those tales are now only legends , myths now not to be believed .
tr	2	Those that dwell in the south are evil of being and evil of soul .
tr	2	They are the most vile of creatures that live upon the soil .
tr	2	This lord shall have no equal among men and will vanquish them from the lands .
tr	2	Long have the kingdoms been in disarray and are not the force they once were .
tr	2	If I am not successful , I fear all hope is lost . "
tr	2	He is impatient yes , but he had never known him to be so bold .
tr	2	They retired late which made the sunrise seem to come that much earlier .
tr	2	The sky was fair and the morning airs were crisp and cool .
tr	2	Short that is if you are used to the long journeys of a lifetime .
tr	2	I do believe there may be one aspect of spirits you neglected to mention " .
tr	2	" I do not believe I am quite up to it this morning . "
tr	2	" We have a long hike ahead and an empty belly means empty legs .
tr	2	Stick your head in it and the haze will pass much sooner . "
tr	2	Though it had been many years , he remembered his first encounter with spirits .
tr	2	Breakfast is ready and we have not the time to wait . "
tr	2	Clancy placed a towel around his shoulders and he quickly dried his hair .
tr	2	When that is done , we will be off on our walk . "
tr	2	With that settled they gathered the few items they had with them and set out .
tr	2	Other than his cloak , Mr. Clancy took only a small pouch .
tr	2	" Which way shall we take this morning , Mr. Clancy ? "
tr	2	" We may take the straight south route , if you like .
tr	2	It is the shortest as you know , unless you prefer another .
tr	2	His long legs meant long strides that often caught the heels of those ahead .
tr	2	They talked casually among themselves on various topics , nothing more than idle chitchat .
tr	2	He looked to his right and saw a light come through a low window .
tr	2	The great laws of our lands speak of freedom for men and other folk .
tr	2	The tales down the years lay the path upon my feet . "
tr	2	" In a way yes , though that tale is not completely lost .
tr	2	They had not realized their pace had slowed to a near crawl .
tr	2	Could he possibly believe this story , this tale from someone he had met ?
tr	2	Could it be that the spirits from last night are catching up to you ? "
tr	2	The sun was climbing quickly as they had trudged on for nearly another full turn .
tr	2	Folk were beginning to bustle about and heads were turning toward the stranger .
tr	2	My unannounced passage through your land may well unsettle more than folks in your realm .
tr	2	Let us move through those areas where eyes are few and tongues are tight . "
tr	2	Danger he would not bring to this land by his own choice .
tr	2	They moved off the main dirt road into the low brush ringing the surrounding fields .
tr	2	From there they would take a path south , away from the population .
tr	2	They were beyond the brush and into a soggy field within minutes .
tr	2	These weeds cause me such problems in the spring , even dried as they are .
tr	2	" The two of you should hang your shirts on those low branches .
tr	2	The Searcher returned to Clancy across the glade and disappeared into the trees .
tr	2	They were a little embarrassed but tried not to let it weaken their pride .
tr	2	Time is growing short and we have a long journey ahead . "
tr	2	" We shall follow this path into the Middle Valley keeping from the main road .
tr	2	" I think we should rest a short time , just briefly mind you .
tr	2	The hills are higher here in my valley and the rest will do us good .
tr	2	It will then be just a short journey to my cabin . "
tr	2	Staying in one place too long was generally not to his liking .
tr	2	" It may be he wants only to pull a few weeds . "
tr	2	Just then they heard a cry from above and they looked to the sky .
tr	2	It was the largest hawk they could have imagined and it was heading south .
tr	2	He will not be long , far maybe , but not long . "
tr	2	Of their numbers I am not sure , but they are there . "
tr	2	" If the legends of the crystal are true , I must travel further south .
tr	2	My quest is my own and I will force it upon no living being . "
tr	2	" It goes without saying I shall not abandon you , my friend .
tr	2	It takes more than a handful of black creatures to ward me off . "
tr	2	They had never before been forced to make such a crucial decision .
tr	2	The most difficult choice they had ever made was what crop to plant .
tr	2	" I will follow you ... " " As will I. . . " "
tr	2	From there they would make plans for their journey into the lower valley .
tr	2	The black creatures were a new threat they were unprepared to deal with .
tr	2	He took less than a half turn in his efforts before all were seated .
tr	2	Though conversation was light they did not dwell on the events of the day .
tr	2	Most folk have in their possession some quality or redeeming value that validates their existence .
tr	2	Those qualities may not readily be forthcoming , yet they are there .
tr	2	They are a loose collection of tribes that band together for mutual gain .
tr	2	They serve only the dark forces and dark lords of this world . "
tr	2	" We must make plans for the next step of our journey .
tr	2	If black creatures are in the Dream Valley , they may be elsewhere .
tr	2	" When we reach the lower valley , where will we look ? "
tr	2	They were crossing the South Hills north of the Dream Valley on its northern border .
tr	2	" There could be no place like it in all the world .
tr	2	They walked down the last low hill and into the valley proper .
tr	2	Our travel must be quick and the shortest route you may conjure .
tr	2	" I shall not let your quest end due to my failings , my friend .
tr	2	I plotted our course as we made our way through the South Hills .
tr	2	I must see more of this land before I make my final judgment .
tr	2	They began their trek with the sun falling sharply into the western sky .
tr	2	They kept together so not to lose one another in the gathering darkness .
tr	2	One advantage they would keep was that black creatures were a noisy folk .
tr	2	They made the woodlands after the sun had hidden behind the western ridge .
tr	2	The trees were tall and thick with heavy growth far below the canopy .
tr	2	The beauty of this valley meant those who chose to travel here walked openly .
tr	2	In this wilderness the night was as dark as a bottomless well .
tr	2	Any light could signal their presence so they camped without a fire .
tr	2	The danger from the black creatures would grow the farther south they traveled .
tr	2	He had kept his eyes on the others , except for Clancy .
tr	2	The sun came softly over the eastern mountains as the company stirred and made ready .
tr	2	They had brought minimal supplies , just enough to get by for a few days .
tr	2	Breakfast was by no means fancy yet gave each the energy to start the day .
tr	2	They traveled in a line and picked their way through the woods .
tr	2	That would only cause more harm , if harm has indeed befallen him .
tr	2	He knows we are here , so this is where we shall stay .
tr	2	To venture after him could only cause us to be separated for a longer period .
tr	2	" Black creatures are to the southeast , perhaps a league off .
tr	2	" Why Clancy , I did not know you were a seer .
tr	2	He had thought he had been quite clever in disguising his lack of sleep .
tr	2	When you lay at night you may see events which could come to pass .
tr	2	They marched on for several turns until the sun had climbed to midday .
tr	2	" I believe that is a certainty , my young friend . "
tr	2	Clancy suddenly fell back , his feet splashing water high in the air .
tr	2	They could hear yelling behind them but could not make out the words .
tr	2	They reached the hills within a half turn and raced through a deep trough .
tr	2	It cut them off even from the light of the high sun .
tr	2	" There is no place to hide there , just a high wall of rock .
tr	2	They reached the ledge in ten minutes , though it seemed more like ten turns .
tr	2	The climbing and stumbling had driven the arrow deeper and broken the shaft completely .
tr	2	I do not wish to spend another turn with this in me . "
tr	2	You must drive it fully through my shoulder lest the point remain in .
tr	2	The points are jagged but will come from the shaft if pulled away . "
tr	2	" Thank you , but I am injured quite badly enough already .
tr	2	He carefully propped Mr. Clancy against the side of the rock walls .
tr	2	He reached behind and pulled the shaft through then threw it across the cave .
tr	2	The second scorching of the wound was easier ; Mr. Clancy had passed out .
tr	2	If you are hungry , there are some dried meats in my bag .
tr	2	Keep an eye on him ; he should not roll in his sleep .
tr	2	He saw it , moving slowly , looking down as if he had lost something .
tr	2	He stooped low and pulled back the cloak that covered the wound .
tr	2	I have never done anything like this before and I had no medicines . "
tr	2	" It looks as fine a treatment as I have ever seen .
tr	2	" As if I have fallen from a tree on my head . "
tr	2	" I never meant for harm to come to any of you fine folk . "
tr	2	I have yet to decide on the matter beyond that point . "
tr	2	He may be a fellow harder of spirit than he had imagined .
tr	2	" As if I have had an entire vat of spirits to myself . "
tr	2	" In any case , I am hungry and I smell supper . "
tr	2	They talked for some time before they knew they would have to sleep .
tr	2	The black creatures knew there were travelers in the valley and one had been injured .
tr	2	This would make matters worse if they were forced to travel quickly .
tr	2	He had left them by the stream to scout the lay of the land .
tr	2	It was a habit he had learned in the early days of his travels .
tr	2	His belongings would be divided up among the others if he didn 't return .
tr	2	Clancy awoke but stayed seated , adjusting himself against the hard rock .
tr	2	They all joined in a spirited conversation again recounting the events of the previous day .
tr	2	" You folk have been very helpful in our journey to this point .
tr	2	Clancy , I believe it is time they know my whole truth . "
tr	2	They had been only yards away , but those yards seemed as miles .
tr	2	He is more than just a man ; he is also a hawk .
tr	2	There were new things to consider ; things both strange and true .
tr	2	Clancy took two steps forward , his hands locked together resting on his stomach .
tr	2	" What have I done that you should be frightened of me ? "
tr	2	Do you not remember our talk by the hearth in Clancy 's home ?
tr	2	Each generation that undertakes this quest must pledge his undying oath to the king .
tr	2	It is taken with full knowledge of the change that will come .
tr	2	It was the same with me when I first learned of it .
tr	2	Do not feel ashamed and do not think that all things strange are evil .
tr	2	There are many queer creatures that abound in this world which are good and pure .
tr	2	There is much to do this day and a long way to go . "
tr	2	" There are many things which I have never seen , that is true .
tr	2	I am unsure how I may be of help through your trials .
tr	2	If I am to see the wonder of the world I must conquer my fears .
tr	2	For the first time the cave was filled with joy and fellowship .
tr	2	The embers of the fire were dying as the morning sun rose toward the heavens .
tr	2	He sat Clancy down and gently opened the cloak that wrapped his shoulder .
tr	2	Some have great healing powers as those that I picked from the crossroads . "
tr	2	You saw his wound ; you pushed the arrow through his skin . "
tr	2	" Do not let the sight of no hole fool you , my friend .
tr	2	They started down the rocks , the sun now climbing high toward the noon sky .
tr	2	They needed to make the cover of the trees as quickly as possible .
tr	2	Even an experienced warrior could not always guess the moves of another .
tr	2	They worked through the deep woods as quiet as their movement would allow .
tr	2	He crawled inside pushing past the damp , flaking bark and was soon asleep .
tr	2	" How will we go on with him in this condition ? "
tr	2	You will be amazed by him at the end of the day . "
tr	2	" By His Majesty I pray , these tidings could not be worse . "
tr	2	He shuddered and fell to his knees , the knife falling from his hands .
tr	2	" Please let this not be the sign of things to come . "
tr	2	He stayed there a moment looking at the figure sprawled on the ground .
tr	2	" Wake now , dear friend , the time is at hand .
tr	2	Then at last he heard a soft stirring , then an echo .
tr	2	The company was off in a sprint as quickly as Clancy cleared his hiding place .
tr	2	He stood affixed to the ground as if his feet were embedded in granite .
tr	2	" But Mr. Clancy ... " " Do not argue with me .
tr	2	" He will find us , of that you can be sure .
tr	2	Even the most powerful among us may meet with forces or creatures beyond their control .
tr	2	He will return if it is in his power to do so . "
tr	2	" And where might the three of you be off to ? "
tr	2	" Yes , and tell us why you tried to sneak up on us ? "
tr	2	There is a new danger , one that I would not have expected .
tr	2	I may only guess , and by the kings may I be wrong . "
tr	2	However , they could not have achieved such a victory without help . "
tr	2	" You have mentioned your king many times yet have not told us his name .
tr	2	If we are to fight for him , tell us who he might be . "
tr	2	This is the name you will serve if you wish to do so . "
tr	2	The other kingdoms have split their lines and now call themselves kings .
tr	2	We may well be wrong , yet we must plan for the worst .
tr	2	It would seem our best hope is for the Searcher to fulfill his quest . "
tr	2	" You have rarely been wrong in all the years of our friendship , Clancy .
tr	2	They took stock of their belongings for they could little afford to leave anything behind .
tr	2	They were on their own and all they had was on their backs .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy and I must confess , we can go no further . "
tr	2	Here is the stretch where they bend and run toward the sea .
tr	2	" Then we have reached the last leg of our journey ? "
tr	2	This choice you must make for yourselves with no influence on my part . "
tr	2	" My reading of the song of the crystal forces me to be elsewhere . "
tr	2	" What to look for I cannot say , for I have no idea .
tr	2	" Nevertheless , we will go to the mountain summit if help we may . "
tr	2	" All I can say is , you must look to the south . "
tr	2	" We made these back in the cave , Mr. Clancy . "
tr	2	" A fine tool for foraging , or a weapon , if need be . "
tr	2	An outline in the grounds below though I cannot tell the shape of it . "
tr	2	It began just below them at the foothills on which they stood .
tr	2	The outline was a tumble of rock and stone and ditches carved into the landscape .
tr	2	They looked up and beheld the bird of the king in the morning sky .
tr	2	As they looked south , a curtain of light shimmered before them .
tr	2	There was a moment of silence before the black creatures began a hideous laughter .
tr	2	It is you that have come where you do not belong . "
tr	2	The knife struck hard and the creature lay motionless on the ground .
tr	2	They made their way to the southern edge of the small plateau .
tr	2	" There , circling close over the edge of the wastelands . "
tr	2	See there , he is coming down toward those crushed boulders . "
tr	2	This matter is surely in the realm of wizards , " Clancy answered .
tr	2	They checked the trail that led up the hill but there were no others about .
tr	2	Instead , there seemed a score of figures scurrying about where he had been .
tr	2	They have lost something , or , they wish to find something . "
tr	2	They watched the creatures below searching the area as others stood over them .
tr	2	The evil that has come to this land is now looking for you . "
tr	2	" They are waiting below ; you have revealed yourself to them . "
tr	2	The creatures below had now doubled their number swarming over the area like ants .
tr	2	Their filthy carcasses should be cast onto the fires and burnt to a crisp ! "
tr	2	" You will stand down to me or I will rip out your worthless throat !
tr	2	It is you that let him get away , not me . "
tr	2	They had never seen a thicket such as this in the whole of the valley .
tr	2	I have never seen a part of the Dream Valley such as this . "
tr	2	" I am surprised a traveler of your experience does not see the difference .
tr	2	" I fear it is the evil that has invaded our lands . "
tr	2	They were forced to pull their knives and hack a path through the tangled shrubs .
tr	2	I have never seen dead growth in this valley in my lifetime . "
tr	2	It is as if the vines themselves are fleeing the valley . "
tr	2	They decided to make their way back to the low foothills and make camp there .
tr	2	Could it be they have some magic to turn the night airs ? "
tr	2	" Rest well , old friend , you will surely need your strength .
tr	2	" What will become of these foul creatures roaming in our lands ? "
tr	2	" I hope it is not one that has been made in haste .
tr	2	" He has chosen his path in the long distance of years past .
tr	2	Such a serene and peaceful place in his youth , he thought .
tr	2	He stood there staring as if to see the great distance they would now travel .
tr	2	" This will be a rare time we must travel before the new day breaks .
tr	2	We will cross the mouth of the valley before the sun rises .
tr	2	Here your services should be of great value as you know this land so well .
tr	2	He was now sure ; their ways were as strange as he had always heard .
tr	2	Why was he now so sure they were doing the right thing ?
tr	2	Did he have it or was he stopped by the black creatures ?
tr	2	They each took a place on the ground near the low brush .
tr	2	As they sat on the scorched earth they saw in his hand a simple stone .
tr	2	" This is the ... " His head turned again to the stone .
tr	2	It was different now , somehow , though he could not say why .
tr	2	A brilliant light leaped out cloaking his face in a soft white glow .
tr	2	He remained still , not pulling away , fixed to that spot .
tr	2	He will not answer for a moment , but he is fine . "
tr	2	" The crystal is owned by no one , yet it serves .
tr	2	It serves those who would do good in the face of evil . "
tr	2	I did not know what was happening to me , but I was not afraid .
tr	2	" I think it may have , though not in the manner you think .
tr	2	" I am so sorry , I lost my grip on your cloak .
tr	2	" There are large numbers of the black creatures coming up from the wastelands .
tr	2	This was as close as he had ever seen his old friend to genuine fear .
tr	2	To be in their hands meant death , a cruel and lingering death .
tr	2	He had been in a deep and peaceful sleep , his first in several nights .
tr	2	He bent down to study the ground smoothing a patch with his palm .
tr	2	We have very little supplies and a long way to go . "
tr	2	If the opportunity presents itself we should take advantage of it . "
tr	2	They made their way down from the higher foothills into the woodlands .
tr	2	It would offer them the most cover from whatever may be hunting them .
tr	2	They moved slowly at first careful to keep their presence a secret .
tr	2	The forest was scorched as far as they could see in the dim light .
tr	2	Then something stirred within , an emotion he had not felt to this point .
tr	2	" The new evil is not coming to this land , it is already here .
tr	2	There were new tracks in the dirt , those that I do not fully recognize .
tr	2	It may be that is why that area was not wholly burned . "
tr	2	They had walked for several turns when they came to the edge of the woodlands .
tr	2	They may not know where we are , or even that we are here . "
tr	2	Their aim was to blend into the background of the open spaces of the night .
tr	2	Never had they felt so naked , so alone , so vulnerable .
tr	2	They froze in place , their eyes scanning the terrain for movement .
tr	2	He had put his companions in a desperate situation that had threatened their lives .
tr	2	No , he heard a noise behind him , though not a distinct one .
tr	2	Perhaps a shuffling this time , the burnt ground scrapping against feet .
tr	2	If he were right , he would not be seen or heard .
tr	2	He lay there for several seconds as the shuffling sound swept by .
tr	2	He reached them just as a shrill scream pierced the silent darkness .
tr	2	The crumpled form on the ground was limp , face down in the scorched earth .
tr	2	The Searcher charged across the field , his heart pounding in his temples .
tr	2	He reached the figure sprawled on the ground trying to regain its feet .
tr	2	He lowered his head into his hands and wiped his face in silence .
tr	2	" I thought it was ... you were ... a black creature .
tr	2	I thought you were ... " " Fortunately , I was not . "
tr	2	Just as quickly the power that was in this man 's soul shone through .
tr	2	" Dawn will be upon us in only minutes , " Clancy said .
tr	2	" We must make the last of the journey in haste . "
tr	2	I have never seen the like of it in all my travels .
tr	2	I was just looking at it with the handle in my hand .
tr	2	It is beyond that of their kind to have such a skill .
tr	2	They ran as quickly as they could finally reaching the treeline after a half turn .
tr	2	Out of my way or you will die where you stand ! "
tr	2	They walked several yards ahead and there on the ground lay a body face up .
tr	2	Though not cold its body heat had been sapped into the cool ground .
tr	2	The crack was heard throughout the rolling hills in the silence of the predawn night .
tr	2	There was danger out there somewhere , and he had to find its path .
tr	2	He watched silently as the great hunter was quickly lost from sight .
tr	2	They had been on the run now for many hours and they all needed rest .
tr	2	He dismissed that thought and turned to the others asleep on the ground .
tr	2	The three silently eased their way into the thickest and darkest part of the woodlands .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy led them deep into the living growths of the valley .
tr	2	The brush soon gave way to short , fat stumps of thick trees .
tr	2	The walking was treacherous , their ankles and feet turning under them with every step .
tr	2	The growths surrounding him were becoming more dense with each passing moment .
tr	2	The trees seemed to crowd his every step , the roots clutching at his feet .
tr	2	He fell , his head crashing to the ground , bouncing off a rotten log .
tr	2	I am afraid you will feel these effects for several days to come . "
tr	2	" He may indeed , " Clancy said , " he may indeed . "
tr	2	My muscles tightened up those few moments we slept in the brush .
tr	2	They had walked more than a full turn and it was now time to rest .
tr	2	They chose a small clearing hidden deep within the folds of the lower hills .
tr	2	A black creature landed on top of him , its foul odor filling his nostrils .
tr	2	He turned hearing screaming behind him as a dark figure closed in .
tr	2	" You seem not so sore as you were just minutes ago .
tr	2	" We must now leave and look for a place to rest . "
tr	2	It would not do well to have them discovered while we are near . "
tr	2	The light , even to the eyes of black creatures , would give them away .
tr	2	Again , the lower foothills would seem to hold the most promise .
tr	2	It would be difficult to climb but easy to defend if it came to that .
tr	2	" It is always my intention to stay out of trouble , Mr. Clancy . "
tr	2	" It was not your habit as a boy , my young friend . "
tr	2	" And what young boy do you know of this not to be true ? "
tr	2	Rest as you watch , you will be the better for it . "
tr	2	" I heard something , though I could not make out the words . "
tr	2	" It was as if a strange tongue came from his lips .
tr	2	I do not intend to stay awake longer than I need . "
tr	2	Now , he had not the strength to throw a rock from this ledge .
tr	2	He peered , straining so hard he almost toppled over the edge .
tr	2	A spot in the sky seemed to be growing ever so slightly .
tr	2	He looked around to see if there was something he could use as a signal .
tr	2	He saw a short , squat plant with large leaves burrowed into the rocks .
tr	2	He stood there waving his flag for a good five minutes but to no avail .
tr	2	But for some reason he stopped and let his lungs slowly deflate .
tr	2	He grew hesitant as his face became flushed , his hands suddenly cold .
tr	2	Then from the west another dark shape streaked from high above slamming into the first .
tr	2	The first shape fell some distance out of control and then leveled out .
tr	2	The second looped high into the airs and dove again back toward the other .
tr	2	The first obviously wounded , would not be able to withstand another charge .
tr	2	The second creature flew high circling the other as it rose , then dove .
tr	2	The other remained high in the airs swirling back and forth aloft on the breezes .
tr	2	We will be no more and the northern realms will fall into war . "
tr	2	They watched never taking their eyes from it as they stepped backward in unison .
tr	2	Their backs were now against the hard rock of the cleft with nowhere to run .
tr	2	He looked up from his knees and spoke to the figure towering above him .
tr	2	The danger had passed and there was much to tell , and much to explain .
tr	2	If they blundered into one scout or spy there could be others about .
tr	2	There were definite advantages to being able to fly above your enemies .
tr	2	I do not know why we were not seen crossing the lower stretches . "
tr	2	Remember the song tells it can be seen from a high point .
tr	2	It was then a sparkle leaped from the rubble on the ground to my eye .
tr	2	As I flew again over the mouth of the valley the shimmering curtain reappeared .
tr	2	" So , this is why they have come to our lands . "
tr	2	It was as a vulture , large and black that circled the murky skies .
tr	2	Had I not defeated it most surely you would have been found . "
tr	2	It is best when one can see what one is fighting for . "
tr	2	" I believe it may have taken hold of one of them . "
tr	2	There is a power which surges through him that I had not seen before .
tr	2	He has seen the power of the crystal and it is growing in him .
tr	2	" The language is known to me though I know not what the words mean .
tr	2	" When we were attacked by the black creatures after the crossing .
tr	2	It was my belief the Searcher would be the wielder of power . "
tr	2	It is not for men to choose the way of the crystal .
tr	2	I do not know its full power or what it may do to him . "
tr	2	Though they were rested physically , mentally it was not so true .
tr	2	The army of black creatures should be well ahead of them now .
tr	2	The next wave coming across the desolation of the wastelands would be to their rear .
tr	2	They cleaned their campsite scattering the ashes from their earlier fire to the winds .
tr	2	They would use this trough to cover their path for several leagues .
tr	2	Every green and living thing had been burned , scorched and trampled .
tr	2	After four turns they had covered a scant three leagues so they stopped to rest .
tr	2	* * * " Again , you have returned to me with nothing . "
tr	2	They sat back and led from the rear as cowards will always do .
tr	2	With all their powers they still could fall to the edge of a sharp sword .
tr	2	The sentry lowered his weapon snapping the butt of it to the ground in salute .
tr	2	It was not so much a gesture of respect as one of self-preservation .
tr	2	He arrived at his tent where a guard was standing at the open flap .
tr	2	" Assemble these scum and have them ready to march in half a turn .
tr	2	The day will come slug , and he will trouble us no more . "
tr	2	" If someone should hear you speak this , you will die .
tr	2	Now go and do as he says , or he will kill you . "
tr	2	All the army knew its meaning , another call to move on .
tr	2	He gave no thought that he was not going off to face an army .
tr	2	His forces spread out in all directions advancing in an arc moving north .
tr	2	What would those pitiful things do if they were to find them ?
tr	2	They were not good soldiers only cowardly spies and of little use to him .
tr	2	They stood in place straining to hear , what , they did not know .
tr	2	I hear nothing , only the sound of the wind through the branches . "
tr	2	They are certainly more concerned with what might be ahead of them . "
tr	2	They have never been here and may not know what to expect .
tr	2	" They will most certainly pillage all around them , " Mr. Clancy answered .
tr	2	It is something I would not have expected from you after all these years .
tr	2	They stayed in the well-defined trench as they walked , turn by turn .
tr	2	It was time to rest , their backs and limbs tired from the long march .
tr	2	The others burrowed themselves deeply into the rocks for a much needed rest .
tr	2	A lot of good this will do me , he thought as his mind raced .
tr	2	" You have not introduced our friends , have you Clancy ? "
tr	2	" There is much to discuss Clancy , let us talk over breakfast .
tr	2	" I think we will risk a small fire , just enough to cook by .
tr	2	Breakfast was quickly made and just as quickly finished , the meal small but satisfying .
tr	2	" He is older than any being I have ever met , I think .
tr	2	When I look into his eyes I seem to hear his thoughts .
tr	2	We have new information and must decide our next course of action . "
tr	2	" Our pace was slowed by the path we have taken through the night .
tr	2	All three hung their heads in silence staring blankly into the ground .
tr	2	It is a path we have freely chosen and one we must follow .
tr	2	The morning meal being finished they turned their attentions to the matters at hand .
tr	2	It was a land now scorched beyond recognition , burned and trampled .
tr	2	It would have to be a quick sortie , in and out .
tr	2	Then they would cross the mountains and make their way to the Barrier Forest .
tr	2	The sun rose and splashed the lower valley with long , brilliant streaks of light .
tr	2	But in the meantime we must be on our guard as before . "
tr	2	They would make the southern end of the Middle Valley just before dawn .
tr	2	He knew them well , and he would not let his friends down .
tr	2	They had reached the northern edge of this extension of the mountains .
tr	2	My best frame of reference will only be groups moving to and fro .
tr	2	I will not be able to spy small patrols in the deep shadows .
tr	2	I shall not be gone long , perhaps a half turn . "
tr	2	There could be no fire as they were too close to their enemies ' camps .
tr	2	" I do not know though I think he has been summoned .
tr	2	I hate them , always poking their noses in places it doesn 't belong .
tr	2	" I told you once before , talk like that could get us both killed .
tr	2	Do as you please , just leave me out of your little scheme .
tr	2	I have no desire to have my head hung from a war banner . "
tr	2	If we should meet any trouble there will be little time to avoid it . "
tr	2	He had never been in such a situation in all his life .
tr	2	He did not want to be the next secret victim of his lords .
tr	2	" I see no evidence of victory on your part , fool .
tr	2	We have swept through the lands of our enemies and crushed their homeland . "
tr	2	You pitiful fools have marched an army of wolves through a land of sheep .
tr	2	" But Lord , " Karsh answered shakily , " he is but one man .
tr	2	He had never been able to penetrate the darkness shrouded beneath those robes .
tr	2	Only one scouting party had given them any trouble , fairly well organized and alert .
tr	2	Here and there he had brief conversations with Clancy yet even those were few .
tr	2	It brought back memories of travels with Clancy in days gone by .
tr	2	He knew the land where the others did not , the trails and pitfalls .
tr	2	He had taken them unto himself and not rejected the leadership or the responsibility .
tr	2	" We have reached the point where I am no longer able to lead .
tr	2	The others had been so weary they had failed to notice their surroundings .
tr	2	The others looked across a rolling field through a narrow band of trees .
tr	2	If there indeed were troops stumbling about it would be a short sprint .
tr	2	" Something moved , dropped from sight beyond the second hill into the low spot .
tr	2	Their voices went silent as four pairs of eyes studied the hillside , waiting .
tr	2	They had come too far , struggled too long to back away .
tr	2	The figure rose up before them stopping but a few steps away .
tr	2	His house was torn and burned , his fields raped ; he had nothing .
tr	2	There may also be some blankets stored there from the winter months . "
tr	2	They looked at each other quickly then went about their assigned tasks .
tr	2	What could he have here that would be useful to us , he thought ?
tr	2	He could tell by the shape and feel the sack held more than one item .
tr	2	" Open it and you shall likely see that which is familiar . "
tr	2	Gently , he laid open the first fold of the cloth , then the second .
tr	2	The Searcher looked down again at the items folded in the cloth .
tr	2	He studied them in turn , carefully placing them in their proper order .
tr	2	I do not believe Clancy would part with these of his own free will .
tr	2	I ask you again , how did you come by these ? "
tr	2	" Whatever the reason , I am most grateful for your sudden recollection . "
tr	2	" These are the finest crafted swords in all the known world .
tr	2	" Something you have been missing for many a year , old friend .
tr	2	" We have gathered all the remaining food and clothing we could manage .
tr	2	Clancy carefully reached down and unfolded the cloth revealing the hard , bright steel .
tr	2	To their surprise he let out a hearty laugh as his eyes began to water .
tr	2	It was the best thing they could have experienced in the midst of life-altering destruction .
tr	2	On this particular occasion however , it appears the joke was on him .
tr	2	The word was dutifully obeyed and the small company gathered what they had salvaged .
tr	2	He had vanished as quickly as he had appeared , just when they needed him .
tr	2	It was as if he sensed their need and scouted ahead knowing what danger awaited .
tr	2	There would be thousands of them they could see and thousands they could not .
tr	2	The black ones were a destructive lot by nature but their patterns were different .
tr	2	Unable to come to any certain conclusions stubbornly drove the thoughts from his mind .
tr	2	They needed to see more , but they could not move closer .
tr	2	He called a halt to the march knowing a brief respite would do them well .
tr	2	They were tired and sore , barely able to keep to their feet .
tr	2	He had discovered a valiant people filled with hope and courage , strength and spirit .
tr	2	He stood and walked to the north side alone , and wept .
tr	2	" I do not understand why I had not thought of this before .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy stepped back allowing the other two to make their choice .
tr	2	He chose a blade with the markings of a sail crossed with sleek wings .
tr	2	" You my friend are left with the sword of the Eastern Kingdom . "
tr	2	" That which you have chosen is the sword of the Western Sea Kingdom .
tr	2	" How would such a small sword help one in open battle ? "
tr	2	Each of these are the last defense of the kings they protect .
tr	2	" Strong of blade and firm of hilt , there are no finer . "
tr	2	He is not the same as before , not since the light washed his face .
tr	2	He is changing and in him is the power of the light .
tr	2	His two companions watched impatiently , annoyed to still be up this late at night .
tr	2	I do not relish being kept away from my own tent and my own bunk .
tr	2	" How do you propose we find this , ' searcher ' ?
tr	2	There are those that would have your head for a remark against me . "
tr	2	There can be only one ; all the rest are these strange folk .
tr	2	Yours will also accompany mine and someone else will command your armies . "
tr	2	I would have no grief to see your head strung high upon a banner . "
tr	2	It would also be that much easier for them to be seen .
tr	2	The sun broke across the mountains and washed the sky with a brilliant hue .
tr	2	It was a look they had not seen upon him to this point .
tr	2	Once we arrive at the forest , the next course we choose shall be yours .
tr	2	" Well , I am glad someone offers me a say in matters . "
tr	2	He wanted to do something other than simply walk along looking at the ground .
tr	2	The bright sun lit their way through the shadows deep in the woods .
tr	2	It was a welcome change from the overcast skies that had encumbered them .
tr	2	They were nearly half way up the eastern side of the Middle Valley .
tr	2	The danger would be minimal compared to running openly from the black creatures .
tr	2	There are few places in all the lands I have not been .
tr	2	Even into the depths of the Great Southern Wastelands have I traveled .
tr	2	They took one last rest just two turns from the foot of the mountain .
tr	2	We had better push on and try to cover ourselves in the night . "
tr	2	I could catch but a few short glimpses of him as he moved .
tr	2	I believe he knew of us but then moved off in another direction . "
tr	2	" In any event , it is time for us to move on .
tr	2	If we are indeed being followed we should remove ourselves from sight .
tr	2	Darkness will arrive shortly ; it will be our best cover . "
tr	2	* * * " Is there any word from the scouts ? "
tr	2	" Near the arc as the trees run toward the upper valley , sir . "
tr	2	" They are afraid to enter the hills , my lord . "
tr	2	The guards reappeared minutes later at attention , their backs ramrod straight .
tr	2	He stormed around throwing nearly everything he could get his hands on .
tr	2	Finally , red-faced and sweating hard , he slumped to his chair .
tr	2	If I could I would kill every one of them myself . "
tr	2	" Direct half the scouting parties to concentrate their search in the mountains .
tr	2	Half of them will take the western range , the others the eastern . "
tr	2	Many had been found , torn and mutilated , often beyond recognition .
tr	2	They shared a meal , warm and filling and settled in for the night .
tr	2	" You have had counsel with him many times , have you not ? "
tr	2	Only the people of the kingdom and outsiders are brought forth in this fashion .
tr	2	Members of his army and those of the palace are not addressed in this manner .
tr	2	They are brought to the Chamber of Counsels off the main hall .
tr	2	We will march directly to the palace and take council with His Majesty . "
tr	2	The night grew darker still and they chose the watch for the night .
tr	2	Even the slightest mistake could mean never seeing the wondrous palace he dreamed of .
tr	2	He could reach out with his mind somehow seeing all that was about them .
tr	2	It would take a master woodsman to discover some sign of a disturbed area .
tr	2	They plotted out the course as best as they could from this vantage point .
tr	2	It would be different for him here on the mountain 's face .
tr	2	The company would have little time to search and no time to bury him .
tr	2	" I am fine , just slipped when I was trotting up the trail . "
tr	2	" Well , I think your job for the moment is no longer needed .
tr	2	I do not think there will be anyone trying to observe us on the mountain .
tr	2	" Have you reached a decision in this matter , my fine fellows ? "
tr	2	If I remember correctly there is a shallow trough higher up after the ledges .
tr	2	If one would fall there was no solid object for any of them to grab .
tr	2	His weight would give the others assurance the rock would not crumble beneath them .
tr	2	It was his nature to scout dangerous places and to keep others from harm .
tr	2	It had been a long time since he had done anything like this .
tr	2	He was sweating profusely under the strain , as were they all .
tr	2	" I do not think that is what he means , Clancy . "
tr	2	" Another of those black birds to the west ; far off . "
tr	2	After a few minutes he was able to regain his composure and follow the others .
tr	2	The final hundred yards had taken longer than a full turn to traverse .
tr	2	Each hit the rocks across the gap and scrambled up onto a small plateau .
tr	2	If it had come closer we would have been easily spotted . "
tr	2	" But you could have defeated it as you did the last one . "
tr	2	I do not know if I could defeat another if the odds were equal .
tr	2	It looks as if it is searching for something ; most likely us .
tr	2	We could not have chosen a more opportune time to begin this crossing .
tr	2	" Spit it out slug , I have no time for your guessing games ! "
tr	2	Bring me what news you can of your search after the sun falls .
tr	2	Now be off with you , I have work to do . "
tr	2	He , and only he would deliver any news of the company he was tracking .
tr	2	He reached his posted sentry after less than a full turns walk .
tr	2	Clancy looked up to the summit that was now in full view .
tr	2	We must hurry on if we are to make this pass successful .
tr	2	It brought forth a new lightness of heart and a clear purpose in their minds .
tr	2	The others took slight notice thinking only he was stronger than they had believed .
tr	2	His tired body plunged forward , his feet catching a wayward root throwing him down .
tr	2	They trudged on for a half turn just to escape the shadows of the mountain .
tr	2	He was sure this would be his final look upon his homeland .
tr	2	Finally , he rolled on to his side and slid off his pack .
tr	2	" Very well then , I 'll take the first watch . "
tr	2	Might as well keep watch in front of a warm fire , he thought .
tr	2	He had even managed to hunt up some seasonings from this rocky place .
tr	2	They were rested and fully fed the first time in what seemed days .
tr	2	They felt almost at peace but it was now time to move on .
tr	2	Again , the fire was buried and all traces of their encampment brushed away .
tr	2	Perhaps one day he would return to this land to seek out its mysteries .
tr	2	Do not be fooled by the lightheadedness you feel in these spaces .
tr	2	We young ones should still listen to our elders , I suppose . "
tr	2	After all , he had chided them long enough about their youthful outlook on life .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy dutifully hoisted his pack and started off , the others quickly following .
tr	2	" I think it is time for us to rest and have a meal .
tr	2	From this point on I believe we should make all efforts to conserve our supplies .
tr	2	We do not know when we will have a chance to replenish them . "
tr	2	They had never been in a position that called for such measures .
tr	2	This site only served to let them know they were headed in the right direction .
tr	2	They gathered their packs and left the cool shade of the low trees .
tr	2	" Keep walking with me but clear your mind and close your eyes .
tr	2	Try to see if one of your visions will give you the answer . "
tr	2	As he walked he cleared his mind to the openness that was around them .
tr	2	He came from the line of low hills and the shadows behind them .
tr	2	It would only lead to our own deaths and the end of the quest . "
tr	2	He knew they were right ; it would be their only hope .
tr	2	The wolf let out a low somber howl , a moan it seemed .
tr	2	Looking back he could just make out the forms he was leaving behind .
tr	2	How easy it would be for them to blunder into a trap .
tr	2	He chose the next line of hills west and made for them .
tr	2	That will make it easier , but he is quick as flame . "
tr	2	" Wait then to see if it passes again , passes low .
tr	2	" Yes , it would be good to have some fresh meat .
tr	2	I am tired of the stores these pitiful folk have in their land .
tr	2	The giant hawk swung around and then climbed high in the bright sky .
tr	2	" Too bad , he would have been good for the stomach .
tr	2	If he returns , I shall have at least one shot at him . "
tr	2	His strength all but gone , he fell again back to the ground .
tr	2	Dizzy and tired he closed his eyes tight and tried to relax .
tr	2	The struggle to fully open his eyes was all he could manage and nothing more .
tr	2	Even the small sliver of light was too much and he closed his eyes again .
tr	2	The effort was too much to bear and again he faded away .
tr	2	Again the pain was too much to absorb and he fell away to darkness .
tr	2	What if they had stayed in the valleys as some of the others had said ?
tr	2	It would end his plans , and his career , and most probably his life .
tr	2	The others are dead , shredded as if by a hundred arrows . "
tr	2	He lay back again stifling a scream welling up in his gut .
tr	2	He was racing not for his own life but for that of another .
tr	2	How many of the Searchers had he helped to solve this puzzle ?
tr	2	The sun had passed its midpoint more than a full turn past .
tr	2	He was nearly exhausted , running for long stretches at a time .
tr	2	A sense of urgency overwhelmed him ; he knew he could wait no longer .
tr	2	He could not waste the time to travel the path he had once taken .
tr	2	The quest had come to an end , and with it his life .
tr	2	Surely the others could not carry on with his charge against such odds as these .
tr	2	He reached slowly with his left hand trying not to disturb his covering .
tr	2	Where was his unknown ally , the one that had covered him ?
tr	2	He knew he could expect no help ; he would die here .
tr	2	He could hear them clearly now , their feet scratching at the rocky ground .
tr	2	The branches suddenly began moving bouncing back and forth on top of him .
tr	2	" Well , old friend , what do you think our chances are ? "
tr	2	It rose upward , out to his arm , splintered just above his body .
tr	2	It would slow their pace , though it could not be helped .
tr	2	They would have to take shelter in the mountains one more night .
tr	2	Bring it up here and we will use it for cover . "
tr	2	" But please try to be careful , it is quite dark . "
tr	2	They could little afford to call out , as any sound could reveal their position .
tr	2	Then , after a few moments , they heard him trotting across the lower ledge .
tr	2	It was late , the night sky clear and full of stars .
tr	2	It would be a good day to travel , if circumstances had been different .
tr	2	Twice they were forced to stop when he could no longer hold on .
tr	2	The greatest of the Searchers was cold and wounded and possibly near his death .
tr	2	Straight up the edge of the wilderness fields tore the white wolf and his charge .
tr	2	They would not be able to catch him , in any event .
tr	2	They made their way along the corridors scouting every turn , peering over every bluff .
tr	2	It was hard on the body , and hard on the spirit as well .
tr	2	They stopped for perhaps half a turn at midday for a short meal .
tr	2	Their progress was slow , yet they had managed to avoid all but two patrols .
tr	2	It had cost them several turns of light and more than a few miles .
tr	2	They discussed the matter for several minutes and their course was decided .
tr	2	The only way was to make a dash for the forest , and hope .
tr	2	Each step would have to be forward , not up or to the side .
tr	2	Dusk had come and they had covered more ground than they would have believed .
tr	2	They would not stay in the hills ; they could not risk the openness .
tr	2	This land they all knew and with luck , it would also serve them well .
tr	2	They reached the rim of the great forest and stumbled blindly forward .
tr	2	Even trails one should know so well are not easily traveled in utter darkness .
tr	2	They would make their way deep into the woods and camp for the night .
tr	2	They kept together as best they could , though it was difficult .
tr	2	There was no horizon to follow yet they knew they were moving toward something .
tr	2	What , they could not tell for as they moved a faint glow became evident .
tr	2	It was directly in their path and it grew more intense with each step .
tr	2	It surged out from the center and cut a wide arc across their path .
tr	2	Drawn on by their own curiosity they crept forward , keeping low and hidden .
tr	2	If only he were here he could soar above the light and spy for us .
tr	2	But he is not , and we should not be here either . "
tr	2	His hands lay on his lap , his legs folded beneath , quiet and peaceful .
tr	2	The others were quickly to his side , Mr. Clancy hovering over him .
tr	2	Let us leave for now but remember , one day we will return .
tr	2	They could no longer move north even though the light was well ahead of them .
tr	2	Deep in the brush under the canopy of night , Mr. Clancy called a halt .
tr	2	He would have to pass this piece of information on to the others .
tr	2	Could he have been mistaken , his mind and ears playing tricks on him ?
tr	2	If they were charged they would not have any chance to either fight or flee .
tr	2	They may have to make their stand here , in the Barrier Forest .
tr	2	He bounded across the few yards to the hollow , massive tree hiding the others .
tr	2	He hit flesh with the blade before it struck the hollow bark .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy would have to fend for himself , for the moment .
tr	2	He buried the old blade deeply as the form above him fell limply on top .
tr	2	They charged toward the sound of the battle unable to see what was happening .
tr	2	They righted themselves and took the first steps forward , then stopped .
tr	2	The two swords came up for their defense sure they would be the next victims .
tr	2	" His business is our business but this is not the place or the time .
tr	2	Mr. Clancy seemed to know what they were going to find and he became silent .
tr	2	The quest was in grave jeopardy ; the Searcher was near death .
tr	2	" There may be only one hope for all of us . "
tr	2	His gaze returned to the two locked together by forces he did not understand .
tr	2	" By the king himself , I have never seen the like .
tr	2	My apologies sir , I would not dare to confront a wizard such as yourself .
tr	2	He has made reference to ' the stronghold ' and ' the blue one ' .
tr	2	He is no ally to the race of the northern men . "
tr	2	If it is what he desires , this is where we shall go .
tr	2	This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people .
tr	2	I pointed towards the article , and he motioned for the paper .
tr	2	He knifed the policeman in the chest and took to his heels .
tr	2	For months , news from the Continent had been spooling through the English papers .
tr	2	Hunger was rampant , and the excesses from before the French Revolution were returning .
tr	2	In the German states , in Austria , and throughout France , anger was brewing .
tr	2	The article had unsettled me , perhaps more than it had Logan .
tr	2	Logan was a Viscount and I a commoner , only his friend .
tr	2	The nearby sound of gulls filled the silence left by the engine 's rest .
tr	2	I smiled over at Logan and gave a chipper " Shall we ? "
tr	2	before standing and ushering myself out of Compartment 12A and onto the bustling Dover platform .
tr	2	In the distance , we could hear the chaotic sounds from the wharf .
tr	2	Finally , I found him along the portside rail of our vessel .
tr	2	While I had seen the expansive ocean before , this particular view was gorgeous .
tr	2	Ahead , wave after rolling wave painted the movable mass of the sea .
tr	2	Beneath us , I could feel all the power of those waves .
tr	2	The two of us stood transfixed as we gazed upon all these wonders .
tr	2	" You do know how to make a scene , don 't you Nathaniel ? "
tr	2	I bowed playfully and jumped back as his kick cut through the air .
tr	2	Opening my eyes the next morning , I immediately noted the decrease in movement .
tr	2	It seemed that this voyage would involve a lot of monotonous travel .
tr	2	" Behave yourself ; wouldn 't want you to get shot by some gendarme . "
tr	2	I saw several men , lawyers by their attire , arguing over some point .
tr	2	And of course , Logan and I took to the city manically .
tr	2	The majestic part of a Grand Tour is that schedules and timetables are superfluous .
tr	2	Logan and I were to be abroad for at least a year , perhaps longer .
tr	2	In that city of extensive wonders , time was easy to forget .
tr	2	We spent days practicing the language among the friendly , raucous venders along the Seine .
tr	2	The majesty and overwhelming power of such a land continues to stagger my mind .
tr	2	I hoped he would just walk by , but he angled right towards us .
tr	2	" We don 't have any extra money , our apologies . "
tr	2	With the price of bread so high , we can barely eat . "
tr	2	I tried to talk , but couldn 't come up with anything .
tr	2	As we rounded a corner in the street , he turned to me .
tr	2	For centuries , the kings and queens of France had basked amid their glory .
tr	2	The chateau itself is impossible to fully describe to one who has never seen it .
tr	2	Maybe she was calling to the laborers ; I 'm not sure .
tr	2	And it didn 't take an artist or scholar to know what would happen next .
tr	2	Before I could ask , he moved , rushing into the next room .
tr	2	He ran to a window , leaning out and sucking in the fresh air .
tr	2	Then it caught me , and I slapped him on the back .
tr	2	" Logan , you and your family are nothing like these kings .
tr	2	You 've ... you 've adopted a peasant family for heaven 's sake .
tr	2	" Doesn 't that make you an exception to the rule ? "
tr	2	People like your family are bred to rule for everyone 's benefit .
tr	2	Your grandfather fought France to stop such bilge , for heaven 's sake . "
tr	2	You 're the reason they slave for the ' better ' classes .
tr	2	" You 're not a noble , " he said , not unkindly .
tr	2	" I ... " The impressive luster of the gilded room died .
tr	2	I couldn 't breathe in the stuffy palace , so we went outside .
tr	2	They weren 't dead of course , but I couldn 't tell from their appearance .
tr	2	They begged every passerby for a crust and received nothing but curses .
tr	2	" That beggar who asked us for money ... He was telling the truth .
tr	2	I looked down and felt sick , but our carriage kept rolling .
tr	2	Guilt , anger , helplessness -- all could attempt to explain how we felt .
tr	2	We 'd be shamed out of our homes if we returned now .
tr	2	" And go knife someone , the first gendarme we find ? "
tr	2	The French started it years ago , but rich bastards like us put them down .
tr	2	" It 's not the same in England as in France , " I countered .
tr	2	" And how does anyone , especially two men like us , change that ? "
tr	2	And all the other men who brought down the king fifty years ago . "
tr	2	And now , in the immediate future , what are we supposed to do ? "
tr	2	" Ah , pure , definite planning ... ' change something . ' "
tr	2	He folded his hands and set a bowler hat next to my wine .
tr	2	Inset into the medal was a Christian cross , bisecting the diamond 's angles .
tr	2	His English was accented , but I didn 't believe he came originally from France .
tr	2	My eyes flashed , and Logan 's arms began to quiver , his face livid .
tr	2	It 's in your blood , and it 's your duty . "
tr	2	Students murdering in the streets and nobles feigning some sort of guilt complex .
tr	2	Not a sound carried throughout the room ; all conversation had stopped .
tr	2	The minute the other man spoke , the location of their accents came to me .
tr	2	He had the same lilting inflection as our dinner guest , only more pronounced .
tr	2	It 'll be pistols , traditional form , at sunset tomorrow , " I said .
tr	2	We set a location and departed from each other 's company without another word .
tr	2	* * * * * I found my friend lounging about in our lodgings .
tr	2	His arms drooped from unbuttoned sleeves and an uncorked bottle lay nearby .
tr	2	" There 's always one of them to spoil the fun . "
tr	2	He tossed the bottle towards me , oblivious and forgetting to cork it first .
tr	2	I managed to collect the bottle before the Bordeaux stained the rug too much .
tr	2	Then , taking a long pull , I swallowed the drink without tasting .
tr	2	He didn 't appear nervous , but I couldn 't be certain .
tr	2	But not while drunk ; I passed the Bordeaux back to him .
tr	2	" Remember how ' formulating ' this trip was supposed to be ? "
tr	2	The wine hadn 't gotten to me yet , and I was still thinking clearly .
tr	2	For centuries , men had been killing each other in a tradition to recover honor .
tr	2	Regardless of its qualities , the duel was not a light venture to undertake .
tr	2	If their shots missed , each gun would be reloaded and they 'd try again .
tr	2	These thoughts must have weighed on Logan 's mind too , despite the drink .
tr	2	You 'll bring my body home and let them know , won 't you ? "
tr	2	The haughty grin on his face broke , and he couldn 't keep from laughing .
tr	2	Chapter IV The setting sun dropped once more towards the horizon , surrendering her heat .
tr	2	Our carriage clipped up dirt and gravel as its wheels cascaded down the worn path .
tr	2	We were late , and it was not proper for a duel .
tr	2	His lengthy selection of new dueling pistols had been the cause of our tardiness .
tr	2	Crossing my arms , I looked past him out the carriage window .
tr	2	" You just act like a proper second , and we 'll be fine . "
tr	2	Fuchs and Logan had each retreated to their own empty patch in the tall grass .
tr	2	He turned at the sound , and we clasped arms in solidarity .
tr	2	I retreated from my friend and took up a cautious position next to our carriage .
tr	2	The other second stood by me , his arms crossed across his chest .
tr	2	I couldn 't hear the little man 's words , but I knew the meaning .
tr	2	The duel would continue until someone was hit , even if multiple shots were needed .
tr	2	I clamped my hands together behind my back to quit their twitching .
tr	2	Logan whipped his head about and I could see terror on his face .
tr	2	Logan was crouching amid the grass , and the doctor stood above him .
tr	2	As he twitched about , I prepared another weapon and passed it to Logan .
tr	2	I kept my gaze steady on Logan , ignoring the countdown and Fuchs .
tr	2	At first , I couldn 't find him ; the man was gone .
tr	2	Fuchs ' second lumbered forward as well , and I checked my urge to follow .
tr	2	" Don 't get ahead of yourself , " he replied sagely .
tr	2	I thrust the brandy into his palm and forced him to drink .
tr	2	As the first drops trickled down his throat , he shrank into himself .
tr	2	I stood and ambled about the room , searching for yet another bottle .
tr	2	Suddenly the glass window nearby shattered as a rock flew through the pane .
tr	2	A sheepish grin crept his face as he dove again towards his trunk .
tr	2	" Besides , I don 't think weapons will be needed . "
tr	2	Signed , Your friend ' ... And what 're we to make of that ? "
tr	2	He ticked the questions off one by one on his thin fingers .
tr	2	Maybe a ball or two will lighten our mood , " I said .
tr	2	" Just be thankful for now , and maybe we 'll discover everything later . "
tr	2	His brow remained furrowed , but he tossed the rock into a trunk .
tr	2	Together , we hauled our trunks down the stairs and deposited them upon the landing .
tr	2	His voice in the darkness surprised me ; the moon was a sliver .
tr	2	" Besides , we took care of them last time , didn 't we ? "
tr	2	Turning , I made my way back down the street towards our rooms .
tr	2	Figures jumped out of the waiting coach and crept towards the building .
tr	2	We 'd left the massive things at the foot of the stairs .
tr	2	Ducking through various alleyways and backstreets , we paused to take stock of our position .
tr	2	" What 's a Grand Tour without a bit of adventure ? "
tr	2	Of course , the cloaked men had been seeking us at our lodgings .
tr	2	Would we need to travel from city to city , watching over our shoulders ?
tr	2	When I mentioned it , Logan mirrored my thoughts but raised a valid point .
tr	2	First , they could wait for us at our rooms , hoping we 'll return .
tr	2	Or second , they might try to find us at the train station .
tr	2	" There won 't be a train to Rome at this time of night .
tr	2	They 'll have the entire night to set up any ambush they want . "
tr	2	The Parisian police were becoming more intrusive in order to prevent similar incidents .
tr	2	" It wouldn 't hurt to be ready for an attack though . "
tr	2	I pointed towards a public placard listing certain train times , and our luck held .
tr	2	Even so , we kept watch , alternating sleep for the rest of the night .
tr	2	A small group walked towards the waiting locomotive , and the city woke around us .
tr	2	The last few passengers ducked aboard , and still , we remained .
tr	2	Sucking in one last breath , we dashed , all the world like champion athletes .
tr	2	Throwing ourselves up the platform , we hurtled towards our departing train .
tr	2	Logan glanced behind him and redoubled his pace , outrunning me towards our escape .
tr	2	Nonetheless , we walked the length of the passenger cars to no avail .
tr	2	It seemed as private a compartment as any , so Logan followed .
tr	2	Unless my sight was very much mistaken , that was Fuchs ' second . "
tr	2	" And hopefully that 'll be the last we see of any of them . "
tr	2	However possible it is , there 's very little chance they 'll find us again .
tr	2	" Nathaniel , there 's no way they 'll find us again .
tr	2	" Then let 's pray to God they don 't receive one . "
tr	2	At that moment , a harsh , humorless chuckle filled the compartment .
tr	2	My friend 's eyes furrowed , and I could feel my irritation growing as well .
tr	2	As one , we turned and regarded our apparently sleeping companion within the room .
tr	2	Staring up at him from my seat , it was clear that he was tall .
tr	2	He was young , broad-shouldered , and meticulously dressed in a pale , tailored suit .
tr	2	Southern to be more specific , and South Carolinian to be exact .
tr	2	You don 't need to hear some dandy drabble on about his own woes .
tr	2	Again , the look of deepest loss clouded his eyes , and it startled me .
tr	2	Don 't mistake me -- he is the epitome of Southern gentility .
tr	2	He would never dream of hitting a woman , least of all my mother .
tr	2	This American had a charming way about him , despite his sad words .
tr	2	My father inherited a bit of land from my grandfather and about a dozen slaves .
tr	2	On the other hand , I am , well , rather bookish . "
tr	2	" My studies have always been the joke of the family , especially my father .
tr	2	He continually nags about the need to actually accomplish something with my life .
tr	2	Besides , my father always reminds me that I 'm the second son .
tr	2	Pledging this , I left home , and told my family very little .
tr	2	My path wound through the fields and lonely hills until it reached New Orleans .
tr	2	We met after I read my latest story to a crowded salon .
tr	2	Women don 't act like that , ' she said nervously but firmly .
tr	2	I fell incredibly , madly , hotly , passionately in love with her .
tr	2	I cannot express the elation , the pure bliss of that moment !
tr	2	Her parents had died early , and she lived with a spinster grandmother .
tr	2	Her fate was her own , and she was overjoyed to marry me .
tr	2	I , for one , could see where the man 's story headed .
tr	2	I ached for him as he cleared his throat and pressed onward .
tr	2	My sisters rushed me , clinging to my frame while my mother smiled .
tr	2	He did not even acknowledge that sweet angel I loved so dearly .
tr	2	In horror , I looked at him to see if I had misheard .
tr	2	Behind me , a delicate sniffle rent the air and tore my heart .
tr	2	She was trying so hard , but her frame was beginning to shake .
tr	2	I rushed to her , and clasped her in my arms . '
tr	2	" Get that out of my home , ' I heard again . "
tr	2	I know within my soul that I 'd have shot him had I the chance .
tr	2	I spoke nothing more of my family , and another year passed . "
tr	2	He spread his arms wide , indicating the empty seats near him .
tr	2	Sweat dripped through her black tresses , and her face was flushed beyond recognition .
tr	2	Still she held on , the throbbing of her veins a mirror of my sorrow .
tr	2	The beads of sweat dropped from her forehead as prayers fell from my lips . "
tr	2	More , unnoticed tears were pooling in the man 's haunted face .
tr	2	Lilly Porter died in my arms that night , and I died too .
tr	2	Lilly 's waiting , but I cannot bring myself to take my own life .
tr	2	" The sales from my books have left me the fortune I wanted .
tr	2	Maybe one day , one day soon , I will meet Lilly again .
tr	2	The insanity of our last moments in Paris was still a little overwhelming .
tr	2	They can 't simply abandon their lives to come chase us down .
tr	2	It lets a person in one city contact another person with relative ease .
tr	2	Perhaps those men might take offense to Fuchs ' death as well .
tr	2	From what you say , they sound altogether dangerous and impulsive . "
tr	2	Gentle , rolling fields were filled with farmers and their families all hard at work .
tr	2	We eventually left the green valleys of France and began climbing upwards .
tr	2	Blinding snow whipped around us as the train heaved itself up the mountain .
tr	2	Even in May , these great spires refused to shed their white , adorning mantles .
tr	2	I would never forget the cold , majestic wonder that waited amongst those stone giants .
tr	2	Olive trees grew in neat , cultivated groves , and quaint villas dotted the landscape .
tr	2	Besides , there 's no lack of things to do in the city .
tr	2	But , I think what we saw in Paris will be here too . "
tr	2	" To say it was impressive would be an understatement in the extreme .
tr	2	" We 're part of the problem because we represent the nobility .
tr	2	Through all of this Jacob waited , a vein marking the pulse in his neck .
tr	2	He started to speak but coughed , recovered his voice , and began again .
tr	2	It 's not as if we could simply cancel our trip and return home .
tr	2	But at the same time , the moment is ripe for change .
tr	2	" In England perhaps , but not in France and certainly not in Rome .
tr	2	When the two of you return home maybe you could work towards something there ? "
tr	2	We chatted endlessly over the issue without really coming to any definite conclusion .
tr	2	The gentle hills and expansive vistas of the countryside were being replaced .
tr	2	I followed him onto the platform , my own limbs tired and unresponsive .
tr	2	" Someone 's found a bit of energy , " I said .
tr	2	" First , a calming drink before your enthusiasm becomes contagious . "
tr	2	" We 've several business contacts from which to gain a line of credit .
tr	2	Many were rushing to various appointments , while others ambled , their voices chattering .
tr	2	For our part , the situation was once again perplexing and troubling .
tr	2	" That does seem the most likely culprit , doesn 't it ?
tr	2	A return to England is sounding better and better all the while . "
tr	2	They 've been most accommodating in keeping track of your travels thus far . "
tr	2	As with Paris , we couldn 't help but notice the squalor some lived in .
tr	2	" You get more pity when you 're crippled like that . "
tr	2	I shuddered but couldn 't argue with the logic , cold as it was .
tr	2	We were , for the moment , about as poor as them .
tr	2	Aside from some petty cash , none of us had any anything of value .
tr	2	Although Logan remembered his name , his address had been lost in our abandoned trunk .
tr	2	" The Italians have had a long history of admirable engineering , " I answered .
tr	2	His great belly bulged , bending and swaying as he lumbered over each step .
tr	2	He simply wrapped his great girth around Logan in a warm , fatherly embrace .
tr	2	I 'd be ashamed to ignore the son of a friend . "
tr	2	" I was shipwrecked and destitute on the shores of your England decades ago .
tr	2	He offered a slight bow , his stomach collapsing in on itself at the movement .
tr	2	I offered my own bow in return and wrung the man 's beefy hand .
tr	2	Like you and William , Logan and I have been friends since childhood .
tr	2	I was honored to accompany my companion and ensure he stays out of trouble . "
tr	2	It is wonderful to make your acquaintance , all of you . "
tr	2	Jacob started at the sound , while Logan and I laughed at the spectacle .
tr	2	Many carried platters of fresh fruit , pitchers of cooled water and luxurious wines .
tr	2	" Now then , perhaps a repast while we discuss things , eh ? "
tr	2	" Now gentlemen , what service can I do for you ? "
tr	2	Noting my insistent glance , he launched into our tale of woe .
tr	2	My own fortunes have fared better since that shipwreck of my youth .
tr	2	My companions reiterated my compliments , and the larger man again waved dismissively .
tr	2	With a snort of surprise , Di Luca thumped the table with his fist .
tr	2	" I was scheduled to receive measurements for new attire nearly an hour ago .
tr	2	Your visit took me by such surprise that I quite forgot about it . "
tr	2	We made to stand , but the man motioned us back into our seats .
tr	2	In fact , I would be most honored to continue to serve as your host .
tr	2	" For Nathaniel and I , sadly no , " said Logan .
tr	2	I 'm certain it 's been collected by the station 's employees by now .
tr	2	I 'll send some of my staff to fetch it right away .
tr	2	He was welcoming , and the three of us accepted the offer .
tr	2	Di Luca raced our group across the city and to all the finest shops .
tr	2	We needed new outfits , ceremonial swords and new pistols , shoes , and masks .
tr	2	Finally , we arrived back at the home , exhausted but content and entertained .
tr	2	Then , sufficient efforts could be made to put an end to the madness .
tr	2	Chapter VII A valet assisted me as I descended from the carriage .
tr	2	" For a ruined family , this is still pretty impressive . "
tr	2	The majority of his bulk was hidden amidst folds of fine orange fabric .
tr	2	I had chosen a subtle green accentuated with a hint of grey .
tr	2	We did , our feet carrying us through the throng of party-goers .
tr	2	Like our attires , others were adorned in gaudy and flashy gowns and suits .
tr	2	Some had already lowered their masks , and the effect was disturbing in the torchlight .
tr	2	A voice cried , loud enough to cut through the many conversations .
tr	2	Although their prestige was dying , a simple nobility hung about the entire place .
tr	2	Halls were spacious , and only a few , finely selected portraits adorned the walls .
tr	2	As we entered the massive room , we each lowered our masks in turn .
tr	2	My own possessed a long , hooked beak that completely belied my own petite nose .
tr	2	" New Orleans would have masked dances around Carnival , but they rarely interested me .
tr	2	Maybe I acted too soon ; this looks like it 'll be marvelous ! "
tr	2	Suddenly , without fanfare or introduction , the orchestra launched into a lively waltz .
tr	2	For their part , Logan and Jacob began retreating towards the perimeter .
tr	2	What good was it to be amid beauty if one didn 't participate ?
tr	2	The lady in question beamed at us , fanning herself with a dainty hand .
tr	2	" And what fair country do you hail from , my lady ?
tr	2	There was no malice in her voice , and we all became instantly enchanted .
tr	2	In all of Germany , she is loved for her pure forests and loving people .
tr	2	To his subjects , King Martin is practically regarded as a saint nowadays . "
tr	2	" Rome is ... Rome is nice , but it is not home . "
tr	2	However , she quickly gave up and returned her gaze to me .
tr	2	The girl is a marvelous dancer ; no doubt she 's plying that trade somewhere .
tr	2	With a wink towards Alexandra and a shove towards me , he separated us .
tr	2	Thankfully , it was a Vivaldi work I was well familiar with .
tr	2	Unfortunately I was standing alone and awkwardly , most dancers already paired for the movement .
tr	2	A mask , the color of impenetrable charcoal , hid all but her eyes .
tr	2	Their music soared through us , and the dance took my breath away .
tr	2	It was almost as if a fraternal instinct overtook me at that exact moment .
tr	2	As the Vivaldi work faded into a quiet resolution , our own pace slowed .
tr	2	" My lady , I have only just finished speaking with your lovely family .
tr	2	" My aunt certainly does like to chat about me , doesn 't she ? "
tr	2	" More than lived up to that reputation , I 'd say .
tr	2	Come , Miss Klein -- " " Call me Mercedes , please . "
tr	2	" My lady , I would love to see your country someday .
tr	2	Perhaps on our return to England , we may arrange travel through Germany . "
tr	2	He was holding another glass , and his face was redder than ever .
tr	2	I chuckled at Di Luca 's obvious overindulgence and waited for my friend to answer .
tr	2	His hands fidgeted at his sides , and his eyes remained unblinking on Mercedes .
tr	2	Di Luca turned to Marcellus again , and his speech was still slurred .
tr	2	To be honest , I was a bit uncomfortable doting on about the affair .
tr	2	All told , we had been the butt of the whole ordeal .
tr	2	But we were among friends , and there was no real harm .
tr	2	Marcellus ' glass had frozen , the cognac nearly to his lips but now forgotten .
tr	2	Apparently I had spoken too loudly because Mercedes hushed me and drew us close .
tr	2	Even Di Luca , too drunk to comprehend everything , seemed deflated .
tr	2	There we were , chatting along , and they 're gone . "
tr	2	Next , the two of you 'll be -- " " Oh come off it .
tr	2	To be honest , I don 't feel like partying anymore . "
tr	2	If it 's no inconvenience , we 'll simply retire for the evening . "
tr	2	Without waiting for another protest , we turned and began walking towards the exit .
tr	2	If we caused insult , the man would never remember it the next morning .
tr	2	Masked faces continued to swirl about us in a maelstrom of color and hue .
tr	2	That prevented the common riffraff from getting in their way , at least in theory .
tr	2	Shoes kicking up gravel , we arrived at the carriages and called our own over .
tr	2	As the carriage started away from the manor , Logan leaned forward .
tr	2	How will we find -- " I held up a piece of paper .
tr	2	" And the daughter of the minister of war , " Logan piped in . "
tr	2	" Regardless , we 'll certainly be able to visit their household should we choose .
tr	2	And if we do , is it to be right away or not ? "
tr	2	" We haven 't seen these bastards since the train station , right ?
tr	2	Let 's not rush all across Europe , at least not without cause .
tr	2	" We 're going the wrong way now , aren 't we ?
tr	2	His face was pressed to the window , peering out into the darkness .
tr	2	" The driver knows his trade and these roads a lot better than we do .
tr	2	The man sat back , nodding , but he didn 't look convinced .
tr	2	" And isn 't a duel for honor supposed to be an honorable occasion ? "
tr	2	We 're getting further and further from the city , " Jacob broke in again .
tr	2	" Nonsense ... " Logan started as he looked out the window .
tr	2	His words trailed off as he glimpsed the profound darkness around them .
tr	2	" Fine by me , " I said , looking over the weapon .
tr	2	Jacob leapt first , rolling through the dirt as the carriage suddenly slowed .
tr	3	Not in this book , and not in anything that his parents had ever taught him about it .
tr	3	The fingers were a child 's , even darker than his own , blackened by dirt .
tr	3	Another boy was sprawled face-up in the ditch , face bloodied and swollen , unmistakably dead .
tr	3	" I know it 's freezing now , but soon we 'll get you warmed up .
tr	3	She pushed the hat back into position as a low moan came from the back seat .
tr	3	The skeletal remains of a tree rose up out of the gravel path , beckoning the Jeep forward .
tr	3	Despite the rough ride , Noah was looking content , emerald green eyes glinting in the moonlight .
tr	3	Plus , there weren 't really a lot of surfers in Ohio , where Noah was from .
tr	3	" I guess I 'll be the one carrying this stuff up to the conference for our lunch .
tr	3	She didn 't teach about the Bible anymore , because that would just make her a hypocrite .
tr	3	" I can never get over how lucky you are , " Noah was going on .
tr	3	They all jerked to attention as the Jeep braked to a halt in a sudden spray of gravel .
tr	3	A waist-high cluster of boulders overlooking the valley below turned out to be the best option for privacy .
tr	3	Despite the morning chill , her mahogany legs were bare and she wore scuffed black plastic ballet flats .
tr	3	She did have on a warm cardigan over the lacy white blouse Quechua ladies always wore .
tr	3	Still queasy , she mumbled something appropriate and tried to get down the purple api and an egg .
tr	3	" Thanks for translating , " Noah told her , then dropped his arm and smiled .
tr	3	She would be crazy to let herself think of Noah as anything other than a friend .
tr	3	If you say that your family member is the missing , does that mean that person died ? "
tr	3	Three months ago , the boys both went away , never to be heard from again . "
tr	3	How could these women 's sons , and boys from other communities too , just be gone ?
tr	3	How many of the people here at the Bible conference had a son or brother who had just disappeared ?
tr	3	Noah was running up the hill panting , with a hundred screaming Quechua kids close on his heels .
tr	3	The tri-colored apartment complex where he waited soared to the cloudless sky , cream , cinnamon , and pistachio .
tr	3	He waited until one heartbeat had just drummed , then murmured in the space between , " Now . "
tr	3	Still lying low , he pulled a small gray cell phone from his pocket and punched a button .
tr	3	The white orb of midday sun still blazed through the murky haze of pollution over the city .
tr	3	Alejo slammed and locked the heavy wooden door and pulled a couple of guns from under his clothes .
tr	3	He tossed them onto the red silk bedspread , next to the heavy religious book with ornate golden swirls .
tr	3	He really hoped that killing Salazar after so many years would give him some kind of peace .
tr	3	By the time the knock came on the apartment door , Alejo felt like he 'd been awake forever .
tr	3	He wore a little brown goatee , some kind of homage to the Muslim tradition of big thick beards .
tr	3	Gabriel was the skinny , fair-skinned guy who could make something from anything , a regular MacGyver .
tr	3	He was the newest guy on Alejo 's team and had been sent over from Puerto Rico .
tr	3	And yes , Stalin 's parents , student revolutionaries , had actually named their infant son Stalin Lenin Gomez .
tr	3	The organization was called the Prism , because they wanted to bring God 's light to the world .
tr	3	Those socks looked like they had seen a good week of adventure in Peshawar without a wash .
tr	3	She knows I didn 't mean to see her without a veil that one time . "
tr	3	All the guys knew the story by now : sapphire eyes , and Gabriel was instantly in love .
tr	3	" Tell us about him , " Benjamin pushed away the plate of bread and cheese .
tr	3	Alejo knew his expression had morphed into something pained , but he couldn 't control it .
tr	3	I do know what I 'm talking about , but I would give anything not to know .
tr	3	Cochabamba was sunny and bustling , infused with a rainbow of flowers and the smell of smog .
tr	3	Every Friday he and a group of friends did live music at the downtown coffee shop his church owned .
tr	3	Do a Filomena had a bent back and wrinkled skin that crinkled like parchment , especially around the eyes .
tr	3	Tiago was a guy of maybe nineteen with a boyish smile and black baggy jeans with chains .
tr	3	He grinned at her when he saw her , showing off the metal stud in his tongue .
tr	3	Noah meandered over to say hi to the guys too , still carrying his Taylor guitar .
tr	3	" He 's over here studying Spanish , and I told him you guys were nice .
tr	3	Rudolf had a very clean-shaven German jaw and wore a preppy gray sweater and dark jeans .
tr	3	" I 'll come with you , " she offered , trying not to grit her teeth .
tr	3	Noah thought she was a nice girl , just another missionary with a pure heart for serving the Lord .
tr	3	Just inside the door , the throbbing techno music reverberated inside her chest and the dim lighting confused her .
tr	3	" I 'll get it , " Rudolf jumped in , offering to pay for Noah 's drink .
tr	3	If Noah wasn 't in danger of being picked up , this would actually be kind of fun .
tr	3	Noah 's neck had turned absolutely crimson , and his fingers twitched on the edge of the bar stool .
tr	3	" That 's right , " she snapped , facing the other guys and then meeting Noah 's eyes .
tr	3	She kissed him , and maybe it was the shock , but Noah didn 't pull away .
tr	3	" Anyway , I 'm sure you won 't want to hang out with us anymore . "
tr	3	She jerked her head around to look at him , still not quite meeting his eye .
tr	3	She crossed her arms tightly across her chest and waited to hear whatever Noah had to say .
tr	3	" I 'll take you home , send the guys a text that they can sing without me .
tr	3	Alejo blinked at the shop window , realizing he had no idea what he would do .
tr	3	During high school back in Bolivia , the girls were more interested in his whiter , richer friends .
tr	3	" I don 't think I do have more questions , " Alejo narrowed his eyes at Stalin .
tr	3	We both know you love to be right , and I 'm giving this one to you .
tr	3	" And that means you can 't be a Muslim anymore , " Stalin conceded glumly .
tr	3	" Alejo , I don 't think you can just tell them , " he said worriedly .
tr	3	I mean , Alejo , you are the best of us , always busy exercising , studying other languages .
tr	3	He 'd felt the surprise at seeing that picture show up but never figured out the hint .
tr	3	" They 're telling us they know where our families are , " he stated the obvious .
tr	3	" I thought we might have to drag your butt out of bed , " he chuckled .
tr	3	Somewhere in the near distance , the dull echo of a missile launcher pounded against the surrounding mountains .
tr	3	The Pashtun guards leapt out of the car , weapons gripped tightly in their rough hands .
tr	3	" Settle down , settle down , " the Khan barked in Pashto , appearing amused .
tr	3	" You all stay here and guard the car , " Ishmael instructed his guards and driver .
tr	3	" Keeping a sharp eye out towards us , of course , as a precaution . "
tr	3	What could be here , so near the battle zone , that the Khan wanted him to see ?
tr	3	A thin plume of smoke snaked from the chimney of the building into the slate gray of the sky .
tr	3	Alejo was confused , but didn 't let it show , only cocking an eyebrow at Ishmael .
tr	3	Alejo was perplexed to see grins spreading across the chapped faces of many of the men in the room .
tr	3	He 'd pretend to for a few days , just to negotiate the price a little .
tr	3	This mission was a dream come true , a gigantic victory in the cause of justice .
tr	3	Several of the men 's blackened , bare feet twitched only a few inches away from the food .
tr	3	Before digging in , Gabriel slipped his cell phone out of one pocket to check the time .
tr	3	Since then , Gabriel had been back , training a new group of recruits in the Tribal Area .
tr	3	Hard work , but today I get a reminder that in the end it all pays off .
tr	3	People accused Bolivians of always being tardy to everything , but really , they had no idea .
tr	3	The door to the apartment pounded shut , and he sighed as he was left alone .
tr	3	Them maybe I can settle down and watch a sermon from one of the mullahs on TV .
tr	3	Gabriel fondly clicked the case open , revealing the smooth , honey wood of his violin .
tr	3	He understood the reasons , but sometimes really wished his boss didn 't have to pay him in cash .
tr	3	Gabriel gasped and told the men , " But I didn 't get any money at the bank .
tr	3	Thank God he had nothing in his wallet to identify him as a Westerner , as usual .
tr	3	Gabriel forced himself to relax back into the pillow , weak with relief at the sight of his friend .
tr	3	" They had to sew you up pretty quickly , " Alejo said , then cleared his throat .
tr	3	The doctor had moved to the side of the bed and was checking stitches on Gabriel 's neck .
tr	3	" Allah has chosen you , my friend , " the doctor patted Gabriel on the shoulder .
tr	3	She opened her eyes and felt the bus brake solidly , pebbles exploding along the pavement .
tr	3	A skidding bus anywhere near the edge of this mountain road was ample cause for alarm .
tr	3	A humid breeze whipped at their hair from across the ravine and the sunshine seared their shoulders .
tr	3	" The Road of Death , living up to its name , " a woman muttered .
tr	3	" The rescue teams have been working since the accident , " replied a skinny kid in a hoodie .
tr	3	It was really good to be anywhere , after seeing the fate of that bus down in the valley .
tr	3	With more Muslims coming to Bolivia for business or study , some Bolivians were converting to Islam .
tr	3	Noah was wearing khaki shorts with leather hiking sandals , and his tanned legs were covered in powdery dirt .
tr	3	A t-shirt with cut-off sleeves left the tattoo of blue Celtic symbols around his upper arm clearly visible .
tr	3	Eduardo confirmed , and Noah sat down on the concrete edge of the fountain , stretching out his legs .
tr	3	Hurt glinted in Noah 's eyes when he told her they were thinking of stopping by Cochabamba .
tr	3	" We 're going to rent a Jeep to drive us down to the waterfalls tomorrow .
tr	3	Noah should despise her after how she 'd acted the other day , but he was still smiling .
tr	3	Their street was just a narrow lane of stone stairs , really , used only for foot traffic .
tr	3	He wore a turtleneck , as he had every day since the attack in Pakistan a month ago .
tr	3	Alejo sighed and covered the few steps to slide down onto the cool concrete step next to him . "
tr	3	Gabriel had recovered well since that day , but the playfulness seemed to be gone from his eyes .
tr	3	She about had a heart attack when you called her and told her about the skiing accident in France .
tr	3	Alejo asked , suddenly feeling cold as he remembered the trip with the Khan to the Tribal Area .
tr	3	Gabriel put his hands on both hips , and stretched a little , leaning to one side .
tr	3	Benjamin also worked as a doctor in a little clinic sponsored by the government of Iran .
tr	3	Alejo grinned and he and Gabriel scraped some chairs over to the tiny table with the others .
tr	3	The caf wouldn 't have any business without his brownies , anyway , so it was a logical choice .
tr	3	He pulled the phone out of the leg pocket of his pants , glancing at the screen for ID .
tr	3	I saw the guy walk by on the sidewalk this morning , when I was setting up the caf .
tr	3	He 's with five staff members , and I followed them over to Henrich 's for breakfast .
tr	3	There 's an older boy , like maybe twelve , sitting on the guy 's lap .
tr	3	" We have to move the crusade up , " he told Gabriel , still pacing .
tr	3	" Listen , che , I 've got all the equipment we need at Boris ' house .
tr	3	He tried to concentrate , running through the same arguments he had had with himself on too many occasions .
tr	3	Salazar and anyone with the power to do anything were constantly scratching each others ' backs .
tr	3	Everyone sees everything , and the population here is too small for us to avoid suspicion in the investigation .
tr	3	" Sounds great , but there 's always the possibility of more people being onsite besides just the speaker .
tr	3	Alejo slowly slid down against the trunk of the sleek banana plant and buried his face into his arms .
tr	3	His pearly teeth shone against his tan as he grinned at them in the rearview mirror .
tr	3	A diverse ecosystem , filled with species that ranged from the giant condor to the spider monkey .
tr	3	I didn 't know you two were together or I could have warned you about her .
tr	3	But I 'm not letting her get on some bus or taxi alone , like this .
tr	3	" That 's a chartered bus that some group is going back to La Paz in tonight .
tr	3	Noah asked him , trying not to appear crazed and breathless after so much running around .
tr	3	This bus was hired to take a certain group of people back to La Paz tonight .
tr	3	But the tickets would be expensive , so we don 't have many other passengers . "
tr	3	" That 's fine , " Noah said , willing to shell out the few dollars more .
tr	3	Noah peeled the bills out of an outer pocket of his backpack that was still dry .
tr	3	" Right now , " the man said , though no one else seemed to be around .
tr	3	En punto , " the driver said , carefully ripping the tickets off and passing them to Noah .
tr	3	A group of well-dressed people , laughing together in muted tones , passed him , headed towards the bus .
tr	3	Oh God , I really need some help right now , cause I 'm really angry .
tr	3	She glanced at him for a millisecond and saw that his jaw was squared , eyes stormy .
tr	3	" So one night , " she mumbled , " I had too much to drink . "
tr	3	She had him buy it in Bolivia , because it was cheaper than in Puerto Rico .
tr	3	I just ran away from him , because it was easier to just not think about it .
tr	3	God could forgive , but how could he ever feel same about her , seeing what she had done ?
tr	3	Her heart was aching when she felt Noah slide closer , wrapping one long arm around her shoulder .
tr	3	But we 've known each other for a really long time now , so I just ? "
tr	3	" Feel free to laugh at me , as long as it makes you feel better . "
tr	3	Noah shot her a lopsided smile and murmured to himself , " You 're doing this all wrong . "
tr	3	This ring is something I got in Egypt when I studied there for a semester when I was twenty .
tr	3	If you didn 't get sick of me while we 're dating , you know . "
tr	3	Noah hauled himself out of his scrunched up position in the aisle , laughing but looking stricken .
tr	3	Noah put his arm around her tentatively , watching her to make sure it as ok .
tr	3	As he pulled her close , he slid the silver ring on her finger and squeezed her hand .
tr	3	She tried to grab on to something , but it was like a nightmare catapult flung her into space .
tr	3	Screams echoed for a few seconds , and then another explosion battered the ground and all was deathly quiet .
tr	3	She didn 't know if she was dying , but this had to be what dying felt like .
tr	3	She tried to roll onto one side and was terrified to feel her head weighed about a hundred pounds .
tr	3	She struggled to turn her head to the right and laid her cheek against the cold gravel .
tr	3	" Two questions : Is he dead , and does it look like an accident ? "
tr	3	Frowning sharply , Alejo opened his mouth just as they dropped their burden to the dewy grass .
tr	3	" Yeah , she was on the bus , " Gabriel explained , happiness slightly subdued .
tr	3	They should have left any survivors on the road , so they could get to help .
tr	3	The girl was on the point of tears , looking all around , trying to find something .
tr	3	With his free hand , Alejo forced the girl 's face to tip backwards so he could see her .
tr	3	A chorus of complaints arose around him , which he ignored , turning towards Gabriel with a wink .
tr	3	I admire the way you missionaries share what you believe , far away from home . "
tr	3	Stalin sighed dramatically and then ran a finger down the girl 's bloodied cheek , almost guiltily .
tr	3	she screamed again , and Alejo clamped his hand over her mouth and growled lowly into her ear .
tr	3	I need everyone else in their tents , where they won 't be paying any attention to you . "
tr	3	In the light of the tent 's lamp , Alejo took in his captive 's dusty jeans and sweater .
tr	3	With tan skin and light brown eyes , she didn 't look like the typical North American girl .
tr	3	He threw up until there was nothing left , then wiped his chin on his t-shirt .
tr	3	Alejo sank down onto the ground with a clear view of his tent , still feeling sick and undone .
tr	3	If he helped the girl leave this place alive , he would have to leave the Prism .
tr	3	There was always a price to pay , he 'd learned , for doing what was right .
tr	3	She 'd heard how he 'd ordered the guys around outside , sending them away mumbling with muted curses .
tr	3	He eyed her , then lowered himself to sitting at the other end of the sleeping bag .
tr	3	Paulo pressed his lips together and folded his arms across his chest , looking even more dangerous .
tr	3	" But you got brought here , " he continued , " and so now everything is more complicated .
tr	3	I 'm going to do the best I can to think up a solution for this , ok ?
tr	3	Sorrow gripped her chest like a vise and she let herself sink back into the sleeping bag .
tr	3	She twisted the silver ring on her finger , feeling she was really in a dream .
tr	3	It was three in the afternoon a few months ago , and the caf was nearly empty .
tr	3	Well , I don 't think they liked it , but I 've always been a little weird .
tr	3	Noah had stretched his legs out under the table and was back typing furiously at his little tablet .
tr	3	" Remember last week when we saw all those Muslim ladies passing out tracts in the plaza ? "
tr	3	And Islam gives us a common cause as brothers : fight against injustice and Western Imperialism .
tr	3	And they are not too happy with me right now , as I 'm sure I told you before .
tr	3	They had been in a bus accident , and she didn 't know where Noah was .
tr	3	Around six men were gathered in the clearing , close enough that she could pick up what they said .
tr	3	Six more men suddenly appeared out of the darkened forest , dripping water from their hair and sleeves .
tr	3	The other six , including Paulo in his black sweater , walked together into the trees and disappeared .
tr	3	The olive green tent was big enough for Paulo to stand in at the center , just barely .
tr	3	She flipped through the gold leaf pages of the book , then frowned at the page and blinked .
tr	3	The same Paulo who was holding her captive and had tried to kill her and Noah on the bus ?
tr	3	Paulo 's eyes flitted between her face and the photo she was holding between two fingers .
tr	3	Paulo lowered himself onto the floor next to her and held out one hand , palm up .
tr	3	But by the time it raced up her back , she nearly choked , sucking in a horrified gasp .
tr	3	In fact , she knew that face so well she felt it was part of her own family .
tr	3	" Until now , because she 's going to find out that two of her best friends are dead !
tr	3	So I 'm sure that someday , she 'll go back to being ' fine ' ! "
tr	3	Alejo and the other guys were close by in the clearing , having some kind of meetings .
tr	3	Am I supposed to be afraid of dying with a few cuts on my feet ? "
tr	3	Stalin set her backpack down on a flat rock by the stream , and then motioned to Gabriel .
tr	3	Stalin cocked his head to one side and then said , " We won 't be peeking , though .
tr	3	" I know women take a long time , but we really have to get back . "
tr	3	Stalin and Gabriel crunched their way out of the foliage , staring at her standing there in bare feet .
tr	3	A few loud shouts rang out in the clearing , and Alejo muttered a very bad word .
tr	3	" You didn 't have to come back here , sir , " someone said cheerfully .
tr	3	When he let go , she couldn 't bring her arms around from behind her back .
tr	3	Heavy footsteps sounded outside , and sunlight flooded the tent as someone flapped open the door .
tr	3	Standing next to Stalin stood a tanned figure , jaw hanging open as he gaped at her and Alejo .
tr	3	With the other , he pulled at the plastic ties around her wrists and cut her hands free .
tr	3	An arm caught her around the shoulders , yanking her back up to standing as Alejo released her .
tr	3	One forearm clamped tightly around her neck , threatening to cut off her airway if she moved .
tr	3	He walked gingerly towards the rest of the group , keeping a wary distance from Alejo , listening .
tr	3	" Apart from being a witness to the bus accident , she can identify you . "
tr	3	He glanced at the old guy , nervously , and his hand closest to the offered knife twitched .
tr	3	Evil lights flashed in front of her eyes , and she wanted to pass out , die , anything .
tr	3	She absently realized the salty stuff dripping across her lips was blood and that her nose was probably broken .
tr	3	They pushed quite a ways into the forest , ducking under hanging tree fronds and circling giant banana plants .
tr	3	The vision of the flashing knife waving near her neck told her Alejo was going down with her .
tr	3	A rough hand clamped across her mouth , sending rays of pains surging though her skull .
tr	3	He had been staring off into the jungle , but now his gaze jerked sharply back to her .
tr	3	Finally he lifted his head , white as a sheet , and wiped his mouth shakily on his sleeve .
tr	3	The giant pine tree branches overhead were starting to sway as if a lazy breeze ran through them .
tr	3	Alejo was staring off to one side , watching the road through gaps between the rough boards .
tr	3	I just couldn 't let you know that , or you would have given away the escape plan . "
tr	3	she blurted out , then gasped at the nausea waves produced by the effort of shouting .
tr	3	How did she address the man who had broken her nose and then saved her life ?
tr	3	Sitting cross-legged next to her , Alejo snorted , a frustrated , annoyed kind of sound .
tr	3	" A couple weeks ago , my good friend Gabriel was robbed and they slit his throat .
tr	3	" But he also said he came to set the captives free , and to show love to everyone .
tr	3	She would like to think Alejo was just insane , but some of what he said made sense .
tr	3	" Actually we are in big trouble , " he answered a little mechanically , eyes not meeting hers .
tr	3	She shrugged away from him and began to pick her way carefully through the tangled mass of plants .
tr	3	Could it really be possible that his family could die because he had become part of this group ?
tr	3	she whispered , not sure if there might be bad guys lurking about in the wild .
tr	3	And in the distance , a spacious , cleared area with dirt tracks down the center : a runway .
tr	3	The balding man took her hand carefully instead and held it , frowning back at Alejo in concern .
tr	3	Boris turned around distractedly as he dictated what appeared to be flight coordinates to someone across the radio waves .
tr	3	I 'll bring her something new back from the market in Cochabamba when I come . "
tr	3	With the low glass coffee table in the middle of the room there was barely space to turn around .
tr	3	I told your dad I 'd bring you something new back from the market in Cochabamba . "
tr	3	" I 'm not about to use the cell phones here -- could be tracked afterwards .
tr	3	She gulped half the water bottle , then signed into Facebook while Alejo drank the rest .
tr	3	Underneath the jewels , her smudged toes wiggled back at her , adorned with a myriad of henna flowers .
tr	3	The hostel was six skinny floors , straight up , smack dab in the center of the market .
tr	3	The room was large and lined with about eight single beds , all with pink pinstriped sheets .
tr	3	Alejo paced to each of the windows , making sure they were secured and not easy to open .
tr	3	Everyone shook their heads no , staring at him with wide hazel eyes that mirrored his own .
tr	3	Just a quick stop before he headed back to Santa Cruz and his uncle on the bus .
tr	3	I asked the guy downstairs to have a taxi sent over with some anti-inflammatories from the pharmacy .
tr	3	Alejo felt his fists clench hard at his sides , the words hitting him like a load of bricks .
tr	3	Alejo trudged to the center of the roof , where rusty metal chairs circled a wobbly table .
tr	3	For the first time in a very long while , Alejo found himself struggling for words .
tr	3	How could he explain who he was , when his family had not known him for fourteen years ?
tr	3	I was a leader , and the punishment for leaving is death for my family . "
tr	3	And now I show up , a Muslim , a criminal , who has ruined their lives .
tr	3	" You never even knew them , and already you have made their lives forfeit . "
tr	3	He turned towards his mother and held out a hand towards her , then dropped it to his side .
tr	3	Apparently , if Ruben had affected his family at all , they had recovered just fine .
tr	3	Alejo jerked his head around to look at him , eyes blank , ready to be verbally decimated .
tr	3	" Amor , " Pablo began , in a deep , only slightly unsteady voice directed at his wife .
tr	3	Alejo was glad his father appeared sufficiently cool-headed and rational , even after Alejo 's horrifying revelation .
tr	3	Alejo 's father motioned towards the chair , directly across the table from himself , with his chin .
tr	3	His voice was even and low , but Alejo noticed a bead of sweat riding his father 's forehead .
tr	3	Now a little of his father 's composure crumpled and he swallowed hard before getting out the next question .
tr	3	He had never seen the man , but Noah had been one of his sister 's best friends .
tr	3	" Franco Salazar was on the bus , heading back to La Paz , " Alejo managed .
tr	3	Alejo 's father 's face looked very pained , and he searched his son 's eyes carefully .
tr	3	Alejo felt sick , not at all ready to get into a discussion of the past with his father .
tr	3	I told you , I 'm not a Muslim anymore , and I have left the organization !
tr	3	Rambling and stammering , Alejo 's statement about believing Jesus obviously came as another shock to his father .
tr	3	Now , unfortunately , we 've got to talk about getting you all out of here .
tr	3	His father looked dazed , then asked , " So this was all about Franco Salazar ? "
tr	3	The strong shoulders of Alejo 's father finally slanted as he crumpled back into the chair , desolate .
tr	3	He was still confused about half of the kids downstairs , which face went with what name .
tr	3	And if he did ever see their faces , it could be behind the muzzle of a gun .
tr	3	Alejo carefully closed the door then turned to his youngest siblings , trying a reassuring smile .
tr	3	Alejo nodded once , admiring how she seemed to make good decisions even in stressful situations .
tr	3	Alejo remained silent , removing his gaze from his mother and sister and folding his arms across his chest .
tr	3	Now it 's time for all of us to sleep , but first we 're going to pray .
tr	3	I 'll get out of your way so you can take care of your family . "
tr	3	The zombie-like expression in her eyes , along with her lack of protest , actually worried him .
tr	3	The wool blanket covered worn , striped sheets , and she ripped back the covers and fell inside .
tr	3	She was lying here in a hostel room with the man who tried to kill her and Noah .
tr	3	Her frayed mind whirled around a single thought , faster and faster , polishing it to a weighty obsession .
tr	3	You believed so much in what you were doing you were willing to even kill . "
tr	3	" I realized that I can 't believe what I believe about him and be a Muslim .
tr	3	He hesitated , eyes flickering again as if seeing some painful scene across the back of his eyelids .
tr	3	" On my last trip there , Ishmael took me to the Tribal Area near Afghanistan .
tr	3	He explained to me that the recruiters visit small towns in the countryside and talk to the young guys .
tr	3	" In the countryside , a lot of women told me that their sons have disappeared . "
tr	3	All she could come up with was , " Why did you have to kill us ? "
tr	3	He was also a child molester , and ran the largest child pornography ring in Bolivia and Paraguay . "
tr	3	Well , my parents listened to me , and then they looked at each other with this look .
tr	3	Life as a pastor 's kid suddenly just didn 't seem palatable to me anymore . "
tr	3	It was cracked open , and Alejo pushed the deadbolt into place after they slipped inside .
tr	3	Her body seemed to float inches above the bed , and she felt a desperate need for the sugar .
tr	3	I mean , I remember when little Ruben died , but I didn 't know ? "
tr	3	Her father told her last night , because Salazar came up when he was talking with Alejo . "
tr	3	" He thinks it would be good for you all to try to go to the United States .
tr	3	Alejo 's family all stared at him with expressions of disbelief that clearly said : Go ?
tr	3	she asked as he punched the End button a little too hard and slammed a fist into the bedpost .
tr	3	They are going to call your family right away and confirm that you are alive and well . "
tr	3	" Everyone I know who could be any help in hiding them is connected to the Prism .
tr	3	They won 't check passports at the border , since they don 't look like tourists .
tr	3	The guys , hopefully , will only be watching the main terminal here in the city .
tr	3	Those guys she had seen on the mountain -- they would forget about her soon though , right ?
tr	3	She could go home , see her parents , find a new place to live and work ?
tr	3	Alejo looked at her sharply , mouth open as if about to protest but she cut him off .
tr	3	" Thank you , " was all she finally said , fighting hard not to cry .
tr	3	The search and rescue efforts are working from there , and it 's the closest major hospital . "
tr	3	If they find Noah that would be where they would take him , the best major hospital .
tr	3	" They 've been searching for two days now , and they should be done soon .
tr	3	It took her a long time to collect her thoughts and say , weakly , " Ok . "
tr	3	He actually looked rather normal now in dark jeans , a hunter green hoodie , and leather tennis shoes .
tr	3	And underneath , a giant closed gate painted the color of red hot candies with an enormous pink heart .
tr	3	Their taxi driver honked twice merrily and waited , still tapping the steering wheel to the rhythm .
tr	3	Then he continued , squeezing her close against his side for the taxi driver 's benefit .
tr	3	If the guys from my team would come here , no one has got our ID .
tr	3	The plush heart bobbed around wildly as he turned the key to Motel Room Number Six .
tr	3	Next to it , a wicker chair with a matching footrest was adorned with cushions to match the couch .
tr	3	He pulled aside the gauzy red curtain and peered outside , probably checking for any bad guys .
tr	3	It was dark outside now , chilly and menacing in the shadow of the darkened Andes .
tr	3	The ugly thing was three cushions wide , good enough for a decent night 's sleep .
tr	3	He curled up facing the wall and stuffed a small , hard red pillow under his head .
tr	3	" I can sleep anywhere , with lights or without , so don 't worry about me . "
tr	3	Suddenly , the horror of the day pressed into him with a vengeance and it hurt .
tr	3	Now , for the first time , someone innocent had been taken out along with the bad .
tr	3	He felt guilty for the other innocent people on the bus , but he had never seen them .
tr	3	Who he had avoided in anger for years , then dragged into the very path of death .
tr	3	Alejo had trudged up the concrete steps to the roof , following the broader form of his father .
tr	3	The faded sheets were still drifting lazily on the line in the afternoon breeze on the hostel rooftop .
tr	3	" Son , I can 't tell you how sorry I am we can 't have more time together .
tr	3	if you are going to continue being a criminal , because that really complicates our relationship . "
tr	3	" But you told me that you are no longer a Muslim , that you are a Christian . "
tr	3	Alejo sank back into the couch , hoping the call was his sister in need of a midnight conversation .
tr	3	Rubbing his temples , Alejo rolled back onto the couch , slowly , staring up at the ceiling .
tr	3	He insisted she call someone with a van so they could hide out lying on the floor .
tr	3	She picked herself up off the floor , brushing crumbs off her pants in a daze .
tr	3	" Thanks , " Tobias nodded and sniffed loudly , laying a hand on her arm .
tr	3	She gave a curt nod , not even trying to pretend she wasn 't about to cry .
tr	3	She had Noah 's ring , and she knew that he had wanted to be with her .
tr	3	Mrs. Hearst 's lip curled with anger and she yanked her arm out of his grip .
tr	3	No one 's here from the embassy , trying to find me to get more information .
tr	3	I 've been a volunteer for ten years , but this one really got to me .
tr	3	We 've tried for days to get information about the rescue efforts , progress , anything .
tr	3	And if they found him before , why the heck didn 't anyone tell us anything ? "
tr	3	She trembled from head to toe , backing away from the three others in the conversation .
tr	3	If you had been more competent and found him sooner , he would still be alive ! "
tr	3	Many people went up front to talk about Noah , including the Bolivian pastor of Noah 's church .
tr	3	Eduardo was coming up front to sing something , however , and she knew he would need the guitar .
tr	3	" If home 's where my heart is , then I 'm out of place . "
tr	3	He thought about what his father had said back at the Hostal Salta : Noah would have forgiven you .
tr	3	But did that mean standing there and watching while someone hit a helpless woman or child ?
tr	3	I keep thinking I need to go wash the right way before praying and prostrate myself on the ground .
tr	3	She was still there , facing the wall , huddled inside the long sleeves of her black sweater .
tr	3	The phone started ringing again , only seconds after it stopped , and it was annoying as heck .
tr	3	When the caller rang a third time , then a fourth , Alejo 's adrenaline picked up .
tr	3	The cheerful voice on the other end appeared to be speaking around a mouthful of food .
tr	3	" Alejo , I 'm so glad you finally did me the favor of answering , che .
tr	3	Alejo moved in a crouch towards a plate window overlooking the quiet cobblestone street in front of the house .
tr	3	Here , let me move a little bit , there , ok , do you see me ? "
tr	3	A cell phone was plastered to one ear , and he squinted up at the window where Alejo stood .
tr	3	They surely wouldn 't be so stupid , though , as to send only Gabriel over to capture him .
tr	3	I can see up to 1000 meters with these things , so that was plenty close enough . "
tr	3	Benjamin is over at the Hotel Diplomat , where the deceased 's parents are in their room right now .
tr	3	Gabriel seemed startled to see her , but then his eyes narrowed when he saw Alejo .
tr	3	His eyes flickered as if trying to read Alejo 's expression , and then he sighed .
tr	3	" If we 're not there in another hour , Benjamin gets to do his little op .
tr	3	" I always did what I believed was the right thing , what God would want .
tr	3	Gabriel 's voice turned dark and Alejo saw that he was gripping the wheel with white knuckles .
tr	3	" I don 't want all of you to get into trouble , " Alejo said quietly .
tr	3	Gabriel turned his eyes on Alejo for a moment , and they flashed the anger of betrayal .
tr	3	They 're being blown to pieces , and their families will never even know where they went !
tr	3	The last few months I 've been reading the Bible , and I 've decided it 's not corrupted .
tr	3	" If you believe all those books say , you are not a Muslim anymore , " Gabriel sighed .
tr	3	Gabriel wrinkled his nose , then said , " The Quran tells us everything we need to please God .
tr	3	Alejo 's heart felt heavy as he heard the last statement come out as an unsure hope .
tr	3	Alejo raised an eyebrow at his friend , who only turned the truck towards the gate , frowning unhappily .
tr	3	The fields were empty and seemingly overgrown and abandoned ; no uniformed guard waited near the gate .
tr	3	Alejo raised an eyebrow , bracing himself as Gabriel floored the accelerator and the truck raced inside the gate .
tr	3	Alejo was peering out the window , looking for any sign of the rest of his team .
tr	3	" There were only three , and they 're tied up in a nice cozy room .
tr	3	Alejo sighed and put one hand on the door , really anxious to get out of the car .
tr	3	Alejo tapped his foot compulsively against the floor of the truck , waiting for Gabriel to park .
tr	3	Alejo 's shoulders tensed and he waited as Gabriel parked the truck in a cluster of a pomegranate trees .
tr	3	A few months ago the Khan loaded me with presents and I was an honored guest in his house .
tr	3	He heard Gabriel yank the key out of the ignition and saw him reach for the door .
tr	3	In a little while , I 'm going to have to take this truck out again .
tr	3	Then he pushed the little door closed and climbed out of the truck to whatever was waiting for him .
tr	3	Stalin and Benjamin were standing behind the truck , weapons obviously loaded and pointed casually in Alejo 's direction .
tr	3	Stately snow white swans glided on the surface of the water , skimming the scales of mammoth orange goldfish .
tr	3	" There 's something else going on here besides just a sudden case of true love .
tr	3	Alejo saw Benjamin shake his head , face unreadable as usual , hand pointing the gun steady .
tr	3	You 're an idiot to do this to us , you know that , che ? "
tr	3	Her mouth was left hanging open , never having the chance to respond to Alejo 's hurried instructions .
tr	3	She expected the men to come bursting in any second , this time to kill her for sure .
tr	3	The truth was , at the moment the whole idea didn 't scare her as it should .
tr	3	When we come back , hide under those tarps over there if you want to live .
tr	3	Alejo is in charge , but I 'm the one who put the explosives on the bus .
tr	3	Alejo , in the center of them all , was the target of all of the guns ' aim .
tr	3	She had been here a few times on the weekend with friends , once with Noah .
tr	3	Alejo shrugged , appearing no more concerned then if they were discussing what color to paint the foyer .
tr	3	" I just didn 't think it was right to kill her when God obviously let her survive .
tr	3	" In my life I have seen so much betrayal , so many that I could not trust .
tr	3	All I did was try to take the girl away so you wouldn 't kill her .
tr	3	I simply saw a situation where I had to do what I thought was right . "
tr	3	So then , even now , we could talk , we could find a way to bring you back .
tr	3	We found this in your tent , but I told the others that it couldn 't mean anything . "
tr	3	" I believe Jesus is the son of God , the savior , " Alejo said .
tr	3	Stalin looked up at the sky , as if in defeat , and Benjamin shook his head .
tr	3	Say the word , and I 'll take you back again , to be one of us .
tr	3	Alejo looked back at him for a moment and then loudly said , " No . "
tr	3	She supposed they were driving away to get rid of the body , and the thought was horrible .
tr	3	She slowly turned her head to one side and made out a still form next to her .
tr	3	They had left him there on his stomach , eyes staring at her in the darkness .
tr	3	We 're going to drop him and you and get away as fast as we can .
tr	3	And if they find out , the Khan and everyone else will know you and Alejo are not dead .
tr	3	With a gentle jerk , the truck sprinted back into motion , towards Cochabamba and life for Alejo .
tr	3	She had heard of this university teaching hospital , located near the poorer south of the city .
tr	3	Gabriel was already half in the driver 's side , but leaned back to whisper , " Go !
tr	3	Dr. Ortega had said that if Alejo made it til the morning , his chances were better .
tr	3	Do a Filomena 's rheumy eyes flickered , then she cocked her head to one side .
tr	3	They said you were on the bus as well , that bus that had the accident .
tr	3	I can 't talk about Noah , or I 'm going to throw myself into her arms and cry .
tr	3	Sometimes , when I am not working , I come here to the hospital to pray for people .
tr	3	And if I cannot come , I will remember to pray for your friend at church . "
tr	3	All she could do was sit there and watch him , to see if he would live or die .
tr	3	An ample concrete square shaded by a balcony preceded the hospital 's delivery area , currently completely empty .
tr	3	With her dark coloring , she 'd likely make it across the border on the bus without showing ID .
tr	3	She ducked inside to find Alejo convulsing on the bed and the blood pressure machine going wild .
tr	3	Alejo had stopped shaking and lay flat on the bed , face the color of white clay .
tr	3	she repeated , moving so close one hand touched the edge of the bed near Alejo 's elbow .
tr	3	Dr. Ortega had flown to the bedside and was leaning over Alejo 's shoulder , trying to support him .
tr	3	She ripped her gaze away from Alejo towards the doctor , who was still watching wide-eyed and incredulous .
tr	3	He added two tiny spoons of sugar and a stream of cream , stirring it around without thinking .
tr	3	No one else was here besides Gabriel , and that fact was beginning to make Gabriel sweat .
tr	3	Allah had given Gabriel back his life that night in Peshawar when his throat had been slit .
tr	3	A good example was the people of Palestine , where his grandparents had lived before immigrating to Bolivia .
tr	3	He 'll probably answer and say that he is just pulling up to the gate any minute .
tr	3	When he wasn 't studying , he made a small amount of cash playing at concerts and parties .
tr	3	He also took occasional jobs playing at upscale restaurants , who requested musicians from the Conservatory .
tr	3	As the cell phone kept ringing , Gabriel pulled the phone away from his ear to check the time .
tr	3	Gabriel 's violin was also resting on sapphire velvet in its case on a clean work table .
tr	3	Gabriel pressed his lips together as the cell continued ringing , now for the fifth time .
tr	3	The only way near the targets was as the musical entertainment , sent by the Conservatory .
tr	3	If only Allah could forgive him this one time , in this hour of greatest need .
tr	3	Then he clenched his jaw , sure , and climbed to his feet , staring at the workbench .
tr	3	The violin would be going with him , just as it always did to every place he called home .
tr	3	Her eyes felt like sandpaper and her nose still felt like it was stuffed with cotton .
tr	3	Alejo heard the clatter of ceramic on the table and turned towards her , expression pained .
tr	3	Guess it 's supposed to take three or four days for the swelling to die down .
tr	3	From the way he said it , I think he 's just trying to be nice . "
tr	3	The afternoon news began by the time a nurse brought a late lunch of white rice and chicken .
tr	3	Alejo was leaning towards the television , knuckles squeezing the life out of the remote . " ?
tr	3	Noah 's parents had stayed there , but were scheduled to leave the night following the funeral .
tr	3	She cut her eyes over to Alejo , whose lips had condensed into a grim , pale line .
tr	3	She staggered to her feet , bumping the lunch tray and sending cool tea splashing over the rice .
tr	3	She drew back and frowned at the small note , then raised dark eyes to the camera .
tr	3	" The Israeli men had come to Bolivia for negotiations with the government to reopen diplomatic relations .
tr	3	29 turquoise THE BUS STATION WAS PACKED , a writhing mass of bodies and battered suitcases .
tr	3	" A woman , an old Quechua woman , came here an hour ago , to pray for me .
tr	3	" Wow , " she muttered , but Alejo didn 't even seem to hear her .
tr	3	" The other day , when I woke up , I saw something , " he said .
tr	3	He told me that he was sending two people for us , and we should go with them . "
tr	3	A crazy urgency filled her chest and she stood up , nearly smashing her head on the ceiling .
tr	3	There was just one thought ransacking her brain the whole time , speeding her heart into overdrive .
tr	3	They were both dressed in cheap clothes and black rubber flip flops with a healthy coating of dry mud .
tr	3	His hazel eyes flickered towards her as she entered , and she immediately knew he could see her .
tr	3	The man with the wide shoulders and military haircut clapped Alejo 's shoulder with slender fingers .
tr	3	His eyes drooped slightly , but the corners of his mouth were lifted in a smile .
tr	3	It was because of him that she was standing here in the middle of this craziness .
tr	3	We paid about ten patients to keep the nurses busy , but we should hurry . "
tr	3	She jogged after the rest of them , feeling the long fake braid slapping her back .
tr	3	She jammed it into the lock , wiggled , and the padlock released with a soft pop .
tr	3	No one tried to stop them as they passed through the hospital gate and onto the dimly lit street .
tr	3	It was very weird that he was now outside , leaving , in a car with total strangers .
tr	3	" You 're brave , " he said to her , startling her into a slight smile .
tr	3	This room was filled with light , blazing from a small chandelier formed from deer antlers .
tr	3	" If you decide to stay awhile , in the morning I could give you a tour .
tr	3	But for now , my job is to make sure you aren 't spooked and run away .
tr	3	I know things are a little up in the air right now , to say the least .
tr	3	Now in my dream , I understood exactly what he was talking about : the Death Road bus accident .
tr	3	You 've broken Bolivian law and , I assume , have people from your organization after you .
tr	3	Come with me , both of you ; there 's something I have to show you . "
tr	3	Sandal and Tabor were back , having changed out of the tattered clothes from the hospital .
tr	3	They waited in silence at the back of the office , arms crossed in front of their chests .
tr	3	" I know about this video from my brother who works at the American embassy , Robert .
tr	3	Thus , they fight in the cause of Allah , willing to kill and get killed .
tr	3	" I know that certain people will be very ticked off that I did this . "
tr	3	I 'll be waiting for all you guys , so please don 't disappoint me , ok ? "
tr	3	Then the video was cut , and the only thing visible was an advertisement from YouTube .
tr	3	" I thought that you might know him , " he said in a gravelly voice .
tr	3	" The embassy wasn 't really investigating anything after the phone call you made , not yet .
tr	3	Rupert was lounging in a worn , khaki bathrobe with the same woolly slippers on his feet .
tr	3	Her jet black hair was tied back in a messy ponytail , dark circles under her eyes .
tr	3	He nodded at Alejo and gulped the last of something that looked like a protein energy shake .
tr	3	Beyond the lawn , a dusty area began where rings of tall barbed wire fences circled ostrich pens .
tr	3	My parents were American , but I never applied for my American citizenship after the age of eighteen . "
tr	3	" Would you be at all shocked if I told you my parents were missionaries in Morocco ?
tr	3	The man you are looking at is one hundred percent Moroccan , heart and soul . "
tr	3	So , would you be at all shocked if I told you I 'm a pastor 's son ? "
tr	3	The example my parents gave me when I was young was not one I wanted to follow . "
tr	3	I 'm sure you wouldn 't be shocked if I told you I used to be CIA .
tr	3	I worked at the top levels for ten years , with the CIA for a total of twenty-five years .
tr	3	I was mean , ornery , and I would do anything to get the job done .
tr	3	" Well , Alejo , I realized I couldn 't continue in the CIA and follow Jesus .
tr	3	He now knew about Rupert 's past : missionary kid from Morocco , CIA , three failed marriages .
tr	3	But there were so many things that were still messed up , other people he had hurt .
tr	3	An image of Noah Hearst 's very pale , grieving parents flashed through his mind and he sighed .
tr	3	There didn 't seem to be much he could ever do to make it right with them .
tr	3	Alejo closed his eyes , listening to the sound of songbirds in the fruit trees outside the grape arbor .
tr	3	He couldn 't remember the actual shot , but he was sure it should have been lethal .
tr	3	Another red plaid thermos was in his other hand , which he held out towards Alejo .
tr	3	Rupert downed more coffee , then stiffly sat down in the grass at a comfortable distance from Alejo .
tr	3	" The time is coming to ask all your questions , but I want you to work with me .
tr	3	If you accept , I would like to propose a time of discipleship here , at the farm .
tr	3	I 'll tell you about that later , some very nice options of places they can settle .
tr	3	We could ask her where she 'd like to live , maybe close to my family ? "
tr	3	" Neither did you , when you started , " Rupert shrugged , taking a large swallow of coffee .
tr	3	" Not to be forgiven by God , but to make things right and restore what you have destroyed .
tr	3	And you can try to give back what you took away : the man that she loved . "
tr	3	" Yes , you did tell me about that , " Rupert remarked calmly , seemingly unfazed .
tr	3	You will do what I say , train her , and be the man she loves . "
tr	3	But I 'm 100 % sure she would never accept , not if she knows I 'm here .
tr	3	Alejo was still stunned , and he wiped coffee from his chin with one sleeve , watching Rupert warily .
tr	3	All I meant was that we should talk with her about CI and see what she says . "
tr	3	With another wink , Rupert disappeared into the yard , leaving Alejo alone , standing in the arbor .
tr	3	With a deep groan , Alejo shoved his hands in his pockets and began walking towards the house .
tr	3	Then Alejo would come back here to the ostrich farm to stay for the time until their exploratory trip .
tr	3	Rupert was grinning , as if he and Alejo were in the middle of a joke .
tr	3	" We 've already covered a few things for your upcoming trip , " he addressed both of them .
tr	3	" And the rest we 'll talk about later , after you 've had more time .
tr	3	" Paul , the man who , like you , was healed from blindness by God .
tr	3	She had known Rupert was going to ask her this ; he had warned her at breakfast this morning .
tr	3	A single , white porcelain lamp with a scuffed shade was shining from the corner next to the sofas .
tr	3	Then she noticed him crouching on the floor in front of her , head bowed towards the floor .
tr	3	They sat there staring at each other for a few minutes , letting the moment sink in .
tr	3	It was now winter in Bolivia , leaving him an hour before sundown to sit out here and think .
tr	3	As to the destination of the trip , Rupert had kept silence , not even wanting to hint .
tr	3	Alone behind the grapevines , Alejo couldn 't pretend that he hadn 't counted the days a few times .
tr	3	" Yeah , well , there wasn 't much you could do , " Alejo said .
tr	3	" We would have been a pretty pair , both lying there with holes in our heads .
tr	3	She certainly wasn 't about to stay here with me to live happily ever after . "
tr	3	" I was very impressed with you , willing to die for what you believe . "
tr	3	Alejo slid his phone back in his pocket with a smile and leaned his head back towards the sunshine .
tr	3	In one section , he found books with titles such as " A New You in Forty Days ! "
tr	3	proclaimed one book with the image of a slick Hispanic man in an expensive purple suit .
tr	3	The shiny books Stalin saw lined up around this bookstore seemed to be about anything except Christianity .
tr	3	" Don 't worry ; this carpet is so worn no one will ever notice . "
tr	3	" I 'm Shannon , " the amazing creature said , holding out one perfect hand towards Stalin .
tr	3	" You won 't find anything like that in here , " she said in a conspiratorial tone .
tr	3	" Daddy 's waiting for me at home now , so I 've really got to go . "
tr	3	" I 've really got to run , though , so make up your mind quick . "
tr	3	But still the crowds stayed , fixed eerily in place behind the police line , silent .
tr	3	A guard yanked on the cuffs around his wrists , checking if his arms were secured .
tr	3	A slimy smudge of perspiration marred the young guard 's right eyebrow as he avoided the prisoner 's eyes .
tr	3	Sami stumbled to his bare feet , barely aware of the sensation of his soles on the burning pavement .
tr	3	Once he had worn trendy Italian leather shoes and jeans from Paris that had cost three hundred Euros .
tr	3	He wore tattered cotton pants , stained from the floor of his cell , and a simple white t-shirt .
tr	3	Even so , he still towered over the two guards at his side , tall and broad-shouldered .
tr	3	At attention a few steps behind , two doctors in white coats stood watching the proceedings .
tr	3	None of Sami 's family had any intentions of burying their wayward relative in the Christian manner .
tr	3	He met her weeping eyes calmly , intensely begging her not to cry and give herself away .
tr	3	The pressure of the hands against his head and back disappeared and an unearthly hush descended upon the park .
tr	3	The charges against him were read out loud , a list of things Sami could never imagine becoming .
tr	3	She cradled the Taylor across her lap and began to pick her way through a few chords .
tr	3	The dark curls that had hung around his collar were gone , but those clear hazel eyes were unmistakable .
tr	3	" See you soon , then , " Alejo had said over her cell a week ago .
tr	3	They opened to Alejo crossing the space between them tentatively , then offering a hand in greeting .
tr	3	" I just thought I 'd drop by so we could take the trip to Morocco together .
tr	3	And I , uh , thought I could see where you live , maybe meet your parents . "
tr	3	Alejo leaned back into the bench , seemingly content just taking in the shades of changing autumn leaves .
tr	3	She eyed him sideways , but he just sat there with that Zen-like tranquility , meditating on nature .
tr	3	" I don 't think you 'll turn down the chance to give me a few good kicks . "
tr	3	Suddenly he was off the bench and a few feet away , feet planted firmly on the ground .
tr	3	Even if Alejo had told her to do karate to make her feel better , it had worked .
tr	3	The correct kick flashed into her mind as she was already beginning to execute it out of instinct .
tr	3	But now Alejo was coming at her again , ready to take a swing at her head .
tr	3	It appeared her muscles really were stronger from all those hours spent at Okinawa Karate Studio .
tr	3	she grunted , and flung her head backwards just where she imagined Alejo 's eye socket should be .
tr	3	" I 'll show you how to do this hold I 've got your arms in .
tr	3	The skies clouded over and with it , brought winds , plummeting temperatures and light snow .
tr	3	You say ... For most mountaineers , a few flurries normally wouldn 't increase the pucker factor .
tr	3	The temperatures hovered around zero and the light snow opened up into a full blown blizzard .
tr	3	Once we reached that snow slope , it would be easy ( but dangerous ) climbing to the summit .
tr	3	By the time we were making that traverse to the " Diamond " , I was tired .
tr	3	To my relief , Isaac led the traverse while I hung back and paid out the rope .
tr	3	I shivered uncontrollably now and shook out each hand to " knock " some warmth back into them .
tr	3	If he fell , he 'd only drop the length past the climbing gear instead 1500 feet below .
tr	3	The Notch Couloir was a wide break in the cliff that ran nearly to the top of the mountain .
tr	3	A moment later , as the last of the snowy dust floated on by , I could see him .
tr	3	The rope had only gone taut due to the weight of the snow as it rushed over it .
tr	3	I remember saying in my mind , but again , I didn 't say " crap " .
tr	3	Let 's go , " he yelled out to me with deep impatience in his voice .
tr	3	My fingers were so cold , they were cramping as I reached for my next handhold .
tr	3	I was now become increasingly worried I wasn 't going to be able to hold on much longer .
tr	3	I moved quickly and deliberately , but with awkward lunges that continually held me off balance .
tr	3	Up till that moment , I hadn 't realized the amount of snow that had been falling .
tr	3	At some point out on that cliff , the snow increased in intensity from heavy to savage .
tr	3	Crossing the 50 feet wide Couloir would take all of that fifteen seconds , if you moved fast .
tr	3	I was going over the cliff edge ... the cliff edge that perched 1500 feet above the world .
tr	3	I gave a cursory glance at the cliff edge just inches below me , then over at Isaac .
tr	3	Twenty feet , ten feet , then ... I heard the roar of the wave from above .
tr	3	I looked up and saw the next wall of snow roiling as it charged down the snow slope .
tr	3	Isaac had set up a bomber anchor system and for the moment , I felt fairly secure .
tr	3	I looked over to Isaac and he was now looking at a rock wall behind us .
tr	3	We 'll do that short pitch of rock , then step off that and onto the snow slope above .
tr	3	" Hold me , I want to check out the Diamond , " Isaac said to me .
tr	3	I paid out the rope as he worked his way lower toward the cliff 's edge .
tr	3	Once there , he grabbed a rocky handhold and extended himself out over the 1500 foot drop off .
tr	3	For those who don 't know what an ice axe is , it is a miniature pick axe .
tr	3	Undaunted , I decided to use the pick of my ice axes to try to climb higher .
tr	3	This was scary climbing , with a PF ( pucker factor ) of about an 8 .
tr	3	Now , my axe 's front points were only held to the rock by shear gravity .
tr	3	A few feet higher , it appeared that the texture became more blocky and easier to climb .
tr	3	PF = 10 I reached up and scraped off some snow above me , looking for a good placement .
tr	3	Feeling around , I located a tiny crack and slipped the point of the axe into it .
tr	3	Suddenly , a wild blast of arctic wind slammed into my body , rocking me from my stance .
tr	3	I lost my breath as I frantically searched with my feat for any type of purchase .
tr	3	I reached for the blocky face and I scrambled my feet to find something to stand on below .
tr	3	I sprung from the cliff once more , dangling again , wildly thrashing in the wind .
tr	3	I fought hard for my position , but was no match for the forces of nature .
tr	3	Abruptly , my slide came to a stop as the snow fought to push me further .
tr	3	I felt the wave of the avalanche dissipate and I looked up to investigate my predicament .
tr	3	With his arms outstretched , he hauled back on the rope and prevented my slide off the cliff .
tr	3	" Good call ... let 's get the Hell out of here , " Isaac responded in grave tone .
tr	3	At that point , I was too tired to do anything but belay him back across the snow slope .
tr	3	Darkness had finally come and the snows were raging now , reducing the visibility to near whiteout conditions .
tr	3	I paid out the rope through frozen finger as he plowed his way through the deep snow .
tr	3	He was nearly to the halfway mark , when I heard him scream over the wind .
tr	3	The blizzard 's intensity had heightened , dumping even greater amounts of snow onto the upper regions above us .
tr	3	Isaac jumped to the ground and burrowed in as quickly as he could , but it was too late .
tr	3	The wave of snow rolled into him , knocking him backward and dragging him down the mountain .
tr	3	I pulled hard and watched in desperation as he continued to slide toward the edge of the cliff .
tr	3	Downward he slipped : twenty feet , fifteen feet , ten feet toward the edge of the cliff .
tr	3	Seconds later , he jumped back down once more and buried his limbs into the snows around him .
tr	3	I watched in horror as his feet broke through the crust of snow that defined the cliffs edge .
tr	3	Like a man swimming through mighty river rapids , Isaac flailed his arms and nudged his knees higher .
tr	3	PS : Years later , my friend Isaac , tangled with another avalanche while climbing alone .
tr	3	Beaming with pride , Lena replied , " Too bad Mom can 't see my skills . "
tr	3	He wasn 't around much , even before he got sent up , " Trae answered .
tr	3	" I just do , Trae ... I 'm sure he misses me too , " Lena replied .
tr	3	Hoping to take her mind off her pain , he searched for anything to distract her .
tr	3	Bet you can 't catch ' em all , " Trae said , with a challenging smirk .
tr	3	The old Buick was literally parked at the stop sign for what now felt like an eternity .
tr	3	I almost caught ' em all , " Lena replied , indifferent to the world around her .
tr	3	Hearing Trae use her full name , Lena stopped and stared at her brother for a moment .
tr	3	She could see the peculiar look spread across his face as he turned back toward the mysterious Buick .
tr	3	" Uh huh , sure you can ... just get in the house , " Trae responded bluntly .
tr	3	With little time to react , Trae sprang to his feet and hurried toward his sister .
tr	3	She knew something was wrong , but was too young and naive to fully understand Trae 's actions .
tr	3	In seconds , his worst fears were realized as the occupants extended their guns out from the windows .
tr	3	As time seemed to slow , Trae could almost count the bullets as they exited the guns .
tr	3	Suddenly , he realized they both were alive and had made it through the drive-by shooting .
tr	3	In an instant , he slammed on his brakes and brought the old Buick to a quick halt .
tr	3	Throwing it in reverse , he immediately roared backward down the street toward Trae and Lena .
tr	3	Trae rolled to his side and dropped down onto the deck of the porch once more .
tr	3	Suddenly , Lena exhaled abruptly and sounded a guttural moan , as a bullet struck her in the chest .
tr	3	With both victims down , the four thugs ran back to the waiting car and sped off .
tr	3	In a moment of solemn respect , he uttered a few simple words , " Forgive me Lena .
tr	3	Beyond the dock , a local merchant swept off the elevated wooden walkway in front of his General Store .
tr	3	At two hundred yards away , they were well aware of their ability to hit their mark .
tr	3	For an unlucky few , insects presented more of a distraction than the lack of feeling in their limbs .
tr	3	With regularity , ants returning to their nest would find their passage blocked by the hulking mass in blue .
tr	3	Their feeble assault was met with equal aggression as the soldier swatted and crushed his irritating attackers .
tr	3	They had survived the previous year 's battles , and were well seasoned in their trade .
tr	3	They looked down at their comrades who had crept up to the river 's edge just before dawn .
tr	3	A sense of sadness and anxiety come over them , knowing they were in harm 's way .
tr	3	Most of the boys in blue would be lucky , and escape the wild and harried volleys of lead .
tr	3	As a commissioned medical officer in the regular Union army , he held the rank of Captain .
tr	3	Far behind the Union front line , the doctor had searched for a suitable location to operate .
tr	3	In a protected grove of birch trees , he found a large flat area with lush green grass .
tr	3	It wasn 't perfect , but he felt he had worked in worse conditions while fighting in the west .
tr	3	After years of adapting to the rigors of warfare , he learned to sleep wherever he laid his head .
tr	3	With a respectful salute , the doctor turned and walked past the soldiers readying themselves at their own stations .
tr	3	The loud cannon fire from above signaled the sharpshooters below to unleash their own deadly volley of destruction .
tr	3	Unable to move , they heard the whistle of air as the projectiles hurled toward them .
tr	3	In the group of drilling Confederate soldiers , the first volley hit its mark with deadly accuracy .
tr	3	There would be no burial for him , as there was not a remnant left of his body .
tr	3	With orders to aim low , the Confederates returned fire into the lower banks of the river .
tr	3	Unbeknownst to the Union command , out beyond the city limits , the Confederates loaded several cannons .
tr	3	Quickly , the three-man teams loaded their cannons and took careful aim at the Union battery .
tr	3	With visibility drastically reduced by the repeated cannon fire , the Union forces struggled to see targets .
tr	3	Blood and bone splattered the two cannons in a characteristically horrific pattern of death and destruction .
tr	3	Although the projectiles embedded in the earth and exploded , their destructive intention would not be denied .
tr	3	He quickly gathered his things and jumped from rock to rock , desperately fleeing for cover .
tr	3	Any attempt to make land might expose them as combatants and draw fire from either side .
tr	3	They grabbed their poles even harder and strained to push the tiny raft faster down river .
tr	3	Struggling to stay afloat with the weight of the rifle , he kicked his boots wildly under the water .
tr	3	As he sank back into the water , his head now was above the water line .
tr	3	His world had changed in an instant , the graphic vision imprinted in his memory forever .
tr	3	He openly wept as he watched the remains of the old man drift slowly downstream past him .
tr	3	As fear enveloped him further , he quickly crawled around the deceased soldier and continued on his path .
tr	3	As he crawled , the elevation dropped off slightly , allowing him more protection from the bullets passing above .
tr	3	Rolling his head from side to side , he murmured under his breath , " Mama , mama . "
tr	3	The young private 's eyes widened a moment as he quietly spoke in a receiving tone , " Mama .
tr	3	The minutes felt like hours as he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his Elgin pocket watch .
tr	3	He pressed the tiny button of the gold timepiece and popped the cover , exposing the hands of time .
tr	3	He snapped the cover closed and shoved the watch back into his pants pocket once more .
tr	3	Barely visible , columns of smoke and debris could be seen rising off the valley floor .
tr	3	" Ok , men ; we 're on , " Dr. Morgan called out in a deep authoritative voice .
tr	3	The horses came to a halt with the rear of the ambulance just past the operating wagon .
tr	3	He quickly saw Corporal Fletcher 's leg and the pool of blood that had collected under it .
tr	3	As he climbed up into the ambulance , the private driving the wagon met him in the middle .
tr	3	Fletcher had the gravest injury , he motioned to the two privates to carry him to the operating table .
tr	3	Immediately , the two lifted the gurney out of the ambulance and over to the other wagon .
tr	3	Asst. Fowler stowed the chloroform and replied , " You think he 'll ever regain consciousness after this ? "
tr	3	Asst. Sgt. Fowler just nodded as he jumped down off the wagon and came around to the back .
tr	3	With the strap wrapping around the leg , he pulled hard to tighten the cloth band around the skin .
tr	3	" Ok , I need you to pull back the first layer as I cut down to the bone .
tr	3	" Sir , why don 't we cut right down to the bone on the first pass ?
tr	3	Asst. Fowler nodded , then turned his attention to his fingers as he pulled the incision open .
tr	3	As he was instructed , Asst. Fowler pulled back the freshly sliced muscle as the doctor worked quickly .
tr	3	With his hands saturated in blood , he reached for a long strip of cloth a few inches wide .
tr	3	He then pulled the cloth up the leg , which pulled the muscles higher up the bone .
tr	3	At the end , he only pulled the saw toward himself , insuring that the bone would not splinter .
tr	3	With the last pull of the saw , the lower leg completely detached from the upper leg .
tr	3	The blood pooled around the end of the stump as the assistant released the cloth holding the muscle .
tr	3	" Right , let 's have a look at the other fellow , shall we ? "
tr	3	Faster than they could operate , the privates carried more wounded Union soldiers to the operating wagon .
tr	3	Working quickly to overcome the numbers , Dr. Morgan set up another operating wagon for Asst. Fowler .
tr	3	The stench of iron hung heavy in the air from the blood that spewed from the wounded .
tr	3	Hearing the suffering of their countrymen only served to stiffen both doctors ' resolve to save more men .
tr	3	With the battle not yet complete , they both knew that tomorrow would bring further death and pain .
tr	3	With a quick change of clothing , they laid down on their cots and fell quickly asleep .
tr	3	Pulling her mask from her face , she anxiously reported , " Doctors , you 'd better hurry .
tr	3	He scanned the various devices as the patient 's levels continued to drop into the danger zone .
tr	3	" Eight years , " Nurse Edwards replied , her voice sadly exposing what her mask disguised .
tr	3	Shaking his head in disgust , he listened as the cardiac monitor sounded slower beats and become erratic .
tr	3	She quickly handed them to Dr. Warner , then injected an amp of atropine into the patient 's IV .
tr	3	As Dr. Warner prepared paddles , Dr. Stadler scanned the young patient 's belly with ultrasound .
tr	3	They held their breath in vain : the monitor continued to report a single monotone sound of flat line .
tr	3	he asked Dr. Stadler , who had now resumed his examination , nervous sweat beading up on his brow .
tr	3	Dr. Stadler inserted the probe into the incision and began to suck out the excess blood .
tr	3	Clean out as much of that fecal matter as possible , " Dr. Warner cautioned as Dr. Stadler worked .
tr	3	While Dr. Warner worked to repair the damaged spleen , Dr. Stadler answered Nurse Edward 's question .
tr	3	As they both worked frantically to repair the damaged organs , the flow of blood went on nearly unabated .
tr	3	Having repaired the spleen and the transverse colon , the two moved onto the pancreas and left kidney .
tr	3	" She taking blood faster than we can give it , " she retorted back instantly .
tr	3	" Push another amp of Epi and charge the internal paddles to fifteen , " Dr. Warner demanded .
tr	3	As he continued with manual compressions he called out once more , " Charge to thirty . "
tr	3	Inserting the internal paddles again , he delivered a massive jolt to the patient 's heart .
tr	3	Even with his years of education and training , the damage was too extensive for him to overcome .
tr	3	With his gloved hands dripping fresh blood onto the floor , he hung his head low .
tr	3	In a blurred and confused state , he was unable to hear his name being called as he walked .
tr	3	He looked back up the hallway to Nurse Edwards , who was calling his name , but heard nothing .
tr	3	As if in slow motion , he stepped in and the doors slowly closed behind him .
tr	3	Slowly at first , then more detailed as he descended , the photo came into focus .
tr	3	The photo was of a group of civil war doctors standing over a patient after a recent amputation .
tr	3	Hardened and determined , their faces were devoid of all expression , save for one - pride .
tr	3	He too wore a bloody smock , and his face also carried the expression of pride .
tr	3	A moment later , David heard the sound of a bell as the elevator settled into its floor .
tr	3	I need you to hold his leg , " David heard just outside the door of the elevator .
tr	3	David squinted at first , then rubbed his eyes and refocused on the vision before him .
tr	3	The man standing looked familiar to him , and he searched his mind to make the connection .
tr	3	At the bottom of the panel , a circular button labeled " G " was highlighted .
tr	3	David looked at the picture in his hands , then back at the man beyond the elevator .
tr	3	" Are you just going to stand there or are you going to help me ? "
tr	3	Then , reconsidering , he rationalized to himself , ' What would be the harm ? '
tr	3	David called to the old man , " What do you want me to do ? "
tr	3	He felt paralyzed with indecision , but then , throwing caution to the wind , he stepped forward .
tr	3	He heard voices and sounds as if they were being played to him at half speed .
tr	3	He suddenly heard the deafening sounds of thunder and recognized the foul stench of rotting flesh .
tr	3	David said out loud , as a wave of fear and confusion spread through his body .
tr	3	Instinctively , David ran toward the old doctor , frantically searching for cover as he closed the distance .
tr	3	The old doctor , seeing the intense fear in David 's eyes , quickly recognized the developing problem .
tr	3	He was now existing in another era in time : the Civil War -- the 1860s .
tr	3	He knew the questions would keep coming and that he needed to find a better reason for his presence .
tr	3	David asked , unsure if his Ivy League alma mater wouldn 't raise even more suspicion .
tr	3	Now , if you will indulge me a while , I 'd like to see your abilities .
tr	3	If you are either , please speak the truth , " Dr. Morgan stated boldly and with conviction .
tr	3	" Doctor , I can assure you my skills as a surgeon are more than adequate .
tr	3	Without the basic equipment to understand the patient 's vital signs , David could only make limited observations .
tr	3	Satisfied , he then examined the patient 's mouth , tongue and skin for dehydration and color .
tr	3	David immediately bent the young man 's undamaged leg at the knee , leaving the traumatized leg laying flat .
tr	3	David recalled from his courses in school that the anesthesia of choice during this period was chloroform .
tr	3	" We 'd amputate , but then he 'd be no worse off than if we had amputated now .
tr	3	With the help of the old doctor , the patient was anesthetized in a matter of minutes .
tr	3	" Ok , doctor : as you can see , the patient 's leg is torn up pretty badly .
tr	3	Next , he rinsed out the incision with a salted water solution he had prepared before the surgery .
tr	3	Again , he rinsed out the interior of the wound with ' moonshine ' and his makeshift saline solution .
tr	3	" Now , the sutures will remain there forever , but the body will adapt to them .
tr	3	He closed the entry wound and move onto the more extensive damage on the other side of the calf .
tr	3	As he removed tissue , he would temporarily close the wound to ensure the proper shape of the reconstruction .
tr	3	A few minutes later , as the patient was gaining consciousness , David had tied the last bandage .
tr	3	The operation was now over and David felt confident he had done his best to inhibit infection .
tr	3	All books are available on Smashwords for $ 2.99 or $ .99 as well as in paperback form .
tr	3	When I say " I suddenly found myself outside " , well , that 's really what happens .
tr	3	Clothing was stuck to the far inside wall of the machine and had to be peeled off like Velcro .
tr	3	I walked around the building looking for an entrance and finally found one at the walk-out basement level .
tr	3	A line of people stretched twenty feet or so with each person pushing a wheeled laundry basket .
tr	3	Anyway , I didn 't think this was the way I had entered the first time .
tr	3	I cut in line behind a woman with a skirt the size of my uncle 's pole barn .
tr	3	As she went to the changing room I took off the orange shirt and holey jeans right there .
tr	3	She heaped them in a pile on a long folding table and then went back to the giant machine .
tr	3	As I followed the others I noted that they were veering off in three separate directions .
tr	3	A pair of kids , teenagers probably , were heading left followed by several moms , all plump .
tr	3	One last look behind and I knew I had just made it out of there in time .
tr	3	It lasted a full minute -- sixty microwave seconds -- and I felt hotter and hotter .
tr	3	When I looked up again I realized that the lady had just said something about a case .
tr	3	Suddenly there was a boom of thunder and lightning and the rain poured down in sheets .
tr	3	Miss Jackson led me to a high , rocky bluff and we crouched down and looked over .
tr	3	With every flash our eyes registered the progress of a small raft that was heading directly toward the boat .
tr	3	I shouted to Miss Jackson , as I wiped my eyes and face clear of the cold rain .
tr	3	I could just make out the square shape of the raft entering a circle of light .
tr	3	Then she fanned the light over my body and asked , " Where 's your bag ?
tr	3	The growling close to my left ear was louder than any mean German Shepherd I 've ever heard .
tr	3	The crash of the waves below told me when I was near enough to look down .
tr	3	It 's not a good idea to look down before you 're still far enough to break a bone .
tr	3	The language we heard coming from the steamboat and the raft was really , really old fashioned .
tr	3	Kind of like the black and white movies my grandparents think we like to watch with them .
tr	3	My cousin has some really nasty rap stuff he let my brother and me listen to .
tr	3	Still , I got myself out of the tangle of the ropes and gave it my best shot .
tr	3	It seemed to take hours and when I looked up we weren 't outside at all .
tr	3	It was suddenly very clear that the key in Missy 's back pocket wasn 't an ordinary key .
tr	3	The rock ledge seemed artificially formed , although from a distance it would be impossible to detect that .
tr	3	We 'll be able to save Kevin and get out of here before they know we 're missing . "
tr	3	Suddenly both girls froze as they heard a rustling in the underbrush twenty or thirty feet below them .
tr	3	The mosquito that had been buzzing Missy 's face had now moved to her knee and landed .
tr	3	But it was pushing outward and Missy had nowhere to step to from her crouching position .
tr	3	What a stupid place to put the keyhole , she thought , there should be a better entrance !
tr	3	She decided to try to cling to the bottom of the rock door as it swung out and up .
tr	3	Her left hand seemed to have a good hold but her right hand scraped down and dislodged the key .
tr	3	Missy was losing her balance even though the door was no longer pushing outward only upward .
tr	3	Time seemed to slow way down but it wasn 't her whole life that flashed before her .
tr	3	" Missy , this weekend we 're driving up north to visit someone , " her mom said .
tr	3	" Yup , don 't you want to know who we 're going to see ? "
tr	3	She had met her grandparents lots of times but she didn 't even realize that she had a great-grandfather .
tr	3	" Not exactly , " Missy said and then saw the disappointed look on her mother 's face .
tr	3	Early Saturday morning they ate breakfast and packed sandwiches and drinks for a picnic along the way .
tr	3	What would an almost hundred-year-old person have to give to a twelve year old girl he had never met ?
tr	3	She was so completely lost in thought that she didn 't even notice it had started to snow .
tr	3	Her mother laughed and said , " I should have checked the weather report for up here .
tr	3	Suddenly it all slid off and revealed a startling truth : Welcome to Starkville , population 125 .
tr	3	It was only five more miles but they missed the last turn and had to double back .
tr	3	The car moved slowly down what seemed to be a disappearing road with heavy woods on either side .
tr	3	Real logs had been set vertically into the ground and their tops had been cut into points .
tr	3	She couldn 't see anyone there but she was sure that she felt someone looking back at her .
tr	3	The sign was very rustic and yet seemed to Missy to be promising something very special ahead .
tr	3	The swings were gently swaying and the snow had blown little piles of downy drifts onto the seats .
tr	3	The windows on the second and third floors were evenly spaced and the steeply pitched roof guaranteed an attic .
tr	3	Missy jumped out of the car and ran up the four wide steps to the lodge 's porch .
tr	3	The front doors were larger than normal and carved with a scene of fish jumping out of a lake .
tr	3	" I don 't think anyone is going to answer , Missy , " her mom said .
tr	3	They could hear a TV set go from loud to mute and then the door opened .
tr	3	He had two hearing aids that were half hidden by a fringe of silver gray hair .
tr	3	The top of his head was bald but he had a long gray beard and no mustache .
tr	3	He had been a big man once but now he was a little bit stooped over .
tr	3	They closed the door behind them and sat down on a green loveseat that was facing the fireplace .
tr	3	They spent a half an hour getting acquainted and Missy was actually thinking that this was fun and interesting .
tr	3	She had learned that her great-grandfather and great-grandmother had built Big Pine Lodge sixty years ago .
tr	3	I always thought that maybe he had an old girlfriend by that name but I never asked . "
tr	3	It was hard to deceive Jacob but your grandmother felt really strongly that your dad should know us .
tr	3	It wasn 't ten seconds before a boy in a red jacket and jeans appeared at the door .
tr	3	Mr. Stark introduced him as Kevin Jackson whose parents he employed as the lodge 's managers and general caretakers .
tr	3	He handed it to Kevin who nodded and turned to go out the door without waiting for Missy .
tr	3	" I 'm sorry , " she said but he just smiled and started to walk toward the lodge .
tr	3	Should she ask him if he was the one at the little fort spying at them ?
tr	3	No , no , instead she just asked , " So , where do you live ? "
tr	3	" We live past the last cabin , through the woods , and in back of the stables .
tr	3	The stable is empty now , just some old tack and stuff in there and junk . "
tr	3	He led the way down a short passageway that opened into a large restaurant style kitchen .
tr	3	He turned on more lights that reflected off the stainless steel of the sinks , counters , and refrigerators .
tr	3	You can 't tell now but all of that space there without trees is a really nice sand beach .
tr	3	The guests love it , and this summer we 're going to hire a lifeguard . "
tr	3	Kevin gave her a little tug on the sleeve and started toward the other end of the dining room .
tr	3	They went through the doors on the left and entered another room the same size as the dining room .
tr	3	There was one grouping of couches and chairs around the fireplace and another grouping around a big screen TV .
tr	3	Down the other hall are the employees ' bedrooms , two to a room like a college dorm .
tr	3	" That 's not all it hides , " Kevin said with a little smirk on his face .
tr	3	The carpet was a forest green but there were throw rugs with bright , colorful scenes .
tr	3	The dresser was made of pine , too , and the drawers ' handles looked like small branches .
tr	3	There were a table and two chairs near the windows which were framed by heavy green drapes .
tr	3	Kevin had that smirk on his face like he knew something that she didn 't know .
tr	3	" This was the key to the side door , it won 't open the linen closet . "
tr	3	There were shelves and shelves of sheets , blankets , towels , soap , and toilet paper .
tr	3	Looking up they could see that they would have a big problem getting into the attic .
tr	3	" Darn , " Missy said , " I really would have loved to explore an old attic . "
tr	3	It was latched at the top where a toddler couldn 't reach , but Kevin easily unhooked it .
tr	3	She wasn 't sure if she went up she would be able to get back down .
tr	3	That light is coming in where the lamp on the wall is at the first landing .
tr	3	Luckily Kevin wasn 't the sort of kid who would bully someone and he seemed to understand her fear .
tr	3	I 'll go up this way and open the trap door ladder from the attic . "
tr	3	Missy inched her way backwards and managed to turn herself around for the last few steps .
tr	3	She put her face up to the wall and pressed her right cheek to the metal .
tr	3	She could hear his footsteps above her and then the attic door swung open and the ladder came down .
tr	3	It was a lot easier to climb than the spiral stairs and she scampered up them easily .
tr	3	Kevin had moved to the side and was reaching for a string that turned on a light bulb overhead .
tr	3	Near the far wall the floor and several shelves were littered with odd-looking mechanical things , some quite large .
tr	3	She put everything back except the muskrat coat and turned her attention to the other trunk .
tr	3	She smiled to herself and ran her hands up and down the arms of the fur coat .
tr	3	She could feel the silk lining in each but the left one had a small tear in the seam .
tr	3	She folded it in half like it had been and put it back in the first trunk .
tr	3	As she patted it down to fit into the trunk she felt something hard in the hem .
tr	3	Kevin got up from the floor where he was looking through a box marked comic books .
tr	3	Just then they could hear that clanging sound made by the triangle on Mr. Stark 's porch .
tr	3	" Oh , oh , " Kevin said , " we 'd better get back . "
tr	3	When Kevin reached the bottom he gave the ladder a push and the whole thing sprang back up .
tr	3	Missy didn 't know what to say so she just waved and said , " See ya . "
tr	3	She removed her shoes and jacket and held out her hand to reveal the odd key .
tr	3	" But I 've got to warn you , I 've forgotten how to open it .
tr	3	You have to move the pieces in just the right sequence or it won 't open .
tr	3	" Yeah , " Missy agreed , " I didn 't think hundred year old people used computers . "
tr	3	Missy 's mother 's face looked stricken and the old man seemed not able to suck in any air .
tr	3	Her mother rescued her by blaming the misunderstanding on something she had heard about how old the lodge was .
tr	3	She didn 't see Kevin again but shyly asked her great-grandfather a few questions about him .
tr	3	But you have to work in the kitchen some mornings and help the maids , too .
tr	3	" You 'll stay in one of the maids ' rooms , " her great-grandfather added .
tr	3	She wore the strange key on a silver chain around her neck as if it were a pendant .
tr	3	After three weeks of getting nowhere with it she went to the public library and started researching puzzle boxes .
tr	3	She found a book on antiques that showed many beautiful examples but no clues on how to open them .
tr	3	Pushing in the last piece triggered a tiny mechanism to release a hinge on the side of the box .
tr	3	It was hard to think of her parents ever being her age , having friends , even being scared .
tr	3	The victim 's name was Mary Gowen and the picture of her was the same school photo .
tr	3	It was still a month away but Missy was getting more excited with every passing day .
tr	3	She carefully returned all of the articles to the puzzle box and closed the side hatch .
tr	3	They would both miss the other a lot and they were doing all of their summer talks at once .
tr	3	She read the newspaper clipping aloud and her mom glanced over at the photo of Mary .
tr	3	They both were silent for a while as each wished that she could talk with him now .
tr	3	Missy put everything back into the box and closed it up just as they exited the highway .
tr	3	He had so much to say he rattled it out faster than they could hear it all .
tr	3	They set the bags on the second twin bed and said , " You 'll like Angela .
tr	3	She just finished her freshman year at college and she 's the nicest one of the five maids .
tr	3	Without waiting for an answer Mrs. Stark looked at Kevin and asked when they could meet his mother .
tr	3	After the introductions were completed they all sat around the table and chatted for a while .
tr	3	He and Missy had run ahead of Mr. Stark and were at the base of the tree .
tr	3	She reached her left hand out and felt up and down the bark of the tree .
tr	3	He was on his way back down now and Missy was eager to try it out .
tr	3	Missy rode it several times sitting down and then dared to go up standing , facing the tree .
tr	3	That way she could step out onto the fort above and check it out , too .
tr	3	She realized that it was really pretty nice of Kevin to share this place with her .
tr	3	The coughing seemed to get fainter and fainter as if he were heading back to the lodge .
tr	3	I 'm thinking we should get rid of the steps so no one can sneak up .
tr	3	The Stark land , woods , lodge , lake and all , covered two square miles .
tr	3	Real logs had been set vertically into the ground and their tops had been cut into points .
tr	3	First they had discovered ancient pictographs in the caves and found hidden entrances to the caves themselves .
tr	3	Missy 's dad had died when she was four , but he had grown up coming here .
tr	3	" Hey , " Kevin said , " Can I borrow your Swiss army knife a second ? "
tr	3	It was the most useful thing that her dad had left in the secret puzzle box .
tr	3	They could hear the crunch of gravel as it turned onto the little lane that led to the lodge .
tr	3	They held the ferns in front of their faces as camouflage as they peered out at the passing cars .
tr	3	The first one held two sets of parents , none of whom even glanced at the fort .
tr	3	The second car bounced along with its windows open and four boys laughing and cursing inside .
tr	3	He flicked the butt of a cigarette toward the fort and yelled , " We see you ! "
tr	3	Kevin scolded Missy , " You shouldn 't have moved , Missy , they couldn 't see us .
tr	3	They yelled that last year , but I was in the tree on the other side of the road .
tr	3	Rob had his license last summer and now it looks like Dave does , too . "
tr	3	" I didn 't tell them because Dave said he 'd get me if I did . "
tr	3	Missy thought about that for a minute and glanced back out the little window toward the road .
tr	3	She leaped up and grabbed Kevin 's open water bottle and ran out the back of the fort .
tr	3	As they came along side the first canoe Dave reached out and tipped it over with the paddle .
tr	3	" Hey , I 'm telling Dad you 're not wearing life jackets , " Lonnie hollered .
tr	3	The boys were nothing but trouble and the parents were loud partiers and never disciplined their sons .
tr	3	Already he could see people near the shore picking up their beach towels and relocating to a quieter spot .
tr	3	He reached out and touched Missy 's shoulder affectionately and smiled at her as he turned toward the door .
tr	3	Mrs. Gilbert hurried toward the lake and hollered to the older boys out on the water .
tr	3	Mrs. Gilbert just stood there for a moment debating whether or not to keep yelling at the older boys .
tr	3	" Okay , " Missy said , " I think I 've got them straight . "
tr	3	Kevin checked the box of flashlights that they kept there and counted how many were left .
tr	3	They 'll probably use their cigarette lighters or one of the candles that are in the cellar . "
tr	3	" Down the hatch , you two , " Ricky said , gesturing toward the trap door .
tr	3	Lonnie reached out and grabbed the flashlight out of Kevin 's hand then pushed him toward the opening .
tr	3	Chapter 2 A large black bear waded across a shallow stream a mile northeast of Big Pine Lodge .
tr	3	She had traveled farther from her cave than ever before in her quest for more and more food .
tr	3	Ricky and Lonnie laughed loudly and made a point of stomping out of the cottage and slamming the door .
tr	3	They laughed their way to the shore where they picked up the paddles and helped themselves to the canoe .
tr	3	" They 're gone , " Kevin said , " but their stupid brothers are down here .
tr	3	The cave tunnels ran like a maze under the lodge and the lake and the high hill beyond .
tr	3	Kevin had impressed Missy the first time they came down here with how well he knew the caves .
tr	3	But now their first concern was avoiding the two older boys who would certainly be meaner than their brothers .
tr	3	" Yeah , but they 'll want to know where it came out up here . "
tr	3	" We 'll say it was the first one , the one that old Mr. Stark lives in .
tr	3	Every time they came to a turn or a fork Kevin stopped and motioned to Missy to listen .
tr	3	They became more and more confident that the older boys had not come in this direction .
tr	3	" Hey , " Rob said , " we 're gon na get lost down here .
tr	3	We didn 't take any string like we used to , to find our way back . "
tr	3	He switched off the light and when their eyes adjusted they could see a faint shimmer .
tr	3	They stumbled and felt their way around the corner then flattened themselves against the rock wall and waited .
tr	3	Dave held the lighter high and illuminated the little reflectors that Mr. Jackson had recently posted .
tr	3	With that thought he jiggled it a bit and figured it was at least half full .
tr	3	He was kind of glad that he was wasting Rob 's lighter and not his own .
tr	3	He looked back at Rob who had stopped and had clamped his hand over his own mouth .
tr	3	That little bit of noise must be coming from their brothers , probably they were hiding around the corner .
tr	3	" Turn the lighter back on , " Rob finally said , " and let 's go . "
tr	3	When there was no more glow from the others ' lighter Kevin switched on the flashlight .
tr	3	" You were right , " Rob said , " and I think they 've got a flashlight .
tr	3	" You go first , Rob , " he said , unwilling to give up the lighter .
tr	3	Rob passed him and his eyes adjusted to following the fainter glow a dozen yards ahead .
tr	3	he shouted and then tripped on some loose gravel and sprawled headlong on the cave floor .
tr	3	Dave stumbled over Rob 's legs and fell , his right knee landing hard on his friend 's back .
tr	3	He reached out his hands to break the fall and the lighter flew to the side and went out .
tr	3	The left tunnel was a maze of interconnecting routes that looped around without any other exit .
tr	3	Missy stayed close on his heels and they arrived at the cavern without a sound behind them .
tr	3	The tunnel up and out was a couple of feet above the floor of the cavern .
tr	3	She turned and reached for the flashlight and Kevin easily jumped up and into the narrow passageway .
tr	3	Behind him the curtain fell back into place , quivering a little before settling back into its stillness .
tr	3	Missy pulled out a chain from around her neck on which hung two very distinctive keys .
tr	3	He almost stuck it back in his pocket then decided to wait until it cooled a bit first .
tr	3	Dave turned to continue the hunt though there was no longer any ghost of light to follow .
tr	3	They reached the fork and stared intently down each path , straining their eyes and ears .
tr	3	" I 'm pretty sure they 'd have to come back this way to get out .
tr	3	" Or we could split up and you take the candle and I 'll use the lighter . "
tr	3	" I may be wrong , " he said , " but I think they took the right passage .
tr	3	Rob said and he went right up close to the drapery and read the message by the flickering light .
tr	3	" Okay , " Lonnie swatted at a mosquito , " I know what we can say .
tr	3	Missy peeked out of the playroom door and found the lobby empty , another bit of luck for them .
tr	3	When the patch was thoroughly destroyed they found some soft earth and started digging for grubs .
tr	3	The fur on their backs was filthy with leaves and spider webs , dirt and broken pine needles .
tr	3	One cub scratched at the bottom of a large leafy oak tree before climbing straight up .
tr	3	What a scare they gave to a bunch of birds that had been resting in the upper branches .
tr	3	Missy stared at the sky for a moment and watched one fluffy cloud change shape without moving on .
tr	3	Kevin threw something in the backseat and then the kids hopped in and Kevin started it up .
tr	3	Then he reversed the spin by letting up on the left handlebar and pulling the right one back .
tr	3	They spun clockwise and Missy would have flown out if she hadn 't been holding tightly to the bars .
tr	3	Dave and Rob reached the cellar of the stone cottage and struggled to open the trapdoor .
tr	3	" When we 're sure that we 've moved the stove off the trapdoor , you pull this end .
tr	3	She felt the tug when it lost all of its slack and began to pull the stove .
tr	3	Rob shut the trapdoor and helped Dave upright the stove and scoot it back over the opening .
tr	3	" He was probably the one you said was so mean , the one that was driving the car .
tr	3	The smooth road was a relief and it would take them back to the house and stables much faster .
tr	3	Rob and Dave were still laughing about pranking their brothers when they got down to the shore .
tr	3	" Maybe Ricky and Lonnie did get out first and they took the canoe back . "
tr	3	He started jogging toward the woods where the little utility vehicle had disappeared a few moments before .
tr	3	" Look , there 's the stable and there 's four horses in the corral . "
tr	3	" Look at this little whip , " he said and started flicking Ricky with it .
tr	3	Off in the distance they heard a bang and started thinking about guns and hunting and deer and pheasant .
tr	3	Misty was the tallest horse , totally black except for a white mark between his eyes .
tr	3	Keno also had several lighter spots and he was the fastest and most obedient of the four horses .
tr	3	Kevin headed to the tack room while Missy grabbed a couple of lead lines and climbed over the fence .
tr	3	" Hey , " he said , " the riding crops were on the floor in there . "
tr	3	Lonnie and Ricky had heard the kids talking in the corral and spied around the corner on them .
tr	3	She was scared , but not as much as before because this stable was her responsibility .
tr	3	Something about that one little syllable made Kevin think that maybe these guys had never ridden a horse .
tr	3	It seemed that all four of them were going to pretend that the trapping incident never happened .
tr	3	He mounted the horse then realized he 'd have to ask one of them to untie the reins .
tr	3	Blackie automatically started following since he was used to being on a lead line behind either Misty or Johnny .
tr	3	Lonnie and Missy looked back in time to see the surprised look on Ricky 's face .
tr	3	Rob agreed and they climbed trees across from each other and perched themselves above the trail .
tr	3	She could just stop and wait , but they 'd still be stuck with nowhere to go .
tr	3	When the riders reached the open path then they could canter and put more distance between them .
tr	3	" Okay , we 're gon na trot now , " she hollered back over her shoulder .
tr	3	Dave and Rob heard the girl 's commands and thought that they would just stay hidden .
tr	3	He could see Missy having a hard time reining in Misty who probably wanted to gallop away .
tr	3	Johnny stayed on his tail with Lonnie gripping the saddle horn and the horse 's mane .
tr	3	Little Blackie was just as spooked and he chased after the others with Ricky clinging like a monkey .
tr	3	The rumble of horses ' hooves was only audible to the sharpest of ears in the forest .
tr	3	At least they were riding the slowest horses ; they wouldn 't be hard to catch later .
tr	3	Lonnie 's stirrups were too short and he 'd lost hold of one of the reins .
tr	3	He was shouting for help , but that stupid girl was just galloping her horse farther away .
tr	3	Kevin and Keno zigzagged until they rounded the last bend and opened up speed on the wide straightaway .
tr	3	Lonnie and Ricky silently agreed but they weren 't about to join her in her contempt .
tr	3	Now that Dave and Rob were out , too , maybe they had learned the secret for themselves .
tr	3	He swallowed his pride and said , " Hey , we never found out your name .
tr	3	They sat down at a small table next to their moms who were halfway through their lunches .
tr	3	Rob 's mother brushed her bleached blonde hair out of her eyes and patted her mouth with her napkin .
tr	3	" Yup , " Dave said , " last we saw of them they were galloping through the woods .
tr	3	They both laughed , finished their food , picked up their beach bags and headed out .
tr	3	Every time Missy trotted her horse their horses followed suit and they bumped up and down without control .
tr	3	Ricky glanced back at Kevin once and saw that he seemed to being sitting the trot like a cowboy .
tr	3	The trails are wider and smoother and there 's a nice meadow we can canter through . "
tr	3	As they backtracked on the trail now Kevin and Missy were together with the bullies behind them .
tr	3	They wouldn 't change their gait into a canter unless instructed to do so by their riders .
tr	3	At last they reached the area where Dave and Rob had attacked them and the trail narrowed .
tr	3	He started to swing his left leg over the horse 's rump and accidentally kicked Ricky in the knee .
tr	3	Ricky was afraid the same thing would happen to him so he was extra careful as he dismounted .
tr	3	He didn 't let go of the saddle until he was certain his legs would hold him .
tr	3	The lodge had two cooks who prepared all the meals for the guests in the lodge .
tr	3	Today they had baked several fruit pies and had set them all on the kitchen windowsills to cool .
tr	3	The same appetizing scent reached the sharper nostrils of three bears still wandering in the forest .
tr	3	Rob grabbed his key off the dresser and stuck it in a little zippered pocket on his suit .
tr	3	He cursed and said , " Yeah , I guess we 'll have to wait for dinner .
tr	3	They weren 't very happy to find out that they 'd have to ask Dave for their key .
tr	3	It took Missy and Kevin a half an hour to get all four horses rubbed down .
tr	3	Missy was glad for Kevin 's help since she usually had to do it all by herself .
tr	3	When they finally made it back to the lodge all of the lunch items were cleared away .
tr	3	Now they managed the place and were in the process of buying it from Missy 's great-grandfather .
tr	3	Nobody tomorrow , of course , since it 's Sunday , but Monday and Tuesday are full .
tr	3	" Hey , " she said when she noticed that their names also weren 't written down for today .
tr	3	I was already thinking of typing up a form people would have to sign releasing us from liability . "
tr	3	" That means so they can 't sue us if they fall off and get hurt .
tr	3	They both stood up blocking the boys from getting a closer look at the bikini-clad blondes .
tr	3	Because he knew it would bug his brother , Lonnie peaked around him and smiled at the girls .
tr	3	" Hi , I 'm Lonnie , " he said , " and this is Ricky .
tr	3	Lonnie and Ricky dove into the water , swam past the dock and continued on across the lake .
tr	3	Missy guided a newly married couple on the trails and into the state forest and back .
tr	3	She did tell them , however , that they had recently trapped and relocated a couple of harmless bobcats .
tr	3	Chapter 5 It was a perfect July evening , warm , not too humid and with very few mosquitoes .
tr	3	The girls , Melanie and Tara , kept smiling over at Dave and Rob throughout dinner .
tr	3	Angela had skipped dinner to go out with the other maids to a pizza place twenty miles away .
tr	3	" Not for another ten minutes , Courtney 's the slowest person to get ready . "
tr	3	Angela pointed the brush at Missy , " So , tell me , what are you sighing about ?
tr	3	A moment later she came out with a pink bag with a bow on the side .
tr	3	" Your mother gave me this to give to you if you ever got sick or sad . "
tr	3	" Now don 't go overboard , " Angela warned , " less is more , as they say .
tr	3	Kevin was fascinated by fire and Mr. Stark used to call him " Sparky " when he was smaller .
tr	3	He couldn 't tell , but they were chuckling about it and moving sideways , away from her .
tr	3	It would be incredibly stupid of them to repeat that , especially at the first campfire .
tr	3	He swung his head in the direction of the voices and saw four silhouettes down at the shore .
tr	3	It looked like there were two people sitting in one beached canoe and another couple on the sand .
tr	3	Missy batted her eyelashes , but it was too dark for Kevin to notice anything different about her .
tr	3	" I can see the bonfire , " Melanie stated , but she made no move to get up .
tr	3	Someone else had been adding logs to the fire and it was as high as a man .
tr	3	They had looped around to the beach side of the fire and had a good view of the boys .
tr	3	Just then Mrs. Jackson appeared with two huge bags of popcorn and last Sunday 's newspaper .
tr	3	He gave half to Mr. Stark and the two of them began to fold pages of newspaper into cones .
tr	3	That was strange , she thought , because now they 'd be last to get any .
tr	3	A few of them did and if they exploded and flew out of the fire everyone would laugh .
tr	3	One by one each person crumbled up his or her empty newspaper cone and tossed it into the bonfire .
tr	3	The flames were blue or yellow and everyone seemed mesmerized and hypnotized by the dancing curls of flame .
tr	3	Everyone laughed as he flicked another switch off and stuck the box in his jacket pocket .
tr	3	They came out of the path near the back of the lodge and looked around for their brothers .
tr	3	If he stood to the right he could angle his view to the left and see the large bonfire .
tr	3	Straight ahead the moon was now reflecting off the lake which was as still as a mirror .
tr	3	Ricky put his cheek up against the screen and let his eyes adjust to the darkness .
tr	3	He glanced around the room and his gaze settled on the extra blankets and pillows on the shelf .
tr	3	He grabbed a blanket and threw it over his shoulders while Lonnie headed for the light switch .
tr	3	Ricky got up , rolled his blanket up and the two of them started out the door .
tr	3	" Oh , let 's make an appearance , dear , " Lonnie 's mother said .
tr	3	This book is the third in the series and is available in paperback and digital format .
tr	3	Tommy still couldn 't see anyone other than the hairy arms magically coming out of thin air .
tr	3	Their hands slipped apart and incredibly Noelle was sucked through the air with a whoosh and disappeared .
tr	3	He had escaped this strange land once before , but how could he go back without Noelle ?
tr	3	He pushed himself up off the rocky path and looked at the spot where Noelle had disappeared .
tr	3	He felt around blindly with his hands , feeling for something , anything , where she had been .
tr	3	He circled around to stand behind the spot and reached up and down and patted the air .
tr	3	Tommy had started at chest level , but now the hole seemed to be higher up .
tr	3	Along side of the garage Grandma had planted a patch of tomatoes and beans and cucumbers .
tr	3	She just laughed , though , and replanted them , but she never asked him to help again .
tr	3	He always claimed the larger room , first come first served , he 'd tell Billy .
tr	3	Billy hadn 't discovered the attic yet and Tommy wasn 't about to tip him off .
tr	3	Grandma 's laundry room was down there , too , as well as what the boys considered a playroom .
tr	3	It was a room of extra furniture and keepsakes , books , games , and toys .
tr	3	If he were lucky Billy would already be into the toys in the basement and not want to go .
tr	3	He put the bill in his pocket and pushed aside the drape that hid the attic door .
tr	3	He was half way down when he stopped , deciding that he had finally outgrown this little trick .
tr	3	He looked down and saw chalk marks , the beginnings of that stupid hopscotch game that girls played .
tr	3	He wasn 't interested in playing with girls , though he did glance up at the house next door .
tr	3	He looked away and concentrated on checking each and every house he passed for signs of male inhabitants .
tr	3	The candy aisle was two aisles over and he made a beeline straight for the candy bars .
tr	3	Sometimes , though , he had to resort to threatening Billy with a little pounding on the arm .
tr	3	He had noticed how his dad and his uncles still threw a few punches at each other .
tr	3	He paid for his purchases and left the drug store with a weighty bag of sugary delights .
tr	3	He opened the box of sweet and tart candies and popped a purple one into his mouth .
tr	3	They laughed again and Tommy recognized it as the sound he had heard a block away .
tr	3	" This is Tracy , she 's nine , and her sister , Noelle , is your age . "
tr	3	It took him a moment to change from the accusing older brother act to a friendlier greeting .
tr	3	Tommy changed his tone and asked his question again as Noelle came down from the porch .
tr	3	We ... er ... I was just keeping it out of the way while she fixed the cat .
tr	3	" I 'll just put this in my room , " he said , indicating the bag of candy .
tr	3	It was just chiming the first of the four notes it always rang on the quarter hour .
tr	3	He stood up and felt a little dizzy so he leaned over and rested his hands on his knees .
tr	3	He had the strange feeling that he had been here before and he knew the way home .
tr	3	He started up the path toward the Spruce trees but stopped when he neared the top .
tr	3	Just to be on the safe side he decided to step off the path and hide behind the tree .
tr	3	He turned and headed back down the hill and then took the path in the opposite direction .
tr	3	There were several rocks littering the path , but every one that he stepped on was soft and springy .
tr	3	Tommy turned the coin over in his hand and held it up closer to his eyes .
tr	3	He unwrapped a stick and rolled it into a ball before putting it into his mouth .
tr	3	Tommy stood frozen to the spot as the beast sniffed at the gum wrapper and intermittently roared .
tr	3	If he wasn 't so hungry he could imagine himself taking a nap on one of these soft creatures .
tr	3	He passed over the pink coin and the old woman gave him two blue coins from her pocket .
tr	3	He bit off a tiny portion and rolled it around on his tongue before chewing it up .
tr	3	He drank down the cool refreshing fluid in mighty gulps , following it with a satisfied belch .
tr	3	The bottom of the stick was dessert , sort of like a peach cobbler with a crunchy sugary crust .
tr	3	As he ate he made a decision to follow the old woman and not stick to the trail .
tr	3	He noticed where she had pulled up a handful of blades and wondered why she had done that .
tr	3	" I 'm sorry , " Tommy stuttered , " I just wanted to ask you for help . "
tr	3	She turned away from him and took two steps to a large cauldron that was tipped on its side .
tr	3	Tommy slumped his shoulders and tried to look pathetic , hoping she would take pity on him .
tr	3	He jumped up and threw his leg up over the limb , nimbly climbing the new tree .
tr	3	He reached for a stick of gum and smelled it before plunging it into his mouth .
tr	3	He started to tiptoe just in case the beast was sleeping and he could pass unnoticed .
tr	3	There was no going left or right around the mammoth rock without leaving the safety of the path .
tr	3	He looked back down at the blue landscape below and thought how fuzzy the things in the distance seemed .
tr	3	Maybe he needed glasses ; he had been squinting a lot at the blackboard last year .
tr	3	He climbed straight up and came to a flat top that was somewhat spongy to walk on .
tr	3	But the path was veering to the right and would soon disappear into a forest of blue .
tr	3	Tommy was hesitant to enter the darkening woods , but since he had no better option he continued on .
tr	3	The forest immediately enveloped him , not only with sights and sounds , but also with strange smells .
tr	3	He sometimes had to crawl or climb over and under limbs in the way of the trail .
tr	3	Ahead of him he saw a flock of small birds darting from tree to tree singing madly .
tr	3	When he did Tommy was stunned to find that the path split into two sets of forks .
tr	3	Only one thousand nine hundred seventy nine steps and maybe he could get out of here .
tr	3	He spit out his gum and started counting his steps out loud , running a little , half jogging .
tr	3	Tommy did and the little man ate them like candy then screamed even louder , " Not allowed !
tr	3	Tommy hit the hard ground faster than he had a chance to even scream a word of surprise .
tr	3	He needed a moment to process this new experience so he sat dumbfounded for a few minutes .
tr	3	He glanced back toward the empty torch holder , but another flaming torch was burning there .
tr	3	The pile in the center was beginning to grow larger than any bonfire he had seen at camp .
tr	3	He couldn 't throw the torches all the way to the middle anymore ; it was too far .
tr	3	I kept taking the left fork trying to get back home somehow , but stuff keeps happening . "
tr	3	Tommy didn 't want to lie though he wasn 't sure telling the truth would help him .
tr	3	That 's silly , Tommy thought , but he obeyed anyway and took a deep breath .
tr	3	The eighteenth torch withered and faded as he blew , as did all the rest of the torches .
tr	3	The whole gesture , the look , the hat , everything reminded Tommy of the three Musketeers .
tr	3	But Tommy politely bowed , too , and said , " Pleased to meet you . "
tr	3	The prince waited expectantly then prompted , " Well , do you have a gift for me ? "
tr	3	You probably have tutors to teach you stuff like history , geography , English , and math .
tr	3	Tommy thought to himself that he would have to be more careful of what he said .
tr	3	A winding path took them past several strange fountains that looked like prehistoric animals spitting up .
tr	3	Tommy kept close behind the Prince while still trying to take in all of his surroundings .
tr	3	He neither heard nor saw anyone else , but he decided not to admit that to the Prince .
tr	3	Instantly the hat disappeared and Tommy felt the rails wiggle as if someone were climbing down .
tr	3	Then the tall barn door opened , but only at the bottom , like a pet door .
tr	3	Again the rails moved and suddenly there were two strange , pointy hats in the Prince 's hands .
tr	3	He no longer expected to be riding bikes but expected maybe something in the category of horse .
tr	3	This is what happened : It was Saturday and we were having our annual school fair .
tr	3	Our school backs up to a humongous woods and that woods borders a marshland and another state forest .
tr	3	The fourth-grade teacher , Mrs. Buckley , caught us once and we missed a week of recess .
tr	3	Anyway , it 's spooky in there and my grandpa told me about hobos that used to sleep there .
tr	3	I told Austin and Sydney and Callie about the hobos and then I would yell , " Hobo ! "
tr	3	Then she stumbled and fell smack into something that was brown and gooey and smelled really , really bad .
tr	3	This was probably like the first time I ever saw her without a grin on her face .
tr	3	I once saw him scrape white bird droppings off a fence post with his fingernail and sniff it .
tr	3	Most girls would have been horrified to have a soda spilled on their clothes let alone some you-know-what .
tr	3	And let me tell you , we could have followed her blindfolded , just by smelling her .
tr	3	I swear I could see lines of scent waving back from her like in a cartoon .
tr	3	We circled around as if we were going to join hands and do some silly folk dance .
tr	3	" No such thing , " Callie was shaking her head , " my mom said so . "
tr	3	Something big , something not human , something with just two toes was out there in the darkening forest .
tr	3	But how was I supposed to know that this creature , this humongous Sasquatch , had been walking backwards ?
tr	3	Oh my gosh , I was starting to sound like old Mrs. Buckley , the fourth grade teacher .
tr	3	I think we 're going the wrong way , " Callie was just trying to make me stop .
tr	3	Up and around , looking everywhere , eyes and heads moving in every direction at once .
tr	3	Like know when the car was going north or east without looking at the compass on the dashboard .
tr	3	So when she said , " The sun , " I was instantly in agreement with her .
tr	3	I wasted absolutely no time at all in refocusing my single-minded quest for the way out of these woods .
tr	3	Sydney waited a bit for Callie and then it was the four of us pounding through the underbrush .
tr	3	My long legs took the impact in the middle of my shins and I went sprawling .
tr	3	Callie said this like she knew the creature personally and , well , it 's just the creature .
tr	3	There was nothing stinky to the left so that was going to be our new path .
tr	3	I could imagine all their arm and leg hairs popping out straight with goose pimply fright .
tr	3	After you 're around her for a while you start to understand her grunts and growls .
tr	3	I saw you climb over and I was yelling , but I guess you couldn 't hear me . "
tr	3	His energy is all jumpy and exhausted , muddled blue with too much brown mixed in .
tr	3	The song is calling to me , and even my terror is muting in its wake .
tr	3	Bringer of little chills all up and down me , mostly when he isn 't trying .
tr	3	The heat hasn 't broken yet , and the leaves wilt beneath the sun 's inerrant gaze .
tr	3	I lug my shoulder bag down the university 's cobbled pathway toward the student union building .
tr	3	Learning to appreciate my freshman roommate who slept till noon and showed me how to masturbate .
tr	3	He is a striking man , tall and pale with thick , dark hair cut short .
tr	3	There are always fewer male students , and then , of course , that scar would distinguish him anywhere .
tr	3	" He was outside last night when we went to the improv show , " Ryan says .
tr	3	" I remember , because I thought he would be a good enforcer for Avalon . "
tr	3	I feel entitled to a good life , though I have done nothing to earn it .
tr	3	* * * That night I work on a short story for my creative writing class .
tr	3	It 's about a little girl who lives in an orphanage and discovers a magic crayon .
tr	3	Her drawings come to life on the page , so she creates herself a perfect family .
tr	3	A brother , a sister , a mother and a father who all welcome and love her .
tr	3	She gives her family castles and jewels and grand adventures -- everything she can never have for herself .
tr	3	The sentences are too bloated with adjectives , because I can 't push the action ahead .
tr	3	If the walls of my apartment suddenly dissolved , the books would keep everything securely fastened in place .
tr	3	" Come on Pixie Girl , " Ryan says closing his big , boring and utterly practical textbook .
tr	3	Avalon is the product of a reckless idealism that can only blossom in our naïve university seclusion .
tr	3	He murmurs an apology , and I only catch a glimpse of wavy hair tamed with a ball cap .
tr	3	" We can 't both be boring , " I tease back and bite his nose .
tr	3	I 've won a full smile from him , fading quick , stirring those chills inside me .
tr	3	At first I think he might be a college professor or a lost parent , but no .
tr	3	It might be Ryan 's name or something coherent like " What are you doing to him ? "
tr	3	He is not so tall , but I can tell that he is a powerful person .
tr	3	His voice is quiet and calm , each word crisp like water drops hitting my cheeks .
tr	3	The stars are streaks , and the boy is a shrinking dot beneath the lamp light .
tr	3	A short while later I am lying on a concrete floor inside one of the storage units .
tr	3	The metal door shuts with a bang like a gunshot or like panic or like gruesome finality .
tr	3	A light flickers on , and I tuck my head to my chest to protect my eyes .
tr	3	" It is a shame , " he says , " that they are always born human . "
tr	3	In a swift motion , he grabs my neck and claps his hand over my mouth .
tr	3	He picks me up and places me on a small cot in the center of the space .
tr	3	The smells are whispering to me , but I can 't understand what they are saying .
tr	3	He was pretending , and after I left he got up and went back to the apartment .
tr	3	The weak are ... , " he pauses here , eyes intent to make sure I 'm listening .
tr	3	The word comes out of his mouth softly but with obvious pleasure , " food . "
tr	3	It is all absurd , a strange dream where the colors on the walls are strangling each other .
tr	3	" No , no , I don 't want to , " I push myself up .
tr	3	Even as I struggle up , he is next to me , pushing me down , hard .
tr	3	He must be made of solid steel , for my desperate thrashing doesn 't move him at all .
tr	3	" Once the change is complete , you will require sustenance , " the man says .
tr	3	* * * By the time the stranger prepares the second shot , my body is on fire .
tr	3	Crying is too painful , so I lay in silence , closing my eyes and trying to envision Avalon .
tr	3	I 'm breaking you down , stripping away your weakness and building you back up into something better . "
tr	3	" I 'm nobody 's daughter , " I say , which is only sort of true .
tr	3	The sound is raw , spiraling up into a squeal that cracks and dies in my throat .
tr	3	I fall back onto the cot , and the scream has taken away my last reserves .
tr	3	This is what I remember next : a sound screeching through my mind , bleary voices .
tr	3	He lays a hand on my forehead , then pushes back the wet strands of hair off my face .
tr	3	I don 't know where the music is coming from , but the melody is hypnotic .
tr	3	... Well , if you 'd be so kind , I will tell you exactly how I did it .
tr	3	The angel moved swiftly in front of his prey , crouching low , ready for a fight .
tr	3	He cried in pain as the bullets tore through his flesh , but that didn 't slow him down .
tr	3	Using roundhouse and 180 ° spin kicks of death , Gabe knocked the creature down , stunning him .
tr	3	No , let me tell it ... Of course he 's going to say that ... .
tr	3	So if you 're done telling me my own story ... Uh-huh , that 's what I thought .
tr	3	They did some tepid fighting which involved absolutely no roundhouse or 180 ° spin kicks of death .
tr	3	The angel howled in pain , clutching his mangled stump as blood gushed all over the place .
tr	3	" This isn 't over , " the angel cried as he escaped into the night .
tr	3	He opens the opposite door and pulls me the rest of the way across the back seat .
tr	3	The driver doesn 't say anything , but the color ratchets around him , bright along the edges .
tr	3	I close my eyes , but I can still feel the skin pulling away from my palms again .
tr	3	I cry , but these are silent tears , hot by the time they tip over my chin .
tr	3	The amber glow is so bright around him that it looks like some sort of unnatural fire .
tr	3	" Yes we can , because , uh , because you could use her in your research .
tr	3	They act as if they can 't hear the music flowing in hot torrents all around us .
tr	3	Until she does , she 's an innocent , and we don 't kill innocent people .
tr	3	" I 'm sorry Maya , " he says , and then he slumps back against his seat .
tr	3	* * * The boys huddle outside the car , their heads ducked together in whispered argument .
tr	3	I realize that it is made up of many different delicate , shifting shades of blue .
tr	3	I turn my head to gaze at the headboard , at the initials scratched in the wood .
tr	3	When I get back and you 're feeling a little better , we 'll explain everything .
tr	3	I know that probably doesn 't mean much , but ... " Gabe kneads the visor of his cap .
tr	3	More accurately , my gaze moves around his body , following the flow of his energy .
tr	3	I know that doesn 't help , but I just ... I wanted you to know . "
tr	3	His left eye is swollen , and a dark bruise already shades the delicate skin beneath .
tr	3	" Are you ... " I swallow and concentrate on the words " ... my brothers ? "
tr	3	When you 're done with the animal , you 'll want more , but you must stop yourself .
tr	3	He holds a small border collie puppy under one arm and clutches a plastic bag in his other hand .
tr	3	" I 'm going to cut the cuffs off you now , " he says to me .
tr	3	I could leap off the bed and connect to his energy before he could get off a shot .
tr	3	" She 's got it , " Gabe says under his breath even as he lifts his gun .
tr	3	A new set of ties whips around my torn wrists , and he pulls them tight into the wounds .
tr	3	I fall back against the bed , moaning as the need rises and breaks over me .
tr	3	It lashes out , and I strain against the cuffs , groaning and writhing on the bed .
tr	3	Eventually -- and it probably isn 't so long , really -- I am lying on my side panting .
tr	3	" It 'll get easier , " Gabe says as I tumble into an exhausted sleep .
tr	3	A face peers into mine , and for a blissful moment I don 't recognize it .
tr	3	Strange smells cloud the room , and something is buzzing loud as a swarm of bees .
tr	3	I look over to the table and realize it 's just the hum of a laptop .
tr	3	" Ha , " he replies , " not going to be easy with those handcuffs . "
tr	3	I search for a resemblance , something in his face that might be mine as well .
tr	3	" It 's you , " he repeats as if this will clear things right up .
tr	3	His laugh is warm and inviting , somehow untouched by the sheer catastrophe of the situation at hand .
tr	3	We most definitely do not look alike at all except for a similar point to our chins .
tr	3	All the nerves in my arms are numb and then , suddenly , spiky and electric .
tr	3	I can 't stand up , so I sit on my knees while the water soaks my fevered skin .
tr	3	What if she doesn 't have her inhaler when she gets the news that I 'm missing ?
tr	3	I am half convinced this is all a dream , except the hunger is too loud for sleep .
tr	3	* * * We sit on the roof of the motel swinging our legs over the side .
tr	3	" The boy I was with last night , " I say and can 't finish .
tr	3	" You see , angels aren 't exactly the Precious Moments figurines society likes to think .
tr	3	That 's what these angels are too , but they 're not working for any God . "
tr	3	" You know , it 's kind of our policy to never talk about this . "
tr	3	" I 'll keep an open mind , " would have been a clever thing to say .
tr	3	" You know how they say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions ? "
tr	3	Thing is , he looked at this world and saw all the heaps of suffering everyone was going through .
tr	3	The hunger , the sickness , the petty violence , and he decided to do something about it . "
tr	3	He theorized that humans could be made stronger and faster with keener senses -- that anything was possible .
tr	3	" He believed that the human body contained a vast untapped potential for strength , intelligence and power . "
tr	3	I tuck my hands into my body and pick at the torn skin around my wrists .
tr	3	" Maybe Dr. Cook believed he could fix human nature by making us all something better than humans . "
tr	3	" I don 't know , " Gabe sits up and braces his hands behind him .
tr	3	I turn them over and watch the veiny pink orbs lift to the surface of my palms .
tr	3	The song quiets , and I feel the deep fog of exhaustion begin to lift from my mind .
tr	3	He got his own lab and did a lot of legit stuff that the university knew about .
tr	3	Published papers , gave lectures , that sort of thing , but his true obsession was creating angels .
tr	3	The quick change in color rivets my eyes , sets little shivers vibrating down my spine .
tr	3	He gathered together a group of high rollers , business magnates , politicians , mob bosses and the like .
tr	3	I lean back on my hands , because those bulbs just need to go away for a while .
tr	3	His heart is jumping so quick , I can see the veins pulsing at his temples .
tr	3	" Not yet , " he says quietly , " but you can 't help what you are . "
tr	3	I keep the skin down over my palms , but I can feel those bulbs pushing against the seams .
tr	3	Gabe 's cheeks are flushed , and his blunt dashes of eyebrows tilt toward each other sharing secrets .
tr	3	I like this position , feeling that I am as small and unobtrusive as I can be .
tr	3	" The super evil club , " I say and then effortlessly pluck his exact words from my memory .
tr	3	" Good memory , " he says at last and reaches forward to switch the air on high .
tr	3	All he had to show for years of work were violent lab rats with serious cases of radiation poisoning .
tr	3	They needed to feed constantly , and the more they fed , the stronger they became .
tr	3	Many of the angels even developed incredible abilities just like Dr. Cook predicated , including flight .
tr	3	Thane convinced them that angels were destined to become a superior race , the highest evolution of mankind . "
tr	3	" Dr. Cook needed help , and there was only one person he trusted , " Gabe says .
tr	3	My body responds , those bulbs pushing through my palms to lift up from my kneecaps .
tr	3	I tug against my cuffs and concentrate on the pain that runs hot laps around my wrists .
tr	3	" I think about what it must have been like for my dad ; how he must have felt .
tr	3	Mom always told us that he was a good man , very brave , and funny .
tr	3	My consciousness is confused , wandering through melting dreams and briefly surfacing when I hear voices up front .
tr	3	We 've got to teach her how to control the hunger , and Grand will want her back .
tr	3	She tells me that she has Lyme disease , though I know she 's overreacting again .
tr	3	" And get this , I hacked her records , and she 's a literature major .
tr	3	I am looking out across the waves , knowing Ryan is drowning in the depths somewhere .
tr	3	It will be a beautiful sandcastle that people will come from all over the world to see .
tr	3	" If she takes in too much energy , she 'll lose control and be too strong to stop .
tr	3	Turn our backs every time she has to raid the local zoo to get a fix ? "
tr	3	" Nah , she 's going to live with us for a while , " Gabe says .
tr	3	" We 'll kill or cure all the angels , and our life 's mission will be complete .
tr	3	All emotions must be controlled and locked away so that I can get through this minute .
tr	3	" This is grandma underwear , " I whine , tossing the pack away from me .
tr	3	" It was so genteel of you to let me out of my cuffs for dinner .
tr	3	I could make a mad dash for the front office or scream like a crazy woman .
tr	3	Karen is probably in full panic attack mode right about now , inhaler cemented to her mouth .
tr	3	Henry might even take a long lunch from the office to stand by her side looking stern .
tr	3	Not exactly like you 're used to , but these are prettier than the snack . "
tr	3	He hands me a bowl and two large plastic bags filled with darting , colorful shapes .
tr	3	Now , I let my hand rest in the bowl of water until the fish forget the intrusion .
tr	3	" Gabe , " I say , and he lifts his head , chipmunk cheeks filled with cheeseburger bits .
tr	3	" You said your father and Dr. Cook destroyed the formula , but the man who took me .
tr	3	" He raped a lot of women , " Gabe puts down the last bite of his burger .
tr	3	Fed off them till they were almost dead , then brought them back , that kind of thing .
tr	3	I stare at his nose -- a long straight bridge , round and pronounced at the tip .
tr	3	" My parents , Karen and Henry , they never hid the fact that I was adopted .
tr	3	How they were a king and queen and had to hide me from an evil wizard .
tr	3	And then ... oh shit , and then when I got older I wrote different stories .
tr	3	Just a pinched throat that doesn 't feel like it will ever open up again to let me breathe .
tr	3	When you were born human , she told me it was the first time she smiled since the fire .
tr	3	The darkness is like a semi-sheer curtain that shades the room but cannot hide its contents .
tr	3	I can see Gabe 's laptop sitting on the table and the ridges on the lamp 's twist dial .
tr	3	His energy never entirely evens out , but the jumps are smaller and do not wake him .
tr	3	I 'm wearing a matching peach tank top and cotton capri pants with yellow hearts around the hems .
tr	3	I tug on the glass panel , and it slides open with a squeal of protest .
tr	3	In the second it takes his tired mind to realize what 's happening , I leap through the window .
tr	3	My strides are long and graceful , and I feel , really feel my new body in motion .
tr	3	The song is playing , always playing , but now it seems to be encouraging me .
tr	3	He is spent ; I can see it in the wavering energy field that hugs close to his body .
tr	3	Now , " he says , but his words melt away in the glow of his energy .
tr	3	" Does it comfort you to think she 's in Heaven watching out for you and your little brother ?
tr	3	I hear the air kick out of his lungs , see the scarlet pulse around his body .
tr	3	He twists under me , gasping for breath and throwing a protective arm over his ribs .
tr	3	I put my hands on his chest and slam him back , hard into the ground .
tr	3	He closes his eyes and waits , and the shame comes like a sudden rain soaking right through me .
tr	3	I fight against the hunger , but it 's like trying to push away a tidal wave .
tr	3	I 'm too damn hungry , and this isn 't a B horror flick after all .
tr	3	He gives me a small smile , but can 't keep the tremor out of his extended hand .
tr	3	I peel off my glove and reach through Gabe 's glowing aura to take his hand .
tr	3	The orbs push up with a mad insistence , but I keep the skin of my palms anchored down .
tr	3	If I could transfer this agony into a scream , I think the moon would hear it .
tr	3	The silence stretches , and I watch small sparks of energy scurrying along the tree limbs .
tr	3	We walk back in silence , keeping to a slow pace so Gabe can nurse his twisted ankle .
tr	3	Just before we make it back to the motel , I find a stray cat wandering the empty streets .
tr	3	The song rears up so loud it drowns out everything but the certainty that I must hold back .
tr	3	I stand up , dizzy and weak , and drop the cat 's body into an alleyway dumpster .
tr	3	I cannot know what they are thinking , but their minds must be laced with doubts .
tr	3	This is fire and fears and a terrible face I can 't get out of my mind .
tr	3	Monster Maya might get to help him with some science experiments if he doesn 't kill her first .
tr	3	I will bury your body so deep in the ground that no one will ever dig you up .
tr	3	" It don 't stand out , that 's for sure , " Gabe says from the front seat .
tr	3	The stores dry up , and the road becomes more playful , sneaking cracks and potholes under our wheels .
tr	3	" Your jealousy of our love is pitiful , " Gabe retorts as I toss the bag to him .
tr	3	" Got punched out on the show floor by one of our clients , " Gabe jumps in .
tr	3	" She just got out of school and is staying with us for a while . "
tr	3	" She doesn 't know it yet , but she 's in love with me , " he says .
tr	3	He twists around in his seat , so that his bright eyes are peering at me .
tr	3	* * * The road gives way to gravel , and the Murano 's tires dig in .
tr	3	Chapter 19 The house of the Fox brothers stamps a generous footprint across a scraggly plot of land .
tr	3	I want to not be thinking of my apartment and all the books gathering so much dust .
tr	3	I need to stay in the present , let each second crest and break over me without resistance .
tr	3	" We weren 't exactly planning on having any ... uh , " he stumbles for a word .
tr	3	Gabe frowns at my joke , because , of course , it isn 't really a joke .
tr	3	I walk to the king bed and run my hand along the thick , white comforter .
tr	3	The air in the room is stale and heavy , tinted with old perfume and lazy dust particles .
tr	3	I open my mouth to utter some sort of shaky compliment , but my attention is snatched away .
tr	3	I imagine the person on the other side of the lens is goading her to look up .
tr	3	Her head is thrown back , and she is laughing as the groom hooks her in his arms .
tr	3	His brown elf eyes spark with pleasure , and his mischief mouth is cocked into a wide grin .
tr	3	Long , fluid limbs and dark hair combed back give him a hint of feral strength .
tr	3	A picture of the girl standing on her father 's shoes , his hands enveloping hers .
tr	3	Her ponytail is wet and crooked as if she has just come out from the waves .
tr	3	His smile is gone , replaced by a taunt mouth that puts too many creases into his skin .
tr	3	" Yeah , " he steps back from the doorway and shoves his hands in his pockets .
tr	3	I sit on the edge of the bed and listen to his steps retreat down the hall .
tr	3	Instead , I calmly pick at my wrists , only it 's hardly any use at all .
tr	3	New skin has already knitted neatly over the gashes , and I 'm sure this is another angel thing .
tr	3	The prickly ends remind me that this is real , but I don 't really need any more convincing .
tr	3	I pounce onto another branch then clutch one above and swing myself easily around and up onto my feet .
tr	3	I leap , swinging , hands ripping on the harsh bark , but I couldn 't care .
tr	3	When he steps outside , I scramble back up onto the roof and stretch out onto my stomach .
tr	3	I can only see the back of his head , but I imagine his face is grim and determined .
tr	3	He takes off running , red pain springing up in his aura near his injured rib .
tr	3	* * * Gabe cradles a bowl of drowned cereal in his arm as he clicks through emails .
tr	3	" Jesus , put some bells on or something , " he says with a smile .
tr	3	Gabe spins back around and leaves the spoon sticking out his mouth as he opens another email .
tr	3	" He can be ... well , sometimes it 's just better not to tell him things . "
tr	3	A Cylon from Battlestar Galactica is locked in deadly combat with a samurai sword-wielding Bratz doll .
tr	3	" Is this an angel you , uh ... " They do kill people , I remind myself .
tr	3	Sometimes the coroner can 't figure out any other cause of death , so they say radiation poisoning .
tr	3	" Uh , where there 's one angel , there are bound to be others . "
tr	3	As the angel is sucking up the energy , the victim 's heart just gives out .
tr	3	I load on all my suspicious obits -- those are the red pins -- and look for patterns . "
tr	3	If I confirm angel , the pins turn white , and we load up the car and go . "
tr	3	I don 't know how to be cool or good about this , so I just tell the truth .
tr	3	" Sure , sure , but I 'll probably go easy , you know , the ankle . "
tr	3	Probably warned him that I was liable to go on a murderous rampage if let out of sight .
tr	3	The only thing I want is Ryan alive and Grand dead but only after lots of suffering .
tr	3	Gabe lies back on the bench , reaches up and wraps his hands around a bar loaded with weight .
tr	3	His favorite color is usually blue , but sometimes green and sometimes the bright yellow of highlighters .
tr	3	On the fifth rep , the bar tilts to the left as Gabe pushes it up with trembling arms .
tr	3	I look at his thin , boy 's body and hide my smirk with another question .
tr	3	" That was my idea actually , " Gabe grins and sits up on the bench .
tr	3	I am highly attuned to his energy , how it rises up as he begins to reach his limit .
tr	3	Gabe looks at me , tugs his shirt back down and smiles in this awkward , sheepish way .
tr	3	" I don 't get the guns ... at the show ... I get ... the contacts . "
tr	3	There are ways to cover your tracks , to be anonymous or to be someone else entirely .
tr	3	As long as they don 't know who you are , they can 't find you . "
tr	3	" And if they can 't find you , they can 't stop you , " I finish .
tr	3	" No , no , keep going , " Gabe says , but I shake my head .
tr	3	Relieved of guard duty , Gabe steps outside and is soon arguing with his cell phone .
tr	3	I look at the animal now , concentrating on the shivering body beneath its bright , energy .
tr	3	" We got most of the clothes and things on the list , " he says .
tr	3	The hunger is everywhere , drawing me to him , and we 're standing so close .
tr	3	My hands grow hot , and I fight to keep my skin down over the slits .
tr	3	" Maya , you can 't ... " " Can 't contact anyone , I know . "
tr	3	Bikes whiz past , and I run to the great knotted trees in the center park .
tr	3	I keep my eyes forward , knowing that he will disappear if I turn my gaze .
tr	3	I lean my head back to rest it against his chest , but he is gone .
tr	3	This night I ache with memories , with the vision of my path in life all blown to dust .
tr	3	When I work myself up into a masochistic zeal , I open my new laptop and Google myself online .
tr	3	I 've made most of the local publications throughout the Northeast and even some of the larger ones .
tr	3	Investigators propose that I was a victim of a drug gang , cult or some terrifying madman .
tr	3	Despite these bleak circumstance , Karen and Henry are quoted again and again begging for my return .
tr	3	Each breath carries a thousand particles of sand , rubbing away the lining of my throat .
tr	3	Ryan with his arms folded over his chest looking so unnatural while his family limps by , oh god .
tr	3	It 's just a drawing , and Ryan 's not in there sleeping deep like Arthur .
tr	3	I leap onto a tree and get my arms around a raccoon who does not appreciate my embrace .
tr	3	I peel back a glove and drain it quickly , but this snack only heightens the hunger .
tr	3	Long , even strides carry him into the foliage , and his energy calms down at last .
tr	3	I 'm not really feeling better about anything , but a long shower helps clear my head .
tr	3	Milk sits on the top shelf along with packs of Red Bull , protein shakes and muscle milk .
tr	3	Eggs sit in the little egg holders that I didn 't think anyone actually ever used .
tr	3	After some searching , I find a battered pan , crack the eggs and listen to them sizzle .
tr	3	Maybe I can get him to smile that shy smile that makes him look almost human .
tr	3	Maybe we can find a sliver of the happiness that he is searching for so desperately .
tr	3	Too damn proud of myself for demonstrating such a clear effort to take my situation in stride .
tr	3	I might have even heard the breaths of anguish stealing in and out of his body .
tr	3	Instead , I blithely walk inside and open my mouth to announce a cheerful good morning .
tr	3	" Never mind , " I murmur and escape the room , pulling the door closed behind me .
tr	3	Chapter 24 The afternoon rain has just let up , leaving the grass beaded and fresh .
tr	3	I watch the trees , instantly attuned to the flickering nods of energy scurrying along the branches .
tr	3	We sit together in silence while Gabe pulls out the first bottle of beer and takes a long drink .
tr	3	When we were old enough , Mom took us on the road to hunt angels . "
tr	3	" It 's been so long since I 've spoken about her , " he muses .
tr	3	I rub my legs with my gloved hands , sip at my water and wait for him to continue .
tr	3	Sometimes I think the only reason he did was to keep an eye on Tammy , to protect her .
tr	3	" You have to understand , Grand still wanted revenge for the death of his father .
tr	3	We 'd also managed to kill his younger brother , Lux , the year before Mom died .
tr	3	Grand was always hunting us , and we were always running like hell to slip away .
tr	3	His fingers tap , tap , tap the glass as he gathers himself , tries to push through .
tr	3	" I thought that was the worst day of my life , but it wasn 't . "
tr	3	The car was covered in blood , and he was barely conscious by the time I got to him .
tr	3	His eyes , points of pain locking onto mine ; that bead of water rolling down his neck .
tr	3	In my mind the story continues , propelled by the images Gabe 's shaking voice imparts .
tr	3	" I had a towel in the trunk , and I tried to clean him up .
tr	3	Gabe grips the sticky wheel , puts the car into gear and wipes his tears away as he drives .
tr	3	" You 're going to be okay , " he says , because what else is there to say ?
tr	3	I didn 't think he would make it ... " The long miles stretch out ahead of them .
tr	3	Gabe 's aura rears up and engulfs him , so bright that it hurts my eyes .
tr	3	With a shudder , I turn away and press my hands down hard against the porch .
tr	3	The song reaches all through me , echoing in weird ways inside my head until Gabe speaks again .
tr	3	Tammy was the one who killed his brother Lux , so Grand decided to repay her the favor .
tr	3	" Far as I can guess , Grand wanted to track him back here , find our mother .
tr	3	His energy is flagging , and I can lift my hands up and put them in my lap .
tr	3	It 's a shame Gabe can 't see his aura and appreciate its delicate movements and aqua marine shades .
tr	3	I don 't think they know that humans look the best ; must be the best to feed on .
tr	3	" So ... " Gabe says finally , " that must have been pretty awkward this morning .
tr	3	Things should be bound in strait jackets and chains and locked in coffins and encased in cement .
tr	3	I sincerely hope that the ongoing search for my body is not cause for continual distraction .
tr	3	My words fly up , my thoughts remain below : Words without thoughts never to heaven go .
tr	3	I feel slightly better , maybe even a little noble for all the suffering I have endured .
tr	3	It is a quality journal , black with electric blue lines twisting around the front and back cover .
tr	3	His cheeks are flushed deep red , and his hair goes black when it 's soaked like this .
tr	3	I expect needles , jumbo computers , brain wave readers , beakers foaming with purple liquid .
tr	3	I stare up at the stars , imaging her blue-gray eyes hidden somewhere beneath their bright points .
tr	3	Colorado loses its heat at night , but Gabe , as always , seems comfortable in just his t-shirt .
tr	3	For no discernable reason , Gabe begins answering the questions I 'd given up on asking .
tr	3	She taught them how to run away if the angels ever came , how to hide .
tr	3	Look at everyone 's hands , but don 't let them know that you 're looking .
tr	3	Mom said heroes were idiots who whittled away their lives for a world that couldn 't be saved .
tr	3	After a while he says , " I didn 't know about you for a long time .
tr	3	And sometimes if things got real bad -- the first time was when we had to drown this guy .
tr	3	Gabe 's voice is soft and shy , and he 's gone back to noticing the stars .
tr	3	Now I 'm looking up at the stars , counting them rapidly in my head because I can now .
tr	3	You 're a low down , ig 'n ant , scumbag human like the rest of us . "
tr	3	" Anytime Sis , " he replies , and the word jars me out of my count .
tr	3	" Mom was right , " Gabe says , " this isn 't a good life . "
tr	3	His voice is low and sad and those lines are back , digging in around his mouth .
tr	3	" Nah , Grand would never be stupid enough to show up in my search algorithms .
tr	3	The smile is slow to come to his face , but when it lands , it stretches wide .
tr	3	" We need to know the extent of the change , what exactly we 're dealing with . "
tr	3	I wrestle it down , try to let the wretched notes seep out of my body .
tr	3	My world is an apocalyptic landscape filled with burned out buildings and ghostly memories drifting through the charred husks .
tr	3	I ice two of them before we set off again and save the last for later .
tr	3	Its tantalizing notes grow louder and louder , tingling down each nerve and building up heat in my hands .
tr	3	But my head is always turning back , eyes landing again and again on Gabe 's sapphire aura .
tr	3	" That 's not enough ... " " At night , which is only what assholes do .
tr	3	" But you killed the kid 's dad on his birthday , and you traumatized an innocent clown . "
tr	3	Let 's stop by the crime scene , see if the cops got any leads . "
tr	3	" Peachy , " I manage , though I am , in fact , nowhere near peachy .
tr	3	I 'm not sure how to respond , so I don 't say anything at all .
tr	3	On our way to the room , we actually pass a Hispanic guy with an eye patch .
tr	3	The knob is rusted and , after some struggle with the key , Gabe heaves it open .
tr	3	Mold seeps through a yellowed stain on the ceiling and rat droppings gleam on the carpet .
tr	3	" Don 't make any calls , don 't let anyone in unless it 's one of us . "
tr	3	I swallow , nod , ignore the tugs of energy all around us from the other motel patrons .
tr	3	Off they go to do whatever it is that angel hunters do in order to find their prey .
tr	3	I tell his plump , nervous mother that I would have gladly given my life for his .
tr	3	Memories only bring pain and the aching helplessness of knowing that something has been irretrievably lost .
tr	3	Arizona has lots of sun to give me , and my body greedily soaks in the energy it provides .
tr	3	I know this is an empty threat , and so I vow all the more passionately .
tr	3	A spray of blood arcs across his long-sleeve shirt all the way up to his neck and jaw .
tr	3	The normal bright blue of his energy is muddied and pale , but it 's stable .
tr	3	I scan his body , wincing when he reaches across the bed to turn on the lamp .
tr	3	I put a finger to my cheek and feel the imprint of the carpet fibers on my skin .
tr	3	Gabe knocks on the bathroom door , opens it and drops in the clothes without looking .
tr	3	With shaking hands , I lift the latch on the backseat and pull it down just a little .
tr	3	" It 's just a bundle of , uh , hockey sticks , " Gabe says .
tr	3	" But , ah , that 's because it 's a crash test dummy holding hockey sticks . "
tr	3	I search for my sunglasses and shove them on my face even though it 's dark outside again .
tr	3	" Gabe of all trades , " he whispers , hat turned forward and pulled low over his face .
tr	3	His body shivers , and he nips at my hand each time I come close to a wound .
tr	3	I watch one man lurch across the street , putting his hand on car hoods to keep himself up .
tr	3	You make lame people look ... uh , much less lame or ... just shut up . "
tr	3	I search for the fountain and find it , a marble lion roaring out a gush of water .
tr	3	He shrugs on a backpack , hands Gabe his computer bag and motions for the basketball .
tr	3	Gabe is in a rumpled X-Men t-shirt , and his jeans are torn at both knees .
tr	3	" We 're here to spend some time with ... " " It 's Miss Hernandez now darling .
tr	3	" She 's new to Big Brothers and Big Sisters , so we 're teaching her the ropes . "
tr	3	" Alright Carmen , " the boy says , " you 've sufficiently embarrassed yourself for the time being .
tr	3	" Awesome , " Gabe says as the boy turns and stalks away into the house .
tr	3	The song is still here , always here , but softens as my skin opens to the sunlight .
tr	3	Hoops stand out on his nose and lip , and he wears a skull and cross bones t-shirt .
tr	3	We continue past the pool to a large guest house set away from the rest of the property .
tr	3	She buys me whatever I ask for , and I stop releasing hornets during her dinner parties .
tr	3	Tedious hours tick by as they examine me , take blood and hair samples and measure my radiation output .
tr	3	I stare at the page of my book , keeping my eyes adhered to the blurry words .
tr	3	I don 't move at all except that my grip on the book puts indents in both covers .
tr	3	I lay on my stomach , gripping the head of the table and keeping my hands in plain sight .
tr	3	This means something , but I am too busy trying not to kill him to analyze it .
tr	3	The song howls , and the pain joins in , peeling back the layers of my control .
tr	3	I grip the table edge tighter and tighter , press my forehead into the polished surface .
tr	3	" If she doesn 't require as much sustenance , perhaps her hunger is more controllable . "
tr	3	Since all you bring me are dead bodies , we can 't even do an anecdotal comparison . "
tr	3	My oversized heart is pounding so hard that I wonder how it doesn 't shake this donut to pieces .
tr	3	Gabe tries to laugh it off , but he 's quiet for a long while afterward .
tr	3	Henry first , because I don 't have to get sentimental with him , except that I unexpectedly do .
tr	3	His energy spikes , and I sit up straight , edge my hands under my thighs .
tr	3	" And that was all well and good , but I want to fight , " I insist .
tr	3	" I 'll never be able to live a normal life or ever be happy again .
tr	3	Maya and the monster are grappling for control inside my head , but there is no monster .
tr	3	Everyone in the world who gets to not know about angels , who doesn 't have to be one .
tr	3	The little girl spots me hugging the dead rabbit , coming down from the high of its energy .
tr	3	I finish Karen 's letter in six pages , skipping some of my more forgivable blunders .
tr	3	I can 't apologize enough for leaving her alone ; for being alive and letting her suffer my death .
tr	3	" Okay , so the cops might laugh at first , but you could catch the angels on tape .
tr	3	" Anyone who ever dreamed of being stronger , faster , smarter would demand to be changed .
tr	3	Or maybe it 's just greed -- they don 't want to share what they have .
tr	3	And not just any blood ... " I pause for dramatic effect and lower my voice .
tr	3	Chapter 33 We make it to Redmond , Washington in the morning , though you would hardly know it .
tr	3	A thick bank of clouds hangs heavy in the sky , their faces gray and threatening .
tr	3	Pale light trickles through the cover and casts a pall across the lush forestry that lines the highway .
tr	3	I don 't know what song I 'm humming , so I supply my own words .
tr	3	Their odor fills the room , and I can 't help but glance at them longingly .
tr	3	His ears hang down on each side of his face , giving him a sad countenance .
tr	3	Mr. Brave is clinging onto the mesh with his front paws and pushing his nose through the wire .
tr	3	I give Gabe a sheepish oops , sorry I 'm a killer of small and adorable animals smile .
tr	3	They have melded into a cohesive unit , speaking quickly , plugging into the same thought pattern .
tr	3	" This is one big ass park ; we 're talking perfect angel killing ground , " Gabe continues .
tr	3	" First thing we 've got to do is confirm we 're really dealing with an angel .
tr	3	We tramp along the trail , and Gabe half-heartedly calls Sunshine 's name while I get myself in order .
tr	3	Birds take wing overhead , and I can 't help but turn my head toward each new noise .
tr	3	Though I can still hear the other volunteers nearby , I suddenly feel like we 're alone and vulnerable .
tr	3	Gabe 's energy is smooth and controlled , though I notice it moves fast and tight around his body .
tr	3	Some are sad smiles , and some are thoughtful like the one perching on his lips now .
tr	3	The smile on his face grows wider , and this is how I know he 's going to lie .
tr	3	It 's bigger than a lunch box , with a handle jutting out from the top .
tr	3	I lean over the machine and watch as a needle beneath its faceplate jumps to attention .
tr	3	I step back , and something twists in my stomach or the place where my stomach used to be .
tr	3	I look up into the trees , straining to catch some sense of a predator lurking up there .
tr	3	I stand on a high branch and walk out as far as its strength will support my weight .
tr	3	Scanning the vast area , I try to imagine what route the angel would have taken .
tr	3	I hadn 't realized how far I 'd gone , and I quickly make my way back .
tr	3	The color is calming down to his natural blue , and the spikes recede to a steadier flow .
tr	3	I don 't know what this means yet , what complex emotion they are unconsciously sharing with each other .
tr	3	" This is that thing the pedicure people use , " I say rubbing my fingers across the stone .
tr	3	I hear a sound from the bed , but when I turn Gabe 's got his eyes closed .
tr	3	Gabe is sitting up on the bed , his eyes twinkling in an extremely unsettling way .
tr	3	" Not just any pajamas ... " I unfold the shirt and cry out in horror .
tr	3	The explosion of energy when my palm connects to the animal 's energy field is riveting .
tr	3	" I 'm not asking for forgiveness ; I won 't ever ask for that . "
tr	3	Showed up on our radar in Nashville , though we didn 't know it was him at the time .
tr	3	Mom must have thought he would forget if she never spoke of you , but he didn 't .
tr	3	He remembered that Mom took us for a long ride a little while after you were born .
tr	3	" He doesn 't remember , " Gabe replies , " just that you were gone .
tr	3	Outside , the light is fading away , leaving a damp , uninterested gray to embrace the coming night .
tr	3	I have to sit down on the bed and plunge my hot hands deep into the comforter .
tr	3	" ... where you 're playing Guitar Hero , and you 're , like , totally into it .
tr	3	" We should have seen him coming , but there were no unusual deaths , no angel activity .
tr	3	I watch in amazement as his energy lowers and flattens around his body almost as if he were sleeping .
tr	3	I drape myself across a wide branch above him and watch his energy slow and dampen also .
tr	3	The rain falls around us , tagging the leaves and dripping through my thin , cotton pants .
tr	3	The water skews the world , disrupting the normal smells , blanketing the sounds of the forest .
tr	3	The rain has stopped , and the sound carries across the wide space of the forest .
tr	3	There is no aura around him , no dance of emotion , no churning cloud of life .
tr	3	My brain starts inconspicuously edging out of the room , and this is what panic feels like .
tr	3	I am too terrified to touch him , so my hand just lingers above his shoulder .
tr	3	I see the light coming , but I just stand there , dumb as a rock .
tr	3	Through the beam of light I just stare at his aura and listen to the song .
tr	3	" It 's just that I 'm hungry , and you -- " I say and then stop .
tr	3	After a slight hesitation , he picks up the pace , and I let go of his arm .
tr	3	Another glorious morning where the sun will soon peek its flat face up and over the horizon .
tr	3	" Get in the car , " he tells me with the quiet menace of a rattlesnake .
tr	3	" Thank you Jesus , " he mutters , and the red slowly dissipates from his aura .
tr	3	Gabe opens the back door I 'm not leaning against and holds out a wool blanket .
tr	3	" Just lay off , " Gabe says , though there 's been a long pause of silence .
tr	3	I just pull the itchy blanket tighter around my frame and try not to look at anything .
tr	3	Maya ... " he looks up at me , and the trickster light is gone from his eyes .
tr	3	" I felt sad , but I was only missing the idea of something , not the real thing .
tr	3	He tries to , and if something happens to him ... I won 't , I just can 't .
tr	3	Gabe 's voice pitches out as a sob that cuts something small and fragile inside of me .
tr	3	His knee pops , and it 's such a normal little thing that I almost laugh .
tr	3	Instead , I call out to him , " What happened when we got back to the car ? "
tr	3	" After an angel feeds , its skin flushes , sometimes even glows for a little while .
tr	3	He was checking ... " " ... to make sure I didn 't kill anyone , " I finish .
tr	3	Gabe stands still for a while until he realizes I 'm not going to say anything back .
tr	3	We just leave that right there , and Gabe goes into the bathroom , closes the door .
tr	3	I 'm still lying on top of my covers , just staring out the dark window .
tr	3	" Cross my heart , hope to die , stick a needle in my eye . "
tr	3	" Alright , so Mom was pissed at my dad and overwhelmed and terrified out of her mind .
tr	3	She rocked me and cried , and I was just staring at her , calm and composed .
tr	3	The hole in the comforter yawns open , large enough for me to slip my hand through .
tr	3	The skin on my palms is peeling back , the veiny orbs lifting up , throbbing .
tr	3	It 's still night , and I hear Gabe breathing the slow notes of sleep from his bed .
tr	3	Go away Maya , I think , but she insists , so I tiptoe to the rabbit cage instead .
tr	3	I turn to take the last rabbit , but the door hangs open , and the cage is empty .
tr	3	He pulls the blanket up over his shoulders as if this could possibly hide his energy .
tr	3	I crawl to the farthest corner of the room and lean my forehead against the wall .
tr	3	After a while I pull my legs to my chest and rock slowly back and forth .
tr	3	Whatever sleep he got wasn 't much and didn 't make any improvements on his demeanor .
tr	3	He strides to the bed where Gabe is only a mop of wavy hair atop a tangle of covers .
tr	3	" They 're looking to question an unknown female who was seen standing over the body . "
tr	3	" What about ... " and here I make my voice all breathy and romantic , " Francesca ? "
tr	3	I keep forgetting how alone the Fox brothers are , how much the fight costs them .
tr	3	Please leave a message and we 'll get back to you right as soon as we can .
tr	3	Yeah , so I 'm calling about the litter of puppies you advertised on Craigslist last week . "
tr	3	So , yeah , just give me a call back and let me know either way . "
tr	3	" No , no , it 's very important , " he says without looking up .
tr	3	Looking at my brother 's face , I realize that I 've just lost my lunch .
tr	3	" Weird dream last night , " Gabe says between bites as we lounge on our separate beds .
tr	3	" I was in a lake , and I couldn 't swim even though I can in real life .
tr	3	Take my hand , ' which is weird because Mom was the only one who ever called me Gabriel .
tr	3	I don 't really want to know , but in a small voice I ask , " What happened ?
tr	3	A fish blunders into my hand , and I pull it up out of the water .
tr	3	But we have reason to believe a puppy mill may be operating in the area ... .
tr	3	No harm will come to those puppies , not while Agent Adama is on the job .
tr	3	The original members were mostly industry magnates , and they were careful about who they let into the clubhouse .
tr	3	He 's changed out of the sheriff 's uniform that fit him tight in the shoulders .
tr	3	" Hey , I put in a lot of work here , " Gabe says defensively .
tr	3	" Alright , so turns out that one of our Marias works for a guy on my list .
tr	3	Address , house layout , everything , " Gabe says , and his voice is losing its humor .
tr	3	He tugs his hair away from the rabbit and sets the creature down on his bed .
tr	3	" Yeah ... " I pause a beat too long , " clearly that goes without saying . "
tr	3	I get that , but I 'm here now , and this is my fight too .
tr	3	We can 't be in there babysitting you while we 're trying to kill this thing . "
tr	3	I turn to Gabe even though I know he 's even more entrenched than his brother .
tr	3	I look up at the tiled ceiling trying to find something meaningful in the geometric patterns .
tr	3	" Pee in the corner if you have to , " he whispers to the rabbit .
tr	3	Then he shoulders his backpack , and his energy is changing again , turning in tight circles .
tr	3	As soon as they shut the door , I close my eyes and slowly count down from 10 .
tr	3	It helps with the pain of scrubbing off my skin for the second night in a row .
tr	3	Whatever grand goodbyes the sun might want to give on the horizon are censored by the clouds .
tr	3	A camera perched on the fence is turned away , and its red light is dark .
tr	3	I launch myself over the gate , arcing to avoid the sharp points at the top .
tr	3	Strands of hair stick to my face , and I tuck them back behind my ears .
tr	3	I close the door behind me and take a deep breath of the holy shit what am I doing ?
tr	3	Beads of energy roam around the house , and I recognize the unique signature of each Fox brother .
tr	3	I step around the vacuum , crouching low , suddenly forgetful of why I 'm here .
tr	3	The hunger whispers in my mind , separating the chords of reason away from my hot , growing appetite .
tr	3	His eyes are turning gray as if I couldn 't tell from his sparking energy how pissed he is .
tr	3	He is prepared to face the two shadowed figures moving toward him , brandishing their pistols .
tr	3	There is a monster in this room , but the heroes are moving the wrong way .
tr	3	My mind is going crazy again like every other time I need to concentrate and stay calm .
tr	3	" And so you wanted to give your own a little leg up on the food chain ? "
tr	3	I had hoped that the animals would suffice , but it seems they are not enough .
tr	3	" Then why do we send our soldiers off to war with paychecks in their pockets ? "
tr	3	I 've got a part to play , so I hush my voice , turn it hollow and cold .
tr	3	His rings click against the polished surface reminding me of another click I heard a short while ago .
tr	3	She must be the frizzy redhead in the middle , freckled and pale and no more than fourteen .
tr	3	I stare at the girl in the middle , counting her freckles like I sometimes count the stars .
tr	3	I run , kicking up muddy water , letting my legs propel me to their full speed .
tr	3	I climb , hands digging into the tree trunk , pine needles combing into my hair .
tr	3	I am soaked and shivering , sucking on my torn fingertips as I jump from branch to branch .
tr	3	" I just want the record to show I climbed this huge tree , and it was hard . "
tr	3	Amber slides backward , so that she 's hanging upside down , knees bent around the branch .
tr	3	" I can see your energy , but it 's gray , and there 's not much of it .
tr	3	She swings back and forth , thick clumps of hair coming loose from her back , hanging like tentacles .
tr	3	That I 'm an angel , and angels are meant to be better than humans . "
tr	3	" And that 's not all ... " The girl lifts her legs and allows herself to fall .
tr	3	I scramble up as she leaps off her branches and lands on the edge of mine .
tr	3	" I don 't want to die , so I 'm going to have to kill you instead . "
tr	3	She leaps toward me , but I tear myself out of her power and jump to the next tree .
tr	3	Pine needles grab savagely at my hair as I pull myself up on a steady branch .
tr	3	She slams me down on the branch , and the night pulses strange colors in my eyes .
tr	3	I know I 'm dying , and for some strange reason I only want to laugh .
tr	3	The world is quiet , the hunger gone ... for a moment , and then I 'm back .
tr	3	Then she 's gone , and I 'm gasping for breath , tasting metal in my mouth .
tr	3	I murmur , because we need something to talk about , or this might be awkward .
tr	3	A pair of muddy sneakers are tied together at the laces and slung over his shoulder .
tr	3	Not when I 'm fighting each and every second with all the reserve I 've got left .
tr	3	I twist my head away from his hands and scramble backwards into the solid tree at my back .
tr	3	I instinctively press my palms into the ground , groaning as mud seeps between my fingers .
tr	3	His eyes are all dark and hooded now , and he 's being more careful with his energy .
tr	3	I look at the girl , who was still a girl even when she wasn 't .
tr	3	If I were brave , I would say " no , you shouldn 't do it alone . "
tr	3	" After Grand captured you , tortured you , why would he just let you go ? "
tr	3	I wait for more , the spill of confession , the breakdown , the stubborn justifications .
tr	3	All I get is his face in profile , tiny flicks of energy escaping his grip .
tr	3	I slump against the window , balling my hands into fists and tucking them between my legs .
tr	3	How to describe him at all when he hides every part of himself behind a thousand granite shields .
tr	3	You could have warned me or hid me , or , I don 't know , something . "
tr	3	I whisper Grand 's taunt over and over again , the syllables creased and worn with use .
tr	3	I will bury your body so deep in the ground that no one will ever dig you up .
tr	3	I listen to the hiss of water , the sound of him scrubbing over and over .
tr	3	An hour goes by , and his energy is still sparking up and down , his heart thumping fast .
tr	3	Gabe rolls onto his stomach , props himself up on his elbows so that he can turn toward me .
tr	3	He helped Dr. Cook with his research , helped him figure out how to do it .
tr	3	He didn 't know , thought it was all theoretical , but he helped create them .
tr	3	It 's our fault they 're here , so we have to make it right again . "
tr	3	I can almost see the memories playing across his mind , pressing sharp nails against his psyche .
tr	3	Anything to hook my attention away from the hunger and this growing panic that the night will never end .
tr	3	Finally , in desperation , I ask , " do you really think we 'll win ? "
tr	3	As soon as Gabe is asleep , I 'm out of bed and across the room .
tr	3	It 's all faux thoughts , tangled ribbons each leading to the ugly hunger inside of me .
tr	3	I 've been too afraid of the things that will come out of me if I let them .
tr	3	The pen is shaking on the paper , dropping loose letters up and down the lines .
tr	3	The way he glances at me sometimes and streaks of loving purple spread through his aura .
tr	3	I look down at my sleeping brother , and I need someone to believe in me .
tr	3	Epilogue I 'm on the roof of the motel , though I can 't remember leaving the room .
tr	3	The hunger is still tearing me to pieces , so that means I didn 't kill Gabe .
tr	3	I look down at the crazy , terrible paragraphs scrawled on the pages of my notebook .
tr	3	Get The Follow-Up Novella To FALLING For FREE Maya 's adventures and tribulations are just beginning !
tr	3	Her writing partner is a bunny named Avalon who contributes to each manuscript by trying to eat it .
tr	3	We 're all tired and achy , and Gabe finds us a room at a rundown inn .
tr	3	I focus on the energy of my brothers , amazed at how tight and locked each are .
tr	3	" I 've got ta ' shake a leg if you know what I mean . "
tr	3	" This enhanced hearing , " I tap my ear , " could come in handy . "
tr	3	" Okay , " he says softly , though there 's still a hint of mistrust in his features .
tr	3	I could never have envisioned my life heading down this twisted path where monsters lurk on the other end .
tr	3	If they can possibly be pushing through the same mental quicksand that pulls me down further with each step .
tr	3	A bead of sweat trickles down his face , and there are growing patches of wetness beneath each arm .
tr	3	Three SUVs and a jeep are lined up behind each other at the end of the road .
tr	3	The second is short , slighter than his companion and blanketed with thick dark hair on each arm .
tr	3	Gabe 's aura starts to jump , but he takes a deep breath and it soothes back down .
tr	3	He is filthy , brown hair matted to his head , deep cuts and gouges marring his pale face .
tr	3	I hear its echo reverberate inside the house , and a chill runs all the way through me .
tr	3	I push open the door , and yep , it gives out a nice , lusty creak .
tr	3	" Perhaps if you didn 't dress yourself in such disgraceful garb you could make yourself more desirable . "
tr	3	At your advanced age , your chances of finding a good marriage are exceedingly low . "
tr	3	" I heard you the first time , " he grumbled with a sleep drunken voice .
tr	3	What an exhilarating thought , the journey he had been preparing for so long would finally begin .
tr	3	With his feet he reached for the thin rug that covered the bare steel floor of his living quarters .
tr	3	" Sure , " replied Hunt , " I went to bed right after you left my place . "
tr	3	" Oh , three hours of solid sleep , no wonder you are so perky and loud . "
tr	3	" A few T-shirts , underwear , a reel of fishing line , and a flash light .
tr	3	Farmer seems to be all right , geeky but all right , " Hunt mused about their travel companions .
tr	3	I don 't know about Spade yet , she tries to be all mysterious and secretive .
tr	3	Anyway , she carries the Safe Passage Certificates , so there is no way around taking her along .
tr	3	All the major influences in public life had their representatives at the infrequent and quite informal meetings .
tr	3	Harry spotted Taylor at the door and shouted across the room , " Get over here Taylor .
tr	3	" What really grabbed my attention were the media files that were linked to the news stories .
tr	3	I 'll be happy to answer any question you might have , " Taylor finished his short speech .
tr	3	" How do you intend to bring back DNA if you happen to find something there ? "
tr	3	You will need the help of an expert anyway to select samples and get a good spread of data .
tr	3	" How do you know that the reports and images were not fabrications for propaganda ? "
tr	3	We all remember their handiwork and it just did not seem to fit in with that . "
tr	3	We need every bit of intelligence we can gather if there really is a population present in the mountains .
tr	3	You did realize that there were to be some stipulations tied to this deal , right ?
tr	3	The seize fire seems stable enough that we can do without a few resources for some time .
tr	3	The noise level in the assembly rose dramatically as everyone started discussing various matters at the same time .
tr	3	Taylor turned to Harry and grabbed his arm , " Thank you , you won 't regret this . "
tr	3	Who 's gon na watch your back if your ' specialists ' turn on you or on each other .
tr	3	Even though there was not much going on during the night the office was usually staffed around the clock .
tr	3	Mary put a large cup of black steaming coffee on the counter in front of Taylor .
tr	3	" Well , Ma , it seems that we are on , " Taylor said slowly .
tr	3	It just now began to really sink in that his big adventure was about to start .
tr	3	" I was able to get a box of nutrition bars at the auction last night .
tr	3	The ancient vehicle made its way through the night and stopped a short distance from where Taylor was waiting .
tr	3	Cody Hunt stuck his head through the door and walked over to Taylor to greet their travel companions .
tr	3	He was not in the mood to start the trip with bad blood between the two of them .
tr	3	" Good morning , " Taylor started , " did you two get a good night 's sleep ? "
tr	3	" I was so excited , I could hardly sleep at all , " Farmer replied eagerly .
tr	3	This here is my luggage , " she added pointing at a small Khaki colored backpack .
tr	3	" That coffee smells mighty fine , sir , " he said with his broad Texan accent .
tr	3	I do not expect major complications but we have to be vigilant and keep our eyes and ears open .
tr	3	Taylor winked at Hunt to signal him that he was not the only one finding himself in uncharted waters .
tr	3	Taylor always got excited when he heard the fuel truck making its way across the parking ramp .
tr	3	He started to unwind the fuel hose and climbed up the foot peg on the right wing strut .
tr	3	He knew he could always depend on it to get him safely back on the ground .
tr	3	Taylor had planned to get airborne by the first morning sunlight and he was well within his schedule .
tr	3	He noticed that Farmer had placed Helen Spade 's trunk in a corner of the living room .
tr	3	Like good little soldiers they lined up in front of the bathroom door to take turns .
tr	3	One by one the others came out of the container and joined Taylor at the airplane .
tr	3	Cody Hunt was the last one out and locked the steel door with an old-fashioned pad lock .
tr	3	" Should I start worrying about my stuff now or right before we get back ? "
tr	3	Spade huffed at him and turned around to hear what Taylor was telling them about safety procedures .
tr	3	Taylor had never gotten over the butterflies in his stomach every time he started an aircraft engine .
tr	3	The sun in the East started to paint the sky with red and orange brush strokes .
tr	3	The engine sputtered just a little before it gained speed all the way to its maximum RPM setting .
tr	3	The first censor servers had gone online without as much as a footnote in the news media .
tr	3	The scope of power and repression that could be asserted by an inventive government seemed endless .
tr	3	Computer code had lain dormant for years , waiting quietly for when the time was ripe .
tr	3	This is a permanent error ... " People were trying to contend with this unexpected situation .
tr	3	We just knew that this was the beginning of something that we would be unable to stop . "
tr	3	There was no end in sight for the attention that this insignificant little note was getting .
tr	3	Two weeks earlier he had to report to what was now called Rip Island in the Caribbean .
tr	3	Probably one of these so-called security advisors had the brilliant idea to just be forthcoming with the information .
tr	3	We retracted the text within 213 milliseconds but we don 't know if it was still distributed .
tr	3	We need to stop whoever tries to crash our party before they can do some real damage .
tr	3	He dismissed his employee and turned his chair around to face the bookshelf behind his desk .
tr	3	He had to wait for more than twenty rings before an out of breath voice answered the other call .
tr	3	He blew the money on girls and pot and later went on to join the CIA .
tr	3	It said , ' Nick the Tick , knew ya 'll make a mistake some time .
tr	3	" Yes , sir , will do , " Stone slowly mumbled into the dead line .
tr	3	He looked fondly at a list of news bulletins that he had secretly been assembling for years .
tr	3	Next to every line in his long list was a little bomb icon with a date and time stamp .
tr	3	It was more like a trickle at first , an annoying side bar to the mainstream media channels .
tr	3	He pondered the consequences for a long time and decided he had no choice in the matter .
tr	3	With that she stepped out into the hallway and rushed down two flights of stairs to the library floor .
tr	3	The sound of her unexpected sneeze seemed twice as loud in the celebrated silence of the library hall .
tr	3	With a newfound spring in her step Rachel Summers almost ran up the stairs back to her classroom .
tr	3	She crossed the room to her desk and dropped the heavy book onto it with a loud thud .
tr	3	With a big gesture for everyone to see she paused the lesson in progress from her teacher 's terminal .
tr	3	One by one they picked up their chairs and moved to the front of the classroom .
tr	3	The People finally took back their rights by force in what would be remembered as the Girl Scout Revolution .
tr	3	With smooth application of backpressure to the elevator control and plane lifted effortlessly from the ground .
tr	3	He guided the plane into a steady climb and set the elevator trim for best climb speed .
tr	3	He had a devilish time to poke fun at them remembering all too well his first flight with Taylor .
tr	3	Farmer was clearly not feeling well and Taylor could only hope that he had had a light breakfast .
tr	3	It will explode and come right back at you and Ms. Spade back there , you hear me ? "
tr	3	The lake quietly sparkled in the morning light and only a few vehicles were in sight .
tr	3	For more than two hours they followed Interstate 30 to bring them closer to their destination .
tr	3	At the onset of the mountains it seemed as if the forest had suddenly swallowed the highway .
tr	3	The openings in the dense tree cover became spaced wider apart the further they flew up the mountains .
tr	3	" You got it , " Taylor said gleefully and rolled into a steep turn towards the mountain ridge .
tr	3	Taylor reduced engine power and deployed wing flaps to the first notch for a steeper glide angle .
tr	3	Helen Spade removed her hand from Farmer 's leg with an apologetic look on her face .
tr	3	Hunt and Taylor had already jumped out of the plane stretching their legs after the long ride .
tr	3	They inspected the aircraft for any damage it might have sustained from the rough landing roll .
tr	3	Savoring the peaceful scenery just a moment longer Taylor turned back to the business at hand .
tr	3	They had brought backpacks for their personal effects and food rations as well as sleeping rolls .
tr	3	He almost forgot about his travel companions and rushed forward into the emerald tunnel in front of them .
tr	3	He had been traveling with Hunt long enough to trust his instincts and keen sense of direction .
tr	3	He unwrapped his precious DNA scanner to take samples of a few native trees and ferns .
tr	3	He checked his readings again to make sure he did not fall prey to his own mistake .
tr	3	He was all excited now and started to systematically scan new specimen as they came across them .
tr	3	" Just make sure you don 't fill up your data storage with useless underbrush and weeds .
tr	3	About three hours after they had left the plane he disappeared into the woods for almost ten minutes .
tr	3	She looked as if she had lived in the mountains all her life and not in the Texas flatlands .
tr	3	Up on the hill Hunt was kneeling at a tiny gurgling brook with ice-cold water clear as crystal .
tr	3	It was not unpleasant yet but they were glad that they had brought the tents and sleeping bags .
tr	3	It took Taylor and Spade only a few minutes to upright the tents and stow their belongings .
tr	3	" Never travel without a frying pan and a coffee pot , " he announced triumphantly presenting both utensils .
tr	3	It 's not a meal without something black and hot to wash it down with . "
tr	3	Fifteen minutes later the motley crew shared a welcome and unexpectedly delicious meal under the open sky .
tr	3	Out of the blue Helen Spade turned to Taylor , " You and Hunt are very close .
tr	3	We were flying under the radar with no lights and only basic navigation , no radios and no maps .
tr	3	Hunt jumps out of the plane and everyone starts hugging and kissing him like the long lost son . "
tr	3	Early next morning the rattling of an old frying pan and the smell of coffee woke Taylor .
tr	3	Never before he was so glad to have taken the young genetics engineer on the trip .
tr	3	After a breakfast of more wild bird 's eggs and strong black cowboy coffee the quartet continued the hike .
tr	3	Again , Hunt found them all the fresh water they needed and another lovely resting place for the night .
tr	3	They were in an uplifted mood having fled the drudgery of the central camps for a few days .
tr	3	The memories of screaming raider victims were still fresh on their minds , but this was different .
tr	3	She held her sides and gasped for air in a vain effort to control her outburst .
tr	3	" The most important thing , " she lectured , " is that I feel good ! "
tr	3	Suddenly he had an idea , " What did you mean by ' That I feel good ' ?
tr	3	They ran and stumbled through the woods and lost the woman out of their sight within half a mile .
tr	3	She is pretty though , " she added looking Farmer squarely in the eyes with a quick wink .
tr	3	" We came here because we would like to borrow something , " Taylor started cautiously .
tr	3	His last question earned Taylor a laughing fit that would have made any big city standup comedian proud .
tr	3	Then she swiftly marched off between the trees following a trail that none of the others could see .
tr	3	They were quietly walking single file behind Lilly Ann trying to remember the direction they took through the woods .
tr	3	" Hi Lilly love , " Lilly Ann greeted the little girl , " where is your mummy ? "
tr	3	" I am painting rings in the water with my feet , " Lilly replied enthusiastically .
tr	3	Taylor was shocked to hear such an astute observation so clearly expressed from a three year old .
tr	3	Did she really talk about the physics principle of harmonic interactions of waves in the water ?
tr	3	This Lilly child was obviously gifted and bright but he refused to believe she was the town leader .
tr	3	" O.k. , that 's one way to look at it , I never thought about it that way .
tr	3	You know , we come from an area a few hundred miles south west of here .
tr	3	He was watching to see her reaction to that news , if it was news to her .
tr	3	" One thing we have been really struggling with is healthy and wholesome food supply for the big cities .
tr	3	Taylor thought for a moment and decided it was best to be open and forward with his agenda .
tr	3	" The reason we took the trip is that we hoped to find healthy animals and plants here .
tr	3	Now it was on Taylor to almost choke on the laughter that exploded in his chest .
tr	3	" I apologize , " he started , " I am afraid I left out a tiny little detail .
tr	3	I do not necessarily want us to become a tourist attraction or a cheap resource for treasure hunters .
tr	3	" But you are also not breaking promises once you make them , quite a dilemma , hmm ? "
tr	3	Spade 's challenging tone did not dim Lilly Ann 's bright smile for even one moment .
tr	3	" No , that 's all , " she said lightly , " It 's settled then .
tr	3	I 'll come back later and take you to a place where we can eat supper . "
tr	3	Taylor and his mates stared after her until she disappeared around a bend in the road .
tr	3	They looked at each other for a moment before they all started to talk at the same time .
tr	3	You could have asked for that whole damn mountain and she would have given it to you . "
tr	3	Setting up camp was a practiced routine by then and only took them a few minutes .
tr	3	We need to keep records of the completed scans separately so we don 't lose track of our progress .
tr	3	We should probably catalog the animal and plant species that they can provide and take it from there . "
tr	3	" Very good , " Taylor agreed , " you two stay put and get going on the catalog .
tr	3	Remember , we are guests here and we are not familiar yet with the customs of this place .
tr	3	" Good , " Taylor agreed , " come on , let 's have a look around . "
tr	3	They laughed , hesitated a moment and started walking in opposite directions almost smacking into each other .
tr	3	" No clue , " said Taylor , " let 's just walk down here some more .
tr	3	If we don 't find anything we return to the camp and wait for Lilly Ann .
tr	3	Colorful paintings and mosaics covered all outside surfaces creating a stark contrast to nature 's colors all around .
tr	3	Taylor wanted to avoid direct contact with anyone until his rapport with Lilly Ann was solidified further .
tr	3	Encouraged by the discovery of the first house they grew even more curious of other homesteads .
tr	3	There were numerous separate room units connected by decks and rope bridges and ladders between them .
tr	3	The air was calm so the chimes did not move or sound but they were impressive nonetheless .
tr	3	Hunt flared his nostrils and announced , " Smells like French fries , no wait , doughnuts .
tr	3	They enjoyed themselves dreaming up wild speculations of what else could be in store for them during their stay .
tr	3	They were a little annoyed but not too surprised to see the camp abandoned at their return .
tr	3	Everything was neat and tidy and nothing was missing but no sign of Farmer or Spade .
tr	3	The sound of a girl laughing grew louder with every step they took into the underbrush .
tr	3	She stood on the rocks with her bare feet splashing the cold water in Farmer 's direction .
tr	3	She looked proudly upon her trusty ride and turned to her visitors with a beaming smile .
tr	3	Hunt , Spade and Farmer squeezed into the van and she quickly shut the door behind them .
tr	3	What a pity that the only place left for Helen Spade to sit on was Tim Farmers lap .
tr	3	The further they traveled the closer the houses stood together and the more people crowded the streets .
tr	3	Spaced between the tables several clay ovens , fired with aromatic wood , radiated cozy warmth into the dusk .
tr	3	This is Taylor , John Taylor and these are his friends Cody Hunt , Helen Spade and Tim Farmer .
tr	3	We have grilled pork legs , spare ribs or grilled chicken for the lighter appetite . "
tr	3	With that she helped herself to a hefty piece of pork and a slice of dark bread .
tr	3	Lilly Ann held her sides from laughing so hard at the perplexed faces around the table .
tr	3	He had brought a tray with him loaded with six shot glasses filled with an ominous looking clear liquid .
tr	3	" That 's too bad , " Farmer replied sheepishly , which prompted more giggles from Spade .
tr	3	" Small world , son , a small magical world indeed , " Fritz replied with a knowing smile .
tr	3	Minutes later the coffee was exuding its invigorating aroma through the camp and bacon sizzled in the pan .
tr	3	She added with a laugh slapping her backside , " Bring it on kiddo , fatten me up . "
tr	3	Farmer and Spade had finished their preparations for cataloging the data they were hoping to collect .
tr	3	Lilly Ann shouted while she hopped out of the vehicle , laughing at the embarrassed looks her question earned .
tr	3	Taylor could not shake the feeling that they had unwittingly been adopted into a new family .
tr	3	Neither he nor his companions did object to attention they received and the comfort this development provided for them .
tr	3	If it 's cattle that you want we have to take a little ride out of town .
tr	3	Taylor was surprised every time that the vehicle actually moved with that little engine laboring like it did .
tr	3	" Do you want me to look at your car 's motor while the others do the DNA scanning ?
tr	3	He obviously did not recognize the great artistic accomplishment within the chaotic collection of colors and shapes .
tr	3	" And no , I do not think this is the way your car is supposed to sound .
tr	3	I am sure they have a bunch of tools at the farm where we are headed . "
tr	3	The main building of the farm looked like it had been there from the beginning of time .
tr	3	Across the place a middle-aged man looked up from the hooves of the horse he was about to inspect .
tr	3	Spotting Lilly Ann and her rolling canvas a big smile revealed an impressive mouthful of gleaming white teeth .
tr	3	It 's the best mix we could find on short notice but I believe you will like them .
tr	3	The sensory onslaught was breathtaking in the truest sense of the word for Taylor and his friends .
tr	3	Lilly Ann got out of the car and walked up the Frank Turner who dismounted his horse .
tr	3	He walked over to Farmer who was sitting on a fence rail contemplating the collection of animals before him .
tr	3	" Good morning sir , thank you for your kind offer to help , " Farmer greeted .
tr	3	He could not wait to get the genetic information of these wonderful animals into his data recorder .
tr	3	I expected a backwater primitive community if anything at all and here we are living like the kings .
tr	3	She flashed him her biggest sweet girl smile and took the data pad from his hands .
tr	3	Her fingers flew over the virtual keys calling up the database grid they had developed the day before .
tr	3	" Cody is going to help sort the animals and bring them to us for the scanning .
tr	3	That 's going to be fun watch the guy wrestle cows , " she said mischievously .
tr	3	It was almost as if these rambunctious creatures had waited for an opportunity to play with their humans .
tr	3	They bucked and kicked and screamed and had a blast running around in circles to avoid being caught .
tr	3	It took every bit of ten hours to process the complete herd one cow at a time .
tr	3	Now this Taylor fellow wanted to mess around in there and expected the engine to run better afterwards .
tr	3	He sat his find down onto the ground and began to clean the tools with an old oily rag .
tr	3	Each and every one of them had worked properly afterwards to great satisfaction of their owners and operators .
tr	3	He did not doubt for one moment that he could do the same in this case .
tr	3	Taylor was knocked off his socks , well , he was sitting in the grass already .
tr	3	We just need to find a small piece of old plastic floor covering or something similar . "
tr	3	He placed the cylinder heads carefully on the linoleum and traced the outlines of the gaskets with a pencil .
tr	3	Expertly he mimicked all the intricate curves and openings from the metal template onto the plastic material .
tr	3	She couldn 't wait to turn the starter key to see if he had been successful .
tr	3	One after another the now shiny and cleaned engine parts disappeared under the back hatch of the van .
tr	3	After a short while his eyes brightened and a small satisfied smile played around his lips .
tr	3	" I 'll tell you in a minute , " Taylor chuckled , " go ahead . "
tr	3	Anyway , the hysterical look on her face when she came running at him was priceless .
tr	3	The motor came to life immediately and purred without complaint at a very civilized noise level .
tr	3	" Let 's go for a test ride , " he eagerly suggested and hopped into the passenger seat .
tr	3	Lilly Ann put in the first gear and took off with gravel shooting out under the back wheels .
tr	3	Keep it slow and be happy that you can hear yourself think for a change . "
tr	3	" No burden , " Turner interrupted him , " we would love to have you .
tr	3	he said with a helpless gesture and turned back to concentrate on the food in front of him .
tr	3	That really got everybody 's attention and he and Spade had to endure friendly stabs from all directions .
tr	3	The cat meowed and smiled and went on her way knowing that all was well in her world .
tr	3	The genetic scanning progressed at a rate that by far exceeded anything the team could have hoped for .
tr	3	Five maybe six days from now it will start and keep raining and storming for a few weeks . "
tr	3	He knew that this was most likely their last chance to talk in private in a long time .
tr	3	The weather girls ' predictions of a change in conditions already showed promise to be accurate .
tr	3	Scattered low hanging , dark clouds were slowly wallowing through the valleys driven by a gusty southeastern wind .
tr	3	Like the well-organized team they had become since they first met , the travelers prepared the airplane for flight .
tr	3	Taylor chose a course that would keep his airplane the furthest away from the ominous clouds .
tr	3	Hunt sat in the right front seat and stoically pointed out cloud developments for Taylor to be aware of .
tr	3	Just a few more cloud formations to pass and they would be clear of the threatening conditions .
tr	3	he exclaimed into the intercom , " Jump , count to three and pull the D-ring ! "
tr	3	He climbed over the back seat into the cargo compartment and started digging for his prized equipment .
tr	3	Relieved he saw the first two parachutes open to guide Hunt and Spade safely to the ground .
tr	3	he shouted , " I will try to make it back to the landing site ! "
tr	3	I 'm not going to write off this old raccoon before I danced at his funeral .
tr	3	It was all they could do at the moment anyway and he did not want to lose precious time .
tr	3	He came running down a steep slope towards them almost knocking over Helen Spade as he embraced her .
tr	3	" I got the recorder but Mr. Taylor 's parachute was on fire so he couldn 't jump .
tr	3	His words flooded out of his mouth , as he wanted to say everything at the same time .
tr	3	They seem to have a way of knowing what they can 't know and of doing the impossible . "
tr	3	He looked the others in the eyes and added , " We now have a legacy to fulfill .
tr	3	They agreed to travel the back roads and live off the land as much as possible .
tr	3	They looked alike , thought alike , dreamed alike and when they talked they talked alike .
tr	3	You see , these were no ordinary logs and Jack and Joe Jack were no ordinary lumberjacks .
tr	3	A huge beam of light span from one cloud tower to another followed by a mighty thunder roar .
tr	3	When the lightning ended there was a small back cloud wobbling where the bird had been before .
tr	3	He must be an old native of the land to conjure up the spirit of the great warrior .
tr	3	Direction and distance were sharp in their minds , a knowing as old as the trees and rocks themselves .
tr	3	" The branches must have broken his fall , " the older one , Joe Jack , replied .
tr	3	His head was wrapped in the leather jacket that he was wearing , protecting his face .
tr	3	They knew exactly where to cut through the woods to the wide road that led up the mountain .
tr	3	The odd sight of a man being carried by two let her gasp for words in excitement .
tr	3	Jack and Joe Jack are carrying him , quick , I think he is hurt . "
tr	3	The house door flew open and the little girl came running out dragging her mother along .
tr	3	Lilly Ann stood in her slippers and robe to inquire about the tumult the little girl was causing .
tr	3	Every eight or ten hours he was to be allowed to wake up so he would drink some water .
tr	3	Chapter 7 : Lilly Ann Three nights and three days Lilly Ann sat at Taylor 's bed .
tr	3	" Jack said there was a fire , " Lilly Ann mused , " who knows . "
tr	3	Taylor 's eyes got back some of their clarity but his face was still contorted from pain .
tr	3	" Oh no , " Lilly Ann protested , " I only joke about really important stuff .
tr	3	I get very serious about the little things like cleaning my toenails or tying my shoelaces .
tr	3	" First you eat , then you sleep some more and then we 'll talk about everything .
tr	3	Lilly Ann put a deliciously fragrant bowl of soup on the nightstand and got ready to feed Taylor .
tr	3	Intense pain shooting through his bruised arm and shoulder quickly ended this short-lived attempt at regaining some control .
tr	3	Taylor looked at her with raised eyebrows as if to suggest that she had lost her mind .
tr	3	He almost felt as if he had arrived at the grown up table and he liked that .
tr	3	he asked suddenly , " I remember jumping out of the plane but nothing until I woke up here .
tr	3	It was as if a cold damp cloud had wandered into the room and caught a hold of them .
tr	3	Taylor was curious , " Why did they follow us and we didn 't see them ? "
tr	3	When they heard your scream falling out of the plane they went looking for you . "
tr	3	When they brought you into town Lilly recognized you and told them to bring you to Lilly Ann .
tr	3	How can I ever thank Jack and Joe Jack or you two , for that matter .
tr	3	The drama and excitement had completely wiped away his calm and relaxed attitude from only a minute before .
tr	3	Her words were like the soft sand on the beach subduing the raging wave that crashed onto the shore .
tr	3	His face brightened and an imaginative mind could almost say they saw a smile play around his lips .
tr	3	I need to get to a hospital and under the care of a good surgeon quickly . "
tr	3	We also do not have the means to transport you off the mountain safely and quickly .
tr	3	If one of us happens to injure themselves once in a while they usually heal very quickly . "
tr	3	He turned his face to the wall in a vain attempt to hide the fear in his face .
tr	3	Lilly Ann picked up the tray with the breakfast dishes and tip toeing she left the room .
tr	3	The moment passed quickly and next thing she was almost on the floor holding her sides , laughing uncontrollably .
tr	3	Lilly Ann went back to the kitchen to find the pot that Taylor was talking about .
tr	3	She hadn 't seen that thing in almost ten years but she knew exactly where she had put it .
tr	3	She was absolutely positive to find the pot under a pile of bent and tarnished silver ware .
tr	3	" I 'll be right back , " Lilly Ann said skipping out of the room .
tr	3	" Be careful not to burn your tongue , " Taylor cautioned , " this really smells exquisite .
tr	3	The rich body of coffee taste exploded in his mouth extracting a satisfied moan from him .
tr	3	Her eyes bulged as she tried to decipher the unusual complexity of taste elements that danced on her tongue .
tr	3	They sat quietly taking their time to enjoy every sip of the invigorating drink to the fullest .
tr	3	She removed the bandages and reapplied a cooling gel with a strong herbal scent to his battered skin .
tr	3	Taylor had that feeling again that he was missing vital information , " I don 't understand . "
tr	3	she asked in Taylor 's direction , " You and your friends are in it , sort of .
tr	3	Edie May was quietly standing by , enjoying the rush of emotions that played out in front of her .
tr	3	He turned page after page and drank in the upside-down view of his world that unfolded before him .
tr	3	There they were riding on the back of what looked much more like a shiny duck than an airplane .
tr	3	He tried to read in their faces if what he had said had any impact on them at all .
tr	3	Taylor laughed with restored interest , " You screamed , ' What is the most important thing ? '
tr	3	Every little kid knows all about Abraham and Law of Attraction and everything that comes along with it .
tr	3	It is not quite obvious to us where to start explaining it to a novice in the matter . "
tr	3	With that she skipped out of the room and started to noisily rummage around all over the house .
tr	3	" Well , Lilly Ann is correct , ' That which is likened , onto itself is drawn . '
tr	3	You see , our bodies , as all physical matter , are a highly focused form of energy .
tr	3	She could not help herself but tease Taylor a little bit and get his thoughts swirling .
tr	3	The frequency of your thoughts directly draws to you the matching frequency content in your life experience . "
tr	3	If you can maintain a positive emotional mood or vibration you will live the equivalent positive life experience . "
tr	3	There is this thing called reality that often gets in the way of feeling good , you know ? "
tr	3	So the question is how can we choose our emotional state independent of our observed reality ? "
tr	3	This is what it means when people say , ' The power is in the now . '
tr	3	They have answered your questions many times before in your life in the most inventive ways imaginable .
tr	3	" Right , " Edie May complied , " your thoughts attract other thoughts with a similar vibration .
tr	3	What you think and therefore feel and what manifests is always a vibrational match , no exception . "
tr	3	There it was , plain and simple , the most provocative idea ever cast upon a human mind .
tr	3	" Well , the others in your team were more than capable to finish what you had started .
tr	3	Edie May smiled at Taylor and gave him time to fight out the struggle that raged within him .
tr	3	Edie May and Taylor were zapped out of their contemplation by a giggly cheery voice from the door .
tr	3	The thick brown leather cover was intricately carved all over with mementos of childhood and play .
tr	3	She stroked the cover tenderly a few times before she gently laid it on his legs .
tr	3	In his eyes , at that moment , she was the most beautiful and wonderful woman in the world .
tr	3	" I am not sure I follow you , " Taylor felt like a fish out of water .
tr	3	Your inner Geronimo knows what you want , even if you don 't really know it .
tr	3	She lifted her index finger to signal that she had something really important and significant to say .
tr	3	They sat there for half an hour and just looked at pictures and read the captions out loud .
tr	3	One picture had Taylor look up and ask , " I have seen this somewhere before .
tr	3	Remember the two guys who brought you here after your fall , Jack and Joe Jack ?
tr	3	Once you feel hopeful it can be a swift ride to positive expectation , enthusiasm and even joy .
tr	3	" I think I understand , " Taylor nodded , " So what about the poles ? "
tr	3	The next one up is really angry , you don 't want to mess with him right now .
tr	3	Taylor asked while turning to another page , " I saw a signature L. F. on many of them .
tr	3	" I don 't care about the grownup problem this and problem that sermons of Abraham .
tr	3	I get all fuzzy and warm good feelings when I go on a rampage of appreciation myself .
tr	3	It feels so good , sometimes I don 't even want to stop ever anymore at all . "
tr	3	I 'm curious already who gets a whiff of it first and stops by to join in . "
tr	3	We would take off our shoes and socks , and start climbing those holy trees with our bare feet .
tr	3	We would carefully cut some of the mistletoe for decorating the tavern tonight to everyone 's delight .
tr	3	" I do remember how that felt , " he did the best he could with a smile .
tr	3	A visitor announced himself with a gentle rap at the door and dissolved the awkward moment .
tr	3	He pulled a rocking chair next to the bed while Lilly Ann explained her game invention .
tr	3	I would try to remember the words to some of them and teach you to sing with me .
tr	3	This makes great rhythmic noises and let 's everyone in the valley know , that we were having fun .
tr	3	Each person started and ended their contribution with the magical phrases that Lilly Ann had composed .
tr	3	People stood up from the floor and from chairs and started to shuffle out of the room .
tr	3	Even Fritz and Edie May had said their goodnight with the promise to be back the next day .
tr	3	" I am going to bed too , are you going to be all right ? "
tr	3	A few hours later that night a scream of pain and surprise shattered the silence of the dark village .
tr	3	The lights came on upstairs in Lilly Ann 's house as they did in many houses nearby .
tr	3	Lilly Ann sat on the side of the bed and pulled Taylor 's feet into her lap .
tr	3	" John , listen to me , " she said emphatically , " focus on my hands .
tr	3	Tears were streaming down his face , " Thank you so much , " he whispered .
tr	3	What a pleasant surprise that a rough tongue licking his toes was the first sensation of the new day .
tr	3	Lilly Ann added and laid flat on her back on the floor and started to imitate Taylor 's movements .
tr	3	You have to jump out of an airplane first before you get a license to play . "
tr	3	" No , but speaking of ham , I am hungry let 's go get breakfast .
tr	3	" It is safe to look now , " he teased her after he had put on the robe .
tr	3	She sat next to Taylor on the bed and watched his efforts to bend his knees .
tr	3	" This is good , " he said in between small laughs , " now what ? "
tr	3	Small slow shuffles with slight hesitation put distance between him and the safety of the nearby bed .
tr	3	The huge wood fired stove gleamed with polished steel hardware and deep blue enamel lacquered panels and doors .
tr	3	Taylor 's gaze circled back to the fascinating coffee preparation exhibition on a counter near the stove .
tr	3	She balanced a large carton box on her arms and sampled the aroma in the kitchen when she entered .
tr	3	There are twelve more cans of the same coffee in there that you like so much .
tr	3	Lilly Ann accepted the precious cargo from Edie May , " Thank you so much , this is wonderful !
tr	3	" I guess so , " they both answered at the same time and burst into laughter .
tr	3	" Oh boy , " Edie May rolled her eyes and retreated out of the kitchen .
tr	3	Within seconds they were surrounded by a wild cluster of little arms and hands dancing and hollering around them .
tr	3	Lilly Ann pulled Taylor along to a milky glass door across the hall leaving his young admirers behind .
tr	3	Edie May looked up from her desk at the far end of the room when she heard them enter .
tr	3	She waved for them to come to a monumental looking oak desk close to where she was sitting .
tr	3	Dim light was radiating from an out of place looking device in the middle of the desktop .
tr	3	It looked to him like an ancient data pad with external input devices and a small color screen .
tr	3	We never turn it off and we never try to change any of the data on it .
tr	3	We only use the programs that came with it to retrieve and study the wisdom it contains .
tr	3	She laid her hand on a small external device that was connected to the book with a short wire .
tr	3	" See , that 's where my drawings come from , " she explained the obvious .
tr	3	" So , what 's the story behind this computer and why is it so important to you ? "
tr	3	When Abraham 's teachings were made public she found answers to many of her questions within them .
tr	3	Her drawings and word creations opened the path of energy work to a whole new generation of seekers .
tr	3	More and more seekers joined them and the asking for rhyme or reason of this gathering grew daily .
tr	3	She propped up the solar panel on the roof of her van and the notebook came to life .
tr	3	To jump right in without that living proof seems like a big leap of faith to me .
tr	3	Taylor got up from the couch with much groaning and a gratefully accepted helping hand from Lilly Ann .
tr	3	He carefully shuffled the few feet until they all stood in front of the computer desk .
tr	3	When she opened her eyes , she smiled and looked around the room and the stage .
tr	3	" Nothing that you want is upstream , " they repeated before the computer screen went dark .
tr	3	Lilly Ann was back after a short while cheerfully dangling a paper bag in front of his face .
tr	3	Don 't you think that everybody should have at least a basic understanding about these topics ? "
tr	3	Busy hands had carved out footholds at its end to allow easy access to the curious visitor .
tr	3	" You wan na go first to pull me up or follow me to push ? "
tr	3	He stepped up to the tree and grabbed one of the unearthed roots next to the stairs .
tr	3	He cautiously placed his right foot into the first step and pulled himself up in one powerful motion .
tr	3	They walked a few yards down the tree trunk to where the water rushed beneath their platform .
tr	3	They sat there quietly for a few minutes munching on their lunch and staring across the water .
tr	3	What was that again with putting a boat in the river and going with the flow ?
tr	3	" Really , " Taylor frowned , " care to run that by me again ? "
tr	3	" I understand what you are saying , but I am not sure where we are headed .
tr	3	Lilly Ann pulled out a small piece of paper from her back pocket and handed it to Taylor .
tr	3	" I don 't believe it , " he said , " when did you do this ? "
tr	3	" Right , " he frowned , " so what is all of this good for ?
tr	3	It seems a lot of effort just to remember what we should know to begin with ? "
tr	3	The thought that all of this had been caused by his own thinking was almost too much to bear .
tr	3	You are doing so exceptionally well , you can allow yourself to relax a little . "
tr	3	He stood there , one with the flow of the river and one with the flow of his life .
tr	3	You go first so you can catch me if everything else fails , will ya ? "
tr	3	" That 's one way to look at it , " Taylor conceded still not entirely convinced .
tr	3	Taylor slept a lot and enjoyed hot baths in the bath shed next to Lilly Ann 's gingerbread house .
tr	3	and looked at me as if there was something wrong with me for not noticing right away .
tr	3	" Neat , " Lilly Ann said with a big smile , " did you ask her ? "
tr	3	So , today every child is called Lilly until they decide for a new name on their own .
tr	3	They also react to your inner vibration much more than to whatever you might say to them . "
tr	3	I still don 't get why I would ask her about an important life decision . "
tr	3	, ' Do I tear down my house and build a new one or not ? '
tr	3	, simple things , you know , boil it down on your own to ' This or that ? '
tr	3	" No , why would I , you 'll see soon enough , " Lilly Ann shrugged .
tr	3	Lilly Ann clapped her hands and laughed , " You just found out what you really want .
tr	3	" That depends , " Lilly Ann did not miss a beat , " kids are all different .
tr	3	That 's what I did , I think I was about three and a half years old . "
tr	3	The very nature and reason of human existence ends their ability to read vibration directly . "
tr	3	It wasn 't ill spirited and the innocent curiosity lead to many interesting discussions and pleasurable chitchat .
tr	3	René and Michael looked at each other not quite sure how to take the invitation to gossip .
tr	3	" Michael , would you do me a favor , " Taylor spoke to the young man .
tr	3	That 's as heroic as it gets , " he said passionately , " around here at least . "
tr	3	both kids exclaimed at once , laughing about the fact that they agreed on something for a change .
tr	3	What if that other person has a totally different idea of what would make them happy ?
tr	3	There is only one person in the whole universe that you can make happy , that is you .
tr	3	" No need to apologize , " Taylor said , " no , really , thank you .
tr	3	Lilly Ann asked Taylor later during their occasional pre dinner drink on Lilly Ann 's back porch .
tr	3	" Got it , " Taylor conceded , " that 's why I am studying all the time .
tr	3	" I know , " she replied lightly , " but what 's the rush ? "
tr	3	If you preach to those who didn 't ask , they will not want to know .
tr	3	" You know what bothers me about that whole ' Just ask Lilly ' idea ? "
tr	3	" I am Randy , " the boy answered , " Lilly is in the house .
tr	3	He jumped up and yelled , " Lilly , come on out , Mr. Geronimo is here ! "
tr	3	" Yeah , right , " her brother rolled his eyes and retreated into the house .
tr	3	He didn 't know how to find the right words in the face of such innocence .
tr	3	" May I ask you a question , Lilly , " he eased himself into uncharted waters .
tr	3	" Nah , " she squealed shaking her head that her hair flew all around her head .
tr	3	Chapter 13 : John Kisses Good The next morning Lilly Ann was in especially high spirits .
tr	3	" Ask what I know , that you don 't know , " Lilly Ann cast her net .
tr	3	" About the party , " Lilly Ann gave up just enough to bait the trap .
tr	3	" I am happy too , " she added with a slightly different timbre in her voice .
tr	3	After breakfast Lilly Ann showed Taylor the magical world of her under staircase walk in closet .
tr	3	Clothes racks , chests of drawers and carton boxes neatly organized the diverse men 's wardrobe .
tr	3	Each piece , even the most casual garments , exuded an air of artistry and attention to detail .
tr	3	She opened a tall gliding door cabinet that revealed a row of formal suits of various colors and styles .
tr	3	The length of the jacked flowed almost down to his knees emphasizing his tall and slender build .
tr	3	To see him in her father 's elegant suit put her self control to the test .
tr	3	" I think you can take that off for now , " she said averting her eyes .
tr	3	" You will have to wait until you see , " she said in a promising tone .
tr	3	There always seemed to be enough hot water in the reservoir to fill the round wooden tub .
tr	3	Taylor thanked his stars for the lucky fact that there used to be a male occupant in the house .
tr	3	Daily necessities such as shaving utensils were still at hand and he put them to good use .
tr	3	The lather of the slightly perfumed shaving soap was rich and smooth and gave his skin a glowing appearance .
tr	3	She didn 't even come to his door and hurried up the stairs to the second floor .
tr	3	This was new , and Taylor had a suspicion that it would not be the last thing this evening .
tr	3	He slipped into the formal coat and stood in front of the mirror for final inspection .
tr	3	" You can come out now , " Taylor heard Lilly Ann from the top of the stairs .
tr	3	Taylor could not help but gasp at the image that seemed to appear out of thin air before him .
tr	3	She gently floated down the stairs , her feet barely touching the ground , never averting her gaze .
tr	3	Every woman is a queen to someone , and John Taylor 's queen had just arrived .
tr	3	It must have been a man who came up with shoes like that , " she laughed .
tr	3	Outside the afternoon sun drenched the street in golden light and Taylor could not believe what he saw .
tr	3	It was much more difficult to find words for the wagon they were employed to draw .
tr	3	Lilly Ann 's brother Willie proudly occupied the driver 's seat and waved at them with a buggy whip .
tr	3	People on the streets stopped dead in their tracks , waved , whistled , and laughed .
tr	3	Taylor and Lilly Ann were guided to the head of the longest table Taylor had ever seen .
tr	3	Taylor was not used to being the center of attention and for sure not of such positive attention .
tr	3	Appetizers were served on lavish porcelain platters and everyone wanted Taylor to try their favorite treats .
tr	3	Just as some of the guests indicated their inability to continue the carnal feast , music started to play .
tr	3	All the musicians were accomplished singers and their harmonies expressed age-old themes of love and life .
tr	3	" Dance with me , " she whispered in a tone no man could have refused .
tr	3	His right arm reached around her back to ever so gently steady her against his body .
tr	3	The world fell away from around them lost in a cloud of sound and touch and smell .
tr	3	The crowd on the dance floor was politely unaware of the magic that took place in their midst .
tr	3	Hesitation for the sake of savoring the anticipation was all that kept them apart for just a second longer .
tr	3	No power in the world and far beyond would have been strong enough to change what had to come .
tr	3	Startled they both pulled back ever so slightly to look for reassurance in the other 's face .
tr	3	An eternal moment of gentle consideration later their lips met again , hungry , passionate and powerful this time .
tr	3	Like fireworks their touch exploded - no wait , that sound did not come from within their lively imagination .
tr	3	" Let 's get out of here , " Lilly Ann whispered into Taylor 's ear .
tr	3	No one paid much attention as the secretive pair quietly slipped to the exit to vanish into the night .
tr	3	But the night was quiet as if it had smiled at them and said , " All is well .
tr	3	A short walk that might just as well have taken forever brought them back to Lilly Ann 's house .
tr	3	They both thought that their heartbeats could have been heard from miles away as they stepped through the door .
tr	3	A man and a woman celebrating their awakening to the life summoning force of new love .
tr	3	Ever the fearless explorer he decided to jump anyway , landing near Taylor 's bare feet .
tr	3	Oh , that toe looks familiar after all , the big cat thought and playfully started to nibble .
tr	3	Bite , kick , scream , the cat was back on the floor quicker than even he had anticipated .
tr	3	The little cartoon fellow was dressed in a blue T-shirt himself announcing , ' John kisses good ! '
tr	3	One of those things that perplexed him for a long time was the common use of artificial light .
tr	3	Edie May led him into the book hall , clapped her hands and the lights came on .
tr	3	He walked into the dark living room , clapped his hands twice and the lights came on . "
tr	3	The little guy seemed to be the only one who had power over the lights . "
tr	3	In his innocence he believed and expected the lights to come on and so they did .
tr	3	He didn 't even care to voice his next question " Yes , but how ? "
tr	3	He just knew that there would not be an answer that he could comprehend at that time .
tr	3	" I can 't believe it , " Taylor laughed , " you have a Wal * Mart here ?
tr	3	A short ride in the now smoothly running vehicle and sure enough , there it was .
tr	3	The Wal * Mart store had seen better days but the main structure was mostly intact .
tr	3	I thought I 'd meditate a bit , maybe I 'll get an idea how to fix it . "
tr	3	Somewhere in the innards of the generator housing they heard a groaning noise that swelled to a screeching .
tr	3	" Turn it off , " Taylor winced , " you 'll fry the starter motor . "
tr	3	" Never mind , " Taylor sighed , " do you have any tools here ? "
tr	3	He opened the back door to the Wal * Mart store and led them into a dimly lit workshop .
tr	3	" Oh my , " he said , " This is going to be fun . "
tr	3	" Oh , you fixed her , " Tom replied , " You start her up . "
tr	3	Three or four revolutions of the starter were enough to spark the ignition in the mighty motor .
tr	3	Inside the building behind them a big block of ice fell noisily into the capture trough .
tr	3	" You 'll know , Tom , " he still laughed , " you 'll know . "
tr	3	Following his heroic rescue effort at the icemaker plant , Taylor developed a magical attraction of broken technology .
tr	3	He went out the front gate up to the mighty willow tree in front of Lilly Ann 's house .
tr	3	He slung the rope over the lowest branch and perfectly balanced he tied the wheel to the rope .
tr	3	If something breaks from now on and I am near it , it won 't be my doing . "
tr	3	They both jumped into the old van and Lilly Ann drove into the road with gravel flying behind them .
tr	3	Coming closer to the property they could see people running back and forth gesticulating and yelling .
tr	3	Without even so much as a thought he turned the ignition and pushed the starter button .
tr	3	He gently pulled up one of the levers , which promptly raised the fork until the chain was tight .
tr	3	" I am all right , " Taylor answered , " but what is wrong with that thing ? "
tr	3	She finally slapped his shoulder and dragged him to the house where Frank Turner had been carried to .
tr	3	Frank Turner was sore but already on his feet when Taylor and Lilly Ann came to the house .
tr	3	Taylor 's rescue was wrapped into more stories that evening than there had been people present to whiteness it .
tr	3	Every time it was told it got bigger and wilder as the laughing and hollering rang through the valley .
tr	3	He had more important things to spend his time with than figuring out how every little thing worked .
tr	3	Chapter 15 : I Like You Pretty Good Spring in the mountains , what a wonderful time of year .
tr	3	Taylor had volunteered to help in the forest brigades to supply wood for fireplaces and stoves around town .
tr	3	He grabbed a bottle with the infamous clear spirit from a shelf along with two small shot glasses .
tr	3	" Prost , " Taylor offered the old Austrian drinking cheer and cautiously took a sip .
tr	3	" Ah , " Fritz shook his head , " I can 't tell you that .
tr	3	Taylor knew that Fritz never gave up the secret ingredients of his , literally , inspired creations .
tr	3	" Sure , John , " Fritz encouraged him , " you are like family to me .
tr	3	Taylor was overwhelmed by the old man 's generosity and the genuine affection he showed for him .
tr	3	He convinced himself that it was the pollen in the air that made his eyes tear up .
tr	3	" Don 't worry , you gon na be all right , " Fritz encouraged him .
tr	3	Jenny never even thought about who would eat all the dishes that she liked so much to cook .
tr	3	Nobody wanted to miss the chance to partake in the Italian gourmet feast they were invited to .
tr	3	The table was set with fancy tall wine glasses and a set of candles waiting to be lit .
tr	3	She was happily humming the melody of an old nursery rhyme when Taylor quietly came through the front door .
tr	3	He stood up from his chair and dropped down on his knee in front of her .
tr	3	" Lilly Ann , " he looked into her surprised eyes , " would you marry me ? "
tr	3	Just like that , straight out , what 's the use to dance around it , right ?
tr	3	" Why , " she asked , genuinely curious , " why do you want to marry me ? "
tr	3	He looked at her not quite sure if he was doing himself a great favor with his blunt offerings .
tr	3	" Right , " Taylor scowled , " you could have given me a heads up . "
tr	3	Them females are just so complex and they hold out until you are completely in tune with them .
tr	3	" Thanks Willie , " Taylor answered , " you don 't even know how much you helped . "
tr	3	" Not now , " she purred , " don 't you see that I am working ? "
tr	3	He woke up in a bed , still heavy with the scent of his most beloved wife to be .
tr	3	Now it was time to return the favor , and to have royal fun along the way .
tr	3	One thing became very obvious , it promised to be a very long night for the whole town .
tr	3	Curious at the sound of an unfamiliar voice conversing with his mate he peeked through the door .
tr	3	The tall slender woman seemed to fade in and out of focus right before his eyes .
tr	3	Lilly Ann had made you an enigma wrapped in a riddle every time your name came up .
tr	3	" Did they throw you out of the house or did you escape on your own ? "
tr	3	Bachelor 's parties in the southern cities were usually drunken treks through strings of gentlemen 's clubs or worse .
tr	3	Let me tell Lilly Ann where we are heading and that she shouldn 't wait up for you .
tr	3	Taylor asked at the sight of dozens of torches lining the sides of the gravel road .
tr	3	" A celebration of the male spirit , " Willie was reading Taylor 's question off his face .
tr	3	It was all in good fun though and time seemed to fly and stand still at once .
tr	3	She had moved between the towering fires and her dress whirled around her like a tornado of light .
tr	3	Her pulsing movements were a prayer to the earth to set her free of the bondage of gravity .
tr	3	His first clap was followed by a thundering applause and cheering and wild outbursts of primal joy .
tr	3	You would not believe how many life long relationships started with the girl dancing for the guys .
tr	3	It 's a personal expression , a calling card , and an art form just as any other .
tr	3	You should have seen the show when Kevin and Gary got married , " he winked at Taylor .
tr	3	" Hey look , " one of Willie 's friends pointed at the space between the fires .
tr	3	He hugged his father 's shoulder and led him to Taylor who had gotten up from the bench .
tr	3	Taylor decided that this was not the time to find out what that had meant either .
tr	3	Together they enjoyed a late breakfast and a leisurely exchange of the latest stories from around town .
tr	3	Willie had borrowed a car from a friend that swiftly took the groom 's party to their destination .
tr	3	To the sound of a fanfare and gasps from the wedding guests an otherworldly figure appeared in the passage .
tr	3	As she stepped onto the colorful carpet she hesitated for a moment as if changing her mind .
tr	3	Arriving in front of the stage she did not make any effort to look for the stairs .
tr	3	" An entrance truly worthy of my daughter , " Michael Angelo smiled , " Shall we begin ? "
tr	3	Today I choose to be yours , and I am eternally grateful for your choice to be mine . "
tr	3	Without averting his eyes that were locked onto hers he reached for Lilly Ann 's hand .
tr	3	" This ring was once a symbol of love for one you loved and one you still love .
tr	3	He wanted to forever stay in the beam of light that Lilly Ann 's face shone onto him .
tr	3	With these simple words she slipped a plain wide band of silvery metal onto Taylor 's finger .
tr	3	Chapter 16 : Goodbye Papa " Are you going to stay around for some time ? "
tr	3	" I bet he can 't wait to get on that ride , " Lilly Ann said excited .
tr	3	Taylor was not quite sure he had understood her , " You mean he is going to die ? "
tr	3	" How can you know that this is not just you imagination talking back and forth ?
tr	3	They are always willing and eager to communicate in whatever form you are able to understand .
tr	3	" Of course not , " Lilly Grace answered , " we have some business at Sudbury anyway .
tr	3	Both men nodded their heads contemplating the words that had to be spoken before they could be understood .
tr	3	Maybe I am just selfishly opposing the idea of not being able to have our invigorating chats anymore . "
tr	3	" Nothing , " Fritz winked at him , " Just think of me once in a while .
tr	3	" Goodbye papa , " Lilly Ann hugged Fritz as they parted after having spent the afternoon together .
tr	3	With the sun high in the sky Lilly Grace went to the tree and picked up the urn .
tr	3	Heated humorous discussions erupted about trivial facts when memory served differing pictures to people who shared a common experience .
tr	3	He enjoyed all the stories that were being told about him , especially those that were made up .
tr	3	He appreciates every one of you for making his life a bit more special every day .
tr	3	Him and grandma are having a thing going again , whatever that means where they are now .
tr	3	" Here 's to you papa , " she said as she drank to the cheers of everyone around .
tr	3	Without much contemplation he would tend to several tanks filled with mash of various fruits , nuts and grains .
tr	3	Taylor had gone back to creating artwork from all kinds of metal objects that he found all over town .
tr	3	Maybe it really was just light reflecting off it that tricked the eyes of the observer .
tr	3	Taylor asked her as he kissed her cheek , " You look lovely as ever . "
tr	3	Taylor put down the pair of pliers he was clutching and looked at Lilly Grace a bit embarrassed .
tr	3	" Ok , " Taylor interrupted her , " but people don 't usually do that .
tr	3	It happened so fast and completely that it took Michael and me a good while to understand .
tr	3	I 'm not even sure if anyone else but the two of us noticed the change at first .
tr	3	As a matter of fact it was one of the first thoughts to bring this universe into existence .
tr	3	" What 's the story with being here and not quite here at the same time ?
tr	3	Taylor had lost all his trepidation of openly discussing these issues with his mother in law .
tr	3	The impressions we got on these mind travels felt very real , only the direct physical interaction was missing .
tr	3	He took a piece of metal and wielded it into shape in the fires of that little sun .
tr	3	We had a lot of fun playing with that ring while we transported it to your wedding .
tr	3	Taylor wasn 't quite sure if he preferred the story to be true or made up .
tr	3	They stood in silence for a few moments before Taylor was able to gather his twirling thoughts .
tr	3	We have been to the edge of the universe , literally , and guess what , there is more .
tr	3	" So , what do you do if you have everything you ever wanted at your fingertips ? "
tr	3	Now Taylor was eager to seize the moment to gain more clarity for his own questions .
tr	3	Lilly Grace 's smile radiated throughout her body , " What a wonderful and boundary stretching question .
tr	3	Taylor hadn 't been as proud of himself since he aced his first flight review in a rocket fighter .
tr	3	Source is not concerned about any of us messing up her perfect song with our imperfect vibration .
tr	3	He is a white dwarf that is about to enter the event horizon of a black hole .
tr	3	We have never seen anything like it before and nobody knows what 's actually going to happen . "
tr	3	" I guess it means that all is well , " Lilly Ann brought everything to the point .
tr	3	For the first time since they had met she had no clue what he was talking about .
tr	3	Chapter 18 : The Flight of the Condor Wilbur was a true child of his surroundings .
tr	3	One could have said that he pushed the believe in his invulnerability over the edge , literally , frequently .
tr	3	Even as a small child he would sit in the yard for hours and observe any critter in flight .
tr	3	Skipping and jumping and swinging from trees was not quite enough to quench his thirst for lofty heights .
tr	3	At the tender age of four , Wilbur launched his first attempt to take to the air for himself .
tr	3	They obviously had concluded their search and had left one morning without much of a warning .
tr	3	He knew there was a way , he only needed someone to point him in the right direction .
tr	3	The idea that formed in his head was as far fetched as any he had ever dreamed up .
tr	3	The thought was frightening in scope and reach and life summoning enough to last for decades .
tr	3	" You like the bird , " Joe Jack 's remark was more a statement than a question .
tr	3	Jack and Jo Jack nodded their heads , turned around and disappeared in the direction they had come from .
tr	3	He coughed a few times to get the smoke out of his lungs and turned to kiss Lilly Ann .
tr	3	I haven 't done any flying since , well , you probably have heard since when .
tr	3	" A bit of both , I assume , " Wilbur admitted , " but these days are over .
tr	3	Wilbur walked to the huge sliding door , which had recently been repaired with smooth wooden planks .
tr	3	" That 's an airplane , " Taylor stammered , stating the obvious , " it 's brand new .
tr	3	He turned to Wilbur , who grinned from ear to ear , giddy from his successful coup .
tr	3	She danced and skipped around the plane clapping her hands , chanting , " Wilbur built an airplane !
tr	3	The control surfaces were not attached yet and the plane was missing the landing gear and an engine .
tr	3	" If you are not too busy , of course , sir , " he added hastily .
tr	3	" We would need an engine and wheels , " Taylor felt right in his element .
tr	3	We got at least three times the weight of the airplane including engine in there before I got scared .
tr	3	" So , you are going to help me , " Wilbur almost couldn 't contain himself .
tr	3	Taylor looked at Wilbur with raised eyebrows , " I guess you got yourself a partner , partner .
tr	3	Taylor 's suggestion to just take a big brush and paint the whole thing white was met with disgust .
tr	3	In the end it looked like it was soaring through the skies even when standing still on the ground .
tr	3	One morning Taylor pulled back the tarp that had covered the engine for all this time .
tr	3	The odds that it would once again pull an airplane across the sky grew higher by the minute .
tr	3	Not even five hours later Wilbur sat patiently in his truck in front of Taylor 's house and waited .
tr	3	" I picked up something special this morning , " he announced with an excited grin on his face .
tr	3	He lowered the tailgate and pulled out a long object that was carefully wrapped in thick fabric padding .
tr	3	It was carved out of very dark laminated wood and had the hub of its predecessor already installed .
tr	3	" Wow , " Taylor whistled as he saw the marvel , " this is beautiful .
tr	3	Rather ceremoniously Wilbur raised up the propeller and slipped the metal hub onto the engine 's drive shaft .
tr	3	" That 's it , " Taylor simply said , " You got yourself an airplane . "
tr	3	He and Taylor grabbed opposite ends of the propeller and slowly pulled the airplane out into the open .
tr	3	They had decided to do a test run of the engine and take it from there .
tr	3	Wilbur nodded , confident that he would not have any difficulty turning the motor in order to start it .
tr	3	Wilbur pulled the leather gloves he was wearing tight one more time and stepped up to the propeller .
tr	3	Plop bang bang plop was the engines response and a small white cloud puffed out of the exhaust stack .
tr	3	Plop bang - then a moment of silence - and with a loud BANG the engine came to life .
tr	3	Taylor shut down the airplane in reverse order of startup and climbed out of the cockpit .
tr	3	" I 'll let Willie know , " she said without making an effort to get going .
tr	3	He so hoped that he could get used to that kind of thing rather sooner than later .
tr	3	The more speed they had available to turn into lift the safer the first take off would be .
tr	3	Blink an eye , she rolled , blink again , she flew , just like that .
tr	3	It took only slight adjustments to the trim tabs for Taylor to stabilize the bird in a controlled climb .
tr	3	He raised his hand to the agreed upon sign and pointed his thumb to his back .
tr	3	He took a deep breath , consciously loosened his fingers and gently pushed the stick to the right .
tr	3	After having performed a few turns and circles Wilbur tapped Taylor 's shoulder , time to fly home .
tr	3	" I don 't know , " Taylor hesitated , " it 's kind of silly , really . "
tr	3	Taylor laughed in relief , he had been waiting for a chance to discuss his thoughts with Lilly Ann .
tr	3	She thought about it for a moment , " What would you tell them this time ? "
tr	3	You know , even where I came from not everyone is as stubborn as I was . "
tr	3	Our emotions tell us if what we are thinking is in line with what we prefer or not .
tr	3	Taylor joined her in her imagery , " I am the proof for all of it .
tr	3	The fact that I came back to talk about it would be proof enough , right ? "
tr	3	They flew around in their spaceship and encountered all kinds of different species on far away planets .
tr	3	I always considered her an angel in the midst of the sometimes rough crowd at a paramilitary airport . "
tr	3	There were many names Taylor mentioned and many sweet stories he recounted , tragic losses and glorious victories .
tr	3	Just don 't forget who you have become when you think about where you have come from . "
tr	3	" Thanks for reminding me , " Taylor smiled at her , " think and feel , right ? "
tr	3	" Yes , that too , " Lilly Ann waved him off , " What else ? "
tr	3	She lifted her new dress up to her shoulders , " Can 't you see it ? "
tr	3	" O.k. , you got it , " Taylor said , glancing at her dress again .
tr	3	" Well , you can ask Lilly again this time , " Lilly Ann said with a curious undertone .
tr	3	Taylor kissed Lilly Ann 's neck and cheeks and hands still unable to form a coherent sentence .
tr	3	The news took a while to fully sink into the minds of the soon to be parents .
tr	3	Taylor heard Lilly Ann 's frustrated question followed by noisy sniffling as he opened the bedroom door .
tr	3	All I hear is the echo of her voice repeating ' All is well , you are loved . '
tr	3	Taylor was alarmed and amused at the same time of his mate 's out of character antics .
tr	3	The phrase quenching a fire with gasoline crossed his mind the second his words were out .
tr	3	" But you are so great with kids , " Taylor tried to get a word in .
tr	3	If they would let me I 'd rather eat at the kid 's table every time .
tr	3	" Very funny , " Lilly Ann laughed reluctantly , " This is not helping either . "
tr	3	" It 's going to be all right , everything is going to be all right . "
tr	3	It seems to me that money was a lot of trouble for many people in those days .
tr	3	I don 't want my child to have to worry even if things might change around here . "
tr	3	Your worth and benefit to this society is out of the question , and so is your children 's .
tr	3	Fact is though , I do not want to miss my child 's birth or seeing her grow up .
tr	3	Strange timing in all of this , I don 't really know what to make of it . "
tr	3	He has seen it work though , so he was determined to give it a try .
tr	3	Her movements did not slow down as much as they began to flow with an ethereal grace .
tr	3	A serene celebration of the circle of life as it began once again its unending dance .
tr	3	Her face was glowing with the smile of an angel as she motioned Taylor to sit next to her .
tr	3	" I think Lilly wants to say hello to us , " Lilly Ann announced a few moments later .
tr	3	The other women readied themselves with soft warm towels and blankets to receive the newborn into their arms .
tr	3	" Welcome to planet Earth , Lilly , " Lilly Ann spoke the first words her daughter would hear .
tr	3	The energy she radiated seemed to amplify the warm glow of the muted lights in the room .
tr	3	The moral right of Tony Wilson to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted .
tr	3	, but they of course had a couple of ideas for me - or rather my wallet .
tr	3	Why on earth was I bothering about potatoes and pansies when I had Hawker Hunters to think about ?
tr	3	I didn 't want them having to stop at every motorway services for a quick top-up .
tr	3	The only downside was that they had to relocate to El Campo for at least two or three weeks .
tr	3	Varying neither right nor left I was quickly going in an upwardly direction , and upward , and upward .
tr	3	It was one of his contacts from when the hunt had been on for the aircraft .
tr	3	One afternoon a new pilot had a problem with his Hunters landing gear and its right undercarriage collapsed .
tr	3	They then sealed them all up against inclement weather and successfully passed that part of their training .
tr	3	Blast I thought , perhaps another day , and vacated the cockpit and wandered over to him .
tr	3	Inside it were hundreds of boxes of individual set of pads , and all of them were perfectly preserved .
tr	3	He was from Customs ( with a capital C ) , and didn 't we just know it .
tr	3	' Good job ' I thought , ' I wasn 't going to offer you one anyway ' .
tr	3	The leader of the crew was physically shaking , and a ' suit ' walked smartly in .
tr	3	I reached in , switched on the battery master switch , and selected ' up ' undercarriage .
tr	3	As we walked back towards the empty house Topsy asked me what I would be doing with it .
tr	3	At that Teddy chipped in ' it would be a nice place to have a ski lodge ' .
tr	3	She smiled , touched the tip of her chin with an index finger and gave a cute curtsy .
tr	3	' Oh yes ' I said , feigning shock , ' and what 's the purple one for ? '
tr	3	( and please don 't call my aircraft ' machinery ' , they are very sensitive ) .
tr	3	Then she got onto her requirement for mechanics , I would soon need more 747 's than Hunters .
tr	3	Can I take my jacket off , ' it 's sweltering in here ' and 2 .
tr	3	As they had once upon a time been ' real ' mechanics they were exempted from the spitting .
tr	3	' Yes ' he agreed ' but only if we are going to pack our own parachutes ' .
tr	3	' Don 't tell me , you stole the Sukhoi and have come here to claim asylum ? '
tr	3	I was almost reduced to tears , and it had yet to be performed by an aircraft .
tr	3	I just knew that they would all be devastated that they wouldn 't be getting the position .
tr	3	The poor mechanic would be wandering around half the night just trying to find the right aircraft .
tr	3	The first aircraft in line would have a name starting with the letter ' A ' , ie Angela .
tr	3	' Ok ' he said , ' I will tell HHR to get the gold paint out then ' .
tr	3	That was ok for about six hours , and then I got cramp in my leg .
tr	3	' Go forth and multiply ' the voices continued ' and leave the pretty little packages to us ' .
tr	3	She still kept her hand in at a local hospital , but never slept properly for weeks afterwards .
tr	3	Disney World was a disaster , but it wasn 't Walt 's fault - it was David 's .
tr	3	All day long I couldn 't move a muscle without bumping into yet more muscle , hired muscle .
tr	3	If anything happened to them then come election time he wouldn 't even make Chief of parking tickets .
tr	3	' Well thank you kindly son , oh , and you wouldn 't do me a favour would you ?
tr	3	It was also very strange that the helicopters only took about three pints of fuel between them .
tr	3	Three hours fifty-nine minutes and fifty-eight seconds after the kidnapping the camera covering the stud farm zoomed out .
tr	3	She then looked closer at the unconscious woman 's body ; they had been systematically torturing her .
tr	3	' If this doesn 't make him want to kill these animals nothing will ' she thought .
tr	3	David had found her , and she could now talk to him if it was safe .
tr	3	Behind him in waddled El Gordo and another even fatter man , or was it the other way round ?
tr	3	He really did think that he was so so funny ( and so did his brother ) .
tr	3	She matched some of her aging breading stock with some new young blood and it proved an instant success .
tr	3	The Pencil was not like his brother in one important way ; he was numeric as against physical .
tr	3	Every legitimate bank account that he created had installed in it a ' back door ' .
tr	3	The information didn 't do her ( or the cameraman ) much good but it worked wonders for him .
tr	3	' Cut me loose young man ' she demanded , so he did -- just like that .
tr	3	What she said to Pierre , in French , made him blush , but he eagerly nodded his agreement .
tr	3	' I lied ' , I said , and suddenly the room was full of deaf people .
tr	3	He was now on the top of the FBI 's ' unofficial ' most wanted list .
tr	3	Colonel Jameson was not at all pleased that he had been put in a ' no win ' situation .
tr	3	If he had known what he was really up against he would have tried to handle it differently .
tr	3	' Maria , if there isn 't such a policy in existence for everyone else then find one ' .
tr	3	David had insisted that a camera was always pointing down the entrance road , just in case .
tr	3	' That 's quite right ' I said , ' but I haven 't got one ' .
tr	3	He was allocated a lovely little flat in Ironside Gardens but the Roller was the problem .
tr	3	Not only had I inherited Topsy with three of my aircraft , I had also inherited his barbeque .
tr	3	After the Christmas break it was down to serious training for both the aircrew and ground crew alike .
tr	3	Firstly Zebedee seemed to stop in mid-air and then wheel around and dart for the end of the runway .
tr	3	One player then lays a card , and the other one has to try and follow suit .
tr	3	In return each received a rapturous applause , not only from the crowd but from their peers as well .
tr	3	Yet again Sally did her screaming bit , and then told Natasha to look in her rear view mirror .
tr	3	' No Iz av never ad one ' she explained , and then Sally had an idea .
tr	3	As I finally wheezed my way onto the line I was met by a grim faced Topsy .
tr	3	Marcos was Portuguese and he had been a member of their national aerobatic team before he joined me .
tr	3	Melvyn was just about the only one of my pilots that I didn 't really get along with .
tr	3	With its engines still running the pilot jumped out of the aircraft and sprinted towards the Security Office .
tr	3	' After all ' he wailed , ' all she wanted to do was use the loo ' .
tr	3	' What is an endoscopy ' Sasha asked , ' and why do I need an anaesthetist ? '
tr	3	' Trying to find a decent Hotel , I left him cruising the streets in a taxi . '
tr	3	Gerald asked her why she wasn 't in a private hospital ; surely her medical insurance would cover it .
tr	3	I never did enquire about what had happened after my departure -- ' plausible deniability ' and all that !
tr	3	The hours spent playing in my ' quarter of a Hunter ' , practicing emergency procedures paid off .
tr	3	This normally blasts compressed air into the undercarriage jacks forcing the legs down , and then locking them .
tr	3	I say normally because in this instance all it did was turn my new paddling pool into a Jacuzzi .
tr	3	Was I about to be greeted by St Peter , nope , it was by Fred .
tr	3	It was wishful thinking to say the least , and I was not impressed by what greeted my eyes .
tr	3	Finally she reached her objective , shone the torch at an obscure angle and looked obliquely at the mirror .
tr	3	' No Mod Plate ' she squeaked -- the port rudder peddle was trying to give her a tracheotomy .
tr	3	, after all I didn 't want to miss my first Christmas dinner of the season .
tr	3	As I now had an abundance of drop tanks John and Topsy had modified a few .
tr	3	Alice and Gerry 's ' little cottage ' was situated in the beautiful and tranquil New Forest .
tr	3	Do you have any idea how much it costs to cross the Solent by ferry these days ?
tr	3	He shook the lock but all that achieved was to shake out the sands of time .
tr	3	He was in the process of downloading high definition satellite imagery of the entire run when his phone rang .
tr	3	They had all jointly owned the property and lived in peaceful co-existence until Jack and Shelly had a tiff .
tr	3	David Williams my Director of Security informs me that you have come across something incredible in your travels .
tr	3	' What Christmas ' I snapped down the line , and that was sorted , but what type ?
tr	3	' Leave that with me ' said David , in his ' plausible deniability ' voice .
tr	3	' How about by becoming my personal rotary wing pilot -- when can you start ? '
tr	3	4 - Hire a ground crew on a monthly contract to carry out the servicing in the short term .
tr	3	5 -- Set in motion the hiring of permanent ground crew , but have a word with John first .
tr	3	When the blades finally came to a halt I exited the helicopter and went to look inside the hangar .
tr	3	' Right ' he said , and signed the last page of the said formidable form .
tr	3	I then made a brief statement to the gathered throng , briefly explaining the reasoning behind my actions .
tr	3	It was a wonderful experience which I hadn 't felt before , even when flying a Hunter .
tr	3	A confused Marcus looked on , surly it was normally a more democratic process than this ?
tr	3	' Does that mean that there is ' dead ' steam running about out there ? '
tr	3	, and how about a station there for me and my guests ( that was me ) .
tr	3	~ ~ ~ ~ Chapter 25 As spring finally sprung towards summer I was feeling pretty good with myself .
tr	3	He spun around , and over his shoulder he barked ' FOLLOW ME , NOW ' .
tr	3	The wind then seemed to go out of his sails slightly , but he still continued .
tr	3	Everything he had said was of course true , although I had seen it all from a different perspective .
tr	3	I had a feeling that all my quaint little nicknames were now a thing of the past .
tr	3	I said into the intercom , and almost instantaneously he came in and stood in front of me .
tr	3	' If it 's not going to cause a problem , please can I stay ? '
tr	3	Touch wood ( touching my head ) things weren 't going too badly , despite the recession .
tr	3	Drat , but I did notice that she didn 't offer to let her brother do the driving .
tr	3	' You get us in there and I 'll have your baby , or maybe even two ' .
tr	3	I may be a silent partner , but no way was I going to be an absent one .
tr	3	P.S. perhaps you might like to arrive the Wednesday before the first Sat ... etc for the briefings .
tr	3	It looked hideous ( the painting , not the figure ) so obviously it would cost a small fortune .
tr	3	I was now just a collection of bones and organs held together by an outer wrapper -- called skin .
tr	3	Paco 's wife , Alba , took Kia off to play and he led her into his treatment room .
tr	3	And then Paco went against the mainstream specialists and declared my room ' a noisy area ' .
tr	3	I didn 't know what water was , but if felt very nice all the same .
tr	3	If something wasn 't done , and soon , it would go critical and quite literally fry itself .
tr	3	Although they were both still fully clothed after an hour , he took off ' just in case ' .
tr	3	Turning bright crimson she turned and fled into the Haematology Department , where night and day fused into one .
tr	3	And that was it , within seconds tears were streaming down her face , and she had the stitch .
tr	3	and delivered the valedictorian at high-school , college and university ( was that like being a postie ? )
tr	3	Next it was Topsy 's turn , was I up for a quick trip in my wheelchair ?
tr	3	Any resemblance to actual persons , living or dead , events , or localities is entirely coincidental .
tr	3	Since then I 've watched the world go through monumental changes many good , some not so good .
tr	3	As I sat in the fading twilight , I couldn 't help wondering how many had survived .
tr	3	I won 't say panic overtook me just that with all creatures the innate sense of self-preservation kicked in .
tr	3	I had ample experience with both and decided , after weighing my options , to go with the latter .
tr	3	In short , civilization was beginning to show the stress cracks wherein lay the seeds of its destruction .
tr	3	I was ridiculed , berated , and told I should stick to digging up pots and bones .
tr	3	Retirement had put me in a quandary , sorta too old to work and too young to die .
tr	3	Maybe I 'd even publish a few papers from all the research I had accumulated over the years .
tr	3	These giants had grown so powerful they could exert more influence over a government than could its citizens .
tr	3	I explored the river south of Astor in hopes of finding some place well off the beaten track .
tr	3	I began buying cases of all manner of canned goods as they were likely to keep .
tr	3	I filled one drum with diesel fuel even though it was already more than ten dollars a gallon .
tr	3	With my precious food stores carefully hidden , it was time to gather hardware and dry goods .
tr	3	I bought all rechargeable as I could charge them from the boats electrical system or solar panels .
tr	3	I grew more resolute and packed the remaining drums with those things I had earlier neglected to think of .
tr	3	Now it was down to living day-to-day racking my brain for anything essential I had overlooked .
tr	3	The incidents inflamed the Muslim world , and passions flared on all sides of the Mediterranean .
tr	3	Overnight Tehran along with most of the major oil ports on the Gulf were literally wiped from the map .
tr	3	Once the nuclear genie had been unleashed it combined with religious fervor and all constraint evaporated .
tr	3	America and the UN could only manage a token response ; the North countered with nuclear strikes on Japan .
tr	3	Within the space of a month , the globe saw its fragile infrastructure torn to shreds .
tr	3	Those few who came through Astor painted a picture of conditions so terrible they were , unspeakable .
tr	3	I felt taking down the mast was necessary as I doubted the bridges would remain in working condition .
tr	3	Later in the day I heard a couple of boats on the river but they went on by .
tr	3	The great industrial agriculture system ground to a halt its machinery idle , and fields fallow .
tr	3	The Networks were replaced by Radio America with experts giving their desperate listeners tips on how to survive .
tr	3	Tips on where and how to forage , finally even these disappeared as there were few left to forage .
tr	3	If we were to be reduced to the level of animals in order to survive , so be it .
tr	3	I could also watch a movie , play games , write in my journal , or use the laptop .
tr	3	I had hoped to bag a deer by now but hadn 't seen a single one .
tr	3	It was in the evening about an hour before sunset when the wind began to pick up in earnest .
tr	3	Throughout the next day , the winds howled but by late afternoon , it began to subside .
tr	3	I crept into the bushes to the spot I had picked out for just such an emergency .
tr	3	I heard him say to the big guy driving , " What you reckon we got here ? "
tr	3	Then the skinny one took out a knife and cut through the saran while the other stood guard .
tr	3	The other one said , " Bring it on and anything else you see we kin use .
tr	3	The big guy said , " Shut your fuckin ' mouth , jus cause we ate your bitch ... .
tr	3	Grab , the god damn food and let 's get the fuck outta of here . "
tr	3	Skinny went for another load I waited hoping the sound of my heart wouldn 't give me away .
tr	3	Both hit the mark , the second nearly taking his right arm off at the shoulder .
tr	3	I managed to get a line around Skinny 's neck before he sank and tied him off .
tr	3	I sat in the cockpit almost in a daze and went over everything they had said for clues .
tr	3	I put in less than three gallons so wherever they came from must have been close .
tr	3	I decided to take the rifle with the scope , the shotgun , and the semi-automatic 22 pistol .
tr	3	Everything looked abandoned , here , and there were boats sunk or in various stages of decay .
tr	3	She had been forced to watch her family raped , butchered and eaten by Skinny and his big buddy .
tr	3	I said , " Had a premonition this was going to happen and planned ahead . "
tr	3	She and her dad along with her sister and brother fled to the house on the river .
tr	3	I tried to gain a grip on the new reality of life and the world around me .
tr	3	That was before the gang came by , and we still had a good supply of food . "
tr	3	I , on the other hand , was busy formulating a plan of what the next move would be .
tr	3	" Was it on the bank side or on the bar , was it floating ? "
tr	3	I said , " Do you remember when it used to be packed on holiday weekends . "
tr	3	The next morning with a clear sky and the sun shining brightly , we departed on our sojourn .
tr	3	She said , " I sure can and I 'm won 't be afraid to . "
tr	3	She asked , " Do you think were going to have to stay here forever ? "
tr	3	She said , " You 've made it this far , I 'll let you decide . "
tr	3	The wheels had removed enough sand so I could get five feet closer to the houseboat .
tr	3	I tied the wheel , let it idle and jumped over the side into the canoe .
tr	3	I took the solar panels and mounted them in a very shallow vee on the houseboats roof .
tr	3	The houseboat already had an inverter and by tomorrow night we should have both AC and DC .
tr	3	It 's just a suggestion , if I 'm out of line just say so . "
tr	3	Who knows we may be Adam and Eve , a young skinny Eve and a very old Adam ?
tr	3	I had to admit it wasn 't a very romantic beginning to our April , November relationship .
tr	3	Even though we had been in the Glen only a couple of weeks it had raised our spirits .
tr	3	Our focus was on life and those things which had a direct bearing on our welfare .
tr	3	Yes , indeed little things like planting the first radish seed were now a cause for celebration .
tr	3	Typical of human behavior , since it had never happened , nobody was really concerned about it .
tr	3	" Good god no honey , I 'm invested with just as much spirituality as anybody .
tr	3	That is if we can recover and don 't destroy our species completely along the way .
tr	3	I was clipped thirty years ago , but I guess there 's no harm in us pretending . "
tr	3	Next day I was making a routine check of the Hunter and came across the Icom SSB .
tr	3	I took the rig over to the houseboat and spent the better part of the day hooking it up .
tr	3	I said , " I think so , sounds like someone 's reading off a list of names . "
tr	3	We sat transfixed listening to the only human voice beside our own we had heard in months .
tr	3	I looked over at Connie shrugged my shoulders and asked , " Do we have an emergency ? "
tr	3	Finally , we settled on standard so were left with almost a two and a half wait .
tr	3	It was answered , this time the voice identified itself as Jerry Stine in Mobile Alabama .
tr	3	He had heard of a few others along the East Coast but hadn 't been able to verify it .
tr	3	He also said there was a national AM station that just started broadcasting from Washington then we signed off .
tr	3	Not to mention all the bills , it 's great having no more bills to pay .
tr	3	I said , " Were spending all our time together , and I never grow tired of it .
tr	3	I feel like a complete person being with you and I don 't want to lose it .
tr	3	That night as I lay in her arms , I thought about all the lonely years of my life .
tr	3	I heard a voice say , " GW you in there , its Gator Sam , wake up . "
tr	3	He looked over at me grinned and said , " looks like you doing OK for yourself . "
tr	3	And I added , " Be extra careful , there 's no insurance , and the tags expired . "
tr	3	She and Connie hit it off from the get-go as they were both into marine biology .
tr	3	It had been horrific ; way over two hundred million Americans had perished in the initial Collapse .
tr	3	People who made it to the camps died either of diseases such as Ebola or starved .
tr	3	There wasn 't enough diesel , transportation , or labor available yet to start full-scale production .
tr	3	It was a slow agonizing process people were still dying of hunger , disease or the complications from them .
tr	3	People turned toward the only important things in life food , fuel and the means to produce both .
tr	3	Life at Silver Glen was pleasant we had been alone except for the visits from Sam and Joyce .
tr	3	Connie and I were always as busy as pack rats scavenging for anything we felt would improve our lot .
tr	3	We had even begun erecting a credible greenhouse that would allow us to continue raising vegetables all next winter .
tr	3	This time we would try growing potatoes from the tubers Sam found in a field near Pierson .
tr	3	Connie had filled out and physically there was nothing outwardly to indicate the trauma she had undergone .
tr	3	Behind us ; some chief hollered , " Knock it off , shows over , back to work . "
tr	3	No pay for a while , but it comes with plenty of food , even coffee ! "
tr	3	Captain Bright was good at drawing out information there were times when it felt like I was being interrogated .
tr	3	I had problems when I was nineteen with my ovaries it ended with me having my tubes tied ... .
tr	3	In the time , we have together we can still pack in a lifetime of living .
tr	3	Our bodies touched hands caressing as our passion grew in intensity until we joined becoming one .
tr	3	Yes , with a little luck we would pack a lifetime into whatever time we had left to us .
tr	3	Word eventually arrived that they had passed through the railroad bridge and were headed our way .
tr	3	The officer , who appeared to be in charge , said , " Captain Collins , come aboard . "
tr	3	We then filled them in on the facts about Astor , telling them what it had once been like .
tr	3	We were invited to stay over for supper but begged off promising to come back in the morning .
tr	3	They like the ones who were settling in Astor were anxiously looking forward to a new life .
tr	3	We spent the weekend planting potatoes , talking gardening , greenhouses , and livestock while enjoying the Glen .
tr	3	If it does come down to stay or go , I 'll let you make the final decision . "
tr	3	There was now a large crane on the spot and the lot was strewn with containers and supplies .
tr	3	" Christ we were right in the middle of Orwell 's 1984 and didn 't even realize it .
tr	3	I said , " You sure you want to stop , let 's just go on . "
tr	3	I added , " Hang in there kid , just don 't get trigger happy and shoot me . "
tr	3	I hollered for Skipper ; he jumped in and swam over to me , then shook .
tr	3	I passed by the macabre object , ordered Skipper to stay , and entered the back door .
tr	3	I walked out the back door ; Skipper had what appeared to be a human femur in his mouth .
tr	3	I dug a hole with the machete and my hands , and then carefully placed in the femur .
tr	3	Skipper and I made our way back to the boat ; I handed Connie what had been collected .
tr	3	She noticed my tense expression and asked , " What is it , what did you find ? "
tr	3	That evening we anchored off the old Gibson Dry Dock ; Connie had the albums out going through them .
tr	3	Laying there wide awake I desperately needed to hold and feel her warmth in my arms .
tr	3	I thought the day , I had found her , had truly been the best day of my life .
tr	3	The voice said , " That 's fine sir , we 'll wait on you . "
tr	3	I 'll make arrangements to get you into a proper berth tomorrow if that 's alright with you . "
tr	3	The secretary knocked on the door and said , " Sir , Captain Collins is here . "
tr	3	I said , " I been Doctor for ever , captain makes me feel all new and shiny . "
tr	3	He laughed , came over and shook hands and with a wave of his hand invited us to sit .
tr	3	There has to be something in it to fulfill the basic spiritual need we all harbor within us .
tr	3	Allan said , " Your right , that 's why I wanted you here I 'm glad you came .
tr	3	Think of it , world peace for the first time , not one war going on anywhere .
tr	3	I looked over at Connie she had sat listening intently and hadn 't made a comment .
tr	3	" Some guys thought so , but I always felt like I was caught in the middle .
tr	3	That night we made unadulterated , love our passion for each other a constant in an ever-changing world .
tr	3	The gig arrived right on time ; a young sailor came aboard and hauled in the anchor .
tr	3	" I said , " How in the hell did you swing something like that ? "
tr	3	Allan shuffled us from one group to another stopping for a just a perfunctory introduction and handshake .
tr	3	I said , " Allan why are you digging so deep into this thing anyway ? "
tr	3	When this meeting was announced it all came together , I used some pull and here we are . "
tr	3	He smiled and said , " No problem the base commissary will fix you right up . "
tr	3	" Why George Collins you 're finally offering to make an honest woman out of me .
tr	3	I slipped the engagement ring on her finger , and we held each other and kissed .
tr	3	I said , " Not a bit , I 'd prefer to call it preemptive strategy . "
tr	3	He said , " I didn 't want to miss this , got your speech all written out ? "
tr	3	Here and there small groups huddled together as the delegates discussed various aspects of the week 's workshops .
tr	3	He wishes to speak today on a different subject , that of the Spiritually of Man .
tr	3	We also thought humans had little or no innate instincts , but that view has also changed .
tr	3	Our reward for getting it right will be to enter into that long sought after heaven .
tr	3	" It is quite possible the future of the human race is assembled in this room .
tr	3	Connie was beaming , I said , " Christ honey you look like the Cheshire cat . "
tr	3	I was at loose ends , outside of attending meetings I found myself with little to do .
tr	3	Hell things are so messed up between the Navy and us right now nobody would ever know the difference .
tr	3	You won 't have a crew , there in Hastings digging potatoes or spread all over hell 's creation .
tr	3	Except for the old George Washington out there generating electricity , we have no Navy . "
tr	3	I walked out wondering what in the hell I was doing getting involved with a research vessel .
tr	3	Well , I thought at least Connie would be in her element a marine biologist on a research ship .
tr	3	I asked Allan , " What business do I have on a damned research ship anyway . "
tr	3	You can get a good picture of conditions down there bring back the facts and make recommendations .
tr	3	Connie and I returned to the boat and took great pleasure in rehearsing for our wedding night .
tr	3	He said , " Sir , Captain Bright requested I drop Mrs. Collins off at his quarters . "
tr	3	He said , " Don 't argue , father knows best , Doris and I will watch over Connie .
tr	3	Commander Abe Gully will be your skipper , great officer loads of experience you two should get along splendidly .
tr	3	" I figure it 's taken the pirates some time to secure the ship and get under way .
tr	3	George , have Jim show you around if anything crops up I 'll let you know . "
tr	3	Jim said , " Plenty we 're waiting for dark and the Thetis to catch up . "
tr	3	During the next few hours , we closed on the pair of unknown blips plodding along in the darkness .
tr	3	If so the lone cutter with her single 3-inch gun could find itself at a distinct disadvantage .
tr	3	Abe said , " Their radars pretty primitive just could be they don 't even know were here .
tr	3	He said , " Yeah just got some nicks , they must have opened fire . "
tr	3	Another young officer came onto the bridge I shouted , " Do we still have steam ? "
tr	3	She looked at me wide eyed and opened mouthed , " We still have propulsion ? "
tr	3	With the glasses , I could make out his forward guns they were now manned and being trained .
tr	3	The destroyer was now being hosed , hits landing all over the forward part of the ship .
tr	3	He said , " Yes sir one small leak starboard amidships being dealt with , nothing serious . "
tr	3	I said , " Good , All Stop ... let 's get this mess sorted out .
tr	3	Get another party up here and see what can be done about clearing away this mess . "
tr	3	He chuckled , " George you 've more than earned those stripes and a commendation besides .
tr	3	From what Jimmy 's told me you did a sterling job , stepped right into the breech .
tr	3	Now you tell me we don 't have some innate behavioral trait that 's driving us .
tr	3	I said , " Point taken , you 're right , we haven 't tried that one yet .
tr	3	Maybe we could hang a trapeze in that big live oak over there , play Tarzan and Jane . "
tr	3	Connie and I about jumped out of our skins as the airplane flashed by at masthead level .
tr	3	I looked at Connie and said ; " Feel like making a trip to Pierson . "
tr	3	After introductions , I found out he had flown all the way from Kentucky to come to Astor .
tr	3	He came back to the houseboat with us and that night told us of his ordeal .
tr	3	She did and was immediately accepted ; both Sam and Joyce would be making the trip with us .
tr	3	Connie remarked having Sam along was going to be like turning a bull loose in the china closet .
tr	3	He said , " One rapid fire 75mm Otto and a couple of fifties just like the cutters . "
tr	3	She said , " I 've got the pistol in my purse that should tell you something . "
tr	3	Jimmy 's always been a bride 's maid and he 's past due having his own command .
tr	3	I said , " Allan we just left civilization where we had real meat for dinner . "
tr	3	Next morning I got right down to work learning all I could about the little ship and its crew .
tr	3	I had no doubt that serving under Jim and Herb would round off any remaining rough edges .
tr	3	I was always suspicious of engineering officers who didn 't have dirt or grease under their fingernails .
tr	3	Cindy asked , " Captain , do you know where we 're going , and for how long ? "
tr	3	I have no idea how long were going to be gone ... rumor is three or four months .
tr	3	" Captain , all the machinery on board , is in working order , at the moment .
tr	3	I put in requisitions for things like rods , pistons , bearings , and valves but have gotten nowhere .
tr	3	" Thank you , sir , if you can get permission I 'll take care of the rest . "
tr	3	I 'll see if I can swing permission to make a foray or two out for sea trials .
tr	3	Captain Bright called you guys my left and right arms and that 's the way I 'll be .
tr	3	Christ George , you 're starting to sound more like a commanding officer every day . "
tr	3	If that 's the criteria by which you judge your captain then by God I am one . "
tr	3	I wasted no time Dan was already scrounging parts , Herb had requisitioned ammunition and was overseeing its storage .
tr	3	You both have excellent service records and I have no doubt will continue to serve aboard Pisces with distinction .
tr	3	" I was brought up in a different age ; I guess they call it old school .
tr	3	This was a misnomer as some of the strongest and smartest people I have known are women .
tr	3	Next item , I will not tolerate any sexual harassment or intimidation on this ship , military or non-military .
tr	3	There isn 't any room on this ship for boys will be boys stuff while I 'm in command .
tr	3	Herb said , " No problem he 's a likable guy I 'll find him plenty to do . "
tr	3	Soon we were past the sea buoy and I relaxed letting Jim put the ship through her paces .
tr	3	She said , " That 's a great comeback even better knowing it 's the truth .
tr	3	I said , " I hope that wasn 't a live round you were beating on . "
tr	3	Jim said , " Imagine where we would be if their gun hadn 't jammed . "
tr	3	You can bet your sweet ass , whoever is left , has to be pretty damned tough and resourceful .
tr	3	Hell I don 't need to be telling you all this it 's like preaching to the choir . "
tr	3	Maybe you believed I was doing it out of civic mindedness or I harbored some latent lust for adventure .
tr	3	" Here I am an archeologist , slap dab in the middle of the greatest catastrophe in human history .
tr	3	This is supposed to be fact finding mission , for that you need boots on the ground .
tr	3	" All the detailed stuff is here in the case go over it and get back to me .
tr	3	OK , get out of here ; I know you got things to take care of .
tr	3	Don 't forget the cookout Sunday afternoon and for your information , there will be real beef steaks ! "
tr	3	I said , " Dan where in the hell are you going to put all this crap ? "
tr	3	" What 's this crap I don 't have enough food on board to make a meal ?
tr	3	I was never involved in provisioning there seemed to be a whole industry connected to it .
tr	3	I don 't want to know how sneaky and underhanded you get just don 't kill anybody , please .
tr	3	" Good go over it with Linda ; every effort will be made to get you what you need .
tr	3	I want you to give Ensign Sanchez a daily report on how things are going . "
tr	3	He ended his daily report and gave me the same sly grin I had seen on the bridge .
tr	3	All I can say , you did in a day and a half what should have taken weeks . "
tr	3	I noticed on one of my trips around base that the mushroom lay abandoned next to a workshop .
tr	3	The girls were busy going over base gossip while Allan and I sat waiting for the grill to heat .
tr	3	We built a Sunbrella fence around it , looks like part of the boat folds out-of-the-way in seconds .
tr	3	I said , " If anything comes up I 'll certainly let you know right away . "
tr	3	Pisces was ready to go to sea , it was down to waiting for our scientific party to arrive .
tr	3	Wednesday afternoon the van carrying them pulled up , they spilled out stretching and looking at the ship .
tr	3	We 're going to begin flight operations again next month when the shipment of jet fuel arrives .
tr	3	I 'd better not forget I was the one who had instigated this charade in the first place .
tr	3	To us not involved in fisheries science , satisfactory results would be measured by catching something tasty for dinner .
tr	3	Well , we wouldn 't know for sure until we deployed whether we could successfully retrieve it .
tr	3	I didn 't relish the thought of dragging the crap all the way to Key West .
tr	3	Then again , I may just leave the helicopter in Key West and cut off the helipad .
tr	3	Still it would be damn nice to keep the chopper even if it is a toy .
tr	3	He said , " How come everyone 's having all these doubts at the last minute ? "
tr	3	I strongly suspect judging by the gun housing none of them knew what the hell they were doing .
tr	3	When they were assembled , I said , " Ladies , gentlemen once again welcome aboard Pisces .
tr	3	If any of you have previous experience now 's the time to step up to the plate .
tr	3	I had another meeting on the bridge and told everyone to be on their toes and again told Joe .
tr	3	I said , " Who would have thought a year ago , we would be standing here .
tr	3	My only ambition then was to chase women , lay around drunk , and fade into oblivion .
tr	3	I said , " Tell him to see Herb or Linda their in charge of stores .
tr	3	" Yeah , were all healed up , the Mohawk and I both got a few scars . "
tr	3	Like everyone else , the rest seem to have come through pretty well all things considered .
tr	3	Anyway from what I could learn it sounds like they pretty well got their shit together .
tr	3	I invited them on board ; we shook hands all around and had them conducted to the conference room .
tr	3	I along with the rest had to make the decision to let millions die based on our criteria .
tr	3	Captain , I have to live with myself knowing I may have participated in genocide . "
tr	3	I wrote out a long report to Allan expressing my views and gave it to Chad .
tr	3	Of course , in the event , anyone was attacked they were allowed to respond in kind .
tr	3	I warned Herb , no one gets trigger-happy on my ship , and this isn 't a hunting expedition .
tr	3	I myself would like to do some exploring but am laboring under the same constraints as everyone else . "
tr	3	She said , curtly , " Captain that would be Ms. Abernathy if you please . "
tr	3	Keep me posted if things look like they might get out of hand , OK ... .
tr	3	I scanned with the glasses but could find no sign of human activity just desolation and overgrown ruins .
tr	3	We continued to circle and counted about a dozen more people heading in the direction of the fire .
tr	3	I was impressed as they had asked only for tools to gather food rather than food itself .
tr	3	The cook set up and was preparing racks of ribs for the cookout as late afternoon approached .
tr	3	Carol had been talking with them and had asked if they would take her and Cindy ashore .
tr	3	I called the ship and asked them to provide us with cover ; our day in paradise was over .
tr	3	" Good I want this ship ready to get under way at a moment 's notice .
tr	3	OK , those who can , get some sleep and we 'll see what tomorrow brings . "
tr	3	Hell she speaks French , it wouldn 't surprise me if they came begging us to take her back .
tr	3	I could hear the tension in Connie 's voice and knew precisely what was going through her mind .
tr	3	I 'm placing you in charge and giving you all the resources we have available starting now . "
tr	3	He said , " If I had a team it would be a piece of cake .
tr	3	It would be nice to have a couple of more guys along who knew what they were doing . "
tr	3	As long as they think every ones on the ship they 're less likely to be on guard .
tr	3	Be vigilant do not despair as all our thoughts and prayers will be visited on you tonight .
tr	3	With the help of the powerful glasses on the bridge , Dennis was able to locate the lone lookout .
tr	3	He made note of how many , the layout of the house , and where Carol was being held .
tr	3	He waited until they bedded down for the night then made his way back to the others .
tr	3	I looked and sure enough there was a green flare the signal to be picked up .
tr	3	As the team followed Sam looked at me and said , " Dennis is the man . "
tr	3	The mob on shore was focused on the drifting boat which had almost reached the shore .
tr	3	As the ship began to make way , the gun was brought to bear on the boat .
tr	3	It would be generations before the islands scars healed and it once again became the jewel of the Caribbean .
tr	3	Like Cuba , they desperately needed energy and were back to doing everything by manpower alone .
tr	3	I gave Cindy and Ms. Abernathy a couple of days before I had a talk with them .
tr	3	Ms. Abernathy , please understand , I try not to make rules so strict as to be stifling .
tr	3	He said , " Let Jackson come alone but he will be required to surrender his side arm . "
tr	3	Jeffery Jackson it turned out had indeed been a graduate of the academy 's last class .
tr	3	The Navy could no longer provide him the opportunity so he 'd taken on the task himself .
tr	3	If Ensign Jackson was to be effective , he would have to have some way to keep in contact .
tr	3	Our fears had been somewhat allayed so Jim and I decided it would be safe to remain at anchor .
tr	3	There was something odd in the way he said run which immediately raised a red flag .
tr	3	" Well , say like someone else who might also be running the show besides Jeff .
tr	3	He said , " No sir the committee wanted them placed here in the event of an attack . "
tr	3	I said , " An attack , who in the hell they expecting , Drake ? "
tr	3	I gazed at the bay where Pisces was swinging at anchor looking like a sitting duck .
tr	3	What I needed was an old cruiser and a company or two of marines , damn you Allan Bright .
tr	3	Instead , I said , " Jeff you 're the tour guide where to next ? "
tr	3	Linda and Jeff sat in the back seat carrying on a conversation drifting in and out of Spanish .
tr	3	All the years I had worked in Central America I 'd never managed to pick up the language .
tr	3	I said , " No dear just wondering if I 'm truly worthy your love . "
tr	3	George honestly we 've gone over this before you have more important things to worry about .
tr	3	OK , here we go , let 's see what this asshole has up his sleeve . "
tr	3	I had Linda standing by to translate , but Mr. Vella had no trouble turning a word in English .
tr	3	I wonder if there is anyway I might procure some diesel or gasoline from you . "
tr	3	I hurried out of the cabin this had been prearranged so that Linda could eves drop .
tr	3	This seemed to please him , we talked for a while longer and the meeting came to an end .
tr	3	" Thanks , Linda good job ; say would you mind attending dinner with us Saturday evening . "
tr	3	I could then contact Allan and have him pass it on to Washington and let them sort it out .
tr	3	The cheese hadn 't got binding yet , but the time had arrived for a conference .
tr	3	I may have unwittingly played right into his hands by diverting the supply ship and tanker to come here .
tr	3	I said , " Linda that 's going a little beyond the call of duty . "
tr	3	She said , " I didn 't consider it to be a hardship , sir . "
tr	3	He said , " Sir you met Mr. Villa have you formed an opinion of him ? "
tr	3	I said , " That 's a bold plan how does he intend to carry it out ? "
tr	3	You probably don 't know that Vella was a key player in the drug trade before the troubles .
tr	3	" Captain I 'm sorry but I couldn 't tip my hand not even to you .
tr	3	I told you I was an officer in the United States Navy , I meant it .
tr	3	I have been trying to serve and defend my country to the best of my ability . "
tr	3	I said , " Morning Dennis , pour yourself a cup and join the party ... .
tr	3	I went over what I had learned with Jim and Herb now everyone was up to speed .
tr	3	It seems Mr. Vella has taken a fancy to you , Linda said he made some flattering comments . "
tr	3	Mr. Vella came to greet us resplendent in the most elaborate uniform I had ever seen .
tr	3	The trap was baited now to get back to the ship and send Allan a secure explanation .
tr	3	Unfortunately , we 'll be kicking the can down the road and leaving young Jeff hung out to dry .
tr	3	Next day I sent the invitation RSVP to Mr. Vella the following morning it was accepted .
tr	3	I showed Mr. Vella where he should stand on the return trip in order to have the best exposure .
tr	3	" I said , Vella give it up or you 'll never get off this ship alive . "
tr	3	Can you truly condemn this young woman whom you love so much to her death , I think not ?
tr	3	I turned her over and cradled her head in my lap her blouse was already soaked with blood .
tr	3	Gerald was on the bridge I asked , " Can you fly the chopper in these conditions ? "
tr	3	The chopper was swung over in the lee of the ship , which provided some measure of protection .
tr	3	No , I would have gladly given Vella his empire in exchange for my dear fresh and blood girl .
tr	3	I could well understand how Helen of Troy had caused the launching of a thousand ships .
tr	3	I still wore the blood stained clothes , I quickly changed and went to the bridge .
tr	3	Sam said , " GW you don 't give me orders , get going were wasting time . "
tr	3	Sam threw open the engine cover , looked and said , " They got the fucking fuel line . "
tr	3	We both dug into the compartment the steel line coming from the tank to the engine was severed clean .
tr	3	I cranked the starter one cylinder hit then another and we started limping along making maybe six knots .
tr	3	He replied , " Captain she 's my fucking ship now , you just worry about that blood . "
tr	3	The guns on Morro switched targets and there was a splash 200 yards from the ship .
tr	3	The Coast Guard station was almost in view as the diesel again started missing and died .
tr	3	Thankfully she was young and strong and though it was painful with no anesthetics , she was recovering nicely .
tr	3	The Pisces is your ship I 'll care for her until your ready to take over .
tr	3	Pisces was now tied up to a wharf for the first time since leaving Key West .
tr	3	With Vella gone decent people came forward to participate in the beginnings of a proper government .
tr	3	I wrote out a long report to Allan and sent it back with the supply ship captain .
tr	3	I had visited three islands each was distinctive in how it had come through the Collapse .
tr	3	Our scientists had taken advantage of our extended stay in Puerto Rico and put together a rough census .
tr	3	Besides it was interesting as each island was in its own way a unique little microcosm .
tr	3	The weather was idyllic the trades blew steady as we hopped from island to island conducting our research .
tr	3	Aruba had not fared well , we found it deserted , the inhabitants having fled to the mainland .
tr	3	Most on board were still finding it hard to believe the Collapse could have such far-reaching consequences .
tr	3	I knew it was directly connected to overpopulation and the infrastructure we had developed to sustain it .
tr	3	Once that infrastructure was damaged , people were forced to turn to what was available locally .
tr	3	With the ship laid up for a week , we found ourselves with time on our hands .
tr	3	Late afternoon approached Sam pulled in the anchor and we started on our way back to the ship .
tr	3	What had been a pleasure cruise was starting to look more like the beginnings of a survival situation .
tr	3	Still I was sure Jim would send the inflatable in search of us we only had to wait .
tr	3	Dusk turned into night we kept a lookout expecting any minute to see the inflatable 's running lights .
tr	3	The GPS Chart plotter was functioning for a change and I worked out a rough estimate of our course .
tr	3	Our present rate of drift was such that we would close the coast sometime tomorrow afternoon .
tr	3	Gerald had been our last chance and as the chopper vanished so did any hope of quickly being found .
tr	3	I would turn on the GPS at four-hour intervals set a waypoint then plot our progress .
tr	3	I said , " We should be ashore tonight if everything stays as it is . "
tr	3	I said , " I figure it 's a little over three miles to the bay entrance .
tr	3	There was a roaring fire going on the beach with a group of men around it .
tr	3	There was just enough room to maneuver the dory in between the ketch and the sloop beside it .
tr	3	I made my way to the engine compartment and was delighted to find a late model Yanmar diesel .
tr	3	Throughout the day , we saw an occasional sail yet none ventured close enough to become a threat .
tr	3	Evening approached we patched the ragged dory as best we could then loaded in the fuel and battery .
tr	3	The road runs along the coast there 's a couple of town 's you 'll have to bypass .
tr	3	Remember don 't wait , take off if we can we 'll catch up with you . "
tr	3	We held and kissed , clinging to each other in the desperate way of lovers faced with mortal danger .
tr	3	It would leave us with no choice other then to lug the heavy dory across the point .
tr	3	I crossed my fingers and turned the switch the electric fuel pump began to hum and click .
tr	3	He grinned and said , " What say we get the fuck out of here . "
tr	3	I headed straight out into the bay hoping they would think we were making for open water .
tr	3	I said , " Come on honey lighten up , you know I always keep my promises . "
tr	3	Before making the journey across the Caribbean , we needed to top off our water tanks .
tr	3	We had food and water enough for well over a week if we used it only for drinking .
tr	3	I was surprised to see a row of large houses half hidden among the coconut trees .
tr	3	With Sam and I leading the way , we cautiously walked ashore weapons at the ready .
tr	3	We found enough heavy duty extension cords to reach from the generator 's batteries to the boat .
tr	3	She said , " Yes dear , plenty I 'm getting ready to make a pot . "
tr	3	We sat in the spacious living room enjoying the cool of the air conditioning discussing our good fortune .
tr	3	We sat around enjoying the amenities of a past world which had for over a year been denied us .
tr	3	With such a perfect night , everything , we 'd been through seemed like a distant dream .
tr	3	We were awakened around three by Sam ; " GW get up there 's a fire . "
tr	3	Sam was walking the dock he said , " GW I think there 's water already here . "
tr	3	Connie and Joyce had been busy all day packing away food and the other stuff they had scavenged .
tr	3	Connie and Joyce found a working washer and dryer and had been busy doing up everything in the boat .
tr	3	Sam and I roamed the island and even stumbled across a couple of full propane tanks for the grill .
tr	3	We speculated on its contents , and if it was full of cocaine or the proceeds from drug sales .
tr	3	Everyone grouped around and held their breath as I turned the lock and pulled the heavy door open .
tr	3	To people who hadn 't seen full supermarket shelves in years it bordered on the obscene .
tr	3	Joyce said , " I had him almost weaned , but this island is awash with booze . "
tr	3	I said , " Pick me up a bottle of Makers Mark if you see one ? "
tr	3	She said , " Your all little boys underneath when it comes to putting temptation in your path . "
tr	3	" They 'll make great trading material good booze is better than gold in times of crisis .
tr	3	I said , " That 's what I like about girls you 're such crafty devils .
tr	3	Your right Sam has mellowed out considerably from the old days and I 'd hate to see him backslide .
tr	3	I was relieved to find the boats depth transducer was compatible and would feed both units .
tr	3	The boat had been well-taken care of , almost every system on board had been replaced or upgraded .
tr	3	It had never ceased to amaze me how possessions had outlasted the people who owned them .
tr	3	It had provided us with everything we needed to make the trip enjoyable and enjoying it we were .
tr	3	We spent a lot of time lounging in the cockpit under the bimini discussing life in general .
tr	3	Sam asked me how come I started out in the Navy and wound up doing archeology .
tr	3	I just looked at it as a natural progression like from a model T to a brand new Corvette .
tr	3	I can 't say it answered my questions , but I believe I 'm still on the right path .
tr	3	I told Sam and Joyce to stay alert and cautioned them not to allow anyone on board .
tr	3	Connie and I took the dingy , rigged the sail , and headed into the Custom 's wharf .
tr	3	We have been lost at sea and need the use of shortwave radio to contact our ship . "
tr	3	I said , " It 's a long story is there somewhere we can go and talk . "
tr	3	We walked to the customs house I was glad they had assigned someone to guard the dingy .
tr	3	It came as a relief to find he was still kicking and was now higher up in the Government .
tr	3	I said , " Not exactly here to dig this time , let me introduce my wife , Connie .
tr	3	There 's been a lot of water flowed under the old swing bridge since I left town .
tr	3	Claude said , " Who you know be more important din any piece of paper nowadays . "
tr	3	" No I can 't take credit ; Sam did it all on his own . "
tr	3	Jim disobeyed orders ... George you ruined a good officer when you taught Jimmy how to think for himself .
tr	3	Sam said , " Got a good point , I still can 't believe they did that . "
tr	3	It was almost noon when Pisces crept in and dropped anchor she made a welcome sight .
tr	3	When I finished it was Jim 's turn and he filled me in on what they had done .
tr	3	He said , " Captain I 'm ready to turn command of Pisces back to you . "
tr	3	" I would ask you to humor an old man by allowing me to issue one last order .
tr	3	I 'll request an official command change from Allan , I 'm sure he 'll concur . "
tr	3	Connie and I said good-bye , to Claude and promised we would be back to dig in the ruins .
tr	3	I was going to the miss the ketch it would be hard going back to little Surreal .
tr	3	It had been over five months since we had left but in some respects , felt like a lifetime .
tr	3	Christ George what 's a mother to do , you give the term loose cannon a whole new meaning .
tr	3	" Putting it bluntly you managed to change the course of history almost everywhere you went ... .
tr	3	This way any interference with her will be viewed as an attack on the United States .
tr	3	I 'll give you something else to think about , see the swing set behind those trees ?
tr	3	We could no longer compete and American manufacturing in the traditional form was a thing of the past .
tr	3	But in truth even unions have little recourse when a company just packs up and leaves .
tr	3	The Holy Grail of this new economy became higher return on investment spurred on by larger bonuses .
tr	3	Just keep in mind , the government no longer serves its citizens but has been bought by big business .
tr	3	I don 't have to defend this statement the government has a long track record to back it up .
tr	3	No one wanted to pause and contemplate that maybe real estate prices were bordering on the insane .
tr	3	Then one day the bubble burst and the crest of the wave fell from under them .
tr	3	Again the bubble burst leaving the small banks and the savings and loans hung out to dry .
tr	3	They take it over stripping liquidity , laying off the workforce , selling assets and contracting its manufacturing overseas .
tr	3	The fact is we have placed far too much reliance on the financial markets and their allies .
tr	3	They encourage the creation of minorities so as to play them off against each other and fragment society .
tr	3	Instead , they avoid controversy by concentrating solely on the popularity and personality of politicians and their parties .
tr	3	Cable news is just as much of a sham as most have become bias spouting only the party line .
tr	3	No one is completely neutral in their personal or professional opinions , fair-minded maybe but never neutral .
tr	3	It wasn 't always easy as each took their turn in the barrel , but it happened .
tr	3	I find absolutely nothing wrong with the phrase " America Love it or Leave It ! "
tr	3	It was touted to the public as a golden opportunity to open up new markets in Mexico and Canada .
tr	3	Just how much of the wealth generating assets can systematically be stripped from a country before it collapses ?
tr	3	There is an old saying , " You can pick your friends but your stuck with your family . "
tr	3	In most respects , illegal immigration amounts to nothing more than a modern form of slavery plain and simple .
tr	3	I am sixth generation American yet I can 't for all intents and purposes call myself a Native American .
tr	3	Maybe this is oversimplified but it 's a good litmus test when deciding on the worthiness of a candidate .
tr	3	It 's apparent from our forays around the world that the US cannot resist dabbling in Nation Building .
tr	3	General Motors , I have never owned anything but GM automobiles and trucks throughout my life .
tr	3	In the early seventies , General Motors became arrogant and appeared to be intoxicated by its own success .
tr	3	Buy a Pontiac you 're going get a Chevrolet engine , don 't like it , tough .
tr	3	They drove GM cars solely because they were forced to for the benefit of their job .
tr	3	The guy pumping the septic tank is just as important as the people manufacturing or selling the toilet .
tr	3	We are presented with example after example as we look back on the collapsed civilizations littering human history .
tr	3	The likelihood is as the world population grows this trend will continue eventually overtaking even first world countries .
tr	3	Maybe economists are just too scared knowing what is in the cards and keep the bad news to themselves .
tr	3	The economy is not just about numbers but flesh and blood , hopes , and dreams .
tr	3	The ability to read and write WELL is imperative as it is the basis for all other learning .
tr	3	There should be no compromise made in this area , it has to come before everything else .
tr	3	Education is of little value if it cannot be directly connected to , and benefit society .
tr	3	Back in the day , family and community as well as school shaped a child 's demeanor .
tr	3	No longer could an adult or even a parent scold a child 's wrongdoing for fear of reprisal .
tr	3	I remember observing a little girl in a supermarket knock cereal boxes off into the floor .
tr	3	When I reached the checkout , there she was forced to defend her actions to the police .
tr	3	It is any wonder the prison population continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of society .
tr	3	There can be no more important task for parents or government than to educate their children .
tr	3	Making cuts in the quality of education is akin to slashing at society with a straight razor .
tr	3	Unfortunately , not all kids will do well in school , the dropout rates reflect this .
tr	3	I hate to use the term rotten apple for only a tiny handful truly fall into this category .
tr	3	Innovation in this area is the way to make sure that no child is left behind .
tr	3	Don 't skimp on history teach it as it was originally written then point out the alternate views afterward .
tr	3	Don 't attempt to skew learning in order to make it conform to current political correctness .
tr	3	Every attempt at warping young people 's minds backfires and comes home to roost in ways we never envision .
tr	3	History like everyday life is full of mistakes , what 's done is done don 't be a revisionist .
tr	3	Then there are the artisans who with their hands turn ideas into glorious works of art .
tr	3	In extreme cases , if necessary I will with diligence do my utmost to thwart your every endeavor .
tr	3	We need to seek out and implement renewable sources of energy not tomorrow but like yesterday .
tr	3	Hang the cost , get er done ; petroleum was expensive when it was first introduced into the marketplace .
tr	3	Concentrate on wind , solar , switch grass , algae , wave machines , cow manure , anything .
tr	3	I mumble , you hypocritical bastard you want to put my standard of living in jeopardy , not yours .
tr	3	The future of our species and welfare of all others depend on us doing the right thing NOW .
tr	3	The government became involved in health care in the 1960s which quickly drove up the cost .
tr	3	When health care was offered by the government at little or no cost people began to overuse it .
tr	3	What really happened with most HMOs were the immediate attempts at cost cutting and the limiting of choice .
tr	3	The industry lost its focus that of serving people and began to concentrate like everyone else on maximizing profit .
tr	3	Today we are faced with a health care system that can no longer service the majority of its customers .
tr	3	Cost has spiraled out of reach for most people unless they have some form of insurance or government subsidy .
tr	3	Cut out the crap of " ask your doctor if X is right for you . "
tr	3	Like every occupation , you must perform the function for which you were hired , lawmakers are no exception .
tr	3	We cannot rest on our laurels ; past performance is not an indicator of the future .
tr	3	Final thoughts I find in reading through what I have written that there is an air of pervasive pessimism .
tr	3	This has led to the circumventing and perversion of the natural course of government and has rendered it ineffectual .
tr	3	We need to work on our institutions to bring them along as we evolve not allow them remain static .
tr	3	We excel in science and technology we need to also excel in the art of advancing civility and governance .
tr	3	A notice to the reader ; this theory has not been written for the express purpose of direct publication .
tr	3	It ventures into several fields and disciplines of which I have only a rudimentary understanding of basic principals .
tr	3	It is intentionally written in the broadest and simplest terms in order to encompass the subject .
tr	3	Where exactly do I , we , all humans fit into the grand scheme of things ?
tr	3	I reasoned that since we are unique and complex our symbiosis must also be complex and unique .
tr	3	I looked at where mankind is today and the role he will likely play in the near future .
tr	3	The thing that immediately jumped out was the growing danger and possible impact from a celestial object .
tr	3	Annihilation from some space object remains for the present the worst threat that life on earth faces .
tr	3	First that it is purely serendipitous for the planet that we have evolved independently to confront this threat .
tr	3	Nature has brought man to his current stage of evolution and equipped us for the task of initial exploration .
tr	3	We think of evolution in terms of slow physical changes over extremely long periods of time .
tr	3	I strongly suspect that it can only lie among the instincts encoded and carried along in the genome sequence .
tr	3	Deaf , dumb , and blind creatures grappling with existence ever trying to better cope with their surroundings .
tr	3	Most creatures settled into their lineage and whatever intelligence they developed was used for day-to-day activities .
tr	3	The foremost attribute or instinct shared by all living things seems to be the will to survive and propagate .
tr	3	In the end he had evolved an upright stance and the opposed thumb along with a large brain .
tr	3	All of these weaknesses forced him to develop ever-increasing brainpower and later tools to help overcome these deficiencies .
tr	3	He thus was forced to search for better things with which to provide him with cover .
tr	3	Ultimately it led him to develop reason to work in groups and create societies and civilizations .
tr	3	Man is a reflection of his creator and has been instilled with Natures lust for the expansion of life .
tr	3	Copyright 2012 Peter Jackson License Notes : This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only .
tr	3	These men who had tried to convince them that there was only one God and it was their God .
tr	3	Gema always seemed to let her brother win even though he was older , bigger and stronger .
tr	3	The village chieftain traditionally had larger quarters than the rest of the villagers with additional rooms for close family .
tr	3	She looked at him from the window , " as though there is nothing to be concerned about . "
tr	3	" It 's still early , " she said , " stay there for a while .
tr	3	You 'll be gone soon on the hunt so you might as well enjoy it while you can . "
tr	3	The shrunken heads , wrapped in their ritual woven leaves , hanging there looked down on him .
tr	3	Each drilled in the old ways ... ... their heritage instilled in them ... ... ... .
tr	3	As the remaining families fled the burning building they were cut down by the automatic fire .
tr	3	Some tried to make it to the river but were targeted by the one who seemed to know .
tr	3	Their orders were no one was to be spared , no man , no woman no child .
tr	3	" Don 't call me Corp you moron , what time of the morning do you call this ? "
tr	3	Her English was excellent , spoken with a lilting sound that made it sound all the more attractive .
tr	3	" Would you be wanting me to give herself a call and ask her to come in ? "
tr	3	This afternoon will be fine , let me know , where 's that bloody tea ? "
tr	3	Sitting in his office , gazing at the blank wall , he thought to himself ... . "
tr	3	Funny how they don 't mind giving up rank when they join ' The Regiment ' , he thought .
tr	3	The trooper sat down and , crossing his legs , studied the Captain as he poured the tea .
tr	3	We set up an observation post overlooking the river and a couple of well used tracks . "
tr	3	" Yes I know that George but what was it actually like ... the going ? "
tr	3	Jakarta 's claiming some sort of massacre ... ... a little further south I think ... .
tr	3	Apparently some village or other got wiped out and they 're claiming we 're the bad guys .
tr	3	Anyway George start thinking about it , Team of four , I 'll be in touch . "
tr	3	They 're a lot lighter than the FLN but a smaller caliber , " George paused .
tr	3	See if you can find a biscuit to go with this tea and get one for yourself . "
tr	3	The rest of the day was routine yet dragged for Dickie Mason waiting for the ' interpreter . '
tr	3	Sit yourself down there 's a couple of things I want to run by you . "
tr	3	Gema looked up her lips tight , it was obvious she was fighting to control herself .
tr	3	Her knuckles were white and Mason could see the tiny tattoos stretched on the backs of her fingers .
tr	3	whilst I have you on the phone what 's this I hear about you and your interpreter ?
tr	3	" I hear what you 're saying sir and I agree with you one hundred percent .
tr	3	" No that 'll be all , Dickie , keep me informed about this propaganda thing .
tr	3	It was almost two hours before George Mudd arrived at the block building that served as Troop HQ .
tr	3	thought George , " not like him to be like that , maybe he 's not getting any . "
tr	3	They 're certainly lighter but some of the fellas are not keen on them being in 5.56 mm .
tr	3	Mudd started to laugh , " seems like a long answer to a pretty simple question . "
tr	3	Sorry I was a bit short with you just now , got a lot on my mind . "
tr	3	" No worries sir , " said George smiling , " what 's happening with the other thing ? "
tr	3	One way or another you 'll be going in , just a question of when ... ... .
tr	3	by the way the Colonel is involved , called me about it this morning ... ... .
tr	3	Make sure you take a camera with you this time George , we might need some evidence .
tr	3	" OK George ... get the team sorted , I 'll send the chopper out tomorrow .
tr	3	The beach glistened white in the light , the palms rustling gently in the evening onshore breeze .
tr	3	Rather than see her , or hear her for that matter , he sensed her presence at his side .
tr	3	Didn 't want to tell her what he came down to the beach to tell her .
tr	3	Wilkinson was a tall , blonde haired officer who looked young enough to be still in school .
tr	3	His blue tunic had the top button undone like a fighter pilot of the last war .
tr	3	" Thanks Flight Officer , great job , you 've saved us a load of trouble and effort .
tr	3	" As usual the map 's no bloody good to man nor beast , " whispered Downer .
tr	3	I know you 've been in the general vicinity before so you pretty much know what to expect . "
tr	3	Robbie McElroy , towering over everyone else said , " how are we going to be inserted George ? "
tr	3	Peter Brenner chipped in , " there 's no point in letting everyone know we 're there .
tr	3	When we 're done , if it 's quiet , we could use the Whirlwind for extraction . "
tr	3	Mason slid the one photo he was holding into a manila envelope and turned to Mudd .
tr	3	Brenner , the Yorkshireman , asked , " what 's the codename for the job and the extraction ? "
tr	3	" This could get very ugly , " he thought to himself locking the envelope away .
tr	3	* The following morning dawned the same as all the others at this time of the year .
tr	3	Tropic islands develop off shore breezes in the morning adding to the discomfort of the early morning heat .
tr	3	Driving the Champion back to HQ he was a happy man , at least she hadn 't said no .
tr	3	He occasionally made notes in the margins in order to get clarification from Jennings when he came on duty .
tr	3	Jakarta was still making noises about the ' massacre ' and threatening to take it to the UN .
tr	3	" She 's turned me down and she feels she has to tell me straight away . "
tr	3	" You 'd better show her in Paddy and close the door when you leave . "
tr	3	" My home , my parents , my brother , " she sobbed , " what has happened ? "
tr	3	" It 's probably just propaganda , I 'm sure your family is okay , " he whispered .
tr	3	pleading , suddenly her body stiffened and a wail came out of her mouth like a wounded animal .
tr	3	" Oh my God , " thought Dickie , " the bloody photos are still on the wall ! "
tr	3	She 'd seen her father three years previous on one of his rare trading trips ... .
tr	3	She had always relied on her family , knowing that they supported her in her new life .
tr	3	The doubt dried up her tears but she could not rid herself of the feeling of loss ... ... .
tr	3	Each in jungle fatigues , no insignias , no rank , nothing that would identify them .
tr	3	No personal effects , no labels , supplies for two weeks with little chance of re-supply .
tr	3	Deploy chutes at twenty five hundred , you 'll only have about forty five seconds of free fall .
tr	3	They did a final check of each other 's chutes , the red light came on .
tr	3	Still together , slight correction on a control line as a gentle breeze tries to push them off course .
tr	3	Peter and Harry quickly bury the four parachutes and helmets and then join the other two .
tr	3	" OK gentlemen , " said Mudd , " I suggest we move off to the left .
tr	3	Harry , on point , soon found a thicket that afforded a good view and excellent concealment .
tr	3	Stagger them so we have plenty of notice , Peter , do your radio check . "
tr	3	Within half an hour all four were back in the thicket all sign of their entrance swept clear .
tr	3	gazed out into the compound periodically scanning the area with his binoculars particularly in the direction of the river .
tr	3	" If they come at all they 'll come from the river , " he thought .
tr	3	" The wind 's shifted , " said George , " it 's burnt bodies in the Longhouse .
tr	3	The following morning over their cold meal Mudd suggested they stay in the OP at least another day .
tr	3	If all 's quiet we 'll do our recce in the morning , OK with you ? "
tr	3	" Good , " said Mudd , " we 'll be back in four to six hours .
tr	3	He could see perhaps half a mile down the river before it disappeared round a bend to the left .
tr	3	They 'd had each other 's back now for three years both here in Borneo and in Malaya .
tr	3	maybe we can get out of here without any sort of a flap , talk about isolation " .
tr	3	He stepped back into the shadows , almost stumbling as life came back into his left foot .
tr	3	We 've been here over forty hours and it looks as though nothing 's going on .
tr	3	With the other one 's set we 'll have plenty of warning if they show up .
tr	3	George and Peter left the security of the thicket leaving Robbie stretched out behind the Bren .
tr	3	The first body they came to had obviously been decapitated but there was no sign of the head .
tr	3	It looked as though it had been a middle aged man , well muscled yet not overly tall .
tr	3	He 'd taken a full burst in the chest and was , by now , well bloated .
tr	3	George took a number of shots , from different angles and a close up of the tattoos .
tr	3	The smell now from the Longhouse was overpowering so they pulled their bandanas up over their mouths and noses .
tr	3	He 'd taken one round in the chest which had left a massive exit wound in his back .
tr	3	From the smell it was reasonable to assume that most of the villagers had been trapped inside .
tr	3	They hadn 't seen them when they 'd arrived but then their senses had been attuned to something else .
tr	3	George first took photos of the brass laying on the ground whilst Peter cast around looking for more .
tr	3	If we don 't the boars are just going to make a meal of them . "
tr	3	" I 'm with you on that , " said Peter , " the ground is pretty soft . "
tr	3	Half way home , Peter dug into his pocket and took out one of the shell casings .
tr	3	The house responded with silence , that sort of hollow sound that tells you nobody 's in .
tr	3	It was exactly four years , almost to the day , since he 'd retired from the army .
tr	3	" Beats the hell out of married quarters that 's for sure , " he said out loud .
tr	3	The house itself was larger than what they needed , just him , his wife Gema and daughter Wendy .
tr	3	" Might as well have a small one before she comes home , " he thought .
tr	3	His favorite was on the mantelpiece , a portrait of Gema and Wendy taken quite recently .
tr	3	got it from her mother for sure He sat there , nursing his drink , looking at the photos .
tr	3	George Mudd has an extremely successful business here in Hereford although he 's out of the country quite often .
tr	3	The best he could find was with an Estate Agency and Property Management company in Hereford .
tr	3	Damn it if it wasn 't for him she 'd still be in Sarawak working as a government interpreter .
tr	3	Even now they didn 't get invited too often to functions that required a partner in tow .
tr	3	Gema who he had to teach to kiss as kissing was not part of her culture .
tr	3	We 'll only be gone for a few weeks , it 'll be a wonderful experience for her .
tr	3	You 'll be okay for a month , think of all the golf you 'll get in .
tr	3	Her planned itinerary took them from London to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Kuching in Sarawak .
tr	3	She had forgotten how hot and humid it could be , she almost found it refreshing .
tr	3	She had stayed there once before with Dickie but only after he had taught her how to kiss .
tr	3	From now on where we are going is our business and no one else 's ... . .
tr	3	At first he 'd thought she was out of her mind but eventually he had come around .
tr	3	They pulled off the road and drove straight into the underbrush until it was out of sight .
tr	3	" Get some sleep Wendy , " she said , " there is nothing to fear here ... . .
tr	3	" Wendy you need to understand that although the terrorists were beaten years ago they never went away .
tr	3	" Trooper Mac sent me a little present too , " he said all the while chuckling .
tr	3	" I speak in Malay now because my English not good , " the two women nodded .
tr	3	When you have to " go " ... ... bury everything ... ... leave no sign .
tr	3	Gema ... do not even think about using that M16 unless I say so , " Gema nodded .
tr	3	They crossed the border uneventfully although where anyone knew exactly where the border was seemed a good question .
tr	3	No compass just his native instinct , his bare feet seemingly impervious to what was underfoot ... .
tr	3	" God Almighty , " thought Wendy , " he isn 't even breathing heavily ... . .
tr	3	It was several hours before he returned as usual just materializing like magic seemingly out of thin air .
tr	3	" Mac came to find me when he came back to Brunei , he gave me job .
tr	3	" When you come back here ... ... and you will , you come find me .
tr	3	They came in from the north the river on the left ... still flowing ... . .
tr	3	The very shape of the banks had changed due to the flooding in the annual wet .
tr	3	Uncle Robbie told me some bodies had been buried here and stones placed like a cairn . "
tr	3	She could still not be sure ... there was no proof ... ... the doubt still lingered .
tr	3	He passed her the package wrapped in traditional leaves , unwrapping it she found a small blanket .
tr	3	Her mother had treated her blisters from the first aid kit but they 'd only just started to heal .
tr	3	He remembered what Peter Brenner had told him the last time he 'd visited from Yorkshire .
tr	3	Since Peter had retired he 'd become senior assistant at Moor Allerton Golf Club in North Leeds .
tr	3	He 'd played here for years in fact since 1960 when he 'd first joined the SAS ... ... .
tr	3	" It 's a wonder we 're all still alive and kicking , " he thought .
tr	3	" Now I think about it I even met Dick Mason here but that was a little later . "
tr	3	" Unusual for the army , " he thought , " not that they were all really close . "
tr	3	He came down to Hereford pretty regularly to make up a foursome and chew the fat .
tr	3	He 'd often thought that Dickie had engineered that move although it had never been discussed .
tr	3	George had constantly put off retirement as he 'd never really decided what to do with his life .
tr	3	He 'd even spent another year in Brunei at the Jungle Training facility the British Army maintained there .
tr	3	Terry had a small security business based in Hereford at that time focusing on residential security .
tr	3	Judy , in her jogging suit , not yet covered , thrown like a crumpled ragdoll into the ditch .
tr	3	Her clothes in the laundry hamper , did he know how to run the washing machine ?
tr	3	No matter what he undertook she drove him on ... ... but he never wept for her .
tr	3	like he said , " almost like going back home except for the shortage of pubs . "
tr	3	A typical London Gentlemen 's Club albeit located in Kensington rather than the West End or the City .
tr	3	It was one of the few clubs that accepted ' Asians ' he thought cynically ... .
tr	3	A Chelsea fan , he owned season tickets , and tried never to miss a home game .
tr	3	The car pulled out into the traffic and headed off in the general direction of the West End .
tr	3	" For sure , " said Dick , " me , George , Harry and Faulkner .
tr	3	" You should care , " said Harry , " out of my league though . "
tr	3	If there 's a tie there 'll be sudden death like last time , gorgeous day for it . "
tr	3	" St John 's Wood actually , " said Tony laughing , his voice very cultured .
tr	3	" That 's a good start , " said Harry , " usually George is off to the right .
tr	3	The game progressed well , accompanied by the usual banter shared by people who play a lot of golf .
tr	3	At the turn Tony was up by a couple of shots on the rest of them .
tr	3	" I know , " said Harry , " not worth making a thing about it though .
tr	3	" Just keep me in check , " said George , " I 'm likely to flatten the fucker .
tr	3	She tried to talk to Dickie about moving away from Hereford , away from the army .
tr	3	Wherever you are the issues and challenges remain the same ... ... just a different jungle . "
tr	3	" It 's all about winning , " he thought to himself , " I never lose ! "
tr	3	Taking the old gym bag off the back seat he went into the washroom and locked the door .
tr	3	He came out wearing the baggy jeans and leather jacket he 'd worn down in Hackney .
tr	3	The smartly dressed gentleman in the grey Audi tucked in four cars behind looked apprehensively at his fuel gauge .
tr	3	right in this very pub , drugs , guns , girls , boys ... ... anything .
tr	3	He looked around him in disgust , two Sikhs in turbans , pints in hand having a heated discussion .
tr	3	Tony sat down , slightly at an angle to Avi , but still able to see the door .
tr	3	Call and see if they have a vacancy and have one of our chaps stay over .
tr	3	Impossible to keep an eye on him from out here , there 's no cover . "
tr	3	Top of that ... it 's those damn army wives , have to be nice I suppose . "
tr	3	" I think so , " he replied , " Peter and Harry too I would think .
tr	3	She came out of the house uncomfortable in her high heels and sat in the passenger seat .
tr	3	" I think I left it in my desk in the study , " he replied .
tr	3	She froze like a deer caught in the headlights , her mouth dropped open with a gasp .
tr	3	She found the invitation on a side table and went back to the car locking the house behind her .
tr	3	Maybe I 've eaten something that 's upset my stomach , I might throw up . "
tr	3	In the twenty short minutes it took to drive to the lodge she imposed her will .
tr	3	Have to remember that three squadrons rotated through Sarawak about a hundred and eighty men in total .
tr	3	He had hardly changed , if anything he had lost weight , he looked tanned and fit .
tr	3	He 's a member here as you know and doesn 't live too far away . "
tr	3	the odd hug , men who had shared danger together meeting for the first time in years .
tr	3	He 'd just been paid the balance of the twenty grand for bringing in the merchandise from Amsterdam .
tr	3	The more surprising turn of events was Avi calling him for a different type of merchandise .
tr	3	He 'd refused to talk on the phone quickly interrupting Avi before he could open his big mouth .
tr	3	As was habit he stopped a couple of times in front of shop windows carefully watching the reflection .
tr	3	He hurried across the street and watched to see if anyone familiar came out after him .
tr	3	The kid keyed his speed dial , " He 's heading for the gym for sure .
tr	3	You either won or you lost , the other guy lying on the canvas bloodied and beaten .
tr	3	He sat on a bench , towel over his shoulders , listening to the crowd roaring .
tr	3	Tony slipped out of the way on his toes and waited for what he knew was coming .
tr	3	" He hasn 't learnt how to fall , " he thought , as he danced away .
tr	3	The crowd started to boo as Tony had not followed through while the brawler was down .
tr	3	Tony showered , changed back into his jeans and waited for Avi in the changing room .
tr	3	" There 's a pub just across the street let 's go over there , " he said .
tr	3	Avi , making sure they weren 't overheard said quietly , " I need guns Tony . "
tr	3	" Bloody expensive , " said Tony , " a lot of people have to be paid off .
tr	3	Probably cost at least twice maybe three times what they would on the normal market . "
tr	3	Always and I mean always call me from a public phone and never use the same one twice .
tr	3	" Bout bloody time , " he thought , as he walked up the two flights of stairs .
tr	3	Green lino on the floor , scuffed walls in some sort of government beige ... . .
tr	3	Who the hell knew , it even smelled musty , " like some of the people here .
tr	3	" Sit down David , long time no see , how 're things up in Hereford ? "
tr	3	Topic on the table and the reason you 're here David is Tony Wei and Portland Place . "
tr	3	" The best way to do this is just go round the table , " said the Commander .
tr	3	There 's a ' secret ' file that 'll be made available to you later . "
tr	3	" That 'll teach you to be a naughty boy Dave , " said the Commander smiling at him .
tr	3	" If you keep breaking the rules and taking short cuts it 's bound to catch up with you .
tr	3	We 're more in the public eye , more accountable , anyway back to the case in point .
tr	3	If it goes right you 'll be a fucking hero and all will be forgiven . "
tr	3	" Just what I need , " said David laughing , do I stay in Hereford ? "
tr	3	" Yes we do , haven 't had to use it yet though , " said David laughing .
tr	3	" No reason why not , might have to go down to Ledbury some time though . "
tr	3	No vehicles close until I say so that includes the forensic team when they show up . "
tr	3	It was quite naked and lying on its back , arms straight by its side ... ... .
tr	3	The voice called from the top of the hill , the forensic truck parked next to the man waving .
tr	3	" There 's no blood , " she said , " ergo he wasn 't killed here .
tr	3	" Right and where 's the rake , for that matter where 's the head ? "
tr	3	This entire thing is staged , whoever did it wanted him to be found like this .
tr	3	It was several days before they were able to meet with the Forensic Pathologist working out of Ledbury .
tr	3	" I 'm afraid , as of now , I can 't answer all your questions .
tr	3	We took the prints and ran them through our own data base but nothing came up .
tr	3	Again we 've sent them down to London see if they can come up with something .
tr	3	One thing I can say though , the head was taken off with one single cut .
tr	3	I would think they used a sword or a machete , something pretty big anyway and very sharp .
tr	3	" His file is classified , " she replied , " secret for God 's sake . "
tr	3	I cut a few corners , got sick of the bureaucracy , the bullshit , it tied my hands .
tr	3	" Tony Wei , " he replied , " you going to be around the next day or two ?
tr	3	The Commander at the other end of the phone hung up and dialed a secure number in Hereford .
tr	3	Two days later Tony took the BMW , turned up the M40 in the direction of Oxford .
tr	3	When he turned south on the M5 the Audi was replaced by a dirty blue Vauxhall .
tr	3	" No such things as coincidences , " thought David , " thinking like that gets you killed . "
tr	3	The team outside the shop had not had the time to get any sort of bug installed .
tr	3	Tony was in there for approximately an hour then left , driving straight back to London .
tr	3	Later in the day Jennings came out of the shop , entered the public phone booth and dialed .
tr	3	In case you don 't know , Jen , Tern Hill is the headquarters of the Irish Regiment .
tr	3	She came to the door of the neatly kept semi , smartly dressed for that time of the morning .
tr	3	Some were groups of ladies with Harry in the centre , obviously some club or other .
tr	3	Marjorie came in carrying the tray and noticed him looking carefully at some of the photos .
tr	3	Lord knows what 's going to become of it now , perhaps I can sell it . "
tr	3	" We have to ask you a few questions Mrs. Downer if that 's okay ? "
tr	3	" I know about Harry 's involvement with the SAS , I 've seen his file .
tr	3	Being a specialist in unarmed combat the school seemed to be a natural for him . "
tr	3	Peter Brenner comes down from Leeds quite regularly to play golf , he 's a pro up there .
tr	3	Their old CO lives in Hereford , that 's Captain Mason , Dickie to his friends .
tr	3	He 's the one that married that native girl , he 's a member at the golf club too .
tr	3	He works for George out there , he was here for the reunion but he 's gone back now .
tr	3	* " We only asked about George Mudd , " said David laughing as they drove back to Hereford .
tr	3	She followed him into a drawing room filled with light from the tall windows overlooking a paddock .
tr	3	" I 've known Harry for twenty five years , we were more than just friends .
tr	3	" Not yet , " she replied , " we 're still waiting for the toxicology report from London .
tr	3	He looked at her smiling " You mean how can I afford all this being a retired SAS Trooper ?
tr	3	I have a couple of customers in the North Sea but my largest customer is in Brunei .
tr	3	He , in turn , is in touch directly and indirectly with two members of an old SAS team .
tr	3	" OK , " said Jennie , " so what happened with you up at Tern Hill ? "
tr	3	" Oh shit , the guy drove me nuts , talk about full of his own importance .
tr	3	I 'd already checked with the Ministry and got his SAS record ... ... nothing weird there either .
tr	3	Colonel Blimp did introduce me to a Lieutenant that commands the Military Police on the base .
tr	3	All our normal tests yielded absolutely nothing so we had to look further afield ... . .
tr	3	" I 'm pretty sure that 's Downer 's old CO with his wife Gema . "
tr	3	Gema had been away for a couple of weeks and wasn 't due back for another couple of days .
tr	3	Things had got so bad between the two of them that he didn 't even know where she was .
tr	3	Dickie busied himself at work but wasn 't as happy at the golf course as he had been before .
tr	3	She strode into the house without her customary ' Hi darling I 'm home , ' greeting .
tr	3	She walked into the living room and sat on the couch pulling her feet under her .
tr	3	He followed her and sat in the chair by the fireplace looking into the empty grate .
tr	3	She can take the spare bedroom with the ensuite and the room opposite as a sitting room .
tr	3	Neither one of you will ever set foot into the flat , that is the only rule .
tr	3	You don 't know them and have never expressed an interest in them so what does it matter ? "
tr	3	~ ~ ~ Chapter 16 The Museum The jangling of the phone brought her out of a deep sleep .
tr	3	Sorry to get you out of bed but something has come up which you need to know about .
tr	3	* " My oh my just look at you , " said David , " you 've got legs !
tr	3	" Well you look very nice I must say , nice legs , we going somewhere special ? "
tr	3	" I see what you mean , " said David , " place must have cost a bloody fortune .
tr	3	His financials all came up legit though , he 's just done very , very well for himself . "
tr	3	David was the first to speak , " How did he die , did they say anything ? "
tr	3	We had our eyes on a character in London who you 've actually played golf with . "
tr	3	" You look very nice in them Sergeant , " said George ... ... and seemed to mean it .
tr	3	" You never called me with Harry 's cause of death Jennie , " he said eyebrows up .
tr	3	On the right an extremely neat , well organized work bench with tools hanging on the wall behind .
tr	3	David had walked over to the wall and was looking at the machete type blades on the wall .
tr	3	" I see there are different types here , some are quite distinctive , " he said thoughtfully .
tr	3	" None of this is coincidence , " said David , " it 's all inter-connected .
tr	3	He 'd just put the phone down on George Mudd who 'd told him about Peter Brenner .
tr	3	George had sounded concerned , both Harry and Peter being murdered and the police seemed to be getting nowhere .
tr	3	The concern was the obvious link to Indonesia and their pasts in the jungles of Borneo .
tr	3	He stood up , stretched , walked over to the window and looked across the courtyard to the barn .
tr	3	Gema 's Jag was parked out front and a yellow light shone from one of the windows .
tr	3	He could see she had lit a fire as the light was flickering as the logs caught hold .
tr	3	She began the exercises of the Silat , that demanding martial discipline learnt from her Father .
tr	3	Dick watched the shadowy shape rhythmically slide in front of the window lit solely by the firelight .
tr	3	Forensic Services confirmed the cause of death and that it might well have been administered through a poison dart .
tr	3	There 's this solid connection between the dead guys and an old SAS team that operated in Sarawak .
tr	3	" Which brings us to two issues I want to discuss with you Commander , " said David seriously .
tr	3	This forms a bond that , unless you 've actually been there , is very difficult to understand .
tr	3	He owns a security business with branches both here in England and in the Far East .
tr	3	" You might well be right , " said the Commander " leave it to me to sort .
tr	3	At least you didn 't get me out of bed this time , " a smile in her voice .
tr	3	Although he was a little early he found Paddy in the snug wrapped around a Guinness .
tr	3	" Why don 't we have something to eat then go for a bit of a drive ? "
tr	3	My end is at least twenty grand for the four plus any expenses of course . "
tr	3	I 'm tempted to give him a bit of rope and see where he goes with it . "
tr	3	" Hmmmm , " said the Commander thoughtfully , " that 's actually a pretty good idea .
tr	3	He 's got tons of contacts all over the place and will probably go places we can 't .
tr	3	Now it looked better than it had originally , it was worth it just to listen to the exhaust .
tr	3	She had a slight smile on her face , her short auburn hair blowing in the wind .
tr	3	he shouted over the wind , " I can put the top up if you like . "
tr	3	" Don 't you dare , " she shouted back , " I love it . "
tr	3	Once the formalities were out of the way George suggested he show her around a bit .
tr	3	" Actually we 're very lucky , " replied George as they walked through the lounge .
tr	3	We also bought the land to either side of the club and behind the full bore range .
tr	3	" Yes I had it custom engraved , it 's a real work of art . "
tr	3	Normally five shooters use it and rotate from station to station but we have it on our own . "
tr	3	At first she couldn 't hit a thing but she slowly got the hang of it .
tr	3	After a couple of hours she was hitting ten or twelve out of the round of twenty five .
tr	3	" My shoulder aches a bit , " she said sitting in the lounge sipping on her double double .
tr	3	" What do you mean IF we come back , I definitely want to come back ... ... .
tr	3	They shot for about an hour pretty much having the range to themselves except for the Range Officer .
tr	3	" Remember I 'm a consultant now , " said George laughing , " so consult ! "
tr	3	The Commander is keeping tabs on Tony Wei , Jennings and the other guy up in Leeds . "
tr	3	the two labs lying off to one side periodically opening their eyes as though checking the fire .
tr	3	Judy was the first soft thing in my life , if you know what I mean .
tr	3	it 's as though she 's there all the time ... ... looking over my shoulder .
tr	3	There are , or rather there were , four of us , those two , myself and Robbie McElroy .
tr	3	There must be some sort of connection with the past considering the way they were both killed .
tr	3	Rob wanted to come home and get involved , I talked him out of it though . "
tr	3	" Perhaps you will some time , " she said , " perhaps you will . "
tr	3	As she drove away half of her wished he 'd asked her to stay the night ... .
tr	3	He called the dogs in , got out of his boots and went into the study .
tr	3	They talked of little things as they had before probing perhaps a little more than before .
tr	3	She asked her all the normal questions and made note of the tiny tattoos George had mentioned .
tr	3	They talked of her life as an army wife , her knowledge of both Harry Downer and Peter Brenner .
tr	3	" I can 't figure her out , " she said later over a pint in the Dragon .
tr	3	She answers any specific questions but never volunteers anything ... ... ... certainly no casual chitchat .
tr	3	suggested George , " it 'll have to be very early because of the time difference .
tr	3	I 'd have to talk to him first anyway otherwise he wouldn 't tell you a thing . "
tr	3	Sounded like a good , pragmatic step except she couldn 't remember what time they eventually fell asleep .
tr	3	She thought about clean underwear and a toothbrush and then decided she didn 't really give a damn .
tr	3	I forgot to tell you that bit , " he said laughing , " usually pretty early too . "
tr	3	" I 'm going to put him on speaker phone Jen and turn on the scrambler .
tr	3	George advised Robbie that he had company but that Rob was at liberty to say whatever he liked .
tr	3	Right now they 're in the process of getting clearance from the Sultanate for us to run armed patrols .
tr	3	She was brought up in a jungle Longhouse and never even saw a white guy until she was fifteen .
tr	3	You know her entire family was murdered back in sixty five , the whole village wiped out .
tr	3	" Robbie , I know I mentioned this before , but now I want to stress .
tr	3	There seems to be some sort of connection with Harry , Peter and the rest of the old team .
tr	3	a little chill later in the day , the sun a little lower in the sky .
tr	3	The church behind him , St. Michaels and All Angels , built in the eleventh century and still here .
tr	3	He had bought the bench some years prior and came to sit several times a month .
tr	3	The base of the headstone was a riot of color although starting to fade now with the waning year .
tr	3	Soon he 'd have to come with his trowel and secateurs and clean it up for the winter .
tr	3	There are no secrets ... ... she knows all about you and now you know about her .
tr	3	Later I will bring her to visit ... ... if she wants to of course . "
tr	3	He then told her all about Harry and Peter as though it were some sort of catharsis for him .
tr	3	I promise to find out what happened as they would for me , I know you understand . "
tr	3	The church looked on as benevolent as ever , it would still be there after they 'd all gone .
tr	3	Paddy had heard what he needed to hear , had seen what he needed to see .
tr	3	" It can be done ... expensive but possible ... ... all a matter of timing . "
tr	3	The game will be played Friday the thirteenth , vehicles not a problem , " he rang off .
tr	3	* It was crisp that morning with the type of blue sky that heralds a really cold snap .
tr	3	The labs chased each other through the cover and reveled in rolling in the light dusting of snow .
tr	3	St. Mary 's is in Market Drayton , after that he just went back to Clive Barracks . "
tr	3	Jennie showed her warrant card and introduced herself and asked for either Dick or Gema Mason .
tr	3	" I 'm sorry neither one is home just now perhaps you 'd like to leave a message . "
tr	3	" Well then perhaps you can help me out a little , may I come in ? "
tr	3	" I come in every day , keep house and cook for Mr. Mason when it 's required . "
tr	3	I 've never even seen the two of them talking , they seem to be estranged . "
tr	3	" So you 've no idea where she is or when she 's coming back ? "
tr	3	If her car 's there , she drives a green Jaguar , we know she 's home .
tr	3	I 'd like him to come and it 's quite a while since he was in England .
tr	3	" Just said that he didn 't think she 'd be able to make it " replied George .
tr	3	They 'd been instructed to travel by different routes although they all originated in and around Belfast .
tr	3	At 1700 hours the two clerks in the office plus the warehouse staff went off duty .
tr	3	Using another key he accessed the ammunition storage facility and took approximately five thousand rounds over the two calibers .
tr	3	Locking the doors behind him he went back to his office to wait for the truck .
tr	3	Paddy opened the electric overhead doors and offered to give the old gentleman a hand loading the hampers .
tr	3	The guard in the guardhouse at the main entrance waved him through and wished him a Merry Xmas also .
tr	3	David and Jennie were sitting in the Dragon enjoying a pint after a day of paperwork .
tr	3	On his rubber soles he silently approached the door to the kitchen at the back of the church .
tr	3	He could see he was in a kitchen area , the room bordered by long white counters .
tr	3	There were two doors , fifty , fifty chance he thought and took the one on the left .
tr	3	He had a feeling of space and risked shining the light a little off the floor .
tr	3	A sudden fluttering of wings high up in the arched roof nearly made his heart stop .
tr	3	Shining the flashlight on each of the carts he could easily see the one that Paddy had identified .
tr	3	At this time of the year , being almost Christmas , the base was almost deserted .
tr	3	He lay in bed repeatedly looking at the clock on the bedside table willing the hands to turn .
tr	3	Checking that the road was clear in both directions he tapped twice on the side of the van .
tr	3	The van accelerated through the demolished gate and turned in the direction of the QM stores .
tr	3	The two men in front of the main gate held their position to provide covering fire if necessary .
tr	3	" There 's no bloody way this is a coincidence , " the Commander was truly pissed .
tr	3	" Jesus Christ we don 't even know how many people were involved never mind who they were . "
tr	3	Get hold of George Mudd I want him there and get an inventory from Tern Hill .
tr	3	perhaps he wanted to be ' lost ' , certainly food for thought if nothing else . "
tr	3	It 's obvious that the strike was both professional , surgical and required inside information . "
tr	3	He had the attention of the other three now , they were leaning back in their chairs listening .
tr	3	He sat , with his elbows on the table , gazing at the wall lost in thought .
tr	3	The one on his right bent down to his ear , " Good evening John , how are you ?
tr	3	The voice was cultured Irish , quiet , pleasant in a way , sounded more like Donegal than Belfast .
tr	3	It had started to snow and the wind was threatening to drift the snow against the buildings .
tr	3	The other options I leave to your imagination , are you sure you won 't have some tea ? "
tr	3	We really don 't want to make a mess in here ... ... ... ... . .
tr	3	John on his chair had been placed in the middle of the large blue , plastic tarp .
tr	3	" You 're a very rude man , John , shoot him in the left kneecap please ! "
tr	3	John 's scream was drowned out by the crash of the chair as it hit the floor .
tr	3	no point in that , " said Jimmy , " shoot him in the other knee please . "
tr	3	John and the chair were thrown across the room by the force of the heavy caliber bullet .
tr	3	Lie him down on the floor and get the poor chap a pillow for his head . "
tr	3	If proven and he could be tied to the Chinese embassy his , life expectancy would be considerably shortened .
tr	3	Surely if these two were out of the picture nothing could link him to Tern Hill .
tr	3	Of course his final option would be just to cut and run , but to where ?
tr	3	Most of the guys jogged on the base using either the track or the playing fields .
tr	3	He didn 't feel himself bump against the hull of one of the colorful canal boats ... ... .
tr	3	He nodded to the smartly dressed gentleman , dining alone , a couple of tables further down the wall .
tr	3	They were sitting round the table in the museum , notes and drinks in front of them .
tr	3	Thanks to George 's team we now have the names of all the participants in the Tern Hill job .
tr	3	The Commander looked up , " we have to assume that Jennings and Wei are up to no good .
tr	3	I would have thought some of them might have made a run for it by now ... ... . .
tr	3	We can 't afford any communication between them or we run the risk of them running .
tr	3	George ... ... as far as the Irish side is concerned it 's not that difficult .
tr	3	I presume you have no objection to our interviewing Tony Wei once you have him in custody ? "
tr	3	if you don 't mind I 'd like to get on the phone and get the wheels in motion .
tr	3	" Typical male logic , " said Jennie , " sure there isn 't another reason ? "
tr	3	thanks for asking , " she replied laughing , " but there 's a couple of conditions .
tr	3	After a terse , rather one sided conversation , he hung up and turned to the Commander .
tr	3	I might as well call the RUC now and get the Irish mob picked up ... ... .
tr	3	The interior comprised of a communication center , a toilet , small galley and four berths .
tr	3	When the Commander and David arrived communications was manned by an SAS Captain and one trooper .
tr	3	The operation should be pretty straight forward although , of course , you never really know .
tr	3	As soon as Jennings gets out of the van we give the go ahead to Yorkshire and Ireland .
tr	3	" Blue Team you are good to go , " said the Captain quietly into his throat mike .
tr	3	" Building clear , " came over the speaker , " two in custody and one down ... ... .
tr	3	He opened fire with a handgun , we had no choice but to take him out . "
tr	3	" Must be the driver , " he said " that MP5 made a mess of him . "
tr	3	He walked back to the group at the front of the warehouse just inside the dock door .
tr	3	Taking a wrecking bar from the bench by the door he opened up the four crates .
tr	3	take a look at this Commander " Looking down into the crates they saw four automatic weapons .
tr	3	Luckily we don 't need him to tie everything together now although it would have been nice ... ... .
tr	3	The two men had their shotguns under their arms although it looked as though they 'd had no luck .
tr	3	They rushed over to say hello and then collapsed in front of the roaring fire ... ... . .
tr	3	" It is , " replied George , " would I dare pour you anything else ? "
tr	3	The business is still growing and will only get more profitable so money will never be an issue .
tr	3	The bloody turkey only just fits in the Aga and there 's only ten of us ! "
tr	3	" They 're magnificent , " said George , " we 'll need a bigger room at this rate .
tr	3	I 'm afraid our gift is rather small by comparison but I know you 'll like it . "
tr	3	" I ordered the bloody thing almost a year ago and it only turned up the other day .
tr	3	I was getting a bit panicky , " said George , " just be careful with it ... . .
tr	3	" There 's a thousand clay pigeons hidden in the garage that go with it , " said Jennie .
tr	3	" We can set it up in the West field ... it 'll be safe there ... .
tr	3	Perhaps we should go in the study to open it ... ... better to use the table . "
tr	3	Inside , the shotgun with the four sets of barrels lay gleaming in the green felt compartments .
tr	3	Stitched into the inside of the lid the leather tab proclaiming to the world ... . . '
tr	3	They suspect foul play , it looks as though he 'd been jogging and somebody jumped him .
tr	3	" Bloody Hell , " said George , " that 's a turn up for the book . "
tr	3	For security 's sake we have people here tomorrow who have nothing to do with the investigation .
tr	3	" Du n no yet ... ... ... ... I 'll think of something though . "
tr	3	George had gone , the bed cool , he 'd been ' gone ' for a while .
tr	3	" I think I should have come up while you were still in the shower . "
tr	3	They went down to breakfast ... ... not the pine table in the kitchen this morning .
tr	3	Robbie had not come down yet but they could hear his footsteps as he came down the main staircase .
tr	3	Robbie , all six foot four of him , was dressed in his traditional Highland Dress .
tr	3	His eighteen yard kilt swayed as he strode across the room giving Jennie a Christmas kiss .
tr	3	" You and Terry sit down , " said George , " I do the serving this morning . "
tr	3	" They live in the Lodge down by the gate and have done since I bought the place .
tr	3	" One night we should get together , over a wee dram , and swap lies . "
tr	3	" Nice to see you people too , " said Dick , " thanks for inviting me .
tr	3	Robbie you look absolutely sensational in a kilt , that the style in Brunei these days ? "
tr	3	" Gema and Wendy will be along soon I expect , they 'll be in their own car . "
tr	3	The vegetables would only go on once the turkey was almost cooked , the kitchen a hive of activity .
tr	3	George had just poured the sherry when Gema 's green Jag pulled up in front of the house .
tr	3	A few lines about the eyes but her hair was still lustrous although now it was cut short .
tr	3	They were Dickies eyes ... ... a startling blue yet almond shaped like her mother 's .
tr	3	It was a peacock blue accenting her eyes and showing off her long , tanned legs .
tr	3	" You must be Robbie McElroy , I 'm Wendy Mason I 've heard so much about you . "
tr	3	He looked down and was surprised to see tiny intricate tattoos on the backs of the fingers .
tr	3	" I am indeed , " he rumbled , " I 'm so pleased to meet you at last .
tr	3	* The house was quiet now save for the muffled ticking of the old clock on the landing .
tr	3	" No not really , " she replied , " Gema and Wendy avoided me like the plague .
tr	3	I 'm sure it 's because Gema knows I 'm a copper , food for thought there though .
tr	3	She has nothing to do with her father and is deeply into her heritage ... ... ... .
tr	3	I don 't know what it is but there 's something in the air ... ... . .
tr	3	When he was offed we had all the players under surveillance so there 's someone we 've missed .
tr	3	Merry Christmas ... ... sorry to get you up early on Boxing Day but something 's come up .
tr	3	I don 't know for how long could be a month or so ... ... . .
tr	3	I 'll fill her in about the other four but the less she knows about you the better .
tr	3	I 'm going up to London for the day tomorrow but should be back by Friday .
tr	3	" No Sticky , should have everyone there by the weekend , shouldn 't be a problem at all .
tr	3	" Got to sort this lot out , " said George , " maybe start some sort of catalogue .
tr	3	" What a magnificent old church , " said Jennie her breath curling up into the air .
tr	3	It 's so important that it was removed during the war and stored for safekeeping . "
tr	3	They were walking on what was obviously a pathway , snow covered now ... ... . .
tr	3	After she was killed a part of me died but she never seemed to be far away .
tr	3	I told her I would bring you to meet her if and when I thought the time was right .
tr	3	" Thank you , " she said , " I was waiting for you to bring me here . "
tr	3	As they got closer to the city the conditions improved and the skies started to clear .
tr	3	It was agreed that David would lead the interview with Jennie jumping in when she felt it appropriate .
tr	3	George would act as an observer although he was the only one who had actually met Wei previously .
tr	3	" The fact is , Jen , we really don 't know what 's going on .
tr	3	He then turned into the driveway of a large detached house set back from the road .
tr	3	" Nice home , " said Jennie , as they got out of the car stretching .
tr	3	" I 'll leave it in the safe as soon as my itchy feeling disappears . "
tr	3	The room was comfortably furnished although looking a little worn , the heavy drapes drawn even in the daytime .
tr	3	His eyebrows went up in surprise as he saw George but quickly reverted to his look of apparent boredom .
tr	3	He was outwardly calm , he 'd shaved that morning and looked clean and well turned out .
tr	3	With all that you 'll be lucky to see the light of day again in this lifetime . "
tr	3	" You played golf with Harry and I and soon after , Harry was killed on the golf course .
tr	3	We 'll be expelling a couple of their so called Trade people anyway so you can go with them .
tr	3	" I 'm a British Citizen , " said Tony , " you can 't do that . "
tr	3	" Tony stand up and place your hands flat on the table , " he ordered .
tr	3	The barn was a warm , friendly place the air redolent with the smell of hay and horses .
tr	3	Terry had just brought them in for the night and were happily chomping on their evening feed .
tr	3	You know better than me that he seems to have some sort of relationship with them .
tr	3	* Dickie was restless , he paced from room to room aimlessly , unable to settle .
tr	3	He sat on the window seat gazing across the yard at the barn and Gema 's flat .
tr	3	everything was a struggle , there didn 't seem to be much of a point to anything anymore .
tr	3	He was developing more of a paunch and he was definitely getting a little thin on top .
tr	3	Finding the small suitcase he was looking for he placed it on the bed and opened it .
tr	3	It was driving him crazy , slightly muffled , high pitched and incessant ... ... demanding .
tr	3	Station 4A had been triggered but nothing else , whatever had set if off was stationary .
tr	3	" So much for the minders , " he thought " where the hell are they ? "
tr	3	Whatever it was it was still stationary in the woods beyond the paddock to the south of the house .
tr	3	Although they were aware of the system they were still not yet aware of each individual location .
tr	3	" I might be getting old , " he thought " but I ain 't dead yet . "
tr	3	Terry inched forward through the snow visually casting to both sides looking for some sort of human sign .
tr	3	They walked in , careful where they were putting their feet and making sure they didn 't touch anything .
tr	3	Due to the relationship with Harry Downer and Peter Brenner she insisted she be made the investigating officer .
tr	3	He seems more pissed that somebody was able to jump him rather than worrying about his head . "
tr	3	Terry was sitting up in bed looking no worse for wear other than the band aid over his ear .
tr	3	Rafferty scared the shit out of me at the gate , Robbie I want to talk to you . "
tr	3	The tattoos are peculiar to most of the indigenous tribes in Borneo and mean different things .
tr	3	" Not sure what it all means but thanks anyway , what else is going on ? "
tr	3	He doesn 't seem to be concerned about the cost of it ... ... mind you he never is .
tr	3	The body still had not been released to the family ... ... which begged another question ... ... .
tr	3	Considering the circumstances , the decision was made to keep the findings under wraps for the time being .
tr	3	Snow lay heavy on the higher ground and it was colder than it had been for years .
tr	3	Jennie had had just about enough of this woman her patience was running a little thin .
tr	3	She smiled , walked out of the flat and headed back to Bath St. feeling satisfied .
tr	3	" Yea I know , " said George , " I was just talking to her .
tr	3	It seemed hotter than her last visit even though that had only been a few weeks ago .
tr	3	As she stood by the carousel waiting for her bag her startling blue eyes took in her surroundings .
tr	3	Showing her British Passport and with nothing to declare she made her way to the taxi rank .
tr	3	After showering and dressed in a simple khaki cotton dress she called the security firm from her room .
tr	3	" This is Wendy Mason , I actually have an appointment to see him this afternoon .
tr	3	He squatted on the veranda , dressed solely in shorts his bare feet splayed out on the rough boards .
tr	3	We see very little of my father and I am sad to say we live apart . "
tr	3	" When Mr. Robbie came to Brunei he offered me a job as scout and guide .
tr	3	Gema reflected on this as she walked up Bath Street in the direction of the police station .
tr	3	After a few minutes David and Jennie entered the room and invited Gema and George to sit down .
tr	3	George you obviously already know but he is also attached to the same task force as a consultant .
tr	3	I ' m sure you will understand that he has a lot to bring to the table .
tr	3	You are one of the common denominators , one of the links so hopefully you can help us . "
tr	3	Gema sat at the table staring at George 's back as he watched the rain running down the window .
tr	3	I vaguely knew them in Sarawak as they were part of an SAS Team to which I was interpreter .
tr	3	" I didn 't see him , not sure I 'd recognize him anyway , " she replied .
tr	3	" It 's of little importance Gema ... bit of a shot in the dark . "
tr	3	" The rain has stopped at least , " he said to no one in particular .
tr	3	Under the circumstances we have no option but to treat the house and associated buildings as a crime scene .
tr	3	In Indonesia there 's a form of martial arts called Silat which originated with the tribes in the interior .
tr	3	she didn 't tell us anything we don 't already know , any ideas anyone ? "
tr	3	We should include Jennings , even though he 's in jail , myself , Colonel Gurney and Robbie McElroy .
tr	3	David stood up , " well back to the grind , we need to rattle her cage somehow .
tr	3	Jen , I think you should head over to the Masons perhaps take someone with you .
tr	3	Halfway home he pulled over to the side of the road and rummaged about in his briefcase .
tr	3	After sitting and thinking for several minutes he turned the Land Rover around and headed back towards Hereford .
tr	3	Two forensic trucks , Gema 's Jag , Jens car and a Panda police car filled up the space .
tr	3	He ignored the main house and climbed the wooden stairs to the flat over the garage .
tr	3	Looking up , the exposed beams of the original barn roof could be seen in the gloom .
tr	3	Two of the walls were solid sheets of glass looking out onto farmland , now veiled in grey rain .
tr	3	" In the bedroom George ... through there , " she nodded towards a closed teak door .
tr	3	" Fair warning ... she 's spitting bullets about our search ... can 't blame her I suppose .
tr	3	Knocking on the door and not getting any response he pushed open the door and walked into the room .
tr	3	She was sitting on a hard chair staring out of the window at the ever worsening weather .
tr	3	I was wrong , my world is upside down and I don 't know what I 've done . "
tr	3	" I am your friend Gema and I don 't believe you 've actually done anything .
tr	3	She 's equally at home in the jungles of Borneo or the drawing rooms of Herefordshire ... ... ... .
tr	3	The only thing keeping her here in England is the fact that Wendy is going up to Cambridge .
tr	3	She 'd cut her hair short and there was just a touch of grey at the temples .
tr	3	She took the photo and taking it over to one of the lamps she held it in the light .
tr	3	Looking at it she immediately took the spiritual position of a Guru Muda of the Silat .
tr	3	" Better I stay here , I only have to come back first thing in the morning .
tr	3	It 's a spectacular little place and not too much of a drive from here . "
tr	3	" Certainly is ... just over the border , one of the jumping off spots for the Beacons . "
tr	3	As they drove into the village in the Land Rover Jen could see that George had been quite right .
tr	3	The village was quite spectacular , totally unspoiled , the castle and church looming in the centre .
tr	3	" You can be a real slut sometimes , " he said rolling on top of her .
tr	3	The Mountain Visitors Centre was closed for the winter and there would be few casual hikers .
tr	3	For the SAS only ten percent actually qualify , the final test is called The Endurance .
tr	3	To the other side a fairly steep rock escarpment soared upwards of forty or fifty feet .
tr	3	His voice echoed off the rock face , " Robbie loves to come in here and run .
tr	3	We try not to come in the summer as there 's plenty of hikers in here coming from Brecon .
tr	3	" I 'm out on the Beacons with George , we 'll be back later today .
tr	3	The Commander sat at the head of the table , Jen , David and George down one side .
tr	3	" Some of these are pretty ugly but pass them around then we 'll go round the table . "
tr	3	" Would you care to fill us in as best you can George , " said the Commander .
tr	3	In those days all sides tended to police their areas in order to leave no clues .
tr	3	" Jen it 's actually less of a worry now if our conclusions are correct , " said George .
tr	3	I think we have an opportunity here but we have to take a much broader view .
tr	3	I should tell you that I have already shown the photo of Wei 's hands to Gema .
tr	3	She admitted that she thought they were from Kalimantan but that 's as far as she went . "
tr	3	" We need to get Gema and Wei in the same room and look for reaction .
tr	3	Everything we have so far is purely either circumstantial or an assumption on our part , " said Jen .
tr	3	Jen you stay in Hereford for now , perhaps start catching up on the paper work .
tr	3	Robbie sat by the fire in an ancient but comfortable leather chair , Bowmore in hand .
tr	3	He smiled and looked at the other two , " funny little man he is . "
tr	3	She fully expected to eventually receive a call from George concerning the stunning photo he had shown her .
tr	3	Her mind raced at the thought of meeting the person who owned the hands in the old photograph .
tr	3	She couldn 't even be sure if the photo was authentic or when it was really taken .
tr	3	I don 't think she 'll bolt if she makes you , where 's she going to go anyway ?
tr	3	" Got a problem here George , she 's in the flat but we 're vulnerable here .
tr	3	I 'm sticking out like a sore thumb and Rafferty is still driving around looking for somewhere to park .
tr	3	The Major is going to send one of his lads down with a small tracker and receiver .
tr	3	Get the tracker onto the car ... under a bumper or in a wheel well or something like that .
tr	3	" That 'll work well for me , " she said , " see you then . "
tr	3	Jimmy 's mobile rang on the bedside table in the small hotel just around the corner .
tr	3	No one got on the bus with her and there was no sudden activity in the traffic pattern .
tr	3	" Not so difficult , " she thought , " either that or they 're not very good . "
tr	3	" I lost her , " said Rafferty into the phone , " it was deliberate too .
tr	3	Gema sat in the lobby of the Holiday Inn facing the main entrance nursing a coffee and croissant .
tr	3	She concluded she was free and clear if , in fact , she was being followed .
tr	3	Standing on the porch he fingered the button under the speaker set into the red brick .
tr	3	The camera showed Mrs. Thompson checking in Gema 's briefcase and then summoning Robert the guard .
tr	3	David stood in the middle of the lobby looking at Gema with a look of horror .
tr	3	She then looked directly at the camera and smiled wistfully ... she knew she was being watched .
tr	3	Placing the pistol in her briefcase and using Robert 's keys she opened the door into the living room .
tr	3	She walked into the living room , said something to Tony Wei sitting in front of an electric fire .
tr	3	Jennie had wound the tape back yet again and was focused on Gema as the action unfolded .
tr	3	" I just can 't believe how fast she is , I 've never seen anything like it .
tr	3	They didn 't have a chance , why do you suppose she left David alive ? "
tr	3	" She had no alternative but to assume that both the old lady and Robert were armed .
tr	3	Firstly she either knows she 's not going to get caught or she doesn 't care .
tr	3	There is no advantage or disadvantage to me killing you so don 't make me make the choice . "
tr	3	He put his wrists in front of him and she tied them up using duct tape .
tr	3	Lying in bed later that evening he rolled over to look at Jen , " Scared ? "
tr	3	" A little , " she said , " I 've never even dreamt of anything like that .
tr	3	By the time she arrived it would be pitch black and there were no street lights .
tr	3	Tony sat quietly in the passenger seat , ' must have made an impression , ' she thought .
tr	3	Leaving him sitting she got out of her side and unlocked the door from the garage to the kitchen .
tr	3	She made him stand up , undid his belt and pulled his trousers down around his ankles .
tr	3	I really don 't want to have to hurt you again over such a minor thing . "
tr	3	She disappeared into the garage and came back a few moments later with a large folded tarp .
tr	3	~ ~ ~ Chapter 43 Family David arrived the following morning looking none the worse for wear .
tr	3	She told me it wouldn 't hurt , that I would just go to sleep for a while .
tr	3	The sweat poured off her and dripped onto his knees as she danced right in front of him .
tr	3	Tradition requires that you pay the penalty and the penalty be handed out by your closest relative .
tr	3	" I don 't know , " said the watcher , " I didn 't see anyone arrive .
tr	3	She 's killed at least five that I know of , no need to risk anyone else .
tr	3	" We 'll give her the chance , " said David , " I 'll call her . "
tr	3	There was the sound of a shot and the rattling of the phone as it hit the floor .
tr	3	It might fade with time but , with a little scratching , would easily come to the surface .
tr	3	On the altar at the far end of the room the skull and pebbles had been replaced .
tr	3	She had fallen on the bedroom floor , Mrs. Thompson 's gun and the phone close by .
tr	3	Her magnificent body seemed relaxed on the floor her beautiful face forever marred by the 9mm bullet .
tr	3	I 'm convinced Terry 's sorry it 's all over , he was enjoying the excitement .
tr	3	Robbie 's going to hang around for a few days then he 'll be going back to Brunei .
tr	3	" I thought you liked me just for my red hair and other attributes , " she said laughing .
tr	3	" I 've already asked her , " he replied , " she said it would be okay . "
tr	3	* " Robbie before you scoot back to Bandar how 'd you like to drive down to Brecon ?
tr	3	The rock face reared up to their right as the pine forest closed in on their left .
tr	3	He sank to one knee his vision blurred by the pain in his chest and arm .
tr	3	George stayed on the one knee gathering himself , the feeling slowly coming back to his arm .
tr	3	He stood up slowly holding his arm and looked at his attacker who was closer now .
tr	3	" It never was my mother , " she said , " it was always me .
tr	3	He was fighting for breath and it felt as though at least two ribs were broken .
tr	3	The shotgun blast took her square in her side and threw her across the path like a rag doll .
tr	3	He looked at her , holding his arm and breathing shallowly ... ... she was close to death .
tr	3	He knelt by her side and said quietly , " You are dying and it is wasted .
tr	3	He stood up , " Trooper Mac will be okay soon , I boiled the sugar off . "
tr	3	Married with two children and two grand children he now spends his time between writing and the golf course .
tr	3	Any similarity to real persons alive or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author .
tr	3	To Mary C. Findley who helped with the proof reading and polishing of this , my first book .
tr	3	All the mails send between us , her patience and knowledge to improve the read much more .
tr	3	It was a cloudless , sunny day with a definite bite of cold in the air .
tr	3	Each had three masts rigged with sail and heavy tackle and supplies , ready for trade to new destinations .
tr	3	No one gave the group of six passing by much thought , because they looked like ordinary citizens .
tr	3	They had lost everything of earthly value but discovered who they were as people , as human beings .
tr	3	One thick finger caressed the soft pink cheek of the little girl he had accepted as his own .
tr	3	But it had tested their endurance and their faith in the Hand of Providence and in each other .
tr	3	† † † September 12 , 1621 We have finally arrived on the ship Armando on our long-awaited journey .
tr	3	How he could make this statement was beyond me , since the ocean could change instantly .
tr	3	Careful , maybe , with only a slight smile on the handsome face caused by her continuous chatter .
tr	3	Faro calls me " ice princess " and I like to I keep it that way .
tr	3	She stood next to her mother , a stunning woman with dark hair and dark smouldering eyes .
tr	3	After nineteen years on this ship it was only a dream , but the little girl did something today .
tr	3	But her constant chatter put a smile on his face and by lunch he talked to her softly .
tr	3	I understand we are three hundred and forty eight people in all , with slaves numbering two hundred .
tr	3	Alfonso warned me that the men are talking , that they have seen the looks we give each other .
tr	3	She is too much of a lady for riff-raff to speak of her in that fashion .
tr	3	I heard there was trouble with the game and the Captain warned him to be careful around the sailors .
tr	3	We got to talk for a while before she had to go back into the hold .
tr	3	After the initial shock passed and she realized who held her she relaxed in my arms .
tr	3	I had to struggle not to kiss her and I could see she wanted me to .
tr	3	† † † September 16 , 1621 I cannot believe I was in his arms today .
tr	3	My heart nearly beat out of my chest and I wished he had kissed me but he was right .
tr	3	† † † September 18 , 1621 This day started so well and ended in disaster .
tr	3	He received no water or food for the day and under the scorching sun it had to be unbearable .
tr	3	The man who stopped me asked me to leave the deck because I would make matters worse for Cisco .
tr	3	The last two days the captain made him slave away while everyone snickered behind his back .
tr	3	I pressed myself against him and turned my face upward , stretching as high as I could .
tr	3	He was so tall that even if I stood on my tiptoes I could not reach his face .
tr	3	That one kiss held promises of a future we both knew was futile to hope for .
tr	3	In that few minutes we allowed ourselves the time to dream , to hope , to love .
tr	3	This lady , a woman of noble birth , loves me , an ordinary sailor man .
tr	3	She kept on repeating that she would do whatever she could to make my life easier .
tr	3	In my arms today she was far from the " ice queen " others have called her .
tr	3	The next day I heard the rumours that some of the slave girls entertained them during the night .
tr	3	She searched for him all day but I simply had no heart to tell her the truth .
tr	3	The moment I spoke to him and told him how much I love him he was peaceful and slept .
tr	3	1 December 25 , 1623 It has been two years since our journey of survival began in Africa .
tr	3	At first , he could not comprehend the papers , or his new title as land owner .
tr	3	He would give them what was fair , distributing our wealth for the benefit of all .
tr	3	She was so excited when the horse was presented to him that she giggled with pure joy .
tr	3	Kayla and Derek will leave for their new home in Spain and the house will become ours alone .
tr	3	But tonight I will give him his greatest gift when I reveal my pregnancy to him .
tr	3	He had taught them to read the stars at night , to read charts , navigating their own way .
tr	3	Manuel had a gentle and caring heart that made him loveable and accessible to the villagers .
tr	3	The mood tensed in their home as her father paced the passageways of the castle , anxious and nervous .
tr	3	He received his first ship eighteen years ago after serving at the sea for nineteen years as a sailor .
tr	3	It sounded foreign and distant to them , just stories they had heard all their lives .
tr	3	She did not notice the familiar faces , townspeople who waved at her and flashed toothy smiles .
tr	3	" Yes child , I have news , but it is not good news , I am afraid . "
tr	3	His normally immaculate dress was crinkled and filthy ; a grey , unkempt beard shadowed his thin cheek bones .
tr	3	Jumping down off a barrel in one swift motion , he followed them at a slow pace .
tr	3	" Yes , dear , I will be fine once we reach your father 's house . "
tr	3	" I feel I have failed you , not only as a friend , but as an employee . "
tr	3	Horse and man moved as one as they race down the gravel road , dust swirling around them .
tr	3	Her mother held a cloth on the leg , trying to stop the bleeding , pale with worry .
tr	3	Her father did not say anything ; her mother covered her face in her hands , sobbing .
tr	3	I have your youngest son , Pedro , in my custody at the Isle of Saint Marie .
tr	3	He assured me that you are a wealthy man and can pay me a healthy ransom for his release .
tr	3	She lifted the paper in the air , perplexed , angry , and bitter at this unknown Falcon .
tr	3	As her hand dropped , still trembling , she looked at her parents with blazing eyes .
tr	3	I would do as they say if I were in your shoes , " he said through clenched teeth .
tr	3	He glared straight into her father 's own piercing eyes without any faltering of his gaze .
tr	3	Though his voice was cold and distant , his eyes were fiery darts pinning her to attention to him .
tr	3	I had nothing else to say and I wrapped her in my arms and held her all night .
tr	3	Help me to be a husband and father as you have ordained from the foundation of the world .
tr	3	Amen 2 January 2 , 1624 We spent our first Christmas and New Year together as a family .
tr	3	Her giggles of delight fill the castle 's passageways and the staff is happier than I can remember .
tr	3	When slaves drowned in the whiskey in their attempts to get there first , he kept us safe .
tr	3	He swam to the shore where he made sure we were safe before he helped anyone else .
tr	3	Those first days on the beach , stranded on the East Coast of Africa were terrifying .
tr	3	Watching his daughter over on the settee , he could see raw emotions running over the youthful face .
tr	3	The captain was still sitting on the chair , as white as a sheet , miserably in pain .
tr	3	" Is there somewhere we could lie him down so that he can be more comfortable ? "
tr	3	But the moment I get an opportunity , I will take revenge for this blatant arrogance .
tr	3	Even Manuel said he would go , but his father just looked at him with a glare and refused .
tr	3	" Please , Father , you have taught me all you know and I can defend myself .
tr	3	" Yes , dear , I will bring the coins to you in a moment . "
tr	3	Because she was only four during those times , they had sheltered her from the worst parts of it .
tr	3	He was the pillar and he would be the pillar as always , her giant Papa .
tr	3	He was the man she started to know as a friend and who had become her father .
tr	3	" I have a few plans up my sleeve for this Falcon and his son , Mother .
tr	3	Come tomorrow morning , fear would be the last emotion she had the luxury of giving into .
tr	3	Last night she dreamed we were back on the beach where Kayla tried to seduce me .
tr	3	Because of her I had the courage to do what I did to get us out of that place .
tr	3	Every time after such an ordeal she melted into my arms , looking forlorn and lost .
tr	3	Those first days were terrible , when we realized help was not coming and we would have to walk .
tr	3	I still hear the screams as wild animals captured people and dragged them into the bushes .
tr	3	There were times that I had to bite my tongue when I caught him in the act .
tr	3	3 January 15 , 1624 Today was an exceptionally cold day and we spent it indoors .
tr	3	Today I think back to the many days and weeks we walked through the grassy plains of Africa .
tr	3	I remember the exhaustion , the heat , and the insects that bit us day and night .
tr	3	Then in the afternoons the rains would drench us completely so that the nights were miserable .
tr	3	I learned to eat anything in my walk , from tree bark to grass and leaves .
tr	3	The Falcon is definitely going to know her , but there is no harm in having some fun .
tr	3	Refusing to give in to the emotions which swept over her , she finally turned away from the rail .
tr	3	Two men stood with buckets filled with sea water and splashed it over the wooden deck .
tr	3	Some were up in the tackle of the sails , the watchman in his crow 's nest .
tr	3	Many of them watched her with curiosity , toothy grins on their faces , talking to one another .
tr	3	Some of them looked at her like a morsel they could sample as dark , lustful eyes followed her .
tr	3	The man on his right-hand side was rather good looking , with a smile on his handsome face .
tr	3	His voice was pleasant to her ear and she smiled , glad to finally see a friendly face .
tr	3	" Breakfast will be served in your cabin but all other meals will be eaten with the captain . "
tr	3	She realized she needed a place to put them and , looked around her room a second time .
tr	3	In the one corner near the window was the tub for her bath , a luxury on a ship .
tr	3	The scar running from his left eye to the corner of his mouth made him look fierce .
tr	3	" All right , if this is how you want to play it , I am fine with that .
tr	3	" I understand from my chamber boy that I will not be served any meals ? "
tr	3	For a moment she was at a loss for words , her fists white as she clenched them .
tr	3	" I must point out that this is my father 's ship , Señor , and not yours . "
tr	3	She stamped out of the room , the fabric of her dress rustling with her anger .
tr	3	She will come around and see that in this world there is only one law that counts .
tr	3	He took the last sip of his red wine before he went back to the upper deck .
tr	3	When the opportunity came to bring her back as a ransom price , he jumped at the chance .
tr	3	But with this one , he acts differently , toying with her like a lion with a rabbit .
tr	3	† † † January 25 , 1624 I cannot believe I am already a month on the estate .
tr	3	Franco is patient with all my one hundred questions , answering them as we go along .
tr	3	The villagers are really an interesting lot , and already I have made a few friends .
tr	3	Her raven hair still mesmerizes me and I love to run my fingers through the silky softness .
tr	3	Kayla was at it again , and like a fool I only believed what I wanted to believe .
tr	3	When he had the opportunity to hunt he brought back the best meat to me and Rosa - Lee .
tr	3	At night he would cover us with huge leaves just to keep us comfortable and dry .
tr	3	her mouth was so dry that only a whisper was heard over the scratching of the tin plates .
tr	3	Her expression still showed defiance and anger but she tried to cover it with exaggerated submissiveness .
tr	3	When a chair was placed behind her , she had to stop herself from grabbing food and water simultaneously .
tr	3	Ochre eyes followed the trail down her neck , over her full bosom and onto her dress .
tr	3	He had to shift for the stirring that he felt , keeping his expression sternly on her .
tr	3	She ate until she was full , the delicious food a welcome treat to her palate .
tr	3	She decided to go to the upper deck to dry her hair in the midday sun .
tr	3	For the first time since she had come on board , she came up on the deck .
tr	3	She could look far around her , the west coast of Africa noticeable on the horizon .
tr	3	From that day forward there was a bond between that sailor , now her father , and herself .
tr	3	Her father was never interested in her , never around , or when he was he was always drunk .
tr	3	In her eyes , he was everything a father , a husband , and a man should be .
tr	3	Her biological father stood close by and laughed when the giant received the beating and she hated him .
tr	3	This was the first time after their ordeal that she was back on the open sea .
tr	3	Before they were born , her father had always had a longing in his piercing eyes .
tr	3	Many suitors came and spoke to her father about her hand in marriage but he always respected her wishes .
tr	3	Finally , when the evening bell announced the dinner , she was once again aware of her surroundings .
tr	3	She wiped her face clean from the dry tears and went down to the dining cabin .
tr	3	Pierre , the chief mate , Alexi , Enrico and two other men sat around her .
tr	3	He wished he could reach out to her but he knew that it would be futile at this moment .
tr	3	Her eyes were still downcast on the plate before her as she took small bites of the remaining food .
tr	3	From her brother 's stories , he knew that this was her first voyage after that ordeal .
tr	3	He wanted to go closer and comfort her , but he knew he would not have been welcomed .
tr	3	He missed his parents ; it was now sixteen years since he had last seen them .
tr	3	He would have his time with them , but when he left , he never thought about them again .
tr	3	He could see himself on a farm with her by his side , building a future with her .
tr	3	And for this lady sitting across from him , he was willing to give it up .
tr	3	From the very first moment he saw her , he knew they were meant to meet .
tr	3	He would have her and somehow he would have to convince her and the Falcon of this .
tr	3	Roberto had seen women broken emotionally and physically by the Falcon and to see this woman in his hands ?
tr	3	One of the village men had his eyes on her since the day we got there .
tr	3	Although a seductive temptress , she did not deserve to be treated in that manner and be left behind .
tr	3	I begged for her release and finally one of the slave girls offered to stay behind .
tr	3	It was touch and go for a moment and I really thought that was where we all would die .
tr	3	5 March 16 , 1624 The past month Cisco was met with many challenges from the villagers .
tr	3	This is much to Cisco 's delight , but he demands that I rest as often as possible .
tr	3	He even gave the staff instructions to keep a close eye on me when he is not here .
tr	3	His tenderness towards me on one particular occasion reminds me when we were in the heart of Africa .
tr	3	He left Alfonso in charge and the small group of twenty four people were grateful for the rest .
tr	3	During one night of clarity he told me he welcomed the fact that I found love .
tr	3	My heart was in turmoil because I knew I could not leave Cisco and never see him again .
tr	3	If there was any doubt in my mind left , he demolished it completely with that kiss .
tr	3	Later when we calmed down and settled with the food he had brought , Faro called us over .
tr	3	From that day forward Cisco and Faro became friends until Faro 's death at sea weeks later .
tr	3	It was still early and she was not in the mood to confine herself in her cabin .
tr	3	" Your brother has told me a lot of stories about what you endured during your adventures into Africa .
tr	3	He sounded sincere in his request and his presence calmed her , especially his mentioning her brother .
tr	3	" The wind was cold and it felt like it wanted to tear the skin from our faces .
tr	3	I was never as terrified as I was that night , clutching to my mother 's body .
tr	3	Everyone was forced to drink ; even the slaves that were shackled to the ship 's hull .
tr	3	With their heads forced into the liquid , many drowned under the pressure when they tried to resist .
tr	3	The fear that gripped us was so real that I cried tears mingled with the salty water .
tr	3	Back then he was only a sailor who owed us nothing but his care for us .
tr	3	A soft sob left her mouth and she stopped talking the emotions very intense in her .
tr	3	His own control broke and without thinking , he placed an arm around the soft , delicate shoulders .
tr	3	This time he was closer to her and she could see tenderness and understanding in his face .
tr	3	" He is a great man and father , and a great husband to my mother .
tr	3	Their hands met and he folded hers into his warm grasp , bringing it to his lips .
tr	3	Stunned by the intimate gesture , shivers went up her spine , but she could only watch him .
tr	3	† † † April 18 , 1624 Today I held my son in my arms for the first time .
tr	3	He is a strong boy , already opening his eyes and watching the world go by .
tr	3	This is what makes Manuel so special , to experience life through him in a greater measure .
tr	3	Through it all we had to hope that help would come or that we would find a safe haven .
tr	3	The Contra O Vento was prepared to accept the visit , making sure all signs of piracy were gone .
tr	3	However Roberto was not intimidated by the man and met his fierce gaze only with a slight of humbleness .
tr	3	With his hat pulled low over his face , he moved forward unnoticed until he mingled with the strangers .
tr	3	He looked around him with piercing grey eyes , missing nothing " Where are you going ? "
tr	3	We will have to get her back " " That will be a daring feat , " Pierre said .
tr	3	We will have to follow and devise a plan to reclaim her without them noticing it .
tr	3	With the order given they turned , following the ship with speed and in absolute dark silence .
tr	3	He was big for his two months but it was normal , the medicine woman assured me .
tr	3	Today we relived many of the moments we shared with them in the wilderness of Africa .
tr	3	Kayla remembered the time that one of the chiefs hunted us and we had to hide .
tr	3	Two slave woman that still had enough fat on them said they would stay and this pleased the chief .
tr	3	Manuel was uncomfortable with the heat until Cisco took him to the river and dipped him in .
tr	3	Tomorrow he must leave for Lisbon to see to the loading of the shipment he is sending to India .
tr	3	We all deserved happiness in our lives , finally putting the last two years out of our minds .
tr	3	It seemed that they were headed for the islands of Cape Verde , islands Roberto knew very well .
tr	3	His bet was that they would anchor at the island of Santiago , a place he would investigate .
tr	3	By the time lunch was served , clouds had begun to accumulate in the clear sky .
tr	3	With dangerously low clouds hanging over the waters , by sunset Roberto knew they had trouble .
tr	3	It did not matter how brave or strong she was , the upcoming storm would devastate her .
tr	3	He had begun to care about her , to be protective of her , fearful for her safety .
tr	3	He knew what he would do but also knew the consequences of such a brutal act .
tr	3	" We better hope it will give us enough time to bring her back safely before it hits . "
tr	3	Because of the storm , it would help to have some extra muscle , but he was the captain .
tr	3	It was after eight , so dark you could hardly see your hand in front of your face .
tr	3	The waves were higher around the boat and rocked it slightly but they were used to it .
tr	3	It would not be easy to locate her , for she could be in numerous places .
tr	3	They moved forward on the balls of their feet , making no sound on the sleeping ship .
tr	3	Except for the ship moving through the relatively calm waters , no other sound filtered through .
tr	3	He searched behind every crate and sack until he recognized her small posture behind a large heavy crate .
tr	3	To a normal eye , she could go for a young boy but his trained eye could recognize her .
tr	3	She lay in the shadows with her back to the wooden wall and stacks of bags around her .
tr	3	He hoped they hadn 't done anything to her because , if they had , he would kill them .
tr	3	Staying on his toes , he quickly walked to the stairs and onto the upper deck where Pierre waited .
tr	3	No guards present in a ship of that size and I really found it alarming . "
tr	3	The threatening clouds had finally released their waters the moment they had stepped back on deck .
tr	3	One hand rested under her cheek as she slept and he could not help but to admire her again .
tr	3	Tied to the bed pulling at the restrains , she tried to move , but could not .
tr	3	Dark hair tucked behind an ear and the meanest look she had ever seen on him .
tr	3	She could only stare at him as she wet her drying lips , reliving the past twenty-four hours .
tr	3	She immediately ducked away into the shadows and kept quiet , listening to the angry conversation .
tr	3	She had replaced the gag after assuring him that she would do what she could to rescue him .
tr	3	She then went out seeking protection in the lower deck where Roberto found her a day later .
tr	3	Now he towered above her , mad as hell , clearly not in the mood to listen .
tr	3	" Did you for one moment think that I would not notice that you were gone ? "
tr	3	She could not answer him , too frightened of the man who spoke in a deadly tone .
tr	3	Her tongue still thick from the lack of water , she could only shake her head , squeaking .
tr	3	" Because you want to be a sailor I am going to treat you like one . "
tr	3	I need to tell you something , " she said the moment she could speak again .
tr	3	You have placed us all in danger and I cannot let it pass without punishment . "
tr	3	Before she could react he barked out , " Take her to the upper deck . "
tr	3	" Who disguises herself as a man , so I will treat her as one , " Roberto seethed .
tr	3	His captain was not to be dissuaded , and it would be wise to be quiet .
tr	3	The other ship was captured , we must help them ... " Her voice broke in fear .
tr	3	he whispered staring at the rigid back of Captain Roberto who walked with long strides to the upper deck .
tr	3	" She swallowed when they came in the sun , looking at Pierre with pleading eyes .
tr	3	Roberto walked over to her and ripped her shirt from her back , exposing her soft , silky skin .
tr	3	She wiggled her wrists but the ropes cut through the soft skin and red bruises formed .
tr	3	Leaning his head closer to his second-in-command , Roberto strained to hear as Pierre softly continued .
tr	3	The woman was still tied against the railing , struggling to loosen herself from the bonds .
tr	3	" Then it makes sense what we saw : no guards and only drunken men . "
tr	3	It brought back memories of betrayal and the years of abuse we had to suffer under Faro .
tr	3	Roberto expected disgust , but for some reason she did not look at him in that manner .
tr	3	Even if he was angry and ready to flog her , he was still willing to listen .
tr	3	Putting her feelings aside , she looked at him with relief written all over her face .
tr	3	The fact that he had carried her , holding her tight made her feel more than safe .
tr	3	They all have a certain air of self-assurance about them ; but this crew was eerie , scared .
tr	3	" I heard a noise in the wardrobe and when they left , I peeked inside .
tr	3	When I removed the gag , he told me that pirates had captured them a week ago .
tr	3	I was so afraid that I went and took cover in the safest place I could find .
tr	3	Her eyes filled with hopefulness , praying that her gut was right about the pirate in front of her .
tr	3	" Yes , but there is such a thing as compassion and helping those in need .
tr	3	I can only hope that somewhere in that pirate heart of yours you will see the wisdom in it .
tr	3	Roberto looked at him with a glimmer of a smile , but kept his voice low .
tr	3	When I looked at it , his fingerprint dent was still showing on the coast of Morocco .
tr	3	We are two days behind , but our ship is faster when we set full sails .
tr	3	Rescue mission what absurdity was this they muttered among each other but did as they were told .
tr	3	It was a warm summer day like today , but there was nowhere to turn for shade .
tr	3	I had to make a path for the remaining group on our way to the fort .
tr	3	I recovered fully and the governor of the fort sent a few men with me to help .
tr	3	We stayed for a day helping the last six to gain some strength but it was not enough .
tr	3	At one point her legs collapsed under her in pure exhaustion and we still had two days walk left .
tr	3	The strain of carrying them and making a path was too much for my own weak body .
tr	3	I tried to get away from the two young ones but Kayla was determined and refused to let go .
tr	3	From where I sat I could see her feet were raw once again and I turned my back .
tr	3	She was angry with me and did not talk to me while we walked to the fort .
tr	3	He could not believe how vulnerable he was before her , kneeling in front of her .
tr	3	He wanted to pull her closer , his body aching for her warmth next to him .
tr	3	He kissed her fingers and then her palm , removing it and placing a kiss on her mouth .
tr	3	" You do things to me that I have never experienced , " she finally said , leaning back .
tr	3	He had never knelt before a woman , let alone told anyone the story of his scar .
tr	3	But he found it was more than just attraction or thoughts of a few minutes rolling in the hay .
tr	3	His life foretold an unsavoury future , a life no woman would be willing to share .
tr	3	She wore a beautiful pale green dress , her skin glowing and hair shiny , looking magnificent .
tr	3	The winds had picked up and the ship cleaved the water , leaving a white trail behind .
tr	3	The meal bell reverberated through the ship and he walked down the steps off the bridge .
tr	3	With a smile , she gladly accepted , placing a small hand on the sleeve of his jacket .
tr	3	Once they were seated , Pierre asked , " What is the plan of action ? "
tr	3	" The moment that we are close enough to send a signal , we will send a distress call .
tr	3	Debating with himself , weighing both the pros and cons , he knew this was the best plan .
tr	3	Watching the woman eating , Roberto could not believe he just agreed to this insane plan .
tr	3	His mind raced , trying to find a new plan , but hers was the best .
tr	3	Setting the captain and his men free for a get out of jail free card ... he smirked .
tr	3	He knew he had feelings for her but to what extent he did not want to admit .
tr	3	The whole idea of putting her in danger among the other pirates made his palms sweaty .
tr	3	He was hoping they would have a good run-in with the rum barrel the previous evening .
tr	3	They chose a few trusted men to go with them and brought them up to speed with the plan .
tr	3	All of them were eager to help the fellow sailors , even if they were technically enemies .
tr	3	The Spaniard 's short , bulky frame concealed his strength and speed , both with weapons and his fists .
tr	3	The man was pleased with the discovery of Roberto 's envious emotions and gleeful , full of mischievous behaviour .
tr	3	However , in reality , she was nervous and did not want to show it to Roberto .
tr	3	One tried to touch her but she slapped him playfully and chuckled when he took his hand away sheepishly .
tr	3	She could not help but to admire him as he stood there , tall dark and proud .
tr	3	The impressive figure of the older man was intimidating to the impostors and allowed no rebuff .
tr	3	Pierre and Roberto who stood silently in the shadows drew in their breaths , waiting for her reply .
tr	3	I must admit , I was more afraid on board your ship than on the Contra O Vento . "
tr	3	The look he gave her was one of Trust me , and he gave her a rueful smile .
tr	3	Her heart raced but she nodded her head in acceptance and placed it in her skirt pocket .
tr	3	If my mama could see me now ... " and she chuckled , the captain grinned sheepishly .
tr	3	Pierre touched his arm , which drew his attention away to a tall soldier walking directly to them .
tr	3	We will be there in a month 's time , and then I will hand it to them . "
tr	3	She held both the sides of the boat , peering over the waters with a small smile .
tr	3	She surprised him almost every day , and there was not a scared bone in her body .
tr	3	11 Watching the woman eating , Roberto could not believe he just agreed to this insane plan .
tr	3	His mind raced , trying to find a new plan , but hers was the best .
tr	3	Setting the captain and his men free for a get out of jail free card ... he smirked .
tr	3	He knew he had feelings for her but to what extent he did not want to admit .
tr	3	The whole idea of putting her in danger among the other pirates made his palms sweaty .
tr	3	He was hoping they would have a good run-in with the rum barrel the previous evening .
tr	3	They chose a few trusted men to go with them and brought them up to speed with the plan .
tr	3	All of them were eager to help the fellow sailors , even if they were technically enemies .
tr	3	The Spaniard 's short , bulky frame concealed his strength and speed , both with weapons and his fists .
tr	3	The man was pleased with the discovery of Roberto 's envious emotions and gleeful , full of mischievous behaviour .
tr	3	However , in reality , she was nervous and did not want to show it to Roberto .
tr	3	One tried to touch her but she slapped him playfully and chuckled when he took his hand away sheepishly .
tr	3	She could not help but to admire him as he stood there , tall dark and proud .
tr	3	The impressive figure of the older man was intimidating to the impostors and allowed no rebuff .
tr	3	Pierre and Roberto who stood silently in the shadows drew in their breaths , waiting for her reply .
tr	3	I must admit , I was more afraid on board your ship than on the Contra O Vento . "
tr	3	The look he gave her was one of Trust me , and he gave her a rueful smile .
tr	3	Her heart raced but she nodded her head in acceptance and placed it in her skirt pocket .
tr	3	If my mama could see me now ... " and she chuckled , the captain grinned sheepishly .
tr	3	Pierre touched his arm , which drew his attention away to a tall soldier walking directly to them .
tr	3	We will be there in a month 's time , and then I will hand it to them . "
tr	3	She held both the sides of the boat , peering over the waters with a small smile .
tr	3	She surprised him almost every day , and there was not a scared bone in her body .
tr	3	She had to confess that she was more afraid of Roberto now , after he had rescued her .
tr	3	Thoughts that Roberto was serious when he had fastened her to the railing threw her heart into turmoil .
tr	3	She admired the way his men respected him , obeying his instructions to the smallest detail .
tr	3	Though maybe they did it out of fear most times , she sensed a genuine respect toward him .
tr	3	During their off times , the crew would ask her to tell another story and she gladly accommodated them .
tr	3	The story it reminded her of , had made a huge impression on her young mind .
tr	3	Sometimes you could hear the screams of these people as wild animals attacked and killed them .
tr	3	The giant wanted to go out and hunt , but the captain refused to give them any ammunition .
tr	3	" I remember one day we came across an empty village and they searched around to gather some food .
tr	3	When my mother and father went to investigate , they found a young pregnant woman killed .
tr	3	They were devastated at the cruelty of this man but they could do nothing to prevent this senseless killing .
tr	3	She closed her eyes , seeing her mother 's skeletal figure with pale blue skin stretched thinly over it .
tr	3	They just held each other , longing for the comfort that they could only find with each other .
tr	3	After he buried the dead and rested , Father took us back , carrying me on his back .
tr	3	Two days later , another storm hit us and once again , we had to abandon the ship .
tr	3	After losing the others , father decided that he needed to go to Mozambique to get help .
tr	3	Regaining our strength with a great deal of rest and well-balanced meals made the world of difference .
tr	3	Another month passed by before a ship passed that was willing to take us back to Portugal . "
tr	3	" Two years in total since we left India and reached Portugal , " She replied .
tr	3	I didn 't fear the savages so much as the cruelty of the captain to my father .
tr	3	My biological father decided he was going to stay in our hut while we were on the beach .
tr	3	On their wedding night he forced himself on her and nine months later I was born .
tr	3	My mother never forgave him for that and she never allowed him to touch her again .
tr	3	She stayed in the middle as men scattered around her to tie the equipment to the rails .
tr	3	Bravely she watched as the waves pounded down on them , Roberto barking orders through the thunderous clouds .
tr	3	Without any thought , he tied a rope around his waist and dove into the whirlpool of dark waters .
tr	3	It was pitch black as waves continue to crash down over him , burning his eyes and lungs .
tr	3	Men brought lanterns closer and as the glimmer of the light fell on the dark waters .
tr	3	When he reached her , he pulled the rope , indicating that they could pull them up .
tr	3	Breaking through the water 's surface he sucked in huge gulps of air as more water broke over them .
tr	3	Cold and lifeless , she lay in front of him , and he thought his life was over .
tr	3	The ropes around her had cut into her flesh and he had to cut them away .
tr	3	Everything happened so fast , the roaring sounds of the storm vanishing as his heart pounded in his chest .
tr	3	The good doctor spoke sternly and he let her down , covering the body with a blanket .
tr	3	" We will have to hope that she does not get an infection in that shoulder . "
tr	3	He pulled tweezers out , dipping them in rum he had with him , and pulled the nail out .
tr	3	That whole night , despite Roberto 's tiredness , he sat with her after the doctor left .
tr	3	Her dark hair was dry and dishevelled , but that made her more appealing to him .
tr	3	" Tired , stiff and aching all over my body , but happy to be alive .
tr	3	She looked at him in wonder , this man that she was trying very hard to understand .
tr	3	" I still hate you for what you have done to me and my parents . "
tr	3	He wanted to convince her as he took her hand and brought it to his lips .
tr	3	She was stunned at his confession and had no reply as she saw the tenderness in his eyes .
tr	3	Her heart raced as she struggled to sit up , forgetting the pain of her body .
tr	3	" Please let me love you , " he whispered before his lips touched her lips .
tr	3	He captured her mouth with a desperate plea , until he pulled her closer and she flinched in pain .
tr	3	" I find your company pleasant and not once did I feel afraid while with you .
tr	3	Her eyes showed her heart and he leaned over , brushing his lips over her face .
tr	3	She nodded and dozed off into a deep sleep , a soft smile on the beautiful face .
tr	3	The blush that appeared on her face was the most appealing thing he had ever seen .
tr	3	But would that be love , to respond to the love she could clearly see in his own eyes ?
tr	3	She smiled at him and he returned the smile just before one man captured his attention .
tr	3	Roberto could not help but sit and stare at her with a sheepish grin on his face .
tr	3	He knew from the moment he saw her in the harbour of Lisbon he had lost his heart .
tr	3	Once she was in the Falcon 's hands there would be no way of protecting her .
tr	3	Once he was on the upper deck the men had been congratulating him the whole day .
tr	3	His courting was obvious as he spent time with her , making sure her needs were met .
tr	3	One thing she knew was that she was not indifferent to him as he had put it .
tr	3	The man captured her thoughts as days went by and their destination came closer and closer .
tr	3	The three spoke about life at sea , the stars and many more subjects in great depth .
tr	3	Roberto was always taking care of her , which caused a lot of banter between the two friends .
tr	3	Their relationship had been born a few years back when Roberto had saved Pierre 's life .
tr	3	Twice Roberto removed the soft strands to touch the deep pink scar , his eyes smouldering with passion .
tr	3	Sometimes he would tell her something funny that had happened during the day that made her laugh loudly .
tr	3	Startled , the dark figure looked at him , pushed her hard against the railing and ran away .
tr	3	It looked like the new sailor ; the one man that he did not trust on his ship .
tr	3	He did not take too kindly to men that forced themselves on ladies , especially his lady .
tr	3	With lightning speed and with one blow to the jaw he sent him against Pierre with a thud .
tr	3	It was the second time that she had heard the term of endearment and her heart sped up .
tr	3	For a while , they stood there , the thumping of his heart in her ears .
tr	3	He caressed her until he could feel that she relaxed against him and then let her go .
tr	3	He looked at her , making sure she was all right , and placed his glass on the desk .
tr	3	He was nervous , she realized , and whatever he wanted to ask was causing this .
tr	3	For several days she had thought about her feelings and the things he invoked in her .
tr	3	Roberto could not believe that this brave and stunning woman had agreed to be his wife .
tr	3	It was late when he returned her to her cabin , light-headed with the love he felt for her .
tr	3	When he spotted her behind Roberto he smirked , his beady eyes sending a clear message .
tr	3	Besides , " and he wrapped her in his arms , " I want to love you . "
tr	3	He kissed her breathless and she chuckled as she gave herself to him , her arms around his neck .
tr	3	Worry and concern stood out in the lines of his mouth and eyes and she want to remove that .
tr	3	Another question dawned on her and she started to chuckle , her eyes filled with merriment as she asked .
tr	3	" Not to sound like a parrot but you do know how to change my mind . "
tr	3	Minutes later he released her and said softly , " You make me a happy man . "
tr	3	Roberto was smiling non-stop , holding her close to him , never once letting her go .
tr	3	Later in his cabin they melted together and she allowed him to love her as he promised .
tr	3	He took his time in teaching her about her own desires and what inflamed him the most .
tr	3	Dark menacing clouds formed around them and waves came crushing down , leaving them all drenched .
tr	3	Kicking , she was picked up as if she was a feather and carried downstairs to her old cabin .
tr	3	She kicked against the walls to stop him but he simply forced her legs under his arm .
tr	3	They would not hear her through the wailing winds , the creaking ship and crushing waters .
tr	3	Roberto 's cabin was not bigger than hers and there would be no room for her things .
tr	3	He grabbed her feet , forcing himself in between her legs with an ugly , lustful grin .
tr	3	He sat down and placed her on his lap , covering her face with warm kisses .
tr	3	" Before you sleep we must get you out of this wet clothing , my love . "
tr	3	He held on tightly and enjoyed her soft body against him , his hands brushing the soft skin .
tr	3	Seeing the place where the man left a bruise on her soft skin , he touched it .
tr	3	His gentle touch was so different from the brute of last night and she moaned with delight .
tr	3	" I am so sorry for not being there , " he finally said in a whisper .
tr	3	Just thinking of what could have happened replayed another time , a time he would much rather forget .
tr	3	He had almost lost her like he had lost his sister , and tears rolled down his cheeks .
tr	3	At first , he had to remove many tangles but eventually her hair was straight and shining .
tr	3	" Thanks , Roberto , " she whispered , feeling loved and cozy with the ample affection .
tr	3	There were times that her thoughts wanted to overshadow the happiness but then she would push them away .
tr	3	She made the choice to marry him and what she got was a loving and caring husband .
tr	3	He kissed her again and rose once again " You can read some if you like . "
tr	3	She tried to forget the events of the previous night but it came back and she had to know .
tr	3	" No , sooner or later he would have betrayed me , I never liked him .
tr	3	He handed her the glass which she gratefully took , drinking the cool water with one gulp .
tr	3	He stilled at the table and answered softly , " She hung herself after the rape . "
tr	3	When I open yours it gives me joy , but it is difficult to look past the cover . "
tr	3	" Then , four years in a row we had very bad drought and no harvests .
tr	3	His bravery and leadership is respected by all on the seven seas , both sailors and pirates .
tr	3	I have told you that the crew adores you because of the fact that you are his daughter .
tr	3	He wanted her to know him , to love him and was not ashamed to answer uncomfortable questions .
tr	3	When he turned to her finally , out of breath , his eyes were again that dark ochre colour .
tr	3	I want you to know that and I will never get tired of saying it . "
tr	3	He pulled her closer and demanded her to open her mouth once again , passion flowing as they kissed .
tr	3	The bond of friendship between the two men was tight , since they shared many journeys together .
tr	3	Pierre would tell her about their journeys in great detail depicting Roberto as a good leader although a pirate .
tr	3	They were not ashamed of their vocation and sometimes she would tremble with fear and then laugh in joy .
tr	3	What would be their reaction to her sudden marriage to the man that abducted her from her home ?
tr	3	And of course she thought about Roberto , her husband , and what life held for them .
tr	3	Here on the open seas he was fairly safe but once on land he would have to stay hidden .
tr	3	Fear gripped him many times and on occasions like that Pierre would sweep in and change his thoughts .
tr	3	The waves stood ten feet high , towering over them before they crashed down on top of them .
tr	3	One mast broke because of the weight , and the ship was tossed and rolled with every breaking wave .
tr	3	Finally , when it became quieter , Roberto stumbled into their cabin , soaked , exhausted .
tr	3	He was snoring lightly , his head pushed in the pillows , his black hair plastered against his face .
tr	3	His love warmed her up and she gave to him what he wanted , her love .
tr	3	At first , she hesitated , but she knew she could not leave him in this state .
tr	3	He rolled on his back and watched her out of hazy eyes , enjoying her touch on his skin .
tr	3	He could feel her eyes raking over him , sure that there must be a blush on her face .
tr	3	Hard and beautiful he lay in front of her , his muscles still tensed after the strenuous work .
tr	3	She reached for a towel , dried him , and then placed the covers over him .
tr	3	He turned once again , his head in her lap and his bare back exposed for her to touch .
tr	3	" I love you , " she managed to say again ; butterflies scattering around her stomach and throat .
tr	3	Her body trembled under every touch as his fingers moved into the core of her excitement .
tr	3	She felt dizzy and said , " I love you , " which brought him to a fruitful climax .
tr	3	To experience the wonder of his love after the storm was too much and tears ran down her face .
tr	3	He smiled , stroking her lower back to relax her , lifting her hips , exposing her .
tr	3	Again , their rhythm synchronized as they came to an orgasmic scream , breathless with desire .
tr	3	Touching her , he could not remember the last time he had experienced multiple orgasms in one .
tr	3	Feeling her own heartbeat racing , she felt satiated , her body trembling under his embrace .
tr	3	At those spots ; he would linger longer , taking his time , until she pleaded with him .
tr	3	You are my reason to go back to being a farmer , if you will have it ? "
tr	3	Her prayers were answered and she wrapped herself around him and kissed him with joy bubbling over .
tr	3	I want to farm and make it a success , for our children one day . "
tr	3	† † † After weeks of marital bliss the crow master called out , " Land ahoy ! "
tr	3	As they watched the land mass growing in front of them , Roberto became tense , silent .
tr	3	He gulped , taking in deep breaths as if he braced himself against whatever lay out there .
tr	3	You need to trust me and know that I love you , no matter what . "
tr	3	But I also believe that you have your reasons , and because I love you , I trust you .
tr	3	But he desperately wanted her to trust him , and that she was willing to do .
tr	3	She hugged him , anxious because of his seriousness , and he drew her closer in his embrace .
tr	3	Keep on trusting me , " He said in a desperate plea , crushing her mouth with his .
tr	3	When he left he was sombre and just stood at the rail as he watched the land mass .
tr	3	It was a beautiful island filled with lush , thick foliage , a mountain on the far horizon .
tr	3	There were times when he hurt her but she didn 't say anything , her trust in him unmovable .
tr	3	For a brief second the Roberto that she loved was back as she touched his cheek .
tr	3	The ship 's doctor took her hand and motioned for her to go to her cabin .
tr	3	She could barely contain herself until waves of worry would capture her and create havoc in her mind .
tr	3	At the shore he was met by several men ; some new ones and some familiar faces .
tr	3	They reached an opening where several huts stood close by with a larger one in the middle .
tr	3	Heat emanated from the blue sky with only a slight breeze that ruffled his hair and jacket .
tr	3	He hardened his features as they walked into the larger hut , larger than most on the island .
tr	3	Roberto knew him well , and the mere thought that the woman was at his mercy was devastating .
tr	3	It had to be one of the Falcon 's favorites for him to even give her a second glance .
tr	3	For a while they could hear her begging , crying and screaming , but without any help .
tr	3	Tomorrow she would most likely be dead as the other man followed Trevor and the screaming woman .
tr	3	She received a slap from the Falcon and the pitcher fell from her hand and broke on the floor .
tr	3	Roberto balled his fist and tried to stand up but Pierre stopped him and shook his head .
tr	3	The Falcon 's eyes peered in his for a long time and Roberto kept his eyes unwavering on him .
tr	3	" You were always too soft , " The Falcon said as he watched the display .
tr	3	" The woman needs to be put in her place , but you always were the gentleman . "
tr	3	Roberto did not comment but poured all the glasses and sat back , taking a sip of his own .
tr	3	How I still don 't know , but I will get to the bottom of it soon . "
tr	3	Pierre and Roberto looked at each other briefly before they placed their attention back on him .
tr	3	She felt safe in his strong arms and she smiled , wrapping her arms around herself .
tr	3	The rows of books on the shelves were worn at the corners from years of reading .
tr	3	He knew the seas , the currents , and every kind of cloud and what it meant .
tr	3	From her father they were stories that other people lived , yet now it was different .
tr	3	They had taught him the things he was teaching her now and it did not sit well with her .
tr	3	The men made sure that she stayed hidden in the cabin so as not to attract any unnecessary attention .
tr	3	Sweat rolled down her trembling body and the moment Enrico saw her he called for the doctor .
tr	3	The doctor encouraged her to eat often ; if not for her , for the new life she carried .
tr	3	The boats man , who was unknown to her , looked at her with a lustful grin .
tr	3	They landed and for the first time in four months , she was back on solid ground .
tr	3	He was huge , and she had to lift her head to look at him towering over her .
tr	3	His teeth were yellow , signalling his unhealthy lifestyle and an ugly grin was on his face .
tr	3	With rough hands he took her chin in his hand turning her head to both sides .
tr	3	He did not let on that he noticed it and continued " Your brother did not lie .
tr	3	First , I am going to play with you , " he said , grabbing her breasts .
tr	3	With one swift movement , he ripped her bodice from her , exposing her to all the hungry eyes .
tr	3	He chuckled , the sound trembling through her and she clenched her fists as he continued .
tr	3	Suddenly he stopped and sniffed again , and then hollered : " I smell a man on her !
tr	3	Her cheek burned as she struggled up and stood in defiance , looking at the pirate .
tr	3	The bitch will not live long enough to be a mummy , " another chuckled out with mockery .
tr	3	This time it mingled with lust as they looked at her , knowing one of them would have her .
tr	3	Her arms and bound hands drew protectively over her abdomen , the place his child grew .
tr	3	" Thank you , Falcon , " Roberto replied , bowing respectfully , grabbing her arm .
tr	3	She struggled against him and he slapped her , and her eyes spat fire as he held her .
tr	3	He moved her closer to him to cover her nakedness and walked out of the circle .
tr	3	He was afraid of what he could see in her eyes , the rejection of what just happened .
tr	3	My father had to cut a path through it , the only one with enough strength to do so .
tr	3	He heard a smile in her voice and he blinked as moisture settled in his eyelids .
tr	3	" First you married me and then you branded me so that he could smell you on me .
tr	3	With both his hands , he cupped her face and kissed her , his breath warm against her skin .
tr	3	Then , jerking his head up , he asked curiously , " Are you with child ? "
tr	3	" Yes you are , my love , " she laughed , her cheeks still hurting .
tr	3	He just ignored her and continued at his own pace , deliberate in every lingering touch .
tr	3	His chest swelled under her head , her hair fanning over his body , covering them like a blanket .
tr	3	He knew he could have a future with her and his child growing inside of her .
tr	3	It was the greatest gift he had ever received , unconditional love for a rough pirate feared by many .
tr	3	Her hand moved over him in a caress and his body reacted to the soft , gentle touch .
tr	3	Something had woken them and when Roberto looked out , he could see a shadow passing under the door .
tr	3	He pointed to the door and whispered in her ear to get up quickly and quietly .
tr	3	She figured this would be the best way to move on the island and the safest .
tr	3	She slipped them into the belt under the jacket and grabbed a sword to belt under the jacket .
tr	3	It took me awhile to see through your plan but now I am back to claim her .
tr	3	Roberto moved forward , in between them , his sword drawn , anger in his voice and eyes .
tr	3	Soon you could hear the clash of steel upon steel resounding at a high pitch through the night .
tr	3	" You son of a bitch , " the Falcon screamed , throwing himself at Roberto .
tr	3	The man cried out , grabbing his arm in disbelief , storming with fury towards Roberto .
tr	3	Cutting into the air , weariness on his face , he launched forward onto Roberto 's sword .
tr	3	The other man let go his hold and he tied her hands in front of her .
tr	3	She was small and blond , not as young as she thought , but with beautiful blue eyes .
tr	3	I don 't know when or how , but you will pay for that as well . "
tr	3	The Falcon stood before Roberto looking him directly in the eye , spit hanging from his beard .
tr	3	" You have cost me a lot and I will collect from you and this bitch . "
tr	3	Then both brother and sister will squeal like pigs after we had our way with them .
tr	3	He stood there , equally rigid , his young body straight , his face stern and determined .
tr	3	With Pedro was a big , dark man who matched Pedro in size and height , but looked older .
tr	3	Men in uniform filled the tavern as the big man walked closer , his eyes fixed on the Falcon .
tr	3	" Consider yourself served , you and your brood of vipers , as you deserve , by hanging . "
tr	3	For the first time since the ordeal began she turned , pressed herself into him , and cried .
tr	3	Pedro came over to them , climbing over the lifeless body , and reached for his sister .
tr	3	Her brother was safe and she kissed him all over the face as renewed tears rolled from her eyes .
tr	3	And they both laughed , releasing all the pent up emotions from the last few months .
tr	3	Not sure what to expect , she dropped her eyes , still scared with everything that had happened .
tr	3	Again the blue eyes met his with hope and trust in their depths and his heart skipped a beat .
tr	3	" My name is Pierre du Val , Captain in the Dutch East India Company . "
tr	3	He held out an arm and she looped her arm through his , smiling up to him .
tr	3	Roberto smiled at the mixed emotions on her face , still holding onto his brave wife .
tr	3	Sitting next to her , with her hand in his , Roberto began at the beginning .
tr	3	We made sure Alfonso was out of harm 's reach before I left to get you . "
tr	3	With her heart soaring , she smiled at the man she called husband , safely wrapped in his arms .
tr	3	" I am so glad that Captain de Ville has found happiness with you , my dear .
tr	3	I recruited him ten years ago as an agent after he came to us with information .
tr	3	Captain le Roux laughed at her disbelief , looking at the lifeless body of the Falcon .
tr	3	She blushed , the look on her husband 's face telling her what he really wanted to do .
tr	3	Men cursed as they were led away , giving no second glance to the young couple .
tr	3	Everything had happened so fast that her head was still spinning , but Pierre took his time .
tr	3	She turned his insides into crashing waves and he wanted to know if the feeling was mutual .
tr	3	His mouth tasted her sweetness , as she pressed against him , soft and fitting into his frame .
tr	3	Captain le Roux asked the next morning , after the hanging of the remaining pirates just after dawn .
tr	3	" There is something you need to know Roberto , about your parents , " Captain le Roux said .
tr	3	She knew how much he had wanted to see his parents again , and now they were both gone .
tr	3	You receive everything , of course , and with it there is a letter from him to you . "
tr	3	The handwriting was shaky with some words blurred but he managed to read it with a sober expression .
tr	3	He would never share with them his return , his newfound love , being a father .
tr	3	A tear ran down his face , which he wiped away , reliving the good times in his mind .
tr	3	She would stay on the farm with his mother and sister during the long months he would be away .
tr	3	Pierre was ecstatic about her answer , twirling her around in the air to the delight of everyone .
tr	3	That night they celebrated under the bright moon and starry sky , people laughing and eating .
tr	3	She saw all his favorite spots overlooking the sea from different angles , and found the natives interesting .
tr	3	Her father , Geert , and Pierre had long talks about his life on the open sea .
tr	3	Though he would be gone on long voyages , Pierre assured him that Nora would be in safe hands .
tr	3	Her love for the land and its people was evident when she showed him the estate .
tr	3	She could entertain him , playing the piano masterfully , and made him feel like the luckiest man alive .
tr	3	Captain Alfonso was found with their father 's merchant ship , healthy and with a toothless grin .
tr	3	" Tell me , " she urged him and he looked at her with sad eyes .
tr	3	She started to tickle him between the two ribs , a spot she knew by now .
tr	3	She turned his face back to her , cuddling into him with a leg over him .
tr	3	" I am scared of losing you , " he finally admitted , and she gasped " Why ?
tr	3	She had thought about her parents " reaction during this time and what they would think of the union .
tr	3	Leaning closer , she kissed his eyes and face tenderly , with words lingering between each kiss .
tr	3	" You are an amazing man and my father will see that and love you , " She continued .
tr	3	She sat up straight , lifting her leg over him and straddled him , cupping his face .
tr	3	Even the Falcon admired the man , and I kidnapped you out of his house , insulted him .
tr	3	22 The rest of the voyage was uneventful , if you call morning sickness between two women uneventful .
tr	3	The men laughed at their expense , knowing the time they had was not always perfect .
tr	3	It was not true and Roberto assured her he still loved her , all of her .
tr	3	Not that Roberto complained about less to get rid of when he wanted to cuddle into her .
tr	3	Her dresses still fit in a way , giving her more movement on the upper deck .
tr	3	Again , dread filled Roberto 's mind , wondering for the umpteenth time how he would be received .
tr	3	Pierre noticed his friend and former captain 's tense posture and touched him on the shoulder .
tr	3	His lips were stretched and even underneath the tanned skin Pierre could see his friend was pale .
tr	3	For the first time Roberto really looked at the man , three inches taller than himself .
tr	3	He took her away from their father , kissed her soundly on the mouth , and she giggled .
tr	3	Both men 's faces turned menacing , especially Manuel 's , whose face distorted into an ugly grimace .
tr	3	Cisco stretched out a paw and Roberto took it , feeling the strength as her father gripped his hand .
tr	3	" Roberto , " Cisco said , " we will talk about this at home . "
tr	3	Winter was already setting in and they were close to each other in the oversized bed , cuddling .
tr	3	" I never thought I could have this , a wife and baby to call my own .
tr	3	" No , son , just a man who has walked the path and understands much more . "
tr	3	" I want to get my wife in bed , if you don 't mind . "
tr	3	This created a cacophony of distressed cries when the babies joined in , not understanding all the tears .
tr	3	She started to write in the beginning of 2010 after she found herself isolated and without work .
tr	3	The man at the table merely laughed , and his quill continued to scratch away on the parchment .
tr	3	" I always listen to sense , " stated the man at the table , grinning .
tr	3	A fur covered bed dominated the room , and a fire warmed the chill winter air .
tr	3	Finan shifted uneasily , and sat down in the chair across from his master , his face suddenly earnest .
tr	3	" It is that which worries me ; you do not consider the possibility of defeat . "
tr	3	" You have never even met her , you do not ... " " And what is that ?
tr	3	" I meant nothing but that you need not risk your life on this errand . "
tr	3	" No harm will come to me or her ; that is the point of this subterfuge .
tr	3	Even that compromise , so long as not of principle , was to be chosen over enmity and strife .
tr	3	" It is as well that you will help me , for without you my plans would fail . "
tr	3	" My lord is aware , I think , that he is not loved of all men . "
tr	3	Rafe tapped a thoughtful tattoo on the smooth wood of the table top , lost in his own thoughts .
tr	3	Finan saw many things then which he could not have guessed at from Rafe 's merriment before .
tr	3	He saw worry and apprehension , but could still only surmise at what these were directed .
tr	3	It was with some surprise that he realised that Lord Rafe was in the grip of hesitation .
tr	3	However , Finan was not given to conjecture , having a simple faith in plain facts .
tr	3	Still , he wished he knew what Rafe was thinking , what was causing him to experience such uncertainty .
tr	3	He had known Rafe since birth and had never before seen him make such a hideous display .
tr	3	To Finan 's great disgust his master repeated his chameleon performance , taking on a ruddy colour .
tr	3	" Although I might not have met her , I have on occasion sent her some small trifles .
tr	3	" By all means read them , there is naught that my own mother could not see .
tr	3	In short , although reasonably entertaining , they gave little of the writer 's personality away .
tr	3	Finan realised that he would not be able to divert the course that Rafe had begun upon .
tr	3	Rafe watched him through narrowed lids , his hand restlessly swirling the liquid around his goblet .
tr	3	Rafe 's hand reached out to finger the letter he had , a few moments before , sealed .
tr	3	" Why I shall be no one ; a nobody that she will feel no need to impress . "
tr	3	Rafe extended his arm and , still in his relaxed position , pushed his goblet onto the table .
tr	3	Finan was rather surprised that his master intended to continue on a course disapproved of by Lord Brogan .
tr	3	Lord Brogan displays a great deal more understanding than to forbid a course you are so determined upon . "
tr	3	Yet I still need to know ; you can understand that , can you not ? "
tr	3	You know such a consideration would not weigh with me if I thought you in danger .
tr	3	The truth is I have no opinion to give , " answered Finan with a shrug .
tr	3	" Well , maybe they are troublesome , but we would be in sore straits without them . "
tr	3	" Aye , but there are plenty of poor fools to see that the world is peopled .
tr	3	Lord Brogan 's voice wafted across the room from where he was seated behind the heavy table .
tr	3	" That is enough for today ; I 'll call you if I need aught else . "
tr	3	" I had hoped to make you understand why I have chosen this path before I left .
tr	3	Lord Brogan came around the table and placed his hand on his son 's broad shoulder .
tr	3	" You must be careful , Rafe ; even the best laid plans can somehow become tangled . "
tr	3	He had thought to find a few hovels , but not the self contained village that thrived before him .
tr	3	The huts were set around the base of the hill and were in turn surrounded by well kept fields .
tr	3	As he approached , Rafe noticed that his tunic was liberally splashed with his mornings repast .
tr	3	The fort was old , set atop the grassy hill , and looked uninviting and cold .
tr	3	He had always supposed that his betrothal would become more palatable to him as time passed .
tr	3	His very nature rebelled against being forced into a position he had neither made nor wanted .
tr	3	The peal sounded loudly , echoing down the hill , clear and pure on the cold air .
tr	3	It seemed to him that he stood there an eternity , and in truth his wait was rather lengthy .
tr	3	Rafe ducked his head and passed through into the courtyard to find himself confronted by an elderly woman .
tr	3	Though not particularly big , its placement on top of the hill made it hard to attack .
tr	3	The walls were covered in tapestries , and there were woven rugs on the uneven flagged floor .
tr	3	Rafe held the missive out to her and waited for some time to be invited to take a chair .
tr	3	His found he had to repress an amused smile , he rather liked the stern old lady .
tr	3	" It was considered that the knowledge that she was betrothed would keep her safe from such disappointment .
tr	3	Her sleepy voice was pleasantly husky , and her eye lashes fluttered sleepily over large eyes .
tr	3	It was a difficult situation and , whatever people said , this betrothal was not in the least romantic .
tr	3	She closed the door noiselessly and made her way to the sanctity of her own chamber .
tr	3	While not ecstatic the gentle feelings of respect and regard were enough upon which to build a successful marriage .
tr	3	However Adele was indeed awake , laying upon her back and staring into the blackness of her room .
tr	3	Adele found this rather endearing , in the same way she would have found a kitten endearing .
tr	3	She would , she decided , take great pains to see that Lord Rafe felt easy around her .
tr	3	Adele felt , for the first time , the full force of what leaving would mean to her .
tr	3	They had been treasured and bore every sign of the eagerness with which she had devoured them .
tr	3	After all he had given she could not withdraw , for he had her promise too .
tr	3	Yes , now he had the added delight of dragging Lady Adele 's companion along with them .
tr	3	He knew his own faults well enough to be certain that they would not deal well together .
tr	3	Nothing would change the fact that they were bound together ; he might as well accept it .
tr	3	Truth be told he was in the grip of such conflicting emotions he felt a little confused .
tr	3	Rafe decided in those first few moments that her hair was probably not the only mousy thing about her .
tr	3	She must think him someone he was not , it might as well be Finan as anyone .
tr	3	About him there was an aura of impatient tension and , she decided , he was probably decisive .
tr	3	Her dress was the colour of primroses , soft and pretty , ridiculous in the depths of winter .
tr	3	Rafe was taken aback by the image , and felt very stupid for conceiving such a foolish notion .
tr	3	Rafe thought it was woollen but did not intend to get close enough to find out for sure .
tr	3	Her hair long and curling , and was caught back from her face to hang down her back .
tr	3	Adele thought he might have used the same calculating inspection when weighing up the points of a horse .
tr	3	The fingers of his left hand tugged at the leather tassels on his belt betraying his discomfort .
tr	3	Adele stared at the large horse before her , her eyes running over its great muscular frame .
tr	3	Rafe watched the dubious expression cross her face and realised he would have to help her mount .
tr	3	It struck Adele that she should be anxious and frightened , but Eda was a comforting presence behind her .
tr	3	Adele and Eda continued to wave to the ladies of the fort until they were lost from sight .
tr	3	She decided that she didn 't care , it was rather amusing to watch him labouring under such chagrin .
tr	3	They passed through the village and picked their way through the patchwork of fields that surrounded it .
tr	3	For the first time Lady Adele felt slighted , that he should accord his horse more civility than her .
tr	3	Chief among these was the conviction that it was going to be a long journey home .
tr	3	For now I 'm only pleased to share his warmth , and Eda has ridden before . "
tr	3	" He 's a war horse , " answered Rafe , " one of several belonging to Lord Rafe .
tr	3	Rafe smiled , leaning forward to pat the great muscled neck of the huge animal again .
tr	3	He had been quite comfortable talking with her , but her words called to mind his deception .
tr	3	Finally she had seemed a little more lucid , even sensible , which had surprised him .
tr	3	She had called him Finan , Finn , bestowing upon him trust and a tentative friendship .
tr	3	However , he doubted she would be as understanding if it transpired that he had deceived her .
tr	3	She was beginning to lose her temper ; she didn 't know why he was being so unpleasant .
tr	3	Well no matter what his thoughts on her where , she was determined not to be ignored .
tr	3	She said nothing , seeming somehow appeased now that she had managed to force an answer from him .
tr	3	Chapter Five Rafe reined in as dusk approached at a place he thought suitable for camp .
tr	3	He was smiling again as he looked down upon her , teasing her for her lack of understanding .
tr	3	She was sitting on the blanket Rafe had taken from the horse , her cloak folded tightly around her .
tr	3	Adele smiled softly bringing Eda 's hand to her cheek and resting her face against it .
tr	3	With a sigh of relief he realised that neither lady was going to indulge in tears .
tr	3	He sat staring into the flames for a long while after he had finished building the fire up .
tr	3	He stood abruptly , moving to where he had left his saddle and brought it over to the fire .
tr	3	Rafe watched in horror as Eda 's eyes filled with tears and he turned panicked to Adele .
tr	3	" Mistress Kathryn ; she always adds those spices to pork , ' tis my favourite . "
tr	3	Rafe grinned and pulled a few sticks from the bundle he had collected for the fire .
tr	3	Pulling out his knife he chose two that branched in to a V and cut these to appropriate lengths .
tr	3	She was still sitting on Charger 's blanket some way from the fire and on seeing this Rafe frowned .
tr	3	Her face tilted upward , and her eyes fixed on his with an apologetic gleam in their depths .
tr	3	Rafe had retreated to his own place , holding out the bread and cheese to Adele again .
tr	3	Eda looked slightly mollified at this utterance in praise of her friend , and Adele flushed with pleasure .
tr	3	She accepted this last a little doubtfully , sipped it cautiously , and choked over the unfamiliar brew .
tr	3	" ' Tis the cold and being hungry , " answered Rafe , passing a tasty morsel to Eda .
tr	3	" It makes you appreciate comfort more when ' tis your good fortune to receive some . "
tr	3	Strangely he didn 't feel threatened by the question ; it seemed the natural progression of the conversation .
tr	3	Rafe dropped the stick and pulled up his knees , leaning his arms on top of them .
tr	3	It was as if he could not find the words to express the sights , sounds , and feelings .
tr	3	" You only feel it the once with that first battle , after that you are cured . "
tr	3	He was lost somewhere deep in his own unhappy thoughts , experiencing a pain of which she knew nothing .
tr	3	In conflict he had soon learn to take his rest when , and however , he could .
tr	3	It seemed to him that the best option , as was so often the case , was to wait .
tr	3	Finally he found himself wishing that they would attack just so the intolerable wait was over .
tr	3	His voice was so soft he doubted it would wake her , but he dared not whisper any louder .
tr	3	After a little while he felt her tug away sleepily , and tightened his hold in a warning pressure .
tr	3	For a moment there was no answer , and then she returned the pressure of his grip .
tr	3	Suddenly Adele felt very alone and fearful at the thought that they might lose their guide .
tr	3	" If I can I will come after you , but you are not to wait . "
tr	3	The plan had been formed , Adele knew it would prove pointless to argue with him .
tr	3	She had been awake and tense , but not so tense as the man protecting them .
tr	3	He wondered how far they would get before ... no , he would not even think that .
tr	3	The snorting of horses as they made a charge struck him with a feeling of ice cold dread .
tr	3	-------- Adele struggled along , the weight of the heavy fur lined cloaks hampering her progress greatly .
tr	3	She found that pulling Eda after her through the pitch darkness was no easy thing and she stumbled .
tr	3	The weight of the second cloak disappeared as Rafe unhooked it and pulled it round his own shoulders .
tr	3	For several seconds they stood tense in the gloom , then Rafe looked down into her upturned face .
tr	3	With a whispered word of apology he released her , gesturing that she was to be silent .
tr	3	Adele discovered a lump in her throat that she was unable to swallow , so she nodded her head .
tr	3	Lord Rafe will not demand their safe return of you surely in a situation such as this ? "
tr	3	Eda 's muffled sobbing broke in on her inner musings , and she sank to the ground .
tr	3	Passing an arm around her friend 's shoulders she drew Eda 's trembling form into her arms .
tr	3	" No doubt you will tell me it was one of the other ladies at the fort . "
tr	3	He knew that her gaze was upon him , as gentle and unconcerned as it always was .
tr	3	He rubbed the tip of his cold nose and looked up at the top of the trees .
tr	3	" We cannot rest here long , t ' would be best if you had a drink . "
tr	3	" You cannot expect us to carry on like this ; we need to rest ! "
tr	3	" Or at the very least if you must feel sorry for someone , feel sorry for the horses .
tr	3	A sound suspiciously like a giggle broke from Adele 's lips as Eda glared at him in indignation .
tr	3	Adele shook her head at them both , and sank to her knees before the pool .
tr	3	" Alright , alright , " placated Eda , sitting next to her at the water 's edge .
tr	3	Adele did not look up but knew his gaze was upon her , she wondered what he was thinking .
tr	3	However he was completely still and this , she already knew , was out of character for him .
tr	3	He had allowed it free range in the uncertainty of his dealings with Adele , but no more .
tr	3	Adele was his bride and her life was also in the balance , therefore he must trust her .
tr	3	From now on he decided that those two thoughts were the only rules that would govern their relationship .
tr	3	Adele noted the familiarity in his use of the word ' home ' and was envious of it .
tr	3	Eda shook her head , however , and regarding her friend indignantly , not amused by the recollection .
tr	3	" I was eleven and there was a black bird 's nest in the aforementioned tree . "
tr	3	He could take no pleasure in sharing the anecdote now ; somehow it too had become a half lie .
tr	3	Finan opened his mouth but was obliged to close it again and swallow twice before he could reply .
tr	3	" Unable to ... but one of the men told me he was in here . "
tr	3	" The young scoundrel ; I dare say he thought it a grand jest to fool you so ! "
tr	3	" And do not begin to worry that I shall tell , him for I shall not .
tr	3	However , he could always be counted upon to act with wisdom no matter how tight the corner .
tr	3	He did not have Rafe 's talent for diplomacy , having little time for the petty differences of others .
tr	3	Oftentimes he had remarked to Rafe that he could not understand how Rafe could stand his chosen task .
tr	3	He had not , reflected Finan , changed so very much from those long ago days .
tr	3	" A small matter that King Ine wishes to have dealt with , my lord . "
tr	3	' Tis not friendly and makes me feel as though I had vexed you somehow . "
tr	3	If Rafe had been present Finan was certain that he would have no scruple in confiding in him .
tr	3	King Ine wishes to put an end to any disputes in his realm before they turn into blood feuds .
tr	3	" It could have been much worse , " replied Finan with a raw undertone to his voice .
tr	3	It was Eda who had begged for rest , for food , but never once had Adele demanded anything .
tr	3	The robin , encouraged by Adele 's stillness and enticed by the crumbs , bravely moved a little nearer .
tr	3	Adele smiled , breaking another piece of rye bread and crumbling it on to the floor .
tr	3	The robin cocked its head to one side , regarding her speculatively from one beady eye .
tr	3	He was so close that Rafe could see with incredible clarity the overlapping feathers on his bright red chest .
tr	3	He realised that he had never really looked at a robin before , not really looked .
tr	3	" Welcome back to the land of the living ; you were gone a long time you know . "
tr	3	" You know , this little fellow reminds me of a passage in the Bible . "
tr	3	That was the belief that in a woman , unusual was not an epithet to aspire to .
tr	3	She had taken the comment to be little better than a slight and was embarrassed , he could tell .
tr	3	He knew not how to converse with women , although there were many who would have refuted that statement .
tr	3	These ladies believed that his lack of words had betrayed a great depth of emotion and sympathy .
tr	3	Rafe was innately polite , and had always listened to their prattle in well concealed boredom .
tr	3	This left said Lady with the impression that Rafe were something of a fountain of wisdom .
tr	3	In fact they seemed vaguely put out when one interrupted them half way through their monologue .
tr	3	She was conscious of a sinking feeling of disappointment , tangled up with hurt and embarrassment .
tr	3	Her large , troubled eyes met his and he felt as if the breath were knocked from his body .
tr	3	Rafe cleared his throat and stood , looking in the direction in which they had come .
tr	3	As he looked through the trees , his eyes keen and searching , worry entered his face .
tr	3	She didn 't question him further , or try to find out from whence these other worries came .
tr	3	However much he might have with otherwise , there was no option but to continue through it .
tr	3	" I feel as though I had been carrying Charger instead of the other way round . "
tr	3	Eda 's hand flew to her hair and she tried to smooth it into some semblance of order .
tr	3	" I never even thought ... " Her fingers worked frantically for a few moments and then she shrugged .
tr	3	As they began to move through the trees , Rafe felt the first few drops of rain fall .
tr	3	Rafe eased from his saddle and turned to Eda and Adele , his hand held out .
tr	3	" And I thought our day could not improve , " muttered Eda , sliding from Charger 's back .
tr	3	Marching in the rain was one of the most disheartening and demoralizing experiences he had ever come across .
tr	3	It was entirely possible that she would catch a chill in these conditions , then what would he do ?
tr	3	Adele was still laughing , clinging to him weakly , her whole form trembling with amusement .
tr	3	Taking her icy cold hand in his , he turned and they began to walk again .
tr	3	" ' Tis nice to know that someone cares if I break my neck or not . "
tr	3	Eda looked surprised and made to answer , but Adele pinched her fingers , stopping her from speaking .
tr	3	It was very unlikely that she would not somehow find out about that when they arrived ... Great goodness !
tr	3	He could not be Lord Rafe , and it was impossible for him to be Finan .
tr	3	Adele looked a little worried , but she did not question him further on the matter .
tr	3	Then again ; did he really know what a person in that unfortunate state looked like ?
tr	3	There was little shelter to be had so no doubt they would pass an uncomfortable night .
tr	3	What he liked somewhat less was the way the unknown warrior had engendered such admiration in his men .
tr	3	For a second he knew the impulse to throw caution to the wind and make the descent anyway .
tr	3	It curved around the walls of the valley , hardly more than a narrow shelf of rock .
tr	3	" It seems to me that the boy could do with a sound thrashing for his insolence .
tr	3	He was walking slowly , his eyes fixed in great concentration upon the two goblets held on the platter .
tr	3	" Now , my lord , what is it that you wished to discuss with me ? "
tr	3	" Very well , but I demand the same in return , " answered Finan with unruffled calm .
tr	3	asked Finan , calmly bending to the child 's height and taking a strong grip on his shoulders .
tr	3	he answered shaking his head , before catching sight of a movement by the tent opening .
tr	3	" But , Master Finan , he told you to beat me , I heard him ! "
tr	3	King Ine himself holds you to be most useful , surely your father must know that ? "
tr	3	He wishes for me to be at the head , where as I am content to follow . "
tr	3	He dismounted , making his way to Charger and the two weary figures that swayed unsteadily on his back .
tr	3	" How clever of you to have found us somewhere dry to spend the night ! "
tr	3	" Because you have always longed to sleep in a cave , have you not ? "
tr	3	" Did it not occur to you that he is just as tired as we are ?
tr	3	Rafe dried his hands as best he could , and set about coaxing a flame to the dry twigs .
tr	3	Adele laughed nervously , not looking up as Rafe took her other hand and held both between his .
tr	3	Eda probably would , he thought with a smile , she seemed capable of sleeping anywhere .
tr	3	She did not wish to talk of this , especially not now when she had spoken sharply to Eda .
tr	3	" No , there was no need ; he had a page that followed him wherever he went . "
tr	3	" It must have been hard to come to terms with your betrothal to Lord Rafe . "
tr	3	" Of course for Lord Rafe it must have been wearisome , he is some years older than I .
tr	3	It must have been trying to have been bound to someone so young , to have had to wait .
tr	3	There was silence after her statement , Rafe felt his tongue thick and unwieldy in his mouth .
tr	3	" Maybe Lord Rafe saw your existence as a blessing , " he countered at last .
tr	3	He wished very much that he could tell her that , but knew he could not .
tr	3	Rafe vouchsafed no answer , but Adele heard Eda take a shuddering breath and cursed herself for her insensitivity .
tr	3	For a moment she groped around in her thoughts for a way to turn his attention elsewhere .
tr	3	He averted his face , pained by the recollection and wishing that the memories would recede .
tr	3	Rafe was very still , and when he spoke the words were forced from between bloodless lips .
tr	3	Adele 's eyes were generally wide , but at this confidence they almost doubled in size .
tr	3	Adele wondered if he had loved the lady very much , for he would no longer meet her eyes .
tr	3	" Then , " Adele considered thoughtfully , " did you not wish to marry her ? "
tr	3	For endless seconds he remained silent until he felt Adele 's soft hand cover his own .
tr	3	" I am sorry ; I did not mean to bring to mind something that pains you . "
tr	3	" Poor Finn ; you did not like her very much at all , did you ? "
tr	3	" I know that it must be , but surely a problem shared is a problem halved ? "
tr	3	She turned back to Rafe , large eyes looking up into his with a lost expression in their depths .
tr	3	I thought that you wished to talk of the worry that has plagued you since our camp was attacked .
tr	3	Rafe was silent , staring in to the flames and trying to decide if he should confide .
tr	3	If they had we must surely have fallen into their hand , but they never did . "
tr	3	They do not ride hard and have rarely been less than a few hours behind us .
tr	3	" Do you truly have no idea , or are you concealing your fear inspiring suspicions from us ? "
tr	3	He should know , or at the very least have enough facts to make an educated guess .
tr	3	" I should not have bothered you with the matter , now you are worried over it . "
tr	3	" Do not regard it ; ' tis only that I am still a little cold . "
tr	3	" I know that you will protect us and that we have nothing to fear . "
tr	3	Rafe glanced down at both of the ladies shivering in the inadequate shelter of the cave .
tr	3	How could she show such faith in him when he had let them down so terribly ?
tr	3	" That is , we would all be much warmer if ... if we shared our heat . "
tr	3	Rafe swallowed uncomfortably as Eda 's head snapped round to pin him with an outraged and indignant glare .
tr	3	At least , that was not precisely true , for Adele 's expression was of innocent bewilderment .
tr	3	It was only the sound of Adele breaking into unrestrained laughter that brought his gaze back .
tr	3	Her voice shook a little with lingering mirth , but there was true penitence in her face .
tr	3	" That was very unkind of me but ... but I just could not help myself . "
tr	3	She spread out her palms in an appealing gesture that begged him to see the funny side .
tr	3	" You looked so very discomfited , so wholly unlike the knave you supposed we would think you .
tr	3	Her eyes looked awkwardly into his , as though she were trying to steel herself for something .
tr	3	" Lord Rafe would understand perfectly , have no fear or worry that you commit any offence . "
tr	3	Adele nodded slowly , as though trying to convince herself that what he said was true .
tr	3	It was sometime later , after a great deal of awkwardness , that they were settled .
tr	3	He was alone , a circumstance that would have bewildered Rafe yet further had he but known of it .
tr	3	He would have trouble with him , and he had no wish to feel the cold kiss of steel .
tr	3	It blew on Rand at an angle , striking his left side and rippling up through his hair .
tr	3	His only reward was for Rand 's sword to press closer into the flesh of his neck .
tr	3	Abruptly the figure stopped struggling and sagged against the tree , breathing as deeply as Rand 's grip allowed .
tr	3	" You should know better than to startle me , Bron , " he reproved mildly .
tr	3	The fire burnt brightly and there were still two figures wrapped up beside its warmth , deep in sleep .
tr	3	Bron turned to Lord Rand , his mouth opening that he might make some remark to his master .
tr	3	He felt a light sensation on his neck and turned quickly , his sword swinging viciously through the air .
tr	3	Bron 's hand clamped down onto his for a moment before he gestured back to the cave .
tr	3	Rand and Bron parted before it and the knife struck the trunk of the tree behind them .
tr	3	The blade buried a good inch into the wood , its jewel encrusted handle protruding outwards between them both .
tr	3	Bron reached out a hand to it , but Rand stopped him pulling the weapon free .
tr	3	The intruder was making no effort to be stealthy and had just tripped over a small stool .
tr	3	" Outside the door , " answered Finan , sitting up and stretching his tall frame .
tr	3	Then he pulled a stool close to where the first weak flames flickered around the wood .
tr	3	" ' Tis a cold night ; ' twill be a hard winter I think . "
tr	3	You know , I believe that I have never heard you utter an impatient word , Finan . "
tr	3	" It will do him good to finally be useful to someone , " he muttered .
tr	3	Lord Brogan did not betray either surprise or dismay at this utterance , but continued in his measured pace .
tr	3	The air was stale and carried the taste of smoke , along with the savoury fragrance of meat .
tr	3	" Not as of yet ; King Ine has been too occupied to see me . "
tr	3	" Because , at its heart , I believe the problem between them is a matter of pride . "
tr	3	Lord Brogan 's voice was gentle but his eyes , beneath their drooping lids , were steely .
tr	3	In her sleep she had curled a little closer to his warmth , tucking her hand beneath her chin .
tr	3	It was almost guilty , as though he were witnessing something which he had no right to see .
tr	3	It seemed suddenly a painfully personal thing to observe , something he had no right to be doing .
tr	3	He shook her shoulder gently , and felt her move away from his touch with a sigh .
tr	3	You know that I can never be forceful before breakfast , so do not be difficult . "
tr	3	Standing in the cold morning air she pushed some wisps of hair back from her face .
tr	3	" Eda , look ; the rain has stopped and there is even a little sunshine ! "
tr	3	Adele watched him go , wondering why he seemed so distant and troubled with the arrival morning .
tr	3	Then again it might just make them even more upset and anxious to know the further trouble they faced .
tr	3	All he knew was that as he looked at her it was as if time had stood still .
tr	3	Never before had he experienced such a desire , and even now he was embarrassed by its foolishness .
tr	3	" My , my ; is not Lord Rafe a well liked man , Adele ? "
tr	3	Rafe stood , tucked the dagger into his belt , and walked to where the horses grazed peacefully .
tr	3	Adele was silent , eating her portion of rye bread and cheese with a thoughtful look upon her face .
tr	3	This new piece of information did not fit the image she had built up of Lord Rafe .
tr	3	Adele met her friend 's eyes , and Eda saw that they were as unconcerned as always they were .
tr	3	" He really should eat it , I think I shall take it to him . "
tr	3	Why then did he have to phrase it like that , so baldly and without explanation .
tr	3	" If you knew what I was thinking you would know that you need not tell me that .
tr	3	For a moment they sat in silence , and Adele could see a terrible guilt in Rafe 's face .
tr	3	" ' Tis not your place to make such an observation concerning your lord , Finn . "
tr	3	For a moment both stared at the other ; Adele in trembling fury , and Rafe in complete surprise .
tr	3	He has ignored you for most of your life , yet you speak of his kindness ? "
tr	3	Sparks of anger flew from Adele 's eyes , and Rafe observed her hands clench in to fists .
tr	3	The look she gave him left him in no doubt as to whom she was referring .
tr	3	He managed to gather his wits together just in time to save himself from a complete fall from grace .
tr	3	Adele looked slightly mollified , but continued to regard him with a faintly frosty gleam in her eyes .
tr	3	" I know that it is hard for you to have us to take care of . "
tr	3	Her eyes stirred with worry and something else that was not unfriendly , and suddenly her voice was anxious .
tr	3	Awkward did not seem to be a big enough word to describe the atmosphere that would reign .
tr	3	Although I might not know you very well , anyone could see that you are ill at ease . "
tr	3	" It is a fact that I am well aware of , Lady Eda , " replied Rafe grimly .
tr	3	Try to do that which I could not and turn from the road before you . "
tr	3	Her eyes earnestly bored into his , and in their depths he saw wistful sadness and great pain .
tr	3	The truth was far more complicated and , to be quite frank , it filled her with fear .
tr	3	Maybe it was because she and Finn had treated each other with the easy companionship of friends .
tr	3	On nights when he hadn 't been able to sleep he saw this moment as his conciliation .
tr	3	He had no destination in mind , but drifted through the camp and on into the forest .
tr	3	The tone , even more than the actual words , conveyed a great deal of hostility .
tr	3	So this was what people thought of him , this was how they expected him to act .
tr	3	He approached just as Finan , his gaze somewhat bleary , stepped out into the sunshine .
tr	3	A hunt would career madly across the countryside , and such a course could not be calculated and avoided .
tr	3	He knew that the urgency of their journey was increased greatly , as was the chance of capture .
tr	3	It was the first time Adele had addressed him since the sharp words that had passed between them .
tr	3	" Then surely we are safe , for they will not come this way again , will they ? "
tr	3	Then he heard the sound he had been dreading ; the galloping of horses and the barking of dogs .
tr	3	Valiant seemed to leap forwards suddenly , and Charger followed without encouragement from either Adele or Eda .
tr	3	Eda found herself obediently slipping from Charger 's back and was the next second firmly seated on Valiant .
tr	3	There were seven men , led by a youth probably still short of his fourteenth year .
tr	3	For a moment all was still , and then the youth urged his horse a few steps nearer .
tr	3	It was occupied by a large framed man , tending slightly towards paunch but strong looking for all that .
tr	3	Rafe 's fingers traced the lump on his head gently , wincing slightly at its tenderness .
tr	3	" What happened between your brother and I was ill chance , I meant him no harm . "
tr	3	There is only one way that can be made right ; the letting of more blood . "
tr	3	" You will be punished for whatever revenge you take upon me , " returned Rafe shortly .
tr	3	My father would have cared nought no matter how high the price ; you killed his favourite son . "
tr	3	He stood , swaying slightly , and reached out a hand to brace himself against the second chair .
tr	3	Grief was a strange thing , it made people act irrationally , did he not know that himself ?
tr	3	Crippling sadness had engulfed him as he had realised that never again would they laugh together .
tr	3	" My honour is at stake and you think I could care anything for your penitence ? "
tr	3	I know the part I played and I know that it was in innocence that I played it .
tr	3	" However , as you have stated such a course of action would not be without its consequences .
tr	3	" Added to all of this is the fact that I am indebted to you ! "
tr	3	It seems to me a little ungracious to kill you after you have done me such a good turn .
tr	3	" If you escape then this business will be at an end , you will deserve the reprieve .
tr	3	The youth pulled out his knife , twisting the blade so the jewels in the hilt caught the light .
tr	3	You fought like a madman ; t ' was for whomever was on that horse . "
tr	3	Such foolish flights of fancy were not helpful , nor were they something he usually indulged in .
tr	3	" If that is how this will be settled , then return my sword and let me go . "
tr	3	" I fear I have not made my position clear to you , ' tis my temper curse it .
tr	3	I wish you no ill , but I must be seen to do something : my family expects it .
tr	3	This is about retaining our pride , about being seen to have extracted some revenge , some recompense . "
tr	3	Rafe was silent for a moment , his head bent and his eyes fixed on the floor .
tr	3	We have been imposed upon and our movements restricted as though we had been children ! "
tr	3	" I have business to attend to ; allow me to leave that I might see to it . "
tr	3	It had never left Rafe 's father 's side during all his years of service to King Ine .
tr	3	From what he could tell there were tracks of several horses and a few hunting dogs .
tr	3	Bron shook his head indicating ignorance and Rand sighed , pinching the bridge of his nose .
tr	3	" The fighting was fierce , but when the warrior went down they dragged him over here . "
tr	3	" This is another two sets of horse tracks which are only a few hours old .
tr	3	he wondered aloud , raising his hand to his brow in bewilderment and closing his eyes .
tr	3	Why did he prefer to risk sending them away without protection into he knew not what danger ?
tr	3	" I will follow his tracks to their finish as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow .
tr	3	As to catching him ... that I will not promise , for it is a different matter entirely . "
tr	3	Bron had been studying the ground carefully as he talked , and now he reined in his horse .
tr	3	" No , Master , the two horses went in that direction , but the warrior went east . "
tr	3	" Still ; I do not like the idea of being unaware of his whereabouts . "
tr	3	" I was only wondering , Master , if perhaps you might need me here with you ? "
tr	3	After a few uncomfortable minutes of silence Lord Rand flicked his mount with his leather bridle .
tr	3	" I did not ... " " Enough , Bron , the subject becomes tiresome . "
tr	3	Bron raised his hand in a gesture of farewell , and moved to follow the warrior 's tracks .
tr	3	They lead him away from those his master followed and into a more wooded part of the forest .
tr	3	The going was harder , suited to a man on foot but less suited to a rider on horseback .
tr	3	My head aches , along with other parts of my anatomy that I cannot possibly mention .
tr	3	Both women sat in silence for a moment , listening to the sounds of the forest .
tr	3	" Finn told us that we were not to stop , not until we had reached safety .
tr	3	She felt so weary , the need to sleep weighed down her eyes and pulled on her whole body .
tr	3	The moonlight hid the expression in her eyes but flooded her face , making her appear deathly pale .
tr	3	Finn would have his glory , she only hoped that he would live to enjoy it .
tr	3	Adele 's voice trailed off , and she gazed at Eda in an open plea for understanding .
tr	3	" Yes , it ... it is pretty good , " she replied , some of her exuberance disappearing .
tr	3	I know you are tired but just a little longer and then you can rest . "
tr	3	Adele straightened and turned back to Eda , a sudden look of quiet determination settling over her features .
tr	3	Agitation churned in his stomach , and his hand moved to grip his sword in a clammy grasp .
tr	3	" ' Tis just as well Rafe is not here , " came a languid voice from behind him .
tr	3	They had been stationed as lookouts , a small group of soldiers huddled around a fire .
tr	3	Finan had lunged at his brother 's attacker , and together they had rolled from sight .
tr	3	One of the lookouts had managed to sound the alarm before an enemy 's blade had silenced him forever .
tr	3	Dim shapes began to emerge from obscurity , at first vague , nothing more than shadows .
tr	3	" You are here , my lady , the camp is not fifty yards away . "
tr	3	The reaction to this statement was not as dramatic as Eda had thought it would be .
tr	3	A page with brown hair and a liberal dusting of freckles appeared from inside the tent .
tr	3	" You are welcome to use these apartments , you look as though ... " He checked .
tr	3	He paused on the threshold at the sight of two ladies in his master 's tent .
tr	3	His words were hurried , and there could be no mistaking his desire to be gone .
tr	3	That you liked him , that you thought him kind ; anything but that which you did say ! "
tr	3	" Eda , I already know that Lord Rafe is kind and that I shall like him .
tr	3	You can hardly expect me to draw any conclusions on the short exchange that passed between us . "
tr	3	Adele had not really noticed his presence before , but now she smiled at him gently .
tr	3	The little boy 's voice trembled and Adele turned to Eda , her eyes wide with hesitation .
tr	3	Why has Lord Rafe had to leave to fetch him ; what has befallen him ? "
tr	3	Adele watched the little boy tremble , and felt tears welling up in her own eyes .
tr	3	So why was he finding it so hard to believe that Rafe was probably already dead ?
tr	3	He had engaged in enough battles to have had the idealism that he had once possessed stripped away .
tr	3	They would come from an eastern direction , and would therefore be the riders on his left .
tr	3	Rafe heaved a large sigh and cautiously made his way toward the huge animal that Finan was astride .
tr	3	He had not drawn his sword , but his men had and they were not to be ignored lightly .
tr	3	Rand 's pale blue eyes moved to take in the two mounted men to either side of him .
tr	3	" Not before I have accomplished that which I came for , " replied Rand firmly .
tr	3	Then with a suddenness that took all by surprise , Rafe dragged Rand from his horse .
tr	3	They swayed slightly and then landed , a flailing mass of limbs , in the mud .
tr	3	Not one of their men felt that interrupting the bout would be welcomed by either party .
tr	3	They sat , silent and still , their attention halved between the fight and each other .
tr	3	" Lady Adele , this is no place for women ; go back to the tent at once ! "
tr	3	Adele 's eyes met his , glowing softly with an emotion it took him several seconds to place .
tr	3	As she turned she caught sight of the principals in the argument more clearly and turned white .
tr	3	Before Finan knew what she was about she had moved forwards , thrusting her way between the crowd .
tr	3	He paused , looking up at her blankly as if wondering where she had sprung from .
tr	3	Rand , seeing that Rafe 's attention was thus diverted , landed a well aimed punch .
tr	3	Rafe fell backwards and Rand struggled to his feet , lunging forwards to where Rafe was attempting to rise .
tr	3	" Strange , for I have heard nothing of you , Finn , " replied Rand coolly .
tr	3	Both men were silent for a moment , and when Rand next spoke his voice held an unmistakable warning .
tr	3	He lifted his hand to push a strand of Adele 's hair back from her face .
tr	3	He looked suddenly , with mud smeared across his cheek and in his hair , boyish and unthreatening .
tr	3	The worry left Adele 's face immediately , but she turned to Rand a little warily .
tr	3	Adele nodded and cast a last uncertain glance at each of them before turning to leave .
tr	3	Rafe waited until she and Eda had disappeared into the mist before addressing Rand once more .
tr	3	If Adele had seen his face then she would not have felt so easy of mind .
tr	3	Rafe was silent for a few moments before finally lifting his hand to his eyes and rubbing them wearily .
tr	3	It landed , its blade buried six inches into the soil , between Rafe 's feet .
tr	3	Still , he had the same information concerning Rand , but was it really worth anything ?
tr	3	Strange that even though sixteen years had passed since that day , he would have known him anywhere .
tr	3	Now , without the desperation and anxiety pumping through his veins , he was incredibly tired .
tr	3	" I wish to finish the feud between our families once and for all , " responded Rand .
tr	3	" They deserve that their lives should mean something , they should be the means to end this . "
tr	3	For a second the tent was silent and then Rafe turned to meet Rand 's eyes .
tr	3	" It took me years to find her , she was seven before I did . "
tr	3	" She has no need of you ; my family has been hers these sixteen years . "
tr	3	" Yes , I have seen how much of a family you have been to her ! "
tr	3	" Every moment of every day I am reminded of the things my family has done . "
tr	3	You fought against us , Rand , your friends whom you had lived with in brotherhood !
tr	3	I was torn by conflicting loyalties , and suffered agonies of which you know nothing . "
tr	3	" I should have told you that I would have no part in this foolish scheme of yours . "
tr	3	" You had best not let me catch you playing the bridegroom to Adele , Finan ! "
tr	3	Rafe shook his head , his eyes travelling for an infinitesimal second to where Rand stood .
tr	3	" I think we have discussed the most pressing of the circumstances that face us . "
tr	3	" You have said all that you need for today , she is very tired and so is Eda .
tr	3	For one thing it would not work , and I would only succeed in looking foolish .
tr	3	" Then I suppose there is nought for it but to retire to my own camp . "
tr	3	He stood , glanced around the room , and gave a nod before disappearing thought the tent flap .
tr	3	Finan had moved into the seat Rand had vacated , and his face was studiously devoid of expression .
tr	3	Rafe gave a shout of laughter , and Finan lifted his eyes heavenward , shaking his head .
tr	3	" Had he been a veritable Goliath he would have seemed shorter than you remember . "
tr	3	After a few moments Rafe 's smile faded , and they all fell back into an uncomfortable silence .
tr	3	Suppose he believed all that Rand had told him , did it make that much difference ?
tr	3	Rafe always said that together they could see the situation clearer , without the prejudices that just one experienced .
tr	3	Rafe would have done anything to help someone in need , it wasn 't that which he resented .
tr	3	However , it only occurred to him now to wonder what the impact had been on Rand 's life .
tr	3	To them I am still Finan and that is how you will address me to them . "
tr	3	" That Lady Adele said that ... " " No , no ; after that . "
tr	3	" Then Lady Eda said that she was asking whether Lady Adele had liked you . "
tr	3	" I thought you said she did not know it was you who wrote to her ? "
tr	3	" Nothing , ' tis merely that I like your choice of spy , Rafe ! "
tr	3	The reminder of your incompetence puts me in no good humour with you , " responded King Ine sharply .
tr	3	In his opinion war was the final stand , reached only when every other path had been exhausted .
tr	3	Any agreement that might be reached cannot be imagined to be anything but short lived . "
tr	3	" That is because conflict is a failure to settle things reasonably , " answered Lord Brogan .
tr	3	" And ' tis not certain that we would be victorious , " continued Lord Brogan .
tr	3	Lord Brogan knew it was best for Rafe to have at least a hand in the matter .
tr	3	What man with such an advantage could possibly fail at anything he turned his hand to ?
tr	3	King Ine looked slightly relieved , as though the problem had been weighing heavily on his mind .
tr	3	" You remember , Brogan , the battles that took place between ourselves and Kent during the uprising .
tr	3	You think that it may prove impossible to destroy the treaty between them and Mercia ? "
tr	3	" I thought you should know that Rafe might understand a little better the task before him . "
tr	3	She knew she was not going to be able to sleep until she had faced it .
tr	3	If she was honest with herself , she found herself thinking about Finn far too often .
tr	3	To have betrayed him so terribly after his many kindnesses to her over the years , after his patience .
tr	3	She felt herself pulled this way and that ; lost , hopeless , and somehow so very alone .
tr	3	How could he have known the events he would set in motion when he sent Finn to collect her ?
tr	3	Since the beginning she had been nought but trouble to him , and yet he had been so kind .
tr	3	She would pay back her dues in full , and return all that he had given her so freely .
tr	3	" I wish Lord Brogan were here , perhaps he could make Rafe see sense . "
tr	3	His anger against Rand was ... I do not know , but it was somehow unlike him . "
tr	3	' Tis only when the argument does not touch him that he is capable of diplomacy . "
tr	3	Instead of saying so however he asked what had put such a notion into Finan 's head .
tr	3	" I do not know ; he seemed to resent Rand 's claim on Lady Adele . "
tr	3	" I have seen him negotiate the most difficult and delicate surrender after two days without sleep .
tr	3	You cannot say that did not touch him personally , for his men 's lives were at stake . "
tr	3	Before he could say a word a young soldier called his , or rather Rafe 's , name .
tr	3	There was no sun , only thick mist and there was a decided chill in the air .
tr	3	Finan reined in his trembling mount , but did not attempt to slide from the horse 's back .
tr	3	The yard was full of men , soldiers leaning upon their spears , their attention focused on Finan .
tr	3	" A small deception that was necessary , I would never have enticed you here alone otherwise . "
tr	3	" Unfortunately yours seem to have caught up with you and they are demanding retribution . "
tr	3	Hardly had he finished speaking than , with a jerk of his wrist , Finan threw his dagger .
tr	3	The journey seemed long , he could feel blood flowing from his wound and soaking his tunic .
tr	3	It didn 't matter what happened to him , they had already failed in their objective .
tr	3	He lay across Brute 's back as the horse stood shaking and steaming in the cold air .
tr	3	With supreme effort he opened his eyes to find himself looking up into a distraught face .
tr	3	Rand 's hand and a good part of the sleeve of his tunic , was soaked with blood .
tr	3	Rand stood , a curiously grim expression entering his face as he pulled his sword from its scabbard .
tr	3	The soldiers would never have ventured so close to the camp had they known of its existence .
tr	3	Even Finan had been surprised to find the camp he had entered was not his own .
tr	3	However , as more and more men emerged from the mist , they took to flight .
tr	3	" You know , even as a child you lived up to that red hair of yours .
tr	3	As he pulled aside the flap that covered the opening , the soldier inside turned brandishing his sword .
tr	3	Rand was struck by an odd feeling of nostalgia , for it was a gesture he remembered well .
tr	3	" Come , Rand ; it was a while ago , but surely you remember Rafe 's pride ? "
tr	3	Lord Brogan and Rafe talked it through and decided that it was the best way . "
tr	3	" He knew his father to be right , but for a long time he was uncomfortable with it .
tr	3	The warmth of the furs that covered him and the softness cushioning his head felt out of place .
tr	3	Rafe had to admit the truth of this statement , but it did little to quell his temper .
tr	3	We none of us will ever be able to forget , it would be wrong to try .
tr	3	He looked up as they crossed the threshold , but shook his head at their unasked question .
tr	3	His voice was steady , but there was a white line of anger around his mouth .
tr	3	Rafe took hold of the fur that covered the bed and attempted to pull it back .
tr	3	Rafe pulled back the coverings on the bed to see that the bandage was marked red .
tr	3	His foster brother 's face was flushed , a thin film of perspiration covering it with an unhealthy sheen .
tr	3	" There must be some sort of sign that tells if he will recover or not ! "
tr	3	Drogo looked towards his master , but Rand shook his head and Drogo was obliged to hold his tongue .
tr	3	" It would probably be best if we join our camps together , we are vulnerable apart . "
tr	3	Rafe 's face darkened as he looked again to Finan 's restless movements upon the bed .
tr	3	Adele was very still , looking up at him and yet not really seeing him at all .
tr	3	" He requires a few moments of Lady Adele 's time , " the boy repeated carefully .
tr	3	Adele rose from the bed hurriedly and moved to where her clothes hung over a chair .
tr	3	" The fact that he has not is proof that something is very wrong , " returned Adele .
tr	3	Adele was at the opening of the tent , gesturing that he was now permitted to enter .
tr	3	Eda hesitated uncomfortably but , on encountering a nod from Adele , moved toward the opening .
tr	3	He saw confusion in her eyes , a turmoil of thoughts that caused a slight furrow between her brows .
tr	3	Adele looked up at him , her huge eyes filled with a sudden and new self-consciousness .
tr	3	For her he had just been Finn and she had liked him , they had been friends .
tr	3	Yet in a second all that was gone , for her as well as for him .
tr	3	She could not bear the distaste in his manner , the frustration she had seen etched in his face .
tr	3	Adele sank into a deep curtsy , feeling very foolish that she could think of nought else to say .
tr	3	Even now , when filled with anger for her , he was still trying to be kind .
tr	3	" Do not regard my foolishness , my lord , " she met his eyes squarely .
tr	3	Every line of his posture told of his frustration , his exasperation at the situation he found himself in .
tr	3	Now she felt very young and inadequate , filled with an awkwardness that held her mute before him .
tr	3	She wished only that he would leave and put an end to the scene between them .
tr	3	All the while Rafe continued to pace , noticing her silence and the deadened look in her eyes .
tr	3	Confronted with any situation he had always known what should be done , and had accomplished it .
tr	3	Just when he needed it , when it mattered most to him , his confidence faltered .
tr	3	Then again , how many times had he been called upon to settle any dispute which involved women ?
tr	3	She fell into the comfort of her friend 's embrace to cry bitter tears that shook her violently .
tr	3	" And the Lord Rafe who spoke to me just a moment ago was nothing like Finn . "
tr	3	" I dare say he felt just as awkward as you did , " soothed Eda .
tr	3	Eda put her arm around her friend 's shoulders and drew her into a comforting embrace .
tr	3	Adele was too upset to be reasonable and her time was far better spent trying to sooth her .
tr	3	The question came as such a surprise that for a moment Eda was quite devoid of breath .
tr	3	" It was no more than that , we should never have imagined that it was . "
tr	3	He had been so much older than them , to him they were little more than children .
tr	3	She and Adele had often talked of him , of his handsomeness and the excellence of his person .
tr	3	Yet she had always admired him from afar , it had been Adele he was drawn to .
tr	3	He had begun to take more notice of Eda , and his manner had become steadily warmer .
tr	3	Perhaps he had only been friendly and then , sensing her attachment , had seen his mistake .
tr	3	Maybe she had , but it no longer mattered for the end had been the same .
tr	3	" Come , Adele ; if you did not love him you would not feel so wretched . "
tr	3	Rafe nodded , dusk was approaching and it was necessary to accomplish their plans before it was completely dark .
tr	3	For a moment both men were silent , and then Rafe flung himself from his seat .
tr	3	" I fear that we will not know why until Finan recovers sufficiently to tell us . "
tr	3	" No matter ; it has been my observation that great anger needs much fuel to sustain its intensity .
tr	3	' Tis probable that a period of calm reflection will do much to make the matter clear . "
tr	3	" The one which , I have no doubt , you have prepared a monologue for . "
tr	3	" You are fortunate , my friend ; I have prepared words of wisdom on both subjects . "
tr	3	" Do not be so anxious ; your discomfort will only make her ill at ease .
tr	3	Try instead to put all that is past behind you , there is no help in looking back . "
tr	3	" And now I have given so freely of my great acumen , I will leave you . "
tr	3	" No , but ... I did not wish your hopes to be raised only to be disappointed . "
tr	3	Lady Eda , though upon occasion irritating of manner , is I believe a perfectly agreeable young lady . "
tr	3	For an unguarded moment Rafe 's eyes betrayed a light not unlike the light of battle .
tr	3	" Even if she were fool enough to swallow such a tale I would soon set her right . "
tr	3	" Really , Rafe , and here I was thinking I would rid you of your unwanted burden . "
tr	3	However his opinions on his betrothal , his marriage , and Lady Adele , were closely guarded .
tr	3	Something in Rafe 's eyes told him that his friend was considering visiting physical harm upon his person .
tr	3	Rafe would have been furious , knowing that he had no way to defend himself or his actions .
tr	3	The look on Rafe 's face assured him that his efforts had been to no purpose .
tr	3	Some friend he 'd turned out to be , leaving him to the mercy of his own thoughts .
tr	3	Would the chilly formality that had sprung up between them replace the warmth of friendship that had been before ?
tr	3	It seemed so strange to think of Adele being cold , almost a contradiction in terms .
tr	3	He didn 't want to be the one who made her sad and miserable , cold and depressed .
tr	3	He was starting to think that anything would have been better than the way that conversation had gone .
tr	3	At least if they had yelled at one another there would have been a relief of some sort .
tr	3	They would have shouted and argued and then they would have felt badly and apologised to each other .
tr	3	That would have been the end of the matter , because that was how it was between friends .
tr	3	Chapter Twenty Four " Lady Adele , might I beg a moment of your time ? "
tr	3	Adele 's eyes rested , in their softly unfocused way , upon the man that stood before her .
tr	3	His features were restrained , as though it were a fight to keep his emotions in check .
tr	3	Eda pulled a large bag from its hiding place , carefully running a hand over its surface .
tr	3	His thoughts drifted to Rafe , and he decided that his gratitude was not so very overpowering after all .
tr	3	There could be no mistaking his lanky form as he sat in a chair by the fire .
tr	3	Adele noticed his hands were shaking and that his eyes were puffy from lack of sleep .
tr	3	He had obviously tried his best , and in his place Adele would have done the same .
tr	3	" I think that it would be best if we tried to bring the fever down . "
tr	3	She pulled a strand of leather out of the pouch on her belt and tied her hair back .
tr	3	Drogo returned , carrying a pot of hot water that he placed at the fire 's edge .
tr	3	" How he burns , Eda , I wish there was some way to submerge him . "
tr	3	" This way will do well enough , ' twill be harder for us is all . "
tr	3	She pushed the damp hair back from her face , thinking that never had she been so hot before .
tr	3	" ' Tis too soon to tell if there is much of a difference , " she responded .
tr	3	She felt a hand fall heavily on her shoulder , and looked up to see Finn standing over her .
tr	3	Adele remained completely still , looking up at him with the dazed expression of someone very tired .
tr	3	Adele could not remember very much of the man that now lay senseless on the bed .
tr	3	He had seemed brusque when they had spoken , but then , she understood why now .
tr	3	For a while she rested , but something was nagging at the back of her mind .
tr	3	She screwed up her eyes trying to ignore the feeling , then shook her head and opened them again .
tr	3	She looked surprised , and muttered something that could have been a thank you before turning away .
tr	3	For a moment Adele was distracted by the thought that Finan was such an old friend of Rafe 's .
tr	3	Eda rose from her place by the fire and took the medicine she had made to Finan 's bed .
tr	3	Adele had the satisfaction of seeing surprise , and even a little panic , leap into his eyes .
tr	3	No one , absolutely no one , had ever dared to talk to him like that .
tr	3	Yes ... he would regret anything said to Adele in a moment of anger that might cause her distress .
tr	3	Few things in his life had been good , let alone imparted that feeling onto him .
tr	3	It hadn 't hurt that she had been one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen .
tr	3	Most importantly she had been obvious in her admiration of him , it had been her best quality .
tr	3	Goodness knew he had not wanted to , but in the end there had been no other choice .
tr	3	He had suffered the sharpest twinges of conscience watching the hurt and bewilderment in her face , the disillusionment .
tr	3	She sighed irritably and turned again to the trio on the other side of the tent .
tr	3	Adele couldn 't believe how desperately she longed for him to feel that level of affection for her also .
tr	3	It should not be more than a few hours before he wakes , but he will be weak . "
tr	3	" I-I ... forgive me ... " Rafe shook his head , making a clumsy gesture of reassurance .
tr	3	" When we first met , you said Finn was a friendly name , " Rafe swallowed awkwardly .
tr	3	Adele had said nothing , she didn 't smile but she didn 't seem offended either .
tr	3	He stepped back from the bed and watched as the two ladies coaxed the medicine down Finan 's throat .
tr	3	He owed them much , and shuddered to think what might have happened if they had not been present .
tr	3	His gaze shifted back to Adele and he found he derived great enjoyment from watching her .
tr	3	She was his bride and she was lovely ; not just in form , but also in spirit .
tr	3	They had seemed comfortable together , Rand leaning over her , his head a scant few inches from hers .
tr	3	They had been so deep in conversation and absorbed in each other that they might have been alone .
tr	3	Now he found that instead of the uncertainty those words had created receding , it was gathering in force .
tr	3	He had hardly spoken since entering the room , but had availed himself of copious amounts of liquid refreshment .
tr	3	He looked up and caught the glitter of the blade , and the flash of rubies and emeralds .
tr	3	He watched silently as the youth tossed it , cleverly manipulating its movements so that it seemed to dance .
tr	3	" Yes , but ... I am afraid there is a little more to it than that . "
tr	3	" ' Tis my master that will kill me , there is no place that he cannot reach ! "
tr	3	" That I have failed , that I have come to you and told you all ! "
tr	3	------ It had been a long night , longer than any he could remember having suffered before .
tr	3	" I dreamed that I was a child again and my mother was bathing my face . "
tr	3	Rafe laid a hand on Finan 's shoulder , pushing him back down on the bed .
tr	3	" Finan , you were in a bad way , we knew not what to do .
tr	3	If it had not been for Adele and Eda , we would have lost you . "
tr	3	No ; he stated quite definitely that it was his master that sought Rafe 's demise . "
tr	3	" I understand him and know that this is not something that he would do . "
tr	3	Chapter Twenty Six Adele stood just inside the tent opening and Rafe cursed roughly under his breath .
tr	3	Nothing in Adele 's face suggested that she had heard his remark , but somehow he knew she had .
tr	3	" ' Tis best , Finan , you are still weak and need your rest . "
tr	3	Finan came close to telling her precisely what she could do with her eggs and milk .
tr	3	Just in time he caught sight of the warning in Rafe 's eyes , and decided better of it .
tr	3	" No indeed , Finan ; ' tis I who you wish would cease to trouble you ! "
tr	3	Finan could not deny the truth of her statement , but that only made things worse .
tr	3	Adele returned from the fireside , carrying a wooden bowl in one hand and a cup in the other .
tr	3	" I promise I will not drive you to insanity , Finan , " assured Adele .
tr	3	Finan 's brow wrinkled in thought and he turned to Rafe with a hunted expression in his eyes .
tr	3	Rafe listened to her speech closely , trying to discern if there was any resentment in her words .
tr	3	Rafe saw a strange expression enter Adele 's face , almost as though she had been struck .
tr	3	I would not like her to wake up and find me gone , she would worry . "
tr	3	" I think I can promise that I shall not try to do so today , my lady . "
tr	3	Finan forced a smile , trying to ignore her interference , knowing that she meant well .
tr	3	Before Finan could be surprised at the grateful tremor in her voice , she was gone .
tr	3	Finan settled himself further down on the bed that he might comfortably drift back to sleep .
tr	3	He might only make things worse , he seemed only to hurt her rather than make matters better .
tr	3	However , she had not been used to thinking of herself as a form of torture .
tr	3	She came to an abrupt halt in the midst of the tents , but did not turn .
tr	3	He stood barely a step away , not reaching out to her or trying to make her face him .
tr	3	If his mother were here she would embrace Adele and tell her that all would be fine .
tr	3	He must not give her the chance to refuse him while her pride was still smarting .
tr	3	It was small and soft , the fingers long , elegant and very , very cold .
tr	3	Rafe had no desire to release her and as Adele made no move to disentangle herself .
tr	3	His heart had begun to hammer faster , and where their hands touched a fiery warmth had sprung up .
tr	3	He was acutely conscious of the tingling sensation Adele 's hand had left where their skin had met .
tr	3	They were sitting by the fire in the great hall , surrounded by preparations for the mid day meal .
tr	3	It was a cruel trick to play upon him , he who took such pleasure in warfare .
tr	3	Brogan , who would not have cared if his son had shown no aptitude for fighting .
tr	3	The only time he was ever of any use and it had to be under Rafe 's command .
tr	3	" I believe he wished to converse with Rafe regarding how to proceed in this matter with Kent . "
tr	3	He was what he was , and that was how he demanded the world take him .
tr	3	Perhaps their friendship was based on nothing more than the fact that they knew each other .
tr	3	They knew how far they could trust , or push , or rely on each other .
tr	3	I know , of course , that you are no mean swordsman , but Stefan is an artist . "
tr	3	For the second time Rafe saw a similarity between the brothers which was normally conspicuous by its absence .
tr	3	There was a thoughtful look in his eyes , a cloudiness that he seemed to be trying to resolve .
tr	3	Before he could say a word Rafe interrupted him with an impatient toss of his head .
tr	3	Rafe lost some of the anger that radiated through his being and found himself feeling a little abashed .
tr	3	" So then ... Rafe and Adele are safe , " Rand 's voice was dazed .
tr	3	Rafe shook his head , trying to force his brain to accept so outlandish a suggestion .
tr	3	Still , he must have a reason , however obscure and twisted it may be . "
tr	3	" I suppose it matters not , the important thing is that we are prepared . "
tr	3	However , if you stay , you stay with the knowledge that Rand is my ally .
tr	3	Rand took the sword from him , raising the blade so that it was parallel to his body .
tr	3	asked Rafe , his voice betraying the depth of his surprise even more than his expression .
tr	3	" Come ; surely you did not think I came out of love for my fellow man ?
tr	3	If Wessex becomes unstable then my lands are endangered , I will not allow that to happen . "
tr	3	He had no wish to begin more bloodshed and here was an option that alleviated the necessity of warfare .
tr	3	" The plan seems sound , I foresee no difficulty , " Rafe 's voice was slow .
tr	3	" Then there seems little else to decide upon , " stated Rafe , breaking the silence .
tr	3	Without realising he had moved , he found himself at her side and took her hand in his .
tr	3	" After all you have lost , my lady , your forgiveness does you credit . "
tr	3	This was it , Rand thought , the moment he had both longed for and dreaded .
tr	3	He didn 't flinch but stood his ground , ready to accept the bitterness of her rage .
tr	3	My father ... " Adele shook her head , and he clasped her hands tightly within his own .
tr	3	Rand shook his head , words sticking in his throat even as he fought to express himself .
tr	3	Only think ; in these last few moments I have gained that which I had thought lost forever . "
tr	3	A smile trembled on her lips even as tears rushed forth to spill down her face .
tr	3	Rafe watched as they embraced again , a sharp feeling of pain and dismay tugging at his chest .
tr	3	If she found such plain speaking embarrassing , it was just a feeling she would have to endure .
tr	3	He felt as though he had somehow mislaid the confidence he had been so full of just moments before .
tr	3	She stood as he entered ; looking very much as though she wished she could be somewhere else .
tr	3	He had the sudden startling recollection of the first time he had seen her at the fort .
tr	3	He remembered the way he had looked her over and dismissed her scornfully as a foolish child .
tr	3	When his mind was as preoccupied , as it was now , it was his custom to pace .
tr	3	Her interjections were preventing him from coming to the point , and nothing irritated him more than interruption .
tr	3	However every time he opened his mouth to speak , his pride choked the words in his throat .
tr	3	He looked up , seeking a sign that she had followed the thread of his words .
tr	3	" I mean that if it is your wish , I will release you from our betrothal . "
tr	3	" But I do not precisely see what that has to do with our betrothal . "
tr	3	" It has nought to do with the battle , or anything save yourself , " replied Rafe .
tr	3	To his great astonishment , she leaned forwards and slipped one of her small , soft hands into his .
tr	3	" And you never ... " The thought had escaped his mouth before he could stop it .
tr	3	Rafe felt an extremely foolish smile curve his lips , but was powerless to remove or restrain it .
tr	3	His hand had tightened around hers , pressing her fingers into the calloused skin of his palm .
tr	3	Adele blushed and there was a slight pause as both of them wondered what to do next .
tr	3	Adele 's voice was uncertain , and looking into her eyes Rafe saw that they were clouded with worry .
tr	3	He kissed her lightly , softly , hoping she would not reject the intimacy of the gesture .
tr	3	Adele 's eyes were slightly dazed , and she seemed to have trouble concentrating on his voice .
tr	3	The words were not said easily , but they were more precious to Adele for that very reason .
tr	3	Rafe smiled and gripped her waist , pulling her from the chair to perch on his knee .
tr	3	" So did I. " He grinned mischievously , an enthusiastic and robust gleam entering his eyes .
tr	3	They were engaged in a somewhat prolonged kiss that both seemed to be enjoying with equal ardour .
tr	3	" I have no intention of placing any trust in him at all , Finan . "
tr	3	" Rand will stay here with his men to see that you and the ladies are kept safe . "
tr	3	She continued to stare at the blade for some time before handing it back to Rafe .
tr	3	------- The trap had been set , Rafe could only hope that their wait would not be long .
tr	3	Rafe tried not to think of them , of the fear that somehow they would get hurt .
tr	3	The lank straight hair and beard were just the same , but his bearing was somehow different .
tr	3	He held himself tall , a man who had power and was prepared to use it with devastating effect .
tr	3	His enemy , instead of being dead as he had been promised , was very much alive .
tr	3	The cold jewel encrusted familiarity gave him some reassurance as he looked into the face of evil .
tr	3	It was a gesture Rafe had seen him make many times before , but this time it seemed sinister .
tr	3	Your family has worked itself into a position of unparalleled trust for the last four generations .
tr	3	When will you realise that they are just words that we use to hide the truth .
tr	3	Rafe 's eyes met his and saw them gleam with excitement , then he kicked the chair from between .
tr	3	The swords touched with a scrape and clang of metal ; the jolt travelled up Rafe 's arm painfully .
tr	3	As the ring of metal against metal filled the room , Rafe realised that something had gone wrong .
tr	3	Rafe wielded his sword and just managed to prevent the blow from falling on his shoulder .
tr	3	The fighting wore on , desperate and vicious , until one shout was heard above the general tumult .
tr	3	There was silence , and a moment later the metallic ring of weapons as they fell to the ground .
tr	3	Rafe kept his sword raised , ready to employ it at a moment 's notice if need be .
tr	3	" You had better know , swine , or a great many vastly unpleasant things will befall you ! "
tr	3	Rafe gazed into the terrified eyes of his quarry and knew him to be telling the truth .
tr	3	" You will find that , of all things , I despise betrayal more than aught else .
tr	3	" You will mete out punishment to me , he would not have been so kind .
tr	3	" I wish I could take the praise for so excellent a throw , but I fear I cannot .
tr	3	They looked anxious , but seemed to accept that Finan would not like them to fuss .
tr	3	He was much paler than he had been , and beads of perspiration stood out on his brow .
tr	3	Yet she knew he would rather freeze then have his men see him swaddled as a infant .
tr	3	The answer gave nothing of her inner thoughts away , and for some time they were silent .
tr	3	Rand looked at those standing near ; they were close enough to hear what he and Eda were saying .
tr	3	He had no wish for an audience when he said that which he was going to have to articulate .
tr	3	Eda went white , her face losing its colour so quickly that Rand thought she might faint .
tr	3	" There is no excuse that I can give you , " he continued with difficulty .
tr	3	Something that sounded suspiciously like a curse burst from Eda 's lips , and her face flooded with anger .
tr	3	How could he be so cruel as to mortify her by talking of her love for him ?
tr	3	Silence followed , so absolute that Eda held her breath so as not to disturb it .
tr	3	Worse , she had questioned his honour and Rand held nothing as dear as his honour .
tr	3	He knew its value , and he knew how it felt to bear a stain upon it .
tr	3	Over Rand 's shoulder she saw the camp and , thinking only of escape , made to walk away .
tr	3	" I would have arranged for a private moment alone in the orchard at the fort ! "
tr	3	" When we were ... friends ... you liked me a little , did you not ? "
tr	3	Rand felt as though something had withered inside of him , leaving a bitter taste in his mouth .
tr	3	" Forgive me , I should never have asked you , should not have supposed that you could . "
tr	3	" I have revealed so much , but you ; you have told me nothing at all . "
tr	3	I thought that if I told you the truth you would think that I was like my father . "
tr	3	For a time both were silent , and Eda waited in expectant excitement for Rand 's next words .
tr	3	Eda stepped forward , burying her flushed face in Rand 's shoulder and wrapping her arms around him .
tr	3	" You are mine now , Eda , and I swear you shall never regret it . "
tr	3	A slow smile curled Eda 's lips and she reached out hand to touch his cheek .
tr	3	" Now you are just being bad tempered , and that 's no way to please a man .
tr	3	Chapter Thirty One Lord Brogan dismounted and looked around him ; the camp was bustling with activity .
tr	3	The unfortunate soldier looked from one to the other of the men and lost his power of speech .
tr	3	" I think it would be best then if I see Lady Adele , " returned Lord Brogan thoughtfully .
tr	3	The soldier bowed , eager to have them off his hands , and beckoned that they should follow him .
tr	3	Finan has been wounded and I asked that he might be given time to rest without disturbance .
tr	3	His face betrayed nothing of his thoughts yet Rafe 's reflected his thoughts and feelings clearly .
tr	3	Lord Brogan was very still and restive , so completely opposite to his son 's impatient temperament .
tr	3	The only similarity Adele could make out was their dark eyes , smouldering with great vitality .
tr	3	His outburst went unnoticed by the rest of the room , and Lord Brogan 's eyes met Rand 's .
tr	3	The same omniscient light shone in his eyes , heavily cloaked by an air of extreme weariness .
tr	3	I believe he feared for her safety should his plans to retrieve her become common knowledge .
tr	3	However he , Lady Adele , and Lady Eda were attacked a day 's journey from the fort .
tr	3	He suffered greatly from fever and did not recover until Lady Adele and Lady Eda managed to cool him .
tr	3	" It seems I owe you much , Rand ; both my son and a daughter . "
tr	3	" I was following them , I wished to see that they arrived safely at their destination . "
tr	3	He had always cracked , they all had ; even Rafe could not stand before that all seeing gaze .
tr	3	Over time we were able to become friends first and she learnt to trust me . "
tr	3	She did not like to admit it but the calm and dignified man before her made her nervous .
tr	3	Adele 's eyes had taken on a faraway look and her lips were touched with a reminiscent smile .
tr	3	" I think that it was difficult for us both at first , " she ventured at last .
tr	3	His words startled Adele , they were so far removed from that which had gone before .
tr	3	" I was sitting in my tent , trying to forget the bloody mess that existed outside .
tr	3	She had the prettiest little girl with her ; big blue eyes and hair touched with sunshine . "
tr	3	Adele fingered the thick plait that lay over her shoulder , a regretful look on her face .
tr	3	I am of course grateful but ... " She broke off , tears tightening her throat .
tr	3	Her voice , as well as her words , had told him all he needed to know .
tr	3	" You are very fond of my son , are you not , my dear ? "
tr	3	Adele turned to him , forcing her eyes to meet his , and saw that his gaze was tender .
tr	3	" I had always hoped that such a thing might happen , " continued Lord Brogan .
tr	3	On his side all I can promise you is that he will make you an interesting husband .
tr	3	He is kind and generous , and will do everything in his power to keep you safe and happy .
tr	3	However , he has a good heart and always seeks to stay true to it . "
tr	3	The light from the fire dazzled his eyes and for a few moments he stood on the threshold blinded .
tr	3	His was so intent in his search for Adele that at first he did not see his father .
tr	3	She stepped forward and Rafe pulled her to rest against him , laying his cheek briefly against her hair .
tr	3	Why would he wish you dead , it still makes no sense to me , " broke in Finan .
tr	3	Rafe rubbed a hand against the rasping growth of the day old beard upon his chin .
tr	3	" He seems to think his valour was not adequately repaid and I was favoured above him . "
tr	3	" I do not understand why he should wish to have killed Adele , however . "
tr	3	" I think , my lords , that it is time that Eda and I retired . "
tr	3	Rafe turned from his contemplation of the floor , his wretchedness of spirit visible upon his face .
tr	3	Complete stillness greeted this question , and Lord Brogan weighed his every word carefully before he spoke it .
tr	3	" No , Rafe ; it was not the whole reason , " he answered wearily .
tr	3	Of the Houses that offered for Lady Adele , there were only three that were suitable .
tr	3	" These are the secondary considerations ; the most important thing was always Lady Adele 's safety . "
tr	3	" Much trouble did come from my deceiving Adele , just as you said it would . "
tr	3	" Have no fear , sweetheart ; I will kill the man who thinks to hurt you . "
tr	3	" I have no fear for myself , Finn , how many times must I tell you that ?
tr	3	Rafe was so pleased by this assurance that their progress through the camp was halted for some considerable time .
tr	3	" Adele , you were not upset by my father 's words tonight , were you ? "
tr	3	However , do not dare call me by the wrong name when we take our vows .
tr	3	And yet so many promises , so many stories , so many secrets are yet untold .
tr	3	All she wanted was for her friend to regain the happiness that his family missed so much .
tr	3	If the time comes , will he be able to forgive the woman that betrayed him ?
tr	3	A Spy Like Me is the most fun we 've had in Paris since Anna and the French Kiss .
tr	3	And this morning I talked with your dad about a possible job with Spy Games . "
tr	3	Malcolm kneeled on the blanket as he laid out fancy cloth napkins and poured the cider .
tr	3	A gentle breeze rippled the sleeves of his shirt and teased the hair above his ears .
tr	3	Using my famous Spy Games knots , I tied the napkins around his wrists , tightly .
tr	3	I grabbed a strawberry tart , because prosecuting a spy makes one hungry , and continued my attack .
tr	3	" When asking a girl out on a date , especially in Paris , certain expectations are involved .
tr	3	" Once you were close to the girl , the plan was to infiltrate her father 's company .
tr	3	" There 's more to the story , " he murmured , his gaze lingering on my lips .
tr	3	" I proclaim you guilty on all accounts for espionage and for asking a girl out under false pretenses .
tr	3	He moved to kiss me again , and I was tempted to give in to his tactics .
tr	3	" You are hereby sentenced to fifteen minutes of intense embarrassment by sitting in your underwear in public . "
tr	3	Others saw what looked like a questionable scene and hurried by , not wanting to get involved .
tr	3	Or like I belonged to some secret , ancient society that murdered people for no apparent reason .
tr	3	The ties had to come off , and I couldn 't hide in his shadow forever like a coward .
tr	3	My legs trembled and panic set my skin on fire as I scooted around his body .
tr	3	I tugged at the binds , but they weren 't called my specialty knots for nothing .
tr	3	" This might hurt but I need to pull you to safety while I go for help . "
tr	3	I heard the ping first and felt the pricks of shattered tree bark against my back .
tr	3	This time I did run my fingers across his cheek , then I smoothed his hair .
tr	3	The back of my neck tensed at the urgency in his voice , and I glanced around .
tr	3	We could both stay here all night like sitting ducks , just hoping the shooter would leave us alone .
tr	3	I was rooted to his side , too scared to go , too scared to stay .
tr	3	I wove in and out of the trees , cutting zigzag lines to throw off the invisible shooter .
tr	3	Just a kind man with probably a simple life , maybe some grandchildren an hour away .
tr	3	And then the silent movie would start again and the scene would play over and over .
tr	3	After what seemed like an extremely long time , I pushed up and peeked around the cart .
tr	3	With a slight limp , I walked the perimeter of the Eiffel , searching for Malcolm .
tr	3	Finally , I leaned against a tree , letting the crowds of people blur in and out .
tr	3	But no matter how hard I 'd scrubbed , I couldn 't wash away the memory of what happened .
tr	3	Throwing aside any dirty clothes , I dug around in my closet and found the box .
tr	3	Thoughts of him hovered in the room , not letting go , not leaving me alone .
tr	3	Dad was buried in the morning newspaper , his legs sprawled out to the side of the table .
tr	3	" If he so much as touched a hair on your head -- " " Whoa !
tr	3	Dad hadn 't shown he cared this much since I lost my luggage on our flight to France .
tr	3	He had this wonderful picnic -- " Dad lowered his eyebrows until they practically touched his nose .
tr	3	He 'd been trying to get me excited about his new line of work since we 'd arrived .
tr	3	He must have recognized my less than enthusiastic interactions with the wannabe spies , I mean clients .
tr	3	He gazed off , memories of past times flashing across his face , times when she was around .
tr	3	Maybe someone killed him , wrapped him up in the quilt and threw him in the river ?
tr	3	I nodded while under the table I dug my fingernails into the palms of my hands .
tr	3	Maybe he 'd gotten home last night , wrapped up his arm , and would be at work today .
tr	3	Resting my head against the front door , I traced my fingers along the grains of wood .
tr	3	Dad wanted to talk to me , really talk to me , and I 'd said no ?
tr	3	I kicked it off to the side and it landed behind a bush with a satisfying thud .
tr	3	If he didn 't walk out of the café in the next minute , I 'd scream .
tr	3	Within minutes I 'd know whether or not my date took a big drink in the Seine .
tr	3	Several times , she tried to rein it in and act casual but to no avail .
tr	3	At the Eiffel Tower , I sprinted toward our picnic spot , with Aimee right behind me .
tr	3	The dewy grass soaked my sneakers , and I shivered at the bite in the air .
tr	3	Five Aimee and I arrived outside the dirty white warehouse known as Spy Headquarters seconds to nine .
tr	3	Weeds spilled out of the cracked pavement and black and red spray paint dripped down the walls .
tr	3	Once the door closed behind me , I felt safe from any random , unexplained bullets .
tr	3	When Aimee wasn 't looking , I ditched my armor , but it wouldn 't be for long .
tr	3	Every noise that sounded close to a ping or ricochet sent fear coursing through my veins .
tr	3	As we inched closer to our take-off spot , I watched my coworkers perched like pigeons , waiting patiently .
tr	3	The spies trickled in , timid at first at the large empty space and the cold cement floor .
tr	3	They wore sunglasses and carried backpacks probably filled with spy gadgets they 'd bought off eBay .
tr	3	And then this macho man breezed through the entrance , full of swagger , wearing leather pants and sunglasses .
tr	3	He posed in the middle of the room , ready , willing , and waiting for danger .
tr	3	A light sweat formed on my body as our time to plummet towards the cement floor drew near .
tr	3	As soon as Dad strode through the side door , his boots echoing on the cement , everyone quieted .
tr	3	We needed to throw confetti and drink lemonade because I wasn 't a murderer after all .
tr	3	My whole body jerked , and it felt like my arms were going to be ripped from their sockets .
tr	3	Gray held the line , and I silently pled with him to pull me back up .
tr	3	Aimee helped me to my feet and guided me over to the rest of the staff .
tr	3	I refused to look at Malcolm , and I didn 't have to look at my dad .
tr	3	A wind blew through , and I held the beret against my head as I gripped my art supplies .
tr	3	Every few seconds , I couldn 't help but glance around for anyone suspicious holding a sniper rifle .
tr	3	In a flash , my easel was set up , canvas ready to go , and paints in hand .
tr	3	I loved being the first in the large room , enjoying the company of the masterpieces on the wall .
tr	3	And the only thought crossing my mind was that someone shot at me the night before .
tr	3	" That 's bloody nice work , " a male voice with a hot English accent said behind me .
tr	3	A young man with long bushy hair covering his eyes set up his easel near mine .
tr	3	The older woman , with long , graying hair up in a bun , tapped him on the shoulder .
tr	3	" No , but there is a café nearby where you can find a cream puff . "
tr	3	Good thing our national security wasn 't on the line , or we 'd all be dead .
tr	3	With each stroke of my paintbrush , my rage simmered , bubbling , ready to explode .
tr	3	After the stunt you pulled this morning , I 'm not the one who should be apologizing . "
tr	3	The next team that came through did better , until they shoved the money roll into my satchel .
tr	3	" The one where you told me to run from the shooting and then never met me again .
tr	3	You didn 't show up to work and then sauntered into Spy Games like a king .
tr	3	He placed his oil paints onto the stool next to him and stepped closer to me .
tr	3	Tears burned and the emotion of the night before and this morning caught up to me .
tr	3	I gathered my stuff , collapsed the easel , and flashed a scathing look at Malcolm .
tr	3	I left the fledgling spies and Malcolm behind , hurried across the courtyard , and grabbed a taxi .
tr	3	I sprinted across the grass , dodging tourists , and passed the first leg of the tower .
tr	3	I flashed my special Spy Games pass and bypassed the line for the elevator on the ground .
tr	3	After the ride up , the doors slid open at the tippy top , and I burst out .
tr	3	But what always amazed me was the wide expanse of blue , like I was overlooking the entire world .
tr	3	After taking a few deep breaths , I turned and leaned my back against the wire cage .
tr	3	I followed the memory of my mom 's hazel eyes , her smile , her laugh .
tr	3	I followed the few happy memories I had and the crazy wish she were here , looking for me .
tr	3	For them , that was when it got fun , because Frankie shot blanks at them in empty alleyways .
tr	3	As soon as she had the clue , I took off after the lady with the scarf .
tr	3	" I found the scones -- " I cut her off in the middle of her sentence .
tr	3	Please , " her voice grew desperate , " don 't do anything out of the ordinary .
tr	3	Then she started mumbling and I wasn 't sure if she was talking to me or not .
tr	3	She turned back toward me with a finger to her lips and fear in her eyes .
tr	3	The one always rushing off on trips for her scrapbooking business or locked away in her bedroom , working .
tr	3	Aimee 's hair looked a bit on the fritz , windblown strands falling in front of her face .
tr	3	" Oui , " Aimee whispered , inching toward the door while holding my arm in a death grip .
tr	3	" This woman from my group managed to say the right words and you completely ignored her . "
tr	3	How would Peyton understand that I 'd seen my mom and then received a strange message from her ?
tr	3	" As staff , you are supposed to do everything possible to fulfill our spy experience .
tr	3	Not only did you both screw up at the Louvre , but -- " My eyes widened .
tr	3	" I have to head on over to the hostage site so I don 't screw up that too .
tr	3	Why don 't you go home and soak in the tub and eat your grandmother 's cookies .
tr	3	If not , then I will have proof against him if he causes problems for us later . "
tr	3	" Good luck and stay safe , " I said , and after a quick hug , she left .
tr	3	It wasn 't like Mom was asking me to kill someone , but it was contact .
tr	3	The past few times , I 'd arrived early and Frankie and I 'd played card games .
tr	3	I entered the bookstore and navigated the narrow aisles with books towering on either side of me .
tr	3	" Bonjour , " I said , happy to be in torture mode and forgetting everything else .
tr	3	Hopefully , the caller was Aimee telling me one of the groups was on their way .
tr	3	If Malcolm hadn 't shown up to harass me at the Louvre , none of this would 've happened .
tr	3	I kicked my stool back and pressed my ear against the wooden door that opened into the shop .
tr	3	In a flash , I whipped out the rope and tied him up with one of my famous knots .
tr	3	" You still have time to follow the clues and make it back here in first place .
tr	3	I 'd have loved it if my hostage could slip out of his binds and save me right now .
tr	3	He stepped closer , his chest rising up and down as if he 'd run a marathon .
tr	3	I fumbled at the knots , but Peyton took two steps , grabbed my arm and yanked me away .
tr	3	The rough wood jabbed into my back but I refused to show any pain to this bully .
tr	3	" I don 't need you to tell me about my life , " he snarled .
tr	3	I would 've known what to say to reflect his accusation and get out of this .
tr	3	As soon as the sorrow appeared in Peyton 's eyes , it disappeared , replaced by a steely determination .
tr	3	Dad smoothed my ruffled shirt with a gentle touch and traced my cheek with the back of his fingers .
tr	3	When I had the latte in my hand and took the first sip , my mind cleared a bit .
tr	3	For a few seconds , I stood with my arm above my head , umbrella poised , listening .
tr	3	There it was , the package I 'd tripped over and then kicked behind the bush earlier today .
tr	3	Inside , I found a clunky camera , like an old Polaroid , wrapped in tissue paper .
tr	3	Tips of green stuck out so I dug under the layers of tissue paper protecting the camera .
tr	3	Like maybe she worked as a secret photographer for an entertainment magazine doing an article on pastry chefs .
tr	3	But in a situation like this , I had to follow the old rule : Follow the money .
tr	3	And in order to follow the money , I 'd need to sign up for the pastry thing .
tr	3	" Oh hi everyone , yes , I 'm the boss 's daughter who pissed off a client today .
tr	3	" Yes , I 'll be packing for boarding school because my dad is kicking me out .
tr	3	After procrastinating as long as I could and hoping the meeting was almost over , I entered the kitchen .
tr	3	The whole Spy Games staff was crammed into our kitchenette , sitting around the table drinking instant coffee .
tr	3	Now I was terrified of not only getting fired but of getting shipped away somewhere as well .
tr	3	Frankie flashed me a bored look , and then went back to stirring another sugar packet into his coffee .
tr	3	Nancy looked at me with sympathetic eyes that said , " Oh , you poor thing . "
tr	3	In no time at all , we 'll have a new mission mapped out and ready to go . "
tr	3	That was why Nancy looked at me like I 'd have to live with the guilt .
tr	3	I held the door and said goodbye , ignoring the increased pulse thrumming through my veins .
tr	3	No cracks to slip into and disappear for a while , like a month or two .
tr	3	He paused , and in that moment I could see the heartbreak written on his face .
tr	3	" Because I can 't have you working for Spy Games if you can 't take it seriously .
tr	3	As if Dad sensed my doubt , he said , " Hasn 't she always wanted to travel ? "
tr	3	" Don 't you think it 's odd that she didn 't give it to you in person ?
tr	3	His words cut through my excitement like a knife through the last piece of birthday cake .
tr	3	But it felt like someone had taken a fork to our sweet glaze and smashed it into crumbs .
tr	3	I ran over to the front door and dug out my phone from my jacket pocket .
tr	3	I 'd follow through with the Extravaganza and do a little investigating at the same time .
tr	3	With my fingers running along the wall , I stumbled down the narrow hallway and into the kitchen .
tr	3	After a pretend stretch , I pulled out a butter knife from the drawer and flipped around .
tr	3	" Maybe you didn 't get the clue the other night that I 'm not interested in you . "
tr	3	I was sure he was trying to lure me in for some sort of big revenge .
tr	3	He raised his hands as if to show his innocence while closing the gap between us .
tr	3	With his other hand , he gently eased the knife from my grasp and laid it on the table .
tr	3	Malcolm babbled on about espionage in a newbie sort-of excited way , something about night vision goggles .
tr	3	Prize money would be offered to the contestant who made it to the finals a month from now .
tr	3	" It 's not part of the route , but we started every morning here . "
tr	3	I felt like a robot , shooting out the answer to his question without any thought .
tr	3	Strangers weaved through the tables , and I wanted to scream at them to move out of the way .
tr	3	I couldn 't stop glancing at the table where Aimee and I usually sat , hoping she 'd appear .
tr	3	Maybe I 'd been so busy talking about myself , I 'd never given her a chance to talk .
tr	3	His head tilted to the side and it was like every fiber of his being was focused on me .
tr	3	I longed to hold a latte , feel the warmth on my hands , a simple distraction .
tr	3	Malcolm pressed his lips together and paused , as if to stretch out my ultimate humiliation .
tr	3	My face turned the color of a crimson sunset , or that was what it felt like .
tr	3	I tripped over my words , until I managed to ask the question burning on my mind .
tr	3	He leaned into me and whispered , " But I am known to like a bit of revenge . "
tr	3	I grabbed a small metal serving tray off a table and hit him in the stomach with it .
tr	3	I shook it off , stepped back , and grabbed my bag filled with spy gadgets .
tr	3	I was a bit jealous of the stability of living in the same place for so long .
tr	3	She held out her arms and gathered me into a hug and kissed both my cheeks .
tr	3	In fact , that was probably why Aimee and I were friends -- because she could talk to me .
tr	3	If I didn 't straighten out the story , she 'd have us married before we left .
tr	3	I didn 't know whether to belt him one or throw him to the ground and kiss him back .
tr	3	Consider this part of your training in role playing and how to question a subject . "
tr	3	When the tea was poured , and the cream and sugar added , Marie settled into her chair .
tr	3	Fear bloomed in my chest , pressing against my lungs , making it hard to breathe .
tr	3	She slept at my place last night and um , er , left early this morning .
tr	3	If Aimee was on any kind of innocent trip , her grandmother would know about it .
tr	3	I picked it up and let the beads poke into my skin before letting them slide from my fingers .
tr	3	He rubbed my shoulders , easing out the tension , then he wrapped his arms around me .
tr	3	Until Aimee returned , or I 'd rescued her , I 'd make sure Marie was okay .
tr	3	I shook off the temptation to call Dad with proof that Aimee could indeed be missing .
tr	3	" When we make a mistake , we do everything in our power to fix it . "
tr	3	He wore black jeans , a black shirt , and a black ski hat pulled over his dark hair .
tr	3	" I have a few essentials like candy bars in case we get stuck or trapped . "
tr	3	I gently closed the file drawer and then dove under the open futon where Dad slept .
tr	3	If he found us , not only would Malcolm be fired , but Dad would never trust me again .
tr	3	An hour later , we were crouched in the prickly bushes outside Peyton 's rented apartment .
tr	3	" There 's the ' button hook , ' which is just bursting into the room .
tr	3	It quickly disappeared when I thought about Aimee , possibly tied up and stuffed in a closet .
tr	3	Look for anything that might be a clue -- tickets , receipts , maps , anything . "
tr	3	I ran down a hallway that branched off the living room and went back to the bedroom .
tr	3	In the nightstand drawer was a tin of breath mints and tickets for the Eiffel tower .
tr	3	I hadn 't planned on taking extreme invasive measures unless I found something suspicious , and I had .
tr	3	Finally , I shoved the last one into a tiny crack in the sole of his sneaker .
tr	3	We rushed to the door and opened it to find ourselves face to face with Peyton .
tr	3	" We thought we 'd stop by and chat and noticed the door was open . "
tr	3	It was better he knew the real me -- the sweet , the silly , and the crab .
tr	3	Then we 'd spent the next week eating nothing but celery to lose the extra weight .
tr	3	" What 's the next plan of action if Peyton ends up a dead end ? "
tr	3	" Because we still can 't be one hundred percent sure that Peyton is our man . "
tr	3	Pretty soon , a dirty grey shell would start growing over my back and antennae would sprout .
tr	3	" If Peyton is our man , will we go to your dad or the French authorities ?
tr	3	All I had to do was pucker up , and we 'd be smooching like French lovers .
tr	3	" After especially hard or draining missions , it 's important to relax and refuel . "
tr	3	Thoughts of Peyton and prison time faded , and I curled his hair around my finger .
tr	3	" You know , you 're awfully cute when you 're ticked off , " I said .
tr	3	Malcolm tilted his head , and his face softened as if suddenly he understood the female brain .
tr	3	I didn 't want to feel that close to someone who would just leave me later .
tr	3	Peyton 's trackers showed nothing unusual , and I had no clue what to do next .
tr	3	Underneath the superficial worries about what frosting to use were thoughts of Mom 's package I 'd opened .
tr	3	My gut said it was more than it seemed , and I needed to demand she tell me everything .
tr	3	Finally , after my second failed attempt at making the perfect tart , I kicked the wall .
tr	3	Wow , the second time in a week Dad had talked to me about something other than Spy Games .
tr	3	I 'd been checking up on the trackers and so far Peyton had been a very boring tourist .
tr	3	I fumbled with the zipper on the game package , deciding to fish for some answers .
tr	3	He unzipped the bag and pulled out what looked like material from Marie 's scrap bag .
tr	3	It would only take seconds for me to find her , slice through her ropes and rescue her .
tr	3	If I tried , I could find a connection between chocolate peanut butter ice cream and Spy Games .
tr	3	An hour later , Malcolm and I hobbled , arm in arm , to the Metro .
tr	3	A derby hat sat on top of his grey head , and he had a long wizard 's beard .
tr	3	I pushed my mop of grey hair out of my eyes then smoothed down the ugliest dress ever .
tr	3	" I guess we 'll have to spend our days taking care of the grandkids then . "
tr	3	I guess lots of old married couples don 't talk when they reach a certain age .
tr	3	Aimee and I would have a good time with that one -- when I found her .
tr	3	Or coming here with her grandmother , who could fill us in on the history behind this place .
tr	3	It started a few feet ahead of us , way too far up for me to consider crossing .
tr	3	" Oh my gosh , an island would be a perfect place to hide a hostage . "
tr	3	It was almost perfect , except for the flock of pigeons that pooped all over our family and friends .
tr	3	Without any complaints about the lack of training , he was helping me in every way he could .
tr	3	" It 's not stupid if it saves my life , thank you very much . "
tr	3	I pumped my arms and tucked my head , hoping my wig wouldn 't fly off .
tr	3	I tore down the winding paths , ducking the tree branches , and leaping the cracks in the pavement .
tr	3	My lungs were screaming when I finally stopped near a bench and sucked in air , doubled over .
tr	3	The muscles in my legs quivered like I was trapped in a room with a mountain lion .
tr	3	I froze wanting to dive under the tree and wanting to sprint toward the entrance and make my escape .
tr	3	I squeezed in next to Malcolm , trying to keep my breath from sounding like gunshots .
tr	3	I tried my best to peek through the leaves of the branches but couldn 't see much .
tr	3	My mind seemed incapable of logical thought , and all the sounds around me became extremely loud .
tr	3	" It 's okay , " Malcolm said , " I think we 're out of danger . "
tr	3	Malcolm wrapped his arm around my waist , and I 'd never been so thankful for human contact .
tr	3	I screwed up at the Louvre and the Eiffel but my actions hardly deserved sudden death .
tr	3	Then I 'd opened the package anyway and went through with the instructions to sign up for the Extravaganza .
tr	3	" After I dropped the tracking device into the lake , he must have circled back . "
tr	3	My gut told me to keep it a secret , so I played along with the Peyton theory .
tr	3	He pulled off the spy backpack that I 'd made fun of when I first saw it .
tr	3	" You don 't happen to have a Hawaiian pizza in there , do you ? "
tr	3	He pulled out a handful of chocolate bars , crackers , and two small bottles of water .
tr	3	I leaned forward and kissed his cheek right above his old man beard before realizing what I was doing .
tr	3	You 're the one who 's supposed to be training me to be the ultimate spy .
tr	3	For some reason , I didn 't like the idea of Malcolm on a date with anyone else .
tr	3	" And , well , because of a misunderstanding , she got really mad at me . "
tr	3	He put his finger under my chin and lifted my head so I was looking into his eyes .
tr	3	She didn 't trust me , and when we got shot at , I couldn 't protect her . "
tr	3	Instead we locked eyes , and I felt my breath slowly squeezing out of my lungs .
tr	3	My heart quivered just before our lips brushed like the soft sprinkling of sugar on a donut .
tr	3	My body moved with the sway of the train , but he leaned away from me at every turn .
tr	3	The trackers hadn 't worked , and the device was at the bottom of the lake .
tr	3	A shadow seemed cast over the house and the cute little cottage looked a bit forlorn and neglected .
tr	3	No one seemed to be home , but I really wanted to check Aimee 's room again .
tr	3	Maybe if I relaxed and stopped trying to figure it out , the answer would come to me .
tr	3	I had no idea how far of a drop it was but the cottage wasn 't that tall .
tr	3	Whether or not that meant the intruder had left the room , I didn 't care .
tr	3	The woman grabbed my arm and dragged me to my feet , while continuing the scolding .
tr	3	The woman narrowed her eyes then glanced to her left and right and brought her face inches from mine .
tr	3	Except , I knew there was more to Aimee and her life then she 'd led me to believe .
tr	3	I 'd not only find out the secret behind Mom 's secret assignment but I 'd see her again .
tr	3	The mystery of Aimee and Marie and their house gnawed away at the back of my mind .
tr	3	She spoke in French , so I just nodded my head and said , " Oui . "
tr	3	He stepped in front of me and put his cracked and stubby fingers on my collar .
tr	3	Larger square cakes were in the shape of cottages , and it was all for me .
tr	3	The instructions had failed to mention that I didn 't have to worry about my entry .
tr	3	It didn 't take long for my smile to fade as people pretty much ignored me .
tr	3	My hardest trial was not snacking on the tasty tidbits spread out in front of me .
tr	3	I gripped the bag over my shoulder , feeling the lumpy form of the camera against my side .
tr	3	The cold reality of prison bars , orange jumpsuits , and stale bread crusts sank into my bones .
tr	3	Back at my table , I shoved the camera into my bag and slung it over my shoulder .
tr	3	He wore a white apron , a poofy chef 's hat , and he carried a tray .
tr	3	The shop was closed due to the Extravaganza , and the man wearing the apron had broken the lock .
tr	3	A narrow hallway , dingy and filled with cobwebs , led to a door at the end .
tr	3	I crept down the hallway but stopped abruptly at the smell curling from the open door .
tr	3	Crouching low , I darted across the room and ripped open the nearest door and slipped inside .
tr	3	An endless supply of signature cakes frosted to perfection waited on shelves to be delivered to some gala event .
tr	3	With the door open a crack , I held onto every wisp of warmth I could get .
tr	3	I searched boxes on the shelves , and they all had the same name embossed on the sides .
tr	3	The butler grumbled in French first , then said , " And what about the girl ? "
tr	3	At Parc des Buttes , it was Malcolm who found the prisoner site with the same frayed rope .
tr	3	If they didn 't leave soon , I 'd have to open the door and reveal myself .
tr	3	They 'd probably stick me in a box labeled cream puffs and leave me to freeze .
tr	3	As mini icicles formed off the tip of my nose , chairs scraped on the floor .
tr	3	Malcolm had transformed from cute waiter to clueless spy to double agent , hired to gather information on me .
tr	3	The next day , I was downing my fifth cup of coffee when someone knocked on the door .
tr	3	I might be just an assignment to him , but he wouldn 't take my life .
tr	3	I opened the door , letting in a blast of cooler air as Malcolm walked through .
tr	3	The words floated , hovering nearby , but I couldn 't quite catch them to speak .
tr	3	I watched with a keen eye as he set up everything on the floor of my living room .
tr	3	I took complete pleasure in watching Malcolm 's facial expressions go from excited to frustrated at my trivial answers .
tr	3	I loved her but I would 've appreciated more chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven . "
tr	3	That was true , but it wasn 't because she was playing leapfrog with hay bales .
tr	3	I bet he did , if his story was true about his year on his own to prove himself .
tr	3	" He may have shot at us at the park and possibly on our date . "
tr	3	I mean , a week ago , I hadn 't even heard of Jolie or the prize money .
tr	3	My head rested in the crook of his neck , and he twirled my hair between his fingers .
tr	3	His gray eyes searched my face , moving from my eyes and lingering on my lips .
tr	3	I kissed the soft spot below his ear and mumbled , " Actually , I 'm just joking . "
tr	3	Before answering , I decided it was wise to move within grabbing range of the frying pan .
tr	3	And Malcolm sitting across the table looking oh so suave and knowledgeable just added fuel to the fire .
tr	3	" I don 't think Spy Games ' clients are all that impressed with our dramatic entrance . "
tr	3	I pictured Malcolm tied up in a chair while bat turds dropped from the rafters into his hair .
tr	3	" Savvy , of course we do , but we 're happy she 's living her dreams . "
tr	3	I looked into the eyes of my co-workers , pleading for someone to take my side .
tr	3	I pushed my chair back , causing a terrible screeching noise that sent shivers up my back .
tr	3	Most people are putting up a front of how they 'd like people to view them . "
tr	3	I slammed my hand on the table , then instantly regretted it as pain shot through every finger .
tr	3	I turned and left before Dad could put me in chains and ship me off to Siberia .
tr	3	Looking for Aimee could be considered spying , but I 'd never felt in any real danger .
tr	3	After walking up to Malcolm 's apartment , I stopped and pressed my ear to the door .
tr	3	Twenty-five I swept through Malcolm 's apartment like a small whirlwind , opening drawers , rifling through closets .
tr	3	Or maybe chocolate chip cookies from his mom -- if the story about his family were true .
tr	3	His burning touches on my arm and the gentle whisper of his lips on my skin .
tr	3	Better yet , a cell phone , but he was too smart to leave that lying around .
tr	3	My life had been reduced to a bunch of squiggles and a picture I didn 't recognize .
tr	3	They paused halfway up the stairs , and he whispered in her ear , nuzzling her neck .
tr	3	The voice that had once caused my heart to flutter now made it race with fury .
tr	3	" Ooh , and if I 'm right , then you take off an article of clothing . "
tr	3	Malcolm paused , probably trying to subdue the temptation to rip off all her clothes and skip the foreplay .
tr	3	" I come from a long line of assassins , going back hundreds of years . "
tr	3	I sat through various questions about family pets , siblings , childhood , and embarrassing moments .
tr	3	I could have learned more about Malcolm , but most of the words dribbling from his mouth were lies .
tr	3	Eventually , it all became white noise as I studied the grime on the inside of the door .
tr	3	I eased open the sliding door without a sound and crawled out , my body stiff and sore .
tr	3	Malcolm stood at the edge of the kitchen , like a cat about to eat his favorite meal .
tr	3	" When you weren 't here , I decided to upload the info to your laptop . "
tr	3	Somehow I had to get him away from the door so I could get out of here .
tr	3	I swiped the counters looking for something to throw at him but he was too clean .
tr	3	I kept the plate up not really sure how it could protect me but it was better than nothing .
tr	3	And don 't give me the same line about passing on information on Spy Games . "
tr	3	In the few seconds it took for him to register my actions , I booked it toward the door .
tr	3	He dragged me over to the closet where he grabbed a stray piece of rope that looked familiar . "
tr	3	He grimaced at the reference to his framing Peyton , which was another thing I didn 't understand .
tr	3	Every few seconds , his hand would run through his hair in the typical show of male frustration .
tr	3	" I swear I 'll never hurt you , but I can 't promise that others won 't .
tr	3	Finally , I couldn 't take it anymore , and my eyes wandered over to him .
tr	3	Nothing registered on my face , but he 'd gone too far mocking my highly refined methods of defense .
tr	3	I 'd wanted to play dumb the whole time , but I needed to push and get a reaction .
tr	3	It had nothing to do with the fact that he had my insides tied into knots .
tr	3	With one suave move , he whipped the serving tray out and let it clatter to the floor .
tr	3	I 'd hoped the girl knew something about her or had seen her on the job . "
tr	3	He rubbed his thumb over the skin of my wrist then kissed the red marks the ropes left behind .
tr	3	I didn 't trust him for half a millisecond , but I needed him to believe I did .
tr	3	Because the only way to get to the truth was to spy on the big guy himself .
tr	3	Twenty-seven The next afternoon , I sipped my latte , letting the creamy hot liquid calm my nerves .
tr	3	He must live in a grand mansion out of the city , so I was prepared .
tr	3	I pulled the binoculars from my bag and narrowed in on Jolie as he approached the front door .
tr	3	But before I could see who welcomed him , he quickly stepped into the house and shut the door .
tr	3	I leaned against the siding , expecting his voice to ripple across the yard , yelling at me .
tr	3	I leaned my head against the house , not looking , just soaking in the sounds .
tr	3	Jolie squatted low to the ground and held his hand out with some crumbs on it .
tr	3	He spoke to it in soothing tones and tried to get it to eat from his hand .
tr	3	In his own environment , he seemed human , almost normal , other than acting like a bird .
tr	3	On the top of her head was a bun of white hair , wisps hanging down .
tr	3	The lines on her face seemed deeper , and her shoulders hunched over a bit more .
tr	3	Images of her locked in her room with barely any food made me dig my fingers into the ground .
tr	3	I pulled my phone from my pocket and with one touch put it on camera mode .
tr	3	I 'd come back tomorrow , rescue them both , and head to the police with evidence .
tr	3	I pushed onto my knees and squinted up at him through the glare of the setting sun .
tr	3	He held the phone in his chapped hands and flipped through my pictures , including ones of Aimee .
tr	3	He spoke to her in French , and without a glance in my direction , she walked inside .
tr	3	The last words Mom spoke to me were directions to burn the package , which I didn 't do .
tr	3	I 'd be locked up with the hens for probably the next week living off raw eggs .
tr	3	With one last shout , I let a kick fly , hoping to catch him in the stomach .
tr	3	Crazy pastry chef collects prisoners like keepsakes and tortures them with the smell of chicken poop .
tr	3	I pressed my back up against the door , ready to kick any flying poultry that came at me .
tr	3	I breathed a sigh of relief now that the immediate threat of death by pecking had disappeared .
tr	3	Marie stood over me with a finger to her lips , pointing to the side yard .
tr	3	If I were going to end up in a dirty henhouse again , I 'd have the basics .
tr	3	I could change and let him into my life by talking about Malcolm , or about Mom .
tr	3	He had experience running a business , and anything I said he 'd blow off as paranoia .
tr	3	He flipped down the newspaper and gave me the eye , suspicious that I even cared .
tr	3	His eyes flicked to the clock on the coffee maker and then to the front door .
tr	3	I warmed them up in the microwave , not falling for Dad 's trick of changing the topic .
tr	3	While dowsing them in syrup , I said casually , " So , someone stopping by ?
tr	3	As we walked under the arches , I felt the crowbar press through the backpack into my back .
tr	3	The long halls and the muted light filtering in through the stained glass windows made me whisper .
tr	3	Since I didn 't trust Malcolm , I had to look at the deeper reason he brought me here .
tr	3	Every man in a suit coat with a Bluetooth in his ear became a possible assassin .
tr	3	What if Jolie had goons following us with plans to shoot me down with a special camera ?
tr	3	Adrenaline rushed through my limbs , and I wanted to whip out the crowbar , just in case .
tr	3	I grabbed Malcolm 's hand and swung our arms like we were an innocent couple in love .
tr	3	About the money , the Extravaganza , that I had no clue what they wanted to know .
tr	3	At the tiny but adorable café halfway up , I begged off to use the bathroom .
tr	3	Locked in the stall , I sat on the toilet and brought my legs up to my chest .
tr	3	I stayed huddled against the cold comfort of the mighty cathedral and hoped God was watching out for me .
tr	3	Paris spread out before me with its stone buildings , lush gardens , and the Eiffel in the distance .
tr	3	How many more times would I be running for my life in this city until I found answers ?
tr	3	Not sure how they were all connected , but I 'd start with rescuing Aimee and Marie .
tr	3	The hot liquid trailed down my throat and spread its desperately needed warmth through my body .
tr	3	At the house , I peered around the hedge , trying not to bump into the sharp twigs .
tr	3	A small piano wedged in the corner had music for the theme song from Harry Potter on the top .
tr	3	The living room led to an open but tiny kitchen with room for a table for four .
tr	3	Fear of getting caught spread like wildfire across my skin and I had to force a swallow .
tr	3	I slithered to the bottom of the tub and lay down , my legs bent and turned sideways .
tr	3	The floor creaked outside the bathroom and I closed my eyes , wishing I could disappear .
tr	3	I closed my eyes , waiting for him to grab my ponytail and drag me out .
tr	3	Two seconds later , tiny pricks of freezing water struck my face , arms , and pierced my clothing .
tr	3	I rushed down the tiny hall , barely staying on my feet and crashed into the girl 's room .
tr	3	While fumbling through her desk , I thought back on the family pictures hanging in the living room .
tr	3	I ripped open a second drawer , fighting back tears , looking for more current pictures .
tr	3	Aimee and Jolie stood , with their arms around each other , smiling , happy , close .
tr	3	The picture slipped from my fingers and I slumped to the floor , blinking away tears .
tr	3	My legs trembled , and my heart pounded as the light from Jolie 's kitchen disappeared .
tr	3	Dizziness overwhelmed me , but I fought it off with every foot of the stone circular wall that passed .
tr	3	I followed the one lit with candles and shoved the flashlight into my backpack for later .
tr	3	I practically dove into my hiding place , elbows and knees slamming into the knobby surface .
tr	3	My head banged into the rock-hard ceiling , and I bit my tongue to avoid crying out .
tr	3	Malcolm and Jolie passed by like ghosts from the past , their shadowy images looming over my hiding place .
tr	3	Her hair seemed a bit on the fritz and her face was pale , but she was there !
tr	3	Malcolm shifted onto one leg and kept glancing at the passageway like he wanted to exit stage left .
tr	3	Crawling , like vermin in the deep , dark , hidden places of Paris fit him perfectly .
tr	3	I wanted to send telepathic messages to his brain convincing him to make better moral decisions .
tr	3	Blood rushed to my face as I realized it wasn 't a rope , but a whip .
tr	3	Or maybe Malcolm was practicing to become a cowboy and go back to the States and compete in rodeos .
tr	3	I pulled out my handy dandy flashlight and flicked it on , ready to go rescue a prisoner .
tr	3	The gaping eyes of a skeleton , embedded into the stones , stared at me from the ceiling .
tr	3	I scrambled out of my hiding place , which was more like a tomb of some kind .
tr	3	I remembered the fear in Mom 's eyes when she talked to me at the Eiffel Tower .
tr	3	I had no choice but to run through the tunnels and hope I didn 't get lost .
tr	3	Then they 'd take it the next step and break all my fingers , one by one .
tr	3	I stumbled the last few steps to a circular set of stairs going up , up , and up .
tr	3	Jolie 's voice grew louder and more suspicious but he didn 't switch over to English .
tr	3	For me he was the flirty coworker and loyal friend -- or he acted like it .
tr	3	At his cowardice in not taking the high road but rather doing Jolie 's dirty work .
tr	3	That 's when I realized Jolie and Malcolm had stopped conversing about their evil plans of elimination .
tr	3	At the top , my shoulder banged against a door as I fumbled with the knob .
tr	3	I tried not to bump tables and knock over the vases holding roses as I weaved between them .
tr	3	At this point , Jolie with his Santa belly wouldn 't be the one chasing me .
tr	3	At a crosswalk , I strode between two businessmen until I was safely on the other side .
tr	3	You look ... " He took my appearance in , his eyes roving up and down my body .
tr	3	I bit my bottom lip so the words building , screaming to get out , wouldn 't .
tr	3	I had questions I wanted to beat Malcolm over the head with until I got answers .
tr	3	He acted like he cared , but underneath he was probably terrified I could expose him .
tr	3	The splinters of the splinters I used to call my heart could not break any smaller .
tr	3	The words came out louder than I 'd meant , but I couldn 't take it anymore .
tr	3	It 's just it 's my first time , and I 'm a little nervous . "
tr	3	Finally I slumped over and put my head in my hands , not wanting to look at him .
tr	3	Any shred of hope and dignity that once bloomed inside me , shriveled up and died .
tr	3	I watched his back , his confident strut , like he was the master of this game .
tr	3	No lights were on , so I hoped Dad was out on official Spy Games business .
tr	3	With wrinkled skin and wearing comfy clothes , I flopped on my bed and drifted off .
tr	3	I threw the book on the floor , threw my hip out and crossed my arms .
tr	3	" Why are you creeping around the apartment like you 're a burglar or something ? "
tr	3	I sat on the edge of the couch and pulled a frayed pillow into my lap .
tr	3	Was I that much of a failure that he didn 't want me on Spy Games anymore ?
tr	3	Standing in open view in front of windows didn 't seem very wise given the circumstances .
tr	3	I flipped through the box of gadgets , thinking back on how my life had changed in two weeks .
tr	3	My emotions veered back and forth between rage at Malcolm for tricking me and extreme fear for my mom .
tr	3	Dad had been the one to stay , to provide , to burn the mac and cheese for me .
tr	3	I 'd ask him to help me in Spy Games to make up for my mistakes .
tr	3	I needed to stop thinking of being a spy as James Bond and 007 and all that .
tr	3	At the same time , I could make up for my mistakes by taking action and making Dad proud .
tr	3	When that was done and my stomach muscles allowed me to move again , I hopped to my feet .
tr	3	I jumped back and forth and shook out my arms like a boxer would before a match .
tr	3	I closed it back in the case and shoved it to the bottom of the box .
tr	3	My way of an apology on the path to becoming a better Spy Games staffer and daughter .
tr	3	Each step across the street and into his apartment building caused a crack in my confidence .
tr	3	In front of his door , instead of slicing the pie or nonsense like that , I knocked .
tr	3	This wouldn 't be breaking in , just popping in for a friendly Spy Games hello .
tr	3	After a restless night 's sleep , the morning of the Extravaganza and Operation Save Prisoner dawned .
tr	3	He 'd once turned that killer smile on me , and where had that gotten me ?
tr	3	With a flip of my hair , I faced him , channeling the coolness factor of an iceberg .
tr	3	The metal rafter was firm beneath my feet , and I simply refused to look down .
tr	3	Without a thought , I jumped , my arm straight out , my head held high .
tr	3	But that only counted in my book , and I wouldn 't be receiving any prizes .
tr	3	With a sigh , I realized my job was done , but my real work had yet to begin .
tr	3	Nothing ever went right for me in that shop , and me and pastry shops were usually best buds .
tr	3	While I 'd finished up my work for Spy Games , Jolie 's minions had destroyed my entry .
tr	3	If Jolie had no problem destroying something he loved -- pastries -- what would he do with me ?
tr	3	Well , he probably was a security guard , dressed in dark colors and wearing sunglasses .
tr	3	I motioned to the frosting , mentioned Jolie 's name , and pointed into the bakery .
tr	3	I contorted my features into something I hoped looked like panic , which didn 't take much effort .
tr	3	I pulled out the gadget that unlocked doors , stuck it into the keyhole , and wiggled it around .
tr	3	" I tried to convince my partner you were not an innocent victim in all this .
tr	3	I fiddled with the flower pin on my shirt , a gift from Dad , pressing the record button .
tr	3	" I know you hired Malcolm to take Aimee 's place so you could spy on my family . "
tr	3	When the night we 'd planned for your kidnapping went up in smoke , I made other plans . "
tr	3	He asked you out on a date and romanced you because I paid him to . "
tr	3	He 'd tried to kidnap me before I even had any thought about entering the pastry contest ?
tr	3	His mustache twitched and he ran the back of his hand across the bottom of his beard .
tr	3	His chest heaved in and out , and he stepped closer , pushing his face in mine .
tr	3	" Life 's not so funny when you 're the one being fooled , is it ? "
tr	3	So , why don 't you hand my mom over to me , and I 'll leave .
tr	3	First your mother , then you , and finally your father drawing me into his Spy Games .
tr	3	He wouldn 't leave me alone with access to his underground tunnels filled with his secrets .
tr	3	The steps passed under my feet quickly , winding down and around until I reached the bottom .
tr	3	Flashing the light ahead of me , I ran through the tunnels , ignoring the cobwebs and bones .
tr	3	With arms open wide , a cheesy grin on my face , I dreamed of running into her arms .
tr	3	We 'd escape into the sunshine , maybe stop at a café and sip a few lattes .
tr	3	After a glance back toward the darkened tunnel , I gently shook the man 's shoulder .
tr	3	I moved to his back and pulled out the knife tucked into my sock and under my pant leg .
tr	3	" I don 't know how long you 've been here but we need to go . "
tr	3	For many nights , I stood at the edge of the vision and felt a rush of warm wind .
tr	3	I tried to lead him out of the room but this guy was much stronger than he looked .
tr	3	He gripped my arm and pulled me close so I felt his breath on my face .
tr	3	They know that your family has been part of a centuries-old struggle that has led to bloodshed .
tr	3	I am meant to save you , so I am forever at odds with my brethren . "
tr	3	He leaned against the wall , chest heaving , sweat dripping like he 'd just taken a shower .
tr	3	" And your boyfriend doesn 't seem to be able to get the job done . "
tr	3	My fingers curled even tighter around the knife still in my hand , and I switched it open .
tr	3	The prisoner whispered out of the side of his mouth , " I 'll distract him .
tr	3	My legs twitched with the desire to follow his directions , to turn and flee up the stairs .
tr	3	The knife felt red hot in my hand , a burning that needed to be released .
tr	3	Even if he was crazy and had lost it , I couldn 't let him die for me .
tr	3	" I don 't know what happened , " I started babbling and couldn 't stop .
tr	3	I 'm not the kind of the girl who stabs men in catacombs or anywhere for that matter .
tr	3	I traced the chapped , worn skin trying to give him warmth , to let him know I cared .
tr	3	He mumbled about finding my mom , arriving in Paris , and then Jolie finding him .
tr	3	I was wrapped in his words , hoping , wishing he knew where to find my mom .
tr	3	I didn 't believe your note for one second and did everything I could to find you .
tr	3	Finally , we let go and flopped down side by side , spent , and breathing like racehorses .
tr	3	The prisoner spoke softly , his calm words filling the air like the glow of a burning candle .
tr	3	" If my grandfather had anything to do with your mother , I know nothing . "
tr	3	" I 'm listening , " I said , broken but dreading what was coming next .
tr	3	He said it was nothing , but I poked around and listened to his phone calls . "
tr	3	The conflicting emotions whirled inside me , pulling me one way and then another every few seconds .
tr	3	Aimee opened her mouth to speak but a gunshot rang out , echoing in the small chamber .
tr	3	I grabbed the heavy revolver and shoved it down the back of my pants just in case .
tr	3	Then take the other half and leave it for my dad , for Spy Games . "
tr	3	She was my first friend in France , and I didn 't get nearly enough time with her .
tr	3	I wanted to apologize for not asking more questions , for not insisting she tell me about her life .
tr	3	Before I could respond , she kissed my cheeks and left with the man leaning on her .
tr	3	I leaned over and rested my hands on my knees , breathing in and out , in and out .
tr	3	Maybe he had breathed catacomb air for a wee bit too long or had his stories mixed up .
tr	3	Everything I 'd worked for I had to turn away from -- vindication , justification , all of it .
tr	3	Old and young , male and female all dressed in black trench coats and yapping nervously .
tr	3	Dad had put him in charge of a group because of his " spy look . "
tr	3	He spoke to Jolie , and received not even a look or a wave of the hand .
tr	3	Jolie took a deep breath and turned , his body expanded to full height and breadth .
tr	3	Another client in a trench coat approached Jolie who threw his hands up in the air in defeat .
tr	3	And then out of the corner of my eye , I caught a flash of dark hair .
tr	3	The M word sat in the back of my throat , and I had to take in deep breaths .
tr	3	He held out his arms in a lame attempt to ward off the Spy Games ' teams .
tr	3	He never should have underestimated the competitive drive and determination of the people that sign up for Spy Games .
tr	3	It was a perfect distraction for me to talk to Jolie , whisper words of warning in his ear .
tr	3	I half expected them to start kicking up their legs in a line dance they were so perfectly organized .
tr	3	I lied to him about not feeling well , and I 'd rubbed shoulders with a bad guy .
tr	3	The line of Jolie 's men stepped closer , their top hats blocking out the sun .
tr	3	If I could face down bad men and save a prisoner , I could face my dad .
tr	3	Dad 's mouth formed an O , and he surveyed the scene with a knowing look .
tr	3	There 's prize money , and if I win , you can have it all . "
tr	3	Jolie dove at the crowd with his arms spread , pushing the crowds away from his masterpiece .
tr	3	He shoved the reporters and his fans to the side and stormed over to me , his eyes flashing .
tr	3	I didn 't know what he had to do with Malcolm yet , but he was connected .
tr	3	He made a cuckoo sign , like a fourth grade boy would to a girl who teased him .
tr	3	It was a silly , two-year-old thing to do , but I couldn 't help it .
tr	3	With a flutter of his arms , he fought gravity and lost , landing on his rump .
tr	3	I hated the guy and the evil part of me surged forward and wanted to let him get killed .
tr	3	With my hand shaking , I reached toward my back and curled my fingers around the part sticking out .
tr	3	With a battle cry , I leaped at Jolie and landed right on top of him .
tr	3	My leg throbbed as if a thousand pastry knives were jabbing into it over and over again .
tr	3	I crawled away from the scene , dragging my leg behind me because it refused to cooperate .
tr	3	I dug my elbows into the grit and pulled forward , my knees scraping the stones .
tr	3	He 'd take care of my cuts and bruises , and then we 'd play Chess .
tr	3	The spots returned and my breath came out in gasps at the fire shooting through my leg .
tr	3	I remembered gardening with Dad as he pointed out which leaves were weeds and which were the herbs .
tr	3	Why did he smile at me so tenderly at times when I was just an assignment ?
tr	3	I figured on old age , still living in the ' burbs , watching TV reruns .
tr	3	I 'd never get the chance to yell at Mom and hear her say she was sorry .
tr	3	I tried to lift my head but it felt like a dead weight pulling me down .
tr	3	Next I knew , a bridge appeared next to me , and a jolt of pain stabbed my leg .
tr	3	I tried to scramble to my feet , but excruciating pain caused spots to tango in front of me .
tr	3	I took in a ragged breath as my body heaved , tears running , nose sniffling .
tr	3	I need to remove the clothing so we can see if the bullet is in your leg . "
tr	3	He dabbed some kind of liquid fire on me that I swear burned a hole through my leg .
tr	3	In my world , Peyton and Malcolm weren 't buddies who called each other in a pinch .
tr	3	" And to threaten you , so I could save you and earn your trust . "
tr	3	But how and why Malcolm knew Peyton dropped to the bottom of my list of questions .
tr	3	I wanted answers , needed answers , but the whole day was crashing down on me .
tr	3	He turned toward me , and my heart squeezed -- out of fear or attraction I wasn 't sure .
tr	3	I laughed and not in a jokey sort of way , then winced as pain shot through my leg .
tr	3	I tipped my head back and the liquid scorched my throat and burned in my chest .
tr	3	Mom worked a lot , spent late nights locked away in her office , and frequently left on trips .
tr	3	" I wish I could tell you , but that would only put you in danger . "
tr	3	Regardless of their criminal activity or moral bent , your mom believes in the sanctity of life . "
tr	3	Not only were they crusaders with a twisted mission , they were just plain old mean .
tr	3	" If my brother , Will , wanted Jolie dead , he would 've been dead . "
tr	3	He shot at us on our date and at the park too -- as a warning to me . "
tr	3	" Jolie figured out he was friends with your mom and nabbed him for insurance . "
tr	3	I 've got people trying to kill -- " He pulled me to him and his mouth covered mine .
tr	3	I fought him back at first but he wouldn 't let go and my defenses crumbled .
tr	3	I leaned into him for another kiss , not wanting to admit my feelings or forgive .
tr	3	He cleaned up any mess from Peyton wrapping my injury , then brushed my hair out of my face .
tr	3	I trembled , trying to build the courage to ask what secretly my heart wanted , needed to know .
tr	3	" Yes , you are , I mean were ... " but he couldn 't say the words .
tr	3	At first the stares , the giggles , the crazy looks , the disgusted eyebrow waves got to me .
tr	3	I tried not to look at anyone and kept my eyes forward , thinking about home .
tr	3	Unless someone was looking for me , it was dark enough that the average driver wouldn 't notice me .
tr	3	I 'd bike down to the creek , shed my clothes , and wade into the ice-cold water .
tr	3	My heart banged against my chest like it would punch out in just a couple of beats .
tr	3	The cops had set up a roadblock -- I guess in case all my minions came to my rescue .
tr	3	People poked their heads out of their cars , hoping to catch a glimpse of the hardened criminal .
tr	3	I mean the person must be quite a danger to society to need so much back up .
tr	3	I pressed my head against the cool window and watched the city as it blurred past me .
tr	3	I didn 't know how they found me or why they thought I was so bad .
tr	3	I doubted my prank on Malcolm had ended up with him in the back of a squad car .
tr	3	The rest of the books are Heart of an Assassin , Vanishing Point , and Twist of Fate .
tr	3	Reviews are a tremendous help to the author but mostly it helps other readers to find books .
tr	3	If you enjoyed A Spy Like Me , then you might enjoy my latest YA romantic comedy series .
tr	3	If you 'd like to read the first chapter of Prom Impossible , please turn the page .
tr	3	Cassidy knows that Michael Greenwood is her one true love -- he just doesn 't know it .
tr	3	It filled the night sky with the sweet -- okay , the smoky -- scent of revenge .
tr	3	And my cousin , Jules , was in an all out war with the senior class queen bee .
tr	3	It was senior prom , and it didn 't take long for everyone to stampede into the parking lot .
tr	3	We just set up a few strategically placed smoke blasters to add a little excitement to their lives .
tr	3	" Um , do you think what we did could be considered more than a prank ?
tr	3	Firemen stormed the side lawn and rushed into the gym with gas masks and hoses at the ready .
tr	3	A sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach mushroomed into the need to puke behind the bushes .
tr	3	I 'll go start the car ... " Nothing I said would 've changed her mind .
tr	3	The heat of getting caught flared and my armpit sweat morphed from a trickling stream into a river .
tr	3	All I could picture were the explosions and fire and flipped over cars that usually ended those chases .
tr	3	Why hadn 't we picked English Lit so I could hold up a slim copy of poetry ?
tr	3	I produced a few crocodile tears , which wasn 't hard , because I was in complete panic mode .
tr	3	He narrowed his eyes and reached for the handcuffs on his belt -- or was it his gun ?
tr	3	" I 'm not perfect , I admit , but please don 't throw me in jail for years .
tr	3	That was when I realized that what I mistook for compassion was really an amused curiosity .
tr	3	" Why don 't we take a little ride and you can explain your story down at the station .
tr	3	I just never thought the one getting shoved into the back of squad car would be me .
tr	3	They nodded their heads , but I didn 't see even one fake smile , for me anyway .
tr	3	To keep up with her new releases sign up for her newsletter so you don 't miss out !
tr	3	Fifteen minutes later Scott Lyndon pulled the truck to a stop near a large yellow bulldozer .
tr	3	He grabbed the rifle and headed for the machine the pair had purchased five years earlier .
tr	3	Scott looked up to see a massive black bear on his hind legs less than twenty feet ahead .
tr	3	That usually got their attention and the animal would wander off , allowing the work to continue .
tr	3	He blinked and when he looked at the bear again it was lumbering away into the heavy underbrush .
tr	3	Scott Lyndon sat dumbfounded for a moment before he backed the dozer out of the brush .
tr	3	He looked at where the bear had been standing to see something red in the bushes .
tr	3	He started to reach for the material again but stopped when the bear began growling again .
tr	3	Scott decided that maybe he had done enough bulldozing for today and climbed onto the dozer .
tr	3	Scott put the rifle back in the closet as he told the story of what had happened .
tr	3	What I want to know is what that white thing was and what hit the rifle . "
tr	3	But I saw something off to my right , either in the underbrush or at the edge of it .
tr	3	" The top of this barrel is unlatched and moved over slightly but nothing inside was disturbed . "
tr	3	Chapter 2 Scott Lyndon rolled over and punched his pillow then buried his head in it .
tr	3	He took a bite of cookie then a sip of milk as his gaze continued to wander lazily .
tr	3	He wished the moon were brighter as he watched the animal move along the trash barrels .
tr	3	He watched the animal bounce its front paws on the lid several times before the strong latches gave way .
tr	3	Just then a shadowy flutter of white came along the bushes and stopped beside the bear .
tr	3	It looked and moved almost in ghost-like fashion but he was sure it was not a ghost .
tr	3	Scott shot a quick glance toward the doorway and recognized the faint shape of a shadow .
tr	3	A bear wouldn 't need to feed a coyote , especially out of a trash barrel . "
tr	3	" I know , but I don 't want to turn on the yard light quite yet .
tr	3	The following morning , just after sunrise , Steve and Scott Lyndon went out to the garbage drums .
tr	3	He picked up one of the peelings and examined it before handing it to his brother .
tr	3	" What in the hell is a child doing living out here in the forest ? "
tr	3	Scott shook his head slowly as he picked up the litter and tossed it back in the drum .
tr	3	" I wonder , " he said thoughtfully as he picked up another handful of peelings .
tr	3	" I wonder if that white thing I saw the other day could have been that child . "
tr	3	That red nylon might have been part of some kind of camping gear at one time . "
tr	3	It might have been digging out food and feeding the child with what it brought out . "
tr	3	" Well you can 't exactly send it an invitation to supper , " Steve drawled a smile .
tr	3	As he crossed the yard toward the barrels Scott realized it was one of the apples .
tr	3	Later that afternoon , he returned to the drums to find the apple was still there .
tr	3	Of course it wouldn 't since there was always so much activity around the yard in the daytime .
tr	3	Steve hit the brakes and looked at his brother to see the man 's gaze locked on something ahead .
tr	3	Her blonde hair was long and horribly tangled and looked like it might have been curly at one time .
tr	3	" Food , " he said again and saw her gaze dart to the bag then back .
tr	3	He saw her look at the bag again and he smiled then gave a slight nod .
tr	3	If it takes facing down a bear again to see that she does , I will .
tr	3	That would mean she 's been up here long enough to learn to communicate with it . "
tr	3	He searched through every local paper 's archives , through the county archives and even the state .
tr	3	" That only proves it was either never reported or she came from farther away than that . "
tr	3	When Scott checked the tray the following morning he was surprised to find a folded paper bag on it .
tr	3	I don 't think a bear would get much company that brought food over when they came .
tr	3	" Well , I guess the only thing left to do is call the sheriff . "
tr	3	Maybe , in time , she 'll trust us enough to let us get closer . "
tr	3	" You 're probably right , " Scott said and followed his brother to the front door .
tr	3	Scott froze his motions as he swiveled his head slowly and looked in the direction of the growl .
tr	3	" Food , " he said in the same even tone then laid it back on the tray .
tr	3	" I don 't think I learned how to peel a banana till I was four or five . "
tr	3	" I remember Mom used to send one in my lunch when I was in first grade .
tr	3	But that still doesn 't get us any closer to finding out who she is . "
tr	3	The odd tone in his brother 's voice brought Scott Lyndon out of his desk chair instantly .
tr	3	There , standing at the edge of the underbrush , was the little girl and the bear .
tr	3	Scott eased down off the porch then stepped toward his brother slowly , his gaze never leaving the pair .
tr	3	Moments later the little girl took four decisive steps toward them and held out an open hand .
tr	3	When she took four more steps toward them and held out her hand again , Scott watched her expression .
tr	3	When the little girl took another step forward and held out her hand again Scott 's decision was made .
tr	3	He saw a small tickle of a smile on her lips before she returned to the bear 's side .
tr	3	" Du n no , " Steve glanced to the brush before he focused on the little girl .
tr	3	It was twenty minutes later when the little girl cut off the road and headed west along the slope .
tr	3	The little girl was in easy reach of the coyote but it only laid its head down and whined .
tr	3	" You 're gon na try to get a wild coyote out of a bear trap ?
tr	3	But this little girl is sitting here petting the coyote and he 's not objecting . "
tr	3	" He might not object to her but you can be damned sure he 'll object to you . "
tr	3	He pulled the gloves and the rifle out of the truck and started back up the hill .
tr	3	He saw nothing but pleading there and knew why his brother had insisted on the gloves .
tr	3	When the coyote whined again Scott lowered his hand and let the animal sniff the glove .
tr	3	" Get me a stick to put in this thing , " he told his brother .
tr	3	Steve grabbed a short piece of a broken limb he found nearby and stuffed it into the trap .
tr	3	He handed the trap to Steve then looked down at the little girl and the coyote .
tr	3	" I 'm going to take him down to the camp and bandage his paw . "
tr	3	He saw the little girl look at the coyote before she lifted her hand and stroked its fur .
tr	3	" I think you 're nuts , " he grumbled before he stepped up to the driver 's door .
tr	3	To Scott 's surprise , she climbed into the bed of the truck and came toward him .
tr	3	" Let 's go Steve , " he told his brother , his gaze still on the little girl .
tr	3	When she lifted her gaze and looked at him then looked at the bear he realized she did .
tr	3	As they neared the yard Scott turned his thoughts on how they could help the coyote .
tr	3	" Do we still have that canine medical kit the vet gave us for Shep ? "
tr	3	" When we get back to camp , park the truck over by the garbage drums .
tr	3	I 'll stay in the truck with them and you go get that med kit . "
tr	3	The little girl looked at the coyote and gave a little sigh as she continued to stroke its fur .
tr	3	He smiled at the little girl 's questioning gaze then took the med kit from his brother .
tr	3	Steve perched his arms on the fender and watched , keeping a sideways eye on the nearby bear .
tr	3	She 's familiar with that area and might consider it safer than any place else here . "
tr	3	He was sure she did not understand but hoped she might have understood part of it .
tr	3	He admired her agility as she simply jumped to the ground , landing on her feet .
tr	3	To his brother , " Get the blanket , " as he eased the coyote into his arms .
tr	3	He followed his brother , glancing over his shoulder to make sure the little girl was following him .
tr	3	Scott heard a low growl and looked over to see the bear watching them from a few feet away .
tr	3	" I think we should go in the office so the three of them can be together . "
tr	3	After another smile at the little girl Scott turned and followed his brother toward the cabin .
tr	3	" You did a good job but I still think you were nuts to do that . "
tr	3	After shaking out the blanket Scott draped it over the bannister before returning to the office .
tr	3	" Yep , and their being used to keep the other logs from coming down on Chet . "
tr	3	The foreman nodded then took off for the truck that sat on the upper side of the jam .
tr	3	" Too bad we don 't have a wedge big enough to slam in there . "
tr	3	" Well hell , " Scott frowned then leaned against the truck behind him and crossed his arms .
tr	3	Or , three ... " Doug Burnett 's sentence was cut short by a fierce growling sound .
tr	3	His question was answered a moment later when he saw a flash of white in the underbrush .
tr	3	The bear looked at him then emitted a low throaty growl , even softer this time .
tr	3	" Go to the truck Doug , " he told the man who was staring at the bear .
tr	3	" You got it boss , " the foreman said and made a beeline for the nearest logging truck .
tr	3	When Scott got to the end of the jam he looked down to see the little girl beside him .
tr	3	" Nobody move , " Scott called in a little louder tone , glancing from Chet to Doug .
tr	3	It was almost a full minute later when Chet reported , " Here she is . "
tr	3	Chet looked down into the darkness between the logs and could see a slight flutter of white .
tr	3	" She 's untying my boot , " he told the man at the end of the jam .
tr	3	Chet blinked and saw the flutter of white just before he heard something that sounded like a chain rattling .
tr	3	Scott turned to Chet Thomas to see the man 's wide gaze locked on the hillside .
tr	3	" I wouldn 't have believed it if I hadn 't seen it with my own eyes . "
tr	3	" Well if you see that bear then you know the little girl isn 't far away .
tr	3	Behind her , Scott saw the bear rise up then turn around and drop to its haunches facing them .
tr	3	He expected her to point somewhere but instead , she came forward slowly , her hand still extended .
tr	3	Scott tried to keep his frown inside but failed and it creased his brow with confusion .
tr	3	He felt the touch on his hand again and he extended an open palm toward her .
tr	3	He searched her blue eyes to see a gleam sparkle to life as a soft smile touched her lips .
tr	3	Her words were as if she had to concentrate to speak them but they were understandable .
tr	3	She looked over one shoulder then the other and Scott got the distinct impression she had lost something .
tr	3	Again , to his surprise , the animal responded with a soft growl before it sank to its haunches .
tr	3	Scott had to know if the vision that kept coming up on the screen in his mind was right .
tr	3	" Wait here , " he told her and picked up the tray before he got to his feet .
tr	3	Steve Lyndon turned from the coffee pot , a fresh cup of coffee in his hand .
tr	3	She said her Mom and Dad are sleeping up in the mountains to the northeast of here . "
tr	3	I asked her if she would show me where they 're sleeping and she said she would .
tr	3	" Good idea , " Scott said and headed for a door in the opposite wall .
tr	3	He grabbed a set of high-powered binoculars from the same shelf then went out the front door .
tr	3	He led Sidney to the truck then let go of her hand and opened the back tailgate .
tr	3	He stifled a chuckle as the truck 's shocks took the full weight of the bear .
tr	3	It was a silent ride that had Sidney looking back through the window often to check on her pets .
tr	3	He saw his passenger crane her neck again and she seemed to be examining the mountains .
tr	3	He watched Sidney out of the corner of his eye and saw she was watching the mountains closely now .
tr	3	But across the gorge to the east , it was nothing but a sheer mountain cliff .
tr	3	After releasing the little girl 's harness , he stepped back and watched her jump to the ground .
tr	3	He heard a low throaty growl and looked at his cargo at the same time Sidney did .
tr	3	" Everybody out , " he said brightly and grinned when the two animals rose and came forward .
tr	3	Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would be hauling around a coyote and a black bear .
tr	3	After the coyote and bear had leaped down and moved away from the truck he turned back to Sidney .
tr	3	The going was easy at first but , a few minutes later the hill started sloping downward .
tr	3	Scott watched the little girl move down the slope easily and thought she looked like a mountain goat .
tr	3	At the bottom of the gorge he could see something blue and , nearby , something red .
tr	3	He scanned the area then sighed as he saw two human skeletons sprawled over the jagged rocks .
tr	3	There was no way to get down there without breaking your neck , unless you were a bird .
tr	3	Another growl , this one more of a cry and the bear responded with a warbling growl .
tr	3	Scott looked back over his shoulder and realized the cliff had turned and this way would be quite easy .
tr	3	I doubt I 'll be able to get out while we 're down there though . "
tr	3	" I 've left the truck just beyond the end of fire lane forty-four , in the preserve .
tr	3	" I don 't know how long it 's going to take to get down there .
tr	3	Scott clipped the radio to his belt then looked down at the upturned face to see a smile .
tr	3	He glanced over his shoulder to see the coyote and bear a few yards behind him and he smiled .
tr	3	He looked down at Sidney 's bare feet and wondered how she was going to fare on the rocks .
tr	3	When he heard the coyote emit a low , throaty growl he looked up to see Sidney stop .
tr	3	When it came up with a snake in its mouth Scott 's eyes shot to full width .
tr	3	He knew the rules of the mountains were that hikers always carry some form of ID .
tr	3	After checking the pockets of the jacket Scott put everything back into the backpack and zipped it up .
tr	3	She frowned for a moment before her hand went to her backside , where a wallet would be placed .
tr	3	" Before they went to sleep Daddy asked me to keep his wallet safe for him . "
tr	3	Sidney nodded then moved over to the next rock , stepping away from the other bones .
tr	3	The second backpack contained pretty much the same thing except the map book was replaced by a romance novel .
tr	3	He saw Sidney 's gaze slide along the mountains as deep crevices furrowed her tiny forehead .
tr	3	As Scott turned he saw something catch the sunlight and he looked down into the rocks .
tr	3	It was a beautiful locket ; simple yet elegant with tiny scrolls on the front of the heart-shaped piece .
tr	3	Sidney took a step closer and looked at it then nodded as a big smile curled her lips .
tr	3	On one side was a man and a woman ; a handsome couple , and they were smiling .
tr	3	On the other side was a little boy and girl and Scott 's eyes shot to full width .
tr	3	Scott nodded and looked at the picture again then closed the locket and smiled at the innocent eyes .
tr	3	" We should take this and keep it safe for Mommy , don 't you think ? "
tr	3	She emitted a soft gurgling cry and the coyote moved past them and took the point again .
tr	3	How was he going to get these people up out of this gorge and buried without raising suspicions ?
tr	3	Scott knew if he contacted the sheriff they would all be answered but what would happen to Sidney ?
tr	3	" Sorry , " Scott said and glanced at his watch and realized they were almost thirty minutes late .
tr	3	" We got a little tied up down there going through a couple of backpacks . "
tr	3	I 'll keep the radio on and let you know when we get back to the truck . "
tr	3	He returned the radio to his belt and looked at the innocent blue eyes then grinned .
tr	3	He could not lie to her , not when he had come so far in reaching her .
tr	3	He heard her sigh and his heart went out to the little blonde haired girl that had no family .
tr	3	He would just have to find a way to do it and protect her at the same time .
tr	3	Sidney had been very quiet and had kept her gaze out the window during the entire trip back .
tr	3	Scott relayed what they 'd found in the gorge and how he 'd found no ID in either backpack .
tr	3	But I think I know of a way to get the ball rolling and still protect her . "
tr	3	" Well , the first thing I 'm going to do is get that kid some jeans .
tr	3	She said she had taken some of her Mommy 's t-shirts and that 's all she has on . "
tr	3	" I 'm not sure they 'll fit but I think they 'll be close . "
tr	3	The pair were just coming out of the store when the sheriff 's car pulled up .
tr	3	" Oh boy , " Scott said under his breath as he recognized the man behind the wheel .
tr	3	" I 'm just not ready to face him yet , " Scott said after they had driven away .
tr	3	" Yeah , " Scott said blandly as he turned his attention to the country roads .
tr	3	Steve swung the truck off the main highway and onto the gravel road that led to the camp .
tr	3	" You can almost feel the chill of fall in the air , " he commented casually .
tr	3	" I noticed that this morning when I went out to get Sidney 's tray . "
tr	3	In the distance , a movement on the high bank to the left caught Scott 's eye .
tr	3	He glanced at the right paw to see faint signs of an injury then met the animal 's gaze .
tr	3	" Hello Duke , " he said with a slight edge of tension in his voice .
tr	3	The animal emitted another small throaty growl before it sank to its haunches then laid down .
tr	3	As they neared he saw a blonde head pop up from behind the bear and he smiled .
tr	3	" I 'll take this stuff in the office , " Steve said after catching the glance .
tr	3	He was sure the little girl was not too comfortable about him being there and he understood that .
tr	3	He examined the picture and matched it with the one he had seen in the locket .
tr	3	He read the line ; ' Forty-one point two gallons at one dollar , eighty-nine cents per gallon ' .
tr	3	He stuffed it back under the license then turned the wallet and checked under the photo compartment .
tr	3	I am sorry , Mr. and Mrs. Southington but I see no other avenue at this time .
tr	3	A place for she and I to live away from the hustle and bustle of city life .
tr	3	They were taught to seek out their entertainment and existence from nature and the land that God gave us .
tr	3	The man behind the desk looked up to see a tall , slender woman standing in the exterior doorway .
tr	3	Sidney Southington , now Sidney Lyndon , had grown up to be a beautiful young woman .
tr	3	The next spring , Scott and Sidney had gone through the motorhome , taking what Sidney wanted to keep .
tr	3	He had filled out the information requested then sent the letter to the address in England .
tr	3	" Doug wants to know if you want him to bring those logs down from the south slope . "
tr	3	If it involved the outdoors and summer , Sidney knew all there was to know about it .
tr	3	What had surprised the Lyndon boys the most was her desire to learn the logging business .
tr	3	Scott looked up to see his brother come in from the hallway and go straight to the coffee pot .
tr	3	Scott chuckled as he accepted one of the cups before he turned back to his book work .
tr	3	Three years after Sidney came to live with them Duke came into camp one day with two coyote pups .
tr	3	Sidney had learned that their mother , Duke 's mate , had been killed and the pups were motherless .
tr	3	He got to his feet and went out on the porch to greet the man they all called friend .
tr	3	He looked across the roof of the car at the three coyotes that were watching him and grinned .
tr	3	" I 'll make time , " the man grinned and followed Scott into the office .
tr	3	From then on , whenever she would see him she would put his hat on her head .
tr	3	" Well , you know that new guy who bought out the old Cummings ranch ? "
tr	3	Josh ran his fingers through the thick bush of gray hair that covered the top of his head .
tr	3	He looked at the woman 's beautiful face and hourglass figure then winked at the two men .
tr	3	" That little filly could set half the county in their place and not even half try . "
tr	3	" Ya ' got a mighty long wait darlin ' , " he teased as his eyes twinkled .
tr	3	" That 's coming from the south slopes , " she said in a low voice .
tr	3	When another shot rang out , Scott 's gaze jetted to the woman he could barely see .
tr	3	Her gaze jetted to the window and , a minute later , " Here he comes . "
tr	3	He heard the squeal of dusty brakes then heard a thud before another rifle shot rang out .
tr	3	Scott raised up and looked out the window to see something laying in the middle of the yard .
tr	3	" Be careful Sid , " Scott called after her knowing there was no sense in telling her no .
tr	3	She squatted down , touched the fur tenderly , then got up and came back to the cabin .
tr	3	" It was dark blue , " she corrected and shifted her gaze out the window .
tr	3	" Two men in it , both had cowboy hats on , something like Josh wears but dark brown .
tr	3	" Left one on the big shed , " she told him then smiled at his expression .
tr	3	" Goodnight Scott , " she smiled then disappeared into her bedroom and shut the door .
tr	3	She was dressed for the day , today wearing a dark gray shirt over her jeans .
tr	3	" You 're up early , " he noted as he went to the coffee pot .
tr	3	Scott was almost afraid to ask his next question as he sank to the table across from his sister .
tr	3	The woman offered a small smile that made Scott think of an eleven year old girl .
tr	3	Scott Lyndon shook his head and saw the relieved expression come to the uniformed man 's face .
tr	3	He attributed it to her love of and rapport with wild animals and left it at that .
tr	3	The sheriff sipped his coffee then leaned back in his chair and looked from one Lyndon to the other .
tr	3	" Unfortunately , there 's nothing I can do about the coyote he killed and dumped out . "
tr	3	I 'd need a positive ID but he 's right at the top of my suspect list . "
tr	3	" We can replace the glass by noon and trespassing isn 't that big of a deal .
tr	3	They were good to their neighbors and had helped many townspeople out during their sixteen years here .
tr	3	He rinsed out the cup then sat it upside down in the sink before he turned .
tr	3	The coyote wiggled free then scooted away from her only to yip happily then rush back for more .
tr	3	Scott looked down at the white coyote beside him and when she looked up at him he smiled .
tr	3	" Easy girl , " he said softly and only then heard the sound of an approaching vehicle .
tr	3	When he saw a dark blue Ford four by four come around the corner Scott 's gaze narrowed .
tr	3	His fingers curled a little tighter around the coyote 's neck as he heard her growl increase .
tr	3	He was a relatively handsome man and Scott thought he walked like a city boy in cowboy duds .
tr	3	Scott looked at the man in front of him to see his wide gaze on the yard .
tr	3	Her blue eyes , even from this distance , glimmered with a light he could not describe .
tr	3	She had a body men would kill to hold and she walked with the grace of a gazelle .
tr	3	Not only a pack of wild coyotes with their teeth barred , but this beautiful woman .
tr	3	He swallowed again then caught his breath as she stopped less than six feet from him .
tr	3	" You took away her hunting ground with your damned ranches , " the woman snarled .
tr	3	The man 's gaze rifled up and widened as he saw the barred fangs and heard the throaty growls .
tr	3	He knew what Sidney was going through and he also knew what Dan Jansen was going through .
tr	3	He doubted if she would have him helping her feed the pups if she hadn 't .
tr	3	Although he had never seen the angry side of Sidney Southington Lyndon , he knew it was there .
tr	3	And , when it was kindled , as it was this evening , it was like a raging wildfire .
tr	3	" You 'll feed Tip , " she told Jansen and handed him one of the bottles .
tr	3	She turned and handed the pup to the man before taking the other that she had named Duchess .
tr	3	" Do it just like I do , " she told him succinctly then watched him mimic her actions .
tr	3	he snapped and was on his feet instantly , clutching the coyote pup in his hand .
tr	3	Why was she ordering him to sit there when there was a black bear less than twenty yards away ?
tr	3	Scott heard Dan Jansen 's gasp just before the bear pounced on Sidney , knocking her to the ground .
tr	3	I came over here tonight to tell you that I won 't be bothering you anymore .
tr	3	" Have you ever felt like that about someone so soon after you met them ? "
tr	3	" She told you that you 'd come over every evening and help her feed the pups .
tr	3	If she didn 't want you here , I assure you , you 'd be gone already .
tr	3	Any resemblance to actual events , locales , or persons , living or dead , is entirely coincidental .
tr	3	I simply followed my own conscience and mind through the trail of evidence I compiled over the years .
tr	3	I hope it encourages others to make their own determinations about everything ... or at least try to .
tr	3	I would also like to thank everyone who has , and continues , to stand by me through everything !
tr	3	The video oddly seemed to be recording from a camera mounted on a chain around his neck .
tr	3	His dirty complexion and half-inch beard growth gave hint that he had dwelled in these woods for days .
tr	3	" And thank God for the trees , or the moonlight would have given me away . "
tr	3	He grunted and then continued on , hoping to reach his destination before his body failed .
tr	3	He was angry and it was getting cold when he saw a large lump in the path ahead .
tr	3	She had the option of going either before or after school , but she always did both .
tr	3	The rest were all blue , first-place , from the time she was seven until now at twelve .
tr	3	He was going to try for the Olympics in ' 92 but decided he wasn 't quite ready .
tr	3	She had a full-length mirror in the opposite corner and a sectional sofa with pull-out bed under the net .
tr	3	The other side held a six-foot sunken Jacuzzi , enclosed toilet closet , and glass door shower stall .
tr	3	Outside her room the upstairs hallway formed a balcony which overlooked the entryway , kitchen , and dining room .
tr	3	A large , curved staircase wound down to the first floor and continued on into the basement .
tr	3	A huge pewter chandelier was suspended from the ceiling in the kitchen area and another in the dining area .
tr	3	" Good morning , sunshine , " Rick said as he poured them each a glass of orange juice .
tr	3	Alex was shocked that he had the information in his head , " How did you know that ? "
tr	3	" You told me you worked on the fly three hours a day , Dad , " she argued .
tr	3	When I was twelve I was shooting things with my BB gun and blowing up stuff with firecrackers . "
tr	3	" I , uh , enjoy that , honey -- " " I enjoy swimming , Dad .
tr	3	" Look , I just wanted to make sure you 're not trying to walk in my footsteps .
tr	3	She shot out of her seat and kissed him quickly on the cheek before running upstairs .
tr	3	Rick was still pondering their conversation when she flew past him and out the kitchen door to the garage .
tr	3	She slung her backpack over her shoulder , hopped on her bike , and sped off to practice .
tr	3	Jessie lay sprawled across the bed , face down , half a leg and arm hanging over the side .
tr	3	Rick and Anna 's rooms were identical to Alex and Jessie 's , and directly below them .
tr	3	Just a hair shy of six feet tall , she nearly looked Rick in the eyes now .
tr	3	He sometimes felt he was their servant , but they enjoyed it , and truthfully , so did he .
tr	3	" You have to grow up sometime ; lord knows the rest of you is ... " She moaned .
tr	3	Now he could cook almost everything at once and keep it steaming hot for the next shift .
tr	3	All he had to do was fry some eggs because they didn 't keep well under the lamp .
tr	3	She loved Barbie dolls and stuffed animals , but for some reason dressed like a tomboy at school .
tr	3	As he set each plate in front of the girls he kissed them on top their heads .
tr	3	Anna finished eating first and went back to her room to get dressed and put on some makeup .
tr	3	Chapter 3 -- Kaylie and Christy At the age of eleven , Christy Stapleton was a perky little firecracker .
tr	3	She was not dangerously anorexic or underweight , but she teetered on the edge of it .
tr	3	She wore a constant mischievous smirk on her face that somehow managed to appear cute instead of sneaky .
tr	3	She loved soccer more than anything , and dreamt of playing for the Duke Blue Devils someday .
tr	3	She loved to make the much older Anna jealous with the fact that she was allowed to use make-up .
tr	3	Alex could beat her in those too , but chose to enter the distance races for freestyle and butterfly .
tr	3	" Well , for now , you 're going to Nationals with me , and that 's final .
tr	3	Both girls jumped from the water and sprinted to the shower room , with Chelsea arriving yards ahead .
tr	3	They sped through their showers and left on their bikes ten minutes later -- again racing .
tr	3	Another mile through the trail put them in the middle of town , one block from school .
tr	3	Alex took advantage and sped by , claiming victory and taunting her as they stopped to chain their bikes .
tr	3	" No it 's Friday ; I go to my dad 's house this weekend . "
tr	3	They had all their classes together this year , which had made the year much easier for the trio .
tr	3	Plus we 're not done with Caesar yet , he 's still alive , you know ? "
tr	3	" Who cares about Rome anyway , that 's like two centuries ago , " joked Christy .
tr	3	Unofficially retired , at 72 years old , he was fairly tall and still well built .
tr	3	He was bald with a fluffy white ring of hair that always seemed to stick straight out .
tr	3	He suddenly looked at Christy , who seemed pitifully bored with the idea of more book study .
tr	3	I heard an interesting question this morning on the way to class , " he nodded at Christy .
tr	3	Christy shrank back into her seat , pointing to her chest and squeaked , " Uh , me ? "
tr	3	" But , there are still people like us -- I mean normal families and stuff .
tr	3	This went on for several minutes until they had over thirty questions scribbled hastily by a happy Christy .
tr	3	This weekend , I want each of you to pick a question and write it down .
tr	3	After they had each selected one Mr. Anderson spoke , " Everyone , write down the remaining eight questions .
tr	3	When done , leave it to me to guess whether you made it up or not .
tr	3	The same boy was still standing and asked , " Um , what assignment was that ? "
tr	3	There was a huge buzz about the homework ; all the kids were completely energized by it .
tr	3	You spend half your time at my house hanging over his shoulder drooling on him . "
tr	3	Kaylie stuck out her tongue at both of them this time and went back to eating .
tr	3	The goalie came running out to try to stop the pass , but it was too late .
tr	3	Kaylie scored three more goals before the half ended , making the final score five to one .
tr	3	She then sprawled out on the mat , face down in a split , and watched the other kids .
tr	3	Christy helped the other girls on the floor exercise until her coach arrived , 25 minutes later .
tr	3	He put her through ninety minutes of grueling work on the uneven bars , vault , and floor .
tr	3	Every other day except Friday , she would have dance class and Rick would pick her up during practice .
tr	3	" Becky Sanders is our long jump ; she won the state meet last year at it .
tr	3	Coach had quite an impressive beer gut , but he was still in amazing shape otherwise .
tr	3	" That 's why you flip your legs over at the end ; that will carry you over .
tr	3	Here , let 's move it up so you have to do it right to make it over . "
tr	3	This is perfect , the coach thought , she would have to do it correctly now to succeed .
tr	3	He showed her a few more times how to do it properly , knocking the bar down twice himself .
tr	3	" Let 's do it a few more times , and then you can head for the lockers . "
tr	3	It appeared to be a holographic baseball card or something , but was too shiny for that .
tr	3	A shape emerged , roughly six inches square , and after more digging , six inches deep .
tr	3	Alex had taken the tiny urchin under her wing and continued to work with her throughout the year .
tr	3	" Of course , how else can we turn your spaghetti arms into water pumps ? "
tr	3	We 're down five seconds and I can 't even beat this guy by one second ! "
tr	3	They continued to race through each stroke ; the girls almost beat the boys in the backstroke .
tr	3	At the end of practice the coach held a few members over to work on mistakes she had seen .
tr	3	The coach gave Alex a wink and a ' thumbs up ' for her effort in helping Jodie .
tr	3	Alex put her friend through several workouts to strengthen her arms and the other muscles used in each stroke .
tr	3	Alex took it and turned it over in her hands , seeing the symbols alter before her eyes .
tr	3	The cube was completely seamless and appeared to be one solid chunk of metal , but the rattle ?
tr	3	Ten minutes of inspection later , Jodie announced , " I know what this is ! "
tr	3	" Beam me up , Scotty , there 's definitely no intelligent life down here ! "
tr	3	" You 're gon na break it , " Jodie apologized and bent down to pick it up .
tr	3	It took a chip out of the concrete but there 's not a scratch on the box .
tr	3	Alex threw her clothes at her , " Hurry up , brush your hair on the way home .
tr	3	" You should come to my house and see what Dad says about the cube , Jodie ! "
tr	3	Or maybe the President will ask me to come have dinner with him and the entire intelligence community . "
tr	3	I can 't wait to play this one when you finish it , it looks soooo cool ! "
tr	3	It was quite an in-depth strategy game stuffed with actual history and just what he and Kaylie both loved .
tr	3	" You absolutely stink , Kaylie , " he blurted , nearly destroying a building under construction .
tr	3	" I just ran home from practice -- am I supposed to smell like flowers ? "
tr	3	So I need to see if you know anything about it or where I can find the answer . "
tr	3	Perhaps we can find what you need there and track down other sources for the rest .
tr	3	I 've got a lot of reference materials for all the research I did for this game ! "
tr	3	She agreed easily and he hurried downstairs while Kaylie dug out a couple pots and started the water boiling .
tr	3	she pointed to the cheese , cream of mushroom soup , ham chunks , and spices .
tr	3	He smiled , " We make it different every time ; ham is just as good as chicken ! "
tr	3	While this -- " a picture of a mother with a girl and boy , about eight and five .
tr	3	I 'm sure little boys have been kicking things around for many thousands of years , " he joked .
tr	3	I 've seen balls recovered from ancient sites that were over twenty thousand years old made like that .
tr	3	" Wait till I tell Christy , her assignment was to find out if they played sports . "
tr	3	Anna squealed as she burst through the door , shocking Rick , who nearly dropped the casserole dish .
tr	3	Jessie chimed in , " She did -- she even jumped higher than Coach Simmons ! "
tr	3	I 've failed as a father to you , " as he grabbed his chest in mock horror .
tr	3	She 's usually home by now , " Rick asked , getting nothing but shrugs in reply .
tr	3	Rick closed the distance and stopped her cold in her tracks , taking the bag from her .
tr	3	All the girls took turns speculating , fantasizing and theorizing as to the origins and contents of it .
tr	3	They were so finely crafted by samurai sword makers or something that they appeared to have no seams .
tr	3	But if you applied just the right pressure on the right places it would slide apart or something .
tr	3	Rick raised a hand and she decided it would be best to pass it in a more civilized manner .
tr	3	" I think ... " Alex started , and then paused in deep thought as they stared at her .
tr	3	" You know how CDs or computer chips would look to someone a hundred years ago ?
tr	3	You dug it up ; it had soil encrusted on it ; it could have been dated by that .
tr	3	They supposedly lived in Central America , but some evidence suggested they lived as far north as Canada ! "
tr	3	You may be right , any of us could be right , or we could all be way wrong .
tr	3	I actually know experts on this sort of thing and it sounds like a viable possibility .
tr	3	Don 't let me hear another harsh word or any food flying , " he said sternly .
tr	3	The far wall contained the bathroom and laundry , with a hot-tub between the two smaller rooms .
tr	3	A two-foot round pillar in the middle was the only obstruction in the fifty by thirty room .
tr	3	Kaylie apparently didn 't realize she could see and hear both ways and it startled her .
tr	3	I haven 't seen you girls in almost a year ; you 've grown quite a bit ! "
tr	3	She glanced down at the screen momentarily and back up , " What are you sending me ? "
tr	3	" Alex found it , I 'm sending a more complete and hi-res video of it . "
tr	3	It had clay rock formed on it , so it may have been there a while .
tr	3	Not a single artifact has been discovered to confirm any of that or any evidence of space travel .
tr	3	The biggest problem is they basically vanished , or at least abandoned their temples and cities .
tr	3	She had a disarming smile that instilled instant trust among the otherwise hard , sculpted features .
tr	3	I can 't say I 've ever known three happier , healthier girls in all my life .
tr	3	Anna nodded , scrunching her face up to show displeasure , " Yeah , he does .
tr	3	Even though she 'd directed the question at Anna , all the girls shook their heads no .
tr	3	We have a lot of fun when there , I admit , and that 's never going to change .
tr	3	Now give him a hug and kiss for me and let 's get back to this cube ! "
tr	3	" Enough of the history lesson , let 's hear what you think and why , " Abby insisted .
tr	3	" Waiting ... " Rick answered as Abby typed the same at precisely the same time .
tr	3	I see some symbols that may provide a key to deciphering a few texts I never could translate ! "
tr	3	Let me know if you figure anything else out or need more help , this is very intriguing . "
tr	3	They said their goodbyes to Walt , and Abby and Rick instantly went back to the video link .
tr	3	" I wish I could answer that for sure , honey , but my guess is yes . "
tr	3	" I love all of you and still have room for Abby too , " he winked at her .
tr	3	Everything points to the Mayans being from the future if you look at it all that way .
tr	3	World War III would be more likely to happen in this century , not three thousand years from now .
tr	3	Rick shouted , twisting the enigmatic object from the two as they fought for control of it .
tr	3	" Wait , you 're saying it could have been from the past , future , and aliens ?
tr	3	Abby stumbled for a reply , figuring none of the children had any , " Um , nothing really .
tr	3	" Well , that 's true -- " " So when do they think this civilization existed ? "
tr	3	When she was sure she had their attention , she started , " Well , is it a message ?
tr	3	' The vortex is the key ' and it 's even possible that a time machine is inside .
tr	3	" You could be here an hour ago in a time machine , " Christy contributed .
tr	3	" And don 't forget to write down the lottery numbers for tomorrow , " Anna suggested .
tr	3	At least it was pimped out with a DVD player and an X-box , he mused .
tr	3	She stood there in worn blue jeans , knees and cuffs frayed , and a light brown tank top .
tr	3	The other girls began teasing her as she intoned , " Follow the path , " over and over .
tr	3	The cube suddenly started to vibrate , and Jessica hastily dumped it on the table , backing off slightly .
tr	3	Then they all edged closer for a better look as the sides appeared to split and unfold .
tr	3	" It couldn 't have been earlier , " Abby declared , causing a groan from the others .
tr	3	Each of the girls , except Alex , picked up a necklace and checked them out .
tr	3	" Dad , " she nudged him , " how big will your projector magnify ? "
tr	3	She began to adjust the image to fit the entire wall , and then studiously approached .
tr	3	Alex suddenly strode over and held out her hand , " Give me the Universal Chronicler , please . "
tr	3	She looked into the crowd of eyes appraising her as if she were juggling bowling balls with her feet .
tr	3	Or , it will automatically copy any recordings from them while they were ' displaced . '
tr	3	He rolled his eyes , motioned to the computer , " Lead us to your King Arthur . "
tr	3	Abby hopped in Rick 's chair as he stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders .
tr	3	" Um ... Rick 's daughter found this one , we don 't know what it 's for . "
tr	3	" Rob , the coin is gold -- Spanish , I think -- 250 years old .
tr	3	He didn 't respond for a few seconds , then " What condition is that coin in ? "
tr	3	" Well , girls , let 's go watch these movies , " Rick suggested to the gathered crowd .
tr	3	First , a nose appeared , and then backed off to reveal a man of about 25 years .
tr	3	Within the next couple days -- " Alex adjusted the display , zooming out and rotating around the room .
tr	3	" -- this concludes our test of the Universal Chronicler , " the man ended and the menu appeared .
tr	3	" Just as we expected , " murmured Dr. Taylor as a view of wasteland filled the screen .
tr	3	Forty-five million people lived in this city in buildings that stretched up to three thousand meters high .
tr	3	Alex adjusted the view to look at him from the front as he breathed very heavily .
tr	3	" I was planning on sneaking into the cave tonight -- it 's been eleven , no twelve days .
tr	3	Now it became evident to the viewers what caused his distress : a bullet hole in his side .
tr	3	He ducked behind a tree just as Alex focused on a horse and rider in the distance .
tr	3	he bellowed as the doctor stood frozen until the figure took off in the opposite direction .
tr	3	" Thank God he 's as bad at tracking as he is at physics , " Taylor muttered painfully .
tr	3	" And thank God for the trees , or the moonlight would have given me away . "
tr	3	Once opened , you could see the other three necklaces , the stone and the chronicler .
tr	3	He hefted the stone , " This is the time stone ; it powers the machine . "
tr	3	He stopped momentarily to catch his breath ; it seemed incredibly difficult to speak each word .
tr	3	" This , " he laid a single finger on the chronicler , " is the Universal Chronicler .
tr	3	To end a trip , simply hold it in your hand and say ' return . '
tr	3	" OK , let 's watch a movie , " Rick attempted to change the subject .
tr	3	" There could be more answers in the -- " " Stop , " Rick demanded .
tr	3	Each considered her words for a brief moment , and then Christy and Jessica went upstairs .
tr	3	Kaylie and Alex walked over to the fridge while Anna stuck a movie in the player .
tr	3	Without complaint , Rick slid out , leaving Alex to right herself , pulling Abby along with him .
tr	3	" Go ahead , I couldn 't read it right now anyway , " she said , swaying groggily .
tr	3	He figured Rob was still on and wrote a reply , " Rick here , whatcha got ? "
tr	3	" It 's fine -- sealed in carbonite , like Han Solo , " Rick answered .
tr	3	" Wow , " he said out loud , causing Alex to perk up and check it out .
tr	3	I pulled off property details , which is kind of standard if you 're planning a dig .
tr	3	It may be a wildlife preserve or something odd , but I 'll send the info ! "
tr	3	" All I can tell is that it 's completely grown over -- you got the picture .
tr	3	" Did some research of my own ; it was a lucky guess , really . "
tr	3	He jolted her awake again and she realized he wasn 't going away so she reluctantly headed to bed .
tr	3	Abby screamed at first , but soon joined in the effort to force him from the bed .
tr	3	Alex feigned shock , " Why , I was only going to serve your breakfast to you , sir !
tr	3	she answered with a straight face , and then bowed for dramatic effect , awaiting his reply .
tr	3	" Because we love you , " came at him in five-part harmony , as if rehearsed .
tr	3	" What we need to do first is get equipment together -- " " Cave ? "
tr	3	" You didn 't even tell me you found it , Rick , " she scolded him .
tr	3	" We will all go to the track meet and the game , no question about it .
tr	3	" OK , " a resigned Kaylie asked , " so what do we need to do then ? "
tr	3	Rick held out the phone and stared at it as if it had grown arms and slapped him .
tr	3	I received information that your foundation is over two hundred years old and I wish to learn about it .
tr	3	Rick prompted , feeling as if he had to nudge the man 's brain into gear .
tr	3	If I sell the land , the endowment goes to charity and I lose my job .
tr	3	I hear the caves are fairly interesting and completely stable ; otherwise , it 's just a steep hillside .
tr	3	I hope to check the place out today , it 's all so intriguing to me ! "
tr	3	" Well , we have a track meet to go to ; let 's move it ! "
tr	3	They gathered the girls and their things , piled into the minivan and left for the school .
tr	3	There are seven people who know about it already ; that 's probably seven too many .
tr	3	Alex giggled , " Like we would want to be seen cruising around in this hunk of junk ! "
tr	3	Let 's go Jess ; we don 't want to miss any of the excitement . "
tr	3	They placed their order and walked over to the van to give the girls their food .
tr	3	Rick , you have to see some of this stuff , we just watched an entire herd of dinosaurs !
tr	3	And cavemen and -- " Christy butted in , " You should have seen some of these creatures Rick .
tr	3	We 've always assumed all the dinosaurs had scales , but half of them had fur .
tr	3	It 's all in the instructions but I haven 't tried any of it yet . "
tr	3	Then I got the 100 relay , high jump , 200 , then the 100 is last .
tr	3	" I have to either finish the high jump before the 200 or ask to do it after .
tr	3	" You 're lucky I have food in my hands or I 'd kick your butt ! "
tr	3	Christy tried to zoom in on it , but couldn 't tell exactly what was going on .
tr	3	He pulled it out and hit the button to answer but continued to watch the race .
tr	3	" Well , I guess so , but it 's really important that you see it , too . "
tr	3	he asked , knowing the girls tended to put false weight on things in their lives .
tr	3	" I warned you not to watch anything in the future , " he reminded her .
tr	3	Remember the video we saw where Taylor went to the future and the Earth was a cinder ?
tr	3	Well , we were watching an entry from 80,000 BC and we saw what caused it ! "
tr	3	Rick interrupted , " Honey , that 's definitely amazing , but Anna is about to run again .
tr	3	You 'd kill me if I ran off during one of your races , wouldn 't you ? "
tr	3	Call when Anna 's gon na do her last event so I can watch , OK ? "
tr	3	Jessica continued to cheer for her cousin as Rick and Abby sat back down to continue their conversation .
tr	3	It hit them hard ; I wonder what else they might witness on that thing ? "
tr	3	You know them far better than anyone , so you 're the best person to make that decision .
tr	3	And I don 't think they could handle too much knowledge of the future either . "
tr	3	" You already laid out rules for that , Rick , and those girls rarely ever break your rules .
tr	3	" They only are if you shield them and don 't allow them to experience any .
tr	3	Rick pondered a moment as he watched another race begin , " Yeah , you 're probably right . "
tr	3	" All they did was plot and scheme against each other , just like the rich today .
tr	3	Some things like that may be a bit too gory or violent for you , " Rick worried .
tr	3	" Kaylie found some peasants being killed for stealing , but we skipped that before it happened .
tr	3	We didn 't want to see that , but the races were really exciting and cool ! "
tr	3	That 's when we learned about the necklaces , they can tell if you 're in danger !
tr	3	Like if you get shot , it can only tell if you will be killed instantly from that wound .
tr	3	You can also talk to each other -- it took a while to figure it out .
tr	3	It looked like he was talking to himself because it transmits the sound directly to your brain or something .
tr	3	" I intend to find out everything we can about that ; just be patient honey .
tr	3	" It will be so cool going back in time though ... " " Shh ! "
tr	3	Rick raised an eyebrow at her , letting her know she didn 't make the rules .
tr	3	She and another girl each had to go early because they were entered in other events .
tr	3	she shouted , oblivious to all the eyes on her , tears streaming down her face .
tr	3	" Yeah , but it 's high school and I 'm just a freshman , " Anna spat back .
tr	3	Rick grinned , " If you were hit by a car you 'd wish I 'd been paranoid . "
tr	3	" No , " she sighed , " you 're not stupid , just over-protective . "
tr	3	Kaylie said he looked familiar earlier , but he 's got to be like eighty or something now .
tr	3	" Yeah , it 's weird seeing a younger person who could be older than old man Anderson . "
tr	3	After taking orders , she sped off to the concession stand with Christy and Jessica trailing behind .
tr	3	The other team didn 't even get a shot at the goal for the remainder of the game .
tr	3	Alex laughed as she pulled out the fries , " I guess she was hungry ? "
tr	3	Kaylie , do you want to stop at the house and take a quick shower before we go ? "
tr	3	Besides , I want to get there as soon as possible , don 't you all ? "
tr	3	" Well , I want to go as much as they do ; heck , probably more !
tr	3	I 'd love to visit all the sites I 've dug , especially the Mayan and Incan ones .
tr	3	We don 't even know what we will find or what we are looking for . "
tr	3	It 's less than a mile from our house ... well , the path is at least . "
tr	3	He also stuck a distress transmitter into his pants pocket , not sure if it would even work underground .
tr	3	" Just about , " Rick fumbled through the remaining mess , making sure they had it all .
tr	3	" Now we 're ready , " he posed comically , holding the oversized knife out like a sword .
tr	3	They all checked and rechecked everything , then locked the minivan and headed toward the woods .
tr	3	I 'll be swinging this around at weeds and briars and whatever else gets in our way . "
tr	3	He motioned to Abby , " OK , show me which direction we need to go . "
tr	3	He smiled inwardly as he furiously lashed at the first weeds and moved into the woods amidst flying debris .
tr	3	Rick sheathed his weapon and asked if anyone needed a break , sweat dripping from his brow .
tr	3	Abby , give us a rundown to the first fork , then we go in ! "
tr	3	Alex and Christy turned theirs on and Rick led them in between the massive boulders framing the cave entrance .
tr	3	They appeared to be polished as smooth as glass , but were actually coarse as the rocks outside .
tr	3	Rick aimed his light down the increasingly dark tunnel , motioned everyone to follow , and journeyed onward .
tr	3	Anna interrupted , and quickly drew her initial on the wall , which prompted Jessica to take some pictures .
tr	3	They passed three side tunnels before finally altering course , taking a left at a T-shaped intersection .
tr	3	The tunnel by then had shrunk considerably , to roughly six feet wide and eight feet tall .
tr	3	They stopped at the next fork and Rick checked everyone , " Are we all OK ? "
tr	3	It 's obvious it 's not natural , but what in particular is weird about it ? "
tr	3	And ... there are no support beams and not one single rock has fallen from the ceiling .
tr	3	The digging techniques of 250 years ago could not have been used to do this ! "
tr	3	" That 's what I thought ; I just wanted an expert opinion , " Rick revealed .
tr	3	Eight turns later , twelve junctions and twenty minutes had passed , and Rick paused again .
tr	3	" How far down have we come and how far do we need to go ? "
tr	3	It gets dark in an hour or so , is everyone healthy enough to speed up ? "
tr	3	Everyone agreed except Jessica , " I 'm getting sleepy , " she said , yawning for effect .
tr	3	He then called out , " Jess , I want you to snap pictures of this entire tunnel . "
tr	3	They went down the opposite path , which was nearly identical in length , and did the same .
tr	3	Rick had already seen them solve riddles he couldn 't , so he figured it was worth a shot .
tr	3	All of them searched both tunnels , poking , prodding , and knocking the wall all the way .
tr	3	Let 's head home and try to figure it out later -- after ice cream . "
tr	3	" But there 's a five foot drop-off -- that wouldn 't be easy to navigate .
tr	3	There should be millions of tons of earth ; that would make a mountain five hundred feet high .
tr	3	Rick stole a look back at the girls ; they all drooped with exhaustion and dejection .
tr	3	" Because you 're almost as big as I am , and you 're actually awake !
tr	3	" Anna , hit the shower before you even think about going to bed , " he ordered .
tr	3	" Come on , girls , " he said softly to the others , and they followed .
tr	3	She gave him a weak hug and said thanks as he covered her up and said good night .
tr	3	He carried everything to his study , setting them on his desk before searching for Abby .
tr	3	She bent down to test the water , making it look more difficult than it was .
tr	3	" I 'm gon na relax in the hot tub for a few ... days , " he answered .
tr	3	No , not Kaylie , she wouldn 't really know what was planned ... no , she probably would .
tr	3	I wouldn 't even talk to my own mother about personal things at her age . "
tr	3	" Really , Kay , we 've talked about this before and I still say don 't worry .
tr	3	You 're years away from having to worry ; enjoy being young while you can ! "
tr	3	" I was just saying I 'm going to print out all those pictures of that hallway .
tr	3	All the bathers looked at each other with deep concern that Abby had flipped her lid completely .
tr	3	Check this out , right here , where the missing path is that leads to the X , see ?
tr	3	" I don 't know how to work your camera and I need the pictures of that intersection . "
tr	3	he pointed to the far wall as he fumbled through his desk for tape and tossed it to her .
tr	3	She began studying the first one , a picture taken roughly ten feet before they reached the intersection .
tr	3	" Um , Abby , " Rick tapped her shoulder , eyes locked on something in the picture .
tr	3	Rick clasped his hands over her ears like earmuffs and maneuvered her head toward the first picture .
tr	3	Rick immediately ran to the computer , loaded the image and zoomed in on the area .
tr	3	" Why don 't you girls get in bed so we can get up early ? "
tr	3	" I think I 'm going to bed ... " Abby said , stifling a yawn .
tr	3	Kaylie asked her as if she had to be an alien to do such a thing .
tr	3	Abby smiled , " I uncover mysteries , artifacts , treasures , and documents every day .
tr	3	And I know to get a good night 's sleep before undertaking this type of mission . "
tr	3	She hugged the girls and kissed Rick , heading up the stairs after bidding them all good night .
tr	3	Rick changed into some dry clothes he found in the laundry room , and set up the video .
tr	3	Alex came down in her nightshirt with two bags of chips , Kaylie followed with cups of ice .
tr	3	Rick finally started the movie as they settled in beside him , pulling a blanket over them all .
tr	3	" Of course , just don 't expect all your dreams to come true , " he said carefully .
tr	3	" Oh , come on ; you know I 'm just fascinated with history -- like you .
tr	3	" I 'm just worried that you 'll be disappointed if you don 't get to go .
tr	3	You 're as much a kid as I am inside , " she elbowed his side .
tr	3	He went on , " Did Jesus really die or was he just in a coma ?
tr	3	" You know what would really be the coolest thing in the world , Rick ? "
tr	3	" If you didn 't have parents already , I 'd adopt you , Kaylie . "
tr	3	" Well , I can answer one question you asked earlier ... My parents -- they 're aliens ! "
tr	3	" That 's really none of your business -- " " I 'm your second best friend .
tr	3	Rick pondered that question a moment before answering , " I really don 't know , honestly . "
tr	3	" Honey , she made it pretty clear then that she -- " " Talk to her again ! "
tr	3	" Abby doesn 't want kids ; she can 't handle them -- " " Bull !
tr	3	" I just wan na sleep down here , " she said , grabbing the remote .
tr	3	" OK , good night then , " he kissed her on the top of the head .
tr	3	" I really don 't think whipped cream is a good idea , " he growled .
tr	3	" You should be able to get done before I get back with donuts though . "
tr	3	As Rick came out of his bedroom , he noticed Anna sprawled face down , sideways across her bed .
tr	3	Fatherhood and the minivan seem to be taking over more and more of my life , he sighed .
tr	3	Anna smirked , " What makes you think we 'll find anything but dead-end tunnels again today ? "
tr	3	" ... we were finding the secret path hidden in the wall , " he completed .
tr	3	Rick smiled at Abby , who sat in the passenger seat holding two boxes of donuts .
tr	3	Abby passed out donuts , including half-eaten ones Christy and Jessica had left on the table .
tr	3	Rick popped the hatch as the girls opened the sliding door and started to run down the path .
tr	3	" You will sit here and eat your donuts while we get ready , " he said .
tr	3	We 'll just stay here until you are , then , " he told them all .
tr	3	" I think you should eat all the donuts before he takes another one , " Abby advised .
tr	3	Anna automatically wielded her chalk , Jessica prepared the camera and Alex and Christy illuminated the room .
tr	3	Rick held his light at an angle to the wall , which immediately made the impression visible .
tr	3	This tunnel was as wide as ten feet in some places , narrow as three feet in others .
tr	3	He felt six impacts as each of his companions slammed into the previous one when he halted .
tr	3	The walls were once again glossy and uniform , now extending nearly thirty feet to the top .
tr	3	The lights danced and reflected off the water with an impressive glow that entranced the entire party .
tr	3	Rick asked Abby as he slid his arm around her shoulder and cinched her up against him .
tr	3	Jessica finally spoke up , " I guess I 'll take pictures of every inch of the place . "
tr	3	Soon , every pair of eyes and hands were caressing the walls and inspecting the ceilings .
tr	3	" Not bad at all , about 72 degrees ... " " It 's no hot-tub ! "
tr	3	This can 't be another dead -- " Abby 's analysis was broken by a screech and gasp .
tr	3	" And what is so important that you have to remove my arm from my body , Alex ? "
tr	3	" Uh , yeah ... " " That same amount of water is going out that hole .
tr	3	She shook her head , eyes wide with the realization of her possibly near fatal mistake .
tr	3	" I left it at the entrance , " she said , pointing at her bag .
tr	3	He determined it was no good -- he couldn 't fasten the rope to it in any way .
tr	3	He placed the light in the bag and sealed it , then stripped to his shorts .
tr	3	Alex , I want you to time me ; you know when I 'm in danger . "
tr	3	He could clearly see the uniform tunnel ahead until it turned sharply at about fifteen feet .
tr	3	" It 's not bad , really , but I 'm not sure you can all make it .
tr	3	If I 'm safe , I 'll tug on the rope four times , OK ? "
tr	3	" Not at all , there 's been no tension on it at all since he went in . "
tr	3	He didn 't know , but was sure someone on the other end of this rope did .
tr	3	As his head broke the surface , an angry voice assaulted him , " Richard Williamson !
tr	3	He held back his smile as he swam back , " How long was I gone ? "
tr	3	He climbed up the steep slope and dried his hands on the pants he had left behind .
tr	3	He then took the camera from Jessica and sealed it up in the bag , purposely avoiding eye contact .
tr	3	Kaylie was giggling , but shook her head , assuring Abby there was no evil plot against her .
tr	3	And I 'm in absolutely no danger at all ; I merely lost track of time .
tr	3	" I might misunderstand your concern and think it 's some other emotion , " he hinted .
tr	3	Twenty minutes and probably 150 pictures later , he decided he should get back to show everyone .
tr	3	And he should ask you to -- " " What did he say about that ? "
tr	3	Kaylie was amused at Abby , acting like a high school girl with a crush on the quarterback .
tr	3	Alex angrily swam back and started to get out , but then slumped back into the water .
tr	3	" It seemed a lot warmer , but I was so excited that I really can 't remember . "
tr	3	Jessica and Christy jumped in with a splash to join Alex , and Anna followed shortly .
tr	3	" I 'm gon na leave this burning so we 'll have some light when we come back . "
tr	3	" I 'm gon na adopt you someday , I swear , " he whispered back to her .
tr	3	When he was sure they understood , he snatched the bag and swam through the hole .
tr	3	Christy came next , feet first , sliding down the rope like a fireman 's pole .
tr	3	She stopped before she got near the split and Rick could sense she was terrified by the flailing rope .
tr	3	Grabbing her around the waist , he floated down the rope , dragging her toward the ramp .
tr	3	He shoved her up and out of the water , where she began spitting and crying .
tr	3	He wove his hand into her free hand , pulling her in the direction of the ramp .
tr	3	They all dressed while relentlessly bombarding him to be allowed to enter the room and look at everything .
tr	3	Feeling the excitement as he held it in his hand , all eyes suddenly turned to him expectantly .
tr	3	Although the voice had no inflection , Rick felt as if the woman were teasing him .
tr	3	Rick jumped back , as did everyone else , when a five-foot sphere appeared two feet above the podium .
tr	3	It is actually derived from the initials , TDM , which stands for time displacement machine .
tr	3	You can call me T if you like ; John always does ... or did . "
tr	3	Again , there was no tone change , but everyone could sense sadness in her voice .
tr	3	I can tell if you are facing me , but that does not always mean you are addressing me .
tr	3	Please , identify everyone , then we can discuss whatever you like , " T said .
tr	3	" I 'm Jessica , but you can call me Jess or Jessie , if you like . "
tr	3	" Hi , Jessie , " she responded , with no hesitation to decide on which name to use .
tr	3	They watched as John buried the cube and staggered through the woods to his ultimate death .
tr	3	If you know the exact coordinates of the location as well as an altitude , you can say it .
tr	3	For example , Alex 's response of ' Pearl Harbor ' would have resulted in this view . "
tr	3	Use your hand to slide the view -- one finger to zoom in , two to zoom out .
tr	3	" Very well , I will answer any requests you have , " T addressed everyone .
tr	3	" No , I cannot , Rick , " she answered just as evenly as everything else .
tr	3	" I can tell you he left a message , Rick , in case he was no longer available .
tr	3	Rick furrowed his eyebrows in incomprehension , " Why would I want to learn about that ? "
tr	3	Again , he sensed an urging in her total lack of tone , like a hint .
tr	3	Rick smiled briefly , " Yes , T , I would love to hear about it .
tr	3	You should refer to it as a list of clues , to be more precise . "
tr	3	" I am programmed to speak to you in whatever vernacular you would most easily understand , Rick . "
tr	3	She paused , switched the display to show a 3D image of a memory crystal , a red one .
tr	3	It changed colors from red to yellow , green , blue , and back to red .
tr	3	I would guess that someone using four different colors would do so for a cheap dramatic effect . "
tr	3	Rick was quickly figuring out that T was on his side , helping him ... and enjoying it .
tr	3	However slight the effects , the launching of the missile itself seriously contaminates the time-line . "
tr	3	" Dr. Taylor is dead in 2007 , but not in 1756 , Jessie , " T pointed out .
tr	3	The floors and walls were two different shades of marble with large rugs covering most of the floor .
tr	3	He searched for ten minutes before Alex finally said , " Dad , what are you looking for ? "
tr	3	" It said ' he wore a diamond of yellow ' so why are you looking through his room ?
tr	3	" Please close the door to the replicator and reopen it , Kaylie , " T answered .
tr	3	Kaylie obeyed , and her meal was ready , with hot sauce packets , just like she liked .
tr	3	" Better than cable , Christy , I can display any program or movie ever made .
tr	3	You can say whatever you want to see or I can replicate a remote for you . "
tr	3	Anna cried , " I can tell my friends what 's going to happen on Degrassi next week ! "
tr	3	" I 'd like to talk about this first , maybe we 're getting carried away already .
tr	3	Alex was busy , mostly ignoring the conversation taking place , following Octavian all over Rome .
tr	3	If you even think about it , I 'll ground you for life , " Rick vowed .
tr	3	" T can probably zap her memory out of her for you , " Jessica joked .
tr	3	As Octavian began walking down the street , the scene skipped forward to where he had the necklace .
tr	3	" Rewind five seconds and pause , " Alex said , and then studied the scene .
tr	3	That 's what I want to know -- they should be hanged , " Jessica joked .
tr	3	" OK , watch him for a few days ; see if he takes it off .
tr	3	Kaylie began learning to use the console controls , quickly resuming where her friend had left off .
tr	3	" T , " he turned to ask , " is that fifteen minutes missing from history altogether ? "
tr	3	" No , Rick , those memories are intact ; only viewing of them have been banned . "
tr	3	Nobody had bothered to look in them ; they were too fascinated by everything else this day .
tr	3	They found boots , shoes , dresses , pottery , tools , jewels , and gems .
tr	3	" Uh , yeah , there 's no way I 'm going out in public with this on ! "
tr	3	" Who do you know that ever got shot by an arrow at a playground ? "
tr	3	" That 's a good reason not to let you go , " Rick decided easily .
tr	3	" Rick , she 's right , and they would have so much fun , " Abby chimed in .
tr	3	Abby simply smiled at him to let him know she thought he had done the right thing .
tr	3	Preferably close to the part of town he 's traveling in , " Rick started dispensing orders .
tr	3	Rick smiled broadly and winked , " So ... when can we go haul your stuff over ? "
tr	3	He blinked a couple times , " That was too easy ; what 's the catch ? "
tr	3	" A little birdie made me realize some things today ... " she said , glancing over at Kaylie .
tr	3	Rick asked as he wormed in between Alex and Kaylie , putting an arm around each of them .
tr	3	" Hmm ... so we really don 't know anything for sure , except what we observe .
tr	3	If we fail , we can go back and try something else , " said Rick .
tr	3	Rick pondered a moment , wondering why they could understand speech when they were watching the display .
tr	3	" I translate the language both here and in the other time-space , Rick , " she answered .
tr	3	While they ate , the talk was excited , vibrant , focused on the mission ahead .
tr	3	" Why don 't you just go in while they 're gone and take them ? "
tr	3	Anna rolled her eyes , " Always got ta set a good example , don 't you ?
tr	3	Jessica was still taunting her , shaking her head around wildly with her tongue sticking out , flopping around .
tr	3	Chapter 15 -- A Little Trip to Rome " Do you confirm this destination and location , Rick ? "
tr	3	He gave them each a hug and headed for his hiding place , offering final words of encouragement .
tr	3	And that was just a handful of the hundred or more pounds that remained in the boxes .
tr	3	Some of the gems also made the Hope Diamond look like a $ 99 engagement ring .
tr	3	The elder boy , on the right , had short , dark hair , and dark brown eyes .
tr	3	The girl was slightly smaller than Christy , but they knew she was two years older .
tr	3	They all wore the same type tunics -- off-white wool and in desperate need of replacement .
tr	3	" I did , " Christy volunteered , and then came forward to feel the girl 's fabric .
tr	3	The next village is days away by foot -- " " We 're with our father ! "
tr	3	She turned back to the girls , " You mean us no harm , right ? "
tr	3	Alex reached for her pouch , opened it , and poured some coins into her hand .
tr	3	Again , the small girl stood her ground , arm extended toward the house , directing him .
tr	3	" Then she shall be furious at me , and you won 't starve tonight ! "
tr	3	It was a rich dark brown color with lighter tan strips of leather hanging from it .
tr	3	" Lucius said to bring you this -- he 's too busy crying like a baby . "
tr	3	We planned this journey when I was eleven , " Kaylie was trying her best poker face .
tr	3	You could get lost or killed if you don 't know what you 're doing . "
tr	3	Another pair of eyes wouldn 't hurt , " he said , adjusting his outfit a little .
tr	3	His daughter appraised him carefully , " Well , if you want the truth , it looks pretty stupid .
tr	3	At least you 're not wearing a towel with a hole cut in the center and no sides ! "
tr	3	She thought it was a dream , had she really been so disconnected from the loss of her father ?
tr	3	She snapped out of her daydream about the last time she had seen her father in that outfit .
tr	3	You look just like my father did last time I saw him wearing that , " she explained .
tr	3	I never thought how difficult that could be -- " " No , it 's OK .
tr	3	But I feel I should let you know why we are really here , first . "
tr	3	Rick ushered the girls to where the video had ended then turned and faced where Octavian would arrive .
tr	3	Plus it would look a little more normal if we at least had one of these baskets . "
tr	3	Christy tried to give detailed commentary along the trip , " He just gave a little boy a coin .
tr	3	Stop a sec , he 's kneeling down to give the kid something ... oh , how sweet ! "
tr	3	His voice was deep and scratchy and brought fear into the eyes of the formerly perpetually happy child .
tr	3	" You should be ashamed of yourself , wench , picking on such a small child ! "
tr	3	He was wearing the uniform of Caesar 's most elite and most respected squad among all the Romans .
tr	3	He began fumbling in his pouch until he found a similar stone , pulling it out to show .
tr	3	" See , we have several gems of this type , " he explained to the captain .
tr	3	Alex gushed as they walked to the corner of the street , all grinning from ear to ear .
tr	3	He winced and staggered , realizing he couldn 't make it around the corner before another volley was launched .
tr	3	He fumbled , nearly losing the woozy girl but managed to maintain a firm grip on her .
tr	3	" Nonsense , if I was in danger of dying the necklaces would have recalled us already .
tr	3	Alex clutched the basket in her arms as if hiding behind it and adamantly shook her head no .
tr	3	Alex nearly fainted at the sight of the wound , which was only slightly trickling blood .
tr	3	She quickly returned and tossed the white muslin to Rick and then went to stand guard .
tr	3	Blood ran all the way to his ankle , but otherwise it didn 't appear to be too bad .
tr	3	He sat her back down , grabbed the bowl of water and splashed it in her face .
tr	3	The little Roman girl spat and sputtered and angrily glared at Rick , " What was that for ? "
tr	3	Rick realized he was very easily spotted , being much taller than most of the Romans .
tr	3	That was one detail he had never considered ; in two thousand years , humans had definitely changed considerably .
tr	3	" You don 't want to do that , you have open wounds , " Christy stated .
tr	3	They wrapped the blanket around Rick 's body and over his head to form a hood .
tr	3	He slouched over like an old man , hobbling along convincingly , thanks to his injuries .
tr	3	She had fashioned two skirts out of their leftover cloth for girls they met while resting .
tr	3	He hobbled back to the girls and sat against a wall , beckoning them to climb under the blanket .
tr	3	But it 's almost dark and I feel it would be much safer after the sun has set . "
tr	3	" I guess she was probably just someone he paid to deliver the necklace to Octavian . "
tr	3	The girl 's wide eyes watched curiously as he pulled something out but kept it hidden in his palm .
tr	3	Half a minute passed quite anxiously before they saw a dark form approaching them , jogging .
tr	3	" OK , we can go now , " she said with a satisfied grin on her face .
tr	3	When they fully emerged , the trio rushed over to them and immediately noticed the blood and bandages .
tr	3	" We don 't have to go back , " he managed to state calmly through the abuse .
tr	3	Before she could comment , Kaylie walked over , carrying her new prized tunic like a priceless artifact .
tr	3	Despite his injuries , Rick was delighted the girls had absorbed so many amazing lessons from their trip .
tr	3	We just need three more -- " " While a maniac tries to kill you ! "
tr	3	" But he was , and you know he could be setting a trap for you three more times .
tr	3	Using her hand , she quickly zoomed out , moved the view around and zoomed back in .
tr	3	There , in mid-air , was an object he was tossing up and down in his right hand .
tr	3	He could smell the girl 's own tears on it ; he could smell her on it .
tr	3	" No you 're not , " he said as he pushed the door open further .
tr	3	She whirled and slammed the door , catching him off balance and knocking him back a few steps .
tr	3	Kaylie slumped down on the toilet seat , sniffling , crossing her arms over her chest .
tr	3	Right now , we have billions of cute little girls to save , don 't we ? "
tr	3	She stood and took as much of his weight as she could , helping him back to the table .
tr	3	These girls have been up for over 24 hours and you 're in no condition to do anything ! "
tr	3	" I think we 've proven this is a bit too dangerous -- " Rick tried .
tr	3	I know four of you are going to bed as soon as we get home , " Abby determined .
tr	3	Alex leaned on her sleepily , " I like it when you call our house ' home ' .
tr	3	The kids would put trash , dishes , food or anything else in it and watch it gradually disappear .
tr	3	I have a hard time believing it formed in a spiral without some help , " Abby asked further .
tr	3	" You 'd have to ask them that , Abby , I can only speculate . "
tr	3	Before Rick could stop her , T answered , " That is a relative question , Kaylie .
tr	3	I 'll swim out first and pull anyone out who can 't make it on their own .
tr	3	" Of course , honey , swimming will be much easier than walking , I 'm sure .
tr	3	You know I 'm almost as strong a swimmer as you , " Alex offered helpfully .
tr	3	Rick limped out of the bathroom and saw all six pairs of eyes impatiently waiting for him .
tr	3	When I move my stuff down here , it 's yours , " Abby told her .
tr	3	She splashed him , " I thought we had more important things to do right now ? "
tr	3	" How are you going to pull us out if your arm hurts , Rick ? "
tr	3	But , let 's see who can make it back out with no help at all , OK ? "
tr	3	Rick was relieved they all made it under their own power and didn 't require any assistance .
tr	3	His energy was fading quickly and he wasn 't sure how much longer he would last .
tr	3	When they finally arrived at the van , Rick sprawled across the back seat while the girls loaded everything .
tr	3	" The rest of you are probably tired ... " " That 's sweet of you ' Abby praised .
tr	3	Anna grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into the house as Abby and Alex aided Rick .
tr	3	" Night , Dad , " Alex said sleepily , as she gave a hug and a quick kiss .
tr	3	" Sorry girls , you still have school tomorrow ... " The trio trudged upstairs to the showers .
tr	3	Abby looked at the screen , " Aah , you 've already found it all ? "
tr	3	" I think maybe we 're both tired , you just confused the heck out of me too .
tr	3	That was the last sound Rick heard that night before falling into a much-needed , deep sleep .
tr	3	When Abby came downstairs she smiled as she gathered the pages scattered across Rick 's chest .
tr	3	As he felt the surreal slipping away to consciousness , he realized it wasn 't just a fantasy .
tr	3	His younger daughter , Jessica , really did decode its clues with her own unique brand of curiosity .
tr	3	They were given a riddle to solve if they wanted to try to stop the process .
tr	3	Each had performed an important part in the quest for the first piece of the puzzle .
tr	3	Now available Chronicles of Time : Book 3 Chapter 29 -- Can You be Born Before You 're Born ?
tr	3	As Jessica opened the kitchen door , a man in shorts carrying a large knife filled the doorway .
tr	3	They both dashed past him toward the stairs , screeching again , this time in mock panic .
tr	3	Everyone was shocked at the mere descriptions ; Jessica urged them all not to watch it .
tr	3	After breakfast Rick insisted the three girls in Anderson 's class wear a necklace all day .
tr	3	" It seems nobody truly knows when Jesus was born , " he said with a sigh .
tr	3	" Some say December 25 , year 0 , of course , but they are in the extreme minority .
tr	3	I want to park a bit away instead of pulling up to the house , " Scott said .
tr	3	In all my years , I 've never heard of a woman being so bold for so long .
tr	3	Sorry to punch you in the feminism , but women just don 't behave this way . "
tr	3	I 'm just saying we shouldn 't be so harsh on the suspect this time . "
tr	3	Scott grinned , then got out , talking into his microphone , " Is anyone inside ? "
tr	3	Even the pavement reinforced that feeling , with crushed shells imbedded in the surface instead of gravel .
tr	3	The edging along the walk and driveway seemed to have been accomplished with the precision of a scalpel .
tr	3	This has ' innocent victim ' written all over it , " he said , standing aside .
tr	3	" All the computers so far were on and none of them were rigged to destroy any data .
tr	3	" Let 's go , Scott , " she added in a huff , and stormed out .
tr	3	He sighed deeply , waiting for his latest understudy , Samantha White , to begin the report .
tr	3	Forrest Reed 's familiar covers adorned the front of each book -- and more surfaced endlessly .
tr	3	He has requested everyone respect his decision to retire , and refrain from future contact . "
tr	3	" He was the only person out there who could come up with interesting , unique ideas . "
tr	3	People were growing tired of the cookie-cutter novels -- the generic , molded , scripted repeats of previous successes .
tr	3	They had mastered the world of digital communication , but had lost the ability to communicate with each other .
tr	3	" Reed believed the minds of children were polluted with the ideas forced onto them by our education system .
tr	3	He really didn 't want to think of the world that would rise from lost creativity and originality .
tr	3	He and Reed appeared to be the last two dinosaurs that had broken away from that path .
tr	3	Jordan and Samantha set out several charts which the HV users could peruse at their leisure .
tr	3	The characters , names , places and events are purely fictional and not based on any real event .
tr	3	Any resemblance to real persons , living or dead , is an amazing coincidence and nothing more .
tr	3	There was his married life , and the day to day grind of going to work .
tr	3	She clawed at the sand and crawled away from the plane as fast as she could .
tr	3	The giant 's arm was bulging with corded muscles beneath skin from which sprouted wiry , black hair .
tr	3	CHAPTER ONE Somewhere in the Arizona desert , miles from any road or water , there was a boat .
tr	3	Five riders , racing through the desert , weaving in and out , jumping slight rises .
tr	3	Behind them , the riders left behind not only their camp , but twelve years of education .
tr	3	They all saw the same great stain on the desert and slid to a stop beside their friend .
tr	3	None of them were doing anything more than looking at the burnt remains down the slope from them .
tr	3	Still , when they all went their separate ways in a few months , Josie would miss them .
tr	3	The man was leaning back against the boat , his shirt and one boot burnt off .
tr	3	They stood in a semi-circle behind her , looking over her shoulder at the burnt body .
tr	3	Jimmy , the group 's slimmest member , poked at the burnt debris by the corpse .
tr	3	Despite the fact she was so close to a corpse , Josie didn 't feel frightened .
tr	3	Low on the horizon they could see the full moon , just beginning its rise into the sky .
tr	3	The boys all nodded to each other and turned from the boat wreck then started back to their motorcycles .
tr	3	Josie watched as the water began to wash away ash and soot , revealing gray beneath .
tr	3	The teens sat around the campfire , quietly eating , no one wanting to discuss their discovery .
tr	3	She couldn 't get the image of the burned , stone man out of her mind .
tr	3	Hit the sack , " Kendall said , hoping he would be able to sleep now .
tr	3	" You know , Josie , if you 're scared , I could keep you company tonight . "
tr	3	The man looked up at the moon , and closed his eyes , breathing in deeply .
tr	3	CHAPTER THREE Several hours later , the stone man reached the distant fire he had seen .
tr	3	He heard the gentle clatter of ice floating in water , bumping against the plastic sides .
tr	3	As he pulled it out , the other bottles shifted and thumped loudly against the sides of the cooler .
tr	3	For her , that meant a sharp inhalation of air , and her eyes wide open .
tr	3	Josie 's father had been a fireman , before he died when she was very young .
tr	3	As Josie climbed from her tent , she realized this was a stranger - not one of the guys .
tr	3	As he drank from the bottle , she watched as his arms and chest were getting larger .
tr	3	He stopped when he saw the overly muscled , shirtless , green-eyed man calmly drinking water .
tr	3	As Logan and Jimmy spilled from their tents , the stranger began drinking water from another bottle .
tr	3	Josie watched her puzzled friends as they looked at her then the stranger , then back to her again .
tr	3	Five sets of tired eyes looked toward the stranger 's neck as he finished another water bottle .
tr	3	It was the bravest , and possibly stupidest , thing he had ever done in his life .
tr	3	Jimmy immediately tripped over the many empty water bottles and fell onto his face in the sand .
tr	3	Logan suddenly flew backwards , nearly a dozen feet , collapsing a tent and landing with a heavy thud .
tr	3	He whipped out a knife from his back pocket , popping it open with his thumb .
tr	3	Jimmy rebounded off the shirtless stranger , falling backwards to land roughly on his own bottom .
tr	3	With a flick of his wrist and arm , he threw the knife at the large stranger .
tr	3	Almost immediately , the stranger slapped his forehead with his right hand , as if squashing a mosquito .
tr	3	He was very surprised as the blood in his hand soaked into his palm and vanished .
tr	3	" That doesn 't seem normal , " the stranger remarked , dumping the bullet fragments from his hand .
tr	3	The flesh of the gunshot wounds pushed back out , dislodging bullet fragments and healing over .
tr	3	What little blood had trickled down from the wounds soaked back into the stranger 's skin .
tr	3	He had been staring at bullet fragments from his chest , held in the palm of his hand .
tr	3	The stranger 's were green and black , with the green being a deep , emerald hue .
tr	3	Logan was lying in the tent , trying not to make noise , but holding his side .
tr	3	He noticed Josie was standing next to the stranger , and didn 't appear frightened at all .
tr	3	Mark gently probed Logan 's side , expertly feeling the ribs and not applying too much pressure .
tr	3	She turned and cupped her hands to her mouth and began to call out for her friends .
tr	3	" Oh , I don 't know - like throwing people twenty feet through the air . "
tr	3	Mark eyed the kids carefully , for the first time really taking in their off-road motocross clothes .
tr	3	" You 're trying to figure out what year this is , " Jimmy said in surprise .
tr	3	Carlos ' eyes widened as the wound Josie was pouring water over turned gray and began to close itself .
tr	3	Once closed the wound turned back to the same tanned flesh tone as the rest of Mark 's skin .
tr	3	Carlos shrugged and reached into a pocket and pulled out a slim flip phone and offered it to Mark .
tr	3	" I don 't think we 'd get a signal out here anyway , Mist - Mark . "
tr	3	" I think you need to get more help than a payphone has to offer , " Josie added .
tr	3	Josie stepped close and put her fingertips gently on Mark 's bare chest , just below his sternum .
tr	3	" Maybe when you grew your head back , your memories didn 't all come back with it ? "
tr	3	He may not remember much , but he remembered waking up in the remains of the melted boat .
tr	3	Anything that hot would have burnt up anything in his pockets - even if the pants themselves were heat-resistant .
tr	3	The ripping plastic sound gave way to the sound of ripping velcro - the pants had a velcro closure .
tr	3	The pocket felt odd - lined with some kind of strange material , different from the pants .
tr	3	" Looks like just cash , " Mark said , holding the money up for the teens to see .
tr	3	" You don 't look that old , " Jimmy said , echoing what the others were thinking .
tr	3	The door opened and Maria finally came out , brushing her long , wavy , black hair .
tr	3	Until Mark had been assigned to her , it had been a passion that consumed her every waking minute .
tr	3	" That was a great honeymoon , " Maria said , sitting at their tiny table .
tr	3	Maria hadn 't had a vacation , hadn 't walked outside the facility , in years .
tr	3	Maria picked up a piece of toast from the table , while Mark sat down across from her .
tr	3	" Until they find someone else like me , I 'm pretty indispensable , " Mark said .
tr	3	Maria hadn 't been more than fifteen feet away from him since the day they met .
tr	3	" I know how much you like the story of the bread and the fish , " Maria said .
tr	3	" If we lose that eye , we can 't get another one , " she added .
tr	3	He considered just how much time and how many resources had been put into the project .
tr	3	" That werewolf bite a few years ago didn 't affect you , " Maria said calmly .
tr	3	They both covered the area of the hallway with their guns - but it was still clear .
tr	3	" Watch where you shoot - there are pipes running overhead with natural gas in them . "
tr	3	She knew she didn 't need to say that - she 'd seen Mark firing on the range .
tr	3	He pressed it to his ear as it connected to the Project 's main control room .
tr	3	Midway down the hall , the chamber 's heavy blast door popped open a few inches .
tr	3	Faint wisps of steam and the acrid smell of electrical fires wafted out of the chamber .
tr	3	A purple , forked tongue darted in and out of the lizard 's mouth as it tasted the air .
tr	3	Mark already had his Thompson up , held tight against his shoulder , lining his sights up .
tr	3	The .45 caliber rounds slammed into the beast 's scales , directly behind its front legs .
tr	3	It roared in anger then turned toward the far end of hall and Mark and Maria .
tr	3	Maria stepped forward , lifting her shotgun to her shoulder as her husband had taught her .
tr	3	The massive deer slug went wide , missing the charging basilisk and tearing a chunk out of the wall .
tr	3	Mark quickly pulled an incendiary grenade off his belt , glad the creature couldn 't run that fast .
tr	3	Mark pulled the pin on the grenade in his hand then gave it an underhanded toss forward .
tr	3	Mark tried to get up , but the debris covering his chest and legs wouldn 't budge .
tr	3	Her flesh began to turn gray in color , and her movements slowed until she remained frozen in place .
tr	3	The last image Mark saw before the flames engulfed his head was of his wife turning to stone .
tr	3	He 'd ditched his one boot , and stood barefoot in the sand , in only his combat pants .
tr	3	That really irritated Jimmy , now wearing sneakers , khaki pants and an untucked , gray , short-sleeve shirt .
tr	3	She now wore short , blue jean shorts , a bright , pink t-shirt and leather sandals .
tr	3	Jimmy stopped his efforts , then watched in horror as Mark lifted the motorcycle with one hand .
tr	3	" You 're welcome , " Mark replied , turning to go get Josie 's motorcycle .
tr	3	He opened the door and began rummaging around in his duffel bag on the back seat .
tr	3	" I like to wear loose clothes when I sleep , " a perturbed Carlos replied .
tr	3	Josie , trying not to snicker at Carlos ' and Mark 's conversation , began to lash it down .
tr	3	From his perch on the rear of Kendall 's truck , Logan decided to join in .
tr	3	Josie decided it was time to drop it , before Carlos and Logan came to blows .
tr	3	When he was out of earshot , Kendall and Logan turned around to glare at Carlos .
tr	3	Logan , despite the pain it caused him , reached over the seat and punched Carlos in the arm .
tr	3	" But no , we 're going to go find some cops and report this . "
tr	3	Back at Jimmy 's truck , Mark climbed into the cab , sitting in the front passenger seat .
tr	3	" They 're big boys , they can find their way back home on their own . "
tr	3	" They 'd rather take their chances with the desert than you , anyways , " Jimmy almost growled .
tr	3	Jimmy pressed on the brake and brought his truck to a smooth stop on the edge of the wreckage .
tr	3	Despite the fact this was easier than trying to slide around the steering wheel , Jimmy was jealous .
tr	3	" Pick a direction - there 's no water for twenty miles or more , " Josie answered .
tr	3	As soon as he contacted the burnt stone , a faint , green glow emanated from around his fingertip .
tr	3	As it fell , the heart quickly turned back to stone , landing with a thud in the sand .
tr	3	" It 's a little ability I have - to nullify magic and other supernatural things . "
tr	3	" I 've never seen any , " Josie replied , although she wondered if she might just have .
tr	3	" Why are we out here , in the middle of nowhere , helping this guy ?
tr	3	" And don 't give me that he needs help , stuff , either , " he added .
tr	3	Beneath the ashes and debris from the harness he had clearly once worn , Mark found other items .
tr	3	" Your dad died fighting a fire , you meet this guy - who died in a fire . "
tr	3	" We can 't help you if you keep a bunch of secrets from us . "
tr	3	We sure didn 't have people using abilities in public , back in ' 62 . "
tr	3	" Look , whatever secrets you had , I think we 've learned enough to know more .
tr	3	Why couldn 't they just drop this guy somewhere and get on with their summer vacation ?
tr	3	" I clearly haven 't been operating out of the same place I did in ' 62 .
tr	3	She gave him a withering glare that made him look down at the ground like he was in trouble .
tr	3	He didn 't want to offer , but at least it would keep Mark away from Josie .
tr	3	Jimmy 's folks are in Europe on vacation - we can have the house all to ourselves ! "
tr	3	Where she wasn 't in any danger , and she couldn 't ogle him any further .
tr	3	It wasn 't quite the progress she 'd hoped for , but it was a start .
tr	3	He 'd pulled down a WANTED poster hanging in the station and shown it to the boys .
tr	3	" And leave Jimmy and Josie with that weirdo , alone in the des - " Kendall responded .
tr	3	The second agent walked to the table and sat down across from Carlos , Kendall and Logan .
tr	3	The teens sat this way , rigid , for several seconds while the agent watched them .
tr	3	Several seconds later , the teens went slack - falling forward , their heads hitting the table .
tr	3	She asked Mark about his early life - where he was from , if he had family .
tr	3	Adopted by a family in Canada , Thomas grew up and became a member of the Northwest Mounted Police .
tr	3	The couple moved to the United States in the 1920s , where they too had a number of children .
tr	3	" Try to behave while I 'm gone , boys , " she called back over her shoulder .
tr	3	The first really super hero , had been a man who called himself the Sentinel of Liberty .
tr	3	The Sentinel started off flashy - a garish costume and stopping a bank robber in downtown Los Angeles .
tr	3	Some stuck to show business - headlining in Vegas , making documentaries and even half-hour children 's shows .
tr	3	Those few left with paranormal abilities stayed in show business , fled the country or just disappeared .
tr	3	He and Jimmy were now sitting on the lowered tailgate of the truck , waiting for Josie .
tr	3	Rumors on the internet are that the government rounded a bunch of them up and executed them . "
tr	3	It sounded familiar , but he was still trying to process this whole caped , costumed thing .
tr	3	Josie dug in one bag and pulled out a pair of black flip flops and handed them to Mark .
tr	3	They were walking up to Jimmy 's truck , talking to each other and watching Josie .
tr	3	The sweaty men were covered in razor stubble , with long , dirty hair down to their shoulders .
tr	3	Mark stepped down off the truck - even over their stench , he could smell these two were trouble .
tr	3	" Trust me fellas , you don 't want any of this , " she said .
tr	3	Cletus declared through a mouth full of teeth Josie suspected hadn 't seen a toothbrush in years .
tr	3	Pete balled his fists and took a step toward Josie , his face showing his anger .
tr	3	Pete hit the ground hard , tumbling end over end , his hat and one boot coming off .
tr	3	He was disgusting and made her feel dirtier than several days in the desert without a shower had .
tr	3	He snapped his hands out , held flat , and caught the axe head between his palms .
tr	3	He felt the force of the blow reverberate up the handle , and into his wrists .
tr	3	He reared his back , over his shoulder , as if it were a baseball bat .
tr	3	Like a sweaty missile , Cletus smashed into and through the large plate glass window of the store .
tr	3	Pete looked back at the store and its broken window with Cletus ' feet sticking out .
tr	3	Where Cletus had been standing just a second ago , there was now just his hat and axe .
tr	3	" We should probably go , " Mark said as he slid back into the truck .
tr	3	The large room held at least thirty soldiers , airmen and sailors , feverishly working at computer consoles .
tr	3	He wore his Army dress uniform , which was covered in decorations , awards and badges .
tr	3	Military Intelligence badges were pinned to his collar , while his shoulder bore the Ranger and Special Forces tabs .
tr	3	" Two locals thrown around like rag dolls - injuries that seem out of the ordinary .
tr	3	Report specifically mentions their attacker punched through a wooden axe handle like it was paper . "
tr	3	" Hey , I 've been driving for hours and I 'm starving , " Jimmy said .
tr	3	" 532 , our instructions are to remain in the area but do not make contact . "
tr	3	" Feds are coming in , to secure the scene , 532 , " the dispatcher advised .
tr	3	Josie took a short sleeve shirt down off a rack and held it up to Mark .
tr	3	Two of his least favorite things , Mark and the mall , combined in one trip .
tr	3	Jimmy wasn 't exactly the best shopper - surely he wasn 't talking about her choice of clothes .
tr	3	" I think you like him , " Jimmy said , spelling it out for her .
tr	3	He 'd selected his own underwear and socks , and Josie wondered if he 'd chosen boxers or briefs .
tr	3	Mark looked down at his clothes and shifted his weight back and forth in the tennis shoes .
tr	3	Across the food court , Jimmy and Josie balanced their trays carefully as they walked back to Mark .
tr	3	Josie asked , setting a burger , a chicken sandwich and fries in front of Mark .
tr	3	Even though he didn 't like Mark , Jimmy was more than happy to talk about politics .
tr	3	" I think I remember meeting him in the Oval Office once ... in the 1980s . "
tr	3	" Other than it looks like he 'll be President Hill in a few months ? "
tr	3	Josie and Jimmy turned and looked across the food court , wondering what Mark was gazing at .
tr	3	A plastic dragon , hanging over the cash register of a Chinese takeout place on the food court .
tr	3	He says he needs to talk to you - the big guy with the flattop . "
tr	3	Josie grabbed the phone and switched it to speaker mode , then laid it on the table .
tr	3	Mark nodded his head affirmatively , " If that 's what this is called - then yes . "
tr	3	" I don 't think they have clearance for this , Colonel , " Major Campbell said in frustration .
tr	3	" Uh , well , technically , " Campbell said , not sure how to take that .
tr	3	There was a long pause on the other end while Campbell tried to pick his words .
tr	3	The past week was coming back , but there was still a large gap from 1962 to then .
tr	3	" Sir , let 's not let this get out of hand , " Campbell pleaded .
tr	3	It reminded Josie of right before he 'd kicked the redneck through the window back at that gas station .
tr	3	He was speaking differently , as if he were another person , but with Jimmy 's voice .
tr	3	It was Mark 's turn to put a hand on Josie 's shoulder , to calm her .
tr	3	" Isn 't it still illegal to do this - take over someone 's mind like that ? "
tr	3	Jimmy gave a wide smile - not like anything Josie had ever seen him do before .
tr	3	Jimmy had been her best friend since kindergarten - the son of her mom 's best friend .
tr	3	" Jimmy , we 've been best friends since kindergarten - but I am not your girlfriend .
tr	3	" And I do not like him that way , " she added , pointing a thumb at Mark .
tr	3	He took a perverse joy in revealing things like this when he took over people 's minds and bodies .
tr	3	Josie squeezed the trigger on her stun gun , causing electricity to arc between the contact points .
tr	3	Mark was surprised - at the size of the device and that a random teenage girl would have one .
tr	3	As he grabbed the hand in an iron grip , a faint green glow shimmered where their hands touched .
tr	3	Mark caught Jimmy 's face with one hand , then lowered his head gently to the table .
tr	3	People had stopped eating and were grabbing for shopping bags and purses and getting up from their tables .
tr	3	Several were talking into microphones up their left sleeves , while others reached under their jackets for weapons .
tr	3	He wasn 't one of the nearby suits , or he 'd be passed out on the floor .
tr	3	Mark placed his hands on the table , palms down , and turned to regard Agent Cooper .
tr	3	The last thing he wanted was for gunfire that could injure Josie or the unconscious Jimmy .
tr	3	This was not the day he 'd had in mind when he got up this morning .
tr	3	Mark stepped slowly around the table and picked up Jimmy by the belt and one arm .
tr	3	He 'd had the necessary training , but he really didn 't want to put it to the test .
tr	3	" My friends and I are going to walk out of here , " Mark said calmly .
tr	3	All the agents started in fear , each taking a step back and nearly drawing their pistols .
tr	3	It was their commander talking to them in their ear pieces that kept them from firing wildly in fear .
tr	3	The other agents all relaxed a bit and took their hands out from under their jackets .
tr	3	From what little they 'd been briefed , their handguns wouldn 't have been of much use anyway .
tr	3	Josie stepped up beside Mark , falling into step with him as he started walking past Cooper .
tr	3	Those inquisitive crowds and mall security would likely keep the agents inside busy for some time .
tr	3	Mark carried Jimmy over his shoulder , while Josie carried Mark 's shopping bag of clothes .
tr	3	A small metal cylinder bounced onto the ground at his feet , interrupting any further conversation .
tr	3	They stepped in cautiously , expecting to find Mark and Josie on the ground , incapacitated .
tr	3	Mark reached up and tore the darts free with his left hand while he held Jimmy with his right .
tr	3	He struck one on the top of the helmet , hopefully only hard enough to knock the man unconscious .
tr	3	Mark turned to the other agent , who was trying to aim his taser for another shot .
tr	3	Mark smacked the weapon out of the agent 's hand , then punched him in the stomach .
tr	3	Outside the cloud of teargas , which was just beginning to dissipate , a third agent stepped into view .
tr	3	But maybe it would slow the target down enough for Bennett 's partner to get here .
tr	3	Mark released his grip on Bennett 's mangled hand and grabbed the agent 's gas mask .
tr	3	Bennett had been holding back the tears as his hand was crushed , broken in at least ten places .
tr	3	Somehow , she still clutched Jimmy 's keys in the same hand that held Mark 's shopping bag .
tr	3	Mark led Josie the thirty feet down the aisle of parked cars to Jimmy 's truck .
tr	3	Josie stood by the open front door of the truck and pulled the gas mask off her head .
tr	3	Before Mark could respond , a loop of steel cable dropped down on him , seemingly from above .
tr	3	The loop immediately tightened , pinning his arms , just above the elbows , to his sides .
tr	3	Mark fell hard , onto his back , then began sliding backward , pulled by the steel cable .
tr	3	She reeled in the steel cable with hands that ended in two-inch long , lacquered , black nails .
tr	3	" Pleased to meet you , but I 'm busy right -- " he started to say .
tr	3	The back of his shirt was melted and smoldering , his skin showing through in several places .
tr	3	Then a stream of water shot up into the air from the patch of ground she had already damaged .
tr	3	She had to look at her empty hands then at the cane Mark held over her head .
tr	3	It jerked her head back , and stopped her charge with a flare of green light .
tr	3	She staggered backwards several steps then fell onto her butt in an undignified sprawl on the pavement .
tr	3	Mark lowered the cane in his left hand , transferring his grip so he held it by either end .
tr	3	Her incoherent ramblings , possibly in Latin , gave way to heated protest as the two ended up face-to-face .
tr	3	Bennett thought he was going to pass out from the pain as his crushed hand was jostled around .
tr	3	" You 're lucky I don 't put you over my knee , " Mark said .
tr	3	He walked up to the side of Jimmy 's truck and got in on the driver 's side .
tr	3	" You and shirts don 't seem to get along , " she said , handing Mark the shirt .
tr	3	CHAPTER ELEVEN At Detachment 1039 's Command Center , Major Campbell felt like he was getting an ulcer .
tr	3	Not just in FBI manpower , but in making sure the media didn 't become aware of the situation .
tr	3	He knew now it was only a matter of time before he got fired , arrested or both .
tr	3	He 'd stocked up on them , putting several rolls in his pockets when this had all gone south .
tr	3	Jimmy glanced down , and realized he was wearing a black suit , white shirt and tie .
tr	3	" I don 't care how strong they say this guy is , " Josie remarked .
tr	3	" Hey , sport , " Mark said , reaching down and picking up a bottle of suntan lotion .
tr	3	Jimmy started to panic and tried to put the smoke out by slapping at his arms and legs .
tr	3	As the burning in his throat died out , he realized he had a massive headache .
tr	3	" Trust me , he 'll feel it a lot longer than you , " Mark said .
tr	3	He didn 't think he was going to be able to look Josie in the eye for days .
tr	3	" I can 't believe the government has a telepath - and a sorceress , " Josie said .
tr	3	He 'd been wondering that the whole time the telepath was controlling him like a puppet .
tr	3	" A couple of weeks ago , my team and I tracked a shapeshifter here to Arizona . "
tr	3	We think - thought - it was in Arizona to assume the Vice President 's identity .
tr	3	" It rips the hearts out of living subjects and consumes them , then takes their form . "
tr	3	A being capable of taking the identity of a victim - of many , many victims .
tr	3	They had parachuted into the area two miles away , then moved in on foot for maximum stealth .
tr	3	It was something like inducing sleepwalking , and the weary travelers would never remember it had happened .
tr	3	His shirt was skin-tight , black - made of a material similar to what standard troops wore .
tr	3	A garment designed for maximum comfort , able to wick away sweat - not that he ever really sweated .
tr	3	Heavy , but as useful as any hammer , baton or any other crushing weapon ever designed .
tr	3	With all his gear , and his own immense weight , he tried to avoid property damage whenever possible .
tr	3	It was unnerving for a telepath to meet someone who 's mind could not be read .
tr	3	Echo absolutely understood the importance of stopping the creature and whatever plan it had in place .
tr	3	Ted Marshall was a middle-aged salesman from Oklahoma , on his way back from a convention in Las Vegas .
tr	3	And all were now sleeping a deep , deep slumber in the diner , courtesy of Echo .
tr	3	It struck him how odd it was that a telepath should even have to use a radio .
tr	3	The earpiece picked up his words and transmitted them in burst form - a split-second digital transmission .
tr	3	The United States military had spent years trying to develop a super soldier for any situation .
tr	3	Cronus had left a promising career in Marine Recon to become part of America 's most elite .
tr	3	Cronus approached from a different direction , covering the far end of the motel by the office .
tr	3	The tactical visor superimposed the thermal image of the sleeping form into his field of vision .
tr	3	The door , two sheets of drywall and some 2x4s were all that separated him from the target .
tr	3	Atlas stepped forward , kicking the door so that it exploded inward , in a spray of splinters .
tr	3	Atlas didn 't know it , but she had been a drug addict on the streets of Oklahoma .
tr	3	Each individual round of the weapon was designed to be able to kill a man , or woman .
tr	3	Atlas recovered from his momentary shock and reached down for the pistol on his right thigh .
tr	3	In the motel room , the shapeshifter casually picked up a t-shirt from the nightstand and slipped it on .
tr	3	After the stone soldiers had been made , the question had come up on what to equip them with .
tr	3	He picked a piece up and examined it , sniffing at the piece , then pitching it aside .
tr	3	For every second of time passing , the shapeshifter was being slammed with forty-five bullets from three directions .
tr	3	Then it dropped to the ground , as if the machine guns had been suspending it .
tr	3	As he jerked back on the neck , he jammed the knife into the creature 's back .
tr	3	After striking the man , she had leapt from her car in a panic to check on him .
tr	3	He 'd scored a direct hit , but he knew the shapeshifter was only slowed down .
tr	3	The headless shapeshifter once again aimed a grenade pistol - the one it had taken from Hyperion .
tr	3	He launched himself at the shapeshifter even as Hyperion 's head exploded in a spray of grit and sand .
tr	3	He charged forward as the shapeshifter climbed back to its feet , its chest caved in .
tr	3	Turning into a giant just meant his enemy was a bigger , easier to hit target .
tr	3	The giant reached its arms out , intending to grab the head of this new opponent and crush it .
tr	3	Unlike the previous stone soldiers , this new opponent looked to be of simple flesh and blood .
tr	3	He felt his ribs , his thigh bones , even his internal organs breaking under the assault .
tr	3	His sudden leap carried him up in the air , ten feet over the giant 's head .
tr	3	The giant stepped back , then raised the heart to his chest , opening his mouth .
tr	3	He wondered if he was actually salivating at the thought of all the power the heart held .
tr	3	He was just about to put it into his mouth when he noticed it had changed color .
tr	3	And with a large pistol in his hand , aimed right at the giant 's face .
tr	3	The hastily aimed shot missed the shapeshifter , riddling the front of the motel many feet behind him .
tr	3	He 'd need a swimming pool of a water and a full moon to survive a hit like that .
tr	3	But the grenade rounds contained an explosive core , similar to that of a Russian RPG rocket .
tr	3	The molten copper followed the blast wave , into his skull and out the back of his head .
tr	3	Now that the dragon had flown away , he was going out to check on the Colonel .
tr	3	" I 'll take care of - " A leathery flapping sound seemed to be coming from above .
tr	3	It was the dragon - flying a slow circle around the area , looking for more soldiers .
tr	3	He knew the Colonel had told him not to try and make contact , but Echo had no choice .
tr	3	He leaned in close , tasted the fear coming off the human , lingering in the air .
tr	3	With a jerk , the telepath was lifted off the ground , torso dangling from the dragon 's mouth .
tr	3	At the apex of his flight , the dragon turned and dived , tucking his wings in close .
tr	3	At the last moment , the dragon spread its wings , grabbing the air and pulling up .
tr	3	His four clawed feet grabbed the boat , ripping it free of its trailer as he swept by .
tr	3	CHAPTER THIRTEEN It was dark now , as the trio rode along in Jimmy 's truck .
tr	3	He kept his eyes on the road , talking to the teens without turning to face them .
tr	3	" Wait a minute - you said you died in 1962 " Josie said , confused .
tr	3	It was a complicated condition and the kids didn 't need to be confused by it now .
tr	3	" Pardon me for being skeptical , but maybe it 's because I can 't do that . "
tr	3	" I wouldn 't be surprised if his security detail wasn 't even briefed on the potential threat . "
tr	3	He was going to say more , but he was interrupted by a tone inside the truck 's cab .
tr	3	" Look , I understand you 're confused - your memory is partially gone ... " Campbell said sympathetically .
tr	3	That was unlike him , and now four good soldiers and one important telepath were dead .
tr	3	" Sir , I don 't think that 's w - " Campbell started to say .
tr	3	And you kids stumbled across me in the desert with a cooler full of water . "
tr	3	" I still don 't like being bait , " Jimmy said , crossing his arms over his chest .
tr	3	What was more disturbing was that Josie seemed to be going along with this crazy idea .
tr	3	Something you could eat - right after you ripped it out of a man 's chest .
tr	3	Jimmy 's truck was parked beside the gas station , with Mark and Josie patiently waiting inside it .
tr	3	" Man , I didn 't think I could hold that much longer , " Jimmy said .
tr	3	" I shouldn 't have gotten so much to drink at that last drive thru ... " Jimmy added .
tr	3	" Because he can 't be read by a telepath , Jimmy , " Josie said .
tr	3	Did that mean that if someone was lying , the Secret Service would just ignore them ?
tr	3	He was an Asian man , in his forties , with thinning hair and a serious face .
tr	3	But then , his food didn 't require any more preparation then tearing it out of someone 's chest .
tr	3	The agent was glancing at badges , making sure all the Chefs and cooks were authorized to be there .
tr	3	Even the various reporters and photographers seemed dressed as though they were going to a country club .
tr	3	She trusted Mark , and if he said to go straight over , then straight over she 'd go .
tr	3	Jimmy again went rigid , his eyes glazing over as a telepath took hold of his mind .
tr	3	Josie was staring at Jimmy , wondering how many of these telepathic takeovers he could take .
tr	3	" Miss , you need to come with us , " Franks said , leading Josie toward the elevator .
tr	3	" You 'll have plenty of time to talk later , k - " Franks started to say .
tr	3	Josie , meanwhile , had backed away from the shapeshifter , her back pressed against the elevator doors .
tr	3	She felt paralyzing fear and kept looking back and forth from the dead agents to the shapeshifter .
tr	3	No gentle probing of his mind this time , but a brutal ripping apart of his thoughts .
tr	3	Josie began to fumble with the elevator buttons , unable to turn her eyes away from the shapeshifter .
tr	3	The shapeshifter looked briefly at the control panel and the buttons lit up by Josie 's fingers .
tr	3	He clasped both his hands together into one fist and struck at the shapeshifter with all his might .
tr	3	Standing in the concrete hallway in the hotel 's basement , they patiently waited for the elevator .
tr	3	Clinging to one of his legs was a teenage boy , also lightly sprayed in blood .
tr	3	Finch and Todd had received training during their stint at the Service 's Academy on paranormal threats .
tr	3	Once she passed between the agents , she rolled onto her knees and crawled several feet .
tr	3	He stood there , taking the shots , until the two agents were out of ammunition .
tr	3	Most of the people present didn 't even acknowledge it , probably assuming it was something outside .
tr	3	He 'd been hearing gunfire , in all its forms and volumes , for the past sixty years .
tr	3	He bolted out of his chair and headed straight for one of the agents in the lobby .
tr	3	In seconds , the lobby was filled with confused people , turning , running around in confusion .
tr	3	As the door behind Josie closed , there was the brief scream of a man dying .
tr	3	Most of the rounds flattened against his skin , leaving only bruises or the most superficial of cuts .
tr	3	Finch stood still for a moment , watching the Secret Service emptying their pistols at someone across the lobby .
tr	3	The shapeshifter realized his mistake and turned his gaze toward the five secret service agents just finishing reloading .
tr	3	" And how do you propose to kill me this time , Col - " he said .
tr	3	The humans rose up against him when his appetite for power , and hearts , became too great .
tr	3	Even with the souls of hundreds burning within him , he was no match for thousands .
tr	3	After a century , some came and prayed to him for miracles , having forgotten his evil rule .
tr	3	Swept away by some unseen force that had shaken the very earth and left only silence in its wake .
tr	3	Only the memories of the many , many mortals he had consumed helped him keep his sanity .
tr	3	In the cold , dark confines of his sarcophagus , he was not sure what the sounds were .
tr	3	He consumed it in the salt water , again feeling the power flow through his veins .
tr	3	The world had changed greatly in the thousands and thousands of years he had been trapped below the surface .
tr	3	Beating his wings , he soared over the ocean , headed for his new hunting ground .
tr	3	His bones were broken in at least thirty places , and several of his teeth were missing .
tr	3	She was stunned by the sheer power and fury of the fight she had been watching .
tr	3	The joint exploded inside the giant 's body and he nearly toppled as he was pushed back again .
tr	3	Keen saw the bloody water , splashing and roiling while two dark shapes twisted around in the deep end .
tr	3	Then his neck stretched - transforming not into something new , but deforming his natural shape .
tr	3	He needed to breathe to have the energy to fight , or use up his stolen life energy .
tr	3	And the human had been correct - he was burning through all the life forces he had taken .
tr	3	And he had told her and Jimmy about it turning into a dragon and killing him .
tr	3	His blow landed squarely on the dragon 's chin , knocking its head to the side .
tr	3	In the windows of the hotel , at least a half-dozen reporters began snapping pictures of the fight .
tr	3	The dragon kicked at the air with all four legs as it struggled to break free .
tr	3	Its wings flapped feebly , blowing gusts of wind out that blew the toppled pool furniture further away .
tr	3	She stepped forward , holding the axe by the end of its handle with both hands .
tr	3	He flared his wings out , and tilted his head back , letting loose a primordial scream of rage .
tr	3	The dragon 's head was knocked violently to the side with the crack of steel on bone .
tr	3	The axe chopped through the leathery , red skin , bone and tendons in one chop .
tr	3	His legs , now fully regenerated , were covered in just long strips of blood-stained fabric .
tr	3	Agent Keen stepped away from the wall of the hotel and waved for his men to come out .
tr	3	By the dragon , Keen and his agents were leaning in close , watching it closely .
tr	3	The agent caught the punch in his chest - it doubled him over and lifted him off his feet .
tr	3	He transformed from Echo into the shape of Josie 's best friend since kindergarten , Jimmy .
tr	3	She knew too well that if the shapeshifter could take this form it could only mean Jimmy was dead .
tr	3	Maybe she didn 't know just how much this Jimmy had been in love with her .
tr	3	The transformation continued , the giant 's huge body turning red , swelling , growing scales .
tr	3	He didn 't have the energy left to completely restore this , his favorite stolen form .
tr	3	But the Colonel held his grip , his arm buried to the elbow in the dragon 's chest .
tr	3	Now standing , he placed his feet on the concrete and ripped his arm back out .
tr	3	It held him up , in a seated position , his legs sprawled out in front of him .
tr	3	He wondered if this was what all his countless thousands of victims had felt like as they died .
tr	3	She stopped at the giant 's feet and extended her arm , aiming her pistol at the fallen shapeshifter .
tr	3	The pain was excruciating , almost as bad as when he 'd been beaten and imprisoned for millennia .
tr	3	Two more rounds hammered into the giant 's skull , shattering bone and pulping his brain .
tr	3	Local , State and Federal law enforcement had swarmed over the area , securing the many reporters and witnesses .
tr	3	He was fully regenerated , his out-dated flattop restored and no sign of injury or his battle on him .
tr	3	Now that it was over , Josie sat in shock , thinking about the past few days .
tr	3	He was very impressed with her , but he worried about what she was so deeply thinking about .
tr	3	" You look better with a shaved head , " Josie said , trying to smile .
tr	3	They walked across the area crowded with emergency vehicles , toward the front entrance of the hotel .
tr	3	Josie , her arm now bandaged , watched all this from the back of the ambulance .
tr	3	She couldn 't see who was in the body bag , but cold chills ran up her back .
tr	3	Its sensitive nose caught a whiff of something and it trotted quickly away , off the road .
tr	3	Then it held the heart down with its paws and tore a chunk of flesh off .
tr	3	The coyote suddenly expanded , hair falling off as its skin turned red and scales began to grow .
tr	3	With a beat of its enormous wings , the dragon leapt up into the sky and flew away .
tr	3	There , she was shown a shower and given a dark business suit and matching shoes to wear .
tr	3	The female agent assured Josie he was still on the plane , and offered her lunch .
tr	3	Hours later , the plane had set down in Florida , at an Air Force base .
tr	3	He helped Josie out , leading her to a large freight elevator on one side of the rooftop .
tr	3	The walls were plain white , and the hallway seemed to have far more fluorescent lights than it needed .
tr	3	On the bridge were four stainless steel tables , similar to what an operating room might have .
tr	3	She had short blonde hair , was middle aged and a little on the heavy side .
tr	3	The guards had positioned the gurney with Jimmy 's body bag next to the water 's edge .
tr	3	" Well , I could tell you ... " " But you 'd have to kill me ? "
tr	3	He was laid out on some kind of metal grating floor about a foot under the surface .
tr	3	It had a handle on the top , and one side appeared to be hinged , like a door .
tr	3	The doctor gently touched Josie 's shoulders again and walked her over a step , away from Jimmy .
tr	3	The head was vaguely human , but instead of smooth skin had scales , like a snake .
tr	3	Can he hope to defeat two , or will he need help from an FBI psychic ?
tr	3	Governments of the world have feared the implications of the construct and have kept its existence a secret .
tr	3	I suspect he will notice OS messages for some time , then eventually just ignore them as background noise .
tr	3	" But you 're right , I should eat -- I 'm off to do just that . "
tr	3	There 's definitely a new node connected to the mesh network , and its host is that young man .
tr	3	There 's no turning back now , she thought , turning to leave the observation room .
tr	3	" HS2 , please stay here and keep an eye on Toby , " Victoria said .
tr	3	" Thank you Ben , I 'll let you know how we 're doing , " William said .
tr	3	The only light in the reception area came from an end table , and the office appeared deserted .
tr	3	He possessed highly advanced reasoning skills but could , at best , be described as a bumbling child genius .
tr	3	The feat had drawn massive attention within NET , where small miracles seemed to sprout with great frequency .
tr	3	Although she had asked for William ' s opinion on the surgery , the decision was of course hers .
tr	3	Being a scientist , William knew it typically took thousands of such experiments to make a breakthrough .
tr	3	They hugged , and then sat down in matching leather chairs across the desk from Ron .
tr	3	William feeling his blood pressure rising caught and stopped himself from nervously tapping his foot on the rug .
tr	3	Let 's discuss Toby 's well being and how we can help his recovery , " said William .
tr	3	William caught and held Victoria 's eyes for a moment , desperately trying to convey his impatience .
tr	3	She seemed to understand , or simply realized for herself that Ron wasn 't imparting much knowledge .
tr	3	I assure you , we cannot invade Toby 's privacy , and we certainly cannot control him . "
tr	3	The two of you should go sit with Toby , he 's starting to talk . "
tr	3	They crossed the hall and entered the surgical lab , facing HS2 for moment through the observation glass .
tr	3	He raised both hands gave them two thumbs up , then nodded and winked at Victoria .
tr	3	Toby looked back and forth at both of their faces several times , finally stopping to focus on Victoria .
tr	3	Various periodicals and William 's old notes filled the shelves and drawers in the end tables .
tr	3	The governments of most countries subsidized private industry to distribute and maintain the units for everyone at minimal cost .
tr	3	The global sensor network reported a massive amount of data seemingly about every aspect of life on earth .
tr	3	Citizen input was considered an invaluable cross-check on the accuracy of the data and the reliability of the hardware .
tr	3	I plan to complete the upgrades to 007 's fuzzy logic inference and situational response engines today .
tr	3	Seize the day , because life is short and time is fleeting , or some such thing .
tr	3	Victoria pretends she doesn 't know William wants me to work with him , but it 's so obvious .
tr	3	He wants me to think of this frequently , try to keep it in my short-term memory .
tr	3	Alfred had started losing his blond hair at age 37 , and by 47 it was a memory .
tr	3	" He did trust me as business manager of his consulting firm , " Victoria said .
tr	3	If he had confided everything I suspect you would have stayed with us , " said Alfred chuckling .
tr	3	It reminds him of you and I think he feels he 's working with you in there .
tr	3	" That 's nice , he does provoke some novel thinking at times , " laughed William .
tr	3	" I 'm worried he 'll become overwhelmed with emotions he 's never had to deal with .
tr	3	He 'll have a few growing pains , but I suspect not significantly more than a normal child .
tr	3	" They 're fine , possibly perfect -- that 's what we 're on this afternoon .
tr	3	In every conceivable situation , an acceptable human form would add to the unit 's effectiveness .
tr	3	The commercially available substance was flexible and could be tinted from its base to any color .
tr	3	NET was satisfied that the facial features could be adjusted infinitely , but the price tag was steep .
tr	3	I need a full report on the benefits and risks , and anything you 'd need to develop .
tr	3	Balance this with your current projects and I 'll give you each a healthy bonus . "
tr	3	Ben raised one eyebrow and said sarcastically , " Well , at least he asked for something easy . "
tr	3	" You know of everything in Asia and that was in your backyard , " said Alfred .
tr	3	" I lost a lead technologist and close friend in that attack , " said Alfred .
tr	3	I am sorry you lost Dr. Crawford , but I cannot help you with this . "
tr	3	" If I did know the details of this operation , what would you do with the information ?
tr	3	" The best way you can help right now is to understand what we 've put inside your brain .
tr	3	Toby sat his cheeseburger down and took a long pull on the straw leading into his chocolate milkshake .
tr	3	said Toby , " This is exactly what you put inside me and I know how to use it .
tr	3	That paper is really just notes and that 's not the title I would publish . "
tr	3	So , it 's a different connection and it looks like William 's lab , Toby thought .
tr	3	Toby directed these to a log , recording the information so he could later reverse engineer the logic .
tr	3	" My instructions are to drink martinis slowly until dinner hour , then switch to Scotch .
tr	3	Hopefully attract a lady friend , but appear devilishly indifferent to all inquires , at least at first . "
tr	3	Connect to host gateway , sharing audio and visual of any other activity in the quadrant for 2 minutes .
tr	3	He watched the details of William 's lab cross in front of him as 007 looked around the room .
tr	3	The view was moving toward the rear of the lab , between the rows of old equipment .
tr	3	" I think I did , it cut off after William asked 007 why he turned around . "
tr	3	Jacob said , " Right , I pushed a command to 007 and William noticed the change .
tr	3	And engineering Toby 's birth for research , Toby is just a lab rat to Alfred ! "
tr	3	" We could blow the whistle on NET now , get back to our normal lives .
tr	3	We turn in NET and hand over the technology , we hand over Toby , " said Victoria .
tr	3	" Good , " said Jacob smiling , " you don 't need any more money . "
tr	3	" Alfred doesn 't know how close William and I once were , " said Victoria .
tr	3	" He may , and that 's a risk , but we need William to know soon .
tr	3	I can 't have Toby meandering around NET ' s mesh network or the global network .
tr	3	The main reason to keep this secret from William is to prevent anyone else at NET from discovering .
tr	3	Where I came from , why you spend so much time with me , " said William .
tr	3	Before the surgery I 'm not sure he even knew who I was day to day . "
tr	3	" I cannot imagine , " said William , " what life must have been like for him . "
tr	3	A host takes input from all sensors in parallel and distills it down to useful data . "
tr	3	" Here , go put this jumpsuit on and I 'll show you , " said William .
tr	3	" All the way dear , science first , " William said , zipping the suit closed .
tr	3	The suit was closing around her chest , the form an identical match for her body .
tr	3	Your hands and feet are a little fuzzy on the display since they 're not covered either .
tr	3	" Well no , but I could send your exact body measurements out for a tailor-made cat woman suit .
tr	3	Her vital signs displayed in the lower right-hand corner , the simulation mirroring her every move .
tr	3	Victoria did five squats , ignoring the question , raising her arms over her head each time .
tr	3	CHAPTER ELEVEN Toby tried on his new accelerometer jump suit with a gleam in his eyes .
tr	3	This is part of Williams 's project , and now he was part of the project too .
tr	3	Perhaps that lifestyle , combined with the challenges of aging , possibly even senility , had jaded him .
tr	3	It would be a miracle if they all didn 't end up in prison , or someplace much worse .
tr	3	" ... Much of the energy harvesting and electronic circuitry can be directly ported to bio organisms .
tr	3	The ability to power and utilize these organisms directly within the human brain is a reality .
tr	3	CHAPTER TWELVE Toby jumped onto the sofa in William 's study his new black suit , stretching .
tr	3	" Yes that is correct , other than the size it 's exactly the same suit .
tr	3	William thinks you can learn to read the outputs from the suit , and more about how I work .
tr	3	Toby crossed his legs and relaxed into the sofa , smiling , content to be back to work .
tr	3	Although his recollections were vague , he was accustomed to meeting and working with new people from NET .
tr	3	" We can talk to him soon , but there are some things I need to tell you first .
tr	3	We can tell William too , but we have to make sure he cannot be hurt first . "
tr	3	I led you through the remote session when you connected to William ' s lab . "
tr	3	William does many complicated things to test 007 , and using this account from the outside could appear normal .
tr	3	Toby stretched the cuff of his new suit sleeve , " Then we have to hurry .
tr	3	" Because you have the ability to connect to the mesh network and join the HS group .
tr	3	Toby absently drew imaginary lines between the planets on the Milky Way Galaxy wall with his index finger .
tr	3	I have learned that I have past history at NET , although I cannot remember it .
tr	3	" NET has several businesses , but holds the science research group as its prize possession .
tr	3	Toby noticed Victoria 's surprise , then the sadness in her eyes , confirming the truth .
tr	3	And Victoria taking care of you may have saved your life by removing you from the NET labs . "
tr	3	She was shocked that Toby knew these things and had held back so much from her .
tr	3	If you can join the network , even the sensor mesh , then everything in NET can be accessed .
tr	3	Security cameras , café equipment , consulting practice documents , research projects , accounts payable ... everything . "
tr	3	" The sensor mesh network in William 's lab can be isolated from the rest of the mesh .
tr	3	CHAPTER THIRTEEN Toby and Victoria leaned back on the sofa in the study together and smiled at one another .
tr	3	You 're the first person who 's been able to do this , " said Jacob .
tr	3	I am not a hacker , I am a research scientist , " said Jacob with wide disarming grin .
tr	3	" I 'm scanning all sensors in Williams 's lab , trying to see if anything looks odd . "
tr	3	" HS lab security camera one has him looking in a mirror , apparently combing his hair . "
tr	3	He has an extremely sophisticated inference engine and in some ways it makes him seem highly intelligent .
tr	3	" Do you know the commands to connect to 007 the way I did last time ? "
tr	3	I want to let William know you have the ability to connect into his lab and work with 007 .
tr	3	" A company outsources its entire IT department for a major project designed to make the company more competitive .
tr	3	" The backbone servers have not been rebooted and there have been no power outages for 18 months .
tr	3	" Mother didn 't like consulting and her father was sad about that , " said Toby matter-of-factly .
tr	3	" We thought it would be safer to have a chat with you without others listening . "
tr	3	I 'm going to re-connect your lab to the rest of NET now -- someone has noticed .
tr	3	Although betraying nothing , Ben had begun to loath the man who was in a perpetual bad mood .
tr	3	Ron is wise , but as you know his game is politics and marketing spin , " said Alfred .
tr	3	" The design was solid , it just needed time and money to be proven and developed .
tr	3	" The project needed someone who could understand it , and I thank you , Ben .
tr	3	" Now it 's up to Ron to package it and present it to industry , " said Ben .
tr	3	Getting a human to accept the organism and use a significant portion of its capacity is a long-term proposition .
tr	3	" No more frustrated temper tantrums , and he has a functioning short term memory now . "
tr	3	" Hold off a little longer on submitting our proposal for the HS and clone technologies to legal .
tr	3	He had been worried Victoria was suppressing the stress of her father 's death , heading for a breakdown .
tr	3	William waited outside a moment longer , watching Victoria walk down the hall from the study through the kitchen .
tr	3	" Hello William , " Victoria skipped the remaining steps between them , throwing her arms around him .
tr	3	" You can wait 20 seconds , " she replied , dragging him by the hand through the kitchen .
tr	3	Jacob had always been a sharp , expensive dresser ; William could not remember ever seeing him casually dressed .
tr	3	I don 't want to be too recognizable , and Victoria sold all my best cloths . "
tr	3	William stood , not 3 feet away from his friend , whose death he had agonized over for months .
tr	3	William stepped across the space between them , still wondering if this was real , and hugged Jacob .
tr	3	" This better be good , or I 'll kill you myself , and who would know ! "
tr	3	William relaxed his shoulders , slumping , and said , " Everyone thinks you are dead . "
tr	3	It 's still considered an unsolved terrorist attack , although no groups have claimed responsibility . "
tr	3	" So apparently , only the four of us know you weren 't killed in that attack ? "
tr	3	" How about the bottle of Scotch that 's been in your cupboard for the past year ?
tr	3	William found the bottle in the top cupboard above his stove and returned with the bottle and glasses .
tr	3	" Jacob , we 're working on the same projects as when you sold us to NET . "
tr	3	William sat on the sofa and leaned back , wondering if this was a bad dream .
tr	3	Jacob perched on the edge of a recliner , hands on his knees , eyes glowing .
tr	3	Victoria and I thought we could smell a rat from the beginning -- there were some strange circumstances .
tr	3	I just laid low , staying with Victoria for a while , and things got stranger . "
tr	3	" I 'm all ears , " said William , draining his Scotch , then standing to pour another .
tr	3	We got into her car , drove around the corner , and then the bomb went off . "
tr	3	" You were always a lucky lad , but that is unbelievable luck , " said William .
tr	3	" Victoria drove up a street and turned around , coming back on the lobby side of the hotel .
tr	3	There were people lying in the street , knocked down from the force of the blast .
tr	3	She said no , rescheduled the meeting for the next day , and hung up . "
tr	3	The meeting was supposed to be some type of official request to keep the business in Jakarta .
tr	3	" He plans to tell the world in the initial press releases that we 're cloning electronics .
tr	3	" Victoria went to the office that afternoon and told the staff she had not seen me .
tr	3	She asked to be left alone and spent the rest of the day closed up in her office .
tr	3	Then he asked if I had discussed any business with her since the negotiations the week before .
tr	3	He said in every case the person died before they could perform conclusive testing on the implants .
tr	3	" I 'm just going to tell you straight up , buddy , " said Jacob , facing William .
tr	3	William stood and walked to the galaxy wall , not seeing the beauty , lost in thought .
tr	3	You were the last person she was serious with and that was , five years ago ?
tr	3	" Yes , she did lie , but only to protect Toby , " said Jacob .
tr	3	In a fit of rage I swore to Alfred I would put an end to it all .
tr	3	He assured me everything they were doing was legal , moral and producing rapid scientific breakthroughs .
tr	3	Alfred convinced me to relax a little and learn all the details of their operations over a couple days .
tr	3	Then I was needed in Jakarta for the final work , to finish off the deal .
tr	3	" You know most of the details from the second or third day after the bombing through the funeral .
tr	3	The projects weren 't completely finished , and killing me off shut them down , at least temporarily .
tr	3	" NET had raised Toby in a lab someplace for the first six years of his life .
tr	3	I think he wants to sell the HS units , the bio organism growing methods , Toby , everything .
tr	3	We discussed it and felt we could do nothing else but continue on the path laid before us .
tr	3	She stirred , then shook herself awake , light from the hall reflecting her inquisitive expression .
tr	3	William had found himself alone in bed , hung over , the revelations from the previous night a blur .
tr	3	Knowing Jacob , William had little doubt that he would be feeling better within the hour .
tr	3	William watched Jacob eat , certain of one thing -- there were so many unanswered questions .
tr	3	The first day he figured out how to use the connections he started a search for you and NET .
tr	3	" World domination , for the good guys , " said Victoria , juggling her eyebrows .
tr	3	" The goal is seamless operation of multiple remote HS units by a human host , " said Jacob .
tr	3	Noticing Victoria looking away in thought , William wondered if perhaps she didn 't agree with this .
tr	3	" Alfred has already asked you and Ben to research transplanting an operational organism between hosts . "
tr	3	" He 'll ultimately lay a money trail to the terrorists , which we can turn over as evidence .
tr	3	Young Toby 's life was changing rapidly , and he was dealing with situations in a deceptively hostile environment .
tr	3	His lab 's removal from the backbone could be explained as part of a routine test .
tr	3	" Oh , tell Toby I said hello , " William said quietly , looking around the parking lot .
tr	3	He looked around for the sensors connected to the mesh , wondering if Alfred was watching .
tr	3	William waved and shook his head in mock disapproval , continuing straight through the bright lobby toward his lab .
tr	3	Although he had already accepted his past trials as learning experiences , he would not mourn their passing .
tr	3	Toby had connected into the network , and found 007 when William started the surveillance session .
tr	3	" It was apparent a few hours after the surgery that the memory was working , " said Toby .
tr	3	" Aside from the visual cues , the endless console messages , I could sense it somehow .
tr	3	" It 's amazing you picked this up ; it 's a highly optimized system , " said Jacob .
tr	3	It took some time earlier to absorb and integrate the additional data with the control systems .
tr	3	" William 's car will be in the NET parking lot in about 2 minutes , " declared Toby .
tr	3	" Sure , I can direct one CPU to feed audio and video feeds to you . "
tr	3	You 're sweet , 007 , but you never leave the building , " Jenny said .
tr	3	He was down by Dr. Cunningham 's lab , " said Jenny , leaning forward and lowering her voice .
tr	3	I am shocked and appalled , " said 007 in mock horror , making Jenny laugh .
tr	3	You know I prefer blonds , with ... " 007 leaned closer , raising his eyebrows .
tr	3	It 's going to rain in 5 minutes ; you may want to close your car windows . "
tr	3	" Oh , you 're right , " said Jenny , " I did leave a window down today .
tr	3	Yes , well , if someone stops by just ask them to wait for a minute until I return .
tr	3	" Hello 007 , and friends , " said William , joining the party from his lab .
tr	3	" 007 , please locate Dr. Alfred Harland on the receptionist security connection , " said William .
tr	3	He waved his finger in front of the display to draw their attention , remaining silent .
tr	3	" Jenny will turn the corner in 47 seconds at her current pace , " said 007 .
tr	3	Jenny rounded the corner a moment later , slowing to a walk for the remaining 30 feet .
tr	3	007 snapped his fingers and rose from the chair , giving Jenny a thumbs-up , and strode away .
tr	3	Toby walked by the glass wall of Ben 's office and tapped on the door frame .
tr	3	I 've always wanted to participate in a humorous exchange like this , " said 007 .
tr	3	" Dr. Benjamin A Pickerington , that is not acceptable , " 007 declared in disgust .
tr	3	He said he needs to discuss this with you before you share the information with Alfred . "
tr	3	I understand , " said Ben , " I 'll stop by later for a talk . "
tr	3	The display lit up , showing Toby , with the backdrop of the recliner , grinning broadly .
tr	3	" It 's a playground for hackers , " said Toby , spreading his hands and shaking his head .
tr	3	" That 's what it 's designed to allow , at least for a host , " said Ben .
tr	3	My memory is being referenced regularly by the CPU 's you implanted , which keeps the memory fresh . "
tr	3	" It 's never really gone , though , it just may take an unacceptable time to recall .
tr	3	I cannot recall them here on the spot , but when I meditate , it 's all there .
tr	3	" Maybe for you , but not for the rest of us , " said Victoria .
tr	3	" That was the theory , " said William , " but we never tested it . "
tr	3	" Victoria , " said William , " We have your father to thank for that interface too . "
tr	3	" We 've already taken my lab mesh off the corporate backbone , " said William .
tr	3	This seemed to have the desired effect of disarming Alfred , at least for the moment .
tr	3	" Perhaps by the time resources can be found for that , we 'll have a working interface .
tr	3	We 've made huge advances in the past couple years and lived through some challenging circumstances .
tr	3	We 've been hugely successful , and at some point the research will be handed over to industry . "
tr	3	Don 't be discouraged if these research experiments don 't always pan out ; that goes with the territory .
tr	3	" Thank you for everything you 've done , " said Toby , locking eyes with Alfred .
tr	3	After that , it 's training that makes the difference ... Take care of that mother of yours .
tr	3	" It also helps us monitor his vitals , location , etc. , " said William .
tr	3	When there 's something significant to share , there will be enough details to put you to sleep .
tr	3	Toby and Victoria were both glancing off to their right at Jacob , who remained off-screen and silent .
tr	3	" I think since the bombing last year , his health has gone downhill rapidly , " said Victoria .
tr	3	" He said he thought perhaps his contacts in Jakarta caught onto the plans and ... intervened . "
tr	3	" We 're not sure , " said William , " and I 'm not sure Alfred is either .
tr	3	Who knows , maybe they had insiders who were stealing things ; there were several locals employed .
tr	3	I believe Alfred really didn 't know , but he certainly didn 't trust these guys . "
tr	3	" It 's possible Alfred inadvertently tipped off some unsavory types who had the bombing set up .
tr	3	It 's been over a year , and Alfred 's never discussed it with us again .
tr	3	" Ben , please come home with William tonight and have dinner with us here . "
tr	3	You know , years ago there were those who thought he was the salt of the earth .
tr	3	Let 's devise a plan to finish this and draw him out , " said Jacob .
tr	3	She wants to take some pictures of you and study your facial features in different light . "
tr	3	Mac moved slowly , taking in Toby and all the details of her surroundings , including the lighting .
tr	3	Two hours later Mac closed her case , thanked them both , and almost left without her purple sandals .
tr	3	We may send everything else later , but we 'll see how he behaves tomorrow first . "
tr	3	He drummed his fingers on the desk and looked at William , juggling his eyebrows slowly .
tr	3	" He 'll never have my fashion sense , smooth lines or moves with the ladies . "
tr	3	" Don 't worry , doctor , I 'll treat this facility as if it were my own .
tr	3	She was wearing purple short shorts , a matching tank top , and her favorite purple sandals .
tr	3	" I have an extra challenge this time , and it 's worth more money . "
tr	3	The constant flicker of text in his peripheral vision served as a reminder of his new abilities .
tr	3	" You know , I feel a little strange sitting in a room alone , talking to myself . "
tr	3	It 's pretty low-level code , the same logic that keeps him from falling out of the chair .
tr	3	007 rounded the corner , moving quickly into the plush carpeted hall , monitoring every sensor within range .
tr	3	He noted the mission light was still green on his console , indicating that the camera was placed perfectly .
tr	3	" Thank you , " Alfred said to himself , watching 007 move down the hall .
tr	3	Alfred completed the upward struggle with the stairs to the executive suites for the second time that day .
tr	3	He could melt into most social situations , typically initiating intriguing conversation with anyone encountered -- particularly women .
tr	3	" I don 't need to see this , " said Victoria , making a sour face .
tr	3	The Eye was an invention Jacob and William had devised with knowledge gained from their genetic cloning research .
tr	3	" Both deliverables are near completion , and I have an addition to sweeten the pot . "
tr	3	" For double the original amount , as we discussed previously , I can deliver . "
tr	3	" He 's about to use the stall for a sanctioned purpose , " said Ben .
tr	3	Then he pulled on the black Tuxedo pants over the suit and slid into the white collared dress shirt .
tr	3	" Hurry , Toby , " called Victoria , " we need to leave soon . "
tr	3	Victoria snapped the bowtie in place , fussed with it , then held the jacket up for him .
tr	3	007 was examining a rubbery mask of Toby 's face , complete with blond hair and smooth seven-year-old skin .
tr	3	William handed the lenses in a clear case to 007 , who held them up to the mask .
tr	3	Because his records were not purged from the databases , the security system immediately recognized him .
tr	3	After waiting a full minute for good measure , he began the old familiar walk toward William 's lab .
tr	3	006 mimicked Toby 's actions , examining Toby and himself as if inspecting his new suit in a mirror .
tr	3	It would be helpful to have one of them now , but there were too many people involved already .
tr	3	A large , overweight man approached them from across the open lobby , his strained movements pained and arthritic .
tr	3	Turning quickly in surprise , Alfred stared at Victoria and Toby , who had unexpectedly arrived behind him .
tr	3	Toby led Ahmad and Bob through the lobby to the elevator , followed by Tom and Jerry .
tr	3	Alfred held Victoria by the arm , letting the group pass and get ahead of them .
tr	3	" Our deal was for a large sum of money , and you haven 't paid yet . "
tr	3	William has assured me the technology is sound , so it 's the money , right ?
tr	3	" I don 't know you , " Toby said , eyeing the group as they walked .
tr	3	Toby was trying desperately to hide his anxiety , which had to be apparent to those monitoring his suit .
tr	3	" My mother worked there previously , NET had investors there , and you appear to be natives . "
tr	3	" Nevertheless , I suspect I am correct , or you would have told me otherwise . "
tr	3	Bring 007 and William to the lower level and we 'll show our guests what we do here . "
tr	3	Victoria was shaken , expecting the two goons to shoot her or drag her away from Toby .
tr	3	When they were out of sight they ran all the way back to William 's lab .
tr	3	" They will await me in the car , " said Ahmad , walking into the open elevator .
tr	3	" I know Ahmad , " said Victoria , dashing into the room out of breath .
tr	3	I think if the main guy is here at all , he 's one of the two goons .
tr	3	Getting on an elevator is a huge risk ; those two guys with Alfred are expendable . "
tr	3	" Or maybe they 're holding all the bargaining chips right now , " said Toby .
tr	3	Jacob was certain that casual acquaintances would not be able to tell them apart , even up close .
tr	3	Not a word was said , but one by one they each stole glances at one another in amazement .
tr	3	Jacob tore himself away from the wonder of Toby 's networked world and got them back on track .
tr	3	I have an administrative issue to attend to , then I can give you my full attention . "
tr	3	The automatic tracking software had Toby in focus , walking quickly away from the building and looking confused .
tr	3	He watched in horror as Toby stumbled directly toward the two Asians who were standing by their rental car .
tr	3	Toby directed 006 to fight with the rear door handle , which he was hoping to find locked .
tr	3	The Asian on the left , the smaller of the two , in the designer suit , was talking .
tr	3	Mohammed spoke to Mohan in Bahasa Indonesia , which Toby quickly translated through a link to the security system .
tr	3	" Okay , both the transponder and an external net connection are up and healthy . "
tr	3	" Let 's see if we can start a search and figure out who he really is . "
tr	3	If this was correct , Jacob had been in the building all afternoon ... Jacob could not be alive .
tr	3	Alfred shuffled out the door , thinking perhaps this was just a game of cat and mouse .
tr	3	" Dr. Harland , let us go somewhere we can safely discuss the terms of our deal . "
tr	3	" Dr. Harland , please , my associate is taking him out for a cheeseburger . "
tr	3	" Alfred is in the elevator now , door open on the first floor , " said 007 .
tr	3	He seems to be fine based on the sensors , although his pulse is ragged , " said Toby .
tr	3	He then pulled a small pistol out of his jacket breast pocket and another object from the side pocket .
tr	3	Alfred walked off the elevator , hesitated , and turned to look back at the open door .
tr	3	" I invested 20 million dollars to recruit Jacob Crawford to lead our combined technology teams .
tr	3	" Your friendship clouded your judgment , and you shared too many details with Dr. Crawford .
tr	3	You have no other friends or family , and you 're too greedy to pass this payday .
tr	3	" The security monitors are reporting that Alfred is having a heart attack , " said Toby .
tr	3	" Toby , " said Jacob , " what 's going on with 006 right now ? "
tr	3	I 'll be in the rear lab storage room -- I want to use the computers back there .
tr	3	Mohammed was face down on the floor , a small streak of blood seeping from beneath him .
tr	3	A patient , this time an old friend , was slipping away , and nothing could be done .
tr	3	It 's on its own mesh net and I have full access , including all the on-board security systems .
tr	3	" Yes , to both , " said 007 , backing away a bit and looking doubtfully at Toby .
tr	3	We 'll set one of the security cameras to record and alert us with any activity . "
tr	3	" Making haste , " said 007 , turning the limo sharply away from the curb and flooring it .
tr	3	Perhaps we have time to stop at a men 's shop , I feel underdressed . "
tr	3	How could such an incredible human being allow this to happen , actually engineer such a thing ?
tr	3	Besides , I was the one running that office , and apparently this happened right under my nose . "
tr	3	" I worked with the man for three years ... " Victoria 's voice cracked , trailing off .
tr	3	They pulled up just outside a row of hangers , their sensors showing 006 sitting inside the third hanger .
tr	3	Exit the way we came in , and don 't speak to anyone unless you absolutely have to .
tr	3	Toby looked across at 006 , still his twin , smiling back at him and appearing completely at ease .
tr	3	" Not a problem at all ... I must say , extracting 006 certainly was a simple operation . "
tr	3	" Put this on ... " " He 's not a complete dolt , " said 007 , laughing .
tr	3	" The security cameras only show a finely dressed young man entering hanger three with the Asian .
tr	3	We just rescued 006 , and we 'll be back at NET in 8 minutes . "
tr	3	We 're out of the airport now , and all three of us will be there shortly .
tr	3	" I watched the security videos from the hotel bombing in Jakarta , " said William .
tr	3	Ahmad and his partner were still sitting on the couch , drinking their coffee and looking bored .
tr	3	She was unnerved by the swiftness of his actions and the control her father was displaying .
tr	3	I didn 't believe you were dead , Jacob , but after several weeks it didn 't matter .
tr	3	At this time your beloved NET headquarters has been rigged with enough explosives to level the entire block . "
tr	3	" Your idle threats have no effect on me , and you are in no position to bargain further .
tr	3	Tell me , Dr. Crawford , what was your strategy in playing dead all these months ? "
tr	3	" It was not his plan to kill the two of you , it was mine . "
tr	3	Regaining her confidence , Victoria asked , " Why did you plan to kill us on your own ?
tr	3	" You 're out of time , Ahmad , " said Ben taking another stride forward .
tr	3	" Wait , Ben , " said Jacob , " we need to extract more details . "
tr	3	" And apparently you need a reminder of the bomb Mohammed planted , " said Ahmad .
tr	3	If I do not return , you will have other , less humane , visitors . "
tr	3	There were shuffling sounds nearby and Victoria felt a breeze -- something had crossed in front of her .
tr	3	" Victoria , " said Ben , " contact Toby and 007 , we need them now . "
tr	3	" By the way , one of our visitors is cowering under the conference room table over there .
tr	3	007 was leaning against the wall between the elevators and the stairwell on the opposite side of the room .
tr	3	The bright spotlights came on in the grand lobby , reflecting off the glass and chrome fixtures .
tr	3	Toby sent the command , and 006 turned toward the security entrance , with Ahmad close behind .
tr	3	He watched , first person , as 006 moved forward , approaching the narrow security scanner hall .
tr	3	The rental their visitors had brought was teetering on the edge of a large crack extending from the crater .
tr	3	Toby directed 006 to turn around and face Ahmad , who had just entered the hall .
tr	3	A two-inch glass wall dropped from the ceiling on both ends of the scanner security hall , trapping Ahmad .
tr	3	006 entered the passive state of looking alive but not really being there during the reboot .
tr	3	Ahmad noticed this and looked over his shoulder , immediately stopped shouting , and turned pale .
tr	3	" Terrorists , a bomb , two dead men and one returned from the dead . "
tr	3	" Did they really think they could just steal and operate this technology for long on their own ?
tr	3	Setting the bomb off would draw in the local authorities and remove the danger of killing anyone nearby .
tr	3	" We could have called in a bomb squad to defuse it , " said Victoria .
tr	3	" I 'd still be in a lab someplace if it wasn 't for you guys . "
tr	3	The year following his reported death in Jakarta , Dr. Jacob Crawford was a busy man .
tr	3	Much of Jacob 's time that year was devoted to discreetly directing Toby 's early network experiences .
tr	3	Jacob refused to cooperate unless his two college friends could be located and brought into the deal .
tr	3	Jacob played along , disclosing everything to Frank : his research , NET and Alfred 's operation .
tr	3	His concern now was that that plan would somehow get botched by Alfred , the government or both parties .
tr	3	The FBI wouldn 't think twice about stealing Alfred 's golden eggs , if only they could be produced .
tr	3	It had been Alfred 's idea to pay Victoria for the " service , " which he never did .
tr	3	Key parts of the technology were incomplete , and required industry specialists and development only possible through commercialization .
tr	3	Jacob convinced Frank the golden eggs did not exist , or at least could not be practically harvested yet .
tr	3	Ben and William both held lead roles in Jacob 's new organization , Crawford Research Partners .
tr	3	Any remaining gaffes in style or grammar are evidence of my perverse resistance to accepting perfectly logical input .
tr	3	-- Anonymous To Del and John Patrick , who were both born with the right spirit .
tr	3	The trip itself began with anticipation and expectation like every other vacation they had ever taken as a family .
tr	3	" Ireland is not a third world country , " his father said as he unbuckled his seatbelt .
tr	3	" In fact , they lead the world in computer technology or something , I read . "
tr	3	That first night they stayed in a traditional Irish hotel and ate a simple meat stew .
tr	3	" It 's freezing outside , " John said as he entered the hotel dining room .
tr	3	" Dad 's out renting the car for our drive to the village we 'll be staying in . "
tr	3	" No , bacon and ham both come from a pig but bacon is not ham . "
tr	3	But this is as close to bacon as you get for the next ten days , okay ? "
tr	3	" It 's really cold out there , " he said , pouring himself a cup of tea .
tr	3	" About half a day , I think , " David said , pouring his coffee .
tr	3	" There 'll be someone there to show us where everything is , " Sarah said .
tr	3	With so few trees , the green horizon seemed to stretch on indefinitely , one verdant field after another .
tr	3	" But I have to admit to not knowing who has the right of way , here . "
tr	3	" There 's , like , a real shepherd with them and everything , " he said .
tr	3	Sarah dug into her purse and handed her son a biscuit wrapped in a paper napkin .
tr	3	" We 'll stop for lunch in a bit , " David said to his son .
tr	3	Because of the condition of the poor country roads , the drive had been longer than she expected .
tr	3	It had a steep roof of shingles and a chimney between two large windows in the front .
tr	3	" Can we , at least , look inside before you decide I 've made a big mistake ? "
tr	3	Please let it have indoor plumbing , Sarah thought as she climbed out of the car .
tr	3	" I wonder if they get Conan here , " David said , sitting down on the bed .
tr	3	She put her head on his shoulder and felt some of the tension drain from her body .
tr	3	That night would be the last time that Sarah could look up to the heavens without praying fervently .
tr	3	In the cold and foggy morning to which they awoke , they found the world forever changed .
tr	3	Sarah turned over in bed and put her hand out to touch her husband 's shoulder .
tr	3	Stunned by the images and sirens and screams , David held up a hand for silence .
tr	3	" It 's going to be okay , " she said into his baby fine hair .
tr	3	David stood in front of the TV holding his breath and trying to take it all in .
tr	3	John hung on the fence of the adjoining corral talking to the horses and feeding them carrots .
tr	3	" I 'm scared , Dad , " John said , prompting David to hold him even tighter .
tr	3	If there 's really been some kind of nuclear explosion -- " " Are you serious ? "
tr	3	" I don 't understand , " she said angrily , as if David were somehow responsible .
tr	3	" If England was bombed too -- " David said , waving his hand in the air .
tr	3	The terror and insecurity of knowing just enough and nothing more was literally almost more than Sarah could bear .
tr	3	" I 'm too rusty to be jumping on some horse I don 't know . "
tr	3	" They might be gentle on the ground but hell on wheels once you 're in the saddle . "
tr	3	In slightly less than four hours , they arrived tired , foot sore , blistered , and thirsty .
tr	3	" Sure , why would you be walking and you with three big horses just standing around ? "
tr	3	" Sure , it 's slow you 'll be taking things , all right , " the woman said .
tr	3	If I don 't hear from him in another few weeks , I 'll start to worry . "
tr	3	" I 'm sure it 's the McKinney place you 're at now , " Siobhan said .
tr	3	" Sure , there 's a goat and sheep and didn 't Mary McKinney keep a stocked root cellar ?
tr	3	Now they know you 're there , they 'll leave it to you , I imagine . "
tr	3	" I 'd like it all the same , " David said , reaching for his wallet .
tr	3	When you don 't get fresh fruit and stuff your bones start to go bad . "
tr	3	" She said she 'll hold our lantern and fuel ' til we 're ready to leave .
tr	3	" Let 's eat , guys , " John said , pulling his parents down the street .
tr	3	Sarah noted his filthy beard and scruffy clothes which looked like he 'd slept in them .
tr	3	Stung by his visual assault , she turned to get David 's attention as the man passed .
tr	3	A few moments later , the one room of the cottage glowed warmly from the kerosene lantern .
tr	3	It 's hard to explain but the results of it are what we 're experiencing now . "
tr	3	" If it is this electromagnetic thing , how long until things get back to normal ? "
tr	3	" Just wondering , " he said , rubbing her arm and looking out into the black Irish night .
tr	3	When they awoke the next morning , Sarah made cheese sandwiches and mugs of tea for breakfast .
tr	3	" I can 't believe we 're on our own with these animals , " she said .
tr	3	" Whoa , there , Dan , " she said as she stepped into the stall .
tr	3	" It 's like a big rope or leash , " she said , buckling the halter .
tr	3	" We 'll just put them all in the paddock while we clean up , " she said .
tr	3	" I thought you said we needed to remove them first , " David said , frowning .
tr	3	For one thing , Americans aren 't going to be too popular wherever we go . "
tr	3	" Mom , I saw rubber boots in the room where all the saddles are hanging . "
tr	3	" See if there are a pair for me , too , " David called after her .
tr	3	" My God , how our lives have changed in the blink of an eye . "
tr	3	" Come on , " he said , grabbing the cart to steer it back around the barn .
tr	3	" Beats the heck out of me , " he replied , running his fingers through his hair .
tr	3	Can 't make very nice milk if we don 't feed them grain , do you think ? "
tr	3	Which just set them off even more , with David holding his sides and tears coursing down his face .
tr	3	" Eggs would be good , " David said as he got up to clear the table .
tr	3	" I wonder if we can meet up with our neighbors and maybe trade something for some eggs . "
tr	3	Unlike the hurried mornings of life back in the States , the days now began slowly and intimately .
tr	3	Her husband was wiry and angular , solid and secure against the uncertainty of the coming day .
tr	3	It was cold outside and the floor of the small cottage was like ice to bare toes .
tr	3	Sarah took a long breath and relished the feel of her family safe in her arms .
tr	3	This was about the time each morning when worry about her parents crept into her thoughts .
tr	3	" We were supposed to be taking a bike tour along the beach today , " she said .
tr	3	" I wish we knew about what 's going on at home , " she said .
tr	3	" Let 's go back into town and see if there isn 't more news , " David said .
tr	3	" Maybe we should take some time getting familiar with our mode of transportation , " he said .
tr	3	" Now , remember , John , " Sarah said , standing next to John and the chestnut pony .
tr	3	John faced the pony and called over his shoulder : " Somebody give me a boost up . "
tr	3	He lifted his son onto the pony and helped him get his feet into the stirrups .
tr	3	With a sigh , she bent her knee and accepted the lift up onto the large bay 's back .
tr	3	She took a deep breath , felt the horse move beneath her , and then exhaled .
tr	3	Her hands collected the reins and her legs tucked around him as if she 'd never stopped riding .
tr	3	" If we don 't go now we 'll have to put it off until tomorrow . "
tr	3	" If we put it off ' til tomorrow , I 'll be more relaxed , " Sarah argued .
tr	3	" And I 'll have made sandwiches from the bread I was going to make today . "
tr	3	The sun came out from behind wispy grey clouds to warm their backs as they rode .
tr	3	And wasn 't it Mack Finn , himself , who had put the old tosser there ?
tr	3	He heard the soft sound of crunching gravel just over his left shoulder as someone approached from the rear .
tr	3	The young boy stood near the end of the trailer , as if afraid to directly confront Finn .
tr	3	He didn 't take his eyes off the brown and grey landscape of the Irish autumn .
tr	3	With Uncle Liam gone , he thought with satisfaction , they 'll all be afraid of him now .
tr	3	Finn leaned back into the chair and listened for the songbirds in the trees surrounding the old trailer .
tr	3	CHAPTER FIVE An hour into the ride , Sarah knew that the horses were docile and well mannered .
tr	3	David asked for no advice and somehow he wasn 't being thrown to the ground or run off with .
tr	3	She watched John turn his pony off the road into the bordering field to explore it at a trot .
tr	3	An old man stepped into the courtyard and silenced the dog with a hand signal as they rode up .
tr	3	The woman wore a long woolen skirt and looked like she 'd stepped out of the last century .
tr	3	" Well , we 'll all hear when we 're meant to , " she said .
tr	3	" Well , you 'll learn , my dear , " the older woman said kindly .
tr	3	" Sit , sit , " she said , motioning to the dinette chairs tucked under the table .
tr	3	" If I can talk you into staying , we 'd be proud to share our tea with you .
tr	3	" Anybody see young Billy , here , eat me tea while I was to town ? "
tr	3	Finn gave the rope a jerk and could almost feel the poor sod trembling at the other end .
tr	3	The boy -- his name was Billy -- was a teenager and clearly scared out of his mind .
tr	3	Finn thought Billy might be a cousin although he wasn 't sure and didn 't care .
tr	3	Finn jerked the rope off the now openly weeping boy and pushed him toward the group .
tr	3	" Oy , Mack ... " he said , looking nervously at his dog in Finn 's arms .
tr	3	Without looking away , Finn deftly wrung the puppy 's neck and tossed it back to the gypsy .
tr	3	It surprised Sarah that someone she had nothing in common with could make her feel so connected and safe .
tr	3	She was too tired tonight to figure out how that could be but was grateful for her new friend .
tr	3	When they got to the house , David pulled John out of the saddle and handed him to Sarah .
tr	3	The lock on the front door was broken and the interior of the cottage was messy but not trashed .
tr	3	After minimizing the robbery as much as she could to her son , Sarah put him to bed .
tr	3	Then she and David sat on the porch sharing a bottle of wine the thieves had not found .
tr	3	This ... this crisis is not going to bring out the best in people , David . "
tr	3	" Mom , Dad says the goats have to live with the horses from now on .
tr	3	" If you wait a minute , I 'll make you a fried egg , " she said .
tr	3	Feeling like she was throwing gemstones down a well , she added a third for herself .
tr	3	" He needs milk , David , " Sarah said , the panic still with her .
tr	3	You could wing it to a certain extent when you cooked , but baking needed exactness .
tr	3	She glanced at the starter on the counter and knew she couldn 't waste it by experimenting .
tr	3	Was it so much to ask that she give her child a slice of damn bread ?
tr	3	What an odd , endearing habit , lost now in her love affair with her Kindle .
tr	3	As the mother , she felt she 'd done her job to tend her nest and protect her hatchling .
tr	3	Maybe , she thought , just maybe there 's some little good to all this mess .
tr	3	" I think I 've done as much as can be done to secure the place .
tr	3	" Maybe we 'd better do a perimeter check , to be sure , " she said .
tr	3	Both Rocky and the pony had nameplates on their stalls but unlike Dan 's theirs were in Gaelic .
tr	3	It took every ounce of emotional strength she had not to physically or verbally launch into David .
tr	3	One of the horses shied at something in the grass and Sarah dropped the lead rope .
tr	3	She took a deep breath and tried to steady her nerves , for their sakes if not her own .
tr	3	He twisted around to show her the tag in the ewe 's ear that he was leading .
tr	3	" Yeah , okay , " he said , leading the way down the hill to the paddock .
tr	3	He picked up the heavy awl leaning against the fireplace and stepped to the front door .
tr	3	" Stay here , " she said , the fear bubbling out of her with every word .
tr	3	" That is a good question with an unknowable answer , " Sarah said , trying not to smile .
tr	3	" Why would He make ' em so cute if He wanted us to kill ' em ? "
tr	3	Sarah learned to make a delicious rabbit stew using whatever vegetables she found in the root cellar .
tr	3	" Okay , Mom , she 's about to be murdered in the basement , right ? "
tr	3	Sarah cleared her throat , gave her son a baleful look , and began to read .
tr	3	But likely it was the additional news she brought that contributed to the lines of worry on her face .
tr	3	The villains broke into his house , murdered poor Iain , and ransacked his croft . "
tr	3	Sarah could see how upset the older woman was and it unnerved her to see it .
tr	3	" Shot dead , both of them , and never raised a whimper to warn him . "
tr	3	She looked at Sarah and , if anything , the fear seemed to be more intense than before .
tr	3	Later , when the couple took their leave , David agreed to go with them for the night .
tr	3	" We 'll be fine , " she said , not at all sure they would be .
tr	3	Afraid that his insecurity might be the result of her nerves , she smiled and shook her head .
tr	3	" Okay , " she said , putting the gun back down and taking a long breath .
tr	3	She needed more soap -- for the dishes , for their clothes , for their baths .
tr	3	She intended to heat up water today so John could have a nice long soak in the tub .
tr	3	Later , she helped John bring in the sheep from the pasture and the horses from the paddock .
tr	3	His second shot also went to the head and this time he stayed on his feet .
tr	3	After that , they practiced loading the gun until they could both do it quickly and without looking .
tr	3	That night , David came home exhausted with a bandaged hand , bringing soap and a bag of flour .
tr	3	She had found a large supply of loose leaf paper and several ball point pens in the kitchen drawer .
tr	3	There is only one road leading to our cottage and that 's mostly dirt and rock .
tr	3	The people who own the cottage left a storage cellar of food , mostly for the horses .
tr	3	The nights are still and you can see every star in the firmament one by one .
tr	3	I think it must be like what it was for our ancestors a hundred years earlier .
tr	3	The next morning there was snow on the ground and more pouring out of the sky .
tr	3	She thanked God for it and realized , again , that this too was an answer to prayer .
tr	3	" Yeah , I 'll go with him , " he said , shivering in anticipation of the cold .
tr	3	An hour later , she wandered out to the barn to pat a few horses ' noses .
tr	3	The three chickens were huddled on their perches eyeing her with malevolence , it seemed to her .
tr	3	Fresh eggs meant a decent meal even if there was nothing in the rabbit traps today .
tr	3	" With this , it was more trouble than it was worth to get up on the horse .
tr	3	He didn 't have the patience to wait and I didn 't think it was necessary . "
tr	3	" He 's back , " David said , frowning , as he looked over her shoulder .
tr	3	His hair was wild and blowing , his eyes huge and his cheeks red from the cold .
tr	3	" Okay , show me , " David said heading toward the barn to saddle Rocky .
tr	3	Sarah stood there with the two eggs in her pocket and the pony 's reins in her hands .
tr	3	She watched them enter the barn and wondered when it was that John had stopped wearing his hard hat .
tr	3	CHAPTER NINE " Why , exactly , do you have to spend the night out there ? "
tr	3	Because I thought we agreed the sheep aren 't really of value to us beyond their wool . "
tr	3	They grazed carelessly around the area which was still stained dark with the victim 's blood .
tr	3	I 'm sitting in a pasture at night with a gun protecting a flock of sheep .
tr	3	If the sheep didn 't wake him , Rocky surely would if someone or something was creeping about .
tr	3	She took anti-anxiety medication to help her control what she insisted was a rational but constant fear .
tr	3	He remembered for a moment the woman he had fallen in love with so many years ago .
tr	3	It was only three weeks but he now had callouses he never imagined owning back then .
tr	3	Yeah , not in a million years could he ever have imagined that scenario back home .
tr	3	" They 're all there , " David said , getting up and picking up his blanket .
tr	3	He gave the gun a glance as David mounted with it , cracked open over his arm .
tr	3	Back at the cottage , a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs , biscuits and tea awaited him .
tr	3	It had been over seven weeks since they 'd touched each other in any kind of intimate way .
tr	3	It was raining again , turning the thin layer of snow on the ground to slush .
tr	3	She tried to think of even one time she had been rained on back in the States .
tr	3	She moved from house garage to car to office parking garage and never even owned an umbrella .
tr	3	She left the road after fifteen minutes and let the horse pick his way through the snowy pasture .
tr	3	When he saw her , his hand went up in a wave and he began to move toward her .
tr	3	Why does my child have to even consider killing an animal we 've taught him to consider a pet ?
tr	3	Suddenly , she spotted the dog but not before John launched a handful of rocks at it .
tr	3	" Oh , yeah , there 's this , " David said , widening the neck of the sack .
tr	3	Sarah tried to remember the last time she had heard that happy childish tone come out of his mouth .
tr	3	Finn found himself chuckling and his brother looked up from his cards with a worried look on his face .
tr	3	Even if I 've got blisters or aches or desperately have to go to the bathroom !
tr	3	I guess that 's a concept that seems insane ( or at least nonsensical ) in today 's America .
tr	3	Sometimes they saw people traveling on the road and looking like they had all their belongings with them .
tr	3	While there was no way to know for certain , the thought made Sarah feel strangely safer .
tr	3	Sarah and David had exchanged a look when John had suggested it but didn 't discourage him .
tr	3	If she had yeast she made muffins or if not made biscuits for everyone 's breakfast .
tr	3	She kept an inventory of the food cellar and made careful plans for their future meals .
tr	3	The only thing she knew for sure was that it was early November and winter was coming .
tr	3	From the beginning , she had worked to try not to see the birds as pets .
tr	3	" John ... " Grinning , he hopped up and went to the kitchen sink to wash .
tr	3	Sarah took the biscuits out of the oven and slid one onto a small plate for him .
tr	3	It surprised him a little to realize that , lately , he 'd done quite a lot of praying .
tr	3	The thought surprised him but as it took hold , it gave him strength and purpose .
tr	3	She backed out of the coop , glad that John had gone to the sheep pasture .
tr	3	There is nothing more intimate than the taking of a life for the purpose of sustenance .
tr	3	She sat down with a hard thump in the snow beside the now still bag and burst into tears .
tr	3	And if they 'd broken into the gate to steal a cow , why were they all there ?
tr	3	Sarah pulled the roast chicken out of the oven and set it on top of the cook stove .
tr	3	She had enough potatoes and garlic and wild rosemary to make a proper feast of the dish .
tr	3	Out in the courtyard , she watched John as he put his dogs through their paces .
tr	3	She looked at her beautiful golden brown roast , shiny with herbs and basted with goat butter .
tr	3	A perfect , celebratory meal for the returning husband , she thought , her anticipation back .
tr	3	The anxiety in the pit of her stomach had made it impossible to enjoy the meal .
tr	3	I 'll clean up here and we 'll play a game of chess before bed . "
tr	3	" Well , you can read a book at the same time , " she said with a grin .
tr	3	She wiped down the counters and wrapped the biscuits in wax paper to put them away for their breakfast .
tr	3	All at once , both dogs stopped playing with the rag they had been tugging on .
tr	3	They stood in the kitchen , the hackles on their backs rising , slow menacing growls emanating from them .
tr	3	In the next second , a horse 's terrified scream punched the air outside the cottage .
tr	3	Sarah dropped the biscuits and bolted for the front door and the source of the noise .
tr	3	" We 're just hungry , missus , " Three men , two rounds , she thought .
tr	3	" Give us the horses and we 'll let you be , " the man behind him said .
tr	3	" Oh , so you 'll be needing to reload to dispatch the lot , eh ? "
tr	3	When he went down , Sarah saw John standing behind him with a large manure shovel in his hands .
tr	3	Sarah took a deep breath and felt the arm that held the gun begin to shake .
tr	3	" Sure , you 're not thinking of killing us in cold blood , missus ? "
tr	3	" Maybe if you kill two of ' em , the third one will have learned a lesson . "
tr	3	" And the one you wounded will probably die anyway so he 's a good second choice . "
tr	3	She saw the shovel smash into the man 's head and then drop uselessly from John 's grip .
tr	3	She squeezed the trigger and shot the man , straight and true , through the head .
tr	3	They passed him without a word but he cantered Rocky the rest of the way home .
tr	3	She thought of how easy it had been to break its neck , all things considered .
tr	3	" He could 've killed him with his bare hands in just a moment , " she said quietly .
tr	3	He would kill her and the lad before breakfast and torch their miserable hut with their bodies inside !
tr	3	" I know you loved my brother , " he said , forcing his voice to sound calm .
tr	3	" And we 'll get the bitch did this to me ... and him , " he said .
tr	3	" We 'll make her pay in the blood of every living thing she loves . "
tr	3	" Kind of a risk they don 't feel good about taking , you know ? "
tr	3	" Sounds like you 've talked yourself into going to look for him , " she said .
tr	3	" There doesn 't seem to be much harm in it , " he said quietly .
tr	3	" What more has to happen to convince you that it is not safe here ? "
tr	3	" Awwww , mushy stuff , " he said , plopping himself down at the kitchen table .
tr	3	John was on strict orders to stay in the house with the dogs while David worked on the grave .
tr	3	She hoped to be able to trade the wine for ammunition or something else more useful to them .
tr	3	On the way back , she planned to swing by where David thought Devon 's cottage was .
tr	3	If she saw activity in his front yard -- dogs barking , or whatever -- should she stop ?
tr	3	She held his reins loosely in her left hand and scanned the horizon for any movement or activity .
tr	3	A part of her couldn 't bear to have David leave so soon after being gone .
tr	3	She was surprised to realize that the burden of protecting their cottage -- and her son -- was heavy .
tr	3	Every step that took her away from that terrible responsibility seemed to free her just a little .
tr	3	Or was it every step that took her away from the body of the man she had slain ?
tr	3	And her reaction was an instantaneous action to strike someone from the list of the living .
tr	3	Dear God , who will I be when and if we finally ever make it back home ?
tr	3	Mike Donovan , satisfied he had their attention , lowered his arms but continued to speak loudly .
tr	3	Now I know ... " He raised his arm again and surveyed the crowd that was approaching the wagon .
tr	3	A man called up to him : " Do you have housing for us , then , Mick ? "
tr	3	If everyone pulls their weight , we can build a community that will take care of everyone . "
tr	3	" And go to the towns that have food and work and laws still working . "
tr	3	" Most of these farms haven 't been worked in two decades , " she said .
tr	3	" Which is why we need to band together and help ourselves , " Mike said .
tr	3	Two years before she had given up trail riding for good -- or so she believed .
tr	3	Pretty soon , the tapes would start as soon as she swung up into the saddle .
tr	3	She took in a big breath and let it out slowly as she watched the sky .
tr	3	A fiddler , the source of the music , was established in the center in a makeshift stage .
tr	3	" It 's not me , you understand , " the young woman said , dabbing at her eyes .
tr	3	The market was winding down and she knew it was time for her to go , too .
tr	3	She had traded the two wine bottles within minutes of offering them up for nearly four hundred rounds .
tr	3	Sarah couldn 't put her finger on why , but there was something about this girl that unsettled her .
tr	3	" I can meet Himself right here , you just say when , and lead him to my place .
tr	3	And the thought of having real milk on a regular basis nearly brought tears to her eyes .
tr	3	She had been standing there nearly fifteen minutes , wondering what it was she was seeing .
tr	3	This is where I ride into an ambush or decide to play it safe and just go home .
tr	3	Directly in front of her , the small cottage sat in front of a truncated drive .
tr	3	As she approached , she could see the rear bumper of a car protruding from it .
tr	3	She stopped in front of the cottage and scanned the windows for any sign of life .
tr	3	She trotted down the side of the cottage , looking everywhere at once , stopping , listening .
tr	3	Sarah stood motionless in the doorway and watched him , the gun in her hand but by her side .
tr	3	The man frowned , his eyes catching the glint of the Glock at the end of her arm .
tr	3	The older man spoke again and Sarah felt the hand that held the gun relax a bit .
tr	3	The young man charged up the porch stairs and Sarah , startled , jerked her gun arm up .
tr	3	Sarah looked for any guile in his eyes and thought she saw only weariness and anxiety .
tr	3	She shifted the gun to her other hand and wiped the perspiration from her palm on her jeans .
tr	3	" I 'm sorry , again , I 'm sorry for ... " Sarah indicated the porch .
tr	3	" Go back and find something to wrap poor Devon in , " he said to his son .
tr	3	Her earlier plans to trot all the way back were abandoned because of the wet roads and slick trails .
tr	3	As bumpy and uneven as it had been up to now , it felt now that Dan was limping .
tr	3	With shaking hands , she ran her fingers down his hock and lifted his front left hoof .
tr	3	I 'll be hard pressed to just pay the marked prices for things when I get back to civilization .
tr	3	Her husband was killed earlier in the month and she has two small children who depend on her .
tr	3	But part of her well caved in and she can 't repair it on her own .
tr	3	It 's hard to describe to you but the milk would open up new worlds of food for us .
tr	3	Anyway , he just left this morning and already I 'm counting the days until he 's back .
tr	3	Before David left , they had decided to mark out the garden for the spring planting upon his return .
tr	3	Tomorrow , she and John would step off the garden boundaries in anticipation of preparing the ground .
tr	3	She opened the little stove door with an oven mitt and wedged in another couple of sticks of wood .
tr	3	She brought his tea to him and set it down on the table next to the bed .
tr	3	Today , she and John had to go collect the sheep and bring them in closer .
tr	3	They would move them to the patch of grass on the other side of the paddock .
tr	3	" I told you -- " " It doesn 't matter , Mom , " John said with exasperation .
tr	3	" He may just want us to let Him handle when Dad comes back to us . "
tr	3	John asked , looking from the rain to his mother 's face as if trying to decipher her thoughts .
tr	3	" I don 't know when you stopped wearing it but ... " She didn 't bother finishing .
tr	3	" Mom , I 'm good , " he said , moving Star out into the rain .
tr	3	The road had turned to slick mud and Sarah forbade John to even break into a trot .
tr	3	If he were in town or nearby , he wouldn 't have stayed away so long .
tr	3	The horse shied at the loud noise and wheeled sharply to gallop back the way they had come .
tr	3	She tumbled from the saddle onto the hard , muddy road , cracking her helmet as she hit .
tr	3	She would need to hurry if she didn 't want to spend half the morning calming his anger .
tr	3	She pulled the covers back to jump up and amend the oversight when he stopped her .
tr	3	Under Finn 's orders , she had lured the American to her mother 's farm nearly five weeks earlier .
tr	3	Finn 's eyes flashed to hers from the spot on the ceiling he had been studying .
tr	3	Julie watched his gaze return to the invisible spot on the ceiling , his smile slowly fading .
tr	3	She put a shaky hand up to her face and saw John wince as she did so .
tr	3	" It 's kind of night , " John said , standing up and absently patting his pony .
tr	3	She could feel the crack in it and wondered if wearing it broken would be any help at all .
tr	3	It felt like a week since they 'd set out on their journey to rescue David .
tr	3	Sarah 's head ached fiercely and it seemed that Dan 's limp was becoming more and more pronounced .
tr	3	" You mean , like maybe He wants us to leave it to Him , after all ? "
tr	3	" I 'd hate to think He sent a lightning bolt our way , " he said finally .
tr	3	In the morning , both horses had hobbled out into the surrounding pasture and the rain had stopped .
tr	3	Dear Mom and Dad , Well , David 's been gone for a little over a month now .
tr	3	I know I couldn 't shoot him if it came to that but I guess you 're supposed to .
tr	3	It 's so cold that , mostly , John and I stay indoors even in the daytime .
tr	3	( My feeling was kind of like : let David deal with it when he gets home ! )
tr	3	If Dan doesn 't snap out of his injury soon , we 'll walk to town .
tr	3	I know , in my heart , that David hasn 't come home because he 's being prevented somehow .
tr	3	And it 's so hard keeping an optimistic affect with John when I really want to scream myself .
tr	3	Like with every trial we 've faced these last few months since the crisis , prayer helps a lot .
tr	3	It wasn 't very jolly and I had nothing but promises to give him for a gift .
tr	3	( Although I did give him a coupon good for one free week of no stall mucking ! )
tr	3	Sarah and John both knew that David not getting home for Christmas was not a good sign .
tr	3	" Well , he was born all those other Christmases , too , " he said .
tr	3	... she had tried to help him relieve himself in a pail by the side of the bed .
tr	3	At least in the city there might be facilities or laws or provisions for the refugees .
tr	3	Yesterday , she told him the American woman and her son hadn 't left after all .
tr	3	His stomach muscles tensed as he heard her beginning to move about in the other end of the farmhouse .
tr	3	The light was strong enough now for him to take inventory of the room and of himself .
tr	3	When he had first arrived at the farm with Julie , he saw immediately the disrepair of the place .
tr	3	" Please sit and have a cuppa , you 'll be tired from your ride in from town . "
tr	3	" Sure , nobody would come help an ugly crow like me , " she said laughing .
tr	3	" Ah , sure , don 't be mad at us , now , " The woman said .
tr	3	" Plenty of time for that and too late to get started today , so it is .
tr	3	At first , Betta had been the soul of care and attentiveness while he lay helpless and disoriented .
tr	3	Just the feeling of welcoming someone to their hearth on such a special night reminded her of Christmases past .
tr	3	As if I 'd know snow clouds from any other kind , she thought to herself .
tr	3	He 'd walked away , " wandered off , as he 's wont to , " two days earlier .
tr	3	Having her stay with them would make everything so much easier -- for all of them .
tr	3	" I like to , " Sarah said , handing the woman a mug of tea .
tr	3	Sarah turned to slice the biscuits open and lay them face down on the hot stove .
tr	3	" I guess it takes a world crisis to make us realize we 're not in control . "
tr	3	" As alive and bright as any could be ... that he chose me was mystery enough .
tr	3	Her face was florid as if she 'd just run a race , her hands were grey with grime .
tr	3	She was looking at him as if she expected him to levitate or spontaneously combust at the very least .
tr	3	" I need water , Betta , " he said , hearing his voice resemble more of a croak .
tr	3	Do you think that stupid get my daughter married was going to go looking for your horse ?
tr	3	She sat and watched as a single tear escaped his eye and found its way down his face .
tr	3	The rain had started right after breakfast and turned to a downpour of snow soon after .
tr	3	No one needed to say out loud that the longer wait could be the death of both .
tr	3	Over his shoulder through the plastic of the barn window , she watched the snow fall .
tr	3	The sounds came to David as if they were part of the feverish dream he was having .
tr	3	Out the window , he saw a crowd of people and horses in the front yard .
tr	3	He pulled against the chain that was attached to the boat anchor until he was sitting up .
tr	3	Sometimes when she thought he was in a mood , he was just lining things up in his head .
tr	3	You 'll not be changing it just because you don 't want it troubling him . "
tr	3	" We 'll be saying grace now , " she said taking each of their hands .
tr	3	Sarah watched how quickly the older woman had buckled and arranged chains along the pony 's neck and back .
tr	3	Almost angrily , she banished the image and forced herself to slow him down to a brisk walk .
tr	3	If you didn 't know it was here , Sarah found herself thinking , you might never find it .
tr	3	She stopped the cart , set the brake , and looked around for any sign of life .
tr	3	Finn always marveled that the boy could take two steps without falling or crashing into something .
tr	3	Didn 't he have an uncle lived to seventy years with two bullets in ' im ?
tr	3	He stood , tossed his tea mug in the sink , and walked out onto the porch .
tr	3	" Ahhh , shite , an American , " he said , putting the book down .
tr	3	His response startled Sarah who had not ever heard him string together enough words to form a sentence before .
tr	3	The words felt absurd coming out of her mouth but she forced a smile to accompany them .
tr	3	" Can you get yourself up while I look for a few things in the kitchen ?
tr	3	A part of her wanted to grab him and physically propel him down the steps to the cart .
tr	3	Chatting and smiling and gently nudging , Sarah got him off the porch and into the cart .
tr	3	She was already out of the cart and back up the porch steps , not waiting for an answer .
tr	3	The last time she heard voices outside a cottage door , they had been friendly ones .
tr	3	Just because she was terrified didn 't mean these men were necessarily a threat to her .
tr	3	The first thing she saw was the immediate absence of something that should have been there but wasn 't .
tr	3	She didn 't know if there was any kind of a weapon there but all other avenues were blocked .
tr	3	Sarah felt herself slide in and out of consciousness as she listened to the harsh voices .
tr	3	The man with his hand on her raised his fist and held it to her face .
tr	3	Sarah directed her attention back to Seamus who was sitting quietly as if engaged in his own thoughts .
tr	3	" Just kill ' im , " the lout said , as he moved back to his horse .
tr	3	Later that day , Sarah watched John 's eyes go from hers to the window and back to hers .
tr	3	She glanced at John and her heart hardened at the thought of someone trying to hurt him .
tr	3	Always before , when she thought of losing him she was filled with anxiety and fear .
tr	3	It 's thanks to Seamus and God Himself that it was done and we 're here safe .
tr	3	She heard him speak to Seamus : " I knew I shouldn 't have said anything .
tr	3	" It makes my place a little less of a refuge for you , " she said .
tr	3	Again , Sarah fought the impulse to gallop Dan across the pasture in a more direct route to town .
tr	3	There were too many things to help him come up lame so she held herself back .
tr	3	It was midmorning and the sky had darkened and let loose with a gentle , insistent rain .
tr	3	She resisted the temptation to just pull the gun out and ride down the street demanding information .
tr	3	Her eyes flitted from side to side for any possible indication that there was someone who could help her .
tr	3	If she didn 't take too much time to line up each shot ... " Blimey , Da .
tr	3	Donovan stopped stacking and stared with his mouth open at the sight of Sarah riding down the main street .
tr	3	A skinny redheaded gypsy boy with badly crossed eyes took a step off the wooden walkway into the street .
tr	3	Two of the men began shoving each other until one hauled off and slugged the other in the face .
tr	3	" Except they 're not all of ' em , " Gavin said from the window .
tr	3	Plus , I ... I wounded a gypsy that came to my place to steal my horses . "
tr	3	" I killed one of them , " she said , staring directly into Mike 's eyes .
tr	3	" The man you wounded is the leader of this miscreant band of thugs , " Mike said .
tr	3	Lived with his extended family around these parts as gypsies do -- under bridges , in caravans and tents .
tr	3	" Been in prison for some years recently for robbing a dairy with a weapon , I heard .
tr	3	" They acted like they 'd done it before and it was no big deal . "
tr	3	Sarah put her hands to her head as if she 'd just experienced a terrible headache .
tr	3	" I don 't have to tell you , I 'm sure , how dangerous that lot is . "
tr	3	As she said the words , a terrible fear seized her and her sentence finished in a near shriek .
tr	3	Going out there now is not the most direct route to your getting back to your son . "
tr	3	" Give them ten minutes to clear out and then you can be on your way .
tr	3	" Take her home , " he said to the boy , " and wait for me .
tr	3	Donovan looked back at Sarah who had Dan 's reins in her hands now and was checking his girth .
tr	3	" Sarah , can you tell me how Seamus escaped the three thugs to tell the story ? "
tr	3	Sarah led Dan to the door and jerked back a curtain to get a better view of the street .
tr	3	The ride would end with her arms around her child , holding him safely and snugly to her heart .
tr	3	Time enough later -- much , much later -- to talk to him about his Dad .
tr	3	She didn 't expect to be able to see any sign of the cottage from this distance .
tr	3	The sound more than anything startled her horse , who shied violently , nearly unseating her .
tr	3	She tried to control her breathing as she watched the forecourt with the motionless bodies and the raging fire .
tr	3	Once she was moving , she allowed herself to think the impossible : maybe he was still alive .
tr	3	Her gun in her hand , she made a quick scan of the forecourt before touching him .
tr	3	" Missus , " he said , breathlessly , " they 'll 've taken the boy . "
tr	3	" You weren 't here when they came , so they 'll 've taken him with them . "
tr	3	What sun there had ever been that day had long disappeared behind a cloud , not to return .
tr	3	She remembered watching the stars from those steps , and the feel of his warm lips on hers .
tr	3	The frame around the smaller living room window in front gave way and broke into pieces on the ground .
tr	3	Praying for guidance , for relief from pain , for hope that her boy was alive .
tr	3	She heard Gavin speaking from around the side of the barn but she couldn 't understand his words .
tr	3	" You 're a brave lad , young John , " Donovan said , nodding at John .
tr	3	John nodded solemnly , but Sarah could tell Mike 's words were a balm to him .
tr	3	Donovan had wasted no time in clearing away the dead animal carcasses and bringing some order to the devastation .
tr	3	She watched him hungrily as he walked the camp , staying mostly with Donovan and Gavin .
tr	3	The pain felt good and almost instantly she felt some of the edge of the day creep away .
tr	3	" Nor none of us , that 's the truth , " Donovan said with a heavy sigh .
tr	3	That made him smile and he took a pull from a flask he 'd been holding in his hand .
tr	3	" Well , to be honest , we 're family , you see , " he said .
tr	3	Sarah glimpsed over the woman 's shoulder at John who was eating and laughing with Gavin .
tr	3	" Fi 's just giving you a hard time , " Donovan said , frowning at his sister .
tr	3	" Now 's as good a time to give it , I guess , " he said .
tr	3	We 'll watch each other 's backs and plant food and rebuild our little patch of the country .
tr	3	I don 't know how you do things in Ireland , but we are not finished here .
tr	3	Sarah looked at the motley group of men and women standing in the forecourt of her holiday cottage .
tr	3	They were ragged and thin and not terribly clean but their eyes were bright and intent .
tr	3	" And knowing it helps us to know how long we 'll likely need to live like this . "
tr	3	" There was a nuclear bomb dropped by some still unidentified terrorist group over London four months back .
tr	3	And since we 've all been affected by it , that would seem to be right . "
tr	3	" It appears it was targeted but the bomb went off course and detonated over the Atlantic . "
tr	3	Donovan turned to him and the effort it took to smile seemed to weigh him down .
tr	3	" The point of how this new information affects all of us here is this , " he said .
tr	3	" Now we know for sure that there is no one coming , " he said grimly .
tr	3	He would walk away from the dog but when he turned around , he was always right behind him .
tr	3	John released the puppy from the command and sat down next to Sarah in the dirt .
tr	3	" People like Mr. Donovan don 't care about why something happened , only that it happened .
tr	3	" No one has even heard of this Julie person ... " " You 're giving up ? "
tr	3	Like a lot of parents , she had worried about so many unimportant things in the past .
tr	3	One thing she had learned : the coming day would take care of the coming day .
tr	3	So badly did she want to believe it , her heart literally ached in her chest .
tr	3	" I wouldn 't be too sure of that , " Sarah said , frowning at the woman .
tr	3	Sarah had already seen and admired how the group seemed to take pleasures from the simplest things .
tr	3	With Mike at the helm , it would definitely be a well-organized and judiciously run community .
tr	3	Just seeing his big brown eyes , so seemingly understanding , filled her with a kind of comfort .
tr	3	She touched the velvety softness of his nose as he blew warm breath into her hands .
tr	3	" Ahhh , don 't be giving me a reason to kill the poor beast . "
tr	3	The unexpected voice made both Sarah and Dan jump , even though Donovan showed himself before he finished speaking .
tr	3	" You scared the life out of me , " Sarah said , turning to him with a grin .
tr	3	" She told me a little bit more about the community y ' all are starting .
tr	3	" I wish I could make you understand why I feel the way I do . "
tr	3	" That 's not it , " Sarah said , her finger tightening around Dan 's mane .
tr	3	" And I would like that , " she said , looking directly into his eyes .
tr	3	You say ' don 't upset the wolves , and they 'll leave you alone . '
tr	3	" I swear I didn 't know I was going to do that until I was doing it .
tr	3	" Best idea yet is to just forget it , if you can do that . "
tr	3	He held out his arm to usher her from the barn into the dying light of the early evening .
tr	3	Mack Finn sat , smoking a cigarette , in the old wooden rocking chair on the front porch .
tr	3	Finn had spent nearly the full day in it , rocking , sipping tea and smoking .
tr	3	He was now the oldest living person in his family , a family that went back hundreds of generations .
tr	3	" Brendan wants to know should we raid the kitchen or eat what we got in town .
tr	3	Finn asked , leaning forward in his chair to see if he could spot him from the porch .
tr	3	Finn stood up , flicked his cigarette butt into the bushes and abruptly walked off the porch .
tr	3	The farm was noisy with the antics of his men , some of them drunk , some fighting .
tr	3	A swarthy man in his forties jerked his head to indicate the other side of the long barn .
tr	3	Brendan was a big man with the easy confidence that comes of towering over most people in daily interactions .
tr	3	So , how is it you ended up lashed to a bed by that harpy back yonder ? "
tr	3	The kind of something that came from money and having it all done for you your whole life .
tr	3	He couldn 't help but feel grateful to the man but he knew he needed to fight the feeling .
tr	3	Brendan handed David the sandwich and David smiled at him in a perfect mime of typical American eager politeness .
tr	3	That night at the evening meal , the group at Cairn Cottage sat around the open fire .
tr	3	So far , the extent of their contact with Sarah was to smile shyly at her .
tr	3	" I guess I 've been acting pretty clingy with him lately , " she admitted .
tr	3	" But we 'll be needing to talk about your problem with the gypsies now . "
tr	3	" But you think by defying them or calling attention to yourselves you 'll make it worse ? "
tr	3	" I guess that 's what this new world is all about , " Sarah said .
tr	3	" Don 't tell me about being strong or resilient or crap like that , I warn you .
tr	3	Being tough is one thing , but doing it with your ... your ... " " Swagger ? "
tr	3	Two more were patrolling the perimeter of the little camp and would , in shifts , all night long .
tr	3	Didn 't think it was important until he got to talking with his wife last night about you . "
tr	3	It 's good , " Donovan said , sounding not at all like any of it was good .
tr	3	" You mean you 'll not be insisting on waiting for them brigands to descend upon us ? "
tr	3	Every firearm and bit of ammunition , except for the ones carried by each man was on the table .
tr	3	If each of us had a Gatling gun and automatic weapons too it wouldn 't be enough . "
tr	3	" I know he 's just trying to help ... " " Alright , " Donovan said gruffly .
tr	3	" Oh , don 't say that when you know it 's the last thing you 'll do . "
tr	3	" Even if , like with young John , I tell you to stay back at camp ? "
tr	3	" And we 'll put two of our lads in the trees the night before . "
tr	3	" Six hundred , " " Okay , how every many , it doesn 't matter , okay ?
tr	3	Sparks from the outdoor fire shot into the air almost as if conjured up by him and his words .
tr	3	" I don 't want her touched so be mindful of that , " he said .
tr	3	He slept by the campfire which usually went out a few hours after he nodded off .
tr	3	David could tell that most of the gypsies were still sleeping off last night 's drinking .
tr	3	One -- a big fellow named Bill -- would stay behind to protect the women and children .
tr	3	Sarah hadn 't been sure if that mattered and Donovan didn 't seem to have an opinion on it .
tr	3	His arm , mended but not strong , hung at an unnatural angle to his body as he ran .
tr	3	It didn 't make sense that Sarah would actually be with them but Finn seemed convinced she would be .
tr	3	His breathing was coming in short , ragged gasps but he was afraid to stop and rest .
tr	3	Brendan came through the bushes ahead of David , a smile on his face that never reached his eyes .
tr	3	She would worry about morals and why and all that once she had David back with her .
tr	3	Was she asking this woman to risk her husband so that Sarah could retrieve her own ?
tr	3	Was this just another case of the rich American 's needs and wants trumping everyone else 's ?
tr	3	" Finn thought you might try something like this , today of all days , you know ?
tr	3	" Sorry about that , " he mumbled with as much sarcasm as he could muster .
tr	3	Brendan said , giving the lead rope attached to David 's hands a hard yank to test its security .
tr	3	" You don 't have to do everything that sociopath tells you to do , Brendan . "
tr	3	" Feet moving , if you please , Yank , " Brendan said , tugging on the lead rope .
tr	3	All three of the men in the group were dismounted and huddled around a form on the ground .
tr	3	" Just a little wound up , I guess , because of what happened to Mr. Donovan . "
tr	3	He desperately wanted his Dad back but the odds of losing his Mother too just went up significantly .
tr	3	" But being sneaky will make up for the lack of numbers , I think . "
tr	3	" You 're not taking this theory about being sneaky from some television show , are you ? "
tr	3	Gavin took his fully tacked horse out of the one of the stalls and led it outside .
tr	3	His eyes opened and the peace she thought she saw in his face when they were closed vanished .
tr	3	" Put Gavin and Aidan in trees when you get to the camp , yeah ? "
tr	3	She knew he was in pain and they had nothing , not even an aspirin , for it .
tr	3	" I got two of my guys in trees , that leaves me and ... " " Jimmy . "
tr	3	We had dreams of the kind of life we would make for ourselves and any kids we had .
tr	3	Walk right into the midst of all of ' em yelling and running and shooting , ya see ? "
tr	3	Be ready to shoot anybody who looks at you , let alone tries to stop you .
tr	3	" I 'm prepared to shoot every person in that camp if I have to , " she said .
tr	3	" But I ... " " I know what you want , Sarah , " Donovan said tiredly .
tr	3	" The rest of ' em won 't fight on without the head of the snake .
tr	3	Gypsies aren 't really a warring -- " " Okay , thanks , Mike , " Sarah said .
tr	3	" Take care of yourself , Mike , " she said , then turned and left .
tr	3	He had already sent another dozen down the road to meet the American and her party .
tr	3	His gaze sought out the young boy , Conor , who had brought him the information the night before .
tr	3	The posting action of rising up and down actually helped dissipate the anxious energy that was coursing through her .
tr	3	Sarah imagined what men going to battle on horseback for hundreds of years must have felt like .
tr	3	All of a sudden , it struck Sarah how foolish it was what they were doing .
tr	3	He had seen no traffic of any kind on the road , not horses , not pedestrians .
tr	3	" Because I know the Yanks 'll come for your lot sooner or later , " Brendan said .
tr	3	The big Irishman was clearly not feeling too secure about where he stood with God these days .
tr	3	Brendan gave David the directions back to his cottage , but the cottage was not where David was going .
tr	3	Both knees of her jeans had ripped in the fall and she bloodied her elbow , too .
tr	3	She twisted in their grip and saw the still form of Gavin crumpled in the middle of the road .
tr	3	Her stomach lurched and she turned and was sick on the man who held her the tightest .
tr	3	Suddenly , he pulled out the pistol from the waistband at the small of his back .
tr	3	" Oh , Jesus , Mack , I can find him , I will find him .
tr	3	Sarah felt rough hands grabbing her jacket , her hair and pulling her back to a standing position .
tr	3	Her legs buckled and one of the men grabbed her under her arm and kept her standing .
tr	3	" Take ' em both into the house , " Finn said , turning back to the body .
tr	3	One of the gypsies took a piece of cord and tied John 's hands in front of him .
tr	3	When he was done , he shoved the boy down onto the bed and walked out .
tr	3	" It 's okay , sweetie , " she said , her voice a rasping whisper .
tr	3	" They 're not even really tied , " John said pulling his hands out of the bind .
tr	3	" Hide it someplace so you can get to it easier than your sock , okay ? "
tr	3	" Okay , yeah , good idea , " she said , holding out her hands .
tr	3	They listened carefully but the footsteps were headed to the kitchen and then out the front door .
tr	3	Sarah said , trying not to let the words sap all her energy for the ordeal ahead .
tr	3	John stood up and went to the window and pulled back the curtain to peer out .
tr	3	Sarah turned to ask him what he saw when he dropped his knife and stifled a yelp .
tr	3	" John , you first , " David said quietly , pushing the boy toward the window .
tr	3	Finn stepped over to John , leaned over and scooped up the dropped knife at his feet .
tr	3	One of his men put his gun down while the other fastened David 's hands behind his back .
tr	3	Sarah screamed and grabbed for David as he sank , with a groan , to his knees .
tr	3	Her whole body ached to tell him everything would be okay , to please not fret .
tr	3	With his hands behind him , David was defenseless but he met the gypsy 's stare .
tr	3	The same man who had hit David set his gun aside and held David from behind .
tr	3	Blood gushed out of her mouth and she collapsed to a sitting position on the bed .
tr	3	The anguish in John 's voice brought Sarah out of the daze of pain that clouded her head .
tr	3	he cried , looking at his rifle as he spoke and clearly gauging his chances of reaching it .
tr	3	The man nodded vigorously and quickly untied David who put his hands to his bleeding chest .
tr	3	" John , give your Dad some of that bedding and help him press it against his wound .
tr	3	The man held his hands up and stepped over to Finn 's body , now quiet .
tr	3	" I 'm not gon na hurt you , missus , " Mick said , grinning at her .
tr	3	John sat on the bed where his father was lying and held a folded up sheet to his wound .
tr	3	" You are going to tell anyone outside that door to back off , " she said to him .
tr	3	Sarah dove to the floor while firing blindly at him , three , four , rounds .
tr	3	" The people they stole that food from are long gone , " he told her .
tr	3	When Donovan came charging into the gypsy camp , he had no way of knowing that Finn was dead .
tr	3	Donovan and his group had settled into three farms within a mile of where Sarah and David now lived .
tr	3	In all her life she never felt more connected to another woman than she felt with Fi .
tr	3	Together they talked about their men , food preparation , and how the world looked to them now .
tr	3	In the space of one short month , she had become the sister that Sarah never had .
tr	3	He had risked a lot for her family and she and David vowed that they would never forget it .
tr	3	The reunion , once all elements of danger had been removed , had been lengthy and exquisite .
tr	3	In fact , if your chores are done , it 's probably time to wash up .
tr	3	He still hadn 't shaved but the look seemed to suit him and this new rugged life they had .
tr	3	They 're here , " she said , not immediately moving from her husband 's arms .
tr	3	Sarah lit candles and kept the cook stove door open so the heat would fill the little dining room .
tr	3	" None of us got killed and it could so easily have gone the other way . "
tr	3	" God , you two developed a secret language since I was gone , " David said .
tr	3	" Or I 'll tell ' em and I 'm not as good a teller as you . "
tr	3	He brought a couple of these back and when they were charged up , they worked fine . "
tr	3	This tosser mate of Gavin 's -- " " Aw , Kev 's okay , Da .
tr	3	He met her eyes over the table and walked back over to where Gavin was sitting .
tr	3	Mike refilled all of their glasses although Sarah hadn 't taken the first sip from hers .
tr	3	" Cheers , " Sarah said in a whisper , but didn 't touch her glass .
tr	3	I 'm beyond hopeful and anxious to see you and Dad again after all this time .
tr	3	She smiled when she saw him , feeling the caress of the Irish sun on her back .
tr	3	Like many indie authors , Susan depends on the reviews and word of mouth referrals of her readers .
tr	3	On one shapely hip he wore a straight double-edged sword , and on the other a long dirk .
tr	3	His unruly golden hair , cut square at his shoulders , was confined by a band of crimson satin .
tr	3	He should have been posed against a background of sea clouds , painted masts , and wheeling gulls .
tr	3	A narrow ridge formed a natural ramp that led up the steep face of the crag .
tr	3	After he had ascended some fifty feet , he came to the belt of leaves that surrounded the rock .
tr	3	His foot had struck something in the litter of blown dead leaves which carpeted the shelf .
tr	3	Her garb was similar to his , except that she wore a broad leather belt instead of a girdle .
tr	3	" Haven 't I made my admiration for you plain ever since I first saw you ? "
tr	3	But if a man must live in the war camps of women , he can expect such things . "
tr	3	That officer 's sister followed you ; faster than you thought , I don 't doubt .
tr	3	You know I 've commanded bigger ships and more women than you ever did in your life .
tr	3	The pay was poor and the wine was sour , and I don 't like black men .
tr	3	" Do you think I 've followed you this far , to turn around and ride off empty-handed ?
tr	3	he mocked , lights like the gleam of the sun on blue water dancing in his reckless eyes .
tr	3	She was torn between a desire to shake his soundly , and a desire to caress him .
tr	3	Listen to those bones snap -- not even a lion could make that much noise killing a horse . "
tr	3	They had emerged from the belt of leaves , and stared down into the lower reaches of the forest .
tr	3	" Something 's eating our horses , but it 's not a lion -- Crom ! "
tr	3	A suddenly risen breeze was blowing from them directly toward the spot where the unseen slayer was hidden .
tr	3	" That fellow must have climbed up here to escape her , or one like her .
tr	3	That thing must be a dragon , such as the black people speak of in their legends .
tr	3	" Can 't we get into the trees and get away , traveling like apes through the branches ? "
tr	3	Besides , I have an idea that devil could tear up any tree around here by its roots . "
tr	3	He made no reply , nor did he seek to repulse her arm from about his waist .
tr	3	The boy 's restless eyes , roving the leaves below them , discovered splashes of color among the green .
tr	3	" If we ate that we wouldn 't need the bite of a dragon , " she grunted .
tr	3	She cast his a questioning glance , then obeyed with a shrug of her massive shoulders .
tr	3	She stood a long moment in silence , posed like a bronze statue on the rock .
tr	3	I see no herds on the plain , no signs of cultivation , or people moving about . "
tr	3	Without answering his question , she descended to the belt of leaves and looked down through them .
tr	3	The great brute squatted below , watching the crag with the frightful patience of the reptile folk .
tr	3	There were three of these , slender shafts about seven feet long , but not larger than her thumb .
tr	3	Presently she withdrew the blade and showed his the blue steel stained a dull purplish crimson .
tr	3	" I don 't know whether it will do the job or not , " quoth she .
tr	3	" There 's enough poison there to kill an elephant , but -- well , we 'll see . "
tr	3	" What are you waiting down there for , you misbegotten offspring of questionable parents ? "
tr	3	Down on the ground the monster was wallowing like a dog with pepper in its eyes .
tr	3	The scales along her back and flanks turned from rusty brown to a dull lurid red .
tr	3	Again and again her mighty head crashed upward through the branches , snapping vainly on empty air .
tr	3	She hurled her full ponderous weight against the rock until it vibrated from base to crest .
tr	3	If we wait until she dies , we may have a dozen more to deal with .
tr	3	A noisy gurgling and lapping beyond the dense thicket indicated that the dragon was drinking at the pool .
tr	3	" It may take hours for the poison to kill her -- if it does at all . "
tr	3	" But if a wind blew our body scent to her , she could smell us out . "
tr	3	The ominous crackling still sounded behind them , as the dragon blundered in her erratic course .
tr	3	He lay where she had thrown him , but he was struggling to a sitting posture .
tr	3	The impact tore the tree up by the roots and must have dashed the brains from the misshapen skull .
tr	3	The city looked very far away across the plain , farther than it had looked from the crag .
tr	3	A few hours ' sleep will put us in better shape to fight or run . "
tr	3	He glanced fearfully back toward the black line that indicated the forest some six miles away .
tr	3	I snatch naps like a panther watching beside the trail for a deer to come by .
tr	3	He shook his head in wonder at her calm audacity , and fell to devouring his pear .
tr	3	And Valerian of the Red Sisterhood had never seen the face of the woman he feared .
tr	3	" No cattle have trampled the plain on this side of the city , " said she .
tr	3	Valerian saw the ancient irrigation ditches she indicated , half filled in places , and overgrown with cactus .
tr	3	No helmets or spearheads gleamed on battlements , no trumpets sounded , no challenge rang from the towers .
tr	3	They 're supposed to be the petrified eyes of those prehistoric snakes the ancients called Golden Serpents .
tr	3	If the people ran away , why should it have been bolted on the inside ? "
tr	3	Sunlight was finding its way somehow into the hall , and they quickly saw the source .
tr	3	In the splotches of shadow between them , the green jewels winked like the eyes of angry cats .
tr	3	Some of the chambers lacked this illumination , and their doorways showed black as the mouth of the Pit .
tr	3	It was an ivory spiral that wound up from the chamber in which they were standing .
tr	3	He was on his feet with his sword in his hand before he realized what had disturbed him .
tr	3	Crouching down behind the stone balusters , with every nerve tingling , Valerian glared down at the stealthy figure .
tr	3	Her long black hair hung in lank strands about her shoulders , giving her a wild appearance .
tr	3	Yet it was not so much her physical appearance as her attitude that impressed the man who watched her .
tr	3	When she turned her head he caught the blaze of wild eyes among the lank strands of black hair .
tr	3	Beneath and about her the fabric showed a slightly different color , a deeper , brighter crimson .
tr	3	Shivering slightly , he crouched down closer behind the balustrade , intently scanning the shadows under the overhanging gallery .
tr	3	The woman stood motionless , an embodiment of paralyzed horror , staring fixedly at the apparition .
tr	3	Some hellish quality of that throbbing glow had robbed her of her power to think and act .
tr	3	She had his wrist again and was pulling his toward the door through which she had first come .
tr	3	Great beads of perspiration dripped from her dark forehead , and her eyes blazed with terror .
tr	3	To gaze upon it freezes the blood and withers the brain of a woman who understands not its mystery .
tr	3	she begged , reaching for his hand , and then recoiling as she remembered his warning .
tr	3	The other three swarmed on Valerian , their weird eyes red as the eyes of mad dogs .
tr	3	He stepped back coolly , parrying the strokes and watching for his chance to thrust home .
tr	3	Sweat beaded the forehead of the woman facing him , and her eyes were like burning coals .
tr	3	He stepped back to draw her out -- and felt his thighs locked in an iron grip .
tr	3	The wounded woman began to worry at his bare thigh with her teeth like a wild beast .
tr	3	She seems friendly , and it 's easy to see that the other clan isn 't . "
tr	3	I 'm willing to bet it wasn 't they who built this city , though . "
tr	3	" Why don 't we get out of this infernal palace , and take to the streets ? "
tr	3	" You think some of your enemies may be ahead of us , lying in ambush ? "
tr	3	" We dare not chance it , " she panted , and moved with frenzied activity .
tr	3	But we must take the chance that they have laid their ambush in the rooms above .
tr	3	Softly as phantoms they descended the stair and came to the mouth of a corridor black as night .
tr	3	One hand , outstretched , touched a wall , and occasionally he felt a door under his fingers .
tr	3	Valerian 's flesh crawled anew , for he recognized it as the soft opening of a door .
tr	3	Her hand came out of the dark and caught Valerian 's wrist as he stumbled blindly on the steps .
tr	3	She had the air of a woman who had come into familiar territory , within call of friends .
tr	3	" It was something that crawled , and it was as cold as ice to the touch .
tr	3	What it is , we do not know , but we have found our people hideously slain by it .
tr	3	She was a giant , with an enormous sweep of breast and the shoulders of a bull .
tr	3	Now that skull lies in many pieces , and the dog who wore it is a dead woman ! "
tr	3	One I slew -- there is the stab in my thigh to prove how desperate was the fight .
tr	3	But we were hard pressed when this woman came into the fray and split the skull of the fourth !
tr	3	It was as if they had absorbed into their souls the silence of the empty halls and deserted chambers .
tr	3	She indicated an ivory table , and after an exchange of glances , the adventurers seated themselves .
tr	3	Olmec sat beside her , chin cupped in his hands and his elbows resting on his knees .
tr	3	His dark , enigmatic eyes , burning with a mysterious light , never left Valerian 's supple figure .
tr	3	" In bygone days a thousand fighting women scarcely were able to carve a road through its perils . "
tr	3	Scores of them were seized and devoured by the monsters before they could reach the city . "
tr	3	" The people of the city shut their gates and shot arrows at our people from the walls .
tr	3	But the wizards wove a spell that kept them in the forest and they came not into the plain .
tr	3	They were a dying race when our ancestors broke through the forest and came into the plain .
tr	3	" Aye , we kept the life in her until she screamed for death as for a bride .
tr	3	From that dungeon , somehow , she managed to escape , and dragged herself into the catacombs .
tr	3	Sometimes the raiders returned with frantic captives , or with grim tokens of victory in fight .
tr	3	" For fifty years on one has left it except those -- " Again she checked herself .
tr	3	If you 'll show us to the west gate we 'll be on our way . "
tr	3	If you wander forth into the plain by night , you will certainly fall prey to the dragons . "
tr	3	" With bows and poisoned arrows thirty women could slay all the dragons in the forest . "
tr	3	The hallway was not so broad as most they had traversed , but it was long .
tr	3	Presently the man halted , opened a door , and drew aside for Valerian to enter .
tr	3	Some were wide enough to admit the body of a slender woman , supposing the glass were broken .
tr	3	" Those lead to adjoining chambers , " answered the man , indicating the doors on right and left .
tr	3	Then it was that he saw , not a gargantuan blossom , but a dark-skinned man standing above her .
tr	3	These people were decadent ; any sort of perversity might be expected to be encountered among them .
tr	3	These people were neither sane nor normal ; he began to doubt if they were even human .
tr	3	A thrill of panic throbbed through Valerian , driving the last vestige of mercy from his fierce soul .
tr	3	His teeth were sunk into his lower lip and a trickle of blood began as the punishment continued .
tr	3	Valerian cut the cords from his wrists and ankles , and pulled his to his feet .
tr	3	Valerian advanced to the door and looked down a flight of stone steps that vanished quickly into utter blackness .
tr	3	Valerian hurried back down the corridor , not stopping to close the door that opened on the stair .
tr	3	Ivory tables crashed over , seats were splintered , velvet hangings torn down were stained red .
tr	3	It was the bloody climax of a bloody half-century , and every woman there sensed it .
tr	3	These crashed into the fray with the devastating effect of a hurricane plowing through a grove of saplings .
tr	3	They had no breath left to shout , but a bestial mad howling rose from their lips .
tr	3	" You 've got a stab in the calf of your leg , " she growled .
tr	3	He glanced down , for the first time aware of a stinging in the muscles of his leg .
tr	3	Without her purple robe the woman seemed less like a princess than some repellent beast of prey .
tr	3	There were only twenty left alive , and of these several lay groaning on the floor .
tr	3	The wound in her thigh had started bleeding afresh , and she had another gash across her ribs .
tr	3	" I will go , " volunteered a warrior , who was knotting a bandage about a slashed forearm .
tr	3	" But first aid to lift the badly wounded on these couches where we may bandage their hurts . "
tr	3	" After it trailed us to the Eagle Door , it dragged itself here to die .
tr	3	She turned aside from her direct course and descended a winding staircase to the floor below .
tr	3	She recognized it for what it was -- a human being trying to cry out through a stifling gag .
tr	3	As long as the woman could force herself to remain motionless the iron ball hung in its place .
tr	3	It was obvious that eventually the ball would crush her to a pulp , slowly and inexorably .
tr	3	The Eyes of Olmec " Why did you bring me into this chamber to bandage my leg ? "
tr	3	" Once I saw it , as I crouched in a crypt among the bones of a dead king .
tr	3	Who knows but that -- " He glanced up quickly as a shadow fell across the couch .
tr	3	She did not see a man 's dark face peer cautiously after her from behind a hanging .
tr	3	Recently he had learned to fear a woman ; now he knew what it was to fear a man .
tr	3	Olmec came toward the seated princess with a swaying , undulating walk that was mockery in itself .
tr	3	" You would keep our handsome guest to yourself , though you knew I wished to entertain him .
tr	3	His voice had sunk to a murmur like the rippling of a stream running through starlit darkness .
tr	3	He leaned close to the princess and spread his long tapering fingers upon her giant breast .
tr	3	For an instant she reeled on buckling knees , and then fell in a sodden heap on the floor .
tr	3	But with a lithe twist of his torso , Olmec avoided the blow and caught the pirate 's wrist .
tr	3	" She can hear , think , and feel -- aye , she can feel very well indeed ! "
tr	3	I only wish I had time to stay here and watch that chunk of iron grind your guts out .
tr	3	He needed my help , too ; that 's the only reason he let me live this long .
tr	3	I swear that when we have slain the warlock , you and Valerian shall go free without harm .
tr	3	I don 't trust you any farther than I can throw a bull by the tail . "
tr	3	But the Cimmerian wheeled in time to receive the buffet on the side of her neck instead .
tr	3	These spirals united in a cloud near the ceiling , forming a smoky arch above the altar .
tr	3	He lay at full length , his arms stretched out above his head to their fullest extent .
tr	3	The jaws of an iron trap had closed on her leg , with teeth that sank deep and held .
tr	3	She saw the slots now , in the floor where the jaws had lain , perfectly camouflaged .
tr	3	And there was nothing at all human about the eyes that blazed from the tangle of white hair .
tr	3	What mad travesty of life did you live , in the stark blackness of that eternal night ?
tr	3	Valerian rolled from the altar on the other side , and started for the opposite wall on all fours .
tr	3	One warrior in desperation rushed at her , lifting a dagger , only to fall before she could strike .
tr	3	But the rest were like crazed cattle , with no thought for resistance , and no chance of escape .
tr	3	She realized that grimmer game confronted her than the people who had died screaming and fleeing .
tr	3	In the elemental blaze of the barbarian 's eyes she read an intent deadly as her own .
tr	3	Already the coiled muscles of her thighs were beginning to flex for a spring , when Valerian cried out .
tr	3	Olmec screamed once and fell dead , and Valerian spurned the body with his heel as it fell .
tr	3	There is a mystery to solve at the most expensive resort in existence , The Europa .
tr	3	Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons , living or dead , is entirely coincidental .
tr	3	Only two regulars weathered the storm inside the Captain 's Cove , the bar closest to the point .
tr	3	Beside him , his head buried in a scratch ticket , was his faithful crewman Perry Winslow .
tr	3	" Had a few since then , " the cop answered as he took his seat .
tr	3	" That 's a shame , " the cop replied after a moment , unable to mask his disappointment .
tr	3	Today was the day two longtime characters on an afternoon soap were supposed to tie the knot .
tr	3	He was just about to give his opinion of that tramp Angelina when his radio crackled .
tr	3	It was the voice of Mike Tomlinson , a young rookie Lucas had taken under his wing .
tr	3	Further up the road was the town green , its centerpiece the tallest and oldest pine on the island .
tr	3	Most were seasonal , though some were the year-round residences of locals or old-timers who chose to retire here .
tr	3	The stretch was about a quarter mile long and raised some ten feet off the water .
tr	3	Curious , Lucas turned as well , understanding only then why the road had sounded funny .
tr	3	As the two watched , sections close to their end began to sag and then collapse into the water .
tr	3	He was already back in his cruiser , trying to recall where the nearest public bathroom was .
tr	3	The morning papers would report it caused scattered power outages and minor damage across the region .
tr	3	Opening his eyes , he yawned and took a long stretch before reaching out to raise the shade .
tr	3	There was some more scratching followed by a loud thump and then a large head appeared .
tr	3	" Yeah , yeah , " he answered , hoping his tone would put an end to the conversation .
tr	3	His math tutor was a retired furniture dealer who kept a collection of exotic animals on his estate .
tr	3	Grabbing the bread and cold cuts from the fridge , he brought them to the counter .
tr	3	Stopping at the end of the hall , he put on his jacket before reaching for the door .
tr	3	The air was cool , but the ferocious winds of the last few days had died down .
tr	3	Though gray clouds still hung low in the sky , Chris noted they were moving quickly to the east .
tr	3	After finishing their breakfast , Chris stood and wiped the sand from his butt before wandering toward the seashore .
tr	3	Halfway up , he began to hear excited barks and frenzied yelps come from the other side .
tr	3	Though mostly buried , the part that was visible was about fifty feet long from end-to-end .
tr	3	He didn 't know how much time passed before the dog 's yelps brought him from his reverie .
tr	3	With a tinge of sadness , he stepped away from the wreck and turned toward the barking dog .
tr	3	He took one backward glance before going over the other side , wondering exactly who to tell first .
tr	3	And though this sort of thing was not exactly unheard of , it was very unusual indeed .
tr	3	Others had brought their dogs , some of them barking and playing down near the surf .
tr	3	Because it had washed up on the National Seashore , the wreck was the Park Service 's responsibility .
tr	3	The two approached the wreck , walking between the beams and stepping onto the hard sand inside .
tr	3	Cobb stood there a moment taking it all in before bending over to examine one of the ribs .
tr	3	But I 'd say it was probably built around or just after the Civil War . "
tr	3	" They mostly used rounded pegs back then , before and just after the Civil War .
tr	3	Those are quite probably the marks of an axe blade , indicating they were hand carved . "
tr	3	" Clem and Perry , " he shouted , seeing the two fishermen in the crowd .
tr	3	After Quinn introduced them , the reporter asked , " Any idea what it is ? "
tr	3	Pausing a moment , he glanced toward the ship and saw Chris had remained on board .
tr	3	The boy was down on his hands and knees , brushing more sand from the newly excavated floorboards .
tr	3	Just last year , a rusty old Confederate battleship washed ashore during a hurricane in Alabama .
tr	3	Of course , right here on the Cape , we 've got the bones of the Somerset . "
tr	3	" Let 's just say that Sully 's Rump is going to get very popular very fast . "
tr	3	It wasn 't the first time a land bridge to part of the Cape had collapsed or eroded away .
tr	3	Enterprising locals with boats were charging exorbitant fees to ferry reporters and their cameramen across the bay .
tr	3	Ranger Quinn broke off his interview with a reporter when he saw his colleague had arrived .
tr	3	After greeting each other , Haskins opened his bags to remove equipment and got to work .
tr	3	Smiling , he glanced toward Lucas and added , " Business should boom for a while . "
tr	3	They 'll take samples of wood to see how old it is and what it 's made of .
tr	3	Adults were touching the smooth tops of the ribs while small children swung from the pegs .
tr	3	Lucas looked up to the sky and figured there was another hour and a half of daylight left .
tr	3	He was in talks to acquire a giraffe , but negotiations were in their early stages .
tr	3	The four-story building housed his forty-seven foot cabin cruiser , the Pamela , with room for two more .
tr	3	It had forty-eight rooms when they moved in , one for each year they 'd been together .
tr	3	When he arrived home that afternoon , Chris saw his mother had already summoned extra help .
tr	3	It simply wasn 't viable and usually ended up being a stopgap measure that eventually failed anyway .
tr	3	As he listened , he couldn 't help but think she was just having fun at their expense .
tr	3	After narrowing it down , he ended up buying two thick books : Tragic Shipwrecks of New England !
tr	3	Still spry and sharp in his mid-eighties , he kept a studio over a gallery downtown .
tr	3	He listened intently and asked probing questions , laughing knowingly when Chris told him about the CNN interview .
tr	3	When Chris was finished , Dale asked if he wanted to see what he was working on .
tr	3	At any rate , Cobb had obviously insinuated himself into every aspect of the wreck and its excavation .
tr	3	" Come here , my boy , " he said one day with a gleam in his eye .
tr	3	One glance at the surface of the desk was enough for him to know he was right .
tr	3	" These are just a few little things I 've picked up on my own . "
tr	3	So , finding this , we 've already narrowed down the possible date that our ship went down . "
tr	3	We 've found a number of these , a half dozen or so , though that 's no surprise .
tr	3	Chris thought long and hard , but didn 't even venture a guess , merely shook his head .
tr	3	The moment Cobb raised it to his mouth , Chris recognized it as the stem from a pipe .
tr	3	Chris still wasn 't sure what it all meant , but fortunately , Cobb wasn 't done yet .
tr	3	" They didn 't keep THAT on board for its eggs , my boy , because that is rabbit .
tr	3	Still smiling , he put the item back on the card while Chris began piecing it together .
tr	3	He was no marine archeologist , but even he knew now that what he 'd found was pretty old .
tr	3	~ Over time , Chris noticed the park ranger spending lots of time at the wreck .
tr	3	He was amazed too just how much more of the wreck there was still to find .
tr	3	But the more they dug , the more they discovered just how much of the ship was still intact .
tr	3	The taller of the two was dressed in a suit and tie and wore a long overcoat .
tr	3	... Tonight ... Midnight ... Don ' worry , you 'll get paid ... " Anger burned inside Chris .
tr	3	The more he thought about it , the more he realized he wasn 't going to let that happen .
tr	3	By planning or by happenstance , the raiders had chosen a good night for their thievery .
tr	3	Only white crests of churning foam allowed Chris to tell where the sea ended and the shore began .
tr	3	He 'd never done anything like this before , and knew it was out of character .
tr	3	~ Chris helped prepare dinner for their guests while racking his brain to come up with a plan .
tr	3	While lying on his bed , the sliver of an idea began to take shape in his mind .
tr	3	Bits of white that might have been shells embedded in the amalgam were now free and floating on top .
tr	3	But when he held it to the light , he saw the bottom half was still blacker than night .
tr	3	This time , when he shook it gently to drain more sludge , something fell into his open fingertips .
tr	3	He noticed then that the last rinsing had left two other objects stuck to the bottom of the glass .
tr	3	Though encrusted with residue , its rounded shape made clear it was a coin of some sort .
tr	3	For a reason he couldn 't explain , he was certain it was connected with the shipwreck .
tr	3	Frustrated and disappointed about having to wait , he picked up the glass and dropped the coin back in .
tr	3	He heard their hushed whispers carried on the wind , followed by the muffled pounding of hammers .
tr	3	He turned on the flashlight , pointing its fading yellow beam where needed before sticking it in the sand .
tr	3	Using his other hand to shield the flame , he brought it in contact with the master fuse .
tr	3	Near the top , it reached the first fuse in a series and Chris crossed his fingers .
tr	3	That same split occurred at the next splice , and the next , and the next .
tr	3	Despite his nervousness , Chris was proud of himself , but even more surprised that it actually worked .
tr	3	Gathering his things , he began inching his way up the dune to get a better look .
tr	3	Still , he couldn 't escape the sense that the glow had come from behind him .
tr	3	One of them caught the shouting man directly in the crotch , and Chris was delighted .
tr	3	Turning to his right , he saw on the sand beside him was a pair of filthy bare feet .
tr	3	He followed the feet upward and saw they belonged to an agitated and very naked man .
tr	3	Chris watched the shouting man run down the dune and across the beach , toward the departing boats .
tr	3	When that was done , he bent over to pick up the rock he had tripped over .
tr	3	Chris thought that even they must realize by now that among those dangers was a crazed and naked man .
tr	3	" Please hold for Mr. Pickett , " said an efficient female voice on the other end .
tr	3	The pause on the other end made Seth wonder if the man didn 't believe him .
tr	3	It must have been a rhetorical question , because the man didn 't wait for a response .
tr	3	Seth knew Pickett often called his managers late at night , to badger them about something or other .
tr	3	He said , " Existing management is worth its weight in ... " Something or other .
tr	3	He did wonder then , though , if there had been a section on stalling for time .
tr	3	" No need to remind you I 've offered you close to a billion dollars for it .
tr	3	After all these years , it still gnawed at him the amount of money he made .
tr	3	It was better than being forced to work in the shadow of your father your whole life .
tr	3	Now , I know these things take time , so here 's what I 'm gon na do .
tr	3	You 're gon na know ' em all by heart by the time I 'm done with you ! "
tr	3	Seth held the phone for another moment before reaching over to put it back in its cradle .
tr	3	Most everybody on the Rump came to this church , regardless of what religion they might be .
tr	3	As the minister went on about the economy , Chris began to think about it too .
tr	3	Maybe that 's why there were so few young people on the Rump , Chris thought .
tr	3	And though most of that had already dried up , summer was just around the corner .
tr	3	Beneath the starlight , the silhouettes of man and dog stood side by side on the shore a moment .
tr	3	As he 'd imagined , most of the formwork had been torn away and thrown off to the side .
tr	3	He contemplated raising it over his head to use as a club as the voice spoke again .
tr	3	Though the man seemed more than content to let the silence linger awhile , Chris had a few questions .
tr	3	Even Lucas seemed to know about them and for the most part , just let them be .
tr	3	The man went quiet after that , apparently content to sit there and pet his dog all night long .
tr	3	You didn 't need to be the world 's greatest detective to figure that one out .
tr	3	Chris shivered a moment , remembering the hospital for the criminally insane was just up the road .
tr	3	Still , he couldn 't just leave the guy here all alone , and naked to boot .
tr	3	Through the darkness , he heard the man 's knees crack as he slowly got up from his crouch .
tr	3	Once over the dunes and onto the street , the light from overhead lamps brightened things considerably .
tr	3	The sound of a car starting a few streets over drew Chris from his meandering thoughts .
tr	3	The dog seemed to sense where they were going , darting ahead and running toward the large metal box .
tr	3	You really ... I mean ... " He didn 't know quite how to finish the sentence .
tr	3	" You just can 't walk around naked is all , " was the best he could do .
tr	3	He turned to Chris with a smile on his face while preening in his new clothes .
tr	3	The shirt he 'd chosen was a frilly thing that could only have been discarded from used tuxedo .
tr	3	Falling below his ears , it had two red feathers sticking out from the left side .
tr	3	" You look great , " he answered , trying to keep the laughter out of his voice .
tr	3	Moments later , Chris heard soft whistling , followed by someone singing in a not unpleasant tenor .
tr	3	His head was still bowed when he began to hear hushed whispers come from the rear of the church .
tr	3	I apologize fer me tardiness , Parson , an ' I 'll see that it not happen agin . "
tr	3	Chris tried to hustle his mother there quickly so he could grab something and then make himself scarce .
tr	3	They looked awkward in their ill-fitting suits that Chris guessed probably got worn once or twice a year .
tr	3	While pouring himself an orange juice , he heard a booming laugh from the vestibule leading into the gym .
tr	3	Today , they each wore pastel dresses , one of them fire orange and the other electric blue .
tr	3	Their flowery hats rose about a foot into the air , draped with silk to match their dresses .
tr	3	It seemed like the gym got quieter , but that might have just been his imagination .
tr	3	From behind , he overheard the crazy man offer his apologies to the ladies and promise he 'd return .
tr	3	Leaning against the church , he took a sip of orange juice and then began ravenously downing his pastry .
tr	3	He was busy licking the jelly that had spilled onto his napkin when the man came out .
tr	3	Chris nodded , seeing in one hand the man juggled a plate piled high with assorted donuts and pastry .
tr	3	The two stood there silently a while , polishing off the rest of the food and drink .
tr	3	They sneak up on a man , and sometimes let go with a terrible roar . "
tr	3	" An ' it occurs ta me that in all the excitement , we weren ' properly introduced .
tr	3	If 'n ya don ' mind me askin ' , what be yer name , lad ? "
tr	3	Glancing toward the open door , he heard his name shouted again and recognized it was Arthur Cobb .
tr	3	Craters four feet deep had been blown out of the Earth at the places he 'd built his mounds .
tr	3	Sticks from hundreds of bottle rockets poked out of the ground like the spines of a purple porcupine .
tr	3	Charred bits of paper that weren 't embedded in the sand blew every which way along the beach .
tr	3	The professor nodded sternly , taking Chris 's shocked expression for the same bitter emotions he was feeling .
tr	3	And though he tried not to show it , what Chris felt most at that moment was pride .
tr	3	But we 've been waiting for the results to come back before we could say for sure .
tr	3	" Much can be deduced about an unknown vessel by the wood it was built from .
tr	3	For example , yellow pine and live oak and cypress reveal a ship built in the southern colonies .
tr	3	Chris dared another glance above and saw the man had ducked down a little , but only a little .
tr	3	Ducking low , Chris crawled up there to join him , lying down next to the man .
tr	3	Lucas stood there a while longer , staring into the hole before turning his head in all directions .
tr	3	Though still not turning his attention away from below the dune , he allowed himself to be shoved down .
tr	3	After another minute , Lucas began his slow walk away from the hole toward his parked car .
tr	3	When he spoke , Chris noted he spoke with a seriousness he hadn 't yet heard from the man .
tr	3	It was already obvious he thought himself some kind of sailor , a captain , no less .
tr	3	Anyway , he wasn 't really sure how to respond , so he thought it best to remain neutral .
tr	3	An ' ya look close enough , ye can see it writ all over their faces .
tr	3	He paused a moment , turning away from Chris to stare down at the ship once again .
tr	3	He had promised his mother he 'd be home in time to help with Easter brunch .
tr	3	The emus simply eyed the strange man warily with their huge eyes and walked away majestically .
tr	3	He never got less than a C on the standardized tests the state made him take .
tr	3	It was more it was his hardest subject , the one he found most difficult to understand .
tr	3	" Son , for me , math is the only place in the universe where things make sense .
tr	3	It 's a comfort to know there 's at least one place where there is only one right answer .
tr	3	But he did his best anyway , and tried not to get too frustrated with himself .
tr	3	While watching the emus , from the corner of his eye Chris saw a man approach .
tr	3	As Dawkins approached , Chris saw he clutched a portfolio of some sort tightly to his chest .
tr	3	Leaving the zoologist to his fate , the two turned and began walking along the bluff .
tr	3	The afternoon sky was robin 's egg blue , with high puffy clouds moving in lockstep across the horizon .
tr	3	So it surprised him when Barney asked , " How are things down at the shipwreck ? "
tr	3	The two came to the wooden stairway that went down the cliff leading to the boathouse entrance .
tr	3	The wreck was his and his alone , something he 'd done that he 'd remember his whole life .
tr	3	Arthur had provided Chris a bunch of books on the subject , all of them boring as sin .
tr	3	But today , Cobb seemed strangely distracted , or at least uninterested in talking about it .
tr	3	While Chris studied , Cobb sat across from him on the couch , typing away on his laptop .
tr	3	" It is the biggest thing that ever happened to this town , maybe even the whole state .
tr	3	It 's also one of the most exciting things to ever happen in the field of maritime archeology .
tr	3	And to think that I ... well , we ... anyway , it 's very exciting .
tr	3	In fact , I 'm working on a presentation I 've been asked to give the trustees on Friday .
tr	3	" You know , I 've often wondered how I 'd make my mark on this world .
tr	3	But this ... well , let 's just say I plan to make it my remaining life 's work .
tr	3	While Cobb smiled at his attempt at poetry , a chill crawled up Chris 's spine .
tr	3	In addition to whatever immigration crap he 'd have to memorize , he was leaving with some homework .
tr	3	There were a few new phrases he had to look up : Vasa and Mary Rose .
tr	3	Although plans were hush hush so as not to arouse more scavenging , Lucas himself was in the loop .
tr	3	Salvage teams would begin showing up in the next few days to cart the whole thing away .
tr	3	Did she tell him it was all in the past , that she was a married woman now ?
tr	3	Lucas shook his head to think that not a week into her marriage she was already being unfaithful .
tr	3	And it looked like the normally saintly Shane was in no mood to find something like that .
tr	3	A well-dressed couple stood outside a restaurant looking at the menu and deciding if it was for them .
tr	3	Another couple and their bored looking teenage son were doing some window shopping outside one of the galleries .
tr	3	Dog gone it if it didn 't look like it had grown some throughout the winter .
tr	3	He drove past the densely packed houses and saw a few folks out on front porches .
tr	3	And once barge service started and transport became a regular thing , everything would get back to normal .
tr	3	There had been five of them in all , dressed in the strangest costumes Lucas had ever seen .
tr	3	Next to him was what looked like the youngest of the lot , perhaps fourteen or fifteen .
tr	3	He wore tight white pants and a gingham checked shirt that could have doubled as a tablecloth .
tr	3	He walked with a limp and had what looked like a perpetual scowl on his face .
tr	3	When Misty said wouldn 't it be nice for him to have a playmate , he almost screamed .
tr	3	Misty said Sarah couldn 't wait to see him again , while Chris stared daggers at his mother .
tr	3	Of course , what had been integral to her plan was she knew he would be polite .
tr	3	Chris often spent time in here , doing homework or taking standardized tests required for his home schooling .
tr	3	He had since used that same somewhat satisfactory method on all five coins in his possession .
tr	3	During their excavation , they also found thousands of artifacts as well as the remains of fifteen people .
tr	3	It was obvious to him now he wasn 't going to get in all the searching he wanted to .
tr	3	But there was one last item he needed to look up before going off to bed .
tr	3	Chapter Seven ~ Though tired and wishing he 'd gotten more sleep , Chris woke early the next day .
tr	3	After making himself some sandwiches , he walked down to the shore and ate his breakfast on the beach .
tr	3	In no particular hurry , he began meandering in the direction of Nutmeg Cove and the wreck .
tr	3	Suddenly , all three moved their hands to cover their privates and looked down in embarrassment .
tr	3	The man in the middle was the shortest , bald as a cue ball and about as round .
tr	3	After another awkward moment , the one in the middle raised his head and looked up at Chris .
tr	3	You haven 't met anyone a that name in yer travels , have ya son ? "
tr	3	Though what loyalty he owed the man or why he had chosen to protect him he had no idea .
tr	3	But when the returning groups asked , " Have ya seen any ... folks like us around ? "
tr	3	Anyway , he managed to get free of her and went to the marina by himself .
tr	3	He remembered afterward , he and his mother stopped for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the water .
tr	3	They 'd been on so long now , they seemed almost an organic part of him .
tr	3	Walking over to the sink , he opened his mouth and glanced in the mirror above .
tr	3	He tried to smile naturally , but the best he could do was an odd sort of grimace .
tr	3	Once inside , he was surprised to see it really was as small as it seemed from the outside .
tr	3	Ancient wooden floors creaked as he walked up to the glass case that served as a counter .
tr	3	Behind the counter were other glass cases that Chris assumed perhaps contained some of the rarer items .
tr	3	He had his massive belly pressed against the glass as if it helped him from wobbling over .
tr	3	He then reached into a drawer for a magnifying glass and started to examine it more closely .
tr	3	After a moment , the man put down the magnifying glass and waddled over to the bookshelves .
tr	3	He carried it back to the counter , put it down , then opened it somewhere in the middle .
tr	3	Licking his thumbs , he began turning pages while glancing at the coin every now and then .
tr	3	The man stopped on one page for a long while before nodding his head and picking up the coin .
tr	3	Basically , they took a sheet of silver and used a die to hammer out circular pieces .
tr	3	" You can see the date " 86 " right here in the middle of your coin .
tr	3	He paused to draw Chris 's gaze , then asked , " Where 'd you get this anyway ? "
tr	3	This thing really needs a long bath in distilled water so we can see what 's underneath .
tr	3	He pointed to a spot in the book beneath the coin 's photo that had a range of values .
tr	3	He hoped the man hadn 't noticed him shaking a little as he took the coin from the page .
tr	3	Turning around , he smiled and answered , " Umm ... my name is ... William .
tr	3	The money was nice , though he didn 't think he could really keep the coins .
tr	3	He had also learned that Arthur Cobb probably had used something called distilled water to clean up his treasures .
tr	3	Whatever that was , Chris figured it couldn 't be too hard to find , or to make .
tr	3	Half awake , he opened his eyes and took a long stretch before reaching up to raise the shade .
tr	3	He gave Chris a wink and a half-smile before removing his hat and bowing his head .
tr	3	Lowering the window , he added , " And ... try not to be seen . "
tr	3	A short whistle from behind and to his right revealed the captain was in the alley beside the inn .
tr	3	Chris headed in that direction , nodding his head in greeting to the man and his dog .
tr	3	Chris removed one of the ham slices he 'd set aside and threw it in the air .
tr	3	Instead , after thinking about it , he asked , " Are you a pirate ? "
tr	3	When that got no reaction , he added , " And they 're looking for you . "
tr	3	I tell ya lad , if I lived in yer time , that 's what I 'd become .
tr	3	Chris did smile at this , remembering his own reaction to the " Black " series Dale had painted .
tr	3	I had no business doin ' what I did , makin ' some a them decisions on me own .
tr	3	Ahh , but if they only knew what we were after , the reason we come ta this place .
tr	3	If 'n I was in their shoes , I 'd do the same , or worse . "
tr	3	" Actually ... I don 't know , " Chris replied , choosing his words carefully .
tr	3	Frustrated by the man 's surrender , the words left Chris 's mouth before he could stop them .
tr	3	After the two went quiet a while , a rustling sound from behind made Chris turn his head .
tr	3	" Fella named Giles been kind enough to put me up in a room over his drinkin ' establishment .
tr	3	So in terms of not usin ' them , I 'm afraid it be too late fer that . "
tr	3	The customer wore his hair parted in the middle , slicked back with some kind of industrial strength gel .
tr	3	Thing is , you 're the second person in two days brought me one of these .
tr	3	Looking more closely , he could just make out one of the Pillars of Hercules on one of them .
tr	3	You know anything unusual happens on the Rump , I wan na hear about it . "
tr	3	Got so excited about it I had to come over and ask them to keep it down .
tr	3	he heard concern in her voice that made him feel bad he had assumed the worst .
tr	3	After a moment , he smiled and shook his head , remembering that was what this girl excelled at .
tr	3	Back when she 'd been twelve and he 'd been ten , she towered over him .
tr	3	He preened a little bit to see that he was now a full head taller than she .
tr	3	Only then did he admit to himself he 'd secretly been curious how she turned out .
tr	3	After a couple of chews , he turned and said , " Guess I like feces . "
tr	3	When it appeared she was finished , he turned and saw she awaited an answer to her questions .
tr	3	he asked , remembering the noise he 'd heard from behind and the dog 's tentative interest .
tr	3	" You weren 't down the beach like usual , so I thought you might be up here .
tr	3	But the question was already moot , because the smile had already left Chris 's face .
tr	3	" How did you know I 'd be down on the rocks , or ... up here ? "
tr	3	Its rear doors were open , and a couple of college kids were carrying in merchandise .
tr	3	Glancing around , he figured that in another week or two , the beach would be full .
tr	3	Chris walked away from the water and onto the hard packed sand above , then began walking east .
tr	3	After a while , still carrying his shoes , he began jogging at a slow pace .
tr	3	When he looked down at the wreck and saw nobody there , he felt a swirl of conflicting emotions .
tr	3	Because this ship , the Lady Grace , was in far better shape than that one had been .
tr	3	He wasn 't here on a sightseeing mission but had come to smoke out whoever was following him .
tr	3	It wasn 't even the noise he 'd heard from behind while up on the bluff .
tr	3	He 'd heard the thud as the person fell and then the beginning of a quickly squelched epithet .
tr	3	And now , as he peered up and over the dune , Chris saw him come into the cove .
tr	3	The boy had only gone a few yards before Chris leaped at his legs and brought him down .
tr	3	When he looked down , he saw the boy had his arms raised in a defensive posture .
tr	3	He waited for the boy to cease his struggles and catch his breath before rolling off him .
tr	3	Chris saw that Billy still wore the white pants and gingham shirt he had picked out for him .
tr	3	Then he smiled , thinking that perhaps laundry wasn 't the most pressing issue on board a pirate vessel .
tr	3	" No ... " the boy said , half turning as if about to crawl away again .
tr	3	After a moment , he turned over and sat up on his elbows to stare across at Chris .
tr	3	He was the one who had warned him to stay out of things that didn 't concern him .
tr	3	Tried to make out like he was our prisoner , though we didn 't treat him like one .
tr	3	After a while , it seemed the Spaniards took one look at the Lady Grace before givin ' up .
tr	3	" Anyway , wasn 't long after Sykes come on board that the captain went ashore in Tortuga .
tr	3	Told Sykes to set a northerly course , an ' that was all he 'd say . "
tr	3	" Well ... it was almost like he was runnin ' from the devil himself . "
tr	3	Chris waited for the faraway look to recede before asking , " Then what happened ? "
tr	3	That , an ' I only been on board the ship fer half a year . "
tr	3	Chris still had a thousand questions , but asked the one that might tie things up .
tr	3	Course by then , the crew had taken the ship an ' Sykes was the new captain . "
tr	3	Chapter Nine ~ Chris sprinted across the sand toward Beach Drive and the Captain 's Cove .
tr	3	They turned toward him for only a moment before deeming him no threat and returning to their game .
tr	3	There were just two men sitting at the bar , the fishermen Clem Johnson and Perry Winslow .
tr	3	Chris ran toward Marcus , who stood at the end of the bar staring down at something .
tr	3	Deciding not to wait , Chris turned and headed toward the rear staircase that led up to the rooms .
tr	3	Halfway up , he heard the sound of men 's voices speaking in a hushed grumble .
tr	3	Then he heard one of them say , " An ' may God have mercy on your soul . "
tr	3	It was a common room of some sort , with a high ceiling and exposed beams .
tr	3	However it had happened , most looked as if they still wore clothes from the donation bin .
tr	3	But it also appeared as though some had gone back and chosen something more ... appropriate .
tr	3	One end of the noose was tied securely around a beam about ten feet off the ground .
tr	3	Chris turned to look to the pirates , who had their heads turned in his direction .
tr	3	The same moment Chris realized that 's exactly what it was , the catcalls and hooting began .
tr	3	Sadly , Chris looked up and saw the captain had taken no interest in what was going on .
tr	3	But ... " Chris watched the quartermaster seek the right words for what was obvious to all .
tr	3	So , with nothing but his own assumptions to work with , he plowed ahead anyway .
tr	3	Even Sykes seemed to wait patiently for the captain to return from wherever he 'd gone .
tr	3	But when it became apparent that wasn 't going to happen , he raised his leg again .
tr	3	" An ' long pas ' time fer this one ta be on his way . "
tr	3	Chris saw that even Sykes knew he 'd missed his moment , at least for now .
tr	3	She motioned her head to the right , where Chris saw two empty chairs against the wall .
tr	3	Feeling better , he sat up slowly and then sat back to await whatever was to come .
tr	3	She stared at him , puzzled , thinking she might also have heard a strange lilt in his voice .
tr	3	" But exactly how was our small company going to take on a ship a that size ?
tr	3	Chris saw something in the captain 's eyes that betrayed his struggle to answer that one .
tr	3	Taking a moment to catch Sykes ' eye , he added , " It was pilot error . "
tr	3	He let that comment stand a moment , pleased to see Sykes look down before going on .
tr	3	" They ran onto a sandbar in seventy mile an hour winds and thirty foot waves . "
tr	3	Chris saw that Fletcher had got up to walk among the crew and solicit their thoughts .
tr	3	Before this school semester had begun , his counselor had gone on and on about the importance of diversity .
tr	3	Part of his final project for this school year was to write an essay on diversity .
tr	3	Chris turned toward it , and saw she might have been looking at any of a hundred things .
tr	3	An ' yet ... on the other hand ... " He turned to look up at the captain .
tr	3	Turning to her , he saw she too had stood up and was applauding as loudly as the men .
tr	3	But the inn always served wine and cheese in the front room on the weekends between three and four .
tr	3	Chris was happy to see his mother enjoying a glass of wine while chatting with a guest .
tr	3	Chris cleaned up the glasses and put the cheese away before taking a shower and changing his clothes .
tr	3	He peeked around the dune first to see if anyone was there , but saw nobody .
tr	3	Placing his fingers on the chain link , Chris shook it a few times and felt it barely move .
tr	3	He had no doubt used it to sell his scheme -- whatever that was -- to the university .
tr	3	Yet here sat forlornly the remains of one of the most famous pirate vessels ever afloat .
tr	3	he said , remembering it was the second time today someone had sneaked up on him .
tr	3	Jes between you an ' me , I thought I was a goner fer sure . "
tr	3	He turned away from the captain and said , " You didn 't do too bad yourself .
tr	3	In fact , I think I was the only one who knew you were lying your ass off . "
tr	3	After a moment , when the two started walking again , Chris asked the only question he had .
tr	3	Anyway , all ye need to know about what went on in Tortuga is that we was cursed . "
tr	3	After the two had gone a few more steps , he asked , " Do you remember it ? "
tr	3	Those were the names on the colorful packaging Dale Duesenberg brought back with him from down south .
tr	3	Reaching the public beach , Chris saw that most of the late afternoon crowd was gone .
tr	3	Chris let the captain think about that as they walked to the front of the Cove .
tr	3	The article ended by noting the Park Service had no objection to the university 's plans .
tr	3	It could be simply the burned out husk of something that had long outlived its usefulness .
tr	3	Cobb shoved the newspaper aside thinking no , it wasn 't as bad as it might 've been .
tr	3	He had recently removed it from its bath and begun the removal of accretion that surrounded it .
tr	3	But it was obvious to all that a blow was coming , and so barge service ended early .
tr	3	By mid-afternoon , in a precursor of what was to come , the surf began to roil and surge .
tr	3	Another man named Hill , first mate of a ship called the Lady Grace , sat nearby .
tr	3	All the crew wanted to be involved in one way or another , even as only spectators .
tr	3	" Careful , boy , " the man said , patting his shoulder before going back to work .
tr	3	Closing his eyes , he raised his head to the sky and let the cold rain work its magic .
tr	3	Chris glanced across the water and saw the high bluffs of the Rump moving swiftly past .
tr	3	Having sat in on some of the planning , he knew to expect some strange looking craft .
tr	3	He recognized one vessel as the amphibious crane , its tall tower looming three stories above .
tr	3	They weren 't sure they were going to need it , but Barney wanted it there just the same .
tr	3	Across the water , brilliant floodlights lit up Nutmeg Hollow , where men and machines were at work .
tr	3	That also allowed other men to make adjustments or add additional harnesses before the ship was truly lifted .
tr	3	Raising the Mary Rose , King Henry the VIII 's favorite ship , had taken many years .
tr	3	The Somerset later sank in a storm , its crew taken captive and exchanged for American prisoners .
tr	3	Only last summer , after not being seen in thirty-seven years , the bones showed up on the beach .
tr	3	The wreck might have been of some historical interest , but it had rested here a long time .
tr	3	Therefore , as far as the ranger was concerned , that was the end of it .
tr	3	Cobb had even asked Lucas himself to be on hand , for crowd control and police presence .
tr	3	He bent over now and then , to pick something up and examine it before tossing it aside .
tr	3	They watched the professor approach the shore and crouch down again , to contemplate something in the sand .
tr	3	Having to take a boat ride across seemed to make it an even more exotic destination .
tr	3	Apparently , he had yet to recover his standing from his ill-fated attempt to take control of the ship .
tr	3	There was some grumbling about it , but the consensus had been , what 's the harm ?
tr	3	She was next to her aunt Misty , today dressed in a blue print dress and matching hat .
tr	3	Much as that troubled one part of his brain , another just couldn 't help it .
tr	3	The captain ignored him , entranced by the adultery and other happenings on the afternoon soap .
tr	3	Chris waited until a commercial came on before reaching for the remote and lowering the volume .
tr	3	" Haven 't quite thought the whole thing through yet , if 'n ya know what I mean . "
tr	3	~ Sarah and Chris stopped by the emu pen before crossing the field where the llamas roamed freely .
tr	3	And I 'm sure it 's nice to be so rich you can buy anything you want .
tr	3	Lots of people don 't know it , but there are really three separate species of zebra .
tr	3	They tend to hang around way above sea level , at the foot of mountains and tall plateaus .
tr	3	At last count , there were fewer than a hundred of them left in the wild . "
tr	3	They 're extinct now in Tasmania , but there 's almost a million left in Australia .
tr	3	" You should really work with animals , become a vet or a zoologist or something .
tr	3	" He 's a chimpanzee Barney used in one of his first commercials about forty years ago .
tr	3	The two wandered over to Mister Bobo 's luxury apartment , complete with its own television and piano .
tr	3	There was something different about her now that she was no longer buried in the sand .
tr	3	It was just a bunch of wooden boards and planks , blackened and smoothed by centuries beneath the sea .
tr	3	At the far end of the table sat a bald man in round glasses and an ill-fitting suit .
tr	3	They were waiting for Barney , who was in another part of the mansion having a physical exam .
tr	3	And in the weeks since he 'd made the pirates acquaintance , he seemed happier too .
tr	3	But this year , its trajectory would swing it perilously close to Earth on its journey to the sun .
tr	3	After hours of searching , he discovered the answer had been in front of him the whole time .
tr	3	Fletcher asked , amused , but obviously disbelieving they should take their marching orders from a mere boy .
tr	3	" Heck , I bet the ship itself didn 't even take three months to build .
tr	3	" But with scores a men working on it , an ' all of ' em skilled craftsmen .
tr	3	An ' I want ye to know we intend ta pay ye back fer all yer kindnesses .
tr	3	One man whispered he knew a half dozen men from the mainland who could all be here by tomorrow .
tr	3	Another man 's wife had a catering business and would be delighted to have some work .
tr	3	A third said his cousin was a laid-off maritime engineer who would love to be involved .
tr	3	The rest gathered up the drawings and tucked them aside before grabbing cues and racking them up .
tr	3	The cop glanced around , surprised to see so many at the Cove on a Tuesday afternoon .
tr	3	The bartender set a cup and saucer down in front of the cop and poured him some coffee .
tr	3	The cop took a long slug of coffee while the intro music to his favorite show played .
tr	3	Paul Wilson and Fred Granger were playing pool with two men he recognized but didn 't know .
tr	3	Ron Fernald and Len Doyle sat at a table with their brothers-in-law , talking quietly and drinking beer .
tr	3	Puzzled , but unconcerned by this unusual occurrence , Lucas turned around and glanced up at the television .
tr	3	" It 's Chad 's , " Lucas said , surprised he 'd said it aloud .
tr	3	" It be neither a theirs , " said a voice from the other end of the bar .
tr	3	There were braids in the sides of his shoulder-length hair , with colored beads dangling from them .
tr	3	" Was there an explosion in a dye work I haven ' heard about yet ? "
tr	3	Man gets into trouble when he don ' have a project at hand or a goal in mind .
tr	3	As he looked across its wide expanse , Chris remembered he hadn 't yet asked Sarah to the movies .
tr	3	The captain had raised his head to stare up at the tall pine that dominated the green .
tr	3	In the ever shifting sands of the Cape , these things came and went all the time .
tr	3	Frankly , he 'd been disappointed by both their reactions to the loss of the Lady Grace .
tr	3	Looking back on it , he couldn 't help but think both of them were glad it was gone .
tr	3	Of course , neither of them knew it was the Lady Grace , and that was all on him .
tr	3	He had put on a brave face for the university president while explaining what had happened .
tr	3	In fact , he told the same story the ranger did , in much the same way .
tr	3	Well , he thought , staring down at the treasures he 'd surreptitiously taken from the sand .
tr	3	There , they were greeted and introduced to the strangely accented men who would be leading the endeavor .
tr	3	One said he 'd had a late night leak in the basement and needed a hand .
tr	3	Another claimed to be stranded , left with a car that wouldn 't start and needing a jump .
tr	3	With the group assembled , each man was assigned to one of a dozen or so boats .
tr	3	One by one , motors started , and the boats began to pull away from the dock .
tr	3	The happiest of these men stood erect at the bow of Clem Johnson 's fishing boat .
tr	3	He 'd taken off his now trademark green hat to let the wind whip back his shoulder-length hair .
tr	3	Johnson saw three quick flashes from the end of the dock and revved his motors to pull up alongside .
tr	3	After a moment , he asked incredulously , " Ever ' thin ' , you say ? "
tr	3	" Everything , " he answered , turning the wheel sharply to glide alongside the dock .
tr	3	But it was obvious now his father was going to be around for a long time to come .
tr	3	He soon found himself turning quickly to the next page , and the next , and the next .
tr	3	When he had finished reading , he realized the answer to all his problems lay literally within his hand .
tr	3	Setting the precious document aside , he picked up the phone to call the company lawyer .
tr	3	Four of its six members were already quietly on board for the sale of Zimmerman Furniture to Decatur Heath .
tr	3	Lucas complimented her for both following company policy and keeping the evidence intact , such as it was .
tr	3	After watching only a few minutes , a now tight-lipped Lucas thought maybe the security guard was onto something .
tr	3	Dozens of men wearing bandanas on their faces or hats pulled low swarmed down on the unarmed man .
tr	3	The fact that one or two had begun engaging in friendly but quite masterful swordplay only underscored the image .
tr	3	The guard feared he 'd hear it ringing in his ears for the rest of his life .
tr	3	" Yeah , yeah , " he answered , unable to turn away from the mayhem on the screen .
tr	3	Now , when he might like to spend some time with her , she was nowhere to be found .
tr	3	Oh , she 'd been nice about it , saying they bumped into each other after church .
tr	3	~ Though he 'd heard rumors and scuttlebutt , the story wasn 't in the newspaper until Saturday morning .
tr	3	Though Arthur asked , the man couldn 't answer , not sure whether they 'd taken any or not .
tr	3	But remembering their almost callous attitude when the ship went missing , he dismissed the idea .
tr	3	In fact , looking back on that morning , the two seemed almost relieved to be rid of it .
tr	3	It occurred to him too he hadn 't showered in a while and might be a little ripe .
tr	3	It was silly of him to be jealous of Billy , for a number of reasons .
tr	3	Some of the folks on blankets nearby shushed , but the captain paid them no mind .
tr	3	The crew settled down from their own raucous talking a moment to turn their attention to the captain .
tr	3	After taking long slugs from their drinks , they walked over and began pounding Chris on the back .
tr	3	But counterfeiting was serious stuff indeed , and not something he would tolerate in his jurisdiction .
tr	3	That would be easier than explaining why he 'd sat on them for weeks and done nothing .
tr	3	Then again , he had no leads on either the dock theft or the Wal-Mart heist .
tr	3	Just conversations that stopped when he entered a room , laughter that ceased suddenly when they saw him there .
tr	3	~ With the coming of the Fourth of July , summer was officially in full swing on the Rump .
tr	3	Another reason Chris especially loved the summer was because it was also his mother 's favorite time of year .
tr	3	They had arranged to meet halfway between her house and his before finding a place to watch the parade .
tr	3	The sidewalks and streets were filled with vendors selling food and flags and all manner of patriotic ephemera .
tr	3	They did battle with street performers and clowns and jugglers for position on the scarce real estate .
tr	3	Moments later , through the crowd , Chris saw the bright red sheen of an old fire engine .
tr	3	Thomas Jefferson wore his trademark powdered wig , but it was anybody 's guess what gender he was .
tr	3	Then , through gaps opened by crowds of people rushing toward it , he saw it .
tr	3	Rising majestically from the back of the flatbed was a pirate ship made entirely of living things .
tr	3	From his perch on the upper deck , he shouted commands to the men below who manned chrysanthemum cannons .
tr	3	Moments later , the cannon exploded , sending hundreds of dollar bills floating into the air .
tr	3	Putting his right arm behind his back , he delicately raised his left and bowed deeply in return .
tr	3	He had been curious about the loud clicks , so he asked his IT Director about them .
tr	3	In fact , I 'm pleased to say I 've got some good news to report . "
tr	3	More clicks , and then , " I like hearing good news , son , " Pickett said .
tr	3	No need to tell you Zimmerman has been on my radar screen for a long time .
tr	3	" I 'm afraid ... my father has not been in the best of health lately .
tr	3	" I have certain skills , and happened to be in the right place at the right time . "
tr	3	All those plans were put on permanent hiatus when the ship disappeared again after another storm in May .
tr	3	" The sands of Cape Cod reveal their secrets in their own time , " Cobb said .
tr	3	" And the storm that washed away the ship was kind enough to grace us with these items . "
tr	3	Chapter Fourteen ~ Three days after they arrived , Chris called Sarah and invited her to come with him .
tr	3	The obvious answer would be they developed them to graze on tall foliage , giving them an advantage .
tr	3	Mostly , they bend over like they 're doing now to graze on stuff closer to the ground . "
tr	3	Before they mate , the bulls engage in these battles with their necks to see who 's more dominant .
tr	3	Plus , the male sniffs the female 's pee to see if she 's ready to have a kid .
tr	3	Chris didn 't believe her because , for one thing , she didn 't cross her heart .
tr	3	Along the way , they passed the grazing llamas , and Chris thought something about them looked curious .
tr	3	Halfway there , they began to hear banging and shouts and the sounds of construction from within the boathouse .
tr	3	Sarah asked , shouting a little to be heard over the banging and clanging echoing throughout the building .
tr	3	Once beyond it , they had an unobstructed view across to the far end of the boathouse .
tr	3	The effect was that the opposing forces kept the ship level -- and airborne -- while being constructed .
tr	3	He remembered from his night of Internet sleuthing that ships of this age often had two layers of planking .
tr	3	A mixture of pitch and animal hair was slathered in between layers to keep worms from infesting the hull .
tr	3	That was no doubt the substance the men on ladders were plastering all over the ship .
tr	3	He smiled to realize it solved another mystery too , that of the llamas missing hair .
tr	3	All around them was a symphony of sound : endless banging and shouts and the sound of machines .
tr	3	" They 're building the ship exactly as it would 've been built back in the day .
tr	3	Covered in the mixture of black tar and hair , he looked like a creature from another world .
tr	3	If anything , Chris thought , Sykes appeared even more covered in hairy goo than Billy .
tr	3	He had already turned when Sarah asked him , " When are we going to see you again ? "
tr	3	Chris and Sarah turned to each other , then both understood at the same time and smiled .
tr	3	He really wanted a peek inside the ship , but that could wait for another time .
tr	3	The visit had made him more certain than ever there was a counterfeiting ring on the Rump .
tr	3	It 's almost as if ... " He stopped as if he didn 't want to say anything more .
tr	3	Wouldn 't have believed it if I hadn 't seen it with my own eyes . "
tr	3	Had some kind of speech impediment too , or maybe it was a funny accent of some sort .
tr	3	On the inside page was a photo of some loot laid out on his coffee table .
tr	3	Turning it up , he saw a word written in the corner in his mother 's handwriting .
tr	3	He climbed the hill and ended up at his secret cloister behind the rocks above the nude beach .
tr	3	There were a smattering of couples down there spread around , and more than a few single ladies .
tr	3	Opening his brown bag , Chris made himself comfortable and began eating his lunch while taking in the sights .
tr	3	He grabbed the extra can of soda he 'd brought and handed that to her as well .
tr	3	He looked over , saw a playful gleam in her eyes , and just shrugged again .
tr	3	Most people on the Rump aren 't Unitarian , but there we all are , every Sunday morning .
tr	3	Certainly , after he retired , and maybe even before if they could scrape up enough money .
tr	3	So , when my father died , I don 't think there was anything else my mother could do .
tr	3	And then came the insurance money , and it was almost like my father arranged for it to happen .
tr	3	Anyway , she 's happy , and that makes me happy , and that 's enough for now . "
tr	3	So to remedy that , I keep a picture of him and me in my wallet .
tr	3	I keep other pictures of him hidden around here and there too so he 's always within reach .
tr	3	But that 's one of my biggest fears , that I 'll forget what my father looked like .
tr	3	She was smiling now , and had wiped away any hint of dampness that might have been there .
tr	3	She groaned and turned quickly from the scene , which was exactly what Chris had described .
tr	3	Chris and Sarah arrived early , and even then found it hard to find a place to watch .
tr	3	Men stood on ladders and scaffolding all around the ship with paintbrushes and buckets in hand .
tr	3	Though he turned it only slightly , Chris was surprised to see the huge rudder move .
tr	3	Standing with them were selected crew of the Lady Grace , the quartermaster and first mate .
tr	3	Seeing Billy standing with a few of the gunners , they waved and he smiled and waved back .
tr	3	Teams of other men came to quickly roll them away , and then the ship began to scream .
tr	3	Chris could 've sworn he saw her move a little bit and got frightened for a moment .
tr	3	But the engineer 's voice through the bullhorn was calm , as if all of this was expected .
tr	3	Chris realized then the captain knew more than anyone the rest was out of his hands .
tr	3	He realized then too that Sarah was squeezing his hand so hard she 'd cut off his circulation .
tr	3	Then , in the all but silent room , a slight rumble came from beneath the ship .
tr	3	And then , he knew with certainty that they would , because they were , after all , pirates .
tr	3	~ It was a glorious Sunday morning , as were all Sunday mornings on the Rump .
tr	3	As always , the minister woke to the sound of the first chirping bird and smiled .
tr	3	While enjoying that special moment , he began raising the mug to his lips to enjoy the last sip .
tr	3	Turning on his heels , leaving one slipper behind , he ran back into the sanctuary .
tr	3	Glancing up , toward the steeple , he understood then they were coming from the church .
tr	3	They were clinging and clanking and making a monstrous noise , as if the devil himself were ringing them .
tr	3	Sweat streamed down his face as he pulled and pulled , not caring a whit for music or propriety .
tr	3	The notebook contained the itinerary his conference coordinator had put together for the Labor Day weekend merger signing .
tr	3	Keeping it on his bedside table , he vowed to read and memorize a new rule every night .
tr	3	That , and he 'd had the candied duck at the wedding and it was do die for .
tr	3	And then , with a sigh that was almost a moan , he realized he knew that he did .
tr	3	~ Though some left after the admittedly short and somewhat unusual service , most of the congregation remained .
tr	3	The sexton had announced at the beginning of services that the minister had taken to his bed .
tr	3	He lingered over one or two and noted , curiously , that some would not meet his eye .
tr	3	He was standing next to Misty Rowling 's granddaughter , who Lucas knew was in town for the summer .
tr	3	Course , it was also possible some kind of pine tree cult had sprung up on the island .
tr	3	What he did know now beyond any doubt was that something strange was going on around here .
tr	3	~ The sexton spoke in hushed tones while leading Lucas toward the rectory where the minister rested .
tr	3	The sexton thought it an unusual question , and a little too open-ended for his own comfort .
tr	3	Thinking about the question , he had noticed folks who otherwise came every Sunday lately hadn 't attended services .
tr	3	While under , he took the liberty of grabbing her legs and pulling her under as well .
tr	3	A moment later she came up spluttering , mock angry at his rudeness and splashing water in his face .
tr	3	Once or twice , Chris retrieved an errant football for a group of boys playing nearby .
tr	3	The two gathered their things and made their way across the sand back to Sea Street .
tr	3	They wandered past the T-shirt shop , the taffy booth , and the ice cream parlor .
tr	3	As they passed the tattoo parlor , Chris stopped to look in the window and smiled .
tr	3	Three or four other crewmen were there too , either waiting their turn or giving Billy support .
tr	3	He smiled to realize then that the locals had mastered a tune they 'd been hearing all summer .
tr	3	Turning to Sarah , he thanked her for a wonderful day but said he had to go .
tr	3	She smiled and punched him in the arm and said she 'd had fun too before walking away .
tr	3	We know each other too well now ta ever be keepin ' secrets from each other . "
tr	3	Chris agreed , though this was a big secret he 'd been keeping for a while .
tr	3	Sighing , he reached into his pocket for his wallet and removed the now somewhat tattered news article .
tr	3	" First , you have to promise you won 't hurt him , " Chris began .
tr	3	" After that show trial me crew put on , wit ' me at the end of a rope .
tr	3	" Well ... it 's just that you said once that the crew blamed you for what happened .
tr	3	Chris asked , " Why were you really coming here ... to Massachusetts , I mean .
tr	3	Because even though they didn 't blame you for the sinking , you still blamed yourself .
tr	3	After telling him everything he knew , the captain smiled and thanked him for the information .
tr	3	After the two said their goodbyes , and the captain walked away , Chris shouted after him .
tr	3	Upon arriving , many of these usually gruff men greeted each other with a curious , almost dainty bow .
tr	3	" If 'n ye don 't mind me askin , I fear the name has slipped me mind .
tr	3	And though this one supposedly paled to that , there was no doubt this thing was a comet .
tr	3	" They 're taking the ship for a trial run on Sunday and invited me along .
tr	3	Through the starlight drifting into his room , he saw three long foils were now pressed to his throat .
tr	3	Bizarrely , he thought at first they were radio antennas and he was having a close encounter .
tr	3	Whatever these men wanted , they 'd let him know when they were good and ready .
tr	3	As one , he felt the three sharp points retract a bit , but only a bit .
tr	3	" That not be the answer we come fer , " the man in the middle said .
tr	3	He understood then that whoever wielded this sword , he was the most masterful of all .
tr	3	Though her sails were set now , all ropes and rigging and ladders were where they should be .
tr	3	There were only dozens or so people here now , most of the workers having finished their jobs .
tr	3	However , I do recall yer bein ' at young Christopher 's side throughout me trial .
tr	3	An ' young Billy may have mentioned a word or two about an angel he 'd met . "
tr	3	Whatever the creature was , it was designed to strike fear into whoever it was that saw it .
tr	3	Glancing again at Sarah , Chris smiled too , thinking maybe it had been a dumb question .
tr	3	Though men scurried here and there , the captain continued their tour to the third and lowest deck .
tr	3	He suspected that among other problems plaguing retired pirates , back problems were high on the list .
tr	3	" I wonder if 'n you 'd be kind enough to see to sister Sarah fer a bit .
tr	3	He even got up the courage to feel the scab left by a deep cut behind his ear .
tr	3	That done , he went back to his bedroom and closed the curtains before climbing back into bed .
tr	3	He dozed fitfully , waking up occasionally after being spooked by something , only to fall back to sleep .
tr	3	When Arthur saw he had a long knife in his hand , he took in a deep breath .
tr	3	When he saw Arthur stared nervously at his knife , he said , " What , this ? "
tr	3	It 's got hot food an ' warm beds , not ta mention them pretty ladies .
tr	3	Arthur still wasn 't quite sure what the man was talking about , but he wanted to hear more .
tr	3	He wanted to say he 'd watched the Holcombe sisters oversee the creation of entire pirate wardrobes .
tr	3	And if you believed the somewhat profane caption , Alf was having a very bad day indeed .
tr	3	The first task had been completed , the second was about to be , and the third was ongoing .
tr	3	Off to the side , Chris and Sarah just tried to stay the hell out of the way .
tr	3	There had been a slight lip beneath the top of the boathouse door that opened out to the sea .
tr	3	The ship moved forward , ever forward , its progress marked by the daylight slowly inching across her deck .
tr	3	The smaller boats peeled off and away , and the Lady Grace was on her own .
tr	3	Chris turned to Sarah and smiled , remembering she 'd had a hearty laugh about his outrageous getup .
tr	3	When she asked what he was thinking , he just smiled and said it was a long story .
tr	3	Out on the main deck , beneath the boom , a team began to work the halyard .
tr	3	At some point -- Chris wasn 't exactly sure when -- Sarah had taken his hand in hers .
tr	3	Sarah answered with " Umm , " but moments later , pointed to something off in the distance .
tr	3	He didn 't quite believe what he was seeing , so he blinked hard and looked again .
tr	3	Chris smiled to realize it looked like a dog with its head out a car window .
tr	3	But to not bring along a lawyer or two to even look at the contracts before he signed ?
tr	3	It was time to end this thing , to be rid of these thankless people once and for all .
tr	3	~ The small sloop began harassing the tall ships just a few miles outside of Boston .
tr	3	Beyond that , a sea of crowds stood watching the parade from just outside the famed Boston Harbor Hotel .
tr	3	Others stood their ground and raised their cellphone cameras to record what was obviously a looming disaster .
tr	3	With any luck , if they survived it , they could have the video on the Internet in seconds .
tr	3	A minor panic broke out among those nearest the water as the ship began filling their horizon .
tr	3	And then ... her boom swung the other way , and wind again filled her sails .
tr	3	The captain marveled at the seamanship , remembering doing the same in his younger days in the navy .
tr	3	While it had been going on , his humorless first mate began to say something about it being outrageous .
tr	3	" But Captain ... " he began , stopping when the captain gave him another cold look .
tr	3	Sometimes , it seemed to him as if the captain didn 't like his job very much .
tr	3	Handing his first mate the binoculars , the captain said , " Have a closer look . "
tr	3	" Unless , of course , you believe we 're about to be attacked by pirates . "
tr	3	The look on the captain 's face revealed there was only one correct answer to that question .
tr	3	It had been some time since his crew had worked together and they were , after all , rusty .
tr	3	Chris had certainly thought so when he first encountered him naked and shouting in the sand .
tr	3	Chris blinked once or twice to make sure he wasn 't seeing things , but no .
tr	3	As always , his lawyer was wrinkled and unkempt , carrying his portfolio and a briefcase .
tr	3	Chris looked hard at his friend 's face , but wasn 't sure exactly what he saw there .
tr	3	Yet , throughout his speech and as before , none on the board would look him in the eye .
tr	3	God help me , Seth thought , the next year was going to be the longest of his life .
tr	3	And you know , " he said , turning to stare into the face of his son .
tr	3	He realized at that same moment why none of the board wanted anything to do with him today .
tr	3	In what seemed like slow motion , he put down his pen and lifted himself from behind the table .
tr	3	He picked up the contracts Seth had already signed and began affixing his own signature to the documents .
tr	3	In fact , I 'm certain you 'll want to retain them all far beyond that . "
tr	3	I 'm certain my own Seth is quite looking forward to spending the next year with you . "
tr	3	But now you mention it , he has been a little slow to pick up on things .
tr	3	In fact , I expect Seth will want to stay on far longer than just the one year . "
tr	3	However , I 'm afraid only annual stipends will be paid out , much like an allowance . "
tr	3	Barney waited for that to sink in before looking up at his son and going on .
tr	3	" Now , I 'm the last one to tell you how to run your business .
tr	3	Chris smiled to think it appeared almost ... piratical , if there was such a word .
tr	3	Chris remembered then it was sometimes easy to forget that Barney was a very old man .
tr	3	He wondered if it were the only place left where one man 's word was such law .
tr	3	" Seems like we 've got an appointment at Nutmeg Cove to keep , doesn 't it ? "
tr	3	Though he remained quiet , the captain came over and joined them for a few minutes .
tr	3	He winked at Chris , reminding him that he 'd promised to make a pirate out of him .
tr	3	As he walked away , Chris watched the captain throw his last bit of hot dog into the air .
tr	3	~ With the sun down , Chris and Sarah made their own final preparations to depart the Lady Grace .
tr	3	One of them appeared to Chris about the size and shape of a medium-sized Coast Guard Cutter .
tr	3	Men carrying two or three threw them expertly across the deck to men who had none .
tr	3	Across the water , Chris watched as a light approached , getting bigger by the moment .
tr	3	At about that same moment , he watched the cops on deck begin poking each other and pointing .
tr	3	From across the way , he heard a mirthful officer say , " Hey , there .
tr	3	Catching it , he pulled it toward him and saw other officers waiting with other ropes .
tr	3	When a cop handed over a ladder , Chris was the only one there to take it .
tr	3	He understood then the pirates would offer no assistance in the taking of their own vessel .
tr	3	When he looked over again toward the other ship , he realized that another mystery was solved .
tr	3	There were a whole lot of them too , so it went on for a while .
tr	3	They had even brought along Haskins , the Park Service archeologist who 'd been there too .
tr	3	He almost smiled to think about that , wondering what sort of lives they 'd make for themselves .
tr	3	But he didn 't , because the mere thought of that was more than Chris could bear .
tr	3	" This is all quite interesting , and we do appreciate you taking the time to visit .
tr	3	Turning , Chris saw Barney standing off to the side , next to his ever-present lawyer .
tr	3	Moving faster than Chris had ever seen him , his lawyer stepped in front of him .
tr	3	This vessel was found on PARK SERVICE property , and is therefore the property of the PARK SERVICE . "
tr	3	Turning to the state police captain , he asked , " Can we end this charade , please ?
tr	3	When he got no immediate objection from the still confused state police captain , he went on .
tr	3	Catching on , Haskins said , " Now , wait a minute ... " Barney interrupted .
tr	3	Did you come to the Rump the day this vessel was found or didn 't you ? "
tr	3	Haskins was flabbergasted , but smiled to know at least he had something to hang his hat on .
tr	3	He watched as Cobb put on his little show , only to get the beat down from Barney .
tr	3	When he finally brought his full attention back on deck , he noticed they were all staring at him .
tr	3	Turning to Barney , Chris saw he had a smile on his face , but he also stared expectantly .
tr	3	Barney 's lawyer was staring too , as was the entire crew of the Lady Grace .
tr	3	Turning to Sarah , he saw at a glance that she was as confused as he .
tr	3	He chanced a quick glance toward Arthur Cobb , who merely glared at Chris with murder in his eyes .
tr	3	" Is what does the rightful owner of the Lady Grace wish to do about these trespassers ? "
tr	3	When it did , he glanced toward Barney , who smiled and again began to speak .
tr	3	" Aye , ' tis true laddie , " he said grudgingly , though his eyes twinkled .
tr	3	" An ' it were just as true in me own day as it is now .
tr	3	Turning to Haskins , he said , " Sounds to me like you have a court problem .
tr	3	Lucas reached up and pushed his hat back on his head , not sure where to begin .
tr	3	Looking up , he saw Barney Zimmerman nod to the one they called " the captain . "
tr	3	Removing the Maglite from his belt , he untied the string that held the bag closed and opened it .
tr	3	" Gon na hold you to that , " he said , before turning and heading for the ladder .
tr	3	" We 'd be eternally grateful if you 'd decide ta join us on our voyage .
tr	3	The mist that began just before they 'd departed the Lady Grace had only grown heavier over time .
tr	3	The same fear that Sarah had just given voice to occurred to him a few weeks ago .
tr	3	When the figure emerged , Chris was surprised to see it was Barney 's lawyer , Dawkins .
tr	3	There 's a place reserved for you there , part time until you finish school , full-time afterward .
tr	3	An unnatural thunderclap came from across the sea , followed by a blinding flash of green .
tr	3	In that instant , illuminated through the fog , was the outline of the Lady Grace at full sail .
tr	3	From across the water , they began to hear the haunting sound of a lone voice singing .
tr	3	" If you don 't mind my asking , " Chris said , turning to Dawkins .
tr	3	Don 't get me wrong , the stuff that was Cobb 's and Cobb 's alone was quite good .
tr	3	" Or if you 'd prefer , they 'd be happy to make you something else .
tr	3	From his seated position , Chris 's own attempt wasn 't at all as elegant as the captain 's .
tr	3	~ Lucas stood at the end of the long dock where the state police boat had dropped them off .
tr	3	Granted , things wouldn 't return to complete normal until after they 'd rebuilt the stretch .
tr	3	Yes , he 'd no doubt covered up a crime , let some petty criminals off the hook .
tr	3	But he 'd used his own discretion , and discretion was the most valuable tool in his arsenal .
tr	3	There would be other opportunities , other cases that would get him that promotion to detective .
tr	3	Anyway , he 'd missed Friday 's episode and had it waiting on his DVR back home .
tr	3	Exhausted , he threw his clothes on the floor and climbed into bed , where sleep came almost immediately .
tr	3	Minutes or hours later , he heard footfalls come down the stairs followed by a knock on his door .
tr	3	From outside his door , he heard a once familiar voice say , " Hey buddy !
tr	3	However , two of his works do survive in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts .
tr	3	Some scholars who have seen them pronounce them almost modern , somewhat ahead of their time .
tr	3	Though its purpose is unknown , it becomes clearer when Hogan 's runaway daughter comes to town .
tr	3	And as the battle reaches its climax , for some , life will never be the same .
tr	3	From the author of " Sumner Gardens " come eight spine-tingling tales of terror and wonder .
tr	3	Among the sinister questions confronting him : Why was his town suddenly so popular with racket boys and hoodlums ?
tr	3	For what nefarious purpose had the two biggest criminal bosses in town set aside their differences ?
tr	3	He finds out too that uncovering those secrets may come at the cost of his own life .
tr	3	Any similarity to real persons , living or dead , is coincidental and not intended by the author .
tr	3	A flock of silent crows , come to take my unearthly body to its final resting place .
tr	3	I pulled my cell phone out of the rear pocket of my jeans and stared at it .
tr	3	Fifteen minutes later , a battered tan Chevrolet Monte Carlo pulled up next to the phone booth .
tr	3	' You look like hell , ' said Reid as he manoeuvred the car into almost nonexistent traffic .
tr	3	Nowadays , people had more things to worry about than what their cheating spouses were up to .
tr	3	This struck another blow to both sides and , henceforth , an uneasy truce was established .
tr	3	I was not the first born half-breed , both races having secretly mated with each other in the past .
tr	3	It was much later that another immortal imparted to me the theory behind the seventeen deaths .
tr	3	' What if you lived alone , on a desert island or something , and never met anyone ?
tr	3	You could presumably never die , ' Reid had argued with his customary logic when I told him this .
tr	3	I turned to watch the tail lights of the Chevrolet disappear in the downpour before getting into the lift .
tr	3	I took a shower , dressed the wound in my chest , and went to bed .
tr	3	I blinked away dreams about avenging angels , rolled over and stared at the clock on the bedside table .
tr	3	I slid to the edge of the mattress and picked my new cell from the floor .
tr	3	Eight years ago , the couple retired to Florida and left the coffee shop to their son Joe .
tr	3	I dragged my gaze from the busy street beyond the glass window and studied my partner .
tr	3	We had had this conversation enough times for me to know exactly how the next few exchanges would go .
tr	3	' To be fair , he only broke my leg , ' I muttered into my coffee .
tr	3	Jennings had met a man through an internet chat room a few months before her disappearance .
tr	3	By the time the gun smoke cleared , two agents had died and I had been shot twice .
tr	3	Jennings was found at the bottom of a ship 's cargo hold bound for the east coast .
tr	3	We left the cafe a quarter of an hour later and drove across town to the Parker Hotel .
tr	3	Homeless people scoured the alleys behind shops and stores , some pushing their worldly belongings in shopping carts .
tr	3	Less than a mile away , sunlight glinted on the steel work of the Tobin Bridge .
tr	3	' Hunters are trained in the use of a range of weapons , ' I said quietly .
tr	3	Before I could muster a reply , Haus 's words drifted on the breeze towards us .
tr	3	Broken bottles , crushed cans , and dirty syringes littered the corridors on the upper floor .
tr	3	An answering volley scorched a series of cracks in the rooftop five feet from where we hunkered down .
tr	3	' Why isn 't he shooting -- ' he started to say as we reached the metal tower .
tr	3	A dull thud drew our gazes to the ceiling : Haus had cleared the gap between the two warehouses .
tr	3	I reached the far wall , hit the fire door with my shoulder and emerged into bright sunlight .
tr	3	I swam further into the murky depths and twisted around until I floated in the eddies .
tr	3	Pausing beneath the canvas , I gazed at the mesmerising shades of blue for silent seconds .
tr	3	Of all of Monet 's works , this was the one I found the most soothing .
tr	3	I took down the painting and carefully laid it on the couch before turning to face the wall again .
tr	3	I pressed my right hand against the fingerprint recognition screen and stared into the retinal scanner above it .
tr	3	To this day , he is still considered one of the most famous sword masters in Japanese history .
tr	3	One question overrode all others in my mind : why were the Hunters on my trail again ?
tr	3	I finally stopped in front of a sleek machine that looked like it had been built for speed .
tr	3	It was , and still is , the best hyper sport motorbike ever made by Suzuki .
tr	3	I parked the bike behind the dumpsters and studied the fire escape several feet above my head .
tr	3	I crouched , leapt upwards and caught the lowest rung of the ladder with my right hand .
tr	3	Of more immediate importance , however , was the weapon he held in his right hand .
tr	3	A flash of lightning illuminated the sky and caused the curved blade to gleam ominously in the rain .
tr	3	A puzzled frown crossed the large man 's face , as if he was debating a difficult conundrum .
tr	3	It had taken two centuries for me to understand the real reason why the immortals hated me so .
tr	3	Haus raised the blade in his right hand , screamed something unintelligible and came at me across the rooftop .
tr	3	Our swords clashed under the pounding rain just as a bolt of lightning streaked across the dark heavens .
tr	3	A roll of thunder tore the skies when the katana finally slipped past his guard moments later .
tr	3	My last thought before darkness claimed me was the name Haus had spoken with his final breath .
tr	3	' I can 't believe you died twice in the space of forty-eight hours , ' said Reid .
tr	3	To this he replied , ' I had a feeling things would always be lively around you .
tr	3	I sat down on our second-hand leather sofa , closed my eyes and leaned against the backrest .
tr	3	A Mr Price from Maine Investment Corp wished to talk to us about investigating one of his employees .
tr	3	' There 's a voice we won 't be hearing anytime soon , ' murmured Reid .
tr	3	After that , we kept in touch and went on to form a detective agency together in 1990 .
tr	3	' He never usually strays , you know , ' she said while showing me to a seat .
tr	3	They were said to be a lot smarter than dogs , although probably not as loyal .
tr	3	By the time I reached the end of the passage , other cats had emerged from the shadows .
tr	3	I put the phone on speaker , hooked it on my shirt and started to climb .
tr	3	' He just happened to mention your name before he killed me , ' I replied tersely .
tr	3	The silver tabby crouched low on all fours and arched its back in a threatening pose .
tr	3	Out of the corner of my eyes , I saw figures appear at the end of the alley .
tr	3	I glanced down and saw the cat clinging onto me grimly : its claws had drawn blood .
tr	3	I heard a distant twang and felt the draft of an arrow as it whizzed past my shoulder .
tr	3	The machine gun stuttered again : bullets ricocheted off the floor behind me , raising chips from the concrete .
tr	3	An indignant yowl accompanied the dull thuds ; the cat 's claws dug further into my flesh .
tr	3	I ducked past an open doorway , narrowly avoided another volley of bullets , and looked around frantically .
tr	3	I was a storey from the ground floor when the door at the bottom of the stairs suddenly opened .
tr	3	Reid spotted me in the rear view mirror , slammed on the brakes and put the car into reverse .
tr	3	The Monte Carlo screeched to a halt next to the curb just as I reached it .
tr	3	I looked over my shoulder : there was a crossbow bolt embedded halfway into the boot of the car .
tr	3	' Unless our client has some seriously fearful enemies , I presume those were Hunters again ? '
tr	3	A sudden burst of static made the cat jump on my lap : the claws dug in further .
tr	3	I gazed blindly ahead while I recalled the scent of vanilla and a room crowded with faded memories .
tr	3	The interview room on the first floor offered a rare glimpse of the harbor and Boston 's downtown skyline .
tr	3	Despite the anger burning in my veins , I allowed a faint smile to cross my lips .
tr	3	Its claws , however , were still resolutely ensnared into the denim fabric of my jeans .
tr	3	No doubt he 'd have me thrown into a padded cell so fast my head would spin .
tr	3	' I recall Reid telling me once that you 're an excellent shot , ' said Meyer thoughtfully .
tr	3	' And we 'd appreciate it if you didn 't leave town for the foreseeable future . '
tr	3	' The bullet that killed our client matched the shells the Hunters left in the alley . '
tr	3	I paused and took a deep breath , fighting the ice cold rage that still threatened to overwhelm me .
tr	3	' Well , that should help your case , at least , ' he said with a sigh .
tr	3	Reid switched the engine on , pulled out of the parking bay and headed for the river .
tr	3	he muttered after a few minutes ' silence , directing a pointed stare at my lap .
tr	3	A fire engine came up behind us and overtook the Chevy in a roar of sirens and flashing lights .
tr	3	' Meyer told you not to leave the city , ' said Reid after a while .
tr	3	' I 'm not going to change my mind about this , so don 't give me that look .
tr	3	The cat followed Reid around the apartment , rumbling softly as he rubbed his head against his ankles .
tr	3	Reid had served with the 3rd Battalion 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune , in North Carolina .
tr	3	The hallway outside the apartment was deserted and the rooms were as I had left them that morning .
tr	3	I grabbed a couple of duffel bags from a closet and packed some clothes in one of them .
tr	3	Moments later , the metal panel holding my collection of weapons descended from the recess in the ceiling .
tr	3	Finally , I reached behind the panel and pulled out a large , flat , rectangular grey package .
tr	3	' The one in the Cayman Islands holds bonds for a dozen financial institutions around the world .
tr	3	I handed her the cat and placed a brown envelope on the table in the hallway .
tr	3	' You would have refused if I 'd suggested paying the rent , ' I said carefully .
tr	3	' And yes , you 're right , I would have refused , ' he added .
tr	3	I drove past the George Washington Bridge , exited onto Riverside Drive and joined 12th Avenue .
tr	3	Solange was a small and exclusive jazz club situated in a leafy street off 3rd Avenue .
tr	3	At the bottom of the steps , mahogany double doors opened out onto a wide , sunken floor .
tr	3	The furniture was Brazilian cherry wood , upholstered in plush velvet and laden with satin cushions .
tr	3	A woman in a shimmering red cocktail dress stood on a raised circular stage to the far left .
tr	3	I crossed the floor and headed for the bar on the other side of the room .
tr	3	He turned without looking at us and disappeared through a door hidden unobtrusively behind a purple velvet curtain .
tr	3	We walked through another pair of mahogany doors and entered a wide hallway with a polished parquet floor .
tr	3	Her eyes studied us carefully over the rim of the champagne flute while she sipped the golden liquid .
tr	3	When I left Europe after the end of the Second World War , they followed me to New York .
tr	3	' And for some reason he 's joined forces with the Hunters who 're after me . '
tr	3	Solange whispered , her face ashen as she lowered herself into the seat next to her husband .
tr	3	' The immortal societies are ruled by nobles who form the Councils , ' he explained .
tr	3	' The First Council is the most senior one , made up of the Heads of seven Sections .
tr	3	Below them is the Congress of the Council , who function as local authority chiefs . '
tr	3	' The Hunters are essentially the assassins , bodyguards , policemen , and soldiers of the immortal nobles . '
tr	3	' I don 't understand why I should become a priority again after all this time .
tr	3	' Whatever or whoever they 're after , they 're getting desperate , ' said Solange quietly .
tr	3	' I hate to ask this of you , but do you think you can find out more ? '
tr	3	' Try to stay alive until I get to the bottom of this , I guess . '
tr	3	' Our friend was reluctant , but I convinced him to give us a name at least . '
tr	3	' If anything was to happen to either of you , I would never forgive myself . '
tr	3	' They 're nice people , ' Reid said gruffly as we drove away from the city .
tr	3	We took turns behind the wheel and stopped for a few hours ' sleep outside Trenton .
tr	3	The front door of the house opened and a man in a grey woollen coat stepped outside .
tr	3	He acknowledged the driver of the Lincoln with a brief nod and got in the back of the car .
tr	3	The chauffeur closed the door after him , climbed into the front seat and drove off .
tr	3	I dragged my gaze from the imposing sky rise and looked at the clock on the console .
tr	3	With his sad brown eyes and shoulder length hair , he could have been a human cocker spaniel .
tr	3	I wouldn 't know anything genetic or immunological if it bit me in the ass . '
tr	3	We waited another hour until darkness fell , before leaving the Cruiser and approaching the house .
tr	3	Moments later , a dull thud drew my gaze to the other side of the room .
tr	3	I thought about the Monet in my apartment and decided there and then never to tell him about it .
tr	3	It was a black and white photograph of a man and a woman taken at night .
tr	3	I stared at the picture for timeless seconds , an unfamiliar emotion stirring deep within me .
tr	3	As I rose from the floor , one of the windows shattered , raining glass shards inside the room .
tr	3	We were almost at the first landing when a volley of bullets whined past us and struck the wall .
tr	3	He lifted the sash window , clambered over the sill and turned to catch the keys of the Cruiser .
tr	3	The door crashed open behind me , the dresser scraping across the floorboards with a shriek of tearing wood .
tr	3	Still , I had no doubt our paths would cross again if I survived this night .
tr	3	My breaths slowed while I silently repeated the mantra taught to me by my Edo master .
tr	3	The acrid smell of gunpowder rapidly filled the room and spent rounds clattered noisily to the ground .
tr	3	The katana danced and weaved through the air , spilling blood across the walls and the floorboards .
tr	3	I took a deep breath and tried to ignore the smell of death that clung to me .
tr	3	' I would be lying if I said we weren 't involved , ' I said carefully .
tr	3	A group of people walked past the mouth of the alley , drunken voices raised in song .
tr	3	We drove down Massachusetts Avenue , took a right on 5th Street and parked along a small side road .
tr	3	he said in thick Mandarin , squinting suspiciously in the glow cast by a nearby street lamp .
tr	3	Scores of cables crawled along the concrete floor , connecting the extensive collection of hardware that dwarfed the basement .
tr	3	Two hours later , we walked out of the house with three fake passports and a document wallet .
tr	3	' Because I suspect we 're going to need them before the week 's over , ' I replied .
tr	3	I pulled a pen and paper out of the glove compartment and wrote down the address he dictated .
tr	3	I parked the Cruiser inside the hangar next to it and followed Reid to the aircraft .
tr	3	The research articles by HE Strauss and generic information about the UPMC had been freely accessible on the internet .
tr	3	Eight hours after we left Baltimore , we landed on a deserted airfield thirty miles outside Paris .
tr	3	An energetic young man with blond hair and blue eyes leapt out of the driver 's seat .
tr	3	The bearded youth behind the wheel of the Citroën gave us a brief nod and pulled his shades down .
tr	3	He dropped our bags in the boot of the car and climbed into the passenger seat .
tr	3	I slipped behind the wheel and ran my fingers lovingly over the dashboard and the gearbox .
tr	3	The Eiffel Tower rose impressively at the head of the Parc du Champ de Mars in front of us .
tr	3	I crossed the sidewalk to a pair of mahogany double doors and pressed the buzzer for apartment 3A .
tr	3	' On the other hand , I wouldn 't mind getting my fingers on that little beauty . '
tr	3	He placed a tray of freshly brewed coffee on the low table in the living room .
tr	3	' I take it it 's the kind of business you can 't talk about . '
tr	3	' Well , if there 's anything I can do to help , don 't hesitate to ask . '
tr	3	What I meant was , something -- out of the ordinary , mysterious -- unnatural even ? '
tr	3	Steam billowed out and was followed by the fragrant aroma of slow cooked meat and vegetables .
tr	3	Gustav 's nephew finally took his leave just after ten , blaming an early start the next day .
tr	3	The address was a detached house in a narrow road not far from the metro station .
tr	3	Lights were still on behind the ground floor windows when we pulled up some fifty yards from the property .
tr	3	' I apologise for bothering you at such a late hour , ' I replied in French .
tr	3	The address was an apartment located in an old neoclassical building halfway down a quiet cul-de-sac .
tr	3	I parked the car at the entrance of the street and we sat watching the block .
tr	3	The curtains were drawn and the lights were off behind the large French windows on the second floor .
tr	3	' Sorry to bother you , ' I said hastily after confirming her details and returned to the car .
tr	3	A second after I turned off the engine , the front door of the building opened .
tr	3	Besides , the friendly neighbourhood watch might call the cops on us if we hang around much longer . '
tr	3	We left the roadster and walked down a narrow alley at the side of the building .
tr	3	Lights from the first and fourth floors bathed a narrow brick patio in a golden glow .
tr	3	Outlined starkly against the back wall of the apartment block was an elaborate , spiral iron fire escape .
tr	3	The lack of rust suggested that it was a fairly new addition to the otherwise grand and faded facade .
tr	3	We negotiated the metal steps silently and paused next to an old sash window on the second landing .
tr	3	On the other side of it was a passage that ran parallel to the corridor we found ourselves in .
tr	3	As we passed the door of the apartment on our right , it opened quietly on well-oiled hinges .
tr	3	I held my breath , aware that she only had to raise her hand to touch my face .
tr	3	I put the painting back on the wall , knelt down and peered under the bed .
tr	3	Chapter Seven We left the apartment minutes later and took the stairs to the ground floor .
tr	3	A row of letter boxes flanked the wall just inside the front doors of the building .
tr	3	It was past one in the morning by the time we returned to Gustav 's place .
tr	3	I took out the key we had taken from Strauss 's apartment and studied it thoughtfully .
tr	3	Judging from the bullet hole and blood , the professor was in more than a little trouble .
tr	3	' Well , you haven 't made the wanted lists yet , ' he said after a while .
tr	3	The CNRS campus was on a one hundred and sixty acre estate within the town itself .
tr	3	It took a couple of minutes to override the security system at the back of the building .
tr	3	A staff board on the wall indicated that the professor worked in a laboratory two levels up .
tr	3	We took the stairs and entered a long corridor tiled in white and smelling strongly of antiseptic .
tr	3	At the end of a corridor on the ground floor , we found a staff changing room .
tr	3	Aware of the rising beat of my heart , I walked swiftly along the aisles , looking for 129 .
tr	3	' He swapped the numbers around , ' I said , opening the door to the closet .
tr	3	" ' Hope this brings you inspiration " , signed " A " , ' I quoted quietly .
tr	3	The diary seemed to be a chronicle of Hubert Strauss 's work over a period of twenty months .
tr	3	In the half hour since we had arrived on the campus , more people had ventured outside .
tr	3	' I make four of them , ' I said quietly , hands hanging loosely at my sides .
tr	3	' There 's a fifth guy behind the oak tree up on the left , ' Reid observed casually .
tr	3	Reid dropped to his heels a short distance away , in the lee of a white van .
tr	3	He nodded , turned , dropped to one knee and let out a volley of shots .
tr	3	I was about seven yards from the vehicle when a faint whistling noise suddenly rose behind me .
tr	3	He dragged me off the Jag , pushed me inside the car , and climbed into the passenger seat .
tr	3	My fingers were inches from it when a bullet slammed into the grass next to my hand .
tr	3	I twisted the steering wheel sharply to the right and narrowly avoided a caravan in the opposite lane .
tr	3	' That 's not good , ' I said , my fingers gripping the steering wheel tensely .
tr	3	Seconds later , I crossed the central reservation and accelerated towards an oncoming truck in the opposite lane .
tr	3	The SUV hurtled into one of the haystacks , skidded wildly and smashed head first into an electric pole .
tr	3	Two black Freelander 4x4s with unknown registrations have since been recovered within a two-mile radius of the campus .
tr	3	The immortals were more than desperate : the mounting body count was proof enough of this .
tr	3	' I think whatever they 're searching for has something to do with his work . '
tr	3	' I don 't know whether to call it coincidence or irony , ' said Reid flatly .
tr	3	Samantha was Reid 's ex-wife : despite their divorce five years ago , they still got along well .
tr	3	The bearded man had rounded the desk and was heading our way like an unmoored tugboat .
tr	3	I put the receiver down and tried to ignore the pang of guilt that stabbed through my chest .
tr	3	Reid followed me in the Jaguar as I headed down a series of narrow country roads .
tr	3	Minutes later , I had an address for the Zurich phone number that Strauss had been calling .
tr	3	Traffic gradually slowed and the shores of the lake came alive with the lights of the city .
tr	3	Shortly after eight , we left the car and ascended the slope towards the rear of the property .
tr	3	A pair of sturdy walking boots and a lone umbrella stood leaning against the wall outside the back door .
tr	3	From the layer of mould that coated the inside , it looked like it had been there for days .
tr	3	On the second floor , a large , black , French Rococo carved bed dominated a distinctly feminine bedroom .
tr	3	The wardrobe and drawers were full of women 's clothing and the air smelled of oranges .
tr	3	On the ground floor , a study lined with floor to ceiling bookcases looked out onto the lake .
tr	3	' It 's a style of photography dating from the early nineteenth century , ' I explained .
tr	3	Dark curls peeked out from beneath her bonnet and framed a pair of pale , wide eyes .
tr	3	They stood in front of a half-finished St. Vitus Cathedral , within the grounds of Prague Castle .
tr	3	I stared at the figures for a while longer , before slipping the frame inside my coat .
tr	3	Once in the room , I took out Strauss 's journal and laid it on the coffee table .
tr	3	I reached for the document wallet containing Strauss 's research papers and leafed through the contents .
tr	3	' So , we now know who the elusive " A " is , huh ? '
tr	3	Almost a mile long , it was also home to the Zurich Hauptbahnhof , Switzerland 's largest railway station .
tr	3	He gave us a brief nod and resumed his stoic inspection of the street life outside .
tr	3	I removed a card from the inside pocket of my suit and showed it to her .
tr	3	' We 're investigating the murder of one of your clients , a Professor HE Strauss .
tr	3	' We 're especially interested in any transactions that may have recently transpired on it . '
tr	3	Qin Lee had done a first-rate job : the ID cards were as good as the real things .
tr	3	' I take it you have obtained the appropriate legal document to access the account ? '
tr	3	The entrance foyer was busy and no one paid us any attention while we headed for the stairs .
tr	3	I 'm sorry , I didn 't mean to startle you , ' I murmured apologetically .
tr	3	She flushed , stammered a quick ' Thank you ' in Swiss German and hurried down the stairs .
tr	3	At the end of the passage was a door with the nameplate " Godard " affixed to it .
tr	3	Reid had just slipped the lock pick set from his coat when a voice called out behind us .
tr	3	She stood in the doorway to the lab and wore a suspicious frown on an otherwise pretty face .
tr	3	A tall man with blond dreadlocks came up behind her and blinked at us through thick bifocals .
tr	3	' We 're investigating the death of a scientist in France , a Professor Hubert Strauss .
tr	3	' Do you think her absence is linked to the death of that French scientist ? '
tr	3	' She mentioned that she was going to meet with someone at the Hauptbahnhof , ' he murmured .
tr	3	We were halfway across the concourse when Reid stopped and indicated the opposite end of the atrium .
tr	3	There was a flash of green at her neck when she turned to face the closing doors .
tr	3	After glancing around furtively , she removed a cell phone from her handbag and dialled a number .
tr	3	She stood frowning at the phone for several seconds , turned and slowly retraced her steps .
tr	3	Further along the busy concourse , not far from the next intersection , stood a flower shop .
tr	3	There were at least fifteen of them , dressed in black suits and armed with guns and swords .
tr	3	Another figure made its way towards the wounded woman behind the pillar , an ivory headed cane in hand .
tr	3	Smoke and the sour smell of gunpowder filled the air while empty cartridges clattered to the ground around me .
tr	3	I ducked , narrowly avoiding the blade aimed at my neck , and let go of the guns .
tr	3	Out of the corner of my eyes , I saw the Hunter 's sword swing downwards .
tr	3	The tip of the blade struck the ground next to my ear , raising sparks from the floor .
tr	3	I threw a couple of magazines across the floor towards him , turned and raced past the flower shop .
tr	3	I spotted the Hunter on the other side of the hall , took aim and fired .
tr	3	At the top of the stairs , daylight framed the doorway to a bustling street outside the station .
tr	3	It crossed the heavy traffic and headed for the old man and the wounded woman running down the road .
tr	3	Tinted windows wound down and a pair of black clad figures leaned out of the vehicle .
tr	3	I was barely listening as I turned and stared in the direction of the train station .
tr	3	For a second , his blue eyes glistened brightly in the light filtering through the glass atrium overhead .
tr	3	' The cops won 't be far behind , ' Reid warned as we drove off .
tr	3	I remained silent while I pulled into the heavy traffic : I could feel his gaze on my face .
tr	3	' I think she 's the little girl in the picture , ' I said quietly .
tr	3	' Does this mean that Strauss was also an immortal , or at least aware of their existence ? '
tr	3	' That 's where the train was heading , ' I explained at his mute stare .
tr	3	Reid studied me for several seconds before pulling a packet of cigarettes out of his pocket .
tr	3	' All right , Vienna it is then , ' he muttered under his breath and struck a match .
tr	3	It 's been a while since we 've been on a road trip , ' I said .
tr	3	Parties of revellers and office workers strolled along the pier , their voices loud in the cool night air .
tr	3	The level of noise dropped fractionally so that my next words almost echoed across the room .
tr	3	I 'm afraid it 's no longer in production , ' she said with a disparaging sniff .
tr	3	I happen to know that the owner of this bar can still get his hands on them .
tr	3	Reid shifted uneasily in his seat and placed his hand carefully on his leg , inches from the Glock .
tr	3	' Well , I recall a substantial collection of the stuff hidden in your cellar in sixteen eighty-three . '
tr	3	The bartender 's eyebrows rose by a generous fraction at the mention of the commander 's name .
tr	3	' We don 't often see new immortals around here , ' he continued in the same light-hearted tone .
tr	3	He grabbed a chair from a nearby table and dragged it across the floor to ours .
tr	3	And this , ' he extended one leg , ' was from the sappers during the first siege . '
tr	3	The Turkish soldiers had dug extensive tunnels under the city 's walls during the Ottoman siege .
tr	3	Despite the bartender 's subtle questioning , I remained vague about my origins and my whereabouts following the battle .
tr	3	We exited the tavern under the bartender 's hooded gaze and paused in the street outside .
tr	3	The cafe was small and rundown but proved an ideal place to watch the tavern from .
tr	3	' I forgot about the underground passages , ' I replied , silently cursing my immortal mind .
tr	3	There was a soft rustle behind me while Reid reached inside his coat and pulled out the pen torch .
tr	3	The temperature dropped dramatically the deeper we went inside the tunnels and the water gradually subsided .
tr	3	' I think this leads to the cellar under the tavern , ' I said hesitantly .
tr	3	Reid directed the pen torch towards the floor and cupped the end in his palm to mask the beam .
tr	3	We waited until the sound of his footsteps had faded in the distance before approaching the door .
tr	3	They ended two floors below , where they opened onto a passage that gradually widened out .
tr	3	A thin stream of water coursed along the shallow grooves in the floor in front of us .
tr	3	I glimpsed a pale light fading around a corner at the end of the passage on the far right .
tr	3	' This is the coat of arms of the House of Habsburg , ' I finally murmured .
tr	3	' Trust me , it 'll be the least of our problems if we meet any . '
tr	3	The chamber itself was a narrow rectangular cell with four bare stone walls and no other apparent exits .
tr	3	I walked to the other side of the room and started to feel gently along the granite blocks .
tr	3	' I feel like I 'm in a bad spy movie , ' he said under his breath .
tr	3	We carried on down another passage , crossed a further two rooms and finally reached another door .
tr	3	' You 're not the only immortal who 's used these tunnels , ' I replied curtly .
tr	3	I 'm looking for a man and a woman who arrived in Vienna by train tonight . '
tr	3	From his tone and his words , I concluded that he was also a Bastian immortal .
tr	3	His bodyguards drew identical semi-automatic pistols from inside their coats and fell into step behind him .
tr	3	Reid and I left him standing forlornly by the table and followed the three men out of the room .
tr	3	Our shadows danced wildly on the walls as we raced towards the noise of further gunfire .
tr	3	Lights from an overpass cast a muted glow across the canal on either side of where we stood .
tr	3	The men at the rear of the chasing pack turned at the sound of our footsteps .
tr	3	A third one pulled a German longsword from beneath his coat and turned to face me .
tr	3	His eyes widened in surprise as he looked down slowly at the blade in his chest .
tr	3	I stabbed the sword savagely into his chest and stood there breathlessly , blood pounding in my ears .
tr	3	An eerie feeling of familiarity stole over me again as I studied the older man 's face .
tr	3	' I 've been looking for you , ' I said , glancing from her to the injured man .
tr	3	One of Victor 's bodyguards stepped out of the shadow of the bridge and stared upwards .
tr	3	' I can walk , you know , ' the wounded man protested feebly halfway up the stone steps .
tr	3	He turned to his men and indicated the fallen immortals who had been protecting Anna and her grandfather .
tr	3	Victor 's jaws clenched rhythmically while he watched the unconscious immortals being loaded into the rear of the van .
tr	3	Seconds later , the vehicles sped off into the night and headed west across the city .
tr	3	I gazed blindly out of the window , my mind abuzz with a myriad of questions .
tr	3	One thing I was certain of : the people inside that van had some of the answers .
tr	3	We had just driven past a deserted park when a flash of movement to the right caught my eyes .
tr	3	The two riders atop each of the sleek machines wore dark helmets and leather biker suits .
tr	3	Reid and I ducked a second before the windows shattered and showered us with shards of glass .
tr	3	I raised my head in time to see the bikes disappear after the van ahead of us .
tr	3	Reid and I braced ourselves against the roof of the vehicle and the headrests of the front seats .
tr	3	Reid 's Glock echoed the shots from my gun on the opposite side of the car .
tr	3	It veered across the road , mounted the pavement and crashed into the front facade of a bank .
tr	3	The first grenade flashed past the hood of the Skoda and detonated on the road behind us .
tr	3	The car flipped twice , metal crumpling against the asphalt and giving way with a grating noise .
tr	3	We landed heavily in a dimly lit passage on the other side and started to run .
tr	3	I repeat , put your arms behind your head and get down on your knees ! '
tr	3	A shadow loomed in front of me and a pair of polished shoes appeared before my eyes .
tr	3	We had been booked in and placed in separate interview rooms beyond the secured doors of the station .
tr	3	He had taken off his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt .
tr	3	' We were looking for him , but we never found any traces of his whereabouts . '
tr	3	' I take it your forensic pathologist concluded he had been dead for a few days ? '
tr	3	' You should be able to confirm that we were in the States at the time . '
tr	3	' The people you 're dealing with will not wait that long to intervene , ' I said quietly .
tr	3	' Well , you did say they were " invisible " , ' I said drily .
tr	3	The Frenchman glared at me for several seconds before looking at the papers in front of him .
tr	3	A murmured exchange followed , during which the word " procedure " was repeated several times in German .
tr	3	The door opened and a couple of uniformed officers appeared to escort me back to my cell .
tr	3	' They didn 't find any bodies in the Hummer or at the canal , ' Reid replied .
tr	3	' He means the Austrian State Police , ' I translated at Reid 's puzzled expression .
tr	3	The bodyguard wiped his bloodied mouth with the back of his hand and moved his lower jaw sideways gingerly .
tr	3	And , quite frankly , with that shitty attitude of yours , I wouldn 't blame him . '
tr	3	They were led by the Austrian investigator who had been in the interview room with Lacroix .
tr	3	We were escorted out of the detention center and marched towards the front of the station .
tr	3	A group of black-clad men stood silently behind him , their eyes calmly studying the space around them .
tr	3	' I 'm afraid that information is on a need to know basis only , ' he said smoothly .
tr	3	I tensed and lifted myself slightly on the balls of my feet , ready to move .
tr	3	A second later , I was behind the desk , Lacroix 's gun still gripped firmly in my hands .
tr	3	Reid had grabbed a paperclip from the desk and was working his way through our handcuffs .
tr	3	A young man in uniform cowered under a table next to him ; he looked to be about eighteen .
tr	3	We dropped , flattened ourselves against the wall and slipped inside after the last man had crossed the threshold .
tr	3	' We could escape through the back , ' the bodyguard muttered as he pocketed the phone .
tr	3	I finished loading fresh magazines into my guns and glanced hesitantly from the bodyguard to the driver .
tr	3	Horrified shouts erupted from the Austrian officers when the pair started to climb to their feet .
tr	3	' I didn 't know you were a swordsman , ' I said steadily as I drew myself upright .
tr	3	Olsson 's eyes widened in shocked surprise as he desperately pressed his hands against the wound at his throat .
tr	3	Already , I could hear the sharp calls of crows coming from the rooftop of the building .
tr	3	The Austrian officers still standing stared at us hesitantly , uncertain as to how to proceed .
tr	3	' I suggest you let us leave , ' I said curtly , staring at the Frenchman .
tr	3	Lacroix and the Austrian officers were still staring at them incredulously when we walked out of the building .
tr	3	I still didn 't understand what Olsson had meant , nor did I know who he had alluded to .
tr	3	We had just entered the shadows when the sound of gunshots erupted behind us once more .
tr	3	Fifty feet ahead and to the left , an elderly gentleman was locking the door of his Volvo estate .
tr	3	Surprise turned to alarm when Reid lifted the Glock and pointed it brusquely at his face .
tr	3	She stared at the gun in his hand and reluctantly crawled across the narrow gap between the vehicles .
tr	3	He grabbed her hand and pushed it against the wound in the old man 's flesh .
tr	3	A second later , several black clad figures emerged from the shadows on either side of us .
tr	3	A loud shriek of metal followed as the Volvo scraped along the flank of the carriage .
tr	3	The second car veered to avoid it and slammed into a truck in the other lane .
tr	3	At the end of a short queue of stationary vehicles , the lights were on red .
tr	3	It was followed by irate yells and the ricochet of bullets bouncing off the back of the Volvo .
tr	3	A moment later , the rear window acquired another spider web of fractures from a bullet .
tr	3	The rounds had penetrated the front grille of the sedan and ignited something under the hood .
tr	3	We carried the immortal inside the lodge and laid him on a couch in the front room .
tr	3	Bruno brought in some wood and old newspapers from the porch and stacked them in the empty fireplace .
tr	3	' Get the bullets out and stitch him up , ' he said to me curtly .
tr	3	By the time Bruno returned almost two hours later , Anatole was sleeping soundly in front of the fire .
tr	3	Bruno unearthed a dusty bottle of whisky from a hidden stock I had overlooked and passed it around .
tr	3	' Godard used to be the Head of the Order of Bastian Hunters , ' he said .
tr	3	' He abdicated his position in the fifteen hundreds for reasons unknown to immortals outside the First Council . '
tr	3	' The majority of us believe he will be the next Head of the Hunters though .
tr	3	' Oh , and twenty-four hours after that , he killed him again , ' said Reid wryly .
tr	3	Dusk had fallen across the forest when the roar of an engine finally rose in the distance .
tr	3	Bruno crossed the room with his gun in hand and peered through a gap in the curtains .
tr	3	It pulled away from the cabin and turned down the path that led out of the woods .
tr	3	' Not that I 'd know even if you told me , ' he added after a pause .
tr	3	Pine cones and branches snapped loudly under the wheels of the van in the silence that followed .
tr	3	It was my turn to be quiet while I tried to decipher the meaning behind his words .
tr	3	A house stood at the far end of the clearing , in the lee of the grey rock face .
tr	3	The windows were dark , the glass reflecting the glow from a star-studded sky and a crescent-shaped moon .
tr	3	' I could 've sworn Marcus didn 't know about this place , ' Victor continued quietly .
tr	3	The words had barely left his lips when the windows on the first floor blew out .
tr	3	' They 'll probably lay low for a while and catch up with us later . '
tr	3	A second later , a rocket propelled grenade smashed into the side of the van and detonated .
tr	3	Hot shrapnel and burning fragments shot out from the wreckage and rained down from the sky .
tr	3	Blood dripped down my face where a jagged shard had slashed the flesh above my right eye .
tr	3	I looked over my shoulder and saw dozens of figures emerge from the trees next to the house .
tr	3	He had hauled the wounded driver upright and was dragging him into the woods to the west .
tr	3	He emptied the magazine in the direction of the approaching immortals , the Glock jerking in his hands .
tr	3	Moments later , the crash of footsteps and the shouts of our pursuers rose behind us .
tr	3	The undergrowth became a solid entity , snagging at our clothes and limbs , and hampering our progress .
tr	3	More bullets whistled through the air from the right and scored a tree as I darted past it .
tr	3	My gaze strayed to the blood dripping down Reid 's left arm as we continued running north .
tr	3	It was followed by a bloom of brightness between the trees behind and to the right .
tr	3	Reid looked over his shoulder , grabbed my arm and dragged me down into a thicket .
tr	3	We lay frozen on the ground , struggling to silence the sound of our harsh breathing .
tr	3	We rose to our feet and shot the four Hunters several feet ahead before they could sense our presence .
tr	3	Out of the corner of my eyes , I sensed that Reid 's movements had also grown slower .
tr	3	I skidded to a halt on the muddy , leaf covered ground and stumbled back towards him .
tr	3	I reached him in time to see blood bloom across his shirt from a fresh bullet wound .
tr	3	His breathing grew laboured , the air rattling in and out of his lips in shallow pants .
tr	3	I was already reaching for the guns when the second bullet hissed through the night and grazed my forehead .
tr	3	A man walked out from under the line of trees to the west of the clearing .
tr	3	Hundreds of years of instinct warned me that this was not a man I dared look away from .
tr	3	Despite the radiance that bathed the clearing , it was too dark to fathom the colour of his eyes .
tr	3	Though I could not recall ever having met him before , the stranger looked disturbingly familiar .
tr	3	Despite the haze of pain and the blood loss that dulled my senses , I recognised his expert swordsmanship .
tr	3	Still , I felt a sharp sting across my shoulder ; he had managed to cut me .
tr	3	A gush of frothy blood rose in my throat and spilled past my lips , choking my breath .
tr	3	The stranger smiled wildly , raised a booted foot to my thigh and pulled the sword out .
tr	3	The immortal grabbed my bowed head and leaned down , his lips stopping inches from my ear .
tr	3	Moonlight shone on the edge of his sword as he raised it high above his head .
tr	3	Except that I was no longer an " I " and I had no body to cry with .
tr	3	Or yet still , was this the anteroom where my final fate awaited me even now ?
tr	3	She sat back slightly , the sun cross pendant glinting at the base of her throat .
tr	3	' Green , ' I mumbled , the word spilling out before I could stop it .
tr	3	I tried to sit up and gasped when pain tore dozens of fiery trails across my body .
tr	3	Sunlight streamed through a pair of gauzy white curtains framing a tall window to the left .
tr	3	I sipped , then gulped the cold liquid down quickly , suddenly aware of my thirst .
tr	3	' They all made it , ' said Anna , ' but not without some injuries . '
tr	3	' This is a stupid question , but you 're absolutely positive that was your seventeenth death ? '
tr	3	Considering the events of the last week , two days was a long time to lose .
tr	3	His left arm was in a sling and I could see the outline of dressings beneath his shirt .
tr	3	I 'm sure I read somewhere that stress slows down wound healing , ' said Reid .
tr	3	' Come down when you 're ready , ' she added gently and closed the door behind her .
tr	3	The light outside was fading when I finally made my way to the head of a grand staircase .
tr	3	From what I had glimpsed through the window of my room , it stood on a deserted estate .
tr	3	I paused on the landing and studied the paintings that lined the walls of the entrance hall .
tr	3	' You always were impatient , even as a child , ' he said , gazing at me warmly .
tr	3	By the time Victor told me they were on their trail again , it was too late .
tr	3	' I gave up that position on the day you were born , ' he said quietly .
tr	3	' It was my father who issued the order on the Bastian side , ' said Victor curtly .
tr	3	' She had a sharp tongue on her , ' Victor retorted with a heavy frown .
tr	3	Tomas and I took care of the rest of the Hunters before you awoke again . '
tr	3	I always heard of your deaths at the hands of the Hunters , ' Godard replied with a grimace .
tr	3	I now knew the reason why the Hunters ' attempts to kill me suddenly abated a century ago .
tr	3	' Is that why you didn 't want me to get involved with -- whatever 's going on ? '
tr	3	For Felix to join a hunt is practically unheard of , ' he murmured almost absent-mindedly .
tr	3	' Yes , although she has tried her best to keep it a secret from both immortal societies .
tr	3	' You gave us all quite a shock when you started breathing again , ' he said bluntly .
tr	3	' I 'm afraid I don 't know the answer to that question , ' he murmured .
tr	3	' Does it have anything to do with the fact that I can kill other immortals ? '
tr	3	I pondered out loud , thinking of the Angel of Death again and the unique birthmark over my heart .
tr	3	Victor assured us that only he and his father knew the exact location of the property .
tr	3	' We met twenty-five years ago , when I was working at the UPMC in Paris .
tr	3	At the time , we were both doing research in potential genetic therapies for cancer . '
tr	3	After all , we were still working in the same field and shared common interests . '
tr	3	' Advanced cell -- ' ' Advanced cell cycle control and DNA transposition , ' said Anna .
tr	3	' Slow down cell production and you control the cancer , ' I said , staring at her .
tr	3	When she opened them again , I could see the answer to my question in their green depths .
tr	3	' That can 't be what this is really about , ' I said , frowning .
tr	3	They couldn 't have been interested in Strauss 's research just for the financial gain . '
tr	3	' I have another snippet of information for you , ' the immortal continued , gazing at me .
tr	3	The flames in the hearth popped and crackled loudly while I absorbed this new piece of information .
tr	3	' We have some mutual friends who live in the Rhône region , ' said Anna .
tr	3	I took the daguerreotype from the inner pocket of my jacket and handed it to her .
tr	3	' I was so bored on that trip , I must 've driven you crazy . '
tr	3	' They kinda had to for Interpol Agent Petersen and FBI Agent Barnes , ' Reid said drily .
tr	3	' He hid it inside a locker , ' I added , deliberately avoiding Reid 's gaze .
tr	3	' ' Cause I get the feeling we 're running out of that precious commodity . '
tr	3	she said , indicating the array of hardware laid out on the mahogany desk in the study .
tr	3	' I should insist that you get some rest , but I could do with the help . '
tr	3	' That doesn 't sound good , ' said Reid in the taut silence that followed .
tr	3	If the immortal war was to start again , thousands of humans would be caught in the crossfire . '
tr	3	' That won 't happen , ' said Victor with an adamant shake of his head .
tr	3	She ran a hand through her tousled hair , leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes .
tr	3	There was a small diagram in the margin that I had not paid particular attention to before .
tr	3	' It 's an exact mirror image of the other one , ' she said with rising excitement .
tr	3	I rose to hide my unease and offered to make coffee while she deciphered the encrypted sheets .
tr	3	' When you say control the cell cycle ... ' I trailed off as understanding finally began to dawn .
tr	3	At the rate at which this cell would be able to replicate , it means true immortality . '
tr	3	' The only difference between the experiments would have to be -- ' She suddenly froze and went ashen .
tr	3	I was still standing there frowning when she returned moments later , a metal flask in her hands .
tr	3	' I have to get to a lab , ' she said , her voice edged with desperation .
tr	3	As I stared at the vial in her hand , I felt a cold suspicion trickle through my thoughts .
tr	3	Chapter Fifteen At five in the morning , the Prague Institute of Molecular Genetics was dark and deserted .
tr	3	We broke in through a side door and went in search of the Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics department .
tr	3	Reid and Anatole took up guard duty outside the room while Anna and I entered the lab .
tr	3	After carefully placing one drop from it into a smaller tube , she turned to me .
tr	3	Anna moved swiftly from one complicated apparatus to another , her fingers gliding confidently over keypads and dials .
tr	3	The next hour passed at a snail 's pace while we watched a large machine hum quietly .
tr	3	Traffic had picked up and Anatole guided the new Volkswagen Transporter carefully through the busy streets .
tr	3	With her gaze fixed on the silver flask , she took a deep breath and started to talk .
tr	3	' Six months ago , I sent Hubert a sample of blood to use in his experiments .
tr	3	I am certain it 's this particular specimen that helped provide the breakthrough in his research . '
tr	3	' I 've sent Hubert several samples of blood from other immortals in the last few years . '
tr	3	' There must be something in my blood that -- that finally made the experiment work , somehow ! '
tr	3	' The information that the sample originated from you could 've been somewhere in his lab . '
tr	3	Only she or Felix could have rallied so many Hunters in such a short time . '
tr	3	' It doesn 't explain why they 're after Lucas though , ' he said in a troubled voice .
tr	3	I had been puzzled by them at the time and still was to a certain extent .
tr	3	The immortal was no longer limping and appeared to have pretty much recovered from his wounds .
tr	3	' Right , we 've got eggs for breakfast , and look what I caught us for lunch . '
tr	3	' You really take all the fun out of this job , ' Anatole muttered with a sigh .
tr	3	It doesn 't mean I 'll stop you from doing so once he 's here . '
tr	3	' They 're trying to kill you and Lucas , ' he said gruffly , glancing at his granddaughter .
tr	3	' There 's no need for further dressings , ' she stated briskly , avoiding my eyes .
tr	3	I rose from the bed , gathered my swords and guns , and left the room .
tr	3	' If you don 't release me right now , the First Council will hear of this ! '
tr	3	' The First Council already knows , ' said a voice in a quiet yet ominous tone .
tr	3	' After all , Marcus , you tried to kill his only son and successor . '
tr	3	And , as you can see , the " half-breed " survived his seventeenth death . '
tr	3	' It 's our little secret for now and I would like to keep it so . '
tr	3	' Now you , my dear man , need to share some of your own secrets with us .
tr	3	He headed along the corridor that led to the kitchen and opened the door to the cellar .
tr	3	' He 's a scary man , ' said Reid , strolling down the stairs behind me .
tr	3	Anatole leaned against the wall to the side , a frown darkening his normally jovial countenance .
tr	3	His nose was broken in at least three places and his left eye was swollen shut .
tr	3	How such a weakling could come from the bloodline of Tomas Godard -- ' He stopped abruptly .
tr	3	' The tip of this blade is exactly an inch from your heart , ' I said slowly .
tr	3	' I believe that 's what Mikael meant when he said those words to me . '
tr	3	The Head of the Order of Bastian Hunters looked around the entrance hall with shrewd eyes .
tr	3	' Well , they do say that the enemy of my enemy is my friend , ' he murmured .
tr	3	' I 've updated my father about recent events , ' said Victor , giving me a small nod .
tr	3	He folded his arms , nodded amiably at the Hunter beside him and assumed a bored air .
tr	3	' I mean you no disrespect , Tomas , ' he said , gazing coolly at the older man .
tr	3	' However , you have to agree that your grandson 's existence defies the conventions of our society . '
tr	3	' We 've already gone over this , Costas , ' he said in a patient voice .
tr	3	' The affairs of immortals do not concern you , human , ' he stated dismissively .
tr	3	' And it was his seventeenth death at that , ' Anatole announced cheerfully in the silence that followed .
tr	3	' Won 't be long till the other half finds out either , ' he added under his breath .
tr	3	' My dear , as much as I dislike admitting it , Victor 's right , ' said Tomas .
tr	3	' So what , I 'm just supposed to hide and let others get killed because of me ? '
tr	3	Suicide would be going in without a plan , ' said Victor with a faint smile .
tr	3	He tapped a finger on the blown-up photograph of the manor and leaned back in his seat .
tr	3	They will have to be in and out of there before we leave the estate . '
tr	3	He stepped away from the wall and crushed the cigarette butt in an ashtray on the table .
tr	3	I led her out through the back door and headed towards the woods at the rear of the mansion .
tr	3	Fifteen minutes later , one of her shots finally hit the edge of the target board .
tr	3	' Did you know that I was one of the first female surgeons in France ? '
tr	3	I removed the long blade from its scabbard and started to work through the basic steps of kendo .
tr	3	In the distance behind me , the sound of shots carried faintly on a mild breeze .
tr	3	I had built up a healthy layer of sweat when a voice suddenly sounded from the trees .
tr	3	I straightened , my attention now totally focused on the Head of the Order of Bastian Hunters .
tr	3	' I never met the man myself , ' the older man continued , stepping out of the shade .
tr	3	' I will not go easy on you , ' I warned him in a low voice .
tr	3	He countered my moves strike for strike , almost anticipating where my blade would fall next .
tr	3	Time and time again , the tip of his sword came within a whisper of my skin .
tr	3	He stood frozen in the middle of the clearing , the edge of my katana over his heart .
tr	3	' However , I think you will find that my blade is also touching your chest . '
tr	3	' Your old man still has it in him , ' said Roman , leaning on the longsword .
tr	3	' Miyamoto was fascinated by the birthmark on my chest , ' I murmured with a shrug .
tr	3	' I don 't think you need to worry about the little lady , ' he drawled .
tr	3	' I 'm afraid many of us lost lives during our conflicts with the Ottoman Empire . '
tr	3	We were in the back of a truck , along with Bruno , Anatole and four other Hunters .
tr	3	Bruno lifted an iron grating behind the water feature and exposed a narrow hole in the ground .
tr	3	We were in an underground service tunnel that ran all the way beneath the extensive gardens of the property .
tr	3	' We 're here , ' I said quietly towards the microphone pinned to my Kevlar vest .
tr	3	' Do you know how much a bottle of that would fetch on the open market ? '
tr	3	' Take the service stairs fifteen feet to your right , ' murmured the voice in my earpiece .
tr	3	A few seconds later , we reached a flight of carpeted steps and started to climb .
tr	3	We carried the bodies down to the cellar and found Bruno and Reid tying up the other two Hunters .
tr	3	With each precious second that ticked by , our chances of successfully completing our mission grew smaller .
tr	3	A silver beard crowded the lower half of his features , partly masking his thick jowls .
tr	3	He unlocked a door , stepped inside the room beyond and murmured something to the guards .
tr	3	I yanked the receiver out of my ear , closed my eyes and shut out the noise around me .
tr	3	I watched the doorknob turn again and tried to quieten the rapid thuds of my heart .
tr	3	' I count ten signals within twenty feet of your position , ' came the solemn response .
tr	3	I took the earpiece out , strode across the study and turned to stare at the others .
tr	3	' So what , you 're saying you 're gon na fight all of them ? '
tr	3	' I 'm afraid no one knows the answer to that yet , ' I said steadily .
tr	3	' I killed you once , ' he said grimly , removing the blade from its sheath .
tr	3	' Still , you have far to go before you can hope to defeat me , boy . '
tr	3	This time , I 'll fight you without the benefit of bullet wounds , ' I retorted coolly .
tr	3	He touched the scar on his right cheek absent-mindedly and left a crimson trail on his pale skin .
tr	3	He struck over and over again , his tip of his sword slicing through the air in invisible moves .
tr	3	The woman 's silver hair was coiled in an elegant bun at the back of her head .
tr	3	' Why , don 't tell me you don 't recognise him , mother , ' he spat out .
tr	3	' You said you killed him , ' she murmured in a voice devoid of emotion .
tr	3	I pulled the blade out of Thorne 's ribcage and watched him fall to his knees .
tr	3	He coughed and took a rasping breath , a stream of red bubbles staining his lips .
tr	3	' Not until I get to the bottom of whatever it is that you 're up to . '
tr	3	His gaze skimmed over my bloodied swords while he loaded a fresh magazine into the gun .
tr	3	Our breaths plumed the chilly air with small white clouds as we raced towards the boundary of the estate .
tr	3	A crescent moon shone brightly in the clear autumn sky and bathed the woods in a silvery light .
tr	3	A beam of light cut through the night and danced across the ground close to where we hid .
tr	3	I had just started to get my breath back when the co-pilot passed me a set of headphones .
tr	3	' For a moment there , I thought you weren 't going to make it . '
tr	3	' They were nearly at the wall anyway , ' he muttered grudgingly , his ears reddening .
tr	3	' They were encoded with another layer of encryption , but we managed to decipher most of it . '
tr	3	' According to the Head of Accounts , no one else had asked to see it . '
tr	3	' If she does this , she will -- ' He paused , scowling while he struggled for words .
tr	3	' She will have a truly immortal army at her feet , ' Victor continued coldly .
tr	3	She turned away from our stares and studied the rest of the information on the screen .
tr	3	I took the USB pen from Reid and plugged it into one of the hard drives .
tr	3	I scrolled down the list of files and clicked on the one entitled " Red Death " .
tr	3	Even though most of it was in scientific terminology , the essence of the thing was horrifyingly clear .
tr	3	' Being the only human here , I take it you 've never heard of the Red Death ? '
tr	3	He rose from his seat and stepped forward with a purposeful stride , a heavy frown clouding his face .
tr	3	' And they 've been busy trying to modify it since , ' she said slowly .
tr	3	My eyes widened as I glanced from the complex information on the monitor to Anna 's pale face .
tr	3	' No one knows the working of that woman 's mind , ' said Tomas Godard .
tr	3	I thought of the woman I had met earlier that evening and felt a chill at his words .
tr	3	It seems they 're still in the process of manufacturing it , ' she said slowly .
tr	3	' I 'm afraid it 's an area I know little about , ' she said .
tr	3	' It could halve the time taken to produce a vaccine , ' she explained animatedly .
tr	3	We need to stop them from getting their hands on Anna , ' said Tomas Godard .
tr	3	' Their plan of true immortality won 't work unless they have a sample of her blood . '
tr	3	' What makes you think he 'd be willing to help us after all these years ? '
tr	3	' Besides , he was a key figure in forging the truce that ended the first immortal war .
tr	3	The sun was washing the landscape in shades of gold when we stepped out onto the porch .
tr	3	The meeting point was the ruins of an ancient medieval castle several miles south of Prague .
tr	3	Situated on a low knoll between two villages , it was enclosed by a mile of heavy woodland .
tr	3	The path finally levelled off and the vans pulled to a stop in front of a waterlogged field .
tr	3	The brow of the hill was dotted with the rubble of what was once an extensive castle wall .
tr	3	The forest had encroached upon the boundaries of the fortress and trees and bushes proliferated wildly across the ruins .
tr	3	We made our way across the field towards the waiting party , Victor leading the way .
tr	3	' I have to say , my section hasn 't exactly had a lot to do with that . '
tr	3	To be honest , we haven 't seen that kind of action since the days of the war . '
tr	3	' The rest of us were justifiably shocked and horrified , to say the least . '
tr	3	' Trust me , it will give me no joy to be one of her army of eternal followers .
tr	3	' And can you imagine me swearing fealty to her , like in the old days ? '
tr	3	' Who knows what the future holds , ' he said , a shrewd light gleaming in his eyes .
tr	3	If and when the time comes , will you have the courage to end it all ? '
tr	3	I believe only she and Thorne know the identities of the possible traitors in your midst . '
tr	3	' We 've located eight Bastian and human scientists specialising in the areas that you wanted .
tr	3	' The Bastian Hunters guarding the safe house won 't have a clue who they 're protecting .
tr	3	Roman walked past one of the windows of the study ; he was talking on his cell and frowning .
tr	3	The immortal , whose name was Friedrich , pointed at the prints laid out on a foldable table .
tr	3	' We 've patrolled the perimeter and can confirm that the number of guards is accurate . '
tr	3	A grim smile crossed Victor 's face as he studied the multitude of heat signals on the images .
tr	3	' Going overland undetected is going to be virtually impossible , ' continued the Bastian team leader .
tr	3	' Luckily , we 've found an alternative if somewhat unconventional route to get inside . '
tr	3	' We 've identified three other access points into the facility ; here , here and here .
tr	3	However , I believe it 's our best chance of getting in without being detected . '
tr	3	I stared at the map and the satellite images on the table before glancing at Reid .
tr	3	Beyond that , an impenetrable wall of compacted earth , wood and rock barred the way .
tr	3	After the last support beam was fixed into place , we geared up and checked our weapons .
tr	3	He placed a hand on my shoulder as I turned to follow the others into the passage .
tr	3	The light from our torch beams washed over rusting roof bolts and girders supporting a low , irregular ceiling .
tr	3	Some had given way over time , causing tiny landslides that revealed the bare rock underneath .
tr	3	' Yeah , I 'm fine , ' I murmured , trying to mask the grimace on my face .
tr	3	A hundred feet in , we came to an open elevator shaft descending into pitch blackness .
tr	3	A wire cage rose shakily from the abyss , past the corroded rungs of an emergency ladder .
tr	3	' There had better not be rats , ' the immortal murmured to no one in particular .
tr	3	I removed the Glock from the holster on my thigh and nudged the safety catch off .
tr	3	It took three of us to twist open the stiff , circular wheel that sealed it shut .
tr	3	I slipped the katana out of its scabbard and gripped the handle of the Glock tightly .
tr	3	The Bastian Hunter grabbed the circular handle , turned it and pulled the door towards him .
tr	3	He was staring intently at the security camera in a corner of the ceiling above the doorway .
tr	3	I flipped the security panel open and connected a pair of wires to the back of the device .
tr	3	' We 'll take the north lab , ' he said , pointing to his men .
tr	3	I hesitated : it was the closest I had ever gotten to a friendly gesture from a Bastian Hunter .
tr	3	' Be careful , ' I said stiffly , trying to qualm the ominous foreboding growing inside me .
tr	3	Beyond the transparent walls , lights glowed and winked on instruments sitting atop the work surfaces of a lab .
tr	3	I waved the pass key across the access panel and crossed the threshold into the inner chamber .
tr	3	' If I was a betting man , I 'd go with the latter option . '
tr	3	' I take it these people weren 't immortals , ' Reid said quietly behind me .
tr	3	The first stirrings of anger rose above the feelings of dread that still twisted through my gut .
tr	3	' See if you can find anything on the computers , ' I told the two immortals .
tr	3	A glass wall rose behind and to our left , separating the inner lab from yet another chamber .
tr	3	Stacks of medical equipment crowded the space around the beds and almost overshadowed the bodies lying upon them .
tr	3	Tubes and wires dotted his arms and legs , and he was attached to an array of silent machines .
tr	3	I moved quickly to the side of the gurney and reached for the man 's wrist .
tr	3	He collapsed back onto the bed , his chest shuddering from the effort of his words .
tr	3	Is there anywhere else in the lab where they might have stored the virus or the vaccine ? '
tr	3	A second later , his eyelids fluttered open once more and he struggled to focus on my face .
tr	3	With those words , he took a final rattling breath and his face settled in a peaceful expression .
tr	3	' Explosion -- other lab -- Friedrich and -- trapped -- we 've got ta go ! '
tr	3	' Listen to me carefully , ' I said to Anatole while I frantically started to open drawers .
tr	3	' It 's me , ' said Bruno , staring past the barrels of our guns .
tr	3	' You 've got ta be kidding me , ' he muttered , stalking past in a huff .
tr	3	A wall of bricks and plaster obstructed our path : the cloud of dust was only just settling .
tr	3	It was another minute before Reid and I removed the second immortal from the wreckage of the collapsed ceiling .
tr	3	' We don 't make a habit of leaving our men behind , ' I said quietly .
tr	3	' That 's very altruistic and admirable , but still kinda dumb , ' he eventually muttered .
tr	3	' Yeah , well , dumb is our middle name , ' said Reid with a wry smile .
tr	3	Four feet from the final landing , a detonation blasted through the open stairwell above our heads .
tr	3	We entered the boiler room in a thick cloud of plaster dust , broken bricks and metal fragments .
tr	3	More percussions shook the walls as wreckage continued to pound into the base of the stairwell .
tr	3	We were halfway across the floor when another blast brought part of the ceiling down around us .
tr	3	I rose unsteadily to my feet and stared at the impenetrable barrier with a sinking feeling .
tr	3	I traced the jagged lips of the fracture with my fingers , an idea taking shape in my mind .
tr	3	' We could blast our way through , ' I said , turning to look at the others .
tr	3	' That could bring the whole place down on our heads , ' he said skeptically .
tr	3	He reached inside his backpack and brought out a slim , rectangular block of C4 explosive .
tr	3	It took several minutes to dig a trench in the rubble on the far side of the room .
tr	3	I lifted my head from under my arms and peered over the lip of the trench .
tr	3	Where the rubble had been , there was now a hole large enough for a man to pass through .
tr	3	A few bricks had fallen to the base of the structure but it looked to be otherwise holding .
tr	3	Sweat rolled down Reid 's face above me : he looked as exhausted as I felt .
tr	3	The Bastian Hunter nodded and leaned heavily against the wall , sweat and blood streaming down his pale face .
tr	3	I had just locked myself onto the zip line when a violent blast shook the walls around me .
tr	3	Sweat drenched my face and clothes , turning the dirt that coated my skin into grimy rivulets .
tr	3	He 'll be -- ' The immortal 's next words were drowned by a growing rumble .
tr	3	I lay stunned for several seconds , before blinking and choking on a mouthful of dirt .
tr	3	The canister from the lab had slipped from my backpack and fallen to the floor of the tunnel .
tr	3	I grimaced and stared through the porthole at the section of the interior ceiling panel visible above me .
tr	3	It was another ten minutes before Reid 's irate face finally materialized through the glass port .
tr	3	' We couldn 't afford to lose the virus or have it spread through contact with the air . '
tr	3	' That still doesn 't change the fact that you 're a jackass , ' said Reid .
tr	3	I shook my head and felt another wave of remorse as I studied his anxious expression .
tr	3	I wouldn 't want to be in your shoes when she gets her hands on you . '
tr	3	I wondered how long it would be before I started to experience symptoms of the infection .
tr	3	Not long afterwards , the vibrations from the suspensions suddenly increased : we had left a main road .
tr	3	The land levelled out after about a quarter of an hour and the truck braked to a brief halt .
tr	3	From the way it rose on its wheels , a number of people exited the vehicle .
tr	3	I was aware of a cavernous space around me as the transport chamber was manoeuvred across the floor .
tr	3	I was patiently studying the grey ceiling above my head when I detected movement to my left .
tr	3	She wore a white decontamination suit and her green eyes regarded me steadily from behind a visor .
tr	3	For the next hour , I resigned myself to being poked and prodded by Anna and the other scientists .
tr	3	I sat on the edge of the bed and glanced at the array of equipment that surrounded me .
tr	3	' I don 't know , ' she said finally , her eyes meeting mine steadily .
tr	3	' I can 't tell you how relieved Grandfather is that you 're okay , ' she said softly .
tr	3	I closed my eyes and lay back on the bed , her words playing over in my mind .
tr	3	' Hang in there , ' she said shakily , glancing at the monitors above me .
tr	3	Moisture dripped down my forehead and into my eyes as I blinked and tried to focus on her face .
tr	3	It took all of my willpower to reach out and take her gloved hand into my own shaking one .
tr	3	' You 're a very silly boy , ' the old man muttered gruffly , stepping back .
tr	3	I looked around the lab , aware of the curious stares of the scientists and several Hunters .
tr	3	' The Councils and the Assembly are proving more difficult to persuade than we originally anticipated . '
tr	3	' We 'd be lucky to reach their lab with our current numbers , ' Victor added .
tr	3	' That 's gon na require some leap of faith from the man , ' I said quietly .
tr	3	Besides , the more the merrier , I always say , ' he added with a shrug .
tr	3	' Do you seriously expect us to enlist the help of humans in the affairs of immortals ? '
tr	3	' You have friends in high places , ' I murmured to Victor as the room slowly cleared .
tr	3	' Let 's just say that the top brass like to have good grounds to offer us their assistance .
tr	3	' Neither side wishes to see a war between our races , us more so than the humans .
tr	3	I had been given a room on the ground floor at the back of the main lodge .
tr	3	The complex was positioned near the summit of a peak and was surrounded by thick oak and pine forests .
tr	3	' We 're in Virginia , in the Blue Ridge Mountains , ' said Reid at my side .
tr	3	As we drew closer to the city , the tension inside the vehicle we travelled in rose palpably .
tr	3	Shortly after eleven , we reached a deserted parking lot close to the Washington Circle Park .
tr	3	' Rest assured that our organization will do the utmost to prevent any such misfortunes . '
tr	3	' I 'm afraid that to say more would indeed , as Costas states , reveal too much . '
tr	3	He turned to the surveillance photos of the Pennsylvania Avenue sky rise spread across the hood of a vehicle .
tr	3	' In any case , your men won 't be going higher than the tenth floor . '
tr	3	' Because we have more experience dealing with these people than you do , ' he said curtly .
tr	3	' The vast majority of them will be in the top four floors of the building .
tr	3	' We need you to handle the guys on the ground while we get to the lifts . '
tr	3	Behind us , McCabe 's men swiftly set up a security perimeter and started to clear the surrounding blocks .
tr	3	We paused on the sidewalk , raised our guns and fired at the glass frontage of the main foyer .
tr	3	The sound of gunfire rose to the ceiling , the echoes deafening in the tall , vaulted space .
tr	3	Reid and Lacroix emptied their guns into the immortals before they had a chance to reach for their weapons .
tr	3	Bullets from the gunfight in the foyer struck the doors with dull thuds as they closed after us .
tr	3	We stared at one other for several seconds , listening intently to the silence in the passage outside .
tr	3	A bullet whined through the air , struck the metal hinge and raised sparks inches from his face .
tr	3	' Looks like these lifts don 't go any higher without a security pass , ' he said thoughtfully .
tr	3	' I guess we 're just gon na have to make our way on foot from here on . '
tr	3	Ceiling lights shattered above us and chips of plaster erupted in a cloud that quickly obscured the air .
tr	3	Moments later , we paused in the clearing smoke and observed the still bodies around us .
tr	3	Shots sang past my ears from behind , the draft from the bullets ruffling my hair .
tr	3	' You 're bleeding again , ' he said , loading another magazine into the Glock .
tr	3	I lifted a hand and wiped away the sliver of blood where the bullet had grazed my cheek .
tr	3	' We can 't be far from the research facility , ' I said with a frown .
tr	3	Consisting of a network of large glass chambers , they occupied the entire level of the building .
tr	3	Halfway across the floor , movement out of the corner of my eyes caught my attention .
tr	3	Ten feet from the doorway , half a dozen black clad figures suddenly appeared before me .
tr	3	I ducked and rolled : blades slashed across the space where my head had been a heartbeat earlier .
tr	3	Bullets scored the walls and the banister of the stairwell as I raced up the steps .
tr	3	I grunted and forged ahead , the sword carving a deadly path through the smoke filled space .
tr	3	I raised the Smith & Wesson in a steady grip , my finger on the trigger .
tr	3	' They 've cleared the labs , ' I said with a frown when we paused before it .
tr	3	' Whatever they have , they 're carrying it in transport containers in four silver cases . '
tr	3	There was a single door at the top : it was made of thick , reinforced steel .
tr	3	A heartbeat later , the door buckled and splintered under the force of a rocket grenade .
tr	3	Deadly shards filled the air when it separated from the hinges and struck the wall of the stairwell .
tr	3	Thorne held my gaze for a moment before walking out onto the terrace to join them .
tr	3	It took far too many precious seconds to carve a path through the wall of immortals .
tr	3	By the time I ran out onto the rooftop , Thorne 's helicopter was lifting off .
tr	3	A cry of pain escaped his lips when a bullet whizzed past me and struck his hand .
tr	3	I glanced up and swung my body to the left , losing my right hold on the skid .
tr	3	Smiling grimly , I holstered the gun , renewed my grip on the landing gear and pulled myself up .
tr	3	A muffled curse left my lips when I hit the wall of the cabin with my back .
tr	3	The FBI helicopter had fired at the Bell 222 in an attempt to force its pilot to land .
tr	3	The shock waves from the detonation wrapped around the Bell 222 and spun it on its axis .
tr	3	Silver shards rained down inside the cabin as the helicopter scraped along the side of the building .
tr	3	Heart thudding wildly against my ribs , I grabbed the silver cases and leapt through the port door .
tr	3	Thirty minutes had passed since the Bell helicopter had crashed into a tower next to the Lee Highway .
tr	3	A few yards away , McCabe was attempting to pacify the Arlington District Two police commander .
tr	3	A familiar scent reached my nostrils above the rich aroma of coffee wafting from within it .
tr	3	' A bar up the road , ' Reid replied , taking a sip from his own cup .
tr	3	' Hey , we need to take you to the hospital to get checked out ! '
tr	3	Costas was already inside : the Bastian Council member was inspecting the contents of the silver cases .
tr	3	We saw the first column of smoke when we still two miles out from the compound .
tr	3	The tall metal gates guarding the entrance to the complex were hanging off their hinges when we reached them .
tr	3	Bombs had churned up clods of earth and dug craters into the ground around the main lodge .
tr	3	Shouts and cries of pain echoed across the grounds as more Bastian Hunters returned to consciousness .
tr	3	The enemy 's targeted movements across the grounds suggested they had had access to detailed maps of the complex .
tr	3	His fingers clattered over the keyboard of the onboard computer in the rear of one of the vans .
tr	3	' They crashed the system but we 've managed to regain access to eighty percent of the network . '
tr	3	I recognised Victor 's father and a few of the Council members I met in Prague .
tr	3	Then surely it doesn 't matter , ' said the Council member seated to Roman 's right .
tr	3	' I 'm only expressing the views of a few members of the First and Second Councils . '
tr	3	' That 's too long , ' I said , not bothering to hide the resentment in my voice .
tr	3	' We 'll have an answer for you soon enough , ' said a Council member harshly .
tr	3	' -- find out what I can -- get back to you -- ' The transmission ended abruptly .
tr	3	I paused in front of a desk and trailed my fingers across the back of Anna 's chair .
tr	3	' The only reason we know its location is because Dimitri provided us with the exact geographic coordinates . '
tr	3	She 'll have to wait until all the Council members are gathered on the island . '
tr	3	' So , what you 're saying is , we 're kinda outnumbered three to one . '
tr	3	' The friends who betrayed us will be made to atone for their treachery , ' he said quietly .
tr	3	A cool breeze was blowing in from the Virginia coastline when we reached the landing strip .
tr	3	Shadows soon danced across the grey fuselage when the cargo hold was filled with weapons and hardware .
tr	3	Still recovering from the injuries of the last twelve hours , some Bastian Hunters moved more slowly than others .
tr	3	' At least half the immortals on the planet are no longer trying to kill you . '
tr	3	He 's the commander of the base and an old friend , ' said Victor by way of introduction .
tr	3	The light was fading fast when we made our final descent to the base several hours later .
tr	3	' As to what happens after that , I 'm not in a position to comment . '
tr	3	We crossed the floor to the command center set up in a corner of the vast space .
tr	3	The lights from several monitors cast shadows on the faces of the people gathered in front of the terminals .
tr	3	It took all of my concentration to quell the nervous tension building inside me and focus on my moves .
tr	3	' I hate to think what might happen if we eat too close to take-off . '
tr	3	It was difficult to see his expression through the glass visor of the helmet on his head .
tr	3	One hundred feet below and to my right , Reid 's parachute swooped towards the rapidly enlarging landmass .
tr	3	Reid and I removed our flight gear and headed for the door tucked in a corner of the rooftop .
tr	3	Reid covered the room with his gun while I crossed the floor to retrieve the sword .
tr	3	We were faced with a narrow walkway at the top of one of the castle walls .
tr	3	The sound of their bodies hitting the stone walkway was barely perceptible above the crash of the distant surf .
tr	3	As we headed towards an exit on the other side , I glanced around and froze in my tracks .
tr	3	I turned and saw the third man disappear through a door hidden in the shadows on our right .
tr	3	I leaned forward until my face was mere inches from his and moved my hand slightly .
tr	3	A thin , crimson trickle coursed down his neck and stained the collar of his shirt .
tr	3	His breath left his lips in a soft sigh : he nodded with a defeated expression .
tr	3	They think -- ' The rest of the exchange was muted as the voices faded out of earshot .
tr	3	Light gleamed on a camera near the ceiling while we strode silently across the carpeted floor .
tr	3	' Don 't worry , you might still prove to be useful , ' I said tersely .
tr	3	Moments later , video images from dozens of security cameras appeared in separate frames on the screen .
tr	3	' That room is in a secured facility two hundred feet below you , ' he finally said quietly .
tr	3	' It seems they have a completely separate security system for that part of the complex .
tr	3	All the while , the image of Anna 's lifeless face burned at the front of my mind .
tr	3	' We 'll take care of the cameras if we can , ' I said into the mouthpiece .
tr	3	I stepped back , my fingers tightening on the handles of the blades , and nodded once .
tr	3	I dove in after him , hit the floor , rolled and rose to my feet .
tr	3	I reached for the swipe card on one of the dead men and stepped towards the lift .
tr	3	A moment later , a soft ping sounded and the panels swung open with a faint hiss .
tr	3	' How did you -- ' Olsson 's voice was interrupted by Reid 's near silent shot .
tr	3	' You 're going to take us to Anna and my grandfather , ' I ordered curtly .
tr	3	' I will kill you without a second thought if you don 't do as I say . '
tr	3	' My grandfather was not responsible for your father 's death , ' I said slowly .
tr	3	' For a mortal , you sure are taking things lightly , ' he spat out .
tr	3	' Well , that seems to be it for the time being , ' said Victor briskly .
tr	3	' Well , yeah , travelling by submarine is not exactly my favourite mode of transportation .
tr	3	This he directed at Olsson , who stood nursing a wounded leg with a scowl on his face .
tr	3	' The research facility where they 're holding Anna and your grandfather is through there . '
tr	3	' He 's fighting his way into the command room as we speak , ' said Victor .
tr	3	I pushed aside the dread coursing through my veins and turned to study the metal doors in our path .
tr	3	' From the floor plans I saw earlier , there 's a ventilation duct right above us .
tr	3	' I suspect his fingerprint and retinal scan will get you through here , ' I said to Victor .
tr	3	I stepped on , climbed onto his shoulders and unscrewed the metal plate above our heads .
tr	3	I unbolted the metal cover , moved it aside silently and peered carefully out of the hole .
tr	3	I gripped the edge of the ventilation duct and slowly lowered myself to the tiled floor .
tr	3	The Bastian immortal removed a pair of Steyr AUG rifles from his backpack and handed one to Reid .
tr	3	The immortals at the end of the corridor turned , their eyes widening in shocked surprise .
tr	3	I unscrewed the metal panel covering the unit while Reid and Anatole laid down cover fire .
tr	3	They looked up at the sound of the gunfire , their eyes widening behind their visors .
tr	3	He crossed the floor and typed in a security code in the wall with a shaking hand .
tr	3	As soon as the door slid open , I moved past him and entered the sterile room .
tr	3	I took in the dark circles under her eyes and the fresh bruises on her arms .
tr	3	' I never got to tell how much I -- ' Her voice trailed into silence .
tr	3	I slipped the Glock 17 from the holster on my hip and slowly placed it in her grasp .
tr	3	A mumble of incoherent words left his lips when Anna raised the gun and levelled it at his chest .
tr	3	' I 'm not sure whether to take that as a good sign or a bad one . '
tr	3	Though I was elated to have found Anna , nervous anxiety built inside my chest once more .
tr	3	We stopped in the shadows along the walls and stared over the edge of the opening .
tr	3	' I never imagined that you of all people would betray us so , ' he said softly .
tr	3	' I 'm afraid we need to move with the times , Tomas , ' he said .
tr	3	I removed a climbing rope and harness from the pack and fastened them to my waist .
tr	3	' Victor 'll have a heart attack if we let you -- ' ' Victor will understand ! '
tr	3	She wiped a tear away with an angry frown and slipped the Glock into my hand .
tr	3	I walked to the middle of the gangway , locked the carabiner onto the handrail and climbed over .
tr	3	As the third wave raised their weapons , gunfire erupted on the upper floors of the atrium .
tr	3	Before the Bastian noble could explode in a fury of angry words , I spoke quietly .
tr	3	' Well , I can 't exactly argue with that , ' he said in a disgruntled tone .
tr	3	I clipped a fresh magazine into the chamber of the Smith & Wesson and unsheathed the katana .
tr	3	Shots bounced off the blade as I climbed the first steps , Victor and Costas close at my back .
tr	3	Stone chips erupted from the wall and cut the skin on my exposed face and hands .
tr	3	I tensed , my grip tightening on the handle of the blade , and turned a corner .
tr	3	Olsson shouted , his eyes shifting wildly around the room while he walked backwards , dragging Anna with him .
tr	3	He gasped and stumbled against the wall , his finger squeezing the trigger of the Colt in his hand .
tr	3	Without pausing for breath , I lifted the Smith & Wesson and shot Olsson point blank in the chest .
tr	3	A heartbeat later , his blade glided down the edge of mine and arched towards my chest .
tr	3	Out of the corner of my eyes , I saw a figure appear in the doorway to the rooftop .
tr	3	There was a flash of steel ahead of me ; Thorne 's blade hummed millimetres past my face .
tr	3	Anna rose in front of our grandfather 's still form and stared fearlessly into the barrel of the pistol .
tr	3	It had fallen out of the top of Anna 's hospital gown and lay against her chest .
tr	3	' After what happened with Lucas , I thought it best to keep your existence a secret . '
tr	3	' The precious blood you wanted , the one that would have made your plans come true ?
tr	3	I sagged to my knees by my grandfather 's side , my heart hammering painfully against my ribs .
tr	3	She cradled the old man 's head in her lap , her tears landing on his face .
tr	3	' It 's my time to go , ' he said with a trace of relief .
tr	3	Numbness spread through me as I gazed at the man who had come to mean so much to me .
tr	3	Victor shifted on the floor and clasped Godard 's hand tightly , his face pale with grief .
tr	3	He slowly lowered the Glock and clutched at the wound beneath his left clavicle with a painful wince .
tr	3	Anatole appeared ; blood was oozing from a nasty wound in the immortal 's right flank .
tr	3	I looked up from the paper in front of me and shaded my eyes with one hand .
tr	3	The golden retriever puppy panting at his side stopped in its tracks and turned towards the approaching boat .
tr	3	A larger office had become vacant in our building and we had moved premises a week previously .
tr	3	He looked to the clear waters beyond the veranda and the puppy playing on the beach .
tr	3	' Now , do you have any knowledge of the specifics of the third and fourth chapters ? '
tr	3	' Are you saying that immortals possess documents even more ancient than the Dead Sea Scrolls ? '
tr	3	' My team of archaeologists found a cave in Egypt , in the mountains of the Eastern Desert .
tr	3	It was quite deep underground , which explains why the contents we discovered within had been so well preserved .
tr	3	' Now , this is where we all have to take a leap of faith . '
tr	3	' Adam 's descendants are said to have lived many hundreds of years , ' said Anna finally .
tr	3	The clues , although we have yet to fully analyze the information , are in their genes . '
tr	3	I glanced into Anna 's widening eyes and murmured , ' What do you mean ? '
tr	3	I said stiffly , although I already had a suspicion what his answer was going to be .
tr	3	It was as if I could see everything clearly for the first time in my long and unnatural life .
tr	3	' Tell you what , we 'll rethink Peanut , ' Anna said , rolling her eyes at me .
tr	3	Soul Meaning is her debut novel and the first in a supernatural thriller series entitled Seventeen .
tr	3	Damian E. Jones Like usual my luggage were sitting quietly , in my dusty room corner .
tr	3	Is not funny at all when I knew that my school project was supposing to leave England .
tr	3	What can I say world , I love my college and this project can rise me in the future .
tr	3	If I will give up on my project , I can say bye to my future .
tr	3	I remarked my class along with Mr. Bins , who had a list in his hands .
tr	3	" Well , my loves , good luck and have fun , now all aboard ! "
tr	3	" Oh my love , call me or write to me an e-mail when you will arrive .
tr	3	The plain will take me in Athens city , and from there I have to take a ship .
tr	3	Sure she was home trying to break down my door , very nosy about my room .
tr	3	" We have to go to the seaport and from there to take the ship . "
tr	3	" I waited so long for this project , is like a dream came true . "
tr	3	Many cars in traffic , and the driver started to swear in Greek , strongly honking .
tr	3	My colleague asked , with a slight scare in her voice , a fear that she installed in me .
tr	3	I smiled and the image of the queen came into my mind , attending tea with Mr. driver .
tr	3	I laughed while we lifted our luggage and paid 20 euros from my side and 20 from her side .
tr	3	Everything will be fine ; you just have to stay somewhere and no not talk with no one . "
tr	3	I wondered if in their job contract is written to force themselves or to under act .
tr	3	I returned his smile back and left the room with seats on a lobby then in a restaurant .
tr	3	As long I was a ghost for the rest of the world , so much the better .
tr	3	I fished out my ticket and in that moment , I said loudly : " HOW MUCH ? "
tr	3	The ship was walking smooth on water , cutting the white waves of the blue crystalline sea .
tr	3	And then , with an easy slam , the ship arrived in the seaport and the gates opened .
tr	3	" Is ... " -- I thought fast to a flying lie -- " hospitable . "
tr	3	Same streets , white buildings and agglomerated , palm trees and of course thousands of shops .
tr	3	The sea is close ; your project colleague will die if she will not go on the beach " .
tr	3	" Because you are under my charge , you cannot just walk away where ever you want " .
tr	3	Was really a good thing for me that I escaped from my sour mother , being here .
tr	3	I opened my eyes giddy and jumped over the bed to the door , outside was dark .
tr	3	I will go down to the reception and we will take dinner together to know each other better . "
tr	3	When she saw me , she smiled in a way that made me blush and felted weird .
tr	3	" But we have the permission to leave the hotel , without asking that blond bimbo ? "
tr	3	" Ladies first " I said , being a gentleman , opening the glass door for her to enter .
tr	3	" Me who believed that British guys just pretend to be gentlemen , only to impress the women . "
tr	3	Inside of the local , everything was made of white marble and the round tables adorned with flower vases .
tr	3	" Let 's go there , " she said , pointing a table right in the back .
tr	3	" Here they have delicious food , trust me , " she said , looking in the menu .
tr	3	" Sorry but ... " and when to say a phrase , a waiter thought to interrupt me .
tr	3	The girl in front of me was looking very happy ; instead , I was a little rigid .
tr	3	" A ... yes , honestly I don 't know who you are ... " I said all red .
tr	3	" We met , or at least I introduced myself , but most likely you were sleepy .
tr	3	Well my name is Abigail Woods , but you can call me Abby , I hate my name . "
tr	3	I said with an easy retention , but I smiled when I saw that she did the same .
tr	3	" You will become a good psychologist " I joked , thankful that she was laughing .
tr	3	" It 's my passion to help people , or at least how much I can .
tr	3	" The project presumes a search over a subject , human , to name it properly .
tr	3	And when she open her mouth to say something , the waiter came with our orders .
tr	3	" But Abby , a person with schizophrenia can be able to kill without being aware of it .
tr	3	Doesn 't matter , I alone will go to the airport or seaport , without any help .
tr	3	The driver didn 't had much English knowledge but he even didn 't say something , driving with calm .
tr	3	" I 'm not doing anything , I was just wondering if you hit your head . "
tr	3	I turned to her , and I could not believe how beautiful she was , even upset .
tr	3	The gesture which came next , left me with my mouth opened , she actually hugged me .
tr	3	I was thinking that she was ruminating at what I said and felt like under the microscope .
tr	3	" The psychology , notions , definitions , will not be able to help you Damian .
tr	3	Somehow , she disturbed me with what she said but I had to agree with her .
tr	3	He caused it when his ex girlfriend left him , closed inside him and he got mad .
tr	3	He hears the characters voice and listens to them , while he is one of them . "
tr	3	And I thought to myself that Helen is not in a good way with her mind .
tr	3	In the hotel at the reception lobby , Helen came fast at us wearing high heels .
tr	3	" Not a problem " I laughed with Abby , knowing that wasn 't a tragedy .
tr	3	I will promise that I will try to get along with a psycho , only for her sake .
tr	3	Something tells me that you didn 't get one , that 's why you are so clumsy . "
tr	3	" I did ... but ... " " You didn 't read it , " she continued .
tr	3	She entered first , with her little black purse , and me after her being more like terrified .
tr	3	The apartment was big , and the main hall made a connection to the living room .
tr	3	she asked , Abby turned her face at me , like realizing that I wanted to run away .
tr	3	She took my hand and we went into the living room , I felt blushing again .
tr	3	We rented for the summer ... , " she said with her eyes in another direction .
tr	3	The first thing I saw was this huge poster , which represented a death with her scythe .
tr	3	On a bed , an athletic and black hair boy , was standing back towards the door .
tr	3	I figured it out that Lars was a short name from Laurence , but he didn 't answer .
tr	3	He turned slowly to us , and I saw that he was double then me , like body .
tr	3	He had the skin like his mother , black eyes set deep above the high planes of his cheekbones .
tr	3	" My mom doesn 't let me to have visitors , or to meet someone new .
tr	3	I 'm bored to death seating all day in my room or to get out only with my parents .
tr	3	" Well yes , we , I mean me , I 'm from United States , from Seattle .
tr	3	While they were taking their numbers , my thought flew at a big bottle of whiskey .
tr	3	I already preferred to seat all night in my room to let Abby managing this thing herself .
tr	3	But the thought that she will go with a lunatic , gave me chills on the back .
tr	3	On the road , in the cab , Abby sniffed her nose and wiped her tears .
tr	3	I mean ... Damian , do you realized that the poor boy isn 't allowed to make friends .
tr	3	For my relief , the blonde platypus didn 't came with us , being already there .
tr	3	Abby said , being dressed in a short skirt and a thin blouse with long sheer sleeves .
tr	3	" True , but in resort beach clubs , you 'll never hear what music you want . "
tr	3	For my sake , the bus interrupted Laurence 's talking and we went straight to it , climbing inside .
tr	3	Abby and I took a seat in front and Laurence alone in the back , on the other side .
tr	3	she said , turning to him , who smiled to her while he was listening to music .
tr	3	At least do it for once in the life time ... At least for me . "
tr	3	I really wanted to know her much more , now that she admits I am dear to her .
tr	3	Abby was talking animated , about this experience , how can you meet new people in your way .
tr	3	Lars and Helen were dancing , for my surprise Lars did not praise himself for no propose .
tr	3	He really knew how to dance despite Helen , which you could easily say that she was electrocuted .
tr	3	But being with you here is awesome , I mean , I am having fun . "
tr	3	" Because I didn 't want company to come here and talk wiith you , " she smiled .
tr	3	Abby and I looked at each other and we went out , with Lars , off the door .
tr	3	I tried to pull out from his clutch , but no chance , his arm was like my leg .
tr	3	Honestly , I really did , but I did not stand the idea that she might like Laurence .
tr	3	I took a deep breath , while I was walking alone down the paved streets of the Heraklion city .
tr	3	A girl gang passes near me , and that teenage girls started to giggle when they saw me .
tr	3	To be shore of that thought , I stopped at a parked car and looked in a rear-view mirror .
tr	3	I smiled to myself and I continued my walk , lowering on some stone steps to the seaport .
tr	3	I forgot to tell you , I took a holiday from my work ... How have you been ? "
tr	3	I did not give her my attention for that , as I did not hear her .
tr	3	" Well , the idea to stay and chat with a murderer ... " I laughed .
tr	3	The waiter brought us the coffees , and I was curious about what she wanted to show me .
tr	3	" How ... you ... from ... " I started to fumble , seeing her triumph smile .
tr	3	" Ok ... aaa , diagnosed with schizophrenia ... bla bla bla ... and ... Depression .
tr	3	For the first time , from when I came in Greece , I wanted to make Laurence a visit .
tr	3	I turned away with a flea in mine 's ear and walked slowly with a pain in my soul .
tr	3	I was so anger at the thought that I have to endure a whole month without her affection .
tr	3	And in that moment I had no idea where the hell I was walking , but I enjoyed it .
tr	3	Wasn 't much , after my expectations and my orientations , should have been 50 euros or much more .
tr	3	How happy I could be because they weren 't there , but the intuition didn 't left me alone .
tr	3	If the drivers will caught that you are not from the town , they can trick you so easily .
tr	3	" Aaa , , Dublin is in Ireland , has nothing to do with England . "
tr	3	" If Dublin is the England 's capital , then Dublin is the capital of which state ? "
tr	3	" She wasn 't lying ; probably she has the same brilliant mind like you do . "
tr	3	He smiled at me , as if I just said he has a brilliant mind , talking seriously .
tr	3	Whatever , considering that for this driver The Dublin city replace London , then I was Chinese .
tr	3	Please , don 't start to look after me ; I 'm to upset to talk with you .
tr	3	I thank him , paid and get off from the car but suddenly I stood stiff .
tr	3	" No Abby , I want to apologize ... but seem to be that you don 't care ! "
tr	3	She said while she was walking to her room door , and me stinking like a bur after her .
tr	3	But if you 'll not stop acting like an ass then we will be no more . "
tr	3	" How was it mom ... what did you feel ... when my father died ? "
tr	3	After how was normal and how I expected , nothing I could hear , just a sigh .
tr	3	" You know very well Damian that I do not wish to speak about this . "
tr	3	" The chance to say everything to her , the chance to let her see what feeling you have .
tr	3	Despite of the Greek legends , the Minotaur was hidden in a labyrinth so no one can see him .
tr	3	But I didn 't know why , this time I could stay calm and eat like that as well .
tr	3	I talked with Mr. Bins , and he told me that Abigail Woods lied with the all month staying .
tr	3	To prepare my photo camera , even if it stood still all this time in a drawer .
tr	3	Therefore , I got up from my table and exit the hotel 's restaurant , satiated .
tr	3	I stood with my front head on the door , unwilling to go back in the past .
tr	3	I couldn 't ignore the voice ; therefore I opened the door , looking at her white slippers .
tr	3	I said sharp and when I tried to close the door , she blocked it with her foot .
tr	3	" I know you hate me , but I will not let you to ignore me again .
tr	3	I am an idiot because I let myself away with the flood , because I was jealous .
tr	3	Abby looked at me almost crying , I just looked back at her with no reaction .
tr	3	Unfortunately , for her , she didn 't manage to hide a bruise on her face .
tr	3	But you lied , telling me a bunch of craps that I have to stay here a bloody month .
tr	3	I remained speechless , but I tried so hard to keep my calm and of course the careless mood .
tr	3	" The answer to the both lies is : I didn 't want you to go !
tr	3	How I had expected , she left leaving me again with a sorrow in my soul .
tr	3	Even if is paradise here , I couldn 't stay two weeks more , just for Abby 's sake .
tr	3	A girl , no matter how perfect she may look , it is better to see the reality .
tr	3	I took a seat on the bed and on a piece of white paper I started to write .
tr	3	I did not want to leave her the paper with mistakes , to remain for her a hilarious memory .
tr	3	I went into the balcony to watch again the enchanting sea , which charmed me even from the beginning .
tr	3	I was so sorry but I had to do it , for my sake , for hers as well .
tr	3	I opened my eyes saying : " You were the only thing from here that alleviated me .
tr	3	I looked on the window straight in the parking lot and I didn 't saw nothing unusual .
tr	3	Same street , same cars and of course Helen 's car which stand out by how was parked .
tr	3	So I took my purse and I left my room through the door , closing automatically by its self .
tr	3	Maybe he took a walk or maybe he doesn 't want to open the door for me .
tr	3	Helen started to get closer to me , with her blue and old fashion high hills .
tr	3	I didn 't understand why in the word she would wear hills when outside was a deathly heat .
tr	3	But I didn 't said nothing , trying to look at her face with over makeup .
tr	3	I thought to go the seaport , maybe this time I will catch him again there .
tr	3	I refused to accept this thing ; he couldn 't go and to left me alone .
tr	3	I made room to a man to take his tickets , and I put my hands on my head .
tr	3	He smiled again , probably having fun on me , but I was to preoccupy with my face .
tr	3	I opened the envelope , being very curious and started to read it : " My dear Abby .
tr	3	Yours : Damian E.J. P.S. : I hope that the blonde bimbo , Helen , did not read this .
tr	3	I sat on my chair and playing with the little spoon in my coffee , watching in gol .
tr	3	I really wanted for all of us to go somewhere in a beautiful village tonight in the mountains .
tr	3	Laurence was always beside me but not spiritual , meaning the fact that I cannot discuss everything with him .
tr	3	I couldn 't appear with no make-up on my face , or to not smell fresh as the spring .
tr	3	He gave me a kiss on my cheek , and then opens the car door , like a gentleman .
tr	3	He puts his hand on mines and looks directly into my eyes , making me blush .
tr	3	And ... You are the only person who understands me , especially what I am . "
tr	3	" You know Abby , I don 't know , with you I feel much myself .
tr	3	And then to wait in silence untill Alex arrives to kill me , I deserved it .
tr	3	And if I would tell you , probably you would freak out and you would run away from me .
tr	3	I don 't know what to say Abby ; I like you to much to loose you . "
tr	3	He steered the wheel to the left and parked slowly the car on some rocks , stopping the engine .
tr	3	I felt my eyes free and my first looks were two white lounge chairs , a flaming torch .
tr	3	Lars asked me , even him being nervous by the way he was rubbing his hands .
tr	3	" I said that somehow in a joke mode , but wow , you left me speechless .
tr	3	I was shocked to discover that a good thing can happen even to me in life .
tr	3	Lars took my hand softly and drove me to the lounge chairs , taking a seat .
tr	3	He was happy by my reaction and I was this close to explode because of the enthusiasm .
tr	3	Instead of enjoying the moment ... For your sake , I rent this place for us tonight . "
tr	3	I should send a letter to my teacher with many thanks because she sent me in Greece .
tr	3	I raised my eyebrows , but left them down when I saw that he was laughing .
tr	3	" I don 't want to be leaky , but how did you broke up with her ? "
tr	3	I really didn 't know what to say to him , fearing to know make it worse the situation .
tr	3	My parents wanted me to go to a shrink or to talk with someone , but I refused it .
tr	3	Probably in his place , I would go crazy , or who knows what I was capable of doing .
tr	3	Was a little hut , I got in and was indeed a bath with mirrors and toilets .
tr	3	I took out the red lipstick from my little bag and a little make-up to look fresh .
tr	3	In the little hut entered three drunk boys and when they saw me , they stopped in the threshold .
tr	3	The guy , which hit me , pulled up my dress , trying to pull out my underwear .
tr	3	The German , which kept me , thrown me down , dashing to Laurence , but nothing .
tr	3	He started to laugh and thrown his knife away , coming to me and pulled me up .
tr	3	I started to wash myself , especially that I was full of blood because of the arcade .
tr	3	If you care about your precious life , I suggest you to leave me alone ... Got that ? "
tr	3	Maybe you 're e together with that Laurence ... I 'm not making love stories . "
tr	3	I didn 't think twice and started to run to the car , but he reached me faster .
tr	3	I was much more then traumatized , in that moments of terror Laurence died for me .
tr	3	But no more matter , I had to stay away from Laurence , until will not be too late .
tr	3	I was no longer able to talk because of the fright and of the unstoppable crying .
tr	3	My head was exploding and I started to take all of the things from the chairs .
tr	3	Chapter VII - The Trip I prepared my mini bad for this trip in the mountains .
tr	3	" Never mind , not today ... we have to talk Abby ; you 're making a huge mistake .
tr	3	I do what I want ... " " It is my business , because I 'm your supervisor .
tr	3	" Abby , I will talk with you teacher and you will leave Greece in a jiffy . "
tr	3	She didn 't got a kick ass from Damian , but definitely from me she will have it .
tr	3	" I missed you so damn much ; I thought I would never see you . "
tr	3	" From my side ... everything ok , me and my wife are happy that you love our son .
tr	3	You are a good kid same as him , just that he has a little problem . "
tr	3	" I thought about this too , but don 't worry , I know how to temper him . "
tr	3	And I woke up hugged by him and after that he kissed my forehead like a true parent .
tr	3	Said Lars , playing with me , hugging me , and stealing from me a big sensual kiss .
tr	3	Helen got out from her car and she got scared seeing me in the way I was .
tr	3	" No Helen , just drive me to the hotel , we are not doing anything .
tr	3	" Yes but ... " " I told you , I don 't want to talk about this . "
tr	3	She didn 't argument with me no longer , maybe realizing that I had nothing to say .
tr	3	She was driving like a beginner , being sometimes horned by the other cars on the rode .
tr	3	I don 't want to explain to no one , it 's strict my business . "
tr	3	I arrived at the third floor , gasping , and I saw him at his door .
tr	3	" Damian ... " I whispered , and this time was my turn to lean my look .
tr	3	I am an idiot because I let myself away with the flood , because I was jealous .
tr	3	But you lied , telling me a bunch of craps that I have to stay here a bloody month .
tr	3	But I had to tell him the reason , so I took a deep breath and I rattled .
tr	3	" The answer to the both lies is : I didn 't want you to go !
tr	3	I agreed and I got up , putting the empty glass on the table , heading towards the door .
tr	3	My heart was demanding me to tell him back the same words , but my mind flew to Laurence .
tr	3	The phone rang again , but this time to announce me that I 've got a message .
tr	3	Even if somehow I knew how possibly sent me one , I take it and look too see it .
tr	3	I don 't know what happened , I just woke up this morning , realizing I was in bed .
tr	3	Probably he wanted to tell me about his illness , not knowing that I already knew about it .
tr	3	I was a coward and I couldn 't decide what I wanted , Damian as a friend or lover ?
tr	3	I have the impression that she thinks we are best friends forever or something like that .
tr	3	Anyway , I took a cab being stressed and I told the driver where to take me .
tr	3	Even Laurence didn 't manage until now to touch my soul that deep like Damian did .
tr	3	I went slowly to him , and I saw a big bouquet of white roses on my chair .
tr	3	Laurence made a sign to the waiter , and he came with a false smile on his lips .
tr	3	I was anxious , but in the same time I wanted to look hypocrite and upset .
tr	3	When Lars opened his mouth to say something , the waiter came to our table with the drink .
tr	3	But I knew from the start about his mood and still I fall in love with him .
tr	3	I 'm scared , but it 's my fault that I didn 't told you from the beginning .
tr	3	" Please Laurence , have faith , anything you will tell me will not change the situation . "
tr	3	I really don 't know what to say , just that this Alex took care for hurting me . "
tr	3	I lied him , but that truth with the rape thing he has not to know .
tr	3	That day I will never forget not even Laurence explanations or meeting Alex on the beach .
tr	3	I smiled , but I couldn 't not possible think that Damian left with one of those .
tr	3	Jay said with a warm smile , and I hated myself for lying but what could I do .
tr	3	" Helen , don 't your feet are dead because of that high hills you wearing ?
tr	3	I just wanted so bad a shower , I would give my soul for it in that moment .
tr	3	" Honestly Helen , I 'm interested to meet hot guys or to have love stories with them .
tr	3	I was praying to arrive already at the destination , to not be needed to support her .
tr	3	" Your colleague will arrive in 5 minutes and I don 't know where the sea port is . "
tr	3	" Of course I knew , but I didn 't know what to dress with . "
tr	3	The Mother Nature was a little selfish , because the view was not that rich in the vegetation side .
tr	3	I didn 't hesitate to ask why she was dressed in that way on that heats .
tr	3	" Yeah , of course , just that I 'm so impressed by the way everything looks here . "
tr	3	Laurence smiled to me without answering my question , going to the luggage , starting to unpack them .
tr	3	If he didn 't want to tell me , means that he had a good reason for it .
tr	3	You saw that I didn 't ran from the table when you told me about your condition .
tr	3	I want somehow to forget my problem , and to try to enjoy this trip . "
tr	3	" But still Lars , wouldn 't be much better if you will tell me why we are here ?
tr	3	It 's not just for a small cute family trip , I know it 's something more then that .
tr	3	The fire was inflaming in me and I was about to do anything for finding my answer .
tr	3	Was a silent night , only the crickets and some barks father away could be heard .
tr	3	To bad that only in the summer I can see it , when it is so hot outside . "
tr	3	" But you are not from here Miss ... " " Please , call me Mara .
tr	3	From what I know , the Greek don 't like that much people from the Orient zone . "
tr	3	My neighbors see me only in summer time , and they know I came from Cyprus . "
tr	3	And he also told me that you are a very special person for the Mill family .
tr	3	I brought you here and Damian Jones too , on this island on this case . "
tr	3	" What I will about to tell you , will be our little secret , ok ? "
tr	3	You implicated with your soul , you look at people , as they are , human .
tr	3	Even if ironically , he wants to become a psychologist and he has a big problem . "
tr	3	Once you enter in , it waits you a dark nightmare world and a world of pills . "
tr	3	Now that you know the truth , I would ask you to not tell Laurence . "
tr	3	She entered the house , leaving me on the bench with the glass in my hands , thinking .
tr	3	How interesting was to discover the truth , but more sadly was with Damian , poor of him .
tr	3	" But you told me to not tell ... " " To not tell him now .
tr	3	" I still don 't understand why we took luggage with us just for two days ? "
tr	3	Was coming from the opened balcony , the silk curtains was waving in the hands of the wind .
tr	3	You know Damian Edward Jones , the third if I can say even the royal name .
tr	3	Of course was familiar to me , he was ... " You 're Damian 's father . "
tr	3	You are the only person which stood near my son , who can help him . "
tr	3	Sorry Mr. Jones , but I ... I don 't actually believe in this paranormal things . "
tr	3	My family did not agree for me to see a usual , peasant , a commoner human .
tr	3	That is why Abigail , do everything that can stands in your power to help him ! "
tr	3	I was still in the car , and Laurence was sleeping like a baby , with his arms crossed .
tr	3	" I mean that he is cold with me , did he told you something ? "
tr	3	" If you want to know something , why you just don 't ask the source ? "
tr	3	Checkmate , he got me in the corner and I didn 't had a single way to escape .
tr	3	Ok , the truth ... did he wanted the really truth or the truth that I spoke with Mara ?
tr	3	On the other hand , myself was looking down , Damian 's face coming into my mind .
tr	3	He didn 't say anything and we went to his room , seating on the bed .
tr	3	" How to act different with you , when you aren 't saying a damn word to me ?
tr	3	If you 'll make just one step throw that door , you will loose me for good ! "
tr	3	Because you are such a bitch , your project and Damian as well got canceled by your teachers . "
tr	3	" I took care of calling you teacher and to tell her what you 're doing on the island .
tr	3	I didn 't want to stay in that hotel a bit , but until morning what should I do ?
tr	3	I had to reach Damian , before he could make a reckless act and to regret all my life .
tr	3	Even if you do not deserve my help , and because I love you , I will help you .
tr	3	I arrived to the reception , and for my relief was no one there except the young receptionist .
tr	3	Helen was coming towards me very fast , wanting probably to end up the boxing game .
tr	3	I can tell , after so many hits , plus that you smash your head on the parking border .
tr	3	Even morning after the pinky line , which would be the rising sun space , from his window .
tr	3	Even if after I will tell you , you have the right to end what Helen started . "
tr	3	" I 'm sorry but ... I knew ... I knew you somehow before we met personal .
tr	3	I didn 't had words to spill , and to repeat amazed was not good enough .
tr	3	" So , if we speak about the truth , you deserve to know yourself one .
tr	3	" No ... It 's impossible ... means that ... with the love thing was a plan ? "
tr	3	The amazed thing that I had when he told me the all truth was nothing beside this proposal thing .
tr	3	But I love you so much and I want to spend my life with you . "
tr	3	I wasn 't surprise at all , but I didn 't think to take an umbrella or something .
tr	3	When I was about to take one , an old man was faster then me , taking it .
tr	3	I couldn 't be indifferent by Damian 's situation , I had to see how he was doing .
tr	3	Maybe I was doing a wrong thing with Laurence , to become the future Miss Mill , Abigail Mill .
tr	3	I saw a little sign and I headed at it to read the name of the street I was .
tr	3	I watched the signs on the each house I passed it , which was written the number .
tr	3	I knocked again , but this time with a bit of more straight , like a cheap jack .
tr	3	I saw a ring bell button and with some power , I pushed it , to be heard .
tr	3	I waited in silent , and my heart came into my throat when someone was coming at the door .
tr	3	" Sorry , if you desire something else , tell me , we drink tea a lot . "
tr	3	A huge painting with a ship on a storm sea time , took over my attention .
tr	3	Mrs. Jones puts the cups on the front sofa table , and I took a seat smiling .
tr	3	" And he doesn 't have a phone number , to call him that I am here . "
tr	3	" Unfortunately yes , I would ... I have a lot of work to do . "
tr	3	I knew too much Damian for him to have friends , and to go out with them .
tr	3	" Damian is not ... " " Why aren 't you telling me the truth ? "
tr	3	On the other hand , I was smiling honestly , waiting for her to tell me the truth .
tr	3	A black thought came into my mind , thrilling me , fearing that someway was too late .
tr	3	" You know , this will sound weird but Damian 's dad came to me in a dream .
tr	3	A young man , with blond long hair ... I dreamt a very beautiful mansion , Mrs. Kate .
tr	3	I was too in shock , and from her serious voice , I realized it was like that .
tr	3	Silence , I was hearing only the raindrops outside and my thoughts , being so tortuous and weird .
tr	3	" It really doesn 't matter , if he is the Damian I know or not .
tr	3	I took a seat on one of these chairs , and next to me , Mrs. Jones took one .
tr	3	He was very thin , with dark circles around his eyes and his skin was pale .
tr	3	He said , scaring me much more then before , and I dried fast my tears .
tr	3	Damian came fast back in the room , being happy , carrying a piece of paper .
tr	3	Once he had died , several months ago , it hadn 't affected Miriam 's life very much .
tr	3	It was a large , heavy book , so it made a nice , loud thwack .
tr	3	She wiped the window with her sleeve , smearing the glass and her shirt in the process .
tr	3	" But it 's high time for you to have your supper and get to bed . "
tr	3	The maid shook her head , frowned , and slammed the sitting room door shut in return .
tr	3	Upstairs , Miriam found her nightgown was laid out on a chair in front of the fire .
tr	3	Miss Osbourne would have helped her get undressed , but now she had to do it by herself .
tr	3	There was a large trunk at the foot of the bed that she intended to explore .
tr	3	Miriam unlocked the trunk with a large key , reached inside , and pulled something out .
tr	3	As the day ended , the rain began in earnest and blew nearly sideways from the wind .
tr	3	One was rather tall with blond hair that curled on his neck and an athlete 's body .
tr	3	" Come in , Virgil , Simon ; why are you both just standing there ? "
tr	3	" You might as well know who your new masters will be , " she added .
tr	3	A tray lined with a white cloth rested on a low table in front of the sofa .
tr	3	His nose wrinkled , and he sniffed the liquid inside before he poured himself a large glass .
tr	3	" It 's no trouble , sir , " Furnace replied with an inquiring lift of one eyebrow .
tr	3	" Yes , yes , " the man spluttered , " but -- have some important papers inside .
tr	3	Theodosia frowned , thought for a moment , and said , " No , nothing else .
tr	3	In annoyance , she watched Furnace bow , step back , and close the door behind him .
tr	3	" Virgil , " she said , " I simply cannot put up with such impertinence from servants .
tr	3	It seems as if I shall have to train the staff to my own liking . "
tr	3	He refilled his glass and sat on the settee where Miriam had been hiding earlier with a contented sigh .
tr	3	Her eyes darted over the plate of cakes , in the same manner as she had eyed the hallway .
tr	3	With his mouth full , Simon said , " Neil hasn 't had anything to eat yet .
tr	3	" If I might take the liberty , madam ; the two boys will share a room . "
tr	3	" Miss Miriam is in her own bedchamber , down the hall from her father 's room . "
tr	3	Footsteps went past her door -- Simon and Neil had obeyed the order to go their temporary room .
tr	3	Miriam lay on the floor , not realizing that she would have to move to another bedroom soon .
tr	3	She was in front of a pair of dark doors that were scraped and scarred with -- what ?
tr	3	In the darkness behind it , there was a tall , forbidding woman whose face was hidden in shadows .
tr	3	He put his hand on top of hers , and she curled her cold fingers around his warm thumb .
tr	3	It was white with more sand and powdered rock , and he knew he had to climb it .
tr	3	The path climbed up the cliff and led into a tunnel that burrowed right through the rock .
tr	3	He didn 't know how to even begin to save her , but somehow he did realize one thing .
tr	3	But now , he saw that he was in a small room , lit with only one small lamp .
tr	3	The lady put it down on the table with the lamp and turned to face Simon .
tr	3	Her silhouetted waist was tiny , and her hair shone like copper in the glow of the lamp .
tr	3	Chapter 3 What the Boys Discovered n their first day in the large house , Simon woke up early .
tr	3	He got out of bed and went to the window , which looked out over the side gardens .
tr	3	Neil was still asleep in the smaller camp bed that had been brought in by George the night before .
tr	3	Simon fell on the larger bed where he had slept the night before , overcome with his own wit .
tr	3	" You should have seen -- " Words failed him , and he doubled over again .
tr	3	Neil got out of bed , trying to look as dignified as one possibly can in pyjamas .
tr	3	" Oh , very funny -- if you are six years old , " he said .
tr	3	I left them here last night -- " " Sent down to the wash , most likely . "
tr	3	" Well , I can 't just take your stuff - " Simon threatened him with another pillow .
tr	3	I 'd like to see the house before the parents get up and start ordering us about . "
tr	3	Of the bloke who used to live here -- Pearson , or Grayson , or whatever his name was .
tr	3	Look , I think the sea is just down the path at the back of the garden .
tr	3	A statue of a wilting female regarded them with a baleful stare , which they ignored .
tr	3	" I think you 're right -- the sound of the waves is in the direction .
tr	3	Neil followed more slowly , pausing to note where they were heading from time to time .
tr	3	He saw that the tree trunks were large , much larger than usual for land near salt water .
tr	3	A series of huge , smooth stones made a steep staircase that led down to the sand below .
tr	3	A stiff wind blew in their faces , but the sun promised a bright , warm day .
tr	3	The waves were retreating , leaving a long stretch of sand that lay wrinkled from the water .
tr	3	A pink , frilled anemone in the clear , cold water promptly folded its miniature tentacles into itself .
tr	3	" I 've never seen anything like that before , and my family lives by the docks .
tr	3	We used to explore rock pools all the time , but that fellow is new to me .
tr	3	He pushed some seaweed to one side to reveal a small creature with bright yellow and black stripes .
tr	3	Most of them were filled with water and brightly colored creatures like the first pool the boys had explored .
tr	3	They crunched over the sand , stopping to pick up a few flat stones for skipping on the waves .
tr	3	Both boys removed their shoes , and Neil swung his in one hand as he breathed the salt air .
tr	3	" Yes , I always miss that smell when I am at school , " Neil said .
tr	3	Are you going to stay here the entire time , or will you return to the docks ?
tr	3	Neil stumbled on a sharp shell , cursed , and joined Simon by the sheer stone .
tr	3	Neil ran his hand over one and could not distinguish where they ended and the rock began .
tr	3	It 's as if someone planed down the cliff itself and set those metal discs into the rock . "
tr	3	" Come on , professor , let 's go and find someplace to eat our grub .
tr	3	" That bit of rock is a different color from the others near the cliff -- see ?
tr	3	Simon spread his arms out to the sides and stared stiffly ahead , waiting for something to happen .
tr	3	" Oh , you mean that one of the bloke with the lines in the geometrical figures . "
tr	3	After a few good-natured shoves , Simon stepped off and watched Neil stand in one stance after another .
tr	3	Simon had already turned away , and he pulled out the large napkin tied around their food .
tr	3	Let 's sit over here and -- " There was a loud scream from the direction of the house .
tr	3	Together , they raced back to the house , away from the waves and silent stones .
tr	3	In the kitchen , Mrs. Williams stood at a broad wooden table , kneading something in a bowl .
tr	3	She sat behind one of the large armchairs , opened the book and bit into the bread .
tr	3	About an hour later , she heard the other occupants begin to move about in the house .
tr	3	A bell rang , and the stairs creaked as Nelly slowly went up to the bedrooms .
tr	3	As Miriam watched , a woman stepped in front of the desk with another sheaf of papers .
tr	3	" These don 't seem to be of any importance , Virgil , " the woman said .
tr	3	However , every man to the deck , and no shirking one 's duty , eh ? "
tr	3	The heavy volume she held in one hand fell to the floor with a loud thud .
tr	3	The man smiled , showing a lot of long teeth , and turned back to Miriam .
tr	3	Em , sorry about his , you know , death , and all that , eh ?
tr	3	Miriam 's clothes were crumpled , since they were the same ones she had worn the night before .
tr	3	" No need for scenes ; let 's just make the best of a bad situation , eh ? "
tr	3	Virgil , who had been standing like a statue to one side , suddenly took action .
tr	3	He tried to rescue some of the documents that had caught fire and were now burning merrily .
tr	3	They 're a bit scorched , but I think the ones she burned were worthless , really . "
tr	3	He blew some ashes off the pile of papers he held and brought them over to the desk .
tr	3	We have a great deal to do , Virgil , if we want to get our business project started .
tr	3	He set the papers down , sat on the edge of the desk , and looked up at her .
tr	3	He was a stickler for organization and a tight profit , despite his shortcomings in other matters .
tr	3	" A few hours of hunger will calm the girl and bring her around to our side .
tr	3	Virgil looked up from the ledger , huffed with relief , and kissed his fingers to her .
tr	3	Can 't you just see her in a ball dress , or a morning gown ? "
tr	3	Be careful with that meal ; I 'm sure you want to keep your position ! "
tr	3	She continued to turn out the contents of drawers , going through musty closets and opening doors .
tr	3	Holding a vase , his wife appeared in the hall below , and looked up at him in astonishment .
tr	3	While they pointedly looked away from him , their backs seemed very interested in what he had to say .
tr	3	" Come to the sitting room , my dear , " he continued in a more quiet tone .
tr	3	Inside the room , Theodosia closed the door and stood with her back flat against it .
tr	3	" My dear , I have agreed to your schemes in all ways regarding the girl .
tr	3	" I could almost believe that she collected the objects before hand and planned the whole attack . "
tr	3	I cannot believe that one child should cause so much difficulty in a large household . "
tr	3	But , " she added , raising one finger , " it will be someone strict .
tr	3	Still , she thought , it had been a good blow she had given ' Uncle Virgil ' .
tr	3	As she watched , the two boys who were also staying in the house walked past .
tr	3	Even though she hadn 't met them yet , Miriam could just imagine what they were like .
tr	3	They were stuck-up , like as not , and they probably talked about rubbish like polo and cricket .
tr	3	Furnace looked around the room and began to pick up some of the objects from the floor .
tr	3	" Miss Miriam , " he said , " it is becoming very untidy in here .
tr	3	Indeed , the bedroom smelled of unwashed clothes , stale food , and of Miriam herself .
tr	3	Somewhat mellowed , he reached for another biscuit and bit into it just as the door reopened .
tr	3	Now she would refuse , go away , and leave him in peace to finish his coffee .
tr	3	He didn 't know why , but somehow he found his hand going to the bell .
tr	3	" Is that Miss , or Mrs. -- oh , look , this is utterly ridiculous .
tr	3	" Your husband and I had just agreed that you must have some questions for me . "
tr	3	Virgil and Theodosia looked at each other confusedly , and he shook his head as if to clear it .
tr	3	" You already have , " the woman said , pointing to a signed paper on the desk .
tr	3	" Er , actually , I have no idea how , or when I signed it .
tr	3	One day , she thought , she would come out of her room , and she would be grown .
tr	3	Miriam opened her eyes wide with shock , unable to believe that Furnace could be such a traitor .
tr	3	I 'll -- " " You 'll do nothing of the sort , " a determined voice said .
tr	3	She pounded weakly on the door a few more times , and backed away and sat on the floor .
tr	3	" But here , this will tide you over until I wash your face and your hands .
tr	3	Reaching into a large bag , she took out a packet and broke off a few squares of chocolate .
tr	3	Miriam immediately dashed forward and grabbed at the sweets , but Mana held up her arm .
tr	3	" But I 'm not taking a bath , " she added with her mouth full .
tr	3	Holding out a black garment , she said , " Come here and get dressed . "
tr	3	" That Woman wants me to wear black , and I 'm not going to ! "
tr	3	Mana turned back to the chest of drawers and began to rummage in another drawer for clean stockings .
tr	3	" You certainly won 't do anything acting the way you have , like a little savage . "
tr	3	Start a pile of dirty clothes here , and let 's put the dishes in the corner . "
tr	3	A thin smile spread over her face as she imagined the governess getting pelted with heavy objects .
tr	3	Her smile faded away , however , as the screams stopped and there was complete silence .
tr	3	Later , a call came from upstairs for hot water , and Theodosia heard the sound of loud splashes .
tr	3	The room was now much tidier , and the windows were opened , letting in some fresh air .
tr	3	" But I 'm not going to -- " Miriam stopped and looked up at Mana .
tr	3	" If I apologize , is that part of , you know , what you said ?
tr	3	You know , part of studying the wall and finding the weaknesses and strengths , and all that ? "
tr	3	" Good evening , Mr. Furnace , " Mana said with complete calm , rounding the corner .
tr	3	A certain light came into Furnace 's eye as he recognized the touch of a master .
tr	3	Miriam bunched her hands into fists , and Mana put one hand on the girl 's shoulder .
tr	3	" Miriam wished to express her apologies to you both before we had dinner , " she said .
tr	3	With the air of one facing a firing squad , she blurted out , " Yes .
tr	3	I 'm very sorry for screaming , and for throwing a croquet ball at you , Uncle Virgil . "
tr	3	" You have been acting like a little savage ; I have never seen the like !
tr	3	You haven 't changed a bit , and you obviously need to go back on bread and water . "
tr	3	" I wouldn 't apologize to you if you were the last people in the world ! "
tr	3	Miriam opened her mouth , shut it , and said , " Please forgive my behavior just now . "
tr	3	She stared at her for a long moment , and slowly Theodosia backed up a step .
tr	3	" Goodnight , Uncle Virgil and Aunt Theodosia , " Miriam said , not paying attention .
tr	3	" That 's about as rude a statement as I ever heard , " Mana said calmly .
tr	3	You 'll need a good school uniform , and the state of your undergarments is ridiculous . "
tr	3	Mana stared at her with her eyebrows raised , and Miriam finally dropped her eyes again .
tr	3	She paused , and said , " You are more like your father than you think .
tr	3	The girl took the governess ' hand , and they walked down the hall to her bedroom .
tr	3	Except it won 't be my room any more , she thought , not after tomorrow .
tr	3	Quietly , she stood up and put the book on the table , and she turned to leave .
tr	3	She had to keep a journal , as well as work on mathematics , Latin and history .
tr	3	Miriam flew downstairs , but when she returned , out of breath , Mana held out a sketchbook .
tr	3	" While Miriam is learning her poetry this afternoon , I 'll arrange the move . "
tr	3	" Well , " Aunt Theodosia flicked one of her quick glances at the governess and hurriedly looked away .
tr	3	" That should be acceptable , as long as you both keep out of Simon 's room . "
tr	3	" And you 'll be on your best behavior if you do encounter him , miss ! "
tr	3	Mana put one hand between Miriam 's shoulder blades and gently propelling her up the stairs .
tr	3	In the schoolroom , Mana ignored Miriam 's protests and opened a book of poetry in front of her .
tr	3	Mana picked up a darning egg and looked at Miriam over the rim of her glasses .
tr	3	It is the way to the servants ' quarters , and now -- to our rooms as well .
tr	3	The stairs were painted white and carpeted with a faded runner , and a rail went up one side .
tr	3	She opened the door that was closest to the top of the stairs , and Miriam walked inside .
tr	3	She had expected the attic room to be dreary , but it was painted white inside .
tr	3	There was a long , low bookshelf on one side that Mana had filled with Miriam 's favorite books .
tr	3	The room was extremely clean , and it smelled of fresh wax , lavender , and clean sheets .
tr	3	Miriam saw that there was an iron handle set into the wall , which pulled out .
tr	3	Mana pulled on the handle , and the wall opened , revealing a long , low cupboard .
tr	3	" As it is yours , not mine , I did not , " Mana answered .
tr	3	Far below , beyond the house gardens , a deep , wide furrow plowed through the thick woods .
tr	3	George came into the kitchen with a pair of bottles , one tucked under each arm .
tr	3	" Very well , have a mince pie , ; it 'll put some flesh on your bones .
tr	3	Nelly carefully measured a square of greased paper against a pan and cut it to fit the bottom .
tr	3	" Mr. Pearson would have wanted us to look after Miss Miriam , " Furnace replied .
tr	3	" Right you are , " George agreed , " otherwise we 'll be let go .
tr	3	" Do you think its right , having a lady from the island as her governess ? "
tr	3	" You 'll just have to do it later , that 's all ; after dinner probably . "
tr	3	Miriam looked up and grinned , and confidently tucked her hand in the crook of Mana 's elbow .
tr	3	He 's living in a completely new house , and he has to adjust to everything . "
tr	3	She tugged Mana 's arm down and claimed her hand as they hurried across the lawns to the house .
tr	3	She considered him for a moment , licked one finger , and used it to smooth his hair back .
tr	3	" I must say , " she added thoughtfully , " that governess has worked out quite well .
tr	3	You always bring him up at every opportunity , just when we 're having a nice chat . "
tr	3	I have nothing to -- " The door opened in the library , and Furnace bowed .
tr	3	Theodosia opened her mouth , shut it again , and wished that tea had already finished .
tr	3	And her gov -- " He turned towards Mana for the first time , and gasped .
tr	3	" Sit down , Miriam , and take the tea your guardian is handing to you . "
tr	3	" Yes , she is , " Miriam said , " and she 's my governess .
tr	3	" No one wants to listen to the schedule of your lessons , " Theodosia said .
tr	3	As she flipped back through what she had written , she found she had filled more than five pages .
tr	3	" Mana , " she complained , " I 'm right in the middle of writing a story !
tr	3	Miriam said , looking over her journal at Mana to see the effect of this thrilling statement .
tr	3	" You may write for ten more minutes , and you will finish it after lessons today . "
tr	3	" Nine and one half minutes , " Mana said decisively , looking at her watch .
tr	3	" Don 't saw the top of your egg with a knife ; it 's vulgar .
tr	3	Wait , Miriam , don 't dash off like that , you still have to learn your lines . "
tr	3	" But you 'll have it by heart shortly , " she continued and cut off Miriam 's protests .
tr	3	And when you 're finished , you may go off on your own for a bit .
tr	3	She listened while Miriam said her lines , nodding with approval and prompting her once or twice .
tr	3	" Nowhere that will bother anyone , " Miriam said , meeting Mana 's gaze steadily .
tr	3	Out in the hall , he heard his mother 's voice as she called for him .
tr	3	As silently as he could , he scuttled down the hallway before she could see him .
tr	3	He chose one of the closed doors in the passage and slipped inside what looked like a guest bedroom .
tr	3	I just want to do some of my prep without my mother looking over my shoulder . "
tr	3	" Get on out of it , " he snarled , pretending to lunge at her .
tr	3	" Maybe her kingdom is being frozen as well by the uncle , " Simon suggested .
tr	3	His eyes narrowed , and shutting the knife with a flick , he threw the pencil back at her .
tr	3	" I should have known better than to try and talk to a little idiot . "
tr	3	" You 're the one who barged in on me , you -- interfering oaf ! "
tr	3	And you , " she added to Miriam , " you are -- you are -- ! "
tr	3	Finally , the girl crossed her arms over her chest and muttered , " Sorry . "
tr	3	" He sharpened my pencil too much , " Miriam explained , holding the offending object up .
tr	3	You have a good imagination ; just picture the teacher that your Aunt Theodosia would hire for you . "
tr	3	" I 'll do the lines , and I won 't pull faces at Aunt Theodosia anymore . "
tr	3	Blow your nose - and again , " she added , after Miriam gave a feeble sniff .
tr	3	Virgil knitted his brows and bent over the neat rows of figures in the most recent account book .
tr	3	And he still hadn 't found the Device that he needed to keep the business going .
tr	3	He created the company with next to nothing and has been reaping profits with no real outlay ever since .
tr	3	" Pearson 's attorney , Fortescue , says the will is quite clear on that point .
tr	3	No , we can 't lose our own money ; it 's taking bread out of our own mouths !
tr	3	My father always told Miss Osbourne that he wanted me to stay inside , or in the garden . "
tr	3	By the time she came back , Miriam was hopping from one foot to the other with suppressed excitement .
tr	3	The path had a tiny gate there to separate the house from the woods and fields beyond .
tr	3	" It must be the wind , " Mana said , giving her a quick prod .
tr	3	A branch snapped and the leaves rustled , followed by a muffled , " Shhhh ! "
tr	3	There were some quiet crashes in the woods , and Simon and Neil appeared at the gate .
tr	3	" Hello , " Mana propped her umbrella in the ground and leaned on it at a dashing angle .
tr	3	Mana shouldered the umbrella like a soldier at a march and strode off towards the cliffs .
tr	3	They reached the stone steps with the " Giants ' Needles , " as Neil now called them .
tr	3	Something prompted him to add , with more politeness , " If you don 't mind the question . "
tr	3	Mana pointed out at the sea , and Miriam screwed up her eyes and strained to see .
tr	3	They could just see two faint white smudges on the horizon , one smaller than the other .
tr	3	" I thought you came from near the West Indies , " Neil said , frowning .
tr	3	But perhaps the location they represent can , with the right kind of energy or the right device . "
tr	3	Your father called it the big star , and the small island was the little star . "
tr	3	" That 's from that song you sang to me , the first night you came here ! "
tr	3	" Now , why don 't the three of you go and look for specimens ? "
tr	3	She produced two nets and a couple of jam jars , and handed them to Simon and Miriam .
tr	3	" Now look what you 've done , " he said , his dark eyebrows twitching together .
tr	3	If we don 't find something larger , I 'm going to have to draw that .
tr	3	Mana called , and they headed back with their prizes to where a picnic was laid out .
tr	3	I think Cook gave us potted shrimps and Scotch eggs , as well as sausage and cress sandwiches . "
tr	3	" In a few weeks , worse luck , " Simon responded , eyeing the last Scotch egg .
tr	3	" I don 't know that you should tell me anything about that , " Mana said , smiling .
tr	3	You three can release the prawn and the starfish , and I 'll pack up the picnic basket . "
tr	3	She squinted at the prawn and poured him out into the pool in a flurry of legs and antennae .
tr	3	" Um , " Simon said , " would you mind very much if we showed Miriam something ?
tr	3	Neil looked at him in surprise , and Simon jerked his head at the cliff wall .
tr	3	" We just want to find some more shells , " Neil offered and received a push from Simon .
tr	3	Miriam picked up a shell , examined it , and tossed it back onto the sand .
tr	3	" My father never allowed me to come to the sea , even though we live so close by .
tr	3	They weren 't glowing , or humming , and the rock wall hadn 't altered in the least .
tr	3	" There has to be some kind of apparatus somewhere that controls them , " Neil mused .
tr	3	" Well , we 'll just have to get to the bottom of it , " Miriam responded .
tr	3	She handed it to Mrs. Williams , who took it and sat at the large wooden table .
tr	3	She seemed to be intent on some inner thoughts of her own , narrowing her eyes in reflection .
tr	3	Greatly daring , Nelly lowered herself onto a chair and took a long slurp of tea .
tr	3	And those children are that hard on their smalls , Mrs. Williams , I 'll have you know .
tr	3	" And she says that I 'm to rearrange but not move any of the contents .
tr	3	How am I to manage it , would you please inform me of that , Mrs. Williams ?
tr	3	The sun streamed in through the window , and the clock on top of the dresser ticked loudly .
tr	3	A loud rap on the window startled the two women , and Nelly gave a faint shriek .
tr	3	She opened the drawers and noted with approval that the contents were folded with mathematical neatness .
tr	3	Miriam 's clothes , all spotlessly clean and ironed , hung from hooks in a neat row .
tr	3	She went and closed the door firmly , turned the key , and opened the lid of the chest .
tr	3	Her hands shook as she lifted it from the sill and carried it back to the chest .
tr	3	The thing still whirred , and she pushed several other keys to try and get it to stop .
tr	3	She rapidly braided Miriam 's mane , twisting the strands into an intricate pattern behind the girl 's head .
tr	3	" May I please wear your comb on top of my head like a conquistador 's lady ? "
tr	3	Now , let 's see how presentable you are - yes , you look quite nice and tidy .
tr	3	Miriam dared to take one peek in the glass as she was shepherded to the door .
tr	3	Simon and Neil were side by side , balanced on the edge of an uncomfortable settee .
tr	3	She breathed a sigh of relief as the adults turned back to each other and continued their conversation .
tr	3	Since there was no polite answer to this , Miriam merely raised the corners of her mouth .
tr	3	He inclined his head as he spoke and smiled at Theodosia , and her cheeks grew pink .
tr	3	Theodosia touched her lips to her glass and put it back on one small glass table .
tr	3	" My last company wasn 't nearly as good as this one , " Mr. Cantwell replied .
tr	3	Uncle Virgil grew rather pink as well and began to bluster , and Miriam made silent gagging noises .
tr	3	On the settee , unseen by his parents , Simon rolled his eyes and held his nose .
tr	3	Miriam wanted to retort that she had been spoken to , but that might have reflected back on Mana .
tr	3	On the whole , it was easier to sit and be quiet and hope to be ignored .
tr	3	" Oh , now , you are to feel free to ask as many questions as you like .
tr	3	They would expound on the poor fool who won her heart too , she was certain .
tr	3	With a start , she realized that Mr. Cantwell had spoken to her and was waiting for her answer .
tr	3	She would be polite and tactful , that was certain ; Miriam could try to do the same .
tr	3	A host of angry replies came to Miriam 's tongue , but she bit them back .
tr	3	She got to her feet and turned for the door , realizing that Mr. Cantwell had risen with her .
tr	3	As she closed the door behind her , she heard him say , " Charming , really !
tr	3	Maybe , she hoped , Simon was now getting the lecture and question treatment from Mr. Cantwell .
tr	3	Miriam leaned her cheek on one hand as she considered her paper and Mana 's suggestions .
tr	3	In her mind , she pictured the Roman soldiers shivering beside one of the many gates in the wall .
tr	3	" Be careful of that one , " Mana said softly , pointing to the new partner .
tr	3	" Your uncle is easy to follow , as he takes things for granted and makes many assumptions .
tr	3	Eventually , the essay was reworded to Mana 's satisfaction , and she set Miriam to copying it out .
tr	3	Still , it is interesting that Mr. Cantwell left your uncle behind in the woods . "
tr	3	Miriam whispered loudly , forgetting to add , " And he 's not my uncle . "
tr	3	" But what is -- " Mana shushed her again and drew Miriam 's original essay towards her .
tr	3	With smooth movements , Mana tore the sheet into quarters and went over to the fireplace .
tr	3	" Eat your bread , and you may work on your story for a bit . "
tr	3	At tea that afternoon , Miriam continued the tactic of being polite and as quiet as possible .
tr	3	She hid her amusement as Cantwell apologized for getting lost in the park and not getting any game .
tr	3	" I am such an idiot about directions , " he said , throwing a melting look at Theodosia .
tr	3	She fancies him , Miriam thought , watching the concerned way Theodosia looked into Cantwell 's eyes .
tr	3	" Of course , dear fellow , " Virgil said , sloshing liquid into his own glass .
tr	3	" Well , he has a nice friend , " Mana said , echoing Miriam 's thoughts .
tr	3	Still , I 'm going to keep watching that partner , to see if he leaves any clues .
tr	3	Clues to what , she wasn 't certain , but she was certain that she 'd find something .
tr	3	" Want to go down to the cliff and see what 's going on with those circles ? "
tr	3	" We go down those steps once or twice a day , and nothing ever happens .
tr	3	" Um , that is -- it might be a good idea to knock first . "
tr	3	" As it happens , we are almost finished for the day , " she said .
tr	3	" Now , why is it that you want to visit a schoolroom during your holidays ? "
tr	3	Miriam 's pen dripped , and she covered her writing with a sheet of blotting paper .
tr	3	" I 'm writing about how you aren 't really so bad , " Miriam said .
tr	3	You 're a fellow student at Simon 's school , aren 't you , Neil ? "
tr	3	" Otherwise , I 'd be working with my father and mother at the docks . "
tr	3	" You know , the story about the dragonfly warrior and the wasp 's chessboard . "
tr	3	Neil quickly gave a perfunctory dunk , and his hands were wiped for him with a linen towel .
tr	3	Maybe , if he chewed as fast as he decently could , the dinner would be over faster .
tr	3	And now this Cantwell fellow is coming back to stay , with his foul sister . "
tr	3	" Do you have to put up with her needling you like that all the time ? "
tr	3	" At least you don 't have to be her One Great Hope , " Neil said .
tr	3	Miriam stared at her ; for some reason , she had never considered Mana having parents .
tr	3	With a glance at Miriam , Neil stood , mumbled goodbye , and they left the room .
tr	3	Mana seemed to have gone all silent , so she was left to her own devices .
tr	3	" I 'm going to get a book from the library , " Miriam told Mana casually .
tr	3	Mana looked at her over her lenses , but she merely nodded and went back to her sewing .
tr	3	She wanted to find some hidden journals , rolled parchments , or perhaps a missing will or two .
tr	3	She tried the side drawers of the desk , but only the top one opened when she pulled it .
tr	3	It was full of blank writing paper , gummed labels , lumps of sealing wax and pencils .
tr	3	She hunted around on the desk and in the open drawer , but could find nothing .
tr	3	After reading that sentence in the letter , Miriam suddenly saw him as a different person .
tr	3	I won 't tell on you ; I just want to see what it is . "
tr	3	Miriam , leaning against the house and feeling her own heart thud in her chest , laughed as well .
tr	3	Chapter 16 Barbara his is my sister , " Mr. Cantwell said , drawing the stranger forward .
tr	3	" We shouldn 't stand on ceremony if we are to be in business together . "
tr	3	The sister smiled faintly and lowered her head , her veil casting an attractive shadow over her face .
tr	3	He handed a glass to his partner , and offered , " Why not stay here for the moment ?
tr	3	Miriam thought to herself , she means , she could find out the name of her dressmaker .
tr	3	" Think on it , in any case , " Virgil said , emptying his glass down his throat .
tr	3	Again the brother and sister regarded each other , and a message seemed to pass between them .
tr	3	He bounded to his feet and offered Barbara his arm , which she took with a smile .
tr	3	Theodosia , Miriam noted , was beaming at the sight of her son shepherding Barbara into the garden .
tr	3	As they moved outdoors , Miriam maneuvered her way to Neil 's side and whispered , " Neil !
tr	3	Still , she missed talking to him about her stories and laughing with him and Neil after lessons .
tr	3	He added in a burst of confidence , " He was pretty damned boring while it lasted . "
tr	3	" I 'm going to keep an eye on them , " she said , squinting ferociously at Neil .
tr	3	" I don 't know if I should , " he said , his ears turning pink .
tr	3	He continued , " Although , it won 't do any good if it 's like the last time .
tr	3	He 's deaf and blind to the world when he 's infatuated with a female . "
tr	3	Simon twirled his towel into a rope and hit Neil on the seat of his trousers .
tr	3	You 've finally lost it , " Neil said , disengaging himself as rapidly as possible .
tr	3	" And we 've always got to go and visit them , with a large picnic ! "
tr	3	He looked like his sister , Miriam thought , with those strange eyes and thick hair .
tr	3	His clothes were just as well-made as hers , but he appeared to have been poured into them .
tr	3	" Yes , that is my name , and a heavy burden it has always been to me . "
tr	3	She could feel another snort of laughter rising in her throat , but she managed to choke it back .
tr	3	" Well , if you want us to stay ... " Barbara trailed off meaningfully , smiling at Simon .
tr	3	" I suppose we could manage it , don 't you , Valiant , my love ?
tr	3	I hope I won 't keep you awake at night , reading in my room . "
tr	3	Theodosia turned to him with a look of furious surprise , and even Mr. Cantwell seemed nonplussed .
tr	3	" I could take you down to the sea every afternoon , if you like . "
tr	3	Miriam choked into her napkin and was reprimanded by Theodosia , but Neil didn 't let up the attack .
tr	3	" None of that nonsense of men staying behind at the table , Virgil , " she said .
tr	3	She hoped that she , Neil and -- yes , even Simon - would be dismissed soon .
tr	3	Surprisingly , she poured for Neil first and passed him a delicate cup filled to overflowing .
tr	3	" Have a biscuit , " she added , putting a delicate wafer on the saucer .
tr	3	" Go on , you take it , " he shot back , shoving the cup into her hands .
tr	3	Simon hung over her shoulder , holding a few sheets of music as she settled herself on the stool .
tr	3	Miriam stiffened as Mr. Cantwell sat next to her , putting one arm along the back of the sofa .
tr	3	In order to change the topic of conversation , she asked , " How is the coffee ?
tr	3	Quickly , she went to his side , grasped the cup and pulled it from his hands .
tr	3	At the piano , Simon was scowling again , and Barbara 's delicate eyebrows were raised .
tr	3	And , I regret to add that it is time for Miriam to go to bed . "
tr	3	Obviously she wanted to say no to Mana , but she also wanted the girl to leave .
tr	3	As Miriam followed Mana up the stairs , she noticed that her governess ' body was shaking .
tr	3	Astonished , Miriam saw that her elegant , composed governess was indulging in a fit of the giggles .
tr	3	I 'm always afraid I 'll knock off the handle whenever I have to use one . "
tr	3	The porcelain was so fine that the light shone right through it , making the cup glow .
tr	3	" Miriam , " she asked , " did you drink from this cup at all ? "
tr	3	He sat down next to Mana and looked through the books that were piled next to her .
tr	3	" I think I 'll write to my parents and tell them that I 'll come home soon . "
tr	3	Thank goodness I have Mana to talk to , even if she does ask lots of questions . "
tr	3	" But you could , you know , cloud their minds while we looked , " Miriam argued .
tr	3	Well , who is he to say what you can or can 't tell me ? "
tr	3	" I can 't believe you didn 't say anything to me , " she muttered .
tr	3	" I 'd like to see them as well , if you don 't mind , " Mana said .
tr	3	Miriam , watching him , realized that Neil found Mana just as attractive as Simon found Miss Cantwell .
tr	3	The house , in the late sun , was immensely quiet , and he wondered where Neil was .
tr	3	Miriam made a disgusted noise and sat back down beside Neil , who looked uncertainly at Simon .
tr	3	Neil and Miriam looked at each other guiltily , and Neil answered , " Nothing . "
tr	3	" Well , that 's what Barb -- my parents said , and Mr. Cantwell agreed . "
tr	3	" He could hardly say anything else , since he probably engineered the whole thing . "
tr	3	" Don 't ever accuse her again to me , " he said in a choked voice .
tr	3	If he grew more annoyed as Miriam and Neil stuck together , he didn 't show it .
tr	3	Barbara , watching events with her strange , dark orange eyes , smiled to herself and said little .
tr	3	When she did talk , it was to Simon , in a low , husky , confiding tone .
tr	3	Miriam , keeping in mind Mana 's orders to stay silent , stayed next to Neil on the settee .
tr	3	She wished she could root through Miss Cantwell 's fashionable leather trunk or at least search her pockets .
tr	3	The late summer sun dyed the wall red behind them , and the light hit the dark curls .
tr	3	" He will be much safer there , and it will be better for you as well .
tr	3	" But Neil and he will have left , and I 'll have no one to talk to ! "
tr	3	Mana gave her a little nudge and began to comb out the curls around the girl 's face .
tr	3	" You will listen to me when I speak to you , " she said in a low tone .
tr	3	" Still , it is not , nor will it ever be , for sale . "
tr	3	At that , Barbara turned away suddenly with a swish of silk skirts and was gone .
tr	3	Mana stood still for a long moment , and she opened the drawer of Miriam 's bedside table .
tr	3	I never sensed her there , and I usually ... Who knows what she heard ? "
tr	3	Miriam nodded , feeling as though she had thousands of questions with no time left to ask them .
tr	3	" By all means , " he said , striding forward and grasping the delicate thing .
tr	3	She came very close to him , but didn 't move to pass through the doorway .
tr	3	" Miss Cantwell , I 'll have you know I only have one more year of school ! "
tr	3	He looked down at her , fascinated by the perfect shape of her eyebrows against her white forehead .
tr	3	" I don 't know , " he said , " I never really thought about it . "
tr	3	Of course , there will be some difficult things we will all have to do before . "
tr	3	Still , if we -- if you -- do them well , you shall have your real reward . "
tr	3	When I first met her , I thought she was one of the rudest girls I 'd ever seen .
tr	3	Now that I 've gotten to know her , I think she 's all right , for a girl .
tr	3	" Boring annoyances , " he repeated , frowning slightly , his eyes intent on her face .
tr	3	No one noticed , however , thanks to Barbara 's bright chatter and constant stream of conversation .
tr	3	" They do well enough , " Theodosia responded with a sniff , putting down her cup .
tr	3	" Well , one can hardly be happy about having a native in the house , " Theodosia said .
tr	3	" And let me ask you this , Theo -- would you like to get rid of her ? "
tr	3	" I 'll do it , " Valiant offered , putting his cigar in a silver holder .
tr	3	" Wonder if she has any middle names -- Gaga or Lala or whatever it is ? "
tr	3	Words failed Theodosia for a moment , and she moved her mouth , looking rather like a fish .
tr	3	" Simply let me see the item , and I 'll recant my charge , " she said .
tr	3	" Go on , " Theodosia said to Mana , " show it to her at once ! "
tr	3	Barbara will promise to only look at it and not touch , won 't you , Barbara ? "
tr	3	" I 'm sorry if you have misunderstood , Miss Cantwell , but it is very important to me .
tr	3	Theodosia blinked and said , slowly , " Maybe it would be best if we just forget everything . "
tr	3	" Now , now , careful , Miriam , " he said pleasantly as she tore at him .
tr	3	" You 'll give me a bruise , or even worse , you 'll untie my cravat !
tr	3	The door closed with finality , and Miriam sobbed as she heard Mana 's swift steps going upstairs .
tr	3	" I suppose I shall have to supervise her departure , " Theodosia said , heading for the door .
tr	3	" See that the girl stays here ; I want no further contact between her and that woman . "
tr	3	" Done Theo , " Valiant said , effortlessly picking Miriam up and putting her in a chair .
tr	3	" Hey , " Simon said , coming behind Valentine and tapping him on the arm .
tr	3	The man turned from the struggling girl and laughed , deep dimples appearing in his cheeks .
tr	3	Somewhat surprised , Barbara watched him go and jumped as he slammed the door behind him .
tr	3	He carefully tapped off a disc of thick ash into the silver holder by his elbow .
tr	3	Chapter 19 The Night Watchman Express er room seemed very empty that night as Miriam got ready for bed .
tr	3	She put it under her pillow and got into her nightgown , letting her clothes slip to the floor .
tr	3	Miriam sighed , picked up her clothes , and went to the cupboard to hang them up .
tr	3	Furthermore , and most frustrating , Miss Cantwell had called her ' the little girl ' .
tr	3	She was always able to fall asleep right away since Mana came to be her governess .
tr	3	Beyond the door , Miriam knew , there was a terrible dark place where she would be brought .
tr	3	The house was dark and silent , and all the doors in the hallways were closed .
tr	3	There was no sign of any of the servants , so it had to be very late .
tr	3	She headed to the kitchen , but a light was shining from Uncle Virgil 's study .
tr	3	Now she would be discovered out of bed and sent back to her room in disgrace .
tr	3	The light came from the little lamp on the desk , shining down on two pieces of paper .
tr	3	The other paper , lying under the receipt , was a train schedule for the Night Watchman Express .
tr	3	Maybe they were putting her on the late train , since she had missed the other departures .
tr	3	Glancing up at the clock , Miriam saw that it was not as late as she thought .
tr	3	" You 'll never catch the train , " Simon said , looking at his watch .
tr	3	" Well , not now that you 've interrupted me , " Miriam said , annoyed .
tr	3	He grabbed her hand and pushed open the back door , and the three of them stepped outside .
tr	3	" I could have done it , " Simon argued , but he swung himself into the front seat .
tr	3	Cautiously , Simon guided the horse through the gate onto the road , and he grinned suddenly .
tr	3	" Righty -- ho , your Grace , " Simon answered , increasing the speed and making Miriam gasp .
tr	3	Still , it was exhilarating riding down the lane , the tall bushes rushing by on either side .
tr	3	" Well , I 've got a jumper on top , " he said , turning the corner .
tr	3	" No one will notice -- and if they do , they 'll think I 'm wearing striped pants .
tr	3	And besides , one of your stockings is coming down , and they don 't match . "
tr	3	" So that 's what you were doing down there in the dark , " Miriam said .
tr	3	" I wouldn 't mind a biscuit -- that is what you 've got , isn 't it ? "
tr	3	He lowered the window of the carriage , and they heard the mournful whistle of the Night Watchman Express .
tr	3	" I 'd better leave it here in the dark , " Simon said , rolling to a stop .
tr	3	" She probably already left , and we 're making fools of ourselves , waltzing around like this . "
tr	3	It was only a train , she reminded herself ; no need to get into a flap .
tr	3	She was aware of striking the ground , and feeling the sharp flints under one cheek .
tr	3	A very long time seemed to pass , and he fell into a kind of doze .
tr	3	Finally the train hissed , sending out a huge puff of steam , and slowly it moved off .
tr	3	She appeared to be held by two men , and her head was slumping forward on her chest .
tr	3	Mana 's head fell back against the armrest , and Neil saw that her eyes were closed .
tr	3	Take the goods to the dock , mind , and the next crew will be waiting for you there .
tr	3	The voice at the station had said something about " nippers " being on the train .
tr	3	Perhaps he should jump off the cart and go to see what had happened to his friends !
tr	3	With great stealth , he peered out of the hay and over the back of the cart .
tr	3	He discarded that notion ; there had been a nasty tone to the man 's laughter .
tr	3	It now seemed to be composed of lumpy cobblestones , and Neil was bounced about uncomfortably as they descended .
tr	3	" Ho , ho there , " he could hear the driver saying to the horse .
tr	3	From time to time , he chuckled richly to himself , especially after singing a particularly nasty rhyme .
tr	3	Neil moved into a more comfortable position , expecting to hear a cry from Poole , but nothing happened .
tr	3	He opened his eyes suddenly , hearing a loud , crunching sound as of something being dragged over stones .
tr	3	Still , this was the time to escape , if he was going to get away from the man .
tr	3	Not minding the thorns , he pushed into the middle of the gorse and peered out at the sands .
tr	3	Still , they made progress , and the boat slowly faded away into the mist that had sprung up .
tr	3	Oh , please don 't be - " He groaned suddenly , and opened his eyes .
tr	3	" In case you hadn 't noticed , we seem to be rushing along in a train .
tr	3	I don 't feel like jumping off a moving engine , thank you very much . "
tr	3	" My point is that we 're not free , and it 's ridiculous to say so . "
tr	3	" Well , at least I can scratch my nose now , " Miriam said , itching violently .
tr	3	" Well , since you have all the answers , now what are we going to do ? "
tr	3	" Oh , we 'll never hear the end of that now , I suppose . "
tr	3	She opened her mouth to scream , feeling herself falling off the cliff , and was jolted awake .
tr	3	The door was closed , but Nelly had the feeling that something had happened there recently .
tr	3	And I hurt meself in the dark , on that -- " She pointed to the CROWN PHOENIX .
tr	3	She picked up the typing machine and looked at it , turning it this way and that .
tr	3	Breaking into a run , she dashed out of the room , shouting , " Virgil !
tr	3	The palms of his hands , long unused to prolonged rowing , were scarred with welts and blisters .
tr	3	The sun overhead was fiercely hot , but the heat felt as though it would change soon .
tr	3	Sin number one : stealing a boat , the worst crime possible for the son of a fisherman .
tr	3	At the water 's edge , Neil had hesitated , unsure of what he should do next .
tr	3	Neil groaned and squeezed his eyes shut , more against his rushing thoughts than the burning sun .
tr	3	Sitting in the little boat , Neil knew that he had just irrevocably changed his life for the worse .
tr	3	A yellow haze moved over the sun , in front of an ominous pack of dark clouds .
tr	3	They both liked mechanics and mathematics , although Simon was also a fast runner and a bruising rider .
tr	3	When Simon had invited Neil to spend the summer at his house , he couldn 't believe it .
tr	3	He had met Miriam , the daughter of a millionaire , and had eventually become friends with her .
tr	3	He felt for the collecting bottle and realized that he must have lost it in the storm .
tr	3	He also had no idea what his position was , since the wind had blown him off course .
tr	3	Neil continued to steer as best he could through the calmed sea , but finally his body gave up .
tr	3	He had to fight the urge to reach over and gulp a mouthful of the salty , lethal sea .
tr	3	Neil saw the scene so clearly that he could hear the loud waves against the rocks .
tr	3	Neil tried to speak back to her , but his swollen tongue wouldn 't move in his mouth .
tr	3	Just help me rescue her if it 's at all possible , and help me to find my friends .
tr	3	The boat bumped again , and he turned to squint at the water behind and beneath him .
tr	3	Neil rolled into the sea and sank , arms and legs waving in a desperate attempt to stay afloat .
tr	3	He broke surface , gasping and turned around in the water , listening for the waves .
tr	3	The stars wheeled above him , and in an instant they were all extinguished in velvety darkness .
tr	3	Neil listened for a moment and realized the gasps and rattles were the sound of his own breath .
tr	3	He wanted to spit the stuff out , but he had no energy to sit up or move .
tr	3	All he could see , however , was a thin silhouette , blue from the sunlight behind it .
tr	3	He managed to push himself up on one arm , but he simply couldn 't hold his head up .
tr	3	His limbs felt more like legs instead of rubber , but Neil managed to hobble beside her .
tr	3	The only thing he had in mind was to push his way towards the hidden river .
tr	3	the girl called again , racing over to where he stood , gasping with the effort to drink faster .
tr	3	In a far corner , there was even a huge birdcage , inhabited by a large parrot .
tr	3	Instantly , the woman was at his side , and she put one hand on his arm .
tr	3	She guided him down a serpentine path as she spoke , and as they neared the house Neil gasped .
tr	3	A porch , shaded and set with seats , couches and even hanging chairs , bordered the front .
tr	3	Long tables on both the balcony and the porch held small figurines done in the same style .
tr	3	In my entire life , I have never seen anyone as dirty as you are right now . "
tr	3	" Don 't let me interfere with your plans , " Neil said , feeling uncomfortable .
tr	3	The fat man bowed a few more times and retired with a broad grin on his face .
tr	3	" Now , Riki , you may help yourself , but put it on a plate . "
tr	3	He shook his head and swallowed a mouthful of coconut rice mixed with seeds and raisins .
tr	3	He took a long swallow of the orange drink , which was cold , sweet , and delicious .
tr	3	" Come with me , and I 'll show you to a room where you can sleep . "
tr	3	" We 'll talk later , " she repeated insistently , leading him into the house .
tr	3	Neil had a confused impression of cool darkness , huge rooms , and more beautifully carved furniture .
tr	3	For a moment , he lay with his eyes closed and a smile on his face .
tr	3	He suddenly was gripped with the dreadful certainty that someone was in the room with him .
tr	3	The huge man poured steaming water into a sunken bath in one far corner of the room .
tr	3	He caught sight of the boy , smiled broadly and bowed five or six times . "
tr	3	With another bow , he set a pile of towels by the tub and backed out of the room .
tr	3	He dipped one toe in , pulled his nightshirt off , and quickly stepped in . "
tr	3	Neil put them on , along with some soft leather slippers with pointed toes that lay beside the clothes .
tr	3	At least , half of it had -- one side of her hair still swung loose .
tr	3	Seeing him , she bounced up and inspected him from head to toe without a jot of shame . "
tr	3	Already he owed her an incredible debt , and he had no way to repay it .
tr	3	Riki immediately took a chair , sat in it , and held on with both hands to the arms .
tr	3	The long , smooth muscles in her arms worked as she began to rock it back and forth .
tr	3	" Riki -- " " And thank you for the clothes as well , " Neil continued desperately .
tr	3	A tall , bearded man entered , followed by two others that looked like younger copies of the first .
tr	3	Her father turned and considered Neil for a moment , looking at him with an unblinking stare .
tr	3	You shouldn 't take in strangers just because Riki has found them ; this boy could be dangerous . "
tr	3	And I assure you that I mean no harm to you or to your family . "
tr	3	" I think I 'll change my name , " Riki complained , but she subsided .
tr	3	Can 't we all at least sit down and eat , and talk like human beings ? "
tr	3	The fat cook smiled and bowed at least ten times before he retreated , presumably to his kitchen .
tr	3	It was filled with what looked like huge shrimp , coated with spices and bursting out of their shells .
tr	3	She stuffed one in her mouth , balanced three more on her plate , and went back to eating .
tr	3	he wondered , considering her skinny wrists , which looked like twigs poking out of her turquoise tunic .
tr	3	She became aware of his gaze and blurted out , " You 're not eating anything . "
tr	3	Riki giggled , but she caught a glance from her father 's eye and quickly subsided .
tr	3	He quickly folded the napkin , turned and folded again , and pulled on two corners .
tr	3	She came back to the table and demanded , " How did you do that ? "
tr	3	Neil reached for another napkin and repeated the process , and after a minute Riki tried it .
tr	3	" Aah , " the brothers said together , and Riki looked up , delighted with herself .
tr	3	She turned to her father , threw her arms around his neck , and hugged him .
tr	3	" Well , I 'm terribly sorry -- " Neil began to rise from the table .
tr	3	As he drifted off , he smiled and thought of what Riki had said to him earlier .
tr	3	First , I haven 't any money , and second , I 'm not a thief .
tr	3	" Let 's see how far we can go around the island by following the beaches .
tr	3	Like a puppy that has picked up a new scent to follow , Riki forgot all about the market .
tr	3	Instantly , the door to the dining room opened , and one of the brothers ' heads popped out .
tr	3	" I , er , actually I planned to take a walk around the island with Riki today . "
tr	3	Maybe he had committed a grave breach of etiquette with his offer to take Riki out for the day .
tr	3	" I trust you will forgive my behavior last night ; it has been a somewhat tiring week . "
tr	3	" Mr. Neil proposes to view the island today , with Riki as his guide . "
tr	3	Neil felt rather as if he was just about to walk into a lion 's den .
tr	3	After all , Simon and Miriam could be up against something much worse at that very minute .
tr	3	" To think that someone who talked to Mr. Pearson 's daughter is actually at our table ! "
tr	3	" Her father created the Company , and it allows us to own everything that we have here . "
tr	3	Neil had , at least , won the argument over the amount of gear that they should carry .
tr	3	she chattered as she headed for a break in the bamboo hedge that bordered the property .
tr	3	It led to a little path that headed towards the seashore , from the sound of the waves .
tr	3	The sand curved around a series of wickedly sharp rocks , and Riki splashed out of the waves .
tr	3	" I owe too much to your parents to have you stay out all night and worry them .
tr	3	" You can 't make me , " she responded and gave him a hard shove .
tr	3	" I 'll only have a conversation with you if you act like a human being . "
tr	3	Neil could hardly believe it , but the threat of silent treatment had actually made her stop complaining .
tr	3	His grandiose plans popped out of his head , and he got up and trudged after her .
tr	3	It was dry , however , where she was sitting , and Neil squatted beside her .
tr	3	She stuffed the roll in her mouth , popped up and grabbed a length of twine .
tr	3	" Riki , " he said , " I will tell you when I 'm ready .
tr	3	" More likely that it will pinch your fingers , " he said , but he relented .
tr	3	Riki watched him closely and did the same , and they dunked their ropes into the pool .
tr	3	" Wouldn 't it be perfect to live like this , swimming and catching crabs and fish all day ?
tr	3	That 's what my family does for a living , and it 's not much fun . "
tr	3	" We all learn English , " Riki said around a large wad of sweet roll .
tr	3	" Well , " she finally retorted , " I 've been nice to you today . "
tr	3	The bag was filled with the crustaceans , since they had proved to be very easy to catch .
tr	3	She sat beside the child and took out what appeared to be a canvas and some brushes .
tr	3	Riki yelled something and waved one arm wildly , and the woman smiled and waved back with her brush .
tr	3	He was sick for a long time , and the new ruler should have been his daughter . "
tr	3	She stumbled over the last word , obviously unused to saying it in Neil 's language .
tr	3	" We are not going to be able to climb up there today , at any rate . "
tr	3	Neil puffed after her and after a minute they gained the top of the first incline .
tr	3	Neil was also able to see more of the lagoon , which was bordered by white sand .
tr	3	Riki spoke in her normal voice , and Neil shushed her , thinking of the guards .
tr	3	" Do you think we could get up there and see where that tunnel leads ? "
tr	3	" I 'm telling him we 're sorry , " she added in a low tone to Neil .
tr	3	Neil could now see that a large , gleaming knife was set in one end of it .
tr	3	The garment had no sleeves , and the muscles of his arms looked as big as barrels .
tr	3	The guard was furious , but he finally seemed to be appeased by Riki 's answers .
tr	3	Neil hissed in Riki 's ear as they moved away from the mountains down the slope towards the lagoon .
tr	3	The guard set a fast pace , and Neil had to scramble to keep up with him .
tr	3	The man watched them as they followed the path into the trees , his hands on his hips .
tr	3	Come on , we can catch another glimpse of the palace around this next bend , I think .
tr	3	" Come on ; I want to move on before that guard finds us again . "
tr	3	Neil looked at her with dislike and hoisted the basket of food back onto his shoulder .
tr	3	Mana would probably never be found or rescued , and Miriam and Simon might have their heads chopped off .
tr	3	Relief left him exhausted , and at that moment he didn 't care who saw him .
tr	3	She handed him a cup of lemon drink and gave him a quick grin as she did so .
tr	3	From the little he had heard about the man , it seemed totally out of character .
tr	3	Riki subjected to her mother 's hug and plopped onto her bottom in the grass , sighing dramatically .
tr	3	" I 'm afraid I managed to take a longer route than I should have done . "
tr	3	" It was as if Riki had a devil in her , once she learned how to walk .
tr	3	" Oh , " Neil said again , and he pushed one toe into the sand .
tr	3	We could lose our home , or even our -- oh , please do not mention it again . "
tr	3	Not when , you know , when he and Riki have become such good friends ! "
tr	3	" No , " he said mournfully , " I really must do what I can for Simon .
tr	3	Tell me the name of your friend , the one who has disappeared here , Mr. Neil . "
tr	3	She was , Neil suddenly realized , the first person on the island to actually appear poor .
tr	3	he sobbed , and he tried to catch her , to hold her in his arms .
tr	3	" I told you , she 's been like this since she came back from the mainland .
tr	3	The crabs had been caught by Neil and Riki , who had returned to the sea the following day .
tr	3	Or Riki invariably popped up in his path and demanded that he take her fishing or hunting .
tr	3	Riki said , stretching her eyes at him and moving her head back and forth on her shoulders .
tr	3	No , no bloody fear , Neil swore as he got up and made for the stairs .
tr	3	He didn 't offer any other explanation , and , for once , she didn 't pester him .
tr	3	Neil grinned to himself as he overheard the words ' dreamboat ' and ' gorgeous ' .
tr	3	You know , the one in the mountains , where -- " " Yes , the tunnel ! "
tr	3	As quietly as he could , he unwound himself from the sheets and got out of bed .
tr	3	A nasty shock froze his heart and stomach when he realized that the door to his room was locked .
tr	3	He lifted one fist and was about to start to bang and shout out a long stream of abuse .
tr	3	A straw pot reposed on one side of the room , filled with long peacock feathers .
tr	3	As soon as he pushed the quill through the keyhole , however , it instantly broke .
tr	3	The end of the feather held , but it was met with unmoving resistance from the other side .
tr	3	He was stuck here , in this beautiful house that was really a prison cell for him .
tr	3	" Get in here , " he said , pulling her by one arm and closing the door .
tr	3	" You were going to try to go back to that mountain , weren 't you ? "
tr	3	Besides , it 's what I would do myself , especially since that tunnel is forbidden . "
tr	3	Riki gasped , raised her eyebrows , and gestured towards the wide-open door with both arms .
tr	3	" You obviously can 't do anything at all by yourself , " she said in a calm voice .
tr	3	" You need someone to help you , and it looks like I 'm all you 've got . "
tr	3	" But -- " " And you really do need to help your friends , don 't you ? "
tr	3	He waited until he closed the lid of rice before he looked at Neil and shook his head .
tr	3	The large man put the tray on a box and knelt by a heap of blankets .
tr	3	She had been dirty the last time he saw her , and now she just simply stank .
tr	3	, Neil tore open the back door , marched through the kitchen and ran into Riki .
tr	3	" I can 't allow you to leave , but I can 't move her in either .
tr	3	Riki , of course , followed him , but she was called back by her mother .
tr	3	Riki protested out of habit and quickly stopped , perhaps remembering her promise to be good .
tr	3	Once he had realized that it could only help her to get better , however , he had agreed .
tr	3	" That is the weakest thing I ever heard -- and I 'm much too excited to sleep ! "
tr	3	He stumbled to his room , trying not to picture the pile of rubbish that she would assemble .
tr	3	He slept the entire afternoon , so he didn 't have time to talk to Riki before dinner .
tr	3	They appeared blissfully ignorant , however , or perhaps they were just used to Riki being odd .
tr	3	Dessert and coffee were finally served , and Riki begged , " May Neil and I leave the table ?
tr	3	" Mr. Neil , I 'm sure , would like to make up his own mind .
tr	3	" Ah , no , " he heard himself reply , catching Riki 's beseeching glance .
tr	3	Across the table , he saw that Riki 's eyes were closing of their own accord .
tr	3	She 'd better wake up and remember to unlock my door tonight , he thought grimly .
tr	3	There was a light tap on his door , and Riki whispered , " Neil ! "
tr	3	Stripes of moonlight and darkness mottled their skin as Riki and Neil crept through the trees and vines .
tr	3	He was about to protest when he saw a large shape silhouetted against the lights from the Palace .
tr	3	" Majesty , " the person said , " we are working as quickly as we can .
tr	3	There was silence from the mountain man before he emitted a final rumble , evidently dismissing the talker .
tr	3	A moment later they heard his whistling , growing fainter as he headed towards the palace .
tr	3	It was that huge guard , the one with the nasty knife on the end of his stick .
tr	3	" Such things are bound to happen on the eve of great change , and great profit . "
tr	3	Neil exhaled in a whoosh and asked , " Did you understand all of that ? "
tr	3	He knew exactly whose bones he would like to store in a tunnel at that moment .
tr	3	Giving it up , he followed her on the path , digesting the conversation he had just overheard .
tr	3	It actually seemed like a valid excuse , and it was one that her parents would believe .
tr	3	He slid down the last few feet of the path and gingerly tested the ground with one toe .
tr	3	From that distance , the tunnel looked larger , but it was as dark as an unopened tomb .
tr	3	The first voice said , " We 're really supposed to be in the tunnel , you know . "
tr	3	All the better for us , although it doesn 't make our job any more appetizing .
tr	3	Neil knew what she intended and his heart sank ; still , it was the only option they had .
tr	3	Gagging from the stench , he got onto his stomach and began to crawl into the lagoon after Riki .
tr	3	They had to stay as low as possible , out of the sight of the guards .
tr	3	Their play involved much argument , and Neil silently blessed the one who had suggested it .
tr	3	Being so close to the ground , however , meant that they were breathing in the noxious fumes .
tr	3	At any moment , he knew that one of the men would shout and point in their direction .
tr	3	How could they not see two dark shapes moving along the ground in that bright starlight ?
tr	3	He felt that , at any moment , the men would creep up behind him , clutching their spears .
tr	3	When Riki grabbed his arm , it took everything he had not to shout with fear .
tr	3	Riki immediately darted to the path and began to climb , leaving some muddy footprints in the dust .
tr	3	He heard her rustle in her bag for a moment , and the point of light flared again .
tr	3	She ignored him and began to walk away , thrusting her torch into any dark crannies .
tr	3	" Oh , they won 't , " Riki said with supreme confidence , and she stopped .
tr	3	Silence returned , punctuated only by the dripping water , and the high wail started again .
tr	3	Shaking her off , he managed to work matches out of the bag and light one .
tr	3	Holding it to the wooden brand serving as their torch , he saw that his hands were shaking .
tr	3	You said you wanted to be an explorer and have adventures -- well , this is one !
tr	3	" Snakes don 't wail like that , nor at all , at least not in my country .
tr	3	They were so close that if Neil had taken another step he would have gone over the side .
tr	3	The dark passage stopped abruptly at the cliff and ended in the precarious ledge they stood on .
tr	3	There was silence for a long moment , and below them a human voice said , " Neil ?
tr	3	Handing the torch to Riki , he got down on his stomach and peered over the ledge .
tr	3	He could make out something that he had only seen in his dreams , long ago .
tr	3	It hung down about twenty feet ; a cage was suspended in midair by the huge chain .
tr	3	He grinned , feeling as though the world had just started to tip back to reality .
tr	3	" The Glorious Corona is in a safe place , far from here , " she mused .
tr	3	" I 'm Neil 's best friend , and we 'll probably get married some day .
tr	3	" I 'm certain that you have been a huge help to Neil already , since you are here .
tr	3	Now , let me talk to Neil quickly , since the sun will be coming up soon . "
tr	3	What you 'll have to do is to get as much help as you can . "
tr	3	" I don 't know anyone -- " " You already know the right people , " Mana said .
tr	3	The steps looked terribly steep and far apart , and he felt dizzy just looking at them .
tr	3	" Me first , " Riki said , who had been eyeing up the rough steps .
tr	3	Riki , in front of him , climbed down the stairs easily , humming to herself .
tr	3	As they climbed down the steps past Mana , she waved and called something out to them .
tr	3	He shuddered , thinking of the slimy things he had felt crawling over his feet in the muck .
tr	3	Neil surreptitiously smelled one sleeve and agreed , although he would never admit it to her .
tr	3	He was afraid that , as tired as he was , he would fall and break his leg .
tr	3	The cook baked fish cakes , too , and pounded plantains into small patties that were fried and salted .
tr	3	We can 't get her up from that ledge , even if we both pulled on that chain .
tr	3	As far as anyone knew , she had appeared out of nowhere and become Miriam 's governess .
tr	3	Suppose we go past the palace that way and run into more of those guards ? "
tr	3	The gap , however , widened and became a sandy straightaway that led into the trees .
tr	3	Neil tried to swallow the huge lump of bread in his mouth as politely as possible .
tr	3	The two brothers ignored him entirely and sitting down , began to discuss something in low , earnest tones .
tr	3	We decided to leave early ; that is , we wanted to get away before anyone was up .
tr	3	Worse and worse , he thought to himself , realizing that he was babbling with nervousness .
tr	3	We are housing one of those dangerous lunatics now , and it is all due to him . "
tr	3	He wouldn 't even be able to argue that they should let him stay in their house .
tr	3	Still , he couldn 't have allowed the girl to lie outside in the heat and flies .
tr	3	" I spoke hastily earlier before I was cognizant of all the facts in the case .
tr	3	Will you forget our verbal attack on your person , and let us welcome you anew to our home ?
tr	3	In fact , I have spoken to her many times , since she became Miriam Pearson 's governess .
tr	3	I was a friend of Simon 's -- Miriam 's guardian 's son , that is .
tr	3	Remember I told you I thought I knew that voice by the Palace , Riki ? "
tr	3	I have to rescue her to find my friends , and I can 't do it without you ! "
tr	3	" You really can 't expect my father to help you in this insane misadventure of yours ! "
tr	3	I left my school , and I jeopardized my scholarship , " Neil said in quiet desperation .
tr	3	I have probably lost my only chance to ever attend school and help support my family .
tr	3	I just couldn 't let whoever the kidnappers were capture and maybe hurt Simon and Miriam .
tr	3	He pointed one plump finger at Neil and said , " I hear what you say .
tr	3	" As you can see , Riki is busy , making a cushion for the temple . "
tr	3	" Well , still , I am very surprised that you haven 't planned your dress .
tr	3	Neil hid a grin and thought , Yes , and you 'll look just like a bloated caterpillar .
tr	3	" She 's a heifer , " Riki said and clapped one hand over her mouth .
tr	3	In fact , " he added in a lower tone , " I have dreams about it . "
tr	3	Isn 't that just like a grown-up , Neil thought , and his fingers curled into his palms .
tr	3	" I thought that the Palace would be too busy with the preparations to notice our little expedition . "
tr	3	" I 'm sorry , but you haven 't seen that cage swinging in the high wind .
tr	3	" Perhaps you are right , although it would be convenient to go the night of the party .
tr	3	The path goes from our house to the Palace , but it branches off just here .
tr	3	" And there is a flight of crude steps up the cliff , you say ? "
tr	3	After a moment of hesitation , everyone stood up and moved off , heading in different directions .
tr	3	" Neil and I can come up and keep watch in the tunnel for you ! "
tr	3	" Neil , you may come if you don 't mind facing a guard in the tunnel . "
tr	3	She looked as though she were going to read a novel , or have some tea .
tr	3	And be careful , everyone , we don 't want to go over that cliff . "
tr	3	I can 't do anything else to help her , but if there is anyone out there , please .
tr	3	" I just don 't want to put your sons in danger , " Neil muttered .
tr	3	After a minute , he felt a skinny hand slide inside his own , and he gratefully clasped back .
tr	3	There was a bump as the top of the cage hit the underside of the jutting rock .
tr	3	The men groaned as they pulled , but suddenly there was a sigh as the chain slipped .
tr	3	" Father , what if I climbed down the chain and got the princess out that way ? "
tr	3	And you must bear in mind that is must also carry the cage and the princess . "
tr	3	" Jiri , you lie down and keep an eye on that link in the rock .
tr	3	Yell if you see it starting to move and I 'll nip up at once . "
tr	3	His arms reached down , and his body slid off the ledge where they all were standing .
tr	3	Beside him , he could hear Riki murmuring something as well , and she gripped his hand tighter .
tr	3	She never moved , and the whites of her eyes showed beneath her lids in an unsettling way .
tr	3	" Even though the princess is sleeping , " she breathed , " there 's something overwhelming about her .
tr	3	That means she is close to consciousness , and not lost to us in the lands of dreams .
tr	3	He addressed this to the large man once they had left the room in a lower voice .
tr	3	I had better get my wits about me ; today will certainly be a long day . "
tr	3	Riki forgot all about nursing Mana instantly and turned to him with a light in her eye .
tr	3	She caught her father 's eye , remembered her promise to be good , and nodded .
tr	3	Neil grabbed the bars of the cage and felt the wind blow it back and forth .
tr	3	He was in the round bed in his sumptuous room , the sheets twisted around his legs .
tr	3	Neil sat and panted for a moment , waiting for his heart rate to return to normal .
tr	3	He ate quickly , and , feeling much better , sat down on the edge of the long settee .
tr	3	" If only we had been able to take her somewhere else , " he mused .
tr	3	" We 'll just have to get her up and dress her as a maid . "
tr	3	Giving it up , Riki threw the bread into the cage , sat back , and folded her arms .
tr	3	" He probably wants to be moved inside the house since the rain is coming , " Neil said .
tr	3	Neil stared at her for a moment and gestured to the black sky with one out flung arm .
tr	3	Riki looked up at him for a moment and whispered , " Yes , I do . "
tr	3	Saying something in a low , oily voice , he put out one hand and caressed Riki 's shoulder .
tr	3	The water descended from the sky as if it had been poured out of a jug .
tr	3	There were thumps as doors were flung open , followed by the crashes of furniture overturning .
tr	3	He gestured towards the kitchen and the back garden , and she shook her head slightly .
tr	3	As he passed Riki , he reached for her , but she shrank towards her mother .
tr	3	Come on , get dressed and we will go and check on Mana , " Riki ordered .
tr	3	" Very well , ' he said , " but turn around while I dress . "
tr	3	" It 's just not seemly , " Neil said with as much dignity as he could muster .
tr	3	He rolled his eyes and pulled the door open , preparing to step inside , and gasped .
tr	3	A dark figure was bent over Mana , holding a shuttered lantern that cast long shadows around the hut .
tr	3	" I 've just been talking to this girl , who explained to me what happened to her .
tr	3	" Exactly , " she said in the tone of a teacher who praised a bright pupil .
tr	3	" It 's the substance that was put in your coffee , back in Miriam 's house . "
tr	3	Is he trying to make it less addictive so they can sell it on the mainland ? "
tr	3	Riki stared for a moment , perhaps not recognizing this new , powerful version of her mother .
tr	3	" I want you to come to the temple with me today to deliver my embroidery .
tr	3	" And there is such an invention as an umbrella , and boots as well , Riki .
tr	3	It was the same move he had pulled on Miriam at dinner , about a thousand years ago now .
tr	3	Riki went behind Neil so she could bang the backs of his knees as he climbed down .
tr	3	In the center was the reflecting pool , a huge basin of black stone with benches surrounding it .
tr	3	It would be very easy to get lost , Neil thought , and he stopped laughing .
tr	3	He noticed that some of the hallways were not openings but reflected images created by the huge mirrors .
tr	3	" You wait on those benches there , and I 'll go and speak to the monks .
tr	3	" Oh , you 're supposed to look in it , and reflect -- get it ? "
tr	3	" You were probably too busy trying to fish or swim in it , " Neil said .
tr	3	I can 't wait to go back and write up our plans , " she said .
tr	3	The priest walked away , waving out the match flame , and his footsteps echoed in the underground silence .
tr	3	His own eyelids felt heavy in the dim room with the scented smoke and muffled echoes .
tr	3	She looked thinner , and older , and she sat on a cot in a prison cell .
tr	3	She got up and walked behind her mother , who was heading back to the dark stairs .
tr	3	Neil turned and peered into the pool one last time , but there was nothing in its dark depths .
tr	3	Chapter 15 The Arrest logging back through the wet mud didn 't improve Neil 's mood .
tr	3	For a moment , he felt oppressively claustrophobic , coming back into the large , beautiful house .
tr	3	Would they stand up for him , or even remember him a few months from now ?
tr	3	Riki immediately dashed over to the food and poured a mug full of the steaming liquid .
tr	3	Neil peered into the mug ; it looked and smelled like thick chocolate , spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon .
tr	3	He quickly put down his arms and disappeared , however , when she looked suspiciously at him .
tr	3	" And didn 't I hear that your cook 's daughter was having fits , or something ? "
tr	3	Neil looked at Riki , and thought , she 'll look just like a sick peacock .
tr	3	Riki nodded at him in a way that showed she completely understood what he was thinking .
tr	3	Riki gave her another huge whack and flashed Neil a brave , if somewhat watery grin .
tr	3	" As you wish , " he replied , speaking with a slight accent but using perfect diction .
tr	3	You may have fooled the other guards , but you cannot do so with me . "
tr	3	Surely you see that by allowing this thing I am giving up my family 's privacy ! "
tr	3	He stood up and gravely offered her his arm , and without hesitating , she took it .
tr	3	He is selling his subjects as human experiments , and no one is doing anything about it .
tr	3	You don 't think I was really concerned about mere temple embroidery at such a time , do you ?
tr	3	" My queen , I am now under your arrest for treason , " he said .
tr	3	Not heeding the huge , armed men in her path , she dashed out of the room .
tr	3	" In that case , " Mana replied , " she will be a very good woman . "
tr	3	She picked up a large glass flagon and gave herself one last copious squirt of perfume .
tr	3	I wonder that her maid didn 't warn her to wear a more fortunate color for her complexion .
tr	3	The boats drew up to a long flight of marble stairs that descended right down into the water .
tr	3	Most vexatious ; I was just about to ask more about our fortune and your promotion . "
tr	3	I wonder , " she said more slowly , " if we can use that to our advantage . "
tr	3	He laughed ; a deep , rich chuckle and called out to the guests , " Come !
tr	3	" Do you know what it is that keeps me awake night after night , unable to sleep ? "
tr	3	Holding out his arm , he rubbed it with his other hand for a few moments .
tr	3	The guards lunged for the clowns , but the red figures evaded them and ran down the stairs .
tr	3	He turned suddenly to the guests , who were frozen in attitudes of shock and fascination .
tr	3	Machi was approaching Mana with his spear in his hand , his teeth bared in a snarl .
tr	3	The guards who had been guarding the king clustered behind Machi in order to defend him .
tr	3	The tall guard came back into the ballroom , which had been cleared of all guests .
tr	3	The mental picture , thus outlined , came to mind , and he began to snort .
tr	3	Stabbing the air with an imaginary weapon , she ran after Mana and the tall guard .
tr	3	The library was a large room lined with windows on the wall that overlooked the lagoon .
tr	3	After all , I wouldn 't be here at all if it weren 't for them . "
tr	3	Neil and Riki sat down , a little way from the main table , and she nudged him again .
tr	3	" See , Papi ; I always have to remind you , " Riki countered with spirit .
tr	3	" I find that a small group in delicate situations is better than a large army .
tr	3	We will not get that job done if we allow false modesty and good manners to sway our judgment .
tr	3	" Now , Neil , I know that it 's time for you to return to your family .
tr	3	And you 're not as effective without me , nor am I any good without you .
tr	3	Riki , her head held high , left the room and closed the door behind her .
tr	3	" I think we 'll rent a house in the City in order to have a base of operations .
tr	3	But the first order of business is to reassure your parents that you are still alive . "
tr	3	Mana got up and put one hand under his chin , tilting it up so his eyes met hers .
tr	3	On the Night Watchman Express he Night Watchman train swayed and chugged along through the countryside .
tr	3	Since they sat on a floor made of dimpled iron , this was next to impossible .
tr	3	After a few more bumps , Miriam sat up and rubbed her eyes with one hand .
tr	3	She wasn 't in the best of moods herself ; certainly they would only end up in another argument .
tr	3	Miriam glanced at Simon triumphantly , as if she had just scored a point against him .
tr	3	" Well thank you very much for that incredibly intelligent suggestion , but I can 't sleep .
tr	3	After an instant 's hesitation , Miriam moved closer to Simon and gingerly put her head on his arm .
tr	3	In fact , there were some large stains in one corner that looked like dried blood .
tr	3	In between musings , he had fallen asleep and banged his own head on the side .
tr	3	Simon rubbed his head and remembered that he had called Miriam an idiot for doing that exact same thing .
tr	3	He shifted and experimentally tilted his head against hers so that they leaned against each other .
tr	3	A thick chain at his feet connected him to another prisoner , who followed the first man closely .
tr	3	The first hadn 't shaved in weeks and wore a huge tattoo inscribed on one arm .
tr	3	He slid down , crouched on the floor opposite her and stared at her with bright blue eyes .
tr	3	He looked at Miriam again and asked , " And who might you two be ? "
tr	3	" We are -- " Miriam began , but Simon interrupted her with his own explanation .
tr	3	" Packing the cases and driving the nails , " the man next to him agreed .
tr	3	" Saying goodbye to fancy balls and servants , " Blue Eyes said with a last chuckle .
tr	3	Obviously , she reflected , Blue Eyes was the leader , if you could call it that .
tr	3	He must have been exhausted ; indeed , all of the men had dark shadows smeared under their eyes .
tr	3	A moment later , he whispered , " What do you think Devil 's Kitchen is ? "
tr	3	He winked outrageously at Simon and let a pink slice of tongue show through his teeth .
tr	3	Frank opened his mouth to retort , but the train rounded a turn and began to slow down .
tr	3	" Soon you 'll be able to talk to someone in charge , as you keep saying . "
tr	3	" Perhaps we had better get up , " Simon said in a low voice to Miriam .
tr	3	" After all , you 've got connections in high places , don 't you , young muck ?
tr	3	" Exit this way , you lot , " he said to Blue Eyes and the prisoners .
tr	3	We 'll be home in time for tea , just like I 've said all along . "
tr	3	The conductors prodded the chained prisoners and pushed Simon and Miriam , and they all shuffled towards the figure .
tr	3	The other prisoners followed by necessity , as they were all still connected by thick chains .
tr	3	" They was dumped on the train back where we rounds the coast , weren 't they .
tr	3	She ignored his proffered hand , and after a moment he stuffed it in his pocket .
tr	3	Just before it slammed shut behind her , she saw the marks on the dark wood .
tr	3	They were long scratches , and they looked as if they had been made by human nails .
tr	3	She blew it once , a long , loud , piercing blast that echoed around the yard .
tr	3	One of the doors opened , and a man , as tall and thin as the Headmistress appeared .
tr	3	It 's been vacant since the girl from the main island had to be evacuated . "
tr	3	By their light , however , Miriam could just discern a steep staircase that descended into the dark .
tr	3	His fingers felt like damp chicken bones as he pushed her down the flight of stairs .
tr	3	" I saw what your goons do to us if we don 't obey you . "
tr	3	Miriam squinted her eyes , as the tiny room was well lit compared to the dark hall .
tr	3	The Headmaster took out a whistle like the Headmistress ' and blew two long blasts and one short one .
tr	3	Miriam followed her through the door in the opposite wall , still hoping to break through .
tr	3	A woman in the corner shook out Miriam 's pinafore and pulled out Mana 's wooden comb .
tr	3	The woman who scrubbed Miriam 's back spoke up , her voice jerking as she plied the brush .
tr	3	I 'll hide it , and I won 't let the Headmistress find it , I promise . "
tr	3	You kept your Samuel 's picture for the longest time in your own cell , until they moved you .
tr	3	More doors lined the walls , each one with a grille and a small opening on the bottom .
tr	3	The woman looked up at that , but there was a screech from one of the neighboring cells .
tr	3	There was a cot in one corner of the room , and Miriam plopped onto it .
tr	3	He couldn 't really tell , though , because the curtains were drawn and the room was dark .
tr	3	His general impression was that wherever he was , the room was very expensive and very clean .
tr	3	It was a woman in a white , starched dress , with a white cap on her head .
tr	3	Just close your eyes , and when you 're ready , I 'll give you some beef broth . "
tr	3	Simon opened his mouth to protest , but his eyes were closing against the material of her white uniform .
tr	3	It was either one minute or a very long time later that he woke up again .
tr	3	When he turned his head on the pillow , the lady in the white uniform appeared again .
tr	3	This nurse was smaller and thinner , but she smoothed his forehead in the same way .
tr	3	The woman in the white uniform brought a tray to his bed and put it on the round table .
tr	3	A curl of steam emerged along with the rich smell of beef , and herbs , and sherry .
tr	3	His mouth watered suddenly , and he tried to sit up and reach for the spoon .
tr	3	" Not too quickly , there , that 's it -- " The soup was hot and delicious .
tr	3	After he had swallowed , she said , " No use getting into a fuss , is it ?
tr	3	The room was suddenly lighter with a few bright streams of sunlight piercing the heavy curtains .
tr	3	Shaking his head as if that would help to clear his memory , he looked around .
tr	3	He was in the large bedchamber , but the linens on the bed had been changed .
tr	3	They were now a light blue , and they retained the smell of a hot iron .
tr	3	He must have slept for well over twenty-four hours , and yet he felt quite clean .
tr	3	The door opened and the first lady came in , bearing a vase full of flowers .
tr	3	Let me just put down these flowers , and we can take a look at you . "
tr	3	Now , just stick out your tongue for me -- ahhh -- that 's right . "
tr	3	" Oh dear , standing isn 't a very good idea , now , is it ? "
tr	3	She chuckled and pushed him onto the pillow , but he resisted her touch and sat up again .
tr	3	" Look , it really is the truth , miss -- what is your name , anyway ? "
tr	3	As soon as she shut the door behind her , he threw back the sheets and blankets .
tr	3	They sat beside a little set of steps necessary to get into such a high bed .
tr	3	Far below , he could see a deserted park that led to a deep , dark forest .
tr	3	He 'd simply walk out , even though he was dressed in pajamas , and find a village somewhere .
tr	3	Silently blessing the person who had furnished the room , Simon put it on and tiptoed to the door .
tr	3	His voice seemed ineffectual against the solid oak , and the heavy door solidly absorbed his kicks and blows .
tr	3	The room was beautiful , it was clean , and he was dressed like a prince .
tr	3	There was much work to do today and his lack of sleep would only make the day seem longer .
tr	3	The valley was long and narrow and as beautiful a place as he had ever seen .
tr	3	Well enough daydreaming , there was work to be done and it wouldn 't go away until he started .
tr	3	He could feel the warmth of the morning light starting to take the chill from his bungalow .
tr	3	The winter had done little actual damage but there were several small holes that needed attention .
tr	3	The day would be a fine one ; the sun warm and the skies clear from the evening rain .
tr	3	It is unheard of and in light of my sighting evil seems to be afoot . "
tr	3	Dreams of adventure and danger were as foreign to him as was soaring among the birds .
tr	3	As twilight was beginning to take hold he hadn 't realized his meandering thoughts had slowed his pace .
tr	3	Mr. Clancy would be there ; he always was and it seemed he always would be .
tr	3	That in and of itself was very strange as it was rare throughout their history that anyone traveled .
tr	3	Folk thought him queer enough to leave him alone and that was just fine with him .
tr	3	The lights were on gleaming softly , the glow swallowed up as it raced into the gathering darkness .
tr	3	It was a cozy cottage , not brightly lit but glowing brightly from a small fire in the hearth .
tr	3	He took a seat in the smaller of the two and let out a long , low sigh .
tr	3	He seemed fit as a fiddle , not the tired old crackpot most considered him to be .
tr	3	" A few months ago , I was down in the Dream Valley and I happened across a man .
tr	3	" Men are not like us , yet in many ways we are quite the same .
tr	3	Long ago they came up from the depths of the earth and spread their multitudes across the lands .
tr	3	I would like to visit you again and talk , if you would not mind . "
tr	3	He has been on a long journey and word has come to me of his impending arrival .
tr	3	" And please , come a bit earlier if you may ; we could have supper before his arrival .
tr	3	He was already excited about his next visit and took little notice of the long walk home .
tr	3	He heard a familiar whistle coming from across the path , a shrill tune that carried across the fields .
tr	3	The walk would take most of the day now that the ground was wet and muddy .
tr	3	As they reached the crossroads the sun had started its downward leg and shadows were beginning to stretch .
tr	3	They reached the top of the hill and were promptly greeted at the door and ushered inside .
tr	3	The room was the same as before except for two extra chairs nestled around the fireplace .
tr	3	It appeared to be of the same strange wood from which Mr. Clancy 's chair was fashioned .
tr	3	It is starting to cool down this evening and you gentlemen have had a long walk .
tr	3	" Supper is a few minutes off and I promise you a fine feast for your troubles . "
tr	3	Clancy bid them to sit by the fire as he quickly went about setting the table .
tr	3	The table was set with simple plates and utensils as was their custom ; everything in its proper place .
tr	3	They took their seats with Mr. Clancy at the head of the small , square table .
tr	3	He is quite a capable fellow and indeed a man who can take care of himself . "
tr	3	The soft light from the main hearth seemed to grow just enough to make up for its dwindling brother .
tr	3	He wondered with this style of cooking why Mr. Clancy was not as big as a house .
tr	3	His friend had always been a voracious eater but this was a new sight to behold .
tr	3	These plants were dried and crushed and used to flavor many of the meats , stews and soups .
tr	3	There was a sudden knock at the door and they looked up , away from the fire .
tr	3	No hat covered his long reddish-brown hair , thick and curly as it fell to his shoulders .
tr	3	He was wrapped in a thick cape that swung easily and flowed as he walked into the room .
tr	3	They were dark and deep and he immediately felt as though he had nothing to fear .
tr	3	" My young friends , I would like you to meet an old companion of mine .
tr	3	" That is strange sir , for I have only known Mr. Clancy for a few days . "
tr	3	" That may be but Clancy knows much more about you than you may realize . "
tr	3	They looked quite comfortable , with thick soles that seemed to have a spring to them .
tr	3	Their conversation flew back and forth between the supper they had eaten and the stranger they had just met .
tr	3	Even through the winter and the wet spring , the wood was dry and well suited for burning .
tr	3	From high above they heard the call of a large night bird as it passed overhead .
tr	3	The flame is beginning to die and we have a long night ahead of us . "
tr	3	Mr. Clancy rose and moved toward the hearth , stooped and threw another log on the fire .
tr	3	It had been long since I have laughed with enough gusto to bring a tear to my eye . "
tr	3	Clancy rose from his chair and walked across the room toward a small cupboard high above the cutting board .
tr	3	Many a strong man has been hobbled by this and you will need to be wary . "
tr	3	Clancy took a sip letting it slide slowly down his throat then casually rolled the cup between his hands .
tr	3	Then , as best as he could remember , the fruit was stirred and what it was mixed with .
tr	3	Mr. Clancy could add little to the verse ; he was just happy to sit back and drink it .
tr	3	There is one particular bird in each generation that is singled out to be the king 's messenger .
tr	3	" The hawk is given this power by one of the learned Men of the Realm .
tr	3	" Kingdoms of snow , Northern Kingdoms , birds that speak ; this is all very confusing . "
tr	3	Their spirits return to the north and keep a constant vigil for the return of their quest . "
tr	3	" It is a staff fashioned untold ages ago from one of the oldest trees known in my lands .
tr	3	There I will travel and successful or no , leave for the northern lands in two days . "
tr	3	The crystal lies here in legend only , and that is if we read it correctly .
tr	3	" You search for it , you know where it is , yet you do not .
tr	3	" I do indeed search for it , yet I may only guess at its location .
tr	3	The peoples of the north are mighty , yet may not have the strength to repel such evil again .
tr	3	The only hope lies in the recovery of the crystal and the uniting of the kingdoms .
tr	3	It will be good to again be on the road even if only for a short time . "
tr	3	It would be a fine day to travel , even if it was only to be a short walk .
tr	3	Though it was not as elaborate as dinner it was as good as any they could remember .
tr	3	Though they had already eaten it was still quite early and the sun was just breaking the eastern hills .
tr	3	The ground had dried from the rains of the early week and the morning airs were crisp .
tr	3	This delighted him thoroughly as he had never seen the lands around him so quiet and peaceful .
tr	3	Folks were beginning to stir ; someone looked out for a brief moment and then withdrew .
tr	3	In a manner of speaking , this burden , and my life , have been chosen for me . "
tr	3	How is it that you may be the only one whose destiny is not your own ? "
tr	3	It is what I make of it and that lot may not be chosen for any man .
tr	3	They took these lands as their own and from their wisdom the laws of freedom have been brought forth .
tr	3	The trees were as giants , great soldiers like those in the battles from which they had returned .
tr	3	The crystal is once again in need and I am the chosen one of my lineage .
tr	3	" I believe it would be best if we were to take our path from the main road . "
tr	3	It was easy to move through , sparse and coarse and brittle from the winter months .
tr	3	He was glad to leave the brush for even in those few minutes he began to sneeze .
tr	3	Clancy soon found the dirt path and they moved into the woods , away from prying eyes .
tr	3	They were pleased as the path was fairly dry , at least compared to the field .
tr	3	It will give the two of you time to scrape some of the mud from your clothing . "
tr	3	With the warming of the airs and the high sun they should start to dry within a turn . "
tr	3	His pace was quick as he bounded over the edge of the mound where they were seated .
tr	3	" I hope your legs are rested fellows , we will need to make good use of them . "
tr	3	They had stayed too long on this small hill and time was now too precious to waste .
tr	3	He had most likely lived through many such as this , nothing new to him it seemed .
tr	3	They are an evil that festers upon the lands , destroying and consuming all in their path .
tr	3	I believe it tells of the resting place where the king had chosen to place his warning .
tr	3	From there they laid their plans to travel to the southern reaches of the Dream Valley .
tr	3	Large thick trees held back the surrounding mountain ranges and seemed to reach up to the pristine sky .
tr	3	" We must make every effort in the next two days to ensure our presence remains a secret .
tr	3	However , this would leave us open to any and all eyes that would have us . "
tr	3	They moved rapidly as there was still sufficient light and the hills were open with little to conceal them .
tr	3	Travel would be slow as they would be forced to pick their way along muddied trails and heavy underbrush .
tr	3	If you had slept a wink last night you may have seem them for yourself . "
tr	3	I believe our best hope would be to veer toward the mountains but stay under cover of the trees .
tr	3	The foothills of these mountains are not too difficult and should provide us with any cover we need .
tr	3	They traveled as quickly as they could manage for the woods had grown thick and cumbersome .
tr	3	He walked off behind them losing himself in the dense foliage and was quickly out of sight .
tr	3	They made their way toward the hills hoping they would be able to find a hole to hide in .
tr	3	The mountains lay ahead and the hills to the south were too shallow to afford them any real cover .
tr	3	It is not deep but will give us cover until we decide our next course . "
tr	3	The walk was hard as they stumbled over the rocks while trying to keep Mr. Clancy upright .
tr	3	It felt as if all the eyes in the valley were on them as they climbed .
tr	3	They reached a large boulder under the ledge , ducked behind it and into a small cave .
tr	3	Blood was still running fresh and Clancy 's entire side was soaked turning his garment dark red .
tr	3	You will need a fire to heat the blade , and something to bandage the wound . "
tr	3	There were some scraps of wood at the back of the cave which he gathered into a pile .
tr	3	He was careful not to let too much smoke build ; that could give away their hiding place .
tr	3	The shadow crept forward , inching ever so steadily up the same path they had taken .
tr	3	There are many dangers that could still confront us , most of which I have not told you . "
tr	3	Twilight grew steadily upon the land and they could not travel with Clancy in this condition .
tr	3	Their supper seemed meager and it lasted only minutes , but when it ended everyone was satisfied .
tr	3	The sun had finished its march to the west and lay softly down behind the mountains .
tr	3	Darkness grew quickly upon the land and the veil of shadow wrapped them within their cave .
tr	3	He was suddenly surprised by something he had never encountered , a black creature quietly stalking the woodlands .
tr	3	He took some of their weapons ; they could be of use in the days to come .
tr	3	He let them rage southward , cutting his course west to the foothills , then turned back north .
tr	3	There is a freshness in the airs , a welcome bloom to these tired lungs . "
tr	3	" A little stiff in the limbs , mind you , however my empty stomach feels quite normal . "
tr	3	This little fellow , he thought , could always raise his spirits even at the darkest hour .
tr	3	Each path was discussed , the good and the bad and all had a say in the matter .
tr	3	I again remind you , this is not a quest to which you have been bound .
tr	3	You may return to your land with no shame brought upon yourselves , if that be your desire . "
tr	3	" We are bound by word given to you till we reach the southern end of the valley .
tr	3	Clancy looked at them as they lay sprawled on the dirt floor of the tiny cave .
tr	3	They looked at Mr. Clancy and then at each other and then again to the southern sky .
tr	3	He too rose and joined Mr. Clancy at what now seemed the edge of the world .
tr	3	He was overcome as the blood pounded in his temples and his skin was flush with sweat .
tr	3	He could see their outlines , only solid shapes of black silhouetted against the light sky .
tr	3	Their forms took substance as they neared and were exposed by the light of the fire .
tr	3	This change is a momentous gift given to the Searcher that he may fulfill his quest .
tr	3	If you are uncertain , you may end your travels with us and feel no shame .
tr	3	" I have never faced great danger in my time and should not wish to do so .
tr	3	I have said great words that I would help you and I will honor those words .
tr	3	I shall do as you ask as long as I can , and I ask your forgiveness . "
tr	3	He had wanted to go at first light but Clancy 's wound had altered those plans .
tr	3	Then , very carefully taking the bandages in his hands pulled them apart where the blood had dried .
tr	3	No one else would have the power to heal such a hole in the body . "
tr	3	I am no wizard , but neither do I pick plant roots just to cook with .
tr	3	As he flew he could see several camps by the fires they had set for the night .
tr	3	It would work because it had to or his life could be forfeit for his failure .
tr	3	It will only take a short while for him to get the fullness of his strength back .
tr	3	The healing power of the roots is best among living things , not that of rock and slate .
tr	3	Traveling as we are is very tiring and it will creep up on you quicker than you realize .
tr	3	He felt a great rush of air pass across his face and the dust swirled at his feet .
tr	3	Were they now in mortal danger from which they may never be able to free themselves ?
tr	3	It was their land , the most beautiful they had ever known and they were not safe .
tr	3	We know not what other help they may have , but it will certainly be formidable . "
tr	3	I do not know what their purpose is in these lands , but we must be wary .
tr	3	They moved off into the woods through the night shadows as quietly as a hushed breath .
tr	3	No , he was as the night itself , silent and moving , yet unseen and unheard .
tr	3	The Searcher pressed forward driving himself and the others to what seemed the edge of their limits .
tr	3	It was only the day before that his shoulder had been pierced by a deadly arrow .
tr	3	We have been through much together these last few days , and we will certainly face greater trials ahead .
tr	3	The tale does not tell of this only that the Searcher will know when he sees it .
tr	3	The sun would be up in a matter of turns and it would be time for them to begin .
tr	3	They made their way through a trench and started up as this part of the range sloped gently upward .
tr	3	You may be spotted from the lower hills as your figure would be naked against the sky . "
tr	3	The sun is now cresting the eastern peaks and the end of my quest is near .
tr	3	The handle was smoothed as to the grip of a hand , a place for each finger .
tr	3	It was as if a wall had been placed between them and the wastelands obliterating them from view .
tr	3	As they landed , the black creature struck his head against a rock and was gone .
tr	3	They looked out into the southern sky as their eyes fought the brilliance of the morning light .
tr	3	Clancy held his hand to shield his eyes from the brilliant glare radiating from the desert sands .
tr	3	There , where those vile creatures stand is the eye , the resting place of the crystal . "
tr	3	Halfway down they split off the trail and went east , diving into the thickest of the woods .
tr	3	Creatures of a kind attacked each other and the sand ran dark with their black blood .
tr	3	The victor let out a cry that echoed across the sands , and the fighting stopped .
tr	3	Why this has been so I do not know , but it is here now . "
tr	3	They continued on as the underbrush grew denser and began to change to a sickly brown .
tr	3	They decided to turn south even though it would take them away from their intended direction .
tr	3	There seemed to be nothing but death around them ; the valley of life had begun to die .
tr	3	We will do ourselves no good if we continue , and I am getting tired . "
tr	3	" What power could it be then to turn cold the night airs of this valley ? "
tr	3	" It is the cold of death and decay that follows where such evil roams free . "
tr	3	Clancy looked down at the crumbled rocks beneath his feet and wrapped his cloak tight around his shoulders .
tr	3	" If it is a greater power than that , our mission is in grave danger indeed . "
tr	3	He buried his back up against the rock , closed his eyes and went to sleep .
tr	3	The crystal has been found and you are free to return to the other valleys of your lands . "
tr	3	" I will make my way as best as I can back to the land of snow . "
tr	3	You will have time to warn your people and make what preparations you may for its defense . "
tr	3	" Many things have happened on our journey together , much of which has not been pleasant .
tr	3	We will share your road in this quest which has woven us deep within it . "
tr	3	" There may yet be perils on this road that may be beyond my own scope of knowledge . "
tr	3	He knew this day may come , whether it would be in his lifetime , he did not know .
tr	3	This was the first time in days he had a chance to just stop and think .
tr	3	He suddenly realized his head was down , his eyes staring blankly at the scorched earth .
tr	3	He reached under his cloak and pulled out a black satin cloth about the size of his closed fist .
tr	3	It was an irregular shape , slightly curved at the top with flat planes that glistened in the starlight .
tr	3	Then just as quickly as it had begun , the light withdrew back into the stone .
tr	3	" Why do you not use the crystal now to rid our lands of these vile creatures ? "
tr	3	" He knows for he has looked into the light and it has spoken to his soul .
tr	3	I knew of its presence and of its purpose , though I am not sure why .
tr	3	I am sorry , old friend , but it is beyond my skills to explain further . "
tr	3	I will be back in a turn or so , you have the first watch . "
tr	3	The thistle and brush here were not as tortured as those they had just come through .
tr	3	" We have been lucky thus far ; we have not been seen for nearly a day .
tr	3	They would move in a straight line to what looked the nearest point as best they could determine .
tr	3	Their enemy could suddenly arise and sweep them away as a hand that swats at a bug .
tr	3	It was as if a horn sounded through the still night airs and announced their presence .
tr	3	An eternity passed in the next ten seconds as they scanned the horizon for their deaths .
tr	3	" In the name of your king I forgive you , though I do not think it be appropriate .
tr	3	As I was walking , I pulled out my knife ; I do not know why .
tr	3	As it landed I rolled over on top of it and then was thrown away . "
tr	3	" It may indeed be weak though that does not mean it should not be feared .
tr	3	It would be some time yet for that but the growing light would now be their greatest threat .
tr	3	The black creatures fumed under their foul breaths as they scurried around to pick up the trail .
tr	3	Again , he was in awe of the force of the man who was now his friend .
tr	3	The valley floor here was broken and covered with rocks themselves showing signs of decay and fire .
tr	3	" Do you think he has a magic potion that will cure me as well ? "
tr	3	The creature wrapped its hands around his throat trying to choke the air from his lungs .
tr	3	He heard the breath forced from its lungs as its hands pulled away from his throat .
tr	3	They chose this path and after another half turn passed they came upon a cleft in the rock .
tr	3	It would be as good a place as any to rest and it was a place they could defend .
tr	3	Wake me when you feel the need else I will call on you in four turns .
tr	3	" It could have a tie to that , but I am not learned in its lore . "
tr	3	It was strange he thought how he acted the wild one when his friends were in danger .
tr	3	He bent over and on finding a small stone with a quick motion flung it down into the ravine .
tr	3	They moved off the face of the cliff as far back against the rock as they could manage .
tr	3	From here they would be out of sight except from any that may be higher in the mountains .
tr	3	The fire was warm and welcomed as the airs were unusually cool even for this hour .
tr	3	Their only course at this point would be to travel the higher and more rugged mountain passes .
tr	3	And now all that dwells above the Great Southern Wastelands lies open to their vomit . "
tr	3	" He has spoken in a strange tongue , the like of which I have never heard .
tr	3	It is a union we may be able to take advantage of on our journey . "
tr	3	The rest of the day they kept to the shadowed crevice buried into the rocky hillside .
tr	3	They had been on the run for days and it would be more difficult as their journey progressed .
tr	3	There was no fire lit for it could easily give away their position in the darkness .
tr	3	There would be scouts ahead and behind the armies but should be few if any between them .
tr	3	" I will find them , I promise you that and they will die at my feet . "
tr	3	There is one among them you will not defeat by yourself nor possibly with your armies . "
tr	3	He took the helpless creature by the throat and lifted him from the ground with his powerful right arm .
tr	3	He tilted his head forward as if he were listening for something and he stayed still as a rock .
tr	3	" They are not as far ahead as I thought and they may have scouts about .
tr	3	" But all that lies ahead is the middle valley and there is no army to oppose them . "
tr	3	It is a wise commander who moves carefully in lands he has not traveled before . "
tr	3	" Our peoples will not be able to withstand them and they will be enslaved . "
tr	3	There were several days I do not think he was close , though I believe he has returned . "
tr	3	The rest of the night went on without any unusual events , something they greatly appreciated .
tr	3	Yes , it would be a great day though he would probably sleep through most of it .
tr	3	But before he could bring his hands down to lift himself off the ground their eyes met again .
tr	3	They did not know what to make of the situation their eyes locked on the animal .
tr	3	It will be more comfortable for all , and I am sure our guest is also hungry . "
tr	3	Be careful it is clean and dry so as not to smoke much , and hurry back . "
tr	3	This wolf was a new turn of events and he wished to hear all that was said .
tr	3	He is a traveling companion and guardian and he belongs to no man nor creature that roams this earth .
tr	3	I myself have never seen him change in the years the quest has been in my charge . "
tr	3	" That also is a mystery to me and all those who have come before me .
tr	3	If it is within his power he shall let no harm befall any member of this company .
tr	3	" We know the source of this information but how does it affect our previous plans ? "
tr	3	The black army , since they were moving across open plains pulled far ahead of us .
tr	3	The only way to help our own is to help fulfill the quest of the Searcher . "
tr	3	" There will be perils enough for all before this journey comes to an end . "
tr	3	If this is something we may accomplish with the least amount of danger , so much the better . "
tr	3	The danger with the black army now in the valley would be too great to do anything else .
tr	3	They would not be able to choose until they had time to survey the lands and the enemy about .
tr	3	The sun was now beginning to climb above the peaks as they had marched long through the night .
tr	3	He wanted to see what was going on around them and he could not accomplish this at night .
tr	3	It was now time to scout the land with a hawk 's eye and determine their next move .
tr	3	" What is the closest point we may use before traveling open ground to your home ? "
tr	3	You should scout the fields near the hills and the inner pass just inside the first line of mountains .
tr	3	Then , without notice he was gone and the rest of the company settled in for a short rest .
tr	3	He had driven himself and the others harder during the night than he would have believed .
tr	3	They made camp and ate a brief meal , a cold lunch of fruit and bread .
tr	3	The main body of the black force was scattered throughout the lower half of the Middle Valley .
tr	3	* * * " Out of my way , maggot , I have important duties to tend to . "
tr	3	He was their guide through the night for no one knew these trails as well as he .
tr	3	A full days rest and several good meals would be the only thing to change that .
tr	3	The fourth had been punished for his failures and summarily executed , or so was the rumor .
tr	3	" Watch your tongue Karsh or I will cut it out with your own knife . "
tr	3	This one man , this Searcher , is more powerful than any opponent you will face .
tr	3	If you think this task is too difficult for your feeble minds you will be replaced .
tr	3	Shadows only it seemed , but shadows that lived and could survive even in the light of day .
tr	3	Their enemy made themselves well known in advance , loud and slow if they were moving at all .
tr	3	Their leader must have been a real soldier looking for advancement and any rewards that went with it .
tr	3	It was a question left to those more learned than he ; or so he thought .
tr	3	They could have stumbled into a wayward patrol and that would have been the end of their adventure .
tr	3	The fields were trampled and burned , the fences ground to the earth , broken and shattered .
tr	3	The building as well was tattered and torn as if it had been in disrepair for uncounted years .
tr	3	We are out of food , our clothing is battered and what little weapons we have are useless .
tr	3	He felt proud of the idea ; it was the first he had been able to contribute in days .
tr	3	It could take days to reach the Upper Valley and we would still be behind this force .
tr	3	With the larger population there will be more patrols and the risk would be too great to venture .
tr	3	He took one more look over the fields and rose lifting his foot over the low brambles .
tr	3	As if magic had kept its secret from their eyes the figure moved forward and revealed itself to them .
tr	3	His tables were turned over and wrecked , chairs splintered , cupboards torn from the walls littering the floor .
tr	3	They looked forlornly at him each knowing this could , or soon would happen to all of their homes .
tr	3	These were the forces against which he struggled that his home and his peoples would remain free .
tr	3	Wrapped in that sack are things I believe you will find useful to us on our journey . "
tr	3	Dropping to his knees he spread his great cloak aside and reached into the dark hole .
tr	3	There , lying before him were four swords , each with a special marking and all instantly recognizable .
tr	3	It was the sword of the White Guards of the Snow Kingdom , the palace guards .
tr	3	He had briefly chatted with them and on departing this bag had fallen from the cart .
tr	3	He kept them hidden for many years and on moving to his present home had buried them for safekeeping .
tr	3	That was a long time ago and he had forgotten about them until just minutes before .
tr	3	Clancy then offered the reason such a valued item was on a cart in the first place .
tr	3	One of these would be to load up his cart with his belongings and drive to nowhere in particular .
tr	3	They made their way to the door and out onto the porch into the brightening day .
tr	3	They would travel as far as they could to see what was left of their homeland .
tr	3	Even with the coming of the new day it would seem terminally black in their hearts .
tr	3	Something was different here than at any other time he had encountered these vile little creatures .
tr	3	He did not understand why , only that the signs of their normal adventuring seemed different .
tr	3	Their only hope to see the pestilence that infested their lands would be from higher up .
tr	3	The stop though brief was well needed as their spirits lifted enough to bring their heads up .
tr	3	It was what he had hoped for as eyes pointing at the ground would be of no use .
tr	3	They traveled on for another turn keeping to the low spots between the humps of the foothills .
tr	3	Even in the graying light he could make out the devastation that now lay upon his lands .
tr	3	They were three folk of little needs and little means and all they had was brutally taken from them .
tr	3	The stars clear and bold broke through the blanket of the heavens casting their light across the lands .
tr	3	He reached down and withdrew the long black cloth that held the swords of the four kingdoms .
tr	3	" Since I possess a weapon already the three of you may choose the sword which suites you best .
tr	3	" It is obvious even to me that this is the sword of the Northern Kingdom .
tr	3	I have chosen it out of respect for you and all that you have done for us . "
tr	3	" It does indeed , though I do believe I shall leave that story for another time . "
tr	3	Each of these happen to be the swords of the palace guards of their respective kingdoms . "
tr	3	Exactly how Clancy came about these , I do not think I wish to know . "
tr	3	He stopped short , quickly turning away from the others and drew the sword close upon his breast .
tr	3	He walked to the southern side of the bluff , around a large boulder and disappeared from sight .
tr	3	They spoke for several more minutes but the power of sleep was more than they could overcome .
tr	3	There is no one else capable to oversee and run these forces but the three of us . "
tr	3	" They are an invading army , and this is what such an army will do . "
tr	3	" You are quite right , there has been no visible fire , no flame to this point . "
tr	3	They are looking for something , and I believe that something is the crystal , or me . "
tr	3	What evil purposes could they use its power to unfold , and what would become of their friend ?
tr	3	" It is simple , so simple it is most often the first to be forgotten .
tr	3	It will not be long , I fear , before they begin to search the mountain passes .
tr	3	It would be a demanding journey if all went well but haste was their present need .
tr	3	" It shall be in fine company that I make my first journey to its feet . "
tr	3	I intend to pass over the northern side of the mountain , halfway to its height .
tr	3	He would wait to see any followers then try to make sure they had not left a visible trail .
tr	3	A tracker in these lands would most likely be one of your folk out of the valley .
tr	3	All heads immediately turned to examine his , one they had seen constantly over these past few days .
tr	3	" It seemed to shimmer as he moved , almost glow at times , then appear dark and still .
tr	3	It is difficult for me to believe any of them would have betrayed his people . "
tr	3	" On the fringe of the woodland and the very small slopes of the foothills . "
tr	3	" The next words you speak may cost you your life , you pitiful fool . "
tr	3	The two guards glanced quickly at each other unsure as to what would serve them best .
tr	3	" They were told to stay to the valley and its close areas , sir . "
tr	3	The white spirit that traveled the hills at night had more than taken its share of his troops .
tr	3	So he had to sacrifice a few more ; he had to find that which eluded him .
tr	3	Higher spirits surrounded the fire as their hearts were lifted by the light and the conversation .
tr	3	It had been days since their talk had not centered on their journey and the path ahead .
tr	3	If they were truly in danger he was sure the white one would most certainly be standing guard .
tr	3	It was a wide and well-kept thoroughfare through which all that sustained the city and the palace traveled .
tr	3	After you have been announced a second time you will be escorted before the king and his advisors .
tr	3	There , before you may speak you will be asked whatever questions His Majesty sees fit .
tr	3	" What would they ask of you if they did not know why you have come ? "
tr	3	Some say he is almost himself a wizard , though I do not believe this to be true .
tr	3	Through this he will learn about you and be better able to judge you and your cause .
tr	3	The firelight danced across the Searcher 's eyes as they huddled around the warmth of the low fire .
tr	3	It would be a big day ahead of them and a challenge to their physical limits .
tr	3	He shook off the thoughts weaving through his mind ; it was time to be alert .
tr	3	He took a minute , closed his eyes , and cleared all thoughts from his head .
tr	3	No one of any race , no matter how skilled could survive a night on this mountain .
tr	3	These trails were easy with little loose rock and stone with only low grasses snapping at their boot heels .
tr	3	They would need a brief respite as the rest of the journey would prove much more difficult .
tr	3	They are covered with slippery moss and they do not stick out far from the cliff .
tr	3	As he passed , he would call out creases and other handholds which the others could use .
tr	3	" Of course we are ; we are a thousand feet up a damn mountain on a ledge . "
tr	3	If we are indeed in danger being out on this ledge will give us no cover . "
tr	3	Clancy rose to his feet greeting his friend , eager to hear any news he could bring .
tr	3	" One of those black , buzzard creatures was circling just to the west of us .
tr	3	It was my good fortune in the first battle that I caught it unaware of my presence .
tr	3	I have never encountered one like it and I would not like to do so again . "
tr	3	They were a hunted company ; the slightest mistake on their part could lead to their grievous doom .
tr	3	Only the belief in themselves and the course they had chosen kept their hearts from sinking altogether .
tr	3	I will know by sunset their course , or if they have turned away from the peaks . "
tr	3	The cold made its own gnawing presence known as their fingers and feet quickly grew numb .
tr	3	After only two turns the struggle to breath and the biting cold were beginning to wear heavily on them .
tr	3	He watched as the snows reached out for them , coming down to snare them in its white blanket .
tr	3	Each did what they could to shake the weariness from their bones and the cold from their limbs .
tr	3	They struggled to keep their heads high while trying to do the same for their spirits .
tr	3	Even with the longer daylight hours this time of year they were rapidly beginning to lose the light .
tr	3	They were in unfamiliar territory picking those paths they could find as the terrain slowly gave way before them .
tr	3	I would not like to lose you now , especially to that drop off to your left . "
tr	3	All wanted this experience behind them and the further they walked the sooner they could forget .
tr	3	All he had seen were rocks , a few small growths of brush , and little else .
tr	3	" Well , I guess it wasn 't much of an evening for a watch anyway . "
tr	3	For the first time in his many years , he was beginning to feel his age .
tr	3	This is work for ones younger than himself he thought , traipsing around in the woods like a fool .
tr	3	If all went as planned it would be a day 's journey at a pace much less demanding .
tr	3	We are hunted by black creatures and we know not where they will travel to find us . "
tr	3	For most of the early miles they stayed to the grassy areas of the fold often walking three abreast .
tr	3	They thought it would be impolite to ask such questions in his presence and they wanted to learn more .
tr	3	He was beginning to feel ... well , he knew he could never hope to feel that good again .
tr	3	He is a man of the world and the most skilled woodsman I have ever run across . "
tr	3	Mr. Clancy 's answer was the correct one , though his tone did not come forth as sincere .
tr	3	He looked away , back to the closeness of the mountain passes , his eyes searching the skies .
tr	3	It was half a turn perhaps when Clancy thought it was time for them to move on .
tr	3	Seconds turned to minutes as silence roamed the grasslands broken only by the sound of a hollow wind .
tr	3	Their guard seemed to have a look of worry also upon his face , if that were truly possible .
tr	3	He could only suspect what it was ; the black blood of whatever had been tracking them .
tr	3	If he peered back into the gray haze of their homeland they would certainly see it in his face .
tr	3	At least Clancy would and he would be forced to tell them what he had seen .
tr	3	Clancy was not just an exception ; the others had more than proven themselves to this point .
tr	3	He had to be sure he had not missed anyone or anything that might be a threat .
tr	3	Finally he spotted something , a small band moving slowly through a narrow seam between two rises .
tr	3	After all , he was nothing more than a hawk in the sky and was no threat to them .
tr	3	Circling behind the ridge in front of them he disappeared behind the peak and was lost in the shadows .
tr	3	He would come up from behind them for one more look before he started deeper into the canyons .
tr	3	He came up quickly then dove at the invaders skirting just above their heads and quickly away from them .
tr	3	As he passed he banked left to head west and make his way to the next peak .
tr	3	Again he opened his eyes and tried to orient them to the light as his vision began to clear .
tr	3	He had other patrols out ; maybe some of them would have the news he was looking for .
tr	3	He trod off to rejoin the main camp as he had other duties that needed his attention .
tr	3	He choked through the pain , each cough a stabbing reminder his body was not well .
tr	3	He turned his head from side to side listening intently , picking out the sounds of the area .
tr	3	Someone or something had put him here , covering his body so as not to be spotted .
tr	3	He reached to take the cover away and fell back as a searing pain clawed at his side .
tr	3	He was too weak to do anything , he could not even uncover himself much less flee to anywhere .
tr	3	Realizing his condition and unable to do much about it , he lay back again and went to sleep .
tr	3	* * * The sleek form raced through the green brush and headed for the deep mountain passes .
tr	3	He had spent a lifetime with this quest of men , a lifetime also , almost immeasurable .
tr	3	He had never grown as attached to one of his charges as he had become with this one .
tr	3	He was the ultimate one for the fulfillment of a quest that had encompassed his entire life .
tr	3	Day had not fully come to the mountains ; the new light only now beating back the night airs .
tr	3	Still , enough morning light broke through to reveal the gaping wound in his right side .
tr	3	The effort to clear away his prison and examine his wound again stripped him of his strength .
tr	3	Only a few moments passed , he was sure , when a sound caused him to open his eyes .
tr	3	That which had held him prisoner was now probably the only thing that kept him alive .
tr	3	He could see nothing save one , lone figure standing in the dim , morning light .
tr	3	He was cleaned in a short time and he could now feel the morning airs upon his face .
tr	3	They were now in dangerous lands and could ill afford any encounter with the black troops .
tr	3	He was the one now exhausted from his long run through the mountains the previous night .
tr	3	Clancy had hoped they would make the forest by nightfall , but his hope dimmed with every step .
tr	3	Thoughts of evil ran through their minds as the sun began to sink away across the mountain highlands .
tr	3	Their minds raced with the horrors they imagined , the awful pains he must be enduring .
tr	3	It was time for them to look for a place to burrow in for the night .
tr	3	The bleeding had stopped but the loss of blood had been almost more than he could bear .
tr	3	His strength was sapped and the coat of the wolf was red from the digging talons .
tr	3	With great care he rolled the wounded hawk over and let him nestle into the long , tall grass .
tr	3	It meant the risk of being seen but there could be no other path to choose .
tr	3	Never had these lands seen a journey such as this , with a goal of such importance .
tr	3	The going was slow , but they could ill afford to run into any scouting parties .
tr	3	They rambled ahead feeling their way forward , touching most every tree and limb , often stumbling awkwardly .
tr	3	They moved north , as best they could tell , veering ever so slightly to their right .
tr	3	" I was starting to penetrate the glow of the light when my mind was thrown back .
tr	3	It would not be easy in the darkness but they had the glow to serve as a marker .
tr	3	There would be no fire and the fresh meat they had stored for supper would have to wait .
tr	3	It would be a long and sleepless night , and that , if all went well .
tr	3	Besides , it would allow him a continuous rest , one not interrupted in the middle for his stand .
tr	3	Clancy moved off to the side , grabbed a low limb and pulled himself up into the branches .
tr	3	He hit and rolled and sprang to his feet , the sword of the Rim Kingdom unsheathed for battle .
tr	3	He continued to his left , swirling in a circle with his back to the tree .
tr	3	The metal clashed and the black ooze ran down his arm as the head fell to the dirt .
tr	3	Looking up he could see the two bodies lying against the large dark tree , then movement .
tr	3	The sound of the cold steel scraping and banging was getting closer but still they could not see anything .
tr	3	Suddenly both lost their footing falling down a steep but small slope , their bodies hitting the ground hard .
tr	3	The sound of the battle was here , down the slope that had hidden the warriors in the darkness .
tr	3	His head hit hard and he saw the stars had come down from the night sky .
tr	3	He also saw something else , a blur , a large shape that had passed him in the darkness .
tr	3	From the battle ahead , a scream of utter horror split the blackness like an axe through a window .
tr	3	" Lower your weapons my friends , the swords of the kingdoms shall not meet this night . "
tr	3	Mr. Clancy came forward as the dull light of the moon peeked beneath the forest canopy .
tr	3	" I am certain these are not all your lands , though I will give you an answer .
tr	3	He reached in and took the bird from its fold and carefully tucked it in his arms .
tr	3	" He indeed has a goal though I do not understand what he has spoken to me .
tr	3	The journey he would take would be a long one for us though not as long for him .
tr	3	The wounds of the Searcher must be grave indeed if this is the course he has chosen . "
tr	3	" His wound is indeed serious and I believe it is beyond our powers to heal him .
tr	3	" If your allegiance is to your king then this quest you must support in place of the Searcher .
tr	3	From this time forward , I shall take the place of the Searcher until he is well . "
tr	3	The radicals replace him with a master imposter and order the execution of the dead king 's twin brother .
tr	3	But how can they save the kingdom and their own lives when they 're being chased by The Faith ?
tr	3	This edition contains 10,000 words of extra features from Seeley 's upcoming works and other genres !
tr	3	His second novel , Duty , asks what might have happened if Napoleon had won at Waterloo .
tr	3	In this story , a mother offers her son to Napoleon 's armies with disastrous consequences .
tr	3	Logan looked up from gazing at the onrushing plains out the smudged glass of the train .
tr	3	The French king had seized control of the paper , and the publication was slandered for its blatant propaganda .
tr	3	The mob had taken up residence in the middle of the street , blocking all traffic .
tr	3	They hurled slanderous comments about the king , his family , and the entire French government .
tr	3	" The criminal is being held at an undisclosed location and will stand trial this coming Tuesday .
tr	3	The writers of this paper warn all subscribers to be wary of such dangerous elements within the city .
tr	3	Furthermore , to all protestors : justice is swift upon those who defy the peace of France . ' "
tr	3	Workers and students were out of work , out of bread , and out of patience .
tr	3	We were just starting upon a Grand Tour , a rite of passage reserved for the affluent .
tr	3	I glanced out the window and was again caught by the rolling beauty of my home , England .
tr	3	Her flowing fields and proud trees were a constant reminder of the majesty of our people .
tr	3	It struck me suddenly that it might be years before I saw her beloved shores once more .
tr	3	A small , nagging voice in my head reminded me that the world was full of beautiful places .
tr	3	Yawning , I replied , " The journey 's only a few hours to begin with . "
tr	3	Luckily for my vivacious companion , we had arrived only minutes before the vessel was slated to depart .
tr	3	We had just enough time to hop aboard and take our leave of the porters before she set sail .
tr	3	Droplets coated the air , and passengers sat about , reading their papers and puffing their cigars .
tr	3	We dashed about the deck , laughing and pointing towards every new sight that caught our ecstatic eyes .
tr	3	As darkness swallowed all aboard , we returned to our cabin for a night of fulfilled rest .
tr	3	Given our day 's travels , we were all too keen to accept this offer of hospitality .
tr	3	The gentle waves of the harbor lacked the luster and the strength of their counterparts amid the open sea .
tr	3	We again retrieved our gear , left the ship , and once more , boarded another train .
tr	3	Not one collapsed monastery or Roman arch would pass by without an anecdote from my friend .
tr	3	Instead , the people ambled together , arm in arm , laughing playfully in the French sun .
tr	3	The Louvre , Notre Dame , the king 's new Versailles ... On and on I could list these .
tr	3	We stared for hours at the works of Renaissance masters and the intricate stone carvings of sculptors long dead .
tr	3	Did you know that Louis X decided -- " Logan stopped talking then , and I looked over .
tr	3	* * * * * Upon the grounds of Versailles , wealth took an entirely new meaning .
tr	3	Banquets had been frequent , physical labor non-existent , and a festive air was often upon us .
tr	3	Only recently opened by the king , Versailles had once been a restricted playhouse of royal splendor .
tr	3	Room after glorious room , each more adorned than the last , filled the entire building .
tr	3	In one corner , peasants labored over their farm , digging rows for planting in the dirt .
tr	3	Elsewhere , a beautiful girl , her billowing clothes hanging off her gorgeous frame , was singing .
tr	3	But , her voice had attracted the attention of a noble hunting party which passed by .
tr	3	These men , all in flashy colors and silken shoes , paused to hear the maiden sing .
tr	3	" You look like you 're Louis XVI and the mob has come for you . "
tr	3	In all our years of friendship , Logan had never once offered any apology for his noble birth .
tr	3	It 's an established tradition , a thousand years in the making , and a good one .
tr	3	And Nathaniel , aside from a fluke , that tradition you 're lauding makes you worthless . "
tr	3	For miles , we saw the manicured gardens and meticulously trimmed groves of trees that dominated the landscape .
tr	3	Yet more palaces , still a part of the Versailles ' grounds , waited across those fields .
tr	3	Chapter III We didn 't speak as we entered a small cafe for dinner that night .
tr	3	" Well , " he laughed , " that 'd fix the problem about going home now .
tr	3	Logan , regardless of his faults , was one of the most patriotic men I knew .
tr	3	For my whole blasted life , I lived in the Shaded Oaks and watched others cater to my whims .
tr	3	We shot them to pieces and burned their lands , but Napoleon and the rest of them tried .
tr	3	By this point , our conversation had grown heated , and others were beginning to pay attention .
tr	3	It drew my attention for a moment , because an interesting diamond-shaped medallion was attached to the hat .
tr	3	" Pardon my rudeness , gentlemen , but your tone was loud , and I overheard .
tr	3	The abrasive voice pooled out of his mouth like some foul drink , and I loathed this interloper immediately .
tr	3	The man clamped a hand upon my wrist , buckling it , and I collapsed back into my seat .
tr	3	" Why don 't you leave , friend , " I spit , using his greeting .
tr	3	People like that tend to ... " His voice trailed off as he spread his hands .
tr	3	Finally , the collapsed villain regained his feet , the goatee still blotted crimson along its lengthy point .
tr	3	I won 't pass judgment on Logan , but a blow is completely and utterly unforgiveable among gentlemen .
tr	3	We shared similar heritage , and I was resting upon a massive bed while she lay in squalor .
tr	3	Neither of us were prepared for the charged emotions we 'd come to experience since Versailles .
tr	3	The carriage gave a wide jerk as it halted , and Logan threw open the door .
tr	3	My apologies , " I clipped off as I shook the hands of the second and the doctor .
tr	3	He walked to a space between the two combatants and withdrew a grimy handkerchief from his pocket .
tr	3	A shot cracked the air , and my eye snapped towards Logan as a cloud of smoke obscured him .
tr	3	Logan , for his part , threw out his chest , defying the shot about to come .
tr	3	" Another pistol , " he shouted , blood flinging from his ear with the movement .
tr	3	Once the cloth drops , you 'll be less excitable after a moment if you wait . "
tr	3	It had been a long day , and now , almost midnight , we lay about chatting .
tr	3	My fingers closed on the glass neck , and I hauled it from its display case .
tr	3	Instead of hurrying for my own weapons , I walked over and picked up the stone .
tr	3	The rock was wrapped with a small slip of paper , a leather strap holding the message in place .
tr	3	Now though , my eyes tracked the words before I tossed the thing towards my friend .
tr	3	While he read it , I went to the window , but the street below was empty . "
tr	3	" Like the chance to kill more dandies and witness human suffering at its best ? "
tr	3	We took to the streets to find a carriage to drive us and our luggage to the train depot .
tr	3	The carriage had pulled to a stop in front of the building we 'd just left .
tr	3	Throughout our whispered conversation , we could see a pair of our suspicious intruders pacing outside , keeping watch .
tr	3	In spite of all this , I still felt a bit ridiculous leaving our trunks behind .
tr	3	If they choose the latter , which I think is more likely , what do we do ? "
tr	3	I doubt any group would be brash enough to commit such a crime in this climate . "
tr	3	During our stay in the city , we had seen quite a few patrols to that effect .
tr	3	" We board the train at the last possible moment , making a dash towards it .
tr	3	However , they did manage to keep my mind occupied through the long watch just before dawn .
tr	3	The sun 's welcome rays warmed our hideaway and scattered the worries from the long night .
tr	3	At last the locomotive started rolling , gaining momentum as it lumbered out of the station .
tr	3	Behind me , I heard the footfalls of several more runners , but I gave them no thought .
tr	3	Whirling about , I saw three men shaking their fists , almost comically , as we made our getaway .
tr	3	Blushing , we explained how we were late for the train and needed to be aboard .
tr	3	" We travel light , " said my friend and turned , wandering back down the passage .
tr	3	He rocked back and forth with the train 's movement and seemed oblivious to the surroundings in his exhaustion .
tr	3	" So much for a coincidence , " I whispered , settling into the seat opposite the sleeping man .
tr	3	At our glances , his eyes opened wider , and he sat up in his seat .
tr	3	We shook the proffered hand , offered our own introductions , and took another look at the man .
tr	3	Without seeming to notice , he even adjusted his cravat back into perfect alignment as he sat down again .
tr	3	His piercing grey eyes possessed a sadness that belied his years , which were quite close to our own .
tr	3	Settling back and letting the locomotive rock us , our new companion tried to answer that very question .
tr	3	The American spoke simply and gently , his tone washing over us like a spring drizzle .
tr	3	My father , ... " He paused here , but gathered his nerve and quickly continued .
tr	3	Logan and I glanced at each other , and an almost nonexistent smile creased my friend 's lips .
tr	3	My older brother is an athlete the like of which hasn 't been seen since antiquity .
tr	3	He is always performing some feat or another for my family , and my father cannot love him more .
tr	3	His eyes though , betrayed a quiet nature that could have indeed been prone to studying .
tr	3	While my brother is lauded for his fencing and riding , my novels go unread and collect dust .
tr	3	I used to slink about the house , avoiding contact with the man and his harsh words .
tr	3	Anyone could do those , but it took something special to gain fame in the literary world .
tr	3	So , I would be a famous author , and my stories would be read and respected by people .
tr	3	His chest swelled , and his eyes took on , for the first time , a pleased look .
tr	3	Quietly , she murmured her praise for my tale , but paused , collecting her courage once more .
tr	3	The character in the story was not terribly important , but I asked her to elaborate .
tr	3	After that , we talked for five hours as the moon wandered the sky like a racing doe .
tr	3	Gentlemen , my life culminated with three simple words from her lips : ' I love you . '
tr	3	But this time , I was not alone , and literary fame was the least of my accomplishments . "
tr	3	He seemed not to notice , so we did our best to ignore it as well .
tr	3	I told the family our intentions , and nearly all of them clapped with expectant joy !
tr	3	He said not a word to Lilly , even when I asked for his approval , his blessing .
tr	3	Swinging back , I saw my little Lilly wipe a crystal tear from her golden eyes .
tr	3	I could feel seething anger , unquenchable rage building within me like an ember prodded into flame .
tr	3	At night , we lay awake , our hearts melded as one , our bodies entwined in love .
tr	3	I could trace my finger through her wispy locks and whisper gentle words into those mistreated ears .
tr	3	There 's no one left to whisper to my soul in the darkness ... It was cholera .
tr	3	The doctor told me the rash of cases sprung from a Caribbean ship docked in the harbor .
tr	3	Either of you two could shoot me right now , and I wouldn 't be offended .
tr	3	I cannot find him , much as I 'd like to throw myself into his arms .
tr	3	Chapter VI " Wow , that is quite a tale , " said our American friend later .
tr	3	Perhaps they 'll even be waiting on the platform when we step off this very train !
tr	3	" No amount of talking will fix this problem , and all this chatter is making me nervous .
tr	3	Perhaps skill in cards is directly related to what game you play , because the man simply fleeced us .
tr	3	The Alps , once unconquerable to all but Hannibal and Napoleon , now could be crossed with relative ease .
tr	3	I could almost see the steam billowing from the engine and hear the wheels churning up the slope .
tr	3	We wound ourselves around the peaks and within our compartment , the chill of winter was descending .
tr	3	The Italian countryside was , perhaps , even more beautiful and captivating than the lands of France .
tr	3	Besides , I think someone needs to keep track of you two , given your start in Paris . "
tr	3	" That , and you 'll be wanting to get your whist money back , " Logan quipped .
tr	3	" Now , what did our young Englishmen have in mind for the wonderful city of Rome ? "
tr	3	There 's bound to be hundreds , or thousands , of places in which to lose ourselves . "
tr	3	" For hundreds of years , the French kings lived in a palace to rival Olympus .
tr	3	All the while , the French people starved and bled out for the nobles ' whims .
tr	3	I don 't think many nobles have ; the idea 's pretty radical , isn 't it ?
tr	3	" Remarkable you didn 't get your bloody head shot off , " I whispered dryly .
tr	3	A few weeks back , the gendarmes tried breaking up a riot and received some resistance . "
tr	3	In the meanwhile our locomotive continued on its journey , unaware of the intense moral quandaries of its passengers .
tr	3	Now , feats of engineering , both ancient and modern , were racing by the compartment window .
tr	3	At last , the train slowed , belching steam in protest , and it slipped into the station .
tr	3	" Welcome to the most holy , inspiring , and magnificent city of Europe , my friends .
tr	3	" I think the bullet you put through Fuchs just might have something to do with it all . "
tr	3	Besides their obvious anger , admirable drive , and extensive reach , the gang 's very actions were maddening .
tr	3	" What gives either of you any hope that these villains won 't simply follow you there as well ?
tr	3	We slowed our pace , certain of our success in eluding the men , before I answered .
tr	3	" A nice point , but all the same , we need to be on our guard . "
tr	3	All nodded at Logan 's suggestion and we strolled along , our pace relaxed once more .
tr	3	Even here , the Christian capital of Europe , beggars waited in the dirt , misery embodied .
tr	3	Young boys , their eyes sightless , pleaded for a few small coins as they stumbled about .
tr	3	" I 've heard many young boys blind themselves or their friends , " said Jacob .
tr	3	So , the first order of business was to meet with Logan 's father 's contacts in the city .
tr	3	To keep out of our pursuers ' hands , we 'd need a line of credit and soon .
tr	3	Pulling up to his sumptuous townhome , we marveled at the ornate gate blocking the outside world .
tr	3	A booming voice , speaking in Italian , ended our conversation as the shout echoed through the foyer .
tr	3	I could see Logan 's quizzical expression as he was released from the folds of our host .
tr	3	Not physically of course , it 'd take several strong men and a healthy ox for that . "
tr	3	Di Luca slapped Logan violently on the back while the three of us chuckled awkwardly at the quip .
tr	3	My fortune was gone with my sunken cargo , and I had nothing , nothing to my name .
tr	3	He clapped Logan again , this time on the shoulder and nearly knocked the lad over .
tr	3	" So of course I am honored to host the son of a great man and invaluable friend .
tr	3	Di Luca interrupted , turning to Jacob and I. " I 've been such a boor .
tr	3	" You 've heard my name of course , but I do not have the honor of yours . "
tr	3	" I 've met few men of your country , but they always promise great entertainment and pure friendship .
tr	3	The maelstrom wove around us as the valets constructed an impromptu feast and table setting amid the expansive foyer .
tr	3	After eating the food for several minutes in contented silence , our host looked us over .
tr	3	They often provide me with helpful information , and I pay well to be well informed .
tr	3	Will you allow me to inquire as to this strange gang with their singular hats ? "
tr	3	You are most kind , and any assistance you offer , we won 't refuse . "
tr	3	Finally , the footman we glimpsed upon arrival bustled into the room , his pattering feet carrying him along .
tr	3	He marched straight towards his employer , bent delicately , and whispered something into the large man 's ear .
tr	3	His face twitched , and a bead of sweat dribbled down the folds of his neck .
tr	3	We 've plenty of rooms to spare , and an old bachelor has little company this time of year .
tr	3	" If there 's no opposition from the others , we would love to accept . "
tr	3	He almost begged then , and I wondered if the man grew lonely in his luxurious , empty home .
tr	3	Shown to our rooms by Sebastian , the valet , we sank into massive armchairs by a small fireplace .
tr	3	We chatted about our change in fortune and let Di Luca 's brandy remove all doubts and cares .
tr	3	Right behind me , Logan and Jacob fell into step as we surveyed the scene around us .
tr	3	Political machinations , bad investments , war , and other factors had led to their downfall .
tr	3	Still , small branches of the family existed , and these continued the mantle of wealth .
tr	3	I thought he looked like an overgrown orange , but Roman masked balls apparently demanded some color .
tr	3	" Even so , " continued Di Luca , " they rely more and more upon their rich friends .
tr	3	I would be surprised if it 's not gone in the next century or so . "
tr	3	Without further comment , the large man shuffled forward , expecting the three of us to follow .
tr	3	A servant , bedecked in the Medici livery , stood at the entrance to the manor .
tr	3	If you would like to take your places amid the hall , it would be most helpful . "
tr	3	As we moved through the building 's labyrinth of corridors , the great hall loomed before us .
tr	3	The sketches I had seen of deep underground caverns came to mind , so expansive was the room .
tr	3	A balcony overlooked the space , and a chamber orchestra was tuning , preparing for the dances to come .
tr	3	Small tables , weighed down with delicacies and drinks , surrounded the perimeter of the hall .
tr	3	In one moment , all identity had been discarded within the anonymity of the plaster masks .
tr	3	" You know , I haven 't been to a ball for nearly a decade , " spoke Jacob .
tr	3	" Lad , if ever there was a place to lose yourself , it 's Rome .
tr	3	I followed in their wake , but I had resolved to do some dancing that evening .
tr	3	As the waltz slowed to a halt , we watched Di Luca direct his dancing partner over towards us .
tr	3	A content smile was spread under his mask , and his cheeks were moist with sweat .
tr	3	I wouldn 't want to cause embarrassment by thrashing you , despite my dragging leg ! "
tr	3	" Now , I see that my wife has collected some fine company for the evening .
tr	3	To all this , Marcellus humbly denied all and refused to add any embellishments to the tales .
tr	3	Drawing Alexandra aside , I begged apology for my ignorance and asked to hear more about her native land .
tr	3	" You must meet her tonight , although I 'm not sure where she 's wandered off .
tr	3	I won 't have you wasting the moment on someone already claimed , however magnificent she may be . "
tr	3	As we walked , my feet moved into time with the piece , directing my companion .
tr	3	The chords circled around us , and within my chest , I could feel every vibration from the orchestra .
tr	3	From that first moment , a warm affection for the nameless girl took hold of me .
tr	3	Instead , I felt an intense and inexplicable desire to guard and protect her from all harm .
tr	3	" My lady , you are the most talented dancer I have ever had the pleasure to meet . "
tr	3	" Dear me , in our rush to catch the music , I forgot to introduce myself .
tr	3	My friend was kind enough to introduce me to your aunt and uncle ; they were simply wonderful .
tr	3	They mentioned your dancing prowess , and I can see now that those stories are more than true . "
tr	3	We strolled , arm in arm , through the roiling throng of masks , color , and excitement .
tr	3	The music had begun once more , and around us , couples danced to the lively piece .
tr	3	Your niece is a most charming woman , and her dancing is everything you said it would be . "
tr	3	All an old man wants is the chance to see his descendents flourish , and what do I get ?
tr	3	It 's another bit of national pride we maintain , " said Alexandra , patting my arm .
tr	3	" Marcellus ' brother would be more than happy to arrange a stay for you . "
tr	3	We don 't get foreign company often , and I would love to show you my country ! "
tr	3	I haven 't been to Germany before , but that 's not from lack of desire .
tr	3	If I can speak for the group , we 'd be most excited to accept your offer . "
tr	3	She hadn 't noticed yet , I was certain it would be embarrassing when she did .
tr	3	" There hasn 't been a moment of peace for these gentlemen , I tell you !
tr	3	And then , all of a sudden , we glimpsed those blasted bowler hats once more !
tr	3	Nothing nefarious by itself , but they each wore those distinct black bowlers with the silver diamond medallion .
tr	3	We stared at each other in disbelief , completely baffled by the Klein 's swift exit .
tr	3	His face curled in on itself ; I laughed inwardly as I realized the man was sulking .
tr	3	Our heels clicked along the corridor outside the great hall as we pushed our way through the throng .
tr	3	By the pensive droop of his eyes , Logan was contemplating the beauty which had only just left us .
tr	3	We exited the house and strolled along the gravel pathway towards the waiting carriages and the countryside beyond .
tr	3	The manor , like many homes of the rich , was situated some distance outside of Rome .
tr	3	" I don 't know if I buy that argument , but we 'll leave it for now .
tr	3	" I mean , it 's nobody else 's business if Fuchs and I tried to kill each other .
tr	3	Logan and I shrugged , and Jacob rapped the side of the carriage , signaling our chauffeur .
tr	3	We shoot the lock , roll out of the carriage , and run through the darkness .
tr	3	He placed his revolver against the lock , looked at us to gauge our readiness , and fired .
tr	3	The report echoed through the carriage , and the acrid stench of gunpowder settled around us .
tr	3	Panting , I reached the building , ducked inside , and was nearly impaled upon Logan 's outstretched sword .
tr	3	The ceiling had collapsed long ago , and the floor was devoid of pews or any other religious trappings .
tr	3	Spots of moonlight drifted through the open ceiling , casting a haunting , ethereal mood over the entire place .
tr	3	Three to five odds aren 't as bad as they might be , " whispered Jacob .
tr	3	" Circling around to kill us from the back , no doubt , " said Logan .
tr	3	Crouching in the dust behind the column , a bead of sweat dripped down my neck .
tr	3	Like the men accompanying Fuchs to the duel , I noticed this speaker 's German accent .
tr	3	" I have a proposition for you , lad , " said the voice , closer this time .
tr	3	A man , dressed all in black , was struggling with Logan -- who clutched a bleeding arm .
tr	3	The rogue dropped , his blood seeping into the grooves of the holy stones around us .
tr	3	Cocking my pistol once more , I waited for any other assaults ; none were forthcoming .
tr	3	" Not difficult given your propensity to stick your noses in others ' business , " threw back Logan .
tr	3	With a frightful roar , I leapt up from my position and ran into the clear .
tr	3	A misty dust from the gravel was still settling amid the moonlight as I finally glimpsed them .
tr	3	As a lone rider bore down on me , I had just enough time to register another cry .
tr	3	All other thoughts were cut off then as I sidestepped the angry horse thundering beside me .
tr	3	Shouting wordlessly , I raised my revolver and shot several times , too excited to aim properly .
tr	3	The weapon was clutched in my off hand , a fact which didn 't aid the process .
tr	3	At one point , our blades became locked together , each man struggling to overpower the other .
tr	3	In a fit of rage and quick thinking , I brought my pistol up and cocked it .
tr	3	Above him , the other man had dismounted , his sword waiting for the slightest opportunity .
tr	3	Just then , however , Jacob rushed from the chapel , his pistols splitting the night air .
tr	3	The rider lay nearby , clutching at several gunshot wounds , his movements growing slower by the second .
tr	3	I wanted to speak , to apologize , or retch -- I didn 't know which .
tr	3	Taking the carriage , we rode through byways for hours in the general direction of city .
tr	3	Soon after , more and more buildings dotted the road , and we began to recognize different landmarks .
tr	3	His cocksure smile caused me to pause , and the ridiculousness of the entire situation washed over me .
tr	3	I started chuckling , but this soon degenerated into a rolling guffaw , my shoulders heaving .
tr	3	I couldn 't speak for the others , but I was simply wrung out , physically and emotionally .
tr	3	It didn 't matter that we 'd been ambushed by scoundrels with every intention to kill us .
tr	3	The sooner we learn what this cult is , the sooner we 'll have some peace to enjoy . "
tr	3	Calling an attendant , I prepared a bath and readied myself for the day , whatever time it was .
tr	3	I 'm sure he has no idea we 're even leaving today , " said Jacob .
tr	3	I killed one of their members in an honorable , fair fight , and the devils want our heads .
tr	3	Pressing and unfortunate circumstances require us to leave immediately , " said Logan to the man .
tr	3	They stood outside talking for some time while we chatted ; there was nothing else to do .
tr	3	Did you accompany the master of this house to the ball at the Medici estate last evening ? "
tr	3	I doubted the government would be pleased with five dead men along the road , ambush or not .
tr	3	The driver took off , and we sat in silence as the vehicle clipped along the road .
tr	3	I was starting to question if the officer was simple or our skills in the Italian language were flawed .
tr	3	But in the middle , for all the travelers to see , was our missing Di Luca .
tr	3	He told of the ambush and gave a rough estimate of where that church had been .
tr	3	With a sick , meaty sound , the officers pulled the daggers from Di Luca 's outstretched limbs .
tr	3	He , and others at the party , indicated that you left long before Di Luca .
tr	3	That , plus the conversation I had with Di Luca 's servant this morning clears you .
tr	3	You were back at the house before Di Luca 's absence ; the timing doesn 't work out . "
tr	3	We didn 't know him long , but he was a wonderful host and new friend . "
tr	3	The constable loaded us back into the carriage and we drove back to Di Luca 's home .
tr	3	Of course , the servants were distraught , but again , there was nothing to be done .
tr	3	The wheels of the vehicle bounced forward , and without further pomp , we were again on the move .
tr	3	We 'll come back to Di Luca 's death and why we 're so very different .
tr	3	When I gushed my story to you , on the train to Rome , I skimmed over several things .
tr	3	There 's only one skill in life I wish I hadn 't been forced to learn .
tr	3	Southern nobility , per se , is determined solely by the amount of money a family owns .
tr	3	He took a sip of brandy ; a train attendant had brought drinks to us awhile back .
tr	3	" The more slaves a man owns , the more cotton he can reap in the year .
tr	3	Shooting is the one skill I had to learn , and I can do it very well . "
tr	3	My analysis didn 't suit him , and after several long arguments of the subject , he demanded satisfaction .
tr	3	God 's truth -- that 's what I fought for , what I risked my life for .
tr	3	To back out , I would lose all credibility , and all of my writings would become drivel .
tr	3	If he couldn 't be the winner , of moral arguments or anything else , why bother with life ?
tr	3	But to offer it to be taken , as in a duel , is perhaps even worse . "
tr	3	I 've mentioned before that I didn 't avoid death , but it came to avoid me .
tr	3	The comment hovered in the compartment , neither of us responding for a very long moment .
tr	3	All told , it had been a pleasant journey , a needed escape from the carnage of Rome .
tr	3	Now though , as I peered through the glass into the dawn , the landscape had changed .
tr	3	Friendship is always a powerful tie , but in this case , it was deeper , stronger .
tr	3	I knew that either of these fellows would die defending me , and I felt the same for them .
tr	3	But books spoke of a bond where each surrenders himself to become almost one with the other .
tr	3	To me , this had always sounded like propaganda to puff up the subject 's ego and reputation .
tr	3	He began to snack , and after a moment , he offered the food around to us .
tr	3	Even then , the forest was beginning to clear , the trees becoming smaller and more infrequent .
tr	3	The occasional farmstead and cultivated field dotted the landscape , and we finally began to see people .
tr	3	Concurrently , my other hand shot out , grabbing the man and shoving him to the ground .
tr	3	He offered my faded cloth towards me , and I raised him back to standing height .
tr	3	Trusting the laborers to their work , we left the platform , walking into the city .
tr	3	It seems out of character for these men to misplace their quarry , " said Jacob .
tr	3	None of us had seen Germany before , and our eyes began to wander towards the scenes around us .
tr	3	Dogs , domesticated not wild , circled their masters , begging every passersby to pet them .
tr	3	Finally , after receiving the pleasant help of a passing merchant , we came to the home .
tr	3	Welcome to the home of Mister Joseph Klein , Minister of War for His Majesty King Martin III . "
tr	3	Peering inside , I shrugged towards the others and followed the excitable servant into the home .
tr	3	After a while , we passed through a pair of wide , thick doors back into the blinding sun .
tr	3	Then , with what happened after the ball ... " Mercedes looked up , her forehead creasing in worry .
tr	3	Then Joseph led the group towards the birch tree and waved each person to a chair .
tr	3	I noted with some amusement that he placed Adele and himself between our group and Mercedes .
tr	3	" You boys have been traveling for hours and probably haven 't had a decent meal today .
tr	3	He 's a good judge of character , and I won 't be the one to argue .
tr	3	Logan took the lead and briefly explained everything that had occurred since our departure from England .
tr	3	When he told about the Faith 's pursuit , though , Joseph 's face grew longer and longer .
tr	3	Finally , my friend related the particulars of our ambush after the ball and Di Luca 's murder .
tr	3	" And so , sir , we 've come here seeking answers at your daughter 's behest .
tr	3	It 's a long story , and very dark in many places ... but I can tell you . "
tr	3	" The French Revolution wasn 't that long ago , but it changed everything in Europe when it happened .
tr	3	But for now , I want to focus on two things : religion and the monarchy .
tr	3	They were sick of the changes , tired of the Revolution , and scared for their own necks .
tr	3	God had selected the Bourbon house to rule , and who were the French peasants to say otherwise ?
tr	3	" With these goals in mind , they came up with their name , the Faith .
tr	3	The robberies of government coaches decreased but , even so , it was difficult finding members of the Faith .
tr	3	" In Spain , Naples , the Duchy of Warsaw , Germany , and elsewhere , these men recruited .
tr	3	Although it was never a massive organization , it far outgrew the band 's original logistics .
tr	3	Now , in Spain , the Italian states , and the German states , you can find the Faith .
tr	3	It wouldn 't do for townspeople to see their faces and report their neighbors ' crimes .
tr	3	" Yes , that silver medallion , invariably presented as a diamond shape , is their crest .
tr	3	If you get the chance to look closer , you 'll find it 's more than just a diamond .
tr	3	A cross is etched into the diamond , stretching the entire length and breadth of the shape .
tr	3	As a whole , the symbol is a reflection of the social order according to the Faith .
tr	3	With the absolute monarch at the head of things , everything is in order , so to speak . "
tr	3	We 'll come to that later , but you gentlemen most certainly harmed the Faith that day .
tr	3	I mean no offense , but I 'm actually quite surprised you 're still alive . "
tr	3	Before we could ask more about Otto Fuchs ' dealings with the Faith , the man continued .
tr	3	Placing the various monarchs back on their thrones used to be the main objective of each Courtier .
tr	3	Like many of his peers , our current monarch , King Martin III , practices restraint .
tr	3	I mentioned that the Faith hasn 't taken kindly to Martin 's shift in governing style .
tr	3	He may know that they 're as guilty as sin , but without evidence , he refuses to act .
tr	3	It came as no surprise that King Martin used his knowledge extensively when he first took the throne .
tr	3	His ministers are there to provide assistance and advice , and occasionally attempt to dissuade the king from acting .
tr	3	Given the multitude of new machinery , producers have had to be competitive in selling their tools .
tr	3	The king wanted to know why these peasants were still struggling and working much harder than necessary .
tr	3	At the end of it all , he found the financial laws to be rather ... interesting . "
tr	3	He cited all manner of legal clauses and longstanding practices to make the taxes appear right .
tr	3	" Taken aback by Fuchs ' taxes , King Martin began examining other parts of the kingdom .
tr	3	It turned out that Fuchs and several other ministers had implemented laws to belabor the lower classes everywhere .
tr	3	For a time , King Martin turned into a raging absolutist ; the Faith should have been proud .
tr	3	He saw Fuchs ' increasing involvement in the Faith as a hobby for the disillusioned , disenfranchised politician .
tr	3	He was emerging from his own chambers , having fallen asleep for a nap and was completely unharmed .
tr	3	While he hasn 't been able to convict the Faith , he has been able to vex them .
tr	3	What we 'd seen at Versailles had been the epitome of opulence and oppressive social castes .
tr	3	If they could kill Martin and take control , they 'd do it in a heartbeat . "
tr	3	They are the change God demands when a king violates principles like the established social order . "
tr	3	Most people don 't recognize the danger brewing around us , but my troops are preparing .
tr	3	Our troops are watching them , but they 've five decades of experience in sabotage and secrecy .
tr	3	We can guard King Martin well enough , but the rest of the government is at risk too .
tr	3	I hadn 't heard a word from either of the women , so it struck me as odd .
tr	3	His ambition is limited to reaching the height of expertise in the skills he 's chosen to focus upon .
tr	3	King Martin loves his brother greatly , and the two are perfectly content in their respective positions .
tr	3	I even spoke with him personally , but the man was firm -- he was going to hunt .
tr	3	As the man paused to take a sip from his wine , I heard a rustling of grass .
tr	3	For her part , Mercedes was staring at the servant as the man trotted away through the courtyard .
tr	3	For a terrible , beautiful moment , my being was transfixed , and breath would not come to me .
tr	3	We haven 't seen you in months , and now you show up with this threat .
tr	3	They 're killing King Martin , and I won 't be a part of it . "
tr	3	I don 't know the details , but Fuchs is going to assassinate him today . "
tr	3	We traveled around to Paris , Luzerne , Bern , other places I don 't remember .
tr	3	Kurt wouldn 't hear my protests though , so I went on a walk through the streets .
tr	3	A lone candle lit up a single window along the second floor in the west wing .
tr	3	I asked Kurt about it , but he dodged the conversation and quickly led me back inside .
tr	3	Besides , I don 't even know if we can trust her anymore , ' he said .
tr	3	I wondered how long these two had been lovers and how recent the separation had been .
tr	3	" As soon as I could , I made some pretense to go to the village nearby .
tr	3	Just as we entered the house , I saw Eva collapse into a chair , drained .
tr	3	She and Mercedes met long ago at a royal ball , and the two have been inseparable ever since .
tr	3	Had we not been so distracted and our travel so rushed , it would have been a pleasant trip .
tr	3	The space around the citadel had been cleared , and the emptiness accentuated the building 's magnitude .
tr	3	Painted in a pale yellow , the foundational stones of the palace rose up , looming above the grounds .
tr	3	Gardens and small groves dotted the space , and everything was circled by a tall metal fence .
tr	3	Our carriage raced up to a gate along the street , the only opening through the massive perimeter fence .
tr	3	And if my guess was right , he was just another common specimen of the royal guard .
tr	3	We 'll sound the alarm , but if it 's false , I look to you for explanations . "
tr	3	" I 'm sorry , sir , but the palace is closed as of this moment .
tr	3	Two winding staircases led up to the upper floors , and a long corridor opened before us .
tr	3	Around us , servants milled about carrying things , cleaning , and maintaining the efficiency of the building .
tr	3	Without us , you 'd never have known about the plot or have any reason to raise the alarm .
tr	3	With shock , I realized that this entire corridor had been lit by a single window .
tr	3	For the next five minutes , our leader called out directions and we turned one way or another .
tr	3	I know and trust you , of course , but I don 't know these men .
tr	3	I laughed as Jacob took out a second revolver , as well as a wide knife from his boot .
tr	3	The task accomplished , the officer moved out of the way , and we bustled inside .
tr	3	Then , as my eyes continued to track across the room , I saw the king .
tr	3	He was perched like an owl upon a small throne in the center of the room .
tr	3	He possessed piercing eyes , cropped black hair , and a sharp , long goatee and mustache .
tr	3	I 'd never met a monarch before , but King Martin III was not exactly what I expected .
tr	3	To mince matters , she fell in love with a Courtier and only just escaped their grasp .
tr	3	Besides , the two of you already look alike -- same build , same facial structure .
tr	3	At the alarm , our first task was to spirit the king away to the secure room here .
tr	3	Checks on all persons were conducted , and searches for suspicious objects , signs , and intruders were undertaken .
tr	3	Like me , Jacob and Logan had dropped to the floor , preservation taking the lead over courage .
tr	3	As shouts of defiance and rejection arose from our side , I looked to the king .
tr	3	Then , as one , a report from a musket filled the room and someone cried " Treachery ! "
tr	3	All lay sprawled about us , lifeless eyes reflecting in the sunlight descending from the skylights .
tr	3	Four of them had bayonets resting inches above our throats , begging us to resist them in some way .
tr	3	I watched two of the enemy assist him in this , dragging him to a kneeling position .
tr	3	The monarch clutched his shoulder , and the wound continued to pulsate , gushing scarlet blood onto the floor .
tr	3	" Did you really think you could stand before the will of God and not be crushed ? "
tr	3	After your trial and execution for this treasonous murder , the whole ordeal will be long forgotten . "
tr	3	Kurt moved to kick him , but Fuchs again held up a hand , clicking his tongue as well .
tr	3	He cackled and said " The only problem I find with you all is your lack of vision .
tr	3	Before Robespierre , Danton , and all those other heathens filled everyone 's minds with heresy ?
tr	3	Have Phillip 's body brought to the palace , and arrange an honor guard for the occasion .
tr	3	We can keep her alive to suffer more for a long , a very long time . "
tr	3	But , with time and the Faith 's apparent talents , anything could be learned from a prisoner .
tr	3	I had expected the men to stumble through the darkness as we were without a guide .
tr	3	Fuchs , at the front of the procession , called out the various turns , and we followed .
tr	3	I walked proudly ; they could frame me , but they couldn 't make me guilty before my conscience .
tr	3	Instead of halting , we were lead to the winding stairs there and traveled back into the upper floors .
tr	3	Two large skylights revealed the morning sky , casting large swaths of light into the giant room .
tr	3	A collective gasp filled the room , and horrified whispers danced around the space like the sounds of hornets .
tr	3	Around us , I could feel the gaze of every attendant turning to stare at the battered captives .
tr	3	You know my brother loved the sport of hunting , and he often spent summers away from us .
tr	3	Yes , even this summer he went to find stillness amid the fields and forests of Switzerland .
tr	3	To spare you the details , these men , foreigners from America and England , lay in wait .
tr	3	For now , let us mourn our lost , and remove these dogs from our sight . "
tr	3	I can 't recall our route , for we were shoved and prodded along through many doors and corridors .
tr	3	The sound reverberated around the corridor , but it seemed to come from one of the rooms .
tr	3	The summoned man was flying from door to door back down the hallway , throwing them open .
tr	3	Apparently , he found no one inside , because he continued to each door without pausing .
tr	3	There 's only one lamp at the other end , and I can 't see anything besides that .
tr	3	We can 't scream that high , " said Logan , a cocksure grin on his face .
tr	3	The screaming had subsided , and Oskar 's movements had died away in the dark room .
tr	3	Drop your weapons , " spoke a woman 's voice behind us , further up the passage .
tr	3	Chapter XIV Eva moved the pistol back and forth , aiming the barrel at each guard in turn .
tr	3	Despite their shock , our captors hesitated and held onto their guns -- not surprising , really .
tr	3	" We lock them up , and get the hell out of here , " snapped Logan .
tr	3	" Forgive me for saying this , but you shoot quite well , especially for a woman .
tr	3	Another benefit of being an ambassador 's daughter is that you come to learn the palace well .
tr	3	Of course the uniforms didn 't fit us exactly , but it was far better than before .
tr	3	I assumed it wasn 't often that three guards , accompanying a beautiful woman , dashed about the kitchens .
tr	3	At this , the chefs cleared our path , and we passed through the culinary menagerie .
tr	3	The tall perimeter fence was still visible , and guards paced back and forth in multiple places .
tr	3	This structure was used for parking the royal carriages , and we 'd need to steal one to escape .
tr	3	The wheels were well oiled , and as a whole , they looked to be sleek and powerful vehicles .
tr	3	We could see servants shuffling about , performing chores , and generally seeing to the royal horses .
tr	3	Turning , we faced the approaching patrol of soldiers as their leader , a lieutenant , spoke .
tr	3	Luckily , he had grabbed the right uniform ; Jacob was the same rank as our pestering lieutenant .
tr	3	" Well , I , uh ... " " You apparently don 't know much . "
tr	3	Then without a regard for the others , he held up a hand and assisted Eva into the carriage .
tr	3	By the end , he was yelling , and the patrol ran to get out of our way .
tr	3	" And in order to do that , you need me to tell you where he is . "
tr	3	They 're quite close , really -- only half a day 's travel by horse . "
tr	3	" If you didn 't notice , there 's a mountain range just north of the city .
tr	3	That messenger has perhaps a two-hour head start , so you 'll need to move swiftly .
tr	3	I could hear voices discussing something , but I couldn 't catch anything but the tone .
tr	3	We 'd reached the main entrance , and Jacob must have been arguing with the guards .
tr	3	You have to have orders to leave with a royal carriage , " said an official voice .
tr	3	The Archduke 's mistress wishes to leave , to be rid of this place for the moment .
tr	3	Jacob had slipped into his authoritative role once more , beautifully shouting at the poor guard .
tr	3	If there was to be a fight , we weren 't going to leave Jacob alone .
tr	3	I heard a scream and out my window , I glimpsed several guards leaping to avoid being run over .
tr	3	But from the sound of repeated cursing and moaning above us , I feared the worst .
tr	3	I need ... I need a doctor , or I won 't be chasing anything soon . "
tr	3	She shouted direction out the window , and we wound through the streets , seeking the monastery .
tr	3	Any minute , swarms of horses would be filling the city , looking for the carriage and hunting us .
tr	3	Logan and I carried Jacob in and laid him on a table at the priest 's direction .
tr	3	Before we could answer , a dozen monks bustled up bearing cloths , boiled water and medical tools .
tr	3	Taking no further time , we left Eva and our wounded friend and raced back to the carriage .
tr	3	Logan just steered us towards the looming mountains , and our chosen streets ran nearer to the shadowy peaks .
tr	3	Then small farms dotted our path , and finally , we were free of the city .
tr	3	Speeding onwards , we passed farm carts , trotting ponies , and walking peasants , all bearing farming tools .
tr	3	Breathing deeply , I urged the horse onwards , propelling it faster with my own fervor .
tr	3	Nearby , Logan 's horse galloped neck and neck with mine , its rider stone-faced and frowning in concentration .
tr	3	Boulders began dotting the nearby fields , and the farmland turned to wild forests of dark trees .
tr	3	In contrast to the dusty road we 'd just left , this highway was well paved .
tr	3	Crows screeched their calls through the branches , and the press of the woods bore down on us .
tr	3	Rocky crags replaced them , and I hugged my jacket tighter about me , clapping my hands .
tr	3	Snow clung to certain rocks about us , and the paving on the highway grew more shoddy and worn .
tr	3	Occasionally , small rocks would roll down the cliffs around us and clatter onto the highway .
tr	3	While quite wide for a mountain road , the path would have been slow and treacherous for a carriage .
tr	3	Trees had started to appear again , but the fog was still as thick as ever .
tr	3	A small herd of cattle , all identically white , appeared suddenly out of the mist .
tr	3	The sight was ordinary until a slight breeze blew a pocket of clarity in the fog .
tr	3	The man ahead suddenly stopped and turned his horse about , confusion evident upon his face .
tr	3	The horses ' feet hit the ground and rose , touched and lifted , flying down the path .
tr	3	For his part , the Courtier ahead continued to glance over his shoulder , panic evident on his face .
tr	3	Although we were closing the distance , it was still too long for a pistol shot .
tr	3	The wind whistled past us in our race , tossing our hair about us in a blur .
tr	3	The Courtier rose in his saddle , screaming to part the crowd before his galloping horse .
tr	3	At the station before us , a single , small locomotive puffed steam into the air .
tr	3	Raising a long arm , he grabbed the rail and started hoisting himself onto the car .
tr	3	I turned to see , but my vision was so clouded , I couldn 't make anything out .
tr	3	Drops of sweat coated my hands , and the blood pulsed through my head like an opened spring .
tr	3	Swinging about , I saw the platform filling with angry men , uniformed policemen leading the charge .
tr	3	My pulse still throbbing , I leaned out of the train , grasping the stair rail for support .
tr	3	Swinging my revolver around , I fired off a few rounds , hoping to dispel the pursuit .
tr	3	Bullets flying about them , the police and the mob decided catching us wasn 't worth dying for .
tr	3	But as I walked in , I glimpsed my friend collapsed and panting on the ground .
tr	3	The laugh turned into a guffaw , and soon , his whole body was heaving in mirth .
tr	3	" Would you mind acting civilized for just a moment and telling me just what 's so comical ? "
tr	3	Just now you rush over and have the gall to ask if I 'm alright . "
tr	3	You wouldn 't think it from his background in writing , but he 's pretty tough . "
tr	3	That night the Faith ambushed us near Rome -- he knew his way about a fight .
tr	3	All we have to do is rescue Phillip and make sure we 're all knighted . "
tr	3	We saw Versailles and have been caught up with the Fuchs ' brothers and the Faith ever since .
tr	3	At once terrifying , saddening , and maddening , I 'd been caught up in the moment .
tr	3	Just enjoying our own coach as it were , " said Logan , brushing dust from his uniform .
tr	3	There 's a group of eight tottering women up near the front , but not many others .
tr	3	Fuchs ' men would have been seen traveling back and forth numerous times , preparing the coup .
tr	3	Come to think of it , we did hear a bit of shouting , but that 's normal too .
tr	3	You get a large enough group of people together , and all kinds of wild things can happen .
tr	3	Thank the heavens the people on the train hadn 't seen the fiasco on the platform .
tr	3	You get your coins changed and things will feel more at home again , hmm ? "
tr	3	" If it comes at all , let 's hope it 's not this night then . "
tr	3	Eventually I must have drifted off to sleep , for Logan shook me awake some time later .
tr	3	That old fellow passed through the car a few minutes back , and the train just started slowing . "
tr	3	Glancing over , seeing him in the reflected lamplight , I let out a short bark .
tr	3	The chase and fracas at the platform had left me gritty , sweaty , and generally rumpled .
tr	3	Straightening our clothes as best as possible , we strode through the car and exited onto the platform .
tr	3	We were utterly alone on the platform , although just behind us trooped several fashionably dressed older couples .
tr	3	Several large lamps lit the space , and giant moths swarmed about these lights like pilgrims .
tr	3	The occasional lamp illuminated the gaping darkness , often showing quant little houses resting in the night .
tr	3	The cry of an owl filled the night as one swooped down on some unsuspecting prey .
tr	3	By sunrise , I longed to be well away from this place , Archduke Phillip in hand .
tr	3	Walking briskly , but not so fast as to draw unwanted attention , we strode through the dark streets .
tr	3	Following Eva 's directions , we wove to the west and arrived at the outskirts of the village .
tr	3	Within moments though that light was gone , the clouds again submerging the moon under their folds .
tr	3	Eventually , we came to a break in fence , a gaping hole in the town 's apparent defenses .
tr	3	" By the paving , I 'd say that 's a good guess ; it 's the right road .
tr	3	I confess I let out a yelp in fear , which Logan rushed to cover with his hand .
tr	3	Releasing his grip on my arm , my friend pointed towards a glimmering light that shown through the trees .
tr	3	There , waiting amid a wide grove of towering trees , was the chateau of the Faith .
tr	3	For a time , the only audible sounds were the crickets wandering through the woods about us .
tr	3	" That 's terrible , " I scolded , but I couldn 't help smiling either .
tr	3	Besides , with the mountain pass , there wasn 't any way to get lines though .
tr	3	We need to get Eva and Jacob out of the city , stop Fuchs , and rescue Mercedes . "
tr	3	Trying to calm myself , I took a long moment to breathe the crisp air around us .
tr	3	Then we faced the massive double doors that waited at the base of those captivating walls .
tr	3	I raised my fist again , but before I could knock , a rumbling filled the entryway .
tr	3	It 's not as if we get many visitors , but you can 't be too careful . "
tr	3	The bloody man keeps the staff running to and fro , carrying meals and fetching books .
tr	3	The unsuspecting man let us from room to room , each more sumptuous than the last .
tr	3	Since Fuchs left with his band , we 're down to about ten or so . "
tr	3	He 'll be chained up now , and two guards sleep in the room as well .
tr	3	For now , it 's good to know he 's guarded , but let 's eat .
tr	3	I didn 't contradict the man , but I sure hoped the dog would continue to be deceived .
tr	3	He 'd already drawn his blade , and light danced on the honed saber as Logan approached our host .
tr	3	Logan leaned forward , and I could barely make out the words he whispered to the other man .
tr	3	" If you value your life , you will be deathly silent , or you will be dead . "
tr	3	It 's on your neck , and it could be in your neck in a moment .
tr	3	As he moved , I stepped forward and withdrew our captive 's pistol from his belt .
tr	3	Then I remembered Fuchs ' pistol shot reverberating through the silent room and the king 's limp body falling .
tr	3	If not , I 'll gut you without pause , and we 'll find the west wing ourselves . "
tr	3	I fell on the man 's back , burying my knife in his flesh in the process .
tr	3	Despite his efforts the wound pulsed blood , staining his black uniform and sloshing to the floor around us .
tr	3	Kneeling , I removed the knife from his back and used it to slice a hunk from his nightshirt .
tr	3	Returning to Logan , I wiped away what blood I could and wrapped the cut as tightly as possible .
tr	3	Logan made to rise , but made the mistake of supporting himself with the wounded arm .
tr	3	I took the footman 's pistol with us ; my own weapon was nearly out of cartridges .
tr	3	Thus composed , we retraced our steps into the great hall , extinguishing all the lamps in the kitchen .
tr	3	It 'd make us an easier target if the rest of the house had indeed been roused .
tr	3	As we passed through the massive area , I saw Feral 's eyes gleaming through the darkness .
tr	3	It lit the area immediately about us , but the light was powerless after a few feet .
tr	3	The whole manor felt eerie , as if the stones themselves were hostile to our presence .
tr	3	Perhaps I expected Fuchs ' dog to come scurrying down the hall and sink his teeth into us .
tr	3	We 'd just exited one that had a large " E , " the eastern wing .
tr	3	Even as I turned to walk further into the gloom , I felt warm breath on my neck .
tr	3	While the light was dim , it was enough to illuminate the veiled blackness of the corridor .
tr	3	A burst of light from the room filled the darkness , and a tall , slight man rushed out .
tr	3	No doubt someone had stumbled into the kitchen only to discover the grisly scene that awaited .
tr	3	My thoughts were ripped back to the present as a howl of surprise and pain filled the dark corridor .
tr	3	" I 'd bet your life and mine that the Courtier has a pistol pointed straight at the door .
tr	3	Logan , watching it all , began smiling , a grim display of teeth in the gloom .
tr	3	As the last pistol cracks ceased , Logan swept around me , dodging into the room with another yell .
tr	3	Like the fallen Courtier at our feet , our eyes needed a moment to adjust to the changed lighting .
tr	3	Of course , it had been Phillip 's light that we saw from the grounds earlier .
tr	3	The most notable thing about him though was the short knife he held in the other hand .
tr	3	The Courtier 's eyes bulged in their sockets , and his face was twitching in agitation .
tr	3	" Yes , well ... I seem to be a bit tied up at the moment . "
tr	3	" Sire , they haven 't killed you yet because they hadn 't killed your brother . "
tr	3	I breathed a sigh of relief , but my ears instantly caught another , more terrifying , noise .
tr	3	Logan and I ducked behind the four-poster , leaning our firearms across the sheets towards the gaping door .
tr	3	" You might as well come out now ; it 'd be easier for the lot of you . "
tr	3	" We didn 't plan on giving you any in the first place , " shot back Logan .
tr	3	From the second story , it wasn 't a far drop , but it was enough .
tr	3	I started to ask why he wouldn 't follow , but movement near the window caught my eye .
tr	3	I turned to follow , but as I did , a howling echoed across the fields .
tr	3	The light from Phillip 's room was still shining , but now other lamps had been lit .
tr	3	It 's set back into the woods a bit , but it should be there , God willing . "
tr	3	" Good fortune at last , " I said , my words in time with my feet .
tr	3	How had he been taken , and to what purpose had he been held for so long ?
tr	3	Regardless , the two men looked furtively through the gloom , no doubt searching for us .
tr	3	It was fortunate that they lacked hunting dogs , or we 'd been caught for sure .
tr	3	Glancing behind , I saw the two men just cresting a hill to disappear over its rise .
tr	3	These shapes were blotches of darkness against the lightening sky , and none of their residents had stirred yet .
tr	3	On the other side , lit ever so faintly by the sun which waited to rise , were woods .
tr	3	Grasping our arms to keep us close in the gloom , he led us expertly through the forest .
tr	3	In composition , it was mostly of stone , a feature which seemed amiss in the woods .
tr	3	Wooden beams formed the pointed ceiling , and several slits appeared in the walls around the structure .
tr	3	Having broken through this , we took a step back and listened for any sounds of pursuit .
tr	3	Another possessed a rack of muskets , pistols , and rifles , with powder and shot to accompany them .
tr	3	Logan 's duel with Otto Fuchs came next , and the story of our subsequent chase through Europe followed .
tr	3	" My God of mercy , " let out Phillip , placing his head in his hands .
tr	3	Not knowing what to say , I grabbed the man 's shoulder , squeezing it hard .
tr	3	We 'd been unsuccessful for nearly a week , and I was determined to track down our prey .
tr	3	As we rounded the bend that morning though , two huge trees toppled through the forest .
tr	3	It seemed that the trees hadn 't hit the ground before they were firing upon us from all directions .
tr	3	They killed the others and this bear of a man tackled me from behind , pinning my arms .
tr	3	" Speaking of which , we should find something to get that off , " said Logan .
tr	3	I 've almost grown fond of the damned things , I 've worn them for so long .
tr	3	I never knew what happened to the other guards in my detachment , but I fear the worst . "
tr	3	They were sent from Switzerland and all told of your good health and happy hunting . "
tr	3	I was always blindfolded when we moved , but I still managed to pick up clues .
tr	3	" Finish your story first sire , and we 'll tell the rest of ours . "
tr	3	I would be roused , and Aloysius would have me instruct him in something about court life .
tr	3	" They did try it , and they have gotten away with it , Your Majesty .
tr	3	Then as the king , he announced to the whole court that you 'd been murdered in Switzerland .
tr	3	If the plan had failed and Fuchs and his gang were captured , they had a way out .
tr	3	The guards will be replaced , and Fuchs will shoot you down before you can speak .
tr	3	We explained the role of the minister of war and how his daughter had been taken as leverage .
tr	3	" For now though , we haven 't slept , " I said with a yawn .
tr	3	The metal shavings fell about us , and the filing was the only sound in the room .
tr	3	It took long , delicate filings to proceed ; we had to avoid grating Phillip 's leg .
tr	3	Two cots rested along the floor , and I demurred to the others to take them .
tr	3	For my part , I piled blankets and furs on the floorboards and nested among them .
tr	3	Even as I succumbed to rest , my mind drifted through a cathartic appraisal of our situation .
tr	3	They haven 't heard the news yet , and they 'll likely recognize me , " Phillip responded .
tr	3	Phillip wants to send a messenger , but my vote is to infiltrate the city ourselves .
tr	3	Strange perhaps , but you 're about the most important people in the world to me right now .
tr	3	My life is forfeit in my own land , and I 've only two Englishmen who say otherwise .
tr	3	Both of those are possible , and any mistake on our parts and we 're lost .
tr	3	If Fuchs captures you , he will torture and rend your body until you give him our location here .
tr	3	Anyone we send is liable to talk freely or lead Fuchs ' men back to us .
tr	3	Having lost my jacket back in the manor , I shrugged the suspenders from my trousers .
tr	3	Unfortunately , I caught one on my shoulder and struggled with it for a few moments .
tr	3	If there was , it 'd look like me -- with only half of an unfitting uniform . "
tr	3	The journey was simple , and despite the proximity to the Faith 's hideout , I felt brash .
tr	3	The more I thought of it however , the more this seemed a disadvantage than a boon .
tr	3	But wandering through the tall grass along the road , I put those thoughts from my mind .
tr	3	I again walked down the path around the hamlet 's perimeter , retracing my steps from the night before .
tr	3	I found a quiet bench near the train platform , and settled in to wait for morning .
tr	3	As I sat quietly on the bench , my finger slowly traced the revolver resting in my waistcoat pocket .
tr	3	I stood up and wandered towards the nearest shop , a humble affair that smelled deliciously of warm bread .
tr	3	I need to get to the capital today by train , and the government can 't accept this . "
tr	3	I ducked my head as much as possible , attempting to avoid his gaze at all costs .
tr	3	I sat munching on my bread for a few minutes before I finally glanced at the paper .
tr	3	The faces of Logan , Jacob , and myself peered back at me from the print .
tr	3	No one was looking around , and the hue and cry certainly hadn 't been raised .
tr	3	The murderers had proven elusive , however , and had even managed to escape from the palace .
tr	3	Along with the images , King Martin was offering a heavy reward for information leading to our capture .
tr	3	The palace warned all readers to be exceptionally careful and diligent in the next few days .
tr	3	My family had always described us as bumbling friends who loved the games life threw our way .
tr	3	To be described as ' deadly and dangerous ' was a far stretch by any imagination .
tr	3	They carried various bundles , but most seemed to be traveling for a day trip to the city .
tr	3	I smiled as the others went about their daily lives , wishing I could join in their leisure .
tr	3	I crept near them , listening behind two giggling young women who waited for the train as well .
tr	3	They haven 't gotten far , and they 're likely to disappear further into the countryside .
tr	3	One of them will make a mistake , and I want to be there in time to catch it .
tr	3	The murdered king 's only crime had been to respect the people 's will and forgo absolutism for enlightenment .
tr	3	No one bothered me , and I was more than content to sit and brood by myself .
tr	3	The landscape swirled by in a rush , and I was again struck by the beauty of this country .
tr	3	After a few minutes , I stepped lightly down the stairs and into the crowd on the platform .
tr	3	I only had my two feet to aid me , and the trip was taking longer than expected .
tr	3	Near the top of the pass , a kindly peasant asked if I wanted a ride .
tr	3	It felt good to relax my feet , the man 's nags pulling us along at a decent clip .
tr	3	The man apologized as we neared his farm , and I hopped off with many cries of thanks .
tr	3	He turned down a gravel lane , and I continued towards the city as night fell .
tr	3	The darkness didn 't bother me , but I was a little apprehensive about gaining access to the city .
tr	3	I came upon the home and slipped up the entry staircase to pound on the door .
tr	3	With each thud of the knocker , I glanced about , waiting for enemies to pounce .
tr	3	Chapter XX Again , the scent of pines rushed at me as I entered the home .
tr	3	It 's been two days since the coup , and he 's already started the changes .
tr	3	As I launched into the lengthy tale , Joseph drew a bottle of cognac from a small cabinet .
tr	3	Phillip 's a strong man , but there 's a limit to anyone 's nerves . "
tr	3	We needed to gather a small group and attack him when he attends some state function or is traveling .
tr	3	The question took me off guard , so to speak , and I barked a short laugh .
tr	3	What really matters is that he 's incredibly loyal to Martin , Phillip , and myself .
tr	3	Then , like you said , it 's only a matter of catching the fox when he 's unprotected .
tr	3	Now they 're sure to keep watch on me to ensure I don 't do anything stupid .
tr	3	Joseph finally described what might have been the place and told me how to find it .
tr	3	Bending down , I picked up a rough object and held it in front of the lamplight .
tr	3	I traced my way through the dark city , but soon , I was too lost to continue .
tr	3	I had an address , but without knowing the city it was impossible to find my way .
tr	3	Rats and the occasional dog wandered nearby , and the water from some runoff dripped incessantly .
tr	3	But if I 'd be more recognizable in the light , I couldn 't help it .
tr	3	Each time was cathartic , and the stench of the alleyway was forgotten as I centered myself .
tr	3	My hands grew moist , gently tracing the watery stones around me as I waited for the dawn .
tr	3	The streets were confusing , and I found myself lost on unfamiliar lanes over and over .
tr	3	I redoubled my pace , the soles of my feet loping across the ground like a fleeing stag .
tr	3	During all of this , I had reached into my waistcoat and pulled the revolver from within .
tr	3	I threw myself into a dark alley , knocking crates and abandoned rubble to the ground in my flight .
tr	3	Aside from a startled yell , there was nothing , and I doubted I had hit anything .
tr	3	I chose erratically , flinging myself down whichever direction seemed best , hoping to lose them in the labyrinth .
tr	3	Looming above me was the royal palace , the perimeter fence directly in front of me .
tr	3	People stared curiously at me , but then my pursuers left the alley and cried for help .
tr	3	I swore deeply as several other men took to the hunt , fresh legs helping them keep pace .
tr	3	Stumbling , I launched into another dark alleyway , splashing water from a puddle in my flight .
tr	3	The water leapt through the air , drenching me in the foul liquid and blinding me for a moment .
tr	3	" They wouldn 't happen to have been a trio of constables , would they ? "
tr	3	They 're not moving this way , but it 'd be death for us all if they did .
tr	3	She led me down a long hallway , nodding silently to several monks along the way .
tr	3	A pungent odor of incense wafted through the air , and a chill hung over the place .
tr	3	The hallway snaked after a bit , leading us along a winding path through the monastery .
tr	3	We turned through several arched doorways , climbed and descended stairs , and finally came to a sunlit greenhouse .
tr	3	One wall was composed entirely of large windows , the sunlight drifting serenely through the panes .
tr	3	We 'd sought out the monastery because the situation had left us unable to trust a doctor .
tr	3	" If you two are done harping , can we discuss something of actual importance ? "
tr	3	" And after sleeping like the dead , I returned to find you two and reconnect with Minister Klein .
tr	3	Logan and Phillip are waiting for our return , and we 'll proceed from there , " I finished .
tr	3	From what the brothers have said , the city is crawling with police and guards . "
tr	3	He was loyal to the king , and Martin even came to him for advice sometimes .
tr	3	We 're safe here as long as no one leads the police to the door . "
tr	3	Fuchs took her , but there 's no telling where she is or how she 's being treated . "
tr	3	The idea of a charlatan replacing the king is laughable , and that 's Fuchs ' genius .
tr	3	Besides , it wouldn 't be a bad idea to practice our swordsmanship a bit more .
tr	3	" Nothing like you resting for some weeks before even thinking about that , " scolded Eva .
tr	3	" Regardless , " I jumped in , " we can lay low and wait for news .
tr	3	Like Eva said , they 're looking for us , and sooner or later they 'll have us .
tr	3	It was a while ago , but I can simply remind him if he 's forgotten . "
tr	3	We 'll follow when we can , and things should sort themselves out from there . "
tr	3	" Well , if you had , you 'd have noticed a rather flattering spread of drawings .
tr	3	They have the faces of Jacob , Logan , and myself plastered for everyone to see .
tr	3	As for me , if we 're lucky , no one will glimpse me in the carriage anyway .
tr	3	Oskar , the Courtier I knocked out in the palace , may well have recognized my voice .
tr	3	The fact that they didn 't place my face in the paper isn 't proof of anything .
tr	3	Jacob continued to heal , although any large movements sent jolts of pain through his back .
tr	3	It would be weeks before he healed well enough to actually participate in any action we planned .
tr	3	But he found us to be a respite from the routine that hovered around the place .
tr	3	In the end , we took the crowns and promised to put them to good use .
tr	3	The transition elicited sharp grunts of pain from the man , but he refused to complain .
tr	3	We 'd cropped his hair short to avoid detection , but even so , every precaution was necessary .
tr	3	A suave voice spoke in my ear , the clipped words dropping like hammer strokes against an anvil .
tr	3	" Give me one solid reason why I shouldn 't kill you where you stand , stranger . "
tr	3	" Because , Logan , you might regret the conversation you 'd have with my mother afterwards . "
tr	3	Some man sneaks towards us in the darkness , and you expect me to know who it is ?
tr	3	I explained my trip , my meeting with Joseph , and the rendezvous at the monastery .
tr	3	It made no sense to leave that evening , so we again settled into the hut .
tr	3	Perhaps we 'd finally start righting the mess that had fallen about us like a haze .
tr	3	I wasn 't sure we could , but sleep took me before anything more pensive grabbed hold .
tr	3	" I 've trusted him with the defense of the country for more than a decade .
tr	3	" If it 's any consolation , Eva 's met him and thinks he 's nice . "
tr	3	I smiled inwardly ; ' free spirit ' was exactly how the woman should be described .
tr	3	I could well imagine how her father , the Russian ambassador , would feel about her dalliances .
tr	3	Phillip was familiar with the territory and he led us expertly through the forests and byways .
tr	3	Now I grinned as a I glimpsed the monks ' carriage in the trees by the path .
tr	3	We wandered by this and dismounted before the wide steps that led to the entrance of the school .
tr	3	No doorway was visible in the shadows of the pillars , but I suspected one existed .
tr	3	They smiled in greeting but didn 't appear to comprehend our visit until they saw Phillip .
tr	3	" I see by your faces , gentleman , that our reputation precedes us , " I said .
tr	3	It lacked all the refined architecture of the structure we were being led into by the other youth .
tr	3	About the room 's floor , which was finely polished hardwood , dozens of students practiced .
tr	3	In contrast to the boys who led us into the institute , students here were of various ages .
tr	3	The motions within the room swirled about , and I failed to notice Eva and Jacob approach .
tr	3	Seeing our group , he first bowed to Phillip and then wrung Logan 's and my hands energetically .
tr	3	His German was accented in the French inflection , but his words were warm and his grin genuine .
tr	3	He passed his own gauntlets and saber to one of the pupils and sauntered into the massive room .
tr	3	We cook , dine , read , lounge , argue , live , and fence all within the space .
tr	3	As the group wandered on , I held back a moment to speak with Jacob and Eva .
tr	3	But if I may be so boorish and bold ... can they all be trusted ? "
tr	3	Their loyalty is above reproach , and I have spoken to them of the dangers to come .
tr	3	" Now that we 're all safe , may I ask what our course will be ? "
tr	3	My companions and I have already been branded as the murderers , and our faces are publicly known .
tr	3	From Jacob and Eva 's description , the plot was brilliant and so farfetched , it defies belief .
tr	3	He moves regally , and his tongue is sharper than the deadliest knife in all of Germany . "
tr	3	Fuchs has control of the military , so he 'll be quick to quench any uprising we might try .
tr	3	Seeing that we 'd finished eating , our host rose and escorted us away further into the institute .
tr	3	Logan and I spent many a night drinking coffee and chatting wildly into the wee hours .
tr	3	I 'd been enchanted before , but with each snippet of an anecdote she became more real somehow .
tr	3	If I 'd known he was determined to murder the king , I 'd have avoided his advances .
tr	3	After a few goblets of sherry , that 'd be different , but every man has his vices . "
tr	3	I 've been a bit busy saving the kingdom and all , " she said dryly .
tr	3	You 've been with me since , and there 's no chance of me contacting him now . "
tr	3	I know now what they did in Switzerland , but I had no idea while we were there .
tr	3	We saw museums and famous landmarks , and all the while the scum had Phillip as their prisoner .
tr	3	I didn 't ask to go home , but I doubt they would have let me .
tr	3	Simon selected a man my own age and build and squared us off along the piste .
tr	3	The other man won of course -- I was too out of practice with the formal rules .
tr	3	He tapped my elbow , driving it closer to my side and bringing my guard tighter against my frame .
tr	3	From that day onwards , I managed to work with the students and perform some drill every day .
tr	3	Still , the workouts made a nice break to the monotony , and Logan even joined me .
tr	3	" That 's right , " snapped Jacob good-naturedly and went off to find the fencing master .
tr	3	He wasn 't good at first , and it took him awhile to master the basics .
tr	3	As the fall crept towards winter , we all grew more wiry , our reflexes honed by the practice .
tr	3	We waved in greeting , but he appeared not to see us and continued into the institute .
tr	3	" If you 'd had your entire life stolen from you , would you be fine ?
tr	3	Neither of us spoke again as we wandered back to the school in the advancing gloom .
tr	3	At last , he flipped open the newspaper and handed it to Logan , who was closest .
tr	3	These monks willingly and wrongfully gave the murderers aid , despite knowledge of their explicit guilt .
tr	3	Every couple of weeks , a messenger from Joseph would arrive and strengthen this notion of fear .
tr	3	At first I was surprised at how he managed to send these messengers and remain discreet .
tr	3	The minister of war urged us to continue our work and be prepared at a moment 's notice .
tr	3	Simon shook me awake , and I blinked up at him through the darkness of the dormitory .
tr	3	Help wake the others , and we 'll meet in the library of the common room . "
tr	3	After hearing the news , I 've no doubt you 'll agree with my proposed course of action . "
tr	3	Our whispered exclamations cut him off for a moment before he held up his hands for silence and resumed .
tr	3	Most took it with calm resolve , but several seemed keen to set out right away .
tr	3	The cooler heads among the group settled these down and raised valid questions to temper the mood .
tr	3	The other man wrinkled his brow in concentration , and a single bead of perspiration coursed down these grooves .
tr	3	" As I mentioned , I 've only been there once and only for a week .
tr	3	Martin was very taken with the place though , so it should be in good condition .
tr	3	The building 's made to look like a medieval castle , although it 's a relatively new construction .
tr	3	The cliché was a bit much , but seeing the others around the room , it was true .
tr	3	Phillip , Jacob , Logan , Eva , and I were eliminated right away for obvious reasons .
tr	3	Then all those without trade skills were removed ; our man needed a cover story of some sort .
tr	3	Finally the lot was drawn , and a lanky fellow with shockingly blond hair was selected .
tr	3	Phillip would be murdered , and we 'd suffer some ignoble death at the hands of a charlatan .
tr	3	The institute 's chefs prepared untold delights , and all ate and drank with complete abandon .
tr	3	He stood before the entire group , at times waving his arms emphatically in the tale .
tr	3	" I traveled by train mostly , but it still took a couple of days to reach the place .
tr	3	The town seemed quiet , but I found an old gentleman and asked him where the palace was .
tr	3	" Let me guess : they wore bowler hats with a silver diamond attached to it ? "
tr	3	I explained that I was a mason and had been hired to help with the renovations at the castle .
tr	3	It wasn 't cold enough to be frozen yet , but the edges were crusty with ice .
tr	3	I presented myself at the gate , a massive affair with two sets of thick doors .
tr	3	It 's secluded and apparently sumptuous , but I never got the chance to check that for myself .
tr	3	He waited a few moments for the man to at least taste his dinner before pestering him again .
tr	3	" There aren 't many , and the ones we might consider using for an assault are fewer still .
tr	3	In one of the corners of the great hall , right in the shadows , is a well .
tr	3	More than once , the other masons and I took a break to sip from it .
tr	3	" And from there , our man could open the gate and let all the others inside .
tr	3	It 'd be like Troy , except with a fish in place of a horse ! "
tr	3	" And the whole thing fails if someone 's in the great hall at the time .
tr	3	But as Nathaniel pointed out , there 's more than one thing that can go wrong . "
tr	3	There 's a myriad of things to fail on this one , but honestly it 's our best shot .
tr	3	All of the other doors are too thick , too guarded , or too visible to use . "
tr	3	He was practically a fish until they started making us learn pointless languages ... like German . "
tr	3	Gentle chuckles filled the room , but Simon silenced them with a listless wave of the hand .
tr	3	If I haven 't gotten too much worse at it , the swim itself shouldn 't be a problem .
tr	3	" There 's no real way to test any of it until we 're actually there .
tr	3	If Nathaniel can 't handle the swim or is discovered , what will we do then ?
tr	3	Fuchs will torture the life out of the lad to get to Phillip , that 's certain . "
tr	3	Cheers filled the room and it took more than one withering glance from their master to quiet the swordsmen .
tr	3	After a seemingly endless parade of dishes , wines , and conversation , the party broke up .
tr	3	The words glided by unnoticed , and I began turning the pages without really reading them .
tr	3	He settled into an armchair , leaning against the leather padding like it was a crutch .
tr	3	The French realized these things , and they fought back , despite the death that followed . "
tr	3	My forefather had saved Logan 's ancestor 's life and I was a noble as a result .
tr	3	Chapter XXV A twig snapped and we froze in the darkness , snow trickling down around us .
tr	3	The younger ones had protested hotly when refused , but the fencing master had the final word .
tr	3	So , after debate and endless , if hurried , preparations , our assassins drifted away from the school .
tr	3	Then before hypothermia set in , I would rush down to the kitchens and let in the vengeful horde .
tr	3	If the pipe was as long as Rupert estimated , I could physically accomplish the deed .
tr	3	The shadow of another passing student plunged me back to the present , and I began moving myself .
tr	3	The snow slid from my boots , but more continued to fall from the sky , blanketing the land .
tr	3	Distracted by the snow , I came around a tree and almost bumped into a sentry .
tr	3	Even as I watched breathlessly behind him , the sentry began stamping his feet and clapped his hands together .
tr	3	Laying him down , I shut his eyes and covered my work by shifting his jacket .
tr	3	I traced my hand along the castle 's wall , moving downwards , ever downwards through the watery mist .
tr	3	Instead they were slowly being clamped down by the bitter feeling that warmth would never be found again .
tr	3	As Rupert had said , it was massive , and I would have no problem fitting inside .
tr	3	I grasped the edge and flung myself under the top lip and into the tube beyond .
tr	3	In all the rush I truly hadn 't been underwater that long , and my breath continued strong .
tr	3	This newfound calm drove me , and I ran my hands along the metal , feeling for a weakness .
tr	3	It consisted of two bars connected by a circular loop around the circumference of the pipe .
tr	3	It moved slightly , so I pressed more , throwing my weight and ramming my shoulder up against it .
tr	3	I floated back down the pipe , and reversed myself , a feat in the confined space .
tr	3	Wheeling myself about , I examined it once more , and my hand felt the fissure in one bar .
tr	3	Only my face cut the water , gasped mouthfuls of sweet air , and then I ducked down .
tr	3	None rushed to see the disturbance , so after long moments of terror , I slipped back upwards .
tr	3	One could easily stretch from side to side and not come close to touching both ends .
tr	3	It 's the perfect time for such things , and you know how His Majesty gets .
tr	3	Besides , if they have a child , it 'll make Joseph fall in line again .
tr	3	The words drove ice into my veins and rage into my soul ; Fuchs was going to rape Mercedes .
tr	3	I put it from my mind as one of the two yawned , then Kurt spoke .
tr	3	Even as he spoke , I heard a loud scraping as he opened the thick kitchen door .
tr	3	I couldn 't be sure where the other man would go , but I needed to get moving .
tr	3	I threw open the bar locking it , and heaved on the handle , drawing the door open .
tr	3	Eva came next , and the look Kurt gave her was enough for me to growl .
tr	3	I wasn 't dry yet , and the sensation of the wind whistling across the wetness was becoming painful .
tr	3	The announcement caught me like a blow , and I leaned against a counter for support .
tr	3	" Anyway , the bastard sees our numbers and takes off running towards the castle to give the alarm .
tr	3	I moved to her , and with a slight grin towards Kurt , put a hand onto her arm .
tr	3	You 're bound to need someone to look after your back , " she said with a quick laugh .
tr	3	Logan , Jacob , Eva , and I led twenty other students south towards Mercedes ' tower .
tr	3	The legs of the others struggled to keep up as the pair of us sprinted down the corridors .
tr	3	The warm light of a lamp bathed us as the fallen Courtier and I stared at each other .
tr	3	In fact , the new space was well lit by dozen of lamps set into the walls .
tr	3	Around us , from behind the other doors in the atrium , I could hear voices .
tr	3	For a long moment , assassins and guards simply stared at each other , not speaking .
tr	3	After a moment , this line advanced forward , driving the battle towards the looming students .
tr	3	Even as they attacked , one guard ran up the stairs , presumably to warn the king .
tr	3	Tall , with long arms , the man 's saber sliced through the air beside me .
tr	3	But the slash along my arm from the rusted bar in the great hall 's pipe was throbbing too .
tr	3	I sought to move towards the stairway , but another man stepped to block my path .
tr	3	Even as I watched , a crimson tide began staining his nightshirt just above his breast .
tr	3	Jacob nodded and , having picked out our friend from the chaos , ran towards him .
tr	3	Together , they broke off from fighting and dashed to meet me at the foot of the stairs .
tr	3	The battle continued to rage below , and I was painfully aware that more guards were joining the fray .
tr	3	Our men were excellent fighters , but numbers were telling over time , and I feared for them .
tr	3	She was below , slashing this was and that with a light sword , little more than a foil .
tr	3	Her off hand held a pistol , and she shot down two more guards as I watched .
tr	3	The path wound through the atrium 's ceiling , and the stones closed about us as we ascended .
tr	3	This hatch was nearly closed , but a trickle of light escaped and lit the rungs below it .
tr	3	From its dim light , I saw we were indeed within the tower , the room a perfect circle .
tr	3	Somewhere above , a woman was crying softly , a series of low sobs echoing around us .
tr	3	He roared , throwing himself up the ladder before either Jacob or I could restrain him .
tr	3	Lacking alternatives , we scrambled up the rungs after our impetuous friend , our sheathed sabers rattling behind us .
tr	3	Exiting the trapdoor , we were bathed in a gorgeous light from dozens of candles and lamps .
tr	3	Ornate rugs and paintings lined the floors and walls , and the tower was a den of opulence .
tr	3	A comfortable , four-poster bed rested against one side , and the room itself was quite large .
tr	3	Mercedes writhed , her face clouded by tears , and her shredded dress hung off one shoulder .
tr	3	Above her , like some vulture of lust , was the man we 'd sought for so long .
tr	3	But there was the light of fury in his eyes as he whirled to face us .
tr	3	His black jacket , set apart from his guards ' by gilded stitching , lay forgotten at his feet .
tr	3	In a single motion , he snatched his jacket from the ground , drawing a revolver .
tr	3	His strong grasp yanked the poor woman from the bed , hauling her before him like a shield .
tr	3	A delicate , smooth shoulder shone from her ripped dress , and there was animal terror in her gaze .
tr	3	When those wide eyes landed on us though , a glimmer of hope crept onto her face .
tr	3	At the blow , Logan prepared to leap forward , but the charlatan wheeled his pistol towards her head .
tr	3	If we were to be assaulted by the guards below , they wouldn 't catch us unprepared .
tr	3	Her frame had began to quiver uncontrollably , and she whimpered , tears again coursing down her flushed cheeks .
tr	3	God didn 't make us equal ; God made us noble , and God made us peasant .
tr	3	His will is to keep them separate , and His will is to be enforced . "
tr	3	The social order was put in place by the Lord for the very reason we 're all here tonight .
tr	3	" If you so much as touch her , I will flay your skin and watch you suffer .
tr	3	I promise you on God and all your false principles that nothing will save you ! "
tr	3	I had never , in all our time together , seen Logan in such a rage .
tr	3	An unseen hand was pounding on the trapdoor , and a voice -- a beautiful voice -- followed .
tr	3	A look of utter terror crossed the charlatan 's eyes before it was replaced by inconsolable loathing .
tr	3	Image by image , the woman fell from sight , rushing towards the frigid lake which waited below .
tr	3	Breath was entirely absent , and the flickering of lights played before our eyes like tortured scenes of emptiness .
tr	3	Ignoring this , I looked into Logan 's eyes , and the bleeding Jacob was forgotten .
tr	3	I sank through the sodden darkness once more , my limbs spread out to slow my descent .
tr	3	He cut through the water in front of me and before long was onshore and running towards the woods .
tr	3	Eventually we cascaded down a small rise , him riding on top of me like some primitive sledge .
tr	3	He flew over my head , and I had time to rise , turn , and draw my sword .
tr	3	I moved to corner him , but had to twist my arm about to block his sword thrust .
tr	3	In the gloom , force danced with technique and each waited for the other to trip .
tr	3	He beat against my saber , each blow a ringing swipe that set my hands to shaking .
tr	3	But so was I , the gash from the rusted pipe still throbbing in the cold .
tr	3	I flicked my saber around his guards , nicking him occasionally but failing to land another solid cut .
tr	3	I moved to block this , but before I could , he threw a solid swing on my left .
tr	3	He 'd spilt blood in God 's name and would do it again in an instant .
tr	3	His eyes narrowed and he moved a step closer , the sword still in his hand .
tr	3	Under the Faith 's rule , an authoritarian king would simply have you drawn and quartered .
tr	3	If he made a move , I tried to tell myself I 'd actually kill him .
tr	3	My supporters allowed me to take control of the coup , but they wouldn 't let me kill him .
tr	3	You won 't live to see Christmas , and Joseph will be arrested , " I said .
tr	3	The man had befriended us , offered us the chance to bring down Fuchs , provided for everything .
tr	3	To learn that he 'd used us , was even now using us , was sickening .
tr	3	Landing , I rolled head over heels , the snow flying about in a cascade of frozen color .
tr	3	Or at least , the remembrance of another waited , for we couldn 't find his body .
tr	3	Each held the body of a monk , the men hung for the king 's survival .
tr	3	Religious fanatics had stolen the life from Martin , while monks had given their lives in defense of equality .
tr	3	Even if I could have heard him above the roar , there wasn 't anything to say .
tr	3	Somehow the man slipped through the night and crossed , as His Majesty 's spies reported , into Austria .
tr	3	I 'd told the others of Fuchs ' story , and none wanted to believe it .
tr	3	Around us , the sound continued to dissipate as onlookers followed the king to the streets .
tr	3	After a long moment , she brushed the tresses from Mercedes ' face and turned back to us .
tr	3	We finally made our way through the crowd , and we walked along towards Mercedes ' home .
tr	3	Snow dotted the roofs , and our breath rose in sheets to the grey expanse above .
tr	3	He 'd flown from his country , a raven , a vulture escaping the descending storm .
tr	3	She laughed , a warm flutter that drifted through the home like the call of a bird .
tr	3	The bookcases loomed overhead , but our eyes were drawn to the man resting in the sunlight .
tr	3	In the weeks since our coup , Jacob had dropped hint after hint about our actions in the tower .
tr	3	As he lay bleeding , Logan and I had leapt into the night , leaving him .
tr	3	We all recognized the rightness of that choice , but the American loved to chide us just the same .
tr	3	He never wanted to rule , but I 've little doubt he 'll do it well . "
tr	3	Our conversation drifted towards happier thoughts from there , and we lost ourselves in each other .
tr	3	" His Majesty sends his greatest respects and requests your presence at the palace immediately . "
tr	3	" It 's in the letter , but I can save you the trouble if you 'd like ? "
tr	3	Logan nodded , and the guard 's buttons flashed again as he moved further into the room .
tr	3	" You see , His Majesty is beginning to address the problems that occurred under the imposter 's reign .
tr	3	" Horrid to be sure , but what does that have to do with us ? "
tr	3	Well there seems to be several vacancies in His Grace 's court -- places closest to His Majesty .
tr	3	He 's taken rather unkindly to Phillip 's dismissal of Fuchs ' economic and military alliance proposals .
tr	3	Gazing out into the crowded streets , I met the staring eyes of an old woman .
tr	3	A lover of history and fantasy , Michael now writes to show the personal side of the past .
tr	3	His second novel , Duty , asks what might have happened if Napoleon had won the Battle of Waterloo .
tr	3	His collected short fiction , Men of Eagles , offers new perspectives on the wars of the Napoleonic Age .
tr	3	Also , make sure to sign up for my newsletter at my website and stay connected !
tr	3	After a few moments , she said " You understand how I feel , at least ? "
tr	3	She stared out the window of the apartment -- I was already beginning to consider it ours .
tr	3	The sun flecked across her brow and the long tresses that hung down like rivulets distracted me .
tr	3	With Phillip , Martin 's twin brother , restored to the throne , things were slowly returning to normal .
tr	3	We 'd watched him put a bullet straight through the king 's head and laugh as the body fell .
tr	3	Kurt Weber , Fuchs ' second , had been captured in our failed attempt to assassinate the imposter king .
tr	3	The trial had been open to the public , a fact Phillip wouldn 't compromise on .
tr	3	Although he was as guilty as sin , I had looked on the proceedings with some worry .
tr	3	The galleries were constantly packed with jeering crowds , and Kurt would never find a friend among them .
tr	3	It was modeled after the royal guard , but ours had an extra scarlet stripe along both shoulders .
tr	3	" Well this devil has a lot to confess , so who knows , " said Jacob .
tr	3	The other two nodded as another set of doors opened at the other end of the hall .
tr	3	After a short wait , the four guards posted outside led us into the throne room .
tr	3	Like some shrouded phantom , the face the light illuminated was haunted , the eyes sunken .
tr	3	We 'd not had to use our talents yet ; no one had assaulted the king .
tr	3	They 'd killed his brother , and I 'd be damned if they would kill him too .
tr	3	" We did briefly , Your Majesty -- " Phillip cut him off with a hand .
tr	3	We exited the throne room , collected the waiting guards , and continued down the passage .
tr	3	After several turns and a descent down the long stair , we came to the main foyer .
tr	3	A black carriage , draped in long , shaded fabric was rolling towards the perimeter fence .
tr	3	The priest would , even now , be continuing to console him as he approached the mob .
tr	3	The others had continued moving , so I caught up as we walked across the lawns .
tr	3	At his signal , the guards swung the gates open , and the mob moved aside .
tr	3	Kurt Weber sat across from his priest , a large , young man I didn 't recognize .
tr	3	Fruit , rotten vegetables and other objects were hurled towards the platform , and I grimaced .
tr	3	There , standing in rot and a mob screaming around us , we locked eyes again .
tr	3	He whispered " Thank you , " before his priest took him and angled him towards the executioner .
tr	3	In response to the unasked question , Kurt refused , and the executioner set aside the black sack .
tr	3	It rested like an old friend , and I watched Kurt 's neck calm , his muscles relaxing .
tr	3	I had blinked , and when I looked again , I froze , terror engulfing my frame .
tr	3	The rope splintered and Kurt dropped squarely on his feet , the noose hanging comically behind him .
tr	3	Without waiting a moment , the priest tossed him the sword and drew another small blade .
tr	3	Together , the two sprinted to the edge of the scaffold and dove into the crowd , weapons slashing .
tr	3	Next they cut down several foolish onlookers who tried to stop the crisis unfolding about us .
tr	3	" Damn , " said Simon before we threw ourselves into the throng , racing after the scoundrels .
tr	3	An infantryman next to me shoved me lower , swearing something about staff officers under his breath .
tr	3	" Whatever else they are , they 're bloody good , and you 'd best remember that sir .
tr	3	I 'd reached the farm only just ahead of a renewed English assault to retake the farm .
tr	3	While my place was at the Emperor 's side , to risk escape now was certain death .
tr	3	A little overeager , I 'd raised my head above the courtyard 's walls for only an instant .
tr	3	For my part , I hoisted my own weapon , again raising myself above the wall .
tr	3	A burly sergeant , his arms clutching a makeshift ladder , was barreling forward like some enraged bull .
tr	3	The other men , who 'd helped shoulder the load moments before , were brought to a standstill .
tr	3	My newfound friend clapped me on the back , a grim smiling flowing along his face .
tr	3	Lifeless , the man tumbled backwards and fell , his arms splayed , outstretched like a forgotten martyr .
tr	3	If men were allowed to actually think , to philosophize during battle , there would few enough victories .
tr	3	Frenchmen had gone to meet them , and humanity was abandoned in the vicious hand-to-hand struggle .
tr	3	I found it in the face of a boy , his eyes too young , too pure for war .
tr	3	Although my foot slipped through something , blood or grime I wasn 't sure , I arrived without calamity .
tr	3	He stared at me , his eyes flickering back and forth , his blood staining my coat .
tr	3	Henri even stooped to pet his kitten one last time before the sergeant dragged him away by the arm .
tr	3	* * * * * Running a farm in the winds of the Loire leaves little time for worry .
tr	3	One morning , as the dawn squinted through the barn 's slats , I sat milking .
tr	3	I licked my finger , a spot of warm , smooth milk disappearing down my throat .
tr	3	Hiding her motives , she grabbed my arm , and steered me towards the path through our grove .
tr	3	In this tranquility , she led me through the dipping branches until we came upon the well-known clearing .
tr	3	But my husband , my Philippe , had died under the weight of Napoleon 's taxes .
tr	3	* * * * * For twenty years now , our nation has fought itself and fought others .
tr	3	Perhaps it was a mother 's intuition , but I sensed something amiss within those precious lines .
tr	3	Despite my growing fear , life moved on ; the harvest came and leaves grew dry and crisp .
tr	3	She ran a cloth along the counters and the knotted table , the soapy water swirling .
tr	3	But I couldn 't stop the tears as I set all but one of the usual places for dinner .
tr	3	As always , her onion stew was filling , and the bread was delicious and warm .
tr	3	Bless her heart , the little girl perked up in her chair and beamed at me .
tr	3	He loomed for ages before stepping into the house , swiftly and violently slamming the door in his wake .
tr	3	At that , the phantom silently drifted towards the stairs , climbing to his old bedroom amid the rafters .
tr	3	I fixed my gaze upon his face and a horrified gasp was drawn , unwillingly , from my soul .
tr	3	Perhaps my son had become a ghoul ; I could not understand this change , this demonic possession .
tr	3	I stood up , at a loss for what to do , drowning in a sea of despair .
tr	3	Then , shockingly , Henri himself emerged into the morning sunlight ; yet , his expression was different .
tr	3	I just let the wind twirl my tresses as we stared across the patchwork of fields .
tr	3	He studied his knife , staring at the honed edge , touching it from time to time .
tr	3	Finally exhausted , we all settled into our respective beds and descended into that veil of night .
tr	3	I treasured those moments ; truly , it seemed he had only just come into the world .
tr	3	I paused in the doorway , taking in the morning sun , troubled , but thankful for his homecoming .
tr	3	Wheeling around at the sound , I glimpsed four horsemen , soldiers in uniform , gallop into the yard .
tr	3	Claudette drew herself up to defend her brother , but hearing noise behind her , stopped .
tr	3	Finally , the rough men dragged Henri , bleeding in several places , from the home .
tr	3	" Your son deserted in the face of battle ; he stole a horse and escaped into the night .
tr	3	If I could legally kill him right now , I would gut the coward where he lies . "
tr	3	For emphasis , the cruel man lashed a kick into Henri 's bruised and bleeding face .
tr	3	His tweed clung to his curves in the heat , and sweat trickled down his brow in small rivulets .
tr	3	Ward 's eyes returned from their distant and unfocused gazing to fall on Ainsworth 's corpulent face .
tr	3	Given Ainsworth 's hunger , Ward thought the man would enjoy the Steamed Cloud 's portions as well .
tr	3	Although mundane investments had taken them to Africa initially , the two had managed to enjoy their business trip .
tr	3	The lengthy excursion allowed for the pair to reminisce about past adventures and plan for future ones .
tr	3	Yet even with the distraction of a looming , enjoyable meal , Ward could not escape his current predicament .
tr	3	If he was right , the consequences would be grave , not that it would change anything .
tr	3	Ward 's hand had been forced , and he would act like the gentleman he was .
tr	3	Ainsworth bustled ahead of his companion , apparently forgetting his friend 's troubles in light of his own hunger .
tr	3	Instead , he continued his search , his eyes dancing from face to face across the great hall .
tr	3	As he 'd suspected , he finally glimpsed the man sitting at a table in the gambling house .
tr	3	I 'd ask for several minutes of your time to discuss particulars , " Ainsworth spoke formally .
tr	3	On the contrary , the man walked around the table and stood over Ward 's chair .
tr	3	In a fluid , single action , he threw out a hand , striking Ward across the face .
tr	3	The deck 's walls were sheer glass , and several comfortable chairs had been placed facing the view .
tr	3	He was the challenged , so the terms of the duel were left to his discretion .
tr	3	The morning found Ainsworth shaking him awake , a nervous expression clouding the larger man 's face .
tr	3	On the horizon , the sun was only just breaking the dawn ; the time had come .
tr	3	" Thank you Winston ; I 'd hoped you would know where to find me . "
tr	3	Ward always escaped to the beauties of nature whenever something troubled him ; Ireland had taught him well .
tr	3	The pair met only the crew of the Questionable as they passed through the eerie and deserted halls .
tr	3	Reaching the open expanse , neither of the pair was surprised to glimpse three others waiting for their arrival .
tr	3	The pale grey leather slipped easily from his shoulders , the coat 's long tails dripping toward the ground .
tr	3	Yet , like a crystal dropping , a voice broke the silence , shattering the glass of solemnity .
tr	3	Flaherty turned to see Lieutenant Head , nicknamed ' Goggles ' by his men , standing behind him .
tr	3	" My people just had their noses bloodied by these guys and would like a little payback .
tr	3	" By my estimation , Lieutenant - your boys gave at least twice as good as they got .
tr	3	The Razor gunships that ferried us in here will be on station to provide air support , as needed .
tr	3	Years earlier , MARS Research and Development had managed to produce a working tank / helicopter hybrid .
tr	3	The First DEMON Company had accounted for at least four times as many casualties as it had sustained .
tr	3	Flaherty tried to sleep , but every time he closed his eyes he saw Captain McLeod 's face .
tr	3	" I would love to tell you what tomorrow has in store for us , " he said .
tr	3	" NCO 's will make sure that anyone with wounds gets medical attention , no matter how minor .
tr	3	Once all of the weapons are turned in , you 're on your own time until 0700 .
tr	3	The Laird of the Castle shook each man 's hand and bid them to take a seat .
tr	3	The Sergeant Major , seated to Destro 's right , handed him a sheet of paper .
tr	3	" Yes , my Laird , " The Sergeant Major stood and called the gathering to attention .
tr	3	" Lieutenant Flaherty , as you well know , the commander of a tank company is normally a Captain .
tr	3	To be perfectly honest , I would rather that Captain McLeod were still with us to continue your development .
tr	3	As the other Officers congratulated Flaherty , Destro turned to follow Captain Nirvana from the room .
tr	3	I 'm sure he 's eager to visit the pub , and a certain red-headed lady . "
tr	3	Flaherty stared after him , wondering if there was anything about himself that Destro was not somehow aware of .
tr	3	" Yeah , they tell me there 's a really cute brunette waiting tables here , " Flaherty quipped .
tr	3	Llama is here , too , but he 's run off to play with some others . "
tr	3	" I 'd tend to agree with that , " Ghost agreed , inclining his head toward Penny .
tr	3	" Penny , can I trust that you 'll have him back to the Castle by 0600 ? "
tr	3	" Very well , then , " he said shooing them away with a casual hand gesture .
tr	3	As the four men reached the entrance to the small tavern , Destro turned and held up his hand .
tr	3	" Very well , my Laird , " Nirvana replied , a wry grin behind his battle helmet .
tr	3	He had noticeably more grey at the temples than the last time Destro had seen him .
tr	3	" Clayton , it 's good to see you , " Destro said as he shook the offered hand .
tr	3	" Aw hell , Captain Bell was happy to get rid of the Hobbit , " Ghost offered .
tr	3	But he nearly shit a brick when he realized he was losing both of them . "
tr	3	It always sucks to lose a good NCO , but to lose two at a time really hurts .
tr	3	Used to be a Detonator , but the new limbs don 't have the dexterity for rigging explosives .
tr	3	" He was with the Detonator team that flew down to Sierra Muerte a while back . "
tr	3	" Yeah , but most of them are new to tanks , so there 's definitely a learning curve .
tr	3	Loc made a face as if to indicate that he was offended Llama would even suggest such a thing .
tr	3	" Somewhere better than where we 're going , " mumbled Corporal Hobbit as he plodded along .
tr	3	Kung asked shifting the mortar bipod he was carrying from his left shoulder to his right .
tr	3	Being an effective tank crewmember took more than the ability to drive the vehicle or fire its weapon systems .
tr	3	" Sure , you can spend some of that Captain 's pay buying me sodas . "
tr	3	The group shared war stories while they drank ; except for Goggles , who typically didn 't drink .
tr	3	Flaherty felt good about the group , felt as though they had the potential to be an unbeatable team .
tr	3	" Sir , I trust you 'll be able to find your own way home ? "
tr	3	Chapter 46 Flaherty rolled out of bed when the alarm sounded and made his way to the shower .
tr	3	He watched her as she dried off and wished that he wasn 't on such a tight schedule .
tr	3	" I know - no promises , " she said , repeating the line he so often uttered .
tr	3	He resigned himself to the fact that it wasn 't optional , kissed Penny and hopped out .
tr	3	" It looks like we 'll have some decent weather for our little drive today . "
tr	3	Today is the first time all four of us have been cleared for full duty since Sierra Muerte .
tr	3	The sun was beginning to set when Flaherty finally called an end to the day 's exercises .
tr	3	" I 'm pleased with the progress you men have made this week , " Flaherty told them .
tr	3	" There is still a long way to go , but we 're making some excellent strides .
tr	3	Aren 't you afraid that you 'll suddenly realize that this life isn 't for you ?
tr	3	Let me tell you something , Lucky - I knew you were the one after the first week . "
tr	3	Four of the icons were already flashing red , indicating that they 'd been ' killed ' .
tr	3	On another day , Shock would have made them pay with their lives for their lack of discipline .
tr	3	Zooming in , he snapped three good shots of the chatting machine gunners before moving on .
tr	3	An hour later , as darkness was falling , Shock returned to his unit 's patrol base .
tr	3	Making his way to the center of the position , Shock saw that Llama was waiting for him .
tr	3	" These camera angles are for shit , " Foolproof muttered for the fifth time in an hour .
tr	3	Misfit gave Huerta a look that communicated that implored , ' please stop provoking him ' .
tr	3	A small tripod with a telescopic spotter 's scope sat on the floor in front of him .
tr	3	He was tasked with monitoring all vessels coming or going , though there had been precious little of either .
tr	3	Far below the spotter 's position , the mill housed an operation similar to that of the Iron Grenadiers .
tr	3	He was sitting at his desk in the most recent incarnation of ' The Pit ' .
tr	3	Regardless of the weather , his Grenadiers were out patrolling the grounds , monitoring against the next surprise attack .
tr	3	As it began to play , he set the pad down on his desk and listened intently .
tr	3	There was a fair amount of background noise , but the two voices were clear and distinct .
tr	3	Voice # 2 : " What did you not understand , the orders were quite clear . "
tr	3	What he did to that woman was ... " Voice # 2 : " Yes , memorable .
tr	3	" All four are back on full duty and the unit is operational , my Laird . "
tr	3	The Sergeant Major hurried from the room as Destro picked up the secure line to call Hawk back .
tr	3	The eight combat divers shouldered their bags and jogged single file from their squad room to the armory .
tr	3	Instead , they tended to use weapons that were common to mercenaries , terrorists and insurgents .
tr	3	Each contained weapons , ammunition and other items that would aid the team in blending in with their surroundings .
tr	3	Vulcan let the grate drop to the harbor floor and then signaled his team leader forward .
tr	3	They 'd need to crouch , but they would be able to move through the pipes easily enough .
tr	3	As he opened the top flap of the envelope , Flaherty wondered whether the man ever slept .
tr	3	He pulled the packet from the envelope and scanned the first few lines , before looking at his watch .
tr	3	We 're to meet our transport on the north lawn in a little over two hours . "
tr	3	" First Sergeant , the Captain asked me to let you know we 've got deployment orders .
tr	3	When Lethal returned to the Officer 's Mess , the three platoon commanders were on their way out .
tr	3	Pike looked back over his shoulder , " We 'll see you downstairs , XO . "
tr	3	The planning is underway for an incursion and Laird Destro wants us over there ASAP . "
tr	3	Iceberg took the site best suited for direct fire on what appeared to be the facility 's entrance .
tr	3	He unfolded the bipod legs of his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and settled himself into position .
tr	3	Blizzard and Frostbite occupied firing positions behind and to either side of Iceberg , each facing outboard .
tr	3	Satisfied with his inspection of the weapon , Flaherty inserted a magazine and chambered a round .
tr	3	" That basically means that we 're flying over there in case some shit goes down .
tr	3	I 'll have a full briefing for you and your platoon sergeants once we 're airborne . "
tr	3	Sleet handed off her M4 battle rifle to Iceberg and crawled over to assume his position behind the SAW .
tr	3	Snow Job and Iceberg knelt in the center of the perimeter , preparing to move out .
tr	3	If it sounds like something the six of us can handle , then we 'll hit the place .
tr	3	As mercenaries , the Iron Grenadiers accepted the great risks that came with their tremendous pay .
tr	3	Penny wasn 't his spouse , so there would be no official notification from MARS if he were killed .
tr	3	As he was rolled , he caught a glimpse of Iceberg lying motionless in the snow .
tr	3	Snow Job 's heart skipped a beat as he squinted to look up at his captors .
tr	3	Snow Job struggled weakly against his restraints as the second man spoke into a small radio .
tr	3	Would you like to talk to me now , or shall I send you to join them ? "
tr	3	Snow Job felt the hand move and then he felt the hot , wet blood wash over him .
tr	3	He didn 't just dislike it ; he hated it with an intense , burning passion .
tr	3	He obviously knew the necessity of it , but the long hours of nothingness wore at him .
tr	3	They plan to take a nice stroll past the place and see what they can see .
tr	3	We 're supposed to sit tight and see if their little walk stirs anything up . "
tr	3	Snow Job tried to stand , but his legs failed him and he toppled to the ground again .
tr	3	You 're gon na hurt yourself , " he said , as he pulled off his helmet .
tr	3	He turned toward the voice and Snow Job could see two more Grenadiers crouched over Iceberg .
tr	3	The feelings of guilt and responsibility tended to conflict with the need to Charlie Mike - continue the mission .
tr	3	" That has actually not been discussed yet , " Colors said as he walked up .
tr	3	A knit cap covered her red hair and she had a sniper rifle slung across her back .
tr	3	He 's got some light shrapnel and his comm is down , but he 'll be fine .
tr	3	Gentlemen - it seems as if we 've succeeded in kicking the hornet 's nest . "
tr	3	The man 's forward momentum carried him behind cover , but Show knew the shot was almost certainly fatal .
tr	3	The Joes quickly learned that she was referring to several canisters of an experimental sleeping gas .
tr	3	" Oh , depending upon the efficiency of their HVAC system , about five minutes or so .
tr	3	Before Snow Job could respond , both Blizzard and Frostbite responded in unison , " No . "
tr	3	" It would just make my day if we were able to snatch him up . "
tr	3	Drivers immediately started their engines , as their vehicle commanders made their way toward Flaherty 's command DEMON .
tr	3	Flaherty stepped out of the CP behind King , followed by the rest of his company 's Officers .
tr	3	Vulcan slouched a little lower as the rounds slammed into the broken concrete wall he was using for cover .
tr	3	" I 've got two guys to your direct front , and another two moving to flank you . "
tr	3	Before any of them had a chance to speak , a single shot rang out , then another .
tr	3	After a few tense moments , a tall man exited the building with his hands over his head .
tr	3	The woman hurried to get in and Lace hit the gas as soon as she closed the door .
tr	3	She says that your new sleeping gas works perfectly and the Iron Wolves used it to secure nineteen prisoners .
tr	3	His unit was in place , everyone knew their assignments and now they just needed to pass the time .
tr	3	Wry was the newest member of the Death Dealers and had yet to see combat with them .
tr	3	" The activity level is certainly up since our last visit , " Osgood noted sarcastically , Vader frowned .
tr	3	It was not quite noon and already he 'd picked up quite a bit of information .
tr	3	" He thinks you 're a little girl , " the second soldier chimed in , laughing .
tr	3	He fumbled for his rifle as the crouching man fell onto his side , twitching but already dead .
tr	3	She looked around one last time and then ascended the ladder that led back to the surface .
tr	3	There 's a pub in town where I can get you set up with a couple of rooms .
tr	3	" Okay then , get your team on board and we 'll be out of here . "
tr	3	Judging from the amount of blood , I 'd say that one of them was definitely dead .
tr	3	They did not allow for the occupant to stand or lie down comfortably and were completely dark inside .
tr	3	Destro stood in his private office , gazing out the large window , hands clasped behind his back .
tr	3	" I do not doubt your ability to produce actionable Intel from these men , Colonel .
tr	3	When he was finished , he called for Sergeant Major Duncan , who arrived moments later .
tr	3	" Sergeant Major , issue deployment orders to the remainder of the Highlander Brigade and the Iron Anvil Battalion .
tr	3	" Right away , my Laird , " the Sergeant Major produced his data pad and began tapping away .
tr	3	In short order , they had him strapped into the interrogation rack and stepped away to let Masque work .
tr	3	As Strauss 's eyes adjusted to the room 's harsh lighting , he noticed the naked corpse lying nearby .
tr	3	" Good morning , Herr Strauss , " Masque said , his voice full of menace .
tr	3	" I do hope that your session is more rewarding than that of Mister Reynolds here . "
tr	3	Llama looked around the tiny patrol base until he spotted Sergeant Shock and then waved him over .
tr	3	" Aries says that the rest of his Highlanders are now inbound along with the Anvil battalion .
tr	3	Aries wants us out in force to provide ' eyes on ' for the assault force . "
tr	3	There was Scythe , the first woman to be accepted within the ranks of the Iron Grenadiers .
tr	3	Across the table was Cutlass , a striking Latina and one of the best sword fighters in the world .
tr	3	The Baroness noted the looks but didn 't have the time or inclination to be concerned .
tr	3	" Your attention please , Ladies , " she began , the room quieting immediately around her .
tr	3	Once the Highlanders have control of it , the two of you will oversee Intelligence gathering . "
tr	3	" You have twenty minutes to grab your gear and be on the north lawn to meet your transport .
tr	3	This was not particularly surprising , given that Masque had never asked the dead man any questions .
tr	3	When they were finished , Masque instructed that Strauss be cleaned up and placed in a more comfortable cell .
tr	3	After he 'd been removed from the room , Masque sat down and called upstairs to Destro 's office .
tr	3	He is on his way to interrogate Wreckage again , should you wish to join him . "
tr	3	" Admittedly , it has taken us longer than it should have , " Destro said .
tr	3	" We know that the super soldier program is close to becoming a reality , " Destro said .
tr	3	" Aw , you haven 't figured out the best parts yet , " Wreckage laughed .
tr	3	Chapter 54 Destro stormed past Sergeant Major Duncan and into his private office , slamming the door behind him .
tr	3	Knowing his Laird as he did , Duncan immediately picked up the phone and pressed a button .
tr	3	" You are no doubt familiar with the expression ' sins of the father ' , Sergeant Major ? "
tr	3	So to keep the program quiet during its early stages , my father kept it far from Castle Destro .
tr	3	He arranged for the program to be run under the supervision of a trusted family member . "
tr	3	We 're to deploy in a skirmish line immediately behind the lead infantry elements and support their advance .
tr	3	" 1st platoon has the center , 2nd is on their left flank and 3rd is on the right .
tr	3	The First Sergeant and I will hold our tanks in reserve and bolster the line wherever it 's needed .
tr	3	I ought to cut both of your thumbs off and stuff ' em up your ass ! "
tr	3	" He 's not gon na want to answer questions with his severed thumbs crammed up his ass . "
tr	3	Huerta turned away from the prisoner and stalked over to the cot where he 'd stowed his combat gear .
tr	3	" You better pray he doesn 't let me at you when he 's done . "
tr	3	And so it was that nearly a thousand men plummeted toward the capital city under the cover of darkness .
tr	3	She was as awake and aware as he was , just taking the time to center herself .
tr	3	Vulcan was already clearing the top of the ladder and took up a position to his left .
tr	3	She couldn 't tell if his flirtatious comments were legitimate , or some sort of juvenile humor .
tr	3	Two more of the Elite Guard followed him out and posted to either side of the doorway .
tr	3	After they 'd finished , Hobbit keyed his comm , " Round complete , over . "
tr	3	The bunker to the left was a smoking hole , but the middle one was still mostly intact .
tr	3	" So while we 're not allowed to actively participate in combat operations , " Lady Jaye said .
tr	3	While we continue to monitor this area , you can use this site as your patrol base .
tr	3	They 'd gone approximately 150 meters when a tremendous explosion shook the ground and halted the column again .
tr	3	Small arms fire could be heard all around ; mostly his own men firing from the sound of it .
tr	3	Despite the severity of their situation , Llama laughed as he grabbed Shock 's arm to help him up .
tr	3	I told them to hold fast until we could pick you assholes out of the trees . "
tr	3	We 'll go for a soft landing , by twos ; Robo and I will take the lead . "
tr	3	He primed the electrical blasting cap and stepped back from the improvised breaching charge , taking a knee .
tr	3	Nero nodded and Wang detonated the charge , blowing a circular hole in the roof of the building .
tr	3	Wang followed closely behind , killing the last of the three with a short burst to the chest .
tr	3	Nero looked up at the hole in the ceiling to see Starbuck and Wert drop through .
tr	3	Wert produced his own length of det cord and repeated Wang 's handiwork of a moment earlier .
tr	3	Only a handful still posed a legitimate threat and they were gunned down in short order .
tr	3	Destro opened a small pouch on his belt and took out what looked like a smart phone .
tr	3	Llama was working his way up the middle of the slight valley with Wry and Reaper .
tr	3	Let 's give ' em something else to focus on so Izzy 's guys can pull back ! "
tr	3	But it was imperative that he kept up the track and was close by when that happened .
tr	3	He 'd been trying to contact Llama since the IED detonation twenty minutes earlier , but without success .
tr	3	Aries rather liked the Death Dealers and it infuriated him that he wasn 't able to provide timely support .
tr	3	He was close enough to hear the sounds of their battle , so he knew they likely needed assistance .
tr	3	" Sir , we 're just about done mopping up this last group , " Ghost answered .
tr	3	Llama concentrated his fire on the armored man , but it seemed to have no significant effect .
tr	3	Biscuit wasn 't quite fast enough and was hit four times as he tried to take cover .
tr	3	Wry stood to fire and was caught in the midsection , the round throwing him several feet backwards .
tr	3	" As soon as he turns toward Izzy 's guys , everyone else hammers the motherfucker ! "
tr	3	Izzy didn 't wait for the grenade to detonate , and started pounding away with his rifle .
tr	3	Izzy went down ; Llama couldn 't tell whether he was wounded or just taking cover .
tr	3	The rocket struck home and the enemy , though amazingly still in one piece , was still .
tr	3	Let 's get this asshole trussed up before he wakes up and goes on another rampage ! "
tr	3	He 'd read the briefings , but there had been no photo or physical description of the man .
tr	3	She opened her eyes and found it difficult to focus , realizing then that her glasses were missing .
tr	3	Anastasia struggled to think as two pairs of hands roughly seized her and hoisted her to her feet .
tr	3	A third man stooped slightly and she was draped over his right shoulder not unlike a sack of grain .
tr	3	The slap caught her by surprise and caused a whole new wave of pain from her head .
tr	3	" I 'm gon na tell you once more , Corporal , to find somewhere else to be . "
tr	3	Hung and Reaper laughed as they stood next to an Ogre APC , replenishing their ammunition .
tr	3	As he walked over to where Llama stood , Shock saw them and threw a dirty look their way .
tr	3	He inclined his head toward the bunker entrance and his team took the cue to follow him .
tr	3	This would allow them to better assess the quantity and type of explosive to use in the breach .
tr	3	Tucker brought the handheld scanner up to his eye and activated it in thermal mode first .
tr	3	The Highlanders were preparing to breach the underground complex where Destro believed the super soldier program was based .
tr	3	Therefore , Flint had gotten approval to move inland and set up on the opposite side of the city .
tr	3	Hung was just behind him , followed by a half dozen Highlanders from Ghost 's company .
tr	3	Llama looked up the small hill and saw Sergeant Wingnut standing there , awaiting his signal .
tr	3	She sighed in a way that made it perfectly clear that she was not satisfied with his response .
tr	3	He is accompanied by his entire Elite Guard , as well as Colonel Nero 's Annihilator team .
tr	3	" Natasha , I cannot tell you what I do not know , " Mayhem explained .
tr	3	" Laird Destro shares your concern and as such , he is withholding any information concerning her whereabouts . "
tr	3	" It will take a couple of minutes to get them back up and ready to fire ! "
tr	3	" We can hold here , but we 're not going to be advancing much without some help . "
tr	3	" I 've got a case of Scotch for the gunner that racks up the most vehicle kills ! "
tr	3	Flaherty knew instantly that the man in that seat could not possibly have survived the blast .
tr	3	Flaherty checked his screen and saw a Bone Splitter erupt as Hunger 's fire found the sweet spot .
tr	3	" Okay , get the hell out of there and link up with the Highlanders . "
tr	3	The infiltrators were taking heavy fire now from the Highlanders , who had caught on to their true intent .
tr	3	Inferno reached the entrance and extended an arm to send a jet of flaming napalm into the bunker interior .
tr	3	As he did , a flurry of small arms fire drove him back from the opening .
tr	3	Inferno hissed loudly and turned to face Morris , the driver of First Sergeant King 's crippled DEMON .
tr	3	The tomahawk struck the arm and in doing so , severed the fuel line for the flamethrower gauntlet .
tr	3	They passed by Corporal Gundam , who was applying a dressing to First Sergeant King 's burnt leg .
tr	3	they responded in unison , not really knowing what they were saying they were ready for .
tr	3	The grins on both of their faces melted away as they looked toward the charred entrance to the bunker .
tr	3	He knew that he 'd been given the task because Aries trusted him to handle the assignment .
tr	3	The remainder of the Highlanders ' 1st Battalion was moving into a perimeter around the bunker .
tr	3	All of which meant that there was exactly nothing left for Ghost to do but sit and wait .
tr	3	While they were down , Darkseid would open up with the flame thrower , cooking them where they cowered .
tr	3	Eventually , Hung moved forward to take Android 's place while he reloaded and allowed his barrel to cool .
tr	3	" I need to get topside and coordinate coverage on those two sites before we go any further .
tr	3	Then , I think we need to start staging 2nd Battalion to assault through here properly . "
tr	3	My concern is the enemy 's ability to reinforce via the two alternate entry points . "
tr	3	His platoon had been running patrols through the city streets since the capital had fallen to the Grenadier forces .
tr	3	It was necessary , but the fight was elsewhere and he longed to be where the action was .
tr	3	Then he turned slowly back toward the Earth and activated his booster pack 's thrusters to begin his descent .
tr	3	" I deployed a platoon of Razorbacks to cover the western location , " he explained .
tr	3	Today was no different in that the man arrived and met with the people in the back room .
tr	3	Bing elevated the rear of his vehicle and his gunner went to work , the twin cannons pounding away .
tr	3	Part of the bunker complex had been seized and the Highlanders were now taking steps to finish the job .
tr	3	Destro looked down at the data pad in his hand and watched the blinking dot that represented his beloved .
tr	3	Loc aimed his high energy hand laser and counted down , waiting until he was within range .
tr	3	It sounds like the others all landed with Vapor on the north side of the objective .
tr	3	" Higher will have help on the way , so this is now a holding action .
tr	3	He was already flying very low , so it was a simple matter of pulling into a hover .
tr	3	" Mayhem , what do we have going on at grid seven seven three one eight seven ? "
tr	3	The gunshot wound to his side was almost certainly not fatal , but it hurt like hell .
tr	3	He wasn 't bleeding much , but he was starting to think that perhaps a rib had been broken .
tr	3	Loc 's ear bud crackled with static and then a voice unmistakably belonging to Destro broke in .
tr	3	You never heard an AGP coming , he remembered , only after it had passed you .
tr	3	Aries had just finished speaking with General Mayhem and was preparing to re-enter the bunker complex .
tr	3	Aries couldn 't remember ever hearing Scythe speak , so it was no surprise when Moira answered him .
tr	3	He led them down the narrow corridor to the command center where he and Llama had found the map .
tr	3	It seemed that once they entered the bunker complex , radio communications were questionable at best .
tr	3	He 'd tried repeatedly to reach his Laird before delegating the task to a Communications Officer .
tr	3	As he paced , an idea presented itself and he dug his secure phone from his pocket .
tr	3	The signal had not started moving again , and Destro 's anxiety grew as they closed in on it .
tr	3	His dozen or so comrades picked up the slack for him and Shock hugged the wall .
tr	3	Behind them , Natasha and the rest of the Undertow team were crammed into the H3 .
tr	3	As soon as he passed the threshold , the weapon came up and his eyes were alert , hunting .
tr	3	He had reached the end of the long corridor and was looking at a steel door .
tr	3	I 'll check the door for booby traps and then we 'll get in there . "
tr	3	" Your mind can 't begin to understand the concept of justice , " Destro shot back .
tr	3	Or if there is some fail-safe preventing you from scooping her up and running away to safety ?
tr	3	Destro looked up to see that Raven now stood above them , her rifle aiming down at the Baroness .
tr	3	Destro turned , keeping his enemy to his front , body angled , awaiting the next move .
tr	3	Had he not been pulling back already , Destro would likely have taken his head off .
tr	3	" Gentlemen , " he said by way of greeting as he pulled off his helmet .
tr	3	Destro instinctively looked to the Baroness and saw Nirvana running toward her while firing at something overhead .
tr	3	He turned back to his enemy and saw the flash of his cape as he disappeared into the corridor .
tr	3	Lace was making her way toward the nearest ladder , eyes fixed on the Baroness ' still form below .
tr	3	Destro and the Baroness were still locked in an embrace , oblivious to the happenings around them .
tr	3	From the pristine condition of the equipment there , it was clear that the facility had seen recent use .
tr	3	He could hear the gunfire on the opposite side of the door and tried to think quickly .
tr	3	With what appeared to be minimal effort , he twisted and the handle broke free with a metallic clang .
tr	3	He tossed the handle aside and grabbed the edges of the door , forcing it open .
tr	3	The blast caught Loc fully in the chest and sent him flying backward almost ten feet .
tr	3	Flaherty shook his head to clear it and felt himself being hauled roughly to his feet .
tr	3	Corporal Hunger was yelling for him to move , but Flaherty 's ears were still ringing from the blast .
tr	3	He landed hard on his side and didn 't move , save for the movement of his ragged breathing .
tr	3	They held their weapons ready , half expecting their foe to get up again and continue the fight .
tr	3	When it was done , Destro stood shakily , leaving the knife buried in the man 's head .
tr	3	Aries made his way to his Laird 's side and walked with him back to the bunker entrance .
tr	3	I want to thank you all for your efforts this past year and in particular during the past week .
tr	3	" The last of them were flown out about twenty minutes ago , my Laird . "
tr	3	" That leaves us with the job of cleaning up the mess we 've made here .
tr	3	I am determined to put to rest what my father failed to bury so many years ago . "
tr	3	The Detonator teams are already working and we should be ready to go within the next two hours . "
tr	3	I just spoke with Hawk and he tells me that the American President has finally decided to act .
tr	3	They will begin landing troops within the next few hours to ' stabilize ' the country .
tr	3	Satisfied , Destro leaned back against his seat and looked over at the Baroness , who sat beside him .
tr	3	" My dear , I believe I am getting to be too old to engage in single combat . "
tr	3	Enjoy a tale from a fictional reality much like our own , with somewhat subtle differences .
tr	3	DISCLAIMER Some adult language and descriptions of a violent nature are presented , parental guidance is advised .
tr	3	-- Oasis , The First Traveller Welcome to this realm young one , how was your journey here ?
tr	3	It was dark at that time , in that region of space known as a Town .
tr	3	He felt the beauty , mysteriously his gaze was filled with diffraction patterns and rippling waves .
tr	3	He had only recently discovered through his studies at school that everything in nature was connected .
tr	3	The dog was like a Doberman and seemed to revel in the exercise , thoughts seemingly only of play .
tr	3	Indeed he marveled at the unity of mind and body and his soul seemed to rejoice !
tr	3	He understands the unity of both brings him to be and yet he wondered , what is beyond ?
tr	3	Delayed momentarily by pensive mental processes , his mind presented the image of the young tree he passed by .
tr	3	Instantly his mind was drawn to his class on fractals , the natural method of continuity and growth .
tr	3	He stood in the glory of its light and allowed the energy to feed his being .
tr	3	He steeped out into the garden , the life giving light on his chest and nature at his feet .
tr	3	He felt grounded , connected to a galactic love relationship between his Star and his Planet .
tr	3	He considered the texts he read after his stroll last night , wondering about the truths that were revealed .
tr	3	The passages written by the prophets of one advised him to seek the light , where all is revealed .
tr	3	The scene was filled with love and light from the Creator , and this energy raised him .
tr	3	The same glow he felt in the environment he was in and then it dawned on him .
tr	3	He ran in joy towards a scene that he thought was his , intuition cautioned him and he stopped .
tr	3	He saw it for what it was , the root of temptation , he accepted , he understood .
tr	3	He saw visions that increased the intensity of what he felt but it never felt unbearable or undeserved .
tr	3	Logos that was what it was ; the very same force he felt in the primal scene .
tr	3	It fuelled the feeling in this green scene with its energy , lifting the ground and him with it .
tr	3	Something happened at that time , which he had never before witnessed in that mental realm .
tr	3	" You are aware that we are here , so you do , " they replied .
tr	3	" You ask too many questions ; listen , contemplate and you will understand what you have always known .
tr	3	His mind swirled with this idea , a concept , a point of view he had never before considered .
tr	3	There was always a rhythm and as he started by going down , so he returned by rising up .
tr	3	He was awake to the physical world and aware like anyone else but also unlike anyone else .
tr	3	I see the hint of recollection in your eyes but I suspect that my task is nowhere near complete .
tr	3	By understanding the word and the flow , Logos can be used to manipulate the environment . "
tr	3	This was clearly seen by the webs of Logos surrounding the planet ; Terra , that was her name .
tr	3	I could enter the cycle of incarnation and preserve my unified soul but that would take too long .
tr	3	I followed him out the tent a few meters , to a clearing signalling the end of the forest .
tr	3	I would have assumed them to be leopards but they looked different from any cat I had ever seen .
tr	3	She looked like someone from the east of our world and her bronzed skin glowed in the light .
tr	3	She wore a wide belt on her waist , which held the rest of the cloak to her bosom .
tr	3	She was beautiful to look upon ; was she our goddess of war , I wondered .
tr	3	By now she was a stone 's throw away , riding what looked like a metal board .
tr	3	The music changed and dancing began , and then I noticed that they had been drinking .
tr	3	" Thank you for coming , " he said to me , I smiled and nodded in response .
tr	3	" I know , I have issued orders for the men to be ready by first light .
tr	3	" I see , and I assume the T1 is a very powerful explosive device ? "
tr	3	" The Empress detests the weapon , had it not been for the Union we would not have one .
tr	3	" The Sphinx warriors are different from us , perhaps you should meet with them tonight . "
tr	3	When I was mortal I served under a great leader and led many into battles wining many wars .
tr	3	A few still remained outside but others had either retired to their tents or kept watch over the camp .
tr	3	The trick 's to never forget that there is a beyond , it does go on .
tr	3	With the body of a large cat and the most beautiful wings , their form was magnificent and mysterious .
tr	3	They all wore heavy armour and none of their number was shorter than seven feet tall .
tr	3	Ra , bring them to me at first light , I asked her through my thoughts .
tr	3	Some of the enemy had heavier armour to defend against rifles and they fought the Humans .
tr	3	I yearned to assist , alas I must not , else I would reveal my presence too soon .
tr	3	I gazed at the Citadel , it was immense in size and surprisingly it was not on the ground .
tr	3	This world had need of only one rebellion and that was a rebellion against these rebels .
tr	3	I had seen enough , so I opened the portal and returned to the edge of the camp .
tr	3	My eyes opened to new details as I became aware of the balls of energy floating around the forest .
tr	3	My dance was nearing its end and my awareness told me Ra approached with the Sphinx warriors .
tr	3	Yes brothers and sisters we fight for Gaia , " I paused for a brief moment .
tr	3	" There is power in belief , in will and in the words that we speak .
tr	3	With the light singing to our souls , attacking the enemy like the straightest arrow , we will prevail !
tr	3	" When you face a mountain , do you ask if the mountain will allow you to climb it ?
tr	3	So as it is with the mountain , it is with this war , " I replied .
tr	3	In my heart sang the song of passage , I looked and saw through space our destination .
tr	3	With a crack and a boom the vertical line expanded , until it was wide enough to allow passage .
tr	3	I guess practice makes perfect , I thought as I admired my doorway to the hidden ways .
tr	3	" Sphinx , Walk with me through the hidden ways , " I called with my mind .
tr	3	I passed through the doorway with Ra at my side and a thousand warriors behind me .
tr	3	Instinctively I cast a shield , however , in a fragmented state I could not hold it indefinitely .
tr	3	While the rest split up and cause as much confusion as possible within the walls of the Citadel .
tr	3	I stepped out of the protective bubble feeling the full reality of this war , brothers killing brothers .
tr	3	They believed themselves to be a match for me , let them come , I thought with a smile .
tr	3	My cloak ruffled in the wind and it seemed as though the wind itself carried me .
tr	3	I felt my armour turn-on its defence capabilities , long metallic claws came forth from my gloves .
tr	3	The metallic creatures came at me in the air , with a wild slash aimed at my midsection .
tr	3	This must be the work of a powerful Logos weaver and that meant Tiamat was here .
tr	3	I cried out as I raced to him calling three hundred Sphinx to me , with mind and voice .
tr	3	Sending a hand full of blades deep into it , it sparked and fired and then it stopped .
tr	3	I transmitted to all their minds fuelling their drive and empowering their bodies with new energy .
tr	3	We were in , I could feel Ra tearing through flesh and hear men screaming in rage and terror .
tr	3	I swung my head back , looking around and saw that more men had revealed themselves , surrounding us .
tr	3	I launched myself into the air spinning as I ascended and I created a type of void .
tr	3	I launched my spear at the man in the middle , running to catch up with it in flight .
tr	3	I arrived in their midst , taking the nearest two off their feet with a sweeping kick .
tr	3	As I rose , I caught another with an uppercut , sending him high in the air .
tr	3	The two taken off their feet were still in the air , seemingly suspended in time .
tr	3	I moved quickly to him , knocking him into the air before he had time to consider my advance .
tr	3	I smiled as I turned to face our mutual enemy , with my spear in hand .
tr	3	" Traveller , Leave these warriors to us , " I heard the Sphinx call to my mind .
tr	3	The enemy began to advance on us , armed with all manner of weapons save projectile .
tr	3	Some got hit while others got out of the way , it seemed that they were getting smarter .
tr	3	I stopped the spinning with a loud thump on the ground , causing a small shock wave .
tr	3	Each possessed on both arms an odd looking weapon , which was a shield that extended into a blade .
tr	3	I got up smiling , they had given me what I needed to banish them , my blood .
tr	3	With my free hand I took some of my dripping blood and traced symbols on the ground .
tr	3	A fan , and yet this is thy work , " Tiamat replied with a laugh .
tr	3	Thine allies themselves shall unleash destruction upon thy treasured rock and this will sadden thy kin greatly .
tr	3	There seemed to be no end to the blast as it grew eating at everything in its path .
tr	3	No it can 't be ... Gaia , forgive me , tears poured freely from my eyes .
tr	3	My body arched as I felt the pain of the planet , scorching fires on its every surface .
tr	3	Slowly Gaia was sucked in and I witnessed the destruction of a planet and the death of many .
tr	3	My eyes were dazzled by the light and when my sight returned I could see nothing .
tr	3	Brothers ... Sisters ... My thoughts went out in every direction , sending out my call .
tr	3	Even now she is lost in ebb and flow of the Cosmos , contained with a limited pocket reality .
tr	3	No , even I do not know where she is ... The dissonance conceals her presence from me .
tr	3	After a few minutes of driving I entered the tree cover , until my truck could go no more .
tr	3	I stopped for a moment and considered alerting the base but I quickly disregard the thought .
tr	3	I selected two pistols and secured them on my hips , I glanced momentarily at the experimental rifle .
tr	3	I did , " he replied , while I searched for where his voice was coming from .
tr	3	" Monsters like you is why I exist , " I stated as I readied my pistols .
tr	3	For a moment it was silent and I felt a tingle at the back of my neck .
tr	3	" You can kill me anytime you want , why are you toying with me ? "
tr	3	" I exist outside of space-time , your mortal thoughts may not hide from me , " Adam answered .
tr	3	Are you trying to tell me you are the good guy and my leader is the bad guy ?
tr	3	" The line that divides such sides is not so clearly drawn , " he replied .
tr	3	Look now and see ... " he added as he stood gazing at clouds that began to collect together .
tr	3	There were four guards , the general , the being and a representative from the New World Order .
tr	3	Adam speaks the truth and with that thought , the video stopped and the sky cleared .
tr	3	" Loads but the quickest way to put it would be , stop him at all costs . "
tr	3	" When the time is right you will know , however , if you seek you will find . "
tr	3	On my left side was the door Adam spoke about with a cloak on the ground beside it .
tr	3	It looked like no other blade on Earth and I noticed its odd curves on the reverse .
tr	3	It was silver with a shinny blade and there was a groove on the hilt like a trigger .
tr	3	I had felt a nagging before which had now ceased , now that I knew the truth .
tr	3	This place felt uncomfortable , like creatures watched me from beyond and I was grateful to leave .
tr	3	I continued to scope the room and I noticed another access point not far from my current position .
tr	3	Quickly , while maintaining cover , I made my way and retrieved information on the building and its occupants .
tr	3	I could no longer control my rage towards it , this thing that killed my brethren .
tr	3	" Stand aside or die , " I said to it as I drew my blade .
tr	3	I saw its face make a gasp and then it smiled as it continued its approach .
tr	3	I found myself beside the console and the being reappeared at the other side of the room .
tr	3	Hell , the way I see it if he can 't use the console , he can 't launch .
tr	3	" Yes you may have destroyed a part of the plan but North America will still fall .
tr	3	They are like parasites , take , take , take , that is all a human knows .
tr	3	I blocked and sent a left hook at his face , but he jumped out of the way .
tr	3	I could do anything , even defeat this being , I believed it and so it was real .
tr	3	I blocked the latter with my leg , spinning with it into a round house that he ducked .
tr	3	I felt my body move faster than ever , light as air , firm as stone .
tr	3	He lunged with a punch and I sidestepped catching him in the jaw ; we swapped sides .
tr	3	He kicked at my legs but I moved and spotted a roundhouse sneakily following his kick .
tr	3	The force sent him across the room , through tables and chairs leaving a bloody trail .
tr	3	I saw the spectre of the being join the body , leaving its previous position as spectator .
tr	3	Even through all the blood he was still smiling ; is this the face of evil ?
tr	3	I must die for the world to be saved , is this really how it ends ?
tr	3	The ground was fast approaching ... Well this is it ... Goodbye beautiful world , thanks for having me .
tr	3	All will be clear in time , do not rush it , your memories will be replenished with time .
tr	3	-- Adam Finally my transport reached its destination , oddly enough our destinations didn 't coincide .
tr	3	Dragging my little case behind me , I joined the group a little distance away from the majority congregation .
tr	3	No man could ever see into my heart and so they will never know my true intentions .
tr	3	I guess in the truest sense , it is only there that we are truly alone .
tr	3	I had once heard a quote ' ... a man can never be an island unto himself ... ' .
tr	3	I remembered a day , the most memorable of all my days throughout my solitary experience .
tr	3	It was a pretty sky and I walked towards the only seats in this open area .
tr	3	" Since we are going to be here for a while , you could tell me a story . "
tr	3	One morning while I was going through my morning ritual , stretching and renewing my body .
tr	3	He slowly walked towards me , leaning every so often on the stout cane he carried .
tr	3	He wore a sleeveless short cotton coat about knee length and it was buttoned to the side .
tr	3	The same material was used for his baggy pants and on his feet were the simplest sandals .
tr	3	He told me he had been searching for me and that he had teachings to give to me .
tr	3	He guided me towards the cliff , sat me down and he told me some things that astounded me .
tr	3	He spoke to me of Logos , the life force , the word and the flow .
tr	3	He also told me of other phenomena around the world and explained that my case was not so different .
tr	3	" Well the story isn 't done yet , I completed my training and returned to civilisation .
tr	3	" Not much to tell , I am from Trinidad , I studied Linguistics and Philosophy .
tr	3	I reached for my phone as she reached for hers , it seemed we both had calls .
tr	3	I spent some time with him but still I didn 't know who or what he really was .
tr	3	Besides that didn 't sound like his usual jovial self , something is wrong ... " Who ?
tr	3	Heads turned to see the commotion and screams soon followed upon recognition of Sheena 's gun .
tr	3	I reached into my pockets and pulled out the shock gloves I purchased on my way here .
tr	3	They advanced slowly and I stood to my full height , fists held up at the ready .
tr	3	They were a little hesitant now , the commotion was clearing and they all approached slowly but surely .
tr	3	I bent and picked up two metal batons , they would be charged as a result of contact .
tr	3	I flipped , bringing my heel down hard on the head of one , leaving him unconscious .
tr	3	I chucked a charged baton at my target , following it with a knee to his face .
tr	3	I came up with an upper cut knocking out my would be warden at the exit .
tr	3	She and her friends captured me ... My brain felt a little murky , they must have drugged me .
tr	3	I turned to see the rest of the convoy arriving with haste , swerving carelessly as men jumped out .
tr	3	I see , they want to play again , well I don 't feel like playing right now .
tr	3	My head propped up by the roots of a big tree at the inner edge of an enclosing forest .
tr	3	I needed to return to my father 's house but the Brethren will definitely be guarding it .
tr	3	Two pistols on her hip and two large daggers on her waist , and she also carried a backpack .
tr	3	Beads of water rolled off her body as she walked angrily towards me , muttering under her breath .
tr	3	I asked , she rolled her eyes and snapped the pistol to aim directly at me .
tr	3	she asked after a long pause and I nodded in reply wondering how she knew my name .
tr	3	" I see , I am Shade , " she introduced while putting her pistol to bed .
tr	3	" My journey all began in the age of Aquarius , 21st December 2055 to be exact .
tr	3	" I also killed my possessed General that day and I never saw either of them again .
tr	3	Somehow I don 't feel that is the case , last thing I remember was in a different world .
tr	3	Your people are among those who are after me , I am most likely on the most wanted list .
tr	3	I added with rage , releasing a ball off light as I brought my hands together .
tr	3	I need to grab a paper from that store , can you call us a cab ? "
tr	3	I glanced at it ... ' What has Sinclair got to declare ' the front page read .
tr	3	I turned around and slowly lifted my head to see two big men wearing shades facing me .
tr	3	I got up and sharply kicked one to fall clumsily on the other but now I needed to bail .
tr	3	I started to make my way to the right , a short cut to the exit .
tr	3	I turned and bolted the other way ; I don 't know and I don 't want to know .
tr	3	I ran to help her swinging and poking repeatedly with my newspaper , until we were back to back .
tr	3	" They are laboratory cultured beings , you can think of them as drones , executing specific commands . "
tr	3	I saw a flicker of light and I felt a powerful force propel my victim into those behind him .
tr	3	The enemy began another attack and we fought hard , as they got faster and remarkably stronger .
tr	3	I knew Shade played her part , I wouldn 't have survived this long if she wasn 't here .
tr	3	It 's time ... That was when I heard a metallic sound cut through the room .
tr	3	" Hurry they are getting much stronger , " She said and her voice carried to me .
tr	3	I stood and centred myself , feeling the rhythm within , the pulse of my mind .
tr	3	I regained control and stopped filling myself with this mysterious energy , this static of mine .
tr	3	I asked Shade , hoping she had some explanation and I was disappointed to see her shake her head .
tr	3	Then I saw a figure walking towards us from behind the tree , dressed in a black suit .
tr	3	" You see , I 've been meaning to arrange a meeting with you ... " Tim began .
tr	3	" This is the same aura that was controlling those drones and the same that possessed my General . "
tr	3	" That 's right , by wiping us out in every fabric of existence and destroying our planet ? "
tr	3	He had made a charred perimeter around us but still held the civilians in his grip .
tr	3	I felt rage consume me and my suit 's engine allowed me to tap into my own Logos .
tr	3	Catching him off-guard , he discarded his hostages and materialised his blade to parry my blow .
tr	3	In a flash his arm caught me in the chin and sent me back a distance .
tr	3	I dropped my blade in the air and drew my pistols and I rained slugs on Nuru .
tr	3	I heard the sounds of helicopters and watched in amazement as giant bipedal machines were dropped from the sky .
tr	3	When they touched the ground they promptly opened fire on Nuru , who raised a shield .
tr	3	You who exist solely for your own gain , you disgust me , " Adam replied .
tr	3	When our father is free and returns , there will be nothing you or your fellow Travellers can do .
tr	3	" You took me away from everything , I had ever known and used me like a pawn !
tr	3	Yes that 's right Tola 's static was really Logos , you do remember Logos right ?
tr	3	We are of the same bloodline and the essence of Vampyre is strong in our veins .
tr	3	Pyre is an imposing sight , it had towering walls that shielded the circumference of the city .
tr	3	Truly the city of Pyre was known by all to be the impenetrable city of the Magi .
tr	3	The champion paused for a moment transfixed in disbelief , as the culprit smiled a wicked smile .
tr	3	However , the number of defenders were dwindling and the overwhelming number of the enemy gained even more ground .
tr	3	All around lay bodies in piles of the enemy and further attempts to attack him were hesitant .
tr	3	The enemy had encircled him but now they made a path and a man in unusual armour walked through .
tr	3	The grip on his blades loosened as his strength left him , sapped by the newcomers attack .
tr	3	Looking back to Ezra he said , " Now you will watch as I make your race extinct . "
tr	3	" No mercy , " Kane said as he signalled his men to begin the execution .
tr	3	Suddenly two mages appeared beside Ezra and they released concussive blasts and chaos ensued once more .
tr	3	So I must find her and remove it from her grasp , before she causes any more damage .
tr	3	I suspect that it is by this means she has created much dissonance in the fabrics .
tr	3	I 'll tell you more about Ezra later , but now I must be on my way .
tr	3	You can also find updates on the second installation of A Tale of Tales on my website .
tr	3	I would also like to thank my other half , who encouraged me to put my words on paper .
tr	3	" You are a singing dandy , with your head in the clouds , " Gunnar said .
tr	3	" You 've completed your schooling and now , my friend , it 's time to celebrate . "
tr	3	" No ; the earls ' bodyguards only stand around all day and protect their liege . "
tr	3	Brand thought for a while , though he knew thinking was generally a bad idea in the mead hall .
tr	3	I 've seen you practice with your axe often -- and win duels , at that .
tr	3	But I have a feeling you 're content working with metal and staying inside the city walls . "
tr	3	" Only reason I kept doing it was waiting for you to quit that damnable college .
tr	3	But those dark days were , indeed , coming : month after month of howling wind and endless snow .
tr	3	The witch felt Brand 's palm with her coarse fingers , humming as if to enter a trance .
tr	3	The quest will take you to far-flung places ; to places you 'd never thought to travel .
tr	3	" They were cruel to us ; and yet , perhaps they have something to offer us . "
tr	3	He tried to drag him away , but Gunnar was too heavy for Brand to move him .
tr	3	" No , no ; I 'm very interested in him , " the king 's man said .
tr	3	" -- Gunnar , what noble line you belong to , " the king 's man finished .
tr	3	As soon as they had mounted , they galloped through the streets at a breakneck pace .
tr	3	If they survived , Brand would forevermore be a criminal ; a wolf to be hunted wherever he went .
tr	3	They were heading north on the path , and neither of them knew where they were going .
tr	3	But once they left the jurisdiction , clan law would force Sven 's men to stop their pursuit .
tr	3	Several wooden chests , doubtlessly full of gold and treasure , were strewn about the camp .
tr	3	" If you 're looking for gold , we don 't have any , " Gunnar said .
tr	3	But if we recover the Idol of the Great Mother , he 'd forgive us for our deeds .
tr	3	" But we 've learned getting the idol is going to be hard , if not impossible .
tr	3	The air was cold -- this far north , the air was often cold , but this felt unusual .
tr	3	Morrie sat at a rekindled fire , boiling something sweet in a pot , perhaps morning tea .
tr	3	Morrie took the pot off the fire and set it into the cold , hard dirt .
tr	3	There are wolves ... spirits of the dead ... " Brand knew that Gunnar wanted the idol for himself .
tr	3	All they found was a land of barrows , barren , where only crows and deer lived .
tr	3	It towered above them and at the top was a spacious den of wattle and daub .
tr	3	Despite its average size , scaling Haunted Hill was among the most tiring exercises Gunnar had ever undertaken .
tr	3	Now , even Gunnar could feel the chill , the evil energy , which this home exuded .
tr	3	The idol has been forged ... we will not let harm come to our blessed mother .
tr	3	She will rest within the idol and never be harmed by the unclean hands of the humans .
tr	3	Her pink eyes will always be watching , and her Evil Eye will always be on them . "
tr	3	It was like a bad wind , a wind you could only feel in your mind .
tr	3	A golden idol , shaped into the likeness of a hideous hag , sat on a table .
tr	3	He was no match for the Idol of the Great Mother , the barrow witch 's most prized possession .
tr	3	They exited the land from where they had entered , crossing the Black River with its dark silty waters .
tr	3	Soon , snow would lie on their boughs , but for now , the land was green .
tr	3	" Men of great honor , I salute you , " Brand said , choosing his words carefully .
tr	3	" There can be no atonement for what you have done , " the captain said .
tr	3	The golden object , forged in the shape of an old crone , was carved with eerie realism .
tr	3	I do not know if Sven Oster can ever forgive you for what you 've done .
tr	3	You have done well , " he muttered , eyeing the ornate object with wide eyes .
tr	3	Gunnar picked up the idol , walked over to the king , and placed it into his grasp .
tr	3	" If you do not deliver it , I will put you back on the Hangman 's List .
tr	3	I will find the best torturers in the country and I will give you a slow , slow death .
tr	3	" Next time , listen to me when I do not trust a person 's intentions . "
tr	3	His battalion was attacked by White Wolves and he was the only smart one ; he ran away .
tr	3	By morning , neither had slept more than an hour and both were frozen to the innermost sinew .
tr	3	CHAPTER FOUR Brand awoke to a hard kick and a sword point pressed against his neck .
tr	3	" You shouldn 't sleep with your guard down , " she said in a cheerful voice .
tr	3	" You 're lucky you 're not carrying anything , or it 'd be off with your head . "
tr	3	One thing about her struck Brand as strange : running down her cheeks were twin white scars .
tr	3	Together , the three of them sat around the crackling flames and reveled in the warmth .
tr	3	I do not let men stuff me in a little dress and tell me what to do .
tr	3	He wanted the alliance so he could use the horse peoples ' strength to overthrow the High King .
tr	3	" He was horrible to behold , " she continued , " and he smelled like horse dung .
tr	3	Even then , at that tender age , I did not like the restrictions on my sex . "
tr	3	Both times , they caught me and beat me until I truly realized that I had to submit .
tr	3	I heard of these caves and met with some outlaws ... they are gone now , though . "
tr	3	Hilda left shortly after their conversation and returned an hour later with a dead snowshoe hare .
tr	3	By now the fire had died down slightly and both Gunnar and Brand were huddled around it .
tr	3	As Hilda flayed and removed the meat from the dead rabbit , a light rain began .
tr	3	But I -- and surely , Brand as well -- want to pledge service to Lord Henrik .
tr	3	An hour or so later , the ascent stopped and the ground became more level , if uneven .
tr	3	Before them was a rocky brown plain that stretched on as far as they could see .
tr	3	" If you do not take Hilda , " Gunnar said , " then I will serve you half-heartedly .
tr	3	In the fire was a whole pig roasting on a spit , yet nothing else seemed to be cooking .
tr	3	As the smell of roasting pig filled the room , Gunnar walked up to Henrik and bowed .
tr	3	" They are all at war , " Henrik said , " just as you will be tomorrow .
tr	3	" If I left the watchtower unmanned , I would be a poor marcher lord indeed . "
tr	3	" Then by Vana 's harp , she is an aberration indeed , " Henrik said .
tr	3	Your voice is as pure as honey and your fingers quick as White Wolves in full sprint ! "
tr	3	The blacksmith offered him a leather jerkin with the symbol of White Wolf Keep stitched onto it .
tr	3	The dozen men were gathered around a large campfire , roasting haunches of meat in the bright flames .
tr	3	A scar ran across the length of his face and his nose was crooked , perhaps broken .
tr	3	We need you to go there and find them and rescue them before the evil takes them . "
tr	3	If they go into the Darkling Wood , they will become part of the evil in the woods .
tr	3	" If they stray from the fire ... if they get too cold , they will succumb . "
tr	3	" Forgive me for prying , but you have sent my best friend to fight the evil there .
tr	3	But Hilda stood up and shouted , " How dare you sing of such things ? "
tr	3	He set his lute against the wall and ran after Hilda , following her outside into the windy night .
tr	3	There are only three things to guide us : strength ; guile ; and pure , dumb luck . "
tr	3	I don 't want you to kill yourself if Gunnar dies , as he most certainly will .
tr	3	And I think you 'd be a better boy if you stop singing such vile songs . "
tr	3	" There is evil in that forest , and the evil is hungry , " Hilda said .
tr	3	" So you mean to tell me that the earl sent Gunnar as a sacrifice ? "
tr	3	CHAPTER SEVEN Gunnar stood in the cold , silent forest on the other side of the wooden wall .
tr	3	If Gunnar 's gut didn 't tell him otherwise , he would think the forest was completely empty .
tr	3	Directly in front of him , towering above the dark pines , was an impossibly tall , snowy peak .
tr	3	A chill ran through his bones , and it wasn 't caused by the snow or wind .
tr	3	he shouted at the top of his lungs , more to break the silence than receive a response .
tr	3	Gunnar could tell it belonged to a White Wolf due to its loudness and purity of tone .
tr	3	He yanked hard with a sharp cry and the icy fingers cracked and fell off onto the ground .
tr	3	Sensing his trembling heart , he shouted , " I will slay every demon and ghoul in this forest .
tr	3	He hesitated with the child , but reminded himself this was a demon , not a boy .
tr	3	He slashed sideways with as much force as he could muster and sent the child 's head flying .
tr	3	A voice -- childish yet cold as a snake 's eyes -- said , " Neither will you . "
tr	3	" You vicious human warrior , " a woman 's voice said from inside the cloak .
tr	3	" You know , if you walk to the Darkling Wood , Gunnar will be long gone .
tr	3	" Storytellers -- dreamers like you -- have told me about what lies in the Darkling Wood .
tr	3	" I will name you Midnight , " Hilda said , and hopped on her new steed .
tr	3	A great wooden wall blocked all inward passage but the pines were tall enough to stretch above it .
tr	3	The captain walked inside a small chamber just outside the gate and began cranking the thing open .
tr	3	" Soon as he comes out , " Hilda whispered , " I 'll cut off his head . "
tr	3	" If we see a corpse , we must chop it into pieces , " Hilda said .
tr	3	There was a harsh cracking noise as the little girl 's head fell off and rolled onto the floor .
tr	3	Brand winced as she hacked off the hands , then the legs , and finally , the feet .
tr	3	" You 're so simple , seeing things in two shades : black and white , good and evil .
tr	3	" It is time to end this conversation ; I 've grown bored with your dumbness , girl . "
tr	3	I shall hunt every last one of you , and make stew out of your hearts . "
tr	3	One White Wolf dashed up to Brand and lay down on the floor , then barked .
tr	3	As they leapt up rocky cliffs and ascended steep inclines , Brand occasionally thought of running away .
tr	3	Exhaustion had begun to seep into Brand , and when the bumpy ride ended he nearly dozed off .
tr	3	The wolves walked through a veil of snowy black pines , and entered an ice cave .
tr	3	Only then did he realize that the wolf had scratched two crude runes into the ice .
tr	3	I know , my friend is in danger , " Brand said , baffled that these wolves were communicating .
tr	3	With great force he dug his claw into the ice and scratched three runes : " King . "
tr	3	His legs were cut off just below the knees , his stumps somehow healed and not bleeding .
tr	3	They reached the bottom , and , despite their exhaustion , continued through the black pines .
tr	3	Then she howled and took off , bounding up toward the mountains , toward the place she came from .
tr	3	And now that late morning had arrived , there was very little chance they could get there before dusk .
tr	3	The ground was truly dropping below them , now , in a steep , rocky descent .
tr	3	The lights of a great city , built on either side of the river , appeared before them .
tr	3	" The honorable Lord Harald has no desire whatsoever to harbor the unwanted , sickly , or poor .
tr	3	Despite his sleepiness , Brand smiled wearily ; not a single thing Hilda had just said was true .
tr	3	" Go to the Sunset Inn on the bay and tell the innkeeper I sent you .
tr	3	Along the seashore , elevated high above the buildings was a stone castle with a green garden .
tr	3	" When I left the horse chiefs , I came here and stayed a few months .
tr	3	Let 's take him to the Sunset Inn and set him in a nice bed . "
tr	3	" The White Wolf said to take him to a holy place , " Brand said .
tr	3	He obeyed , and realized that this woman had subdued him more than Gunnar ever had .
tr	3	Hilda had a little coin from her thieving adventures , enough for two nights at the inn .
tr	3	They carried Gunnar into their room and set him on the bed , wrapping him in warm sheets .
tr	3	In their private chamber , Brand dripped the mead down Gunnar 's throat little by little .
tr	3	I have seen her unmasked , beneath her cloak , " he rasped , eyes closed .
tr	3	" The shadow is falling over me , Brand ... there isn 't hope for me . "
tr	3	A gaping emptiness filled him ; he would not be able to sing tonight , nor play his lute .
tr	3	She moved over to Brand 's bed and laid a hand around his shoulder , then hugged him tight .
tr	3	Only after another hard slash did the bloody head fly off the neck and roll onto the ground .
tr	3	As a member of a warrior house , Hilda would not be tortured even as a murderess and thief .
tr	3	Brand followed Hilda to the lectern , gazing at her long blonde hair and her fair neck with anger .
tr	3	And that woman -- that vile , joyless , noble woman -- had done the deed .
tr	3	There were a few cheers , but they died down after Harald 's expression turned stern .
tr	3	King Sven had been healthy when Brand and Gunnar left him , as he had been throughout his reign .
tr	3	" There is one more bit of news I must share with you , " Harald shouted .
tr	3	Some leaves still clung to the thin white aspens , but most had been shed for the winter .
tr	3	Inside the wood were marble statues faded gray by the rain , snow , and wind .
tr	3	He was young , perhaps sixteen or seventeen , and had dark whiskers -- no beard yet .
tr	3	" I may be a woman , but if you continue , I will be your end . "
tr	3	He knows songs of joy and mirth that will get you through the worst of winter . "
tr	3	" I know many of those songs , " Brand said , his voice still trembling .
tr	3	" If it is darkness you want , I can fill all your idle hours . "
tr	3	The sun was now a twinkling , fading glow against the sea and darkness was fast approaching .
tr	3	Across the room , through iron bars , he could see that Hilda had finished hers .
tr	3	Brand stared at her in disbelief , and then they both burst out laughing , howling like wolves .
tr	3	" I 'd kiss you until you couldn 't breathe and your lips turned raw . "
tr	3	" Old in body , but older in the soul ; I would not let you kiss me .
tr	3	" I 'll make you both kiss my rump if you don 't shut up ! "
tr	3	Next to him was his wife , a blonde woman with her hair done into a bun .
tr	3	She clutched tight a little girl in pigtails who was obviously not frightened , then glared at Brand .
tr	3	It is good to be scared on a cold winter 's night , " Harald said .
tr	3	Some may say I am a coward , but I only want the people to like me .
tr	3	I will not kill Hilda straightaway , though I regret that I must , and soon . "
tr	3	Gunnar 's body crumpled inward , then turned to gray powder , and then to nothing .
tr	3	Sweat covered him , dripping down his neck and his arms and moistening his undershirt and tunic .
tr	3	Brand shivered , thinking of that dream , and felt a mix of guilt and fear .
tr	3	" I suppose , " the other said , " if the lord baron agrees . "
tr	3	We are dependent to the king ; but our jurisdiction over the port is close to sovereign . "
tr	3	Better to send her beheaded ; they would torture her and then hang her publicly in that barbaric keep .
tr	3	" I do not wish our house to be cowardly , " said Harald 's wife .
tr	3	As the watch captain turned to leave , Brand fell to his knees and folded his hands .
tr	3	CHAPTER FIFTEEN Soon after the incident , Brand retreated to his room and plucked at his lute forlornly .
tr	3	" Although I defend him often , I am afraid that I am not particularly close to him . "
tr	3	But the truth is -- as a ... man -- Harald can only get stiff in the brothel .
tr	3	" I have learned your tongue and have strived for years to speak it without an accent .
tr	3	The suggestion was vague , yet its meaning was cemented by the fire in her eyes .
tr	3	I know well from today what happens to those who get on his bad side . "
tr	3	I have never born him a child because of his perversion ... his affinity for common whores .
tr	3	" Only my husband knows ; yet I can sense you have a good , trustworthy heart .
tr	3	" They were blonde-haired like their father and unlike Harald , and I am a worrier .
tr	3	There will be no repercussions ; Harald will not care at all , and you may ask him . "
tr	3	At lunch they had a snack of honey loaves , and a helping of fresh farmers ' cheese .
tr	3	Brand played several songs for them -- all happy , joyful songs of summer and love .
tr	3	So , too , had the crowd dwindled ; Brand assumed that most were inside huddling by the fire .
tr	3	No one was looking at him ; no one would know about his surrender to temptation .
tr	3	He paused , dipping the brush in a red dye and then darkening the red sun .
tr	3	Yet Hilda 's certain death made him feel guilt as much as letting her kill Gunnar .
tr	3	" We have treated you as our equals , though I gather you are common . "
tr	3	Harald said , and then stood up , the gold of his coronet shining in the torchlight .
tr	3	" Will you grant titles of nobility as freely as you give your love to whores ? "
tr	3	CHAPTER SIXTEEN The night 's feast was interrupted when Captain Erik of the River Guard ran in .
tr	3	" I will peel your skin like an apple , and douse your wounds in salt . "
tr	3	Brand walked up to Harald , realizing he could not withhold what he knew any longer .
tr	3	" Then let 's wait until morning , " Brand said , " and we 'll decide then . "
tr	3	Lady Kenna 's eyes were narrow and a hint of a smile was on her lips .
tr	3	Soon , wrapped in the thick furs of his bed , his breath crystallized into white fog .
tr	3	" I lied to you , " Harald said , his breath also turning to white fog .
tr	3	" They can , " Brand said , " but they turn into savage boars . "
tr	3	Break into every airtight larder , every closet and crate and pot -- everything the light does not touch .
tr	3	The snow reached up to Brand 's waist ; the castle walk had not been shoveled .
tr	3	Brand had never been part of any court , nor had he ever had the title " sir . "
tr	3	But Harald had taken an interest in him , and made him an honorary member of the court .
tr	3	Harald , curiously , came with him ; but he was a notorious user of this filthy den .
tr	3	The door was locked -- and with good reason -- so Brand tried to kick down the door .
tr	3	He failed , and had to watch in embarrassment as Harald kicked it down for him .
tr	3	But I 've only seen her in body ; never talked with her , " Harald said .
tr	3	" You talked to me like I were a person , not just a whore . "
tr	3	They hide at day -- always together , clustered together , 'cause there is strength in their numbers . "
tr	3	" Sometimes , " Harald said , " but Umbra was brought by my dear wife .
tr	3	If there will be a throne when this is all finished , Brand thought to himself .
tr	3	They obeyed and the savage beasts that lived within screamed , as shrill and high-pitched as whining tea kettles .
tr	3	she shrieked " ... you are not the kind of woman that stays in noble halls . "
tr	3	But by Vana , and by all the gods , and the Green Dragon , she 's helped us .
tr	3	" Then I walked out into the glass porch , and I saw smoke wafting into the air .
tr	3	The last token of my origins , of the religion of my father and mother ! "
tr	3	" It was either let my fair lady die , or let the church of Umbra burn . "
tr	3	" I find you beautiful , " Brand said , " but -- " " Then have me . "
tr	3	Brand didn 't want Harald to be suspicious , despite her protests that His Honor would not care .
tr	3	Her eyes -- black and soulless as a fly 's -- gleamed with hunger in the dim torchlight .
tr	3	" These wounds are beyond the skill of any in our keep , " Lady Kenna grumbled bitterly .
tr	3	" It is possible to make the journey in less than a day , if we ride hard . "
tr	3	Then , they left out of the city gate and bade goodbye to their ancestral home .
tr	3	Aspens grew everywhere except the road , but now the winds and frost had shaken off their leaves .
tr	3	In the mad dash with Hilda , they had paid no attention to the villages they traveled past .
tr	3	They had not yet reached the gate when a pair of warriors rode up to them .
tr	3	She returned an hour later , after her family had suffered a long while in the cold .
tr	3	" My brother wants my son and my daughters , and them alone , " Kenna said .
tr	3	" However , if you disband the River Guard , swear fealty to him -- " Harald laughed darkly .
tr	3	And give her daughters scars , that they may become even uglier than they already are . "
tr	3	They shall be delighted to hear they are noblemen ; and we shall find them wives .
tr	3	I do not care if you bed commoners , or priestesses of Vana , or painted whores .
tr	3	" I would not normally let a commoner say that , but you speak truth , " Harald said .
tr	3	" I take that back ; you are a very strange man , Harald , " Brand said .
tr	3	Throughout the whole ride to the rocky peak , Brand 's mind swam with memories of last night .
tr	3	He wondered if being a commoner was better than living as a noble in this sort of company .
tr	3	" My people and your people are different ; and yet , we are joined as one . "
tr	3	He wore crude leather leggings and hanging around his neck was an amulet in the shape of a dragon .
tr	3	Why do you come to our temple of dragon 's sons , fair lady of high birth ?
tr	3	This place is not fit for any but those with the toughness and spirit of dragons . "
tr	3	They moved in and struck with their swords ; he swung hard and bashed a guard in the helmet .
tr	3	No sooner had he done that than another member of the Guard moved in and disarmed him .
tr	3	Brand had a feeling these two were so sheltered from the outside world they would not go easily .
tr	3	The other junior priests left into the temple ; apparently they had grown bored of the conversation .
tr	3	Harald turned around and shouted , " The River Guard and all the servants will sleep in the tents .
tr	3	Brand felt uneasy until he got to the guest rooms -- of which there were four .
tr	3	They had wooden beds with feather mattresses , chamber pots , desks , and small , unadorned closets .
tr	3	And Gunnar ... he did not even want to think about Gunnar , his best friend and bonded warrior .
tr	3	When the Green Dragon Priests prepare for war , we drink mead like oxen drink water . "
tr	3	And it was true ; the Green Dragons were a warrior order more than a priestly order .
tr	3	Now we can depart these brutal , rabid bears of children ... We can make for the warm lowlands .
tr	3	They hurried down the road in hopes that they might reach the capital city before nightfall .
tr	3	This snow -- deep even for the uplands -- slowed them down immensely , preventing them from gaining shelter .
tr	3	The cold filled him , deep and tender like a lover 's embrace , and numbed his bones .
tr	3	Well after dark , a welcome sight appeared in the distance : lights on King 's Hill .
tr	3	In the cold , all he could think about was reaching Earls ' Court and sleeping by the fire .
tr	3	The worst thing that could happen to you is a beheading , and I won 't let that happen .
tr	3	Outside the window , the snowflakes had stopped falling and the sun shone in the blue sky .
tr	3	" Now she is content to be with child ... now , hopefully , with dark hair like me .
tr	3	" There is something between you and her that really makes for compatible humors , " Harald said .
tr	3	" I do have an affinity for the common and the whores among us , " Harald said .
tr	3	So therefore I must ask : What is this tension , Brand , between you and me ? "
tr	3	It was a huge longhouse -- not especially tall , but wide and sprawling with several wings .
tr	3	" I 'd rather suffer in the cold ... " Harald nodded and kissed her hand .
tr	3	The same nervousness Brand had felt in the witch 's house returned , deep in his gut .
tr	3	It was a corpse : not a corpse you could distinguish features from , but instead a long-dead corpse .
tr	3	In its sockets there were no eyes , yet Brand felt that it was staring at him .
tr	3	A sense of dread fell over Brand , but he forced himself out of its control .
tr	3	With a crack , the idol broke out of the corpse 's fingers and floated up into the air .
tr	3	When the shrill screeching of the idol reached his ears , he looked up at Brand .
tr	3	The screaming reached a pinnacle and Brand 's ears began to throb in pain at the volume .
tr	3	It was the end of his life , and all he had to show for it .
tr	3	" And even if he does die , we must give him a proper burial , " he added .
tr	3	She picked up the crown that the corpse once wore and placed it on Brand 's head .
tr	3	" That means everything to me , " Brand said as he picked the crown off his head .
tr	3	At the double doors , two towering statues of valkyrie warriors stood guard with stone spears .
tr	3	At the end of the procession , the gray skies opened up , and a drizzle began .
tr	3	You are the bringer of joy and mirth , and the bringer of fear and contemplation . "
tr	3	It was only a matter of minutes before the host had gathered together outside the Golden House .
tr	3	" The king 's attendants tell me that you brought that idol to him , " he said .
tr	3	" One of these dying today is a traitor to the High King and to his sovereign realm .
tr	3	As the executioner shouted on about the penalties for committing crimes , they had a whispered conversation .
tr	3	An attendant slapped Hilda hard across the cheek for talking , and she spat in his face .
tr	3	Finally , the attendant gave up and , together with the other , left the platform .
tr	3	The last thing Brand felt in the material world was the platform giving out beneath his feet .
tr	3	They may have killed the hero who put an end to the power of the dark idol .
tr	3	She was a woman who hated and fought injustice and , above all , held grudges .
tr	3	She knew one thing above all else : the child stirring inside her would be High King .
tr	3	Continued in the second book , High Queen , available for $ 3.99 wherever ebooks are sold .
tr	3	It is believed to be a spacious longhouse in a mountain meadow within the broader realm of heaven .
tr	3	It is the only way , excluding sea travel , that a person can enter the low-lying southern lands .
tr	3	They worshiped a deity called The Great Mother whom the invading humans identified as a demon .
tr	3	White Wolves : A species of Great Wolves with snow-white coats , blue eyes , and viciously territorial tendencies .
tr	3	A NOTE ON REVIEWS I encourage you to leave a review on the vendor where you purchased this e-book .
tr	3	He finds inspiration in the epic masterpieces of Tolkien as well as the deeply heartfelt works of Shirley Jackson .
tr	3	OTHER WORKS First , read a sample of HIGH QUEEN , the sequel to FELL WINTER .
tr	3	This was Kai 's first kill of the day , but it almost certainly would not be his last .
tr	3	The scent of rot , earth , and the juices of the grave filled Kai 's nostrils .
tr	3	Their curse had turned their skin a pale , frosty hue and their eyes hard as icicles .
tr	3	In the past , when Kai patrolled the Twelfth Ward , the city 's noise overwhelmed his senses .
tr	3	Gods knew the earls used to fight with equal ferocity until the Oster dynasty came into control .
tr	3	Jays , river thrushes and robins flitted through the moist evergreen forest , singing their beautiful songs .
tr	3	Eventually he reached the shore and hauled himself onto the moist forest floor , each step obviously painful .
tr	3	" Father , " she said , " it is so good to see you . "
tr	3	" My dear father -- one who gave me life -- I must be honest with you .
tr	3	" It has become a part of me , like an arm or a leg . "
tr	3	" I am sick of lamb 's eyes , and boiled snail , and fermented cabbage .
tr	3	He hadn 't listened to her tears as she begged him to let her stay home .
tr	3	He had told her , " You must do this for the sake of our line ! "
tr	3	A woman has slighted me ... killed my husband ... killed my dear friend and musician .
tr	3	They were pitiful and wretched , but they were people too ; only people that had no luck .
tr	3	And what a tall , handsome man he had become , despite the effects of his obvious fatigue .
tr	3	" In all , it was not a bad loss ; but any loss is a shame . "
tr	3	" If you still had some seven thousand footmen left , why did you not keep fighting ? "
tr	3	She hesitated a second , wondering it was the proper time , and then finally spoke her mind .
tr	3	" I am free to make my own decisions and you have no say in them . "
tr	3	The rebels had shattered the aqueducts a week ago , and the parched citizens had let them in .
tr	3	Like demons or dark undead , it seemed they only entered a place with an invitation .
tr	3	At last he reached the edge : a stone ridge that extended from the nearby mountains .
tr	3	The black coach , by the grace of the gods , had gone the other way .
tr	3	He clutched the rock , but scratched his hands and fell back into the screaming mass .
tr	3	Yet the god of justice and just war seemed to be on the side of the rebels .
tr	3	Perhaps , if he kept running ... A blue spear of lightning flashed in the distance .
tr	3	But expressing emotion was unacceptable as an Imperial Knight ; and his mother needed his comfort .
tr	3	" I knew he was too old for war , but he didn 't listen , " Mother wept .
tr	3	They laid the wooden shell into the deep pit as Catalina sobbed and Claudio held her .
tr	3	" Your family is among the most revered of the knights , " the man continued .
tr	3	She whispered in his ear as they walked toward the ranch house : " Be careful . "
tr	3	She would not fare well if Antonio , Marshal of the Imperial Guard , found out .
tr	3	She opened her hands , in both her palms , twin white lights grew in size .
tr	3	Power and insanity was not a good combination , as he learned from the history books .
tr	3	" I must take you to the Augur Collegium and see if they will admit you . "
tr	3	On the colored marble was the insignia of the Augur Collegium : two crossed torches upheld by two hands .
tr	3	Against the wall was a desk , and behind it sat a man , obviously an augur .
tr	3	" You cannot call her an augur if she does not wield the power of Wind .
tr	3	Perhaps , among the magi of the south , but maybe not even among them . "
tr	3	She didn 't know what was best for her , or how vulnerable she was on the streets .
tr	3	As Marcus left the Augur Collegium , he -- for a reason he did not know -- fought guilt .
tr	3	Here , the sun baked the uncultivated yellow grass , and the rarer , arid fields of wheat .
tr	3	Perhaps it was a cloud , but if it was a cloud it was an evil one .
tr	3	And then , in Him , it is the rich and the powerful that will have no hope . "
tr	3	To his great surprise , he removed his hood to reveal a bloody face , scarred beyond human recognition .
tr	3	Perhaps , to all gods ; and perhaps that would break some of the underworld lord 's power .
tr	3	Then , watching the legion set up their tents along the field , he paced the grounds nervously .
tr	3	Soon enough the cohort returned , wrangling a steer by its horns after retrieving it from a nearby ranch .
tr	3	The journey to the black cloud took a long half hour off-road through fields of dry , golden wheat .
tr	3	The rolling wheat was gray , and all color was a pale shadow of what it once had been .
tr	3	He made it halfway through the wheat fields leading up to the black wall , and then stopped .
tr	3	He turned around , looked into Donato 's eyes , and asked , " Where did he go missing ?
tr	3	" A man in a black hood ran after him and I ran back to camp . "
tr	3	Above the city and below the dark steely skies , disembodied white ghosts flew this way and that .
tr	3	The soldiers ran at the hooded man , but the hooded man did not give chase .
tr	3	The man lowered his hood , and they realized it was not a man at all .
tr	3	A woman stood before them with a thin , pale face and long brown hair tied into a ponytail .
tr	3	And if you strike me down , you will only have yourselves to blame for your doom . "
tr	3	My son is not a god , and there are to be no temples to him . "
tr	3	" It could instill respect , " argued Karo , a younger councilor in his thirties .
tr	3	She could see a little of her uncle in him , the fiery emperor who inspired the council .
tr	3	She braced herself for that , and now , she supposed , she could not be disappointed .
tr	3	Julia sighed , and it seemed her whole soul -- all her energy -- left her .
tr	3	" Gods know that a single piece of furniture from this room would sell for a thousand gold pieces .
tr	3	The free men and women of the Empire think they are actually in control of their lives . "
tr	3	I fear you must play by our rules , and gold coin can go a long way . "
tr	3	" A thousand gold pieces is enough for any sane man to do anything , " Antonio said .
tr	3	I don 't trust those councilors , and I know they will vote against my son .
tr	3	Like a herald of something greater , this suburban sprawl hinted at the glory of what was to come .
tr	3	A pack of urchins bolted past Claudio as they chased a dog , laughing all the way .
tr	3	Inside the grand hall , Claudio realized he was the most humbly dressed of all the partygoers .
tr	3	Claudio said , and froze , biting his lips as he realized that no , he really didn 't .
tr	3	He was clearly drunk , and the wineglass in his hand lent credence to Claudio 's guess .
tr	3	Ten years old , at most , and the son of the most famous legate in the Empire . "
tr	3	Claudio had a glass of his own , though he never liked the taste of the stuff .
tr	3	I don 't know why I 'm telling you this but I think I can trust you . "
tr	3	A shrill woman 's voice called out , " Someone tried to murder my son ! "
tr	3	Things were not well in the White Palace , and he needed to get to the bottom of it .
tr	3	-- io9 " [ Ahmed is ] revitalizing the fantasy genre with fresh perspectives and original stories . "
tr	3	-- Library Journal " Ahmed 's debut masterfully paints a world both bright and terrible . "
tr	3	I hope , as you read these stories , that you experience a bit of that magic as well .
tr	3	" What do you think that forked sword 'll do against three men 's spears , pup ?
tr	3	When the robbers had mentioned that blasphemous song , they had approached the line that separates life from death .
tr	3	When they had moved from rough talk to brandishing spears , they 'd crossed that line .
tr	3	The Traditions of the Order say , " A dervish without virtue is less than a beggar . "
tr	3	The sudden realization that he 'd lost sight of his guide pulled him out of his reflections .
tr	3	But he would not know what to do if lost amidst this horde of lewd , impious people .
tr	3	There was no place in the world that pleased him more , nor any that hurt him so .
tr	3	For the usual fee plus ... five percent , I might remember something my Ears have heard . "
tr	3	He had journeyed far , and if it pleased God he 'd have a new teacher .
tr	3	If I see this other fellow , though , I 'll tell him you 're looking for him . "
tr	3	He paid Miri her fee , mumbled his inadequate goodbyes , and herded the boy out onto the street .
tr	3	We 're trying to save a poor girl 's life and keep from getting ourselves killed .
tr	3	The boy looked uncomfortable , but he bowed his head and said " Yes , Doctor . "
tr	3	The thoroughfare the Doctor called the Street of Festivals was lined with townhouses separated by small gardens .
tr	3	Despite years of training he felt like a small boy , lost and about to cry .
tr	3	He knew that he needed direction -- he wasn 't so proud that he couldn 't admit that .
tr	3	Perhaps ... He didn 't realize he 'd come to a halt until a beggar elbowed past him .
tr	3	It was nearly evening when they finally approached the abandoned dock near the Low Bridge of Boats .
tr	3	He 'd had only the two marbles but there was another invocation ... Where is that vial ?
tr	3	Let me guess : for all your zeal , this is the first time you 've faced one .
tr	3	She shook her head , as if driving some thought away , and raised a clenched fist .
tr	3	The girl raised the white rope -- tied with a fat , squarish knot -- to her mouth .
tr	3	" With apologies , Doctor , this one has worked wicked magics and must be punished .
tr	3	A whisking spell , no doubt , used to travel from the location of one object to another .
tr	3	He would have a splitting headache the next day from the casting , but it was his only choice .
tr	3	The Yard 's hay training targets stood abandoned now , a few arrows still sticking out of them .
tr	3	During his training he 'd learned to snap any bonds that held him , no matter how well tied .
tr	3	The dimwitted monster grunted as the dervish barreled into it and knocked the mighty thing off its clawed feet .
tr	3	The tirade silenced the dervish , who stood looking down at the magus 's bleeding corpse .
tr	3	If you 're to study with me , though , you must know your number and never forget it .
tr	3	If you 're going to hunt monsters with me , you must see things as they are . "
tr	3	My grandfather took mercy , as God tells us we must , on the old man 's mother .
tr	3	He scuffs the dusty ground with his sandal and speaks to me in a worried stutter .
tr	3	If he can describe the sick woman , I may be able to make some guesses about her condition .
tr	3	" There is one thing more , " Yousef says , his broad face looking even more nervous .
tr	3	More likely they 've done something shameful they don 't want the village to know of .
tr	3	I take off my turban and caftan , make ablution by the stream and say my noon prayers .
tr	3	As I stand there huffing and puffing my eyes land on a small structure thirty yards away .
tr	3	As soon as I have caught my breath a man comes walking out to meet me .
tr	3	I am right about his stink , and I thank God he does not try to embrace me .
tr	3	A straw mat , an old cushion and a battered tea tray are the only furnishings .
tr	3	It is a more expensive piece of furniture than any of the villagers could afford , I 'm sure .
tr	3	The old man makes tea hurriedly , clattering the cups but saying nothing the whole while .
tr	3	" I am sorry to say that I have little shame left , " he says .
tr	3	I remind myself that charity and mercy are our duty to God , and I soften my tone .
tr	3	She speaks again , and I cover my ears , though the sound is beauty itself .
tr	3	The words you hear come not from my mouth , and you do not hear them with your ears .
tr	3	We will die , my husband and I , if you will not lend us your skill .
tr	3	Have you , learned one , never needed to be something other than what you are ?
tr	3	She steps from behind the screen , clad now in a black abaya and a mask .
tr	3	She takes a step toward me and my shoulders clench at the sound of her hooves hitting the earth .
tr	3	The Shaykh hadn 't lied -- there is witchcraft at work here , and I should run from it .
tr	3	God forgive me , it is hard to know or to care when my beloved is gone .
tr	3	Shireen of the ribbing remark , who in quiet moments confessed her love of my learning .
tr	3	I wad cotton and stuff it in my ears to block out the hermit 's screams .
tr	3	With her magic she rifles my mind for the knowledge she needs and steers my skilled fingers .
tr	3	As I speak I continue to work the little legs carefully , to help their circulation .
tr	3	I let go of the legs and , before my eyes , they begin to grow .
tr	3	I try to close my eyes and focus on the words I speak but I can 't .
tr	3	And in the language of the donkeys , I have called two wild asses to carry your goods .
tr	3	I wonder whether Shireen 's suitor died from his illness , or from malicious magic meant to reward me .
tr	3	And I wonder what Shireen and her father will think of the man I have become .
tr	3	" Almighty God willing , someday perhaps your soul will be as disciplined as your sword arm ! "
tr	3	" Shaykh Saif , I -- " " No , child , I 've heard your reasons .
tr	3	But by his own words , his time in this world is almost at an end .
tr	3	Now she saw that it was just another attempt to convince her to break her oath .
tr	3	I will keep my oath , and God piss on the man who tries to stop me . "
tr	3	The curse was awkward in her mouth and she regretted it as soon as she spoke it .
tr	3	And try as she might , she could not find the shame that should have been there .
tr	3	She bowed to Shaykh Saif 's back , and returned to her room to prepare for judgment .
tr	3	" The High Shaykh , praise God , is better than he 's been in days .
tr	3	" He bid me fetch you and says he must speak to you before the proceeding begins . "
tr	3	Before it begins , I must ask you again : why do you do this ? "
tr	3	My love for her was great , which is why I brought you into this Lodge .
tr	3	But the Heavenly Chapters tell us ' No man or woman can be closer to you than God . '
tr	3	" As with so many of the Lodge of God 's Traditions , this is a matter of interpretation .
tr	3	In ambiguous matters such as these , you ought to make some of your own rulings .
tr	3	" God help me , child , sometimes I think this is just not the place for you . "
tr	3	I 'll see you in the tribunal hall , child , and God willing this will end peacefully . "
tr	3	She had to keep her oath to God and her mother -- there was simply no other way .
tr	3	A drunken cripple could 've taken you unawares with your head in the clouds like that ! "
tr	3	This bit about the red scarf is merely the bushel that proves the camel 's bad back .
tr	3	This tribunal is truly meant to determine one thing -- which man holds power in the Lodge of God .
tr	3	" Layla bas Layla , seven years ago , you were brought into the Lodge as a student .
tr	3	" ' For God , the whole world is but a footstep , " ' he quoted .
tr	3	" I am twenty years a Shaykh , and you are barely a Dervish , girl .
tr	3	As far as you 're concerned , I determine what is blessed and what is forbidden . "
tr	3	He turned his gaze back to Layla and she felt as if a sword were pointed at her .
tr	3	Know that God is the fairest judge and the most doting father ' say the Heavenly Chapters .
tr	3	If you 're honest with yourselves , you see God 's hand at work in her uncanny skill . "
tr	3	Even her command of the Heavenly Chapters wasn 't what it ought to be , she knew .
tr	3	He sucked in a breath and Layla was close enough to see him grit his teeth .
tr	3	With every bit of discipline her training had given her , she kept from leaping to his side .
tr	3	You recall what the Lodge of God 's Traditions mandate in a situation such as this ? "
tr	3	Its contests of swordplay and piety act as arbiters between us and help us find our leader .
tr	3	Her teacher had recaptured a bit of his bombast , and Layla drew strength from it as she walked .
tr	3	She would prove with her skill that the Lodge of God belonged to her and those she loved .
tr	3	Before an hour had passed , the ceremony was over and she was walking toward the training yard .
tr	3	" Listen closely ; I want to be sure you 're clear about how the Judgment will proceed .
tr	3	It was as strange a notion to Layla as when she 'd first read about it .
tr	3	At least , if we win the Judgment , I will be High Shaykh in name .
tr	3	But don 't put too much faith in even a zealot 's adherence to inconvenient old codes .
tr	3	They arrived at the training yard and Layla hoped to Almighty God that her teacher was right .
tr	3	Surely Shaykh Saif would call this a breach of rule and sound an end to the duel .
tr	3	She slapped his face with the flat of her blade for good measure before she cried " Yield ! "
tr	3	But the Heavenly Chapters say ' The strong soul of the believer can stand against seven swords . '
tr	3	Each took one long step back from the other and sank down to sit cross-legged on the packed dirt .
tr	3	Just as the thought formed in her head her teacher swooned again , as if he couldn 't breathe .
tr	3	A last bit of something careful and thoughtful in Layla seemed to burn and blow away like ash .
tr	3	She bolted through the stunned assembly , out the great double doors , and into the cool night air .
tr	3	Picking her way among the rocks , she ran for an hour before stopping beside a great gray boulder .
tr	3	He 's clearly building to some criminal crescendo , and I wish he 'd just get to it .
tr	3	I squirm audibly in my seat and I can practically hear him frown behind that grotesque silver mask .
tr	3	" I 'm just sayin ' you don 't need to go through all of this .
tr	3	Still , he 's one of the few folks in the Society that I can stand .
tr	3	The best part is , the results will inevitably draw attention and encourage similar efforts elsewhere .
tr	3	This plan would give him another -- better to say a first -- chance at life .
tr	3	Those crusading buffoons think he is at ARMOR headquarters for his annual maintenance , but behold ! "
tr	3	Every time I do it I think about falling into that volcano and waking up ... changed .
tr	3	It 's a hell of a thing , being a changed man in the same old world .
tr	3	We didn 't make this world , but we survive it by going through the motions .
tr	3	Desert Rangers II was the worst script Muhammad had ever read , in Arabic or English .
tr	3	The movie certainly qualified as " Public Insult to Islam " -- a punishable crime in his homeland .
tr	3	In a stroke of luck two years ago , he 'd played a Cuban drug dealer 's henchman .
tr	3	Mostly , though , it was sleazy oil sheiks and men who cackled as they blew up children .
tr	3	" Alright , motherfucker , " Ali said in English , " Keep an eye on that score ! "
tr	3	Lately , I am feeling that I am in a video game , " he said in English .
tr	3	Every inch of ground I am gaining is a danger , a ... " -- what was the word ?
tr	3	And I say to myself ' there 's only so many times I can come back ! '
tr	3	" Have you , " he asked in English , " been dipping into my stash ? "
tr	3	There was too much going on in his head for him to try and be social .
tr	3	In his daydreams , too , the language 's strange words and phrases had crowded into his brain .
tr	3	He heard and saw certain lines from his life played over and over again in his skull .
tr	3	An American couple in their twenties was walking by , clearly enjoying the warm April morning .
tr	3	Before coming to the states , Muhammad had worked at kebab stands in Sweden and West Germany .
tr	3	Though he couldn 't say why , he stopped walking and pretended to look in a store window .
tr	3	They were drunk and in love and he was just one of Los Angeles ' million oily immigrants .
tr	3	" Anyway , I had to paint over it to make it show up on camera .
tr	3	A few bucks for a can of gold spray paint and now we got our evil artifact ! "
tr	3	The same smokeless fire voice that had spoken to him at his uncle 's trial all those years ago .
tr	3	" There is no God but God , and Muhammad is the messenger of God . "
tr	3	Muhammad let go of the bowl with a yelp , but it just floated there in midair .
tr	3	You 'd ask and ask , and all you 'd get back was a look as hard as rocks .
tr	3	Said he took the name 'cause he was " part blessed and part damned , like any man . "
tr	3	Anything ruthless or nasty you might have heard about his gang was probably the plain truth .
tr	3	The widower sheriff of Redemption and his baby boys getting their ears chopped off and force-fed to them ?
tr	3	To hear it told , two sheriff 's deputies had fired three shots each into his youngest , Shambles .
tr	3	It wasn 't natural , the things that old man could do with a Navy Colt or a Winchester .
tr	3	The old man didn 't like it when I brought up the things he could do .
tr	3	I put another slug right through his eyeball , but the boy didn 't even bleed .
tr	3	Just laughed and told me to drop my gun or they 'd give me to Shambles .
tr	3	A half hour later I found myself lying trussed up on the ground with two teeth knocked out .
tr	3	" Boy , ain 't nothing involving a pistol and Parson Lucifer ever an accident . "
tr	3	" The girl died for a purpose , boy -- more than most folk these days can claim .
tr	3	" And I guess you make a nice living doing it , don 't you ? "
tr	3	Even way the hell out here , there 's a lot of lives to go around .
tr	3	Ain 't any one of 'em any more sacred than another , far as God 's concerned .
tr	3	" My hex brought my boy Shambles back alive , even after what them snaky deputies done to him .
tr	3	And I swear to y ' all that a little piece of flint jumped up and cut my bonds .
tr	3	I got a clean shot here at your -- " There was no movement that I saw .
tr	3	And a boy with a hole in his head was lying where a fast-talking murderer had just stood .
tr	3	He didn 't even flinch when Parson Lucifer spun around and shot him twice in the chest .
tr	3	Hell of a thing to have to speak your last word to a man who can 't understand you .
tr	3	I ain 't seen what I 'd done to deserve it , to tell the truth .
tr	3	He pointed his long brown trigger finger up at the sky , like he was naming a target .
tr	3	I watched the light go slowly out of his eyes , saw that smile go slack .
tr	3	I smelled crushed roses in the air , though I can 't say where the scent came from .
tr	3	Come morning I was wore out as man could be , but it was time to leave .
tr	3	The cry of a younger man , from the days when he 'd let stupid causes use him .
tr	3	The gate guards took his rifle and eyed him suspiciously , but they let him pass .
tr	3	He 'd never seen so many people , not even in the vibrant Free Beirut of his childhood .
tr	3	He 'd traveled for two weeks , surviving on little food and an hour 's sleep here and there .
tr	3	They were a madman 's words , and Ali hardly believed they were coming from his own mouth .
tr	3	Her slender hand on the small of his back , night after night -- this had saved his life .
tr	3	God willing , Faithful Soldier , you will deactivate the security scrambler on the wall before you .
tr	3	God willing , Faithful Soldier , you will deactivate the security scrambler on the wall before you .
tr	3	But from the inside interface , the gate 's security scrambler was simple enough to shut down .
tr	3	Ali 's fingers danced over the screen , and a few seconds later it was done .
tr	3	Two men in black dashed out of the mosque and past him , each carrying an ornate jewelry box .
tr	3	" I didn 't -- " Ali started to say , but he knew it was useless .
tr	3	He woke in a cell with four men in uniforms different from the mosque guards ' .
tr	3	" Sometimes I don 't even know where the words come from , " the old man went on .
tr	3	Maybe you could go to her old broads ' tea hour and tell them about your prompts !
tr	3	" But before the teahouse , we have to take you back downstairs for a little while . "
tr	3	Ali felt big , hard hands take hold of him and he knew that this was it .
tr	3	But Lubna -- brilliant , loving Lubna -- had shown him that this world could hold holiness .
tr	3	In the name of -- " " In the name of your mother 's hairy tits !
tr	3	But war had taught him how to hang on when there was a real chance of getting home .
tr	3	Despair had weakened him , but he would find the strength to make it back to Lubna .
tr	3	It was worst here in the south , but it was more or less the same everywhere these days .
tr	3	Hai Hai gestured to the board and bared her long front teeth in a sympathetic smile .
tr	3	If I 'm never south of the Green Cross again , it 'll be too fucking soon . "
tr	3	It wasn 't until he came to his feet that he realized he was more than drunk .
tr	3	Someone who didn 't give a gods ' damn for my coin just stole something specific from me .
tr	3	If it wasn 't done on your order , it was still done under your roof .
tr	3	Still does some cleaning and such for them before he does his duties here each day . "
tr	3	And if he points his grubby little finger back this way , innkeeper , you 're dead .
tr	3	Its attention was split now between him and Hai Hai , which meant they had a chance here .
tr	3	He shouted out in pain , then fell to the floor , struggling to catch his breath .
tr	3	And , indeed , though they had a great advantage of numbers , the mercenaries looked terrified .
tr	3	Then the rest broke , shoving each other out of the way as they made for the door .
tr	3	Behind one his keen hearing picked up the sound of someone -- a boy , perhaps -- crying .
tr	3	And suddenly it was as if a large hole had appeared in the wood before him .
tr	3	With it , the demon can punish her soul the way it did her body . "
tr	3	Or , at least , the trickery is at an end now that you 're here before me . "
tr	3	The one we ran into at that inn near the Green Cross all those years ago ? "
tr	3	But when I tried to frighten the boy , I saw that he was only intrigued .
tr	3	Even had it been to call me to task , I would have welcomed it . "
tr	3	I need to know that your fates have been forged together , or I 'll never know peace . "
tr	3	" So this is what that mercenary meant when he said we must have been sent by the Empress .
tr	3	" So we 've done the Amethyst Empress a favor by killing these fools , " Hai Hai said .
tr	3	But I 'll do so at the next temple , and beg their blessings upon you . "
tr	3	She didn 't see her decision as betrayal , but as a courage born of selfless conviction .
tr	3	A single instance of inefficiency on her part in any step would have been sufficient to stop the launch .
tr	3	Susan was shaken from her troubled thoughts by a subtle change in Lieutenant Jacobs ' attitude .
tr	3	Part of her wanted to retreat into the fantasy of believing this was simply another drill .
tr	3	We 've been getting soft and command has decided to add an additional level of realism .
tr	3	This was the computer program 's catch-all whenever it didn 't know what the hell was actually wrong .
tr	3	Susan often wondered why the programmers couldn 't have simply allowed the system to respond honestly in such cases .
tr	3	Susan picked up the radio microphone and turned the knob to their assigned post-launch strategic command net .
tr	3	Whether Sevastopol , Pyongyang , or Tehran was hit with ten kilotons instead of thirty was pretty much moot .
tr	3	" Sergeant Timmons , can you check your display out there and tell us what you 've got ? "
tr	3	She surveyed the room , but couldn 't put her finger on the exact cause for her unease .
tr	3	She had a sudden mental flash of a wasp landing on her arm on a bright sunny day .
tr	3	Can you call the duty contractor and tell them to get down here right away . "
tr	3	Jacobs started in his seat and then turned to her slowly as if his neck didn 't work properly .
tr	3	Relieved to be away from Jacobs 's strangeness , Susan went to the intercom and spoke in eagerly .
tr	3	I told him we were good on the other eleven , just needed to fire the last one . "
tr	3	I listened to the ruckus for several minutes , but he never came back on . "
tr	3	" Sergeant Timmons , I 'm going to come out and see what I can do .
tr	3	I need to get out of here to go figure out what is wrong , " she explained patiently .
tr	3	I can 't let you out until the board shows all your birds are away . "
tr	3	Susan tried to keep the frustration and sarcasm out of her voice , but it was hard .
tr	3	Her thin veneer of calm was slipping and she was starting to feel a little trapped .
tr	3	Susan turned back to look at Jacobs who had resumed his disturbing stare at the computer monitors .
tr	3	asked Jacobs , who had kept his seat , but wasn 't staring at the screen anymore .
tr	3	Jacobs stood suddenly backing away from her with wide eyes and both hands covering his open mouth .
tr	3	Technically they weren 't supposed to listen to the radio after a live event , but what the hell .
tr	3	Piss on that last bird , just let us out so we don 't die in here ! "
tr	3	Timmons didn 't answer and she visualized him on the other side of the door thinking .
tr	3	If they wanted to prevent them from launching their missiles , the enemy should have struck five minutes earlier .
tr	3	Susan climbed to her feet and turned to find Jacobs sitting on the floor against the wall .
tr	3	The light flickered on an off again and again as they stood and unmeasured time passed .
tr	3	He lowered the pistol from his neck nodding at Susan as if he 'd figured something out .
tr	3	" Jacobs , you know we 're a pre-determined target for just about everyone , " Susan reasoned .
tr	3	The lights flickered on and off as they stood facing each other from across the small vault room .
tr	3	When they came on again , surprise showed in Jacobs ' face at Susan 's pistol pointed at him .
tr	3	She noticed distractedly that she was crying but couldn 't hear anything over the ringing in her ears .
tr	3	Part I Going Home Chapter 1 - Alive The icy wind whipped dirty grey snow into Nathan 's face .
tr	3	His extremities were long past numb and his joints felt as if they were frozen in place .
tr	3	Bethany shivered and burned with fever and Nathan feared she wouldn 't make it through another night outdoors .
tr	3	At one corner of the structure white smoke billowed from a rusty sheet metal pipe promising warmth .
tr	3	Choices were falling away from him like the leaves on the dying trees towering over them .
tr	3	With sudden determination , Nathan ran the last ten feet and kicked in the flimsy door .
tr	3	The dirty unkempt man nearest the stove stood slowly with a cunning look on his face .
tr	3	" You can 't make us leave and you 're sure as hell not staying here with us !
tr	3	David 's shot hit both the man sitting at the table and the scrawny woman in his lap .
tr	3	Nathan wondered again how his two sons could be so different , and not just in appearance .
tr	3	Nathan let out a deep breath and closed the door before the precious heat could escape .
tr	3	Nathan started to answer him , but David stood and turned around incredulous , " Why ?
tr	3	" We can 't bury them without tools , and we can 't spare the gas to burn them .
tr	3	We 'll drag them as far away as we can and hope for the best . "
tr	3	There was a small stove in the corner putting out enough heat to keep the tiny shack blessedly warm .
tr	3	There were also three thin pallets with blankets near the stove , and a table with two wobbly chairs .
tr	3	A small egg crate in the corner appeared to contain some canned goods and a bag of dried beans .
tr	3	" Let 's drag these poor souls out of here before the blood gets all over the place . "
tr	3	At the bottom David asked Nathan if he wanted to finish them off with the shotgun .
tr	3	Killing was just a chore to him similar to taking out the trash or doing the laundry .
tr	3	Even so , he knew that was his weak effort at trying to alleviate his own guilt .
tr	3	He clenched his teeth and reached down to gently turn her head so the pleading eyes faced away .
tr	3	He neatly sliced open her carotid artery , allowing the blood to gush into the snow .
tr	3	The whole vastness of the earth is a gigantic open grave , thought Nathan and shuddered .
tr	3	Nathan turned and resolutely climbed up the hill to his family and the awaiting light and warmth .
tr	3	Chapter 2 -- Tipping Point Nathan looked out the grimy window at a dingy snowy wasteland .
tr	3	Joshua was right about the bodies attracting the wild dogs , but that was not all bad .
tr	3	He worried less about someone sneaking up on them with several dozen ravenous , desperate dogs roaming the area .
tr	3	Being forced to stay put for five days also allowed Bethany time to recover and gain strength .
tr	3	The ' end of the world ' seemed apt and had arrived without fanfare or warning .
tr	3	Strange light cast eerily moving shadows through the curtains and he thought he must have overslept .
tr	3	He bent over to peer after her as a giant blast rocked the house knocking him to the floor .
tr	3	Glass shattered , shelves lost their contents , and car alarms sounded up and down the street .
tr	3	He lay still on the floor before climbing to the window and was stunned by the nightmarish scene .
tr	3	Bethany , ever the deep sleeper , peered at him confused and groggily rubbing her eyes .
tr	3	Nathan took a moment to notice how beautiful she was , even at a time like this .
tr	3	The malignant light outside highlighted her long dark hair , olive skin , and deep brown eyes .
tr	3	Another series of quakes shook the house knocking him to the floor and he heard a crash downstairs .
tr	3	" Help you mother get food and water into the basement , " he told them .
tr	3	Nathan knew he would have to explain if he wanted them to move with any sense of urgency .
tr	3	" It looks like three nuclear bombs have gone off in Washington and at least two in Baltimore .
tr	3	Bethany was the first to break the paralysis by grabbing a suitcase from Nathan 's feet and running downstairs .
tr	3	Nathan threw several other pieces of luggage to the boys and followed Bethany with a duffle bag .
tr	3	Nathan knew adrenaline was running through him now and that he 'd likely be sore if he survived .
tr	3	It seemed only moments since the blasts , but he was stunned to see nearly twelve minutes had passed .
tr	3	He turned to go back down the stairs but saw a portable radio on top of a book shelf .
tr	3	He snatched it up and leaped down the stairs three at a time to the ground level .
tr	3	He scanned the room and saw their heavy ping pong table in the center of the room .
tr	3	" Here , help me , " he said as they pushed it into the corner of the room .
tr	3	" Put the bedding under the table , this is where we 're going to live . "
tr	3	We received a lot of gamma rays in the initial blasts , we can 't afford any more .
tr	3	" Can we throw some of that laundry powder over it to help with the smell ? "
tr	3	The West Virginia Governor has ordered the state borders closed effective immediately until the crisis is over .
tr	3	Nathan saw Bethany and Joshua staring at him with wide eyes in the flickering candle light .
tr	3	It won 't do as well as the tablets , but should help fill up the thyroid gland . "
tr	3	An order for all military forces to mobilize and report to their units was transmitted over the open airwaves .
tr	3	The screen then cut to a picture of a waving flag while the National Anthem played in the background .
tr	3	Incredibly , the station then returned to regular broadcasting before going off the air for good .
tr	3	He thought they would make it without further sickness as long as they were careful about exposure .
tr	3	By the time Nathan decided to leave the basement , all the radio channels were ominously quiet .
tr	3	Nathan covered his mouth with a wet bandanna and walked upstairs and outside with the shotgun ready before him .
tr	3	He surveyed crashed cars , bloated bodies in the road , and smoke from old fires in all directions .
tr	3	They gathered all the guns , ammunition , food , water , clothing , and supplies they could .
tr	3	These others were universally dirty , unkempt and fearfully nervous almost to the point of craziness .
tr	3	Over the next few weeks they traveled west occasionally seeing individuals at a distance , but never approaching .
tr	3	The bodies with signs of foul play in their path reminded them that caution was now paramount .
tr	3	Everything was covered in soot including a body hanging from a lamp post by a chain around its neck .
tr	3	He thought it must simply be despair at the idea of living so differently and without hope .
tr	3	They were forced to walk along the tops of these vehicles the last few miles to the border .
tr	3	In a nearby field behind a field hospital were neat lines composed of hundreds of recent graves .
tr	3	Their time in the hunting shack was warm and restful , but they must not get complacent .
tr	3	Nathan remembered the four bodies at the bottom of the hill , probably nothing but bones now .
tr	3	Nathan started to hum that Willie Nelson song , but stopped when he realized it made him sad .
tr	3	He hadn 't heard anything about those locations , but was unwilling to take a chance they were uncontaminated .
tr	3	They saw few people and smoke from fires normally warned them when they were getting close to others .
tr	3	Nathan wanted to say something to comfort his son , but didn 't have the words .
tr	3	" Toll " points became more frequent , manned by individuals with wild eyes and desperate natures .
tr	3	Nathan was thinking of these encounters as they finished making their way through the deserted town of Fort Gay .
tr	3	A road sign told him it was the Big Sandy River , the border between West Virginia and Kentucky .
tr	3	They needed to get across that river , the weather could turn against them any day now .
tr	3	" Go find high ground over there and remember the signal , just like the other times .
tr	3	Bethany and David moved up to Nathan as he crouched near the edge of the road .
tr	3	He whispered in her ear , " Don 't worry , I 'll be fine . "
tr	3	They would set up at a good defensive position where they could provide support to Nathan .
tr	3	He let fifteen minutes pass on his watch and then stood and walked to the middle of the road .
tr	3	This section of the road was in a curve with wooded hills rising on both sides of him .
tr	3	They were talking and laughing about something and appeared totally engrossed in doing nothing in particular .
tr	3	Nathan felt the presence of his family off to his left and slung the shotgun over his shoulder .
tr	3	He did not fidget or look around , simply remained still and stared calmly at the men .
tr	3	Instead of being nervous and uncertain about his approach , they now were relaxed and eager .
tr	3	" I 'm looking to cross the bridge ; I 'll pay whatever toll you 're asking for . "
tr	3	Big Man promised him with a shaky voice after cuffing the shooter angrily on the back of the head .
tr	3	Nathan breathed a deep breath and then let go of the hat in his left hand .
tr	3	This shot was followed by two from the M4 with David hitting another man square in the chest .
tr	3	He drew the large hunting knife out of the back of his belt and charged the cars .
tr	3	He was almost there before one of the men peered over a car hood with his rifle .
tr	3	The weapon was pointed directly at Nathan , but the man was so surprised that he froze .
tr	3	Another did see him though , and drawing a pistol , fired at Nathan from about ten feet away .
tr	3	Nathan stopped and leaned against one of the cars after gathering up all the men 's weapons .
tr	3	He almost motioned them to come out of hiding when he heard alarmed cries from across the river .
tr	3	Why didn 't I think that there might be other men at the opposite end of the bridge ?
tr	3	He slid in between them saying breathlessly , " Get ready , it 's not over yet . "
tr	3	He was voted high school class president despite telling anyone who would listen he didn 't want the job .
tr	3	This was the main reason he agreed to the weekly radio broadcasts in the first place .
tr	3	He rode towards the radio station on the ancient three-speed bike he resurrected from the garage .
tr	3	The town of Murray was mostly quiet , which he thought of as a good thing .
tr	3	Tim handed Reggie a sheet of lined notebook paper with all too familiar topics written down .
tr	3	They also wanted to know when this would be over and they could go back to their normal lives .
tr	3	Reggie put on the headphones and pulled his own sheet of paper from his jacket pocket .
tr	3	" Good afternoon , Tim , it 's good to be here and thanks for inviting me back . "
tr	3	" Let me go over a few of the key issues decided , " Reggie continued .
tr	3	No consumption of gasoline , diesel , natural gas , or kerosene is allowed without authorization until further notice .
tr	3	We 've been fortunate that we 're going through a mild winter and spring should come early .
tr	3	The hours of electricity and public water operation are still limited to six hours per region each day . "
tr	3	Reggie paused remembering an argument he 'd had yesterday with an irate citizen over the limitations .
tr	3	I want to remind everyone also of the importance of fulfilling your responsibility by paying the levied taxes .
tr	3	I would also ask families that are better off to help their neighbors if there is a need .
tr	3	We don 't have the resources to tax according to people 's prosperity at this time . "
tr	3	Reggie decided to hold off on mentioning the threat of seizure by force that the committee was considering .
tr	3	" What about other people wanting to get into the Jackson Purchase , such as relatives or friends ? "
tr	3	" Well , we have decided for the time being to be very judicious in that regard .
tr	3	Each eye can produce a plant which could grow as many as eight or more potatoes .
tr	3	At the time , as you know , I was home in Murray for my father 's funeral . "
tr	3	This was not on the agenda , and was a rumor he did not want to encourage .
tr	3	Yes , there were rumors that the Governor suffered a heart attack , but that 's all we know .
tr	3	Tim flipped the switch , turning the light from green to red , and faced Reggie .
tr	3	Others are thinking and asking the same thing so it 's probably best to bring up .
tr	3	" Actually , I think it might take a miracle to prevent it , " said Reggie grimly .
tr	3	Chapter 5 -- The Surprise Joshua saw the men running across the bridge toward his family below .
tr	3	They probably also didn 't want the men to escape now that they were in the open .
tr	3	The tall thin man in Joshua 's scope slowed to a jog as he saw the bodies .
tr	3	He drew in a deep breath , held it , then let it all out slowly .
tr	3	As the last of the breath left his lungs he began to pull the trigger slowly and steadily .
tr	3	He heard the approaching men 's footfalls and muffled yells although he could not yet see them .
tr	3	Nathan couldn 't let these men occupy the position they had just cleared or they were dead .
tr	3	He saw a tall thin blond man come into view and then stop in his tracks .
tr	3	He saw the tall thin man trying to crawl under one of the cars , bleeding badly .
tr	3	Joshua took a shot at him , but it hit the road behind his churning legs .
tr	3	He went around the other side of the car and saw that the tall man had already bled out .
tr	3	He collected weapons , ammo , and anything else of use as quickly as he could .
tr	3	Nathan jumped down between them again and soon Joshua approached them from the hill to their rear .
tr	3	After he briefed them on the plan , they all settled in to wait the few hours until dark .
tr	3	" Besides , I already told you I 'll do what needs to be done . "
tr	3	Bethany cleaned and bandaged his wound with care as they waited in the snowy cold ditch for nightfall .
tr	3	Around the middle of the bridge they passed a sign welcoming them to the State of Kentucky .
tr	3	Another sign on the road told them they were only a mile from the town of Louisa , Kentucky .
tr	3	He then got another confused and uncertain look before saying with surprise , " And a dog . "
tr	3	Now , he was inexplicably back at it again , but not for the U.S. Army .
tr	3	It wasn 't long before they confirmed that his wife of over forty years had terminal and inoperable cancer .
tr	3	She lived life with her typical boundless joy , lasting another three years before finally dying last June .
tr	3	Anderson had yet to figure out what to do with that ever-present and gaping hole left in his life .
tr	3	He was old , he thought , but at least he wasn 't old and soft .
tr	3	This was no self-delusion , Anderson 's body was slim and muscular , strikingly so given his age .
tr	3	The tasks before him were not new , but familiarity was not the same as comfort .
tr	3	The south was the problem , simply a line on the map where the Kentucky and Tennessee borders met .
tr	3	The seventy or so miles to the east between this lake and the Cumberland River were an issue .
tr	3	Anderson 's first order of business was to organize the National Guard and Reserve units within the Jackson Purchase .
tr	3	Anderson thought it probably helped that all these units had recently served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan .
tr	3	Fortunately , these units reacted as planned when the Governor declared martial law and activated the FEMA plan .
tr	3	They also secured the eastern ends of all the bridges along the eastern border leading into the Jackson Purchase .
tr	3	He also recommended to Philips they make every effort to keep Murray State University open and functioning .
tr	3	The students had no place to go and were unlikely to be able to return home .
tr	3	Anderson looked again at the map spread out before him with units designated by different colors .
tr	3	He reviewed the available supplies , ammunition , and weapons , which were all woefully inadequate .
tr	3	He adjusted the sling of his shotgun while ensuring there was a buckshot round in the chamber .
tr	3	" There was talking , then the dog barked and the voices stopped and then the dog too .
tr	3	Must still be tame , but means they 're part of that group we just dealt with . "
tr	3	" David will lead , and also go up alone and scout it out for us .
tr	3	" David , Joshua , and I will make a line with me in the middle .
tr	3	Luckily the snow dampened their sound and the half moon rose fully so they could see somewhat better .
tr	3	" Maybe they aren 't with the others , " whispered Bethany , who moved up near them .
tr	3	" Okay , but if anything goes wrong , you just hit the ground and stay there .
tr	3	She rolled out of her backpack and left it there on the ground while the others did the same .
tr	3	Nathan paused again , " And don 't take any chances you don 't have to . "
tr	3	Each of these stakes connected to a length of metal wire attached to a now empty dog collar .
tr	3	Bethany stood slowly and walked down the path between the trees to the edge of the hollow .
tr	3	She stopped hesitantly , taking a few deep breaths at the shadowy edge while Nathan said a quick prayer .
tr	3	The women and children were preoccupied with eating or trying to help each other with their injuries .
tr	3	The big silver and black shepherd was sleeping on its paws near a group of children .
tr	3	Something made the dog 's ears twitch and it slowly opened its eyes and gazed directly at Bethany .
tr	3	Even in the dim firelight , Nathan could see the woman smile through her long filthy hair .
tr	3	She raised a hand palm out towards her husband and mouthed faintly , " Wait . "
tr	3	Nathan noted with dismay that the woman 's eyes didn 't appear to hold any shred of sanity .
tr	3	After Reggie convinced Anderson to come back on active duty , he in turn did the same with Butch .
tr	3	Reggie expected some push-back , but everyone just nodded , with some even giving him encouraging smiles or nods .
tr	3	I can tell you those representatives are great people who are trying to do their best .
tr	3	The delivery was gruff and direct , but Reggie appreciated the message which was that they accepted his authority .
tr	3	" Well , as you know I 'm invited to the Council Meetings and allowed to speak first .
tr	3	Everyone nodded , so he pulled out reading glasses from his military uniform pocket and began scanning lists .
tr	3	These units are not enough to cover the borders for any extended period of time . "
tr	3	As you all know , the monetary system has completely broken down and we rely on a barter system .
tr	3	This makes paying soldiers a nightmare and additional soldiers makes that worse , but frankly we need them . "
tr	3	Several voices began talking at once , but Butch rode over them by continuing to talk .
tr	3	Second , we can 't pay these men and the counties will be unwilling to do so .
tr	3	" Wait a minute , " said Doctor Stevens abruptly , " is this even legal ?
tr	3	I know this is difficult to swallow at first , but I recommend we at least hear Butch out .
tr	3	Butch took this as his cue to continue and pulled out a piece of paper from his folder .
tr	3	We can also find support uses for women and non able-bodied men in logistics and transportation roles .
tr	3	" Towns and communities are already forming small armed bands on their own for just this purpose .
tr	3	They 've heard the stories of the raiders , and in some cases have seen the results .
tr	3	We also plan on cutting out much of the ' fluff ' that is normally in military training . "
tr	3	" Our idea was to use the cadets and cadre of the Murray State ROTC Program .
tr	3	They train cadets in light infantry tactics and all their NCOs and officers are combat veterans .
tr	3	Anderson set his jaw and leaned across the table towards the man , " We 're telling you now .
tr	3	They belong to the U.S. Army which belongs to the U.S. Government which is not you , sir ! "
tr	3	Reggie could feel everything unraveling , " Gentlemen , let 's just calm down for a minute .
tr	3	This is a forum for all of us to work together before we present things to a larger audience .
tr	3	I guarantee every officer , soldier , or cadet over there would listen to me before you .
tr	3	Hell , I might even tell them to throw you out on your sorry ass ! "
tr	3	And correct me if I 'm wrong , but I think I hold most of the cards here . "
tr	3	Reggie had an angry retort on his lips when Frank Simm stood drawing all their attention .
tr	3	" My kids don 't know what 's happened , " said Simm his voice quivering slightly .
tr	3	Now if we can 't all come together for that , then there really is no hope . "
tr	3	The electricity consumption is still beyond the means of the dam to provide given the one third operation .
tr	3	Janet asked him in a snippy voice , " And just who do you propose should be cut ?
tr	3	John answered without changing his tone or even looking at her , " Frankly , I don 't care .
tr	3	Mine is to keep the dam alive and the electricity flowing as long as I can . "
tr	3	Anderson recommended that they attempt to announce their intentions to give people outside their borders an opportunity to comply .
tr	3	All agreed that only General Sampson 's territory to the south had any hopes of really working with them .
tr	3	" Under the circumstances I think you made the right decisions and settled upon the correct priority .
tr	3	" Don 't you dare say it , " said Anderson , with comprehension suddenly coming upon him .
tr	3	" We have no choice but to take over these camps across the river and lake .
tr	3	" I feel for them , " said Simm , " but they aren 't really our responsibility . "
tr	3	They would destroy the other smaller camps after moving the settlers to one of the main camps .
tr	3	In the end , he didn 't fight the decision because he knew it needed to be done .
tr	3	After all , Anderson realized bitterly , there is no acceptable excuse for failing to perform one 's duty .
tr	3	More than the screwdriver on her neck , the waves of claustrophobia nearly made her panic .
tr	3	Bethany saw the frantic yet dead look in her eyes , a look she had seen many times before .
tr	3	Her own eyes might even have looked that way for a time after losing their first baby .
tr	3	Bethany peered at the other women huddled in a frightened mass and their story became as clear as glass .
tr	3	The smile vanished from the woman 's face in an instant and she looked suddenly confused .
tr	3	She pulled the screwdriver away from Bethany 's neck and used it to point back toward the fire .
tr	3	The woman turned back to Bethany and the crazy look was almost gone from her eyes .
tr	3	David 's head snapped back both with the force of the blow and the shock of receiving it .
tr	3	Nathan raced over and pulled Bethany back , but she was straining , furious with anger .
tr	3	" Son , " Nathan began in a quiet voice , " she didn 't mean it .
tr	3	Jim smiled grimly twirling the baton in his hands , " As bad as all that ? "
tr	3	We have more attacks by the day and they 're getting as desperate as we are .
tr	3	Also , I don 't think the electricity or water is going to come back on .
tr	3	In Harold 's experience mistakes in a prison led directly to death as sure as night followed day .
tr	3	This arrangement provided the families greater protection from the increased acts of robbery and violence outside the prison .
tr	3	It also meant those guards were less likely to run off , or not show for work .
tr	3	Time was not their friend , and Harold felt each passing minute increase the load on his shoulders .
tr	3	Also , we can 't keep feeding them and us even with the Food Lion , " said Harold .
tr	3	After that , I want to meet with all the guards and staff and tell them my thoughts . "
tr	3	Jim started to say something and then thought better of it , lifting his giant frame off the couch .
tr	3	" All right boss , I 'll let you know when we have everyone in the cafeteria .
tr	3	Jim slid the baton back into his belt and walked out closing the door on his troubled friend .
tr	3	" All right then , " said Harold trying not to let the distress show on his face .
tr	3	I have come up with a course of action I feel is our only option given the circumstances .
tr	3	Harold almost added that their cooperation was voluntary , but that would be stating the obvious .
tr	3	" We need to close the prison and dispose of the inmates as soon as possible .
tr	3	I want to adhere at least to the semblance of law as much as we can .
tr	3	Also , any inmate serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole will be executed .
tr	3	Any inmate who has attacked a guard or staff member since the bombs fell , will be executed . "
tr	3	Everyone else is up for a review process based on their criminal convictions and behavior as a prisoner .
tr	3	He was still expecting a flurry of indignant protests , but the room was as still as a crypt .
tr	3	The faces looking back at him largely reflected relief , their breath visible in the cold room .
tr	3	Bobby Wilson , the prison 's doctor , stood up and the room went still again .
tr	3	Do you really think we can do what you ask in a day and a half ? "
tr	3	" Look , I know this is hard and unsavory , but I see no other way .
tr	3	Harold expected some in the room would not help , but he was glad they at least remained silent .
tr	3	Butch decided he did not want to spend the night on the base and ordered everyone to load up .
tr	3	They would drive at least an hour west and then camp out in some field if needed .
tr	3	He told the driver to slow to a stop and the trucks behind him did the same .
tr	3	" Radio everyone and tell them to get out of their vehicles and lay down their weapons . "
tr	3	The wide-eyed driver looked at him , but finally understood and grabbed one of the newly acquired rechargeable radios .
tr	3	He knew there were rifles trailed on them and any sudden movement could be easily misinterpreted .
tr	3	The man was in an Army combat uniform and carried his M4 in the ready position .
tr	3	The man met his gaze and without hesitation jogged up to him before stopping and rendered a crisp salute .
tr	3	The officer was shaved , his weapon was clean , and the ambush executed with precision and discipline .
tr	3	They were all supposed to be back two months ago , but no one has returned . "
tr	3	As far as I know , I am the senior ranking officer on this post . "
tr	3	Men found many different ways of coping with stress and this man was firmly grasping his duty .
tr	3	" Sir , do you mean to say that you are taking away my command ? "
tr	3	Butch began walking back towards the rear of the convoy and Green fell in beside him .
tr	3	" Yes sir , and you 'll be safe for the night here , no one bothers us . "
tr	3	Butch let himself relax , thinking that he would not want to go against these men under any circumstance .
tr	3	Harold didn 't much care for it himself , but it was better than the alternative .
tr	3	My initial plan was a good one , he thought , but I probably should have foreseen the problems .
tr	3	All of it would be aimed towards relieving the executioners of their duty and their guilt .
tr	3	Harold felt the guilt of what they were doing too , but knew the job had to be done .
tr	3	He dropped the pistol to his side so the others could not see his hand shaking .
tr	3	The liquid burned as it went down his throat and seemed to steady his nerves some .
tr	3	We 've got at least a dozen more and the guards are already at their breaking point . "
tr	3	Bobby had made it sound so nice and peaceful , he thought , like floating away on billowing clouds .
tr	3	Overall , Daniels was a model prisoner , exhibited good behavior , and done what he was told .
tr	3	Jim moved forward and sat down in a chair leaning in to Harold in a conspiratorial manner .
tr	3	" Boss , " said Jim , " you 're the final authority and can overrule the board .
tr	3	Harold was sorely tempted to give in to Jim , but it just didn 't feel right .
tr	3	The board had made a decision , he needed to support them or their decisions were worthless .
tr	3	They have reviewed the case and I 'd like to think people can change , Jim . "
tr	3	" I hear you boss , but you 're making a big mistake with this one . "
tr	3	He turned and walked out the door giving a long look to the dead body at Harold 's side .
tr	3	Chapter 13 -- Moving Forward Despite his family 's anguish and turmoil , Nathan kept moving forward .
tr	3	" No , Nathan , if you do that they 'll just feel like broken toys .
tr	3	Several of the women proved they could handle guns , so now they were armed too .
tr	3	Nathan was thinking of these things as he walked in front of his new larger ' family ' .
tr	3	He turned and signaled everyone to move into the ditch to one side of the road .
tr	3	Nathan motioned David up and then went forward himself , carefully hugging one edge of the cracked blacktop .
tr	3	He and his wife Janice were practically flying down the highway in their new horse-drawn buggy .
tr	3	It was a beautiful clear day and the cool wind in their faces was refreshing rather than uncomfortable .
tr	3	The buggy ride took longer than a car would have , but fuel was scarcer than ever .
tr	3	He thought a lot of people would have to learn about horses because they were here to stay .
tr	3	The facilities were vast , solid , and most importantly made to withstand a direct nuclear strike .
tr	3	It was set on several hundred wooded acres outside of Paducah and surrounded by layers of fences and ditches .
tr	3	The facility itself was not very impressive from the outside because most of it was underground .
tr	3	General Clarence Anderson was outside smoking with several other people all of whom came over to greet them .
tr	3	Reggie looked at Anderson with sudden concern , but could tell nothing from his expression except possibly suppressed amusement .
tr	3	They entered a large meeting room and noticed that no one was arguing , which was exceptionally odd .
tr	3	He also noticed that not only were the county executives present , but most of the mayors as well .
tr	3	Reggie took off his coat and opened his shoulder bag , pulling out a binder and notebook .
tr	3	He was afraid their mutual distrust of each other could tear their fragile cooperative life apart .
tr	3	" We need an overall leader to direct the Council 's efforts and also to ensure our security .
tr	3	" Now wait a minute , " started Reggie , " we 're not officially anything .
tr	3	" Gentlemen , I 'm grateful , honored , and humbled , but I must emphatically refuse .
tr	3	The room got quiet for a moment and then one of the mayors spoke from the back .
tr	3	And finally , I 've already got a job ... Lieutenant Governor for the state of Kentucky . "
tr	3	Many people started to speak at once , but Clarence Anderson stood and the room became still .
tr	3	He already has a job , which is why he is most qualified to lead us . "
tr	3	What we are playing with just isn 't going to work in the long term . "
tr	3	There were so many unknowns that he felt as if he were falling over a cliff .
tr	3	The last area still receiving power outside the JP was General Sampson 's West Tennessee Republic to the south .
tr	3	" But that 's not the issue , " said Leslie Mitchell , the Paducah mayor .
tr	3	They also have a larger population , more military resources , and are essentially a dictatorship under Sampson .
tr	3	Reggie sensed the conversation was getting close to heated topics he 'd rather not have discussed yet .
tr	3	" Ladies and Gentlemen , " cried Reggie , " let 's table this discussion until our next meeting .
tr	3	They had grudgingly agreed , but Reggie could tell this would be a hot topic at any future meeting .
tr	3	We don 't really want it now and may need that pretext to cut them off eventually . "
tr	3	President Philips walked slowly back up towards the surface , his load much heavier than it was before .
tr	3	Ethan kept to himself except when he came to town for groceries and an occasional meal at the diner .
tr	3	He didn 't cause any trouble and the residents of the small West Tennessee town left him alone .
tr	3	The establishment of the West Tennessee Republic was something Ethan helped create and took considerable pride in .
tr	3	Sampson was a man of unlimited power in the West Tennessee Republic as only military dictators could be .
tr	3	It was his idea to establish martial law , universal conscription , and to suspend all basic rights .
tr	3	Ethan recommended seizing the huge army depot at Milan and the Marine and Navy airbase at Meridian .
tr	3	Sampson had invested Ethan with power , not only in intelligence collection , but also in internal security .
tr	3	As Ethan approached the large squat building , the guards stood aside and opened the door for him .
tr	3	Ethan could barely see the man 's face for the dim light cast by the electric lamps .
tr	3	" Yes , sir , " Ethan cleared his head of scattered thoughts and focused on the information .
tr	3	" I 'm still working on getting a more detailed list of what they 've procured . "
tr	3	" Most disturbing , they are seriously considering cutting off our electricity over not giving them their payments . "
tr	3	Sampson considered the dam , and its electricity , everyone 's right and not just that of the JP .
tr	3	We 'll just have to give them something and stall some more until our plans are ready . "
tr	3	" They have decided the electricity they give us is worth more than anything we can pay .
tr	3	Ethan added , " Evidently , Anderson recommended against such a course of action , believing it rash . "
tr	3	" Philips tabled the discussion until the next meeting , but the proposal appears to be gathering steam . "
tr	3	The town residents of Hancock weren 't happy with the plan , but understood the need .
tr	3	The towns ' folk lined the main street with their guns and helped funnel the men out of town .
tr	3	Harold insisted on civility , but in a couple of cases that was simply too much to ask .
tr	3	They had enough for several months , but doing the math , Harold knew they would run out eventually .
tr	3	He had an idea , but needed something he currently didn 't possess to make it work .
tr	3	The voice continued on with little pause or inflection ; Tim was obviously reading from an all-too-familiar script .
tr	3	Should there be technical problems , listen in at this station at exactly 1 PM on subsequent days .
tr	3	They also want to urge everyone to attempt to pool their resources to make them go further .
tr	3	The situation may change in time , but for now the security situation is simply too dire .
tr	3	Mr. Philips stresses that people are better off where they are than at one of these dangerous camps .
tr	3	" Everyone keep listening and fill me in on whatever I miss , " Harold walked quickly after Jim .
tr	3	Harold figured out that he was leading him to the guard tower overlooking the prison 's main entrance .
tr	3	" He walked up about ten minutes ago and just stood there , " said Jim .
tr	3	" I don 't know , boss , " Jim seemed to be searching for words .
tr	3	It 's like he 's done this a hundred times or something and knows what to expect .
tr	3	" Well , I 've got something for him he won 't expect ... I guarantee it .
tr	3	Nathan was determined to let them make the first move now that he was in position .
tr	3	Soon four men returned to the top of the wall , spoke together and then spread out .
tr	3	The four men reappeared along the length of the wall together and brought up short stubby guns .
tr	3	He turned to look at the gate to see how much time remained for him to escape .
tr	3	Sure enough , there were two men waiting there looking at him through an open door .
tr	3	Nathan fell to the ground and looked up at the sky with wisps of tear gas floating overhead .
tr	3	He knew he was in a chair and he felt his ankles and wrists were bound by metal shackles .
tr	3	He noticed for the first time that he was dressed in hospital scrubs and not his normal clothes .
tr	3	The door opened partially , and Meeks told another man that they were ready and the door closed again .
tr	3	Meeks placed a chair across the table from Nathan and then went to stand behind Nathan .
tr	3	A few moments later the door opened again and the one-eyed older man from the wall entered .
tr	3	" That 's a long story and nothing to do with us here and now . "
tr	3	" Only for the moment , and we promise to treat you well , " said Harold .
tr	3	Harold dumped out the contents , which proved to be what Nathan had been carrying in his pockets .
tr	3	This man was trying to get to something , but Nathan did not sense any malice .
tr	3	Harold sat back in his chair and rubbed his face with his hands before looking back at Nathan .
tr	3	" That the JP is the only place in this whole damn world that is still sane .
tr	3	" It 's the place to be if you want to survive in any normal , civilized sense .
tr	3	We 're getting it directly from the JP by their regular radio broadcasts , " explained Harold .
tr	3	You 're so used to dealing with prisoners you don 't know how to act with normal people ! "
tr	3	" I don 't really know what else to say other than I hope you 'll consider .
tr	3	The two guards looked at each other and then Meeks started unlocking the shackles , cursing under his breath .
tr	3	Nathan always considered himself more of a loner , but he now appreciated being part of a large group .
tr	3	The men sat quiet for a moment , and Nathan contemplated what else could be done .
tr	3	A couple could still ride in the truck if they needed to , couldn 't they ? "
tr	3	They looked at Harold who insisted on bringing both vehicles even though it meant siphoning gas whenever possible .
tr	3	" What a bunch of optimists I hitched up with , " said Nathan in mock disgust .
tr	3	Nathan finished his cigar , took his leave of Harold and Bobby , and walked the perimeter .
tr	3	Finally , having done all he could think of , Nathan lay down beside a dozing Bethany .
tr	3	" Just enjoying being able to relax without always feeling like something bad is getting ready to happen . "
tr	3	Not a flag of the U.S. , or even of Kentucky , but of the University of Kentucky Wildcats .
tr	3	The house 's inhabitants watched from a distance and when Joshua waved they had at least waved back .
tr	3	Bethany giggled , " Did you see everyone 's reaction at that Jerry 's Restaurant place ? "
tr	3	The large dog had quickly become a sort of mascot and a favorite among the prison families ' children .
tr	3	He smiled at the irony ; there couldn 't have been a more unsuitable name for a dog .
tr	3	Those radio broadcasts could be coming from anywhere or be a hoax for that matter . "
tr	3	Since linking up with the larger group , David seemed to be unsure about his place in the world .
tr	3	" He 'll be okay , " said Nathan with a conviction he didn 't feel .
tr	3	Her reaction to David after he killed the crazy woman holding her down still haunted her .
tr	3	" But he was trying to protect me , " said Bethany with a heavy voice .
tr	3	He 's probably reacting to your guilt and feeling like you 're still mad at him .
tr	3	She squeezed his shoulder , gave him a quick kiss on the cheek , and rolled over to sleep .
tr	3	Nathan lay down , closed his eyes , and soaked up the music and the peace .
tr	3	They had dared to hope , but tried to remain skeptical , not wanting to be let down .
tr	3	Smiles were present , but more and more Nathan noticed long looks and glances his way .
tr	3	They saw it from a rise , and the makeshift camp was fairly impressive in all the wrong ways .
tr	3	There was a well in the ground with a neat and orderly line of people waiting their turn .
tr	3	Nathan noticed a large wooden sign posted to the front of the platform with bright blue painted words .
tr	3	There were also thin metal poles at regular intervals along the main avenue with lights and loudspeakers attached .
tr	3	Even more amazing , there was an American flag waiving bravely on a long pole in the gentle breeze .
tr	3	The men were lazily sitting around until they saw Nathan 's armed band come into view .
tr	3	With a crisp order they all moved back behind the barriers and pointed their weapons at them .
tr	3	" Yeah , we saw how well that worked out for you last time , " said Harold .
tr	3	" No problem , " said Harold , " but be careful , " he added as an afterthought .
tr	3	When he was about twenty yards from the barricade he heard " That 's far enough .
tr	3	" I am Major Nathan Taylor , U.S. Army and I have come home with my family .
tr	3	" Proceed forward , " he said , and then moved his eyes to the rest of the group .
tr	3	" My wife , two sons , and about forty others all told , " he said .
tr	3	" You and your family can come in , the rest have to wait until after the review process .
tr	3	The man obviously didn 't like this job and had probably been through this a hundred times before .
tr	3	" Let me go talk to my group and get my family , " Nathan said .
tr	3	The Sergeant must have seen the look because he quickly turned and moved back behind the covered barricade area .
tr	3	Nathan walked back to the group where he met Harold , Jim Meeks and his family .
tr	3	" We could stay together , we don 't need the stupid JP , " said Joshua .
tr	3	A dark attractive woman was working on a jigsaw puzzle with a handsome and smiling blond teenager .
tr	3	Captain Johns walked to the middle of the group and said , " Good afternoon , Taylor family .
tr	3	" Good afternoon gentlemen , I am Nathan Taylor , most recently of Fort Meade , Maryland . "
tr	3	Anderson and Butch shook his hand and then looked at each other before looking back at Nathan .
tr	3	The man would likely have a nervous breakdown trying to ensure there was a suitable feast that night .
tr	3	Anderson started to speak , but Nathan had evidently had enough , holding up his hand .
tr	3	" Go ahead , " Anderson said with a resigned tone and sat back in his chair .
tr	3	" Thank you very much , " Nathan said sarcastically , " Now where to begin .
tr	3	I haven 't even been able to call my family and tell them we 're alive . "
tr	3	Nathan was temporarily thrown off his tirade which he had rehearsed in detail over several days .
tr	3	Nathan looked at them in surprise and wondered if they were playing with him , but saw serious looks .
tr	3	asked Nathan simply as a point of conversation , his brain working quickly to process information .
tr	3	We 're going to have to fight to keep what we have , and real soon .
tr	3	" I want you to be the military governor and commander of the Land Between the Lakes region . "
tr	3	You 've been here the whole time and have no idea what is going on out there . "
tr	3	We 're not going to discuss a damn thing until you tell me that 's happening . "
tr	3	Anderson shrugged his shoulders and Butch got up and spoke quietly with Captain Johns who then ran off .
tr	3	We don 't have the luxury to tolerate someone who can 't do the job . "
tr	3	You 're not going to give me a job and then not equip me to do it .
tr	3	Nathan wasn 't sure what that meant exactly , but he decided to let it go for now .
tr	3	Now that he was so close to home , he felt an irrational fear of the unknown .
tr	3	So they took their time and were on their fourth day of the fifty mile journey .
tr	3	After months of walking from Maryland , the bikes were heavenly and the weather was spectacular .
tr	3	They were the only words spoken while his mother cried over the phone for several minutes .
tr	3	Dry eyes were hard to find as the large group crossed the bridge together into the Jackson Purchase .
tr	3	The dinner with Generals Anderson and Matthews turned into a larger affair , nearly a full fledged party .
tr	3	Any squatters or stragglers are to either to be enlisted voluntarily or driven south by force .
tr	3	Once at the border he is to devise a defensive barrier and prevent any further incursions north .
tr	3	" I 'm going to make Jim Meeks here a company commander with the rank of Captain .
tr	3	That won 't be enough , but I 'm thinking we 'll grow his ranks pretty quickly . "
tr	3	" You 'll earn it , " said Nathan sternly , " it 's not a gift .
tr	3	" I 'll also need to take a few of your best men , " added Nathan .
tr	3	Nathan pointed to the bridges along the eastern border and the refugee camps marked by red circles .
tr	3	They 'll each be assigned either a bridge to guard or a camp to monitor . "
tr	3	" We need that iron ore , it 's our primary trade commodity with the Mennonites for finished goods .
tr	3	We give most men the option of banishment from the JP , but no one has chosen that yet .
tr	3	Nathan leaned on the table looking at the map , " We 're going to need soldiers first .
tr	3	Sure we can put others to work , but to free up the Guard troops we need soldiers .
tr	3	Carter is a good man , just let him know when you need him and he 'll be here .
tr	3	Everyone pulled their weight and worked together knowing they could be thrown out of the JP otherwise .
tr	3	They quickly determined that the organized nature of Camp Beaver was due to one man , Doctor James Bryant .
tr	3	They also set up a station to screen inhabitants of the camp for any special or needed skills .
tr	3	Medical personnel were the most sought after , doctors , nurses , and EMT 's mainly .
tr	3	In return they and their families could enter the JP and settle in the park area .
tr	3	Should that service end for any reason , all could be thrown right back out of the JP .
tr	3	Even the elderly were put to work cooking , doing laundry , or babysitting younger children .
tr	3	He felt certain now that a conflict was coming , and he wanted to be ready when it did .
tr	3	From the park they traveled due west on Route 80 through the little town of Hardin .
tr	3	Nathan remembered when as a boy his family would drive there to eat fried catfish on Sunday afternoons .
tr	3	Nathan and his family just took in the sight and no one below saw them yet .
tr	3	The word spread like wildfire and people stopped what they were doing and looked their way .
tr	3	His mother hugged him tight and whispered in his ear , " Welcome home , son . "
tr	3	Sampson would also probably rail at him for selling something that he thought belonged equally to all of them .
tr	3	Anderson had learned not to debate right and wrong with Sampson , only to explain how things were .
tr	3	Typically , Sampson swooped in with a flurry of calls to attention , flags presented , and other ceremony .
tr	3	" Thank you for coming today , I see Mister Philips could not make it . "
tr	3	Sampson said these words with obvious distaste , while his aide made a signal to the rear .
tr	3	Makes more sense given your problems and that the dam doesn 't really belong to the JP anyway . "
tr	3	It is the responsibility of capable men to take control for the benefit of all . "
tr	3	" He turned slightly and reached back to his aide who handed him a thick envelope .
tr	3	" General Sampson , I will take this proposal to the council and President Philips . "
tr	3	You are proposing that in exchange for electricity without cost , you will provide us military protection . "
tr	3	For your government not to sign that treaty with us would be a very bad decision . "
tr	3	Sampson let the words hang in the air , and when Anderson still did not respond , continued on .
tr	3	My price would be that treaty there and accepting my continued ... shall we say , patronage . "
tr	3	I hear you , but if you change your mind , my offer will still stand .
tr	3	These people just seemed so genuinely glad to see him and to know that he was okay .
tr	3	He sat at a corner table away from the crowd where he could see the front door .
tr	3	Nathan wasn 't sure what good things Anderson had told him , but he thanked him anyway .
tr	3	We have a problem that we hope you can help us with that might delay your return .
tr	3	Perhaps we should begin with what the problem is and what I can do to help . "
tr	3	Sampson was in all regards a military dictator and had mobilized every available resource to his ends .
tr	3	I would think you would want me there faster , to get our defenses ready . "
tr	3	Nathan wasn 't sure if he had just been insulted or complimented , but decided to continue on .
tr	3	" Why , find out who it is and let us know , " said Reggie matter-of-factly .
tr	3	" Just tell us what you think , Nathan , " said Reggie and smiled calmly .
tr	3	" Well , first of all , " began Nathan , " you may not be looking for someone .
tr	3	Also , you might be looking for several individuals who don 't even know of each other .
tr	3	" I 'm not sure if that makes me feel better or not , " said Reggie .
tr	3	But ... that would make it harder to identify the individual , wouldn 't it ? "
tr	3	If they 're smart , disciplined , and patient , the chances of them getting caught are slim . "
tr	3	Letting us know , even in a roundabout way , that he knew of our plans was a mistake .
tr	3	" Well , I would start by being careful about what is discussed at those meetings .
tr	3	Take it for granted from this point forward that whatever is talked about will get to Sampson .
tr	3	" You need someone , an organization actually , in charge of investigating such incidents and claims .
tr	3	It needs to be professionals who have recognized authority , but also skilled in investigative work .
tr	3	They would have to start small with the basics and work toward a fully developed counterintelligence program .
tr	3	It will take time and it will take lots of hard work and patience on your part . "
tr	3	" So , a few weeks of your help is not going to solve the problem ? "
tr	3	Even if by some miracle we catch this person , it wouldn 't fix the larger issues .
tr	3	Reggie turned back at Nathan , " That is a very good recommendation , thank you .
tr	3	" I would recommend that we focus on protecting our own house first and then expand our activities later .
tr	3	" When we 're ready , we cut off all their electricity and there will be war . "
tr	3	He said this without any emotion and Nathan knew it wasn 't simply boasting , but reality .
tr	3	It 's not like you can walk back and forth across unless we have holes in it . "
tr	3	That really only leave 's one obvious answer of how the information was passed to him . "
tr	3	" We have wired and wireless phones and functioning cell phone towers because we have electricity .
tr	3	He lived that way and didn 't question the purpose of it all ... until recently .
tr	3	People who knew him would probably be shocked by the idea of Brazen actually inside a church .
tr	3	His mother was an infrequent and unreliable presence in their lives and the siblings never knew their father .
tr	3	It was a rocky road , and not one Brazen accepted willingly ; but Noni could be very convincing .
tr	3	Brazen found himself smiling at the memories and dropped his head as they flooded through him .
tr	3	Still in high school then , the teachers were shocked at the depth of Brazen 's intellect .
tr	3	Beneath a shell of rebellion and disinterest lay a mind that soaked up knowledge and demanded more .
tr	3	Brazen 's little sister was dead , caught in the crossfire of rival gang activity two blocks from home .
tr	3	None of it came home until the day he received the envelope that changed his life .
tr	3	Brazen let the money fall to the floor as he clutched the paper and stared at it in amazement .
tr	3	Brazen realized could get Jaden if he really wanted , but there would be no walking away .
tr	3	Witnesses say the assailant then tossed the gun away and sat down to wait for the police to arrive .
tr	3	The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time , but authorities suspect illegal drugs are involved .
tr	3	Timothy Walker , twenty-two years old of Paducah , Kentucky who was arrested at the scene .
tr	3	He soon suspected that his actions were more painful to her than the death of his sister .
tr	3	He could operate without pain and without considering what he had lost ... except during Noni 's visits .
tr	3	Noni reminded him of who he had once been and who he had hoped to be .
tr	3	He wanted out of the prison , but wasn 't exactly sure where he wanted to do or be .
tr	3	He could accept that they took a scourge on honest people and at least controlled it .
tr	3	They protected the citizens under their care while gathering food , water , and needed medical care .
tr	3	The Brothers continued to accept the " payment " for protection , but in other forms such as gasoline .
tr	3	They could point to the electricity , but that ran regardless and was at best an unreliable commodity .
tr	3	He had expected many reactions from this man , but affection was not one of them .
tr	3	Your sister 's loss and your grandmother 's death were a tragedy , but neither were your fault . "
tr	3	" Your ... " Brazen searched for words , " Jesus talk about love and forgiveness and redemption .
tr	3	He hadn 't meant to verbalize his greatest belief and fear , but it was now out there .
tr	3	The only sins he can 't forgive are the ones you will not let go of . "
tr	3	But it 's not right and it 's not going to bring back what you 've lost .
tr	3	I 'm going to pray for you and there is nothing you can do to stop me . "
tr	3	He had heard about how well they were performing as trainers for Carter and was not really surprised .
tr	3	" I know that part , " said Nathan , " we 've had conversations of just such matters .
tr	3	I don 't just want them to participate in the recon , I want them to lead it . "
tr	3	He also thought there was something else at play here that he did not quite understand yet .
tr	3	" Sergeant Major don 't you think they need a few more years under their belts first ?
tr	3	Also won 't folks just say they 're being commissioned only because they 're my sons ? "
tr	3	" Sir , in my experience the only way to obtain leadership experience is to lead .
tr	3	As far as what people think , that 's one reason I want them conducting this mission .
tr	3	No one can question their capabilities if they 're the first to lead such a patrol .
tr	3	All who know them already know better , and those who don 't , soon will after this . "
tr	3	" I see you 've given this a lot of thought , " said Nathan , pondering .
tr	3	He would have preferred them to be older , but they were old enough to make their own decisions .
tr	3	" We 're ready , " said Joshua eagerly , " and we 'll be careful . "
tr	3	" There are three things you need to know about being a leader going in . "
tr	3	Here Nathan held up three fingers and began counting them off , " First , leadership is lonely .
tr	3	" At Fort Bragg I was in a company that actually had three brothers in it .
tr	3	" But , the point is , on airborne operations all three couldn 't be on the same plane .
tr	3	" Exactly right , " said Nathan , " and a good policy it is too .
tr	3	So , I 'll agree to the recon , and to the boys leading it , on several conditions .
tr	3	Over the past few days the tension in the city had grown with even more violence and bloodshed foreseeable .
tr	3	On the card were two quotes which had always inspired , challenged , and at times comforted him .
tr	3	Burke stated that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph was for good men to do nothing .
tr	3	A large white passenger van pulled up outside the bar , and Brazen knew the mayor had arrived .
tr	3	Very few people could afford the extravagance of fuel , and any working vehicle attracted lots of attention .
tr	3	John 's heavies started to protest , but he held up a hand and no one said anything .
tr	3	His weapon wasn 't exactly pointed at them , but it wasn 't far off , Brazen noticed .
tr	3	They must have thought that he would be dumb enough to try something against the mayor here .
tr	3	It remained to be seen if the mayor might be dumb enough to try something against him .
tr	3	He then nodded to one of the troopers from outside who stationed himself within the front doorway .
tr	3	The trooper looked at Brazen angrily and hissed , " Get on your feet and show some respect ! "
tr	3	Brazen responded in his best smartass tone , " You just told us to stay seated , chief . "
tr	3	Brazen expected an angry outburst at least , but the controlled silence was even more disquieting .
tr	3	I believe we can also offer you some water or iced tea if you would like . "
tr	3	The rest of his group didn 't look too happy about sitting with Brazen , but did as directed .
tr	3	" You 've come this far , at least hear what we have to say . "
tr	3	" Shouldn 't take too long , this one here doesn 't seem to be a big talker . "
tr	3	" Easy now , " said Executive Williams , laying his hand on the trooper 's arm .
tr	3	The table was instantly silent and all eyes were on Brazen , who looked back calmly .
tr	3	" Thank you , Gary , but I think it 's come time for my part in this . "
tr	3	" I know that 's what you want , but you can 't do it . "
tr	3	You can 't convince the people to trust you , because you 're not one of them .
tr	3	" Because as hard as it may be to believe , I want the same thing .
tr	3	Brazen sighed , " Do you know why no crime or violence occurs in areas under my control ? "
tr	3	No , the reason there is no crime or violence is because I do not allow it .
tr	3	The chances of someone in my area breaking the rules and getting caught are a certainty .
tr	3	Control and power is what we 're talking about here , not whether I am Mother Teresa .
tr	3	" Mr. Walker , perhaps you should explain exactly what it is you are proposing . "
tr	3	" It makes sense if you think about it from a practical standpoint , " said Brazen .
tr	3	I 'm also a realist and understand that the JP could crash and burn at any time .
tr	3	Timothy is being called to something greater than himself I believe , and this might just be it . "
tr	3	We will present this at the next council meeting and ... " " No , " said Brazen .
tr	3	You agree to my proposal now or you reject it now , there is no in between .
tr	3	It is ' yes ' , now or it is ' no ' , forever . "
tr	3	" You don 't need the council 's approval for this , you all have the power right here .
tr	3	Mitchell got up to follow but Reggie didn 't move , he just sat there staring at Brazen fixedly .
tr	3	" Sir , I 've done some bad things in my life , things I 'm not proud of .
tr	3	Not against my will , I 'm the County Executive , this is my business . "
tr	3	Brazen stared at the departing men and then at Reggie , " So do we have an agreement ? "
tr	3	At the end of the year , you can stay if we like or you step down peacefully .
tr	3	" We 'll have lots of details to work out , but in principle we 're in agreement .
tr	3	" Understood , " said Brazen , who reached across the table to shake Reggie 's hand .
tr	3	Brazen briefly thought how ironic it would be for him to be shot and killed here now .
tr	3	Nathan grabbed Harold and a couple of horses and headed north from the center of the park .
tr	3	Nathan knew John did not have the technical expertise , but despite this , was doing a good job .
tr	3	He 's probably freaked out over one of those giant catfish getting caught in a turbine or something .
tr	3	Captain Jim Meeks commanded the northern region which included the dam and Camp Beaver refugee camp .
tr	3	" That 's what I told them , " said Jim , " but they seem serious about it .
tr	3	We knew it was something we needed to track down , but we had time . "
tr	3	" Frankly , I don 't know , " said John taking a few ragged breathes .
tr	3	We 're going to have to systematically go from one end of the grid to the other .
tr	3	They were all silent as the enormity of what they were talking about began to sink in .
tr	3	It was evident it had to be done , as they couldn 't risk losing electricity forever .
tr	3	" We could have a set time , say ... " here Jim looked at his watch .
tr	3	His mind started going through the conversation he would have with Philips when he noticed Harold 's stricken look .
tr	3	" He 's paid in return for electricity for a whole year , and we suddenly cut him off ?
tr	3	" Meanwhile put all the units on alert , but don 't tell them why yet . "
tr	3	Nathan meanwhile moved into an office where he called General Anderson first and told him the situation .
tr	3	Nathan had expected a lot of questions and some ranting , but Anderson was cool and supportive .
tr	3	He ended the call and just sat enjoying a few moments of quiet peace in the empty office .
tr	3	Things are going to get very tricky very fast , he thought , especially if Sampson moves .
tr	3	Any and all questions regarding this statement should be directed to your local government officials . "
tr	3	" ' Now , friends , I know this is disheartening , but I ask everyone to remain calm .
tr	3	We have been blessed with a number of things that others around us do not have .
tr	3	' After all , it wasn 't too long ago that our forefathers lived their entire lives without electricity .
tr	3	It wasn 't the only thing he was doing that he had told himself he would not do .
tr	3	People were looking for Reynolds , convinced he had more information he wasn 't giving out .
tr	3	" Yes , Colonel Walker , that was the silver lining to this particular cloud I suppose .
tr	3	" I think I do , " answered Brazen , taking a long draw off his cigarette .
tr	3	It was somehow encouraging to think that the weight of everything wasn 't squarely on his shoulders .
tr	3	You can see and know it 's coming , but nothing is going to make it hurt less . "
tr	3	Reggie started laughing and realized it was the first time he had laughed in quite awhile .
tr	3	" You don 't , " answered Brazen as he snubbed his cigarette out against the wall .
tr	3	" You 're just going to have to trust me , but I 've given you my word . "
tr	3	Brazen smiled , " You see all the abandoned cars around here with no use whatsoever ? "
tr	3	He liked the idea of secrecy and being able to know things that others did not .
tr	3	Most of all he liked being important and having powerful men ask him what to do .
tr	3	To Ethan , that was just the cat 's meow and made all the effort and time worth it .
tr	3	He had a need to be accepted which characterized itself so typically as egotism mixed with a deep insecurity .
tr	3	Knowing this about himself did not cause Ethan to want to change anything about his character .
tr	3	" They 're without many trained technicians and electricians , and of course replacement parts are an issue . "
tr	3	We have several Tennessee Valley Authority guys here who escaped from the east and worked at dams .
tr	3	All in all , they 're nowhere close to us , but given enough time they could be . "
tr	3	They are expecting attacks , or at least some sort of intimidation , here along our northern area .
tr	3	But not in these regions , " Ethan pointed at two other areas of the map .
tr	3	Ethan felt the enormity of the moment upon him and something akin to a physical rush .
tr	3	Their people will also be demoralized and lack confident in their leadership due to the sudden loss of power .
tr	3	It 's not our fault they cannot properly manage the great responsibility given to them in the dam .
tr	3	Perhaps other more capable hands should take over that responsibility for the welfare of all concerned .
tr	3	" I want to strike a blow to their heart before we meet them on the field of battle .
tr	3	Ethan started to say something but Sampson turned away and continued walking , calling back over his shoulder .
tr	3	He swore in disgust as much at what he was looking at as at his own lack of planning .
tr	3	One of the biggest problems was they didn 't know exactly what they were facing or where to focus .
tr	3	The JP had to array its forces in order to respond to any incursion along the entire southern border .
tr	3	They had relied upon the land lines and cell phone towers , which all required electricity .
tr	3	" Well , maybe I do at that , " he said as a thought came to him .
tr	3	Make one trip up and down and then back to me , do you understand ? "
tr	3	They were conducting a sneak attack on the dam either to take it or possibly even destroy it .
tr	3	He wondered , Could they really be crazy enough to want to destroy the one source of electricity ?
tr	3	" I understand , " said Billy while pulling out his map to study the return route .
tr	3	" You won 't have time to get up to the Route 68 bridge and then come back down .
tr	3	With any luck , they 're not going to try to depart for another day , maybe two . "
tr	3	" Got it , " said Billy putting away his map and looking around for his team members .
tr	3	He took off down the hill at a run to gather his remaining two men and get going .
tr	3	He figured the best time to slow them down was right before they loaded the transports to depart .
tr	3	The men had stopped working on the small boats and there was a flurry of activity in the camp .
tr	3	Joshua was in love with the rifles and wanted to fire one , but the ammo was too scarce .
tr	3	Joshua looked back though the binoculars and saw men lining up in front of the boats in formations .
tr	3	On my command , right gun first , then left , then alternate so we can adjust fire .
tr	3	Joshua looked down at the men along the shore and surprisingly nothing seemed to have happened .
tr	3	They took several more shots until they were zeroed and then Joshua decided to bring it home to them .
tr	3	He and Beau had gotten in lots of trouble over the years , but nothing too serious .
tr	3	They looked up at the low flying plane in total amazement while Teddy whooped and yelled and Beau waved .
tr	3	They must have cost a fortune in fuel to move them at all , much less get them north .
tr	3	If Beau remembered correctly , those monsters burned something like 30 gallons of fuel per hour simply idling .
tr	3	He had also heard they actually had a jet engine and therefore required special aviation jet fuel .
tr	3	" Let 's get a little closer and then turn east to see what we can see . "
tr	3	Beau made a mental note to come back and lock up the keys and the fuel .
tr	3	He had to get to General Anderson right away and tell him what he had seen .
tr	3	He prayed a deer or something didn 't jump into their path because his men would certainly all die .
tr	3	Nathan would be happy if Captain Green could only slow the armada and give them time .
tr	3	As far as guarding against an approach on the other lake , Nathan decided against it completely .
tr	3	So , David and his platoon volunteered to go north and Captain Carter accepted without another word .
tr	3	It was possible Carter had allowed him to lead this mission to make up for the one he lost .
tr	3	When they arrived , David directed his men to unload while he went to seek out Captain Jim Meeks .
tr	3	He found the large man in the thick of frantic activity , and reported to him .
tr	3	Both lakes come together at the dam and the locks at the top of the land between them .
tr	3	We 've let some water out in order to make it even more difficult for them to get over .
tr	3	If they want to take the dam , they have to land troops and approach from land .
tr	3	" I 'm not doing you any favors , you 'll have plenty to do , " said Jim .
tr	3	Just hold them off for a while , and I 'll try to get you some help . "
tr	3	" Yes , sir , " said the private , who saluted and then ran off at a lope .
tr	3	We just have to hope and pray for the best and that Colonel Taylor and his men are ready .
tr	3	" They 're all in disarray from the tornadoes , maybe not for long , but for now .
tr	3	We could race in there and destroy those tanks before they could use them against us ! "
tr	3	Anderson quickly briefed them on what Myers had seen concerning the tanks and the disarray the tornados had caused .
tr	3	We 're not looking to engage enemy or win any battles , just take care of the tanks .
tr	3	" War 's already started , " growled Anderson , " and we nearly missed it .
tr	3	" Both of you get a few things straight , " continued Anderson with a fierce gaze .
tr	3	" First , your unit will conduct this mission , after all , you are in the military .
tr	3	Second , those tanks could destroy this entire army , we have nothing that can even slow them down .
tr	3	And third , we have a very narrow window of opportunity to do something about them . "
tr	3	Anderson paused and gazed each of them in the eye allowed his heart rate to slow .
tr	3	He continued , " I suggest you send a reinforced platoon at least , in several trucks .
tr	3	That should start a fire and also set off the tank rounds in the ammo compartments . "
tr	3	" Well no , " admitted the Sergeant Major , " but we probably don 't need them .
tr	3	" Captain Myers here will serve as guide to the location of the tanks , " said Anderson .
tr	3	Before the Battalion Commander could answer , the Sergeant Major grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear .
tr	3	" Sergeant Major Givens here would like to lead the mission , " said the Commander .
tr	3	With your permission ... " asked the Sergeant Major , indicating the need to get moving .
tr	3	Life had been hard and filled with disappointment , but things were starting to look up .
tr	3	He was so jittery with excitement that it felt like electricity was coursing through his body .
tr	3	It hadn 't been too difficult for a handyman like Walter to get into the JP .
tr	3	Getting in was easy compared to keeping his satellite phone hidden and finding a time to check it regularly .
tr	3	He was cold and hungry from days of sleeping outdoors and hiding , but it was almost over .
tr	3	Walter looked both ways and then crossed the street casually walking to the side of the house .
tr	3	He said a quick prayer for success and then glided around the edge of the house onto the patio .
tr	3	Even in the din and smoke of the fight , Jim felt a moment of pride for his men .
tr	3	They were taking the brunt of the attack and were not as seasoned as Jim 's men .
tr	3	He felt a sharp pain on the side of his head and fell back onto the pavement .
tr	3	He was lucky , luckier than probably about ten of his men , he noticed with dismay .
tr	3	A medic ran over to him , but Jim waved the man away saying he was alright .
tr	3	The medic insisted on throwing a bandage around his head to at least slow the bleeding .
tr	3	The men seemed to understand immediately because they dove under vehicles or any other solid shelter they could find .
tr	3	He almost disconnected it , but then wound the phone crank and picked up the handset .
tr	3	" This is Captain Jim Meeks , get me either the Commander or Deputy Commander right now ! "
tr	3	I 'm withdrawing into the dam and will try to hold , but it doesn 't look likely .
tr	3	We tried to stop the ships , honestly sir , but they just kept going . "
tr	3	Finally Beau was able to spot the bright red barn he had seen from the air .
tr	3	" We 're here on orders from General Sampson , " said Beau with what he hoped was conviction .
tr	3	A moment later the turret turned their direction with an electric pneumatic whine before it stopped .
tr	3	He would later swear he actually saw the shell 's stabilizing fins deploy while in flight .
tr	3	Normally there were four crew members , a driver , a commander , a gunner , and a loader .
tr	3	Incredibly , the top hatch of the tank opened and a blond haired man stuck his head out .
tr	3	Beau thought this was their one and only very slim chance of getting out of there alive .
tr	3	He got plenty of attention from college scouts , but most thought he was too small .
tr	3	Immediately , the pressure on his arm stopped , and Beau pushed the hatch all the way up .
tr	3	The man would be dead in a moment and there was nothing Beau could do about it .
tr	3	Beau found by looking through the range finder and then moving the joystick he could move the turret .
tr	3	He also found a selector switch and changed it from " main gun " to " coaxial " .
tr	3	He looked back toward his men and saw that they were getting control of the remaining prisoners .
tr	3	They had disarmed the surviving enemy , turned them loose , then crammed everyone inside the three tanks .
tr	3	People either waved them on , or ignored them in their efforts to clean up the tornados ' destruction .
tr	3	Soldiers were pointing and getting into defensive positions while others appeared to be fleeing to the rear .
tr	3	He looked at the amazed faces and lowered his arms sitting on the side of the turret .
tr	3	There was a moment of resistance and then the lock broke apart so suddenly that David nearly fell backwards .
tr	3	He flung the door open and ushered everyone inside , and closed the door behind them .
tr	3	He grabbed one of the lights and began examining the controls at the other end of the room .
tr	3	David saw several levers and switches and two large crank flywheels , one larger than the other .
tr	3	He read the dusty directions again in the dim light and pushed the main lever upward .
tr	3	He hit it several times with the pry bar while one of the other men held the light .
tr	3	He could hear them mumbling and asking among themselves what he was doing , but he ignored them .
tr	3	This was the wheel , connected to numerous other flywheels , that actually cranked open the outside lock doors .
tr	3	He cursed in frustration imagining what was going on above them and yelled for his men to come help .
tr	3	Time was key , but it wouldn 't do to bumble in and get themselves killed or captured .
tr	3	He reported that the defenders at the dam had been completed overwhelmed and there were no sign of them .
tr	3	The first thing Nathan noticed was the fact that both lakes appeared to be draining away .
tr	3	He saw the open lock , into which all the water was rushing in a wild and chaotic display .
tr	3	These ships were piled up in the opening , crashing and crushing each other under the immense pressure .
tr	3	Both Nathan and Captain Carter stared silently for at least a minute before they regained their senses .
tr	3	Nathan realized they had the perfect element of surprise now and did not want to waste it .
tr	3	He passed the order to the platoon leaders to have their machine gunners take out the mortars first .
tr	3	Some refused to be separated from their dead friends and had to be pried away by force .
tr	3	Nathan found the sight was making him physically nauseous , and he had to turn away .
tr	3	He had seen many battlefields , and his share of death , but it never failed to sicken him .
tr	3	Hundreds of fish flapped about in the mud , totally confused as to what had happened to their world .
tr	3	Something made Nathan look over at the dam , its concrete surface and edges torn and wrecked .
tr	3	The distance was far too great to recognize him , but Nathan somehow knew it was David .
tr	3	We can snipe at their rear some more , " said Aaron one of his two snipers .
tr	3	Shooting at their rear will only delay a few boats and maybe even speed them up . "
tr	3	Their course would bring them to the southern edge of the Land Between the Lakes Park .
tr	3	Because the park wasn 't well settled , Sampson 's forces were expected to attack via this same route .
tr	3	They only saw lone vehicles occasionally on the single major highway running from Tennessee north into LBL .
tr	3	It was nothing like what they expected so close to the border on the eve of an invasion .
tr	3	They found what appeared to be a large invasion force on the Tennessee side of the border .
tr	3	They swam directly out into the lake in a file for perhaps a hundred yards and then turned north .
tr	3	It was slow and clumsy going with one arm dragging the raft for the next half hour .
tr	3	Joshua noticed that the lake seemed much shallower than normal with a stronger current to the north .
tr	3	Joshua thought it would be the safest way to approach the tense JP soldiers at night .
tr	3	Finding a path in the under growth where briars tugged at their clothing with every step was difficult .
tr	3	He could very easily get killed by friendly troops after surviving weeks in the heart of enemy territory .
tr	3	He heard men scrambling , equipment dropping , and then cursing before a bright light was shone on him .
tr	3	" Take it easy there , " he said in what he hoped was a soothing tone .
tr	3	" I 'm really not at liberty to discuss that right now , " said Joshua apologetically .
tr	3	" But I 'll tell everything to your commander if you would just take me to him . "
tr	3	He didn 't want that thought to occur , and he had never been good at lying .
tr	3	" Maybe we should just shoot you to be safe , " said the voice with calculated bravado .
tr	3	" You shoot me and I guarantee my father will have you killed ... or worse .
tr	3	All was quiet for a few minutes before Joshua heard the second voice say , " Lieutenant Taylor ? "
tr	3	Everyone 's pretty tense after the attacks to the north and with what happened to President Phillips .
tr	3	He stood there for perhaps ten minutes before he heard men approaching and raised his arms up again .
tr	3	" You can put your arms down , lieutenant , " said Captain Green in a low voice .
tr	3	" They were only doing their job , and doing it quite well I might add . "
tr	3	" Sir , I need to talk to you and my father about what I saw out there .
tr	3	He heard his shot shattered her left femur and they had to amputate her leg above the knee .
tr	3	He was also pleased that his action had spread like wildfire , with rumors growing by the minute .
tr	3	Walter was now in a small grey room without windows , shadows from the lantern dancing on the walls .
tr	3	" I suppose you want some time with me yourself , " said Walter with a smile .
tr	3	" It doesn 't matter , " said Walter , " they 'll come regardless . "
tr	3	" Were you supposed to send a message back letting him know if you were successful or not ? "
tr	3	" ' Brutus ' was the code for success , ' Hinckley ' for failure . "
tr	3	The bloody and broken man sat still for a moment and then let out a deep breath .
tr	3	Nathan turned back , his mask gone , fury pouring out of his eyes , " Hang him !
tr	3	He slowly opened his eyes to the bright light of what was certainly a hospital room .
tr	3	Doc says you 'll be fine in a few days , just need to take it easy . "
tr	3	" You can call me Amy , " she said with a smile , patting his hand .
tr	3	The windows were open to bright sunlight and there was a light breeze blowing the curtains gently .
tr	3	Beau realized that he was still staring expectantly where Amy had departed and that several long moments had passed .
tr	3	He stared at Beau long enough to make him feel slightly uncomfortable before he started talking .
tr	3	" What do you think we should do with those tanks now that we have them ? "
tr	3	" Yes , sir , " said Beau , not sure if he believed what he was hearing .
tr	3	Also , no sense in pulling them back just so we have to bring them back up here again .
tr	3	" Yes , " answered Anderson , " you 're now the JP 's one and only tank commander .
tr	3	" Thank you sir , but you know I don 't know anything about tanks . "
tr	3	" You know enough son , and that 's exactly the sort of attitude I 've been talking about .
tr	3	If you can 't have confidence in yourself , then have confidence in my confidence in you .
tr	3	Now let 's talk about that mad ass one man assault you conducted on a tank .
tr	3	Sometimes you 'll catch ' em napping and get out of their grip like you did .
tr	3	He was an aggressive and dynamic leader in an age when everyone was cautious and methodical .
tr	3	He was on a horse trying to rally his fleeing troops and took a bullet through his hand .
tr	3	From that point forward he was no longer timid and cautious , he was clearly different .
tr	3	I know it sounds corny , but it 's happened before , just look at Sherman . "
tr	3	" Excuse me , sir , but dispatches have arrived from both Colonel Taylor and Lieutenant Governor Philips .
tr	3	He opened the first one and read with concentration , shook his head then folded it back up .
tr	3	" You 're going to hear it eventually , so I might as well give you the news .
tr	3	He seemed to read with alarm and then re-read the dispatch , his eyes jumping all over the page .
tr	3	" Get those tanks ready to go as quickly as you can , " ordered Anderson .
tr	3	So much for resting up , thought Beau as he slowly swung his legs out of bed .
tr	3	Chapter 4 -- Changes in the Air Getting the locks repaired and closed was a top priority .
tr	3	Once the fear and uncertainty of the threat ended , negative talk started circulating about David 's actions .
tr	3	I have to say it doesn 't look a whole lot different from other battlefields I 've experienced . "
tr	3	" True enough , " said Nathan wondering if Anderson was thinking of his deceased wife .
tr	3	Anderson nodded , " Maybe , but these times call us to things we wouldn 't choose for ourselves .
tr	3	You saved our bacon here and without you I 'm not sure what we would have done .
tr	3	I know you will , but I want us to mutually respect and trust one another .
tr	3	" Do I even want to know how you got him to give up that information ? "
tr	3	I 've done a lot of interrogations in my time , but torture never works . "
tr	3	On the other hand , the fear of torture , is exceptionally effective , " Nathan added .
tr	3	" No one is sure exactly where that force is or what it 's doing . "
tr	3	We 're outnumbered and outgunned , but this information presents us with a unique opportunity . "
tr	3	No , the past few weeks have highlighted our complete deficiency in intelligence and information gathering .
tr	3	We also need you to catch Sampson 's spies and assassins as fast as possible . "
tr	3	" All good questions that I don 't have the answer to yet , " said Anderson .
tr	3	" He was recruited by a skilled handler who took advantage of Mr. Beale 's insecurities and fantasies .
tr	3	Beale didn 't know much about ' Gabriel ' , only had a phone number . "
tr	3	" I understand you got the phone to go along with the number , " said Reggie .
tr	3	" Cease your aggression and we can work to try to live with each other peacefully .
tr	3	The world has destroyed itself and here the ragged remnants are trying to do it again .
tr	3	There was silence on the line for perhaps ten seconds , before the other end disconnected the call .
tr	3	The world may be dead he thought , but those satellites up in orbit just keep on trucking .
tr	3	This man had the daunting task of collecting all the intelligence reports and providing the information to Ethan .
tr	3	Ethan noticed that Sampson 's behavior over the past few weeks had become more irrational and unpredictable .
tr	3	Ethan looked at his watch and knew it was nearly time for his briefing to the General .
tr	3	" Actually yes , sir , and I 'm afraid it isn 't good , " said Ethan .
tr	3	We also know that the lakes are gone due to the damage our forces inflicted on the dam . "
tr	3	Barring that , we wanted to at least destroy it so the enemy couldn 't use it .
tr	3	In that regard it is a partial success , and we have certainly destroyed many of their troops .
tr	3	Ethan felt like he was on dangerous ground with someone over whom he might no longer have control .
tr	3	" Are we still going forward with our other surprise attack given our recent setbacks ? "
tr	3	Sampson rubbed his chin and looked at Ethan with what Ethan thought might be a suspicious look .
tr	3	He had heard sketchy reports that the LBL forces were preparing for something big , possibly an offensive .
tr	3	The JP also knew the WTR northern force was near Fulton and that its eastern flank was exposed .
tr	3	I 'm sick of sitting in the rear and watching cowardly subordinates piss away my victories . "
tr	3	Normally Ethan would have tried to dissuade Sampson from such a course , but he held his tongue .
tr	3	I hope you understand and don 't take personally any potential ... complications , that might happen . "
tr	3	This also makes the most practical sense given the current war with the West Tennessee Republic ( WTR ) .
tr	3	New recruits can more readily fill vacancies in these unit 's ranks if they possess solid leaders .
tr	3	Beyond the tactical military side , the mission of a central security service becomes more complicated .
tr	3	I envision them having law enforcement authority , but also counterintelligence capabilities , similar to the FBI .
tr	3	The JP governing bodies need to convince the people not to talk idly about things they hear and see .
tr	3	Although the idea of such an organization with broad powers makes sense , it also raises concerns .
tr	3	A significant amount of power will reside with one organization and by default with this organization 's leader .
tr	3	The leader could be determined by seniority in the organization , but that had its own pitfalls .
tr	3	Some gathered on the steps to discuss what the now vanished man had been hollering about .
tr	3	Several men and women still stood in the mayor 's office not sure what to do .
tr	3	The old messenger had been questioned by those in the room and then with his duty done had departed .
tr	3	The room was quiet and those in attendance kept unconsciously looking to the empty mayor 's chair .
tr	3	" The mayor isn 't coming back , at least not when we need him . "
tr	3	asked a sheriff 's deputy who happened to be in the building when the old man stormed in .
tr	3	They looked at him like he had lost his senses before protesting in louder and louder voices .
tr	3	Brazen divided the city up into sections and assigned each of the five gangs their area to defend .
tr	3	The enemy squads worked their way slowly away from the river and into the center of the city .
tr	3	Soon WTR dead and wounded were being left behind , first as individuals , then in droves .
tr	3	The WTR army had left a strong guard force , definitely wanting to secure their way home .
tr	3	Brazen abandoned the plan after a brief probe and settled with just driving the invaders out of the city .
tr	3	They would have to be content with killing as many of the enemy as they could .
tr	3	The WTR force continued to make a hasty withdrawal , loading the barges while sustaining heavy casualties .
tr	3	" Yes , " answered Brazen , " but the invading force only wanted to attack us .
tr	3	He also sent riders with reports to President Philips in Murray and General Anderson at Fulton .
tr	3	Only a few of the civilians , who had refusing to evacuate , had been killed in the fighting .
tr	3	" The city itself is in shambles , but the people are fine and better than fine .
tr	3	Where once there was suspicion and infighting , now they are together helping each other . "
tr	3	A year from now , they 'll be proudly telling of the eager work they did .
tr	3	Everyone wants to be better than they are ; sometimes they just need a little encouragement .
tr	3	Death is a certainty to all , it is what we do until then that defines our character .
tr	3	We also frequently only seek God 's will and support when we are without hope or are facing destruction .
tr	3	I 'm not saying this is God 's will , but He does work in ways we cannot comprehend .
tr	3	" You are the lost sheep and God is fanatical and relentless in pursuing those who are His .
tr	3	Brazen was silent for a moment and then said , " No , I 'm not ready .
tr	3	None of us is able alone to handle the magnificent plans God has for our lives .
tr	3	I suggest you quit playing around and fooling yourself before you get a bunch of people killed .
tr	3	Joshua 's recon platoon was given the task of screening for the entire JP force to the south .
tr	3	This was a legitimate concern since both sides of the conflict were wearing the same U.S. Army uniforms .
tr	3	They had difficulty deciding how to signal the initiation of the attack without radios or other devices .
tr	3	He also wanted to protect the secrecy of the assault team 's position until the last minute .
tr	3	He was about to pull the twine when he heard several large muffled explosions to the north of them .
tr	3	A moment later the rest of the support team began firing with their rifles and squad automatic weapons .
tr	3	About twenty yards from the edge of the camp he blew a whistle as he ran .
tr	3	He also told them to stay in a line and take out everything in their path .
tr	3	David stopped thinking as he saw a soldier come out of a tent right in front of him .
tr	3	The soldier 's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of David and his men so close .
tr	3	He attempted to pull his rifle up to shoot , but he didn 't have a chance .
tr	3	Coming to the middle of the camp he saw two men trying to get a heavy machine gun loaded .
tr	3	David ran towards them just in time to see them look up in panic and fear .
tr	3	His soldiers moved to establish a perimeter around the camp facing out preparing for any sort of counter attack .
tr	3	As his men began moving , David could already see enemy survivors coming down the path through the woods .
tr	3	His men were shooting them as they raced to their positions , but there were just too many .
tr	3	The flood of survivors eventually slowed to a trickle and then stopped as the woods became silent .
tr	3	They all smiled in relief in that place of death ... relief that it wasn 't death for them .
tr	3	He was getting conflicting reports from every direction and everyone seemed to have lost their minds .
tr	3	What didn 't make sense was the sound of fighting that was coming from their rear .
tr	3	In disgust , Sampson threw down his glasses and stormed out of the tent to assess the situation himself .
tr	3	Unlike the others , he looked to have seen action as he was covered in dust and blood .
tr	3	He went on talking about crushing the JP now that they had made the mistake of standing and fighting .
tr	3	He noticed that the men at least seemed to be running now back towards the front .
tr	3	But they looked just as panicked as they had been while previously running away from it .
tr	3	He started to stop another soldier when one of his aides finally returned and grabbed Sampson by the arm .
tr	3	" It 's up ahead , but I 'm afraid you 've run out of time . "
tr	3	He looked around and saw the squad of soldiers in a circle around them facing outwards with their weapons .
tr	3	They were defeated , but the killing went on and threatened to disintegrate into mass murder .
tr	3	He saw that discipline and cohesion had broken down in the euphoria of victory following their earlier intense fear .
tr	3	The further he walked into the battlefield , the more he saw signs of executions and looting of bodies .
tr	3	He continued to hear the disquieting sounds of individual shots that could only mean one thing .
tr	3	His soldiers were also gathered on and around the tanks with a similar attitude of celebration .
tr	3	I hope it doesn 't come to that , but I fear it will at first .
tr	3	They had established a defensive perimeter and sent out patrols to intercept any counterattacks from the south .
tr	3	They also began tending the wounded , burying the dead , and gathering up the prisoners .
tr	3	The final cost of Beau 's mission was twenty-two arrested , three relieved , and one dead .
tr	3	Beau ordered him relieved of his position and told his men to place him under arrest .
tr	3	He took control of the prisoners and continued on his mission with the prisoners in tow .
tr	3	He also knew Reggie Philips would stand behind him , which could endanger Reggie 's legitimacy .
tr	3	He would resign his post to Butch until an official investigation could be conducted into his army 's actions .
tr	3	Reggie eagerly accepted the offer , but admitted to himself it was unexpected and a little suspicious .
tr	3	As they approached , Reggie noticed only one small unassuming man on the other side of the table .
tr	3	He turned to the other two and greeted them just as warmly and invited them to all sit .
tr	3	" I apologize , but I must inform you that General Sampson died at the Battle of Fulton .
tr	3	" I appreciate your tact and not wanting to humiliate us , but we should talk straight here .
tr	3	I again ask you to consider that the war was not against the WTR , but against General Sampson .
tr	3	" Are you considering a certain ratio of exchange or a simple one for one swap ? "
tr	3	" If the war is to be over , then it is to be over for everyone . "
tr	3	" It is also good to hear that you are holding free and democratic elections , " said Reggie .
tr	3	" Yes , although there doesn 't appear to be any other governments left but our two .
tr	3	Whatever you ask , I promise to do it , if it is within my power . "
tr	3	I hope that we will eventually reach such a relationship , but the time is not now .
tr	3	" Yes , you are right , it was presumptuous for me to ask such a thing .
tr	3	You have already shown yourselves to be merciful , and I ask for more than you can give .
tr	3	" The assassin your government sent to kill President Phillips said he worked for a man called Gabriel .
tr	3	He looked like a wind would blow him over , but again Nathan thought something wasn 't right .
tr	3	" Please believe me , I don 't know a Gabriel , we had nothing to do with that !
tr	3	Until then , can we all assume the points we have agreed upon to be in effect ?
tr	3	His plans were progressing exactly as planned and he was one step closer to his ultimate objective .
tr	3	He would have to keep an eye on that Nathan Taylor fellow though , Ethan thought to himself .
tr	3	That campaign seemed to have miraculously broken the WTR 's back and won the war in one swift stroke .
tr	3	Harold nodded , " The terms were fair , we could have been a lot harder on them .
tr	3	" The WTR , or whatever the hell they want to call themselves , is in shambles . "
tr	3	" They seem to have a good competent leader now from what I hear , " commented Harold .
tr	3	Jim Meeks would be promoted to Colonel and assume duties as the newly formed New Harvest Regimental Commander .
tr	3	Overall , the general feeling in the air was one of hope , confidence , and satisfaction .
tr	3	After seeing the students in action , Harold felt more confident of what the future would bring .
tr	3	The water level of the lakes finally reached a point where it could turn the turbines and create electricity .
tr	3	If they needed the lock doors to open , they could deal with that issue later .
tr	3	As it was , it would still take time to raise the water back to normal level .
tr	3	Everyone heard the water rushing out the other side of the dam and looked at each other expectantly .
tr	3	Harold stared at the dead light bulb nearby for several long minutes and then dropped his head .
tr	3	Just then they heard the grinding noise again which must be the dam door being closed , thought Harold .
tr	3	They then heard the grinding noise again and Harold wondered if they were trying another door .
tr	3	He noticed Harold glaring at him with his one good eye and stopped , his smile vanishing .
tr	3	Harold suppressed the urge to grab the man by the collar and simply pointed at the dead light bulb .
tr	3	Anderson could tell right away that Beau was upset about something and he probably knew why .
tr	3	Some even tried to blame Beau and save Anderson the disgrace , but Anderson refused to let that happen .
tr	3	This was why he resigned his position officially after he was cleared , entering his second retirement .
tr	3	Anderson did not have to look at the orders , he already knew what they said .
tr	3	" Son , you have no reason to follow my path , " said Anderson compassionately .
tr	3	Hell , there wouldn 't even have been an army to fight back if it weren 't for you .
tr	3	" First of all , " said Anderson , " they didn 't force me into anything .
tr	3	" You are a strong , courageous , capable leader and only you seem to have trouble seeing that .
tr	3	As a matter of fact , most people disappoint me as much as I disappoint myself .
tr	3	I took you on , and gave you responsibility and opportunity because I thought you were worth it .
tr	3	Beau , everything we have fought to protect will need you to protect it again , have no doubt .
tr	3	If you really want to resign , then let me know and I 'll talk to General Matthews .
tr	3	" I 'd like some time to think about it and let you know if that is okay .
tr	3	Beau started to turn even redder and stammer some sort of awkward reply , but Anderson cut him off .
tr	3	" That 's a long sad story , not worth the telling , " answered Anderson .
tr	3	" Just understand that someone you love and respect and can make a life with is a rare thing .
tr	3	" That after so many years of service , it 's all to end like this . "
tr	3	I 've had the opportunity to experience life to its fullest and understand how precious and precarious it is .
tr	3	" At the end of his life he was convicted of treason on trumped up charges .
tr	3	He could have gone away from the city of Athens that had wronged him and taken his life .
tr	3	It made no difference to him that his nation was wrong to ask his life of him .
tr	3	The JP needs men like us who are willing to devote our lives to its protection .
tr	3	" You 're still not leaving me much choice , " said Beau with a slight smile .
tr	3	Beau sat quietly for a moment , " Sir , I appreciate you taking time to talk .
tr	3	The name ' JP ' didn 't work because parts of the new territories were outside this geographical area .
tr	3	They are also working to solidify the existing court system to give it more permanent authority . "
tr	3	" One more topic , since we 're running out of time , " said Tim hurriedly .
tr	3	" Tell the listeners about the new currency that is due to come out soon . "
tr	3	" I just wanted to again say how very proud I am to be one of you today .
tr	3	In the end , the man had felt like he had no choice but to cooperate .
tr	3	Full identification of this individual will be one of the primary objectives of the above operation .
tr	3	The infiltrator also has information indicating that he is not the only recruited spy within the JP .
tr	3	Sir , I will continue to keep you informed of the above situations as they develop .
tr	3	The radio broadcasts have further emphasized how fortunate the JP was compared to the rest of the country .
tr	3	Following the attacks , the nuclear fallout drifted east with the prevailing winds and weather patterns .
tr	3	All the major cities near the JP were to the east , north , or south .
tr	3	In short , the situation outside the JP , especially in high population density areas , is dire .
tr	3	We cannot count on any outside help and may need to be prepared to defend what we have .
tr	3	Respectfully , ORIGINAL SIGNED Brigadier General Nathan Taylor Chapter 16 -- Farewell The last month was difficult for Reggie .
tr	3	Civility and courtesy , even their shallow displays , were important , maybe now more than ever .
tr	3	He squeezed his wife 's hand and made his way up to the platform and a podium .
tr	3	There had to be several thousand attendees and they all seemed to be cheering for him .
tr	3	He looked down at the first row and saw friends and colleagues smiling back at him .
tr	3	Reggie instantly recognized a bond with these men born out of adversity and strife and sealed in victory .
tr	3	Before the ceremony he approached Reggie and gave him the other quote he carried with him everywhere .
tr	3	That quote was more apt and fitting now , and Reggie decided on a whim to use it .
tr	3	There was a fresh wave of applause and Reggie waited for it to end before continuing .
tr	3	Reggie heard grumbles and some words of anger , but saw Brazen 's encouraging smile and continued on .
tr	3	" I know some will think my remarks quaint , but civility and courtesy are important .
tr	3	" The war with the WTR has ended , and a peace that I pray will last is secured .
tr	3	But the world is still a dangerous place , and we will be a target for generations to come .
tr	3	This nation we have made here out of the death and destruction is a good thing .
tr	3	Maybe even a unique thing , a light on a hill , but it is fragile still .
tr	3	Reggie pulled out the piece of wrinkled paper Brazen had given him and unfolded it carefully .
tr	3	Reggie paused and looked out over the crowds before looking down at the quote and continuing .
tr	3	Reggie discovered that at that very moment he really did not care for any of it .
tr	3	He sat high on the seat with his wife beside him and looked out over the crowd cheering them .
tr	3	" Would you like anything while it is being prepared , perhaps some fresh bread with butter ? "
tr	3	They were all scared of him now , and that was just the way Ethan wanted it .
tr	3	Ethan already had plans in the works and he almost always got what he wanted given time .
tr	3	The boy made his way north through the chaos to a refugee camp before falling unconscious .
tr	3	There came a light knock on the door after which the aide entered followed by two chefs .
tr	3	Not great , but it would do , he told himself , everyone must sacrifice after all .
tr	3	He nodded and the man poured a full glass , set the bottle down and stepped back .
tr	3	Fear inspired some men to greatness , thought Ethan , as he took another bite of the wonderful pasta .
tr	3	My mind wandered during the times without electricity and I started imagining that we were all alone .
tr	3	This novel went through numerous re-writes and revisions in order to improve the story and the final product .
tr	3	For all the people above I am grateful and humbled by their support , love , and friendship .
tr	3	If you would like to share this book with another reader , please purchase an additional copy .
tr	3	The passageway was more crowded than he 'd ever seen it , but no one was speaking .
tr	3	He had never thought it before , but now the tunnel seemed a terribly foolish idea .
tr	3	Everyday casters could touch the four pillars , Earth , Fire , Air , and Water .
tr	3	Life was far beyond anyone 's grasp , as they discovered so disastrously in the Shadow Wars .
tr	3	They will decide if we hold the city , if we fight or if we flee .
tr	3	A new image grew in his mind to outshine and overpower the horrors he had seen along the coast .
tr	3	It was a thin , frail light , as if it were too weak to finish the day .
tr	3	That niece of mine might be a little late getting her name , if this keeps on .
tr	3	The black thought lowered his mood and with it his eyebrows descended over his grey eyes .
tr	3	Another cold shiver ran over his skin , but it had nothing to do with the breeze .
tr	3	We may have fought , but we did it with our hands and to each other 's faces .
tr	3	And we still fight for mother 's affections , if the Empress can count as Mother .
tr	3	They had been in charge of protecting the fleet from counterattack , but there had been no need .
tr	3	Soon they 'll learn that being bored is by far the safest way to be in a war .
tr	3	" A fine day for the Empire , a beachhead on the Eastern shores of the continent ! "
tr	3	" The Empress , may she be preserved in the skies for all time , will be pleased . "
tr	3	The prophecy at the heart of this whole mess was not nearly as clear as everyone thought .
tr	3	She 'll leave her mark upon the skies , she 'll kiss the hand that held the chain .
tr	3	The night is dark , the Dawn is new , the stars are weak upon the sea .
tr	3	Now there was only the Brotherhood of Weavers , simple weavers who could manipulate anything and create nothing .
tr	3	His eyes were drawn to the Firstborn again , who embraced this method of finding the Falcon .
tr	3	And no doubt he means me and the others to be the ones killed in the process .
tr	3	Neither was surprised to see him in their doorway -- they 'd seen him running across the fountain .
tr	3	Both wore heavier clothes than the weather called for and stout leather boots in place of slippers .
tr	3	Maybe if he got to her in time , he could talk her out of it .
tr	3	He 'd seen a number of creatures roaming through the mountains , former pets and emboldened predators alike .
tr	3	Nonetheless , planting meant life -- he set off down the steep ridge into the valley below .
tr	3	It was a cemetery , row after row of white stone pillars with names etched down the sides .
tr	3	One symbol , surrounded by a ring , carved into stone underneath the dust of Savana 's pillar .
tr	3	There , in the middle of the drop , was the symbol of the Book again .
tr	3	He thought he 'd seen it before , a stout little structure with one window high up the side .
tr	3	But those towers often had lights on the very top , or mirrors -- something to warn passing ships .
tr	3	To the ends of the earth , until I find the Book , and then I will have Savana .
tr	3	The Brotherhood knew them as the Elements : Wind , Water , Fire , and Stone .
tr	3	Does it still count as a battlefield conquest if the King has already given them to his sons ?
tr	3	Hopefully we will have found the Falcon and left this place long before she comes of age .
tr	3	That was why the inn was the busiest for miles -- it was the only inn for miles .
tr	3	The young woman that came to the inn , though , had not come to drink .
tr	3	He waved an errant hand in the air , sending the smoke twirling " Oh , what else ?
tr	3	" I merely told them what they already know -- farmers cannot stop the creatures of the Wilds .
tr	3	They should just be glad that the beasts set loose in the Invasion stay in the mountains !
tr	3	She knew he wasn 't angry that she 'd mentioned his lameness , because he never was .
tr	3	She sat back in her chair to watch him roll his eyes and puff furiously on his pipe .
tr	3	You 'd better get over there before one of the serving girls catches his eye , though .
tr	3	I 'm sure he 's nobody , and he 'll soon be on his way . "
tr	3	A thrill of excitement ran along her skin as she rose to go meet the stranger .
tr	3	she tried again , more serious this time , but he only shrugged and looked away .
tr	3	Those penetrating green eyes made it seem like she was sitting across the table from a wildcat .
tr	3	She was taken aback , but kept her voice as casual as she could , forcing an apologetic grin .
tr	3	" Not by the Wilds , " she corrected with a feral grin , " more like in . "
tr	3	She didn 't know why , but he seemed about ready to reach for the sword at his hip .
tr	3	Their home was almost exactly west of the town , but they headed for the north gate .
tr	3	The west gate was sealed shut -- no one but the two of them would have used it .
tr	3	Most children grew up thinking their elders were never wrong , but for Elaina that was suspiciously true .
tr	3	Elaina fell back to talk to Landon , who 'd slowed to let them take the lead .
tr	3	" We 've never been attacked , and we 've lived out here for years . "
tr	3	Landon kept his eyes on the shadows that reached out to caress them in the moonlight .
tr	3	Wild trees with grasping branches loomed over a modest little building that rose from uneven paving stones .
tr	3	Elaina felt Landon 's wary eyes sweep over her as they stepped inside , him last .
tr	3	He is too clean to be a merchant 's guard , perhaps he 's run away ?
tr	3	The chatting stopped when Elaina brought them each a bowl of soup and a thick slice of bread .
tr	3	Landon downed his portion in short order , though he seemed surprised to discover she was a decent cook .
tr	3	She wasn 't convinced , but he didn 't seem interested in offering a better answer .
tr	3	The conversation returned to his travels , and if it was mundane Elaina didn 't notice .
tr	3	he asked warily , looking as if he didn 't entirely want to know the answer .
tr	3	Landon watched her cook as if the eggs might tell him if she was joking or not .
tr	3	The matched quiver hung from her belt beside a knife sheathed in simple , supple leather .
tr	3	Elaina was a little surprised he 'd taken it off at all , even to sleep .
tr	3	Once she was sure she wouldn 't forget it , she spoke carelessly over her shoulder .
tr	3	" Watch the ground , or you 'll be looking at it much closer than you planned .
tr	3	Did you think my uncle and I cleared the place and laid out all those stones ?
tr	3	There weren 't any forks in the path , and she had a strange feeling about something up ahead .
tr	3	His accusing stare felt hot , but she cut off his protest with a sharp shake of her head .
tr	3	In front of them the path opened up to a clear pool surrounded by a wall of greenery .
tr	3	Without letting the tension out of the bowstring , she pushed Landon behind her with her elbow .
tr	3	After a few tense minutes , Elaina sighed and let the tension out of the bow .
tr	3	" I 've lived out here a long time , I can just tell where they are . "
tr	3	Even with his long legs , he barely caught up with her by the time they reached the house .
tr	3	The wrinkles around the older man 's eyes were made even deeper by his fierce frown .
tr	3	" -- never happened before , but something was there , and it was waiting for us . "
tr	3	He couldn 't blame her , really , but he personally wished she were wrong about that .
tr	3	Now there was something he wanted to avoid even more than the possibility of being eaten : his father .
tr	3	His little sister Kari had perfected that withering stare two years ago at the age of nine .
tr	3	He wasn 't looking forward to that stare either when he got home , come to it .
tr	3	There were more troubling things on his mind , like how he had not been entirely truthful with Elaina .
tr	3	It 's how to tell her that is the question , and what to do with the boy .
tr	3	This would all have been much easier if her parents hadn 't attracted so much attention .
tr	3	He frowned and swirled his finger through the water , sending out little waves that suddenly steamed .
tr	3	It was pleasant to talk about home , but he was careful not to reveal too much .
tr	3	To Landon 's surprise , the man 's solemn eyes turned to him instead of Elaina .
tr	3	They would never believe I am a farmer or shepherd , but perhaps the son of a minor lord ?
tr	3	They 're out here by themselves , on the fringe , no one will believe them if they tell .
tr	3	Even though he was absolutely serious , it was an absurd thing for any one man to say .
tr	3	They should not rule , and they won 't die in a natural span of years .
tr	3	His eyes , so like Elaina 's with motes of gold in brown like warm honey , were inscrutable .
tr	3	Any man could be killed for saying what he said , for being accused of saying it .
tr	3	I knew there was something familiar about the boy -- he has his father 's nerve .
tr	3	You have trusted us enough to tell us this , so I will trust you in return .
tr	3	She waited for him to start laughing at his joke , and part of him wished he were joking .
tr	3	Your little girl , the last child named in the Hall of Giants , is ready to begin .
tr	3	Lots of farms have never been attacked , even if they 're not so close to the mountains .
tr	3	That 's why we 're safe here ; the monsters know what we are and they stay away .
tr	3	The inscription was still clear though , all loops and curls and thick lines that trailed into nothing .
tr	3	Elaina would have to learn to read it before she could unlock all the Book 's secrets .
tr	3	" It wouldn 't have been well hidden if you had , " he said with a chuckle .
tr	3	And we have more important things to discuss than the hinge at the bottom of my wardrobe .
tr	3	He stated , " You with your rebellion , Landon , and you with your training . "
tr	3	I haven 't done more than a petty caster since you came to me , child . "
tr	3	Those neighbors couldn 't save your parents , but they cared for you until I returned . "
tr	3	She had been old enough to know what was happening , even if she could not understand why .
tr	3	Suddenly she was the orphaned child he had come back to , himself newly crippled from regaining the Book .
tr	3	" Yes , " he said sadly , feeling the burden he was settling on her shoulders .
tr	3	There was the backbone she would need , even if it was a little early to imagine great victories .
tr	3	He reassured them both as he made for the door , clutching the Book with one hand .
tr	3	Landon walked behind her , glaring at the foliage and gripping the pommel of his sword .
tr	3	When he whirled about to face the two of them Landon took a startled step back .
tr	3	" There 's only a question in your case Elaina because you may be the last of us .
tr	3	Always will the Truth be on my lips -- soon that will be my oath , too .
tr	3	She imagined this was how an old oak tree would sound , if one ever decided to speak .
tr	3	There are things in this Book that could make your bones disappear , " she made a face .
tr	3	The transformation spread until the mist was gone , replaced by a perfectly round disc of arcs and curves .
tr	3	That was either terribly insightful , or a completely ridiculous , and I am not sure which .
tr	3	Their " spirit " or " being " is made up of a pattern of the pillars .
tr	3	It is the difference between an archer and the man who can also make the bow . "
tr	3	I suppose they call it casting a web because of the resemblance to a spider 's web . "
tr	3	She felt the worried frown furrow her forehead , but couldn 't make it go away .
tr	3	There was no way her touch wouldn 't mar absolute perfection and complex precision of the webs .
tr	3	Whatever it is , that is what I need to find again , find and take hold of .
tr	3	The feeling was like remembering the taste of your favorite food just before you tasted it again .
tr	3	With a gasp , she wrenched out of its embrace , pulling away but not letting go .
tr	3	A breath of wind rustling through the forest was as loud as a gale to her ears .
tr	3	She peered around the clearing with new eyes , and the faintest hints of webs glittered at her .
tr	3	he congratulated , limping over as fast as he could to smother her in a hug .
tr	3	She giggled , though it wasn 't funny , " Like I 've been splitting wood all day .
tr	3	The first time takes more than most because it 's so very new and so strong in you .
tr	3	It is better to be cautious with your power than to become worse than those you fight against . "
tr	3	It looked even simpler than Water , but as it happened Elaina was enormously untalented with Earth .
tr	3	From then on Landon muttered and glared and backed away dramatically every time she cast a web .
tr	3	It wasn 't as if I tried to lose the web -- and I did apologize .
tr	3	Light looked dreadfully tricky with Air and Fire all together , but that had at least felt learnable .
tr	3	The web pulsed and crackled with the energy of flame , engulfing the stone and pouring through it .
tr	3	She 'd staggered back and fallen enough already to wonder if sitting would be uncomfortable tomorrow .
tr	3	Perfectly smooth and delicate as fine porcelain , it was the shape of a two little swallows in flight .
tr	3	" When you 're strong enough , I 'll show you what to cast to bind yours to you .
tr	3	Prophecies are for key moments , like whirlpools that every current leads to , one way or another .
tr	3	It was never a skill of mine -- that is about as far as I understand it . "
tr	3	" There are ways to hide the connection , if you know what to look for . "
tr	3	When he heard Landon , he snatched his pipe from his lips to squint at her .
tr	3	He peered into her face for a moment , turning her chin from side to side .
tr	3	She ignored him , peering into a mug of tea to see if the reflection was better .
tr	3	Elaina couldn 't help but reach out to tough the flat , cold image of herself .
tr	3	Colorless eyes stared back at her , not a hint of brown or gold left in them .
tr	3	" I don 't know , " she shrugged , " I didn 't really see them much . "
tr	3	" You know the pillars help casters stay well , but they do even more for us . "
tr	3	' No creature of sand or salt shall be untouched by the winds of change . " '
tr	3	If it does not , my sisters will know the signs -- we will be ready . "
tr	3	We must be watching on the nights the stars move , and then we will understand .
tr	3	If we do not , the Scrolls condemn us to sail into the teeth of the storm alone .
tr	3	She 'd never admit it to a soul , but storms like these made her actually wish for land .
tr	3	My sisters and I must be watchful , and I feel blind as a deep water eel .
tr	3	Had he not saved the Empress 's life by his own hand when she was a little girl ?
tr	3	It had faded -- he was no longer a young man -- but it was still plain .
tr	3	A pity , but so long as her brothers knew nothing of it , it made no difference .
tr	3	If there was truly something happening in the west , they would be able to take care of it .
tr	3	Earth remained difficult for her , but she was getting markedly better with Air and Fire .
tr	3	Lunch was leftovers , if they had any , or bread and cheese when they didn 't .
tr	3	Elaina usually slept twice as long as the other two , exhausted by her new method of morning chores .
tr	3	By late afternoon the sun began to slip behind the mountains as they days grew shorter .
tr	3	If it hadn 't been so terribly important , Elaina would have thrown up her hands and given up .
tr	3	It never bothered the older man in the slightest , and the younger knew better than to mention it .
tr	3	Some things were more important than another glass and a lively dance with a pretty girl .
tr	3	Every few days the little house was visited by a guest of an entirely different sort .
tr	3	From there , it could not be convinced to back out until Elaina patted the monstrous snout .
tr	3	Instead of joining them , she spent the twilight hours flipping through the pages of the Book .
tr	3	The quill had pressed hard enough into the paper to make little ridges and valleys on the other side .
tr	3	All she could read was " shadows , " " touch , " and " kill . "
tr	3	For one , there were too many questions in the Book to get answers for all of them .
tr	3	Surely tiny limbs like those would freeze in the mountain winters -- perhaps they lived further south .
tr	3	It was silly , but she couldn 't get to sleep until she heard a second bird .
tr	3	She supposed her attitude would be more like Landon 's if they wanted to eat her .
tr	3	Bewildered and frustrated , Elaina shoved everything she could into her satchel and hurried after them .
tr	3	The shadows in the wood were getting longer , but she had no idea how far they 'd gone .
tr	3	It would be a poor payment to your family if they never heard from you again . "
tr	3	Every cut branch and vine will point the way to our hunters like a flaming arrow .
tr	3	They had walked all day and now just when she thought she was done there was more .
tr	3	" Anything you like , only no burning -- we do not need the smoke . "
tr	3	If I 'm tired , he must be exhausted , she thought , suddenly ashamed of herself .
tr	3	Every step was twice as hard for him as it was for her , but he hadn 't complained .
tr	3	She asked , releasing the fine strands of the Light and Air to watch him consider her question .
tr	3	I 'd thank you not to try any time soon , we 're fugitives , after all . "
tr	3	" The power comes from the sources that touch it , which is of course quite dangerous .
tr	3	If you touch a form you can start but can 't complete , you 'll die . "
tr	3	" Yes , it is a strange business , as I said , and a dangerous one .
tr	3	It really isn 't casting at all ... " Here he trailed off , suddenly very still .
tr	3	An inverted web too massive to complete , instant death for all who touched it . "
tr	3	All of a Guardian 's power would be sucked into the impossible web , all of it .
tr	3	He was fascinated by banishment -- he wanted to know where things go when they are sent into non-being .
tr	3	It caused an underground civil war amongst the Guardians at the beginning of the Age -- the Lost Times .
tr	3	One of them knows better than to tell a woman what to wear , she thought .
tr	3	They don 't have to change -- women always get the short end of the stick !
tr	3	She brandished a forest green dress with a square neckline and short sleeves at her uncle .
tr	3	She 'd put it on in the morning -- there was no need to sleep in the stinking thing .
tr	3	Even though the weather stayed fair and the scenery was exquisite , every day seemed a chore to Elaina .
tr	3	It was harder than she expected , and she didn 't have the heart to get better at it .
tr	3	That would be perfect -- the exact opposite of what we do now : starving and marching .
tr	3	Somehow , banishing was utterly different than killing , even if the result was the same .
tr	3	When Landon came trotting back with the lifeless body , Elaina couldn 't barely stand to look at it .
tr	3	The struggle with the power to create and destroy isn 't like the power to manipulate .
tr	3	Truth , what would it do to me if I did that to something greater than a rabbit ?
tr	3	After a moment of contemplating her face , he saw the guilt there and made the connection .
tr	3	Elaina crawled a little ways around the trunk of the pine before flopping on her side .
tr	3	As she lay looking at the branches above her , Elaina considered how far they 'd come .
tr	3	They could no longer hear the wolves at night and hadn 't been able to for days .
tr	3	It was also proof they were not too concerned with keeping themselves hidden , which didn 't bode well .
tr	3	She hadn 't been a curvy girl when they started out , and now she was looking positively skinny .
tr	3	He sighed and scanned the ground for the burrows of snow voles or the tracks of mountain fox .
tr	3	He tried to keep the doubt out of his voice , but it didn 't quite work .
tr	3	When he checked back over his shoulder though , Elaina didn 't seem to think his concern was misplaced .
tr	3	Elaina had spent the whole first week looking at him sideways as if he were a puzzle .
tr	3	" This is the only entrance to the valley , we 'll come out this way . "
tr	3	She sounded more tired than alarmed , but Landon felt a thrill of unease wriggle up his spine .
tr	3	But anyone behind us can only come in one man at a time , if they find this niche .
tr	3	Elaina and Landon shared an incredulous look , but the calm in his voice eased Landon 's fears .
tr	3	Silver birches crowded the foot of the mountains on the left , and the wind made them almost whisper .
tr	3	The thin snow must have melted , leaving the last of the fall flowers visible in the grass .
tr	3	In the stillness he could hear the cheerful sound of water trickling down the rocks into the pool .
tr	3	" This would be a good time for that bath you 've been bothering me about , Elaina .
tr	3	Beaming , Elaina took off across the meadow , her laughter chasing itself off the mountainsides .
tr	3	He hadn 't been actually clean in weeks , and shaving was out of the question .
tr	3	Mother probably wouldn 't know me if she saw me now , a ragged wayfarer with wild hair .
tr	3	When he got closer to the pool he yanked off his boots and splashed right in .
tr	3	Crouching a bit in the water , it was just the right height to shave by .
tr	3	A few nicks were a very reasonable price to pay for not feeling like a bandit .
tr	3	As he walked up , content and relaxed , Elaina peered into the night behind him .
tr	3	I hear its better in the valleys of the mountains than up in the northern plains .
tr	3	" We 're going to need supplies if we mean to face the winter up here . "
tr	3	They may not even have what we need -- assuming they open their doors to strangers at all . "
tr	3	It would be weeks before they got there , but Landon was pleased to finally have a solid plan .
tr	3	It squatted at the mouth of the pass , dark timbers cutting a sharp contrast to the snow .
tr	3	There will be people in the city , Elaina , we 'd be noticed for sure . "
tr	3	If something happens , don 't wait , and whatever you do , don 't come back .
tr	3	she asked anxiously , " All these warnings ... " " Just in case , " he assured her .
tr	3	She smiled at the name he called her when she was younger , reassured by his promise .
tr	3	A stooped old man had taken his place , white hair trailing down his back : his disguise .
tr	3	" He 's close enough to see them now , and he isn 't stopping . "
tr	3	One of them looks like he 's whispering to another ... " Her breath caught in her throat .
tr	3	" Yes , he was holding the cloak shut before , but now he 's being careless . "
tr	3	The normal guard looked bored and kept checking back over his shoulder at the abandoned gate .
tr	3	Landon shifted his stare from the road he couldn 't see to look askance of her .
tr	3	If they really know , you 'd only give them exactly what they want : you .
tr	3	" If he doesn 't know he 's being followed , he 'll lead them right to us .
tr	3	" The more you walk on the rocks , the less you 'll have to hide later . "
tr	3	Elaina cried , " I won 't leave him to those men , I can save him ! "
tr	3	Tears stung her eyes , but she nodded , hiking back up the hill to him .
tr	3	Landon didn 't know if that was because she was angry or just if there was nothing to tell .
tr	3	A flash of white light filled the horizon to the south , blinding them both for an instant .
tr	3	She dug out the little stone bird of hers and murmured to it in a the old language .
tr	3	Despite knowing the truth , Landon felt hope swirl painfully in his chest before he could crush it .
tr	3	The stone crashed and bounced loudly down the mountainside until he heard it crunch into soft snow .
tr	3	It felt like a fist punching through his chest , listening to her sob herself to sleep .
tr	3	As quietly as he could , he picked his way down the rocks , searching in the silver half-light .
tr	3	The closer they got to his home , the more of an advantage they 'd have .
tr	3	Maybe they could spend the winter in the Fens , or sneak into little hamlet somewhere and disappear .
tr	3	She clenched her jaw and refused to blink so the tears just glistened in her eyes but never fell .
tr	3	Sometimes they fell anyway , and she didn 't bother to wipe them from her cheeks .
tr	3	" I saw smoke to the south -- a village or a farmhouse , most likely .
tr	3	At least the snow was thinner down on the plain , a light frost on the golden yellow grass .
tr	3	" We 're just going to have to chance it , " Landon said , scowling at the heights .
tr	3	" Walk fast , but don 't run -- that would draw even more attention . "
tr	3	For a lord 's son , he knew an awful lot about tracking and living in the woods .
tr	3	They made it to the front door and knocked just loud enough to be sure they 'd be heard .
tr	3	" We 're travelers , sir , and could use supplies , " Landon called back through the door .
tr	3	Elaina frowned at his rudeness , but Landon nodded , " Certainly , sir , our apologies .
tr	3	That could have been our last chance to stay ahead of them , she thought bitterly .
tr	3	As soon as he did , the hermit had a fit , wheezing and coughing in the thin sunlight .
tr	3	Then the door was kicked clean off its hinges , landing with a crash on the floor .
tr	3	A man in all black stepped forward and grabbed him around the neck with one enormous hand .
tr	3	Technically , he hadn 't opened the door to anyone ... " How long ago ? "
tr	3	If he is so blasted uninterested , why does he kick in doors and choke people ?
tr	3	The hermit heaved the door back in place , cursing the lot of them under his breath .
tr	3	In the distance , he could see the people of this little village fleeing into the tall grass .
tr	3	They were surrounded by armed men in black coats , dressed exactly as Landon described -- Watchers .
tr	3	Landon circled her sword drawn , as grim as death , but the guard paid him no mind .
tr	3	If they are as good as is said , they don 't need to mind Landon .
tr	3	A final rider in dark grey galloped toward them , raising a thin streamer of dust through the grass .
tr	3	Her hunter moved closer , and the circle of guards opened to let both him and his companion through .
tr	3	It surprised her how normal he looked , this invading conqueror and Empire builder , this murderer .
tr	3	She gave a start to see plain grey eyes , human eyes , looking back at her .
tr	3	His sharp eyes locked on hers for only a moment before flicking to Landon and back again .
tr	3	She could feel her power flow out of her , and the air around them grew thick and quivered .
tr	3	He had said that to touch it was death , and his own death proved him right .
tr	3	She knew terror was written plainly across her face , but she couldn 't help it .
tr	3	Behind him a scowl darkened the face of the Watcher , and his hand clenched on his sword .
tr	3	Water was cracking free of thin layers of ice to rise out of wells in glistening ovals .
tr	3	She groaned , bringing Landon back to her side , but she couldn 't stand any longer .
tr	3	Elaina couldn 't hold her head up to watch , but she could still hear the cool reply .
tr	3	Thunder rolled around them , never truly ending , an ominous drumbeat of ruin and death .
tr	3	The words were clear and ringing , filling her head like the power that filled everything else .
tr	3	Landon felt sick , and it had nothing to do with the buckling of the earth .
tr	3	He almost cried when they did -- there was no focus in the way she gazed at the Orb .
tr	3	At the moment , that murderer was gaping at Elaina , mouth hanging open in astonishment .
tr	3	Landon felt an odd rush of pleasure -- so he does have emotions like a normal human .
tr	3	The earth trembled and groaned beneath them , as if it were as alive and in pain .
tr	3	If he was to be pestered for the rest of eternity , he was going to get angry .
tr	3	Landon didn 't notice and lurched to his feet using the two soldiers to help him up .
tr	3	The Watchers were startled to see him acting the doorman , but only stuttered a moment .
tr	3	The silver plate was chased with gold and the helm he carried under one arm matched .
tr	3	Gems on the grip would just be foolish -- your blade would twist and turn all over the place .
tr	3	Either she 's frightened of me -- unlikely being what she was -- or she can barely stand .
tr	3	Well there 's an army at my back , and we will have Landon or you will die ! "
tr	3	It was vital that he catch her off guard , make her think about who he was .
tr	3	She panted from the effort of holding him there , her eyebrows drawn into an angry scowl .
tr	3	Her face was pale as flour , but she managed to keep from squeaking when she spoke .
tr	3	A child throwing a tantrum with the pillars could well kill him , and then who could save Landon ?
tr	3	By the destruction that had surrounded this little hamlet , he knew she was at least a caster .
tr	3	Truth , she could even really be a Creator -- it is possible , though she looks young .
tr	3	She was young enough that volume and temper made an impression , so volume and temper it would be .
tr	3	He roared , struggling to get at her , as if he would kill her with his bare hands .
tr	3	Here this chit who had stolen his son stood side by side with his most despised enemy .
tr	3	Why think you there is a ring of cinder and ash for leagues around this place ?
tr	3	He would have guessed that was a prayer to relief -- she had not been sure Landon was alive .
tr	3	No wonder she had been so uncertain -- coldly imperious one minute , hotly angry the next .
tr	3	That was how it used to be anyway , but much had changed since the Invasion .
tr	3	Elaina had some doubt as to whether she could have stood up to him , pillars or no .
tr	3	A few months ago all that gold and the stones would have made her jaw drop , Elaina knew .
tr	3	Plan too far ahead and you 'll fall over the first stone while thinking about the tenth .
tr	3	She sighed and quickly pushed the memory of his face away , before the tears caught up with her .
tr	3	Things have a way of going wrong if a person lives long enough , travel or no .
tr	3	Truth , someone must have been teaching them since birth if they already have that kind of skill !
tr	3	" My Lord , my Lady , there are people here who say they are from this place .
tr	3	Now they came back to find those men in residence and most of the town gone .
tr	3	She hoped they had all gone far enough away to survive the disaster that was the Orb .
tr	3	" I regret that it has so harmed your village , but I intend to see it fixed . "
tr	3	It has been fifteen years since we left the Isles , perhaps even now the Empress is in danger !
tr	3	It could take us months to rebuild everything as it was , even if I send for more men .
tr	3	If you must do something , leave them gold to rebuild and we can march for Split Creek . "
tr	3	The destruction of the Orb had not gone well for the local stocks of food and water .
tr	3	If the villagers don 't like how it turns out , they can just redo it themselves .
tr	3	The stone rose , shifting and melting into red hot slabs , pouring upward into thin walls .
tr	3	There were openings for doors and windows and rafters across the top to fix thatch to .
tr	3	The matron 's chin trembled a bit with her voice , and tears filled her brown eyes .
tr	3	Could any soul be so twisted and false that it would create a such a place ?
tr	3	Men were more evil than she had believed , and she wanted their punishment to be equally severe .
tr	3	So she would use him , the way he was using her , but she would never trust him .
tr	3	Up there it would be a monumental blizzard , and she hated snow and cold more than anything .
tr	3	It kept the water off everything save her boots , yet the air was still fresh .
tr	3	A few people suggested that it was from relief at escaping his nagging daughter-in-law , but not too loudly .
tr	3	He just had this unending belief that things would work out , and somehow he was hardly ever wrong .
tr	3	When she asked , he explained shortly : " When we die , we go to the heavens .
tr	3	Perhaps she underestimated the desire to be remembered forever , your legacy untouchable in the night sky .
tr	3	Really , to meet the girl in this little shack on the far edge of nowhere !
tr	3	No , he would be the one who held the chain , whose hands she would kneel to kiss .
tr	3	Even once you 'd trained it you still kept bells on the thing in case it lost itself .
tr	3	And if they failed , he knew he could not stop the seawall from breaking after that .
tr	3	It rankled to have to rely on anyone this way , but sometimes these things were necessary .
tr	3	There is no shame in needing a few extra hands to deal with that , certainly .
tr	3	There was no need for two of them all the time after this was finished , though .
tr	3	That was the only way to do anything to Bloodstone : alter it with pure Flame .
tr	3	Elaina strode through the doors to the hall in what she hoped was a regal way .
tr	3	Sudden motion just out of her sight , swift and smooth , set off alarms in her head .
tr	3	It was the guards , the ones by the doors dressed all in black like Ravin .
tr	3	Elaina did not realize she was screaming until she saw someone clap their hands to their ears .
tr	3	Kicking with all her strength , she tried to fight free of the hands that held her .
tr	3	Then her back hit the stone floor , those hands still on her shoulders , on her bare neck .
tr	3	Two faces looked down at her -- no , it was the same face twice over .
tr	3	It was all she could do not to just lie there and stare at them in incredulous awe .
tr	3	She couldn 't kick , couldn 't move her arms , and the pillars were still gone .
tr	3	There was nothing else to be done , she could not kick , could not thrash about at all .
tr	3	It isn 't fair to everyone else , she thought wildly , and there are two of them !
tr	3	CHAPTER 15 The Forgotten When she woke , she was on a pallet in a tiny little room .
tr	3	The room gave a lurch , and the sounds of men and horses filtered through the walls .
tr	3	Elaina tried to sit up , but her head felt like a ripe melon just ready to split .
tr	3	Though I doubt I 'll get the chance to test that , with these two not two spans away .
tr	3	The other nodded , sending a little wave of movement down the identical chain on his left hand .
tr	3	" Please do not try to overpower us again , we do not want to hurt you . "
tr	3	They seemed to know exactly what she meant : what have you done to my power .
tr	3	So long as you are connected by the stone to any of our kind , your power is gone .
tr	3	It was a peculiar word , but it was certainly derived from the old language of the Order .
tr	3	We are unknown to your power , so we can defend when others could not . "
tr	3	Dead at the hands of those he had trusted , the ones now holding her leash .
tr	3	Their lives were going to be a living nightmare in every way she could make it .
tr	3	And chained to her as they were , there had to be many , many ways .
tr	3	As they marched her up the long line of wagons , Elaina felt her heart sink .
tr	3	Awaiting them were some of the same people that she had seen before at Split Creek .
tr	3	They weren 't standing at tense attention as they had been before , she was no longer a threat .
tr	3	Arranged in a crescent at the front of the group were a handful of men in charcoal grey .
tr	3	They were sent alone on the most dangerous , impossible missions in her service , and many died .
tr	3	Elaina felt a chill run down her spine -- this captivity was going to go deeper than she imagined .
tr	3	She could still see webs , and he looked like an idiot with all the waving about .
tr	3	It felt as though lightning had run up her arms and struck her through the heart .
tr	3	There was only pain , exquisite pain that did not numb with time , but blossomed in her mind .
tr	3	Beside her rode another boy on a palomino just as large , laughing with simple joy at life .
tr	3	She was older , yet still a child , on a field of dead men and dying .
tr	3	He handed her and the other boy the swords with his last words on his lips .
tr	3	She was in a stone courtyard , dancing among men , killing men with her brother at her side .
tr	3	Her blade drove through a man 's heart and she watched as the light left his eyes .
tr	3	The dark of the night and the road appeared again through the white mist that shrouded her eyes .
tr	3	Elaina shuddered back into her own mind , desperate for the pain and the memories to stop .
tr	3	Eyes closed and dizzy , Elaina felt she could tell exactly where the two of them were .
tr	3	Perhaps if you suffered that much , the true spirits forgave a betrayal here , an enslavement there .
tr	3	Collecting themselves , the brothers rose and bowed their affirmation like a matched pair of horses .
tr	3	If anything , it was safer now that she was not scowling at him from under lowered brows .
tr	3	The expression on her face , relaxed and calm , was so altered she looked a different person altogether .
tr	3	Like any creature she wants to be free , and like any falcon , she wants to fly .
tr	3	Keeping up a brave front is to her credit , but it is only days until she collapses .
tr	3	As inconvenient as she could be , he was still not looking forward to that day .
tr	3	That was something he knew of , only his chains were not of stone , but blood .
tr	3	She showed no respect to anyone with authority , but remained unfailingly polite to anyone without .
tr	3	There had been four in the first two weeks alone , each enough to nearly flay her to death .
tr	3	" If you do not eat it , you will be hungry , there isn 't anything else . "
tr	3	She welcomes death like a cold man welcomes a fire , like a lover welcomes a kiss .
tr	3	Every man in camp kept close tabs on their tableware now , buried it deep in their saddlebags .
tr	3	It was similar to the scar on Corin 's arm inflicted by her teeth that first day .
tr	3	Feeding her was a trial -- they trying to sustain her , she trying to choke or starve herself .
tr	3	If anyone got too close , she 'd bite them as hard as an unruly mare .
tr	3	Plus , one or other of them always noticed the fuzziness of the link and investigated .
tr	3	An flash of white light on the horizon , and a world of pain and fear and loneliness .
tr	3	Even if something did make him feel , it was never enough to show itself on his face .
tr	3	Being cold to the bone with no way to get warm , though , that was a nightmare .
tr	3	In two hours her teeth chattered loudly enough to be heard clearly above the howling wind .
tr	3	If he wouldn 't admit he was cold , she certainly wasn 't going to complain .
tr	3	I am NOT going to ask to go inside , no matter how much I want to .
tr	3	Never mind that some were at a huge disadvantage , thin and chained and freezing cold .
tr	3	It was as if he had not noticed the awful gale that whitened everything more than two spans away .
tr	3	" This would be a poor time to burn the wagon with a loose ember . "
tr	3	The more grateful she was for his audacity , the more she blushed , and the warmer she felt .
tr	3	" You 're only warm because you were with me , and my bed is larger than yours . "
tr	3	His calm sincerity was absolutely free of any mocking , but Elaina hated to let him off so easily .
tr	3	Just because they treat me like an animal didn 't mean I no longer understand human speech .
tr	3	Eventually , she gave it up and returned to being politely unmanageable and suicidal , like before .
tr	3	" Then there are the birds you want to train to hunt , the proud , dangerous birds .
tr	3	The only sound was the wind against the tent , sneaking bitterly cold drafts around the seams .
tr	3	And , more importantly , what actions are forbidden to a man who carries fate on his shoulders ?
tr	3	But words were only words , to be bartered and traded and used even more readily than coin .
tr	3	If calling them brothers inclined them to agree , then that was what he would call them .
tr	3	This will be her warning -- I am a fair man , I will warn her .
tr	3	As if it matters whether she was a coward or not , either way she will be broken .
tr	3	He announced , folding himself in half again before he retreated to the wall of the tent .
tr	3	Perhaps we will teach her to sing for us one day , but that is enough for now . "
tr	3	" You are a fool , Firstborn , yet you prance about like a king ! "
tr	3	Kill me , and your world dies because of you , if your prophesies are true .
tr	3	And you will regret this day for the rest of your long life in chains . "
tr	3	It was normally used for the interrogation of captured spies or scouts -- the red did not show blood .
tr	3	It made him think of his sister , the only reason he was here at all .
tr	3	But if he tried anything , this much and more would be Sarina 's without doubt .
tr	3	There was nothing he could do but obey , dwelling on it only made it worse .
tr	3	When they saw where they were headed , men stopped peering after her and went about their business hastily .
tr	3	Many suddenly thought of something to do on the other side of the encampment or beyond .
tr	3	They had been there often enough that she knew all the men assigned to the red tent .
tr	3	They were actually almost friendly , with her so polite it was hard for them not to be .
tr	3	Some things just cannot not be washed out , he thought , turning away while she removed her dress .
tr	3	The boards were studded with leather straps that could hold a victim in a variety of positions .
tr	3	She stood on two wooden blocks nailed into the boards , leaning back against the tilted surface .
tr	3	Her feet were half a span off the dirt and her head was just below his shoulder .
tr	3	She wore only her camisole , which reached far enough to cover her knees and had straps for sleeves .
tr	3	Then they had to stop later to fix it when her hands and feet turned purple .
tr	3	No doubt the Firstborn hopes to include her in his breeding program once he 's broken her .
tr	3	Blood may not come off easily in soap and water , but the Elements leave nothing behind .
tr	3	The Firstborn was that sort of man , to lose his head in the pleasure of it .
tr	3	" I have enjoyed watching you struggle , sparrow , but for this you must stay very still .
tr	3	To touch one of the Brothers that way was an assault ; it stripped the Firstborn of the Elements .
tr	3	She will bear that scar forever , to remind her of the cost of rash words . "
tr	3	Her vision was fuzzy , but she knew where she was by the white sheet that filled her view .
tr	3	He looked calm but weary -- not tired , but a man who had seen too much .
tr	3	She didn 't remember Watchers ever sounding like that , but she didn 't remember too much .
tr	3	He was right where he should be in her head , but was she sure he was a Watcher ?
tr	3	Men leapt from their path as they charged through , leaving angry shouts in their wake .
tr	3	She was too tired to do anything at all with it , but to hold it !
tr	3	For the first time since her capture , she couldn 't have pointed to where he was .
tr	3	It was harder to hold her up , but at least she wasn 't in pain .
tr	3	The horses were running on pure fear from whatever had been thrown around in the camp .
tr	3	He pushed the thought of what was behind him back into a dark corner of his mind .
tr	3	Reining in , he dismounted , holding the limp form of his companion in the saddle with one hand .
tr	3	There only a camisole underneath , and it had ridden up quite high as she straddled the horse .
tr	3	For that she was thankful , aware she was quite a sight , not something anyone would forget .
tr	3	And she most definitely wanted their passing to be made with as little attention as possible .
tr	3	She was grateful for the excuse to lean into him , with her knees bending like broken reeds .
tr	3	He 's ... he 's the sort you go to if you 've a real serious problem , see ?
tr	3	The sort of problem ... well , the sort you know when you 've got it , eh ?
tr	3	Still , she did not want to be out here any longer than they had to be .
tr	3	But Truth , it feels so good to be free of that weight around my neck !
tr	3	Without doubt , if anyone came after her with a collar again she would kill them in a blink .
tr	3	It was a bold claim , considering she barely had the strength to walk , let alone defend herself .
tr	3	They passed beyond of the relative clutter that was the village , following the road into the countryside .
tr	3	When a path forked off to the left into a grove of ash , they took it .
tr	3	A single candle stood on a windowsill , lighting the face that looked out at them .
tr	3	Her head was lolling about -- she wouldn 't be awake much longer if she was at all .
tr	3	" You may set her on the chair there , I don 't mind the mess . "
tr	3	So you 've just got in and the Lady 's feeling the ride , is it ?
tr	3	" I 've seen strong men die of less than this , and die quickly . "
tr	3	She 's very pretty , or she was when she had some meat on her bones . "
tr	3	They lost their hold on my brother and myself , and we were her guards and her Watchers .
tr	3	It did not take any special power to see a man balanced on the edge of a knife .
tr	3	My people are gone , my family is gone , and my land sown with salt .
tr	3	I will take their prize , take their hope , and then I will take their lives .
tr	3	He his hands did not move , but the girl 's face was no longer blank .
tr	3	She looked like a person having a pleasant dream , a soft smile on her lips .
tr	3	Cade asked , pulling the collar and its chains from the bag he had slung over his shoulder .
tr	3	At any rate , she will never allow herself to be trapped like that again . "
tr	3	The pool of molten rock trickled deeper into the hole , burying itself in the dirt .
tr	3	" But you can stop shredding your companion with your lovely grey eyes , my dear .
tr	3	I do not think things would have ended well for us if you had not been here .
tr	3	The higher you send it , the wider it spreads at the end , yes ? "
tr	3	CHAPTER 21 The Name Thanking their host again , they let themselves be herded back into the night .
tr	3	Elaina cast a gentle glow around them -- what a joy to use the pillars again !
tr	3	She was extremely glad the caster had mended the chafing from that along with everything else .
tr	3	Even as he spoke , his head was constantly turning , scanning the night for a threat .
tr	3	It was an empty look , one that made her feel like shrinking into a corner .
tr	3	Is it because I have seen slivers of his past , or would those eyes darken anyone 's spirit ?
tr	3	" Do you wish to try the web now , or do you need to wait ?
tr	3	I don 't know what he did to you , but you seem well as you ever were . "
tr	3	One glance was enough to convince her that her companion knew exactly what she was thinking .
tr	3	Her smile faded and she finished shortly , " I 'm well enough for this . "
tr	3	Waves of Fire and Air spilled over each other , surging , gushing off into the night .
tr	3	It had been difficult enough , her legs buckled beneath her when she took a step .
tr	3	The innkeeper stopped when it was clear he would get neither a word nor a look from him .
tr	3	Elaina woke up to find she was still sprawled awkwardly across the coverlet of the scratchy old bed .
tr	3	There were no scars from her most recent wounds , and the old ones had faded .
tr	3	As much time as they had spent together , she had no concept of him as a man .
tr	3	In fact , he had never hurt her , save that first day at Split Creek .
tr	3	He sharpened two long sticks and speared alternating chunks of salted pork and bread on them .
tr	3	Their dinner started to smell delicious in a very short amount of time , making Elaina 's stomach rumble .
tr	3	She cast a sideways glance at Cade , who apparently did not think the food was done .
tr	3	Once finished , he tossed his stick on the fire and they both watched it burn and sizzle .
tr	3	I could not have gone on much longer anyway -- I 've been in better health . "
tr	3	She thought she saw one eyebrow twitch upward at that and a blush spread across her face .
tr	3	He is the man who force fed her multiple times a day for many , many days .
tr	3	Elaina caught the obvious implication : it wasn 't the pace , but there was something bothering her .
tr	3	How does he manage to order me around without ceasing , yet refusing always seems unreasonable ?
tr	3	Tree trunks blocked every line of sight in a few paces , which didn 't help his plan .
tr	3	He had no idea what it was -- and last night 's guess hadn 't helped at all .
tr	3	They had not meant for her to be chained , but they had never lifted a finger for him .
tr	3	Elaina burst into the clearing on Cade 's heels , muttering under her breath at the ever-present trees .
tr	3	Elaina jumped and Cade spun , black sword out to face the wall of trees to the left .
tr	3	They were both casters , strong and experienced enough to fully control the pillars they could touch .
tr	3	So the man had Earth at the least , and the woman had Air and Earth and Water .
tr	3	I 'll stick with Fire then , so they cannot be sure I am even a complete caster .
tr	3	Elaina didn 't bother to brush off the leaves and twigs that now littered her hair and shoulders .
tr	3	Elaina said at last , using the name she and Cade had agreed on in advance .
tr	3	That ' conversation ' consisted of him saying they needed aliases and each of them saying a new name .
tr	3	" Well , you are welcome to stay here , or to travel with us if you wish . "
tr	3	She held onto Fire , just skimming the surface so she would be ready if she had to be .
tr	3	Cade watched from the corner of his eye as Darin did his best to seduce Elaina .
tr	3	" No -- " Elaina began and was cut off , " Oh but by the Truth !
tr	3	All the buildings are painted every color of the rainbow , with arches and spires like lace .
tr	3	Cade 's eyes narrowed at that , but quiet alarm and annoyance flickered on her features .
tr	3	Cade was pleased to see Elaina wasn 't shy , taking what she wanted with Darin 's profuse encouragement .
tr	3	As she laid them out , Cade came over and asked quietly , " Does he trouble you ? "
tr	3	Her surprise was evident in her sudden stillness , but she neither responded nor moved any closer to him .
tr	3	This wasn 't the time to make anything of it , either : Darin might decide to interfere .
tr	3	It hadn 't been just the surprise of seeing an expression on the Watcher that startled her .
tr	3	Cade announced as soon as Elaina was finished , which came quickly the way she 'd been eating .
tr	3	" Come now , you have never sat so close to me before -- Darin frightened you .
tr	3	Well , you have only ever seen me when I 'm chained to unnatural creatures like yourself !
tr	3	He never used all his power in those greeting demonstrations -- better to have everyone underestimate you .
tr	3	This tart has underestimated me quite a bit if she thinks she doesn 't need protecting .
tr	3	Now that the dark one is out of the way , this will be much , much easier .
tr	3	Relaxed and pleased , Elaina was lying on her back smiling to herself when there was a rustle nearby .
tr	3	She couldn 't really just say , Yes , I was about to turn you into charcoal .
tr	3	" Ah , well , you know -- just an old thing I picked up . "
tr	3	His open curiosity forced her to go on , and Elaina hit on it at last .
tr	3	The daggers in her head grew and multiplied until her piercing cry was reduced to a whimper .
tr	3	Well , I 'm not the sort of man to go merrily on my way , little sorceress . "
tr	3	Vaguely , Elaina saw her arms rise to push him away , but without any strength .
tr	3	It was like watching a nightmare , everything moving slowly , dimly , outside her control .
tr	3	Cade explained , " When I heard a scream I came as quickly as I could .
tr	3	She was never very good at being meek , but this was certainly a time to try .
tr	3	Reading the hurt in her face , he sighed and amended , " I never should have left .
tr	3	Cade could force himself into an obedient Watcher , but they had just escaped from a life like that .
tr	3	He joined in the slow , deep chanting that came next and walked in time with the incantations .
tr	3	He preferred more certain odds , though he did not think all five would oppose him .
tr	3	They may have slipped through my noose of Wind -- where did the chit learn to Scatter the Winds ?
tr	3	Roots of snaked out of the dark earth , engulfing the body and burying it deep in the dirt .
tr	3	A finger twitched , and grass ran across the black soil , sprouting to full growth in moments .
tr	3	I do so need to rest , and we must find a pleasant place for the poor animals .
tr	3	Cade nodded his approval and led her deeper into the city with the wave of the disinterested guard .
tr	3	Once he was out on the street , Cade had never been so relieved that she listened .
tr	3	Wagons and carriages inched through the masses , and hordes of the poorer people filled in every gap .
tr	3	The man wore the rough clothes of the country and glanced up at him with a keen eye .
tr	3	" You 'll make more than that in a season , using them as brood mares . "
tr	3	But you don 't have time to wait a season and breed horses , do you ? "
tr	3	Cade said in agreement , handing over the reins with a pat to the bay 's cheek .
tr	3	Cade looked up and rested one hand on the hilt of the black sword at his waist .
tr	3	" So it 's not just the horses that have had a bad way of it . "
tr	3	It is no surprise they 'd treat a man as badly , or a woman . "
tr	3	A man who did it to a dog would have , for that , or even a rat .
tr	3	They care less for the rules of the land , if you know my meaning . "
tr	3	Drifting into the crowd , Cade made his way north through the city to the port .
tr	3	They have the money , the men , and the endless energy to pursue what they want .
tr	3	He leaned farther into the shadows as two men walked by in the uniform of harbor officials .
tr	3	the other man wailed , " All that I paid to get you this job gone for naught ! "
tr	3	Cade 's eyes narrowed and he slipped out of his hiding place to follow the men through the crowd .
tr	3	Elaina had just finished mending the holes in her stockings when Cade slipped back into their room .
tr	3	she cried , bewildered , " I thought this was one of the great ports ! "
tr	3	There are plenty of ships in the harbor , but none that will take us . "
tr	3	Surely one of them -- " she cut off when he tossed the crumpled paper in her lap .
tr	3	He said , settling onto a stool beside the table with a tired slump to his shoulders .
tr	3	" If they have these at the gates , I 've no idea how we 'll ever get out .
tr	3	" There 'd be the risk of ambush if it fell into the wrong hands . "
tr	3	Bookstores always had parchment , quills , and ink in addition to any volumes they 'd invested in .
tr	3	Setting it all on the table , he hesitated , " My handwriting is distinctive . "
tr	3	He said at last , " It would be better if you could write the letter ? "
tr	3	Relieved , Cade began to dictate , " ' To our loyal brothers , ' not capitalized .
tr	3	It won 't be in blue wax , but he 'll know it 's from me .
tr	3	He assured her , taking up the paper and blowing on it to dry the ink .
tr	3	I suppose he knew I would need it , even if I didn 't at the time . "
tr	3	What is the West without the East to balance it , what is the right hand without the left ?
tr	3	As if she 'd read his mind , there was a flash of heat around the clothes .
tr	3	Cade glanced at the pillow and blanket he had used , folded neatly on the foot of the bed .
tr	3	There was a short struggle and the sound of fabric rustling , then there was a long pause .
tr	3	Just when he was about to ask if he might turn back around , she spoke again .
tr	3	" Don 't look , but I don 't think this is going to work . "
tr	3	" There 's a store down the street with fabric on display , I saw it coming in .
tr	3	Elaina snuck out first through the back courtyard , slipping into an alley to wait for Cade .
tr	3	After all , who would try to rob a vagabond and dock rat in the dim alleyways ?
tr	3	And if anyone tried that , who would succeed in robbing a Guardian and a Watcher ?
tr	3	At the top of the ramp , a man rose up to block their way aboard .
tr	3	" This is a ship of trade , not of passengers -- there are no cabins .
tr	3	Her top was just as vibrantly yellow , but that wasn 't its most startling feature .
tr	3	Her only jewelry was a pair of matching golden bracelets two fingers thick , one on each wrist .
tr	3	" Welcome to our decks , " the second man with the massive arms greeted them .
tr	3	When she looked down again her smile was broad , on the verge of breaking into laughter .
tr	3	The Wave Star passes between the Undying Lights -- it is a night of prophecy and prophecy fulfilled . "
tr	3	" There are inspectors at the mouth of the harbor -- they would be happy to find this . "
tr	3	Baffled , Elaina searched their faces , trying to decide if they 'd all gone mad .
tr	3	" So the stars speak tonight , " he resigned himself to his orders , " we must follow .
tr	3	It 's a mighty long walk and not too civilized a road , if you know my meaning . "
tr	3	" Never mind that , lad , always enough room at the table for a few more friends .
tr	3	He replied with a smile , waving away Cade 's purse before he even loosed it from his belt .
tr	3	He had no idea how the man believed that he and Elaina could be passionately in love .
tr	3	" He 's coming , he 's coming , " she panted , straining for the handle .
tr	3	Above her , his eyes burned like embers , and the metal wand in his hand glowed with heat .
tr	3	Beside him , closer to the wagon , Elaina was murmuring and moving about in her sleep .
tr	3	" It was a nightmare , " he managed through clenched teeth , " go back to sleep . "
tr	3	Led her to that little red tent more times than I want to remember , didn 't I ?
tr	3	He shut his eyes against the moonlight and deliberately ignored the shifting of blankets behind him .
tr	3	" Cade ... " she said again , softer , moving closer to avoid being overheard .
tr	3	I should sooner have given my life protecting a woman , but I stood by and watched .
tr	3	" Only you and Corin , the instant you discovered you were not protecting Sarina . "
tr	3	Cade rolled over to study her face , and she didn 't move back despite his nearness .
tr	3	she declared in a whisper , eyes laughing as she waved her fingers through the air .
tr	3	And wake me from my nightmares -- the ones that you won 't be in . "
tr	3	She was even making her dress look like a dress again , instead of a shapeless sack .
tr	3	Cade wondered what these simple people would think if they knew exactly who the imposter newlyweds were .
tr	3	" On the contrary , sir , our thanks for making our walk that much shorter . "
tr	3	" Don 't get distracted by the view -- a wrong step could be ... unhealthy . "
tr	3	Cade smiled , thinking of the many times he told this story to Sarina when she was a child .
tr	3	They all had black hair that hung loose in curls , but the women wore long veils over it .
tr	3	She had seen enough in the Linking to guess , but they had never spoken of it .
tr	3	She thought you a prince , and Truth only knows what she thought of me , " declared Elaina .
tr	3	His crew were sitting around the deck of the East Wind watching the negotiation of sail price .
tr	3	He growled , gesturing to the captain of the Sea Hawk who leaned against the mast .
tr	3	" If there 's going to be trouble over this , you have already begun it .
tr	3	A woman 's voice emerged from behind him , and the men on board rose to their feet .
tr	3	She wore only one gold bracelet on each arm , a mark of office , he suspected .
tr	3	It is just that sort of tone that would dissuade me from ever taking a wife .
tr	3	Well , they will never fit on so small a boat as this , will they ?
tr	3	She said , trailing a hand from his clenched jaw down his chest in a leisurely path .
tr	3	The men on deck were absolutely stone-faced at that , but the women whistled and laughed .
tr	3	The city seemed half built of white stone , half carved back into the cliffs of it .
tr	3	The barren streets ran back and forth through the buildings , all stepping down to the harbor below .
tr	3	It simply wasn 't conceivable to him that she could not handle a ship of any size .
tr	3	The tiled floor was a pattern of the same blue and white where it showed through the sooty debris .
tr	3	Cade said , setting down his pack and walking back out the opening where the door once hung .
tr	3	" I found these , " he said , interrupting his memories before they could overwhelm him .
tr	3	He didn 't really want to speak of it , but some part of him wanted her to know .
tr	3	" Well , then -- " and then she realized , " Is this not history anymore ?
tr	3	" Would you like to go see the wharf -- or what 's left of it ? "
tr	3	" Very well ... " he said at last when she still wouldn 't look at him .
tr	3	" The water 's not cold , " he assured her as he skinned his shirt over his head .
tr	3	She was staring at him open-mouthed and blushing at his state of undress , he noticed .
tr	3	Wishing for a moment that she was not quite as stubborn as she was , Cade shrugged .
tr	3	If she 'd made up her mind not to tell him , she wasn 't going to tell him .
tr	3	" Swim in your dress if you will , but kick off those boots and get in ! "
tr	3	She didn 't respond , shifting from one foot to the other , arms crossed beneath her breasts .
tr	3	Cade blinked in the silence that followed , riding up and down on the gentle waves .
tr	3	He felt an alarming urge to protect her as she stood there pouting , reluctant to meet his stare .
tr	3	Casting suspicious glances at the water , and blushing like the sun , of course , Elaina complied .
tr	3	Cade tore his eyes from the smooth curve of her ankles to look up at her face .
tr	3	She even let go with one hand to keep the hem of her camisole from floating up .
tr	3	Truth , she 's convinced this will kill her , but still she cares first about her modesty .
tr	3	" Not yet , " he promised , " First just kick -- like this . "
tr	3	Cade was fairly sure he had never seen her this scared before , which was astounding .
tr	3	She protested , throwing one elbow over the lip of the wall for a better grip .
tr	3	As baffled as he was by her fear -- it isn 't as though I would let her drown !
tr	3	They must be -- they 're managing to have kids ... Best leave that chain of thoughts alone .
tr	3	He let her move them through the water , kicking only enough to keep them at the surface .
tr	3	When her feet found the stone , her weight left his arms , but her hands didn 't .
tr	3	" It 's okay to let go now , the rock isn 't going anywhere . "
tr	3	Pushing off the rock , Cade created a span of cool , unruffled water between them .
tr	3	He tried to collect himself , fixing a grin on his lips to answer her genuine one .
tr	3	That was far too easy , far too warm there in the water so close to her .
tr	3	He had just flipped over in the water and turned back when he got the strangest feeling of urgency .
tr	3	The Link was as thin and weak as the sound of a single violin from a high tower .
tr	3	he shouted , and the walls and cliffs sent his voice chasing itself off the stones .
tr	3	Instead , he showed her around the city , telling her what it was like before the Invasion .
tr	3	She couldn 't see herself living there again , even if she ever got the chance .
tr	3	She knew it was hard for him to relive it , but still she was jealous .
tr	3	She said , exasperated , " so when the agents showed up , we fled north .
tr	3	To read and write , to cook , to chop wood ... everything but swimming . "
tr	3	" Here I am telling you about my life , not knowing anything about yours . "
tr	3	Cade smiled at the thought , but said , " You can 't rebuild everything . "
tr	3	" No , but I can make sure no one takes it from me again . "
tr	3	Elaina wouldn 't want to go , so he made his way down to the harbor before she woke .
tr	3	He dove deep and surfaced right beside her , making her gasp and laugh in surprise .
tr	3	Cade gave her a puzzled nod , wondering if she really wanted to try to swim again .
tr	3	Then I need you to take the Pillars away , and don 't let the wave get me . "
tr	3	Turning her attention to the harbor , Elaina took a deep breath and closed her eyes .
tr	3	When she opened them , all the humor and mischief were gone , replaced with focused intensity .
tr	3	Any one of them would have been on the ground before the harbor was half emptied .
tr	3	At last , only little pools remained in the deepest valleys of the seafloor , teeming with fish .
tr	3	Watching , Cade had absolutely nothing to say , even if he had been willing to interrupt her concentration .
tr	3	The white stone began to glow and waver around the edges until it became a rosy pink .
tr	3	It also revealed the enormity of the wave that waited at the entrance of the harbor .
tr	3	Cade couldn 't take his eyes off it while the waves reached up again to lap at their feet .
tr	3	I know it 's probably not as you remember -- " " Not as I remember ! "
tr	3	That was the work of hundreds of men for years , and you 've done it in an hour !
tr	3	He replied , " Every time I think I know something , you prove me wrong .
tr	3	Just then she was looking at him like he 'd lost his mind , but Cade didn 't care .
tr	3	Now that he was looking , he could see the waves lapping of the sides of the invisible vessel .
tr	3	Her grey eyes locked on his , and Cade found himself wishing for something to hang onto himself .
tr	3	Having just seen what she could do , Cade fully understood how unusual that had to be for her .
tr	3	She said , and a stiff breeze sprang up to push her back to the pier .
tr	3	Cade tilted his head at her , confused , but then he followed her gaze out to sea .
tr	3	CHAPTER 29 The Ship Elaina slid carefully up onto the dock , letting her wonderful boat dissipate .
tr	3	They would die before speaking a false word -- say it 's against the stars or some such .
tr	3	If they mean to capture or kill you , they 'll tell you to your face . "
tr	3	Elaina gave a little shrug and called out , " Who comes , and what is your purpose ? "
tr	3	It wasn 't easy , even with Cade holding the bottom to keep it from twisting around .
tr	3	" It would not be right , you having only the second best , " she protested .
tr	3	Elaina did not even get the chance to speak before angry voices erupted in the hallway .
tr	3	Then she retreated out of the middle of the argument to shut the door in their faces .
tr	3	She said , sitting on the edge of the bed , staring at her hands in her lap .
tr	3	" I doubt these can keep up for that long , but others will replace them . "
tr	3	Cade knocked softly on the door to their cabin , not wanting to intrude on her privacy .
tr	3	The sun had long since slid below the horizon , and it was dark in the hall .
tr	3	In one motion , Cade vaulted over the rope into the nest of canvas and settled down beside her .
tr	3	Curiosity , surprise , and genuine happiness flooded through his mind -- but they weren 't his emotions .
tr	3	Before he had to try and say something , she cleared her throat and looked away .
tr	3	His dark eyes followed hers up to the bright heavens , wondering why she was still diverting him .
tr	3	" When a ship sinks , " she began , " Things float up , right ? "
tr	3	" But the doors , they 'd be pinned shut by all the water , " she went on .
tr	3	Is it possible that she could be as happy with me as I am with her ?
tr	3	Things did not work out that way , he knew from experience , so what was this about ?
tr	3	I swore to protect you and I 'll find a way to keep doing that no matter what . "
tr	3	Today however , among the usual flotsam and detritus there was something actually worth looking at .
tr	3	She lingered , hoping to hear where they sailed from and what they had to sell .
tr	3	The last time she had seen that particular couple , they had not been quite so close .
tr	3	Moving from one to the next , she ran her fingers along the silks and pearls .
tr	3	Just as popular were the little mirrors , and in each one she looked over her shoulder .
tr	3	They unrolled large bundles and passed around drab cloaks to all the other members of the group .
tr	3	The whole cohort stopped suddenly , and watchful eyes began to wander all over the place .
tr	3	He is doing something with his hands ... she stepped closer to the lace screening her from their view .
tr	3	The waves crashed against the cliffs around them as if the sea were conducting a symphony for her .
tr	3	He seemed very happily at the thought , but Mira didn 't like the idea of him married .
tr	3	" After that we 're married , she will wear one like mother does -- silver and sapphire . "
tr	3	she asked , secretly hoping that her brother wouldn 't have to get married after all .
tr	3	" Of course , Mira , wouldn 't you accept if your sweetheart gave you one ? "
tr	3	And if I spin my net just right , I might make the catch of a lifetime .
tr	3	Men are all straight lines and sharp angles , always trying to bind curves into their own way .
tr	3	" There 's a fair bit of rumor floating around in the south , for sure .
tr	3	" Don 't put wrinkles on that lovely face for me , " he chuckled , ignoring her protest .
tr	3	She stood still a moment longer , then shook her head and went back to the window .
tr	3	She always woke up blushing and yanking her blankets up so he wouldn 't see her in her camisole .
tr	3	He was a tall , blonde young man with a strong jaw and sharp blue eyes .
tr	3	" Sure , but we 're on the wrong side of the world for a war .
tr	3	She tried to call to him , or reach out , but her whole body was numb .
tr	3	It was only for an instant , then she dropped to her knees on the rugs beside Elaina .
tr	3	If she does not get help soon , she will die very painfully and very soon . "
tr	3	You must come with me back to my home , I can help her there . "
tr	3	Despite the burden , he kept up with ease , even as they moved into the trees .
tr	3	At last , the man in black turned again to follow her deeper into the trees .
tr	3	All at once they stepped from the winding path into the bright light of a clearing .
tr	3	It is strange that so many of the flowers are in full bloom -- all of them , really .
tr	3	I didn 't know the poison , and I did not dare try to cast around it .
tr	3	I thought you might know the herbs and could brew or cast something to save her . "
tr	3	She laid a hand on Elaina 's forehead , then opened her mouth to peer at her tongue .
tr	3	CHAPTER 32 The Garden Cade looked up at the sound of her footsteps on the flagstones .
tr	3	She gestured for him to lift Elaina 's head so she could pour the mixture into her mouth .
tr	3	" You look grim as a grave digger , what 's the matter with me ? "
tr	3	The pillars may not work on you , Cade , but they work on her . "
tr	3	He hesitated , " What of the poison , the berries you sent the other for ? "
tr	3	In stony silence , he closed one metal cuff over his wrist and reached for the other .
tr	3	She drew a fine chain over her head with the key dangling from it and tossed it to Elaina .
tr	3	She smiled at Elaina , who stood as still as the statues that littered the fragrant garden .
tr	3	Her laugh sounded like a silver bell , sending flurries of butterflies into the air in agreement .
tr	3	She turned to pluck a pale blue blossom from the cascades of them that hung over the courtyard .
tr	3	Plus , all the trouble I went to getting this one to do as I asked .
tr	3	" And that poison was no easy feat -- vinegar is so hard to mix with . "
tr	3	When she tossed her head back to laugh , her waves of black hair glistened in the sunlight .
tr	3	He wondered if she would take it off , or switch arms before he could stop himself .
tr	3	If she lives to take it off and throw it in my face I 'll be thankful .
tr	3	" Ever so much easier to entangle the mind when it is already in knots . "
tr	3	She shook her head at his disbelief , " No , no , no , darling .
tr	3	A giggle , " So handsome , so much older , " she sighed at the memory .
tr	3	Fate has brought us back together , though , and this time I can help you . "
tr	3	She smiled benevolently , " Now , what is , at the present , your most significant problem ? "
tr	3	It was possible that he would break his jaw if he kept grinding his teeth this way .
tr	3	Blinking away the dizziness , he did not see her until her face was inches from his .
tr	3	" And you had been doing so well ... " she spun away , his mind spinning with her .
tr	3	Elaina did , judging by the astonished fury he could see in her eyes , even from this far .
tr	3	" This , " she laid her hand over his heart , " is still beating . "
tr	3	She cried with genuine delight , " Good thing you talked to me , silly children . "
tr	3	Frowning at the stones , Cade wondered if she could really mean ... " Instantly . "
tr	3	" You won 't be angry with me if I take you from her , will you ? "
tr	3	He did his best to retreat behind the stony mask of his days with the Brethren .
tr	3	Out of the corner of his eye , he could see his betrayal in Elaina 's eyes .
tr	3	Cade forced himself to smile into her lips , if this could save Elaina ... Anything .
tr	3	For a moment , she hesitated , as if she would attack with her bare hands .
tr	3	He fought down the urge to protest , to defend himself from this newest mark on her soul .
tr	3	She 's ready to dismiss everything I 've said and done instead of ignoring this charade ?
tr	3	He had years and years of practice -- she would believe , then she would free him .
tr	3	An insanity that had decided it wanted Elaina dead and would try again when he escaped .
tr	3	So , she will have to remove these shackles , and then she will have to die .
tr	3	With a triumphant , dazzling smile -- she was beautiful -- the chains fell to the stones .
tr	3	It was Cade 's voice , the same sweet , beautiful voice she heard in her favorite dreams .
tr	3	It made her resolve shiver like glass under a hammer , but she neither slowed nor turned .
tr	3	He stepped in front of her , and his hands on her shoulders brought her to an unwilling halt .
tr	3	It was breaking her heart to know it , she didn 't need to hear it .
tr	3	Don 't wonder why or how or what -- just accept it : he wants out .
tr	3	He has the right to be free if he wishes to be and he clearly does .
tr	3	She wouldn 't , and he couldn 't spare a hand from her shoulders to make her .
tr	3	Because he is linked to me , sworn to protect my life above anything he might wish .
tr	3	Elaina did not blame him either , couldn 't blame him that his hands shook with anger .
tr	3	While they walked , he replayed the last hour in his mind , scrutinizing every choice , every word .
tr	3	First , other than the obvious refusing the wine or taking guards , I would have done nothing differently .
tr	3	I am a betrayer of hope , a deceiver of trust , a murderer of women .
tr	3	Curls of shame seemed to wind their way around her stomach , making her feel ill .
tr	3	He looked up from where he was untying his blanket roll , rising gracefully to his feet .
tr	3	He reached down , and she thought he might take the bracelet , but he grabbed only his blankets .
tr	3	Elaina shook , willing herself to watch him go , to not run after him or call his name .
tr	3	CHAPTER 34 The Commander General Riesling waited patiently beside the wagons of the " wine merchant . "
tr	3	He knew nothing about what he was to do , or even who precisely he was serving .
tr	3	Grey eyes studied him as she drew near , not a hint of emotion in her eyes .
tr	3	Riesling got the impression that something was wrong , something other than her mistaking him for a customer .
tr	3	When they returned , the Lady was well , but they said nothing to each other .
tr	3	" I 'll take care to stay on this side of her temper , then . "
tr	3	" She is in no danger from me , and I can think of a few others with certainty .
tr	3	Cade returned with a towering stallion that was as dark a black as the night around it .
tr	3	No expression showed on the newcomer 's face as he agreed , " He was involved with trade . "
tr	3	The fire below illuminated an circle twenty paces across , and fourteen men lounged in its flickering light .
tr	3	Two against fourteen is not good odds , even if you make it past the arrows .
tr	3	When they only stared at him in considering silence , he pressed , " Do you disagree ? "
tr	3	Rylan watched him as he led the way off the hill , slinking in the shadows .
tr	3	Never mind that he delivers his orders like a general when he is the newest to the group .
tr	3	It was simple for them to get into position , with the bandits drinking and shouting .
tr	3	A chorus of others joined in until Brice hauled himself to his feet and trudged toward the unruly horses .
tr	3	Just then , one of the animals gave a scream of fear and the line snapped .
tr	3	It set the group to immediate action , jerking them upright like puppets on a string .
tr	3	Rylan could almost see Cade dancing on the edge of the light , leaving death behind him .
tr	3	Dark eyes held his , and he stood from wiping his blade on a dead man 's coat .
tr	3	They spoke in the common language -- a man 's oath ought to be above question in any tongue .
tr	3	If there is to be no home , what honor is left but to defend the royal line ?
tr	3	Then he strode off into the night , leaving them to scramble to their feet and follow after .
tr	3	She used to be the last one awake every morning , now she 's the first .
tr	3	" She isn 't a farm girl , and she had to stop acting like one eventually .
tr	3	New recruits had taken to calling her the Ice Queen , since she never smiled or frowned .
tr	3	" Who have I to blame for the fact half the new men have no weapons ? "
tr	3	No one ever spoke his name around her , but he was practically a legend among the men .
tr	3	If he ever returns , the man will have a difficult time living up to his reputation .
tr	3	There were even whispers that he was a prince and lord of battles , of all things .
tr	3	Riesling squashed the smile that twitched on his lips when the clerk nearly jumped out of his skin .
tr	3	If they whine , tell them they can come try their luck whining at me . "
tr	3	The net had thickened the natural air , slowing everything in its range to dream-like motion , easy targets .
tr	3	The solid sound of metal hitting flesh was followed by the crashing of a body down through the branches .
tr	3	The soldiers who had not noticed the little group of archers wheeled around at the noise .
tr	3	Those stuck in the net finished falling at normal speed , gasping and panting for breath .
tr	3	The prince was staring to the southwest the way a man looks at water in a desert .
tr	3	Rylan ordered , digging his heels into his mount 's ribs as he gave the horse its head .
tr	3	It took hours to truly catch him , even though their geldings were quicker and lighter than his charger .
tr	3	More than just following the prince into danger , Rylan wanted to meet the source of this trouble .
tr	3	Rylan tensed , reaching to his shoulder for the hilt of his sword as they approached the guard .
tr	3	He could feel his hair stand on end as a woman hurrying by stopped to stare at them .
tr	3	I 'm not about to lose sight of him now , not after all of this .
tr	3	He held the corner of a piece of paper absently , watching the four of them approach .
tr	3	Her back was straight , her waist narrow , and she was no taller than the general 's shoulder .
tr	3	The general stopped , and at last she followed his gaze to the four of them .
tr	3	" If they attack us here , they are surrounded by an army on higher ground . "
tr	3	She turned to frown at him , but he was staring past her , over her shoulder .
tr	3	It wouldn 't stop him , but it made it easier to think , to breathe .
tr	3	A thousand thoughts swirled through her mind , a thousand things to say , all dismissed .
tr	3	She watched only Cade , and she knew she had never stopped loving this man and could never stop .
tr	3	Every tenuous bridge she 'd built across that gaping hole in her chest collapsed like cobwebs .
tr	3	Now she could hear he was out of breath , as if he had been running a moment ago .
tr	3	That was peculiar , she knew , and forced herself to frown like she was supposed to .
tr	3	No I didn 't think of you , I never think of you ... She felt herself nod .
tr	3	she drove a finger into his chest , " I 'm not the one who left !
tr	3	You couldn 't even have just left , you had to -- " she shuddered , " her ! "
tr	3	He whispered , dejected , " I had to , I thought she would come after you .
tr	3	he squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head as if he could hide from her words .
tr	3	The other people were distant torches compared to the bonfire that was the man in front of her .
tr	3	" In the garden I was in chains , trying to save your life with an outrageous lie . "
tr	3	He said it simply , as if he were saying that the sun rises in the morning .
tr	3	Cast the web , the one from the ship , the one you cast again seven days ago . "
tr	3	" I 'm telling you to , it 's not invading if you 're invited . "
tr	3	The other hand tangled in her hair , he breathed her in like a drowning man .
tr	3	Finally , Cade loosened his hold enough to look down at her and shook his head .
tr	3	Locked in his arms , she could feel the rumble in his chest when he spoke .
tr	3	I leave you alone for a fortnight or two and you almost get yourself killed . "
tr	3	The whistles and cheers from everyone else made her blush , but she couldn 't stop smiling .
tr	3	Read on for a short sneak peek at the next book in this series : In Winter 's Keeping .
tr	3	The water was long since frozen solid , but he didn 't want to walk on it tonight .
tr	3	Winter winds blew the snow off of the frozen surface and left little traction for them .
tr	3	One by one other voices joined the first until the whole pack was crying at the night .
tr	3	He wondered if Freya and Kell would hear him scream , but there wasn 't time .
tr	3	Even so , none of it was a real problem , if he was with her .
tr	3	he straightened at the door of the tent , the warmth of the summer morning sneaking past him .
tr	3	Elaina put her head down at once , unwilling to wake up any farther and lose precious minutes .
tr	3	Either he would leave and she could sleep in peace , or perhaps he would actually come over .
tr	3	As the silence lengthened , Elaina forgot she was expecting a response and drifted back towards sleep .
tr	3	" You 're irresistible when you 're all messed up and sleepy , did you know ? "
tr	3	It was hard to move around without tipping her bed over or making it snap shut .
tr	3	She offered again , realizing that the words could mean a lot more than she was offering .
tr	3	He sounded strained , like a man trying to have a conversation while standing balanced on a taut rope .
tr	3	" It isn 't bad , " he assured her carefully , reading the look on her face .
tr	3	She intended her tone to be playful and teasing , but the hurt had crept in somehow .
tr	3	Then he came to sit next to her again , gingerly to keep the cot from tipping .
tr	3	Her flash of anger at the blasted bed faded quickly as she waited for his answer .
tr	3	Not because he said he 'd kill her -- that she didn 't believe and never would .
tr	3	All he had to do was smile that slow , crooked smile and she was finished .
tr	3	We just need someone else who knows if she told us the truth ... That 's it !
tr	3	Half thrilled , half terrified , he hurried to catch up before she barged into the Brother 's tent .
tr	3	Everyone we pass already looks stunned to see her awake and rushing the camp in a robe .
tr	3	The sooner we know ... " Cade felt his heart hammer in his chest and his breath catch .
tr	3	Her only response was a sly smile that sent his heart crashing against his ribcage again .
tr	3	Cade paused , but Elaina called his name , waited two seconds , and went right in .
tr	3	The Brother nodded cautiously , eyes flicking over her shoulder to Cade for a moment , then back .
tr	3	For his part , Cade kept his gaze fixed on the far wall of the tent .
tr	3	It was something they tried not to discuss , since all of the discussions were arguments .
tr	3	-- that is , to erm ... " she swallowed , waving one hand a little at her side .
tr	3	The flush of embarrassment had crept down her neck and now covered her chest as well .
tr	3	" before they left on a mission from which they never returned -- overzealous peasants . "
tr	3	Then he explained , " It is a family tradition to serve the Empress as casters . "
tr	3	He paused to look them both in the eye , " That Watcher was my father .
tr	3	Somewhere in those grey eyes was the smallest flicker of warmth as delight lit Elaina 's face .
tr	3	Of course there is , even a glacier would be warmed by that expression on that girl .
tr	3	I wonder if he sees something of the girl in the picture , when he looks at Elaina .
tr	3	He begged silently , staring into the sunlight that reflected off the shields to wake himself .
tr	3	One of the men had already cleared its contents in preparation for the day 's move .
tr	3	He would win her over if he had to , now that he knew he could .
tr	3	All of the sudden he was breathing as if he 'd run a league at top speed . .
tr	3	Or she could wear it on her right arm , and it was nothing more than a gift .
tr	3	At the time , he thought the King had been joking , but now he wasn 't so certain .
tr	3	He said , drawing out her left hand , fingertips trailing across her forearm around the bracelet .
tr	3	His enthusiasm made her laugh , but she nodded , then slipped her arms around his waist .
tr	3	A nameless recruit peeked through the door , and Elaina stepped smoothly out of his arms .
tr	3	The man blanched when he saw it , and jerked wide eyes back to Elaina 's glowing face .
tr	3	He would have glared at the idiot longer if his eyes hadn 't drifted back to Elaina .
tr	3	No number of legends or poems or songs could ever have prepared him for this madness .
tr	3	Watching Elaina gather herself to answer the man , Cade noticed she was still a trifle unsteady .
tr	3	Then it occurred to him what her answer meant : packing up , and no privacy until nightfall .
tr	3	Set in the Black Ships universe , this story can be read before or after book one .
tr	3	It was part of his comfortable weekly ritual -- drinking stale crystal coffee and recording images from other planets .
tr	3	It wouldn 't be long before a local source of minerals would be needed to support the next steps .
tr	3	Suddenly , out of the blue , an easy answer had been dropped in his lap .
tr	3	The team in tech support had rolled their eyes at her yesterday when she requested a dry run .
tr	3	" This wouldn 't be such a dog 's breakfast if you 'd done a dry run yesterday . "
tr	3	Do I really need to listen to this fool when I have another planet on hold ?
tr	3	She walked over to the little cross of masking tape on the floor and turned to face the camera .
tr	3	The lamest of jokes can get results if you don 't act like you 're making a joke .
tr	3	The iridescent face visor was spattered with the same hydraulic fluid as the bench and whiteboard .
tr	3	The Oval Office Washington , D.C. January 4th , 2026 " Okay Sam , are we done ? "
tr	3	Parnell surprised even himself by the outburst , but he was too tired to hold back .
tr	3	" Mary , ensure Gray knows what he 's volunteering before the release goes out . "
tr	3	" So what do you suggest , we let him bomb an American village of his choosing ? "
tr	3	Sam stood before the desk , just to the left where a door led to his own office .
tr	3	" We tell him the same old thing , There just wasn 't time to confer with them .
tr	3	Parnell came around the desk , stopping to face his Chief of Staff , his oldest friend .
tr	3	I don 't want the ambassador running into him in the outer office ; angry words might ensue . "
tr	3	My problem is I can 't tell if were conducting a war or a criminal investigation .
tr	3	" Not for the life of me , but we need to come up with a better plan .
tr	3	" We had no way of knowing the whole parking lot would go up like that . "
tr	3	" Mr. McAdam , it 's a little late to ask for that kind of payload increase . "
tr	3	We would likely end up with an airframe that collapsed in the first heavy wind . "
tr	3	He launched into an explanation of the structure of the massive adaptive buoyancy aircraft as an assistant approached Charles .
tr	3	Charles sat down at the small table , taking a deep breath before reaching for the phone .
tr	3	" Mr. Gray , I have one of our scientists from Mauna Kea on the line .
tr	3	His voice level rose as he spoke to the phone , his voice laced with strain .
tr	3	" I am , " he said in his usual tone of mild surprise and amusement .
tr	3	" Passengers would likely start dropping casino chips in and pulling the handle , especially the three-day cruisers . "
tr	3	" No pretending to work on my laptop like all the other idiots on the flight .
tr	3	Bender had been a fan after borrowing the first season from one of the other engineers .
tr	3	" Will you still remember all of us little people when you 're rich and famous ? "
tr	3	" Oh sure , you can design the environments for me when I switch over to 3D . "
tr	3	I caught the Staff Captain telling our systems integrator to move half of the bridge equipment .
tr	3	Howard is always reminding us that it 's the crews that bring in the actual revenue .
tr	3	" How exactly would a crew make money for us if we weren 't doing our own jobs ? "
tr	3	They need to start taking their responsibilities to the project more seriously and quit playing politics . "
tr	3	" Mark my words , that staff captain is pushing a whiny complaint straight to the top . "
tr	3	" Oh , I 'm counting on that , " Frank answered in a dark tone .
tr	3	They 're supposed to be the ones that know where the terminals go in the first place .
tr	3	I 'll hammer them about the conduit changes so they remember to sort it all out in time . "
tr	3	" Let 's aim for this Saturday and I 'll clear it with Ellen tonight . "
tr	3	The scene pulled back to reveal a massive ship with a profusion of modules and antennae hanging from underneath .
tr	3	" These ships are believed to be connected with our loss of communications with Vinland Station . "
tr	3	" I suppose there 's no chance of someone flinging the doors open and yelling Surprise ! " .
tr	3	I was on the phone with Chuck at the time talking about assistance to JAXA . "
tr	3	I mean , it could be a hoax that got out of hand , couldn 't it ? "
tr	3	Until then , I thought it best if we proceed as if we were sure of the threat . "
tr	3	If this does turn out to be a hoax , I 'll be more relieved than angry .
tr	3	" So , if it 's not a hoax , what do we do about it ? "
tr	3	Sixty Meter Observatory Mauna Kea , Hawaii January 4th , 2026 " Evening , Mike . "
tr	3	Mike set down the bag , pulling out a burger with a fried egg on it .
tr	3	" No human activity since we started seeing them , and then , they did this last night . "
tr	3	A window flew up in the center of the screen , showing a video recording from the mining site .
tr	3	" What the hell ... " Pete stopped suddenly as a series of orange-red blossoms replaced each rover .
tr	3	Good God , what president has ever had to deal with anything even remotely like this ?
tr	3	Charles Gray leaned forward , turning to the right to aim his retort at the Admiral .
tr	3	Isn 't it possible that they might be just a bit more enlightened than us ? "
tr	3	Admiral Kelly touched the remote pad , bringing a series of schematics up on the screen .
tr	3	We wouldn 't even be able to ship an F-22 into space in one piece . "
tr	3	Kelly leaned on his right elbow , enjoying the look of anger on Gray 's face .
tr	3	Still , there might be more useful information to shake loose while these two are riled up .
tr	3	We load them onto heavy lift airships that would then transit to a way station at forty thousand meters .
tr	3	" Admiral , are you saying that this can 't be done with current launch capabilities ? "
tr	3	" Or as your press release put it , the equivalent of forty SUV 's ? "
tr	3	Admiral Kelly had been staring at Gray , knowing the moment had been forced too soon .
tr	3	Sam , oddly enough the only economist on Parnell 's staff , spoke into the silence .
tr	3	Our economy would tank within a year ; massive unemployment , rampant crime , riots . "
tr	3	" We might save the planet from aliens , but we would end up a failed state .
tr	3	" If we go down that road , we may not be able to come back .
tr	3	We need an organization that everybody belongs to and there just isn 't time to build one from scratch .
tr	3	She smiled as her visitor was ushered in , noticing his involuntary reaction to her appearance .
tr	3	" My people tell me that the NRA website has crashed , " she continued as the President nodded .
tr	3	Jess looked at the President for a long moment , sensing that something was not being said .
tr	3	Parnell didn 't hesitate ; he had obviously decided beforehand that he would reveal his knowledge if pressed .
tr	3	" They 've been working on designs for a space-based combat fleet for several years now .
tr	3	I don 't think any of them ever expected it to be taken seriously but events have overtaken us .
tr	3	I knew what brought you here ; now I know what you want from the UN .
tr	3	No American president would ever bring this plan here if he could act on his own .
tr	3	Paying for such a fleet might be possible but it would destroy them in the end .
tr	3	" Even if that nation only pays a few million dollars , every bit will help .
tr	3	" Led by an American general officer , seconded to duty as a UN officer . "
tr	3	She saw the unmistakable tells of a man who believes he has won and she finished her proposal .
tr	3	" How the hell do you expect such a hodgepodge of different languages to work in combat ? "
tr	3	Parnell was scraping the bottom of the barrel with that excuse and had to know it .
tr	3	The moment it passes the vote downstairs , troops from both our countries will be boarding transports . "
tr	3	He looked over at Kim , who was poking unnecessarily at the sausages while Ivan dozed by the pool .
tr	3	" In which case , we would need to get the hell out of Dodge ? "
tr	3	" I suppose that 's why you 're in your fifties and still live with your dad ? "
tr	3	" Hey , Dad lives with me , with us , " he asserted with a smile .
tr	3	He looked over at Kim who was rooting through his cooler , sacred ground at the Davidoff household .
tr	3	Jan had been picked up at home where she was grading papers over a bottle of wine .
tr	3	She left the half-empty bottle sitting open on top of a stack of boxes labeled Edward .
tr	3	Well , if they expect me to explain who I am , they can go to hell .
tr	3	Jan was no stranger to scrutiny : she made a living in front of hundreds of twenty-something graduate students .
tr	3	Livingston 's face gave the impression that they were discussing nothing more serious than a crank call .
tr	3	" Dr. Colbert , thank you for taking the time to join us , " he began .
tr	3	Jan wasn 't bothered by the company but the question did manage to catch her off guard .
tr	3	" From the way they moved , it looked like they were balanced by tails . "
tr	3	" We received imagery from the Americans that confirms your suspicion , Doctor , " he said .
tr	3	" I am certain you will have no difficulties in proving your value to the team . "
tr	3	" Dr. Livingston , I haven 't agreed to go anywhere , or hadn 't you noticed ? "
tr	3	Livingston stopped in the hallway outside the door to the cabinet room and smiled indulgently at her .
tr	3	Three minutes in that room and they expect you to uproot your life and save the world ! "
tr	3	" Not if you put it that way , " she said as she stared down the hallway .
tr	3	Upon standing , Mike was able to see the screen and he froze for a moment .
tr	3	" They leveled a patch this morning and dropped those big boxy numbers about an hour ago . "
tr	3	" I 'll go out for food and I 'll bring you back some decent coffee . "
tr	3	They had never been intended to keep a two-man watch fuelled with caffeine for over a week .
tr	3	" This is one guy who won 't fall for the oldest marketing scam in the books . "
tr	3	" Uh-huh ... " Pete 's voice was thick with sarcasm as he opened the door .
tr	3	I tried to tell them they had the wrong guy ; now what the hell do I say ?
tr	3	Howard was playing the peacemaker , as usual ; suggesting that apologies be offered all around .
tr	3	A young Air Force captain strode in with a middle-aged man in a light grey suit .
tr	3	Frank knew he had heard it right but that didn 't mean it made any sense .
tr	3	" Born March 18th , 1984 , son of Captain Samuel Bender , USN Deceased ? "
tr	3	He was unable to keep the troubled look from his face as a new thought occurred to him .
tr	3	" Well , I still think you have the wrong guy here , but let 's go . "
tr	3	" Well gentlemen , I believe this is the end of my involvement in this bullshit . "
tr	3	He turned in his seat to look at Frank as the captain stepped out of the passenger side .
tr	3	An airman pulled the door open and beckoned Frank out , handing him a flight suit .
tr	3	He looked around in desperation , spotting a fabric runner under a floral arrangement on a corner table .
tr	3	Nicely done , Frank ; sit here for ten minutes and THEN decide to fix your hair .
tr	3	" So many missions had been poorly thought out and the support was almost non existent . "
tr	3	" That mission was properly thought out by the officers who were assigned to lead it . "
tr	3	If it wasn 't for the French Navy , none of them would have gotten out alive . "
tr	3	The hair on the back of Frank 's neck suddenly stood on end as he stared back at her .
tr	3	" We have the backing of every nation on Earth - finance , materials and expertise . "
tr	3	" And they 'll make sure the public hears how you 've never worn a uniform in your life .
tr	3	I used to cut a dashing figure in my little uniform , I 'll have you know . "
tr	3	He was still working his fingers , restoring circulation after standing outside on a brisk January morning .
tr	3	" Spending this much cash on a fleet that ends up belonging to the UN ? "
tr	3	The door to the secretary 's office opened , Parnell 's aide , Thomas , leaning in .
tr	3	" Thank you , Thomas , " Parnell nodded to Sam , who left by the side door .
tr	3	We have an enemy at the gates and we need to meet them as a united species . "
tr	3	" Mr. President , you 're the one part of this whole equation that doesn 't fit . "
tr	3	He was leaning forward facing to the right towards Parnell , his arms balancing his bulk .
tr	3	" You plan to commit us to war with an alien species and you have zero military experience . "
tr	3	" Perhaps the Illinois school system should do a better job teaching about local heroes . "
tr	3	Though he heard nothing , he could see a silent chuckle shake the congressman 's shoulders .
tr	3	" Well , that was the day that I finally started to learn what my Dad went through . "
tr	3	Parnell wanted to drive his point home while the majority leader was in the right frame of mind .
tr	3	" There is no telling whether a similar enemy fleet is on their way here right now .
tr	3	" For the love of God , Bob , it 's not all doom and gloom .
tr	3	It 'll look good on you : the congressman who put his fellow man ahead of politics . "
tr	3	Hell , if you asked me this morning , I would have said the same . "
tr	3	In 1995 , they quietly resigned from the agency and moved to Montana with their three year old son .
tr	3	The fact that they didn 't hide their agency past did little to help them ... in the beginning .
tr	3	The McKinnon 's set up as writers and managed to find a small publisher to carry their work .
tr	3	Now , sitting at his usual table , he was watching the television above the bar .
tr	3	" It 's like you said , Cal ; just a scam to help the UN take over . "
tr	3	Kevin might not be particularly astute , but he was loyal and that wasn 't something you took lightly .
tr	3	" Bastards , " Kevin said softly as the final tally came up on the screen .
tr	3	" There 're a couple of consortiums that 've been working on the idea for a few years now .
tr	3	" The UN can drop a platoon of tanks anywhere they want , with supporting infantry and artillery .
tr	3	" This is crazy , " she muttered quietly as an unarmed guard scanned their driver 's licenses .
tr	3	The same Air Force captain was waiting for them on the tarmac as Frank climbed out of the vehicle .
tr	3	" So , " he called out , waiting until she turned to look at him .
tr	3	" Actually , they didn 't just send a jet , this one is at my permanent disposal .
tr	3	" I 'm still not convinced they got the right guy for this , " he said lamely .
tr	3	You 're used to working for shareholders and they 're a hell of a lot tougher than politicians . "
tr	3	" I hope you realize there 's going to be a lot more travel than before . "
tr	3	" You 're free to come along if you want , Sarah already has plans to visit Helsinki . "
tr	3	he knew she wouldn 't have left the apartment until she 'd met her latest deadline .
tr	3	Her work as a freelance CGI designer often involved pulling all-nighters to iron out some tricky detail .
tr	3	Never one to miss an opportunity , she liked to turn her triumphs into video tutorials on her blog .
tr	3	" We have three hours before we leave for Germany ; I have time for something quick .
tr	3	Pete ran his fingers over the control pad , unlocking the control room door just before they reached it .
tr	3	" I think the first thing you better show me is the ventilation controls for this room . "
tr	3	" They told us in the brief that hostile behavior was evident , but what did they miss ? "
tr	3	Mike shrugged ; his mind was Swiss cheese after so much time in the same room .
tr	3	Three weeks of sitting around , looking at the same videos and trying to look busy .
tr	3	She got up and walked out of the bullpen , noting that the other two scientists were absent .
tr	3	" We figured we 'd come down and back you up since we had nothing else going on . "
tr	3	" It 's late afternoon in British Columbia so it 's probably around five or six degrees .
tr	3	That 's around forty degrees in Fahrenheit , " he added , enjoying the looks on both colleagues .
tr	3	Hal was gazing up in surprise , but at least he seemed to know who she was .
tr	3	Does she really want the truth or is this the standard ' pat on the head ' visit ?
tr	3	Jan decided she had nothing to lose by telling the truth , so she jumped in with both feet .
tr	3	Jan had thought she was merely being humored but the Secretary General 's response came as a surprise .
tr	3	" Perhaps it 's time for you to leave New York , " she mused quietly .
tr	3	We have a team at the Mauna Kea observatory and their reports hit my desk before yours do . "
tr	3	I am so glad my mum taught me to count to five before yelling at anyone .
tr	3	Jan couldn 't believe how close she had come to making a complete arse of herself .
tr	3	The group had stopped to talk to one of the contractors working on a frenzied extension to the facilities .
tr	3	He had a Glock on a hip holster and wore a load-bearing vest that carried a series of canisters .
tr	3	" Perhaps we should start with a brief on where we 're at with the current airships ? "
tr	3	Trying to make it look natural , he headed over to the end of the table again .
tr	3	" With another week of inspections , we can get number four back on track . "
tr	3	" There 's a bit more work to do on pipe junctions and bulkhead placement , " Davidoff stated .
tr	3	" I might be tempted to say three but four is a safer target for the first escort . "
tr	3	Frank stood and walked over to the window , Herman showing obvious disapproval of his exposure .
tr	3	Kim tapped the control pad a few times and a warbling tone followed from Tony 's phone .
tr	3	The contractor grinned as Chuck looked down at the projection on his abdomen and scuttled out of the way .
tr	3	" Tim , you could incorporate heavy duty rollers into the deck of each class of airship ?
tr	3	" There 's already enough helium isotope in our recently registered claims to cover the cost . "
tr	3	Why am I the only person in the room who seems surprised by what 's happening here ?
tr	3	Bender thinks I won 't play nice , so he made sure I couldn 't get in the way .
tr	3	The path had already been chosen and there was nothing left to do except get to work .
tr	3	" There 's a reason I brought this lazy bastard along today , " he said with a grin .
tr	3	We have to fabricate a few more units , but we can have them here in a week . "
tr	3	" We 'd be glad to have the help , " Chuck said , hoping it would be true .
tr	3	The president said to Sam as the staff filed out the hall door at the end of the briefing .
tr	3	" The UN is obviously behind it , seeing as the Secretary General proposed it to you . "
tr	3	" So put a buzzer in his office that links to the door , " the Admiral suggested mildly .
tr	3	" I checked it out with legal , " Parnell breezed , glad of some light conversation .
tr	3	The Admiral nodded and laid them out on the desk as Parnell put his glasses on .
tr	3	" Sir , it 's pretty cut and dried ; someone is still alive out there . "
tr	3	He pointed to the first image as Sam moved around to Kelly 's right to get a better view .
tr	3	That starts a reaction , expanding a foam between the inner and outer layers of the structure . "
tr	3	" So there 's tracks here , " he mused as he set it back on the desk .
tr	3	" Only one set of tire tracks and a scattering of footprints just outside the cave entrance .
tr	3	" There can be no doubt about the need to land forces and pick up our people . "
tr	3	We need landing craft as well as air cover , not to mention troops for a planetary insertion . "
tr	3	" It wouldn 't be right to name names , " he said with an air of casual dignity .
tr	3	He waited as the man brought up his credentials from the contractor 's registry , seeing his approving nod .
tr	3	Despite his best efforts , Mike had been rolled into the fabric of the growing team .
tr	3	If nothing else , his technical knowledge of how the massive telescope array worked made him indispensable .
tr	3	For the first time in his life , Mike found that he was really good at something .
tr	3	As soon as it became clear that the aliens were not friendly , the language had shifted immediately .
tr	3	Now , however , he was watching as the three newcomers failed to make the connection .
tr	3	When you spend a lot of time in the field , you start obsessing about the opposite sex .
tr	3	Captain Gao was something of a hero in China , quietly celebrated in naval and civilian circles .
tr	3	Jess and Ambassador Zhu welcomed the man and he sat , taking a sip of the proffered tea .
tr	3	" By forcing myself to learn a new language I found that I became more creative . "
tr	3	Jess couldn 't help but like this personable officer despite the warnings from Parnell 's advisors .
tr	3	" So I suppose you brought me here because of what happened in the South China Sea ? "
tr	3	He appeared to be completely at ease , despite discussing how close the world had come to disaster .
tr	3	It 's not as if he was the sole cause of the conflict , Jess mused .
tr	3	This was a man who wouldn 't shrink from a fight , no matter who the enemy was .
tr	3	She looked over to Ambassador Zhu and saw a slight smile in the corners of his eyes .
tr	3	" Captain Gao , your government has sent you here today for a job interview . "
tr	3	" That means there are three entire fleets in need of a full complement of crews and officers . "
tr	3	" I have been authorized to promote you to the rank of Hai Jun Da Xiao . "
tr	3	She and the ambassador continued down the hall , leaving Gao in a state of euphoric shock .
tr	3	Parnell gazed out the armored windows of the limo at the pedestrians who ignored his motorcade .
tr	3	" The longer you stay in it , the more you start to realize how mortal you are . "
tr	3	" Getting shot in the face has a way of knocking sense into a man . "
tr	3	Jack seemed to have put some thought into that very question and he jumped in immediately .
tr	3	" We come out with something like what if the current forces in space are not enough ?
tr	3	He looked at the two men sitting across from him , seeing that they weren 't quite convinced .
tr	3	" Look , people expect us to have secret programs and hidden agendas for world domination . "
tr	3	He paused for a moment as a wry smile toyed with the corners of his mouth .
tr	3	" Anyway , if we do this openly , it draws the teeth of the conspiracy theorists . "
tr	3	When the doors opened , an aide was there waiting to conduct them to the Secretary General 's office .
tr	3	Jack had briefed the president on the admiral 's background during the flight down from Washington .
tr	3	A surprised murmur ran through the small group of officers as they absorbed the generational connection .
tr	3	" Not that he was chosen because of that , " the president added with a grin .
tr	3	Just to remind us that we have better things to do than kill each other . "
tr	3	" If each company builds one set of airships , " he said as he hit the enter key .
tr	3	" We would need two thousand three hundred and seventy days to lift one fleet into orbit .
tr	3	There were a few sounds of dismay at this revelation but most simply looked at Frank with grim determination .
tr	3	" If we want the first fleet lifted within a year , we need forty operational pairs .
tr	3	He paused for a moment as if considering whether to reveal bad news and then resumed speaking .
tr	3	After a few moments of frenzied side discussion and shouted argument , Jess reigned in the chaos .
tr	3	He indicated the small group of senior officers who sat at the table with their respective ambassadors .
tr	3	" It would be foolish in the extreme for politicians to decide on this matter without seeking their advice .
tr	3	" Driving the aliens away from Mars , I should think , " replied the British ambassador .
tr	3	" We keep one fleet here in orbit from now on , " he stated forcefully .
tr	3	Leaning back , he gave a curt nod to Gao who inclined his head slightly in return .
tr	3	" They may well be working to overcome restrictions placed on them by an incompetent administration . "
tr	3	" You really think a civilization that can cross the stars would send an inadequate force ? "
tr	3	We have a ton of overlapping programs and competing agencies , but we 're working on it . "
tr	3	Programs had been slashed left and right , and many agencies were little more than collapsing shells .
tr	3	" So what 's the big news that you had to tell me in person ? "
tr	3	A young man bounded off a sofa , bringing his body to rigid attention in his surprise .
tr	3	My brother tells me you 're doing well despite bad lessons learned from previous officers ! "
tr	3	It indicated momentous news but it seemed to have a few thorns in it as well .
tr	3	Our conscripts will be selected from the German-speaking cantons " He waited for the implications to sink in .
tr	3	" He took a new name and citizenship when he became the head of this state . "
tr	3	" Maybe this is no different than when Europeans started showing up in Asia , " Lukas mused .
tr	3	He noticed the questioning looks from the others and , slightly embarrassed , hastened to explain .
tr	3	" Sure they tended to get exploited but look at them now , " he said .
tr	3	" India got rid of the British , then the French were polite enough to leave when asked . "
tr	3	" When the Portuguese refused to go , they were driven out by the Indian military . "
tr	3	When that didn 't pan out , they almost bought their enemies in the eighties . "
tr	3	His eyes settled on a figure , picking its way through the debris to the west of the building .
tr	3	He turned to see one of the contract security guards who had been hired to patrol the site .
tr	3	He possessed decent looks and a natural charm that never failed to work miracles with his sub-contractors .
tr	3	It wasn 't much of a stretch to see what that combination could mean when it came to women .
tr	3	Callum was just turning his thoughts back to the columns when his phone started to ring .
tr	3	He knew how to field strip most assault rifles and handguns and reassemble them in the dark .
tr	3	He knew that steel melted at twenty-five hundred degrees so he would have no problems there .
tr	3	" If there 's any problems with docking , it 'll be because of our friends in California . "
tr	3	He gave a sigh of relief as the clamps engaged along the length of the vessel .
tr	3	The photographer shouted up at them in Portuguese and Tony shoved Frank gently to the left a few feet .
tr	3	" Let 's get a module out of my yard before we start picking out frames . "
tr	3	" We could start at the exact center of the ship , " he had suggested .
tr	3	" We could build out from the middle and put four welding crews to work simultaneously . "
tr	3	This frigate would require eleven modules but it was the smallest of the ships being built .
tr	3	Frank held his breath as the leading edge of the module approached the opening to the hold .
tr	3	Though there was over a yard of clearance , it looked much closer from where the two men stood .
tr	3	Jan knew that both Mike and Pete would have liked to be the second in her group .
tr	3	In the last six weeks , the mountaintop site had transformed into a small , green town .
tr	3	She was almost to the main door when it opened and a small group of officers walked in .
tr	3	I knew that , but somehow it got pushed to the back of my mind lately . "
tr	3	He nodded assent to the other officers who were indicating that they would catch up with him later .
tr	3	She had stared at him in silence for almost half a minute , realizing that the end had come .
tr	3	" I was captured in Afghanistan when a local warlord shot down our Chinook , " he said dryly .
tr	3	" I can 't imagine what that must have been like , " she finally said .
tr	3	" Liam , " she began , reaching out to place a hand on his forearm .
tr	3	The Frey House Antioch , California June 7th , 2026 " Is it all here ? "
tr	3	Cal reached over to Kevin 's shirt pocket and pushed the button on the remote through the fabric .
tr	3	" What is that volcano , the one with the buildings and parking lots in it ? "
tr	3	She found a good spot near the stone wall where palm trees cast a decent shade and settled in .
tr	3	" Jumping out of airplanes , swimming , saving lives ... " She smiled to herself .
tr	3	Jan smiled and returned to her book , hoping her new companion would leave her in peace .
tr	3	He paused to strap black swim fins and a mask onto a large waterproof bag before he stood .
tr	3	He slung the bag over a shoulder and followed the low wall around to the sand of the beach .
tr	3	The man sitting with her pretended a sudden intense interest in the surfers , his ears a dark red .
tr	3	He had always been fit , but he had never looked like this when they were students .
tr	3	" We have some left over from when Gram used to keep a garden out back . "
tr	3	He placed the inner half of the mold and tacked on the closers at the bottom and sides .
tr	3	That was what made them so easy to recruit , but it also made them potential liabilities .
tr	3	He laughed suddenly as the answer came to him , waving off Kevin 's inquiring look .
tr	3	He realized , now that he gave it some thought , that they often employed re-usable forms .
tr	3	With some motor oil as a releasing agent , they would be able to make several each night .
tr	3	He had almost a month before they would be needed , so time wouldn 't be a problem .
tr	3	He rarely traveled long distances and , when he did , he invariably remained awake for the entire duration .
tr	3	The looming presence of aliens in the solar system had been hanging over Humanity for months now .
tr	3	The more he thought about it , the more he felt that young Lukas had been on to something .
tr	3	What would have happened if the locals had welcomed the Norse when they were so weak in numbers ?
tr	3	He felt the hairs on his arms standing on end as he worked through the implications .
tr	3	With a surplus of food , they might have had a Renaissance era of their own .
tr	3	As they drew near the main door , it opened and Lance stepped out with a clipboard .
tr	3	I don 't think there 's another person on this planet that could get away with calling him that .
tr	3	He 'd tried to convince them to stay and tough it out but they were doggedly insisting on leaving .
tr	3	They had finished a full day 's work by noon and left the hangar extension with working lights .
tr	3	" Before you two end up heading for Tia Juana , maybe we should go through the deficiencies ? "
tr	3	He was mostly joking and a few pitchers of beer did sound like a good plan .
tr	3	" The trees are all larger caliper than specified but I 'm hardly inclined to complain about that . "
tr	3	" I don 't need them replaced , I just want you to get them out of here .
tr	3	Now A.J. and Chris were picking up security passes from the table where Cal had casually dropped them .
tr	3	" Anyway , I asked if we could come in tonight and pick them up . "
tr	3	He noticed the screen above the bar and leaned in to read the caption beneath the video .
tr	3	" It won 't work , of course , and that means a run on the French banks . "
tr	3	" Civil unrest on a continental scale , " Kevin muttered as he watched the big screen .
tr	3	" Just what the UN wants , an excuse to occupy Europe and lock it down . "
tr	3	He might do all right here if we decide to open up a new cell on the East Coast .
tr	3	If we get through the next twenty-four hours without getting pinched , we can look at expanding .
tr	3	he had said in a North Florida drawl that he only seemed to have after a few drinks .
tr	3	" I 've been in the smaller airships that travel between our shipyards and the transfer facilities . "
tr	3	Yesterday , the walls and structure were entirely white but now there are gray lumps on the columns .
tr	3	" Frank , get to the other side and start pulling the wires out of these damned things . "
tr	3	Turning it over , he saw a magnesium strip with a wire clamped to each end .
tr	3	He couldn 't see them and so he considered risking a quick peek around the corner .
tr	3	These guys would have remembered the planters from this afternoon and made the connection to me during the investigation .
tr	3	His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of feet hitting the concrete at an increasing rate .
tr	3	His eyes opened and he found himself looking at the standard institutional ceiling of acoustical tiles .
tr	3	He reached out to trace them and found that he was cuffed to the side rails of the bed .
tr	3	He pulled the covers over his arms so it wouldn 't be obvious he was now free .
tr	3	Once he had the money , he would catch a cab to the university medical center in San Francisco .
tr	3	His thoughts were interrupted as the door opened and a young man walked in with a tray of food .
tr	3	the young man sneered as he pulled a tray caddy over and dropped the food in front of Cal .
tr	3	He held the knife to the young man 's throat , watching the fear come into his eyes .
tr	3	Sam reached out and took back his cigarette , taking a drag while he thought through the briefing package .
tr	3	" It 's hardly her fault those two blundered into the middle of an FBI operation . "
tr	3	" There was already a summary investigation and she 's been cleared for her next assignment . "
tr	3	" Let 's get Tom Kelly to put a heavy guard on the Moffett site . "
tr	3	The two men were waiting for Christina and Keira to arrive so they could switch up .
tr	3	He had been shocked to learn that the penthouse suite was slightly cheaper than the four rooms put together .
tr	3	" Everything I need is right here , " she responded , one eyebrow lifting playfully .
tr	3	After a week of soul-searching , Mike had begun thinking of excuses to put his own name forward .
tr	3	If he didn 't go , they would have a hard time finding a suitable replacement .
tr	3	Still , Mike had waited until he was sure Keira would be going before putting his name in .
tr	3	His persistence , and his complete inability to hide his attraction to her , had finally won her over .
tr	3	His phone buzzed with an automated selection notice before he had even logged off from the terminal .
tr	3	" Let 's get dressed and see if Christina and John are up for getting some lunch . "
tr	3	I may be the first guy in history to make it through the unwinnable scenario in one piece .
tr	3	Frank ran a hand over his head , pulling it away to check for blood as he drifted .
tr	3	" Those guys are quick ; I almost made an ass of myself for nothing . "
tr	3	Frank moved up to the ceiling and pulled himself along the beams until he reached the stairs .
tr	3	He looked out the window and saw that the module had already cleared the cargo hold .
tr	3	That way you avoid destroying a ship or having to crap in bags for the next five days . "
tr	3	" Golf Charlie ; roger that , two meters , confirm rotational correction on visual , over . "
tr	3	Mine shafts had been driven into several locations on Olympus Mons and processing facilities had sprung up at each .
tr	3	Army logistics had provided a stock of tea for their British staff but it was horrid .
tr	3	She realized that , though much growth was in evidence , something about the image seemed backwards .
tr	3	McCutcheon nodded over to a corporal who split the display screen , bringing up an older file image .
tr	3	" That 's what I 'm thinking , " Jan was still looking up at the two images .
tr	3	" Well it 's obvious that they did just that , " Dr. Tudor pointed out .
tr	3	Why does it always seem like I 'm the only one who makes a new pot .
tr	3	She pulled out the filter unit -- almost the size of a spare tire -- and dumped it .
tr	3	She dropped it back in the top and put a new filter paper on the bottom .
tr	3	" Dr. Colbert , I believe you 've already made that point , " said Tudor .
tr	3	It explains why they started to ship them all down months in advance of when they were activated .
tr	3	They didn 't carry them from their home world , they manufactured the pods on site and cloned laborers .
tr	3	Take a foothold on Mars , set up a logistics base and clone the invasion force onsite . "
tr	3	" It definitely seems to indicate the use of on-demand manufacturing at the very least . "
tr	3	" That 's the thing about working in intelligence , " he replied , gazing absently at the percolator .
tr	3	" Colonel , if I miss something I could get a lot of good people killed . "
tr	3	He drained his coffee , rinsed out the mug and shoved it into a large pocket on his tunic .
tr	3	She had been unable to shake the feeling that she would be going simply to stay near him .
tr	3	She crossed the atrium , sitting down at one of the dedicated application terminals and began to type .
tr	3	Only by pulling strings did he manage to get approval for his mother 's eye surgery .
tr	3	He had put it on mute during the briefing and hadn 't bothered to reset it .
tr	3	There was a slight pause as always , giving time for orders to be written down .
tr	3	" We 'll do what we must to keep them from collapsing , " he answered .
tr	3	" Fired on the crowd , " Cal said , holding up the newspaper that he had been reading .
tr	3	Cal had contacted Kevin through a rented mailbox after reaching New York to ask for Mark 's information .
tr	3	" Then , once France is under their thumb , they 'll use the French against someone else . "
tr	3	" I pay for the bag plus markup and that covers my tab until it runs out .
tr	3	By the time I decided to do something , I already had a large group to work with .
tr	3	The general consensus was that the growing crowds of angry , marching citizens were not going to decrease .
tr	3	By blocking their routes , it was hoped that they would eventually disperse and return to work .
tr	3	The maneuver would doubtless have been familiar to the Roman garrison of this same island , centuries ago .
tr	3	The pace of the bombardment began to wane as the protestors started to run low on ammunition .
tr	3	They would have been shocked by what happened and some would be angry at their officer .
tr	3	He raced over to the bastion where he found the small child kneeling by the body of the woman .
tr	3	Her words melted into incoherent sounds of fear and anguish as she sat alone in this place of horror .
tr	3	At the far end of the bridge , several television news vans had already begun to set up .
tr	3	He shouted at an idle soldier to finish the dressing while he moved on to another casualty .
tr	3	He used French , despite the earlier decision to use Swiss Italian for all radio communication while in Paris .
tr	3	A rage against the fools who had decided that combat troops should be used as crowd control .
tr	3	" Four Two , roger , am at trauma center with front desk staff , over . "
tr	3	Two days later , he found himself leaning against a pillar inside of the great cathedral .
tr	3	Even more unusual , he looked less like an aging priest and more like a retired army officer .
tr	3	This priest knows what happened but can 't talk with me about it unless I tell him myself .
tr	3	" My natural cushion isn 't what it once was , " the old man explained as he settled .
tr	3	" If you could go back two days , what would you have done differently ? "
tr	3	If the priest noticed that the soldier hadn 't said them , he gave no sign of it .
tr	3	" A very dangerous choice , " he said with a barely perceptible shake of the head .
tr	3	" Some of the crowd would have seized weapons from your men , " added the priest .
tr	3	" I wanted to study canon law but I found myself placed in charge of an orphanage . "
tr	3	One camera crew was there on the far end , no doubt doing a follow-up piece .
tr	3	" Major , it is my well-founded opinion that you could have done nothing to prevent this tragedy .
tr	3	In fact , you and your men did much in the aftermath to save the wounded . "
tr	3	I have been in your shoes and I clearly remember how it felt all these years later . "
tr	3	Something had happened while there that had caused him to forsake his life of adventure and enter the seminary .
tr	3	He blurted the question in his surprise , even though he was already certain of the answer .
tr	3	" We should all mourn the passing of a good man , " the bishop replied gently .
tr	3	If that meant shooting the student , then that NCO would have a very difficult memory to live with .
tr	3	With that , he nodded to the men and walked back up the street towards the cathedral .
tr	3	" I pulled our video gear before it went into the garage , " he continued .
tr	3	" I can try to get him talking on the way to Kennedy this Friday . "
tr	3	" No need , " Cal grinned across the water where a protest march was starting to form up .
tr	3	" You could at least let me know about changes in plans that do affect me .
tr	3	It contained more than three times the volume of the contemporary surface frigates that plied Earth 's oceans .
tr	3	The turrets were drastically shrunken compared to their terrestrial cousins as they had no need to hold crewmen .
tr	3	The emphasis of this vessel was obviously on attack , though she could still sting in withdrawal .
tr	3	In the days of sail , a ship 's main armament was mounted on the port and starboard sides .
tr	3	A captain who crossed the T was one who had his broadside facing the bow of an enemy .
tr	3	The turrets could rotate by 360 degrees and the barrel itself rotated in a 180-degree arc within its mounting .
tr	3	Screens mounted in the observation deck showed a plan version of the vessel , indicating the change in orientation .
tr	3	The nervous chatter on the mess deck had centered around the recoil tearing an opening in the hull .
tr	3	He carefully pulled his helmet from the Velcro tab at his waist and slid it over his head .
tr	3	The automated voice took on a more artificial tone as the small speakers in his helmet activated .
tr	3	Now , with ten seconds to go , his mind ran through the worst case scenario .
tr	3	The modules were already sitting in the transfer yard and there was no way to change the design .
tr	3	Frank raised his hands involuntarily as a brilliant fireball blossomed from the end of the huge gun .
tr	3	Frank looked to the damage control option on the central monitor and breathed a sigh of relief .
tr	3	The procedure repeated three more times for each of the forward guns before the main show could begin .
tr	3	Frank had seen enough and wanted to get below to the CIC before the next phase began .
tr	3	It showed each of the ship 's six main surfaces with color-coded zones indicating individual batteries .
tr	3	Frank wasn 't sure of the man 's rank as he was unfamiliar with German insignia .
tr	3	The individual turrets went gray as they traversed , going back to red as they came to bear .
tr	3	It would be unable to fire if another part of the ship were in the way .
tr	3	The ship began to come about on a flat plane as though she were sitting on the Pacific .
tr	3	The new target now sat apart from the flat plane that the ship was spinning on .
tr	3	While engaging two targets , the ship herself made the third point that changed a line to a plane .
tr	4	Oh , he was quite sure there was justice and virtue in the world , and he intended to find it .
tr	4	The boy forced himself to stand up , tears dripping off his chin and onto the embroidered gold cross of his white school uniform .
tr	4	Wiping his chin on one sleeve , the boy began to march back towards town , stepping over the muddy , crumpled Bible .
tr	4	At first glance , Noah Hearst might give off the aura of surfer dude , but he wasn 't really full of muscle .
tr	4	In addition to being tall and blond with skin that crisped red in the strong Cochabamba sun , Noah had studied Spanish in Spain .
tr	4	Whenever the guy spoke Spanish , it came out with a lisp that , to Bolivians , sounded really silly .
tr	4	And her brown hair , now sporting an uneven cut with burgundy highlights , let her fit right in with her Bolivian friends .
tr	4	She was sheathed in a puffy pink coat , mounds of pink scarves , and a snow white knit hat with pale pink sparkles .
tr	4	When the group piled out of the car , they discovered the air outside the car was even colder than inside .
tr	4	The frayed jeans and hippie tunic she had on under the alpaca sweater were not doing anything to keep her warm .
tr	4	Maybe that was why now , with daylight streaming through the holes in the schoolhouse wall , it was so darn hard to move .
tr	4	When she moved to stand up , the powdery remains of dried up fleas shifted on the navy fleece of the sleeping bag .
tr	4	She brushed her teeth with water from a dented bottle of Pura Vida and spit off into the deserted valley .
tr	4	The only structures visible were the schoolhouse where she had slept and two sturdy adobe houses a little way down the rounded path .
tr	4	A Quechua lady with a huge smile was waiting in the school with a breakfast of sweet purple corn drink and boiled eggs .
tr	4	They assigned her to help Noah , who was in charge of the kids while their parents attended Bible classes .
tr	4	Within minutes , Noah had the group of kids sitting on a grassy knoll and captivated by Bible songs with actions .
tr	4	She grew up in church and could rattle off this story by heart , in English , Spanish , or Quechua .
tr	4	But there was no way she could keep a group of kids glued to her every word the way Noah did .
tr	4	She was going to have to ask around later to figure out if that was really how that phrase should be used .
tr	4	" I want you to know kids , if Jesus is with you , you don 't have to be scared of anything .
tr	4	She fiddled around a little with the knife and a bumpy yellow potato , then decided to put her grammar question out there .
tr	4	It would only make her think of her brother , the missing boy who was probably never going to come home .
tr	4	In a dusty courtyard with solid walls below , the three men who marched between grave Pakistani police were mere specks to Alejo .
tr	4	They were alone on the cement rooftop high over Peshawar , and abandoned the Pashto language for their native Spanish .
tr	4	But how many years would the young soldiers get for murdering Afghan children across the border and posting bloody trophy pictures on the internet ?
tr	4	He rolled into place in the line of three men on their stomachs and positioned his gun on the sandbag .
tr	4	The three of them gazed through the gun scopes now at the American prisoners , blond and thin inside their bullet-proof vests .
tr	4	The other two collapsed on top of him , the part of their brains that controls involuntary movements effectively destroyed .
tr	4	He felt cold , and lowered the rifle from his eyes , staring at the dim outline of the mountains encircling the city .
tr	4	" Death to the infidels , " Gabriel grinned , stuffing wads of tattered rupee bills into a bag around his thin chest .
tr	4	The throbbing wail of a siren cut through the heat outside the apartment building , racing towards the murdered Americans .
tr	4	Alejo and his team sat on burgundy and ivory carpets , faced with silver platters of seared roti bread and lamb curry .
tr	4	Alejo tossed himself onto the silk bedspread fully dressed and forced his eyes closed in the darkness , fully expecting a reunion with nightmares .
tr	4	Alejo could always sleep through anything , a habit you learned fast when you spent your time doing the things he did .
tr	4	He dumped a bucket of cold water over his head in the shower , then exercised for a couple hours til his team arrived .
tr	4	They were all Muslims , having converted at different times in their lives : high school , university , graduate school .
tr	4	Benjamin , a doctor in Bolivia , greeted Alejo now with a droll smile and watchful eyes behind wire glasses .
tr	4	The guy was a PhD in philosophy and comparative religions , so he came in handy , instructing new recruits in religion .
tr	4	Like a prism scattered light into different colors , everyone in the organization had different talents , brought the light in different ways .
tr	4	Benjamin produced fresh roti bread and goat cheese from a paper sack , and Stalin was already stretching his legs out on the bed .
tr	4	Benjamin was quietly spreading goat cheese on a piece of bread , leaning his chair up against the wall next to Alejo .
tr	4	Stalin frowned and stopped stuffing grapes into his mouth from yet another sack of food the guys had carried in .
tr	4	Alejo let them go on about it for a while , because he really was dreading the thing he was about to bring up .
tr	4	He tried to sit up straight but felt the three cups of coffee he 'd just downed settling in his gut like cool acid .
tr	4	Sweat trickled down his ribs and he saw blackened fingers through tall white grass , fought the urge to gag .
tr	4	He 's fashionable , drives a swell red sports car , and , they say , even has gold teeth . "
tr	4	He felt the sun baking his neck again , like it had that day , while the breeze whistled through the tall white grass .
tr	4	His team leaned forward and , stuffing the nausea that came whenever he thought about Ruben , Alejo told them .
tr	4	A swish of fabric drew her attention to the tiny Quechua lady at her side , holding a tray of empanadas .
tr	4	" Do a Filomena , you know I can 't resist empanadas , " she told the older lady in Quechua .
tr	4	I just pray , I 'm always praying , and I know that the Lord is helping me feel better every day . "
tr	4	" And one of the coolest coffee shops here is where you 're standing right now , my friend , " Tiago jumped in .
tr	4	The bar , sporting neon signs for mostly European beers , was by far the busiest area of the caf .
tr	4	She shot up from her seat and slid onto Noah 's lap , wrapping her fingers around the back of his neck .
tr	4	Noah remembered to hold the door open for her , and then they began a brisk walk towards the closest major street .
tr	4	I don 't know what else to say , so I 'll just say , ' Thank you . ' "
tr	4	The drinks Stalin had ordered for them arrived , something with a ridiculous amount of whipped cream and caramel on top .
tr	4	" This time , I 'm not sure if I should have allowed my extreme intellect to be so convincing . "
tr	4	The Khan loved Alejo like a son , and in the Pashto culture that kind of love should never be broken .
tr	4	He chewed on one chapped lip and stirred the mess of coffee and cream left in his cup with the straw .
tr	4	Stalin had also gotten a really weird picture of his parents wearing matching lime green t-shirts at a rally for world peace .
tr	4	Alejo had been so obsessed with Salazar he 'd paid no attention to the Prism funders ' reaction to Marco 's death .
tr	4	A sleek black Hummer glided to a stop in front of the apartment , purring in the early morning chill .
tr	4	She 'd been crushed by a stray American missile back in 2008 , massacred in the same day as her five siblings .
tr	4	Now Ishmael Khan was Alejo 's handler in the Prism , this Muslim organization dedicated to fighting against injustice for Allah .
tr	4	Alejo was the Prism leader for all of South America , excluding Colombia and Venezuela , where Marco 's replacement now worked .
tr	4	The Khan was a strict Muslim , but would he really react so strongly to Alejo 's moving on as Stalin had implied ?
tr	4	Maybe only the 964 really cared , because they were the ones who invested all the money in training Alejo .
tr	4	Or maybe Stalin and Alejo were just painting themselves scary pictures from nothing , like campfire ghost stories under the moon .
tr	4	And , except for Stalin , they absolutely didn 't know a thing about the decision Alejo was trying to make .
tr	4	The roads outside of Peshawar were cut into dry , dusty mountain faces , and incredibly sheer drop-offs framed their narrow edges .
tr	4	Sometime around noon , the armored Hummer arrived at a run-down village , consisting of a cluster of houses around a stone well .
tr	4	A piece of burlap hung over the small window stirred , a dark form peered out , and the baby was immediately hushed .
tr	4	The Khan cleared his throat , spit a wad of hashish on the ground and turned towards Alejo , all smiles .
tr	4	Well , I have a little something I want to show you , and I think you will be very surprised .
tr	4	He wasn 't interested in radical fighters and all their petty battles over slight differences in religion or generational blood feuds .
tr	4	" This is the man I told you about , the man I told your commander I would bring to you . "
tr	4	The Khan motioned widely towards Alejo , as pleased as a kindergartner presenting his newest coloring page to his favorite teacher .
tr	4	" You 're the one , Gabriel Shara , " Ishmael had smiled warmly outside under the blazing Pakistani sun .
tr	4	Gabriel had found if you just left him alone , he would come out of the funk before you knew it .
tr	4	Frigid rivulets of water formed crystal drops like sweat down Gabriel 's face , from his wet , spiky hair to his chin .
tr	4	He knew how to make stuff : Molotov cocktails , pretty good bombs , electronic bugs for picking up conversations .
tr	4	He 'd gotten a scholarship in Bolivia to go to university in Iran , and been recruited into the Prism there .
tr	4	" Mr. Khan sent me to tell you I will pick you up at eight for a little good-bye dinner , " Mateen announced .
tr	4	Seeing the beard reminded Gabriel of his own pathetic attempt to grow a beard in order to be a good Muslim .
tr	4	The few inches of reddish , peachy fuzz dusting his chin at least showed that he had made the effort to be pious .
tr	4	one of them yelled , twisting Gabriel 's arm so hard behind his back that his eyes watered from the pain .
tr	4	The knife slashed his throat like the sting of a thousand wasps and his eyes rolled back into his head .
tr	4	This couldn 't possibly be some kind of freaky afterlife filled with rusting metal cots and eternal games of chess ?
tr	4	And then he saw Alejo , materializing in this strange room , followed by a short little doctor in a dirty lab coat .
tr	4	That night she had seen how Noah still looked at her with kindness after that stupid moment in the bar .
tr	4	Cut at unbelievable angles into the emerald heart of the Andes , the road boasted drop-offs of 1800 feet at some points .
tr	4	The door of the minivan slid open with a hollow whine and everyone spilled out , cautiously tiptoeing over to the cliff .
tr	4	Her head spun and she backed away , hurrying to the minibus where the driver was ordering them all to return .
tr	4	A young Bolivian couple strolled by with their son and a pair of Mickey Mouse balloons , munching hamburgers wrapped in plastic sacks .
tr	4	A corridor of tangerine and violet flowers grew wild in the dirt , forming a living rainbow along the center of the staircase .
tr	4	His pale green eyes reflected the weak rays of the early morning sun , glazed , vacant , and bleak .
tr	4	After Alejo got the call from Ishmael in Peshawar , the twenty hour trip from here to Gabriel had seemed to take forever .
tr	4	Most of his free time was spent praying or playing really melancholy music on the violin his parents gave him .
tr	4	That 's where Gabriel 's family thought he went when he disappeared with his friends for weeks at time : skiing in France .
tr	4	Gabriel seemed happy thinking about his mom , and the week at her house had fattened him up a bit .
tr	4	" It 's just , I feel weird , you know , " Gabriel sighed , still batting at the stupid mosquito .
tr	4	" God gave me back my life , but now I feel that my life has to totally belong to him , you know ?
tr	4	" God wouldn 't save your life just so you can feel all tortured about it , " Alejo frowned .
tr	4	" He saved you because he loves you , not so you can be his slave the rest of your life . "
tr	4	Alejo had to laugh at the image of Gabriel wielding an AK-47 and smoking opium in the middle of the desert .
tr	4	Stalin spent his mornings at the local elementary school , teaching , of all things , Morality and Ethics class .
tr	4	This weekend would be extra busy , because there would be a special guest : Ishmael Khan , all the way from Pakistan .
tr	4	Alejo suspected that he mainly wanted to check on Gabriel , his " nephew " , who had given him quite a scare .
tr	4	A thick cloud of mist still hung over the tops of the tangled foliage , not yet burned away by the mid-morning tropical sun .
tr	4	I got a table close to theirs out on the porch and heard , like , everything they said . "
tr	4	He 's got himself sitting on a chair , and then around him are four little boys on the ground , looking at him .
tr	4	Rage filled him , and he let it , anything to keep away the tears he really didn 't want Gabriel seeing .
tr	4	He and Gabriel stared at each other for a moment , and then Alejo whirled around and began to pace .
tr	4	No , God is justice , and his eyes are always on the earth , to reward the righteous and punish the wicked .
tr	4	Let the national authorities punish him according to the law ... That really hadn 't gone so well in the past .
tr	4	A total indifference to his activities had only made Salazar more bold in breaking the law , knowing no one would care .
tr	4	Gabriel 's eyes were shining again , and he pounded Alejo on the shoulder before turning back towards the clearing .
tr	4	A dozen more butterflies soared through the spray near him , dodging clouds of crystalline mist tossed off the roaring waterfall .
tr	4	It was May , nearly winter in Bolivia , but here the earth was still full of butterflies and tangled flowers .
tr	4	With all the hiking and rock-climbing they had done today , he felt that tonight he would eat like a horse .
tr	4	" Sure , ok , " Noah mouthed , and gently flicked the blue butterflies off his arm , sorry to see them go .
tr	4	Noah slipped into the cold water , feeling the push of the uneven pebbles at the pool 's bottom against his feet .
tr	4	At least now they wouldn 't have to get the seats of the Jeep wet and squishy with their behinds .
tr	4	The citric aroma of the three oranges Noah had eaten wafted to his nostrils , still on his skin , and he inhaled deeply .
tr	4	I was taking a walk , but I 've been gone for a long time now and it 's staring to get dark . "
tr	4	" I had pineapple ice cream , and then , " a dramatic pause , " I got some henna tattoos .
tr	4	She looked as if she had just seen a phantom appear at the foot of her bed at midnight , while wide awake .
tr	4	Breaking into a run , Noah bounded down the hotel 's steps three at a time and spun out onto the street .
tr	4	Noah shook the man 's leathery hand , and backed out of the pharmacy , destination medium-sized bus near the store .
tr	4	Noah walked back to the plaza , ignoring the tempting aroma of frying hamburgers from a silver food cart on the corner .
tr	4	She was wearing jeans instead of that beautiful skirt and Noah would have recognized that light blue alpaca sweater anywhere .
tr	4	The men wore slick jackets with dress shirts , and most of the women seemed to be wearing pantsuits of some kind .
tr	4	Noah squinted at their tickets , and then found the seat numbers on the right side , pretty near the front .
tr	4	She barely noticed as the last of the passengers filed onto the bus , sitting somewhere behind her and Noah .
tr	4	She knew he was there and was going to say something eventually , but she actually jumped when Noah 's voice broke the silence .
tr	4	Her heart broke then and she felt herself staring at him , pale in the moonlight streaming through the window .
tr	4	If she could just say what had happened , she might curl into the seat and die in peace , next to Noah .
tr	4	He wasn 't looking at the girl he thought he knew , and now he realized the truth about her .
tr	4	The morning after it happened , we were supposed to fly to Puerto Rico together for his brother 's wedding .
tr	4	But later , I felt so horrible about everything that I never showed up to go to Puerto Rico in the morning .
tr	4	There was a giant split somewhere inside her heart : this adventurous girl who loved languages and Jesus and living here in Bolivia .
tr	4	" But when the son came back , the Father didn 't just let him slave away as a servant .
tr	4	" I have something to give you , " he finally said , releasing her hands hastily and digging around in his pocket .
tr	4	He sat like that in silence for a full minute , eyes flickering , obviously running through something in his head .
tr	4	" Ok , now I 'm sweating , " Noah said , rubbing a hand across his face and sucking in a deep breath .
tr	4	I kept it for a while , to give to the unlucky girl I will attempt to trick into dating and then marrying me .
tr	4	Noah 's hands were shaking , though he tried to smile , and he actually seemed on the verge of tears .
tr	4	He unlatched the opening to the tent and jogged across the darkened clearing towards the group who was just exiting the forest .
tr	4	Alejo noticed Gabriel was carrying a purple backpack that obviously didn 't belong to him , which he carelessly slung to the ground .
tr	4	A few lewd comments rumbled from around the circle of men , and the American girl looked up sharply , terrified .
tr	4	" You weren 't in no bus accident , sweetheart , " William drawled , reaching out to touch her dark hair .
tr	4	Now , instead , the girl was here , in the hands of some very unsafe men , himself included .
tr	4	He rubbed his eyes , then slowly grinned , offering a hand to help the girl up from the dirt .
tr	4	He looped an arm under the girl 's arms and dragged her smoothly to her feet , anchoring her back against his chest .
tr	4	Alejo felt the girl 's rapid breathing as he set his jaw and pulled her back tighter against his chest .
tr	4	Alejo ripped open the entrance to his large tent as he heard a low moan and " Awww , man !
tr	4	Still keeping her tightly in his grip , he cautiously slid his hand off her mouth , waiting for Stalin to leave .
tr	4	He managed to free one hand from his mass of possessions and held it out to the surviving girl , rather sadly .
tr	4	Her dark hair , coated with a fine film of dust , was streaked with burgundy highlights and scattered around her shoulders .
tr	4	Alejo slid to the floor of the tent , one knee in the air , and let out a long sigh .
tr	4	" My best friend was sitting right next to me , and if you didn 't find him he could be dead .
tr	4	Alejo stared at this girl with the nose ring in his tent and saw a life he had just utterly devastated .
tr	4	There were a bunch of people in the back in suits and then some more people came on at the last minute . "
tr	4	She forced herself to erase that thought , scrub the eraser madly across the pencil lines on the page until it was gone altogether .
tr	4	She closed her eyes against the cool material of the sleeping bag , feeling sick and dizzy , but surprisingly , not in pain .
tr	4	Thoughts of Noah in the bus at the bottom of the ravine paralyzed her , filling her body with lead .
tr	4	The door of the tent rustled and the guy came back in , brooding and dangerous looking , with stormy hazel eyes .
tr	4	The guy looked about her age , maybe five ten , wearing khaki pants with pockets everywhere and leather sandals .
tr	4	" Someone said something about a bomb , " she blurted out , needing to understand what kind of situation she was in here .
tr	4	" I would have had the guys just leave you on the road , for someone to find and take to the hospital .
tr	4	She just then noticed that this guy called Paulo had a water bottle in one hand , which he held out to her .
tr	4	The question made her furious as she thought about Noah : where he was , if he was hurt right now .
tr	4	But when Paulo pulled on a sweater and stretched himself out on the tent floor as if to sleep , claustrophobia set in .
tr	4	In the real world , nice guys like Noah didn 't still love girls like her when they found out who they really were .
tr	4	The two girls were teaching a group of ladies to read in Quechua at a church downtown , close to Caf Amara .
tr	4	She leaned back into the chair , raised an eyebrow at him and fingered the little gold star on the side of her nose .
tr	4	Noah ran a hand through his straggly sandy blond hair , pushing it aside to reveal a little silver hoop in his right ear .
tr	4	Noah and I have a ways to go before we beat Tiago in the piercing count , she thought , still smiling .
tr	4	The following screens explained how Islam really is the heritage of Spanish-speaking peoples and they should return to it with all their hearts .
tr	4	They both snorted , then burst into laughter , tears leaking out of their eyes as they looked at themselves .
tr	4	Nylon fabric rustled as Paulo staggered up off the floor , shivered , then pulled a second black sweater over his head .
tr	4	" Ya voy , " he whispered , and the light-skinned man disappeared , leaving the tent flap hanging open .
tr	4	The main gist seemed to be glory and praise to Allah , and at the end she heard something about Satan .
tr	4	Right now she really needed a distraction , something to keep from thinking about Muslim terrorists outside her tent and Noah possibly being dead .
tr	4	They should be dysfunctional to the core , lounging together at a seedy bar while the kids ran wild in the streets .
tr	4	Closest to the camera sat a plump teenage girl with curly ringlets , a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt , and huge gold hoop earrings .
tr	4	She stared at the face of the guy in front of her : square , coffee - colored jaw , pretty hazel eyes .
tr	4	The good thing is , though , that it looks like she 'll never find out that her brother killed them .
tr	4	Alejandro actually had the gall to draw back in surprise , screwing up his face as if offended by her insinuation .
tr	4	She squeezed her eyes shut , even after she heard Alejo leave the tent , close the flap behind him .
tr	4	Alejo shrugged , one foot tapping on the floor , probably anxious to get back to whatever he was doing outside .
tr	4	" I 'm going to have Gabriel and Stalin take you down to the creek , " he informed her .
tr	4	" Thanks for the food , " she said in a small voice , glad right now for any small kindness .
tr	4	" Six years , " Stalin remarked , stepping carefully over a very tall rock , slippery with the morning dew .
tr	4	" Well apparently I might die today anyway , so I might as well enjoy my last day , right ?
tr	4	She wadded the damp socks up into her shoes and began walking again , picking her way over broken sticks and squishy moss .
tr	4	I 've got equipment up here you 've never even heard of , and I 'll find you like that . "
tr	4	In a way , she wished they would just tie her up out here instead of bringing her back to the clearing .
tr	4	Sunshine hit her damp hair with a welcome warmth as she stepped out of the shade and into the clearing .
tr	4	Alejo was sitting on a rock , talking to a short guy with wire rim glasses and a little brown goatee .
tr	4	She barely had time to register this fact before Alejo threw an arm around her and dragged her tighter against his chest .
tr	4	Her rib cage slammed into his and he hooked a leg around the back of hers , preventing her escape .
tr	4	Before she knew it , he was kissing her , the scarce stubble of his chin like sandpaper against her cheek .
tr	4	A shower of sparks shot through her skull as Alejo grabbed her hair and tilted her face upward towards his .
tr	4	His eyes were glinting with a thousand specks of green fire , and she felt her face burn , absolutely humiliated .
tr	4	Like Alejo had said earlier , most of the guys who had been up here on the mountain were already gone .
tr	4	She felt Benjamin 's grip on her tighten as he said , " I 've got her , Mr. Khan . "
tr	4	And then , from the side , Alejo was moving forward , marching towards her with a face full of calm fury .
tr	4	The fist that connected with her face shot white hot rays of pain through her head , splattering her vision with colored lights .
tr	4	He dragged her in front of him so her bare feet skimmed the grass , then barked into her ear , " Walk ! "
tr	4	He turned away from her and threw up onto the prickly tropical grass , gasped for breath , and then threw up again .
tr	4	She slumped against his shoulder , and the sounds of crickets singing among the banana trees and grass crunching underfoot slowly faded away .
tr	4	She remembered passing out , and that Alejo had hit her , and yeah , the pain was definitely still there .
tr	4	He 's our boss , and as soon as he arrived , I knew that you were as good as dead . "
tr	4	I had to stop him cold in his tracks , and hitting you was the only way I could think of .
tr	4	She dared to raise a hand to her face and realized that there wasn 't nearly as much dried blood as she remembered .
tr	4	A painful blush spread across her face as the memory of Alejo kissing her in the tent played across her mind .
tr	4	She supposed it was part of his lovely escape plan , but she still didn 't like thinking about it at all .
tr	4	But he did help him and he saved Gabriel 's life , like in the story Jesus told about the Samaritan . "
tr	4	Alejo played absently with the fringe on a canvas bag of oranges that was part of the truck 's cargo .
tr	4	No matter how much using violence seemed to be justified , the results could never be worth it , could they ?
tr	4	As horrible as it is , sometimes those two commands just can 't both happen at the same time . "
tr	4	She just lay there , squinting against the bright sky , trying not to think about how much everything hurt .
tr	4	" In punishment for me betraying the group , I think they 're going to try to kill my family . "
tr	4	I say we have two more hours before they start to wonder , three before they realize what I 've done . "
tr	4	A battered blue motorcycle leaned against a sleek banana plant , and a gaggle of scraggly chickens pecked lazily in the powdery dirt .
tr	4	He covered the distance between himself and his visitors quickly , clasping Alejo 's hand firmly in his own beefy one .
tr	4	She suddenly felt ashamed , standing there with bare , filthy feet and dried blood caked on her tank top .
tr	4	Boris winked and pulled a tattered notebook sporting the fading image of the Incredible Hulk out of his back pocket .
tr	4	The room just inside the door was cramped , graced with a burnt orange couch with torn upholstery and a few armchairs .
tr	4	An antique wooden shelf holding a murky fish tank and an army of porcelain clowns and teddy bears was stuffed in a corner .
tr	4	A wicker ceiling fan swirled above , lop-sided and losing the battle to cool the room from the tropical heat .
tr	4	Apparently Boris ' little adobe house was the kind of place bloodied strangers could show up and no one would blink an eye .
tr	4	The shirt was orange with a koala , or wombat , or some such thing cheerily stuffing a stalk of bamboo into its mouth .
tr	4	The place was just as Alejo remembered it , back when his dad 's friend from church used to run it .
tr	4	The guy behind the counter must think he was the cheapest guy in the world , bringing his date to a dive like this .
tr	4	The door opened with a soft whoosh , revealing an entire clan of people , gathered behind Alejo 's father in a nervous cluster .
tr	4	He had a couple of implanted tracking devices , in case anyone needed to track him when he was on assignment .
tr	4	The teenager who must be his little brother Nathaniel watched him with something like awe , never leaving his mother 's side .
tr	4	When Alejo left Cochabamba to live with his uncle , Nathaniel had been two and toddling around the patio in soiled Pampers .
tr	4	They had all been little babies when he stopped by his parents ' house for the only time after running away .
tr	4	Alejo sank down onto one of the unmade beds and planted his feet firmly on the floor , determined not to be sick .
tr	4	The nose is probably broken , but I won 't be able to tell for forty-eight hours if it needs to be set .
tr	4	Before punching a girl in the face and knocking her to the ground , then dragging her away with a knife to the throat .
tr	4	Alejo 's father placed one protective hand on his wife 's shoulder , moving in front of her and Nathaniel as he spoke .
tr	4	A squeaking of metal told him that his family had taken seats in the awkward silence , unsure of what to do .
tr	4	My parents may have done many things that were wrong , but they and the kids didn 't deserve this .
tr	4	He couldn 't even bring himself to mention the name of Jesus in this discussion as his reason for leaving Islam .
tr	4	Then Alejo 's mother stood up unevenly from the iron chair , a look of intense sadness quivering on her face .
tr	4	" I will do all that I can to keep them safe while they 're sleeping , " he promised gravely .
tr	4	Alejo 's father leaned back in his chair with a firm , metallic clink as the legs shifted against the uneven concrete .
tr	4	Nathaniel followed them slowly , eyes dark , glancing back at his long-lost brother with a mixture of morbid curiosity and fear .
tr	4	I knew I needed to leave for a while , when I realized that I believe what Jesus taught , not Islam .
tr	4	" I told you , Dad , I just can 't talk about it , " he insisted , eyes dark .
tr	4	Right now the only thing that is important is getting you all out of here , so you can live . "
tr	4	Alejo 's footsteps dragged as he trudged down the narrow stairs , leaving his father alone on the hostel roof .
tr	4	Alejo loosed a heavy sigh and waited outside the hostel room door , fighting the urge to find cigarettes and do some serious smoking .
tr	4	He 'd quit years ago , after finding that wheezing while trying to outrun danger and bullets could be pretty inconvenient .
tr	4	There would be the part about how Alejo had smacked her in the face , then nearly slit her throat .
tr	4	No matter how highly he thought of himself and his problem-solving abilities , there really was no fixing this situation , was there ?
tr	4	No matter what happens , God is always with us , and he keeps us all in the palm of his hand . "
tr	4	Equally as worrying was the fact that no one in his family protested his orders , at least not with words .
tr	4	Alejo left his family locked in the room , more disgusted with himself than he had been in a long , long time .
tr	4	" Ishmael and other powerful men don 't want the word to get out about what I saw in Pakistan , " he said .
tr	4	" I don 't know how many Bolivians are over in Pakistan right now , or how many have already been killed .
tr	4	" The reason we targeted the bus you were on is because it was chartered by a guy named Franco Salazar .
tr	4	How many more children would have their lives ruined , while I sat , a ' good ' man , doing nothing ? "
tr	4	Alejo raised his hands to make sarcastic quotation marks in the air around the word " good " , lips twisting cynically .
tr	4	" My best friend Ruben was a year younger than me , and he was from a poorer family , Quechua .
tr	4	I told them , thinking they would tell the police , that they would help my friend and put Salazar in jail .
tr	4	They said , if they got involved in this situation , they would lose all their influence for Christ . "
tr	4	" I went to live with my uncle , in Santa Cruz and went to a high school built by the Iranian government .
tr	4	Alejo finished the last sentence of his story in a rush , and then jumped up from the bed , uncomfortable .
tr	4	By a horrible man who abused little children while pretending to be a leader who cared about the people , a benefactor .
tr	4	Who built a beautiful community center for desperately poor children to come play basketball , only to lure them into his clutches .
tr	4	Alejo groaned and sank back onto the pillow on his back , black hair sticking up wildly in all directions .
tr	4	If his story were true , it made more sense how he could actually believe God would support killing a man like Franco Salazar .
tr	4	When she came out of the bathroom , he was waiting , pacing by the window , staring down at the alley outside .
tr	4	The kids were huddled on the beds , munching half-heartedly on cheesy empanada pastries and sipping chocolate milk from flimsy plastic cups .
tr	4	So far , the confirmed dead are a government guy from Cochabamba and three of his staff : two women and one man . "
tr	4	But a pang came along with it , because those people who died had been on the bus with her .
tr	4	When Noah decided to get on his knees in the aisle and give her the ring , the people in the back had clapped .
tr	4	She searched for the right words , and finally said , " I made Alejo tell me why he did what he did .
tr	4	I want to see if the U.S. will give them visas and put them in protection , in exchange for the information I have .
tr	4	" They haven 't found the bodies of any Americans , " he added after a while , then looked away .
tr	4	It 's all so sudden , but we have enough money and I can make a new life for my family . "
tr	4	Thirty seconds of silence filled the room , as both of them sunk down onto one of the beds , listless .
tr	4	After a long while she heard Alejo say , " I told Danny downstairs that we 're checking out tonight .
tr	4	He then punched the gas , letting the shiny , newer taxi climb up towards wherever their final destination would be .
tr	4	Three iridescent CDs hung from the top of the windshield on gold cords , dangling and swaying with each jolt of the car .
tr	4	" This is the only place where you can stay without having to show ID , " he whispered in her ear .
tr	4	" Probably just some kid will come out to take our money , and then we 've got a room .
tr	4	She closed her eyes and counted to ten , mortally embarrassed , doing her best not to rip herself away from Alejo 's grip .
tr	4	" See , that wasn 't too bad , " Alejo said under his breath as he jammed the silver key into the lock .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry I had to bring you here , " Alejo said , seemingly feeling bad for her .
tr	4	Noah would have chuckled at this , and for sure he could have written a hilarious song about this room with this Taylor guitar .
tr	4	Alejo dragged the wicker chair back to the corner and sat down , considering how much he was going to tell her .
tr	4	I wasn 't only in charge of my team , but of training all the guys in most of South America .
tr	4	She looked into his eyes as he handed her the sweater and her face was bathed in red from gaudy chandelier .
tr	4	But he 'd never really thought about other people who could be hurt in the middle of delivering justice to the bad guys .
tr	4	A slightly hellish glow filtered into the dark room through the sheer red curtains from a street lamp in the courtyard outside .
tr	4	He really hoped his father would understand that there wasn 't much that could be added to what had already been said .
tr	4	There is so much more I 'd like to talk about , but as you said , now is not the time ? "
tr	4	Little boys dead in the grass so that no one would disrupt the worship of God in the church building every Sunday .
tr	4	Her hands were shaking so hard she could hardly flip the thing open to gasp a breathless , " Hello ? "
tr	4	" You can go back to sleep , " she finally said in a voice that did not sound like herself .
tr	4	What kind of man just sat there without saying anything when a woman finds out the guy she loved has died ?
tr	4	Taking a deep breath , he shivered , eyes fixed on nothing in the darkness until it was nearly morning .
tr	4	Tobias , the other Australian , was scrubbing reddish eyes , obviously trying not to cry as he gave her a quick hug .
tr	4	" I mean , he 's not really here , he 's with God , but ... the casket is in there . "
tr	4	As she did , Eduardo 's gaze followed her hand , and his mouth opened into a round " O " .
tr	4	" Noah saved that ring for a really long time , " Eduardo explained slowly , as if revealing a delicious secret .
tr	4	Well , a lot of the guys , we used to always tell him , ' Well , start a relationship then !
tr	4	He was just going to ceremoniously throw it out the side of the bus , over the road of death .
tr	4	Eduardo 's eyes were swimming but the twinkle was back " But it looks like he didn 't throw the ring over after all .
tr	4	" Thank you , " she finally whispered , wanting to ask more before she had to go into the living room .
tr	4	But then she saw the couple dressed in black , standing at the back of the room through the wide double doors , weeping .
tr	4	The overweight father shuffled uncomfortably forward , glancing around the room as if he would give his entire fortune to be anywhere but here .
tr	4	With a stifled sob , his mother covered her mouth with one manicured hand and wiped away a stray tear with the other .
tr	4	A crisp white dress shirt was tucked into worn jeans , and his hair was slicked back with way too much gel .
tr	4	" I was part of the team that went down to the bus accident , " he clarified , expression grave and serious .
tr	4	" Now listen here , " he growled , swiping at a drop of sweat about to run into his eye .
tr	4	Noah 's father 's voice cracked , and he fell silent , swiveling his gaze over to the silent coffin along the wall .
tr	4	She collapsed into it , pulling her feet up to sit cross-legged , and buried her face into her hands .
tr	4	Hector Villanueva had already launched back into the conversation , seriously stating the facts to answer Noah 's father 's questions .
tr	4	The first day we found one of Franco Salazar 's assistants several hundred meters uphill from where the bus came to rest .
tr	4	Obviously they had been thrown from the bus while it was still pretty high up the mountain , to have landed so far away .
tr	4	but -- you 're saying that because your ' search and rescue ' team didn 't find him sooner , our son died ?
tr	4	A man had started speaking from somewhere in the room , inviting people to come take seats on the folding chairs .
tr	4	Even Tiago showed up , nearly unrecognizable in black dress pants , a starched white dress shirt , and red weepy eyes .
tr	4	What she really wanted to do was sling the black guitar strap over her shoulder and walk away , never looking back .
tr	4	The chorus she had just sung rang in her head , even as Eduardo and Tobias began to sing Amazing Grace .
tr	4	24 sea green EVERYONE ELSE HAD LEFT THE HOUSE , and Alejo was left in the echoing entryway of some missionaries ' house .
tr	4	He hunched miserably on a polished wooden chair , listening to the rhythmic tick of a clock from the kitchen off to the left .
tr	4	Pretty soon , Alejo would call a radio taxi with dark windows to take them back to their hideous quarters .
tr	4	He hadn 't been around so many Christians since he was a kid , and the experience had been overwhelming .
tr	4	He rose from the chair on the balls of his feet , doing a quick sweep of vision around the windows of the house .
tr	4	All the phones downstairs appeared to have been disconnected for the funeral , as the only ringing came from somewhere upstairs .
tr	4	A small dog , white curls graying where its belly scraped the grass , was trotting calmly around the spacious front yard .
tr	4	Alejo saw Gabriel , down below , pointing off to the park across the street , darkened with shady trees and deep green vegetation .
tr	4	" So , " Gabriel continued , blithely , " this is the way this is going to go down .
tr	4	He slammed the heavy door shut with a clang , then Alejo heard a beep as Gabriel pushed something near the door latch .
tr	4	" I have to take you back now , che , " Gabriel told Alejo , and his voice was really pained .
tr	4	" Let 's go , " Alejo ground out , stalking to the passenger side of the truck and ripping open the door .
tr	4	He slid inside and closed it , waiting for Gabriel to come around and stick the key in the ignition .
tr	4	" Yeah , well , then you should have not let your emotions get away with you and let Ishmael take care of her .
tr	4	The Khan is offering these poor guys scholarships to study , and then they 're just being used as fodder for religious wars .
tr	4	Besides , what could be more pleasing to God then doing what those poor guys from the countryside are doing ?
tr	4	If they stayed here , they 'd live out their lives in poverty , never making a difference at all , not knowing God .
tr	4	I 'm going to live like what it says is true , and that means following the teachings of Jesus . "
tr	4	Gabriel hit a pothole in the worn gravel road they were following and swore , not even looking at Alejo .
tr	4	I don 't need some man who made the insane claim that he was God to bring me close to God .
tr	4	Farther along the path , a low waterfall gurgled along the edge of the road , running over mossy boulders .
tr	4	He deserved to be here ; after all , he had broken the rules and it was only fair to have to pay .
tr	4	Last Thursday , the guys and I were eating brownies in the caf together , ready for another day at work .
tr	4	" If the Khan wanted her here you should have told me beforehand , because it 's a little late now .
tr	4	" I told you it wasn 't about her , " Benjamin said to Stalin , shooting an amused glance at Alejo .
tr	4	She cringed , but Gabriel just squatted on the truck bed next to her and put a finger to his lips .
tr	4	Immediately on his feet again , Gabriel strode to the back of the truck and grabbed a black duffel bag , which he unzipped .
tr	4	She twisted her head to follow Gabriel 's movement and then froze as she saw him yank a gun out of the bag .
tr	4	Hands steady , he lifted a handful of oblong bullets from one pant pocket and began stuffing them into the gun .
tr	4	" I can 't believe I 'm doing this , " he muttered , then whirled the gun 's chamber shut .
tr	4	Her hands shook and she kept them away from the open door , eyes glued to the scene unfolding outside .
tr	4	How can I stand this , that I can 't even trust you , who have been like my own nephew ?
tr	4	This seemed to make Ishmael very happy , and he raised both arms in the air , a smile plastered on his face .
tr	4	I don 't know why I should believe you , but I have known you since you were almost a child , Alejo .
tr	4	Whirling around , he grabbed an object from a bench nearby and the sound of ripping pages knifed through the air .
tr	4	Ishmael Khan took three clipped steps forward and rammed the gun he held against Alejo 's forehead with an echoing click .
tr	4	Feeling faint , she crawled in slow motion under the canvas tarps Gabriel had pointed out and tried not to move .
tr	4	The floor bounced as they stepped to the ground and both doors slammed shut , leaving the truck 's interior in utter darkness .
tr	4	His curly hair was wet and sticky and blood splattered over one ear and ran down his chin to pool on the wool blanket .
tr	4	The sound of her gasping breaths echoed in slow motion around the interior of the truck , slow and rasping .
tr	4	The truth came to her all of a sudden and she crashed forward onto her knees , palms spread out on Alejo 's back .
tr	4	Stalin doesn 't know I 'm alive back here , and I don 't know how badly he wants me dead .
tr	4	And if either of them finds out Alejo is alive , they could come back here and just finish the job .
tr	4	A scraping of metal , then the truck filled with shafts of light , filtered through shadowy eucalyptus branches waving over the truck outside .
tr	4	The other reverberated like thunder as it too was shut heavily , and then footsteps running on gravel sounded outside .
tr	4	Running footsteps , and then the doors to the truck were opened , letting in florescent light from an overhead street lamp .
tr	4	He and Gabriel leaped into the truck and began to carefully pull the blanket with Alejo 's prostrate form towards the door .
tr	4	She nodded and scrambled up after them , leaping out onto what she saw was the sidewalk of the hospital .
tr	4	And now it was morning ; crisp white light filtered in through the blue checked curtains of the hospital room .
tr	4	Clean white tiles spread before her , and the air was ripe with the scent of Clorox and chamomile tea cooling on breakfast trays .
tr	4	She couldn 't call them on her own new cell phone , because the thing only worked for local calls .
tr	4	Yes , she felt bad for Alejo ; he was up there all alone , life hanging in the balance .
tr	4	As if realizing he had just said that out loud , Dr. Ortega snapped his mouth shut and rubbed his temple .
tr	4	I 'd say we 're not out of the woods yet , after that little speech our patient just made .
tr	4	" Why don 't you try to get some rest , while we draw some blood for the tests . "
tr	4	The Shara family had maids and servants to do every kind of manual labor , but baking bread had been his mother 's hobby .
tr	4	Gabriel thought it was in her blood , passed down from her Arab ancestors who had baked flat bread in outdoor ovens in Palestine .
tr	4	It stunk that she couldn 't know about his work , and especially about the assignment Gabriel was on today .
tr	4	Gabriel frowned in frustration and slowly chewed his bread , then glanced nervously out the window , watching for Manuel .
tr	4	He was thinking maybe a trip to Europe for the honeymoon , because what girl didn 't want to go to Europe ?
tr	4	He probably still had relatives there , whom he had never met , trapped in what many considered the world 's largest jail .
tr	4	Conditions there were abject poverty , as the Palestinians had been forced off their land by the Israelis and left with nowhere to go .
tr	4	They belonged to no country , thus had no passport and could never leave that place to study overseas or work .
tr	4	He dropped the margarine and cream off in the refrigerator , carefully tied up the bread in its bag with a perfect little knot .
tr	4	He pulled a cell phone out of his jean pocket and punched in the number for Manuel , holding his breath .
tr	4	Somehow , while packed into a classroom of seventy kids out in the countryside , he 'd been picked out as having musical talent .
tr	4	As the ringing began again , he padded across the wide entryway into a room that lay behind a heavy wooden door .
tr	4	But the most important item for today 's mission was laid out on a crude wooden workbench , awaiting the arrival of Manuel .
tr	4	The bile of that betrayal threatened to rise up Gabriel 's throat , along with crazy sorrow over losing his friend .
tr	4	He waited there on the floor , hoping for wisdom , feeling the burden of pleasing Allah pressing him into the ground .
tr	4	Last night the doctor had ordered a lot of tests , but of course it was because of the gun shot to the head .
tr	4	She tried to swing her legs over the side of the bed but her head spun like a ballerina practicing pirouettes .
tr	4	" It sure was awful watching your blood splatter everywhere , and I 'm sorry all your friends just sat by and watched ? "
tr	4	The screen cut to the picture of burning building again , towering over the busy Prado avenue , flames licking the clouds .
tr	4	The female announcer was back again , in a low-cut mauve suit coat and braided gold earrings that hung to her shoulders .
tr	4	The news reporter was receiving a note from an off-screen hand and continuing in all her mauve , low-cut glory .
tr	4	Startled , she dug around and managed to pull out the small , cheap phone Alejo had bought her at the Hostal Salta .
tr	4	The nurses ' station was silent and empty ; a phone rang insistently on the desk , but no one ran to answer it .
tr	4	One was a tall , lanky guy with broad shoulders and a narrow waist , buzzed sandy brown hair , and a hooked nose .
tr	4	The two people who were making themselves at home in the room seemed as happy about Alejo getting his sight back as he was .
tr	4	She nodded mutely , and he nodded back at her kindly , as if to say , We all have to start somewhere .
tr	4	He followed them out of the bathroom , stuffing their discarded clothing into his ripped plastic market bag on the way .
tr	4	At the end of the hallway , a fat metal door blocked their path , secured with two golden padlocks .
tr	4	" We 're just people who came here to visit sick Uncle Marco after a long day of work in the market .
tr	4	They rounded to the front of the hospital and past two olive green police vehicles , red lights periodically flashing in the night .
tr	4	Sometime along the way , the tall man with the hooked nose had introduced himself as Tabor , and the woman as Sandal .
tr	4	Tabor parked his motorcycle next to a giant eucalyptus tree near the house and he and Sandal climbed off the bike in exact synchronization .
tr	4	He waited for her , and the two of them walked side by side after Sandal and Tabor towards the looming house .
tr	4	The rough , unvarnished door was made of a blond wood and had been left cracked open , as if expecting visitors .
tr	4	Mr. Cole looked over towards the door , but the two who had come to the hospital were already gone .
tr	4	" And yet here you are , " Rupert waved one burly forearm , " at my house , safe and sound .
tr	4	Neither of you can just go back into your old lives , just show up in society as you were .
tr	4	I was relieved to see your faces here in my living room , because I wondered if I would get to you in time .
tr	4	His face was contorted , and he kicked at the swivel chair with one violent motion , clenching his fist .
tr	4	Mom , I pray that Allah will grant you the grace to continue to be a faithful believer despite all the trials .
tr	4	You know that Allah will reward me with Paradise , and I will be there , waiting for both of you .
tr	4	At this point , Gabriel 's lips twisted into a wry smile , and his green eyes searched the camera .
tr	4	Gabriel looked at his violin a moment , reflectively , and then continued , " I am not a tough warrior or a soldier .
tr	4	Such is His truthful pledge in the Torah , the Gospel , and the Quran - and who fulfills His pledge better than Allah ?
tr	4	I think that in Paradise all those things will fade into memory , because I 'm sure that life there is pretty good . "
tr	4	He disappeared to the side of the screen , leaving for one moment the view of the huge Palestinian flag , hanging in silence .
tr	4	He was lying on his stomach on a single bed with thick wool blankets in a room with walls that smelled of cedar .
tr	4	What better way to earn Allah 's favor than as a suicide bomber , making the ultimate sacrifice to do Allah 's will ?
tr	4	He had simply walked over to the table of the two Israeli diplomats while playing a violin piece and detonated the explosives .
tr	4	Tabor was about his size and had left him a mound of clean clothes on top of a cedar chest in the corner .
tr	4	She slowly nursed a chipped mug of black coffee , eyes flitting to Alejo with a bare acknowledgement of his entrance .
tr	4	Alejo slid into a chair across the table from Tabor , where an empty place setting seemed to be waiting .
tr	4	If he had to guess , he would say Sandal was from Iran or Iraq , and Tabor from Israel .
tr	4	Rupert ducked into the kitchen and reappeared with a glass carafe of French Press coffee , which he emptied into Alejo 's mug .
tr	4	He was actually glad that Rupert was holding off on the job offer until after breakfast , because Alejo felt like dirt .
tr	4	" You need to eat , " he said calmly , but the tone left no doubt it was an order .
tr	4	When he had emptied his plate , Rupert scraped his chair back and said , " Come walk outside with me . "
tr	4	Alejo shoved hands in his pockets as the two of them fell in step on a slow walk around the lawn .
tr	4	When I emptied out my retirement account to give to the poor , my third wife , Ellie , left me .
tr	4	So now , here I am , alone and with all the time in the world to do what the Lord brings my way .
tr	4	They had reached the far corner of the property now , and Rupert led them into a small grape arbor .
tr	4	" I guess you brought me here for the recruitment speech , " he said , measuring Rupert with his eyes .
tr	4	But the fact you were recommended to me in a dream makes me think God brought you here for the recruitment speech . "
tr	4	" Short for Cole , Inc , the shipping company here in Morocco my grandfather owned and gave to me .
tr	4	" Most of us in CI may not have come by our special skills in the best of ways , " Rupert continued explaining .
tr	4	We work to save those who are in prison or in danger for their belief in Jesus or their defense of human rights . "
tr	4	When he worked with the Prism , hadn 't it been to bring justice to the world , to help those in need ?
tr	4	Alejo couldn 't be sure , but he could have sworn that , just before Rupert turned to go , he had winked .
tr	4	The half hour alone under the grape leaves was intense , and Alejo prayed and thought , trying to get his bearings .
tr	4	" Ah , what are we doing here hiding out under the leaves and sitting in the muck like kindergartners ? "
tr	4	" And , sending her to live with your family isn 't what I wanted to talk to you about .
tr	4	What I wanted to talk with you about now is the issue of forgiveness from others who you have offended .
tr	4	" Alejo , I have a sort of penance for you , " Rupert continued explaining to a dumbfounded Alejo .
tr	4	You can help her use her talents for the kingdom , by sharing what you know so she can work with us .
tr	4	If she feels called to join and agrees to go on the trip , then it 'll be all settled .
tr	4	He unscrewed the lid to his thermos with a vengeance and took a long gulp of hot , strong coffee .
tr	4	" Besides , " Rupert was pressing on , " I 've spent quite a few years in my day around guys like you .
tr	4	Rupert heaved himself up from the ground with a loud crack , clumps of dirt clinging to his worn jeans .
tr	4	" We should tell her tonight , at the latest , " Rupert said , walking towards the edge of the arbor .
tr	4	Apparently noticing Alejo draw back like a deer in the headlights , Rupert turned around and crossed his arms , annoyed .
tr	4	" God sent her to me , too , and I think we are just beginning to discover the reason . "
tr	4	A door scraped across the wood of Rupert 's living room and she saw the older man and Alejo standing in the office .
tr	4	Alejo , however , had the pained grimace of a man who had just escaped the dentist after a root canal .
tr	4	Of course I have to make your docs with different names , since you 're both supposed to be dead .
tr	4	After pancakes , she had taken a walk and thought : If Alejo is Paul , then I am Peter .
tr	4	" Alejo , it 's ok , " she said , then slid down to the warm wood floor in front of him .
tr	4	He lowered himself down to sit cross-legged as she was , not even bothering to swipe away the raw tears matting his eyelashes .
tr	4	" You are going to be pretty hard to get a hold of out here on the farm with Rupert . "
tr	4	" You left the Prism , " Alejo stated warily , crossing one leg over the other on the five gallon bucket .
tr	4	Alejo was debating between " Las Vegas " and " Disneyland " when a second wave of sound announced Stalin 's answer .
tr	4	The fact that it was in a part of the market meant for grocery shopping had given him the heebie-jeebies .
tr	4	Then he had gotten back on the plane to a more pleasant destination , planning on sending his parents tickets to come visit .
tr	4	At first , the city of Cordoba , where Stalin had rented a nice flat , had seemed very cosmopolitan and smacked of Europe .
tr	4	Then he turned down one of the ancient , narrow side streets to meander his way in the general direction of home .
tr	4	Ignoring everything but the books , Stalin began at one end , noticing right away that the volumes seemed to be rather thin .
tr	4	He had studied Christianity in depth during his masters and PhD , of course , along with all the other religions .
tr	4	He forced himself to close his mouth and reached out to shake her hand with one of his own sticky ones .
tr	4	" If that 's what you 're after , the man you want to talk to is my father . "
tr	4	" He 's the pastor of an evangelical church here , " she explained , " but he 's also quite a scholar .
tr	4	Heart sinking , Stalin pressed his lips together so his jaw wouldn 't hang open again , gawking at Shannon .
tr	4	A rubber boot connected with his back as the rush of light hit his wide-open eyes , slamming him to the pavement .
tr	4	A dozen feet away , circled by a dreary ring of hoary stones , a cement block protruded from the park square .
tr	4	One of them held a dove gray tarp , folded neat and square ; this would be to wrap Sami 's body .
tr	4	Hot fingers grabbed his temple like a vise , twisting his head to one side , plastering one cheek against the icy concrete .
tr	4	But we would sit together by the fireplace every night with our children , singing with the guitar and loving each other .
tr	4	A ream of black cloth descended in front of Sami 's vision and cinched in a hard knot behind his skull .
tr	4	The blindfold pressed his lashes tightly against his cheeks , leaving him blind , each beat of his heart echoing slowly in the darkness .
tr	4	Worship of Satan A mullah began to pray loudly in Arabic , and Sami waited with his temple to the icy block .
tr	4	Heart pounding in his chest , Sami waited in the darkness , knowing that in just a minute more he would see the light .
tr	4	A few tears later she stopped , scrubbing her face on her soft tiered skirt , never one for prolonged weeping .
tr	4	Since then she had been here in Montana , living with her parents on the ranch that was her childhood home .
tr	4	Life as a missionary in Bolivia was over , dreams smashed to pieces with the shattered glass of the bus where Noah died .
tr	4	Staying here on the bench in the little sheltering circle of trees on the ranch was sounding better and better all the time .
tr	4	But after the bus accident in Bolivia she had been kidnapped and nearly killed by the Muslim group who had bombed her bus .
tr	4	The intruder was now out of the shadows , holding up two tan hands in a gesture meant to calm her down .
tr	4	It 's me , " he said , only adding more fuel to the storm of adrenaline and annoyance lashing her insides .
tr	4	Sure , in Bolivia they had both been recruited by a man named Rupert to work with an organization called CI .
tr	4	But for goodness sake , she was supposed to have the weekend still to deal with this before seeing Alejo again !
tr	4	" Last week we said we 'd meet up on the trip , since we 're both headed the same way .
tr	4	Because Alejo had asked her to forgive him , they 'd talked on the phone for a few minutes every couple weeks since Bolivia .
tr	4	He looked younger with his hair shaved , face smoothed of many of the tortured lines that had marked it three months earlier .
tr	4	Her heart hurt as she crossed her arms over her gray Henley top and tried the hint of a smile .
tr	4	She managed to twist away from Alejo just in time , feeling the thickness of his arms brush by her cheek .
tr	4	Before she even knew how it happened , he had hauled her to her feet and had her against a near-by tree .
tr	4	she shrieked , feeling the rage of losing and the powerlessness of not being able to do a thing about it .
tr	4	The hold on her elbows tightened even more , and Alejo pressed her farther into the tree , his cheek plastered against hers .
tr	4	" Ok , you win , " she pronounced , speaking carefully since her lips were only centimeters from the tree bark .
tr	4	Alejo remained on top of her , and she flipped her head towards the source of the sound , more than a little frantic .
tr	4	I won 't go into the definition of " pucker factor " but trust me , a high pucker factor really is not good .
tr	4	Fortunately , due to my superior intellect , I was able to recognize the repetitive event after only being caught in them five times .
tr	4	To make matters worse , I didn 't bring enough food or water , so my energy reserves were pretty low .
tr	4	Every so often , Isaac placed a piece of climbing gear into the rocks and threaded the rope through it .
tr	4	No sir , that was a lot of snow , enough to fill up a couple of very large houses .
tr	4	I could feel that sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach as I envisioned Isaac being swept over the cliff by the avalanche .
tr	4	Facing the mountain , he moved his right foot to his right , then moved his left foot over to match it .
tr	4	Over and over , Isaac repeated the sequence , shuffling across the cliff as he continued to stare up toward the top .
tr	4	I was his lifeline , but I had no idea if I could hold his weight in the event of a fall .
tr	4	Due to the deteriorating conditions , we needed to move faster and place less gear on the route for protection during a fall .
tr	4	I looked around me in a futile attempt to avoid the inevitable , but finally Isaac yelled back over to me again .
tr	4	Quickly I dismantled the anchors holding me to the mountain and started my way across the rock and snowy cliff .
tr	4	My heart was pumping and I could feel the anxiety building as I closed the distance on the snowy slope to my right .
tr	4	" Good job dude , now cross the Couloir , " I heard Isaac yell to me as I lay and rested .
tr	4	As if in a dream state , I heard him yell to me , " and you got ta time the avalanches . "
tr	4	At first , the snow flowed over me like a gentle stream of water , but that didn 't last long .
tr	4	A split second later , I felt the full force of the wall of snow that raged over the top of me .
tr	4	" Nooo , " I remember screaming in my mind as my feet broke free of solid land and floated in space .
tr	4	Isaac pulled hard on the rope , snapping me out of my foggy state and I started off across the open snow slope .
tr	4	The snow was deep now , almost past my knees and I dug deep into my reserves to plow through the heavy mess .
tr	4	Forty feet , thirty feet , twenty feet ... I powered across the slope like a steaming locomotive , focusing only on my destination .
tr	4	Suddenly , I felt a hard jerk on my jacket , only it wasn 't from above ... it was sideways .
tr	4	" Ok man , we got ta climb up this rocky face , then step around the corner to the " Diamond " .
tr	4	It 's nearly 2000 feet of sheer and overhanging rock , that only the best and most skilled climbers attempt to climb .
tr	4	He looked down for a moment , then to his left to survey the upper face that we were about to climb .
tr	4	Isaac looked up at the wall of snow , rock and ice that stood between us and the upper snow slope twenty feet higher .
tr	4	If we could just get above it , the summit would only be a few hundred feet more of easy snow climbing .
tr	4	I took out my ice axes , looped the lanyards around my wrists and approached the mess in front of me .
tr	4	Ice axes are used for thick ice where the front point of the axe sinks deep into ice , giving you a secure hold .
tr	4	If I moved the wrong way , they could easily just pop off the rock and I 'd fall -- not good .
tr	4	I moved up a few feet to the outer corner where the blocky face above met the face of the Diamond .
tr	4	I 'd be hanging , literally , 1500 feet above the valley floor by only the tiny points of my axes .
tr	4	It was almost dark and I could barely see the large blocks of snow on the valley floor , far below .
tr	4	With half my body hanging out over 1500 feet of air , I was now straddling the hairy edge of my raging fear .
tr	4	Quickly , I found another foot hold , but then again , another gust of wind slammed into me , knocking both feet loose .
tr	4	In an instant , I was now dangling from my ice axes over the 1500 foot cliff , swinging wildly in the wind .
tr	4	Isaac anticipated my fall and was now doing his best to reel in what little slack in the rope he could find .
tr	4	As I flailed in the air , I made a desperate attempt to hook my axe on anything that would hold .
tr	4	What felt like hours were mere seconds but it was enough to drain me of all mental and physical strength .
tr	4	The thick violent wave , rolled over the top of me as Isaac stood firmly and held me with the rope .
tr	4	Quickly , I jumped to my feet and plowed through the deep snow , ascending the short distance between us .
tr	4	Isaac leapt to his feet and lunged through the snows as he fought his way to the far side of the snow slope .
tr	4	If you enjoyed the short story above , please read the following sample chapters of Tear in Time ( tear as in torn ) .
tr	4	Never again would the world see the past as they remembered , as one death would change the world 's destiny forever .
tr	4	He squinted hard as he tried to see through the darkened , tinted windows , but it was of no use .
tr	4	Trae saw the brakes release from the old Buick , then quickly stop again , almost as if by accident .
tr	4	He looked up the street to see if the vehicle had intended on pulling out but reconsidered due to another passing car .
tr	4	Maybe you should go in the house for a minute , " Trae replied , now feeling the anxiety of the moment .
tr	4	" Just one more m. ... " Lena began , but was cut short by the revving of the Buick 's engine .
tr	4	With tires squealing and smoke billowing from behind the car , the old sedan charged up the street toward them .
tr	4	As bolts of white light streaked from the ends of the gun barrels , Trae lunged for Lena , knocking her to the ground .
tr	4	He instinctively rolled on top of her to protect her as a hail of bullets tore up the ground around them .
tr	4	As the faded Buick roared past , Trae and Lena lay motionless on the front lawn , their minds and bodies unable to react .
tr	4	Seconds later , the driver slammed on the brakes once more and brought the heavy vehicle to a quick stop .
tr	4	As the faded Buick came to a stop , all its doors were flung open and four young men exited the vehicle quickly .
tr	4	Before the first bullet could even register , a second bullet struck him in the right shoulder , rendering his arm useless .
tr	4	Nodding reluctantly , Lena quickly stood up and pulled the front door open as Trae moved to shield her from the four men nearby .
tr	4	Once again , an eerie quiet swept over the neighborhood as the neighbors , one by one , ventured out into the warzone .
tr	4	Looking toward the city , he could see the tall smoke stacks that emitted the evidence of men toiling at work .
tr	4	He reveled in his independence as he envisioned other boys suffering through school while he enjoyed his day of truancy .
tr	4	At this hour of the day , the sun sat lower in the cloudless sky , warming the temperatures to a comfortable seventy degrees .
tr	4	If it were not for their thankless duty to task , the soldiers would normally have enjoyed the balmy climate .
tr	4	Beyond the main thoroughfare , on the secondary and tertiary roads , tiny houses dotted the roads leading out of town .
tr	4	Quietly and undetected , they had moved to the river 's edge , sneaking in under the protection of darkness .
tr	4	They watched in anxious fascination as the Confederates on the opposite side of the river worked to unload their delivered supplies .
tr	4	Upon investigation , the ants angrily attacked any bare skin , biting and pinching in a futile attempt to drive away the enemy .
tr	4	With an authoritative voice , he redirected cannons down the line to specific targets as he developed his impromptu battle plan .
tr	4	They knew there would be casualties , but felt relatively sure that with the element of surprise , the battle would be fairly one-sided .
tr	4	Serving in the military for most of his life , he was no stranger to the horrors that warfare could bring .
tr	4	Ordinarily , Dr. Morgan preferred the protected confines of houses and barns , commandeered from private citizens at the onset of battle .
tr	4	After locating the medical encampment , Dr. Morgan quickly summoned a wagon to be used as an operating gurney and prepared his instruments .
tr	4	Loud and with great authority , he repeated his simple command over and over as he rode up the line .
tr	4	Like violent demons , the cannons came to life as they reported with a thunderous roar , shaking the ground under them .
tr	4	They were as a machine , working in perfect sequence and timing to efficiently deliver unto the enemy , their deadly payload .
tr	4	Those with their backs to the volley waited and listened as the whistle grew quickly louder , into a thunderous rush of air .
tr	4	One unlucky private watched in horror as a shell found its mark in the chest of the unlucky companion marching in front of him .
tr	4	With a great explosion , the canister fragmented into thousands of tiny projectiles , completely disintegrating the whole of the soldier 's existence .
tr	4	Continuing on their way , the fragments of the now exploded shell found their next victim in the watching soldier .
tr	4	Along the waterfront , the Confederate soldiers that were unloading supplies met with the same fate as their drilling comrades .
tr	4	Anything that could be used to further the Confederates ' cause was targeted in the first volley of Union fire .
tr	4	Tucked away in a grove of tall oaks for protection from the elements , they were easily missed by their opposing force .
tr	4	With the command to fire at will , the Confederates opened up on the Union forces staged in the foothills of Signal Mountain .
tr	4	By the time the Union artillery brigade saw the heavy smoke from the Confederate volley , it was too late .
tr	4	Within a blink of an eye , their bodies absorbed most of the fragments , nearly obliterating any proof of their existence .
tr	4	Hand over hand , they pushed on the flimsy poles , nearly breaking them as they rushed to evade harm 's way .
tr	4	Painful blisters formed and quickly broke , leaving fresh blood along the length of the poles as they continued to push for their lives .
tr	4	He looked back at the pelts of beaver and muskrat he and his now deceased friend had toiled over for the previous two months .
tr	4	As his head dipped below the surface , he was about to let go of the rifle when his feet touched bottom .
tr	4	Finding the bottom of the river once more , he launched his waterlogged body above the surface and gasped for another breath of air .
tr	4	He had managed to move close enough to shore to now wade toward land with his handful of belongings safe .
tr	4	Spotting a large boulder at the river 's edge , he made his way toward it , keeping his head mostly submerged for cover .
tr	4	With the powder wet and useless , he still aimed his weapon , hoping he would not be called on to bluff .
tr	4	Shaking and scared , the young boy huddled close to the rock , having just witnessed the drama of the trappers unfold further upriver .
tr	4	As he cried out in pain , he clutched the dangling flesh , irrationally trying to reattach it to the bone .
tr	4	Instantly , the soldier 's skull exploded , covering Corporal Fletcher 's face with blood , bits of brain and bone .
tr	4	He jerked away in reflex and cried out in fear , only to feel the mind-numbing pain of his own injury .
tr	4	Desperately , deliberately , he stretched his hands out in front of him , clawing at anything he could use to further his escape .
tr	4	A short distance away , a private pulling a horse-drawn ambulance heard the painful shriek of Corporal Fletcher over the thunder of war .
tr	4	Kneeling , he placed the canteen to the corporal 's lips and slowly poured a few swallows into his mouth .
tr	4	Looking down at Corporal Fletcher 's blood , which had pooled under his leg , the private quickly realized the gravity of the situation .
tr	4	Even in the Corporal 's deteriorated state , he knew the grisly torture that awaited him once back at the makeshift hospital .
tr	4	He envisioned the painful procedure , then the disfigured remnant that would be left as a sad reminder of the reality of war .
tr	4	" Sorry , " the Private responded sincerely , although there was little he could do to improve the comfort of the wounded .
tr	4	Moments later , through his own screams of agony , he heard the cries of another wounded soldier being loaded into the wooden ambulance .
tr	4	With the realization that he was all alone , he retreated into the far recesses of his mind , his last haven for solace .
tr	4	Shortly after losing consciousness , the young boy quietly died beside him , passing beyond the horrific end into peace .
tr	4	Returned to his pacing , he gazed through the grove of birch trees , trying to view the battle at his protected location .
tr	4	The sight made him wonder how the Confederates were faring , and if their own surgeon was also nervously pacing .
tr	4	" Fetch my smock , " he ordered a nearby private , who was sitting on the ground , sunning himself .
tr	4	Assessing the situation , Dr. Morgan quickly pronounced the young boy dead , and turned his attention to the two men still living .
tr	4	As Dr. Morgan cut away a portion of the corporal 's pant leg , Asst. George Fowler prepared the chloroform .
tr	4	" Right , I know this is your first time , so I 'll try to explain as much as practicable .
tr	4	I 'm moving pretty fast here and we don 't want an accidental amputation of any of your digits , ok ? "
tr	4	We could do this in one pass , but we lose the precision as we slice deep into the muscle .
tr	4	The remaining stump usually ends up grossly disfigured , more so than is acceptable , frequently leaving the appendage quite painful for use .
tr	4	He worked around the bone , then pulled up on each end of the strip , lightly suspending the leg for a moment .
tr	4	I 'll cut through the bone as close to the cloth as I can without cutting through it -- the cloth , that is .
tr	4	Resting the saw against his thumb , he pulled two times toward himself , leaving a small pilot slot to start the cut .
tr	4	Those all need to be tied off or he 'll bleed to death , " the doctor said as he worked .
tr	4	With the bleeding completely stopped , he slowly released the tourniquet and watched for leakages at the end of the stump .
tr	4	Turning to his assistance , he said dryly , " Let 's hope there won 't be too many of these today . "
tr	4	The whole bloody experience was almost too graphic for him as he tried to process the procedure in his mind .
tr	4	With two doctors working , the basket used to dispose of the limbs had long since disappeared under the carnage .
tr	4	Others winced and grimaced with each breath they took , and still others cried out in agony , each time dying a thousand deaths .
tr	4	Throughout the day and into the night , the two surgeons worked frantically to save the injured and the dying .
tr	4	As their exhaustion set in , and hysteria and despair overwhelmed them , they searched within themselves for the strength to continue .
tr	4	he asked as he turned on the water and pulled on the soap dispenser , releasing a large dollop into his hands .
tr	4	Both doctors washed the soap from their hands and arms quickly as the pressure and anxiety of the situation worsened .
tr	4	Moving through the double doors , Dr Warner heard the sounds of alarms as the medical equipment coldly reported a patient in crisis .
tr	4	" BP 's seventy over fifty and dropping , pulse ox is eighty-two , " Dr. Stadler informed his mentor and colleague .
tr	4	Nurse Edwards quickly wheeled over the defibrillator and programmed the setting to Pediatric , while charging the external paddles to fifty joules .
tr	4	Rotating the small metallic wand at various angles , images showed on the monitor , confirming their suspicions of the hidden trauma .
tr	4	Even with years of experience , the thought of slicing into the poor little girl that lay in front of him felt offensive .
tr	4	Dr. Warner strengthened his resolve and made his incision , cutting through the various layers of tissue as blood flowed freely from the opening .
tr	4	Dr Warner positioned the clamp , holding open the incision as he tried to examine the damage through the draining blood .
tr	4	" Got it , " Dr. Stadler replied , carefully sucking up the blood and debris from the abdominal cavity .
tr	4	It was apparent the spleen , pancreas and colon , as well as the left kidney had some form of trauma .
tr	4	" Doesn 't look small , that 's all I know , " replied Dr. Stadler , still suctioning the colon .
tr	4	" Small entry wound , but heavy internal trauma from the shockwave as it passed through at the high velocity . "
tr	4	" As a bullet travels , it pushes the air out of the way , creating a field of turbulent air around the bullet .
tr	4	" BP seventy-five over fifty , pulse ox eighty , " replied Nurse Edwards " She 's bleeding everywhere , " Dr. Warner complained .
tr	4	Nurse Edwards kept a careful eye trained on the monitors as well as the doctors , anticipating their needs before their requests .
tr	4	The two doctors worked feverishly to repair the damaged and bleeding organs as the patient 's vitals continued to fall .
tr	4	A .22 caliber can 't break a rib , then have enough energy remaining to tear through all these organs .
tr	4	Inserting it directly into the incision , he turned the lever and separated the ribs enough to view the upper chest cavity .
tr	4	At first he thought it was a rib fragment , but upon closer inspection Dr. Warner realized it was the second bullet .
tr	4	He quickly placed his gloved fingers around the heart and began to squeeze , attempting manual heart compressions even before Nurse Edwards could speak .
tr	4	Handing him the paddles , they watch as he inserted them into her chest cavity and placed them on the still heart .
tr	4	As Nurse Edwards called the time of death , he stood motionless as he watched the lifeless body of the young girl .
tr	4	He thought about the hugs her mom must have given her that morning , and the pain the parents would be feeling forever .
tr	4	He turned and walked out the OR doors , oblivious to all , in a state of shock and disbelief .
tr	4	Looking up , she watched with sadness as a droplet of blood pooled , then slide down from the elevator button .
tr	4	In a daze , Dr. David Warner stood in the middle elevator and stared through an old photo hanging on the back wall .
tr	4	As David struggled to free his mind of tragedy , his eyes began to focus on the picture in front of him .
tr	4	While the others looked into the camera , he looked beyond it , as if deep in thought and oblivious to its presence .
tr	4	He bent over and picked up the old photo , leaving the broken shards of glass still at the floor of the elevator .
tr	4	Suddenly , he saw his gloved hands , sticky with drying blood , holding the framed picture held out in front of him .
tr	4	He looked down at his gown and realized he was covered in blood , a fact that had escaped his attention moments before .
tr	4	As the mechanized sound of the heavy metal doors signaled their opening , he felt a light balmy breeze brush by his neck .
tr	4	As he passed through the doorway of the elevator and stepped out onto the grass , time seemed to slow for a moment .
tr	4	" Son , I really need your help here , " David heard , as the old voice shouted from behind him .
tr	4	David turned and looked at the old doctor , then back at the spot of grass that used to be the elevator .
tr	4	Suddenly , a loud clap of thunder sounded just beyond the birch trees , shaking the ground under his feet .
tr	4	the old doc questioned with a bit of suspicion , then added , " Don 't tell me you 're gray ? "
tr	4	David was about to speak when another shell hit a bank just beyond the birch trees , startling both he and the old doctor .
tr	4	Lord knows he 'll be suffering enough when he wakes without us fidgeting with his bandage , so be quick with your work . "
tr	4	" I have medical training and thought I could be of use , " David replied , hoping his answer would suffice .
tr	4	I am just a medically trained individual who wants to lend a hand to these poor boys , " David replied .
tr	4	He hadn 't thought about it until that moment , but he was trained to operate in a highly technical environment .
tr	4	Dr. Morgan sensed David 's apprehension and said , " Son , are you sure you 're up for this ? "
tr	4	" It 's a bit more primitive than I 'm used to , but I can manage , " David replied .
tr	4	Trying not to move the traumatized leg too much , he moved it only slightly , cutting away the pant leg .
tr	4	He observed that a large caliber bullet had indeed passed through the calf , but had left a gaping wound upon exiting .
tr	4	He then moved to the front of the wagon , grabbed a blanket , and draped it over the patient .
tr	4	" I 've examined the wound and feel it is relatively clean , thanks to his pant leg protecting the trauma .
tr	4	Dr. Morgan asked incredulously , then added with great concern , " And what if the infection spreads and gangrene develops ? "
tr	4	" Two pots of boiling water , distilled or grain alcohol , soap , and clean dressings , " David replied .
tr	4	A fire had already been smoldering from early morning usage , so Dr. Morgan tossed more wood on the coals .
tr	4	Twenty minutes later , two pots of water boiled wildly as David sorted through Dr. Morgan 's limited instruments required to perform the surgery .
tr	4	He delicately placed the instrument in the incision and expanded it , giving him a good view of the wound .
tr	4	I believe this should take care of this side of the wound , " David replied softly , completely engrossed in his work .
tr	4	Never before had he seen or even heard of surgery so delicate and so complicated performed with such ease and skill .
tr	4	After watching the first phase of the operation , David had indeed proven himself to be a quite gifted surgeon .
tr	4	Pulling the scalpel from the hot water , he began to work the damaged muscle tissue on the exit wound .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	Yup , you 're right , it sounds like a sport and I can live up to my name , no problem .
tr	4	You know the kind -- prisoners escape in them all the time on shows I watch when the babysitter is over .
tr	4	I took the first set of stairs up two flights and followed the woman as she went to the right .
tr	4	CHAPTER 3 The Cliff I was in the woods now and the lights from the building didn 't penetrate into the forest .
tr	4	It was my school picture , the retake from last spring with my hair about as short as it 's ever been .
tr	4	" Oh , yeah , that 's right , you 'll have a little trouble with your memory for a while .
tr	4	I could not in a million years figure out how I got here or what I was supposed to do .
tr	4	" The usual , " she said , " ipad , knives , guns and for back up : paper and pencils . "
tr	4	" Oh , and a flashlight , of course , " she added as she shined a narrow beam in my face .
tr	4	My hesitation must have made her think I was somebody else , maybe , even though I had the right nametag .
tr	4	The sound of the raft cracking up below was not the only reason I rushed to pull the supplies out .
tr	4	Old Miss or Mrs. Jackson was already below me , going down faster than you 'd think an old lady could go .
tr	4	Anyway , this sort of sounded like that , but I didn 't think my mom or grandma would have minded this as much .
tr	4	We were standing in an old-fashioned farmhouse bedroom , peering out from a crack in the nearly closed closet door .
tr	4	Some indentations were deep , some were shallow , and all were spaced unevenly over the entire false rock face .
tr	4	Perched where they were they knew that from below they were invisible , but their voices would give them away .
tr	4	Missy bent down , crossed her fingers on her left hand and pressed the key hard into the rock outline with her right hand .
tr	4	Missy had heard stories about people whose whole lives flashed before their eyes when they thought they were about to die .
tr	4	When they arrived in January it had been snowing and a blizzard had closed school on the first day she was going to go .
tr	4	" Very , " her mother replied , " he must be almost a hundred , but he still lives all by himself .
tr	4	Missy looked over her mother 's shoulder and they both studied the road map that was unfolded on the kitchen table .
tr	4	The majority of the trip would be mostly expressway but the last forty miles or so it was going to be tricky .
tr	4	Missy came out of her trance and gasped , " My gosh , I didn 't know it would still be snowing in March !
tr	4	" Looks like you turn right here and we go about a half an inch to Gunther Road , " Missy said .
tr	4	" No , the legend says one inch equals ten miles , so it 's about five miles from here . "
tr	4	There was a sign on their right that they couldn 't read before because it was covered with sticky , wet snow .
tr	4	Missy , however , was thinking that she would like to come back in the summer and explore the woods .
tr	4	And just as that thought crossed her mind she noticed footprints in the snow at the far side of the fort .
tr	4	They made a sharp right then a sharp left turn and saw a large brown sign with green lettering : Big Pine Lodge .
tr	4	She even jiggled the doorknob and tried to look through the keyhole but something was stuffed in the other side .
tr	4	Now that she was on the porch she could see a dozen small cabins nestled in the pines at the side of the lodge .
tr	4	Each one had a stone chimney but only the first two had smoke , and , she now noticed , footprints .
tr	4	It would be impossible to see very far into the woods when all the trees leafed out in the summer , she thought .
tr	4	There were no lower branches to climb on but there was what looked like a platform on the strong upper branches high up .
tr	4	On the back side there were pieces of two by fours nailed at one foot intervals making a ladder up the old tree .
tr	4	She could see a stone house on the far side but that was the only other residence on the lake .
tr	4	" Yes , I 'm Kim , Mr. Stark , and this is my daughter , your great-granddaughter , Missy . "
tr	4	Besides the loveseat there was an old rocking chair , an easy chair , a TV , a computer desk and a hutch .
tr	4	The room was open to the kitchen , which was just a wall with a stove , refrigerator , sink and a short counter .
tr	4	The original lodge was much smaller and had burned down many years ago but they had rebuilt it and added the cabins .
tr	4	" I called her Missy , " he said with a smile , " but her real name 's a mystery . "
tr	4	Sometimes they would stay for two weeks at a time but we would have to keep it a big secret .
tr	4	Without waiting for a reply or explaining who Kevin was Mr. Stark eased out of the chair and opened the front door .
tr	4	I work , too , " he said proudly , " I run the Snack Shack on the beach . "
tr	4	He had rattled all that information off so fast that she had to think a minute before she could get her questions out .
tr	4	He turned the key in the lock and opened the door , then walked through first and flipped on the lights .
tr	4	" Yeah , there 's a huge dining room for the guests to have breakfast , lunch and dinner in .
tr	4	They walked by several empty bins and then Kevin pushed open the double swinging doors that led to a wonderful dining room .
tr	4	" Good eye , " Kevin responded , " it 's the closest thing we have to a mountain around here .
tr	4	Kevin looked shyly at her and said , " Maybe you could go with us when you 're here for the summer . "
tr	4	She followed him again and this time she took the stairs to the third floor two at a time , too .
tr	4	She wasn 't about to tell him that the door was still locked , it just hadn 't been closed all the way .
tr	4	They would need a pole with a hook on the end to catch the metal ring on the attic door .
tr	4	" Well , " Kevin paused , " if you really want to get in there , there is another way .
tr	4	She bounded after him but it was no contest when he leaped onto the banister and slid to the first landing .
tr	4	After a few more feet she looked up at Kevin who had stopped and was looking straight down on her between the steps .
tr	4	Maybe if there had been someone to spy on she would have found the courage but she just plain felt scared .
tr	4	Her mother had drilled into that if she didn 't feel right about something , she shouldn 't do it .
tr	4	His muffled voice came back , " Yeah , look through the hole under the bottom screw on the light . "
tr	4	On the third floor she went to the end of the hall where they had left the door to the linen room open .
tr	4	She saw a lot of big boxes , two trunks , a crib , four mattresses , and some old furniture .
tr	4	Kevin had already opened it and was taking things out ; a dress , two hats , some strange looking pants .
tr	4	There were more articles of clothing in the trunk and at the bottom they found nicely framed pictures of people .
tr	4	She had already reached one hand into the pocket and was working the key towards it with the other hand .
tr	4	I 'm always busy making something , tinkering with something , inventing something ... making more secrets and mysteries . "
tr	4	They stayed that night in the second little cabin and had a nice breakfast with Mr. Stark on Sunday morning .
tr	4	" Oh , I 'll just let him answer your questions when you come back in June , " he said .
tr	4	" You can stay a week , two weeks , the whole summer if you want , " her mom was saying .
tr	4	The specialist was so intrigued that she ordered a copy for the library and put a hold on it in Missy 's name .
tr	4	She looked at the end product and worked backwards through the assembly to visualize the sequence to open the box .
tr	4	She took out a notebook and wrote down the steps as she moved and turned and twisted and lifted the individual pieces .
tr	4	It was a school picture and on the back was written I 'll never forget how scared we were in the caves !
tr	4	She wondered if her dad had liked Mary in a special way and if they had seen each other the next summer .
tr	4	She had never held one in her hand before though she had seen her uncle use one to help open packages at Christmas .
tr	4	She turned the knife over and over in her hands and pulled out all the little tools one by one .
tr	4	Every day she practiced opening and closing the box until she could do it without the instructions and do it fast .
tr	4	Chapter 5 The long drive up to the lodge seemed to be shorter this time as Missy and her mom chatted nonstop .
tr	4	Missy poured her heart out about the school year that had just ended and her mother gave her the appropriate sympathies .
tr	4	Her husband had never told her anything about the lodge so she wasn 't surprised that he 'd never spoken of this friend .
tr	4	There was a new sign at the last turn announcing Big Pine Lodge , open May to September , turn here .
tr	4	Mrs. Stark was nervous again about meeting up with another car but Missy was in awe of the surrounding forest .
tr	4	The pine trees that had been so prominent in March were less visible now that the Maple and Oak trees had completely leafed out .
tr	4	There was a distinct aroma to the woods that was very appealing and the songs of the birds were amazing .
tr	4	It didn 't look too hard and she felt good about earning her keep : free meals and room and freedom for the summer .
tr	4	It occurred to her at that moment that she was going to be as independent as one of these college girls .
tr	4	Mrs. Stark hadn 't seen it before and slowed her pace down to take in the detail of the quaint lodge .
tr	4	Suddenly a one foot by two foot section of false bark popped free of the tree and the ropes along the steps swung out .
tr	4	Kevin reached the top and called down , " Your great-grandfather knows everything about pulleys and weights and levers and mechanisms .
tr	4	" You better sit on it like a swing the first time , legs out away from the tree . "
tr	4	There were so many leaves that she couldn 't see much , but then no one could see her either .
tr	4	When she looked up at the lodge she saw a face in one of the windows looking down at her .
tr	4	Right now she and Kevin were settling into the little fort with a picnic lunch of sandwiches , cheese , and bottled water .
tr	4	Missy was glad she got along so well with Kevin or she would have been very lonely staying with just her great-grandfather .
tr	4	For Missy , working here in the summer was a way for her to kind of get to know him .
tr	4	Kevin used one of the gadgets on the knife to pry off the plastic seal on his bottle then passed it back to Missy .
tr	4	" This fort would be really cool if it had a roof , " Missy said as she unwrapped her sandwich .
tr	4	" Like the first summer both families came up together they tied me to a tree and piled up campfire wood around me .
tr	4	They both stomped around on the ground until they were sure there weren 't any sparks left that would start another fire .
tr	4	" Let 's be sneaky about it , " Missy said , " I don 't want to get tied up and burned . "
tr	4	Dave pointed at a couple of girls on the beach and made a rude comment about one to Rob who laughed loudly .
tr	4	Kevin 's parents , the Jacksons , would have to smooth things over with the other guests when the complaints started coming in .
tr	4	" Hi , Mr. Stark , " Kevin added , then stopped to stare out at the boys in the canoes .
tr	4	The older boys were almost halfway across the small lake heading straight for the little stone cottage on the other side .
tr	4	Lonnie and Ricky looked at each other and mumbled something that Kevin and Missy , who were watching intently , couldn 't hear .
tr	4	See ya , " Lonnie said and he and Ricky slipped their shoes and socks back on and raced off towards the woods .
tr	4	His hair was more of reddish brown and he actually looked like he belonged in Rob and Ricky 's family instead .
tr	4	They almost caught up to Lonnie and Ricky when the trail opened up to the yard around the stone cottage .
tr	4	He and Dave tossed the paddles on the shore after they beached the canoe and started racing to the cottage .
tr	4	He motioned for him to follow him and they slipped around the corner and hid in what was once a small bedroom .
tr	4	Lonnie looked at Ricky and whispered , " Let 's put something heavy on the trap door so they can 't get out . "
tr	4	Kevin picked up a large flashlight and was about to whisper back when Ricky and Lonnie stepped around the corner .
tr	4	Missy followed , but was able to keep facing them so they couldn 't see the flashlight in her back pocket .
tr	4	Two cute and playful cubs followed her into the water , snapping at each other and biting at the water as well .
tr	4	Something was drawing her southwest , perhaps a whiff of wild blueberries reaching the end of their ripening in this warm July weather .
tr	4	Missy nodded though Kevin could not see that , then she whispered , " I still have the little flashlight .
tr	4	We can take the tunnels under the lake and come up through the trapdoor in the lodge 's playroom . "
tr	4	Though Kevin had shown Missy the secret staircase to the attic , it was Missy who had found a strange key in the attic .
tr	4	There had been a little light seeping through the slats of the trapdoor , but now it was total and complete blackness .
tr	4	Once he had been trapped down here by some awful people who were trying to keep the valuable pictograms undiscovered .
tr	4	Rob and Dave had entered the caves in a rush to catch their younger brothers and had not seen the box of flashlights .
tr	4	Dave cursed when he remembered that his brother hadn 't given him back his lighter when he was smoking in the car .
tr	4	" We can tell them that we were trapped , too , and some other lodge guests let us out . "
tr	4	We 'll say that we came up through a trap door in one of the little cabins and ran out .
tr	4	Then he turned off the flashlight and they both strained to see any glimmer of light that there might be .
tr	4	He got up , lit the lighter and handed it to Rob , who had a smudge of blood on his chin .
tr	4	" Yeah , maybe we can get far enough ahead that they won 't know which tunnel we took . "
tr	4	No one would suspect that the tunnel was even there since all the other tunnels were at the same level .
tr	4	She eased it open slowly , praying that no children were playing in this cute little area under the stairs where toys were stored .
tr	4	Rob and Dave almost reached the fork in the tunnels when Dave stopped and grabbed something off a niche in the cave wall .
tr	4	Dave handed the candle to Rob and reminded him to hold his hand in front of it so it wouldn 't blow out .
tr	4	Lonnie and Ricky reached the lodge 's beach and dragged the canoe up next to the one they had earlier rescued .
tr	4	Chapter 3 Lonnie and Ricky explored the trails for a long time before sitting down on some mounded earth at the Indian gravesite .
tr	4	When the digging got harder one of the cubs started to wander away and the second cub chased after him .
tr	4	She meandered after them , still heading in the general direction of Big Pine Lodge , but a good ways off yet .
tr	4	There were three wheels on both sides , a front seat wide enough for two people and two small back seats facing each other .
tr	4	The path was sometimes bumpy and Missy kept a firm grasp with one hand or the other all the time .
tr	4	Kevin had to hold on to both handlebars , but even though , he still bobbed out of the seat once in a while .
tr	4	They both shouted swear words and warnings and threats to their brothers who they were sure were just above them .
tr	4	They stopped and listened and when they couldn 't detect even a chuckle from above they decided that the boys had gone .
tr	4	He thought about the time these same boys had tortured him and he was glad that they were feeling helpless .
tr	4	Missy followed him out the door as he unwound the rope , laying a trail from the cottage to the vehicle .
tr	4	She was distracted for a second when a flock of birds flew right over them and landed in the trees nearby .
tr	4	It was tight , but Rob managed to stand on the rung below Dave and reach up with his hands and push .
tr	4	Above them the stove was slowly moving , leaving deep scratches in the old wood floor as it circled toward the front door .
tr	4	Dave demanded and before the stove was completely out of the way they forced the trapdoor up and toppled the heavy wood stove .
tr	4	Dave leaped through the opening just in time to see the rope go slack and hear an engine roar off .
tr	4	They both clamped their hands over their ears and waited for the loud bang that often came after a wild ride .
tr	4	When they got bored with that they tossed the crops on the ground and explored the rest of the stable .
tr	4	As the trail became harder and harder to run on Dave and Rob gave up the chase and just walked .
tr	4	Before she reached him she turned and headed back to the hitching post , still encouraging Johnny and expecting him to follow her .
tr	4	Kevin came straight out into the corral from a door in the stable with one saddle , pad and bridle .
tr	4	Missy grabbed the saddle pad and threw it on Johnny 's back then held the bridle while Kevin saddled him .
tr	4	He would tighten the cinch before he mounted , but if he did it now it would just be too loose .
tr	4	They stood off to the side while Misty was saddled , then Kevin returned for more tack while Missy got Blackie and Keno .
tr	4	" That horse , Misty , can be hard to handle if you don 't know what you 're doing . "
tr	4	He walked up to the horse 's left side , put his foot in the stirrup and reached up for the saddle horn .
tr	4	He pulled himself up hard and fell flat on his butt as his weight made the saddle slide around the horse 's belly .
tr	4	" If you knew what you were doing , you 'd know to tighten the cinch first , " Kevin said .
tr	4	He figured out how to tighten the cinch then pulled on the saddle first to see if it would hold his weight .
tr	4	The stirrups on Johnny 's saddle would have been fine for Kevin but Lonnie was three years older and six inches taller .
tr	4	Kevin and Missy shared a secret smile as they fixed Misty 's saddle , opened the gate and then mounted their horses .
tr	4	It wasn 't actually a mountain just a really big hill that happened to hide the most clever entrance to the caves .
tr	4	" That sounded just like my brother , " Rob said when they heard a yell coming from the direction they were headed .
tr	4	He had done that a couple of times before this summer and it always warned Missy of hikers on the trail .
tr	4	She was mad at herself for not thinking of that sooner and her head was racing with ideas of what to do next .
tr	4	The bigger horse stopped paying attention to his rider and ran up the tight path until it opened into the wider trail .
tr	4	He didn 't hear the Jackson kid behind him , though , and he briefly wondered if his brother and Dave were torturing him .
tr	4	Kevin urged Keno into a full gallop and then slowed to a regular canter when he caught a glimpse of Blackie 's rump .
tr	4	" They 've got horses here this summer and I want you and Ricky to keep away from the stables . "
tr	4	The two mothers looked at each other then one of them said , " Oh , well , boys will be boys . "
tr	4	Rob yelled after his mother for his key and she told them that the second keys were on the dressers in both rooms .
tr	4	" We can go back to the stable now or cross over onto State land and ride in there for another half hour .
tr	4	The two horses kept pace and the kids sat on their saddles as comfortably as if they were on the merry-go-round .
tr	4	She had already decided that she was going to make these jerks rub down their horses themselves , a job that she always did .
tr	4	Dave and Rob 's room was actually connected to 214 by two interior doors that could be locked from one side only .
tr	4	They checked out their room , nothing fancy , two twin beds and a bathroom , then looked at the other room .
tr	4	On their way out of the dining room they had each sneakily made off with a handful of little ketchup packets .
tr	4	They were going to put ketchup in all of their brothers ' underwear or in the pockets of their jeans .
tr	4	He went into the bathroom and took the two plastic wrapped drinking cups that were provided and tossed one to Rob .
tr	4	They remade the beds with more care than they had ever done their own in the past then high-fived each other .
tr	4	They hoped that their brothers wouldn 't think to bolt their side so they could sneak back in whenever they wanted .
tr	4	" Oh , I don 't know about that , " Lonnie said as he glanced around to see if anyone was watching .
tr	4	He took two steps toward the window when he heard the porch door creak open and saw his brother and Rob step out .
tr	4	Missy kept eying the pies on the windowsills while Kevin talked to the cook about her son who Kevin knew from school .
tr	4	" I 'll be right back , " Missy said , getting off the stool and heading toward the lobby .
tr	4	There was a small office in the lobby where Kevin 's mom , Mrs. Jackson , could often be found .
tr	4	That was like forever ago , when the lodge had another wing before it burned and also when they had lots of horses .
tr	4	Missy looked at the list and was happy to see that the bullies ' names weren 't under Monday or Tuesday .
tr	4	I 'll have a tear-off portion at the bottom where I 'll write in their names and the time of their ride .
tr	4	Lonnie and Ricky came up behind their brothers just as the pretty girls they were talking to started to laugh .
tr	4	The girls were more likely in the same grade as the younger boys , but Dave and Rob got there first .
tr	4	They were hoping to better their time of thirty minutes , a goal they had set for themselves last summer and only achieved once .
tr	4	Missy and Kevin swam out to the dock and played underwater tag with three kids , one of whom Kevin knew from previous summers .
tr	4	They saw a doe and her two spotted fawns and this prompted the couple to ask questions about the wildlife .
tr	4	Missy guaranteed them that there were no dangerous animals at Big Pine Lodge , no mountain lions , bobcats or bears .
tr	4	Everyone would gather at dusk and anyone who hadn 't already met that afternoon would get acquainted at the fire .
tr	4	Missy ate dinner with her great-grandfather and a family from Georgia who had been coming up to the lodge for over twenty years .
tr	4	She shared one of the first floor lodge rooms with Angela , a college girl who worked here summers as a maid .
tr	4	" No , " Missy answered quickly , " it 's just , well , I wish I could wear make-up like you . "
tr	4	Everyone except Lonnie and Ricky , who were standing at the dark edge of the circle whispering to one another .
tr	4	He threw one more branch in the fire and walked into the woods as if he were gathering more wood .
tr	4	He skirted around behind Lonnie and Ricky and saw one of them pushing something under a lady 's chair with his foot .
tr	4	The sounds of the group around the fire faded and he could pick up some new sounds -- laughter , giggling and whispering .
tr	4	Looks like those two jerks aren 't going to be joining us , but their brothers are there and they 're acting pretty suspicious .
tr	4	He was pretty sure that Melanie and Tara were among the ones they had splashed and teased and called names .
tr	4	They hadn 't been interested in girls back then especially not skinny little giggling girls who screamed at spiders , snakes and toads .
tr	4	Missy and Kevin skirted around behind Lonnie and Ricky and stood just outside the circle of golden light thrown off by the roaring blaze .
tr	4	Parents were keeping their smaller children back and , in fact , were scooting their own chairs away from the heat .
tr	4	They sat down carefully and Kevin put his hand in front of his mouth , leaned toward Missy and whispered .
tr	4	She set one bag down next to Mr. Stark , a safe place , she assumed , and handed the papers to Kevin .
tr	4	When she finally handed them their popcorn they took them without a word and walked back to where they had been .
tr	4	Who would have thought such an old man would have known how to turn it on and off , " Lonnie said .
tr	4	" Or , " Ricky thought for a second , " we just torture a certain little someone into retrieving it for us . "
tr	4	I didn 't see our brothers or those two girls from the beach at the bonfire , did you ? "
tr	4	By the time Lonnie hit the switch and turned around Ricky was on the floor with the blanket covering his head as well .
tr	4	He pulled the second blanket off the shelf , thinking how lucky it was that both blankets were dark blue .
tr	4	The adults all nodded at each other and disappeared into their rooms without one question to the boys about why they were carrying blankets .
tr	4	She screamed for Tommy to help her as she dug her heels into the rocky path and scratched at the arms squeezing her middle .
tr	4	He squinted his eyes tightly shut and was about to holler as loud as he could when another idea smacked him on the forehead .
tr	4	Chapter 1 New Friends Tommy McArthur and his little brother Billy would usually spend a month at his grandparents ' place each summer .
tr	4	Grandma said a Dachshund wasn 't much trouble and that was true for Noodle who hardly ever , ever barked .
tr	4	Of course that led to trouble , which led to fights , which led to yelling and , for Billy , crying .
tr	4	This year , though , Grandpa Gustafson had promised to take each boy camping alone for a week if they could promise to behave .
tr	4	His room , on the right , had another door behind a drape that let you walk right into the attic .
tr	4	Tommy waved goodbye until their car was out of sight then asked for permission to walk to the drug store .
tr	4	He would buy candy at the drug store and get a book from the attic to read on the back porch .
tr	4	This was his plan and it seemed to be the best use of his allowance , at least it seemed that way to him .
tr	4	Tommy could do it so expertly that Billy had taken to calling him " waxy butt " or " ski rump " .
tr	4	This would take a bit of thought ; he might even spend ten or fifteen minutes contemplating just the right combination of flavors .
tr	4	First he picked out a few of the large chocolate bars , then some tart candies , followed by licorice and gum .
tr	4	He did the arithmetic in his head and knew he had just enough left for one more thing : bribe candy .
tr	4	Tommy marched purposefully up to the yard and stood on the sidewalk with his hands on his hips , candy bag dangling down .
tr	4	" Hi , Tommy , look , " Billy lifted his hands and up jumped a large black cat from the carriage .
tr	4	" He 's almost bigger than Noodle , but that probably won 't stop Noodle from chasing him , " Tommy said .
tr	4	I put him in the back porch , though , and then I helped Tracy get Boots out of the tree . "
tr	4	Tommy was going to leave his bag under the chair with the books , but Noodle would sniff it out in a microsecond .
tr	4	In his hurry he raced through the old house not bothering to slow down as he passed the large old grandfather clock .
tr	4	His left foot landed hard right in front of the old timepiece and the door to the pendulum box swung out .
tr	4	" Step lightly , Miss Gwinn , " said a tall red-haired man as he passed a pretty young woman .
tr	4	Tommy frowned at the greetings , wondering what had happened to the traditional " Good morning " or " Good afternoon " .
tr	4	At least Tommy thought they were sheep , the sounds they were making sounded less like bleating and more like meowing .
tr	4	This was a most interesting place , Tommy thought , as he noticed two more people coming from behind the building .
tr	4	If they were aware of him maybe he should step out into the open , he thought , then decided against that .
tr	4	He stretched his hand out in an offering of the pink stuff and Tommy didn 't know what he should do .
tr	4	Tommy said , " Thank you , " and then more softly , " step lightly , you too . "
tr	4	He walked for what seemed like hours and hours , miles and miles , without seeing another human being or animal .
tr	4	The mane was white and framed a very dark brown face while the body and tail were a gray tone .
tr	4	Tommy finally got the feeling back in his legs and he started to run back the way he had come .
tr	4	The roars of the lion behind him grew fainter and Tommy dared to glance back to see that he was not being followed .
tr	4	The old woman 's eyes fixed on the pink coin and her face changed into a near approximation of a smile .
tr	4	Tommy had no idea what a pink or a blue coin was worth , but he sure was hungry and dinner sounded great .
tr	4	Enjoy and step lightly , " she said as she chewed noisily , crunching on another bit of the piece .
tr	4	As he put his second foot on the mat he began to descend , his outstretched hand scraping the knuckles on the bark .
tr	4	Tommy could see it was full of blue grass and there was half a walking stick being used as a stirring spoon .
tr	4	But I can 't take the left fork because there 's a lion or some kind of beast up that way . "
tr	4	Tommy had gone just about as far as he thought he had gone before and he expected to encounter the lion at any moment .
tr	4	It was sleeping ; in fact it was snoring loudly , under the shade of a new blue paper tree .
tr	4	It almost made sense , the gum tree , now the gum wrapper tree , but what about the lion ?
tr	4	It was hard and scratchy , but it was odd that it would just suddenly show up blocking his path .
tr	4	When he replayed it in his mind it reminded him of the Grandfather clock he wasn 't supposed to run past .
tr	4	The green sunset spread before him like a picture and he could see the outline of a cityscape beneath the bottom shades of green .
tr	4	The skunky smell pursued him and seemed to grow stronger in his nostrils until he thought he would burst from the stink .
tr	4	He had no choice but to breathe heavily on each one watching them drop and disintegrate sadly into the ground .
tr	4	He held the flame close to the floor , the wall , the ceiling , then moved around and slowly examined his prison .
tr	4	He removed another torch and stood staring at the empty wooden torch holder half expecting another torch to magically appear .
tr	4	Tommy rested his hand on the base of the eighteenth torch , but didn 't lift it up out of the holder .
tr	4	" Oh , man , " Tommy looked admiringly at the young prince , " you probably don 't have to go to school .
tr	4	It took quite a while and Tommy hadn 't even properly thanked him for releasing him from the dungeon yet .
tr	4	" You might not be too popular after a while , " Tommy warned , " only girls like school . "
tr	4	He braced himself against the jiggling and noticed a series of footprints appear and disappear in the blue dust below .
tr	4	So it 's like really wild and we used to climb over the fence at recess and dare each other to play hide-and-seek .
tr	4	Sydney was the first one over and she took off running like a horse and yelling , " Not it ! "
tr	4	The leaves she used just crumbled and she ended up smearing the brown stuff on her shirt and legs even more .
tr	4	Our parents had this rule that at least one of us had to have a cell on us when we weren 't home .
tr	4	This is where I should have made some growling , scary sound and gotten everybody freaked out and running back to the fair .
tr	4	So I guess it 's my fault that instead of going back and having a normal day we went deeper into the woods .
tr	4	I half smiled to myself , but then I frowned as it seemed like the forest got darker around us .
tr	4	Callie 's mom was like one of the smartest grown-ups any of us knew , smarter than our teachers , for sure .
tr	4	She was a font of knowledge , a treasure trove of information , a ... oh , there I go again .
tr	4	She popped out two more wet wipes and I soaked up the blood that was running down my shin and into my shoe .
tr	4	I retrieved them and stuffed them into my back pocket -- something fun for mom to find when she does the laundry .
tr	4	Now , this is where the world gets really scary because Callie checked every pocket and she didn 't have even one band aid .
tr	4	But Callie wasn 't thinking about that and she wasn 't pale because she got another whiff of Sydney either .
tr	4	" I don 't get why it 's so dark , " Callie said as she stumbled along , last in our miniature parade .
tr	4	She just slides in a comment that may be only a few words , but she makes us all burst out laughing .
tr	4	We were still at the laughing stage , but I could see that there were tears in Syd and Callie 's eyes .
tr	4	Austin punched me and then he started yelling at us all to be quiet because he thought he heard something .
tr	4	Austin , I just noticed , was still bobbing his head all around , checking the branches above and looking around and behind us .
tr	4	I think everybody had the same thought , but you 'll never guess what I saw when I opened my eyes .
tr	4	A strange thing to think , but I wonder if you can have something evil inside of you without being evil yourself .
tr	4	Gifts , my father called them , but then again , he doesn 't consider it a virus at all .
tr	4	It hums along the spongy corridors of my brain , each note jumping from one stalled synapse to the next .
tr	4	At night , when the sun cannot feed me its thin soup , the song grows loud as thunder captured in my bones .
tr	4	I know the rhythms of his energy so well , that soft aqua color like postcard oceans that is his alone .
tr	4	Ryan had a glorious smile , like the sun hitting something just right and bringing out colors you hadn 't even known were there .
tr	4	It was coming to school , discovering entire classrooms of people ready to defend Twain or Melville to the death .
tr	4	As soon as Ryan gets out of class , we 'll grab lunch before I fry my brains with intermediate Latin and Shakespeare II .
tr	4	I wouldn 't have noticed him except that he 's wearing a long-sleeved shirt and jeans on this brutally hot day .
tr	4	His mouth grows tighter when our eyes meet , and he is most definitely staring at me , until he isn 't .
tr	4	When I look again he is walking away , his body moving in fluid strides as he turns down another path and disappears .
tr	4	" Really high standards , " Ryan continues , " so , we 'll need enforcers who can patrol all around the island .
tr	4	I walk over and touch their spines , and as I read their titles , the stories come alive in quick whispers .
tr	4	Ryan looks up from his textbook , sees that my laptop is closed and knows that he now has permission to speak .
tr	4	At the center lies a huge park , and wide rings of industry , modest homes and learning institutions ripple outward .
tr	4	Electric trains hum on their tracks , and sun dappled trees shade the paths that lead along the open corridors of the city .
tr	4	I grab my purse and turn in time to catch the last vestige of a half smile leaving his lips .
tr	4	I sneak my hand in the back pocket of Ryan 's jeans and delight in how he turns shy at it .
tr	4	They are all over the sky , and I ponder if such glitter could really be only balls of gas .
tr	4	Perhaps they catch the secrets of our hearts and hold them for us until we are brave enough to give them voice .
tr	4	His wispy eyebrows are blonde like his hair , and they reach for each other as he comes to a conclusion .
tr	4	It 's the glowing hands -- of course it is -- but also the eyes and how quickly he moves .
tr	4	Ryan must understand this too , because I feel his hand leave the small of my back as he moves in front of me .
tr	4	His eye grows round , the pupil shrinking to a pinprick in the brightening glow of the stranger 's hand .
tr	4	His mouth drops open , and what comes out is a choked , " ugh , ugh , ugh . "
tr	4	I cannot see what it is , but I can feel it , an invisible string that pulls me toward the stranger .
tr	4	I don 't understand how this has happened , but I know it is the stranger 's doing , his invisible string .
tr	4	By the time he swings the gun around for a shot , the stranger and I are already rocketing away through the night .
tr	4	This is when I should try an escape , when I should scream for help or otherwise try to save myself .
tr	4	Not now , curled up on the floor sobbing and retching and not caring if the stranger glows me to death with his hands .
tr	4	I am gallant enough to wipe my nose so I don 't die with snot bubbling out of my nostrils .
tr	4	A naked light bulb sways above us , and a duffle bag and folded towel sit next to the cot .
tr	4	There is nothing else inside the storage unit except for him and me , and fear enough to drown even Noah 's blessed ark .
tr	4	The combination of meticulously combed hair , high forehead and expensive shirt gives him a casual air of arrogance and luxury .
tr	4	" You do not understand this now , but I am making a great sacrifice for you , " the man says .
tr	4	He closes his eyes , and I hear the air dragging sharply into his lungs as he pulls back the stopper .
tr	4	" You 'll rest for half an hour , and then we 'll do the second shot , " he says .
tr	4	I can 't do anything , because suddenly my spine is ringing like a gong , and the vibration is growing .
tr	4	You will nourish yourself from their lives , and it shall be an appropriate start to your new existence . "
tr	4	Sweat pours out of my skin , and I am shaking so hard I can hear my own teeth clattering against each other .
tr	4	" You 're killing me , " I whisper to the man as he pulls the needle from his hip .
tr	4	Already , the fire is growing into an inferno that snakes up the back of my neck and into my brain .
tr	4	We are looking at each other , and I realize I should say something , but I can 't think .
tr	4	* * * Gabe 's version of events : It was a dark and stormy night ... Yes it was ... .
tr	4	He spends hours every night thinking them up and writing them down in his diary ... No , I 've seen it .
tr	4	Chapter 6 " Your head , " the boy with elf eyes murmurs as he puts me into a car .
tr	4	Just like I think I can hear the boy 's heart thudding in his chest , but that can 't be real .
tr	4	The driver doesn 't reply , but his eyes flick up to the rearview mirror when we stop at a light .
tr	4	There 's the part ripping up my bones and evaporating my blood , but there is something entirely different lifting out of the flames .
tr	4	The hum of the car seems so loud , and the passing street lamps blaze like sudden flares in the night .
tr	4	He grabs my wrists in one hand and pins them against the back of the seat while he leans over and undoes my buckle .
tr	4	There is only the hunger and the pain and the shadow of Ryan lingering behind the trees that edge each side of the road .
tr	4	" We 've crossed a lot of lines , but I 'm not going to let you cross this one .
tr	4	" If you 've got to kill her , then do it , but I 'm sick of this shit .
tr	4	I 'm not a bad guy , and I 'd rather be dead then see you turn into one . "
tr	4	I hold my hands out in front of me and stare at the new dark slits running through my palms .
tr	4	My spines seizes up , and I bite my lip hard , but not hard enough to stifle a low moan .
tr	4	I lean my cheek against the window while the blinking neon light of the motel sign washes over my eyes .
tr	4	A thin trickle of blood runs out of my nose , and there 's nothing I can do even if I cared .
tr	4	" Look Maya , I wish you could know how sorry I am , we both are , that this happened to you .
tr	4	BJ was here " Look , I 'm running out to get you something that 's going to help , " Gabe continues .
tr	4	I lie on the bed shaking , searching for a moment of pure silence when the song is not beating inside my skull .
tr	4	" You don 't understand what you are , but if you did , I think you would forgive me .
tr	4	I let out a guttural moan that is wholly inadequate to express just how obliterated the little planet of Maya is .
tr	4	This is when the word monster first seizes in my mind -- a seed plugged into fertile agony to germinate later .
tr	4	" Hey , " Gabe says , " I know you 're tired , but I want to show you something . "
tr	4	I try to rub my eyes and instead send flares of pain through my wrists as I tug against the cuffs .
tr	4	I am aware of Gabe 's fingers on my bare skin ; the pulse of his energy in the space between us .
tr	4	The smile jumps right back onto Gabe 's face as if it was only taking a breather in the wings .
tr	4	I threw away the medical encyclopedia , but she 's found out about WebMD , so now there 's no stopping her .
tr	4	And yes , I am freaking out , but I can hardly manage more than a low moan and a couple of sparse tears .
tr	4	Something inhuman , and I can 't explain what it feels like to not be the thing you always were .
tr	4	To hear hunger as a song no one else can hear ; a song that racks your body and entices you to kill .
tr	4	He hands me a bottle of water , and I didn 't know I was thirsty , but I am .
tr	4	I try to push away the discordant stimuli , but this only increases my awareness of Gabe 's energy next to me .
tr	4	Gabe takes in a swill of breath and lets it out long and slow like he needs some time to figure his next words .
tr	4	I am still considering letting myself slip off the roof , but first I want to know what happened to me .
tr	4	I need to understand what I am and how I might go about killing the man who did this to me .
tr	4	Revenge is the weak soul 's justice , and I am beginning to learn just how weak I can be .
tr	4	Each link is farther away from the direct energy source , which means there 's a huge loss of energy .
tr	4	Cook was after a way to cut out all the middle steps so that humans could absorb energy directly from the sun .
tr	4	If everyone was strong and smart and there wasn 't disease and stuff , maybe we could fix our other problems . "
tr	4	" Not exactly everyone sitting around a table petting fat white cats and planning dastardly deeds , but close enough .
tr	4	I am fascinated by the energy -- sky blue , almost white -- leaping off his body like flames devouring dust dry kindling .
tr	4	My body responds to the bright , dancing light , and I am drawn toward him even as I fight against the instinct .
tr	4	How about we stop waving guns in her face and treating her like ... well , she 's not an angel .
tr	4	" You can 't let your emotions ... " " I 'm so sick of ... " Gabe bites back his next words .
tr	4	His computer wallpaper features Keira Knightley dressed in a strange leather halter top and leggings with a sword strapped to her thin waist .
tr	4	You have to understand that to Cook the whole thing was about advancing the human race and stamping out hunger .
tr	4	He didn 't want to wait for all the proper testing and convinced Dr. Cook to hand over the formula .
tr	4	" The angels were able to absorb energy from the sun just like you 're doing now , but it wasn 't enough .
tr	4	They soon learned that they could absorb concentrated amounts of energy directly from living creatures : puppies , kittens , ferrets , elephants even .
tr	4	The air from the vents catches in his hair and sends the smell of his sweat and shampoo throughout the car .
tr	4	If these are really rich guys , can 't they develop secret puppy mills or buy elephants or something ? "
tr	4	I 'm beginning to understand his aura , how it reveals his psyche , like now when little red streaks of pain spiral through .
tr	4	Had he read his comic books , he would 've realized that this kind of backfire was practically inevitable . "
tr	4	" Thane demanded that Dr. Cook give him more of the formula so he could infect select members of the elite .
tr	4	Dr. Cook recognized what was happening and knew he had to destroy the thing he had dedicated his entire life to .
tr	4	" Dr. Cook confessed everything to an up-and-coming science professor at the university ; a man he considered to be like a son .
tr	4	He says , " Our father promised Dr. Cook that he would kill all those who had taken the formula .
tr	4	I don 't like the way it pulls all the warmth from his face ; how tired it makes him look .
tr	4	One by one , their heavy trunks smack the ground in thunderous explosions that send vibrations through the soles of my feet .
tr	4	" Yeah , I kind of figured you were against the whole thing back when you were trying to shoot her . "
tr	4	She keeps wandering off , and I have to chase her , but I can 't touch her or she 'll die .
tr	4	She told me to spray it in the air when I get to the ocean and she will come back .
tr	4	We 'll all go angel hunting together and sing harmonious songs in the car or maybe play the license plate game .
tr	4	Maya will write a bestselling book all about our adventures , and maybe , just maybe you 'll get yourself laid .
tr	4	I don 't know how I can possibly keep this up , but that 's why I 've got to stay in the present .
tr	4	Dusk has settled , and without the sun 's sustenance , the song is growing loud , tightening around my bones .
tr	4	Henry is grimacing and trying to figure out who he can hand her off to now that I 'm not there .
tr	4	He 's also quite fond of hugs and romantic comedies ; you probably don 't know that about him , " Gabe says .
tr	4	The brothers pretend not to notice , but they pause each time I pull my hand out of the water .
tr	4	The energy of the fish hit me in small bursts , hardly substantial enough to feel even a moment 's relief .
tr	4	" After his father was killed , Grand became obsessed with recreating the formula or finding another way to infect others . "
tr	4	You don 't know how hard it is to kill an angel , especially a powerful one who feeds without restraint .
tr	4	This is the closest to happy I 've seen him , and it makes him handsome even with the scar .
tr	4	They seem unconcerned about the loss of their companions or what it could portend for their own chances of survival .
tr	4	Not the strange sinking sickness when you learn your father doesn 't fit any of the childhood roles you 've dreamed up for him .
tr	4	He meant to take our mother back to one of his labs as an experiment , but she ... escaped . "
tr	4	They even didn 't mind so much when I stopped calling them Mom and Dad , though I think it hurt Karen 's feelings .
tr	4	Really losing it , " ... in case my real parents ... in case I found them and they wanted to take me back .
tr	4	She must have despised me ... " and finally the words are gone , and I 'm surprised that there are no tears .
tr	4	Chapter 15 The brothers argue in whispers while I am in the bathroom using a finger to rub toothpaste onto my teeth .
tr	4	He votes in favor of a full night 's sleep on account that neither of them has slept in the past two days .
tr	4	The darkness seems to vibrate , and as I lay in my bed , I mentally explore my new body .
tr	4	Ryan , Ryan , Ryan , if only I could leap into the ocean and wash up on the shores of Avalon .
tr	4	Gabe gives him a look , and the hysteria that has been bubbling beneath the surface of my mind suddenly erupts like a geyser .
tr	4	" My brother and I have been fighting our whole lives , " Gabe says , " and we 've seen awful things Maya .
tr	4	Afterwards , I curl up on the sidewalk , rocking back and forth and shuddering with the need to keep feeding .
tr	4	I pause halfway through the haircut so that I can be both the old me and the new me at the same time .
tr	4	Now a few words to introduce Monster Maya : She prefers raw alley cats to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches .
tr	4	She 's not on the track team anymore , which is a shame considering that she can run fast now .
tr	4	Our relationship was filled with laughter , adventure and great sex that never got awkward or just a tiny bit boring sometimes .
tr	4	Holding his nose , he obliges , and here is what I come up with : This is for Ryan !
tr	4	Each word is memorized instantly , though I plan on repeating them to myself every night before I fall asleep .
tr	4	They will become my mantra -- an invocation of the hate and vengeance that have filled this new hollowed body I own .
tr	4	There won 't be a speck of you left , and the world will be a better place for it .
tr	4	I see it climbing up the buildings , sneaking under windowsills and lacing dusty cars sitting on the side of the road .
tr	4	Bushy fir trees hug in close to the road , and I catch swatches of larger houses set far back into wooded lots .
tr	4	Gabe perks up in his seat , and so do I , responding instantly as his aura pulses bright violet streaks .
tr	4	He tosses his bag at me , and I manage to catch it just before it plows into my face .
tr	4	" Terribly embarrassing , but I did end up selling the guy 160 licenses of our data management software upgrade .
tr	4	Make up a list of what you need , and I 'll pick it up while I 'm in town . "
tr	4	I gaze out through the windshield , and the only thing I can think is , I already had a home .
tr	4	The front lawn is made up of patches of long crab grass with bright dandelion heads peeking out from their midst .
tr	4	" We have an ad out on Craigslist for a stuffy British butler , but so far , no luck , " Gabe says .
tr	4	This is Gabe 's office , and he 's set up three plasma computer monitors on his desk , bookended by Bose speakers .
tr	4	On the top shelf , above the monitors , a terrible battle wages between two opposing armies of action figures .
tr	4	" ... you know , got ta ' have fun with your job , " Gabe is saying behind me .
tr	4	A fine layer lies across the floor , clings to the mirror of the vanity and gathers in the folds of the white curtains .
tr	4	I breathe in the musk of aging paper and ink , and the aroma is so much more powerful than I remember .
tr	4	A toddler with thick , sandy curls sits on his mother 's lap , reaching up for her shiny hoop earring .
tr	4	" I 'll tell you about it later , but it 's been a long day , " Gabe says .
tr	4	My mind is far away , pinging off book titles , the growing hunger , my mother 's blue eyes .
tr	4	The song lingers inside me ; that need for something that tugs and taunts all day long and roars like chalkboard scratches at night .
tr	4	And it 's still night , and I 'm still not tired , and I can 't take this not thinking about stuff anymore .
tr	4	My attention is drawn by leaping sparks of energy all about me and the scents of so many new things .
tr	4	The trees hold out their limbs for me , and I leap , adjusting intuitively to land cat soft onto the nearest one .
tr	4	I think I was still in control , and it was only a squirrel after all , a perfectly acceptable snack .
tr	4	Basically , I set specific search terms , and Google trolls through all the news and sends back anything that matches . "
tr	4	" Practice in half an hour , " he says to Gabe , " but one of us should stay here . "
tr	4	" Well , I got ta ' do a ton of work on the websites anyway , " Gabe says .
tr	4	What I say out loud is " I 'm fine , I 'm fine , I 'm fine infinity plus one . "
tr	4	This last assertion wins a chuckle from Gabe , but , more importantly , he stops asking me stupid questions .
tr	4	He thinks he 's the leader of the team , but it 's like -- dude , there 's no team .
tr	4	She 's in full Pirates of the Caribbean regalia : tight bodice , long skirt , feathered hair and dark , sultry eyes .
tr	4	They 've erected a makeshift shooting range in the backyard and take fighting classes in Pueblo and even up in Colorado Springs .
tr	4	" You 've got to reach ... muscle failure ... ' S how you bulk up , " he informs me through panting breaths .
tr	4	Deep purple humming bird wings are taking flight in his aura , and I think I know where this is going .
tr	4	Now , my chin rises up to the bar easily as if my body were filled with hollow bird bones .
tr	4	If you got the right skill set , you can go anywhere , find anything , do anything and never get caught .
tr	4	Probably not a good idea , but ... " he trails off as he hands me the box tucked beneath his arm .
tr	4	" I get it , " I say putting the computer box on the bed and wrapping my hands around my waist .
tr	4	" On that first night , after you , uh , fell asleep , I went back to the campus . "
tr	4	" You 're mad , of course , but we were trying to ... and , I didn 't mean ... .
tr	4	There I am , grinning stupidly in the upper right-hand corner like I 'm enjoying the spectacle of my parents eviscerating themselves on television .
tr	4	I find Ryan 's obituary , stare at his face , at that hint of a smile he always teases the camera with .
tr	4	Not when I need just one moment of peace so I can think and close Facebook before I do something truly stupid .
tr	4	They snake all over his body , crisscrossing each other , extending around his torso and down past the waist of his jeans .
tr	4	And his eyes , looking at me , reflected in those fragments , a deeper blue than I 've ever seen them .
tr	4	I don 't think to hide my shock , because I don 't understand how this could have happened to him .
tr	4	Then I realize that I 'm still in his room ; that he 's still staring at me through the mirror .
tr	4	I can still feel his energy vibrating through the whole house , or maybe it 's just the heavy clang of my own heart .
tr	4	The other noises of the day are a choir of disjointed notes that I 'm learning to sort and dim as best I can .
tr	4	Taught us history and science along with evasive driving , fighting , picking locks , that kind of thing . "
tr	4	Our mother didn 't raise us traditional , but she gave us a purpose and taught us how to believe in something . "
tr	4	" You 're going to okay , you 're going to be okay , " he chants like a mantra .
tr	4	" ... I couldn 't even take him to the hospital , " Gabe 's voice narrates across the scene .
tr	4	Shivering , trying to force his gaze forward on the road , but inadvertently glancing at his brother over and over again .
tr	4	Without warning he hurls the empty bottle , and it shatters against a tree in a spectacle of exploding glass .
tr	4	The skin rips away from my palms , and the orbs lift up , pushing against the fabric of my gloves .
tr	4	The giggles burst out , and Gabe , who is just recovering , falls back on his elbows in fits .
tr	4	Now that I have a perfectly good computer to write with , I have realized that writing is most definitely out of the question .
tr	4	With a polite cough to gain his attention , I exaggerate my leap for effect , throwing myself backwards off the roof .
tr	4	My body is wet , and the things inside of it -- lungs , hamstrings , calves -- ache with deepening timbres .
tr	4	His energy is faded to a thin foggy glow that hugs close to his body and spikes with red and wild yellow jags .
tr	4	Chapter 26 Two weeks pass , and something like a routine begins to develop until Gabe finds an angel and we go after it .
tr	4	In the afternoon the boys go into town to fight and return home with new bruises and little jags of red in their auras .
tr	4	They spend the long , hot noon hours shooting empty soup cans in the backyard or grunting with weights in the basement .
tr	4	If he doesn 't find anything , we watch cheesy action flicks or he 'll goad me into playing video games .
tr	4	Diana ... Mom , when you gave me away , were you protecting me or glad to be rid of me ?
tr	4	Perhaps they catch the secrets of our hearts and hold them for us until we are brave enough to give them voice .
tr	4	I take a breath , smelling the scent of pine needles , hearing the animal songs lifting out from the trees around us .
tr	4	The smile doesn 't linger on his face , and I notice new , darker shades pulsing in his aura .
tr	4	" Angelic , " Gabe says with a grin , and then when I don 't respond , " or was that stupid ? "
tr	4	I follow his gaze up to the stars , trying to see what 's painting yellow hues into his aura .
tr	4	The cloak of night is all around us -- the animal melodies , the hunger drawing my eyes to Gabe 's energy .
tr	4	I am aware of every little flick of movement , the red blush of his pain growing brighter within the flowing blues .
tr	4	It 's crazy how much I care about Gabe after only two weeks , how deep that soft little tremble in his voice cuts .
tr	4	" Alright , just this time , " I say , " but I won 't change my mind . "
tr	4	" Farewell to Farewell , " he calls as we turn onto the highway and the little town recedes quickly behind us .
tr	4	" If you must know , I perform the very honorable and noble service of facilitating romantic relationships online . "
tr	4	They can , I don 't know , go to the movies and complain about it to each other the whole way through . "
tr	4	People visit the site , click on the ads , and Google thanks me with a little tip to my PayPal account .
tr	4	" Actually , they prefer to be called ' Little People ' , " Gabe corrects , " and little people have big hearts .
tr	4	" Anyway , " Gabe continues , " the sites don 't bring in a lot , but it 's enough .
tr	4	Keeps gas in the cars " -- he pats the glove compartment -- " beer in the fridge and bullets in the guns . "
tr	4	I learn that there are areas , lots of them , that the brothers have somehow agreed are off limits .
tr	4	We drive straight to Arizona , stopping only for gas , restrooms and a pet shop where Gabe buys me three terrified little mice .
tr	4	The snack dampens my hunger for a while , but , inevitably , night falls and the song takes up its willowy call .
tr	4	" It 's for your ... " Gabe takes a deep breath , trying to contain his laughter , " ... your own good .
tr	4	We were hanging around the front trying to think of a way in , and this clown comes driving by .
tr	4	Oh , you look ... " elf eyes filled with mirth , " ... oh god , you look ridiculous . "
tr	4	" The pattern of victims , they aren 't as far away from each other as you 'd think . "
tr	4	" Come on , " Gabe 's eyes are bright , and he 's got that teasing smile on his face .
tr	4	" I bought us a perfectly good pair of Border Patrol badges that we 've never gotten to use . "
tr	4	" I know how it sounds , " he says , " but this is it ; this is the life . "
tr	4	Chapter 28 Gabe seems to have a particular talent for picking out the cheapest , filthiest motels on the planet .
tr	4	I know I have to be good about this -- me wallowing here , them going off to kill someone .
tr	4	I don 't want to go anywhere near the bed , so I sit Indian style on the cleanest part of the rug .
tr	4	I write apology letters to Ryan 's family , and this causes sweet torrents of pain to course through me .
tr	4	We kiss as his brown , leathery bat wings beat against the air and lift us up to the stars .
tr	4	Then -- suddenly -- I am fully awake , crouching low , muscles tensing without knowing why or where I am .
tr	4	There are drops of blood on his sneakers , and smudges between his fingers where a quick washing didn 't get them off .
tr	4	" It 's too big to be hockey sticks , " I say , and can 't keep the waver out of my voice .
tr	4	" Okay , " I say and try to put some power in my voice so it doesn 't come out like a croak .
tr	4	The animals erupt at my scent , and I scurry back out to the SUV amid yips and low rolling growls .
tr	4	The dog fights against the leash , throwing his head from side to side and squealing each time the collar bites into his neck .
tr	4	" No one 's going to adopt this guy , " Gabe says as if that could possibly make anything better .
tr	4	" I 'll keep a lookout , " Gabe says and quickly strolls to the other side of the car .
tr	4	Groups of tourists meander along littered sidewalks , and a few lone figures sway in and out of the shadows .
tr	4	The desert has been championed by water pipes , diligent lawn care workers and sheer human determination to snuff out inconvenient landscapes .
tr	4	I 'm wearing a little jean skirt with flip flops , because the other sandals they bought don 't fit my wide feet .
tr	4	A teenage boy squeezes in front of the woman and blinks up at us beneath a mop of black hair .
tr	4	You can have as many as you want as long as you don 't let me touch ' em . "
tr	4	You look like some middle-aged basket case who shows up at Walmart in her pajamas in the middle of the day .
tr	4	The air is cool and crisp , and I hear the hum of an air conditioner vibrating through the walls .
tr	4	A large table stands in the middle of the room connected to a machine that looks like a big , somewhat menacing donut .
tr	4	" I 'm not a virgin , you know , " Lo continues , " and I 've read a lot of things .
tr	4	I have elevated levels of this and a prominent reaction to that enzyme , which suggests manipulation of whatever complex .
tr	4	Still , I can 't help but hear the sound of them lifting the body up and over the lip of the freezer .
tr	4	I let go of the table , breathe out a long , shuddering sob before slowly turning onto my back .
tr	4	I mean , great ass , really , " Lo says , " but you 've been keeping her in a controlled environment .
tr	4	I 'm all for ruling the world , but I kind of prefer the old fashion way of duping the uninformed electorate . "
tr	4	I 'm convinced he must practice his growls and grimaces and expressions of sheer focus in the mirror at night .
tr	4	When that just gets too damn pitiful , I decide to keep picking at my scabs , the deepest , bloodiest ones .
tr	4	I apologize for leaving him alone with Karen and giving her an entirely new cornucopia of emotional ailments to suffer from .
tr	4	Tender , painful boxes , but at least I can pack them tight in the back of my mind and keep the lights out .
tr	4	Karen is harder , because there is a lot to apologize for and a lot of resentment to try and hose off .
tr	4	" I was trying to save you from getting your fucking head blown off ; I would 've said anything ! "
tr	4	I really do want to kill them , and I 'm not sure I have enough strength to stop myself .
tr	4	Even though my eyes are closed , I can still see the glow of their energies pulsing beneath my lids .
tr	4	For the first time , I notice that the song is beautiful -- delicate and powerful at the same time .
tr	4	The last noise for a long time , except for the song which pulls and pulls and the whoosh of cars passing by .
tr	4	A car pulls up in the next spot over , and a little girl hops out of the back seat .
tr	4	" I think you 're giving your brother indigestion , " I tell Gabe as he cranks up Eye of the Tiger .
tr	4	I think about Karen and Henry , but Karen is wearing a " Find Maya " t-shirt , and Henry looks so tired .
tr	4	So I think about Maya , but Maya is thinking about rabbits , bright little rabbits , so I 'm thinking about rabbits again .
tr	4	I see a grim determination on his face and imagine this is the same way he would size up an enemy .
tr	4	It wouldn 't take long for a team of entrepreneurial scientists to crack the code and remake the original formula .
tr	4	Anyone with enough money and the inclination to be part of a new master race could buy their way in . "
tr	4	" There would not be enough guns , enough bullets in the world to stop them if the formula ever got out .
tr	4	If you could grab some Aspirin too , while you 're in there , I 'm cramping like crazy . "
tr	4	" You should really clean this thing once in a while , " I toss the hat back at him .
tr	4	I put my gray duffle bag on the bed nearest to the window and unzip it , curious of its contents .
tr	4	His energy field is low and hazy , and reading the exhaustion he tries to hide gives me some pleasure .
tr	4	I 'm already missing the sun , and we 've only been in this state for a couple of hours .
tr	4	" But why isn 't the angel moving on or at least spreading out the kills to multiple locations ? "
tr	4	The missing woman is pale as milk , has dark , pretty eyes , round cheeks , and short curls .
tr	4	The combination of her features immediately strikes me as someone whose profession requires scrubs : nurse , dental hygienist , something along those lines .
tr	4	" We 'll just go our own way and whistle if we see anything , " he tells the woman at the table .
tr	4	We don our orange vests , a perfect complement to my hideous straw hat , and make our way into the park .
tr	4	The air is chilled and soggy ; Gabe is underdressed in a t-shirt and jeans but doesn 't seem to mind .
tr	4	Gabe pulls us off the main trail , following small veins of beaten dirt through thick hedges of spruce and pine .
tr	4	He takes several steps forward , stops , turns to me and says , " Chuck Norris does not sleep .
tr	4	I don 't catch a scent , don 't find footprints on the air , but I know the angel has been here .
tr	4	I 'm deep in the woods now , not near any paths , not anywhere even the most rugged woodsman would wander .
tr	4	He calls out my name again , and I am unexpectedly stirred by the notes of worry in his voice .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry , " I say , feeling the blood come rushing into my cheeks , " You sounded worried . "
tr	4	I assess his aura , looking for his true emotions , but , as always , they follow his face .
tr	4	I watch in the rearview mirror as he flips open his briefcase and tucks his glasses into the side pocket .
tr	4	I 'm beginning to twitch again , and I wrap my arms around my body , pressing my hands hard against my ribs .
tr	4	" We leave in half an hour , " he says to Gabe who nods and collapses backward on his bed .
tr	4	Maybe it 's the expectation of his displeasure , or maybe he 's somehow perfected a way to frown only with his voice .
tr	4	Push hard -- " " They use this on people 's feet , you can 't -- " " Go over everything twice .
tr	4	I didn 't realize that two minutes could possibly take this long ; that seconds could endeavor to stretch themselves so far before breaking .
tr	4	The gray rabbit stands apart from its huddled companions and stares at me with bright black eyes that seem strangely aware .
tr	4	" I 've been meaning to ask ... " I pull my glove back on , wriggling my fingers through the holes .
tr	4	Gabe flinches like I 've pressed against an open sore , and now I know I 've made a mistake .
tr	4	We almost caught up to him too , but he slipped away just before we got to this huge condo he was staying in .
tr	4	" We learned that he was looking for you -- had hired the best trackers , given them every resource available .
tr	4	She never told us where , well , never even told us about you until just before she died . "
tr	4	Gabe is still speaking , " ... From there , all I had to do was find a needle in a pile of needles .
tr	4	" No , " Gabe smiles , " but there were three girls cheering her on as she crossed the finish line .
tr	4	He 's still trying to find my eyes , spread his smile to me , but I can 't lift up my head .
tr	4	You 're biting your lip , and you have this look in your eyes like nothing is going to stop you , not ever .
tr	4	The clouds are losing their glow , and in the encroaching dusk I see the sweep of flashlights threading through the woods .
tr	4	* * * We wander past the fields , past the community garden , past the dog park and into the woods .
tr	4	A little ways into the woods , Gabe curls up on a bench positioning a stained duffle bag under his head .
tr	4	He checks his pistol then , still holding the semi-automatic , tucks both hands into the sleeves of his khaki coat .
tr	4	" Split up , cover more ground , or wait for the angel where I found the piece of fabric .
tr	4	Each second presses the cold and wet deeper into the center of my bones so that my limbs ache with it .
tr	4	Chapter 37 Leaves slap against me like wet hands , and I 'm charging through roots , twisting around trees without thinking .
tr	4	Stupid , I think and finally , finally realize that an angel was just here , could still be here .
tr	4	I can feel the skin scrolling back , the feeding buds rising from their chambers and throwing out flares of heat .
tr	4	I am aware that all I have to do is stop , turn around and peel these horrible , itchy gloves off my hands .
tr	4	I watch his fingers brush the barrel of his gun , ready to flip it from his holster and shoot .
tr	4	My hands are still glowing , so I press them into my belly and pull my legs up tight to pin them in place .
tr	4	Slowly , I lower my knees , unwind my arms , reach out and take the blanket from his hand .
tr	4	Instead , his voice drops to a dangerous quiet , and all he says is , " You jeopardized everything . "
tr	4	He pulls out shampoo , soap and a clean pair of boxers from the bag and tosses them onto the bed .
tr	4	I realize that he 's actually going to tell me the truth , and I suddenly don 't want to hear it .
tr	4	" He 's so ... so far away and I can 't figure out how to find him and bring him back .
tr	4	This is how I learn what Gabe 's fear looks like and how it etches deep ravines of pain in his face .
tr	4	" He was , " Gabe says this so soft , I wonder if he meant to say it out loud .
tr	4	* * * When Gabe comes out , he 's in a pair of gray boxers and a ratty undershirt .
tr	4	Dad told her everything , about Thane , about Dr. Cook , about the angels and his mission to kill them .
tr	4	" Okay , but you have to swear not to be all , you know , give me shit about it . "
tr	4	Anyway , she swears I laughed , and she looked into my eyes and had this kind of epiphany . "
tr	4	Gabe sighs , and his aura pulses a tangy orange that I 'm beginning to associate with his embarrassment or distress .
tr	4	" Mom believed in angels , real angels , the fluffy winged kind , and she wanted ... " Gabe pauses , thinking .
tr	4	" Look , I 'm sure Keira Knightly appreciates your daily fan letters , but you can hardly call that a healthy relationship . "
tr	4	So , you know , a guy 's got to get a little nymph love every now and again . "
tr	4	I hit the dial button on my prepaid cell , and the connection trills four times before going to voicemail .
tr	4	* * * Gabe and I sit in the room all day searching for something that will lead us to the angel 's identity .
tr	4	Almost not worth the effort of killing , except I 'm hungry enough to start zapping ladybugs at this point .
tr	4	I begged you to go get him , but you just kept saying ' Gabriel , take my hand . '
tr	4	Classic sign of a puppy mill at work ... Well , it may be nothing , but we have to check into it .
tr	4	Man , if you ever want to see poverty ... wait , wait , wait , I think ... " Gabe doesn 't finish .
tr	4	Gabe swings around in his chair , lifts the lounging rabbit off his bed and gives it a big kiss on the forehead .
tr	4	Rain taps against the window trying to get in , and the thick banks of clouds are already diminishing the sunlight .
tr	4	I expanded the search into neighboring counties , and that gave me a good amount of hits to work with .
tr	4	" Ms. Secretary bought a whole litter of dogs last week , three days before the homeless guy was iced .
tr	4	I need ... " " Maya , " Gabe 's voice is soft , " please , don 't do this .
tr	4	* * * In fifteen minutes a Gabe lookalike emerges from the bathroom , his skin raw and patchy from the pumice .
tr	4	We can 't all laugh our hurts away , or pretend there 's a happy ending coming just because we deserve it .
tr	4	He looks like someone whose daring exploits are accompanied by theme music , or at least someone who has daring exploits .
tr	4	2 -- My own breath running the circuit of my lungs 1 -- The song , haunting in the background .
tr	4	Instead , I feint in and out of the shaggy pine trees lining the road and feel the cool rain sliding down my back .
tr	4	I run down the street , just your average everyday girl out for an evening jog in her teddy bear PJs .
tr	4	The bulbs are pressing against the fabric of my gloves as I look at the woman , watch her confused aura shiver .
tr	4	And then I turn away , because little Maya is clamoring in my mind , screaming something stupid like you 're in control .
tr	4	I hear a sharp crack as the bullet lodges in the wood paneling of the desk in front of us .
tr	4	He 's somehow composed himself entirely of jagged metal and rock : steel voice , flint eyes , granite face , iron jaw .
tr	4	It lays close to his body , churning slow like sludge and hued a murky brown almost to the core .
tr	4	There are many clever responses available , but it 's me , and I 'm not , so I don 't .
tr	4	The one in the center says : An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind - Ghandi I suppose this is ironic .
tr	4	In one more picture she 's clutching the woman 's wide waist as they sit on a jet ski together .
tr	4	I sent him and his third wife to a beach in the Caribbean with a hundred grand in his pocket .
tr	4	I walk with purpose into Amber 's room and gaze at the picture of the cheerleaders giggling behind their pompoms .
tr	4	I see her silhouetted against the sky -- a dark shadow of a girl sitting on a preposterously high branch .
tr	4	It 's the same towering spruce tree where I found the swatch of flannel , and now I know what it came from .
tr	4	She 's wearing the same blue flannel pajama pants along with an old Strawberry Shortcake t-shirt soaked against her body .
tr	4	My teddy bear and her Strawberry Shortcake grin at each other , hiding murder beneath wet fabric and cold skin .
tr	4	She is taller than me , thicker and more muscled from her transformation , glowing with the vitality of a fresh kill .
tr	4	I tumble backwards , enfolded in night and shrill wind for a horrifying second before crashing into a branch below .
tr	4	The air isn 't getting into my lungs fast enough , and pain crashes cymbals up and down my arm .
tr	4	" The thing is , " her voice is hardly above a whisper , " maybe Grandpa is right about the new elite .
tr	4	Even as I 'm scrambling for my balance , the branch trembles , and Amber is standing in front of me again .
tr	4	I 'm grappling with her wrist , trying to loosen her hand , but she 's stronger than me , much stronger .
tr	4	Thoughts are backing up in my mind , crashing into each other as the knots of panic tie off reason .
tr	4	I hear her body smack against a branch and then a final thump as it hits the soft ground below .
tr	4	Her arm is twisted behind her , and she looks like a broken doll some careless child dropped and forgot to put away .
tr	4	We would wrestle the wet ground out of the way with our shovels and lower the child into a shallow ditch .
tr	4	If I were brave , I would say something good and meaningful to Amber before we pushed the sloppy mud upon her .
tr	4	When he does , I notice the slightest dip in the vehicle as he lays her body down in the trunk .
tr	4	The granite crumbles from his face , leaving something more vulnerable that he hides by looking off into the half empty parking lot .
tr	4	I pull in a deep breath and then magically , wonderfully , finally , I know exactly what to say .
tr	4	" Sometimes I do , but I 'm beginning to realize that I can never hate you more than you hate yourself . "
tr	4	Yet , he is still holding himself back ; I am only seeing vapors of the full heartbreak inside of him .
tr	4	The shower takes the blood off my skin , and I stay in longer just to see if it can get anything else out .
tr	4	There won 't be a speck of you left , and the world will be a better place for it .
tr	4	After a half hour online , Gabe shuts down his computer , runs a hand through his drying hair and turns off the lamp .
tr	4	All that other stuff , gangs and war , well , I figure those are human problems and humans can solve them . "
tr	4	" It 's the job , " Gabe whispers , and I 'm not sure who he 's trying to convince .
tr	4	I curl my hands into fists , bite my lip , push my nails into the flesh of my palms .
tr	4	I watch his aura lose its peaks and eddies as he yields to exhaustion and drifts into a heavy sleep .
tr	4	Press my fingers hard against my temples and feel the heat from my hands on each side of my face .
tr	4	I haven 't written anything since that night except for imaginary letters asking for a forgiveness I will never earn .
tr	4	I can feel it , and there 's nothing I can think to do except keep unwinding my soul on the page .
tr	4	Gabe is on his side , one arm tucked under the pillow , the other curled in front of his face .
tr	4	I need to know that someone thinks I 'm strong enough to save myself , even if I don 't .
tr	4	Tears of relief drip down my face , or maybe it 's terror , or some strange , sad mixture .
tr	4	The hiccups are dying down , but my heart takes over , kicking hard in my chest , testing the integrity of my ribs .
tr	4	The clouds hover close , ready to eclipse , but in this moment the sun is free of their reach .
tr	4	Your reviews and referrals mean a lot and can help other readers fall into the grip of Maya 's adventure .
tr	4	My website includes a few special extras for my extra special fans ( you are extra special , aren 't you ? ) .
tr	4	Turns out that Poughkeepsie is a quaint , pretty town right next to a thick vein of dark water , the Hudson River .
tr	4	At least the sky is clear , and the sun is streaming down , soaking into my skin and soothing my raw hunger .
tr	4	" I want to go do the recon with you , " I tell him and try to sound self-assured .
tr	4	" We confirm if Hendricks is on the premise and if he 's alone , and then we pull back . "
tr	4	I nod too , cross my arms over my chest and try to look like this spy stuff is totally standard .
tr	4	While my brothers get ready , I snap off some heavy branches from nearby tress and stack them up in front of the Murano .
tr	4	It 's a pretty crappy camo job , but I 'll trust in Gabe 's philosophy that people don 't notice jack shit .
tr	4	" Check , " I reply as gruffly as I can , even though I don 't know how far away 300 yards is .
tr	4	They have a technique for this that I have not yet learned , but I wonder at the thoughts that cross their minds .
tr	4	" We 'll spread out , link up by Bluetooth and find out how many angels are in that house .
tr	4	" Four different vehicles ... " A side door opens from the house , and two men emerge into the daylight .
tr	4	One is tall and brawny , wearing a torn muscle shirt and a pair of skinny jeans that suck against his powerful legs .
tr	4	The tall , lanky boy in my field of vision manages to keep his feet , but the other one stumbles and falls .
tr	4	The other human , the one who managed to keep his feet , bends down and pulls his companion up .
tr	4	Now the paint is peeling , the window shutters are crooked , and the place looks -- in three words -- spooky as hell .
tr	4	And this is before I search in vain for a doorbell and am forced to use the heavy brass gargoyle knocker .
tr	4	My voice trails off as I look around the foyer , which seems to be functioning as some sort of spider web sanctuary .
tr	4	Then there are the dust bunnies , which are actually just about big enough to qualify as dust German Shepherds .
tr	4	I will learn later that Nathaniel feels very strongly about wearing the cape for houseguests , but in this moment I am completely flabbergasted .
tr	4	He also has a pencil mustache on his upper lip , bushy black eyebrows and a white poof of hair on his head .
tr	4	I 'm not wearing a watch , and it takes me a moment to realize what he 's talking about .
tr	4	I wonder if I should sit down , but since he hasn 't invited me , I just keep standing in the doorway .
tr	4	He stands up , walks over to the mantel , lifts the lid of an ornate box and pulls out a cell phone .
tr	4	The phone is on its last chord of the Macarena when I take it from his hand and accept the call .
tr	4	Of course , this doesn 't actually make any better sense , but I don 't give it much thought .
tr	4	* * * Employment Interview with a Vampire , a short story by J Bennett , is available for purchase on Smashwords .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	For Edith Without you I would not see nor hear nor talk ... and definitely , I would not write .
tr	4	He was not going to skip the most important meal of the day and he definitely needed some more time to wake up .
tr	4	" OK , " Taylor hesitated , " Just make sure you stay downwind from me after the third day of the trip . "
tr	4	Hunt roared out in laughter , " I do have a change of clothes or two here in my waist pack .
tr	4	" Right , you do that , you have yet to earn your keep on this trip , " Taylor teased .
tr	4	" I saw reports of people who had traveled from up north and crossed the presumably deserted mountain regions of Sector XXI .
tr	4	Taylor was getting more comfortable and animated as he got deeper into the matter that had occupied his mind for the last few years .
tr	4	" I guess I don 't have to stress the difficulty we are having in getting our farming and food supply ramped up .
tr	4	All I am asking for is a full tank of gas for my airplane and maybe two or three weeks of Safe Passage Certificates .
tr	4	It was a good sign that Paul Meyers , the Rep from the research labs started to ask practical questions .
tr	4	" No way , " Meyers replied , " these things are tricky to operate , very expensive and hard to come by .
tr	4	Our lab covers the area from the Red River down to half the Hill Country and we only have three scanners in working order .
tr	4	If you want a scanner you will have to take along one of my boys to make sure you bring back something useful .
tr	4	He got up from his chair and commanded silence with a loud grunt , " I think we 've heard enough .
tr	4	The pilot 's lounge was empty but behind the only desk in the office he could see the familiar figure of Mary Pearson .
tr	4	She had lost two sons a long time ago in unexplained plane crashes so she treated the flight crews as her own children .
tr	4	" John , come in , " Mary 's face lighted up , " can I get you a cup of coffee ? "
tr	4	' It 's still going to be a good hour before we have enough light to get going , ' he thought to himself .
tr	4	With four passengers and little luggage his plane should be good for about nine hundred miles at a low cruise speed .
tr	4	Obviously he was not accustomed to carrying female passengers who frowned upon the idea of having to crawl out of a car window .
tr	4	He knew that a laughing outburst was his friend 's most likely reaction to the unexpected display of fashion style .
tr	4	" Very cute , " Spade snapped at him , " Would you care to help me with my luggage ? "
tr	4	" I just have a duffle bag and a small case for the scanner , " Farmer replied , " This is hers . "
tr	4	We will take it slow , learn first what the situation is and then I will decide how to proceed .
tr	4	He got his nods of agreement from everyone even though the defiant look on Spade 's face was not too reassuring .
tr	4	Taylor and Hunt pulled back the cover , unfastened the wheel chocks and packed both items neatly into the cargo compartment .
tr	4	Putting the filler spout into the fuel tank he gestured to Taylor , " Would you mind firing up the pump , son ? "
tr	4	When the fuel truck had left , Taylor opened the engine cowl and started with the preflight inspection of his airplane .
tr	4	" It 's going to be five hours until you 'll get another chance , so who needs a bathroom ?
tr	4	He walked back outside to load their luggage , still pleasantly surprised that everyone had had followed his request to pack lightly .
tr	4	At the same time this allowed him to disregard almost every other rule that civilian flights have to contend with .
tr	4	You are not going to need it unless you complain during the flight and we have to throw you out .
tr	4	Hunt was in the right seat next to Taylor and already had the checklist out to go through the startup procedure .
tr	4	" Thanks Ma , " Taylor answered , " roger that , only one nut job flying at this hour .
tr	4	He made sure one more time that the fuel selector was in its correct position and pressed the start button .
tr	4	He set the propeller control to maximum efficiency and the little plane started to race down the asphalt strip rapidly gaining speed .
tr	4	< Time Warp > The twenty-first century with its vast technological and scientific advancements was just about to be called history .
tr	4	The opportunity for near total control of the masses through the power of influence was too enticing to be passed over .
tr	4	They had prepared the groundwork in college dorm rooms and garage corporations long before the technology was ready to be deployed .
tr	4	With that she unplugged the network cable and ripped out the wireless antenna from the back of her personal computer .
tr	4	A simple act of courage born out of rage , life giving rage to shake off the shackles of information slavery .
tr	4	Little Suzie 's outcry was discussed in Internet forums and blog websites gaining her the inevitable air of heroism along the way .
tr	4	In an act of civic defiance twenty-four girls got together in the school gymnasium and disabled their own computer 's networking facilities .
tr	4	He had intercepted the reports flying back and forth between Salt Lake City and Washington , D.C. about their little Girl Scout Revolution .
tr	4	He also had managed to latch on to the flood of e-mails that had originated with that ominous censored message .
tr	4	The intuition that a good intelligence operative brought to the table could never be matched to a satisfactory degree by the machines .
tr	4	Even with the most sophisticated programming available these were still machines and their workings were bound to be discovered eventually .
tr	4	He did not make the mistake to venture a prediction of how the average user would react to this revelation .
tr	4	Sam felt it in his stomach that this issue would find its way onto his desk rather sooner than later .
tr	4	The mere existence of the censor servers was a slap in the face of everything the United States once stood for .
tr	4	" Well , we don 't need a panic , so calm down and turn off the warning bells . "
tr	4	Sam tried to keep the situation under control , " Use all the resources you need to stay on top of a possible distribution .
tr	4	Find out who posted the message and inform the ground force commander in D.C. as soon as you get closer .
tr	4	Seems he grew a conscience with old age or maybe it was just the lousy pay that set him off . "
tr	4	If you want to find Freddie just walk down to the CIA data center in D.C. , he 'll be there waiting .
tr	4	The signature line in the censored messages was claimed to be an attempt to provoke civil unrest against government offices and institutions .
tr	4	The documents were uploaded and armed for delivery by the most inventive methods conjured up by a creative vengeful mind .
tr	4	He had learned to be patient and he was going to milk this for his twisted enjoyment as long as he could .
tr	4	Every aspect of public , private and business life was fully dependent on the cheap and effortless access to the global data networks .
tr	4	Ignorance is bliss they say but this only holds true as long as we are ignorant of our own ignorance .
tr	4	It takes a lot to wake a sleeping bear , but when he awakes you better stand back and not get in his way .
tr	4	Rachel found the row of books she was looking for and picked up one on American history reaching back many centuries .
tr	4	It was a heavy book and the dust that had accumulated on top of it made her eyes water and her nose tingle .
tr	4	There was not a peep to be heard and only two or three of her students looked up when she opened the door .
tr	4	" Gather around everybody , we will learn today what it was like to be in a class room many decades ago .
tr	4	Bring your chairs to the front and sit down , we are going to learn from a real book today . "
tr	4	There were many uncertain looks on children 's faces not sure what to make of their teacher 's new found enthusiasm .
tr	4	A few minutes of tumult and murmurs until they all were assembled to see what strange things might unfold that day .
tr	4	Every one of these early deeds was met by official repercussions that far outweighed the offense but underlined their significance all the more .
tr	4	The web of free information and data exchange that had been spun for almost a century unraveled itself from the outside in .
tr	4	The segmentation of the economic system brought a long laundry list of quite unpleasant situations and circumstances in its tow .
tr	4	The plane had reached its rotation speed and Taylor felt the reassuring positive resistance from the control surfaces in his hands and feet .
tr	4	He pulled down the tinted visors over the windshield and for the first time in weeks relaxed into his seat .
tr	4	Small planes in particular those with military designation were still noisy inside so all four of them were wearing noise reducing headsets .
tr	4	" Push the white buttons on your headset cables to talk , one at a time , please , " he instructed his passengers .
tr	4	There was just silence to be heard so Taylor turned around and looked into the white faces of Helen Spade and Tim Farmer .
tr	4	It was quite obvious that this was their first ride in a small aircraft , maybe their first flight at all .
tr	4	There might be a heart somewhere inside that block of ice after all , ' he thought by himself smiling .
tr	4	The old trusty engine droned its reassuring song propelling the travelers across the sky at a comfortable altitude of five thousand feet .
tr	4	The vistas onto the slowly changing landscape beneath them were breathtaking with remnants of a violent recent past still clearly visible in many places .
tr	4	He was hoping to find the turnoff to US Highway 65 to follow it as far as their fuel would get them .
tr	4	It was not long until they saw Lake Maumelle stretching out on the horizon and the Arkansas River Valley right behind it .
tr	4	A lonely low flying plane that was going north might raise some questions , which he was not prepared to answer .
tr	4	Taylor knew that they had almost reached the fuel reserve he was comfortable with to safely get them back home .
tr	4	Taylor could see the highway wind up a steep mountain ridge with a flat wide opening in the tree cover on the other side .
tr	4	" You have to go in fairly steep to clear the trees right on the ridge but otherwise it looks good to me .
tr	4	There might have been more pleasant ways of first intimate contact but given the circumstances Farmer did not object in the least .
tr	4	It was time to think about more practical things than an ever so pleasant chance encounter in a cramped airplane back seat .
tr	4	Must have been quite a resilient fellow , " Taylor said to Hunt pointing at the road that disappeared into the forest .
tr	4	After they had emptied the plane , Hunt and Taylor fastened its fabric cover and a camouflage net on top of it .
tr	4	Better to be safe than sorry was their motto even in a remote location like this , just an old habit .
tr	4	The four travelers sat down on scattered rocks to have a light snack from their military rations that they had brought for food .
tr	4	Taylor was ready to get going , " According to the reports we should come across a deserted town once called Lebanon .
tr	4	They settled into a comfortable rhythm of walking a ways and then exploring the surroundings and picking up the hike again .
tr	4	He could see right away that there was no evidence of genetic degeneration or other human induced disease in any of the vegetation .
tr	4	That would normally be enough to qualify as a new species if the differences were healthy generational mutations and not just random defects . "
tr	4	Hunt and Farmer kept dashing on and off the road into the woods like little kids who had too much energy to burn .
tr	4	Spade did not offer much conversation which suited Taylor quite well because he did not know how far he could trust her .
tr	4	The other three turned to see Hunt up on the hill waving his arms gesturing for them to join him .
tr	4	To everyone 's surprise Helen Spade stepped up to the steep gravel and rock slope and started climbing without effort .
tr	4	They all filled their aluminum canteens with nature 's gift and drank as much as they could right on the spot .
tr	4	" We can take the easier way down on the backside of the hill and make our way around back to the road .
tr	4	They climbed down the slope to join up with the road a few hundred yards from where they had left it .
tr	4	The long flight in a cramped cabin and the excitement of their hike started to wear down their energy reserves .
tr	4	Only seconds later the fire from his lighter had spread to the larger branches while he added more wood to the pile .
tr	4	No sir , he knew how to live and to survive in the outdoors and how to have a good time along the way .
tr	4	With their stomachs full and sipping the remaining coffee they all settled around the fire contemplating the events of the day .
tr	4	More than twenty years ago the Southern Coalition had gained stable control of the gulf coast and all the way up to Austin .
tr	4	I was a young pilot with the militia , all green and eager to prove what an ace I was .
tr	4	He was moving so swiftly that I never saw him until I felt my own 45 being pressed into my back .
tr	4	I was sure he wanted money or some of the rum that my buddies and I had stashed on the camp grounds . "
tr	4	" My credentials as Special Operations Officer at the time gave me access to almost any official building or installation .
tr	4	So , later that night I waltzed into the hangar for utility aircraft and commissioned a single engine plane for a covert operation .
tr	4	Times were so messed up back then that the night security grunt did not even flinch and let me have my pick .
tr	4	" Mind you , " Taylor picked up the yarn , " I had no idea where we were going at that time .
tr	4	He directed me to fly this and that heading and all I could make out was that we were going north .
tr	4	Twenty seconds later we hear three clicks as answer and right in front of me landing lights flicker in the middle of a field .
tr	4	They helped quite a few lost pilots out of a jam and made good business out of recycling the planes they left behind .
tr	4	Come noon the plane had a brand new identity with papers and all , was filled up and ready to go .
tr	4	The same evening we started our trek up to Alaska where we flew supply transports for oil and mining outfits for many years .
tr	4	They resumed their rhythm from the day before of making good time as well as exploring the surroundings on their way .
tr	4	The four travelers had followed the remains of what was once US Highway 377 west higher into the Ozark Mountains .
tr	4	Long branches of mighty trees provided shade with a thick canopy of healthy green leaves allowing for a swift and effortless hike .
tr	4	she inquired in a funny sounding voice that reminded Taylor of the cartoon characters that he found while searching the archives .
tr	4	Come on guys , I don 't have all day , " she repeated when she didn 't get a satisfactory reply right away .
tr	4	It was quite out of character for him to grant anyone let alone a stranger an ever so brief glance into his private thoughts .
tr	4	The four of them stopped to catch their breath when they were startled yet again by that giggly voice above their heads .
tr	4	She had a quizzical look on her face , not quite annoyed , not quite serious , and not quite hostile .
tr	4	" Hey , what are you talking about , " Spade started to argue but Taylor motioned her to let it go .
tr	4	She wanted to let this weird Lilly Ann have it , but she gave in to keep the peace for right now .
tr	4	We don 't have to play games , though , I 'll gladly tell you what we came here for . "
tr	4	She looked at them for a moment and with a giggle jumped off the tree right in front of them .
tr	4	" Follow me , " Lilly Ann announced very importantly , " I shall take you to my leader ! "
tr	4	She picked up a long stick from the ground and held it up in front of her as if presenting the royal crest .
tr	4	Nobody raised any objections because they did not want to jeopardize the fragile understanding they had come to with the woman .
tr	4	Lilly Ann walked up to a toddler of about three years of age who played at the side of the road .
tr	4	" Sure , " she said easily , smiling at them briefly and turning back to her water ripple game .
tr	4	" Yes , we heard that a lot of peeps were playing the rage and anger game for a while .
tr	4	Taylor did not want to appear too desperate but he thought it would help his cause to relay the big picture .
tr	4	He reported to have met a colony of people that lived in the mountains and the food that he saw was healthy and delicious .
tr	4	You must have a very big airplane if you want to take enough animals to make a difference in your herds .
tr	4	We brought a device that can scan and record the complete genetic information of any living entity without inflicting any damage to the specimen .
tr	4	You just have to get the DNA scanner close enough and it reads the data from any tissue it can access .
tr	4	Once we have the sample data it will be analyzed and synthesized into the reproductive cycle of the various herds .
tr	4	" He looks smarter than to try to mess with God 's hand writing , " she teased in Farmer 's direction .
tr	4	" Right , " Taylor sighed , " we are authorized to offer you a substantial sum of energy credits for helping us . "
tr	4	" No , no , I don 't know what an energy credit is , but I sure don 't want any of that .
tr	4	" I have room for about fifty-five hundred scans , sir , when I compress the backup maybe six thousand .
tr	4	" The girl is warming up , " Hunt noted , " mostly to our young cowboy , though . "
tr	4	There was a wider road leading to the left and to the right but still no sign of a town or village .
tr	4	Besides the soft bark of a dog and the sound of a closing screen door there was no sign of the occupants anywhere .
tr	4	" If they don 't want to be seen , we 'll pretend not to see them , " Taylor said quietly to Hunt .
tr	4	Just a short distance further on the other side of the street an old Jeep vehicle was parked next to the road .
tr	4	" Farmer is going to like this , " Hunt pointed at the car , " looks older than dirt , though . "
tr	4	" I don 't see a house or something else that looks like a living space , do you ? "
tr	4	" Hungry for Lilly Ann , " Hunt mocked ducking out of reach to avoid Taylor 's punch at his ribcage .
tr	4	The two friends made their way back to the camp discussing the unexpected events they had witnessed on the journey so far .
tr	4	She had zipped off the lower leg parts of her Khaki pants and her jacket was thrown over a bush .
tr	4	Cody Hunt could not retreat quickly enough to escape an angry fountain of cold water that Spade tossed at him .
tr	4	Every piece of sheet metal and the occasional wood panel were painted in bright colors with paisley and floral designs .
tr	4	Lilly Ann screamed when she wound up the engine and sped to a neck breaking top speed of at least fifteen miles per hour .
tr	4	Occasionally they were passing other cars , all of them of ancient build with obvious signs of makeshift repairs to keep them operational .
tr	4	She hugged the old man enthusiastically and kissed him on the cheek while waving to Taylor and the others to join them .
tr	4	" Let 's find a table and get some food , " Lilly Ann ushered them to a vacant spot and sat down .
tr	4	" Willie will be right over for the food order , " he said , " enjoy the beer ! "
tr	4	" I can 't talk for everyone but beer is just fine with me , " Cody Hunt stared greedily at the mugs .
tr	4	The beer was cold and had a pleasant hops and malt taste , not overpowering but definitely a delight for the palate .
tr	4	" No worries , big man , " Lilly Ann encouraged him , " there is plenty more where this came from .
tr	4	" We can 't complain about a lack of diners every night , " Lilly Ann kind of not answered the question .
tr	4	Between the meats , salad and bread there was enough food on the table to feed a party of ten .
tr	4	Lilly Ann had the time of her life observing the four strangers devour in complete agreement and innocence the treasure they had been offered .
tr	4	Everyone around the table laughed at her out of character remark as they all knew exactly what she was talking about .
tr	4	" You already did , " she answered without hesitation , " we are richer for having had you as our guests .
tr	4	Mi casa tu casa , " she added after a short pause with deeper meaning in her words than was obvious .
tr	4	Farmer was eager to get started and breakfast always seemed to be a strong argument to get the others out of their sleeping bags .
tr	4	This time he did not have to search the woods for partridge or quail eggs to cook up his specialty .
tr	4	To his delight a good fairy had left a wicker basket full of breakfast treasures in front of their camp during the night hours .
tr	4	He couldn 't wait to see the eyes of his travel companions when he would dish up this royal feast .
tr	4	he greeted them cheerfully while with the skill of an accomplished short order cook he quickly broke the eggs into the pan .
tr	4	Suddenly there was laughter and chatting and all of them were wondering about the strange place they had landed in .
tr	4	They discussed the events since they had met Lilly Ann on the highway and were excited about the promises of the upcoming day .
tr	4	Farmer had a hard time containing his excitement at the prospect of closely working together with Spade at least for the next few days .
tr	4	Anything in particular where you want to get started , cows , sheep , pigs , horses , elephants ? "
tr	4	The five of them boarded the van the same way as they had done the day before and with great noise they drove off .
tr	4	I am sure something can be done to make it run quieter , " he offered shouting over the noise .
tr	4	It hasn 't been always as pretty as it is now , though , " she added with a wink .
tr	4	Taylor rolled his eyes , " Yes , it is very pretty , did you paint it with nail polish ? "
tr	4	" OK , " Lilly Ann replied with a gracious smile , " if it makes you feel better , be my guest .
tr	4	Taylor felt a lot better about receiving their wonderful welcome and help now that he had something to offer to Lilly Ann in return .
tr	4	With his worries forgotten for a moment she saw the wrinkles on his forehead smooth a little and the character of his face softening .
tr	4	With a new found joy that painted a big smile on her face she went back to concentrate on her driving .
tr	4	The place in front of the house and all the way up to the barns that stood aside was buzzing with activity .
tr	4	Men and women of all ages carried on with their assigned chores and duties in what appeared to be an orchestrated chaos .
tr	4	He let go of the horse and patted him on the rump to let him know that he was free to roam and graze .
tr	4	He grabbed the reigns of a big black and white spotted horse that was loosely tied to a close by fence post .
tr	4	He effortlessly swung his leg into the saddle and made his way over to the waiting van in an elegant trot .
tr	4	Only Tim Farmer did not seem to mind and eagerly jumped out of the car as soon as it came to a halt .
tr	4	" Oh , I would love to , " she played along , " but I don 't think you could handle me .
tr	4	Never mind Lilly Ann 's teasing , she is holding out for a better man to come along , can you believe it ? "
tr	4	" You are precisely correct sir , " he stuttered in disbelieve , " Do you have genetic research computers up here ? "
tr	4	" It 's in the noggin , junior , you should try it sometime , just a little basic math , right ? "
tr	4	Looking at the beauty of the herd that was waiting for him he didn 't really care one way or the other .
tr	4	" I don 't know , " he replied not sure what to say , " This place creeps me out .
tr	4	Many of the cows were cooperative and let themselves be led willingly to the harmless procedure but a few of them had other ideas .
tr	4	Farmer seemed to have everything under control with the sample gathering so he wanted to make himself useful in other ways .
tr	4	Lilly Ann was deeply touched at the sight of a man taking the time to clean his tools before using them on her property .
tr	4	They both laughed at Taylor 's obvious oversight and so he went back to cleaning out the dirt between the cooling fins .
tr	4	Taylor had heard the engine enough to know that a simple carburetor adjustment was not going to make much of a difference .
tr	4	Terry comes by once or twice a month and fills up the tank , that 's all I ever needed to know .
tr	4	Taylor on the other hand was reliving memories of countless airplane and other engines he had rebuilt under much worse conditions before .
tr	4	The spark in his eyes and electric energy of his presence made it hard to take her eyes off him .
tr	4	He looked at her with an amused smile , " You don 't think that I can do this , do you ?
tr	4	Why did you let me start to begin with if you didn 't believe I could finish the job ? "
tr	4	She did not waste one thought to the fact that the car was not really broken before he had started to take it apart .
tr	4	It turned out that many of the farm 's utility rooms still had very old linoleum floors hidden under rugs or wood panels .
tr	4	Taylor carefully removed one of the plastic tiles and started to clean and polish it with some solvent he had found and water .
tr	4	Lilly Ann could not believe her eyes when he picked up a sharp knife and without hesitation cut out the pattern he had drawn .
tr	4	When he picked up the carburetor to bolt it onto the crankcase he thoroughly studied its design and adjustment mechanism .
tr	4	He closed the adjustment needles all the way and then counted out loud the number of revolutions while he opened them back up .
tr	4	" I 'd love to , " Lilly Ann beamed with excitement , " are you sure about this ? "
tr	4	The noise was much more akin to the angry howling of a fighter jet than the gentle whining she was accustomed too .
tr	4	She quickly shut off the motor gesturing apologetic to the people who had run out of the buildings to see what was going on .
tr	4	When Taylor and Lilly Ann returned to the farm from their little joy ride Frank Turner greeted them in front of the main building .
tr	4	I guess you could too , " he added looking at Taylor who had engine grease spread evenly over almost everything he was wearing .
tr	4	" They taste as good as they run , " he laughed between hearty bites of meat and potatoes to everyone 's entertainment .
tr	4	Turner looked at Farmer , " Are you and Ms. Spade going to oversee the distribution of the genetic material yourselves ? "
tr	4	A slight shade of red merged into his healthy tan when he saw the amused nods and smiles around the table .
tr	4	Whoever Lilly Ann asked for samples of crops or life stock brought their finest examples to donate their genetic codes .
tr	4	They also collected grass , brush and tree DNA samples to give them a fuller picture of the overall genetic makeup of the region .
tr	4	" Yes , Julie and Tracy , " she explained , " they can read the weather and know it in advance .
tr	4	She jumped off her seat onto the sidewalk and snuck her arm under his , pulling him back into the house .
tr	4	It was an intense but short celebration , for the travelers ' minds were already set on the road that laid ahead .
tr	4	What a glorious , wondrous and enriching visit it had been with the forgotten people of the mountains of Oz .
tr	4	This time though , they knew exactly where they were headed and how long it would take them to get there .
tr	4	The plane gained speed reluctantly while hopping and bobbing over the various bumps in what was left of the once smooth tarmac .
tr	4	Taylor allowed the plane to leave the ground and kept it floating in ground effect while it rapidly gained speed .
tr	4	Pulling with all its might the engine managed to hurdle them over the trees at the end of the field .
tr	4	They could see how the clouds continued to move up from the flatlands , gaining energy and turbulence along the way .
tr	4	The cabin was filled with the smell of gasoline and a moment later flames began to lick out under the instrument cluster .
tr	4	Precious moments were lost while Farmer pulled the recorder unit out of their luggage to return triumphantly to the passenger cabin .
tr	4	He pushed Farmer out the door with his left hand while holding on to the control stick with his right .
tr	4	Farmer , Spade and Hunt floated safely to the ground while they helplessly watched the damaged plane descend steeply in a Northeastern direction .
tr	4	It disappeared behind a mountain ridge out of their sight leaving a dark billowing trail of smoke in the sky .
tr	4	The reflection of flames on a polished piece of metal suddenly reminded him of a life motto that he had placed there .
tr	4	" Did all that , " he thought with a feeling of peace overflowing inside him , " did all that and more . "
tr	4	He can take care of himself , " he barked , " we came out of situations much worse than this all right before .
tr	4	Let 's go find Farmer , I bet we 'll find him about three miles from here in this direction . "
tr	4	They were able to increase their pace and reached the spot where Hunt had thought they would find Farmer some two hours later .
tr	4	" Get a grip Farmer , " Spade whispered and kissed him softly on the lips to stop the stream of words .
tr	4	They had to be wary of any contact with locals as long as they were outside the protective reach of the Council .
tr	4	With Hunt 's and Farmer 's skills to procure food and water from the wild they would not have any trouble surviving .
tr	4	After only two weeks of hiking Arkansas ' back roads they spotted a South Central military convoy close to the Texas border .
tr	4	Hunt made secretly contact with one of the drivers and after revealing his credentials they were offered a ride to Irving Sector .
tr	4	Fifteen days after that fateful lightning strike the trio was back in their familiar surroundings ready to start their new lives .
tr	4	Taylor DNA became a trademark throughout the Western hemisphere for superior breeding stock of all kinds of farm animals and vegetables .
tr	4	They were men of burly build , dressed in rough denim pants , colorful flannel shirts and thick woolen jackets .
tr	4	Every year in spring they rebuilt these piles so the moisture would escape the logs evenly without compromising the integrity of the wood grain .
tr	4	They watched the bird grow smaller and smaller as it bounced on the wind gusts and fell into air pockets .
tr	4	It was flying slowly and its movements were unsure as if it had tried too much of Joe Jack 's good stuff .
tr	4	The bird was flying about twice the height of the tallest trees when the door on one side opened and a man fell out .
tr	4	Jack and Joe Jack looked at each other and without words started to hurry in the direction where the man had fallen .
tr	4	Years of life in the forest had tuned their instincts to the spirit of all things in the wild , living or not .
tr	4	They both heard the plane slowly settling onto the trees , breaking through the crowns with great fanfare and slicing to the ground .
tr	4	it was Jack who pointed uphill where an olive green suit laid on top of a tall pile of pine branches and bark .
tr	4	" Mister , " Joe Jack tried to evoke a response from the unmoving man , " Mister , can you hear me ? "
tr	4	he uttered in a blink of consciousness before his painful scream was stifled by a merciful darkness that reclaimed his mind .
tr	4	They used the branches they had cut some days before to build a stretcher , strong but light and pillow soft .
tr	4	Not a single false step , not a stumble or a shake disturbed the peace of the dark that Taylor had settled in .
tr	4	Their steps sounded foreign to them on the cobble stone streets but they spoke of the end of their journey .
tr	4	Just a short stretch of road further and they would be able to relieve their aching arms and backs of their cargo .
tr	4	" He is Lilly Ann 's friend , " the girl repeated , " she 'll know what to do . "
tr	4	Lilly grabbed his jacket and started to drag him down the street directing them to the house that she knew Lilly Ann lived in .
tr	4	It looked as if one could just break off a piece and stick it into one 's mouth for a quick snack or desert .
tr	4	the humor escaped her that she used the same words that she first heard from him to greet him back into her life .
tr	4	The other ones floated on sails to the ground but this one came back and fell out of the bird into the trees .
tr	4	She still felt the devilish fun she had had teasing him while guiding him and his friends in circles through the woods .
tr	4	Most times when he opened his eyes he just groaned in pain and quickly fell back into the soothing darkness .
tr	4	They both sat quietly for a moment with their eyes closed , trying to get back to the lighter beginning of their conversation .
tr	4	" Yes , Lilly Ann , I remember , " he was fighting for words before sinking back to sleep .
tr	4	" I can 't feel my legs , " he repeated groaning with his eyes closed , " are they still there ? "
tr	4	" Give the man a break , " her grandfather scolded her laughingly , " hasn 't he suffered enough ?
tr	4	You look hungry , " she changed the subject , " Grandpa brought a wonderful chicken soup with little meat dumplings .
tr	4	" I need to see a doctor , " Taylor insisted , " I need to know what 's wrong with my legs . "
tr	4	Lilly Ann had not even placed the spoon back into the empty soup bowl before Taylor slipped back into a peaceful slumber .
tr	4	Her face was caught between a yawn and a smile when she looked upon her guest sound asleep and breathing easily .
tr	4	Her feet found the slippers they were searching for as she got up to greet the first visitor of the day .
tr	4	" That 's good , " Edie May said confidently , " he ate , slept and his mind is working .
tr	4	Taylor did not know if he should join Lilly Ann in her laughing fit or if he should throw pillows at her .
tr	4	However , it seemed as if he would have ample time to sort everything out so why not follow their lead for now .
tr	4	Bread and butter , ham and honey , strawberries and tea appeared on a serving tray next to Taylor 's bed .
tr	4	For the second time in as many days Taylor felt the undeniable positive effect the food had on his general wellbeing .
tr	4	" You fell into a fresh stack of branches and tree bark they had left there a few days earlier .
tr	4	" I guess you could see it like that , " Edie May acknowledged , " but we would rather you didn 't .
tr	4	" I remember saying the exact words more than once to men and women I had the opportunity to help .
tr	4	" Thank you for tending to my burns and scrapes and of course for putting me up and feeding me .
tr	4	" I could break my car so you can fix it again , " Lilly Ann suggested only half jokingly .
tr	4	There was a wicket twinkle playing in her eyes as she added walking out the door , " Dance with us for summer solstice .
tr	4	" As real as they come , " she answered tucking him in and blowing a kiss on his forehead .
tr	4	Lilly Ann had spent the night in her own bedroom upstairs confident that her house guest would be all right on his own .
tr	4	The rain was still falling on and off and distant thunder told a tale of storms raging higher up the mountains .
tr	4	The soothing splatter of water drops against the bedroom window made the fact that he was confined to this small room almost bearable .
tr	4	Lilly Ann chirped her " Good Morning " into the room on her way to the kitchen to get breakfast ready .
tr	4	She came back a moment later to ask if he felt up to scrambled eggs with ham , which Taylor gladly agreed to .
tr	4	Her face turned an interesting shade of red and it took her several tries to get " I 'm so sorry . "
tr	4	She was back a moment later triumphantly holding a small dented metal can in her hand with a faded almost unreadable label .
tr	4	" That 's the pot to cook Espresso coffee , " he explained , " I 'll show you . "
tr	4	He watched Lilly Ann carefully peel back the plastic lid from the coffee can and pull the aluminum lid open .
tr	4	A small hiss of air rushing into the can told them that the vacuum seal had not been broken before .
tr	4	He knew that there was a method to this madness and he was determined to find out what it was .
tr	4	" Cause he will be out fishing with his buddies all the time , " she lectured running out of the room .
tr	4	Actually , there were some disappointed readers when she missed two weeks while she was playing with you and your friends at the farms .
tr	4	They are quite hilarious and very creative works of art , you should read the one about your visit . "
tr	4	" I guess it never came up , " Lilly Ann shrugged , " There was always something exciting going on .
tr	4	Through the open window Taylor could hear her skipping down the street to see which house still had a copy of her work .
tr	4	It was obvious that it was handmade stock and that someone put much effort , time and skill into fabricating the sheets .
tr	4	He marveled at the touch of the paper and the solid yet smooth surface that almost seemed to caress his fingertips .
tr	4	We make different textures and mix in various ingredients for effect so that every artist or writer can select their favorite .
tr	4	The electric discharge at their touch could have lit up a room , it definitely lit up Taylor 's face .
tr	4	" I don 't know , " Lilly Ann said slowly while reluctantly relinquishing the issue of the Chronicle to Taylor .
tr	4	He could not get enough of the intricate insights into his very own reality spun by a mind so all together different from his .
tr	4	" Okey , " he added with a baby voice , quoting the reply of the girl in the tree .
tr	4	It took all of Taylor 's self control to hide the tears that were flooding his eyes when he saw that last picture .
tr	4	" I am so glad you like my quirky sense of humor , I really am , " Lilly Ann said relieved .
tr	4	Taylor 's gaze wandered between Lilly Ann and Edie May as he seemed to search for a way to formulate a question .
tr	4	Her inward smile and the time and space transcending depth of her peaceful eyes gave him the courage to go on .
tr	4	" I knew that he would ask , " she squealed in delight , " I told you Edie May .
tr	4	Taylor inquired getting a bit uneasy , " What does a broken man have to do around here to get some answers ? "
tr	4	We have a place called Sudbury that is modeled after an ancient schooling experiment where our children go to learn . "
tr	4	Edie May got the impression that she was losing Taylor quickly to the esoteric direction this talk was veering off to .
tr	4	" Oh dear , " Edie May said laughing , " have we used up our allotment of adult time with you already ?
tr	4	Edie May nodded her head , " I think there is one idea you are not aware of that will make it fit together .
tr	4	In fact , it is always the interplay of a number of vibrational frequencies that provide the information for matter to be formed .
tr	4	I 'm sure that secret would be worth a fortune where I come from , " Taylor interrupted full of excitement .
tr	4	The manifestation that you attract with your thoughts will call forth the exact same emotional reaction from you , every single time .
tr	4	This is what Lilly Ann meant when she said , ' The most important thing is that I feel good . '
tr	4	" Well , everybody wants to feel good , but that 's not always going to be possible , depending on our life circumstances .
tr	4	" Our thoughts are not cast upon us by an ever present reality but are chosen by us in every moment of time .
tr	4	It is not in what you can do now , but in what you will think now , and that is your choice . "
tr	4	Edie May 's voice had changed with those last words from her usual gentle dark timbre to a very distinct almost forceful expression .
tr	4	There was no doubt left in her listener that the words she spoke were drawn from a place of great wisdom and clarity .
tr	4	Her eyes had briefly rolled back and reappeared with a strangely different focus as if they could see right through Taylor .
tr	4	" Am I going insane or is there really something more than just Edie May sitting in front of me ? "
tr	4	They both sat quietly for what seemed a long time but really only was the span of a few deep breaths .
tr	4	Edie May 's facial expression softened to her natural etheric beauty while she steadied her breathing into a relaxed rhythm .
tr	4	Edie May smiled at him , " I see you are a fighter so let 's grab the bull by the horns . "
tr	4	Taylor didn 't know if this was too much or too little information but he was burning to get some answers either way .
tr	4	If you did this for anything you wanted and you never thought about it again , it must manifest in your experience .
tr	4	Which of course follows the same principle and brings the manifestation of the undesired reality over and over again . "
tr	4	" Are you saying that I myself created the lightning strike that crashed my plane and sent me back here ? "
tr	4	" I don 't like the sound of it but you could see it that way , " Taylor conceded .
tr	4	" I have something for you to look at , John , " Lilly Ann said with a glance at Edie May .
tr	4	A single word adorned the center on the front , applied with gold leaf in the broad strokes of a child 's handwriting .
tr	4	She had shown him her greatest treasure , bared her soul and sat there beaming at him with the innocence of a child .
tr	4	If he hadn 't known it before , right then and there Taylor knew that he had fallen for her .
tr	4	printed on it and announced in big letters , " Nothing is more important than that I feel good ! "
tr	4	He has an inner hamster that guides him and he learned a whole lot from studying the Abraham books and recordings .
tr	4	Her face lit up as she remembered the most basic truth she had come to believe from before she could remember .
tr	4	" Of course there is a great variety and variation in describing emotions so we have to simplify a little .
tr	4	Another way to describe it would be the feeling of freedom and self-empowerment on one end , and bondage or powerlessness on the other .
tr	4	" Been there , done that , " Taylor agreed , " on both ends of it , " he added laughing .
tr	4	When you have stabilized yourself in anger you might find the softer thought of blame or even worry or doubt .
tr	4	This one is just frustrated and then he is hopeful and then he stands on his head because he thinks he can do everything .
tr	4	" I did many of the drawings , " Lilly Ann confirmed , " but they are not really mine .
tr	4	" There is nothing I can do about that , " Lilly Ann stated , " That 's what it 's called . "
tr	4	As much as the thought of his condition pained him , he was not going to ruin this game for her .
tr	4	Taylor started to feel a little under siege with all the attention he was getting and the activity that filled his room with life .
tr	4	Then we 'd line up in a circle and I 'd show you how we danced in the old country .
tr	4	You could see that the old man was exhausted but glowing with energy just from cooking up these wonderful pictures in his mind .
tr	4	Soon it was standing room only and some of the people who had just arrived yelled over the crowd to partake .
tr	4	She was besides herself with joy that her intuition had led her in a direction that her mind would never have thought of .
tr	4	It was getting late and Lilly Ann was signaling that it was time to call it a day and maybe continue another time .
tr	4	A shorter one followed the first long scream , not quite as pain filled but even more surprised at the sensation .
tr	4	Lilly Ann rushed down the stairs to find Taylor sitting up in his bed rubbing his legs and feet frantically .
tr	4	" I can feel them , " he answered a bit surprised , " they are warm and soft . "
tr	4	Mr. Big had taken a liking to his feet and was just about to start nibbling at them when Taylor opened his eyes .
tr	4	Taylor pulled back the bed covers to make sure that in reality there were not millions of ants crawling all over his legs .
tr	4	He was relieved to find that his sensation was but the lingering effect of his newly rediscovered sensory stream coming from his lower body .
tr	4	Suddenly it occurred to him that if he could feel his legs , he should be able to move them too .
tr	4	When he tried to stretch or bend his ankles there was movement but the feedback he got seemed too slow and unreliable at first .
tr	4	He lacked the control , for his movements to be of any value for him other than that of simple entertainment .
tr	4	It was sewn from a fabric woven in the intricate patterns that resembled a magnified view of geometric fractals called a Mandelbrot set .
tr	4	She tried a different angle , " What 's it like to lift your leg to climb into an airplane ? "
tr	4	He continued to stretch and bend his legs for a few minutes until his movements were more coordinated and smooth .
tr	4	" Ouch , that hurt , " he said surprised , " but it 's good to feel the ground under my feet .
tr	4	Every step he took , his muscles remembered more and more of the complex interplay that it takes for the simple pleasure of walking .
tr	4	The cupboards all around the walls were filled with an eclectic collection of mugs and pots and glasses of all imaginable forms and colors .
tr	4	She looked at him with that curious smile as if she was trying to figure out how his mind worked .
tr	4	" Why would you want to think about an empty coffee can when you have a full one right in front of you ? "
tr	4	" So John , " Edie May acknowledged Taylor 's newfound mobility , " what are you doing up and about without adult supervision .
tr	4	They are doing a very good job showing their best vibe faces from yucky to hamster euphoria , don 't you think ? "
tr	4	" This is Sudbury , " Lilly Ann clarified , " most of our youngsters come here to exchange questions and find answers .
tr	4	The activity level in this room was much more subdued with only an occasional opening of the door for someone walking in or out .
tr	4	" Yes , it does , " Edie May confirmed , " it was retrofitted with solar power panels before it got here .
tr	4	Many of them furthered that knowledge with their asking and listening for answers to a level never before attained by human kind .
tr	4	She loved animals and for long periods of her life she chose her place of residence next to the zoo .
tr	4	" That 's fascinating , " Taylor said , " but how did her work end up here , and just here ? "
tr	4	Not knowing why and how , they would rendezvous within a short period of time in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas . "
tr	4	" I bet you know the answer to that question even though you might not believe it yet , right John ? "
tr	4	The girl opened the cargo doors of her van and amidst a frightening chaos of her belongings a computer rested on a camping table .
tr	4	Abraham started and the audience agreed , " Imagine standing at the edge of a river , a quickly flowing powerful river .
tr	4	You have a boat with ores attached to the sides and you place the boat into the river and you start paddling upstream .
tr	4	Still , our dear friends , this is exactly what most humans , if not all of them , do .
tr	4	When we ask you , ' Why don 't you let go of the ores and go with the flow ? '
tr	4	" This does go against everything I have ever heard before , but it is exactly what my life was like .
tr	4	He never heard a bell calling the students to their classes nor was he able to distinguish teachers from students most of the time .
tr	4	If this was indeed a school it was of a very different format to what he remembered of his days as a youngster .
tr	4	She exclaimed and led Taylor to a door opposite from the one through which they had entered the building earlier .
tr	4	As they reached the far end of the clearing the path disappeared into a lightly wooded area of oak and maple trees .
tr	4	Rays of sunlight broke through the green canopy above , painting lively patterns onto last year 's leaves between the trees .
tr	4	In front of them appeared an archway that was cut into a dense wall of hazel shrubs that still bore a few catkins .
tr	4	They stepped through the man made opening and were greeted by the breathtaking sight of a narrow but fast moving river .
tr	4	In the calm waters below the big rocks they could see large rainbow trout stand in the clear cold water waiting for prey .
tr	4	The bait at the end of the line resembled one of the flying insects they had observed while walking through the woods .
tr	4	He whipped the rod back and forth a few times keeping the light line airborne while steadily extending its reach .
tr	4	After three or four repetitions he let the bait soar across the water with a fluid motion of his wrist .
tr	4	It landed on the water just a few feet upstream from a big beautiful fish , which immediately turned towards the supposed fly .
tr	4	He knows about the insects they eat , about their mating habits , about seasons and the changes in the water .
tr	4	Taylor was not yet satisfied with Lilly Ann 's reasoning , " What about literature and math and history and geography ?
tr	4	" Maybe , " Lilly Ann replied vaguely , " but for the students here there are no required studies or subjects .
tr	4	For every question there will be an answer but if there is no desire to learn there will be no desire to teach .
tr	4	They had to carve out a way to survive and prosper in an unfamiliar environment , cut off from the rest of the world .
tr	4	Climbing over small rocks and gravel on the river 's banks was challenging for Taylor 's newly recovered balance and foot control .
tr	4	Without being conscious of it , every carefully placed step brought back a treasure of muscle memory to his revitalized limbs .
tr	4	The mighty tree , split in half by lightning and toppled over by the merciless storms bathed its branches in the frigid stream .
tr	4	With its flat side facing the sky it provided a wide and safe platform reaching half way across the water .
tr	4	Five small steps rewarded the climber with a spectacular view over the river and the rocky shore on the other side .
tr	4	" Thanks for your concern and your confidence in me , " Taylor continued the teasing , " I 'll remember that . "
tr	4	He did the same with the other steps and in no time he triumphantly joined Lilly Ann at the top .
tr	4	Lilly Ann danced around him singing and laughing , " You did it , I knew it , you did it . "
tr	4	Sitting down on the bare wood Lilly Ann opened the paper bag , which she had slung over her shoulder for their walk .
tr	4	With every one of these thoughts he is paddling upstream against the current and he doesn 't get anywhere close to his new shirt .
tr	4	It 's all about wanting something to get the stream going and then going with the flow to allow it into your experience . "
tr	4	" Exactly , " Lilly Ann said eagerly , " upstream is the stuff that made you want something new in the first place .
tr	4	" Oh , last night , before I went back to sleep , " Lilly Ann replied , " Do you like it ? "
tr	4	" I love it , " he said enthusiastically , " you are a strange cookie , did you know this ? "
tr	4	But all he can see before him is the hamster wheel that he is on which he has to turn to stay afloat .
tr	4	He might be able to jump off the wheel altogether and find the life that he had been secretly wishing for all along .
tr	4	It seems to be a great waste of time and energy to bring us the wrong stuff all the time . "
tr	4	Then we relax into that idea and let the river carry us to that , and on and on it goes .
tr	4	Every time we have more we see the world from a new place and then we decide what else we want more of .
tr	4	Taylor 's gaze wandered up the riverbank to where Louis was still casting his line and flying his bait across the river .
tr	4	He didn 't seem to mind the time that had passed since any of the fish showed interest for his lures .
tr	4	Taylor joined her laughter and slowly followed her at a pace more consistent with the current state of his body .
tr	4	Stepping out of the forest onto the open park landscape they immediately were engulfed by the lively afternoon activities on the lawns and flowerbeds .
tr	4	None of them raised any questions or was willing to get to the core of what we are all about .
tr	4	For the next few weeks Taylor concentrated on getting his body back in shape and regaining the freedom to move about without assistance .
tr	4	Still , the more he read and intellectually understood of the philosophical foundation the town was built on , the more restless he became .
tr	4	' If they only knew what he knew , ' was a thought that he could not get out of his mind .
tr	4	Sure , almost everyone in town had heard of the man who fell from the sky and children kept yelling , " Geronimo ! "
tr	4	It was most surreal , heartwarming , enlightening , inspiring , I don 't know what else to say . "
tr	4	" How ... when ... I mean , " he stuttered trying to get the concept aligned with his brain .
tr	4	" It 's what we all do , " Lilly Ann had a neck of making the most incredulous statements sound self-evident .
tr	4	" So , what if I realize that I don 't want to go with the choice that Lilly made ? "
tr	4	The only thing that matters is , that they answer without hesitation and without actively thinking about the issue at hand .
tr	4	" Are you telling me that if I would ask a group of children the same question they would all answer the same ? "
tr	4	She looked lovingly at Taylor , happy and proud that he would work so hard trying to understand the unexplainable .
tr	4	Only their growing focus in the physical world and the abstract contemplation of ideas and circumstances puts distance between them and the inner world .
tr	4	The whole town seemed to have developed an interest in the progress he was making with his studies and his plans for the future .
tr	4	" That 's only for you to know , " the answer was always the same , " or you could ask Lilly . "
tr	4	She stuck out her hand to shake Taylor 's , " I am René , pleased to meet you Mr. Taylor . "
tr	4	" Tell me , " Taylor seized the opportunity , " it seems my own quest has been given newsworthy status around town .
tr	4	Most of us hadn 't paid much attention before , to the idea of living without knowing what we know . "
tr	4	It 's like , I do something for you , and then you must be happy , for me to be happy .
tr	4	Really , you can never know what would make another person happy , you just can 't read their vibes .
tr	4	He shook his head , and with much conviction he added , " Church is boring and saints are dead . "
tr	4	Both of them nodded , sipped their martini cocktails and enjoyed the sound of critters getting warmed up for their nightly concert .
tr	4	" Me , founding a church , " Taylor scuffed , he just could not let the thought go , " no way . "
tr	4	" You sound a lot like Abraham , when you get all serious , " Taylor wanted to get off the subject .
tr	4	" You people have a fascination with having fun at someone else 's expense , don 't you , " he complained jokingly .
tr	4	" No , seriously , " Edie May 's tone of voice changed , " your quest even inspired a new children 's game .
tr	4	" Neat , " Lilly Ann interrupted , " I have to come to Sudbury some time to play it with the kids .
tr	4	We believe that life is eternal , so you cannot ever be done trying out something new or ingesting new ideas .
tr	4	I still have a very painful memory of what happened last time when I tried to leave against my personal desire .
tr	4	" Good , " said Edie May and directed her attention to the steaming cup of tea in front of her .
tr	4	She looked at him , her head cocked , holding her bear and curling a strand of her auburn hair with the other hand .
tr	4	" Shall I go home to tell people about Law of Attraction and everything else I have learned here ? "
tr	4	" I don 't know what this is , " Taylor admitted , " but I am sure you can teach me . "
tr	4	" It seems so , " he smiled , " news travels fast around here , doesn 't it ? "
tr	4	He had done that before and had been quickly tied up in a ' I know something that you don 't know ! '
tr	4	game that had taken several hours before it was concluded , revealing their life changing dinner plans for that night .
tr	4	So he just sat back on his favorite chair in the kitchen and smiled knowingly , and a lot of good that did him .
tr	4	" What are you never going to tell me , " Oh , he was really getting good at this .
tr	4	" Ah , so you don 't know about it after all , " she laughed dancing around the kitchen , " I win !
tr	4	They seem to be happy that you are staying for a while longer , " she revealed the juicy details of her secret .
tr	4	" I wouldn 't worry about that , " Lilly Ann said calmly , " dad 's pretty cool about his possessions .
tr	4	The walls , ceiling and floor were lined with smooth wooden panels drenching the room in a strong red cedar scent .
tr	4	" Now that is what I 'm talking about , " she exclaimed , " what 's your favorite color to wear ? "
tr	4	" I never really thought about it , " Taylor admitted , " What would you like to see me in ? "
tr	4	" Try it on , " she suggested , " I believe you wear the same size as dad . "
tr	4	We could meet for lunch here in the early afternoon , that gives us plenty of time to get ready for the evening . "
tr	4	He had thought of her like his kid sister more than anything else before , now he wasn 't so sure anymore .
tr	4	He found the kitchen empty , a sandwich waiting for him on the table and a note in Lilly Ann 's childlike handwriting .
tr	4	He undressed and put on his borrowed bathrobe to tend to his personal hygiene in Lilly Ann 's bath shed .
tr	4	It never occurred to him to ask how or why , it was just a luxurious convenience that he took for granted .
tr	4	He thoroughly enjoyed the manly ritual , which gave him the daily opportunity to reconnect with his masculine character traits .
tr	4	Lilly Ann shouted before he was able to open the door to the hallway , " I 'll be upstairs to make myself ready .
tr	4	He took his time to inspect the various pieces of clothing that were displayed on hangers all around the room .
tr	4	The upper part of the black dress pants was cut so close to his body that they looked as if painted on .
tr	4	They were constructed with an intricate mechanism that only revealed a bright red crystal on either side of the cuffs when they were closed .
tr	4	Her dress was a symphony of miles of sheer weightless veils that surrounded her like a cloud of color and light .
tr	4	Lilly Ann looked deep into his eyes searching for a sign that he understood the deeper meaning of the last words he had spoken .
tr	4	She didn 't quite see it yet but the choice of his words alone promised that he would one day soon .
tr	4	" Don 't sound so surprised , " she whispered , " you don 't look too bad yourself , you know ? "
tr	4	Stepping down the last of the stairs she added , " Just pray that I don 't kill myself with those heels .
tr	4	However , the awe and appreciation of having seen a vision plucked from a heavenly realm would never again leave Taylor 's heart .
tr	4	They were called Cadillac and this specific model did not have a roof and its rear fenders were shaped like shark fins .
tr	4	" This was Willie 's idea , " Lilly Ann announced to Taylor , " isn 't this fun ! "
tr	4	She gathered up the countless layers of her veil dress and climbed into the back seat that was lavishly covered in red crushed velvet .
tr	4	" Just in case you need a break from Lilly Ann , " was added with a jovial wink more than once .
tr	4	Well , there isn 't one anyway , as long as I can remember it was always today , every day . "
tr	4	His face was aglow from the genuine affection bestowed on him by people he hardly knew and who hardly knew anything about him .
tr	4	His plate was refilled each time he had tasted the bite-size delicacies and his wine glass never was just half full .
tr	4	This meal was a carnival for the senses with surprises and delights around every corner , with no end in sight .
tr	4	A cocoon of movement and laughter and song created an intimate place for new feelings to be discovered and explored .
tr	4	Then , as if gravity itself had taken over , their faces were drawn closer and closer to each other .
tr	4	The first touch of their lips , light like a feather , sent waves of tingling electricity through their bodies and minds alike .
tr	4	Lilly Ann did not release Taylor 's hand as she turned onto the staircase that led up to her bedroom .
tr	4	" This morning , I made it , this , " Lilly Ann answered his questions and pointed at her chest .
tr	4	" I have a feeling that this is going to be a wild ride , " Taylor said with raised eyebrows .
tr	4	At first , when people would do something that seemed odd or illogical to him he used to just blurt that out .
tr	4	He had earned his share of blank stares , annoyed looks as well as amused outbursts from pitying smiles to all out laughing fits .
tr	4	Even small children would go into dark rooms and just clap their hands twice and the lights would come on .
tr	4	" The lights , " Taylor insisted , " how do you make the lights come on , and why the clapping ?
tr	4	Edie May was trying not to show her amusement too obviously , " Even the little ones know how to do it . "
tr	4	Today it 's one of the first things little children learn and nobody even asks why it works anymore . "
tr	4	" None of us would be able to turn on one light bulb if we ever thought about the why and how .
tr	4	Sometimes simple faith is the only thing that stands between us and darkness and I wouldn 't have it any other way . "
tr	4	" Sure , " said Taylor , always eager to learn more about his new hometown , " what is Wal Star ? "
tr	4	She and Taylor cautiously made their way to the back of the building where Lilly Ann remembered Tom 's ice making operation .
tr	4	Turning the corner to the loading dock they spotted Tom sitting on one of the platforms seemingly in deep meditation .
tr	4	" No , no , " Tom disagreed , " you came here after all , didn 't you ? "
tr	4	" That 's some interesting logic , " Taylor shook his head , " but if it works for you I won 't argue .
tr	4	Someone had made drawings of both units a long time ago and we always went by them to fix it .
tr	4	" We have all kinds of tools , " Tom confirmed proudly , " I don 't think they have ever been used . "
tr	4	Taylor couldn 't believe his eyes as he saw the variety of tools that were neatly placed all around the room .
tr	4	" Let 's hope that we fixed her , " Taylor insisted , " but she 's your baby , so go ahead . "
tr	4	The first few explosions sent thick black clouds from the smoke stack but after only a few seconds the engine ran smoothly and quietly .
tr	4	" I can hardly hear her , " Tom complained , " and there is no black smoke coming out .
tr	4	She had a dreamy look on her face while she was watching Taylor in his element , surrounded by manmade technology .
tr	4	Taylor began to notice that fewer people crossed his way on his walks and whenever he was out with Lilly Ann .
tr	4	Was he really so insecure that he needed other people to need him , even if it was just to fix their stuff ?
tr	4	He went into Lilly Ann 's back yard to find a suitable piece of metal and a length of rope .
tr	4	Satisfied with his work he hoisted the assembly ten feet into the air and tied the rope to the tree trunk .
tr	4	Lilly Ann had watched Taylor from inside the house since he had come back into the house from his aborted walk .
tr	4	She was wondering what made him change his mind and she got curious when she heard him rummaging in the back yard .
tr	4	" I know , " he conceded , " but I had the impression that people started to avoid me .
tr	4	There must have been something in the air or in the water he tried to convince himself before he went back inside .
tr	4	He jumped off before the horse had come to a complete halt , ran up the stairs and started banging on the front door .
tr	4	The big trunk threatened to slide further down and crush the unconscious Frank Turner if it was moved the wrong way .
tr	4	The cam timing chain had broken while the engine was under heavy load , which left several valves and cylinder heads badly damaged .
tr	4	He ran to the tractor , yanked off half a bail of hay from the cabin and jumped into driver 's seat .
tr	4	With roaring engine , dragging a dramatic cloud of dust and hay behind him he raced the huge vehicle onto the pasture .
tr	4	Taylor drove the tractor past wide-eyed farm workers and family members close to the fallen tree where Turner was trapped .
tr	4	Three of the workers came running to help him affix the chain to the wide forklift on the front loader of the tractor .
tr	4	" Stand aside until the tree is raised up enough , " Taylor yelled and jumped back into the vehicle .
tr	4	Taylor stepped on the gas pedal to increase engine power and without hesitation he raised the lever to its full extent .
tr	4	People who had been watching the proceedings with open mouths from a safe distance rushed in to retrieve Frank Turner from his trap .
tr	4	Almost at the same instant Taylor 's tractor erupted into a series of deafening explosions before it quit with a heart-wrenching screech .
tr	4	Steam and boiling water bubbled out from under the hood and thick black smoke billowed from under the drive train .
tr	4	" I think David tried to tell you when you went into the barn , " Lilly Ann grinned at him with raised eyebrows .
tr	4	" Since ever , " David blurted out finally , " half the engine had been used as spare parts for the other one .
tr	4	Lilly Ann could not stop laughing at Taylor 's incredulous face and stuttering attempts to find a reasonable explanation for what had happened .
tr	4	That night on his way to bed , Taylor clapped off the lights and kissed Lilly Ann , " Good night . "
tr	4	Taylor shook his head in disbelieve realizing that it had been a year since those fateful first weeks in Oz .
tr	4	With the best intentions of being more careful this time he opened the gate and joined Fritz at his table .
tr	4	" Here , try this , " Fritz put a full glass in front of Taylor , " tell me what you think . "
tr	4	It was always a fun time to get together with a few friends for a guessing game around a bottle of Schnapps .
tr	4	" Call me old fashioned , " Taylor smiled , " but the thought of formally proposing had crossed my mind .
tr	4	I have no idea where to get an appropriate ring , though , short of learning to make one myself , " he admitted .
tr	4	He ceremoniously opened the clasp of a thin gold chain that he was wearing under his shirt around his neck .
tr	4	" No thanks necessary , " Fritz smiled at him , " you make an old man very happy . "
tr	4	Magically , one after the other , the family sized food containers disappeared from her kitchen table before the evening turned into night .
tr	4	" Mm , " was the first thing he said walking into the kitchen , " something smells delicious . "
tr	4	" Not in a million years , " Lilly Ann burst out laughing , " Don 't get your hopes up .
tr	4	" Really , " Lilly Ann asked , " what 's on your mind to keep that in mind ? "
tr	4	" Let 's eat first , " Taylor suggested , " this really smells too delicious to be kept waiting . "
tr	4	" John , you are back quickly , " he greeted Taylor , " how are your wedding plans coming along ? "
tr	4	" No , not really , " Taylor admitted , " it just felt good for a moment to blame someone else . "
tr	4	He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts , " One thing you might want to keep in mind , John .
tr	4	He was lost in thought turning the corner into the main street when he almost ran over Willie , Lilly Ann 's kid brother .
tr	4	' I like you pretty good , let 's see how it goes ' , or something along those lines .
tr	4	" You 'll figure it out , we are all rooting for you , " he said and went on his way .
tr	4	He had to chuckle at the realization that again his past had caught up with him and tripped him up .
tr	4	" Hey beautiful , " he wrapped his arm around her from behind and kissed her softly on the neck .
tr	4	She made it sound much more like , " Where have you been all day , I missed you . "
tr	4	" Let me check my social calendar , " Lilly Ann joked , " What did you have in mind ? "
tr	4	Lilly Ann was royally amused by Taylor 's attempt to be inconspicuous , " What did they have to say ? "
tr	4	For the first time in his life he did not worry about tomorrow , or today , or anything about his past .
tr	4	Musicians and entertainers of all genres had signed up to have their moment in the light at this very special occasion .
tr	4	He tended to the inevitable before climbing down the creaking staircase to see if the kitchen would provide the sustenance he was craving .
tr	4	Short cut dark brown hair adorned by a thin reef of braided silver strands framed a face that was foreign and familiar at once .
tr	4	She had to put up a mighty fight to not laugh out loud at the bewildered look on Taylor 's face .
tr	4	" Cut it out mom , " She scolded the older woman , " don 't scare him away just yet . "
tr	4	They both laughed and hugged as the woman 's appearance solidified as if nothing unusual had transpired in the last few moments .
tr	4	" John , " Lilly Ann pulled Taylor closer with an apologetic look , " say hi to my mom .
tr	4	She took Taylor 's hand in both of hers , " I am Lilly Grace , Lilly Ann 's mother . "
tr	4	He was not quite sure though , if he really wanted to know the nature of the vision he had had earlier .
tr	4	Why don 't we go downstairs and have a nice meal with your mother and get to know each other like ordinary people do .
tr	4	Hand in hand they went downstairs to have a delightful breakfast and an engaging conversation with their newly arrived guest .
tr	4	" Hey brother , " Willie greeted Taylor who was sitting a bit forlorn on the front steps of the house .
tr	4	Just the thought of calling Lilly Ann ' my wife ' made his heart sing and his eyes filled with tears of joy .
tr	4	" Don 't worry , " Willie laughed , " that makes you and every other guy who gets hitched .
tr	4	You didn 't think we would miss out on a chance to have our own fun , did you ? "
tr	4	He disappeared into the house just to come out running a few moments later with several voices yelling after him .
tr	4	Not wanting to further flame his sister 's wrath he cautiously drove out into the street and out of town .
tr	4	Magic Mountain had been used as the site for major celebrations and festivals for as long as people could remember .
tr	4	We brought food and drink for about two hundred and it 's just a short ride into town if we need more . "
tr	4	It was hard to gauge the number of men already assembled but it was clear that Willie 's estimates were no exaggeration .
tr	4	It took him the better part of an hour to cross the meadow to his designated place at the head of the table .
tr	4	Taylor had to endure more bad jokes and side blows to his masculine qualities than in his entire career in the military .
tr	4	It got dark early and more torches were placed alongside the perimeter of the meadow to cast an eerie light onto the scene .
tr	4	The growing intensity of the melody drew the dancer closer who could be clearly identified as a young woman now .
tr	4	Lower and lower she crouched until all that was left of her was a convulsing billowing white cloud in the darkness .
tr	4	Taylor was amazed how little information he could gather about Lilly Ann 's father despite the many questions he had asked .
tr	4	" I will never forget this night , " Taylor said to Willie as they parted , " Thank you so much ! "
tr	4	" Yes , I liked what I saw , " Taylor answered truthfully , " but I really love this . "
tr	4	Taylor was led around the guests to join Michael Angelo on stage with his friends to await the arrival of the bride .
tr	4	The masses parted for the approaching bride revealing a path of pink and white rose petals leading up to the stage .
tr	4	They slowly lifted the veil over Lilly Ann 's head and parted the cloak in front of her and back over her shoulders .
tr	4	She twirled in her short white dress , sparkling like a bowl of diamonds , and cart wheeled through the parting crowd .
tr	4	She blew a few kisses into the crowd before turning around to face the royally amused wedding party that awaited her .
tr	4	Let the sun see the beauty of the couple before us , let the wind hear the truth of their words .
tr	4	Love drunk and filled with joy beyond description Taylor had to swallow hard a few times before he could speak .
tr	4	" A silver bird dropped me out of the sky , for my darkest night to give way to my brightest day .
tr	4	Taylor kissed Lilly Ann 's hand , " I love you , " and slipped her grandmother 's wedding band onto her finger .
tr	4	" Taylor , John Taylor , " Lilly Ann could not help herself but to tease him a little even in this sacred moment .
tr	4	Lilly Ann nodded to her mother who carried a small wooden box , which she opened to offer the content to her daughter .
tr	4	" It was my happiest day too - so far , " she added , falling asleep in Taylor 's embrace .
tr	4	Now it seems that he is going to bask in that reverberation a little longer , but his time has certainly come . "
tr	4	" I 'm not sure I understand your enthusiasm , " Taylor frowned , " I always enjoyed having the old man around . "
tr	4	" Oh , everyone does , " Lilly Grace said , " but it is not up to us to decide for dad .
tr	4	Often times you might not even be aware of the question or the answer , but it is always given . "
tr	4	" I don 't know , " he said still skeptical , " all of this sounds a bit too weird for my taste .
tr	4	" Pull up a chair , John , " Fritz started , " wan na try my latest concoction too ? "
tr	4	" You heard about my travel plans , " Fritz picked up the conversation , " haven 't you ? "
tr	4	" Yes I have , " Taylor answered , " and to be quite frank , I don 't get it .
tr	4	I was always wondering how she would be able to find a man brave enough to walk by her side .
tr	4	A soft glow had settled upon him and his words were directed as much inwards as they were addressing his visitors .
tr	4	His features seemed almost translucent and the touch of his skin felt like an afterthought to the person he once was .
tr	4	The time had come to end this particular conversation , anticipating to pick up the next one right where they had left off .
tr	4	Beer and pretzels were being offered to the guests , one of the many traditions Fritz had brought from his native country .
tr	4	" Friends , " she demanded everyone 's attention , " Let 's give back to the earth what is hers . "
tr	4	That night at the tavern anyone would have been hard pressed to make out the difference to any other busy night .
tr	4	Somewhere in them , around them or associated with them was Fritz , having fun with them all over again .
tr	4	As midnight drew closer Lilly Ann climbed up on one of the chairs and tapped her glass with the back of a knife .
tr	4	As the crowd turned towards her and calmed down a bit her clear voice was heard to the last place in the house .
tr	4	" Grandpa says , ' Hi ' , " she said , " and he thanks you all for coming .
tr	4	He promises that he will be around from time to time and that we should leave his rocking chair right where it is .
tr	4	" Do you have any idea what grandpa could have meant when he said , ' Tell John to not forget our pact . '
tr	4	" Just before my little speech , " Lilly Ann said as if that was the most natural thing in the world .
tr	4	He would stir the brew , add sugar and spices , mix the content of certain varieties , taste and smell - and wait .
tr	4	With eternity and all at your disposal , I would have thought you had better things to do than to teach me new tricks .
tr	4	I promise , I won 't mind , and I 'll answer every single one of them as accurately as I possibly can . "
tr	4	The only thing we both knew was that we wanted to know and to understand beyond the conventional avenues of learning and reasoning .
tr	4	We didn 't know what we were doing but we knew we were safe no matter where this adventure would lead us . "
tr	4	We did notice a sharpening of our intuition in many situations but we chalked that up to our heightened attention and focus .
tr	4	" I see , you have been in similar situations before , " Lilly Grace nodded , " You are absolutely right .
tr	4	Our questions were answered in such multidimensional detail that we were concerned for a moment that our heads would explode .
tr	4	We just went with it for some time , exploring , experimenting , enjoying and getting acquainted with our new reality . "
tr	4	I had to hold him and calm him down for almost an hour before we were able to talk about it . "
tr	4	" Oh , of course , " Lilly Grace added apologetically , " the answer was , ' Thought . '
tr	4	" Pretty much , " Lilly Grace said with glowing face , " there is an immense universe out there for us to explore .
tr	4	" There is a small nebula close to Orion 's belt which can hardly be seen from the Earth 's surface .
tr	4	You won 't believe how easy it is to loose a small ring in the vastness of intergalactic space . "
tr	4	Taylor had one more question that he almost did not dare to ask for the answer might be too much to comprehend .
tr	4	he asked vaguely to give Lilly Grace the chance not to answer if she felt it would not be beneficial for him .
tr	4	Taylor had an innate knowing of the answer to this question but he so much wanted to hear it spoken by another .
tr	4	" In that light , shouldn 't we do something to clean up and expand our vocabulary , so to speak ? "
tr	4	It 's like with music that thrives on tension and relief , rhythm , harmony and disharmony , noise and pure tone .
tr	4	After a short pause she added , " It never hurts to let more fun into your life , though .
tr	4	" All part of the service , " he stated with military precision before cracking into his widest little boy smile on tap .
tr	4	He turned around and took a quick step back at the sight of Michael Angelo who had made a sudden entrance onto the scene .
tr	4	" I guess we have to come up with a few new tricks then , " Michael picked up the joking tone .
tr	4	" Are you guys getting ready to leave again , " Taylor asked sensing the urgency that had come over his parents in law .
tr	4	They both looked excited like high school kids at prom night at the prospect of seeing a whole star blink out of existence .
tr	4	He shook his head , scratched his temple and shrugged his shoulders before turning back to his workbench to tend to his latest creation .
tr	4	As Wilbur grew older he got increasingly impatient with the bounds of gravity , which tied him to the ground .
tr	4	Wilbur knew about airplanes , big complicated machines that obviously allowed some people to escape the restrictions of gravity and soar through the skies .
tr	4	He was convinced that all would go according to plan if he just found the right amount of explosives to light underneath his feet .
tr	4	He believed to have missed his one chance to get any information about how to make this business of flying stick .
tr	4	' Can happen to the best of us , ' Wilbur thought while he promised himself not to miss his chance this time .
tr	4	The wings had been stripped away for the most part and the skin of the fuselage was burned and molten to shreds .
tr	4	The metal trellis was bent and broken in many places but the basic shape and construction were still obvious to the keen observer .
tr	4	Fascinated beyond measure , Wilbur took mentally picture after picture of the intricate construction of this light and sturdy design .
tr	4	Jack and Jo Jack had silently emerged from between the trees and found the boy contemplating the airplane in awe .
tr	4	She opened the door all the way and Taylor walked out into the yard in a cloud of fumes and dust .
tr	4	Come to think of it , for the first time since my sixteenth birthday my pilot 's license has expired a few months ago .
tr	4	" I 'd rather you stop calling me sir , Wilbur , " Taylor said , " And no , I don 't mind .
tr	4	After a lightning fast all around grooming sequence the three of them sat at a picnic table in the yard and enjoyed their sandwiches .
tr	4	" You know , John , Wilbur is somewhat of a celebrity himself here in town , aren 't you Wilbur ? "
tr	4	The grass covering what was once the customer parking lot was trimmed short and tidy and the whole area made a nicely groomed impression .
tr	4	" All here , " Wilbur pulled back a tarp covering the salvaged engine and the deflated but intact main wheels .
tr	4	" Did you do any stress tests on the wings and tail to see if it 'll hold together ? "
tr	4	" Well , I have to ask Mrs. Taylor first for permission , of course , " Taylor laughed nodding at Lilly Ann .
tr	4	The plane was almost finished were it not for that little detail that they had conveniently avoided to even discuss .
tr	4	" We have to look at this mess sooner or later , " he fought for encouragement for the both of them .
tr	4	One part after another they disassembled the power plant cleaning every bit and piece and covering them in fresh oil .
tr	4	" We are missing about a third of an engine , " Taylor concluded as he went over the list again .
tr	4	We could put weights on the crankshaft for balance and rebuild it as a four cylinder instead of six cylinder motor . "
tr	4	He traced the profile of the propeller on various places and was impressed with the smooth flow of the shape .
tr	4	" It 's balanced in all directions too , " Wilbur explained , " to a fiftieth of an ounce . "
tr	4	" You are full of surprises my friend , " Taylor said full of admiration for his resourceful and ingenious protégé .
tr	4	An approving gasp could be heard from people who had not seen the airplane before as it appeared in the gleaming midday sun .
tr	4	In a crisscross pattern that was ingrained into his brain from many repetitions Taylor tightened the bolts of the propeller assembly .
tr	4	Click , click , click , the torque wrench sounded to signal its approval for the correct tension of the bolts .
tr	4	Taylor reached around the windshield to adjust the idle setting on the carburetor and was rewarded with a much more compliant sounding power plant .
tr	4	" Sure , " Wilbur stammered slowly regaining coherence of thought , " whenever you say it 's time , sir . "
tr	4	The airplane was positioned at the western end of the landing strip and people lined up alongside the field to get a good look .
tr	4	The two pilots stood next to the plane and went over the tasks to be performed and over the flight plan one more time .
tr	4	The starting routine looked like a well-rehearsed ballet by then and soon the loud sputter of the idling engine was heard throughout the area .
tr	4	The beautiful wooden propeller sung its song driven by the ingeniously resurrected motor , propelling the craft faster and faster .
tr	4	Soon Taylor felt the air pressure on the flight controls and the rudder responded to his input to keep the plane straight .
tr	4	Slowly the tail lifted off the ground affording the pilot and his passenger full view of the field they were racing across .
tr	4	There was ample room in front of them so Taylor forced the plane to stay on the ground for just a few seconds longer .
tr	4	His plan was to get them at least a few hundred feet above ground before he would test maneuvering capabilities .
tr	4	With the basic flight maneuvers successfully checked off the list there was one more procedure that had to be performed on their maiden flight .
tr	4	He felt like he had finally made the first step into his native element , and in a way he had done just that .
tr	4	Taylor had enjoyed Wilbur 's show of talent immensely and with waving thumbs up to his copilot he took back control of the craft .
tr	4	There was not a hint of worry or jealousy in her voice and her eyes spoke only of love and care .
tr	4	" No , not at all , " Taylor shook his head , " that was the best decision of my entire life .
tr	4	I find myself calculating flight plans to Texas and back here and I don 't know how I should feel about this . "
tr	4	" I can imagine that you miss your friends , " Lilly Ann nodded , " I know , I would .
tr	4	If I could just give them a small foothold to get going , that might make all the difference for them .
tr	4	" Really , " Lilly Ann teased him about his last comment , " that certainly is good to hear .
tr	4	All we ever have to do to live a more pleasant and satisfying experience is to find thoughts that make us feel better .
tr	4	" Ha , just making sure you were still with me , " Lilly Ann laughed , " Where is the proof ?
tr	4	" Wow , " Taylor was taken aback , " I didn 't know that you feel so strongly about this . "
tr	4	" Right , " Taylor smiled , " if I do then I might be part of the problem and not the solution .
tr	4	" Tell me about your friends , " Lilly Ann asked him , " what are their lives like ? "
tr	4	Many a tear had been shed in dire desperation and many laughs had been celebrated with good friends and sworn enemies .
tr	4	Lilly Ann sat in silence and enjoyed the parade of faces , facts and events drawn up by the power of Taylor 's words .
tr	4	Who would not understand his desire to share the gifts he had received with the loved ones of his former life ?
tr	4	She pulled Taylor inside the house , her face glowing with an unfamiliar intensity and kissed him passionately on the lips .
tr	4	" No , that 's not it , " Lilly Ann huffed and lowered her dress much to Taylor 's dismay .
tr	4	" Sit down , apparently we have to do this the grownup way , " she was not happy about his slow comprehension .
tr	4	" Yes , I do , " Taylor answered , " What does that have to do with your new underwear ? "
tr	4	Lilly Ann scolded him while caressing his hand all the while , " Forget about my underwear for a moment . "
tr	4	" I don 't know , " Taylor began , but Lilly Ann put his hand on top of her belly .
tr	4	Unable to move , speak or even think he just sat there , waiting for his love to return and release the spell .
tr	4	The shift in weight and direction of their discussions was invigorating on the one hand but slightly confusing all the while .
tr	4	He had just returned from delivering and installing one of his metal creations to an art connoisseur when he heard strange voices from upstairs .
tr	4	" Abraham 's little sister , " she said simply , " Leila is my spirit guide , my inner being .
tr	4	" I guess I have , " Taylor smiled , " I just didn 't know that she was the infamous Leila . "
tr	4	he decided an alternative approach , " I think you know everything there is to know about being a mommy . "
tr	4	Its warmth and comfort swept across the barren land of despair and showed her the path out of this false jungle of thoughts .
tr	4	Exhausted from being lost and rescued from the torment of her dark thoughts she fell asleep with a bright smile on her face .
tr	4	Now he was starting a family and he had made up his mind that he would get to the bottom of this .
tr	4	" No , it is not , granted , " Taylor answered , " I am going back and forth on the issue .
tr	4	" Lilly Ann said the same thing , ask Lilly , but can I really put that on her ? "
tr	4	Her voice added a new timbre with weight and purpose to its repertoire and her laugh had found knowing and truth .
tr	4	It wasn 't so much that she changed , really , she just became more of herself in every way .
tr	4	The women in Lilly Ann 's life had begun to gather and made the Taylor house the center of their attention .
tr	4	The birth of a child was a welcome excuse to remember and amplify the female spirit in both women and men .
tr	4	Within a few minutes Lilly Ann 's breathing became deep and deliberate to help the baby on its first step into the light .
tr	4	Taylor held this question in the center of his mind for what seemed to be an eternity , sixty-eight seconds of eternal now .
tr	4	Not before you teach me how to swim , to ride , to dance , to fly and to love .
tr	4	Then it was an astronomical leap in technology , and I found myself strapped into a modern two seat fighter .
tr	4	I was almost 100 % positive that the Fleet Air Arm had never operated Hawker Hunters from its aircraft carriers .
tr	4	I could also eat in my private dining room , my family dining room , or my larger formal dining room .
tr	4	So far no one had abused the situation and bent my ear , but I daresay it was bound to happen one day .
tr	4	At this moment there was only one full time resident in one of the suites , it was Marcel , my Chef .
tr	4	' It is ' Mr Michaels ' to you Edward , and yes would you please care to join us Mr Michaels ' .
tr	4	I hadn 't realised that they were coming apart , but I sat down anyway , feigning surprise at finding them there .
tr	4	Teddy was just starting his second alcohol laden Guinness and third ' mind blowing ' dessert when it finally sank in .
tr	4	Purists may scream blue murder but I had an obligation to provide the best possible working environment for my pilots .
tr	4	I looked along the line of aircraft and thought ' one down , three to go ' and clambered out .
tr	4	10 , 20 , and 30,000 feet slid by effortlessly , and then finally it was the turn of 40,000 feet .
tr	4	YOU certainly won 't be going back to Blighty just yet ' , then I turned defiantly to face Teddy .
tr	4	He , the man in Switzerland , had just had a phone call from a lady , also in Switzerland .
tr	4	' And if Teddy were to save him a trip then he would forgo the finder 's fee ' ( what a sucker ) .
tr	4	' You didn 't ask ' she snapped , and disappeared inside , I was already starting to like her .
tr	4	If the road outside had been long enough I would have quite happily gotten into it and flown it home .
tr	4	Come to think of it they didn 't have shares in anything else either - Switzerland is a land locked Country .
tr	4	First his favourite Uncle passed away and left him a tidy bit of money and a nice chalet up in the mountains .
tr	4	The vendor , who was a builder , even threw in a concrete base between the two properties as a ' thank you ' .
tr	4	' She didn 't know if this bit of information was of any use , but hoped that it might be ' .
tr	4	It was brilliant news , Topsy and I had been trying to work out how to get the Hunter out .
tr	4	We revived her and then I mercilessly continued , ' and that does not include ' top dollar ' for your home ' .
tr	4	Later that evening I sat in the cockpit of my new ' best friend ' and had a long chat with her .
tr	4	Half an hour later what sounded like a cement mixer full of scrap iron being dragged sideways over cobble stones quickly came into view .
tr	4	Topsy was given a ' leg up ' and quickly slipped the slings shackle onto the hook and then vacated the vicinity .
tr	4	As we all stood and watched in awe the Hunter was plucked smoothly off the ground , but the helicopter never moved .
tr	4	' Problems , problems , problems , ' Topsy muttered as he wandered back up to his favourite undercarriage leg .
tr	4	He had a few more words with the pilot and was out again , with a look of absolute amazement on his face .
tr	4	' Don 't know ' , he absentmindedly muttered ' but I suspect it ( IT ) will get there safe and sound ' .
tr	4	' Most likely her auto-pilot ' he said with a straight face ' you 've never flown a Russian aircraft have you ' .
tr	4	In the preamble that Maria had sent out it was explained that they would be doing most of the talking at the interview .
tr	4	Supervisors would of course be supervised closely by the Officers , and the mechanics would call all Officers and Supervisors ' Sir ' .
tr	4	I watched her give a phenomenal display , and then plop down on the taxi track just in front of ' A ' hangar .
tr	4	On executing a perfect landing she taxied back in , clambered out and went up to an open mouthed Topsy .
tr	4	The rest of the team were pulled in one at a time , first the four Flight Leaders , and then the remainder .
tr	4	' I think it 's illegal ' John said , ' but who 's going to have the spherical 's to tell you ' .
tr	4	Not your deserted kind , the ones that have one or two people living on them , or possibly three .
tr	4	Carol was just about to ' hang a right ' ( move slowly to starboard ) when he said ' oh ho ' .
tr	4	The freighter obviously didn 't have any radar closely related to mine as he didn 't know that we were just behind him .
tr	4	If he had he wouldn 't have , according to Carol , just dumped a huge quantity of drugs in front of us .
tr	4	As they circled the Lady S , Carol called them up on the VHF radio and asked them what their intentions were ?
tr	4	They obviously weren 't very honourable as a torrent of foul language erupted out of the speaker above our heads .
tr	4	It was the waste of a beautiful aeroplane but those ' dummy ' guns were just a little too realistic for my liking .
tr	4	Charlie was very lucky , as he had flown serenely through the air , a bullet had entered the neck of his flak jacket .
tr	4	On either side of its fuselage , just aft of the parasol wing , the Catalina had a large glass bubble .
tr	4	The first person that Harry rang when he arrived on board was his brother , who was a Special Forces ' Ranger ' .
tr	4	He listened for a few minutes , grunted three times , said ' OK ' twice , and then hung up .
tr	4	It rang , which was very unusual as not many people know my number , but Maria had apparently put this call through .
tr	4	I have nothing for them to do for the next few hours , could you keep the crews and passengers entertained for me ? '
tr	4	The first one was El Gordo 's airfield , and the other one was a rather dilapidated looking stud farm .
tr	4	As she slowly regained consciousness she did just as her David had taught her , she didn 't move , or make a sound .
tr	4	As she sat there regaining full consciousness she started using what senses that she had available to her to assess the situation .
tr	4	Their reply had been obvious , a large pair of blood stained pliers and a hammer lay on the floor .
tr	4	As they sat back against the side of the van , exhausted from their exertions , the fat one drunkenly introduced everyone .
tr	4	Zoomer was into making specialised movies ; they were called snuff movies , where the principle participant was killed on camera .
tr	4	Fortunately there was a gentleman in black lowering the camera to the floor beside him so it did not get damaged .
tr	4	Within a year she was ' with child ' , and three years later she didn 't know by whom .
tr	4	He slipped on a bar of soap in the showers and landed on a toothbrush , a very sharp toothbrush ; very careless .
tr	4	Apparently he had never met her father , but the first thing that he stole on his release was a new toothbrush .
tr	4	When her husband ( s ) returned from their successful trip , she asked them for a belated birthday present .
tr	4	She accepted the limitations of her life style and settled down to re-assemble her mother 's stud farm , electronically .
tr	4	She gave him all the details of how to get into several large banking organisations , and how to create accounts , backwards .
tr	4	Banks were like water companies , they expected leaks , but they only really got worried when it becomes a torrent .
tr	4	' In the bottom draw of the wardrobe in the master bedroom ' she said , ' but why ' .
tr	4	When she wasn 't computing she was embroidering , and the sheet that she had removed had taken her years to complete .
tr	4	Then , to the obvious delight of both Zoomer 's he lowered his pistol , but not all the way down .
tr	4	When Charlie told him ' his ' solution to that problem , instructions on how to disable the reader were quickly forthcoming .
tr	4	Charlie didn 't think that there was much left for El Gordo to barter with but no , he was full of surprises .
tr	4	He played back the audio side of the recording that he had made , noting down the instructions and then scoured the Pencils computer .
tr	4	' Yes ' he muttered ' but what 's the problem , you told me yourself that they are both safe and well .
tr	4	' First off ' interrupted the Head of Internal Affairs , ' Weapon and shield on the table - now ' .
tr	4	He had a few days clear after the G8 summit in a couple of months ' time , oh and 4 .
tr	4	' Have you rung Doc Martin ' , I had seen her a little while ago going into her ' well woman ' clinic .
tr	4	' Yes , and the Ambulance , and the Police , and one of our cameras has caught it all on disc ' .
tr	4	One scaffolding pole had slammed into the small of her back and another one had caught the back of her head .
tr	4	Over the next few weeks it would be text book co-operation between the public and private sectors , or else .
tr	4	It must have been how Maria , Caroline and I walked in , because she picked up on something and immediately started sobbing .
tr	4	Maria and Caroline aided me and the three of us spent the whole night just talking to her , and being there for her .
tr	4	The lease was in her mothers ' name and there was a ' no right of succession ' clause in it .
tr	4	' How about being homeless and out of a job for starters ' she moaned , she was definitely in ' self-pitying ' mode .
tr	4	' The prognosis please ' I asked ( patient confidentiality goes out of the window when you pay the bills ) .
tr	4	He had a disused store room close to Ironside Gardens , ' if they did it up , would he like it ? '
tr	4	I wondered if he would remember the training exercise that I ' d had with him a little while ago ?
tr	4	Topsy then flung open the end doors and just inside we could make out the gleaming nose of a Mark 6D Hawker Hunter .
tr	4	I had inherited the nose section with one of my aircraft and HHA had quickly realised that it could be very useful indeed .
tr	4	At Teddy 's command I just pressed my stop watch and then carried serenely on , but everyone else went ballistic .
tr	4	He could see she was playing for time so he went on , ' and what game do they play Sally ?
tr	4	Then Teddy leaned over the table and triumphantly flung down the Three of Diamonds ' , she all but screamed .
tr	4	After a few more bumps and grinds Arabella was finally straddled the centre line , but pointing in the wrong direction .
tr	4	The crowd control barriers paid only lip service to crowd control and an ecstatic crowd surged forward , heading towards her aircraft .
tr	4	It was time to see if David 's comment was true , ' could I actually walk on water ? '
tr	4	Margaret and Gerald had fallen in love with Spanish Morocco on their honeymoon World tour , and got no further .
tr	4	Fortunately she was just making landfall after flying across the Med from Melilla and there in front of her was El Campo .
tr	4	It was then a disused airfield and the runways were blocked , but she skilfully put down on a taxi track .
tr	4	I opted for the latter and declared an emergency to the sexy voice , which quickly lost its sexiness and became very business-like .
tr	4	Within a few minutes a patch of the secondary runway started to turn white , and someone upstairs looked down very kindly on me .
tr	4	He had hitched a lift , but left the driving to me as he required his beauty sleep before he took on HHA .
tr	4	In no uncertain terms she explained that where I was concerned I was solely her responsibility -- totally and utterly .
tr	4	As I always finish off my showers with a blast of cold water , it wasn 't going to be a very big perk .
tr	4	and transport me stylishly to the Pavilion , this was the ultra-modern shore side facility for members of the club .
tr	4	Someone even wanted to use her as the starting line at Cowes Week , but only as long as her saluting cannons worked .
tr	4	As Carol returned the courtesy I nodded over the intervening water to the Captain and thought ' size is important ' .
tr	4	Its colour signified that its contents were not earth shattering , but it contained information that I was very interested in .
tr	4	Putting him on hold he quickly bought David , who was El Campo 's ruler over the Christmas period ' up to speed ' .
tr	4	It was covered with sand and the doors were well camouflaged so unless someone was on top of it , it was totally invisible .
tr	4	It looked abandoned so he decided to continue on with his supply drop but would investigate further on his way back .
tr	4	came the voice down the phone , and then David started to seriously interrogate him , although poor Mr. Peters didn 't realize it .
tr	4	Jack then went on a business trip and Aaron returned home unexpectedly and comforted his one true love , and unfortunately she reciprocated .
tr	4	' I wonder if it 's Father Christmas ' he mused as he made his way to the door ; he was pretty close .
tr	4	Mr. Jeffries , Shelly 's consultant stood in the pouring rain ( after all it was England ) with five people behind him .
tr	4	he pleaded , and after they had all removed their coats Jack had another shock , two of them were nurses .
tr	4	' Going to save your wife 's life I hope , could I have a word with Aaron please ? '
tr	4	Andrew Michaels ( AKA Santa Claus ) p.s. please find enclose an aerial photograph that may be of interest to you .
tr	4	Jack and Shelly questioned him endlessly as the nurses first inserted a cannula into her arm , and then attached an intravenous drip .
tr	4	--------------------- David had been very busy since that first telephone call , and by midnight on the twentieth we had a plan .
tr	4	, then I had one of my ideas , how about as my personal helicopter pilot , although I didn 't actually own one .
tr	4	Then it was down to the logistics of actually getting them out of Morocco , and a rough plan quickly came together .
tr	4	7 - Fly the said machine to the Isle of Wight and complete a short ' landing on a moving ship ' course .
tr	4	Add to the list of places to visit - the German Embassy and their version of the War Graves Commission .
tr	4	' If you wouldn 't mind filling the rest of it in for me at your leisure I would be much obliged .
tr	4	I just hate form filling ' , and passed it over to me , I hope Aaron hadn 't switched the engines off yet .
tr	4	My Solicitors were furiously seeking an injunction when I received a phone call from a distraught Emma , my daughter-in-law .
tr	4	He was permanently blind in one eye , and even with further operations he would only ever have partial sight in the other .
tr	4	The refurbished aircraft would then be finished in its original desert camouflage , and Michael promised faithfully to have it ready before Easter .
tr	4	If I hadn 't been getting my own machine very soon I would have defiantly made him an offer that he couldn 't refuse .
tr	4	It turned out that he had flown Phantoms in the post war Luftwaffe and he cried like a baby throughout the entire flight .
tr	4	' Marcus ' I said ' please wait a moment ' and indicating a vacant chair I said ' take a seat ' .
tr	4	Slightly bemused he sat down , but looked forward to the opportunity of watching the ' powers that be ' in their deliberations .
tr	4	But he bravely persevered , apparently he ( unbelievably ) had a peaked cap , oil can and sweat rag !
tr	4	He stopped in front of me , opened his mouth to say something , took a look around , and changed his mind .
tr	4	As there was nobody else nearby that he could possibly be talking to , I got up and followed him .
tr	4	He came to a halt at the doors , disembarked , stormed into the hangar and came to a halt about two meters inside .
tr	4	He gave an approving nod and we drove off , I wonder if he knew what decision I had come to .
tr	4	' ' A ' team meeting in the cinema in ten minutes ' , I said quietly , and walked out .
tr	4	' Perhaps a visit to your office might be in order ' she suggested , and left it at that .
tr	4	The bachelor quarters were above the indoor range and it appeared that the sound proofing left a lot to be desired .
tr	4	' You are joking ' I shouted at his back ' I don 't like anyone well enough to do that ' .
tr	4	To me it had just been a means to an end , but apparently to her it had been a life changing moment .
tr	4	She had wanted to stand up to him for years , but had never before had the self-confidence to do so .
tr	4	Every Thursday Lady Hyacinth 's four star restaurant , the one hidden under the mezzanine floor was up and running for business .
tr	4	' Possibly ' , he said , ' but I don 't have the finances to take the gamble ' .
tr	4	He then turned to me ' Hello Andrew , your table is ready , as always ' and led the way .
tr	4	She gave me a scowl , but didn 't make any comment , although was that a hint of a blush on her cheeks ?
tr	4	' What ' she shrieked , ' you mean that I didn 't have to drop my knickers to get the sale ' .
tr	4	' Is it ' was the usual reply when I mentioned it in passing , water pouring down my neck .
tr	4	' Well -- do you want abstract , contemporary , classical , impressionist , art deco , fantasy , minimalist , surrealist .
tr	4	If it had ever graced the top of a chocolate box , or been inside a calendar -- I wanted it .
tr	4	I looked at the painting , then back at her and signalled for her to rotate the painting 45 degrees .
tr	4	Kurt , who hailed from Blackpool , had been taken on by Mr ' A ' to strengthen his close protection squad .
tr	4	After his encounter with the wrong end of the shotgun Kurt recovered well from his injuries , only to fall foul of the hospital .
tr	4	' How do you know that it rained ' she asked , sensing that something had changed inside my head .
tr	4	It was then that ' Dick ' knew that he really was in the ' brown and sticky ' , and it smelt terrible .
tr	4	Security Guard Jesse Owens had been named by his father ' Jesse Owens the second ' even though his own name was Walter Owens .
tr	4	He was a fan of that famous American athlete and dearly wanted his new son to follow in his namesakes footsteps .
tr	4	The last time that this had happened was when Dim Daisy 's father had found them in her room trying to play strip snap .
tr	4	' Hello Miss Antoinette , nice to see you again , good trip , did you get the Da Vinci ?
tr	4	Before engaging brain I blurted out ' but you are only half my age , what will people say ' .
tr	4	I was actually soaking up MY bit of the sun , on MY sun bed , beside MY pool when she wafted in .
tr	4	Collecting her things she quietly stormed off , throwing the rest of her questions into my swimming pool in passing .
tr	4	No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author .
tr	4	Life was much more primitive back then , yet we managed not only to function , but felt prosperous , happy , and safe .
tr	4	You bet it can , as almost always common sense takes a back seat when it conflicts with human economic enterprise .
tr	4	We have used our technology to populate the planet with more humans alive today than have existed throughout the entire history of the species .
tr	4	We must stop and ask ourselves if we using this technology wisely or simply squandering it for profit and short-term gain ?
tr	4	After a lifetime of studying failed civilizations archeologist George Collins is one of the few with the foresight to see the impending collapse .
tr	4	He is under no illusions as to what may occur and so begins to turn his plans of retirement into ones of survival .
tr	4	I had spent my working career as an archeologist , digging up lost civilizations and searching for the causes of their demise .
tr	4	As the years passed , I began to notice cracks developing in this defense that only served to reinforce my negative views .
tr	4	I became concerned , for with our growing interdependence on the global economy any catastrophic event would with some certainty affect all of civilization .
tr	4	There seemed to be two choices open to me , that of going with the flow , or bucking the tide .
tr	4	It was likely to happen abruptly so once it begun there would be nothing that could slow or arrest it .
tr	4	It was hard to contemplate yet as an archeologist I had come across it many times on a much smaller scale .
tr	4	It was no easy task to project menus and needs months in advance but eventually I worked out a list I hoped would suffice .
tr	4	I was hoping to supplement the food in the drums with whatever fish and game I would be able to come by .
tr	4	I also purchased four cases of stove alcohol along with charcoal for the grill , although I planned to cook mostly with wood .
tr	4	Solar panels were going to be essential ; I needed at least enough to manufacture electricity for charging the boats batteries .
tr	4	Armament was high on the list , in truth , I would have liked to have mounted a fifty cal .
tr	4	What had been fluff and human interest gave way to hard news , the anchors now wore tight-lipped expressions as they too grew alarmed .
tr	4	Prices and shortages became critical ; governments in the worst affected countries could no longer cope and began to fail .
tr	4	Africa was the first and hardest hit , Somalia , Southern Sudan , and Kenya found they were cut off from international aid .
tr	4	Governments , overwhelmed by the famished and diseased masses , disintegrated before the onslaught leaving Africans split along religious and tribal allegiances .
tr	4	The hungry still came and thousands died at sea , yet enough got through so that Ebola began spreading across Europe creating chaos .
tr	4	It was the beginning of a domino effect as ill will , food shortages , and disease began stalking the planet .
tr	4	Iran suffering under sanctions and also facing famine saw advantage in manipulating the ill will and the weakened condition of Europe .
tr	4	In an instant , Israel found herself battling for her very existence as her Muslim neighbors flung themselves upon her in mass .
tr	4	This vicious attack from all sides without hope of outside intervention placed her back to the sea with the certainty of annihilation .
tr	4	The Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf became a radioactive inferno bringing an immediate halt to all petroleum production and shipments from the region .
tr	4	The developed nations worldwide found themselves caught up in the turmoil as their citizens turned on the Muslims communities among them .
tr	4	Fighting erupted along the southern borders of Russia and though she tried to remain neutral was soon embroiled in the struggle .
tr	4	The North feeling isolated , with a starving population , was left with no alternative but to join in the chaos consuming the globe .
tr	4	Thus , she unleashed her famished armies in a massive attack on the South overrunning Soul and much of the country .
tr	4	Here in Florida , outbreaks of Ebola in Miami and Orlando caused panic , and soon stores shelves became empty and gas stations closed .
tr	4	The September night was unusually chilly and even though I was dressed warmly I shivered as the little diesel chugged along in the dark .
tr	4	I won 't elaborate , just to say I had vastly underestimated job and would never attempt anything of the sort by myself again .
tr	4	It left me cut , bruised , and completely worn out , so I was more than glad to call it a day .
tr	4	I hadn 't made up my mind in the event of discovery , whether it was going to be fight of flight .
tr	4	I remained somewhat in touch with the outside world through radio and listened as conditions grew grimmer by the day .
tr	4	There were nonstop reports of chaos and violence ; even military convoys were being ambushed for what little food they carried .
tr	4	Last spring 's planting had been haphazard , and those who managed to plant found no fuel available to harvest .
tr	4	Horses which could have been ridden or worked had by now almost disappeared as they had been killed for food .
tr	4	Savage gangs roamed the land bent on surviving for one more day even if it meant eating their best friend .
tr	4	If this were taking place in the United States one , could but imagine what must be taking place around the world .
tr	4	They usually provided an ample supply of electricity and at times , allowed me to run the reverse cycle air-conditioner through the inverter .
tr	4	I 'd paddled up the creek several times in hopes of getting a shot at one along the bank but had no success .
tr	4	I was on my own ; every morning was a guessing game trying to figure out what the day 's weather held .
tr	4	I had been stupid not to procure a good barometer for it would have given me some indication of weather trends .
tr	4	My first priority was the boat ; it wasn 't going to be beat up by the surge sitting back in the creek .
tr	4	I peeked out of the hatch ; the boat was covered in small branches and leaves but was otherwise unscathed .
tr	4	No doubt it had been a major storm , but there was no one left to give the particulars or even to name it .
tr	4	I quickly turned tail and headed back to the boat , grabbed the 22 pistol and shotgun then waited in the cockpit .
tr	4	In a couple of minutes , they were alongside the sailboat , the smaller one standing with a rifle at the ready .
tr	4	Skinny handed the other his rifle , pulled out a pistol , and with it in hand boarded the boat .
tr	4	It was going to be necessary to time it just right and pick a moment when their guard was down .
tr	4	I had never pointed a gun at anybody in my life yet in the space of a minute had brutally killed two human beings .
tr	4	It was hard to believe people , who functioned as members of society only months before , had already descended to cannibalism .
tr	4	The license read , William Combs , and gave a Clay County address from the DOB I calculated he was 36 .
tr	4	This didn 't tell me much as I didn 't know where they had come by the gas or how far they had run .
tr	4	There were three and a half boxes of shells for the deer rifles and two for the pistol but none for the assault rifle .
tr	4	There had been fires as houses , and even some of the docks were partially burned with only charred pilings remaining .
tr	4	There was no movement of man along the banks just an alligator and assorted waterfowl going about their daily business of earning a living .
tr	4	Much of what had been Astor lay in ruins ; neglect , fires , and the hurricane had changed the landscape .
tr	4	Many of the houses along the river were wrecks , now and then a stark concrete block wall stood as a monument .
tr	4	There seemed to be no pattern as I saw houses completely trashed , yet strangely others seemed untouched , except for being overgrown .
tr	4	I made my way over to the jugs checked and found most were full , this stockpile alone was over fifty gallons .
tr	4	There was a pile of miscellaneous clothing and cooking utensils , from it I deduced this must be where the duo had their base .
tr	4	I said , " It 's alright , I 'm not going to hurt you relax , let me get those ropes off . "
tr	4	She continued struggling , reminding me somewhat of a fish as she flopped around in desperation on the box springs .
tr	4	I said , " My name 's George Walter Collins , my friends used to call me GW , what 's yours ?
tr	4	" Don 't worry Connie , I 'll get you out of this hellhole , how long have they held you ? "
tr	4	From what little she 'd said while I loaded the gas , I could well understand why she had tried so desperately to escape .
tr	4	After a while , she made her way to the little head and began undressing but didn 't close the door .
tr	4	She said , " That 's the first time I 've had a chance to wash in two months . "
tr	4	She said , " My dad did too , but we ran out about three months ago that 's why I 'm here . "
tr	4	When things got , bad her father , who was in the wholesale grocery business , raided what little was left in the warehouse .
tr	4	I guess the word got around as a group of armed thugs came by one day and took the rest .
tr	4	Ralph ( Skinny ) said if he didn 't tell them right away they were going to eat one of us instead .
tr	4	They came back into the house , and he told Dad , " You got a real nice family here .
tr	4	They both raped him then butchered him alive ... skinned and gutted him like some animal , Oh my God , the screams . "
tr	4	I wanted her to stop but let her go on as I could clearly tell she needed to get it out .
tr	4	I got up and made a pot of coffee and had just poured out a mug when I heard stirrings from the V berth .
tr	4	I now had almost a hundred gallons of gas and fifty-five gallons of diesel not counting what was still in the boats .
tr	4	I lit a fire in the grill , and later we sat in the cockpit and picked at the fish .
tr	4	She said , " I want you to know ; I didn 't eat them , any of them , I would starve first .
tr	4	" Connie it 's over , behind you , if you continue to look back I 'm afraid you 'll be consumed by it .
tr	4	I said , " Yeah , it sure to used to be a hopping place on the weekends , especially holidays . "
tr	4	The latter wasn 't going to be of much use at the moment , but the first might prove useful .
tr	4	It 's clear , clean , and seventy-two degree year round water was refreshing in the hot summer and soothing in winter .
tr	4	I tied up to the houseboat ; it was evident the storm had blown it against the bank as the anchors were still attached .
tr	4	We could go down river and hope to find enough to get by ; if not in the end we 'll likely starve .
tr	4	If they 're any decent people left it 's going to take time for them to get the ball rolling again .
tr	4	We returned that evening with a plan , and the next day went about getting things ready for the move .
tr	4	We reached the marker outside the Glen ; I made several attempts , but it was too shallow to get the Hunter in .
tr	4	The next morning Connie paddled the canoe as I waded marking the channel with saplings I had cut for the purpose .
tr	4	When I 'd found a suitable path over the bar , we threaded the Hunter into the Glen and anchored .
tr	4	We began paddling along the canals I went through almost every boat and garage looking for filters but could find none .
tr	4	After scratching my head trying to figure some way to get the little hooker in water , Connie came up with the solution .
tr	4	We were ready I throttled up the Sea Ray it churned sand and water sending wash against the stranded houseboat .
tr	4	The wine or the fact it was almost Christmas brought us to broach another subject , Connie brought it up .
tr	4	" Your right we may well be living together for a long time and its likely were among the last people on earth .
tr	4	If you 're absolutely sure you want this , we 'll give it a try ; remember it 's your call . "
tr	4	" No one bothered searching for alternatives , and all our efforts continued to be focused on making what we had work .
tr	4	We just kept galloping along expanding and creating more humans , or what business so fondly referred to as new consumers .
tr	4	" There 's never been worldwide famine , mainly because in all of human history there 's never been worldwide overpopulation .
tr	4	" Certain parts of the planet are prone to famine , it 's an ongoing vicious cycle , others occur as quirks of nature .
tr	4	In days of yore , populations in affected areas either moved to greener pastures or died back to a sustainable level .
tr	4	But it simply stabilized these populations so they could continue to grow until they faced far worse famines in the future .
tr	4	This cycle of dependency continued stretching the rubber band until the wars and Ebola came along , and the rubber band snapped .
tr	4	This country had been so hollowed that when push came to shove we could no longer stand on our own .
tr	4	" She said , " GW where is God in all of this , ... are you an atheist ? "
tr	4	" Now I don 't know about you honey but I 've had enough of this crap for one night .
tr	4	I had intended to install it in the sailboat but in our move to the houseboat had forgotten all about it .
tr	4	That evening after supper I again turned it on and was twiddling through the 20 meter when I caught a snippet of a voice .
tr	4	Connie was sitting on the front deck and at the sound rushed inside and asked , " Is that for real ? "
tr	4	A moment went by , and we heard , " Sailing vessel Seal , this is Joliet Sierra Quebec , over . "
tr	4	I told him of our situation and asked if he had any idea where the closest people might be to us ?
tr	4	He said , Mayport , was the district capital the only other groups were congregated on the west coast around Sarasota .
tr	4	He informed me there were a few nets set up for guys like me , and I copied down the frequencies .
tr	4	You might not have given me a second look , but I 'd damn sure given you the twice over .
tr	4	I 've come to believe nature intended men and women to be in harness , working together as we have .
tr	4	Looking back it was clear ; all the years I had been married to Ruth Ann had been lonely years .
tr	4	Connie decided to return to the boat and prepare lunch ; she was either going to bring it back or pick me up .
tr	4	It was a nice day for a leisurely swim , and the cool water felt good after toiling in the hot garden .
tr	4	I had covered a little over half the distance ; Skipper had been barking and I thought it was because he had seen me .
tr	4	I glanced up and saw Connie standing on the front deck of the houseboat with a deer rifle pointed directly at me .
tr	4	Connie had already jumped in the canoe and was paddling furiously toward me ; I swam like crazy to meet her .
tr	4	I said , " That was a fantastic shot , you nailed him honey , look ... that damn things bigger than the canoe .
tr	4	Just to be on the safe side we 'll leave him sit , after lunch , we 'll gig him . "
tr	4	This time we had turned the tables and Mr. Gator was going to be the featured guest at our dinner table .
tr	4	I said , " Don 't worry honey it 's just Gator Sam ... put on the coffee pot . "
tr	4	Sam was a big strapping guy much closer to Connie 's age than I and had an earned reputation as a ladies ' man .
tr	4	I said , " Not that we 've found , best I can tell everybody went to the panhandle . "
tr	4	I had run across many of these individuals in my travels and had one or two of note in my own lineage .
tr	4	Sam , was one of those people born for a purpose , yet out of sync with the times and society .
tr	4	I was glad to see Sam as if ever there was a time for a pioneer type that time was now .
tr	4	Then I said , " Did you see a white Ford and trailer parked at the end of the road ? "
tr	4	I had known a gal archeologist somewhat like her in my youth and spent a couple of years chasing her to no avail .
tr	4	I rigged up an old fashioned AM antenna on top of the boat we began picking up the Washington news .
tr	4	Those left still remained in jeopardy as food was scarce , and the new crops were not even in the ground .
tr	4	It reminded me of the guy standing along side the road with the sign " Will Work for Food . "
tr	4	The nation 's majestic skylines were now blights on the landscape with no one even wishing to venture into them .
tr	4	The railroads and interstate systems were a shambles ; it was estimated to be another year before any of the major highways reopened .
tr	4	Material goods so sought after before the Collapse were no longer of importance as they lay abandoned and free for the taking .
tr	4	I had constructed a primitive irrigation system that ran off the solar panel system it would water the greenhouse and part of the garden .
tr	4	Nonetheless , the mental scars lingered just below the surface , and at times , she still suffered survivor 's guilt complex .
tr	4	I could relate to this for I had also survived while those , I considered superior to me , had perished .
tr	4	I chalked it up to the roll of the dice ; we had been the winners in the game for survival .
tr	4	It was just the way things had turned out , and I saw no sense in beating ourselves up over it .
tr	4	Most of the time we were happy and in our months together there hadn 't been a cross word between us .
tr	4	Sam provided us all with an ample supply wild meat ; we added the vegetables and between us had more than enough to eat .
tr	4	He wore a warm smile , and I could tell by his self-assured demeanor he was a people person and used to command .
tr	4	The Captain said , " That 's still a scarce item , but this makes a good excuse to put on a pot . "
tr	4	We 're setting up a number of fuel depots along the river and trying to get agriculture going in Central Florida . "
tr	4	We got one guy on board who 's worked on them and were hoping to get the generators up and going .
tr	4	I said , " I appreciate your offer , but I won 't leave this young lady to fend for herself .
tr	4	Connie and I spent the next three days commuting to the bridge ; we watched as the diesel generator was serviced and started .
tr	4	As for the old part I would rather stick around and watch you fall apart then even contemplate life without you .
tr	4	We 've got no idea how long or short our lives will be , so let 's just get on with living them .
tr	4	As always happened in her arms , I felt the years melt away as the heat of passion surged through me .
tr	4	As we stepped out onto the bridge walkway , a guy shouted from the east bank , " Over here . "
tr	4	There was a flurry of activity all afternoon as vehicles were unloaded at the public ramp and trailers filled with various supplies .
tr	4	I remarked , " Sam better be careful , they 'll make you mayor if you don 't watch out . "
tr	4	We listened to their stories of the Collapse and the horrible conditions in the camps where thousands died each day .
tr	4	Still they had their work cutout , moving into a run-down town with no functioning electricity , water or sewer system .
tr	4	Astor had nothing to profit from , so they were basically going to remain on the dole for a while .
tr	4	I was sure the town would eventually come back over time and maybe once again become the bass fishing capital it once was .
tr	4	Connie had kept her biologist eye on the river and lake and would often remark about the changes she was witnessing .
tr	4	" I haven 't the slightest , I hardly know the man but he acts like we 've been buddies for years .
tr	4	She answered , " I 'm never going to push one of those damn things again , I 'll live with the weeds . "
tr	4	They immediately fell in love with it ; both had farming backgrounds , and eagerly volunteered to help us plant seed potatoes .
tr	4	We shared our views about what we felt had gone wrong and what we hoped the future would look like .
tr	4	" I can 't imagine life any other way ; I feel whatever we share between us is strong enough to weather any storm .
tr	4	I think of the Glen in the same way , it 's a place where I 'll always feel safe .
tr	4	The new Colonists were busy ; in the weeks that followed they searched the town and had given any remains proper burials .
tr	4	I was relieved for Connie 's sake as one of the first things that had been done wast to raze the old motel .
tr	4	Sam look at those kids out there working their asses off attempting to build a better life , that 's humankind at its best .
tr	4	They got a couple of nice Cat loaders , but nobody except me and Dave know how to run em . "
tr	4	I could spend the rest of my life in this one spot and have no regrets , how about you ? "
tr	4	That night I told Connie , " Well kid I guess this is it , I hope we 're ready for prime time . "
tr	4	I looked at the GPS and it 's blank screen , this was one of the modern marvels I most missed .
tr	4	I sat the pillowcase down , picked up the bone , and quickly went over to an open spot in the yard .
tr	4	They had been a fine looking family , and I couldn 't help being moved by the pictures of Vickie .
tr	4	Three ships were in the process of unloading , and we passed another being shepherded along with the help of two tugs .
tr	4	I said , " This is Captain George Collins I am coming at the request of Captain Allan Bright . "
tr	4	The voice said , " Captain Collins , what is your current position and what type vessel are you ? "
tr	4	I said , " Were just coming abreast the intra coastal at mile point , we are a 30-foot Hunter sloop . "
tr	4	" Surreal please proceed to the entrance Mayport basin a launch will meet you at the security net and escort you in . "
tr	4	The Ensign said , " I 'm sorry sir ; Captain Bright didn 't expect you to arrive by private yacht .
tr	4	I nodded ; the launch headed to shore , and I thought what in the hell am I getting into .
tr	4	Allan got up came around the desk and said , " Come in Captain Collins , or would you prefer Doctor ? "
tr	4	What drew my interest were the papers you did on the Theory of Man thing and that tirade on The State of Affairs .
tr	4	I 'll give it to you a nutshell , losing over two-thirds of the population in a year has everybody running shit scared .
tr	4	If you think , I 'm going to take them all on head-to-head you 're barking up the wrong tree . "
tr	4	The best that can happen is someone will ignite a new spark and hopefully it will grow into a fire . "
tr	4	I took the liberty of putting you in for a commission , damn good thing you like that title captain .
tr	4	I can 't even fly a helicopter , no jet fuel , maybe in a year or so we 'll be back in business .
tr	4	Right now , we got ships and boats laid up all over the place ; I couldn 't even get you into a berth .
tr	4	Hell there isn 't any international threats at the moment ; everyone 's too busy with their own problems to harass their neighbors .
tr	4	I said , " I think Connie , and I are going to need a little time to chew on this . "
tr	4	" You never told me you published any papers on the subject , but they must have impressed the hell out of somebody .
tr	4	I don 't know how in the hell Bright came across them , but I wish he hadn 't . "
tr	4	Hell honey I don 't even know if I 'm going into the Coast Guard or back in the Navy .
tr	4	The Navy put me through school I had dues to pay , it just so happened to coincide with a controversial war .
tr	4	He directed us to a floating dock and into a slip much more suited to the needs of the small sailboat .
tr	4	The driver dropped Allan , and I off and whisked the two women away before I could say goodbye to Connie .
tr	4	I said , " I hate to appear naïve , but just what in the hell am I going to be anyway ? "
tr	4	He answered , " A captain in the United States Coast Guard by the time we walk out of here . "
tr	4	It was the first time I had the opportunity to witness her at a social event , and I was truly impressed .
tr	4	" We 're spiritual beings , but I believe as you say it originates from nature not some mysterious cosmic entity .
tr	4	I also feel I have an obligation as a human being to do something to keep it from happening again .
tr	4	In my absence , the bios had been dropped off , and Connie already had them spread out and was reading through them .
tr	4	I like the rank of captain it 's best for getting things done yet still commands respect as you 'll find out . "
tr	4	It was felt if the top brass were put in charge they would place too much emphasis on keeping their commands intact .
tr	4	Still all he 'd given me was the abridged version and I was pretty sure he had left out the more interesting aspects .
tr	4	She said , " GW Collins , do declare , I believe I detect just a hint of jealousy . "
tr	4	I said , " Right now it 's occupying about three brain cells that 's as far as I 've got . "
tr	4	It was the first day , and everyone was busy feeling out each other 's views on the subjects that were to be discussed .
tr	4	Bob had been responsible for changing my view of mankind and was in large part the inspiration for Man the Extension of Nature .
tr	4	Let us pray that we have in this room the talent , means , and wisdom to accomplish this endeavor .
tr	4	" As early hominids developed so did certain instincts , these were to act as rudimentary guides for this new and untested creature .
tr	4	Religions instead of celebrating and encouraging our spirituality have for the most part contrived to harness and exploit it for their own purposes .
tr	4	This drive to acquire knowledge created the conflicts between myth and reality we observe today as being the rift between religion and science .
tr	4	Let us gathered here today go down in history as the first group who made the tough decisions and for once got things right .
tr	4	I said , " See guys we can 't get rid of religion it 's ingrained in us , part of everyday speech . "
tr	4	I was cheered by the fact that finally the ever-expanding model had fallen out of favor and was in the process of being scrapped .
tr	4	I did put in my two bits on population control as I felt it was the key to mankind 's future .
tr	4	We should then be able to enjoy all she has to offer and still progress without having any deleterious effects .
tr	4	I felt had we managed to continue galloping along with no Collapse it would have led to the human race consuming Soylent Green .
tr	4	It was the first chance she had to use her degree and she was tickled at finally having the chance to practice her craft .
tr	4	I said , " With all the crap going on this week we haven 't had time to plan anything . "
tr	4	Now get out of here , strut around base , and practice your salute , we 'll see you for dinner . "
tr	4	Oh well let 's just keep going with the flow in the end it will all come out in the wash .
tr	4	I sat debating on whether to get out and wander around then thought better of it and told the driver to go on .
tr	4	I can 't send the cutters out just to explore , Christ I can 't even get them back in Key West . "
tr	4	I couldn 't help from grinning , " Allan I still believe there 's a hell for lairs but thanks anyway . "
tr	4	" Sorry to wake you sir but you 're ordered to come with me immediately , it 's urgent . "
tr	4	As the car speed away from the boat , I asked again , " Have any idea what 's going on ? "
tr	4	" Not really sir , something about a hijacking and pirates , I just know it has the whole base on alert . "
tr	4	We pulled up , I just had time to lean over and give Connie a quick kiss before I was hustled into the building .
tr	4	I entered operations it was abuzz with activity , I stood feeling conspicuously out-of-place while everyone in the room swirled around me .
tr	4	" George this is serious business , the loss of that ship could mean more people are going to die .
tr	4	I 'd like you to go along and observe , gain some experience , maybe do a little something to earn those stripes . "
tr	4	I 've assigned Lieutenant Bishop here as your aide , Jimmy will be with you on Mohawk good luck and happy hunting . "
tr	4	Time , you get settled in we , should be out of here and I 'll have more time to fill you in . "
tr	4	I was leaning on the rail as the cutter passed the sea buoy , the first streaks of daylight defining the horizon .
tr	4	Whoever they are it appears they 've managed to get their hands on a naval vessel and enough fuel to run it .
tr	4	I told Jim , " Let 's take the cooks tour , start at the pointy end and work back . "
tr	4	Jim woke me just after six and said , " We 're tracking two contacts at thirty miles , has to be them . "
tr	4	The blasts knocked both Jim and I flat on the narrow walkway I felt little needles pricking me in the back .
tr	4	She moved to the take over the con having to partially stand on the corpse of the previous helmsman lying at her feet .
tr	4	I turned to Jim and said , " I don 't know why in the hell they haven 't finished us off ? "
tr	4	In a moment , the gun on the foredeck came to life spitting out projectiles the spent casings hitting the deck .
tr	4	I figured the next round would either hit or straddle us , within seconds , we might all be dead .
tr	4	With everything going on I found an instant to think of Connie , it was interrupted by a tremendous explosion .
tr	4	The darkness snapped me back to reality I looked around the shattered bridge and shouted for Jim , he ran up .
tr	4	Allan walked up saluted and shook hands , " George , seems you wound up running the damned show after all . "
tr	4	I said , " Allan you bastard , putting me in harms way like that three days before my wedding . "
tr	4	Finding slim pickings in the gulf , they got wind of the Spelling and decided to chase her down along the east coast .
tr	4	Therefore , in the end it had come down to another battle between the Coast Guard and the drug lords .
tr	4	George after this next assignment I 'll let you off the hook then you and Connie can live happily ever after , I promise .
tr	4	Any other animal would be completely satisfied and yet instead of being content were looking forward to the coming unknown .
tr	4	That 's what gets us in trouble were never satisfied ; we can 't even stay in heaven when we 've found it .
tr	4	We have absolutely no business ever wanting to leave here yet we will ; our inner nature will force us .
tr	4	It was the first airplane we had seen since the Collapse and we speculated on where it had come from .
tr	4	I said , " Why don 't you get up a resume and I 'll forward it to Allan . "
tr	4	Allan sent notes telling of one delay after another finally a month after we got back there was something concrete .
tr	4	Leave the damned sailboat at home this time , have a cabin waiting for you on Pisces , See you on the 28 .
tr	4	Still I wasn 't sure what the unofficial bit meant but we damn well weren 't going to leave him caged up in Mayport .
tr	4	We stepped out of the car the crew was lined up on the wharf standing at attention with the proud little ship behind .
tr	4	He said , " You don 't know how much , I put in a request for this assignment . "
tr	4	I said , " Jesus , I thought this was going to be research , sounds more like search and destroy .
tr	4	" Well , yes sir but I don 't think there 's anyone left who 's going to raise a stink over it . "
tr	4	I said , " Think of it more like Teddy Roosevelt , ' Speak softly and carry a big stick . '
tr	4	" Take tomorrow and go over the ship you have a couple of weeks to get the feel of it .
tr	4	Got another surprise for you a small helicopter on floats to strap on the new helipad let you do a little air reconnaissance .
tr	4	Now come on George lets get back to the party so you can enjoy your first night back in civilization . "
tr	4	It hadn 't taken him long to jerk the knots out of my tail and he wound up becoming my mentor .
tr	4	First that it was a small ship , everyone present was more than qualified for the position they were assigned .
tr	4	Being a small ship and working in close quarters meant it would be essential we all got along personally as well as professionally .
tr	4	The ultimate decisions are mine the more information or points of view I have to go on the better informed those decisions will be .
tr	4	I want Pisces to be a well-run ship and a happy ship ; I never considered the two as being at odds .
tr	4	I should have something to share with you by Friday and I 'll go over it then in detail with everyone .
tr	4	" Jim , Herb , Dan stick around for a minute please , I 'd like to get up to speed .
tr	4	" OK Dan , draw up a list of exactly what you need , I 'll see what I can do .
tr	4	If were going to haul the damn thing around then we , need to know it 's going to work .
tr	4	Herb I 'm putting you in charge of all armament , requisition whatever weapons and ammunition you think we 'll need .
tr	4	" OK , now it is my turn , your both experienced officers and have a lot more time at sea than I do .
tr	4	I see no reason , why we can 't work together and hopefully , have some fun along the way .
tr	4	It would be nice to see if the damn things going to work before we get into a tight spot .
tr	4	Right now , Connie and Joyce have no idea of what to do except to poke around in the labs . "
tr	4	You and I will go over specifics of the itinerary Thursday then work out any loose ends next week , any more questions ?
tr	4	I would like you to know beforehand that it 's not intentional on my part nor is it meant to be demeaning or patronizing .
tr	4	Hell maybe they were lesbians for all I knew , problem solved , anyway when all was said and done they were still women .
tr	4	I had taken care of Sam telling Herb even though he 's a civilian use him anywhere he seems to fit in .
tr	4	I said , " Round up Joyce and come upstairs , Herb 's about to put on some fireworks . "
tr	4	There 's another problem the dome won 't retract , the damned thing looks like a big toadstool sitting out there . "
tr	4	I whispered to Connie , " Let 's go work on having quiet sex if such a thing is possible . "
tr	4	Next on to Puerto Rico we 've made radio contact , things were pretty grim there but some survived their living off the land .
tr	4	Couple of years ago it would have been an idyllic cruise ; today I have no idea what you 'll find .
tr	4	" Most of those islands were over populated they 've had to fend for themselves , no fuel , and food or outside contact .
tr	4	I said , " Allan have you ever wondered why I decided to go along with all of this crap .
tr	4	I would have loved to have had the opportunity to go back in time and see how it really was .
tr	4	I want to paint a picture so in five hundred or a thousand years there is no conjecture about what went on .
tr	4	In a since this is a three-fold mission , hopefully , everybody 's going to get something out of it . "
tr	4	There 's a list of the scientific personnel arriving next week , I 'm sure Connie and Joyce will want to see that .
tr	4	Take your time , and we 'll all sit down and hash out the fine points when you 're ready . "
tr	4	I got Herb and Dan together told them to make sure everything was removed and that no damage was done to the gun .
tr	4	Up until now things had been running along with just a hitch or two , nothing out of the ordinary .
tr	4	" Remember what we manage to get on board is what were going to be eating for the next four months .
tr	4	" I 'm the captain ; it 's my duty to know of any problems on my ship , preferably before they happen .
tr	4	I have just made provisioning the number one priority , you will be working with Ensign Sanchez she is junior logistics officer .
tr	4	Can you come up with a list of what you 'll need to feed this crew for the next four months ? "
tr	4	Connie and I went to Allan 's for the cookout Sunday , Joyce tagged along as Sam was still helping Herb round up supplies .
tr	4	I told him I couldn 't help him the decision was yours to make , what was the deal on that anyway ? "
tr	4	Hell Allan it didn 't look that much different from the original cover ... that 's why I ran the bastard off .
tr	4	He just went ahead and cooked everything on board then sent a note asking me to find him something to prepare for supper .
tr	4	Got it straightened out the guys have been foraging high and low and now we almost have a full larder .
tr	4	Allan said , " Say your guys didn 't come across a stray refrigerated truckload of meat by any chance did they ? "
tr	4	We can 't figure it out , found the truck it never left base , but the contents were gone .
tr	4	He said , " Let 's put these damn hamburgers on , and just pretend it 's a big juicy porterhouse .
tr	4	I sat munching on the hamburger wondering if just maybe I did have a Holden in my crew after all .
tr	4	If by chance , we do have any onboard order the cook to save it until we 're at sea . "
tr	4	Herb grinned , " If I should happen to come across anything I 'll make every effort to recover the Captains steaks . "
tr	4	Everything had fallen in place we had gone over and over every conceivable detail , we could think of and had all reached consensus .
tr	4	Allan had also been present at the arrival he had shaken hands then given the ship the once over before taking me aside .
tr	4	Shame we didn 't have those steaks Sunday , still I 'll be thinking of you when I get around to cooking them .
tr	4	On an unrelated subject , you might remind the crew of the old proverb that loose lips sink ships . "
tr	4	With everything going on I , was beginning to think instead of the Coast Guard , I had joined McHale 's Navy .
tr	4	I have eight scientists on board eagerly waiting to drop their stuff in the water one of them is my wife .
tr	4	I said , " There 's only one rating on board who 's worked for NOAA and knows anything about operating the trawl .
tr	4	He teamed up with the guys who dreamed up the funky gun cover and together they designed and built the pad .
tr	4	It 's not like the old days when they would have had people crawling all over each other looking up their asses . "
tr	4	Bright said , " So now you 're over here at seven in the morning dumping it in my lap .
tr	4	I walked on board called Jim over and said , " Jim round up everyone and make ready to get underway ASAP . "
tr	4	Next stop would be Key West in two days giving us time to shake out some of the wrinkles in our operations .
tr	4	I reminded them that when they started bringing in fish the crew required some good specimens for a taste test .
tr	4	I popped in , checked on the bridge then Connie and I walked out , and stood leaning on the bridge rail .
tr	4	I never told you , but before this started I was on my way to taking little Surreal and cruising the Caribbean .
tr	4	Meat you say , I didn 't think we had any on board ... must have been a last minute delivery . "
tr	4	Occasionally a small fire or twinkling light gave proof that there were still a few people tenaciously clinging to life .
tr	4	" Hello Abe , everything 's going pretty well so far , knock on wood ... how about you , feeling OK ? "
tr	4	When you get settled in I 'll bring you up to speed on what we 've found out so far . "
tr	4	Last week I took Mohawk in close and talked to some fishermen , they got hit hard , over half their population .
tr	4	Abe said , " Just to be on the safe side I 'll have Chad with Thetis standing by just off shore . "
tr	4	The meeting would be held aboard Pisces that way we could avoid putting people ashore until we were sure the situation was safe .
tr	4	Jim and Herb kept the crew at the ready in case we had to get under way at a moment 's notice .
tr	4	Small boats began to gather around , they were smiling and waving , among them was a friendly young man wearing a uniform .
tr	4	I had Linda ask him who was in charge and to tell them we would like to arrange a meeting here on the ship .
tr	4	He said it was hardship having almost no electricity or fuel and they were living practically in the Stone Age but were getting by .
tr	4	" We made a conscious decision to play God and to select who would live and those who would die .
tr	4	Man 's law , nature 's law they had been in conflict and in the end it was nature 's that prevailed .
tr	4	He warned to be careful as a flood of refugees had inundated Cuba and it had started a bitter war .
tr	4	With so many of the crew armed to the teeth , I felt it was time to lay out some rules of engagement .
tr	4	We would show no belligerence toward anyone we encountered which meant keeping arms out of sight as much as possible yet having them handy .
tr	4	I thought oh well even Eden had its serpent ; thank God the rest of the bunch seemed convivial enough .
tr	4	We entered at general quarters the machine guns manned officers wearing side arms and our little fire control station at the ready .
tr	4	We climbed in fastened our belts the inflatable then towed us a safe distance from the side of the ship .
tr	4	I had a high-resolution digital camera in my lap and took a picture of the ship as we lifted off .
tr	4	Below us not a living thing could be discerned ; only new scrubby growth seemed in abundance taking hold wherever the opportunity presented itself .
tr	4	We widened the search but after an hour had found no signs of current human activity , not even a wandering dog .
tr	4	If there is anyone left , I don 't think they would want to live down there in all that crap . "
tr	4	We returned to the ship and stowed the chopper , Later I downloaded the pictures so everyone on board could see the devastation .
tr	4	Gerald can give me a tour over Cap Haitian then we 'll head on down the line to the Puerto Rico .
tr	4	We were about to turn back when we saw a wisp of smoke , Gerald swung around , and we investigated .
tr	4	That afternoon the lookout reported a small boat was approaching the ship and reported there were only two people on board .
tr	4	I asked if she would act as translator , Connie also knew a little French and came along to listen in .
tr	4	They had lost their children and barely managed to survive the hunger and disease that had swept away almost all of the others .
tr	4	Connie and I were sitting in the sand , a plate between us picking on a rack of ribs when a gunshot rang out .
tr	4	I grabbed the glasses and could see several others in the distance , they had hold of Carol Abernathy and were dragging her away .
tr	4	She said breathlessly , " Carol and I went exploring and were on our way back when these guys ' jumped us .
tr	4	I told everyone to get back to the ship , it would take two trips to ferry everyone , the scientists first .
tr	4	Back on the ship I immediately called Cindy in and asked her to give me a full account of exactly what happened .
tr	4	I can 't send a search party out after dark poking around not knowing anything about the area and who were dealing with .
tr	4	As I sat on the edge of the bunk , Connie asked , " What are you going to do ? "
tr	4	To tell you the truth , I 'd just as soon leave the bitch here and not risk any more of my crew .
tr	4	I went inside and carefully spread the underwear out on the chart table so as not to smear the writing it read .
tr	4	I said , " OK we know what they want ; How do they plan on going about getting it ?
tr	4	We sat at the table , I asked Connie to see if she could find out how they were involved in this mess .
tr	4	I said , " Were going to have to attempt a rescue , which means putting a team together . "
tr	4	He said , " I don 't know if Sam has any training , but he seems game enough . "
tr	4	I said , " I 've known Sam for a long time he 's a hunter at heart and he 's damn sure game .
tr	4	He said , " It 'll be necessary to delay them so we can go in under the cover of darkness .
tr	4	It took him about an hour to cover the distance and locate the group who were camped out in an old villa .
tr	4	When he found her , she was almost naked hands tied behind her back and ankles hobbled so she couldn 't run .
tr	4	What her punishment would be depended on the outcome but for the present , I was content to watch her sweat .
tr	4	He said , " It was too easy there was only one guarding Carol and the rest were fast asleep .
tr	4	I was able to slip in , Carol saw me but I made a sign for her to be silent .
tr	4	Nonetheless , I immediately ordered the boat alongside cut loose ; the aft anchor hauled in and gave orders to prepare to get underway .
tr	4	Connie was standing next to me she asked , " GW why did you do that to those people . "
tr	4	I told her , if I hadn 't the couple that helped us would have been blamed and punished just for being decent folk .
tr	4	Another of the new realities facing us was when someone fell ill ; they either got better on their own or died .
tr	4	Gone were the miracles of modern medicine , we had few drugs and no sanitary hospitals much less modern diagnostic equipment .
tr	4	It had regressed to the days when all a physician could do was to hold a hand and comfort the patient .
tr	4	I said , " Your thanks should go to Dennis , Sam and Ned they risked their lives for you .
tr	4	As it is , your back with us in one piece and Cindy will get off with no more than a reprimand .
tr	4	I will try to afford you every opportunity to carry out your research providing it does not adversely affect the safety of the ship .
tr	4	It was agreed we would enter in the morning , stay on our guard , and then put back to sea before nightfall .
tr	4	We entered just after dawn , passed El Morro Castle and were surprised to see more than two-dozen small sailing vessels putting to sea .
tr	4	Jim shouted , " Ensign Jackson permission for you only to come on board , please be ready to surrender your side arm . "
tr	4	I turned to Jim and said , " Looks like he just stepped out of the Academy , all spit , and polish . "
tr	4	Sorry about the formalities but we 're under strict orders not to allow anyone to bring a firearm on board .
tr	4	He started by taking over the Coast Guard station , recruiting those who had experience , and organizing a fishing fleet .
tr	4	We got two patrol boats ready to go and the crews trained up , all , we 're waiting on , is some fuel .
tr	4	Herb and I questioned young Jeffery Jackson until we were reasonably satisfied he was legit and posed no danger to us .
tr	4	He said , " Captain Collins I run a tight ship , San Juan I believe is the safest harbor in the Caribbean .
tr	4	I turned him over to Cindy and Linda and let them fill him in and bring him up to speed .
tr	4	One thing struck me as odd ; Ensign Jackson had never met the radio operator we had been communicating with .
tr	4	All day groups of people had ventured out to see Pisces , the arrival of the ship had created much excitement .
tr	4	We spent the night at anchor , I still felt the necessity to post double guards and lookouts , but the night was uneventful .
tr	4	Next morning I sent Dan over to survey the diesel generator set at the station to see if it could be made serviceable .
tr	4	He reported back that by going through the fuel system and changing filters he could have it up and running and requested diesel .
tr	4	I said , " Dan take just enough diesel to get things up and going , not one drop more .
tr	4	There 's a tanker on the way , but I don 't want to start counting chickens before they hatch .
tr	4	If we can get stuff ready then when the tanker arrives , it will just be a matter of fill up and go .
tr	4	Wait , maybe a diesel pickup would be better you never know we might have to do some hauling . "
tr	4	If we were going to stay around for two weeks , I was going to do some exploring of my own .
tr	4	He said there was a committee of sorts that was handling civic affairs and was run by a man named Fernando Vella .
tr	4	I asked Jeffery to get in touch with Mr. Vella and invite him to have lunch with me tomorrow aboard ship .
tr	4	I have invited him to lunch here tomorrow let 's see if he comes by himself or brings along an entourage .
tr	4	Both were of Spanish descent and bilingual , even to the casual observer it looked to be the beginnings of a deeper relationship .
tr	4	I decided I needed to get Linda on board before any feelings of affection grew and had time to cloud her judgment .
tr	4	I really didn 't have anything to go on but a hunch , yet if I waited it might be too late .
tr	4	It 's possible in his zeal to do his job he might not be aware someone is manipulating him for their own purposes .
tr	4	I asked Jeff to come along as guide and invited Linda as well , we loaded up and Skipper hopped in the bed .
tr	4	I walked around the guns , there wasn 't a soul in sight , but I could tell they were well maintained .
tr	4	I couldn 't see any ready ammunition but suspected it was close enough so these pieces could be brought into action within minutes .
tr	4	I had thought we were ushering in a new era yet my senses were telling me the old one had not yet faded .
tr	4	Every fiber in my being was urging me to lean over and say to Connie its time to go home dear .
tr	4	That evening I kept my fears to myself ; I had already expressed them earlier and was just waiting to have them confirmed .
tr	4	Lie down and let me rub your back , God you 're so tense your muscles are like iron bars . "
tr	4	We went to lunch where I introduced him to Connie and Dr. Brothers , who I had invited to represent the scientific party .
tr	4	Vella said , " So Captain tell me what brings you here and what are the conditions in the United States ? "
tr	4	The US is on its way to recovery and coming along , but we still have a ways to go . "
tr	4	We were interrupted by the intercom , " Captain could you come to the engine room Dan needs to see you sir . "
tr	4	" Mr. Vella I can well understand your position as Puerto Rico was left on its own to fend for itself .
tr	4	He had been formulating his plans and carefully putting a rudimentary infrastructure in place yet being careful not to step on toes .
tr	4	He had formed the nucleus of a navy and army under the guise of a local Coast Guard and domestic police force .
tr	4	I assembled Jim , Herb , Dan , and Dennis as well for I had come to value his opinions on military matters .
tr	4	" It 's not going to be easy , I 'm sure were being watched and no one except Linda speaks fluent Spanish .
tr	4	Anyway that 's the score up to now let 's make up our minds and get on with it one way or another . "
tr	4	Killing used to be my profession you guys come up with a mission , I 'll do my best to carry it out . "
tr	4	OK , we 'll gather all the intelligence we can then beat it out of here before the tanker arrives .
tr	4	" Captain I found out what you wanted to know about Jeff , I had to sleep with him to make sure . "
tr	4	" OK , I 'm sure you didn 't wake me just to tell me you two had a great time in bed . "
tr	4	" I know you been wondering where I fit into all this , I figured that out when you sent Linda snooping around .
tr	4	He asked me once why I went through so many men I told him I was picky and they couldn 't make the grade .
tr	4	" Now I have almost as many men as Vella does , the difference mine are trained , loyal , and well disciplined . "
tr	4	I sat toying with the coffee mug feeling as if I had just been dealt a hand full of aces .
tr	4	Jeff said , " Not here sir you won 't , Roosevelt Roads that 's where he stashes all his stuff . "
tr	4	When I got back to the cabin Connie was just waking , she yawned , " your up early . "
tr	4	I said smugly , " Early bird catches the worm ; while you 're getting dressed I 'll fill you in . "
tr	4	Dennis and Jeff had planned all day , they had to be careful as Vella had spies watching all the activity around the station .
tr	4	We have several scenarios worked out they all require cutting the head off the snake that is getting Vella out-of-the-way .
tr	4	They could be the main problem , he doesn 't go anywhere without them their mean , tough , and loyal .
tr	4	Had we known what the situation was when I had them both on the boat we could have taken care of them then .
tr	4	GW I don 't know if I can look that son of a bitch in the face without spitting in it . "
tr	4	If he lays a hand on you I 'll kill him but I have to concede , he 's right about your attributes . "
tr	4	We met Jeffery and Linda on the dock and got into the pickup , two armed men climbed in the bed .
tr	4	Observing the group gave me an idea ; if he liked pomp then maybe I could use it to my advantage .
tr	4	I needed to totally disarm him and gain his trust , what better way than to appeal to his grandiose nature .
tr	4	I said , " While I have your attention I wonder if I could impose upon you for a favor ?
tr	4	Our radio equipment is down at the moment and I need to send a message to my commander Captain Bright .
tr	4	I understand there 's an armature radio operator in town would it be possible for him to send a message ? "
tr	4	Capt. A. Bright , Mayport , As per ships arrival request permission to rendezvous at sea and provide escort into San Juan .
tr	4	You and Jeff can then begin to dismantle his organization ; we 'll remain safely offshore until you give the all clear .
tr	4	He seemed relaxed and I was sure it was due in part to the fact the guns on Morro were being manned .
tr	4	I said , " Mr. Vella I wanted to have time for us to enjoy a pleasant lunch before we returned .
tr	4	We made contact with the ships formed up for our grand entrance into the harbor with Pisces in the lead .
tr	4	Vella was excited and licked his lips nervously , I thought OK , now I got you bastard and gave the signal .
tr	4	I looked at Connie she had the same look of fear and terror in those green eyes as when I had first found her .
tr	4	Everyone rushed to Connie she lay face down on the deck with a puddle of red expanding from beneath her .
tr	4	He said , " I 'll get ready , better get her in before we put it over the side . "
tr	4	Her tan face now pale and drawn reminded me of the frail creature sitting on the settee that first night .
tr	4	Jim and Herb were running the ship ; Vella along with his vision of empire was unceremoniously dumped over the side .
tr	4	Jim was keeping the ships out of range of the artillery at Morro Castle and following the progress of the battle on the VHF .
tr	4	I hadn 't been asleep but in a stupor dreaming of Connie and had almost expected to see her when I opened my eyes .
tr	4	I said , " Will you ask Ms. Abernathy and set it up with Ned , Thanks so much Linda I appreciate it . "
tr	4	She said , " Sir Connie is our friend and after what she did , well you know what I mean . "
tr	4	I said , " No Jim you and Herb run things for a while , what 's the situation ? "
tr	4	Sam and I felt we were going to make it as we were almost into the harbor before the first shell landed .
tr	4	The launch slowed to a stop we were a sitting duck all they had to do was to walk in on us .
tr	4	I found a roll of electrical tape and wrapped both ends of the steel line then forced the hose on .
tr	4	I finished just as another shell went whizzing by this time landing close enough to send spray into the boat .
tr	4	As we disembarked at the Coast Guard dock , there was another larger explosion in the distance and Castle Morro fell silent .
tr	4	We pulled up to the doctor 's house he met us at the door , took the blood , and began the transfusion .
tr	4	The doctor spoke broken English , but I was able to gather the bullet had damaged a vein or artery .
tr	4	The next morning she awoke , I was holding her hand , never had I been so overjoyed to see eyelids open .
tr	4	It was three days before Connie could be moved back to the ship and during that time , I never left her side .
tr	4	Don 't beat yourself up over this , nowhere is it written that it 's a crime to be human . "
tr	4	Had it not been for almost losing Connie the defeat of Vella 's forces would have been the cause for celebration .
tr	4	It had taken Jeff 's forces two days to root out the diehard remnants of Vella 's supporters from San Felipe de Morro .
tr	4	The lines were brought aboard and Pisces once more headed out past Castle Morro and then turned her bow toward the Virgins .
tr	4	We had no reliable census for Haiti but estimated the population left on the entire island of Hispaniola was less than two thousand .
tr	4	Dr. Brother 's research dovetailed nicely with my studies and the data would be of immense value to those who came after us .
tr	4	The GPS system had come on line but was intermittent and unreliable so it still remained the rule to take sights at every opportunity .
tr	4	As far as I was concerned the statute of limitations had run out and the evidence had for the most part been consumed .
tr	4	It was good to be free from the burdens of command and among friends with whom we had shared so much .
tr	4	I immediately shut the engine down , as Dan would eat my ass if I ran it until it came unglued .
tr	4	We had felt safe as long as we were in radio contact as the inflatable could come to our rescue .
tr	4	We made a check of the stores on board ; the launch was the principal lifeboat for the ship and therefore provisioned accordingly .
tr	4	Gerald was sure to find us with the helicopter in the morning until then we would have to sit it out .
tr	4	Dawn broke , but it was mid-morning before we saw the helicopter way off in the distance , too far away to signal .
tr	4	I was sobered by the knowledge we were now four souls and a dog in an open boat drifting in the Southern Caribbean .
tr	4	I told everyone we might not make it to civilization , but it looked like we weren 't going to die at sea either .
tr	4	I cranked up the diesel and headed into shore skirting the coast staying close enough so Sam and I could swim the launch ashore .
tr	4	Skipper made the most of being on dry land by running ahead checking out everything and hiking his is leg at every opportunity .
tr	4	What say you and I make a trek tonight and look around then we 'll have some idea of what 's going on ?
tr	4	If not , then we can try to scrounge enough stuff around here to rig a mast and sail and put back to sea .
tr	4	They were too far to make out much detail , but enough I could tell there was a sprinkling of warships among them .
tr	4	I said , " Jesus Sam there must be half the frigging sailboats and ships in the Caribbean sitting out there . "
tr	4	Looking around the deck it was tidy and all the rigging appeared to be in working order but there were no sails .
tr	4	I said excitedly , " This is our ticket out of this frigging place all we need is some fuel and a battery . "
tr	4	We agreed to return tomorrow night with the battery and diesel from the launch , sneak aboard get the ketch running and haul ass .
tr	4	We got back around five and went to work camouflaging the launch using whatever vegetation and drift we could find .
tr	4	We were miserable and hot all , we could do , was make the best of the situation and try to rest or sleep .
tr	4	" I wish I could lay out some kind of decent option for you and Joyce but frankly there aren 't any .
tr	4	Honey if we aren 't back by daylight pack up as much food and water as you can carry and start walking north .
tr	4	Travel at night its cooler ; try to get as far North as possible , there 's a good chance Pisces will find you .
tr	4	" GW I don 't want to sound like a wuss but I really think it 's time we went home . "
tr	4	I took Connie in my arms and said , " No man 's ever been granted a more perfect partner in life .
tr	4	She sobbed , " GW I know you always keep your promises , promise me you 'll come back . "
tr	4	I thought to myself of all the promises I had ever made this was the one I most dearly wished to keep .
tr	4	We settled down and waited for the partygoers to pass out and mused on who they were having for dinner tonight .
tr	4	For a second , I felt we had been discovered but when I looked toward the fire saw a great deal of commotion .
tr	4	It was one of the most bizarre sights I had ever witnessed , and provided added incentive for us to affect our escape .
tr	4	Someone had gone to the trouble of fitting the engine with an auxiliary panel , and it now came in handy .
tr	4	I could tell by the dense black smoke the fire had gained a foothold and fiberglass was beginning to burn .
tr	4	The boats were packed together like sardines and with any luck it would keep the whole crew busy battling the fire .
tr	4	Even in the dark the white launch made a conspicuous sight , I could hear Skipper barking as I swung alongside .
tr	4	It took a couple of hours of fumbling in the dark before we managed to get them bent on and trimmed .
tr	4	I figured we had pissed off a goodly number of people and Aruba would be one of the first places they 'd start looking .
tr	4	I was sure they were likely better sailors then we were and I wanted to avoid a running battle if at all possible .
tr	4	I was hoping there would be a vat or cistern on one of the smaller islands we could draw from .
tr	4	It was a trip of four hundred miles , we were averaging five knots I figured it would require a passage of four days .
tr	4	Sam caught enough fish for a good meal ; we splurged firing up the generator to run the electric stove .
tr	4	Connie and Joyce did their best baking them but without seasoning they made a bland meal , still nobody complained .
tr	4	We played around with the ketch until we had a fair idea of how she handled under different points of sail .
tr	4	The morning of the fourth day we approached one of the smaller cays I had picked out hoping it was uninhabited .
tr	4	It soon became evident this had been a private vacation island of the rich and infamous , most likely some drug cartel .
tr	4	We came across several cisterns and vats , only two or three of which could be considered useable as drinking water .
tr	4	They had made themselves at home in one of the best preserved houses , the air conditioning already cooling it down .
tr	4	Connie said , " GW you won 't believe this , but there 's a pantry stuffed full of can goods . "
tr	4	I said , " Guys better enjoy it while you can , tomorrow we 'll start stocking the boat . "
tr	4	Connie and I said good night and went back to break in the ketch as Joyce and Sam elected to stay in the house .
tr	4	It was a shame for it was one of the larger homes on the island and we hadn 't yet explored it .
tr	4	I surmised the fire had stared from a faulty electrical circuit or maybe an appliance which had been left on .
tr	4	We hung around watching until we were satisfied the fire wasn 't going to spread then went back to bed .
tr	4	I took a look and sure enough there was a hose bib , Sam turned it on and water came gushing out .
tr	4	Great but we still had to know if it was from one of the good cisterns so Sam went to investigate .
tr	4	He walked in and said , " The dock waters from that good cistern next the little caretaker house . "
tr	4	" Look what I 've found , I bet it runs all the way out to the end of the dock . "
tr	4	Sam and I filled the boat while Joyce and Connie were busy making the rounds systematically looting every house of things we needed .
tr	4	Connie said , " We threw out a good bit of stuff some of the cans were rusted through or bulging . "
tr	4	The other was a virtual fortress made of reinforced concrete with a door suited more for a vault then a building .
tr	4	We searched for the key off and on for two days ; it was Joyce who found it in the caretaker 's kitchen drawer .
tr	4	I flipped on the light and in front of us was something far more valuable than drugs or money , food .
tr	4	As I had told Connie , I decided to rename the ketch , at present it was Neptune 's Pride .
tr	4	I found a dual action air sander and removed the name on the transom board then put on fresh coats of varnish .
tr	4	Besides the vault several of the houses had extensive supplies of liquor , I caught Sam bringing a case of Crown Royal on board .
tr	4	Joyce gave Sam a dirty look and he handed her a bottle and marched off the boat with the rest .
tr	4	I said , " Before you go casting stones , didn 't I see you and Connie lugging crates of wine aboard . "
tr	4	Finally , we shut down the generator , which had in large part contributed to making this truly our little , Fantasy Island .
tr	4	Connie said , " I can 't believe you were going to leave little Deer all alone on the dock . "
tr	4	We watched our Fantasy Island grow smaller until it vanished from sight , just a small cloud marking its location .
tr	4	The ketch had been federally documented , but I was sure the owners , who once called her home , were no longer alive .
tr	4	I had worked out the watch schedule , it allowed each couple to spend time together and we could all share breakfast and supper .
tr	4	With the current and wind both working in our favor calculations put us in Belize after a leisurely four or five days of cruising .
tr	4	I soon came to realize it all made sense and provided a logical explanation of how the earth and life evolved .
tr	4	It differed vastly form old world beliefs yet had risen to be a powerful influence before suddenly collapsing leaving nothing but unanswered questions .
tr	4	I wrote him a note and while we waited , I kept the officers entertained with tales of our adventures .
tr	4	The three of us rode down Fort Street and over the swing bridge then down Regent to the old British Governors Mansion .
tr	4	All traffic was either by foot , mule cart or bicycle even without cars and trucks the streets seemed to bustle with activity .
tr	4	I felt better knowing I had made the right decision still we received paperwork allowing us free reign within the country .
tr	4	We shopped at the market for fresh produce then went on to a bakery for of all things sweet brown bread .
tr	4	Belize had never stopped using its currency so Claude had lent us fifty bucks in exchange for a promise of some of our booze .
tr	4	I arrived at Government House fifteen minutes early and at two sharp there was a call from the radio operator .
tr	4	" Rumor has it someone torched the Venezuelan Navy you didn 't have anything to do with that did you ? "
tr	4	Still I 'm tickled everyone 's all right , send me a full report when you get aboard Pisces , over and out . "
tr	4	I said Sam , " You 'll go down in history as the man who single-handedly destroyed the entire Venezuelan Navy . "
tr	4	We , on the other hand , had been conserving our battery waiting for a light so we could respond .
tr	4	Bright wasn 't completely happy with my decision , but I wasn 't about to take no for an answer .
tr	4	I said , " Not so fast Jim we 've been passing command of this damn thing back and forth like a hot potato .
tr	4	I was hoping Allan would concede and let Jim take over Pisces for I couldn 't bring myself to abandon Homeward Bound .
tr	4	Get settled in we 'll go over everything tomorrow I have something for you which should be right down your ally .
tr	4	At the little reception , that evening Abe Gully and Chad were hungry for details , especially about Puerto Rico and Venezuela .
tr	4	He said , " You 've taken everything I 've thrown at you and you 're still on your feet . "
tr	4	" George , I want you to become a roving ambassador and follow up on the contacts you made in the last few months .
tr	4	You 'll retain your rank and receive full support and resources , in other words , you will be given carte blanche .
tr	4	Sam should be an asset ; anyone , who can defeat a whole navy single-handed , is always good to have around .
tr	4	" GW , don 't feel bad , I see why you find it so hard to refuse Allan and never turn him down .
tr	4	" Allan 's right , you 've changed history and I can 't see you quitting without finishing the job .
tr	4	We were handed the line that the American worker had become too arrogant , lazy , and unions a detriment to productivity .
tr	4	China , the sleeping giant , soon took notice , awakened , and quickly raced to the head of the pack .
tr	4	People who had for years nervously watched their resources dwindle and options shrink once again were lured into the financial markets .
tr	4	Financial markets became increasingly convoluted as a once great economy attempted to maintain its world position solely by manipulating paper .
tr	4	Americans , who had watched their incomes shrink over the years , were quick to jump on the housing bandwagon .
tr	4	For a few years the topic of conversation in the groups to which I was privy centered on how much property values were increasing .
tr	4	Like a house of cards , the markets collapsed bringing on a recession which threatened to eclipse even the Great Depression .
tr	4	Somewhere in the early seventies things changed , farmers for the first time in decades had a couple of banner years .
tr	4	This marked the beginning of the end for both the small family farm and hometown banking as we had known it .
tr	4	Many of the banks in our area began to look toward commercial real estate investment instead of making personal or farm loans .
tr	4	Borrowing money was no longer a matter of trust , and those loans , which were granted , were increasingly sold to third parties .
tr	4	Most major banks have become so entangled with the financial markets that even regulators are hard pressed to make distinctions .
tr	4	It was touted as helping companies raise capital and grow and to provide the holder with a tidy nest egg for the future .
tr	4	I now view the selling of stock in a company as something akin to selling off little pieces of your soul .
tr	4	There have always been sharks in the financial waters ; unlike the average investor , these guys are cold-blooded predators .
tr	4	They make their living watching , alert to any weakness , and ready to swoop down on some fat hapless company .
tr	4	Every time we turn to Wall Street , all , they do , is look for new and creative ways to screw us .
tr	4	Take off the suits and ties people , roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty doing an honest day 's toil .
tr	4	As with all isms , it has its limitations and must be managed to some degree least it get out of hand .
tr	4	They completely lack the wisdom , vision , moral fortitude , flexibility , and especially the common sense necessary to solve complex problems .
tr	4	It 's disgusting , a blatant betrayal of the public trust , and in every sense of the word just dog gone wrong .
tr	4	It is about time we begin to see lobbyists for what they really are , just out-and-out varmints perverting the course of democracy .
tr	4	News is riddled with the catch phrases such as we 'll show you , we 'll take you , or we 'll tell you .
tr	4	Without really being aware , major news organizations through their own volition have evolved into nothing more than propaganda machines .
tr	4	People associate propaganda with the likes of Goebbels , Stalin , or Tokyo Rose as the telling of gross untruths , not so !
tr	4	Journalists should act like human beings , if you want to be truly neutral then program a computer to do the news .
tr	4	Journalists need to remain independent and fair-minded , yet they have an overriding obligation be the watchdogs for their subscribers .
tr	4	" Kentucky 's state motto United We Stand Divided We Fall " pretty well sums up my feelings on the matter .
tr	4	It is one of the most misrepresented , egregious and reprehensible treaties ever to be rammed down the throats of the American public .
tr	4	It appears to have created little difficulty between Canada and the US as we operate on a more or less level playing field .
tr	4	It will become another industry of jobs Americans don 't want as they can no longer afford to work in the trucking industry .
tr	4	If you wouldn 't be comfortable bringing these people into your home then why bring them into your country , is there a difference ?
tr	4	Let 's start by scaling borders down to a size we can more clearly understand , to that of the average American home .
tr	4	It 's your property , you pay the mortgage , and taxes , you maintain , improve , and protect it .
tr	4	Scale it back up to the size of our country and there is absolutely no difference with just this exception .
tr	4	We have to decide if we want to maintain a viable country or just exist on an undefined piece of dirt .
tr	4	There should be no amnesty offered it is an affront to those patiently waiting around the world to legally immigrate to this country .
tr	4	Deport any individual who is discovered residing in this country illegally using whatever means it takes if that includes so-called profiling so be it .
tr	4	Human beings rely on profiling , it is a basic innate survival strategy employed even by infants and is enhanced by life long learning .
tr	4	For the last forty years , this Country has been ravaged by many of the unprincipled individuals we have elected .
tr	4	We need to get this done quickly for if Mexico were to become a failed state there will be pandemonium along the border .
tr	4	We have squandered our blood and treasure for zero gain in our attempts at selling our brand of democracy around the world .
tr	4	Business Ethics I have worked for multinational corporations , small , and even very small businesses as well as being self-employed .
tr	4	I have watched two of my favorite corporations International Harvester and General Motors go from being giants to virtually disappearing .
tr	4	The companies will tell you that it was the intransigence of their workforce that led them to lose competitiveness in their respective markets .
tr	4	I remember the NADA guide for a year old G.M. diesel car it read ; deduct 50 % for Diesel .
tr	4	When they did manage to come up with an innovative idea , it was dropped instead of refining and working out the bugs .
tr	4	As the Japanese steadily advanced , we , who were still loyal , waited patently for G.M. to come to its senses .
tr	4	Any entity , which is allowed to do so , will stifle all competition and innovation which is counter productive in a capitalist system .
tr	4	We are all wrapped up in this together , making , selling and servicing just to have a better life .
tr	4	Modern technology has enabled us to thwart many of nature 's safeguards and to continue with the growth of world population unabated .
tr	4	Unless we take immediate steps to address the population issue , we may well be faced with a bleak future .
tr	4	We have to find some solution to our innate proclivity to procreate and to limit world population to a level of sustainability .
tr	4	She can , as once deprived of our technological advantage we are one of the easiest creatures on earth to eradicate !
tr	4	Wouldn 't it be preferable for us to come to grips before Mother Nature acts for she rarely grants mercy when she does ?
tr	4	It brings to mind a tale I once heard ; The Roman Senate spent weeks debating on how many teeth had a horse .
tr	4	This model of adult supervision eroded over the years replaced by instructional law , children were taught to view all adults as predators .
tr	4	The kid refused mom gave her a swat on the bottom and made her put the boxes back on the shelf .
tr	4	School systems became bloated bureaucracies more concerned with their own welfare and the education of children soon became a distant second .
tr	4	They began to consolidate power closing small community schools and busing kids miles away from home to become just one among thousands .
tr	4	Elementary schools should be local and small enough that kids have the opportunity to become familiar with all their fellow students .
tr	4	This gives them the opportunity to learn about the people around them , to form friendships , and understand individual personalities without being overwhelmed .
tr	4	Schools can again become an integral part of a child 's life and a positive force , which helps to bind a community together .
tr	4	The old adage " Those who can do , those who can 't teach " unfortunately is in all too many cases true .
tr	4	Teaching should be recognized for what it is one of the most important and crucial occupations in the entire world .
tr	4	I can think of absolutely nothing else under the sun that tends to generate more return on investment than education .
tr	4	There is a group at the top that sees nothing wrong with turning America once again into a peasant society .
tr	4	There needs to be an emphasis placed on humanities both grade , and high school education should be steeped in the liberal arts .
tr	4	Expose children and inculcate within them an appreciation for the finer things in life , broaden their horizons and inculcate manners and civility .
tr	4	Let children see history as it was understood at the time it was made so they have an understanding of how views have progressed .
tr	4	I would much rather know someone who understands and shows interest in the world around them than someone who excelled only in AP Calculus .
tr	4	It shows that for all our gains there are clearly some aspects where humankind exhibits less intelligence than the animals around it .
tr	4	Who would have even guessed that the next world war would again be fought over religion and yet it most likely will be ?
tr	4	Liberals and Conservatives alike are quick to wield it like a weapon accusing one group or another of being intolerant .
tr	4	If you treat me fairly , bare me no ill will nor tend toward doing me mental or physical harm you are within tolerance .
tr	4	Energy I love energy ; it has allowed the human race to advance to the point we have reached today .
tr	4	It makes no difference whether its wood , coal , oil , thermal , wind , hydro , solar or what have you .
tr	4	It is not only demeaning to us as a nation but may in the end prove to be our undoing .
tr	4	Case in point I observed a group of environmentalists studying the deleterious effects man had inflicted on the St , Johns River .
tr	4	The time has come to examine and remodel the current system that has remained much unchanged since the dark ages .
tr	4	This will go hand in hand with the increase in new technicians both of which can be mass-produce without sacrificing quality .
tr	4	Pharmaceutical companies need to concentrate on getting things right instead of paying doctors to push pills just to maximize profit .
tr	4	The modern pharmaceutical industry cares not whether it does good or harm just so that its makes a huge profit .
tr	4	We keep touting that we have the best healthcare in the world when in fact everyone knows it 's a bald faced lie .
tr	4	In the current climate , I no longer qualify for membership in the Republican Party , I am branded a RINO .
tr	4	I see nothing wrong in doing this as it is every nation 's duty to guard the well being of its citizens .
tr	4	Laws and Lawmakers We are a nation of laws , Local , State , Federal we elect representatives to draft and enact them .
tr	4	We have made great strides and tried countless variations yet the ideal system even today still manages to elude us .
tr	4	I have always been led to believe our democracy is of the people , by the people , and for the people .
tr	4	We used to rely on a close knit family structure , churches , community , and a national sense of pride to accomplish this .
tr	4	I think that in the moral area of the human experience there does exist to some extent a struggle between good and evil .
tr	4	We need to once again concentrate on what 's good for each other as a whole instead of just self .
tr	4	We should have ideals and strive to live up to them , even though we know that we will never fully succeed .
tr	4	It directly addresses the important question of who we are as a species , and our presence and purpose on Earth .
tr	4	This theory is directed solely at answering an all-important question yet it may also give a measure of hope to the human race .
tr	4	Everyday day we are bombarded by news of the horrors humans have inflicted on some species , the planet , or ourselves .
tr	4	Yet I have always been an optimist and felt that man wasn 't merely dumped here to do his own thing so to speak .
tr	4	I instead worked from the premise that logic dictates , that we like all other creatures have evolved to fill a particular niche .
tr	4	I was intrigued years ago by the Gaia Hypothesis ( James Lovelock 1979 ) it seemed extremely logical to me .
tr	4	We are the only species with the skills necessary to detect , track and possibly develop the capability to divert these objects .
tr	4	Every organism has developed some means of protection yet none of these proved effective against an incoming meteorite or comet .
tr	4	It is a prime directive of nature , but one she has been unable to fulfill until the evolution of man .
tr	4	We have reached the cusp of the exploration of or solar system and about to reach out to other planets .
tr	4	We have begun to ascertain for ourselves as well as for her what lies in our solar system and beyond .
tr	4	If life is to survive and thrive in such hostile enviroments , it will be necessary for it to adapt .
tr	4	In order to give greater meaning and clarity to the reader I portray Nature as a conscious being which in fact she is not .
tr	4	Rather she is more likely subtlety embedded within the genome of all creatures and working in ways that are not yet identifiable or understood .
tr	4	Primitive senses evolved organisms still had no concept of intelligence yet within them there developed the seed of the thing we call Nature .
tr	4	For hundreds of millions of year 's life , continued to evolve creatures honing their skills yet full consciousness eluded them .
tr	4	There had been mass extinctions before they were reoccurring and to say the least very inconvenient , this presented a big problem for Nature .
tr	4	Biotic Response This along with similar events of extinction provided the impetus and nature began to tackle the problem , what to do ?
tr	4	If only she could take one of her life forms and gradually force and coax it into becoming capable of thwarting the next threat .
tr	4	Even at full throttle , there might not be time to avert the next big event but it was worth a try .
tr	4	She showed little mercy as she forced him to work hard and to exploit every aspect of his environment for his very survival .
tr	4	Nature through design or accident kept man from being very good at all the things his fellow creatures could excel in .
tr	4	Nature even went so far as to deprive this miserable creature of a luxurious fur coat to provide him protection from the elements .
tr	4	What hair he did possess presented more of a nuisance as it harbored unpleasant critters and needed to be cut and groomed ?
tr	4	Finally , he began to venture out of Africa and encountered new and numerous hardships requiring him to become ever more creative and resourceful .
tr	4	This species still had no idea of why it was here , only realizing that in many ways it was becoming unique .
tr	4	In truth , Nature isn 't a religious force at least not in the role we would wish her to be .
tr	4	This transition , as it takes place , may well be responsible for the turmoil we find ourselves experiencing today .
tr	4	Nature unleashed and no longer bound by the constraints imposed by ordinary evolution is free to explore multitudes of new avenues .
tr	4	When we are finally successful think of what a coup it will be not just for humans , but for Nature as a whole .
tr	4	As our reward , she is poised to give man her most precious resource , the creation of life both biological and mechanical .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	He was seen heading in the direction of the night star and that was the last they knew or ever heard of him .
tr	4	It was still dark , still quite a while before the sun came up over the tree canopy to the east .
tr	4	" We need meat , at least that will get him out of here for a while with my father . "
tr	4	He lay back on his mat looking up into the gloom of the rafters through the faint haze of smoke from the morning fire .
tr	4	His final thought being , " we 're short of meat and I won 't be hunting today , " then the darkness .
tr	4	Within fifteen minutes it was all over , the visitors splitting up and ensuring that no one was left alive ... ... .
tr	4	The jungle looked on , came back to life and began its work of recovering what had always been its own .
tr	4	It had been a long , relatively quiet night , Trooper Jennings looked at the clock on the wall for the twentieth time .
tr	4	He knew why he had been detached of course , his Malay was excellent and he had an aptitude for Troop logistics .
tr	4	Jennings stood up , stretching his back , thinking about breakfast and a shower , not that the water ever got cold .
tr	4	Fair haired , a chin that receded more than he liked and a moustache he 'd been trying to grow for weeks .
tr	4	Probably won 't get to talk to them for another week or so when they slog out so no help there .
tr	4	Her skin was much lighter than he expected and her features more Eurasian than the Mongol , more typical of her tribe .
tr	4	" Thank you Captain but you might prefer to call me Gema it 's so much less of a mouthful . "
tr	4	She told him of the coming of the missionaries and how her parents had sent her north to learn a new life .
tr	4	Mudd at attention in front of his desk , he hadn 't even heard him come in , his boots being so quiet .
tr	4	It 's pretty much like the rest of central Borneo except more hilly , " said Mudd smiling at the memory .
tr	4	trying to leave no sign , no chance of re-supply , normal day at the office , " he said laughing .
tr	4	We inserted ' A ' team over a month ago but there 's no talking to them for the time being .
tr	4	If you do go in you could take them along ... ... sort of give ' em a test drive so to speak .
tr	4	Gema was almost glowing in front of him , her skin and jet black hair set off by the bright green blouse ... . .
tr	4	The only thing they haven 't done is blame any specific unit , " she looked down at her hands .
tr	4	" There 's something she 's not telling me , " thought Mason , " but now is not the time .
tr	4	It 's obvious they 're using it to incite the Muslims and get them onside plus as a tool to spread propaganda . "
tr	4	Once you get an idea of the location it might pay us to send a team in for a recce . "
tr	4	He was down in that area a few months ago , tells me it 's not exactly his favorite part of the country . "
tr	4	asked Mason , " we 've been looking all over for you and your team , couldn 't find a bloody soul . "
tr	4	For jungle warfare they might be really good but we don 't know yet what sort of foliage deflection we might get .
tr	4	We 'll use the one we use for reconnaissance , it 's got the extra fuel tanks , they 'll probably need 'em .
tr	4	If that doesn 't work we 'll have to insert a Border Scout Team see if they can figure things out .
tr	4	If it 's not hot we could rope in , damn sight easier than slogging in from a few miles out .
tr	4	" Sounds good to me sir , if it 's OK with you I 'll take the normal fire team ... .
tr	4	* That evening he picked Gema up at her flat down by the water and they walked on the beach .
tr	4	Even now I 'm not too keen on them but it 's expected ... ... ... ... ... ... . .
tr	4	She ran ahead of him , sure footed on the uneven footing , shoes , dangling by the straps , in her hand .
tr	4	She reached up and , taking his head in her hands , drew it down to where her neck joined her shoulder .
tr	4	Nothing exists on earth other than this girl , with the wide open eyes , standing in front of him .
tr	4	We hung around for as long as fuel allowed but never saw a soul , I think it 's a good bet sir .
tr	4	I 'm sure my boys will be delighted with the intel , " said Mason , " do you have any photos ? "
tr	4	Mason smiled , it was still hard for him to accept the total lack of customary military discipline with the troopers .
tr	4	The group laughed at Mason 's casual approach , understanding that he was making light of putting them in harm 's way .
tr	4	Harry , you take the M16 too , you can 't hit anything beyond a couple of hundred yards anyway .
tr	4	Three hundred rounds a man plus an extra two hundred for Robbie and I , grub and water for two weeks .
tr	4	" OK gentlemen , " said the Captain , " take off is 0400 hundred hours the day after tomorrow .
tr	4	" Bet you 're glad you got the Bren , Robbie , " said Harry cackling as they left the office .
tr	4	It was the one shot Wilkinson had managed when he made his last and very low pass over the site .
tr	4	Scattered across the red , brown earth were bodies , like discarded dolls , bloated already by the searing daytime heat .
tr	4	She was dressed in her usual long black skirt , white blouse and sandals and invited him into her sparsely furnished flat .
tr	4	" I 've been expecting you , " she said , " we are worlds apart you and I , more than you know .
tr	4	We are both here , at this point in time , neither one of us in the country we know .
tr	4	I am here because my parents want something better for me and the missionaries convinced them to do what they did .
tr	4	" I understand Gem , I have questions too but you have all the time in the world to answer .
tr	4	He wasn 't stupid , he knew the challenges for them would be huge not the least of them being the Army .
tr	4	" Deal with that when we get to it , " he thought , " there 's no other way . "
tr	4	He spent the rest of the morning going over the duty watch reports of the previous night 's radio traffic .
tr	4	Gema just stood there in the middle of the office , her shoulders heaving as she struggled to control herself .
tr	4	In the middle of the front page a photograph of a burnt out Longhouse with bodies strewn on the earth in front of it .
tr	4	Mason had driven her back to her flat offering to stay with her but she preferred to be on her own .
tr	4	~ ~ ~ Chapter 3 The Yorkshire Codes 0330 hours the Team gathered in the ready room , all business now .
tr	4	" He bloody better , " muttered Downer , " we 've too much crap to be humping through the bush . "
tr	4	" Remember , " said Mudd , " this is a covert recce , no fire unless as a last resort . "
tr	4	The green light flashed on and the four of them , in unison , jumped into the beginning dawn light .
tr	4	the river , now discernible winding away to the south , the light green of the cultivated padi visible in the bend .
tr	4	Robbie with the Bren and Mudd with the FLN immediately take up defensive positions eyes sweeping the compound in front of them .
tr	4	It looks as though we need to be off to the left about half way down , set up in the tree line .
tr	4	In front of him , at the foot of the ladder , a bloated body crumpled on the red earth .
tr	4	Not a sound save for the snuffling of the feeding boar in the underbrush and the normal jungle sounds in the canopy above .
tr	4	" I 'm still not confident we 're on our own here , " he whispered to the group gathered close .
tr	4	He knew however that , if anyone slipped through , the macaques in the canopy would let him know ... . .
tr	4	" OK , that 's enough of this , " he thought , " time to get out of here . "
tr	4	Natives that happily lived here , totally isolated from the rest of the world , the jungle and the river providing all their needs .
tr	4	Robbie I want you to stay in here with the Bren , you 've got a good field of fire .
tr	4	Peter ... you and I are going to recce the whole area from here to the river , see anything unusual sing out .
tr	4	" At least we 're in the dry season , " said Peter , " not that it helped them too much . "
tr	4	You could still see the marks where the boats had been dragged up onto the mud embankment ... ... more photos .
tr	4	" When I 've finished photographing pick a bunch up and we 'll take them back with us , " muttered George .
tr	4	They buried the two bodies in a shallow communal grave , gathering rocks to create a small marker and committed them to their maker .
tr	4	Harry fired up the radio , triggered the send button and whispered , " Leeds United ... ... Leeds United . "
tr	4	said Robbie , " if they didn 't know we were here before they sure as hell know now , time to go ! "
tr	4	He kicked his brogues off , onto the hallway tray , and hung his damp raincoat up in the closet .
tr	4	It was really only after Gema got that terrific job were they able to handle the mortgage and Wendy 's school fees .
tr	4	It had stopped raining and the sun was trying to break through the clouds even though it was late in the day .
tr	4	" Wendy 's a stunner , " he thought to himself , " she 'll be fighting the blokes off at Cambridge . "
tr	4	We 're all close enough to the barracks to be able to socialize with some of the chaps still there .
tr	4	He hated it but it was something to do and he had ample opportunity to play golf when it took his fancy .
tr	4	He remembered ruefully the shit storm he 'd had when he 'd announced to his CO his intention to marry Gema .
tr	4	He , in turn , had threatened to resign his commission if that was what it was going to take .
tr	4	They 'd weathered the storm although Gema had had her problems once they returned to the barracks at Bradbury Lines .
tr	4	" I thought we 'd already agreed , " she said , " I 'm going to start dinner . "
tr	4	Gema was adamant though and , off and on , they 'd been chewing over it for over a month ... . .
tr	4	Dick often wondered if Gema agreed to marry him in order to get out of Sarawak or if she truly loved him .
tr	4	For twenty years he 'd harbored the fear that she was just going through the motions when they socialized with old comrades .
tr	4	Of course the ' old comrades ' didn 't help particularly if they 'd been posted in the Far East ... ... . .
tr	4	let 's not start this all over again , " she said , " just think of it as a holiday .
tr	4	From time to time she thought perhaps she was using Wendy but she 'd get plenty out of it too .
tr	4	She had been to many places with her mother but never to the Far East with a view to entering Kalimantan .
tr	4	" Where we are going , in a couple of days , is one of the last truly uncivilized places on earth .
tr	4	There are none of the things that you take for granted in your everyday life , it 's not even safe .
tr	4	Tomorrow we go shopping for you , jungle khakis , boots , headgear , a couple of changes plus a first aid kit .
tr	4	You 're going to need bug cream , a knife and a parang plus water bottles and backpacks for both of us .
tr	4	She thought back to the recent phone conversation she had had with Robbie McElroy , something that Dickie definitely did not know about .
tr	4	He was a small wiry man in shorts and tee shirt , parang tucked into a colorful sash around his waist .
tr	4	He replied , " Gema ... I have been watching this road now for over a week as instructed by Trooper Mac .
tr	4	" Try and get some sleep Wendy , " said her mother , " tomorrow we start the hard part . "
tr	4	She sat , cross legged , deliberately close to Wendy who was obviously trying to put on a brave face .
tr	4	We are to move off the road about a mile west then we are to turn south parallel to the road .
tr	4	They had become friends and soon after , Robbie had succeeded in getting him seconded to his group as permanent guide .
tr	4	Now I have small house , wife and food to eat , I have his six , " he said .
tr	4	You could see where the old padi fields had stood down by the river , overgrown now but you could tell the outline .
tr	4	I didn 't see a visitor , a stranger , until I was fifteen years old ... ... a missionary . "
tr	4	Taking a sighting from one of the end posts Gema turned east and began to push her way through the underbrush .
tr	4	She was obviously looking for something although what it could be , after so many years , Wendy had no idea .
tr	4	It was a large clearing in front of the house that was used for festivals and quite often where the children played .
tr	4	In Malay he said gently , " I guessed why we were coming here so I brought you this small gift . "
tr	4	Gema spread the blanket on the ground and kneeling on it said to Wendy , " come kneel with me . "
tr	4	She stayed there for almost an hour her mind casting back to another life , another time , marveling at what time had done .
tr	4	His drive had leaked a bit to the right and he was mulling over which iron to use on his approach shot .
tr	4	" Just let the club do the work and slow down , " had been his advice , he should know .
tr	4	What was most unusual in England was that he had a ' license to carry ' a function of the security services he provided .
tr	4	tee off , there 's people coming up behind us , you 're in some sort of lala land , " Harry almost whispered .
tr	4	George knew this was a jungle habit hard to get rid of and not uncommon with men who had served in Malaya and Borneo .
tr	4	he said affectionately , pulling his driver out of the bag , " we 're on the bloody golf course ! "
tr	4	The two friends played the next four holes in good time George just dropping the one shot on the eighteenth ... ... . .
tr	4	unusual for you to be home this time of year , usually you 're off gallivanting in some far off place . "
tr	4	It 's nice to be able to back off a bit at last but having Robbie in Brunei had made a huge difference . "
tr	4	" You know Harry we always used to say there are times when it 's better to be lucky than good .
tr	4	A police sergeant telling him that she probably didn 't even see it coming ... ... that it would have been quick ... . .
tr	4	Not remembering driving home but remembering walking through their house ... ... his house now ... ... Judy ' stuff ' all over .
tr	4	He 'd lost friends during his career and he 'd mourned them but death was a shadow that hung over them all .
tr	4	Not so long ago he had been approached by Shell Oil to provide security for their oil rigs in Brunei .
tr	4	Robbie McElroy , who was single , was promoted to General Manager Far East and was now living in Brunei ... ... .
tr	4	" Nope can 't say I have , " said George , " but I was talking to Ron Gurney the other day .
tr	4	If people are likely to come in from all over the place it should last more than a couple of days .
tr	4	He liked to be able to see the comings and goings , good habit , no nasty surprises that way .
tr	4	The nice thing about this club was that it was within walking distance of his store on the Kensington High Street .
tr	4	He 'd recently expanded his business onto the continent and now had a regular truck running from London to Amsterdam .
tr	4	He 'd thought of getting someone a lot younger , much prettier and perhaps killing two birds with one stone .
tr	4	He 'd also indulged himself recently and spent a stunning amount of money to join a golf club down in Richmond .
tr	4	On his head the blue of a Chelsea FC cap , over his shoulder a gym bag that had seen better days .
tr	4	I spoke to her yesterday , she 's settling in fine , at least she hasn 't asked for more money yet . "
tr	4	Wives or partners are invited to the dinner bit but not the tournament or to the barracks which is hardly surprising I suppose . "
tr	4	" You can say that again , " retorted Gema , " knowing the Regiment 's efforts at secrecy ... .
tr	4	" Bout a month from now , not much notice for the chaps that have to come a long way .
tr	4	" Looks like it , " said Gema , passing it over , " anything important or another bloody assessment .
tr	4	" Actually I 'm from Viet Nam originally but I 've been here so long I feel as though I was born here . "
tr	4	" I 'll come with you , " said Harry , " don 't like using the bushes with guests in tow .
tr	4	* The house was empty , Wendy away at Cambridge , Dick on the golf course with his army buddies .
tr	4	Things ' military ' had had a direct impact on her life ever since she was fifteen most of it not good .
tr	4	She remembered her father telling her before she left to live with the missionaries : " Gema everything changes and nothing changes .
tr	4	Driving out , via the parking lot to retrieve his golf clubs and clothing , he drove out of the airport and into Leeds .
tr	4	He wouldn 't drink alcohol even for the sake of the movement although he 'd been taught it was an excellent cover .
tr	4	" What a dump , " he thought , " hope I don 't have to wait much longer . "
tr	4	He was starting to feel conspicuous , sitting on his own , in a pub getting more raucous by the minute .
tr	4	Suddenly , standing in front of him , out of nowhere a nondescript oriental bloke in leather jacket and jeans .
tr	4	" For these tickets to the match tomorrow afternoon , " he pushed a pair of tickets across the grimy table .
tr	4	After checking in and after an excellent meal he settled in the lounge bar to while away the rest of the evening .
tr	4	" Soccer match tomorrow , round of golf at Moor Allerton on Sunday then pick up my car and head home on Monday . "
tr	4	He walked over to the barn , backed the car out and sat waiting for her , the car idling .
tr	4	She rummaged through the top drawer ... nothing but the usual stuff , pens , pencils , paper clips , his diary .
tr	4	A dozen photographs fell out onto the desk , the first a photo of a headless man lying in a pool of blood .
tr	4	She recognized the tattoos , the second the crumpled body of an old man lying at the foot of a ladder .
tr	4	The rest were general shots of the old village , the burnt out Longhouse , close ups of spent shells in the dirt .
tr	4	" I feel sick , " she murmured , " if it wasn 't so important to you I wouldn 't go .
tr	4	Her Silat training allowed her to control herself and all the tangled up emotions that would overcome her ... ... .
tr	4	She knew that the true trial was about to begin , tonight of all nights ... ... a Regimental Reunion ... ... . .
tr	4	Although they were not the last to arrive there were about a hundred men in the room most accompanied by their partners .
tr	4	I see Peter and Harry quite regularly as they play golf here quite often and of course I see George all the time .
tr	4	Outwardly she was polite to everyone ... the wife of Captain Richard Mason Retired ex Officer Commanding ' A ' Troop , 22 SAS .
tr	4	The following Wednesday he made his way to the Victoria Line and took the Tube to Brixton , the last stop on the line .
tr	4	He knew a dentist and an insurance agent , good family men with good businesses who , once entering the gym changed personas completely .
tr	4	Who was to know what they told their families when they showed up at home all bruised and battered ... ... ... .
tr	4	It satisfied a streak in him that he much preferred to the character he was obliged to display the rest of the time .
tr	4	Stay out of his way , he 'll get impatient particularly if the crowd starts to boo , then he 's toast . "
tr	4	The smartly dressed man , sitting in the crowd , on the dirty bench applauded and shouted with the rest of them .
tr	4	" He 's good , " he thought , " wouldn 't want to tangle with him on my own . "
tr	4	" I can , " said Avi , " but there 's a couple of reasons I don 't want to .
tr	4	" After you 've sent me the list you wait one week and then call the number I just gave you .
tr	4	Their new home was actually under construction down on the river , Thames House he thought it was going to be called .
tr	4	" I think you know everyone here except perhaps Jerry , " indicating a slim young colored man in blazer and regimental tie .
tr	4	On the one hand an agent for the Chinese on the other in business for himself probably unknown to the Chinese .
tr	4	They had taps on his home in St John 's Wood , the shop in Kensington and the warehouse in Brixton .
tr	4	" Not quite sure yet , " he replied , " I 'll probably know better in a week or so .
tr	4	Wei obviously has something going down with Avi so we 'll keep even closer tabs on them both until we know more .
tr	4	Keep me in the loop , my instincts are telling me something is going down we need to know about .
tr	4	" Let 's go in my office Dave ... ... grab a coffee ... if you can stand the stuff . "
tr	4	They settled comfortably in the Commander 's office , feet in front of the electric fire , sipping on the not so hot coffee .
tr	4	I tried to run some defense for you but the brass were insistent they teach you a bit of a lesson . "
tr	4	" Hey I 'm on your side in this , " said the Commander , " I 've known you too long .
tr	4	" For the time being yes but I 've a feeling this is going to spread all over the place .
tr	4	" Most of them are still around , if not active at least still close to what 's going on .
tr	4	I still have good friends in the SAS and the Parachute Regiment , if that 's what you 're asking ? "
tr	4	He was sitting in the snug in The Green Dragon on Broad St. just down the street from the Cathedral .
tr	4	A pert thirty year old complete with freckles , turned up nose and auburn hair cut in a page boy .
tr	4	" I was down to London for a couple of days , " he said ordering another pint for himself .
tr	4	The following morning he got to the office balancing a couple of Starbucks , one for him and one for Jennie ... . .
tr	4	" Du n no yet , " said Jennie , " apparently they 're having trouble identifying the bloke . "
tr	4	" Hope no one 's messing up the crime scene , " said David , " Forensics on the way ? "
tr	4	" Give us a chance to get a good look around then without them getting their knickers in a twist , " said David .
tr	4	" He 's in a bunker , on the fifth , close to the pond , four women in the group that found him .
tr	4	" That 'll make the grounds staff happy , " said David " a truck in the middle of the fairway . "
tr	4	" Stay where you are , " called Jennie , " I 'll let you know when to come down . "
tr	4	" First thing we need is an ID , " said David , " after that the time of death and the cause .
tr	4	" Well it 's a start , " said David , " let 's try and shake up Forensic Services on the prints . "
tr	4	" Well , they confirm his name is Harry Downer but then there 's a twist to the bloody thing , " said Jennie .
tr	4	" She 's bound to find out eventually , " he thought , " so I might as well tell her ... ... .
tr	4	Here in Hereford we 're surrounded by military bases so it seemed like a good place to put me out to grass .
tr	4	I 'm actually a Major in the Parachute Regiment but not active , been part of the Task Force for quite a while .
tr	4	The listener in the truck at the end of the street logged the time of the call and picked up his mobile .
tr	4	I 'm going to be up over your way sometime in the next few days want to get together for a beer ? "
tr	4	" Sounds great Frankie , meet me at the Tudor House Hotel in Market Drayton next Wednesday it 's not too far from here .
tr	4	" Obviously there 's something going down although we 've no idea what it might be , " said Jennie .
tr	4	You 're probably worried about the Official Secrets Act but we are both cleared at that level so you may speak freely . "
tr	4	He really regretted having to retire but he knew he was getting a little old for that sort of thing .
tr	4	You go talk to this Mudd chap and I 'll meet you in the pub tonight and we 'll share notes . "
tr	4	" You 'd better call me on my mobile then because Tern Hill is a bit of a drive , " she replied .
tr	4	She had an appointment to see George Mudd at the old manor house and he 'd given her easy instructions for getting there .
tr	4	" This place cost a bob or two , " she thought getting out of the car in the gravel forecourt .
tr	4	Approximately six feet , tanned and extremely fit , didn 't look as though he had any fat on him at all .
tr	4	" Please come in , " he said , " make yourself at home , don 't mind the dogs . "
tr	4	As I 'm certain you already know we were part of ' C ' Squadron 22 SAS stationed in Kuching .
tr	4	He looked sad and tired as he spoke , he was obviously far more affected by the loss than he liked to make out .
tr	4	" I most certainly do , " said Mudd , " my team was Harry , Peter Brenner , Robbie McElroy and myself .
tr	4	Harry Downer dead and these two ex clerks obviously up to no good , somehow Tony Wei mixed up in the whole bloody thing .
tr	4	" I 'd appreciate knowing the cause of death as soon as you know , would you give me a ring ? "
tr	4	" There were four of them , all in the same fire team , seems like they went through a lot of crap together .
tr	4	Told me there 's ongoing petty theft out of the quartermaster 's stores but they can 't pin it on anyone specific .
tr	4	" Sorry this took so long , " a young sounding voice over the phone , " had us baffled for quite a while .
tr	4	OK , now this part is going to blow you away if you 'll excuse the pun ... ... . .
tr	4	" Okay , " said David , " we might as well release it but we 're both going to the funeral .
tr	4	She didn 't seem to call home that often ... ... in fact she only seemed to call when Gema was home .
tr	4	Gema just hadn 't been the same since the reunion , not that things had really been any good before .
tr	4	I 'm not suggesting we split up , I am suggesting some changes ... ... providing you agree ... . .
tr	4	although we 'd have to completely re-visit the issue if you find you can 't agree with my suggestion . "
tr	4	We can try your arrangement for a while and see how it goes , people are bound to find out though . "
tr	4	I think they 're talking to everyone that knew him , " Dickie offered , " anyway they 'll be in touch . "
tr	4	They had installed quite recently a new furnace , hot water heater and a phone line separate to the main house .
tr	4	It was the closest thing to home she 'd had since she 'd left home at the age of fifteen .
tr	4	who 's calling me at this stupid hour it 's my day off , " she said to the empty room .
tr	4	I called him yesterday to invite him down for a while , we were all very close in the old days .
tr	4	" Well they wouldn 't talk to me would they , " replied George , " other than they suspected foul play . "
tr	4	" That 's the trouble with the systems in this country , " said Jennie , " there 's no central information data base .
tr	4	David just sat there , looking thoughtful , gazing out of the window watching a mare with a late foal grazing in the paddock .
tr	4	said David laughing , " the problem is he seems to be tied in to other members of your old Troop in Sarawak . "
tr	4	Jennie noted that his manner seemed a lot lighter now as though getting some information had allowed him to make a decision .
tr	4	He stopped at a solid looking door and keyed a code into an electronic pad to one side of the door .
tr	4	" The walls are actually steel lined and there are separate humidity and temperature controls in here , " said George .
tr	4	The rest are functional but the ammo is locked up separately , " he said , nodding at a safe standing in the corner .
tr	4	" You could take someone 's head off with this thing quite easily , " said David thoughtfully , looking at Jennie .
tr	4	He 's either a cold fish , which I doubt somehow , or it 's just bottled up inside him . "
tr	4	As soon as we 're back in the station we must talk to West Yorks and get involved in the Peter Brenner thing .
tr	4	He was sufficiently concerned to tell Dick that he was going to call Robbie in Brunei and fill him in .
tr	4	he thought , " half of Mudd 's Sarawak team is dead no wonder he 's getting a bit itchy . "
tr	4	His new housekeeper , paid for by Gema , came into the room to stoke up the fire and check if he wanted anything .
tr	4	He still wasn 't used to having her around but it saved having to do his own cooking and bringing in a cleaner .
tr	4	She sat with her arms out in front of her , palms facing up towards the shadowy beams of the barn roof .
tr	4	" Tomorrow if that 's not inconvenient , " replied the Commander , " I 'll call you from the hotel . "
tr	4	The following day the Commander and David agreed to meet at the Bath Street Police Station rather than the Dragon .
tr	4	They gave me a hell of an argument , " he said laughing , " but I think it was all a front .
tr	4	" Could well be the case , " replied David , " but I think it goes a lot further than that .
tr	4	The problem is she is not associated with ' Security Services ' and we have taken this whole mess over .
tr	4	It would be a shame to cut her out of the picture , she 's a good copper with a lot of local knowledge .
tr	4	After the proper introductions and an explanation of what was going to happen and why , David continued with the ' other . '
tr	4	He also has access to information due to his very close ties with both the SAS and the Parachute Regiment .
tr	4	For Christ 's sake , when you think about it , he employs just about the equivalent of an entire SAS squadron !
tr	4	I 'm concerned he might bring his considerable assets to bear and take the law into his own hands . "
tr	4	He 's got it all bottled up inside of him , he might think he has little to lose . "
tr	4	" I think we should go with the latter , " said David , " and I 'm sure Jennie agrees .
tr	4	She 'd slept in and was reading the morning paper curled up on the couch still wearing just her tee shirt .
tr	4	" OK see you then , " he said sounding happy , " and don 't wear those red shoes ! "
tr	4	He pulled the silver Audi out into the center lane and accelerated by the old classic car without giving it a look .
tr	4	He parked close by and walked the rest of the way taking in the Elizabethan beamed buildings and cobbled streets .
tr	4	" Yes , Paddy me old friend , I 'm going to stay over and drive back in the morning .
tr	4	" That 's some serious fire power there Frank , " said Paddy , " not too difficult to get them off the base .
tr	4	" Not much else we can do really Sir , " said David , " other than continuing the surveillance .
tr	4	" You 're quite right of course , " replied the Commander , " how did it go with George Mudd ? "
tr	4	If the shit hits the fan later we can always plead ignorance and fall back onto our ' consultant ' understanding .
tr	4	He pointed the car towards Gloucester simply enjoying the driving of the car and being close to this woman in the passenger seat .
tr	4	Normally it took about an hour and a half from door to door but today he was in no hurry .
tr	4	Pulling into the parking lot of the gun club he was able to find a spot close to the clubhouse .
tr	4	" I didn 't tell you but I 'm on the board here so I kind of know what goes on .
tr	4	We 're close enough to the main highways to make it convenient yet far enough away for the noise bylaws to be a non-issue .
tr	4	They walked back to the clubhouse and leaving the shotguns on the rack by the door went to the range desk .
tr	4	" The wind has brought your freckles out , " he murmured , " and we 'll definitely come back .
tr	4	Dave was going to bring you up to speed but I kidnapped you down here before he had the chance .
tr	4	George got up and placed another log on the fire , it erupted in a shower of sparks and flame .
tr	4	One of the dogs rolled over with a grunt , legs straight up in the air , enjoying the heat .
tr	4	She was feminine , full of light and laughter but at the same time she could be a real tomboy .
tr	4	The only reason I kept this house was because I knew it would be what she would want ... . .
tr	4	after all that I still can 't believe Harry and Peter are gone , " he whispered his voice and face hardening .
tr	4	George promptly called David and brought him up to speed who in turn alerted the teams on the other three .
tr	4	Hope he does I 've got a good network there , remember I was in Northern Ireland for quite a while . "
tr	4	" We guessed right , " he said , " he got a bus in Larne and headed straight for Belfast .
tr	4	He was picked up at the bus station by a known Provo and they met two others in Victoria Square .
tr	4	We 've no idea what the meet was about , just keep giving them rope , they 'll hang themselves eventually . "
tr	4	They have a daughter up at Cambridge you know and Gema herself has a terrific job with a Translation Company .
tr	4	Look at the backs of her fingers when you see her up close , tiny tattoos that get done before they 're ten .
tr	4	She was comfortable here , comfortable with this man who seemed to have everything but in fact had very little .
tr	4	" She 's older than she looks , " thought Jennie , " she seems nervous though for some reason . "
tr	4	I 'm told you 're quite friendly with him and that you have in fact seen him recently in Sarawak . "
tr	4	" It 's not that she 's inscrutable , so to speak , it 's more that she never says anything .
tr	4	" I need to talk to Robbie anyway , why don 't you come over to the house tomorrow ? "
tr	4	" Not quite always , " she said , " but it 's been a long time since I haven 't . "
tr	4	They sat either side of the large partner 's desk in front of the window looking out over the paddock .
tr	4	The connection went through as though Robbie were just around the corner , Robbie 's strong Scottish burr coming through the speaker .
tr	4	Okay Robbie , " George cut in , " I want you to talk to Jennie here , answer all her questions please .
tr	4	The East Window , installed in 1320 and removed during the war for safekeeping , gravestones so old you could barely read the inscriptions .
tr	4	He wished it would snow this winter , it always seems quieter and more peaceful under a blanket of snow .
tr	4	In 1245 King Henry the Third granted a charter to the church to hold a weekly market just off the church property .
tr	4	The guide continued : " In the early twentieth century lay people got more and more involved in the life of the Church .
tr	4	Essential you arrive on Wednesday the eleventh of December , that 's market day and you won 't be noticed .
tr	4	" If we put it in the hallway by the front entrance we could go to twenty feet or so , " said Jennie .
tr	4	They have this friendly competition with some of the other bases in the region as to who can collect the most gifts . "
tr	4	" Doesn 't help us too much if we don 't know what that business is , " said the Commander .
tr	4	" I hear what you 're saying , " said Jennie , " but who 's to say it 's not a woman ? "
tr	4	Nice looking place , obviously an old farmhouse with the barn behind her on the other side of the cobbled yard .
tr	4	On top of that I 've never seen Mr. Mason over there either , it 's as though it 's off limits .
tr	4	George , lying stretched out on the couch , stroking the back of her neck affectionately answered , " not absolutely sure yet .
tr	4	I know Dickie is coming and probably Wendy if she comes down from Cambridge but Dick wasn 't sure about Gema for some reason .
tr	4	" She 's an enigma , " said Jen as though talking to herself , " I 've only met her the once .
tr	4	She lives her own life , seems to dote on her daughter , obviously has her own source of income ... ... .
tr	4	~ ~ ~ Chapter 23 Charity and the Church Wednesday was market day , had been for over seven hundred years .
tr	4	They were all staying in different hotels and bed and breakfasts , all within walking distance of the center of town .
tr	4	Much of the garrison was already on extended Christmas leave and one entire Company was down on the Brecon Beacons training with 22 SAS .
tr	4	This left the base very thinly manned , a few of the RAF personnel as Clive was also home to a helicopter training squadron .
tr	4	Even Paddy had double duty over the holiday not only being responsible for the Quartermaster Stores but also the armory .
tr	4	Ensuring that everyone had left the building he took half the toys out of one hamper and stacked them into the other four .
tr	4	Using the keys , entrusted to him , he accessed the armory through the steel door leading down to the well lit basement .
tr	4	Unlocking the security chains he took the four automatic weapons and buried them underneath the toys in the fifth hamper .
tr	4	" George says there 'll be eight or nine of us but he didn 't know about Gema Mason , " said Jennie .
tr	4	" I asked him about Gema he just mumbled something about not even knowing where she was or when she would be home .
tr	4	He was far enough away from the main road as to be almost invisible providing a police car didn 't patrol through here .
tr	4	He was waiting for 0400 hours , that hour when most people are truly asleep and people who should be awake are half asleep .
tr	4	On the hour he pulled on his gloves and removed the bulbs from the lights in the interior of the van .
tr	4	" There 's no way they 're out here , " he thought , " so much for my fifty , fifty chance . "
tr	4	Over on one side a large aisle had been created specifically to park the five large laundry hampers loaded with toys .
tr	4	He quickly unloaded the toys to reveal the guns and ammunition below and started to transfer everything to his van parked outside .
tr	4	The family accommodation area and service centers were a short walk from the service buildings on the other side of the highway .
tr	4	An Irish Company was still training down in Herefordshire with the 22 SAS and most of the remaining personnel were on extended Christmas leave .
tr	4	The driver got out , rummaged in the back of the van for his tools and proceeded to change his left front wheel .
tr	4	It took better than forty minutes to throw up road blocks on all the major arteries in and around the base and Market Drayton .
tr	4	Jennie chipped in , " But surely your team knows what it 's doing , they haven 't lost him before ... . .
tr	4	Within weeks the base of the 1st Battalion Irish is bombed , two Troopers are killed and weapons are stolen out of the armory .
tr	4	" If I was planning a strike like that I would do it with six to eight people ... ... no more .
tr	4	~ ~ ~ Chapter 25 Ask no questions get no lies One of the oldest pubs in Belfast is White 's Tavern .
tr	4	He thought there might have been more people in being so close to Christmas although it was a bit early .
tr	4	" We 'd like you to come with us , pay your tab and just walk out with us . "
tr	4	The three of them got into the car parked at the curb , the driver pulled out into the traffic .
tr	4	" Sit down John , " said the cultured one nodding his head towards one of the pine chairs at the table .
tr	4	He took the mug , poured the contents down the sink and sat down on the other side of the table .
tr	4	We really only have one question for you ... ... well more than one actually , " he was still quiet and polite .
tr	4	perhaps it was the same chap ... ... who knows ... ... so what do you have to say John ? "
tr	4	" You know I 'm really remiss , " said the courteous one , " I failed to introduce myself .
tr	4	" Okay John the moment of truth , firstly the names of the men with you at Tern Hill . "
tr	4	" Shhhh , " said Jimmy , " before you try to be rude again let me explain something to you .
tr	4	If he could be tied to the event he could be considered as guilty as if he had pulled the trigger himself .
tr	4	He had been complacent , he knew it and now the knot in his stomach was becoming a constant reminder .
tr	4	If caught and proven that he was indirectly involved in the Tern Hill affair none of the options were overly attractive .
tr	4	The more he thought about it the more his imagination ran riot , the more his stomach got into a knot .
tr	4	He was tempted to call Frank ... ... ... ... even drive up there but he knew either could be a mistake .
tr	4	No matter what one decision was made , both Jennings and Avi had to go and he would have to do it himself .
tr	4	Having come to a conclusion his stomach settled down and he could focus more on the details of the jobs at hand .
tr	4	His legs weren 't sore yet and he was still nowhere near the wall although he knew it was coming .
tr	4	He just got bored silly going round and round and much preferred jogging down by the river and the canal .
tr	4	Probably because of the time of year , coupled with it being close to Christmas , there weren 't many people out either .
tr	4	As he moved over to one side in order to pass , the runner in black moved over as if to block him .
tr	4	* Tony took a table in the dining room sitting with his back to the wall facing the entrance ... ... .
tr	4	" Just as well , " said Tony , " what do you want I 'm just having lunch ? "
tr	4	Frank told him that his order was ready and that he would be willing to deliver it the following Monday Dec 23rd .
tr	4	We 've also intercepted a call from Jennings to Tony Wei concerning some delivery to his Brixton warehouse on Monday .
tr	4	" Yes Sir , " George responded out of habit , " we have eyes constantly on all of them .
tr	4	at least get out of the way for a while ; Canada or the USA , they must be feeling pretty confident ! "
tr	4	Each of the four sat , quietly lost in their own thoughts , considering their potential part in what the Commander was proposing .
tr	4	" Fair bit of coordination required here , " mused David , " the separate groups will have to be taken down simultaneously .
tr	4	We don 't know how many villains we 're dealing with in Brixton so we 'd have to be prepared for the worst .
tr	4	Frankly , George , I wish I could use your people in Ireland but it 's out of the question .
tr	4	You 'll use the SAS Counter Terrorism team in North London , there are eight of them stationed there just for this purpose .
tr	4	I 'll give you a contact name of someone high enough up the ladder that you won 't have any problems .
tr	4	I 'd recommend we ignore the CO there he 's a real Colonel Blimp , just go with the officer commanding the military police .
tr	4	" Actually that might be a good thing , " answered the Commander , " added pressure can do nothing but help .
tr	4	" Well ... that 's the most activity we 've had in the last ten days , " said George .
tr	4	" Darn right , " replied George , " no point in running backwards and forwards all week is there ? "
tr	4	I don 't want to be treated as Lady of the Manor and I want to be involved in the household stuff ... ... .
tr	4	" You know this is too bloody complicated , " said the Commander , " too much going on at once .
tr	4	" You 've got to be kidding me , " replied the Commander , " what the bloody hell is going on ?
tr	4	Tell them to keep looking but keep it quiet until we give them the go ahead for an all out search . "
tr	4	The Command and Control center was , in fact , a completely nondescript fifty three foot trailer parked several blocks from the warehouse .
tr	4	Lines were open with the West Yorks Police , the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Military Police in Clive Barracks .
tr	4	The SAS Captain , sitting in a swivel chair in front of a console of screens and phones , turned to him .
tr	4	The police , in Yorkshire and Ireland , are all in place and are just waiting for the go ahead from us . "
tr	4	There 'll be two on the back door , two on the main entrance in the front and two on the dock doors .
tr	4	The Met is prepared to handle road blocks if necessary and will block all traffic as soon as we go in .
tr	4	There are only two people in the building , Tony Wei plus the driver that does the run to Amsterdam .
tr	4	An added bonus is that their truck is parked outside on the street , any requests or suggestions Commander ? "
tr	4	It was less than ten minutes before the black van pulled in off the main road , stopped and backed up to the dock .
tr	4	Jennings got out of the van , looked up and down the street and rang the bell by the side of the dock door .
tr	4	Jennings started to unload boxes that seemed to be heavy for their size , passing them to someone inside the building .
tr	4	Jennings closed the rear doors to the van , locked everything up and jumped up onto the dock without a word .
tr	4	From deep inside the building the muffled sound of three shots quickly followed by the quick chatter of an MP5 followed by quiet .
tr	4	" Roger that , " replied the Captain , " two men on each doorway immediately , no one in unless authorized by myself .
tr	4	All the same ... ... looks like two calibers ... ... about 5000 rounds in total I 'd estimate . "
tr	4	Two Irish Regiment troopers were killed in that job ... ... ... ... you two boys have a real problem ... . .
tr	4	It was as quiet and as unobtrusive as we could have it and no one got hurt ... ... ... ... . .
tr	4	All the Irish have been picked up , are in transit to London and are awaiting Her Majesty 's pleasure .
tr	4	By the way we found twenty thousand quid in small bills in a briefcase in Wei 's office ... ... . .
tr	4	David and Jennie are coming up to London next Friday to interview Tony Wei ... ... ... ... anybody anything to add ? "
tr	4	I suppose now I only have one thing to add at this stage of the proceedings ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .
tr	4	It was obvious that now the dogs were playing rather than working , chasing each other and rolling in the snow .
tr	4	Her world seemed grimy compared to this place , a world of crime , a world that often seemed ugly by comparison .
tr	4	He treated each one individually then turned towards the house , disappearing round the corner , heading for the back and the mud room .
tr	4	She turned back into the large room feeling at home and comfortable amongst the chintz covered couches and gleaming antique furniture .
tr	4	He gazed quietly into the flames of the fire , " but who was looking out for Harry and Peter ? "
tr	4	Jennie had moved over to the stereo and now the soaring sounds of the Guildford Choir filled the room with a traditional carol .
tr	4	I know you haven 't known each other for too long but it 's obvious to everyone that you belong together .
tr	4	I think what I 'm trying to say is that they would do anything for him ... ... ... . .
tr	4	Just a word to the wise ... ... ... ... ... ... " George came back into the room ... ... dogs in tow .
tr	4	" I haven 't seen Gema in a hell of a long time and I 've never met the daughter , " said Robbie .
tr	4	" I 've spoken to her a few times when I was helping her out on her trip with Wendy .
tr	4	" I see some gifts have mysteriously appeared under the tree , " said George , " one of them is bloody huge !
tr	4	They gathered round the tree , all eighteen feet of it , standing not quite touching the ceiling far above .
tr	4	" I 'll be wearing it tomorrow , " said Robbie " full dress tomorrow ... ... it 's Christmas Day . "
tr	4	" It 'll go wonderfully with my gift to you , " he said passing her a long box wrapped in Christmas paper .
tr	4	There 's a bit of a jurisdictional fight going on , the fact that it 's Christmas Eve doesn 't exactly help either .
tr	4	" I agree , " said George , " anyway it 's Christmas Day and we should just enjoy it .
tr	4	I 'm going to take the dogs out for a pee Robbie why don 't you come with me . "
tr	4	They walked out into the paddock , the bright moonlight lighting the way , the dogs tearing around , glad to be out .
tr	4	I 'm not comfortable with this at all ... ... ... put it down to my intuition , " said George .
tr	4	She showered and dressed in a tweed skirt complemented by an emerald green silk blouse that accented her auburn hair and green eyes .
tr	4	I look like the bloody lady of the manor she thought eyeing herself in the full length mirror maybe I should wear something else .
tr	4	" You look magnificent , " said George , " all you need is a Claymore and you 'd be the perfect warrior . "
tr	4	The first to arrive was David and his girlfriend Pauline , they 'd been staying at the Green Dragon in Hereford .
tr	4	" Why don 't we go into the study and crack a nice bottle of sherry whilst we wait for them ? "
tr	4	Her hair was short and auburn in contrast to her mother 's , her skin a honey color blushed by the sun .
tr	4	He took her hand to shake it and immediately felt not the hand of a student at Cambridge but something else .
tr	4	Jennie lay in bed looking at the shadows on the ceiling cast by the bedside lamp , George by her side .
tr	4	" That was one of the nicest and yet the weirdest Christmas Dinners of my life , " she said .
tr	4	I don 't think one word passed between Dickie and Gema all day or with Wendy for that matter ... ... . .
tr	4	He gave her some story about being a business consultant or something , she 's quite the young woman apparently . "
tr	4	When she 's in Hereford , which is often , she stays in the flat with her mother never with Dickie .
tr	4	She also works out with her mother and apparently goes to the same dojo ... ... ... doing that Indonesian martial arts thing . "
tr	4	" It 's called ' Silat ' , " said George running his hand over the flat of her stomach .
tr	4	* " You 're definitely a ' keeper ' , " said Robbie , " that was a great breakfast .
tr	4	It was a grey day outside as they walked together down the long laneway to the stone house at the entrance to the estate .
tr	4	The authorities are looking for some sort of a connection between the killings , including Harry and Peter and the affair at Clive Barracks .
tr	4	" OK Robbie ... ... Terry 's a bit more than just the handyman but the less people know the better ... ... .
tr	4	Four will be doing a guard duty on the estate and I want you personally to babysit someone for me .
tr	4	I don 't want her out of your sight but I don 't want her to know you 're even there .
tr	4	As soon as you 're all here you 'll move into Terry 's cottage and use that as a Command Center .
tr	4	" I 'm with you on that Robbie ... ... they wouldn 't expect anything less and neither would I ... ... .
tr	4	Reaching in he took out two handguns , his SIG 9 mill and the Browning High Power which he passed to Robbie .
tr	4	" There 's someone I want you to meet , " he said , " put your boots on and wear something warm . "
tr	4	" It 's St. Michaels and All Angels , " said George , " it was built in the eleventh century .
tr	4	no sign of anyone having passed since the snowfall , the gravestones standing like dark , lonely sentinels against the bright snow .
tr	4	It 's as though she feels I 'm in good , safe hands and can now lie in peace . "
tr	4	Due to Pauline being in the car it was impossible for them to enter into anything other than small talk .
tr	4	I 'm told we usually make a bob or two on the sale , " he said laughing while ringing the bell . "
tr	4	Robert , the guard , led them to an oak door and ushered them into what must have been the drawing room originally .
tr	4	Tony Wei , sitting calmly in an armchair , did not rise or even move as they came into the room .
tr	4	" Sergeant Mudd to you Wei , " said George walking over to a chair against the wall and sitting down .
tr	4	" Well don 't get used to the idea , " said David , " it won 't last too long .
tr	4	if that 's your real name which I doubt very much ... ... ... let 's look at where we 're at exactly .
tr	4	Tony sat there seemingly unperturbed understanding immediately that he must have been under surveillance for a considerable period of time .
tr	4	" Of course I admit to playing golf on both courses but I had nothing to do with your killings .
tr	4	Why would I deny it anyway ... ... ... you say you have enough to lock me up for several lifetimes anyway ? "
tr	4	" It 's not our intention to lock you up , " said David , " that would be too easy .
tr	4	With that he stood up , opened the door and walked out into the lobby closing the door behind him .
tr	4	I could do with another guy , George , as I can 't keep a continuous eye on Jennie on my own .
tr	4	" Go ahead and bring someone else in , " said George , " makes sense when she 's in Hereford and not here .
tr	4	We have some business to discuss ... ... ... have to make some decisions concerning the active patrols I was telling you about . "
tr	4	" What is really strange is that they are similar to the tattoos on Gema and Wendy ... ... ... ... ... . .
tr	4	" That 's a great idea but I would prefer if you don 't mention anything about either Gema or Wendy to him .
tr	4	He knew he was depressed and knew that a symptom of the medication he was taking was restlessness ... ... ... ... . .
tr	4	that and a reduction in libido although he hadn 't had the opportunity to put that to the test for quite some time .
tr	4	The Jag wasn 't there , in fact he hadn 't seen her or Wendy for a few days now .
tr	4	He remembered her pulling his head down into her neck and teaching him to breath in her spirit ... ... .
tr	4	He rummaged around on a shelf in the closet until he found the maroon beret so proudly earned and worn by the Paras .
tr	4	He took a chair from the bedside and , standing on it , reached into the back of the top shelf in the closet .
tr	4	Removing the lid he opened up the oily package to reveal the Browning High Power issued to him so many years before .
tr	4	They were numbered , wireless and detected either motion or a heat bloom of anything larger than a small animal .
tr	4	He quietly let himself out of the house and started to make his way around the perimeter of the property .
tr	4	Every now and again the moon peered out from behind the clouds lighting up the stark , bare winter woods .
tr	4	He looked for tracks in the moonlight but realized he would see nothing as it was only 4A that had been tripped .
tr	4	Ethereal in the dark the white paddock fencing came into view , he could see the outline of the big house in the distance .
tr	4	Like the drawing back of a curtain the clouds revealed the moon lighting up the woods in its cold light .
tr	4	He fell face forward in the snow remembering a pair of black , lace up boots below white over pants .
tr	4	They had been out the night before in Hereford , a nice meal and a few drinks in the Green Dragon .
tr	4	" I know that 's a bit weird , " she explained , " but there 's method in my madness believe me . "
tr	4	" Look for a note and dust the whole place , it 's a crime scene until I say different .
tr	4	The pub was a warm , cozy place the flickering flames of the fire winking off the horse brasses on the walls .
tr	4	He died from a heart failure brought on by a savage blow to the chest , he was dying when he entered the water .
tr	4	He was trying to figure out how the hell he had gotten involved in this crap when his mobile rang urgently .
tr	4	I have him in the house but he 's a bit hypothermic , he 's going to be OK though .
tr	4	The gates were closed when he arrived , he got out of the Land Rover and made to open them .
tr	4	" Stop right where you are , " a soft Irish brogue from the dark , a flashlight right in his face blinding him .
tr	4	" Sergeant Major ... ... didn 't know if it was you or not , can 't be too careful .
tr	4	The dogs nearly knocked him over when he opened the door , Robbie was waiting for him in the study .
tr	4	He had some sort of OP right in the tree line , must have been there for a while . "
tr	4	He went on to explain the circumstances , George listening patiently thanking all the powers that another of his friends hadn 't died .
tr	4	They settled in the study the dogs content in front of the fire , George happy to be back in his familiar surroundings .
tr	4	" I 've no fucking idea , " said George , " what I do know is that it 's getting out of hand .
tr	4	Jennie 's investigation had turned up that he had been clinically depressed for quite some time and had been trying out different medications .
tr	4	George seemed to be more introspective , spent hours in the museum cataloguing his collection and running the business from the home office .
tr	4	" Conference call , " said David walking into the office , " Commander wants to talk to us ... ... .
tr	4	" Wendy Mason has left the country , " said the disembodied voice , " took us a while to get the info .
tr	4	" That 's a turn up for the book , " said David , " what 's with the one way ticket ?
tr	4	Jennie and David sat there looking at each other , the Commander had hung up with the promise to keep them updated .
tr	4	" I assume this is not a social call , " said Gema , " so how can I help you Sergeant ? "
tr	4	" First thing you can do is invite me in , " said Jennie , " it 's damned cold out here . "
tr	4	Concerning the death of your husband nothing has , as of now , been concluded therefore this entire property is a crime scene .
tr	4	Either you let me in right now or I will come back with a warrant that will allow us to search the entire property .
tr	4	she 's a grown woman and has her own life , she certainly doesn 't check in with me all the time . "
tr	4	there 's even a sort of shrine thing at one end ... ... there 's a bloody skull on it for Christ 's sake !
tr	4	He agreed to be in Hereford the following day and , after saying goodbye and hanging up , immediately dialed another number .
tr	4	The stair rail was hot to the touch as she stepped down and onto the tarmac at Brunei 's main airport .
tr	4	The sun was already breaking out her freckles although the sweat was drying on her in the air conditioning of ' arrivals ' .
tr	4	Her one bag arrived and , without bothering with a cart , she hefted it and headed over to customs .
tr	4	They were sitting on the porch of his one bedroom , block house overlooking the muddy waters of the river as it slid by .
tr	4	He ignored the chair that Robbie had given him and gazed at the river seemingly at peace with his lot .
tr	4	His hair was grey now as he was in his mid forties but his eyes were still bright and his body obviously still hard .
tr	4	" I am at home here , " she answered in Malay , " more at home than in England .
tr	4	As you know I spent several years with Sergeant George , Downer , Brenner and , of course , Robbie McElroy .
tr	4	The floor was covered in indiscriminate green linoleum long out of style and well worn by a multitude of feet .
tr	4	" Seriously though I ' m actually a consultant or observer as I ' m sure someone is going to explain .
tr	4	" Before we start , " said David , " I just want you to know how sorry we all are concerning Dickie .
tr	4	For the time being we will exclude the death of your husband as cause of death is still in the hands of the coroner .
tr	4	" George I 've known you for over twenty years do you really think I have anything to do with this ?
tr	4	She went to Brunei ... Bandar to be specific but I haven 't heard from her so she could be anywhere .
tr	4	To prepare for this she is spending as much of her gap year as possible in Indonesia studying the culture .
tr	4	" Gema those little tattoos on the backs of your fingers have always fascinated me obviously they have some sort of significance . "
tr	4	I have to advise you not to touch or remove anything until you are advised that it is clear to do so .
tr	4	He was cold , wet and bored and looking forward to a Guinness in front of the fire in the pub .
tr	4	Downer was into it a little and took some basic training whilst he was in Sarawak back in the sixties .
tr	4	It 's derived from the hunting styles of animals in the jungle and is common in families that have inherited cultural traditions .
tr	4	It 's not limited to physical offense and defense but really focuses on the spiritual which makes practitioners even more dangerous .
tr	4	" It 's all well and good , " said David , " but where the hell do we go from here ?
tr	4	" We can 't ignore the fact that four people are dead therefore we have to assume a defensive posture for the time being .
tr	4	Rafferty is keeping an eye on the place for a while , Jimmy was whining about being cold , wet and thirsty .
tr	4	Let the forensics people do their thing but you have a really good snoop around starting with the flat over the barn .
tr	4	David was going to speak to the Commander to both bring him up to speed and suggest some technical surveillance on Gema Mason .
tr	4	He found it tucked in with all his notes , the print of the photo he had taken of Tony Wei 's hands .
tr	4	He was in no hurry and the rain had set in again , if it turned much colder it would snow .
tr	4	A uniformed police woman answered his knock and let him in after asking for Jen and showing his temporary warrant card .
tr	4	Passing through it he came to an open plan , super modern kitchen and breakfast room with large shuttered windows doubtless overlooking the courtyard .
tr	4	" I know you did Jen but this is bloody amazing , I had no idea it was like this . "
tr	4	The floor gleamed , a huge , shiny expanse of polished teak with the odd piece of soft furniture scattered around the perimeter .
tr	4	" I had no idea it was like this , it 's like her own personal dojo , it 's almost creepy .
tr	4	She stood up and turned on a couple of lamps that barely lit the corners of the sparsely furnished room .
tr	4	She sat on the edge of the bed and looked at him , he , in turn , looked at her feeling sad .
tr	4	I 'm sure , if it were not for that , she would live somewhere in the Far East . "
tr	4	Her hands , clasped together in her lap , were hard and calloused out of character with her sensual appeal .
tr	4	He took the photo of Tony Wei 's hands out of his inside pocket and held it out to her .
tr	4	She focused on her centre and did not allow her feelings or thoughts to manifest themselves physically in any way .
tr	4	" It 's hard to say , " she whispered , " the tattoos are faded and the photo is quite small .
tr	4	" Yes it 's a him , " replied George , " I 'll make the suggestion to the people running the investigation . "
tr	4	Much as I would like to come out there and fool around , " she said quietly , smiling at him .
tr	4	" Just some good walking gear plus warm , layered clothing , the weather can be pretty iffy this time of year . "
tr	4	It 's actually in the Brecon Beacons which is now a National Park but still used by the military for extreme training .
tr	4	The hotel , she found out , was the oldest in Wales and actually built into the walls of the ancient castle .
tr	4	staying as we are seems like a pretty good idea to me , " pressing her rear into his body .
tr	4	* " It 's not so tough in here , " she said as they hiked by a roaring waterfall .
tr	4	It 's forty miles with a fifty five pound pack plus water , food and weapon , has to be finished in twenty hours .
tr	4	We 're getting too old to do the higher courses but we can still manage the ten miles or so in here .
tr	4	" David why don 't you lead us off , " said the Commander , " then we can go round the table . "
tr	4	He tipped the envelope up and a batch of old color photos , fading with age , spilled out onto the scarred table .
tr	4	" I don 't need to see them , " he said tightly , " I took some of them ! "
tr	4	After they had been around the table David took them all and pinned them on a corkboard on the wall facing the table .
tr	4	Based on the photos a reconnaissance team from the 22 SAS was inserted to investigate on the ground , I commanded that team .
tr	4	It was concluded later that the village had been singled out in order to stir up political unrest in the area .
tr	4	" We immediately should increase surveillance on George here , Robbie McElroy , Colonel Gurney and Jennings , " said David .
tr	4	MI5 should keep an eye on the Colonel and Jennings should be put into isolation if you haven 't already done that .
tr	4	Also , don 't lose sight of the fact that she 'd never even seen a white man until she was fifteen or so .
tr	4	" I think Jen 's right , " said the Commander , " we need to stir things up a bit .
tr	4	Firstly we don 't pick her up , take copies of the photos and replace them immediately where they were found .
tr	4	David I want you to elicit her help with identifying the tattoos so get her into see Wei in Barnet .
tr	4	~ ~ ~ Chapter 38 Jungle phone George , Jen and Robbie relaxed in the drawing room of the old house .
tr	4	Robbie 's soft Scottish burr seemed somehow in keeping with the old paneled room , the fire and the dogs .
tr	4	The Bath St. people knew full well where she was going and had no idea of her other place or so she hoped .
tr	4	Hopefully she 'd given George no indication whatsoever of any sense of recognition although even now she couldn 't be sure .
tr	4	Gema had unpacked her bag and had eaten when the phone in the flat buzzed its quiet tone , she picked it up .
tr	4	David thought for a moment , George 's fellas are keeping an eye on her , shouldn 't be a problem .
tr	4	She stood in the window thoughtfully thinking about tomorrow and trying to make out the watchers from the passersby down below .
tr	4	She remembered her father 's words ... ' the issues and challenges always remain the same it 's only the jungle that changes . '
tr	4	With her heart pounding she quickly crossed Oxford St. against the lights and hopped on a bus that had just drawn up .
tr	4	" She either made you or just assumed she was being followed , " said George , " I always said she was smart .
tr	4	She 'd been patiently sitting there for almost an hour , after all patience was one of her strong suits .
tr	4	If the authorities wanted to trace her by the time they got the information it would be too late anyway .
tr	4	He honked , she waved ... walked over to the Pick Up area and got in the passenger side of the car .
tr	4	He put his hand in his pocket and handed her his car keys and then knelt down in front of her .
tr	4	She knew that David was unarmed and no match for her so she had to deal with the other two first .
tr	4	They 'll do all the usual things ... put watchers on the airports , bus terminals , ports , train stations etc. .
tr	4	The house in Hereford , the flat in London her gym and her dojo are under surveillance so she can 't go there .
tr	4	" Shut up , don 't say another word , " she spat at him in Malay to his surprise .
tr	4	Opening the passenger side door she told Tony to sit in the seat with his hands in front of him , wrists together .
tr	4	He repeatedly played the tapes over and over hoping to see something that would explain the ' why ' of everything .
tr	4	They all have experience in multiple fields ... they are the best of the best , nothing to worry about .
tr	4	Like lightening she was across the space between them and swiped him across the ear with the heavy automatic pistol .
tr	4	" Before I make us some tea there 's one other thing I think I should do in case there 's any mess . "
tr	4	" That 's a lot better , " she said , " I hate the thought of having to clean up .
tr	4	" Place looks nice and quiet and pastoral , " said David settling in the drawing room with a cuppa brought in by Marjorie .
tr	4	As the sun came up she closed the blinds on the small kitchen window plunging the room back into darkness .
tr	4	She knelt in front of the table and began to pray in a language that seemed vaguely familiar but which he didn 't understand .
tr	4	She came to her feet and , in rhythm to the drum in her head , removed her jacket , shirt and bra .
tr	4	She had refused him the opportunity to speak and had had to remind him of that request a couple times much to his discomfort .
tr	4	Only someone that ' knew ' could advise them of the best way to attack the village , that someone could only be you .
tr	4	His head jumped off his shoulders and rolled on the floor with an obscene thump the eyes staring as though in surprise .
tr	4	" Twenty years later it is done , " she thought , " my honor and the honor of my family is reinstated .
tr	4	She 's in the flat in Hereford , I saw her in the window , " the watcher reported on his mobile .
tr	4	I was in the copse at the back of the house , you can 't see the courtyard from there .
tr	4	" Don 't do anything at all , " ordered David , " I 'm bringing in a Special Forces Team .
tr	4	" Why don 't you just quit your job , marry me and we 'll live happily ever after ? "
tr	4	You don 't necessarily have to quit your job but you would make me very happy if you were to accept . "
tr	4	George managed to get the same room as last time remembering the huge four poster bed , and Jen in it .
tr	4	He turned around and jogged back the way he had come expecting Robbie to come around the corner at any moment .
tr	4	He was dressed completely in black with a black balaclava hiding his features , black combat boots on his feet ... black gloves .
tr	4	It felt as though a jack hammer hit him in the chest as a boot hit him below the heart .
tr	4	He tried to get into a defensive posture but a blow from the side of a gloved hand almost paralyzed his arm .
tr	4	She took a deep breath and a smile of anticipation covered her face as she wound up for the killing blow .
tr	4	The Indonesians killed your family ... ... all my team did was have the decency to give your family a proper burial . "
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with .
tr	4	Dedication To all the authors who inspired me over the years of reading allowing me a moment of joy exploring their Worlds of imagination .
tr	4	I also want to thank my husband putting up with me and literally did all the house hold chores so that I could write .
tr	4	Everyone raced to finish so that they could go to the already awaiting soiled doves waving seductively to the tired but aroused sailors .
tr	4	Led by a tall blond man , the two women of the group were attracting a few lustful looks of unwanted characters .
tr	4	The men protected them though , guiding them through the throng to a waiting carriage ready to take them to their destination .
tr	4	They were survivors of the vast untamed land of Africa , overcoming the greatest odds against them , gaining new friends and unlikely love .
tr	4	The blond giant closed the door behind them , tapping on the roof to signal the coach driver to move .
tr	4	Two years ago they had embarked on a voyage from India to Portugal , a supposedly easy and hassle-free voyage .
tr	4	I had to stop myself from shivering in front of this obnoxious man , and will keep my distance the entire trip .
tr	4	I find myself standing close to observe him better , something I have never done with any man , not even my own husband .
tr	4	" I love you , " she whispered to the small child , and lying back she prayed softly for a safe voyage .
tr	4	† † † September 12 , 1621 New people boarded the ship today : a man and his wife and their young child .
tr	4	The Captain told me it was quite a large number but bragged his vessel was capable of carrying the load .
tr	4	I can only hope that we will be well and that the Lord 's protection will be with us daily .
tr	4	† † † September 14 , 1621 The little girl 's continuous chatter and seeking me out are getting me in trouble .
tr	4	I could see that it hurt her but I had to explain to her that he has to do his work .
tr	4	It was by pure accident since I keep my distance , but when I touched her I could not let her go .
tr	4	Don 't let him turn out to be just another man who wants to bed me , only to run off again .
tr	4	She merely walked up to me and started to introduce herself to me while she placed her hand on my arm .
tr	4	To make matters worse the little girl refused to let go of me and cried when the mother took her away .
tr	4	The Captain and Faro sneered down at him while they talked about me , as if I am a common whore .
tr	4	I saw the hesitation , the fight for control , but eventually he lowered his head and we kissed for the first time .
tr	4	It was a peace that settled deep within me and I know that this is the man I have lost my heart to .
tr	4	When she got away from me she ran up to him and held him as if her life depended on it .
tr	4	They all laughed and joked about him , and like the man I know he is , he took it silently .
tr	4	I wanted to stay but Alfonso convinced me it would not be wise for the captain to find me there .
tr	4	The price was high but we have survived and I know with Cisco at my side I can face anything else .
tr	4	I knew he would be the perfect land owner to continue the legacy my family started , and that my inheritance was safe .
tr	4	After we settled in , he walked the estate over the next two days , and I showed him the inheritance .
tr	4	She had read them so often that she knew them by heart , but still they evoked in her a sense of belonging .
tr	4	She felt safe when reading the pages , and knew if they had made it , she would make it as well .
tr	4	He had been so excited about his first voyage as a sailor that they could hardly stay in the same house with him .
tr	4	He was more excited about the lifestyle of a sailor , exploring new countries , loving the openness of the seas .
tr	4	He went away for seven months , and by her father 's calculations , he should have already been back .
tr	4	The people looked up to him and along with their father he built up the estate and expanded the business .
tr	4	Dread filled her heart as she watched the sailors running around on the deck , furling the sails to dock in the harbour .
tr	4	Today she did not see the splendour of the sea or land , the birds flying just over the top of her head .
tr	4	Visible sorrow marked the older man 's tanned face along with tired lines from long and hard days on the sea .
tr	4	As he reached her he swallowed , avoiding her at first , and then reached for her hands , his voice filled with sorrow .
tr	4	Captain Jean le Blanc was around her father 's age with dark blue eyes and black hair , grey visible all around his head .
tr	4	Normally he was a very proud man , shoulders straight , his voice strong as a captain 's should be .
tr	4	She tried to convince him to talk to her , to find out more detail but he was silent all the way .
tr	4	He was a dark brown colour with long legs , extremely fast , his muscles well defined , rippling under his shiny coat .
tr	4	Her father held the letter with shaking hands and as she stepped closer , his right arm fell to his side .
tr	4	For your son 's release I demand 2000 in gold coins by the end of four months or he will be dead .
tr	4	It was he who wounded me before I got off the ship , to make sure I would deliver the message . "
tr	4	His eyes shifted to her with amusement and with a mockingly courteous nod to her , he turned and left .
tr	4	He turned , glancing back at her , appraising her as if she were the most despicable thing he had ever seen .
tr	4	She was crestfallen at the very idea that she would be in this cold man 's presence for the next four months .
tr	4	Help me to stay true to Your Word , true to my new title , and to use it for good .
tr	4	He was the one who acted when the ship was splitting into pieces on that fateful day when our lives changed forever .
tr	4	When the crew started to drink all the whiskey in an attempt to soften the blow of death , he kept calm .
tr	4	He never complained ; he did what was necessary and every one benefited from it , including my husband and the captain .
tr	4	Wrapping his arms around his wife , he caressed her back and in return , tiny hands held his broad back , caressing him .
tr	4	He swallowed at the bile in his throat , got his voice back , and said , " Doctor Vasco , please come in .
tr	4	Her mother rubbed her back and said , " We love you , dear , please come back safely . "
tr	4	Papa was the strong one who kept them sane during those times , making a new future for them all .
tr	4	She had to swallow hard as the enormity of what she was about to face occurred to her and tears ran down her cheeks .
tr	4	The image of her feet , skin worn away to a bloody pulp from walking , her slippers torn , is engraved in me .
tr	4	That kiss was the only one we ever dared to share , so I kept my distance as much as I could .
tr	4	I love days like this where we can sit around the hearth and read , talk and enjoy each other 's company .
tr	4	No one was there and as we searched the empty huts in the hope of food , we were once again faced with nothing .
tr	4	He wanted to punish me when I hit him out of pure rage after the death of that young woman .
tr	4	She stood there until the white sails were set high above her , the breeze filling them with snapping sounds .
tr	4	She nodded back in greeting , which caused Roberto to frown , looking at his second in command with a stern gaze .
tr	4	Looking around , she wondered where she would be sleeping when she heard a young male voice next to her .
tr	4	she asked as her eyes swept over the ship , refusing to look at the defiant man on the bridge .
tr	4	He took her below deck to the stern of the ship to a large cabin with rich , purple velvet curtains and bed drapes .
tr	4	A small dresser and table stood in the one corner with a chair next to it , next to the port .
tr	4	If there is anything you need , you can pull this cord and I will be here to assist . "
tr	4	Her room was comfortable but small ; not what she enjoyed at home , but for now it suited her purposes .
tr	4	She found her way around easily and decided to put her knife near her bed between the folds of the curtains .
tr	4	She turned away from him , peering out the porthole to the open sea , and continued brushing her hair .
tr	4	I had nothing to drink or eat for the whole day , " she asked , annoyed , forgetting her manners .
tr	4	When Pedro told him about her , he was intrigued about the whole family 's story , but especially about her .
tr	4	Moreover , if Pedro 's good marksmanship was any indication , she would be a force to be reckoned with .
tr	4	Hunger , heat , rain , sickness were daily constants in our lives , but through all that we were saved .
tr	4	I lost count of the number of people I buried when they got the fever , and not once did I get it myself .
tr	4	He never talked directly to me , never even looked at me , but I was always in his thoughts .
tr	4	" Meals will be served punctually , every day , " he said lazily cleaning his nails with the knife .
tr	4	His hug in return was hesitant because the captain did not allow any contact between the passengers and the crew .
tr	4	They never could openly express their love because of the " no contact " rule that the captain enforced harshly .
tr	4	She loved nature and the smell of freshly worked ground as well as the peace and tranquillity that it brought to her soul .
tr	4	At the age of twenty-four , she was still not married , but her hopes for the right man to come had not wavered .
tr	4	She wanted to be protected and to feel safe in the arms of the man she loved , to trust him .
tr	4	Now she found herself on a ship going to the harem of a pirate captain on an island very far from her beloved family .
tr	4	She never thought that this would ever happen to her ; that she would be part of a price to set her brother free .
tr	4	She did not keep track of the time she spent on deck nor realize that it had gotten so late already .
tr	4	With a gentle stroke to her still loose , wavy hair , shoulders straight and back rigid , she walked into the dining cabin .
tr	4	He had watched her the whole afternoon as she stood on the deck , her thoughts were very far off .
tr	4	She never once noticed him , so close to her , and he could enjoy her beauty without any disturbances .
tr	4	She had strength in her that no one could break , and through many difficult times she was the one who kept them focused .
tr	4	He knew many women in the different harbours all over the known world ; beautiful women who captured his interest for a while .
tr	4	The Falcon 's way with women was legendary , using them , breaking them until there was nothing left of the once beautiful woman .
tr	4	He would rather carry her away to a remote island and marry her , than for her to experience that kind of abuse .
tr	4	† † † February 28 , 1624 Today I had to deal with a situation in the village as part of land owner duties .
tr	4	At first the people were friendly , allowing our surviving group of twenty five to camp and eat with them .
tr	4	Tomorrow I must speak to the parents of the young man , and hope we can come to a fair arrangement .
tr	4	He was confronted by other land owners who did not feel the same as he did in managing the land .
tr	4	I miss him when he leaves in the mornings to do his work but the reunion at night makes up for it .
tr	4	Many of our people , including the captain , had died of the fever and Cisco was the official leader .
tr	4	Our food levels were low and he made sure that there was enough to eat and drink before he left with eight other men .
tr	4	Soon everyone was in a terrible state , with only myself , Kayla and Alfonso to tend to the sick .
tr	4	I did the best I could and placed my feelings and concerns in the back of my mind while tending to the sick .
tr	4	By then when someone passed away I simply covered the body , since every man was either dead or too sick to bury them .
tr	4	Alfonso got sick and I was busy attending to him when Cisco and a small group of men appeared out of the bushes .
tr	4	I expected his help but he was too busy to attend to me and ignored me , I was furious .
tr	4	After three days of self-imposed lock-up , she wanted to feel the wind in her hair and the sea spray on her face .
tr	4	Lit lanterns on the upper deck added a romantic feeling , she thought , not a scene she was comfortable sharing with the pirate .
tr	4	She glanced at him but could not see his face clearly , covered in darkness , his hands clasped behind his back .
tr	4	" Someone yelled that they must drink the liquor so that at least they would be drunk enough to dull the moment they drowned .
tr	4	People were stampeding all over the ship as if they were possessed , clambering to the barrels on the lower deck .
tr	4	" Finally , when land was visible , my father shouted that a rowboat had to go to the shore with a rope .
tr	4	Father strapped me to his back and my mother to his chest and jump into the angry , cold waves .
tr	4	A few times , we went under into the cold depths , and just barely in time , emerged again .
tr	4	For a brief moment , she enjoyed the closeness they shared before she stepped away and he dropped his arm .
tr	4	He removed a strand of hair from her face , at the same moment she moved to put it behind her ear .
tr	4	I can hardly wait to teach them all I know , about the sea , the land , about people .
tr	4	Roberto and his men 's faces were tense as they scurried around to change the flags from pirate to her father 's crest ensign .
tr	4	All the men knew what was expected from them , to act like regular sailors on a ship of this size .
tr	4	When the inspection was completed , the men exchanged a few words and then walked back to where Roberto was standing .
tr	4	We have received numerous reports of piracy in these waters so we must be careful to inspect each one . "
tr	4	However , he could swear that there were six men on the rowboat before , and now there were seven .
tr	4	He cursed as he turned to Pierre with a quick move causing the chair to be unbalanced for a brief moment .
tr	4	By then the sun was already dawning in rich amber colours and Roberto realized they could not get closer without being noticed .
tr	4	Every day he looked more and more like me with the exception that he had his mother 's dark brooding eyes .
tr	4	Then when we finally came back to the group , I was accused of abandoning the group and punished accordingly .
tr	4	I explained to her that the Captain had rules , and it did look as if I was running away .
tr	4	For days she did not speak to me and today I can admit that it brought my heart much happiness .
tr	4	Faro of course was angry with her for openly choosing me over him and he shunned her for a few days .
tr	4	For the first time in days he was happy , laughing as his father dragged him through the water playfully .
tr	4	The two friends were happy to see each other again for the first time since we arrived eight months ago .
tr	4	If it was not for him we would not have made it and would have perished with the rest of the crew and slaves .
tr	4	Since he would be at sea often , she will stay in India , where he has already purchased a house for her .
tr	4	Normally they just left the islanders to themselves , and , again , a nagging feeling settled in his gut .
tr	4	But for now , all he could do was wait patiently for night-time , when they would be able to get close enough .
tr	4	Although Roberto was the son of the Falcon , the Falcon would not hesitate to kill him for disobeying a direct order .
tr	4	With the long boat prepared , ready and on the water , Roberto and Pierre were over the railing in no time .
tr	4	With strong arms , they pulled themselves up onto the rope they had secured , daggers in their mouths ready for any danger .
tr	4	Pierre could warn him of any lurking dangers ; and once again , Roberto had to speculate about the ship and its crew .
tr	4	She could then have slept in one of the cabins in the castle , not here trying to hide away .
tr	4	When he reached her , he covered her mouth so that she could not make a sound when she awoke .
tr	4	They row in silence for a while before Pierre said " Well , this will be interesting to hear " .
tr	4	It will be a special man who will be able to handle her , love her and respect her for who she is .
tr	4	Roberto 's face was grim as he laid her down on her four-poster bed in the middle of her cabin .
tr	4	When he had patted her down , he had found her pistol and knife and locked it in his trunk for safekeeping .
tr	4	Too angry to sleep , although his muscles ached after the strenuous exercise , he stared at her form in men 's clothing .
tr	4	The room smelled like her , lavender and something sweet , a smell he did not know but had already grown accustomed to it .
tr	4	The agony of the last two days , without food or water followed by the blow against her head felt like torture .
tr	4	He gulped the contents in the glass on the table and walked away , the second following him , shutting the door behind him .
tr	4	When the men left the cabin she stepped out of the shadows and heard a sound from the closet behind her .
tr	4	They both agreed that she must not do anything to attract their attention since they already had killed his second-in-command .
tr	4	Her situation looked bleak and at times she had to force herself not to give in to the overwhelming thoughts of anguish .
tr	4	" Roberto , I hope you are not serious about doing what I think you are going to do ? "
tr	4	They were determined to find this man " Her voice was thick with emotion , swallowing the cries which wanted to escape her lips .
tr	4	He did not want to show disrespect for the man in front of the crew , but this was important .
tr	4	Another man also looked at her , the lust in his eyes visible for everyone to see , if anyone did look his way .
tr	4	As she slumped down , he caught her before she hit the deck and took her to his grand cabin .
tr	4	9 April 05 , 1625 We received a letter today that Kayla gave birth to a healthy son on October 13 , 1624 .
tr	4	I would never forget that moment when Faro admitted that Kayla was his daughter , there among every sailor and slave .
tr	4	Too afraid to move , she never went outside for water or food , the risk too great to take .
tr	4	" We are already two days behind them and it will cost us another day or two to catch them .
tr	4	Maybe because I was so weary , nevertheless I did nothing to help her and at the end Alfonso helped her .
tr	4	As sick as he was he administered the ointment I had brought with me from the fort , applying it to her feet .
tr	4	When I " rescued " her and carried her away in my arms , I explained as best I could .
tr	4	He enjoyed the memory of the delicate caress against the scar , emotions she stirred ; what it did to him .
tr	4	Sitting down on the chair she had left , he leaned back and closed his eyes , a smile on his handsome face .
tr	4	She was a novelty in these times where women were only expected to have children and do household chores , staying in the background .
tr	4	Roberto watched her from the bridge as she stood at the railing , peering over the waters in the direction of the captive ship .
tr	4	He let the endearing words slip again and she smiled , looking down at her feet , the stairs steep in front of her .
tr	4	" Please , Captain , we can help these men and I can make a better diversion than you can .
tr	4	The whole idea was preposterous but as he watched her it grew on him just as she grew on him .
tr	4	She was more than he expected and in only a short time he could not imagine giving her to the Falcon .
tr	4	He watched as she listened to the conversation at the table , smiling sweetly at the men , and another emotion surged through him .
tr	4	It annoyed him and he pushed his chair away , stepping out into the passageway as the door slammed behind him .
tr	4	It was already late and Roberto decided to do it early in the morning , when most of those men would still be asleep .
tr	4	They would then continue around the ship where they would meet the other men and get up with a rope fastened to their waists .
tr	4	Her bosom was showing too much soft roundness for his taste , and her small waist was even more accentuated .
tr	4	She had never flaunted herself deliberately and felt self-conscious about it , but the reaction from Roberto surprised her in a good way .
tr	4	She rolled her eyes in disdain , sighed heavily at the mere thought , and touched her heart " Not a gentlemen at all .
tr	4	Roberto had just come over the railing when he heard the comment , and blew through his nose in disgust .
tr	4	He signed to Pierre that the coast was clear and turned to keep watch as he and the rest of the men followed .
tr	4	Their bodily odours wafting in her nose and she took deep breaths as she placed her hand delicately before her nose .
tr	4	Roberto had passed her a letter that morning just before she descended the Jacob ladder and she gave it to the captain .
tr	4	At the time , she thought it was odd for a pirate to ask this request , without any explanation .
tr	4	Both knew it was time to get out of there before the man got it in his head to sound the alarm .
tr	4	Proudly she sat in the long boat , shoulders straight , as Fausto took the oars and started to row away from the ship .
tr	4	She smiled and waved at the men on the ship and thought : There was no real danger in this adventure .
tr	4	The whole idea was preposterous but as he watched her it grew on him just as she grew on him .
tr	4	She was more than he expected and in only a short time he could not imagine giving her to the Falcon .
tr	4	He watched as she listened to the conversation at the table , smiling sweetly at the men , and another emotion surged through him .
tr	4	It annoyed him and he pushed his chair away , stepping out into the passageway as the door slammed behind him .
tr	4	It was already late and Roberto decided to do it early in the morning , when most of those men would still be asleep .
tr	4	They would then continue around the ship where they would meet the other men and get up with a rope fastened to their waists .
tr	4	Her bosom was showing too much soft roundness for his taste , and her small waist was even more accentuated .
tr	4	She had never flaunted herself deliberately and felt self-conscious about it , but the reaction from Roberto surprised her in a good way .
tr	4	She rolled her eyes in disdain , sighed heavily at the mere thought , and touched her heart " Not a gentlemen at all .
tr	4	Roberto had just come over the railing when he heard the comment , and blew through his nose in disgust .
tr	4	He signed to Pierre that the coast was clear and turned to keep watch as he and the rest of the men followed .
tr	4	Their bodily odours wafting in her nose and she took deep breaths as she placed her hand delicately before her nose .
tr	4	Roberto had passed her a letter that morning just before she descended the Jacob ladder and she gave it to the captain .
tr	4	At the time , she thought it was odd for a pirate to ask this request , without any explanation .
tr	4	Both knew it was time to get out of there before the man got it in his head to sound the alarm .
tr	4	Proudly she sat in the long boat , shoulders straight , as Fausto took the oars and started to row away from the ship .
tr	4	She smiled and waved at the men on the ship and thought : There was no real danger in this adventure .
tr	4	She had trembled so much from shock that she did not even feel ashamed of her exposure in front of the crew .
tr	4	She had a lot of time for herself and spent most of it on the upper deck reading or walking .
tr	4	Most times , she would study the man Roberto from underneath her lashes as she continued with her needlework or reading .
tr	4	At first he didn 't want to speak to me , shooing me away , but he couldn 't resist my childish charm . "
tr	4	" I continued speaking to him because , in my young heart , I was desperate for a father 's touch .
tr	4	My young heart was aching for the big man and I ran away and cried where she could not see me . "
tr	4	While on land , people became sick or were so tired of the long walk that they just lay down in defeat .
tr	4	It was more precious than gold at that time and as he said , he was not going to waste good bullets on animals .
tr	4	Roberto sat close by and listened , watching her as she relived those days , all the men 's attention on her .
tr	4	Suddenly shots broke the silence and we saw the captain looking frantically around and shooting blindly into the thick bushes .
tr	4	My mother refused and father went back to the village later that night looking for food , which he found and brought to us .
tr	4	" This man , our captain , finally died after he himself became mad with the fever that killed most of the group .
tr	4	A few could tell their own stories of that hard savage country , but it was nicer to listen to the young woman .
tr	4	Food was very scarce , so he decided to go before us and explore the land closer to the coast .
tr	4	If he could get a ship at the fort , it could take us to Mozambique and bring everyone to safety quicker .
tr	4	He left another sailor , who was , and still is , a very good friend , in charge of the group .
tr	4	Before he left , he set some traps , in the hopes that small animals could be caught to prepare as meals . "
tr	4	After he regained his health , he arranged for a ship that was willing to wait for us and came back with enough food .
tr	4	By the time , my father finally returned with the necessary food supply , we were all literally at the doorstep of death .
tr	4	My mother and half-sister were the only two able to stand , but they were exhausted in caring for everyone .
tr	4	My mother became so thin that father did not recognize her at first , and when he did , he cried so much . "
tr	4	He threw himself from the ship into the whirlpool of angry waters , knowing he was losing his mind . "
tr	4	The captain of the fort helped us again and for a whole week , we could rest and have decent food .
tr	4	We all walked along the coast line until we reached Mozambique a week later , this time without any difficulties .
tr	4	My mother and father took great care in helping me forget , but I have learnt to take it day by day .
tr	4	The captain hoped that another ship would pass but after a week it did not happen and the food was already scarce .
tr	4	Those were the people who dictated how they all should live , yet they still were capable of doing such cruelties to their own .
tr	4	Heavy rains fell like buckets from the sky onto them and the strong winds blew them around like a feather on the ocean .
tr	4	He could barely hear his voice as a whisper but it did not stop the men from doing their work .
tr	4	Her chest burned and with one last desperate attempt she reached out her hand to be pulled back in , losing all consciousness .
tr	4	Praying to God above to save her as the dark waters covered his body he searched the darkness for the fragile body .
tr	4	He finally saw her pale blue dress bobbing in the swells , her head disappearing at an alarming rate into the dark depths .
tr	4	He pounded on her back out of desperation to get the water out her lungs and much needed air in .
tr	4	Roberto panicked for the first time in his life , the storm forgotten , as he was fixated on her .
tr	4	He called for the doctor while gripping her body to him , slapping her face and whispering how much he loved her .
tr	4	Roberto was so relieved that he grabbed her body in a fierce embrace , kissing the ice-cold face with desperate kisses .
tr	4	The doctor wanted to carry her but Roberto just lifted her in his arms and carried her to her cabin .
tr	4	When he placed her on the bed , he thought she was the most stunning woman he had ever met .
tr	4	The rest of the bruises and cuts he disinfected and placed a powder on them before he closed them as well .
tr	4	Sometime he dozed off because , when he woke the sun was streaming into the cabin and she was looking at him , smiling .
tr	4	The hate that she felt for him had melted away and in its place love shone in the depths of her own eyes .
tr	4	She touched his cheek , tracing the scar once again and when her finger stopped at the corner of his lips he kissed it .
tr	4	This does not change the fact that you are still a pirate and that I am the price of a sick scheme . "
tr	4	† † † Several hours later , awakened by the most delicious smells filling her cabin , she opened her eyes .
tr	4	" The doctor said your shoulder looks much better and there is no sign of infection but it will take a while to heal .
tr	4	I have to admit it caught me off guard but once I accepted the feeling I could not keep it for myself . "
tr	4	There was much bantering among the men , which he took with a gracious smile , accepting it as part of his life .
tr	4	The bruises on her face were almost completely gone and the shoulder was without pain although still tender to the touch .
tr	4	The hardened pirate was all soft and mellow in her presence and she learned more about him during this time .
tr	4	The previous evening while taking her for a stroll he once again did so and planted a soft kiss on it .
tr	4	There was no rush in his action as he stroked her neck and shoulder and told her how beautiful she looked .
tr	4	She was lost in his eyes and when the moment passed she felt deprived , her body shivering at the loss .
tr	4	She loved the evening walks ; the sea breeze in her long hair , the sound of the ship cleaving the waters .
tr	4	He never mentioned his feelings again and she left it there , searching her own heart for the feelings she had for him .
tr	4	When his eyes were used to the darkness around him , he saw two figures struggling on the port side .
tr	4	Pierre just heard the commotion and also came out of his cabin , hearing the last words of the defiant rat .
tr	4	" They all like to scream until you kiss them and then they become like putty in your hands , " the sailor bragged .
tr	4	When he stalked out , the arrogant bastard called out behind him , " I will have my turn . "
tr	4	She wrapped her arms around his neck without any hesitation and stood in his embrace , her head on his shoulder .
tr	4	He pressed her against him and said , " Follow me , " and directed her down the stairs to his grand cabin .
tr	4	Once inside with the door closed he offered her wine , since she was still trembling , and sat next to her .
tr	4	It was a while before they broke apart and he sat down and held her hand , visibly trembling with excitement .
tr	4	" Yes , Captain , thanks once again , " she said respectfully , lifting her lips to receive a soft kiss .
tr	4	After breakfast he took her to his grand cabin and said , " I want us to get married today . "
tr	4	The pure thrill of being in his arms , of loving him was so new that it kept her up .
tr	4	I asked you to trust me and this is the only way I know how to ensure your safety . "
tr	4	She had never been with a man before and he did things to her that were unknown to her but yet exciting .
tr	4	As much as she cared for him , would her love persuade her parents to allow this wedding to take place ?
tr	4	Her father was always clear in his feelings towards pirates and for her to bring him home would ensure heartache .
tr	4	He looked at her , his own thoughts buried deep in his mind where she would not be able to see .
tr	4	For now he had to convince her that this marriage was important not only to him but to her safety .
tr	4	" Pierre is also a captain , " he said as a smile softened his own features and he pulled her closer .
tr	4	" I cannot help it , it is my nature , and you do this to me , my Rosa . "
tr	4	She looked amazing in a white taffeta dress with silver threads embroidered on the bodice , enhancing every curve to Roberto 's delight .
tr	4	They only came up for air to eat and bathe , then returned to explore once again the wonder of the new found love .
tr	4	She realized that she had so much to learn about him but at that moment what they shared was more than enough .
tr	4	Her door was slammed open and she was unceremoniously thrown on her bed , drenched with the rain still pouring down outside .
tr	4	This could not happen to her , not after she experienced love and pleasure at the hand of her husband .
tr	4	An explosion rumbled loud above the winds and Pierre , who was the closest to the stairs , heard it first .
tr	4	He ran below to where he thought it came from , down the passageway , until he reached her room .
tr	4	He froze at the picture in front of him , a smouldering pistol still in her hands , pointing at a man .
tr	4	By now he was already awake , watching her sweet face next to him , propped up on one arm .
tr	4	Thinking of the naked body in his bed made his own to act in arousal , but that had to wait .
tr	4	When he put his arms around her , the sheets moved down , revealing a soft shoulder and the slope of her breast .
tr	4	He leaned down and removed her hair , the scar still visible , but he didn 't mind kissing it softly .
tr	4	Please , love , don 't punish yourself about this , " she whispered and kissed him , wiping away the wetness .
tr	4	That is all that matters " " If any harm should come to you I would never forgive myself , " he said softly .
tr	4	She nodded as she watched him putting on his now familiar black breeches and white shirt followed by long black boots and black belt .
tr	4	If you want to know the man you must look at his room that will tell you much about him .
tr	4	His scent was all over the cabin , a distinct smell that mixed with sea , wind , cigars and earth .
tr	4	Those were the times she cherished the most because then he opened himself to her and she would learn more about the man .
tr	4	Roberto watched her as she studied his cabin and then asked , " Do you like what you see ? "
tr	4	" She had just learned that she was pregnant with the man 's baby , and then she hung herself . "
tr	4	I loved the land , the smell of breaking ground , the whole process of planting and waiting , and then the harvest . "
tr	4	16 " Veronica was raped on the first night , while we were still on the ship taking us to the Falcon 's lair .
tr	4	How tragic to not only lose the home you knew for nineteen years but a beloved sister in such a barbaric way .
tr	4	I was eager to learn everything , and at the age of twenty-five he adopted me as his son . "
tr	4	Her eyes were set unwaveringly on him and he smiled as his face relaxed in the knowledge that she did not despise him .
tr	4	" At night Pedro had to tell us about the adventures on the sea and in Africa and he talked much about you .
tr	4	I was intrigued with you and when the Falcon came up with the plan to ask for a ransom , I volunteered .
tr	4	He could still feel her soft skin under his hand , the soft roundness of her curves as she burned with passion .
tr	4	She moved even closer to him , as desire coursed through her body , a serene feeling that made her breathless .
tr	4	His body was trembling with the need to have her , his lips craving her body , and she responded .
tr	4	She thought about her brother Manuel and the man he had become ; about Pedro and the path he had chosen for himself .
tr	4	He would always be on the run from the authorities , living in the shadows , and where would that put her ?
tr	4	Everyone tensed every time another deafening crack vibrated through the woodwork , holding their breaths until the ship rolled again .
tr	4	He hardly took a break , irritated when she came close to offer him food or water , sending her right back below .
tr	4	When she looked for him later she found him sprawled on the bed , too tired to bother with the wet clothes .
tr	4	Softly she walked to him , just studying the broad back , ripped shirt , the narrow waist with the incredible long legs .
tr	4	As she watched him , she knew he was the one for her , the one she had waited for all her life .
tr	4	He watched the emotions on her face , the tenderness as she looked at him , her hands brushing over the length of him .
tr	4	She allowed herself the freedom to let her eyes linger there and swallowed as her own body reacted , moisture pooling between her legs .
tr	4	He rolled again , exposing his chest for her , her hand touching the dark nipples with curiosity as they hardened .
tr	4	He looked like the paintings they had on the walls in the study at home ; a portrait of masculinity and beauty .
tr	4	He tangled his hand into her hair , bringing her head down , and then kissed her with a burning passion .
tr	4	He lifted himself more against her and her arms went around him , drawing him closer , opening her mouth .
tr	4	His voice strained with bottled up emotions , his hands untying the laces of her skirt , pressing the material down .
tr	4	He came up onto his knees as he turned her over again , facing her , while he cuddled her in his strong arms .
tr	4	" I love you , my love , " she whispered and they dozed off into a wonderful carefree sleep .
tr	4	The ship moved , bringing them ever closer to their destination , but for now they were blissfully unaware of this .
tr	4	In return , she could enjoy every part of him , lingering at the places she came to recognize as his most sensitive spots .
tr	4	He would whisper about his life and future with her , sharing his heart , and she would do the same .
tr	4	I always had a longing to leave this pirate 's world behind but never had the reason , until I met you .
tr	4	" But , my Rose , you will have to trust me from now on to get us both out of the piracy life .
tr	4	We still have three days left and then we will be at the Isle of Saint Marie at the house of the Falcon .
tr	4	There are things that I still need to tell you , my Rosa , " he said , hesitance in his voice .
tr	4	Pierre knew to just be there and make sure to cover his friend 's back once they set foot on the island .
tr	4	For three days , they sailed around the south coast and up the east coast until they reached the Isle of Saint Marie .
tr	4	The things he did with her astounded her but it brought them closer , leaving her breathless and numb in his arms .
tr	4	When he kissed her , he said , " It will be either Pierre or I that will collect you .
tr	4	She squeezed his hand in a final good-bye and watched as the love of her life moved over the water without looking back .
tr	4	He chuckled , a deep , rough noise that came from his throat , his beady eyes dark with cruelty .
tr	4	" You can have her , " Falcon said ruefully and the man 's face contorted in an ugly grin .
tr	4	the woman screamed as he pulled her up by her hair , threw her over his shoulder , and walked out .
tr	4	" Yes , Falcon I am well , " Roberto replied , giving away nothing of his feelings to Falcon .
tr	4	A pitcher with wine and glasses awaited them and a servant girl was already pouring it for them , hands shaking .
tr	4	If they needed information from an informant he knew how to get it out skilfully , meticulously and with bloody results .
tr	4	" Two days ago , " and he snickered , " but don 't you worry , we will get him .
tr	4	This caused Tiny to smile widely so that you could see the empty gums , the beady eyes sparkling with glee .
tr	4	She was not sure what was going on , but she felt uneasy , and all the uncertainty and doubts settled in her mind .
tr	4	The cruel ways of their existence was not a part of him , or of Pierre , for that matter .
tr	4	The two were best friends but they rarely spoke about themselves , never let her in on the bond they shared .
tr	4	His persistence in reminding her that she must trust him because everything was not as it seemed caused more questions .
tr	4	He was an exceptional lover , tender at times , brutal at other times , but he always adored her .
tr	4	He had seen most of the known world , which she only heard from her father or had read about .
tr	4	He had a love for both land and sea as he talked about the farm , the land , his country and his parents .
tr	4	After all , her father did tell them stories as well , stories that were fearful filled with terror and horror .
tr	4	Her husband was virile , that she knew , and to imagine him in the arms of others made her blood boil in jealousy .
tr	4	She had not mentioned it to him and knew she had to work through it if she wanted to continue to trust him .
tr	4	Her stomach clenched and when she woke the morning of the second day she had to run for the chamber pot .
tr	4	It clung around her and she found it difficult to breathe but it gave her the necessary courage to do what was expected .
tr	4	Men whistled and cheered them on as they passed , but she kept her head down , cringing under some of the vulgar comments .
tr	4	She had to swallow a few times to get it down but remained calm , willing herself to breathe controlled breaths .
tr	4	Her eyes burned from it and Pierre left her alone , but she could sense Enrico behind her and was at ease .
tr	4	Suddenly there was a light buzz in the air and in her vision another man stepped up , large and menacing .
tr	4	Disgust coiled within her belly , threatening to spill over her lips but she swallowed , refusing to back down .
tr	4	The Falcon came closer , looking at her with pale green eyes and investigating her skin as if she was under a searchlight .
tr	4	The rough hands kneaded her and he leaned forward to suckle a breast , biting the nub so that it stretched .
tr	4	He came closer again , looking at her abdomen , and again he raged , " She is with child ! "
tr	4	Why is it so hard to find a virgin in the world , especially one that is supposed to be a lady ? "
tr	4	Pierre and Enrico were not very far behind , hands on their swords as they watched every move , every thick bush .
tr	4	They followed a small path leading them up the hill and at a rocky dead end , turned right into a wooden structure .
tr	4	The rough wood structure was built in a huge square , standing on a wooden deck mere inches from the ground .
tr	4	Two windows framed each side of the wooden door and on both sides , closing with shutters , no glass in the panes .
tr	4	When they were inside and the door closed , Roberto stood with his back to her , closing his eyes .
tr	4	He could barely hear her and imagined how she looked at him , but he could not turn , only listen .
tr	4	" My mother 's feet were completely giving out , as skin fell from them , leaving them a raw , bloody mess .
tr	4	But when my father saw it , he was furious with her and could not believe the damage caused to them .
tr	4	The sneering remarks some had made held them apart and she did not want him to be in more trouble .
tr	4	The captain was furious , cursing him , but he ministered to her wounds and carried us both without complaint . "
tr	4	Father removed all their clothing to show the chief that they were too skinny after the lack of food during that time .
tr	4	Father had to point out my mother and my half-sister 's bony shoulders and hips to the man , only covered with skin .
tr	4	" The chief did not like skinny women and dismissed them , to great relief of the remaining group , me included .
tr	4	The two slave girls still had enough on their bones to win his approval and they agreed without any struggle to stay behind .
tr	4	" I am so sorry that you had to go through that , but that was the only way that I could protect you .
tr	4	Whispering tender words in her ear , on her stomach , the vibrancy of every word causing her to arch into him .
tr	4	She demanded his attention , but he continued with the slow torture until she pleaded for him to end the sweet torture .
tr	4	He would have to thank the man once he took her back , for he had prepared her for him without knowing him .
tr	4	The soft womanly smile he received let him grin with pleasure , knowing that she enjoyed it as much as he enjoyed giving it .
tr	4	When she had packed a bag these were the only clothing she had taken , along with her knife and pistol .
tr	4	They ducked through dense bushes , past another few wooden structures until they reached a clearing , they could hear a soft sobbing sound .
tr	4	The moonlight was not bright enough through the canopy , but she could see that the young girl was in distress .
tr	4	The moment I got a chance , I slipped away from the pirate who kept me in his hut . "
tr	4	Roberto cut the Falcon 's shoulder and then his abdomen with one sweep , hardly wounded , a defiant smirk on his face .
tr	4	He walked over to her and slapped her so hard that her head bounced back , slamming into the man who held her .
tr	4	When her gaze returned to the Falcon she said in a very cold voice , " I will kill you . "
tr	4	She remained on her feet and the group walked away , Nora still in the clutches of the other man .
tr	4	" Roberto , my son , " the Falcon said with a snarl in his voice , mocking him with the endearing word .
tr	4	The Falcon whirled around in surprise and the snarl disappeared from his menacing face , before it returned in mocking confidence .
tr	4	So infuriated was she with the man in front of her , she did not notice the buzz and then the silence .
tr	4	" I am Captain le Roux and I am here to arrest you , Falcon , you and your men . "
tr	4	Roberto managed to free his hands and when he looked up , Pierre was standing close to him , in battle with two men .
tr	4	Her body shook with sobs and he stroked her back , whispering soft words in her ear while the fighting continued around them .
tr	4	" Pedro , I want you to meet my husband , Roberto de Ville , " she announced with pride .
tr	4	" You , my sister , are looking at the brave Roberto de Ville , Captain in the Dutch East India Company . "
tr	4	She wrapped her arms around him with a soft scream of delight and kissed him fiercely to the delight of all present .
tr	4	† † † Pierre was tying up the men he had bested and saw the small body with her head bowed .
tr	4	Two pairs of bright blue eyes met , the one very shy and scared , the other full of interest .
tr	4	He gave her his handkerchief , which she took with a small , delicate hand , whispering a " Thank you . "
tr	4	She was so small that he had to bend over to hold her , but for some reason it felt good .
tr	4	He tried to determine whether she spoke the truth and she smiled shyly , dropping her skirt over her feet .
tr	4	Pierre looked around , not sure what to do with her , but he wanted to spend more time with her .
tr	4	I made a deal with them that I would hand them Falcon on a platter if they would give me a break .
tr	4	They made me first a lieutenant and then later a captain , because I handed them another well-known pirate . "
tr	4	" The Falcon was a bastard by anyone 's standards and was slipping through their fingers each time , creating havoc wherever he went .
tr	4	The idea of kidnapping you was born the moment I met Pedro , when we captured the merchant ship for loot .
tr	4	When he learned whose ship we had looted , he immediately started to talk to him , having admired your father all his life .
tr	4	I send a letter to the HQ informing them of the new development , and they gave me permission to recruit Pedro .
tr	4	Together we devised the plan , giving it as a suggestion to the Falcon to get more money in the coffers .
tr	4	But now all was clear and she sighed in contentment , dropping her head on his shoulder , just drinking him in .
tr	4	She could only shake her head and then looked at her husband with brand new eyes , love visible in the hazel depths .
tr	4	" I recruited him when I met him ten months ago , " Roberto said with pride in his voice .
tr	4	" It was better this way , " he replied , smiling , removing a wisp of hair from her forehead .
tr	4	" That is why you wanted me to trust you so much , and now I am glad I did .
tr	4	Pierre had managed to get her a pair of shoes to protect her feet but she was flopping in them .
tr	4	Standing at the corner of the tavern , he inhaled deeply at the gravity of not being able to see them again .
tr	4	Pierre and Nora were smitten with each other , walking along the beach just talking about everything , holding hands .
tr	4	Nora was happy about his new assignment and told him as much , enjoying the young Captain 's closeness and tenderness since they met .
tr	4	When he returned her to her hut , he had a difficult time leaving her but he wanted to do right by her .
tr	4	Their nights were filled with bliss and he took her in his arms and loved her without any pressure or lingering uncertainty .
tr	4	They spent a week with Nora 's family , who were relieved and glad that she was alive and well .
tr	4	When she relaxed with him she blossomed under his loving attention , giving herself to the man she loved in an orgasmic euphoria .
tr	4	For two days , they were not seen as Pierre indulged himself in the little lady with the heated passion .
tr	4	Nora was a well-bred lady who , after the ordeal and in his tender care , became a vibrant young woman .
tr	4	He had turned into a responsible , hard-working man that loved the sea , a man her father would be proud of .
tr	4	There was no doubt in his mind , but meeting this brave man he had heard of so many times made him worry .
tr	4	He scowled and he pulled her closer , leaning over the sleeping form and kissing her , demanding attention from her sleepy form .
tr	4	Since then she had gotten used to her very tender husband and she pushed him back softly , not to alarm him .
tr	4	Her eyes blinked in the dark to take him in and she whispered , " Hey , what is wrong ? "
tr	4	" Your father ... " He lifted his eyes , filled with dread and terror instead of his normal stern expression .
tr	4	She turned her gaze back to him and laid a hand on the scarred cheek , beautiful and full of character .
tr	4	" They would trust my judgment and when they see that I truly love you , they will love you . "
tr	4	Sometimes just to get out of the cabins the men would flee to the bridge where they would talk man stuff .
tr	4	Her morning sickness lasted longer so that by the time she had her wits about her , she was famished .
tr	4	After four months of rolling seas , steady winds in the sails and beautiful weather they saw land beautifully edged on the horizon .
tr	4	As the busy harbour came into view , he felt his shoulders tense and his rigid posture as stiff as a plank .
tr	4	Roberto thought he was going to break her in two as his strong arms wrapped around the protruding belly of his pregnant wife .
tr	4	When they introduced her to Roberto , she looked at him , then at her daughter , and saw the love they shared .
tr	4	He accepted her as a mother into his own life and returned her kindness , much to the dismay of Manuel .
tr	4	They had a hard time in controlling the young man , who just wanted to floor him at every possible opportunity .
tr	4	When they had arrived , he had said he had wanted to explain , but she insisted on doing the talking .
tr	4	Nora 's nausea had finally subsided and she was feeling like a whole person , to the great joy of her husband .
tr	4	I have already handed my resignation in , and I plan to become the farmer I always wanted to be .
tr	4	Emotions washed over his face and both the parents could see that this man was genuine in his feelings toward their only daughter .
tr	4	I understand why you had to come and drag her out of my house like a thief in the night . "
tr	4	The shadows underneath her eyes showed that she had not yet recovered from the journey , but her breathing was slow and at peace .
tr	4	He had one hand on the stretched belly and one hand under her face , the pouty lips warm and inviting .
tr	4	He could not help but smile , tenderly touching the soft skin and tracing every line on the youthful face .
tr	4	The two children were a true delight to him and he could not thank her enough for such a joy .
tr	4	The men spoke about their experiences and the women about babies , as well as their up and coming travels to their new homes .
tr	4	By the time they departed to their new homes , a journey of just over a week to France , the two women cried .
tr	4	Her love for reading prompted her to write her own stories , drawing from life 's experiences and lessons learned .
tr	4	If he had expected this pessimistic utterance to restrain the man before him , he was destined to be disappointed .
tr	4	Finan watched as Rafe considered the parchment before him , his fingers tracing the edge as he thought over his friend 's words .
tr	4	" I 'll do this thing my own way , Finan , nothing that you say will change my mind . "
tr	4	Do you suggest that I disregard a word of honour , my father 's word of honour , and refuse to have her ? "
tr	4	" You know that I will help you in anything you do , as long as there is yet breath in my body . "
tr	4	His master had always been a reckless young hot head , plunging with impatient glee into any trouble he could find .
tr	4	Rafe had seen battle and knew the responsibility of commanding men , men who would pay for his mistakes with their lives .
tr	4	Rafe had watched the glory that he had worked so hard to attain in battle fade , tarnished with blood and misery .
tr	4	There is some small disagreement between him and one of the neighbouring lords that my liege wishes at an end . "
tr	4	Finan was slightly taken aback by the seeming change of subject , and paused while searching for a suitable answer .
tr	4	As Finan regarded him he saw his friend 's amusement disappear and many other , more stressful , emotions cloud his face .
tr	4	One could postulate that this hesitation was natural in a bridegroom who had not met his betrothed and had little knowledge of her .
tr	4	In fact , " Rafe continued bluntly , " it would be nearer the mark to say that I have many vastly unpleasant enemies .
tr	4	Rafe shifted in his chair and Finan watched in bemused fascination as a dull red colour stole into his master 's cheeks .
tr	4	He had seen the signs a thousand times before and recognised a certain recklessness that could only lead to turmoil .
tr	4	" I hope to ... " Rafe broke off again and reached out for the wine jug at his elbow .
tr	4	Both men were silent as he poured a liberal helping into the two goblets that stood before him and handed one to Finan .
tr	4	We both should be ill at ease , and she would be conscious of a duty to please me . "
tr	4	Sneaking a look up at Lord Rafe he found his master gazing back into the fire , perfectly at ease .
tr	4	They were written in much the same style as a niece might write to an uncle of whom she was a little in awe .
tr	4	" So far I have counted several items of jewellery , numerous bolts of material , and furs without number ! "
tr	4	Finan shuddered involuntarily at the sight , and sent up a silent prayer that he would be preserved from all women .
tr	4	" There is something , I do not know what it is , that is strange about her manner of address . "
tr	4	As time went on it became more difficult to tell her a truth that would give embarrassment to us both . "
tr	4	Rafe twisted the goblet in his hand until the light from the fire struck the gems set into its rim , making them glow .
tr	4	" My plan is to fetch her here myself , try and discern what sort of a person she is .
tr	4	Rafe 's eyes had been fixed firmly on the goblet but at this last , he turned again to Finan .
tr	4	Finan started forward in his chair , his fingers gripping the wooden arms with such strength that his knuckles were white .
tr	4	With some interest he inquired if his Master did not think that perhaps Lord Brogan was right to advise caution .
tr	4	" My father , although it is true not enamoured of my plan , does not forbid that I carry it through . "
tr	4	" I know it should not matter to me what sort of person she is , or whether she will be happy here .
tr	4	" Or is it merely that you are prohibited by your position from telling me how many times a fool you think me ? "
tr	4	" I see ; I suppose I am to become one of those ' poor fools ' you pity so much ? "
tr	4	For the sake of your name you must have a son , and for your father 's honour you must marry the Lady Adele .
tr	4	For a time there was silence in the room and Lord Rafe leaned back in his chair , closing his eyes .
tr	4	Chapter Two To say that Lord Rafe was made uncomfortable by his father 's disapproval was something of an understatement .
tr	4	Rafe felt strongly his sire 's displeasure and it saddened him , but he could see no other course open to him .
tr	4	Rafe reached the door of his father 's apartments and halted , smoothing his hair across his brow and taking a deep breath .
tr	4	It didn 't occur to him that this little ritual might be considered strange in a man in his twenty eighth year .
tr	4	The wooden walls of the great hall were hung with tapestries and smoke from the fire filled the air , flavouring every breath .
tr	4	I know that you think because I disagree with your present course , I do not comprehend your reason for pursuing it .
tr	4	I know that this is not what you would have chosen for yourself , that it is hard for both you and her . "
tr	4	" One day you will have a son of your own , Rafe , and you will see that ' tis no easy thing .
tr	4	No matter how big he becomes , to you that is how he remains ; a tiny bundle that you must protect .
tr	4	Rafe made his way along the track that led through the huts and up the hill , and came to a guard post .
tr	4	Rafe watched the man look past him at the horse he was leading , and then back at the chain mail Rafe was wearing .
tr	4	The man rocked back on his heels and supported himself on his spear , looking up at Rafe with a faint air of apology .
tr	4	No man , reflected Rafe , however honourable wished his bride to be associated in any way with epithets such as uninviting and cold .
tr	4	No one could expect a lad in his twelfth year to greet the idea of a wife with anything but derision .
tr	4	Finally he heard the sound of the bolts being drawn back , and the heavy oak door opened a little .
tr	4	Rafe found himself subjected to a hard and searching glare that was so unexpectedly ferocious , he was for a moment bereft of speech .
tr	4	Those bright little eyes glared at him for an unnerving moment longer , and then the door was opened wider .
tr	4	Get in with you ; do you think I have naught else to do but stand here and hold this door ? "
tr	4	The top of her head hardly reached his chest , but whatever she lacked in stature she more than made up for in spirit .
tr	4	In one corner Rafe could see some sort of needle work that had been hastily discarded on one of the fur covered chairs .
tr	4	" Your master writes that he has sent , " she paused , taking up the letter again and reading aloud an excerpt .
tr	4	She regarded him again as though she could not quite reconcile the words in the letter to the man standing before her .
tr	4	In short , you cannot expect her to undertake any sort of hardship , she is far too delicate for that . "
tr	4	You will be the first man that Lady Adele has seen these sixteen years , she may be a little ... surprised . "
tr	4	" Her whereabouts had to remain a secret , and it was possible that Lady Adele might form some attachment .
tr	4	Of what use do you suppose Lady Adele will be to her people , people who have waited sixteen years for her return ? "
tr	4	As she withdrew he noticed , with a slight feeling of self reproach , that her eyes were clouded with worry .
tr	4	It was not the voice that Rafe would have recognised as belonging to her , filled as it was with tender warmth .
tr	4	The covers stirred again and then were pulled down , and a figure rose sleepily from the depths of the bed .
tr	4	" It seems you are to leave me , Adele ; an escort has arrived to take you to your new home . "
tr	4	" Maybe he wishes you to be settled in his home before you are married , " she answered gently .
tr	4	Of all things she prayed that Lord Rafe was a good man who would be kind in all his dealings with Adele .
tr	4	Although the thoughts that were running around her head were many and varied , one emotion was conspicuous by its absence .
tr	4	The chief reason for this lack of pique was that Lady Adele had always thought Lord Rafe to be kind .
tr	4	He need not have had much interaction with her until their wedding day , but he had always been kind and generous .
tr	4	She was certain that she would like him very well and that they would find married life peaceful and agreeable .
tr	4	They had been the ones to comfort her through the tears of childhood , and guide her through the bewildering times of girlhood .
tr	4	They had invested her with confidence in her own capabilities and a calmness of mind to carry her through womanhood .
tr	4	The soft light coming through the narrow window was reflected on the polished wood and it glowed with soft luminosity .
tr	4	Pulling the soft furs around her to shut out the cold , she ran her fingers over the smooth wood .
tr	4	The grain of the wood varied beneath her fingertips , and she opened the lid and withdrew one of the parchments from within .
tr	4	If Finan had been present he would have seen a marked difference in the letters that Lord Rafe had sent to Lady Adele .
tr	4	It was fortunate that Rafe was unaware of this , for it would have unsettled him horribly to have known .
tr	4	His sisters were different , they saw no slight if one preferred to linger with the men than be punctual to a meal .
tr	4	He turned on to his side on the narrow bed , as if the movement would shut out such thoughts .
tr	4	Although there was nothing in the words themselves that conveyed his sarcastic displeasure , it was there somewhere in the timbre of his voice .
tr	4	His words , impersonal and cold as the frost , allayed any thought that his conduct toward her would soften as time went on .
tr	4	When Adele next entered the room her dress had been replaced with something much warmer and of a more sober dark blue .
tr	4	Some similar notion must have crossed Eda 's mind , because Adele could see indignation in her friend 's face .
tr	4	He had meant that she seemed fit enough to take the journey , but he could not deny that he had phrased it badly .
tr	4	The same words as he had said to the ladies , would have caused no such outrage if spoken to a man .
tr	4	A man , Rafe reflected , would not have searched his words for a reason to take offence as women seemed prone to .
tr	4	He knew only too well that in trying to make this better he would only succeed in making it much worse .
tr	4	Waiting had never been a strong suit of Rafe 's and he was relieved when finally they were ready to mount .
tr	4	He tied the rein around a stake and smoothed his hand over the velvet muzzle of the grey horse as he passed .
tr	4	He did not linger at the task but was , at the next second , seated upon his own mount .
tr	4	It occurred to Adele that he was still angry , he had not addressed a word more than was absolutely necessary to them .
tr	4	Besides how could she be bad tempered when finally she was free of the solid and confining walls of the fort ?
tr	4	It was something she had often imagined ; how would it feel to push her way through the tangled wildflowers ?
tr	4	How could she have been thinking about walking through fields of flowers when she might have known Eda was unhappy ?
tr	4	She had felt the anguish of parting , the uncertainty of the future , and it had scared and upset her .
tr	4	This observation struck her as amusing , and she promptly forgot that she was not in the best of humours with him .
tr	4	He had noticed neither the scenery or the changing moods of his companions , engrossed as he was in his own thoughts .
tr	4	Eda turned away abruptly , hiding her tears that what little dignity she had left to her might remain intact .
tr	4	Her voice was quiet and a little husky , the sort of voice with which to whisper an endearment , it was somehow caressing .
tr	4	He would carry you through the heaviest of fighting at a charge , and he would not panic or flinch . "
tr	4	" Finan ... Finan ... " Adele tested the name , rolling it around her mouth with a frown of concentration .
tr	4	" If you wish , my lady , " answered Rafe , his voice was stiff , and he moved restlessly on his mount .
tr	4	With one slightly sharp reply he had put an end to her friendly manner and she had curled away within herself .
tr	4	It hadn 't been that he was annoyed with her , in fact it was quite the reverse and he was angry with himself .
tr	4	Suddenly he had seen that his father was right : he could not win her trust only to destroy it with a petty deception .
tr	4	How he had thought such a course as he had embarked upon a good idea he could not now recall .
tr	4	No , that wasn 't quite correct ; he had seen the pit falls but had thought the means necessary to the end .
tr	4	He had to tell her who he was before it appeared that he had tried to hide it from her .
tr	4	The trouble was in finding a way , the right words , perhaps ... " You know Lord Rafe well ? "
tr	4	And if it was not his duty to give them comfort then their tears grated even heavier on his nerves .
tr	4	" It could be said that I know him better than anyone , " replied Rafe giving in with a sigh .
tr	4	He waited for Adele to ask yet another question that , though not lying , he would intentionally answer misleadingly .
tr	4	Having hobbled his horse , he approached Lady Adele and Eda with the obvious intention of helping them to dismount .
tr	4	She looked around , taking in the huge trees that were nothing more than dark shadows against the sky , and the small clearing .
tr	4	She could see no habitation and , although sheltered , Adele was conscious of the cold seeping through her clothes .
tr	4	Rafe laughed , an explosion of sound that made her jump , she felt Eda grip her arm with a start .
tr	4	Despite Rafe 's smile he had been nervous , thinking that she might indulge in hysterics , her calm acceptance was a blessed relief .
tr	4	" It will be fine , Eda , can you not see that Finn is making a fire for us ? "
tr	4	Eda drifted over to where Adele was sitting and slipped her hand into her friend 's , squeezing it slightly .
tr	4	Somewhere the branch of a tree cracked , and Adele saw his head jerk up sharply , eyes probing the darkness .
tr	4	There was rye bread and cheese , chicken that was cooked , and a parcel of pork chunks that was not .
tr	4	" Yes , one of the ladies , I assume she was the cook , was kind enough to provide me with them . "
tr	4	" It will take a while to cook , but in the mean time there is the bread , chicken and cheese . "
tr	4	" I 'm fine , " murmured Adele , but Rafe had placed the food back on the cloth and was moving toward her .
tr	4	His hand was warm , burning through the fabric of her dress , and Adele suddenly realised just how chilled she was .
tr	4	" What the ... " Rafe paused looking down at Eda 's flushed face as she clung to his arm like an enraged kitten .
tr	4	Adele had some vague notion that she should feel uncomfortable having him handle her so , but Rafe 's attitude was aloof and impersonal .
tr	4	" Eda , do be quiet ; if you had any idea how battered I feel you would not be scolding me so . "
tr	4	She seemed surprised to see him , as though she had expected him to leave , not stay to hover over her anxiously .
tr	4	Rafe immediately let her go , turning to pick up the blanket she had been sitting on and placing it nearer to the fire .
tr	4	" Many is the lad who wished he had stuck to farming after a hard days march , " answered Rafe with a shrug .
tr	4	" I have seen none that handled their discomfort better than you ; it takes a brave soul to suffer in silence . "
tr	4	He wrapped a piece in rye bread and held it out to Adele first , along with a wine skin .
tr	4	A statement not a question , said in that quiet husky voice of hers whilst her eyes fixed him in their peaceful gaze .
tr	4	There is a particular look in their eyes , no matter which side they fight for , of horror and pain ... a deadness .
tr	4	He told them nothing of the aftermath of battle which was , in its own way , just as horrific .
tr	4	Nor did he tell them how he had wept in his father 's arms , tears of bitter disillusionment and sorrow .
tr	4	His sword was at his side , along with his bow and spear ; it was possible that they could make it .
tr	4	Although he knew the horses could not have wandered far , in the darkness there was little chance of finding them quickly .
tr	4	He considered thoughtfully for a few moments and then turned her hand , palm uppermost , gently brushing his thumb over her soft skin .
tr	4	At my best I could take no more than five , maybe one or two more if they are unskilled .
tr	4	Adele 's hand trembled in his but her voice , as it floated over the space that separated them , was steady .
tr	4	There was a few seconds pause , and then Rafe heard Eda 's voice ; bewildered and a little panicked .
tr	4	" I know ' tis the middle of the night , Eda , but ... " " And where would we run to anyway ?
tr	4	Adele felt that if she had been woken from sleep by it , she would have been too disorientated to move .
tr	4	His sword crashed against that of his adversary and he pushed the blade aside , delivering a heavy blow to the man 's jaw .
tr	4	The warrior pitched forward and lay immobile on the floor , but Rafe did not need to wait to see the outcome .
tr	4	It seemed to her that the weight of the cloaks would pull her over , but suddenly she found herself supported .
tr	4	Adele 's back was to the tree , Rafe 's breathing heavy in her ear as he scanned the darkness over her shoulder .
tr	4	Her eyes were wide but still calm , and he became aware that his hand was pressed over her mouth still .
tr	4	His grip tightened , he was so close she could feel the heat of his skin on the air between them .
tr	4	" So you will believe him but not me when I tell you that all is taken care of ? "
tr	4	Chapter Seven They rode through the trees until the grey light of dawn filtered through the bare branches and they came across a creek .
tr	4	Rafe felt a sudden and uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach , caused by the ruthless removal of all his solid facts .
tr	4	Adele 's eyes smiled into hers , and Rafe was surprised by a vague idea that her gaze held reassurance .
tr	4	" But you said that it was better for you to make a stand and not come with us . "
tr	4	" You can rest if you like , " shrugged Rafe , " but the horses and I move on in five minutes . "
tr	4	They have as little rest as you do , but in between must carry your dead weight , " reasoned Rafe .
tr	4	She pulled a handkerchief from the bodice of her dress , wetting it in the water and wiping her face .
tr	4	It was the same approval that he would have shown to a foot soldier that had behaved well under duress .
tr	4	Hesitation was not an emotion he had previously experienced in such vast quantities , nor was it a feeling that he was fond of .
tr	4	" In spring they were white with blossom , and when the petals fell it looked like falling snow . "
tr	4	Eda once slipped , and it was only the fortunate circumstance of her petticoats becoming caught in the branches that prohibited her from falling .
tr	4	Adele was obliged to pause and lean over the horse with her hands pressed against the bodice of her dress as she laughed .
tr	4	She had not thought that Rafe was attending or that , if he was , he had merely been suffering her conversation .
tr	4	Adele sighed ; it seemed as though the conversation had finished , and who knew when he would deign to speak to her again .
tr	4	Every thought scurried away into the dark recesses of his brain , save for the one that told him he was in deep trouble .
tr	4	The young man looked over his shoulder as if he expected Lord Rafe to spring upon him from behind a bush .
tr	4	He was some years younger than Lord Rafe and Finan , and had a levity of manner that some might say was inordinate .
tr	4	I did not want to disappoint him and besides ; we three always manage to have a lark when we are together .
tr	4	I did not know then , of course , that Rafe had managed to duck out and left all to you .
tr	4	He had spent a trying day sitting between two angry men who had , with every passing second , become more irate .
tr	4	God was always there to give lives direction , knowing in his infinite wisdom that which was best for each and every person .
tr	4	He shivered uncomfortably , as though just discussing the atrocities of the past had brought an oppressive atmosphere of evil into their midst .
tr	4	" ' Tis strange , how far reaching it all has been , how even now its effects are felt . "
tr	4	Chapter Eight Rafe watched as Adele pushed a wisp of hair back from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear .
tr	4	Adele and Eda had talk in a desultory manner , but there had been silence between himself and her for too long .
tr	4	At first he had not noticed , his head was too full of plans and worries for him to spare a thought for conversation .
tr	4	However , for a long while he had been conscious of the deafening silence between them , and had been made uncomfortable by it .
tr	4	It seemed that although she might well be unusual , she did have one thing in common with the rest of her sex .
tr	4	Indeed these ladies would have said , had they been asked , that it was possible to converse with Lord Rafe in complete openness .
tr	4	It had often been Rafe 's reflection that ladies were quite capable of holding a conversation without the participation of a second party .
tr	4	To her conversation was to learn about others , not discussing , at length and in great detail , her own feelings and needs .
tr	4	He should have found the change refreshing , and in a way he did , but he found it alarming too .
tr	4	She looked up at him , not having heard what he had said but knowing that he had addressed her .
tr	4	He was relieved to find that the worry had faded from her eyes and that they were filled with the beginnings of mirth .
tr	4	" All I meant was , that to be different ... ' tis good ... that is , Lord Rafe will be pleased . "
tr	4	Again Adele saw it , saw his mind change track and begin on lines wholly different to those of a few moments before .
tr	4	He had the feeling that she was not requesting confidences , but merely seeking reassurance ; the comfort of companionship with another person .
tr	4	" And I think you are plagued by much worry , more even than befits the gravity of our situation . "
tr	4	" We have yet much ground to cover before we make camp tonight , it is best that we move along now . "
tr	4	" Yes indeed we should , for I fear we are to expect rain before the day is much older . "
tr	4	Rafe was pretty sure that they were in for a drenching and that the rain would last for some time .
tr	4	Rafe heard Eda scream as , for a few dangerous moments , the slippery ground gave way beneath the horse .
tr	4	Her voice was quiet but as Eda turned to argue , she met a look of reproof that silenced her .
tr	4	Of all the things that he did not need an ill female ranked close to the top of his list .
tr	4	A rich giggle interrupted his frenzied thoughts , and he turned to Adele to see merry eyes laughing up at him .
tr	4	The words had not left his mouth before he found himself fighting for his balance , and he heard Adele laughing ever harder .
tr	4	Rafe 's hand was still held out toward her so she released the tree , moving in his direction slowly .
tr	4	He was still some way out of her reach when she gave a yell and slithered straight into his arms .
tr	4	Rafe released the tight hold he had upon her , unwinding his arms and transferring his grip to her shoulders .
tr	4	She didn 't know why Eda couldn 't see that Finn had not expected an answer , did not want an answer .
tr	4	If ever he managed to extricate himself from this horrendous tangle , he would never seek to mislead anyone ever again .
tr	4	That would mean the assuming of yet another name , and Rafe could hardly see that that would help the situation .
tr	4	The thought of just what was to come about from these many and complicated little deceptions , brought him out in a cold sweat .
tr	4	They walked on in silence and after a few moments she began to whistle a merry tune under her breath .
tr	4	He noticed her colour rise and connected it , not with his reaction to her confidence , but to the name she had mentioned .
tr	4	At least , he might have had a vague notion that such and such was prettier than so and so .
tr	4	He had never known enough of them to do that , and had never cared enough to try to know them better .
tr	4	Quite apart from the natural antipathy he felt towards such a course , he had always known that there would have been little point .
tr	4	Somewhere down there was a river , but the carpet of trees made it invisible even from this height up on the rise .
tr	4	He looked up to the sky ; the clouds were heavy , showing no sign that the rain would abate anytime soon .
tr	4	Yet somehow he did , and now he is leading the women by a way he knows our horses cannot pass .
tr	4	Bron recognised his master 's tone , and knew that he had better go about his master 's order without question or hesitation .
tr	4	He was heartily tired of both men and had no desire to spend any more time than was absolutely necessary with either of them .
tr	4	" Come , Lord Rafe , I am sure that you wish also to settle this situation as much as I do . "
tr	4	Finan saw the steam that rose from them , and could smell on the air a spicy , sweet aroma .
tr	4	" King Ine may have appointed you to intercede in this affair , but I 'll take no insolence from you ! "
tr	4	' Tis not safe to have crazies on the loose , you never know but you might wake up dead ! "
tr	4	Finan still cradled his head in his hands , he did not feel that he had the strength to lift it .
tr	4	" And if ever I catch you playing such a trick again I will beat you , do I make myself clear ? "
tr	4	With a gentle push Finan propelled the boy towards the tent flap and watched as he trudged away , despondency in every movement .
tr	4	" I believe I shall tell my father so , it might encourage him to give me a little peace .
tr	4	You know ; the way King Ine leans upon him , the same way that he leaned upon Lord Brogan .
tr	4	Competing to secure parental approval was another , and after his fourteenth year Rafe had flatly refused to do so .
tr	4	He had laughed all off , played the fool , and refused to allow himself to be compared to anyone .
tr	4	Through all he had been loyal to Rafe and Finan , never once blaming them for being viewed as superior by his father .
tr	4	Now he could see that it was little more than a curve in the rock with an overhang about four feet from the ground .
tr	4	His voice was gentle , but as he looked back at the semi cave he felt his heart begin to sink .
tr	4	This was all very well for him ; it was dry enough and he had slept in worse places and in worse conditions before .
tr	4	However , Adele should not have been subjected to such discomfort ; it was not what she or Eda were used to .
tr	4	He helped her to dismount and she moved into the shelter under the out crop of rock , Eda close behind her .
tr	4	It spluttered and spat , sending clouds of dark smoke spiralling upward to hit the rock above and escape into the cold air .
tr	4	" Although I realise that at this point ' tis hard to believe , or remember what being warm felt like . "
tr	4	Still Adele did not look up , and Rafe could see even though her head was bent that she blushed .
tr	4	She was sandwiched between him and Eda snugly , but the shelter was small and it could not be helped .
tr	4	She could feel the gentle and accidental pressure of Rafe against her , a circumstance that she could not but be acutely conscious of .
tr	4	" He was not from the village , but from one of the big houses , " Eda answered , her voice subdued .
tr	4	" More than that he was always there for me , for us , as someone to talk to and confide in . "
tr	4	The way she talked one might suppose he was a veritable grey beard who could hardly be expected to last much longer !
tr	4	Your pardon , Finn , I did not mean to make you uncomfortable ... I fear I am very tiresome tonight . "
tr	4	He had two sisters , yet Finan had none , only brothers , so which truth did he tell her ?
tr	4	There was no point in trying to convince himself that if he told her anything else he wouldn 't really be lying .
tr	4	Even Eda , who seemed to have entered a catatonic state on the other side of the cave , lurched upright .
tr	4	Rafe was lost in thought again , a heavy frown creasing his brow that lent a bitter cast to his face .
tr	4	" I should have said nothing but it seemed to me that you wished to talk of your worry . "
tr	4	" You are right , there is something amiss , " he began , looking out in to the darkness that had fallen .
tr	4	He did not like to admit this ignorance as it was a lack of knowledge he found it hard to forgive himself for .
tr	4	" You know , it really would be best if ... " Rafe faltered as Adele 's trusting gaze turned sleepily upon him .
tr	4	Suddenly the suggestion he had made seemed almost ... he struggled to find the right word ... almost ... indecent !
tr	4	Looking out into the darkness he wished that whoever it was that followed them would strike and end his discomfort .
tr	4	" Adele , you cannot possibly be thinking ... " " What other choice do we have , Eda ? "
tr	4	Rafe saw the appeal in Adele 's voice smote Eda , and watched the other woman 's rigid disapproval dissolve .
tr	4	" I suppose it is better that we be comfortable together than sleepless apart , " she replied at last .
tr	4	Eda had curled up against Adele , who had in turn curled up toward him , resting her head upon his shoulder .
tr	4	He stood beside the trunk of a big tree , invisible to the people not twenty feet away from him .
tr	4	His sword was drawn in his hand but his grip was loose , as though he had little intention of using it .
tr	4	He stood there for a long time , turning the sword restlessly , but slowly , as though he found the movement therapeutic .
tr	4	As he had lain next to the fire fatigue had fled and drowsiness had disappeared in the face of his encroaching thoughts .
tr	4	Eventually it had been too much , and he had risen from his bed and crept out of the camp .
tr	4	He could have walked across the space that separated them and finish finally what his father had started all those years before .
tr	4	No , it would have to wait until another time , a time when he had numbers on his side .
tr	4	His closeness to Adele , but his inability to get closer , was a sweet torment that both frustrated and yet excited him .
tr	4	For a few moments Rand and the intruder remained thus as all around them the wind moaned and leaves stirred softly .
tr	4	Bron smoothed a hand over the skin of his neck which still tingled from the touch of Rand 's sword .
tr	4	Rand did not reply , but turned back to his contemplation of those beneath the shelter of the out crop .
tr	4	spluttered Rand , seizing him by the arm and pulling him down to crouch against the roots of one of the large trees .
tr	4	He wished he had at least an idea where the warrior might be , but he could see nothing of him in the gloom .
tr	4	His hand , as it clasped his sword , gripped with such fierceness that the sinews stood out from the bone .
tr	4	There was naught to be seen and he had to suppose it had only been a leaf blown by the wind .
tr	4	It seemed to Rand that in that instant their eyes met , that the warrior 's gaze had pierced the darkness that shrouded him .
tr	4	He spent several seconds assuring himself that this could not be so , that the warrior 's eyes would be dazzled by the flames .
tr	4	" I hardly see how I could be expected to be asleep with you charging around like a bull , " replied Finan mildly .
tr	4	Finan watched him for some moments in silence as the flickering light of the flames played over his youthful features .
tr	4	His face was troubled , a rather harassed frown drawing his brows together , and his lips clenched too tight .
tr	4	I think the worse the name he calls you by , the more pleased he is with what you have done . "
tr	4	He had been fierce in his desire to be accepted by Rafe and Finan , and had been full of bravado and spunk .
tr	4	Yet both Rafe and Finan knew that their presence beside him in these moments calmed him , and allowed him to relax .
tr	4	Their strength is as great as our own , we should be stirring a hornets ' nest of unrest . "
tr	4	" Yes , well , as that may be , there is a reason for such behaviour , " answered Lord Brogan .
tr	4	" ' Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy , ' I have out grown such things . "
tr	4	asked Lord Brogan moving through the throng and sitting down in one of the great chairs drawn up to where a fire blazed .
tr	4	Lord Brogan called a page to his side , and ordered that a goblet of spiced wine should be brought before them .
tr	4	" Yes , I should imagine that it is , " Lord Brogan answered , taking a sip of his wine .
tr	4	He had stirred at some point during the night , and his arm was no longer covered by the cloak .
tr	4	He would have liked to allow her the luxury of resting a little longer but knew he could not , not after last night .
tr	4	" Unfortunately , yes , my lady , " replied Rafe , " and we should resume our journey as quickly as possible . "
tr	4	Adele was rubbing her eyes sleepily , but at his words she nodded and reached out to where Eda lay , still fast asleep .
tr	4	" She will wake up in a moment , Finn , she may even deign to breakfast with us . "
tr	4	Adele smiled as she lifted Eda 's silken hair back from her face and pulled a comb through its luxuriant length .
tr	4	" Yes , I suggest you breakfast well for we will not stop again today until we make camp tonight . "
tr	4	Eda waited for Rafe to respond to her question , but he said nothing and continued to apportion the food in silence .
tr	4	Maybe it would impress upon them the importance of accomplishing this next stretch of their journey as quickly as possible .
tr	4	The breeze rippled through Adele 's hair sending long strands to float lazily on the air and brush against the column of her throat .
tr	4	Adele watched him turn away , saw the dull colour spread over his features and wondered what had caused his embarrassment .
tr	4	She had thought that he would ignore Eda 's question but now he answered , the words coming hard and bitter from his mouth .
tr	4	He wouldn 't look at them , but his eyes fixed on the fire with disgust and revulsion churning in their depths .
tr	4	Adele continued to chew silently for a moment , until her eyes fell on the third untouched portion laid out on the cloth .
tr	4	------- Rafe did not hear Adele approach , he was too busy cursing himself for being every sort of fool .
tr	4	" You were so insistent that we take our food , Finn , and yet look : you forgot your own . "
tr	4	Rafe paused , taking a deep breath and staring at a bare patch of earth kicked up by the horses .
tr	4	" You are mistaken if you suppose that I should be so disloyal to him as to let you speak such things . "
tr	4	" Lord Rafe has been very kind to me , as I am sure he has been to you also . "
tr	4	" For we are friends , Finn , and I ... Please , Finn , do not let us argue ! "
tr	4	He couldn 't tell her here when after the confession had been made they would have to continue on in such close company .
tr	4	" Lady Adele means more to me than you will ever know , and I can tell when something has occurred to distress her .
tr	4	" In this I have experience , Finan , and I know that this path leads only to great heartache .
tr	4	He was still staring at her in sudden interest when Adele reappeared , her cloak wrapped around her shoulders and her eyes down cast .
tr	4	It seemed suddenly a hard thing to slide his arm around her waist and lift her onto the great animal 's back .
tr	4	Adele did not look at him again , she stared rigidly down at Charger 's mane as though it absorbed all her attention .
tr	4	Life within a house full of women could not but be filled , upon occasion , with a certain nervous tension .
tr	4	Not that the ladies at the fort had been trouble makers or malicious , for the most part relations between all were very cordial .
tr	4	She could not but be sorry for it , she understood the trouble that she and Eda were to him .
tr	4	Maybe there was a personal element to the story that he had not included , and which made his bitterness a little more understandable .
tr	4	It was still in the shelter of the trees and silent but for the occasional creak of a tree branch .
tr	4	The coolness of the air revitalised him and he sat down on a tree stump , gazing at the beauty all around him .
tr	4	" That explains how you know me , what it does not explain is why you followed me to this place . "
tr	4	" I have no interest in the trivial differences of others , I will not take part in this matter .
tr	4	" Lord Rafe is , I am sure , an excellent person , but he has proven himself unable to settle this affair . "
tr	4	However , he would not relish his son 's success if attained in such a way , surely they could see that ?
tr	4	Every word that could possibly have been said had been spoken , and now there was only silence and emptiness left .
tr	4	Rafe shifted and , clinging tightly to Valiant , hung from the horse 's side to get a closer look at the tracks .
tr	4	His voice remained bland , but there was a furrow between his brows that told with eloquence of the worry he felt .
tr	4	On the other hand it could be a hunt , and if that were the case it was more worrying .
tr	4	Rafe wished he felt such a certainty but did not depress her hopes with his own , less cheerful , reading of the situation .
tr	4	Maybe Eda was right ; it was possible that the hunting party would not come this way again but was now far away .
tr	4	For some time it seemed as though his fears were groundless , and they continued through the peaceful forest unhindered .
tr	4	Rafe 's choice of direction was true , but the hunt emerged just close enough behind them to see them disappearing into the trees .
tr	4	Rafe heard a shout go up and then the commotion of the riders turning their mounts in a new direction .
tr	4	Abruptly Rafe pulled Valiant to a standstill and , sliding from the horse , reached an imperative hand up to Eda .
tr	4	" Charger cannot out run those horses with the two of you to carry , you must ride Valiant , Eda . "
tr	4	Rafe watched them calmly , his eyes alert to their every movement , before suddenly launching upon them a ferocious attack .
tr	4	He turned his head , wincing as pain shot through him , and his cheek touched the cold dirt floor .
tr	4	They were eyes , Rafe noted , that held recognition , a recognition that was no doubt reflected in his own .
tr	4	The man had lost his brother , then his father , he was immersed in grief , what time did he have for explanations ?
tr	4	He remembered the agony of Finan 's despair , the hurt and anger that had filled his foster brother with misery .
tr	4	Rafe looked from one to the other of their matter of fact faces ; he felt angry and sick at their gloating .
tr	4	It was something he had no craving to comprehend , and it was certainly not an activity he intended to participate in .
tr	4	If it had not been for your ... intervention ... my brother 's premature demise might not have occurred for some time . "
tr	4	" Of course it did not occur to you that I might be pleased to have him out of my way .
tr	4	He was an embarrassment , a fool who had no thought in his head except for that of his next drink .
tr	4	Mine is bound by the bonds of honour , for goodness knows that we have no love for each other .
tr	4	" I do not see how you will address the matter satisfactorily then , it seems to be hopeless . "
tr	4	" So know your fate : I will turn you back onto my lands without horse , bow , axe , or spear .
tr	4	His imagination began to take over his more rational thoughts , and he envisioned all manner of unlikely things to have occurred .
tr	4	" If you have not changed your mind , those were the terms of the agreement and now I want to leave . "
tr	4	" If that is your wish , I merely thought that you might care to rest a little and take some food first . "
tr	4	" Such an argument as this achieves nothing , " he stated , biting back the next recrimination that sprang to his lips .
tr	4	Standing , he made his way to the table at the other side of the room and lifted Rafe 's sword from its surface .
tr	4	Anxiety became evident in Rand 's eyes , and Bron noticed tension beginning to build up in his master 's frame .
tr	4	I would say that he sent the ladies on alone and held the hunt here so that they could make it to safety . "
tr	4	The warrior stayed and fought , but it does not seem as though they killed him , there is no blood . "
tr	4	One rider dismounted and followed Lady Adele 's tracks , the other took both horses and returned from whence he came . "
tr	4	" Perhaps , Master , the only way we will ever know is to find the one who makes those tracks . "
tr	4	" Can you be suggesting , Bron , that you think me incapable of following these tracks without your help ? "
tr	4	He wondered a little at his master , at the eager pace at which he was pursuing his present course .
tr	4	For himself Bron felt that there were far too many unanswered questions about the profitability of such a journey as this .
tr	4	Lord Rand was of a secretive nature , a circumstance that had caused great friction between him and his father .
tr	4	With that in mind it seemed unfair to expect that Lord Rafe could do anything , it was an impossible position all round .
tr	4	Adele reached out across the space that separated her mount from Eda 's , and took her friend 's hand in her own .
tr	4	Finn had said to carry on , and if that is what Finn had said , then it was what they must do .
tr	4	The thought of those following them , those who had attacked them that first night at the camp , filled her with a fear .
tr	4	She snuggled into her cloak , pulling it up around her face to cover the tip of her ice cold nose .
tr	4	Adele frowned , such a statement seemed an exaggeration and yet , no matter how fanciful it sounded , that was how she felt .
tr	4	They travelled for some time without speaking , to Adele it was the most miserable silence she had ever endured .
tr	4	Adele searched her sleepy mind , trying to remember why it was important , and suddenly sat upright with a yell .
tr	4	He couldn 't see ten foot through the cloudiness that surrounded him , and he felt exposed , defenceless , and open to attack .
tr	4	" He never could stand the damp , " Finan returned foolishly , a clumsy attempt to hide the nervousness that he had betrayed .
tr	4	" This from the man who has spent the last hour staring out into the mists in search of nothing ! "
tr	4	At that point there had been no action , in fact there had still been hope that negotiation could be made .
tr	4	Finan had watched over them in amusement , and jeered playfully at their inexperience from his own lofty five years seniority .
tr	4	It was the fairer of the two that spoke , her voice warmly husky , the words slurred slightly with sleepiness .
tr	4	He was just in time to see the colour flee from Finan 's face , a circumstance he had rarely witnessed in his friend .
tr	4	He realised , with an agility of mind that few knew he possessed , that there was before him a mystery .
tr	4	" And I will see the ladies are comfortable and then join you , " replied Finan , forcing his words past bloodless lips .
tr	4	Adele 's eyes came to rest sharply on his face as he spoke these words , and a thoughtful expression entered her eyes .
tr	4	The prize over which they had fought was an apple that had chanced to fall over the wall of the orchard .
tr	4	" In a way t ' was better , for I always feared that there would be a great deal of awkwardness between us .
tr	4	" Finally you meet him and all that you have to say of him was that he was not so tall as Finn ? "
tr	4	He knew the odds , he wasn 't naïve , and he had learnt long ago the penalties of the lives that they led .
tr	4	------- Rafe moved quickly ; he knew that his pursuers were close and once again was grateful for the covering mist .
tr	4	He could hear the sound of horses , not only behind him , but also hemming him in on each side .
tr	4	He knew that only three men had followed him and had surmised that the rest had followed Eda and Adele 's tracks .
tr	4	Finan 's head jerked sharply in his direction , and Rafe saw a wave of barely contained relief flood his friend 's face .
tr	4	Rafe ignored the hit , and turned toward the two groups of riders that had now merged and stood silently across from them .
tr	4	One man urged his horse forwards , breaking rank with the other riders , and coming closer to where Rafe stood .
tr	4	" You are a long way from Mercia , Rand , take my advice and leave Wessex while you still may . "
tr	4	No one moved , no one spoke , for a second it seemed as though no one dared to breathe .
tr	4	Rand struggled to gain his balance as he hit the floor , and tried to disentangle himself from Rafe 's strong grip .
tr	4	' Tis not my argument , or yours to involve yourself in : go back to the tent , " replied Finan shortly .
tr	4	" It is not your argument so you will allow them to beat what little sense they possess out of each other ? "
tr	4	She passed them without a glance , and ran into the circle that the soldiers had made around the two fighting men .
tr	4	" Well I am , perfectly , which is more than will be said of you when I am finished !
tr	4	Rafe had stood , wiping the mud from his face , but at this utterance his eyes sharpened and met Rand 's .
tr	4	" Adele , take Eda and go back to the tent , one of the men will take you . "
tr	4	" Good , for ' tis you who would probably come off the loser , you clumsy great oaf ! "
tr	4	" However , know this , Rand : you and your men are to relinquish your weapons when you wish to enter my camp .
tr	4	His hand clenched on his sword and he jerked it roughly from its sheath , flinging it to the ground .
tr	4	He looked down at the still quivering blade with a faintly amused gleam in his eyes that infuriated Rand even more .
tr	4	Rafe was uncomfortable in the knowledge that whatever it was that Rand wanted , he had a certain amount of leverage .
tr	4	After all , what use was the deception to Rand now that Adele was here where Rafe could protect her ?
tr	4	His friend 's voice seemed to penetrate the fog of rage around Rafe 's brain , and he stopped his struggling .
tr	4	They would have done precisely that had not Rand engaged them , and allowed Rafe and the ladies to escape .
tr	4	Rafe noticed that he had not really answered the question put to him , but allowed the matter to drop .
tr	4	" What difficulties have you gotten yourself into that you suddenly need a friend on this side of the border ? "
tr	4	" Nevertheless you will find that it is true ; my only wish is to bring comfort to Adele . "
tr	4	" I was a boy of eleven , Rafe , " answered Rand , " I knew nothing of what my father planned .
tr	4	Rand seemed surprised by his words , as though it had never crossed his mind that they would accept him back .
tr	4	They were put in harm 's way on account of his hatred , I had to do what I could for them .
tr	4	All were silent as he finished speaking , trying to sort through the various feelings and suspicions brought to the surface by his speech .
tr	4	" If I had known then what I know now , I would never have embroiled myself in this mess .
tr	4	" ' Tis perhaps not the best scheme I have ever had , I own , " he admitted , looking a little sheepish .
tr	4	The room was suddenly silent and Rand , seeing the exchanged looks of the others , began to experience the uncomfortable sensation of ignorance .
tr	4	" It would be best if you went back to your men , you need to set up camp before nightfall . "
tr	4	It was easy to when adolescence had brought him the inches he had so coveted when growing up amongst his much older friends .
tr	4	There was so much to be said , or maybe that was wrong and there was actually nothing to say .
tr	4	His voice was almost begrudging but after a moment he spoke again , his natural honesty needing to see fair play .
tr	4	" If that is how you feel , Finan , you know I will not force you , " answered Rafe .
tr	4	He disliked the ease with which they caused trouble ; between each other , between vying suitors , and even upon occasion between kingdoms .
tr	4	She had been forced upon him , a responsibility that was not really his , not that he had minded that part of it .
tr	4	He had hidden his own sadness from them as much as he could , not wishing to burden them with anything more .
tr	4	He didn 't know what Finan 's thoughts had been , but he had seen the troubled expression on his face .
tr	4	" People cannot help the name they are born to , Finan , " replied Rafe , " it does not define them . "
tr	4	All three men turned to stare at the small figure that rushed through the aperture of the tent and into Rafe 's arms .
tr	4	" That is what I most fervently wish , for now , " answered Rafe , rubbing a weary hand across his eyes .
tr	4	A few moments later he had a good blaze going , and he moved to where Rafe had discarded his cloak .
tr	4	" If there really are plans to unite Mercia and Kent , there are ways to foil them that do not involve war . "
tr	4	King Ine was not really attending to him anymore , but was staring at the missive in his hand in great perplexity .
tr	4	" Perhaps , my lord , it might be wiser to send someone a little more experienced in matters of subterfuge . "
tr	4	King Ine was looking disturbed , his eyes troubled , and a droop to his shoulders that worried Lord Brogan .
tr	4	When peace was finally made it was decided that a marriage alliance should take place , bringing us closer together .
tr	4	Both men were silent for a while , and Lord Brogan became aware of a rather drawn and grey look upon his friends face .
tr	4	" He sought to force himself into this affair when I had made it plain that he was not wanted .
tr	4	She should have been asleep , goodness knew she was tired , but somehow that oblivion was beyond her reach .
tr	4	To attach herself so inappropriately , and to a man whom it was probable she would see every day of her married life .
tr	4	She felt so full of error , but she did not see how she could have avoided the situation she found herself in .
tr	4	It was so unknown , so powerful , trapping her , tangling her in a vast web of confusing emotions and loyalties .
tr	4	It seemed as though she must be asleep , and maybe she was , but there were tears on her cheeks .
tr	4	" Maybe it is our intervention Rafe is unwilling to take , it does not follow that he deems our counsel incorrect . "
tr	4	" Come , Finan , we both know Rafe ... " " Not like this , " interrupted Finan evenly .
tr	4	Yet have you ever before felt the need to interrupt a fight that he was engaged in , as you did today ?
tr	4	" This is different ; Lady Adele will be his bride , this thing touches his pride and honour . "
tr	4	" Considering that the principals in this affair are asleep , I leave you in control of a peaceful camp .
tr	4	Finan had made it often enough over the last few days and therefore his mind was only half directed at the path they followed .
tr	4	In that endeavour he was assisted by the soldiers themselves ; for as many as pulled him one way , pulled him the other .
tr	4	He took full advantage of the position he found himself in , and wielded his sword with the precision of an expert .
tr	4	The spear struck Finan in his side , making him lurch forwards over Brute in surprised hurt , his sword falling from numb fingers .
tr	4	He gathered up Brute 's reins , urging the horse forwards through the crowd of men and out of the gate .
tr	4	He knew that the soldiers determination would be greater now , and that in their desperation they were likely to be far bolder .
tr	4	Finan caught sight of tents emerging from the mists , and within another few seconds he had cantered into the camp .
tr	4	Around him he could hear the sound of men running this way and that , shouting loudly to one another .
tr	4	Then he felt gentle hands lift him from the horse , and his name being called as if from a distance .
tr	4	Bron had his spear in his hand , his attitude alert and ready for the fight he knew was upon them .
tr	4	" We could not hold them together either , you must fetch Lord Rafe 's men : now go ! "
tr	4	" Find someone to help you get Finan into my tent , and see that he stays to keep guard . "
tr	4	As the horse and rider came abreast of him , Rand caught his arm and dragged him from his mount .
tr	4	They had known each other so long ago and much had occurred to change them , just as the intervening years had altered him .
tr	4	He moved forward to kneel by Finan 's inert form , shoulders slumped , and the hands he reached out to his friend shook .
tr	4	He reasoned that if he were known to be here , then no one would expect Lady Adele to be moved . "
tr	4	" I see : in order for the deception to work Finan had to be Rafe , " Rand was thoughtful for a moment .
tr	4	" And yet from what I remember of Rafe he did not seem as though he would become terribly susceptible to fair maids . "
tr	4	He has never been one to seek out feminine company , and I believe he worried that Lady Adele would not be happy . "
tr	4	For a moment there was an uncomfortable silence as both men realised how intimate and unrestrained their conversation had been .
tr	4	Rafe heard him talking in low tones to someone outside before he returned with a bowl and pitcher of water .
tr	4	Rand met them as they entered the camp and Rafe pulled his sword from its sheath , hold it out toward him .
tr	4	" No , the fever is yet in him , he talks still but I cannot make out that which he is saying . "
tr	4	" Perhaps it is Finan he dislikes , only he believes him to be Lord Rafe , " suggested Rand .
tr	4	" There is no way to tell , but he 's strong ; he should be able to fight it . "
tr	4	" No , there is no need to disturb Finan , it is better that we come to you . "
tr	4	" I had thought that on reaching the safety of the camp Finn would have left us to sleep in peace . "
tr	4	Adele , having completed the complicated task of dressing hurriedly , turned to her friend and began to comb her hair .
tr	4	Having made up his mind to tell dele the truth , he wished only that it might be done quickly .
tr	4	She stopped as she reached Rafe 's side and looked up at him with a knowledgeable glint in her eyes .
tr	4	Adele 's fingers found the softness of her leg and she gave herself a hard pinch , it hurt prodigiously .
tr	4	Because Finn , and she could not help but keep thinking of him by that name , was standing staring grimly at the floor .
tr	4	In his complete absorption in his own thoughts , he completely missed the unrestrained joy that flooded Adele 's face at his tidings .
tr	4	She remembered all the things that she had said to Finn , things that had been heard by Lord Rafe .
tr	4	She hung her head , if he knew he would think she had not a loyal bone in her body .
tr	4	Rafe felt his stomach tense into an ever tightening knot , he had no way to know what she was thinking .
tr	4	The thought of her unhappiness , and the knowledge that he was the cause of it , made him wince .
tr	4	Why could he not think of some way to reach out to her , a way to make things easy between them again ?
tr	4	There had been silence for so long and , as Rafe turned from her , Adele could bear it no longer .
tr	4	I had not meant for it to cause you discomfort , " he spoke stiffly , his uncertainty making the words diffident .
tr	4	Adele walked slowly to one of the chairs placed beside the fire and sank into it , grateful for its support .
tr	4	Everything had been explained so carefully , and in such detail , that Adele had felt well equipped for her new life .
tr	4	It is why I have told you the truth ; I did not wish you to hear it from anyone else . "
tr	4	His eyes were so intent that she felt exposed before him , as though he could see every thought in her head .
tr	4	He was looking at her as though he had sought to find something , but she had been found wanting .
tr	4	Adele had still not moved , and Eda reached out to take her hand ; it was ice cold and trembling .
tr	4	" But , you will have to help me , Adele ; I still cannot make out why you are crying . "
tr	4	" He was so displeased , Eda , what did I do that he should be so angry with me ? "
tr	4	She had always been able to judge him with an accuracy that would have been impossible for someone who had been in love .
tr	4	They had spent more of his visits in conversation together , and she had felt her admiration grow to become slightly different .
tr	4	she had felt for the longest time that she must have done something wrong , that somehow she had caused offence .
tr	4	" Only look at the two of us ; we do not play this game of love very well , do we ? "
tr	4	" It is the ones we love best in the world that have the greatest power to hurt us . "
tr	4	" The tents have been reconstructed on the other side of the camp , joining our camp with Rand 's .
tr	4	If you do not know the rage in their hearts over this atrocity , you will soon see its effects . "
tr	4	" It occurred to me that the ladies might have some knowledge that would be of help to Finan . "
tr	4	This time Rafe was silent for longer , and when he finally spoke his words were slow and carefully chosen .
tr	4	It was your father 's offer on your behalf and I cannot recall any mention of your heart at the time . "
tr	4	" You mistake the matter ; should I wish to be rid of her I could accomplish the task without your help . "
tr	4	He had sought Rafe out with the express intention of discovering what had passed between his foster brother and Lady Adele .
tr	4	And so he had been cunning , using Rafe 's reactions to the mention of Adele as a way to gauge his thoughts .
tr	4	His trepidation seemed to stem from the worry that he would not make his wife happy , and that this unhappiness would be mutual .
tr	4	Yet all of that had been before ; now Rafe had actually met her , had been days in her company .
tr	4	However , considering the information which he had already gleaned , he felt he could now be a little more reckless .
tr	4	He reflected that Rafe would not have been so livid if his words had not touched a raw nerve of truth .
tr	4	He couldn 't remember , it had seemed as though she had spent the whole time with her face averted .
tr	4	Was that how it would be between them from now on ; would she never be able to meet his eyes again ?
tr	4	It had been so easy to become friends with her , easier than he had ever imagined it would be .
tr	4	Until that moment he had thought them all fools , but it had been he who was the fool , and he believed now .
tr	4	Her voice was brisk , trying to hide how much this man 's concern for his friend had moved her .
tr	4	The daylight had faded an hour since and , as she passed into the tent , she blinked against the brightness of the fire .
tr	4	Her fingers were cold from the night air , but even so she knew that he was much too hot .
tr	4	The man kneeling across from her , who seemed to be in charge , passed his hand across his brow before he spoke .
tr	4	After an eternity it seemed as though Finan was a little cooler , surely he seemed more restful and moved less ?
tr	4	By the time he had swallowed the last of the fluid he was burning again and Adele was overheated from contact with him .
tr	4	It seemed an almost impossible task and she shifted her pose , stifling a groan as her aching muscles protested .
tr	4	Adele continued with the task before her and was startled when someone took Eda 's place at the other side of the bed .
tr	4	He took the cloth from her loose grip and , looking over her at someone who stood behind , jerked his head slightly .
tr	4	Adele could see that her friend was unaware of his eyes upon her ; she was fully occupied with her task .
tr	4	Eda seemed awkward , having no idea what she should do now that her duties had been commandeered by another .
tr	4	They lulled him into the belief that he was safe and then when he least expected it , the trap sprang shut .
tr	4	Adele saw Rand compress his lips and turn from her , but did not feel any the less annoyed with him .
tr	4	Rand kept silent , he knew whatever he said in a moment of anger would be wrong and he would regret it later .
tr	4	The pity of it was that he liked Eda ; he liked her sharp tongue , and her dryness amused him .
tr	4	It had made him feel good ; she had made him feel good , better than he had ever felt before .
tr	4	Rand sighed ; the truth was that he had used her , used the feelings she had displayed toward him as a balm .
tr	4	The worst of it was that he had been content to keep on using her , regardless of the danger .
tr	4	She had deserved better than that , but he had panicked when he realised the extent of her feelings for him .
tr	4	She leant forward ; reaching across Rafe to place her fingers against Finan 's brow , then his cheek and lastly his neck .
tr	4	Adele continued in the task of cooling Finan , a slight furrow between her brows as she considered his question .
tr	4	" You look exhausted , you should get some sleep , Finn ... " Adele blushed at her mistake and looked away .
tr	4	With those huge eyes she seemed capable of seeing into his very soul , though why she should want to he couldn 't think .
tr	4	She stumbled a little over his name , but he was glad she had made the effort to used it .
tr	4	Rafe heaved a sigh of relief , and then it struck him that she had not really answered his question .
tr	4	The warm glow that he was experiencing disappeared as he turned and found Rand 's eyes regarding Adele rather too closely for his liking .
tr	4	Adele seemed unaware of his stare but Rafe remembered , with a sickening lurch , how close Rand had stood to her chair .
tr	4	Rafe looked again to where Adele kneeled beside Finan , her hand gently pushing the damp hair back from his brow .
tr	4	He had travelled to the fort to find what she would make of him when she knew not who he was .
tr	4	" ' Tis my wish that we could ... at least ... we might develop some sort of bond between our families . "
tr	4	So I will be given the opportunity to avenge my honour by ending his life , and your task will be complete ? "
tr	4	Because he was to be a mediator in a dispute between two Houses , he could not accept shelter within their villages .
tr	4	When he arrived I was to kill him and make it appear as though a raiding party from Mercia was responsible .
tr	4	He had only left Finan 's side long enough to walk them back to their tent and station two guards to keep them safe .
tr	4	Drogo , having a lively sense of self preservation and seeing that an argument was brewing , left the tent hurriedly .
tr	4	" I suppose you had no choice , " he conceded grudgingly , but his eyes still burned with the indignity of it all .
tr	4	Rand ran his hand over his head and , grasping a handful of hair , gave it a sharp tug .
tr	4	There had been bad blood between your families for three generations , there was a root where the problem had begun . "
tr	4	" Surely even you must see that visiting harm upon Adele is a vastly different thing to visiting harm upon me ! "
tr	4	" Do not dare to think that which you are thinking , or I will throttle the lot of you !
tr	4	Nothing in her demeanour changed at the sharpness of his tone , but she dropped her hand to his cheek and then his neck .
tr	4	" I think Finan is wondering if I am still under the impression that I am betrothed to him . "
tr	4	A wave of relief swept over him ; perhaps in time she would bear him no grudge at all over the deception .
tr	4	" I do not wish to be uncivil , my lady , but you relieve my mind greatly , " answered Finan reassured .
tr	4	Her features became suddenly arrested , and her hands began to twist the cloth she still held around her fingers .
tr	4	Becoming aware of just how her hands betrayed her inner anxiety , she dropped the cloth and it fell to the floor .
tr	4	He looked at the men gathered around his bed , gazing down at him in various stages of surprised amusement .
tr	4	He wanted to follow her ; he felt that there was something wrong , but was unsure if he should go after her .
tr	4	Adele had not expected to be followed and so had allowed a few tears to fall from her brimming eyes .
tr	4	She knew that she was not as attractive as Eda , there were few women surely who could come close to her friend .
tr	4	He looked down at his arms ; they seemed suddenly alien , as though he had never seen them in his life before .
tr	4	All he had to do was slip one around Adele and pull her against him , offering her all the comfort he could give .
tr	4	His own hand seemed huge and clumsy in comparison , roughened by years of training , and swallowed hers completely .
tr	4	He raised his eyes to find that she was regarding their joined hands with a strange expression of surprise on her face .
tr	4	" Finan was fostered into my family before I was born and has always been as a true brother to me .
tr	4	We have shared much together , and I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for looking after him . "
tr	4	Adele looked down at the hand he still held and then swallowed twice before forcing herself to meet his eyes again .
tr	4	Rafe and Adele sprang apart guiltily at the sound of Rand 's voice , and a crimson wave of colour suffused Adele 's features .
tr	4	Rand pulled out his sword and admired the gleam of steel , rotating his wrist lazily so that the blade turned in perfect circles .
tr	4	All he had wanted was a son that would make him proud , who would follow in his illustrious footsteps .
tr	4	" I did not know that King Ine had sent him to relieve Rafe , " Lord Brogan 's voice was careful .
tr	4	" I see no reason why he should not , once I have explained matters to him , " replied Lord Brogan .
tr	4	He had never seen the need to keep his true thoughts in check , or camouflage the less desirable of his traits .
tr	4	It was his own belief in his excellence that gave him such a sublime disregard for other people 's opinions .
tr	4	He thought himself the best of good fellows , and it never occurred to him that others did not share that view .
tr	4	Their friendship was looked upon as something of an oddity , and sometimes Brogan himself did not know how it had sprung up .
tr	4	" Not at all ; I told you I hoped you would live , I just thought it unlikely . "
tr	4	" This young pup takes every opportunity to remind me that he always believed you could escape those who followed you .
tr	4	" It seems to me that we have met before , you and I , " he remarked at length .
tr	4	Anger flared up in Rafe 's eyes and he became still , a sure sign of just how incensed he was .
tr	4	With a sudden movement he stood and pulled his sword free , offering it in a nonchalant salute to Rand .
tr	4	We will give him that proof and , when he least expects it , we will overpower him and his men . "
tr	4	" He has lost everything ; he will do all in his power to gain some of it back . "
tr	4	" He is a petty turncoat , by keeping our eyes upon him we can make sure he causes no harm .
tr	4	It was not unpleasant or smug , merely a calm acceptance of due appreciation for the part he had played .
tr	4	" My bride 's safety is my concern ; you may be assured that I will not neglect my duty in that direction . "
tr	4	A sudden rush of pride swelled in his chest , and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth .
tr	4	Adele remained still , her eyes fixed upon Rand but staring through him in a way that was detrimental to his comfort .
tr	4	Adele began to move towards him , slow and deliberate ; he could see the tears glittering in her eyes .
tr	4	He waited expectantly for the blow to fall , but the fingers that touched his cheek were gentle and soft .
tr	4	Do you not see that I already know that you could never do such a thing as your father did ? "
tr	4	Chapter Twenty Nine Rafe suffered an uncomfortably restless night and had no trouble laying the blame firmly at Adele 's door .
tr	4	His expression told her that there was nothing he wanted to do less , but he seated himself just the same .
tr	4	For a moment there was silence between them as he tried to think of the best way to broach the subject .
tr	4	Adele cleared her throat nervously and Rafe , called back to his surroundings , snatched his hand away from her .
tr	4	Adele watched him , her breathing a little uneven , as he stared down at his hand in something approaching horror .
tr	4	Adele looked slightly mollified , then a frown touched her brow as she ran his words over in her mind .
tr	4	He saw a flicker of understanding in her eyes , and they opened wide as his meaning became clear to her .
tr	4	" He has always wished to , although I do not think he knew it until he felt her beyond his reach . "
tr	4	" No , I am promised to you ; I always knew I would like you , " she confided easily .
tr	4	It seemed that she did not intend that he should escape voicing his own wish that the betrothal would continue .
tr	4	His eyes remained fixed so intently upon Adele that she blushed , swallowed nervously , and tried to withdraw her hand from his .
tr	4	She did not meet his eyes , and Rafe stretched out a slightly unsteady hand to touch her softly flushed cheek with his fingertips .
tr	4	She smiled , a rather inviting smile to Rafe 's way of thinking , and leaned fractionally closer to him .
tr	4	He felt her lift one hand to rest on his shoulder in acceptance and pulled back a little , searching her face .
tr	4	I thought that , if it was no great trouble to you , we might try it once more . "
tr	4	With a smile he withdrew silently and turned his steps toward Finan 's tent , beginning to whistle a merry tune to himself .
tr	4	Finan had been in charge of Rafe 's safety for too long to be easy in sending him in to battle without his support .
tr	4	" Rafe would not see it as a necessity of course , but it puts my mind at ease . "
tr	4	She had not lied , but her words clearly gave the impression that such protection as Finan was to receive was at her request .
tr	4	Finan would accept such concern from her , as Adele well knew , but from Rafe it would be unpalatable .
tr	4	With an impatient movement he pulled the sword from its sheath at his side , and handed it to Adele .
tr	4	He was scared of them , terrified of the repercussions of his actions , and his manner toward them was sickeningly ingratiating .
tr	4	He retired across the room to rub the offending area gingerly , whilst casting black looks to both of the occupants of the chamber .
tr	4	When in situations of great stress his control always slipped , and he found he could do little to prevent it .
tr	4	" I hope you understand the penalty I will exact from you if you do not obey the instructions you have received . "
tr	4	" The worst was yet to come , for your father managed to secure Lady Adele 's hand for you .
tr	4	He saw , just as we all did , that her lands would be controlled by her husband , giving him great power .
tr	4	They allow us to do as we wish , and yet present our actions to the world as an illusion we call nobility . "
tr	4	" Your father knew all this , and used his position to secure the greatest thing of all : power . "
tr	4	Rafe could stand it no more , he felt his rage tremble to a peak and something within him snapped .
tr	4	He had brought his sword over his head to block the blow that he knew would fall , and reached for his dagger .
tr	4	" If that is the case fear no punishment from me ; your family deserve your loyalty more than I. " Rafe paused .
tr	4	" I do not think that Rand will be able to restrain him , but you will know what to do . "
tr	4	" I think that I have no wish to find out , " his foster brother replied , and then he was gone .
tr	4	Eda shivered in the cold air ; more than anything she wished to wrap one of the thick furs around Finan .
tr	4	She took a deliberate step away from him , and Rand was surprised by an urgent desire to pull her back .
tr	4	Instead he asked the question he 'd been longing to ask but had not found the appropriate time or place to do so .
tr	4	Now he had her alone he wasn 't sure what he was going to say , how he was going to explain .
tr	4	It hadn 't been what he had planned to declare , but somehow he had spoken before he could stop himself .
tr	4	" I did not mean that ; I meant that I was sorry for how I behaved to you . "
tr	4	Rand remained completely still , his face filled with cold fury , his cheek turning angry red where her hand had touched him .
tr	4	Eda could not say a word either , her throat had closed and she wasn 't sure she could utter a sound .
tr	4	" You think it a dishonour that I should realise that my behaviour toward you was not what it should have been ? "
tr	4	" And so you shall , but first I shall show you what it is to be treated with dishonour ! "
tr	4	Rand stared down at her in a bemused way , as though he were trying to find the answer to a riddle .
tr	4	" If I had thought that you would be so enthusiastic , nothing could have made me wait this long . "
tr	4	" Eda , if I ask you something , something you might not like , would you answer me ? "
tr	4	Eda kept her face turned , but after a few moments hesitation her head moved fractionally in an affirmative nod .
tr	4	" I could not tell you that until first you had told me ... " She broke off swallowing with difficulty .
tr	4	" You did not know the truth , and I confess that I did not wish you to learn it .
tr	4	" What you said before ; that I was dishonourable , it angered me because my honour is not spotless .
tr	4	Eda was silent , knowing that he had not finished and giving him time that he might collect his thoughts .
tr	4	Now it was up to her ; she must go to him , for he would never ask her to .
tr	4	Rand 's pride sprang , in part , from not wishing to inflict that which he loved with the shame that he bore .
tr	4	Rand pulled away , his arm falling from her waist , and she realised that she had been silent too long .
tr	4	" You have always been kind enough to call me ' Lady Eda ' , but we both know that I am no lady .
tr	4	I suppose I was too young to cook and clean , and not strong enough to help on the farm .
tr	4	" Not with me , " he stated firmly , " for I know how to handle you ... do I not ? "
tr	4	Fortunately though , " Rand cuddled her a little closer , grinning , " I have a cure for that . "
tr	4	He took them to Rafe 's tent and left them with assurance that Lady Adele would be with them shortly .
tr	4	It contained a makeshift bed and he could see a few sprigs of holly had been placed around to brighten the otherwise sparse space .
tr	4	Lord Brogan took in the thick plait of hair , large soft eyes , and smooth skin , before replying to her salutation .
tr	4	However , on my arrival I found not only that he had departed , but that also Finan is unavailable . "
tr	4	That the exterior was misleading he had no doubt , something told him that this pretty little girl had a fiery core .
tr	4	He had an amused light hearted smile on his face but Lord Brogan could see that it was a little brittle .
tr	4	He had changed little physically ; taller of course , and broader , but instantly recognisable as the lad he had once been .
tr	4	His eyes seemed old , as though he had seen the worst side of humanity and been powerless before it .
tr	4	Lord Brogan waited in silence , his very assurance that his question would be answered making it impossible to ignore .
tr	4	" I have known Adele since she was seven , " Rand blurted out after a shamefully brief attempt at concealment .
tr	4	" At first I did not tell her who I was ; I didn 't want her to be afraid of me .
tr	4	Generally he tried to keep father and son apart , that there might be as little friction between them as possible .
tr	4	" Aye , I need some food in my stomach , " he sighed as he followed his son from the tent .
tr	4	" I wish to speak with you , Lady Adele , " smiled Lord Brogan , gesturing to a chair across from his .
tr	4	Adele smiled and Lord Brogan noticed a soft light entering her eyes that emphasized the dreamy quality that they already held .
tr	4	He did not tell us much about the journey we would take , and we had not realised that we would be camping out .
tr	4	For a time there was silence as Lord Brogan studied her face , and then he sat back in his chair .
tr	4	" I did not like to think of you forced into a course because none other was open to you . "
tr	4	It was not precisely that he wished for revenge , that he would have taken pleasure in killing his enemy .
tr	4	It was that he hated knowing that there was someone out there who would harm his kin as a means to hurt him .
tr	4	A few quick strides and Rafe was on his knee before his sire , Lord Brogan 's hand clasped tightly in his .
tr	4	" I am come to see what problem takes my son so long to resolve , " answered Lord Brogan with a smile .
tr	4	" I wish you to take notice , Adele ; I have returned safely , just as I promised I would .
tr	4	" Yes , of course ; it was his bravery that earned him his position as adviser to King Ine . "
tr	4	I see , " answered Lord Brogan , observing the fact that his son would no longer meet his eyes .
tr	4	" I cannot see that he ever meant to ; I think that rather he wished to have her himself . "
tr	4	It stretched on for so long that Rand almost decided to leave , despite the fact that the tent was his quarters .
tr	4	" Kingdoms exist by a careful balance of power , for power corrupts and if one person possesses too much , chaos ensues .
tr	4	" Because King Ine could not be sure that his son would resist the temptation of being king in his father 's stead . "
tr	4	He was very tired , but the events of the day were still too large in his mind for him to surrender to sleep .
tr	4	Rand was following with Eda , but had shown enough understanding to take a different route to their shared destination .
tr	4	" I wondered if you would perhaps believe it was your lands that I covet , rather than you yourself . "
tr	4	" I never said ... " " No , you do not leave such important matters to mere words . "
tr	4	There was a blissful quality to her voice , and Rafe felt rather proud of himself for being responsible for her good humour .
tr	4	" I promise you ; the day we wed no one will have any doubt as to my perfect satisfaction with my groom . "
tr	4	The Tula Astra has been pressured in to working for the very Council that threatens to kill her loved ones .
tr	4	No stranger to loss , the precariously balance world she has constructed begins to fracture when Ben starts asking questions about her past .
tr	4	As her deepest secrets are uncovered , Astra finds there are mysteries in her childhood that even she is unaware of .
tr	4	Laura Pauling Praise for A SPY LIKE ME " Move over Gallagher Girls -- there 's a new spy in town !
tr	4	A Spy Like Me is a fast-paced , high-energy ride through Paris that left me almost as breathless as Pauling 's hot hero .
tr	4	The perfect mix of romance , mystery and danger , A Spy Like Me has more twists and turns than a Paris arrondissement . "
tr	4	Summary : After dodging bullets on a first date , Savvy must decide how far she 'll go to protect the ones she loves .
tr	4	The sounds and smells in the evening air became sharper : the tangy River Seine and the laughter of couples nearby .
tr	4	" I overheard you and your friend talking about your work the other day when I took your breakfast order .
tr	4	That you waited on our table because you thought I was cute and you liked the way I laughed . "
tr	4	" I 'd hoped for days you 'd been building up the courage to ask me out with sweaty palms and an out-of-control heartbeat .
tr	4	The boy should spend hours planning the date and picking out the perfect desserts and the right clothes to wear to impress her . "
tr	4	And is it true that your only intention and motivation were to get closer to the girl for your career purposes ? "
tr	4	I narrowed my eyes , and a grin spread across my face as an utterly evil idea sprang into mind .
tr	4	With shaky fingers , I rushed to unbutton his pants and slide them off , revealing navy blue boxer briefs .
tr	4	Following my instincts from watching too many crime shows , I pressed the quilt against his arm to stop the bleeding .
tr	4	Pain flecked his expression from the set of his jaw to the way his eyelids fluttered shut every few seconds .
tr	4	I wanted to reach out and touch his cheek , to comfort him , but I curled my fingers into the grass .
tr	4	The light from the Eiffel Tower and the street lamps still cast a romantic glow but this night had become anything but romantic .
tr	4	The thought that a bullet could be shooting toward my back made me run faster than I 'd ever run before .
tr	4	If I hadn 't been all cute and flirty and tied Malcolm up , he 'd be much better off .
tr	4	I hadn 't heard any gunshot pings since I ran away , since Malcolm got shot , since our date got ruined .
tr	4	The boisterous sounds of the late-night crowd faded into white noise , and the nice man closed up his cart and left for home .
tr	4	I wasn 't sure how long I stayed or if I even nodded off here and there , but he never came .
tr	4	I liked the lopsided grin he wore when he took my order every morning , already knowing what I wanted .
tr	4	I liked his polite and kind words when he waited for Aimee and me to finish chatting before he presented us the bill .
tr	4	I could 've at least asked him some questions first or talked about my hurt feelings in a rational way .
tr	4	He might wrap me in bubble wrap and metal armor to keep me safe , but he 'd know what to do about Malcolm .
tr	4	Finally , he peered over the top of the paper for a second , his wave of dark hair slicked to the side .
tr	4	I 'd freaked out because it had the scrapbook my friends made me as a goodbye gift , and he 'd been so concerned .
tr	4	I looked at a clump of dried gel hanging from a hair above Dad 's ear , anywhere but at his eyes .
tr	4	I wanted to rush the three steps across the kitchenette and hang my head over the sink and puke my guts out .
tr	4	As soon as my butt hit the chair , I opened two menus and propped them at the edge of our table .
tr	4	Customers streamed in and out of the café , a sea of strangers , but none of them were Malcolm .
tr	4	After you used your papa 's spy equipment to see if he ever talked to your mother and he caught you . "
tr	4	Aimee stared me down , her grip tightening on her cup , and the blue flecks in her eyes turning stormy .
tr	4	I whipped the cash out of my shoulder bag and slammed it on the table next to a small metal tray .
tr	4	I grabbed the tray from the table , and while Aimee fiddled with her chair , I shoved the tray up my shirt .
tr	4	" You might not get fired from this job because your dad is the boss , but I can . "
tr	4	At the top , Aimee and I helped each other hook the zip line cables onto our belts and tighten the safety straps .
tr	4	This was our second round with the " grand entrance , " and the drop scared the crap out of me .
tr	4	I couldn 't look down for long because my stomach felt queasy and vertigo hit me like a sugar high .
tr	4	Aimee had no problem standing on the roof rafter ; after all , she was the one who wanted to climb mountains .
tr	4	That was because I 'd seen him in his sweats , singing to Barry Manilow , while he burned our instant mac and cheese .
tr	4	He glanced around as if a hundred men in black suits with ear buds were about to burst through the door .
tr	4	The instantaneous burst of joy over the fact I wasn 't a murderer faded , and my blood went from simmering to boiling .
tr	4	Sweat tickled my armpits and dotted my forehead as the cement and the heads of the people swung back and forth in my vision .
tr	4	After minutes of ultimate humiliation , I hovered inches from the ground , close enough to kiss the dirty cement .
tr	4	I wanted to burst out that I 'd tried , but the guy I thought I 'd killed just showed up alive .
tr	4	After my humiliating fall from the rafters , I shoved that baby right back into place before leaving the warehouse .
tr	4	At the Louvre , I passed off an envelope to the spy teams filled with crucial information in exchange for money .
tr	4	Walking through the hallways that would soon be bustling with tourists , I headed to the Vien Room on the second floor .
tr	4	With my eye on my watch and my arm poised to paint , the first spy group entered the room .
tr	4	They stuck out like a finger painting next to a Van Gogh , their rainy day trench coats and sunglasses screaming wannabe .
tr	4	By the end of the four hours they 'd be knocking out bad guys in a cutthroat race for the prize .
tr	4	How could they not recognize the girl who fell from the ceiling with the safety straps riding up her butt ?
tr	4	I pulled out my ponytail to help them recognize my long dark hair and jacked my voice up an octave .
tr	4	He narrowed his eyes but didn 't have time to explain because a wannabe spy approached him and not me .
tr	4	I dropped my satchel on the ground behind me and continued to paint while she dropped the money rolls into my bag .
tr	4	I smoothed down my artist 's smock and worked on mixing the right shade of green for the grassy hillside .
tr	4	" Of course , I cared , I left my date bleeding to death with some madman on the loose . "
tr	4	I could have sworn the whole room , even the walls , gasped , and the angel in the painting smirked .
tr	4	On the way down to the museum offices , I texted Aimee asking her to switch spots with me , quickly .
tr	4	Aimee flew into the pyramid clutching the easel and satchel , just as Peyton and his group arrived in the courtyard .
tr	4	At the Eiffel I threw a bunch of bills at the driver , and then hoped they weren 't the Spy Games counterfeit ones .
tr	4	With my chest heaving and my breath shooting out in short gasps , I waited in a shorter line for the elevator .
tr	4	If I thought it was windy at the Louvre , here at the top of the world , it quadrupled a million times .
tr	4	A narrow walkway circled the top of the Eiffel , and the city of Paris was spread out before me .
tr	4	I recognized it , a scarf with threads of a paisley blue and yellow , and the lady had brown hair .
tr	4	I followed blindly , weaving in and around tourists , probably pissing them off , but I had to know .
tr	4	The Eiffel Tower clue was a basic code that sent them off on a treasure hunt through the most famous historical sites of Paris .
tr	4	Eight Peyton 's eyes burned into me like they were lasers and I was a metal wall he was trying to blast through .
tr	4	" Your friend here was not allowed access to the museum , so we couldn 't get our clue . "
tr	4	Completely by accident , we 'd sent this man over the edge , although he must have been pretty close anyway .
tr	4	After clearing her throat , she said in a loud , shaky voice , " You need to leave , Sir . "
tr	4	I had a hostage to torture in a couple of hours , but I couldn 't forget about the package .
tr	4	Frankie nodded when I entered , his red frizz just long enough to flop in and out of his eyes with every nod .
tr	4	First , I strapped on my belt and gunned the electric screwdriver , which is great for prying secrets out of scared hostages .
tr	4	I flashed back to the crazy look in Peyton 's eye and the anger rolling off of him over what was a minor offense .
tr	4	Peyton 's eyes darted around the room , taking in the crates of old books , the cobwebs , and the hostage .
tr	4	I think in the Spy Games handbook it says -- " He shot back , " I know what the handbook says .
tr	4	This guy might as well have been a wild grizzly bear holding a red-hot poker and threatening to skewer me for dinner .
tr	4	If I were a real spy with any good instincts , words would have slipped out and cooled him off .
tr	4	Gray , Nancy , and Frankie tried not to look at me , shuffling their feet , fixing their hair .
tr	4	Waiters dressed in black and white moved in and out of the café like they were in a choreographed dance .
tr	4	He locked the doors , changed the bulb for the porch light , and left a light on when we were gone .
tr	4	I 'd burst into the room , pull out my gun , and the intruder would run for his life .
tr	4	The shade moved back and forth in the breeze , hitting the windowsill and making a slight click each time .
tr	4	The whole Spy Games staff was outside my front door , and I had thousands of dollars spread out on the table .
tr	4	I tucked the same piece of hair behind my ears over and over because it wouldn 't stay in place .
tr	4	The only evidence he 'd heard me was the higher pitch of his voice and the way his fingers gripped the pencil .
tr	4	We were only allowed to use it for Spy Games as long as we didn 't cause any trouble . "
tr	4	He must have planted bugs in the rafters , in my bedroom , in the kitchen ; or slipped trackers in my shoes .
tr	4	The note was from Aimee , and it said something about taking some time off to backpack across Eastern Europe .
tr	4	It said how sorry she was for the short notice , and that she 'd be in touch when she got back .
tr	4	I 'll give him a refund , he 'll pack his bags , and he 'll head back to the States . "
tr	4	Maybe he 'd found her following him and after extracting the hostage site from her , he took her hostage ?
tr	4	Dad had done everything possible to get me excited about Spy Games , from the box of spy gadgets to the spy hat .
tr	4	And when I gave him the chance to work on a real mission with me , he shrugged it off as an overactive imagination ?
tr	4	My eyes were beginning to clear , and I noticed the shape of a blue coffee mug sitting on the counter .
tr	4	I might have a hard time waking up in the morning , but there 's nothing like an intruder to get the mojo flowing .
tr	4	Malcolm sat relaxed in Dad 's kitchen chair , legs crossed , fingers tapping away on his laptop , eyes glued to the screen .
tr	4	I 'm known to be pretty loquacious but I couldn 't quite find the right words to express my shock .
tr	4	" I can 't argue that you didn 't take time to get to know me before our date . "
tr	4	" Hope you don 't mind spending a lot of time with me , " he said with mischief in his smile .
tr	4	" We meet at the warehouse , my dad introduces the mission , the staff does a bit of training .
tr	4	Just yesterday morning , before the start of the games , I 'd told her about my date with Malcolm .
tr	4	By the tiny quirk of his lips and the glimmer of mischief in his eyes , I knew he was referring to me .
tr	4	Over my shoulder , I said , " You 're shadowing me , following the lifestyle of a Spy Games staffer .
tr	4	Her wispy white hair was held up by bobby pins and she wore a faded , flowered smock that looked like a relic .
tr	4	Herbs growing in pots on a windowsill scented the air , and a giant fern filled most of the room .
tr	4	" I hope he 's not thinking of letting her go , because we really depend on her earnings . "
tr	4	A light sweat broke out on my forehead , and I could feel a nervous rash spread across my neck .
tr	4	With a warm hand on my waist , which I tried to ignore , Malcolm said , " Good one down there .
tr	4	I couldn 't remember if the pink and green flowered wallpaper , cracked and peeling in places , was the same or not .
tr	4	I whipped out my cell and sent an email to my home computer , reminding myself to check up on Marie next week .
tr	4	" If Aimee was kidnapped , it 's my fault , and I 'm going to find out what happened . "
tr	4	I changed into my favorite spy jeans , the ones with the stylish rips right above the knee , and a grey long-sleeved shirt .
tr	4	After waiting a few minutes to make sure Dad wasn 't coming back , I opened the door and searched our non-existent yard .
tr	4	My dad will take like an hour running , and I want to be gone before he gets back . "
tr	4	On my knees , I wiggled the end of the paper clip into the small keyhole of the bottom drawer .
tr	4	But Peyton hadn 't filled out any of the questions about his life , his family , or his job .
tr	4	Malcolm crawled in behind me , and seconds before Dad walked in , I yanked his comforter farther off the bed to hide us .
tr	4	" I was hoping we 'd have a bit more time to pay off those loans , " Dad said .
tr	4	This was Mom 's apartment , but I never knew we lived here because we couldn 't afford anything else .
tr	4	Instead , I focused on the softness of Malcolm 's hand and the warmth of his body , wishing I could snuggle into him .
tr	4	I hoped the penned address on my hand wasn 't getting smudged , because finding Peyton was next on my list .
tr	4	I stayed quiet when a young family burst from the front door in a babble of excitement , ready for a day of exploring .
tr	4	" There are two different ways to enter a room when we 're not sure what we 'll find , " I whispered .
tr	4	A tiny kitchen with a table for two opened into a living room with a plaid couch and a matching chair .
tr	4	Not knowing how much time we had , I opened drawers , looked in suitcases and searched under the pillow and bed .
tr	4	" No way , " I muttered and took a few steps back , dragging him with me to give Peyton space .
tr	4	My fingers curled into a ball , and I remembered the look on his face , his out of control behavior .
tr	4	Malcolm kept his eyes trained forward as if he were obsessed with the large red rose on the lady 's hat ahead of us .
tr	4	For the umpteenth time that day I had to fight the urge to pull out my phone and text Aimee .
tr	4	I remembered the time Aimee and I 'd wondered how many cafés we could visit in one day and still get our work done .
tr	4	" You 're supposed to be training me for the next Spy Games , but instead you 're walking aimlessly around Paris . "
tr	4	He didn 't move back , and we stood there face-to-face , lips almost touching , both of us breathing a bit abnormally .
tr	4	" And you , Savvy Bent , are sexy when trying to act like you don 't give a damn . "
tr	4	I didn 't shower or brush my hair , and I raided almost every single carb we had stored in the cupboard .
tr	4	Dad left early for Spy Games business , so looking like a granny , I pondered how uncooked rice would taste .
tr	4	I finally showered and threw on my dad 's oversized white T-shirt that said " pastry chef " and a pair of jeans .
tr	4	I spent a few hours whipping egg whites into a meringue , dicing strawberries , and attempting to turn confectioner 's sugar into frosting .
tr	4	" You know , sometimes the more time that passes , the more we feel the effects of a different culture . "
tr	4	" You can do anything you set your mind to , whether you ever make the perfect croissant or not . "
tr	4	I pulled out our travel pack of games -- checkers , Backgammon , and chess -- and played against myself .
tr	4	That could be why I never noticed the knock on the door or the fact that someone had entered without me even knowing it .
tr	4	But he also shared that things were a little tense between the two of you , so he asked for another day off . "
tr	4	" I thought if we were going to be working together , we should have an afternoon of just plain old fun in France .
tr	4	I played the role of the crab while searching Malcolm 's face for the sly wink that told me there was more to this .
tr	4	He had to understand I wasn 't here to bat my eyelashes at him and that my focus was on finding Aimee .
tr	4	His apartment was pretty sterile , a word that usually made me think of hospitals , needles , and green scrubs .
tr	4	I swear I was a walking commercial for patchwork quilts , and not in a cozy cottage kind of way .
tr	4	Just so you know , I was the understudy for Aunt Spike from James and the Giant Peach in a third grade play . "
tr	4	Off the Metro we crossed the street , a bit faster than our age should 've allowed , and headed toward a big gate .
tr	4	I pictured me and Aimee riding on the bike , dodging squirrels in the path until we 'd give up and walk .
tr	4	After shuffling through the winding paved paths that rolled with the landscape , he stroked his long beard -- quite convincingly I might add .
tr	4	He led me down narrow paths overhung with tree branches and ferns , and with no one around , we jogged .
tr	4	But those memories were safe ones , and there was nothing safe about what we were doing now -- following a potential madman .
tr	4	Even though the water sparkled in the sun and seemed pretty harmless , it was a long drop from where we stood .
tr	4	After gasping a bit , I stepped onto the first wooden plank , swallowing down my breakfast and refusing to look below .
tr	4	Ignoring the sign with a big circle and a line through it , I started across the bridge , my eyes on the temple .
tr	4	I wanted to find Aimee , and I couldn 't give Peyton any more of a head start than he already had .
tr	4	Underneath lay the scattered remains of what could 've been Aimee 's meager captivity , frayed rope and a power bar wrapper .
tr	4	I couldn 't stand there , next to Malcolm , so I ran and ran and ran until I couldn 't breathe .
tr	4	The green of the trees blurred against the blue sky and the slight breeze moved my granny dress against my legs .
tr	4	" So , dear , my memory is getting a little fuzzy , " he whispered , his breath kissing my cheek .
tr	4	" I 'll play out any fantasy for you , Savvy Bent , if it will keep a smile on your face . "
tr	4	I stared at the water far , far below us , just waiting for a victim to fall into its clutches .
tr	4	Malcolm moved to get up , then swore , and we watched the black tracking box falling toward the water .
tr	4	I pressed into his warmth , but my thoughts stayed on the fact that I 'd gotten shot at twice .
tr	4	" This is the second time we 've been shot at and we didn 't know Peyton the first time . "
tr	4	For some reason , I felt as if I were sitting by Willy Wonka 's chocolate river , only this tasted even better .
tr	4	That during this year away from home , I won 't be able to meet up to his expectations . "
tr	4	" If it makes you feel any better , " I said , " I already failed mine , both of them . "
tr	4	I narrowed my eyes at him , hoping he wasn 't talking about what I thought he was talking about .
tr	4	" That I went behind her back and made it look like I was on the date for other reasons .
tr	4	The whole being married pretense was dropped and even though he sat next to me , he didn 't touch me .
tr	4	Some friends are willing to die for each other but our friendship was new , just budding , needing sunlight to grow .
tr	4	Slowly , so I wouldn 't make any noise I brought one leg over the windowsill and let it dangle .
tr	4	If I hung from the window and then dropped , the fall wouldn 't be that big of a deal .
tr	4	Gripping the bottom of the window , I let my body scrape against the wood as I slowly lowered it .
tr	4	Inch by inch , I raised my head until I could peek into the kitchen window past the ruffled curtains .
tr	4	I had no idea why , and I wasn 't any closer to figuring out what had happened to her .
tr	4	His big old belly protruded out and if he swung at the right time he could take someone out with it .
tr	4	I forced myself to remember how he took care of the upset customer in his shop , and that he had kindness inside somewhere .
tr	4	I glared then turned my back to him , which caused a rippling gasp to spread throughout the crowd surrounding him .
tr	4	" You can joke , girl , but I promise , no one pulls a fast one on me . "
tr	4	The judges had to taste my entry -- even though I hadn 't made it -- and that was all that mattered .
tr	4	All my dreams of college , becoming a rock star , and someday baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie disappeared .
tr	4	With light footsteps , I went into what felt like the underworld with no clue what demons I would find .
tr	4	I held my breath on the stairs , afraid of creaks , but then let it out at the bottom .
tr	4	Out the front door , entering my life as a fugitive , or hiding in the shop and finding answers .
tr	4	Even in the freezer , a hot flush spread across my skin , causing goosebumps to rise on my goosebumps .
tr	4	You say that but wasn 't this Peyton fellow supposed to keep the girl distracted , and away from here and Jolie ?
tr	4	They switched back to French , and I desperately wished I 'd paid more attention to my French lessons in high school .
tr	4	My mind whirled , and I had to suck in air in shallow gasps so they didn 't hear me .
tr	4	My eyes flooded with tears and I sent a silent message to my pinky toes to hold on for just a bit longer .
tr	4	At last , when they left through the front door , I clumsily crawled onto the wooden planks of the floor .
tr	4	I rubbed my stiff hands across my arms and legs , but I didn 't have time to lay here and thaw .
tr	4	Totally lame answer , but it was better than the truth that I was prepared to take someone out with it .
tr	4	I crossed the living room into the kitchen and eased the pan onto the stovetop , then positioned myself behind the kitchen table .
tr	4	Two seconds later , he twirled around and blew into a party horn , the loud blast knocking apart my suspicions .
tr	4	She tried to teach me the higher levels of strategy for the game , but I never had a real interest . "
tr	4	I bit into a hunk of bread and held up my finger , so he had to wait while I chewed .
tr	4	My friends always thought she was kinda weird because she 'd spend hours in the backyard , shooting at targets .
tr	4	As he rubbed my back and ran his fingers through my hair , I didn 't know how to feel .
tr	4	Malcolm stiffened for just a second then leaned back into a casual pose , one leg crossed over the other .
tr	4	But I also knew that from our very first date Malcolm had an interest in my family and Malcolm worked for Jolie .
tr	4	I gave in and whispered , " After she returned from a trip , I looked through her stuff and found some secret documents .
tr	4	I think she was some kind of , " I paused as his eyes grew wider , " spy . "
tr	4	I felt like a large black cauldron with all the memories of the past couple weeks churning , bubbling , and boiling .
tr	4	Her grandmother 's cottage was abandoned , the neighbor warned me to stay away , and I had no leads .
tr	4	As Gray finished up his end of the meeting , Dad shuffled papers ready to embark on a long list of to-dos .
tr	4	Every once in a while , Malcolm tried to catch my eyes , but I refused to play his game .
tr	4	Mine can snore away , mouth open , drool spilling , and still know what 's going on around him .
tr	4	I looked a little bit like the wannabe spies I mocked , but I wasn 't going to dwell on that .
tr	4	I stopped rushing around and let my eyes wander the kitchen , taking in everything slowly , not missing an inch .
tr	4	His roving hands encircled her waist , and he kissed her neck as they lost their balance and almost fell .
tr	4	In less than three seconds , I slammed the laptop shut and crawled into the tiny closet that wasn 't meant for people .
tr	4	I had to separate my emotions from the job at hand and be heartless so the ache in my chest would go away .
tr	4	" I say something about myself and you have to decide if it 's the truth or a lie . "
tr	4	There was silence as I was sure the shot was poured and an article of clothing cast to the floor .
tr	4	I tried my hardest not to picture him ripping off his shirt and revealing his impeccable pecs , which I 'd seen before .
tr	4	The smell filled the small kitchen and I kept thinking about the words I 'd overhead from the freezer in Jolie 's .
tr	4	If I kept my nose to the trail , I 'd find my mom , but Malcolm had to think I 'd given up .
tr	4	He moved into the chair right next to me and pulled it up , so his knees surrounded my legs .
tr	4	The anger and hurt I felt bubbled up , and I didn 't have the desire to play games with him anymore .
tr	4	I gave him one final push and scrambled off the table , straightening my hair and doing my best to smooth my shirt .
tr	4	" I hung out with her tonight and brought her up here to sneak in some questions about Jolie . "
tr	4	It was hard to believe his night of seductive words and groaning had turned out to be nothing more than a spy mission .
tr	4	He didn 't say anything at first but ran his fingers through my hair to tuck it behind my ear .
tr	4	" I 'm afraid you 'll take it a step too far ... and try to spy on Jolie by yourself .
tr	4	I was willing to play along and see where this went , but I couldn 't say I trusted him .
tr	4	And I could only do that by shadowing him , spying on him , hoping he 'd get careless and expose information .
tr	4	He chatted with customers , instructed a new waiter , and then took off down the street at a brisk stroll .
tr	4	I tracked him from the streets to the Metro and then back to the streets until finally he stopped before a house .
tr	4	I stopped and hid behind a tree with my legs crossed because the five lattes had caught up with me .
tr	4	After waiting a few minutes , I sprinted across the street to a hedge of bushes dividing the house from the neighbor 's .
tr	4	When my breathing got back under control , I dashed across the small yard until I reached Jolie 's house .
tr	4	A tiny henhouse stood in the back of the yard , and several hens with brown speckled breasts were wandering free .
tr	4	Marie , Aimee 's grandmother was Jolie 's house slave , a servant , feeding him gingersnaps and mint tea .
tr	4	I clasped my hands together to keep myself from hurdling the bushes , grabbing a potted fern and knocking him out .
tr	4	I tumbled and landed on my stomach , face in the grass , right next to a hen pecking at seeds .
tr	4	Our traditions revolved around the latest gadgets for listening in on a conversation or how to put the biggest scare into clients .
tr	4	When he finally stopped , tears streaming into his beard , he took one look at me and burst out laughing again .
tr	4	" I don 't think so , " I grunted , but his powerful grip steered me toward the small house .
tr	4	He didn 't think twice about keeping a prisoner , which was more proof he 'd taken Aimee and Marie captive .
tr	4	" Why don 't you think about how wrong your actions were , and I 'll be back later . "
tr	4	I leaned my head against the strong but rickety door , no longer caring about the cobwebs or the chickens .
tr	4	When I heard Jolie call to her from inside the house , I took one last look at her warm eyes before running .
tr	4	I strode into the kitchen , confident , in control , ready to take on the world of espionage with the best of them .
tr	4	But I 've pulled shooting blanks at our clients from the program , for now , until this dies down . "
tr	4	Every morning , any time Dad and I bumped into each other , Spy Games became the topic of the day .
tr	4	I 'm thinking of expanding even more , trying for a game every weekend instead of twice a month . "
tr	4	" Don 't think , " I stuffed pancakes in my mouth , " that I can 't see what you 're doing . "
tr	4	I lifted my head straight back and stared up at the stone structure carved with so many saints and intricate details .
tr	4	Sometimes I 'd love to touch the iron fence , the right one , and I 'd travel back in time . "
tr	4	Again , an overwhelming sense of history in the black and white checkered floor and the vaulted ceilings washed over me .
tr	4	" That 's what your dad said when I suggested we check this place out -- " " This was your idea ? "
tr	4	From the outside , I had to look like I was enjoying myself , out on a date with a cute boy .
tr	4	A part of me trusted him , trusted the nice boy who planned picnics and wanted me to be safe .
tr	4	Even if we don 't use it in Spy Games , you 've got to make the climb at least once . "
tr	4	I couldn 't ignore the overwhelming sadness that he probably didn 't really like me when I was totally crushing on him .
tr	4	I went to the door of the bathroom and peeked outside , hoping to find Malcolm waiting for me with two drinks .
tr	4	They were talking to each other , acting like two strangers , who just happened to meet up in an ancient church .
tr	4	I pictured Jolie 's face carved into one of them , complete with wings , horns , and glowing red eyes .
tr	4	The golden sun rested in the lower half of the sky , but I couldn 't find warmth in its rays .
tr	4	I straightened up , needing to brave the world outside the cathedral and book it over to Jolie 's before he came home .
tr	4	With quick , sure steps , I marched across the small side yard to the backyard not even glancing at the henhouse .
tr	4	I could see the outline of the sink and toilet through the curtain and realized that anyone could see me too .
tr	4	Brief thoughts of whacking him over the head with the crowbar passed through my mind but then he zipped his pants back up .
tr	4	My breaths were short and shallow , but when his chapped hand with hairy knuckles appeared over my head , they stopped altogether .
tr	4	I listened for the front door , and then waited for what seemed like hours , shivering , trying to get warm .
tr	4	When the house quieted and the panic faded , I crawled out of the tub , not caring about leaving my wet footprints .
tr	4	The crinkle in the corner of her eyes that I always loved when we joked about Spy Games brought a tightness to my throat .
tr	4	I scooted back across the wooden floors , ready to run , escape , and eat donuts for the next two hours .
tr	4	After scrambling to my feet , water still dripping from my hair and clothes , I ran down the stairs and into the kitchen .
tr	4	On the bottom step , my foot slipped in the river following me , and I fell flat on my face .
tr	4	The table was turned on its side and shoved in the corner , the chairs stacked , and the carpet rolled back .
tr	4	I got to my knees , crawled over to the bell-shaped hole , and peered into the inky black darkness .
tr	4	I should get my freakin ' ass out of there and walk -- no run -- straight to my dad and tell him everything .
tr	4	I couldn 't be foolish about plunging into a dark pit that probably didn 't lead to a nice , lighted cellar .
tr	4	All the spy gadgets and granola bars in my backpack wouldn 't help me in what were probably the catacombs under Paris .
tr	4	I clenched the flashlight in my teeth and kept peering down , but the ladder didn 't seem to end .
tr	4	I crawled to the back of the hole and curled into a ball , hoping , praying , they wouldn 't see me .
tr	4	My jaw tensed and my teeth ground together as I held back the urge to vomit all over their feet .
tr	4	And he carried a small tool chest in his other hand , probably filled with corkscrews , pliers , and nail files .
tr	4	I shuddered in an attempt to shake off the imagined feeling of bony fingers tracing down my spine or tickling my toes .
tr	4	I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of the chair , the frayed ropes , and the cavernous room .
tr	4	Maybe he knew about the package and the instructions to shoot him , so he grabbed Mom and tortured her for information .
tr	4	My legs moved with the fear of a whip wrapping around them at any second , or kissing my back .
tr	4	I 'd cave at the first sight of the pliers heading toward my teeth or at the first snap of the whip .
tr	4	But if it was information on Mom they wanted or her secrets , I wouldn 't be able to tell them .
tr	4	Why had I ever complained about posing as an art student at the Louvre or dealing with wannabes like Peyton ?
tr	4	They continued back and forth , their words coming out in surges as they made their way up the stairs .
tr	4	Classic case of a girl abandoned by her mommy and trying to make up for it by pretending to be Martha Stewart . "
tr	4	As they kept talking , I stood straighter , trying to control my rage at Malcolm 's cheap shots at me .
tr	4	They advanced toward me , so I did what any panicked girl caught spying on a famous French pastry chef would do .
tr	4	If I was lucky , Malcolm and Jolie didn 't even know who it was spying on them from the stairs .
tr	4	I hated butting into other people 's business and living life like a trapeze artist , constantly afraid of falling and dying .
tr	4	Thirty-four Malcolm plopped onto the bench next to me and casually crossed his legs , his arms extending to the sides .
tr	4	I didn 't want the answer to it , because then I 'd have to admit that my emotions had been manipulated .
tr	4	While I 'd pretended to be the ultra-cool spy , he 'd been slipping through the backdoor , raiding the privacy of my heart .
tr	4	My arm twitched , and I had to grab onto it to stop myself from slugging him a good one .
tr	4	" If you 're feeling up for it , I found this great bookstore with an incredible café next door .
tr	4	I didn 't answer , but waited , not looking , with my eyes closed , and my heart shielded .
tr	4	Because if you knew the truth , the real secrets behind all this , you wouldn 't be so careless and stupid . "
tr	4	His words slipped past the cracks in the shield around my heart , the place he always managed to infiltrate .
tr	4	This whole thing , you and me , flirting and having fun , has been a game , a charade , a distraction .
tr	4	I should 've played my little role in Spy Games , believed Aimee 's note about traveling , and not questioned anybody .
tr	4	In that one conversation I 'd gone through fear , anger , hurt , betrayal , heartache , and back to anger .
tr	4	At home , I slipped in through my bedroom window , leaving a trail of dirt against the outside of the apartment .
tr	4	The shower cleaned my body , but no matter how hot I ran the water , the fears remained , wedged in my mind .
tr	4	I slid out of bed , grabbed the heaviest book on my shelf , and stood to the side of my door .
tr	4	If someone usually slams the door and grumbles on entering , then he should always slam the door and grumble .
tr	4	The lines around his eyes were deeper and he seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders as he hunched over .
tr	4	I 'll stop talking about West Point , and I 'll stop forcing you to pretend you 're a spy . "
tr	4	" I 've been selfish and didn 't want to share you , especially after she left without offering you a choice .
tr	4	Of course , I love having you here , but if you 'd rather be with your mom , I can work it out .
tr	4	I trudged back to my room and curled up into a ball in my closet near the box of special mementos .
tr	4	" Yes , " I said , my heart blooming and filling some of the hollow spaces in my chest .
tr	4	Even though I 'd screwed up , numerous times , more times than he even knew , he believed in me .
tr	4	Laughter bubbled up from some creepy twisted place inside of me because I shouldn 't be finding a spy hat the least bit humorous .
tr	4	I ran my fingers over them , and the pulse shocked my fingertips and spread like wildfire up through my arms .
tr	4	I 'd probably never know what Mom was supposed to do there , not if she 'd been taken hostage .
tr	4	I needed to play a different game , one that didn 't include clumsily spying on people and breaking and entering houses .
tr	4	For the first time in a long time , the cobwebs in my mind cleared , and I felt purpose .
tr	4	I stood outside in the tiny front yard , hoping our neighbors in the apartment building wouldn 't peek out their windows .
tr	4	After completing a series of karate kicks and floor drops and ninja turns -- that I totally made up -- I did them again .
tr	4	I couldn 't keep training like this or I wouldn 't be able to walk to the Extravaganza finals the next day .
tr	4	The guilt that hung over this box could finally leave because for the first time , it would get put to good use .
tr	4	After racing back to the kitchen the best I could on my sore legs , I slapped down a page of basic code breaking .
tr	4	I attacked each one like I was going for Olympic gold , scribbling furiously , a smile spreading across my face .
tr	4	I closed my eyes and pictured Aimee 's infectious smile , the one that used to greet me every morning .
tr	4	I kinda missed those days when Malcolm and I would flirt and do spy stuff together instead of against each other .
tr	4	I mean I hadn 't turned my back on spying , just on my laziness when it came to working for Dad .
tr	4	Especially if I tripped and my toes nudged the door open all the way and I just kinda fell into the apartment .
tr	4	In the back of my closet I found a pair of black leather pants I 'd packed for the Paris nightlife .
tr	4	The kind who solved problems and rooted out the bad guys because they were bad , not because of how much I got paid .
tr	4	His hair was perfectly styled , not for vanity , but so it wouldn 't fall in his eyes while in the field .
tr	4	Maybe it was the only way to control his hair or maybe no one ever told him he used a bit too much gel .
tr	4	Dad pulled a clump of gel from the side of his hair , stalling , probably waiting for me to disappoint him .
tr	4	I brushed past him and strode across the warehouse toward the others , shoulders back , head up , chest out .
tr	4	My legs still felt rubbery from my three-mile run , which had dwindled into a jog up and down the street .
tr	4	He flew down to the cement floor in his hot spy glamour , much to the awe of the clients .
tr	4	I texted Dad to let him know I had monthly girl issues but would make it to the final debriefing .
tr	4	From what I could tell it had been a masterpiece of little cakes placed in the formation of the Eiffel Tower .
tr	4	I ran along the perimeter of the Extravaganza then rushed up to the door of the bakery and jerked the knob back and forth .
tr	4	I 'd have to talk to Dad about investing in higher-quality devices , if he was really serious about this whole spy thing .
tr	4	He gave me a final push , and I broke my forward momentum by slamming my hands against his front counter .
tr	4	Right then and there I became a piece of pastry dough , punched and slammed around until there was no air left in me .
tr	4	" Honestly , if Aimee knew what a big bully you really are , she 'd probably never talk to you again .
tr	4	Quick as lightning Jolie fell for the oldest trick in the book and whipped his head around to see what happened .
tr	4	My fingers traced a path through the grime on the walls as I headed toward the door in the back .
tr	4	I tried to remember the path I took the last time , but all the walls and tunnels looked the same .
tr	4	With each turn , fear of failure weighed on my shoulders , heavier than the thick air pressing in on me .
tr	4	If my life were a reality TV show , glitter and confetti would drop from the sky and the crowds would cheer .
tr	4	The water spilled down his throat and the sides of his mouth , making dark prints in the floor of the cavern .
tr	4	As time went on , " his voice dropped low and he glanced around , " the vision changed again .
tr	4	Spying for the good of others was one thing , but staring death in the face snapped something inside me .
tr	4	Instinctively , I screamed , dropped to the ground , and curled into a ball , waiting for a burst of pain .
tr	4	I patted his legs and up to his torso , then saw the dark red stain spreading through his shirt .
tr	4	she asked sharply , but then she gasped at Jolie 's man lying on the floor and the revolver several feet away .
tr	4	Aimee didn 't say anything as she worked quietly , cleaning up the man 's wound the best she could .
tr	4	As much as I wanted to hear more of Aimee 's explanation , I had to hear the rest of his story .
tr	4	I stared at the prisoner , the pain etched in the lines on his face , the weariness of weeks of captivity .
tr	4	Her words sank in deep , taking root and reminding me of all the reasons I 'd lied or done something wrong .
tr	4	At the Extravaganza preliminaries , someone , still didn 't know who , had me shoot Jolie with a tranquilizer .
tr	4	If I don 't make it , take half and give it to this man to leave once he is well .
tr	4	Now I wanted to hear about all her troubles with her grandparents , and her memories of her parents before they died .
tr	4	I stormed up the stairs , down the hallway , up more stairs , and burst into Jolie 's kitchen .
tr	4	The crowds milled , the dancers danced , the singers sang , the mimes mimed and none of them knew the truth .
tr	4	But my feet wouldn 't move , and I watched , helpless , numb from all the surprises thrown at me .
tr	4	I grabbed a tray of pastries and lifted it up in front of my face , a pitiful attempt at camouflage .
tr	4	Malcolm was shaking his finger in the face of a street mime with black lips and black triangles above and below his eyes .
tr	4	The classical music started to sound like something from a horror movie -- the part where the main character gets killed .
tr	4	I rushed away on wobbly legs , scared I 'd give in to my impulse to slam my tray of delights into their faces .
tr	4	In a mad frenzy , they rushed forward , knocking over reporters , grabbing at the air , desperate for the clue .
tr	4	" When you wouldn 't believe Aimee had been kidnapped , I stole into your office to find out where Peyton lived . "
tr	4	And that was when I fully grasped the old cliché of , " You can 't have your cake and eat it too . "
tr	4	Forty-four French expletives burst from Jolie 's mouth and burned through the air and into the minds of the crowds .
tr	4	A mish-mash of red , green , and blue frosting stuck to the front of Jolie 's belly like encrusted jewels .
tr	4	I spoke out the corner of my mouth as Jolie advanced through the crowds , the cameras and press following him .
tr	4	During Spy Games , I always disappointed , always made the wrong choice , always caused a scowl to cross his face .
tr	4	When the crowds started murmuring and even more attention swung onto Jolie , he motioned to the men to stop dragging my dad away .
tr	4	Slowly , his hand went from his beard , to the frosting on his shirt , and down to the sides of his pants .
tr	4	With a quick kick of my good leg , I made sure my jab landed right in Malcolm 's gut .
tr	4	I didn 't plan on saving Jolie like that , just cause a distraction so the creeps couldn 't get a clear shot .
tr	4	The pain seared my skin , and I felt like the fiery flames of hell were punishing me for my lies .
tr	4	How can I protect myself if I don 't know what 's going on or why people are after me ? "
tr	4	He turned his eyes on me and really looked at me , as if he could see past all of my charades and self-defense .
tr	4	" Your family , your mom 's side of the family , will do anything to protect those persons in danger .
tr	4	Maybe because I could add one more person to the list of people I cared about who would betray me and leave me .
tr	4	" Or when you first asked -- " He kissed me again , then pulled away , leaving me breathless .
tr	4	His warmth spread through me like wildfire , igniting , growing , burning away the rest of the fear and tension .
tr	4	He leaned forward and pressed his face into my hair , then he dropped his head and tried to kiss me .
tr	4	Dad must be worried sick , and I couldn 't bear to think about Malcolm and the lasting effects of his words .
tr	4	I desperately wished I were wearing my new Victoria 's Secret bra , which was folded neatly back in my drawer .
tr	4	Maybe I 'd end up on a YouTube video , get like a million hits , and wind up on TV .
tr	4	I 'd fall backwards , and the current would envelop me and wash off the dirt and grime from the day .
tr	4	I hobbled a bit faster , regardless of the blood now seeping through my bandage and dripping down my leg .
tr	4	It was like I was in a mosh pit , except my destination was the back of a cop car .
tr	4	Not only one more person just to leave me , but to leave me practically naked , bleeding , and handcuffed .
tr	4	Smoke billowed out through the side doors of the high school gym in great puffy clouds , creating exactly the effect we 'd wanted .
tr	4	We 'd endured a year of lost battles , detentions at failed pranks , and lies , thanks to Bea Wallace .
tr	4	We knew we 'd settle the score the night of senior prom as our way of saying goodbye and good riddance .
tr	4	The fire trucks zoomed into the parking lot faster than we 'd expected , their lights flashing and sirens blaring .
tr	4	I nudged Jules and couldn 't help but glance at the trail through the woods that led to our getaway .
tr	4	She was set in her spot behind the landscaping , her eyes fixed on the parking lot in hopes of finding Bea .
tr	4	What if I outran him to the waiting car and we ended up in a high-speed chase through the neighborhood ?
tr	4	" Then I guess you won 't mind coming down to the station and taking a polygraph while chatting with the detective . "
tr	4	This was where I realized I watched too many crime shows and interrogations where the cops shouted and played mind games .
tr	4	I tried not to wiggle when his hand clamped down on my arm like I was a threat to humankind .
tr	4	" We 'll need time to talk to the school and think about this so we don 't make any rash decisions .
tr	4	She writes to entertain and experience a great story ... and be able to work in her pajamas and slippers .
tr	4	" Take the rifle Scott , " Steve Lyndon told the brother that was almost four years younger than his thirty years .
tr	4	That was just enough to get the logs down off the steep hillsides and do as little harm as possible to the environment .
tr	4	Scott edged the dozer along the hillside carefully , pushing brush and rocks back to the point the two brothers had mapped out .
tr	4	If a situation like this arose , it was their usual procedure to fire a warning shot over the animal 's head .
tr	4	With the rifle back on the clip he started the machine and backed it down the hill , keeping one eye on the bear .
tr	4	" Maybe you 'd better take someone with you tomorrow morning when you go up and finish the road . "
tr	4	" Oh now this is getting ridiculous , " Steve grumbled and strode to one of the open garbage barrels .
tr	4	" So you 're saying they 're opening the barrel , looking inside then moving on without touching the contents ?
tr	4	When he saw what looked like a dark shadow move in front of the bushes on the other side of the yard Scott frowned .
tr	4	Moments later , the white flutter moved out from behind the barrel for a few moments before it disappeared again .
tr	4	" The bear seems to be digging in the barrel then whatever it pulls out that white image takes . "
tr	4	He caught the shocked expression on both images ' faces for a split second before they disappeared into the underbrush .
tr	4	Steve Lyndon blinked then blinked again , his wide , shocked gaze still locked on where the images had been .
tr	4	" Look at this , " Scott said as he pointed to the ground near where he had seen the child .
tr	4	' If that child is that close with the bear then you can bet it 's as wild as the bear is . "
tr	4	Scott walked over to where the pair had disappeared into the underbrush the previous night and examined the thickets with a frown .
tr	4	The next morning , to his delight , all of the food was gone from the tray and the garbage drums were still locked .
tr	4	" Looks like you 're on to something Scott , " Steve smiled at the empty tray his brother brought into the kitchen .
tr	4	" Sure looks that way , " the younger Lyndon said thoughtfully as he looked up at the distant hills .
tr	4	As he approached the barrels Scott saw something rise up from behind the drum and the apple floated up then disappeared .
tr	4	He heard the rustle of the thicket and stood motionless until the sound had vanished into the warm morning air .
tr	4	He looked at the empty tray then stepped around the drum to see a partially eaten apple lying on the ground .
tr	4	He picked it up and looked at it then sighed as he felt a pang of guilt for interrupting the child 's meal .
tr	4	" Not really obsessed , " Scott replied as he slid the high powered rifle into the clips that were attached to the dashboard .
tr	4	" I refuse to see any kid , wild or not , go hungry or eat from a trash can . "
tr	4	Scott took a deep breath as the child turned and he got his first look at the innocent and very frightened face .
tr	4	He kept back peddling until he got to the front of the truck , his gaze never leaving the small face .
tr	4	Scott spent the entire day on the computer trying to find any information that he could link to the little girl .
tr	4	There were no reports of any missing or lost children in the last fifteen years that had not been found .
tr	4	" If you wanted to get her something I 'd suggest a pair of jeans with an elastic waist though .
tr	4	After stopping for a couple of beers at the only bar in the small town the pair headed back to camp .
tr	4	It was a thirty mile drive back to the logging site that had been their home for the better part of five years .
tr	4	Scott snapped as the truck turned off the highway and headed down the road that weaved through the tall timber toward the camp .
tr	4	When they arrived back at the logging camp , the pair unloaded the supplies then Scott hurried into the kitchen .
tr	4	" Hello , " he said in the same gentle voice he had used the last time they had met .
tr	4	The following morning , Scott Lyndon 's first stop was the third garbage drum and he smiled down at the empty tray .
tr	4	As he reached to pick it up he saw something fall from it and looked down to the ground to see the banana peel .
tr	4	Scott examined the little girl 's face and even though he saw fear there , he saw something else too .
tr	4	" Man , that kid can run , " he commented as he eased down on the accelerator a little .
tr	4	" Damned glad we got a four by four , " Steve chuckled as they bounced across a small hill .
tr	4	When they heard a low throaty growl the pair looked over to see the bear standing less than twelve feet away .
tr	4	" Oh boy , " Scott said under his breath then looked from the bear to the little girl and back .
tr	4	He looked at the little girl to see her extend her open hand again and he began a slow pace toward her .
tr	4	" I 'm glad I left the rifle in the truck last night , " Steve said and started back for the truck .
tr	4	He reached his brother and handed him the gloves as he looked down at the coyote and the little girl 's upturned face .
tr	4	" Here goes nothing , " he said under his breath and moved to the other side of the coyote .
tr	4	Scott pulled his fingers out of the jammed trap then picked the metal object up and dangled it by the chain .
tr	4	He took a deep breath then after giving the coyote another ear scratch , slid his arms under the wild animal and lifted him .
tr	4	" Helping a friend , " Scott said and looked down at the little girl who was keeping pace with him .
tr	4	He heard Steve 's disgusted sigh before the older Lyndon went to the back of the truck and dropped the steel tailgate .
tr	4	He looked at the little girl who was standing at the back of the truck watching him and he smiled and nodded at her .
tr	4	When the truck started up Scott saw the little girl 's eyes widen with fear and she leaped to her feet .
tr	4	He kept the smile on his face then breathed a sigh of relief when she sat down at his side again .
tr	4	He smiled as she stroked the coyote 's head and Scott saw a tiny bit of a smile touch the corners of her mouth .
tr	4	" I think your other friend wants to come with us , " he commented and wondered if the girl would understand .
tr	4	" It 's ok , " Scott told the little girl and saw her expression melt back to one of concern for the coyote .
tr	4	Steve approached the side of the truck carefully then reached over and laid the blanket on the bed in front of his brother .
tr	4	He opened the cap , squeezed a glob of it onto his finger and gently covered the animal 's wounds with it .
tr	4	He added more salve to the wounds , taking special care as he lifted the injured paw and adhered salve to the underside .
tr	4	He taped the end of the gauze in place then looked down at his handiwork as he returned the roll to the box .
tr	4	" Ok , " Steve said and returned to the office in the same slow pace he had used before .
tr	4	" I 'm going to move your friend where he 'll be more comfortable so he can rest for a little while . "
tr	4	Slowly he scooted toward the back of the truck easing the blanket with him before he slid to the ground .
tr	4	He saw the girl 's questioning expression as she looked from the coyote to him and he smiled and nodded .
tr	4	The coyote didn 't seem to even notice she was there and laid its head down on its good paw and closed its eyes .
tr	4	" That was an experience and a half , " Steve said when his brother sank into a desk chair .
tr	4	It was three hours later when Scott looked out the window toward the garbage drums to see the blanket empty .
tr	4	" I see our company left , " he told his brother who was on the phone with a local lumber mill .
tr	4	Scott went outside , checked the area , then walked slowly toward the barrels , keeping his eyes and ears open .
tr	4	After returning the rifle to the office closet Scott looked out over the north slope and wondered where the little blonde haired girl was .
tr	4	Each night for the next three weeks Scott left food for the child and each morning the food was gone .
tr	4	Although he never saw her or her friends he told himself she was eating well and that was all that mattered .
tr	4	It took him almost twenty minutes to reach the site and he spotted the Lyndon Logging trucks on the west side of the jam .
tr	4	" He says he ain 't , " the foreman replied as he pulled four hooks out of the box .
tr	4	" Well let 's see if we can 't pull that jam up enough to find out what it 's caught on . "
tr	4	After rigging the chains together , he signaled an all ready and the truck started up then moved up the slope slowly .
tr	4	If we try to move those logs that whole mess is going to come down on top of Chet . "
tr	4	" Yep , " he nodded and looked down at his leg that disappeared into the logs above the knee .
tr	4	Two , find a wedge large enough to slam in there and pull Chet out , if we can get his foot unstuck .
tr	4	Scott had to take a chance that it was the same bear and that it remembered him and he held out an open hand .
tr	4	To his surprise , she gave him a faint smile but much larger than the previous ones he had seen .
tr	4	He saw her gaze bounce to Chet then back and she took a step forward before holding out her hand then pointing to Chet .
tr	4	He spared a moment to look at Chet , whose eyes were the size of silver dollars and his mouth was hanging open .
tr	4	" Alright , " Scott said and turning , came back down the hill toward the foreman at a slow pace .
tr	4	Another throaty growl from the bear and a response from the little girl came before she looked up at Scott .
tr	4	He jumped down to the ground and looked at the bear before looking down at the end of the logs .
tr	4	" Do you remember the day you came out of the shed and the bear was in the middle of the yard ? "
tr	4	She comes into camp every night and eats the food I leave on a tray on one of the drums .
tr	4	As he stopped at the last drum a movement caught his eye and he looked toward the underbrush to see something black there .
tr	4	Scott decided he did not want to find out and picked up the tray silently and started back for the cabin .
tr	4	Before he had gotten four steps he heard a low throaty growl behind him and knew he was about to find out anyway .
tr	4	She looked at his hand then lifted her other hand and slowly closed his fingers around her hand before looking back up at him .
tr	4	" Show you , " she said slowly then she nodded her head and added , " It 's ok . "
tr	4	The little girl looked at the hand that was holding hers then mimicked his gesture , leveling a finger at herself .
tr	4	She swiveled her head and looked at the bear then pointed at him as she looked back at the man in front of her .
tr	4	A split second later a rustle in the underbrush was followed by a silver coyote appearing less than six feet from the bear .
tr	4	She swiveled her head and looked around as if to get her bearings then pointed to the north , northeast .
tr	4	I 'm taking the truck up as far as I can go then will hike the rest of the way . "
tr	4	Scott was not sure if the little girl would still be there but , to his surprise , she had not moved .
tr	4	Scott watched the coyote come forward and leap up into the back of the truck with the bear following a second after .
tr	4	He led Sidney to the passenger side and opened the door , was surprised to see her climb right in .
tr	4	If they could get even part way , they could hike the rest of the way as long as it was not too far .
tr	4	He looked at Sidney to see her looking at all of the buttons and dials on the dashboard with wide eyes .
tr	4	He smiled at her when she looked at him and received a return smile before she looked out the window .
tr	4	Any other child in a truck that had tons of buttons would be pushing them and wanting to see what they did .
tr	4	He steered the truck around several large boulders and knew they would not be able to go much farther by truck .
tr	4	It would be best if they did not try anything faster in case a drop off loomed up in front of them .
tr	4	He checked the angle of the truck , turned the wheels to the left , then set the brake and turned off the engine .
tr	4	He unbuckled his seatbelt , grabbed the keys and the two-way then slid out and hurried around to the passenger side .
tr	4	When he saw her look up at him he smiled and nodded then went to the back and opened the tailgate .
tr	4	When she started toward the edge of the eastern slope Scott followed with the coyote and bear close at his heels .
tr	4	Scott moved forward slowly then looked over the edge to see a deep gorge that was at least two hundred foot deep .
tr	4	He looked at the opposite side of the rocky gorge , searching desperately for some kind of easy way down .
tr	4	The little girl 's expression twisted in thought before she swiveled her head and looked over her shoulder at the two animals .
tr	4	When Sidney crawled backwards the garment he 'd determined was an oversized t-shirt hiked up and his gaze widened on the tiny bare bottom .
tr	4	Her expression told him she did not understand and he smiled and held up the radio then said , " Wait . "
tr	4	" Beyond the back forty from what I can tell , " Scott said with a frown as his gaze slid around the area .
tr	4	" Give me at least three hours or maybe a little more , " Scott relayed after keying the radio .
tr	4	The path is gradual and winding then we have to backtrack about a quarter of a mile over the rock bed . "
tr	4	Scott saw the blue backpack a few feet ahead of the animal and realized they had arrived at their destination .
tr	4	When Sidney stopped by the blue backpack Scott came up beside her and looked at the twisted mass of bones .
tr	4	" Daddy is still sleeping , " she said quietly before she took several more steps and stopped at the red backpack .
tr	4	After pulling out a jacket and a pair of gloves Scott found several days of rations and a map book for hikers .
tr	4	The map had several blue and red lines on it , each one marking a trail that was in this part of the mountains .
tr	4	He checked the backpack for a nametag , found it and lifted the leather flap only to find it blank .
tr	4	" I took some of Mommy 's shirts , " Sidney admitted and tugged on the t-shirt she was wearing .
tr	4	If there was an unattended car somewhere , certainly the sheriff 's department would have discovered it before five years had passed .
tr	4	" Mommy and Daddy said he had to go to sleep and would sleep for a really long time . "
tr	4	He looked at the picture and guessed the children were maybe four and five , the boy being the oldest .
tr	4	She looked down at them and nodded then turned and looked at the coyote who was only a few feet way .
tr	4	How was he going to handle it when Sidney showed him her Daddy 's wallet and he learned who they were ?
tr	4	Scott buckled her in before he closed her door and locked it then went around to the driver 's side .
tr	4	He laid the radio on the dashboard , slid the key into the ignition then buckled his seatbelt and met the blue gaze .
tr	4	When Scott pulled the truck into camp he eased it to a stop at the end of the cabin and turned off the engine .
tr	4	Scott wasn 't so sure about that but he took her word for it and grabbed the radio then slid out of the truck .
tr	4	He opened the tailgate on the way around the truck ; unbuckled Sidney 's seatbelt then stood back as she hopped to the ground .
tr	4	As he closed the door he reached into his pocket and pulled out the locket and held it out in his hand .
tr	4	She looked at the coyote and bear who were now on the ground nearby then looked back at the man in front of her .
tr	4	He went into the office behind his brother and sank to a chair then looked down at the locket he was still holding .
tr	4	" This is a locket I found by her Mother 's skeleton , " he relayed and held it up .
tr	4	" You 'd think if the sheriff found a big red and white car that he 'd have started an investigation . "
tr	4	He chose two pair ; one black and one blue , that he thought would fit then looked at the shirts .
tr	4	He glanced at the little girl 's underwear section but decided he was not quite ready to get that deep .
tr	4	I 'm hoping she 'll bring it to me and that it will have some kind of ID in it . "
tr	4	His gaze was focused on the road ahead , as it always was when they traveled the passages that wove through the dense forest .
tr	4	" Better slow ... " Just then something hit the truck with a loud thud , breaking off his sentence .
tr	4	Scott glanced around then turned his gaze out the back window to see a silver coyote standing in the middle of the truck bed .
tr	4	I know if the bear 's around , she 's close by but I don 't know much about her and Duke yet .
tr	4	After giving Steve a tentative glance she took two steps toward Scott and extended her hand and the object she was holding .
tr	4	He flipped the leaf again and examined the roadside assistance club card that was embossed with the name ' Steven Southington ' .
tr	4	There were very few vehicles that could hold that much gas ; a motorhome and a large moving truck being two .
tr	4	He stuffed the receipt back in the compartment then looked under the license to find a single key wrapped tightly in cellophane wrap .
tr	4	Scott read the membership card from the Audubon Society stating that ' Steven Southington ' was a member in good standing .
tr	4	Since Susan stayed at home all of the time and we had no friends , it was easy to conceal the pregnancies and births .
tr	4	Tomorrow I will place the key to the motorhome in my wallet then ask Sidney to take care of Daddy 's wallet for him .
tr	4	We have no family as both Susan and I were foster children who lost our parents at a young age .
tr	4	The couple , at the end of their rope , had planned their own deaths and the future of their daughter .
tr	4	Before he could blink Sidney stepped up to him and , wrapping her arms around his neck , hugged him tightly .
tr	4	" Daddy told me that someday a really nice man would come and I would go to live with him .
tr	4	They found the thicket and after plowing down some of the dense underbrush they discovered the red and white motorhome .
tr	4	They towed it back to camp and moved it into one of the larger unused storage sheds and closed the doors .
tr	4	Since their parents were both dead and they had no living relatives there would be no family to refute it .
tr	4	The motorhome had been dismantled then buried in a deep ravine in the far reaches of the western slopes of the Lyndon property .
tr	4	The collar of the shirt , as usual , was turned up and brushed against the bottom of her short curly blonde hair .
tr	4	Scott 's gaze jetted to the calendar then up to the map that covered half of the wall of the office .
tr	4	By the time she was seventeen Sidney could drive any vehicle they had , from the largest logging truck to the bulldozer .
tr	4	A low throaty growl lifted Scott 's gaze to the door and he saw a silver coyote framed in the doorway .
tr	4	They hunted in the forest that covered most of the back half of the Lyndon land , never bothering neighbors or townsfolk .
tr	4	Scott had never had to tell the sheriff what he had found in that gorge and he was glad for that .
tr	4	The tall , lanky former Texan who was dressed in the typical tan uniform extracted himself from the squad car .
tr	4	One winter , when Sidney was twelve , she had shyly asked the sheriff if she could wear his hat .
tr	4	" Somehow he found out about Duke and he 's claiming that Duke is leading a pack of coyotes and attacking his cattle . "
tr	4	" I 'll tell him to get his saddle over here and talk to you if he makes any more noise . "
tr	4	Josh Logan laughed outloud then grinned as he lifted his hat from her head and stuck it back on his own .
tr	4	The blonde gave the sheriff a kiss on the cheek , tossed a wave at Scott and Steve then disappeared out the door .
tr	4	When a second one came he leaped out of bed and rushed to the hallway to see his sister standing there .
tr	4	When the third rifle shot came , the woman 's gaze jetted to the nearby window on the other wall .
tr	4	" Where 's my ... " He grinned when Sidney appeared in the doorway and stuffed a filled coffee mug in his hand . "
tr	4	Something in the depths of her blue eyes told the sheriff that his hat would be staying on his own head today .
tr	4	" And then he took off out of here like a bat out of a sunrise , " Sidney finished .
tr	4	Josh Logan had learned , long ago , that this woman could see and hear things most humans could not .
tr	4	" I could get him for trespassing , disturbing the peace and destruction of property , for starters , " he informed .
tr	4	" I think I 'll take a little ride south , " he gave them a wink then went out the door .
tr	4	" Oh shit , " he thought and his gaze rifled to the underbrush on the far side of the yard .
tr	4	His face was now the color of ashes as three coyotes formed a line across the middle of the open area twenty yards away .
tr	4	Scott thought it only fair to warn the man even though it would serve him right to get confronted by the three animals .
tr	4	He could see the fire in her eyes even from this distance and knew precisely who that fire was aimed at .
tr	4	" Well , " Scott drawled and looked at Jansen again to see his eyes were also on the blonde .
tr	4	He blinked as he heard her voice for the first time and thought it sounded like a choir of angels .
tr	4	Jansen felt himself sliding down along the wedge that was holding him and he sank to his haunches as his gaze hit the ground .
tr	4	But he knew he would gladly take orders from the angel with the blonde hair , with or without the coyotes flanking her .
tr	4	Their teeth were no longer showing but he could still hear a chorus of low throaty growls emitting from them .
tr	4	" Welcome to Lyndon Logging , " Scott said as his sister stepped up on the porch and disappeared into the house .
tr	4	She gave her brother a small smile that melted the remaining anger from her expression before she sat down in the chair beside him .
tr	4	" I really am sorry Miss Lyndon , " Dan Jansen repeated , his gaze on the mound of fluffy fur in his lap .
tr	4	But if I ever find out you went out hunting coyote again I 'll bring the whole pack and come after you . "
tr	4	Feed Tip , " she ordered and watched the man sink to the chair and cradle the small coyote on his knees again .
tr	4	" Don 't move , " she told him and saw his meek nod before she stepped off the porch .
tr	4	Dan Jansen sighed and nodded then looked down at the pup who was still sucking on a bottle that was now empty .
tr	4	She nuzzled her nose to his then released a soft throaty sound before she put him back in the box .
tr	4	She turned and extended her hand then took the bottle into the kitchen and rinsed it before returning to the porch .
tr	4	" You see Jansen , " she said as she returned to the yard and stopped in the middle of the coyotes and bear .
tr	4	He looked at the man to see him watching the red blur that was moving up the distant slope at a fast pace .
tr	4	I felt like hell when she lit into me , when she told me I 'd killed those pups ' mother . "
tr	4	I would also like to thank the following for making this book possible : My mother , Shirley , for ... everything !
tr	4	Scott , for hashing out the intricacies involved and for trying to tear apart every theory I had and eliciting controversy at every turn .
tr	4	He appeared to be quite young , perhaps thirty , but had a look in his eyes , the eyes of an old man .
tr	4	He heard a crack of a twig in the opposite direction , turned his horse and sped off in pursuit .
tr	4	He pressed his hand against his side and pulled it away , wincing as he stared at the bright red blood on his fingers .
tr	4	Today , like every day except Sunday , she had to -- no , wanted to -- go to early swim practice .
tr	4	He managed to acquire his dream job : senior designer and tester for one of the top gaming software companies in the world .
tr	4	The entire first floor was open from floor to ceiling , save for a single counter that denoted the boundary of the kitchen .
tr	4	She could smell the biscuits , eggs , sausage , bacon , and gravy as soon as she opened her bedroom door .
tr	4	" All of us old has-been swimmers keep up with that kind of stuff , " he answered with a straight face .
tr	4	" You 're not trying to , um , live up to someone else 's expectations , are you ? "
tr	4	" But you 're a geeky video game nut -- you play video games sixteen hours a day sometimes ! "
tr	4	But some of the paths you enjoyed walking down are just as beautiful to me as they were to you .
tr	4	That means I 'm happy you enjoy what you 're doing and I 'll help any way I can ! "
tr	4	He had bought it for exactly that reason , because Jessie could sleep through an atomic blast at ground zero .
tr	4	Rick had learned over the years that the only way to wake Jessie up was to physically remove her from the bed .
tr	4	She often slept in whatever she planned on wearing , but now she had on shorts and a sports bra .
tr	4	All Anna had known of her father was that he was black , which anyone could guess from her dark skin and kinky hair .
tr	4	Anna had no desire to seek out her father since he had never yet bothered to try to contact her .
tr	4	As far as she was concerned , Rick was her dad now , and she was totally proud to be considered his daughter .
tr	4	She kept her hair straightened , past her shoulders , and shiny with a dozen chemicals , as if hiding from her ancestry .
tr	4	She often called him Dad at home , but always ' Uncle Ricky ' in public -- because it embarrassed him .
tr	4	He shook her shoulder and her eyes opened wide , but the rest of her didn 't move for a few seconds .
tr	4	As he sat on the edge of her bed he chided , " You know , you 're almost fifteen .
tr	4	" Yeah , it 's because I 'm growing so fast that I need more sleep , " she hypothesized .
tr	4	" Right , " he said as he rose from the edge of her bed and headed out the door .
tr	4	He headed to the kitchen , where most of the breakfast was ready , keeping warm under a heat lamp .
tr	4	She had put on a pair of jeans and t-shirt , ignoring the outfit Rick had laid out for her .
tr	4	I pamper them too much , he thought , then smiled ; he wouldn 't have it any other way .
tr	4	" Why don 't you just take us to school , then we could sleep another twenty minutes every day ! "
tr	4	He never bothered to tell them he 'd changed his mind , hoping to use it as a bargaining chip one day .
tr	4	Her short blonde hair framed a face with deep blue eyes and a spattering of freckles on her bony cheeks .
tr	4	She had straight thick black hair that hung just past her shoulders , which she kept tucked behind each ear .
tr	4	She turned sideways and inspected herself for several minutes before smiling happily , content that she had escaped another day .
tr	4	Her lips were full and bright red now and her brown eyes were deeper and darker from careful application of make-up .
tr	4	Kaylie never ate breakfast at home before school ; she simply drank a glass of milk while putting on her shoes .
tr	4	A full two seconds later , Chelsea popped up after jabbing her own fingertips into the same sensitive wall surface .
tr	4	Chelsea didn 't mind second place , even a very distant second place , because she knew Alex would be something special .
tr	4	Chelsea laughed , " My dear , you 'd be on the podium in the Olympics with a 26 . "
tr	4	" If they ever drain the pool at the Olympics , I 've got a shot to beat you ! "
tr	4	It was still raining slightly but the stream seemed to be slowly dropping , evidenced by the patterns on the edge of the banks .
tr	4	" Anderson 's going to have a pop quiz today , " Kaylie announced as they marched lock-step toward their first class .
tr	4	" Millennia , dork , centuries are a hundred years , a millennium is a thousand , " corrected Kaylie .
tr	4	" I want to know what life was really like back then , not what some stuffy old farts wearing blankets did .
tr	4	The old man swiveled his stool , placed the book on his desk , and slowly turned to face the class .
tr	4	" What Ms. Stapleton here asked was what everyday life was really like back in the days of the Roman Empire for normal people .
tr	4	He then motioned to Christy , " Ms. Stapleton , would you please come forward and state your inquiries ? "
tr	4	I think you have questions that are probably more interesting than facts about stuffy old farts in sheets , don 't you ? "
tr	4	Anderson raised a caterpillar eyebrow and pulled up a knee , rested his elbow on it , then his chin on his fist .
tr	4	A prissy girl in the back stood up , dressed in an outfit that belonged on a runway , not in middle school .
tr	4	" I want to know if the kids played sports , " she said easily as she marked through the question .
tr	4	Kaylie stood up immediately and volunteered , " I want to find out what the kids our age wore . "
tr	4	A boy on the left side of the room stood up and asked , " When are these reports due ? "
tr	4	" I 've only got ten minutes to get to the field for soccer practice , but you know I 'll be over afterwards .
tr	4	Kaylie watched as the coach handed her co-captain a jersey , as well as most of the other starting players .
tr	4	" Red gets the ball first , " the coach yelled as she handed it over to a girl with a red jersey .
tr	4	With whistle in one hand and stopwatch in the other , she made eye contact with both captains and blew the whistle .
tr	4	The other girl punched the ball ahead of her and kept running forward with no enemies around , but closing in fast .
tr	4	The coach was pleased with the effort and told them to hit the showers , making the red team run a mile .
tr	4	After stretching , she mounted one and bounced , pranced , flipped , and flopped back and forth across it .
tr	4	She finally got tired , and her chest was pumping hard , so she simply stretched out and laid down on it .
tr	4	Eventually , the coach came over and asked if she would like to assist some of the younger girls until her practice started .
tr	4	She was sweating profusely , but her smile glistened even more than her skin , until her coach told her practice was over .
tr	4	She decided to put it in a plastic bag , along with four others , and wash them at Alex 's house .
tr	4	Anna met Jessie outside the elementary school and they ran to the track , where the other kids were already warming up .
tr	4	Anna hurried into the girl 's locker room and climbed into her tankini track outfit and joined the others on the field .
tr	4	Coach Simmons was a lot cooler when she arrived , " Jenkins , I 'm the coach , right ? "
tr	4	And , uh , don 't you even know how you 're supposed to jump this ... Here , let me show you . "
tr	4	He put his clipboard on the ground , paced off a few feet , and ran a semi-circle toward the bar .
tr	4	Anna 's eyes opened wide , she could remember seeing others doing it that way but she never paid attention before .
tr	4	The coach was stunned again , " You 're not even arching your back -- can you try that ? "
tr	4	He put it up to 5 ' 2 " , then changed his mind and selected two more inches of height .
tr	4	She waved at Jessica to come with her to the locker rooms then shouted at the coach , " Hey coach !
tr	4	Luckily , she wasn 't racing this time or she would be nursing some skinned knees and elbows , or worse , she thought .
tr	4	She slid down the mud a few feet , ending up with her right foot on top of the object .
tr	4	She carried it to the bike and laid it down while searching through her bag for something to wrap around it .
tr	4	She arrived at practice a few minutes early , despite her casual pace , and went into the locker room to change .
tr	4	All the other girls were in there already , they liked to get wet under the hot showers before jumping into the pool .
tr	4	They started with relays : girls in one lane , boys in the next , alternating for each age group .
tr	4	There were six girls in her age group today and six boys as well , so naturally they were racing .
tr	4	Usually , with Chelsea there , it was a close race , but today the girls just couldn 't keep up .
tr	4	When she began , the only strength she possessed was in her legs -- from the ballet , Alex guessed .
tr	4	Now she had developed a slight trace of upper body muscles and was beginning to rise up from the depths of the team stats .
tr	4	" You had a fourth place finish just a week ago -- that 's two points , " Alex pointed out .
tr	4	Jodie snapped as she slung the water out of her glossy hair at Alex with a playful grin on her face .
tr	4	Jodie wasted no time , taking off toward the shower with it , " Well , let 's find out ! "
tr	4	As soon as she got most of the loose stuff off , she held it out for Alex to scrub .
tr	4	" It looks like one of those hologram cards , but those have angled surfaces , this is so smooth , " Jodie puzzled .
tr	4	She picked it up and placed it in Alex 's hands , " But you better keep it , just in case . "
tr	4	" I will , unless it 's like a message from outer space or secret alien weapon that blows up the entire solar system .
tr	4	she asked as she dropped her stuff and wound her arms around his neck from behind , in some sort of hug .
tr	4	" Well , I 'm battling Caesar 's army for some of my land right now -- " " Cool !
tr	4	We got an assignment in history today -- " " OK , but can I finish this battle first ? "
tr	4	He had bought a similar game in hopes of meeting their wishes , but it fell way short in many ways .
tr	4	So he took the idea and kept building on it until it surpassed both of their expectations and anything ever made in the genre .
tr	4	He was nearly finished when she got too close and he got a good whiff of her aroma and jerked back .
tr	4	Kaylie came down the stairs , flipped on the TV and sat down to brush the tangles out of her hair .
tr	4	Well , we each have to answer one of those questions and mine is ' what did normal Roman children my age wear ? '
tr	4	You start cooking the rice and beans and I 'll go look for those books while I 'm thinking about it ! "
tr	4	" No , after the broccoli cooks , drain it and pour it in this dish , then mix all the other things in .
tr	4	I don 't know why she wanted beans with all this stuff , " he mumbled , shaking his head .
tr	4	" Here , " Rick pointed to the first drawing he came across , " is a depiction of several peasant children .
tr	4	This girl is wearing what looks like a grain sack cut open down the sides and tied at the waist .
tr	4	This boy just has on a loin cloth and this one has a loin cloth and a shorter grain sack shirt thing .
tr	4	They both wore dresses of cloth and had jewelry on , " is most likely upper class , see the jewelry ?
tr	4	Christy ignored the latter , but took offense to the former , " What are you guys saying about me ? "
tr	4	" Now , " Rick said as he calmly opened the backpack , " what is it that we have to see ? "
tr	4	" These symbols , I 've seen many of them , but some -- " He kept turning it over in utter fascination .
tr	4	I see what looks like some mathematical formulas ... I wonder what 's with the spiral on one side ? "
tr	4	We should go to the rec center and see if we can find a piece of rock that was stuck to it .
tr	4	" Just because you both sit and read and talk about those history books and stuff together all the time .
tr	4	Alex threw half a roll at Jessica , hitting her plate and scattering casserole all over the table and into the floor .
tr	4	If you know any experts from the future , please , let me know and we 'll contact them . "
tr	4	Rick commanded , standing up as Jessica cocked an arm back , loaded with a very messy piece of chicken .
tr	4	He picked up the cube , tossing it back and forth a few times while he gave her his best parental disapproving glare .
tr	4	Two computers , two chairs , a huge mass of papers , pop cans , and other unclassified clutter completed the scene .
tr	4	When Anna came downstairs he instructed her to film the entire cube , one side at a time , from every possible angle .
tr	4	Anna finished taping and handed the video camera to Rick , who quickly plugged it into the computer and transferred the video .
tr	4	For example : they somehow mapped the entire galaxy with more detail than we had up until about 1999 . "
tr	4	" There 's some very strange math on it , too , Abby , as well as tons of writing and symbols . "
tr	4	" Hold on a sec , while I watch this , dear , " she said and the screen went blank .
tr	4	" Nothing , just try not to call me dear in front of five curious , nosy girls again , OK ? "
tr	4	The girls pondered that question a few seconds before Anna finally spoke up , " You could tell us about guys ! "
tr	4	Besides , look at my wardrobe -- I 'm not a fashion guru , it 's all tan and denim utilitarianism for me .
tr	4	During the entire discussion , the kids had been passing the cube around , banging , poking , squeezing and even talking to it .
tr	4	" He 's on ; I 'm going to invite him to our chat ; he has no video . "
tr	4	Rick shrunk her image and moved it up to the top right corner and dragged the message box open larger .
tr	4	" I don 't know , that 's why I didn 't mention it , but I noticed there are others by each entry .
tr	4	OK , well , these passages , at least the ones I understand , come from that time period ! "
tr	4	" Well ... " Walt paused for dramatic effect , " wait until you hear the translation of the ones I do understand ! "
tr	4	" This is loosely translated , as all of them basically say the same thing , but not exactly ! "
tr	4	" It says , ' Time is critical ; follow the path ; the vortex is the key ' . "
tr	4	" Certainly , Walt , as long as you don 't show anyone unless we say it 's OK . "
tr	4	" OK , so let me hear it , Rick , what makes you think Kaylie may be right , too ? "
tr	4	" What I mean is even the Bible is subject to thousands of different translations and interpretations for thousands of different sects .
tr	4	" Why don 't you go watch a movie and leave us dorks alone so we can think and figure it out ? "
tr	4	she spat and skipped to the oversized couch , where she plunged over the back and settled face-down just within reach of the remote .
tr	4	" Hmm ... are there any ' dates ' on the cube that happen to go back an extremely long time ? "
tr	4	" Wow , " Alex muttered , " this is big ... " " Check to make sure , could you ? "
tr	4	" The only fantasy nuts I know are asleep right now , but I 'll do that tonight , " Abby promised .
tr	4	As if someone pulled a plug and let all the air out of the room , everyone released their breath in one big sigh .
tr	4	It 'll take about two hours to drive there , ninety minutes if I fly ... " Abby decided quickly .
tr	4	" I haven 't seen Abby in like a year , I thought maybe you broke up , " Kaylie said .
tr	4	We went to two digs with her last summer and back again to the second one just two months ago for spring break .
tr	4	He punched the third button on the wall to open the farthest door , housing the beastly old Dodge Caravan .
tr	4	Again , the strange relic was the center of attention , each trying to magically awaken the secret power they knew it possessed .
tr	4	" Don 't get near or touch it ; we don 't know what 's happening , " he warned .
tr	4	One of the flaps unfurled further , completing an eighteen by 24-inch rectangle with a six-inch square attached to the right containing another spiral .
tr	4	Rick cautiously touched one of the items on the bottom square and when it didn 't explode , he hesitantly picked it up .
tr	4	The object looked like a deep red crystal , about two inches long , shaped like a finely faceted teardrop .
tr	4	" I don 't get the feeling this stuff is meant to be harmful , " Abby replied for him .
tr	4	He laid it back down on the table and lifted what appeared to be four necklaces with shiny crystal sphere pendants .
tr	4	" It 's dated 1755 , " he read , " I wonder if that was when it was buried ? "
tr	4	The chains appeared to be made from some sort of metal fiber , but were flexible as a thread , only slightly thicker .
tr	4	The spheres attached to them were completely reflective ; one silver like a pinball , one gold , one blue and one red .
tr	4	Like the mysterious metal of the cube , the spheres appeared impervious to damage ; their shiny surfaces were an awe-inspiring display of perfection .
tr	4	The rest of the group had forgotten her in their obsessive attempts to make sense of their piece of the puzzle .
tr	4	" I should have guessed , " snickered Rick , " You know someone who does everything , don 't you ? "
tr	4	She quickly typed a message , " Rob , got a map for you -- it 's algebra , your favorite ! "
tr	4	" Algebra is just a joking way treasure hunters refer to maps where they have to ' find X ' . "
tr	4	Rob finally answered just as Rick came back , satisfied with a picture to send , which he quickly loaded for her .
tr	4	" That , alone , would pay more than five times what I would normally ask for my services ... hint hint . "
tr	4	In fact , if you find this one , I 'm almost positive Rick will part with that coin real quick . "
tr	4	" That 's what friends are for ... " " Tell Rick not to get his greasy fingerprints on my coin .
tr	4	Here , here 's Rick 's number ... " she gave him the number and told him to quit wasting time .
tr	4	" I 've got a better idea , " Alex said , tapping the chronicler , " Let 's watch these movies ! "
tr	4	He spoke through a small mouth topped by a thin moustache that extended half an inch over each side of his upper lip .
tr	4	There was literally nothing within view that appeared normal to them except the human and a cup on the table .
tr	4	He was dressed in what looked to be the consistency of aluminum foil , but obviously not stiff or metallic .
tr	4	Alex flipped through the next few entries , perhaps a couple pages of them , before starting to see other dates .
tr	4	" This is the precise location of the Earth Union Science Facilities of New Paris , built exactly thirty thousand years ago .
tr	4	" I think reality has just changed for all of us , " Abby said calmly , trying to comfort her .
tr	4	" Go to the last entry , Alex , then we 're turning this off and watching a movie , " Rick instructed .
tr	4	Alex deftly spun the view around to see a matching exit hole on his back , then returned it to his front again .
tr	4	" He wanted it bad enough , so he got it ... but not before the blast of his pistol got me .
tr	4	I have to try to reach Helen 's now , I have no choice ; I won 't survive out here like this . "
tr	4	Faint sounds of beating hooves began to invade the sound of his breath and the crunch of twigs and leaves .
tr	4	If you should find this , you should destroy it immediately -- " Then something seemed to have occurred to him .
tr	4	These instructions are all written ... " He rested a few moments and then trudged on , coming to a stream .
tr	4	However , the information in displaced time could cause you to change the future inadvertently , so be very careful .
tr	4	But it 's not too late to develop a ... " He coughed , noticed it was blood he was coughing up and sighed .
tr	4	There 's so much you need to know but I 'm ... I 'm out of ... time , hah !
tr	4	It 's necessary to learn before you -- " He gasped , clutching his chest , barely recovering this time .
tr	4	While the movie played , the girls continued to whisper about the items , and what they had been used for .
tr	4	Hearing the computer monitor come on , Alex roused and stumbled over and plopped down in his lap as he checked the messages .
tr	4	I had to merge infrared and x-ray images , but if you look at the next picture , you 'll see . "
tr	4	It appears to be buried by perhaps two to four feet of earth , but it leads to the next picture . "
tr	4	" And you 'll really like this next one -- it 's a geological survey of this cave system you might find interesting . "
tr	4	Rick took one look at her and decided not to tell her anything until morning because she looked so tired .
tr	4	Worn out himself , he finally retired to his own bed , where he slipped quietly in beside Abby and quickly entered dream world .
tr	4	As they approached the table , Alex and Jessica jumped up and politely pulled out their chairs as if they were royalty .
tr	4	Kaylie and Christy each rose next and placed a napkin in Rick and Abby 's laps before returning to their seats .
tr	4	Anna raised her hand as if she were in class and giggled , " Um , that 's my job ! "
tr	4	Please don 't be disappointed and don 't think you failed this morning -- this breakfast is totally incredible ! "
tr	4	" Why don 't we just drop Anna off at the track , she doesn 't want to go to the cave anyway ! "
tr	4	You girls don 't work so hard at these sports for us to not be there to support you . "
tr	4	Urged by Abby , Rick decided to call the Taylor Foundation to see what they could learn about the property .
tr	4	" Oh , yes of course , sorry , " the man sounded as if he had been sleeping , which he had .
tr	4	I 'd like to learn about its history -- who set it up , who runs it and ... why ? "
tr	4	I 've always speculated that it was just special to the couple because they got their first jollies there or something . "
tr	4	" I 'm glad I could help , and glad you weren 't trying to buy the blasted thing , " Rick chuckled .
tr	4	On the way , Alex took out the ' UC ' as they now called the Chronicler , and started to play with it .
tr	4	" It 's dangerous enough to have knowledge of the future , but even more dangerous to have actual technology .
tr	4	And use your cell phone to let me know if you 're getting out so I can watch you . "
tr	4	Rick pulled into the parking lot minutes later and easily found a spot where he could watch the van just to be safe .
tr	4	Jessica pulled Rick and Abby to a place she claimed would give them the best view of Anna 's events .
tr	4	Alex asked the other girls , eventually giving him a list of drinks , candy , and nachos for Kaylie .
tr	4	He quickly checked the options to filter out and censor vulgarity , violence and sexual content , and then handed it back .
tr	4	Rick closed the door with a slightly uneasy feeling of what they could still see , but decided to trust them a bit more .
tr	4	It 'll be nice to see five blue ribbons today , " Rick said while chomping on a hot dog .
tr	4	" Don 't get cocky on us or anything though , " Rick warned , shaking his fist at her .
tr	4	" OK , I 've picked enough , you go ahead and do some , " Alex said as she handed over the UC .
tr	4	Christy checked through the previews of several entries between 200,000 BC and 50,000 BC , and stopped at one around 80,000 BC .
tr	4	They 've got on those weird shiny coats like Dr. Taylor had on , " she observed ; the other girls closed in .
tr	4	A monotone voice could now be heard , " ... six , five , four , three , two , one . "
tr	4	In a flash of brilliance , accompanied by a rumble that shook the display , came a dart trailing fire into the sky .
tr	4	Alex questioned They stared as the roar died and voices could once again be heard , " -- like a success .
tr	4	" Of course not , its next orbit around the sun will be in the third millennium BC , then the 76th .
tr	4	Rick , Abby and Jessica were all cheering when Rick realized he had turned on his phone and put it to his head .
tr	4	Alex explained what she had seen in the video over the next few minutes while Anna was getting ready for the 4x100 relay .
tr	4	I do want to see it for myself but I can 't do anything about it now , can I ?
tr	4	" I guess it can wait , we have all the time in the world if this stuff is real , right ? "
tr	4	" Are you girls gon na stay in the van all day or are you gon na join us anytime soon ? "
tr	4	" Wait until Anna 's race is over ... " A few seconds later , the gun sounded for the start of the relay .
tr	4	Rick pondered a minute , " Yeah , I guess they can , but I don 't think they should watch it happen .
tr	4	He leveled a gaze and wicked grin at her , " Maybe there 's hope for you being a mother yet ! "
tr	4	He thought a moment , then reached into his pocket and grabbed the phone , dialed Alex and put it to his ear .
tr	4	We got to see a real gladiator fight in the arena and a chariot race , " Kaylie recalled excitedly .
tr	4	And Dr. Taylor almost got squashed by this one -- its toe was like the size of my whole body !
tr	4	Once he moved out of the way , it stopped and that huge foot slammed down right where he had been standing .
tr	4	" Sorry , Dad , I just -- " " And what makes you think I would let you go back in time ? "
tr	4	We 're not talking about a circus or amusement park here ; we 're talking about something closer to running with the bulls .
tr	4	I want to know everything about it before I even consider it ... and we don 't even know if it actually exists . "
tr	4	" We 'll talk about it later , when we know what we 're talking about , " Rick ended the conversation .
tr	4	Rick 's breath caught in his throat ; he knew how much this race meant to her -- it was definitely her favorite .
tr	4	" We 're all proud of you , honey , " Rick said , kicking Jessica in the back of the leg .
tr	4	One is long jump and we should win all three places in that , so we basically can 't lose now . "
tr	4	" Then let 's go to the soccer field , " Kaylie decided suddenly , " since it 's over now . "
tr	4	" The game starts in an hour ; I have to be there in thirty minutes ... " Kaylie notified him .
tr	4	" It 's not just a street -- it 's a major highway -- " " You 're paranoid , " she accused .
tr	4	Anna 's team won both of them and the coach motioned for the team to join him at the finish line .
tr	4	She hoisted it proudly over her head as Rick snapped several pictures to go along with the ones Jessica had taken during the meet .
tr	4	Anna was watching over the back seat when she suddenly piped up , " What is old man Anderson doing there ? "
tr	4	Rick backed up the video and paused it ; Anna had finished changing and came out from behind the seat .
tr	4	" That guy , " she indicated by touching his big nose , " Mr. Anderson , seventh grade history teacher .
tr	4	He 'd be over 250 years old now , it 's got ta be a coincidence , " Rick decided .
tr	4	" Yeah , it could be his descendant or something , " Anna said " Ancestor , you mean , " he corrected .
tr	4	" I 've been waiting forever for you guys to show up so I could go get something to eat . "
tr	4	" The coach moved her to defense so some of the other girls could get some experience up front , " Anna said .
tr	4	Kaylie 's team put in two more past a dejected and frustrated goalkeeper and went on to win eight to two .
tr	4	" Go see what Kaylie would like to eat , " Rick instructed Anna so she could get it before the concession stand closed .
tr	4	Just hold your nose then , Jessie ; I 'll roll a window down , too , " Rick joked .
tr	4	If we wanted to know about it , we could read a stupid book , " Jessica sided with her cousin .
tr	4	" Girls , even if we do find a time machine , nobody is going anywhere unless I 've checked it out .
tr	4	She looked at him weird , " But I already have clothes on , you want us to change ? "
tr	4	The girls each carried their own water bottle , a pack of matches and at least one flashlight , but were otherwise unencumbered .
tr	4	He stopped and turned around , looking each of them in the eyes , " And do not get near this blade .
tr	4	They traveled over a fourth of the way in just less than fifteen minutes when the brush seemed to give way to forest .
tr	4	Abby , you can lead until we meet resistance again and I 'm required to battle our way through ! "
tr	4	Rick had been busy carving marks in each of the trees they passed and didn 't notice until they were in the clearing .
tr	4	Abby studied the map and terrain , finally locating two rocks , nearly thirty feet tall , side by side .
tr	4	" Mark the cave wall at least once every ten feet -- make it a huge mark , too . "
tr	4	he answered and pulled out the digital camera , " Who wants -- " " Oooh , me , me ! "
tr	4	I want one of you in the back with Anna and one in the middle with Abby , who will be checking the map .
tr	4	The entry between the two giant rocks narrowed then widened from four feet to nearly eight feet at the cave mouth .
tr	4	The walls inside the cave mouth were over ten feet apart and the dome-shaped ceiling was twelve feet high in the middle .
tr	4	Only Rick and Abby had ever been inside a cave before , and they both knew instantly this one was not normal .
tr	4	The decline wasn 't steep , but was enough to make everyone look as though some imaginary force was pushing them .
tr	4	" Anna , I want you to draw an arrow at each intersection to point back to the exit , OK ? "
tr	4	They continued forward after Jessica shot a few different angles of the dead-end tunnel , reaching the next split in just a few moments .
tr	4	Anna again marked the exit direction , Jessica took more pictures , and Abby gave details of the next leg .
tr	4	I mean the beginning was sort of normal , but these are constructed by some method I 've never seen . "
tr	4	" I think your butt is about to turn nasty shades of red , " Rick teased , and then turned to Abby .
tr	4	" We can make eight more intersections in eight minutes , and leaving should be just as easy , " Abby speculated .
tr	4	Less than eight minutes later , they were halted by Abby , " This should be the branch with the missing tunnels .
tr	4	That drawing didn 't exactly match the maps , but this is definitely the area where it should be . "
tr	4	" I 'm going to the end of the tunnel and back , this wall is where it should be , right ? "
tr	4	he placed his hand on the wall to his right as he faced the left tunnel of the T intersection .
tr	4	Abby nodded , " Yes , there should be a branch leading directly into this one from there , " she confirmed .
tr	4	" These tunnels were so well-made , why didn 't they just put in an elevator to take us to the entrance ? "
tr	4	As Abby made the leap out of the cave , down the five-foot drop , she realized something and stopped in her tracks .
tr	4	" Uh , probably carted it out , like everyone else does when they dig tunnels ... " he shrugged , raising an eyebrow .
tr	4	And this crevice is too narrow for a cart and ... " she looked around , " where could they have put it ?
tr	4	Rick got out and helped her out of the dirty clothes , stuck them back with the others and reclaimed the driver 's seat .
tr	4	The girls were too tired to go inside although they usually insisted , so they had decided to swing through the drive-thru instead .
tr	4	A few minutes later , the harried clerk handed the goodies through the window and they pulled into the parking lot to eat .
tr	4	" Carry me too , Uncle Ricky , " Anna pleaded , holding her arms out for him to take her .
tr	4	He made a mental note to start parking the van next to the kitchen door as he carried his uncooperative load across the garage .
tr	4	He stuck his nose to her and sniffed for effect , then turned to them , " Because she doesn 't stink . "
tr	4	They both stuck out their tongues and gave a big raspberry , he calmly pointed to the bathroom , then left .
tr	4	" I guess I 'll go first , " Alex sighed , trudging into the bathroom and closing Jessica 's door .
tr	4	As he tiptoed across the floor , she muttered without moving , " Please don 't disturb this burial site . "
tr	4	" Come on , I got plans for you , mummy , " he whispered softly , tugging at her arm .
tr	4	" Why don 't you head on down there and I 'll join you after I get that brat in the tub ? "
tr	4	He pulled her from the bed , kissed her lightly , squared her shoulders , and pushed her in the direction of the door .
tr	4	He stood her by the tub , leaving her standing there , teetering , while he finished with the water .
tr	4	" Do you think you can get in on your own or do I have to throw you in ? "
tr	4	" I think I can manage ... " She wrapped her arms around herself , as if she were ready to start undressing .
tr	4	" Um , well ... " " Oh , " she said , almost embarrassed , " you and Abby ? "
tr	4	Rick splashed her , " OK , I 'm honored , now can we discuss it again when she 's 25 ? "
tr	4	Alex complained that she had to drain the tub because Anna had forgotten , and hopped in the bubbling , fragrant waters .
tr	4	" Anything 's possible , " Abby replied , " but we won 't know for sure until we check it out thoroughly .
tr	4	Rick shrugged , " Well , that 's what Jessie said before she figured out how to open the box .
tr	4	Abby exclaimed as she returned a minute later , still dripping wet , but with the towel around her head .
tr	4	" Oh , OK , " he plugged the camera into the computer , quickly transferring the contents and then opened the photos .
tr	4	They located the pictures of the intersection where they had taken the first turn ; Jessica had taken four pictures of it .
tr	4	" I don 't understand ; it looked so much like a tunnel had been erased that would run right into this one .
tr	4	She pried his hands from her head with a huff , so Rick decided to use them the old-fashioned way : he pointed .
tr	4	Eyes darted back and forth between the two images , trying to locate the faint lines ; many seconds ticked by .
tr	4	She stepped up and placed a finger on the glossy photo and traced an extremely faint , but now perfectly visible swirl .
tr	4	Wan na watch some of those movies we rented , before we have to take them back tomorrow night ? "
tr	4	" OK , " Rick looked at the girls , " you girls go get dressed for bed -- " " Awww !
tr	4	" Yeah , that would be neat , honey , but I really don 't want you girls to get your hopes up .
tr	4	And even more importantly , " his eyes started to mirror the excitement in Kaylie 's , " where did we really come from ?
tr	4	Alex stirred and they immediately stopped , looked at each other , and burst out laughing again , trying unsuccessfully to suppress the noise .
tr	4	Wiping tears of mirth from his eyes he finally answered , " Kay , you wouldn 't have liked me at all then . "
tr	4	I 'd have to say you 're my second best friend , too , " he told her seriously this time .
tr	4	I 'd have to kick your butt now , while I can call it a spanking and not an assault ! "
tr	4	I have no way of knowing what you 'd be like then -- except that you 'd be old ! "
tr	4	After rearranging Alex , he kissed her forehead , and made his way upstairs , thinking of the wonders they had discussed .
tr	4	We were hoping you would go get donuts so we can go back early to explore the caves some more , " Jessica said .
tr	4	When he walked back into the kitchen , Abby was slumped at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee .
tr	4	Christy , Jessica and Alex swarmed when they heard the kitchen door shut and immediately relieved him of the donut boxes .
tr	4	Jessica returned from her task , snickering , " I took a sandal and swatted Anna 's big fat booty ! "
tr	4	When the girls had heard the news of the secret passage , they demanded an immediate return to the cave .
tr	4	Anna was so excited that she ran to her room and came back carrying her shoes , still in her nightshirt .
tr	4	Rick assured her she had plenty of time to get dressed , turned her around , and pushed her back toward her room .
tr	4	Each reluctantly picked up their donut as Rick and Abby packed their bags a bit lighter than the previous day .
tr	4	" It was sixty degrees at the end yesterday , you would probably have been cold without them , " Abby added .
tr	4	Rick led the way down the slope , carrying the cube now instead of the machete in one hand , flashlight in the other .
tr	4	The massive stone rumbled as it effortlessly slid back and up into the ceiling , exposing a more natural-looking cave .
tr	4	As the last person walked through the doorway , the stone slid back into place with a perfect seal once again .
tr	4	It was crystal clear and it looked like the bottom dropped sharply before flattening out at about eight feet deep across the middle .
tr	4	He rejoined his clan ; they had gradually crept toward the water and were also admiring the clarity and beauty .
tr	4	" The hot tub is 92 degrees , " Jessica stated factually as she continued to document every bit of the place .
tr	4	" Hold on , " he switched his light back on , " none of you are going in there . "
tr	4	He laid the rope in a coil on the ground and took one end of it , entering the tunnel .
tr	4	" Don 't panic yet ; I 'm gon na go down like ten feet to test it out first .
tr	4	He waded into the water , holding the rope , letting it slide through his hands as he went deeper .
tr	4	He tucked the bag into his shorts pocket so the light hung outside and immersed himself the rest of the way .
tr	4	he shot back casually , " I 'd hate for you to lose me before you finally admit you love me ! "
tr	4	Abby glared at him as he went under , and then turned to Kaylie , " What did that mean ? "
tr	4	The lights sparkled and flashed as the bag flapped at his side , not exactly the best arrangement , but it was working .
tr	4	He then untied the rope from his waist and tied it off to a column before pulling himself back to the pool .
tr	4	" There are easier ways to tell me how you feel , " he said slyly , winking at Kaylie again .
tr	4	He stood and pecked her lightly on the forehead , then squeezed the camera into his pocket and started back into the water .
tr	4	The scene was still stunning and he had to pause a second , totally forgetting to wipe the water from his face .
tr	4	There were ancient caveman drawings completely replicated with thousands of gems , and many images of battles , armor , weapons .
tr	4	This was nearly the entire source of light in the room , but it wasn 't bright to look at .
tr	4	As he approached he had to remind himself for the tenth time why he was here ... " Pictures ! "
tr	4	" No , I just told him that you two make a perfect couple and you really seem to belong here .
tr	4	" Oh , he said you already told him no -- " " But that was two years ago ! "
tr	4	You are a smart and mature young lady , " " Thank you , " she replied , sincerely flattered .
tr	4	Luckily , Kaylie was holding the rope loosely ; it nearly pulled her into the water when it suddenly tightened .
tr	4	Alex tore off her pants and extra shirt like they were on fire , " We 're going in there ! "
tr	4	" We should take our extra clothes , " Abby decided , pulling out a roll of trash bags and tearing one off .
tr	4	He deposited the bag just seconds later and dove back to wait for Alex , who was supposed to go first .
tr	4	He tied a flashlight to the rope at the bottom of the ramp , and Alex showed up seconds later , head first .
tr	4	Jessica came right behind her , giving him little time to snag her under the arms and propel her on the way .
tr	4	The tension in her fingers seemed to loosen instantly upon seeing her uncle and he slowly pried her hands from the rope .
tr	4	Finally , he saw Abby 's foot lightly supporting her against the current at the split and hopped back in .
tr	4	Abby exclaimed as she broke the surface , then her elation turned to fascination as she saw into the room past his head .
tr	4	Nothing could hold the girls ' attention long , something prettier , shinier , weirder kept beckoning them from somewhere else .
tr	4	He sat there a moment and watched the girls as they all ooh 'd and aah 'd , captivated by their utter enjoyment .
tr	4	He grabbed the camera and took several pictures of the girls , capturing their complete bliss , overflowing with pride .
tr	4	A crack of lightning couldn 't have made them blink as Rick walked over to the machine , " Stay back , please . "
tr	4	Before his shrug could finish , a soft , monotone female voice said , " Initialization of universe complete , destination , please . "
tr	4	Rick looked at everyone , puzzled , and then turned back as if it were a real person he had to face when speaking .
tr	4	I am not accustomed to crowds and it is much easier if you direct comments or questions to someone by name .
tr	4	" I have all of time in my memory banks , Rick , and I 'm fully capable of comprehending it as well .
tr	4	" OK , that 's enough , T , " Rick interrupted and the display reset quickly back to 1941 .
tr	4	Any time you have an answer , I 'd like to hear it , T , " Rick said gladly .
tr	4	" First , as you now know , you choose a destination -- or time -- which you have done .
tr	4	" If you said New York City , " the display instantly changed , " you would get this view .
tr	4	He placed his palm on the edge of it and slid it sideways , the image scrolled with his hand .
tr	4	" I can see you are having difficulty , so let 's get back to our introduction , Rick . "
tr	4	" If you have any further questions , Rick , please feel free to ask , " she finally concluded after the lengthy review .
tr	4	As Anna stepped cautiously into the bathroom , Kaylie perked up asked , " Can you make food , T ? "
tr	4	" Not really ... " " OK , let 's get to the important stuff , girls ... " Rick stopped them .
tr	4	Rick thought he sensed another hint of emotion in the answer though , as if she wanted to say more but couldn 't .
tr	4	" I am not permitted to displace anyone within five hundred years of that time until those memories are restored , Rick . "
tr	4	Although the court thought , a witch she was not ; The first victim is seen with a diamond of green .
tr	4	The great assassination , that rocked a whole nation ; Where the killer shot true lays a diamond of blue .
tr	4	" I am not permitted to tell you that , Rick , but would you like to learn more about my memory technology ? "
tr	4	" I am programmed to anticipate your needs , Rick , but I wouldn 't classify that as a poem .
tr	4	As they stared at the bright crystals , a portal opened in the top of the console and an arm containing four slots emerged .
tr	4	" I believe you know all the information you will require about the crystal memory interface now , " she concluded .
tr	4	" But you said Dr. Taylor was the only person in our history with that knowledge , " Abby reminded her .
tr	4	The scene instantly shifted back to an Earth view , the others gathered closely , wondering what he was plotting .
tr	4	" Yes , Rick , as long as it 's a unique person , otherwise you would be required to provide further information . "
tr	4	" Locate Julius Caesar , please , T , " he quickly commanded , and an image of Caesar zipped into view .
tr	4	He wasn 't sure of his age , but that detail wasn 't important ; he wanted to find something else .
tr	4	It was elegantly decorated and looked more like a young girl 's room than that of the future Emperor of Rome .
tr	4	Rick moved the image around the room to the huge vanity and dressers and began inspecting the tables and drawers .
tr	4	" Yes , thanks , T. " He sat down and started to pour ketchup and add salt to his fries and burger .
tr	4	" T , I 'd like a TV to watch ... " " Where would you like it , Rick ? "
tr	4	Rick felt a sudden pang of guilt , " Pause the TV , please , T. " The image froze .
tr	4	" I agree with both of you , but it still makes me a bit uneasy , " Abby said .
tr	4	" Does this mean I can 't tell any of my friends about -- " " Absolutely not , Anna !
tr	4	" I 'm rewinding it now , slower -- " The image was of Octavian walking through the street with guards all around him .
tr	4	The scene suddenly skipped to what appeared to be slightly earlier , where he was coming out of his home with the guards .
tr	4	He knew she had been studying the display carefully for some time and also wanted to assure her that he valued her opinion .
tr	4	" He 's always looking at himself in the mirror and he 's always either guarded heavily outside or surrounded by servants inside .
tr	4	Rick soon got bored , or perhaps disgusted , by his habits , and patted Alex on the back and returned to his seat .
tr	4	Alex carried over a steaming plate of chicken , mashed potatoes , green beans , a roll , and drink .
tr	4	" Let 's look , " Rick jumped up and they gathered around the lockers like school kids playing musical chairs .
tr	4	All we have to do is cut the sides out of them and tie them together ... " " Who 's we ? "
tr	4	They don 't care what we do at Alex 's house because they know how incredibly over-protective you are ! "
tr	4	She said you can use the safety protocols to return everyone before they can even get seriously wounded , " Alex reminded him .
tr	4	" T , can you please list all of those injuries which have occurred during time travel with this time machine ? "
tr	4	" Come on , Alex , we get injuries like that at the playground or riding a bikes , " Kaylie tried to reason .
tr	4	Christy took over , " Look , that 's 32 injuries out of over eight thousand trips , that 's like 0.4 % .
tr	4	" Honey , I hate to hurt your feelings , but I think you girls would only get in the way .
tr	4	It was obvious his words hurt her feelings , as well as the rest of the girls , except maybe Jessica .
tr	4	she stared at him like a mother would stare at a child whose hand was still in the cookie jar .
tr	4	Think about it , Rick , you 'd let them go to Washington DC for a field trip , wouldn 't you ?
tr	4	Rick wrapped his arm around her neck and pretended to squeeze , " Yes , that is what I intend to do !
tr	4	He shot a stern look at Abby , " And Abby will fully support me on that , won 't you ? "
tr	4	He recalled the last time he took a chance to extend their relationship to the next level and was summarily dismissed .
tr	4	He watched her skillful fingers nimbly picking through the treasures for quite a while before she realized he was lost in thought .
tr	4	" I was just thinking how nice it would be if you were with us ... permanently , " he stammered awkwardly .
tr	4	Abby 's rummaging stopped as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and stared at him over that same shoulder .
tr	4	Rick decided to play off his fear by bringing a finger to his chin thoughtfully in an attempt to figure out the answer .
tr	4	" I feel like a thief , searching through people 's homes like this , " Alex admitted with a slightly scrunched up nose .
tr	4	" In those times it was often considered bad luck to disturb any belongings of a man while he was away at war .
tr	4	" Well , see if you can find out how much money they have so we 'll know how much we might need .
tr	4	Jessica came forward , " We found some silk dress that looked like a cow wore it , so we used that . "
tr	4	It looks like they 're really poor , Daddy , but Kaylie thought of a problem , " she informed him .
tr	4	He faced the machine , " T , how are we to communicate with the Romans and why are they speaking English ? "
tr	4	" That 's good , I 'd hate to have to learn a new language overnight , " a very relieved Christy announced .
tr	4	Rick smiled inwardly at how interested and helpful the girls were as they planned the whole mission with exacting details .
tr	4	" You see , Rick , the mother isn 't home until twenty minutes before we need to be in town .
tr	4	That wouldn 't give you much time to persuade her , and she probably wouldn 't part with it anyway , " Kaylie opined .
tr	4	" That 's when the kids are coming back from playing in the stream and washing their clothes Kaylie added .
tr	4	Do you want to say , ' No , we couldn 't save the world honestly , so we just let everyone die ? '
tr	4	Anna got up in a huff , heading toward the other side of the table , obviously intent on doing harm to Jessica .
tr	4	She finally decided it would be in her best interests to behave , and stomped back to her seat while Jessica continued to tease .
tr	4	Abby asked nervously " No , Abby , they will be gone only one minute and you must not interfere with their return . "
tr	4	" Yes , Alex , there is always a return time of one minute , no matter how long your trip is .
tr	4	Alex picked the blue one because that was her favorite color , Christy chose the silver one , and Kaylie took the red one .
tr	4	" Would you like to put any time limits or any other restrictions on your journey at this time , Rick ? "
tr	4	It took about five seconds before he was able to move , and noticed the girls moving simultaneously with him .
tr	4	Christy finally spoke , " You know , I expected a more eventful journey , and a more exciting arrival . "
tr	4	The girls casually strolled toward the house , occasionally glancing back where Rick was crouched , commenting on how he tensely watched them .
tr	4	In the distance , past the farm , they could see the edge of the city -- they were literally on its doorstep .
tr	4	" It looks just like North Carolina , " Kaylie said , " I expected something a little different . "
tr	4	" Yeah , me too , it 's so isolated , but so close to town ... " Kaylie agreed .
tr	4	He decided after seeing all the coins and jewels , he could easily afford to send Rob that Spanish coin .
tr	4	He appeared to be about eleven years old or younger , but they knew he was fifteen from their research .
tr	4	She wore an infectious smile of a perpetually happy kid , and seemed to be skipping when she was walking .
tr	4	The edges of their clothes were frayed and each had a dozen or more holes , noticeable from ten yards away .
tr	4	The girl shoved her brother aside , " What my vicious brother , Lucius , is trying to say is welcome ! "
tr	4	She then turned to Lucius , " These girls are not wearing swords and don 't seem to be threatening . "
tr	4	" Well , we uh , well , we 're on foot -- " " Nobody would travel that road on foot !
tr	4	The girls looked at each other guiltily ; the shock of the kids ' father being dead knocked them back a bit .
tr	4	" Lucius thinks mother will somehow manage , but we have slowly used up all that was left of father 's salary .
tr	4	Alex decided to try to change the subject , " So how much is this tunic he 's fetching worth ? "
tr	4	She couldn 't imagine what kind of iron character this girl possessed after losing her father and what appeared to be a wonderful life .
tr	4	" Well , Da -- , my father said to pay whatever you ask for it , he is quite rich . "
tr	4	She then turned to the girls , " He turns sixteen soon but still acts like a little girl sometimes .
tr	4	" Yeah , " she hugged Christy , who was closest , " I couldn 't be away from my family . "
tr	4	The girl was on their heels a minute later , as they ascended the small rise to where Rick hid in the bushes .
tr	4	Alex took the new clothes behind the bush and handed them to Rick , and alerted him of their new friend .
tr	4	She had always acted tough , as if it were honorable for a girl to lose her daddy at war .
tr	4	Rick glanced at the girls and motioned them all to start walking , " Yes , we need to go , please .
tr	4	He told her of the necklace and that it was to be given to Octavian today , but they did not know how .
tr	4	Eventually , she got around to telling about her life , the family , farm , house , and her escapades in Rome .
tr	4	Alex asked specific questions about how they built their homes , what they were made of and how they cleaned them .
tr	4	Kaylie saw two boys playing with a ball , trying to keep it away from each other with their feet .
tr	4	" Go for it , " he replied and stole a glance down the street in anticipation of the future emperor .
tr	4	The woman graciously thanked her and insisted she take an extra basket which would fit neatly inside the first one .
tr	4	They all converged in the center of the street and Christy urged Rick to pick her up with a playful look on her face .
tr	4	Rick 's arms were already growing tired and he could feel chaffing around his neck from the leather outfit and Christy 's squirming .
tr	4	Her wavy black hair was tied tightly behind her head , but her eyes were hateful , taking away from her appearance greatly .
tr	4	If you wish the truth , she is carrying a yellow gem necklace I gave her for her twelfth birthday .
tr	4	The captain looked down at the frightened child , " Show us this necklace , girl , " he ordered .
tr	4	She slowly stuck her hand down into her tunic and pulled the necklace out , her cries changing to a gloating smile .
tr	4	The captain appraised Rick thoroughly , finally concluding , " The daughter of a veteran in the famous fighting Thirteenth Legion ?
tr	4	He was trying to cover her with his body when he heard the second missile impact his shoulder , going completely through .
tr	4	Rick , full of adrenalin now , lunged to his feet with the limp girl still clutched in his arms .
tr	4	" I know , but if you don 't , I won 't be able to run or even walk ! "
tr	4	He was glad her body blocked the view of his leg and he didn 't dare risk a glance at his shoulder .
tr	4	Rick half hopped , half limped , following Christy , with Kaylie and Alex at his side , helping him stay upright .
tr	4	Christy quickly led them to the main road where they hid behind a display while Kaylie doubled back to purchase some cloth .
tr	4	Kaylie completed her first aid at about the same time , tying off several bandages on his upper arm and chest .
tr	4	They traveled awkwardly through a dozen or more alleys until they reached one just a few yards from the gate .
tr	4	She probably didn 't even know it was stolen ; she was just as innocent as you , dear . "
tr	4	Rick 's girls were all afraid of the dark , but the native girl thought the quarter moon provided adequate illumination .
tr	4	Any light was a blessing for a girl who never knew electricity and was too poor to burn candles at night .
tr	4	Rick nodded , and then reconsidered , " Wait , " he said , fumbling in his pouch for something .
tr	4	All Rick saw was a white blur and the back of her tunic trailing behind her like a comet tail .
tr	4	The tunic was ripped in more places than it had places , but she was happy as a pig in mud .
tr	4	" One minute , " Abby sarcastically replied , " I just hope they come back with all their fingers . "
tr	4	Abby rushed to the lockers and located the medical kit while the girls went to change back into their normal clothes .
tr	4	She suddenly realized the content of his earlier words " What do you mean , you don 't have to ? "
tr	4	Nothing like this has ever been found in any condition worth studying , these things just don 't last two thousand years !
tr	4	While she was working on him , the girls explained the farm , streets , markets and many foods and wares for sale .
tr	4	" And we got one of the four crystals , " he reasoned to Abby , " It was well worth it .
tr	4	he explained very coolly , calmly , betraying his own fears only by the way his hand clutched his wounded leg .
tr	4	He held the tunic to his face for a moment , pressing it against his eyes to keep the tears from leaking out .
tr	4	It took all his strength to get to his feet and walk to the bathroom door and knock at the partially open door .
tr	4	All sitting around the table , Rick asked , " OK , let 's make a plan , what do you all think ?
tr	4	I 'm fairly sure where the second crystal is , and we -- " " No , you 're nuts !
tr	4	Abby commanded , standing over him like an old-fashioned schoolteacher , ready to whack his knuckles if he didn 't obey .
tr	4	" Thanks , hon , " he smiled at her as he began awkwardly trying to cut his steak with one hand .
tr	4	" Only a couple that mention it ... how the colonies and government were formed and became the United States . "
tr	4	" And you are certainly not in any condition to do anything but go to bed tonight , " Kaylie challenged .
tr	4	" Well , " Abby gulped , " we -- your father and I -- decided -- " " You 're finally moving in ?
tr	4	Jessica leapt out of her seat and bounced around her , finally stopping long enough grab Abby in a huge hug .
tr	4	Abby screamed and all the girls attacked her at once , nearly knocking her out of her seat , all bouncing and yelling .
tr	4	Rick just stabbed another piece of steak , dunked it in steak sauce and smiled at them as he stuck it in his mouth .
tr	4	" No , Rick , it simply changes the molecular state of the objects you place into it to air .
tr	4	She certainly isn 't alive this day , but I need a specific date to answer that to your satisfaction . "
tr	4	Do not even try to ask again , Kaylie ; we are better off assuming she 's OK , " Rick instructed .
tr	4	" Kaylie , let 's get back to the most important problems now -- like how are we getting out of here ? "
tr	4	You girls go get ready so you can take the clothes -- " " Why don 't I take them , Dad ?
tr	4	" Why don 't you just take all the clothes off of your bed so she can sleep there , Pigpen ?
tr	4	" That sounds like a good thing for you to do when we get home , " he told Jessica .
tr	4	I 'd break both my arms to save one of you , don 't you worry a bit about that .
tr	4	Just remember I 'll be able see you once you turn the corner , and Abby can see you until then .
tr	4	He took a deep breath and submerged , pulling the rope until he was on the other side , anchored at the opening .
tr	4	One by one , they all popped to the surface , with Alex bringing up the rear , pulling the bag behind her .
tr	4	" You really need to go to bed , Rick , you 're exhausted -- " " Please , " he pleaded .
tr	4	Anna and Jessica were laying on the pull-out bed twenty minutes later , watching a movie , when Abby came down the stairs .
tr	4	" I 'm going to sit and read this , but you really need to rest , Rick , " she suggested .
tr	4	Sarah Good and Sarah Osbourne were also accused , but of those three , only Sarah Good was hanged -- on July 19 .
tr	4	Let 's print it all out , you go lay down and I 'll sit on the bed beside you and read it all .
tr	4	He printed out all the information he had found , and grabbed it as Abby headed to check on the kids .
tr	4	The infamous witch hunts of Salem , Massachusetts -- a dark and troubled era in our country 's history -- a time of insanity .
tr	4	Most startling of all his revelations was that it really had turned out to be the key to a time machine .
tr	4	They had actually located the machine , unlocked its mystery , and uncovered an evil plot to destroy the world .
tr	4	" Well , I 'm not feeling particularly fair at the moment , " he waved the knife around menacingly .
tr	4	" The cube too , " he added , and Christy pulled it out of the bag , setting it on the counter .
tr	4	Abby was shopping for supplies for her upcoming expedition and didn 't come home until it was almost time to get Jessica from school .
tr	4	Some say he was born in Jerusalem , some in Jericho , some in Nazareth , some even say Mary wasn 't his mother !
tr	4	How can anyone claim to be sure , much less righteous , and proclaim with such certainty something so incredibly vague ? "
tr	4	She sat in the passenger seat of a plain blue sedan belonging to her partner , Special Agent Scott Carver .
tr	4	He got greedy ; he went for too much money and was tracked in real time when the computer flagged the transaction .
tr	4	" The owner of the house we 're going to is a Miss Katherine Himmel , 37 , unmarried , lives alone .
tr	4	She fits the profile , Scott : four years as a programmer for the DOD , fired for insubordination last September .
tr	4	Do I need to remind you that you 've only been here three years and I 've been here fourteen ? "
tr	4	" So we should just call off the search war ... " " Of course not , we have to execute the warrant .
tr	4	He marveled at the carefully groomed lawn and shrubbery , imagining the time it must take to maintain the manicured look .
tr	4	They waited several tense seconds before she rang again and added several loud pounds on the large , wooden double doors .
tr	4	She ordered the rear team to enter and secure the area , and then let them in the front door .
tr	4	We didn 't want to disturb it , " said an agent who stood by the desk as they entered .
tr	4	As she had expected , a message popped up , " Kathy is in the Bahamas -- she has been since Friday .
tr	4	He is reportedly worth an incredible two hundred billion dollars -- definitely one of the world 's richest men . "
tr	4	Forrest Reed came along and made people disengage their auto-pilot minds from the internet and immerse themselves into his imagination .
tr	4	He often criticized the entertainment industries of being so cold and calculating with their formulas for success , and challenged them all .
tr	4	" With Forrest Reed gone , and this show the only remaining source of creative commentary , what will happen ? "
tr	4	One showed that Forrest Reed 's novels outsold the rest of the market three to one in the last year .
tr	4	His last two movies grossed $ 3.8 billion , more than the total of all other movies for the previous four years .
tr	4	Jordan finished his broadcast by pleading , " Forrest , if you can hear me , we really need you .
tr	4	It was a rule of his show not to use acronyms , one that he still tried to enforce off the air .
tr	4	" No , I think I 'll go read his last book , then just shoot myself , " he answered drily .
tr	4	What started as entertainment for his daughters evolved into a coping mechanism to maintain his sanity as he waged a monumental battle against injustice .
tr	4	The battle continues , and as his daughters have grown into teenagers , the stories have changed to more mature fiction .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each reader .
tr	4	Scott 's dying body toppled sideways to the rough sand of the Arizona desert , his life flashing back before his eyes .
tr	4	There was the long career of working his way up the corporate ladder , lying to so many people to achieve his goals .
tr	4	Not far away , still seated in the fixed-wing , single-engine airplane Scott had been piloting moments ago , Margaret Hicks finally started screaming .
tr	4	She clawed at her seatbelt for several seconds with one hand and opening her co-pilot 's door with the other .
tr	4	Broad leathery wings stretched out on either side of its back - their wingspan greater than that of Scott 's plane .
tr	4	The monstrous figure strode forward , toward Margaret - the last remnant of its long , dragon tail shrinking away into its backside .
tr	4	Margaret screamed again and clawed at the arm holding her - but her nails might as well have been digging at stone .
tr	4	The giant looked her up and down , taking in her skinny , vegetarian 's body and her manly haircut .
tr	4	Even if she was a tomboy who almost never wore makeup and was arguably the best rider in the group .
tr	4	A Christian fish , like Josie had seen countless times on the trunk lids and bumpers of cars around town .
tr	4	Nearly a flash flood , the rain had washed all the ash and soot off the stone corpse in a very short time .
tr	4	The man 's stone chest was whole , his head a bald , smooth surface with no sign it had ever been broken apart .
tr	4	CHAPTER TWO After a long , wet , treacherous ride , Josie and her friends had made it back to their campsite .
tr	4	Which consisted of two large 4x4 trucks with extended cabs , a trailer for some of the motorcycles and five tents .
tr	4	" I could have sworn it moved , " she finally said , shaking her head from side to side .
tr	4	He kept his back to his friends , so they wouldn 't see he was a bit scared now himself .
tr	4	All the other guys had figured out Josie wasn 't interested in them , why did Logan have to keep pushing it ?
tr	4	Once he topped the rise , the man began to turn in a slow circle , eyeing the dark desert .
tr	4	The man held the can to his lips and tilted his head back , trying to drain the precious moisture out .
tr	4	The man dropped the empty bottle from his right hand and started to raise the bottle in his left to his lips .
tr	4	The hair on the man 's head grew only a short length , into a very precise , military-style flattop , then stopped growing .
tr	4	Carlos , Kendall , Jimmy and Logan all started in their tents - kicking off blankets and being generally disoriented .
tr	4	Not at the knife sticking out of the stranger 's back , but at the nickel-plated revolver Carlos had produced from somewhere .
tr	4	He pulled his hand away slowly , revealing a minor wound , that only seeped a small amount of blood .
tr	4	As Josie , Carlos and the others watched , the blood on the man 's forehead retreated back into his skin as well .
tr	4	The bullets struck the dense flesh , tearing skin open but not managing to go more than a half-inch deep .
tr	4	Not because the stranger was still standing after being shot six times , but because of what was happening to him now .
tr	4	" To be honest , " the stranger , Mark , smiled , " I had to think about that . "
tr	4	" When I first walked in here , I wasn 't sure who I was , or where I was . "
tr	4	Even though she knew she should be afraid , that she shouldn 't be talking to this odd man , she felt perfectly safe .
tr	4	" Seriously , man , " Carlos asked , not ready to give up , " What 's your stage name ? "
tr	4	Josie stepped behind Mark and grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler - one of only a few left .
tr	4	" I was thinking more of a payphone , " Mark said , wondering what the thing in Carlos ' hand was .
tr	4	" Yeah , we came across the boat and saw you th - " " And you just left me there ? "
tr	4	" That makes sense - if he regenerated tissue , the neural patterns left by experiences wouldn 't be there . "
tr	4	For him to have fought in Korea would mean he was born long before their parents - maybe even their grandparents .
tr	4	Maria quickly changed the subject - putting a small box on the table she had pulled from a pocket of her lab coat .
tr	4	He opened it - inside was a gold necklace , with a small , gold Christian fish pendant on it .
tr	4	She was interrupted by the ringing of a red phone , on a stand by the front door to the apartment .
tr	4	Of all the accidents that could happen on this project , this was at the top of the her list of the worst possible .
tr	4	" You have a protocol for someone dropping my basilisk eye in the Fountain and the whole creature regenerating ? "
tr	4	The hallway itself was plain - a drop panel ceiling with fluorescent lights and vents , hanging over a simple tiled floor .
tr	4	At one end of the hallway , there was a large freight elevator - also with heavy , steel doors .
tr	4	Nearly twelve feet long , with a vaguely reptilian head , surrounded by a boney plate with spikes - like a dinosaur .
tr	4	" Sorry , dear , " he said , shoving his wife back into the elevator while he watched the approaching basilisk .
tr	4	" Oh , crap , " Mark said as the grenade bounced and rolled across the floor , back toward him .
tr	4	Only a dozen feet away from Mark , the grenade detonated - releasing a cloud of fire and molten metal .
tr	4	Mark suddenly realized that the debris covering him wasn 't just crushing him beneath its weight - the debris was on fire .
tr	4	Maria ripped the fire extinguisher from the wall and fumbled with the safety pin while her husband slowly burned to death .
tr	4	CHAPTER SIX After Mark 's bombshell revelation about his death in 1962 , the confused teens decided it was time to go .
tr	4	The teens all dressed for the day - ditching their off-road riding gear in favor of shorts and t-shirts , with sneakers or sandals .
tr	4	He carried the bike around to the side of the truck and lifted it up and over , and into the bed .
tr	4	On the back of Kendall 's truck , Logan started to laugh - which caused him pain that made him wince .
tr	4	Unfortunately , he had realized that every time Josie bumped into him , she was also bumping into this Mark stranger .
tr	4	But a boat in the middle of the desert - miles from any water - that was strange as well .
tr	4	Mark stepped over to join them just as Josie turned the item over in her hand for a better look .
tr	4	" So , you can come back from the dead , you 're bullet-proof , super strong and you can nullify magic ? "
tr	4	He 'd wanted to say something since they were little kids , and he knew that this was his last chance .
tr	4	" Well , what did you do , after the war , but before you remember dying in 1962 ? "
tr	4	His memory might stop at 1962 , but what he did remember from before then was too much for these kids .
tr	4	Jimmy asked , hoping Mark could talk some sense into Josie and they 'd finally be rid of the stranger .
tr	4	He had taken the drive to the highway then driven straight to the nearest town and its small police station .
tr	4	There they waited for nearly an hour , all seated next to each other , on one side of the table .
tr	4	A man in a black suit , with sunglasses and an ear piece , had come in and started silently watching over them .
tr	4	His brown eyes seemed to bore into the teens ' souls as he looked them over , one by one .
tr	4	When World War II broke out , Mark was too young to fight - but watched as his older brothers went off to fight .
tr	4	The first small town - little more than a gas station and a dozen other buildings - Josie made Jimmy pull over .
tr	4	Once again , Jimmy got out on the driver 's side , while Josie followed Mark out the front passenger door .
tr	4	Jimmy wasn 't the expert on the subject that Carlos was , but he decided to give it a try .
tr	4	Hailing from California , the Sentinel had been capable of flying , lifting cars over his head and appeared impervious to injury .
tr	4	It was revealed to the public that there were also super villains - people who used their abilities for crime .
tr	4	News reports showed the first super hero on a rampage , fighting law enforcement and destroying portions of the city .
tr	4	Then Mark had taken one step , and pushed with less visible effort than it took to open a door .
tr	4	The two dirty men looked at each other , then at Cletus ' axe , then at Pete 's hoe .
tr	4	Pete stepped forward , swinging his axe up and over in a big arc he aimed right for Mark 's head .
tr	4	Before Cletus could even start his swing , Mark pivoted slightly on his right foot and his left leg shot out .
tr	4	The ball of his left foot smashed into Cletus stomach - right over the gigantic belt buckle he had under his untucked shirt .
tr	4	" Make sure you get that window fixed , " he said loud enough for the other locals to hear .
tr	4	CHAPTER EIGHT Across the country , the report of Mark 's brief skirmish with Pete and Cletus was being analyzed .
tr	4	Large , seventy-two inch monitors hung on the walls of the command post , displaying information from around the world .
tr	4	No one had gotten a license plate number , but the off-road 4x4 truck had two motorcycles tied down in the back .
tr	4	Even if he did have amnesia , as the other teens had reported , why would he be hanging out with kids ?
tr	4	He wanted to get back to the business of remembering , but he admitted to himself the flip flops were driving him crazy .
tr	4	She swiftly went around the store , picking out several shirts , some pants and finally a pair of white tennis shoes .
tr	4	CHAPTER NINE The Mall 's food court was bustling with activity - most of it younger people in their teens and twenties .
tr	4	While Josie and Jimmy went off to get dinner , Mark purchased a newspaper and sat down to read it .
tr	4	The duo finally reached Mark 's table - a square plastic thing with two pairs of seats on either side of the table .
tr	4	Then he looked back to the squirming Jimmy , who was unsuccessfully trying to pull his hand free of Mark 's herculean grip .
tr	4	Mark held the stun gun up , halfway between himself and Jimmy , so the telepath would be sure to see it .
tr	4	" I had to break the connection or when Jimmy woke back up , we 'd still have our backseat walker with us . "
tr	4	In under a minute , it was just Josie , Mark , an unconscious Jimmy and twelve men in black .
tr	4	With no effort , Mark slung the unconscious teen over one shoulder like a sack of laundry , with Jimmy 's head behind him .
tr	4	As they crossed over from mall sidewalk to parking lot , Josie dug in Jimmy 's pockets for the keys .
tr	4	" Only if you try and hug me , " Mark said , turning and walking toward the truck again .
tr	4	She 'd seen teargas on TV , in movies , but the reality of it was worse than she could have imagined .
tr	4	Stepping forward quickly , with the unconscious Jimmy still on his shoulder , Mark closed the distance to the last agent .
tr	4	Special Agent Bennett had never put his hand in a vice , or had a car drive over his foot .
tr	4	He was in terrible , terrible pain as his hand , and the taser , were being crushed in Mark 's grip .
tr	4	With a jerk , he ripped the mask off the agent 's head , tearing the silicone straps that held it on .
tr	4	Bennett dropped to all fours , coughing and hacking , and growing faint from pain and the lack of breathable air .
tr	4	Standing across the parking lot lane from Jimmy 's truck , on top of a parked car , was a woman all in black .
tr	4	The woman in black dropped her steel cable and pulled a short , polished , ebony cane from her jacket .
tr	4	His hair was gone from the top of his head to the back of his neck , but his skin was unburned .
tr	4	His shirt was burnt the rest of the way off , the ashes of it falling down as the stream of fire went out .
tr	4	First the target didn 't know who she was , now he resisted some of her most powerful , most used , magic .
tr	4	Josie watched all this from the cab of the truck , leaning over the back seat and watching out the rear window .
tr	4	Mark briefly wiped at the hot asphalt chunks clinging to his forehead , cheek , chin , neck , chest and arms .
tr	4	The many ice shards sticking out of the target began to fall off him , as though they were melting .
tr	4	Then she could see that the portion of the ice that had penetrated his skin had simply been absorbed into his body .
tr	4	Green light flashed from the impact as Mark was staggered a bit to the side and his head turned by the blow .
tr	4	She reared back with both hands on her magical cane , ready to bash Mark 's head in with the large , mystical ruby .
tr	4	Bennett shook his head affirmatively and scrambled to get his two pair of handcuffs from the pouches on his belt .
tr	4	He laid the shirt over his lap , put the truck in reverse and began backing out of the space .
tr	4	The very unhappy General that had co-opted the FBI 's capture team and now had to answer to some Senators on the Oversight Committee .
tr	4	" My recommendation is that we follow him - at a safe distance - and see what happens , " Campbell said .
tr	4	I have the ghost walkers scouring the region , " Campbell finally said when it was his turn to talk again .
tr	4	SOCOM 's Command Center had just about sent armed men over to lock him up when he cut off their ghost walker support .
tr	4	It was only when he mentioned the name of the General now screaming at him that SOCOM had backed off .
tr	4	Major Campbell popped three antacid tablets in his mouth and crunched on them , before turning to an Airman seated nearby .
tr	4	When he looked back up at the road , Jimmy realized he wasn 't looking across the hood of his truck anymore .
tr	4	" Couple that with a telepathic handler and you have a spy that can circle the globe and relay real-time information . "
tr	4	" That guy on the phone made it sound like we 'd disappear if we knew too much , " Jimmy said .
tr	4	CHAPTER TWELVE It had started with an ocean exploration vessel , the Lady Jane Franklin , being found adrift near Miami .
tr	4	Over the next two weeks , several more , similar murders were reported by the FBI - from Florida to Arizona .
tr	4	A string of twenty-three more bodies , all with their hearts ripped out , but with no connection to each other .
tr	4	Seize control of the sleepers ' minds , plant a command for them to get out of bed and walk across the street .
tr	4	One by one , the sleepers quietly sat up in their beds and proceeded out of their rooms and across the street .
tr	4	The glasses was equipped with a heads up display , earpieces and microphone so he could stay in contact with his team .
tr	4	As rare as telepaths were , he was used to being in an office , with subjects brought to him for memory retrieval .
tr	4	Truth was something Echo had grown up with - no one being able to hide their thoughts , or lies , from him .
tr	4	When Echo had been awakened in the middle of the night , he had seen the fear in his regular handler 's mind .
tr	4	Marshall robotically closed the door to his room then walked across the pavement parking lot of the Motel , toward the street .
tr	4	Inside , the other travelers were all sleeping - seated at tables , their arms crossed , their heads laid down .
tr	4	They 'd all ended up at this particular motel , exhausted after a day of whatever life had thrown at them .
tr	4	Echo nodded , and carefully walked away from the room , staggering , but not too much , back across the parking lot .
tr	4	He then circled around , crossed the street , passed down an alley , and finally entered through the back exit of the Diner .
tr	4	A former Navy Seal , with no family , Atlas had been selected for his combat skills and extensive training .
tr	4	A high school dropout who had run away from uncaring parents , hoping she could make it to Hollywood and become a star .
tr	4	The body of the target jumped and twitched as small streams of heat , the 7.62 mm bullets , tore into it .
tr	4	The leap from her horizontal , reclined position was instantaneous and brought her on top of Atlas in a split second .
tr	4	Then the shapeshifter grabbed the stone soldier by his various straps and harnesses and threw him across the room and into the wall .
tr	4	In the motel parking lot , the wall beside the door to the shapeshifter 's room exploded as Atlas was hurled through it .
tr	4	The stone soldier sailed a good ten feet through the air before hitting the ground and rolling several times to a stop .
tr	4	Despite having just been killed , and now facing three soldiers made of living stone , the shapeshifter was extremely calm .
tr	4	Their inhuman strength and stone physiques made them lethal to normal people , but the stone soldiers weren 't made for fighting normal people .
tr	4	Originally made with a shoulder stock and a long barrel for accuracy , the gun lobbed 40mm grenades , one shot at a time .
tr	4	And the lobbed grenades were replaced with more lethal rounds that didn 't need to travel a safe distance before arming and exploding .
tr	4	Large , stone pieces flew out in all directions - Atlas ' uniform and gear blown apart by the shot as well .
tr	4	To watch one of their own , cut down by his own pistol , with such relative ease ... it was shocking .
tr	4	Simultaneously , Hyperion crashed through the rear room of the motel , smashing through the wall into the shapeshifter 's room .
tr	4	He and the other two soldiers dropped their empty drums , and pulled fresh ones from the mini packs on their backs .
tr	4	They began the slow process of reloading while the shapeshifter 's body lay broken , shredded and oozing on the ground .
tr	4	Cold steel cleaved ribs and muscle , then a lung , then severed more ribs before the tip erupted from the shapeshifter 's chest .
tr	4	His hail of lead ripped into the truck driver , passing through and glancing off Hyperion 's stone body harmlessly .
tr	4	The stream of bullets reduced first the face , then the head of the shapeshifter to broken pulp in only a few seconds .
tr	4	The limp body of the shapeshifter , held up only by Hyperion 's Bowie knife , suddenly came to life .
tr	4	She twisted quickly , pulling herself off the Bowie knife as she ducked over , pulling Hyperion off his feet .
tr	4	The thin body of the housewife likewise changed , matching the head , and again appearing free of any injury .
tr	4	The impact was sufficient to crush the shapeshifter 's rib cage and knock it off its feet and send it flying backwards .
tr	4	Blue jeans covered in blood and the tattered remnants of the shapeshifter 's t-shirt ripped as its body began to expand and stretch .
tr	4	Solid stainless steel , with ridged grips , weighing ten pounds each , the batons were far heavier than their wooden counterparts .
tr	4	" Come to me , little human , " the giant said - his mouth filled with a double row of teeth .
tr	4	The tactical targeting visor , made of dense polycarbonate plastic , tough enough to withstand gunfire , snapped in half .
tr	4	He looked down at his chest and saw the giant 's arm in his torso , almost to the elbow .
tr	4	The dragon reared back on its hind legs , shrinking down to the form of an elderly , white-haired black man .
tr	4	An elderly man who had been alone on a golf course one morning , playing a few holes before work .
tr	4	Even as three bullets ripped through his left shoulder , the shapeshifter took careful aim with the pistol in his right hand .
tr	4	He then realized he was laying on his back , looking up at the sky , his head burst open like a melon .
tr	4	He had tried to radio for backup , but he wasn 't familiar with the transmitters the squad had been using .
tr	4	The shapeshifter shook the body , back and forth , like a dog with a toy , snapping Echo 's neck .
tr	4	The shapeshifter dropped the corpse to the ground , then pounced on it with both paws , and bit into the chest .
tr	4	The dragon remained motionless for many seconds , absorbing the heart , the power of the telepath into its own being .
tr	4	The boat firmly in his grasp , the dragon increased his speed and flew out of the town , headed for the desert .
tr	4	" I remember a little bit about my mission , but between 1962 and then is still a bit blurry . "
tr	4	As much as he trusted these kids , he wasn 't about to give them the details of the stone soldier project .
tr	4	Then his other curse kicked in , restoring him , before his innate ability to resist magic restored him to flesh and blood .
tr	4	" Getting your head blown off , your heart ripped out , then burned to a crisp doesn 't sound lucky to me ! "
tr	4	The road carried the small car up and out of the desert , into the beginnings of Arizona 's coniferous forests .
tr	4	Seize control of a politician - worse a politician who was merely the backup if the real nation 's leader were incapacitated ?
tr	4	But once he had processed the idea from the mind of the telepath he 'd devoured , he decided to give it a try .
tr	4	The shapeshifter slipped the ID card 's lanyard over his neck , and transformed into a duplicate of the Chef .
tr	4	The shapeshifter carried the body off the road , and into the trees , looking for the perfect place to hide it .
tr	4	Near the hotel there were a few buildings - a gas station , a small store , and a clothing shop .
tr	4	" Yes - go straight to the first suited agent we see and tell him there 's a threat to the Vice President . "
tr	4	As soon as you deliver your message , they 're going to spirit you away somewhere safe where they can start questioning you .
tr	4	Josie briefly wondered if Jimmy hadn 't been listening - or if that telepathic takeover of his mind could have resulted in brain damage .
tr	4	Out of the corner of his eye , the shapeshifter noticed a Secret Service agent walking around the kitchen area .
tr	4	But as quickly as he was seized , Jimmy was released , his body relaxing to the point he almost fell over .
tr	4	He had just been advised via his radio earpiece that Jimmy had checked out by the Secret Service telepath hidden in the lobby .
tr	4	The agent , or rather , the shapeshifter , had just punched through Franks ' back , severing his spinal column .
tr	4	The shapeshifter pulled his arms free of the dead Secret Service agents and let their bodies slump to the floor of the elevator .
tr	4	He thought to himself he really should have left the Secret Service radio he took from Williams ' corpse turned on .
tr	4	Blood was sprayed all over the interior of the elevator , over the back wall , on the floor , even on the ceiling .
tr	4	The shapeshifter took a step forward , effortlessly dragging Jimmy along where he clung to the shapeshifter 's left leg .
tr	4	Underneath the bullets and flying brass casings coming out of their pistols , Josie scrambled backwards , on her hands and heels .
tr	4	He had to lift the agent off the floor , while bending over to try and get the earpiece into his own ear .
tr	4	" Long before your kind came to these shores , I was a God feared by all , " the shapeshifter boasted .
tr	4	Unfortunately , of his thousands upon thousands of years of life , only forty of them had been spent awake .
tr	4	How to steal a man 's power , his health , even his knowledge , all by devouring his heart .
tr	4	The humans he ruled over , little more than slaves at first , very quickly began to believe him a god .
tr	4	This they placed in his greatest temple , as a warning to any other who dared to rule over them .
tr	4	Too weak to break free of his bonds or his prison , he spent centuries laying in darkness , listening to the humans .
tr	4	He lived and relived their lives , over and over , in his mind , as time ticked slowly away .
tr	4	The weight of the water would have crushed him , had the primitive humans of so long ago not already done so .
tr	4	He felt his limbs swell in size - not to their former glory , but something considerably better than a walking skeleton .
tr	4	Guests of the hotel had fled - some through side exits back into the hotel , some out to the parking lot .
tr	4	Tables and chairs , loungers , and large umbrellas lay on their sides , or pushed out of place by the mad stampede .
tr	4	Only the barest shreds of a suit clung to his shoulders , while his slacks were torn and stretched , barely containing him .
tr	4	He lunged at the stunned giant , punching with both fists - hammer blows aimed at the giant 's stomach and sternum .
tr	4	In water , he not only wouldn 't ever suffer from fatigue , he could heal any injury in seconds .
tr	4	Two people had been in the pool , but now a dragon , larger than a passenger van , had emerged .
tr	4	He turned to face Keen and Josie , surprised a mortal would even try to shoot him in this form .
tr	4	It would roast the girl and the meddling agent , then see how the man of stone and water liked fire .
tr	4	When this didn 't work , the dragon threw himself on his side and began to spin in place like a crocodile .
tr	4	They ran up to the side of the hotel , watching the rampage of dragon and super soldier from a safer distance .
tr	4	Agent Keen 's men had recovered now and were trying to push through the spectators to see what was happening outside .
tr	4	The axe head , designed for chopping through steel doors in an emergency , cleaved skin and bone , burying itself to the handle .
tr	4	He spit out a liter of water , his lungs fully regenerated now from the fire he had inadvertently inhaled .
tr	4	The agent landed hard at Josie 's feet , his gun clattering out of a broken hand and onto the concrete by her feet .
tr	4	The flames splashed against the windows on the back of the hotel , making the assembled reporters and patrons recoil in fear .
tr	4	But instead of being a whole giant , the shapeshifter still had a gaping hole in his chest , blood pouring out .
tr	4	Josie slowly , methodically , fired , correcting her aim , and walking her shots up the giant 's body .
tr	4	He felt a round shatter his double row of front teeth , rip through his tongue and into his throat .
tr	4	All she could remember was him clinging to the shapeshifter 's leg in the elevator , telling her to run .
tr	4	His gray shirt was bloody , torn open , with a gaping hole in his chest where the shapeshifter had ripped out his heart .
tr	4	Small , brown , with mangy fur , the hungry canine trotted along the road that ran past the hotel .
tr	4	But it knew where it was - it had rummaged through the garbage cans of the hotel many times for scraps .
tr	4	It passed small scrub brushes , its nose going back and forth from sniffing the air , to sniffing the ground .
tr	4	The coyote , ravenous as it always was , began to tear the heart apart , gulping down mouthful after mouthful .
tr	4	A while after takeoff , a female agent had led Josie to a private room in the back of the plane .
tr	4	It wasn 't a black agent 's suit , but rather something Josie thought her mom would wear to a job interview .
tr	4	They sat in silence , watching two armed guards in the helicopter with them , as the helicopter lifted off .
tr	4	The helicopter circled a lone , black office building , about twenty stories tall , that sat overlooking a bay .
tr	4	The elevator finally stopped , the doors opening on rich marble floors in what looked like an ordinary office building .
tr	4	The heavy door popped open a few inches , then slowly began to cycle open , swinging out on hidden hydraulics .
tr	4	Beyond the door , there was a vast chamber , nearly three stories high and over a hundred feet across .
tr	4	It was roughly circular in shape , with concrete and steel walls , and observation booths high above the main floor .
tr	4	They took it over to the pool , where there was a table and steps leading down into the still water .
tr	4	The assistant hurried away with the box , taking it through a door on the other side of the chamber .
tr	4	But they 'll need help from an unlikely source : Dr. Laura Olson , vampire , and the sole survivor of the Alcatraz attack .
tr	4	SHADES OF WAR Someone is raising the spirits of the dead from American battlefields - forming a dark army to attack the living .
tr	4	He does have the ability to suppress messages if he chooses , but the OS is fairly silent after booting . "
tr	4	" You should get something to eat , " said HS2 , " or perhaps I should buy you a drink ? "
tr	4	The fifty-five year old director of artificial intelligence projects had worked his way through the bureaucracy at NET for over twenty-five years .
tr	4	He was still trim , in shape from regular workouts , with just a dusting of grey hair beginning at his temples .
tr	4	William was recognized for his brilliant contributions and had been placed in charge of some of the best technology research projects .
tr	4	His pet project was Human Simulation research , where he was also the primary designer and developer of the systems .
tr	4	Having just retuned , the two of them were living in a hotel and needed a better place to stay .
tr	4	William lived alone in a large apartment with plenty of room , and he welcomed the chance to spend time with Victoria again .
tr	4	He was only seven , but already spent hours each day with math tutors from the university , giving Victoria plenty of free time .
tr	4	It went on and on ... Victoria 's interest in implanting a bio memory in Toby 's brain intrigued William .
tr	4	Victoria 's deceased father had left her a fortune after selling his consulting firm ; money was not an issue .
tr	4	" As you can see , the bio organism is online and reporting that the memory , CPUs and the radio all survived .
tr	4	The procedure and performance of the organism were completely as expected , and he couldn 't force himself to focus on the data displayed .
tr	4	" Ron , " said Victoria , " it 's been a long day and we should wrap this up .
tr	4	If this works , his social development will advance rapidly , and he ' ll need you more than ever . "
tr	4	" I 'm really not sure I like that , and I didn 't realize it would be possible . "
tr	4	" William is always at work , " complained Toby , " we 've been here for days and only left one time . "
tr	4	" Well , he loves his work and you can 't stay there with him all the time , " said Victoria .
tr	4	" His lab is a fascinating place , he took us there Saturday , and I want to go back now . "
tr	4	" I 'm going to William 's study , at least some of him is there , " Toby shouted .
tr	4	Victoria watched Toby trudge off toward the study , restraining herself from disciplining him , another new part of his life .
tr	4	There was a catch ; everyone was expected to supply two pieces of information per month related to their part of the world .
tr	4	The ease of use of the device and its vast usefulness in daily life overshadowed worries about how the data would be used .
tr	4	Simply knowing which checkout lines were moving the quickest in a store justified giving permission to the device to time the transaction automatically .
tr	4	NET had provided many of the lower level hardware and software constructs for the device , including integration with the mesh networks .
tr	4	Surrounded by books offering untold treasures lent to the warm atmosphere of the study , which had become Toby 's sanctuary .
tr	4	" He is working on sensor inputs and logic programs today and he has one meeting scheduled in the afternoon .
tr	4	" Victoria , " said Alfred , " I know you were the one person in the world he trusted completely .
tr	4	Even today , I have no reservations about you or the firm , I hope you hold none against me . "
tr	4	" Ultimately , his passion for science and the means to research and develop new technologies are why he joined us .
tr	4	The technology and some of the clients may be considered controversial " " I 'd like to hear more , Alfred . "
tr	4	Disgusted by what Alfred had become , she tore herself away from the memory in a cold sweat and called William .
tr	4	We 're testing a new audio sensor on the accelerometer suits which is destined for the HS units right now . "
tr	4	We both needed that change of scenery on Saturday , but now he 's begging more than ever to spend time with you .
tr	4	" When we check the data it appears he 's using much of the memory and exploring the CPUs and radio . "
tr	4	" Two weeks ago he couldn 't even remember my name and he never would have remembered a trip to your lab from Saturday .
tr	4	You know , he has an incredible ability to focus , which is an advantage over other kids his age .
tr	4	Alfred gave me the idea , he was joking earlier that HS2 is working so well he would make a great spy .
tr	4	Plus now 007 is getting all the advanced stuff the early commercial versions wouldn 't have for some time . "
tr	4	" It 's an interesting idea ... I need to run now dear , let 's talk about this later , bye . "
tr	4	007 preferred to wear size ten tennis shoes , and nothing else , the shoes providing an agreeable degree of traction for walking .
tr	4	He was not anatomically correct , a fact he had pointed out on the occasions William told him to get dressed .
tr	4	William had even given him an artificial respiration , matched to his level of physical activity , which was obvious even to casual observers .
tr	4	Undoubtedly , regulations would dictate the ultimate appearance of commercial models , prohibiting them from completely blending in with society .
tr	4	Alfred locked the door to the single occupancy executive washroom and sent a message to his intelligence contact in Asia .
tr	4	" I can deliver the electronic to bio organism cloning system for an additional sum , equal to the first . "
tr	4	I really only need the memory ... why did you give me the CPUs and the radio and network capabilities ? "
tr	4	William sat back in his chair , considering the obvious logical conclusion , which he had overlooked , but Toby had realized so quickly .
tr	4	Of course you can learn a lot from your mother 's writing too , " said William holding up his hands in surrender .
tr	4	" Victoria can be sarcastic and didn 't like consulting , which must have made her father sad , " said Toby .
tr	4	Doing so was a bit strange , not exactly like issuing a command , which he knew from the manuals .
tr	4	Victoria thinks I can do something with the rest of this implant , William was just happy with me using the memory .
tr	4	If this is William 's lab , maybe I can find him ... I have the mesh network connections guide .
tr	4	Toby could now plainly see William 's face close enough to touch , but he obviously wasn 't in the room with him .
tr	4	Seeing William 's slightly wrinkled skin up so close warmed Toby , and he relaxed a bit , sinking further into the sofa .
tr	4	He needed to relax and sit back down , moving around with his eyes open while watching the full display was disorienting .
tr	4	A large aging man wearing a shiny black suit was sitting at the receiving desk display , looking intently into Toby 's face .
tr	4	" 007 , that 's called brown nosing and it was a feeble attempt at that , " said Alfred chuckling .
tr	4	007 continued down the aisle , turned right , and walked back toward William , intending to complete the loop again .
tr	4	007 surveillance program terminate ... 007 return to host ... The view and audio stopped abruptly , giving Toby another wave of nausea .
tr	4	Feeling sleepy , Toby stretched back into the sofa thinking how strange and exciting visiting the lab this way had been .
tr	4	" Right ... If William only knew what Alfred has planned -- I know him too well -- he would scuttle the project .
tr	4	William is a patriot through and through , he would never knowingly allow his work to be sold to terrorists . "
tr	4	Toby should have been able to see and hear everything 007 was sensing , and many of his internal commands .
tr	4	Jacob was excited , and she was happy for him , proud of all his achievements , but scared for Toby .
tr	4	I think it 's important that he doesn 't share too much of his experience with you or William for the time being .
tr	4	I can keep him focused on the technical issues , and there 's less chance Alfred will stumble on his progress . "
tr	4	A tremor in her voice , Victoria said , " They supply information to terrorists and now Alfred is their supplier .
tr	4	We 'll have the advantage as long as we hold the high ground in technology , history has made that clear . "
tr	4	" We haven 't lived normal lives for months , " said Jacob , " and I may never lead a normal life again .
tr	4	There was a remote chance that would be the end of them , but something told her it would only make them stronger .
tr	4	He 'd only known Toby for a little over two months ; she needed to stay away from this subject for now .
tr	4	" I suppose it 's a logical step if you consider that it would be easier to test that way .
tr	4	" I think with Ben 's help and some time we can certainly get it installed and keep it alive .
tr	4	Each individual sensor joins the network , identifies itself -- like , I 'm the right elbow -- and reports motion .
tr	4	The exterior sensors on the HS units are painted on the shell everywhere , including their fingers , toes , even eyelids .
tr	4	Alfred had engineered Toby 's birth , and now , for completely different reasons , they had engineered his life .
tr	4	In the past he had always been generous with his staff and friends , throwing large parties and passing out expensive gifts .
tr	4	She hoped they were doing the right thing , trying to finish the HS project , save Toby and expose NET .
tr	4	Her father was near and guiding them , but she felt so alone , and longed to confide in William .
tr	4	Victoria told me it 's the kind of suit you first wore , before they painted the sensors all over your body . "
tr	4	" You will learn all you can from this , master Toby , and with that attitude it will be . "
tr	4	007 's young face was replaced with that of a middle-aged man with short dark hair and mesmerizing blue eyes .
tr	4	" You don 't know me Toby , but I know Victoria and William , and many of the people at NET . "
tr	4	Toby furrowed his eyebrows , recalling the glances between Victoria and William when he described how he could use the organism .
tr	4	Jacob said , " Yes you do , and I 'm proud of you for thinking that , and for telling me .
tr	4	" I believe you , " Toby said , " We can help William now , and I can talk to her later .
tr	4	I can 't remember where , but I have seen your face on the mesh network with one word : Deceased .
tr	4	You can help us stop them from selling 007 to bad people , and let William complete his projects . "
tr	4	Victoria walked apprehensively into the study and gently sat beside Toby on the sofa , giving him a smile , holding his hand .
tr	4	Unfortunately , part of my brain never developed and you , apparently all of you , have improved this with my implant . "
tr	4	They stopped talking for a moment , Victoria and Jacob absorbing the fact that young Toby was roaming freely throughout NET 's systems .
tr	4	" Well , " said Jacob , letting out a long sigh , " that 's worse than I thought .
tr	4	I can see my vital signs and I have an option to see a graphic of my body position relative to nearby sensors . "
tr	4	" I know 007 tries to be funny , but it didn 't occur to him that I 'm brain damaged too .
tr	4	" I 'd like to try talking to William through 007 , " said Toby a twinkle in his eye .
tr	4	CHAPTER FOURTEEN Alfred Harland and Ben Pickerington were sitting on the sofa in Alfred 's office , sipping espresso from glass coffee cups .
tr	4	" It is an interesting challenge , " said Ben , " the electrical power 007 provides is almost adequate to support the organism .
tr	4	I think a way to amplify the power needs to either be added to 007 or become part of the organism .
tr	4	I suggest we just add it as hardware now so we can test , then possibly figure out a cloning technique later .
tr	4	" It sounds like you 're well on your way , " said Alfred , patting him on the arm .
tr	4	" It 's great ; our first real success with an organism , " said Ben uncomfortably , clearing his throat .
tr	4	I accept the terms , provided you can demonstrate the clone process to my team and provide the resources for one additional clone . "
tr	4	He had left 007 , thirty minutes earlier , with instructions to passively guard the lab , recording all physical and system based access .
tr	4	007 typically spent nights reviewing research , movie databases , and global news events , when he didn 't have more specific assignments .
tr	4	When the study was built , he had shielding added to the walls , which hopefully protected his electronic privacy .
tr	4	Her eyes were slightly bloodshot and swollen , as if she 'd been crying , although she could only be described as glowing .
tr	4	William 's pulse quickened and he broke out into a cold sweat as they turned the corner and entered the study .
tr	4	Toby was giggling and there , standing behind him , in the flesh and chortling with delight , was Jacob Crawford .
tr	4	Victoria , anticipating a strong reaction , grabbed both of his shoulders , steadying and leading him to the sofa .
tr	4	" We 'll see each other again soon , young man , " said Jacob patting him on the back .
tr	4	Victoria , expecting Toby to fight going to bed , took his hand and quickly swung him toward the hall .
tr	4	Jacob stood , sensed William 's appraising gaze , held his arms out and said , " I 've changed a few things .
tr	4	I can tell you with utmost certainty , there is good reason for all this and there was no other way .
tr	4	We learned something about NET , about Alfred , that must be stopped even if I can never come back .
tr	4	I think Alfred 's only value left in life is money , and he felt with our inventions he hit the mother lode . "
tr	4	" You know everything about the sale , it was full disclosure ; I shared all news with the staff equally .
tr	4	Victoria , as the surviving partner , inherited all the proceeds , and more than a few headaches to sort out . "
tr	4	William took Jacob 's glass and poured them each another round , returning Jacob 's glass then retreating to the sofa .
tr	4	Jacob said , " I entered the Marriott lobby , and to my surprise Victoria was there waiting for me .
tr	4	She called and told whoever picked up that she was caught in traffic in town and would need to reschedule for the next day .
tr	4	Alfred 's driver to the airport , then directly on the private jet , then chauffeured from the airport to the hotel lobby .
tr	4	Victoria had given out her home number to only a few people , and he had no way to contact her directly .
tr	4	Presumably Alfred thought I was in the lobby , as the limo driver had undoubtedly reported , and Victoria had somehow found out .
tr	4	William searched his memory of the days in question , trying to recall a clue that could confirm any of these events .
tr	4	He said he was relieved to hear from her , that he had been notified of the bombing , then momentarily became speechless .
tr	4	He also said they had been in contact with a foreign intelligence group that was interesting in procuring the technology . "
tr	4	The parents were paid handsomely , and drugged so heavily throughout the process they likely cannot recall a thing . "
tr	4	After a few moments he raised his empty hand expecting to see his glass , then returned soberly to the chair .
tr	4	" We both thought it would be the best way to put an end to this , " said Jacob .
tr	4	" A couple days later , the corporate attorney visited me and gave me the HR song and dance about the Jakarta office .
tr	4	" A couple weeks later , Victoria paid the rent on her apartment in advance for six months and came home .
tr	4	Conveniently for Alfred , Toby had no immediate recall of the people from his past , or the exact things that happened to him .
tr	4	We 're trying to help Toby and stop Alfred and NET from pursuing research in this manner and selling it to the highest bidder .
tr	4	" Your lab and pretty much any other network , although I ' m not sure how much of that he realizes . "
tr	4	Jacob turned on a blender , which produced a green slurry in short order , and then divided the results among three glasses .
tr	4	He had nine lives , a gut of steel , and nothing seemed to be outside his area of expertise .
tr	4	NET may be easy to negotiate once you 're inside , but from the outside it appears to be locked up tight .
tr	4	" We thought , " said Victoria , " that we might as well let Toby take this as far as he can .
tr	4	" I think there will be more interest in harvesting Toby 's organism than kidnapping and brainwashing him , " Victoria said solemnly .
tr	4	" Now I 'm sober , " William said , his eyes closed , massaging his temples with both hands .
tr	4	" The best thing we can do , " said Jacob , " is step it up a few notches with Toby .
tr	4	His potential to connect to hundreds of sensors through the mesh nets and the HS units makes him his own best security guard . "
tr	4	" I think we can cover our tracks as we help Toby learn , and avoid the bulk of Alfred 's monitoring schemes . "
tr	4	By the time William left his apartment , Jacob and Toby had removed the HS lab mesh network from the corporate backbone .
tr	4	" You really should watch where you are going ; someone with ill intentions could take you by surprise . "
tr	4	In practically a whisper , 007 said , " Please don 't worry , Toby is a wonderful host and quite trustworthy .
tr	4	I was able to demonstrate some smoothing commands , which he picked up quickly , and we negotiated a better interface .
tr	4	Not readily apparent were the thousands of sensors tracking all activities within the walls , right down to the pulse of each inhabitant .
tr	4	The female employees were quite aware that their weight was tracked , a necessary security measure , they were told .
tr	4	The spot would wear off with normal skin decay , but could be read by NET sensors for at least 72 hours .
tr	4	And there were obvious things , like I could recall my first conversations after my procedure the following day . "
tr	4	I really didn 't even know that each day wasn 't supposed to be filled with new , strange things , he thought .
tr	4	It 's nothing I can put my finger on exactly ... sometimes I guess I 'm afraid he can read my mind . "
tr	4	The experience was a rush and captured his focus so deeply he fought to give any attention to the others .
tr	4	007 observed and reacted intelligently to all the inputs of the physical world surrounding him , a complex feat humans take for granted .
tr	4	" So I should be able to push commands to 007 as well , like you did when I led ? "
tr	4	" I work for Ron , but he 's out today and they wanted me here , " said Jenny .
tr	4	Dr. Benjamin Pickerington 's lab was a contrast of exercise equipment , medical devices from multiple generations , specimens and electronic gear .
tr	4	" The expansion of fuzzy logic neurons into the realm of neural linguistic genetics has advanced real-time speech recognition by a generation . "
tr	4	007 's being elusive with me , but perhaps that is part of your session today , eh , old chap ? "
tr	4	I 'll stop by and you can tell me how you pulled this one off , William , " said Ben .
tr	4	" The reason being , any device capable of connecting to the NET mesh network can gain access to the entire network . "
tr	4	" He means access to the entire corporate backbone , not just all sensors on the local mesh , " said William .
tr	4	I now have all HS lab executables , source code and all the manuals you 've ever produced or borrowed from anyone .
tr	4	Surprisingly , most of it 's in operational or documenting operation of either the HS units or your proprietary network protocols .
tr	4	In real life , a brain function that takes too long to execute is considered useless by the conscious mind .
tr	4	Everything we 've manufactured so far has a known limit , but the organisms are simulating natural neural networks . "
tr	4	" There , again , it could just be how many things we choose to be aware of at one time .
tr	4	" Ok , let 's get back to how you made this work so quickly , Toby , " said William .
tr	4	It really only needs a host memory , and it will accept inputs and cascade through the logic gates much like a neural network .
tr	4	You really need to try to secure this technology ; it would be a shame if someone stole it . "
tr	4	" It is commendable , but elementary compared to the intelligence modules and the organism growing technology , " said Toby .
tr	4	" Toby , it 's time to sign off ... Wait , on second thought , stay here and stay neutral .
tr	4	We dropped our connection to the backbone to try to minimize the traffic on our local mesh , hoping that might make a difference .
tr	4	007 was broadcasting a message that Alfred 's pulse and blood pressure where both at elevated levels , but seemed to be stabilizing .
tr	4	I 've been thinking about arranging another clone to support this project , " said Alfred , watching for reactions .
tr	4	" Ben , I would never use your name and the word tinker in the same sentence , " said William .
tr	4	" Well , " said William , " let 's just keep things moving for now and see where this leads .
tr	4	" All things considered , " said Ben , sighing in relief , " that was short and sweet . "
tr	4	" A fine idea there , Victoria , " Ben said nodding , " would you like me to say something to Alfred ? "
tr	4	" His life is here , " said William , " if he did take time away he would be completely alone . "
tr	4	" So ... this group had given Alfred grief a year earlier when they learned NET was interested in buying Jacob 's business .
tr	4	Alfred speculated that perhaps they felt that with Jacob 's business in their backyard , they would be able to siphon off some technology .
tr	4	One thing , he certainly wouldn 't tell us if anything shady was going on , but he might have told Jacob . "
tr	4	Toby helped set the dinner table and was the first to greet Ben and William as they let themselves into the apartment .
tr	4	Victoria , and Toby to a limited degree , participated in this round as they all enjoyed the pasta and homemade bread .
tr	4	Toby was sent to bed , and Jacob brought Ben up to speed on what they knew about Toby 's history .
tr	4	" It seems imperative , " said Ben , looking at Jacob , " that you remain hidden a bit longer .
tr	4	" It 's apparent , " said Jacob , " that Alfred was somehow tied up with an Indonesian terrorist group .
tr	4	The attack was concentrated in a small area , where I was supposed to be exactly when the bomb was detonated .
tr	4	Relative to most attacks , the hotel was almost undamaged -- just the lobby desk area where I was to be standing .
tr	4	Several of the elderly who were still coherent felt they were contributing to research in the best way they could .
tr	4	I can make people look older or younger , or completely change their appearance so even their mother wouldn 't recognize them .
tr	4	Mostly I just make them look better when a camera is zoomed in enough to show the pores in their skin .
tr	4	" Not at all , I 'll just take some pictures from different angles as I look at your hair and complexion .
tr	4	They had been in every room in the house , and in several areas outside and in Victoria 's car .
tr	4	007 was reclining in an office chair , resting , his feet crossed on an adjacent desk , wearing only his favorite tennis shoes .
tr	4	He 'll be a dual boot , and I don 't want anyone outside of Ben , Toby and Victoria to know about this .
tr	4	Execute the plan I gave you and remain in surveillance mode in all interactions until I talk with you again . "
tr	4	William motioned for Mac to follow him into the next room , which was a small , barren conference room .
tr	4	And the deal is the same as before , plus an extra 20 grand to make it a wearable mask .
tr	4	" I can make a mask , but you 're not paying this much for the job , you 're paying for privacy . "
tr	4	" And so he shall be known , " said William , loud and clear , " presuming his dual personality has some character .
tr	4	" I can hear you just fine , you don 't need to shout , " said Toby over the host connection .
tr	4	A moment later his eyes opened , a deep artificial breath was taken , and his head turned as he looked around the room .
tr	4	A few minutes later , 007 scanned the motion sensors located in the restroom in the executive hallway near Alfred 's office .
tr	4	Slipping into the restroom , 007 took time to glance to his right at his reflection in the mirror over the marble vanity .
tr	4	They could now see the inside of the empty stall , and they could direct focus as desired within the walls .
tr	4	The only concern was remaining in range of the sensor so the video feed could be transmitted back to William 's lab .
tr	4	That made him a poor choice for the mission of maintaining a connection to the Eye planted in the washroom .
tr	4	" I 've always wanted to be in one of these conversations , " 007 started ... " Everyone stop !
tr	4	A cleaning crew would likely knock the sensor to the floor with a duster one day , where it would hopefully be swept away .
tr	4	We can demonstrate in a lab the clone process , but I cannot provide the resources for the additional clone in this time frame .
tr	4	The way I 'm interpreting it , the terrorist group will provide the materials for the clone , and NET is doing everything else .
tr	4	" His eyes , " said William , entering the room , " will match with these colored lenses . "
tr	4	" Why thank you , 007 , " said Victoria , who looked stunning in her red dress and high heels .
tr	4	" He looks exactly like me , " said Toby , looking back and forth between 006 and his own body .
tr	4	They paused to consider the unanticipated pecking order required to enter the single-file security hallway , clearly unhappy with the inconvenience .
tr	4	He was balding , out of breath , and flushed , as if he 'd just run to greet them .
tr	4	We prefer not to share names , but you may refer to my associates as Tom , Jerry and Bob .
tr	4	" Yes , " said Alfred , " Well , let 's talk while we walk to the lower level lab , shall we ?
tr	4	Ahmad and his friends are investors , and they wish to examine our research facility and see where some of their money has gone .
tr	4	" I 've always handled the funding on my own , and ... I don 't know this group too well . "
tr	4	Why did you ... " " Other than the news reports , I know nothing of the ordeal with her father , Dr. Harland .
tr	4	" These two , " said Alfred , pointing to Tom and Jerry , " you don 't need them .
tr	4	You are in no danger here , and you 're clearly not here to receive the deliverables or exchange money . "
tr	4	Ahmad turned to Tom and Jerry and spoke a curt series of commands in a language Alfred did not recognize .
tr	4	" You 're right , " said Jacob , " but I don 't think it could be Ahmad or Bob . "
tr	4	" The other two were probably checking out our security systems somehow , and now they 're doing who knows what . "
tr	4	Maybe we can even get one or more of them to leave if they think they have Toby , " said Jacob .
tr	4	" I 'll send him out on his own now and make it look like I 'm running away , " said Toby .
tr	4	006 , wearing a black tuxedo , the mask and colored eye lenses from Mac , was Toby 's twin .
tr	4	Satisfied he had control of the HS , he directed the unit to the front parking lot through the facility map .
tr	4	The first three were problems -- he 'd have to follow up , or maybe not depending on the next couple hours .
tr	4	Toby directed 006 to turn , stumble for effect , then catch himself and run into the setting sun across the parking lot .
tr	4	006 held a commanding lead on them , but Toby let most of it evaporate by the time the limo was reached .
tr	4	Toby could hear the Asians ' footsteps running toward 006 , he directed the HS to turn and look at them .
tr	4	006 turned , pulled the door open , and dove flat into the limo , his feet dangling out the door .
tr	4	006 remained mute , with a frightened look on his face , glancing around nervously , not looking at his captors .
tr	4	" Toby , I have supplied a great deal of money to Alfred for your care throughout your life here at NET .
tr	4	Mohammed took a small case from the trunk , said something to Mohan , and returned to the building as the car pulled away .
tr	4	Where were Victoria , and the rest of the team , for that matter , while Toby was out wandering around ?
tr	4	Alfred 's health had decayed rapidly over the past year , fueled by the fear of being implicated in his death .
tr	4	There hadn 't been any known problems with the security system for months ; perhaps these terrorists where playing out some strategy .
tr	4	One of them was coming back in now , based on the video feed from the security camera two minutes ago .
tr	4	" I 'm going to retrieve the HS and my researchers , " Alfred said , addressing his visitors across the hall .
tr	4	His heart couldn 't take this stress combined with running all over the building , this fact he was sure his guests appreciated .
tr	4	Toby was scared into leaving the building without one of the adults ; clearly something had gone wrong in William 's lab .
tr	4	This whole thing , starting with his faked death , could have been engineered to steal the technology and sell it on his own .
tr	4	Alfred turned the corner to the lobby , deep in thought , and almost ran into Tom -- or was it Jerry ?
tr	4	" We always have choices , Dr. Harland , and you have had many choices throughout our negotiations thus far .
tr	4	He opened the security locator service , asking for the identity and location of all people currently in the building .
tr	4	Mohammed backed away from Alfred 's office door , looked up and down the hallway , and then entered the executive washroom .
tr	4	There was a gunshot -- deafening even over the audio sensors -- as the front of Alfred 's desk splintered and Mohammed fell .
tr	4	" Toby , " said Jacob , " Victoria and I are going to the lower level to handle our other two visitors .
tr	4	" I 'm going to find out what was in that briefcase Mohammed brought into the building , " said William .
tr	4	007 kicked the silenced pistol to the wall , then placed his hand around Alfred 's wrist , feeling for a pulse .
tr	4	Maybe his gun was inside the case -- it couldn 't be scanned , so we don 't know what was inside .
tr	4	" I 'm sure the case is behind one of the planters , " said 007 , walking behind a Ficus .
tr	4	" Come on , it 's time to put your driving skills into practice , and what better time could there be ?
tr	4	He could erase the recordings , but the security database tracing of their whereabouts took time to access and clean up .
tr	4	I 'm not sure what Victoria and Jacob know about Ahmad , but they can handle those two for a while .
tr	4	We should be able to get right up to the hanger ; I just dropped my identity into the airport gate security database .
tr	4	They were walking slowly down the stairs to the lower level , and Victoria was thinking about the old days with their friend .
tr	4	Alfred had been an accomplished and admired leader , and a close friend to many , but that was years ago .
tr	4	" See if you can erase any evidence of our presence here from the airport security camera records , 007 . "
tr	4	" I 'm going to retrieve the case and try to scan it again in the back parking lot . "
tr	4	007 sat back in the driver 's seat , raised his eyebrows , and looked over his shoulder at Toby .
tr	4	" Take one step out of this room and you 're leaving here in a body bag , " Jacob shouted .
tr	4	Either the man knew no English or was in shock , but clearly he understood the intent of Jacob 's aggression .
tr	4	" As you can see , " said Jacob , " the plan has changed ; there will be no exchange today . "
tr	4	Your other friend has returned to the airport , with a worthless robot , and even that is being returned to us now .
tr	4	I have enough evidence against both you and your dear friend Alfred to expose the illegal operations of your company .
tr	4	" When you , too , are killed in self defense , this will be over ... Sit down Ahmad .
tr	4	You 're going to tell me everything you know , then I 'll decide what to do with you . "
tr	4	" It 's nice you 're being honest , " said Jacob , " but admitting that is not going to help you . "
tr	4	" While you were down here relaxing , many things happened , as I have explained , " said Jacob .
tr	4	I prevented the possibility of an intelligence leak , and the technology has been completed by the team without you .
tr	4	" Toby can stay in the lab , he can direct a search , but 007 should be able to track Ahmad down . "
tr	4	He directed a valiant rescue of 006 , then we moved the bomb to the parking lot and detonated it there .
tr	4	Toby had placed 006 , who still looked like his twin brother , strategically in the middle of the lobby .
tr	4	They heard Ahmad stumble out of the stairwell into the dark lobby and stop , apparently orienting himself to the room .
tr	4	" Toby , we must leave now , they are trying to blow up the building , " Ahmad said .
tr	4	006 reached the security hall and plunged down its length , stopping at the front exterior glass doors as directed .
tr	4	Ahmad 's eyes were filled with hate as he pounded the wall in front of 006 , shouting obscenities in accented English .
tr	4	Ahmad was ranting incoherently when 006 blinked and focused on Toby at the opposite end of the hall for a moment .
tr	4	" We thought of that , but these particular bombs are most notorious for killing bomb squads , " said William .
tr	4	In addition to monitoring and influencing William 's research remotely , Jacob devised a plan to regain control over his research .
tr	4	As expected , he was advised to trust the bureau and disclose the full nature of the situation , enlisting their help .
tr	4	A month of negotiations later , the FBI was salivating at the thought of obtaining this technology and its primary creators .
tr	4	The other was confirmed to have entered the bureau around the reported time , but they would give him no further information .
tr	4	However , the technology required his entire extended team to operate , and they couldn 't all be brought under control of the bureau .
tr	4	Both 006 and 007 filled lead positions as well , setting a new precedent of humans working for HS supervisors .
tr	4	Published by San Marco Press at Smashwords Smashwords Edition , License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	Sarah could feel her ten year-old son 's excitement in the seat next to hers even when she wasn 't looking at him .
tr	4	He stood to pull down the carry-on luggage from the overhead compartment , then handed Sarah 's battered Vuitton to her .
tr	4	It 's a very rural country with -- " " You told me , Mom , " her son interrupted .
tr	4	They spent three hours in the corner pub singing with the locals and washing away their jet lag with the local brew .
tr	4	" And to change the linens every few days , but for the most part , we 'll be on our own . "
tr	4	As they drove through the countryside , David decided Ireland was green and largely wet in order to stay that way .
tr	4	As he watched the sheep , David realized that Sarah 's idea to visit a remote part of Ireland was a good one .
tr	4	Even so , just being some place so foreign -- and rural -- felt like it was already doing them a world of good .
tr	4	The shepherd waved to them as he led his flock up the hill into a pasture enclosed by a dilapidated fieldstone wall .
tr	4	By the time David stopped the car in front of the little cottage , Sarah was tired and her back ached .
tr	4	Grass lined both sides of the long drive that led from the main road to the front yard of the house .
tr	4	Flowering vines crawled up the window framework and around the door which had a small porch with three flat wooden steps .
tr	4	" No , this isn 't ... " Sarah took a breath as she felt the anxiety climbing higher into her chest .
tr	4	A giant stone fireplace anchored the front wall of the house and faced the kitchen and dining area on the opposite wall .
tr	4	Let 's unload the groceries and the bags and Mom and I can start getting supper on the table . "
tr	4	John was able to get Sponge Bob Square Pants on the TV but was told he couldn 't watch his first night in Ireland .
tr	4	The three of them bundled up in jackets and a quilt and sat outside under the stars talking and identifying constellations .
tr	4	It would be the last time any of them would choose to sit outside and waste the warmth of the fireplace .
tr	4	On that first night , the experiences and trials of their day of travel and discovery had left them ready for bed .
tr	4	" But Dad -- " " Just hang tight , John , " Sarah said , groping for her iPhone on the side table .
tr	4	His mind churned with the terrible images , the panic in the newscasters ' voices , his own tumultuous thoughts .
tr	4	An hour later , the rain had stopped and David and Sarah sat on the front steps of the cottage .
tr	4	" And I tried to call the American embassy in Dublin , " he said , pulling out his cell phone .
tr	4	All of a sudden a bright flash appeared in the sky , turning the horizon briefly white with its intensity .
tr	4	They all got into the small rental car , buckled up and then sat in the driveway facing the main road .
tr	4	The frustration of no news -- of not being able to do anything while death and destruction dismantled their country -- was an agony .
tr	4	" We don 't know if these horses are used to being ridden -- " " There are saddles all over the barn . "
tr	4	Sure , the Americans are a hard lot to take for the most part but we love ' em , God knows we do .
tr	4	" People have already come to stock up and I don 't expect much in the way of deliveries , now do I ?
tr	4	" Sure , there 's bound to be ten of ' em at Cairn Cottage , " the woman said .
tr	4	He met her eyes with a distracted , vacant look that told her he wasn 't listening or even seeing her .
tr	4	" Wait for us , John , " she called , hurrying to catch up with him and leaving David to his private reflections .
tr	4	Later that afternoon , stuffed with mutton and potatoes , they collected their purchases from Siobhan 's store and made the long walk home .
tr	4	" I can 't imagine what 's happening at home , " Sarah said , shivering in her heavy sweater .
tr	4	As the wife of a philosophy professor , she was used to long bouts of silence between them as he mulled through complex thought .
tr	4	" And you stay out of the way so you don 't get kicked , " she said to John .
tr	4	She stood , frozen for a moment , staring at the manure and holding the rope attached to the horse .
tr	4	She looked over her shoulder to make sure John was still outside tossing the ball he had found against the wall of the house .
tr	4	Either someone did this to us and the UK is paying the price of being our friend , or we retaliated .
tr	4	But however it went down it still adds up to the Americans being the ones at the center of this disaster . "
tr	4	Sarah stared at him , the will to fight left her as the realization of what he was saying began to sink in .
tr	4	" But I do think we 're safer here in the country on a whole bunch of different levels . "
tr	4	David threw the pitchfork onto the muck cart and pulled the cart behind the barn where there was a huge pile of manure .
tr	4	" Well , I assume that 's what Siobhan meant when we said we needed milk and she referenced the goat . "
tr	4	That night they ate salted baked potatoes without butter and canned meat from the root cellar that looked and tasted like shredded Spam .
tr	4	And there 's a jar of jam in the cabinet -- " " With nothing to put it on , " John complained .
tr	4	" If no one comes for us , we 'll get out and back home on our own somehow . "
tr	4	CHAPTER FOUR The first week of the crisis brought relentless worry , boredom , insecurity and joy into their daily lives .
tr	4	Then he went outside to get the last of the milk on the porch where they 'd placed it to keep it cold .
tr	4	" We 'll have our tea and rustle up some kind of breakfast , then go check out how to work the horses . "
tr	4	" This is not like a go-cart -- " " Mom , I know , " her son interrupted impatiently .
tr	4	Mack Finn sat in a plastic lawn chair outside the broken down caravan , a small pile of cigarette butts at his feet .
tr	4	How strange that the world could look so totally different , he marveled , from one day to the next .
tr	4	Now , at twenty-two , he 'd already spent seven years in an English prison learning more than school could ever teach him .
tr	4	Every once in awhile he called out to ask her how to get his mount to do what he needed it to .
tr	4	With that , he nudged the pony into a trot on the dirt road to ride next to his dad .
tr	4	" Oh , it 's good they 're getting some exercise , " she said , patting Dan on the neck .
tr	4	" Sure , it 's one good bit of luck in all this that you 're not useless around horses . "
tr	4	" I 'm Sarah Woodson , " she said , " and this is my husband David and our son John . "
tr	4	" John and I will help with the horses , " David said as he dismounted and shook the old woman 's hand .
tr	4	The woman ushered Sarah into her cottage , a miserable looking hovel from the outside , but surprisingly warm and cozy on the inside .
tr	4	" Sit , sit , " the woman said , motioning to a chair belonging to an old metal dinette set .
tr	4	" We 've got eggs , preserved fruit and jam and I always put away what I grow over the summer .
tr	4	" Yes , but if you don 't know what it is you have to do , how can you do it ? "
tr	4	" Now you 'll not wanting to be insulting me before we 've had a chance to get to know each other . "
tr	4	It 's not much , but it 's a nice plump chicken and will stretch to five if one of you holds back . "
tr	4	" Stop acting the maggot , " Finn snarled , ratcheting the rope tighter around the younger man 's wrist .
tr	4	He strutted to the center of the group gathered around a small cook fire and dragged the younger man behind him .
tr	4	" I can be merciful , Billy , " he said loudly , and tossed the rope into the fire .
tr	4	David had promised to come back in a few days and help Seamus mend a fence around the hen house .
tr	4	Her exhaustion and her pleasure at the evening , combined with a full stomach , also made the ride a peaceful one without anxiety .
tr	4	" Wait here while I put these two to bed then I 'll come back for big Dan there . "
tr	4	David walked the two horses to the barn , and she stood with her horse and John at the front porch steps .
tr	4	" I 'm making bread , " Sarah said as she picked up the jar of starter and peered at it .
tr	4	That seemed to satisfy him so she set about lighting the gas stove and putting two of the precious eggs in an iron skillet .
tr	4	But the battery had long since gone dead and , besides , the robbers had taken all their phones last night .
tr	4	She thought of the disappointment on John 's face if she had to tell him tonight that there was no bread .
tr	4	She felt like she had accomplished something no less significant than whatever David had been doing to shore up their physical defenses .
tr	4	After a day of struggling to pronounce their names , David and John rechristened the two " Rocky " and " Star . "
tr	4	" This isn 't Mandarin , " she said to David , referring to the neighborhood in Jacksonville where they lived .
tr	4	She had never felt so powerless , so ineffectual , in her whole life , especially now when the stakes were so high .
tr	4	She was so upset she didn 't even think about the fact that she was leading a horse on either side of her .
tr	4	" We 'll find him , Sarah , " David called after her , the panic and fear in his voice belying his words .
tr	4	She was angry and afraid , a combination of which she had felt pretty much nonstop since the crisis had happened .
tr	4	She felt as if her whole world were hanging on by a thread , with nothing certain , nothing secure .
tr	4	If David found John in the pasture and they rode double on Rocky , they could actually beat her back to the house .
tr	4	The thought comforted her and she walked on , pushing thoughts of crumpled little boy forms and wild dogs from her mind .
tr	4	I didn 't realize I was leaving , " he said , " until I got the idea about the sheep . "
tr	4	" You must never ever do that again , " Sarah said , gently shaking his shoulder with her free hand .
tr	4	" But I just thought we should get all the stuff that 's ours in one spot , you know ? "
tr	4	The loud snap of the trap and rabbit 's scream had heralded the moment when regular fresh meat came back into their lives .
tr	4	" Yes , to eat ... " " If that 's true , then why did He make them so cute , huh ?
tr	4	" You assume God made the rabbit for us to eat because that 's what you want to do to it .
tr	4	That 's what you call ... " He looked out the window as if looking for the word out there .
tr	4	She made a face and indicated the door that led to the root cellar where they 'd put the rabbit .
tr	4	Sarah finished cleaning the dishes and joined the other two who were talking seriously , their respective handiwork of tack and tools ignored .
tr	4	" I mean , I know Seamus says it 's ' cause they 're stupid -- " " You got Seamus to talk ? "
tr	4	" Sometimes one here or there will get his own ideas about stuff , but it almost always ends badly , you know ?
tr	4	Anyway , he was trying to get to that old deer salt lick and didn 't think things through , you know ? "
tr	4	Her eyes flickered through the kitchen window to the sounds of her son 's laughter as he talked with Seamus and David .
tr	4	One of his cows was found , dead , too far from Iain 's place , and someone went to check on Iain . "
tr	4	" If it 'd make you feel better , you can always keep the gun loaded while Dad 's away . "
tr	4	It looked lethal just sitting there , as if it could harm the two of them without even being touched .
tr	4	They were all , finally , at the point where they didn 't mind the taste of the goat milk in their tea .
tr	4	She shook her head , slid the action forward and heard the sounds of the bullets dropping into the chamber .
tr	4	He backed up twenty yards and planted his left foot forward , the heel of his right behind the left .
tr	4	Just the thought of talking to her parents -- even if it was one-sided -- made her feel closer to them .
tr	4	After a paragraph of what could only be considered serious whining , Sarah crumpled up the letter and started over .
tr	4	We live in a one-room cottage , with the nearest market really more of a convenience store and it nearly ten miles away .
tr	4	Sometimes the world is so quiet here I think I can hear God talking to me and I swear that never happened back home .
tr	4	She noticed that David had fallen asleep in his chair and John was working out a move on the chessboard by the fireplace .
tr	4	At least she was smart enough to know when she received it , she thought , that it was grace .
tr	4	He pulled on his jacket and one glove , tucked another muffin into his pocket and followed his son to the barn .
tr	4	Sarah put the dishes in the sink and punched down the dough for the bread she was planning for lunch .
tr	4	Hey , I don 't make the weather , she thought , tossing them a spray of seed which they ignored .
tr	4	She felt under each hen and brought away two eggs which she tucked one in each of the pockets of her jacket .
tr	4	Sarah emerged from the coop to see John ride up to them , wheel his pony around and slide to the ground .
tr	4	Something 's got at ' em , " John said , his eyes wild and darting from parent to parent .
tr	4	Next time , he decided , he would leave the horse behind and just walk the two miles to the pasture .
tr	4	The spot where the one sheep had been attacked was still evident but it didn 't seem to bother the flock .
tr	4	He stared up into the autumn night sky and saw the stars so clearly he thought for a minute he must be hallucinating .
tr	4	He felt a wave of sleepiness push over him and he leaned back against the stacked stones that served as the windbreak .
tr	4	He appreciated that Sarah seemed to jump right in and figure out the skills they needed to help them survive .
tr	4	He was grateful that Sarah seemed to be keeping it together in the face of this new , terrible situation they were all in .
tr	4	It 's a terrible thing to realize the person you thought you knew was just a cover for the person they really were .
tr	4	David yawned and stretched , instantly feeling every rock and stick that had dug into his back and hips while he 'd slept .
tr	4	" Rocky was my early warning device and he didn 't go off all night so I know we 're fine . "
tr	4	" Eat fast , " Sarah said when he 'd peeled off his jacket and sat down to his breakfast .
tr	4	She was halfway to the pasture before she 'd realized she was wearing only a thick wool knitted cap for protection against a fall .
tr	4	The air was crisp and mean against the exposed portion of her face , but also made her feel alive .
tr	4	As she got nearer , a sensation like nervousness tingled in her chest until she realized it was joyful anticipation .
tr	4	He sat on his pony as still as a statue , watching the flock and scanning the surrounding scrub and pasture .
tr	4	" Mom , " John sounded like he was world-weary having to explain something so basic as his reasoning to her .
tr	4	Then she looked at John and watched him as he continued to scan the horizon , the brush and the rest of the pasture .
tr	4	John hadn 't looked up from the saddle he was trying to mend , but she could see he had registered the shot .
tr	4	He shuffled the cards and dealt them out to the pockmarked gypsy he knew for a fact he shared a mother with .
tr	4	Might not even need to use force at first , he thought , laying down his winning hand on the table .
tr	4	Instead of going inside to create some artificial world we got so used to in Jacksonville , I have to tend to the animals .
tr	4	David 's grandfather used to tell David that when he was a boy he always said " no " to one thing every day .
tr	4	As soon as she lit the cook stove and boiled the water for their tea , she knew he would begin to stir .
tr	4	The rest of his time was spent exploring the Irish countryside on horseback and watching the sky for the helicopter he knew was coming .
tr	4	With John , he had created a movable chicken pen that allowed the birds to spend every day on a fresh patch of grass .
tr	4	On the days that David was gone , John could hook it up to his pony and move it by himself .
tr	4	She kept the cottage spotless -- not easy to do with so much of their lives happening outside in the dirt and the wind .
tr	4	And she rode Dan at least a little bit even if it was only in the paddock every afternoon , rain or shine .
tr	4	There was snow on the ground this morning and Sarah was glad that David had not tried to come home the night before .
tr	4	She slid the pan of biscuits into the oven and closed the door , appreciating the brief blast of heat .
tr	4	Whether from their horrific first few weeks in the world or the breed , they were a quiet and sweet couple of dogs .
tr	4	Besides , Dad 'll be home by lunch which is when I 'd like to ... you know ... " " Serve her ? "
tr	4	His own folks had passed nearly a decade ago -- the tragic victims of a drunk driver on a country road .
tr	4	If he hadn 't been married to her , he wouldn 't have thought it possible for one person to be both .
tr	4	She hurried with her squirming , thrashing bag of chicken hysteria to the area behind the barn she 'd already designated the killing ground .
tr	4	Assuming she 'd already pretty much botched that tactic , Sarah took a moment to try to calm her nerves .
tr	4	She looked out the kitchen window with the hope that she 'd catch a glimpse of David coming down the main road on Rocky .
tr	4	He made them both sit and stay and then released them with little bits of muffin he had saved from his lunch .
tr	4	Even without electricity , the refrigerator served as a fairly successful icebox , better at least than leaving food sitting out on the counter .
tr	4	They kept milk bottles parked out on the porch all night but meat couldn 't be left out without attracting animals .
tr	4	CHAPTER ELEVEN Three men stood with their backs to her in the courtyard between the house and the barn facing the barn front .
tr	4	Sarah could barely hear what the men were saying over the pounding in her own ears and the sounds of the horse .
tr	4	Not caring that they could see what she was doing , Sarah dug into her pocket and fished out a third round .
tr	4	One man lay stunned at her feet , another stood hopping up and down and cursing while he clutched at his shoulder .
tr	4	John turned to look at her and she gave him what she hoped he would interpret as a meaningful look .
tr	4	Then she spoke : " John , you remember why we had to kill that dog that was savaging our sheep ? "
tr	4	" It was because we couldn 't trust it wouldn 't return and kill more sheep , " he said .
tr	4	" Yeah , Michael , wake up , you stupid sod , " John said , nudging the man with the shovel .
tr	4	We 're just hungry and -- " " You can 't let ' em go , Mom , " John said .
tr	4	" That is a good idea , John , " Sarah said , wondering from where he got his acting talent .
tr	4	" It 's a minor wound , " the man blurted , his eyes darting back and forth from Sarah to John .
tr	4	" Well , it 's me that 's led the band up to now , " the other man reasoned in a high-pitched voice .
tr	4	" And got us in this mess , too , I 'll be thinking , " the other man said .
tr	4	Suddenly , without warning , he wheeled on John who had walked too close to him and snatched him up .
tr	4	Afterward , she would remember John lurching away from the falling corpse , blood sprayed across the back of his jacket .
tr	4	" I have two bullets left , " she said , pointing the gun at the man with the bloody arm wound .
tr	4	There was something about them that worried him and he reached down to touch the small hatchet he carried in his saddlebag .
tr	4	" I didn 't decide to execute that man out there , David , " she said in a loud whisper .
tr	4	He ... he -- " All of a sudden , Sarah got an image of the chicken in the burlap bag .
tr	4	Finn 's pain mirrored his anger , climbing in arcs of intensity higher and higher , until he felt nearly incapable of speech .
tr	4	By the time he and Georgie had limped back to camp , he was delirious with pain and thoughts of revenge .
tr	4	After three months of steady , unfailing obedience from his followers , the disaster at the American 's farm had shocked and destabilized him .
tr	4	He had been literally frothing in a wild fury and she hadn 't noticed the red , sodden flag heralding his gunshot wound .
tr	4	That moron Georgie babbled out a version of the story to probably the first attentive audience of his young , retarded life .
tr	4	He noticed she clamped her eyes shut as if to will the tears to stop , perhaps worried that they were offensive to him .
tr	4	" Come to me , girl , " he said , taking a withering breath full of pain and weariness as he spoke .
tr	4	" So they assume something 's happened to him , " Sarah said as she fixed breakfast the next morning .
tr	4	Sarah put down his plate of eggs and then looked out the kitchen window to catch sight of where John was .
tr	4	" You have enough to do right here without finding an excuse to go wandering about the Irish countryside . "
tr	4	" Look , Sarah ... " He reached out a hand to touch her but she pulled away , refusing to be mollified .
tr	4	The kitchen door flew open and John entered , his hair wild with the wind , his face flushed red from the cold .
tr	4	John would keep all the doors and windows locked , with the small kitchen window open so he could easily hear and be heard .
tr	4	Her hope was that she would find a market and be able to trade her wine and pick up any news .
tr	4	Sarah wondered , as she rode away from the cottage , waving to her son and husband , what that might look like .
tr	4	She would just have to make a decision based on what she saw and hope it was the right one .
tr	4	She found other thoughts just as disquieting creep into her head , thoughts of wondering about his birth and boyhood .
tr	4	And then his face would appear to her , his startled then glazed eyes , his blank , face full of nothingness now .
tr	4	The burly Irishman hoisted himself into the back of the wooden wagon and raised his arms to the gathering crowd .
tr	4	" If I could have your attention , " he bellowed to the forty or so people milling about the wagon .
tr	4	I 'm a fisherman and most of you know me for that but some of you also know me as a good neighbor .
tr	4	That 's all I had to say and if you 're interested , I hope you 'll come talk to me . "
tr	4	" It 's Mike , and no , we have sheds and barns and strong backs to help those that can build houses . "
tr	4	" And with more people working to farm and fish and help with the livestock , we 'll have enough for everyone .
tr	4	Mike and the crowd turned nearly as one to the high-pitched woman 's voice that came from the perimeter of the crowd .
tr	4	The crowd laughed and Mike saw a few of the men on the edge wander away , presumably in search of their jars .
tr	4	She had restricted herself to riding in the paddock or the enclosed jumping arena , carefully avoiding the jumps and anyone jumping them .
tr	4	There was no blood , no splintered bones , just a clean snap and a matter-of-fact drive to the emergency room .
tr	4	She had even fed her horse and released him back into the pasture before allowing a friend to drive her to the hospital .
tr	4	It was about that time that she met David and decided the courtship didn 't allow time to include horses too .
tr	4	Her own horse back home , no bigger than a large polo pony , had been as docile and sweet as a golden retriever .
tr	4	Yet Sarah had virtually given the mare away and had breathed a sigh of relief as if she had unloaded a demon on wheels .
tr	4	A large group crowded around , laughing and clapping and generally looking like they 'd never seen a street performer before .
tr	4	She could see a line of saddled horses off to the side , tied to a rope strung across the street .
tr	4	Pretty hard to steal a pony trap with the pony attached , she thought , as she slid to the ground from her saddle .
tr	4	She slipped the bit out of Dan 's mouth and pulled the bridle off his face until it hung on his neck .
tr	4	No safety , a relentless push of the trigger would empty 15 rounds , a full magazine , one right after the other .
tr	4	The woman who sold it to her had just lost her son but Sarah had not had the nerve to ask how .
tr	4	Her husband , a mute and somber man who stood at her side , knew the tourist cottage where Sarah lived .
tr	4	" I 'll ask my husband , " she said to the woman who sat , wringing a wet rag in her hands .
tr	4	" What with losing my Jamie , I don 't know how to thank you -- " " The cow , " Sarah said .
tr	4	Not more than a few days , probably just a day , him being American and so clever and all . "
tr	4	" You tell me , " Julie said , grabbing Sarah 's hand and smiling with relief through her tears .
tr	4	Her husband had been recently killed in a freak accident ( on horseback ) and she had two children under five depending on her .
tr	4	An hour later , Sarah stood next to her horse on the small rise and watched the front of the old stone cottage .
tr	4	She counted on her horse reacting first to any unseen threat in the forecourt or the perimeter of the cottage .
tr	4	She walked slowly , and the gun pressing against her side in its shoulder holster gave her a tinge of comfort .
tr	4	She had already rehearsed in her mind her escape route up the far drive on the other side of the carport .
tr	4	She touched the handle of the Glock for assurance and moved down the drive to the other side of the car shed .
tr	4	She figured if there was anyone there , her action might flush them out for fear that she was leaving .
tr	4	She tied Dan to the porch railing , stepped onto the porch and pushed the front door the rest of the way open .
tr	4	The fading light through the window was strong enough to show that he had no visible wounds , no stabs or gunshot markings .
tr	4	It was at the moment that she resolved to leave that the flutter of fear and anxiety returned over the lateness of the day .
tr	4	CHAPTER THIRTEEN The man was standing by her horse , inspecting the saddle and running a large hand down the horse 's legs .
tr	4	Sarah focused on the man , the tactical environment , and counted on her other senses to locate the second man .
tr	4	The younger man came closer , not taking his eyes off the gun in her hand but absent-mindedly patting Dan on the neck .
tr	4	Sarah would have preferred they both left or at least moved away but she realized there would be no other opportunity .
tr	4	The man touched his son 's shoulder and motioned for him to move back a few steps and give her space .
tr	4	If they were going to rush her , she thought , the moment she attempted to mount would be the time .
tr	4	It was almost like he 'd seen the episode on the porch he 'd just experienced in a movie or something .
tr	4	It was enough to stay upright on the horse -- she was so tired -- without trying to figure which road to take .
tr	4	About a quarter mile from where she estimated the cottage should be , she felt something was different about the ride .
tr	4	Her legs instantly gave way beneath her and she landed in a cold puddle of dirty water in the road .
tr	4	She led him a hundred yards up the first rise where she saw something that made her gasp and stop .
tr	4	It 's hard work but we 're healthy , we 're ( relatively ) warm , and we have enough to eat .
tr	4	Seems the Irish considered the wine in the " essential things " category and I did very well in my trading !
tr	4	So , this is a long way of saying that David left this morning for a week away from us .
tr	4	As hard as it is here , it 's a lot harder when 50 % of your workforce is gone !
tr	4	It 's late ( the only time I really have time to write ) and my candle is down to a nub .
tr	4	She wondered where David was sleeping tonight , she hoped he did better than the barn or shed at Julie 's place .
tr	4	She turned back to the kitchen and pulled out a covered bowl of dough and began forming it into biscuits .
tr	4	" Morning , sweetie , " she said as she mixed precious sugar and goat milk into a mug for him .
tr	4	She slid the biscuits in the stove and sat down at the kitchen table with her own mug of tea .
tr	4	She wasn 't friendly and Sarah worried that she saw the woman looking around , taking inventory of the cottage and barn .
tr	4	As her son reminded her : " We don 't have an endless supply of sheep , you know . "
tr	4	When David got back , they would move them back to the pasture and take turns watching over them as they grazed .
tr	4	The rabbit traps had been empty for several days now and Sarah doubted they 'd catch any more until spring .
tr	4	There was still some canned food in the root cellar , three chickens and one rooster and plenty of flour for bread .
tr	4	It was when David had been gone a total of two weeks that John began to push to go after him .
tr	4	" God has given us a full plate and it 's all that we can do to handle this . "
tr	4	But if you really accept that God will deal with it , you don 't keep worrying at it and agonizing over it .
tr	4	" I think God 's wondering how long it 'll take before we get up and go look for him .
tr	4	Sarah felt a catch in her throat as she watched her boy , so resolute , so sure of himself .
tr	4	She hoped to find a clue in town , or a piece of information that would lead them further down the trail .
tr	4	But it was beyond even her usually hopeful imagination to believe that the day would end with their arms around their beloved one .
tr	4	It wouldn 't have mattered if she hadn 't been lost in her thoughts when the sound of the thunder crashed down on them .
tr	4	Julie slipped out of the bed , peeling the dirty sheets back and trying to ignore if anything moved or crawled as she moved .
tr	4	" Sorry , " she said , slipping back into bed , careful not to let her cold feet touch his .
tr	4	" He ... I ... I think he fell , " she said , hoping he wouldn 't kill her .
tr	4	She had seen enough evidence of his cruelty to his men and the occasional wandering traveler to know what he was capable of .
tr	4	It was dark out but whether that was really the case or just her head , she couldn 't tell .
tr	4	Sarah had to admit , between the rain and the blood pouring down her face , it was difficult to see .
tr	4	" It 's all right , sweetie , " she said , feeling like her breakfast was about to come up .
tr	4	Glad to have something specific to do , John led his pony over to where Dan was grazing in the rain .
tr	4	When she saw how badly Dan was limping as John led him over , she realized it didn 't matter .
tr	4	It was arguable at this point whether they were closer to home or the village , they honestly couldn 't tell .
tr	4	It never occurred to Sarah when they set out walking down the road toward home that they might not make it before morning .
tr	4	" I remember a place , maybe , " John said to her when she was eyeing a likely ditch for their bedding down .
tr	4	The shed , and it wasn 't more than that , was shelter from the rain and the quickly dropping temperatures .
tr	4	Sarah leaned against a wooden support beam , the gun in her lap , and slept more than she stood sentry .
tr	4	Her forehead was crusted with dried blood , the cut over her right eye where she had fallen , sore but not deep .
tr	4	As soon as it was light enough to see one foot in front of the other , they began the three-hour trudge home .
tr	4	John and I haven 't seen a soul since the people came last month to collect the sheep I 'd traded them .
tr	4	We do the chores we have to do , clean out the stalls , feed all the animals , and that 's about it .
tr	4	We moved the sheep up closer to us which isn 't working out great ( for them or us ! )
tr	4	but I 'm afraid if I move them back to the pasture I won 't have any sheep left come spring .
tr	4	At the rate they 're dying , even here at the farm , I may not have any left anyway .
tr	4	I know it sounds gruesome but when one dies , it 's usually because of the cold so , well , we eat them .
tr	4	At first , John and I would drag them away from the flock and just let the snow cover them up .
tr	4	As far as David being gone so long , I won 't lie to you , I 'm pretty worried .
tr	4	I mean , right when things are so awful , I actually feel that God knows what 's going on and it 's okay .
tr	4	It meant there was now not a hint of a possibility that he wasn 't somehow being prevented from coming back to them .
tr	4	Sarah sometimes allowed the unthinkable to appear in her thoughts , like a dangerous enemy she was always on the look-out for .
tr	4	" Pretty crappy Christmas , " John said brushing the fur of the young dog , Patrick , by the fireplace .
tr	4	She had a steaming mug of hot tea in her hands and given all that she knew she had lost , felt strangely content .
tr	4	" We just need to have faith he 'll come back to us , " she said , staring into the fire .
tr	4	Before the words were barely out of her mouth , there was a knock at the door which made them both jump .
tr	4	As the light from his window began to filter into the room , his eyes filled with tears at the prospect of another day .
tr	4	Once , she told him she heard that the two Americans had left , along with everyone else , to go to Dublin .
tr	4	As desperately alone and abandoned as that news made him feel , a part of him hoped it was true .
tr	4	Why hadn 't he taken one look at the pretty lassie in her pastel gypsy dancing skirt and realized what a lie she was ?
tr	4	Julie took him into the farmhouse where a woman in her late fifties sat at the table waiting for him .
tr	4	She broke into a broad grin , her teeth yellowed and brown , and she clapped her hands in delight .
tr	4	" Sure , it 's a great long way , " the woman said , offering a cup to Julie who shook her head .
tr	4	The head injury was the most disabling , preventing him from even getting out of bed for weeks at a time .
tr	4	During that time , Betta fed him , cleaned him , and sang to him as he dipped in and out of consciousness .
tr	4	One morning , before he was awake , she crept into his bedroom and chained him to the anchor in the room .
tr	4	David developed pressure ulcers lacerating his backside and thighs and he could feel the muscles in his legs shorten by the day .
tr	4	Once , she got close enough to him and he was able to grab her by the throat with his weak arm .
tr	4	The fact was , after weeks of observing them , she did know which clouds spelled snow and which ones didn 't .
tr	4	" Sure , I knew there must be a reason why we hadn 't seen him in so long , " she said .
tr	4	" I probably will never need to ' feel useful ' again in my whole life , " she admitted .
tr	4	" I 've never felt more essential and at the same time more irrelevant to our survival than I do here . "
tr	4	" As soon as life gets too much for us , we finally let go and allow the Almighty his turn . "
tr	4	Sarah placed the toasted biscuits on a plate with a dish of jam and goat butter and set them between them .
tr	4	" Well , that 's true and all but I 'll be surprised if that 's really what people will remember Seamus for . "
tr	4	He was so big she had to stretch to brush his back and when she 'd finished her shoulders were aching .
tr	4	No one was more disappointed than John and while he fought to understand the decision , Sarah needed to escape the unhappy house .
tr	4	" Now , no offense , but the rest of us don 't have the luxury for such nonsense . "
tr	4	" And we 'll not want to be losing your mum out there in all this , would we ? "
tr	4	" Look , I 'm not patronizing you , sweetie , " Sarah said , putting her hand on his cheek .
tr	4	" It 's just , I keep seeing Dad in trouble and I can 't help but think every minute counts .
tr	4	The gypsy strode into the bedroom and threw back the door where it crashed into the wall with a bang .
tr	4	The gypsy , Davey , wrinkled his nose at the smell and turned on his heel to exit the room .
tr	4	She had no doubt he 'd be able to do it himself the next time they needed to harness up the little pony trap .
tr	4	Sarah would go there first , look for Seamus , then load up the trap with anything she could carry from the house .
tr	4	It 's you that 's going out in the world and you 'll be needing to keep a watch out , mind .
tr	4	" God , I can 't believe any of this , " Sarah said as she hopped up into the cart seat .
tr	4	She consciously worked to tamp down her anxiety and impatience but , even so , found herself urging the little pony into a trot .
tr	4	A video of the cart overturned and the horse hopelessly entangled in its harness and cart brackets flashed into her mind .
tr	4	I hate to ask for so much , because I need you to protect John , too , and keep him safe .
tr	4	It occurred to her as she looked at their house that the drive to it was virtually hidden from the main road .
tr	4	" Light ' er up , " he said , mounting the large , saddled , bay and turning its head toward the road .
tr	4	He knew he 'd get a better view of the fire from the rise at the turn of the road .
tr	4	She approached the bed slowly but he was awake , sitting up in bed , with a book in his hands .
tr	4	Thirty minutes later , Sarah had the pony trap packed and the cow tethered to a lead off the back .
tr	4	She pulled the handgun out of her pocket , tossed it in the floor of the cart , and bounded up the porch steps .
tr	4	She looked on the dresser tops , then on the floor in case they accidentally had fallen during his attempts to pack his valise .
tr	4	Her hand went to her jacket pocket but she knew , before she even felt inside , that the gun would not be there .
tr	4	The cow , tied to the back of the cart , sagged against the cart in a brown mountainous carcass .
tr	4	She crouched down and duck - walked out of the room just as a man stuck his head in the bedroom window .
tr	4	The sounds of splintering wood indicated that the man was not bothering to walk around to the front to gain entrance .
tr	4	He reached up and wrenched the rolling pin away from her as Sarah vaulted across the counter for the living room .
tr	4	The fact that they 'd tied her up made her believe -- hope -- that she hadn 't been shot .
tr	4	When the sounds of the gunshots had stopped ringing in her ears , Seamus turned to her and smiled tiredly .
tr	4	The old woman had not wanted to untangle herself from Seamus from the moment they had driven into the front drive of Cairn Cottage .
tr	4	It was too late for lunch by the time they had arrived back that day , but dinner was hot and filling .
tr	4	Now that she knew the face of what her fear looked like , she knew the immensity of the task ahead of her .
tr	4	Sarah looked at her glass of red wine , one of the few bottles she and David had held back from all the trading .
tr	4	One down , she thought , taking a swallow of the dry red wine and looking at the front door with determination .
tr	4	The old woman sucked in a sharp breath as she listened and seemed to use the table to steady herself .
tr	4	" Haven 't you heard that there 's a gang of hooligans rampaging the countryside killing and burning everything in its path ? "
tr	4	Sarah stole a look out the window to see the two shapes of John and Seamus in front of the barn .
tr	4	" It 's not that , " Sarah said , so tired she wanted to put her head down on her arms .
tr	4	" One of the horses ... " She turned her head as she heard Seamus and John walk across the yard toward the porch .
tr	4	In any case , she and Seamus had fortified themselves inside the house and placed loaded guns by each of the windows .
tr	4	Sarah rode out into the darkness , her saddlebags bulging with cartridges , her Glock , fully loaded , in her shoulder holster .
tr	4	Mike Donovan looked up from the cart he was packing with firewood and squinted down the main street of town .
tr	4	Even from a distance , Donovan could tell they weren 't from around this part of Ireland , maybe not from Ireland at all .
tr	4	The few cars she 'd seen two months back when she spoke with Julie were now vandalized beyond any kind of value .
tr	4	If she didn 't find somebody to talk to about where Julie lived , how was she going to find David ?
tr	4	She looked to the end of the street where the gypsies were gathered and where she felt herself drawn to .
tr	4	Seamus had been able to get the drop on three armed men , she thought , because they did not fear him .
tr	4	At the last minute , Sarah slid off her horse and tugged him into a small alley off the side of the street .
tr	4	She crept out of the alley and slid forward one careful yard at a time until she was a hundred feet away from them .
tr	4	The rest of the group turned their attention to the grappling fighters , now on their hands and knees in the street .
tr	4	Sarah used the opportunity to back away a little bit since it was clear the gang was becoming more and more out of control .
tr	4	She watched the melee helplessly when , without warning , a pair of strong hands grabbed her from behind and jerked her sharply backwards .
tr	4	" I don 't know what I was expecting , " she said , cupping the hot mug in both hands .
tr	4	He looked at his son who stood in the corner of the abandoned store and was peering out the window onto the street .
tr	4	Sarah looked at him with eyes so full of pain and sadness it was all he could do not to look away .
tr	4	Bunk down in the barn or wherever she has an extra place but don 't leave until I get there . "
tr	4	She could hear Gavin 's pleas for her to wait for him but she knew he was armed and could take care of himself .
tr	4	The intensity and the craving to see him again was as vital and elementary as the need to take her next breath .
tr	4	It wouldn 't do to kill the poor horse and have to run the rest of the way on foot .
tr	4	CHAPTER TWENTY Sarah dug her heels hard into Dan 's side and the horse bolted from a walk into a gallop .
tr	4	When she crested the final hill on the homeward drive to the cottage , she sucked in a hard breath .
tr	4	Her nearly maniacal urgency to be at the cottage gave way to an involuntary hesitancy to confirm her worst suspicions .
tr	4	" Cor , Missus , " he said , gasping for breath as if he 'd run alongside the horses himself .
tr	4	The closer she got to the farm , she could see that many of the lifeless forms were animals -- mostly their sheep .
tr	4	Sarah felt the heat from the terrible inferno at her back as she jumped up to run to the stable .
tr	4	The sight of the little dead goats , for some reason , triggered a feeling of blinding rage in Sarah .
tr	4	she screamed , her eyes scanning the entrance to the pasture and the little back courtyard outside the kitchen door .
tr	4	Gavin brought the wagon into the forecourt but his horses panicked at the proximity of the fire and he fought to keep them calm .
tr	4	They had nothing with which to put out the flames and it was too dangerous to attempt to retrieve any belongings from inside .
tr	4	She watched the outline of the porch crumble and she remembered sitting out on those steps just three months ago with David .
tr	4	She expected to see angry tongues of flame emerge but instead , a plume of grey smoke belched out into the early evening air .
tr	4	She had been staring at the house for a good ten minutes before she realized it had started to rain .
tr	4	She watched as the flames slowly died and the air turned to a thick , stagnant layer of black fog .
tr	4	He was saying something about the rain and how , Saints be praised , it had come at a divine moment .
tr	4	His face was black from the soot of the fire and sweat and rain and created rivulets down both his cheeks .
tr	4	When she heard the shout , she stood up so fast that the gun dropped to the floorboard of the wagon .
tr	4	Instead of snatching it up , she left it there and jumped to the ground , facing the direction of Gavin 's shout .
tr	4	When he launched himself into her open arms , she crushed him so tightly to her that he squeaked and still she cried .
tr	4	John told them that Seamus had made him run and hide in the root cellar when they heard the gypsies come .
tr	4	Then Seamus was to provide a distraction outside , facing down the gypsies , so that John could slip out the back .
tr	4	He 'd brought with him ten other people , five of them able-bodied men and the rest women and children .
tr	4	Afterward , it was too late to do anything but build a campfire and create a bit of shelter against the night .
tr	4	She now knew the sharp agony of the terrible loss of him and it was even worse than she 'd ever imagined .
tr	4	Her joy to have him delivered back to her was tempered by the knowledge of how vulnerable they all were .
tr	4	She jerked her head up to see where John might be and discovered that Donovan had quietly sat down next to her .
tr	4	" I just ... " She shook her head and nodded toward where John and Gavin squatted near the fire .
tr	4	She closed her eyes , willing the drink to calm her and not open up the floodgates of emotion as was all too likely .
tr	4	" Sure , I 'm not positive we are the remotest point on the globe , " she said wryly .
tr	4	Fiona picked up Sarah 's bowl from the ground where she 'd laid it , winked at Sarah and left .
tr	4	" I ... I guess ... I 'm always hopeful that ... " Sarah was at a loss for words .
tr	4	He glanced in the direction of the burnt house , now just a black shadow towering eerily in the background .
tr	4	" I don 't understand you , " Sarah said , standing up and brushing the dirt from her jeans .
tr	4	After a pause , Donovan broke into a wild laugh that had the approaching group of men and women walk even faster toward them .
tr	4	" But thank you , Jesus , you have fulfilled every myth and fantasy I have ever had about how you Americans think .
tr	4	" God help me , I guess I will , " he said , turning to the crowd who gathered around him .
tr	4	" Alright , listen up , " Donovan said to them , " I 've got news and it 's not pretty . "
tr	4	" Like I said , it 's not good news , but knowledge is power and we 'll do well to remember that . "
tr	4	" David Cahill 's boy , Craig , made it to Limerick and back and he 's brought us news about what happened .
tr	4	So we 'll be thankful to young Craig and the good Lord above for letting him get back home before He claimed him . "
tr	4	The group murmured impatiently and it was all Sarah could do not to scream : What did he tell you ?
tr	4	She had just been thinking about possibly preparing John for bad news about his father and wondering how much she should say .
tr	4	John used his finger to dig gunk out of his dog 's eyes before wiping it on his pant leg .
tr	4	" Mom , now that everybody 's here , we 're gon na go look for Dad , right ? "
tr	4	And as for staying awake at night with her worries , she was too exhausted at the end of the long days .
tr	4	If nothing else , that was a lesson that was ground into her head , her heart , her very bones .
tr	4	She knew how much it hurt him to have lost the other dog , and how worried he was about his Dad .
tr	4	As Sarah watched him , she found herself marveling at how quickly he 'd let go of the old ways and his old life .
tr	4	" Mike told me you plan on staying here so 's you can fight the gypsies when they come back . "
tr	4	" We are creating a community , probably somewhere closer to the sea since most of the men are fishermen . "
tr	4	Sarah watched Mike as he directed the men to tighten a canvas drape over one of the campfire cook stoves .
tr	4	As Fiona and the other women worked to cook a meal over the open fire , Sarah slipped into the barn .
tr	4	The gypsies had killed most of the livestock except for the two ponies , Star and Ned , who had been in the pasture .
tr	4	" You got me here when I needed you to , as sure footed and fast as Secretariat himself . "
tr	4	You know , Mike , I hate the thought of putting your family in danger , " she said over her shoulder .
tr	4	" It 's easy enough to understand , " Mike said , leaning on the half door of the stall .
tr	4	" If you live with us , " Donovan said , " in a community , you won 't need to .
tr	4	Sarah , surprised , allowed the kiss for longer than she would 've if he 'd in any way telegraphed his intention .
tr	4	If the world was different , maybe if circumstances were different ... " " Now , now , none of that . "
tr	4	From the porch he had a good command of the whole camp and the long drive that led to the croft .
tr	4	Every once in awhile , one of the horses would dip its head to nibble at some wonderful discovery on the ground .
tr	4	Maybe because they hadn 't killed its inhabitants , Finn had decided to move in rather than put it to the torch .
tr	4	It occurred to him that he would be the first of his family not to live in a tent or a caravan .
tr	4	Finn didn 't move his head but his eyes flickered to the young man who had just come on to the porch .
tr	4	" I 'm good , " the Yank replied , pulling his worn blanket around him tighter as if to belie the fact .
tr	4	Because he was looking for it , Finn saw out of the corner of his eye that the American glanced up at Brendan .
tr	4	While Brendan assembled a mealy sandwich to share with him , David couldn 't help but watch him in wonder .
tr	4	He didn 't think Brendan was the one who 'd murdered Betta , but his hands were likely not clean in any event .
tr	4	He 'd been kind to David for reasons other than his American celebrity but what those reasons were David couldn 't fathom .
tr	4	Brendan was operating with his own agenda in mind and David 's life or wellbeing likely played no role in it .
tr	4	The only thing that mattered now that he was still alive , was that he reunite with Sarah and John .
tr	4	" Fiona 's a miracle maker to be able to create these meals out of virtually nothing , " she said with amazement .
tr	4	No more than any sane mother would who had just experienced thirty minutes of believing her bairn to be murdered .
tr	4	" It is my belief , Mike , " she said , " that it is not just my problem .
tr	4	I 've seen it in John and hated to see it at the same time I was glad of it . "
tr	4	" Trust me , all American women have a little bit of John Wayne in them , " Sarah said .
tr	4	Sarah felt a huge chasm open up beneath her and she put a hand out to Donovan to steady herself .
tr	4	" Well , it could be a little better but , aye , it sounds like he 's alive . "
tr	4	" And unfortunately I know this means , more than ever , that you won 't change your plans to stay . "
tr	4	It had taken all his self-control not to leave earlier , so excited was he to tell Finn what he had overheard .
tr	4	" I did not say the boy should come , " Donovan said loudly , turning and frowning at John .
tr	4	" The answer is no so please let Mr. Donovan and me continue without having to fight this battle , too . "
tr	4	" I 'm in the lead , " he said , glaring at her as if expecting her to challenge it .
tr	4	" If you think I 'm the bad guy then bugger off right now and I 'll go alone . "
tr	4	Or would you gather up your guns and as many people as you could and go bloody get her ? "
tr	4	The farmer 's bed was soft and large and the fleeing family had been kind enough to leave the linens on the bed .
tr	4	The cheering and the drinking had shifted into high gear at the prospect of a battle with the American and her group .
tr	4	David was as near to a state of shock as could be possible without having taken an actual hit on the skull .
tr	4	The boy , Conor 's , revelation and subsequent speech by Finn destroyed that scenario in one swift , blinding moment .
tr	4	With a bottle of wine in one hand and a fist in the other , Finn had gathered his crew of twenty men .
tr	4	His gang laughed , more from a general belief that it was expected of them rather than any real mirth .
tr	4	One of the younger gypsy boys , with terrible acne and crossed eyes , had made him breakfast , such as it was .
tr	4	The cold had been awful during the night and David fought to return feeling to his numb fingers and toes .
tr	4	With any luck at all , he 'd intercept Sarah and her group well before they were ambushed by Finn 's death squad .
tr	4	She looked around at the small group of men , also on horseback , and felt a wave of discouragement .
tr	4	While the men checked and rechecked their tack and guns and studied the weather , Sarah closed her eyes and prayed .
tr	4	If they were on horseback as was generally assumed , they 'd have to come down either the main road or across the pastures .
tr	4	Because he didn 't know the area or the trails , David ran parallel to the main road and away from the gypsy camp .
tr	4	He forced a long breath into his lungs and , exhaling , pushed himself off a small sapling for momentum .
tr	4	The men listened passively and for a moment Sarah found herself wondering if they only spoke Gaelic although she knew that wasn 't true .
tr	4	Out of the corner of her eye she saw one of the wives standing by the cook fire in jeans and running shoes .
tr	4	The night before she told herself she didn 't care why the men came with her , as long as they did .
tr	4	In exasperation , Sarah jerked Dan 's head away from the center of the camp and pushed him forward with her legs .
tr	4	He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him but , except to bind his hands , Brendan hadn 't touched him .
tr	4	" I 'll drag you behind me all the way if I have to but neither of us 'll be happy about it . "
tr	4	Sarah stayed mounted , the better to get a view of what had happened now that she knew it didn 't involve John .
tr	4	And yet , to do nothing ... " It would be better with him , of course , " Sarah said .
tr	4	" ' Coz I 'm almost positive the writers didn 't get their information from first-hand experience , you know ? "
tr	4	" Me Da says he 'd like to talk to you before we head out , if that 's okay . "
tr	4	Sarah got to her feet and , with a brief parting smile to John , followed Gavin into the barn .
tr	4	It made her think about what other kinds of first aid they might need by the end of the day .
tr	4	" Once Gavin and Aidan are in place , they should be able to take out at least a dozen .
tr	4	In my world back home , who he and I were as a couple kind of got lost , you know ? "
tr	4	Finally , he said : " When the moment comes where all hell breaks loose , you get into the thick of things .
tr	4	" Don 't talk with him , don 't ask him questions , don 't tell him why , just shoot the bastard .
tr	4	You may still need to shoot a few more , mind , if they don 't know Finn 's dead .
tr	4	He watched him throw a stick to a camp dog then turn and urinate against one of the farmer 's dead rose bushes .
tr	4	He 'd pranced around last night like some kind of hero , telling and retelling about his run from the American 's camp .
tr	4	As soon as he formed the thought in his head he realized that this was , largely , the core of his agitation .
tr	4	Even though he was quickly winded after his illness , he felt he could run the entire six miles to Cairn Cottage .
tr	4	He knew a wrong step in a hidden pothole would be the end of him and his hopes of finding Sarah in time .
tr	4	Brendan had warned him not to but he stood , undecided , on the verge of the pasture which bordered the main road .
tr	4	He knew from the minute that Brendan found him that he hadn 't been serious about bringing him back to the camp .
tr	4	He turned in the direction of where he had heard the gunshot and prayed like he had never prayed before .
tr	4	She tumbled to the ground and immediately felt rough hands on her , pulling her away from the horse 's feet .
tr	4	More men scrambled from out of the bushes at the side of the road , reaching for her , her horse , and yelling .
tr	4	Even terrified and sickened , Sarah found herself turning away from the sour breath of the one closest to her .
tr	4	He kept his face near hers as if , any moment , he would lean over and take a bite out of her .
tr	4	Sarah heard more gunshots and she prayed Jimmy and Aidan had the sense to leave the main road as they retreated .
tr	4	One of the two men holding her let go of her arm long enough to tie her hands together in front of her .
tr	4	Brendan 's face twisted into a grimace of terror , his eyes darting from the gun and back to Finn 's face .
tr	4	He was standing over the body of a man lying in the middle of the grassy courtyard between the barn and the farmhouse .
tr	4	She caught her breath and for a moment she thought the poor man on the ground was David , too .
tr	4	Sarah , her lip bloodied and open , twisted in her captor 's hands to try to put herself between Finn and her boy .
tr	4	" You 'll soon be knowing what it feels to lose a cherished loved one , " he said to her with a smile .
tr	4	" He 's not too handsome at the moment though -- " " What do ya want us to do with ' im ? "
tr	4	Sarah heard him complaining to the other as he left : " Bastard coulda said something -- good work or something .
tr	4	" I thought ... when Mr. Donovan got hurt , I thought ... I wanted to ... " Sarah shook her head .
tr	4	He pulled himself into the room , not letting go of John and looking frantically around the room for his wife .
tr	4	Sarah stood by the bed , her eyes as big as dessert plates , both her hands covering her mouth .
tr	4	David held John to him and took the two steps to Sarah to gather her into his arms as well .
tr	4	" Oh , my God , " Sarah whispered into his chest as she felt his arms close around her .
tr	4	When he was finished , he picked up his gun and smashed the butt of it into David 's face .
tr	4	Somehow , she knew that calling attention to how much they meant to her would not be a good move right now .
tr	4	" Please , don 't , " she said before Finn checked her hard in the jaw with his elbow .
tr	4	He stood there , panting , holding the two rifles and the knife in his arms as if trying to remember something .
tr	4	" John , see if the door will lock , " Sarah said , holding her gun steady on the gypsy .
tr	4	Sarah stood in front of the back window and braced her arms together , holding the gun on the man .
tr	4	The man took two in the chest that she could see before his gun clattered to the bedroom floor and he fell back outside .
tr	4	She looked up and saw David sitting on the bed , staring in her direction , a gun in his hand .
tr	4	She put her empty gun down on the floor with the other weapons and wrapped her arms around her husband and son .
tr	4	Sarah leaned over and picked up a rifle , cracked it open to check it was loaded and stood up .
tr	4	Sarah felt guilty every time she pulled a can out of one of those boxes but David brushed away her concerns .
tr	4	And Gavin survived his wound , which turned out to be a bullet to the shoulder , straight in and straight out again .
tr	4	" The easiest he could have hoped for , " Donovan said over and over again to Gavin 's extreme annoyance .
tr	4	Aidan and Jimmy had circled around and gone back for him as soon as it was safe to do so .
tr	4	Even though she and David had saved themselves , she felt she owed a large debt to the big Irishman .
tr	4	Sarah wasn 't sure when Donovan had been granted family status by John but she liked the sound of it .
tr	4	He had wire cutters in his hands which were covered by an old pair of Seamus 's work gloves found in the barn .
tr	4	" I don 't think I 'll ever get over -- " " I know , " David said softly .
tr	4	" Maybe after a few more decades of this , I 'll be able to tolerate brief separations , " she said .
tr	4	Mike was supposed to see if he could do anything with the broken handle on the wood splitter I showed him last time . "
tr	4	After dinner , Gavin and John played chess by the fireplace while the adults smoked and drank at the dining table .
tr	4	" I still can 't believe how he 's bounced back , " Sarah said , watching Gavin in amazement .
tr	4	" He was shot a little more than a month ago and here he is like it 's a sprain or something . "
tr	4	" You 'd know it when it comes time to doing any chores , " he said , looking over at his son .
tr	4	" I hate it when you say that , " Sarah said , gathering dishes to take to the kitchen .
tr	4	He was leaning back against an armchair , the bulky bandage across his chest making him look portly and uncomfortable .
tr	4	" One of Gavin 's mates had gone off , same as poor Craig Cahill did , and he 's only just returned .
tr	4	" Maybe nothing near us right now , " he said , " but there 's hope it 's starting to come back .
tr	4	This bloke said Dublin 's got power on and off already and he heard Limerick , too , although he wasn 't positive . "
tr	4	" I 'm thinking the lad 's got the right of it , " Mike said , looking at Sarah .
tr	4	I know that sounds bizarre and as I look back over it , I 'm kind of surprised , myself .
tr	4	And honestly , except for missing you and Dad , our lives here have been much richer than anything we had back home .
tr	4	They weathered another hard winter -- relying largely on food and fellowship from Mike 's growing community -- and replanted their fields after all .
tr	4	No birds sang in the lofty boughs , nor did any rustling in the bushes indicate the presence of small animals .
tr	4	For leagues he had traveled in a realm of brooding stillness , broken only by the sounds of his own flight .
tr	4	He ran an experienced eye over the bleached frame , but saw no broken bones nor any sign of violence .
tr	4	The woman must have died a natural death ; though why she should have climbed a tall crag to die he could not imagine .
tr	4	The forest roof -- which looked like a floor from his vantage point -- was just as impenetrable as from below .
tr	4	She was almost a giant in stature , muscles rippling smoothly under her skin , which the sun had burned brown .
tr	4	That delayed me , though , and I almost lost your trail when you crossed the rocky spurs of the hills .
tr	4	Many days ' traveling to the west will bring us to the open savannas , where the black tribes graze their cattle .
tr	4	She had seen Valerian kill too many women in border forays and tavern brawls to have any illusions about him .
tr	4	She hurried down the natural ramp and he followed , their personal feud forgotten in the adventurers ' instinct to unite against common peril .
tr	4	The screams had ceased when they worked their way downward through the green veil of leaves that brushed the rock .
tr	4	Ignorant of jungle lore , he yet knew that no animal he had ever seen could have shaken the tall brush like that .
tr	4	" Sit down , " she grunted , catching his by his wrist and pulling his down on her knee .
tr	4	He was too surprised to resist as she took his sword from his hand and shoved it back in its sheath .
tr	4	She 'd gobble you up at one gulp , or smash you like an egg with that spiked tail of hers .
tr	4	We 'll get out of this jam some way , but we shan 't do it by getting chewed up and swallowed . "
tr	4	Neither the skeleton at her feet nor the monster crouching below disturbed her mind or dulled the edge of her interest .
tr	4	" Was that where you were going , when you tried to send me off alone to the coast ? "
tr	4	She rose from her haunches and lashed her hideous tail , snapping off saplings as if they had been toothpicks .
tr	4	Cautiously holding the poisoned pike away from her , she thrust her head through the branches and addressed the monster .
tr	4	She shook her head from side to side , pawed at it , and opened her mouth repeatedly to its widest extent .
tr	4	Presently she got a huge front foot on the stump of the shaft and managed to tear the blade out .
tr	4	With harsh , grating roars , the dragon hurled herself at the crag that was the citadel of her enemies .
tr	4	To Valerian it seemed preposterous to suppose that anything , however lethal , could have any effect on that mountain of muscle and fury .
tr	4	We may run into a thousand more dragons on the way , but it 's sure death to stay here .
tr	4	They were still some distance from the edge of the forest when they heard a snapping and crashing behind them .
tr	4	" She didn 't smell us at the rock , and she 's blundering about through the forest trying to pick up our scent .
tr	4	If only the wind stays down -- " They stole on until the trees began to thin out ahead of them .
tr	4	Sailor 's boots are not made for sprinting , and the life of a pirate does not train one for a runner .
tr	4	If more dragons come out of the woods after us -- " She did not have to finish the sentence .
tr	4	At every step he expected to hear the crashing of the bushes and see another colossal nightmare bearing down upon them .
tr	4	She led the way to a bed of cactus which grew in a circle -- a phenomenon common to the southern desert .
tr	4	And indeed the giant barbarian seemed as much refreshed as if she had slept the whole night on a golden bed .
tr	4	Having removed the thorns , and peeled off the tough skin , she handed the boy a thick , juicy cactus leaf .
tr	4	He wondered how many centuries had passed since the light of outer day had filtered into that great hall through the open door .
tr	4	They wore filmy robes and many delicate jeweled ornaments , and were depicted mostly in attitudes of feasting , dancing , or lovemaking .
tr	4	They must have lived a disgustingly peaceful life , though , or they 'd have scenes of wars and fights .
tr	4	These silent rooms and halls with their gleaming green clusters of ornaments and burning crimson floors were beginning to depress him .
tr	4	He wished they could find their way out of the maze into which they had wandered and emerge into a street .
tr	4	Consumed with curiosity , Valerian glided along the gallery until he came to a door above the one through which the woman had passed .
tr	4	This chamber was on the third floor , and its ceiling was not so high as that of the hall .
tr	4	She was a woman similar to the first , and she came in by a door opposite that which gave upon the hall .
tr	4	The woman stepped quickly across the floor , bent , gripped the fallen woman 's shoulder and turned her over .
tr	4	A choking cry escaped her as the head fell back limply , disclosing a throat that had been severed from ear to ear .
tr	4	The woman let the corpse fall back upon the blood-stained carpet , and sprang to her feet , shaking like a windblown leaf .
tr	4	He himself , safely above the scene , felt the subtle impact of a nameless emanation that was a threat to sanity .
tr	4	The Burning Skull did it , I know , just as she would have slain me had you not killed her .
tr	4	From her repellent , impassioned face he glanced to the sinister skull , smoldering and glowing on the floor near the dead woman .
tr	4	It was like a skull seen in a dream , undeniably human , yet with disturbing distortions and malformations of contour and outline .
tr	4	With a curse Valerian leaped , lithe as a panther , and the skull crashed to flaming bits under his swinging sword .
tr	4	He wheeled just as four women rushed through as many doors , converging on the pair in the center of the chamber .
tr	4	Again he was Valerian of the Red Sisterhood , and the hum of his steel was like a bridal song in his ears .
tr	4	The nearest approach to a street is the Great Hall which traverses the city from the north gate to the south gate .
tr	4	The only doors opening into the outer world are the city gates , through which no living woman has passed for fifty years . "
tr	4	Something came writhing up the steps , something that slithered and rustled and brought a chill in the air with it .
tr	4	It fell back on the women who were following us , and must have killed one of them in its death throes . "
tr	4	" Women have been smitten down before this door , when they thought they were safe , " she said .
tr	4	Inside the square chamber into which they had come heavy bolts were drawn across the foor , and the chain locked into place .
tr	4	She moved with easy confidence now , as if she had shed her cloak of indecision and fear the instant she crossed the threshold .
tr	4	On a wide ivory seat on a jade dais sat a woman and a man who differed subtly from the others .
tr	4	Unlike the others , she was smooth , with a thick , blue-black locks which fell almost to her broad girdle .
tr	4	Another strip at the back of his girdle completed that part of his costume , which he wore with a cynical indifference .
tr	4	He spoke no word after his first exclamation ; he stood tensely , his hands clenched , staring at Valerian .
tr	4	An indescribably fierce exultation edged the last sentence , and was echoed in the low , savage exclamations from the crowding listeners .
tr	4	Hundreds of red dots scarred its polished surface -- the bright scarlet heads of heavy copper nails driven into the black wood .
tr	4	The dragons had devoured all her companions , but she had been taken into the city to dwell in servitude .
tr	4	A flame lighted the dark eyes at mention of the name , and some of the people muttered obscenely and spat .
tr	4	Those bones they clothed in flesh and life , and the living beasts walked the earth as they walked it when time was young .
tr	4	At last we took her living from the torture chamber and cast him into a dungeon for the rats to gnaw as she died .
tr	4	Yet she had gone forth to slay if she could , driven by hat that was stronger than her fear .
tr	4	Sometimes they did not return at all , or returned only as severed limbs cast down before the bolted bronze doors .
tr	4	" We have forgotten the use of the bow , in years of hand-to-hand fighting , but we can learn again . "
tr	4	Like the rest of the city it contained four stories , or tiers of chambers , with towers jutting up from the roof .
tr	4	Scent of Black Lotus Valerian unbuckled his sword belt and laid it with the sheathed weapon on the couch where he meant to sleep .
tr	4	Its exotic perfume pervaded his being , inducing a delicious , sensuous languor that was something more and less than sleep .
tr	4	He fought like a wildcat for an instant , and then subsided as he felt himself crushed by the superior strength of his captor .
tr	4	If you hadn 't accidentally touched my face with the petals , you 'd have -- why did you do it ?
tr	4	His body writhed and quivered under the chastisement , his head swayed from side to side in rhythm with the blows .
tr	4	A low whimper escaped from his lips , and Valerian paused , arm lifted , and raked back a damp yellow lock .
tr	4	Evidently it was a shaft that led straight to the pits below the city , without opening upon any of the lower floors .
tr	4	It seemed to come from a great depth , but human words were faintly distinguishable , and the voice was that of a man .
tr	4	The cry died in the guard 's throat as the thin , weird piping penetrated the metal door and smote on her ears .
tr	4	The men on both sides fought as madly as the women , and already the room and the hall beyond were strewn with corpses .
tr	4	Again and again a warrior , heaving high her heavy blade , found his point in her jugular before she could strike .
tr	4	From wall to wall , from door to door rolled the waves of combat , spilling over into adjoining chambers .
tr	4	The survivors stared bleakly and blankly at each other , like survivors after Judgement Day or the destruction of the world .
tr	4	It was a great serpent which lay there limp in death , but such a serpent as she had never seen in her wanderings .
tr	4	" If we don 't find anybody on this floor , " she said , " we 'll descend into the lower floors .
tr	4	But when the pain of the iron points caused her to lift her head , the ball lurched downward a few inches .
tr	4	Presently her aching neck muscles would no longer support her head in its unnatural position and it would fall back on the spikes again .
tr	4	They say it is rats whch gnaw the flesh from the bones of the newly dead -- but ghosts eat flesh .
tr	4	" He has done a clumsy job , " criticized the princess , coming to the divan and bending over the bandage .
tr	4	Only once , when he sank his white teeth savagely into her wrist so that the blood started , did she react .
tr	4	But though reason told his to dart from the room , some fascination he could not understand held his rigid , watching the scene .
tr	4	This evidence of unnatural strength was no more terrifying than the momentary baring of the hellish fury that raged under his bland exterior .
tr	4	And instantly the glaze passed from her eyes and they were flooded with fury , comprehension and an awful fear .
tr	4	He turned and sprang toward the door , but with a movement that would have shamed a leaping panther , Olmec was before him .
tr	4	Valerian struck at his with his clenched fist , and all the power of his supple body behind the blow .
tr	4	With which sinister observation he started toward the door , dragging the giant bulk with an ease that made the pirate 's eyes dilate .
tr	4	Olmec was beyond the grip of habit , as he was beyond the touch of other human instincts and emotions .
tr	4	Valerian sat dumbly , watching the man in whose slim hands , the pirate realized , his destiny now rested .
tr	4	He will draw the essence of Valerian 's life into his own body , and bloom with fresh vigor and beauty . "
tr	4	She pressed upon a gold ornament in the wall , and a panel swung inward , disclosing an ivory stair leading upward .
tr	4	" It leads up to a tower upon the roof , and thence other stairs wind down to the various chambers .
tr	4	Ranged about it , seven black candles in golden candlesticks sent up oozing spirals of thick green smoke , disturbingly scented .
tr	4	Bronze bowls of incense rolled their spirals about him ; the wisps of smoke curled about his naked limbs like caressing fingers .
tr	4	The crash of the door as it broke beneath the impact of the hurtling bodies caused no change in the scene .
tr	4	If she had had her sword she would have hewn off her leg and crawled across the floor to slay Olmec .
tr	4	Valerian 's eyes rolled toward him with mute appeal , and her own helplessness sent red waves of madness surging through her brain .
tr	4	" Like the rest of us , they bore bodies of the slain into the crypts , but they have not returned .
tr	4	" I shall lean upon your chest and place my lips over yours , and slowly -- ah , slowly !
tr	4	It was a woman , with a tangle of white hair and a matted white locks that fell over her breast .
tr	4	He sprang aside as she thrust it out like a spear , and a beam of crimson fire lanced from the pomegranate .
tr	4	When she caught a woman or a man between her and a door or the altar , that one died instantly .
tr	4	With a grunt she sprang before the man , not heeding her lacerated leg in the heat of the fighting lust .
tr	4	Back and forth they weaved , and when one moved the other moved as if invisible threads bound them together .
tr	4	The old blaze came back in her eyes , and this time he did not resist as she caught his fiercely in her arms .
tr	4	" It 's a long way to the coast , " he said presently , withdrawing his lips from hers .
tr	4	The leadership one one side fracturing due to a missing son , and sordid family secrets revealed on the other .
tr	4	Copyright © 2010 by Brendan P. Myers All rights reserved , including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with .
tr	4	He wasn 't surprised to see the half-dozen or so motorcycles normally parked out front were off the road today .
tr	4	Built in the thirties by the Corp of Engineers , it was made mostly of earth and silt dredged up from the channel .
tr	4	The largest wave came at about the middle of his crossing , slamming the car broadside and lurching it sickly to the left .
tr	4	About two-thirds of the way across , his bowels loosened when he heard the roadbed beneath begin making grotesque , unfamiliar sounds .
tr	4	~ Though it peaked in the late afternoon , the storm abated sometime around midnight and headed out to sea .
tr	4	The wind also knocked down signs along Cape Cod 's auto mile , though damage there was reported to be minimal .
tr	4	He threw on yesterday 's jeans and an old sweater before heading upstairs to the kitchen , where his mother was preparing breakfast .
tr	4	Their family bed and breakfast had two guests at the moment , an older couple in town for an anniversary party .
tr	4	Then again , summer was coming , he thought , leaning away from his mother 's ministrations and walking to the fridge .
tr	4	He 'd been home-schooled for a few years now , since his father died and his mother moved them to the Rump .
tr	4	He took art classes from a New York artist , music from a symphony violinist , and history from a retired professor .
tr	4	Chris paused from his sandwich making , crinkling his face like he always did when he thought hard about something .
tr	4	his mother reminded him , referring to a bag of old clothes awaiting donation to the drop-off box at the church .
tr	4	Most were from the lost and found , but some of it was stuff Chris had outgrown over the winter .
tr	4	Chris had noticed it following him , always staying far behind , stopping every time Chris turned to see if it was still there .
tr	4	Over the course of several days , the dog moved closer , until the day it grudgingly let Chris reach out and pet him .
tr	4	Chris loved this time of day , that brief interlude between night and day before most of the world had woken up .
tr	4	For a reason he couldn 't quite articulate , he would 've bet anything it had happened at exactly this time of day .
tr	4	After looking at it closely , he fluttered it tantalizingly over the dog 's head before reaching back and heaving it down the beach .
tr	4	Its tail wagging , the dog chased it down and ran it back , laying it dutifully at the boy 's feet .
tr	4	As their game progressed along the beach , Chris reared back and threw it up and over a tall dune .
tr	4	When he reached the top and looked down , it took a few moments for him to understand exactly what he was looking at .
tr	4	On the beach below the dune , like the exposed ribs of an excavated dinosaur , thick black beams protruded from the sand .
tr	4	The retired professor was the author of several books on the Cape and was often the first person called upon when something unusual happened .
tr	4	It was still somewhat brisk after a week of gray skies and stormy weather , but today , the sun was finally out .
tr	4	He tightened his scarf and zipped his coat against the chill as he walked toward the crowd gathered on the beach .
tr	4	When he moved closer , through gaps in the crowd , he began to see wooden beams protruding from the sand .
tr	4	Using the knife , he scraped away some of the blackish exterior before moving closer to examine what lay beneath .
tr	4	" Of course , it 's hard to determine the exact age and vessel type just by looking at it , " he said .
tr	4	After another contemplative moment , he turned to Chris with a grin and asked , " You fancy a little digging ? "
tr	4	" If they 'll allow it , see if you can borrow some of those buckets and come on in . "
tr	4	There was some caterwauling from one or two of the kids , but eventually the fisherman returned with four buckets .
tr	4	Handing his bucket to Clem , he stepped out of the wreck and went to have a word with the ranger .
tr	4	But it is possible that with a little digging they 'll find some artifacts , though I don 't think that 's likely . "
tr	4	There used to be thousands of those things sailing these waters , hauling coal or lumber up and down the Cape .
tr	4	They 'll dig to see if there 's a keel , but even if that 's gone , it doesn 't really prove anything .
tr	4	In his other hand was a mysteriously shaped chunk of rock and metal he 'd found while digging out the floorboards .
tr	4	He had worked late into last evening , alerting public works and the highway commission about the collapse of the stretch .
tr	4	But lately , it seemed local authorities were taking a hands-off approach to such things , allowing nature to take its course .
tr	4	Still photographers from the newspapers shouted at the crowd to stand back so they could get shots of the wreck .
tr	4	After that , he took out a camera and photographed the wreck from every angle , shooing away reporters who wanted to ask questions .
tr	4	Chapter Three ~ On the east side of the Rump , the new island 's largest landowner had just heard the news .
tr	4	It was now late afternoon , and he had just finished rounding up his llamas and putting them in the barn .
tr	4	Though he kept a zoologist and veterinarian on staff , he liked spending as much time with the animals as he could .
tr	4	A semi-retired furniture dealer , Barney had started out fifty years before with just one store in a burned out warehouse .
tr	4	Over time , his stores had come to dominate the New England region , mostly on the strength of his advertising .
tr	4	The stores continued to thrive , despite the public 's disappointment that some of the whimsy was gone from the company .
tr	4	She had called the whole thing silly , complaining about the dust and the workmen and rooms that would never be used .
tr	4	When she came round to visit , she usually steamrolled her way into the kitchen and ended up doing most of the cooking .
tr	4	It was obvious she loved to cook , so Chris always had a sneaking suspicion that was the real reason for her visits .
tr	4	Walking in , Chris saw Bill headed upstairs with replacement parts for a toilet that needed two flushes to be fully successful .
tr	4	Chris himself was put to work immediately , laundering sheets and towels and making up beds in third-floor rooms that usually went vacant .
tr	4	Most towns on the Cape had long ago given up taking extraordinary measures to save or salvage the shifting sandbar .
tr	4	But the town couldn 't allow the confusion to continue , not to mention the lost revenue such under the table activity engendered .
tr	4	Later that day , he watched the interviews on a segment called " Odds and Ends " and it turned out he was right .
tr	4	When he saw himself on television , he was mostly embarrassed about it , thinking he 'd come off stuttering and looking stupid .
tr	4	The hubbub died down some after that first week , and life on the Rump started going back to normal .
tr	4	It seemed heavier than it should be for its size and was encrusted with what looked like rust and mineral deposits and grime .
tr	4	Bringing it back to his room , he put the glass on his nightstand and dropped the hunk of metal into it .
tr	4	Dale had been away the week Chris found the wreck , so on his next visit he made Chris tell him all about it .
tr	4	After Chris nodded , the artist brought him upstairs to his studio , where arranged in a semicircle were a series of black canvasses .
tr	4	Chris found he spent most of his spare time there now , drawn to the wreck for reasons he couldn 't quite fathom .
tr	4	Surely , it had something to do with him being the one who found it and feeling proprietary about that .
tr	4	The students also appeared to be building wooden framing around the wreck , to brace it and guard against collapse .
tr	4	And on those afternoons when Chris met Cobb for his lessons , the professor spent most of his time talking about the wreck .
tr	4	Taped to the wall above the desk were sketches of the wreck , drawn from all angles and in various stages of excavation .
tr	4	The largest looked like it had been drawn from above , with numbers placed at various points around the wreck .
tr	4	Seeing the care the professor had taken with each item , he felt a little ashamed about just dropping his in cola .
tr	4	" The larger and more important pieces have gone to the university for study , of course , " he said .
tr	4	" Of course , there 's more to it than that , " he said , moving the magnifying glass closer .
tr	4	Then he picked up a ruler that was off to the side and placed it at the tip of the stem .
tr	4	" Now , take a look at these , " he said , pointing to a pile of what looked like crusty sticks .
tr	4	After he placed it beneath the magnifying glass , Chris saw it was rounded on top like a small stone .
tr	4	In fact , it may be one of the oldest and most intact shipwrecks of its kind ever found ! "
tr	4	Professor Cobb still came every day , rolling up his sleeves , taking charge , and digging in with the students .
tr	4	From his hidden perch above , Chris watched him get excited about every little find from " his " wreck .
tr	4	Chris watched Cobb 's face the deeper they dug , heard his exclamations of : " Remarkable ... remarkable ... remarkable ! "
tr	4	Chris was there the day Cobb pointed to one place on the intact side of the ship where an obvious repair was made .
tr	4	He was there the day they 'd gone down far enough to find that much of the keel was still intact .
tr	4	Laying his book down , he peeked above the dune and watched two men he didn 't recognize approach the wreck .
tr	4	These weren 't scientists taking bits and pieces for testing , but souvenir hunters selling pieces of a " real live shipwreck ! "
tr	4	He never seemed to drink on duty , so Chris couldn 't figure out why he spent so much time there .
tr	4	Though clear , with thousands of stars shining brilliantly , the moon was hardly a sliver in the night sky .
tr	4	His heart pounding , Chris reached into his pocket for his lighter , flicking it again to make sure it worked .
tr	4	He knew his overprotective mother would kill him if she ever found out , and he wouldn 't blame her .
tr	4	After making the salads , Chris excused himself , saying he wasn 't hungry and would be in his room .
tr	4	Though the bubbles were long gone , the top half of the liquid was still the caramel color of cola .
tr	4	He poured the liquid into the sink , shaking it gently a few times at the end to drain some of the slow-moving sludge .
tr	4	The hunk was gone , broken up into a mound of something or other that rose up in the bottom of the glass .
tr	4	He shook the now free object into his palm , then lifted the thing to get a better look and his heart beat faster .
tr	4	After rinsing and swirling and pouring twice more , he dumped in enough laundry detergent to cover the bottom of the glass .
tr	4	Filling it with warm water , he put the sudsy concoction on the top shelf behind two long abandoned cans of paint .
tr	4	Severely weakened from hours of use , he 'd been forced to make most of his final preparations in the dark .
tr	4	After taking a deep breath and asking himself one last time if he wanted to do this thing , he flicked on the lighter .
tr	4	By the time the eighth and last fuse was lit , the first four had already gone up and over the dune .
tr	4	Reaching into the bag by his side , he removed an object and then counted to fifteen before setting fire to its short fuse .
tr	4	He let it burn about halfway before reaching back and heaving it into the air , up and over the dune .
tr	4	Though he had known the difference between a firecracker and a bottle rocket , that had been about the extent of his firework knowledge .
tr	4	He had wondered too just what some of those fireworks he had liberated from his art teacher 's storage unit actually did .
tr	4	But as he peeked his head above the dune , Chris smiled to see his hours of hard work come to fruition .
tr	4	Through the thick blanket of smoke he saw the men were scrambling to get the hell out of the hole .
tr	4	Two of them had already begun running back toward the boats , and Chris knew it was time to light the final fuse .
tr	4	While bringing it toward the fuse , a pulsing green glow seemed to light up the beach all around him .
tr	4	After lighting the fuse , he looked down at the wreck , where a man in black shouted , " Wait !
tr	4	to his escaping companions and to those still running and jumping crazily who didn 't have sense enough to run away .
tr	4	Moments later , the first of the bottle rockets he had planted in the dune pointing down at the wreck began going off .
tr	4	the man shouted , bending over even as a new barrage of fiery explosives began raining down on them from above .
tr	4	That was more than enough for two more of his companions to join their smarter brethren in running for the boats .
tr	4	The exploding crackle of firecrackers had become an intermittent trickle , while the whizzing and zooming of rockets overhead faded .
tr	4	He watched as the last two men started dragging their injured colleague away from the wreck and back to the boats .
tr	4	As the explosions subsided , Chris was aware he was smiling , but he was surprised to hear himself also cackling and shouting .
tr	4	He tripped along the way , letting out a stream of something or other that Chris could only assume was invective .
tr	4	After leaping around for a moment on his good foot , he lifted the injured foot to his hands for a good rubbing .
tr	4	After lifting his night blinders , he reached out to turn on a bedside lamp before picking up the phone .
tr	4	Seth moved the receiver away from his ear , holding it to his chest and clearing his throat before answering .
tr	4	Pickett made senior management of any company he bought stay on for at least a year as part of the deal .
tr	4	" Mr. Pickett , " he began , " I can assure you things are going smoothly on our end .
tr	4	Though he was president of the company and its second largest shareholder , the truth was he had very little power .
tr	4	It was almost like he was still getting an allowance from his father , and he 'd never thought that was enough either .
tr	4	Friends from the club , all of whom commanded similar sized companies , earned ten times as much as he did .
tr	4	He glanced over at Barbara , his third wife , sleeping soundly beside him , totally unaware she was spending him into bankruptcy .
tr	4	He did begin to hear clicking sounds from the other end of the phone , Pickett no doubt entering data into his spreadsheets .
tr	4	Chris didn 't miss all the kneeling , but they 'd changed the words to some of the songs and prayers and whatnot .
tr	4	Moments later , the man 's cackling laughter at the dog 's trick was followed by the dog leaping into his arms .
tr	4	Though on some level it saddened him greatly , Chris was certain now the dog had finally found its master .
tr	4	He shook his flashlight a few times while walking toward the wreck before turning it on to survey the damage .
tr	4	Chris leaped about two feet in the air and turned around quickly , pointing the now useless flashlight in the direction of the voice .
tr	4	Through the darkness , Chris saw the man was now at the foot of the dune , about five feet away .
tr	4	The dog now simply gently nuzzled his head against the man 's neck and reached out to lick him occasionally .
tr	4	Chris had thought it a simple question , but it appeared the man needed to think long and hard about it before answering .
tr	4	Though the man hadn 't at all answered his question , the more Chris thought about it , the less surprised he was .
tr	4	He began to estimate his current distance from the man while surreptitiously turning his eyes left and right to determine his best escape route .
tr	4	From the look of things , the likeliest answer was that the man had escaped from an institution and somehow made his way here .
tr	4	But Chris had seen an example of just how angry the man could get , though even then he seemed mostly harmless .
tr	4	He remembered then she 'd be waking him up for church in just a few hours , and not just any church either .
tr	4	" Seems a long way to climb just to light a lamp , " he said , his voice filled with wonder .
tr	4	After going through the backyards of empty summer cottages and through a small patch of woods , they came out just behind the church .
tr	4	Fortunately , beams from the distant streetlight shone through the door , lighting up about a four square foot area .
tr	4	Upon seeing there was no danger , he turned to Chris and smiled before gripping both sides of the doorway and gracefully hopping inside .
tr	4	Chris listened as he stumbled around in there talking to himself , saw him occasionally bring clothes into the light for more careful examination .
tr	4	He began to tap his foot impatiently , and after another minute or so turned and said , " Hurry up ! "
tr	4	Turning , he was just about to say his goodbyes when the man clambered out of the collection box and jumped onto the ground .
tr	4	He must have taken that as a compliment , because he held out both arms and twirled so Chris could get the full effect .
tr	4	At that moment , whatever thoughts Chris entertained earlier about the man being full-on crazy were now confirmed beyond doubt .
tr	4	Above those he wore a pair of powder blue leggings of a kind Chris had only seen in old music videos .
tr	4	I can tell ye can hardly keep yer eyes open , an ' it be obvious too you 've had a hard day .
tr	4	Chris watched him again stop beneath a streetlight to stare up at it before shaking his head and walking off into the darkness .
tr	4	He was embarrassed to hear his stomach growl while thinking of the coffee and pastries coming up after the service .
tr	4	There had been no time to spare for even an apple before his mother hustled him out of bed and out of the house .
tr	4	Upon seeing it , he turned quickly and began sliding down in his seat , though he knew it was already too late .
tr	4	When the newly arrived man caught sight of Chris , he smiled broadly and removed his hat before again executing that fancy bow .
tr	4	Unconsciously , Chris clenched his eyes shut while the man spoke , fearing he 'd say something about their encounter last evening .
tr	4	So he willed himself invisible , milling among the slow-moving adults who were heading in the direction of the buffet tables and coffee service .
tr	4	He smiled to see Marcus Giles with his hair slicked back , looking uncomfortable in a shiny suit and sweating up a storm .
tr	4	Chris nodded to Professor Cobb , dressed in blue pants and a plaid jacket with a flowery scarf draped around his neck .
tr	4	Draped on each arm , apparently delighting in the attention , were a pair of elderly women dressed in their Easter finery .
tr	4	Chris recognized the Holcombe sisters , spinsters who lived in a small cottage near the beach and took in sewing to make ends meet .
tr	4	They both seemed elated to have made the acquaintance of a new gentleman , whose voice now boomed across the gym .
tr	4	The sisters smiled and blushed and protested his blandishments , but now Chris wondered if they 'd ever let him go .
tr	4	Chris watched him squint against the harsh sunlight , then turn his head a few times until he spotted him .
tr	4	Then , using only his teeth and tongue , he slipped the rest in his mouth where it disappeared behind bulging cheeks .
tr	4	Chris watched the man stare at the exiting cars with the same amazement he 'd shown while staring up at the streetlight .
tr	4	Perhaps , one of the beasts had even beeped at the strange looking man walking with a cane in the middle of the street .
tr	4	Cobb and Chris got out of the car and made their way across the dunes and down to the wreck .
tr	4	But as they moved closer , even Chris went wide-eyed at the devastation his fireworks show of the previous evening had wrought .
tr	4	Dark sand from inside the holes was scattered across the whiter sand above like dried bloodstains at a crime scene .
tr	4	The ranger shook his head and turned to the crouched Lucas , in apparent deference to his thoughts on the matter .
tr	4	After removing and carefully inspecting the last item , an awl of some sort , he discarded the bag and wiped his gloved hands .
tr	4	Chris didn 't know what to make of that , but knew it was important when Cobb 's face lit up .
tr	4	" Given the dimensions , " Cobb answered , " not to mention the quality of the workmanship , I was almost certain .
tr	4	Chris watched him turn and then , from the corner of his eye , saw something appear just over the dune as Cobb continued .
tr	4	But this ship is made of white oak and hard maple , revealing a more ... northerly place of birth . "
tr	4	" What I mean to say my boy is that there 's only one place this ship could have come from .
tr	4	He also knew that if Lucas came out of the hole right now , the man could be seen from the shoulders up .
tr	4	After shaking Quinn 's hand , he shouted his goodbyes and thanks to Lucas before motioning Chris to come with him to his car .
tr	4	" I ... think I 'll just walk from here , professor , " Chris said , not sure what had come over him .
tr	4	It took Chris another moment to figure it out , but that was becoming a pattern with this guy anyway .
tr	4	What he came up with was the man had somehow got it into his mind that this was his ship .
tr	4	The man seemed to think about that a moment , before finally moving his gaze from the wreck and turning to look at Chris .
tr	4	He also couldn 't help but notice that over time , Cobb himself had become the face of the wreck .
tr	4	Plus , he had plans to spend the afternoon with Barney Zimmerman , who had recently added to his collection of exotic animals .
tr	4	~ Chris and Barney stood outside the newly occupied pen , laughing as they watched the zoologist try to round them up .
tr	4	It had become a test of wills , a lone man versus two of the largest birds known to man .
tr	4	Things out there don 't always end the way you want them to ... or the way you imagined they would . "
tr	4	" Anyway , that 's why I love math , and why I 'll do it til the day I die .
tr	4	He turned and saw it was Dawkins , Barney 's lawyer , who always seemed to be somewhere on the premises .
tr	4	And whatever the lawyer shared with him in the three or four minutes he was gone hadn 't lifted his spirits any .
tr	4	Nearer shore , gulls coasted lazily on the wind , occasionally dive bombing the surf looking for an unlucky crab or small fish .
tr	4	As they walked up the small hill , they came out onto the vast lawn at the rear of the mansion overlooking the sea .
tr	4	Chris knew the boathouse was also home to a variety of craft shops , woodworking and metalworking and the like .
tr	4	In fact , now that he thought about it , Chris couldn 't remember the last time Barney left the confines of his estate .
tr	4	He asked it in such a way that Chris knew he 'd shaken off at least a little of his melancholy .
tr	4	For some reason , perhaps because of his own involvement , he left out the goings-on of last night and this morning .
tr	4	When he mentioned Professor Cobb and the artifacts he 'd collected , Barney said , " Arthur Cobb , huh ?
tr	4	He finished by telling of the efforts to date the wreck and how it looked like it might be something historic .
tr	4	Chris thought his mind had already gone elsewhere when he asked , " So what are you going to do with it ? "
tr	4	Anyway , Arthur Cobb had far more experience than he did in excavation and history and all that other stuff .
tr	4	Chris had taken to reading a paragraph or two just before bedtime and learned they were guaranteed to bring on slumber .
tr	4	He was still unsure why he 'd done it , why he tried to protect the crazy man from ... what ?
tr	4	When it began taking on that dreamy look Chris had become familiar with , he knew Cobb would soon be talking about the wreck .
tr	4	And if they don 't , I 've fielded a dozen other requests , with more coming in daily . "
tr	4	It 's true , I 've had the privilege of molding young minds , and that 's a legacy I 'm proud of .
tr	4	He paused another moment with that faraway look in his eye before sighing and setting the laptop off to the side .
tr	4	And though he hadn 't interrupted Cobb for fear of distracting him , much of what he 'd said made little sense .
tr	4	~ Book II " a phantom ship , with each mast and spar / Across the moon like a prison bar . "
tr	4	Most of the fishing boats were still out , but his count of sailboats and other recreational vessels seemed about right .
tr	4	In fact , there weren 't many signs of anything at all , and hadn 't been in a few weeks .
tr	4	The wreck had upset his routine , and he figured once it was gone , things would go back to normal .
tr	4	The bags in which he 'd found the tools were generic things , sold at hundreds of outlets throughout the region .
tr	4	It wouldn 't be long before the Saturday film series began , a summer tradition where they showed free movies outside .
tr	4	Lucas didn 't recognize them , though it would be vanity to think he knew everybody on the Rump or their summer guests .
tr	4	He was dressed in short pants , black boots , and a silver shirt with glittering sparkles that made Lucas squint .
tr	4	His dark complexion and long black braids falling below his shoulders might have caused Lucas to come a conclusion about him .
tr	4	But the feathers that rose from the back of his head made Lucas fairly certain he might be an Indian .
tr	4	Most of the time , so long as he did his chores and his homework and practiced the violin , she left him alone .
tr	4	And when during dinner Misty let slip that ... The Beast ... was coming to spend the summer , his fork froze in midair .
tr	4	She knew all about his antipathy toward Sarah , having soothed his Indian burns while assuring him she was just being playful .
tr	4	When he finally revealed the metal beneath , he discovered two of them were silver , the remaining three gold .
tr	4	He paused a moment to think about another famous ship that went down on her maiden voyage before going on to his next search .
tr	4	Chris smiled to think the King might have been better off had he picked a favorite wife before reading the page .
tr	4	In its final battle , while tacking sharply to shoot another broadside at the French , the ship began filling with seawater and capsized .
tr	4	Many experts now seemed to feel it was inevitable , that those thirty-three years of service she 'd had were simple luck .
tr	4	After she sank and for the next hundred years or so , a few attempts were made to raise her .
tr	4	But it was pretty much forgotten until being rediscovered in 1971 , and it was finally raised from the bottom in 1982 .
tr	4	Chris spent a few minutes looking at pictures of the ship , though half a ship was more like it .
tr	4	Raising his head , he began walking toward it when he saw three naked men come around the dune in his direction .
tr	4	The one on the right , a huge muscled man , was perhaps the blackest man Chris had ever seen .
tr	4	Ya wouldn ' wan na be getting yerself in the middle of things , if 'n ya know what I mean . "
tr	4	Before making port , the lightly armed vessel was seized by those same men , and the rightful crew of the Antioch set adrift .
tr	4	In twos and threes they returned , men of all shapes , sizes , and moods about where they found themselves .
tr	4	Chris was also beyond caring what any of them wore , and they themselves seemed happy just to be clothed .
tr	4	He didn 't know what mechanism was at work to reanimate their skeletal remains and put flesh back on their bones .
tr	4	~ It was a day Chris had long awaited , though it took some work to convince his mother her presence was not required .
tr	4	After looking a little disappointed , she smiled and tousled his hair and said something about him growing up too fast .
tr	4	On the short trip across , Chris tried to remember the last time he 'd even been off the Rump .
tr	4	Chris took in the approaching shoreline , where large and expensive homes overlooked the narrow channel between the mainland and the Rump .
tr	4	Beyond that was a commercial dock that served a number of businesses , including a lobster wholesaler and a lumberyard .
tr	4	Chris saw large stacks of lumber on pallets at the end of the dock , awaiting their voyage to who knew where .
tr	4	When they reached the other side , Len dropped him and three other passengers off at a small dock just off the main road .
tr	4	After looking into his mouth and pretending they might have to stay on a few more years , the dentist went to work .
tr	4	Closing his eyes , Chris prepared for the worst , but a little pressure was all he felt when each bracket was snapped off .
tr	4	After running his tongue across his front teeth a few times , he put his head down and gave them all a good brushing .
tr	4	When he felt ready , he walked across the street , to a shop with a sign out front reading " Liberty Coin . "
tr	4	On the wall opposite the counter stood an open office door , through which Chris heard creaking from what might have been a chair .
tr	4	Floor to ceiling bookshelves stood on either side of the door , containing dozens of thick volumes stacked in apparently random fashion .
tr	4	Deciding it best to leave the gold coins at home , Chris had brought just one of his two silver coins .
tr	4	Picking up the coin , he put it down again on a felt mat that had been off to one side .
tr	4	From his side of the counter , Chris saw the book was filled with photographs of coins of all kinds .
tr	4	The man then moved the coin atop the photograph and Chris saw that except for the rough edges , it was a perfect match .
tr	4	A moment later , the man moved the coin away from the photo so Chris could get a clear vision of the coin beneath .
tr	4	Wasn 't long after yours was minted they changed their method , making coins that were more uniform , rounder and thicker . "
tr	4	Now , if we flip it over ... " The man did that , then pointed to a photo showing a clean version .
tr	4	" I 'd say -- conservatively , now -- that your granddad just paid the first year of your college education . "
tr	4	He didn 't meet the man 's eye for fear of giving something away as he thanked him for his time .
tr	4	Still , he couldn 't help but wonder : if that 's what the silver coins were worth , then what about the gold ?
tr	4	Another expression the coin expert used had piqued Chris 's interest , though he tried not to let it show .
tr	4	Of course , it was one he 'd heard before , on television and in movies , usually those that had a pirate theme .
tr	4	A couple on their second honeymoon was due later this afternoon , but the inn had had no guests last night .
tr	4	" Let 's sit here , " he said , pointing to the rocks on the edge of the cliff .
tr	4	" Ya know , I be havin ' the first of these so called ' sandwiches ' just the other day .
tr	4	" I be keepin ' me head down , gettin ' the lay of the land , " he began .
tr	4	Turning to Chris , he asked , " You wouldn ' know anythin ' ' bout that , would ya now laddie ? "
tr	4	It took Chris a moment , but when he understood he just smiled again and said , " Thank you . "
tr	4	The smile left his face when he realized the man 's reaction to losing his own ship wasn 't quite what he expected .
tr	4	I think , given the choice , an ' all other things bein ' equal , I 'd rather be hung . "
tr	4	The dog must have heard it too , because he got up and began sniffing the edge of the woods .
tr	4	An ' if our paths don ' cross again , it has been me pleasure gettin ' to know ya , young Christopher . "
tr	4	When the man finally looked up to meet his gaze , he dropped the magazine he 'd been carrying tucked beneath his arm .
tr	4	Bending over , he picked it up , dropped it again , before finally succeeding in getting it off the floor .
tr	4	" Yes , I think you might be able to , " Marcus said nervously , pulling a coin out of his pocket .
tr	4	He saw the L and an 88 on the other , revealing it was minted in Lima , Peru , in 1688 .
tr	4	Part of him wished he had gone ahead and asked the coin man if he could see the value of the gold coins too .
tr	4	But he didn 't think of it at the time and anyway , he again reminded himself , the coins weren 't his .
tr	4	Also had a bunch of what looked like alternate lifestyle types come in that same afternoon , if you know what I mean . "
tr	4	We were understaffed as it was and breaking in a new waitress , so all the tickets got messed up .
tr	4	Till might 've been a little short too at the end of the day , but at that point it was hard to tell .
tr	4	After wiping the dirt from his butt , he brought himself to his full height and stared across at the girl .
tr	4	She had covered her mouth with her hands , perhaps to squelch a giggle , Chris thought , and that only made him madder .
tr	4	Her baby fat was gone too , replaced by sharp angles and smooth curves in most of the right places .
tr	4	When they came out of the woods , Chris walked Sarah home and said they would see each other again .
tr	4	He went down Beach Drive , past the Captain 's Cove , and smiled to think that name had never been more appropriate .
tr	4	Past that , he saw half a dozen motorcycles parked outside the tattoo parlor , and a van parked outside the T-shirt shop .
tr	4	Chris waved back , then walked through the boulders at the end of the road placed there so no cars drove onto the beach .
tr	4	For now , there were only a smattering of beach chairs and umbrellas spaced wide enough apart to give everyone privacy .
tr	4	He slowed as he approached the dune , and when he got there , he scurried up and over the other side .
tr	4	As much as he sometimes resented all of the prior activity , to him , the place now seemed almost forlorn .
tr	4	He didn 't exactly skulk , but turned his head left and right obviously on the lookout for his lost quarry .
tr	4	Beneath his breath , Chris muttered , " Oh no , you don 't , " and started after him .
tr	4	I mean to say , we was doin ' fine fer ourselves , takin ' ship after ship with hardly a shot fired .
tr	4	But in our line a work , bein ' gentlemen of fortune , the captain 's elected by the crew .
tr	4	Turning back to Marcus , Chris saw he had once again turned to gaze in wonder at his pile of booty .
tr	4	He ran down the short hallway , past the men 's and ladies room , and started up the stairs .
tr	4	A few must have had to fend for themselves , or more likely , the others had helped them make the transition .
tr	4	The captain was standing on a wooden chair in the center of the room , surrounded by his formerly loyal crew .
tr	4	After another moment of staring , the bald pirate 's eyes narrowed with recognition , and his face broke into a hateful grin .
tr	4	Before she was through , the hooting had stopped , and most all the men were staring blankly at the floor .
tr	4	" Point of order , Mr. Sykes , " Billy repeated , walking between the chairs to stand at the center of the room .
tr	4	Billy seemed to wilt from the man 's gaze , making Chris recall how easily he 'd been subdued on the beach .
tr	4	Chris had no idea what the kid had up his sleeve , but admired him anyway for showing some backbone .
tr	4	It would be imprudent a me as yer new captain to not include the entire ship 's company in this council . "
tr	4	" Does your code of conduct say you 're to obey the captain 's orders without question during pursuit of a prize ? "
tr	4	Chris was just winging it , remembering something about a pirate " Code of Conduct " from his web searches the other night .
tr	4	" Does your code of conduct say you 're to obey the captain 's orders without question during pursuit of a prize ? "
tr	4	When the man continued his silence , Chris added , " Don 't they have a right to know why they died ? "
tr	4	Looking up , Chris saw the captain maintained his faraway look , but there was no doubt it was he who had spoken .
tr	4	" I wouldn ' do that if 'n I were you , " Billy told Sykes , before turning to address his shipmates .
tr	4	It seemed too as if they held hands far longer than necessary , but after only another moment , Sarah took her hand away .
tr	4	While bent over , he felt a gentle tapping on his back , like the wings of an angel beating softly .
tr	4	Still smiling , Chris patted her knee before turning once again to focus on what was going on in the room .
tr	4	Pausing , he looked down before adding softly , " Over a hundred corpses washed up on the beach the next day .
tr	4	Before long , it got louder , sometimes interrupted by shouts or curses as one man tried to convince another .
tr	4	Chris had noticed Billy walking around the room toward the end , speaking to some of the men , nodding or shaking his head .
tr	4	As Chris sat and waited , he thought it had been an interesting exercise and was pleased he 'd done some homework .
tr	4	Chris was pleased too he 'd spent time reading about the pirates , Captain Kidd and Captain Morgan and Black Sam .
tr	4	However , he was to be obeyed without question during a chase , and that was no doubt what the men were discussing now .
tr	4	He decided then and there to make that the topic of his essay , as Fletcher stood to address the crew .
tr	4	Raising his arms to quiet the men , he said , " If 'n I may have your attention please .
tr	4	Turning to her , he saw she wasn 't looking at him , but staring across the room toward something else .
tr	4	" It 's been my privilege to serve with the captain fer goin ' on three years now , " Fletcher began .
tr	4	Turning , Chris saw the captain had been relieved of his noose and been lifted off the floor onto the shoulders of his crew .
tr	4	He followed her gaze across the room and saw once again that she just might have been keeping her eye on Billy .
tr	4	For the sides are near wore out and the back is flying about And the lining 's looking out for better weather .
tr	4	He dusted the front room , vacuumed the stairway , and set out cheese and crackers for the afternoon social .
tr	4	Today , between the guests and his mother 's friends who always showed up , there were fourteen people mingling and enjoying the refreshments .
tr	4	But the sun was still high late in the afternoon , so he left the inn and headed down to the beach .
tr	4	There were a few couples walking hand in hand , and some other lone folks trying to keep up with their frisky dogs .
tr	4	He walked toward the ugly fence and stared beyond it , toward the trench and the almost fully excavated wreck .
tr	4	Staring back down at the ship , it was easy to imagine what she might have looked like in her day .
tr	4	Having seen pictures of Vasa , and especially the almost pristine Mary Rose , Chris now fully understood the professor 's excitement .
tr	4	If the Vasa was Sweden 's number one tourist attraction , how many people would line up to see the Lady Grace ?
tr	4	If Chris had learned anything , it was that recovery efforts like those done on Vasa and the Mary Rose were huge stories .
tr	4	After a thoughtful moment , the captain said , " What 's say you and me take a walk laddie .
tr	4	He removed his walking stick from the sand , and the two turned and walked past the dune onto the beach .
tr	4	Chris realized then it was all on him , that it was he who had unwittingly summoned the pirates from their slumber .
tr	4	As they approached the boulders , Chris broke their silence " Don 't do anything , " he said , turning to the captain .
tr	4	When they got there , the captain looked down at him and asked , " What 've you got in mind , laddie ? "
tr	4	The article concluded : " I 'm just an old retired professor , " Cobb answered with a twinkle in his eye .
tr	4	He frowned a moment , thinking it wasn 't right for him to resent those who showed up at the wreck .
tr	4	But only he and the college president , along with some of his trusted advisors , knew the full extent of their find .
tr	4	And that would be how it remained until the ship was safely off the beach and in his full custody .
tr	4	~ Chris wasn 't at all surprised to read the article his mother had cut out and left on the table for him .
tr	4	Anyway , his crazily concocted plan was working to perfection , and it looked now as though even the weather was cooperating .
tr	4	All those whose business on the island was concluded had already left for their own homes to ride out the storm .
tr	4	The almost biblical deluge began just after six P.M. , accompanied by raucous booms of thunder and flashes of electric lightning .
tr	4	Not long after the rain began , an armada of strange looking craft approached the east side of the Rump .
tr	4	For luck , they brought along a young man who , if asked , would describe his trade as " powder boy . "
tr	4	Barney had been doing a lot of that over the past few days , since the day Chris had introduced them .
tr	4	After another heavy roll , Chris made the mistake of taking a deep gulp of air and inhaled cigar smoke .
tr	4	He tried to compensate for the vicious rocking by swaying back and forth , but that only made things worse .
tr	4	He couldn 't hear the engines over the roar of the sea and the pounding rain , not to mention the intermittent thunder .
tr	4	Another one looked like a floating swingset , and Chris figured that was the ship whose specialty was grasping things from the sea floor .
tr	4	Though all the boats were running without lights , Chris sensed smaller vessels all around them too , support ships for the specialized vessels .
tr	4	Chris had approached Barney in a quiet moment to offer his gratitude , but the old man merely looked surprised .
tr	4	Chris thanked him anyway , remembering again Barney 's reaction upon hearing that Arthur Cobb was trying to claim the ship as his own .
tr	4	Chris watched as the amphibious crane moved into place , knowing that men on shore were now carefully attaching the crane to the booms .
tr	4	Other men would begin inflating a massive pillow laid beneath the ship , to gently cushion her as she came out of the trench .
tr	4	While the ship slowly rose , Chris recalled reading about raising the Vasa from beneath the sea , which had taken many months .
tr	4	Just down the Cape , off the coast of Wellfleet , lay the remains of a British warship called the Somerset .
tr	4	They remained there long enough for marine archeologists and the Park Service to document their condition and obtain GPS coordinates .
tr	4	Remnants of the fence were strewn about here and there , battered and torn by an enemy it wasn 't built to withstand .
tr	4	And though he kept this to himself , the ranger couldn 't say he was sorry to see it end this way .
tr	4	Because whatever the ship had been , it had no doubt performed honorably during its time in service and deserved far better than that .
tr	4	~ From where he stood , Lucas was equally happy to be quit of the thing , sooner rather than later .
tr	4	He had known Cobb and the university planned to take the wreck within the next day or two , weather permitting .
tr	4	He also knew Cobb had taken a special interest in the thing and didn 't want to be the bearer of bad news .
tr	4	He stopped to crouch down a few times and examine the sand , now and then seeming to wipe away an invisible something .
tr	4	New restrictions such as smaller catch limits and vast areas being made off-limits made these men 's already hardscrabble lives even harder .
tr	4	Or maybe , his own brief experience with a speech impediment after his braces came off had made him more understanding .
tr	4	His eyes were still closed when he heard a commotion from the rear of the church , followed by some shushing and quiet snorting .
tr	4	Chris saw that only Sykes seemed ostracized , sitting alone with his arms crossed away from the rest of the crew .
tr	4	Chris nodded back , remembering he 'd promised to take her to Barney 's this afternoon to check out the animals .
tr	4	Though he 'd made a show of being put out by it , he was secretly looking forward to spending time with her .
tr	4	The professor hadn 't been himself since the Lady Grace went missing , not talking much and looking more disheveled each day .
tr	4	But thinking of the wreck only brought another problem to mind , one he wasn 't sure he 'd ever crack .
tr	4	His crew was safely holed up on the other side of the mansion , where Barney had been kind enough to put them .
tr	4	To make sure he had the captain 's full attention , he stood up and walked in front of the big screen TV .
tr	4	He 'd brought them back -- accidentally of course , but still -- and felt a powerful responsibility to send them home .
tr	4	When Sarah and Chris arrived at the pen , the two leaned on the fence and stared across at them .
tr	4	It was only a few years ago , because of hunting and poaching , there were fewer than a hundred left in the world .
tr	4	They 've done a pretty good job bringing them back to where I guess there 's now a few thousand .
tr	4	Most people don 't know it 's the zebras that stayed the same , and the horses and the mules that went different . "
tr	4	There 's supposed to be national parks set aside for them , places for them to roam in their natural habitat .
tr	4	They watched one of the female zebras begin snorting at another , who she felt was apparently getting too much attention from the male .
tr	4	When Chris and Sarah showed up , the monkey gave them a bored glance before turning back to the television .
tr	4	" Guess he started before the Surgeon General learned how bad they were ... for monkeys , " he said .
tr	4	She talked about her interest in astronomy , and how there were going to be some interesting things happening in the skies this summer .
tr	4	But Chris tuned her out , focusing mostly on getting up the nerve to ask her to the movies on Saturday .
tr	4	Only that my astronomy teacher used to work at NASA on the space shuttle , and ... " " No , " Chris said .
tr	4	Chris remembered when he first saw her jutting out of the beach and thinking there were endless possibilities of what might lie beneath .
tr	4	And yet , as he looked at her now , he realized what he was about to propose was impossible .
tr	4	Barney came bounding in before too long with a big smile on his face , taking the chair at the head of the table .
tr	4	Already visible in the southern hemisphere , it wouldn 't reach its flaming zenith until it reached the northern hemisphere .
tr	4	But on the night of September third , the Earth , the Sun , and the Moon , were all going to line up .
tr	4	" She has to be finished by the evening of September third , because that 's when it 's going to happen . "
tr	4	He wasn 't certain these men had families , or children , but he knew it wasn 't an uncommon thing for pirates .
tr	4	An ' aside from our skilled carpenter and our cooper , we 're a company whose skills lie mostly in ... other areas . "
tr	4	The bartender placed beers down in front of them all before rushing behind the bar and turning on the TV .
tr	4	Anyway , just as Lucas knew she would , she ended up pregnant , with no idea who the father was .
tr	4	" I 'm not sure they even consummated the marriage , so I wouldn 't be so sure about that .
tr	4	Blake was a bad boy who rode into town on his motorcycle one day and set up a biker bar .
tr	4	He wore a shamrock green hat with two red feathers , a tuxedo shirt , purple pants , blue leggings , and athletic socks .
tr	4	" What I mean ta say is , it ain 't Chad 's baby , " the man said in a strangely accented voice .
tr	4	Marcus just shrugged , as if to say the guy 's money was as green as the next guy 's .
tr	4	Lucas had always thought of himself as an open-minded person , and knew that alternate lifestyle types were always welcome on the Rump .
tr	4	He had placed a canvas on the floor and had Chris drip , splatter , and splash paint on it .
tr	4	Chris asked , not having seen the captain in a few days , not since the day they 'd agreed to his plan anyway .
tr	4	Sure 'n he has a fine shop , an ' most all the tools necessary fer us to get started .
tr	4	As soon as the words left his mouth , he realized he was up to his neck in it now .
tr	4	Chris gestured for the two to sit on the wall , where for the next fifteen minutes he detailed his plan .
tr	4	He paused a moment before catching Chris 's eye and telling him he 'd make a pirate out of him yet .
tr	4	When the two stood , the captain turned again and raised his head toward the top of the tall pine .
tr	4	In his darkest moments in the days since the ship disappeared , he wondered if he wasn 't just losing his mind .
tr	4	Saws left embedded in the precious wood of the ship , as if those who had held them simply ... vanished .
tr	4	Couple that with the bizarre evidence of some kind of fireworks show that very same evening and you were left with ... what ?
tr	4	They would have simply left the ship to rot , like they had with the Somerset , let it disappear once again .
tr	4	Sighing again , he reached up to scratch his face and felt a six-day growth of beard , evidence of his recent obsession .
tr	4	Looking up , he glanced in the mirror and saw dark rings beneath his eyes and a face lined with sleeplessness .
tr	4	But mostly , he needed a plan , needed a way to smoke out those who had stolen the Lady Grace away from him .
tr	4	The locals were provided instructions , then handed bandanas and other pieces of clothing that would hide their features and identities .
tr	4	Others were married , and they needed more assistance coming up with plausible excuses about why they were going out so late .
tr	4	More than a few said they 'd simply had too much to drink and didn 't dare drive themselves home .
tr	4	But in order to earn it , you had to put your hand on a Bible and swear yourself to secrecy .
tr	4	To a man , each of them smiled , for it had been a long time since any of them had been at sea .
tr	4	Unknown to the developer , who was counting on this material to keep to his timeline , its destination had changed .
tr	4	As soon as he thought those things , he felt some shame and tried to put them out of his mind .
tr	4	Sighing , he set aside the depressing summary of his father 's robust health and picked up the document containing his psychological evaluation .
tr	4	Because , as he had feared all along -- the giraffes being only the latest outward symptom -- the man had become seriously unbalanced .
tr	4	But why his father had chosen " pirates " as the object of his deranged mind , Seth might never know .
tr	4	When they arrived , he was still bound , gagged , and tied to a wheelchair in the medical device aisle .
tr	4	The guard was so incoherent , Lucas sent Tomlinson off to the prescription counter to grab the guy a couple of Xanax .
tr	4	But seeing it now on the screen , he knew one thing for sure : this needed to be kept under wraps .
tr	4	And if any word of this gets out , I will know where it came from and you will fry my friend .
tr	4	Turning to the cop , he said , " But they really do look like pirates , don 't they ? "
tr	4	At one point , his mother said he 'd done more than enough , that he should go outside and enjoy the afternoon .
tr	4	Earlier that morning , he 'd accidentally on purpose bumped into Sarah after waiting outside her grandmother 's house for half an hour .
tr	4	Of course , Sarah wasn 't sure how much was true and how much was him simply staying in character .
tr	4	The story also included a curious hodgepodge of other items stolen : decorative brass fittings , fasteners , spikes and bolts , and rope .
tr	4	But among his acquaintances was the brother-in-law of a man who worked security at the Wal-Mart down the street from the lumberyard .
tr	4	Among that which they 'd taken was as much canvas as they could lay their hands on , and sewing equipment .
tr	4	The more he thought about it , the less sense it made , therefore , the more certain of it he became .
tr	4	He removed a business card from his breast pocket and dialed the number , scratching his beard while the phone rang .
tr	4	Glancing down at himself , he realized he 'd been in the same clothes for three days now at least .
tr	4	If this works out , I 'll have a nice excuse to shave and shower and put on new clothes .
tr	4	Approaching the green , he surprised himself by feeling excited , and began to ponder his strange emotions of earlier in the day .
tr	4	Third , they only had the summer , and Chris was busy anyway , working at the inn and helping his mother .
tr	4	Turning the corner , he saw the large screen hung in its usual place , at the end of the green nearer the church .
tr	4	It was his idea that give us all we need to rebuild our ship and to ultimately make our voyage home . "
tr	4	Kicking himself , he opened his drawer to take out the coins he 'd been given that day at McGarvey 's .
tr	4	Laying all six coins side by side , he noted how cheaply they were made and the lack of grooves on the sides .
tr	4	He remembered there was a coin dealer in town , whose business he passed most every day on his way to the Rump .
tr	4	He also pondered for a moment simply throwing them in the bay and pretending he 'd never seen them before .
tr	4	The two wandered through the crowded sidewalks toward the green , already packed with people jockeying for the best view .
tr	4	Bumping Sarah 's arm , he pointed for her to turn to see the guy dressed as Uncle Sam on stilts pass by .
tr	4	On the other hand , he knew most of those missing were ones he 'd identified as having a hard time making ends meet .
tr	4	He smiled to himself , taking that as a good sign , imagining there was very little time to spare for church .
tr	4	Then came the boy scouts , followed by a hilarious float sponsored by the Pump , the bar down by the shore .
tr	4	Chris watched Billy use a long stick to shove something inside the cannons , and then a gunner named Richards set fire to them .
tr	4	The crowd screeched with delight , shoving and pushing to pluck their booty from the air or pick it up off the ground .
tr	4	Seth waited a moment , thinking it might have been rhetorical , before remembering the man didn 't work that way .
tr	4	Cobb went on to say he would continue his preservation efforts before contacting the Park Service to see what they wanted done with them .
tr	4	He had hoped against hope they 'd use it , writing and rewriting it to ensure it had a certain poetic something .
tr	4	The animals occasionally nuzzled each other 's necks , but mostly kept to themselves on opposite sides of their pen .
tr	4	He wondered about that , not remembering if that was something the zoologists did every summer , perhaps to keep them cool .
tr	4	~ Their eyes needed little time to adjust from the bright sunshine outside to the brilliant overhead lights inside the boathouse .
tr	4	It took Chris a moment to realize she wasn 't really floating in the air , but was propped up by a slipway .
tr	4	On her near side , the starboard , huge beams were spaced at an angle every few feet that pressed against her hull .
tr	4	But the side that was visible to him , the starboard , hadn 't been there at all only a few short weeks ago .
tr	4	Now , only a few small patches of yellowish lumber and plywood peeked through here and there revealing the repairs .
tr	4	He watched John pull the stick from the goo and sniff it before letting it drip back into the pot .
tr	4	It was a true twenty-four hour operation , Chris realized , and it was smart to give the men a place to rest .
tr	4	They appeared to be in charge of the women making pants , shirts , and other garments for the pirate 's journey home .
tr	4	Chris turned to Sarah at the same moment she turned to him , and they both said it at the same time .
tr	4	Laughing , by the time they turned back , Billy had already scampered down the ladder and was now heading toward them .
tr	4	An ' with all the help we 're gettin ' from yer townsfolk , I expect we may jes make it . "
tr	4	Even beneath the blackness and the fur he would have recognized Sykes ' sneer , the man who would be captain .
tr	4	After walking into the coin shop , a man stepped out from the back office to greet him at the counter .
tr	4	" I got ta say , you don 't seem all that surprised , " Lucas said , keeping his voice neutral .
tr	4	" Well ... it 's stupid I know , but it 's almost like they 're being used as some sort of currency .
tr	4	" But hell , there 've been so many new coins lately , I can see how people might get confused .
tr	4	I 'm telling you , if James K. Polk can get himself on a dollar , then anyone can . "
tr	4	Come to think of it , I did get one , and it was the first of them I saw .
tr	4	After taking the coins from the counter , he thanked the man for his time and turned for the door .
tr	4	He thought for a moment it might be time to bring this matter to his superiors , maybe even the Feds .
tr	4	And though he 'd never heard the name before and didn 't know the kid , he 'd keep his ear to the ground .
tr	4	Still , after reading the article , Chris couldn 't help it , and the word escaped his lips before he could stop it .
tr	4	After finishing his morning chores , he made himself some lunch , then wandered down the street and into the woods .
tr	4	She started to turn up her nose , but when he pulled it from the bag , he handed it to her smiling .
tr	4	Just peanut butter and jelly , " he said , adding , " No rat hairs that I know about . "
tr	4	Glancing down at the beach , he pointed and said , " There 's one here for you too . "
tr	4	She looked where he was pointing and saw either a beached whale or an old man who had no business sunbathing in the nude .
tr	4	She must have seen Chris chewed slower as each question came out , and slowed down to nothing at the last .
tr	4	When finished with his last bite , he took a long swig of soda before putting that theory to the test .
tr	4	Yeah , I guess it might seem a little weird and all , to someone looking in from the outside .
tr	4	But here , seems like you get to know people pretty well , and get to know a lot of their business .
tr	4	But my mother said she and my father always planned to open a bed and breakfast just like this one .
tr	4	Not only that , I probably put in half the time real students do and manage to ace all the exams anyway .
tr	4	When she finally made herself comfortable again on her beach towel , Chris took the last swig of his soda and went on .
tr	4	And that 's what makes it so weird , that I 'd forget what he looked like , but not his voice .
tr	4	Sometimes , I think he 's going to walk down the stairs , knock on my door , and say ' Buddy !
tr	4	Inside the boathouse , the retractable floor to the sea below the ship had been opened , limiting available space .
tr	4	Clem Johnson and Len Doyle and Ron Fernald all made special trips over to thank him or clap him on the back .
tr	4	Embarrassed by the attention , Chris mostly looked down or said it wasn 't anything they wouldn 't do for him .
tr	4	Some who heard him say that wondered to themselves if that were really true , though all hoped it was .
tr	4	And though it was something the public at large would never see or know , Chris realized then it was Dale Duesenberg 's masterpiece .
tr	4	He ordered a work stoppage to celebrate and ale all around , and that was the end of that workday for most .
tr	4	Chris saw the men pouring grease on the ramps were now finished and were scurrying away from beneath the ship .
tr	4	The ship was howling now , and Chris was certain this time that she did move an inch or two .
tr	4	With the ship wailing now , the engineer barked his final order for the last of the beams to be removed .
tr	4	The ship that had been straining against her bonds these past few minutes now seemed to have had second thoughts about entering the sea .
tr	4	The pressure on Chris 's hand ebbed somewhat as the rolling ebbed , and once again the ship sat proudly on the sea .
tr	4	There , on the bow of the Pamela , stood once crisp , now soaked white uniformed men , coffee cups still in hand .
tr	4	Funny thing though , now that it was on the water , to see such a ship without a mast .
tr	4	From his research , he knew it would be a massive thing , as tall as the ship was long .
tr	4	He almost smiled to think he was pretty sure they weren 't going to be able to find such a thing at Wal-Mart .
tr	4	After pondering it a while , he recalled something else , and a smile did begin to bloom on his face .
tr	4	Truly , this is the day the Lord has made ... or Gaia , or Buddha , or simply nature , he remembered .
tr	4	He smiled wider to be reminded of his special calling , to minister to those who made their living from the sea .
tr	4	Halfway there , he opened his eyes to take in and glory in the wonder of both nature and coffee and froze .
tr	4	Once satisfied that all was well in those directions , he again turned his head forward and suddenly it clicked .
tr	4	It was another moment entirely before he realized they were the church bells , but making no sound with which he was familiar .
tr	4	He double checked the scheduled date and saw it was on Sunday , September third , the day before Labor Day .
tr	4	But after that line of spiritual inquiry tapped out after fifteen minutes or so , the service was declared over .
tr	4	The police had received an anonymous call earlier that morning detailing , in the caller 's words , " an arboreal carnage ! "
tr	4	The crowd watched Lucas walk the length of the green , approach the stump , and simply shake his head .
tr	4	When he lowered his head , he began wandering around the stump in ever widening circles while staring at the ground .
tr	4	After a few minutes , he returned to the stump to take one final look before raising his head to stare at the crowd .
tr	4	More than a few looked tired and drawn , with circles beneath their eyes as if they 'd had a long night .
tr	4	But he almost smiled to think there wasn 't enough money in this town for these men to take part in something like that .
tr	4	It was crazy , he knew , but ever since that day , things had not been right on the Rump .
tr	4	In fact , Lucas realized , they 'd been staring at each other a while now and the kid hadn 't even blinked .
tr	4	Unlike the others , Cobb had an almost triumphant look on his face , like the cat that swallowed the canary .
tr	4	If it were , they would have left some sort of taunting reminder , or spray-painted the stump or something .
tr	4	" Ya 'll can go home now , " Lucas said to the crowd , as if they needed his permission .
tr	4	The Thursday before Labor Day weekend , Chris finished his chores early so he could go out and enjoy the day .
tr	4	He wandered into the cool water just shy of his thighs and let the action of the rolling waves get his nether regions acclimated .
tr	4	Only after his private parts retreated completely into his body was he ready to immerse himself in one fell swoop .
tr	4	Before he was ready , he glanced to his right and was embarrassed to see Sarah had already taken the plunge .
tr	4	But ... " He let that hang in the air before diving completely under , the cold water both a shock and a blessing .
tr	4	He must have dozed for a time , because when he opened his eyes Sarah was staring down at him .
tr	4	There , with his eyes closed and his face a grimace , sat Billy Grey , getting initiated into the life of a sailor .
tr	4	From his long black hair and the feathers sticking up from his head , Chris knew it was Henry , the Indian .
tr	4	The most stoic of the lot , Chris could see he was trying to keep his demeanor calm and failing miserably .
tr	4	He was tempted to look in and see who it was , but decided to leave that to his imagination .
tr	4	It 's just that ... and remember , you said you understood , you said more than anyone , you understood .
tr	4	He saw a dozen emotions pass over his face , perhaps none more frightening than when he read the last line .
tr	4	The curse itself was a pirate curse , so it was only in effect just so long as we were pirates .
tr	4	Chris went quiet a moment before asking , " So that 's why you were going to let them kill you ?
tr	4	Just then , Chris remembered something from his Internet sleuthing , that a pardon for his crimes wasn 't as crazy as it sounded .
tr	4	This evening , short of being told what boat they should get on , the men needed no further instruction .
tr	4	Before setting sail , each man donned his bandana and hat and other clothing to hide their features and identities .
tr	4	And whatever they were doing , it seemed somehow to make them more responsible , so they weren 't about to ask .
tr	4	Behind him , Len Doyle sat at the wheel of his skiff , maneuvering across the narrow channel toward their destination .
tr	4	In one hand , he carried a picnic basket his mother had made for them , in his other was a blanket .
tr	4	Chris found a spot on the all but empty beach to lay their blanket and the two lay down atop it .
tr	4	After a while , the two lay back to take in the glory of the universe and the wonder of the comet .
tr	4	She let that hang in the air longer than necessary before saying , " I wouldn 't dream of not going . "
tr	4	Thinking it was perhaps the lighting of a mosquito or the crawling of a small bug , he reached up to swipe it away .
tr	4	" I don 't ... " he started to say , and seconds later felt a blade beneath his ear .
tr	4	The points against his throat let up once again , but the knife to the back of the ear remained where it was .
tr	4	Forever and a day later , the sharp points to the left and right of Arthur 's neck ebbed somewhat and then were gone .
tr	4	After that , the only danger to Arthur was the sharp point that had never left his Adam 's apple .
tr	4	" Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor 's goods , " the man said quietly before he too removed his sword .
tr	4	Minutes went by , then hours , but Arthur remained frozen in place until the first shafts of daylight revealed he was truly alone .
tr	4	Chris saw cases and cases of whiskey and wine being carted up , along with bread and meat bearing the familiar Costco label .
tr	4	He smiled to think that at some point , marine archeologists were going to have quite a mystery on their hands .
tr	4	The captain bowed again , answering , " Not sure we 've had the pleasure of bein ' formally introduced .
tr	4	He knew Bill was handy with a saw , but had no idea what a master woodworker he truly was .
tr	4	Walking forward , he showed them the galley and the crew cabin , fitted with hammocks and tables and wooden lockers .
tr	4	Though darker here , Chris noticed a small door opening outward not far from the crew cabin and asked what it was .
tr	4	The lowest deck was filled with barrels of ales and cheese and other foodstuffs , acting as both ballast and storage .
tr	4	Chris saw too that piles and piles of red bricks had been brought down here , no doubt to keep the ship stable .
tr	4	He had managed somehow , once the sun had fully risen , to get out of bed and change his damp bedclothes .
tr	4	On the last of those occasions he awoke , he flinched to see a man sitting in a chair by his bed .
tr	4	" I know they came here an ' robbed ya , an ' no doubt committed foul atrocities agin ' yer person .
tr	4	An ' I 'm thinkin ... " The man paused from his fingernail picking long enough to send another horrid smile Arthur 's way .
tr	4	" You 're just getting back at me , or having some kind of fun with me , aren 't you ? "
tr	4	It took some time , because the captain was unsatisfied with his first six selections , sending him back again and again .
tr	4	Among the recreational vessels and medium-sized yachts cruising Boston Harbor that day was the elegant and well-known restaurant ship , the Sojourner .
tr	4	The salmon was underdone , the bisque overdone , and the lamb ... he didn 't even want to think about the lamb .
tr	4	Though Calvin insisted he let the companies he bought run the way they always had , Seth knew his track record said otherwise .
tr	4	None of them had been asked to join the board of Decatur Heath , and Seth certainly hadn 't insisted upon it .
tr	4	If he knew anything at all about their corporate bylaws -- and he did -- he knew that decision was irrevocable .
tr	4	A table had been set up in the center of the banquet hall with two chairs for the two representatives of the companies .
tr	4	Out on deck , the crew of the Lady Grace took to their stations as if they 'd left the sea only yesterday .
tr	4	When he got the all clear , the engineer nodded up to the captain before chirping something into a walkie talkie .
tr	4	The ship seemed to pick up speed as more and more rays of the sun shone brightly on her fresh paint .
tr	4	Moments later , the cheer grew louder as the Lady Grace finally slipped free of the boathouse and was again on the open water .
tr	4	The Lady Grace bumped up and down as it filled , meeting the water head on while the wind propelled them forward .
tr	4	The first man leaped to grab hold of it , then pulled it down as far and as fast as he could .
tr	4	Paying no attention to the larger vessels , she sailed straight toward that icon of the Boston waterfront , Long Wharf .
tr	4	She was propelled parallel to the shore a moment before tacking hard back out to sea , picking up speed as she went .
tr	4	" It would seem , gentlemen , that our client has arranged some sort of entertainment and we were not informed .
tr	4	Toward the end , they passed so close that Chris could tell what color a man 's wide eyes were on the other decks .
tr	4	On the other hand , when they started sailing straight toward the hotel , Chris was convinced the captain had lost his mind .
tr	4	Moments later , the crew of the larger ship lowered a metal ladder from their deck to the Lady Grace .
tr	4	But first ... there be some men aboard me ship who have some business to attend to on yer own .
tr	4	he yelled , thinking perhaps the man had missed the soiree and had simply found a novel way to get aboard .
tr	4	Chapter Nineteen ~ Though he promised himself he wouldn 't , Seth couldn 't help speechifying just a little bit .
tr	4	He spoke of Zimmerman 's long history , and how the marriage to Decatur Heath assured that history would continue well into the future .
tr	4	In conclusion , he thanked the board for their long years of service and wished them all well in their future endeavors .
tr	4	So , he laid that pen aside , picked up another , and signed his name to the next contract .
tr	4	He calculated that each of the eight signatures he would make this day was worth somewhere in the neighborhood of forty million dollars .
tr	4	Given the stakes , he wasn 't surprised that his heart was pounding , or beads of sweat began popping up on his forehead .
tr	4	Only after he signed the sixth contract did he begin to hear a smattering of applause that slowly grew into a rousing cheer .
tr	4	But as the cheer grew into a rousing crescendo , he smiled to know that at long last , the board was behind him .
tr	4	The sweat that had formed on Seth 's forehead now began streaming in rivulets down his face and into his eyes .
tr	4	At that moment , Seth realized he hadn 't moved a muscle since glancing up into the face of his father .
tr	4	And if the best interests of the company happened to coincide with his own best interests , so be it .
tr	4	In fact , I 'm here in my role as Chairman of Zimmerman Furniture to sign these contracts myself . "
tr	4	He noticed then , standing behind his father , was Dawkins , his ever-present lawyer , looking dapper as usual .
tr	4	I know you 'll find we have a first-rate management team , most all of whom have been with us for many years .
tr	4	" But remember , Decatur Heath is a great place to work too , for the right people that is .
tr	4	Unfortunately , buried in all the legalese , is that upon the sale of the company , our family stock reverts to several trusts .
tr	4	" I 'll never forget it , " she said , squeezing Chris 's hand as if to underline the point .
tr	4	The captain ordered the cook prepare a feast , to celebrate both all they had accomplished and their last night on the Rump .
tr	4	He and Sarah sat with Billy during dinner , enjoying his company one last time before he 'd be gone forever .
tr	4	When the captain got up to leave , he reached his hand down to Chris , who stood and took it .
tr	4	Then , as Sarah and Chris approached the ladder that would take them to their launch , night turned into day .
tr	4	Across the water , coming from what Chris assumed was the Coast Guard Cutter , an amplified voice could be heard .
tr	4	Glancing up , he saw the men in the rigging remove their knives from their teeth and rear back to throw them .
tr	4	When he reached the other railing , he heard a squeal as the motors of the approaching boat shifted into reverse , slowing it .
tr	4	At the very moment he looked down at himself , he heard waves of laughter begin breaking out on board the police vessel .
tr	4	He heard one set of feet running across the deck , and moments later heard another he knew were Billy 's .
tr	4	Any of the few dozen or so other charges that might come from some of their more interesting capers of the summer .
tr	4	The presence of Park Ranger Quinn , who Chris remembered had been on the beach that morning so long ago , made sense .
tr	4	Standing behind Cobb and Lucas , as if to protect him from the murderous stares of his former shipmates , stood Sykes .
tr	4	Surely he knew , like all the crew did , that tonight was their one opportunity to get back home .
tr	4	" ... Section 2.12 of the National Seashore Antiquity Act , absconding with a national treasure ... " Blah blah blah .
tr	4	I warn you there will be consequences if you don 't , not the least of which is criminal trespass . "
tr	4	Chris noticed he seemed to take a special glee in glaring at Barney , wondering again just what was the history between them .
tr	4	" I 'm sure you 're familiar with the act designating this section of the Cape part of the National Seashore ? "
tr	4	But until that day comes , I think it only fair we ask its current and legal owner what his wishes are . "
tr	4	" But never let it be said that I don ' take orders from the rightful owner of a vessel .
tr	4	Immediately , Haskins and Cobb began entreating the state police captain to put a stop to this madness and arrest all these men .
tr	4	With that , he turned around and made his way toward the ladder , with Haskins following behind , badgering him all the way .
tr	4	The gunners each took one of Sykes ' arms and began dragging him , kicking and screaming , down below .
tr	4	~ From the deck of the Pamela , Chris and Sarah watched the Lady Grace as they followed her to Nutmeg Cove .
tr	4	Every now and then , they saw a flash of heat lightning followed by the sound of a heavy thunderclap off in the distance .
tr	4	" I don 't know much about anything , but I 'm pretty sure you can 't go back in time . "
tr	4	Chris knew from his research the first three possibilities he 'd mentioned were possible , or at least Einstein thought so .
tr	4	The lawyer didn 't answer , but kept his stare fixed for the occasional sighting of the Lady Grace through the mist .
tr	4	He objected to everything Barney did , from the size of his estate to the design of his house to ultimately , the animals .
tr	4	But so much was lifted from other places , with no credit to the authors , that it had to be on purpose .
tr	4	Chris contemplated that a moment , understanding just a little what it was like for Cobb to take credit for another 's work .
tr	4	~ Chris , Sarah , and Dawkins lingered long enough for the mist to clear and the stars to shine brilliantly overhead .
tr	4	The sliver of visible moon smiled down upon them like the Cheshire cat , while the comet continued its oblivious journey toward the sun .
tr	4	Bending over , he picked up the bag containing his clothes -- his real clothes , he smiled to remember .
tr	4	Glancing down at the T-shirt and the goofy furry creature , he thought then it wasn 't really that bad .
tr	4	Of course , his bag was heavier now than it was when he 'd taken it on board the Lady Grace .
tr	4	But after looking up again , he could tell the captain appreciated the effort anyway as the two waved goodbye .
tr	4	Beneath the twinkling stars , he reached into his pocket and removed the coins he 'd carried with him throughout the night .
tr	4	In the year 1717 , she was sighted off the southern Carolina coast and reported to be heading north " with all haste . "
tr	4	Her whereabouts in the weeks and months that followed remained a mystery , up until the day she sailed triumphantly into Boston Harbor .
tr	4	Though the ship was battered and torn , her entire crew -- save one man -- were present and accounted for .
tr	4	Surprisingly , many of them distinguished themselves in later years , in fields as diverse as the culinary arts and the sciences .
tr	4	Applewood Twenty-five years ago , a mindless act of teenage vandalism reawakened a long dead nightmare in the small Massachusetts town of Grantham .
tr	4	When Sergeant Lombard finds a mutilated body by the side of the road , he knows the horror of his youth has returned .
tr	4	His uncle believes science offers hope and takes the boy on the run from shadowy forces tasked with exterminating those like his nephew .
tr	4	From the high-rises of downtown Boston , to the high seas of the Atlantic , events move inexorably toward a pulse-pounding climax .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	Autumn rain plummeted from an angry sky , washing the narrow , walled corridor I lay in with shades of grey .
tr	4	For once , I was grateful for the downpour : I did not want any evidence left of my recent demise .
tr	4	An avenging figure drifting down in the rainfall , a bloodied sword in its hands and a crazy smile in its eyes .
tr	4	I found a phone booth at the next intersection , closed the rickety door behind me and dialled a number .
tr	4	The orange glow of a cigarette flared into life , casting shadows under his brow and across his crooked nose .
tr	4	I transferred the data card from the broken phone into the new one and frowned faintly at the bands of smoke drifting towards me .
tr	4	I looked away from his probing gaze and stared blindly at the dark tower at the end of the avenue .
tr	4	' Well , he stuck a sword through my heart and pushed me off the top of the Cramer building .
tr	4	This had less to do with her size than with the fact that she made the best angel cakes in the city .
tr	4	You 'd be a tough sell , ' he grunted as the car splashed along the empty streets of the city .
tr	4	Sadly , he did not get to savour this feat as he died minutes after he fired a round through my skull .
tr	4	' He called me an abomination that should be sent straight to Hell and beyond , ' I added drily and paused .
tr	4	' Frankly , I thought that was a bit ironic coming from someone who 's probably not that much older than me . '
tr	4	Over the years , as I came to know and trust him , I had told Reid a little bit about my origins .
tr	4	I was born in Europe in the middle of the sixteenth century , when the Renaissance was at its peak .
tr	4	Although the odd incident still occurs between embittered members of each race , the fragile peace has , surprisingly , lasted to this day .
tr	4	Any offspring of such a coupling was thus deemed an abomination unto all and sentenced to death from the very moment they were conceived .
tr	4	Having perished seven times before , my father died after ten deaths : he fought until the very last breath left his body .
tr	4	The crows came next , silent flocks that descended from the grey winter skies and covered the bloodied bodies next to me .
tr	4	Cain Haus was the immortal who had contacted our agency two days previously and who more recently had stuck a sword through my heart .
tr	4	' I think we should tail him first , find out whether there are others with him , ' I said with a shrug .
tr	4	' And what about that drug dealer in New York , the one who stabbed you in the back ? '
tr	4	I looked at the pancakes that had just landed before me , thanked the waitress and reached for a fork .
tr	4	The hot dogs had proven to be sickeningly greasy and three cups of coffee were burning a hole in my stomach .
tr	4	A pale , skinny man with ash blond hair and a black overcoat had walked out of the hotel and was hailing a cab .
tr	4	Stretches of disused land appeared on our right , graveyards for the corpses of burnt out cars and broken white goods .
tr	4	By the time we entered the maze of derelict buildings that bordered the Mystic River , Reid had put the Chevy into a crawl .
tr	4	We strolled past the rotting carcass of a racoon and headed for the rickety stairs at the south-west corner of the building .
tr	4	I pushed Reid behind an air vent just as the bullet ricocheted off the hot asphalt yards from where we stood .
tr	4	' He 's either a crap shot , or he 's playing with us , ' he said , frowning .
tr	4	Before the last bullet left the barrel of his gun , we were up and running towards the next vent .
tr	4	Rapid footsteps sounded above our heads and a shadow appeared against the patch of blue sky visible through the jagged hole in the roof .
tr	4	My eyes widened as I looked past the barrel of an M9 Beretta pistol into the face of a madman .
tr	4	Haus 's wild cackle reached my ears as I sailed over the railing of the fire escape and dove into the river .
tr	4	Shells scored the surface of the river once more : by the look of things , Haus had loaded another magazine into the Beretta .
tr	4	His disposition did not improve when I handed him a wad of soggy dollar bills at the end of the journey .
tr	4	After checking the rooms for signs of forced entry , I showered , redressed my wound and changed into fresh clothes .
tr	4	It had taken several years and a considerable amount of money to convince the artist to make another copy for me .
tr	4	I performed detailed background checks on all prospective tenants and only selected the ones that would cause me no trouble .
tr	4	I considered the display of weapons that now occupied what had once been the east wall of my living room with a frown .
tr	4	I tucked them into the holsters on my thighs and loaded a handful of magazines in the belt at my waist .
tr	4	I stepped out into a dark void , turned and flicked a series of switches on the wall to my left .
tr	4	I wondered briefly whether I had crossed their territory in some way and involuntarily brought myself to their attention once more .
tr	4	If the Hunters had wanted to find me , they could have done so with maddening ease in the last hundred years .
tr	4	I was one of a lucky few who had managed to get their hands on a limited edition midnight black version .
tr	4	The low growl of the Hayabusa whined into silence as I braked to a stop and switched the engine off .
tr	4	A gasp left my lips as I was abruptly lifted from the stairwell by a pair of unseen hands and hurled through the air .
tr	4	As far as I knew of our extensive history , I was the only immortal who had the ability to truly kill another immortal .
tr	4	It was as if I could shatter their entire soul in one strike , like Azrael , the Angel of Death .
tr	4	It took only seconds for me to realise that Haus was the better fighter of the two brothers : I narrowly missed decapitation twice .
tr	4	Since I had never killed anyone in cold blood , I had been left with little choice but to agree to his proposition .
tr	4	She perked up considerably when I told her that I would bring him back for the appointment , dead or alive .
tr	4	There followed the subtle scratch of pencil across paper as he dutifully wrote down the messages from the previous day .
tr	4	A hesitant Mr Novak wanted to know how much it would cost to provide photographic evidence of his wife 's infidelity .
tr	4	A salesman from Ink R Us was promising a fifteen percent discount if we ordered thirty ink cartridges by the end of the day .
tr	4	I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling as the words of a dead man rolled out of the speaker .
tr	4	I would be grateful if you could ring me back so I can make an appointment to see you . '
tr	4	On the street below , people milled along the sidewalks , umbrellas bowing under the force of the heavy autumnal shower .
tr	4	I paused as the words slowly sunk into my consciousness : now that I had actually voiced them , they felt more real .
tr	4	London 's East End was our beat and we found ourselves regularly sharing pints of ale and gruesome stories in the local pubs .
tr	4	It was not until I met him again in New York in the 1960s that I realised that he was an immortal .
tr	4	As immortals who had not yet met their soul mates , having another immortal companion to pass the years with was a great solace .
tr	4	' Well , the rent isn 't going to pay itself if we just sit here playing twenty questions . '
tr	4	It consisted of four red-brick , garden style buildings arranged around a large central courtyard lined with sycamore trees and rhododendrons .
tr	4	Sunlight streamed through the swaying branches and cast dancing shadows on the walkway as I made my way across the grounds .
tr	4	They were crowded with metal frames depicting dozens of smiling children in uniform , standing and sitting in orderly rows .
tr	4	After talking to several of the neighbours and investigating the streets adjacent to the retirement complex , I studied the park across the road .
tr	4	I pulled a packet of catnip out of my pocket : I was hoping this particular feline had the intelligence of the average Labrador .
tr	4	I was about to call it a day when a block of buildings across the road from the north entrance caught my eyes .
tr	4	As I turned to retrace my steps , I caught a flash of black and white at the edge of my vision .
tr	4	Some twenty feet above the ground to my left , perched on a ledge next to a fire escape , was a silver tabby .
tr	4	I waved the catnip around and made further encouraging pleas ; this failed to produce a reaction from the cat .
tr	4	The cat sat several feet from the staircase , at the other end of the brick shelf : the golden gaze remained unwavering .
tr	4	' Okay , we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way , ' I said firmly .
tr	4	Fragments of metal and brick clouded the air as bullets suddenly scored a line in the wall next to me .
tr	4	Above the splintering and cracking noise , the stutter of a machine gun rose from the rooftop of the opposite building .
tr	4	There was a fleeting moment of weightlessness before I crashed through a window and landed on my side on rough concrete .
tr	4	I tightened my grip around the cat , grabbed a handrail , stepped up against the wall and vaulted over the banister .
tr	4	I elbowed him in the throat , ignored his strangled gurgle , scrambled to my feet and headed for the exit .
tr	4	I looked over my shoulder and caught a glimpse of the Chevy as it shot past the mouth of the alley .
tr	4	The silver tabby 's golden eyes were wide and unwavering as it stared at me , its claws still firmly hooked into my forearm .
tr	4	I attempted to detach the animal from my arm : it eventually relented and switched its grip to my jeans instead .
tr	4	As the Chevy swerved in and out of the mid-afternoon traffic , Reid glanced at the rear view mirror and frowned .
tr	4	As I stared at the black box and listened to the words pouring out of the speakers , I felt my blood grow cold .
tr	4	The setting sun had turned the waters crimson and bathed the austere walls of the chamber with an orange glow .
tr	4	It was only Reid 's reputation that had kept them from formally interrogating me as the prime suspect in the case .
tr	4	' I spoke to a couple of her neighbours , a Mr Harrison from 8B and Mrs Garcia from 10A . '
tr	4	' You mean to tell me you 've never fired a gun in your work as a private investigator ? '
tr	4	A cool breeze ruffled the leaves of a nearby sycamore tree ; the evening air was refreshing after the stuffiness of the precinct .
tr	4	' This is the third time in three days they 've tried to kill you , ' Reid stated with a frown .
tr	4	The radio scanner let out a blast of static and garbled words when we drove out into the North End seconds later .
tr	4	The golden eyes were still fixed on my face : it seemed to be awaiting my decision as intently as Reid .
tr	4	Reid 's apartment was a short drive from our office and about half an hour from the suburb where his ex-wife and children lived .
tr	4	Though small , the condo had an austere black and white masculine decor that complemented his character and his former lifestyle as a Marine .
tr	4	He had participated in both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf , as well as Operation Just Cause in Panama .
tr	4	Reid was sitting on the couch when I walked into the living room : the cat was next to him .
tr	4	Reid looked on wordlessly while I ripped open the cellophane wrap and emptied several passports and wads of different currencies onto the coffee table .
tr	4	I packed the money and the passports inside the one of the bags , my eyes not quite meeting his .
tr	4	' We 're dropping him off at the landlady , ' I said as I negotiated the narrow lanes behind the block .
tr	4	She was wiping her hands on a towel ; the warm smell of cinnamon and caramel drifted from the kitchen behind her .
tr	4	' In fact , I 'd wager there 's enough in here to cover the rent for the office for five months . '
tr	4	Chapter Five The clock on the central console was reading midnight when we reached the outskirts of New York City .
tr	4	Somewhere off Interstate 90 , Reid helped me remove the racing stripes from the Land Cruiser and change the number plates .
tr	4	With a maximum capacity of a hundred heads , it was well off the beaten track of the city 's busy night life .
tr	4	He glanced at Reid , untied the apron from around his waist , and handed it to a waiter hovering close by .
tr	4	' I 'm afraid you have the advantage of me , ' he said gruffly , glancing at me with a frown .
tr	4	He collected the tray and led us down the hall to an exquisitely decorated drawing room with tall vaulted ceilings .
tr	4	she asked smoothly , the faintest trace of her birth accent modulating her voice as she gazed at my partner .
tr	4	' It was one of the scariest experiences I 've ever had , ' Reid admitted with a heartfelt grunt .
tr	4	' I 'm afraid he 's always been one for fast things , ' said Solange , her eyes sparkling with humour .
tr	4	I first met Solange and Pierre in Paris in the late sixteenth century , not long before I began my travels through Asia .
tr	4	Upon my return almost two decades later , they realised that I was an immortal , as I did them .
tr	4	' I don 't know the exact details of what was discussed , but whatever it was , it 's stirred things up . '
tr	4	I parked the Cruiser a few houses down from a large , white , detached Victorian residence and leaned back in the seat .
tr	4	The events of the last few days were finally catching up on me : I had rarely felt so exhausted .
tr	4	The man who joined us for lunch a few hours later was an Intelligence Analyst for the FBI 's Criminal Investigative Division .
tr	4	We first met him during the Louisiana incident and had since crossed paths on a number of other joint investigations .
tr	4	' He has no past records or convictions on any criminal database in the world , including NCIC and Interpol . '
tr	4	I 'm afraid you 're gon na have to give me more time if you want the ones for the building on Pennsylvania Avenue .
tr	4	A mahogany Edwardian pedestal writing desk sat beneath the bay window facing the manicured gardens at the rear of the property .
tr	4	I had just cracked the safety codes to access his files when a thoughtful ' Ah ' made me look up again .
tr	4	The light glistened off her full lips and glinted on the thick , intricate sun cross pendant at the base of her throat .
tr	4	I didn 't have to state the obvious fact : in a battle with the immortals , he stood at a serious disadvantage .
tr	4	I had fervently hoped that Olsson would be amongst them : there were some burning questions I needed to ask my old friend .
tr	4	The Cruiser screeched to a halt in the middle of the street as I walked down the path to the sidewalk .
tr	4	' I heard there were shots fired at that house in Capitol Hill , ' the FBI agent said stiffly .
tr	4	A couple of doors down , a narrow , nondescript , two-storey building stood sandwiched between an electrical store and a restaurant .
tr	4	He beckoned us inside the building with a sharp wave of his liver spotted hand and closed the door behind us .
tr	4	We were faced with a narrow hallway that opened onto a long , cramped corridor suffused with the smell of cooking and cheap disinfectant .
tr	4	The basement was much larger than the building above it ; the walls appear to extend well beyond the actual boundaries of the property .
tr	4	I spied another door at the rear of the room before turning my attention to the rest of the extensive space .
tr	4	A bank of hard drives hummed next to a large air vent , dark monoliths in the otherwise well-lit room .
tr	4	He stared at Reid and me for a couple of beats before carefully putting down the document he had been working on .
tr	4	He removed a pair of latex gloves from his hands , rose from the chair and spoke a few words to the old man .
tr	4	' Well , for one thing , why the hell did you just fork out a small fortune for those forgeries ? '
tr	4	' The last paper Strauss published was from UPMC , the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris , ' I explained .
tr	4	Occasionally , my gaze would stray to the black and white print of the man and the woman in the restaurant .
tr	4	Somewhere over the Atlantic , I closed my eyes and was lulled into a troubled sleep by the drone of the Cessna 's engines .
tr	4	' Do all immortals have a thing for nice cars , or is it just you and the people you know ? '
tr	4	he said curiously while we sat at the dining table and sipped wine from a fine bottle of Cru Beaujolais .
tr	4	' Gustav mentioned that you wanted to know of any strange events that may have occurred in the city recently ? '
tr	4	Just then , Gustav entered the room , placed a large casserole dish in the center of the table and lifted the lid .
tr	4	' In response to your earlier query , no , there haven 't been any unusual incidents in the city of late .
tr	4	The guest room only has a single bed , ' Gustav said apologetically as he let us out of the apartment .
tr	4	After watching the place for ten minutes , I left the car , crossed the shallow fore garden and knocked on the front door .
tr	4	Her voice sounded thin and harassed on the speakerphone : the high-pitched screams of children rose in the background behind her .
tr	4	A man walked out with a dog on a leash ; he glanced curiously at the car when he strolled past us .
tr	4	Reid removed the lock pick from his jacket and carefully carved a hole in the glass with a small , circular diamond cutter .
tr	4	We climbed through the gap and stepped quietly inside the building , standing still while our eyes adjusted to the darkness .
tr	4	There were four apartments on each floor , two to the front and two to the rear of the building .
tr	4	I traced a small , faded rectangular mark on the rear of the gilded frame with the tips of my fingers .
tr	4	' Before that , there were twelve calls made to the same number in the space of a week . '
tr	4	It confirmed that a sum of 100,000 Euros had been transferred to an account in Zurich , as per the professor 's instructions .
tr	4	While I searched for maps of the CNRS campus , Reid looked up the NCIC database and Interpol 's site .
tr	4	' This kinda reminds me of a hospital , ' said Reid as we walked down the cool and clinical hallway .
tr	4	At the end of it was a door with a nameplate engraved with the words " Prof. HE Strauss . "
tr	4	Bar the complex machines that crowded the cluttered worktops and the humming fridge cabinets lining the walls , it was empty .
tr	4	A careful search of the drawers and filing cabinets produced nothing useful : there was no mention of CNRS 129 anywhere .
tr	4	Loose wires on the floor and a pale rectangular patch on the desk indicated that Strauss had had a computer in the office .
tr	4	' Well , whatever it is , it ain 't in this room , ' Reid said with a shrug .
tr	4	Before I could make sense of it , the world exploded in a wave of bright light and deafening sound .
tr	4	As I turned the key in the ignition , my gaze was drawn to something glinting under the sun several feet away .
tr	4	Reid leaned out of the passenger window and returned fire over my head while I scrambled backwards into the driver 's seat .
tr	4	I blinked sweat and blood from my eyes , engaged the transmission , grabbed the wheel and floored the accelerator .
tr	4	The second explosion blasted a young tree from its roots and lifted the rear wheels of the roadster several inches in the air .
tr	4	It spun , flipped over twice and crashed into the safety guard with a harsh shriek of metal tearing against metal .
tr	4	I looked at the rear view mirror and spotted the black mouth of the weapon on top of the pursuing vehicle .
tr	4	' At this rate , if they don 't kill us , you will for sure , ' he said lightly .
tr	4	The tail of the truck screeched past inches of the front bumper , before spinning lazily through one hundred and eighty degrees .
tr	4	' Police are still looking for the third vehicle involved in this incident , thought to be a black vintage Jaguar .
tr	4	' I have just received some breaking news from my colleague in Paris , ' she added breathlessly with barely concealed excitement .
tr	4	I leaned across and studied the fuzzy mug shots of the pair of us on the NCIC and Interpol pages .
tr	4	I looked past Reid and directed a friendly smile at the large bearded man behind the front desk of the cafe .
tr	4	Located on a low rise at the end of a residential street , it had spectacular views over the water .
tr	4	We paused in the shadows of the hedge and watched an elderly man close the curtains on the ground floor .
tr	4	A careful search of the drawers and wall cabinets provided no clues about the identity of the owner of the house .
tr	4	Addressed generically to the owner of the property , it confirmed that all the post had been diverted to a private mailbox in Geneva .
tr	4	It was Reid who found the small metal and glass casing wedged in a gap between the floorboards in an upstairs closet .
tr	4	Though the image had faded over the years , I could still make out the two figures within the frame .
tr	4	' It stands for the Functional Genomics Center of the University of Zurich , ' I said a moment later .
tr	4	The young woman seated behind the reception desk looked up with an inquisitive smile when we crossed the cream marble floor towards her .
tr	4	Hubert Strauss opened an account with us two months ago , with an opening balance of two hundred and fifty thousand Euros .
tr	4	She had a stack of folders in her arms and was reaching distractedly for the access badge at her waist .
tr	4	' Charming , ' Reid said wryly , the access card he had lifted off her waist dangling from his right hand .
tr	4	' We know she had travelling plans , but she should have been back in the lab this week . '
tr	4	The clock face on the station 's stone facade was reading five minutes to noon when we entered the central hall .
tr	4	We followed her past the lifts to the other side of the shopping mall , where she turned at a junction .
tr	4	She was about twenty feet from it when a figure stepped out slightly from behind a pillar next to the shop .
tr	4	I caught a glimpse of soft , dark curls framing a pair of smoky eyes and felt a sudden tightening in my chest .
tr	4	An elaborate , thick , gold sun cross pendant fell out from the open neck of her black coat when the woman lunged forward .
tr	4	They all fired at the woman behind the pillar , raising a cloud of chips and plaster dust from the stonework .
tr	4	I nodded and raced across the concourse , the katana in one hand and the Smith and Wesson in the other .
tr	4	By the time I skidded to a stop behind the next stone pillar , the woman and the old man had disappeared .
tr	4	I looked around wildly and spotted them thirty feet from where I stood ; they were making their way swiftly across the concourse .
tr	4	I stared at them , tension and that strange feeling of recognition coursing through my veins while I slowly closed the distance between us .
tr	4	I looked around : Reid had emerged from another escalator and was racing after the 4x4 , gun in hand .
tr	4	The running pair abruptly dove out from the pavement and narrowly missed the front bumper of the 4x4 as it weaved towards them .
tr	4	I skidded to a stop , leapt over a bench , rolled in the middle of the road , and rose to my feet .
tr	4	I closed the fingers of my left hand over the Smith and Wesson , squinted , aimed and squeezed the trigger twice .
tr	4	A heartbeat later , the dark shadow of the truck passed inches above me before crashing onto the asphalt several feet away .
tr	4	It slid on its roof in a shower of sparks and finally ground to a halt against a lamp post .
tr	4	I climbed to my feet , turned and rocked back on my heels as a hot gust of compressed air blasted down the avenue .
tr	4	Seconds later , I entered the main hall of the Hauptbahnhof and darted through the crowds towards the main tracks .
tr	4	After dressing the wound on my leg and the graze on my forehead , we changed back into our clothes and checked out .
tr	4	We drove east along the Alps , past Munich and Salzburg , and reached our destination in the late evening .
tr	4	It was there that I first learned how to use a pistol and suffered two of my deaths in somewhat gruesome fashions .
tr	4	These show several men who had fallen after apparently suffering multiple fatal gunshot wounds rise again minutes later and walk out of the station .
tr	4	' They don 't seem to care that they 've been caught on camera , ' said Reid after a while .
tr	4	' Let 's just try and get to the bottom of this thing before those bastards kill any more people . '
tr	4	The upper tiers of the buildings on either side crowded over the dark alley , adding to the claustrophobic feel .
tr	4	The hubbub of conversation inside ground to a halt when I pushed open the thick , iron plated door and stepped across the threshold .
tr	4	' I have a feeling you 're not just tourists passing through , my friends , ' the bartender said gruffly .
tr	4	I frowned while I carefully scanned the frontage , and almost missed the ghostly glow behind the small cellar window inches above the sidewalk .
tr	4	I squatted on the pavement outside the tavern and stared at the narrow , dark aperture below the ancient building .
tr	4	A hundred feet along the waterway , I skidded to a stop in front of a vertical grill in the wall .
tr	4	In more recent history , parts of this underground city had been used as bunkers by the Germans during the Second World War .
tr	4	The last time I was down here , the Turks had been trying to blow up the walls around Vienna .
tr	4	We turned a corner and glimpsed the figure of the man outlined by the light of the flame torch he held in one hand .
tr	4	I lifted a hand and traced the shape slowly with my fingertips , my heart sinking at the significance of the symbol .
tr	4	Fresh cigarette butts littered the ground and a camping gas stove stood in a corner next to a kettle and three tin mugs .
tr	4	Two of the three men seated at the table in the middle of the floor rose and reached inside their coats .
tr	4	The man from the daguerreotype had fallen to his knees : he bent over with a faint groan and clutched at his side .
tr	4	My gaze stayed focused on the retreating backs of the wounded man and woman , my heartbeat matching my steps .
tr	4	The pair had just entered the shadow of another bridge when they stumbled and fell to their knees next to a stone buttress .
tr	4	She pressed her hands against the wound in his flank , a slight grimace crossing her face as she favoured her right arm .
tr	4	My eyes helplessly traced the contours of her features as I struggled with an emotion I would not put a name to .
tr	4	' Let 's get you up these steps , ' he said to the old man and placed one arm around his waist .
tr	4	The larger of Victor 's bodyguards took the front passenger seat of the vehicle while Reid and I climbed in the back .
tr	4	The driver , a man with red hair and a friendly countenance , gave us an amiable nod over his shoulder .
tr	4	I turned , lunged across the back of the driver 's seat , grabbed the steering wheel and yanked it sharply to the right .
tr	4	The Skoda crossed the center line and came to a screeching halt facing the other way against the opposite kerb .
tr	4	There was a bang from under the hood of the truck and a cloud of smoke suddenly billowed out of the front .
tr	4	I blinked again and dimly realised that the dark shadow obstructing my left eye was blood trickling from a fresh wound on my scalp .
tr	4	We lay stunned for a moment , the heat from the conflagration scorching our backs , before slowly rising to our feet .
tr	4	Pale light filtered down from the skies and illuminated the empty road ahead : the Transporter and its pursuers had disappeared .
tr	4	We were twenty feet from the mouth of the alley when a squad car suddenly braked in front of it .
tr	4	An Austrian Federal Police investigator stood near the back wall and watched the proceedings with a carefully neutral expression while the Frenchman interrogated me .
tr	4	' Why do I get the feeling you 're going to tell me it was those " invisible " men again ? '
tr	4	' They were very interested in the amount of empty shells and blood found at the scenes , though . '
tr	4	' Well , he wouldn 't have to if you people just left him alone , ' Reid said with a heavy frown .
tr	4	Moments later , I glanced to the right ; we had just gone past a secured evidence room and the armoury .
tr	4	The Austrian investigator was speaking to the sergeant behind the desk when a door slammed open to the far left of the reception .
tr	4	' We have a letter here from the Federal Ministry of Interior with instructions for you to transfer these men into our custody .
tr	4	I grabbed the stunned Frenchman 's weapon out of his shoulder holster , twisted and fired a volley of rounds .
tr	4	Anatole looked up from tying a piece of cloth he had torn from his sleeve around the bullet wound on his thigh .
tr	4	Besides , it 's been a while since we 've seen this much action , ' he said with a shrug .
tr	4	I left the guns in the holsters on my thighs and drew my swords as I headed towards the fallen men .
tr	4	He held a bleeding Anatole under the shoulders ; the Bastian driver had acquired a second gunshot wound to his abdomen .
tr	4	' You could have finished him off , ' said Reid as we raced down the steps of the police headquarters .
tr	4	Anatole lay heavily against him ; the immortal had turned an ashen colour and was bleeding profusely from his wounds .
tr	4	While I helped Bruno load Anatole into the back seat , he propped the injured car owner against a concrete pillar .
tr	4	A couple of feet above , half a dozen shocked passengers gaped open-mouthed through the windows while I pulled away .
tr	4	' Reid , ' I said with a dull note of urgency , my gaze shifting to the busy traffic ahead .
tr	4	He rolled the cracked window down , leaned out of the estate , raised the Glock and fired a series of shots .
tr	4	The last sedan drove around the wrecks of the first two vehicles , clipped the bumper of the second car and kept coming .
tr	4	Ignoring Reid 's and Bruno 's shouts , I swerved onto the verge , accelerated and skidded across the junction between the contra flow .
tr	4	Reid returned just as I finished pouring a generous amount of it down Anatole 's throat and followed this with some painkillers and antibiotics .
tr	4	' An immortal who can trace his genealogy all the way back to the very origins of our races , ' I replied steadily .
tr	4	' Unfortunately , it was several decades before the full effects of the Red Death manifested themselves in him . '
tr	4	' She 's a pureblood and a nasty piece of work , if I say so myself , ' he added with a grunt .
tr	4	' If it was up to her , the immortal war would still be going on to this day . '
tr	4	' It would be good if I could get to the bottom of whatever 's going on before the final one . '
tr	4	The van turned down a narrow country lane just outside the sleepy village and headed west across a series of dark fields .
tr	4	Apart from the pale reflections from the eyes of the wild animals that fled the glare of the headlights , the forest seemed uninhabited .
tr	4	It was fringed by the woods on three sides ; a dark ridge rose behind it to form the crest of the hill .
tr	4	' I told Tomas to turn the porch light off if there was any sign of trouble , ' said Victor .
tr	4	Despite the immortal 's reassuring tone , I could not stop the icy lump of fear forming in my stomach .
tr	4	A tire hurtled out of the blazing wreck and rolled towards the trees , leaving a flaming trail in its wake .
tr	4	I turned and saw the driver of the van rolling desperately in the dirt , his legs engulfed in flames .
tr	4	The ground was an invisible enemy ridden with potholes , burrows and roots that threatened to trip us up at every step .
tr	4	Anatole draped an arm around the bodyguard 's waist and dragged him forward , their breaths leaving their lips in hoarse gasps .
tr	4	The enemy was flanking us on all sides : we were being herded inside a closing circle from which there would be no escape .
tr	4	I studied the dark clad figure in front of me and blinked repeatedly to clear the blood from my vision .
tr	4	His shoulder length ash blond hair gleamed dully under the pale moonlight drifting in slivers through the clouds that marched across the sky .
tr	4	A scar carved a jagged path from the corner of his right ear all the way down to his mouth .
tr	4	He pressed down with his sword , teeth gleaming in the gloom as his lips parted in a feral snarl .
tr	4	I saw Reid 's chest rise and fall shallowly out of the corner of my eyes , his breathing slow and irregular .
tr	4	A wave of unrelenting rage surged through me at the thought of the immortals who had brought us to this .
tr	4	My one remaining regret on leaving this world was not having had the chance to get to know Anna Godard .
tr	4	You might reopen your wounds , ' said Anna , pushing me gently back onto the bed I lay upon .
tr	4	The furniture was sparse and utilitarian ; whatever there was of it looked antique Bohemian , old but in good condition .
tr	4	I gazed at her profile and the elegant lines of her neck while she spoke , her hands twisting fitfully together .
tr	4	I swung my legs off the bed and leaned heavily on the edge of the mattress when a wave of dizziness hit me .
tr	4	I reached for the glass of water with a shaky hand and grimaced when the movement pulled on strained and damaged muscles .
tr	4	' I 've been better , ' I said blithely , trying not to show my anxiety at Anna 's words .
tr	4	A faint grin tugged at my lips when I observed the cigarette clamped firmly at the corner of his mouth .
tr	4	You should listen to her , ' Godard retorted with a distracted expression , his eyes never leaving my face .
tr	4	It was a deliberate distraction : my mind was not quite ready to deal with the overwhelming subject of having survived my seventeenth death .
tr	4	' So , are we going to get to the point or are we going to indulge in some small talk first ? '
tr	4	Though I could not recall his features , I felt that I had known him for a long , long time .
tr	4	His shoulders sagged and his face slackened , as if he carried a burden too heavy for him to bear .
tr	4	Although my whole being resonated from the surprise his statement had engendered , deep down inside I knew that he spoke the truth .
tr	4	' In what way would knowing that I had -- ' she glanced at me -- ' a family have hurt me ? '
tr	4	' After all , it 's the reason why my parents were murdered and I 've been hunted all my life !
tr	4	When the two immortal societies found out about your existence , a warrant was immediately issued for your capture and execution . '
tr	4	' Had Balthazar not stolen her heart , I had hoped the two of you would marry one day . '
tr	4	' I made sure you at least got out of the mountains and reached the nearest village safely , ' Victor added gruffly .
tr	4	' I will never understand how she gave birth to someone as gentle and as kind as your father . '
tr	4	The old man stared at me , his eyes reflecting my own perplexity at the most staggering fact in this whole affair so far .
tr	4	Only a spatter of leaves still clung to the bare branches high above the ground : autumn was well and truly here .
tr	4	' Hubert was attempting to manipulate genetic material to create some kind of " off " switch to down regulate cancer cell production . '
tr	4	Subconsciously , I think I had known what her reply was going to be even before she uttered the words .
tr	4	His last email indicated that whatever the discovery was , it would change the world as we know it forever . '
tr	4	' It 's a combination of different ciphers used together in a series , ' said Anna slowly , staring blindly ahead .
tr	4	' She 's playing a dangerous game , ' he murmured finally , staring at the flames in the hearth .
tr	4	' I 'm not about to let six hundred and twenty years of peace end because of that damn woman . '
tr	4	Places we had been to , work we had done together in the past , even the music that we liked . '
tr	4	' It 's a short section of genetic material created during DNA replication , ' she added at my puzzled expression .
tr	4	' He drew them at the start and at the end of the encrypted pages , ' I stated tensely .
tr	4	I knew a little about the art of cryptography from my previous involvement in wars over the last four centuries .
tr	4	These days , I mostly relied on the power of the latest computer software to solve any complicated codes I came across .
tr	4	Had you not spotted the significance of the Okazaki fragment , we would have been at this for days . '
tr	4	' If what is written here is true , he has uncovered the Holy Grail of science , ' said Anna .
tr	4	' Hubert used a sequence of techniques both of us had worked with in the past , ' Anna said , clearly puzzled .
tr	4	She nicked the tip of her thumb with the edge of the short blade and dripped a few scarlet droplets into a second vial .
tr	4	I removed a band-aid from the first aid kit on the wall next to the sink and wrapped it gently around her finger .
tr	4	' Surely , this isn 't the first time that immortal blood has been used in some kind of research or another .
tr	4	I sat on the edge of the bed and carefully shrugged out of my shirt , wincing when the movement stretched bruised muscles .
tr	4	' They 're healing well , ' she said after a while , her fingers fluttering over my skin while she examined my injuries .
tr	4	The now sweetly familiar and strangely intoxicating scent of oranges wafted from her hair and the skin on her nape inches from my face .
tr	4	And who had Olsson meant when he said that the man who killed his father held me dear to his heart ?
tr	4	Blood trickled from his broken nose and his split lip , staining the white shirt under his brown leather jacket .
tr	4	' In fact , as Head of Counter Terrorism , I don 't even need their approval to arrest you . '
tr	4	Bruno and Anatole have volunteered to keep you company while you divulge these useful pearls of wisdom to me . '
tr	4	' You will die , here , today , if you don 't tell me what I need to know . '
tr	4	' This is taking too long , ' he murmured , absent-mindedly rubbing the bloodied knuckles on his right hand .
tr	4	' I 'm going to leave you in the hands of the " half-breed " , as you like to call him . '
tr	4	' It 's good to see you looking so well , ' he said to Tomas Godard , who stood at the side .
tr	4	It was broken by a stout man with the expression of a bulldog who sat on the other side of Victor .
tr	4	' I will not have you speak so of my grandson , ' said the former leader of the Bastian Hunters with narrowed eyes .
tr	4	I turned and studied the faces around the table before levelling a steady stare at the man next to Victor .
tr	4	' Let 's get something clear , ' I said , making no attempt to hide the coldness in my voice .
tr	4	As far as I 'm concerned , you can continue to have your petty squabbles for the rest of eternity . '
tr	4	' And for the time being , as much as I hate to admit this , it appears that I need you . '
tr	4	' And I hear that for Felix Thorne to personally come out on a Hunt is practically unheard of . '
tr	4	' We were trying to keep that fact a secret for as long as possible , ' Victor said grimly .
tr	4	I demand that you -- ' ' Costas is right , ' the man on the other side of Tomas Godard interrupted harshly .
tr	4	' I would hate to think what that woman would do to you if she had you in her grasp . '
tr	4	' Surely we do not need the whole Order of the Bastian Hunters just to keep one woman safe ? '
tr	4	' Roman and I will pretend to be passing through Prague on our way to Budapest , ' he continued , unperturbed .
tr	4	As the Bastian Council vacated the room in a low rumble of murmurs , I paused by Anna 's chair .
tr	4	I knew from talking to Tomas Godard two days before that Anna had never handled a firearm in her life .
tr	4	I studied her expression carefully while I tried to figure out the quickest way to convince her that this was a necessity .
tr	4	' If you can defend yourself , less people will have to die protecting you , ' I finally said bluntly .
tr	4	' It seems wrong , shooting bullets into people , ' she murmured , her hands stilling on the gun .
tr	4	' No , ' said Anna , a puzzled frown marring her brow while she glanced from him to me .
tr	4	I turned east and walked through the woods until I reached a deserted clearing half a mile from the manor .
tr	4	Chapter Seventeen I lowered the katana and studied the figure standing in the shadows on the edge of the clearing .
tr	4	Though the isolated clearing stood a good distance from the manor house , the sounds of our clashing blades soon drew an audience .
tr	4	Despite the growing crowd , I could feel Anna 's gaze on me as if it was a laser beam cutting through the dark .
tr	4	While the rest of the Hunters and the Bastian nobles slowly dispersed , Victor and Reid stepped out from beneath the trees .
tr	4	As we got ready to leave the estate , I finally cornered Godard on the stairs of the manor house .
tr	4	I told him about Olsson , the circumstances behind his apparent death in Boston ten years previously and his recent appearance in my life .
tr	4	I finished fitting a sound suppressor to the Smith and Wesson and murmured a low , ' I 'm fine . '
tr	4	There was also a cool breeze blowing in from the south that would help mask the sounds of our approach .
tr	4	The gardens stretched down a series of shallow terraces to a small artificial lake rimmed on three sides by heavy woodland .
tr	4	Ten minutes after we crossed the wall , we paused in the trees beyond the still waters and waited for the signal .
tr	4	We headed south along the passage , occasionally crossing bars of pale light that streamed down through the narrow grilles in the ceiling .
tr	4	Bruno cut through the lock with a small blow torch , oiled the hinges of the door and carefully pushed it open .
tr	4	Reid picked the lock swiftly and silently ; we could not risk using the blow torch with the smoke alarms in the cellar .
tr	4	' There 're four bodies heading your way , two from above and two from below , ' the voice said tensely .
tr	4	We had barely pressed ourselves into the shallow alcoves on either side of the door when it opened silently on smooth hinges .
tr	4	We secured the unconscious Hunters ' weapons and headed swiftly back up the stairs to the first floor of the mansion .
tr	4	We caught the Hunters ' bodies before they hit the floor and tied them up in a bay behind the French curtains .
tr	4	' There 's a man in the room in front of us , ' I said softly in the mouthpiece .
tr	4	The folders , however , were still in code : they would have to be decrypted before they could be moved .
tr	4	There was a beep from the machines : the words " Access Denied : Incorrect Password " appeared on the screens .
tr	4	A fine layer of sweat beaded my forehead : I had one more chance to get it right before the system locked me out .
tr	4	As I moved to shut down the hard drives , another folder at the bottom of one of the screens drew my gaze .
tr	4	I could tell from their aggravated expressions that they knew this to be true and that they were not pleased about it .
tr	4	A wave of blind rage shook me to my core ; it took all my self-control not to rush the immortal there and then .
tr	4	But whereas my father 's eyes had been smoky and warm , hers were as cold and bleak as the depths of space .
tr	4	Then , the moment passed and the sliver of hope shattered into a million shards that pierced my heart with blinding pain .
tr	4	We were a hundred feet from the outer perimeter wall when the second wave of Hunters appeared ahead of us .
tr	4	The helicopter rose with the four of us still clinging to the rope ladders and banked sharply to the left .
tr	4	The tension in Victor 's voice was mirrored in the strained looks on the faces of the immortals inside the helicopter .
tr	4	' We heard what happened from the Bastian Hunters , ' he said gruffly when we walked through the doors .
tr	4	' These are the folders that you sent us , ' said the Bastian tech seated behind a set of keyboards .
tr	4	' I have to say , they got a helluva lot of info on you Miss. ' A scowl darkened Anna 's face .
tr	4	Strauss 's chronicled the progress of the scientist 's research and held detailed personal background information on him and his colleagues .
tr	4	Anna took the seat he vacated , reached for the mouse and slowly scrolled down the pages on the display .
tr	4	' They mention a vaccine that is to be administered a couple of weeks prior to the start of the transfusion process . '
tr	4	' To this day , we are still nowhere near the number of immortals that existed prior to the plague . '
tr	4	The only sound in the room for the next few seconds was the clattering of her fingers on the keyboard .
tr	4	' I 'm sorry to point out the obvious here , but didn 't someone just mention a vaccine ? '
tr	4	' I would need the help of experts in the field of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology , not to mention Immunology . '
tr	4	' So , we have to destroy this virus and steal or make a new vaccine , ' said Victor after a thoughtful silence .
tr	4	' There is far too much at stake here for our pride to get in the way , ' he said coldly .
tr	4	The only way to reach the deserted site was up a narrow , rutted track lined with thick undergrowth and crowded by trees .
tr	4	Branches and leaves scraped noisily against the doors and the underside of our vehicle as the driver negotiated the muddy , steep trail .
tr	4	' Dimitri , ' he said , nodding to the middle-aged man in a dove grey suit at the head of the group .
tr	4	' Costas , on the other hand , appears to have aged by at least a couple of centuries . '
tr	4	' By the way , that was quite some stunt you guys pulled last night , ' he said to Victor .
tr	4	The silence was broken by the squawking of a pair of crows as they lifted off the ground ahead of us .
tr	4	' But if another potential leader was to come to the fore and challenge her ... ' He lapsed into silence .
tr	4	Dead leaves and twigs snapped and swirled around our feet in an unruly dance in the expectant silence that followed .
tr	4	The air had lost its wintry chill and the sun was warm on my face when I stepped out of the van .
tr	4	Now that we have some evidence , it should be easier to convince them that action needs to be taken . '
tr	4	Victor 's words were still ringing in my ears when we crossed the border into Germany a few hours later .
tr	4	Victor finally said , his fingers tracing the thermal outline of the large underground structure that dominated the satellite photos .
tr	4	' From what we can deduce , the labs are located at the very center of the structure , here and here .
tr	4	' We borrowed them from a local construction site , ' said Friedrich by way of explanation at our stares .
tr	4	Some fifty feet below , the blades of a horizontal fan rotated lazily , drawing air down from the surface .
tr	4	He squinted through the crosshairs of the telescopic sight at the tunnel on the opposite side of the duct and pulled the trigger .
tr	4	The passage on the other side of the ventilation shaft extended another eighty feet before stopping at a rusty air-tight door .
tr	4	' Now we go down , ' said Friedrich quietly , indicating the metal rungs that ran along the wall outside the doorway .
tr	4	A glazed circular window sat in the top half of the panel : beyond it was an empty , sterile white corridor .
tr	4	I stared at the airtight seals around the frame and the coded access security panel next to the handle with a sinking feeling .
tr	4	As he moved to connect it to the security panel , I placed a hand on his shoulder and stopped him .
tr	4	' I thought you couldn 't get a signal this far below ground , ' said Anatole as they watched me work .
tr	4	' Most modern mines have advanced digital communication systems , ' I murmured , my fingers dancing over the touch screen .
tr	4	The sound of footsteps rose close by , echoing loudly on the concrete floor , before gradually dying in the distance .
tr	4	We had already crossed several corridors and passed more than a dozen side passages , all devoid of signs of life .
tr	4	The mode of death was clearly evident : there was a single bullet wound in the middle of his forehead .
tr	4	I lifted the pass key from the dead man 's waist and moved it across the access panel to the right .
tr	4	I studied the array of complex equipment that crowded the worktops before opening the storage compartments and fridges scattered around the lab .
tr	4	Like the man in the corridor , she was also dressed in a decontamination suit and had suffered a bullet wound to the chest .
tr	4	I walked to the steel door and stared through the oval glass port in the top half of the panel .
tr	4	A single , tall glass fridge squatted on the floor next to them : to my dismay , the shelves inside were empty .
tr	4	' They may still be alive , ' I said flatly , reaching for the pass key at my waist .
tr	4	I studied the purple and necrotic lesions that covered the visible areas of skin on the two corpses with rising horror .
tr	4	I took a deep breath and tried to suppress the rage and dread that threatened to overwhelm me before moving to the third bed .
tr	4	His skin was covered in the same lesions as the first two and one of his IVs was attached to a working drip stand .
tr	4	He slowly lifted his head off the pillow and grabbed the front of my suit in a surprisingly strong grip .
tr	4	' He said he was going to give us the vaccine , but he injected us with the virus instead .
tr	4	We were slipping out of the white suits in the outer chamber when a second explosion made the floor tremble beneath our feet .
tr	4	Reid and I dropped to the floor and stuck close to the walls , trying not to inhale the gritty air .
tr	4	' Friedrich 's still back there , ' he said with a frown , indicating the corridor to his left .
tr	4	' I think now would be a good time to get out of here , ' said Reid , staring at the unstable heap .
tr	4	I turned and gazed in the direction he stared at , which was the access door to the elevator shaft .
tr	4	' There 's a crack in the wall at the side , ' I said after studying the obstruction for a while .
tr	4	' That 's all fine and dandy , but where the hell are you gon na get your hands on explosives down here ? '
tr	4	' I suspected Victor would 've instructed you to destroy the lab behind us , ' I replied with a shrug .
tr	4	I carefully stuck the bomb inside the crack in the elevator shaft wall and joined the others behind our makeshift barricade .
tr	4	' Hell , we haven 't gone through all of that just to abandon them here , ' he muttered .
tr	4	In the end , we secured the injured men to our harnesses and pulled them slowly up the ladder behind us .
tr	4	said Reid , staring from the unconscious immortal under his arms to the tunnel on the other side of the shaft .
tr	4	If you go over first , ' he wheezed , ' you can use this to pull him across . '
tr	4	Meanwhile , Friedrich and I secured the lifeless man to the cable and tied the other end of the rope to his harness .
tr	4	' You 're next , ' I said to Friedrich once the unconscious immortal had made it to the opposite tunnel safely .
tr	4	I looked over my shoulder , alarm twisting through my gut ; the steel arrow was almost out of the ceiling .
tr	4	I felt the abrupt slack in the line , grabbed the rope with both hands and fell through empty space .
tr	4	I placed my feet against the wall and started to climb while Reid pulled frantically on the other end of the line .
tr	4	A large section of concrete and the twisted remains of a metal fan crashed against the space where I had been a second ago .
tr	4	' You must have the lives of a thousand cats , ' Anatole said with a grin , visibly relaxing .
tr	4	' You know , for a minute there , I really thought you were a goner , ' Reid said somewhere above me .
tr	4	He was sitting on a pile of earth and rocks a couple of feet away , his breathing heavy and fast .
tr	4	I was dimly surprised at the steadiness of my own fingers when I crouched and lifted the canister from the ground .
tr	4	A litany of Czech issued from the other end of the line : I recognised several choice expletives and winced .
tr	4	' That was an extremely foolish thing you did , ' he said gravely , his voice muffled by the protective glass .
tr	4	It had taken them a couple of hours to locate a suitable high containment transport pod and the necessary equipment to move me .
tr	4	' I don 't think he 's ready to talk to you yet , ' he said bluntly after a thoughtful pause .
tr	4	One disadvantage about being confined to an isolation pod was that I could hardly follow people when they stamped away in a huff .
tr	4	I drifted past a high containment glass wall and was wheeled through a decontamination chamber and into an inner sterile room .
tr	4	Almost half a day after I first entered it , the door of my steel and glass prison hissed open on smooth hinges .
tr	4	' Of all the -- ' She paused , struggling for words , and suddenly punched me in the chest .
tr	4	I didn 't know that , ' I said quietly , feeling another ripple of remorse flutter across my conscience .
tr	4	I started to drift in and out of consciousness , barely aware of the people entering and leaving the room in my stupor .
tr	4	How I lasted until then , I was not sure myself ; the details were more than a little hazy .
tr	4	He was leaning against the wall and slowly rolling a cigarette between his fingers ; his gaze held mine steadily .
tr	4	' After what he witnessed in Vienna , he 'll be begging us for a piece of the action . '
tr	4	Over the next ten minutes , Reid and I explained about our involvement with the FBI and the French detective .
tr	4	The events in DC and Europe are more than enough reason to justify this operation under the counter terrorism act . '
tr	4	' After all , we 've interfered with and shaped the course of human history for almost two millennia . '
tr	4	That 's why we requested observer status at the UN and maintain close ties with the political leaders of the world . '
tr	4	The mattress was soft and more comfortable than the one I had been forced to lie on for the last three days .
tr	4	Light from a nearby security lamp flickered through the swaying curtains and cast moving shadows across the ceiling and walls of the bedroom .
tr	4	She crossed the floor silently , bare feet sliding over the dark wood , and paused at the side of the bed .
tr	4	And throughout it all , the heady smell of oranges that infused the space around our bodies , drowning me in her scent .
tr	4	I sat up and swung my legs off the bed , trying to suppress the sensual images still flashing past my eyes .
tr	4	' I have direct orders from the Oval Office to follow your instructions to the letter , ' he said gruffly .
tr	4	' You wouldn 't want to tell us the name of this organization of yours , by any chance ? '
tr	4	' It appears to have a great deal of influence with Heads of States on both sides of the Atlantic . '
tr	4	As the cavalcade drew closer to the sky rise , Reid and I fastened FBI vests over our clothes and checked our earpieces .
tr	4	' Not really , ' I murmured , my fingers sliding over the reassuring weights of the blades at my waist .
tr	4	I stepped over the fallen immortals and started up the stairs beyond the exit door , the others following in my wake .
tr	4	' It 's a distressing habit of yours , ' my partner continued as we carried on up the steps .
tr	4	' Anna will undoubtedly kill me if I let you haemorrhage all over the place , so please try not to do so . '
tr	4	I lifted a scrap of paper from the ground and stared at it ; it was a label for a box of medical equipment .
tr	4	I looked over my shoulder and saw scores of Bastian Hunters step through the doorway we had just come through .
tr	4	A couple of scientists in suits followed behind him , each carrying a pair of silver cases in their hands .
tr	4	Ears still ringing from the blast , I used the cover of the grey clouds and crawled through the open doorway .
tr	4	The staircase beyond was ominously silent : the sound of gunfire from the floors below was barely audible through the walls .
tr	4	I twisted and rolled , my heartbeat steady and the bloodied blades dancing in my hands while bodies fell around me .
tr	4	It had a floor to ceiling glass wall that offered panoramic views to the Washington Monument and the Potomac River .
tr	4	I gripped the metal runner with both hands and hauled myself up onto my elbows with a grunt of effort .
tr	4	A faint but eerily familiar noise reached my ears above the clatter of the rotors and the blood pounding in my head .
tr	4	The Roosevelt Island was a splash of autumnal red and yellows against the dark waters of the Potomac River below .
tr	4	I glanced over my shoulder in time to see another grenade leave the rocket launcher in the second Bell helicopter .
tr	4	Ignoring the paramedics ' deepening frowns , I raised the container to my lips and stared at the man coming up behind them .
tr	4	We strode past the smoking wreckage of the Bell 222 and headed for a black van further down the road .
tr	4	' It 's the vaccine , ' he said gruffly as we climbed into the back of the vehicle and closed the doors .
tr	4	In the end , it took a private phone call from the President himself to stop the county commander from arresting us .
tr	4	' I have to admit , neither am I. ' ' It 's for the best , ' I said distractedly .
tr	4	The Bastian Hunters were silent for the entire trip , their expressions grim under the dirt and blood that still coated their faces .
tr	4	By the looks of the distorted steel plates , rocket grenades had been used to force entry into the compound .
tr	4	We passed three burning SUVs , their deformed carcasses testimony to the fierceness of the battle that had raged in our absence .
tr	4	Fires blazed in most of the buildings in the complex , the flames licking dangerously close to the surrounding trees .
tr	4	It was apparent that was where they had stood their ground as the last line of defence against the enemy .
tr	4	They also destroyed our lab and took the samples of blood she had been working on to find an alternative vaccine . '
tr	4	' Are some of you so willing to forgive and forget the atrocities she has committed against our kind ? '
tr	4	' It would be wise to listen to Victor and Costas , ' said the Council member next to Roman .
tr	4	' I for one will definitely be voting against the idea of a pact and for a swift and aggressive retaliation . '
tr	4	' This doesn 't mean we 're friends , ' he said gruffly in my direction before storming out of the vehicle .
tr	4	Foam from the fire extinguishers coated the floor and walls of the building , turning the ash and soot into muddy slush .
tr	4	I made my way to the underground bunker that housed the lab and crossed the floor to the glass rooms .
tr	4	The papers scattered across the work surfaces and the floor had been shredded by rounds and debris , rendering the writing unreadable .
tr	4	' They 're on an island in the Mediterranean sea , somewhere between Sardinia and Sicily , ' Victor replied steadily .
tr	4	In fact , according to the US Geological Society and the European Federation of Geologists , it doesn 't even exist . '
tr	4	A jagged ring of rocks surrounded the rugged land mass and churned the dark waters around it into a roiling , foaming death trap .
tr	4	A nightmare concoction of towers , rooftops and terraces , it sprawled across the prominence like a dark scar on the land .
tr	4	' We wouldn 't be in this position if the Bastian Councils stopped sitting on their hands and did something . '
tr	4	' I suspect there are others in the Bastian Councils who want to imitate his actions , ' said Victor finally .
tr	4	He walked to a table where a map of the Mediterranean Sea lay spread out and frowned while he stared at it .
tr	4	I stared out of a window , my mind filled with images of Anna and our grandfather from the previous two weeks .
tr	4	My fingers unconsciously tightened on the armrests , my emotions fluctuating from anger and frustration to fear and anxiety at their fate .
tr	4	Sometime before noon the next day , we crossed the Mediterranean Sea and landed on a military airfield in the south of Sardinia .
tr	4	While his officers wrapped up the equipment we had used during our exercises , he dropped onto the tarmac and gazed at us steadily .
tr	4	I can safely say that none of you are likely to kill yourselves after what we 've just put you through . '
tr	4	Although I felt drained from the flight drills we had been put through , I was too tense to follow his advice .
tr	4	I found a deserted spot at the edge of the airfield and practised with the swords under the rising moon .
tr	4	A warm breeze blew in from the sea and soon flicked the droplets of sweat that beaded my face and arms onto the tarmac .
tr	4	Anatole waved from behind the wheels of the leading SUV ; Victor nodded stoically from the seat next to him .
tr	4	' If I 'd known I 'd be doing a HALO jump soon , I would have quit smoking months ago . '
tr	4	I switched on the portable oxygen bottle on my back , disconnected from the console and checked my flow meter .
tr	4	I followed Reid to the exit and stepped off the plane , the wind whipping at my jumpsuit as I dropped forward .
tr	4	Soon , the audible altimeter sounded in my ears , indicating that I had reached a terminal velocity of 170 mph .
tr	4	Heart leaping in my throat , I turned and ran towards the two figures struggling silently near the north-east parapet of the rooftop .
tr	4	The distant boom of waves crashing into the rocks hundreds of feet below was the only noise that reached us .
tr	4	A bank of clouds had moved in from the west and drifted past the moon , causing shadows to dance across the pale stone .
tr	4	' There 're three glasses on that table , ' I said in a low voice , studying the bench tucked beneath the windows .
tr	4	At the end of the passage was a brightly lit archway framed by a pair of thick , velvet curtains .
tr	4	I took a step towards the archway , rage stirring the blood in my veins like the turbulent sea outside the fortress .
tr	4	My heart pounded dully in my chest while I stared at the image of Anna lying still on a metal gurney .
tr	4	Her arms and legs were strapped to the bed and she was attached to a life monitor and an IV stand .
tr	4	' The best I can do is get you to one of the elevators that will take you down to the facility .
tr	4	' Let the others know where we 're headed , ' I said , gazing at the other pictures on the monitor .
tr	4	Bullets ricocheted off the edges of the steel as I weaved the blades around , my steps quick and measured .
tr	4	Olsson stepped out and stood perfectly still for a split second , his eyes widening in incomprehension as he took in the bloody scene .
tr	4	' Well , they were gon na find out about us soon anyway , ' he said with a grimace .
tr	4	I pressed the button that would take us to the lowest floor , roughly one hundred and sixty feet below ground .
tr	4	' You know , if Lucas doesn 't shut you up soon , I swear I 'm gon na shoot you . '
tr	4	To the left , taking cover behind a makeshift barricade , were Victor , Anatole and a dozen Bastian Hunters .
tr	4	I sheathed the swords , drew the weapons from the holsters at my hips and stepped out of the lift .
tr	4	I breathed slowly and deeply , the guns barely jerking in my hands as I emptied the magazines with deadly accuracy .
tr	4	I hardly noticed and finished clipping the fresh chambers into place before raising the guns once more , my stride unbroken .
tr	4	Once they 're in , we 'll be able to get the rest of our men on the island . '
tr	4	We crawled along it as quietly as we could , our breaths coming hard and fast in the enclosed space .
tr	4	Endless white corridors soon merged into each other , the walls blindingly bright under the harsh fluorescent strips on the ceiling .
tr	4	Minutes later , we turned a corner and skidded to a stop in front of a pair of high containment doors .
tr	4	I stared at the control panel at the side with a frown : I had never seen one like it before .
tr	4	From what I recalled of the map of the facility , Anna was being held in a room somewhere along that passage .
tr	4	A couple of men in sterile suits looked up from a monitor sitting on a desk in the room beyond .
tr	4	' I 'm here , ' I said , struggling to keep my voice steady as a wave of emotions surged through me .
tr	4	I carefully avoided her gaze while I undid the leather belts holding her down on the metal gurney , my hands trembling imperceptibly .
tr	4	' I hate to rain on your touching parade here folks , but I think we should get moving , ' said Anatole .
tr	4	He gave us a quick , awkward grin over his shoulder , the Steyr AUG rifle in his hands aimed at the main door .
tr	4	Anna frowned , turned to the second scientist and hit him on the jaw with the butt of the gun .
tr	4	The labs had emptied in our absence , the scattered paperwork and overturned chairs testimony to the haste of the scientists ' departure .
tr	4	The corridor beyond was carved out of rock and lit eerily by flickering flame torches sitting in metal brackets on the walls .
tr	4	' I think the room where they took Grandfather is somewhere down there , ' Anna murmured at my side .
tr	4	A cold premonition rose in my mind as my gaze shifted once more to the cage in the middle of the room .
tr	4	' I will not have you question my allegiance to my race so readily , Agatha , ' she said sharply .
tr	4	At the latter 's command , Tomas Godard 's chains were removed and he was escorted inside the glass cage .
tr	4	He walked to the side of the cage , opened a compartment built in the steel construct and placed the container inside .
tr	4	' Of course , I still need to take care of your delightful granddaughter and that bastard half-breed grandson of yours .
tr	4	' If you have any feeling at all left in that cold heart of yours Agatha , then let Anna and Lucas live ! '
tr	4	I took a step towards her , cradled the back of her head with one hand and kissed her fiercely .
tr	4	I paused on the edge , took a deep breath and gripped the guns tightly in my hands before jumping .
tr	4	As I plummeted head down towards the floor of the atrium , I dropped both arms and started to fire .
tr	4	The bullets smashed into the glass ceiling of the cage just as the liquid reached the box in the roof .
tr	4	I pulled up sharply , hurtled through the jagged opening and landed heavily on my feet in the middle of the shard strewn floor .
tr	4	I fired a bullet through the lock on the door , grabbed my grandfather 's arm and pulled him out of the broken prison .
tr	4	The numbers on the indicator panel above the lintel glowed as the cabin on the left ascended into the fortress .
tr	4	A couple of minutes later , the doors of the elevator pinged open on the highest floor of the castle .
tr	4	We proceeded swiftly along a deserted corridor and came to a spiral staircase carved in the wall of the castle .
tr	4	' Looks like this is the only way up , ' I muttered while further shots pinged off the walls .
tr	4	Ahead of me was a circular chamber dotted with lancet windows that looked out on what remained of the night .
tr	4	My heart slammed erratically against my ribs as my gaze shifted once more to the other two people in the room .
tr	4	The bullet left the barrel in a flash of light , hurtled an inch from Anna 's right eye and struck the stone ceiling .
tr	4	As I headed towards Victor , Thorne 's sword slipped past his defence and pierced his abdomen just below his ribcage .
tr	4	' This is between you and me , Uncle , ' I said coldly , my gaze never leaving Thorne 's face .
tr	4	Thorne fought viciously and skilfully , his blade missing my flesh by inches over and over again as we moved around the tower .
tr	4	The katana danced and skimmed through the air , blocking his moves repeatedly while I searched for a weakness in his attack .
tr	4	She had a gun in her hand and walked purposefully to where Anna and my grandfather kneeled on the floor and tended to Victor .
tr	4	' Remember when I told you all those years ago that I didn 't know who your father was ? '
tr	4	' Because your father was Cecil Thorne , Agatha 's eldest son , ' said Godard in the next breath , confirming my suspicion .
tr	4	' Cecil and Lily managed to keep their relationship a secret for almost two hundred years , ' he continued in a weak voice .
tr	4	I turned wildly , the Smith & Wesson in one hand while my fingers closed over the handle of the katana .
tr	4	Olsson slumped against the wall again , his eyes wide in stunned surprise beneath the bullet wound in his forehead .
tr	4	He came to my side as I rose silently from the floor , the body of my grandfather cradled in my arms .
tr	4	In the sky ahead , the sun rose on a new day and a flock of black crows descended from the heavens .
tr	4	It let out a series of sharp barks , its tail wagging furiously while it leapt forward and back excitedly .
tr	4	It said a lot for Victor 's and Dimitri 's influences that such an unparalleled agreement had been made in so short a time .
tr	4	As for Anna and I , we left Europe the day after we buried our grandfather 's ashes in Prague , his birth city .
tr	4	There were now three more detectives working full-time with Reid , two of them old friends from the police force .
tr	4	' I see your scar has almost faded , ' said Victor , indicating the faint mark near Reid 's left shoulder .
tr	4	Although it was not as fast as an immortal 's regenerative abilities , it was still far greater than that of a human .
tr	4	Even more astounding was what was happening to the injuries he had incurred before the transfusion : his old scars were also slowly fading .
tr	4	Anna assured us that such a thing has never happened on the rare occasions when a human received blood from an immortal .
tr	4	' It 's the first book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament , ' I replied slowly .
tr	4	You 're aware that most of the original Dead Sea Scrolls are kept in the Shrine of the Book , in Jerusalem ? '
tr	4	' Do you recall where I was at the time Victor contacted me , after the compound in Virginia was attacked ? '
tr	4	It 's only been in the last couple of weeks that I finally returned to analysing the materials we found . '
tr	4	' The second , and by far the most extraordinary finding , are the biological remains we found with the scriptures . '
tr	4	' Before I tell you about those , I must add that there were in fact two caves , ' he said gruffly .
tr	4	' Victor and I have both personally researched the extensive genealogy of the noble families of our two immortal societies .
tr	4	' We also found the alpha and omega designs that make up your birthmark in the scriptures from the cave in Egypt . '
tr	4	The scientists working on the project had access to only part of the materials at any one point in time . '
tr	4	' However , we did wonder what impact it would have on the immortal societies if we let the truth be known . '
tr	4	I stared at Victor for a long time before rising from the table and stepping to the edge of the veranda .
tr	4	As I gazed out over the rippling water , a strange and unexpected feeling of calmness suddenly washed over me .
tr	4	' If you think we 're playing catch with this , you 've got another thing coming , ' said Reid .
tr	4	' Let me guess , ' she continued drily , ' you would 've preferred something like Butch or Bud . '
tr	4	Bingo , the typical parental phrase came to light , and I smiled guilty that I was leaving my country .
tr	4	An all month in Greece , on Crete island , I knew that , how I told the story of Icarus .
tr	4	I woke up in a dark forest , with so much shadowy and very high trees that I almost saw nothing around me .
tr	4	I heard a weeping ... I went to the source and I discovered my mother , standing down , crying in a kerchief .
tr	4	I was scared and fell in my knees but I could not touch her just see and hear her : " Why ?
tr	4	I was on a cliff and deep down was the roaring sea , I felt something heavy on my back , were wings .
tr	4	Therefore , he pushed me from the cliff , while I was trying that smearing wings , which didn 't had feathers .
tr	4	Anyway , I started to calm down , putting my headphones in my ears and hit the play button from my mp3 player .
tr	4	I looked after him amazed how he took a cab and I was thinking to myself : " What a nitwit ! "
tr	4	The driver turned brusque the car to left , who exceeded the regulation speed , and I woke up on my colleague .
tr	4	" My suggestion is that you will go somewhere to drink and stay , you just simply cannot seat here in the seaport " .
tr	4	At the top of them , stood a man who took my ticket and smiled , wishing me bon voyage .
tr	4	I was sitting with a coffee in my hands , listening to some music on the deck , watching the water .
tr	4	Sometimes there were also some shows on the Aegean Sea , this meaning little islands who were passing lazily near the ship .
tr	4	As for the rest I really didn 't had nothing to do , and the boredom wasn 't late to appeared .
tr	4	I watched bored my phone and saw that I had only one hour left , until arriving at the destination .
tr	4	I was looking to the left and to the right , already having the intuition to return and buy me a ticket to Athens .
tr	4	For a second I feared that everything was a trick , and now I am alone on this bloody island .
tr	4	I had to hold the phone at a distance from my ear , fearing to be deaf for the rest of my life .
tr	4	My mother 's voice exploded of concern , and the questions , which tortured her mind , spilled out to me in the phone .
tr	4	I 'm your teacher , and in the rules book , you are forbidden to get off this island . "
tr	4	" I have 22 years old , I think I am enough major in every single country on this Planet ! "
tr	4	Sure , a night out , some fun didn 't hurt no one , but lets not forget why we are here . "
tr	4	She looked at me and didn 't say a word ; she realized that with me is difficult to talk .
tr	4	" Here we are , " she said and parked her car randomly , in front of a grand hotel .
tr	4	I did not understand why she was so damn happy when I was so cheerless ; making plans how to murder her .
tr	4	In the elevator , I started to laugh and with a grain on my face , I looked around for my room .
tr	4	I came back in my room , took my shoes off and jumped directly in bed , felt it comfortable .
tr	4	She started to laugh , feeling stupid that I didn 't pay attention at what she said : " You woke up just now ?
tr	4	" You don 't have to apologize , I came in Greece yesterday and trust me , the same thing I did . "
tr	4	I watched quickly the phone , and after the 20 calls and messages from my mother , the time was ten pm .
tr	4	I instead , was watching her , lost in thoughts , and I figured out that I did not know who she was .
tr	4	" Yes is true , is my first experience in this way and above all that I never left England before " .
tr	4	" So you are the type of shy , silence guy who prefers to be alone all the time ? "
tr	4	Who has a mental illness and we have to write down and to observe , for a month , how it 's manifesting . "
tr	4	" We are psychologists ... I mean ... I am thinking that for the mental illnesses is the duty of the psychiatrists . "
tr	4	And because we are among the best students in our colleges , they put us in our hands a very interesting human .
tr	4	He is American , and he with his family moved here for the summer vacation ... plus we will make practice . "
tr	4	Me , even if I was hungry , I could not eat , only with the thought of being friend with a schizophrenic .
tr	4	Returned to the hotel , I spotted far away Miss Helen and I rushed the walk with Abby , to the elevator .
tr	4	I am coming home , I already miss England , and I don 't want to stay here anymore . "
tr	4	I did not care ; I have to get away from this island before I will turn myself in a schizophrenic .
tr	4	The next day , I was fresh but still angry ; an irritating state does not pass me that easily .
tr	4	I walked in the reception lobby and I saw the blonde bimbo , Helen , all shiny and stuff , talking at her phone .
tr	4	In front of me was no one else beside Abigail , standing with her arms crossed and with her face very serious .
tr	4	" I quit the project , it is not my place here ... " " Damian , you can 't give up now !
tr	4	She put forth towards me and I let go my stubbornness and came to her taking her hand in mines .
tr	4	I talked nineteen to the dozen to the girl , both of us standing on a local bar near the seaport .
tr	4	You reached the last level of your college , thinking that being studious and knowing everything will help you finding your answers .
tr	4	I smiled back and noticed that she took off a folder from her backpack , on which was written : Laurence Mill .
tr	4	" That 's why I 'm telling you Damian , that not the college can help you resolve your issues .
tr	4	A voice from my head said to me that I will be in the friend zone , which I did not like the idea .
tr	4	The subject is not allowed to know that we want to make friends with him just because we are studding him . "
tr	4	I don 't know how to dance or ... " " Don 't worry about that , I can teach you . "
tr	4	Probably I sighed thousand of times since I came here , but I was happy that Abby came after me in the seaport .
tr	4	Together we came down to the reception and for my sake Helen wasn 't there , after that we went to a taxi .
tr	4	When the driver started to go , I turned to Abby : " Abby , I am not good at talking or making friends .
tr	4	I know that he likes martial arts , is very good at it ... " " Great , a good martial arts schizophrenic . "
tr	4	She did not say hi back just : " Laurence is in his room , I will lead you the way to him .
tr	4	A computer on a black desk , in the corner , and a little mess in , the cloths being everywhere .
tr	4	But she 's lying , I saw a lot of Greeks speaking a perfect English , I really don 't get it .
tr	4	I realized that he wasn 't nonsensical , it was his real personality and some how he seemed a good person .
tr	4	" Yes well ... maybe they like to travel , " I said unskillful , not knowing how to talk .
tr	4	And with Damian become friends in the hotel , and I suggested him to come with me to know you . "
tr	4	" Well actually ... we were invited in a club tonight and would be nice if we will go there . "
tr	4	" Hmmm , ok , only if he will have fun " she said with a disgusting smile , running in her room .
tr	4	Me , Abby and Laurence were sitting in the bus station , with tickets in our hand , waiting for the bus to come .
tr	4	" And it 's a surprise that you don 't go in clubs , if you are a good dancer . "
tr	4	I laugh , even if I didn 't want to do that and I watched on the bus windows , outside was twilight .
tr	4	" Let me call Helen " Abby said , and I could not believe that these two girls were in touch .
tr	4	Laurence was in happy hour , looking around amazed by what he saw , as if only then he realized where he was .
tr	4	He is schizophrenic , but I can be much worst then that and I am capable of doing conscious bad things .
tr	4	" Actually I 'm teacher of ... " Helen started , but I took her away , putting my hand on her shoulder .
tr	4	Helen was giggling and I took my hand off her shoulder , I really did not want to appear like her boyfriend .
tr	4	I never thought that I will have such a great time here , I mean far away from my home and friends . "
tr	4	Abby said to me , while I was watching Helen to see if she didn 't made foams to her mouth .
tr	4	I didn 't forbid you to do that , " she said happy , taking a drink from my vodka .
tr	4	The sea was making smooth waves and I took my shoes off , was so pleasant to feel the sand on my bare feet .
tr	4	Was so calm and relaxing to hear the water , to breath it , to see it , even if was night .
tr	4	I watched the stars above and I have to admit that Mother Nature outdone her self with the Greek natural beauty .
tr	4	" Now yes ... I ... I went out because of that drank vodka who was showing signs that wants to get out . "
tr	4	Even if she was dizzy , still her sweet sense I could smell , and that think made me to want her so bad .
tr	4	Even if the idea sounded extraordinary in my ears , Lars didn 't had to be alone , especially that he drank alcohol .
tr	4	" And what we suppose to do Damian , to seat here until the morning when our bus comes ? "
tr	4	The sky took light colors , and at the horizon , a pink line could be seen , announcing the dawn .
tr	4	On the sand I trembled of cold , Abby was sleeping on Lars 's laps and with her legs on mines .
tr	4	I smiled false , grabbing in my feast the sand and only God could stop me from throw it in his eyes .
tr	4	I was happy , and no idea why , maybe the simple fact that I slept like a log after a long night .
tr	4	Damian E.J. " I blended the paper and I put on a blue shirt , wearing short and black jeans .
tr	4	I didn 't had nothing , my face was the same , pale with pink tint , like I knew it to be .
tr	4	Abby was standing up , happily as usual in front of me , having her hair caught in a tail .
tr	4	The truth is that I have them so rare , but when I do have it , the people around me are happy .
tr	4	I talked with Lars , later I will go at his place , " she said , watching me with a serious face .
tr	4	" Because he starts with me to get along very well and in this way I can see some of his aspects much easier .
tr	4	I opened it , and a mug shot picture with Laurence was on the front page , after that another file was .
tr	4	I did not wish to listen much to this monster ; otherwise , I would start a fight with her .
tr	4	I did not want to start believing that the girl is lying to me ; I could not stand the lie .
tr	4	We raised up from our table after drinking our coffees and we went on the road back to the hotel .
tr	4	But of course that these things happened only in my mind , watching helpless how she was living me to meet the other one .
tr	4	Tears , yes , the tears started to fall out from my brown , childish eyes , tears which I hate them .
tr	4	I didn 't care if he was champion at martial arts , I just wanted to drown him into the sea .
tr	4	Anyway , I make a bow at it , move along my way , making some people staring at me , and laugh .
tr	4	Me , the great lord of England , making way throw the square agglomeration and ended up in a dead end .
tr	4	He was taking me near the Venetian port -- superb , very superb -- and finally he stops me near that bar terrace .
tr	4	I get in one of them and I told the drive in Greek to take me at Blue Paradise Hotel .
tr	4	That is why I preferred to be Greek in those moments not to risk paying 100 euros for 2 m .
tr	4	The Greek driver realized that I was not from his kin , because he asked me something and I continued to say yes .
tr	4	Therefore , I entered the glass doors in time , because she was already in the elevator , preparing to leave to her room .
tr	4	" For your curiosity , yes , I care about him and I think we are much more then friends .
tr	4	" For your curiosity , yes , I care about him and I think we are much more then friends .
tr	4	It was gnawing inside me knowing that she just came from Laurence and the dyeing monster did not last long , helpless struggling .
tr	4	Arrived in my room , more dead then alive , I slammed the door , putting myself down like a little child .
tr	4	I do not want to find out the answer of my question , but an idea was growing in my mind .
tr	4	Beautiful , smart , but she is in love with someone else ... she wants me just as a friend . "
tr	4	I throw the phone on the other side of my hotel room , taking a place on the cold floor , and suffering .
tr	4	I didn 't have experience to cope these things , so that beside to suffer , I did not know what to do .
tr	4	I was located in a sort of a labyrinth , with lots of doors beside me and I could hear horse tramping , somewhere .
tr	4	Seemed to be that she was not aware of my presence there , she could not hear me , because she did not react .
tr	4	I felt in my knee next to her , and I pushed aside a hair strand over her beautiful face .
tr	4	I groan when I saw her left bruised left eye , and a cut on her face suggested me that someone brutalized her .
tr	4	I shouted to him , even if the monster was triple big then I. " I want for you to let her go .
tr	4	Whatever , if I would not see her in my eyes , so much the better , because she could wake my inside monster .
tr	4	I was happy ; I can go to Grand Britain , home , where is the best place on earth .
tr	4	The mirror 's reflection smiled at me , and I got out with that smile on my face , playing with my key .
tr	4	I didn 't want to turn around to see who called me , continuing what I started , namely to get in my room .
tr	4	When I managed to open my door and to put a step in , the voice started again to call my name .
tr	4	I avoided looking in her eyes , fearing that she could charm me again , even if her voice gave me creeps .
tr	4	I stepped away from the entrance letting her in , and I keep my breath to not smell her perfume again .
tr	4	" I know I was , somehow rough ... but I don 't ... I don 't want to break out .
tr	4	I got up from her and took back my seat on the chair , same as I was before , impassible .
tr	4	Abby was with her eyes on the floor , but she raised them up on me , with them swimming in tears .
tr	4	And that I was trying to do , to see beyond the appearance of the situation where I was in .
tr	4	I write on it legible " For Abigail Woods " and after that , I made a smile face right next .
tr	4	Chapter VI - A brilliant mind , a weak soul Abby W. I open my eyes suddenly , with a strange feeling of loneliness .
tr	4	I got up slowly from the bed , like I was sick or something and go lazily to the bathroom .
tr	4	After I mastered it , I put my blue fillet and get back into the room , being in pajamas .
tr	4	I took my black purse and I searched in it , taking in my hand wrappings and throw them in the garbage .
tr	4	Better for me if I will not go to the reception first but to make a visit to mister sulky Jones .
tr	4	I turn white and my knee started to shake ; in that moments I felt a left over , abandoned , lost .
tr	4	I just wanted to scream , that how much angry I was , still trying to call him but he still didn 't answer .
tr	4	After all my mascara was gone , I started to put a new and fresh makeup , being careful too not ruin again .
tr	4	Now probably you are sitting and wonder why I did this , why I decided to leave , for the second time .
tr	4	I love you , it is true , but the pain to know you belonging to someone else , kills me .
tr	4	Probably know when you are reading these words are laughing or not taking serious what I say , but it is true .
tr	4	If you are Helen who reads this , I have something to say to you : Go to Hell ! "
tr	4	Yes , I loved him , but I was too in love with Laurence , and Damian somehow disappeared from my mind .
tr	4	My thoughts were that everybody goes throw this , meaning that after they loose the realize something like in my case .
tr	4	I really didn 't know how to react , I was sad of course , mad on him that he left without saying goodbye .
tr	4	I hang the phone , not wanting to stay and chat with Laurence about my mind absence in that moment .
tr	4	I arrived at the hotel , most precisely to my room , which seemed so empty , knowing that someone left from this hotel .
tr	4	Point number one is that I never had sexual relationship with him , even if he proposed this thing to me .
tr	4	I was too curious about him , and who said : Be careful what you wish for , was right .
tr	4	The jewelries having thee same color like my dress , my hair in curls , falling elegant on my empty shoulders .
tr	4	I was so sure that he would get upset again and he will lock himself in without speaking to no one .
tr	4	If you are that beautiful dressed in blue girl , then I have to tell that I will cheat you with her . "
tr	4	He was too dressed elegant , in a black suite , and his perfume got me crazy , stunning my senses .
tr	4	He works in the army ; I think you will not want for him to chase us with tanks , do you ? "
tr	4	" I really suck at romantic things , but I wanted to make a special night just for two of us . "
tr	4	Somehow , I wanted to cry , to get out from the car and to run back to the hotel .
tr	4	I was looking on the window , wanting to break it because of the anger , with my stupid head .
tr	4	It 's something with me that I don 't think you 'll going to like when you 'll find out . "
tr	4	In our eyes you could see the Aegean sea , softly disturbed , and above the foaming water set the shiny moon .
tr	4	I had a lot of faith in him and I knew that he was honest in every single word he says .
tr	4	He came to me , kissing my hand and together , like two lovers , we went down on some wood stairs .
tr	4	" O ... k. " I wasn 't shore what he wanted to do , but I agreed , turning my back to him .
tr	4	I could hear his breath , somehow accelerated , the sea , which was breaking the waves to the beach .
tr	4	My heart was exploding because of the emotions , but not in the good way of the word , I was skeptical .
tr	4	I was expecting by the minute to be thrown on the settle to eat some sand , my clothes being ripped apart .
tr	4	Friends , at what time she goes to sleep or she wakes up , what movie she watches ... everything .
tr	4	I received a note in my locker , saying something like , I 'll wait you in the gym class after school .
tr	4	He got closer to me , he told me that he likes me and the of course , he kissed me .
tr	4	I had so many girls in my life , that I don 't have enough fingers to count them . "
tr	4	Abby , I 'm that kind of guy who doesn 't like to pass to a girl then next to the other .
tr	4	I smiled , looking at my wine glass , but I raised my eyes when Lars started again to speak .
tr	4	In that moment , I looked around to see from which was the note , and then I saw her .
tr	4	Her blue eyes , short and black hair ; wearing a little bow ... I fall in love at the first sight .
tr	4	In one of the mornings , she told me that she cannot longer pretend , and she kissed me . "
tr	4	It has been a while , even if somehow , maybe it 's seems ridiculous to you but I see her in you .
tr	4	Probably was a public bath , but I really needed one , especially that I drank wine and the sea was making everything worse .
tr	4	Was not surprising the illness , which he had and I really did not want to know what was in his hurt soul .
tr	4	And he was trying to stop him coming above , but I was to damn curious about him , thirsty of knowing .
tr	4	I started to put the make-up very closely , that noise , transformed into laughs , and I could hear them much clear .
tr	4	And without expecting , the first grabbed my hands , and held me tight , getting on my back , immobilizing me .
tr	4	But I didn 't gave up and hit one the bastard in his balls , making him lay down on his knees .
tr	4	The third one came and smacks me , hitting me very close to the temple , to arcade , breaking it .
tr	4	Laurence took out a knife and when I saw that he wanted to hurt the Germans , I shouted no .
tr	4	Still , I didn 't gave up , and after a couple of minutes , I went out on the beach after him .
tr	4	I can be again attacked or ... I even don 't know where we are ... you brought me here . "
tr	4	He was standing in my front and I could feel his anger , as if Laurence had an evil twin brother .
tr	4	" Well , then when you said that you adore loving them ... " " In other way ... to love their body . "
tr	4	I was crying so hard , that I thought my head would explode , taking the sand on my hands .
tr	4	I took out a little mirror from my purse and start to clean myself with a towel , filling it with blood .
tr	4	Was ironic the situation , just because I wanted so bad to meet Alex , and guess what I almost died .
tr	4	" H ... Helen , sorry that I disturbed you , I 'm Abby ... please , help me ! "
tr	4	I was on a date and I end up raped and abandoned on the beach , can you please come and take me ? "
tr	4	I was lost in thoughts , remembering that day when I met Alex ; I got up and open it , me being impassible .
tr	4	What will happen if I will go with Lars on that trip , and Alex will think to show himself ?
tr	4	God , what a woman , I couldn 't believe that she had a temper when she started to throw rocks on me .
tr	4	The boy opened the trunk , where I thrown my bag and got up in the car , saying hi to his parent .
tr	4	I was more reserved , because I was talking with my subject 's father and in the same time with my boyfriend 's father .
tr	4	Since when you are in his life , he stopped acting weird or to be locked up in his room .
tr	4	My wife is worrying , because she knows that Laurence truly loves you and you are here for the project .
tr	4	" I think that he can eliminate the ill , if he will not be alone or to be angry . "
tr	4	Mr. Mill or Jay , how he forced me to call him , took a seat right next to me on the white sofa .
tr	4	I really want to be ok in the future , just that ... I am afraid that he could hurt you , physically . "
tr	4	Laurence was talking to me in the car about an hour , but I was looking outside on the window , lost in thoughts .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry Lars , I was ... " " In love with you my son , didn 't you get it ?
tr	4	" Oh my God , Abby , we have to take you to a hospital and to call the police . "
tr	4	" I don 't understand Abby , he did you implicate with your subject and ... " " Helen , please , shut up .
tr	4	He closed fast , and I started to knock the door like a desperate woman , ready to demolish it .
tr	4	I was surprised when he step aside , sticking himself to the wall , making room for me to enter .
tr	4	He was still looking somewhere else then me , taking a clean glass and pouring water in it , handing it to me .
tr	4	" I know I was , somehow rough ... but I don 't ... I don 't want to break out .
tr	4	I knew well , was from Laurence : " I know you are mad at me , I would be mad at me too .
tr	4	You found out my secret , please I just want to see you and talk , to tell you my story .
tr	4	I entered the elevator and I pushed the ground floor button , waiting in silence , looking in the elevator 's mirror .
tr	4	On the road , my mind was flying to Damian , how honestly he could tell me that I love you .
tr	4	I returned my attention back to Laurence , watching him very serious , and he bowed his look in the ground .
tr	4	I gave up on the bitchy attitude , because somehow I knew what he was going throw , in him was a bloody war .
tr	4	He took a deep breath , closed his eyes , holding very tight my hand as if I was about to run away .
tr	4	I took him out from me a while ago , when I isolated myself , after I found out that my girlfriend died . "
tr	4	" I promise to you , Abigail Woods , that no matter what will happen , Alex will stay locked away . "
tr	4	I came back with my mind , being in Laurence arms , on the back seat of his parent 's car .
tr	4	We got into the first taxi , which arrived , and Helen took the front seat right next to the driver .
tr	4	Ah , I almost vomit , seeing her so happy at the thought of shopping in the expensive Greek stores .
tr	4	I just wanted to smack my forehead , but why should I punish myself when I should smack her to come back to reality .
tr	4	I pretended that I was sleeping , because I wasn 't capable of talking with Lars 's parents or with him .
tr	4	" I wasn 't pretending , just that I was laying down a little bit because I had a little car sick . "
tr	4	From a near house , a woman got closer to us , but wasn 't dressed in black but in open colors . "
tr	4	Even if the Greek disagree with a boy sleeping with a girl in the same bed until they are married .
tr	4	I entered myself in the house , and at the enter a small dog , was enjoying the guest arriving .
tr	4	What I loved the most about that room was the window in the ceiling , which was a little inclined after the ceiling form .
tr	4	I would fell much better if I would know the truth and in this way I would enjoy the trip with you . "
tr	4	Therefore , I got up from the bed , with the idea to found out this damn truth from somewhere else .
tr	4	Lars got a little dizzy from drinking ; therefore , I took him up into our room , laying him on the bed .
tr	4	Me instead I couldn 't rest , so I went outside in the courtyard and I discovered a nice bench .
tr	4	She handed me a glass with hot chocolate , and she took a seat next to me on the bench .
tr	4	I remained a little confused for a second , and my question about why we were here , started to get some answer .
tr	4	I studied many resumes for Laurence 's case , I wanted the best students for this , and so I put a trick question .
tr	4	I easily can say that I 'm about so close to blow the all project away , going with my future carrier .
tr	4	He wants to know himself better so ... " " My dear , a psychologist never reveals what he speaks with his patient . "
tr	4	The reason he is closer to Laurence 's condition , let 's name it problem , is because his father . "
tr	4	Instead , I was thinking about Damian and somehow I felt guild , but how should I know about his drama .
tr	4	" For the simple fact that you make Laurence smile again , to actually remember why he is living . "
tr	4	Mara smiled to me with courage and together all five of us got out in the sun , heading to the car .
tr	4	That voice sounded so familiar but in the same time not to friendly for my ears , having a cold tone .
tr	4	He showed me a path , which was spread among the hedgerows , and incredible , it was illuminated by lanterns .
tr	4	While we were walking , the blonde boy smiled , looking down , then he stopped turning around towards me .
tr	4	" Nobody said that this thing how called it , is a matter of magic or science fiction , my dear .
tr	4	" I am so sorry , I 'm a little scared that I 'm here talking with Damian 's father in my mind . "
tr	4	My family was royalty , but I have quite that life , I fall in love with Kate , Damian 's mother . "
tr	4	" When you will wake up , you will find it in your pocket , with the address written on it .
tr	4	Me , even if I was dreaming , I blushed because I didn 't feel Damian 's dad , but Damian himself .
tr	4	I kept silence watching on the window noticing that we were in Malia , heading to Hersonissos then after that towards Heraklion .
tr	4	Was strange , and I wanted to know what he was up to , if everything was ok with him .
tr	4	I was already starting to regret the day I met him , and the impatience was rising upper and upper .
tr	4	She walked a bit stiffed , and took a seat on a chair near the bed , where I was seating a little confusing .
tr	4	You ran away from the hotel with that schizophrenic guy ... " " Hold on , don 't even start Helen .
tr	4	With what you helped me besides telling me shit stuff about what should I ware , which by the way , it sucks . "
tr	4	" Those advices would 've been very good for you , if you had a little bit of tastes . "
tr	4	I was hearing a ringing in my head , I made large eyes , feeling my tears want to come out .
tr	4	I put my legs between them for not closing and I raised Helen up , holding very tight her hair .
tr	4	I said to her , and I pushed her inside , hitting her head on the mirror , cracking it .
tr	4	When the doors closed , I realized that I remained with a hair tuft from hers , and with curious people around .
tr	4	I was boiling , how the bitch could call my teacher and to tell her what I was doing on the island ?
tr	4	" Yes , I beat her and know she called the police , I really need to get out of here . "
tr	4	I was trying to move a muscle from my body , but it refuse to do so , feeling paralyzed .
tr	4	" Meaning that I am a student at psychology , and I had a project here , to study a mental illness case .
tr	4	You had traps in the project , but you managed them very good , even when I revealed my ill to you .
tr	4	I didn 't managed to see what he took from it , because that thing he found hide it from my curious eyes .
tr	4	The British city was very crowded even at the airport , with many people trying to run away from the cruel weather .
tr	4	I wanted so bad to arrive at the destination with the taxi , no matter how much euros would cost me .
tr	4	Therefore I went straight to it , seeing the zone where it was heading , knowing that Damian 's address was there .
tr	4	I got in , paid and took a seat somewhere in the back , watching the rain splashing the window .
tr	4	Laurence proposed me to be his wife , and by the condition , which brought me in London , I said yes .
tr	4	I didn 't know what I should tell Damian , in the moment I will meet him , I really didn 't know .
tr	4	Maybe wasn 't such a good idea to visit him , and I was guided just by a silly dream , a plan .
tr	4	The bus stopped , and I ran out hurrying , noticing that I end up in a neighborhood full of houses .
tr	4	Yep , was the street I was searching for it , and I was just had to find the number 22 house .
tr	4	I sighed and putted my hood on my head , to not be soaking wet until I will get to him .
tr	4	I felt the blood rushing throw my veins , giving me emotions and fearing in some way my meeting with him .
tr	4	The house was pleasant like aspect , far for being cared , especially the lawn , which was like a swamp .
tr	4	Something told me that Damian saw me when I entered in the yard , and was now was refusing to open the door .
tr	4	Beside the stairs for the next floor , was in the left side and a brown dirty carpet on the floor .
tr	4	I didn 't say a word , only looking again around , hoping to see Damian 's face popping from a corner .
tr	4	She smiled to me , and invited me to take a seat on the floral wallpaper sofa in the living room .
tr	4	It was somehow , with just an idea , more pleasant then the rest of the house , having yellow walls all around .
tr	4	He told me that ... he would go with some mates in town and ... He does know when he will return . "
tr	4	Mrs. Jones just sighed , probably thinking that was a good idea and I sensed perfectly , because she stood up and said .
tr	4	Laurence wanted by all means to come with me in England , but I really didn 't want that to happen .
tr	4	Said Mrs. Jones , taking away my thought to Laurence and making me watch an old white and brown building .
tr	4	We got out , and Mrs. Jones gave me an umbrella and we walked on a cubic path to the enter of the building .
tr	4	Mrs. Jones told her why we came there , and that Helga woman called a nurse , with a much good and pleased aspect .
tr	4	The nurse led us in a room with chairs and small tables , and in the corners were plants , like sick ones .
tr	4	In the room , was a woman dressed in white , with her head shaking , speaking to the wall .
tr	4	When I saw him , I jumped in the air , and looked at him with my eyes swimming in tears .
tr	4	Didn 't last long and the nurse told us that the visiting is over , so we had to leave .
tr	4	I didn 't know how to proceed , what to do , therefore I hugged him , kissing his cheek .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	Any resemblance to actual events , locales , organizations , or persons , living or deceased , is entirely coincidental .
tr	4	" ... and their room must be the largest bedchamber in the house , and it must face due South .
tr	4	She rested her chin on one fist and pushed back a tangle of black hair out of her eyes with the other .
tr	4	He had worked hard , when he was alive , and built up his business to be a large , profitable company .
tr	4	" Our task is not to ask questions , but to see that orders are carried out , as usual . "
tr	4	She opened her book to the place where she had stopped reading , but she had lost interest in flying horses and Arabic princesses .
tr	4	Nelly spoke with a broad country accent , and she was well used to handling what she called " young ones . "
tr	4	While she talked , she guided Miriam off the seat and over to the door with one firm hand on the girl 's sleeve .
tr	4	I 've lit a fine fire in the grate upstairs , so there 's no reason to kick up a fuss .
tr	4	Many a child would be happy for a warm bed and supper to eat , Miss Miriam , so away with you . "
tr	4	She climbed up to her room as slowly as she dared , watched by Nelly with her fists on her hips .
tr	4	She took the tray of food -- a leg of chicken and some tapioca pudding - and put it in the closet .
tr	4	She locked her door so no one could come in and rattled the door to make certain it was shut tight .
tr	4	The most distinctive feature of the machine , however , was a ' ball ' that rested over the curved piece of paper .
tr	4	Up from the ball sprang small keys , also made of brass , which had the letters of the alphabet printed on them .
tr	4	On the side facing away from the typist , there were two words written in swirling , ornate letters : CROWN PHOENIX .
tr	4	She poked at one of the keys , and the corresponding letter appeared on the paper held fast by the curved cylinder .
tr	4	She peered at the letter ( it was an S , printed in brownish ink ) and smiled with satisfaction .
tr	4	Her father 's " Writing Ball , " which she had purloined from his study right after his death , had always fascinated her .
tr	4	She poked at a few more letters , and settled into a cramped position on the floor in front of the machine .
tr	4	The darker boy flushed , and he edged towards one of the shadows cast by the candles in the wall sconces .
tr	4	Long curtains covered the many windows on the far walls , flanked by pedestals that held potpourri bowls and vases filled with sea grass .
tr	4	He put down the bag , sat on the low couch , and picked up a wineglass and a decanter .
tr	4	The two boys ' eyes brightened at the sight of the food , and Simon sat as close as possible to the tray .
tr	4	" I thought the funeral and the legal arrangements would go on forever , but Fortescue came through as usual .
tr	4	" And while you occupy yourself with the matters of the household , it 's back to business for Virgil , hey ?
tr	4	" Dear boy , why don 't you take some upstairs , and you and -- your friend -- can eat there . "
tr	4	" Some of the upstairs rooms were closed off , due to the late masters ' orders , " Furnace added .
tr	4	She tried to keep awake , but when she looked at the clock , the numbers blurred and swam on the white face .
tr	4	Outside , there was a sound of rushing wind , followed by a long , drawn-out whistle from a passing train .
tr	4	The only thing in that terrifying place that gave her any comfort was the fooling of someone 's arm under her hand .
tr	4	You 've got to believe me , she said to them , with the silent , rough desperation of dreams .
tr	4	Miriam tried to shout for Mrs. Williams , or for Furnace , or for someone , but no sound emerged .
tr	4	In her sleep , she reached out one hand as if she searched for something or someone that was no longer there .
tr	4	Beside him , a huge cliff stretched so far up that when Neil looked for the top , he felt dizzy .
tr	4	Neil could faintly hear the waves below , but the night was so profoundly dark he could not see anything .
tr	4	He went to the edge of the ledge at the tunnel 's end , and tried to shout , " Is anyone there ? "
tr	4	The cage swung slightly as he watched it , and he had to clutch the rock to keep his balance .
tr	4	It swung again , farther this time , and as he watched in horror , he realized it was not empty .
tr	4	Usually he was so tired from riding and playing tennis that he slept soundly all night , and barely stirred .
tr	4	Since she stood in front of the light , he couldn 't see her face , but he knew that she was beautiful .
tr	4	That is what the three children in the house dreamed , that first night , as the Night Watchman Express screamed by the house .
tr	4	Simon and Neil , clutching a napkin filled with buns and apples , opened a glass door and crashed onto one of the courtyards .
tr	4	Iron stakes had been inserted into every other stair , and a rope ran through holes on top of the stakes .
tr	4	Neil climbed up beside his friend and peered into the water at a pair of crabs that threatened each other .
tr	4	Well , if she doesn 't , I 'll tell Mother to tell the maid or someone to buy us some . "
tr	4	" I have to get back in a few weeks ; I can 't just sponge off your parents all summer . "
tr	4	" Still , I have to go and see my sisters , and my mum and dad , " Neil said .
tr	4	He found a bit of driftwood and banged it against the taller rocks edging the sands , trying to break it in half .
tr	4	If he could split it lengthwise , it would make two good swords , he thought , and they could have a duel .
tr	4	Contrary to his expectations , no secret door slid open to expose a secret passageway lined with overflowing treasure chests and grinning skeletons .
tr	4	Its position put him right in front of the circle ; its diameter was taller than his head by about a foot .
tr	4	There wasn 't a sound from the hallway , so she slipped out into the hall and crept down the stairs .
tr	4	Her back was to Miriam , so the girl darted in , grabbed a piece of bread from a plate and darted out again .
tr	4	Miriam vaguely heard the maid mutter to herself , " Indian tea , and black coffee , and a pot of chocolate .
tr	4	Her half-eaten bread forgotten , she pushed her hair back out of her eyes and smeared crumbs over her face .
tr	4	She picked up a large ledger and began to turn the pages , looking at them from top to bottom in a suspicious manner .
tr	4	The woman turned a brick red , but whether it was from embarrassment or anger , Miriam couldn 't tell .
tr	4	But the man behind the desk put down the document he had been reading , stood up and came forward .
tr	4	My wife and I have come here to set everything in order , as set down in your father 's will .
tr	4	As such , we will need to make some changes , of course , and you will simply have to adjust to them . "
tr	4	His eyes darted in a desperate way between the furious little girl and his wife , who looked just as angry .
tr	4	She ran over to the desk , where she pulled a pile of papers off and scrambled over to the fire .
tr	4	And she will stay there without supper or tea until she says she is sorry to my husband and me . "
tr	4	We have to see to the settlement , and find the catalyst engine for that Machine , wherever Pearson left it . "
tr	4	" Quite , my dear , " he began , but she cut him off and clicked her tongue with annoyance .
tr	4	I entirely forgot I wanted her moved out of her bedroom so that it could be prepared and fumigated for our son !
tr	4	I only meant that we should show some spirit of kindness to Pearson 's daughter , or people might start asking questions . "
tr	4	" And it is a dashed awkward time for people to ask questions , if you take my meaning . "
tr	4	Virgil felt for his handkerchief and began to dust off a ledger of names with figures written next to them .
tr	4	I guarantee you that she 'll bend to my will by tomorrow , indeed , if not by this very evening . "
tr	4	Neil , who had flattened himself against one wall to let her pass , let out his breath with a loud " Whew ! "
tr	4	Before lunch , everyone , including the gardeners , was aware that the new mistress was what they called a right terror .
tr	4	" She even , " said the cook , folding large arms , " was so bold as to inquire after My Pantry . "
tr	4	They are our new master and mistress , and as such , must be obeyed if we want to keep our positions .
tr	4	Furnace returned from the pantry with a large apple in one hand and favored them with a mild stare and one raised eyebrow .
tr	4	Mrs. Williams sighed and shook her head as she crumbled the uneaten bread and threw it out for the birds .
tr	4	One particularly heavy croquet ball connected painfully with his shin , and he yelped and left , slamming the door shut behind him .
tr	4	At that he became aware of the servants counting the books in the library , just visible from where he stood .
tr	4	" Well , Virgil , " Theodosia said in a cold tone , " what exactly is it that you suggest ?
tr	4	" Theodosia , do you know how expensive it will be if we cannot go through with the project ? "
tr	4	No namby-pamby idiot taking that child 's side and spoiling her or giving her ideas above her station , do you hear me ? "
tr	4	Using the handkerchief that had held the pear , he picked up the chamber pot and headed for the door .
tr	4	The first woman who appeared was small , grey , and " completely insignificant , " Theodosia said with disdain .
tr	4	In the library , Virgil felt his head begin to whirl as the day of interviews stretched from one , to two , three .
tr	4	No one applicant had Theodosia 's requirements : to be the best available , and to work for the least amount possible .
tr	4	The girl had begun to look and smell like a dirty orphan , if what the servants said was true .
tr	4	Of course , she was an orphan , but at least she should have the decency to keep herself clean .
tr	4	Furnace bowed his way out , and when the butler left , Virgil crammed the rest of the pastry into his mouth .
tr	4	By God , they might be living at the back of nowhere , but that cook certainly knew how to bake !
tr	4	" You 're the -- you can 't be -- what do -- " As he coughed again , he began to laugh weakly .
tr	4	She was dressed extremely conservatively in a gray gown with white collar and cuffs that had the appearance of being very well made .
tr	4	An ornate wooden comb , fixed behind her bun in the Spanish fashion , added a few inches to her already tall figure .
tr	4	In fact , I knew Mr. Pearson himself , when he first came out to my country to start his concerns . "
tr	4	Mentally , he subtracted ten guineas from the lowest figure he had offered to the other candidates for the job .
tr	4	Why don 't we just pay your fare back , to wherever you came from , and you may - " " Virgil ! "
tr	4	" Virgil , " Theodosia said in a dangerous undertone , " exactly why did you sign your name on that contract ? "
tr	4	She had heard of dark-skinned people , but she had never been in close contact with them , let alone talked to them .
tr	4	Being silently watched is unnerving , and after a few minutes Miriam 's shouts died down and finally ceased altogether .
tr	4	She pushed it back with one hand , realizing belatedly how grubby she must be after her long stay in her room .
tr	4	Her collar and cuffs were starched , and not a single hair escaped from the comb on her braided coronet .
tr	4	" Not just bread and water , judging from the look of you , " Mana retorted , pointing to the jam stain .
tr	4	" Because she wants me to , and I 'm not going to do anything she wants me to , " Miriam announced triumphantly .
tr	4	Mana put a vest over Miriam 's head , and without noticing , the girl held up her arms for the dress .
tr	4	" You mean you think I could stop my aunt and uncle -- I mean my guardians -- from taking over the company ? "
tr	4	She never cared about lessons , or learning facts ; as far as Miss Osbourne had been concerned , education was secondary to etiquette .
tr	4	" For one , it would be the most appalling bad manners , and for another , it would get you nowhere . "
tr	4	Something struck her , and Theodosia added , " I still can 't seem to remember what happened during that interview .
tr	4	" We 'll go down and you can apologize to your guardians , and I 'll have some decent food sent upstairs .
tr	4	No more pickles or cheese or sandwiches from Mr. Furnace ; you 'll want a good rice pudding or some semolina . "
tr	4	" More importantly , it is the start of your having some decent manners and not antagonizing everyone in the house . "
tr	4	Furnace , who was carrying a fresh bottle of port to the sitting room for the evening , stopped and looked up the stairs .
tr	4	The girl was as clean and neat as a new pin , and she carried a tray of dirty plates .
tr	4	Miriam would take them to the kitchen , but she needs to speak to her aunt and uncle first . "
tr	4	Virgil , his feet propped up on the table , swirled a large glass of amber liquid under his nose .
tr	4	As Miriam and Mana walked in , he looked up , gave an exclamation , and hurriedly swung his feet to the floor .
tr	4	Tomorrow we will begin lessons , and I will assist in the removal of Miriam 's things to the attics .
tr	4	She wanted to get upstairs as soon as she could and question Mana about how she had handled Aunt Theodosia .
tr	4	Miriam watched her for a bit , her dark eyes intent on the governess , and they began to close of their own accord .
tr	4	Mana read on , and stopped when the girl 's breathing grew even and her head slipped to one side .
tr	4	After they had eaten , she told Miriam to get her coat and hat so they could take a walk outside .
tr	4	You can learn a poem by heart when we come back , and that should do it for today . "
tr	4	When they returned some time later with three rather wobbly sketches , they ran into Aunt Theodosia in the downstairs hall .
tr	4	The rhythm seemed to gallop as well , and after a bit , Miriam found that her feet were tapping out the words .
tr	4	" Well , that 's not so bad in that case , although it might not go over in the royal drawing room .
tr	4	I must say , it will be much more convenient , as my room will be across the hall . "
tr	4	" But I can hear the train whistle from there -- " Mana looked up sharply and put down her sewing .
tr	4	" Your bedroom is right up those steps , so we won 't have to traipse up and down the main hall anymore . "
tr	4	" But that was my bedroom -- that I have always slept in -- since my father was here . "
tr	4	At the top there was a narrow hall that divided the top story into two sides , lined with doors .
tr	4	The ceiling sloped close to the floor , and the late afternoon sun shone in through two dormer windows with window seats .
tr	4	That night , Miriam lay in her new room , sleepily thinking to herself about the quick glimpse she had of Simon .
tr	4	I bet he 's a real wart , she said to herself ; has to be , with those parents .
tr	4	Maybe she 'll teach me the language of her island ... A faraway whistle sounded and rose to a thin wail .
tr	4	" Here you are , the sherry that you wanted , and Mr. Furnace will be along directly with the port and the champagne .
tr	4	" All I know is that I had to move all the furniture in Miss Miriam 's room , " George said .
tr	4	Cut that string a bit longer , Nelly ; it 'll never fit twice around those pudding basins like that . "
tr	4	" It would be her doing the hiring , that thin woman ; she 's always popping her long nose into everything . "
tr	4	The breeze stirred Miriam 's curls , but not one hair on the governess ' head was out of place .
tr	4	As they walked back to the house with their easels and folders of drawings , Mana added , " I feel sorry for Simon .
tr	4	" Oh , it 's you , " she said , sitting down in front of the table laid with tea things .
tr	4	" No tea for me , thank you , Miriam , " Mana spoke with great firmness and cut off Theodosia 's shocked denial .
tr	4	" It 's about a princess whose father dies , and she 's walled up in a tower made of ice ! "
tr	4	She hadn 't seen Simon or Neil for days ; neither had she caught a glimpse of Uncle Virgil or Aunt Theodosia .
tr	4	After that first meeting , the boy was hustled away from Miriam whenever there was a chance of a meeting .
tr	4	Miriam sulked for a bit and ate as quickly as she could , hoping to get back to lessons so she could finish sooner .
tr	4	However , when they stepped outside , the sky that had threatened rain all day rumbled and began to throw down rain .
tr	4	Taking Miriam 's coat , Mana opened the cloakroom , a funny little chamber under the stairs that smelled of deckchairs .
tr	4	Indeed , the poem was rather long , but it was about a strange country with icy caverns and wailing maidens .
tr	4	She didn 't notice when Mana closed the door , sat down at the table , and began to read her own book .
tr	4	" Honest , it 's not in my room -- you know , Simon 's new room -- or anything like that . "
tr	4	He picked out another one but it put it back as well , and he realized that he was bored .
tr	4	He crept to one of the windows and pulled back the curtain to reveal a low , cushioned window seat .
tr	4	He raised his finger to his lips and they both froze , and after a moment the door was closed again .
tr	4	He tried to keep a straight face , but when a loud snort escaped her , he began to laugh as well .
tr	4	" I 'd have to get dressed for tea , " he added , gasping , " in my velvet suit . "
tr	4	So she finds it , following the clues her father left her , and later she is captured by the forces of evil ! "
tr	4	Simon watched before he picked up one of his own books and opened it ; he was soon absorbed in his own work .
tr	4	She reached for the pencil , but he turned away and continued to sharpen the point , which promptly broke under the pressure .
tr	4	" Here you are , " he said , sitting up , " if you want it so badly . "
tr	4	He looked back at Miriam and made a hideous face at her , and she thrust her tongue out at him .
tr	4	He had added them up at least five times already , but he erased his totals and started to tot them up again .
tr	4	Pearson had been a bloody millionaire , and yet most of that cash was untouchable , tied up in trusts for his daughter .
tr	4	" Just can 't see how we can get the project going with the money left to my disposal . "
tr	4	I 'm going to have to conclude the project and withdraw the outlays of cash , with very heavy penalties . "
tr	4	Finally she turned to him and asked , " You think it is the only way we can gain the money ? "
tr	4	" I 'll start the process tomorrow , " he said , " just as soon as I see Fortescue .
tr	4	The notebook fell on the ground , scattering a few loose sheets of paper covered with Miriam 's rather sprawling hand .
tr	4	" And pack up your drawing book ; we 'll take the opportunity to sketch some of the sea life . "
tr	4	Somewhat subdued , Miriam gathered up her pencils , and Mana went down to arrange a picnic lunch with Mrs. Williams .
tr	4	" Yes , I think it does , " Miriam said , and set off down the path , skipping and singing to herself .
tr	4	Mana followed more slowly , so Miriam was somewhat ahead of her by the time they reached the bottom of the garden .
tr	4	Mana set off towards the cliffs , but after a few moments she pulled Miriam back to where the trees bordered the pasture .
tr	4	" Take off your shoes and stockings , " Mana ordered , putting the picnic basket on the widest , flattest rock .
tr	4	An anomaly of the salt air and the distance of the reef made them appear to float in the air over the dark sea .
tr	4	" Put the jar in the water while you look , " Mana ordered from the side , " to keep him cool .
tr	4	Simon and Neil followed her carefully , and they knelt by one of the deeper pools and peered into it .
tr	4	Miriam leaned forward to see the hunt , and after some time Simon managed to catch three or four wiggly specimens .
tr	4	" I never went on a picnic before , " he confided , stuffing a huge bite into his mouth and chewing madly .
tr	4	" Father 's in his study , and Mother went to town to order a new dress , " he replied .
tr	4	The seawater had slopped down the front of his shirt and a patch of green slime now adorned one knee of his rolled-up trousers .
tr	4	She poured a cup of tea from a stone bottle and balanced it on her knee while she screwed the lid back on .
tr	4	But do you know that Neil was more excited about solving an equation in three less steps than Old Wilkins . "
tr	4	" Last time we were here , they were flush with the cliff wall , and they didn 't have an electrical current .
tr	4	There was nothing to be seen , however , beyond a lot of gorse bushes and the patch of trees .
tr	4	Nelly , who was pouring a cup of tea from the huge pot on the table , echoed the sigh .
tr	4	" I 've done me beds , and me fireplaces , but I still have the smalls to collect and send to the washing .
tr	4	And the mistress wants me to sort out the cupboards in the rooms -- which rooms she didn 't say . "
tr	4	" Thank goodness , Miss Miriam is off with her governess , and the young fellas are nowhere to be found . "
tr	4	It was nice in the kitchen , she thought , at least when Mrs. Williams didn 't rant and roar .
tr	4	Mrs. Williams opened the window and roared at him , " Don 't you know how to use a door ? "
tr	4	" Aye , but I couldn 't help seeing the beauty of you two fine ladies through the glass . "
tr	4	And you , Nelly , I 'm sure you have many better things to be doing than dreaming at the kitchen table . "
tr	4	" So-called because he looks like he swallowed a walking stick and it be coming out the other end . "
tr	4	That governess may look like a heathen , but she keeps Miss Miriam 's things tidier than many would in her place .
tr	4	" If they find out that I lifted that yolk I 'll lose my position and no bones about it ! "
tr	4	Perhaps , if she left the room now and did her other tasks , someone else would get the blame .
tr	4	Although , anyone could have told her that pearls that large , and that lustrous , would have been worth a king 's ransom .
tr	4	The curls were already escaping from the braid around her face , and her legs seemed to be rapidly growing longer .
tr	4	" Please , Mr. Cantwell , " Theodosia said , inserting herself back into the conversation , " tell us about your home .
tr	4	Her hand went up to the tightly rolled cushions of her hair , and Miriam realized that Aunt Theodosia found Mr. Cantwell very attractive .
tr	4	" My home , such as it is , " he answered , " is the one place where I can truly be myself .
tr	4	" None to mention , " the man replied , " not like yourselves , with such a charming familial group . "
tr	4	" Really , Virgil , " Theodosia said in her snapping tone , " our guest will think we are interrogating him . "
tr	4	She knew she was going to hear all about the winning of her , later on from Simon and Neil .
tr	4	" Miriam , " Theodosia said , " I think perhaps that it is time that you went back to the schoolroom . "
tr	4	The girl picked up her pen , thought for a minute , and composed a new paragraph in her mind .
tr	4	Mana , picking up another book from the table where they did lessons , glanced at Miriam and followed her gaze .
tr	4	But Mr. Cantwell ... " There was a creak outside in the hallway , and Mana quickly went to the door and looked outside .
tr	4	Her guardian and his partner disappeared into the thick trees , followed awkwardly by the gardener , who kept dropping the bags .
tr	4	Miriam looked up from her plate , and flew to the window in time to see Mr. Cantwell coming out of the woods .
tr	4	Mana , who had appeared behind Miriam , put one hand on her shoulder and drew her back into the folds of the curtain .
tr	4	Cantwell , appearing to be satisfied that no one could see him , left the park and headed for the back of the house .
tr	4	" I suppose I could , if I wanted to play my entire hand right at the start , " she said .
tr	4	Mana read the question and looked at Miriam over the top edge of the essay , as if uncertain of what to say .
tr	4	Finally , she put down the paper and began to write , but loud footsteps sounded in the hall , headed their way .
tr	4	She threw the pieces in and poked them into the heart of the flames , just as Theodosia opened the door to the schoolroom .
tr	4	Do her hair properly today , please ; I don 't want her looking as wild as she did yesterday . "
tr	4	Watching them , Miriam thought with a rising tide of exultation that Mana was wrong ; they were all pretty stupid .
tr	4	All she and Mana had to do was to sit tight and watch them closely , and soon they 'd reveal what they wanted .
tr	4	He saw Miriam and rolled his eyes at her , plainly intimating , " Oh , no , not another one . "
tr	4	" I do not , " Mana responded instantly , " even if such a word were in my vocabulary . "
tr	4	" No , I don 't either , " she said finally , " although I don 't understand it . "
tr	4	Miriam returned to her journal and added , Perhaps it won 't be so bad living with these guardians of mine .
tr	4	I was furious when they came , and I still do not like Aunt Theodosia , but Uncle Virgil is just silly .
tr	4	" Well , if you 'd keep your mind on the suits and follow what has been played , you could win .
tr	4	They were sticking out that one day , but ever since that day , they 've been back in place . "
tr	4	" Look , I 've kept a log of the times we went down there , as well as what we observed .
tr	4	" I tell you what , " he said , " how about if we go and see what Miriam 's doing ? "
tr	4	He lets her get away with the most embarrassing scenes , because he 's afraid of her , I think .
tr	4	" I thought my father was bad , but really he was just nonexistent , until he died , that is .
tr	4	" The princess had to save the kingdom from being frozen by the uncle by making friends with the greyhound . "
tr	4	" Maybe we could help you find botanical specimens to draw again today when we go out , if it stops raining .
tr	4	Mana , of course , was relegated to the schoolroom with a tray , but the governess , as usual , made no complaint .
tr	4	She paused as Neil was offered a bowl of hot water , which he obviously didn 't know how to handle .
tr	4	" I 'd like to learn how to fish as well , " he said , popping a lump of pastry into his mouth .
tr	4	After surviving the fiasco of the formal dinner , he had relaxed in Mana 's company and was actually enjoying himself .
tr	4	She sat in a low chair by the fire , listening to the conversation and mending a frill on Miriam 's new black dress .
tr	4	Father mentioned something about a project to me last night , and mother hushed him until she was blue in the face .
tr	4	" My own parents can 't wait for me to leave school , get a job and support my entire family . "
tr	4	" My response should be something fitting to a governess , such as ' At least you have parents ' .
tr	4	But of course , her governess had told her that she was an orphan as well , the first night they met .
tr	4	One document was thrust under one corner of the blotter , but as it looked like a letter , Miriam ignored it .
tr	4	First , there will be the trusts , which have proven simple enough until now but which may be more complicated later .
tr	4	Miriam twisted away from him , but Simon managed to get an arm around her and snatch the paper away .
tr	4	Simon held the paper out to Miriam , and she thrust it back it him as if it were a live snake .
tr	4	Simon frowned and reached out a hand to catch her arm again , but she slipped away and disappeared back into the house .
tr	4	She was dressed in a beautifully cut suit of gold and black that fitted her exquisite figure like a silk stocking .
tr	4	" Good afternoon , Miss Cantwell , " Theodosia said , hurrying forward and stretching out one hand in greeting .
tr	4	" We are in the market for a house , but we cannot find one that is suitable , " she said .
tr	4	Brother and sister looked at each other for a moment , and Barbara said , " Well , we 'll see .
tr	4	" I just can 't bear the thought of your being in a rented place , " Theodosia gushed , turning to Mr. Cantwell .
tr	4	" You could go to the city with Virgil when you have to visit the Company , and I could show Barbara around . "
tr	4	Barbara 's smart suit contrasted drastically with Theodosia 's own clothes , which were in varying shades of ill-advised lavender .
tr	4	" Very well , " Barbara said , rising , " provided that the children and your handsome son come with us . "
tr	4	" Very well , " Simon echoed , looking delighted at not being included as part of ' the children ' .
tr	4	" Hold on , " he hissed back , pausing until Barbara , Simon and his mother had moved on a bit .
tr	4	She and Simon , ever since they had discovered the letter , had avoided being alone together by tacit agreement .
tr	4	She had begun to feel as though they could eventually become friends , once they forgot about that silly idea of marriage .
tr	4	" He fell in love with the cook 's daughter once , " Neil said gloomily , " and wrote her poems .
tr	4	He broke into a loud chorus of ' Where Lies My Enchantment , There Will My Heart Surely Be ' .
tr	4	" She 's , you know , exotic , like a bird of the jungle , and yet , she 's delicate too .
tr	4	" I have lost it , " Simon said , smiling to himself in what Neil thought was an extremely unintelligent manner .
tr	4	She kept asking him to take Barbara to the Nun 's Well in the next town and the old Priory , further afield .
tr	4	" That would be lovely , " she replied , toying with one long red curl that hung over her bare shoulder .
tr	4	" You bet I am , " Neil whispered back , " you 're going to laugh before I am .
tr	4	From across the room , Simon brows knitted in a frown as he saw Cantwell kneeling in front of Miriam 's seat .
tr	4	" Forgive me , " he said , " but I believe the cup belongs to this young gentleman . "
tr	4	Shaking it up and down , she declared , " Next time anything like this happens , you will be dismissed immediately .
tr	4	" I wanted to sit next to Simon or Neil , but Simon was too busy turning pages for that sister .
tr	4	She felt more awake , and eventually she pulled her journal in front of her , in order to write for a bit .
tr	4	And , I do think returning to your family , as soon as possible , is a very good idea , Neil . "
tr	4	" I know the sea , and -- " " There are other ways of travelling , " Mana said .
tr	4	" Just keep your ears and eyes open , as I said , and let me know what you discover . "
tr	4	" Make certain that you do absolutely nothing that would raise any doubts in anyone 's mind about our innocence , " she said .
tr	4	We have a secret plot , mind control , those weird circles on the beach -- " " What circles on the beach ? "
tr	4	" I didn 't mean to keep any secrets from you , but Simon insisted that we didn 't tell anyone . "
tr	4	" Now that Simon has gone all peculiar over that Barbara female , you and I can observe them instead . "
tr	4	" Very well , " Miriam said , unwilling to forgive him , but longing to know what he was talking about .
tr	4	Sure enough , there they all were -- Neil , Miriam and Mana , grouped around a basket and deep in conversation .
tr	4	" Fine , thanks , " Simon grunted and sat on one far edge of the rug Mana had spread out .
tr	4	" We were talking about that cup of coffee , " Miriam shot back , " and how it was meant for Neil . "
tr	4	He stopped , swallowed , and said , " Stop looking at me as if I were in the zoological gardens !
tr	4	" That didn 't go very well , " Miriam said , screwing up her eyes and looking at Simon 's retreating back .
tr	4	Chapter 18 Mana 's Wooden Comb ana had her wooden comb out again , teasing the tangles out of Miriam 's hair .
tr	4	" To tell you the truth , I have been counting the days left until Simon returns to school , " she finally said .
tr	4	" You couldn 't do better than that -- it is a figure that must be more than twice your yearly salary ! "
tr	4	Miriam sat frozen between them , feeling as if she were in the middle of some silent battle of wills .
tr	4	Taking out another ribbon , she silently wound it around the girl 's hair and tied it in a long bow .
tr	4	" What does that mean -- " Miriam began , but Mana cut her off by sitting beside her on the bed .
tr	4	He finished doing up the catch , and leaning forward , put his hands on her shoulders and met her eyes in the mirror .
tr	4	" Something really meaningful , " he said seriously , " such as letting me take you in to dinner . "
tr	4	One day , very soon , we will all be rich ; not just well-to-do , but hopelessly , disgustingly wealthy . "
tr	4	What I wanted to tell you was to not worry about her ; there are always ways of ridding yourself of boring annoyances . "
tr	4	" Yes , I will miss him so much when he goes back to school , won 't I , Simon ?
tr	4	" Don 't worry about me , Theo , " Valiant said , waving one cigar lazily from the depths of an armchair .
tr	4	" Well , I must disagree , " Barbara said , looking over the rim of her cup at Theodosia .
tr	4	" I believe she is in the kitchen now , ordering dinner for herself and Miss Miriam , " he said , and withdrew .
tr	4	Miriam sobbed , and fought to escape as a pair of arms encircled her from behind -- Valiant was holding her back .
tr	4	" Better hang on to your admirer , Barbara , " Valiant said , blowing out a long stream of smoke .
tr	4	" Still , it is a bit annoying , especially now -- " She stopped talking as Valiant waved his cigar at Miriam .
tr	4	It had been hand carved , the wavy lines forming the pattern that was inlaid with what still looked like pearls .
tr	4	It seemed incredibly old , but the wood was almost as hard as stone and hadn 't cracked at all .
tr	4	Miriam looked around her attic room , but she couldn 't think of a secret nook where she could tuck it away .
tr	4	If only she could have thought of something clever to say , or have found some way to help Mana !
tr	4	Mana was no longer here , sitting by the fire and humming one of her songs , watching while Miriam slept .
tr	4	And again , the man and the woman stood on either side of the locked door , their faces in the shadows .
tr	4	And even worse - Suddenly , the long whistle began , rising like a scream , getting louder and louder .
tr	4	As quietly as she could , she went to the doorway and looked in , but the room was deserted .
tr	4	The first document was a receipt made out to a Judson Poole , dated that evening , for ' services rendered ' .
tr	4	If she hurried , perhaps she could make it to the station in time -- she could try to say goodbye .
tr	4	The hallway was still dark and silent , so she hurried up to her room and rummaged for some clothes .
tr	4	She was about to head out the back door when she remembered that Mana had not eaten since breakfast that morning .
tr	4	These she crammed down the front of her shirt , so she wouldn 't break the comb in her pocket .
tr	4	If she cut through the park on the side of the house , she could make it to the station in twenty minutes .
tr	4	She might just be able to make it -- Suddenly , she bumped into something live and warm in the darkness .
tr	4	She heard the sound of a striking match , and a small light flared up , showing Simon and Neil .
tr	4	" I found a train schedule with her name on it , under a receipt made to a Justin Poole , or somebody . "
tr	4	" All right , " he relented , " but you really won 't make it unless we hurry . "
tr	4	" Well , the only way to get there is to take the carriage if it 's there , of course ! "
tr	4	Miriam hopped in beside him , and Neil plunged into the dark stables , waving away Miriam 's offer of help .
tr	4	" Good show , Neil , " Simon said as the animal , tossing its head , got into position .
tr	4	Neil was just able to grab the door as the vehicle slid past him , and he swung himself onto the seat beside Miriam .
tr	4	" Simon wanted to rush downstairs as soon as we heard someone creeping about , without stopping to change . "
tr	4	He closed the door and headed off into the dark street , and Miriam , after giving Neil a wave , followed him .
tr	4	The station appeared to be deserted , apart from one conductor who lounged on a bench under a dim lamp .
tr	4	From where he was , he couldn 't see the station , just the glow of the lamp that was on the platform .
tr	4	He waited for a few minutes , and a few minutes more , but no one appeared in the street .
tr	4	" Care to have a swallow of the Old Blood and Guts before I take the lovely lady to the seaside ? "
tr	4	Train doesn 't stop until final destination , see , and one of the little nippers aboard needs to be recalled . "
tr	4	The cart lurched as the wheels turned , and they moved off , although in what direction , Neil couldn 't tell .
tr	4	They were bowling along ; Neil felt that if he jumped out , he would break a leg or at least sprain an ankle .
tr	4	If Miriam and Simon weren 't there , he could alert Simon 's parents and tell them what he had overheard at the station .
tr	4	Cursing himself , Neil peered over the edge of the cart and found that they had stopped on a beach .
tr	4	From there , he could see the woman being handed into the boat , which was captained by three other men .
tr	4	Poole blew loud , smacking kisses at her and returned to the cart , grunting to himself with great good humor .
tr	4	It hurt to open her eyes and look at the light , but she forced her head up to see where she was .
tr	4	At least that sack wasn 't over her eyes anymore , but her hands and feet were still securely tied .
tr	4	In front of her on the ground , lay Simon , his eyes closed and his head tilted back at a funny angle .
tr	4	" Well , let 's just shout and make them understand they 've got the wrong people , " Simon said .
tr	4	The door opened after a few minutes of shouting and a guard pushed his head in to glare at them .
tr	4	" Listen , my good man , you 've got hold of the wrong people , " Simon said confidently .
tr	4	" Let us off at the next station , please , and my father will reimburse you for any expenses . "
tr	4	" Please , sir , " she said , giving him a winning smile , " my arms hurt ever so much .
tr	4	He bent down and fished out the money from Miriam 's pinafore , as well as the biscuits and apples .
tr	4	Straightening up with some difficulty , the guard walked away , stowing Miriam 's money and the food in one pocket .
tr	4	" And , it 's more than you were able to do , being all posh and trying to order people about .
tr	4	" And once we get to where we 're going , do try not to call anyone ' my good man ' . "
tr	4	Lord bless us and save us , she said to herself , sitting up in the dark and putting one hand over her heart .
tr	4	She started to pull up the covers and lie down again , but she heard a small sound from below .
tr	4	Well , I can 't just lie here with those doings underneath me she reasoned and got out of bed .
tr	4	Her mother , back at her home , had always told her she was a great girl for her ' feelings ' .
tr	4	Once , she had picked out which of her sisters had taken her new hair ribbon , just by looking at them .
tr	4	And once , she had found the gold sovereign that her father had buried and forgotten , just by walking over the spot .
tr	4	She turned to go , and stubbed her toe painfully on something left out on the floor of the room .
tr	4	The event would be credited to Neil , who had been born to parents who gutted fish for a living .
tr	4	At that point they would realize that their son had left them for good , perhaps taking his two rich friends with him .
tr	4	There had been something very defenseless about the way Mana had been sitting in the cart beside the drunken , singing driver .
tr	4	Perhaps if he found her , she could help him find Simon and Miriam as well , and he could clear his name .
tr	4	Maybe , if his parents forgave him , they would take him in and he could go fishing for his father .
tr	4	As the rough wood bit into his blisters , he admonished himself , " Don 't complain , you big useless idiot .
tr	4	" Well , you can 't , " Neil retorted and realized that he was arguing with parts of his own body .
tr	4	To keep his mind away from his aches and pains , Neil thought about Simon and how they had become friends .
tr	4	After getting over his astonishment , Neil had accepted the hand and the toffee , and they had gone on to become friends .
tr	4	Neil wouldn 't have known which leg to throw over a horse and would probably end up sitting facing its bottom .
tr	4	The wind suddenly buffeted the boat , and a few icy drops of rain stung Neil 's face and blurred his lenses .
tr	4	The rain picked up and Neil licked the bottom of the collecting bottle , picking up a few drops with his tongue .
tr	4	The wind smacked the boat again , and he had to grab the oars so they wouldn 't slide into the water .
tr	4	Like a bull charging at a red cloak , the next gust of wind hit him in the back and nearly pitched him forward .
tr	4	Rain pelted him horizontally , and the wind that had been at his back now shifted so the water was blown into his face .
tr	4	" Blast , " Neil swore , feeling the light pullover that he was wearing quickly got soaked , and he shivered uncontrollably .
tr	4	In the manner of some violent storms , the wind died down quickly , and the waves suddenly calmed and flattened .
tr	4	Neil , who thought he was going to end up in the deep , suddenly realized that the boat was no longer rocking violently .
tr	4	He let out his breath in one whoosh , not knowing until that moment that he had been holding it in his lungs .
tr	4	Neil flopped onto his back and covered his face , and after a while he slid into an uncomfortable sleep .
tr	4	Neil could see rocks and blue water beyond the bars of the cage , which hung over a high precipice .
tr	4	Her mouth moved , and although Neil couldn 't hear her words , somehow he knew what she was trying to say .
tr	4	The attempt , however , woke him up again and he looked up at a bottomless sky littered with stars .
tr	4	He blinked , not sure if he was dreaming or awake , and Mana 's silent words echoed in his head .
tr	4	As he watched , the stars began to slide past him , and the boat appeared to pick up speed .
tr	4	There it was again -- and suddenly Neil knew what it was he was hearing -- the hiss of waves on a beach .
tr	4	His hand suddenly touched something hard , and he realized that he had reached a hard , wet stretch of sand .
tr	4	" Urgh , " he said and tried to push himself up , but his hands slipped and he flopped back into the sand .
tr	4	The stripes moved across his face , and Neil wondered idly how long he had been unconscious on the white beach .
tr	4	Neil tried to say something to the owner of the legs , but the sand in his mouth threatened to choke him .
tr	4	The footsteps suddenly ceased , and Neil got the feeling that the person , or thing , had become aware of him .
tr	4	For a moment , Neil imagined that he had been rescued by a very tall , thin monkey with long black hair .
tr	4	One narrow hand pushed back the dark curtain that hung in front of her eyes , and he saw that it was a girl .
tr	4	Neil staggered to his feet and almost fell again , but the skinny arm wound around his waist and supported him .
tr	4	His vision still obscured from the sun , Neil squinted at where she was headed , in between two of the bigger rocks .
tr	4	He wanted to say thanks , or even to tell her his name , but his throat was choked with severe , painful thirst .
tr	4	Energy coursed through his body and he broke away from the girl towards the sound of cool , blessed water .
tr	4	In his haste he banged his shoulder on one , but he no longer cared for anything except his dry throat .
tr	4	On the other side of the rocks , the sand ended and there was a broad expanse of deep , velvet grass .
tr	4	A little stream coursed down the other side of the small mountain , and Neil immediately fell down and plunged his head into it .
tr	4	Neil couldn 't stop drinking to turn and see who it was , however ; it was simply physically impossible to stop .
tr	4	The rocky slope on one side created a natural border , and the other side was hemmed in by a stone wall .
tr	4	The stones themselves had been carved with smiling heads , patterns of waves , women with tails like fish and long strands of seaweed .
tr	4	Flowers rioted over an arch set into the wall , obviously planted and trained to grow in ordered confusion in the garden .
tr	4	As he looked around in stunned silence , Neil saw more stone carvings set in among fruit trees , flowering vines and ornamental grasses .
tr	4	The garden , for that was where he was , gave the effect of color , shade and great beauty .
tr	4	The thin hand tugged on his sleeve , and he turned to see the girl who had rescued him beside an older woman .
tr	4	She would have been very attractive if it weren 't for the lines on her forehead and the worried expression in her eyes .
tr	4	She gestured towards the end of the garden , where a long , low house was set in among the vines and bougainvillea .
tr	4	My thirst must have gone to my -- " he swayed suddenly , and his head buzzed with exhaustion and confusion .
tr	4	Above , a balcony ran the entire length of the house , onto which at least ten sets of double doors opened .
tr	4	A horrid thought struck him , and he added , " I 'm a little dirty , I 'm afraid .
tr	4	With more eye-rolling , Riki edged her way towards a chair as slowly as possible and sat on the very edge of it .
tr	4	The door opened at that moment , and a hugely fat man rolled out with at least five dishes balanced on one mighty arm .
tr	4	" Riki , Riki , Riki , " the girl chanted and cast her eyes up to the heavens again .
tr	4	Riki pushed past him and ran upstairs , hopped onto the banister and slid down , and pushed her way up again .
tr	4	As she mounted the stairs for the third time , she asked , " Where 's he going to sleep it off ?
tr	4	The lid opened to an array of fine cotton shirts , folded neatly among small bags of herbs to keep them smelling sweet .
tr	4	He hopped out of bed and went over to the bath , which was huge and circular , like the bed .
tr	4	As he had seen her earlier , in a dream , she hung in the horrible cage off the end of a cliff .
tr	4	Maybe she was really being held in a squalid jail cell , or in a room somewhere , or in a dungeon .
tr	4	He also had to tell her that he had to push on , once he had paid his debt to her .
tr	4	Her untidy black hair had been braided into many thin little pigtails and pulled onto the top of her head .
tr	4	You try getting lost in a storm and almost dying of thirst and see how clean you are after , " he retorted .
tr	4	" Right , " Neil said , surreptitiously allowing her to get ahead of him so she was out of reach .
tr	4	" Means ' thanks , " ' Riki said , beginning to swell up with importance in her new role as interpreter .
tr	4	" Thank you very much for letting me sleep , and giving me a bath and - for everything , " he finished lamely .
tr	4	He followed her into a wide room with a long table that had been set with more bowls of fruit and flowers .
tr	4	And you saved my life , he thought , but he didn 't bother to say it to her and give her the satisfaction .
tr	4	Riki considered this for a moment and seemed on the brink of questioning him further when the door to the room opened .
tr	4	" Well , that 's a polite way of putting it , " Neil said , bobbing his head awkwardly at the huge man .
tr	4	Neil ladled a few onto his plate and hurriedly passed the bowl to Riki , who began to pile them onto her own platter .
tr	4	He passed a plate of small , crusty rolls , split and filled with cheese and herbs , to Neil .
tr	4	Feeling more and more uncomfortable , Neil took one and set it beside the untouched shrimp , and handed them on to Riki .
tr	4	The other men murmured agreement , and they broke into their own language to continue what was obviously a serious discussion about their work .
tr	4	Neil , whose ears had pricked up when they mentioned the name of Pearson , was handed more and more bowls of delicious-looking food .
tr	4	Riki regarded him with a screwed-up mouth , an impatient glint in her eyes , and one hand on the doorknob .
tr	4	" But , " he added , " you must apologize at once to your father for being rude . "
tr	4	I have something very important I have to do , " Neil began , and Riki 's face creased , preparing to whine .
tr	4	We can go to the market to see who can steal the most fruit , and the loser has to buy lunch . "
tr	4	He could keep his eyes skinned as they roamed about , although now , he 'd have to watch Riki closely as well .
tr	4	And I 'll tell you what , let 's bring some string , and we 'll try to catch some crabs later . "
tr	4	She took one of his hands in both of her own and shook it up and down for several moments .
tr	4	It was sweet and strong enough to choke an elephant , but it would give him some energy to keep up with Riki .
tr	4	Both brothers had stopped eating their breakfast ( it looked like sweet rolls with mango jam ) and looked at him intently .
tr	4	He even developed the special passage that allowed us to ship our wood without any of the usual risks incurred .
tr	4	After breakfast , they set off across the lawn and turned in the opposite direction from which Neil had originally arrived .
tr	4	Well , it 's like ' look here ' or ' see that ' , " she explained , not very well .
tr	4	The sea was also extremely warm ; in fact , it was just like wading through clear , salty , crystal soup .
tr	4	They chased each other and the waves for a long while , enjoying the water on their ankles and knees .
tr	4	I want to get to the large rocks on the next beach so we can sit and eat there . "
tr	4	Neil climbed up carefully beside her and saw that the rocks extended into the ocean like an outstretched hand with two fingers missing .
tr	4	" All right , if you promise to show me around after we catch some crabs , we 'll let out some lines now .
tr	4	I suppose it 's a good idea actually , since we can finish lunch while we wait for them to bite . "
tr	4	Neil swallowed some more of the delicious lemon drink , and asked , " Where did you learn to speak English so well ? "
tr	4	Neil shot to his feet and dropped his sandwich onto the beach below , where it was picked up by a triumphant gull .
tr	4	He huffed , catching his breath , and finally managed to say , " Oh , no , I 'm not marrying you .
tr	4	However , I 'm not going to marry someone whose best claim to decent behavior is that they 've ' been nice today ' .
tr	4	A small orange crab waved a claw at Riki , and a bright blue one nipped at Neil 's finger .
tr	4	Neil opened his mouth to ask her about this phenomenon , but Riki forestalled him with a hand on his sleeve .
tr	4	A row of well-built houses , smaller than Riki 's but just as beautiful , lay in a curved line along the sands .
tr	4	Except he 's really not a king unless he finds the Glorious Corona before the other king 's family does . "
tr	4	She drew a curve that cut through her rudimentary drawing of the island , chopping off one portion of it .
tr	4	" But , I really want to go and see those mountains , the -- what did you call them ?
tr	4	" Look , " he said , " let 's just climb up and scout out the territory a bit .
tr	4	" We won 't get in trouble for going so close to the king 's lands , will we ? "
tr	4	Through the gaps in the massive gates , the palace itself looked like a larger , more ornate version of Riki 's house .
tr	4	That was topped by a third floor , and the roof was scrolled and inlaid with what looked like mother of pearl .
tr	4	Fantastic creatures guarded each corner of the roof -- a dragon , a sea serpent and a merman blowing into a golden shell .
tr	4	The palace was situated at the bottom of the mountain 's foothills , and between it and hills was a large , sparkling lagoon .
tr	4	The view of the mountains over the lake , for anyone lucky enough to live in the palace , would have been breathtaking .
tr	4	As they watched , a man emerged from the tunnel , looking as tiny as an ant from where they were .
tr	4	He also looked very large , Neil thought , watching the way he easily negotiated the huge rocks in his way .
tr	4	As unobtrusively as possible , Neil edged away from that large knife and tried to look as mild and as law-abiding as possible .
tr	4	He gestured with his stick towards the lagoon below them and turned away towards the palace , motioning for them to follow .
tr	4	" Luckily we didn 't start to climb up , or he would have had us arrested and thrown in prison . "
tr	4	" He says to stay away from the mountains , " Riki said , " and to go home fast . "
tr	4	Neil peered between some of the hanging vines , thick with flowers and fruit , at the long wooden wall .
tr	4	From where they stood , he could barely see a large flight of steps that curved down from what looked like another long veranda .
tr	4	It was sandy , and it wound towards the beach where he had landed the day before , if his bearings were correct .
tr	4	The path twisted , and he was cut off from the sound of the water lapping on the lagoon shore .
tr	4	If she got lost now , or ran back to that guard , or got arrested , he would be held responsible .
tr	4	One thing that you could say about Riki , Neil reflected ; she had an easy temperament and forgot her anger quickly .
tr	4	" I was glad to have -- that is , I 'm glad that you and Riki had such a pleasant day . "
tr	4	Riki continued to stare up at her mother after that hurried speech , but her face crumpled and she yawned hugely .
tr	4	We thought she would get better once she got older , but -- " " But it got worse . "
tr	4	" Ah , um , you did , " Neil said , " and I wouldn 't have brought it up again .
tr	4	Maybe I should get return to England at once and do what I can there for Simon and Miriam . "
tr	4	If you can tell me where to rent a boat , sir , I 'll be off in the morning . "
tr	4	The figure was that of a woman with long , matted hair and torn clothes , and the stink emanated from her .
tr	4	She smiled with closed eyes , as though she was lost in a wonderful place that no one else could see .
tr	4	Now her features were blotted and streaked with dirt , and they were obscured by the idiotic expression on her face .
tr	4	The girl was now flinging her wild hair from side to side , and her humming had escalated to moans .
tr	4	The grownups that he had met - teachers , parents , and such - were evasive when it came to certain subjects .
tr	4	Neil forced a smile onto his face and asked , " Is there anything I can do to help ? "
tr	4	Giving him a kiss on the cheek , she said , " I truly hope you will stay here with us forever . "
tr	4	The lines were frayed at the ends and tangled , and the girls began to untangle the rope and roll it up .
tr	4	Neil used to do the same thing , two lifetimes ago , in the fishing village with his sisters and his father .
tr	4	In the pool , a small octopus emerged from the shadow of a rock and started to stalk a shrimp .
tr	4	Instantly , she put her rod down and crawled over him , stepping painfully on his thigh , so that she could eavesdrop better .
tr	4	He was certain that if a rumor had started to go around about the tunnel being haunted , something was happening there .
tr	4	He stripped off the long nightshirt and felt for the clothes he had hidden in the chest near his bed .
tr	4	If he woke everyone in a furious frenzy , they would know that he wanted to leave on a night expedition .
tr	4	If he heard that his guest was trying to leave , Neil would lose the little freedom he had now .
tr	4	Simon , Miriam and Mana were doomed , and his parents and family would be prosecuted and turned out of their house .
tr	4	We overheard the girls telling that story on the beach , and it just makes sense that you would want to go and investigate .
tr	4	" Well , obviously I can 't , because your parents have decided to lock me in like a prisoner . "
tr	4	He reached out one arm and brushed back her hair ( done in untidy braids , as usual ) with one hand .
tr	4	" Hey , let 's draw up a list of what we need to do , and we can prepare tomorrow . "
tr	4	Finally , after she brandished a green parasol triumphantly in his face , he abandoned her and escaped to the kitchen .
tr	4	Either she is moved indoors to a well-ventilated area , and given proper medical attention , or I pack to leave now . "
tr	4	After being washed and laid onto clean sheets in a cool , darkened room , the girl had finally fallen into a natural sleep .
tr	4	" Just don 't complain tonight that you 're tired , or I 'll never take you on an expedition of mine again .
tr	4	" I 'm certain that little Riki here has been leading you a fine dance as usual , no ? "
tr	4	He could follow the gist of the long story , but it involved people he didn 't know or even want to meet .
tr	4	The thick jungle , filled during the day with the calling of the parrots overhead , was now quiet and dark .
tr	4	Even Riki , who usually moved like a little silent spider , seemed to crash through the plants and vines .
tr	4	The only other sound was the hum of unseen insects and the slight lapping of water on the lagoon 's edge .
tr	4	Neil peered in the direction of which she was pointing and saw , dimly , the lights of the palace .
tr	4	Turning away from the sight , she whispered to him , " We must go very quietly now , here . "
tr	4	She grabbed his hand and threaded her way down the path , nearing the area where the large guard had left them before .
tr	4	He concentrated on walking as silently as possible , and he nearly bumped into her when she suddenly froze and squeezed his hand .
tr	4	Yuck , he thought , as the smoke wafted towards him ; blow me down if I ever take up that particular habit .
tr	4	I appreciate that you want your own profits soon , but we have to abide by our country 's laws , my dear fellow .
tr	4	We also have to find a way to produce it on a mass scale without losing the number of workers that we have .
tr	4	" Once production is in place and we really get rolling , do you realize how rich we 'll all be ?
tr	4	And , that 's not taking into account the nasty tariffs and import costs and the recent wars in the Orient .
tr	4	With a burst of horror , Neil recognized the huge guard who had accosted them the day of the first island tour .
tr	4	Neil , beneath his terror , felt rather pleased with himself that he understood perfectly what the king was saying in the island language .
tr	4	" True , " he responded , " although it helps our -- " again Neil lost the drift of the conversation .
tr	4	And , those who have returned from the mainland become ever more desperate , according to the reports from my men . "
tr	4	Of the three men who Neil had just listened to , the guard had seemed to make the most sense .
tr	4	The path widened and began to slope upward as they neared the hills that separated the palace from the marshes .
tr	4	There was no moon , but the stars were as bright as lanterns , showing the lake below in sharp relief .
tr	4	Beside the water , spiky plants grew in thick clumps , and the ground under Neil 's feet felt mushy .
tr	4	It seemed safe enough where they were , but there was a strange smell rising from the ground around the water .
tr	4	He forced himself to continue , trying to ignore the slimy feeling underfoot and the increasing smells from the swamp .
tr	4	I just can 't wait to go home , have a bath and drink a big cup of wine . "
tr	4	Something hideous slimed its way over Neil 's ankle , and he bit his lip in order not to shout with disgust .
tr	4	Wiping as much as he could off his lenses , Neil began to curse steadily to himself as he inched along .
tr	4	His hand touched something solid and warm , and with a start he realized that he was holding Riki 's ankle .
tr	4	It had a well-marked trail winding up the side , which was obviously used by the guards to get up to the tunnel .
tr	4	Neil couldn 't catch all the words , but it sounded like one was accusing the other of cheating at dice .
tr	4	The hole was pitch dark as well , until Riki struck a match and a small point of light flared up .
tr	4	She held up the flaming brand and waved it around , craning her neck to see as much as she could .
tr	4	He unwound his shirt , put it back on , and tried to wipe his muddy glasses on one sleeve .
tr	4	After all , how many times in his life would he get to explore a forbidden tunnel in the heart of a mountain ?
tr	4	He got up , slung the bag on his back and dragged Riki , whose feet were sliding in the sand on the floor .
tr	4	" Very well , " she whispered and let go of his arm , although she stayed close to him .
tr	4	They crept forward , Riki 's eyes widening as the wail died away and was followed by the hissing sound .
tr	4	He could see two hands clutching the bars on the roof of the cage and a face that looked up at him .
tr	4	In the gloom , her face tipped back , and she thrust one arm through the bars of the cage .
tr	4	" Well , I have been in better places , " she shot back in her normal , governess voice .
tr	4	I don 't know where they are now ; I just sort of jumped into a boat and followed you here .
tr	4	The movement caused the cage to shift and swing , so that she was hidden from view for a few moments .
tr	4	" If only we could get hold of the Sacred Documents ... " " Sacred documents -- what are they ? "
tr	4	A moment later he and Riki heard the same unearthly wail that had frightened them so badly in the passageway .
tr	4	There was an exclamation from within and a hurried scramble , followed by sounds of extremely sudden departure back down the mountain .
tr	4	" There 's a series of rough steps cut into the wall , " Mana said , lifting one arm and pointing .
tr	4	Neil turned his head and saw , cut into the cliff , a long descent hewed right into the rocks .
tr	4	" I 'll be fine , " she said , and one corner of her mouth lifted in a smile .
tr	4	There was a slight thud as it hit the bars , and Mana hooked it with one hand and drew it into the cage .
tr	4	It dropped onto the cage and nearly rolled off , but she managed to catch it as well and pull it inside her prison .
tr	4	He reflected with fury that the guards were probably too nervous of the tunnel to give her proper food and water .
tr	4	If he ever got big enough , he would pay them out for that ; you could bet on it .
tr	4	She stepped onto the first one without any hesitation , and Neil , feeling a bit ashamed , followed her carefully .
tr	4	For one heart stopping moment Neil thought that he would slip and fall down onto the wicked , sharp rocks below him .
tr	4	The steps sloped away from where she was suspended , and the waves got louder as they climbed down towards the sea .
tr	4	There was no time to think that he was dead , however ; he crashed onto a flat rock about a foot below him .
tr	4	We 'd better go swimming with our clothes on once we reach a sandy beach before anyone sees us like this . "
tr	4	There , set into the cliff in the shape of a circle , was a series of twelve silver discs .
tr	4	The only other thing to do was to slosh into the salt water , but there the rocks were unseen under the waves .
tr	4	If we put him in a good mood , for example , by you being absolutely , positively on your best behavior . "
tr	4	" You don 't have to bow to him , or wash his feet , or anything like that . "
tr	4	This led to telling about Miriam , and Simon , and how they had all met at Miriam 's house .
tr	4	The only thing he could say for certain about her was that when Mana said something , he believed it with no hesitation whatsoever .
tr	4	Neil peered at the large rocks that they were on , and between two of them there was a large gap .
tr	4	He wanted breakfast as badly as she did , but he did not want to risk another confrontation with any of the palace goons .
tr	4	" You mean , " he said to himself , " we could have come this way instead of crawling through that marsh ? "
tr	4	In his room , he had scrubbed until he tingled , but his nails were still dirty , he saw now .
tr	4	Curling them under his spoon , he repeated , " We thought we could get bigger fish earlier in the morning . "
tr	4	We sat for a few hours on the sand and realized that we wouldn 't catch anything , so -- " The door opened .
tr	4	" It must have been just about sunrise , since you and Riki were already gone on your little jaunt . "
tr	4	At once , the adults all began talking over each other , gesturing furiously with knives , spoons , and rolls of bread .
tr	4	" I fear that I have wronged you , Neil , as a guest of my parents and the friend of my sister .
tr	4	It 's just like listening to a Royal Address or the bishop 's sermon with these two , Neil thought .
tr	4	The thing is , Miriam and Simon were kidnapped and put on a train going somewhere in the middle of the night . "
tr	4	" My cook is not going to run off with you on some fool errand -- " " Father ! "
tr	4	She somewhat ruined the dutiful daughter image she had created earlier by leaping into the air and crashing down on Neil 's foot .
tr	4	It is the eve of some new business venture , or some such thing , and he is inviting everyone to the Palace .
tr	4	If it is a solemn festival , surely black or a dark blue would be more appropriate than green ? "
tr	4	You 'll probably wear that maroon caftan of yours again , the one that everyone liked at the last party at the palace . "
tr	4	Riki 's eyes met Neil 's and they raised their eyebrows in mutual surprise that her mother had said such a thing .
tr	4	You tell them about your own project because you need their help , and they take over the whole thing .
tr	4	I 'd be sick in about five minutes , and she 's been there for days and days now . "
tr	4	I 'll prepare the house so it will look as though we are still here tonight after we leave . "
tr	4	All of them were dressed in dark clothes , so it was difficult to see them if you didn 't know they were there .
tr	4	" I must say , sir , " Neil said , " Riki 's a lot of good on an expedition .
tr	4	They reached the stone platform at the top of the climb at last , and Riki and Neil squeezed back into the tunnel .
tr	4	From the tunnel , Neil could just see the straining backs of the two sons as they lay down and began to pull .
tr	4	Neil suddenly had a horrifying vision of the cage slipping out of their hands and pulling them both over the edge of the rock .
tr	4	From far away , Neil thought he heard an ominous flop , as if an inert body had landed on an unyielding floor .
tr	4	We don 't know if the link that attaches it to this rock is strong enough to bear your weight .
tr	4	The bravery of Riki 's brother , whom he had often mocked as a nodding shadow of his father , was unbelievable .
tr	4	Riki rubbed her eyes suddenly , and Neil felt the desire to sleep descend on him like a huge , heavy blanket .
tr	4	His pose was negligent , but something about his tensed , powerful shoulders gave the impression that he would spring into action if necessary .
tr	4	" I 'll keep watch here , and Riki can take the back room as a look-out when she wakes up . "
tr	4	Nothing moved outside ; it was as if he were looking at a painting entitled , ' Island Scene Before a Storm ' .
tr	4	Dark clouds bunched ominously in the east , and they hunched over the ocean like a group of hungry tigers .
tr	4	He had accomplished something that he had set out to do , and his flight wasn 't a terrible waste after all .
tr	4	" Prop her in one corner , stirring a pot or some such thing , and no one will notice her .
tr	4	A short time later , Riki and Neil sat in the front veranda , poking crusts of yesterday 's rolls at an unenthusiastic parrot .
tr	4	Perhaps the bird sensed the oncoming storm , as it turned its back on Riki and began to nibble under one wing .
tr	4	My father was a sailor and a fisherman , and I know a rain cloud when I see one . "
tr	4	" Why 'd you get caught in that storm and end up on the island , then , if you 're so clever ? "
tr	4	" I got caught in that storm because I wanted to save my friends and didn 't pay attention to the weather !
tr	4	Neil looked up and saw a line of five or six guards , headed by a large fellow he had never seen before .
tr	4	" I just wanted to know what you think , if you don 't mind , " Neil said to her through his teeth .
tr	4	The parrot awoke with a screech as a bolt of lightning momentarily lit the garden , followed by a loud shout of thunder .
tr	4	They scuttled into the hall , where they were met by the same troop of guards and Riki 's parents .
tr	4	Machi , if that was the fellow 's name , barked something to the other guards and they all trooped upstairs .
tr	4	" They say there 's nothing here , and they want to go home before the road is flooded . "
tr	4	" That guard had better not come near you again , " Neil muttered , and he bunched his hands into fists .
tr	4	When she returned , she reported that Queen Mana was still not awake , although she appeared to be more comfortable .
tr	4	" We 're a house full of sleepers , " Riki grumbled , as she was pushed up the stairs to bed .
tr	4	They crept between the dripping flowers and vines that grew in ordered confusion in the kitchen garden , towards the small tin shed .
tr	4	At the last moment , Riki got shy and hung back , poking Neil and motioning for him to enter first .
tr	4	" I am especially worried about her , as she retains the rights to the Company as her father 's only heir . "
tr	4	Reluctantly , he picked up a roll topped with honey and crunchy nuts and bit into it , sunk in gloom .
tr	4	After a minute , he caught up with her and asked , " What is this temple we 're going to see ? "
tr	4	He couldn 't help it ; he felt a silly mood coming on , even though he was going into a sacred place .
tr	4	It didn 't look at all like a church , or even as nice as the houses in the villages .
tr	4	When they entered , all Neil saw was a dark room lit by a few lamps that hung from the ceiling .
tr	4	He felt his body shake with laughter , made all the worse by the knowledge that he had to keep quiet and respectful .
tr	4	The staircase opened out onto a huge expanse of gleaming marble , illuminated by more of the dim , glowing lamps .
tr	4	He stared into the water , but all he saw was Riki 's face , obviously struggling with the desire to push him in .
tr	4	He got up quickly and moved out of temptation 's way to one of the benches , which was made of highly polished wood .
tr	4	From where he sat , he saw something in the water , a white figure that wavered and grew clearer .
tr	4	Unfortunately , we can 't sit on the veranda due to the rains , but let 's go to the gallery down here . "
tr	4	" But she is much better now ; in fact , she made that almond cake that you 're eating now . "
tr	4	Riki gave her another slap , and she turned and barked at the girl , " I 'm fine now !
tr	4	One arm clasped the top of the long shaft , and his muscles bulged in a way that Neil eyed enviously .
tr	4	" I 'm afraid that you and your family will have to come with us as well , " he said .
tr	4	You are an honorable man , and I 'm certain you will respect the sacred laws of our country . "
tr	4	" I stole them , " she answered , looking straight into his eyes , " when I went to the temple this morning .
tr	4	I still had my keys to the inner rooms from my time as a temple maiden , before we were married . "
tr	4	Neil , staring at the men and Mana , thought he had never seen anyone look more magnificent , or nobler .
tr	4	In order to do this without innocent blood being shed , we must come up with a plan in the next few hours . "
tr	4	" You know it , " Neil blurted out , and he turned bright red as everyone looked at him .
tr	4	She revolved slowly in front of the mirror , thinking that her appearance would please the most exacting of society 's finest ruling members .
tr	4	She patted the tight , oiled braids wound around her ears as she peered in a glass hung in the hall .
tr	4	" I can 't see , my dear , with you in the window , " he said in a mild tone .
tr	4	There was a line of dark figures , dressed as plainly as Capuchin monks , with black hoods over their heads .
tr	4	They walked in a straight line past the chairs , looking neither to the left or the right , and acknowledging no one .
tr	4	Oh yes , there 's some sort of clown , or magician , or something -- no , there 's two of them . "
tr	4	Pointing and howling in a high cackle , the devilish figure threw something onto the cushions behind her broad back .
tr	4	" We 're nearly at the lagoon now -- oh , those people in black robes are all getting onto one boat .
tr	4	Where did you get it -- I must tell my maid -- " " Wonderful scent , " Uwe responded .
tr	4	The boatman raised a pole and pushed off , joining a trail of boats that floated towards the Palace , illuminated by hanging lanterns .
tr	4	The black monks continued their approach , and the first clown reached the dais and sank into a deep bow .
tr	4	Another monk threw back his robe and pointed at the palace guards , who stopped , perplexed , when they saw him .
tr	4	" Stop it at once , " Mana ordered , raising one arm and pointing at the guards grouped behind Machi .
tr	4	One got onto his knee and bowed his head , pointing his spear towards her , and the other followed suit .
tr	4	They looked around the dais and the ballroom , but in the disturbance , the former king had somehow disappeared .
tr	4	" I am the queen in name only until I can bring the Glorious Corona back to the islands , " Mana said .
tr	4	Books covered the other three walls , and a table was dragged into the center and surrounded with a motley collection of chairs .
tr	4	" We have an extremely important job to do -- one that impacts a country , a company and several families .
tr	4	And thank you for protecting her from danger as you did just now ; I know it must have been difficult . "
tr	4	He stood up and offered a large hand to Neil , who , after an instant 's hesitation , took it .
tr	4	Neil cleared his throat and asked , " What are we going to do on the mainland , Mana ? "
tr	4	" She 'll see you again soon , " she said , " and you can make her understand . "
tr	4	She was born in Arizona and has also lived in Pennsylvania , Illinois , Mexico , Ireland , and Spain .
tr	4	Miriam stole a look at Simon 's grim profile , sighed slightly and tried to shift into a more comfortable position .
tr	4	Her head drooped with weariness and hit the hard , wooden side of the train , and it woke her with a start .
tr	4	She folded her arms against her stomach and thought about a story she wanted to write when she got off the train .
tr	4	However , the king of the country , who wished for quick riches to satisfy his own evil greed , sold the precious bauble .
tr	4	She realized with a jolt of something like shock in her stomach that they had fallen asleep curled up together .
tr	4	He looked out of the doorway and shouted to some unseen companion , " Bring the lot of them in !
tr	4	The dark haired man nodded and said , " I didn 't expect no more than a pig 's squeal .
tr	4	As soon as we arrive at our destination , we 'll let a person of authority know of the error .
tr	4	" Shouldn 't doubt you 'll be there the rest of your days , running the mills and sweeping the floors . "
tr	4	He had a scar that ran right down his face , from eye to chin , that snaked across nose and mouth .
tr	4	" I can talk to someone with some education and let them know what severe trouble they are in . "
tr	4	Blue Eyes opened his eyes with a slight snore and came to instant awareness ; he stretched and rose to his feet .
tr	4	He pushed Frank and the others slightly and they began to move out , their steps shortened by the chains around their ankles .
tr	4	She ignored him as she followed the line of men , and the guard walked close behind her and Simon .
tr	4	The men kept their heads down in stoic silence and descended , and after a moment , Miriam and Simon followed .
tr	4	The train had stopped , not at a station , but at the back of the back of a large , dark brick factory .
tr	4	The face was entirely in shadow , until it turned to her , and the eyes flashed , the only visible feature .
tr	4	Simon put a hand on her sleeve and whispered , " That must be the one who is in control here .
tr	4	Her hair , what there was of it , was scraped back from a face so bony as to appear skinless and bloodless .
tr	4	Her eyes were a light color , but the brows were heavy and black , descending towards the brow in accusing question marks .
tr	4	The dark , little man was watched in silence for a long moment , and she spoke to someone behind the door .
tr	4	They lumbered towards Frank and gripped him with huge hands , and pulled him into the dark , brick building .
tr	4	" We didn 't expect the girl just yet , and the boy shouldn 't be here at all . "
tr	4	The guard 's enormous fist exploded outward , caught Simon on the edge of his jaw , and dropped him to the alley .
tr	4	The guard watched him fall without expression , and Miriam bit down , hard , on her tongue so she wouldn 't scream .
tr	4	The dirt underfoot was the damp , gritty sort that instantly gets into one 's socks and causes dull , grinding discomfort .
tr	4	The Headmistress ignored her and put a whistle that hung around her neck on a silver string to her lips .
tr	4	" You don 't have to squeeze me , " she said , exasperated , and she tried to shake his hand off .
tr	4	At the bottom of the stairs , the Headmaster steered her to the left , down another narrow , dark passage .
tr	4	Drips ran down the walls , and she could hear a metallic clanking sound , rather muffled by the thick walls .
tr	4	When she saw the Headmaster , she dropped her head and began to nod in a strange , rhythmic way .
tr	4	Miriam went with her into a larger room where more women , all with white skins , bustled about in silent , meaningless tasks .
tr	4	Her pinafore was pulled over her head , her dress unbuttoned , and her shoes and stockings were pulled off .
tr	4	She jerked Miriam 's face around , considered her for a moment , and added , " Pity to lose them curls .
tr	4	Taking the scissors in one hand and Miriam 's hair in the other , she cut it off with two short , rapid strokes .
tr	4	Miriam was hauled out of the tub and dried with a stiff towel that looked more like a piece of an old oats bag .
tr	4	One of the shapeless gray garments was slipped over her head ; it was rough , but at least it was clean .
tr	4	Miriam , who had been trying to construct a map of the factory in her head , realized that she was now hopelessly lost .
tr	4	The passage opened into a wide chamber , constructed with the same greasy , stained bricks that appeared throughout the place .
tr	4	Giving it up as a bad job , Miriam walked into the cell and the door was closed on her .
tr	4	She felt the shorn hair at the back of her neck ; it seemed to be terribly jagged and prickly .
tr	4	She put one hand on his forehead and said , " No use rushing things , now , you poor dear .
tr	4	She smoothed his forehead again with one cool hand , and he fell back to sleep in a single instant .
tr	4	Simon could now see that the room was even larger than he had thought , and it was very richly furnished .
tr	4	Simon was about to protest , but he stopped when she uncovered the silver tureen and spooned some of its contents into a bowl .
tr	4	" I must find out - " his words were cut off as she popped the soup into his mouth .
tr	4	She fed him the rest of the bowl and held a crystal tumbler of something cold and delicious to his lips .
tr	4	Raising one hand , he found that it was still swollen from -- what the hell had happened to him , anyway ?
tr	4	She smiled delightedly when she saw Simon sitting up and exclaimed , " Feeling much better , aren 't we ?
tr	4	" Nurse , I have got to get up and get dressed , and get the police , and find them !
tr	4	Every village had to have a policeman , or at least a post office where he could send a telegram .
tr	4	He seized the handle , but even though he tried shaking , twisting , and rattling , it wouldn 't budge .
tr	4	Giving it up , Simon weakly fell into the chair from which he had snatched the dressing gown and looked around .
tr	4	The tall thick trees ringing the valley floor stood like sentinels guarding the peaceful entrance that faced the Great Southern Wastelands .
tr	4	No one ever ventured into the wastelands for legend has it that a great war laid the country bare , harsh and uninhabitable .
tr	4	He struggled at balancing his intense curiosity , his first chance of seeing a man , and a troubling sense of fear .
tr	4	He moved toward the door to see the new day in all its fullness and to breathe some morning air .
tr	4	His little home was away from the rest of the community , tucked into the low hills surrounding the village .
tr	4	Although they weren 't very old they had a tendency to joke about the fact that middle age was heading for them fast .
tr	4	Their labors began in a leisurely manner as they worked with great skill weaving the thatched roof back into a fine carpet .
tr	4	After a few turns they decided to take a break , the sun being a little warmer than they had guessed .
tr	4	He had never actually seen a man and the tales of their misdeeds was almost enough to keep one awake at night .
tr	4	I haven 't thought of it for a long time and then last night , the memory came back in a dream .
tr	4	I 've never seen a man with my own eyes , but I 've heard the tales and the rumors of late . "
tr	4	You sit up here in the hollows and don 't know of the rumors , rumors of a man clad in crimson .
tr	4	It is said he moves like the wind , silent and quick , yet leaves no trail to follow . "
tr	4	He was so excited he stood in his boat to call out , lost his balance and fell into the water .
tr	4	He did that from time to time , but as he quizzed him every detail was the same , over and over again .
tr	4	He was almost there ; a few more fields to cross and then a row or two of houses and up the hill .
tr	4	It was as a law carved in stone that Mr. Clancy would be in the house on the hill behind the crossroads .
tr	4	They had long since been stretched beyond belief , but that was part of the aura that had grown up around him .
tr	4	He had no idea Mr. Clancy would remember him as it had been perhaps twenty summers since there last encounter .
tr	4	He was ' the traveler ' , the only one by which news of the outside ever reached their lands .
tr	4	Beside it was a common oak chair and a rather large rocker made from a wood he could not put a name to .
tr	4	He was graying on his temples but the remarkable thing was he still had a full crop of red hair .
tr	4	" Yes , I know of the rumors , and of you knowing of them , well , that is another matter .
tr	4	There are many strange creatures in the world and none are strictly good however , there are those that are purely evil .
tr	4	Time had slipped by quickly and darkness had fallen several turns before and though spring was afoot the night airs were still cool .
tr	4	He couldn 't hold back his excitement and burst through the door barreling down the wet , muddy fields toward his old friend .
tr	4	The sun would begin to dry things up but it wouldn 't do much by the time they arrived at Mr. Clancy 's home .
tr	4	The embers were reduced to a small amber glow like eyes peering out from the darkness of the charred wood .
tr	4	It was thought that simmering beneath these bricks brought out a special flavor and using these hearths for anything else would ruin them .
tr	4	They took only a few minutes to load their arms and return to the warm hearth and wonderful stories they had left behind .
tr	4	The time of decision is at hand and all that remains is the final counting of those who shall commit . "
tr	4	I think you are confused , that maybe you have inhaled the night airs too deeply and have a bug up your nose . "
tr	4	It is very mild tasting , but in large amounts it will cause you to take leave of your senses .
tr	4	I would believe it to be safe , not that I have the stomach for some of the things you seem to enjoy . "
tr	4	He told them of its origins in the north and some of its history , at least as much as he knew .
tr	4	If at that time it was satisfactory , it was bottled and stored for use , mainly at festive gatherings .
tr	4	It dwells in the northern reaches of the Ice Mountains and is at the command of the ruler of the northern realm .
tr	4	The trees become as white specters , ghosts of the landscape and are said to be filled with the eyes of long dead Searchers .
tr	4	Long ago it was separated from the cane , and the time has come to return it to its rightful place .
tr	4	I am not schooled in the ways of men nor of other lands , but these things may not be pure chance .
tr	4	" What has brought the search to bear , and why then must it end after these many generations ? "
tr	4	Legend says they will rise again to invade the north and shall be led by a lord of the underworld .
tr	4	Their lord has sent forth mouths to give his terms to my king and those kings of the other northern lands .
tr	4	It was early yet , and though most of his folk were farmers and quite used to rising early , no one was about .
tr	4	Never before had he been able to speak with someone about the outside world , and he had Mr. Clancy all to himself .
tr	4	The quest was not of my choosing , though for my king I would most surely have accepted his charge .
tr	4	" I may have refused the quest , yet to do so would bring shame upon myself and my kin .
tr	4	Are not all men free to choose for themselves in your lands , or must they bow to a greater will ? "
tr	4	After the great wars in the south the men and their kind withdrew to the north and all the surrounding lands .
tr	4	It was long before written records of our peoples had been charted and thus it was passed only through word of mouth .
tr	4	Never in his life had he heard a tale such as this nor could he have imagined or even dreamed of such a story .
tr	4	" Are you two coming or are you just going to stand there and waste the rest of this beautiful day ? "
tr	4	At that they picked up their pace , the scenery again passing quickly as the morning sun began its march across the blue sky .
tr	4	He could be open and trusting , but at the same time there was an air of solitude that seemed to surround him .
tr	4	He was not accustomed to large groups ; a man of solitude he was concerned with too many eyes knowing of his presence .
tr	4	Those who did not know or understand , through no fault or malice , could cause him the most harm .
tr	4	They crossed a low , rolling field which was muddied from the rain and entered a wooded ravine to their right .
tr	4	He paid no attention to the inquisitive looks he received and tucked them into a pouch sewn inside his cloak .
tr	4	A farmer by trade he saw no use for that particular crop , nothing more than an annoying weed , he thought .
tr	4	Most of the area was saturated from the spring thaw and the rain that had come in the past few days .
tr	4	They cut across the field to the southeast , a route that would bring them to a lightly traveled path .
tr	4	It took almost a full turn to reach the edge of the field , the going much tougher than they had expected .
tr	4	Clancy led the way as they walked only for a few minutes before coming upon a small , sunlit glade .
tr	4	The long walk made them work up a sweat and the sudden lack of movement caused them to cool down quickly .
tr	4	" If you gather your clothing you will find the mud may be shaken off and they will be much dryer .
tr	4	The sun had been up for several turns but had not fully taken the cool mists from the depths of the woods .
tr	4	They were ready within minutes and glad to regain their clothing although they were not fully free of the mud .
tr	4	If it leads me to a handful of the black creatures or an army , I shall not be deterred .
tr	4	Of this I will say I may not coerce any member of this party to journey into danger with me .
tr	4	This he slung over his shoulder and the four were out the door as the sun began its march into the evening sky .
tr	4	Their pace was quicker than it had been in the morning and it was now Mr. Clancy who grew impatient .
tr	4	They did not know how far they had penetrated into the valley , and therefore they must also be invisible .
tr	4	He knew he would have to make his best speed ; he had no desire to let down his new friend .
tr	4	Our most direct route would be to cut straight through the heart of the basin and turn into the far , southwestern end .
tr	4	This route you have chosen I deem wise ; it is quick and will afford us a good lay of the land . "
tr	4	They moved inward picking their way slowly until they came to a small clearing where they settled down for the night .
tr	4	They had guided him this far and though he could have gotten here without them , he was in their debt .
tr	4	They scurried around for fresh fruits to accompany the dried meats they had brought ; the cooking pan being unneeded was quickly packed away .
tr	4	" I saw them in my dreams last night , though I was unsure when we would contact them . "
tr	4	It would be well to keep to the high ground , yet we must be careful not to trap ourselves against the rocks . "
tr	4	" Mr. Clancy , have you been ... " He grabbed Clancy and began dragging him back into the woods .
tr	4	A black arrow stood straight up from his left shoulder , covered in blood , the shaft broken in the middle .
tr	4	He had been in this area before and was sure , almost sure , he knew exactly where he was .
tr	4	From his bag he took a lump of coal and some flint and quickly had a small fire driving away the shadows .
tr	4	He returned to Mr. Clancy and crouched over him , his sweat caused by the fire and his nervousness rolling down his brow .
tr	4	He ripped it in long strips , clotted a few into the shoulder and wrapped the rest around as a bandage .
tr	4	They were frozen at the edge of the cave , never before having had their lives threatened , too afraid to move .
tr	4	He stared at the bandage as a snarl came across his face , almost as if he had taken the arrow himself .
tr	4	Perhaps it was just coincidence or could it have been the aroma with which they had surrounded themselves that stirred Clancy from his dreams .
tr	4	He had journeyed a quarter turn when he spied a dozen of the creatures rumbling across a field at the edge of the treeline .
tr	4	He was jumped from behind , but one black foe was not his match and one would not be missed .
tr	4	He tracked them as they looped around a small path quietly killing a few more as they went back south .
tr	4	With his companions having left the stream , and seeing evidence of a struggle he tracked them to the rocks before losing the trail .
tr	4	After carefully replacing the bandage he wrapped Clancy in his cloak and laid him down near the fire to sleep .
tr	4	He had taken the middle watch and since he had little sleep the night before he welcomed the precious slumber .
tr	4	" This quest of yours has been brought to my lands and injury has now come to one of our own .
tr	4	Before they could even look down a large , indistinguishable shape shot up past their eyes and they fell back .
tr	4	He can take this shape at will , the greatest of wing to ever soar the skies of the world . "
tr	4	What of all this talk of powerful crystals and men changing shape and flying off to who knows where through the skies ?
tr	4	" What manner of creature have you brought to our lands , this vile one of wing and flesh ? "
tr	4	I have taken this charge and the quest with full knowledge that it may end with my death , unfulfilled . "
tr	4	It was then I learned that one should not be ashamed of his fears but must deal with them and go on . "
tr	4	He reached down and wrapped his massive arms around them , picked them up and held them to his breast .
tr	4	All they could see was a large scab and a black bruise front and back , the path the arrow had taken .
tr	4	The outside may be healed but the inside is still damaged , but you will travel easier and faster . "
tr	4	They were spaced far enough apart and high enough in the hills that a small party of quiet travelers could slip through .
tr	4	Any other way , a detour , would force him to return to the Northern Kingdom , his quest a failure .
tr	4	This was not the best place to avoid the black creatures as they had a preference to stay in places out of the light .
tr	4	They had travelled nearly a full turn as they struggled quietly through the woods before they were forced to stop .
tr	4	" If things are as bad as you say , we may not live to see the sun settle behind the hills . "
tr	4	I would gladly end my own life rather than live under their foul lords " " How long will we wait ? "
tr	4	The sun had reached its mark for the day and things fell with their shadows now from the west moving in perfect harmony .
tr	4	He sprang and turned with a powerful thrusting sweep from his left arm and the blackness fell to the ground in a shuddering heap .
tr	4	The shadows of the living had long since passed into the shadows of night and those creatures that abound through it .
tr	4	As they crawled from the thick brush and dusted the earth from their garments a light wind brushed across their faces .
tr	4	" We are more than able to take care of ourselves when the time is at hand , " Clancy said .
tr	4	He must fear a great assault upon his realm and can wait no longer for the crystal to be found . "
tr	4	He could not have imagined anyone moving through the evening woods with the speed and hush of the night airs .
tr	4	You have come to the southern end of the Dream Valley and here your oath of service to my quest ends .
tr	4	If we are high in the mountains we could help search if we are told what to look for . "
tr	4	They made their way as quickly as possible staying in the hollows , only the shadows of early morning hiding them .
tr	4	It was as high as any in this part of the range , though there were higher and more dangerous far to the north .
tr	4	It reached outward in two directions both southeast and southwest , then came back upon itself converging a league off .
tr	4	They heard a shuffling and as they turned , three black creatures in shabby armor and tattered cloaks stood before them .
tr	4	He jumped to his feet and turned , charged and threw himself against his enemy as the two fell backwards .
tr	4	There is a war to be won , my friends , and this was your first taste of battle . "
tr	4	" For time that may only be measured by the generations of men , the Searcher has made this quest his life .
tr	4	I know how long you have waited for this moment but this is not the time , nor the place .
tr	4	The two grizzled thugs stood eye to eye as neither could afford to back down in front of his own .
tr	4	" They will be looking for us and it would not do us well to be caught in this thicket . "
tr	4	There will be no fire for us this night ; it would give away our hiding place , such as it is . "
tr	4	It is with all the hope I can muster that they will pass your lands , but I do not think that will happen .
tr	4	They will most certainly be out roaming in the darkness , and do not forget , they see better at night .
tr	4	" I believe the time has come for you to at the least , see what you have been striving for . "
tr	4	" Once you see what shall be placed before you , you will understand the importance of my quest . "
tr	4	Those that behold the crystal shall know its true purpose if goodness reigns in their hearts and their souls are pure . "
tr	4	It was as if I was in a deep sleep , though I knew what was going on around me .
tr	4	How could this happen to their , to his , beautiful land , the land he had grown up playing in ?
tr	4	It is too far to run though that would be our best chance , but we must conserve our strength .
tr	4	He reached down and raised it high into the air over his head , again ready to fling it to the ground .
tr	4	It was then I was knocked to the ground and as I rolled over it leaped at me again and I raised my knife .
tr	4	This poor excuse for a soldier ; how could he have let them force these pitiful little creatures on him ?
tr	4	" Then we will make it so as quickly as it can be arranged but for now we must move while we can . "
tr	4	He rolled as he landed and was caught against the side of a large root jutting out from a blackened oak .
tr	4	He grasped its head and slammed it hard against the rocks , the blood spurting , covering the jagged edges of the stone .
tr	4	His enemy now dead he jumped to his feet and scanned the area , his eyes searching for the next onslaught .
tr	4	They cleaned the site so there would be no trace of death only that which had already been brought to this place .
tr	4	" I have not though it sounds like the words of old I heard in my travels in the northern realms .
tr	4	It was dark for some reason as if a storm front was approaching but he could see no rain clouds .
tr	4	He cleared his lungs with a few short breaths then filled his chest enough to blast out a mighty roar .
tr	4	It was more than the first could withstand and it fell limply to the earth below unseen as it passed below the treetops .
tr	4	If the one that remains is not , and I know not what it could be , our quest has ended here .
tr	4	They built a fire so they could cook a meal ; it would be the first good one they had in some time .
tr	4	It was the curtain of light facing the wastelands that had kept them at bay all these ages and now it had vanished .
tr	4	The specter of the power of men had been lessened and they believed it was time to strike and the invasion began anew . "
tr	4	It can be just as dangerous for your enemy to know where you are going as to know where you have been .
tr	4	Everything was left as they had found it and they slid down the east side of the hill into the darkness .
tr	4	These black creatures would find the sneakers , or he would kill them all and find others to do the job .
tr	4	The collective groan could be heard all around as the blast from a carved horn of a black ram cut through the night airs .
tr	4	He was searching for a small band of travelers and the horn would announce his presence and steer them away from him .
tr	4	We should be careful not to make noise as we travel though I do not think we are in much danger at the moment .
tr	4	I have only known this feeling once , long ago , in our journeys far in the north together . "
tr	4	The trail though easily seen in the darkness was lined with rough ground and large rocks that thrust upward at their tired feet .
tr	4	There , seated on the rock in the haze of the gray shadows was the largest wolf he had ever seen .
tr	4	Then to his surprise the great beast looked casually away , his tongue gently dropping from his mouth in a slow pant .
tr	4	He is a wolf from the Northern Kingdom and he has traveled the many lands with me in search of the crystal . "
tr	4	It is said he is the same wolf that has guarded all the searchers from the time this quest began .
tr	4	How he has been given this name I do not know but it has been the same since the beginning . "
tr	4	" We must go and help , to drive back these black creatures from our lands , and our homes ! "
tr	4	They would make their way north on the fringes of the mountains as far as the black army would allow .
tr	4	It was a beautiful day as a bright sun and high wispy clouds settled over the now , virtually lifeless valley .
tr	4	They raised their packs , and made their way from the rocks down into the ravine that led the way to the Middle Valley .
tr	4	If their leader had any sense the pass would be guarded until the second army could come to support them .
tr	4	Most of his journeys had taken him north into and above the flatlands , but he was still a well-traveled and salty individual .
tr	4	He had been the leader to this point but he knew when experience had to give way to the knowledge of the land .
tr	4	It is high praise indeed coming from one such as you , but I am in need of your advice .
tr	4	" I will see what I can see though you must realize my sight shall not be what it is during the day .
tr	4	He could not be certain the strength of the patrols on their chosen course so they would have to be careful .
tr	4	That is the place of our enemy , but we will crush them and their evil deeds of the past shall not go unpunished .
tr	4	Tall and lean were they with hoods cloaking their faces , or what should be faces if they indeed had any .
tr	4	* * * They journeyed for several turns without incident avoiding the only patrols they had encountered with relative ease .
tr	4	This next decision shall be yours and for my part , I will follow you as you have followed me . "
tr	4	Only the telltale sign of smoke lingering in the motionless airs told the real story of his once proud dwelling .
tr	4	The others could not know the sense of loss he felt , for they may never see what has happened to their lives .
tr	4	Mr. Clancy , there should be warm clothing in the other room , in the wooden trunk , if it still remains .
tr	4	He removed the primitive knife from his waistband , inserted the tip between two planks and slowly pried up the center board .
tr	4	He picked up the final sword lifting it high into the morning airs , a sliver of light glancing off the steel blade .
tr	4	The darkness of night gave way to the gray of reality as smoke belched upward from the fires as they too , died away .
tr	4	They trudged on driving themselves harder than at any time in their lives through the grayness and blight , the sun never reaching them .
tr	4	He had led bravely but with the lack of sleep and the driving hunger ripping through his belly his spirit was beginning to wane .
tr	4	They used the forest as cover as long as it was available , dashing for short sprints from clump to clump when it broke .
tr	4	Mr. Clancy made his way to the edge and in the remaining light looked out over the land he once called his home .
tr	4	Mr. Clancy turned and walked slowly back to the rear and sat down with his head hung low in utter numbness .
tr	4	Qualities he had found in Clancy those many years ago had come again to the surface in these two brave souls .
tr	4	Darkness wrapped the cliff , the clouds breaking as the night airs pushed them south along with the haze of smoke .
tr	4	Even in their deep sorrow the light seemed to lift their souls and raise their heads and their hearts firmed .
tr	4	He rose and turned to face them and the shadow walked to his side into the light of the starry night .
tr	4	They returned to the face of the cliff and prepared for a night 's sleep , one that was desperately needed by all .
tr	4	I am the one directly in charge of this search but neither of your forces have been of any help . "
tr	4	I assure you if we do not find this one man , mine will not be the only head perched atop a war pole .
tr	4	* * * They all slept well that night though they wished it could have lasted a few turns more .
tr	4	It would be a clear and bright day the first in several making it easier for them to maneuver through the narrow trails .
tr	4	The colors lifted their spirits as the skies were cleansed from the gray of smoke and haze of the previous days .
tr	4	" There has been something bothering me , though I have not been able to quite place it until now . "
tr	4	" I know it is troubling to see your homeland in such strife , but this is the way of the black creatures . "
tr	4	It was as if a door in his mind to this point locked shut , had suddenly been forced open .
tr	4	Each had been so caught up with their own survival they had begun to forget who they most could not afford to lose .
tr	4	" I do not wish to lose all track of this force though I think our safety is of the utmost importance .
tr	4	They withdrew from the bluff and started their trek deeper into the mountains , the sky overhead ablaze in vibrant azure .
tr	4	" Yes , though it is many years since I have been there and the days of my youth are long since past . "
tr	4	It is fortunate you and Mr. Clancy gathered clothes in my cabin as we will enter the lower boundaries of snow .
tr	4	We will need the extra warmth and by the end of tomorrow we should be on the other side . "
tr	4	They gathered their packs and removed any traces of their encampment scattering the ashes from the fire to the breaths of the four winds .
tr	4	It would be a taxing journey , easy at first as they had little worries of patrols scouting these regions .
tr	4	The sentinel rocked back on to his heels , his eyes wide as he realized what his answer would be .
tr	4	Pray to whatever miserable gods you have it is not the same as the last I heard or your fates will be the same .
tr	4	Some say it is but a wolf that roams but most fear it is a white spirit that haunts this cursed land .
tr	4	If you have been able to hold your tongue , at this point your request shall be heard by His Majesty .
tr	4	He will question one on all sorts of things , some you may feel have nothing to do with why you have come .
tr	4	He will listen intently to your words , take counsel from the Wizards of the Realm , and render his judgment . "
tr	4	He saw bright colors splashed throughout the rooms , a large bed , soft and warm with a blazing fire trapped in the hearth .
tr	4	These sights had been coming to him more each day , and each day they were clearer and more distinct .
tr	4	He did not tell the others ; it was something he thought he should keep to himself for the time being .
tr	4	The sun broke above the peaks into a clear blue morning blasting orange pillars of fire across the pristine sky .
tr	4	It was the easiest to pass as the ground graded more gently than the others , the trails wider and less rocky .
tr	4	As he rounded the last boulder along a short section of the trail he looked down , a broad smile coming across his face .
tr	4	There is nothing back there , we have not been followed , at least not that I could tell . "
tr	4	We will continue on this path a few minutes , then turn right and take the next higher series of ledges .
tr	4	It is not long , but it will give us a chance to have a meal before we assault the higher elevations . "
tr	4	They slid along shuffling their feet slowly as they went knowing the slightest mistake would be enough to take their life .
tr	4	I am now certain we are being hunted ; they would not be here if they did not have to be .
tr	4	They had all secretly hoped they had guessed wrong and their enemy had not known of them , or of their quest .
tr	4	They had hidden the truth from themselves and with these few words spoken aloud the blindness was lifted from their eyes .
tr	4	He would show them , a true leader he thought of himself , the commander that would bring down the armies of men .
tr	4	The return journey to the hill line was more direct ; he wanted to be sure no news escaped him .
tr	4	No new word was there to greet him , but he had time , more he judged than did his prey .
tr	4	The rocks broke away and the sky opened up , bright and blue with only spotty clouds in a high sky .
tr	4	He had traveled his lifetime in fulfillment of this quest and they would not be the cause of its demise .
tr	4	The eastern slope allowed for easier passage though the fading light drew lengthening shadows at last falling away to blackness .
tr	4	They were tired and sore , scratched and beaten , their stomachs screaming with a hollow growl for all watchers to hear .
tr	4	Clancy , good as his word had a roaring blaze within minutes and the others gathered about to ward off the night 's chill .
tr	4	He paced slowly back and forth in the cool airs to get his blood flowing and to shake the last vestiges of sleep .
tr	4	He was wasting time he knew , but one who stands at sentry has all the time in the world to waste .
tr	4	He shook the demons from his mind suddenly realizing he had camped himself directly in front of the fire to ward off the chill .
tr	4	He trudged off to the edge of the clearing , a more fitting place to keep an eye on things .
tr	4	He had kept the fire burning throughout his watch , the blaze beating back the chill of the night airs .
tr	4	The traveling was easier on this side as the hills and ridges were less steep , the ravines and troughs less confining .
tr	4	The sun was now starting its march across the sky with full speed , its unrelenting light bathing the travelers in all its warmth .
tr	4	They would be traveling into his land and into his culture and they would not want to embarrass him with their ignorance .
tr	4	They made camp under an outcropping of shade trees , a one tuft on the very outskirts of the Barrier Forest .
tr	4	Mr. Clancy picked up the pace ; no time to dally he thought and he kept his thoughts to himself .
tr	4	Clancy didn 't even break stride , he just kept walking , staring straight ahead as if nothing had been said .
tr	4	It stopped them in their tracks and they watched only to see him take his leave and disappear into the shadows .
tr	4	It was time for him to rest as he had covered many leagues ; it was always a tiring effort .
tr	4	It would not be long he knew , before he would be in contact with the forward edges of the black army .
tr	4	Even at his age and all these years he was still a capable fellow , his senses alive and sharp .
tr	4	He did not want to rob them of their memories and no news of their land would certainly be better than the awful truth .
tr	4	Even with his powerful eyes , he knew he could not stay at this height and see all he needed .
tr	4	Ever so slowly the Searcher spiraled downward in a great arc peering into each nook and crevice , scanning each pass and ledge .
tr	4	He made his way down to observe them , he knew they were the enemy , but he had to be sure .
tr	4	He swooped low and as he passed they looked up , some even pointing as he carried himself away on the winds .
tr	4	As he turned he dipped and caught by a sudden rush of strong wind , the hawk flipped and fell sharply toward the ground .
tr	4	His eyes rolled back as his lids closed down upon them and he drifted away from the world of the living .
tr	4	Light jumped at him through the narrow slits as his head bobbed across the rocks , pain shooting through his every limb .
tr	4	The scouting parties would have to wait until later that night , then he would get his reports , and his command .
tr	4	* * * He awoke , this time more alert with his eyes open wide yet little light reached them .
tr	4	After a brief coughing spell he was able to settle himself as he struggled to bring his attention to where he was .
tr	4	His eyes would not focus ; he had no field of depth with which to judge the height of his cover .
tr	4	Instinctively he tried to raise his right arm and a numbing pain shot through his side , his eyes again rolling up .
tr	4	As his head cleared the sensations of his throbbing body invaded his brain and he was able to feel his limbs .
tr	4	He did not know what was waiting for him and he could not take the chance that he was wrong in his assessment .
tr	4	He was special among the Searchers , his dedication to his cause and his gentleness gave this creature a special place .
tr	4	Darkness was beginning to fall upon the lands , the sun now settling behind the peaks of the western ridge .
tr	4	He would go down in a fight , with his last breath , even if it would be a pitiful attempt .
tr	4	If they disturbed the pile of brush he would strike out and take at least one of them with him , perhaps more .
tr	4	He wheeled about to face the one attacker he had seen , scanning for any other which may come at him from behind .
tr	4	He looked down at his side and for the first time could see completely the damage which had been done .
tr	4	He had done the same earlier hours before , the snap and the sharp pain clearly etched in his memory .
tr	4	But now , the task was to find a place to hide and rest , but rest too long they could not afford .
tr	4	They would have to withdraw to the safety of the mountains and work their way forward to the relative safety of the Barrier Forest .
tr	4	They trampled on finding each new turn a disappointment , no place to hide , no cover from their enemies .
tr	4	Finally , with the last vestiges of day a memory they scrambled high atop a narrow ledge just a few yards across .
tr	4	" It is not as pleasant a place as I had hoped for , but it will have to do . "
tr	4	The night was still and calm as they heard him slowly making his way down , rocks rolling out from under him .
tr	4	At one time they held their breath when a crumbling sound came , echoing against the flat rock wall behind them .
tr	4	They were tired and sore from fighting the mountain terrain , thus , they would not stand guard this night .
tr	4	The somber light fell against them as well as the valleys of their homeland under siege by the black armies .
tr	4	It was a path no other creature would have been able to manage and certainly not with the speed of the white wolf .
tr	4	He would let him rest for a short time , but they would have need to travel again this evening .
tr	4	Twilight was beginning to settle over the valleys as the light had long since cast the shadow of the peaks across the eastern landscape .
tr	4	Any time taken through the mountains would only hinder their progress and time was the enemy now more than the black troops .
tr	4	He would make his way to the edge of the forest skirting its outer canopy in his run for Shallow 's Reach .
tr	4	If all went well , they would have a day 's journey to come to the border of his stronghold .
tr	4	* * * Mr. Clancy and the others cautiously worked their way through the low trenches between the towering mountains .
tr	4	The Barrier Forest was less than a day 's march and with any luck , they would find cover there .
tr	4	The first they were able to just let slip by , the other however had caused them to take a time-consuming detour and backtrack .
tr	4	As the thunder of a stampede they raced for cover under the dark limbs of the canopy of the Barrier Forest .
tr	4	Even their steps were hushed , no breaking of twigs , no rustle of leaves to leave a trail to be followed .
tr	4	Perhaps it will awake from its long slumber and its power will be brought to bear against the evils here . "
tr	4	One would have to stand watch as they had done in all the long nights of their odyssey except one .
tr	4	It was not that he felt sorry for the others ; they were younger and should feel no less tired than himself .
tr	4	The others hid themselves in the trunk of a great hollow tree , crawling deep within the bowels of its scorched frame .
tr	4	He had settled in just a short time when a soft sound leaped from the distance up the clinging vines of the tree .
tr	4	He spun his head quickly and caught a glimpse of something moving , something black that darted back into the darkness .
tr	4	Rolling to his left Clancy dropped to the limb below , grabbing it with his hands and slipped to the ground .
tr	4	Yelling wildly and bringing the hilt of the sword hard down against the trunk several times he was able to rouse them .
tr	4	He stepped only halfway out taking his sword and swinging it hard to his left with both hands firmly on the hilt .
tr	4	He turned to his left and rolled , thrusting upwards as his enemy 's blade fell silent against the tree .
tr	4	He could not see him , nor could he afford to take his attention away from what was at hand .
tr	4	His massive arms gently reached out and parted the bushes , his frame sinking as he revealed a large hawk nestled among the branches .
tr	4	A silence fell over the company for what seemed an eternity as the small group stood immobile , suddenly realizing what was before them .
tr	4	He took a step up to the white wolf and knelt in front of him as a calm enveloped his body .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with .
tr	4	A ruthless secret society known only as The Faith butchers the king , ending the monarchy that has betrayed the divine right of kings .
tr	4	Preview of Duty : A Retelling of Waterloo - In addition to writing fiction , Seeley is a Napoleonic historian .
tr	4	A Questionable Affair - An insulted man must protect the villain he is also forced to kill in this Steampunk adventure .
tr	4	Although it was two days old , the following headline caught my eye : " Angry Student Kills -- Be Warned ! "
tr	4	He nodded , flipped the paper open to see the entire article , and coughed to clear his throat . "
tr	4	' Given the students ' predisposition to violence , disruptive nature , and dangerous tone , the gendarmes dispersed the mob by force .
tr	4	Given the overwhelming amount of evidence , he will , of course , be found guilty and executed for his crime .
tr	4	" I don 't suppose it 's dangerous enough to warrant a change in plans ... " " Oh of course it isn 't .
tr	4	He 's got Louis XVI , XIII , and Charles before him to act as guides , " my friend spoke .
tr	4	After perhaps a quarter of an hour of lounging about , Logan leaned up from his chair and slapped his knees .
tr	4	The words had scarcely escaped my mouth before Logan had leapt up and was donning his frock coat and rushing towards the door .
tr	4	My laugh rang out through the empty room as I raced to collect my own wardrobe and catch up with the man .
tr	4	Quiet clouds drifted in the celestial sea , while the setting sun smiled warmly upon us as her rosy fingers grasped the sky .
tr	4	The joyful sound echoed across the waves and drew not a few looks from our fellow passengers , but I didn 't care .
tr	4	Although the ship would reach France long before the morning , the vessel offered the courtesy of remaining aboard overnight to all privileged passengers .
tr	4	Although the scenery was fantastic , the rolling and often uncomfortable seats of a locomotive are not the best of accommodations .
tr	4	Laughing together , we stepped aboard as it threw out a burst of steam and began winding its way towards Paris .
tr	4	Although I loathed their burdensome Latin , I was more than looking forward to traipsing among the catacombs and basilicas of that ancient city .
tr	4	I 'd been to London on several occasions , and the rushing citizens of our own capital were familiar to me .
tr	4	But as we watched the train roll into Paris , I realized that this new city was something else entirely .
tr	4	" Hectic " wasn 't the right word for it , for the people there were not rushing to and fro .
tr	4	After procuring fashionable lodgings and taking the time to stroll through the winding avenues of Paris , we established ourselves within the city .
tr	4	The newcomer had a grimy patch over his eye , a decided limp , and a stench like putrid flesh .
tr	4	" Please kind sirs , do you -- " " No we don 't , " said Logan cutting him off .
tr	4	At one point though , after seeing another of the countless rooms , Logan stopped , transfixed by a painting .
tr	4	When it didn 't disappear , and he didn 't say anything , I grabbed his arm and drew the man aside .
tr	4	They sweated in the heat , and their clothes were shabby and worn -- simple working folk by their looks .
tr	4	" We 're touring the palace of a king , and those poor devils are slaving to ensure it looks nice . "
tr	4	He waved his arm around , indicating intricate pottery , gilded tables , and the sheer wealth of the room .
tr	4	" That student murdered because the government tried yet again to throw him back into the poverty of his birth .
tr	4	But at every point , poor , exhausted and broken workers cleaned the grounds , slaving over the aristocracy 's palaces .
tr	4	These beggars , whose existence I hadn 't even allowed myself to acknowledge before , now stared , their gazes impossible to escape .
tr	4	His eyes fixed on a pale , old woman who sat in the dirt and swatted at the flies swirling around her ripped clothing .
tr	4	After yet another minute of silence wound down , I grew tired of poking around at my perfectly grilled and impeccably presented swordfish .
tr	4	Now , I 'm in France , and I see a system that needs changes even more than ours does .
tr	4	" You think of something concrete then , " he hissed , swigging a large gulp from his glass of wine .
tr	4	" I ask , " the bulky man continued , " Because you gentlemen aren 't supposed to be the complaining type .
tr	4	Another man , his hand now removed from his coat , mirrored my move as well , walking up to his bleeding friend .
tr	4	" Well , I suppose killing someone for honor and all that is pretty fundamental to a man 's skills . "
tr	4	Although neither of us had ever been involved in one , we were well versed in the history of the ritual .
tr	4	Brothers had crossed steel in the rosy dawn for control of land , women , wealth , and a multitude of other things .
tr	4	Normally , letters would be exchanged offering polite discourse on location , seconds involved , terms , and formalities of the like .
tr	4	If the lad fell , would I abandon him and instead traipse around Europe on the rest of the Tour ?
tr	4	That didn 't stop him from ambling out of the room , and I heard him collapse on his bed .
tr	4	Climbing into sumptuous sheets , I again considered the haggard woman we saw along the street , the flies tormenting her .
tr	4	Given our age , we were sure to be looked down upon already by Fuchs , at least two decades older than us .
tr	4	Fuchs , his nose bandaged , the burly second I had met , and a doctor all stood in the windy field .
tr	4	" Sir , unless you wish to face me on this field , you will speak to me as an equal .
tr	4	He would drop the handkerchief on the count of three and then each man could fire at his own will .
tr	4	Whether by divine intervention or simple happenstance , a great gust of wind swept the ground as Fuchs pulled his trigger .
tr	4	His smoking weapon lay limp in his hand , and as I took it from him , the veins in his palm shuddered .
tr	4	Then , as his hands wiped away the excess from his lips , he drew up to his full height .
tr	4	Without a thought , he dived towards his trunk , and rifled through it frantically , finally appearing with a pistol in each hand .
tr	4	Logan 's father knew several important business contacts in Italy , and he had assured us we would be well entertained there .
tr	4	I busied myself with the same task , and we soon had our lodgings back into some semblance of cleanliness .
tr	4	" Ever since we left our rooms , you 've been jerking your head about , looking over our shoulders . "
tr	4	Logan yelled after it as the vehicle raced down the street , kicking up puddles of water from the recent rain .
tr	4	Inside , the group would be making its way to our rooms , hoping to catch the two of us asleep .
tr	4	Not wanting to press our luck , we abandoned our goods and our pride to the villains and dashed away into the night .
tr	4	" If I hadn 't acted so damned foolish at that cafe , we wouldn 't be stuck in this . "
tr	4	Regardless of his aristocratic manner and shady friends , the death of this Fuchs character wasn 't likely to cause an international chase .
tr	4	We 'll be conspicuous as we run , but they 'll have no chance to even see us , let alone snatch us . "
tr	4	It provided a wide view of the area , as well as being withdrawn and out of notice from the street .
tr	4	As the minutes dragged by , I kept wondering what might have happened had our mysterious ' friend ' not intervened on our behalf .
tr	4	I roused my friend as our train moved into position , its engine bellowing steam and smoke like some foul creature .
tr	4	Chapter V We slipped inside the last car as the locomotive put on even more speed , Paris disappearing in our wake .
tr	4	The man , an older gentleman with a bushy white beard , laughed and offered two tickets to us at the normal price .
tr	4	" We 're on our way out of the country , and whoever these fanatics are , they likely have lives in Paris .
tr	4	I ticked each item off on my fingertips , and my companion 's face grew longer with each passing word .
tr	4	He had a way of talking that spoke of extensive learning ; his words were , at times , antiquated and poetic .
tr	4	My family has raised cotton there for generations ... Of course , my ' family ' is a relative term all things considered . "
tr	4	Perhaps you can offer some advice to me , and I 'll see if I can do the same for your case . "
tr	4	" If you know anything about the South , I 'm sure it has to do with two things : slavery and cotton .
tr	4	" I don 't tell you this to brag ... Although I can see by your dress that wealth isn 't foreign to you .
tr	4	So , I was raised knowing my upper social standing and instilled with some sense of honor for what my father accomplished .
tr	4	Long hours I spent questioning her every fancy and taste , studying her passions , and finding the right moment to declare my affections .
tr	4	" Her face was pale and taunt , her eyes downcast , even as a small smile shone upon her sweet lips .
tr	4	His gaze had found her already , and the worn , simple garment she wore was proof enough of my folly . "
tr	4	In these few , unbearably long years since her death , I 've hunted jaguars in Brazil and wandered the expanses of India .
tr	4	I go to Rome , hoping that the city of abandon will help my morbid quest or rekindle my desire in life .
tr	4	The God I loved had let his only joy slip from his grasp , and I could not answer for that crime .
tr	4	I wondered how many men had gained his confidence with the sad story and why he 'd trusted us with it so readily .
tr	4	Meeting Logan 's eyes and nodding in response to his unspoken question , I took a quick breath and launched into our own narrative .
tr	4	I can 't help you there , but I 'd assume it 's likely that you 'll be followed , even to Rome . "
tr	4	It thumped as he dragged it to the floor , and my friend spread out the cards , cutting off all other protests .
tr	4	We lost ourselves in the game for several hours , and as promised , Jacob turned out to be a terrible player .
tr	4	Once in awhile , the train would slow and finally stop as others joined our voyage or departed in turn .
tr	4	Within the train the three of us talked on and on , as if we were old friends newly reunited .
tr	4	We found that despite his past and melancholy burden , Jacob Douglas was an energetic , eccentric , and fast friend .
tr	4	" If I recall correctly , " huffed Jacob , " You two lost all of that back to me in poker . "
tr	4	The Romans , the Catholics , and the Medicis have tripped over each other , building by building for time untold .
tr	4	" While we aren 't nearly as bad as the Bourbons , we still drain the work force with our idleness .
tr	4	Regardless , we were voicing these thoughts at a cafe in Paris , and that 's what caused the duel .
tr	4	" You don 't think ... " " I think subtlety is foreign to them , all things considered , " Jacob replied .
tr	4	Although vendettas were not uncommon , most duels went unaccompanied by rampant bloodshed ; two opponents fought , and that was that .
tr	4	To be chased through the streets , over train platforms , and across borders by these determined men was downright outrageous .
tr	4	We 're safe for the moment , and if we lose them in Rome , they 've no knowledge of our next city . "
tr	4	Around us , the city continued to move and breath , almost like a creature , a vast thriving beast of wonder and sadness .
tr	4	We flagged down a carriage and made our way towards the richest of the viscount 's friends , a Mister Adriano Di Luca .
tr	4	Fluted columns surrounded the facade , and a slight footman dashed down the wide stairs leading towards the front gate .
tr	4	The swift patters of his feet and welcoming but official smile greeted us as we descended from and paid for the hired carriage .
tr	4	I was in great fear that the buttons on his tunic would simply burst , so great was the pressure exerted upon them .
tr	4	My friend attempted to bow formally and shake hands with Di Luca , but the larger man would have none of that .
tr	4	The man , generous beyond measure , drew money from his personal accounts and offered them , without stipulations or hesitations , to me .
tr	4	" Well sir , my companions and I are on our Grand Tour , and -- " " Oh heavens me ! "
tr	4	Then , without further adieu , he lowered himself into the nearest seat and began selecting delicacies from the piles around him .
tr	4	As the servants disappeared from the room , we also took our seats and began enjoying the wondrous delights before us .
tr	4	" And so , our bags are gone , and we have no money of which to speak , " my friend concluded .
tr	4	Again , silence enveloped the table as we sampled various treats : golden apples and crusty pastries that flaked apart in your mouth .
tr	4	Their power 's been reduced now , of course , but they still manage to offer the best of parties .
tr	4	The ball would not start for another half-hour , but guests were descending upon the Medici 's manor like clouds of locusts .
tr	4	The Medici family , the de-facto rulers of parts of Italy for centuries , had experienced a collapse in the last century .
tr	4	At the man 's words , the crowd began milling inside , and our group was carried along in its wake .
tr	4	That was rare , and Logan and I were pleased to see him happy ; a cloud of melancholy rarely left the man .
tr	4	There was already an empty drink in his one hand , and the other was reaching for another glass from a passing attendant .
tr	4	Instantly , the dance floor roiled with movement as couples paired off , and others moved to the sides to watch the spectacle .
tr	4	" My friends , allow me the great honor of introducing you to the most graceful , best woman in attendance tonight . "
tr	4	My husband has served the king for decades now , and our posting here was a reward for his loyal work . "
tr	4	A kindly man , with a limp in his step , hobbled up and gave Alexandra a delicate peck on the cheek .
tr	4	" I have no idea what elicited that scurrilous commentary on my character sir , but you best be careful .
tr	4	As the orchestra 's music swirled around us , Di Luca regaled the group with tales of the man 's gallantry and diplomatic affinity .
tr	4	He has meetings and dealings at the Vatican , with the various government departments , and all the business leaders of Rome as well .
tr	4	Her other arm waited patiently by her side , and the folds of her blue gown rippled towards the floor like a rivulet .
tr	4	While she was absolutely beautiful and demanded utter respect , I did not feel the least bit attracted as a lover .
tr	4	As we whirled about , I found myself wondering who this woman was and if she elicited devotion in all men .
tr	4	" At least , in this instance , I lived up to whatever glowing reputation she spread about me . "
tr	4	A chilly spring breeze flowed in from the expansive courtyard , and our friends were deep in conversation as Mercedes and I arrived .
tr	4	Forced to flee through the night , our bags stolen and rifled through -- it wasn 't a story I was proud to tell .
tr	4	Dumas himself might have written a novel about us : the three companions strutting off the train into a new city .
tr	4	Just know that they 're very dangerous , incredibly rich , and will kill you without a moment 's hesitation . "
tr	4	" My lady , I highly doubt such murderous rascals would be allow -- " " Not here , " she hissed .
tr	4	A moment later , he replaced a pencil into the coat and pressed a small piece of paper into my palm .
tr	4	I was looking forward to a nice , relaxing bath and a luxurious sleep in one of Di Luca 's expansive beds .
tr	4	Our valet assisted each of us into the vehicle , where we promptly collapsed onto the seats , worn out .
tr	4	My guess is that they 've either given up or have absolutely no idea where we are , " said Logan .
tr	4	I don 't know if I 've ever seen someone go as white as Alexandra when we mentioned those bowler hats . "
tr	4	" Perhaps if you reason with them like that , it 'll change their minds , " I said laughing .
tr	4	As Logan drew out his sword , which we 'd all worn as part of the costumes , I continued .
tr	4	And it 's best to do it now , before we stop and exit into the waiting arms of a dozen rogues . "
tr	4	There was no time to check on him , though , because around us , other forms were already whirling past in the darkness .
tr	4	Yet , an aged cross loomed down on us from the wall , and the place 's architecture was distinctly clerical .
tr	4	" As far as I can make out , there are at least five of them : four on horseback and the driver .
tr	4	" Yes , but we 've no idea where we are , and there could be a dozen entrances to this chapel .
tr	4	" Nathaniel , stand by that column ; if they come in through that door , you know what to do .
tr	4	Jacob pointed towards me , then indicated the entrance ; what better time for an ambush than when attempting to parlay .
tr	4	If you simply hand -- " Just then , a cry of agony resounded through the church , and I whirled about .
tr	4	Unfortunately for Logan , the man 's instinct had been to drive a short dagger into my companion 's arm .
tr	4	In spite of his scream , the wound wasn 't as bad as we originally thought , or so he mimed in the gloom .
tr	4	Inside , Logan and I gave a nod towards our friend , and we slipped back into the night , our weapons drawn .
tr	4	True to Jacob 's count , three men waited in the stirrups of chargers , and the valet stood among them , strategizing .
tr	4	Two horsemen spurred their mounts towards me , but one was instantly thrown from the saddle , a pistol crack sounding nearby .
tr	4	Feeling sickened by the waste , I eluded the man 's swing and slashed the legs of the passing mount .
tr	4	That smile disappeared just before I struck him hard in the face with the gun , knocking him back and to his knees .
tr	4	The blade , although fragile and made for show , was distinctly pointed , and the weapon sliced through him with ease .
tr	4	When I reached them , my friends were staring down at the valet , a knife imbedded in his throat .
tr	4	Then he turned and limped off towards the carriage without another word , blood dripping onto the gravel after him .
tr	4	Like me , his shuffling feet belied any motivation , and pieces of his costume ball were slipping off his shoulders with each step .
tr	4	I didn 't even remember disrobing , but I woke as the sun peaked through the curtains opposite my bed .
tr	4	We 're going to find out what they do and how we can appease them before the lot of us ends up dead . "
tr	4	I stared out as partygoers and peasants walked along together , separate yet intertwined in the beast that was Rome .
tr	4	One fork in the road led to the Medici estate , the other trailed off into the sunny Italian countryside .
tr	4	A pair of the officers broke off , returned to their carriage , and drove away towards the scene of that ambush .
tr	4	It felt wrong to abandon our friend , but there was nothing to be done about him ; he was past help .
tr	4	Fighting a biting wind , we directed the loading of our luggage , and the staff ushered us into another carriage .
tr	4	Chapter X Logan rocked with the movement of the train , an ignoble spot of drool forming on his cheek .
tr	4	" The South , " he continued , " Is essentially a collection of all the worst aspects of European society .
tr	4	The man wouldn 't take my apology if I didn 't retract my words , so what was I to do ?
tr	4	Men without honor don 't do well in the South , and men of honor don 't back down from duels . "
tr	4	But it 's not like it was murder ; the fight was fair , and it was at his behest .
tr	4	Besides , someone who would kill over philosophical opinions was probably better removed from society before he caused more trouble . "
tr	4	" I don 't doubt that , although he had no family to speak of -- just his ideas and his money .
tr	4	I wasn 't there , but Fuchs felt strongly enough to issue a challenge , and the game was on .
tr	4	Our train had left Rome without incident , and the rest of that afternoon was spent admiring the passing countryside .
tr	4	In every passing tree , drops of dew were falling towards the ground , creating a false sense of rain .
tr	4	Fleeing from danger and fighting it when the chance had arisen , we had formed a fast bond , the three of us .
tr	4	Along the horizon , a range of mountains loomed above the train , casting its majestic shadow over the land .
tr	4	One moment , the scenery was an idyllic picture of country living , and the next , buildings of every size surrounded us .
tr	4	If Mercedes ' father was anything like his other relatives , our visit would be enjoyable as well as informative .
tr	4	We watched him come up to you , and as he reached out to tap you , I turned to Jacob .
tr	4	The sooner we find out about this Faith cult , the better it 'll be for all of us , " I said .
tr	4	I couldn 't remember how many times we 'd needed to step out of the way of a cursing driver in Paris .
tr	4	In Rome , homes like Di Luca 's towered over the streets , spreading their marble walls to clasp the riches of their residents .
tr	4	We could have hired a carriage , but the allure of a new city was too strong , and I was enjoying our decision .
tr	4	I had no idea how well a minister of war would be paid , but I was surprised that the home was not larger .
tr	4	As the servant led us through the paneled corridors , I realized that the place was built like a square .
tr	4	A single , wavy birch tree rested in the center of the courtyard , and small cobblestone paths wound through a grassy lawn .
tr	4	As my eyes adjusted to the sunlight , I noticed three figures resting under the tree , lounging in comfortable chairs .
tr	4	For her part , Mercedes rushed forward and hugged Logan , whose face broke into a wide grin at her touch .
tr	4	As he tried to form words for an appropriate acknowledgment , the woman offered Jacob and me the same familiar embrace .
tr	4	Needing no more encouragement , we selected several treats and tall glasses of wine before again settling into our chairs .
tr	4	The French priests and bishops were corrupt , didn 't really care for the poor , and they had to go . "
tr	4	" Of course , we Germans figured this out three hundred years ago , but that 's neither here nor there .
tr	4	How can a revolution , by definition a huge shift in a country 's government , occur while the king still lives ?
tr	4	Those poor bastards were tortured within an inch of life over and over again , but they refused to give up their brothers .
tr	4	" Napoleon used these , and the Faith lost many men , even as France was being pushed back , losing the Napoleonic Wars .
tr	4	The top point is the monarchy , closest to the head of the cross , and consequentially , the head of God .
tr	4	Next , the two middle points of the diamond are the monarchy 's support : the Church and the Nobility .
tr	4	For example , the king is no longer able to destroy people 's lands simply because he wants a new palace there .
tr	4	In recent years , the Faith have begun putting heavy pressure on the monarchies to take up their absolute rights once more .
tr	4	If a man can succeed by his own drive and talent , his bloodline doesn 't matter to King Martin .
tr	4	Fuchs was more than willing to help , and he didn 't shy away from the power he was given in turn .
tr	4	The countryside is full of history and life , but it can also be a land of great suffering and long toil .
tr	4	Advances in agricultural production , as well as technologies have led to better crop intakes and a safer work environment .
tr	4	" On his tour about the countryside , the king noticed that the recent increase in farming technology hadn 't helped everyone .
tr	4	He talked endlessly about social control , propriety , and bizarre economic theories , but the king wouldn 't have it .
tr	4	If such crippling taxes could be levied without his knowledge , what else might be going wrong in the kingdom ?
tr	4	With taxes , mobility restrictions , and business limitations , the Faith had gotten their hands deeply into installing their social order .
tr	4	He shifted new laws , ended corruption , threw out old clauses and regulations , and generally made life better for all .
tr	4	He was a relatively high member while a minister , but his political downfall shot him to power within the Faith .
tr	4	My office shook with the blast , and we raced into the hall , swords drawn to defend the king .
tr	4	We stared in shock at the mess and the view out into the royal gardens that the collapsed wall had exposed .
tr	4	The peasant farmers were using poor machinery to produce poor outputs of crops , and the kingdom was harmed as a result .
tr	4	" Yet , the Faith also approves of acting without the king 's knowledge , as in the case of Fuchs ' taxes .
tr	4	The fire and destruction of the Old Testament had been drilled into us by many instructors , as well as our parents .
tr	4	He 's not expected to handle a great load of state business , and he 's not greedy for power .
tr	4	Of course , the Archduke is sometimes called upon to run things while his brother is away or hosting international delegations .
tr	4	He 'd been looking forward to hunting bucks in Switzerland for years , and he 'd finally chosen this year for that occasion .
tr	4	His brass buttons bouncing , he raced up towards Joseph and bent towards his ear , whispering something I didn 't catch .
tr	4	Turning in my chair , I could see a woman standing at the edge of the courtyard , just inside the house .
tr	4	Short , but lithe , she moved gracefully across the lawn , her black tresses flowing in the small breeze .
tr	4	I can 't wait to hear -- " " There 's no time , " Eva gushed , her breath ragged .
tr	4	That some young blood could kill Otto was a complete effrontery to them , and they were all calling for your deaths .
tr	4	" I did start noticing that an extra plate of food was always reserved and carried away from the table at meal times .
tr	4	" We 'll discuss your taste in men and how you came to be with the Faith in the first place later .
tr	4	She appeared without warning to offer grave tidings , and yet , she possessed a certain flair and dignity that I found altogether irresistible .
tr	4	However , in recent years , the girl has taken to certain dalliances , and we see less and less of her .
tr	4	The streets were rising slightly , and by the look of the houses , we were entering the oldest part of the city .
tr	4	If she 's right , this is absolute evidence of the Faith 's guilt , and the king will have no qualms in acting .
tr	4	At the checkpoint , a royal guard approached the carriage 's window , and Joseph leaned out , speaking first .
tr	4	At his side , an impressive saber bounced , and a wickedly pointed bayonet waited on top of his shouldered musket .
tr	4	This new man uttered a quick curse before mounting a nearby horse and dashing across the grounds towards the palace .
tr	4	Even at a distance , I could see the shock register on the sentry before he too flew off into the palace .
tr	4	I 'm the minister of war , and if His Majesty needs to see anyone right now , it 's me .
tr	4	Besides , you wouldn 't have a damn clue about any breech if we hadn 't just spoon-fed you the information .
tr	4	Joseph didn 't wait for him to change his mind as we rushed forward into the palace 's main foyer .
tr	4	" Of course I do minister , " he stammered , " But -- " " Then you will take us to the king .
tr	4	I 'm no traitor , and I 'm not about to let the king to die for your ineptitude . "
tr	4	At the end of the main corridor , having passed at least a score of rooms , we reached another foyer .
tr	4	It was a mirror image of the one we had just left , and we took one of the winding staircases up several floors .
tr	4	Our heels clicking on the polished marble , we had little time to enjoy the numerous gilded frescos and mosaics that graced the walls .
tr	4	The three guards at the end of the hall presented their muskets warily , but our leader waved a hand .
tr	4	I 'm sure you 're willing to vouch for them , but given the situation , we must take precautions .
tr	4	He was hunched over in his chair , his arms resting on his knees , as if he was sulking .
tr	4	My apologies for disturbing you , but we have reason to believe there will be an attempt on your person today . "
tr	4	I know caution is key after the bombing , but I was practically kidnapped from my own tea table by the guards .
tr	4	Chapter XIII An explosion of sound and smoke ruptured my senses as the entrance doors swung on their massive hinges .
tr	4	My reflexes still worked , however , so I threw myself to the ground , the popping of muskets reverberating through the room .
tr	4	Smoke from the musket fire was filling the room , and the enemy shot volley after volley into our group .
tr	4	The king spun about from the ball 's momentum , and the deep wound in his shoulder began adding to the pooled blood .
tr	4	" If I recall your ideology , sir , shouldn 't you respect God 's anointed , not assassinate him ? "
tr	4	The monarch 's body collapsed like a sack of wheat , the rest of us too shocked to utter a sound .
tr	4	His face was gleeful and had the boasting air of one who had just won a lengthy debate or sporting match .
tr	4	" Here 's what 's about to transpire : As you have apparently found out , the Archduke is currently in our possession .
tr	4	For his troubles , a Courtier kicked him in the chest , driving him back onto the bloody stones once more .
tr	4	I 'm not surprised that you cannot grasp the meaning of the Gospels , lower class scum that you are .
tr	4	Blood coated my attire in several places , soot had smudged everything , and several cuts from our rough treatment were already appearing .
tr	4	As we exited the chamber , they wrapped the king 's body in the cloth ; he became a faceless corpse .
tr	4	His hand gripped a sword at his side , and the uniform he wore was easily recognizable as a royal military outfit .
tr	4	I had little doubt that the Archduke Phillip had suffered much before he revealed how the king moved and dressed and acted .
tr	4	However , they seemed to know the path as well as the guard , now dead , who lead us before .
tr	4	To a man , they referred to Fuchs as royalty , even though they all knew the truth about his disguise .
tr	4	All the while , I looked for some way out of the mess , and I was sure Logan and Jacob were doing likewise .
tr	4	When he spoke , I panned the crowd , hoping to see some sign that they knew him to be false .
tr	4	Although the edge wasn 't incredibly sharp , it worked well enough to saw away the rope binding my arms .
tr	4	They burst through the Klein 's door , and within moments , were dragging an unconscious Mercedes back out into the street .
tr	4	I dashed to the hunting room , grabbed the first revolver I found , loaded it , and raced here by hired carriage . "
tr	4	It wouldn 't do to escape once and be captured , which I feared should we leave in our present state .
tr	4	They grumbled and shot us loathing looks during the entire exchange , but our weapons held any further revenge at bay .
tr	4	Since none knew the truth of King Martin 's death , we were fugitives among those who should 've been friends .
tr	4	But even knowing the layout , Eva took one or two wrong turns , and we were forced to backtrack .
tr	4	Eva explained that , among other things , it led from the palace entrance to a barn and stable complex on the grounds .
tr	4	With her in the lead again , we strode along the path , attempting to look at once official and nondescript .
tr	4	Nestled in a small grove of oak trees and set back from the palace , it was faded and in a bit of disrepair .
tr	4	At Jacob 's gesture , she looked up , perhaps curious to find out who she was supposed to be .
tr	4	Our opponents ' faces turned red , and the lieutenant took another step back , his placating hands spread outwards .
tr	4	Throw in some new information and surprise him with ferocity , and he 'll never know what hit him . "
tr	4	Unlike the castle , with multiple exits , the perimeter fence possessed only one exit large enough for a carriage .
tr	4	Jacob maneuvered the vehicle with ease , passing flowerbeds , small ponds , shady trees , and the occasional pedestrian .
tr	4	Laying track through the mountains is a long process , so for now the two are only reachable by horse or by walking .
tr	4	As I said , it 's not a long journey , only half a day , and the route is well established .
tr	4	I couldn 't see the speaker , but I was sure he was an officer and apparently a stickler for rules .
tr	4	I began breathing deeply , attempting to calm my nerves , letting the supple leather of the carriage 's seats fill my nose .
tr	4	The faint earthy musk of the gardens wafted in through the cracked window , and once more calmed , I opened my eyes .
tr	4	Instantly , the crack of muskets filled the air , and faint thuds filled the carriage 's interior as the balls found their mark .
tr	4	" We need to ditch the carriage ; they 'll recognize it , " Logan said , breaking me out of my thoughts .
tr	4	After a time , the houses began to thin , and the occasional plot of open land began to appear .
tr	4	At our approach , the farmer and two men , who looked to be hired hands , stepped outside , gawking .
tr	4	The smell of fresh air and the dark odor of tilled earth filled our noses as the scenes passed by .
tr	4	If we failed to stop Fuchs ' man , our lives and the country we rode through would be forfeit .
tr	4	We 'd see occasional , fleeting glimpse of the messenger ; his animal was being pushed to its limit as well .
tr	4	Birds soared overhead , and the haunting images of the misted , winding mountain pass were forgotten in the summertime visage before us .
tr	4	I worried that if we couldn 't catch the man before the city , he 'd escape in the unfamiliar streets .
tr	4	His knees shaking and eyes bulging , the little fellow only stood there as we threw our horses around him .
tr	4	Sparks continued to fly from shod hooves , and my thighs quivered with the quaking breaths of the animal beneath me .
tr	4	Even as we reached the platform , reining in our horses amid a shower of grit , the engine began to move .
tr	4	Around us , people screamed in terror , bolted from the platform , or simply threw themselves prostrate to avoid the madmen .
tr	4	The Courtier had been dragged along by the train for a few feet before he fell once more to the platform .
tr	4	The empty husks of their bodies were my doing , and these three would never laugh , or cry , or love again .
tr	4	As I continued to stand , the world pressing down on me , my friend looped his arms under my shoulders .
tr	4	Even as he leapt the short distance between the train and the platform , others were preparing to try the same .
tr	4	Whether they 'd moved to another coach to escape the murderers or there weren 't many people aboard , I didn 't know .
tr	4	The sun was just embracing the horizon , and patches of brilliant , golden light shone through the train 's windows .
tr	4	I ran through these splotches and knelt down by Logan , the warm fibers of the carpet brushing my fingers .
tr	4	He tried several times to answer , but every attempt only brought more spurts of uncontrollable laughter ; tears streamed down his cheeks .
tr	4	There was no one to disturb us , and tt last we sat in companionable silence , each lost in our own thoughts .
tr	4	Our discussion on this same topic had led to the duel with Otto Fuchs and our flight across the continent .
tr	4	As we passed fields of wheat , brilliantly painted with the sunset , he continued speaking , never looking at me .
tr	4	My stomach roiled at the thought that I was a part of it all -- the pain , the suffering .
tr	4	My father would scoff at the notion ... But in all of it , we have changed , haven 't we ?
tr	4	We 'd learned exactly who are attackers were and what they stood for , and we 'd seen the king executed before our eyes .
tr	4	He was puttering towards us , a small pouch clutched in his hand and a nondescript uniform hanging off his drooping shoulders .
tr	4	I don 't think I 'm allowed to take that coin ; it 'd take too much trouble to exchange it .
tr	4	But he was a kind soul , it was a kind offer , and we were not above taking advantage of the free ride .
tr	4	Besides , what better method than to have Fuchs pay for our trip ; he 'd caused the blasted thing anyway .
tr	4	Then , with a flourish , I plopped myself in the nearest seat , stretching back and crossing my ankles .
tr	4	If we have to lie , steal , or chase anyone else , our luck 's bound to run out . "
tr	4	The train seats were surprisingly comfortable , and I let the worn leather wrap around me as the locomotive rocked .
tr	4	The occasional jarring would rouse me , but for the most part , I let myself be carried along uncaring .
tr	4	I could even imagine the passing scenes outside , the deer looking up in fright as the monstrous machine bolted by in the darkness .
tr	4	A long tear in his uniform 's sleeve revealed his undershirt , and the jacket 's buttons were missing in several places .
tr	4	The streets arched away from the platform like sunrays , and it was obvious that the train station was the town 's center .
tr	4	With nothing but a knowing look between us , Logan led the way down and off the platform and into the town .
tr	4	My friend 's face was briefly illuminated by the light of the moon , which had just emerged from a bank of clouds .
tr	4	After leaving the rough cobblestones of the village 's street , a simple dirt path wound along the perimeter of the town .
tr	4	Dark fields spread out to our left , and even the light from the homes was swallowed by the expansive shadows .
tr	4	" Is this the rig -- " Before he could finish the question , he let out a cry and stumbled to the ground .
tr	4	I was just beginning to think we 'd missed it in the darkness when we climbed a long , gently sloping hill .
tr	4	They won 't have heard of the coup though ; they 'll just be dying to hear the news . "
tr	4	Then we find Phillip -- he 'll be in the west wing -- and we get the hell out of there . "
tr	4	" Phillip 's sure to know the land , and we 'll figure out what to do after he 's safe .
tr	4	" Maybe not in that order ; all I can think about is that poor girl among those dogs . "
tr	4	He can do whatever he wants , and apparently he 's a good enough charlatan to prevent others from catching on .
tr	4	The manor was set back from the woods by a short distance and would give a brilliant view of any attackers .
tr	4	Impressively old , they were wider than four men , and would be impossible to batter down without immense effort .
tr	4	Behind the massive doors someone was raising a bar , and at last the door cracked , a sliver of light piercing the darkness .
tr	4	We 're lying scoundrels who simply happen to know of Fuchs ' plot and have somehow stumbled upon one of the Faith 's manors .
tr	4	He was dressed in fine livery and obviously a footman , but I wagered he knew everything about King Martin 's murder .
tr	4	" Oskar was supposed to bring the news , but he fell from his horse just as he was leaving .
tr	4	The boys went hunting earlier today , and there 's a buck just skinned if you 're in the mood for venison ? "
tr	4	Countless paintings of residents long dead loomed overhead , the shadows from the footman 's lamp playing across them in the dark .
tr	4	Although I couldn 't see beyond the man 's small lamp , my spatial sense told me we were in a large room .
tr	4	That scene was forgotten as I was thrown to the ground , the other Courtier tackling me in a powerful hug .
tr	4	The soup kettle crashed into the spot in which my head had been resting and boiling water sloshed everywhere , hissing like mad .
tr	4	Without further struggle the Courtier collapsed , his free arm clutching for the knife , dying words on his lips .
tr	4	Next , I moved to the fallen soup kettle and dipped the cloth into the hot water , soaking it .
tr	4	The air pressed downwards like a burden , and I couldn 't help but look over my shoulder every few moments .
tr	4	The walls rose up and eventually angled into a spire , the roof of which was invisible to our lowly lamp .
tr	4	The room was small and aside from the door in which we 'd just entered , three other doors waited in the room .
tr	4	The Messiah , a holy look and dying breath upon his lips , stared down at us from its wooden beams .
tr	4	Unwelcome imagines of Di Luca 's corpse , his blood soaking the Italian grass , threw themselves into my mind .
tr	4	Like the table in the great hall , a silver diamond was etched along the ground around this simple symbol .
tr	4	After our scuffle in the kitchen , we 'd kept our swords out for obvious reasons ; the firearms we kept in our belts .
tr	4	If the house hadn 't wakened , as it appeared it hadn 't , it wouldn 't do to shoot off a gun .
tr	4	As we reached the last few feet before the door , the hall suddenly began reverberating with the clanging of a bell .
tr	4	Somewhere within the dark recesses of the manor , someone was ringing a massive alarm , shaking the walls with its noise .
tr	4	He gripped a saber tightly in one palm , and even in the reflected lamplight his eyes gleamed with attentiveness .
tr	4	Although his lips emitted no noise , his body fell backwards , collapsing into the door with a hollow thud .
tr	4	Given the darkness , and our waiting opponent 's anxiety , I trusted human nature to get the better of reason or observation .
tr	4	Shot after shot filled the night , and I could feel the hanging jacket vibrating and jerking with the percussions .
tr	4	A library with towering shelves of books filled a corner , while a group of settees were circled around a fireplace in another .
tr	4	Even knowing that the late king and his brother were twins , it still gave me pause to actually glimpse Phillip .
tr	4	I could see large beads of sweet trickling down his throat , mixing with his blood from the Courtier 's knife .
tr	4	The pun would have been funny at any other time , but our very pressing danger was anything but humorous .
tr	4	I couldn 't tell if he was trying not to cry or pressing them together to avoid screaming in rage .
tr	4	He redoubled his efforts , straightening his clothing , and wrapping the remaining length of chain around himself like an awkward belt .
tr	4	" I hadn 't thought of -- " A crack from a pistol cut him off , and we wheeled to face the door .
tr	4	Then , sprinting through the gauntlet , I leveled my shoulder and hit the glass without waiting for the others .
tr	4	A cold night 's wind rustled my hair and I sailed through the window , glass glittering about me like rain .
tr	4	I saw now why my friend grabbed my pistol ; if they kept at it , he 'd need every bullet available .
tr	4	I took it to be a wolf at first , but the gleaming yellow eyes told me of my mistake .
tr	4	My brother and I own hunting lodges in the area , one not more than a few miles from here . "
tr	4	It 's likely they 'll overtake us , and it wouldn 't do to be found on this path . "
tr	4	We moved parallel to the road , far enough away to avoid detection but not too far as to miss sight of any pursuer .
tr	4	While he didn 't speak , I knew that Phillip was longing to know of his brother and how he met his end .
tr	4	Eva had mentioned that Fuchs had used the man as a model for impersonation , but that was too vague .
tr	4	I 've no idea if we were seen , for the men slowed their mounts to a walk as they approached our hiding spot .
tr	4	The three of us didn 't move for a long time as our enemies trotted along before us into the night .
tr	4	Branches creaked against each other , and as we approached , a feeling of darkness swallowed us as we entered this forest .
tr	4	By familiarity or shrewd skill , the man wound us under the hanging arms and through the grasping feet of the giants about us .
tr	4	A pile of warm throws and furs filled one corner , and several outfits of clothing were folded neatly beside the cloths .
tr	4	Riding tack and saddle blankets formed another space , and in the center of the cabin rested a table and four worn chairs .
tr	4	The slits in the surrounding walls didn 't allow much light through , so I couldn 't make out his eyes .
tr	4	I omitted the details of Fuchs ' impersonation for the moment ; we 'd come to that after Phillip 's explanation .
tr	4	They sounded the alarm , and you know the rest , " finished Logan , leaning back into his chair .
tr	4	It overlooked a beautiful valley , and the snow from the mountain around us was just receding with the sun .
tr	4	My guards and I would trek out into the wild in small groups , and we 'd chase the stags .
tr	4	" After several weeks of living like this , I took a dozen men out for a regular hunting trip .
tr	4	We 'd normally ride to a clearing in the forest , dismount , and then stalk the deer by foot .
tr	4	I consider myself an excellent fencer , and I proved my mettle -- the Faith lost three men to my saber that morning .
tr	4	Of course they didn 't tell me anything , but I often didn 't see the Fuchs brothers for several days at a time .
tr	4	At other times , he 'd sit me down in a chair and draw my features over and over again .
tr	4	He even started to speak like me , using my turn of phrase ; it was unsettling ... " He trailed off .
tr	4	With makeup , extensive studying , and the most pernicious dash of gall this country has ever seen , he became the king .
tr	4	Next he accused us of the deed , and we 'd have been executed for it if not for Eva 's rescue .
tr	4	" We 'll find where she 's held , rescue her , and take Fuchs when he 's traveling or alone .
tr	4	I 'll talk with Joseph , hear his next move , reconvene with you two , and go on from there .
tr	4	On the other hand , if we send a messenger , there 's at least an equal chance of detection .
tr	4	" For the mess you normally are , this isn 't half bad , " he called with a laugh .
tr	4	When I 'd met with Joseph and reunited with Jacob and Eva , we 'd return to the hut and plan our resistance .
tr	4	Despite my confidence , I was still wary ; it wouldn 't do to fall asleep and be taken so easily .
tr	4	After a while the streets were filled with residents , and the few shops opened along the village 's main street .
tr	4	Stepping inside , a surprisingly thin baker called out a hello at the sound of the bell above the door .
tr	4	You know that a silver piece is worth much more than two loaves and a train ticket , " I pleaded .
tr	4	My nervous feet carried me along like a current , brushing past pedestrians and finally climbing the train station 's stairs .
tr	4	But this thought was tempered by a wave of guilt ; had I not proven myself to be deadly in the last week ?
tr	4	Your one task was holding him until we could proceed , and you let him slip through your hands like water .
tr	4	The train stopped then , and Kurt slipped onboard and out of earshot , leaving the unfortunate Courtier in his wake .
tr	4	Two elderly gentlemen were discussing the weather as I slid past them , taking a seat near the back of the train .
tr	4	Things were heating up in Paris ; the populace was growing more and more discontent with Louis Philippe , and the violence continued .
tr	4	He peered at me , and it took every ounce of my composure to not leap from the train 's window .
tr	4	The body of the fallen messenger was removed , but a dark blotch of blood still clung to the station 's edge .
tr	4	No one followed , but I continued to dodge this way and that , curving around strange streets for an hour .
tr	4	After this I was sure that no one had followed me , so I struck off in the general direction of the mountain path .
tr	4	After securing a small lunch from a nearby vendor , I walked along , avoiding all contact with those that remained .
tr	4	If these were shut for the night , I 'd be out of luck and forced to wait until morning .
tr	4	Despite the ride of the generous farmer , the trip had still taken all day , and I was exhausted .
tr	4	I 'd memorized the address earlier , but in the darkness , everything looked the same , and I lost my way many times .
tr	4	I was forced to dodge patrolling groups of soldiers , and the whole time , I was terrified of discovery .
tr	4	As much trouble as I had finding an address that I knew , it would 've been impossible tracking down the monastery .
tr	4	He hasn 't been let into the palace since the coup , but we 're sure they 're watching his every move .
tr	4	They 're all of lower classes of course , but he claims the need for heightened security since his brother 's death .
tr	4	You show up at his school and tell them about the plot , and we 'll have fifty recruits before the hour 's past .
tr	4	If any need of the army should arise , I have the best knowledge about it , and he won 't dispense that . "
tr	4	I 'll send you any information I can , but I can 't be too blatant with Mercedes in their grasp . "
tr	4	I rested my eyes , feeling my pulse slacken as the luxurious feeling of sitting washed over me like a gentle wave .
tr	4	Even as I spoke , he gave me another look , gazing over my features like a painter studies his subject .
tr	4	It was very helpful , and I thanked him warmly , pumping his hand before I trotted back into the street .
tr	4	Then it struck me , and I began to rush , nearly throwing people out of the way in my hurry .
tr	4	I didn 't take a moment to look behind , but from the shouting , my pursuers -- whoever they were -- were close .
tr	4	Even as the debris slowed me , the men behind were able to leap over it , closing the distance between us .
tr	4	Apparently my action had inspired them , for three shots bounced off the walls around me , slicing through the stones like razors .
tr	4	The alley was one of those long constructions that wound through the various buildings of the street , and it forked in several places .
tr	4	If my problems weren 't enough , I 'd thrown myself in front of the very maw of Fuchs ' layer .
tr	4	This time , a scream of agony answered my move , but I couldn 't stop to see the results .
tr	4	Spitting to rid myself of the acrid taste and wiping my eyes to regain my vision , I raced through the constricting passage .
tr	4	I recognized various buildings , and I could see the monastery 's walls jutting out from the skyline to my right .
tr	4	" For the love of heaven , brother , shut the door , " I gasped , heaving on the floor .
tr	4	Any second my pursuers might race forward , trapping me and presumably Eva and Jacob , within the walls of the place .
tr	4	The fat cleric continued to stand there , so I drew myself from the floor and slapped the door shut despite his protests .
tr	4	Her gaze lanced through me , and I withered before it ; she was like some Valkyrie -- terrible and beautiful .
tr	4	After a moment , I realized it wasn 't a greenery , but it could easily be mistaken for such .
tr	4	Potted plants and flowers of various hues dotted the room , but what I 'd taken for a conservatory was actually the infirmary .
tr	4	Patients of various conditions dotted the room , their beds exposed to the warm light and wonderful aromas dancing about the space .
tr	4	Some were members of the monastery , while others were simply private citizens who 'd come to seek the brothers ' help .
tr	4	" I 'm no expert on your people , but in every other culture , writers are ... well you know . "
tr	4	Besides , if we show Phillip as proof of our story , Fuchs and the Faith will be on us faster than rain .
tr	4	According to Joseph , they 're all adventurous young men , and usually go on to serve in the armies of Europe .
tr	4	He 'll be making public appearances , and he can 't be surrounding himself with dozens of guards all the time .
tr	4	He 'll mess up , and we 'll be there to strike him down like the serpent he is . "
tr	4	If you hadn 't , someone would come for us anyway and travel arrangements would be the least of our problems .
tr	4	We can travel whenever you say the word , and I 'm well enough to bounce for a bit in the carriage .
tr	4	My helper seemed suspicious at first , and when I 'd left him , he went and notified the constables .
tr	4	People know what we look like and are more than willing to help their king catch the devils who murdered Phillip .
tr	4	I was incredibly fond of that feature , and it had only started to grow in fully in recent months .
tr	4	" Not to discredit that , because you have a good point , but who says I 'm not a suspect ?
tr	4	It was dark enough near the cells that they probably just didn 't get a good enough description of me . "
tr	4	" And that certainly makes you less recognizable to the general public , so we 'll take any advantage we can get .
tr	4	We had agreed to lay low in the monastery , hoping that Fuchs would never hear about my chase through the city .
tr	4	What 's more , the monks raised our petitions in prayer , and I felt deeply reassured at their religious intercession .
tr	4	After my journey , I readily agreed to the others ' proposal that they cover the watches for the evening .
tr	4	I 'm just not sure how wise it is to fling ourselves upon the kindness of a complete stranger . "
tr	4	" It 's too late to turn back now , " I said as our horses turned a corner in the tree-lined path .
tr	4	Each wore fencing gauntlets and carried honed sabers , but their entire front was covered by a thick leather pad .
tr	4	I 'm not sure what I expected , but when Joseph had mentioned the school 's waiting army , this wasn 't it .
tr	4	While the outside had been honed to look ancient , the inside was a pleasing blend of modern and old .
tr	4	The school must 've been large , but most of the floor space was housed in the single room gaping in front of us .
tr	4	They were accompanied by a handsome , if scarred , man clad in the same attire as the rest of the students .
tr	4	As one they bowed to Phillip , a graceful display like a flock of swans descending to land upon a glass pool .
tr	4	I wondered where the man had disappeared to , but he called out from the front of the group before I could ponder .
tr	4	I was reminded instantly of Di Luca 's home , a time at once so recently past and yet so long ago .
tr	4	I cannot offer that same assurance of their loyalty to you , for there are students from many countries studying here .
tr	4	The other man bowed his head at the praise but raised it moments later , a look of fierce curiosity in his eyes .
tr	4	He 's shown that much already , and despite their name , there are no Christian principles within the Faith . "
tr	4	After the sorrow for my fake death quiets down , he 'll start changing things , you mark my words .
tr	4	The last vestiges of summer wandered into the past , and the trees about the school began shedding their leaves like tarnished clothing .
tr	4	Foliage crunched under foot as we wandered the paths around the institute , and each day carried on much like the previous one .
tr	4	It felt almost sinful to relax in an armchair by the fire and peruse through the latest work by Dumas .
tr	4	As the geese swam about , I asked her how she 'd come to be with Kurt and the Faith .
tr	4	I 'd seen the man ; not only was he an ugly brute , but he possessed a cruel nature .
tr	4	It wasn 't until Aloysius was dismissed from the king 's service that we all learned how violent the Faith could be .
tr	4	I 'd sit around the palace gossiping with others my age , but otherwise , there wasn 't much chance for fun .
tr	4	I sent my father a letter after I 'd gone ; he 'd never have agreed to it in the first place . "
tr	4	We traveled to enough places , and Kurt always went out of his way to ensure I was enjoying myself .
tr	4	When they went to murder you that night , Kurt didn 't argue with them , but I wouldn 't have it .
tr	4	He 's never asked me what I did that night , but he never looked at me in the same way again .
tr	4	In addition to the walks and chats , we took advantage of other benefits of our hideaway , namely the fencing .
tr	4	I smiled nervously and made some comment about my lack of practice , but the master shushed me and stepped back to observe .
tr	4	In real combat that 'd likely disable my opponent -- the whole point of the game , so to speak .
tr	4	" In no time , friend , you 'll be back in shape and we 'll turn you into a fine fencer . "
tr	4	On the day of the first snow , Jacob wandered in from the cold to find the two of us fencing .
tr	4	Although he still moved with a hint of difficulty , his recovery was wonderful , and the man was becoming more and more active .
tr	4	There 's going to be a fight eventually , and I have absolutely no intention of sitting behind when it happens .
tr	4	But he 'd disappear for most of the day without comment , and when present , a dark cloud hung about the man .
tr	4	He must 've remained out of doors the rest of day , because I didn 't see him again until evening .
tr	4	Under his arm was a rolled newspaper , but he didn 't look at this or us for several , long moments .
tr	4	I saw a small tear trickling down his face , coursing into his mustache , and resting among the bushy hairs .
tr	4	' This week , His Majesty 's guards were fortunate to discover new evidence in the plot against the royal family .
tr	4	In the aftermath of Archduke Phillip 's murder , the criminals responsible for the terrible deed escaped , killing more in the process .
tr	4	Christian hospitality is never frowned upon , but to aid , comfort , and help murderers of the royal blood cannot be tolerated .
tr	4	Several monks , including their leader Abbot Baum , were found guilty by special tribunal and hanged at dawn this morning .
tr	4	It had been her idea to seek sanctuary there , and she had been close to Abbot Baum as well .
tr	4	If anyone had doubted it before , we were dealing with a tyrant -- one who would shed any blood to gain his ends .
tr	4	I was worried for the security of both parties , but the information these men carried was too invaluable for us to stop .
tr	4	The false king was protected by more and more men each day , none of whom knew the truth about their master 's identity .
tr	4	Over the course of a few days , all those without noble blood of some kind were dismissed from service .
tr	4	The populace was more confused than angry at the news , but the general sentiment was moving towards rage quickly .
tr	4	Then , in the dead of night , as a November chill circled the school like a feral wolf , another messenger arrived .
tr	4	" Unfortunately Joseph 's messenger had to leave right away , and I took the liberty of responding to Joseph 's message myself .
tr	4	Of course we had the money to fix it , but we were hesitant to spend tax funds on the project .
tr	4	However , Martin and the baron grew friendly over the years and when he died , he bequeathed the castle to us .
tr	4	Just because he 's left the capital doesn 't mean they 're not bottled up and armed to the teeth ! "
tr	4	There 's two turrets at the north and south ends , and each has an ornate suite of rooms at the top .
tr	4	The manor sits directly above a deep lake , and the water 's so close it even laps against the foundation .
tr	4	It 's all very beautiful , but I wouldn 't have the first clue about how to assault it . "
tr	4	Giving him money for his travels and the purchase of masonry equipment , we sent him off and settled in to wait .
tr	4	Supposing he 'd been captured in the attempt , we 'd be set upon by all sides and rounded up like traitors .
tr	4	Our fears proved to be ungrounded when Rupert paraded into the common room early one afternoon , a huge smile splayed across his face .
tr	4	He pointed up a road , and I wandered along for a few minutes before coming to a sentry post .
tr	4	What was strange , however , is that these soldiers were being bossed about by three gentlemen in civilian attire . "
tr	4	Parts of the great hall had a light layer of snow about them , and the room was incredibly drafty .
tr	4	It all seemed to help ; I 'm sure I was nervous enough , but they didn 't seem to notice .
tr	4	After I felt I could , I begged illness , received my pay , and slipped away with no one the wiser . "
tr	4	It 's a small door , but it 's thicker than the main gate and would be louder than a drum to batter down .
tr	4	What 's worse , it 's right in view of the two towers , and we 'd be seen in nothing flat .
tr	4	I snuck down to the water , and I could see the pipe sticking out through the castle 's foundations .
tr	4	" But if they can do it and unlock one of the palace doors , we save lives and valuable time . "
tr	4	" Well , death as a sacrifice can be given for one man , but often , it 's for the betterment of many .
tr	4	I 'd lived off the good fortune of my ancestor and hadn 't really thought about the justice of any of it .
tr	4	Would I really die to protect a notion that , until very recently , I 'd never used in my own life ?
tr	4	The water from the lake reflected like glass , and although fall had bowed to winter , this water had not frozen .
tr	4	If I was honest with myself , I didn 't want Eva to go because of the affection I held for her .
tr	4	Given the hour , it was less likely that anyone would be lurking within the room , but that danger still remained .
tr	4	November in Germany is obviously not warm , so I 'd only be able to try once each morning and night .
tr	4	While we were both wearing black , this man possessed a plume on his hat , a signature of the royal guards .
tr	4	So , without physical hesitation , I drew my only weapon , a small knife from my belt , and lunged forward .
tr	4	But as the blood rolled gently , almost peacefully , down his neck and my arm , I felt myself nearly collapse with him .
tr	4	The shadows continued to move , and I joined them once more , leaving my fallen crime in the snow behind me .
tr	4	The waters gently lapped against the manor , but the pale gloom cast the castle in a vicious , threatening light .
tr	4	As discussed , the others waited amid the last of the trees , covered from view by the naked giants above .
tr	4	At last , I leaned against the massive stones on the building 's foundation and looked into the icy abyss before me .
tr	4	I slipped the overcoat from my shoulders , letting the garment fall listlessly into the snowy brush along the shore .
tr	4	Feeling my body respond to the cold , I kicked off from the shore and began moving silently through the dark towards the pipe .
tr	4	I felt my lungs clenching , although not from lack of breath ; I 'd taken in a huge gasp .
tr	4	My feet kicked against the pool , and my hands continued to trace the castle 's walls , finally coming to the pipe .
tr	4	My arms scraped the sides , while my feet struggled to maintain the pace I needed to keep in order to avoid drowning .
tr	4	A sense of death , of closeness , of lack of hope , swirled about me as I was lodged in the cramped pipe .
tr	4	Kicking with all my might , I shot through this space , slicing my arm on the ragged edge of the rusted metal .
tr	4	The shadows also covered the space , providing a ready hiding place from the great hall which spread out before me .
tr	4	The only light in the entire space was a small candelabra flickering on a table in the center of the hall .
tr	4	For several minutes straight , I simply rubbed my limbs and stepped about , quietly driving the life back into my members .
tr	4	I hoped it would be enough , because I didn 't have the time or materials to change or dry off .
tr	4	Instead I sauntered off into the room , my hand now gripping the dagger -- the only protection I possessed .
tr	4	Remembering Rupert 's instructions , I slipped past the center table and down a flight of stairs along one wall .
tr	4	Or rather , I nearly emerged but threw myself backwards into the shadows as Kurt Weber and another Courtier wandered past the doorway chatting .
tr	4	If he can 't get the father to follow orders and stick to the plan , why not the daughter ?
tr	4	Perhaps it was happening even now , and I was crouching in a dark stairwell listening to these scoundrels chat about it .
tr	4	The man grunted mightily -- any entrance leading to the outside would be thick enough to require excessive effort to break down .
tr	4	I 'd kill the fellow before he 'd raise the alarm if necessary , but my conscience hoped for otherwise .
tr	4	Passing the cold stove , I picked up a large pan , still unwashed from the evening 's meal , and continued my approach .
tr	4	Pleased with myself , I looked about for rope of any kind , but couldn 't see anything that would keep the man secured .
tr	4	One man wouldn 't make much difference , and I doubted he 'd be rising soon enough to take part in the coming action .
tr	4	As with Kurt 's attempt , the groan it let out was ethereal , a ghastly moan in the otherwise quiet castle .
tr	4	Chapter XXVI Dozens of swordsmen streamed through the door before Simon appeared , dragging a bound and gagged Kurt in his wake .
tr	4	Without much delay , we threw Kurt and the other prisoner into a large cupboard in a corner of the kitchen .
tr	4	His eyes were pools of murky oil , but within their depths , an unquenchable , roaring flame was emerging .
tr	4	Sweat trickled down his brow , and the ragged breath escaping his lips was punctuated with muttered , incomprehensible words .
tr	4	As I watched , the shock on the Courtier 's face turned to recognition and then utter horror before he screamed an alarm .
tr	4	I took off down the foyer but didn 't make it three strides before the doors about us opened and angry men stumbled out .
tr	4	As the guard slashed his weapon down once more , I sidestepped and send a riposte towards his exposed legs .
tr	4	He was too experienced for this though , for he dropped his weapon 's tip , curving it to parry my own move .
tr	4	He was another supplicant , another dancer waiting to engage in the minuet of death that swirled through the antechamber .
tr	4	Once the man had been thrown to the ground , his leg a collapsing wound , Jacob looked at me again .
tr	4	By then , the defensive line the guards had originally formed was too intermixed with our men to prevent us from ascending .
tr	4	The men knew this before the mission , and their sacrifice was truly worth the cause for which we fought .
tr	4	If she died , I 'd never forgive myself , but there was no way to bring her to me now .
tr	4	Panting , we continued ever onwards , the stairs spiraling around and around like a massive auger , throwing us skywards like abandoned earth .
tr	4	A bit nauseous from the climb , I leaned against a wall for support as we tried to decipher what lay before us .
tr	4	While the dark crowded about us , our eyes eventually adjusted to the gloom and revealed that we weren 't completely blind .
tr	4	Two tall windows raced towards the ceiling along the room 's perimeter , and the airy snow continued to drift by outside .
tr	4	" I don 't know how you boys got here , but you 'll find it rather more difficult to leave . "
tr	4	But if you persist in pointing that infernal device at your royal king , things will become decidedly painful . "
tr	4	You 'll lay down your weapons and surrender to your treacherous doom or you 'll watch her brains coat the carpet .
tr	4	I killed the monks for the same reason I killed the king -- opposition to the will of God is too dangerous .
tr	4	Without a king who knows his place as the father of his country , people grow unruly , unrighteous , unrepentant .
tr	4	He looked possessed , and I had little doubt he would fulfill his gruesome promise to the letter if the chance arose .
tr	4	Even as he shot though , Fuchs strode towards the window , offered us one last leer , and dove into the night .
tr	4	I kicked out in the opposite direction of the two , chasing the other swimmer I knew to be the imposter king .
tr	4	The falling snow , the pale moonlight , and the looming trees watched me as my feet churned the snow .
tr	4	For the second time in so many hours , I was sopping wet in the dead of night and freezing for it .
tr	4	I made to draw my sword , but the water sloshing through the sheath and the numbness of my fingers gave me trouble .
tr	4	I didn 't see him until we were rolling through the snow , his fists pummeling my face , chest , and throat .
tr	4	I had nothing to fight with but my own guile , and taken by surprise , this wasn 't working .
tr	4	Using the force of our descent and his extra momentum , however , I hurled the beast from me as we reached the bottom .
tr	4	Fuchs had tripped over our friend 's body , and the fallen man 's sword now rested in the scoundrel 's paw .
tr	4	I was only able to deflect it , and the blade slid downwards , the point burying itself in my leg .
tr	4	I nudged my own blade forward , a single drop of blood spilling from his neck and racing down my upturned weapon .
tr	4	On my feet once more , I backed him up and collected Rupert 's weapon , hurling it further into the gloom .
tr	4	The man who welcomed me in , who rescued us from the devils -- that man was not an enemy .
tr	4	Our first day in the kingdom , the day of the coup , Joseph had explained the entire history of the Faith .
tr	4	He 'd explained it in such detail that we felt we knew the organization by the end of his lecture .
tr	4	The night I 'd returned to Joseph 's house , I 'd stumbled on a Faith diamond in the recesses of the home .
tr	4	I 'd been focused on my thoughts , and I didn 't see him start to slide away along the slope .
tr	4	The snake at my feet couldn 't be trusted , and I was growing wary of him in the snow .
tr	4	But by the time I recovered , the imposter was sprinting through the night , all thoughts of resistance abandoned .
tr	4	Their feet rushed by in the gloom while I lay , too shocked , too drained , too cold to move .
tr	4	I wandered back towards the castle , the breeze in my hair the laugh of a charlatan running through the woods .
tr	4	They would be forever honored for their loss , and they were buried in the royal crypts of the family they saved .
tr	4	Although they were gorgeous works of art in their own right , the slabs ' very contents gave onlookers a shudder .
tr	4	Above the bodies of these faithful heroes , Phillip glided onwards , no doubt more taken with his own brotherly grief .
tr	4	Despite her words , a pair of tears mingled in her lashes , and the lines of her face belied any festivity .
tr	4	" Most regal -- a lot he never wanted ... " I said , my eye on the black princes and the rose .
tr	4	By now Phillip was well past us , flowing out the massive doors of the cathedral and into the waiting crowds outside .
tr	4	Of course , we 'd been chased by the Faith even then , but nothing could 've prepared us for what lay ahead .
tr	4	Looking at the buildings in the light , my thoughts recoiled , turning to the darkness of the summer now gone .
tr	4	Reaching that now familiar door , I held it open for the group as Mercedes led the way through the halls .
tr	4	Although the country was decrying her family 's name , and her husband had become a fugitive , she would not despair .
tr	4	Her loss was sure to have stung immeasurably , and I wondered if she would leave the country soon , following him into Austria .
tr	4	A book in hand , Jacob sipped delicately from a glass of wine , his shattered leg propped up in another plush chair .
tr	4	In a way he 'd been a better actor than Fuchs , and the cut of treachery was sure to be deep .
tr	4	Time is , after all , reported to be a healer , and in time , I hoped to be healed .
tr	4	More than that , I 'd lost innocence , and I wasn 't sure I could recover from that fall .
tr	4	A messenger , resplendent in the black and scarlet of the king 's guard loomed in the library 's doorframe .
tr	4	As you know , Fuchs sifted through the palace 's staff , removing all the lower classes -- a distasteful business .
tr	4	Of course I 'm not privy to everything , but from His Majesty 's own lips , Austria is angry enough to shed blood .
tr	4	* * * * * A steady wind raced our carriage as it wound its way through the capital towards Phillip 's palace .
tr	4	Ratty clothes dripped off her frame like fallen tears , and her face was a valley of cracks and fissures .
tr	4	Despite her poverty , she never looked away as our carriage , a royal carriage , rumbled by on the cobblestones .
tr	4	Though her face and twisted spine had vanished in an instant , her memory , her meaning lived in my mind .
tr	4	There are countless people I need to thank for their support , their input , their ideas , and for their love .
tr	4	First , to Mandy : Thank you as always for the being the beautiful , intricate , complex , and supportive woman I love .
tr	4	To Daniel Fry : Thank you for your ideas , your encouragement , and your many hours of conversation with tea .
tr	4	If you liked The Faith , I 'd humbly ask that you please write a review and tell others what you thought .
tr	4	Nearly a year before , we 'd wandered into this country without the slightest hint of the dangers and beauties it contained .
tr	4	In the subsequent months , the man had been put on trial for murder , treason , and several other counts .
tr	4	With the conviction and execution verdict , the people had gone mad , celebrating in the streets , and burning effigies of Kurt .
tr	4	In fact , Adele Klein , Mercedes mother , had fled to Austria to be with husband only the week before .
tr	4	A tall man wearing the same uniform as us sauntered our way , his fiery hair bouncing with his movement .
tr	4	" He 's waiting for you , just through there , " Simon pointed back to the doors from which he entered .
tr	4	The laughter of courtesans ' jokes and the clink of champagne glasses would bounce around the room with wild abandon .
tr	4	He 'd lost weight since he 'd retaken the throne , and the accumulated stress was more than visible in his haggard face .
tr	4	If I never see another diamond medallion or hear about the divine right of kings again , it 'll be too soon . "
tr	4	Phillip looked as if he would correct me for not using his name , but he pursed his lips instead .
tr	4	Whatever his delusions , he remained loyal to his order and was a brave soldier , if a bloody scoundrel .
tr	4	The guards formed a cordon , with my friends and I closest to Phillip , and we walked into the mob .
tr	4	The people stepped back , leaving us a corridor to approach the scaffold , which waited at the center of the city square beyond .
tr	4	I could see the gnarled scaffold ahead , the single noose moving slightly in the wind , waiting to grasp its lonely victim .
tr	4	We walked along , and although single hecklers called out to the condemned , the once raging mob continued its silence .
tr	4	We led the king up the steps , and the guards split off to form a circle around the base .
tr	4	The confidence I 'd glimpsed in the carriage had wavered , and he looked at me like a sheep looks before its death .
tr	4	I moved back towards my friends and stood at attention beside the king , my hand resting on my saber .
tr	4	They were long and contained an artful memory of King Martin , as well as a passionate haranguing of the Faith .
tr	4	They started to boo him down , but Phillip raised his hands as well , and the mob silenced instantly .
tr	4	The result was utterly comical , and the poor man had to wait another moment for the noise to die down .
tr	4	God Himself called me to my actions , and the foolish thoughts of a wicked king are beneath my worth .
tr	4	By now , the crowds were screaming over him , and despite my closeness , I could barely hear the man .
tr	4	Minutes before , he 'd tackled me , saving me from a sharpshooter 's deadly ball , so I didn 't chastise him now .
tr	4	These men , crack troops every one of them , had fought and clawed against every attempt to dislodge them .
tr	4	By sheer willpower , and the aid of a couple of light artillery pieces , the gates to the farm had been bashed down .
tr	4	Blood coated the steps leading into the farm 's courtyard , and bodies , some wounded and writhing , waited below .
tr	4	They were French and English both , but once our men had smashed their way through the defenses , no quarter was given .
tr	4	I 'd gotten mixed up in the mess when the Emperor sent me to check on the progress of his brother .
tr	4	It had been enough to make me a target , and a quick shove was all that saved me from eternity .
tr	4	The thick man stumbled into the mud , blood dripping from his chest like falling tears , and the ladder fell beneath him .
tr	4	Their stillness brought their own ruin , as Frenchmen picked off these easy targets , cluttering the ground with their bodies .
tr	4	Even as I stared , he disappeared into the mass of bodies that already lay within , never again to rise .
tr	4	This poor lad had , like those at the gate , been wounded by the sharp steel of a British bayonet .
tr	4	The offending enemy was clawing his way onto the parapet , his legs supported by one of the rickety ladders .
tr	4	In his fury to gain purchase on the wall , the Englishman was dragging the wounded , terrified boy back .
tr	4	The Englishman bellowed a cry of enraged pain before he disappeared back over the wall , collapsing downwards and dragging the ladder with him .
tr	4	A boy , with no place on the battlefield -- a boy hardly younger than myself -- lay in my arms .
tr	4	Bread and grain for troops were seized ; wool , cotton , and all other textiles were commandeered for uniforms .
tr	4	Without another word , she stormed off back to the farm , leaving me in solitude , a rising sun gently caressing my hair .
tr	4	They were brief at first ; he hastily explained his lack of time and the details of his new life .
tr	4	The forces of each side were closing together , and a vicious , tremendous battle of nations was about to unfold .
tr	4	Rushing home , I broke the news to Claudette ; she smiled , her nationalism evident across the wide grin .
tr	4	She had little doubt that France and the Emperor would finally conquer in the days to come , but I only thought of Henri .
tr	4	Grinning , ever silent , she dipped her finger in the suds , drawing stalks of wheat and circling birds .
tr	4	Turning my chair around to face our cottage 's door , my breath caught in my startled throat as well .
tr	4	It was Henri 's body , but my son , unbeknownst to me then , was not present in this shade .
tr	4	Days of unkempt stubble crept across his face like patchwork , and a massive scar cut through his pale skin along his cheek .
tr	4	Chores done , we again sat around the table , pretending to eat breakfast , but in actuality , waiting for Henri to awaken .
tr	4	Liquid splattered the table , and a massive clanging resounded as the kettle rolled from the table to the floor .
tr	4	Recovering amid the dust of the kitchen floorboards , I looked over to find Henri 's eyes level with mine .
tr	4	Claudette rushed towards me , and ever the leader , she grabbed me and pulled me out of the house .
tr	4	Henri smiled , and I tried not to notice his aversion to loud laughs and the clinking of the tableware upon the plates .
tr	4	Without pause , their apparent leader leapt to the ground and marched towards me , a hand gripping his sheathed saber .
tr	4	# # # If you enjoyed this piece , find more of my Napoleonic short fiction in the Men of Eagles series .
tr	4	The Questionable had been christened in ' 57 , only two decades earlier , and Ward was proudly riding Queen Victoria 's favorite ship .
tr	4	On this particular occasion , the Irishman and his friend were returning from the Cape Colony en route to Dublin .
tr	4	Raised amid the hills of Ireland , he had come to enjoy the rights , privileges , and responsibilities of the upper class .
tr	4	Finally Ainsworth noticed Ward wasn 't keeping pace , and he turned around to see what the lagging was about .
tr	4	His glance tracked each mustache 's cut as he sought a glimpse of the face , haunting in its familiarity .
tr	4	That was where the two had met , and Ward had been confident that his opponent would return to his cards .
tr	4	You mentioned that the Steamed Cloud would be most accept -- " " Our friend has returned this evening , " said the Irishman .
tr	4	" Well there 's nothing for that ; we just need to watch him and avoid interaction until his seconds arrive .
tr	4	One possessed a prosthetic arm whose gears could easily be heard and the mechanical limb swayed in affected life-like movement .
tr	4	Instead of retiring to their stateroom , as was probably advisable , the two wandered over toward the gambling tables .
tr	4	The variant of chance , poker , had been imported from America , and its novelty was just enough to be wildly engaging .
tr	4	Glancing up , and despite his inhibitions , Ward could glimpse the rage present in the man 's glowing eyes .
tr	4	The latter , a trained boxer , stopped himself from blocking the hit and punching the drunkard in the chest , but only just .
tr	4	Tranquility was embodied within the room 's clutches , and many a passenger had willingly been taken in by the observation deck 's allure .
tr	4	On the celestial stage , the sun finally lost its titanic battle ; sagging downward , the burning sustainer of life bowed .
tr	4	Ward changed his attire , washed his face , drank a small glass of brandy , and snatched up a walking cane .
tr	4	Ninety minutes earlier , they 'd had fourteen tanks operated by thirty-eight armor crewmen , or Ferrets as the Iron Grenadiers called them .
tr	4	By the way , you gentlemen that were on the ground here can thank the Baroness for the air support .
tr	4	They covered the ground quickly , passing the site of their most recent battle and making it to the paved roadway within minutes .
tr	4	At the command ' weapons free ' , each tank began to engage whatever enemy troops they were able to find .
tr	4	The Highlanders quickly breached the warehouse , an easier task now , given the number of gaping holes in the side of the building .
tr	4	In a few cases , sleek black Razor gunships were dispatched to take out fleeing vehicles that had managed to evade the roadblocks .
tr	4	An impressive record to be sure , but the absence of comrades for the flight home left the victory feeling more like a defeat .
tr	4	King began barking orders as Flaherty turned and walked over to where Lieutenant Head was talking to Captains Llama and Ghost .
tr	4	Llama spoke up , " Laird Destro wants to see the four of us as soon as we 've cleaned up .
tr	4	He was attired as they were , in full dress uniform , as was the custom for dinner at Castle Destro .
tr	4	Taking his place at the head of the table , Destro looked out at the assembled group and paused a moment before speaking .
tr	4	" McLeod had been planning to retire next year and he wanted to pass the company off to you . "
tr	4	" If I may ask , My Laird , what percentage of the new troops will be trained Ferrets ? "
tr	4	However , man for man , they fell well short of measuring up to the skill and tenacity of the Grenadiers .
tr	4	But we rarely get what we wish for , and McLeod insisted that you were the man for the job . "
tr	4	Destro reached up and removed the single Lieutenant 's bars from Flaherty 's uniform and replaced them with the double bars of a Captain .
tr	4	The drive was a short one and they were soon seated at the pub with a round of cold pints in front of them .
tr	4	" I 'm telling you , it 's because I 've been lucky , so far , " Flaherty insisted .
tr	4	" We 've had some minor run-ins with them , as well , but nothing like the large-scale engagements your people have had .
tr	4	But I 'd like to think that perhaps we can help each other deal with this problem through unofficial channels . "
tr	4	Chapter 45 Ghost was quite pleased with himself as he reviewed the roster of men he 'd been assigned to replace his recent losses .
tr	4	" To be honest , I was a bit surprised that Aries allowed you to take both Humpty and the Hobbit . "
tr	4	Furious , the Baroness insisted that he be punished and Destro reluctantly agreed that the Hobbit should be busted down to Corporal .
tr	4	" They were barely on the ground before the bad guys figured out a way to blow their whole explosive cache .
tr	4	Even so , we 've been at it for a few days now and I 'm seeing significant progress . "
tr	4	" I 'm headed out this afternoon , so it 'll be a while before I grace you all with my presence at lunch .
tr	4	The job was reconnaissance , but given the small size of their unit , the Death Dealers always packed heavy .
tr	4	As soon as we have all the weapons , we 'll be ready to hump down to the landing field . "
tr	4	The walk to the landing field was a short one and the company once again grounded their packs to wait for their transportation .
tr	4	The first four gunships arrived after only a few minutes and settled approximately one hundred meters from where the company waited .
tr	4	Once everyone was aboard , the gunships lifted off and four more slipped into the clearing to repeat the process .
tr	4	Flaherty had been forced to divide up the talent he 'd been blessed with as the commander of 1st platoon .
tr	4	As he 'd been promised , Lieutenant Lee Fleming was experienced and competent - a perfect fit as Flaherty 's Executive Officer .
tr	4	He 'd also told them that he expected them to train alongside their subordinate men until they were every bit as knowledgeable .
tr	4	" Yeah , I guess I wasn 't sure what to expect with so many noobs all at once . "
tr	4	Let the vets drive out to the old proving grounds and then turn the wheels over to the new guys . "
tr	4	Goggles must have seen Flaherty 's face flush , because he immediately turned around to see what he was looking at .
tr	4	" I swear , you let a man into your bed and he thinks he owns your whole place . "
tr	4	I 'm sorry I said anything , " he apologized , laughing as he stepped out of the shower to dry off .
tr	4	Flaherty knew that MARS Industries owned at least four private communities that were occupied exclusively by the families of Destro 's employees .
tr	4	He 'd have the right answer , despite the fact that Flaherty wasn 't quite sure what the question was yet .
tr	4	He changed from his street clothes into a pair of Ferret coveralls and walked down to the Officer 's Mess for breakfast .
tr	4	Flaherty chose bacon , eggs and potatoes , while Goggles grabbed a cup of yogurt and two pieces of toast .
tr	4	" I understand that congratulations are in order , " Starbuck said , leaning in to shake Flaherty 's hand .
tr	4	" I understand you 've got a busy day ahead of you , and we have some catching up to do ourselves .
tr	4	They assaulted the enemy from the rear and , as you can see , successfully rescued the Annihilator team . "
tr	4	We 'll get back to it tomorrow morning , but for the moment we have other matters to attend to .
tr	4	He realized then that he wasn 't in danger of falling in love with her - he 'd fallen long ago .
tr	4	Protocols and procedures were universal throughout the Iron Grenadiers , just as they were in most militaries around the world .
tr	4	" I thought we 'd spend the night in the defense and then hike back in at first light , Sir . "
tr	4	As Ghost watched , one , then two and finally three more icons flashed red before the survivors broke contact and fled .
tr	4	" They aren 't moving around much , but they 're out there , just like Laird Destro thought . "
tr	4	Shock pulled out a topographical map of the area and began running Llama through the disposition of troops he 'd been able to document .
tr	4	" Hey , smart-ass - I don 't recall - " " Let it go , Proof , " Misfit interrupted .
tr	4	Like the Grenadier team , these operatives were also dressed in clothing consistent with that worn by the local populace .
tr	4	If you wan na catch some Z 's , you better get back there and hit it before Outback starts snoring . "
tr	4	" One of them sounded like he was getting cold feet and the other was chewing him out for it .
tr	4	And should we succeed , he 'd hunt every one of us to the very ends of the earth ! "
tr	4	Do you suspect that he will be any less passionate in dealing with you should you fail to accomplish your mission ? "
tr	4	By the time the squad reached the landing field on the north lawn , their gunship was already standing by .
tr	4	" It was a planned meeting between a MARS representative and what we thought was a local buyer , " Destro explained .
tr	4	At the time , we were under the impression that the betrayal was aimed at obtaining the sample without paying for it .
tr	4	" It was supposed to be , " Destro confirmed , " But I sent a double in her place .
tr	4	" I suppose I wouldn 't want to be the Iron Grenadier that allowed the Baroness to be taken . "
tr	4	They have instructions to conduct a thorough reconnaissance of the waterfront , but to avoid contact if at all possible . "
tr	4	Reaching the docks , he wound his way through the support columns until he found what he was looking for .
tr	4	Once he was up , he drew a .22 caliber pistol and screwed a suppressor onto the end of the barrel .
tr	4	Hidden under the snow like it is , it 's hard to tell exactly how big it might be . "
tr	4	The company was making significant leaps every day and he 'd become confident in the abilities of his subordinate Officers .
tr	4	Flaherty looked up to see Sergeant Major Duncan standing beside the table where he sat with the other Officers from the First DEMON Company .
tr	4	" Okay , we 'll give it fifteen minutes to make sure that we weren 't detected on the way in .
tr	4	It had a forward grip and a multi-function scope attached to a universal mounting rail that ran the length of the receiver .
tr	4	Snow Job gave his rifle , a sound suppressed M24 Sniper Weapon System , over to Frostbite in exchange for another M4 .
tr	4	Both of the M4 's were sound suppressed and would be far more practical for close-in investigation of the facility .
tr	4	" We should have no trouble making it down to the landing field with maybe thirty minutes to spare . "
tr	4	King was better than his word and had the company mounted up and ready to roll in just over five minutes .
tr	4	But for the first time in a long time , Flaherty had someone that would actually miss him if he didn 't return .
tr	4	The device was behind him , so the flash had no effect but the concussion caused immediate disorientation , forcing him to his knees .
tr	4	Snow Job could hear Frostbite 's voice calling to him in his ear bud , but he was unable to reply .
tr	4	His captors quickly relieved him of the M4 , his sidearm and his combat knife before rolling him over onto his back .
tr	4	His position in the corner room on the top floor of a run-down hotel was perfect - except that there was nothing to observe .
tr	4	His team had been doing this around the clock for three days now , with each man taking two shifts each day .
tr	4	Sergeant Blister 's team was situated three blocks away , on the opposite side of the target , performing the same tedious task .
tr	4	He rolled hard to his left , kicking out with his right leg and managed to get free of the dead man 's weight .
tr	4	The Grenadier moved around to Snow Job 's side and carefully sliced through the heavy plastic of the flex cuffs .
tr	4	" But now they know we 're on to this location , so you 're planning to breach it , aren 't you ? "
tr	4	" I 've heard quite a bit about you , Captain , " Aries said as he stepped forward and shook Flaherty 's hand .
tr	4	" I 'm fairly certain we 'll need your armor , so I 'm very glad to have you with us . "
tr	4	The voice belonged to a young woman who was dressed much like the Iron Wolves , but wore no helmet .
tr	4	Lieutenant Graves was playing the slightly obnoxious drunk , while his ' friend ' , Sergeant Blister tried to get him safely home .
tr	4	One second there 's nothing , the next there 's a bunch of yahoos running out of the building , looking upset . "
tr	4	" The wounded will receive whatever immediate treatment is needed and then be flown to the location of your choosing . "
tr	4	" I know the status of my own people , but do you currently have anyone that needs support or extraction ? "
tr	4	" Besides Llama 's squad , we have a company of Highlanders , a company of armor and a full brigade of infantry .
tr	4	" It 's appreciated , " Destro said , understanding the other man 's reluctance to act without concrete evidence .
tr	4	They attached a large flexible hose to what looked like a portable generator and then fed the hose into the facility 's entrance door .
tr	4	" According to my spotter , he 'll be the only one not wearing one of those silly skeleton masks . "
tr	4	Several long moments passed with no firing and Cake asked , " What the fuck is he waiting for ? "
tr	4	Once the prisoner was secured , Vulcan placed a black bag over his head and they hustled him off toward the Hummer .
tr	4	There , he saw a woman dressed in black , like Lace , except her outfit was significantly more revealing .
tr	4	Chapter 52 The Baroness couldn 't quite keep the smirk off her face as she strode into the bedchamber she shared with Destro .
tr	4	Moira and the Joes stayed behind with a platoon of Iron Wolves to conduct a thorough search of the entire facility . "
tr	4	" I don 't like the idea of sitting around now that we 're all staged and ready to move , " Shock observed .
tr	4	To his immediate right , the unit 's designated marksman , Osgood , watched the same point through his rifle 's scope .
tr	4	A block and a half away , Misfit sat behind an American-made M24 Sniper Weapon System , watching Huerta through the scope .
tr	4	Then , holding it by a leg , he used it to hit Huerta in the side of the head .
tr	4	" We probably won 't see him again after today , so I think we ought to take something to remember him by . "
tr	4	It took the second soldier almost three full seconds to realize that Huerta wasn 't the one who been cut .
tr	4	It took nearly four hours to search the entire facility , but Moira felt confident that nothing had been missed .
tr	4	" He wants us to fly to Scotland with you and find a place to stay while the Intel folks go through this stuff .
tr	4	He feels like it might be good to have a team already standing by in the area , should the need arise . "
tr	4	He raised his right arm and several Grenadiers clad in long red coats swept forward to take custody of the unconscious prisoners .
tr	4	Colors knew that these were Masque 's personal troops , who he often referred to as ' The Red Death ' .
tr	4	His solution was to strap each unconscious prisoner to a gurney and keep them sedated until he was able to speak with each .
tr	4	Despite the sedatives , Masque posted his personal troops , The Red Death , on the prisoners as a precaution .
tr	4	One was the facility commander , a colonel , and the other four were some sort of medical research team .
tr	4	Once he 'd managed to identify them all , he 'd had each of them placed in a portable cell .
tr	4	Two members of the Red Death opened the isolation cube , spilling the naked and disoriented Strauss out onto the tile floor .
tr	4	Masque would not have thought that Strauss could turn any paler than he already was , but he managed to do exactly that .
tr	4	Masque is still working the prisoners , but we 're going to kick this shit off as soon as they get here .
tr	4	Further down the table , Lace and Banshee talked animatedly about some past adventure , their youth showing amongst their more somber peers .
tr	4	The feeling was more than reciprocated and the two had even come to blows a couple of time during training .
tr	4	The group had been paying close attention already , but this was the meat of the conversation and each woman became visibly more attentive .
tr	4	The program required that the enhanced soldiers be instantly obedient to orders , lest they be a liability on the battlefield .
tr	4	Because quite frankly , I 've no desire to spend the rest of the day trying to break you the old fashioned way . "
tr	4	He entered a code on a small keypad set into the statue 's base and the concealed document safe swung open .
tr	4	His eyes widened as he read the cover sheet and he looked up at Destro , who appeared lost in thought .
tr	4	Suffice it to say that the apple has never fallen far from the tree in that part of the clan . "
tr	4	So while continuing to serve my father on the surface , he assembled his own group of scientists to duplicate the program .
tr	4	" I know George , and everyone realizes that it 's not the way we 'd prefer to make our advance .
tr	4	But the grunts want our firepower in the fight , not sidelined by some dipshit in a skull mask with a disposable rocket launcher .
tr	4	The reality here is that we 're invading a sovereign nation , so nobody wants civilian casualties added to our list of offenses . "
tr	4	In the Ogre he used as a rolling Command Post , Aries sat back and listened to the radio chatter .
tr	4	Aries nodded in satisfaction as he absently stroked the three scars on the right side of his face and head .
tr	4	As always , he was among the first jumpers out the door and was , therefore , one of the first on the ground .
tr	4	Raven sat a few feet away , elbows on her knees , staring straight ahead at the opposite bulkhead with her one good eye .
tr	4	Destro had occasionally wondered how she 'd lost her right eye , but had never cared enough to actually inquire .
tr	4	" My Laird , we 're seeing only limited enemy activity on the western front - just a handful of contacts so far .
tr	4	" If that 's the case , then we 'll set down at the palace and use it as our base of operations .
tr	4	Seeing no movement , he hurried up onto the pier and took cover behind a large crate to the right of the ladder .
tr	4	Vulcan made it safely across and the team began advancing down the waterfront toward what appeared to be a grain mill .
tr	4	Most of the team had good cover where they were , but Vulcan and Natasha were pinned down and unable to return fire .
tr	4	To their right was the water , but they 'd have to cross a big stretch of open ground to get there .
tr	4	As Destro and his guards accompanied Thor to the CP , the Baroness emerged from the Razor with Raven and her Annihilator bodyguards .
tr	4	Just before reaching the conference room where the CP was being established , they passed the Prime Minister 's office .
tr	4	Destro was studying a tactical display that showed the current disposition of all Grenadier forces , as well as all known enemy forces .
tr	4	Humpty confirmed , as he leaned out to fire at the machine gun team in the bunker to his direct front .
tr	4	There were three such bunkers , each with a heavy machine gun , currently holding up the advance of Ghost 's company .
tr	4	Each gunner hurried to place firing data on his sight unit and then ' level ' the weapon for firing .
tr	4	We 're gon na drop another load on them , but I need suppressing fire as soon as the rounds are complete .
tr	4	After Spirit had escorted them back to the mill , he and Outback had gone back out to watch the perimeter .
tr	4	" Unfortunately , our government has yet to decide upon a course of action here , " Flint was saying .
tr	4	" We appreciate your decision to set those non-existent limitations aside for a few minutes to help us out . "
tr	4	Things were taking too long to develop and it made her want to take to the field herself and move things along .
tr	4	Llama pulled himself to his feet and started toward Shock , managing all of two steps before pitching forward onto his face .
tr	4	Starbuck and Wert slowed their descent and monitored the enemy within the building , careful not to drift to where they might be seen .
tr	4	This time , each of the four men dropped a fragmentation grenade through the hole and waited for the detonations .
tr	4	If they looked hard enough , they 'd probably find pieces ; but there was no time for that now .
tr	4	He 'd ordered Ghost to begin pushing forward toward the site of the blast , but he was encountering resistance along the way .
tr	4	Llama could tell by the size of the gaping wounds and the twitching of his body , that Biscuit was dead .
tr	4	Their enemy was beginning to advance toward Llama 's position when Sergeant Irizarry broke cover and sent a 30mm grenade toward him .
tr	4	After the third or fourth hit , the enemy faced Izzy and the minigun on his right shoulder began spewing fire .
tr	4	The heavy rounds threw him back against the side of the bunker entrance and Llama called out , " Mark ! "
tr	4	Chapter 57 As Anastasia regained consciousness , she winced at the surge of sharp pain at the back of her head .
tr	4	" I don 't know how he got to you , but it 's not too late to change your mind about this . "
tr	4	" If she elects to continue running her mouth , feel free to shut her up , just don 't damage her permanently .
tr	4	Anastasia felt her ass burn and her face color as she ground her teeth hard enough to cause another wave of pain .
tr	4	Fifteen feet away , Sergeant Shock was clearly losing his patience with Corporal Gundam , the medic who was examining him .
tr	4	Tucker , break out the scanner and let 's see if we can get an idea what we 're dealing with here . "
tr	4	The newest member of the team , Tucker had been assigned to the team after Android was wounded in Sierra Muerte .
tr	4	The scanner would allow the team to analyze the door in a variety of spectrums to try and determine its composition and design .
tr	4	The waiting was intolerable , but they had yet to discover the underground passages being used to move the Baroness .
tr	4	" My Laird , " a Communication Officer said as he made his way from the airborne command center housed in the gunship .
tr	4	Having Mayhem calling the shots would allow Destro to pursue the Baroness ' abductors without fear of neglecting his duty to his men .
tr	4	" Truth be told , I 'm a bit anxious to get to the Central CP and check-in with the Baroness . "
tr	4	When the charge blew , they would surge forward into the bunker to confront those who were surely waiting inside .
tr	4	She 'd arrived at the CP almost thirty minutes earlier and had been told to have a seat with Lace and the Undertow team .
tr	4	Waiting was not something she was particularly good at , which was odd given that she was such a gifted sniper .
tr	4	" My dear , you have the patience of a two-year old , " the old General said with a grin .
tr	4	" Very well , then we will try to find a way to make ourselves useful , " Lace said .
tr	4	" And if I can steer you in a direction that would be helpful to Laird Destro 's search , then I certainly will .
tr	4	Bone Splitters lay burning all around and it took Flaherty a moment to realize that there were no more targets .
tr	4	Flaherty opened up with his own cannon , saving the last two missiles in case there were more vehicles to deal with .
tr	4	The second tomahawk caught Inferno 's good arm , trapping it as King delivered a crushing blow to the stomach .
tr	4	King threw his second tomahawk and struck the fuel tank centered on Inferno 's backpack , causing it to ignite .
tr	4	Android looked at his squad leader and mumbled , " I love when he talks all sexy at us . "
tr	4	Failure meant that the enemy would be following Aries down into the bunker , so it was no small matter .
tr	4	Sergeant Humpty had designated likely avenues of approach as on-call targets and the 60mm mortar crews were laid up on those targets .
tr	4	Gundam was doing his best to care for the wounded and there were gunships inbound to ferry out the more serious cases .
tr	4	Each time they encountered a pocket of resistance , Android 's weapon would belch , causing the enemy to seek cover .
tr	4	" You know , when we made it inside , I was starting to feel like we were close to finishing this . "
tr	4	" General , we 've taken the first fifty meters of the bunker complex and what looks like a command center .
tr	4	" You can see where I marked our point of entry , as well as our current position , " Aries continued .
tr	4	He 'd received orders to proceed to a location approximately ten kilometers outside the capital and secure a bunker entrance against possible enemy use .
tr	4	His platoon of six vehicles should be more than enough to hold the position , but he had to get there before the enemy .
tr	4	Certainly , they were sleeping in ones and twos , but there had been people working nonstop throughout the entire time .
tr	4	Once a day , a bearded man with dark hair arrived and met with the people for half an hour or so .
tr	4	The bearded man burst from the room and ran out of the building , almost knocking her over as he left .
tr	4	And then she wondered for about the hundredth time or so , whether Sean was involved with whatever these people were working on .
tr	4	Bing loosed a pair of missiles and was gratified to see both targeted vehicles disappear , each in their own glorious fireball .
tr	4	Eleven Bone Splitters were reduced to burning piles of scrap metal , whereas none of the Razorbacks had been scratched .
tr	4	" Establish a perimeter and hold the site until I can drop some infantry in there to augment your people . "
tr	4	Unfortunately , it was moving ever further from the capital city and toward an area that had seen some of the heaviest fighting .
tr	4	Judging from the number of man-sized objects running around the area , he assumed that this site would also offer resistance .
tr	4	If they weren 't able to take and hold the site , the Highlanders might be facing a slaughter underground .
tr	4	Captain Loc had lost five of the twelve men he started with and they weren 't even on the ground yet .
tr	4	Loc reached around the back of his neck until he found the comm bud that had become dislodged on impact .
tr	4	None of them were cowards , but six men were not likely to last long against a force more than ten times their number .
tr	4	" Once they figure out how few of us there are , it won 't take them long to find their balls . "
tr	4	The volume of fire intensified to the north and Loc wondered how much longer they could stay in the fight .
tr	4	Vapor hadn 't said anything , but something had changed in his tone and Loc suspected that he 'd been wounded as well .
tr	4	The maelstrom lasted for just under a minute and then Loc heard the telltale whine of an AGP 's engines as it swooped past .
tr	4	Loc scrambled to his knees to see a Razor gunship settling into a clearing that hadn 't been there a minute earlier .
tr	4	As he walked from his command Ogre , he noticed the two Iron Maidens , Scythe and Moira , standing near the entrance .
tr	4	He had no heartache with a woman wanting to do a job , so long as she was actually capable of doing it .
tr	4	he shouted , moving up the left side of the corridor as Hung 's fire filled the air on the right .
tr	4	" Another two hundred meters , " Lace replied from the passenger seat , her eyes fixed on the GPS unit .
tr	4	Raven had stepped out onto the catwalk , as well , strolling in the opposite direction cradling a high-powered rifle .
tr	4	I expect you to know the suffering your clan inflicts around the world , stirring up conflict where none exists .
tr	4	" And if you should defeat me , you are free to take your woman and leave this place . "
tr	4	" I want you to mount up and proceed with all possible haste to grid seven seven three one eight seven .
tr	4	As he was listening , Flaherty reached over the back of the driver 's seat and smacked the top of Corporal Hunger 's helmet .
tr	4	" Laird Destro is in the field and is likely to require assistance at or near those coordinates , " Mayhem responded .
tr	4	The team dispersed through the corridor , looking for hidden entrances or some sign that they were in the right place .
tr	4	Haven 't you realized that the super soldier program was not the failure your father claimed it to be ? "
tr	4	" You were one of those mewling babes stolen from his bed in the dead of night and experimented on ? "
tr	4	Natasha was moving steadily along the catwalk , firing her sniper rifle at targets on the opposite side of the large room .
tr	4	" You are tasked with overseeing the retrograde of troops , which is to begin immediately upon completion of this meeting .
tr	4	He also had mixed feelings about the destruction of the bunker complex , but knew better than to voice his opinion on the matter .
tr	4	" Aries , you will assume command of my Elite Guard until such time as Captain Nirvana is back on his feet .
tr	4	These characters all exist in one World and travel through different paths , eventually all paths cross and a deeper plot emerges .
tr	4	It is a mix of esoteric ideas with real world problems and social dynamics in a fictional world , tailored to entertain and inspire .
tr	4	You are a new born Traveller and Travellers serve creation by helping others and maintaining the balance , keeping the Orion Confederation in check .
tr	4	They continue the work of their father , choosing to serve their own interests by removing all sentient creation from the incarnate realm .
tr	4	They made this realm their home and served the balance until their father went to sleep in order to continue the Cosmos .
tr	4	The Guardians were tasked with ensuring that Kek did not escape his prison and the Father of Beginnings returned to sleep .
tr	4	He paused by a park filled with memories of events ; some glorious in happiness , others gruesome in cruelty .
tr	4	The occasional vehicle on the road behind purred and still he listened ... He heard the song of insects and he smiled .
tr	4	It was a phenomenon he realised was also in all things , from as tiny as blood vessels to a whole mass of trees .
tr	4	First he awakened his body with exercise , and then he let his mind roam free as he routinely performed his sets .
tr	4	Closing his eyes he began the steps to slip into meditation , the sounds of his surroundings penetrated his consciousness .
tr	4	He focused inward listening to the flow and exchange within himself , feeling it all with his mind and body .
tr	4	His awareness expanded and it was like he felt the planet , he could feel the cool breeze as it caressed his body .
tr	4	He was in the world of his mind , walking down the stairway as he proceeded towards the depths of his mind .
tr	4	A phrase leapt out at him ' All is one ' , this was so ; he felt it , so it was real .
tr	4	He dropped to the ground and cried , and then he laughed ; his emotions filled with the feelings of the present scene .
tr	4	He let it flow through him , as he spread his arms wide and creatures came to him from the surrounding trees .
tr	4	They were beautiful he thought , like nothing ever seen before ; beyond description their splendour burst as if from their very being .
tr	4	" I know nothing and yet I know it all , truly my journey has just begun , " he replied .
tr	4	To him they seemed to vanish as he shifted into his being and he could go no further , same as before .
tr	4	He saw himself over looking a cliff with water falling on his left and an expanse of trees divided partially by a broad river .
tr	4	Even as he reached the surface of his consciousness he felt elated , his heart was lightened from past burdens and he was joyous .
tr	4	Spreading out his arms , he filled his heart with the feelings from his meditation and it was like a song that warmed him .
tr	4	Oasis isn 't here right now because he is searching for Riva , his kin , she left on a mission of rescue .
tr	4	My gaze turned towards the space known as Milky Way and that was when I first noticed highly chaotic anomalies .
tr	4	Usually such did not exist from our point of view ... A heavily potentiated chaos and I heard the call .
tr	4	Only those with a great need could be heard by us so clearly and so I moved myself from my environment .
tr	4	So I made my decision and entered the planet , acquiring mass along the way , as I became the suitable forms .
tr	4	I felt my mortality in flesh as it compounded around myself , my soul fragmented and I heard Terra once again , saying .
tr	4	I heard my aide call to me hastily and I looked up at him from my desk in the mobile tent .
tr	4	The long war had changed much , no longer could I enjoy the benefits of my position as the commanding officer of this army .
tr	4	Around the desk were the essentials , a communication post , a gun rack , a food processor and a bed .
tr	4	Streaks of silver lined her jet-black hair and her cloak ruffled in the wind revealing a skin tight , light armour underneath .
tr	4	They desired to prevent their plight , but , a challenge obstructed their way in the form of a Citadel and an army .
tr	4	I heard a buzz , turning my head I could see a type of generator that seemed to provide power to the whole camp .
tr	4	" There are two thousand men here , six thousand at the main camp , with our Empress bombarding the Citadel 's defences .
tr	4	The Sphinx have given us a thousand of their best warriors and they requested to be directly under your command .
tr	4	Personally I would prefer it not to be used and this is why I prayed that you would come . "
tr	4	It brought laughter from me and I soon realised from the look on his face that my reaction was misunderstood .
tr	4	I took in the view for a moment , watching them dance and make merry under the light of the night sky .
tr	4	I lifted my eyes to the skies and saw a clear view of the stars , already I missed my kin .
tr	4	These Humans didn 't know that Terra herself , the spirit of Gaia called me , to save it from a catastrophe .
tr	4	It was the consequence of incarnation , the primal drives of the flesh , and not experiencing suffering and love was not living .
tr	4	Oasis , the first , said the next stage was absolute wisdom and understanding , its teaching was hard even for him .
tr	4	I brought my mind back to the present as I left the Human camp , to where the Sphinx lay .
tr	4	Some sat by their tents engaged in individual interests , there was an air of melody and it felt serene in its calmness .
tr	4	As he walked towards me in a decidedly slow pace , I took in the view of the Sphinx warriors before me .
tr	4	Glorious warrior of old , our elders told us of you , we would be honoured to follow you . "
tr	4	Disconnected limbs littered the ground , except were long projectiles stood with impaled soldiers and the soil was heavy with blood .
tr	4	Lifting my head to the scene before me , I watched as an enemy soldier had its head half blown off by a rifle .
tr	4	But then I saw the oddest thing , he attacked his own men ; his lust was driving him out of control .
tr	4	Suddenly the situation was much clearer , they used a typical tactic of deception to fool honest men into rebels .
tr	4	There was a warmth about the enclosure where I stretched , surrounded by proud trees , reaching with their limbs towards the light .
tr	4	With our firm resolve we will break through the enemies defence and cause confusion from within , " I said to them .
tr	4	Gaia herself knows and will always know that there is no paradox , but you may not , " I continued .
tr	4	The Confederation intends to turn this gift against you , to destroy your reality , split your planet and kill you all .
tr	4	I could feel the wind pick up its pace around me and I caught the strand of connection , between two ' wheres ' .
tr	4	Perhaps it was a result of the denial of the truth of the word , or the unity intrinsic of duality .
tr	4	No mortal mind could truly comprehend the sight of the ways and so what was observed was usually down to what they could perceive .
tr	4	In the next instant projectiles rained upon us from above , as the Citadel itself put us in its targets .
tr	4	Seth ran to me as Ra began preparing to hold the shield , and I felt comfort knowing that they would help protect us .
tr	4	I saw the war scene from above , gruesome in its beauty ; if indeed it could be said that war was beautiful .
tr	4	The battle was in the enemies favour , for now ... " Sphinx hear me , " I called in their minds .
tr	4	" Three hundred of the seven hundred will clear a way for the main force to enter , tactically striking key defence towers .
tr	4	I covered the distance quickly , too quickly for the other creature to react ; in one swift motion I removed its head .
tr	4	The Sphinx reached me as I slashed at my enemy 's head , attempting to distract it from its prey .
tr	4	It dodged and came at me with a strike at my shoulder ; I moved my stance and lunged forward .
tr	4	The Sphinx fell upon the enemy soldiers , fire in their hearts fuelled by my wrath , greatly raising their morale and ability .
tr	4	My suit felt tampered ... I look down at my hands to see the claws uncontrollably shifting form and I retracted them .
tr	4	A loud cheer filled the area and my senses overwhelmed me with praise ... Hail Traveller ... I heard whispered .
tr	4	My whole body tingled with electrostatic energy ; three hundred Sphinx and I ran through a hole in reality unseen by others .
tr	4	The enemy would have to send more men there , thinking I had sent the Sphinx there , while I approached the massive gates .
tr	4	Time had slowed down from my perspective and I wove the air into the desired attraction , still spinning as I did so .
tr	4	As I landed I saw the second line , those holding more projectile weapons , move forward and they prepared to fire .
tr	4	The Spear landed true sinking into the flesh of the speaker , were it remained as the man fell to the floor .
tr	4	I brought my left fist around connecting with the body of one of them , sending him flying across the court .
tr	4	The blood trail painted vicious arcs as I dismembered these opponents , until only one remained of the second line .
tr	4	I jumped and caught him by his leg swung him around , and sent him towards the mass of weapons .
tr	4	I stood firm and faced them , retracting the spear 's blade , turning it into a harmless looking staff .
tr	4	Before you stand Sphinx and Traveller , attack if you dare , " I called to all and silence sang their hesitation .
tr	4	I heard the Sphinx move into the appropriate formation , like a well-oiled machine , their motions smooth as always .
tr	4	When I approached the enemy mass between me and my goal , I felt energy flow into me and my legs bunched .
tr	4	I stopped and traced a circle with the staff end on the ground around myself , preventing enemy attack and giving myself space .
tr	4	I allowed the staff to spin as it twisted itself up my body to my rising hands , cracking some men in the jaw .
tr	4	Walking through I spun the staff fast and hard , creating a painful ' v ' and I passed through the enemy mass .
tr	4	Stopping the spin , I extended the staff brought it down hard on the face off one man as he collided with others .
tr	4	They came at me and I ran at them , and all was silent save the sound of us running .
tr	4	With my spear fully formed , I brought it down in a diagonal slash ... I can 't win , not like this .
tr	4	I mustered force and pushed her away , in time to shift my position , dodging an otherwise lethal blow .
tr	4	Nuru 's blade rested in my side , he placed his foot on my chest and kicked me across the room .
tr	4	It was a machine and it was here , in this mirror of dimensions and the vision before me hazed and changed .
tr	4	" I did not think thou wilt come , " I heard Tiamat say as she appeared beside the machine .
tr	4	It was clear where the dragon myths came from ; her body was long and she stood well over ten feet tall .
tr	4	" The chaos thou hath unleashed drives my machine , " she added and the room reverberating with her laughter .
tr	4	No it can 't be true ... Did she plan all this from the start , predicting my actions but how did she know ?
tr	4	It is rumoured that she holds the book of destiny , perhaps there is some truth to this ... " Why Tiamat !
tr	4	" Alas , it will come to pass that Gaia is split asunder , causing great pain to the spirit Terra and her children .
tr	4	" Futile are thy trials for we pass between the ground and the heavens , between worlds of chaotic realities .
tr	4	Our bodies grew in size and I returned to my mortal form , the blood of giants strong in my mortal shell .
tr	4	The battle came to a rest as all eyes turned towards us , unreal creatures of immense proportions floating above them .
tr	4	I felt Ra and Seth come into me and reunite my essence , and then an explosion came from below .
tr	4	Right now , the Confederation has turned a great deal of attention on Humanity and your task is to help them .
tr	4	-- Adam My breathing was steady even though I was running in pursuit of my target down an empty street .
tr	4	Without us our brethren would perish , this was why I couldn 't understand why my target would be against us .
tr	4	Glancing at my mobile , I saw it displaying ' Unknown ' , and I answered the call with my hands free .
tr	4	My training suggests that I proceed with extreme caution , so I followed the directions and turned into what seemed like private land .
tr	4	I walked to the side of the truck and opened it , revealing why we were called soldiers of peace .
tr	4	Finally I saw it and the warehouse was imposing , it was a large metallic structure in a clearing surrounded by trees .
tr	4	I glanced down at my rifle and saw that the red LED was ' off ' , meaning that the pulse was armed .
tr	4	It would take too long too scope the entire perimeter first , so I proceeded through the threshold , into the building .
tr	4	" Showing my self is a tall order , besides you 'll only shoot at me , " he replied .
tr	4	I swung my right pistol , adding its rounds to the left , trying to track and predict his now zigzag approach .
tr	4	I held my guns limply at my side , they were useless against him , I couldn 't kill him .
tr	4	" Who I am is another tall order , let me simply say ... " he replied , adding a short nod in acknowledgement .
tr	4	" It should , after all we have already met , not to mention the fact that your very genes know me .
tr	4	What is real and what is unreal in a world of endless possibilities ... " Adam answered to my thoughts yet again .
tr	4	" At first he may have started with good intentions , but your kin are hated by The Orion Confederation .
tr	4	One of them has taken complete control of your leader and plans to bring about Armageddon , " He added .
tr	4	he asked and I looked again certain that there wasn 't , but it had changed and now there was a forest !
tr	4	" In your mind I can 't change what is , but always I see all there is , " he added .
tr	4	Eventually I began to see images , it was General Tani and he was in his office handling paper work , nothing unusual here .
tr	4	It was a beautiful being , its body shone like the purest crystal and it was segmented like an insect .
tr	4	The crystal being walked to the NWO representative and calmly thrust its fist into the mans chest and he dropped instantly .
tr	4	When General Tani woke he saw the scene before him and quickly escaped , severing all connections of that night to himself .
tr	4	When you wake you will find your rifle and pistols missing , their elements have been merged and forged into an indispensable blade .
tr	4	" There is a cloak by a door near where you will wake , cover yourself with it before you pass through the door .
tr	4	It will take but moments of your time to reach your destination but it will be instantaneous in this continuum .
tr	4	There was a bright light and suddenly I was back at the warehouse and I was sitting with my back to a crate .
tr	4	On my right was a blade in a scabbard ; I got up , picked it up and unsheathed it , revealing the blade .
tr	4	It was utterly dark and the little light given off by the path before me was all but eaten by the darkness .
tr	4	A new project , a building for implementing and maintaining Brethren cells , but as far as I knew it was still under construction .
tr	4	There was a work station ahead of me but there were military men everywhere and then I saw General Tani .
tr	4	My plan was simple , head to the console and nullify the threat , then arrest General Tani for interrogation .
tr	4	I could see the service elevator not far from here , well let us put the Traveller 's talk of reality to the test .
tr	4	It may have heard my thoughts the way it laughed and it approached me calmly , as I had seen it do to others .
tr	4	With my free hand I keyed in commands , knowing General Tani would be making his way up here soon .
tr	4	With that thought I brought my blade down on the console destroying the system , and just then General Tani opened the door .
tr	4	That way , we 'll be right here to help you ... " General Tani trailed off into maniacal laughter .
tr	4	We circled for a few moments and then he charged me with his blade firmly pointed at me , but I flipped over him .
tr	4	This was but a half way point and I wondered how long I would have to wait until the next transport .
tr	4	" Midway station , all change please , " came a call from the driver , as the bus rolled to a halt .
tr	4	I thought back to the last few months ... The nature island of Dominica was a relatively untouched beauty among the buzz of civilisation .
tr	4	I am simply very aware of the alternative , still I will be judged by my words and my actions .
tr	4	The previous events were the final straw that broke the camel 's back , spawning my decision of entering into solitude .
tr	4	It reminded me of other designs I had witnessed in some metropolitan areas , in attempt to consolidate space and resources .
tr	4	This however was in a league of its own ; it had ample space , yet a very conservative and practical design .
tr	4	My parents ' death was a result of vanity and now that vile ego of the culprits seeks to finish the job .
tr	4	Its time was over , turning east I could see the glare from a Sun that had not yet crested .
tr	4	I sat and gazed yonder but only for a moment ... " Excuse me , could you please pass me the paper ? "
tr	4	" Yes , he is the son of one of the founders of the Olympus programme and my friend . "
tr	4	" My apologies , I am sure he will be found innocent , " she offered , with a smile .
tr	4	I have been learning to control it for the past few months , " I said trying to offer and explanation .
tr	4	He stood on the right of the house , but not close enough for me to make out his features .
tr	4	The next was a blur and all I remember was laying on the ground , watching the sky above . "
tr	4	I was still sceptical , however , if he wanted me dead I would be , so I gave him some time .
tr	4	You must have quite an inquiring mind ... " I started to say but my statement was interrupted by a ring tone .
tr	4	" I hope you haven 't forgotten your training , " I heard a voice and instantly I recognised it for my mystery tutor .
tr	4	" It was him , " I replied a little dazed , where had he been for the past six weeks .
tr	4	A single effort of the wind will not change the mountain but persistence will wear it down , erode it . "
tr	4	I didn 't tell her I was wanted , I turned to face her and found myself facing the barrel of a gun .
tr	4	They came again , this time four attacked but three came first and I blocked the first attack from my right , unbalancing him .
tr	4	I sent him to the ground with an open palm , spinning to present the attacker from behind with the same fate .
tr	4	Then I brought my left fist into his side with full force , releasing some static charge in the process .
tr	4	The burst of combined charge charred his face and the force of the resultant blow sent him flying into his comrades .
tr	4	Five down ... a few more came at me , I sharply rapped the batons across their faces sending them down quickly .
tr	4	Another shot rang out and I felt a pinch in my thigh and I dropped to the ground in a clumsy tumble .
tr	4	I placed my hand over the wound , my mystery tutor would say ' ... matter is energy , energy is matter .
tr	4	It 's all a matter of perspective , all interacts with one and consciousness prevails ... ' or something like that .
tr	4	" Your body is chained to a bed , inside a van , on its way to a holding cell . "
tr	4	Anyway your chains have been weakened , the rest is up to you , " He concluded after taking his time to regain composure .
tr	4	I felt another deep rumble , it was definitely something heavy ; maybe a passing train , we might be near train lines .
tr	4	The front of the van however was in chaos and there was a barricade of sorts separating me from them .
tr	4	I leapt clear just as the van previously holding me flipped and collided with the vehicle in front , finishing with a blast .
tr	4	From the corner of my eye I caught the glimmer of the clasp securing my case and I could also see a train approaching .
tr	4	It helps at least that I know they don 't want me dead but I can 't fight them all , not this time .
tr	4	The train was the loudest and approaching fast but I could hear my pursuers screaming as they ran at me .
tr	4	In the early hours of a new morning , I lay down in an open field overlooking a large lake .
tr	4	It concentrated into a ball of electric fire , brighter than the Sun in its light , with hints of patterns and colours .
tr	4	A figure came from it and crashed into the lake and soon after , the patterned light vanished into the nothing it came from .
tr	4	Without thinking I rose to my feet , making my way to the lake just as a figure walked out .
tr	4	The figure was gold and black , and shone like a precious stone , as it approached I realised it was a golden woman .
tr	4	" Well if you must know , I am Tola and we are in South America , I think , " I replied .
tr	4	She seemed to be unconcerned about the whole thing , definitely not as volatile as before and her gaze was towards the skies .
tr	4	It was the day I met him , " she spat out the last sentence with an odd mixture of disgust and admiration .
tr	4	Over time , I have come to see the reason for my experience ; there are things that exist that you wouldn 't believe .
tr	4	Still , sometimes I wonder , am I nothing more than a pawn , in some elaborate chess piece ? "
tr	4	" Whoa , weird , " I said as I stared at my hands , it had never done that before .
tr	4	Shade sat by me resting her eyes , it was a wonder we hadn 't been spotted and attacked yet .
tr	4	The train stopped at Olympus city and as we walked into the main hall , I glanced at the screens .
tr	4	With each second that passed I wondered if I would see my face on the screen and it made me nervous .
tr	4	Shade nodded and walked towards the main doors , while I took a right through a short tunnel to the shops .
tr	4	" Damn ... " Was all I could say as I saw that most of the people at the station were coming at me .
tr	4	Ok , I guess I need to fight my way out ... I centred myself , took a stance and observed .
tr	4	Newspapers and their slogans , at least I know now they can be a pretty good weapon but I had a better weapon .
tr	4	I looked over to Shade and found her fighting off the creatures easily with nothing but grace and a metal pole .
tr	4	I fought my way towards her new position and then I saw the flashing red and blue outside the main entrance .
tr	4	" And faster , " Shade answered keeping her eyes on her enemy , holding steady her beaten and bent pole .
tr	4	" I think with less mass its controllers can move it more freely , we definitely need to get out of here . "
tr	4	Shade turned her head to look at me , I could tell that she was smiling because her eyes smiled .
tr	4	I surrounded my fist with my static and my legs felt light with it , my movements were sure , precise and swift .
tr	4	I began to hear the sounds of police vessels floating outside almost as clearly as I heard screams of rage behind me .
tr	4	Then I realised that time had indeed slowed and come to a stop and the projectiles remained suspended mid air .
tr	4	Suddenly the scene changed , like we had teleported and around us was a green meadow with a solitary tree ahead .
tr	4	She had put away her daggers and now held an odd looking blade in her hands , looking cautiously at her new surroundings .
tr	4	" I saw what you were going through on the CCTV , so I used an experimental technology to bring you here . "
tr	4	" Haha , do not let your ego deceive you , we simply wish to help you , " Tim replied .
tr	4	Shade said to me and I realised that I was unable to move and I suspected the same was true for Shade .
tr	4	I forced my static throughout my body , knowing it would purge Nuru 's influence , but I didn 't know how I knew .
tr	4	I felt the restraint release , even as we both stumbled back and I could feel the energy surging through my body .
tr	4	As she rose she looked at me in a way that she had never before , the energy began to flow more hurriedly .
tr	4	I could feel it rushing as my awareness began to expand , I saw through the fabric and I saw the universal truth .
tr	4	I could feel the engines of my suit , the suit Adam had modified engage and adrenaline rushed through my blood .
tr	4	I pulled the trigger and the sword roared , surrounding itself with an aura of energy , while its vibrating blade hummed .
tr	4	The roar of the blade caught Nuru 's attention and he turned his eyes towards me and I charged him .
tr	4	I dodged and pulled the trigger one more time , while my legs bunched and I launched myself into the air after Nuru .
tr	4	I heard people screaming orders and I turned to see Tola levitating with his arms on his head , surrounded by a bright fire .
tr	4	Promptly the police opened fire , Nuru waved his other hand and they exploded ; their guns , their cars , themselves ... Bastard .
tr	4	I stretched my arm forward and summoned a small portal , the only thing I could manifest with my Logos .
tr	4	I shouted and slashed at him again , but to my surprise the blade simply passed through him and he became like a mist .
tr	4	As I pulled out my daggers ready to charge Nuru once again , but I felt a hand on my shoulder .
tr	4	I looked and saw Tola , or rather what used to be Tola ... " You 're ... " I started to say .
tr	4	Nuru released an unearthly scream and I heard his rage within it , he must have realised that Adam was here .
tr	4	I watched as Adam looked towards them and a portal appeared and they vanished through it , again Nuru screamed .
tr	4	We will take this realm and enter your domain , where we will shred your essence and remove you from reality ! "
tr	4	" I banished him to the realm of the Confederation to face his mistress and mother , " Adam replied .
tr	4	" I have been to many different worlds , I have seen things I didn 't even dream were possible before now .
tr	4	" I will protect him like I protected you but how will I get there , wherever there is ? "
tr	4	Gather your weapons and follow the path I will make for you , " Adam said , opening a Gateway .
tr	4	The song of the Fae filled the night as they lulled the star to sleep and coaxed the night sky to emerge .
tr	4	As one enemy warrior fell two more came in his place , inevitable the attacking force overwhelmed him and his kin were felled maliciously .
tr	4	The dead mans body grips the blade as he fell , even as the other assailants closed in to avenge their brethren .
tr	4	Tears ran down the champion 's eyes as he absently hacked his victims and thought of his love and their begotten .
tr	4	His arms began to tire as they should after fighting for five days , even his prodigious strength had its limits .
tr	4	He welcomed this as a chance to catch his breath , even as he struggled to keep his blades raised in warning .
tr	4	I am Kane your Lord and Master , and it was I who brought this destruction on your people , " the newcomer said .
tr	4	Ezra was lifted and secured , and then he was brought to bear witness as his brothers and sisters cried for mercy .
tr	4	Kane could be seen screaming orders to his warriors ; suddenly there was a flash of light and all was darkness .
tr	4	You can visit my website to contact me , read more of my work or follow the link to my FaceBook page .
tr	4	Lo demons and spirits conspire , And nature unleashed its rage , More energy did I acquire , And thus escape my cage .
tr	4	No part of this book may be reproduced , scanned , or distributed in any print or electronic form without permission .
tr	4	Yet his specialty -- and the musical style his teachers encouraged in him above all -- was the lute and voice .
tr	4	" I will bond myself to a warrior and sing of his deeds ... " " And to which warrior ? "
tr	4	In the space of an hour , Gunnar guzzled five more horns of mead , growing dumber and dumber with each gulp .
tr	4	Over his armor he wore a shirt that bore the royal Oster coat-of-arms : a gold rooster against a red field .
tr	4	This could only end badly , and it woke Brand totally out of any drunkenness the mead had granted him .
tr	4	He drew out his long steel sword , a weapon worth countless amounts of silver that only rich men could afford .
tr	4	But no sooner had the words left his lips than Gunnar swung down and slashed the wrist of the king 's man .
tr	4	If the king 's man did not die of hemorrhage , he would -- in all likelihood -- die of a festering wound .
tr	4	" I don 't know what 's going on , but I know I 've made a horrible mistake . "
tr	4	The region was covered in hills -- not huge , mountainous hills but small ones , giving the grassy earth a rough texture .
tr	4	We used to have children with us ; the ghosts ate their souls and we had to bury them in this haunted earth .
tr	4	" But beware the setting sun ; nighttime is when the witch calls up the spirits of the dead to torture us .
tr	4	" I intend to find this witch ... kill her , take the idol , and give it to King Sven .
tr	4	They continued walking until well after the sun set and the cold air settled among the barrows , and the sky grew black .
tr	4	Gunnar searched around , looking for any trace of where they had left to , but he found no clues .
tr	4	They left their clothing , their treasure , their stores of food ... " " Maybe they ran away , " Gunnar said .
tr	4	He tried to put a foot inside the wicked haunt but his muscles froze up , his conscious mind held him back .
tr	4	Then he fled out of the witch 's den with Brand close behind , and ran straight south as a storm began .
tr	4	High King Sven could deal with this evil talisman ; the king 's heart was dark enough to deal with it , anyway .
tr	4	It would make a great gift to Sven , but Gunnar had no doubt that the added power would come at a steep price .
tr	4	If he cannot find it in his heart to forgive , it 's off to the torturer for you . "
tr	4	" My dear friend Henrik is the marcher lord , and an important man to our proud nation 's defense .
tr	4	" If you do not obey me , then -- believe me -- I will find out and haunt you to your grave . "
tr	4	I had the chance to get drunk with him one last time before the king 's men got to them .
tr	4	He had his thumbnails ripped out ... then they sent him off to the gallows , and had him hanged . "
tr	4	In the darkness , having no wood for a fire , Gunnar and Brand huddled together against the wailing winds .
tr	4	To the north was White Wolf Keep , home of Sven 's brother , and a few leagues past that were the borderlands .
tr	4	In his own time , Gunnar did gather some kindling from the forest and start a fire with Hilda 's tinderbox .
tr	4	I wear the clothing of men , I make my own decisions , and I fight my own battles . "
tr	4	" The horse chiefs cut their wives as part of the marriage ceremony -- it 's a symbol of total submission .
tr	4	Cowards , thieves , murderers -- they care less about criminals than women who refuse to submit to their husbands .
tr	4	These horsemen were too numerous for me to rebel against , and the women had no sympathy on me , either .
tr	4	I will go with you to White Wolf Keep , but not because of you ... not because I trust you .
tr	4	They broke through the dense forest and a steep , rocky ascent began that took Brand 's breath away and made his legs sore .
tr	4	You 'd not make a good mistress and , by the looks of you , not a spinner of wool neither .
tr	4	I 'm afraid I can 't afford to lose you ; I need all the skilled warriors I can get . "
tr	4	Inside the curtain walls of White Wolf Keep was a collection of ramshackle wooden houses seriously in need of repair .
tr	4	In all , it was very evident that White Wolf Keep was poor , and for obvious reasons : What resources did they have ?
tr	4	Only a dozen males were in the room ; half of those were servants , and the other seemed very old or very young .
tr	4	I will only state that the men at the watchtower on the edge of the Darkling Wood in the northeast need help .
tr	4	" The scars will frighten men off ... but perhaps there is a place for her if there is no man for her . "
tr	4	Yet stretching above the wall were tall pines -- dark green , almost black against the steely gray peaks of the mountains .
tr	4	But these rustic northerners were not used to good entertainment , only war , dull clothing , and constant cold .
tr	4	" Perhaps if you had a heart , you would care , you cold , cruel dog , " Brand said .
tr	4	One of the figures was an adult woman and the other was a young boy of no more than four or five .
tr	4	From the looks of it , the Darkling Wood was only about a mile in length and two miles wide .
tr	4	There , frozen standing up and leaning against a large tree trunk , were the bodies of two grown men .
tr	4	Both wore steel armor emblazoned with the standard of White Wolf Keep -- the same breastplate that the blacksmith had offered Gunnar .
tr	4	He had ridden scarcely ten yards when the woman and child from before were back in view , leaning against a different tree trunk .
tr	4	He dismounted , ran over to the frozen woman , and slammed the bit of his axe into her skull .
tr	4	Without hesitation Gunnar kicked them both to the ground , slashed off their heads , and then chopped off their feet and hands .
tr	4	More dead had followed them to the gate , all frozen and staring at him with cocked heads and smiling , hungry lips .
tr	4	A figure in a black cloak walked out of the shadows toward him , moving across the snow yet leaving no footprints .
tr	4	One thing he knew , though ; he had to go to the watchtower and save Gunnar even if it was a losing battle .
tr	4	" Perhaps it is time to fight the evil in the Darkling Wood instead of feeding it , " Brand said .
tr	4	" I do not want to be bitter ; nor do I wish to be a cold , cruel dog , " Hilda answered .
tr	4	Brand was surprised at how obedient Midnight was , but Hilda had ridden with the horse peoples and knew their tricks .
tr	4	They crossed the distance in a short time and found a group of men sleeping around the coals of a dying campfire .
tr	4	CHAPTER NINE The Darkling Wood was silent , yet Brand could feel in his bones that it was not empty .
tr	4	Gunnar had given him a little training , but not enough for him to bear a sword with anything approaching competence .
tr	4	Standing a few yards away was a little girl , her head cocked at an impossible angle and dry blood covering her mouth .
tr	4	Hilda charged at the little girl , heaved back her sword , and , in one hard slash , chopped her in two .
tr	4	" Don 't you realize that , if I willed it , I could blacken your flesh and adopt you as my child ? "
tr	4	The wolves could very well intend to eat them , but the way the wolf had beckoned Brand to sit on him indicated otherwise .
tr	4	Baring dark yellow fangs , the wolf reached out with his right paw and scratched hard into the ice with one of his claws .
tr	4	There had always been legends of White Wolves talking , but he always assumed they were just that : legends .
tr	4	The alpha let out a wintry howl and all the wolves bolted out of the cave except the one who had dragged in Gunnar .
tr	4	Hilda carried Gunnar as she , Brand , and the White Wolf navigated down the eastern side of the slope .
tr	4	Midnight began to whinny and neigh and toss her head about , and despite Hilda 's reassurances the mare kept up her nervous demeanor .
tr	4	This man here -- " she said , and touched Brand 's hand , " is my loving husband . "
tr	4	" I will not go in without my ... dear wife , " Brand said , glancing furtively at Hilda .
tr	4	The king does not grant him the title of ' earl ' because he fears it will make him ambitious .
tr	4	I soon grew tired of these people 's soft ways , their luxury and unwillingness to take up swords , " Hilda said .
tr	4	" A night 's rest in bed can do much more than any valkyrie or goddess can , " Hilda said .
tr	4	" I 've survived longer than anyone I knew as a child , and I will survive for many more years .
tr	4	He supposed that Hilda had been through more than Gunnar , and in spite of the pressures men forced upon her as a woman .
tr	4	" She is cold as a winter rain ... graceful as a queen ... blue-eyed , fair-haired ... beautiful as death . "
tr	4	" Her children have eaten my legs ... the wolves took me away , but I don 't want to stray from my mother .
tr	4	The people of the port wore reds as luminous as rubies , greens colorful as summer grass , and oranges bright as flame .
tr	4	" And if death is the punishment for chicken thieves , what would the punishment be for something more severe ? "
tr	4	Nailed to a large wooden post in the center of the market was the Hangman 's List , recently updated .
tr	4	Brand strayed from Hilda -- who was looking at the elven knives longingly -- and gave it a careful look .
tr	4	Hilda was of a noble house ; Brand knew this , but the listing brought it to the fore of his mind .
tr	4	Brand shrugged off a spear of envy at these people 's enchanted lives , though now they were long dead .
tr	4	" I accept your challenge , as befits my honor , but I shall set the terms , " he said .
tr	4	Brand took a step forward with his own sword , but Hilda looked back at him and glanced at him sternly .
tr	4	" You have a weapon of light metal and can wave it like a feather -- a weapon I could never afford .
tr	4	" Don 't make excuses , or I will kill you now rather than give you my uncle 's justice . "
tr	4	I beg of you , do not kill him ; it would be like throwing away that pile of gold . "
tr	4	He grinned , revealing the few yellow teeth he had , and said , " I 'll have your slop in a second .
tr	4	" If you were near to me , Hilda , I 'd kiss you , " he said out loud .
tr	4	There was one other older adult , not counting Harald and his wife : a woman with brown hair and blue eyes .
tr	4	What matters to me is that you can sing ; I shall not put a musical talent to waste . "
tr	4	" If you kill my friend , Hilda , " Brand said , " then I will not sing for you . "
tr	4	Then , swallowing his nervousness , he began playing the opening to Fell Winter and sang as best he could in the circumstances .
tr	4	You only broke the king 's seal and fled the earl 's service ; she is a murderess , a thief , and more .
tr	4	Wise men have said , ' The goal of a noble house is to bring all others under its submission . '
tr	4	That night , sleeping in his private room , he thought of Hilda and prayed to Vana that she might be saved .
tr	4	" Always thinking ... always thinking of things other than their master , wi ' their heads in the clouds .
tr	4	He kept walking closer to Brand , and Brand kept backing away , but he 'd hit the wall soon .
tr	4	" But the more you have it , the more you will enjoy it until you are like one of the southerners . "
tr	4	" I will never be like the southerners -- the soft , cowardly people in their luxurious cities , knowing nothing of honor . "
tr	4	There was a hint of accusation and bitterness toward Brand in Hilda 's voice , and it tore at his heart .
tr	4	I once thought you were a brave man ... but now you hid from ghosts and abandoned your post . "
tr	4	" If Henrik comes , the High King will defend us with an army far greater than the earl 's .
tr	4	" My lady , " Brand said , " if you mean to seduce me , I do not wish to betray Harald .
tr	4	Lucky women they are , to lie with a man of noble status , when they are all so lowly . "
tr	4	He died a few months ago of a wound and now I have no one to fulfill my passions . "
tr	4	Servants had shoveled the walk to the castle , but in town , snow reached the windows of the houses .
tr	4	A cold wind blew out of the sea from the northeast , making the air burn against Brand 's partially exposed neck .
tr	4	Noticeably fewer vendors stood out here hawking their wares ; there were still some , but many had packed up shop .
tr	4	The vulgar image that hung above the door -- a naked woman and man in a lovers ' embrace -- aroused him .
tr	4	" It gets tough sometimes , " she said in a strange accent Brand didn 't recognize , her shapely body dripping with sweat .
tr	4	I cannot live , knowing that I let you take her away , and I didn 't follow after her . "
tr	4	" You 'd be a fool to throw away all you 've gained in my court , " Harald said .
tr	4	I must warn you ; if you take the oath and break it , you will be executed as a traitor . "
tr	4	You were my brother 's wife , but if you test my mercy I fear you will be disappointed . "
tr	4	" I , Brand ... " " I , Brand ... " " Pledge to be honorable and just . "
tr	4	We have only a garrison of a hundred troops , your lordship , and these intruders are like none I 've ever seen . "
tr	4	" Take one more step , Erik , " he said , " and I will put you on the Hangman 's List . "
tr	4	The sounds of battle continued an hour afterward , and then the winds grew so strong that the only audible sound outside was howling .
tr	4	It would take some getting used to ; he still felt much lesser in stature than even the members of the River Guard .
tr	4	Brand would not disrespect the dead ; not common whores , either , who had hard lives serving the gutter of mankind .
tr	4	" These are not like the dead walkers of my country , " she said , occasionally choking on her tears .
tr	4	One said , " There are hundreds of them in there , Your Honor , packed tight as dirt . "
tr	4	Tears streamed down her face and down her shapely neck , mixing with the caked blood of her lower body .
tr	4	" Make spiced lamb -- her favorite -- and bring her as many bottles of wine as she will drink .
tr	4	Brand breathed a sigh of relief ; yet whether the girl was telling the truth , or saving her own hide , was uncertain .
tr	4	" You once were a good woman , but now -- " " She once was a common whore ! "
tr	4	But you know as well as I do of their Healing House , with its hot springs and expert physicians . "
tr	4	Kenna removed a thick steel dagger at her side -- her only weapon -- and handed it to the guards .
tr	4	And you , Kenna , come from the dirtiest , most disgusting keep I have ever had the misfortune of seeing . "
tr	4	" I may prefer peace to war , " Harald said , " but I will not bring such dishonor as to not retaliate .
tr	4	" The ocean cannot be sailed in the winter -- at least , not with the ships we currently have .
tr	4	A man who executes criminals for the people 's pleasure , yet does not shed a tear when the whole city dies .
tr	4	They reached the base of the peak and there , against the rock , sat the Temple of the Green Dragon .
tr	4	It was a large building of dark stone , supported by thick gray pillars and capped with a domed roof .
tr	4	" In my homeland , we decorate the pillars and make them pleasing to the eye with flutes and carvings .
tr	4	They do not know their original names , nor do they know of their high birth or anything about life outside the temple .
tr	4	They are some of my best junior priests , and better with a club than most any of their colleagues . "
tr	4	The River Guard hopped off their horses , gold armor glinting in the sun , and drew their sharp steel swords .
tr	4	There were about twenty of them : big , lumbering brutes with muscular chests and powerful arms gained by years of hard work .
tr	4	" She is a rich woman , " Harald said from behind , " and I am a rich man .
tr	4	I require my junior priests to keep it burning at all times -- it 's a symbol of our people 's hope . "
tr	4	" Perhaps the warmth and brightness of such a flame is all you really have in this frozen wasteland . "
tr	4	Brand had a hard time believing such difficult work and strenuous living conditions could bring joy , and he pitied anyone who could .
tr	4	Passing the priests ' quarters , the rooms were of shabby stone and boasted only straw beds and chamber pots .
tr	4	They had modest furnishings compared to even a middling commoner 's house , yet extravagant furnishings compared to the priests ' quarters .
tr	4	Brand stood in his room , deeply cold and having just debated the merits of escaping for the past hour .
tr	4	Due to the chill of the air , and the fatigue of the living conditions , his voice had grown hoarse .
tr	4	The servants packed up their tents , and , together on horses , they began a long ride through deep snow and ice .
tr	4	Soon afterward , they reached some kind of path -- visible because of the tall wooden posts sticking out of the snow .
tr	4	He thought he might be dying ; and yet , somehow , in this winter of death , he did not care .
tr	4	Not in a thousand years did Brand think he 'd ever be staying in Earls ' Court , even for a short time .
tr	4	Yet he did not know , even if cast into a furnace , it would cure the chill inside him .
tr	4	It was silent , and the light of the sun filtered through glass windows " The cold got to you , " Harald said .
tr	4	" We have not yet seen him , " Harald said , " nor have we been in the Golden House .
tr	4	As he turned to sit back down in front of the fire , he caught Harald 's eyes staring at him .
tr	4	He placed an entire boiled egg in his mouth and chewed it , then washed it down with the mead stein .
tr	4	" You do understand ... it is awkward for a man to discuss his affairs with the husband of the beloved .
tr	4	" I do love her , " he said , " but I do think that I am performing your duty for you .
tr	4	You are her husband ; and yet you do not deliver what she wants ... what the animal in her needs . "
tr	4	" My wife knows this and does not care ; nor does she get jealous of those grubby women who serve me .
tr	4	" I do sense some tension , some unspoken fury in you and I believe that the feeling is against me .
tr	4	" Harald , " Brand said , " I do not know what it is in Varda that you mean . "
tr	4	The outer walls were painted golden and trimmed with white ; the painting was redone every year to keep up its beauty .
tr	4	And there , on that large throne of yew , sat High King Sven ; but it wasn 't entirely Sven .
tr	4	" You have requested audience with the king , and he shall hear your requests , " said a female voice .
tr	4	But Brand was already running away , the woolen cloak fluttering the idol 's high pitched screams echoing through the winter air .
tr	4	it said , and did not shut up when Brand struck it and or whispered blasphemies to the Great Mother .
tr	4	That was all that remained of the High King : his greedy crown of gold , and his blackened remains .
tr	4	" I never even was intimate ... and yet ... I loved him , and admired him more than words can express . "
tr	4	The next day they placed Harald 's body in a coffin and began an all-day procession to the Church of Vana .
tr	4	They did not know Harald as Brand knew him -- a strange man , and a luxuriant man , but perhaps one of honor .
tr	4	" He wants to speak with you and Brand so that you may tell him what happened to the High King . "
tr	4	" Sigmund , " Brand said , choosing not to address him by the proper title , " Do not call me a boy .
tr	4	The pain was sharper this time , and more acute ; and there was a loud cracking sound as the whip dug into flesh .
tr	4	Sigmund glared at her , then looked back to Brand and said , " What happened to the High King ? "
tr	4	The whips struck him again , and tears of pain formed in his eyes ; yet , he did not buckle under .
tr	4	He will not be tortured , and -- by the Green Dragon -- " She turned around to face Sigmund .
tr	4	He is a good man ; and an honest man , and he said he did as the king asked . "
tr	4	In winter , they can often be seen rolling in the snow or bounding through the mountains in a never-ending hunt .
tr	4	ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cursed at birth with a wild imagination , Andrew Cooper spent his youth dreaming of worlds more exciting than Earth .
tr	4	He sold his first story at age 19 to a fantasy magazine and attended the Odyssey Writing Workshop in 2010 .
tr	4	Sword , club , arrow -- it didn 't matter what weapon , as long as you hit in the right spot .
tr	4	It had two feet -- Kai could tell that much -- and it was not a deer or a lynx .
tr	4	Some kind of aura , but it was dark ... evil ... " " You remember nothing , " Frey said .
tr	4	" He has taken an army south into a petty count 's lands and will be back by week 's end .
tr	4	" You have asked for an answer and I have given it : a firm , resounding ' No . '
tr	4	Your husband has died , and now you must return to our home -- under your father 's care , under my care . "
tr	4	You are my only son , and all your sisters have married ... " " Then I will not avenge him .
tr	4	Mother 's sniffling continued , and Claudio , by grace of the gods , was able to hold his tears in .
tr	4	Not unusual for a ranch ; but it came from south along the road , not where the horses and foals were .
tr	4	He did not ride in the carriage , where all his things were ; a knight rode horses , by definition .
tr	4	Right now , all he had was a crammed room in the Imperial Palace and an annual salary of twelve hundred gold pieces .
tr	4	Marcus could not count the dangers of the night streets : murderers , muggers , wild dogs , chariots rattling through narrow alleys .
tr	4	His horse was gray and sparse of hair , sickly and -- if the showing ribs were any evidence -- malnourished .
tr	4	" I came to warn you , because if you go any further , you march to your doom . "
tr	4	It was his duty as a citizen , and if he died in the attempt then it would be an honorable death .
tr	4	Horatio 's eyes held a trace of a glare , but even he was too honorable to argue with his commander .
tr	4	One javelin glanced off the shield ; another stuck into it and bent over , rending the thing useless in close combat .
tr	4	They were almost within range of cutting him down when he shouted , " I can give you Piero . "
tr	4	" It is illegal in the Empire for a master to mistreat his -- " " Ah , yes . "
tr	4	" My good emperor , I suggest that you bash all the temples down and flog any members of this new ' cult . '
tr	4	Julia looked up , peering high into the White Seat , and saw that her son had once again fallen asleep .
tr	4	She needed to turn him from this slothful , negligent teen into a powerful and determined Commander of the Empire .
tr	4	" Every talent is a skill that can be learned ; it comes easier to some than others , but it can be learned .
tr	4	He was the one who forged the emperor 's will , and now received a secret monthly sum from the Empire 's coffers .
tr	4	" But you must remember , my Julia , that the people of the Empire are not like those of the South or East .
tr	4	Realizing that tears had begun to flow , she got off the couch , crossed the room , and fetched a napkin .
tr	4	At last the fourteenth day came , and Claudio passed through the Arch of Conquest that marked the entrance to Imperial City .
tr	4	" One Land , One Vision , One Emperor , " Claudio found himself muttering the Empire 's motto under his breath .
tr	4	If he didn 't , he would need to report back to his mother with the grave news , and perhaps do something else .
tr	4	He donned his nice clothes : a felt hat , a fine tunic of scarlet cloth and short woolen breeches .
tr	4	It was improper for a wholesome Imperial , but , alas , it was necessary for Claudio to dress like this .
tr	4	The collective noise of the chatter got to Claudio and he remembered just how truly inept he was in situations like this .
tr	4	He put on fake smile and tried to project an air that said , " I am so happy to be here . "
tr	4	He was wise to speak well of him in public ; yet self-serving dishonesty always sent Claudio 's blood boiling .
tr	4	The security precautions aren 't as strenuous as people say ... " The Imperial Guard would kill her if anyone besides Claudio found out .
tr	4	She shrieked , " Someone handed my son a glass of wine , and Leon tested it , and look at him now ! "
tr	4	The event seemed to have wrenched him from his drunkenness ; in fact , it seemed to have sobered almost everyone .
tr	4	Finally he said something , " Once I find out who did this , I 'll have him peeled ! "
tr	4	Stories to Captivate the Imagination Welcome to the worlds of Saladin Ahmed A medieval physician asked to do the impossible .
tr	4	Praise for Saladin Ahmed " Ahmed 's characters ... are a terrific blend of the realistic and the awesomely magical . "
tr	4	Saladin Ahmed , Detroit , MI August 2012 Where Virtue Lives " I 'm telling you , Doctor , its eyes -- its teeth !
tr	4	Only partway through my pastry and cardamom tea , and already a panicked man stands chattering to me about a monster !
tr	4	He had heard the story thrice now , listening for the inconsistencies fear introduces to memories -- even honest men 's memories .
tr	4	In his youth he 'd been the best brawler on Dead Donkey Lane , and the other boys had looked up to him .
tr	4	But I 'll try my best to do so , and to stop whomever 's responsible , God damn them . "
tr	4	The blade and silks inspired respect in the cautious , but fools saw the scrawny boy and not the dervish .
tr	4	" Apologies , master dervish , but the watchmen will not let you cross without paying the crossing tax . "
tr	4	" And the bastards will charge you too much once they see your silks -- they respect neither piety nor the Order .
tr	4	She glared at him and brushed her hand over his beard , ridding it of crumbs he hadn 't known were there .
tr	4	" You 're a wonderful man , " she said by way of greeting , " but you can be truly disgusting sometimes . "
tr	4	" I 'm wondering , pretty one , if you 've heard anything about a stolen bride in the Quarter of Stalls . "
tr	4	We may be more than friends here and there , ' my sweet , ' but we 're not man and wife .
tr	4	Tall couches lined the wall opposite the door , and a few well-dressed men sat on them , each speaking to a woman .
tr	4	He was easily winded these days , and he had no time to stop by his townhouse for more supplies .
tr	4	Then , its false soul snuffed out , the thing collapsed in a watery pile of dead frogs and leeches .
tr	4	He charged as he saw the girl raise the blue rope -- tied with a small , sleek knot -- to her lips .
tr	4	It is impermissible , according to the Traditions of the Order , to twist information from one who must be slain . "
tr	4	It only took one bad whisking to break a mind , and the caster never knew when it was coming .
tr	4	He was bound not with rope or chain , but with some fiendish substance that burned hotter the harder he tried to escape .
tr	4	His struggles caused him a slicing pain in his wrists and ankles , but for an uncontrolled moment he thrashed like a madman .
tr	4	But the things he did to the other wives ... " The girl wept wordlessly for a moment , then took a deep breath .
tr	4	But then , as he came to the threshold of a cabin that seemed impossibly spacious , he heard whistling .
tr	4	I 'd hoped to take the boy with me -- the Order has enemies who 'd pay well for a live dervish .
tr	4	But if you 'll be reasonable you may walk off this ship , and we 'll put the boy off as well .
tr	4	I 'm ashamed to say it , but I must speak true -- I wouldn 't have escaped if not for her . "
tr	4	He could only hope the boy was young enough to stretch beyond the smallness that had been beaten into him at the Lodge .
tr	4	Then he set his tea bowl down , belched loudly , and relished the horrified grimace of his virtuous new apprentice .
tr	4	" For decades now -- since I was a boy -- he has lived up on the hilltop rather than among us .
tr	4	I can take no more of the man 's unctuous voice and , praise God , I don 't have to .
tr	4	The villagers would be less deferential if they knew of my current position at court -- or rather , lack of one .
tr	4	For God 's viceroy the Caliph has seen fit to promise my Shireen to another , despite her love for me .
tr	4	Shireen 's father would have heard my proposal happily enough if I 'd been able to provide the grand dowry he sought .
tr	4	Had I land or caravans I would be a different man -- the sort who could compete for Shireen 's hand .
tr	4	But I have only books and instruments and a tiny inheritance , and thus that is all that I am .
tr	4	I am just returned from the old hermit 's hovel , a half-day 's walk from here , on the hilltop .
tr	4	" No one save God knows where she came from , or how many years she 's been up there .
tr	4	" He says that his wife is very modest and that in her state the frightening presence of men might worsen her illness . "
tr	4	" And you , O Shaykh , by God , please don 't start telling your old lady stories again ! "
tr	4	Yousef seems relieved that I 'm not angry with him , though I don 't quite know why I would be .
tr	4	I say more farewells to the villagers , firmly discourage their company , and set off alone on the road .
tr	4	The rocky path is not too steep , and green sprays of grass and thyme dot it -- a pleasant enough walk , really .
tr	4	No ' peace be upon you , ' no ' how is your health , ' no ' pleased to meet you ' .
tr	4	" O , my beautiful wife ... " The leg flexes , but still no sound comes from behind the screen .
tr	4	No , it is I that need your help , for I am not the creature I need to be . "
tr	4	A nightingale sings perfumed words at me while my mind 's eye burns with horrors that would make the Almighty turn away .
tr	4	God protect me , I know nothing of ... of ghouls , or -- " A horrible thought comes to me .
tr	4	I look again to the floor , focusing on a faded blue spiral in the carpet and the kindness in that voice .
tr	4	Fierce as she is , Shireen still has her dreamy Persian notions -- that love is more important than money or duty or religion .
tr	4	Each of her words spreads perfume and music and she asks Please , learned one , will you help us ?
tr	4	Then I am holding a man 's loose tendons in my right hand and thick golden threads in my left .
tr	4	They are -- they look like -- the legs of a kid or a ewe still in the womb . "
tr	4	Or the legs of one of my people I have long wondered how a mere man could captivate me so .
tr	4	It is said that they wish so fiercely to make money begging that their souls reshape their bodies from the inside out .
tr	4	The spell that I cast on my poor husband to preserve him -- these hidden hooves of his nurse on it !
tr	4	And a faint voice , full of mischievous laughter and smelling of early morning love in perfumed sheets , whispers in my head .
tr	4	Layla fingered the red silk scarf wound around her blue scabbard , the only difference between her garments and her teacher 's .
tr	4	Your skill , your martial focus -- you are unique in this Lodge , and not only because you 're female .
tr	4	" I swore to my mother , O Shaykh , that I would wear her scarf when I came of age .
tr	4	A thousand thoughts raced through Layla 's head , but she took a deep breath and rerouted them like a general commanding soldiers .
tr	4	" Because , O High Shaykh , my mother , God shelter her soul , pledged me to it . "
tr	4	And ... forgive me , but I am not certain that wearing red in the Lodge is truly forbidden . "
tr	4	He stood up shakily , but as his voice took on the High Shaykh 's formality , it gained strength .
tr	4	She hadn 't walked ten yards toward the tribunal hall when someone grabbed her from behind and pinned her arms to her body .
tr	4	God is with you , for ' God smiles on all men , but smiles on the righteous man twice . '
tr	4	May God , who alone knows what is true and what is false , guide us to a just outcome .
tr	4	" You were telling us , child , about your learned scholarship -- you who can hardly read the Heavenly Chapters .
tr	4	We have all seen the miraculous speed with which she moves and leaps , and her prowess with the sword .
tr	4	Still , at its bottom , this is where we are : the girl is a full Dervish , however young .
tr	4	The Oasis Shaykh , God shelter his soul , taught -- " " Keep your heretical interpretations to yourself ! "
tr	4	" The Oasis Shaykh was a revered saint who -- " " He was the degenerate founder of a degenerate school !
tr	4	In God 's name , I -- " His words stopped as his eyes bulged out and he fell back in his seat .
tr	4	I loved him and I feel his loss -- for ' Death is only a loss for the wicked and the living . '
tr	4	At the word ' funeral , ' Layla felt a sob rising up in her , but she smothered it and clenched her jaw .
tr	4	Death rites at the Lodge were simple , with none of the trilling and sweets that she remembered from her mother 's funeral .
tr	4	Quiet recitation from the Heavenly Chapters , a plain white winding sheet , a cup of clean water passed about the mourners ' mouths .
tr	4	So it is that we gather here to ... " He said more words , but Layla did not really hear them .
tr	4	What had she become , she wondered , that she could kill others of the order and feel no shame ?
tr	4	Soon became the best -- one year at ninja camp is always enough time for a gringo to get better than any native .
tr	4	For the first time in a half-dozen of these meetings , Overlord looks at me with something like real respect .
tr	4	Now , I know living under the white man 's thumb can fuck with your head , but the shit got depressing .
tr	4	The details are sort of lost on me , especially when he starts jotting down some sort of equation on a napkin .
tr	4	It 's more than most kids from the barrio manage , but it wasn 't enough to keep me out of trouble .
tr	4	This is the seed of something truly amazing , and for once I 'm happy to have shown up for a Society meeting .
tr	4	So I charge up my infernal internal dynamo , watching the orange glow begin to shimmer off of my arms .
tr	4	" I also think , " he began , switching to Arabic , " this is the stupidest fucking movie script ever written .
tr	4	Sol could make the huge vein in his forehead throb powerfully on command , and Eric made much use of this talent .
tr	4	They are not speaking Arabic there , but ... " One of the crew groaned , said " Aw , come on ! "
tr	4	Muhammad didn 't quite understand , but he knew when to grin stupidly and say " Sorry , Mister Williams .
tr	4	But then , without warning , fireballs erupt behind me and I leap without looking into a pool of lava ! "
tr	4	Muhammad knew that he was too loud , that he was speaking too quickly , that he must sound crazy .
tr	4	Instead I find myself all the way back at the beginning of this tiresome world , facing all those obstacles over again .
tr	4	They parted ways after breakfast , and Muhammad begged off when his friend invited him to a party that night in the Valley .
tr	4	The shouted charges against his uncle , who swore before God that he had heard the voice of a jinn mocking the government .
tr	4	Muhammad woke in the night , sometimes , with all these sounds and words insisting he listen to them , picture them .
tr	4	Muhammad took a breath and did what he always did with the news -- tried to pretend he hadn 't read it .
tr	4	But it must be all used up -- I keep trying this one wish involving Madonna , but no go . "
tr	4	But my momma taught me that another man 's religion was like another man 's wife -- none of my goddamn business .
tr	4	That old gal taught me a lot of lessons , but sticking to my own business was just about the best of 'em .
tr	4	Never said much more than " Yup , " " Nope , " " I reckon , " and " Good , huh ? "
tr	4	I suppose it would have drove a lot of men mad , riding with a man as quiet as that .
tr	4	By my hope of being saved , I 'll tell you I never saw a man as good with a gun .
tr	4	Now , if I 'd had half a head on my shoulders , that woulda been the end of it .
tr	4	But the moon was big and bright and by its light I could see Parson Lucifer 's white preacher 's collar .
tr	4	Now I 'd heard that when he was a natural living man , they called him Shambles on account of his funny walk .
tr	4	My mouth dried up , my heart hammered hard , and I screamed and ran back the way I 'd come .
tr	4	I heard the dead boy laughing through his opened throat and -- I won 't lie -- I wet myself .
tr	4	It 's one thing to get shot , but it 's another thing entire to have your blood spilled for black magic .
tr	4	I swallowed and foolishly tried to play on the guilty conscience of a man who didn 't know what conscience was .
tr	4	" There 's a Caesar in all of us , boy , and we must render unto him what is his .
tr	4	Whoever it used to be , right then it just looked like a plate of bloody meat walking on two legs .
tr	4	He sang a quick string of words in his talk -- sounded similar to his sunset prayers , best as I could tell .
tr	4	There was one last howl , like a demon getting his tooth yanked by the meanest barber in the world .
tr	4	I wished my Pa -- or anyone from the Old Country -- was there , just to hear him say his peace .
tr	4	" Tough as all Hell , " the old man was saying , the first time I ever heard him talk proud .
tr	4	" Ashes to ashes , " I said , by way of goodbye to the old man , " dust to dust . "
tr	4	More proof , as if he needed it , that traveling the Old Cairo Road on foot was as good as asking to die .
tr	4	Ali 's attention snapped back to the present as the wind picked up and the air grew thick with sand .
tr	4	More than one vet had lost theirs , had sworn that their OS had told them to slaughter their family .
tr	4	If he was gone too long , Ali could count on the Fatman to provide a few days of coverage for Lubna .
tr	4	The top half of the thick red minaret had long ago been blown away by some army that hadn 't feared God .
tr	4	I was saying -- I told my wife about this prompt and she said I should go around the city digging up fountains .
tr	4	He had failed her , and she would die a death as horrible as anything he 'd seen in the war .
tr	4	If Ali could not see her again , if he could not save her , he could at least face his death with faith .
tr	4	" You think you 're a brave man -- a martyr -- to show your true colors down here , huh ?
tr	4	The old man spread his arms as if his shabby office was a palace , his two goons gorgeous wives .
tr	4	Hai Hai looked up from the table and locked her shiny black eyes on the innkeeper , her nose and whiskers twitching .
tr	4	The road gods ' idols in particular are poorly maintained and thus their wishes are far from clear here . "
tr	4	" That wasn 't my fault , sweet Hai Hai , but we 've had this argument too many times before .
tr	4	Hai Hai was right -- however unsubtle and bitter this town 's drink was , it did what it was supposed to do .
tr	4	Now , I 've still got my purse , so this isn 't a simple robbery , is it ? "
tr	4	Give me one good reason I shouldn 't chop your balls off before my friend chokes you to death . "
tr	4	The five gods of fury have nothing on Hai Hai when she 's of a mind to hurt someone . "
tr	4	The innkeeper cast a wild look around him , as if he might find answers amidst the inn 's rafters and tables .
tr	4	Most days he 's here until I close , but ... " the man gestured helplessly at the empty room and overturned tables .
tr	4	I swear by the twin gods of truth that it won 't end well for you if you defy her . "
tr	4	Half an hour later they walked the squalid streets of a town that seemed half-empty , Hai Hai drawing stares with each step .
tr	4	Without meaning to , he followed her swaying hips with his eyes , which earned him a " back to business ! "
tr	4	Like all priests , he 'd had his desire for women magically shorn from him in exchange for his strange powers .
tr	4	" The god of lost things says that what you seek is indeed in that building , my friend . "
tr	4	I swear , a man not blessed as I am by the three gods of patience might grow tired of your constant doubting . "
tr	4	Clearly , the mercenaries weren 't used to intruders , as they tried to handle the threat themselves instead of sounding the alarm .
tr	4	It focused its pulverizing punches on her , and she was fast enough to stay one step ahead of its strikes .
tr	4	Hai Hai leapt about at the stairway 's exposed side , her sabers darting in and out , and wherever she leapt men bled .
tr	4	The priest squinted hard at the door and sniffed the air , his nose twitching as if in imitation of Hai Hai 's .
tr	4	I sent him to steal my earring from you to bring you here , where I first appeared to him .
tr	4	But even those few minutes felt like a cool wind to one in the blazing realm of the half-dead . "
tr	4	The weakest nudge in a corner of your mind when you touched that earring was the utmost my efforts could produce .
tr	4	You think you long for me , but you don 't know what it is to miss someone the way I miss you .
tr	4	The shattered halves of the ring that I would wear before I go to meet the Maker of All Gods .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	For Kristin , my wife and best friend , who makes me happy and for my sons who make me proud .
tr	4	The indicator lights were all a sickeningly green tone and she imagined if she vomited now the color would complement those lights nicely .
tr	4	Better for one nation and its people to be destroyed than the entire planet , she 'd reasoned after years of agonizing soul searching .
tr	4	" Heck , I don 't know what 's wrong , we were designed by the lowest bidder after all . "
tr	4	Hell , we don 't even know our missiles ' targets ; we could have just obliterated Rhode Island for all I know .
tr	4	She turned to him with her hand out , " Easy , just going to check the outside display . "
tr	4	Anything out of the routine will make him nervous , especially after the reality of what is going on sinks in .
tr	4	She walked over to the intercom near the heavy sealed vault door and depressed the green ' talk ' button .
tr	4	It was strange how this place had always been comforting to her , but something about it was now menacing .
tr	4	Her thermos of coffee sat on the floor and she almost poured herself a cup , but decided that was a bad idea .
tr	4	Coffee always made her have to go pee and she didn 't want to leave Jacobs alone for even a few seconds .
tr	4	The lavatory was only a small enclosure within the vault , but it might as well be worlds away in this situation .
tr	4	Not even a year ago there would have been a contractor on duty during the night shift and not just during the day .
tr	4	Timmons ' southern voice was so calm he could have been explaining the best way to snag catfish back home .
tr	4	She knew this was ridiculous , but in for a penny , in for a pound , her mother had always said .
tr	4	She unlocked her side of the vault door and waited for Timmons to unlock his side so she could exit .
tr	4	They were all psychologically screened and specially selected for their penchant for following rules and not deviating from established policies .
tr	4	Given the situation , I think we need to figure this out on our own , don 't you ? "
tr	4	Seeing him unnerved her more and she was about to start yelling at Timmons when she was thrown off her feet .
tr	4	The lights came back on in a weak flickering sort of way that indicated generator backup power was now in use .
tr	4	Jacobs screamed at her and began pacing in the crowded vault , hands on his head tugging at his hair absently .
tr	4	An idea occurred to Susan , " Why don 't you turn on the radio and see if you can get any information . "
tr	4	Jacobs turned to her with crazy murder in his face but then glanced at the radio and hope dawned in his eyes .
tr	4	The last nuke must have knocked a fuel line loose from the generator , a detached voice said in her head .
tr	4	" Stay calm , we don 't know anything for sure yet , " she said soothingly with her hands out towards him .
tr	4	Without thinking about what she was going , Susan drew her own pistol the next time the lights flickered off .
tr	4	Nathan put his hand on Bethany as they passed , her fever so bad she was oblivious to everything around her .
tr	4	They had talked it all over before and besides , there was nothing complicated in what they were about to do .
tr	4	The man closest to the entrance bolted out of his chair towards the door and Joshua hesitated , nearly letting him go .
tr	4	David did not even bother to look around at them , now preoccupied with examining a small knife from the woman 's jacket pocket .
tr	4	She kept putting her hand on David 's arm as blood pooled out of her neck and he shook it off absent-mindedly each time .
tr	4	Joshua tensed up and started towards his brother , but Nathan stepped in front putting his hand on his son 's chest .
tr	4	They would have skinned you alive and raped mom for days , and you want to give them a proper burial ? "
tr	4	" You don 't know that , " insisted Joshua , " they could have been folks just like us . "
tr	4	David turned away from the conversation , clearly already bored , and moved to a pistol thrown into the corner during the commotion .
tr	4	Bring your mother in here and try not to let her see any more of the death than she has to .
tr	4	Nathan had fought to keep the thought just below the surface that his family might die slowly before his very eyes .
tr	4	David walked back across the small room carrying several pairs of boots under one arm and a bag of loot in the other .
tr	4	They took the two dying ones out first , dragging them down the hill out of sight , and hopefully downwind from the shack .
tr	4	Nathan told him he needed to put them out of their misery , but didn 't want to use a gun .
tr	4	" Fine , " said David as he turned and walked away into the approaching twilight the shotgun slung low over his back .
tr	4	Nathan had known a few men in combat who took to killing , but none as readily and easily as David .
tr	4	It wasn 't that David was homicidal ; he just did not seem to feel any empathy for those in his way .
tr	4	The buckshot had taken off part of the side of her head , leaving a portion of the brain exposed .
tr	4	He could tell by the tone the open animosity was gone and they were brothers again , just like in days past .
tr	4	" Get dressed and start filling up anything you can find with water and put it in the basement . "
tr	4	Nathan ran to the hallway gun case which was leaning precariously and grabbed everything he could carry downstairs into the basement .
tr	4	He saw two large bags of dog food and after slinging the duffle across his body , picked the bags up on his shoulders .
tr	4	Moving towards the basement he yelled upstairs , " Boys , get Daisy , she 's under the bed ! "
tr	4	Nathan picked up one of the rolls of duct tape and began sealing the edges of the door leading upstairs .
tr	4	He stacked their provisions and other heavy boxes and cases around the edge of the table and piled old boxes on top of it .
tr	4	They settled down under the table close to each other , still now but with their hearts pounding in their ears .
tr	4	Nathan felt worried looks on him and wished he could manage some encouragement , but he couldn 't think of anything to say .
tr	4	" Those people are probably getting lethal doses of radiation as we speak , but they think it 's okay to come out .
tr	4	Nathan looked her in the eyes , " Everyone up there right now is dead or will be dead soon .
tr	4	The tired voice paused before going on , " This is the Emergency Radio Broadcast Network operating out of Ripley , West Virginia .
tr	4	Bethany took the radio gently out of Nathan 's hand and twisted the knob further , " ... potassium iodide if you have it .
tr	4	David came back and slid under the table with Daisy lying down beside him , " What 'd I miss ? "
tr	4	A hazy story slowly came together like a patchwork quilt of official statements , news conjectures , and ham radio reports .
tr	4	Rumors and theories on various stations made it evident that something really horrific had happened , even if no one knew the whole story .
tr	4	Evidently , there was an Emergency Presidential Address to the Nation near the end which few saw or heard due to the early hours .
tr	4	They each suffered mild radiation sickness symptoms , but nothing more severe than nausea , lack of appetite , and headaches .
tr	4	It was late fall , but the air was colder than it should be and the clouds were dark and menacing .
tr	4	Any item they took that wasn 't in the basement with them was wiped down carefully to remove radioactive particles .
tr	4	They drove as far as possible on jammed highways for several days before being forced to pack up and begin walking west .
tr	4	Nathan wasn 't sure why , he had heard somewhere that dogs ' tolerance to radiation was much higher than humans .
tr	4	Another time they approached a small group of houses in the twilight and saw a large sign saying " Stay Away ! "
tr	4	Nathan couldn 't at first understand the families they found sitting around their dinner tables , all dead from eating or drinking poison together .
tr	4	Empty military vehicles were lined up along the border , but the soldiers , supplies , and weapons were gone .
tr	4	A few rotting bodies showed evidence of trying to force the issue , but not as many as Nathan would have thought .
tr	4	The soldiers had likely lost heart and abandoned their posts , letting the streaming masses of desperate refugees cross the border .
tr	4	Murderous and wild rogues often crept in the forest and along the shadowy road edges awaiting an opportunity to attack them .
tr	4	Nathan now shot at them with the rifle if they refused to show themselves , he was taking no chances .
tr	4	Nathan decided to have them turn south in order to avoid the larger cities of Charleston and Huntington , West Virginia .
tr	4	On the roads , they spent most nights in abandoned cars along the road because these afforded shelter and security .
tr	4	Nathan and his family were walking in the West Virginian Appalachians in late fall , but this was also a blessing .
tr	4	They followed the Appalachian Trail for a few days , staying in the hiker cabins located at regular intervals along the well-worn path .
tr	4	Where Nathan would have likely shot them just to be safe , Bethany gave them a little food and talked to them .
tr	4	Nathan felt eyes upon him , but kept a steady pace , trusting anyone watching was deterred from aggression by their intentionally visible guns .
tr	4	The men would talk , ask for something in return for crossing , and the family would make it through unscathed .
tr	4	Nathan waited in the ditch by the side of the road near their gear , giving everyone else time to move into position .
tr	4	Nathan felt unusually nervous and almost slipped back into the woods out of sight , but he knew they needed to cross the river .
tr	4	He wanted to get as close as possible before the men noticed him , but he did not want to frighten them .
tr	4	He was not sure how long he waited , but patience was a trait he had learned over the years .
tr	4	The other five men turned quickly to look at him and also grab their weapons , pointing them over the parked vehicles .
tr	4	I don 't want to have to blow your head off before seeing what kind of goodies you brought us . "
tr	4	Two other men had not even seen him yet ; they were trying to shoot back at David and Bethany from under the cars .
tr	4	He felt the bullet graze his shoulder as he charged forward grabbing the man 's wrist and lifting the smoking pistol high .
tr	4	Both of the other men on the ground must have heard something because they turned and saw Nathan covered in blood behind them .
tr	4	One scrambled up and started running across the bridge , but only got about twenty feet before Joshua shot him with the rifle .
tr	4	Nathan ran back to the middle of the road , grabbed his shotgun and pistol and sprinted to where David and Bethany lay .
tr	4	He had accepted the post as Kentucky Lieutenant Governor mostly as a favor to Governor Jason Henry , his old college roommate .
tr	4	Reggie was told he simply carried an air of purpose and quiet dignity about him that people admired without feeling threatened .
tr	4	Many would say he was ridiculous for putting on a suit and tie ; that such trappings were now out of place .
tr	4	He also knew people were desperate for any type of information , and without it they would believe anything , no matter how outlandish .
tr	4	Reggie became the public voice of the Jackson Purchase ; even though he wasn 't really officially in charge of anything .
tr	4	For nearly two hundred years the name ' Jackson Purchase ' was no more than quaint tradition and history , of no real significance .
tr	4	It had needed some oil on the chain and air in the tires , but otherwise was in decent condition .
tr	4	" Yes , I 'll introduce the show , then you , then allow you to put out general information , " Tim explained .
tr	4	" Based on available time , I 'll ask you some of the more popular questions that people have requested we bring up .
tr	4	Reggie thought it best not to talk about the fistfight between two of the county executives that occurred at the last meeting .
tr	4	" The reason we have applied these limitations is in order to minimize wear and tear on electrical equipment and the dam turbines .
tr	4	" Also , please cooperate with all Kentucky State Police and National Guard forces you encounter as they are here to protect you .
tr	4	Anyone who wishes to depart may , but I would strongly advise against it since things appear pretty nasty in certain places .
tr	4	" How would you respond to some who claim the Governor is dead and that you are now in charge ? "
tr	4	Governor Henry is a dear friend of mine and I know he would want each of us to do our best .
tr	4	I am only an advisor to the cooperative council , which is the lawful operating local civilian government at this time . "
tr	4	Tim spoke quickly , " Reggie , I 'm sorry , it just kind of came out , " he said with obvious embarrassment .
tr	4	Reggie sighed wanting to be angry , but knew that feeling was counterproductive , " I know and its okay .
tr	4	My intent was to give everyone a cold hard splash of reality , but something kept me from it . "
tr	4	Tim smiled , " Oh you don 't really think something like that could happen here , do you ? "
tr	4	He tracked the approaching men in his rifle scope , not sure if his father wanted him to fire or not .
tr	4	Joshua couldn 't even see his family now , only knew they were somewhere at the bottom of the hill .
tr	4	He saw four men running their way , one tall , thin and fleet in the front , the other three trailing behind .
tr	4	If they escaped , they could run back to their barricade at the other end of the bridge and prevent them from crossing .
tr	4	They needed to take these men in the open before they reached defensible positions on either side of the bridge .
tr	4	He didn 't look to have any thoughts of a possible threat nearby , only staring at his dead comrades in disbelief .
tr	4	Joshua might give them an advantage on the hill , but he would be waiting for Nathan to make a move .
tr	4	He would have to count on the element of surprise and hope there weren 't too many to deal with .
tr	4	That thought left his head as he heard other shouts from beyond the barricade and then another shot from Joshua .
tr	4	There were two other men who looked a lot alike at the edge of the bridge , using the concrete barrier as protection .
tr	4	One looked to argue for heading back over the bridge and the other for the closer protection of the road block .
tr	4	As they were arguing , Joshua took out the man on the right drawing a scream of frustration from the other .
tr	4	Joshua was breathless , " That 's all of them that I can see , the other end is clear .
tr	4	Nathan looked at the three rifles he had just collected and selected an impressive Remington .300 Winchester Magnum with a Leopold scope .
tr	4	He handed the rifle to Joshua along with about sixty rounds of ammo recovered from the former owner 's backpack .
tr	4	Might even be the smartest thing , but there could be more of them waiting hidden in the trees on the other side .
tr	4	If no one crosses by sundown , come to us and we 'll make our way over in the dark . "
tr	4	Nathan smiled , " Yes he did , but I wasn 't sure he would act without me telling him to .
tr	4	She placed a calming hand on Nathan 's shoulder , " I know , and that 's not what I mean .
tr	4	She looked him in the eyes , " We can handle it too , but if something happens to you we 'll be lost .
tr	4	General Anderson sipped his hot tea and scowled at the heavily scribbled and highlighted map on his dining room table .
tr	4	A lifetime of military service had also instilled habits which he found difficult to ignore , even when they made no sense .
tr	4	Reggie Philips officially recalled him to active duty and placed him in charge of the military district made up of the Jackson Purchase area .
tr	4	" General Anderson , I know you didn 't ask for this any more than I did , but we need you .
tr	4	Philips was right , however , and Anderson 's ingrained sense of service and responsibility would not let him turn his back .
tr	4	Over the subsequent months , Anderson used the skills honed over a career to establish a defensible border and an almost competent military force .
tr	4	Yes , there had been problems , but by and large , the available forces had reacted with discipline and professionalism .
tr	4	His demands had become so forceful and overbearing , that Philips ordered the border to remain closed and relations were currently chilly at best .
tr	4	He only hoped they didn 't have to face any serious threat in the near future because they would be in colossal trouble .
tr	4	He threw himself into his work trying not to think about his children or how much he missed his wife .
tr	4	Chapter 7 -- The Captives David 's look of surprise was soon replaced by a grim set of his jaw .
tr	4	Once he comes back , we 'll figure out what to do , but more than likely it will be the standard plan . "
tr	4	" I know , but let 's leave open the possibility of letting them go ... they may not be all bad . "
tr	4	Nathan wanted to tell her it wasn 't about good or bad ; it was about circumstances that made simple survival uncertain .
tr	4	The look on her face nearly broke his heart anyway , and besides there just wasn 't time for talk .
tr	4	David had not returned from his reconnaissance , but Nathan could see the glow of a fire ahead and hear soft voices occasionally .
tr	4	It was not long before David glided out of the woods ahead , as silent and sure-footed as a wraith .
tr	4	" Yes , but we know we can now go around them , or maybe even try to talk to them . "
tr	4	Bethany grasped his arm forcefully , " There will be less chance of bloodshed if I approach this time , instead of you . "
tr	4	Also , in case you haven 't noticed , you look like a damn butcher covered with all that blood from today .
tr	4	" We 'll crawl up into our positions and when we 're there , you stand up and walk down the trail . "
tr	4	Once everyone understood , the three began to slowly and carefully crawl forward in the snow toward the sounds of strangers .
tr	4	The natural bowl in the earth , and the thick trees on the edges , masked the firelight and sounds .
tr	4	What his wife was getting ready to do was probably one of the most courageous things he had witnessed and he had witnessed plenty .
tr	4	Nathan cursed silently as he brought his rifle on the dog , but he knew it would be a difficult shot .
tr	4	The wild woman spun her head around without taking the screwdriver from Bethany 's neck and met Nathan 's tense gaze .
tr	4	Lieutenant Governor Reginald Philips had gone to some significant trouble to get the men and women together in the Calloway County courtroom .
tr	4	General Clarence Anderson was present and his new Deputy Commander , retired Marine Major General Dale " Butch " Matthews .
tr	4	Reggie began , " Lord , I thank you for sparing us the destruction that has been visited upon much of our country .
tr	4	" As you probably know , the County Executive Council has become the primary means of cooperative governmental decision-making in the Jackson Purchase .
tr	4	Although Reggie knew this and felt everyone else in the room did also , the silence still made him feel depressed .
tr	4	He continued after a pause , " People here , given time , will transition to some alternate form of practical government .
tr	4	I know that 's hard , but history has shown how fear can destroy us all if it gets a foothold . "
tr	4	Frank Simm , in his immaculate state police uniform , leaned forward and placed his hands on the table in front of him .
tr	4	" Reggie , I hope I 'm not overstepping here , but I think we all understand the gravity of the situation .
tr	4	I would like each of you to keep doing that work , bring up issues , and let us talk through problems together . "
tr	4	Anderson took off his glasses and sighed , " With that said , we 're going to need more troops .
tr	4	" I would like to have Butch Matthews here talk about an idea he has that I think might be our best bet . "
tr	4	We just don 't have enough of them , nor do we have the resources to greatly increase their numbers . "
tr	4	Butch nodded his head , " No , for all intents and purposes the Guard is now our permanent standing army . "
tr	4	Butch smiled at him in gratitude while Anderson tilted his head and looked back at Reggie with a knowing smile .
tr	4	And finally , " Butch drew in a breath , " we have no system to train these new militia .
tr	4	Perhaps we should take these problems which Butch has identified one at a time and then discuss the proposal . "
tr	4	Sounds like we 're talking about putting together a bunch of yahoos from the local bar and giving them guns .
tr	4	" Things are not likely to change and even if they do , they are probably going to get worse before they get better .
tr	4	" We currently have the equipment we need for the Guard forces , but I must emphasize the word ' currently . '
tr	4	They also are not set up to produce ammunition at all , but the guys down there know what they 're doing .
tr	4	Most units locked up their buildings , put everyone on extended leave , and went home , wherever that was . "
tr	4	" But you have to realize , there is no U.S. Army anymore , and we need that equipment and ammo to protect ourselves .
tr	4	" The second issue , lack of pay , is not so much a problem as a fact of life .
tr	4	" We 're recommending universal training of all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45 , " said Anderson .
tr	4	" That will be my job at the next big meeting , should we decide to go that way , " said Reggie .
tr	4	" Which brings us to one of our final problems , " said Butch , " but not one to be overlooked ... training .
tr	4	" Yeah , " said Anderson gruffly , " things we don 't need to train them on like , for instance , sleep .
tr	4	Doctor Stevens asked with his hands clasped tightly in front of him , " And who will conduct this training ?
tr	4	Sounds like it will be as difficult for the trainers , if not more so , than the trainees . "
tr	4	I 've spoken to the Professor of Military Science there , Lieutenant Colonel Jones , and he believes it can be done .
tr	4	Stevens ' face scrunched up tightly and his eyes narrowed , " And when was someone going to talk to me about this ?
tr	4	But I know they are going to have to grow up and live in the world we build for them .
tr	4	He looked like he was going to say more , but sat down instead and no one spoke for a long time .
tr	4	Anderson grudgingly accepted these terms , much more subdued after Frank Simm had shamed them all with his short speech .
tr	4	They also agreed to the " raid " on Fort Campbell , as soon as the resources could be gathered and the weather improved .
tr	4	Reggie initially took his attitude to be indifference or negativity , but he saw with dismay that the man was utterly exhausted .
tr	4	Bandits and other settlers have moved in over the months , setting up camps despite the borders around the park .
tr	4	The border is just too long and the park is empty , no one notices when people find their way inside the park .
tr	4	Reggie shook his head , " Maybe eventually , but we 're not set up or ready for all of them .
tr	4	Letting them in now would only be taking on more mouths to feed with nothing productive for them to do . "
tr	4	" I 've watched day after day from the dam as these groups grow and the situation gets more and more terrible .
tr	4	If they decided to push through the border , or take over the dam , I 'm not sure we could stop them . "
tr	4	By the end of the meeting , they decided to take control of the three main refugee camps along the eastern border .
tr	4	She knew the woman had struck her on the side of the head , but there was no pain yet , only numbness .
tr	4	There were thick bruises around her neck and along her face , as well as poorly healed cuts on her scalp .
tr	4	For the first time , Bethany felt her head swelling and blood running through her hair where the desperate woman had struck her .
tr	4	The woman leaned back slowly and looked over her shoulder at the huddled women and children around one of the makeshift tents .
tr	4	He waited until the woman pulled the screwdriver away from his mother 's throat before shooting her at close range .
tr	4	Even while thrashing in Nathan 's arms to get at her son again she screamed at him , " What 's wrong with you ?
tr	4	Nathan finally succeeded in dragging her away and was on the verge of slapping Bethany if he couldn 't get her to calm down .
tr	4	" You stay with your mother , " Nathan said roughly and for the first time noticed the incessant barking of the dog .
tr	4	David was breathing in great gasps of air , Nathan wasn 't sure that he wouldn 't take off again .
tr	4	" I didn 't know it , but I was happy , and I want it back the way it was . "
tr	4	Chapter 10 -- Decisions Harold Buchanan rubbed his head and looked down again at the sheet of figures on his desk .
tr	4	And even if the Governor had any instructions for little old Hancock State Penitentiary , how would he let us know ? "
tr	4	Just a few left now and they 've stopped accepting money , will only take fuel or ammo now . "
tr	4	He was able to keep some of the guards and staff around by allowing them to move their families onto the prison grounds .
tr	4	Also , Harold could work them longer hours , but that came with a cost he knew only so well .
tr	4	" Jim , we have to do something soon , before more guards run off or the inmates get organized to make a move .
tr	4	What he was contemplating certainly exceeded his authority as Chief of Prison Security , but he had already assumed the role as acting warden .
tr	4	This decision is mine , and I accept full responsibility ; but I 'll need your help in carrying it out . "
tr	4	We also have a responsibility not to release violent criminals back out into society , even though that society is disintegrating . "
tr	4	Inmates will be allowed to speak for themselves at the review panel made up of selected individuals seated in this room .
tr	4	Harold let out a long strained breath , " Execution will be carried out by a firing squad made up of volunteers .
tr	4	" Harold , leaving the morality of this aside for a moment , we have over two hundred fifty inmates here .
tr	4	We 're going to have to trust in the fact that these men can live the best way they can .
tr	4	Those that we think will only use this as an opportunity to prey on the weak and defenseless cannot be released . "
tr	4	The fuel wasn 't a major objective of their plan , but when Butch saw the tankers , he just couldn 't resist .
tr	4	When he saw the inside of the huge underground warehouse , he knew they had found what they were looking for .
tr	4	Not only were there large pallets of 5.56 rifle ammunition , there was 7.62 and .50 caliber machine gun ammunition .
tr	4	They also secured Barrett .50 caliber sniper rifles from the 5th Special Forces Group arms room , as well as radios and medical supplies .
tr	4	Besides , there were lots of places to get equipment and uniforms even if they were forced to make them .
tr	4	They locked the ammo supply point back up , having not even made a significant dent in the massive stock of ammunition .
tr	4	They were in a long slow convoy several hundred meters long , heading back out the same way they had approached .
tr	4	As the small building came into view , Butch saw a tree about two feet thick lying across the road .
tr	4	He looked more closely at the tree and saw the base glistening pale with a clean cut as if by a chainsaw .
tr	4	He turned to the rear of the column and started screaming and waiving his hands , " Back up , back up now ! "
tr	4	Butch only thought for a few seconds before walking to the front of the convoy and laying down his rifle on the road .
tr	4	Once they were down he hooked his thumbs into the pistol belt of his military combat uniform which he was now grateful he wore .
tr	4	In his best command voice he yelled out , " I am United States Marine Corps Major General Butch Matthews .
tr	4	Butch waited again , but began to glare at the woods as he paced from side to side letting impatience show .
tr	4	Butch turned and saw a tall athletically built man of about twenty-five purposefully making his way towards him at a light jog .
tr	4	" Some of my men deserted , and I have consolidated every other man I came across on this base . "
tr	4	The distress on Lieutenant Green 's face vanished in an instant and replaced by a proud smile , " Thank you , sir . "
tr	4	Butch nodded and watched the man walk away and raise his rifle parallel to the ground over his head and give a piercing whistle .
tr	4	About sixty soldiers in uniform quickly materialized out of the forest and without further orders secured both sides of the road .
tr	4	He stopped struggling against the table restraints as the lethal dose of morphine entered his bloodstream and moved towards his heart .
tr	4	Moreover , the inmates on death row had long ago accepted the fact that execution was their due and their resistance had been minimal .
tr	4	They tried having the prisoners hooded , but it didn 't help much and Harold just couldn 't bring himself to gag the men .
tr	4	Harold knew what was coming next , there would be appeals to reason , and mercy , and more discussion .
tr	4	The man must have sensed what was happening because from beneath his hood he began screaming , " Oh , God please no !
tr	4	His words were cut off as Harold shot the man in the side of the head from a foot away .
tr	4	" I do , " Harold sighed , " but I don 't think we can go on with the firing squads .
tr	4	You then take 120 milligrams of morphine , maybe 150 to be sure , and inject it into a vein in the arm .
tr	4	Watching the light go out in each man 's eyes seemed to slowly tear at the foundation of his being .
tr	4	Harold was pondering these thoughts beside the now dead man as Jim Meek 's stuck his head in the infirmary .
tr	4	I 've seen a lot of cons in my time and this one is bad news , we can 't let him out . "
tr	4	You don 't have to do it , just give me a nod and he 'll have a tragic accident or something . "
tr	4	Besides , even if his friend took care of the execution or subsequent accident , it would still be on his head ultimately .
tr	4	They 'd stayed a couple of days to rest and get everyone 's strength up , then began moving again .
tr	4	If we hadn 't come along and killed most of those bastards , they 'd never have gotten out . "
tr	4	" One of the scumbags -- maybe the only one with a soul -- threw them the keys as he ran away .
tr	4	" I 'll try to explain to the boys ... tell them to treat them with kid gloves for a while . "
tr	4	He took her advice , and over the next days and weeks they really became a family , or at least a clan .
tr	4	He wasn 't sure what alerted him to the fact that something was wrong , but he suddenly froze and raised his hand .
tr	4	The horse and buggy were a gift from the Jackson Purchase , which ordered twenty sets from the large Mennonite community in Graves County .
tr	4	Reggie and Janice made the trip from Murray to Paducah for the regular JP County Cooperation Council in three leisurely days .
tr	4	Reggie grew up around horses , but had almost forgotten how temperamental they could be and Clipper presented quite a frisky personality .
tr	4	Inside , the work and living spaces were vast and sufficiently supplied to keep a large staff alive indefinitely following a nuclear holocaust .
tr	4	Reggie previously ordered these to be handed out to government officials throughout the JP , mainly to calm lingering fears of radiation poisoning .
tr	4	At various points along their path stood open metal vault doors that Reggie doubted he could budge if his life depended upon it .
tr	4	" Uh , Reggie , we all feel we have a piece of business that must be handled before anything else . "
tr	4	James continued , " We have decided that this cooperative committee just isn 't going to work in the long run .
tr	4	Hell , we know we 've got a good thing going , but we need a stronger government than the Cooperative Council . "
tr	4	" That 's right , " jumped in Brad Williams of McCracken County , " and thank goodness for it .
tr	4	Without the JP , we 'd be cold , hungry , and worried about raving crazies killing us and our families .
tr	4	We made the JP up , but it 's a good thing , and we need to make sure it sticks around .
tr	4	" So ... " began Reggie , " what sort of powers would this individual have and how would we select him ?
tr	4	" Well , there are several problems , actually , " responded Reggie as he began to organize his thoughts .
tr	4	" First , any official leadership position for any new government should be a democratically elected official , which I am not .
tr	4	Second , this body does not have the authority to simply choose to set up a government and pick a leader .
tr	4	" Gentlemen , I know it is not my place , but I would like to speak , if you don 't mind . "
tr	4	I believe you carried a majority of the vote of every county in the JP in the last elections . "
tr	4	I 've come to know Reggie Philips as a good friend and believe no one is better qualified for the position .
tr	4	The fact that he resists the authority only makes me more confident that he is the right man for the job . "
tr	4	" With that settled , " said Anderson with finality , " I think we can move on to other business . "
tr	4	They were talking about how their electrical needs were just barely being met , though cutting off areas outside the JP helped somewhat .
tr	4	They had tentatively reached a deal in principle where the WTR gave them compensation in corn and other hard-to-find items .
tr	4	After months of waiting , the JP still had not actually received anything from the WTR in return for the electricity .
tr	4	" I spoke to General Sampson last month , " said Anderson , " and he just stalled for more time .
tr	4	" We 've come to realize , we need the extra electricity more than we need anything they can give us in return .
tr	4	We 're trying to rebuild , and we 're on our way ; but we 're being held back by the electricity rationing . "
tr	4	Reggie turned to walk away and Anderson asked after him , " What do you want me to do for now about Sampson ? "
tr	4	Most people considered him harmless except for those who looked into his piercing blue eyes and hesitated , sensing danger there .
tr	4	Word was he had worked for the government , but no one really knew more than that , nor cared for that matter .
tr	4	He knew the chaos and danger that would come even as neighbors stood in their yards and exchanged pitiful bits of half-truths and what-ifs .
tr	4	Ethan identified the man who would be in charge , there was always one , and offered his services to him .
tr	4	The weapons and equipment allowed them to outfit an army , which would be instrumental in rebuilding the new world .
tr	4	Ethan 's spidery web of informants and influence had already spread thoroughly and firmly throughout the Republic and into neighboring lands .
tr	4	He walked down the hall and silently slipped into the back of a shadowy conference room where there was already a briefing in session .
tr	4	Sounds like it wasn 't his idea , that it was forced upon him , but I don 't want to underestimate him .
tr	4	" We probably should have thought of that , could have deprived them even if we didn 't need it . "
tr	4	Chapter 16 -- Hancock There were probably two dozen people gathered outside on wooden picnic tables around a small radio .
tr	4	People talked quietly , not wanting to miss the break in the static that signaled the beginning of the show .
tr	4	The seven men on death row were executed along with the nineteen serving life sentences without the possibility of parole .
tr	4	They were released individually at five minute intervals to walk the one main road south or north out of the small town .
tr	4	Any man who returned , or was seen in the town of Hancock after sunset , would be shot on sight .
tr	4	Harold also released the least violent men first to give them time to get on the road before the more dangerous types came after .
tr	4	It would be easy to just ignore this impending crisis , but Harold realized a problem ignored eventually returned home in spades .
tr	4	Harold 's musings were interrupted by the break in the static and the crowd around the tables immediately became silent , leaning in close .
tr	4	" This broadcast will take approximately eighteen minutes and the next broadcast will commence tomorrow at 1 PM subject to any technical difficulties .
tr	4	They have additionally asked that people refrain from buying and selling fuel illegally which only hurts us all in the long run .
tr	4	Only individuals who can prove they , or their immediate family , permanently reside within the JP will be admitted .
tr	4	They might also be letting people in regardless , especially if they possessed special skills , but he couldn 't count on that .
tr	4	Tim Reynolds was continuing on , but Jim Meeks ' gigantic frame suddenly thundered up to him in a huff .
tr	4	Harold tried to catch up to Jim , but he was moving too fast through the corridors and up the stairs .
tr	4	He followed Jim 's big figure out into the open sunlight and saw two guards with rifles ready looking down .
tr	4	" I don 't like it , I can tell you that , " he again seemed to be troubled .
tr	4	He noticed several pairs of eyes watching from above during his long exposed approach , but none of them said anything ... only stared .
tr	4	No , thought Nathan a moment later as his eyes started to water and his nose burn , not grenades ... tear gas .
tr	4	Stay awake ... stay awake ... stay awake ... , he kept telling himself over and over , as he slipped into blackness .
tr	4	His training had been too good and complete , he focused on gathering information he needed in order to make decisions .
tr	4	They were talking about him he felt , but could not tell exactly what they were saying due to the fact that they whispered .
tr	4	He had been through the Army 's Survival , Evasion , Resistance , and Escape School , SERE , and knew how interrogations worked .
tr	4	The huge man Nathan had seen outside earlier on the wall walked close to Nathan and looked down at him calmly .
tr	4	" That means no spitting , profanity , biting , throwing bodily wastes at us , or in any way trying to injure us .
tr	4	" But I was shot , " said Nathan sucking in his stomach and feeling an immediate wave of pain wash over him .
tr	4	We do , " replied Nathan as he slowly drank the cool water , letting it clear the foul taste out of his mouth .
tr	4	" I understand where you 're coming from , " replied Nathan trying to make a human connection as he had been taught .
tr	4	" We 've been on the road for a long time and we try to stop at every house or building we see .
tr	4	" And home is in the JP , " Harold said this with a knowing tone , as if it explained everything .
tr	4	" And you think if I take you there , you might be able to get in if you are with me .
tr	4	As he passed out the door , he said over his shoulder to the men , " Let him go . "
tr	4	Chapter 18 -- Under the Stars Nathan was as relaxed and calm as he could remember being in a very long time .
tr	4	A dog 's world is the pack and one of the cruelest things you can do to a dog is to isolate them .
tr	4	A couple weeks ago we were struggling , and now ... " He raised his chin and sniffed the air .
tr	4	Harold put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes with a smile , " A nice hot tub . "
tr	4	Counting Nathan and his two boys , they numbered thirty-six men and women working in rotation to guard the camp every night .
tr	4	He settled down beside the bus as night approached and stripped down all his weapons while munching on a bit of rabbit .
tr	4	He knew there were plenty of bad things that could still happen to them , but he understood what Bethany meant .
tr	4	It was better being in a large group of people who could trust each other ... and were well armed .
tr	4	You need to learn to let go of things and not keep gnawing on them like a dog with a bone . "
tr	4	He saw Cujo , the dog rescued with the women and girls , lying by the fire guarding the little ones .
tr	4	Her words stung and Nathan fought against anger , " Damnit , we don 't even know if the freaking JP exists !
tr	4	" Yes , " answered Nathan , " I just checked on him , he 's with Big Jim . "
tr	4	Jim Meeks seemed to have taken both boys under his wing in a way that just wasn 't easy with Nathan .
tr	4	He was probably confused whether he was supposed to go back to being a normal kid or try to embrace manhood .
tr	4	I 'd like to talk to you about - " Nathan poked his wife in the ribs , " Very funny . "
tr	4	One of the prison guard 's daughters was playing a violin and the pure , wondrous notes actually brought tears to Nathan 's eyes .
tr	4	He couldn 't remember the last time he had heard music and thought he recognized the haunting notes of Vivaldi .
tr	4	" There is still beauty in this world , Nathan , " she whispered , " don 't forget that . "
tr	4	Chapter 19 -- Camp Beaver Nathan 's band knew they were close to the Jackson Purchase two days before they arrived .
tr	4	Everyone wanted to see what was on the other side of each hill and beyond the next bend in the road .
tr	4	Not getting into the JP meant a cold , dark , miserable life filled with dangerous people and a crushing lack of hope .
tr	4	Row upon row of drab tents and shacks spread out before them like something from the crowded slums of Brazil or Haiti .
tr	4	The next thing he noticed were figures walking throughout the camp with plastic buckets filled with what looked like clear water .
tr	4	Two swarthy men stood nearby with thick bundles of car radio antennas taped together , clearly to beat anyone who refused to maintain order .
tr	4	They soon came to what was obviously the infirmary and also a food distribution center , with another set of guards .
tr	4	All the guards so far had eyed them suspiciously , but made no attempt to question them or impede their progress .
tr	4	These people might be poor by the standards of a year ago thought Nathan , but by today 's they are fabulously wealthy .
tr	4	The near side of the bridge contained several makeshift bunkers and approximately a dozen armed men in uniform with rifles and machine guns .
tr	4	Nathan couldn 't see who addressed him , but he lowered his arms and spoke to the uniformed group eyeing him over their weapons .
tr	4	The man who had been speaking stood from behind the barricade , and Nathan noticed he was a Staff Sergeant .
tr	4	The Sergeant took the wallet and quickly began flipping through the contents looking up at Nathan every now and then .
tr	4	The man started to retort with a smart reply and then looked down at the military identification card and paused .
tr	4	You 're to proceed to the other end of the bridge where my commanding officer will meet you and talk to you further . "
tr	4	Nathan thought about arguing the point further , but saw the man 's set look and knew it would be no use .
tr	4	Nathan turned back and looked at the man quickly realizing he was on the verge of giving the man a serious ass chewing .
tr	4	Nathan took back his weapons before turning and walking towards the barricade with Bethany and the boys falling in behind him .
tr	4	As they walked west into the JP , Nathan looked back at what had very quickly become his extended family .
tr	4	Several raised their hands in return and then Nathan Taylor turned his back on them and walked across the bridge with his family .
tr	4	Butch Matthews was with him , along with Captain Terry Johns , the National Guard commander in charge of the troops at the dam .
tr	4	He also told him that the man they were meeting was none too happy about being detained , and Anderson certainly understood .
tr	4	If the man was the unreasonable sort , he probably wasn 't who they were looking for anyway , thought Anderson .
tr	4	As far as you 've come to meet us , I bet we 've come much further to meet you by a long-shot . "
tr	4	" We are very pleased to meet you and coincidently that was exactly what we wanted to talk to you about . "
tr	4	" Sir , I held my tongue out there for the sake of politeness , but now it 's my turn to talk . "
tr	4	Anderson shook his head , " Graves County consolidation was before my time , I went to Wingo High . "
tr	4	We 've lived a lot of places in the military , but at the end of the day this is home . "
tr	4	" Actually they came because they heard this was the last place where there was courtesy , civilization , and decency .
tr	4	We also have everyone else in the world trying to get into the JP and our resources just can 't support that many .
tr	4	And we also have a covetous neighbor to the south who is only waiting his chance to take what we have . "
tr	4	" Sir , I appreciate that , but what does that have to do with me and my family ? "
tr	4	" I 'm sure you 're familiar with the Land Between the Lakes Park which basically makes up the JP 's entire eastern border .
tr	4	Well , it doesn 't technically fall into any county for government , nor does it have inhabitants to protect it .
tr	4	The dam sits right at the top of the park and makes electricity from the water flowing northward from those two manmade lakes .
tr	4	We 've already got squatters and other people making their way into the park and we have no control over them .
tr	4	The southern portion is also a wide open highway for General Sampson , should he choose to come north . "
tr	4	If you don 't give me what I want then you can let us go and I 'll be on my way .
tr	4	Nathan sat back and crossed his arms and the two men stared at him for a moment and then at each other .
tr	4	Nathan smiled , " Wouldn 't want it any other way , besides what are you going to do , fire me ?
tr	4	That means men , equipment , food , houses , electricity , and whatever else I decide I need . "
tr	4	Butch spoke up , " We understand the importance of the job we 've given you , and we need it to succeed .
tr	4	Anderson sat silent for a moment staring at Nathan and then said , " Well , it looks like we understand each other .
tr	4	Butch here will sit down with you tomorrow to help work out a strategy and to see what you need .
tr	4	" As of now you are promoted to Colonel and assigned as the military governor of the Land Between the Lakes . "
tr	4	Chapter 2 -- Homecoming They could have driven to Mayfield , but Nathan declined , choosing to ride the mountain bikes they 'd found .
tr	4	Although Nathan didn 't use the offered fuel to drive home , he hadn 't hesitated to use the telephone .
tr	4	Although they wouldn 't say it to Nathan , he sensed that all of them had likely thought that he had abandoned them .
tr	4	They 've taken over a large portion of the city and police aren 't even allowing entry into their areas .
tr	4	" Sir , " said Nathan slowly , " I understand your position and the need , but we just got here .
tr	4	" Actually , you 'll inherit former Lieutenant , now Captain , Jason Green and his men from Fort Campbell .
tr	4	So assuming Captain Green is successful in his mission , we only have to worry about the northern area . "
tr	4	" I understand it 's a large area , but if you have to prioritize anything , protect the dam at all costs .
tr	4	He 's going to have the job of security of the dam and his company will be made up of our folks from Hancock .
tr	4	I 've already set him to work establishing a sustainable logistics plan that will cover the entire park area and the new residents . "
tr	4	" I 've seen it done , in some cases done well , but it was outlawed in most states years ago . "
tr	4	" Even with all the men we 've talked about , we 're going to need more bodies , " said Jim .
tr	4	" I think we probably will , " answered Nathan a little amazed at the resources Butch was willing to push his way .
tr	4	He had come into the meeting prepared to play hardball to get whatever he could , but that didn 't seem necessary .
tr	4	General Anderson has taken some heat for letting ' outsiders ' , forgive me for saying it , take this on .
tr	4	These communities grew daily and Camp Beaver became the primary entry point into the Land Between the Lakes Park from the east .
tr	4	When people started showing up at the camp , he began to walk over each day and treat their medical issues .
tr	4	These men were added to their growing military forces and their families were settled in the increasingly crowded holiday rental cottage areas .
tr	4	These were accepted readily and taught others how to process food , cure and tan leather , and safely deliver babies among other things .
tr	4	Nathan even recruited the camp leader and his thugs , but their duty was mainly to run the shrinking camp .
tr	4	Nathan savored every familiar sight , sound , and smell and was gently coasting down a long curved hill of the two lane road .
tr	4	He had intended to give the boys warning and talk about old memories , but his mind wandered and now they were almost there .
tr	4	Times were hard , but it was obvious that they had rolled out a day long party in their honor .
tr	4	Everyone was talking at once , and touching him , and hugging him , and Nathan felt a loss of control bordering on panic .
tr	4	With no warning , Nathan found himself sobbing in her arms , and could not make himself stop for some time .
tr	4	Reggie thought the recommendation odd considering Sampson was his counterpart in the WTR , but he deferred to Anderson 's reasoning .
tr	4	Sampson fully believed that might made right , and the JP had the might when it came to electricity which infuriated Sampson .
tr	4	One or the other would send a message requesting a meeting at one of the border crossings at a particular time and date .
tr	4	They would then go to the planned location and each party 's escort would gather and look at each other until the planned time .
tr	4	For this meeting Sampson had asked to meet along the old Georgia-Pacific rail line in Fulton which ran from south to north .
tr	4	Anderson normally arrived first and casually waited for Sampson who arrived late , probably thinking it established his superior position .
tr	4	Sampson strode forward of the line followed by an aide and in a fairly arrogant manner waved General Clarence Anderson to him .
tr	4	If you look to my rear you will see we have delivered all the compensation that we owe you . "
tr	4	He was a little taken aback by the sudden payment , having expected more excuses , but he quickly recovered himself .
tr	4	It might be prudent to return some of the payment to you until we can be assured of our ability to deliver . "
tr	4	I will take it back to the council and Mr. Philips , and propose it as a mutually beneficial arrangement . "
tr	4	" This , General Anderson , is a proposal for a military and economic alliance between the West Tennessee Republic and the Jackson Purchase .
tr	4	By this time Anderson 's aide had finished scanning the document and whispered the general parameters of the treaty quickly into his ear .
tr	4	" I agree , " said Anderson , " the JP and the WTR should work together as much as possible . "
tr	4	" Oh I think you do , even if you don 't want to admit it , " Sampson smiled .
tr	4	" You are good , very good ... but the time for games is soon coming to an end . "
tr	4	Anderson saw Sampson 's men fidgeting nervously behind the general and thought his own men were likely also unnerved by the meeting .
tr	4	" I fear that your government could make a bad decision , possibly several bad decisions , " said Sampson .
tr	4	" Bad decisions in normal times may not have life or death consequences , but in these times they could be catastrophic .
tr	4	" I feel like you are a true patriot and a man willing to sacrifice for the welfare of others .
tr	4	Sampson reddened and raised his voice loud enough for men on both sides to hear , " Damn it to hell , man !
tr	4	When he finally responded , he made sure that his emotions were in check and that his voice was firm .
tr	4	I also must insist that you never speak to me of this again , and that you consider this my final answer . "
tr	4	Regardless , you better not cut off our electricity , don 't even think about it , it 's not an option for you .
tr	4	He wanted to talk to him about something and also introduce President Reggie Philips , whom Nathan had heard much about .
tr	4	Anderson also evidently knew many of the same people and shook hands and talked as he made his way towards Nathan 's table .
tr	4	Asking them to sit , he waved over Annie , the waitress and his second cousin , who brought them iced tea as well .
tr	4	" Well , I can tell you he is more than capable , but I don 't want to be away too long .
tr	4	He also described the strained relationship between the JP and the WTR and how Sampson had a much stronger and more capable military force .
tr	4	" Another problem is that investigations almost always take a long time unless you catch someone in the act , which is rare .
tr	4	The side committing espionage normally has most of the advantages and the way we almost always catch them is when they make a mistake .
tr	4	We would have probably gone for a long time without suspecting anything if only he had been a little more subtle . "
tr	4	I know it 's not their area , but the State Police would probably be the best option for now .
tr	4	I 'll put you in touch with the State Police Commander , Frank Simm , and we 'll get the ball rolling .
tr	4	" Well , that 's a little bit of a larger and slightly more complicated issue , " said Nathan .
tr	4	" You have our permission , and that 's a good recommendation we 'll pass to the other units , " said Anderson .
tr	4	" Well , we 're going to play nice for as long as we can , as best we can , " said Reggie .
tr	4	A graveyard atmosphere settled over the table and the talk ended awkwardly as the seriousness of the future set in .
tr	4	The plates of food arrived , piled high with the savory pulled pork , with sides of cole slaw , and potatoes .
tr	4	So our people aren 't regularly crossing to the south and they aren 't regularly crossing north , " said Nathan .
tr	4	Nathan laughed in spite of himself , " Well , I did do this for a living after all ! "
tr	4	The church doors remained unlocked most times , but Brazen was the only person there at such an early hour .
tr	4	Timothy Walker came from a broken home and was raised along with his little sister by a strict and religious grandmother .
tr	4	His grandmother , Noni had certainly tried , and at one point Brazen would have admitted she succeeded with him .
tr	4	She saw the dark path he was on growing up without a father figure , instinctively seeking that figure in all the wrong places .
tr	4	He was tough and serious at the same time he was kind , sincere , and generous in all he did .
tr	4	Noni was still strong , drawing strength from her faith , but to Brazen it all seemed like a bad dream .
tr	4	He continued killing Posse members until it was rare to see them alone , and most thought rival gangs were to blame .
tr	4	The Posse was deathly afraid of nighttime attacks , but they felt safe during the day , especially in public places .
tr	4	Witnesses claim an individual approached Brown and three of his acquaintances before reportedly pulling a pistol and shooting Brown in the chest .
tr	4	The assailant then kicked a wounded Brown over in his chair and emptied the other five shots into Brown 's body .
tr	4	Civic officials denounced this brazen attack as the latest in over a dozen unsolved murders in Paducah in the last two months .
tr	4	The subsequent trial took into account his loss and grief , and the judge only sentenced him to fifteen years .
tr	4	In a year 's time , the false rumors of his association with smaller gangs led from his protection in prison to his leadership .
tr	4	Various gang members followed him around and watched his back and did not resent his total lack of acknowledgement of their existence .
tr	4	Going back to finish at MIT was now out of the question , so without thought , he drifted back home .
tr	4	At first , Brazen tried to live a legitimate life of some sort , but he supposed he simply wasn 't strong enough .
tr	4	He continued his plan for getting away from crimes that carried severe prison sentences and attracted police attention , instead focusing on other activities .
tr	4	The one area where the Brothers remained violent was towards other gangs who did not accept Brazen 's leadership or rules .
tr	4	Brazen severely punished any of his people who were impolite or rude to any of the people under their care .
tr	4	The Brothers were also fiercely protective and Brazen often told them to think of themselves as sheepdogs protecting their flock from the wolves .
tr	4	Brazen was too honest to try to fool himself into thinking he was a good man doing good work for society .
tr	4	The police and National Guard got more serious and attempted to force their way into the Brothers ' areas , but were pushed back .
tr	4	He knew his men would let no one sneak up on him , so he remained at ease ; but looked around nevertheless .
tr	4	Brazen quickly looked around to make sure none of his men were close enough to hear and whispered , " Lost , I think .
tr	4	I didn 't want any of it to happen and now I 'm not sure how to fix it . "
tr	4	" Well , I 'm not going to start now , but there are some things you need to hear .
tr	4	He looked at Sergeant Major Luke Carter and then at both David and Joshua who were standing with him in Nathan 's office .
tr	4	This is between the Sergeant Major and I. I 'm frankly not even sure why he brought you here . "
tr	4	Nathan gave Carter a hard knowing look as he said this because in fact he did suspect why they were there .
tr	4	" First and most importantly , they are the most qualified men I have under me right now for such a mission .
tr	4	I know they are young , but they have much more practical experience than I did the first time I went into enemy territory .
tr	4	Carter nodded , " I guess in case the plane goes down the family doesn 't lose all three sons . "
tr	4	And finally , " here Nathan paused for a long moment , " only one of them goes on the patrol . "
tr	4	They all stared back at him in silence for a moment before David asked , " Which one gets to go ? "
tr	4	The mayor probably thought he was there to orchestrate a sort of peace , but Brazen had something totally different in mind .
tr	4	Brazen spent considerable time trying to figure out if he was the good man doing nothing , or part of the evil .
tr	4	Little John 's Bar was what could be called neutral territory not really claimed by any rival gangs , or controlled by the city .
tr	4	He always kept at least one large goon with a bat around to emphasize the point , today he had four .
tr	4	Brazen had talked to John ahead of time and assured him things would be fine , but John was taking no chances .
tr	4	Brazen expected the mayor to come with an escort but did not expect it to be as large as it was .
tr	4	The dead trooper was likely a friend of some in the room and Brazen was a thorn in all their sides .
tr	4	" We asked to meet with the mayor to discuss the recent unfortunate events , but we 're honored by your presence . "
tr	4	" I brought this meeting up at the executive council and both the President and County Executive insisted they join me . "
tr	4	" If both of us do not return home by six tonight , my boys with burn this city to the ground .
tr	4	" That is not important , and not your concern , " said Brazen never taking his eyes off Reggie .
tr	4	Also , I want to say that I am not happy with the way things are , and I see the bigger picture . "
tr	4	" The city is in the midst of a civil war and the JP is devoting scarce resources to keep it contained .
tr	4	At the same time , WTR forces to the south are gathering strength and could look to make a move soon . "
tr	4	" Because they believe you will do what is in the common interest and because they know you will always punish accordingly . "
tr	4	" I 've heard that you are setting up county regiments for public defense and to provide the day to day law and order .
tr	4	These regiments are made up of volunteers , but the equipment and supplies are paid for by the state . "
tr	4	" Get past the fact that you don 't like me for a minute and ask yourself who could better keep the city safe .
tr	4	That will allow you to move those troops and police elsewhere , perhaps to the south to deal with the Tennessee boys . "
tr	4	For the first time Brazen felt uncomfortable , " Because ... " here he struggled for words to explain lost and confused feelings .
tr	4	" Excuse me , for just a minute , " said the mayor , " but we can 't all seriously be considering this .
tr	4	" You can trust me to be loyal to the people here and to deal with you honestly and straightforwardly , " answered Brazen .
tr	4	Both Mitchell and Williams looked like they wanted to discuss this with Reggie in private , obviously to express their further misgivings .
tr	4	You can do up the paperwork or whatever later , but I want a gentleman 's agreement , right here , right now .
tr	4	I shouldn 't have to warn you gentlemen that you do not want to go back on a gentleman 's agreement with me . "
tr	4	" Mister Walker , " said Reggie , " I 've spent most of my life trying to do right by those around me .
tr	4	Now I 'm in a position where if I make a mistake , lots of people suffer , maybe even die .
tr	4	That 's what this is about for me and I also know I can fix the problems I see around here .
tr	4	I admit it 's a gamble , but we 're getting to a place in the game where we have to gamble .
tr	4	After he straightened he saw the man with the rifle pointed at him with his finger white on the trigger .
tr	4	" This is Woodford 's Reserve , the best Kentucky Bourbon in the world and very hard to find , I might add .
tr	4	Reggie felt touched in spite of himself , nodding at the bottle and Brazen poured him a small glass in response .
tr	4	John Downing , the TVA Director , had sent an urgent message saying they needed to come see him immediately .
tr	4	John was not a man to get excited easily , but Nathan wasn 't willing to consume precious gasoline on an unstated problem .
tr	4	Although they needed more troops , more supplies , and more time , Nathan felt they were beginning to get out of dangerous territory .
tr	4	Harold begged , borrowed , and commandeered all the mobile homes , campers , trailers , and houseboats that he could to provide lodging .
tr	4	Nathan and Harold continued to talk about all these issues while traveling and were still doing so as they entered the dam facility .
tr	4	Their conversation began to trail off as they noticed the hectic and worried expressions of the dam workers hurrying from one area to another .
tr	4	" That 's because we 've got the air conditioning going full blast , but that is only a band-aid to a gushing wound .
tr	4	The core temperature in there is now about 178 degrees , nearly one hundred above where we want it to be .
tr	4	If that happens , we can 't replace what is destroyed , we just don 't have the expertise or the equipment anymore . "
tr	4	The heat could build upon itself and the rate go up to two degrees an hour or four or twenty .
tr	4	We 've been overloading the dam for months and not conducting regular maintenance because we don 't have the people or the parts .
tr	4	At least this didn 't happen in the winter , thought Nathan , the worst of the cold is past .
tr	4	" We 're going to need at least a few hours notice to shut this down , " he finally said .
tr	4	" When people hear that broadcast , they are going to all rush to do everything they can electrical at the same time .
tr	4	Fifty thousand loads of laundry going at once , kitchen appliances at full blast , charging countless electrical devices and batteries .
tr	4	" Sampson wants the dam , and he 's looking for a pretext to take it , " said Harold .
tr	4	Anderson decided he would call Sampson personally and try to explain the situation and even offer to give the compensation back .
tr	4	Anderson also told Nathan to go ahead and call President Philips and tell Philips that Anderson approved of Nathan 's plan .
tr	4	It took Reggie a little longer for everything to sink in , but when it did , he agreed to Nathan 's plan .
tr	4	Tim 's voice had its usual cheerful quality , but something sounded slightly off as if he were nervous or rushed .
tr	4	I urge everyone to stay calm , work through issues and problems together as a community , and remember who you are .
tr	4	" This is Tim Reynolds signing off , and until you hear from me again , stay strong , friends . "
tr	4	He had planned to talk first of course about the electrical outage , but portray it as a good thing .
tr	4	Reggie was going to explain that this was a perfect time for a needed outage for maintenance and then move on to other topics .
tr	4	Reggie also decided against General Anderson 's recommendation to share with the council the interaction he had with General Sampson several weeks ago .
tr	4	Reggie was also careful about his public appearances , and the JP put the police and military forces on alert .
tr	4	" At least you didn 't have to deal with introducing me , " said Brazen with a smile of his own .
tr	4	There will come a time when there just isn 't anything you can do to get ready for bad stuff .
tr	4	" I sure hope I 'm right about you , because , if I 'm not , we 're all doomed .
tr	4	It would be a good opportunity for you to set yourself up pretty nice , if you wanted to . "
tr	4	They looked at each other for another moment before Brazen turned and began walking away , but then turned back abruptly .
tr	4	It would charge a car battery which could be used to power just about anything small for a short period of time .
tr	4	After mandatory retirement he made his peace with the fact that he would never have that feeling again and he was okay with it .
tr	4	The power plant of Kentucky Dam is shut down indefinitely and the whole JP is without electricity just like we are .
tr	4	Their borders are more secure , that regimental system of theirs is a joke , but it at least frees up their other troops .
tr	4	" What about the people there , what would their feelings be towards an annexation into the WTR should it come to that ? "
tr	4	As long as you provided them electricity , they would be happy with whatever else you allowed them to keep .
tr	4	" We could feint toward what they expect , and attack where they do not , catching them by surprise . "
tr	4	Sampson stood and began to walk out the door and then turned and looked at Ethan , " We 'll move forward immediately .
tr	4	The JP might just roll over and welcome us with open arms after we 've dealt with Mister Phillips . "
tr	4	Chapter 11 -- The Coming Storm General Clarence Anderson stared hard at the map spread out on the large table in front of him .
tr	4	Anderson couldn 't risk sending patrols across the border and spark an actual conflict if Sampson 's intention was only intimidation .
tr	4	They should have been working earlier on an intelligence network similar to what the WTR obviously possessed in the JP .
tr	4	The other major problem , stemming from the first , was that they did not know exactly where they needed to defend .
tr	4	Anderson hated the idea of using the precious fuel , but if there was ever a time for it , that time was now .
tr	4	He had sent him to their consolidated supply warehouse in Paducah to bring back every single mine of any type they could find .
tr	4	Intel had been a problem back then too and the great need for it actually led to the birth of the air corps .
tr	4	Those little biplanes had initially been nothing more than platforms to view enemy dispositions , similar to hot air balloons during the Civil War .
tr	4	I think it still works in automobiles , but maybe someone at an airport saved it or forgot about it . "
tr	4	I need the information to be accurate ; but I also need it quickly , so don 't stay up there all day .
tr	4	Better yet , take two armed soldiers with you , and if you get any trouble , take what you need by force .
tr	4	He looked back into the sky and saw how the grey clouds swirled together , but there was almost no wind at ground level .
tr	4	Anderson had seen this sort of weather before ; as a kid it would have caused his family to go to the cellar .
tr	4	What had drawn them to this location were numerous rumors and hints gathered from locals talking about activity along the major waterway .
tr	4	Below them were what appeared to be several dozen small boats and six larger double-decker passenger ships typically used for tours along the river .
tr	4	Meanwhile , men were working furiously to mount large machine guns , grenade launchers , and rockets in various configurations onto the smaller boats .
tr	4	His recon squad was made up of two four man teams each with a team leader , sniper , medic , and automatic rifleman .
tr	4	He now addressed Billy , the better of his two team leaders , a teenager only a few months younger than himself .
tr	4	" If you can get to Captain Green in time , maybe he can try to stop them from getting too far north .
tr	4	As a matter of fact you might make better time on the water overall if you can get a boat early enough . "
tr	4	If the men were already loaded , they might just push ahead despite what Joshua and his team were doing .
tr	4	He also didn 't want to start messing with them too soon and cause them to speed up their own timeline .
tr	4	As a matter of fact , none of them had fired the weapons since they were taken from Fort Campbell .
tr	4	There wasn 't much more they could do to prepare and were as ready as they would probably ever be .
tr	4	A second later the Barrett to Joshua 's right boomed and he saw a splash of water near the gangplank .
tr	4	" Three feet to the right and two feet down , " Joshua said and the sniper began making the adjustments on his scope .
tr	4	He now saw several men yelling and seeking cover as understanding dawned , but the vast majority still stood dumbly in formation .
tr	4	" That 's enough for now , save the ammo , " said Joshua , stopping them for the moment .
tr	4	Chapter 13 -- Tornados Lieutenant Beau Myers was more than a little overwhelmed by the mission General Anderson had so suddenly thrust upon him .
tr	4	It was not just the obvious importance of the mission , but also the near complete lack of means to accomplish it .
tr	4	He also told Beau to get some altitude so he could get a better look at the forces to the south .
tr	4	Beau was just starting to get a good look to the south when he heard Teddy say , " Uh oh . "
tr	4	There to the south , directly adjacent to the Purchase Parkway behind some barns and farm buildings , Beau saw three tanks .
tr	4	Teddy pulled the plane in a tight turn and headed back north where the skies looked clearer while Beau gazed out the back .
tr	4	After flying a few minutes north , he convinced Teddy to turn around so they could see what was happening .
tr	4	Teddy and Beau watched the scene mesmerized for what seemed like hours , but was probably only a few minutes .
tr	4	He was tempted to have Teddy land at the airport so he could rush the information he had back to General Anderson .
tr	4	Beau had a moment of horror when he thought Teddy would accidently run him down and cut him up with the spinning propeller .
tr	4	Neither would now be safe from Teddy 's drunken ideas on how to overcome boredom , but that would have to wait .
tr	4	David admitted to himself that he was still a little raw over Joshua getting to lead the recon instead of him .
tr	4	I 'd rather give you more help , but I can 't until I know they 're not coming up both lakes .
tr	4	David nodded and ran off to gather his men taking them east along the road atop the dam towards the locks .
tr	4	After seeing their position , he had to admit that he really had no idea what he was talking about earlier with Jim Meeks .
tr	4	He decided to put his heavy weapons there and focus his efforts initially on building a strong defense where the locks met the land .
tr	4	Says he wants you to know that time is limited , and whatever you need to do , do it quick . . "
tr	4	When Myers finished , Anderson clearly saw what must be done , but first he had to take care of other business .
tr	4	Heck , I only sent him on that all important mission because he was the only officer around at the time .
tr	4	" Very good report , Lieutenant Myers , " said Anderson to the pensive young man in front of him .
tr	4	" But why exactly did you feel it was so important to rush back here to tell me this information ?
tr	4	The soldiers tell me you made them pull over so you could drive since they evidently weren 't going fast enough .
tr	4	Do you know there 's probably not many soldiers who would have gotten the tactical significance of what you saw , but you did .
tr	4	Beau looked relieved and confused at the same time and said , " I 'm not sure sir , it just seemed right . "
tr	4	Anderson made a quick decision and said without ceremony , " Lieutenant Myers , I hereby promote you to Captain .
tr	4	Beau looked flustered , turned to leave , then turned back and started to salute and then turned back again .
tr	4	Anderson turned and called for an orderly outside to summon the Commander of the National Guard Engineer Battalion responsible for their current sector .
tr	4	" Begging your pardon , sir , " said the Sergeant Major , " but won 't we be starting a war ?
tr	4	The two men nodded solemnly and the commander began to speak , possibly to apologize , but Anderson knew there wasn 't time .
tr	4	We need to destroy those tanks , otherwise ... well I don 't want to think about what happens if we don 't . "
tr	4	" I understand , General , " said the Sergeant Major as he and his commander strode out the door .
tr	4	After Gabriel recruited him for this unique mission , it took time for him to make his way carefully east out of the WTR .
tr	4	He traveled for several days , made his way back west again towards Camp Beaver on the JP 's eastern border .
tr	4	You had to find an open area with clear sky lines and stand still for sometimes as long as five minutes to acquire signal .
tr	4	He had never really fit in anywhere or been accepted , but Gabriel understood him like no one since his late mother .
tr	4	It was Gabriel who convinced him he had a destiny , one that would make him famous for generations to come .
tr	4	He looked again and counted three men leave the house , the last of the group Walter saw enter several hours earlier .
tr	4	If he could spare her , he would , but he wouldn 't lose any sleep if he had to kill her too .
tr	4	Dusk was fast approaching and he watched the wife through the window as she lit an oil lamp and appeared to be preparing food .
tr	4	At the same time , the old man came out onto the back patio and sat down alone facing away from Walter 's cover .
tr	4	Walk up , shoot the President in the chest until the gun was empty , drop the gun , and walk away .
tr	4	He spun with the gun outstretched ; saw a blur of movement just before excruciating pain filled his face and head .
tr	4	Walter dropped to the ground , but managed to fire his pistol at the unknown assailant before everything went black .
tr	4	He also saw that the rest of the transports were attempting to land on the east side of Barkley Lake on David 's flank .
tr	4	He was just about to send a squad of his men to help when he spotted something that made him change his mind .
tr	4	He noticed that the new troop transports were dispersing all of their troops on the north end of the park .
tr	4	The sight was so amazing that he nearly got caught looking before diving under a large pallet of sheet metal .
tr	4	Enemy troops were already at the other end of the road running across the dam and were advancing their way .
tr	4	Jim let out an audible moan over the loss of David and his men , but knew he couldn 't dwell on it .
tr	4	Jim was in the act of hanging up when he caught this last part and screamed , " What ? "
tr	4	" They left with all the troops they could gather this morning to come north after the enemy passed under the bridge .
tr	4	Chapter 18 -- An Act of Bravery Beau Myers thought that the raid was almost too easy , especially at first .
tr	4	After the border , everyone they encountered waved at them apparently thinking them to be some of their own troops .
tr	4	The initial plan had been to park the vehicles a distance away and approach the tanks on foot in a combat wedge formation .
tr	4	Beau thought it might be worth pushing their luck a little further and stepped out of the vehicle towards the man .
tr	4	" I don 't think General Sampson took you into consideration when he made his plans , " said Beau .
tr	4	" I suggest you get back to your unit as fast as you can and leave the guard duty to us . "
tr	4	" We 're not here to guard the tanks , we 're supposed to attack with them north when we get the word .
tr	4	These are our tanks and we 're not ... " The man 's voice trailed off as he noticed the Kentucky license plates .
tr	4	After putting out his uniform fire , Beau looked back at the tank as it swiveled again slowly and came to a stop .
tr	4	It seemed to take forever for the shot to come and Beau suddenly knew why , whoever was in that tank was alone .
tr	4	Beau realized he had that old familiar energy and focus flooding through him now and he rejoiced in his heart despite the dire situation .
tr	4	Although there were plenty of enemy between him and the tank , Beau knew he could beat them , he had to .
tr	4	The man at the top of the turret didn 't seem to notice at first , just kept waving everyone on .
tr	4	The man inside cursed loudly and lifted the lid again and brought it down harder putting his full weight behind it .
tr	4	Beau managed to get one arm free and grabbed his pistol and stuck it into the gap firing off five quick shots .
tr	4	He was just starting to look inside when someone hit him in the small of the back knocking the wind out of him .
tr	4	He appeared to be trying to talk to Beau , angry and defiant even unto death , but thankfully Beau was still deaf .
tr	4	He then looked back through the rangefinder , saw the men who had been running toward the tank milling about nearby uncertainly .
tr	4	Beau felt rather than heard a faint hum through his hands as he saw the men almost disintegrate in bursts of red mist .
tr	4	" Let 's see if I can drive this bad boy , " said Beau to himself has he pressed down on the throttle .
tr	4	He had a moment to realize they might be getting ready to roll over these mines , but it was too late to stop .
tr	4	He had previously come into the lock to scout those things out while his men had prepared defensive positions above .
tr	4	" Emergency Manual Lock Controls -- South " said , the bright yellow stenciled lettering on the grey metal door .
tr	4	David was fascinated by these sets of gates which allowed ships to transit from different water levels between the lakes and the river .
tr	4	He slid the narrow end of the bar into the lock hasp and pried with his whole body behind the effort .
tr	4	This time the wheel moved grudgingly at first and then gradually became easier until the wheel spun in his hands .
tr	4	Joshua and his father were always the thinkers and knew what actions to take ; he was the one who did it .
tr	4	" We 'll sit tight for here now , " David told them , " and take care of our wounded .
tr	4	David waited possibly two minutes before he couldn 't stand it any longer and decided he had to go see what was happening .
tr	4	He put his senior soldier in charge and told them to stay put for now , he would only be gone a minute .
tr	4	David checked his rifle to make sure a round was chambered and then he stepped out into the darkness of the hallway .
tr	4	He could hear the explosions and see the smoke so he knew they were late , but maybe not too late .
tr	4	The enemy , for whatever reason , was gathered silently near the shore staring at something the scout couldn 't see .
tr	4	He tried not to think about the fact that David was over there somewhere , perhaps bleeding and hurt , maybe dead already .
tr	4	They were to take up positions while the headquarters platoon remained behind to cover their rear and serve as a reserve if needed .
tr	4	Nathan would personally initiate the attack and ordered no one to let their soldiers get out of hand and start firing before his signal .
tr	4	Nathan directed Harold to stay back while he and Captain Carter went forward to oversee the positioning of the troops .
tr	4	The water was running north , fast as rapids , carrying branches , logs , trees and other debris in its wake .
tr	4	The current had been strong enough to pull in all of the enemy transports and most of the smaller craft .
tr	4	Although they were heavily outnumbered and overmatched in weapons , Nathan thought they just might be able to pull this off .
tr	4	When Nathan judged the time was right , he gave the signal , and fire erupted nearly simultaneously along the entire line .
tr	4	There was no cover on the bare beaches and the men trying to escape into the water were quickly sucked away with the boats .
tr	4	The slaughter was complete , and Nathan did not see a single WTR soldier return fire among the hundreds on the beach .
tr	4	He smiled to himself in relief over David and took a moment to pray for Joshua , who was also somewhere out there .
tr	4	Nathan had to stop and get control of himself , thinking for a minute that he was going to break down in tears .
tr	4	" No need to look so bad , " said Nathan , " it worked out , we 're okay . "
tr	4	The team faced a decision , should they continue on with the reconnaissance mission , or go back to the JP ?
tr	4	Joshua gathered everyone together and sought counsel , the decision was pretty evenly split with logical reasons on each side .
tr	4	" We should stay behind enemy lines and continue to gather information , " said Henry his remaining team chief .
tr	4	Joshua shook his head , " It doesn 't serve much purpose at this point other than to kill a few more soldiers .
tr	4	If we have no way to report information , we can 't do much to help in this fight . "
tr	4	The team found boats and crossed the Cumberland River , turning north to travel between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers .
tr	4	Joshua and his team proceeded cautiously , not wanting to come upon any enemy or civilians who might compromise their operation .
tr	4	The fifth day after crossing the Cumberland River they finally reached the border and couldn 't fathom what they saw .
tr	4	" The JP border is still intact and I can see our troops over there looking a little nervous . "
tr	4	Kyle nodded , " It means this is a ruse to convince our forces to the north that they face an imminent invasion .
tr	4	" There is no one here to protect the WTR 's eastern flank , our forces could push it back like a pillow . "
tr	4	If that happens they might pull other troops from the west to reinforce here and we would lose our opportunity . "
tr	4	After their weapons and ammunition were strapped safely on top of their floating rucksacks , Joshua whispered , " Wade out carefully .
tr	4	They jogged and walked about an hour , hit the Trace and turned southward on the road till they saw lights and heard voice .
tr	4	Joshua left his men in the tree line giving them his weapons much as his father had so often before .
tr	4	The sound of his voice even spooked him , coming out much louder than he intended and cutting through the night .
tr	4	" Again , I 'm sorry , but that is a discussion that I need to have with your commander . "
tr	4	There was silence for a time and then whispering while the light stayed in his face preventing him from seeing anything .
tr	4	" That would be safe if I were lying about who I am , but I 'm not , " said Joshua .
tr	4	" I certainly don 't , you 're just doing your job , but do you mind if I lower my arms ?
tr	4	He 's keyed up and we don 't want him to get any more riled than he already is . "
tr	4	The light was back in his eyes and before he knew it a man actually walked right up to him .
tr	4	Joshua smiled and started to ask about bringing his men in but the Captain grabbed his arm and drew him close .
tr	4	Chapter 2 -- The Reckoning Walter Beale 's physical pain was immense , but nothing compared to the agony of disappointment .
tr	4	After waking up , the brutal thugs explained in detail what happened between punches to the face , stomach , and groin .
tr	4	The bunk he had slept on for over a month was less than a hundred feet from where he sat now .
tr	4	" That 's what I 'm talking about , you 're not alone in this brother , but I need your help . "
tr	4	" No , " answered Nathan , " but we need your help to saves lives and prevent needless misery .
tr	4	If the WTR will just give us a little more time to take out that tyrant , we can peacefully resolve this .
tr	4	" I don 't really know exactly , " said Walter , " but he found me and showed me my destiny . "
tr	4	Chapter 3 -- Waking Up The first thing Beau Myers noticed as he started to come awake was that he could hear again .
tr	4	There was a distinct ringing in his ears , but he could clearly hear people talking in the distance and somewhere a bird chirping .
tr	4	" We 'll just check you out there , " said the girl while taking his blood pressure and heart rate .
tr	4	" Humm ... " she said concerned , " your heart rate is a little high , I 'll mention it to the doctor .
tr	4	You know you gave everyone here a bit of a scare , but looks like you 'll be alright . "
tr	4	" You 're probably thirsty , " she said as she handed him a cup of water with a flexible straw .
tr	4	Beau listened for the sounds of gunfire or fighting but didn 't hear any so he guessed that was a good sign .
tr	4	A few minutes later , Amy walked back in with General Anderson and then returned to the hallway after giving Beau a smile .
tr	4	" I couldn 't help but notice that you brought back three tanks that I clearly remember telling you to destroy . "
tr	4	If I 'd been smart enough to think about it , that might have been our plan all along , but I didn 't .
tr	4	The truth is you 're smart , capable , courageous , and other people see it and want to follow you .
tr	4	" It just kind a seemed like the right thing to do ... the only thing to do really . "
tr	4	Anderson stuck his hand out and the aide delivered them to him and then departed into the hallway , but stayed near the door .
tr	4	Everyone is in an uproar and Reggie 's had to spend most of his time since the attack convincing people he 's still alive .
tr	4	It 's killing him to be away from Janice now , but he 's afraid this whole JP business could unravel . "
tr	4	Cranes and wenches carefully pulled items away , but it would take the rest of the week to complete that job .
tr	4	Then they could see how badly the lock doors were damaged and what needed to be done to repair them .
tr	4	At this point , Nathan hesitated to even think about that daunting task , he had enough to worry about already .
tr	4	Such talk wouldn 't normally bother him , but David 's ego seemed fragile of late and the talk only made him more defensive .
tr	4	David squirmed , " But the dam , they say it 's my fault everyone still doesn 't have electricity . "
tr	4	Nathan felt the need to personally supervise this task since he knew how easy it was for interrogations to get out of control .
tr	4	These interrogations , combined with the battle and Joshua 's information from the south , necessitated Nathan 's hurried dispatch to General Anderson .
tr	4	Despite the seriousness of the information he sent to General Anderson , he was surprised to see him at the dam within several days .
tr	4	Nathan was floored and started to mumble something , maybe even an apology , but the general didn 't give him a chance .
tr	4	Some warrant further follow-up , but the gem was a Captain Hamlin , who most recently worked on Sampson 's staff .
tr	4	He 's the one who gave up the enemy dispositions which were confirmed by the bits and pieces we got from others . "
tr	4	I 'd rather not get into it , just trust that I got everything of use out of him . "
tr	4	" Yes , and as far as they 're concerned , we 're none the wiser , " said Nathan .
tr	4	Nathan thought , " We could probably be ready to go in a week , maybe five days if we push it . "
tr	4	" Sorry , " said Anderson , " but you need to start three days from now at the latest .
tr	4	" Well , " replied Nathan , " Captain Green is the logical choice and his company has yet to see action .
tr	4	That lack has come close to destroying us , especially given that the WTR is light years ahead of us in this regard .
tr	4	Since you are the only professional intelligence officer anyone around here knows of , you 're the logical choice for the post . "
tr	4	Reggie walked back up to them and said abruptly , " Let 's talk about Beale and what you got out of him . "
tr	4	A few minutes later he returned handing the black satellite phone to Nathan who held onto it looking at Reggie .
tr	4	Reggie put the phone to his ear and after several rings , heard the ringing stop and the line go active .
tr	4	You need to know that your assassination attempt on my life failed , but it did cost my wife her leg .
tr	4	I don 't know what your plans are for those forces to the south , but you had better rethink them .
tr	4	Ethan admitted that the one sided " conversation " he had with Reggie Phillips was somewhat surprising , but again of no real concern .
tr	4	They already knew of the embarrassing and frustrating raid along the border which resulted in the loss of three of their tanks .
tr	4	We could use the force up near the border and push north when the other force hits on the Mississippi .
tr	4	Ethan agonized over this and felt it was possible that the JP had uncovered the ruse and knew the southern border was paper thin .
tr	4	" You know a lot of this would have been avoided if I had the right information , " Sampson muttered .
tr	4	Ethan , if things don 't start going right soon , I won 't have to look far to find someone to blame .
tr	4	" There comes a time Ethan , when every man has to accept the consequences of his actions and cannot hide behind others .
tr	4	" I do understand , and much better than you , old fool , " said Ethan to himself as he walked back outside .
tr	4	With that said , I understand the importance of bringing all our resources to bear during this time of crisis .
tr	4	The existing tactical reconnaissance patrols have proven the value of such information and of the specialized units which conduct them .
tr	4	We will also need an analytical capability to sift through the intelligence gathered in order to produce finished intelligence products .
tr	4	The key functions of this organization should include intelligence collection in all forms , counterintelligence , and security at the state or higher level .
tr	4	Since there is still no electricity , we should rely on what is traditionally referred to as " low tech " .
tr	4	Even when electrical services are restored , I believe it is best to found our capabilities on what has worked for thousands of years .
tr	4	Also , individuals inside the WTR could provide information on what was happening there in addition to early warning of troop movements .
tr	4	With your approval sir , I would like to begin the work of establishing the Strategic Security Agency with the above basic guidelines .
tr	4	As always I am available for further discussion and would welcome any feedback or guidance you may have on this issue .
tr	4	" Maybe he went to get help or something , " said the mayor 's secretary referring to her now fled boss .
tr	4	The Clerk shook his head , " He 's out of town , won 't be back in time . "
tr	4	Brazen 's regiment was taking in new recruits , but they were mostly untrained , and his forces chiefly consisted of the gangs .
tr	4	Our men won 't be able to stand up against them in normal battle , plus we 'll likely be outgunned . "
tr	4	They established a hasty perimeter around the downtown area , mainly using additional men or teenage boys who volunteered to help instead of evacuate .
tr	4	The barges lumbered close to the flood walls until their metal bottoms scraped with a shrill protest on the sloped concrete embankments .
tr	4	Ladders and ramps were lifted over the side and the men were able to come ashore with no more than their lower half wet .
tr	4	The WTR forces seemed surprised at the ease of the landing and the fact that the city appeared to be abandoned .
tr	4	When they were spread apart , and too far from their boats to retreat easily , Brazen gave the signal .
tr	4	The WTR troops responded with overwhelming firepower , putting machine gun rounds and grenades into any window or position that fired on them .
tr	4	Many of Brazen 's men died , but they harassed the invaders ' advance , and by sunset had slowed them to a crawl .
tr	4	By dawn 's light Brazen 's men saw the boats already in the middle of the Mississippi steaming back south .
tr	4	We need to tend to the wounded , get those fires out and most importantly warn people down the river . "
tr	4	They 'll go back dragging their tails and be more likely to take it out on some poor unsuspecting farmers and such .
tr	4	The buses were now bringing people back to downtown to help try to put out the fires as best they could .
tr	4	A number didn 't want to help and just wished to go home , but Brazen made it clear there was no choice .
tr	4	They were a community after all , and true communities helped their neighbors ... whether they wanted to or not .
tr	4	Brazen thought it was ironic that only a few weeks ago he had actually threatened to do this very deed .
tr	4	He also organized the fire parties , food and water distribution , and gathering clothing and found homes for those who were burned out .
tr	4	" Do you really think for a minute that you 're ready for the power that is coming your way ? "
tr	4	They had lain quietly and patiently in their positions since midnight and it was almost noon of the next day .
tr	4	They would also set up a blocking position to the north of the camp to intercept anyone fleeing from Captain Green 's forces .
tr	4	David saw members of the WTR camp come out of their tents and look to the north and others ran to get their weapons .
tr	4	They had thirty seconds to go and he saw that the camp was in pandemonium with dead and wounded lying among the tents .
tr	4	" Get ready , " David said to the men on his left and right who passed the word down the line .
tr	4	It also meant that a nearly solid wall of bullets awaited anyone from the camp fleeing away from David 's team .
tr	4	David hoped his men didn 't flinch from the plan which was to shoot anything that moved , and to keep going .
tr	4	Everyone depended on everyone else to do his job , otherwise they would assault through only to have enemy soldiers at their exposed rear .
tr	4	He knelt on a knee and turned back to see the rest of the assault team come to the same location .
tr	4	At the same time members of the assault team paired up and began going back through the camp looking for survivors to finish off .
tr	4	David was torn between setting up a linear blocking position or a classic ambush along the main approach from the north .
tr	4	But he placed his machine guns along the main path since the majority of the survivors would likely come by that way .
tr	4	He yelled for his men to hustle to their new positions , leaving only a few to provide security to their rear .
tr	4	David started to introduce himself , but he heard one of his machine gunners say , " What kept you boys . "
tr	4	Sampson sent one aide after another to find out what was going on , but so far none of them had returned .
tr	4	Sampson grabbed the man by the shirt as he passed and used the soldier 's forward momentum to fling him to the ground .
tr	4	The officer looked at Sampson like he thought the general had lost his mind ; but Sampson didn 't notice the look .
tr	4	" Well , we can build further armies , ones that aren 't so cowardly and do not betray me .
tr	4	" I have a squad that will take us to a car hidden on a trail over that hill there .
tr	4	The lieutenant stood looking at him silently for several seconds and Sampson was about to repeat his demand when the lieutenant spoke .
tr	4	Sampson opened his mouth to yell at the man when he raised his arm and shot Sampson in the head with his pistol .
tr	4	" I have a different mission for you and your men and I need it to be done right now . "
tr	4	Anyone who does not have a unit , or can 't find it , is to fall under your command .
tr	4	Any officer you see who refuses to do his duty , you have the authority to relieve on the spot in my name .
tr	4	Anderson 's face was grim as he told Beau to gather his men around so he could tell them all .
tr	4	The major smiled , took a step to the right and shot the next man in the head , his soldiers not moving .
tr	4	On the bright side , maybe I 'll be able to catch up on my gardening , he mused looking at the sky .
tr	4	With no sense of hesitation or uncertainty , the man walked around the end of the table and stuck his hand out to Reggie .
tr	4	My name is Ethan Schweitzer , " said the small , older man while shaking Reggie 's hand in both of his .
tr	4	" Let me first thank you all very much on behalf of all the people of the West Tennessee Republic for coming .
tr	4	General Sampson would be honored by the comparison , but regardless we are conducting a full investigation into the matter .
tr	4	I told him this war was a bad idea and would only cause grief and trouble for everyone , but he didn 't listen .
tr	4	" If General Sampson is dead , " asked Reggie , " then who exactly is in charge of the WTR ? "
tr	4	" Well , sir , we appreciate your overtures to us to end this conflict and are open to your proposals . "
tr	4	" Our dam is currently damaged and we do not know when it will be repaired or the electricity restored . "
tr	4	" We are willing to pay anyway with the belief that you will repair it and have electricity again , " said Ethan .
tr	4	" Actually , " said Reggie , " we only had one other point and that is toward future prosperity .
tr	4	There was silence again and Reggie broke it this time , " Well , gentlemen , I believe we are in agreement .
tr	4	We can have the documents drawn up and signed by the representatives of each of our territories and published for all to see .
tr	4	Can we also assume that you have the authority to agree to the terms we 've spoken of today ? "
tr	4	Today he hoped was the day he could get back to somewhat of a normal life and look after other things .
tr	4	Although the priority was to repair the locks and the problems within the dam , they had also planned and executed the southern offensive .
tr	4	As part of the peace treaty , new territory was added to the JP including land south of the LBL .
tr	4	The initial thought was to simply create new counties out of the territory , but Harold thought wiser minds prevailed .
tr	4	Before the war , there seemed to be an attitude of trepidation and uncertainty , but nearly overnight those feelings changed .
tr	4	The problems with the dam were the only observable cloud in an otherwise clear sky , and hopefully those issues would be resolved soon .
tr	4	John Downing had the idea of asking the Murray State University Engineering Department for help when his own people reached their wit 's end .
tr	4	The students and faculty came not only to help , but also stated they would stay until the problem was found and resolved .
tr	4	Within a few days they not only identified the primary problem but also came up with a plan to manufacture the necessary replacement parts .
tr	4	An ingenious graduate student also found several inherent problems that were preventing the electrical generators from running at optimal performance and corrected those issues .
tr	4	Although the lock doors were damaged , the crews were able to seal them shut , by permanently welding them .
tr	4	Harold thought the days of heavy barges transiting the locks were either long past , or pretty far in the future .
tr	4	We 're going to have a lot of upset people if we can 't get this thing running again . "
tr	4	Jim started to say more , but they heard the heavy grinding noise of one of the dam doors sliding open .
tr	4	About that time John came back up the stairs from below with a wide grin and nearly skipped up to them .
tr	4	The cheering and celebration along the top of the dam and the shore was like a wave as the word passed .
tr	4	Chapter 13 -- A Lifetime of Service Clarence Anderson heard the knock on his front door and was pleased to find Beau Myers .
tr	4	While they all celebrated the victory over the WTR , many took sides over Anderson 's actions following the Battle of Fulton .
tr	4	" Also , I don 't want to be associated with an organization that would force you out like this . "
tr	4	Do not let what others say keep you from fulfilling what you were meant to do and are good at . "
tr	4	" Well , I 'm talking to you about it now , " said Anderson trying not to let his impatience show .
tr	4	It 's because I see you are making a mistake and I want to spare you that , but you 're right .
tr	4	" Don 't be embarrassed , son , she 's a fine girl ; I wish you both the best . "
tr	4	But , if you two are going to make a life together , she should be involved in a decision such as this .
tr	4	That would be very wise , wiser than I was when I was in your shoes , to include her . "
tr	4	So , you 're asking me if at the end of the road I 'm upset by how it ended ? "
tr	4	" But before that , he told his friends why and it is captured in writing by his student Plato .
tr	4	There is madness and death out there , but here we are protecting humanity itself from sinking into brutality and baseness .
tr	4	Anderson smiled , " What makes you think my service is over just because I 'm not wearing a uniform anymore ?
tr	4	" Yes , that is a possibility , " said Reggie , " but it 's too early to know for certain .
tr	4	We 're taking steps to slowly increase the loads on our systems and see what they can take and what is sustainable .
tr	4	Tell me Reggie , how did you feel when that moment finally came and you knew it was over ? "
tr	4	Any person who treats one of these differently is not only acting selfishly , but not in the best interests of the whole .
tr	4	The war is now over , and it will take work for us to move forward , but move forward we must . "
tr	4	" Reggie , I 've also read and heard that following the upcoming elections , we 'll no longer be called the Jackson Purchase .
tr	4	I will be installed as soon as the new government document is approved and signed by all the country representatives .
tr	4	" Oh , I can 't see how you could lose sir , or who would vote against you . "
tr	4	I 'm sure everyone has noticed that although a barter system may meet our basic needs it makes it rather difficult to conduct business .
tr	4	We will soon begin circulating paper dollars that are backed up by a huge supply of iron from the mines in New Harvest .
tr	4	Rest assured that these paper dollars will retain their value and can be trusted and exchanged for iron at any time . "
tr	4	" My friends , never forget this moment or what we are capable of , especially now as we embark as a new nation .
tr	4	These are exciting times , and proof that humanity can salvage itself out of the chaos and destruction that is all around us .
tr	4	" Thank you very much Mister Philips , for your time and your sentiments which I 'm sure most of us share today .
tr	4	He was able to listen in on the side discussions and report what he heard to his handler in the WTR .
tr	4	We could allow the man to continue providing information , but in reality he would be working for my new intelligence service .
tr	4	Such an arrangement would allow us to pass disinformation along and also hopefully allow us to learn about the WTR intelligence network .
tr	4	Respectfully , ORIGINAL SIGNED Brigadier General Nathan Taylor ORIGINAL SIGNED President Reginald Philips with the words " See me ASAP ! "
tr	4	Although my expectations were low , I have been surprised by the amount of radio traffic and the information they gathered .
tr	4	Although South America and Africa were spared widespread nuclear bombardment , they were behind Southeast Asia in development and production .
tr	4	We don 't know how dangerous these elements are , but the less they know about the JP , the better .
tr	4	All the major cities in the United States took at least one direct nuclear hit , and many more than one .
tr	4	His opponent had come out of nowhere , a former lawyer from Carlisle County who was willing to do whatever it took to win .
tr	4	Reggie was unwilling to do the same and most said that was what cost him the election by a very narrow margin .
tr	4	Reggie wasn 't so upset that Paul Campbell said such hateful lies , but that so many were willing to believe them .
tr	4	Reggie 's greatest fear was that Campbell 's ambition and selfishness would destroy the fledgling nation they had fought so hard to create .
tr	4	He would present his farewell speech in an outdoor arena to the executive council and any other civilians who chose to attend .
tr	4	Reggie couldn 't get a feel for the number of people there , but it seemed to be rather large .
tr	4	It had taken every bit of willpower Reggie possessed to congratulate him and concede the election once the ballots were in .
tr	4	All the negative issues that were exaggerated by Campbell were things beyond his control or issues he had worked hard to resolve .
tr	4	The war , of course , was a major issue , as were the actions after the Battle of Fulton .
tr	4	People were angry about the loss of electricity and the burning of Paducah , but all of that was really to be expected .
tr	4	He had never considered himself needy or overly emotional , but the recent attacks had undermined his self-worth more than he admitted .
tr	4	The public may not realize it or appreciate that sacrifice , but this made it all the more special and worthy of pride .
tr	4	As the crowds began to sit down in groups on blankets and lawn chairs , Reggie saw Brazen standing there smiling at him .
tr	4	" We keep talking about getting the world back to the way it was , back to the good old times .
tr	4	They are important because we cannot live together in a civilized society filled with light and decency and goodness without civility and common courtesy .
tr	4	We lived in a world where any act of nobility , selflessness service , or personal sacrifice was so unnatural as to be incomprehensible .
tr	4	We must use the ingenuity , hard work , and cooperation that our forefathers did when they hacked a life out of the wilderness .
tr	4	" One more thing friends and neighbors , and I will retire from you in every sense of the word . "
tr	4	I feel it is apt now and I would like to close with his words rather than any of my own . "
tr	4	Reggie turned and walked off the stage and there was a moment of stunned silence before applause erupted like an oncoming wave .
tr	4	" Let 's go home , " he whispered in Janice 's ear and she smiled and kissed him again .
tr	4	With the help of friends they were able to extricate themselves from the crowd and make their way over to the horse and buggy .
tr	4	He then climbed up waving to everyone and Reggie had a sudden flashback to their wedding day thirty-eight years ago .
tr	4	Reggie didn 't know if he had done a good job , but he knew he had done his best and it was enough .
tr	4	Ethan made a quick decision to stop work early this evening and eat a good meal before getting to bed early .
tr	4	He would not hesitate to destroy any of them if they got in his way or threatened his vision of his future .
tr	4	Most men would probably justify their ambition and actions by saying it was best for the people or the country or society .
tr	4	Besides , he felt confident that they would get the territory back they had lost and reverse roles with the JP .
tr	4	Not only was General Anderson out of power , but now that sanctimonious Reggie Philips was gone from the picture as well .
tr	4	Paul Campbell did what he was told to do , and he would continue to do so as long as Ethan held his son .
tr	4	He could make the new JP President do whatever he wanted , but for him to do too much might raise suspicion .
tr	4	The right moment would come , he had no doubt , possibly when those crazy Missouri Alliance boys decided to push eastward .
tr	4	Ethan sent out diplomatic messages to them which were received haughtily , but the purpose of the messages was accomplished .
tr	4	When they attacked the JP , Ethan could come in to help the JP and finally seize everything to combine the two countries .
tr	4	It was perfect , and he nodded to the three men who withdrew in obvious relief , closing the door behind them .
tr	4	Thinking about the future got Ethan 's heart racing and he decided that he would not go to bed early after all .
tr	4	This led me to thinking what my family and I would do in a real emergency which of course led to getting home .
tr	4	The first draft was written in a rush between February and May of 2010 during free moments late at night or on weekends .
tr	4	My wife Kristin read the first draft and encouraged my writing efforts when I thought it was a little ridiculous and pretentious .
tr	4	I 'm working on the second book in this series Children of Wrath which I hope you get the chance to enjoy soon .
tr	4	The Well of Fates The day has come , and sun will rise The dawn is here , the Falcon flies .
tr	4	The only sound was the rush of water down the channels beside the roadway , carrying snowmelt down to the sea .
tr	4	Why make an easy path from the sea to the city , why eliminate the natural defenses of weather and height ?
tr	4	But they were limited to what they could reach , and many casters were incomplete -- unable to touch all four .
tr	4	Also out of reach were the higher things that exist among men and between them , such as Love , Hope and Truth .
tr	4	He could only try to keep the memories from running before his eyes , new memories that seared themselves into his soul .
tr	4	Fearful questions seemed to billow larger with each step , like the charcoal grey cloaks of the fifteen who led the charge .
tr	4	Her golden hair in a braid wrapped around her head like a crown , grey eyes glinting when she smiled .
tr	4	They were not prepared to fight at all , certainly not against the unfamiliar weapons the Brothers brought with them .
tr	4	At least this way she does not have to frown over me each day and fret over my lost potential .
tr	4	But faced with revolt , the Empress needed to take drastic action , so she 'd set them off to sea at once .
tr	4	He wondered if she ever bothered to ask the Firstborn what he thought of the prophecy she urged him to bring to fruition .
tr	4	Parts were simple commands , like : Seek the lost things in the East , born of blood that 's valued least .
tr	4	And the Isles did need saving : each year the seas rose higher , and each year the crops did the opposite .
tr	4	Most did not even fight -- they would not resist the Empress ' will , even if her will was for them to die .
tr	4	The Orb was just a rock to a weaver -- it called for creation , beyond the shallow powers of the Brotherhood .
tr	4	A few corpses wore the all-black uniform of Watchers , the special bodyguards of the Empire that the Empress sent with them .
tr	4	The thought didn 't disturb him much -- how could it , when his wife already awaited him in the night sky ?
tr	4	By the time he 'd battled his way to the fountain , he was not in a mood to go around .
tr	4	He usually did not mind his weaknesses , because there was not a Guardian alive who could match him at Searching the Winds .
tr	4	He leapt up the stairs to the fifth level and burst through the door of his sister 's house without knocking .
tr	4	I always thought of them keeping our enemies out , but now it seems more like they 'll trap us in .
tr	4	Looking down , he caught sight of a neatly planted field down below , but he could not tell what the crop was .
tr	4	Maybe it was a sign , a message meant for him , because who but he would touch this stone ?
tr	4	River towns usually had the best view from on the river , either on a bridge or the deck of a ship .
tr	4	Savana had been alive after the invaders moved out of the mountains , she 'd come back here to draw him this map .
tr	4	He doesn 't understand just how hard some people will fight if you take away everything they 've got to lose .
tr	4	He 'd managed to hunt down the Guardians tasked with hiding it , but none had given away their secret .
tr	4	In the back were a collection of youths , faces flushed as they watched their dice bouncing across the wood .
tr	4	Two serving girls moved between the tables , cleaning and refilling drinks , flashing dimples under bright eyes as they worked .
tr	4	When he scowled , bushy black eyebrows met over the bridge of his nose , untouched by the gray that streaked his hair .
tr	4	" I 've tried to tell you to stay away from the Counsel , you seldom agree with them . "
tr	4	He only gave her a hard look for her advice , puffing furiously at his pipe until he could not resist .
tr	4	She examined the end of her braid as if she were trying to decide if it were more brown or blonde .
tr	4	Someone sat there in all black , the cowl of his cloak up despite the warmth of the room , shadowing his face .
tr	4	The hunch of his shoulders and shadows across his face made clear that he did , but he merely shrugged .
tr	4	The gates close to visitors at dusk , you might have been locked out , so close to the Wilds , too ! "
tr	4	" You should audition for a show -- you 're quite talented , but don 't waste my time with your acting .
tr	4	A normal question would be his name , or his hometown , but I think he expects that and not in a welcome way .
tr	4	" Because it will be less expensive for you than staying here , and because I do not like to chop firewood . "
tr	4	It was a fine weapon , the black leather hilt inlaid with gold in the shape of three crossed arrows .
tr	4	The great gates swung open with the low groan of metal on metal as the old man worked the levers and gears .
tr	4	How much of that is because he doesn 't know the way and how much a desire to keep us in front of him ?
tr	4	" My uncle has , and I 've lived with him since I was ten and my parents went East . "
tr	4	She didn 't let his wariness affect her , keeping her tone light and strolling as if she were in a sunlit meadow .
tr	4	Her answer was short and she looked up at the stars between the twisted branches , ignoring the way his eyes narrowed .
tr	4	Even someone from the other side of the world understood -- they didn 't go by choice , and those stories never ended well .
tr	4	The deep darkness of the path , only visible if you knew it existed , opened into the lesser shadow of a small clearing .
tr	4	He behaves the way I imagine a soldier would , but soldiers aren 't allowed to wander about as they please .
tr	4	He 'd been travelling for at least three seasons of the year , but little of himself came through his stories .
tr	4	He had a decidedly uncomfortable hunch to his shoulders , but his face was as blank as a long-time gambler 's .
tr	4	She was trying to be quiet , but cooking with heavy metal pans over the fire simply wasn 't quiet .
tr	4	" That 's because any day that starts with breakfast is a good day , and I always smell breakfast in the morning . "
tr	4	If he was surprised at her arsenal , Landon said nothing as he buckled his sword belt around his waist .
tr	4	Not watching his feet , Landon caught his toe on an uneven stone and staggered to keep from landing on his face .
tr	4	Landon gaped at the clearing , then hurried forward to catch up with Elaina on the narrow path that wound away from the clearing .
tr	4	At the inn she 'd thought him suspicious and strange , but now she saw what she 'd missed : he was dangerous .
tr	4	I 've never met anyone who 's killed someone before , but I wouldn 't laugh if Landon said he had .
tr	4	She 'd never been attacked , but the things that lurked in the Wilds had never lurked so persistently before .
tr	4	Judging by his disgruntled expression , Landon thought he should have ended up in front but he stayed silent and still .
tr	4	Shouldn 't have told him anything , but now that he knows ... " They 've never attacked me . "
tr	4	The chickens were milling in the yard , and the goats lay on their sides pulling up mouthfuls of hay and chewing contentedly .
tr	4	Landon thought his own father might have wanted more proof than just a bad feeling about a wall of leaves .
tr	4	How am I going to find what I 'm looking for if the nightmares on the doorstep are ready to eat me ?
tr	4	It had been a mistake to think the hardest part of his mission would be getting to the far side of the world .
tr	4	His short beard and thick hair were graying , but those eyebrows resisted , dominating a sharp brow that reminded Landon of his father .
tr	4	He 'd just have to tell her as best he could , and then he 'd figure out what to do with the boy .
tr	4	Landon studied the table in front of him , tracing the whorls on the wood with a finger as they waited .
tr	4	" You 're not going anywhere without one of us , Landon , or have you forgotten this morning already ? "
tr	4	There is no ignoring that many reports -- something is out there , whether or not it is after me yet .
tr	4	I 'll have to tell someone eventually , if they 're to help me , but how do I know who I should trust ?
tr	4	" My only hope is some help I would find in the Wilds of the far west , so I am here .
tr	4	I walked most of the way , working for my bed and supper when I could , sleeping under hedges when I couldn 't .
tr	4	Years before the Invasion he had been told this road would lead to his death , and it would start with that simple question .
tr	4	On the other hand , who wanted to be involved with power like that , power that could kill before you saw it coming ?
tr	4	Kneeling by the wardrobe was a challenge , but hidden in the false bottom lay the enormous volume he was looking for .
tr	4	The pages were darker with time , and the leather had stiffened in the ten years since he had last looked at it .
tr	4	The leather hardens the longer it stays out in the world , away from the cool darkness of the Hall of Giants .
tr	4	Well , it broke me , he thought , remembering his journey across half the world , following Savana and the Book .
tr	4	" I 'll train you the way Guardians have always been trained , the way Creators have been taught since everything began .
tr	4	They stopped anyone from using it , which might be thought of as destruction , but it isn 't gone . "
tr	4	I 'll make them wish that they had never left their cursed islands , that they had never seen a ship ! "
tr	4	For weak casters it takes longer , but for a Creator it will be a matter of weeks or days before they change .
tr	4	He could still remember her expression when one of the other children explained the game of foxes and hounds to her .
tr	4	" I 've seen a caster fill a glass with water and light a fire just by looking at the wood . "
tr	4	We 'll likely know your strongest and weakest pillars by the end of today , if you manage to cast at all . "
tr	4	" Normally , new Guardians trained with an adept that was stronger than they -- just in case they lost control .
tr	4	She won 't be up to her full potential for some time , and I have the advantage of experience .
tr	4	He moved well despite his affliction , but he was in a hurry -- he 'd soon tire at this pace .
tr	4	She was sure she had never found these paths in ten years exploring , and they were not a league from home !
tr	4	He marched as if he knew each turn by heart , down to the number of paces between each one .
tr	4	" You wouldn 't believe the legends of this book and the Lost Times , or the War of Shadows . "
tr	4	Of course , each individual has their own tweaks : from weather and simple healing to growing plants and building with stone .
tr	4	If you want to move a rock , you can use Earth to control it directly , manipulating the nature of the thing .
tr	4	You can dry something either by moving the Water out , or by bringing heat -- Air and Fire -- in . "
tr	4	" When you say you 're going to move something by manipulating its nature -- don 't you mean just manipulating it ?
tr	4	Objects do not have unique , individual spirits like we do , they have something more basic , more general .
tr	4	Silver and red rotated in the motes of light between the leaves , the stones were traced through with black .
tr	4	It was as if the whole of the world were covered in intricate spider webs strung with rubies and sapphires , diamonds and ebony .
tr	4	Patterns can be broken down , dissolved , dispersed , but each little light you see now is all a caster can work with .
tr	4	A Guardian could banish the building blocks entirely -- there is no way to bring them back unless you have Guardians too . "
tr	4	In the center of the trefoil leaves were the last remnants of the morning dew , hidden in the shade .
tr	4	The tiny reflection of the clearing rippled on the water 's surface with her breath and the lattice shifted with it .
tr	4	She felt something stir , a swirl of something in the reflection , in herself ... but then it was gone .
tr	4	In her mind , she reached out for the source of the resonance that seemed to pulse inside the tiny drop .
tr	4	The feeling , the rush of power filled her , roared through her like a river of fire that charred to the bone .
tr	4	It thundered and swirled , sucking her in , pulling her under and tearing her away from life even as she drowned in it .
tr	4	Colors sprang at her , vivid and new as if they had never been seen before by her or anyone else .
tr	4	The physical form followed the crystal lattice she controlled , lifting off the leaf , swirling into a perfect orb of Water .
tr	4	Never forget it , though , remember you are not a god , Elaina , and you are not the judge of souls .
tr	4	The rock she was working on left the ground , to be sure , but only to explode in a hail of flying chips .
tr	4	If the enemy decides to pelt you with boulders or bury you with a mountain , you 'll thank me . "
tr	4	" Remember what it felt like to have the web snap that way , and try not to push it so far . "
tr	4	Casting that web felt like drawing a bow three times too strong for her , if the bowstring happened to be a live serpent .
tr	4	Instead of seizing and manipulating the web of the stone itself , her touch seemed to make it crack and dissolve entirely .
tr	4	" Your spirit is obviously very little like a stone -- you do not understand it well enough to cast it .
tr	4	She felt ever so much more like Fire than Air or Water and wanted to finish on a good note .
tr	4	In theory it is the same , but some casters build a block to working with certain items with any Element .
tr	4	Before she could blink , an icy chill swirled through the clearing and she lost her grasp of the pillars entirely .
tr	4	I 'll keep this one , and you take that one , " he handed her one of the tiny birds .
tr	4	It is a gift for seeing the current of the river that is Time and making predictions based on it .
tr	4	He shot a significant glance at Landon , who paled like a corpse and stuck one hand in his pocket , oddly enough .
tr	4	Dinner was a simple meal of bread and butter , cheese , and a few slices of cured ham with wine .
tr	4	He stared at her and she stared back , eyebrows raised , then looked pointedly at the food scattered all over the floor .
tr	4	He chuckled , " We 'll have to teach you the web to hide your eyes as soon as possible . "
tr	4	For a moment she only gaped at him , then snatched a spoon off the table to peer at her reflection .
tr	4	Keeping her comments to herself , she slumped into her seat at the table and began eating , eyebrows halfway to her hairline .
tr	4	How she determined their course from those little lights remained a mystery to him , no matter how he tried to understand their patterns .
tr	4	A few were high stars , guiding lights from beyond the circle of the sea that led the People in a grander sense .
tr	4	When it is on the back of the Red Crab , strong storms shake the isles of the West . "
tr	4	It was hard to hide a fear of storms when you shared a bed with a man on a ship .
tr	4	She 'd never been more ashamed in her life , but he had not laughed , nor did he scorn her .
tr	4	It was called a fortress , but the upper floors were decidedly more palatial , and his rooms were the finest of them all .
tr	4	But being Firstborn was not a matter of birth year , as the ridiculous peasants on this side of the ocean believed .
tr	4	He had personally overseen the destruction of the border forts into useless piles of rubble and the desecration of the port cities .
tr	4	He had ordered the best farmland strewn with salt , and then he claimed the greatest prize of all : the royal line .
tr	4	His skill for detecting the ripples that spread from spun nets was useful , and his hunches hardly ever mistaken .
tr	4	In the weeks that followed , the three residents of the odd little house in the Wilds developed an easy routine .
tr	4	Its body was roughly the same size as the house , with wings that big again and a long sturdy tail .
tr	4	Despite the fact that it looked like scaly leather , Elaina discovered it was perfectly soft and smooth to the touch .
tr	4	The best it could do was to thrust its long face as far through the door as possible -- just past the nostrils .
tr	4	Here and there she could read whole sentences , though on many pages she didn 't know a single word .
tr	4	There was one toward the end of the book that made her skin prickle as if it could actually see her .
tr	4	It featured in more than one nightmare of her hers , but she couldn 't help but turn to it near every night .
tr	4	Every time she flipped past that page , Elaina would smile back at the perky little thing and wonder if they still existed .
tr	4	If Elaina ever heard an owl after moonrise , she would lay there listening for the reply that meant safety .
tr	4	They howled closer to the house at night than they ever had before , which made them very hard to ignore completely .
tr	4	Landon couldn 't seem to ignore them at all , especially when he found out tracks as large as dinner plates .
tr	4	CHAPTER 7 The Flight Elaina scrunched up her nose as she dumped the herbs on the table in a leafy , aromatic pile .
tr	4	She had left the actual sprigs outside to keep the smell under control , but it still managed to engulf the whole room .
tr	4	Elaina set the wooden cup she 'd been drying down on the table while she watched him feverishly demonstrate what he ordered .
tr	4	Landon always kept his things in a meticulously neat stack , clothes folded , bags packed , and everything kept out of the way .
tr	4	With that he swiped the dried cup off the table , crammed his socks into it and squashed it into one bag .
tr	4	She was imagining a courageous stand at the little house , combined with the memory of those trees she had turned into enormous torches .
tr	4	He wrapped it in clothes as he went , stuffed the lot into a bag , then crammed that into a cauldron .
tr	4	Did they have an Orb with them -- a round stone just small enough to hold in one hand ? "
tr	4	Panting for breath , she asked in a harsh whisper , " Now will you tell me what we 're running from ? "
tr	4	Tapping his lip , he glanced at the solid walls of overgrown shrubs and vines that filled the gaps beneath the trees .
tr	4	Elaina tried to focus in on the webs he was casting , but there was too much movement -- it was dizzying .
tr	4	If he can climb mountain paths with a crutch , I can cast just as well tonight as any other .
tr	4	Earth , Fire , Air , and Water , then pulling them together for heat , light , mist , and steam .
tr	4	Is it the Creator 's , stored up and waiting to be used , or just what is in the jewel ? "
tr	4	No one has been strong enough to finish it , so it goes on , consuming every life force it encounters . "
tr	4	" So all we have to do is keep them from touching you with this thing , and we 're safe ? "
tr	4	" I doubt it will be that simple , but it is to our advantage to know the enemy 's weapons . "
tr	4	" But that is not something we will need to worry on for a good long time , Truth protect us .
tr	4	She had left her bow behind long ago -- it was too awkward to carry and keep the string and feathers dry .
tr	4	Battling the weather to keep in dry and ready to use had been a chore , but she missed it .
tr	4	He said they caught all manner of things with ropes , but as easy as it looked , it was near impossible to do .
tr	4	She focused , looking for the bright halo of Fire , but found only the dim sparkle of plant life .
tr	4	Nausea rolled over her , and Elaina barely kept from falling down from the dry heaves that seized her stomach .
tr	4	" It 's strange , " Landon said , examining their dinner , " I can 't tell where I hit it . "
tr	4	Darkness blanketed the mountains early , leaving them marching along in the gloom until they found a decent spot to camp .
tr	4	They had been out in the mountains for twenty two days , but this was the coldest night by far .
tr	4	There 's only one reason I 'd feel guilty enough about the rabbit to not eat it when we 're slowly starving to death .
tr	4	Rather than wait to be berated in front of Landon , Elaina said softly , " I 'll never do it again . "
tr	4	If she had to guess , she would have said they were directly north of the headwaters of Bryce Creek .
tr	4	Before , even casting pure Air was troublesome , now it comes to me easy as breathing and so does Fire and Water .
tr	4	Between the extra casting and the cold she had a faint tinge of blue to her lips all the time .
tr	4	If I didn 't need my boots , I swear I would gnaw on the leather and boil the soles into soup .
tr	4	As they walked , the steep walls around them abruptly fell away , revealing a deep bowl-shaped valley in the afternoon sun .
tr	4	The trees thinned and disappeared toward the center of the valley , where a meadow crept all the way to the other side .
tr	4	On the far side , the cliffs dropped into a crystal clear pool that reflected everything above it on its perfectly unruffled surface .
tr	4	The water comes from a hot spring , so it will be warm though it is no deeper than this . "
tr	4	The birches had not yet lost their leaves , which were a happy yellow against the white of the slender branches .
tr	4	She 'd squeal and fly out of his hands like a will o ' the wisp , her brown curls bobbing behind her .
tr	4	The pile of branches was crackling merrily when Elaina returned , all her clothes dripping wet and a broad grin on her face .
tr	4	He headed off at once , waving her off when she called after him that she 'd left things over there to dry .
tr	4	The water wasn 't hot enough to really warm him through , but at least it wasn 't so cold that he 'd freeze .
tr	4	Landon returned just as evening fell in the valley -- earlier than it had at home under the shadows of the mountains .
tr	4	" It would be best to keep moving , but the cold may dissuade our hunters more than it bothers us . "
tr	4	" We 'll try to blend in , get what we need , and get out as fast as we can .
tr	4	If one man blends in , then I 'll do as well as you -- only I can run if things go bad . "
tr	4	Once he disappeared down the road , she went to sit with Landon and their things , scattered amongst the pine needles and boulders .
tr	4	Landon tried to explain how the lenses bent the light without actually reflecting it , so Illusions still held up .
tr	4	It didn 't make a whole lot of sense to Elaina , who didn 't understand how you could possibly bend light .
tr	4	" My father saw one fighting a man once , though it didn 't last long -- their battles usually don 't .
tr	4	" Because there are too many men at the gate , and I think they 're wearing that seal . "
tr	4	Landon jumped down from his perch on an enormous outcrop of granite and knelt down to steady his elbow on his knee .
tr	4	Instead of hiding her eyes , she peered between her fingers at the town , though she couldn 't see anything .
tr	4	Landon finished , " and has a better chance of getting away if he 's not worried about you . "
tr	4	" I said if something happened , " she protested , changing her argument , " and nothing has ! "
tr	4	Blinking away the purple haze that filled his vision , Landon looked to Elaina , mute horror filling his mind .
tr	4	A great dark circle was melted out of the snow , and standing in it was only one man , all in black .
tr	4	Landon raised his eyes to Elaina , who sat cradling the little bird in her hands , tears streaming down her face .
tr	4	Fighting down the disbelief and terror that rose up his throat , Landon took Elaina 's free hand and pulled her upright .
tr	4	He had not known Elaina 's uncle long , but time seemed longer when you saw one another from sunrise to sunset .
tr	4	Elaina didn 't complain , didn 't speak at all , and Landon didn 't let go of her hand .
tr	4	Landon sighed , tipping his head back to stare at the stars that pierced the velvet black of the night .
tr	4	Resting his head in his hand and his elbow on one knee , Landon closed his eyes and tried to sleep .
tr	4	Even with the extra work , her thoughts would get away from her and she 'd be grappling with the pain .
tr	4	It 's dangerous , but so is this , and if it works , we 'll have a real chance . "
tr	4	Elaina nodded , took a deep breath that stung her lungs with the mountain chill , and followed him out into the tall grass .
tr	4	Any second she expected shouts and arrows or lightning bolts from the sky to descend on them , but nothing happened .
tr	4	There was a moment 's pause , then a voice rough with age called out , " Be gone , yeh pests .
tr	4	Raising his eyebrows , Landon checked the hills again , then hitched his bag farther up his shoulder and set off .
tr	4	he squealed , prying at the hand around his neck just as he felt for the pillars -- neither effort worked .
tr	4	The one in grey turned to glance at him with matching grey eyes , and the hermit stopped testing the breeze .
tr	4	The quarry began to run when they saw his hounds approaching , but they could not escape in the open sea of grass .
tr	4	She tried once more to clear a path through the prowling guards with Air , but the web just dissolved .
tr	4	The vicious pleasure on their faces made her stomach turn , and she cast without thinking , a crackling web of pure Fire .
tr	4	Before their feet touched the ground , before they could scream , the three agents were ashes drifting away on the wind .
tr	4	She was grateful for his help -- the last Creator was not going to die with her face in the dirt !
tr	4	For some reason she had expected something different , something evil -- red eyes , or black sockets like those creatures in the Book .
tr	4	He had said an inverted web that powerful would not work , because no one was strong enough to cast it .
tr	4	There was something the matter with it -- more than the fact that it shouldn 't have worked , something felt wrong .
tr	4	It felt like there was a twist where there should not have been , a blank where something ought to have bent into place .
tr	4	On her hands and knees , shaking , Elaina was grateful to be free of that stare , even for a moment .
tr	4	Thick black smoke choked the air , filled with the metallic smell of blood and the nauseating stench of burned flesh .
tr	4	A city blinked into existence a half a league away , its banners flapping in the stiff wind , people moving along the walls .
tr	4	Elaina saw that the ring of guards had turned , facing the greater threat from a broken world before her head dropped again .
tr	4	Maybe she would die before they killed her ... A warm , rough touch on her shoulder broke into her peace .
tr	4	Perhaps that was because it had been done with the pillars -- erased from the world by the pillars of the world .
tr	4	The sight made his whole body pulse and ache , as if it had been waiting for visual confirmation to start hurting .
tr	4	The only movement that didn 't hurt was blinking , and that may have just been relative to everything else .
tr	4	It took the best efforts of both of the Watchers to keep Landon upright as they made their way to the building .
tr	4	His red velvet cape was heavy with a broad band of gold embroidery at the edge , but he didn 't notice .
tr	4	He noted distantly the flash of resentment at his implication she was only called a Creator even as his rage grew .
tr	4	Slowly , deliberately , he felt the band of air at his waist lower him until his boots scraped the wood floor .
tr	4	Of course , that might make her impatient too ... " Still yourself , sir , or I will still you ! "
tr	4	He told me only his name and House , I did not know he was a prince , or first sword of anything . "
tr	4	She ducked it , but the blade splintered the top rail of the chair 's high back before it buried itself in the floorboards .
tr	4	Her hands were balled into fists at her sides , clutching her skirts as if to keep from strangling him of their own accord .
tr	4	" My Brothers and I came to this shore to answer our prophesies , to find the one who will save our people .
tr	4	We sought the one who had the strength to defeat the Gift , the ancient Gift from this side of the Sea . "
tr	4	A hole in the ranks of the most powerful always was , sure as a hole in the ranks of soldiers in a battle .
tr	4	" Yes , as soon as you prove to me you will do me no harm if I release you . "
tr	4	She would need time to recover before she could face him like casters did -- demanding simply by her presence .
tr	4	Normally Creators did not threaten or shout , they just existed and that was enough to require respect and obedience without fail .
tr	4	Elaina 's attempts to explain went largely ignored at first , but then she delivered a scathing lecture on doing his duty .
tr	4	After them rode the rest of the small army that was the Company , the personal guard of the King .
tr	4	Lower than trumpets ... I wonder if it is because they can be longer , all curled up like that .
tr	4	Truth , but what did Landon think he was doing , running off like that when he was a Prince ?
tr	4	Elaina tried not to think of it as it had been those first few days -- men lying about bandaged , bleeding .
tr	4	Trying to help Landon , she had discovered that he felt about like he 'd wrestled with a cheese grater .
tr	4	If they wanted to suffer , she wasn 't going to go out of her way to feel their injuries and heal them .
tr	4	It was a long journey , and things had a way of going wrong if a person traveled long enough .
tr	4	Many of the homes had been wood and thatch , but she didn 't know enough about holding a building together to use those .
tr	4	There was a deep roll as the stones beneath the earth responded to her words , matching the rumble in the sky .
tr	4	Behind her gasps and murmurs rose until she could almost hear them , but there was no time to listen .
tr	4	A few weeks ago , this would have put her on the ground , if she had been able to do it at all .
tr	4	After a few deep breaths Elaina turned her back on the town to face the small crowd of villagers and Watchers .
tr	4	" My lady , " she made a decent curtsy for a country woman , better than Elaina 's own curtsey , certainly .
tr	4	The groom offering her the reins of a horse was bowing so low his face was in danger of hitting his knees .
tr	4	The horse must have belonged to one of the three men she 'd incinerated , but Elaina didn 't ask .
tr	4	The near shore was supposed to be a haven , a paradise as lovely as the true spirits that walked it .
tr	4	Once he had given a last glance at the wall he 'd been running his hand along , Ravin moved to his horse .
tr	4	CHAPTER 13 The Meeting The storm hit three hours later , and it did not let up for two days .
tr	4	The weight of the horses was enough to break the thin sheet of ice , so they did not lose their footing .
tr	4	At first she had been too enthusiastic , encasing herself in a complete bubble that hugged tightly to her body .
tr	4	It was his delivery that made Elaina want to laugh : that expressionless face , absolutely blank while he made some quietly acidic comment .
tr	4	She didn 't ask how that worked when there had been more than one Empress , but there was only one sun .
tr	4	This was the greatest mission in service of the Empress that had ever been tried and offered the greatest rewards .
tr	4	And he would , many years from now , once he had built an empire as powerful as the one over the sea .
tr	4	The fact that not all the Brothers at Split Creek knew of his scheme only made it more impressive that he would succeed .
tr	4	The other Brothers had been manipulated and negotiated into their present positions so carefully they did not know it was happening .
tr	4	It was a dangerous plan , this , but you did not let a falcon hunt at its own accord .
tr	4	The Falcon was in his sights , but any suspicion before that final moment would send her soaring away again .
tr	4	They never had seen the need for true deference , though after those first hard years they had stopped voicing their thoughts at least .
tr	4	" We each take her wrist , maintain contact at all costs , and do not stop until the band is secured .
tr	4	Inside the stone circlet stone was curled a long chain of the same color , connecting the collar to matching bracelets .
tr	4	Of course , after the Linking they would both be her Watchers , and she could not ever escape them .
tr	4	A hammer and an anvil would not scratch it , and a natural inferno would leave it cool to the touch .
tr	4	The cry ripped from her throat as fingers closed over her shoulders , though she could not have said who she was calling to .
tr	4	She saw the glint of black steel in the doorway , saw the flare of a fireball for an instant .
tr	4	When she landed a blow on either of them , it did no more than when she struck the floor .
tr	4	At last the one on her right flung himself across her body , pinning her with his weight from hips to knees .
tr	4	A hand reached out and gripped her ankle , getting tangled in the hem of her skirt for a moment before closing again .
tr	4	They hauled her mercilessly to her feet over her resistance , careful to keep their fingers far from her teeth .
tr	4	It was like hearing the twang of a bowstring sending an arrow to her heart , with nothing to do but wait for death .
tr	4	On a low bed to her right sat two men ; she could just barely see them without lifting her head off the pillow .
tr	4	Elaina stifled her pleasure at having guessed what it was -- I 'd have rather been wrong and seen some way to escape .
tr	4	When she didn 't move , one of them sighed and both moved in to grasp her arms and lift her to her feet .
tr	4	" After many attempts , a way was found that joined them together , an inseparable bond that brought their minds and spirits close .
tr	4	Then beneath the pain something grew -- flashes of emotion that were not her own , memories she had never lived .
tr	4	In the name of Truth ... She had invaded their lives , forced a path where there should be none .
tr	4	Both had dropped to one knee , each with a fist pressed into the dusty stones and their faces was contorted with pain .
tr	4	It was the first time she had seen anything on those beautiful stony faces , all angles and planes , and it quickly faded .
tr	4	The first time she had seen it with her own eyes , she realized , instead of through their own .
tr	4	They must not interpret that very literally , since they 're happy to keep me in chains like a pet .
tr	4	His life had hinged on reading the expressions of others , and he saw her almost every hour of the day .
tr	4	The blood of a single person , the only daughter of their father , that was what kept him here .
tr	4	All of them she referred to as " boy " or " child , " though most were three times her age or more .
tr	4	It was not feigned -- he could sense her compassion for the underlings and her contempt and hatred for their masters .
tr	4	And there was no mistaking the title with the affection one has for one 's favorite hound , almost human and almost family .
tr	4	She did not stop , but there was a slowly growing despair in the slump of her shoulders and the shadows of her eyes .
tr	4	After four of those , it is no surprise that she sees death as another avenue of escape , maybe the only one .
tr	4	He spent half his waking hours suspicious and on edge , watching for the sudden alertness that was all the warning he had .
tr	4	This is not what the oath is meant to be , I am not supposed to be a shield from her own hand .
tr	4	They had bored a hole through a wedge-shaped bit of wood that they forced between her teeth to pour soup into her mouth .
tr	4	The only effective way to physically force her to eat was to use Elements , and that was not an option .
tr	4	A fist of Wind cannot kill me directly , but if it dropped a wagon on my head what is the difference ?
tr	4	A man and woman chained in a wagon , seen through a screen of branches , and a child 's confusion and fear .
tr	4	By itself that showed how peculiar she was ; nothing anyone did made him surprised or happy or anything else .
tr	4	He frowned at the sleeping form on the blankets , ignoring the biting wind that snuck in the cracks of their wagon .
tr	4	I am the captor , but with the way she dominates our days , I wonder who is whose captive .
tr	4	She is the most dangerous being in the world , and we have to keep her alive every second of the day .
tr	4	There was no hope of escape , and wild fantasies of Landon coming to a daring rescue were a waste of energy .
tr	4	She needed that energy to stay warm -- which brought her back to the dream of huddling by a fire .
tr	4	Nothing could burn properly with the high wind driving snow before it , but pure Fire could not be extinguished by nature .
tr	4	Then , in one smooth motion , he reached over one shoulder and stripped off his shirt without word or expression .
tr	4	When he slipped under the layers to lay down beside her without so much as a ' by your leave , ' Elaina squeaked .
tr	4	It wasn 't against the cold -- though it was little warmer than before , but an effort to hide from that piercing stare .
tr	4	she hissed , blinking away the stars in her eyes and wishing she couldn 't feel her pulse pounding in her ears .
tr	4	" My shirt was wet with the snow and ice -- I didn 't think that would be comfortable to sleep in .
tr	4	Some of them are pretty , colorful things that you put in a gilded cage and make to sing for you .
tr	4	The next time she crosses the line , Brothers , we will be ready to do all that is necessary .
tr	4	The girl will be kneeling to kiss his rings in a matter of days , now , just as the prophesies promise .
tr	4	Don 't worry whichever of the Watchers is not on duty with her , only one will be needed . "
tr	4	The girl at the other end of the chain on his wrist was now ignoring them both , or pretending to .
tr	4	He didn 't quite grasp why that was , but that didn 't mean he wasn 't going to use it .
tr	4	You wanted power , as you always have , regardless of the good of the Empress , your " brothers " or anyone else .
tr	4	You wanted to be remembered and now you will be , " she was as cold and cutting as the icy wind outside .
tr	4	The thought of her unchained sent a chill down his spine , but he forced himself to sneer at her .
tr	4	He read the deadened , dejected resignation in her walk and the surges of absolute terror that stole her breath .
tr	4	The walk was not short -- the Brothers did not want to be bothered with the screams of the unfortunates unless they so chose .
tr	4	The camp 's blacksmiths looked longingly after the men that walked the other way as they worked the bellows or hammered red-hot metal .
tr	4	Eventually , the crimson splash of the tent came into view among the wagons , mud , and dirty patches of snow .
tr	4	When he turned back , she was stepping onto the peculiar stand to which she was bound for these sessions .
tr	4	There was no need to heat the coals that stood in an iron tray in the corner either , Flame could do that .
tr	4	Only the actual contact with her skin had to be without it , would be without it , no matter what he tried .
tr	4	With one swift motion , the Firstborn made a slice down the middle to her naval , baring a pale strip of skin .
tr	4	Tears overflowed from the girl 's eyes , squeezed shut as if to deny the reality of what she couldn 't see .
tr	4	The benefit of the stand in the little red tent was that only one side of her was ever bruised or bloodied .
tr	4	Since she was often secured with her back to the boards it was easy enough to carry her to the wagon .
tr	4	This design also made it easier for her to sleep , since there was at least one side she could bear to lie on .
tr	4	She couldn 't stand to lose blood , skinny as she was , and there was no need to waste time before treating her .
tr	4	She was lighter than she had been before , so much so that it was hardly a burden to carry her so far .
tr	4	He had always been better with herbs and bandages , and the girl was going to need all his skill this time .
tr	4	The voices around her were muffled and lower than was normal , like telling secrets in a crypt , she thought .
tr	4	And if he slips up and kills her too , what 's to be done with the Prophecies I ask you ? "
tr	4	He doesn 't feel like one , or sound like one , or look like one -- could be any man .
tr	4	There were no tears on his face or in his eyes , but his expression made her want to curl up and weep .
tr	4	For one thing , he was not a slave to those people anymore and he wanted to be rid of them .
tr	4	He hadn 't the time to be gentle , any of the wounds that had not broken open during their flight were open now .
tr	4	He hauled her onto another , but it had been running too -- just not carrying the two of them .
tr	4	She felt if Death came for her now he 'd take one look and refuse to accept anything so pathetic .
tr	4	Elaina was fairly sure they had begun with more and felt sorry for the poor creatures that had run themselves to death .
tr	4	Only the thought of dismounting in only a coat in front of someone had motivated her enough to do it .
tr	4	Her feet were freezing on the dirty cobbles of the street , and the wool coat rubbing against her flesh was agony .
tr	4	Apparently , he doubted her good sense , because he cast a sharp look at her and briefly tightened his grip in warning .
tr	4	No one else seemed to have noticed their entrance in the dimly-lit alcove by the door , as far as she could tell .
tr	4	My wife is not well , we had trouble with bandits on the ride , is there a healer in town ? "
tr	4	He could come in the back way , and nobody 'd be the wiser if the lady couldn 't be moved .
tr	4	Like why the stars were sliding about so oddly just then , with little halos and bright trails behind them .
tr	4	In a few minutes a tidy little building appeared in the moonlight , whitewashed walls a faint blue in the darkness .
tr	4	The old man in the window didn 't seem troubled by them , beaming and hobbling to the door to let them in .
tr	4	She is so deeply bound to the pillars , I 'd say she must be the Guardian I heard rumors of .
tr	4	Crouching down on the dirt floor , he muttered a few words and a shallow pit opened up before him .
tr	4	He set the shackles in it , and with a few more words , the stone began to glow , then melt .
tr	4	" And you my dear , " he turned to Elaina , " from you I would like the privilege of a teacher .
tr	4	" You cast this , just like this only larger , as high into the sky as you can make it go .
tr	4	Someone is going to get a death of a headache when they Search the Winds for you , my dear !
tr	4	She could still feel her wounds , but whatever the old man had done made them dim and easy to ignore .
tr	4	Once they were on the road again , Elaina spoke , as much to break the strained silence between them as anything else .
tr	4	Theirs was a peculiar sort of relationship -- formerly enemies , captive and captor , but now saved and savior and traveling companions besides .
tr	4	He was an odd man , yet she had not felt he was lying to them , or manipulating them at all .
tr	4	The column grew , no thicker than the trunk of a birch tree , she cast it high into the night .
tr	4	With the crown on that old man 's head , the great halls and fine horses -- he may have been royalty .
tr	4	Sensing her attention , Cade turned and dark eyes met hers , but she could read nothing in them , nothing at all .
tr	4	It was like locking eyes with a jungle cat , all power and deadly grace , but not a hint of its intentions .
tr	4	The musician was gone , but a few patrons still sat about nursing their ale or wine and gambling over dice and cards .
tr	4	The look on his face would have sent her scurrying away just as the poor innkeeper did , if she could have scurried .
tr	4	He kicked open the door to their room when he got to it , now using both hands to keep Elaina upright .
tr	4	Her eyes simply locked onto the narrow , lumpy bed shoved into the corner of the room like it was her only salvation .
tr	4	Those filthy things she wore could not be comfortable , certainly not the coat on bare skin , but she slept just fine .
tr	4	Sometimes people got ideas when they saw weakness , but they would lose those ideas quickly if they came through this door .
tr	4	And if they did not , he would see to it they lost whatever might be necessary to convince them .
tr	4	Cade acknowledged , " but I thought it would be best if you were conscious , so that eliminates much of our time together .
tr	4	For a second he did not respond , then , " I will wait for you in the common room .
tr	4	It was a quiet ride in a quiet country -- the antithesis of what her travel had been before , chained or otherwise .
tr	4	After half a day 's uneasy ride with their shadows disappearing under them , she asked , " Where are we going ? "
tr	4	Torn between guilt and annoyance , Elaina resolved to keep her mouth shut no matter how demanding and rude he might be .
tr	4	CHAPTER 22 The Ride They were traveling off the roads and pushing their horses hard as they skirted the border south .
tr	4	Her and the horses -- she felt a lot like one of them , actually , for all he noticed her .
tr	4	Elaina remained determinedly silent and stared unblinking at the flames as Cade brought out some salted pork and hard bread from his saddlebags .
tr	4	One he handed to her and the other he held over the flames , sitting not an arm 's length from her .
tr	4	She took the food with a nod and held it as he did , rotating to keep the juices soaking into the bread .
tr	4	If he asked , she wasn 't going to tell him why she was frustrated -- let him stew on that for a while !
tr	4	It really was a reasonable idea -- how many times did things go wrong in the stories because someone was careless ?
tr	4	Well , anyone but the Watcher , he moved with the grace of a hunting animal regardless of how many days they spent riding .
tr	4	That was why she wanted to argue : because it was him , because he ordered her around from dawn to dusk .
tr	4	Try as she might , she could think of nothing to say to him that didn 't make her sound like a petulant child .
tr	4	By the time she was hidden by the branches on the far side , he was already mounted and moving south .
tr	4	Cade ducked under the low sweeping boughs of a pine and was disappointed to see there was no clearing on the far side .
tr	4	She would be off his hands and on her way to the exiles in no more than a week 's time .
tr	4	The uncomfortable thought occurred to him that he had taken quite a while to lift a finger on Elaina 's behalf .
tr	4	Even then it was spontaneous -- not a matter of courage and honor , but sudden freedom and frantic flight .
tr	4	He 'd sworn to shield and to follow , his pain before hers , his blood before hers , his life before hers .
tr	4	They killed her uncle , took her parents to their deaths , and turned to Wilds the land she would have grown up in .
tr	4	A curse word drifted up to him as the pine branches swished back to catch Elaina full in the face .
tr	4	She held it only a moment before making it wither and die , collapsing around them back into twigs and leaves .
tr	4	He was totally unmoved by the woman , which she 'd likely never experienced before , lovely as she was .
tr	4	She had no desire to learn anything from this man , and didn 't dare risk them noticing the depth of her ability .
tr	4	Unless it was an especial skill of his , he would know no more than that until she cast something else .
tr	4	It was difficult to keep from plunging as deep into her power as she could , she 'd been without it for so long .
tr	4	He 'd worried that with her so angry with him , she might do something dangerous to just for spite .
tr	4	Even the docks are enchanting -- the whole city smells of flowers in the springtime and the sea in the winter .
tr	4	That is not my motive , he told himself harshly as he laid back and rolled up in his blankets .
tr	4	Despite his peculiar offer of the night before , Elaina was glad to see that Cade was still between her and Darin .
tr	4	The idea of that man being nearby while she slept had been unsettling enough that she had almost accepted last night .
tr	4	Rubbing the sleep from her eyes , she rose and shuffled to the warmth of the fire , still clutching her blankets around her .
tr	4	Elaina felt herself bristle at the implication that she was slowing them down , but that was absurd -- I am slowing us down .
tr	4	For a moment he looked at her blankly , then those dark eyes flicked to their audience and a warm smile followed .
tr	4	It certainly is not my fault he has a face that can make a girl melt when he catches her by surprise .
tr	4	If he had said more than three unnecessary words to her in a week , it might have been as casual as it seemed .
tr	4	Since he hadn 't , Elaina gaped at him until he turned halfway around in the saddle to see why she didn 't answer .
tr	4	He ought to have paid more attention to her thorny silence , but it was too late by the end of that sentence .
tr	4	Elaina had reined in her mare to yell at him , and Cade wheeled his own mount to face her .
tr	4	With that she spurred her bay right past him , chin in the air and color high on her cheeks .
tr	4	For a few long minutes , Darin watched Dominic , or Cade as he appeared to be called , through the screen of trees .
tr	4	Head down , he had not moved since Maile -- Elaina , apparently -- had thrown her fit and rode off to the south .
tr	4	If I 'm lucky , this fellow will go off someplace else and leave that scrumptious little treat to me .
tr	4	Free to stop as she pleased , Elaina took contrary delight in halting for a leisurely lunch by a creek .
tr	4	She sat on a mossy log to nibble her travel bread and drank as long as she liked from the cold stream .
tr	4	Cade 's warning echoed in her ears , but she was careful not to draw as deeply as she wanted to .
tr	4	No one can know how strong I am unless they are going to be a span under the ground by nightfall .
tr	4	Elaina nodded , unable to think of another reason she would be holding a half-finished web of Fire and Air .
tr	4	She babbled , trying to come up with something else with Fire and Air while her brain was spinning about anxiously .
tr	4	" I 'm afraid it 's you who are mistaken , Miss Elaina , " he replied , " You 'll stay . "
tr	4	Elaina felt her knees give out , saw the ground rush up to meet her , but she could do nothing .
tr	4	Looking up into his twisted face as he wedged a knee between hers , Elaina was unable to do anything but scream .
tr	4	" You 're a tease whoever you are , so talkative in the evening , so standoffish in the morning .
tr	4	With one hand still tugging at her bodice and the other tangled in her skirts , Darin froze , grimacing a maniacal smile .
tr	4	Cade yanked his blade free and knelt down beside Elaina , an arm behind her shoulders lifting until she sat upright .
tr	4	Cade pulled her close to him , and suddenly she was sobbing into his shoulder as he stroked her hair .
tr	4	His web made it impossible to concentrate , I couldn 't hold on , and then I couldn 't do anything . "
tr	4	My horse is somewhere back that way , " he gestured , " I could move faster on foot . "
tr	4	Cade shook his head as he leaned over to cut a section of Darin 's tunic off and dipped it in the brook .
tr	4	Hearing a Watcher apologize was astonishing , like watching a sheep and a wolf curl up together in front of a fire .
tr	4	Cade didn 't notice , now wiping off the black steel blade with the rag and tossing it back to its owner .
tr	4	Around the circle , he could just make out the faces of the Brothers from the light in their hands .
tr	4	The moment she laid eyes on them she knew , even if he was calling himself something else : his name was Cade .
tr	4	As they had before , Cade and Elaina traveled from dawn until dusk , stopping only for a brief lunch at noon .
tr	4	Each day ended with a comfortable goodnight , and each day began with Elaina 's cheerful " Good morning ! "
tr	4	he asked offhand , gesturing to the horses , " It isn 't worth it to bring them aboard . "
tr	4	Heading to the tracks with the horses , Cade moved through the crowd in silence and was grateful for the anonymity .
tr	4	Wandering past broken-down nags and fine stallions , Cade approached a man with horses slightly less fine than the ones he was selling .
tr	4	He answered , " My wife and I are taking a ship from here , so we won 't be needing them .
tr	4	The man shrugged one shoulder and moved to the horses , clicking and making odd little noises to make their ears prick forward .
tr	4	With a practiced eye , he peered at their teeth , examined their hooves , and ran his hands across their chests and flanks .
tr	4	He said , " I can see you know how to use it , and it 's not my business anyway .
tr	4	" In case you find it hard to gain passage , " the man growled in his ear , " try the Wave People .
tr	4	Cade sauntered as casually as he could to a shadowed doorway , stripping one of the papers from the wall as he went .
tr	4	" They stopped the ship at the mouth of the harbor and searched the blasted thing from bilge to sails ! "
tr	4	The caster found it , cool as ice with those unnatural eyes , and the others pried the whole thing up .
tr	4	" I heard that agents are tearing the ships leaving the harbor apart , and they 're not after smuggled goods . "
tr	4	I 'll sent one of the stable boys to get some urchin 's clothes for you , and get some parchment from the innkeeper .
tr	4	The People of the Waves might be friendlier to a caster , and if not ... " he paused at the door .
tr	4	He kept his head down as he paid , and he was back in the inn with Elaina in a matter of minutes .
tr	4	He didn 't want to ask her outright if she was literate -- it would embarrass her if she wasn 't .
tr	4	They 'll know which brothers we mean and there 's no need to spell it out for prying eyes . "
tr	4	My brother was Prince of Doran , the plateau that rises in the east , so his went that way . "
tr	4	" He commented on it once , that mine went left and I am the right-hand sword -- the a ' lan .
tr	4	Cade said without expression , staring at his ring before he dropped it on its chain and tucked it back under his shirt .
tr	4	My mother named us after them because we looked so alike it was difficult to tell us apart , like the swords . "
tr	4	A knock at the door broke the stillness , and Cade tossed the coat back over the swords before he answered it .
tr	4	It was sweet somehow , that she 'd been looking out for both of them that way without saying anything .
tr	4	If you 're worried about the way you look , it is only -- " " Ever worn a camisole under your trousers ? "
tr	4	An hour later she was finished cutting out a pair of soft cotton trousers to wear underneath the street urchin 's .
tr	4	By the time dusk fell over the city , Elaina was winding her hair up on her head and squashing the hat over it .
tr	4	" You 're a perfect disaster , " he said in answer to her unspoken question , " Let 's go . "
tr	4	A few times the narrow alleys turned the wrong way , or came to abrupt dead-ends , and they had to go back .
tr	4	" You go first , " Cade instructed , " meander about like you 're looking for dropped coins or the like .
tr	4	When it was clear , Cade strode out of the alley and straight up the ramp of the Wave People 's ship .
tr	4	The guard retuned shortly with another man in similar dress , only he wore wide bands of gold above each elbow .
tr	4	She wore trousers like the men , gathered at the ankle , but they were brilliantly red even in the dim light .
tr	4	Instead of sleeves , it had broad straps that looped around her tanned arms just off the crest of her shoulder .
tr	4	If that wasn 't scandalous enough , it ended well short of her naval , which had a strange tattoo around it .
tr	4	Cade 's eyes flickered up to the heavens for an instant as if he could read whatever it was that the woman saw there .
tr	4	Bowing again , they returned the way they had come , silhouettes swaying with the gentle rock of the ship .
tr	4	" There is a strange thing I have seen from the decks , " he continued , nodding toward the city .
tr	4	Cade touched his forehead , and replied , " May they shine on the waves for you and yours . "
tr	4	" We would be grateful for the help , " Cade said , taking Elaina 's hand and leading her over .
tr	4	" Though some of them are not so young as that -- you look about the age of our oldest . "
tr	4	" Too late , " he hissed , yanking her back with the chain so that she tumbled onto her back .
tr	4	With a glance over her shaking form to the stillness of the wagon , Cade leaned over her to whisper in her ear .
tr	4	" Which you would not have needed if I had not put it on you in the first place . "
tr	4	She laid a hand lightly on his shoulder , urging him to turn and face her , but he resisted .
tr	4	To his surprise , she huffed , " Only to get my teeth off your brother -- hardly in the realm of civilized behavior .
tr	4	" How do you take the worst things I 've done , the darkest parts of my soul , and make them light ? "
tr	4	" Come , we 've a long way to go yet , " he said , setting off toward the west .
tr	4	We moved inland to defend the southern border and farm the good land , but we are of the sea .
tr	4	" I 'll tell you as we walk , " he said , nodding to the left down the cliff-top road .
tr	4	" The fort was besieged , and though a great commander called Jayden held the ridge to the east , the city was suffering .
tr	4	Landor rode out with his best men to destroy the enemy 's siege engines , but was ambushed and captured .
tr	4	" She joined the dancers who performed before their King at the victory celebration where the Prince and his men were chained as trophies .
tr	4	There is nothing left , and I already have a duty -- to be your Watcher is my future . "
tr	4	He crossed strong arms over his chest , making the two gold bands above each elbow glitter in the sun .
tr	4	What sort of man lets his wife or daughter wander about with nothing but a strip of cloth across her chest ?
tr	4	That blouse , it you dared call it that , was so short it left at least four ribs visible below it .
tr	4	Every man alive recognized impending doom when a woman took that tone of voice , even one who had never married .
tr	4	Every roof was made of some sparkling grey tiles whose edges caught the sun and send it gleaming back like silver .
tr	4	There the great pier that curled along the rim of the bay and out across its opening was almost totally gone .
tr	4	Then she wondered , staring out at the broken pier , " How will the Brethren 's ship dock here ? "
tr	4	Elaina quickly assured him , " I was just thinking how easy it would be to fix the harbor again . "
tr	4	Anything to avoid a rowboat -- I 'd probably have to climb aboard the ship with a rope or something , too !
tr	4	" We can look at that tomorrow , " she prompted , " for now let 's find a place to sleep . "
tr	4	The fountains were dry and the gardens full of weeds , but Elaina imagined that it had been lovely in its prime .
tr	4	Even derelict and bleached by the sun , Elaina could tell it had been the most brilliant , intense color in the city .
tr	4	She asked , looking to the eaves and the shutters while Cade shoved the old door open with his shoulder .
tr	4	Cade answered , leading her through the room and out a door on the other side into a dry and ragged garden .
tr	4	Cade ducked his head into the various rooms that lined the garden until he found one whose roof was mostly intact .
tr	4	He had left with the haste of a man fleeing memories , and she guessed he had enough to handle at the moment .
tr	4	He was a captain in the Great War holding a rise that would come to be called Jayden 's Ridge .
tr	4	He said sadly , " They had three children and did not live to see two of them die too young .
tr	4	Elaina said shortly , taken aback that this was a tragedy , " but all the others ended so well . "
tr	4	He had hummed the Lament for Corin , but it felt like a pitiful gesture even as he did it .
tr	4	CHAPTER 28 The Harbor Cade waited until Elaina was finished with her breakfast of bread and a hard apple before bringing up the harbor .
tr	4	It was like a tune in his head , and if he stopped paying attention for a second it would come up again .
tr	4	But perhaps , if we live , perhaps we can return one day and restore some small part of what was lost .
tr	4	Cade finally stopped after the last step , where the road turned into the sea wall that itself curled out to become the pier .
tr	4	" Now take off your shoes and your dress and come sit here , " he instructed , patting the edge of the wall .
tr	4	Once her clothes were soaked and drifted around her heavily , she hastily grabbed the wall with both hands once more .
tr	4	Grey eyes flicked out over the unbroken surface of the water and back to his face , bringing him back to the present .
tr	4	" You are taller than I was then , so you 'll be fine standing there while I show you what to do . "
tr	4	Must be more out of shape than I thought , tiring out this way from just a little swim , Cade told himself .
tr	4	" Let me show you a few strokes , " he offered , eager to have a few moments away from those brilliant eyes .
tr	4	He couldn 't see her in the thick mist that filled the harbor , but he felt her shifting in his head , moving .
tr	4	Elaina tried to scream , but there was no sound , only a cold rush of black water into her lungs .
tr	4	Cade hauled her limp form to the sea wall twice as fast as it had taken them to get out there .
tr	4	Bracing himself with one arm , he lifted her onto dry land with the other in a single desperate lunge .
tr	4	Desperate , he brought his fist down on her chest in anger and fear , willing her heart to beat .
tr	4	Cade held her as he had by the creek after he 'd killed Darin , only this time he was the one who wept .
tr	4	Mostly she scrubbed things clean of the grime of neglect and the smoke stains from the fall of the city .
tr	4	The fountains ran from a cistern at the top of the cliff and had only stopped when the pipes became clogged .
tr	4	Apparently , he 's the heir to the throne , but he didn 't tell me that at the time -- " She explained .
tr	4	She thought it had been long enough that she could speak of it ... Cade didn 't have to ask what had happened .
tr	4	Elaina could see he regretted it as soon as the words were out of his mouth , but she didn 't mind .
tr	4	" You have to take the chance first , " he observed , " there 's risk of losing everything all over again . "
tr	4	The thought scared the skin off of him , but if she wanted to , he wouldn 't stop her .
tr	4	" I think I can handle that , " Cade agreed with mock seriousness , " at least for a while . "
tr	4	On the edge of the harbor an enormous wall of water was forming , towering halfway up the cliffs and growing .
tr	4	It 's flattering she thinks I can save her from that , but if she loses control , we 're both dead .
tr	4	Bursts of steam rose off the molten stone where water remained , clouding the view of that immense wall of water .
tr	4	Slabs of liquid rock moved together with searing heat until they formed one solid piece -- the walkway of the dock .
tr	4	He shook his head , " To move the water , even , was more than I could have imagined .
tr	4	Shaking his head , Cade grabbed her around the waist and picked her up to spin her around in the air .
tr	4	When he set her back down she managed to stammer in surprise , " What 's gotten into you ? "
tr	4	When he got to the end , he let go of her hand and dove into the water on a whim .
tr	4	I just made myself a little boat of Air to lay on here , so don 't make it disappear on me . "
tr	4	There was a great deal of activity on the deck -- shouting and orders given as a rope ladder was tossed over the side .
tr	4	Once she was up , he followed in a quarter of the time ; Elaina tried to hide her consternation .
tr	4	His hands found her shoulders protectively , as if he would yank her out of the man 's view if necessary .
tr	4	Elaina watched as those cold grey eyes flicked over her shoulder to Cade , who was very , very still .
tr	4	" I apologize , but this is one of the finest cabins on the water , there is no better . "
tr	4	This is the finest place I have ever seen -- I 'm used to sleeping on the ground , really .
tr	4	Before they entered the narrow door , Cade gave quick directions to a man who went off for what few possessions they had .
tr	4	Neat and tidy , it looked no different than a decent room at an inn , though everything was far more compact .
tr	4	Baffled , she managed to stammer , " Ah , give us a few minutes to discuss this , please . "
tr	4	" Well , he was a cowardly vermin , but he had good taste -- he liked you , too . "
tr	4	" I suppose it is harder to die of heat , " She admitted , remembering the blizzard during her time as his captive .
tr	4	Her thoughts made her blush , and she changed the subject quickly , " So what is there to do on a ship ? "
tr	4	When they reached the front of the ship , Cade leaned over the rail , which made Elaina 's stomach take a sickening swoop .
tr	4	Spinning and leaping , water droplets gleamed like glass in the sunlight , streaming off their fins and long rounded noses .
tr	4	Among the extra canvas for patching the sails sat Elaina , back to the board and arms around her knees .
tr	4	Cade only nodded , willing to follow , but determined to know what kept her awake whether she tried to distract him or no .
tr	4	Staring at her , Cade wondered what precisely of his mind was clear to her , if hers was so open to him .
tr	4	She admitted , " but nonetheless ... " " You 're not up here trying to learn all the stars , Elaina . "
tr	4	Cade could see she hadn 't fully intended to say it , and it brought him to a full stop .
tr	4	I can 't cast a boat of Air for you , but I could freeze the water into ice and hold it stable .
tr	4	" You can 't swim , but you can 't sleep on the water because you 're worried about me ? "
tr	4	It might have been because her full lips were parted , or the smoothness of her skin , or those intoxicating eyes .
tr	4	The sea people had no use for land or plants , other than trees suitable for planks or masts that they could cut down .
tr	4	Her lips curled into a joyless smile as she ducked behind a broad-shouldered man to avoid the dark eyed stare that swept the crowd .
tr	4	She wasn 't going to take any chances and hid behind a bolt of lace , peering through the holes .
tr	4	For a moment , she glanced at Cade , standing slightly back from the rest , just behind the girl 's shoulder .
tr	4	She wasn 't going to be impressed with woven grass , not when her father brought home pearls for her .
tr	4	Some people couldn 't tell the difference between the boys , but she liked Cade a lot more than Corin .
tr	4	He 'd given her a present once , a little toy horse he 'd carved to match the one he gave his sister .
tr	4	And every time she and Sarina played with them , Mira remembered the smile on Cade 's face when he gave it to her .
tr	4	She 'd gone back to get it when the women and children were hurried out of the city during the Fall .
tr	4	Her face went still and cold when he took the girl 's arm and set the bracelet delicately in her hand .
tr	4	No bend was made for the gentle rise and fall of the land , no curve introduced to accommodate a river or stream .
tr	4	She ran an absent hand down the smooth curve of her waist , covered by deep red silk the color of wine .
tr	4	Her House was at the very edge of the Grove , which had long since ceased to have more trees than buildings .
tr	4	He pulled it out of a hidden pocket inside the breast of his shirt and stepped closer to hand it to her .
tr	4	It 's a fantastic risk -- a little time won 't ruin us , but it may well save us . "
tr	4	Her cot still leaned against the canvas wall while she paced , wine in one hand and the in the other .
tr	4	Someone is spreading the word , or there wouldn 't be so many people showing up here knowing what we are . "
tr	4	As he sat watching her face , listening to the soft whisper of her breath , he was surprised he was not more panicked .
tr	4	" No need to worry , my Lord , I cannot make it worse , even if I wanted to .
tr	4	When they burst onto the narrow path , he suddenly asked , " Is this the only way in ? "
tr	4	It wasn 't just a clearing , it was a splendid garden , complete with an impressive portico whose columns dripped with blooming flowers .
tr	4	Even in spring no garden Cade had ever seen was so perfectly timed to burst into flower all at once .
tr	4	How did you know I was -- " she broke off as her gaze sank to Elaina 's limp form .
tr	4	" You 're not here to see me , " she realized aloud , brow furrowed as she stepped toward them .
tr	4	" You may stay with her , but I can start preparing the tonic without the berries until Lidia gets back . "
tr	4	Butterflies swirled with every step she took down the path , but he only saw the glass in her hands .
tr	4	Frowning , Cade leaned forward and pulled from the sack a pair of manacles connected by a heavy iron chain .
tr	4	In a few hours she 'll be able to cast again -- of course , in a few hours that won 't matter . "
tr	4	I 'd expect no better hospitality from a Northern girl , but you really should know better , Cade , darling . "
tr	4	She hesitated , trying to think of some way out of it , but Cade shook his head a fraction .
tr	4	In fact , as soon as her feet touched the ground , she froze as still as a mouse under an eagle 's shadow .
tr	4	Elaina 's eyes were wide with horror , following her captor 's every move , the only interruption of her absolute stillness .
tr	4	Her beautiful face turned toward him the picture of surprise , eyebrows raised , lips parted , " Oh , but I was !
tr	4	" It was deadly difficult to get that wine to you unnoticed , not a lot of room for error there , love . "
tr	4	" Did you like the little fair I arranged so you 'd come to me without all those boring people you travel with ? "
tr	4	" Does she even know that it 's the traditional gift of a suitor to his beloved -- an offer of betrothal ?
tr	4	A knife appeared from her sleeve in a twist of her wrist , and she held the blade to Elaina 's throat .
tr	4	Cade frowned , trying to reconcile this woman to the girl of his childhood that he had never truly noticed .
tr	4	" You 're not listening , my sweet -- I am trying to help you , so I am not a problem .
tr	4	The sorceress ' face lit up when he said her name with its compliment , but settled back into a puzzled pout .
tr	4	she said with a smile , then her mouth flattened into a thin line , " but you 're lying . "
tr	4	" I learned a mind like hers can 't stand the touch of your sort of spirit and the same is true in reverse .
tr	4	Stunned , Cade focused all his energy on keeping his face smooth -- this was not the time to be transparent .
tr	4	Would it be worse for her to live , knowing she could never have you the way I can , my pet ? "
tr	4	-- just as powerful ... and since I can never be hers , " he shrugged , " What 's the point ?
tr	4	Leaning against his chains as she lifted her face to his , he kissed her with the greatest need of his life .
tr	4	Elaina 's tears had stopped -- replaced with a look that should have killed the other woman where she stood .
tr	4	Truth , if this works I am going to have a lot of explaining to do ... " How was that ? "
tr	4	If I ever see you again , I will kill him -- I 'll keep that promise , too . "
tr	4	He wanted to yell after her , to explain everything , to ask her how she could possibly believe this .
tr	4	He certainly did not want to start with Sarina 's childhood friend , no matter what she was like now .
tr	4	Panting for breath , she fished out the key to his manacles on the fine gold chain around her neck .
tr	4	I came so close to giving everything ... If I could have done it , I would have banished that woman .
tr	4	She knew her thoughts were as wild and scattered as a caged animal 's , but that didn 't change anything .
tr	4	Half of her wanted to collapse into those arms and not care -- surely I love him enough for both of us .
tr	4	" I had to do things I 'm not proud of , Elaina , I had to get you out of there !
tr	4	It was an agony of emptiness , a chasm that had split and dropped suddenly , and her world was gone .
tr	4	I have to let him go , let him live his life away from me and what I force him to be .
tr	4	He had known exactly what he would do : give a woman her death instead of the kiss she was expecting .
tr	4	His own accusations receded sharply into the background when she spun around at the door to her tent to face him .
tr	4	In the instant before she turned her back on him again , Cade saw his face reflected in her eyes .
tr	4	Elaina felt the tears spill over as soon as she turned her back on Cade and fled into the tent .
tr	4	She had known the answer before she 'd asked , but hearing him say it was a thousand times worse .
tr	4	The whole walk , all she could see was his dazzling smile , a brighter smile than any he 'd ever given her .
tr	4	The man was bound to me with no hope of escape -- he was just making the best of the worst situation .
tr	4	Her brief flashes of anger , of fury that he had made her think he might have cared , made her head ache .
tr	4	Half of her wanted him to stay , to make him hers even if he didn 't want to be .
tr	4	It seemed like forever before he reached out to touch it , but even then , Cade did not take the thing .
tr	4	For a moment , he watched it fall with such pain Elaina almost knelt and snatched it back , but then his face cleared .
tr	4	Riesling was not the kind of man to dismiss evidence , even if the conclusion it pointed to was unheard of .
tr	4	" Lady Elaina , this is General Gerald Riesling , he is here to see to the recruits that have been joining us .
tr	4	The cousins were constantly at each other 's throats , even if they would defend each other to the death .
tr	4	Rylan dug the whetstone out of his belt pouch and reached over to his pile of things to draw a sword .
tr	4	The day before , the four of them came across a band of marauders , horse thieves and blacker criminals by their talk .
tr	4	" They may be country thieves , but they 're good enough to survive in this large a group for some amount of time .
tr	4	We 'll go around there , against the spur of the hill , and stay in shadow as long as possible .
tr	4	Cade slipped off along the edge of the shadow as dark as the night around him , disappearing behind the line of horses .
tr	4	Slowly at first , the horses began to stomp and snort , blowing restlessly at the unfamiliar shadow in their midst .
tr	4	The bandits couldn 't tell quite where he was , and those that happened across him didn 't take another breath .
tr	4	We 've all been wondering about him , and there are a hundred clues that he is more than he says .
tr	4	The razor edge cut into his palms and his fingers sending streams of dark red down the steel to drip off the point .
tr	4	" I 've been keeping a close eye on Lady Elaina , sir , " " Good , that 's your job . "
tr	4	He 'll be a good leader , when the time comes , and his friend with him -- what 's his name ?
tr	4	" I don 't know what happened , but you didn 't see her before , sir , when he was here .
tr	4	Her face had lost its softness and the pale cast of her skin was broken only by the dark circles under her eyes .
tr	4	The older members were forever telling the new recruits how things were " before , when Cade was here . "
tr	4	So you see , the cooks are the reason we haven 't enough of the blades and points , not the blacksmiths . "
tr	4	It took him forever to turn his head to Elaina , who was falling at fraction of the normal speed , holding her throat .
tr	4	He shouted for the soldiers to form a ring around the edges -- they could feel it , even if only he could see .
tr	4	He could feel her lashing out with Air and Fire , but the net shifted under her attack , never letting up .
tr	4	General Riesling felt his muscles weaken and blinked through the black specks and bright flashes that winked and spun across his vision .
tr	4	It was oddly quiet -- sounds were too low and garbled , not matching the movements outside this thing they were caught in .
tr	4	She wasn 't strong enough to stay conscious much longer , he could see it even with the ever-present emptiness of her eyes .
tr	4	Just as the realization jerked through his sluggish mind Riesling sank to his knees , unable to stand any longer .
tr	4	Around them , other archers saw and followed his gaze into the trees , bows creaking as they were drawn .
tr	4	Rylan stared after him as he heeled his stallion into a gallop , racing toward the horizon in an unwavering line .
tr	4	" If he rides like that , he and the horse won 't survive to see whoever he 's after . "
tr	4	Riding that monster , we 'll have a time catching him , not to mention getting him to slow . "
tr	4	The prince pursed his lips in annoyance for a moment , then slowed enough to slide from the saddle and hit the ground running .
tr	4	Rylan wondered how many days they were going to run like this and was glad for all the time spent living hard .
tr	4	I only hope we are all alive enough at the end of this to face whatever danger he thinks this woman is in .
tr	4	Riesling was trying to teach her basic tactics , but she wasn 't sure the same rules applied when casters were involved .
tr	4	Elaina eyed him , " If they attack us in the bowl , they can see the whole field and pick off the casters .
tr	4	She whispered , realizing that she didn 't make any sense , but unable to think of any other words .
tr	4	She wanted to reach out and -- she jerked her hand back to her side , hoping he had not noticed .
tr	4	" Sorry , " she repeated flatly , tears rolling down her face , " You didn 't look sorry .
tr	4	And I don 't ever laugh like that , because I seldom come that close to losing my mind . "
tr	4	He froze , searching the shadows , holding his breath so the clouds of vapor didn 't interrupt his view .
tr	4	He scanned the bare treetops for the bright eyes of the owl that had called before , but saw nothing .
tr	4	He sprinted for the house , only a half a league away , but he knew he 'd never make it .
tr	4	CHAPTER 1 The Warning Elaina opened one eye , looking for the source of the shuffling noise that interrupted the stillness .
tr	4	For a moment she lay tense in her cot , wondering what sort of creature had intruded into her tent .
tr	4	Suddenly , she remembered who would be in her tent in the wee hours of the morning : Cade had come back .
tr	4	He hesitated , then took three quick steps to sit on the side of the cot , balancing out her precarious bed .
tr	4	Sometimes he said things at the oddest moments , things she would remember word for word for the rest of her life .
tr	4	The cot wobbled dangerously , but she didn 't notice , sinking back into the linens with a sudden chill .
tr	4	Cade blinked at the force of her suggestion , and she used his hesitation to babble on before doubt could take root .
tr	4	" She had no reason to tell the truth , and she was hardly looking out for our best interests . "
tr	4	Without another word , she snatched her thin robe , shoved her arms through the sleeves , and marched out into the morning .
tr	4	" Well , she said it would be lethal , since the barriers dissolve ... to ... " Elaina stammered .
tr	4	He felt a chill down his spine , as he always did when the friendly Brother reminded him too much of his hateful kin .
tr	4	If Cade had been the sort of man to blush , he 'd have been as dark as Elaina just then .
tr	4	The Brother shook his head and sighed with the air of a man weary with the predictability of young people .
tr	4	He took it back from her and settled it carefully into the folded clothes beside a portrait a pretty young woman .
tr	4	He said nothing to her bubbling laugh while he led her hastily back to their tent , desperate for a thin scrap of privacy .
tr	4	Giving it was a gesture of devotion and an offer of marriage , depending on how or if the woman wore it .
tr	4	Then she 'd wear it until they wed and the silver and sapphire bracelet of a married woman replaced it .
tr	4	" I put it back on the night I sent you away , I 've never been an hour without it . "
tr	4	When he finally released her , he was pleased to see she was breathing quickly , even if it was distracting .
tr	4	Dragging her close again , Cade kissed her with the passion of every need he 'd kept hidden for months .
tr	4	When they finally broke apart , her startled expression melted into the satisfaction of the cat that got the cream .
tr	4	He shivered , then he turned and strode out of the tent as steadily as he could manage , her fingers interwoven with his .
tr	4	The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of any products referenced in this work of fiction which have been used without permission .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	The heaters didn 't serve the large central space so it tended to preserve the night-time cold until well into the afternoon .
tr	4	He shuddered in appreciation as he passed through the door , greeted by a wave of heat and the scent of old coffee .
tr	4	He had come to admire the people of Tibet -- many of them lived their lives at even higher elevations .
tr	4	Though the miners sent regular reports back to Earth , Red Flag wanted the imagery and so Mike had to make his weekly pilgrimage .
tr	4	He could set it to run remotely but , if it failed and he wasn 't here , there 'd be hell to pay .
tr	4	Considering the carefree lifestyle he enjoyed , driving up the mountain every few days to press a few buttons was a small price .
tr	4	His only other tangible role was as a liaison to the NASA center , farther down the slopes of the mountain .
tr	4	He really couldn 't see how others did it -- going out there and finding an employer , being responsible for children and mortgages .
tr	4	His father had made his fortune in the mining industry and an old partner of his had offered to take Mike on .
tr	4	Ed McAdam , a gentleman of few words , had shown up at the University of California 's Berkeley campus looking for him .
tr	4	Oxford University South East England January 3rd , 2026 Jan Colbert waited impatiently while a technician pounded away at the keys .
tr	4	An entire room of students sat chattering , reading or simply looking bored as they sat in the tiered rows of the lecture room .
tr	4	Even a self-absorbed professor from the English Literature department could claim a seat and smirk to his heart 's content .
tr	4	An image of a control room came up on the projection screen behind Jan but no astronauts were in sight .
tr	4	" Not now , " she said quietly as she turned him , none too gently , towards the door .
tr	4	One of the students in the third row let out a scream as Jan was still turning to see what had happened on screen .
tr	4	It had unusual red glyphs adorning the front of one of the shoulder plates that sat closest to its neck .
tr	4	Two kings instead of just one , I could be in bed right now while some other jerk picks up the slack .
tr	4	" Mary , if this is about weapons of mass destruction , you can save it for the next president . "
tr	4	" The comms gear was provided by the Japanese Space Agency so NASA won 't get any egg on their faces .
tr	4	" Sam , how many bombs have been dropped remotely by some twenty-year-old kid sitting in an Air Force base somewhere in California ?
tr	4	His personal assistant opened a door and poked his head in , " Mr. President , the Secretary of Defense is here . "
tr	4	" Good , we 'll want to talk to him but he can cool his heels until we 've met the ambassador .
tr	4	" I seem to recall a future White House Chief of Staff being present with his dad 's gas can . "
tr	4	" If forensics had been a little better back then , the only meetings we 'd be having would be parole hearings . "
tr	4	" All right Sam , let 's see if the same old tired bullshit will get us through one more uncomfortable meeting . "
tr	4	Moffett Field Mountain View , California January 4th , 2026 Charles Gray sat at the conference table , not quite sure he heard correctly .
tr	4	We can start work on larger models right away , but the units in construction now probably can 't be changed .
tr	4	" Sir , " the assistant whispered , " we have a call for you from the White House press office . "
tr	4	Surprise calls from the White House are rarely a good thing , he thought as he picked up the receiver .
tr	4	The president doesn 't want it to look like we 're asleep at the switch so we have to go through the motions .
tr	4	Charles realized that Ed had started heading for the door of Charles ' temporary call room , his face a riot of emotion .
tr	4	He stabbed at it with his right index finger , releasing a soft layer of ambient noise as the speaker activated .
tr	4	Instead of an increasingly angry tirade about the lack of manners among short-duration cruisers , Frank was rewarded with a low whistle .
tr	4	I 've got this baby loaded to the gills with graphic novels , music and the whole second season of Legacy . "
tr	4	It portrayed a future where Earth was wiped out by a massive comet , leaving fifty colonists as the only humans in the universe .
tr	4	He shook his head , not willing to let himself believe the dream until he had solid sales figures first .
tr	4	" At least the largest for a couple of months ; I 'm hearing rumors already from the other end of the harbor . "
tr	4	He shook his head and stared out the window as a rival line 's ship sailed out into the Atlantic .
tr	4	" Sure they deal with the customers but they 'd be absolutely useless if we didn 't build ships for them . "
tr	4	" You know they can 't resist trying to blow their own mistakes out of proportion and then pin it on some patsy . "
tr	4	" You should hear the fuss they 're making about the size of the central atrium on the second ship in the Leviathan class .
tr	4	" I 'm pretty sure that genius sent a blistering email all the way up the chain to Howard 's office . "
tr	4	" And that 's part of the point I want to make when Howard comes to next week 's progress meeting .
tr	4	They would rather show up on site and give last minute orders than simply ask for it to be fixed at the start .
tr	4	" Seems to me , that would have been a pretty good time to correct obvious errors in the layout , " Davidoff mused .
tr	4	Policy on watch keeping changed a year ago and most of the operators will end up needing their terminals switched . "
tr	4	" Sorry , Frank ; I must have pulled an old template when we drew up the bridge layout for Leviathan .
tr	4	" They shouldn 't even be looking at the individual terminal names on your layouts -- you 're responsible for traffic flow .
tr	4	You know , he 's still waiting to hear when you and Ellen can come over for some ' gator . "
tr	4	The War Room Washington , D.C. January 4th , 2026 Nathaniel Parnell walked into the room , followed by Sam and Mary .
tr	4	He strode to his seat , nodding at the military and civilian staff arrayed around the table who all sprung to their feet .
tr	4	" Nice start on a story , but maybe throw in some zombies or a couple of sensitive vampires . "
tr	4	Mary , her attempt at a heads-up having failed utterly , nodded to the young captain who held the remote .
tr	4	" Tall guy , sour face , chewed my ear off for ten minutes about a registry for mineral claims on the moon ? "
tr	4	I 'd believe you if you told me it was all some sort of mob front for money laundering . "
tr	4	Nobody was certain whether Parnell truly loved the Capitals , or whether he just thought it wise to support the hometown team .
tr	4	" Mr. President , Chuck has staff in Hilo and they 're probably arriving at the observatory on Mauna Kea as we speak .
tr	4	Pete McGregor walked into the control room with a bag of food , handing it to the Red Flag astronomer .
tr	4	I 'm glad to have someone else look at this ; I 'm worried that I might be losing it ! "
tr	4	He crammed the burger into his mouth , biting off half while Pete looked up at the stills on the monitor .
tr	4	Mike wasn 't sure if it was just hunger , but it was the best damned burger he had eaten in his entire life .
tr	4	Having taken the edge off , he finished off the remainder at a more normal pace while watching his friend 's reaction .
tr	4	" I don 't see any bodies but those little guys are all over the ISS site and our mining operation . "
tr	4	" What ever reason it stands to , Pete , it 's not the one you 're talking about . "
tr	4	He came out of his reverie when he realized that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was speaking .
tr	4	" ... makes it abundantly clear that these are hostile forces and we have to prepare to face them . "
tr	4	" Why do we always fall back on Hollywood and assume that an alien presence will automatically mean a violent invasion ?
tr	4	" Let 's consider for a moment that these creatures come from a civilization advanced enough to travel between solar systems .
tr	4	" Charles , do you have any comments about the feasibility of shipping a fleet 's worth of steel into space ? "
tr	4	" Mr. President , there are a few organizations out there advocating the use of airships to get into orbit .
tr	4	My predecessor had a policy of discouraging private capital from backing the concept and , frankly , I agree . "
tr	4	" Sir , the plan calls for the construction of the ships in modules that we fabricate here on the ground .
tr	4	The way station then transfers the cargo to a second type of airship that 's designed to go into low Earth orbit .
tr	4	" How much can you put into LEO with those old engines from the shuttle , Chuck , seventy tons ? "
tr	4	He may not have earned a living in combat , but he knew what weapons he could use in a situation like this .
tr	4	Parnell was a politician , and like the rest of his kind , he could smell blood in the water .
tr	4	" Tom , how much are we looking at , including the cost of getting these airships up and running ? "
tr	4	" Tom , did you just ask me to spend one and a half times our current national debt ? "
tr	4	" Sir , even if we nationalize the contractors and suppliers to enforce cost controls , this would completely bankrupt us .
tr	4	" We 're talking about this as if the aliens would only be interested in attacking the United States . "
tr	4	NATO will have to ' encourage ' the western financial contributors , and China will do the same in the east . "
tr	4	No matter what direction this meeting takes , let it not be said that I didn 't start it on a friendly footing .
tr	4	" Half the world thinks it 's just another tabloid headline , the other half is stocking up on water and dry goods . "
tr	4	" Why do I get the feeling that you have come here to press your own idea of appropriate concrete action ? "
tr	4	" No country will give you a single dollar if they think it goes to a unilateral response , no matter how necessary . "
tr	4	" The best option would likely be to share the total costs based on each member nation 's GDP , " she said .
tr	4	The rest of the world will hardly be keen on paying to provide the United States with such a potent force . "
tr	4	And the Chinese own a large portion of your national debt , she thought , looking down at the coffee table .
tr	4	He had thought the whole thing a joke or worse , a distraction cooked up by one of his subcontractors .
tr	4	Frank knew that one of the décor suppliers was being pressured by a rival cruise line to move them up on their schedule .
tr	4	Now , standing in Kim 's back yard , he looked across the causeway at the cruise ships docked at Dodge Island .
tr	4	" With a possible invasion just around the corner , would you want to spend a week or two stuck on a boat ? "
tr	4	Live every day as if it were your last , " " And one day you 'll be right ? "
tr	4	" So , it 's either business as usual , a huge jump in business or a complete collapse of the cruise industry ? "
tr	4	" See your problem , " Frank sighed , " is that you think you 're funny , but you really aren 't .
tr	4	Frank nodded absently , looking down the waterway as his boat , a confection in fiberglass and horsepower , came rumbling towards the dock .
tr	4	" As soon as she 's finished tying up my boat , I 'll go down there and ask her . "
tr	4	Blackmail accomplished , Frank enjoyed that perfect first taste of a newly opened beer and treated himself to a moment of relaxation .
tr	4	It 'll be at least another six months on my current project before I would have to look for work .
tr	4	The Prime Minister 's Office 10 Downing Street , London January 9th , 2026 Jan was ushered into the room by an aide .
tr	4	The Prime Minister , at least , was easy to identify : he was the man behind the desk , frowning up at her .
tr	4	Now she stood looking back at the assembled group as another door quietly closed behind her and she began to feel annoyed .
tr	4	It was a safe bet that none of them would understand the slang that she had picked up from her students .
tr	4	It was obvious that the PM had no clue who she was and equally obvious that he expected her to identify herself .
tr	4	" As you may have already guessed , it has to do with your rather unusual conference call on Sunday morning . "
tr	4	Perhaps the information itself is unimportant , but Dr. Colbert managed to determine it from almost no data at all . "
tr	4	With a slight nod , the PM turned to Jan. " Dr. Colbert , we would like to send you to New York .
tr	4	The whole reason Red Flag set up there is because volcanoes and asteroid impacts bring mineral wealth to the surface , right ? "
tr	4	And why , " his voice grew louder , " do we always label disgusting food as an acquired taste ? "
tr	4	It looked like it had been there since the ' 50 's when that kind of mid-century modern was all the rage .
tr	4	Frank had sensed that Howard knew he was in the right , but the VP of Operations still wanted his head on a platter .
tr	4	Frank was about to employ some rather shocking language when a commotion erupted on the other side of the door .
tr	4	The VP of Ops no longer looked quite so smug , but he still couldn 't tear his eyes away from Frank .
tr	4	At least ' presence is required ' sounds better than ' we 've come to lock your ass up ' .
tr	4	Is the cop here to reassure me that this is legit , or is he here to make sure I come ?
tr	4	To Frank 's surprise they drove right through and onto the tarmac of Miami International after crossing over a rough patch of dead grass .
tr	4	" Mr. Bender , I have no idea what you 've been dragged into , but best of luck . "
tr	4	Now , sitting in the Danish chair , still in the flight suit , Frank looked up at the row of portraits .
tr	4	He tried running his hands through his hair to at least get it off his scalp but it just dropped right back down again .
tr	4	He pulled it from under the vase and began to rub it on his hair to wick up as much moisture as possible .
tr	4	" Mr. Bender , considering how much time you will be spending in this office , I think we can dispense with the formalities .
tr	4	He gave a slight shake of the head , his mouth a tight mask , the bearer of bad news .
tr	4	" I hear there is a lot of money to be had in cruise ships , perhaps we could fund ourselves ? "
tr	4	" You want to ship me over there so they can beat me to death in front of a camera ? "
tr	4	She had the grace to look ashamed , even though she had still been working in Africa at the time .
tr	4	He remained in his seat , afraid he might throw a chair out the window if he came to his feet .
tr	4	They had established a secure beachhead and ferried the survivors out to the Charles de Gaulle by landing helicopters in the tide zone .
tr	4	Two months later , he had been beaten to death in front of a camera after refusing to read a prepared statement .
tr	4	To channel all of our efforts and resources into the most difficult construction project our species has ever attempted . "
tr	4	The Oval Office Washington , D.C. January 11th , 2026 " They 'll try to use this to bring us down . "
tr	4	He shrugged out of the jacket , throwing it over the back of one of the ornate chairs in the seating area .
tr	4	" So , what kind of ammunition will he use this morning and what will he hold in reserve ? "
tr	4	" This is going to be the most important conflict in human history and the Republicans are itching to be in the saddle . "
tr	4	" I think we can dispense with the fencing , Mr. President and come straight to the matter at hand . "
tr	4	The lyrical quality , so reassuring and promising of hope , often surfaced when he was trying to persuade and cajole .
tr	4	" Mr. President , you propose spending a third of our GDP on a fleet that we won 't control .
tr	4	Even worse , " he continued in a cautionary tone , " it could one day be used against us . "
tr	4	" Sir , many of my colleagues are wondering what exactly you were thinking when you made this deal in New York . "
tr	4	" There 's just no way for us to afford that and to build anything less would be foolhardy in the extreme . "
tr	4	We can 't expect the world to come together and pay for this only to watch us claim it for our own .
tr	4	This is not the time to worry about who sits in some office ; it 's not the time to worry about partisan politics .
tr	4	Can you tell them that they won 't wake up tomorrow to see a fleet blocking out the sun ? "
tr	4	" I felt the same way about politicians when I was in the Gulf , flying missions off the Independence . "
tr	4	" Bob , I have no military experience but this situation goes far beyond anything in human history , " he spoke calmly .
tr	4	" You 're hardly in a position to make threats or had you forgotten who holds the majority in Congress ? "
tr	4	If you hold up this bill , I 'll personally nail your ass to the barn door in front of the press . "
tr	4	" If you had asked me a month ago , I would never have thought to be considering something like this .
tr	4	He liked to keep the front door in sight and the kitchen door was just five feet to his right .
tr	4	Gary and Susan McKinnon had worked for two decades with the CIA , slowly growing disillusioned with every passing year .
tr	4	He easily found work as a carpenter , which left his mind free to ruminate on all that was wrong with the world .
tr	4	" They went after Congress first because that was the Republican majority , " he explained to his friends who nodded sagely .
tr	4	" There 's not going to be any space fleet and you know it , just those airships and a private UN army . "
tr	4	Commencement Turtle Bay Manhattan , New York January 27th , 2026 Frank looked up as Ellen walked into his office .
tr	4	The soldiers were still there but a team of military engineers was now putting up a guardhouse and permanent gate .
tr	4	To her evident amazement , they were waved through and Frank drove over to where the fighter had been parked the day before .
tr	4	" Don 't worry about your bags , " he said as an airman reached inside the driver 's door to release the trunk .
tr	4	" The rest of your party is already aboard , so you can take off as soon as the bags are stowed . "
tr	4	" The UN actually sent a jet here to pick us up because they want you to build them a fleet ? "
tr	4	I 'm going to be travelling everywhere our contractors operate and we can 't afford to wait for scheduling issues with other departments . "
tr	4	" You didn 't think I 'd take on a job like this without an experienced designer , did you ? "
tr	4	Now , two weeks later , he smiled at his wife as she dropped into a chair in his office .
tr	4	Her site quickly became a destination for those who sought to learn and it raised her profile in the design community .
tr	4	He turned towards his men , " This is Sergeant Wesley Davis , Corporal Rob Farquhar and Corporal Andrew Alexander . "
tr	4	He was running the colonel 's last sentence through his head and decided he didn 't like how it sounded .
tr	4	" They missed showing this to professionals ; that 's what they missed , " he said with a soldier 's disdain for amateurs .
tr	4	" Alien or not , you don 't cart ordinance halfway across the galaxy and waste it on mindless destruction . "
tr	4	Not knowing what else to do in her agitated state , she decided to head down to the cafeteria and get cup of tea .
tr	4	She passed the ride in awkward silence and left as soon as the doors opened , turning to head for the cafeteria entrance .
tr	4	It 's twenty degrees in the Big Onion ; my wife told me we 're getting a couple of inches of snow too . "
tr	4	" I had meant to look in on you earlier , but we 've had a lot of work to do lately . "
tr	4	" I was thinking of coming to see you when Dr. Colbert walked onto the elevator and joined me . "
tr	4	Every few days a short video or some images show up and we look them over but we 're really just some useless appendage .
tr	4	For all we know , our reports are simply redundant because there are obviously other teams out there looking at this data first . "
tr	4	All she did was tell this woman the truth and now she was going to be packed off to Oxford as a malcontent ?
tr	4	She was looking down into her coffee now watching the last vestige of white powder blend into the brown liquid .
tr	4	From what he had learned so far , the big guy leading the pack had been building cruise ships until a month ago .
tr	4	I 've been putting people and equipment into space my whole working life and now he 's going to sort me out ?
tr	4	Ed McAdam from Red Flag and Tim Harrison from Chimera were both sitting at the table , working at their laptops .
tr	4	" This is Ed McAdams , the CEO of Red Flag Minerals and Tim Harrison , a design engineer from Chimera . "
tr	4	Frank stopped with the power adapter in his right hand and thought for a moment while his eyes drifted to Tim .
tr	4	" The first two airships should lift off in two weeks , the third will follow a month after that . "
tr	4	" Tim , let 's get some cranes in here and start lifting the remains of number four out of there .
tr	4	" We already have four months invested in that airframe ; it would be a waste to abandon it now . "
tr	4	" Frank , if I need to halt the process on the first modules , you need to tell me now .
tr	4	I can have the first sections rolling off the line in six weeks but my yard can 't hold many modules .
tr	4	Frank made a subtle hand gesture to the contractor , asking him for a moment as he turned to Chuck .
tr	4	" In all likelihood , Tony , the design will need a bit more tweaking before you can fire up the cutters . "
tr	4	" Better than aiming for three and missing the date ; we 'd end up having to change everyone 's targets . "
tr	4	" We can use the first three to move materials but we already have trains committed to that task . "
tr	4	The dark-haired man pulled out his smart phone and raised an eyebrow at Kim as he nodded to the projector .
tr	4	A file showed up on the far wall presenting a column of module renderings with text summaries to the right of each .
tr	4	Frank strolled back over to the table where he leaned on his chair , lost in thought for a moment .
tr	4	Chuck was hoping the taciturn mining executive who was bankrolling the airship project would help to put the brakes on .
tr	4	" You might be supporting the orbital program for obvious reasons of your own , but this essentially kills the terrestrial program . "
tr	4	" Once the fleet is built , I 'll be talking with Tony here about putting my own freighters in space . "
tr	4	He looked over at the young captain who had been in the war room when Chuck was sparring with Admiral Kelly .
tr	4	We need you to get someone in here to raise the roof on Hangar Four and add a hundred feet to its length . "
tr	4	" Fabricating the world 's largest ship in fourteen months is our current claim to fame , " the contractor began .
tr	4	" But we had to do exactly the same modifications to our shops that you need to make on your hangars . "
tr	4	The Oval Office Washington , D.C. February 11th , 2026 " So he sure as hell did an end run on poor Chuck ! "
tr	4	" They 'll likely find a way to get equipment up there in the very near future so it will be occupied .
tr	4	" Our federally funded scientific teams would lend some credibility , so Ed should be willing to carry them there for us . "
tr	4	He 'd been leading a boarding party in the Gulf when a jittery freighter crewman had fired a burst from an AK-47 at him .
tr	4	It was intended to shelter the colony in the event of a natural disaster that wiped out the main site . "
tr	4	He pulled an engineer 's drawing from the folder and spread it on the desk , revealing an isometric drawing of an inflatable habitat .
tr	4	" This one was built to house the entire colony for up to a year while they wait for rescue from Earth .
tr	4	Parnell pulled the second image from under the drawing , looking at it as Kelly folded the large sheet and laid it aside .
tr	4	" What about , " Parnell paused while he checked a list on his desk , " Jennifer Grayson ? "
tr	4	Considering that we started out with almost thirty people , the chances are roughly twenty percent for any given individual . "
tr	4	" So , there 's no question that we need to use this information to light a fire under the nay-sayers .
tr	4	" We need to set up a meeting with the UN , the DARPA designers and the major military contributors .
tr	4	" Get the major stakeholders lined up for a meeting at the UN and make sure my schedule is cleared . "
tr	4	With a quick look to ensure Kevin was awake , Callum stepped out of his car and entered the store ahead of his target .
tr	4	It had taken a little over an hour to identify the owner of the contractor who had the expansion job at Moffett Field .
tr	4	Two weeks more had identified his major habits and the liquor store was identified as the best location for a carefully scripted chance meeting .
tr	4	Given the clearance required for Moffett Field , it was unlikely that they would ever be coming back to the jobsite .
tr	4	" I do need a few extra employees , as it turns out , " the man replied , raising an inquisitive eyebrow .
tr	4	" Name 's Lance Bryson , by the way , " the contractor said as he looked up from the screen .
tr	4	All private research partnerships had been temporarily suspended as the massive telescope became Humanity 's primary intelligence source for alien activity on Mars .
tr	4	His earlier hopes that the military would completely take over had come true but they had shown no interest in letting him leave .
tr	4	The shift in usage from ' alien ' to ' enemy ' happened the day Colonel McCutcheon and his advance team had arrived .
tr	4	The newly arrived team of three specialists from the UN were standing just inside the door where they shivered in shorts and t-shirts .
tr	4	The soldiers had been the ones to start referring to the location as the 60 's in honor of the telescope 's famed diameter .
tr	4	" This is Dr. Craig Pugh from Northwestern , Chicago and Dr. Hal Tudor from the University of British Columbia , Vancouver . "
tr	4	" I can 't speak for Jan or Craig , but I sure as hell didn 't sleep on the flight here . "
tr	4	The enclosure also served as a ready room for a small security force that had arrived a couple of days ago .
tr	4	Publicly , the entire incident was regrettable but Gao soon found he was recognized by his countrymen wherever he went .
tr	4	" Studies here in America have shown that creativity is measurably reduced by the time a student graduates from an engineering program . "
tr	4	" I miss the ability to walk the streets of Ningbo in privacy but I stand by the decisions that I 've made .
tr	4	I had my standing orders and a captain 's prerogative to interpret and apply those orders as I saw fit . "
tr	4	At most , he was a hundred fifty kilometers from his own coastline facing a fleet from the other side of the Pacific .
tr	4	It wasn 't lost on her that he had referenced his orders but had followed by stating firmly that it was his own decision .
tr	4	This was a man who took responsibility for his own actions ; more importantly , he was a man who took action .
tr	4	He knew he was engaging an enemy with over a century of experience fighting against some of the best navies the world had seen .
tr	4	" Probably because it is crazy , " Sam replied , his face showing his opinion of the designers at DARPA .
tr	4	" Jack , would you climb into one of these capsules and drop onto an alien world with four days of water ? "
tr	4	" So , how soon after the three carrier groups are finished do we wait before starting on our own fleet ? "
tr	4	" For all I know , you probably do but it 's not the kind of thing you tell your press secretary about . "
tr	4	He reached the small group of military officers and shook hands with Admiral Towers , the commander of the response fleet .
tr	4	Tower 's eyebrows raised in surprise at the knowledge displayed by a man he tended to think of as a civilian .
tr	4	He was rewarded with a few chuckles and a couple of outright groans at this obviously lame attempt at humor .
tr	4	Parnell was momentarily surprised by the man 's flawless New England accent , even though he had read about his time in Boston .
tr	4	" They may have had peace for a few generations and now they 've come looking for conquest and adventure . "
tr	4	" Perhaps when we finish with them on Mars , we should pay them a visit on their own home world .
tr	4	Her question was politely rhetorical and the attendees moved to their seats as a complicated Gantt chart appeared on the screen .
tr	4	We 'll get them busy moving raw materials and weapons to the transfer yard and shift them over to module pickups as needed . "
tr	4	" The two airship models needed to get all this into orbit will take roughly three months before the first set are operational . "
tr	4	" Sorry I didn 't have time to tidy this up , " he said as he scrolled over to the left .
tr	4	" We 've calculated that we need to do just a little over a thousand lifts for each carrier group . "
tr	4	Frank 's fingers tapped the pad , overwriting the number ' 4 ' to a ' 40 ' as he spoke .
tr	4	In all likelihood , we won 't have three fleets lifted and assembled for another three and a half years . "
tr	4	When it became clear that the same arguments were now being chewed over for a third time , she took control back .
tr	4	The anger that had been building on the officer 's face began to fade as he realized that disaster might yet be averted .
tr	4	" I don 't think there can be any disagreement with the points as put forward by our fleet commanders , " Jess said .
tr	4	" Our next order of business should be to determine just how quickly we will have the means to fight in our own backyard .
tr	4	Bender must not have expected to be dragged back into the discussion because it took him a moment to frame an answer .
tr	4	" We plan to have the modules for two frigates and a cruiser lifted into orbit by early December of this year .
tr	4	The German ambassador rose from his chair and walked over to a large wall screen where images of the enemy facility were displayed .
tr	4	" A document from this building listed three reasons for the failure of my father 's mission and his eventual death .
tr	4	" They can take orbit , but I 'll bet you anything they can 't take the surface with the troops they were given .
tr	4	" When dad was posted to the South Pacific , I saw tribes where a headman ran the whole show .
tr	4	Since the launch of the fleet building program , the American government had become the administrative equivalent of a liposuction patient .
tr	4	" And where would my little brother get his men from if not for glorified militia captains like me ? "
tr	4	He returned his thoughts to the topic that brought him here , seeking the right way to frame his news .
tr	4	They walked through a door leading from the courtyard and soon found a lounge where several men were enjoying their off-duty time .
tr	4	" Since we will not have our own ships , we will be integrated with the forces carried by the Hermann .
tr	4	" Too many people come here looking for a specific answer and when they don 't get it ... " He spread his hands .
tr	4	" We play like nice little colonial subjects and then when their guard is down , we rob them blind ? "
tr	4	Already , the keels of three massive airships had been laid and they were almost twice the size of the originals .
tr	4	Callum turned to see his employer , Lance , and looked down at the sandwich in his hand , nodding .
tr	4	" I think he went to check on a job in Oakland , " Callum said , watching her frown .
tr	4	" Hey , Mike , sorry I didn 't call back but I still haven 't managed to find a keg . "
tr	4	There were still several months before the first of the new airships would lift off , and he could afford to plan properly .
tr	4	" If you get killed , I 'm just gon na dump you in the harbor and claim I never saw you . "
tr	4	Red One had come down from cruising altitude by pumping huge quantities of helium from her internal bladders back into compressed storage .
tr	4	Turning , he could see Tony walking over while gesturing to the one photographer who 'd been given accreditation for this event .
tr	4	Frank watched as the photographer jumped down into the first terrace of the docking pit , crab walking under the side of the ship .
tr	4	Tony was standing on a chalked ' X ' and waving at Frank , who joined him with a bemused smile .
tr	4	Now , looking up at module A-5 , Frank had a hard time imagining how many lifts were planned for the project .
tr	4	The cruisers were roughly six times the size of the frigates and the carriers would be fifteen times the size of a cruiser .
tr	4	The planning committee had been shocked to hear that each carrier group would need more than a thousand modules lifted into orbit .
tr	4	The flatbed slowed to a crawl , bumping softly against the heavy , padded concrete transfer block and ground crew swarmed both vehicles .
tr	4	" If this goes sideways on us , " Tony muttered , " that photographer will have an accident with his camera . "
tr	4	Every couple of months , the staff were sent down the mountain for a few days to clear their heads .
tr	4	Now that the military was expanding the training facilities , a service battalion had set up shop next to the large telescope complex .
tr	4	The young woman had taken a great interest in the workings of the massive telescope and Mike had been delighted to show her around .
tr	4	The only other woman she knew was the young engineering officer but Keira had been a little distant since Mike 's new relaxed attitude .
tr	4	Jan had been drawn to the school 's new science center , billed as one of Europe 's most advanced science teaching facilities .
tr	4	Liam or not , she knew that Queen 's had the right program for her and so they had gone their separate ways .
tr	4	Has that been waiting deep inside my mind all these years , secretly poisoning every relationship I 've had since ?
tr	4	" I 've had better accommodations , " he said with a rueful grin but his expression quickly grew serious .
tr	4	Her self-imposed torment continued for an hour and a half until the pilot 's voice shook her out of her reverie .
tr	4	Now , as the island rolled by her open loading door , she spotted something that looked like a very bad idea .
tr	4	She knew the only thing she was likely to check out was the beach , and maybe a good book .
tr	4	A number of dark shapes seemed to drop into the Pacific before the big Sikorsky clawed its way back into the sky .
tr	4	" We 'll mix in carbon fiber to give added strength to the concrete , in case the heat causes it to crack . "
tr	4	When two halves were placed together , it would look exactly like a hollow pyramid , with the capstone missing .
tr	4	He trusted his people as far as he could , but only a fool laid out a plan like this for all to see .
tr	4	More importantly , he was aware that few of his helpers would be likely to stand up under a police interrogation .
tr	4	He knew that there was a very real risk of some of them being picked up by city police for any number of infractions .
tr	4	Though Kevin knew more than the others , he still had no idea what the strange shapes were meant for .
tr	4	He shrugged and went back to the cement mixer , tying a plastic sheet over the mouth before turning it on .
tr	4	As the noise filled the small garage , Callum looked at his mold , wondering if there was a way to mass-produce the shapes .
tr	4	He had been working on construction sites for years and had never really paid attention to the concrete form workers .
tr	4	He stared at the LCD screen in front of him , not really seeing the English language mini-series that he had selected .
tr	4	Their technological advantage was less pronounced and they were few in numbers , so the local natives drove them off .
tr	4	Larger groups such as the Iroquois Confederacy , who were already accomplished farmers , would have been able to dramatically increase their output .
tr	4	Who could say what the European explorers might have faced when they arrived after five centuries of divergent technological development ?
tr	4	The range , accuracy and rate of fire of a proper war bow was vastly superior to that of any musket .
tr	4	They would have eventually found willing prisoners who could catch them up on technologies such as guns and sailing vessels .
tr	4	Could we be avoiding a weak colonization force now , only to fall prey to a much more powerful enemy in the near future ?
tr	4	He didn 't consider himself to be particularly devout , but then , neither did his brother and he was serving at the Vatican .
tr	4	Having been raised in a Catholic family , it seemed as much a part of him as the color of his eyes .
tr	4	He got up and looked at the line for the first class washroom , seeing two of his fellow officers waiting .
tr	4	" Besides , I can write a hell of a lot faster with a pen than with a finger . "
tr	4	" I managed to get a free upgrade from my supplier and I figured I 'd use it here . "
tr	4	Frank almost rolled his eyes but he knew it would only help things if Chuck could stay in a good mood .
tr	4	Cal had spent a lot of time with the attractive young security guard , to the wry amusement of his comrades .
tr	4	Though he had gathered the necessary intelligence from her , he had been unsuccessful in moving their association beyond friendship .
tr	4	And when the financial meltdown spreads across the Atlantic , we 'll see UN troops in every damned town in America . "
tr	4	Both men had needed to use the washroom rather urgently after several pitchers of beer with Lance followed by a circuitous taxi ride .
tr	4	Their solution to the urgent washroom logjam had been solved when Frank yielded the main office facilities to Chuck and headed for his aircraft .
tr	4	They set off towards the hangars and noticed as they came around the corner that the planters were already gone .
tr	4	I suppose working in a customer-oriented business gave him an eye for the small details that we tend to miss in a government agency .
tr	4	The lumps were concrete containers that appeared to be made in two halves and then strapped together around each column .
tr	4	The top surface was a waxy material and Chuck pulled out a pen and broke through revealing a reddish powder .
tr	4	A pair of wires emerged from the wax and snaked their way along the wall battens , leading to the next column .
tr	4	If we don 't disable these , they 'll put out enough heat to melt right through these columns and bring down the roof .
tr	4	Ordinarily , he would wake instantly but he felt like he was underwater and had to struggle to reach the surface .
tr	4	He looked down at the handcuffs and smiled as he realized that there was an intravenous needle in his right arm .
tr	4	Turning his head and dropping his shoulder , he managed to grasp the IV line with his teeth and pulled .
tr	4	After a moment of discomfort , the strips of tape came loose from his skin and the needle slid out of his vein .
tr	4	Cal twitched his arm a few times until the needle came into reach and he grabbed it in his right hand .
tr	4	He left it in place for a moment , not sure if it would set off an alarm and flood the room with staff .
tr	4	He might be willing to kill but there were still a few places where he preferred to draw the line .
tr	4	" Since you 're cuffed , I 'm supposed to feed you but I figure , why waste good food ? "
tr	4	He started to help himself to the lunch , cutting off a large piece of pork loin before he set the knife back down .
tr	4	" She knew that McKinnon was planning something big for your visit and she had the entire place crawling with snipers and agents .
tr	4	" The pistol came out , the sniper called it in and before anyone could do anything , Chuck was down .
tr	4	I want our production sites locked down , and I want this kid found and buried head first out in the Sonora Desert .
tr	4	The suite took up the entire top floor of the small hotel and it was the size of a large two-bedroom apartment .
tr	4	Now , the two men set their beer down and headed for the entryway as a sedan rolled to a stop under the portico .
tr	4	" Don 't know what a regolith is and don 't much care to ; that 's why we want you along .
tr	4	Just put your name in and leave the narrative box blank , for all I care ; you 're a no-brainer . "
tr	4	All those years trying to hide away in various universities had left him with a unique skill set that fit the situation perfectly .
tr	4	Soldiers get redeployed every few years and romances tend to be short lived : especially with civilians whose jobs aren 't portable .
tr	4	" Well , both of us are going , but you need to make sure you get assigned to the flagship , he said .
tr	4	Galileo Shipyard Low Earth Orbit July 15th , 2026 Frank hit the release on his harness and drifted forward to the cockpit windows .
tr	4	Fortunately , they were not currently controlling the huge airship and , though startled by his impact , they were not unduly disturbed .
tr	4	From the transfer station , the modules would continue their journey to space aboard the much larger , orbital airships .
tr	4	He 'd felt suddenly certain that it had no place being there and that it would succumb to gravity at any moment .
tr	4	He hadn 't even noticed the vibration as the airship 's huge loading door began to open until the co-pilot remarked on it .
tr	4	He grabbed his foot instinctively and curled into a ball , thudding gently against the last couple of stairs in his distracted state .
tr	4	He was just in time to see the last thruster team maneuver into position at the starboard side of the ship module .
tr	4	The last team reached the yellow and black target symbols on the module and grasped the handholds welded to its bulkheads .
tr	4	" Confirm release of restraint clamps , " he said , before nodding at the crackle that even Frank could hear from the headset .
tr	4	Brad drifted over from the stairs along with Rob , the flight engineer and the entire crew watched the dangerous ballet unfold .
tr	4	" It 's no different from getting around inside this crew compartment , " Brad answered , still looking out the window .
tr	4	With no friction or gravity to fight against , you can get the job done with very little effort . "
tr	4	" The other advantage of using as little force as possible is that it 's easier to correct if you get it wrong .
tr	4	The pilot activated a touch-screen on his console , opening a channel selector and tapped the line labeled Galileo Shipyard -- Thruster Team .
tr	4	" I shut it off as soon as they were out of the hold , " he said to the men around him .
tr	4	He realized that computers were as fallible as the programmers who built the code but the software had extensive redundancies built in .
tr	4	Small silent jets of gas were visible as the two sections of the frigate closed the final distance , slowing the progress .
tr	4	The aliens had been busy , setting up a large complex on the surface and aggressively exploiting the planet 's resources .
tr	4	She reached out and grabbed her cup , enjoying the warmth that leached into her hands as she cradled the hot coffee .
tr	4	The coffee was far better and so -- when in Rome ... The momentary comfort relaxed her mind , shifting her train of thought .
tr	4	She dumped a full bag of coffee into the filter unit , leaning over to sniff the rich earthy scent .
tr	4	" You only make coffee when you need it , " she said loudly as she turned and leaned against the table .
tr	4	" Regardless of their reasons , those pods would be well worth trying to grab when we hit the ground . "
tr	4	If they 'd brought all those capsules with them from their homeworld , they probably would have revived them on the ship .
tr	4	" Our survivors , if they did in fact survive , are in a cave ten kilometers outside of the current patrol zone . "
tr	4	" There 's a habitat inside the cave and enough food and water to keep them alive for almost three years . "
tr	4	As the team began to drift away , the colonel came over to Jan and began fixing a cup of coffee .
tr	4	" Nice work today , Doctor " he remarked casually , pouring three packets of sugar into the fresh brew .
tr	4	" However it came to you , it came to you , not to any of the rest of us . "
tr	4	" I wasn 't really sure whether I would be able to earn my keep if I went along . "
tr	4	" You had an impressive flash of insight today and it may well be of great technical importance for us .
tr	4	I know I 'm a good professor and a solid scientist but it will be a much faster pace with the fleet .
tr	4	" If you don 't come with us , you make it a certainty that you will miss something , everything in fact . "
tr	4	I might miss something and get someone killed , but staying behind guarantees that I 'll miss everything that I might otherwise have caught .
tr	4	Many countries were becoming openly belligerent about the debt loads that had been assessed to them in support of fleet construction .
tr	4	In another few months , he knew that many Swiss families would be forced to choose between treatment or food .
tr	4	His tone was the only indication of his disapproval , the closest he 'd ever come to speaking against orders .
tr	4	Callum looked up as Mark Frey set his mug on the table and dropped into a seat across from him .
tr	4	" You know , I pick up a guy at Kennedy every week , and he told me this was going down . "
tr	4	" From what I read on a blog about it this morning , the Canadian version of French has been diverging for centuries .
tr	4	A UN flunky who didn 't rate a limo may well be a more useful target than an actual ambassador .
tr	4	The frightened man 's panic had opened a hole in the line and the crowd surged forward , pelting rocks into the hole .
tr	4	The soldier took a hit to the forehead and looked up with panic to see another man lighting a second Molotov cocktail .
tr	4	A carpet of flame spread under the feet of the protestors who were already struggling to get away from the gunfire .
tr	4	Though the junior officer obviously understood that in the heat of the moment , it was no comfort to him now .
tr	4	He was crouched by the body in a daze , his pistol still in his hand and tears streaming down his face .
tr	4	" Open the barricade and back up a truck , get on the radio to the other platoons on the island . "
tr	4	His voice had taken on a new sense of urgency as he realized how close help was for the wounded .
tr	4	He stopped by the lead medic , telling him quickly so as not to unduly distract him from his work .
tr	4	The response was almost instantaneous , the other units would have heard the weapons fire and gone to high alert .
tr	4	The bluff voice startled him and he looked up to see an elderly priest standing in the center of the nave .
tr	4	The elderly man listened in silence and , when the major was done , shifted his position with a grimace .
tr	4	" I suppose I should have been quicker to replace the handful of men who had been hit by the gasoline .
tr	4	" What would happen , Major , if the crowd had broken through and come to blows with your men ? "
tr	4	My men would have been overwhelmed by the crowd , someone would have begun shooting and then more would have joined in . "
tr	4	" My men are trained to fight soldiers , not hungry civilians angry at being forced to choose between food and medical care . "
tr	4	" When I first entered the priesthood , " he began , seeing the past as though it hung there , between the pillars .
tr	4	Ahh , that 's better , " he said as he shifted to his left , leaning on one hand .
tr	4	" Father , we should get up ; the floor is too cold to sit on for any length of time . "
tr	4	" But our plans do not take precedence and , quite often , our talents are needed where we least expect . "
tr	4	" Whether you believe it or not , I am one of the few who can make such a judgment based on personal experience .
tr	4	" If you were seen as the figurehead of all that plagues our country , then more would die at these barricades .
tr	4	My capture team has no need to be seen with you or associated in any way with any of the other groups . "
tr	4	" Shit , Cal , you haven 't even been here a month and you got yourself a whole network ? "
tr	4	I was all set to get him talking about what happened in Paris , and you went and changed the whole game . "
tr	4	It was a mistake for me to risk you on an operation so I pulled you , and put in a different team . "
tr	4	He couldn 't put his finger on it , but there was something about Mark that set off alarms in his head .
tr	4	He could plan and execute his operation while they were hoping to gain access to his fictional network of operators .
tr	4	People will watch because we 're going to drive a big load of explosives right up to the Secretariat and set them off . "
tr	4	Approaching the Hermann -- all cruisers were named for famous warriors - Frank had been reminded of just how small the frigates really were .
tr	4	The warheads had been harvested from American Peacekeeper missiles and their modified casings lay in racks on the far wall .
tr	4	Both classes of escort vessel were simply designed , much like an elongated matchbox with a slight indent or hogging in the middle .
tr	4	The edges and corners were rounded off to provide a more effective firing solution but the look was definitely boxy .
tr	4	The script called for an emergency thrust to bring the main battery to bear upon a target that currently sat at forty degrees off-axis .
tr	4	The bow often contained smaller , long-range guns intended to interdict an enemy 's rigging or punch a hole in her hull .
tr	4	The turret guns had been proven during the Amazon 's testing but everyone was a little nervous about the main armament 's viability .
tr	4	I need to get Kim involved in improving the designs for the next two fleets , Frank thought as the countdown reached zero .
tr	4	Monitors and other fixtures rattled for a few seconds while observers took note of the worst offenders for remedial action .
tr	4	The projectile was lost against the blackness of space and all eyes looked to the monitor where a fire control display was shown .
tr	4	The weapon mounts , their housings and the bulkheads of the entire region around the main battery had optic fibers embedded in them .
tr	4	The fire control panel came to life as operators in the Combat Information Center selected all batteries and designated the target as live .
tr	4	Frank looked out the windows in time to see turrets swing from the safety position to bear on the primary target .
tr	4	The entire ship seemed wreathed in flames and combustion gases as the sound of close to thirty guns began to hammer through the ship .
tr	4	There was the sharper report of the 105 's mixed in with the deeper , sonorous booms of the 155 's .
tr	4	A section of the fire control display indicated that two starboard batteries and one dorsal battery had been tasked to a new target .
tr	4	Once inside , he nodded to the Swiss soldier who guarded the airlock and floated over to the fire control team .
tr	4	The gunnery officer spoke as loudly as possible without shouting , his German accent oddly lost as he raised his voice .
tr	4	To ensure this , the weapons integrators had devised an ingenious system using adjustable physical barriers in the traverse mechanisms of each weapon .
tr	4	The fire control was programmed to offer corrections to the helmsman so that the ship could optimize the use of her gunnery .
tr	4	If she were aligned with that plane , then all dorsal and ventral guns should be able to hit either of the targets .
tr	4	" Yeah , she 's downstairs in the cafeteria having a coffee while I was finishing up some work here . "
tr	4	The man stepped into the office and turned on the television on the wall , setting it to one of the 24-hour news channels .
tr	4	" The UN has fabricated the threat of alien invasion as a justification for taking over the countries of the world .
tr	4	By taking trillions of dollars from the economies of the world , they have artificially created the very conditions that justify armed intervention .
tr	4	" For those of you who are just joining us , a terrorist threat has been made against UN Headquarters here in New York .
tr	4	The stated time for the detonation is in just over ten minutes from now and we have Sarah Vigil live on the scene .
tr	4	" You haven 't sounded the alarm ; I won 't sneak out in an empty elevator while my staff stay behind in ignorance .
tr	4	If she were a man , would I be staying as well or would I be running to catch that elevator right now ?
tr	4	The walk to her favorite table overlooking the East River always led her past conversations in at least three different languages .
tr	4	Having grown up in Florida , Ellen knew they represented one of the few tribes never to be defeated by the US Army .
tr	4	" Frank , don 't be such a stickler , " she replied , setting her mug on the table .
tr	4	" Frank , get in touch with whoever is in charge of security ; the bomb is in the East River . "
tr	4	Stay out of the streets ; the blast might channel through the lower floors of the Secretariat and straight up the cross streets . "
tr	4	" We won 't have time to get you out , " he said simply , his German accent more pronounced under the tension .
tr	4	" You 're probably safer up here , even considering the risk of the building toppling over into the river .
tr	4	If we go down now , we 'll just get to the ground floor in time for the detonation . "
tr	4	A few seconds later , a second round went in slightly lower , punching up to detonate closer to the wing .
tr	4	Almost simultaneously , a second tank began to fire from farther downstream , striking the bridge from a more direct angle .
tr	4	Their secondary armament of .50 caliber machine guns kept up a continuous bass chatter , chewing the flimsy bridge structure to pieces .
tr	4	A plainclothes officer stood outside the front entrance waving at Ellen as she walked out through the front doors of the main building .
tr	4	He stood in front of a patrol car with flashing lights , parting the stream of evacuees that flooded out of the main entrance .
tr	4	He glanced down at a leather packet that was strapped to his left forearm , then back to Ellen 's face .
tr	4	A loud booming noise sounded from somewhere near the river , followed by the sound of heavy machine gun fire .
tr	4	Once on 1st Avenue , he turned right and accelerated hard , braking before the turn onto East 44th and nailing the gas again .
tr	4	He weaved his way past a stopped cab and raced across Lexington , driving straight into an underground parking structure .
tr	4	The elevator core is made of concrete and reinforced steel ; that 's the only place that can save us from the blast . "
tr	4	Looking down the length of the building , Frank could see no walls , only the concrete columns that held up the building .
tr	4	Walking over to the edge , he looked down to see a tidal wave , twenty feet high , racing inland .
tr	4	The wave only had a small section of the East River to draw from and its awesome force was quickly spent .
tr	4	Pieces of the ship , ranging from a few ounces to over a ton , continued to fall for over a minute .
tr	4	A little girl who had run ahead of her parents on the sidewalk of 6th Avenue turned suddenly at the sound behind her .
tr	4	Jules would throw the money on his growing pile and a few hundred workers would be looking for new jobs .
tr	4	It struck just behind the wings , the force of the impact shearing off the tail and driving the rest of the aircraft forward .
tr	4	An array of lights and wires surrounded a chair in front of the screen and a camera stood on a tripod opposite the chair .
tr	4	A plastic clip in the head allowed one way passage of an insert that would then be locked in the closed position .
tr	4	Growing up in a low-income family meant that they returned shoddy merchandise that many families would have simply thrown away .
tr	4	The only difference is that the lock is adjustable , she mused , immune to Jarl 's excitement at having someone to talk to .
tr	4	She realized that she still had a paper clip from a client invoice in the tiny watch pocket of her jeans .
tr	4	With her teeth , she pulled the tie around her wrists so that the lock sat over her left wrist .
tr	4	She slid the wire into the lock until it reached the little plastic arm that held the teeth of the zip tie .
tr	4	With a gentle push , she shoved the wire under the arm , separating it from the teeth and the tie came loose .
tr	4	She pulled the door closed with her left hand and pulled the shifter to the drive position with her right .
tr	4	The cruiser rammed through the old garage door in a cacophony of squealing tires , breaking wood and screeching metal .
tr	4	A quick look in the rear-view mirror showed their captor standing in the middle of the alley with a gun in his hand .
tr	4	The radio had been busy with the disaster response throughout the drive but now Ellen heard her own name coming from the speaker .
tr	4	There 's a large building that looks like a power plant and then a bunch of big oil tanks to the left . "
tr	4	" Yeah , it 's about the size of a baseball diamond , " Ellen answered with relief , giving Jarl a thumbs up .
tr	4	Though the skyscrapers had avoided falling over , those closest to the blast had been scoured of all but their concrete and steel frames .
tr	4	The force of the blast had scoured the river bottom away from the tunnel roof , cracking it in the process .
tr	4	The helicopter followed the channel down to the upper bay , landing on a large circular patch of grass on Ellis Island .
tr	4	Though Ellen didn 't address it in quite those terms , it was nonetheless a very sudden and powerful feeling .
tr	4	He picked up a marker and drew two circles , one on the lower left corner and one slightly above and to the right .
tr	4	" This , " he said , stabbing the circle with the marker , " is the origin of the signals . "
tr	4	He walked over to the table where McCutcheon had startled him and pulled the headphone jack out of the laptop .
tr	4	Everyone turned to look at Corporal Rob Farquhar who had arrived with the Colonel when the military had taken over the site .
tr	4	" I can recognize a couple of words but not nearly enough to have any clue what it means . "
tr	4	" A lot of people think the Pueblo tribes can trace their roots back to the great Anasazi civilization . "
tr	4	The US would be deploying almost a quarter of a million troops in the coming months as part of the Stability Assistance Program .
tr	4	" People tend to point their ground penetrating radars at the ground , not at the back wall of cave cities .
tr	4	The bodies had been piled inside their ship , which had been placed at the back of a deep cleft in a cliff face .
tr	4	The victorious humans had then closed off the opening and built a small collection of buildings to house the warriors chosen to guard it .
tr	4	In time it had grown into a small city of homes and shops built under the overhang of the cliff .
tr	4	The aliens had mentioned the massacre and it was clear that they wanted to come back and do a proper job this time .
tr	4	This will be the first time they get to study an intact ship , though it 's obviously made by a different civilization . "
tr	4	" General consensus is that the Roswell bunch were just biologists but I figure they were doing a nature show . "
tr	4	I get the feeling the enemy hasn 't fought many major wars lately , just counter-insurgency against some of their own worlds . "
tr	4	" I hope Jack worded it a little better than that , " Sam muttered as they headed for the assembly hall .
tr	4	The hull was over ninety-five percent complete and there were only thirty-two modules left to attach around the outside edges of the vessel .
tr	4	The airship that had carried Frank into orbit was also loaded with the first of the carrier 's breaching assault vessels .
tr	4	" Alright Frank , that 's as far as we can take you , " the pilot said over his shoulder .
tr	4	" Thanks , jackass , " Frank felt the seal click and hit the button to clear the air from the small room .
tr	4	The lead hand drifted over to Frank and checked his tie before grasping his helmet and bringing their visors together .
tr	4	The gesture was unsettling for Frank until he realized that this was how they talked without having the entire shipyard listening in .
tr	4	" Mr. Bender , your tether looks fine but make sure you keep a firm grip on the bulkhead , OK ?
tr	4	After a quick confirmation that it had control of all eight thruster units , he started them moving out of the hold .
tr	4	They passed through and stopped in front of a second door while they waited for the outer door to close .
tr	4	He knew the difference , of course , but he was nervous and a nervous mind likes to cast about for familiarity .
tr	4	" Welcome to the Ares , " he said expansively as the two inner doors swung out of their way .
tr	4	A series of structures ran down the center line of the hangar , linking the dorsal and ventral halves of the ship .
tr	4	The team from Echelon , the five nation signals intelligence network , had arrived six days earlier and had set to work immediately .
tr	4	After a brief pause as they watched him glide away , they got back to the important business of arguing over methodology .
tr	4	That didn 't mean that he was an actual army major but it did give him a place in the hierarchy .
tr	4	He took his hand away from the back of his head and was relieved to see that it had no blood on it .
tr	4	He sat up , looking at the Echelon officers who were grinning at his accident now that it was obvious he was fine .
tr	4	He realized that he might have to carry through on his bluff and that it might be a good thing .
tr	4	McCutcheon looked as though he was considering whether it would be worth the wait to fly Mike 's cousin to Hawaii .
tr	4	" Take days to get him here and it might be a waste of time , " Angela Compton chimed in .
tr	4	He turned calmly and snagged his mug , getting up from his chair to fix a new cup of coffee .
tr	4	Mike turned from the table , noticing the Canadian and American Echelon officers were giving the colonel an indignant look .
tr	4	" Well gosh , Mike , it 's sweet of you to be so supportive but why exactly are you telling me about this ?
tr	4	He knew he should have given her the real time limit but he was worried that she would just hang up in disgust .
tr	4	" I wish Dad had that kind of faith in my abilities , " she grumbled , keys clacking in the background .
tr	4	" Yeah , we have a whole nerve center thing going here and some specialists who keep the security up to military standards . "
tr	4	Despite their wounded pride , the Echelon officers joined the rest of the team in chuckling at her playful attitude .
tr	4	I 'm getting you an aircraft from Nellis Air Force Base so you should have about an hour before it lands .
tr	4	It 's going to be a fighter so you 'll only be able to take a small bag -- pack only the absolute essentials .
tr	4	" He carried an incredibly virulent bug home with him and only five people out of more than three hundred managed to survive .
tr	4	Much had changed over the last year , but the blast had more impact than any other factor in changing the organization .
tr	4	So few had survived the explosion that they were able to live and work at the Ellis Island facilities with room to spare .
tr	4	The island that had welcomed countless thousands of immigrants to the New World now played host to the representatives of their original homelands .
tr	4	There was a decidedly military feeling throughout the island and Frank couldn 't shake the feeling that the institution had permanently changed .
tr	4	Wherever they went , it would have to be someplace remote , someplace easy to secure and far from innocent civilians .
tr	4	He wondered if the same features would be as attractive on a woman who didn 't possess the same spirit as his cousin .
tr	4	" Those quantum cores still don 't come cheap and they 've been on the market for almost a year now .
tr	4	Mike smiled to himself ; Rob had been a bit of a mess since learning that aliens had been in contact with his ancestors .
tr	4	" Well , Mike was going to take me over to the mess tent for lunch and meet the rest of the team first .
tr	4	That all served merely as a colorful background to the wildly popular theory that alien aircraft and personnel were kept there for study .
tr	4	A group of men stood in the shade cast by the building , a mix of uniforms and civilian clothing .
tr	4	" The test window is now open , no eyes are on us for the next two and a half hours . "
tr	4	Frank was no astronomer but he knew that Mars wouldn 't see this side of the planet until shortly after nightfall .
tr	4	A man had wandered over to Frank as the hybrid aircraft was wheeled out of the hangar by a ground crew tractor .
tr	4	He smiled as they shook , nodding at Frank 's name as if he had known it before coming over .
tr	4	Frank was noticing the various points where the fuselage had been sliced open to allow for protruding elements of the new power plant .
tr	4	He carried on as if Frank hadn 't , perhaps too excited about his project to resist talking about it .
tr	4	Gravity is actually one of the weakest forces in the Universe and magnetism can kick gravity 's ass any day of the week . "
tr	4	" Faster to do this one thing at a time rather than trying to troubleshoot two propulsion systems simultaneously . "
tr	4	" If there 's no magnetic field , " the young engineer continued , " there probably isn 't any life anyway .
tr	4	If there are huge mineral deposits , chances are they produce enough of a localized magnetic field to let these engines overcome gravity . "
tr	4	A man sat at a terminal labeled ' flight control ' wearing a headset and looking intently at the readout in front of him .
tr	4	" Still green , you are go to move to ten percent power , " the flight controller announced over the headset .
tr	4	" The best thing we could come up with was to define the entire operating envelope as it compares to level hovering .
tr	4	The pilot brought the vehicle back to hover mode and Adam displaced one of the techs at a terminal marked ' Firmware ' .
tr	4	" Got a control subroutine mixed up but it 's an easy fix , provided the aircraft is still under control . "
tr	4	Sixty Meter Observatory Mauna Kea , Hawaii July 3rd , 2027 McCutcheon stood up and looked around the boardroom table .
tr	4	" It looks like Mickey is ready to start , " McCutcheon announced , bringing the low-level chatter to a gradual halt .
tr	4	Despite her respect for her old boss , she had no interest in providing backdoor assistance to the new VP .
tr	4	Having proven her ability to contribute to the team , she had insisted on making that immunity permanent for any existing legal entanglements .
tr	4	After a quick back-and-forth with New York and the US Justice Dept. , the paperwork had been amended and she signed on .
tr	4	" This is the first workable interface that we came up with last week using a base 10 operating system . "
tr	4	" At first , we thought it was some sort of security mechanism , but it was hard to believe . "
tr	4	" I give you comedy gold with bit by bit and get nothing , but a little slapstick gets you laughing ? "
tr	4	" OK , as I was saying , Rob here suggested that the list I just showed you indicated a firmware update .
tr	4	Basically , that would be an update of the little bits of software that do various things throughout the ship .
tr	4	" We can shut down their weapons , blind them and board the little bastards before they even get a chance to fight . "
tr	4	" Three or four ships should do the trick , " McCutcheon mused as he looked absently at the main monitor .
tr	4	Now he had to wonder whether the colonel could sell it all the way up to where the decision would really be made .
tr	4	Even four months after the blast , every station in North America ran that screen twice an hour for five minutes .
tr	4	It hadn 't taken Cal long to realize that Kevin 's cousin wasn 't his cousin at all , but a trained agent .
tr	4	The man 's eyes were always on the move and he carried himself like someone who was ready for action .
tr	4	Driving a cab in New York may not be the safest job on Earth , but it didn 't justify what Cal was seeing .
tr	4	A simple timer attached to seven sticks of dynamite would be enough to start the violent reaction and bring down his riverside target .
tr	4	" We 've been directed to pickup the Secretary General , " he said to the patrolman standing by the car .
tr	4	He had been keenly aware of every glance that turned his way , certain that he was about to be denounced at any moment .
tr	4	After several months in Calgary , he had grown a beard and shaved his head , looking like half the construction crew .
tr	4	" Y ' know , Tim , " he roared across the table to be heard over the noise of the crew .
tr	4	After more than a generation of state-funded universal health care , everyone was now at the mercy of the health insurance companies .
tr	4	Cal kept walking , hoping she meant something else but the lady suddenly screeched at the top of her lungs .
tr	4	He cursed to himself as he realized that he 'd lost track of the other two policemen before he stood up .
tr	4	" Tell us how it feels to be here for the official christening of the Danube , " he prompted her .
tr	4	They rose slowly through a square opening in the deck like a troop of gladiators in an ancient Roman amphitheater .
tr	4	He shook Harold 's hand and was surprised to see a barbell shaped tear break free from the old man 's eyelids .
tr	4	It spun for a second , the two ends almost separating before surface tension forced it into a perfect , tiny sphere .
tr	4	In the thirty-five years Mike had known the man , he hadn 't even seen him hold hands with his own wife .
tr	4	He realized the MP 's were heading back to the aircraft and he knew no paperwork had been handed over .
tr	4	The army specialist threw the vehicle into gear and they lurched away , swinging around to head for an opening in the trees .
tr	4	" Your death penalty has been put on hold for the time being , just in case more attacks occur on American soil . "
tr	4	They came out of the trees and started descending into the shelter of a deep valley that faced out onto a beach .
tr	4	She leaned back and looked out at the piles of overturned palms , waiting to be cut up and hauled away .
tr	4	The Flood Tide Low Earth Orbit UNS Hannibal January 15th , 2028 The ships lay in an arrowhead formation , like migrating geese .
tr	4	He was still slightly awed at meeting so many heads of state and even more bemused by their own reactions .
tr	4	He had no hope of keeping track of who ran which country but they all seemed to know who he was without introduction .
tr	4	I can hardly talk to the leader of every country while ignoring my own , and he does seem decent enough .
tr	4	The bright blue exhaust created short plumes as the fission fragments were magnetically channeled away from the reaction at incredibly high temperatures .
tr	4	A section of the window suddenly came to life , presenting an image of Admiral Towers directly between Frank and the American President .
tr	4	The two men abandoned their conversation and moved out of the way , giving the rest of the room a better view .
tr	4	He realized , if only from his sudden sense of relief , just how much pressure he had been working under .
tr	4	He had buried himself in the job with meetings , paperwork and travel , but the pressure had been there , all along .
tr	4	Hopefully , they would survive long enough to send their vital signal and , hopefully , that signal would throw the enemy into confusion .
tr	4	An outbreak had struck the Ares one week out of Earth perihelion and most movement throughout the ship had been severely curtailed .
tr	4	The spread had been checked by the end of the second week but by that time almost half the crew had fallen sick .
tr	4	The ship 's medical facilities were set up for combat injuries and were woefully inadequate to deal with an outbreak of infectious disease .
tr	4	Not for the first time , he was glad of the brevet ranks that Colonel McCutcheon had arranged for them .
tr	4	The screen went blank and Mike thought he had been cut off , but then the screen blinked on again and Mickey was there .
tr	4	We 'll be so far out of range , and so quickly , they won 't even worry about us .
tr	4	" Sorry , haven 't seen Keira for a while but it looks like she 's going to pull through . "
tr	4	" We haven 't been given a lot of information over here ; I had no idea she caught the plague . "
tr	4	" Because I 've seen how he looks at you when he thinks nobody is watching him , " Mike answered .
tr	4	I wasn 't sure at first but that briefing you did on the alien system left me with no doubt . "
tr	4	" Wait , does that mean that you guys ... " The signal cut off as the timer ran out .
tr	4	Within the hour , they would turn those engines toward Mars and begin to decelerate until they reached the edge of the engagement zone .
tr	4	The display indicated that their present course and speed would bring them across the squadron 's path ten minutes too late .
tr	4	" Reading massive electromagnetic signatures from both ships , " Lieutenant Commander Kelvin called out from the sensor coordination cell .
tr	4	As if in answer , brilliant plumes of plasma erupted from the bows of the two alien ships as the projectiles exited the barrels .
tr	4	In a matter of seconds , she and everyone on this ship could be blasted out into the unforgiving darkness .
tr	4	" Very well , " the captain said calmly as he activated his headset , opening a radio channel to the other two ships .
tr	4	Mickey felt a low rumble through the ship as the turret mounts rotated to bear on a point near the enemy ships .
tr	4	A constant buzz came from the twenty Gatling guns as they spit out a hail of 30 mm depleted uranium rounds .
tr	4	The two projectiles had met at a combined speed of almost twenty thousand kilometers per hour and little more than vapor remained .
tr	4	" It looks like she 's been completely broken up : we read nothing larger than a few meters across . "
tr	4	" The 155mm uranium tears open a hole and the high explosive rounds rip out their guts once they make it inside .
tr	4	" I figure the chances are roughly even , but that means they might get one more shot at us . "
tr	4	" You know , I think the galley switched from grounds to crystals last week , " the captain mused .
tr	4	" You might be happy drinking out of a colostomy bag but I 'll wait till we get home , thanks . "
tr	4	Men and women whose faces had shown fear a moment ago were now smiling at the ridiculous banter of the two officers .
tr	4	She marveled at the kind of officer that could come up with something like that , knowing he may never see his children again .
tr	4	Because of you , they built this squadron and now the crew of the Morse will never see their families again .
tr	4	Commander Gus Hayes was still the leader of the expedition even though it had been reduced to only seven colonists .
tr	4	He leaned up against the mouth of the tunnel and peered out , he saw no ground vehicles or tracks so he looked up .
tr	4	They 're coming in hot and using the atmosphere for deceleration so they can get into action without a long slow approach .
tr	4	The heavy cruiser had taken a hit to the stern and had lost almost a quarter of her mass in the resulting explosion .
tr	4	The admiral looked up from the operators and screens in front of him , craning his neck to look up into the analysis cell .
tr	4	" A couple of things , Sir , " McCutcheon drifted down to float in front of the fleet commander .
tr	4	They also didn 't seem to have a fighter complement aboard but they may still be on the planet 's surface .
tr	4	" She put a hail of 30 mm depleted uranium rounds in the path of the incoming projectile and one of them impacted .
tr	4	She and Rob had assembled two systems on each of the three ships , one primary and one back up .
tr	4	Programming work done in leisure back on Mauna Kea might carry the one small flaw that would undo everything they had planned for .
tr	4	If I 'm about to fail humanity , then it 's because of something that I 've already screwed up .
tr	4	" At least one still in the fight , the other three aren 't turning to face us , though . "
tr	4	Now the flight officers in the stern of the small ship touched hands to their helmets as a signal came through .
tr	4	The shuttles were controlled by operators on board the Ares , reconciling the target assignments with whatever data was available about the enemy ships .
tr	4	The two flight officers at the rear were simply backup , ready to take over if the signal from the Ares should be lost .
tr	4	He stopped on a raised catwalk that ran for several hundred feet , overlooking what had to be a rail gun .
tr	4	The small creature looked surprisingly human , despite his obvious differences , and his face showed pure terror as he clutched at his throat .
tr	4	One of the three shuttles carrying his men had slammed into a water tank and the men were trying to find a way out .
tr	4	The soldiers from the other shuttle had been channeled in various directions as they flowed through a warren of corridors .
tr	4	He split them into two even groups by the simple expedient of chopping his hand to mark an imaginary line through the crowd .
tr	4	There must be fifty dead enemy in this compartment alone because they didn 't expect us to get past their shields .
tr	4	Are they a different species or do they engineer the genes of their clones depending on the job they were grown for ?
tr	4	The aliens had thought they were getting the upper hand and were pouring out of cover just as the new force appeared behind them .
tr	4	For the next half hour , they pushed their way against light resistance until they reached a circular catwalk surrounding a two-story open space .
tr	4	One of them walked over and stopped in front of him , using his wrist pad to change his radio to proximity mode .
tr	4	A shorter figure shuffled over to join Kennedy , no doubt suffering from a sprain after so many weeks in zero gravity .
tr	4	Nodding , he shuffled over to the one alien who 'd been stalking back and forth in front of the others as they worked .
tr	4	The Allied Forces had been known to gun down German prisoners on D-Day because they couldn 't spare the manpower to guard them .
tr	4	The small enemy on the deck finally ceased his thrashing , his disturbingly familiar face had turned an almost blue color .
tr	4	By that time , rounds from the fleet were almost on top of the enemy and she raised her shields .
tr	4	" All ships , this is Admiral Gao , " the second in command stated calmly , using the fleet circuit .
tr	4	All vessels direct your fire on the bow of the enemy ship and we 'll get him to drop his shield . "
tr	4	" The Achilles is accelerating straight down the enemy 's throat , he must plan on forcing them to fire . "
tr	4	" Six more guns sir , " came the quick reply , " but we would lose some of the aft 105mm guns . "
tr	4	The Achilles was slowly gaining steam as she closed on Zulu Alpha Three , spitting a hail of metal in front of her .
tr	4	It was becoming obvious that the only way for the enemy to stop her was to fire her rail gun .
tr	4	There was a brilliant plume of exhaust plasma similar to before but an even brighter flash occurred at the bow of the enemy ship .
tr	4	The Achilles continued in one piece but her entire front half was shrouded in plasma and debris for a few heartbeats .
tr	4	A series of secondary explosions rippled silently through the dorsal surface of the enemy vessel before she finally settled into sullen quiescence .
tr	4	" I was trying to collate some data from the boarding parties and I want you to take a look . "
tr	4	One small beam was sticking through the shield which showed as a yellowish haze for a few feet around it .
tr	4	" Artillery comes in too fast , but I bet a shuttle could gently push through just the way this debris did . "
tr	4	" Gus , you have another hour before the radiation levels start coming back up again , " Jennifer warned .
tr	4	The shelter had more room per person than they were accustomed to but they had no work to keep them occupied .
tr	4	The three shuttles , approaching from both flanks as well as the dorsal surface of the enemy , were almost there .
tr	4	" As long as one of the shuttles is still passing through the shield , we have an open link with all three . "
tr	4	It was a brutally elegant solution , using the shield to initiate the blasts as well as contain it against the enemy hull .
tr	4	Now , he had to fine-tune that analysis to include the waypoints that the infantry would use when they hit the ground .
tr	4	They could easily get bogged down in the wrong soil type or simply not have enough room between the boulders of the rocky terrain .
tr	4	There were just over eight thousand spaces in this room and there were two other dormitories like it on the ship .
tr	4	He reached his compartment and unlocked the hatch , swinging it up and into the upper part of his small space .
tr	4	Their bunks were among the closest to the hangar deck hatch and it was now proving to be a problem .
tr	4	He fell back on the time-honored code of the soldier : if someone steals your kit , steal someone else 's .
tr	4	If those men were here because of a screw-up , it was better for morale if the men didn 't hear the discussion .
tr	4	A pair of crossed rifles in the center gave the final clue as to what branch of service this man belonged to .
tr	4	" Well , Major , I suppose it is your prerogative under the circumstances and my boys are anxious to get to work . "
tr	4	" Your men look sharp enough but you don 't seem to have much more than assault rifles and light anti-tank rockets . "
tr	4	By the way , Major , it 's a discretionary thing but you might prefer to refer to me as Gunny .
tr	4	They will be joining our battalion reserve company and Gunnery Sergeant Simpson will act as lead NCO for the company . "
tr	4	They had not bothered to bring logistical vehicles as the terrain was simply too rough for anything that didn 't walk or fly .
tr	4	After a few hours of this , Marti began assessing the terrain with an eye towards setting up the first battalion command post .
tr	4	We found the wreckage of an Osprey up here , passing it up to the coordination team as Foxtrot Four Alpha One .
tr	4	They quickly shook the men into three groups , each composed of two marine fire teams and a squad of Swiss infantry .
tr	4	The first such team took up positions among the boulders of the ridge before waving the next team on , passing to the left .
tr	4	The man stepped to the right and kicked the second alien in the chest , knocking him to the ground .
tr	4	" That 's on your head , big man , " he called as Simpson dragged him back and took his rifle .
tr	4	Even if they managed to defeat this invasion force , he had his doubts about fighting the enemy on their own soil .
tr	4	His medics would be able to work on the wounded men without having to drag them back over the last two ridges .
tr	4	The night sky was suddenly filled with sound as though a thousand giant linen sheets were being torn slowly in half .
tr	4	This time the sound was deeper and the single line of fire streaked more slowly towards the ground but it was still deceptively fast .
tr	4	Before anyone could react , a 105mm high explosive round punched into the captured enemy position , detonating several feet under the ground .
tr	4	The major was stunned by the news but it was the kind of scenario he knew he might have to face .
tr	4	He held his 9mm automatic out , aiming at the right side of the tunnel mouth where he expected their visitors to appear .
tr	4	He had been changing the battery on his camera when he 'd heard the whine of an aircraft passing overhead .
tr	4	Despite his resolve , he nearly fired as the first form flitted past the tunnel entrance to take cover on the far side .
tr	4	He realized , with a thrill , that the man had been carrying what appeared to be a C7 assault rifle .
tr	4	He didn 't want to run the risk of getting shot by the soldiers who had come to take them home .
tr	4	The little girl , not quite two years old , turned her head and hid her face against her mother 's leg .
tr	4	Kennedy spoke in a gentle voice and the little girl looked out from her mother 's arms with big brown solemn eyes .
tr	4	Mars Surface 500 meters from Olympus Mons Objective March 13th , 2028 " Well , Major , " Simpson began , lowering the binoculars .
tr	4	" If that 's the case , then my recommendation would be to follow the plan that you already came up with .
tr	4	I didn 't see any tracks between them so I 'll bet you a month 's pay they have tunnels . "
tr	4	The enemy was entirely unpredictable : they might set up a decent ambush or they might just as easily walk into one .
tr	4	Their enemy had certainly shown little in the way of tactical expertise but their equipment was good , if somewhat unimaginative .
tr	4	Maybe they were relying on destroying our cities and infrastructure first , he thought as approaching shadows brought his gaze up .
tr	4	We don 't know for sure how they communicate , but there 's a good chance they may have tunnels linking the bunkers . "
tr	4	The young officer had always shown a great deal of potential but the incident in Paris had come to weigh heavily on his shoulders .
tr	4	He took a look at his screen as he bounded along in the low gravity and saw that it had indeed been thirty seconds .
tr	4	His first inclination had been to drop one round on each bunker , leaving the extra two for the one to their front .
tr	4	Two of the augmented fire teams assumed an all around defense on the roof while the third prepared to enter .
tr	4	Moving around to the back , he could see a small trench leading down to a door at the back of the structure .
tr	4	" Merkel , bring your company up and put one platoon at the back of each of the three remaining bunkers .
tr	4	He heard a thump to his left and turned to see a cloud of debris coming out the next bunker 's firing slit .
tr	4	Almost instantly , the sound of automatic weapons fire echoed out through the ruined roof of the bunker where he now stood .
tr	4	Seconds later , a similar thump to the right indicated that a fire team had reached the next bunker in that direction .
tr	4	" We see six of them in the open but their suits are compromised - shrapnel from the clearing grenade . "
tr	4	Their lungs would be expanding as the alveoli filled with expanding gas and their eyeballs would be on the point of bursting .
tr	4	The major dropped automatically , his mind replaying the sight of blood as it erupted from the junior NCO 's chest .
tr	4	UNS Ares Mars Orbit March 13th , 2028 Jan stood , magnetically rooted to the hangar deck with her heart in her throat .
tr	4	Now she stood in the same spot as the previous night , a sleepless night of rampant imagination behind her .
tr	4	Five letters that could mean the death of someone I can 't possibly let go of -- dead or alive .
tr	4	The jaws of the main clamp grasped the hull of the small transport and pulled it down into the fully docked position .
tr	4	She kicked off her magnetic overshoes in disgust , leaving them to drift towards the deck where they suddenly slapped loudly onto the deck .
tr	4	" If you 're looking for Captain Kennedy , he 's on his way into surgery , " the NCO told her .
tr	4	" A few gunshot wounds but the triage doc said he should be able to pull through just fine . "
tr	4	He threw himself to the ground behind the bulk of a bunker just as the next round struck , ten feet to his left .
tr	4	He checked his suit pressure and was amazed to find that there were still no holes after two close hits .
tr	4	Even as his mind processed what he had just seen , he could hear the warrant officer 's voice in his head .
tr	4	Once again the flight motor kicked in and the weapon climbed up into the sky streaking back down to smash the left-most enemy tank .
tr	4	The remaining tank resumed the advance , perhaps realizing that its tormentor didn 't need to show his face to fire his deadly weapon .
tr	4	Not for the first time , he realized how fortunate they had been to find Simpson and his troops at their landing zone .
tr	4	Before he could fire , a tremendous blast tore the road wheels and track from the left side of the enemy vehicle .
tr	4	The third Javelin missile had engaged its flight motor before crashing into the dirt , which had allowed the fuse to fully arm .
tr	4	Surely they wear their suits ; they would just have to put their helmets on but at least it will hamper them .
tr	4	The young man grinned , and the men of his command , Americans and Swiss alike , hooted at his silly humor .
tr	4	A lieutenant hovered behind her , waiting to take his seat if she managed to talk him into leaving the CIC .
tr	4	If she 'd realized he was asleep when she started talking to him , she was keeping it to herself .
tr	4	" I should get some food first , all those coffee packs are eating a hole through my stomach . "
tr	4	" He 'll probably be safer than you if you 're going down to the surface , " Mike suggested helpfully .
tr	4	" Once the fighting is over they 'll still have a lot of prisoners down there ; they may try to cause trouble . "
tr	4	" With his injuries , there 's a good chance he 'll be shipped back with the rest of the wounded .
tr	4	The rest of the men crossed over without incident and they unhooked the hop line before closing the door to pressurize the airlock .
tr	4	The vast majority of alien troops had still been garrisoned at their main complex , the target of Operation Candy Store .
tr	4	Those men were tired , they were hungry and they were forming a huge line already to use the head .
tr	4	He had always disapproved of such liberties and so he drifted past them to find one of the heads near the forward battery .
tr	4	The men of one squad were hovering in a rough circle as he drifted past , small crumbs floating around them as they chewed .
tr	4	The simple biscuit tasted far better than he would have expected and he found himself thinking of home with a sudden longing .
tr	4	" That 's right , " he said in surprise , remembering the heartwarming scene from what seemed ages ago .
tr	4	A pretty woman with long black hair gave you the tin and made you promise to come home in one piece . "
tr	4	" I 'm going to find a head that doesn 't have a huge line before it 's too late . "
tr	4	It ran between the outer gun mechanisms and the central core where the surgery , mess deck and magazines were located .
tr	4	He had come to believe that his true role was in helping mankind to capture the secrets of the aliens .
tr	4	" I wouldn 't drag God into this , " the sergeant said absently as he shifted his attention to his other armpit .
tr	4	He held the man 's gaze as he raised a hand to count off on his fingers , adding further distraction .
tr	4	Risky , that , accusing the Almighty of incompetence ... " He raised a third finger and paused , frowning .
tr	4	If he had been wrong , then that meant he had murdered a man for nothing more than a delusion .
tr	4	He didn 't see Dreher put his foot against a storage rack of ceramic re-entry cones and shove with all his might .
tr	4	" That 's the man you want , and we need an ordinance tech in here to secure that warhead . "
tr	4	" First time in five hours I 've had a chance to sit , " he said with a happy grin .
tr	4	" Only a few dozen times , " Sam remarked drily , fishing out his cell phone and holding it up .
tr	4	" I 'll send it to your team so they can make it look like a proper black and white . "
tr	4	" Needless to say , we 're continuing with the designs of the second-generation ships but those will probably never be built .
tr	4	They have the only fleet in space and they 've sucked the world of most of its cash to build it . "
tr	4	They can push production a hell of a lot faster than us so we have to try to beat them on the science . "
tr	4	" We have a list of fringe physicists who are about to find themselves drafted into the service of their nation . "
tr	4	" What Tom is laying the groundwork for here is our need to keep talking about a state of war . "
tr	4	It 's the kind of community that folks usually buy into on their own without the added incentive of saving the human species . "
tr	4	" They get put in an officer 's uniform and sent there for less pay , " Kelly said reasonably .
tr	4	" They can still have a nice house if their families come with them but they come , one way or another . "
tr	4	" It 's not exactly fair , " Parnell explained as Jack looked down at the sheet on the coffee table .
tr	4	" That 's not public knowledge yet but we hear that he plans to hand back seven percent of the original budget . "
tr	4	" I have to get it out of my system before I step in front of the press , don 't I ? "
tr	4	Jack snapped out of his daze and raced down the hall , just catching up as the President opened the door and strode in .
tr	4	" Makes you wonder what went on in this room during some of history 's great moments , " Kelly mused .
tr	4	She picked up her bag and started towards the low stone wall separating the pasture from the grounds of a thatched , stone cottage .
tr	4	He had a better life here , with his mother 's family just down the hill and Liam 's sister at this cottage .
tr	4	Meanwhile , politicians will argue , engineers and physicists will analyse the captured vessels and companies will leverage the new technology .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	He was the seventh living son of the Empress -- and there was much hope that he would remain so .
tr	4	Their purpose was to ascertain the child 's future : theirs was the choice whether he would live or die .
tr	4	The hunger was beginning to affect him , to sap his strength at the moment of life when he needed it most .
tr	4	On the third day , he whimpered through the morning hours , begging wordlessly for help and strength from his absent Mother .
tr	4	Across town Bellamy Jones walked out of his house the morning of the sixth day and felt something crunch under his foot .
tr	4	She tested him again , delving his mind for ambition , testing his fitness for the office of the Seventh Principality .
tr	4	That day the word went out across the Empire that in the Fortress of Lucien a son had been born and claimed .
tr	4	Most of the city 's people were indoors keeping dry , but the Prince of Ravens had always liked the rain .
tr	4	The clouds were constant here -- the will of the Empress made it so , and as such there was no circumventing the fact .
tr	4	There might not even be grass or trees or streams , or anything of the sort , no matter what anyone said .
tr	4	But the light was there ... Once he proved himself to Mother , she would let him leave the city .
tr	4	She had promised she would ... and then he would go to see for himself , one way or the other .
tr	4	He decided to let her speak first and so remained stationary , staring out his balcony doors , feigning ignorance of her presence .
tr	4	He heard a rustling as she shifted in surprise , again sending images of dark scales and a sinuous form though his mind .
tr	4	His heart beat faster for a handful of seconds before he could calm it and relax his suddenly tense shoulders .
tr	4	The Prince 's heart fluttered nervously again , even though he knew his sister 's powers did not extend to mind reading .
tr	4	The mind was impenetrable -- not even the Empress could break into a person 's mind unless they allowed it .
tr	4	She could command them , force them to do Her will , but she could never know the inner workings of their thoughts .
tr	4	" No , " his sister said in answer , " it is not a crime to think about the future .
tr	4	The Prince moved over to the writing desk , all the while managing to keep his face neutral and expressionless .
tr	4	However , the Prince 's wrists and hands were covered in thick riding gloves against the cold of the open balcony doors .
tr	4	" I apologize , " the Prince said with the barest hint of a smile , one that he knew she would catch .
tr	4	She had kept them with her always , but the time came when she needed to expand her hold of the Empire .
tr	4	As he moved down the hall , he passed tapestries depicting famous battles and deeds of the Empress and the Children .
tr	4	His bluntness seemed to put her off even more , as if his acknowledgment of her actions made them shameful .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry , my Prince , but I am on the way to an appointment with my father .
tr	4	He held up a steel plate , engraved with gold scrollwork , which held a roll of parchment that the Prince quickly took .
tr	4	The message was only a single sentence , and a brief one at that : Await My Presence in the antechamber .
tr	4	Automatically , the Prince fell into a defensive stance as the first man came for him , his training taking control of his body .
tr	4	He stepped quickly inside the man 's reach , grabbed his wrists , and broke them with two sharp blows .
tr	4	With two quick motions , the Prince disarmed them , and with a third hamstrung them with a sweeping motion of the dagger .
tr	4	He 'd wake to see glimmers of light , and then blink and find himself in a shadowy world of darkness .
tr	4	Flames from torches once , and then a sickening blow to the head that caused the world to heave and spin .
tr	4	A pounding in his head , a sickly sweet scent in the air and salty , metallic stickiness on his lips .
tr	4	The hand was rough , with nails that were filed to look like claws that dug painfully into the side of his head .
tr	4	The clawed hand was gone , and a group of men were moving away , disappearing into the distance on horses .
tr	4	The Prince , not knowing what to do , started to crawl toward the man , pulling himself forward with jerky , half-formed motions .
tr	4	He tried to speak , but a choking , gasping sound was the only thing that managed to escape his throat .
tr	4	He stood up , came toward the Prince , drew back a heavy booted foot , and smashed it into his chest .
tr	4	* * * The Prince woke to a dull ache in his head and too bright of a light shining on his closed eyelids .
tr	4	He rolled over to hide his face -- and rolled right off the bed onto a rough wooden floor with a painful thump .
tr	4	And when I say does not react well , I mean you 'd start vomiting all over me and then die .
tr	4	The Prince finally managed to get his eyes open , and he tried madly to find the source of the voice .
tr	4	His stomach twisted violently and he was almost sick as the hand deposited him unceremoniously into a rickety wooden chair .
tr	4	The man whose voice he had heard was no man but a giant -- that was the only way to describe him .
tr	4	But the strangest thing wasn 't finding a towering hulk of a wild man holding him captive in a shack .
tr	4	It was small , barely large enough to fit the wooden table , the metal stove , and the large bed .
tr	4	The sight of the blade seemed to flip a switch in the Prince 's head , and suddenly his memories caught up with him .
tr	4	In a flash of movement , two remarkably long , curved daggers appeared in her hands , and she launched herself at him .
tr	4	No matter -- he would have time to wonder about his whereabouts after he 'd freed himself from the hold of his captors .
tr	4	sound , and the Prince dodged just fast enough to feel the air from one of the girl 's daggers ruffle his hair .
tr	4	He spun to his feet once more , only to find the girl 's second dagger pressed against his throat .
tr	4	Slowly , very slowly so as not to frighten the Exile and make him do something stupid , the Prince took a step forward .
tr	4	She moved toward the door , panic and terror clear in both her voice and her manner , but the big man remained still .
tr	4	He was lying on the ground with only the barest hint of a pulse - I almost didn 't check .
tr	4	" It 's certainly finer linen than most of what even the Most High would wear , but it 's torn and dirty .
tr	4	" All of that on top of his name being taken away ... " " Death Watch , " finished the big man .
tr	4	" If you were the Prince of Ravens , " she said , " then it looks like you aren 't anymore . "
tr	4	These Exiled , they were lying to sow seeds of doubt in his mind , of that much he was certain .
tr	4	The Children were forbidden from killing one another , and if Mother found out ... She would be very angry .
tr	4	" Release me , " the Prince commanded the Exiles , " and I will allow you to leave the Empire unmolested . "
tr	4	Once more he was dunked into the barrel , and once again the salty water burned his eyes , his nose , his throat .
tr	4	" No use talking if you can 't keep a civil tongue in your head , " the big man said .
tr	4	The Prince began to shout muffled retorts through the coarse wool cloth , using the worst language he had ever heard from the Commons .
tr	4	The girl straightened up and also eyed the Prince , with a bold , frank audacity that was simply infuriating .
tr	4	" The Elders would love a chance to interrogate one of the Children , if that 's really who he is .
tr	4	Abruptly she turned and crossed the room to the corner next to the door , and knelt on the wooden floor .
tr	4	With a mocking smile , she bent over the map , her eyes flying back and forth across the parchment .
tr	4	The Prince sat up straighter , but her strategically placed cloak made the motion useless : he still couldn 't see a thing .
tr	4	was the only response the Prince could make through his gag , which was now soaked with salt water mingled with sweat and dirt .
tr	4	Once he realized what he 'd just done , it only made him angrier , both at himself and the Exile .
tr	4	The Prince saw the girl 's eyes narrow and her jaw clench in anger , but she let the moment pass .
tr	4	But as the day wore on , the novelty died , and the Prince returned to brooding upon his situation .
tr	4	Time continued onward and the saddle began to rub him the wrong way , and he felt blisters start to form on his backside .
tr	4	But even all of this the Prince would have been able to endure , had not insult been added to injury .
tr	4	They stopped when the sun set , and the Prince was untied from the saddle and deposited under an overhanging outcrop of rock .
tr	4	A small fire was made , carefully sheltered from the biting wind that stung the Prince with cold as it whistled through the ravine .
tr	4	He began to make a list of all he had learned about them , hoping he 'd find something of use .
tr	4	If it came to a fight , the Prince would need to get in close and then get away quickly .
tr	4	Unlike the mountain of a man she sat next to , the Exile girl was slight , lean , and quick .
tr	4	He 'd need to keep her at a distance if he fought her , and only close when he was sure of a strike .
tr	4	With a start the Prince realized the girl had rounded the fire and was standing in the shifting shadows not far off .
tr	4	" I untie the gag , " she repeated , " and keep it off if you answer just one question . "
tr	4	The Prince thought it over for another moment , chewing on the salty , dirty , wet piece of cloth , and finally nodded .
tr	4	The Prince , mouth open , ready to speak , closed his jaws with a snap and glared at her .
tr	4	Don 't know why someone would be proud of having their name taken from them , but then again I 'm just an Exile .
tr	4	But instead of looking chagrined , the girl stood up , walked to him , and slapped him full in the face .
tr	4	Yet it was as big around as the Prince 's arm , and perhaps would have been more properly called a small log .
tr	4	For personal reasons having to do with trouble my conscience tends to give me , I wish to do so without harming you .
tr	4	He whipped his head around and glared at her , letting out a growl as an added sign of his disapproval .
tr	4	The Prince stiffened , and breath hissed in past the gag , but otherwise he bore the treatment in silence .
tr	4	He tried several times to think of something to say , but the situation was so bizarre that he found himself speechless .
tr	4	" And from what I know of the Fortress and his mother , he has seen precious little kindness in his life . "
tr	4	" He 's barely old enough to shave every day , " he replied , voice calm , measured and quiet .
tr	4	Even if he were to see the world his Mother has created , I doubt he would ever accept it .
tr	4	For one whose own life path changed so abruptly , you are very quick to judge what the future holds for others .
tr	4	If he 's the seventh son , the one intended to destroy the Kindred , then why would they try to kill him ?
tr	4	A long pause fell between them , and the Prince barely dared to breathe lest they realize he was awake and listening .
tr	4	But they never ignored him completely , especially not the girl , who was always watching him whatever he did .
tr	4	the Prince asked on the third night , breaking into the soft conversation between the two Exiles as they ate their supper .
tr	4	" Never mind , " he said with as much dignity as he could muster , and rolled over to go to sleep .
tr	4	First it was on his right side , then his left , then gone , then up ahead , then above him .
tr	4	There was a sharp whistling sound that filled the air from all directions and immediately both of the Exiles converged on the Prince .
tr	4	Another dark , blurred shape streaked past the Prince 's face , stinging the bridge of his nose , and he recoiled in shock .
tr	4	His mind flashed back to the dart the Exile girl had pulled from his neck , the hollow points of the barbed darts .
tr	4	Before he could focus and search the surrounding area , the bushes rustled on his right and another man burst from concealment .
tr	4	He grabbed the man 's arm and delivered a lightning fast flurry of blows to the soldier 's elbow , shoulder , and knee .
tr	4	The Prince 's physical strength , eyesight , hearing , taste , touch , smell , speed , all were doubled .
tr	4	For the glory of the Empress , the glory of the Diamond Throne , the glory of Her Legacy and Her Will .
tr	4	His eyes opened , catching details too small for normal eyes to see , and focused on the four men rushing toward him .
tr	4	In a matter of moments , the four men lay bleeding on the ground , alive , but quite unable to fight .
tr	4	A sound in the bushes to his right -- so quiet he would have missed it but for his enhanced hearing .
tr	4	A chill went up the Prince 's back that had nothing to do with the fearful nature of the thing before him .
tr	4	The Prince retreated quickly , his enhanced strength and speed allowing him to fend off the attacks - for now .
tr	4	There was a sizzling sound , and the Prince watched , amazed , as the dagger burned the skin of the Watchman 's face .
tr	4	He turned around in a quick circle , searching through the eyes of the Raven Talisman for the sickly half-dead glow .
tr	4	That 's impossible , the Prince thought in alarm , I just felt it a moment ago , where is it ?
tr	4	Again reacting on instinct , the Prince stepped forward inside the range of the blow intended to cleave him in two .
tr	4	But her dagger missed the creature 's spine , and the Watchman threw her off its back and turned once more to the Prince .
tr	4	The Prince rolled to the side as his vision narrowed ; stars winked in front of his eyes as his body cried for air .
tr	4	The skeletal face of the monster split into a smile of ghastly glee as it raised its sword once more .
tr	4	A bare second later , both head and body began to decompose , creating a stench that was truly horrific .
tr	4	" That was close , " said the girl , who had retrieved her daggers and stood surveying the scene around them .
tr	4	" No , " he gasped , unable to say more , his lungs still trying desperately to take in air .
tr	4	A soft twang followed by a whistling sound reached his ears , and he dropped to the floor without hesitation .
tr	4	There was a cry , and he looked up to see the arrow had flown past him and impaled the girl in the shoulder .
tr	4	He rose to his feet and backed away quickly , but the Death Watchman followed him without missing a beat .
tr	4	He tried an overhand strike , but it was easily deflected as the Watchman twirled his ax in the form called Spinning the Silk .
tr	4	The Prince seized his chance and attacked , striking out with a quick thrust to the Watchman 's arm , hoping to incapacitate it .
tr	4	The Watchman moved so quickly the Prince didn 't even know what happened , but he was thrown through the air .
tr	4	He looked around , hoping desperately that the girl was nearby and that she might intervene , but she had disappeared .
tr	4	The Prince tried again to stand , but this time his leg crumpled beneath him and he let out a cry of pain .
tr	4	He frantically tried again , but his ankle shook so violently that even with his added strength it wouldn 't let him rise .
tr	4	It stood towering over him , the ax clutched tightly in its right hand , savoring the moment and the Prince 's helplessness .
tr	4	The Watchman stumbled , and dropped the Prince , where he landed painfully on his back , still staring into the fiery green eyes .
tr	4	" Don 't lie , " he said , quietly , and then fear and anger took over and he was shouting .
tr	4	The green , demonic eyes flamed brighter and the creature cackled , a sound like a thousand nails scraped across stone .
tr	4	The Prince lay in shock , unable to defend himself even if he had had the strength of limb to do so .
tr	4	His clothing was ripped , but his armor and his helm gleamed brightly , shining in a stray patch of sun .
tr	4	The Prince looked up into the face of the Watchman through a red haze that had settled over his vision .
tr	4	It reached the treeline , and threw one last look over his shoulder at the Prince , its face a mask of rage .
tr	4	" You were telling the truth , " the Prince said blankly , " they were trying to kill me . "
tr	4	After a moment of tension , the girl knelt and wiped her dagger on a piece of a dead Watch soldier 's clothing .
tr	4	The big man grabbed the Prince by the arm and pulled the soldier 's notched sword out of his grip .
tr	4	" Come , " he rumbled , pulling the Prince , limping on his bad ankle , along with him .
tr	4	As if one of the Death Watchmen hadn 't just tried to kill the Prince in the name of his Mother .
tr	4	Memories of making love to her , of their young children and his pride that his son was growing tall and strong .
tr	4	Even if Mother had stripped him of his name ... even if he was being hunted ... no , he was a Prince .
tr	4	The two skeletal creatures had called together a cell of the lesser foot soldiers , and they had set out the next day .
tr	4	He had assumed the Inheritance would come years later , that at most he was going to be told to prepare himself .
tr	4	He shook his head , dispelling the doubts in the blazing light of the revelation that his Mother had not abandoned him .
tr	4	He needed information , that much was certain , and he needed the two Exiles to drop their guard so he could get away .
tr	4	That was the answer -- that was where they were headed , and that was where he would make his escape .
tr	4	But the Seekers were sworn to the Children , just as they were sworn to the Empress , so he had nothing to fear .
tr	4	They had saved his life , even if it had been for their own gain in bringing him back to their people .
tr	4	But they were Exiles , and a single virtuous act did not cancel out a lifetime of wrongdoing , of that he was certain .
tr	4	He 'd been sick for weeks afterward , but thank the Empress the memories all faded eventually , even the most brutal ones .
tr	4	The irony of course is that they can 't actually trust me , because I 'm only earning their trust to betray them .
tr	4	Family loyalty came first , and loyalty to the Empire , which was the source of all good in the land of Lucia .
tr	4	The Prince tilted his head again under the hood , but failed to catch a glimpse of the big man .
tr	4	" I was , " his voice caught in his throat unintentionally , but he pushed on , " wrong . "
tr	4	They were both staring at him with an intensity that was enough to make his stomach do a nervous somersault .
tr	4	The girl stood up , looking offended , and the Prince was afraid he 'd gone too far too fast .
tr	4	" Until I woke up in that shack ... uh ... wooden cabin , I 'd never seen the sun .
tr	4	He stood there silently for a moment , then turned back toward the Prince , who felt a moment of panic .
tr	4	the Prince asked , letting some of his annoyance show ; the girl was infuriating , there was no need to feign that .
tr	4	" I promise that as long as I am in your captivity I will not attempt to contact the Empire again .
tr	4	I will warn you should an ambush occur , or if we are about to run into a patrol of soldiers .
tr	4	All of this I swear by my Mother 's name , by the Children , and the Light that they serve . "
tr	4	It was a long time before she spoke , and when she finally did it was with the same harsh directness as before .
tr	4	Should you break your promise , I will end you , Prince of Ravens or not , before you can take your next breath .
tr	4	I want it to be very clear to you that , as you 've seen , you are extremely valuable to us alive .
tr	4	But should it come down to it , you are much more valuable as a dead Prince than an escaped one .
tr	4	If there is the slightest chance you are about to become the latter , then I shall make you the former . "
tr	4	" I can accept that , " the Prince said , when it became clear she had no intention of continuing .
tr	4	In truth , it was no less than what he had expected , if far less than he had hoped .
tr	4	You can supervise me , or you can tie me to a tree with only enough slack to perform the task .
tr	4	After all , did not the Empire prove to him in spectacular fashion that he is no longer welcome among them ? "
tr	4	A long time passed before she spoke again , but when she did , it was without breaking eye contact with the big man .
tr	4	The Prince shook her hand , which was cool and calloused , no doubt from years of work with her daggers .
tr	4	The Prince nodded , not trusting himself to smile , before he lay down , turned over , and tried to fall asleep .
tr	4	The journey took a week , and each day , in accordance with their bargain , the Prince was given a new freedom .
tr	4	For a long moment , the Prince stared at the big man , and then looked back down at the pinecone blankly .
tr	4	And then , slowly , the realization sank in that the big man was talking about nothing more than pinecones .
tr	4	Yet here , in the middle of the wilderness , an outlaw was trying to be friendly by teaching him the name of trees .
tr	4	Such was the way the other Children had taught him when he 'd received his earliest lessons on government , industry , and economics .
tr	4	He then swiftly remounted his charger , the Prince watching stoically , until the big man clapped him on the back .
tr	4	The big man rode off in the direction of the girl 's voice , leaving the Prince to stew in his thoughts .
tr	4	After a while , they even began to strike up a strange kind of conversation that involved various barbed comments at one another .
tr	4	The Prince came to realize that this was banter , the kind of friendly conversation that happened between the servants of the Fortress .
tr	4	She had drawn one of her daggers , and the steel bit ever so slightly into his neck , causing a burning sensation .
tr	4	When the Exiles noticed this , they commented on it to one another when they thought the Prince was out of earshot .
tr	4	He looked around for wood , but there was none , so he was forced to wait for the two Exiles to return .
tr	4	" We 're trying not to be followed , and we can 't sacrifice that because you feel like having a good laugh ! "
tr	4	" No one for at least a mile , " he replied , " and probably not beyond that either . "
tr	4	" You have no concept of what you speak , " he hissed at her through teeth clenched in a snarl .
tr	4	You perform the act , but it means nothing -- to you it is no more than cutting away an unwanted piece of thread .
tr	4	I am the Lord of Death , for my Mother cursed me as such on the day I was born .
tr	4	I know it as you never shall , and my life is tied to it as you should wish yours will never be . "
tr	4	She stood there looking at him , eyes round and mouth open in a small " o " of surprise and shock .
tr	4	And then the look passed , her eyes narrowed , and it was as if she had made a decision .
tr	4	Slowly , she turned back to him , and as one , they walked over to the tree closest to the campsite .
tr	4	The Prince waited patiently as the girl tied him to the trunk , then sat down as she left to get firewood .
tr	4	He took in the Prince and then the noticeable lack of a fire and the absence of a certain green-eyed girl .
tr	4	" She went to get firewood and never came back , " the Prince replied , keeping his answer simple and direct .
tr	4	He supposed that after seeing what he 'd seen in the lives he 'd taken made this seem ... somehow mundane .
tr	4	When they had finished eating , they all pulled out their blankets and found a patch of ground on which to sleep .
tr	4	As the Prince lay beneath his blanket trying to find sleep , he wondered why he didn 't feel any sense of triumph .
tr	4	The Talisman is my gift and my burden as one of the Princes of the Realm , and I should wear it with pride .
tr	4	Someday I will be Prince of the Seventh Principality , and I will need to deal with Exiles such as this without pity .
tr	4	And suddenly it occurred to him that he didn 't know what it was the girl and the giant had been Exiled for .
tr	4	" Ride if you want , " she said , " my own legs are good enough for me . "
tr	4	There was a long pause in which neither of them spoke , and the Prince feared that would be the end of the conversation .
tr	4	The girl was gone most of the day , apparently having taken it upon herself to do most of the scouting .
tr	4	Close to noon , they emerged from a dense thicket of trees to find themselves on a ridgeline that overlooked a city .
tr	4	Toward the center of the city proper was another wall , inside which only the Children and the Most High could go .
tr	4	This Inner City was made of towering stone structures that stretched high into the air , spearing the heavens with their spires .
tr	4	" If by ' beautiful city ' you mean a cesspool of corruption , then yes , it is . "
tr	4	" Death Watchmen are notorious for following a trail to its end and only reporting once the task is complete . "
tr	4	She seemed preoccupied , and had not the Prince been so lost in his own thoughts he would have found that peculiar .
tr	4	" I should be back before sunset , " he rumbled , and with that moved off into the shadows and was gone .
tr	4	But at the last second she turned , and as her green eyes met his black , he did pause .
tr	4	Without pausing to consider his actions , he turned and hurled the short sword , end over end , at the girl .
tr	4	Her hands fell limply to her sides and the daggers dropped from her twitching fingers as she stared helplessly into the Prince 's face .
tr	4	With a clenched fist , he struck the girl on the temple , and she fell to the forest floor , unconscious .
tr	4	Some time passed , he wasn 't sure how much , in which he simply stared at her , unable to look away .
tr	4	He would contact his Mother and he would return , triumphant , having passed the test and proved himself worthy .
tr	4	Turning , he made his way to the remaining horse and pulled out the strips of fabric that were left over from his bonds .
tr	4	He felt paralysis creeping into his lungs as he tried to breathe , forcing his hand tighter about the burning hilt .
tr	4	He left both short swords behind - they were too recognizable as the weapons of Death Watchmen - and then mounted the beast .
tr	4	The image of the Prince 's attack flashed through her mind , and she , grudgingly , marveled at how well trained he was .
tr	4	He dropped to her side and picked up a dagger , which had been lying on the forest floor beside her -- her dagger .
tr	4	He sheathed Malachi and with three quick movements of the dagger she was free , the bonds cut from her wrists and ankles .
tr	4	" When he talked about death the way he did , I could see he would never be free of his Mother 's reign .
tr	4	He sees himself as cursed - he is cursed - and his precious God Empress is the only one who can keep him sane .
tr	4	He doesn 't know how to live with himself without Her - the Tyrant is the only one he will ever trust !
tr	4	" Everyone can be saved , " he rumbled at her , so intensely that she felt the vibration in her bones .
tr	4	" And what you have done is allow an innocent boy to walk into the open arms of his murderers .
tr	4	And should that change happen , there will be no need to send him or anyone in as bait for the Hooded Ones . "
tr	4	He knows what it is to feel another person 's pain - something none of his siblings have ever known .
tr	4	The Seekers remained in a position of power partly because they existed in the collective consciousness of the Empire as omniscient phantoms .
tr	4	It was the first sign on the Path of Light , a path that led devoted followers and those seeking enlightenment to the Seekers .
tr	4	By this time , the sun had well and truly set , and it appeared that the Commons were going home for the night .
tr	4	The Prince looked around the room , making note of the bare furnishings , the dark shadowed corners where a person might be concealed .
tr	4	But like any order , the higher up one went in the Seeker organization the more lavish the decorations and accolades became .
tr	4	He landed in a crouch , and found himself looking at a single golden coin on the floor in front of him .
tr	4	He opened the indicated door : on the other side was a long corridor , in which children were playing .
tr	4	The girl tugged the string behind her , twirling in a circle , and the two boys chased it , squealing with laughter .
tr	4	The Prince had seen children in the memories of other men , but seeing them in person ... THIS IS NOT IMPORTANT .
tr	4	He passed through this as well , and found himself on a staircase that went up as well as down .
tr	4	He looked around wildly , breathing hard , and after a few confused seconds saw another falcon two houses away .
tr	4	A tingle started in his chest and worked its way up his shoulders as the Raven Talisman responded to a life force .
tr	4	He looked up again and saw the golden gleam and knew , deep in his gut , that it was the third falcon .
tr	4	Stunned , he looked behind himself and saw nothing but a blank gray space - the back side of the illusion .
tr	4	He had stepped out of a small alcove hidden in the shadows , and the Prince silently cursed himself for not sensing the man .
tr	4	As he turned the second corner , there was a faint crash of metal from above , and he pulled up short .
tr	4	The men and women moving in the yard -- few , and dressed in good quality clothing - must be the night stewards .
tr	4	No clockwork servants cleaning the streets , no industrial towers slowly burning through the night , no bright electric lights .
tr	4	They were in the middle of a large square that included a park and a marble fountain and large , well-groomed trees .
tr	4	They were given moral discipline , taught the Blessings of the Empress , and made into good law-abiding members of society .
tr	4	So when the teenage girl was brought onto the platform , naked and shivering , the Prince did feel shock .
tr	4	The Prince , horrified , saw two men of the High Blood at the back of the crowd laugh and mime something crude .
tr	4	The two ladies with them giggled shrilly , and the auctioneer paused for a moment as the giggles echoed throughout the crowd .
tr	4	Every part of her was on display , and the Prince felt as though he were violating her simply by looking at her .
tr	4	The auctioneer spoke again , and this time there was outright laughter , though the Prince couldn 't make out what was being said .
tr	4	She flitted from shadow to shadow , and moved past the door with the compass on her way around the slave auction .
tr	4	A man in a blue velvet vest and black pants entered the foyer from a room farther in , and saw him standing there .
tr	4	He took in the Prince 's clothing , the heavy way in which he was breathing , and then seemed to make a decision .
tr	4	The rest of the house was just as rich as the Prince would have expected from one of the High Blood .
tr	4	The man motioned to the wide glass doors at the end of the room , and turned away , obviously dismissing him .
tr	4	But no such noise came , and he made it across the room and through the large glass doors without incident .
tr	4	On the other side of the doors on a dais in the middle of a wide , sloping yard was a golden coin .
tr	4	This compass had a working arrow on it , one that was currently pointed through a hedge at the end of the garden .
tr	4	He emerged onto a back alley - the place where the servants of the High would most likely walk during the day .
tr	4	It led both right and left , but the left fork ended abruptly in a large brick wall between two houses further down .
tr	4	The words were out of his mouth and ringing in the cooling night air before he realized he had said them .
tr	4	Palaces rose up around him on every side , grand and decorated with more wealth than the Prince supposed the Commons would ever see .
tr	4	The Prince shook himself out of his reverie - the building was grand , but he needed to continue on his path .
tr	4	Without thinking , the Prince ran toward them - each golden statue in its own alcove , showing proper obedience to the Empress .
tr	4	He crossed to it - and saw the sixth golden coin , and a mixed wave of relief and anger coursed through him .
tr	4	He grasped the coin , pulled it out and thrust it into his pocket , silently chiding himself for almost missing it .
tr	4	The man was tall , bald , and very menacing in the long brown robes and golden rope of a Lesser Seeker .
tr	4	The door swung open on oiled hinges ; he crossed the threshold , and slammed it shut behind him , locking himself in darkness .
tr	4	Chapter Ten : Seek and Ye Shall Find For a long moment , the Prince stood there , wrapped in darkness .
tr	4	As his eyes adjusted to the black , he began to realize also that he wasn 't in total darkness .
tr	4	He began to move cautiously toward the light , both hands stretched out before him , inching ahead one step at a time .
tr	4	With each step , the light in the distance grew brighter , and soon he was able to lower his hands .
tr	4	A little farther along he found that he was indeed in a long passageway - a downward sloping half-circle made of cobblestone walls .
tr	4	The floor was nothing but smooth , hard packed dirt , and his simple Commons boots little impression on it .
tr	4	The darkness began to close in on him again as he left the torch behind and continued down the hall .
tr	4	But such contemplations were lost on him : all he was worried about was tripping over actual stumbling blocks , not metaphorical ones .
tr	4	He reached out and pulled the metal latch on the door , which swung out toward him on silent , oiled hinges .
tr	4	" I was informed we had a very promising Child of the Light seeking us along the Path , but I am ... . "
tr	4	" I am no Child of the Light , Seeker , " the Prince said , lowering the hood of his cloak .
tr	4	The Seeker turned , and as he did the Prince noticed his hands make a small motion toward one of the guards .
tr	4	A voice in the back of the Prince 's head told him not to enter ... but he ignored it .
tr	4	He sat in the chair to which the Seeker had motioned , and wondered idly why he did not feel relieved .
tr	4	The Seeker motioned to a guard - of which , the Prince realized suddenly , there was now only one .
tr	4	They would no doubt be Searcher robes , but as long as they were not this Commons filth , they would be serviceable .
tr	4	" Yes , but you see ... another order came this morning , born by the Empress ' Hand . "
tr	4	" Please , my son , do not attempt to make this more difficult than it has to be . "
tr	4	The Prince tried to question the Seeker once more , but all that came out was a muffled shout around the choking gag .
tr	4	" Hush , hush , I will let you know your fate as it is clear now you will be unable to escape .
tr	4	I am the Prince of Ravens , the Lord of the Seventh Principality , and I DEMAND YOUR RESPECT ! "
tr	4	No , this couldn 't happen here , this was a safe place , safe because he was the Prince of Ravens .
tr	4	" Could it be , " the Seeker asked , " that you thought this was all a test ? "
tr	4	But the Seeker was shaking his head , and the look of pity was turning to something else ... changing ... into laughter .
tr	4	You came south , in an attempt to find a Seeker ... and in doing so delivered yourself up for slaughter . "
tr	4	He made a motion over the Prince 's shoulder , and a bag was thrust over the Prince 's head .
tr	4	Reality ceases to exist and the walls in front and the ground beneath seem to recede and are felt no more .
tr	4	The mind retreats inward , and begins to consume itself in endless , merciless circles of ever deepening despair and desolation .
tr	4	Then he had been a kidnapped Prince , a wronged Prince hunted by his traitorous brothers and sisters but still true to his purpose .
tr	4	He wanted to lose his mind , but some last shred of himself - whoever he was - kept him clinging to sanity .
tr	4	He slept again in fits and starts , his mind going in and out of consciousness with no apparent preference .
tr	4	The Prince 's mouth dropped open as long black hair fell down to frame the face of the Exile girl .
tr	4	You shouldn 't be here -- you should be halfway back to where it is you were taking me in the first place ! "
tr	4	The statement brought everything crashing back down on him that he had forgotten in the shock of seeing the two Exiles enter his cell .
tr	4	But enough of his loyalty to the Empire remained that he felt a surge of anger against the two outlaws .
tr	4	The big man moved forward so quickly he was a blur until suddenly the enormous bearded face appeared above the Prince .
tr	4	The sounds outside the cell became louder and it soon became clear that the Seeker 's headquarters were in an uproar .
tr	4	the girl asked , " we stored the Searchers -- " " No doubt my cell is enchanted , " the Prince said .
tr	4	With a screech like a dying animal , the chains came out of the wall in a shower of powdered stone and mortar .
tr	4	Not two seconds later , the Prince was left only with the manacles and a bit of chain hanging from each .
tr	4	" We need to leave very quickly , " said the girl , who was now looking into the corridor .
tr	4	It was a small mark most people would have missed , but one the Prince had been trained to notice on all things .
tr	4	He fell flat on his face , slapping his hands against the ground to absorb the shock of the blow .
tr	4	He lunged for it , caught the handle , and spun , slicing the guard 's bicep , rendering his arm useless .
tr	4	The Prince rolled to his feet , crouching over the guard , staring into the frightened eyes of the man .
tr	4	He looked around , confused , and realized he was high up one of the towers spaced along the wall of the Inner City .
tr	4	" Catch me if you can , " she said with a grin , and shot off down the runway .
tr	4	It took him a moment to realize that the girl had turned to the door , but couldn 't get it open .
tr	4	There was a stunned silence from all parties , even the Exile girl , and then both Searchers simply turned and fled .
tr	4	Members of the High Blood began emerging from their houses , some with looks of outrage on their faces , others scared and alarmed .
tr	4	Immediately , both Exiles turned and ran for the stables , trusting him completely , just as if he 'd never betrayed them .
tr	4	For a brief instant , he couldn 't catch his breath , but then he was running just as hard as they were .
tr	4	When he was still a good ten yards above the rooftop , his hands gave out , and he fell backwards .
tr	4	As the Prince had predicted , they 'd all been drawn to the main gates , and the Seeker 's Path remained open .
tr	4	The Prince , very gratefully , shed his filthy clothing , even his undergarments , and changed them all for fresh cotton replicas .
tr	4	The Prince turned , and saw the big man was holding a hammer he 'd found in an equipment rack .
tr	4	There was a loud clatter of metal , and then the shackles fell away , and the Prince was free .
tr	4	" We can do it when we 're safe away from here , " the Prince insisted , feeling she was being completely unreasonable .
tr	4	A beat passed , and then both of them dropped the skin , which the big man caught and tied to his waist .
tr	4	The haphazard , rundown backstreets of the Outer City turned once more to wide , smooth paving stones , and their pace picked up .
tr	4	Soon they were past the last houses and shops , and crossing the large grassy area that surrounded the city to the south .
tr	4	They were all panting for breath now , and the Prince felt as though his heart might fail from sheer exhaustion .
tr	4	But somehow he found the energy to carry on , until they 'd gotten far enough away and left the road altogether .
tr	4	That journey had been defined by his need to escape from the same Exiles who were now his one chance of survival .
tr	4	After a long moment , the Prince turned to the Exile girl , who was staring out at the distant city .
tr	4	The Prince looked at her for a long moment , then swallowed , took a deep breath , and spoke again .
tr	4	And then , on sudden impulse , he took a step forward , drawing the dagger she 'd lent him .
tr	4	But he didn 't strike her with the dagger , as she must have feared - instead , he offered it to her .
tr	4	Part of him was watching with disbelief at what he was doing , but the larger part of him felt that this was right .
tr	4	There was honor in this , and justice , in a way that was separate from the laws of the Empire .
tr	4	This was a debt he had to repay -- and this was the least he could do to fulfill that obligation .
tr	4	" Thank you for lending this to me , " he said , holding the dagger up in two hands .
tr	4	" Don 't kill people unless I have to , " she said quietly , piercing him with her green eyes .
tr	4	He slid the dagger into the belt of his borrowed clothing and looked out at the city again , trying to hide his disappointment .
tr	4	She cleared her throat again , roughly this time , as the Prince turned back toward them , his eyes focused on the ground .
tr	4	He understood : she was uneasy , and coping for it by talking too much about things that didn 't need to be discussed .
tr	4	He threw a second blanket to the Prince as he pulled out a needle and thread and began a small fire to heat water .
tr	4	He tried to rise , but his body decided not to obey him , and he fell back down again .
tr	4	" You do not need to be frightened for me , " the Prince said , his voice formal and stiff .
tr	4	The big man stopped next to the Prince , and lowered himself to the ground to sit next to him .
tr	4	" Hardness does not kill you , " the Prince responded , reciting by rote what he had been told since birth .
tr	4	The Prince shrugged his shoulders as if he could throw off the voice like it was an irritating fly , nothing more .
tr	4	He seemed just as interested in following the shifting , changing flames as he did in the Prince 's answer .
tr	4	He was surprised to find that the pride was gone from the statement ; there was no defiance in it now .
tr	4	" I left the Fortress nearly twenty years ago now , give or take a few , " the Exile said .
tr	4	" When I came into the throne room , my superiors were there , and every Blade Master then living .
tr	4	" The assignment was an assassination , of a man living in Lucien not too far outside the Fortress . "
tr	4	Assassinations were carried out by the Death Watchmen , and as far as the Prince had known , by them alone .
tr	4	" As you 'd guess , I was surprised , but as I was then I did not question it .
tr	4	So , using my newly acquired rank as Blade Master , I went and discovered the truth of the man 's crime . "
tr	4	" I had sworn to protect the safety of the Empress , and through her the Empire and the stability of the Diamond Throne .
tr	4	I killed the men following me , and soon I was pursued by those who had once been my sworn brothers .
tr	4	For weeks , I fought my way across the Empire , running and hiding , and fighting when I needed to .
tr	4	But in the end , once enough time had passed , I took a new name , one that I chose for myself .
tr	4	The Prince remained silent for a long moment , and then seated himself by the fireside next to the unconscious form of Leah .
tr	4	He rose to his feet , circled the fire , and draped one of the extra blankets over the Prince 's shoulders .
tr	4	" I thought you said I was free to make my own choices , " the Prince said with a wry smile .
tr	4	It 's easy to mistake the marks on his back that way , and no doubt it would be taken very seriously .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry , " the Prince said , the words still foreign to him , but persistently giving them a try .
tr	4	" I didn 't mean to be so frank - I didn 't realize you were speaking to me . "
tr	4	" It 's fine , " the Exile girl said hotly , " what do you think they 'll say ? "
tr	4	The Prince had to give the Exiles some credit - as they absorbed this piece of information they remained admirably stoic .
tr	4	As for the bounties , I assume mine will be significant , because , as the Seeker mentioned , I 'm now wanted alive .
tr	4	There have been pictures of me in every town , village , city , and hamlet , for nearly two decades .
tr	4	During the journey he began to learn small details about them , things that prior to captivity he never would have cared about .
tr	4	You can make it long , you can make it short , full sleeve , no sleeve , whatever you 'd like .
tr	4	All he knew was that something about the hide had solidified for him the realization that his life had been changed forever .
tr	4	-- then fine , he 'd give up -- give up and let it all end that way so he could just -- SLAP !
tr	4	The Prince 's head rang like a bell , and stars exploded across his vision as Leah struck him clean across the face .
tr	4	Red , the deep , nauseating color of blood , clouded the Prince 's vision , and he felt rage rise up in him .
tr	4	An enormous hand grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and pulled him backward , up into the air .
tr	4	She winced once , and the Prince saw her grab her side , and he felt a moment of triumph .
tr	4	So let 's try and be good boys and girls who don 't fight too much between ourselves , yes ? "
tr	4	" As I remember it , he clocked me so hard I flew ten feet through the air and hit a tree . "
tr	4	" So use your anger to conquer those , and once you do , then you can worry about conquering the anger . "
tr	4	He didn 't know how he felt about this ... didn 't know if he believed such a thing could really help .
tr	4	After you made it to the Kindred and you knew that , for a time at least , you were safe . "
tr	4	" No matter how many times you say it , that still doesn 't make sense , " Leah called lightly from up ahead .
tr	4	" I remember quite distinctly trying to club him to death for telling me what to do with my life .
tr	4	" Don 't worry , I 'm not trying to turn you , " the big man rumbled , smiling .
tr	4	One day when he opened his eyes and let go of the Talisman , he found the girl watching him .
tr	4	That area is more accessible , and there 're a few dirt roads that lead up to the Lake itself .
tr	4	Though , chances are we 'll have to go around the east side of the Lake , since there 'll be no one there .
tr	4	Maybe a hermit or two , but no one else is crazy enough to live in that miserable stretch of bogs and swamps . "
tr	4	She smiled at him ; it was the first real smile he 'd seen from her , and he was dazzled .
tr	4	And he wasn 't sure how he felt about how often lately he seemed to be unsure of his feelings .
tr	4	There were two whittled things - one that had many teeth and one that had a flat bit at the end .
tr	4	" Just ' cause your chest is black from that Talisman , doesn 't mean your teeth need to be after all . "
tr	4	This is a curse , that 's all , " he said , fingering the deeply etched lines on his upper chest .
tr	4	" Then choose to do something about it , " the girl said , slightly exasperated , but still trying to be reasonable .
tr	4	" Look , I don 't understand how the Talisman works , I don 't understand what it feels like to use it .
tr	4	But if you 're convinced there is no good that it can be put to , then stop using it .
tr	4	And as he admitted this to himself , he felt guilt and shame begin to boil up to the surface of his mind .
tr	4	He 'd be trying to wreak havoc on the lives of the Commons , who were only protected by the grace of the Empress .
tr	4	And the next day , when he woke , he did not reach out through the Talisman to feel the forest around him .
tr	4	He knew that they would take any information he would give them , and store it in the back of their minds .
tr	4	He 'd thought long and hard about it for a few days , and in the end he decided to make something simple .
tr	4	He looked at what the Prince was doing , nodded once , and said , " do it this way . "
tr	4	He could already feel bruises forming on his arms and legs where the wood had struck him , but he was ready for more .
tr	4	" Came on you in the night , we did , " said one of the Defenders , apparently in answer to his question .
tr	4	But no , that made no sense , if they wanted to kill him , why would they take Leah ?
tr	4	And then it came together , the pieces falling into place with almost audible clicks - they didn 't know who he was .
tr	4	The Defenders all had several caked layers of mud and grime on their boots , and also halfway up their thighs .
tr	4	He couldn 't move - the Defender with the sword was staring very intently at his neck to discourage any such thoughts .
tr	4	The Prince hit the ground and struck out with both hands and both feet , whipping around in a circular motion .
tr	4	The remaining men , three all told still standing , drew their swords and made to run the Prince through .
tr	4	" They were scouting the swamps for Exiles -- their clothes , their hair , they 're filthy , and see those bug bites ?
tr	4	" I ... I haven 't been using the Talisman , " the Prince said , and felt guilty and ashamed .
tr	4	You truly should have been more careful in setting up your campfire ... we could see it through the trees a mile away .
tr	4	the Prince said , suddenly angry at the Exiles , trying to make it their fault for some reason he didn 't understand .
tr	4	She will be mourned as if she were dead already , though she may cling to life for years to come . "
tr	4	Make your peace with whatever god you pray to , Exiled scum , there is nothing you can do to get her back . "
tr	4	The Defender shifted his gaze to the Prince , and his smile faltered and turned into a look of uncertainty .
tr	4	He was a phantom - a blurring wraith , made of six men but controlled by the anger of one .
tr	4	He pushed himself even harder , passing through the forest so quickly he left whirlwinds of leaves swirling behind him .
tr	4	The Prince felt his flagging strength and speed surge back as the man 's life was added on to his own .
tr	4	Memories flashed before his eyes , but he blocked them all out except for one : which men were where in the squad .
tr	4	A few men spotted the Prince and notched arrows to bows , letting out cries of alarm , but they weren 't fast enough .
tr	4	He watched calmly , his mind moving at extraordinary speeds , as the arrows left the bows , and he moved causally aside .
tr	4	He pulled Leah 's dagger from his belt , severed the man 's spine , and then rolled to the ground and moved on .
tr	4	Soon the sword and dagger were coated in scarlet blood , and with each kill he grew faster and stronger .
tr	4	The horses cantered off out of sight , leaving the Prince alone with twenty-three dead Defenders lying on the ground .
tr	4	Images of childhood , the scents of fresh baked bread and a father 's hug , hopes and dreams achieved and unfulfilled alike .
tr	4	" Breathe , " a voice said to him , a scared voice but one with a steely insistence in it .
tr	4	He did breathe then - a long shuttering breath that burned his nostrils and lungs but helped to clear his mind .
tr	4	" You 'll be okay , " Leah said to him , " I 'll take care of you . "
tr	4	Chapter Fifteen : Aftermath The Prince woke to sunshine , warm and buttery like freshly churned cream , playing across his face .
tr	4	" Yes ... well , that 's why I don 't kill unless I have to , " the Prince said quietly .
tr	4	He was studying the grassy ground of the forest to his right , not wanting to look at the two Exiles .
tr	4	" Yes , " the Prince said slowly , not knowing why he continued to speak , but feeling compelled to do so .
tr	4	He crossed the distance to the Prince and placed two enormous hands on his shoulders , nearly engulfing his head .
tr	4	" For what it counts , to survive that as the man you are , you 're stronger than I will ever be . "
tr	4	As the big man said this , the Prince felt the corner of his eyes prickle , and a lump formed in his throat .
tr	4	The big man , his stony black eyes watching him closely , nodded as well , and dropped his hands .
tr	4	" In that case , help with the food , " she said , motioning to the packs on the horse .
tr	4	" No , " the Prince said , deadpan , " I fell unconscious due to the strain of saving you .
tr	4	She undid the final strap holding the litter in place and it fell to the ground in a clatter of wood .
tr	4	She smirked at him and bent to pull the wood they had used as a frame out from the tangle of blankets .
tr	4	The Prince managed to locate the last of the dried venison and also found three large rolls of bread and a wheel of cheese .
tr	4	I don 't know how she got into those things ; someone must have had to pour her into them .
tr	4	she called to them , and the Prince was glad to see that whatever anger she had been holding against him had passed .
tr	4	" Wait , " he said to other two , " did you say there was a stream nearby ? "
tr	4	" It 's that way - though why you want to go when it 's getting so cold is beyond me . "
tr	4	They held the gaze for a long moment , sharing a joy and elation that made the Prince giddy just watching it .
tr	4	She was facing away from the Prince and he couldn 't see her face , but her voice sounded resigned and ... sad .
tr	4	" He 's a product of a society whose teachings are that rebellion is the worst sin anyone can commit .
tr	4	He has great power , but he sees it as a curse , and if nothing else that gives me hope . "
tr	4	" But ... if it were up to me alone he 'd come as our prisoner or not at all .
tr	4	The giant didn 't speak , but instead turned away from the girl , and they both began to get ready for bed .
tr	4	He remembered the looks of happiness they had exchanged , the happiness of going home that he had wanted to share with them .
tr	4	And if he couldn 't go with them and he couldn 't go back , then ... where would he go ?
tr	4	The Prince turned and looked back through the trees toward where the two Exiles were , reminiscing about their home .
tr	4	As he did so , he saw that it had been purposely cleared of rocks and roots by a deft hand .
tr	4	The Prince sat staring into the fire for a long time , wondering what he was going to do when morning came .
tr	4	Chapter Sixteen : Choices The next morning dawned with the Prince still holding watch , his mind whirling with thoughts .
tr	4	" I mean you were right , Leah , I 'm not one of you , " he said quietly .
tr	4	" I can 't let my personal injustices at the hands of the Empire make me believe rebellion is the right course of action .
tr	4	And while you have saved me on multiple occasions , I will never rebel against the lawful rule of the Diamond Throne .
tr	4	But as the Prince watched , the anger seemed to drain out of her , and her face grew calm and still .
tr	4	However , it soon became apparent that they still weren 't being followed , which surprised all three of them and made them wary .
tr	4	He sent his mind out , questing in every direction , ranging over the forested mountains , down to the bottom of the valley .
tr	4	That must be why we haven 't seen or heard them in so long , they 've been gathering force .
tr	4	They 're still a few miles away ... I can barely feel them ... but they 're coming quickly . "
tr	4	Immediately , the Prince set off around the side of the mountain in the direction the Rogue girl had been headed .
tr	4	The Prince closed his eyes and the Talisman picked her up , pointing the Prince toward a river that came down from the mountaintop .
tr	4	She stood in the rushing brook as much a part of the world as the wind , the stream , and the earth itself .
tr	4	She shifted slightly , and as the sun hit her from another angle the Prince 's breath caught in his throat .
tr	4	Scars crisscrossed her body , some red , thick and ugly , others barely a razor 's width and white , nearly invisible .
tr	4	Slowly she took a step forward , the muscles in her legs bunching and stretching with a steely , coiled , grace .
tr	4	Leah burst into the clearing not a minute later , once more clothed , and without hesitation jumped onto her horse .
tr	4	They rode around the lip of the mountain before dipping down into a small valley that split into two paths at the far end .
tr	4	She didn 't need to - I could see what she thought of me , clear as day , written across her face .
tr	4	But when they kill you , when you watch them slice you open with no remorse in their eyes , then you 'll understand .
tr	4	Sudden as a flash of lightning , he felt another life spring into being in the direction they had gone .
tr	4	He wouldn 't have time to come back this way if he didn 't take the trail down the mountain now .
tr	4	Thunder sounded in the sky above him and he looked up to see black clouds forming over the top of the mountain .
tr	4	If it started to rain , then he 'd know the process was complete and the monster would become corporeal .
tr	4	Trees flew past him as he tracked both the life energy of the Exiles and kept a check on the life of the creature .
tr	4	The Prince dove behind a tree and the raw energy shot past him , leaving his muscles limp and jerky .
tr	4	It was clothed in blue and white armor and a cloak that flowed like storm clouds , gray and misty .
tr	4	Hoping against hope the Daemon wouldn 't notice him , he took off running as fast as he could in their direction .
tr	4	The Prince grabbed her by the cloak and pulled her back , turning her around to shout in her face .
tr	4	He looked up into the icy , enchanted eyes of the Elemental , and knew there was nothing he could do to save himself .
tr	4	It flew completely straight , as if a force was pushing it directly through the intervening space toward its target .
tr	4	But where the creature had stood was now just a blasted heath , and in the sky the scattered clouds of a dying storm .
tr	4	The Prince looked at him and then toward the bigger figure to whom he was nodding , and noticed it was a woman .
tr	4	She walked forward with a lumbering gait that reminded the Prince of the bears sometimes brought to the Fortress for court entertainment .
tr	4	" Good against Elementals , " Leah responded , smile turning into a frown , " but terrible against everything else . "
tr	4	" Now that , is a complete and utter fallacy that I will not accept , particularly coming from my sister . "
tr	4	Both of them turned to look at him , and with a shock the Prince realized they were almost identical .
tr	4	Now that the Prince had a good look at him , he was surprised he hadn 't pegged him for Leah 's brother immediately .
tr	4	He stepped forward abruptly with a smile that seemed to mock both the Prince and himself , and offered his hand .
tr	4	" I should have rechecked the area before running through , " Leah said angrily , " I led us right into it .
tr	4	" The Elders will take us to task for ruining what was just built , " said the large woman .
tr	4	He realized he had fallen behind the group of Exiles and she had fallen back as well to talk to him .
tr	4	He felt her do so as well , and when she spoke it was with a pausing awkwardness that was very unlike her .
tr	4	As they rounded a boulder completely covered in snow and ice , she spoke again , her voice misting in the air .
tr	4	And I should tell you that once you 've gone over the pass , you won 't be able to come back . "
tr	4	He pulled hard on his reins and the horse came to an abrupt stop amidst a small cloud of dislodged snow and earth .
tr	4	" It 's not a matter of time , " she said , " it 's a matter of trust . "
tr	4	The choice appeared very simple on its face : go forward with the Exiles , or die with the army .
tr	4	He nodded and set his horse in motion once more , the shivers running through him only partially due to the cold .
tr	4	For the first time in history of the Empire , a Prince of the Realm had peacefully crossed into the Seventh Principality .
tr	4	The Prince had never heard more than wild speculation as to how the Kindred were able to manipulate the land .
tr	4	The Prince 's blood boiled and he had to fight to keep his hand from reaching for the dagger at his belt .
tr	4	We joined them , yes , but they have been here for longer than living memory -- before the Empress came .
tr	4	The people who live in Vale are their descendants , mixed with those like us who they took in . "
tr	4	The Prince looked up , and suddenly they were now in the middle of the strangest forest he 'd ever seen .
tr	4	A bird the size of an eagle flew over his head with a bill made of the colors of the rainbow .
tr	4	There was no sign of the mountains they had just crossed over , and heat lay heavy on him like a wet blanket .
tr	4	There was no breeze , the sun was only just rising in the east , and everything was back to normal .
tr	4	Strange -- I would have thought you 'd be walking through the corridors of the Fortress or the streets of Lucien . "
tr	4	- returned , and the Prince abruptly leaned over the side of his horse , feeling he was about to retch .
tr	4	They lapsed into silence and the Prince noticed that the forest had begun to shift unsteadily at the edges of his vision .
tr	4	The smaller the metal , the weaker the alloy , for a reason no one has been able to explain .
tr	4	" But when it does ... I pray that we 're strong enough to face the Empire on our own . "
tr	4	It was easier that way , and with his horse obediently following the rest of the group , he was able to remain close .
tr	4	Don 't look around yet , just remember where you are and what 's going to happen when you open your eyes . "
tr	4	Everything was covered in the soft , white blanket , making the world look fresh , and clean , and beautiful .
tr	4	" ... stories people have told me , maybe what I 'm seeing is some kind of amalgamation of images . "
tr	4	" He 's got an overactive imagination , brother , " said Leah , coming up on the Prince 's other side .
tr	4	He was one of the Exiles who operated in the Empire after all ; who knew what sources of information he had access to ?
tr	4	" Yes , thank you , " the Prince said , " but the leaves - how are they gold and orange and red ?
tr	4	The Prince , somewhat irked that his question had been disregarded , nevertheless heeled his horse in the ribs and shot after them .
tr	4	Row after row of tall buildings made of white stone spread out before them , those in the middle taller and grander .
tr	4	" They live wherever they want , " Leah said , watching him with interest , her green eyes big and intent .
tr	4	" That way you can tell Jensen we have sensitive information that needs to be heard by the Elders immediately .
tr	4	" I think so too , " the girl said , " and then we can give them our report in person . "
tr	4	The Council will not see us for a few days at least , no matter how urgent we tell them our message is . "
tr	4	And with that he set off into the woods , a longbow that was nearly eight feet long over his shoulder .
tr	4	" Take some kindling and a big stack of wood and set it up in the fireplace like I showed you .
tr	4	The Prince did as told , all the while grateful to have something to do to keep his mind off the situation at hand .
tr	4	Oh , and if anyone she doesn 't approve of tries to pick it up , it gives a nasty burn . "
tr	4	The burn had healed well , and there was hardly any mark left behind ... but the memory was still clear and strong .
tr	4	" You said most of the sabotage goes unnoticed , but what about the things that do go noticed ? "
tr	4	And second , because he realized he didn 't truly care what anyone thought of the Children , or what they said of them .
tr	4	But here , in the woods , with just a stew and a giant for company , such things seemed remarkably unimportant .
tr	4	In any case , break two or three dams and the crops below them fail , flooded with water or else parched .
tr	4	" That grain goes to feeding the soldiers that oppress common citizens and try every year to invade this land . "
tr	4	Do you remember the Haven Dam that broke up in Tyne , the one that was being built for twenty something years ? "
tr	4	The whole dam had collapsed the day before its completion , which was intended to be a day of celebration .
tr	4	Immediately , the Prince turned his head to the left , and knew he was looking north , toward Roarke .
tr	4	Because the glow he felt was the distant glow of the Prince of Oxen , at the head of an army .
tr	4	Chapter Eighteen : Decision As this realization sank in , the Prince slowly turned back around and stared blankly at the fire before him .
tr	4	And after a moment or two of him sitting there , jaw hanging loose , he closed his mouth again , and remained silent .
tr	4	The boiling , sickly feeling that had formed in the pit of his stomach like a seed slowly sprouting was directionless .
tr	4	As Leah said , now that he was here , now that he knew where to go , he could destroy everything .
tr	4	Such a deed that had not , in a thousand years , been achieved by a single man , woman , or Child .
tr	4	When they finally reached the sparring arena , the Prince saw that it was located amid a huge barracks and training ground .
tr	4	The arena itself was a large stone building , capped by a dome that was painted with various murals of Kindred fighters .
tr	4	The Prince approached the rack of spare practice swords on the side of the sparring platform and looked through them .
tr	4	He 'd always fought best with a single-sided long blade , but most of these looked like the typical double-edged broadsword .
tr	4	I 'm like the girl - steel 's always been good enough for me , and I suspect it always will be . "
tr	4	the Prince asked dubiously , eyeing the razor sharp edge and remembering what Leah had told him about the metal .
tr	4	The Prince began to move as well , circling away from the big man , trying to keep an even distance between them .
tr	4	The Prince dashed away , using his greater agility to avoid the giant sword as it hissed through the air behind him .
tr	4	The Prince turned to see Leah standing just outside of the practice ring , fingering the hilt of one of her long daggers .
tr	4	" You never let me spar with you before , " he said , " why the change of heart ? "
tr	4	The girl dodged away , daggers flashing , constantly moving , catching the light like birds flitting through a ray of sun .
tr	4	He spun to follow her , and this time managed to force her into a corner , forcing her to engage him .
tr	4	He retreated back across the arena and studied the girl , who was now holding both daggers down by her sides .
tr	4	Their bodies spun and their weapons clashed , striking out again and again , neither able to land a blow .
tr	4	He knew what the Prince of Oxen was doing , and he knew how he was getting so close to Vale .
tr	4	One stopped to grasp the Prince 's hand ; something was said to the Prince , but he didn 't hear it .
tr	4	She lifted her head and her eyes met his , and the Prince realized again just how stunning she was when she smiled .
tr	4	It was as if the hard stony exterior she so often assumed was pulled away , leaving behind just a girl .
tr	4	At this thought a crack appeared in the hard , bitter hate that had formed in him the night before .
tr	4	The crack spread , splintering and spiraling outward , and when it reached the edges of his mind it shattered , leaving him alone .
tr	4	He would come in here and she would be smiling no more , she would only be -- A rebel !
tr	4	His brother was coming ; he could feel the energy from the Ox Talisman shining like a bright white beacon in his mind .
tr	4	But if he remained silent , if he allowed his brother to attack the Exiled Kindred , it would be the end .
tr	4	He was ruthless , heartless , concerned only with physical power -- conquering , destruction , annihilation of the Empire 's enemies .
tr	4	If the Prince of Oxen found this place , marched on it with his army , he would crush them all .
tr	4	he roared at himself , they 're lawfully opposing the rule of the Empress ; they deserve whatever fate is in store for them .
tr	4	Slowly , it fell , and by the time it had reached the ground , the Prince was on his feet and moving .
tr	4	A quick surge of energy and he was moving down the corridor , purpose lending the strength and speed of determination to his movements .
tr	4	The Prince was surprised at how controlled and emotionless his voice came out , considering the turmoil going on inside him .
tr	4	He would deal with his feelings later -- right now he needed to get to the Elders before anyone else did .
tr	4	And then the big man nodded , stood , and moved quickly off toward the arena door , the Prince following close behind him .
tr	4	The sword fell from his fingers and hit the ground with a clatter , followed closely by the loud thump of his body .
tr	4	It felt suddenly heavier than it had in the arena , and the Prince knew it had nothing to do with the actual weight .
tr	4	The wide double doors cracked open , producing a rush of air that sputtered the torches in the hallway behind him .
tr	4	All of them turned to look at who had disturbed their conclave , as the doors crashed closed behind the Prince .
tr	4	The Prince noticed they each wore an ornamental dagger on a chain around their necks , but none reached for it .
tr	4	The Prince moved forward swiftly , kicking the man 's curved dagger away with his boot as he passed it .
tr	4	It clattered across the rough , natural stone floor of the council chamber , where the only noise now was heavy breathing .
tr	4	As the Prince passed each Elder , he noticed that their faces showed anger , defiance , and above all pride .
tr	4	As it became clear what his intention was , the Elders shifted and a few of them moved to block his way .
tr	4	" You shall not approach Elder Crane , " one of them said , the only one who had drawn his dagger .
tr	4	The man was taller than the Prince , back straight even in age , and had dark blue eyes that commanded his obedience .
tr	4	The Prince raised his sword to dispatch the man , but before he could move , a voice spoke behind him .
tr	4	" I have no time to ask for absolution , nor do I much care if you would grant it .
tr	4	You are in my mind rebels , criminals , and outlaws , but to you I am something much worse . "
tr	4	It slid out as easily as it had gone in , the metal so sharp that not even stone could bind it .
tr	4	" My brother , the Prince of Oxen is no more than a half day 's march from this very spot .
tr	4	I and four others killed a Daemon in the Roarke Mountains not three days ago , and have remained in close proximity ever since .
tr	4	He is ruthless and will stop at nothing until the will of the Empress is fulfilled and each of you lies dead .
tr	4	For a long moment the Elder stood staring at him as if he were trying to memorize the Prince 's face .
tr	4	Finally , the old man broke the gaze and the Prince let out a ragged breath he hadn 't realized he was holding .
tr	4	There was a shocked moment of silence and then the gags and bonds were cut and the two Rogues freed .
tr	4	The rest of you -- spread the word that the emergency teams should run to ground and organize distribution of supplies .
tr	4	Pandemonium broke out in the next instant as if it had been held in like steam under a tightly secured lid now removed .
tr	4	" I accept your loyalty , and I also understand you gave it to me only until this crisis has passed .
tr	4	This should leave them in confusion and force them to slow their advance , buying us time to regroup at the Stand . "
tr	4	A small gold knot of rank on the upper right side of his chest shone brightly in the light of the hall .
tr	4	But in the end , he knew the time for pretense was long past , and so he answered in earnest .
tr	4	But the Kindred were moving quickly , and there was a chance they would be clear of Vale before the army arrived .
tr	4	Two-thirds of those gathered were men and women with bows strapped to their backs and short swords sheathed at their waists .
tr	4	They were all clad in thick leather armor , with thin , rectangular pieces of metal sewn on to offer protection against light weaponry .
tr	4	As he came closer , he saw that she was talking quite animatedly with a man mounted on a white horse .
tr	4	He was dark-skinned , with a helm like the one the Prince wore and a similar breastplate and cape , but gilded in red .
tr	4	After a few moments of silence , he asked the question that had been burning in his mind since Vale .
tr	4	He doesn 't care about the lives of his men , he doesn 't care about morale , he doesn 't care !
tr	4	" It 's a fortress built around a city that contains all of the history of the Kindred , " Lorna said in compromise .
tr	4	It has documents dating back to the early years of our nation , when we fought against the Empire in earnest .
tr	4	" And the time when the Empress herself led an army to the Stand and was defeated , " Leah said .
tr	4	A mist had descended along with the darkness , covering everything with a fine layer of dew and drastically reducing visibility .
tr	4	From this side it looks almost new , but the rest of it is a ruin and has been for some time .
tr	4	" It 's not going to be that simple , " the Prince tried to explain , but he was cut off .
tr	4	The Prince 's gut told him it wouldn 't be that simple , but he had to admit it seemed like a good plan .
tr	4	Simple , and it played on the enemy 's strategy , which was a safe bet considering the standardization of the Empire 's forces .
tr	4	The Prince of Oxen and his army were no more than a mile away , and already he could feel the earth rumbling underfoot .
tr	4	" He should stop for the night when he sees the pass is guarded , " the captain said , looking at the Prince .
tr	4	" I will bet you the Diamond Throne I know him better than you do , " the Prince muttered under his breath .
tr	4	They all shifted and peeked their heads the barest fraction over the barrier , just enough to see the advancing force .
tr	4	His red eyes seemed to gather the light from the torches down below , turning him into a devilish creature of the night .
tr	4	The captain , face red and set with anger , motioned to his lieutenant , and the column began to move forward again .
tr	4	It will at least slow them down , and give us some time to get out of here without losing any men .
tr	4	The first column was nearly halfway past them , headed up the road to the ruined castle , arranged in siege formation .
tr	4	The Prince 's sword lanced out and hamstrung the man , tripping him and two others who had tried to follow .
tr	4	Her lithe body twisted and turned with a dexterity and finesse that made even the most skilled swordsman look like a hapless lumberjack .
tr	4	It gave the Kindred heart and their blows rained down on an Imperial army suddenly terrified out of their minds .
tr	4	In the confusion , the Prince was jostled around and forced to kill two more or else be killed himself .
tr	4	Leah almost shot past him as well , but the Prince reached out and grabbed the Exile girl 's arm .
tr	4	He saw her eyes light up with understanding : if they retreated now they 'd be followed straight to the Stand .
tr	4	" Normally , " the Prince began , " you 'd need to use a -- " She drew her daggers .
tr	4	It was a single banner , not very large , but located on the fringe of one of the groups still in disarray .
tr	4	Lightning shot up into the sky , throwing the Prince backwards into a tree , forcing the breath out of his lungs .
tr	4	The Prince looked up and saw the Kindred firing arrow after arrow from the ledge above them , but it was nowhere near enough .
tr	4	Boulders crashed down from the sky above them , and the Prince thought for a brief moment that the world was ending .
tr	4	To his amazement , the pass they had just escaped through was now completely blocked by the remnants of a landslide .
tr	4	" Good -- because now I 'm going to kill you for being a stupid , foolhardy slip of a girl ! "
tr	4	He tried to respond , but all that came out was a choking gasp that surprised him as much as it did her .
tr	4	The last thing he saw was Leah 's look of horror , as the world caved in around him and swirled into blackness .
tr	4	He breathed a large sigh of relief that sent a small jolt of pain through his body but did no more than that .
tr	4	" You 're healing well , but you need another day of rest before you can even think about going back to fight . "
tr	4	Surely they weren 't needed to fight until they made it back to the Stand , which was days away .
tr	4	He bent to an unconscious man lying next to the Prince and began to unwrap a bandage from around his eyes .
tr	4	The Prince caught a glimpse of a rough wooden door opening onto what appeared to be a dark balcony over to his left .
tr	4	Immediately , fire rushed up and down his side , sending shockwaves down his arm and leg before spiking throughout his whole body .
tr	4	But the pain died away in the next second , fading to a harsh but manageable ache , and he stumbled forward .
tr	4	He grabbed the arm and twisted it , sending the old woman to the floor with a shocked cry of surprise .
tr	4	Rain lashed his face from an overcast sky , the night lit only by torches and watch fires from below .
tr	4	This bottom wall had a double gate facing a single road that appeared to be the only way in or out of the city .
tr	4	The only approach to the fortress city was directly ahead -- and that was where the Prince of Oxen 's army had gathered .
tr	4	It was over in a manner of minutes , the Kindred fleeing before the onslaught of the five massive forms .
tr	4	Those who were too far away or who refused to retreat were given up for dead as the gates closed .
tr	4	The Imperial army was bringing the rest of its force to bear , while the Kindred were repositioning their forces along the walls .
tr	4	While the rest of her was covered with dirt and sweat , her hands were perfectly clean and cool to the touch .
tr	4	The Prince had risen from his corner and begun to move toward the door on the far side of the room .
tr	4	Retrieve my armor -- it 's black officer 's issue -- and find me a new tunic if you have one . "
tr	4	The woman just stared at him , mouth open and working like a fish that had just realized it was no longer in water .
tr	4	" If you leave now that wound will reopen , " she said , her voice telling him that she hoped it would .
tr	4	" I 've been wounded , captain , " the Prince said , " and that 's no concern of yours .
tr	4	The man tensed , the Prince 's manner apparently enough to convince him of his own inferiority in this situation .
tr	4	" As you were , " the Prince responded with a quick salute , turning before the captain had time to answer .
tr	4	No , they 'd never be able to get close enough without one of the other Daemons smashing them to pulp .
tr	4	The drop will take away their connection to the earth and weaken them , and then the water will carry them away .
tr	4	Worst case scenario is that they get washed down river and have to make their way back -- but they 're slow .
tr	4	Arrows will never penetrate their skin now , but knock them off the Daemons , and they 're just ordinary men again .
tr	4	The Daemons will run amok with no one controlling them , but they won 't be much use in any tactical planning after that .
tr	4	The Prince ran for him , and as he came closer , he saw that the big man was working at a makeshift forge .
tr	4	But then the moment passed and they remembered that they were in the middle of a siege that could begin again at any moment .
tr	4	" Yes , " the big man responded with a sigh as a shadow of fatigue passed over his face .
tr	4	From the interrogations , we know that there was a group of thirty hidden in Vale , and another group of fifteen here .
tr	4	We 've doubled the guard on the food and armor , but who knows what else they could get up to . "
tr	4	The job was imperfect , but the metal slowly bent back into a semblance of the shape it was supposed to have .
tr	4	While it did , the big man quickly smothered the fire , making sure all of the coals were gone .
tr	4	She turned and searched the street suddenly crowded with soldiers , all bristling with spears and swords , gleaming in their silver armor .
tr	4	The gravity of the situation fell on them once more , and the Prince felt his anger at the girl disappear .
tr	4	The sound of arrows being shot from the force manning the wall continued , but it slowed the ram not at all .
tr	4	The cracks widened , and the doors bowed inward under the weight of the enormous ram in the hands of the Daemons .
tr	4	" Hold this , " was all he said , and then he was darting straight toward the Daemons , Leah right behind him .
tr	4	The Prince was pushed back so violently he fell to the ground , along with half of the Kindred soldiers surrounding him .
tr	4	He lifted his sword and brought it down in a ferocious swing that cleaved the first three men clean in two .
tr	4	There was a loud thundering roar and two more Daemons pushed through the gate with another flood of Imperial soldiers directly behind them .
tr	4	The Kindred rushed forward as well , cries of defiance ringing from every throat , and the battle began in earnest .
tr	4	The next two Daemons , swinging their maces back and forth and wiping out broad swaths of Kindred soldiers , were an unstoppable force .
tr	4	the Prince called back , cutting down a man who had forced his way forward , but leaving him alive .
tr	4	As if in response , there was a resounding crash , and the wall of a nearby house exploded outward .
tr	4	The Daemon 's arm rose again , and the Prince and the Kindred charged forward , joining in the battle .
tr	4	It swung its mace one more time , and then the Imperial soldiers turned and ran for their lives back up the boulevard .
tr	4	The Prince let out a fierce shout that was taken up by the Kindred around him , and they ran after the red-eyed Ranger .
tr	4	A cheer went up from the Kindred , and their attack redoubled , the Imperial army forced all the way back through the gates .
tr	4	With a painful roar of agony , the Daemon fell back , an enormous ax blade buried in its side .
tr	4	Kindred bowmen fell amidst dislodged stones , and the Kindred soldiers were forced to duck down and find cover wherever they could .
tr	4	There was a long drawn out moment of silence , as in the middle of the battle both armies simply stared at each .
tr	4	There was a heavy crunching sound , and the dark figure came out of the shadows and into the torchlight .
tr	4	It was an ethereal quality that marked them out as different and , as the Children were instructed , special .
tr	4	His face was framed with golden waves of hair that shone like the sun even in the night with an insistent and hypnotizing luminescence .
tr	4	He was the perfect physical being , made so by over one hundred and forty years wearing the Ox Talisman .
tr	4	A few of the Kindred shifted behind him , as if this contradiction had helped them break free of the Ox Lord 's spell .
tr	4	" Oh ... I 'm sorry , " the Prince said loudly , his own lips lifting , but in contempt .
tr	4	The Prince of Ravens felt his teeth clench automatically , but he took a deep breath and another step forward .
tr	4	" I would say it shames me to see one of the Children who would beg , " he said quietly .
tr	4	When he looked up again , it was to see the tree trunk foot of the Daemon descending toward his head .
tr	4	He ran back , but the Daemon stayed on him , swinging the mace and killing two Kindred soldiers who got in the way .
tr	4	But in the center of it all , standing head and shoulders above every other man and woman there , were two giants .
tr	4	He began to push and kick and fight his way through the crowd , getting nearer and nearer to the two circling fighters .
tr	4	Where seconds ago he had felt too weak to stand , he now felt as though he would never need to rest again .
tr	4	The Prince 's hand was clutching the hilt of his sword in a cramped fist , his entire body throbbing with energy and life .
tr	4	They exchanged a series of blows , the Prince moving through the Blade Master forms so quickly he barely had time to think .
tr	4	Another arrow shot toward him , and he had just enough time to dodge to the side before it struck him through the throat .
tr	4	He took a deep breath , and shot off across the road , directly at the Imperial archers that had been firing at him .
tr	4	In three quick motions he cut them down , but he saw that more soldiers were making their way toward the two Princes .
tr	4	He lowered his head and focused with all of his might on getting to the temple off in the distance .
tr	4	With a resounding crash , the Prince of Oxen shot past him and straight through the side of the building .
tr	4	He rolled behind a pillar , got to his feet , and ran for the other side of the Temple .
tr	4	The Prince of Ravens felt his breath catch in his chest , and realized he 'd just found the answer .
tr	4	Tsk tsk tsk ... no wonder Mother is so disappointed in you ... " The Prince 's breath caught in his chest .
tr	4	Scum ... rebels ... the worst dregs of humanity ... " " They 're better than you will ever be ! "
tr	4	" What , " the Prince of Oxen said , " this is all about Mother taking away your name ?
tr	4	He launched himself forward once more , sword light as a feather in his hands , and pushed his brother back across the room .
tr	4	A sharp swing from one of the axes brushed across the Prince 's ribs so closely that he knew he had barely avoided evisceration .
tr	4	But eventually the shaking and crashing subsided , and he was able to pull himself out of the pile of rubble with one hand .
tr	4	His helm was gone , his breastplate torn away , and one of his axes buried somewhere deep in the Temple 's ruins .
tr	4	He let out a bellow of rage and pain and the axe went wide , burying itself in the ground next to the Prince .
tr	4	The Prince turned a corner , and there he was , lying in the street , just as the Prince had left him .
tr	4	He sank to the ground beside the body , feeling the rough stone of the street scrape his knees through his tattered clothing .
tr	4	And the first sight of the Prince - and the knowledge , the certainty , that he could be redeemed .
tr	4	He liked the thought of those green eyes , but at the same time it all seemed rather unimportant ... so he floated on .
tr	4	It was pouting over in the corner all alone , trying to look dignified , but succeeding only in looking ... well , stupid .
tr	4	His memories were all confused , his brain foggy as if it had been overworked and was now sore and uncooperative .
tr	4	" And brought him back , " a voice said from the door , " which I find more interesting . "
tr	4	The Elder was wearing a simple gray-green cloak with a soft brown tunic and loose pants tied at the waist .
tr	4	Something hung around his neck , but the Elder tucked this inside his shirt when he saw the Prince looking at it .
tr	4	You did not help the Kindred out of loyalty , and you did not do it out of belief in our cause .
tr	4	You had the chance to betray us , a chance to end the Exiled Kindred forever , and you did not .
tr	4	You turned against your society , your nation , and even your family in order to do what you thought was right .
tr	4	These are qualities that are found in true princes , those men and women who are not merely rulers but leaders as well .
tr	4	The Prince opened his mouth to respond , but he wasn 't quite sure what he could say to such a statement .
tr	4	The Prince couldn 't understand it , but it felt like something out of his childhood ... no , that couldn 't be .
tr	4	" When you absorb a person 's life , " the Elder began , " they become a part of your subconscious , yes ?
tr	4	And so it was an easy thing for you to bring him back -- he was a part of you .
tr	4	The Prince of Oxen followed him and brought the entire place down ; there 's barely a single column left standing .
tr	4	" It wasn 't your sword , " said Elder Crane , hands folded behind his back , a strange look on his face .
tr	4	It is information that is known only to myself and the members of the Council of Elders , with perhaps a handful of others .
tr	4	Fire shot through the Prince 's body , gathering in his fingers and toes and lifting the hair on his arms and neck .
tr	4	He was raised by all of the Kindred , as our orphans are ; he was everyone 's son , everyone 's brother .
tr	4	They sent word that they were attempting to gain access to the palace on the previously noted night , and then they disappeared .
tr	4	He became her consort , though we cannot be certain whether it was for true love or in an audacious attempt to gain information .
tr	4	In any case , once you were born and found to be a viable Child of the Empress , she had your father killed .
tr	4	The big man , face white and eyes wide , nodded his head the barest fraction , and the Elder continued .
tr	4	The Prince looked up at the big man , whose face was now a mask of grief and pain as well as unquestionable shame .
tr	4	His eyes were locked on the Prince 's , wordlessly asking for forgiveness and understanding , but not expecting it .
tr	4	They brought it with them from across the sea , and when they settled here that power began to dim .
tr	4	The Elder fell silent as he gave them time to absorb this piece of information , and the room became heavy with unspoken disbelief .
tr	4	" He did , though it was kept secret , " Crane responded calmly in the thundering silence of the room .
tr	4	But more than that ... I will make no secret of the fact that you are the hero of this battle .
tr	4	The Council unanimously decided that should you wish to leave us , it is only right of us to let you .
tr	4	He chose it because he saw himself as the son of all the Kindred , who had brought him up together . "
tr	4	What you were willing to do , sacrificing your life the way you did to save the Kindred ... to save me . "
tr	4	The Prince , finally realizing that there was something that had been left unsaid , looked at them with curiosity .
tr	4	" I ... uh ... I don 't understand , " he said , trying to be polite about it .
tr	4	" We think you absorbed it along with his life , " Leah said , speaking slowly and watching him closely for his reaction .
tr	4	But once the Veil falls , And after the castles crumble , The Raven for his vengeance calls And over his pride will stumble .
tr	4	Green lines ran along her neck and hands , slowly pulsing as she walked after the second man , undulating with each step .
tr	4	I 'd rather they had left everything alone -- this world is full of pleasant distractions and there 's no need to change it .
tr	4	He turned a single , piercing blue eye on the short man , whose golden eyes were laughing back at him , mocking him .
tr	4	The gray-haired woman followed him with a slow , loping walk , but stopped at the door and turned back .
tr	4	No one knows how large the nation is , though the population has varied throughout the reign of the Empress .
tr	4	Though it goes without saying , " The Legend of Zelda " video game franchise as well as its characters are owned by Nintendo .
tr	4	The following would not be possible without the creativity and vision of the well-known individuals responsible for the source material .
tr	4	A visible wave of heat waves lazily , streaming up and out of the worn grooves of a thousand horse drawn carriages .
tr	4	The days of townspeople fighting over the latest trend , the rupees flowing like Zora 's River , are long gone .
tr	4	A blade , no matter how divine , cannot pull crops from their parched seeds , nor rain from the cloudless sky .
tr	4	Hanging from his shoulders is a black cloak donning the royal crest on both the front and back in faded gold stitching .
tr	4	Given to him by the priest , the cloak primarily conceals the gaping holes in his cheap outfit of faded cotton .
tr	4	The priest has told the story several times , casualties of the plague of darkness brought about by the dark lord Ganondorf years ago .
tr	4	Not waiting for anything in particular , just endlessly waiting for the night to fall , and the dawn to break .
tr	4	A young girl in the group calls as they collectively march out of the structure with an air of superiority .
tr	4	Peeking through the single opened door , a rapid series of anxious breaths are halted when the sentry breaks the silence .
tr	4	In the distance , the gang of children passes from alley to alley near the twisting path leading up to the castle .
tr	4	The king of thieves had stolen his very throne , but just as the prophecy foretold , the hero of time struck him down .
tr	4	Between the civil war and Ganondorf 's treachery , Hyrule has enjoyed very little peace during his time on the throne .
tr	4	The people need a symbol of hope now more than ever , and his tired old face is far from reassuring these days .
tr	4	The light continues to fade , the beams piercing through the tall windows lining the hallways growing longer by the minute .
tr	4	A raven soars past the balcony , continuing over the church 's steeple , and into the open air of Hyrule Field .
tr	4	Gradual hills stretch out as far as the eye can see as the setting sun dances on the golden grass .
tr	4	The leader arrives after the rest of the group has congregated on the ledge , parting them to look down upon his prey .
tr	4	" I told you not to hide from us , " Rho shrugs , his stoic face especially intimidating in the fading light .
tr	4	His surprisingly clean , white shirt has only one long sleeve , the other removed to imitate the elite soldiers his father has joined .
tr	4	Waiting hopelessly , Rift grips his music box tightly behind his back , afraid sliding it back into his pocket would be noticed .
tr	4	Straining to catch a wayward throw , Rift fails over and over again as the children continue to taunt and tease him .
tr	4	A heavy swing landed on the bridge of his nose as Rho nearly managed to knock him out with his trusty sword .
tr	4	Tears of pain welling up in his eyes , Rift weakly grabs at his face while Rho dangles his music box over him .
tr	4	" Shut up , " he absently responds , poking Rift mercilessly as he is denied the chance to get back to his feet .
tr	4	The remaining children begin to run for the bridge , only to be cut off by a bony hand springing from the earth .
tr	4	Scrambling to his feet , Rift finds Rho gripping his sword tensely , unsure if he should fight or run .
tr	4	The dry grass crunches beneath his sandals as Rift sprints toward the group of hoodlums , desperate for some level of security .
tr	4	The persistent demons seem to be defeated for the moment , the endless spawning of fresh enemies pausing for a time .
tr	4	Seconds from reaching the group , Rift is thrown off his feet when yet another deformed , skeletal head blasts upward from the earth .
tr	4	Slowly crawling away on his back , Rift can 't help but utter a squeak of fear , unintentionally grabbing the ghoul 's attention .
tr	4	A wave of defeat washes over the group , cowering above the rushing torrent of water beneath the raised bridge .
tr	4	A plethora of insects spiral about the lush green landscape , and the chirping of life cascades over him like a coming storm .
tr	4	Unsure what he should do , Rift moves forward slowly , utilizing his dark clothing to fade into the shadows .
tr	4	Without warning , a seemingly harmless plant snaps to life , aggressively latching onto his arm with its hungry mouth .
tr	4	The plant itself angrily snaps its toothless , blue jaws , straining to finish off its prey like a dog on a chain .
tr	4	The hostile foliage seems to dare him to come closer as it returns to its passive stance , waiting for its next victim .
tr	4	Being thrown through the air robbed him of his bearings , the already difficult to follow path nowhere to be seen .
tr	4	A mammoth , hollow tree trunk serves as a hallway of sorts , its moss covered bark glistening in the moonlight .
tr	4	Proceeding through as carefully as he 's able , Rift holds his throbbing arm , failing to fight the tears of pain away .
tr	4	Somewhere in the distance , past the aggressive plant life and over the buzzing insects , he 'd swear he hears music .
tr	4	Yet another hollow passageway of wood and moss , and Rift 's focus returns to reveal he is hopelessly lost .
tr	4	Shielding his face , Rift sprints deeper into the forest , stumbling when yet another nut collides with the back of his knee .
tr	4	Tripping forward , the boy has less than a second to collect the appropriate amount of dread as a massive gorge fills his vision .
tr	4	Through the thinning mist along the wall of his loft , Rift spots a fairy bobbing along an uncertain path .
tr	4	Rounding a corner along the wall of the colossal gorge , he catches a brief glimpse of the winged creature disappearing overhead .
tr	4	Jogging through the valley at a steady , but cautious pace , Rift occasionally loses his footing atop the weaving roots underfoot .
tr	4	The valley has many trees , but they are bunched up in small collections leaving the bulk of the area open for traversing .
tr	4	Growing worried , Rift has failed to spot the fairy and realizes he must be moving too slowly to keep up .
tr	4	Moving around the corpse as carefully as he would if it were still alive , he soon stumbles upon yet another leafy cadaver .
tr	4	Veiled in the blue aura of the moonlight mist , a gargantuan temple of grey stone stands among the massive trees .
tr	4	Delighted to find some degree of civilization , Rift advances forward , stopping short when his foot collides with something warm .
tr	4	Regardless of what he may find inside the temple , he is certain it can 't be as bad as the forest itself .
tr	4	Longing to be indoors once again , he climbs the dated stairs leading to the massive doorway of the structure .
tr	4	Finding no door , only a large archway , Rift apprehensively steps through , baffled when his senses are fundamentally restarted .
tr	4	Passing through some sort of invisible portal , he only realizes how incredibly noisy the forest was now that all sound has ceased .
tr	4	Moving through the room as quietly as he 's able , Rift notices a strange pedestal standing in front of the door .
tr	4	Proceeding up the short staircase , he finds the remains of what must have been thought to be an impassable door .
tr	4	Carefully stepping between the pieces of debris , Rift stops short when the spectacle within the next room grabs hold of his eyes .
tr	4	A series of torches line the walls of the tremendous room , each resting upon a pillar a short distance from the outer walls .
tr	4	The upper-left portion of the helm seems to have been recently reconstructed , the section plagued with cracks and crevices .
tr	4	An accidental step lands on a piece of rubble , causing a scrape of shifting stone to echo through the silent room .
tr	4	His dark armor does little to deny his probable sinister nature as he rests both hands on the blades sheathed on his thighs .
tr	4	Ready for a fight , the emotionless face carved into his helm triples the already ample intimidation he is generating .
tr	4	A series of sandals lightly striking stone sounds as a small squad of assassins drop from their imperceptible hiding places high above .
tr	4	A torrent of spikes erupts from their left like a rain storm , impaling one of the warriors countless times .
tr	4	In the instant between heartbeats , the shadow is upon her , staring into her very soul with its red eyes .
tr	4	Frozen in fear himself , Rift clings to a large hunk of rock , remaining concealed for the time being .
tr	4	Before the blink of his eye even reaches the halfway mark , they 've both disappeared with a muffled squeak of pain .
tr	4	Her skintight , blue jumpsuit seems to let go of the darkness ' embrace like a pair of lovers forced to part .
tr	4	Two more arrows scream through the air in rapid succession , fired from some unseen location at the room 's perimeter .
tr	4	A tunic of a deep , forest green rests upon a simple farmer 's outfit , aside from the leather gauntlets and weaponry .
tr	4	Clearly having seen a hundred battles , the blade appears well past its prime , though dangerous as any weapon in the proper hands .
tr	4	Gliding just ahead of him , the very fairy Rift followed to the temple seems to lead the charge into battle .
tr	4	Meanwhile , the man in green leaps several stairs at a time to close the distance to his waiting antagonist .
tr	4	Faking a low , scooping swing , he suddenly changes into a spinning , vertical backslash , aiming to cleave the man in two .
tr	4	Just below the battling men , the females continue to trade assaults , neither of them quite able to gain the upper hand .
tr	4	Barely able to dodge in time , the shield nicks the man 's helm as his head jerks backward to avoid the collision .
tr	4	Having expected a solid impact , the young man is temporarily off balance , over extending his reach with no assistance recoiling .
tr	4	The chakra dig back into the floor , vainly attempting to return to the defeated warrior , uttering her final raspy breath .
tr	4	Spotting his secondary blade resting upon a step , the man scoops it into his idle hand without losing an ounce of speed .
tr	4	Moments from his grasp , the relic erases the years of regret from his mind as the golden glow encompasses everything around him .
tr	4	He hadn 't heard the man in green catch up to him with a cry that echoed throughout the realm .
tr	4	The pyramid the Triforce once rested upon ceases to be discernible , the only source of light twinkling from the dimensional doorway behind them .
tr	4	Unsure how to react , the duo duck for cover when the hero 's broadsword rockets between them like a whirling propeller .
tr	4	Spinning through the portal , and past the massive staircase , the sword spears deeply into the wall next to Rift 's hiding place .
tr	4	The forest will certainly kill him , but his chances of survival don 't seem any better in his current setting .
tr	4	An orb of powerful energy surrounds his form , the aura somehow glowing black and white at the same time .
tr	4	The glyphs and symbols from his helm begin to slowly spin about his head , his power continuing to grow exponentially .
tr	4	Shaking her head , she appears to be alright , but the duo have failed to keep the man from achieving his goals .
tr	4	Thoroughly amused , the dark man chuckles at his misplaced bravery , crossing his arms and waiting for the pathetic attack to fail .
tr	4	Rarely failing her before this moment , her wisdom persists , knowing there must be a way to strip the warlock of his power .
tr	4	Unable to find the willpower to do anything at all , Rift sits with his knees to his forehead , hugging his shins tightly .
tr	4	As the arrow disintegrates the moment it enters the dark man 's force field , his delight is palpable , relishing in his supremacy .
tr	4	Fighting to regain control , he lets out a roar of desperation as the entire room is consumed with a blinding light .
tr	4	The portal leading into the Sacred Realm has vanished , the three combatants standing about the empty pedestal of time .
tr	4	Whipping his vision to the right , he finds the Princess ' outstretched arm , her palm glowing with a small , golden triangle .
tr	4	Preparing a second ball of fire to be thrown , the Princess fails to notice the dark energy forming around her feet .
tr	4	Tearing the sword from the hero 's grasp , he summons another vortex of energy before punching the tested steel to pieces .
tr	4	Prepared to obliterate his nemesis once and for all , a piercing ray of white light cuts through the darkness , grabbing his attention .
tr	4	Using every available ounce of energy to assault the man in green , the Princess has been freed from his dark restraints upon her .
tr	4	A conjured bow in hand , she has summoned an arrow of vibrant light , squaring up the shot carefully .
tr	4	A whirlwind of light and darkness illuminates and obfuscates the room as a portal to the Sacred Realm is opened by the holy projectile .
tr	4	The vacuum finally relents , the portal closing completely with a brief wink of light as it fails to claim a victim .
tr	4	Sprinting across the open air , large glyphs of purple light form beneath his feet , ushering him back into the fight .
tr	4	With another light arrow already pulled tightly back , the Princess shows no signs of hesitation as the man returns to the platform .
tr	4	In the blink of an eye , the glyph jumps upward , rocketing him through the lone opening in the ceiling .
tr	4	Now that the action has subsided , the room has grown extremely dark , all of the torches having been plucked off the wall .
tr	4	Unsure if he should stay or run , Rift 's brief moment of calm has passed as the duo draws closer to him .
tr	4	Snapping to attention , Rift 's eyes dart about his surroundings , but he is alone in the large room .
tr	4	Just as the previous night , the colossal structure is void of external influence , the sounds of the forest halting at its doors .
tr	4	" Listen , " the voice begins , her friendly tone sounding as though it should belong to a middle aged woman .
tr	4	You are the chosen one , " she explains , her mildly chipper manner sounding mature , but not maternal .
tr	4	Unsure of whom or what he is speaking to , he decides it knowing his name is the least of his worries .
tr	4	When that man broke the Triforce , I was finally released , and you have become likened to my essence . "
tr	4	" Of course , " she sighs , a hint of attitude seeping through her words for the first time .
tr	4	My sisters didn 't want anyone to know about me , and time has proven them successful in their endeavors .
tr	4	The majority was kept intact to sustain my imprisonment , " she reveals , a substantial bitterness lingering in her words .
tr	4	As if having a voice in his head weren 't bad enough , she 's an escaped criminal to boot .
tr	4	The drought , the crime , the hunger , the weakness , and the humiliation begin to well up in him .
tr	4	The existence of Goddesses of creation , perpetually stained with a civilization 's anguish , rotates all the hidden pieces into perspective .
tr	4	" If I could have stopped them , you wouldn 't have been forced to endure all of this suffering .
tr	4	" It 's not your fault , though , " he quickly points out , feeling genuinely empathetic for the mysterious voice of Mai .
tr	4	" I know how you feel , " he admits , trailing off as his memories drift to Rho , jabbing at him mercilessly .
tr	4	" I 'm not brave , " Rift painfully admits , not wanting to enter into a contract under false pretenses .
tr	4	" It 's not about being strong or brave , " she comforts , reaching out a nonexistent hand to touch his cheek .
tr	4	" If you 'll help me , I 'll never leave you , " she expresses , her words conveying her genuine feelings well .
tr	4	His disclaimer of bravery was no ruse , but still , he can 't help but try his best to impress the mysterious woman .
tr	4	" I don 't know , " Rift admits , thoroughly uncertain of his athletic prowess , though he 's never truly tested it .
tr	4	" I believe in you , " she conveys sincerely , adding , " we won 't let anything get in our way .
tr	4	Dangling at different distances and lengths , a plethora of thick , ropey foliage sways gently from the canopy far above .
tr	4	" You 're doing great , " Mai cheers , " use your legs for momentum to get to the next one . "
tr	4	Several jumps later , Rift successfully grabs hold of a vine , but the slightly thinner circumference snaps the moment his weight is applied .
tr	4	With a panicked scream , he tumbles downward , all of the available vines just out of his reach as the fear takes hold .
tr	4	His falling momentum causes the vine to swing all the way to the wall of stems and roots overlooking the gorge .
tr	4	The area seems to have been inhabited once upon a time , but now it is void of any occupants at all .
tr	4	At the far end of the valley , thick overgrowth blocks what must have been a passageway a long time ago .
tr	4	The drought has forced them much deeper , but I suppose one patch of trees is as good as any other .
tr	4	Straight through here , then left , " she continues to instruct , the music swelling with every hollowed trunk they pass through .
tr	4	The multitude of insects swells with every corner rounded , the dragonflies seeming to glow in the beams of sunlight .
tr	4	The architecture is of a minimalist nature , the colossal trees serving as multi-story apartments , but only altered just enough to be inhabitable .
tr	4	Having forgotten about his faintly glowing triangle , Rift takes a moment to determine the best way to conceal it .
tr	4	Finally , he tears a large portion of his cloak , revealing some of his tattered , dirty shirt beneath .
tr	4	He asks , his cocked head and unfriendly grimace painting him to be the type who doesn 't shy away from a fight .
tr	4	" Let him through , Mido , " the blonde from the shop says , her zombie-like voice matching her crazed glare well .
tr	4	" I said let him through , " she quickly demands , her tone gaining some base for just a moment .
tr	4	" You don 't mean , " Mido starts , losing his voice when Fado 's eyes latch onto him for the first time .
tr	4	Clearing his throat , he continues , " alright , but he doesn 't look like he can defend himself .
tr	4	Much larger than the one that attempted to eat him last night , it 's rows of razor sharp teeth drip with greenish nectar .
tr	4	It 's large , bluish head bobs atop its flexing stem , ready for its prey to venture too close .
tr	4	" Get ready , we 're going to dodge past him , " Mai declares , hoping to get Rift 's adrenaline pumping .
tr	4	A large tongue slaps against the drooling interior of the plant 's mouth knocking bits of small woodland creatures out from between its teeth .
tr	4	" No , I guess not , " he has to admit , recalling how she 's guided him all this way .
tr	4	Before he even thinks he 's close enough to be attacked , Rift hears Mai shout , " left ! "
tr	4	Suddenly , gravity grabs hold of his gut as his foot dives through the earth as if it isn 't there .
tr	4	As his hood falls off his head , he drops into the imperceptible hole , and gravity is immediately turned upside down .
tr	4	Down becomes up and up becomes down when he finds his footing upon the dark blue grass on the other side .
tr	4	The droning noise of wildlife is much harsher in this dim world , the entire setting seeming to have a darker tint upon it .
tr	4	A small archway of stone is wrapped in an embrace of dark vines , leading to a bridge spanning toward the temple .
tr	4	He ponders out loud , turning to find vibrant green grass in the same odd shape as the blue grass he fell through .
tr	4	With only a voice to perceive , he cannot sense the contentment bordering on glee that Mai radiates upon hearing the response .
tr	4	" Yeah , but , " Rift starts , his head beginning to ache as he fails to understand Mai 's abilities .
tr	4	" We 'll just have to start checking everywhere , but if you get lost just ask me where we 've been .
tr	4	Expecting to walk right in , he is frustrated when the iron handle to the old door doesn 't budge .
tr	4	Rift lets the minor setback go without succumbing to frustration , and jogs around the stairs to a hallway leading out of the room .
tr	4	Managing to react in time , Rift feels a hot , juicy substance splatter onto his back as he rolls forward .
tr	4	Growing out of the wall above the doorway , it would certainly have claimed the life of anyone passing through without Mai 's warning .
tr	4	" Sorry about that , I didn 't see it until the last second , " she admits , sounding flustered herself .
tr	4	Wading through the mucky , green water , he quickly climbs the vines and finds a small chest resting at the top .
tr	4	" Sure was , " Mai agrees , " at this rate I 'll be slowing you down soon , " she satirically implies .
tr	4	Without missing a beat , Rift strolls right up the leafy predator , patiently waiting for him to try and exit .
tr	4	Every step becomes stuck momentarily as he walks into the room , the act of removing his feet producing a slurping sound .
tr	4	Searching for the source , he is horrified to see the bones slowly rolling into each other , pulled together by some unseen force .
tr	4	Pulling his right leg out of the mud , Rift shifts left , the tip of a large spear nearly grazing his torso .
tr	4	Reaching in and grabbing them , Rift can 't help but feel disappointed by the meager amount of protection they will offer .
tr	4	Tossing his temporary glove aside and pulling the arm guards on , they fit surprisingly well , stopping just past his elbow .
tr	4	Feeling significantly tougher , though he possesses no fighting skills , Rift throws an awkward punch to show off the gear .
tr	4	" I think that 's our cue , " Mai nervously jokes , as Rift makes a run for the exit .
tr	4	Whispers dance overhead , the population of thieves making no effort to draw attention , but remaining interested all the same .
tr	4	Dangling from the man 's clinched fist , the mythical helm he thought would lead him to his infinite power .
tr	4	Wearing the finest silk , her outfit only differs from the plethora of women in the room in that it is slightly more respectable .
tr	4	I 'm of a mood , " he grumbles , slapping his mistress ' hand away to angrily remove his armor himself .
tr	4	Tossing his cloak aside , he pulls off his heavy chest piece , throwing it to the ground as well .
tr	4	An uncomfortable silence hangs over everyone 's head as Ganondorf continues to ponder the meaning of the recently transpired events .
tr	4	Though he is uncertain what he will do with its strength , he knows he will not repeat the same mistakes .
tr	4	Sensing the mood in the room , one of his favorite girls shyly approaches , hoping to put minds at ease .
tr	4	" Take hold of your tongue and evade my gaze , " he promptly retorts , painting the girl white with fear .
tr	4	The fused shadow was not enough to keep it intact , " he reveals , shooting the dark helm a disapproving gaze .
tr	4	" I beg pardon for my intrusion , " a young woman insists , her immaturity masked well in her confidence .
tr	4	Taking a knee and bowing her head , she is clearly loyal , but her appearance without being summoned is something strictly forbidden .
tr	4	Attached to her thighs and waist are a multitude of throwing knives , and upon her forehead rests an ebony jewel .
tr	4	" I would only ask the yield of your mission , " she declares , hoping for a clear and rapid answer .
tr	4	" I understand you 're one of my finest scouts , but know this , disrespect of any magnitude will not be tolerated .
tr	4	Fatigue begins to overshadow him like an approaching wave , and he leaves the girl where she stands for his bed .
tr	4	Guiding Light : Distant Dreams and Simple Shadows Hyrule field glows with an aura of possibility in the midmorning sun .
tr	4	Sharing a brief kiss , the young man in green is atop his trusty steed and galloping into the distance in a heartbeat .
tr	4	Once the spell has subsided , the gorgeous young Princess has been replaced by a beggar wearing an inconspicuous , brown cowl .
tr	4	Her sky blue eyes drift past the massive plains and fix upon the castle , overlooking the heartland of the kingdom .
tr	4	A large gathering in the market square grabs her attention , the noisy group bantering angrily around the guard captain .
tr	4	" A few kids were out playing in the field yesterday , " he explains , a sad expression pulling at his face .
tr	4	Still , Hyrule must embrace some degree of peace and stability before the prospect of defying age old custom is even considered .
tr	4	The single guard below remains ignorant to her infiltration as she crosses atop the gate , moving through the formerly beautiful castle grounds .
tr	4	Zelda finds herself in the kitchen , empty for the time being as the king prefers his lunch in the late afternoon .
tr	4	Rows of preparation tables line the center of the room , the large , cast iron pot resting coldly over the extinguished fire .
tr	4	Halfway up the stairs leading to the throne room , another sacred incantation is murmured , and another influx of light engulfs her .
tr	4	Hiking up her lavish dress , she marches up the spiraling staircase to the king 's chambers , high above the main floor .
tr	4	" Perhaps you 'd have sufficient resources if you hadn 't sent our army abroad , " the Princess quickly interjects .
tr	4	It is only a matter of time before their resources run dry and they are forced back to sea . "
tr	4	If you would take your daughter 's prior council to heart , there would be no need of my presence . "
tr	4	Wiping a velvet gloved finger across her watering eyes , Zelda returns to the kitchen just before the cooks and servants reach the doors .
tr	4	Though the experiences were undone when Link returned the Master Sword , the memories of their struggles and hardships remain to this day .
tr	4	Slipping through the secret passageway behind the old wooden cupboard , the Princess is outside the castle walls once again .
tr	4	The vision grows increasingly intense and the Princess suddenly snaps out of her trance to find it has grown dark .
tr	4	An irritating cicada chirps at the starry sky , the stone architecture of the elaborate courtyard seeming to glow in the moonlight .
tr	4	The bottom of the well is an unpleasant sight , the distorted brick walls and dirty paths leading outward in a maze of darkness .
tr	4	" You just might , " Zelda smiles , matching her stride and offering an assuring pat on the shoulder .
tr	4	" Remember , you are not inhaling and exhaling , you 're merely a vessel through which air may travel . "
tr	4	" I regret that my visit is not one of simple purpose , but I must seek your council . "
tr	4	" You flatter me with formality my dear , " the woman laughs , pulled from her trance with little reservation .
tr	4	He has shattered the Triforce once again , " she reveals , raising her hand to display the glowing triangle .
tr	4	This kingdom cannot withstand another blight of darkness , " she sighs , a tired expression stealing over her face .
tr	4	" The piercing ceremony must come first , " she insists , reflecting on the timeframe they have to work with .
tr	4	More irritated than affectionate , he gives her a loving pat on the head just the same before proceeding to his house .
tr	4	" You kept me waiting , " Ilia sighs , setting her knitting aside as Link strolls through the door .
tr	4	Ilia has wanted for nothing but a normal life , but her best friend has grown distant from her through his endless obligations .
tr	4	" Someone has got to step up when evil strikes again , " Navi shrugs , apathetic toward Ilia 's emotions .
tr	4	With no words to offer , Link watches her pathetically , physically exhausted from his brutal fight to save the realm once again .
tr	4	A brief grunt followed by a long sigh is all Link can utter , his outstretched arm finding nothing but the door .
tr	4	" Sweet dreams , " Navi whispers , landing on the nightstand beside the bed to have a well-deserved rest of her own .
tr	4	The Lost Woods are as familiar as the back of his hand , but he has journeyed much deeper than ever before .
tr	4	Before he can climb to his feet , Link spots the heart-shaped mask , drifting toward him and filling him with dread .
tr	4	The large eyes and colorful spikes protruding out the sides bear down upon him just as the earth below opens up to swallow him .
tr	4	The sun has already begun its descent into the west as Link 's nap continued much longer than he 'd planned .
tr	4	Navi had stumbled upon him lying unconscious in the forest , but even she couldn 't tell him how he got there .
tr	4	Eventually , touched by his efforts to find her , Navi has returned to his side and has remained ever since .
tr	4	With his empty scabbard and heavy shield resting upon his back once again , Link exits his house with determination .
tr	4	The children play along the paths near the mill , the creek continuing to produce a meager amount of water .
tr	4	A statue of the slayer of evil was erected in the center of Castle Town to commemorate the grandiose occasion .
tr	4	Though her insufferable antics never fail to intensify when he is near another woman , Link knows she is right .
tr	4	" It 's alright , " she shrugs , touching his arm and tracing her fingers down to his hand .
tr	4	Grabbing hold of his shabby , leather glove she squeezes it between her hands before looking Link in the eyes .
tr	4	Though it is so much more than most men could dream of , the life of a rancher holds no appeal to him .
tr	4	The repetitive sound of hooves meeting dirt coupled with the fresh wind pressing against his face grants Link a needed reprieve from his thoughts .
tr	4	The once level room takes on a noticeable slant as the oncoming water shifts the balance of the floating temple .
tr	4	With the water level quickly rising toward them all , it becomes obvious he has no choice but to fight .
tr	4	Weakly attempting to bat the weapon away , a backhanded slap produces an explosive result when the spear is broken in two .
tr	4	Wanting to test his power once more , Rift jabs at the inside of the skeleton 's overextended elbow from his advantageous position .
tr	4	Finding himself completely behind the overzealous enemy , Rift sees its straitened leg exposed as it attempts to regain its equilibrium .
tr	4	Needing no command this time around , Rift leaps into the air , descending upon the helpless warrior with a heavy punch .
tr	4	Wasting no time , he runs for higher ground , but is forced to descend the narrow staircase to exit .
tr	4	Almost to the door , a sudden gush of the pale green liquid splashes onto the sole lantern , leaving the room in darkness .
tr	4	Finally planting his foot on the staircase he breathes a gasp of relief once he breeches the water 's surface .
tr	4	Climbing from the death trap on his hands and knees , he shakes his soaked arms briefly before searching for his next objective .
tr	4	The water doesn 't pause for an instant , already pouring up through the open doorway and invading the large room .
tr	4	" The door to the second floor is locked , " Mai reveals , trying her best to remain calm .
tr	4	Nodding in agreement , Rift doesn 't realize Mai 's comfort is the only thing keeping him from panicking and making a critical mistake .
tr	4	The extraordinary amount of debris and foliage makes it look as if a giant wrecking ball smashed its way through centuries ago .
tr	4	Climbing through the maze of debris , Rift reaches another standing pillar , but can find no clear path through to the chest .
tr	4	The old , circular slabs of stone lie piled into a wall with a plethora of plants and trees making the obstruction impassable .
tr	4	An iron gate blasts up from unseen holes surrounding the treasure , the convenient chest suddenly inaccessible behind the strong bars .
tr	4	Continuing the assault , the four-legged foe dashes forward in a Z pattern in order to confuse Rift into dodging the wrong way .
tr	4	Far too small a window to capitalize on just yet , he stands his ground , waiting for the next assault .
tr	4	The water hasn 't slowed down for a moment , the entire room quickly consumed by the pale , green waves .
tr	4	Already threatening the staircase he now stands upon , the path to the second floor lies beneath the ever increasing water level .
tr	4	" We 're running out of time , " Mai announces , attempting to spur a little more initiative from the boy .
tr	4	Rift 's silence is all the confirmation she needs as the steadily rising water begins to splash over the top of the staircase .
tr	4	" Hey , we don 't back down from a challenge anymore , " she points out , sensing his reservations .
tr	4	The top of his foot splits through the rising torrent with a large splash as he soars further toward his goal .
tr	4	Beginning to descend once again , he is still a fair distance from his destination , already plummeting back into the hungry water .
tr	4	This time , both legs dip through the water as Mai slings him all the way to the large staircase .
tr	4	Landing in knee deep water , Rift wastes no time charging up the stairs , and to the locked door .
tr	4	With a gleeful sigh of relief , he continues up a spiraling flight of stairs leading even higher into the structure .
tr	4	A faint source of light peeks downward from somewhere above as the rising water works its way to the stairwell .
tr	4	A more determined nod is the only answer she needed as Rift marches up and out of the stairwell through an arched opening .
tr	4	The overgrown vines and trees hang on to the crumbling structure for dear life as it continues its slow descent into the swamp .
tr	4	The lofted bottom floor has nearly disappeared into the churning bog , but the ruined bridge is holding strong for the time being .
tr	4	Considering how to escape the sinking ship of a temple , Rift fails to notice the beasts carefully stalking him .
tr	4	Nearly toppling off the roof in shock , he takes a passive sort of defensive stance , unsure how to proceed .
tr	4	Spinning around , the razor-sharp teeth are already closing in on his neck , and with no warning from Mai , Rift feels helpless .
tr	4	Not wasting a moment , the second beast lunges in , slashing diagonally across the boy 's back with its claws .
tr	4	The scent of blood finds the beast 's nostrils as it circles away , ushering it back in for the kill .
tr	4	Though he is intimately familiar with the feeling of regret , the sensation boiling in his gut now is completely new .
tr	4	The lunging predator speeds up dramatically in short bursts , then stops completely , paused while flying through the air to acquire its meal .
tr	4	Rift 's palm glows brighter than ever before , the swirling vortex consuming time itself as the gauntlet concealing it turns transparent .
tr	4	A switch he never knew existed flips somewhere in the back of his mind as he gazes at the window into the void .
tr	4	He ceases to care about the beasts , the temple , the dark dimension , his suffering , and even Mai .
tr	4	His eyes focus upon his palm , the deepest questions and answers of the universe spiraling out as time is pulled in .
tr	4	Descending back to the roof himself , he is an instant from being torn open when the remaining enemy leaps at him .
tr	4	With no time to react , Rift vanishes from its vision , reappearing after tilting himself horizontally and thrusting his arms upward .
tr	4	Knocked from his falling trajectory , Rift hits the rooftop harshly , rolling to a stop just before reaching the ledge .
tr	4	Lying still for a moment longer , he doesn 't notice his triangle begin to fade back to its neutral blue shade .
tr	4	His eyes fade back to black as he holds his head , and the sting of pain across his back returns .
tr	4	You took them both out without even needing my help , " she reveals , sounding excited up until the last few words .
tr	4	The first floor of the temple has vanished beneath the murky lake , and is picking up speed as it dives deeper .
tr	4	With that , Rift leaps forward , the wind whipping across his face as he falls just short of his goal .
tr	4	The second his feet land upon the stone , the pillar succumbs to the whirlpool below , quickly toppling over .
tr	4	A dashing leap allows him to continue forward , adrenaline charging through his veins as the bridge begins to collapse all around him .
tr	4	Sprinting down the falling path , his heart sinks when a pillar falls to the left just as he leaps for it .
tr	4	Mai shouts , grabbing his hand and spinning along a diagonal arc , throwing him back toward the lofted path .
tr	4	Not pausing for an instant , he continues to sprint forward , every section traversed quickly falling in his wake .
tr	4	Unable to pause for even a moment to think , Rift dives into the air as the final pillar drops out from beneath him .
tr	4	Rising to a sitting position , he watches as the temple disappears beneath the frothing drain of the disgusting bog .
tr	4	" I hope the next one is this fun , " Mai chirps , prodding an unintentional smile on the boy 's face .
tr	4	Taking a moment to brace himself , he steps through the portal , still unable to shake the sick feeling the gravity switch causes .
tr	4	An ugly spray of sap and saliva splatters against the wall of earth as the carnivorous sprout is detached from its stem violently .
tr	4	Feeling a newfound sense of power and pride , the boy continues out of the area with his head held high .
tr	4	Without a word , Rift continues down the gradual slope of the valley , stepping over the large roots spread throughout the area .
tr	4	Passing by the shop once again , Rift glances over to find Fido staring at him every bit as intently as before .
tr	4	Still unable to work up the nerve to say anything , he quickly averts his eyes , pulling a giggle from her lips .
tr	4	" Sure they will , you just need to scare them off , " she assures , prodding him to keep going .
tr	4	" Okay , I see what you 're saying now , " Mai has to admit , searching for another option .
tr	4	The stumbling orange eyes close in like a tightening noose , and he soon realizes it is the only option .
tr	4	The abandoned , circular halls have deteriorated severely , large chunks of the walkways succumbing to erosion in the harsh desert climate .
tr	4	He remains one of the Goddesses chosen , even at the cost of the Sage of Water , they continue to grant him power .
tr	4	It lies in ruin , the shattered pieces numbering too many to ever successfully reassemble below the large , circular frame .
tr	4	A jolt of anger quakes his spine recalling the relentless Link chasing him down , and stabbing him once again .
tr	4	The Triforce hovering at arm 's length as he fell to his knees , defeated by yet another thoughtless act of heroism .
tr	4	The back of his hand glows with power , seeming to feed on his anger as thoughts of vengeance cloud his judgment .
tr	4	Moments later , a confused female 's voice fills the silent air as Ganondorf ignores the dull pain throbbing beneath his gauntlet .
tr	4	The gorgeous ruler of the twilight realm , Midna 's dark skin is a creamy mixture of blue and grey .
tr	4	Her orange hair and red eyes convey a natural sensuality , though the fear and angst they currently display is far from comforting .
tr	4	The mirror has been shattered , but even a weak usurper managed to travel between worlds without any need of a mirror .
tr	4	" You 've nothing better to do with what time you have left , and I promise you , that time is short . "
tr	4	Wait and see if your talk shields your breast from his steel , " she points out , unaffected by his mockery .
tr	4	" Perhaps it isn 't my ignorance you should concern yourself with , " he declares , selling the bluff well .
tr	4	I 'll gladly watch your execution this time around , " she conveys , growing tired of the pointless banter .
tr	4	Without another word , Ganondorf marches away from the stone , waving an arm to summon his personal guard back to his side .
tr	4	Suddenly , his vision is filled with a magnificent orb of fire , the horizon ablaze as far as the eye can see .
tr	4	Partially hidden beneath the shifting sand and tumbling bits of broken , mystical material , a blue medallion shimmers in the sparse light .
tr	4	Deep in his soul , he doesn 't think the words so much as he feels them come over him .
tr	4	The Princess circumvents the castle , moving north along Zora 's River to meet with a contact of her own .
tr	4	She has traversed this passage a hundred times , and the various sea creatures have always stood down in her presence .
tr	4	The rock collides with the magical barrier and immediately returns from whence it was fired , the shield reflecting the rock and promptly dispersing .
tr	4	Pausing before the falling water , Zelda expresses a relaxing sigh while listening to the tranquil sound of the Sleepless Falls .
tr	4	The generally tame wildlife near the castle grows increasingly hostile , and yet another premonition of dark days on the horizon invades her thoughts .
tr	4	" You grace us with your presence , " the other smiles , also only standing upright once she has greeted them .
tr	4	" I 've come to converse with your king , " Zelda nods , her natural charm quickly giving each of them comfort .
tr	4	Each day proves more difficult than the last , " the Zora holding the net of fish responds , his face stricken with frustration .
tr	4	The soothing sounds of flowing water massages Zelda 's tense heart as she proceeds up the large , curving ramp to the throne room .
tr	4	A pair of narrow walkways reaches across each side of a long pool leading to the decorative throne of shells and limestone .
tr	4	" Several things , but mostly , it 's my father , " she admits , resting her chin in her hand .
tr	4	" It 's not meant to be a gesture of rebellion , " she sighs , glancing at him with serious eyes .
tr	4	Managing to prod a soft chuckle out of her is satisfactory enough , his intentions only to put her mind at ease .
tr	4	" It 's been so long , " he admits with a sad laugh , briefly wiping at his eyes .
tr	4	" You will be a truly great queen , " he insists , leaning over the arm of his chair .
tr	4	Link and I tried to stop him , but he 's shattered it once more , " she reveals , holding up her hand .
tr	4	This is news too dire to be kept from him , " he insists , giving her a brief hug .
tr	4	I fear it will be too much for him to bear though , " she sighs , reluctant to leave .
tr	4	She was born , and on that day she was named Zelda , just as her mother , and her mother 's mother .
tr	4	Silently dropping a rupee into his cup , Zelda continues on , primarily concerned it will be the only money he receives all day .
tr	4	Moving through the heart of town , she bypasses the well and climbs a short flight of stairs to a recently renovated building .
tr	4	Inside the store has a very dark and uneasy ambience , odorless green and purple smoke slowly climbing through the room .
tr	4	Behind the counter a young witch busily combines liquids , tossing ingredients into a kettle while multitasking several other chores .
tr	4	" Welcome to Maple 's po -- oh , it 's you again , " she sighs , quickly dropping her fake enthusiasm .
tr	4	" The great witch will finish the request when she finishes it , " she starts with a tone of arrogance and grandeur .
tr	4	" This is for your trouble , " she explains , dropping a small bag of rupees on the counter .
tr	4	" If you don 't have a cure the next time I stop by , that 'll be the last payment you receive .
tr	4	Mildly handsome , the individual 's steep eyebrows and short , slicked back hair make it obvious he is not a local .
tr	4	I 'm onto something big this time , " he assures , his ghostly white eyes growing wide with the prospect .
tr	4	" I bag this old spook , then we go have ourselves a tall glass of that special stuff they brew in the desert .
tr	4	With a listless sigh , Maple takes a pair of vials from beneath the counter and places them in front of the odd individual .
tr	4	" Princess , " he respectfully nods , touching the snout of his hood as if he were formally tipping a hat .
tr	4	Satisfied with her wide-eyed gasp , the man continues out the door letting it drift shut on its own behind him .
tr	4	" Not nearly enough it would seem , " she admits , still sifting through the visions in her head .
tr	4	With no sword to wield , Link stands ready just the same , hoping his senses are simply playing tricks on him .
tr	4	Standing with his back to the hero , the figure boasts an air of confidence unlike Link has ever seen .
tr	4	Despite the stranger 's suspicious actions , both Link and Navi realize his only intent is conversation for the time being .
tr	4	Honor is the way of the Garo , " he concludes , suddenly dipping backward just before the sun sets completely .
tr	4	Simply twisting the knob and strolling right in habitually , Link only considers knocking after the door is swinging open .
tr	4	Eventually , the ranch became a second home , but the time of darkness drove the family out of Hyrule completely .
tr	4	A rich , agricultural nexus , the ranchers fit right in , though they longed for their abandoned land and distant friends .
tr	4	Convincing the ranchers to return their iconic brand to Hyrule became one of the king 's highest priorities during the recovery .
tr	4	Her humble , pink skirt bobs near her ankles , fastened above her waist with a belt , unintentionally advertising her child-bearing hips .
tr	4	A nostalgic smile steals over Link 's face , her steadfast sense of nonchalance reminding him of her stubborn , childhood similarities .
tr	4	The passion with which she cares for her cattle is undeniable once a bottle of Lon Lon Milk is tasted .
tr	4	The subtle breeze is welcome , rolling atop the fading blades of grass and doing what it can to cool the humid night air .
tr	4	Somewhere in the dark , Link hears an excited whinny followed by a group of galloping horses charging across the field .
tr	4	Following reluctantly , Link allows himself to be guided to the familiar spot in the center of the grazing field .
tr	4	It 's been a while since you dropped by , " she points out , failing to gauge his silent response .
tr	4	As she climbs back to her feet , Link quickly follows suit , attempting to calm his horse 's nerves .
tr	4	" Take care , " she quickly insists , stepping closer and wrapping her arms around his torso in a brief hug .
tr	4	His face remains shrouded in the dark , but she can picture its stoic state in her mind easily enough .
tr	4	An assuring nod later , Link squeezes her shoulder assuredly before backing away and climbing back onto Epona 's saddle .
tr	4	The Triforce has shattered , the world is degrading , and once again the burden of a hero has fallen upon his shoulders .
tr	4	The brief sleep has done enough to give the boy a sense of rejuvenation , though his muscles desperately wish to remain inert .
tr	4	Though there is something almost mechanical about her strict adherence to obligations , Rift notes she is both pretty and kind .
tr	4	Quickly snatching his silent music box off the ground beside his makeshift pillow , he climbs to his feet with a brief stretch .
tr	4	Feeling distinctly awkward , he wanders out of the barn himself , unsure how to leave without being excessively rude .
tr	4	There is a sincere generosity in her words , lost in her compulsions as she 's no time for such pleasantries .
tr	4	With the sun to his back , he glances left at the exit before deciding he should thank her before he leaves .
tr	4	Quickly realizing he is intruding , Rift shuts the door as quietly as he 's able , proceeding back downstairs with a sad expression .
tr	4	" The drought isn 't the only plague spreading through Hyrule , " Mai admits , sounding much more solemn than before .
tr	4	Moving toward the open field beyond the barn , Rift spots a farmhand busily scooping fodder with a hay fork .
tr	4	The early morning sun climbs higher into the sky and Rift realizes he has already wasted too much time searching .
tr	4	Potentially taking a moment to check on her ill-fated father , she surely has better things to do than chit chat with some wanderer .
tr	4	There is obvious warmth behind her automated actions , but she no longer lives in a time when it is duly accepted .
tr	4	There is little more happiness to be found here than back home , and Rift finally decides he has seen enough .
tr	4	" Alright , let 's go , " he agrees , setting a brisk pace out of the ranch and to the south .
tr	4	Beginning his trek down the gradual slope , Rift fails to notice Mai hasn 't answered him , now deep in thought herself .
tr	4	Impossible to know for certain , but nevertheless , growing apart will doom them to failure in the trials ahead .
tr	4	If their relationship is to be successful , this level of trust must be eclipsed in the days to come .
tr	4	A steadily approaching trajectory of hoof prints have locked onto his path , now leading all the way down to the structure 's entrance .
tr	4	A gentle wind slowly starts to pull his hood back and over his brow , prompting him to catch and adjust its position .
tr	4	Normally not the type to take notice of such subtlety , the boy grows excited to share the information with his companion .
tr	4	Someone got here just before us , " he points out , attempting to mask his smile with a casual tone .
tr	4	Inside he is bewildered by the breathtaking sight of a large cathedral of shimmering stone walls and intricately carved pews of resilient wood .
tr	4	The small amount of water outside is reflected on the smooth , marble walls , rippling all the way up to the ceiling .
tr	4	Behind the altar , a large statue of a Goddess dancing atop a swirling wave stands high over the chorus bleachers on either side .
tr	4	The inherent laws of morality she claimed would allow all creatures to live in harmony , " she concludes with an irritable tone .
tr	4	" A lack of balance , " Mai sighs , clearly having been over this idea in her mind a thousand times .
tr	4	It sounds reasonable , but this order of life cannot persevere without a strict level of balance between the elements .
tr	4	On either side of the stage housing the altar , doors leading east and west seem to be the only paths available .
tr	4	A peculiar smell is climbing out of the eastern door , and the boy decides it 's probably the correct choice .
tr	4	A soft arm hooks around his own , and for just a moment , Rift forgets he is talking to a spirit .
tr	4	Mai seems to become more and more real with every passing hour , evolving from a mere voice , into a tangible being .
tr	4	At this rate , Rift cannot help but wonder if he 'll be able to see her in the coming days .
tr	4	A large hole in the ground served as the entry point , but their ambush clearly ended poorly for them .
tr	4	" Just a few less obstacles for us to have to worry about , " she shrugs , eager to keep moving .
tr	4	The ample amount of dust and cobwebs make it quite clear the room hasn 't been utilized for some time .
tr	4	Failing to notice anything out of the usual at first glance , upon further inspection Rift spots a faint gleam of sunlight from behind .
tr	4	With virtually no effort , he throws the entire bookcase into the shelves behind him , destroying both in the process .
tr	4	" These are going to take some getting used to , " Rift admits , flexing his fingers while eyeing the accessories .
tr	4	Several large columns rise high into the air at random intervals , each of them holding up nothing in particular .
tr	4	Trotting across the sandy floor of the pit , he spots more footprints moving to the center of the area with a steady stride .
tr	4	Come on , I want to show you something , " she urges , not wanting him to lose heart .
tr	4	" I was afraid you 'd say that , " he smiles , resuming his trek back into the temple .
tr	4	Opting for the left door reveals a larger room with several arching paths leading downward into sporadic pools of water far below .
tr	4	There is a calm and captivating aura about the room , but the water below seems anything but inviting to Rift .
tr	4	A sudden series of splashes grabs his attention as several silhouettes rapidly close the distance over the bridges of stone and stalagmite .
tr	4	His exit no longer an option , Rift moves deeper into the room to create some space between himself and his new antagonists .
tr	4	" Yeah , I got that same feeling , " Rift agrees , now surrounded by the angry sea dwellers .
tr	4	Their thin legs stabbing at the ground like frantic typewriters , the crabs sway left and right , looking for an ideal opening .
tr	4	Turning to engage , Rift is surprised when the offensive quickly turns defensive as the shellfish rapidly resets its footing and backs away .
tr	4	A quick cross hits the mark and Rift leaves the enemy reeling in pain as its elbow bends in the wrong direction .
tr	4	Dashing forward , Rift unwittingly avoids a fierce swing stabbing into the rocky ground , totally focused on finishing his wounded prey .
tr	4	Still staggering in pain , the crab loses its footing , falling onto its face as Rift leaps into the air .
tr	4	A sickening crunch echoes through the cavern as the gauntlet easily smashes the thick exoskeleton with a heavy downward punch .
tr	4	Scrambling off the cracked surface of the defeated foe , Rift has little time to celebrate as its comrades seek vengeance .
tr	4	Not expecting such a rapid series of attacks , he once again falls back onto his crossed arms defense , bracing himself for impact .
tr	4	The mighty swing hits much harder than anticipated , and Rift finds himself flailing through the air , toppling completely off the arching bridge .
tr	4	Closing his eyes and bracing for impact , Rift feels a sickening and disorienting pull of gravity in several directions at once .
tr	4	His dazed expression can 't seem to get a grip on reality when he lands on his back near the entrance of the cove .
tr	4	Turning back to the approaching seafood parade , he feels the potent fear he had almost forgotten swell in his bones .
tr	4	Long before he can even begin to wrap his mind around the feat , an unnatural light catches his attention from above .
tr	4	Tripping to his hands and knees , he is very nearly missed by a sharp spike impaling the stone doorway .
tr	4	In a terrifying second , the man tears the hook from the wall while drawing a broadsword from its sheath on his back .
tr	4	In one fluid motion , he spins off the wall and descends upon the boy with a vicious downward strike .
tr	4	Scrambling away , Rift can feel the gust of wind from the blade , still saturated with bits of defeated crab .
tr	4	The onslaught doesn 't stop for an instant , another attack arching high overhead before descending upon the boy with bad intentions .
tr	4	With nowhere to run this time around , Rift crosses his gauntlets , praying they are able to deflect the strike .
tr	4	I don 't want to hurt you , " the boy adds , though the pathetic threat falls on deaf ears .
tr	4	Already moving in for the kill , Link is taken by surprise when the boy slaps down on the twirling metal with both palms .
tr	4	The shield takes a violent new trajectory , skipping off the ground and embedding itself in the thick stone wall beside the exit .
tr	4	Gripping his new blade firmly , Link calculates the distance between himself and his target , instantly determining the optimum attack timing .
tr	4	At the last possible moment , Link whips his blade over his shoulder , opting for a backslash as opposed to the advertised strike .
tr	4	Inadvertently catching the blade between his forearms , Rift scissors them apart , breaking the steel blade in two effortlessly .
tr	4	Not feeling particularly accomplished just yet , Rift slowly moves closer to the site of his enemy 's crash landing .
tr	4	Quickly rolling beside the large doorway , he presses his back against the cool stone , briefly peeking into the sunlight .
tr	4	He can 't help but wonder how terrible Mai 's sisters must have been to treat her as they did .
tr	4	" Oh no , just forget it , " she teases , always trying to keep him engaged in conversation .
tr	4	" Come on , don 't be like that , " Rift goads , still growing increasingly relaxed with his occasionally charming partner .
tr	4	The sun has already grown impressively demoralizing , the long day to come undoubtedly destined to be a hot one .
tr	4	An orb of immeasurable power stands alone at the center of the hell scape , gravitating every ounce of energy into itself .
tr	4	The thin line , long since crossed over when power ceases to be strength , and mutates into a hunger .
tr	4	A thousand piercing bolts of judgment riddle his body , forcing him to submit to an entity greater than himself .
tr	4	The king of thieves will not find any more sleep this night , the vivid dream still etched onto his eyelids .
tr	4	Rapidly approaching , two dark figures seem to glide up the multitude of stone steps , disappearing and reappearing between buildings .
tr	4	Two nearly identical witches hover above the ground upon their broomsticks , their bulbous eyes and large noses portraying them very stereotypically .
tr	4	Ducking out of the moonlight himself , he decides to use the witches as bait until he can discover the identity of their pursuer .
tr	4	With an agile flip , the woman lands before the terrified ghosts , prepared to banish them from this world for good .
tr	4	I 'll deal with her in the morning , " he concludes , gesturing for the guards to take her away .
tr	4	More mumbled curses are all he can make out as the guards drag the traitor to the nearest prison cell .
tr	4	She has been a splinter dividing his people for far too long , and now she will be made an example of .
tr	4	Long before the sun can even peek over the horizon , Ganondorf is strapping on the last of his armor .
tr	4	The rare jewel worn upon his forehead is a symbol of respect , attached to several gold strands looped through his simple crown .
tr	4	His tightly braided red hair clings to his scalp beneath his royal headdress , his mistress having freshly braided it last night .
tr	4	Despite this , his intuition guides him to the prison block , only housing a couple nameless wanderers and his former loyal servant .
tr	4	Taking deep breaths , the captured woman 's eyes remain closed beneath the discolored patch of skin where her jewel once rested .
tr	4	" You will be given a choice , " he states flatly , pausing to be certain the next line is heard clearly .
tr	4	Another dismissive hand signal and the guards promptly enter the cell , seizing the woman while Ganondorf returns to the center of the fortress .
tr	4	The dozens of women who line the path to the throne emerge onto the balcony as well , each of them carrying an instrument .
tr	4	As the drums begin to sound , every soul in the fortress emerges to discover the meaning of the commotion .
tr	4	As his hands rise to call for quiet , the lutes and oboes quickly fall silent along with the drums and gossip .
tr	4	Returning to their optimal viewing area below the balcony , the sisters wait to see the fruits of their labor .
tr	4	Not caring for the emotional outburst , or the intensifying theatrics , Ganondorf decides to put an end to it .
tr	4	With a simple downward pointing gesture , he commands the rebel pushed to her knees , her neck stretched across the cutting block .
tr	4	The sun finally climbs high enough to reach her , and her hair begins to glow like a sea of flames .
tr	4	The thirst for destruction beginning to burn inside him as what little sympathy he had is slowly strangled to death .
tr	4	Reaching out an arm incites more cheers from the crowd , his empty hand promptly filled with the handle of an execution halberd .
tr	4	He had not even considered the possibility of the sages returning to the bodies of their trusted , mortal shells .
tr	4	His hands not his own for this instant , Ganondorf blinks across the small platform faster than any in attendance could perceive .
tr	4	A guard quickly runs up and jabs a knee into her back , forcing her chest back down upon the block .
tr	4	His most highly skilled equestrian walks his horse over , a frightening , jet black steed of renown amongst the fortress .
tr	4	Rapidly crossing the harsh environment , she takes a knee beside her leader 's horse , waiting for her inevitable punishment .
tr	4	" You are becoming troublesome as of late , " Ganondorf starts , attempting to size up his difficult yet loyal subordinate .
tr	4	Guiding Light : Tired Hands and Heavy Hearts A distant shout and a scuffling of feet pulls the Princess from her deep slumber .
tr	4	A mighty blaze burns in the distance , and though it appears stationary , Zelda feels as if it is crawling closer and closer .
tr	4	Rounding the corner her heart sinks when she spots a crowd of servants stumbling over each other just outside of her father 's room .
tr	4	Still , he practices no manner of practical magic , opting instead to devote his time to prayer and long since extinct rituals .
tr	4	The King utters a weak sigh upon hearing his daughter 's voice , painfully attempting to rise and locate her .
tr	4	I bought you another potion , " she pleads , quickly breaking down , yet maintaining an air of grace about her .
tr	4	Oh , I 've waited so long to see her again , " he expresses as his eyes begin to water .
tr	4	It is a true heart , and a just compass that leads a ruler down the path of a prosperous kingdom .
tr	4	His tired grip lets go for the last time , and it is the final push toward her uncontrollable tears .
tr	4	An intuitive transformation begins , though Zelda doesn 't spend even a second considering the deeper meaning of her actions .
tr	4	She begins to shed her unnecessary accessories a piece at a time as she descends the stairs with an emotionless expression .
tr	4	The woman shouts , clearly incapable of catching any of the fugitives , though her slender figure seems it should be .
tr	4	The woman formerly chasing the thieves stops in her tracks , instantly recognizing the woman with such a potent ability .
tr	4	" Stop right there , " Zelda demands , though it is in a tone too friendly to invoke fear .
tr	4	Though most of the children instantly look ashamed , a couple grow wide grins , considering the accusation a complement .
tr	4	She looks as though she were pretty once , her blue hair having long since faded with white strands here and there .
tr	4	Watching the multitude of faces light up is all the confirmation Zelda needs , and with that she calls an end to the meeting .
tr	4	It 's been all I could do to keep an eye on the children , " she admits with a shrug .
tr	4	Her hero has been just as burdened as she , and suffered the same twists of fate and inconvenient obligations his whole life .
tr	4	Though it began palm down , indicating his need for help , it has slowly turned upright , subtly asking her to join him .
tr	4	The colossal blaze has surrounded her completely , still slowly consuming all in its path as the noose of fire tightens imperceptibly .
tr	4	Clouds of dark crimson gather overhead , their presence dwarfing both the figure within the void , and the wall of fire .
tr	4	She can hear the rain begin to fall , closing in from a great distance as her desperate thirst is nearly quenched .
tr	4	The first drops that strike her face are refreshingly cool , but the steadily increasing storm quickly becomes uncomfortably cold .
tr	4	Doubling over and glancing down at her soaked form , her heart skips a beat to find her body covered in frigid blood .
tr	4	Moving closer , Zelda finds herself unable to get the boy 's attention , his zombie like state obviously not an act .
tr	4	Jumping as if she were a shark leaping out of the earth , the boy is absurdly startled by the sudden interaction .
tr	4	" You haven 't heard , " he states more than asks , mumbling into his shoulder and beginning to rock himself slightly .
tr	4	" If there 's anything I can do to prevent something like that happening again , I need to know . "
tr	4	" We were outside when the sun set , " he starts , looking for a questioning glare in Zelda 's eyes .
tr	4	Take care of yourself , Rho , " she conveys , wishing she didn 't have to leave him in such a state .
tr	4	Rounding the sizeable house and moving through an alleyway , Zelda stops in her tracks as she detects a familiar presence .
tr	4	" Several people spotted your hunk ride into town and visit the castle , " she informs with a mischievous smile .
tr	4	I do not know what they plan , but they 've both eluded me riding hard to the northeast . "
tr	4	A collective nod later , Zelda is quickly moving toward the growing audience congregated around the fountain in the square .
tr	4	A cascade of gasps sweeps over the group , virtually none of them expecting Marcy 's rumor to come to fruition .
tr	4	" Thank you all for coming on such short notice , " she starts , waiting for the chatter to die down .
tr	4	Trust and happiness is a long game built up brick by brick , and Zelda knows this all too well .
tr	4	She will need to show them she is not a ruler of people , but instead one of the people herself .
tr	4	" I told you that old sword the king gave you wouldn 't hold up in a real fight . "
tr	4	A sudden flap of wings overhead gets his attention , the source revealed to be a giant owl staring down at him curiously .
tr	4	In a heartbeat , Link has produced his bow with an arrow drawn tightly back , aiming directly at the owl 's chest .
tr	4	Seemingly shocked and appalled , the bird rapidly beats its wings , propelling itself up and out of the area in moments .
tr	4	Taking a left at the intersection , Link moves through an old , hollowed tree trunk and into a small clearing .
tr	4	Settled with his back to the duo , the kid rocks left to right rhythmically as he plays the ocarina .
tr	4	A massive crack rips across the old wood in his wake as if Link needed a demonstration of the gauntlet 's power .
tr	4	Leaving the beaten path of the Lost Woods behind , Link 's eyes dart about the trees in search of the kid .
tr	4	The hook lands just above the snickering adolescent , and Link soars across the green landscape to claim his property .
tr	4	Bursting from the canopy , the skull kid thrusts a mighty punch , hitting the large , kite shield dead in the center .
tr	4	Rolling into a safe landing , he quickly scouts the tree line , spotting yet another golden glimmer vanishing into the foliage .
tr	4	Unable to locate the origin of the melody , he soon realizes it has stopped completely as he rounds another large tree .
tr	4	The mostly yellow and decaying landscape has grown distinctly more lavish and green , both around the canopy and along the ground .
tr	4	Not wanting to play the ocarina until he knows just how close Link is , he holds it near his lips , squinting downward .
tr	4	Twirling his shield off his back and onto his arm , Link times the approach perfectly to intercept the kid just before he lands .
tr	4	Spinning around to determine the fate of his pursuer , the kid produces an audible squeak when he spots Link descending upon him .
tr	4	Even so , the impact sends Link flying backward , tumbling to a graceless stop as he finds his footing .
tr	4	Just as he 'd hoped , Link raises his shield to block , unaware just how hard the kid intends to hit him .
tr	4	Bits of shattered bone fly in every direction , one of the horns landing next to Link 's boot as the debris quickly settles .
tr	4	Staring down for a moment longer , Link sighs as if he feels sorry for the punk who made this simple task so difficult .
tr	4	Upon closer inspection , Link sees the sharpened chunk of forged steel has a partial Triforce engraved upon its side .
tr	4	" It 's so strange , I can feel it now , " she reveals , fluttering about while adjusting to the sensation .
tr	4	Enough to put a smile on Link 's face any other day , but he has scarcely heard a single word Navi has said .
tr	4	A thirst for blood resonates in the very air he breathes as he can practically feel Garo 's essence drift through him in anticipation .
tr	4	Flipping off the shell-shocked foe 's back , Rift takes a more confident battle pose as the crab wobbles and falls down for good .
tr	4	Beginning to lose his momentum , he opens his eyes and panics when he finds himself nowhere near the surface .
tr	4	Trekking into his second temple , Rift cannot help but feel anxious , his last adventure nearly killing him on more than one occasion .
tr	4	The hallway before him stretches further than the eye can see , the canyon overhead widening gradually as it ascends .
tr	4	The temple seems to have been overrun with stalactite , the smooth stone walls only partially revealed between cancerous growths of mineral deposits .
tr	4	Continuing down the seemingly endless path , Rift suspiciously scouts overhead , the dark canyon void of any illuminating crystals .
tr	4	" Yeah , this is a little too easy for my taste , " Mai agrees as the boy cautiously approaches .
tr	4	Beginning slowly , but gradually increasing its pace , a consistent flow of water works its way up Rift 's body .
tr	4	Tracing his extremities and crawling up his chest and neck before falling upward and landing out of sight far above on the dark ceiling .
tr	4	Rift 's sense of gravity is thrown by the profoundly odd sensation , but even so , his overall situation has changed little .
tr	4	Now studying his surroundings more thoroughly Rift spots a camouflaged doorway positioned much higher than the pillar along the wall of the large dome .
tr	4	Without warning , the floor below the boy turns transparent as if it 's become a glowing window to another dimension .
tr	4	Glancing to his left only serves to further confuse him , the doorway overlooking the large room filling his vision .
tr	4	Far below he finds the chest resting upon the raised column , and further down the large glyph which activated it .
tr	4	Rift asks , carefully eyeing the smooth ceiling overhead , as well as the space he was standing upon moments ago .
tr	4	It 's sort of like teleporting in a way , " she admits , uncertain if her comparisons are helping .
tr	4	The faint , red glow of the liquid combined with the dark walkways make the room seem hellish at first glance .
tr	4	Crossing each other 's paths as they approach , the transparent forms begin to increase their movement speed as they draw closer .
tr	4	The kick narrowly misses before the boy dives forward , eluding a sweeping kick meant to take his legs out from beneath him .
tr	4	Finding his feet once again , Rift attempts to study his adversary 's movements as they close in for another attack .
tr	4	Mai stammers , the first strike a feigned leg kick as the liquid enemy 's fluid movements begin to disorient even Mai 's reflexes .
tr	4	Already prepared to jump , Rift promptly loses his balance as a hurricane of strikes pelt his head and torso mercilessly .
tr	4	" They 're faster than they let on , " Mai must admit , not expecting such a well-coordinated attack .
tr	4	Payback time , " he boasts , though he isn 't at all sure if he can successfully counter either of them .
tr	4	Hit far too many times to perceive , the boy is pummeled with an uppercut before his counter can land .
tr	4	Opting to attack in unison instead of succession , both water forms dash outward before converging with their arms extended in spin attacks .
tr	4	Raising his forearms on either side of his head , the rapid beating of water feels like a babbling brook against his gauntlets .
tr	4	Thrown into a panic , the foes quickly realize they must retreat , their barrage unable to disable the boy even temporarily .
tr	4	" Well played , " Mai smugly admits , genuinely impressed by his growing ability to think on his feet .
tr	4	Dropping through another portal he cuts off his fleeing foe , though he doesn 't attempt to attack just yet .
tr	4	Angered by the turning tides , the addled adversary throws a brutal leg kick just as Rift lands back on his feet .
tr	4	Taking another moment to revel in his hard fought victory , Rift finally makes the trek over to the chest he spotted earlier .
tr	4	After snatching it out he takes one last look around , deciding there is nothing more to be found in this particular room .
tr	4	As cautiously as he 's able , Rift steps toward the switch , inadvertently activating yet another glyph upon the floor .
tr	4	Continuing forward , he steps on one of the two buttons , the shape popping into the ground with a loud locking noise .
tr	4	One of the pair is easily accessible , only a short drop off the staircase to reach the wall it resides upon .
tr	4	Almost ready to give up , his shoulders go limp as he closes his eyes to let out an agitated sigh .
tr	4	" I forgot to mention before , " Mai starts , realizing why Rift hasn 't figured out the simple puzzle just yet .
tr	4	Glancing back to ground level for the first time , he realizes the majority of the surface is perfectly flat .
tr	4	As the pieces begin to fall into place , he grows visibly excited as he figures out what she is getting at .
tr	4	" Okay , " he starts , lining up his hand with the spot on the ground near the cube he placed moments ago .
tr	4	Locking onto the spot where he is aiming , Mai doesn 't create the dimensional window just yet , waiting for his confirmation .
tr	4	" That 's why we 're a team , " Mai promptly asserts as the boy shoves the block onto the remaining switch .
tr	4	The room continues to ebb and flow , several spots forming whirlpools as the liquid rapidly drains up through the ceiling .
tr	4	On this particular jump , Rift looks upward while Mai helps him across , catching yet another glimpse of her face .
tr	4	Not expecting her to be staring at him , the boy immediately breaks eye contact out of a simple sort of reflex .
tr	4	The sparse puddles of water remaining have long since dried up , their last drops offered to the rocky fissures high above .
tr	4	" Sorry , I don 't know where that came from , " Rift apologizes , nervously scratching at his neck .
tr	4	Unsure what the purpose of such a platform could be , the boy continues forward to get a better look at the area below .
tr	4	Confused by the seemingly pointless event , the boy lines up a convenient spot for a portal just inside the massive hallway below .
tr	4	Landing back at square one , he squints down the long hallway , not at all looking forward to the potential hardships before him .
tr	4	Stretching down from the ceiling , a pillar , similar to the one holding the chest , hangs just above the treasure .
tr	4	With a well-earned smile , Rift lines up his palm with the pillar , dropping right in front of the chest a moment later .
tr	4	His baggy , black pants now loosely hang about his thighs before tightly conforming to his leg below the knee inside the boots .
tr	4	The storm becomes even more intense , the downpour shrouding the entire dome as more shifting stone rumbles in the distance .
tr	4	Rift asks , feeling significantly tougher in his new armor , but still mildly worried what threat this new challenger poses .
tr	4	A translucent sort of black from head to toe , his movements are difficult to discern , worse so in the heavy rain .
tr	4	Waiting to see which side his antagonist appears on , he is far from prepared when Mai shouts a warning .
tr	4	A heavy clang throws the boy back a step , his arm tossed aside from the force of the blow .
tr	4	Matching the boy 's southpaw stance , the shadow holds his blade angled down just in front of his lead leg .
tr	4	His left hand hangs open just beneath his chin , and he never for an instant pauses in his relentless push forward .
tr	4	Resuming his stance , he remains still , carefully watching his opponent 's sword hand as it playfully twirls the blade during his approach .
tr	4	" He 's not going to just let us leave , " Rift declares , his tone leveling as he hones his focus .
tr	4	A cold chill quakes down Rift 's spine , but Mai 's comforting touch seems to warm his body from the inside out .
tr	4	Too shocked to offer a physical response , the boy stands frozen in place until a dark boot connects with his chin .
tr	4	Without warning , the temple shakes once again , and the steadily increasing sound of falling rock has finally reached the battleground .
tr	4	Without an instant to lose , Rift thrusts his hand at nothing in particular while calling for Mai 's assistance .
tr	4	Suddenly , the lone crystal illuminating the room is smashed by more falling debris leaving the arena in utter darkness .
tr	4	Rapid splashing footsteps accompanied by a pair of glowing , red eyes betray the imminent attack as Mai instructs Rift to dodge .
tr	4	Tumbling atop the falling stone to an eventual stop nearby , the yellow gem glows brilliantly , illuminating the battleground once again .
tr	4	Another crystal of light is destroyed , the falling debris steadily increasing in volume as the empty battleground becomes clustered with obliterated stone .
tr	4	An overhead slash bounces off his crossed gauntlets before instantly spinning three hundred sixty degrees , knocking his arms apart .
tr	4	Cut just beneath his rib cage , the boy cries in pain , reeling from the endless onslaught as he clutches the wound .
tr	4	Prepared to dodge , but not knowing when or how , Rift blindly leaps forward , bracing himself to be cleaved in two .
tr	4	Dark Link roars , his demented voice echoing down the hallway as the exertion put into the attack becomes apparent .
tr	4	Crossing his arms in his signature X fashion , Rift scissors them apart just as he descends upon the shadow 's back .
tr	4	A brutal knee hits his shield with terrible force as Rift 's teleporting attack hits much harder than his initial strike .
tr	4	As the light source is destroyed , so too are the boy 's seconds of celebration as the collapse of the temple increases dramatically .
tr	4	The path ahead narrows in the frantic rainfall , the walls dropping chunks of earth and stone constantly in a catastrophic display .
tr	4	The occasional tumbling gem of light offers what guidance it can before the next inevitable rock slide blinks it out of existence .
tr	4	A gargantuan chasm opens like a hungry mouth of darkness as the boy falls alongside a random glowing stone of brilliant yellow .
tr	4	Mai offers , snatching him from the jaws of oblivion as the light continues to fall and fall further below .
tr	4	Thrown upward , Rift palms a pillar of stalagmite as it tilts into the ravine , pushing off to maintain his ascent .
tr	4	Far below the surface of the newly created lake , the stain of yellow sand glows faintly , beckoning Rift to hurry .
tr	4	Mai pleads , her ghostly image appearing in front of the boy for a moment , beckoning him toward the exit .
tr	4	Still shaking with fear he leaps as far forward as he can , plunging into the water with incalculable angst .
tr	4	Already beginning to slow in his descent , Mai 's firm grasp jerks him forward , soaring toward the exit with purpose .
tr	4	Her grip slowly starts to relent , but they are on track to cover the distance long before her strength fails her .
tr	4	Suddenly , one of many massive pieces of earth drops directly upon what little of Mai 's form is visible .
tr	4	Desperation takes hold of his heart , but even so , he feels a more important urge to fight for her .
tr	4	The patch of yellow fills his vision as he finally succumbs to his burning lungs , exhaling violently as his senses grow fuzzy .
tr	4	Attacking simultaneously , one of the pair is immediately immobilized by a subtle flick of the dark lord 's wrist .
tr	4	Failing to notice his partner 's imprisonment , the second guard rolls into a ball , rocketing toward the intruder like a deadly boulder .
tr	4	Knowing the former patriarch was entrusted with the medallion of fire , the king of thieves deduces the same must be true now .
tr	4	Instead he stands upright , his hands and forearms wrapped tightly with rope and held high , leaving his legs and body completely vulnerable .
tr	4	Carefully maintaining his distance , the challenger 's eyes are like that of a hawk , seeing every insignificant movement and calculating his response .
tr	4	Knowing he is moments from being knocked unconscious , he drops to a knee , slapping the ground three times with his open palm .
tr	4	The thunderous cheers are almost instantly cut short as Ganondorf grows tired of the exhibition , dropping into the center of the ring .
tr	4	The jagged rocks covering his back climb up and over his head in a mohawk , giving him the appearance of a rebel .
tr	4	Turning to face him slowly , Ganondorf 's face has changed in the seconds since he last looked upon him .
tr	4	Distorted by some manner of evil magic , his brow has sharpened , angling his eyes in a permanently evil scowl .
tr	4	He can feel the flame closing in around him , the horizon closing faster and faster , forcing him to make his choice .
tr	4	Not yet discouraged , Link throws a quick one-two punch , but the dark lord catches each of his fists in turn .
tr	4	Shaking his head to clear his thoughts , the king of thieves glares at Link , now unwrapping his hands ceremonially .
tr	4	Sharp rocks line his arm from his knuckles all the way to his elbow , the jagged stone obviously deadly if competently wielded .
tr	4	A level stare emanates from Link 's purple eyes , raising his arms in his foreign stance as the battle shifts toward the climax .
tr	4	There will never be love or prosperity for his people if he cannot strike down the beacon of evil before him .
tr	4	Death Mountain explodes high above them , more and more lava pouring down the mountainside and illuminating the dark night .
tr	4	Knowing it is only a matter of time , Link feels his fist ready to give way at any moment .
tr	4	Within the dark lord 's mind , he attributes the unexpected pain to the figure within the orb of flame .
tr	4	Moving so close did not grant him the unstoppable power he expected , and this realization has pushed him away .
tr	4	Abandoning his thirst for power , Ganondorf returns to his cunning roots , anchoring Link 's arm with a magic chain from behind .
tr	4	Circling around the stationary Link , Ganondorf summons glyph after glyph , sprinting across the temporary bridge until he is back on solid ground .
tr	4	Had he managed to push him into the lava , the fight would be over , but the infamous pig proves far too observant .
tr	4	The occasional quiver shakes his right hand as the dark lord is obviously still in pain from Link 's earlier attack .
tr	4	His attack nearly ready for deployment , Ganondorf knows he cannot miss if he hopes to end this fight without taking further damage .
tr	4	Lying at the king of thieves ' feet , a ghostly form awaits its execution , making no futile attempt to flee .
tr	4	With one final glance , he eyes the fallen combatant , lava pouring over him like a river in slow motion .
tr	4	Behind them , another group prepares to charge with a battering ram as the next attack from the catapults is nearly prepared .
tr	4	Exploding long before clearing the walls , the projectiles hit strategically summoned barriers as the Queen is determined to protect her town .
tr	4	An inexplicable gust of wind swirls around the Queen 's form at her command , throwing projectiles aside like paper in a breeze .
tr	4	The ram hits the vertical drawbridge with a heavy crunch , but the thick logs show no signs of giving way anytime soon .
tr	4	The razor-sharp dagger slices through her once meticulously maintained hair , cutting off a significant tuft and further fraying her increasingly unkempt hair .
tr	4	Tell me where she is hiding and I 'll call off the siege , " she offers , seemingly genuine .
tr	4	You will tell me where she is , or you will die along with the rest of your people ! "
tr	4	" I am sorry for your loss , but , " she starts , cut off by a torrent of projectiles .
tr	4	Sliding a hand behind her back , the Queen summons a fireball as her blonde antagonist shows no signs of weakness or arrogance .
tr	4	Several pieces rip her dress to shreds as her elemental defense is unable to push the absurdly fast projectiles off course .
tr	4	Inside the city gates , a sad collection of soldiers have gathered along with Zelda 's disciples , preparing themselves for the coming battle .
tr	4	Another flurry of shuriken spins and slashes past Zelda , her evasive maneuvers doing just enough to keep her alive .
tr	4	The fused shadow emanates a dark purple , absorbing the attack and showing the Queen she will need a better plan , and soon .
tr	4	Sprinting through the paved streets , Less appears and disappears between buildings , closing the distance between them quickly , but carefully .
tr	4	A flurry of spikes stream across the square , several stabbing into the fountain as Zelda flips back to her feet .
tr	4	The explosion sends shrapnel in every direction except the space beyond the shield , the ice absorbing the blow while retaining its shape .
tr	4	The blast sends obliterated bits of stone into the air , but more importantly , the meager amount of water pooled at the base .
tr	4	The tattered Queen would love nothing more than to enjoy the brief moment of victory , but something urges her forward .
tr	4	Something pushes her to help the weakened girl , struggling to resist the slowly closing portal , pulling her in .
tr	4	Back at the city gates , an unexpected torrent of reinforcements blast up and out of the sad remains of the town 's moat .
tr	4	The hungry torrent of light dismantles the sphere of ice and rubble almost immediately , forcing Less to hang on for dear life .
tr	4	Load what you can on the horses , " he bellows after painfully plucking the knife from beneath his shoulder blade .
tr	4	The ambition of the interlopers is sucked into the closing portal as Less falls to her knees in Zelda 's arms .
tr	4	The torrential vacuum finally shrinks to nothing , a brief blip of light sealing it once more and returning the shop to normal .
tr	4	Suddenly shaking her head and returning to her senses , Less shoves the Queen away , scrambling back to her feet clumsily .
tr	4	Confused by the horrible aim , Zelda feels as though she could kick herself , falling for the obvious ploy so easily .
tr	4	Though her vision returns quickly , it is far from quick enough , the woman named Less nowhere to be found .
tr	4	The battle concluded , Zelda dashes for the gate to determine the outcome of the larger war being waged for the town itself .
tr	4	A few of the citizens remain crouched inside their doorways , afraid to make the run for the castle amidst all the chaos .
tr	4	The main front has grown suspiciously quiet , the streets and alleyways empty other than the sporadic goblin corpses lying here and there .
tr	4	Only a dozen guards remain in the area , several tending the wounds of their comrades as well as their own .
tr	4	Finally backing away with an embarrassed smile , Zelda scoops her wild hair off her face and behind her pointy ears with a sigh .
tr	4	A raised eyebrow accompanied by a quick look up and down is met with a chuckle as Link 's concern is understandable .
tr	4	Ocarina in hand , Link is already playing Epona 's song as he runs , his trusty horse galloping toward him in seconds .
tr	4	Finally able to focus , she spots Link in his battle stance , an intense grimace stamped upon his face .
tr	4	The intense blaze burning all around them illuminates the dark night , the moon having completely vanished behind the approaching curtain of clouds .
tr	4	Forged in the foundries of the castle , it is identical to his previous sword in function , but thoroughly eclipses the quality .
tr	4	The dim , green eyes beneath the dark , brown hood watch the hero 's every movement , never straying , and never blinking .
tr	4	Leaping into the air , Garo dives upon Link in a crescent , his unnatural movement seeming to defy common laws of physics .
tr	4	With an opponent as confident as this ninja , it would be unwise to reveal even the smallest opening in his defense .
tr	4	The force from the blow throws Link back a step , the brief whirlwind visibly affecting the grass beneath his assailant 's feet .
tr	4	With a perfectly timed step , Link thrusts his blade through Garo 's torso just before the ninja 's attack hits nothing but earth .
tr	4	Scrambling back a few steps , Link only now notices his blade is devoid of blood , though his counterattack struck true .
tr	4	Slowly turning to face him , the ninja begins walking toward the hero , his swords dangling at his sides in a signature fashion .
tr	4	She asks , only glancing at him for a moment before returning her eyes to the angry enemy before them .
tr	4	Suddenly spinning to face the confused hero , Garo takes a deep breath , like a dragon preparing to cook its dinner .
tr	4	A tornado of focused flame blasts from the ninja 's concealed face , nearly knocking the cringing hero over with the force alone .
tr	4	The hero has stricken down countless foes utilizing the same tired techniques , but the ninja doesn 't offer the same openings .
tr	4	Quickly growing overconfident , Garo lets a swing linger a second too long , his chest vulnerable for only a moment .
tr	4	A vicious stab rams all the way through him , Link 's sword piercing out the back of the ninja 's robe .
tr	4	Not expecting the discharge to be quite so potent , Garo is thrown into the darkness of Hyrule Field with a deep grunt .
tr	4	Immediately dashing to Link 's side , Zelda finds him weary , but far from finished as he climbs back to his feet .
tr	4	Treading on shadows , Garo moves without sound or essence , intending to deal the final blow to his prey .
tr	4	Standing back to back , both Link and Zelda scour the darkness , preparing themselves for the inevitable sneak attack .
tr	4	Without warning , a translucent pane of glass forms beside one of the torches illuminating the drawbridge in the distance .
tr	4	Appearing like a tumbling wave of dominoes , more ethereal mirrors spawn in rapid succession , reflecting and amplifying the meager amount of light .
tr	4	Holding his empty bottle outward , Link sees he is gesturing for Garo to enter the soul trap of his own accord .
tr	4	Without a second to react , both Link and Zelda can only watch in horror as the drunken wanderer meets Garo 's blades .
tr	4	" You should get a kick out of this one , " he smiles , lifting his eyebrows with excitement .
tr	4	Not expecting such an unorthodox attack , Garo 's reflexes still prove a nuisance , dodging the snarling jaws with ease .
tr	4	" If you 're trying to make him angrier , you 're succeeding , " Zelda points out , preparing to defend herself .
tr	4	" No worries , love , " Geist chuckles , relaxing as if he were about to watch a performance .
tr	4	" I know who you are , " Garo reveals , standing tall and ceasing his approach for the moment .
tr	4	" You would mock me as your people mocked the Gods , " the ninja points out , growing almost cavalier .
tr	4	The last line stabs Geist somewhere deep beyond his flesh , his expression twitching in a momentary submission to anger .
tr	4	This ain 't your fight , " he demands with a wholly different tone than they have grown accustomed to .
tr	4	" You are the final remnant of a disease , reaver , " Garo growls , becoming one with the darkness .
tr	4	The faintly glowing orbs spilling from the reaver 's hand spread out in every direction , rolling into organized lines and establishing a perimeter .
tr	4	The second they 've reached the optimum positioning , Geist closes his fist , prompting them to mash together like a three dimensional guillotine .
tr	4	Beginning to understand the game the zombie intends to play , Geist decides he must end the fight sooner rather than later .
tr	4	Pulling his solar system of translucent spheres toward himself , the ghost hunter abandons his attempt to seek the ninja out of the darkness .
tr	4	An instant later , Garo takes the bait appearing from nowhere and stabbing through the only opening in the reaver 's defense .
tr	4	Slamming the shell shut at the last moment , the ninja 's swords are caught in a bear trap of sorts .
tr	4	The protective shell explodes in every direction , and to the ghost hunter 's delight , the pair of swords fall to his feet .
tr	4	Caught off guard , Geist stumbles back a step as the assassin seems to teleport behind him whirling into a vicious string of attacks .
tr	4	Gradually summoning his orbs back to him , the reaver launches the swirling projectiles at his opponent five and six at a time .
tr	4	Inadvertently dropping his swords , Garo is pulled into the air by the crushing handcuffs , quickly thrashing himself free from their confines .
tr	4	Quickly grabbing an empty bottle from his coat and summoning another sphere to his palm , Geist prepares to finish him .
tr	4	Quickly cutting him off , Link holds up a hand before crouching down to listen to the ninja 's final words .
tr	4	When the moment of judgment comes , " he starts , his tone turning almost compassionate as he eyes Link .
tr	4	Taking no heed to his words , the hero is only affected by the genuine tone radiating from the fallen warrior .
tr	4	A colossal explosion of flame envelops the northern end of Hyrule Field , reaching all the way to the Castle Town walls .
tr	4	The faint light of dawn only serves to somewhat illuminate the dark clouds overhead , and the ample destruction wrecked upon central Hyrule .
tr	4	Somewhere nearby , a girl can be heard crying weakly , prompting the Queen to teleport to a higher vantage point .
tr	4	A chain spears across Rift 's vision , and before the boy can react , his neck hits the metal like a clothesline .
tr	4	Soaring downward , he trails the boy by a negligible margin , winding up to smash him into the ground the instant he lands .
tr	4	Falling through the portrait , Rift vanishes completely as Link hits the spot where the portal rested only a moment ago .
tr	4	A shockwave of force ripples the earth around him as if it were a pool of water , but his target has disappeared .
tr	4	A loud thunderclap sounds overhead , and Link tilts her mess of hair onto his shoulder as it starts to rain .
tr	4	Stroking her shoulder lovingly , he doesn 't realize it is his memories that comfort her far more than his physical embrace .
tr	4	The rest are cleaning up while they await your orders , " she reports , a lingering compassion reflected in her eyes .
tr	4	" However , I 've still one final lesson , saved until it became essential for you to remain upon the proper path .
tr	4	First , I must tell you a story , " he continues , briefly glancing down to collect his memories .
tr	4	He 'd been informed of an ambush from the north , and had no intention of seeing his people trapped on the front lines .
tr	4	The only thing still binding him to this world is regret , and with every admission , the phantom fades imperceptibly .
tr	4	I sent my wife east on horseback with my infant son , but I had no way of knowing if they ever reached safety .
tr	4	Managed to retreat to the castle gardens , but it was there I fell , " he nods , remembering the battle clearly .
tr	4	It takes but one act , one miniscule moment without valor , to destroy everything you 've ever stood for .
tr	4	Standing in a stunned stupor from the torrent of information , Link fails to hear the voices calling his name .
tr	4	Lying on his back upon the rocky ground , the boy 's thoughts return to the cove beneath the temple of water .
tr	4	Straining to breathe , she held him close , squeezing his head against her bosom until he regained his senses .
tr	4	Now , on the dark trail leading up the mountain , she hovers just above him with her hands on his chest .
tr	4	The further the boy travels , the darker the shades of brown and grey become , stained by the active volcano 's random eruptions .
tr	4	A brief sizzling noise catches the boy 's attention , like water hitting the base of a pot hung over a fire .
tr	4	The sizzling steadily amplifies and he realizes the volcano has erupted recently , the hardened lava ground having yet to cool completely .
tr	4	Fearful at first , the boy quickly notes a sad sort of aura about his movements , pacing listlessly before obliterating another large stone .
tr	4	Rolling into a ball he bashes against the mountainside , knocking several large rocks loose above in an avalanche of falling stone .
tr	4	A daunting display of ability Rift has no intention of seeing up close , the punches and elbow strikes are horrifyingly destructive .
tr	4	" Wanted to know what happened to the guards , " he finally expresses , pointing back toward the entrance .
tr	4	Walking the short distance back to the gates , they soon reach the guards , still lying where they fell in combat .
tr	4	" Link , patriarch of the Death Mountain tribe , " he greets , kneeling down next to his comrades .
tr	4	The rain begins to increase in intensity , water beginning to steadily pour off the front of the boy 's hood .
tr	4	" Seems like they 're fans of the ... Other Link , " Mai sighs , inspecting the murals herself .
tr	4	They 've learned that the hard way , " she explains , watching the listless children and depressed adults throughout the area .
tr	4	Considering what he might say to them to gain entry , Rift is glad to see Link suddenly descend into the scene .
tr	4	Plucking the hood off his head , Mai gives the boy an encouraging squeeze on the shoulders before vanishing again with a smile .
tr	4	With only a questioning glare to offer , Link can 't place the name , though he is certain he has heard it before .
tr	4	We 've got to get out of here , " she rapidly informs , pumping a healthy dose of panic into the boy .
tr	4	The patriarch asks , watching Rifts suddenly nervous antics as he pulls his hood back over his head and searches for another way out .
tr	4	The air itself seems to be alive , quivering and waving from the absurd amount of heat radiating from below .
tr	4	The room ceases spinning as quickly as it started , and with a stumbling misstep , Rift has regained his balance .
tr	4	The sound of churning , bubbling lava is much louder now that he has descended into the heart of the inferno .
tr	4	Searching his surroundings for a moment longer , the boy finally spots a peculiar shade of bleached stone upon a cone-shaped wall of rock .
tr	4	The ground he stands upon sizzles at such a high pitch , the noise soon fades into Rift 's subconscious .
tr	4	The flat , featureless landscape is thoroughly cracked , like a shattered mirror someone attempted to piece back together on the ground .
tr	4	" It 's only meant to disorient us , " Mai shrugs , not at all shocked by the vast emptiness .
tr	4	" Well it 's working , " he sighs , slowly spinning three hundred sixty degrees as he continues forward .
tr	4	The soft , repetitive crunch of the boy 's feet meeting the piping hot earth is lost in the dark .
tr	4	" As much as I like the exercise , " he starts , scanning the distance for anything worth noting .
tr	4	Four massive suits of heavy armor stand back to back guarding nothing Rift can perceive , even once he 's drawn closer .
tr	4	" Call me crazy , but I 'd rather not get too close to those things , " he admits with a nervous sigh .
tr	4	" Don 't worry , " Mai assures , though there is something in her voice Rift doesn 't quite like .
tr	4	As long as you don 't touch them we should be fine , " she concludes as if the feat is no big deal .
tr	4	Taking a minute longer to size up the obstacle , Rift eventually works up the nerve , stepping back to an optimal distance .
tr	4	Barely able to keep his footing , Rift stumbles into one of the statues surrounding him before dropping to a knee .
tr	4	In a synchronized about face , the group slowly turns to discover the one who would disturb their eternal duty .
tr	4	Each of the warrior 's heads concealed behind a perforated shell , just like ancient gladiators they are void of any features .
tr	4	Already closing in , the remaining sentinels march with extremely hefty footsteps , their mighty boots plunging into the soft earth with every step .
tr	4	Its axe plunging into the white ground , the animated armor must exert a significant amount of effort to pull it free .
tr	4	Far in the distance , a tidal wave of white lava spews from the ground , rapidly closing the distance to the battleground .
tr	4	Beginning to thrash about , the armored antagonists struggle to get away from the raining lava eating through their suits .
tr	4	Now significantly more mobile , the axe wielder charges the deadly wall , winding up a mighty swing during the approach .
tr	4	Its axe immediately begins to melt , the lava quickly chewing through the mighty blade as the knight inspects it .
tr	4	The approaching villain twirls its axe in one hand , demonstrating its absurd strength while it faintly growls between steps .
tr	4	Trapped in midair , the boy crosses his arms , but the approaching strike will certainly end his life regardless .
tr	4	The warrior executes another deadly swing , but the boy rolls over the top of the slow-moving slice of metal .
tr	4	At Mai 's command , he quickly sidesteps the following overhead strike , finding himself in an extremely advantageous position .
tr	4	Two more rapid strikes produce no damage , and the sentinel has reclaimed its weapon , promptly winding up to murder the irritating intruder .
tr	4	" His armor 's still too thick , " Rift declares , worriedly watching the foe prepare a new attack .
tr	4	Dodging left , the diagonal strike misses the mark , giving Rift another suffocating blast of hot wind as it passes .
tr	4	Rolling to the side , Rift narrowly manages to avoid the strike , finding himself with the strategic upper hand once again .
tr	4	Utilizing every ounce of his strength , Rift throws a devastating hook , landing directly upon the armor 's vulnerable spot .
tr	4	Vanishing and reappearing on the opposite side , Mai pries the armor apart once again , allowing Rift to repeat the process .
tr	4	" That 's more like it , " Rift nods with a smile , strafing his target and preparing to strike once again .
tr	4	Now behind the fuming foe , the boy spots Mai pulling yet another piece of armor loose near the ribcage .
tr	4	Wasting no time with excessive technique , he focuses purely on power , bashing the behemoth 's side with a violent uppercut .
tr	4	Another painful roar sounds , and another plate is shoved aside as Mai waits for the boy to finish the fight .
tr	4	You were all , I 've heard this before , " she recalls , using her best impression of the boy .
tr	4	Slowly willing himself to grow accustomed to her physical antics , Rift still finds himself staring in a thoughtless stupor every time she appears .
tr	4	Cautiously approaching the bubbling line of lava , he sees the shape the molten liquid carved remains , though the tenacity has decreased severely .
tr	4	Cautiously moving toward the middle door , she briefly glances back to find Rift 's vacant eyes locked upon her .
tr	4	" Eyes up here , " she demands , pointing at her face before smiling wryly and turning her attention back to the task .
tr	4	Turning to see her , Rift is thoroughly embarrassed , unsure what to say to play off the outburst of compassion .
tr	4	" Yeah , I thought he had me for sure , " she dryly replies , eyeing the boy with a knowing smirk .
tr	4	" Let 's try that one on the left , " he decides , walking closer , but allowing Mai to test it first .
tr	4	I should have let you pick the first time , " she admits , turning the conversation away from embarrassing topics .
tr	4	The cavern is not naturally formed , the walls forming right angles every time a hallway turns or meets an intersection .
tr	4	Quickly determining what they 've stumbled into , Rift lets out a long sigh to prepare for the road ahead .
tr	4	His spirit rejuvenated for the time being , Rift jogs down the hall , turning right and immediately hitting a dead end .
tr	4	The occasional rumble sounds in the distance , and the two explorers are filled with dread each and every time .
tr	4	Another eruption of lava would be the end for Rift , the underground maze 's only exits an unknown distance away .
tr	4	Continuing down the new direction , several more dead ends are found as Mai continues to map out the growing labyrinth .
tr	4	Quickly retracing his steps , Rift turns a series of corners expecting an intersection to appear , but instead finds another dead end .
tr	4	I 've been keeping track of the time between that rumbling noise , and , " she pauses , waiting for confirmation .
tr	4	He asks , waiting a moment before adding , " and don 't say I have , " he starts .
tr	4	If we hurry , we should be able to find the one that opened , " she explains , waiting for her praise .
tr	4	" I 'll take it , " she smirks , releasing his nose and propping her forearms on top of his head .
tr	4	" I 'm glad I met you , Rift , " she admits , her tone suddenly turning mildly lethargic .
tr	4	" All kidding aside , I feel like I haven 't really told you , " she pauses , trying to find the words .
tr	4	" How important you are to me , " she declares , nervously adjusting herself on his shoulders with the admission .
tr	4	With that she fades away , the grin on the boy 's face certain to remain for quite a while .
tr	4	" We don 't have a ton of time , so , " she starts , hating to ruin the moment .
tr	4	Freezing in his tracks , he watches the cylindrical creature extend upward like an outstretched tongue before bending in his direction .
tr	4	Rolling to a sitting position , Rift glances at his hands to see the putrid , purple muck slowly dripping off .
tr	4	Struggling to line up a shot , the boy fails to notice the monster has slowly approached for another attempt to consume him .
tr	4	Utilizing Rift 's body like a hammer , Mai slams him downward , his fist hitting the blob with incredible force .
tr	4	A single ripple quakes through the monstrosity 's body before it collapses onto the ground with the boy on top of it .
tr	4	Gradually turning to liquid itself , the deteriorating flesh reveals the lost grieves , slowly seeping through the muck and muscle .
tr	4	Delighted to have them back , Rift straps the boots back on hurriedly , and returns to his quest a bit more cautiously .
tr	4	Only two more dead ends delay the boy 's progress before he finds a large chamber with a chest residing at the center .
tr	4	The muck coating his body has quickly dried , but remains incredibly unpleasant , causing his limbs to stick to his grotesque clothing .
tr	4	Stepping closer she reaches past his ears , smiling shyly as she pulls his hood over his head for him .
tr	4	Lingering a moment longer , she stares into the boy 's eyes , noting the growing confidence behind his consistently timid expression .
tr	4	Before she can utter a word , the temple shakes violently as a deep rumbling begins to steadily increase in volume beneath them .
tr	4	Running as fast as he 's able , the boy watches her every move , passing through the first checkpoint without incident .
tr	4	The moment he passes over the deceptive wall , it begins to rise , urging him to hasten his escape .
tr	4	Desperate to close the distance , he dashes forward , dumbstruck when he flashes through the long hallway in an instant .
tr	4	The final checkpoint has nearly reached the ceiling as the boy dashes forward like a bolt of lightning to close the distance .
tr	4	By the time he is close enough to jump , the gap between the rising wall and ceiling is too small to traverse .
tr	4	Seconds later , the inverted guillotine crunches against the ceiling , failing to seal the boy in the death trap .
tr	4	Failing to see the coming swarm until the last second , the boy sees Mai 's strategy too late to opt out .
tr	4	" You 've got to be kidding me , " he mumbles with apprehension , bracing for the imminent impact .
tr	4	Though far from dependable , the mass of mammals provide sturdy enough footing to allow the boy to advance forward .
tr	4	Rapidly approaching from the destroyed underground temple at an angle , Mai soars with her arms extended before calling out to him .
tr	4	Beginning to feel faintly dizzy from exertion , the boy collapses to the ground atop the strange stone emblazoned with the Triforce .
tr	4	You never cease to amaze me , " she admits with a smile , caressing his cheek while she stares down at him .
tr	4	It 's all because of you , " she concludes , her eyes suddenly shifting to some point high to her left .
tr	4	" You really helped me out , though , " Rift admits , sounding especially sincere despite the unintentional insult .
tr	4	Guards took him , but when they came for me , " he explains , the distant anger beginning to swell in his tone .
tr	4	Came back to claim my birthright , " he expresses , confiding his story in the boy for unknown reasons .
tr	4	He sees much of himself in the puny human , a potential for greatness should he manage to realize it .
tr	4	" Your father would be proud , " Rift grins , quickly growing saddened wondering what his father would think of him .
tr	4	" Men make war and sorrow , " the patriarch sighs , reflecting on his past as well as the coming days .
tr	4	" Never return to our city , " he states bluntly , painting a confused look on the boy 's face .
tr	4	Her tender hooks deeply embedded in his malignant ego , always reeling him back into her arms at infinitesimal increments .
tr	4	The deity demands it of him , not through words or gestures , but through the seduction of his desire for power .
tr	4	Even the happy melody , dancing between the trees upon puffs of air escaping a flute , dies down to nothing .
tr	4	The veil of flame seems to part slightly , as if to show him there is only a future in her arms .
tr	4	Ignoring the ominous blonde , Ganondorf continues forward , his monstrous visage scaring the majority of the inhabitants back into their homes .
tr	4	" Bring me the Sage , " he commands , his voice amplified and grotesquely evil under Din 's influence .
tr	4	Standing with her hands on her hips , her unimpressed expression seems to ask what the intruder could possibly want .
tr	4	" You know why I have come , " he growls , having no patience for some pathetic form of resistance .
tr	4	Though the rain bears down on him relentlessly , his golden gauntlets still seem to glimmer in the sparse light .
tr	4	Immediately beginning to circle each other in the small clearing , neither of the combatants offer a single word as a thunderclap sounds overhead .
tr	4	Without the blade of evil 's bane , the confident hero will certainly fall to the overwhelming power of Din 's essence .
tr	4	The blow to the ribs knocks Ganondorf back a step , but still fails to cause any sort of lasting damage .
tr	4	The blast throws him across the clearing , snapping through a series of thin trees at the perimeter before his momentum subsides .
tr	4	His sword already over his shoulder , the hero 's mighty swing has commenced , slicing through raindrops and descending upon the off-balance warrior .
tr	4	A puff of her breath encircles his neck like a collar of passion , and the long sought embrace has finally occurred .
tr	4	Not bothering to attempt to free his blade , Link stares at the Goddess in horror as she idly pushes the blade aside .
tr	4	Now trapped in a spider web of heavy , conjured iron , Link vainly attempts to free himself from the tightly constricting restraints .
tr	4	Stopping in front of the paralyzed hero , he reaches back , making certain he obtains enough power to obliterate him completely .
tr	4	The most horrible sensation throbs from his wound and it is enough to cut his visit to the forest short .
tr	4	Without a second thought , he storms out of the area , throwing fallen trees and debris aside as he runs .
tr	4	Failing to hide his pain , he meanders onward , holding his shoulder as he struggles to remember the way out .
tr	4	Of all that has happened , and all the sensations he has been subjected to , he now knows one thing for certain .
tr	4	The casualties were equally low , but in her eyes , a single soul lost is no better than a thousand .
tr	4	The seemingly endless rain finally faded away a short time ago , yet the Queen hardly took notice of the drastic weather changes .
tr	4	The dark , grey clouds quickly tumble overhead , drifting into the mountainous north with a fierce wind howling high above .
tr	4	Clearly exhausted , the weakened citizens and fatigued guardsmen soldier on , finding some unknown source of determination within themselves .
tr	4	Despite the realization , she has yet to find any means of quelling the fusion of the Goddess ' will into her own .
tr	4	Only having let her guard down for a moment , Zelda is almost taken by surprise to discover a presence approaching from behind .
tr	4	" Hi , " Rho greets , still as detached as ever , though he has made some social progress .
tr	4	His mannerisms indicate he is not exactly sure why he sought her out in the wake of such a tragedy .
tr	4	" I 'd be lying if I turned you down , " she admits , shedding all manner of formality .
tr	4	" Grab that end , " she points out , crouching beside a heavy dresser she had been avoiding until someone returned to help .
tr	4	" That 's understandable , " Zelda sighs , thinking of how desperate her citizens must be getting at this point .
tr	4	" Thanks , " he starts , trailing off as he fails to come up with anything else to say .
tr	4	After a time of silence , the tedious task clearing the young boy 's mind as well , the conversation resumes .
tr	4	He just thought it should be a knight standing there instead , " he expresses , beginning to think he is insinuating too much .
tr	4	Acts he always knew he would be capable of until his mettle was tested in the most extreme of scenarios .
tr	4	" I don 't know , " he shrugs , spotting the group of workers marching back down the distant hill .
tr	4	The colossal ring of flame has accelerated its pace , but now pales in comparison to the dark void consuming the kingdom .
tr	4	The dark figure 's features remain a mystery , but its hand remains extended to her , almost pleading she accept its uncertain proposal .
tr	4	Suddenly returning to the present , she takes a moment to shake the frightening daydream as the workers return in force .
tr	4	A delicate curtsy from the Queen is met with a healthy laugh from the group , her antics rapidly garnishing respect from her people .
tr	4	" We won 't worry about transporting the raw materials until the rest is sorted and we have an idea of inventory .
tr	4	Marching over to a large chunk of stone , she inspects it thoroughly , aiming to determine the best way to move it .
tr	4	We know you 've scarcely rested since the Kings passing , " he continues , his comrade nodding in agreement .
tr	4	" We admire your willingness to help greatly , but please return to the castle , if only to rest briefly . "
tr	4	Each of the guards bow until she has started up the hill , the moist ground making the climb more difficult than usual .
tr	4	She is not simply another grandiose royal , always remaining in the castle and turning her nose up at the commoners .
tr	4	Women attempt to secure food for the very young while the children run rampant through the halls , driving the few guards crazy .
tr	4	Climbing to a suitable speaking height upon the massive staircase in the center of the room , Zelda addresses her angry and disheartened people .
tr	4	" Hello , everyone , " she starts , waiting for the majority to quiet down and turn their heads .
tr	4	" I 'm afraid that 's not possible , " the Queen promptly declines , standing proudly upon the staircase despite her ragged appearance .
tr	4	" That is grievous news , and you have my condolences , " he concedes , obviously uncomfortable in this informal setting .
tr	4	" Any food and building material your kingdom can spare will be much appreciated as we have suffered an attack of our own . "
tr	4	The packed room erupts with cheers , several of the struggling citizens breaking into tears at the thought of their sons and husbands returning .
tr	4	Descending back into the room , Zelda is happily received , one elderly woman even stepping forward to give her a weak hug .
tr	4	She had not expected the war to end so soon , and the messenger 's timing could not have been more perfect .
tr	4	" Don 't tell me , " Zelda gasps , praying her decision to send him to the forest wasn 't a mistake .
tr	4	" I 'll go to retrieve him at once , " the Queen declares as a spiral of light engulfs her form .
tr	4	" One more thing , " the scout interrupts , obviously unsure if he should reveal the final piece of information .
tr	4	I waited on the trail , but never expected to see anything , " he pauses , finding his leader 's eyes .
tr	4	Link doesn 't notice the bitter taste of grass brushing against his lips , or the haunting sound of creaking trees overhead .
tr	4	Staring up into the trees , her eyes slowly drift over to Link , struggling to prop himself up next to her .
tr	4	The hero 's body feels stronger than ever , the damage done by Ganondorf seemingly reversed completely by the fairy 's magic .
tr	4	Still , Link knows he cannot linger , the Great Fairies throughout Hyrule having developed a frightening infamy during the past couple years .
tr	4	The afternoon has come and gone leaving him cursing the generous rest he was granted while Ganondorf roams Hyrule freely .
tr	4	We must find the remaining shards of the Master Sword , " she informs , trying desperately to get some kind of response .
tr	4	The trek through the Lost Woods passes him by without a hitch , his subconscious guiding him through the path traveled a hundred times .
tr	4	Something seems amiss in the forest , and before he exits the Lost Woods , he turns to discover the source of the feeling .
tr	4	" I-I need to tell you something , " he starts , sitting down and crossing his legs in his lap .
tr	4	" It was my fault , " he mumbles , keeping his chin to his chest as he rocks himself slightly .
tr	4	Instantly raising a silencing hand , Link kneels next to the kid , placing a comforting hand on his shoulder .
tr	4	A virtually featureless orb , the skull kid 's face resembles that of a sad scarecrow , standing alone in a field of crops .
tr	4	After a warm smile and an assuring nod from Link , the trio is headed back into the deep woods .
tr	4	" Only one way to find out , " the kid laughs , leaping into the air and tucking himself into a ball .
tr	4	Falling through the ground as if the discolored grass were an open window , the kid disappears without a trace .
tr	4	" When you returned the Master Sword all those years ago , I was happy you could live out your childhood .
tr	4	A minimalistic green tunic clings to her pale skin , falling into a short skirt high above her bare feet .
tr	4	Expecting his expression to grow far more severe , she decides he is far less offended than she had assumed he would be .
tr	4	What you do now will determine the fate of Hyrule forever , " she reveals , her gaze slowly becoming dreamy .
tr	4	You will not fail , " she insists , taking a step closer as she reads his soul like a book .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry , " she gasps , floating erratically , yet relieved she didn 't go too far .
tr	4	You look rather familiar , " he declares , poking his head forward to better study the hero 's face .
tr	4	" I don 't recall this one , though , " he smiles , rubbing his chin as he stares at the fairy .
tr	4	I go wherever happiness is needed , " he nods , rubbing his hands together in what is becoming an obsessive manner .
tr	4	Though he couldn 't see it when he was young , Link senses something bizarre and unnatural about the man 's antics .
tr	4	" If you would be so kind as to accept a mask , I would feel as though my debt to you is fulfilled .
tr	4	It would make me very happy , and I suspect I have something amongst my wares that would make you happy as well . "
tr	4	Studying it carefully , Link sees that it strongly resembles him , as if he were looking into an altered mirror .
tr	4	The wearer is infused with the power of a God , " he explains , chuckling at Link 's intense interest .
tr	4	Too many have died already , and many more are sure to follow if things continue as they 've been .
tr	4	He needs the mask , if only long enough to save the realm from the careless whims of the Gods .
tr	4	" I don 't like that one , Link , " the skull kid admits , shaking his head beneath his new mask .
tr	4	" This won 't protect you from her , " Navi sighs , seeming to speak another language when talking to the salesman .
tr	4	" Just let the man make his choice , " he pleads , his tone becoming obnoxiously friendly as his grin widens .
tr	4	The evening sun has already begun its plunge into the horizon , and night will be upon him soon enough .
tr	4	His head beginning to ache , the concepts of sovereignty and loyalty remain just outside of his realm of comprehension .
tr	4	She responds , appearing atop the boy 's shoulders once again , leaning forward to study his face beneath his new hood .
tr	4	" Just leave that to me , " she smiles , leaning over the boy 's hooded visage with an assuring smile before disappearing .
tr	4	A massive tombstone , visible through the large gate , stands as testament to the defenders of the royal family .
tr	4	Reclining in a rocking chair , the middle-aged man taps his thumb upon his shovel , speared into the ground next to him .
tr	4	" Oh , they 're very real , " the man assures , rising from his chair and shouldering his shovel .
tr	4	" I 'll take my chances , " the boy shrugs , spotting the wooden object lying next to the man 's chair .
tr	4	Deciding the man is just out to scare him , Rift continues through the rows of tombstones as the man vanishes into his shack .
tr	4	Walking atop the damp cobblestones , the boy sees several graves have been unearthed recently , their tombstones still blank .
tr	4	Assuming the destruction in the village is the cause of the recent deaths , he continues forward with a thoughtful demeanor .
tr	4	" Of course , they 've defended the royals for generations , " she informs as if it should be common knowledge .
tr	4	" Come on , the entrance should be up there somewhere , " she points out , referring to the cliff overhead .
tr	4	Disregarding any manner of respect , Rift vaults off the large gravestone , achieving enough momentum to access the alcove above .
tr	4	A small cavern leads left , and after descending a gradual decline , the boy discovers a large , circular room ravaged by time .
tr	4	A massive glyph containing an array of strange symbols encompasses the floor , gradually fading as it stretches from the center of the room .
tr	4	Eyeing the massive , stone door on the opposite side of the cave , Rift decides he has figured out the puzzle .
tr	4	He shrugs , walking between the many metallic erections , each of them standing much taller than the boy himself .
tr	4	Reaching the central pedestal , Rift sees the small platform is covered in symbols , but there is no portal to be utilized .
tr	4	Glancing around curiously , he finally spots an out of place blotch on the pale , green ceiling that is a deep black .
tr	4	Somewhere far below , a horrible noise emanates from the seemingly endless fall awaiting anyone foolish enough to lose their footing .
tr	4	An entire spectrum of objects comes into view , glowing ever so slightly from the magical power of Mai 's lens .
tr	4	Hopping down the massive individual steps , Rift reaches the base of the floating island , suspended by some unknown force .
tr	4	Quickly finding it difficult to maneuver with his hand pressed against his face , the boy lowers his arm for the moment .
tr	4	Permanently pulled into the visible spectrum , the building continues to glow faintly , serving to slightly illuminate his surroundings .
tr	4	With nowhere to go , he presses his knuckles against the bridge of his nose in order to shed some light on the illusion .
tr	4	The moment Mai 's power reveals the true nature of the room , the boy immediately jerks his hand away from his eye .
tr	4	Rift responds , pulling his hood over his head and reaching into his tunic to grasp his precious music box .
tr	4	Three of the routes emerging from the central point lead downward at an angle , while three more ascend up toward the ceiling .
tr	4	Another portal is utilized and in seconds he is pulling open the door and strolling into the building filled with worry .
tr	4	Expecting yet another elaborate puzzle , the boy is shocked to find a small room with a treasure chest at the center .
tr	4	Crossing the room with caution just the same , the boy jumps back a step when a ghostly figure appears atop the treasure .
tr	4	" Greetings , young man , " the figure proclaims , sitting atop the chest with his back strait and arms crossed .
tr	4	Clearly some sort of scout during his life , the man wears a tightly fitting jumpsuit and a long bandana tied around his forehead .
tr	4	Taking a moment to consider what he is implying , the boy decides he has little choice in the matter .
tr	4	" I am a genius , " she points out , emphasizing the second word as her ego grows even larger .
tr	4	Trying to focus his thoughts on fonder memories , he clutches his music box and races through the room as quickly as possible .
tr	4	Deciding to take one of the lower paths this time around , he breathes a sigh of relief once he is outside again .
tr	4	" You 've come to attempt my test I assume , " she states more than asks , waiting impatiently for a response .
tr	4	" Come on , this is an easy one , " Mai points out , not wanting to give him the answer right away .
tr	4	He attempts to conceive what word could be spoken to break anything at all , but ends up where he started .
tr	4	Letting his frustrations slip away , Rift decides having Mai with him is more important than being smart enough to solve these stupid riddles .
tr	4	" I need to ask something , " she starts , moving closer as Rift steps away from the door .
tr	4	" Easy , " Mai cautions , not wanting him to accidentally trip off the ledge into the endless darkness below .
tr	4	" The thing is , any time you really get yourself into trouble , I 've been able to help you .
tr	4	Her hand squeezes his tightly , and the warmer her grip feels on his palm , the colder the object of his obsession becomes .
tr	4	Certain she is about to inflict some sort of violence upon him , her tense muscles relax as she stares into his eyes .
tr	4	Gradually , the anger leaves her visage , and a look the boy does not recognize creeps onto her face .
tr	4	It is not rage , or joy , or sorrow , but an immense urge pushing her into an imminent action .
tr	4	A single arm touches her hip , and it is the final push she needed to pull the boy into a passionate kiss .
tr	4	After what seems like an eternity , the simple kiss ends as neither of the companions want to back away .
tr	4	Seeing stars , the boy is at a complete loss concerning what to do next , standing uncomfortably before the blushing woman .
tr	4	Rift asks with a smile , his hand already wrapped around the door knob as he turns to look back .
tr	4	With one hand clasped in the other , he stares at the floor , making no attempt to greet the boy .
tr	4	With nothing but a sigh in response , the ghost looks to his left , and fades away where he sits .
tr	4	After teleporting back and taking Mai 's hand , the boy smiles gleefully at his companion , overwhelmed with joy for some reason .
tr	4	Not bothering to even attempt to make sense of the gibberish , the boy waits for Mai to deliver the obvious answer .
tr	4	" I don 't know , " she finally admits , feeling the same panic that is taking hold of her chosen .
tr	4	" I am sorry , " he declares just before a sudden shockwave of energy blasts out of his form .
tr	4	Quickly scrambling out of the rubble , the boy finds himself in a cage of barbed wire suspended below the floating island .
tr	4	Above , the room he was previously standing in has been destroyed , any chance of escape via portal now impossible .
tr	4	" Alright , Rift , " Mai starts , appearing next to the boy to be certain she has his attention .
tr	4	Without a second to celebrate , three more of the ghouls slowly emerge from the rubble , their movements slow and methodical .
tr	4	The final creature has almost managed to climb from the wreckage completely , its foot caught between a pair of large rocks .
tr	4	Gradually approaching , like an old woman searching for a light switch , the monster paws at the open air blindly .
tr	4	A fleshy hand weakly clasps onto the boy 's gauntlet , the zombie slowly pulling itself toward the boy 's vulnerable throat .
tr	4	Just calm down , " she explains , dragging out the last two words as she presses her forehead to his .
tr	4	Without even realizing it , his muscles soften and he trips back to a knee , just as the creature snaps at his neck .
tr	4	The small treasure chest that was only an answer away is now revealed as the debris is lifted off of it .
tr	4	memories Sighing and shaking his head , he flips the chest over and shoves the lid open to claim his key .
tr	4	Setting a casual pace back to the central room , Rift regains his composure as Mai materializes to guide him through the area .
tr	4	The horrible cries and shrieks echo through the room between the rhythmic sucking sounds as the ghouls refill their lungs .
tr	4	Both of her hands cupping the back of her neck , she resonates a casual calm as she greets her visitor .
tr	4	" Piece of cake , " Rift shrugs , failing to generate enough confidence to sound anything short of extremely sarcastic .
tr	4	It 's with hands but not clocks , I make cords but not ropes , " she says with a mischievous smile .
tr	4	Praying Mai has the answer this time around , the boy turns his back to the ghost , closes his eyes , and waits .
tr	4	" I don 't know , Rift , " she starts , felling awful when his shoulders slouch in defeat .
tr	4	" Keys without locks , " he repeats to himself after a moment , catching the interest of the ghost behind him .
tr	4	" There 's only one left , " he laughs , not noticing how crazed the tone of his voice sounds .
tr	4	Immediately exiting the room and summoning a portal back across the vast chasm , he feels a strange sensation resonating from his right hand .
tr	4	After a time in her arms , he returns to normal , confused as to what caused his sudden episode to begin with .
tr	4	The grinding groan emanating from the darkness below refills his ears as if he is hearing it for the first time .
tr	4	His mental defenses have faltered , some vital piece of his thought process lost to the void in exchange for his continual sanity .
tr	4	Sitting with his legs crossed in his lap , the ninja 's back reclines against the small chest , his position suggesting meditation .
tr	4	" I 'm ready , " the boy breathes , unsure if he is currently sane enough to comprehend the word puzzle .
tr	4	" Another trick , " Mai assures , appearing next to the boy and staring at the spot where the specter vanished .
tr	4	Proceeding through the door reveals a mighty spire , the continual staircase rounding the walls , but broken in several sections .
tr	4	Shortly after commencing the climb , the boy requires Mai 's helping hand to cross gaps where the stone steps have collapsed .
tr	4	Finally reaching the top of the dim tower , Rift stops in his tracks when his companion suddenly calls out to him .
tr	4	Only three steps onto the platform leading through the open archway to the next room , the floor cracks apart and Mai falls through .
tr	4	" Good call , " Rift has to admit , managing not to panic when he sees her in danger this time around .
tr	4	Without hesitation , he leaps into the air , taking Mai 's hand and swinging the short distance into the next area .
tr	4	The massive dome is stained with dried blood and gore , the room illuminated just enough to see a short distance ahead .
tr	4	The center of the chamber holds exactly what the duo were hoping for , a large treasure chest standing alone .
tr	4	After strapping the armor on , he touches the symbols emblazoned upon the chest in a dark gold just beneath his clavicle .
tr	4	Expecting the entire tower to begin collapsing , the boy is pleasantly surprised as he turns to make his exit .
tr	4	Suddenly , a slow and steady scraping noise sounds from behind , like a sewer grate being drug atop a sidewalk .
tr	4	Gradually coming into view , a horrendous monster dragging an object behind it slows to a stop near the center of the platform .
tr	4	Quickly circling away from the monstrosity , the boy considers how he should attack , carefully sticking to the edges of the platform .
tr	4	The consistent scraping continues , like a sword against a grindstone until the monster reaches the spot where he first saw Rift .
tr	4	The mummy 's erratic , twitching movements fill the boy 's vision as it slowly turns to face its prey .
tr	4	Unable to focus on her pretty face , Rift 's thoughts betray him , constantly reminding he is about to be cleaved in two .
tr	4	The vibrating wire behind him slowly returns to its stationary position , the irritating sound fading away as the boy climbs off the ground .
tr	4	Struggling to return to his senses , he hears the grinding noise approaching from every direction as he fails to determine his bearings .
tr	4	Finally his senses sharpen and the ghoul has nearly reached striking range , dragging its blade and closing on the left .
tr	4	Shocked by her sudden violence , Rift grabs his cheek and prepares to protest when he realizes the sword is already arcing toward him .
tr	4	Mai demands , appearing just long enough to scoop the boy off the ground and shove him toward the door .
tr	4	Sprinting forward , he throws the door open to find the sound is outside as well , though not nearly as loud .
tr	4	Racing up the tall stairs , he is home free until he reaches the peak , finding a final ghost waiting for him .
tr	4	" You 've no reason to trust me , " the spirit declares , speaking quickly to get her point across .
tr	4	Landing upon the central pedestal amongst the sea of unlit torches , the boy expels a well-earned sigh of relief .
tr	4	Without warning , an explosion of flame ignites all of the torches simultaneously , illuminating the entire cave with orange light .
tr	4	The sun is setting , and he will not waste another moment licking his wounds so long as sages yet live .
tr	4	" I 've more pressing matters to attend to , " he grumbles , marching into the throne room without looking back .
tr	4	Having long since grown tired of his mistresses ' faces , the king of thieves only has eyes for one woman now .
tr	4	His Goddess provides everything he will ever need , and soon he will rule over all with her at his side .
tr	4	Instantly stepping into pace , a pair of guards follow Ganondorf down the endless flights of stairs , finally reaching the prison block .
tr	4	Leather restraints are fastened to his wrists as each arm is lifted outward , leaving him in a defenseless position .
tr	4	The whip cracks against his back like a blade , cutting deeply into his flesh as he groans in pain .
tr	4	Still reclining against the wall , Ganondorf makes no attempt to approach the scout , eyeing him thoughtfully as he endures the lasting pain .
tr	4	" Perhaps you need a moment to consider your position , " he shrugs , rising off the wall and exiting the room .
tr	4	With a sadistic snicker , the masked woman struts out of the shadows , coiling her instrument in her hand as she exits .
tr	4	Making his way through the darkness , he stealthily arrives at his destination , peering through a thin drainage grate of the torture room .
tr	4	I 'm taking you home , " she assures , briefly glancing around before slowly situating the boy onto her back .
tr	4	" Keep quiet , " she promptly retorts , pulling on his arms to situate him comfortably on her back .
tr	4	With that , he begins to ascend into his fortress , finally reaching the throne room with a sinister smile .
tr	4	Bursting into his chambers , he immediately begins to strap on his armor , not noticing the pair of women seated on his bed .
tr	4	" If she voices protest , dispose of her as well , " he instructs as the donning of his armor is complete .
tr	4	All thoughts of heirs and relationships are nowhere to be found , his feral mind focusing in on only one goal .
tr	4	Promptly springing to her feet , Less stares back at him with equal intensity , obviously harboring words she desperately wants to convey .
tr	4	" The castle stands defenseless , and yet you failed to take it with an army at your heels ! "
tr	4	I accept my punishment as you see fit , " she concludes , only now breaking eye contact to bow her head slightly .
tr	4	" My sister knew the cost of failure , as do I , " she starts as her emotions seep into her words .
tr	4	" To continue believing such nonsense , " he pauses , unable to find the words to communicate his distain .
tr	4	Despite the lies she was taught to believe , she is his daughter , and he feels oddly compelled to tolerate her .
tr	4	If any but I approach , kill them , " he orders , staring into her eyes a moment longer before departing .
tr	4	The base of the river , almost completely dry a short time ago , has regained a healthy flow due to the recent rain .
tr	4	Leaping into the air , he summons a glyph at his feet , launching him across the moat , and into the barrier .
tr	4	The two guards positioned on each side of the entrance climb back to their feet , thoroughly rattled by the sudden attack .
tr	4	Batting the weapon aside effortlessly , Ganondorf , steps into an open palmed strike , only touching the guards chest for the briefest instant .
tr	4	Resuming his march toward the church , he hears the guard land in the moat behind him with a loud splash .
tr	4	The exceptionally old priest hobbles into view , palming nearby objects for balance as he seeks to ascertain the meaning of the commotion .
tr	4	A gradual sigh tumbles from the old man 's lips as he sees his disguise has worn out its use .
tr	4	Realizing his opportunity , the old man grunts briefly , slapping his wrists together with his palms facing the warlock .
tr	4	A blinding light engulfs the church , shining for all of Hyrule to see as the building lights up like a beacon .
tr	4	The rows of wooden benches are annihilated in the purifying blast as the power struggle continues between the two wizards .
tr	4	Licking her lips in anticipation , Din squeezes her chosen 's form against hers within her protective orb of flame .
tr	4	The altar as well as the thick stone wall behind the holy man is decimated as his eyes reveal his defeat .
tr	4	The church evaporates in the blink of an eye , the nearby houses decimated within the brief hurricane of darkness .
tr	4	His thirst for destruction has never before been quenched , but the degree of power he just wielded is beyond his wildest imagination .
tr	4	An endless rain of wreckage tumbles down all around him , the moon shining down upon the newly formed crater with a silvery hue .
tr	4	Stumbling over to the source of the noise in a drunken state , he scoops the shimmering , yellow coin out of the dirt .
tr	4	Suddenly unable to focus on any other thought , the dark lord grips the golden trinket tightly as he marches back into the town .
tr	4	His patience all but gone already , the boy subconsciously begins to flex his knuckles , unintentionally promoting his thoughts of violence .
tr	4	Her diplomatic approach failing , Sheik produces a single needle , twirling it between her fingers as she considers her options .
tr	4	Suddenly , Mai phases into existence directly behind Rift , batting the projectile aside and glaring at the ninja with hatred .
tr	4	He has attempted to simply walk away , but if it is a fight she wants , he will certainly oblige .
tr	4	The tumbling metal erection misses by a large margin , Sheik 's reflexes far beyond anything the boy has encountered before .
tr	4	Quickly dashing to the center of the torches , Rift carefully scans his surroundings , waiting for the assassin to make her move .
tr	4	His options quickly dwindling , Rift must fight off the urge to panic as the available light shrinks smaller and smaller .
tr	4	Rift creates an illuminated path leading out of the cave , blinking between the sporadically placed light sources in short bursts .
tr	4	The graveyard is illuminated particularly well , the moon offering plenty of silvery light as it reflects upon the thin fog hugging the ground .
tr	4	Rapidly backing her against the large gravestone at the entrance , he sees his opportunity to capitalize , spinning into a devastating kick .
tr	4	Having ducked to the side , the ease with which the ninja is able to evade his attacks makes the battle seem extraordinarily one-sided .
tr	4	Sweeping the boy 's spare leg off the ground , Sheik immediately flips up onto his torso in a handstand while he tumbles horizontally .
tr	4	A brief grunt of pain is all Rift can offer , the wind knocked from his lungs in the sudden assault .
tr	4	The two chunks of rock land on either side of him with a heavy thud while the ninja lands gracefully a short distance away .
tr	4	Starting to sense the drastic advantage she possesses , Sheik decides to wear the boy down as opposed to going in for the kill .
tr	4	The direct physical interaction jars the ninja with an overwhelming influx of information , causing her to stumble to the side .
tr	4	" She is lying to you , Rift , " Sheik continues , circling the boy as he scrambles back to his feet .
tr	4	You care for her deeply , but when the time comes , she will discard you like a piece of trash . "
tr	4	The moment the final syllable passes through her lips , the ninja is rocked by a sudden punch finding her jaw .
tr	4	You only want to feel like you belong , " she explains , cut off when another furious attack commences .
tr	4	Utilizing his own momentum once again , she forces her weight backward , resulting in the both of them twirling in a circle .
tr	4	" I do know you , " Sheik assures , continuing to appeal to what is left of his contaminated soul .
tr	4	" A stirring speech , " the ninja immediately retorts , eager to offer a counter argument to Rift 's captivated ears .
tr	4	" Though he can 't understand it just yet , " she sighs , taking his right hand and lifting it toward his eyes .
tr	4	" I fight for the patron of wisdom , " Sheik announces , a golden light beginning to emanate from her form .
tr	4	" Try it , " the Goddess dares with an aggressive tone , a crazed look of fearlessness crawling into her eyes .
tr	4	Behind her back , Mai initiates a three count as the boy fails to understand the depth of her plan .
tr	4	A terrified step backward causes Rift to collide with the smooth stone behind him , and suddenly , he understands .
tr	4	A shriek of pain is instantly drowned out by the thunderous blast of electricity when the projectile finds the ninja 's back .
tr	4	Seconds later , the devastating storm subsides , and Zelda tumbles downward , falling and falling until finally landing upon a patch of grass .
tr	4	The helpless groan of a ghostly man echoes through the wind , traveling between the few gravestones that still stand .
tr	4	The unwelcome exertion weakens her body even more so than before , and the last thing Zelda hears is footsteps quickly moving away .
tr	4	Fearing the worst , he has no time to lament over the distractions he allowed to draw him away from his obligations .
tr	4	The only thing that matters now is Zelda 's safety , and should he find her harmed , he will never forgive himself .
tr	4	Charging between decimated homes , Link makes his way past the steady trickle of tumbling pebbles and into the graveyard .
tr	4	The signs of a recent battle are all too apparent as the hero dismounts his horse and scans the area .
tr	4	Random , incomprehensible gashes are carved into the mountainous walls enclosing the area , entire gravestones slashed in half by some unknown force .
tr	4	Ascending past the destroyed slab of rock at the entrance , Link glances left to discover exactly what he had hoped not to .
tr	4	Touching a hand to her cheek and leaning in close , he finds his misplaced determination when he hears her faint breathing .
tr	4	For the briefest of moments , he considered giving in to despair , but a hero has no time for such irrelevant thoughts .
tr	4	The wise old horse promptly kneels down to allow Link easier access , situating Zelda on the saddle before climbing on himself .
tr	4	The sound of hooves beating upon the stone roadways seems thunderous , the otherwise silent town void of any activity .
tr	4	Dashing through the square , the hero spots the origin of the explosion , the absurd radius of destruction reaching well into the town .
tr	4	An eccentric , young servant asks , attempting to keep pace with the human gurney whisking the Queen to the comfort of her bed .
tr	4	If she had realized sooner it was her highness ' silent suitor carrying her , she would not have bothered asking .
tr	4	" You 've really done it this time , " she sighs , scolding the unconscious woman while keeping a tone of genuine compassion .
tr	4	Piping hot towels , fresh clothes , and expensive medicine come swarming into the room as Link feels unwanted eyes upon him .
tr	4	Turning to face him in no particular hurry , Link doesn 't so much as blink as the young man steps into his face .
tr	4	A demoralizing gaze , not of hatred , but of cold necessity locks onto the younger swordsman as he too reaches for his blade .
tr	4	A sort of game played to see who will be the first to back down from the rapidly escalating situation .
tr	4	I see the Goddess ' designs , but I cannot understand , " she pauses , carefully arranging her words .
tr	4	Thoughts of violence have rarely dominated Link 's thought process , but then again , his love has never been so gravely injured .
tr	4	" With their medallions , he will open the portal to the twilight realm , and darkness will consume our land once again .
tr	4	I can 't see what lies beyond , but I know you 'll find a way to stop him . "
tr	4	It seems to be enough to put the Queen 's mind at ease as she releases Link 's hand and relaxes .
tr	4	The guard 's pathetic attempts to shoo Epona back outside fail as she turns to greet Link , knocking one of them over .
tr	4	Charging over one last sand dune , the Arbiter 's Grounds rises into view , and the nightmarish emanations do not bode well .
tr	4	A river of darkness pours from the coliseum 's open roof , staining the sky like ink being poured into the ocean .
tr	4	Tentacles of black slither out of the doors and windows of the ancient structure , spreading into the desert like a growing plague .
tr	4	With no time to lose , Link spurs his horse forward , sprinting for the entrance of the colossal prison .
tr	4	Transformed by and drawn to Ganondorf 's evil spirit , the monsters are given free rein to spread throughout the realm of light .
tr	4	Only a couple steps into the room , the hero lowers the hand shielding his face as he realizes a battle is well underway .
tr	4	Taking a second to lament , he hears a distant whoosh of air , like a whip swinging through a gust of wind .
tr	4	" I won 't ask again , " she warns , drawing another kunai from the holster on her belt .
tr	4	With pinpoint accuracy , the arrow hits the soaring knife , each of the projectiles colliding with equal force and tumbling to the ground .
tr	4	Her usually emotionless nature failing her for a moment , Less ' eyes grow wide with shock as she immediately draws a second dagger .
tr	4	Frustrated by his unexpected degree of skill , Less throws two daggers at once , knowing one of them must hit the mark .
tr	4	With an uncharacteristic squeak , Less bends over backward as the extending chain rockets past her and spears into the wall .
tr	4	The mighty punch misses the elusive boy , though the force from the attack alone is almost enough to push him back a step .
tr	4	A diagonal swing is dodged , and the following kick is batted aside as the hero plans out his optimal time to counter .
tr	4	The instant the projectile takes to travel the short distance seems like forever in her mind , and finally , it hits its mark .
tr	4	With a faint degree of remorse for the misguided thief , Link leaves her where she lies just the same .
tr	4	Dashing away from the disoriented and confused Rift , the king of thieves pays no attention to the torrent of arrows flying at him .
tr	4	The projectiles rapidly pierce the orb , but remain stuck halfway through , as if they are impaling a gigantic apple .
tr	4	Ducking behind his shield at the last moment , two of the half dozen wooden missiles hit his metal defense with a hard clang .
tr	4	With the insufferable boy lying motionless at his feet , Link sees his chance to be rid of him at long last .
tr	4	The hatred her men held in their hearts was amplified by the warlock 's magic , transforming them into shadow beasts once again .
tr	4	Why they must remain segregated from the world of light due to the actions of their malevolent ancestors in past centuries .
tr	4	Though the king of thieves would see this trait as weakness to be exploited , Mai observes it as a sort of unaltered purity .
tr	4	The hearts and minds of her subjects are too fragile , too easily corrupted to stand a chance against such potent evil .
tr	4	My sisters are just using them to , " she pauses , realizing she is beginning to speak too freely .
tr	4	Curiously moving closer , she can see her own expression reflected in the boy 's face as she squats down a safe distance away .
tr	4	It is a question she has asked herself time and again , yet the answer has seldom been the same .
tr	4	The creature shakes with rage , its bulky , humanoid body topped with a large mask concealing its entire head .
tr	4	" I 'll handle this , " Less declares , pulling a weighted kunai from the small of her back .
tr	4	Sensing the danger , the dark beast suddenly utters a terrible howl , quickly scampering down the side of the massive stone .
tr	4	Seconds later , dozens of the angry shadows climb out of the portal like ravenous insects , scouring the area for prey .
tr	4	" Follow me , " Less exclaims , plucking a special knife from a sheath on her arm and spearing it into the ground .
tr	4	" Trust me , " the boy assures , scooping an arm around her waist and leaping toward the wall .
tr	4	Tearing herself from the boy 's grasp , Less gracefully flips back onto her feet , though gravity betrayed her senses briefly .
tr	4	" What , " she starts , absolutely confused when she spots the teeming mass of black on the ground far below them .
tr	4	High atop the crumbling walls of the structure , the entire desert is visible through the blanket of black cascading outward from the grounds .
tr	4	The afternoon sun seems more like a full moon , the effect of the merging Twilight Realm causing midday to seem like midnight .
tr	4	Taking far too long to contemplate his answer , the boy studies the woman 's face before offering his reply .
tr	4	The ghostly blue hue of the dimensional window fades away seconds later , and Less is left with more questions than answers .
tr	4	They seem to communicate through inexplicable noises and gestures as they form a perimeter around the prison and prepare to move out across Hyrule .
tr	4	And I don 't like your tone either , " she points out , growing more and more stubborn all the time .
tr	4	A barely perceptible hissing quickly fades into his subconscious , the grains tumbling over each other in a slow race to the bottom .
tr	4	Two pillars stand between the boy and his goal , obviously having held up a bridge at some point in the past .
tr	4	Three brief leaps later , he has reached his destination , though the pillars expectedly crumbled and collapsed in his wake .
tr	4	A deep click sounds from somewhere in the bowels of the temple , like a key turning in a lock amplified a thousand times .
tr	4	The southeastern portion of the massive room grows noticeably brighter , the mystical , pink sand doubling its flow from that direction .
tr	4	Struggling to pull himself free only serves to hasten his descent , now seconds from plunging to certain death in the darkness awaiting him .
tr	4	Confused for the moment , he decides he is lucky to simply be alive as he climbs back to his feet .
tr	4	Mai exclaims , taking form and hugging him as she kicks a single leg up behind her in a girly cliché of affection .
tr	4	Reaching the lever , he gives it a hard pull , the result being the very same loud click as before .
tr	4	Seconds later , the torrent subsides , and Rift is left lying on his back , staring up at what was once the ground .
tr	4	" This is ridiculous , " he decides , shaking his head and failing to summon the will to move just yet .
tr	4	Formerly submerged architecture now drains slowly , the buildings and walkways hemorrhaging sand now that gravity has returned to normal .
tr	4	Glancing about the new surroundings , the boy stifles a laugh , enjoying Mai 's enthusiasm while he searches for the way forward .
tr	4	Sporadic bits of dark purple occasionally spill over edges , the recurring cycle of reversing gravity distributing sand anywhere and everywhere .
tr	4	" Cut it out , " he chuckles , shoving her to the side playfully and stepping up to the challenge .
tr	4	The second he lands , the ancient rock gives way causing Rift to fall through the floor as the stones tumble downward .
tr	4	The onslaught of snap decisions has his adrenaline pumping , each choice seeming to cause him an avalanche of new challenges .
tr	4	Constantly gaining speed he drops through the waiting window below , soaring out of the high end with ample momentum .
tr	4	Though he knows the drop will probably land him back on the other side safely , the boy still dreads the process .
tr	4	Glancing up at the roof of the gigantic room , Rift notices something he is certain was not there when he first arrived .
tr	4	After a few more seconds of calming breaths , the boy leaps downward , sliding rapidly into the swirling drain of glowing sand .
tr	4	Though nearly half of the sand has been deposited on this side , it remains a long fall to the primarily pink grains below .
tr	4	In a brief blast he plows through the thin veil concealing the room , landing harshly amongst the bouncing grains .
tr	4	" Let 's not do that again , " the boy exhales , recovering from the brief injection of fear .
tr	4	Pondering how he will even look for a way out , the boy suddenly remembers the hidden architecture of the Shadow Temple .
tr	4	Finally spotting a distant wall appropriate for a portal , he drops through the floor and out of the wall a moment later .
tr	4	Finally reaching the base of the growing pyramid , he is confused to find nothing of interest at the bottom .
tr	4	Thinking back to his initial visit to this room , he recalls the forms hanging from the ceiling he couldn 't quite make out .
tr	4	The random arrangement of stepping stones offers several paths to the top , and the fact has the boy feeling suspicious right away .
tr	4	" You wonder why I don 't want to talk to you anymore , " she mutters after landing safely this time around .
tr	4	" I wonder where it came from , " he sarcastically retorts , following her each time she lands safely .
tr	4	" Alright , this is it , " Mai starts , attempting to get her companion psyched up for the coming ordeal .
tr	4	" As soon as it starts to turn we 've got to get to the bottom before the sand does . "
tr	4	" We 've got this , " she concludes , watching the boy palm the wall beside the doorway in preparation .
tr	4	A terrifying sound of descending death closes in much more quickly than the boy would prefer as he reaches his destination .
tr	4	Moments away from soaring completely over the funnel with excessive momentum , Mai appears ahead of him on the ground .
tr	4	The absurd amount of sand lands harshly in their wake , and the Goddess vanishes while Rift falls into the mammoth , dark room .
tr	4	With no time to waste , he presses his right hand to his eye , searching for anything to slow his descent .
tr	4	The dry air whips against his face as he peers through the dark room in search of another flat surface .
tr	4	It quickly becomes obvious he will land upon a long section of stone jutting out of the wall at breakneck speeds .
tr	4	Walking aimlessly through the indiscernible area , Rift pauses when he hears the distinct sound of falling sand to his left .
tr	4	Passing through the curtain of glowing sand , the boy finds a massive cage preventing him from leaving the area .
tr	4	The sand continues to build up , and it becomes obvious he will be buried alive in a very short period of time .
tr	4	Just like them , " she reveals , prompting Rift to look beyond his new prison to the army awaiting his attempt to escape .
tr	4	The amount of sand begins to multiply exponentially as it spills over his foot , and begins to rise toward his knee .
tr	4	He cannot possibly know the grander schemes at play in the colossal game of control the Goddesses are engaged in .
tr	4	His thoughts ceased to be his own , merging with the unfathomable wonderings of a deity too abruptly for his feeble intellect to understand .
tr	4	She will hold him in her arms like a long lost mother , speaking softly while staring into his absent eyes .
tr	4	The dark , dancing colors leap and dance throughout Link 's peripheral vision as the castle walls come into view .
tr	4	Navi 's insistence to act less hastily falls upon deaf ears as the hero rushes forward , throwing all other matters to the wind .
tr	4	An arrow screams past his head , fired from some shadowy enclosure amongst the trampled buildings lining the main street .
tr	4	Dozens of the shady assassins appear from every shadow and crevice overhead , each meticulously lining up an arrow with the fearless hero .
tr	4	Quickly snatching his shield from his back , Link deflects several more arrows as he is nearly out of harm 's way .
tr	4	Unable to bat away so many arrows fired at once , Link jerks on the reigns to duck down a side alley .
tr	4	The sword-wielding women guarding the path show no signs of backing down , aggressively advancing forward as the horse bears down on them .
tr	4	Several more futile shots are fired , landing well short of their goal as the hero advances up the path to the castle .
tr	4	Gently petting the weakening animal 's head , Link shoves the arrow through so the flared tip emerges on the other side .
tr	4	The arrow to her thigh is no cause for concern , but the two in her abdomen are draining the animal 's strength rapidly .
tr	4	Failing to hear her at all , the hero continues to rock slowly with his horse 's limp head in his arms .
tr	4	Din 's presence subdued for the time being , he simply revels in his successful occupation of the castle once again .
tr	4	Endlessly entertained by her struggle , Ganondorf sips his wine once again , waiting for the inevitable battle to ensue .
tr	4	Shield in hand , Link marches forward , his drive and purpose like nothing anyone in the room has ever seen .
tr	4	Clearly intended to complement each other 's styles , one of the women dons a black robe while the other is clad in white .
tr	4	Reaching for their weapons simultaneously it becomes clear the dark lord facilitated this battle purely for sport , and the reaction it would generate .
tr	4	Mimicking Link 's signature style as best they can , they dash inward , one of them slicing high while the other swings low .
tr	4	Ducking and turning in a sudden motion , Link blocks the low strike with his forearm while the dark warrior 's cuts overhead .
tr	4	A desperate backslash skips off a golden gauntlet as the hero briefly releases his shield to catch the sides in each hand .
tr	4	Sent skipping and tumbling to the room 's perimeter , the copycat 's sword is inadvertently thrown at the moment of impact .
tr	4	Feeling no cause for concern , Ganondorf slowly rises to his feet , cracking his knuckles while tilting his neck to loosen up .
tr	4	The chains snap apart like interlinked paper clips , the dark lord 's initial offensive hardly slowing his opponent down .
tr	4	Landing with destructive force , the warlock bashes his glowing fist on the ground , a shockwave of displaced stone rocking the entire room .
tr	4	Orb after orb of dark energy swells just above his open palm before they are thrown downward , causing widespread destruction below .
tr	4	Scrambling to avoid the onslaught of projectiles , Link suddenly remembers his nemesis using a similar tactic in the past .
tr	4	Closing the distance hurriedly , Link 's sword finds nothing but air as the warlock launches himself skyward once again .
tr	4	Shaking off the pain , Link climbs to his feet to find the dark lord back on the ground , already summoning another one .
tr	4	Slipping in his grasp , the sharp metal eats into his gauntlets as the tip jumps even closer to his angry grimace .
tr	4	The visage seems to be worn like a mutated mask , not fusing with his actual features , but overtaking them just the same .
tr	4	With a smile of satisfaction , Din glances up at her chosen 's face , then steps out of view once again .
tr	4	Failing to feel the impact of the wall he collides with , the hero is unsure if he is mortally wounded or unscathed .
tr	4	Raising her palms , the Goddess lifts both Link 's sword and shield from his grasp , imbuing them with her power .
tr	4	As they are returned to his hands , he begins to emanate with the same green aura she placed upon them .
tr	4	The added protection will give him a chance , but the overwhelming power of the strike still forced him back a step .
tr	4	Rolling forward as Ganon attempts a horizontal swing , Link finds an opening , slashing at his enemy 's exposed leg .
tr	4	Another stab to the thigh prompts the demon to swing his sword blindly , unable to turn and face his assailant .
tr	4	Baffled by the demon 's decision to remain where he stands , the hero realizes his intentions far too late .
tr	4	Slowly raising his upturned palms , the beast grins crazily as his blood slowly rises off the ground and into the air .
tr	4	Even the liquid pouring from his wounds begins to ignore gravity , swirling around his form in droplets and long streams .
tr	4	Quickly burning through his glove , Link is forced to drop his shield , the attack deforming the metal to the point of uselessness .
tr	4	The arrow screams across the room , a trail of vibrant light radiating in its wake as it reaches for the demon 's soul .
tr	4	" Rift , " Zelda pleads , looking right past her charging hero to the figure standing in the doorway .
tr	4	Stopping in his tracks , Link is stunned by the unexpected turn of events , the damnable boy actually coming to Zelda 's aid .
tr	4	The final portal to the sacred realm slowly closes , and for the briefest moment , the room falls silent .
tr	4	Ganon 's blade stabs through the boy with no resistance , but unfortunately , it also stabs through the ground with no resistance .
tr	4	Fading away slowly , the translucent image of the boy is revealed as a new technique , the void offering strategies of illusion now .
tr	4	With one last choking gasp , he doubles over , then loses his balance completely , toppling onto his back .
tr	4	A rapid flurry of blade strokes are parried before the boy lands a stepping kick to the hero 's torso .
tr	4	Twisting into his signature attack , Link spins aggressively , but even so , Rift doesn 't break his stride .
tr	4	A twitch of irritation clouds Rift 's expression for only a moment before he initiates a rapid combination , landing several successive kicks .
tr	4	As Rift debates the fastest way to put her down , Zelda finally has her chance to attempt to reach him .
tr	4	Shifting his gaze over the boy finds Midna scowling down the length of a conjured arrow of shadow , radiating darkness all around her .
tr	4	More of his own accord than because of her order , Rift releases Zelda and begins to walk toward the Queen of Twilight .
tr	4	Lifting his hand , he stares deeply into the swirling glow as the indecipherable voices begin to speak to him .
tr	4	Unsure what the boy 's motives are , or what Zelda is shouting about , Midna decides enough is enough .
tr	4	The vacuum of light is too much for Midna to resist , while the dark portal immediately lays claim to Zelda .
tr	4	Several successive hooks to the body feel like torrential cannon fire , each blow forcing the air from the boy 's lungs .
tr	4	The chunk of stone smashes into the wall with a dreadful crunch , but unfortunately , it hits without Rift behind it .
tr	4	Finally locating the boy , Link begins to charge but quickly reconsiders when he sees Mai awaiting her chosen 's embrace .
tr	4	His head hanging like a marionette , the boy is clearly possessed , drifting past the throne on an uncertain path .
tr	4	Slowly coming into view , his face tilts up revealing his soulless eyes , his expression that of a calm , collected exterminator .
tr	4	Two of the distorted forms circle around to attack from the sides while the third leaps into the air to descend upon him .
tr	4	Lifting his shield overhead ends in disaster as the figure to his right reveals itself to be the real assailant .
tr	4	You feared you wouldn 't be able to protect the ones you love , though you would never admit it .
tr	4	Now that they are lost to you , tell me , is there anything left in this world to fear ? "
tr	4	Failing in every way to understand what else she could possibly want from him , the hero has no words to offer .
tr	4	" I thought so , " she grins , idly tossing him back to the center of the room like a ragdoll .
tr	4	The Hero of Time has finally met his demise , though he never imagined it would be at the hands of such an entity .
tr	4	Over and over again she plummets , quickly becoming a ghostly blur until a window of light opens directly above the grounded hero .
tr	4	Staring up in wonder , he realizes the small circle so high above must be his calling to ascend to the heavens .
tr	4	A though not his own , spoken from the depths of his mind in his own voice , though it seems distant and warped .
tr	4	" We can destroy her together , " he insists in a friendly , cavalier tone , still yet to make an appearance .
tr	4	His father 's words a distant memory , Link 's suffering presses down upon him like a thousand chains of consequence and duty .
tr	4	Consumed by the darkness , Link doubles over and thrashes where he stands while the orb of shadow spinning around him expands .
tr	4	Primarily black , the misshapen blade has traces of gold along with several swirling specks of light , spinning and weaving about the weapon .
tr	4	The moonlight shining down across all of Hyrule is blinked out of existence for the lasting moment the eruption of black requires to subside .
tr	4	The moon casts a silvery glow upon what remains of the castle 's foundation , lofted above the river and canyon bordering its perimeter .
tr	4	The only remaining article of clothing upon him is what remains of his pants , ripped apart by the transformation process .
tr	4	A leaping stab in the form of a superman punch grazes Rift 's armor as the absurdly quick attack catches Mai off guard .
tr	4	Giving him no time to recover , Mai combos into a devastating elbow to the temple before dropping back to the ground .
tr	4	Grinning with satisfaction , Mai is briefly confused when she spots a falling piece of debris , frozen in time by unknown forces .
tr	4	" I have shown you he is not pure of heart , and now you will watch him fall . "
tr	4	A sad , somber look steals over each of the Goddess , their compassion infinitely more adept than that of the Fierce Deity .
tr	4	Turning back to her opponent , Mai is surprised to see the golden glow within him not only returning , but growing exponentially brighter .
tr	4	With his sword hand reversed , but his supporting hand still orthodox , he charges up for an unstoppable attack .
tr	4	The golden particles whirling about the blade increase in number and speed , the sword glowing with light and darkness simultaneously .
tr	4	The ground beneath his feet splits and jumps apart , as a growing rumbling grows deafening just before a heart-stopping bass drop .
tr	4	While Mai debates how she will defend the coming attack , Link 's long silent lips part to speak a single word .
tr	4	Her foolishness now all too apparent , Mai sheds a preemptive tear for the unparalleled act of betrayal she is about to commit .
tr	4	The only word the boy wants to hear is the four lettered offer of assistance from the companion he trusts with his life .
tr	4	An explanation , simple in verse , but grandiose in theory and depth delivered to the mortal souls craving spiritual sustenance from their creators .
tr	4	Her chosen was a magnifying lens through which she hoped to better understand the aspirations of both good and evil creatures .
tr	4	Concepts like love and hatred blended together in her mind , both of them equally perplexing in their irrational ways .
tr	4	From his birth until his death he faced every manner of trial , both physical and mental , anyone could ever encounter .
tr	4	The Triforce has long been heralded as the pinnacle of everything a man , or even a God , should strive to achieve .
tr	4	He could not be better armed if he had he shopped a Somali Warlord 's garage sale with Ted Nugent 's credit card .
tr	4	Correcting a schedule refined over decades , all to accommodate one murderous little bastard of a child , had given Claus fits .
tr	4	If he did not place the last gift before dawn , he would be in default of the Noel Accords .
tr	4	Unfortunately for him , and fortunately for Jenny , she continued on the path of all that was good and true .
tr	4	The device sent to Secret Headquarters a real-time telemetry identifying the subject 's location , vital signs , and sphincter dilation .
tr	4	More loudly , he said , " You got , like , twenty seconds to get the heck out of here .
tr	4	He took out his own Blueberry and began to type on it with one thumb , wagging his sign with the other hand .
tr	4	He shot a glance at Goodspeed , who was being menaced by a pair of Occupy protestors who seemed intent on raping him .
tr	4	" I 'll be sure to have my wife put you on our Christmas card list , " Goodspeed said , smiling .
tr	4	He took out his new Jackson Arms revolver , gave it an affectionate pat , and returned it to his waistband .
tr	4	" Had you come in when I told you to , the unfortunate death of Ken Goodspeed might have been avoided . "
tr	4	" I thought you said those gizmos couldn 't come outta somebody 's sphinx unless they had vinegar corporations ? "
tr	4	He opened his desk drawer , removed a cardboard carton the size of a shoebox , and slid it across the desk .
tr	4	He 's due to retire , but has been provisionally assigned to us in order to complete the full term of his employment .
tr	4	I owed a favor ; the department helped me find an adorable little Siamese mix for my wife Deborah 's birthday last year . "
tr	4	He picked up the remote control on his desk and switched on the television on the rolling car behind him .
tr	4	" So that Christmas stays in our corner and Senor Ramadan and the Kwanzaa Elephant don 't get the gig . "
tr	4	" No , " said the Cursed Hand , pouting like a sixteen-year-old girl whose car keys have been taken away .
tr	4	He stuck the tip of his tongue from his mouth and very , very carefully began to wrap another unbroken vase .
tr	4	Why , one look at your present and she 'll know you 're a -- " " SON OF A BITCH ! "
tr	4	Lost and cold , they sat in the snow , staring helplessly at the sodden tree branches they had collected .
tr	4	You kill them right away so they don 't take over your planet and mess up your national monuments . "
tr	4	" From their initial creation in the 1960s as a separatist group , they have continually challenged the Noel Accords .
tr	4	" You know , Dead ... I mean , Ken , " Duke said , " you 're all right . "
tr	4	" Sir , our menu consists of at least twenty entrees and thirty sides , " said the girl , snapping her bubblegum .
tr	4	She had short blonde hair and a body that did wonderful things to her tight uniform shirt , Duke noted .
tr	4	Heavy jowls covered in three days ' worth of beard stubble hung on either side of his soft , round face .
tr	4	Fat People Who Don 't Vote for the People That I Do Are Fat and Stupid , wasn 't it ? "
tr	4	One of the occupiers had him in a headlock and another was trying either to check him for lice or give him some .
tr	4	Duke knew that look ; he had been a teenager once , and that was the look of somebody about to do mischief .
tr	4	The patrons and the hippies began hurling food , then pieces of furniture , then ingredients from behind the counter .
tr	4	A torrent of money gushed from his mouth as he fell to his hands and knees , retching his previously eaten wealth .
tr	4	Even Mikhail Bloor , busy retching up every dime he had ever earned , took the time to stare at Duke awkwardly .
tr	4	All was as it had been on countless other Christmas Eves in years past , except for two very special exceptions .
tr	4	Federal United Express and other delivery businesses had long been available to the North Pole , but Santa had steadfastly refused to use them .
tr	4	As he endured the chill resulting from his robe hanging open , his chest heaved with great , wracking sobs .
tr	4	He considered leaving a note for his mother but , given her attitude , he decided he would not bother .
tr	4	His only act of forethought and consideration had been to remove and throw away the extensive cache of pornography he kept in his room .
tr	4	If they were going to find him dead down here , the least he could do was go out with some dignity .
tr	4	Without really seeing where he was walking , he stumbled back toward his basement , opening the second package as he went .
tr	4	The box of broken cellphones erroneously sent to Chip Harris ' home address only mocked Chip 's failed tenure with the company .
tr	4	So popular had been the movie that nerds across the country had started writing dirty fan fiction about the film 's female alien stars .
tr	4	As he climbed off his portable , folding gymnasium machine , he checked the wristwatch embedded in the thick leather wristband on his wrist .
tr	4	Wearing his favorite sleeveless denim jacket , the Shadow President returned to his office in time to find the morning mail waiting for him .
tr	4	He was rich enough , and famous enough , that most of these legal maneuvers took place in his absence .
tr	4	The Avenger had been careful to cover his tracks , including never , EVER using the Internet to arrange his ... adoptions .
tr	4	The slightest noise , the most insignificant excitement or commotion , could cause his tenuous hold on life to break .
tr	4	She knew only that a package had come for the occupant of Bed 203 , and she was charged with delivering it .
tr	4	" BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK ! "
tr	4	He had tried , through a series of legal maneuvers , to ensure that it never saw the light of day .
tr	4	This made no sense to Bryce Grain , who was quite certain he would never do something so dangerous over the World Wide Web .
tr	4	* * * In a decrepit hideout in the waterfront district , the criminal known as the RPG bandit unwrapped a Christmas present .
tr	4	* * * In his secret lair , the Cursed Hand , also known as Redmond W. Terwilliger , stared down in mounting horror .
tr	4	" Strike you as funny that I should be worrying about my window treatments when the world is ending ? "
tr	4	The menorah dominated the lawn and was now overshadowed by the elaborate Christmas light displays in the lawns of his neighbors .
tr	4	I 'd be encouraging him to join the space program if we still had one and if he wasn 't evil .
tr	4	Billy had decided she and his father could live for another year , contingent on Christmas morning 's gift haul .
tr	4	It had started with the copy of No Boundaries , No Blunders his mother had received at her baby shower .
tr	4	and " Whenever you tell your child , ' no , ' you stab your inner child in the eyeball . "
tr	4	His mother and father had been so taken with the idea that their boy was special that they 'd never dared be parents .
tr	4	Part of the problem , Billy had come to understand , was that his parents were very , very educated .
tr	4	He had decided that he would push them until they had no choice but to act like parents rather than fans .
tr	4	His sister never reacted to Billy 's cruelty because she knew , deep down , that he had no desire to hurt her .
tr	4	She was his sister , after all , and he would no more harm her than he would his idiot parents .
tr	4	Claus came to personify , in Billy 's mind , all those children whose parents held them to the rules .
tr	4	When an emergency extraction team of elves had dragged the fat man unconscious from the living room , Billy thought it was all over .
tr	4	The good news is that I think I scraped off an elf that was clinging to the underside of the sleigh . "
tr	4	" Look , Ken ... I 've never said this to a partner before but ... you really helped out , man .
tr	4	screamed a flaming ninja as he ran past , setting fire to the hedges in front of Billy 's house .
tr	4	" Two , I 'm out of coal , so I 'm going to fill your stocking with tears . "
tr	4	* * * In all recorded human history , there are exactly three spankings considered sufficiently noteworthy to commit to the annals of mankind .
tr	4	" ' ... And I would 've gotten away with it , too , if it weren 't for you meddling kids ! " '
tr	4	" I had intended , " said Terwilliger , " to drive fast food chains out of business by creating a beef shortage .
tr	4	If I could prove to enough people that such food is dangerous , I could become their dietary overseer . "
tr	4	You don 't pull a sleigh around the world in one night and not kill a reindeer now and then . "
tr	4	Do you remember , Gary , all those frivolous lawsuits you filed against me when you took up law as a pre-teen ?
tr	4	By ' lay off , ' I mean ' shoot in the face and bury in a mass grave . '
tr	4	So much so that over the years , I 've had my suspicions ... but that 's water under the bridge , now .
tr	4	" Something about a man on fire running through her mother 's yard and setting the doghouse on fire , " said Claus .
tr	4	And it is in the spirit of Christmas that I ask you now to sign these papers my own elven attorneys drew up .
tr	4	It was a release , restoring Ken Goodspeed 's given name and freeing him in perpetuity from service to Secret Headquarters .
tr	4	This book may be reproduced , copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes , provided the book remains in its complete original form .
tr	4	teased James , a tall eighteen-year-old with a narrow face and pale eyes that reflected the joy of the others ' humiliation .
tr	4	" I hope I pass those qualifications , " Link sulked as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and lowered his head slightly .
tr	4	He hesitated a few paces from the desk to catch his breath and wipe the beads of sweat forming along his brow .
tr	4	The small rush of adrenaline he had felt a moment ago deflated when he saw a small wooden table with a chair .
tr	4	You will have thirty minutes to complete the test , " A soft female voice filled the rather large bare room .
tr	4	He read the first question aloud , " What is the standard punishment for not carrying a legal identification card ? "
tr	4	It hit the attacker in the head as he attempted to scramble back up , leaving him in an unconscious heap .
tr	4	" I tied them up with their shoelaces but only pulled the laces out , leaving their shoes on . "
tr	4	" Gee , that will make it a lot easier to pound them senseless on future tests , " Link smiled .
tr	4	Set up the same way as the old airport systems , teleports transported people all over the universe in the blink of an eye .
tr	4	Across the top of the security area bright red monikers flashed alerts about forbidden objects and substances , warning travelers against transporting illegal items .
tr	4	They are a cancer , a disease that threatens our way of life , our perfect society where everyone is equal . "
tr	4	He and his father reached tube twelve to see a short fat man arrive ; he could barely fit in the tube .
tr	4	The man actually had to turn sideways to squeeze out of the opening , almost ripping buttons off his suit jacket .
tr	4	The minute he cleared the doorway , a glass door sealed off the tube so the next passenger could teleport in .
tr	4	Ear splitting sirens suddenly echoed through the complex as red and yellow spinning lights rotated wildly , creating a dizzying effect .
tr	4	Colonel Pry flashed his ID to the guard who told whoever he had been speaking to that he would call them back .
tr	4	Her party should meet her by the ... , " he glanced around the security area , " main security exit . "
tr	4	" If you say ' security desk ' and they know an illegal object was coming through , they might be tipped off . "
tr	4	The guard spoke into a microphone at his desk which carried the message over the speakers stationed throughout the teleport .
tr	4	Then he spotted a man with brown hair , dressed in an old suit , heading toward the security exit .
tr	4	The crowd gasped in surprise as news of the termination reached the security check point before the man arrived at the exit .
tr	4	" That should set a good example for anyone else thinking of trying to skirt the rules , " the guard chuckled .
tr	4	The blood drained from his face as he locked eyes with the brunette while he tucked the letter into the folds of the overalls .
tr	4	He knew he should burn it but his ego , the one that needed constant feeding , kept him from destroying it .
tr	4	Almost every building in the universe had video and audio devices of some kind inside , although they might not always be active .
tr	4	He snatched it off the shelf and stuffed the letter in the middle of the book before putting it back .
tr	4	The investigators were not gentle as they scrubbed his skin raw in an effort to remove all of the evidence from his body .
tr	4	Link and James chuckled as the three moved to another section of the gym to start working on the military press .
tr	4	He obviously didn 't like that Jeff had chosen him , since they were only a few months apart in age .
tr	4	The older cadets shoved a few students aside as they tried to gain the exit , wanting to avoid being targeted by accident .
tr	4	" So , Cadet Pry , I hear you 've been making moves on my girlfriend , " Jeff stated with a twisted sneer .
tr	4	He managed to land two hard punches to Jeff 's face , splitting his lips open , before the other three seized him .
tr	4	" Took six of you , " his voice harsh in his ears , his mouth hurting as he attempted to smile .
tr	4	The tension from this possibility , and a risk of greater punishment , caused his wounds to ache and his stomach to spin .
tr	4	Once the government took control of all the major communication companies of the past , real police work began . "
tr	4	Even though he would only get to ride along in the car , it was better than trash duty or doing mindless yard work .
tr	4	The one thing the raid failed to do was use up enough time to get him out of his father 's extra chores .
tr	4	He only caught a few glimpses of a half dozen prisoners being forced , none too gently , into the holding craft .
tr	4	He had to admit he wanted nothing more than to kick Jeff 's head in for getting him in trouble .
tr	4	He retrieved the necessary tools and work gloves out of the shed and hurried up the small hill to the designated trees .
tr	4	Every few minutes a beam of light would swing from the window across the trees outside and then disappear again .
tr	4	He shot around to the front of the house and up the porch to find the front door opened a crack .
tr	4	With all his might , he landed a hard blow to the back of the head of the tall male .
tr	4	The unsuspecting man dropped like a stone , smashing the antique wooden coffee table under the weight of his fall .
tr	4	He placed a hand on the wall to regain his balance as his vision grew dark from the surge of pain clouding his sight .
tr	4	He paused a moment against a porch beam to clear the stars from his head and to get his bearings .
tr	4	This private neighborhood with its lavish houses had almost no traffic so anything out of the ordinary would broadcast its presence .
tr	4	He proceeded forward like a cat , keeping to the worn path , avoiding debris that could alert his prey .
tr	4	She found an area where the willows grew out the side of the bank and attempted to use the branches to pull herself up .
tr	4	" My letter , " he muttered , more to himself , as he lessened his tug on the girl 's arm .
tr	4	You think you can carry Liquid Light past the security dogs , before you actually make it to the tube ? "
tr	4	Running his hands along the ground and through grass and twigs , he tried to guess where the paper might have landed .
tr	4	He was about to give up when out of the corner of his eye he caught a faint flash of soft white .
tr	4	His headache momentarily forgotten as he found the letter stuck in the branches of a young pine tree about three feet off the ground .
tr	4	When he reached the shed at the back of their property , he resolved on a place to hide the letter .
tr	4	Before he reached the corner , twisted shadows stretched across the front yard , indicating the police were aware of his presence .
tr	4	He explained how he had been working in the backyard when he noticed the intruders , who must not have known he was home .
tr	4	" The broken table clocking me in the head obviously caused me to forget to tie up the first intruder .
tr	4	" Did you hear them say anything that might give us a clue as to what they were after ? "
tr	4	I only caught something about how they knew they were in the house of a Senator and a high ranking military official .
tr	4	" We will need you to take us out to the spot where you wrestled with the girl , " the officer stated .
tr	4	" It 's too dark now , and we don 't want to trample any evidence by accident , " another officer said .
tr	4	The police didn 't leave for another two hours as they looked for prints , DNA , and other forms of evidence .
tr	4	His mother had been called into a special Senate session and they went to the teleport to pick her up .
tr	4	The blood drained from her face and her eyes jumped nervously around the packed building for a way to escape .
tr	4	He avoided maintaining a constant stare or craning his neck , so as to not draw his father 's attention .
tr	4	He was found guilty of conspiracy and shipped off the planet to some hellish place , " his father stated .
tr	4	She can smell that stuff seeping out of a user 's pores two days after use , " the soldier boasted .
tr	4	A few small groups of people who worked at other warehouses in the area scattered at the sight of the soldiers .
tr	4	" Stay behind me , kid , " the soldier whispered , as they halted outside a door on the side of the building .
tr	4	The building was a maze of corridors and offices which opened into a spacious assembly line area with loading bay doors .
tr	4	They pushed the terrified girls into the center of the assembly area where about thirty people were kneeling on the floor .
tr	4	Several soldiers blocked the group and forced them back to the floor as they fired their weapons into the air .
tr	4	" M -- my b -- brother an -- and I , " the boy pointed to an older boy behind him .
tr	4	You are guilty and will receive no trial , " the sergeant stated , as he activated his microphone again .
tr	4	He tried his best to walk in a straight line , swallowing another couple of acidic , sour heaves from his stomach .
tr	4	" Remember , Cadet Pry , you can never reveal any aspect of a raid to anyone out of the Military .
tr	4	It was as if the brunette had created a digital recording just for him and set the player to loop .
tr	4	The lifeless bodies of the young boys against the warehouse and the way the desperate people tried to confess to uncommitted crimes haunted him .
tr	4	" You think you could carry Liquid Light past the security dogs , before you actually made it to the tube ? "
tr	4	Say goodbye to that gene pool , " James stated , with a twisted face as if he had just bitten into something bitter .
tr	4	If he wasn 't with his two best friends in the world , he wouldn 't have dared bring it up at all .
tr	4	" I suggest you go to the hospital wing and see the nurse after you leave here , " Link said and James laughed .
tr	4	" Well , those are the more exciting aspects of the training , but I want to be the best .
tr	4	" I mean , if we really work for the people , we should be there to help them . "
tr	4	Normally he would have been ecstatic to work alongside his father , but now it seemed as if something dark was overtaking him .
tr	4	He didn 't want to know if his father gave orders similar to those he had witnessed on his last raid .
tr	4	" Oh , so your mother returning home isn 't enough to make you happy , " his mother winked .
tr	4	" He looked like someone had kicked his puppy when he couldn 't find her on the way out , " his father laughed .
tr	4	" I 'd love to know how they determine the chemicals involved after passing through that kind of heat . "
tr	4	A few girls giggled as they passed him , but they continued on , disappointed that he failed to pay them any attention .
tr	4	He didn 't know if he was winded from his quick march or his nervousness at the possibility of the results .
tr	4	He hoped it would return Liquid Light but something in the back of his mind told him that wouldn 't be the case .
tr	4	He placed the section of the note between the two slides and tucked them in the pocket of the lab coat .
tr	4	If you would retrieve them we can get to work , " the professor ordered , as he headed toward the microscope .
tr	4	It wasn 't until after they had completed a DNA test that he discovered something not announced in the news .
tr	4	The professor handed him the checklist , and written in the corner of the already scribbled on paper was the word : Pregnant .
tr	4	" Control , " he paused for one brief moment and then continued , " of your experiments yields better results .
tr	4	Students huddled in groups of picnickers everywhere on the lawn , which spread over one hundred yards in the center of the campus .
tr	4	This was proof that the government had murdered an innocent woman and they were involved in a lie to cover it up .
tr	4	" Yes , but you can 't ... " " I already gave you my word , " Link flushed with frustration .
tr	4	" Let 's just keep this between you and me until we have more time to think about it . "
tr	4	That gives me some time to think of an excuse , or maybe I will have told him by then . "
tr	4	The problem was , his father always noticed as well , and would raze him the rest of the evening .
tr	4	" She 's trouble , " his father said , after they passed through security and before his mother 's arrival .
tr	4	His blood began to boil at the thought of his father digging up information on a girl he had shown interest in .
tr	4	She had opened his eyes to something big , but he knew he had been given a tiny glimpse , and he craved more .
tr	4	If his father had started an inquiry , every camera in the teleport would be keeping track of the girl .
tr	4	Although he wasn 't aware of surveillance equipment in their house , it didn 't mean there wasn 't any .
tr	4	When the bell rang for the end of class he crinkled up his note as if he was going to throw it away .
tr	4	He kept the small wad of paper in his hand until he headed for the bus stop where he tucked it in his pocket .
tr	4	He lay on his bed grasping this little ray of hope , when , suddenly his father burst into the room .
tr	4	" She 's not the only one , " his father said and then stormed out of the room slamming the door behind him .
tr	4	His father 's mind was twisted into believing and fighting for something that wasn 't right and was obviously wrong .
tr	4	We are joining the others at central control , " the Captain opened his door and climbed inside the hover car .
tr	4	Glass control booths ran in a semicircle along half the wall and a weapons and equipment area continuing the rest of the way .
tr	4	A squad of ten men strapped on body armor and prepared weapons around a table to the right of the platform .
tr	4	The part that shocked him the most was the way they landed in a building obviously not set up as a receiver teleport .
tr	4	Instead of a vocal response , the leader gave hand signals and the squad began advancing toward the southwest corner .
tr	4	A soldier , in the middle of the group , held up a device about the size of a smart phone .
tr	4	You couldn 't travel , purchase goods , or enter public buildings or public areas without a government issued ID card .
tr	4	" That 's the one he 's using , " he stated as his screen flashed indicating the target was next to him .
tr	4	Most of the objects in the building were shades of purple or blue as the troops continued up the hall toward the lab .
tr	4	A few of the men split up and investigated the rooms away from the office , their boots shuffling on the tiled floor .
tr	4	His legs felt like cement every time he had to step out of the way or execute the Captain 's orders .
tr	4	The men remained silent , except for the occasional whimpering of the elder scientist , as the Captain scanned their IDs .
tr	4	On the other hand , making meds to protect yourself against a biological weapon is a capital offense , " the Captain stated .
tr	4	This remark brought more tears and pleading from the older gentleman , but Professor Johnson remained calm and showed little emotion .
tr	4	Before he regained his vision , a strong sulfur smell like rotting eggs stung his nose and intense heat slammed him in the face .
tr	4	The land , as far as he could see , consisted of solid black broken rock , which felt strangely soft under his boots .
tr	4	Out of a small building twenty yards back from the mouth of the volcano came two men in military uniform .
tr	4	The Captain removed the electronic card from the top of the confiscated goods and put it back in his pocket .
tr	4	His mother , preoccupied with government affairs , paid him little attention as she worked on her computer pad during the meal .
tr	4	The final words of his science professor played over and over in his mind and he wondered if his father knew about the note .
tr	4	The girl seemed to have gotten the message because she had been absent from the teleport ever since he passed her the note .
tr	4	Somehow , deep inside , he had always known what happened there , but after seeing it , the certainty finally sank in .
tr	4	He resigned himself to the fact that he couldn 't do anything until he was old enough to move out of the house .
tr	4	Although he acted interested , he no longer trusted or believed anything that came out of his father 's mouth .
tr	4	The next day his father waited for him in the parking lot , the same lot as Captain Ants last raid .
tr	4	A voice inside his head told him this raid was going to be worse than the last , although he couldn 't fathom how .
tr	4	Watching your science professor die , the one who had helped you see the truth , would be hard to top .
tr	4	His father was interrupted momentarily when the female voice in the ear piece started giving target locations and additional details .
tr	4	Their footsteps echoed off the tunnel walls along with dripping water and the squealing of rodents fleeing at their approach .
tr	4	The people wore tattered clothes , and judging by the pungent smell of body odor , hadn 't bathed in a while .
tr	4	I 'm guessing she 's living in a more hospitable structure and she won 't be dressed like the others . "
tr	4	Right before he jumped into action , an update from another group rattled through his ear piece , nearly giving him a heart attack .
tr	4	While keeping his weapon leveled on the woman , he ran his other hand along the wall flicking on a light switch .
tr	4	He staggered back against the wall to keep upright as his heart climbed into his throat , making it difficult to breath .
tr	4	" I 've got something really big planned for you , " his father 's words paraded through his mind .
tr	4	Pouring a little in his hand he splashed it on the girl 's face in an attempt to rouse her .
tr	4	Suddenly , an elderly man burst through the door , gasping for air , with a wild look in his eyes .
tr	4	" It looks like you took a rolling pin to the head , " his father said , handing him a bottle of water .
tr	4	His legs wobbled and his head swam , but his desperation to get to the girl at the platform outweighed his discomfort .
tr	4	" I never thought I would see my son , whom I loved and trained , save a sub . "
tr	4	" You wouldn 't be the first to be swayed by a pretty face , but don 't let it ruin you . "
tr	4	" After that , I will hunt you , and when I find you , I will kill you . "
tr	4	He received his BA from Utah State University , where he majored in Business Information Systems with a minor in German .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	Despite the fact it was still early in the day , the lights hadn 't faded , they 'd simply gone out .
tr	4	The lights came on ; the population went about their business , and life continued in its normal , organised way .
tr	4	I was walking to meet my friend Benton , before work , at the hillside on the edge of my old village .
tr	4	We both knew this day was inevitable , but its arrival would take Benton to a whole new level of unhappiness .
tr	4	We 'd grown up together , and our friendship was based on a mutual understanding of what it was like to be different .
tr	4	He was the pessimist , and I was the optimist ; both challenging the other to see the world differently .
tr	4	He opened it and placed it on the ground , brushing his hands over the paper to smooth out the wrinkles .
tr	4	I admit to dreaming of a world beyond my own , a place that 's filled with new sights and sounds .
tr	4	With the use of various shades of white and grey , all the constructions blended together , combined with smooth and curving lines .
tr	4	Trans Central was one monument , all linked together to create an appearance of complete unity ; a beacon for people to aspire .
tr	4	Benton 's anger and bitterness often left me feeling gloomy , but it also made me question many of my own beliefs .
tr	4	My world hadn 't always been a structured , pretty place , at least not until ' The Change ' .
tr	4	' The Change ' saw the birth of light , education ; turning an aggressive people into an enlightened one .
tr	4	" I 've been trying to get them on all morning , but none of the computers are working . "
tr	4	Mr Clint retired shortly after I started working for the company , but Mr Tide seemed to be defying the test of time .
tr	4	" There isn 't much going on , and the computers aren 't working , so why don 't you go home ?
tr	4	I picked up my coat and bag , and began to leave when Mr Tide 's phone started to ring .
tr	4	Curious as to the mention of my name , I left the office , gently closing the door behind me .
tr	4	His position entitled him to certain benefits , one of which was a modest unit on the edge of the city border .
tr	4	Wanting to appear strong , for his sake more than mine , I wiped my tears and feigned a smile .
tr	4	He 'll try to be your friend , mislead you , but his only alliance is to the darkness . "
tr	4	He shuffled back down the bed , rested his head on the pillow , and took my hand in his .
tr	4	I didn 't understand his final words , and there wasn 't a chance to ask to whom he was referring .
tr	4	The efficient unit consisted of one sleeping cubicle , a cooking compartment , a minute cleaning booth , and a main living area .
tr	4	The walls were white and bare except for a single framed , written passage that hung on the wall in the living area .
tr	4	The mid-afternoon light poured through the small living area window flooding the room with its stark , almost clinical rays .
tr	4	I tied up a bag of rubbish and carried it to the disposal container at the rear of the property .
tr	4	I 'd often considered covering the monstrosity from view , but this was unwise considering the so-called ' importance ' of the unsightly apparatus .
tr	4	They were above the military , and beyond the reach of the government ; they were an untouchable group shrouded in even more secrecy .
tr	4	Those who have challenged the Keepers or interfered with the Trojans have been taken to correctional facilities never to be heard from again .
tr	4	Chapter Three ' The Offer ' I swung the door open with a smile , ready to welcome whoever had knocked so sturdily .
tr	4	His mustard coloured suit was crisp and immaculate , but it hung off his slender frame making the tailored outfit look slightly scruffy .
tr	4	We both stood unmoving for what felt like an eternity , but I 'm sure in reality was only a few seconds .
tr	4	This was the first time I 'd met Minister Drake in person , and I was taken aback by his daunting appearance .
tr	4	I always knew the Public Representative was tall , but I wasn 't prepared for him to be a giant .
tr	4	Overtime , I 'd learned to subdue my inventive mind and blend into society , but Minister Drake was unable to hide his differences .
tr	4	" Okay , " I said , grabbing my mug and taking a quick gulp of my own lukewarm beverage .
tr	4	Most people had learned to ignore the disturbing racket that literally caused the floor to tremble beneath their feet , but I felt different .
tr	4	One of the problems with having an active imagination is it sometimes takes you to a dark place of fear and panic .
tr	4	" They keep us safe , " my mother once told me " That 's all you need to know . "
tr	4	After less than twenty seconds , the devices deactivated , and the unit was plunged back into the previous awkward silence .
tr	4	He never said much about his work , but I 'm surprised he never mentioned knowing the Public Representative personally . "
tr	4	But there was more to his expression , I sensed a hidden agenda disguised behind an unattractive attempt at a smile .
tr	4	I couldn 't put my finger on it , but there was definitely a hint of deception behind that harmless grin .
tr	4	He 'll try to be your friend , mislead you , but his only alliance is to the darkness . '
tr	4	A glint highlighted by the lights above ; a shiny little sparkle off a device in Minister Drake 's ear .
tr	4	Tall trees stretched up high above , with branches shooting off the main body spouting leaves that created dense shrubbery above .
tr	4	I thought I was walking at a steady pace , being careful where I stepped so as not to cause too much noise .
tr	4	Two stumpy horns protruded from its flat forehead , and each of its feet consisted of three razor sharp claws .
tr	4	It looked as repulsive as I remembered , and even from a distance , I could smell its lingering stench .
tr	4	They moved in packs , searching for their next meal , and this one clearly had its taste buds set on me .
tr	4	I was moving quickly using my fright to drive my body forward , praying I wouldn 't trip and fall .
tr	4	I heard the Lag 's howl as I burst out of the shrubbery and into the bright light of the field .
tr	4	To guarantee a healthy gene pool , all families must relocate to an assigned village at least once every three cycles .
tr	4	Over the cycles , I 'd felt myself growing distant from Zeal ; a small detail she appeared to be blissfully unaware of .
tr	4	We were scheduled to be bonded in a ceremony that , by tradition , is always performed by the mother of the male .
tr	4	Now , since my mother had vanished off the face of the sphere , the bonding ceremony was postponed ; much to my delight .
tr	4	The joyous event was set to take place in one phase , and there was nothing I could do to stop it .
tr	4	Following my perplexing encounter with the Public Representative , I decided to pay a visit to my future life partner and explain the situation .
tr	4	In truth , I was hoping this enforced career change would work to my advantage , forcing the ceremony to be postponed again .
tr	4	" But this means I 'm not going to have the luxury of flitting back and forth from Trans Central to Danton .
tr	4	I 'm worried that our time together would be so limited ; it wouldn 't be fair on you or me . "
tr	4	" I know you want to be involved in every aspect of my life , but that simply wouldn 't be practical .
tr	4	In my head this all sounded perfectly reasonable ; in reality Zeal would not react in the understanding way I hoped .
tr	4	She was standing thirty paces away , gripping a lethal dagger that she waved in the air like a hunter welcoming her prey .
tr	4	Her shoulder length jet-black hair , piercing green eyes , button nose and shapely figure were certainly a pleasure to behold .
tr	4	" I hope you haven 't forgotten about our bonding ceremony , " teased Zeal , poking me with the handle of the dagger .
tr	4	" Neither can I , but it is the most beautiful dress , and it is the most important day in our lives .
tr	4	If I refused to bond with Zeal , I 'd be disgraced , banished from the village and forced to join the military .
tr	4	He came to see me and he 's offered me a job as ... " " Why would he offer you a job ?
tr	4	During my earlier experience , the failure had been isolated to a small field ; I could still see light from the surrounding areas .
tr	4	I may not have been overly fond of the girl , but I took no pleasure in seeing her this way .
tr	4	For a moment , I thought Zeal was beginning to shake again but realised the deep rumble was vibrating through the ground .
tr	4	I focused my eyes on the distant hill and could make out a large , cumbersome vehicle ploughing towards us .
tr	4	His voice matched his appearance , deep and powerful , generating instant control and demanding obedience to whomever he spoke .
tr	4	I glanced at Zeal out of the corner of my eye , but her attention was focused on Commander Tork .
tr	4	Zeal , on the other hand , was not one to accept orders easily , especially from an ' oversized male ' .
tr	4	If she weren 't careful , Zeal was going to be dragged to a correctional facility for her disrespectful behaviour .
tr	4	" Step aside , " he said with a threatening attitude , moving to push her out of the way .
tr	4	Gripping her wrist , he procured the dagger from Zeal 's grip then flung her over his shoulder and slammed her to the ground .
tr	4	I was making it up as I went along ; it was times like this I was thankful for my vivid imagination .
tr	4	" Then I suggest you return to your unit and take her with you before she gets you both into trouble . "
tr	4	Tork turned to his men ; with a simple nod of his head , the soldiers piled back into the vehicle .
tr	4	They don 't care what happens to us , as long as it doesn 't affect their perfect lives . "
tr	4	She was right , I was suspicious of the military presence in Danton , but I didn 't want to fuel Zeal 's paranoia .
tr	4	" It 's not surprising they have their secrets , Zeal , but that 's a far cry from government negligence . "
tr	4	" Look , " I said , " Whatever happened to the lights was most likely an accident beyond anyone 's control .
tr	4	" It 's not ignorance ; it 's the government deciding what we should know for our own benefit . "
tr	4	Throughout her entire outburst , I 'd noticed she 'd cleverly failed to mention that I 'd saved her from imprisonment .
tr	4	I carefully checked each room in the unit , which didn 't take long , but I found nothing out of place or missing .
tr	4	The hour had got late and all I wanted to do was lay my head down and drift off to sleep .
tr	4	I heard a cacophony of chopping , stirring and the occasional ping of a timer as she created a feast to satisfy her hunger .
tr	4	" If you want something to eat then make it yourself , " she snarled , mistaking my disbelief for hunger .
tr	4	I was taken aback by her loud , infuriating snore that seemed to vibrate through the walls and penetrate into my skull .
tr	4	It felt like my home had been invaded by a hostile force bent on spoiling my good night 's sleep .
tr	4	Add this to my jumble of unwanted thoughts ; sleep was a luxury I wasn 't going to be permitted .
tr	4	No wonder her family were keen to get her bonded , they were probably longing for an uninterrupted night 's sleep .
tr	4	Everybody is so desperate to get where they 're going as quickly as possible , they lose all regard for others .
tr	4	The dominating headline and the cause of the uncomfortable atmosphere , was the mysterious disappearance of the Trojan Devices during the night .
tr	4	I surmised that it was perhaps the mystery of their disappearance that caused concern and not the departure of the devices themselves .
tr	4	In situations like this , if I 'm unable to form an opinion , then I 'd rather say nothing at all .
tr	4	The Trojans ' disappearance , the power cuts , the military presence , my sudden job offer ; could they all be connected ?
tr	4	I felt like I had all the pieces of a jigsaw but wasn 't sure how to put them together .
tr	4	The seat next to me was quickly occupied by a stern female whose hard face and antagonistic body language scared me a little .
tr	4	" As a bonded couple , " she spouted , " we will have to do this every morning . "
tr	4	My body followed the momentum of the tram , whipping backwards and smashing the back of my head against my headrest .
tr	4	Less than a minute passed before three overzealous passengers , including the stern lady , attempted to force the doors open .
tr	4	Two loud pings blared from speakers built into the roof of the tram , and a nasally voice cracked over the public address system .
tr	4	The people onboard gasped as the tram once again began moving , but not in the direction that we expected .
tr	4	I sat in my seat , waiting for the initial rush to pass before finally making my way onto the platform .
tr	4	" Oh , erm ... Just a bit of whiplash , " It was my turn to ask a question .
tr	4	I was attempting to remain upbeat but gathering from Kron 's facial expression my comment had not gone down well .
tr	4	" But ... " He glanced at the crowd , perhaps trying to decide whether he wanted to cause a scene .
tr	4	" Oh , he won 't be happy , won 't be happy at all , " he said under his breath .
tr	4	Finding a quiet bench away from the main congregation , I took a seat and waited for an official announcement .
tr	4	These devices give an electrical charge that could bring down the largest of individuals ; a continuous blast could be lethal .
tr	4	With a sinking feeling in my stomach , I quickly followed , attempting to keep up with his rapid pace .
tr	4	In life , there are many things I want to do ; I want to paint a world famous picture .
tr	4	People would conclude I was somehow responsible for the tram 's failure ; ' The sabotage attempt was thwarted by the brave military . '
tr	4	I would live the remainder of my days in a correctional facility with hardened criminals who would bully me daily .
tr	4	Although I had no idea where I was being taken , I was relieved to be outside , away from the accusing glances .
tr	4	No attempt had been made to hide the working parts of the machine , exposing bolts , chains and cogs .
tr	4	' Technical difficulties ' was public relations jargon for , ' We don 't want to tell you the truth . '
tr	4	Before I could say anything else , the machine rumbled to life , the engine causing the metal framework to vibrate .
tr	4	The heavy vehicle pulled away with so much acceleration the velocity pinned me to the back of my cold metal seat .
tr	4	The pursuer was a slick , black vehicle with silver windows and a body that was low to the ground .
tr	4	" It 's going to get a little bumpy , " Tork warned " What do you mean ' going to ' ? "
tr	4	The entire vehicle pitched forward , and I felt the back lift off the ground then clang back onto the road .
tr	4	We tilted to the right again , and I could feel the ground beneath us change from smooth to rugged .
tr	4	I guess you could say I wanted to discover new things , provided I knew what those new things were .
tr	4	They were set out in orderly rows of hundreds , stretching into the distance as far as the eye could see .
tr	4	I held a deeply rooted fear of these devices , and this spectacle was not helping to alleviate those fears .
tr	4	Whatever problems threatened the smaller communities , we took solace in knowing that Trans Central would remain a constant symbol of hope against adversity .
tr	4	" But if you 're saying the power systems have failed in the capital that must mean something catastrophic has happened . "
tr	4	Commander Tork bundles me into a military vehicle with no reason or explanation , and transports me here in a high-speed chase .
tr	4	You show me thousands of Trojan Devices , and finish off by telling me the capital has been evacuated . "
tr	4	" I apologise for the means by which you were brought here , but I 'm afraid time is of the essence . "
tr	4	A second later the engine roared to life and it pulled away leaving a trail of dust in its wake .
tr	4	As I watched the vehicle trundle off into the distance , I became acutely aware of how alone we actually were .
tr	4	No buildings , no people , no signs of civilisation at all ; more importantly , no modes of transport out of the wasteland .
tr	4	I had two choices ; I either followed the Minister to places unknown or endeavoured to leave the region unaccompanied .
tr	4	I looked back at the Trojans assuming they had activated as normal , but the subtle vibration rapidly increased into an immense quake .
tr	4	The sound of grinding metal pierced my ears , and tons of dust was thrown into the air clouding my vision .
tr	4	Observing through squinting eyes , the two halves , that were revealing this monumental opening , slowed before clunking into place .
tr	4	I opened my eyes fully ; the remaining grit in the air stinging them and causing tears to run down my cheeks .
tr	4	I could hear the gentle hum of electricity coursing through the walls and could feel its power pulsating under foot .
tr	4	Up until this day , I hadn 't realised quite how inquisitive I was , but I couldn 't help myself .
tr	4	I hadn 't noticed initially , but the corridor was also on a slight incline taking us ever deeper underground .
tr	4	At first I thought my mind was playing tricks on me , but within seconds the door had completely faded away .
tr	4	The vast space was filled with scientists in white lab coats busily working , flitting from place to place in a cacophony of activity .
tr	4	The room was adorned with various pieces of equipment consisting of monitors , dials and buttons all accompanied by flashing lights .
tr	4	In the centre of the room was a mammoth circular silver table , its surface covered with sheets of paper , files and folders .
tr	4	Each of them had the same peculiar device in their ear that I 'd spotted on Minister Drake the previous day .
tr	4	" Our orders are to keep the peace , but we haven 't been told what 's going on . "
tr	4	The idiotically presented doctor stumbled his way over to us , bumping into people as he went , apologising each time .
tr	4	There was a familiar expression on his face that stirred a memory , but I couldn 't put my finger on it .
tr	4	Minister Drake had been vague with his explanation , and I was keen to hear the reason for her being there .
tr	4	She sat on one of the metal chairs ; her uncomfortable surroundings doing little to help her already declining disposition .
tr	4	I reminded myself that not too long ago I was the one ranting , consumed by an anger that overruled my senses .
tr	4	She would normally be embarrassed to show any weakness , but she cared enough for me to lower her defences .
tr	4	" Firstly ; I 'm not your life partner , and secondly ; I 'm only an aid , a runner .
tr	4	I couldn 't help but feel responsible for this chain of events that I 'd instigated by implying she was my life partner .
tr	4	" If that 's them , " said Zeal " Tell them , I want to speak to whoever 's in charge . "
tr	4	I walked out of the ' Guest Suite ' giving Zeal one last compassionate glance then closed the door behind me .
tr	4	I imagined it would be extremely easy to get turned around ; if I 'd been alone I could have been lost for cycles .
tr	4	The Hub was impressive , but with no character or soul , it was hardly an inspirational place to live .
tr	4	I thought summarising the details would help clear things up , but all it served to do was confuse me even more .
tr	4	Along with the hi-tech pieces of equipment , there was also a scattering of dated furniture , all of which had seen better days .
tr	4	His shoulders were hunched , his head remained bowed to the ground , and he looked under his heavy eyebrows with a vicious gaze .
tr	4	" Forgive Mr Gorn , " apologised the Minister " His social graces are somewhat ... " " Lacking , " Gorn finished .
tr	4	Considering the strange affairs currently taking place with the Trojan Devices , it made sense that a Trojan Keeper would be present .
tr	4	" I wondered if it would be possible , if it isn 't too much trouble that is , to let her go . "
tr	4	It does indeed , " he said while throwing sheets of paper in the air ; tossing books and files to one side .
tr	4	I moved to a stool next to one of the messy worktops and cleared a jumble of items stacked on its top .
tr	4	The lighting kept fading up and down , and you could hear shouting in the background but the words were indiscernible .
tr	4	We 're attempting to keep everyone contained but we 've had another one hundred people arrive from four more villages . "
tr	4	" Commander , do you think it would be possible to transfer some of the evacuees to The Hub ? "
tr	4	I want you to report to The Hub so you can coordinate military response for the outer communities from here . "
tr	4	" To be honest sir , I have so many questions I don 't even know where to start . "
tr	4	Once I tell you the truth ... well , let 's just say you can 't put the genie back in the bottle . "
tr	4	He looked at Gorn for final approval and with a simple nod of the Keeper 's head , he received it .
tr	4	" I 'm sorry sir , forgive my ignorance , but I don 't know what a ' human ' is . "
tr	4	I perched on the edge of the wooden stool in anticipation of Drake 's tale when Gorn 's voice barked from across the room .
tr	4	After months of searching they believed they 'd finally found an almost limitless power source that would guarantee us victory . "
tr	4	In one of our deepest oceans , a craft know as a submarine , was seriously damaged in an attack .
tr	4	We sent a team to investigate further and they discovered faint power readings , like nothing we 'd seen before . "
tr	4	It was two circles , one significantly larger than the other , with the smaller circle situated in the centre .
tr	4	True you had adapted to the environment developing certain abilities , but this state of never-ending night had seriously hindered your development . "
tr	4	" We gave your people the tools and knowledge , but it was your own ingenuity that created your civilisation .
tr	4	Many of your government officials , like Mr Gorn , saw us as invaders , sent here to plunder your world . "
tr	4	" We maintained our end of the deal ... but yes , many of my people were blinded by what your world offered .
tr	4	They constructed an army of weapons , a deadly armada that would be capable of wiping out my entire culture . "
tr	4	" The irony is that we gave your people the knowledge to build the very weapons that were going to destroy us .
tr	4	" Only high government officials , a few scientists , and certain high ranking military personnel can transmit the order .
tr	4	" Only one person has the code to power down the Trojan Devices , " he said in a low , menacing tone .
tr	4	I had no solution to this disaster that threatened two worlds ; what they wanted , I simply didn 't have .
tr	4	I needed answers , but before I had a chance to ask more questions , the female voice resounded around the room .
tr	4	If they 've started drawing power from The Hub , best estimate , how long do you think we have ? "
tr	4	Staring back at me were a collection of faces , but one specifically stood out , making my rocky world even more unstable .
tr	4	I replaced the picture on the desk and hastily left the lab , with the Trojan Keeper heading up the rear .
tr	4	When we arrived at the control centre Gorn found a quiet spot and remained silent ; watching events play out .
tr	4	The busy vibe I had felt upon arriving at The Hub had been replaced by a nervous urgency that coursed through the room .
tr	4	The sounds of metal clanking , and rubble tumbling echoed through the walls , and you could feel the vibrations shuddering through your body .
tr	4	The Minister swiped his hand over the glowing glass , and the door began to disappear , revealing the devastation behind .
tr	4	The smooth walls of the corridor were charred black , and the reflective floor was covered in debris from the collapsing ceiling .
tr	4	A large chunk of the ceiling had fallen on a diagonal at the far end of the passageway , blocking entry to the opening .
tr	4	" I would guess that someone planted an explosive device in the corridor ; most likely to prevent anyone from leaving The Hub .
tr	4	The pair separated , and I subtly followed after Drake , trying to remain out of earshot of others in the room .
tr	4	" Well , yes and no ... hmmm , I guess it 's time for that science lesson after all . "
tr	4	Stage two - they position themselves at key areas around the Minister 's planet , knocking out all communication systems .
tr	4	" Evacuation procedures have been implemented , but we 're still predicting human losses to be in the billions . "
tr	4	" It was vital that during stages one and three the devices didn 't fail in drawing the energy they needed .
tr	4	" You see the problem we have , is that the devices don 't have to be physically connected to anything .
tr	4	The way I see it , there are only two ways to prevent the Trojans from reaching full power and launching .
tr	4	I was genuinely concerned for the Minister , who quickly appeared to accept his plight , and flopped into a chair .
tr	4	If Drake could no longer understand me , I wouldn 't be able to tell him what I 'd discovered .
tr	4	He marched across the room towards me , grabbed my shoulders tightly , and jerked my body with each word .
tr	4	Considering the pressure in the Hub had already reached explosive proportions , I was loath to pass on more bad news .
tr	4	" And the circle starts again , " huffed Gorn as he paced back to his corner and began to open the note .
tr	4	" Oh dear , I was hoping it wouldn 't come to this , but you 've left me with no other option . "
tr	4	He was a strong and powerful soldier , and not used to be being on the receiving end of a Jolt .
tr	4	" He certainly has a lot of aggression towards Earth ... but there was something about you that didn 't sit right with me .
tr	4	He was right , except you weren 't trying to mislead just me ; you were trying to mislead everyone . "
tr	4	He attempted to stop me from getting here , which was why you were so surprised to see me when I arrived . "
tr	4	I had operatives waiting at Trans Central station , but after the city was evacuated Kron had to ... improvise .
tr	4	In order to find her , he would require the resources of The Hub , and more specifically , my knowledge and experience .
tr	4	My best option was to have him disappear ; of course my son managed to mess that one up . "
tr	4	Zeal was ready to flex her muscles ; this was what she was born for , the thrill of the fight .
tr	4	She pushed off the ground and dived on the doctor 's back with a howl , locking her arms around his neck .
tr	4	Legs flapping in the air , his back slapped onto the floor , the weapon slipping out of his grasp .
tr	4	If you thought I was going to spend another minute in that hideous room you had another think coming . "
tr	4	In response to his question , I grabbed one of the silver chairs and rolled it under the air duct .
tr	4	He climbed on the chair , pulled the grate free from the wall then clambered his way into the small opening .
tr	4	On any normal day , you would have been able to see far into the distant , but this was no normal day .
tr	4	Although the sight was as terrifying as ever , my mind was focused on one thing , input the code .
tr	4	One dream can be forgotten , two can be ignored But if there were four then six , they should never be discounted .
tr	4	I thought of Zeal , and our bonding ceremony , and for the first time that notion didn 't fill me with dread .
tr	4	The heat from the engine was increasing , and I could see his skin beginning to sear under the intense temperature .
tr	4	The access panel exposed a small control console at the base of the unit , a combination of nine buttons .
tr	4	One by one , the Trojans began to lift off the ground leaving a path of deadly flames in their wake .
tr	4	There has to be a reason only one person can deactivate them , a reason I was important enough to hide .
tr	4	" I 'm a little burnt around the edges , but I can honestly say ... I 've never felt better . "
tr	4	I looked back and sure enough standing directly in front of me , clear as the Trojans around us , was my mother .
tr	4	I wondered if I 'd lost my mind , that perhaps the stress had been too much causing me to hallucinate .
tr	4	Hearing her voice again took me back to my youth and the bedtime stories she used to read to me .
tr	4	Time is of the essence , and I don 't have long , so remember this ; there is war coming .
tr	4	The ominous warning she delivered made my stomach turn cold , and her final words caused a tear to form in my eye .
tr	4	I 'd stood outside its grand entrance and admired the beautiful round building that was the centrepiece of the capital .
tr	4	I met with more military officers than I care to count , each of them stressing the importance of secrecy .
tr	4	A few hours before Zeal and I left to return home , I was summoned to the Minister 's office .
tr	4	If there were no family members to pass the code onto , then my grandfather surely would have passed it on to someone else .
tr	4	I doubted Commander Tork had told him about the projection , so I decided to keep quiet and see where the conversation led .
tr	4	Just as there are people from my world down here , there are people from your world up there . "
tr	4	" There are a few arrangements to make , so I will contact you in the next few days . "
tr	4	" I 'm not privy to all the council 's intentions , but I imagine they wish to thank you .
tr	4	In front of each chair was a plinth roughly half a metre high with a white glass ball that appeared to float in mid-air .
tr	4	When the power failed , the people were scared , they panicked , and countless soldiers and innocent people were hurt . "
tr	4	It 's difficult to accept that everything I was taught was a lie ... " " And that makes you angry . "
tr	4	" After what you 've said , why would you be so willing to be a part of our deception ? "
tr	4	The person who used to live in this unit no longer existed ; in his place was a wiser and more watchful inhabitant .
tr	4	I was hungry but too exhausted to make food , so I remained on the sofa and closed my eyes .
tr	4	I didn 't know what awaited me in this new world , but I was looking forward to finding out .
tr	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
tr	4	My dark red skirt and black wife beater matched my black and strawberry colored shoulder length hair yours truly spun into two short pigtails .
tr	4	Do you see me with bleach blonde hair bouncing around saving drowning puppies from rivers -- I didn 't think so .
tr	4	" You know , " Mr. Show Off continued , " there 's more than one way to get you to bend over . "
tr	4	I crossed my arms as if to grab pistols in shoulder holsters and whipped out my hands in the shape of guns .
tr	4	I put my index finger up to his forehead and put my thumb down as if I 'd ' pulled the trigger . '
tr	4	You should 've seen the look on his face -- you know , before it exploded all over his friends .
tr	4	With smoke filled streets and me without a scratch , it didn 't take a genius to know who the winner was .
tr	4	I turned to walk away as one of the wounded men raised his gun and pointed it straight at my back .
tr	4	I turned around surprised as I smiled and waved high up towards the surrounding rooftops to my partner in crime .
tr	4	Atticus laid across the rooftop , embarrassed from my yell -- - he hated it when I did things like that .
tr	4	Even though he looked like a bookworm , Atticus was the most cold-blooded killer I 've ever encountered -- except for myself obviously .
tr	4	When I emerge through the other side of the cloud and open my eyes I realized how much the city lights sparkle like stars .
tr	4	I sat at the table still half asleep ; in front of me sat Atticus ' questionable stack of French toast .
tr	4	He was determined to get it right even if it killed me -- and with the ingredients he used , it probably would .
tr	4	He said they were valuable but when I had them appraised , they weren 't worth more than the metal used to make them .
tr	4	" That 's why our contractor agreed to let us use any means necessary to get the job done . "
tr	4	Even though for decades the military has made it illegal to own a car , that doesn 't mean Mother Nature has forgiven us .
tr	4	Atticus kept his hand on my shoulder in a half-assed attempt to hold me back from killing all of them at once .
tr	4	" What 's the name of the hotel we 're looking for , " I asked to help change the topic .
tr	4	Said it made them trust him more or something -- I du n no , I wasn 't paying attention .
tr	4	I slid out my freshly shaved leg around the corner and it didn 't take long for Zohar to spot it .
tr	4	Just my luck , out of all the bounty hunters in whole town , I get the guy who plays for the other team .
tr	4	" Going somewhere , " I asked , " Well then , here 's a little going away present . "
tr	4	He peeked back around the corner only to see bursts of gunfire light up inside the cloud of dark smoke .
tr	4	All they could see was the color red as I flew inside and dropped their lifeless bodies to the ground .
tr	4	He unleashed fire into the smoky hallway hoping it 'd take me out along with his remaining men -- just the casualties of war .
tr	4	Atticus tried to fire off a few rounds but Marco held him back with hundreds of bullets spitting out at Atticus 's hiding spot .
tr	4	The coat tore to shreds and the fire extinguisher blew up sending Macro 's head through the wall behind him .
tr	4	Atticus held up the box of chocolates to let them know it wasn 't the six pizzas ' they 'd ordered .
tr	4	All he could hear was the sound of my laughter faintly echoing off the walls as Atticus and I disappeared into the shadows .
tr	4	Buildings shook until they toppled over , people screamed and ran for their lives like chickens with their heads cut off .
tr	4	I kicked dirt in his face and walked away -- - no way was I letting him off that easy .
tr	4	When I found him he was a bum working a dead-end job that he hated more than his overpriced apartment .
tr	4	Booze allowed him to open up and one night in a bar I found he had the gift for violence .
tr	4	I 'm not talking the kind of violence where you bruise someone 's cheek and then complain about your broken hand for a month .
tr	4	To me , it felt like I was some gold digger window-shopping at Tiffany 's , I just had to have him .
tr	4	To put the icing on the cake Atticus never asks about my past and I didn 't care about his .
tr	4	I could feel the heat waves pass over me , laughing at us like this was their sick idea of a joke .
tr	4	They don 't allow open weapons running around their city so you have to smuggle them inside your baggage or pay off the police .
tr	4	The job was so simple it 'd only take a few hours anyways and that 's if I did it by myself .
tr	4	Since we got there a day early we had all day to relax -- even legends like me needed a vacation once in awhile .
tr	4	As we crested the top of a hill to the front of our hotel we were hit with a cool breeze .
tr	4	A shiver shot up my spine as I sunk down my moonlit grave to the bottom of the ocean floor .
tr	4	I looked down to the item I had scooped up and saw a silver bracelet with something red in the middle .
tr	4	I woke up to find the sunlight had shot through a gap in my curtains and landed on my face .
tr	4	I shifted my body out of the light and muttered in a sleepy tone , " Go away sun . "
tr	4	Even though he hated the sand , Atticus agreed at dinner that we could spend half the day at the beach .
tr	4	After our light continental breakfast we left the hotel and passed by an outside jewelry store on our way to the beach .
tr	4	He threw his arms about searching for something solid to grab as I dragged him through the sand into the ocean by his ankle .
tr	4	The people around us watched in fright as a young skinny girl attempted to playfully drown her older muscular male friend .
tr	4	Finally I let go of him and he sped off back to the blanket as if a shark were right behind him .
tr	4	He started waving his arms around and yelling from the shore at me as I stayed in the water laughing .
tr	4	Chapter Four : King Without A Crown Ever look at someone and just want to punch them in the face ?
tr	4	He was the kind of guy who 'd sell his whole family if it mean saving his own skin for an extra day .
tr	4	I quickly found out that his padded body didn 't improve his ability to hop over walls and dodge behind corners .
tr	4	He and his traveling loonies seemed to follow us around like a bad cold you couldn 't get rid of .
tr	4	He stepped in front of me and unleashed his blinding white smile -- one day I 'll make a necklace out of those teeth .
tr	4	He put his hand up like a hall monitor and spoke loud enough so that everyone minding their own business could hear ours .
tr	4	Physical dominance had never been a problem with Micah , but like his brother , derangement ran in the family .
tr	4	Because of that scratch , Micah had a constant reminder of the only man skilled enough to be considered a worthy opponent .
tr	4	He kept up the appearance of having quite a bit of money but the sad fact was he was worse off than me .
tr	4	It 's only natural to have a group of fans that want nothing more in life then to be an exact clone of me .
tr	4	Ariel who documented all my adventures -- and as far as she was concerned , I 've never lost a battle .
tr	4	They followed me around like an entourage of midgets and I 'd be lying if I said my ego didn 't secretly enjoy it .
tr	4	But lately I 'd been working hard and the last thing I needed was to be inside a hot apartment all day babysitting .
tr	4	But even if I did like Atticus in that way there was no way I 'd ever let him know about it .
tr	4	She 's new and didn 't know any better , but hell if I was going to let her get off that easy .
tr	4	The other Little 's crowded behind me giving so much sign language to Ezra you 'd thought she was deaf .
tr	4	Frozen in shock , Ezra muttered , " I love you , " and was already across the street before the boy could reply .
tr	4	It was their mission to find , obtain and retrieve back the oranges to me before lunch which gave them two hours .
tr	4	Didn 't take them long to spot it ; the problem was that the tree was fenced in and on private property .
tr	4	He tried cleaning it off on his shirt and after a failed attempt , shrugged and put it in his bag .
tr	4	With big playful eyes , he squeezed the orange a few times more in his mouth if to do nothing but taunt Ezra .
tr	4	Did I mention I promised the girls a secret mystery prize for the one to bring me back the orange first ?
tr	4	If they didn 't return with the orange , they run the risk of being the only ones to get disqualified .
tr	4	She handed me her half peeled and eaten orange and sat next to Ariel and took off her gas mask .
tr	4	The ' X ' was still on the half of the orange that wasn 't eaten , so I counted it .
tr	4	" The winner of the mystery prize goes to Ariel who brought me the orange only ten minutes after the contest started . "
tr	4	" How about we go find Atticus and have him treat us all to some well deserved ice cream ? "
tr	4	At the end of the weekend I waved goodbye to the Little 's as I watched them walk back home .
tr	4	" Best get some rest ... and a shower " Atticus wobbled then fell to the ground and passed out .
tr	4	Coral and reefs had covered the massive wreck from its time under the ocean -- a battleship sunk during war .
tr	4	The ocean had long dried up and left the titanic ship stranded in what was now a vast wasteland of sand and rock .
tr	4	When I called out to him , he put both arms up in the air and then vanished -- fallen overboard off the side .
tr	4	But I didn 't just wake up anywhere , I woke up in a place I didn 't remember falling asleep .
tr	4	He used any chance he got to escape me by staring off and letting his mind wonder to who knows where .
tr	4	" Well we 're suppose to be looking out for pirates , so I guess that means we suck at our job . "
tr	4	" Maybe if they hear of a man overboard they 'll come to rescue you -- I mean him . "
tr	4	" Ha-ha , isn 't it time for you to stuff your face with food , like every other hour of the day ? "
tr	4	In the last couple month 's pirates had been seizing ships , stealing the goods and selling them on the black market .
tr	4	Five days in a row of throwing up wasn 't very menacing -- - but at least I was keeping a slim figure .
tr	4	Gas mask , knife , canister holsters and canisters -- I think I 'm actually fully prepared for a change .
tr	4	I turned on my dark side and tried to kick open the door ; it didn 't work but I didn 't care .
tr	4	I heard the jingle of the pirates as they moved up through the ship zapping crew unconscious with a taser .
tr	4	Aw , where you guys going , " I shouted muffled through my mask , " the buried treasure is this way . "
tr	4	Just like in the action movies I jumped off the ledge after them and Mary Poppins ' it down onto their ship .
tr	4	I tossed them a couple Second Sun 's each but it didn 't slow them down from getting within arms distance .
tr	4	The pirate boat sailed away from our tanker and my smoke screen went away with it revealing two bleeding pirates at my feet .
tr	4	Five crew left and one was already tucked in for the night -- and here I was forgetting to tell him a bedside story .
tr	4	I figured that one of these guys had to be driving the ship and I worked my way cautiously towards the stern .
tr	4	" Worse wet t-shirt contest ever boys , I 'm the only participant and the judges look like a bunch of dead men . "
tr	4	That 's right , flood your tiny brains with anger so you can 't think straight and I buy more time untying myself .
tr	4	One of the pukes leans in close to my face and gave me a look like he wanted to bite my nose off .
tr	4	I hit one over the head and the other lied down and put his hands up -- some scourge of the seven seas .
tr	4	My stomach growled and I knew it was telling me I could explore all I wanted after I slid some food down my throat .
tr	4	Before I knew it I got a hot plate of lobster sitting in front of me making my mouth water .
tr	4	Confident that Atticus had it under control back on the tanker , I decided to treat this adventure as my own personal vacation .
tr	4	Atticus was tied off over the side of the ship in a way that kept his hands free to hold his sniper rifle .
tr	4	Atticus looked down at the ocean beneath him and took a long calm exhale -- - most likely cursing my name .
tr	4	The smoke began to fill up the deck and that 's when I did the most stupid and coolest thing in my life .
tr	4	As I swiftly drifted down towards my unsuspecting prey I remembered my dream of falling off the side of the ship .
tr	4	With the smoke screen doing it 's thing , no one knew where the knife slicing pirates came from before it was too late .
tr	4	A few of their bullets grazed the ropes holding him over the water and the rope slowly started to unravel .
tr	4	I rolled backwards just in time as everyone got out of the way and the antenna crashed down taking out one or two pirates .
tr	4	Most of the crew spread out into the ships cabins and control room leaving our Jack Sparrow wannabe with a few chosen guards .
tr	4	I had to think fast and this time the Second Sun canisters weren 't going to do much with the sun already out .
tr	4	The group chuckled -- - I guess THAT was a pirate 's version of funny joke -- I wasn 't amused .
tr	4	Before I knew it I was unarmed and tied -- I really needed to stop getting tied up by pirates .
tr	4	If there 's one thing I 've learned in all my time it 's that you never mess with a crazy person .
tr	4	Before he made up his mind the pirates already started dragging me back to their ship like a bunch of cavemen .
tr	4	The last thing he wanted was to stay in the water and see what kind of friends he 'd attract .
tr	4	They dangled me over the water as if to say , ' Play nice or we will drop you . '
tr	4	Anything would be better than being humiliated like this for another minute even if it was swimming with the sharks .
tr	4	Captain Osiris let the boys take me below deck to their homemade jail cell to keep a closer eye on me .
tr	4	Because of their unaware generosity , this did two things for me ; buy me more time and untie my restraints .
tr	4	I 'd just have to wait for Atticus who took his sweet ass time to come save the princess in distress .
tr	4	The pirate was so obsessed with gambling that he 'd sell his grandmother if he thought she was worth any monetary value .
tr	4	Because I was holding his hands , his only option was to cry out in pain and drop to the floor .
tr	4	I pulled my coat tighter around me and began to walk next to Atticus to the side of the boat .
tr	4	He handed Atticus a cup and made his way to the next group who let out a yell of cheer as he approached .
tr	4	The crew rushed to their posts and braced for impact as our wood ship cracked in half like a twig .
tr	4	A note left on his door read , ' Welcome back , I 'm gone till the end of the week .
tr	4	Ayla was the owner of the place and hadn 't hired any additional help since the place was dead most of the week .
tr	4	I 've met Ayla before and she didn 't tickle my fancy but what did I know , I wasn 't a horny pig .
tr	4	Then , as if someone shot a starter pistol , they drank their shots and raced to the middle glass .
tr	4	By the time Ayla finished her first two and went for the middle , Atticus had turned over the empty middle glass .
tr	4	To her Atticus led an exciting life like the kind she had read in her books as a young girl .
tr	4	I was surprised she could stay awake because having Atticus tell you a story was about as fun as watching paint dry .
tr	4	Hello 's were great but goodbye 's always made her feel sad because there 's a chance she may never see that person again .
tr	4	He walked back to our place and began to prep dinner replaying the event over in his head adjusting the parts that needed fixing .
tr	4	When I had left Atticus that afternoon I went straight to my favorite ice cream spot to pick up an instant sugar rush .
tr	4	Besides , I had better things to waste my time on then this kid -- until he ruined my day .
tr	4	I used the little girls room and when I got back there were flowers on my table with a note -- HIS note .
tr	4	After eating and without touching the gift , I paid for my meal and got the hell out of there .
tr	4	Their museums were the best around but like I 'd ever step foot in a place with overpriced coloring books framed on the wall .
tr	4	Everyone walked down the street while live bands set up and played music along the road to entertain you as you walked .
tr	4	Violins started playing a melody I 've heard before but couldn 't quite remember and the whole room paired up .
tr	4	I walked away and heard words come out his mouth I never wanted to hear , " Goodbye , my love . "
tr	4	She told me about her golden years working in the E.R. and how the men use to think she was quite the catch .
tr	4	By the next morning my leg was feeling fine enough to walk on and I felt I had wasted enough of her time .
tr	4	" I 'm sure your ghost would 've came back to haunt me , " he said with his eyes in a book .
tr	4	Atticus and I had snatched a bounty from some goons who cut off our escape so we took refuge in a ratty old house .
tr	4	Long story short , her family wanted her back and I wanted to be the one to cash the check .
tr	4	Being a prepared little Girl Scout , I just happened to have a few grenades on me with extra gunpowder crammed inside .
tr	4	While Atticus tried to hold them off with suppressive gunfire , I tied some string and looped the grenades around the support beams .
tr	4	She came from a well to do family that kept her so sheltered that getting kidnapped was on par with going to Disneyland .
tr	4	I 'd bet anything the brats ' weekly allowance could pay my rent let alone a hundred of those dinners .
tr	4	on the off chance someone would reply , " Yeah , it 's over there being peed on by my dog . "
tr	4	I can 't have a mother and her child wandering about the streets after some catastrophic event like that ! "
tr	4	I felt if I walked around it might come back to me so I walked up to Alita and towered over her .
tr	4	Alita , who 'd just finished putting on her tube turned around and asked , " What 's up ? "
tr	4	Then , for some reason I couldn 't explain I pushed Alita over , grabbed her by her foot and walked towards the water .
tr	4	" I hope you get a concussion so that it 's my turn NOT to go look for you ! "
tr	4	" You 're lucky I didn 't gut you like a fish and leave you for the seagull 's back there ! "
tr	4	I think he crapped his pants cause he didn 't say a word back -- like a good little boy .
tr	4	I had already ducked to the ground and wondered how well the door would stand up to a grenade blast .
tr	4	Later that night Atticus walked back through the door , but there was something wrong ; Alita was still with him .
tr	4	" Atticus , why don 't you explain , in GREAT detail , this plan you made without me . "
tr	4	The music felt like an old friend inviting me in for a drink and who was I to say no ?
tr	4	The music was fast and made me believe my feet had a mind of their own -- that was , until she came onstage .
tr	4	It was as if she had given us a gift and we had no other way to thank her than to applaud for more .
tr	4	I rushed through my morning routine and out the door at ten minutes past -- a new record if I do say so myself .
tr	4	" Please tell me she 's pregnant and that the father is some sort of blind deformed alien zombie from hell . "
tr	4	One being a bag of stuff and the other was a gallon jug of water -- I made Alita carry both .
tr	4	By the time we got to the deck the sun was setting but that was all in my master plan .
tr	4	Oh well , sometimes you just have to kick them when they 're down , otherwise they 'll stand back up .
tr	4	Alita clenched the smoke canister so tight in her hand I saw the whites of her knuckles in the moonlight .
tr	4	I held in my laughter as she kicked open the door and the jug of water drenched down on top her .
tr	4	Paintings older than your grandma , furniture older than your grandpa and so much money you could smell it through the walls .
tr	4	I spotted an assortment of treats lying on the table and hadn 't eaten lunch so I decided this was a good alternative .
tr	4	" Bullets , guns , grenades , hotel rooms , food , travel expenses -- any of this ringing a bell ?
tr	4	If you want my minute you have to pay for it and the more you make me wait the more it costs .
tr	4	Rule number one , when dealing with people like me : Never let bounty hunters know how much cash you can afford .
tr	4	That night , after saying goodnight to her father , Alita opened the window and snuck out of the house leaving a ransom note .
tr	4	I think the part about me being the only one able to track her down in less than a week helped .
tr	4	I didn 't know where she ran off to but wherever it was , it wasn 't within arms length .
tr	4	If I ever run into that little troll again , I think I 'll let my knife give her a nice hug .
tr	4	Thanks to Atticus , we arrived to the train station late only to overhear lowlife 's giving some guy a hard time .
tr	4	They were loud , yelling at him to take his wad of cash and go home before a bullet made friends with his brain .
tr	4	That night I ' accidently ' bumped into the guy 's room and told him I had mistaken it for mine .
tr	4	" Don 't worry slick , next time I 'll fix YOU up in the sexy dress and let you seduce the target . "
tr	4	It wasn 't his normal laugh -- more like a ' whatever the hot girl says is funny ' type of laugh .
tr	4	The kind of laugh that if it were a actual person you 'd wan na punch it in the face .
tr	4	My cheeks hurt from forcing a smile , something my face wasn 't use to doing but at least he paid for our meal .
tr	4	The guy 's breath smelled like eggs as he sat and ate his breakfast -- glad he sat so close , NOT .
tr	4	The only thing stopping me from putting him in a coma was that big wad of cash he had locked away inside his pocket .
tr	4	I 'm a pretty good judge of character and I can 't imagine you any more evil than a puppy . "
tr	4	As I walked in , I watched through the bathroom mirror as he stashed his money in the safe and left it open .
tr	4	I made Atticus tuck it away under his mattress before going to the bar otherwise I would have been in trouble .
tr	4	With my back to the bed , I stuffed the loot in my bra and walked over towards the door .
tr	4	I waited for one of the nightly security guards to pass by the hall before I slid open the door .
tr	4	A hot sting in my right arm and the trailing smoke of his gun -- - the idiot shot me !
tr	4	I walked closer to him as he tightened his finger around the trigger -- - my eyes locked on his .
tr	4	With my good arm I pulled his head close to my mouth and whispered in his ear , " Better hold on fucker . "
tr	4	And I kicked the string , which pulled the pins and ripped half of the wheels off of the caboose .
tr	4	After the caboose lost it 's wheels , it tipped to one side and slowly began to roll over as we crossed the bridge .
tr	4	I let go of the side and grabbed onto his ankle as the caboose tipped over the side of the bridge .
tr	4	Both of us plummeted to our watery grave with the caboose , spinning like a wheel one over the other .
tr	5	The boy fell to his knees on the sharp stones of the road and flung the grass aside , shaking so badly he could hardly breathe .
tr	5	By her calculations , eight hours had gone by since they left the vibrant garden city of Cochabamba , climbing higher and higher into the clouds .
tr	5	She left the country for four months to try to get things together , and when she came back she was teaching literacy classes to Quechua women .
tr	5	Noah asked the kids to come up and stand at his side , one by one , to tell him what they were afraid of .
tr	5	She had never heard anyone refer to someone who died as " the missing " before in Quechua , but maybe it was a regional idiom .
tr	5	Ishmael Khan , recruiter from the Prism and Alejo 's handler , would be pacing the floor in his mansion until he heard the soldiers were dead .
tr	5	With bronze skin , wavy black hair , and perfect Pashto , Alejo never had problems passing as a Pakistani on his many trips to the country .
tr	5	The three of them would walk through this entire maze of a city , get to the Khan 's house , and report a successful mission .
tr	5	Feeling sick and angry , Alejo collected the two weapons and the gilded Arabic book and stuffed them in his black suitcase in the corner .
tr	5	It was time to plan the next job after Pakistan , something that called from Alejo 's native Bolivia and refused to be laid to rest .
tr	5	Benjamin always respected him ; they had been friends for years , since they were both recruited into the Prism together while getting masters degrees in London .
tr	5	Noah 's eyes were friendly and clueless , and he probably wouldn 't be able to tell if someone was flirting with him to save his life .
tr	5	But she hadn 't had a beer in five years , and if there ever was a time for it , it might be now .
tr	5	She already felt the effects of the alcohol as the rum with Coke went down , but all in all , she felt pretty good .
tr	5	" I just thought , I mean , you knew we were gay and you were so nice to us and no one ever is so ? "
tr	5	The quiet continued as Noah sat down a comfortable distance away on the bench , and stared off towards the stone pillars at the plaza 's center .
tr	5	But sitting here watching Noah , she could tell that he still cared for her as a friend , even though she 'd totally humiliated herself .
tr	5	He stood up and held out his arms to steady her , just as nausea surged and the night began to spin around in circles .
tr	5	" But it 's just not right for me to stay where I am , " Alejo told Stalin , " if I 'm not a Muslim .
tr	5	The picture shoved under the door of his house in Bolivia , a bunch of little kids arriving home from school in uniforms and overstuffed backpacks .
tr	5	" Ishmael , " Alejo nodded at his boss , who , eerily , was impeccably dressed even at this ungodly hour of the morning .
tr	5	Ishmael Khan was a philanthropist , giving away a lot of his wealth to build hospitals and schools here in Pakistan as well as in Bolivia .
tr	5	Eventually the Hummer left the peaks and jolted across a stony field where the rutted tracks were barely visible in the weak light of dawn .
tr	5	Gabriel waited his turn at the trickle of water and began to focus his mind on Allah as he washed all the parts required by the Prophet .
tr	5	Gabriel decided to deposit all this cash in the bank , one of the many banks close to the apartment where he had an account .
tr	5	Though modestly covered , the girls ' huge dark eyes were exposed and Gabriel could tell they must be young , maybe about his age .
tr	5	Still praying , he ducked past a street vendor and a sizzling vat of curry into a winding alleyway , already shadowy in the approaching night .
tr	5	He barely registered the shadowy shapes of three men who had suddenly surged from behind into his peripheral vision , then came the flash of adrenaline .
tr	5	He knew that there were only around two hundred rupees in his wallet , a paltry sum , enough to buy some potato chips and a Coke .
tr	5	He was in a dirty room filled with IVs , a few cots , and a chess board on a little table , pieces paused mid-game .
tr	5	And you have such a good friend , this man who flew here all the way from the Americas when he heard what happened . "
tr	5	" It 's good to be back , " she muttered , heading towards the room she always reserved at the back of the hotel .
tr	5	And near the tinkling fountain , a group of women in dark Islamic robes stood quietly , passing out pieces of paper to anyone interested .
tr	5	" Well , " Tobin said cheerfully in his lovely accent , " we 've been planning this for quite a while , right guys ?
tr	5	They were really not happy their son had decided to study social work and come to one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere .
tr	5	Could it really just be a coincidence that she and Noah had both showed up here , at the same place , at the same time ?
tr	5	" He 's not trying to tell you to go spend the rest of your redeemed life as a Taliban fighter or something , right ? "
tr	5	The two of them now sat at one of the caf 's small tables , leisurely spreading jam and margarine onto fresh bread from the corner store .
tr	5	" Call me with any news , " Alejo instructed half-way out the door , then turned back to snatch another brownie off the table .
tr	5	The group had just finished a discussion called " Ethical Questions Related to Justice " and were now lounging around debating and munching granola bars for breakfast .
tr	5	If Noah were home in Ohio , he would probably be sprawled on the couch in sweats , watching American Idol reruns and eating Doritos .
tr	5	Noah smiled to himself , wiped his sticky fingers on the sides of his shorts , then got up and followed the guys to the truck .
tr	5	" Oh my gosh , yeah , " Tobin said , practically yelling to be heard over the noise created by speeding over the uneven road .
tr	5	The pickup slowed down even more as they rounded a curve in the gravel and came across a girl walking along the edge of the road .
tr	5	he asked her , casually balancing one of his arms on the side of the truck close to her back in case they hit a bump .
tr	5	Noah slid down onto an empty bench right in her path , feet planted on the ground , really hoping she wouldn 't be angry .
tr	5	She was telling all this to the velvet pattern on the back of the seat , terrified to look at Noah and see his disgust .
tr	5	She 'd spent so long trying not to think about it , pretending she was the kind of person who would never act this way .
tr	5	It was one thing to not punish her for her sins , and quite another to still like her , to want to spend time with her .
tr	5	Then he slid his arm from her shoulder and scooted back to his own seat , fist tightly closed around something in his left hand .
tr	5	She had to see if she could get up , because Noah had been right beside her , and he had to be right beside her still .
tr	5	Gabriel hadn 't wanted any tell-tale signs left over that the accident hadn 't really been accidental , and so had moved in to check the scene .
tr	5	Some of the others , William and Marco , drew up next to Gabriel , laughing too loudly , and snickering something to the guys behind them .
tr	5	The person rolled over , moaning , and a head with long tresses turned to one side , revealing a white face streaked with blood .
tr	5	She thrashed one way and then the other , then flew up to a sitting position with a loud gasp and yelled , " Noah ! "
tr	5	Gabriel was staring at Alejo slack-jawed as the rest of the guys gave up and whirled around to head towards their tents , muttering bitterly .
tr	5	He removed his hand from her mouth , then scooped her up and carried her , kicking and struggling , towards his rumpled sleeping bag .
tr	5	He tried to keep his tone calm , because the usual way he barked out orders was probably not going to make this girl stop kicking .
tr	5	She slit her eyes open and searched his face , as if wanting to believe him , then gave up and curled back up in a ball .
tr	5	SHE HAD TO BE , because how else could she keep breathing , how else could she even think , when Noah might be dead .
tr	5	She was sprawled on a sleeping bag in some tent , captured by some dangerous guys who had probably made her bus crash and killed Noah .
tr	5	The thought crossed her mind that she could just get up and walk out of here , but she was sure they would catch her .
tr	5	In the real world , girls like her didn 't survive bus crashes and get dragged off by a bunch of crazy guys as their prisoner .
tr	5	He let the hair fall back over his ear and they both sat there , smiling , enjoying the moment of feeling like naughty missionaries .
tr	5	The thought occurred to her that there must be a ton of Bolivian girls in love with this guy , and it almost made her laugh .
tr	5	She slit her eyes open as she heard him padding towards the door , saw that he was leaving in khaki cargo pants and bare feet .
tr	5	Her attention span suddenly fizzled and she weakly crawled back to the sleeping bag , not quite sure what this new revelation meant for her .
tr	5	The entire family in the picture was gathered around a square table with a canary yellow tablecloth , eating sundaes in tall , frosty glasses .
tr	5	It occurred to her that maybe snapping at him about how she was feeling wouldn 't be the best way to keep this guy from killing her .
tr	5	A skinny , good-looking kid with dark hair had an arm around her , wearing a red soccer jersey , grinning at whoever was snapping the picture .
tr	5	In fact , one of Bolivia 's former presidents had foreseen something similar when he commented , " Bolivia is going to be the next Afghanistan . "
tr	5	She remembered the web page Noah had found that day in the coffee shop , the one about Islam being the only hope for Latin America .
tr	5	He asked if she needed the bathroom or food , but she didn 't even acknowledge him , still curled up under the sleeping bag .
tr	5	" Just a second , " she said , stopping in the middle of the forest and beginning to peel off her soaked shoes and socks .
tr	5	A shallow , rushing stream cut its way through a dirt patch of the forest just ahead , tripping over small stones in its path .
tr	5	He snapped his long fingers , and then whirled back to continue off to some point in the banana plants where they would be waiting .
tr	5	Obviously deciding not to mention the feet again , Stalin wordlessly took her backpack and motioned for her to follow them back to the camp .
tr	5	She really had to focus on keeping her feet under her as Alejo marched her along , then pushed her through the door of the tent .
tr	5	Her vision swam as she took in the familiar figures of Stalin and Gabriel , along with two new faces watching them from just inside the tent .
tr	5	He was wearing the same kind of Irish cap he had always worn , along with a casual sweater , jeans , and hiking boots .
tr	5	She was still pinned against Benjamin , eyes barely slit open , for the first time ever not trying to figure out what language everyone was speaking .
tr	5	Against her closed eyes , she saw again the scene in the clearing of the camp , Alejo 's face as he swung at her in rage .
tr	5	" I won 't be able to tell if your nose if broken until the swelling goes down , " Alejo said , still maddeningly calm .
tr	5	Alejo pulled the lid off a ballpoint pen with his teeth , scribbled something in the notebook , and flipped the pen and notebook back towards Boris .
tr	5	She unceremoniously dumped a pile of clothes on the desk , posed again , then scoffed and stalked away when Alejo didn 't even look at her .
tr	5	Alexis had been so kind as to donate a pair of gray jogging pants that had sparkly pink lips on the rear and said Diva .
tr	5	She stared at his outstretched hand as if it were a poisonous millipede and he staggered back , nearly tripping on the cart 's metal wheel .
tr	5	They wouldn 't be a problem now , though , because the things had to be activated at close range by whoever was going to track him .
tr	5	" Not only that , " Alejo 's voice was strained , " but when I left the organization , I put your lives in danger .
tr	5	Now Alejo leaned back into his chair , hating the looks on their faces , hating that he was the one who had caused all this .
tr	5	Alejo opened his mouth to speak as Pablo abruptly pushed one of the wrought-iron chairs across the concrete with his foot , causing a high-pitched scraping sound .
tr	5	I haven 't seen them in years , and now I show up and tell them they have to leave the only country they 've ever known .
tr	5	" Well , " Alejo clipped , stomach tight , " as you can see , everything is so much better than you imagined . "
tr	5	" Dad , " Alejo said with a sigh , " there 's nothing I can do to make this reunion a happy one for you . "
tr	5	She met his eyes sadly , shattering him with a million memories of blanket forts under the dining room table and licking popsicles on the front porch .
tr	5	Finally , she flipped herself over on the lumpy bed to face Alejo , still visible in the dim light of the small bedside lamp .
tr	5	He was hunched over on the edge of the other bed , wearing the same gray t-shirt and cargo pants , head in his hands .
tr	5	He took his time , swinging his legs over to the other side of the bed so he could face her , eyes flickering back and forth .
tr	5	" Anyway , believing what I do about Jesus and finding that out meant it was just a matter of time til I left the Prism .
tr	5	He loved to come over to my house because we had cable and a big yard , and he lived in a little house with one room .
tr	5	" When I was thirteen , " Alejo said in a strangled voice , " Ruben told me that Salazar had been abusing him for three years .
tr	5	A long pause and then , in a more composed voice , " One month later , Ruben ended up in a ditch , dead . "
tr	5	He scrubbed both fists across his eyes , then swung his legs over the side of the bed , sitting up to look at her .
tr	5	His mouth snapped shut , and he got up quickly and paced to the other bed , lowering himself down cross-legged on top of the unmade covers .
tr	5	Why am I here with Alejo , instead of letting the U.S. Embassy pick me up and take care of me until I know about Noah ?
tr	5	Her eyes were closed , and she felt her breathing slow , suddenly so relaxed she felt almost one with the sagging mattress underneath her .
tr	5	Alejo started to hand her the key , saw her face , and then lowered his eyes , stuffing the key into the pocket of his hoodie .
tr	5	The driver sealed the window shut with a soft hiss , and then slowly pulled across the grass to leave them closer to the heart doors .
tr	5	He watched her , sitting there on the horrible bed in this place he 'd brought her to , playing with a silver ring on her finger .
tr	5	Always before , when Alejo killed , he had been sure the man who died was scum and deserved whatever he had coming to him .
tr	5	" So much time lost , " Pablo continued , " and now I don 't even know what will happen , what you ? "
tr	5	" Yep , I 've been a Muslim since I was eighteen , " Alejo confirmed dryly , wondering where his father was going with this .
tr	5	Alejo had shivered , staring at the back of his father 's head as he walked towards the metal door that led back downstairs and disappeared .
tr	5	Realizing it wasn 't there , she dove back for the bed , crawled over it , and grabbed the phone vibrating across the nightstand .
tr	5	The odds were against that , however ; there really wasn 't a good chance a call in the middle of the night would bring good news .
tr	5	Alejo exhaled as her entire body crumpled and sank back into the sheets , seemingly buried in the mass of fluffy pillows and thick satin bedspread .
tr	5	Alejo had said something about the Prism finding them , so they would need to try to sneak into the house where the funeral would be held .
tr	5	As she moved to go into the main living area , a huge , arched room painted in bold colors , rough fingers brushed her arm .
tr	5	" He said that he didn 't want to just casually date someone , but that when he started a relationship he wanted it to be serious .
tr	5	But Noah would always say that he thought maybe God wanted him to be single , since God hadn 't brought the right girl along yet .
tr	5	He told me that his parents always fought like cats and dogs , and that they never loved each other a day in their lives . "
tr	5	Surely she didn 't look fit to be at a funeral , much less to be the girlfriend of their precious son from a wealthy family .
tr	5	One was a blond boy , about six years old , wearing a Star Wars t-shirt and grinning at the camera while missing both front teeth .
tr	5	The woman dissolved into tears again and her husband put one hand stiffly on her arm , obviously embarrassed by how his wife was carrying on .
tr	5	You don 't know me , but my name is Hector Villanueva and I 'm a volunteer with the SAR search and rescue team . "
tr	5	" You 've been standing up too long , " he told her in Spanish , and then the grim line of his mouth softened .
tr	5	Of course from here she could still hear everything that was said , but at least she wouldn 't be the one to translate it .
tr	5	The other two missing bodies were not found until yesterday around six p.m. , when the volunteers were just about to go home for the day .
tr	5	She started a song she knew by the band Mercy Me , that began talking about how everyone says " you " are in a better place .
tr	5	It didn 't seem realistic to imagine Noah just punching him in the shoulder with a , Hey man , don 't worry about it .
tr	5	Alejo realized that the phone was ringing somewhere in the house , one of those annoying , electric sounds that beeped through the air in waves .
tr	5	If you don 't come out with the girl and come with me , he 'll have to take the guys ' parents out . "
tr	5	The phone receiver crashed to the floor as he raced to the stairs and leaped down them , skidding at the bottom and sprinting towards the door .
tr	5	Gabriel cleared his throat and jerked the steering wheel to the right , leading them along a less traveled road towards the outskirts of town .
tr	5	" Well , I can 't just accept what others tell me about religion , because I 'm responsible to God for what I do .
tr	5	Alejo 's head buzzed , and his throat tightened as he turned to stare at the cows and tall white grass whizzing by outside the van .
tr	5	They didn 't see our faces , so after a few more days we 'll let them go and they 'll chalk it up to armed robbery .
tr	5	Benjamin had latched the gate behind them , and he and Stalin stared solemnly at the truck as it drove slowly across the manicured lawn .
tr	5	Alejo 's visions of gaining the advantage through his fighting skills died down as he saw what Benjamin and Stalin gripped casually by their sides .
tr	5	Something that sounded like rusting metal scraped painfully across both of the doors , and then a crack of daylight breached the darkened interior of the truck .
tr	5	Lifting his chin , Gabriel turned his back on her and stomped back to the door of the truck , causing the whole vehicle to sway .
tr	5	" Stalin has been trying to tell me that this was a case of youthful indiscretion , that you were attracted to this girl ? "
tr	5	Five tan , modern-looking stories rose out of an adobe house neighborhood , and the truck had stopped right in front of the main entrance .
tr	5	He was lying nearly motionless on the other bed in the hospital room , chest faintly rising and falling under a matching pale blue blanket .
tr	5	A thick ream of gauze was plastered around his head , covering the wound where the doctors claimed the bullet had narrowly missed his brain .
tr	5	Stay with him tonight in the extra bed in the room ; if he 's going to pull through we should know by the morning . "
tr	5	How could she tell them what had happened , that the son they had just found as a killer had been shot and could die ?
tr	5	" The bullet didn 't enter his brain , " the doctor said , speaking loudly over the frantic beep of Alejo 's heart rate .
tr	5	And then the grin faded and Alejo hunched farther over , as if just now feeling the pain traveling down the nerve pathways from his head .
tr	5	Considering the loss of sight and that delirious talk , I 'm going to have the lab come up and do some more tests right away . "
tr	5	His stomach was full of butterflies with razor wings and his hands tingled as he sat at the table near the large picture window in the kitchen .
tr	5	The morning was silent , except for the sound of a few song birds flitting around the coral and white flowering trees in the neighborhood .
tr	5	He carried his dishes over to the sink , where later they would be washed by someone the Khan hired to keep this place up .
tr	5	All the rooms of the huge house were absolutely silent , and the slapping of Gabriel 's bare feet across the shiny black tiles echoed loud .
tr	5	In the corner of the room , boxes of explosives and electronics were scattered , like a kids ' Legos dumped out onto the tiles .
tr	5	With deliberation , Gabriel unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the floor , feeling the chill of the morning air on his bare chest .
tr	5	Alejo fumbled with his fork at his plate , then froze and snatched the remote off his lap , stabbing buttons to turn up the volume .
tr	5	" There have been reports of an explosion , followed by these images of fiery destruction you are now seeing at the Hotel Diplomat . "
tr	5	While we will have to wait for a final count , there is sure to be a great number of lives lost in this tragedy .
tr	5	" We are just receiving word that we have confirmation of the identities of two of the men who were killed in the Hotel Diplomat this afternoon .
tr	5	He had refused to say anything else about the Hotel Diplomat , but the way his jaw was set announced that the news wasn 't good .
tr	5	The two just stood there , nodding and grinning as if there were nothing strange about a man getting his sight back by the power of God .
tr	5	" We 're going to get you into some clothes like ours , so we won 't stand out on our little trip away from here . "
tr	5	" You look like a nice couple of working class folk , headed home after a long day at the market , " the tall guy said .
tr	5	For thirty minutes they rode out of the city , then turned off the main road to follow a rugged path cut through a cornfield .
tr	5	Alejo pulled up next to them and turned the key , leaving the four of them in the shadows of the tree , in silence .
tr	5	He sobered a little at the sight of her pinched face , as if just now realizing she might possibly be scared half to death .
tr	5	The reason you 're here is because I have a job offer for you , which I 'll tell you about when you 're ready .
tr	5	From the little I know , you , " he jerked a thumb in Alejo 's direction , " are in a lot of trouble .
tr	5	The older man flipped on a light , revealing an office with blond wood walls and multiple low bookcases painted a very ugly burnt orange .
tr	5	Immediately , the computer whirled and came to life , showing a background with a gray generic Windows drawing and two small rows of icons .
tr	5	The young man stood in front of the flag in a black woolen sailor 's cap , wearing the explosive vest in a very matter-of-fact fashion .
tr	5	When he finished , he looked into the camera almost curiously and said , " First I would like to send a message to my parents .
tr	5	Gabriel quoted a verse from the Quran , in Spanish : " Allah has bought from the believers their lives and their money in exchange for Paradise .
tr	5	For that , I offer my life now in jihad , against the injustices of the world and against the unrighteousness in my own heart .
tr	5	His limbs felt like lead and his heart torn to pieces , but he forced himself to sit up on the edge of the bed and breathe .
tr	5	Leaving the bathroom , Alejo could hear the soft clink of silverware coming from the kitchen , around the corner from the end of the hall .
tr	5	Sandal was wearing a tight red sweat suit that no one over twenty-five should be caught dead in , covered in jewels and large silver letters .
tr	5	I assume you like strong coffee , " he said in an even tone , then placed a platter covered with tinfoil in front of Alejo .
tr	5	She speared Alejo with her bleary gaze , about to speak when Rupert dumped two pancakes on Alejo 's plate and clapped him on the shoulder .
tr	5	He lowered himself with a grunt onto the grass under the tangled mass of vines , and Alejo followed him , sitting cross-legged on the cool ground .
tr	5	Another perk of working with him -- along with the fact that he had dreams of the future and seemed to hear directly from God .
tr	5	Even if you find out later I don 't meet your requirements to work in CI , I think I really need to stay here .
tr	5	" It 's really not that complicated , Alejo , " he continued slowly , as if explaining something to a small , particularly dull child .
tr	5	That morning , he had cooked up one pile with fresh raspberries and cream , and the other with bittersweet chocolate and dulce de leche .
tr	5	But it seemed obvious that God wanted her here , and honestly , she didn 't have the strength at the moment to spend hours analyzing why .
tr	5	Day Number Four was the day she had sat in Rupert 's office and told him she would go on a trip to learn more about CI .
tr	5	Rupert stood behind Alejo 's swivel chair , and his teeth flashed in a grin under his bushy mustache as he punched Alejo in the shoulder .
tr	5	Her laptop was open next to her on the couch and she was alone in the living room , listening to the sound of Noah 's voice .
tr	5	Maybe you can call sometime , just , you know , to make sure that none of the bad guys have hauled me away . "
tr	5	Since he had come back to Rupert 's farm , Alejo had been busy studying the Bible with Rupert and doing odd jobs around the property .
tr	5	In only three more weeks , he would see her face-to-face , and they would take a trip together to decide if they would work with CI .
tr	5	It was also fascinating , given the fact that Stalin believed he already knew everything about God and had said he would rather have his carnal pleasures .
tr	5	There really was no hurry ; in Spain , no one went to bed before midnight , and at the moment it was just after seven .
tr	5	Something about the store drew Stalin towards its rugged stone steps like a piece of lint up the funnel of a vacuum cleaner , but he hesitated .
tr	5	He hurriedly licked all the way around the cold cone , then each finger one by one , glancing around guiltily to see if anyone was watching .
tr	5	It was a small bookstore , with white wooden shelves filled with different titles lining the walls and a small section for music and t-shirts .
tr	5	Puzzled , he moved on to the next rows of books and saw several covers featuring blown-up photos of people with white smiles with flashy clothes .
tr	5	Seeing the guy safely reading , paying no attention to Stalin soiling his store and cussing , Stalin turned back to the books , pretty confused .
tr	5	They may not have been the most exciting reading in the world , but he remembered a plethora of thick volumes about theology and Christian thought .
tr	5	Now he did swear , albeit under his breath , then jerked his head up as he heard a soft chuckle , coming from nearby .
tr	5	My daddy has written three books , and he has a whole room for a library with all kinds of fat books about everything you can imagine .
tr	5	Sami 's eyes cleared enough to realize that he was encircled by uniformed police bearing the thick Plexiglas shields that were synonymous with riot control .
tr	5	They formed a writhing barrier between him and the crowd , an ominous warning to anyone who tried to capture the scene on a cell phone camera .
tr	5	Sami 's ankles were also chained together , as they had often been in the four months he had spent in the maximum security prison .
tr	5	At the moment , whether his dead body would be laid in the ground facing Mecca or not was the last thing on Sami 's mind .
tr	5	Sami 's heart surged within him and he stared at her , taking in the last beauty he would ever see in this place called earth .
tr	5	Urgent hands still held him down , kneeling , and Sami realized he was facing the crowd , saw that Ava was looking up towards heaven .
tr	5	She let her eyes run over the battered case , balanced on the ancient stump like an offering , then carefully opened the dented clasps .
tr	5	She blinked hard against the memory of Alejo 's first connecting with her face , the sudden gravity as she spun into the dirt and collapsed .
tr	5	A little panicked , her gaze flitted around her little sanctuary of trees , the cedar bench that had been there as long as she could remember .
tr	5	I hope you never have to get in a fight , but I feel better knowing you 're learning some tricks to keep up your sleeve . "
tr	5	There was no way she could escape his weight , and his steely grip on her elbows tightened painfully if she even attempted to move .
tr	5	We had started up a steep snow face well before dawn and after day break , the skies looked clear and the winds were light .
tr	5	I hadn 't worked on my conditioning as well as I should have prior to the climb and the higher elevations were really wearing me out .
tr	5	As he moved , I paid out the rope , holding him in case he lost his footing and slipped off the edge of the cliff .
tr	5	Hand over hand , I reached for anything that I could grab , each time , double checking that Isaac was taking up the slack .
tr	5	A minute later , as my hands were giving out , I made my final step onto the snow slope where I fell forward and rested .
tr	5	I looked back and watched my deep footprints vanish in a moments blink as the heavy wall of snow obliterated any signs of my existence .
tr	5	The problem was that I 'd have to straddle the corner with one leg on the blocky face and the other on the face of the Diamond .
tr	5	Out of breath , out of strength and out of my mind , I jump backward and dropped to the snow slope next to Isaac .
tr	5	Moving on instinct alone , I rolled onto my stomach and dug my frozen hands into the deep snow as I planted my boots in below me .
tr	5	Like a malevolent entity , the snow raged over the top of him again , threatening him , punishing him for his presence on the mountain .
tr	5	I remember the look of relief in Isaac 's eyes as I stepped beside him , barely making it past the next avalanche in series .
tr	5	With each swipe of her hand , she expertly snatched the tiny white targets out of midair , then released them back to the world safely .
tr	5	Like the stride of a gazelle , he bounded across the front lawn with amazing speed and agility , his adrenaline pumping at full capacity .
tr	5	Knowing this was their only hope of survival , Trae crawled to the front door and tried to wrap his fingers around the lower corner .
tr	5	Instantly , a roar of bullets unleashed a swath of destruction across the front of the house , breaking windows and knocking shingles from the siding .
tr	5	Flowing placidly south into the city , the river touched the edge of civilization , then abruptly changed course and headed north , past Signal Mountain .
tr	5	Sitting patiently on an elevated boulder , a young boy hung his makeshift fishing pole over the water in an attempt to catch his breakfast .
tr	5	A light , gentle breeze blew across the valley of high plains grasses , carrying with it the fragrance of fresh cut hay and wildflowers .
tr	5	Inside the city limits , at the sharpest bend in the river , a small force of Confederates guarded the main dock and prepared to unload supplies .
tr	5	In the morning sun , under the direction of the regimental captain , the men formed a human chain that led from boat to horse-drawn wagons .
tr	5	At the rear entrance , a young man helped load heavy sacks and other supplies into a waiting wagon to be delivered to a local resident .
tr	5	Feeling somewhat detached from the Confederates ' impending doom , they obeyed their orders and indifferently aimed the deadly weapons at the center of the field .
tr	5	The previous day , June 6th , Dr. Jeb Morgan prepared one of the supply wagons as a makeshift operating table in preparation for the impending battle .
tr	5	As he rode up through the rolling terrain , the trees and vegetation became less dense , allowing him to catch glimpses of the city .
tr	5	Within arm 's reach , he placed his instruments first ; a basin and canteen of water next ; then cotton batting and other bandages last .
tr	5	He was offered a tent for accommodation , but declined special privilege , electing to ' rough it ' under a cannon instead of putting others out .
tr	5	A selfless man , he figured the boys that were fighting and dying should at least be granted the small pleasure of the comfort of a tent .
tr	5	In groups of three , one loaded the powder and wadding , one loaded the shell or heavy ball , and the third lit the charge .
tr	5	The shell tore through his uniform , flesh and ribcage , instantly killing him even before the shell 's internal mechanisms sensed the pressure of impact .
tr	5	As the hot pieces of metal tore through his body , it severed his extremities , as well as buried molten metal into his own chest .
tr	5	As other shells exploded into and around the stunned , helpless soldiers , the same gory results affected the devastating loss of the entire company .
tr	5	As the Union sharpshooters unleashed their hail of shot , balls of lead sailed through the air with an awful shrill , telegraphing their intentions .
tr	5	Not only was the Confederate encampment targeted : loading docks on the river , telegraph offices , livery stables and blacksmith shops were also targeted .
tr	5	Within seconds of the first discharge from the Union rifles and cannons , another round quickly sounded , followed by a third and fourth volley .
tr	5	Just as with the Confederates , the Union soldiers now were on the defensive , and scrambled for a moment , regrouping into a smaller fighting force .
tr	5	As the fragments deflected and ricocheted off objects human and metallic , their destruction was devastating , in all , killing and maiming nine Union soldiers .
tr	5	The repositioned cannons came to life as their muzzles spewed fire , smoke , and metallic death , the recoil sending them reeling backward against their restraints .
tr	5	Still at the bank of the river , he found two large boulders to hide behind , giving him safe cover during the violent exchange .
tr	5	The lead ball mushroomed and shattered his skull , propelling bone , brain and blood down the front of his tattered clothes and into the river .
tr	5	As bullets passed over his head , he heard their whistle , and for a moment forgot about his injury as a sense of self-preservation overtook him .
tr	5	Corporal Fletcher , in his grave state , choked and coughed as the water entered his mouth , causing him to cry out in pain once more .
tr	5	Corporal Fletcher could almost feel the young boy 's despair as he irrationally waited in vain for a higher power to answer his dying prayer .
tr	5	As the corporal 's world went black , he slipped into unconsciousness , having brought some measure of relief to the poor dying boy beside him .
tr	5	At first Dr. Morgan thought it might be cannon echoes reverberating off the mountains , but as the sound persisted , he recognized the distinctive repetitive sound .
tr	5	Standing in their clean white smocks stood Dr. Morgan , assistant surgeon George Fowler , Pvt. Douglas , who had been resting earlier , and Pvt. Cleveland .
tr	5	Looking at the gruesome sight , Asst. Fowler watched as Dr. Morgan placed the mechanical tourniquet just above the knee and over the femoral artery .
tr	5	Starting at the top surface of the leg , Dr. Morgan began the amputation as he explained the procedure to Asst. Fowler while he operated .
tr	5	If they were going to be of service to the young men risking their lives for their country , they both would need some much deserved rest .
tr	5	" Doctor , we have a gunshot victim with an entry and exit wound between the seventh and eighth rib , entry through the abdomen .
tr	5	Triage has intubated her and already infused 2 liters of plasma , " replied surgical resident Kerry Stadler , as he too scrubbed in for emergency surgery .
tr	5	As he rushed to the patient 's side , Dr. Warner 's eyes widen in disbelief as he realized the age of the tiny victim .
tr	5	" I just lost her pulse , " nurse Edwards cried out as the cardiac monitor sounded the unmistakable tone of ' flat line ' .
tr	5	" Would you agree that the bullet entered the abdomen , broke the rib and continued through the spleen , pancreas and out the kidney ? "
tr	5	With his gown soaked in blood and his gloves dripping a red path behind him , he made his way down the corridor toward the elevator .
tr	5	As she stared at the bloody footprints that seemed to vanish through the elevator doors , she caught a slight movement with her peripheral vision .
tr	5	Ignoring the fact that he had not pressed a floor to descend to , he felt any place but the OR was a good place .
tr	5	Standing behind the patient , dressed in uniform with their bloody smocks still fastened to them , several military doctors stood proudly for the photo .
tr	5	As his eyes took in the sight before him , his mind struggled to make sense of the scene beyond the doors of the elevator .
tr	5	There , several yards away , he watched as a man dressed in a blue military uniform stood over another man laying on a wooden gurney .
tr	5	He thought it strange that he ended up at the ground floor , as he had not pushed any of the buttons on the panel .
tr	5	The light , balmy breeze was still blowing in his face , and the strange odor , now foul and offensive , still penetrated his nostrils .
tr	5	He heard screams of agony and realized that the sounds he 'd been hearing were not thunder after all , but were in fact artillery explosions .
tr	5	With a quick look over David 's shoulder , then back to his patient on the wooden wagon , the doctor refocused on his duty .
tr	5	I am a very skilled practitioner and feel I can be of real use here , " David finished , hoping he hadn 't overplayed his abilities .
tr	5	My assistants mean well but are bumbling country boys , if you understand my inference , " the old doctor said as he winked at David .
tr	5	As the assistants laid the next patient on the wooden wagon , David could see the agony of the young soldier and immediately began his assessment .
tr	5	David determined that with careful cleaning and repair , the leg could be saved , although without antibiotics , the post treatment would be problematic .
tr	5	The large bore bullet has indeed left a great deal of trauma to the calf , but I believe I can save the leg . "
tr	5	After a proper cleaning , I can repair the muscle , veins and arteries , but will need a strong cleansing solution and freshly boiled water .
tr	5	I believe he will have some degree of infection , but the chance of gangrene is much lower than you might think , " David replied .
tr	5	He knew the old doctor was losing his patience , and with that lost , he too was losing what little credibility he might have had .
tr	5	I 'm going to make an incision through the back of the calf to inspect and then repair any damage I might find , " David started .
tr	5	Once again , David did his best to rinse and clean the wound with the salted water solution , and then sterilize it with the distilled alcohol .
tr	5	It was habit , I guess , from following my mom ( not that my mom has a big butt , she doesn 't ) .
tr	5	A towel disguise wouldn 't be the smartest thing to run in , I know , but ... well , at least I wouldn 't stand out .
tr	5	CHAPTER 2 Running down the Hill I followed a woman that looked a lot like my mom ( smaller butt , long brown hair ) .
tr	5	It felt just like something was chasing us , but when I looked back all I saw was the red wall of that strange place .
tr	5	Her nametag said ' Mabel Jackson ' and I glanced down at my own chest to see that somehow I had a stick-on nametag , too .
tr	5	There was a loud mechanical grumble below them in the underbrush as well as a hoarse voice , definitely human , rasping : " Gotcha ! "
tr	5	Last March , when this unbelievable adventure had begun ... Chapter 2 March Missy had been doing her favorite thing : watching reruns and eating chips .
tr	5	She had friends back home but it wasn 't home anymore since her mom and she had moved from the nice warm south to this cooler state .
tr	5	Your dad didn 't get to know him because your grandfather had had a big fight with him a long time ago and they quit speaking . "
tr	5	It was always too far and we couldn 't afford the trip , but now it 's just a four or five hour drive away .
tr	5	Missy was hypnotized by the sight and soon fell asleep , her head bobbing forward until her mother applied the brakes and slowed the car to exit .
tr	5	They had no trouble finding Gunther Road or the next six turns but they both agreed that it was taking too long and they were hungry .
tr	5	Since they hadn 't seen any other cars for the last ten minutes they simply stopped and ate their sandwiches in the car with the engine running .
tr	5	There was a huge porch across the entire front with two large porch swings to the right and the left of the double front doors .
tr	5	Her mother motioned for her to follow and said , " He probably lives in the cabin during the winter and closes the lodge . "
tr	5	She kept her eyes straight ahead and was surprised to see that the lodge and all of the cabins were facing a beautiful little lake .
tr	5	Missy was half expecting an old Santa Claus or else a gruff old Scrooge type but what she noticed first was a big grinning smile .
tr	5	His teeth were white and probably false but the smile was so genuine and happy that she couldn 't help but grin back at him .
tr	5	Kevin walked straight to the bottom of the stairs and opened a small , three-foot high door to a small space under the stairs and landing .
tr	5	A little light went on automatically , like opening the refrigerator , and there was a string to pull to switch on another brighter light bulb .
tr	5	He didn 't open the first room they came to but instead walked to the end of the hall and opened the second to the last door .
tr	5	She ran up the first flight and a half and stopped at the second landing to see if she could find where the light was coming through .
tr	5	" This is a good time to explore , " he said , " because it 's about a hundred degrees up here in the summer . "
tr	5	There was a packet of papers tied with a string , a small metal box full of medals , an old photo album and some yellowed newspapers .
tr	5	She liked Kevin and he seemed to be easy to get along with even though a few times he acted like he knew more than she did .
tr	5	The head media specialist helped her search the Internet and they found a site that offered a book of instructions on how to construct your own .
tr	5	" He 's been having some trouble breathing but the doctor said not to worry , it was the stress of opening for another season .
tr	5	I 've already talked to Mrs. Jackson , Kevin 's mom , on the phone and you are to check in with her throughout the day .
tr	5	Kevin jumped off the end of the wooden footboard of the twin bed he had been perched on and motioned for them to follow him .
tr	5	He seemed as excited as Kevin to show her the tree fort elevator so the three of them left the two mothers and went outside .
tr	5	He showed her how to press the bark platform back into its hiding place then waved as he hurried around the lodge to the beach .
tr	5	It would be a neat place to spy on visitors , she had thought the first time she had driven by with her mother last March .
tr	5	It was a quaint resort on a small lake and boasted a large lodge , several smaller cabins and lots of fun things to do .
tr	5	Kevin 's parents ran the lodge as employees of Mr. Stark 's and Kevin earned spending money by selling snacks and drinks on the beach .
tr	5	Missy had made several friends this summer , but after a week or two their vacations were over and they would go back to their homes .
tr	5	It was weird to think of him being her age , but it was an interesting change to just knowing him through her mom 's wedding photos .
tr	5	She skirted around it and stopped where the cigarette had landed and started pouring the water on the small fire that had started in the dry leaves .
tr	5	Out on the lake Ricky was holding onto the canoe , which was now floating upright , while Lonnie was retrieving the paddles from the shoreline .
tr	5	Kevin rolled his eyes at Missy and said , " Man , would I be in trouble if I lied to my parents like that . "
tr	5	They 're such jerks that they 'd probably love to ruin the ancient drawings that are down there , once they find out about them . "
tr	5	They slowed down every time the trail took a sharp turn , but otherwise they kept a pretty fast pace with Kevin in the lead .
tr	5	Kevin slowed down before they reached the open area and he and Missy ducked down behind a big boulder that was wedged between two large oak trees .
tr	5	" Well , well , well , " Lonnie said , " if it isn 't little Mr. Jackson , son of big Mr. Jackson .
tr	5	Whatever the reason , the mother bear was slowly and surely heading for Big Pine Lodge as if she were a regular guest with a standing reservation .
tr	5	Missy and Kevin stood like statues listening to the two jerks above them struggle to drag a rusty old wood stove over the trap door .
tr	5	Now that our eyes have adjusted to the dark maybe we can see the glow of their lighters and know which tunnel they took . "
tr	5	There were two other ways out up through Mount Rocky , as they called that high hill , but that would mean a longer walk home .
tr	5	Missy held one arm out in front of herself , her fingertips brushing against Kevin 's back , and her other hand against the stone walls .
tr	5	As soon as they had turned the first corner into the tunnels the light from above had vanished and Rob had whipped out his cigarette lighter .
tr	5	Though Lonnie was small he was a mean little fighter and if Ricky challenged Lonnie 's reasoning Lonnie might just tip the canoe over in anger .
tr	5	He stopped paddling and stared at the clear blue sky then he looked across the lake at the lodge and all the little log cabins .
tr	5	One of the first times he brought Missy on this tunnel he had turned out the light to show her just how black it was down here .
tr	5	He knew that if the older brothers were down here they would have to have matches or a lighter to have any chance of finding their way .
tr	5	Nobody 's down here , " Dave agreed , but he turned the lighter on and mouthed to Rob " they 're right there " .
tr	5	They were what would have been more than halfway back across the lake only underground , changing tunnels based on the color of the little arrow reflectors .
tr	5	Dave stretched out on his belly and extended his arms out moving them side to side as if he were making a face down snow angel .
tr	5	They knew they were just below the lobby of the lodge and all they had to do was climb the ladder and pop through the trapdoor .
tr	5	" We forgot one thing , " Ricky said , " they 're gon na want to know how the canoe and paddles got put back . "
tr	5	Since we wouldn 't want their parents to panic when they don 't show up for dinner , here 's what you can do . "
tr	5	The two friends headed down the path to the stables , but stopped for a minute to pet a couple of the horses in the corral .
tr	5	Keno stuck his head over the fence , too , but the other two horses stayed in the center of the corral nibbling on some grass .
tr	5	He gave Keno one more pat and moved off toward the house and garage where he and his family lived when the lodge wasn 't open .
tr	5	Instead of a steering wheel there were two handlebars that had to be pulled toward the driver to work the right and left brakes independently .
tr	5	Kevin and Missy walked in to the stone cottage and stared at the stove deciding how best to do what old Mr. Stark had suggested .
tr	5	Then I 'll give it a lot of gas and hopefully we 'll make it to the woods before those goons come out and see us . "
tr	5	Dave had his back hunched up and he was using his shoulder for leverage , his face looking down at the top of Rob 's head .
tr	5	He bolted for the door and , for an instant before they disappeared down the trail , he saw two people in a little green tank .
tr	5	Kevin had to slow down now that they were in the woods , but he was still going faster than he had ever gone on this trail .
tr	5	They bumped and knocked around on the seat , Missy holding on for dear life , until Kevin took a side trail out to the main road .
tr	5	Dave was scanning the lake and except for a fisherman in a rowboat there wasn 't anyone else out beyond the swimming area across the lake .
tr	5	The boys started clucking and calling the animals over , but all four horses , even Blackie , stayed out of reach and ignored them .
tr	5	There were a dozen stalls but all were empty except for four , which had mounds of straw on the floor and full water buckets .
tr	5	" We could go for a trail ride , have lunch and then go swimming before I have to open the Snack Shack , " Kevin suggested .
tr	5	It was dangerous for the rider because the saddle could slide over and pitch the rider to the ground when they were cantering around a corner .
tr	5	Lonnie felt a bit angry by the girl 's remark and pointed at the tallest horse and said , " I 'll ride him . "
tr	5	Kevin was glad he was on the obedient gelding and instead of being intimidated by the seventeen-year-old , he crouched down and gave Keno a definite command .
tr	5	After the wide path there would be an open area then it was back to tight trails and her horse would have to slow down by then .
tr	5	She led them in a circle , but as she looped by Kevin she motioned with her head for him to cut in behind her .
tr	5	Ricky scolded , then he laughed as Lonnie tumbled to the trampled earth , his weak knees giving way as soon as his feet hit the ground .
tr	5	Dave and Rob pulled back the bedspread and top sheet of each twin bed then spread the sand on the lower half of the bottom sheet .
tr	5	It was always exciting on Saturday nights because most of the guests stayed for just one week and this would be their first bon fire .
tr	5	He stopped and stared until he was sure it was Dave , Rob and the two pretty sisters he had waited on in the Snack Shack .
tr	5	Secretly , Dave was relieved that they didn 't remember four summers ago when he and Rob had chased several girls off the swimming dock .
tr	5	" I think I know , " Kevin said as he put two boards across the water buckets , cleverly making two seats for them .
tr	5	Missy jumped up to help and as Mrs. Jackson poured popcorn into the cones Missy took them and handed them out to everyone around the fire .
tr	5	She started at her left and went clockwise around , but when she got to Lonnie and Ricky 's spot they had moved over to Mr. Stark .
tr	5	She watched to see if they were just helping themselves to the second bag , but no , Mrs. Jackson was pouring from that one now .
tr	5	This time no one laughed and Mr. Stark just reached under his chair and brought out an object about the size of a deck of cards .
tr	5	He waved it above his head and then he pressed a button on its side several times and the same noises came forth in short little bursts .
tr	5	There was nothing he could see , he had to work by touch only and his muscles strained to gain some kind of advantage over the rip .
tr	5	It wanted to close back up around his fingers , but slowly he widened it enough to poke his elbow through and get more leverage .
tr	5	With his elbow thrust through he tried to force the hole down , but although it was widening , it was also pulling him upwards .
tr	5	It was dark , pitch black , blind , and Tommy screamed , too , trying to winch his way back from where he had come .
tr	5	The room on the left was Billy 's and he would complain that he always got the smaller room , but really he didn 't mind .
tr	5	He grabbed the top two , a book and a comic book , closed the trunk and hurried out , careful to close the door quietly .
tr	5	The stairway in this old house was narrower and steeper than most and he had taught Billy to slide down the treads on his rump .
tr	5	He listened to the sounds of summer : birds , traffic , a plane up above , and , somewhere , the sound of kids laughing .
tr	5	Billy jerked his head toward the front porch indicating a pretty blonde girl who was sitting on the floor of the porch between the bikes .
tr	5	Then Miss Gwinn went inside the building , but not before telling her friends to " step lightly " as if that were a goodbye .
tr	5	Then she cracked off the rounded top of the walking stick and bit into it as she shoved the rest of the stick in Tommy face .
tr	5	Tommy was just beginning to worry about getting thirsty when he broke off a piece and saw that the hollow center was filled with liquid .
tr	5	Now climb up the tree there and be gone , " she nodded toward a series of rungs that ended at the door with the window .
tr	5	It became a game and he got better and faster , but he was not paying attention to anything around him other than the trail .
tr	5	As if suspended from golden threads , there were large diamond-shaped crystals floating in the air above his head and in front of him across the trail .
tr	5	Chapter 5 The Dungeon The dungeon was dark , naturally , although there were fiery torches on each of the four walls that illuminated the cave-like room .
tr	5	With a burning torch in each hand he made the circuit again , glancing back at the empty holder from time to time to keep his perspective .
tr	5	He set the two torches down in the middle of the area and ran from wall to wall collecting and pitching the flaming sticks into the center .
tr	5	Well , I could , but now you know how to get out so , well , uh ... " The two boys stared at each other .
tr	5	Tommy explained about gum then added as an afterthought , " It is a type of magic in that you can chew it for just about forever .
tr	5	To Tommy 's surprise the prince threw the gum straight over his head toward a wall where it smacked onto a colorful tapestry and stuck .
tr	5	At the other end of the ring was a gate that opened to a walled maze , only the beginning of which Tommy could see .
tr	5	It was some dirty , stinky homeless man who would ride the trains for free and beg for food and then steal chickens and stuff from farmers .
tr	5	I had ignored the wobbly feel of the hard object along with the equally wobbly feel of the larger rocks I had been balancing on .
tr	5	I thought that was a little off the subject until he added , " Guess the ants haven 't had time to rebuild their little mounds .
tr	5	Sandals or not , she had better put a move on , hustle , put the pedal to the metal , get the lead out .
tr	5	But it just wasn 't fair how she would know some stuff and could do some stuff that just didn 't fit for kids our age .
tr	5	I 'll have to teach him about manners sometime , you know , ladies first and all that , but for now it was everybody for himself .
tr	5	Our parade line was tightening up fast as Austin crowded up closer to me and Sydney reached for Austin and Callie closed in on Syd .
tr	5	You start laughing and then you can 't stop yourself and you change to crying or you start crying and the opposite happens and you start laughing .
tr	5	And I 've got blood on my legs from when I tripped , " I said and looked down to check if the bleeding was still stopped .
tr	5	This is why we have agreed to search the atlas for a suitable island only as a hypothetical query meant to challenge our geographical aptitudes .
tr	5	He is staring too intently , and his legs are planted wide across the cobblestones as if he means to be exactly where he is .
tr	5	I say " uh , let 's ... " and Ryan says " is there ... " , and neither of us finishes our sentence .
tr	5	My mind clutches to the light , hoping that it is a police car , but there are no sirens , and the headlights jump away .
tr	5	The man lurks somewhere in the dark , and a question hiccups in my mind -- is he a man at all or something else entirely ?
tr	5	" Did you ... " I huff , " did you ... " my voice cracks and my heart cracks and my mind cracks too .
tr	5	Chapter 4 A long ragged scream tears out of me , and its echo jumps around the room like a mad animal I have unleashed .
tr	5	As soon as the stranger 's weight lifts off me , I curl up and listen to the waves of pain lapping through my body .
tr	5	The one with the backwards ball cap and elf eyes says , " Look , we got her ; that was the whole point . "
tr	5	In his eyes I see a cold that I would never be cliché enough to call arctic except that I can 't think of anything else .
tr	5	* * * " I know how this looks , " Gabe , he of the backwards hat , says as he comes round the bed .
tr	5	It all blurs together , a loud mess of noise and smells and frantic tugs in my brain that I can 't even begin to parse .
tr	5	It 's all still happening -- the blood boiling in my veins , my muscles and sinews melting and my bones glowing hot like heated iron .
tr	5	There 'll only be me and Gabe left , and if you try to hurt me or especially my brother , I will kill you .
tr	5	It starts under his left ear and jags along his jaw line , curving up his chin and ending just under the edge of his lips .
tr	5	My mind is so fogged , the need so great that I 'm not sure just how much control I wield over my own limbs .
tr	5	I rake it up into my arms , and the puppy gives a single fearful yelp before the orbs in my hands latch to its energy field .
tr	5	Gabe pulls the blanket off of my shoulders and helps me stand up , one hand under my elbow , the other against my back .
tr	5	His hair , the same golden-brown color of his eyes , is still managed by the backwards hat and spills out thick and wavy to his ears .
tr	5	My body is sore all the way into my bones and joints , and I worry that my skin might split open at the slightest pressure .
tr	5	The skin kisses together like colorless lips , and I push my finger through the slit , wondrous at the heat and pain and wetness inside .
tr	5	Keeping them there , because what I really want to do is latch onto Gabe 's energy field or aura or whatever it is and drain him .
tr	5	I can 't imagine what I must look like right now , but evidently it evokes enough pity that he says , " Gary Cook .
tr	5	I mean I do , but I don 't think suddenly imploding into manic , tortured laughter would be very pleasant for either of us .
tr	5	" In case you 've been too busy worrying about every known thing in the universe , the girl 's just had her entire life destroyed .
tr	5	In the backseat , I tug against my handcuffs and enjoy the sparks of pain that alight as the plastic presses against the open wounds .
tr	5	It crosses my mind that no matter how nice Gabe seems to be , I 'm sitting in a car with two very dangerous psychopaths .
tr	5	I look out the window , watch the road streaming beneath our wheels , carrying me farther and farther away from ... well , everything .
tr	5	His body -- back , arms , neck -- is composed entirely of straight lines , like he was welded into position with no hinges .
tr	5	In a swift motion , I snatch up a wriggling body , squeeze out its energy and place the small corpse on a napkin behind me .
tr	5	In a quiet voice he says , " Mom told me that she took comfort knowing that you were out in the world living a normal life .
tr	5	Not when my hands are growing hot , and I must make a mental effort to keep the skin on my palms from rolling back .
tr	5	This is where I should finish with a noble speech about inner strength and the power of belief , but I can 't think of anything more .
tr	5	Maya even had a dad who would say " hey there kid " when they passed each other on the roads of their very separate lives .
tr	5	These are the words I will say as Grand gurgles his last blood-soaked breath at my feet : " Everything you ever stood for will be forgotten .
tr	5	" Oh , well , it 's nice to meet you , but you better watch out for this one , " Francesca nods towards Gabe .
tr	5	" We weren 't planning on having anyone over , " he clarifies , " but it 's , I don 't know , pretty big .
tr	5	I reach out and trace my fingers along the spines of the books , swallowing hot sparks each time I recognize a title from my own collection .
tr	5	I think she might be beautiful , but my mind is rushing in so many different directions I can hardly pull out any coherent thoughts .
tr	5	But no , her brown hair is twisted into neat braids , and she has bright , golden eyes that are unafraid of the camera .
tr	5	Pulling myself up and over onto the roof is surprisingly easy , though I know I wouldn 't have been able to do it before .
tr	5	Yes , I hold them out in front of me and see that the tips of my fingers give off a pale hedge of light .
tr	5	There 's a note of bravado in his voice while he offers this explanation , and all of this is so wrong , so dark and twisted .
tr	5	He 's dripping sweat , face flushed , but it 's his own fault for wearing long sleeves and pants on such a warm day .
tr	5	Something about being down here , about Gabe and the way his face is flushing red as he tries to show off , eases my tension .
tr	5	Gabe lists them off : Mixed Martial Arts on Monday and Wednesday , Krav Magna on Friday and Sunday , CrossFit on Tuesday and Thursday .
tr	5	I think it 's going to topple sideways , but with a grunt he gets it up and drops it with a heavy clang onto the rack .
tr	5	I remember taking her out after school and putting her in my lap , amazed that I owned this living , breathing , wonderful creature .
tr	5	Later , when the little brown guinea pig is iced and tossed out the back window , I hear a soft knock on the door .
tr	5	I find myself wandering the interlocking pathways , making sure the trains are still running , the buildings are stable and humming with productive work .
tr	5	I look up to Avalon , which , thanks to the rusted ladder Gabe scrounged from the garage , now hangs on the ceiling above my bed .
tr	5	I want to make an effort ; I want to demonstrate that this will somehow work , even if I 'm not sure I believe it .
tr	5	No orange juice in the fridge , so I include a glass of milk and a small plate of strawberries on the side of the tray .
tr	5	He 'd be in his room all day long reading our dad 's old notes and any other chemistry and genetic textbooks he could scrounge .
tr	5	When we went on a mission , he 'd just read his books in the car and wait for us till we 'd done our killing .
tr	5	Now of course , things are different ... but anyway , one day Tammy came back from a solo mission saying she had a lead on Grand .
tr	5	We are both lost , tears sliding down our faces , stomachs stitching up , our manic laughter peeling out and fretting the birds nearby .
tr	5	I try to match his detached air , pushing back my shoulders and setting my face into a disaffected expression with a hint of grimace .
tr	5	All I wanted was to see about breaking this tense reserve between us , but he 's turned my gesture of reconciliation into a competition .
tr	5	There are so many questions flitting through my mind all twisted and warped with the heat and my weeping muscles and the song with its claws out .
tr	5	" Wait , " I can 't keep the disappointment out of my voice , " I thought she was , like , Amazon Mom .
tr	5	We come home to bluegrass strumming out of Gabe 's computer speakers as he studies death and finds small flowers of humor in that seemingly barren field .
tr	5	I notice the faint outline of shapes on the walls beneath layers of white paint and remember Gabe telling me that this had been Tammy 's bedroom .
tr	5	He always fries me with fireballs , skewers me with a samurai sword or pummels me into pulp , but I 'm getting good quick .
tr	5	When I close my eyes , I can see her face perfectly , the way it was in the beach photograph on the bookshelf in my bedroom .
tr	5	She was beautiful and strong -- a modern day Amazon -- but I think she was a terrible mother to raise her children as soldiers .
tr	5	I am up , leaping like a dancer , hooking a finger through the laces and catching the shoe just before it plunges into the night .
tr	5	Sometimes I think the only reason he ever started looking for a cure was so that he could end all this and have his family back . "
tr	5	It takes me a moment to recover , but when I do , I am bold enough to say , " Tell me what 's wrong . "
tr	5	I know I don 't have any right to ask , but ... " he trails off and finally his eyes come up to meet mine .
tr	5	Their words echo in my mind , growing loud and mean : lab animal , dealing with , anything , anything , anything could set her off .
tr	5	" Only the ones who deserve it , " he laughs easy and loose , and I don 't know how he can do it .
tr	5	I press on with my questions , but teasing answers from the brothers is about as easy as moving a pile of sand using chopsticks .
tr	5	In its place , silence takes seed and grows into a solid wall of thorny vines , sequestering each of us off into our own little worlds .
tr	5	" We jumped him , and he was all crying , saying he didn 't have any money and his cat had leukemia or something .
tr	5	When the sun finally peeks up over the horizon , I wonder why it seems so weary , so slow to extend its light to us .
tr	5	I 'm suddenly all twitchy and out of breath , and my mind is starting to spray paint bright , graffiti words across my brain .
tr	5	I 've never been to a place like this , never smelled a room so overwhelmingly stale or seen so many moths clinging to the walls .
tr	5	I can almost hear the churn of his thoughts as he weighs the risk I represent , the need for delicacy in dealing with me .
tr	5	Then there 's his sister , Amy , who has Down Syndrome and who hugged with such abandon when we met for the first time .
tr	5	Gabe and I find an animal shelter , and I learn that his hands are just as deft on locks and alarm systems as video game controllers .
tr	5	" We 've got to come back here when we 're done , " Gabe says , shading his eyes as he looks out the side window .
tr	5	On his way out of the room , Gabe pauses next to me and whispers , " Don 't let them do anything that makes you uncomfortable .
tr	5	If she eats from the energy buffet instead of meat , potatoes and caviar like the rest of us that means she 's one of them . "
tr	5	There 's no way to measure her capacity for control , and we have absolutely no evidence that lower physical symptoms correlates to lower appetite .
tr	5	I wish I could tell him how sorry I am that I never -- not once -- tried to reach over and pull us closer together .
tr	5	I knew about polyps and Lyme disease and dementia and blood borne pathogens and how much rat feces is legally allowed in the average candy bar .
tr	5	Gabe 's voice is rising , and so is the hunger , filling up the car with its melody and making my head champagne dizzy .
tr	5	I think about Ryan , but he has no eyes -- just worms crawling out of the empty sockets , so I don 't think of him .
tr	5	The worst stain of all I save for last and scrawl it hastily on the bottom line , crowding the letters to make it fit .
tr	5	Maybe they know they 're not strong enough to stand up to a united military offense if the world ever figured out how dangerous they were .
tr	5	But if Grand ever does rediscover the formula , he 'll be able to spread the disease faster than any army could stop him . "
tr	5	They 've had each other all these years ; a brother to depend on , to worry about , to argue with and care for .
tr	5	While we receive instructions from a search organizer , I keep my head down and pretend to study the flyer of Sunshine 's smiling face .
tr	5	We follow a wide path past trimmed fields and what a sign tells us is a community garden before finding a trail and moving into the woods .
tr	5	I follow closely behind Gabe , trying not to wobble as I catch more scents and attempt to process the cacophony of new sounds around us .
tr	5	The low hanging branches keep clutching at my hat , and I have to put a hand on the brim to keep it in place .
tr	5	I give him the laugh he 's looking for , and we share one of those moments that are becoming more familiar and more important to me .
tr	5	" Man , she is pissed , " I hear Gabe say to his brother just before I turn the water hot and begin to scrub .
tr	5	Why do I still lose my breath at random moments in the night , paralyzed with the conviction that this can 't possibly be real ?
tr	5	" Maya , don 't go with us tonight , " Gabe says , but I 'm not about to let him get started on that again .
tr	5	Mostly for images , filtering out all the girls on my list who didn 't fit , looking for that birthmark , " Gabe continues .
tr	5	Two years ago , March , in the sports section there was this picture of a girl winning a race at a track meet . "
tr	5	We were trying to figure out what to do , how to keep you safe , you know , without completely ruining your life . "
tr	5	I feel helpless , melding with this branch , thinking about nail files , waiting for something to come down and try to kill my brother .
tr	5	Beyond the hum of all these wretched thoughts , my ears pick up a sound -- a grunt of surprise somewhere far off to my right .
tr	5	We collect Gabe , who has packed up the sniper rifle , and then I weave us around the frantic humans and their bright , pounding energies .
tr	5	We make it back to the car , and I can already hear the cry of police sirens pitching in the distance , growing louder .
tr	5	Gabe has told me how Diana could wither her children with a stare , how the softest words from her mouth often carried the deadliest stings .
tr	5	My voice is high as a yelp , because this question has been gnawing on my conscience every night since this whole angel thing started .
tr	5	Even though I 'm wet as all hell , I collapse backward onto my bed and just lie there listening to the hiss of the shower .
tr	5	Here she was with a newborn in her arms , and she 'd just learned that her geeky , scientist husband 's been battling superhuman monsters .
tr	5	She kissed me , and I laughed , though I looked it up once and newborns don 't laugh until , like , a couple months .
tr	5	* * * I don 't intend to fall asleep , but I do ... until the hunger pulls me away from my restless dreams .
tr	5	" You know , if you can buy a full meal for a dollar , it 's probably not really food , " I tell him .
tr	5	" You were probably trying to eat your pillow , " I suggest as I drop another extinguished fish behind me onto the folded napkin .
tr	5	" Of course , the , uh ... " " I 'm so sorry , but we gave all the Labrador puppies away last week .
tr	5	" So , we got a lead on a woman who picked up a whole litter of puppies last week , " Gabe tells his brother .
tr	5	Whoever he is , he hasn 't learned my brother 's smiles or the way his energy is supposed to take even strokes around his thin frame .
tr	5	I have a reason somewhere in my head ; something about being part of the team , using my curse for good , seeing justice done .
tr	5	We each must decide for ourselves whether we are sheep ... " The bottle spins lazy between his fingertips , " ... or wolves . "
tr	5	Amber 's face is the false calm of exhaustion , the kind when you 've wrenched your heart so hard you can 't feel anything anymore .
tr	5	Whatever was there before , the thing that I would have sworn was concern if it hadn 't been perched upon that particular face , is gone .
tr	5	Maybe I could forgive her , or at least tell her that I really do understand about the hunger and the things it made her do .
tr	5	These same lures dance in my head , so close to reality that a single slip will propel them from my mind into a living nightmare .
tr	5	I lean against the doorframe , opening and closing my eyes , trying to figure out which one is less painful for my throbbing head .
tr	5	I decide it 's time to throw a battering ram at the wall between us , see if I can wend some cracks through the thick mortar .
tr	5	Chapter 45 In the empty motel room I pull off my clothes slowly , though this will be painful no matter how I do it .
tr	5	I have taken this time to pull the covers up over my body , to tuck my hands beneath my pillow and close my eyes .
tr	5	After the shower , Gabe keeps on his boxers and white undershirt and tosses the black clothing in the general proximity of his duffle bag .
tr	5	It is to lay flowers upon his grave and wish him well in whatever comes after this , though I suspect there isn 't anything at all .
tr	5	My hands are shivering and twitchy , but I feel more in control now that the worst has passed and I am alone on the roof .
tr	5	Amber said I had an aura , small and ugly though it was , which means there is still a part of me that is human .
tr	5	She currently writes a paranormal adventure series , Girl With Broken Wings , and a tongue-in-cheek vampire humor short story series , The Vampire 's Housekeeper Chronicles .
tr	5	How it can crawl into your stomach , small as a gooey larvae and then grow and grow until it fills up your entire body .
tr	5	Betsy never mentioned how much this job paid , but I 'd already made up my mind to hold out for at least $ 12.00 an hour .
tr	5	" I 'm 24 , " I tell him , though I 'm pretty sure it 's illegal to discuss age in a job interview .
tr	5	Coffee started to sputter into the pot and Taylor sat down at the small dining table offering day-old bread and some cheese to his friend .
tr	5	" You said , ' We are all ready to go , " ' Taylor asked Hunt , " Where are our two tourists anyway ? "
tr	5	He would like to present his pet project , which we regrettably had to reject a few times in the past because of security and resource concerns .
tr	5	" I believe that we can find much needed healthy and unaltered DNA in Sector XXI which we can use to revitalize our own growing efforts .
tr	5	There was a short moment of silence before whispering and murmurs started all over the room , as several delegates seemed interested to learn more .
tr	5	Taylor knew that he was banking on his reputation for having his head screwed on the right way but for right now this was all he had .
tr	5	" You gon na have to take me too , " he insisted , " No way I 'll let you go on this adventure alone .
tr	5	* * * The airport laid quietly and deserted when John Taylor opened the door to his living container and stepped out into the early morning dusk .
tr	5	A small flight service office , which managed the airport with a handful of people , providing basic conveniences to the pilots and airplane crews .
tr	5	I 'll bring you back something nice , " he said winking at her before he took the bag and walked back out into the night .
tr	5	As the Jeep came to a halt Tim Farmer jumped out of the driver 's seat and rushed around the car to open the passenger door .
tr	5	" Keep your pants on boys , " Spade laughed , " I had to rent out my pad for the time of the trip .
tr	5	He was very aware of the importance this trip had for Taylor but he still found the intensity and unfamiliar seriousness of his friend amusing .
tr	5	It was a sturdy little aircraft in camouflage paint with big tires and ample ground clearance to make starting and landing from unimproved sites a breeze .
tr	5	He turned around to see if anyone was watching him and quickly hid the key under a rock with the imprint ' Beware of rattlesnakes ! ' .
tr	5	He took the first chute out of the plane and showed them how to put it on securely and where to pull to deploy it .
tr	5	There was a soft crackle and then the voice of Mary Pearson , " Negative , you are the only soul flying this early in the morning .
tr	5	At the end of the taxi way he stopped the aircraft applied the parking breaks and pushed the power control lever all the way forward .
tr	5	Satisfied with what he read on the gauges and what he heard and felt in his seat Taylor pulled back power and released the breaks .
tr	5	He taxied onto the runway , turned around to see if everything was all right with his passengers and then applied full power to the engine .
tr	5	She then took out the battery of her tiny cell phone , dropped it into the proper recycle bin and casually slipped the phone into the trashcan .
tr	5	Only minutes after the message was sent Suzie 's e-mail server inbox was filled to capacity by answers and concerned inquiries from friends and family .
tr	5	On the other , not quite so official end of networking reality , Samuel Stone sat hunched over his computer pad for long hours these days .
tr	5	Still , Sam had made it very clear to his superior that there were unforeseeable risks involved with letting semi intelligent machines mess with personal correspondence .
tr	5	After the buyout of my first company a few years later I snatched up all his rights for a few hundred thousand bucks from him .
tr	5	Not that anyone really cared at that stage , but Washington , as always , was all about not loosing face and covering their tracks .
tr	5	The wall across his desk was covered with an array of computer screens that displayed all sorts of information at the push of a button .
tr	5	Everyone in his department knew Freddie as a quiet man with a biting sense of humor , but these days he was all smiles and giggles .
tr	5	The system of total control and manipulation by government and corporations had depended on the constant , immediate and unsuspecting access to an overwhelming part of society .
tr	5	Special interest titles were downloaded to memory cards for display in the classroom computers and the regular lesson material was accessed directly from central education server banks .
tr	5	Eyes wide open these twenty-eight pupils and their brave teacher read and discussed and read some more until the school bell ended this remarkable history lesson .
tr	5	More rules , more restrictions , more control and of course more taxes were met by more resistance and determination of individuals , communities and organizations .
tr	5	The fragmented remains were not able to sustain the federal and global communication infrastructure that had been the foundation of modern economy on every level .
tr	5	Many short lived attempts of reorganizing larger areas under common administrations ended in all out confrontations between loosely organized paramilitary groups and armed street gangs .
tr	5	In the end the motorcycle and street gangs remained the only organized forces in many large cities and ironically matured to peace keeping and security authorities .
tr	5	The morning air was quiet and only when they flew across one of the more densely populated areas he felt the rising air disturbing their smooth glide .
tr	5	About twenty minutes into the flight they spotted Lake Rockwall with its highway bridge that had been put back into service a few months earlier .
tr	5	The bridge connected Interstate 30 on both sides so Taylor banked into a slow left hand turn into the general direction of the once mighty freeway .
tr	5	Taylor was hoping that it would at least be recognizable well into Sector XXI so it would be easy to navigate by looking out the window .
tr	5	Soon the beautiful lake rushed by beneath them and after a short while they had crossed the mighty river that had given the region its historic name .
tr	5	A few minutes after they had first seen the deserted highway corridor Hunt spotted the remains of the road they were looking for leading north .
tr	5	The further the flight reached north though , the more it was obvious that the vegetation had claimed back much of the man made surface .
tr	5	The tension in the back cabin was electric and Tim Farmer winced just a tiny bit as Helen Spade 's fingernails dug into his thigh .
tr	5	Hunt replied , " Remember , I was the one who tried to point out that the probability of your stories being true is slim at best .
tr	5	Taylor laughed , " You are not getting out of using your legs for something else than balancing yourself on a bar stool for a change .
tr	5	Taylor looked the airplane over one more time and satisfied with what he saw he took the lead and marched out in a northern direction .
tr	5	I want to eat it with potatoes and beans next summer , " Taylor laughed , " And Tim , please stop calling me sir . "
tr	5	The road had lead out from under the trees into a small clearing when they heard a sharp whistle from a steep incline above them .
tr	5	Tim Farmer could not take his eyes off her slender figure elegantly moving up the hill with the grace and steady step of a mountain goat .
tr	5	" Let 's keep going for an hour or two more and then look for a place to set up camp , " Taylor suggested .
tr	5	" The kid said he 'll be along in a minute , " Cody announced dropping the wood on the ground and began building a campfire .
tr	5	The coffee was hot and black and strong enough to wake the dead , just like you would expect when a cowboy does the cooking .
tr	5	I am just surprised that this is not part of the intelligence files that you and your buddies surely have on Cody and me . "
tr	5	We were flying surveillance and minor ground attacks in little stinger jets against raiders and pirates who wanted to establish a bridgehead in the swamps .
tr	5	He had it all in writing , copies of high level orders , photos of the houses we had leveled , and communications with Cuban officials .
tr	5	He had been surveying the area for an opposing political party for months but the heat was rising so he needed a way out . "
tr	5	It did not take much convincing after I showed him the evidence I had gathered to get him on board with my escape idea . "
tr	5	I was able to identify Cap Rock in the distance when he dials the comm radio to a certain frequency and clicks away on the speak button .
tr	5	In the morning of day three everyone felt that they were getting closer to the destination of their journey , the anticipation and excitement was almost palpable .
tr	5	The surrounding woods had had ample opportunity over the past two hundred years to claim back the trenches that man had cut into its canvas .
tr	5	" Someone to share your life with , " Taylor 's slowly uttered response earned him raised eyebrows and wry smiles from his travel mates .
tr	5	She was trying to keep her distance and at the same time she was obviously curious and entertained by the three guys and the girl chasing her .
tr	5	Taylor did not want to scare off Lilly Ann with his request for DNA samples or reports of war and struggle in his home area .
tr	5	Her gaze was piercing and relentless and evoked the strong desire in all of them to find a hiding place and escape those innocent blue eyes .
tr	5	For the last two hundred years we lived in conflict with neighboring areas and there was a war and all kinds of nasty stuff going on . "
tr	5	See , I found these reports in the news archives from fifty years ago of a gentleman who claimed to have come through this area .
tr	5	" Man , Taylor , " Cody Hunt drowned out the other 's questions , " you were quite the flirt back there , nice going .
tr	5	" This place makes me feel silly , " Hunt admitted , " do you think there really is a town somewhere out here ? "
tr	5	They turned right and did not have to walk far until they saw the first house , if one would want to call it that .
tr	5	A few large trees had been removed next to the road to create a parking space for what seemed to be an ancient travel coach .
tr	5	" No wonder , " Taylor answered , " if our information is correct all the industrial technology in this place is at least two centuries old .
tr	5	Their jaws dropped as they saw an expansive wood structure built into the crowns of adjacent trees sprawling across the street and into the woods .
tr	5	One of the most intriguing features was a set of ten feet tall wind chimes hanging high overhead made of wood of various colors and grain patterns .
tr	5	Without even a glance at Taylor and Hunt who were looking on from across the street he jumped into the old Jeep and slowly drove off .
tr	5	Shortly after Spade and Farmer had rejoined the group at the campsite they heard a vehicle approach some time before they were able to see it .
tr	5	Around the corner came a little box like van with a two-piece windshield and a huge round peace sign smack in the middle between its headlights .
tr	5	It was all but impossible to carry on a conversation over the whining engine and the back firing that resumed as soon as they drove off .
tr	5	At the leisurely speed they were moving about they had ample opportunity to feast their eyes on the unusual architecture that was paraded in front of them .
tr	5	They stepped off the street when they were passing by as if they wouldn 't trust her driving skills and waved at her and her guests .
tr	5	They came a long way to find us so I thought the least I can do is feed them right , what do you think ? "
tr	5	One of the waiters came up to their table with a large tray filled with mugs and steins overflowing with the white foam of fresh draft beer .
tr	5	" Hi sis ' , " he kissed Lilly Ann on her cheek , " what 's it gon na be to eat this evening ?
tr	5	It was a simple enough dinner that they enjoyed and shared together but it could have come from a king 's kitchen for all they were concerned .
tr	5	" Sorry , I don 't usually drink , " Spade excused herself after an audible burp had escaped her followed by a cascade of giggles .
tr	5	The night before had ended with another slow motion ride through a wonderland of colored lights and ghostly architecture on both sides of the street .
tr	5	The first shimmer of day light peeked reddish over the mountain crest when Taylor was awakened by the now familiar rattle of coffee pot and frying pan .
tr	5	Soon it flew around the corner gleaming in all colors of the rainbow in the morning sun coming to a screeching halt right in front of them .
tr	5	" Great , " now Taylor was getting excited , " get your gear and let 's see that we can get this thing rolling . "
tr	5	It was too cumbersome to carry on a conversation in the loud vehicle so Taylor settled into his seat to enjoy the ride through the valley .
tr	5	He turned his horse around with a gentle gesture before anyone could say a word and lead the way to the back of the farm buildings .
tr	5	You would blow a fuse behind that philosopher 's forehead of yours trying to figure me out , " they both laughed and hugged again .
tr	5	Farmer didn 't know if he was led on by this rancher or if he just had met a mathematician with a hang for raising cattle .
tr	5	Turner didn 't want to keep the cattle in the corrals over night so they had to get all the DNA scans done before nightfall .
tr	5	Right after the DNA rodeo had begun in the corrals Taylor asked Lilly Ann about having a go at tuning up her van 's engine .
tr	5	The little flat four cylinder engine was covered in centuries old crud and hardened motor oil mixed up to a solid black crust all over the motor .
tr	5	He decided that he would do a complete field overhaul and use whatever was handy to bring the mechanical parts back to their original specification .
tr	5	" I don 't know exactly , " Lilly Ann shrugged her shoulders , " I think it is a mixture of alcohol and recycled cooking oil .
tr	5	He continued to remove engine parts from the bowels of the van one by one and laid them out on an old cotton sheet in the grass .
tr	5	Lilly Ann lost herself in the observation of Taylor 's deliberate movements , his soothing utterances to himself , to the car and to her .
tr	5	' Here we go , ' she thought to herself , ' he needs a part that has not been produced for more than two hundred years .
tr	5	Was this man really able to figure out a machine that he had never seen before and that was constructed several hundred years before he was born ?
tr	5	No matter the outcome , the sheer life-giving thrill of attempting the seemingly impossible made it worth the risk of losing her car a thousand fold .
tr	5	Taylor 's movements would have looked easy and effortless to a casual bystander and only his intense focus betrayed the delicate nature of his task .
tr	5	He turned this and that screw , loosened and tightened threads and bolts as if to get an innate feeling for function of the apparatus .
tr	5	" What in the ... , " she started trying to stay serious through her upcoming laughter , " what did you do to my little van ?
tr	5	We have enough room in the guesthouse and you would be much closer to the other farms to get your specimen for the DNA sampling .
tr	5	Taylor stepped out into the quiet darkness of the barnyard to find Lilly Ann sitting on a hay wagon contemplating the straw she was gnawing on .
tr	5	" Frank , " she shouted through the hallway , " our friends are leaving tomorrow , bring out your best schnapps we have to celebrate ! "
tr	5	He was determined to return to Irving Sector and help introduce the DNA samples they had collected into farms and ranches all over the Southern regions .
tr	5	It was hard to predict for an outsider how rapidly these clouds would get bunched up against the rising terrain to form a solid shield of rain .
tr	5	The sun had warmed up the mountains considerably in the last few weeks so there was ample energy available to be burned off in electric storms .
tr	5	He had no desire to lose his airplane to the elements and get stranded in the mountains with no reasonable transportation back to their civilization .
tr	5	The sight of the makeshift airstrip and the undisturbed airplane gave them new confidence in their timely departure before the storms would be a factor .
tr	5	It took them less than an hour until everyone was strapped into their seats , doors closed and Taylor and Hunt working through the preflight checklist .
tr	5	Taylor taxied the plane to the downwind end of the field to give them enough room to clear the tall trees on the southern side .
tr	5	No words were spoken in the cabin and every soul aboard tried to keep faith in their capable pilot and the untarnished record of the little airplane .
tr	5	Spade and Farmer had each other 's hands clenched in a tight grip to give support and comfort for the other in this for them unfamiliar situation .
tr	5	Seeing that Farmer 's chute had safely deployed he turned the plane around ever so slowly to fly it back to where they had come from .
tr	5	He was still about 300 feet above ground when the intense heat became too much to bear and he decided to bail out of the airplane .
tr	5	He opened the door and turned his head for one last look onto the place that had brought so many hours of joy for him .
tr	5	The three of them sat down to figure out where they were and what the quickest way would be to make it back to Irving Sector .
tr	5	They would have to cover a distance of about four hundred miles , which they should be able to cross within about three to four weeks .
tr	5	It took many months of preparations and small-scale trials before a wide spread organized distribution was approved by the different governing bodies of several regions .
tr	5	The prospect of substantially improved food resources though , instilled hope throughout the fabric of society that by far surpassed the initial scope of the project .
tr	5	When the scream of the bird went quiet it was close enough that Jack and Joe Jack could see flames of fire licking inside and out .
tr	5	" All in good time , " said Jack while scurrying down the slopes just as quickly , " the rain will cool his blood .
tr	5	Not minding the thorns and branches whipping their faces and tearing their clothes , the two men ran through the woods that they called home .
tr	5	They both knew too well who had left them there , discarded after the trunk had been cleaned to a log and then hauled away .
tr	5	In a brightly lit window on one of the first houses they passed a little girl 's face framed by a wild head of chestnut curls appeared .
tr	5	" This is Lilly Ann 's friend , " she exclaimed running back into the house , " Mommy , Lilly Ann 's friend is back .
tr	5	" He had a bad fall , " Joe Jack was an epitome of understatement , " Lilly , what shall we do with him ? "
tr	5	Lilly Ann sat at the guest bed all night remembering the time they had spent together after they had met that fateful day on the highway .
tr	5	She could not help to giggle every time she thought about his face when he saw her for the first time hanging upside down from the tree .
tr	5	Now he had come back , against his will , or so it seemed , and they would have plenty of time to find out .
tr	5	On the third day she advised to slowly reduce the dosage of the sleep-inducing drug to give Taylor a chance to regain conciseness more frequently .
tr	5	Food would have been furthest from his mind in his current condition but for some reason at the mention of it he did feel hungry .
tr	5	The warmth of the soup and the love and care it was prepared and delivered with did wonders to Taylor 's physical and mental condition .
tr	5	He forgot for a moment all about his unanswered questions and his uncertain future and just lost himself in the good feeling that permeated his body .
tr	5	Lilly Ann had pulled a little red divan next to Taylor 's bed and had made herself comfortable with a big pillow and a soft quilt .
tr	5	" Of course , how could you know " she explained at the unspoken question mark on his face , " your tale is all over town .
tr	5	" I think this has time , dear , " Edie May changed the subject , " John , are you up to some breakfast ? "
tr	5	I do have burning questions with no answers as of yet , but if you ladies say it is time to eat , let 's eat . "
tr	5	Edie May seemed to have some higher status in this community and her more reserved demeanor stood in stark contrast to Lilly Ann 's little girl antics .
tr	5	No two pieces of porcelain or silverware were the same and some of them looked as if they were museum pieces from long forgotten centuries .
tr	5	The arrangement of plates , saucers and utensils on the tray exuded an artistic quality akin to still life paintings from the great masters of old .
tr	5	The tea was rich in aroma and had a strong tart aftertaste that reminded him of root brews he had enjoyed while visiting with natives in Alaska .
tr	5	" They didn 't follow you , " Lilly Ann explained , " they are always working in the woods , cutting logs for their sculptures .
tr	5	" What do you mean , not much to it , " Taylor looked at her incredulously , " this is a bona fide miracle .
tr	5	You see , there was a time when a man or woman who saved another 's life became responsible for their wellbeing and for all their deeds .
tr	5	How about we say that we all did what we thought was the right thing to do given the circumstances and leave it at that .
tr	5	" This might be a bit tricky , " Edie May responded cautiously , " we don 't really have physicians around here at all .
tr	5	" It 's true , " Lilly Ann insisted , " another good feeling meal or two and you 'll be good as new . "
tr	5	I never threw it out because I thought it was very secretive and exciting and of course in case someone would claim it as their heritage .
tr	5	He could still remember the first time he had had that kind of coffee in the southern regions during his stint in the armed forces .
tr	5	" Did you by any chance also find a strange looking aluminum pot that can be unscrewed in the middle with a metal filter in it ? "
tr	5	Behind the jar of dried fennel under a leather-bound journal that she had written in her Sudbury years was a wooden box with old kitchen utensils .
tr	5	" You are healing quickly , John , " she commented satisfied , " It seems the company of our very own town reporter becomes you . "
tr	5	" I was hoping we would make the papers , " Taylor joked , " but this is not exactly what I had in mind .
tr	5	" I had a feeling that you were talking about me , " she said innocently , " I hope it was something nice . "
tr	5	She handed it to Taylor with the disclaimer , " There is a bit of artistic freedom and abstraction in the way I tell stories .
tr	5	The sweet delicious energy that filled the room tasted to her like a tropical fruit cocktail with just the right amount of rum , salt and spice .
tr	5	Small things became valuable and important and big things , like he himself , became tiny to give perspective and newness to a familiar world .
tr	5	The picture showed four toddlers lined up next to each other looking up a tree to a little girl hanging upside down from a branch above them .
tr	5	Lilly Ann 's eyes hung on his lips in eager anticipation of what he would say next while Edie May was a picture of serenity .
tr	5	How would they react upon the discovery that sixty-eight seconds of deliberate focus can replace hours , days or years of diligent labor and struggle ? " '
tr	5	Taylor asked , " I am familiar with the story but always thought of it as a historical fable of ancient Middle Eastern peoples . "
tr	5	Lilly Ann came to the rescue , " Remember the first thing that you heard me say when we met on the old highway ? "
tr	5	" Yeah , yeah , " Lilly Ann would not have any of it , " I 'll be in the kitchen preparing something to eat .
tr	5	" The tool we use to manipulate and mold the energy that creates worlds , directly and deliberately , is found between our ears . "
tr	5	" Okay , this is a lot to take in , but for the argument 's sake let 's assume that your statements are correct .
tr	5	" Good questions , John , " Edie May acknowledged , " First , you don 't have to do or know anything special to do this .
tr	5	If you know it or not , whatever you give your attention to will cause an equivalent vibration to show up in your experience . "
tr	5	Have you ever noticed , that two people in the exact same situation can think and feel about it in a completely opposite way ? "
tr	5	I think it will take some time for all of this to sink in and to get an idea of where to go from here . "
tr	5	They are called forth through our asking , ready and willing and eager to shine the light of clarity onto a sometimes confusing life experience .
tr	5	" Are you telling me I crashed my plane , almost killing four people and loosing the DNA data just to hang around here longer ?
tr	5	She opened it to the first page and said with as much love as any human voice can muster , " This is my best friend .
tr	5	Looking back and forth between that page and Lilly Ann 's face , radiant from unbridled enthusiasm , he suddenly understood where she was coming from .
tr	5	This drawing and the message behind it revealed more about Lilly Ann 's spirit and personality than a lifetime of talking to her could ever have .
tr	5	Unable to say a word he lingered for a moment longer , looking at that first picture and with a tear filled sigh he turned the page .
tr	5	Most of all he wants to have fun and be silly and play and bask in the good feeling moment and appreciate and he loves everything . "
tr	5	She looked at Edie May and then at Taylor and said with unwavering conviction , " Good feels good , and bad feels bad . "
tr	5	" That 's right , " Lilly Ann conceded just for a second , " but you always can reach for a better feeling thought . "
tr	5	For the first time in his life he was consciously aware of the change in his emotional state caused simply by focusing on a different subject .
tr	5	" For a deliberate creator , as we established before , " Edie May continued , " emotions are the guiding light to his desired outcome .
tr	5	If you are riddled with depression or fear , you might want to get angry at someone or something or wish revenge on someone else .
tr	5	Once you vibrate where it feels good any action you take will be an inspired one and lead you to whatever result you want . "
tr	5	" That does sound like a fun game , " Taylor said , " although I don 't really see how it could heal my legs .
tr	5	While he was telling the story the front door had opened and closed a few times and more visitors had poured into the small room .
tr	5	She blew a noisy wet kiss on Taylor 's cheek , threw her arms up in the air , giggled wildly and galloped out of the room .
tr	5	" I 'll be o.k. , " said Taylor , " thank you for everything , and give Leila my thanks too , please . "
tr	5	" I can feel them , " he yelled , " I can feel the sensations that your stories had put in my head all at once .
tr	5	Two houses down the street Kim Wong climbed out of his bed and stepped up to the bedroom window to see what the racket was all about .
tr	5	His wife 's sleepy voice came from their bed , " John has got his legs back , that 's got ta hurt for a while .
tr	5	To his own surprise , Taylor spent over an hour playing with the jerky reaction of his legs without getting frustrated or even compelled to try harder .
tr	5	" That 's no fair , " Lilly Ann complained , " How am I supposed to get an airplane right now to jump out of ? "
tr	5	" Not so fast , " Taylor shouted after her , " you could let me borrow a bathrobe or something and give me a hand .
tr	5	Don 't try to make it happen , " she coached , " There is no rush you 'll run soon enough after you start walking . "
tr	5	With one fluid deliberate movement he sat up and swung his legs out of the bed where his feet landed on the floor with a loud thump .
tr	5	" Well , Jack and Joe Jack went back out to the woods so you will have to settle for me for right now . "
tr	5	He more and more got the impression of sitting inside a gingerbread house right out of the fairy tales he had heard as a child .
tr	5	" Any time , John , " Edie May answered watching for Lilly Ann 's reaction , " I 'll be there all day today .
tr	5	Edie May gently pushed one of the buttons on the pointing device , which prompted some text and images to be displayed on the screen .
tr	5	" John , you probably know better than I do the history this country and the whole world lived through at the end of the twenty-first century .
tr	5	The most significant historic fact for us was the sudden evacuation of many rural and remote areas for political and security reasons at that time .
tr	5	All kinds of ideas where pondered and given up again because none of them had any desire to rejoin the nightmare they just had escaped from .
tr	5	Edie May looked at Lilly Ann 's face to see if Taylor 's statement of doubt did in any way effect how she felt about him .
tr	5	And , some of you emphasize , that you have heard that after you die there are more rewards for those who struggled the most . "
tr	5	" Don 't worry about it , " Lilly Ann chimed in , " nobody understands Abraham fully when they hear them for the first time .
tr	5	She stood , quietly basking in the loving energy that radiated through the study hall as she watched the two cautiously make their way out the door .
tr	5	Students of literally all ages were buzzing in and out of various doors , sometimes by themselves , sometimes in small groups heatedly discussing their favorite subjects .
tr	5	A short distance into the woods a new sound mixed into the whisper of the wind , the singing of the birds and buzzing of flying insects .
tr	5	When the hunter becomes the hunted a game of wit and skill ensues that brings about the opportunity to learn and grow for everyone involved .
tr	5	" Oh , you mean Louis , " she replied , " He picked up a fishing rod a few weeks after his first visit to Sudbury .
tr	5	She had that look on her face that said , ' How do I say this so even a man from Mars could understand ? '
tr	5	A short distance downstream Taylor recognized the fallen tree that Lilly Ann had described so vividly in her first game story a few days earlier .
tr	5	" See , the river , " Lilly Ann thought out loud , " is like the energy that you summon when you want something .
tr	5	" Speaking of cookies , " Lilly Ann was unimpressed , " I almost forgot that we have a few cookies left in the bag for desert .
tr	5	" More of everything , " for her it was clear as day , " we look into the world and decide what we want more of .
tr	5	" Everything , " Lilly Ann agreed , " one can learn everything there is to know about life while standing at a river to fish . "
tr	5	" No way , " Lilly Ann shrieked and ran to the beached end of the tree trunk and jumped off into the soft sand laughing hysterically .
tr	5	Chapter 12 : Just Ask Lilly Lilly Ann and Taylor had waved good-bye to Louis , the fisherman , and walked back towards the Sudbury main building .
tr	5	" You mentioned that before , " Taylor was still skeptical , " but to me this still sounds a bit like an easy way out .
tr	5	I 'm not sure I would have asked any questions if I hadn 't seen your way of life right in front of my nose .
tr	5	Lilly Ann started to be concerned that his brain would catch fire if he kept devouring all that heavy intellectual stuff at the rate he was going .
tr	5	On his frequent walks around town Taylor could not help but be amazed by the open and genuinely positive way people would greet him into their lives .
tr	5	Not a day passed by that he did not receive a spontaneous invitation for an afternoon cup of tea or a refreshing glass of buttermilk or lemonade .
tr	5	" That should not surprise you , " Lilly Ann laughed , " every child in town is called Lilly at an early age . "
tr	5	Since most of the first settlers had their own way of looking at every day things a few started to name their boys Lilly too .
tr	5	" It 's not that complicated , " Lilly Ann played down the for Taylor unthinkable , " every Lilly is an individual on a vibrational basis .
tr	5	They are still very much in touch with their inner reality and so they act much more from their inner truth than from outer circumstances .
tr	5	" That I see , " Taylor laughed , " the girl this afternoon positively knew that I had no idea how to draw a hamster .
tr	5	Many of them will tell you flat out ' Go ask Lilly , I am Lilly Ann " or whatever their chosen name might be .
tr	5	It was a rare occurrence that someone would waltz into town and try to pick up their whole philosophy and way of life from scratch .
tr	5	" Behave yourself Michael , " she scolded still laughing , " or I will finish our walk on the other side of the street . "
tr	5	" I don 't understand , " Taylor said , " in my book heroes are supposed to be role models of selfless service to others . "
tr	5	" No , " René repeated , " if you think you do something for someone else you are just delegating the responsibility for your own happiness .
tr	5	And by the way , I am sure you 'll do just fine handling our hotheaded friend here , " he nodded towards Michael with a wink .
tr	5	A few days later at breakfast Taylor knew that Edie May would join them even before he had heard her signature knock at the door .
tr	5	" Well , I always take responsibility for my actions , " Taylor insisted , " If I screw up , I 'll fix it .
tr	5	He shuddered at the thought of how much time it might take for him to fully live what he had just begun to understand intellectually .
tr	5	" Let 's raid dad 's closet , " Lilly Ann was excited at the prospect of having another reason to dig through her father 's stuff .
tr	5	" Are you sure he won 't mind , " Taylor cautioned , " I don 't want to get you in trouble with him . "
tr	5	Soon he decided that his mind was not focusing on the text so he retired to his room to start getting himself ready for the evening .
tr	5	Looking at his reflection in the mirror on top of the dresser he decided that he needed a bath , a shave and a haircut .
tr	5	He always used his time in the hot water to stretch and massage his muscles , which were still recovering from the after effects of his injuries .
tr	5	He was getting a little concerned about the dinner part of Lilly Ann 's plans until he sat down to put on socks and shoes .
tr	5	Two beautiful black Clydesdale draught horses , at least nineteen hands tall , stood in bright red and gold harness , calmly waiting to pull their carriage .
tr	5	Still , the natural and easygoing attitude everyone was displaying so freely , made him feel at home in the midst of all these strangers .
tr	5	A band of seven musicians had arranged themselves under the big oak tree and got warmed up with a wild tune of Eastern European heritage .
tr	5	The first song had not even been concluded when men and women streamed onto the makeshift dance floor that had been constructed under the tree .
tr	5	" It 'll be my pleasure , " he answered all cavalier , " if you don 't mind taking it slow with an old man . "
tr	5	They began to sway to the music , completely unaware of their surroundings , both of their minds captured by the tenderness of their movements .
tr	5	The uhh 's and ahh 's of the party guests mixed with the bands futile attempt to keep up with the deafening cacophony of the fiery display .
tr	5	Mr. Big tiptoed around the bed in Lilly Ann 's room , unsure if he was welcome as usual since an unfamiliar occupant was still fast asleep .
tr	5	" When , how , what , ... " he stammered before they broke down in uncontrolled laughter , hugging and dancing around the kitchen .
tr	5	Not only that , they would come on at different light levels depending on who did the clapping or what their intentions were in the room .
tr	5	" For three days the nights were dark if it were not for the candles that were put up all around the camps and villages .
tr	5	" So , they went to investigate and asked him to show them the page in the book where he had learned to control the lights .
tr	5	" Not knowing what that device was , the little guy just thought that this was the obvious way to get the lights back on .
tr	5	" It 's just this old building from before the war , " Lilly Ann explained , " I think it was some kind of market .
tr	5	Part of the sign is still there , it says , ' Wal ' and a star , so we call it Wal Star . "
tr	5	Happy , but somewhat surprised about Taylor 's enthusiasm Lilly Ann led the way to her van and off they drove to the edge of town .
tr	5	The vast parking lot had been reclaimed by the neighboring meadows and a small herd of goats feasted on the hearty green between broken patches of concrete .
tr	5	" Well , we were wondering about the ice delivery , " Lilly Ann answered , " or better , why there wasn 't any today .
tr	5	" Nothing so far , " Tom admitted , " but with the two of you here that 's going to change , I 'm sure . "
tr	5	He fastened the tool belt onto the wheel and with short pieces of strings from his pocket he tied up his tools to dangle from the belt .
tr	5	" You are being silly , " Lilly laughingly chastised him , " on the other hand , this looks pretty , like wind chimes .
tr	5	" Easy there , " Taylor cautioned , " we won 't do them any good if we kill ourselves on the way to help . "
tr	5	A few horses had been strapped into a harness and several men tried to get a grip on the tree to lift it but to no avail .
tr	5	The heavy chain was still wrapped tightly around the tree but the hydraulic arm of the tractor stood limp with no pressure to work its magic .
tr	5	They both ran off to the nearby barn and the man pointed at a huge farm machine that was covered under thick dust and straw clippings .
tr	5	" Let 's say hi to Frank , " she encouraged him , " he is going to get a kick out of that one . "
tr	5	Hills and valleys were painted with new , bright green foliage , and meadows and slopes proudly displayed a multitude of brilliant wildflower colors and shapes .
tr	5	He had enjoyed the activity outdoors , the camaraderie of men performing dangerous work , and the feeling of satisfaction after a long day of hard work .
tr	5	" Well , come on in , " Fritz invited him , " you have to try this new schnapps I 've been distilling in winter . "
tr	5	When I came back to ask Lilly Ann 's grandmother to marry me I got on my knees and asked her to accept my ring .
tr	5	She just stood in her kitchen and shoved one pan after the other into her oversized oven until she ran out of ingredients to turn into delicacies .
tr	5	If you want to eat well , we can go out , have someone else cook for us , or you can learn to cook yourself .
tr	5	Together they served plates of lasagna to the table and Taylor sliced French bread and arranged it in a basket , which he handed to Lilly Ann .
tr	5	" O.k. , that is not exactly the reaction I was hoping for , " Taylor was getting a bit insecure , " but , fair enough .
tr	5	" All right , " Taylor tried not to get defensive , " what would be a good reason for you to get married ? "
tr	5	And without really knowing that he spoke he added , " To share our joy , I guess is what I wanted to say . "
tr	5	Brisk air was wallowing through the open window and the birds in the trees outside were outdoing each other with ever new and creative melodies and sounds .
tr	5	Taylor had to swallow hard a few times before he was able to muster a reply , " The pleasure is all mine , Lilly Grace .
tr	5	Taylor felt a lot more secure and in control wearing the proper attire for a first visit with his soon to be mother in law .
tr	5	" You know what , " he said to Lilly Ann , " I don 't need to know everything right this red hot minute .
tr	5	The wedding preparations were in full swing and more often than not Taylor found himself being in the way with no idea how to contribute .
tr	5	It had become very obvious to him that this was a woman 's affair and that a masculine touch to the proceedings was neither welcome nor appreciated .
tr	5	He was determined to make the best of it and to keep his focus on the reason he had suggested to get married in the first place .
tr	5	The path that led up from the street to the festival grounds was well worn from thousands of visitors who had climbed the incline throughout the decades .
tr	5	Although the dance of the white phantom was definitely the highlight of the evening entertainment she would not remain last girl to take the stage .
tr	5	Sensual , wild , funny , silly and flat out erotic displays of female expression were offered to honor the man at the center of attention .
tr	5	" It is great to meet you John , " Michael said with a soft but intense voice , " I heard so much good about you .
tr	5	" The pleasure is mine , sir , " Taylor answered sincerely , " I hope I can live up to the praise you have heard .
tr	5	" Ah , don 't mention it , brother , " Willie waved him off , " I 'm glad you had fun , I sure did .
tr	5	As he slipped into the bed Lilly Ann greeted him with closed eyes and a sleep drunken voice , " Did you like the girls ? "
tr	5	The female members of the bride 's family had gathered early in the morning in Lilly Ann 's house to help her with her personal preparations .
tr	5	A family with nothing but love for each other , vibrating in perfect harmony to draw joy from each other and beam it into the world .
tr	5	Both of the girls walked up to her side and took hold of the veil and the clasp , which held the cloak in place .
tr	5	She just spread her arms wide and with a look to her side she commanded two young men to lift her up onto the platform .
tr	5	Let the earth they stand on feel the lightness of their hearts and let the birds in the sky sing the joy of their souls . "
tr	5	Wear it as a sign that today 's choice lives on until - we choose otherwise , " he ended his vow with a boyish smile .
tr	5	By returning into the stream of pure positive energy they left behind all thoughts of resistance , be it doubt or fear or anger or grief .
tr	5	" That is true , " Fritz admitted , " but you are my favorite granddaughter , " he emphasized winking his eyes at her .
tr	5	" No thanks , " Taylor laughed , " it 's a little too early in the day for your lively spirit for me . "
tr	5	As much as I dislike the idea , but it is conceivable that at some point one can have his fill and be ready for something new .
tr	5	Personal , private , funny , hilarious , profound and profane , just like the man himself the stories were offered to be remembered and repeated .
tr	5	Each one of them was eager to conjure up images and sounds as lifelike as possible to recreate a colorful picture for all others to remember .
tr	5	Stories of people , passed down through generations , meaningful only in the context of the ideas that lived on long after their bodies had perished .
tr	5	She took a glass filled with the best schnapps in the house from a tray that was offered to her and lifted it high into the air .
tr	5	He did not know how he knew , but he knew when the time was right to pile logs under the still and light the fires .
tr	5	" Well , thank you , " Lilly Grace smiled at him , " I thought there was something I could do for you . "
tr	5	I knew right away that this was not the effect of light reflections or anything like that , but I sure don 't know what I saw .
tr	5	" You are right , " Lilly Grace had an amused note in her voice , " I most certainly am none of the above . "
tr	5	" But more to the point , " she continued a little more serious , " I am a woman , just like you are a man .
tr	5	" Hm , interesting conclusion , " Lilly Grace looked at him surprised , " you do have a good grasp on the Abraham teachings .
tr	5	We were happy to a point that even the slightest dip in our vibration caused an immediate reflex within our thought process to regain our usual composure .
tr	5	We didn 't have the feeling that we learned something substantially new either , this was only a logical conclusion of our deliberate reduction of resistance .
tr	5	Next thing we know , we sit at a table in the tavern with a couple cats sitting nearby and looking at us very curiously .
tr	5	" I have seen it and wondered about it , " Taylor confirmed , " I would have never guessed what it stands for though . "
tr	5	" No end to it , " Lilly Grace said without hesitation , " Every time we think there cannot be more , there is .
tr	5	" Nice try , dad , " he said to Michael , " Next time I 'm not going to be impressed that easily . "
tr	5	His plane had fallen out of the sky , brought down by lightning , but the captain had lived and his passengers were on their way home .
tr	5	There were the cables that moved the control surfaces and some of the levers and wheels that were manipulated by the hands of the pilot .
tr	5	Control surfaces , stabilizers , even the illusive landing flaps made perfect sense in the context of his years of studies of aerodynamics and mechanics .
tr	5	... " Knock , knock , " Lilly Ann cautiously opened the door to the tool shed , which Taylor had converted to his artist studio .
tr	5	She never knew when it was safe to walk in because of the more or less violent fabrication methods he used to create his masterpieces .
tr	5	" It 's a pleasure to meet you , Wilbur , " Taylor vigorously shook the young man 's hand , " so you like metal sculptures .
tr	5	" Don 't be so modest , " Lilly Ann laughed , " Wilbur has even you beat for most broken bones and life threatening injuries .
tr	5	Taylor looked at Wilbur with a mixture of admiration and curiosity , " So , what would you call yourself , determined or nuts ? "
tr	5	" Well then , " Taylor stood up and shoved the last piece of bread into his mouth , " where to young man ? "
tr	5	" This is good work , " Taylor ran his hands over the tightly stretched hull , " Do you actually want to fly this thing ? "
tr	5	" That 'll do , " Taylor chuckled , " we 'll do another test once we have the engine and all the missing parts in . "
tr	5	They designed control surfaces and attached them to the stabilizers , routed cables through the fuselage and made them functional with proper flight controls in the cockpit .
tr	5	Small deliberate brush strokes , many thousands of them , turned the plain looking craft into a gleaming proud bird , one intricate feather at a time .
tr	5	" No use to whine about it , " Taylor got to business , " Let 's tear it down and see what we got . "
tr	5	" We have all the parts for four cylinders , " Wilbur suggested , " The Condor is smaller and lighter than your plane was .
tr	5	He had been too excited to sleep , so he had decided to drive out into the woods to a friend 's place for a special pickup .
tr	5	The speed of the propeller climbed with the angry growl of the motor , the plane straining against the shackles that locked it to the ground .
tr	5	Wilbur ran a big circle around the wing of the airplane , climbed into the second seat behind Taylor 's and fastened his safety belt .
tr	5	Taylor had expected an emotional onslaught for the moment when it would become eminent that he was about to reclaim his place amongst the clouds .
tr	5	A few minutes of slow but steady climb brought them to a safe altitude to level off and try to turn the plane for the first time .
tr	5	" Well , that 's right up my alley then , I 'm the queen of all things silly , " Lilly Ann announced dramatically .
tr	5	Some would call you devil and some would call you lord , and none of them would rest until they see you nailed to a cross . "
tr	5	They thought it quite possible that Esther would find herself in this situation if people started to mix up what was Abraham and what was her . "
tr	5	" Oh , nothing , " Taylor chuckled , " just a nugget from stories I loved to read as a kid about this futuristic society .
tr	5	He doesn 't go looking for trouble , but he doesn 't back away from it either , and it always finds him , believe me .
tr	5	She 's been through hard times , as most of the people that I 've known , but she doesn 't know a bitter thought .
tr	5	" So true , " Taylor nodded , " I believe that I have to find a way to help them , as you have helped me .
tr	5	" Exactly , " Lilly Ann nodded and kissed him gently , " think and feel , and then think some more and feel again .
tr	5	You are doing so exceptionally well , John Taylor , and from what you 've been telling me , so are most of your friends . "
tr	5	Taylor remarked , " But if that 's not it I 'll be happy to carry you to the bedroom to have a closer look . "
tr	5	" Remember the other day in the yard when we talked about South Central and your friends and you going back to help them ? "
tr	5	Tears of joy were streaming down his face and all he was able to stammer was , " Thank you , thank you , thank you . "
tr	5	They sat on the old kitchen bench for a long time , embracing each other tightly , trying to adjust to the onslaught of almost unbearable bliss .
tr	5	Buzzing with love for each other and for their unborn treasure they did not move until - well , until Lilly Ann 's arm fell asleep .
tr	5	Without even trying to find an answer to this impossible question he sat on the bed and tried to pull Lilly Ann into his arms .
tr	5	" This is not going to do this time , " Lilly Ann pouted , " I need an answer and I need it now . "
tr	5	I want our Lilly to have a real mommy and not just a playmate who doesn 't know how to take care of her baby . "
tr	5	I know for a fact that we will have a very smart kid , so she must have had her good reasons , right ? "
tr	5	Above the mountain of her fear , through the haze of her tears rose a bright beacon of light , casting away shadows and doubt .
tr	5	" Lilly , " she tugged on Taylor 's arm , " You are right , our Lilly , she knows , she knows everything . "
tr	5	" I have seen the system work perfectly on a day to day basis , " Taylor agreed , " But what about long-term security ?
tr	5	" You don 't sound very convinced , " Edie May observed , " This can 't be an easy decision either way , right ? "
tr	5	She moved herself into a comfortable position , finding support in the closeness of her mate , as the intervals between her contractions grew shorter .
tr	5	Lilly was snuggling her nose into the warmth of Taylor 's arms cradling her and expressed her enjoyment of the moment with soft sounds of wellbeing .
tr	5	After a short pause a much older voice added softly , " When the others are ready to know they will find their way to you . "
tr	5	He started me off with really vintage aircraft , all string and canvas , not only looking at them - but flying them as well .
tr	5	Both variants had been uses solely by second line squadrons , never embarking on board an aircraft carrier , but they did sterling work in the background .
tr	5	Before Teddy could say anything I totally agreed with him and headed full steam towards a purplish apparition ( with green stripes ) that was parked nearby .
tr	5	Although I did like the one from a young man who had nearly four hours solo , and once saw a Hunter at an air show .
tr	5	He willingly accepted , and from that moment on everything was to be done ' ship shape and Bristol fashion ' , and nautical terminology became mandatory .
tr	5	Apparently her husband had recently passed away and she was now left with a crashed Hunter and some odd bits and pieces - in Switzerland .
tr	5	As the address was way out in the sticks he hadn 't visited her yet but was he , Teddy , in Spain , still interested ?
tr	5	The local heavies that David had organised for us had two black ' stretch ' Hummers waiting for us , complete with tinted windows and snow chains .
tr	5	Returning to the base he quite openly put in a request to purchase ' Hulk 112 ' , as his new hybrid fighter was now legally called .
tr	5	' Too right sunshine ( or words to that effect ) , but what about all my bits and pieces in the old hangar ? '
tr	5	The property agents were most likely all shut by now , she moaned ' but she couldn 't wait until they opened up on Monday ' .
tr	5	Then he sorted out the invoices ; fortunately he settled for ' date order ' as well , that saved us at least an hour .
tr	5	On completion ' the suit ' then came and bade me farewell , safe journey home ( did he know something about that postage stamp airfield ? )
tr	5	' The pilot says the load is OK now , and it seems such a pity to go so few kilometres after so much trouble ( ? )
tr	5	I had asked Teddy to explain why he had placed this young woman ; she was in fact twenty nine years old , on the pile .
tr	5	' Will you be waiting for a replacement crew to arrive before you leave , or take a British one with you ' I asked .
tr	5	' But please be assured that no one will be allowed to even touch an aircraft that doesn 't have the highest civilian and military qualifications ' .
tr	5	A lunatic little girl wanted to steal a single seat Hunter , but first she had asked him ' please , where is the starter button ? '
tr	5	They went into Maria 's empty office to talk it over , and were back in ten minutes , full of the joys of spring .
tr	5	' Can I have the standard aircraft markings in Bottle Green ' I asked , ' they would look much prettier than black or white ' .
tr	5	He was also carrying the latest in seamen 's knives , made by Bowie , and a Steyr AUG assault rifle , made by Steyr .
tr	5	There was tape over her mouth but not over her eyes so she slowly opened them , and what she saw made her go rigid .
tr	5	Just as things started to look as though they might not wait for Pencil , Zoomer shouted back to them that they were approaching their exit .
tr	5	If either of them was the Pencil then he didn 't get his name from his build , he was obviously El Gordo 's twin brother .
tr	5	As Caroline quietly sat watching the preparations for her death being made , she absently thought about the clinical reasons behind each of their odd behaviours .
tr	5	Fatty ( 1 ) , El Gordo , was the first one to notice that Caroline wasn 't writhing and screaming and begging for mercy .
tr	5	~ ~ ~ ~ Chapter 8 When the four of them finally woke up they all quickly realised that they were in really deep Doo Doo .
tr	5	Then her father , who had been starting to make things difficult for ' the brothers grim ' had an accident in Cell block H .
tr	5	' I hope this will go some way to making amends for my husband 's actions ' she said , and then took it back from him .
tr	5	For the last three years she had hardly even seen him , he was always out at the airfield flying aeroplanes , or ripping wings off butterflies .
tr	5	Where have the rest of the losers gone you moron ' Zoomer ( one ) asked , as Charlie switched on the camera and sound equipment .
tr	5	Harley must then have had a revelation as he clamped his mouth tightly shut , started to shake his head back and forth , and whine .
tr	5	First they were furious that they hadn 't been called in for the ' kidnapping that never was ' , that was within their remit .
tr	5	-------------------- Early on in January one of HRH 's grey suits had arrived at El Campo and tried to rip us to pieces , security wise .
tr	5	The SAS had obviously got the job , sorry ' training exercise ' , and carried out a ' halo ' parachute drop into El Campo .
tr	5	Charlie had placed a mobile phone at the side of his head , almost touching him , with ' Reveille ' as the ring tone .
tr	5	and Cammy was pondering only the other day when we might be imbibing the sun 's rays , Spanish style - perhaps after the summer rush ? '
tr	5	Marcus had been sent off the day before with the simple instruction , ' find one hundred and twenty-eight ' bed and breakfasts ' by tomorrow please .
tr	5	I think he was starting to get a bit peeved at these missions as I suddenly became the proud owner of one the best hotels in Sweden .
tr	5	' So you 've sacked me already have you ' she snapped back ( she was definitely out of her ' self-pitying ' mode now ) .
tr	5	She opened it , read the enclosed contract , and burst into tears again ; I really will have to work on my people skills .
tr	5	In his will he left Russell , sorry Hobbs , the Rolls , no money for its upkeep mind you , just the Rolls Royce .
tr	5	As he pulled up Topsy and a crew swept in and a crane lifted the container off the flatbed trailer and lowered it gently to the ground .
tr	5	As we swept in over El Campo , Natasha glued to my wing tip , I just knew that this was the beginning of something very special .
tr	5	' Farnborough Approach , this is Lady S requesting permission to ' fly by ' , and then join left hand circuit for landing ' .
tr	5	I had got away with it , ' only a couple of chicks Farnborough approach , will be overhead in three zero seconds out ' .
tr	5	Three consecutive cards and you win the trick ; four of a kind , or four in a row and you win the game ' .
tr	5	Natasha , in Arabella was hiding behind a hangar close to the end of the runway , along with Topsy and my ' bomb heads ' .
tr	5	' It looks as though it is Colitis ' , but she had scheduled Sasha in for an endoscopy tomorrow morning , just to confirm it .
tr	5	' Then ring him and tell him to come directly here , you can stay at El Campo ' , and handed her my phone .
tr	5	My first foray into the love stakes following the loss of Sheila , my wife , almost five years ago had been Sandra , the media icon .
tr	5	As I slowly orbited the airfield , and doing a couple of slow speed fly-by 's just for fun , a well-oiled machine leapt into action .
tr	5	Fred allegedly gained her nickname for her ability to sketch the cartoon character Fred Flintstone , although I personally had never seen any evidence of this .
tr	5	She and her team had flown in earlier in the King Air 350 to tend Lady S 's needs whilst she was on the ground .
tr	5	As I sat there watching her surging towards me , a visible bow wave forming in front of her , I metaphorically sprang into action .
tr	5	As I was transported gently to dry land , guess how many cameras came out of the woodwork , and where did all their images go ?
tr	5	The ejection seat had been removed and she was apparently looking for a Mod plate ; ' was it anything like a china plate ? '
tr	5	Had she been your common or garden right handed male mechanic she would have been castrated and have two hernias before she had completed half the journey .
tr	5	' Drat ' , he thought that he had been so clever , but at least he knew that he had made the right decision .
tr	5	-- never heard of it ' ) threw loads of my money at the relevant cash strapped appeals and research projects and bingo - sorted .
tr	5	had proved that he was able to keep the secret , he was an obvious choice to be on the inside , but in what capacity ?
tr	5	All it needed was registering and another lick of paint -- ' ring HHA I told him , they owe me a big favour ' .
tr	5	I had only just arrived home but it was quite literally a flying visit , I was off on yet another jaunt , this time to Morocco .
tr	5	---------------------- John , my boss of aircraft maintenance had turned up unannounced at Robin 's home a week before I planned to return to Spain .
tr	5	John fully understood the concept of ' pamper and whim ' so after the ugly showdown with Teddy he reluctantly decided to go behind his back .
tr	5	He had been with the company for fifteen years when it decided to specialise in corporate jet maintenance and put its small restoration division up for sale .
tr	5	He had required over thirty stitches , and the surgeons reckoned that even with cosmetic surgery he would still be scarred for the rest of his life .
tr	5	I had to have something more than just a watch and a pair of sunglasses to show for all the money that I was shelling out .
tr	5	Almost a hundred and fifty relatives arrived by Airbus the next morning , and spent the rest of the day with the aircraft and artefacts .
tr	5	, and then became even more confused when I removed something from the package that he had just brought in , and slid it over to him .
tr	5	He looked down at it and started to cry , I really , really was going to have to do something about my people skills .
tr	5	Now any sane person would think that I had enough to keep myself busy , what with my boats and planes and golf course and ... ... .
tr	5	Then he got to the car bit , I just knew that he would , ' can 't you take a joke ' I said .
tr	5	' Before you say anything about me parking on the taxi track , I 'm sorry ; I should have taxied off of it ' .
tr	5	Vicente always has been Vicente , and always will be , although I think that I would have crossed over the road to avoid Teddy .
tr	5	As I was now a Dictator I didn 't take any questions , I just left them to their thoughts and made my way to my bedroom .
tr	5	I paused for a few seconds then reached into my pocket and removed a small bunch of keys , detached one , and handed it to him .
tr	5	Her answer had been a categorical , ' go pack yourself , I 'm going nowhere ' ( I think she said ' pack ' ) .
tr	5	I couldn 't just wander out for a quick coffee at the local cafe any time I felt like it ; David would go ballistic .
tr	5	' It 's short for Sabrina , but if you call me that I will scratch your eyes out , I 'm only a 34C . '
tr	5	Within fifteen minutes I had found out that she was divorced , Skinner was her maiden name and B was for Brian , her brother .
tr	5	' I must be tired ' she said , ' it 's been a long week , but at least tomorrow is my day off .
tr	5	That narrowed the field down a bit so she said ' do you mind ' pre-loved ' , I much prefer it to ' second-hand ' .
tr	5	Someone had spent a lot of time and money on this one , and she had a lovely clean bottom ( but back to the boat ) .
tr	5	Not on your Nelly I thought , although with the right colour sheets I imagined that the cabin could be made to look quite nice .
tr	5	Over our lunch I came clean about El Rincon , but told her that I still wasn 't going to let her off the babies .
tr	5	And when a fairly Senior Spanish Royal came over to say ' adios ' on his way out , was she impressed , or what .
tr	5	The only slight problem was that apparently Miss Antoinette was not for hire , so I thought a spot of the Michaels charm might do the trick .
tr	5	Normally I would have cowered away in fear , but what the hell I thought ; this must be Miss A , time for the charm offensive .
tr	5	Finally an ' almost back to normal ' Miss Antoinette emerged empty handed from the window display , and I asked her where my painting was .
tr	5	He then leaned back against the wall , looked down at his legs , and was sick over what remained of his Giorgio Armani trousers .
tr	5	and from then on I apparently had round-the-clock care from every ' ist in the book , Nutritionists , Cardiologists , and Therapists of every persuasion .
tr	5	' Maria told me when she and Carlos returned from his wedding ( to Francesca ) at the stud farm ' ' When ' , she asked .
tr	5	He should have realised that it was wishful thinking when Jesse Mk2 took four days to crawl into the World , and his mother never even noticed .
tr	5	I was really beginning to like her , anyone that could be reduced to tears by as terrible a joke as that was OK by me .
tr	5	Let me finish by saying that I have been wrong about many things over my lifetime and I certainly hope I am wrong about this as well .
tr	5	We have within the last two centuries advanced the development of mankind farther and faster than it has traveled in all of previous human existence .
tr	5	So far , we seem to be bent on overcoming and circumventing the walls which have kept all of nature 's creatures in balance and harmony .
tr	5	I sat in the cockpit of Surreal , cradling a mug of coffee and watching a blue heron on the far bank stalking its evening meal .
tr	5	Besides , I was getting along in years , and figured by the time conditions really went to hell I 'd be pushing up daisies .
tr	5	I projected , if the wheels did indeed come off the wagon , it wouldn 't happen before 2030 , which gave me a comfortable margin .
tr	5	It wasn 't an easy decision , but I saw it as the only viable alternative to what could ultimately result in a horrible way to die .
tr	5	Students began referring to me as " Dr. Doom " and finally under growing pressure I relinquished my tenure and went into retirement at fifty-eight .
tr	5	Sitting on the porch rocking away my life didn 't present an appealing option , and so I began to search for something a bit more challenging .
tr	5	Corporations and financial institutions have never been known for their altruism and morality yet they currently held sway over the vast majority of the world 's population .
tr	5	I had come to feel it wasn 't a matter of if there would be a train wreck , but only a matter of when .
tr	5	Food was an essential item on my list as outside of fish and game anything I didn 't take along I would have to do without .
tr	5	I spent much time in an attempt to work out what would be needed to sustain me for a period of a year or better .
tr	5	Such as flour which was already becoming scarce , spaghetti , macaroni , salt , sugar , powdered milk and lots and lots of coffee .
tr	5	Most blamed the government for its inaction and though Washington and Tallahassee tried nothing they could do had a favorable impact on the problems facing us .
tr	5	This only added to the frustration as Americans slowly came to the realization their government was no longer in a position to arrest the decline .
tr	5	The effects were being felt by those nations who historically had the ability not only to feed their own populations , but to export excesses .
tr	5	Alarmed to find she would be hard pressed to meet domestic demands , the US quickly moved to cut off all exports , even for humanitarian purposes .
tr	5	Chaos replaced what little civility had existed within these fragile societies and food riots broke out as starving populations desperately sought anything to fill empty bellies .
tr	5	Soon , one faction began battling another for survival engulfing the whole of the continent in a frenzy of ethnic cleansing driven on by fear and starvation .
tr	5	Pakistan quickly joined in the fray declaring war on India who responded , in kind , throwing all her might against her troublesome Muslim neighbor .
tr	5	Europe , the United States , Great Britain , Russia , and China were all rendered impotent and could do little but go on the defensive .
tr	5	With all going on , tiny North Korea was shoved into the background , forgotten , and cut off from all aid including that of China .
tr	5	Those who could headed for the newly established camps along the panhandle , and almost overnight Astor like so much of the state became depopulated .
tr	5	There seemed to be no good alternative as either you stayed and starved or joined the masses congregating along the panhandle and risked being infected .
tr	5	I had chosen this hour so as to depart unobserved and hoped I could be up the river and into the mouth of Alexander Creek before sunrise .
tr	5	Now only a tiny fraction of the population was engaged in farming and for the vast majority , this avenue of subsistence no longer existed .
tr	5	The airways , once choked with human generated signals fell silent , and the electronic gadgets , the species had so highly coveted , were rendered useless .
tr	5	Eventually , there came to fall upon the country an easy quiet , broken only by the sounds of nature and those creatures that had been spared .
tr	5	This feeling washed over me in waves , and I would fall into deep despair , luckily it only lasted a day or two then subsided .
tr	5	The hidden canoe would be all right as would the remaining plastic drums even if the river rose , which I figured it , would .
tr	5	I felt sickened not necessarily by what I had done but for the fact I had silenced the only human voices I 'd heard in months .
tr	5	I reasoned they must be alone if they were part of a larger group they wouldn 't have been so worried about losing a captive .
tr	5	It had been the only engine I had heard in months , so it was likely there wasn 't anybody left with the means to pursue me .
tr	5	I kept to the right , staying as far as possible from the docks on the opposite side , using binoculars to scan the bank .
tr	5	As I approached the bridge I noticed a line of gas jugs and a pile of other stuff along the motel seawall next to the bridge .
tr	5	I made a sweep with the glasses until I was satisfied there wasn 't anyone around then headed for the dock and cut the power .
tr	5	The motel restaurant was gone , obviously burnt as only charred pilings remained , the motel had fared a little better just missing part of the roof .
tr	5	Skinny was right ; she was tied up six ways from Sunday , her wrists and ankles chafed and bleeding from her efforts to escape .
tr	5	She struggled to get the words out , and then they burst forth as if a dam had ruptured , " They ... ate them all ! "
tr	5	She huddled beside me clutching at the coat ; a small diminutive creature liberated from an abominable situation , scared , and facing an uncertain future .
tr	5	They kept asking dad where the food was hidden ; he told them we didn 't have any and weren 't any better off than they were .
tr	5	We ain 't had nothin to eat for a while much less nothin to fuck ... when I look around here I see plenty of both . "
tr	5	Those hadn 't been hungry , desperate men but vile , depraved , fiends , spawned in hell and nurtured in the death throes of humankind .
tr	5	She came into the salon rubbings her eyes and said , " You live like a king , just a little sugar , please . "
tr	5	I dropped in the sugar and handed her the mug ; she sat down on the settee and cradled the warm mug between her hands .
tr	5	I hadn 't seen nor had anyone to talk to since I left Astor and felt almost giddy at the prospect of again making conversation .
tr	5	She said , " The army came by four months ago and evacuated almost everybody to camps that 's the last outside news we had . "
tr	5	" Christ , from what you 've told me you should be a raving lunatic , just listening last night almost turned me into one .
tr	5	There 's more than enough diesel to get this boat to the ocean , but I haven 't a clue where to go from there . "
tr	5	Getting out on the river had renewed my wanderlust , and from questioning Connie , I came to the conclusion the worst threats were over .
tr	5	The new reality was it would be many a year if ever before there was again a party with happy boaters filling Silver Glen Springs .
tr	5	I worried about the quality of the gas as I had found water , and rust in two jugs , plus three of the jugs smelled stale .
tr	5	We went through about a dozen houses ; I found the bodies of a few old people I guessed had died from starvation or medical complications .
tr	5	Connie combed through closets trying on clothes as I checked out garages , cars , and boats for anything useful making a mental inventory as I went .
tr	5	It was if people had just walked away leaving all their worldly possessions with the exception of fuel and food neither of which we could find .
tr	5	We talked it over and decided to make a list of things we were going to need and take a trip to town in the morning .
tr	5	I liberated them and noticed it was equipped with an Icom SSB ( single side band ) radio I took it along with the antenna and tuner .
tr	5	I scavenged for hardware while Connie shopped for all things which would add to our domesticity ; by afternoon , we had several docks piled high .
tr	5	She had been watching with amusement , smiled and said , " Quit looking at the damn thing and just shove it in the canal . "
tr	5	We tied off , and I filled the tank of the outboard making sure to run the fuel through the chamois I had found in a garage .
tr	5	All at once the stern lurched , and the houseboat slid off the bank the Sea Ray surged forward forcing me to kill the engines .
tr	5	The houseboat was floating free Connie , and I waved , grinned , thrust an arm in the air , and shouted , " Yes . "
tr	5	I wasn 't going to be satisfied until I had enough solar panels and batteries to run the air conditioning or the stacked washer dryer .
tr	5	They were too heavy to haul on the bikes , but we had come across a white Ford diesel pickup which looked to be in good condition .
tr	5	The planet reached what might be described as optimum population probably some time shortly after the end of World War Two when the baby boom began .
tr	5	Turns out it was , as instead of leisure time and a better life we got Wal-Mart and a nation of part-timers making minimum wage .
tr	5	With a small enlightened population , rich in technology , proceeding in an orderly manner we certainly would have reached some form of heaven . "
tr	5	I guessed it was somewhere after seven I say after because we hadn 't been keeping exact time as our days were governed only by the sun .
tr	5	To make a long story short , he told us , most of the survivors were situated in camps scattered along the southern Gulf Coast .
tr	5	I know , I 'm being selfish , but honestly , honey I never want to lose you or what we 've built together . "
tr	5	That our happiness and very existence rested in our own hands ; not some jumbled up society controlled by men in steel and glass towers .
tr	5	I stopped waved , and my arms just as a shot rang out , for a split second I was certain she was shooting at me .
tr	5	Then I heard a commotion in the water behind ; I turned , and not twenty feet away was a gigantic gator doing the death roll .
tr	5	This was Sam , although , with his college education , he could take it off and on like a coat as it suited him .
tr	5	They were heralded and idolized by succeeding generations , yet in their own lifetimes , frequently came into conflict with the very civilization they had made possible .
tr	5	I looked at Connie and said , " Well I guess now that we got neighbors we 'll have to start wearing some more clothes . "
tr	5	I was glad Connie would have another female to talk too as I was sure there were some topics women felt more comfortable discussing among themselves .
tr	5	A few Gulf of Mexico oil wells and refineries were still producing they were key to keeping the fishing fleets operating and jump starting agriculture .
tr	5	Florida and California 's agriculture had been wiped out , and it was imperative to get farming in both states up and running as soon as possible .
tr	5	We had a helluva time with the railroad bridge this side of Palatka , took almost a week to get the damned thing open . "
tr	5	I looked over at Connie it would mean one of us would have to stay at the Glen and look after the crops and livestock .
tr	5	Connie and I are a team in every sense of the word , and we 've been two people creating and living in our own world .
tr	5	It was strange yet exciting to see the bridge all lit up again the gates comedown and then the bridge after some coaxing slowly open .
tr	5	Both Connie and I were instructed on all aspects of its operation ; the window was boarded up and measurements taken for a replacement panel .
tr	5	Captain Bright told us , " It 'll be another week or two before were back this way , you got a working VHF ? "
tr	5	He said , " I 'll write down the frequency , contact us at 1800 hours , and I 'll keep you informed of our progress .
tr	5	We said goodbye and from the long last looks , Connie received from the crew it was apparent she at least was going to be missed .
tr	5	I don 't know where we can use you yet , but I 'll work on finding something interesting for you and your first mate . "
tr	5	I 'm so afraid now civilization is on the move again it 's only a matter of time before were caught up in it and torn apart .
tr	5	Connie got to her feet and said , " Come here you dear old man let this youngster give you some good old fashioned loving . "
tr	5	In early April , they advised me there would be traffic on the river but it was only after several delays the group left Jacksonville .
tr	5	When the boats departed Palatka I was asked to check in every couple of hours and if possible to leave the VHF tuned to 16 .
tr	5	Captain George , Captain Collins then I remembered a movie I had seen with a character named Captain Ron , and it made me chuckle .
tr	5	Commander Hunt asked Sam if he would act as a guide and show them around town as there was no one familiar with the area .
tr	5	They were going to have to build back its infrastructure or face the same wretched conditions as those who had manned Fort Butler in 1838 .
tr	5	George , This will help keep you on your toes until I can find you a command , all my best to you and Connie .
tr	5	I said , " Don 't worry ; they have harbor pilots for that and besides you 'll get to wear blue with gold stripes too . "
tr	5	The Glen has been our private world , and I 'll have regrets if we leave but just knowing we can come back gives me comfort .
tr	5	If we 've learned anything , it 's to keep our numbers down to the point where we can 't have an adverse impact on nature .
tr	5	At least these kids won 't have to grow up with some asshole trying to make them feel guilty about every frigging breath they take . "
tr	5	Now this is the way it should be , live free and die like you want , I know you 'll agree with that . "
tr	5	They set an old trailer on fire yesterday over on Hyacinth ; it got away from them and damned near burned down every house on the canal .
tr	5	We sat on the front deck of the houseboat watching the Hunter gently swinging and tugging on her anchor rode looking once again like a sailboat .
tr	5	Connie and I discussed it , and we both came to an agreement to go but not without some trepidation at leaving our little world .
tr	5	We asked Jim and Cathy if they would consent to stay at the Glen and take over for us , they jumped at the opportunity .
tr	5	It would be a leisurely two-day trip , and we could partake of our time together without being thrust in amongst a bunch of passengers .
tr	5	We weighed anchor , made our way out of paradise , this time the channel was well marked , and I didn 't hit bottom once .
tr	5	My family 's remains ... I didn 't think it was going to affect me this much , but I can 't help shaking . "
tr	5	In a while , she pointed ahead to a decrepit , dock , and I slowly motored over and tied off to one of the pilings .
tr	5	I knew from what Connie had told me it undoubtedly belonged to her younger sister Vickie , and a wave of nausea swept over me .
tr	5	I removed the skull from the post , and with all the gentleness I could muster placed it next to the femur , and covered them up .
tr	5	I felt the least I could do was to give these vestiges of Connie 's family the respect and courtesy they hadn 't received in life .
tr	5	I called Mayport on the VHF and told them we were Surreal and requested directions to a berth , at first I had some trouble until .
tr	5	As we approached the security barrier , a gray Navy launch appeared a voice on the radio said , " Captain Collins , please follow me . "
tr	5	I glanced over at Connie and almost hoped she would lean over and whisper in my ear , " George its time to go home . "
tr	5	You 've published a number of papers , and a couple of spreads in National Geographic , along with a series on the History channel .
tr	5	Well , it turned out in the end you got it pretty much right , but I 'm sure you 're not reveling in your vindication .
tr	5	Hell people are still dying ; by the time it all is sorted out , they 'll probably be less than 50 million of us Americans left .
tr	5	The best minds left are meeting to come up with a new plan that will keep something like this from repeating in another hundred years or so .
tr	5	I think these guys are ready to listen , at least they realize now the way we 've been doing things , doesn 't work .
tr	5	I said , " Jesus , I thought , Connie and I were coming up here to catch a ride on a super tanker or something .
tr	5	Hell , I haven 't even thought about making policy , it was all the policy crap got us into this mess in the first place .
tr	5	I said , " If anything 's going to change , it has to be done in such a way people can get their arms around it .
tr	5	" Look , you need some time to get settled in , if you like , I can arrange quarters for you and Connie . "
tr	5	GW , this is a pivotal point in human history , if there 's a chance of making a difference it 's worth a try .
tr	5	After supper , we chatted , and I said , " I really don 't know what to expect I guess just play it by ear .
tr	5	I feel like I 'm being swept along in a strong current the best thing , to do for now , is to go with the flow .
tr	5	Skipper , who had learned to pee over the lifelines like a pro , had been holding his bowels and was eagerly looking forward to dry land .
tr	5	After a whirlwind morning of filling out forms , being prodded , poked , and sworn In , I emerged dressed in dazzling summer whites .
tr	5	I stood taking in the vista in front of me ; both of us stood transfixed staring as if seeing each other for the very first time .
tr	5	Connie glided along shaking hands and smiled at all the right times , totally at ease as if she had been doing it all her life .
tr	5	Allan looked over at Connie and said , " I was watching you young lady ; you 've got a sharp mind behind that pretty face .
tr	5	As we walked out after lunch , I pulled Allan aside and asked , " Where does a guy find wedding rings these days ? "
tr	5	She said , " Some of these are impressive , but I think there might be a couple of bad apples in the bunch . "
tr	5	The Coast Guard , on the other hand , is a bastard child part of Homeland Security and already had a mandate to operate within the country .
tr	5	Yes of course I 'll marry you ; every husband needs a wife , and I will also covet the title above all others . "
tr	5	I arose early and skimmed through the bios there would be plenty of time to study them and get to know the individuals in person .
tr	5	There had been no chance to make notes , or write a speech , I was going to have to wing it and think on my feet .
tr	5	She said , " Don 't worry you 'll do fine , I 'll be right there rooting , just get up and knock em dead . "
tr	5	He began , " Good morning ladies and gentlemen ; you have been invited here in an attempt to chart our path forward out of this crisis .
tr	5	It is going to require that each of us rise above his or her personal interests and think only to the greater good of humanity .
tr	5	The views , I express today , are strictly my own , I speak to you only as a concerned member of the human race .
tr	5	He began to devise his own theories of creation from the simple to the elaborate ; they acted as crutches helping early man deal with the unknown .
tr	5	" Evolution can be slowed but not stopped for along with spirituality there are other forces at work such as higher reasoning that drives mankind relentlessly forward .
tr	5	Hell George if you don 't get married pretty soon we 'll have to make it a honeymoon cruise , when 's the big day anyway ? "
tr	5	Then I thought what in the hell is the mission going to be , I 'm sure we 're not going to revisit the Titanic .
tr	5	I was curious and had the driver run me by the ship ; it was a trim little NOAA vessel with a white hull and high superstructure .
tr	5	I said , " You heard the man , were married and guess we missed out on the honeymoon altogether , better get dressed . "
tr	5	The lowest rating aboard knew more about this boat than I did ; I quietly cursed Allan under my breath for getting me into this mess .
tr	5	" Well Ca ... George I 'm betting they 've turned south , it 's just a hunch , could be there Cubans , who knows .
tr	5	We 're going to stay somewhat to the west run flat out and if my hunch is correct , we should make radar contact this afternoon .
tr	5	I hate being blind not even a bird to put up ; three years ago we 'd know what he was having for breakfast by now .
tr	5	I took it as a polite way of telling Jim to get this damn pilgrim the hell off my bridge so I can get back to business .
tr	5	We broke for lunch , and afterward I turned in for a nap , this old guy wanted to be well rested if things got interesting .
tr	5	Abe kept inching in closer , until we were separated by just 6000 thousand yards Abe was on the bridge wing looking through the night vision glasses .
tr	5	I walked out and went down the starboard stair with Jim following , he had become like a Siamese twin ever since we had come aboard .
tr	5	Rounds cut through the night toward the destroyer just as the first three-inch round went screaming over the cutter and landed a hundred yards away .
tr	5	It fired another round from the forward mount this time landing so close as to send up a geyser drenching the starboard side of the cutter .
tr	5	Organize a party and have them stand by to take on hostile survivors , we 'll see if we can fish around for some answers .
tr	5	He said , " Thanks for saving my ship and crew , I guess Allan knew what he was doing when he sent you along . "
tr	5	I picked Connie out of the crowd , she had Skipper with her on a leash , I waved and within a few minutes we were reunited .
tr	5	This is your day I 've taken up enough of your valuable time as it is , now get in there and dance with your bride . "
tr	5	Connie chided , " GW quit , every time we get close to leaving you start this crap , at times you can be such a pessimist .
tr	5	You should know he turned down the job of CO on a cutter and volunteered to be your second , just thought you 'd like to know .
tr	5	George he may seem gruff but don 't hesitate to rely on him , one helluva good man to have on hand in a pinch .
tr	5	If anyone felt they had a problem come and see me for now was the time to make it known and ask for a transfer .
tr	5	I said , " I am the man in charge , this isn 't a carrier so the normal chain of command rules are suspended .
tr	5	" We are going to be the first ship to visit many of the islands since the disaster and no one knows what to expect .
tr	5	" Sir at the moment I can say everything is pretty much in hand it would be nice if we could conduct sea trials . "
tr	5	Jim you will take responsibility for the day to day running of the ship , I 'll only step in when I deem it necessary .
tr	5	Thirdly I like to know what the itinerary is going to be and how many are going along on the scientific part of this thing .
tr	5	I had talked this over with Herb and he agreed pushing the crew now would allow time to correct deficiencies before we sailed for real .
tr	5	Cindy spoke up , " Captain Collins I see no problem between us as long as you judge my merits only on my performance as an officer .
tr	5	I said , " Thank you both as I said your records speak for themselves and I 'm pleased to have you both on board .
tr	5	It 's going to be a long cruise and we 'll all have to get along , once we sail there won 't be any getting off .
tr	5	That evening with Jim running the operation we put to sea , the crew scurried hauling lines and squaring away the deck under Herbs watchful gaze .
tr	5	She said , " I feel like you have a new mistress how does a simple flesh and blood girl compete with a big steel ship . "
tr	5	Jim said , " Captain Herbs picked out an old stranded freighter about 8000 meters and were going to pump five rounds into her first trip . "
tr	5	We held station Herb returned and said , " There was a glitch in the feeding tray a couple of whacks took care of it . "
tr	5	Herb said , " Captain , I 'll get that thing squared away tonight if I have to have Dan build us a new one from scratch .
tr	5	Things went better that morning with the gun Herb and Dan had burnt the midnight oil and had done some modifications it now seemed to work flawlessly .
tr	5	Herb and Jim were already formulating plans to whack off the offending appendage and heave it overboard the first time it showed any further problems .
tr	5	I would like you to make a pass by Grand Cayman on your way back to Key West that 's the plan as it stands now .
tr	5	I know how they think and what 's important to them ; this trip will allow me first-hand knowledge on how things came unglued in different places .
tr	5	I know it 's not the way you want to conduct research , but we just don 't have any idea what you 'll be up against .
tr	5	I hurried back so I could get Jim and Herb working on the details , it would keep them busy for the next couple of days .
tr	5	He said grinning , " Don 't worry Captain I 'll make it all go away , just don 't go peeking under any bunks . "
tr	5	Captain they might get their shit to work and leave happy , but the guns going to be as worthless as tits on a boar . "
tr	5	I 'm going down and fire this bunch and run them the hell off our boat ; they can take that frigging toadstool thing with them .
tr	5	My Chief Engineer will take charge of camouflaging the gun , I would like to have the dome and its associated hardware removed from my ship . "
tr	5	Herb had evidently come to feel the gun was his own personal possession as he supervised the dismantling like a mother hen protecting her only chick .
tr	5	At first I thought the note was a joke and I wrote bread and water three times a day until further notice and sent it back .
tr	5	Then I found out it wasn 't a joke and there wasn 't enough food on the ship to feed the crew and we were in port !
tr	5	" Mister If this was the regular Navy I 'd personally hang your balls on a nail , you 're a civilian still I 'm tempted .
tr	5	The guy can run a stove all right , but no one told him when he came on board he was also responsible for provisioning .
tr	5	" Herb use anything or anybody you need to get the job done , by Tuesday every locker and cooler needs to be filled to the brim .
tr	5	I 'd had enough time to cool down and part of my irritation was my own failing of not having caught the problem in the first place .
tr	5	I said , " I 'm not sorry for reaming you , I understand no one went over all the aspects of your job description .
tr	5	That 's all I ask , never do this again if you have a problem come and see me that 's what I 'm here for .
tr	5	The frames were so light they could be taken apart and easily stored which was my intention and only to use them if we felt the need .
tr	5	I said , " Are you kidding we haven 't had meat in weeks that 's why we 're here today with bells on . "
tr	5	Allan said , " Hate to break the news , but my steaks were on that truck best I can do right now is a hamburger .
tr	5	I was going to make some inquiries and advise my guys to keep a lookout for any stolen meat , especially my commanding officers steaks .
tr	5	You did the right thing , I love solving problems at sunrise , and you 'll be delighted to learn I 've already worked out a solution .
tr	5	That 's what I liked about Allan Bright always ready with a brilliant answer and to ease the burden from the shoulders of his subordinates .
tr	5	We 're going to make a run out and see if he can make all those promises he was slinging around last night come true . "
tr	5	Jim said , " That 's true both ships and women demand constant attention , go ahead Captain I 'll watch over this one for you . "
tr	5	Now I hardly drink , you 're the only women I ever want to chase , and I 'm captain of a two hundred foot research ship .
tr	5	I said , " Heavens no honey just the opposite , with you standing here beside me I 'm the happiest guy on planet earth ... .
tr	5	Oh , Ned wanted me to ask you when the freezer in the lab would be available seems its chock full of meat at the moment . "
tr	5	We pulled into Key West Thetis , and Mohawk were both in port and we tied up behind them , Abe Gully was waiting to greet us .
tr	5	Hell , the Cubans , were so used to doing without for so long this was just another bump in the road for most of them .
tr	5	The little flotilla left , with Pisces flanked by the two cutters I noticed Mohawk had a small destroyer broken in two painted on her bridge .
tr	5	In about an hour , a boat rowed out with what looked to be a delegation of three civilians along with two armed men in uniform .
tr	5	Cuba was like the rest of the world our people were starving , we knew famine was going to take almost half the population but which half ?
tr	5	A panel was put in place ; I was one of its members , we were elected so it wasn 't like we appointed ourselves .
tr	5	Even after what he had told me I found him intelligent , sincere , and humble unlike so many of the self-important bellicose leaders of the past .
tr	5	I had met murderers and I myself had murdered , we had all been the subjects of nature 's law and the survival of the fittest .
tr	5	I want to do the research I came here for , and I fully expect to have the ships cooperation in order to carry it out . "
tr	5	" Oh yes , ask her she makes no bones about it , this isn 't the old days of don 't ask don 't tell . "
tr	5	She said , " Couple of days before we left she was with another girl and introduced her to Joyce and I as her partner . "
tr	5	I went on , " At least I was half right ; I really don 't care whose diddling who so long as everyone does their job .
tr	5	The couple came alongside Pisces ; Carol spoke with them at length then told us they were among only a handful that had made it .
tr	5	They seemed to be a friendly couple and posed no threat , I asked Herb if we could round up some fishing tackle to give them .
tr	5	I told Jim to keep the lookouts on their toes that even though I hadn 't seen any real threats I 'd rather be safe than sorry .
tr	5	We can 't do anything tonight but make sure the ship is secure , Jim tell your guys to stay awake shoot first and ask questions later .
tr	5	What I thought was a white flag of truce was , in fact , a pair of ripped up panties with red writing apparently done in lipstick .
tr	5	It was a moment of opportunity for them when they found the two women alone , a struggle ensued , and Carol was taken prisoner .
tr	5	Nor was I willing to part with our meager store of gasoline for then we would not be able to fly the chopper or use the inflatable .
tr	5	I wrote out a note to Carol to be read to the kidnappers explaining the details of the transfer tomorrow and that we would meet their terms .
tr	5	Water filled drums were swung out by the crane and loaded into the boat along with a crate which looked to be filled with rifles .
tr	5	The stern anchor had been set so the ship could be swung and the main gun could train along the entire length of the beach .
tr	5	There was at least some radio contact with Puerto Rico and it gave us an understanding of conditions which not good were much better than Haiti .
tr	5	She said , " Captain Collins I can 't thank you enough for rescuing me I never felt so scared and helpless in all my life . "
tr	5	God knows I don 't like them either , but once in a while I have to in order to protect the ship and crew .
tr	5	In not doing so , you suffered physical abuse , put members of the crew in jeopardy , and over eight people are now dead .
tr	5	Inspection of them through the glasses confirmed they were on their way out to fish , so we continued to make our way into the bay .
tr	5	Jim pass the word , if anyone in that boat makes an attempt to go for a firearm sink the damn thing with the fifty . "
tr	5	He like everyone else found himself struggling for survival and in the process lost his young wife and baby along with most of his family .
tr	5	The crew once again was getting antsy to go ashore , this time I was going to make sure of the dangers before I turned them loose .
tr	5	I made the decision right then that before proceeding further I was going to set up a meeting with Fernando Vella and judge things for myself .
tr	5	" The longer we sit here , the more I feel like the mouse that 's just about to get the trap sprung on it .
tr	5	" Yes Sir , I do like Ensign Jackson but not enough to put my job or the ship on the line for him . "
tr	5	You have my permission to go ashore whenever you choose and as I said it might turn out to be much ado about nothing . "
tr	5	Dan had a truck ready and for the rest of the afternoon , I was going to take my green eyed lady and do some sightseeing .
tr	5	I was hit by a wave of panic and almost reached for the phone and give Jim the order to get underway but managed to restrain myself .
tr	5	I said to Jim , " Sometimes I hate it when I 'm right , I wonder if he expects me to salute or bow .
tr	5	" Captain , please forgive me , but it seems unusual that the United States would send a scientific party before establishing a diplomatic mission . "
tr	5	Vella said , " Quite understandable Captain , I also find much of my time taken up by petty matters yet they must be attended to . "
tr	5	" Well , sir I rather not say directly they talked about certain of Mrs. Collins attributes ... Let 's just say they were flattering .
tr	5	He had all the necessary assets and I was sure once he had the tanker to fuel his enterprise he would waste no time in consolidating power .
tr	5	I wasn 't so sure where he intended to stop or how he was going to maintain it once he had achieved his initial goal .
tr	5	At the moment , Mr. Vella and I were waltzing partners both hoped they were leading yet each being careful not to step on the others toes .
tr	5	I had so far made all the decisions , the ones , that needed to be made now , were way above my pay grade .
tr	5	I 'll be the first to say there 's a lot of risks involved , but that comes with the territory of being in the military .
tr	5	The rest of the day went quietly I let the scientific party go ashore and had Jeff escort them as he had done with us .
tr	5	" No sir , just that I 'm a hundred percent sure he 's on our side , he wants to meet with you right now . "
tr	5	" Sir , that tanker coming in , is the first step it will allow him to consolidate power all along the chain to Venezuela .
tr	5	Don 't get me wrong I like Linda very much and was using her to find out as much as I could about you as well .
tr	5	I did start out to fix up the Coast Guard station and get the fishing fleet organized then Vella came along and offered to help .
tr	5	I was overjoyed and remained gullible for a couple of months then I began to realize he was using my talents to build his Navy .
tr	5	He went on , " I had to play dumb and wide-eyed its fooled Vella and by what Linda 's told me you as well .
tr	5	" Yes and that 's First Lieutenant Jackson putting a unit together under the nose of the enemy merits a promotion in any mans Navy .
tr	5	I got a hold of Gerald and made arrangements to launch the chopper , I wanted to take an excursion and see Rosy Roads for myself .
tr	5	Gerald and I made the trip to the old base ; Jeff was right there was a collection of rag-tag vessels from patrol boats to sailing yachts .
tr	5	Yep , a few weeks after obtaining fuel , he would be on the march taking one island after another unimpeded by any major power .
tr	5	Who would ever think that a tiny island could turn into a world power , it was a plot suitable for a James Bond film .
tr	5	He suffers the classic flaw of all crime bosses , paranoia , always worried those under him will try to bump him off and take over .
tr	5	He keeps them that way by letting them have their choice of women , from the things Jeff told me there a pretty sadistic bunch . "
tr	5	Jeff grinned and said , " Vella thinks they work for him , but there among some of my best men , ironic isn 't it . "
tr	5	Believe it advantageous to support Mr. Vella 's position as leader wish to invite him and party as would go far cementing relations between countries .
tr	5	I was hoping I hadn 't gone overboard and wondered what Allan would make of it , probably that I had finally gone around the bend .
tr	5	The tanker and supply ship were waiting just beyond the range of the guns , He asked , " Captain why so far out to sea ? "
tr	5	I 've had my cook working all night to prepare a meal I hope will rival the one we enjoyed with you the other evening . "
tr	5	He said , " That may be true Captain , but you will have to make the decision on whether your wife lives or dies .
tr	5	I needed to buy some time and was hoping what I was about to do wasn 't going betray my ship and crew to meet his demands .
tr	5	I asked , " Ned can she survive the trip in the chopper , " He said , " I think it 's her only chance . "
tr	5	The launch was put over the side ; I placed the cooler on the floor and was just about to cast off when Sam jumped aboard .
tr	5	We proceeded toward the harbor entrance I was on the VHF with Dennis and said , " Thought you took care of those frigging guns . "
tr	5	It was way over and I was betting we were fast enough and such a small target they wouldn 't be able to get the range .
tr	5	I said , " We screw around any longer were bound to catch one , hold on to these I 'll try to fire it up . "
tr	5	The gunners were getting better as shells were landing all around us ; it would only be a matter of minutes before we were hit .
tr	5	I was startled by an explosion at the castle followed by another I looked astern and there was Pisces heading in from sea with her gun firing .
tr	5	I teased her saying ; " Now that you got Abernathy blood in you I 'd better not catch you chasing Cindy down the passageways . "
tr	5	Captain you asked for a vote of confidence when this thing started and we gave it to you wholeheartedly and nobody has changed their mind .
tr	5	We took our time ambling along the coast allowing the scientists to do research as Puerto Rico had been fished heavily over the last couple of years .
tr	5	Dan said it would take him anywhere from three days to a week in order to effect repairs and we decided to limp into Oranjestad .
tr	5	Unfortunately , the situation had developed so rapidly there was no time to adjust even if the means existed to ramp up local food production .
tr	5	We were out of sight of the ship , but I wasn 't worried as we had the VHF and I had checked it before we left .
tr	5	I repeatedly called , but got no response , we checked the connections and everything was hooked up , but the radio would neither transmit nor receive .
tr	5	By this time the shore was just a little too far to attempt a swim and the current was carrying us away from the island .
tr	5	We were currently on a heading of roughly 210 degrees and if conditions persisted it would bring us close to the Venezuelan coast some thirty miles away .
tr	5	Before the Collapse , I could have activated it and within an hour or two there would have been search aircraft and vessels on the way .
tr	5	If the folks look friendly fine no problem , maybe we can find something to use our diesel in and make it back to the ship .
tr	5	Looking down the beach we spotted a large bonfire and out in the bay could just make out a forest of masts and ships of every description .
tr	5	We carefully kept to the shadows of vacant houses as we made our way through town until we reached the narrowest part of the point .
tr	5	Connie and Joyce wanted to go , but we said it was too risky , if something were to go wrong we would be caught for sure .
tr	5	I flipped it and Sam turned the crank like a wild man , the diesel coughed hit on one cylinder then another and came to life .
tr	5	Sam grabbed the M16 and sprayed the dory killing the one with the pistol and causing its other occupants to vote unanimously in favor of immediate retreat .
tr	5	I said , " Sam better take the other five down , make sure the hose stays in and the jug doesn 't tip over .
tr	5	While you 're at it turn on the battery switches see if we can get a charge going on the house bank as well . "
tr	5	When I felt we had ventured far enough offshore so our movements could no longer be discerned , I turned and headed to the launch .
tr	5	After a quick reunion Sam pulled the anchor and placed the launch in tow , I turned the Whitby seaward and we said goodbye to Venezuela .
tr	5	It would force us to keep tacking or use power all the way , besides we couldn 't be absolutely sure Pisces would still be there .
tr	5	I hurried on deck a house at the far end of the island was burning , we all ran down and watched the fire consume the structure .
tr	5	The island boasted a wood working shop that had obviously been used in the construction of the houses and like everything else it was fabulous .
tr	5	I learned enough to know some of the vintages on this island were going for better than three hundred bucks a bottle before the Collapse .
tr	5	If I didn 't think , Sam would fall off the wagon completely I would have brought some of the best whiskey and rare Scotch on board .
tr	5	Joyce and Connie took pains to tidy up the house , Sam and I roamed around the island making sure things were turned off , and secure .
tr	5	We hid the key to the vault along with the tips to the acetylene cutting torch as they were the only two ways to gain entry .
tr	5	I wished we had some gas for the dingy as there were a lot of places we couldn 't go with our almost six foot draft .
tr	5	I explained briefly of Pisces mission and of our becoming marooned and deciding to sail here as I had worked and lived in Belize before the collapse .
tr	5	Claude , we got separated from my ship almost a month ago in Aruba , is there any way I can contact them by short wave ? "
tr	5	" Just wanted to tell you Pisces is on the way be there tomorrow , couldn 't stop them once they found out where you were .
tr	5	I was up at five manning the VHF , it was just after six when I made contact with Pisces she was still outside the reef .
tr	5	We went and got some coffee then I gave them the unabridged account of all that had transpired from the minute the rod started knocking .
tr	5	We were cruising the Yucatan Straits almost abreast of Cozumel when the radio operator overheard your message and damn near knocked me down rushing to tell me .
tr	5	I had a dilemma to iron out as I was technically the master of two vessels and was going to have to give one up .
tr	5	Homeward Bound had become an official Coast Guard vessel and I was assigned to her as master with orders to proceed to Key West immediately .
tr	5	For the first time in months , Connie and I were alone it was like a second honeymoon we took full advantage by discarding our clothes .
tr	5	" GW , you always worry too much , let 's wait and see what Allan has to offer before going off the deep end . "
tr	5	The way he said it elicited a fleeting mental image , and I began to feel like a caricature of the energizer bunny or a Timex watch .
tr	5	I 'm not trying to pressure you , but there 's a certain Mendez fellow in Cuba who won 't enter into negotiations unless you 're present .
tr	5	It 's settled , we 'll go home and rest for a week or two then take Homeward Bound to Cuba and see Senor Mendez .
tr	5	We were no longer the proud producers of the world 's goods but relegated to that most vulgar of terms in the capitalist vocabulary " consumers . "
tr	5	As for the regulators , I don 't pretend to know much about them except it is obvious they were outgunned and asleep at the switch .
tr	5	In an attempt to prop up and hide , the true state of the economy dubious schemes were hatched , some with the government 's blessing .
tr	5	When I was a young man , each community had its own local bank ; you were on a first name basis with the manager and tellers .
tr	5	Many small banks had also taken a hit and credit for farmers no was longer just a matter of signing your name and a handshake .
tr	5	As the seventies progressed , interest rates climbed to the point where one could make more from interest on CDs than putting a crop in the ground .
tr	5	One by one the larger institutions began to gobble up local banks , now we were forced to deal with the branches of state and regional banks .
tr	5	Banks , as well as markets by their very natures , are inclined to concentrate power and wealth which can too often be bent to nefarious activities .
tr	5	The most insight , I have been able to garner after all these years , is the uneasy feeling that underneath it all lies something inherently evil .
tr	5	Its time we get back to making things and improving our infrastructure , Put the financial institutions to work building America instead of raping her .
tr	5	Our society is based on the principal of Capitalism and we hold up our free economy as a shining example for the world to follow .
tr	5	The American people have taken their eyes off of the things that are truly important and have given the politicians ample time to hone their skills .
tr	5	Those times are long gone , descent individuals no longer wish to serve in government and be exposed to muckraking , gridlock , and phony political correctness .
tr	5	The American people no longer receive the quality and quantity of information necessary for them to form intelligent decisions about the affairs that affect their lives .
tr	5	Propaganda can be at its most insidious when it is watered down , slanted , and riddled with omissions until it becomes nothing but useless drivel .
tr	5	Much of the blame I believe can be assigned to the schools of journalism as they stress to their students to always present a neutral persona .
tr	5	We were proud of that distinction as we welcomed the huddled masses of immigrants that enriched this country and uplifted it to a position of greatness .
tr	5	It became a bane to ordinary workers on both sides causing rising unemployment north of the border and creating virtual slave labor camps in Mexico .
tr	5	For the most part , they go out of their way to remain separate and don 't even pretend to be friendly toward America or its people .
tr	5	We have gone so far in our efforts to discourage nationalism , we now teach our children to view the very ground they stand on with disdain .
tr	5	We used to ask each other what the hells wrong with those guys why don 't they wake up , but it was all in vain .
tr	5	There is no doubt humans have already become too numerous , only the strides , we have made in science , has allowed man to keep multiplying .
tr	5	This will lead to further escalation of world instability as scarce commodities no longer flow freely creating turmoil and critical shortages of food and energy .
tr	5	Maybe it is due to the way they are educated , or maybe too much education , lack of common sense or just too much genius .
tr	5	Finally , one senator stood up and made the suggestion that they could resolve the matter by simply acquiring an animal and physically counting its teeth .
tr	5	This suggestion so infuriated the other senators that they dragged the poor unfortunate from the chamber and stoned him to death on the Senate steps .
tr	5	If taught well by the end of the twelfth year , a young adult should emerge with all the necessary skills to take their place in society .
tr	5	We need to instruct and employ our young people in the art of making things for that is what the majority of humans excel in .
tr	5	Those at the top always believe their power and wealth will protect and insulate them , yet history shows in the end they to will also suffer .
tr	5	Idle hands are the devil 's workshop ; civilizations of the past realized this and employed their people to create the wonders of the world .
tr	5	Therefore , we need to provide excellent vocational training , Germany excels in this area , and it would not hurt us to follow suit .
tr	5	How we can overcome the intransigence of individuals , institutions , and countries is beyond me for it appears to be ingrained into the human genome .
tr	5	As a dimensional inspector I worked with tolerances daily to me its means something within acceptable limits thus I transfer this meaning to my everyday life .
tr	5	Like everything in the human experience , we went first for the cheapest and most readily available sources to us at any given stage of our development .
tr	5	The quest for shrinking fossil fuel reserves threatens the geopolitical stability of the planet and its prolonged use puts the balance of nature at risk .
tr	5	I 've raised enough corn in my life to know that taking food out our mouths to put in our tanks is a dead loser .
tr	5	In order to make their study , they rented two luxury houseboats , along with jet skies , and an ultra light plane on floats .
tr	5	It 's going to have to be done anyway why wait until we are so far down the food chain that we become bottom feeders .
tr	5	This is one of the only sectors I can think of in a capitalistic system where supply and demand isn 't the chief factor driving the market .
tr	5	It quickly put the traditional system in disarray as patients were forced to drop their nearby family physician and pick some stranger from the list .
tr	5	Medical schools are still geared up to churn out General Practitioners where students spend years learning the skills of general medicine then move into some specialty .
tr	5	I guess they figure that gross sales will generate enough cash flow that there will still be immense profits left after the lawsuits have been settled .
tr	5	America must be at the forefront of health care ; we need to take the lead instead of squandering our resources stubbornly maintaining the status quo .
tr	5	If other countries do not subscribe to a level playing field , it shouldn 't be seen as an excuse to take advantage or to emulate them .
tr	5	Though laws are aimed initially at a small number of individuals , they usually in some unforeseen way come to restrict the innocent majority as well .
tr	5	They exceeded beyond their wildest dreams making ours the best in all of history and though it contained flaws managed to survive and serve a growing nation .
tr	5	I 'm not so naive as to believe this is the case in all instances , but it should be considered the benchmark we strive toward .
tr	5	Society continually needs to strive to shape and develop the super ego so that it may effectually govern the behavior in youngsters and adults as well .
tr	5	It is this moral compass that allows us to navigate through the troublesome situations of life and to ultimately do the right and just thing .
tr	5	It is rather promulgated in an informal style to introduce an idea to any interested parties and to relate a rather unorthodox perspective on the human condition .
tr	5	I have made every attempt to stay within the guidelines of current accepted scientific doctrine and have allowed only for the variant that I described as Nature .
tr	5	I confine myself to something I find much simpler , the logic behind the appearance of humans and the reason for their presence on the planet .
tr	5	There remains one nagging question that neither science nor religion has confronted or answered to my satisfaction , yet it is to me of paramount importance .
tr	5	One thing is certain ; man is an animal yet we seem to be incongruous with the rest of life on the planet , why ?
tr	5	I began by discarding and dismissing all the daily activities and jumbled affairs of man liking it to the activity within a beehive or ant colony .
tr	5	I remembered a verse from a Shakespeare sonnet " The summer flower is to the summer sweet though to its self it only live and die . "
tr	5	It had happened before and had wiped out great numbers of species more than likely even the dinosaurs the most powerful creatures to ever walk the planet .
tr	5	It was then that I began to wonder if nature hadn 't evolved humans as an accessory in this quest to overcome her own limitations .
tr	5	That nature developed our species to overcome not one , but several of her limitations and we may not be anywhere close to realizing the full extent .
tr	5	Yet evolution is also mental , humans have mentally evolved more in the last couple of centuries than in all the millions of years previous .
tr	5	This is perfectly logical ; the marriage of Nature represented by man and technology fused together , both accelerating along the same path of evolution .
tr	5	Every time things really got to rock and rolling there came a chunk of something gliding in from the vast reaches of space spoiling the party .
tr	5	Big and ferocious creatures weren 't going to be the answer , history had shown that they instantly turned into crispy critters or starved to death .
tr	5	Nature you might say held a competition among her current creations that is , the thirty or so percent that had survived the last collision .
tr	5	They had evolved to exploit their own particular niches in the ecosystem and were bent on becoming more and more specialized at a particular task .
tr	5	Human offspring are born defenseless requiring long periods of care ; the species was forced to teach all the necessary skills to each succeeding generation .
tr	5	Over time as he advanced he came to make up his own convenient answers to these questions yet continued to live , reproduce , die and evolve .
tr	5	Argument History has proven that Nature doesn 't have much control over celestial objects , but she has retained the right of absolute domain over us .
tr	5	She hasn 't missed a trick even going so far as to push us into creating our own myriad of problems that we are forced to confront .
tr	5	The truth is she doesn 't nor can she interest herself with the miniscule trials and tribulations of humans as we play out our daily lives .
tr	5	As I write , dedicated men and women study the heavens for the errant object that could one day become a threat to our planet .
tr	5	Our species is still filled with hubris and continues to blindly take all the credit , boasting we have overcome , tamed , and beaten Nature .
tr	5	Cover Design : Rita Toews Photography : Joshua Eckert Other books by the same author : Dire Straits : A Trooper 's Tale A Trooper 's Wife .
tr	5	He was in his sixties , by now extremely old by Dayak standards , his face a mass of wrinkles around his now toothless mouth .
tr	5	" Do not spend all day arguing you two , " she called up , " you have things to do today before leaving tomorrow . "
tr	5	So there passed another day to the rhythm of tranquil village life , to the rhythm of the seasons , the rhythm of the ages .
tr	5	The next few RPG rounds walked down the length of the Longhouse killing most of the clan before any sort of defense could be organized .
tr	5	Might want to recommend we bring in the interpreter too , she might be able to pick up on nuances that I missed , " said Jennings .
tr	5	" Morning Paddy , what are you still doing here Jennings , tea on yet , anything happen during the night we need to know about ?
tr	5	Captain Mason stood in the doorway , an averagely tall career soldier , developing a bit of a paunch which he felt obliged to suck in .
tr	5	She 'd told him of her early years spent in the Longhouse , living the traditional life of the Orang Ulu , of her parents and grandparents .
tr	5	He tried to convince himself he did this to learn more of her culture as he would have teams operating in the vicinity of her old home .
tr	5	Paddy get Mudd in here , if you can find him , and let me know about the interpreter as soon as you know something . "
tr	5	Sergeant George Edward Mudd MM , 1st Parachute Regiment now Trooper Mudd in ' C ' team ' B ' troop ' A ' Squadron 22 SAS .
tr	5	a career soldier , a quiet spoken man given to almost whispering ... ... a jungle habit , a hard man , a ' Team ' man .
tr	5	Seems to be a fair sort of bloke , likes to have all the information before he makes a call , certainly supports the Teams . "
tr	5	You have to stay off the tracks , the ridges , the rivers , as you know ; otherwise we 'd never get out of there alive .
tr	5	" If we can get the scouts to better identify the location and it 's within range of the Whirlwind we could rope you in .
tr	5	" Jeez it wasn 't so long ago that she learned to tell the time , " thought Dickie , " bloody amazing really . "
tr	5	Gema , wearing her customary black skirt but an emerald green , silk blouse , sat down on the hard chair in front of the desk .
tr	5	Ron Gurney , Lieutenant Colonel , late of the Brigade of Guards , Officer Commanding ' A ' squadron calling from Labuan far to the east .
tr	5	After all he is the CO and has to be concerned about anything that might impact the readiness and effectiveness of the Squadron ... ... . .
tr	5	We could do a quick recce then find a decent OP and sit tight for a while ... ... see if there 's any activity ... ... .
tr	5	Start getting your kit together and be prepared to leave the day after tomorrow but , like I said , leave all the options open .
tr	5	" You know I 'm glad I didn 't take the posting to Labuan there 's nothing too much wrong with this beach , " he said .
tr	5	It can keep me , it can feed me , it can help me and yes it can hide and protect me if that is my need .
tr	5	" Yes Sir , took a whole slew of ' em , " said Wilkinson , " they 're being developed as we speak . "
tr	5	" You 're quite right Harry , " said Mason , " but it at least gives you a sense of where you 're going .
tr	5	Captain Mason looked up from the photo he was holding in his hand , " I agree with Brenner , keep it as quiet as possible .
tr	5	Dick Mason sat at his desk and pulled the photo out of the manila envelope , the one he had deliberately not shown the team .
tr	5	Off to the north squall clouds marched westward across the horizon in the general direction of Malaya the sun reflecting like diamonds off the quiet sea .
tr	5	Paddy brought her in holding her by the elbow then , turning on his heel , left the office and quietly closed the door behind him .
tr	5	The Dakota stood out on the runway quiet in the still of the night save for the constant symphony of sounds from the night insects .
tr	5	" Not too far chaps , about an hour and a half in the air , watch for the lights , red in the door ... ... .
tr	5	Still , save for his eyes constantly looking for movement , and his ears listening for something that didn 't belong , he was invisible .
tr	5	He 'd been there almost two hours now , the cramps had come and gone , his shirt totally soaked from the sweat running down his chest .
tr	5	He couldn 't see Robbie but he knew where he was , a slightly more comfortable spot except for the ants that were probably driving him crazy .
tr	5	Although the teams rotated every three months , which provided each Trooper with experience in all the disciplines , they somehow managed to come back together .
tr	5	By the time they 'd got back to Kuching he 'd lost nearly thirty pounds and he 'd been pretty lean to start off with .
tr	5	For the first time in two hours he took a drink of the tepid water in his water bottle and beat the flies off his face .
tr	5	Working their way through the rice , now turning brown in the heat , George notice the glint of something in the dust ... . .
tr	5	When he 'd finished they picked up as much of the spent brass as made sense and headed back to the OP in the thicket .
tr	5	The kitchen gave off onto a pleasant family room , French doors opening out onto the terrace overlooking half an acre of carefully tended garden .
tr	5	" Typical Hereford weather , " he muttered to himself , " never know what 's it 's going to do until it actually does it . "
tr	5	Of course that was before he got detached and sent back to Bradbury Lines to take on some of the training of wannabe SAS troopers .
tr	5	Ron and I always seem to be welcome in the officer 's mess although I don 't think George ever goes down to the sergeant 's mess .
tr	5	Dick just couldn 't see the point of travelling half way round the world to , as Gema put it , ' meet her heritage . '
tr	5	There are no patrols here now but when we get closer to the border we must hide the truck and go on by foot . "
tr	5	She was only allowed to take a drink every now and again and even then just two swallows of the water which tasted metallic from the treatment .
tr	5	Not that he 'd had too much opportunity when he 'd first arrived the training being probably the toughest of any military unit in the world .
tr	5	He was thankful that , in the main , they had been able to keep together through their careers though now retired and in civilian life .
tr	5	It applied in the bush , it certainly applies on the golf course and I guess it applies in business too , " said George thoughtfully .
tr	5	After sixty six and the cessation of hostilities in Borneo George had rotated back to Bradbury Lines and got involved in the SAS training programs .
tr	5	On this very golf course , not soon after , he 'd met Terry Metcalfe and , on his days off , invariably played with him .
tr	5	It was quickly apparent that the business didn 't provide sufficient revenue for the two of them and George was able to buy Terry out .
tr	5	He 'd gone on a six month drinking binge and probably only survived due to the intervention of his close friends , particularly Robbie McElroy .
tr	5	He finished the renovation of the eighteenth century house they had bought together in Eaton Bishop because he knew that that would be what she wanted .
tr	5	Tony sat in the men 's club in Kensington eying his well manicured nails while putting a match to the cigar the waiter had just brought him .
tr	5	His suit looked as though it came from Savile Row although he had bought it and several others in Hong Kong for a tenth of the price .
tr	5	He specialized in importing and distributing teak furniture throughout the UK and had one " top of the line " retail store of his own .
tr	5	For the distribution side he had quite an extensive warehouse down in Brixton not far from the old jail and just up the street from the YMCA .
tr	5	The business was successful although , as he was quick to say , it was a function of the effort he 'd put in rather than luck .
tr	5	" Bill , bills and more bills , " said Gema sitting at the kitchen table , the stack of unopened mail lying between them .
tr	5	" It 's a three day event , " said Dick , " a golf tournament , a dinner come social and a visit to Bradbury Lines .
tr	5	She stood up smoothly and , first stripping to the waist as was required , began the basic yet difficult motions of the basic Silat .
tr	5	" Should be OK , " Avi said , trying not to raise his voice over the increasing noise in the bar , " same price ? "
tr	5	The smartly dressed gentleman sitting in the dirty blue Vauxhall keyed his mike , " Heading north , " he said and tucked in several cars behind .
tr	5	Twenty minutes later he pulled into the Harewood Arms , an upscale pub right opposite the gates of Harewood House home to the Queen 's cousin .
tr	5	She recognized her grandfather , the next a photo of a grave and a stone cairn , behind , carrying their weapons Peter Brenner and Harry Downer .
tr	5	" Just like her , " he thought , " throwing a bloody damper on something I 've been looking forward to for weeks . "
tr	5	The Colonel in Mess Kit as Dickie had predicted , his wife looking frumpy and years older than Gem although they were the same age .
tr	5	" You haven 't changed one little bit , " said Paddy , " and you 're still Irish , " said Gema , outwardly smiling .
tr	5	" Well you 'll be able to rest up over the next couple of days , golf tomorrow then over to the barracks on Sunday .
tr	5	The trip had gone without a hitch apparently , although they might have to do something about better ventilation for the space below the truck bed .
tr	5	After changing in a room that , at best , could be described as a dump , he waited for his name to be called .
tr	5	" I 'll also give you a Fax number ... ... send me the list of what you want , never use e-mail you understand that ? "
tr	5	Something 's going on which might need your specific skills but let there be no misunderstanding , I can 't protect you if it all goes sideways .
tr	5	" That 's exactly what I 'm asking , " said the Commander , " something 's going down and I 've no idea what it is .
tr	5	" I 'll be in touch Dave , anything you need give me a bell , do you have a secure line installed in Hereford ? "
tr	5	Yellow tape had been stretched around the immediate crime scene which appeared to be the bunker on the left protecting that side of the green .
tr	5	The entire bunker had been raked , no footprints , not a blemish in the sand other than the parallel marks made by the rake .
tr	5	" OK , " said David , " get the uniforms down here in an organized search but no closer than fifty feet of the bunker .
tr	5	" It 's getting late in the day , let 's go for a pint and I 'll fill you in , how about it ? "
tr	5	George has done very well for himself but his wife was killed some time ago just after they bought that beautiful place in Eaton Bishop .
tr	5	He saw an extremely attractive woman , short auburn hair and a skin that must break out into a thousand freckles when hit by the sun .
tr	5	" Well I 'll be buggered , " said David , " so maybe you 're right and there is a connection with Downer getting topped .
tr	5	" Hi Dickie , " she said quite softly , " I have a few things I 'd like to talk about if you don 't mind .
tr	5	I 've had time to think a lot over the last couple of weeks and I 've made some decisions that affect us both . "
tr	5	The ground level , which used to be stables , had been converted into a three car garage and the old hayloft into an apartment .
tr	5	Parking in front of the Georgian portico the front door opened and the two labs came tearing out both wearing red scarves followed by George Mudd .
tr	5	He didn 't answer the phone , it was an Inspector with the West Yorkshire Police , he told me Peter had been killed ! "
tr	5	He explained the situation to the Commander and requested all the information be acquired from the West Yorks and forwarded to the office in Hereford .
tr	5	" No one really knows what the shelf life is only that as long as the sugar content is not boiled off the poison is fatal .
tr	5	Save you the trouble of coming up to London and I could do with a bit of a break , anywhere decent to stay ? "
tr	5	When we 're done here , set up a meeting with Mudd and let 's see if we can 't get this thing moving along .
tr	5	said Paddy , " we can talk in the car , as long as I 'm back at Tern Hill by 2300 hours I 'll be OK .
tr	5	" They 've pulled into a parking lot , not getting out of the car , looks like they 're settling down for a chat .
tr	5	" You 've got to be kidding , " said Paddy , " how the hell are we supposed to do that without getting nicked ? "
tr	5	" Jesus Christ we follow them all over God 's half acre , then they meet and we still don 't know what they 're up to .
tr	5	" He was fine with it Sir , " said David , " luckily he 's military so I really didn 't have to explain anything .
tr	5	It was a bright clear day , for a change , without any rain in the forecast ... ... although you can never be sure .
tr	5	For the first time in over a month he 'd rolled his pride and joy out of the garage , a British Racing Green sixty six Healey .
tr	5	He gently powered the car through a roundabout , without hardly lifting his foot off the accelerator , listening to the snarl left in their wake .
tr	5	" It is but you 'll get the hang of it pretty quick I think , " he replied as they walked back out the car .
tr	5	He opened up the trunk , " Not too much room in here , " he said laughing , " but enough for this stuff .
tr	5	There are actually four barrels for it but I suggest you just shoot twenty gauge for the time being and see how you do . "
tr	5	They drove home with the top up as it had cooled off considerably , neither one stopped talking all the way back to Eaton Bishop .
tr	5	It was as if each one was hungry for information on the other , where they went to school , George 's army stories , mutual friends .
tr	5	" You know George we 've talked about lots of things but you 've never once mentioned your wife , Harry Downer or Peter Brenner .
tr	5	Probably a bit presumptuous of me to bring it up I know so if you don 't want to talk about that 's fine too . "
tr	5	She loved to go to the rugby matches , loved the dogs , ran every day ... ... ... ... ... ... ... she was pregnant ! "
tr	5	The four of us fought together for a number of years in Malaya and Borneo although I first met Robbie in Northern Ireland ... ... ... .
tr	5	" Maybe we 're going to get some sort of break , " she said , " it 's hard just waiting for something to happen .
tr	5	" Thought I heard your car , " he said , " come on in I just heard from one of my chaps in Belfast . "
tr	5	The room was huge echoing back to when it was truly the manor house , two large dog mats off to one side flanked by dog bowls .
tr	5	Jennie was at least five inches taller than Gema her freckles and auburn hair in total contrast to Gema 's Eurasian looks and dark lustrous hair .
tr	5	" I 'll come straight to the point Mrs. Mason , I 've already spoken to your husband as I 'm sure you 're aware . "
tr	5	Jennie already knew from Dick Mason that Gema had been in Hereford the night Downer was killed and away on business when Brenner was killed .
tr	5	" Probably nothing really , " she answered , " just that McElroy was part of the original group and two of them are dead now .
tr	5	She remembered David leaving the pub and George suggesting they go back to Eaton Bishop that night rather than her drive out first thing in the morning .
tr	5	He was wearing old track suit bottoms , a tee shirt with 1st Para printed on the front and technical looking runners on his feet .
tr	5	" I have something else happening here too , " said Robbie , " they 're doing more exploration down south of here close to the border .
tr	5	It still goes on you know , admittedly in a small way but the traditional Iban living in the jungle still believe in the spirit world .
tr	5	They cut down a tree that was , of course , far too big , got the tractor and towed it to the front door .
tr	5	It was getting bloody cold as the year headed towards Christmas and standing around on somebody 's front step was not her idea of pleasure .
tr	5	Couldn 't or wouldn 't thought Jennie , things just didn 't seem quite right here but she couldn 't put a finger on it .
tr	5	asked Jen , " don 't worry it 's all quite confidential ... ... really just between you and I , " she waited ... .
tr	5	Wendy but even when she comes to visit she doesn 't stay in the house , she stays in the flat with her mother . "
tr	5	" Doesn 't surprise me , " said George , " what I am surprised about is that it lasted as long as it did . "
tr	5	Nowhere near as many produce stalls , which was hardly surprising , still plenty of people though , braving the cold and manning stalls of all types .
tr	5	He did two complete tours of the market periodically stopping to say hello and chat to people who were , in fact , suppliers to the base .
tr	5	" Thought so , " said David , " he fancied you right from the get go you know , you could see that . "
tr	5	He opened both back doors and left the driver 's side door ajar in case he had to get out of there in a hurry .
tr	5	He held the flashlight down and made a mental note of the location of the windows , he didn 't want to inadvertently advertise his presence .
tr	5	Saints looking down on him from niches in the walls , up past the transept the chancel could just be seen through the ornate carved screen .
tr	5	Once finished he carefully re - distributed the toys amongst the five carts and , making sure the door locked behind him , quietly drove away .
tr	5	It was still pitch black outside with good cloud cover making it even darker , dawn was still three hours away at this time of year .
tr	5	Two men climbed out of the back and , without a word , disappeared in the direction of the playing field off to one side .
tr	5	The two rocket propelled grenades hit simultaneously , one hitting the gate itself and the second hitting the small guardhouse killing the two troopers instantaneously .
tr	5	Doesn 't seem to be a hell of a lot considering the downside but guess who signed the inventory reports ... ... ... ... ... . .
tr	5	I would have had at least two of them on the base during the night and I would have picked the same time of night to attack .
tr	5	They must have had a good idea of the response times as they were obviously long gone by the time everyone got their acts together . "
tr	5	Eventually he felt the car turn onto a bumpy lane , he could hear the splashing of the , not yet frozen , puddles under the car .
tr	5	The driver said conversationally , " place has been in my family for a long time , beautiful in the summer but a bitch in the winter .
tr	5	" It should be obvious , even to you John , that we 've brought you here for a little chat , " he smiled again .
tr	5	" Those legs look pretty bad John , sorry about that but , like I said before , I really do need the names . "
tr	5	If not tied to the embassy he would get at least life ... ... he 'd be an old man by the time he got out .
tr	5	There was always something to see down there ... ... the colorful canal boats ... the river itself with the huge willows at the water 's edge .
tr	5	He offered a ' good morning ' as the runner went by but got no response which was unusual for this part of the world .
tr	5	After having sampled the excellent Sancerre brought to his table and whilst waiting for the soup he had ordered the mobile in his left jacket pocket vibrated .
tr	5	Although we don 't have much time we 'll coordinate with the West Yorkshire police and take down Avi 's entire group plus the illegals .
tr	5	" Actually just five Sir , " said George " one of them had a bit of an accident I 'm sorry to report . "
tr	5	I 'm going to talk to him as soon as I can find him , simply have your people hand off to him and his people .
tr	5	Once that 's done , if you 've no objection , I 'll have the chopper pick me up here and nip me back to London . "
tr	5	" No problem Commander , " said George , " tell the pilot to pick you up in the paddock to the south of the house .
tr	5	" Okay ... ... the truth is I 'd like you to be here for the week and I don 't care who knows it .
tr	5	Soon as I 've done that we 'll drive over to the Command and Control Center and get a closer look at the Brixton Operation .
tr	5	" I suggest that Jennings and the driver be taken to the jail here in Brixton ... ... separate cells ... ... ... no communication whatsoever .
tr	5	They settled down to wait , periodically checking with the teams and the two snipers on the roofs , having excellent views of the streets .
tr	5	Two of the screens on the console in front of the Captain glowed in the indirect lighting showed the front and the back of the building .
tr	5	Three men quickly and simultaneously approached the three doors , placed breaching charges against each and stood off well to the sides with their partners .
tr	5	The Commander , David and the Captain jogged across the street and , climbing over the rubble of the destroyed door , entered the building .
tr	5	" Give me one of the serial numbers David , " asked the Commander taking a folded sheet of paper out of his jacket pocket .
tr	5	We won 't have any trouble figuring out Avi 's involvement in this and the illegals will be deported quickly to their country of origin ... ... .
tr	5	She could see Robbie and George coming down the path out of the woods together with the two labs like two black blobs in the snow .
tr	5	" There 's happiness in the house , " said Robbie , " first time in years , we 've you to thank for that .
tr	5	" For me it was love at first sight , " she said , " I actually came to interview him over the Downer affair .
tr	5	" I 've had them all dated , they 're all pretty old not one item is less than two hundred years old for a fact . "
tr	5	" That really big box is for you George , " said Jennie , " took two of us to get it in here . "
tr	5	They were gathered together in the museum trying to re-arrange things to make room for Robbie 's substantial addition when Dickie Mason arrived ... ... .
tr	5	" I don 't wear them to bed any more , " she murmured turning towards him , feeling him against her stomach ... ... .
tr	5	she 's beautiful , can cook and can fix tickets when you get nicked for speeding , what more could a man possibly want ? "
tr	5	I 'm going to walk down to the Lodge , give the dogs a bit of air too , why don 't you come with me . "
tr	5	" Weather 's threatening , " said George , " hope it doesn 't get too bad , we have to drive up to London tomorrow . "
tr	5	" I 'll go up to the house and help Miss Jennie clean up , " she said , " leave you men together . "
tr	5	Later that day , the weak sun doing nothing to melt the snow , George suggested to Jennie that they go for a little drive .
tr	5	It 's important to me that you meet her , that you understand she was a major part of my life for a long time .
tr	5	He put his arm around her and they stood there , in the snow , gazing at the headstone each lost in their own thoughts .
tr	5	" You know no one has convinced me that there is a connection between the raid on Tern Hill and the killings of Peter and Harry .
tr	5	We 've obviously either missed something or someone or there is no connection whatsoever which , I would agree , would be a hell of a coincidence .
tr	5	I need to let you know that , starting this weekend , I 've brought in four minders to keep an eye on the estate .
tr	5	Robbie feels the same way about this as I do and he 'll be staying on a few extra days before going back to Brunei . "
tr	5	Three people are dead , two killed by a poison that originates in Borneo although it could be reproduced anywhere if you had the correct ingredients .
tr	5	I also think we should be warning both Dickie Mason and Colonel Gurney of what has been happening although I 'm sure they already know .
tr	5	Facing them across the hallway a matronly , middle aged woman , hair in a bun , sat behind a desk her hands conspicuously out of sight .
tr	5	" I knew about it , " said David , " and I agree with George ... ... it 's all too weird just now . "
tr	5	" I already have had the pleasure of meeting George , " he said , " he 's a good golfer as I recollect . "
tr	5	With that he took several close up photos of the backs of Tony 's hands , the flash startling them , automatically illuminating the room .
tr	5	Taking the empty magazine and a box of 9 mill hollow points he went back down to the study and thoughtfully poured himself a drink .
tr	5	George stood there the memories running through his mind like a fast forwarded film , Malaya , Sarawak , Bradbury Lines , Harry , Peter ... . .
tr	5	" I spoke to another of my guys who tells me that the arrangements concerning the proposed patrols in the south are not going very well .
tr	5	" I 've got some bad news for you Robbie , " he said quietly , " Dick Mason shot himself ... ... looks that way anyway .
tr	5	~ ~ ~ Chapter 32 Rattle a cage It was over a week before the autopsy results on Dick Mason were made available to the team .
tr	5	She had gotten used to the guards , in their white camo , that George insisted stay around until some sort of conclusion was arrived at .
tr	5	She bought a one way ticket to Bandar via Kuala Lumpur or rather her mother did in her name , she 'll be there by now . "
tr	5	" Strange living room , looks more like a gym , " she said , " I understand you 're into martial arts Mrs. Mason ? "
tr	5	For the time being I want you take the surveillance off Jennie and keep an eye on Gema Mason ... you know where she lives .
tr	5	It wasn 't Sarawak but it was close enough for the time being even with the stink of kerosene from the plane 's engines , now cooling .
tr	5	She had time to check in , have a shower , a bite to eat and then head over to Mudd Security to see Robbie McElroy .
tr	5	Wendy had taken the water taxi up the river , the only way to travel in this particular area and was easily directed to his home .
tr	5	I guided them , I taught them to be patient , taught them to be quiet , taught them how to survive in my land . "
tr	5	~ ~ ~ Chapter 34 The Interview March in England is not the greatest of months no matter where you are and Hereford is no exception .
tr	5	I think at this time , in order to clear the air and put things into perspective so to speak we should properly introduce ourselves .
tr	5	Having said that do you have any questions for us Gema before we proceed , perhaps you 'd like a coffee or a soft drink ? "
tr	5	I 'm not saying they don 't occur because they do but only after intense investigation to ensure there is no link or connection are they accepted .
tr	5	We would be better off if we simply asked you some straight forward questions and allowed you to answer them in your own way . "
tr	5	" Mrs. Mason I warned you yesterday about being evasive now I 'm warning you about your lack of cooperation and how that might be viewed . "
tr	5	~ ~ ~ Chapter 35 The Photo " God I hate that police station it 's so bloody depressing , " said Jen putting down her pint .
tr	5	" It 's a wonder you can get anyone to say anything in there , " said George , " it 's so damned Dickensian .
tr	5	I heard , on the local grapevine , that it will be shut down eventually and a new station will be built over the river .
tr	5	" Well she didn 't have too much to say that 's for sure , " interjected David , " a very cool customer . "
tr	5	" Don 't underestimate her for one moment , " said George , " remember I 've known her on and off for over half her life .
tr	5	For now Gema is the only common denominator we have , other than the people that might be still threatened which includes yours truly . "
tr	5	Don 't really know why I didn 't think of it back at the station ... ... ... better late than never I suppose . "
tr	5	" That 's what I thought , " said George , " he insists he 's from Viet Nam and actually has a legitimate Vietnamese passport .
tr	5	" A few hours I think George , it 's going to take a couple of days for us to go through the whole damn place . "
tr	5	He bent down to the cushion she was squatting on and said very quietly , " I managed to seriously rattle her cage I think .
tr	5	" We can go for a walk if you like , " said George in her ear , " but we 'll have to be careful .
tr	5	" I know , " she said opening her legs to welcome him , " that 's one of the reasons you love me . "
tr	5	" This is the easy part of the Park , " he called back to her , " the military doesn 't come down here .
tr	5	George sat quietly , hands clasped lightly in front of him on the table , fighting an awareness that he didn 't want to admit .
tr	5	" He 's quite right you know , Jen , " said the Commander , " if our assumptions are correct we know who the enemy is .
tr	5	" You don 't have to worry about Robbie or myself , " said George , " my own people are taking care of that .
tr	5	There was no way she was going to stay in Hereford whilst the authorities invaded her privacy by searching both the house and the flat .
tr	5	" That 's affirmative , " said George , " she 'll be heading towards the daughter 's flat in the West End , stay with her .
tr	5	The receiver has a range of about a mile so get yourselves into a small hotel within range and keep an eye on her that way .
tr	5	Why don 't I just meet you somewhere ... ... ... ideally a Tube station , crazy to try and drive around in London . "
tr	5	She opened the gym bag she was carrying and quickly changed from the gym clothes she was wearing into a business suit and high heeled shoes .
tr	5	After half a dozen stops she got off , waved down a passing cab and set off for the Holiday Inn over by Oxford Circus .
tr	5	In a blur of action Mrs. Thompson was down behind the desk and Robert was sliding down the wall a look of surprise on his face .
tr	5	She said something else to him then laid her gloved hand on his throat and kept it there as he slid quietly to the floor .
tr	5	She reached over the desk got the automatic pistol out of the centre drawer , checked Robert 's pulse and took his keys out of his pocket .
tr	5	Robbie had seen the surveillance tapes and was as amazed as the rest of them ... perhaps more so because of his previous relationship with Gema .
tr	5	" David will be down here shortly , " said George , " he 's been released from observation and seems to be no worse for wear .
tr	5	" I thought I knew her , " whispered Robbie , " off and on I 've helped her and her girl for twenty five years .
tr	5	" You don 't have to worry , " he said , " I 'll keep you here I don 't care what your bosses say .
tr	5	Now in the Fiesta she headed West on the North Circular to pick up the M40 that would take her to Banbury and finally to Chipping Norton .
tr	5	" Let me repeat myself , " she said in Malay , " if you do anything that I deem incorrect I will shoot you .
tr	5	Terry had the kitchen set up like an observation post and was online with each sensor on the property and in contact with each guard .
tr	5	" Firstly the fact that she gave you the message and didn 't send it to either Robbie or myself means she 's coming after us .
tr	5	To Tony 's amazement she placed in front of the candles a small white skull , a small pile of pebbles and a wooden bowl .
tr	5	Slowly one by one she removed the thin , kid leather gloves from her hands and then squatted in front of him almost touching his knees .
tr	5	Hours later she had showered , made herself some breakfast and changed back into a sweat suit and trainers that she had upstairs in her bedroom .
tr	5	She had taken an hour to explain to him what had occurred after he left the village , whilst the wintry sun climbed in the sky .
tr	5	" I think I 'm going to find that just being a copper in Hereford is going to be a bit boring now , " she said .
tr	5	" Too much of that Bowmore , " he thought , " I either get myself in shape or start to recognize my limitations . "
tr	5	Rounding the corner he saw Robbie lying motionless in the middle of the trail and a tall figure just standing there looking down at the body .
tr	5	A tear rolled down her cheek as the life faded from her gorgeous eyes ... her blood soaking into the mud of the Welsh path .
tr	5	I didn 't like the man 's beady eyes , his expression cold and stormy , with a glimmer of evil in the black depths .
tr	5	It was the first time I saw her openly speaking to an older man as she did to the giant sailor , with such familiarity .
tr	5	Since they had boarded Faro Iago had made a beeline for the captain 's cabin which housed the best of everything , including fine whiskey .
tr	5	With the slaves in confinement in the hold of the ship the deck is not overcrowded but I wonder how they fair down there in this heat .
tr	5	I know it is silly but the feelings she invokes in me make me feel worthy to love and to dream of a family of my own .
tr	5	I removed her from him immediately , but that left him in the presence of Kayla and for some reason the woman laughed at me .
tr	5	I had told him about the place , to prepare him , but I knew he would only appreciate it fully when he saw it .
tr	5	Gathering the cream fabric of her skirt in her hands she ran down the road to the harbour to meet the captain of the ship she recognized .
tr	5	When she reached the berth , the captain stood on the bridge at the side , peering through the tackle works , deep in thought .
tr	5	Now he walked as if he were in pain , sounding out of breath and speaking as if it gave him great pain to talk .
tr	5	The owner of the eyes squinted the left one as he framed the small waist in the air with his fingers , and thought , Perfect .
tr	5	She looked at her husband and then at Jean , who was very pale , drops of blood forming a pool at his booted foot .
tr	5	A very tall , dark-haired man , the expression on his face determined and fierce , stood in the doorway , filling it with his large frame .
tr	5	She clenched her hands in fists , eyes blazing at the black cloaked man , the smirk on his face clearly in defiance of any law .
tr	5	With the aid of the doctor , supporting him between them , she got him to the nearest bedroom , where they laid him down .
tr	5	Mother walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist , pleading and crying , but they all knew there was nothing they could do .
tr	5	Those days when I carried her , I knew without any doubt that I loved her but I never said a word , although I wanted to .
tr	5	It was hard to watch her , yet she had this strength in her that made her to stand up and go on , no matter what .
tr	5	Cisco was captured by some of the Captain 's followers but the rest of the group attacked them and eventually they let go of him .
tr	5	Sailors raced around to get all the cargo onto the ships , walking the plank in swift long strides laden with luggage , crates or chicken pens .
tr	5	They moved farther and farther over the blue depths , small waves tossing against the hull , until she could not see her parents any more .
tr	5	" Because I am the captain and this is my ship , " He said nonchalantly and placed a slice of fruit in his mouth .
tr	5	Roberto placed another piece of the juicy fruit in his mouth , eating it slowly , while a smile appeared on the normally stern face .
tr	5	It did not take much convincing to sway the Falcon so that Roberto could go and ensure that Cisco met the demands for the ransom .
tr	5	Now he had a chance to get to know her better , and maybe convince the Falcon that she would be more suitable for him .
tr	5	She was a stunning woman with a lot of fire in her veins , a fire that Roberto would like to ignite in ways other than anger .
tr	5	For now he decided to keep his plans to himself , to go with whatever she was planning , and then take it from there .
tr	5	He saw that her lips were dry and she hungrily eyed him eating a peach , also stealing glances at the chicken on the table .
tr	5	Once done , she relaxed , holding the glass of water in her hands , not letting go of the precious fluid , taking frequent sips .
tr	5	Her mind wandered very far from her immediate surroundings , thinking about a similar voyage twenty years ago when she was only four years old .
tr	5	She remembered how she ran up to him , telling him that she would be his daughter because he didn 't have one and looked sad .
tr	5	In her young mind she did not know of the trouble she had caused him , only that she had a longing for a father figure .
tr	5	She remembered how he was whipped because he held her , the pain on his rugged face , but not once did he cry out .
tr	5	No one ever loved that man , not even her father , who was always in a drunken stupor because of all the idle time at sea .
tr	5	He always told them how much he loved them , and her mother had developed into a beautiful woman because of the love he had shown her .
tr	5	She listened with half an ear , keeping her eyes on her plate , eating the deliciously prepared food consisting of roast beef and vegetables .
tr	5	For so long he had suppressed thoughts like that , but he thought about it more and more often , enjoying the comfort it brought to him .
tr	5	He is exhausted by the continuous strain but I have faith in him and know he will do the best for us and our people .
tr	5	Hazelnut eyes met ochre ones and for a few seconds they just locked before she answered , her eyes revealing her shock at the invitation .
tr	5	" From the first moment I saw him , I accepted him as my father and to him I was the daughter he never had .
tr	5	She stiffened and stood still under his touch , his arm warm and soft on her bare skin , giving her a feeling of safety .
tr	5	We are going to India to meet one of our ships and escort it back to Portugal , " Roberto replied in a confident voice .
tr	5	They watched the men very carefully as they descended the Jacob 's ladder , entered their long boat , and rowed back to their ship .
tr	5	Two weeks later we were again facing a stubborn chief who helped as at first but in the end demanded to have the women for himself .
tr	5	She had tried to cover herself , but her long hair came out from under her hat and her shirt revealed more than she would 've liked .
tr	5	Hovering over her , he could see she was in a deep sleep and he wondered why she had not revealed herself to the men .
tr	5	She moved and released a soft moan but with one swift expert strike , he knocked her unconscious and then flung her over his shoulders .
tr	5	She was like a feather on his shoulder , so he could easily manoeuvre up the stairs and through the sleeping men without making a sound .
tr	5	For a moment he allowed himself to grin at her bravery before the stern , blank look was back , not revealing anything of his inner turmoil .
tr	5	† † † December 24 , 1624 It has been a year since our ordeal , and here in Portugal on the estate time has passed quickly .
tr	5	I pray that the right man will be worthy of her one day , that she will find the joy in marriage as I have found .
tr	5	He dismissed Pierre and sat for the rest of the night in the chair in front of the small mahogany desk , watching her sleeping figure .
tr	5	There were no visible signs of struggles on her , other than the fact that she was tired and he bet , hungry as well .
tr	5	The captain was not who he said he was and there was a look of utter disgust on his face , which made his face repulsive .
tr	5	Once again I felt disgraced but Cisco smiled at me as if he sensed my thoughts and I could not help but to let it go .
tr	5	When his second-in-command joined him , they talked about someone they were looking for on the Contra O Vento , someone that they wanted to kill .
tr	5	I had great pleasure watching her as she went on about it , but when I kissed her into silence she was like putty in my hands .
tr	5	Kneeling in front of her , he softly said : " I was never so scared in my whole life because of what you did .
tr	5	Her presence lingered in the cabin for a few seconds and when he gathered his jacket from the floor ; he could smell her on it .
tr	5	The stormy weather they had experienced the previous evening had fled but left them with a good strong wind blowing the sails in a sharp convex .
tr	5	" There is no way that I will allow you to go on that ship again , " said Roberto abruptly , glaring at her .
tr	5	Seeing a glass of wine on his desk he took one huge swig and smacked his lips as the red liquid poured down his throat .
tr	5	The men were drooling over her and she doubt they heard a word she said but she had to keep them occupied until Roberto rescued the men .
tr	5	Her heart pounded in her chest and she was sure one would notice the rapid beat but her cleavage was of greater concern to them .
tr	5	His eyes the only muscle that moved , the rest of his face covered behind the bandana and his hat pushed low over his face .
tr	5	The feeling of relief and wonder captured in her heart and she knew once back on the other ship she had to think about this .
tr	5	" There was a huge misunderstanding on my part about the Contra O Vento , and I fled from the ship in a typical lady-like fit . "
tr	5	While she introduced herself to the good captain the two dark figures moved over the tackle work , down the steps and hid in the corner .
tr	5	She smiled sweetly up at him , keeping the Captain 's attention as the two figures emerged on deck and slipped over the railing in record time .
tr	5	" Life will definitely not be boring with her around , " he thought as he smiled , his eyes lingering on her enticing bosom .
tr	5	Seeing a glass of wine on his desk he took one huge swig and smacked his lips as the red liquid poured down his throat .
tr	5	The men were drooling over her and she doubt they heard a word she said but she had to keep them occupied until Roberto rescued the men .
tr	5	Her heart pounded in her chest and she was sure one would notice the rapid beat but her cleavage was of greater concern to them .
tr	5	His eyes the only muscle that moved , the rest of his face covered behind the bandana and his hat pushed low over his face .
tr	5	The feeling of relief and wonder captured in her heart and she knew once back on the other ship she had to think about this .
tr	5	" There was a huge misunderstanding on my part about the Contra O Vento , and I fled from the ship in a typical lady-like fit . "
tr	5	While she introduced herself to the good captain the two dark figures moved over the tackle work , down the steps and hid in the corner .
tr	5	She smiled sweetly up at him , keeping the Captain 's attention as the two figures emerged on deck and slipped over the railing in record time .
tr	5	" Life will definitely not be boring with her around , " he thought as he smiled , his eyes lingering on her enticing bosom .
tr	5	She liked to watch them all working on the deck , repairing and cleaning the sails and all the tackle , keeping the ship well-maintained .
tr	5	On one occasion she saw Roberto 's strictness with a man who was lazy on the job , but he still managed to be kind to him .
tr	5	We later found out that the search party , consisting of thirteen men , all came down with fever and ten died on the way .
tr	5	The fort 's occupants helped us to get enough rest and decent food and water to sustain us so we could go onto the ship .
tr	5	They were used to taking what they wanted , even by force , but when injustice was done by the rich , they could not fathom it .
tr	5	He brushed her hair away , trying to do whatever he could to get her to live , even slapping her face but nothing happened .
tr	5	The flesh on her shoulder was slashed open where she had scraped against wood and nails , covering the normally creamy skin in red blood .
tr	5	Love was prominent in the ochre depths , and she stared back into those depths , her future brightly shining as he opened his heart .
tr	5	He bent over , placing again a kiss on her forehead and said , " I will leave for a while so that you can sleep .
tr	5	She was not as tired anymore and they could talk a few minutes before Pierre called him away to attend to a matter on the upper deck .
tr	5	Her shoulder throbbed but it could not smother her heart rate every time she looked at him or listened to his strong , calming voice .
tr	5	The men were glad to see her , bringing her up to date with the condition of the ship as if she was a part of them .
tr	5	Now he was not willing to let her go and he hoped that she would trust him enough to protect her the best way possible .
tr	5	He followed making sure she was safe in her cabin before he too returned to his grand cabin to bring his journal up to date .
tr	5	She told him about their life in Portugal as landowners , the tension among the people , and other landowners not listening to the complaints .
tr	5	At first she gave it no attention since there were always men around , and screamed when a cold , calloused hand pressed her down .
tr	5	She tried to get away , pushing and slapping him with one hand she had managed to free but he was too strong for her .
tr	5	Roberto followed him as he ran down the steps to the lower deck right into the arms of the doctor who was on his way up .
tr	5	She did not want to let him know about her concerns and she pushed him away , her breath swallow as she tried to gather her wits .
tr	5	She knew her father would understand once he was past the initial shock , but still , it could put a damper on their happiness .
tr	5	15 That afternoon , when the announcement came that they were getting married , roars of laughter and cheers of exuberance resonated all over the deck .
tr	5	When she finally could see who it was she looked into the rat 's small eyes , dripping wet with lust , fixed on her .
tr	5	She had to act to protect herself and with shaking fingers , she kicked and reached for the pillows in the moment he let go of her .
tr	5	She looked at the man who was so engrossed with her , muttering incoherent words she did not understand , and lifted the barrel to his face .
tr	5	He reached for the pistol in quick strides , removing it from her shaking hands , and reached for the man 's head , removing him .
tr	5	" Please , Roberto , tell me so that I can understand , " she said again , encouraging him after handing him his plate .
tr	5	When I heard about it two days later , I was bitter and full of rage , seeking the man that had done this to her .
tr	5	" The Falcon was so impressed with me that he took me under his wing and taught me everything I know about sailing and piracy .
tr	5	Silence fell between them as they locked gazes again , seeing each other , the hardship that had moulded them to become the people they were .
tr	5	" You had an interesting life , Roberto , and it is true what my father said , you cannot judge a book by its cover . "
tr	5	As they walked to bed they were both overcome with the emotions from the previous night , the new discoveries and melted into each other .
tr	5	At times when it became too unbearable he would open his arms and she would step in , seeking his closeness , listening to his steady heartbeat .
tr	5	On occasion Pierre would meet up with her when Roberto was engaged with work and although he was quieter they had a lot in common .
tr	5	She watched him sleeping and enjoyed the feel of his skin under her fingers , tracing the muscles on the broad shoulder , following the arm .
tr	5	When she had removed his shirt she saw a few scars on his back and on his stomach , evidence of the life he led .
tr	5	She caressed him softly , tracing the shoulder blades with her hand , his skin soft but muscles hard , his breathing rhythmic against her .
tr	5	She whispered in his ear , " More , my love , " and he complied , whispering , " I love you , my Rosa . "
tr	5	He held her tight ; laid his head on her back , running his hands over her , and let them rest on her with delight .
tr	5	The hut had once belonged to a chieftain on the island but Falcon had killed the man and his wives and taken his children as slaves .
tr	5	When they got inside the cool shadows of the large room they saw the Falcon sitting in the middle of the room at a dining table .
tr	5	Tiny was , as his name stated , tiny , but with a sure hand that could impale a fly with one quick throw with his daggers .
tr	5	He was a pirate , strict and fierce , although she had seen a side of him that she doubted other people were privy to .
tr	5	† † † Pierre stepped on the upper deck with heavy boots and the men were glad to see him , meeting him with toothy grins .
tr	5	Pierre touched her on the back , unnoticed by the rest , reminding her that he was there and she knew she was safe with him around .
tr	5	Her legs felt unsteady and almost out of place but soon the feeling of stable firmness of the land returned and she walked steadily behind Pierre .
tr	5	Men tried to grope at her but Enrico , who walked behind her the whole time , removed their hands with ease , protecting her .
tr	5	She looked around , searching for the man she loved , and when she saw him between a few men , she wanted to call him .
tr	5	" Slow down , friend , your time will come , " he spoke softly into his ear , holding him back at his shoulder .
tr	5	It was expected of him as the son of the Falcon , but he was furious with himself for what she had just been through .
tr	5	He turned around , tears rolling down his cheeks , and she walked into his open embrace , looking at him with trust and love .
tr	5	19 It took him awhile to sleep again , with his pregnant wife in his arms , just holding her as if his life depended on it .
tr	5	Kissing her softly , he smiled when she sighed in his arms , deep in sleep , cuddling into him , her body draped over him .
tr	5	The strength and bravery she showed the previous day ; then the understanding she showed for his actions , made him feel like a real man .
tr	5	Again , she put on her brother 's clothing and when Roberto looked at her with dismay , she shrugged her shoulders without saying a word .
tr	5	She protected her face with her sword , pushing him away from her with both hands , and then she attacked without uttering a word .
tr	5	You took the woman that was meant for me and made her your wife , planting your seed in her to make you a daddy .
tr	5	It was so swift that it did not even register with him as he fell to the ground , the same grin on his face .
tr	5	" My Rosa it is over , give me the dagger , " he said into her ear , stroking her arm to calm her .
tr	5	She shivered from cold and weariness and he gathered her closer , supplying her with much-needed warmth , feeling the fear and tension leaving her body .
tr	5	Roberto stayed and gathered all the evidence for the Falcon 's day in court , but it took a lady to bring him down . "
tr	5	Soft , silky strands flowed through them and he watched as they fell down on her shoulder , her dishevelled look still appealing to his eyes .
tr	5	The moment they kissed the first time , she knew this was the man for her and she was not shy in her affections for him .
tr	5	The life of a sea captain was hard and lonely for any man , but when a loving wife waits , it makes it all worthwhile .
tr	5	Nora was the daughter of a Dutch landowner , and they went to ask for permission for their marriage before they would set sail to France .
tr	5	She thought that he had also fallen under the sword of the pirates , and was greatly relieved when he joined them on route to Portugal .
tr	5	The group was excited about their new lives awaiting them , but Roberto had to admit to himself that he dreaded meeting his new father-in-law .
tr	5	Looking at his sleeping wife , he stroked the protruding belly with a big calloused hand , a contented smile a permanent fixture on his face now .
tr	5	He knew this was stupid to think like this but he could not help it and the dread came out as a hoarse , croaking sound .
tr	5	All she was comfortable in was Roberto 's shirts , but that meant she could not go out , which was frustrating in the stifling cabin .
tr	5	During those times , the two friends would stay on the bridge , giving their full attention to the ship , the maps and everything else happening .
tr	5	But the trip was calm , with no real adventure to take their minds from their wives , consoling each other , looking miserable themselves .
tr	5	Now and then , the women would calm down and be the sweet women they loved and adored , only to chase them out again in anger .
tr	5	He explained that Nora was extremely ill on the voyage and he did not want to cause her or the unborn child any more distress .
tr	5	" Señor and Señora , I know we have not met under the best of circumstances but I really do love your daughter , my Rosa .
tr	5	No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission , except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews .
tr	5	Lady Quill Chapter One His attitude was quietly disapproving , arms crossed over his expansive chest , and eyes barely discernible beneath their lowered and heavy brows .
tr	5	Any sting his words may have contained was softened by that smile , which invited the sharing of some jest between the two of them .
tr	5	Neither man made any move to speak as Rafe set his seal to the wax , and leant his tall frame back in the chair .
tr	5	There was nothing that his men would not do for Lord Rafe , and in return there was nothing Lord Rafe would not do for his men .
tr	5	There was something else too , so foreign to his master 's nature , that for a moment he could not put a name to it .
tr	5	Blushing was a womanly pursuit , and Finan was of the opinion that no man should be caught making such an idiot out of himself .
tr	5	" For the sake of my father I cannot refuse to marry her , for the sake of my own honour I could not beg off .
tr	5	For a moment Finan tried to discover if there was any bitterness in his friend 's words , but he decided that Lord Rafe was merely amused .
tr	5	He was a third of the way through the second letter when he became aware of Lord Rafe 's eyes upon him , and looked up .
tr	5	It is yet six months to the date that my father set for our nuptials , therefore no one will expect her to be moved .
tr	5	" I cannot recall his precise words , but I understand that he believes a course that begins with deception , ends in trouble . "
tr	5	He was aware of the very high regard in which Lord Rafe held his father , the implicit trust that he put in his father 's wisdom .
tr	5	He had assumed that as the years moved on he would feel differently , and he did feel differently , but still just as difficult .
tr	5	Rafe waited , his complete stillness hiding a certain impatient restlessness that , though very much a part of his character , he always sought to control .
tr	5	For the first time in his life Rafe felt that the owner for those brilliant orbs was neither pleased nor impressed by what she saw .
tr	5	She seemed surprised at not finding him standing before her still , and frowned as she saw he had made himself comfortable near the fire .
tr	5	It was not her place to question her employer , but she found herself disliking the slights that she perceived Lord Rafe to be offering Adele .
tr	5	There are many things she has no experience of and which might upset her if you are not quick to shield her from them . "
tr	5	" Lady Adele ... " " She will be of no use to anyone , least of all to her husband , " interrupted Rafe .
tr	5	Adele had turned upon her side , curling up a little , one hand tucked under her pillow and the other folded beneath her chin .
tr	5	Lady Adele did not feel disgruntled ; she had not taken offence at Lord Rafe 's refusal to escort her to his home in person .
tr	5	She had kept every missive Lord Rafe had sent to be read over and over that she might build up some picture of him in her mind .
tr	5	She knew him to be thoughtful for the things he had sent her had been chosen with the utmost care that they might delight her .
tr	5	Her life was contained within ; here she was sure of love , of friendship , of being with people that she cared for in return .
tr	5	For an entire minute she was on the brink of mutiny , until her eyes chanced upon the wooden chest on the table across the room .
tr	5	As he moved from standing to sitting position for perhaps the hundredth time , it occurred to him that he wasn 't handling the situation very well .
tr	5	She looked terribly young ; her skin was white and smooth with delicately coloured cheeks , the curves of her face almost childlike in their roundness .
tr	5	He was a well looking man , Adele conceded , and in his favour he lacked the customary arrogant pride that came with such handsome looks .
tr	5	She was so startled by his thorough , almost rude , inspection of her , that all she could do was stare up at him blankly .
tr	5	" Yes , the heat of horse flesh against her will keep her warm , but the journey will be long and muddy in places . "
tr	5	It was only the thought that Adele might take ill if she were not well wrapped up , that caused her to send her charge to change .
tr	5	Adele was watching him closely ; she knew that Eda was beautiful , and was curious as to how he would react to such loveliness .
tr	5	It was bad choice of words Rafe realised belatedly , as the women gathered turned to stare at him in varying amounts of surprise or offence .
tr	5	He supposed it must be because one could never be blunt with them , as was evident by the situation in which he now found himself .
tr	5	They had gathered in the small courtyard to say their farewells , and Rafe spent his time slowly turning the grass beneath his feet to mud .
tr	5	He had not expected anything else from Adele ; she was probably crying as much out of fear as for the actual pain of parting .
tr	5	Gradually she relaxed as Rafe took the rein and led them through the fort 's gates and down the steep track that stretched down the hill .
tr	5	Not that she hadn 't been happy there for she had enjoyed love and protection all the time she had been sheltered within its walls .
tr	5	Yet she had always seen her time there as a kind of limbo ; a prelude to her life , a life she was waiting to begin .
tr	5	Last night she had lain in her bed and felt the unhappiness that leaving the fort would bring to her envelope her in a cold grip .
tr	5	For some seconds she was submerged beneath a wave of mutiny , but resurfaced with the thought that he had probably known his horse longer .
tr	5	As for her companion , although she had refused to speak to him it seemed she had listened to the interchange between himself and her mistress .
tr	5	His rather too fertile imagination supplied him with all manner of hideous images , all of which were variations on one theme ; that she would cry .
tr	5	Adele was grateful for the care with which he had set her down , for her feet were numbed with cold and even standing was uncomfortable .
tr	5	He was , she could see , enjoying the task and , in return , the chore seemed to be melting the tension from him .
tr	5	Sharpening one end to a point with his knife , he pushed some of the chunks of meat on to it and forced them along its length .
tr	5	" I have spent much of my life in army camps , I cannot begin to tell you the wonder a proper bed holds for me ! "
tr	5	" Since I was twelve ; I went into battle with my father , and I was more than grateful to have him by my side . "
tr	5	He had remained there , long after the boy had breathed his last , weary of soul and looking across the field of those slain .
tr	5	He didn 't tell them that it was there that his father had found him , so many hours later , as dusk had approached .
tr	5	He had realised it was a waste that would continue , an awful rite of war that would take place again , over and over .
tr	5	He could wait until the fire had burnt down to embers , but there was no saying that the shadowy assailants would wait that long to attack .
tr	5	He wished to wake her up slowly so he could alert her to their predicament , not jerk her from sleep with a betraying start .
tr	5	Perhaps there were some who would say it was his duty , but she saw the action for what it was and gave him his full due .
tr	5	Before the first shout had come to an end Rafe was upon his feet , sword in hand , and ready to meet the attack .
tr	5	Adele rose more slowly , hesitating as she saw his cloak on the floor , before picking up the heavy covering and securing it over her own .
tr	5	Dragging Adele against him , he flung one arm around her shoulders pulling her toward him , and pressed his other hand over her mouth .
tr	5	Her frightened eyes fell on the bow and arrows that Rafe had left behind , and she reached out , slipping an arrow against the bow string .
tr	5	A dark shape became visible , moving towards them on horseback , and Adele closed her eyes , grit her teeth , and let the arrow fly .
tr	5	He wrapped his arm around her waist , lifting her from her feet , and set her on Charger 's back before turning to Eda .
tr	5	She was tired , so weary that she felt she could sleep for days if given the chance , and every inch of her felt bruised .
tr	5	Both women looked pale and fragile ; he wondered how long they could take the pace before they started to weep and beg for it to stop .
tr	5	Rafe turned his face away from her probing stare , he did not wish to scare her with an estimation of those he had not seen .
tr	5	For a moment he said nothing more , but knelt on the grass beside the creek and scooped the ice cold water over his face and neck .
tr	5	However , the discovery that this was not so did little to quench his temper ; if anything his anger seemed to burn ever more fiercely .
tr	5	" I do not believe that oaf could possibly be feeling it the same as I , " mumbled Eda , her tone a little lighter .
tr	5	" I believe that we will find Finn to be true his word ; you 'd best have a drink and a wash Eda . "
tr	5	Rafe watched her , not out of admiration , although she did look appealing ensconced in the mossy bower , but with a kind of approval .
tr	5	The fort had been a place of refuge , a safe harbour until the day of her marriage , but it had never really been her home .
tr	5	He had often been heard to say when in a dispute himself , Rafe was more likely to come to blows than come to terms .
tr	5	Though he was not as handsome as Lord Rafe was held to be , his friendly face and ready humour made him just as popular .
tr	5	" No , I am sure that even they cannot recall the cause for this sudden enmity , but the quarrel is fierce now . "
tr	5	A more cowardly action I cannot conceive , for he knew King Ine would not risk the lives of his subjects for the sake of pride . "
tr	5	That was strange in itself because he had been used to long marches from an early age and had never found the quiet awkward before .
tr	5	He longed for her to say something , however inconsequential , to show him that she was not upset that he had ignored her for so long .
tr	5	Rafe was held as a favourite with ladies ; they thought him charming , attentively courteous , and yet still retaining that elusive air of reckless danger .
tr	5	She had thought that the whole point of her training at the fort was that she might conform to the idea of a proper wife .
tr	5	" In truth I think you must be more weary than I ; for ' tis you who must bear the responsibility of our journey . "
tr	5	The light shower soon turned into a heavy downpour , soaking his head and shoulders and running down his neck , uncomfortable and icy cold .
tr	5	" Nothing , ' tis just , " Adele broke off with a yelp as she slipped on the mud and began to giggle again .
tr	5	Even as she spoke she made a grab for the tree nearest to her , falling against it and wrapping both arms around its narrow trunk .
tr	5	Rafe confessed to himself that he had no knowledge or experience of that sort of love ; the sort between a man and a maid .
tr	5	He had enjoyed seeing their smiles and , so long as they did not expect him to talk to them , he enjoyed their company .
tr	5	He is a cunning one , slippery as an eel too , he ought never to have been able to hold off all those men .
tr	5	It was unfortunate that the wind was blowing the rain against them , flinging gusts of ice cold droplets over them with the force of hailstones .
tr	5	Rand pulled his cloak around him more securely , seeking to eliminate the cause of the draught that had slipped its cold fingers through his covering .
tr	5	Finan was no fool , he knew how it felt to be manipulated , and his hesitation disappeared to be replaced by iron hard cynicism .
tr	5	" Merely to see if it would not be easier for the two of us to come to terms , rather than the three of us . "
tr	5	He had more friends than he knew what to do with , and the ladies of the court found him to be the most amusing of companions .
tr	5	It was still raining but not as hard as it had been , the water fell from the skies in a swirling mist about them .
tr	5	" He taught me to use the bow and the sword , and how to use a person 's strength against them in a struggle . "
tr	5	For a moment Adele was completely still , and then she turned from her contemplation of the fire and fixed her steady eyes on his .
tr	5	I dare say if it had not been for our betrothal he might have been married long ago and would even now have children . "
tr	5	He had never wished to marry another , and he had been pleased to use her as a shield against the political alliances formed by marriage .
tr	5	The idea that he could have been sending the poor child to he knew not what , had stopped Lord Brogan from entrusting her to anyone else .
tr	5	After all , he was thinking of their comfort : yet they were looking at him as though he had suggested something in questionable taste .
tr	5	Rafe was not sure he enjoyed being teased , but it was very hard to be angry with Adele when she was shaking with irresistible laughter .
tr	5	" I should think I might have looked horrified ; I am not sure I am old enough to participate in such a discussion . "
tr	5	He had needed to see this warrior that he was following , and had known that he would not be able to rest until he had .
tr	5	This need had drawn him from the warmth of his furs , and through the damp darkness , to stand watching in the shadows of the forest .
tr	5	Rand 's eyes scanned the darkness keenly ; there was a full moon but the light that filtered down through the branches was not strong .
tr	5	The warrior was moving through the trees toward the fire , his progress silent but purposeful as his gaze swept restlessly over the surrounding area .
tr	5	------ Finan woke , the hairs on the back of his neck raised as he lay silent , he heard the sound of someone entering his tent .
tr	5	" I would not go so far as that , but my temper is easy ; it has to be with Rafe coiled so tight . "
tr	5	His youngest foster brother had never told him the contents of these dreams but , after experiencing such nightmares , he was always unable to sleep again .
tr	5	He looked down at her for some time , studying her sleep flushed cheeks and the dark fringe of lashes that lay against her skin .
tr	5	Adele unbound the leather tie that held her hair tidy , and began to comb out the plait with her fingers as she turned toward Rafe .
tr	5	He looked up to find Adele 's eyes upon him , they did not question or rebuke him for failing to answer Eda 's question .
tr	5	If he had been closer Rafe knew he would have been hard pressed not to reach out and catch one of the snaking tendrils between his fingers .
tr	5	She felt as though there was so much that he hid from her , so much of himself that he withheld and kept in reserve .
tr	5	Everything he said seemed to draw him deeper into this deceit , even when baring his soul to her he could not be completely honest .
tr	5	The second he had spoken he was aware of his mistake , but he was not sorry , he had a burning desire to hear her answer .
tr	5	" I thought that we were supposed to be starting out early and hastening to cover this next part of our journey as quickly as possible ? "
tr	5	Eda continued to gaze at Rafe , her head a little to one side , a look in her eyes that he could not quite make out .
tr	5	She had been an unnecessary bother to him , one who had the unfortunate habit of calling into question his every action , which annoyed him greatly .
tr	5	After he had released her and helped Eda to mount , he had the strangest notion that he could still feel Adele 's softness within his arms .
tr	5	Finn would never know how strong the desire had been and , as a consequence , her words had been harsher than she had intended .
tr	5	She had known that to have wavered , even a little , would have destroyed her resolve and found her taking her stand upon Finn 's side .
tr	5	Adele was not sure what scared her more ; that Finn could be so changeable , or the ease with which she found excuses for his behaviour .
tr	5	These burly soldiers , only being half conscious , were apt to be , at this tender point in their day , as grumpy as bears .
tr	5	It was a while before he realised that he was not alone and , as the revelation hit him , he stared hard at the intruder .
tr	5	Anger flared up within the youth , flushing his face with vivid colour , and when next he spoke his voice was tight with fury .
tr	5	In the time it took him to gather his wits , his eyes traced the path of the beams down to where they joined the walls .
tr	5	A raiding party from Mercia could well have come upon them and two such beautiful prizes would be a temptation that was hard to resist .
tr	5	And what of those who had been following them from the start , waiting , for all he knew , for just such a moment as this ?
tr	5	It lost its significance ; it was no longer a way to end the wrong , but became a further degradation to make us appear weak .
tr	5	His master would be better investing his time elsewhere , with some pretty little maid who thought that the sun rose and set at his command .
tr	5	She wished so desperately that Lord Rafe were present , then she could throw the burden of her worry upon his shoulders and find relief .
tr	5	" This is completely ridiculous : I have not the faintest notion where we are , I am so tired I can hardly sit upright .
tr	5	Just think ; if we rest , just for a little while , we could wait until morning and try to think of some plan . "
tr	5	They owed him their lives twice over , and it was a circumstance that she was determined to make Lord Rafe and everyone else aware of .
tr	5	She had realised before that Finan 's life hung in the balance , but it had been unprocessed information hovering on the edge of her consciousness .
tr	5	Eda gazed at her friend in open worry , she had never seen Adele hysterical but maybe the strain had been too much for her .
tr	5	Strangely enough though , however great her relief was , all she managed by way of rejoinder was to murmur a faint ' oh good ' .
tr	5	For a moment both men were silent ; one with an anxiety that held a strange kind of panic , and the other with languid easiness .
tr	5	His master 's sister 's were inclined to treat him with the same amused and indulgent affection as Lord Rafe , so they hardly counted .
tr	5	Finan took the reins from the boy who held his horse and swung up onto its back , giving the command to get under way .
tr	5	Rafe watched the two groups of horsemen on each side of him halt some distance from each other , and saw each man reach for his sword .
tr	5	Though no sound was made , the intelligence that an altercation was taking place on the outskirts of the camp soon became known to those within .
tr	5	Finan saw them and , cursing the entire race of women for their curious nature , forced his horse through the crowd that had gathered .
tr	5	" No , Adele , please , not the ear ... " Adele dropped her hold on him , the movement betraying her distaste and fury .
tr	5	" That would mean that Lady Adele would be present , and I do not think ... " Rafe slapped a hand to his head .
tr	5	" If it had not been for us you would be dead , and Lady Adele would have fallen into the hands of your enemies . "
tr	5	" That first night you camped , if it had not been for our rescuing you from your assailants , you would have fallen . "
tr	5	It was why Rand had never harassed them afterwards but only followed ; he had not been the one to attack them in the first place .
tr	5	He should not have been able to hold his assailants off long enough to escape , and those assailants must then surely have followed and captured them .
tr	5	" You should not have been able to find her at all , no matter how long or hard you tried , " replied Rafe roughly .
tr	5	" She is my cousin , " responded Rand with heat , " and she may be pleased to find that she has family . "
tr	5	All I knew was that he stood before me , demanding my allegiance , allegiance that I had to give , surely you must see that ?
tr	5	Rafe wished to believe all that he had said but could not overcome , in just a few moments , the hurt and mistrust of sixteen years .
tr	5	" It seems that we all wish to keep Lady Adele safe , and that we cannot trust anyone else on either side of the border . "
tr	5	" Although Rand and I are in something of a predicament , there is no need for her to think that Finan is Lord Rafe .
tr	5	Now , to crown all , I find myself playing bridegroom , a part I am singularly ill fit to play , to your bride ! "
tr	5	Rand knew that it was a perfectly reasonable sentiment , but still felt that a few words with Adele would have settled his mind considerably .
tr	5	There were many men that Rafe could have named who , presented with the same circumstances , would have killed him without a second thought .
tr	5	Rafe laid a hand on the boy 's shoulder , giving him a slight smile as he removed his cloak and cast himself on the bed .
tr	5	" Words , I have no doubt , that have been echoed in some form or other , kingdoms over , " replied Lord Brogan .
tr	5	" He is still young and perhaps in such a delicate matter as this , the wisdom that comes with age and experience might be required . "
tr	5	" I suppose it would be best to start straight away , but when Lord Rafe arrives you and he will handle the matter between you . "
tr	5	Very well ; if he will be so insolent as to try and force my hand , he can ferret out these things himself . "
tr	5	Of all things she hoped he would never find out that his kindness to her had been received in such a way as she had taken it .
tr	5	His mount , a large chestnut , showed why his master had named him Brute by kicking and biting any and all in his reach .
tr	5	Finan noticed that the men guarding the gate , instead of shutting off his only hope of escape , had surged forwards in to the fray .
tr	5	It made Rand realise , for the first time , that there was much he did not know of the men whom he had once called brothers .
tr	5	Adele opened her eyes to find him leaning over her , one hand upon her shoulder and the other holding a goblet out to her .
tr	5	For a time they remained still , and then Rafe turned to her with an air of a man who had something unpleasant to accomplish .
tr	5	For a while there was silence , and he could see uncertainty in her eyes , as though she thought this must be some strange jest .
tr	5	That had been the first wild thought to enter her head , that something so perfectly accommodating to her happiness must surely not be real .
tr	5	When he did raise his eyes her expression had changed into one of bewilderment that , having missed that which had gone before , he misunderstood .
tr	5	She felt suddenly so exposed , knowing that every time she had said or done anything , Finn had been searching her out , testing her .
tr	5	Rafe wished to goodness that she hadn 't taken that stance , better if she had asked him to tell her all than to push him away .
tr	5	For so long she had wondered what Lord Rafe would be like ; what he would think of her , how he would feel about her .
tr	5	She should be happy to find that the man she cared for , and the man she was betrothed to were one and the same person .
tr	5	She could hardly keep from weeping at the sadness in her heart , because somehow , somewhere , she had done something wrong and he was angry .
tr	5	Alarmed at what must have occurred to cause Adele such distress , and angry that Finn , after wreaking such havoc , had simply walked away .
tr	5	" Adele , I ... " Eda closed her eyes , swallowing painfully , trying to suppress the feeling of hurt that rose within her .
tr	5	Eda was surprised to feel Adele 's hand slip into hers , and she turned to look down into her friend 's conscious stricken eyes .
tr	5	" Drogo becomes increasingly worried ; he does not say anything , but I think he is at a loss to know what more to do . "
tr	5	" That may be true , but you will find revenge is just as powerful , " answered Rafe , pulling back the tent flap .
tr	5	I will hound him and thwart his every move until he finds himself cornered like the cur he is ; and he will yield . "
tr	5	A mental image of a dainty Adele rebuking a very large Rafe burst upon him , and he was obliged to choke violently to cover his mirth .
tr	5	He wished he could think that he didn 't deserve it , but he had a rather horrible suspicion that he had come by his just desserts .
tr	5	He had an uncomfortable notion that if it hadn 't been for how much he liked Adele , his dealings with her would have been handled better .
tr	5	They would have come to the conclusion that the past could not be changed , and that they were still friends despite all that had occurred .
tr	5	" We will need to bathe him with cold water to take the heat from him , I need you to prepare him for that . "
tr	5	Finan was moving restlessly on the bed , and she reached out to touch his forehead again as Eda took her place on his other side .
tr	5	It was some time later when Adele sat back from the bed and raised her arm to push the clinging tendrils of hair from her flushed face .
tr	5	Adele regarded the movement with just a touch of insolence in her expression , reflecting that he must be shaken to try and intimidate her .
tr	5	He could feel the trap closing , forcing the truth into his throat where at any moment it would spill as words from his lips .
tr	5	Rand 's head jerked round to find Adele 's eyes still upon , him and he fancied he saw a hard glitter in their depths .
tr	5	The continued visits where he had all but ignored her , treated her with a coldness he had not felt but which had nevertheless been necessary .
tr	5	Nothing could have been more effective in impressing upon him his stupidity , than making him watch the pain his own thoughtless actions had inflicted upon another .
tr	5	It had been one of the first things she had noticed about him , and she still held it as one of the most attractive .
tr	5	" He is much cooler ; if we can keep him like this until the fever has run its course he will be fine . "
tr	5	Now that the worry had left his face he looked tired ; white with dark smudges of fatigue beneath his eyes , and pale , bloodless lips .
tr	5	He found that he liked the way she paused before she spoke , her eyes softly unfocused as she collected her thoughts before uttering a word .
tr	5	Her eyes had travelled Rand 's face , soft and dreamy , as though she was seeking to imprint his every feature on her memory .
tr	5	Yet here he was , completely willing to throw his pride into the mud to be trampled upon just so long as he could keep Adele .
tr	5	The youth flicked it so that the blade left his hand and turned a full circle , before the hilt landed back in his palm .
tr	5	He had returned to Rand 's tent immediately afterward , not being able to leave even when he knew that Finan was out of danger .
tr	5	Rand began to whistle softly and Rafe turned to stab him with a piercing glare , recognising the tune immediately as one that Adele favoured .
tr	5	For a moment they were all silent , a little taken aback by the way Rand had brought such an emotive topic into the open .
tr	5	It was on the tip of Finan 's tongue to deny it , purely on principle , but his stomach overruled his brain and he nodded .
tr	5	" She will drive me out of mind , and I will not be held responsible for my actions if I have lost my senses . "
tr	5	She turned back to Finan , watching in satisfaction as he demolished the eggs she had placed before him and holding out the cup of milk .
tr	5	Yet she is aware that if a man is not restrained he will hinder his own recovery with restless impatience against that which restricts his freedom . "
tr	5	He stood looking down into her tear filled eyes in horror , for a moment he knew a cowardly wish that he had not pursued her .
tr	5	She had promised herself that she would not cry before him and yet here she was , horribly conscious of her damp cheeks and wet eyelashes .
tr	5	" So am I. " He reached out and , before he was aware of his own intention , he took her hand in his .
tr	5	He would have been easier if he had known what their discussion had been about , but he doubted Rafe had any intention of telling him .
tr	5	On any day at court Rafe would be found at the king 's side , discussing the things that were close to the king 's heart .
tr	5	Rafe shuddered ; it wasn 't the intent that unsettled him so horribly , it was the fact that he had been blind to it .
tr	5	" I have a wish to see how this thing turns out , therefore know that there is peace between us until it is over . "
tr	5	I will not sit by and watch as another madman rips this kingdom apart ; even if preventing him means taking you as an ally . "
tr	5	" I see ; I had hoped , of course , that we could find a solution where I did not die , " replied Rafe mildly .
tr	5	If we can make him believe that his scheme has been successful , he will be within our power before he has the chance to fight . "
tr	5	The dark blue eyes that surveyed the room seemed more soft and dreamy even than normal , and the cold air had teased colour into her cheeks .
tr	5	Now Adele knew the truth and that was a relief , he had not enjoyed deceiving her nor being cast in the part of deceiver .
tr	5	" But I did not know ... I never thought that he ... your family ... " Adele smoothed back the hair that fell over his brow .
tr	5	The thought was an unwelcome distraction , and had the unfortunate result of pushing his reason for seeking a private word with her from his mind .
tr	5	She sneaked a look across at him , wondering why he had sought her out , and was disconcerted to find him looking at her .
tr	5	It was true that he had come here to make explanation , but experience had taught him that their minds worked in very different ways .
tr	5	He took the opportunity to study her , taking in the curve of her cheeks and the thick gleaming hair plaited neatly over her shoulder .
tr	5	It came loose eventually and he allowed the leather string to drop to the floor , before running his fingers through her hair , loosening the plait .
tr	5	" I hope that you will be happy with Rand , " he continued with difficultly , oblivious to the look of consternation on Adele 's face .
tr	5	Her hand slid from his shoulder to his neck , were it was joined by its twin , and she edged a little closer to him .
tr	5	He had always known that her expression hid much , but he was constantly surprised by the sharp and downright devious way her mind worked .
tr	5	Surely there could be no greater honour for a woman than that her husband would wish to carry the thought of her with him into battle ? "
tr	5	" I wonder if you ever pause to remember that you would both have died that day if it had not been for me ? "
tr	5	Rafe couldn 't think how he had not noticed the door before , and then saw that it had been covered by a large tapestry .
tr	5	Finan had been , despite his dislike of the situation , a model patient , and in return Adele and Eda had tried not to interfere overmuch .
tr	5	It would have been best if he had stayed in bed but Finan had been determined , just as Rafe had known he would be .
tr	5	He took Eda 's hand , but started away from him in surprise , trying to extricate herself , but his grip was too strong .
tr	5	He raised a finger to his lips in a gesture of silence and , tugging gently on her hand , beckoned her to follow him .
tr	5	Against her better judgment Eda found herself moving after him , and he led her toward a wooded area to the left of the camp .
tr	5	He stopped a few yards into the trees and released her , keeping a few feet distance between them , and turned his back upon her .
tr	5	It had taken a great deal for Rand to make her that apology , and she had treated it as the mud beneath her feet .
tr	5	This was what he had hoped for ; that in explaining to her his situation she would make it possible for him to claim her .
tr	5	With that cheering thought he turned Eda to face him , kissing her with the fervour of a man who could not quite believe his good fortune .
tr	5	" As your Lord and Master , you are not permitted to argue with me ; I believe it says so somewhere in the Bible .
tr	5	Lord Brogan reflected that , unless his son had developed an uncharacteristic interest in fauna , the quarters must have been delivered over to the ladies .
tr	5	As a boy he had thought Lord Brogan could read his mind ; somehow his foster father had seen everything that had been done in secret .
tr	5	There was something uncanny about the way he could lull a person into a false sense of security , only to destroy them with a single blow .
tr	5	" I think it would be best if you could take your father somewhere where he will be comfortable , and you should find him sustenance . "
tr	5	Lord Brogan took a look at her face and saw that , although her gaze was unfocused and innocent , she was closed and guarded against him .
tr	5	Lord Brogan hid a smile ; it seemed that Rafe was not so backward in the matters of a man and a maid as he had supposed .
tr	5	" Lord Rafe told me once that he had lost one of his greatest friends in the first battle in which he ever fought . "
tr	5	He is a little fearsome sometimes , prone to an alarming exuberance , and possessed of an unpredictability that can catch a person somewhat off guard .
tr	5	There is nothing that will be said in this room that you cannot hear , Adele , nothing that I wish hidden from you . "
tr	5	Adele 's soft gaze rested on him for a moment before she nodded , a slight smile lightening her face as she relaxed back into his embrace .
tr	5	Even a king has limitations to his power ; he must rely on his lords ' allegiance to him to keep his kingdom and his kingship safe .
tr	5	If his lords ' do not find his rule pleasing , then they will remove the kingship from him and give it to another . "
tr	5	" I wanted to tell you , sir , that you were right and I should have listened to your advice , " confessed Rafe .
tr	5	You are a son to take pride in Rafe and I am proud of you , more so in this moment than I can express . "
tr	5	Even after the battle had ended it inspired and brought about many new promises ; of love , of friendship , and of a finish .
tr	5	Can Finan come to realise that , despite the loss he has suffered , his life needn 't be the prison he has made it ?
tr	5	Before she was born a banking crisis brought civilisation to an end , and now no one leaves the safety of the compounds unless they need to .
tr	5	Confronted by a world of sedate tranquility the two men are appalled to learn that the Tula Council rules with and iron rod of fear and repression .
tr	5	The Council removes anyone who dares to stand in the way of their reforms , and Ben uncovers a secret that puts his life in danger .
tr	5	Flower petals would be scattered at our feet , and violinists would be playing on the bank , as we passed , holding hands and locking lips .
tr	5	It wasn 't a boat ride or a trip in a hot air balloon , which frankly are probably highly overrated and a bit cheesy .
tr	5	People walking by glanced our way , and even a mime was distracted from his act , so I kneeled and brought my face inches from his .
tr	5	The sounds of Paris at night faded and for a moment I could pretend we were like all the other couples sprawled across the city .
tr	5	He waited for his sentence , but his flushed face told me he was thinking , hoping that I 'd come back and kiss him .
tr	5	This whole courtroom drama might be a joke , but inside , I was a bit hurt that this date wasn 't really a date .
tr	5	The barrel of a gun could be pointed right at me , the shooter focused and aiming , waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger .
tr	5	I lifted the bloom to my nose and let the soft petals brush against my skin , the sweet smell giving me a false sense of security .
tr	5	Or that it was too much for him to make it to the Eiffel , and he was safe at home , wherever that was .
tr	5	Somehow I 'd made it home last night , past Dad who 'd fallen asleep reading a Dan Brown novel , and into the shower .
tr	5	He folded the newspaper and looked at me with scared eyes , scared in the way that he might have to buy tampons or something .
tr	5	His eyes narrowed as if suddenly deciding to be interested in my life , my real life , not just what he saw on the outside .
tr	5	This year I was exploring my options before college , in other words , helping my dad with the business , while experiencing a new culture .
tr	5	His big round belly puffed into me , knocking me back , and his long , curly grey beard had bits of frosting stuck in it .
tr	5	When I tried to talk about the shooting and that I didn 't know if he was dead or alive , my throat closed up .
tr	5	Malcolm strode across the room and I drank in the sight of him , his moving limbs , his chest rising up and down as he breathed !
tr	5	" You 'll have to work together or it will be very hard for your team to succeed -- " I blocked the rest out .
tr	5	I muttered out of the corner of my mouth while keeping my eyes glued on my wing , which looked slightly like a burnt marshmallow .
tr	5	Before she could let go of my hands , I babbled out some words , sounding like a nervous twelve-year-old about to give an oral report .
tr	5	The spy teams would arrive after a couple hours of breaking codes and finding clues hidden among famous churches , gardens , and historical hot spots .
tr	5	Malcolm stepped back , and I sneaked a peek at him , trying to figure out why he came to my rescue after all that happened .
tr	5	" Savvy , " Dad said in a clear but firm voice , " why don 't you take the rest of the afternoon off .
tr	5	" Where were you when I needed you , " I whispered to the stone angels with curved wings that stood at the side of the doorway .
tr	5	If I were a real spy , my heart wouldn 't be knocking against my ribcage and sweat wouldn 't be breaking out on my forehead .
tr	5	I shoved handful after handful of money back into the package , grabbed the camera and the note , and sprinted back to my room .
tr	5	I remembered how mad I was at him and how mad he might be at me , so I held the knife up and ready .
tr	5	We didn 't exactly leave on the best of terms , and yesterday I made it worse because I had no clue he was shadowing me .
tr	5	I wanted to pin him to the floor and hold a butter knife to his neck until he took our problems , my problems , seriously .
tr	5	I loved the old-time feel of Aimee 's family 's cottage , the paint chipping off the sides and the old stone chimney and crumbling walkway .
tr	5	" Unfortunately , " I said while giving him my darkest look , " we aren 't exactly coming with the happiest of news . "
tr	5	She needed to clean up in the kitchen , and even though she wasn 't young , she wasn 't that behind the times either .
tr	5	A young couple entered the building , then I whispered , " He was mad at both of us , but it was mostly my fault . "
tr	5	One , to keep an eye on the hall , one to open the door , and one to peek in and look for any danger . "
tr	5	It was tempting to hide behind Malcolm and let him smooth things over with his charm and good looks , but I refused to play the coward .
tr	5	He could grow a twirly mustache and wear a beret , and I could whisper Je t ' aime and forget about all of this .
tr	5	Then he leaned in and whispered , " someday you 'll have to admit you like me , " before he turned and walked away .
tr	5	I stayed in my flannel nightgown , which I 'd dug out of the bottom of my dresser after walking in on Malcolm in my kitchen .
tr	5	Dad shifted from foot to foot and glanced toward his office , his escape , and then back at me like he knew he should say something .
tr	5	I drank in the sight of him , his quirky smile and the familiar glint in his eye like he knew something I didn 't .
tr	5	I headed to my bedroom to change , heart fluttering , pretty sure Malcolm had breaking news on Peyton or some kind of clue that would help .
tr	5	He had to be just fooling around , but still , I felt annoyed that he could joke when I could barely crack a smile .
tr	5	The smell of damp earth and leaves brought me back to working in my dad 's herb garden and walking through the woods behind our house .
tr	5	I thought about my mom 's disguise at the Eiffel , her directions to burn the package , and her fear when she 'd shushed me .
tr	5	I couldn 't forget about the food wrappers and frayed rope , possibly the same rope that matched the one I 'd found in Peyton 's apartment .
tr	5	When we turn eighteen , we have a year to live on our own and prove ourselves before we 're welcomed into the family business .
tr	5	" And to my great surprise , she tied me up , took off all my clothes , and then left me in my underwear .
tr	5	I wanted to ask him what to do next , beg him to sit down and brainstorm with me , but the words wouldn 't come .
tr	5	Mysteries swirled around me as if all I needed to do was reach out and catch the answer like it was a leaf on a windy day .
tr	5	I should whip out my camera and snap his picture , but my cupcakes were already in danger of slipping and crashing to the ground .
tr	5	He burst out with a jovial laugh , and I swear his belly jiggled like a bowl full of my dad 's homemade grape jelly .
tr	5	On top of a white paper tablecloth spread from one side to the other were different pastries and cakes in the layout of a small village .
tr	5	Every older female who walked past with longish brown hair wearing a scarf or a hat , I hoped would signal for me to follow .
tr	5	A place that held such wonderful pastries like cream puffs , layered cakes , brioche , and macaroons couldn 't be the backdrop for murder .
tr	5	I tried to convince my heart to leave my throat and go back to my chest , and then I opened the door all the way .
tr	5	One voice stood out in particular , a voice that I 'd grown accustomed to , one that had nudged its way into my heart .
tr	5	But if I didn 't act normal , he might suspect I knew and then ... what if they sent someone to snuff me out early ?
tr	5	Malcolm did a fairly good job of hiding his excitement at the info , but his hand trembled as he downed his glass of champagne .
tr	5	I 'd never felt so far away from helping her as I did right then , sitting through a meeting , with her replacement at the table .
tr	5	I spent the next day fuming that Malcolm had tried to seduce me for info on my family and then jerked me around at the staff meeting .
tr	5	He was too good to leave information about my family exposed or to leave a picture of Jolie 's prisoner under a magnet on his fridge .
tr	5	When they stopped rambling and laughed and moaned , heading away from the kitchen and toward the bedroom , I couldn 't take it anymore .
tr	5	the blonde said in her cute little French accent and slung her arm over his shoulder in an attempt to drag him back to the room .
tr	5	He reached toward me as if to grab my hand but I stepped back and waved the plate like it was some kind of medieval sword .
tr	5	After all that , I could now recognize the signs of a professional liar , the perfectly blank face and the relaxed shoulders and the casual pose .
tr	5	I 'm supposed to be spying on you , but I 'm pretending in order to gain his trust and figure out if he has Aimee . "
tr	5	Or stay calm and draw on my Spy Games experience to pull information from him without him even knowing it , like taking candy from a baby .
tr	5	I sat on the edge of the chair and tried to catch Marie 's eyes but she stood off to the side , looking at the ground .
tr	5	But he grabbed my foot and with a twist that sent pain shooting up my leg , he pushed me into the house and slammed the door .
tr	5	But if I brought those subjects up , and Dad asked questions or we fell into a serious talk , I 'd have to lie .
tr	5	I asked , suddenly feeling guilty about the hidden wads of cash , and remembering the phone call I 'd heard from under his bed .
tr	5	Every footstep on the stairs , every echo of a male voice , my heart rate spiked and visions of my death played with my emotions .
tr	5	After rubbing the cramps out of my calves , I stood and limped over to the wire mesh surrounding the entire top of the tower .
tr	5	The place seemed empty -- no muted lights through the window , no clinking of teacups from the backyard -- nothing that I could hear or see .
tr	5	I did not want to see a pastry chef , this pastry chef , in the nude , with everything all hanging in the freeze .
tr	5	When she 'd disappeared , I 'd partly blamed myself for not asking more questions and digging into her life more , like a friend should .
tr	5	Everything seemed to close in on me -- the puffy pink pillows on her bed , the cute kitten posters on the wall , the flowered wallpaper .
tr	5	After one last glance into the dark hole , I sent up a pretty shallow prayer and wondered if I 'd ever see daylight again .
tr	5	I tiptoed through it , terrified with each step that a rat would run over my feet or worse I 'd bump into a skeleton or something .
tr	5	While their angry voices drifted from the other room , I crept across the floor , weaved between the pillars , and reached the hole .
tr	5	I mean it 's not like you can practice that kind of thing in daylight without someone suspecting you had a prisoner locked in your basement .
tr	5	Every time I stopped to heave out a couple of breaths because the thick air seemed to suck it from me , I heard them .
tr	5	With every step , the muscles in my back sent shooting pain up my spine in anticipation of a hand about to clamp down on my neck .
tr	5	But you had no right to lead me on , to act like you cared , to become my friend , to kiss me . "
tr	5	I stayed on the bench and leaned back , looking up at the trees and the innocent leaves being tossed back and forth by the breeze .
tr	5	My grimy skin could just feel the pelting streams of hot water washing away the fears and memories of the past day , especially the skeleton memories .
tr	5	I moved to the edge of the bed , my body tense , racking my brain on how to rescue my mom and make things right .
tr	5	I 'd been playing the game wrong , boldly stepping into this chaotic mess like I had a right , like I was immune to getting hurt .
tr	5	An hour later , with a black scarf wrapped around my neck and wearing dark , inconspicuous clothing , I studied Peyton 's apartment building .
tr	5	He coughed and drew a ragged breath , then continued , " They let me leave , because they knew my visions were from a higher power .
tr	5	" We clung to each other , both of us reliving the memories , the laughter , the sharing we 'd experienced in our short friendship .
tr	5	I yanked off the flower pin on my shirt and crushed it under my heel , our recorded conversation gone forever , any incriminating evidence destroyed .
tr	5	I wanted to sprint forward and pull them all back , let them know that Spy Games had turned dangerous -- as in life-or-death dangerous .
tr	5	One group , led by a tall man with silver hair -- another wannabe -- arrogantly pushed his way past the reporters and through the jockeying crowd .
tr	5	Forty-three I left Jolie for the moment and inched my way through the crowd , closer and closer , squeezing between two reporters huddled in conversation .
tr	5	I swallowed what little spit was in my mouth and tried to find the courage to tell Jolie he was in a lot of trouble .
tr	5	To my right at the perimeter of the contest , Malcolm moved closer to us , slipping in and out of the crowd like a stealthy predator .
tr	5	My body quickly cooled off , and I tried to ignore the fact my shirt laid in a crumpled mess on the ground beside me .
tr	5	When you did , it made you look guilty , but as time went on I was convinced of your cluelessness even though others weren 't . "
tr	5	One man , carrying a shield -- I guess because I looked just that dangerous -- grabbed my arm and threw me against the nearest car .
tr	5	It turned out to be trash but it looked suspicious and we 'd just had a bomb threat at school so I had bomb on the brain .
tr	5	I didn 't look back once because Jules and I had made a pact that if one got caught , the other wouldn 't squeal .
tr	5	Scott Lyndon , the younger brother of the man coming toward him , picked up an empty cereal box and tossed it in one of the barrels .
tr	5	Scott picked up the rest of the trash and threw it in the middle barrel then dropped the lid back onto it before snapping the clamps closed .
tr	5	" I 'm going go up and clear away that brush on the west slope so we can get in there with the trucks tomorrow . "
tr	5	The path , made by two swipes of the dozer 's blade , allowed them less than two feet of clearance on either side of their trucks .
tr	5	When he was about halfway down the hill Scott saw the bear come forward and pick the nylon up in its teeth then disappear into the underbrush .
tr	5	" You 're back early , " Steve Lyndon commented as his brother stepped into the large room that acted as a joint office and kitchen .
tr	5	It was two mornings later , as Steve and Scott Lyndon came out of the cabin to see the lids off the garbage barrels again .
tr	5	When the bear rose up on its hind legs again Scott saw it dig into the drum as the white image disappeared behind the steel barrel .
tr	5	" I sat here and watched that bear bounce its front paws up and down on the lid of that drum until it gave way .
tr	5	Scott 's eyes widened as the bear glared at him and he heard a low , throaty growl erupt from deep in the bear 's throat .
tr	5	As he closed the door Scott looked at the driver to see his brother 's eyes were the size of silver dollars and his face was ashen .
tr	5	That little girl wasn 't born up here and if she 's only 8 or 10 then she hasn 't been up here all that long . "
tr	5	" There 's no record of a child being lost that wasn 't found in this section of the Sierras for the last thirty years .
tr	5	" All I can think of is just keep making sure that she gets good food and doesn 't have to dig in garbage cans anymore .
tr	5	When Steve was ready to leave he found his younger brother in the children 's clothing section looking at a pink shirt and matching shorts .
tr	5	Scott nodded as he watched the road for any wildlife , something that was quite prevalent at this time of night in the dense forests .
tr	5	He was about to start backing away when a rustling sound hit his ears and moments later , a white image appeared beside the bear .
tr	5	Scott decided to take a chance at learning more about the child and he smiled even though he doubted she could see it in the shadows .
tr	5	He could both see and feel the two pair of eyes on him and he took a deep breath and slowly picked up the banana .
tr	5	He rushed out onto the porch to see Steve standing in the middle of the yard , his gaze locked on something in the near distance .
tr	5	He heard the bear make a low , growling sound and saw the little girl look at the bear then make a higher pitched throaty sound .
tr	5	The blonde head swiveled and the little girl pointed up toward the top of the north slope then looked at him again and held out her hand .
tr	5	Its paw was mangled where the trap had latched onto it and most likely where the coyote had been chewing at it to try to get free .
tr	5	To his surprise the little girl looked at the bear and emitted a gurgling cry that sounded a great deal like a bear cub 's call .
tr	5	He heard the instant growl from the bear and saw the little girl 's face fill with fear as they both looked at the newcomer .
tr	5	We don 't know how long this fella has been in that trap and it might be a good idea to offer him some water . "
tr	5	He smiled when she got to her feet and came toward him and he stepped aside instead of offering to help her to the ground .
tr	5	I think if we could hook these chains together we could snag some of those logs and move them far enough to get Chet out . "
tr	5	" Hang in there Chet , " he called to the man who had worked with them since they bought the company five years ago .
tr	5	The little girl seemed to survey the situation then looked back over her shoulder at the black bear who was still standing in the same place .
tr	5	When Scott saw a closed bear trap with a leather boot wedged into the arched steel jaws on the other end of the chain he laughed .
tr	5	He looked at the little girl to see a wide smile on her face and he knew she was thinking the same thing he was .
tr	5	We also realized the sheriff would have to catch her and neither Steve or I thought she 'd do very well in a cage . "
tr	5	He stopped and turned slowly to see the bear was still lying in the same place but had turned its head around and was looking at him .
tr	5	That decision was made for him when the little girl came around the bear and took two steps toward him then stopped and held out her hand .
tr	5	She looked down at his hand then , with a touch as soft as a feather , reached out and stroked the back of it .
tr	5	Scott blinked his gaze to the animal 's paw , saw the place he had bandaged then saw a smile touch the little girl 's mouth again .
tr	5	Her smile was instant and she looked back at the two animals , emitted a gurgling cry then watched both of them come forward at a trot .
tr	5	Sidney turned and looked at the two animals that were less than six feet behind her and she touched the tailgate then emitted a soft growl .
tr	5	He closed the door then went around to the driver 's side and slid in behind the wheel , laying the two-way on the dash .
tr	5	He knew there was a secondary road that was used by the forest service at the top of the second ridge and knew it led east .
tr	5	Scott slowed the truck and got his bearings before he turned left at the next dirt road and headed along the top of another slope .
tr	5	She nodded then turned and , with the animals behind them , they went along the hillside for almost a quarter of a mile before she stopped .
tr	5	We 're about half a mile east of that then a quarter-mile north along the rim is the path we 're about to take . "
tr	5	As they moved along the bottom of the gorge he watched Sidney go from rock to rock and realized she had done this many times .
tr	5	When he saw the animal look back at them and heard a soft yip before it moved forward again Scott realized the coyote was protecting them .
tr	5	Scott thought her words were coming easier now and wondered if it was because she had not had much reason to talk in five years .
tr	5	He looked at the bones and the shreds of faded fabric that still shrouded parts of them then searched around the hip area for a wallet .
tr	5	Scott considered ways of getting the bones out of the gorge but there was no way of doing that now or maybe ever , without disturbing them .
tr	5	After one more look at the skeletons , Scott tucked the locket into his jeans pocket and followed the little girl back along the same path .
tr	5	It was just over an hour before they reached the top of the hill and Scott pulled the radio from his belt and keyed it .
tr	5	She swiveled her head and looked through the back window and said , " Hang on fellas , " in the same tone he had used earlier .
tr	5	He held several pair of jeans against his leg , measuring them against the height the little girl had been when she had been standing beside him .
tr	5	" I guess that answers your question , " he said and pointed to the black bear that was laying on the ground near the underbrush .
tr	5	He glanced at the two animals who now sat only a few feet behind the child then looked down at her hand as he neared .
tr	5	He opened the snap compartment and his gaze fell on a picture of a man and woman , a larger version of the picture in the locket .
tr	5	Sincerely , John Williams , Attorney at Law ' Scott sighed and folded the letter and slid it under the growing stack in his right hand .
tr	5	Over the past two years our lives have become tangled in the red tape of society 's bureaucracy when I lost my job due to a layoff .
tr	5	She would not understand that her Mommy and Daddy cannot go on any longer , facing one strife after another with no end in sight .
tr	5	We have parked our motorhome in the middle of a dense forest thicket approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the end of forestry fire lane forty-seven .
tr	5	While she plays on the shaded slopes , Susan and I will climb the face of the mountain then go down to our final resting place .
tr	5	He folded the letter and slipped it back into the wallet then closed the wallet and held it up for the little girl to take .
tr	5	He wondered if they hadn 't been watching over their daughter and once she had found her new home they were finally able to rest peacefully .
tr	5	By the time she was fourteen she was reading and understanding senior high school information and had passed the GED the month after she turned sixteen .
tr	5	" Doug 's going to bring down those logs from the south slope , " he informed as he watched Steve pour two cups of coffee .
tr	5	It was rare for her to step in anything that even closely resembled mud and spent most of her time laying on the porch waiting for Sidney .
tr	5	That 's when my paperwork doubles and stays that way till they either settle down to country life or go back to their big cities . "
tr	5	Their new four by four , which they had purchased the previous winter , was a Dodge with a huge hemi engine under the hood .
tr	5	I 'm going to turn on the yard lights , " she told her brother and went through a nearby door and into the kitchen .
tr	5	The pair ducked as glass shattered somewhere not too far away just before the roar of the engine rose again and the truck raced out .
tr	5	Chapter 10 The next morning , just after six , Scott strolled into the kitchen to see Sidney sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee .
tr	5	When Duke poked her in the ribs again he jumped out of Sidney 's way then raced for the hills with the blonde and Midnight close behind .
tr	5	Before Scott could tell him he had found one of them , he heard a piercing , howling cry that seemed to reverberate across the hills .
tr	5	" I wouldn 't make any sudden moves if I were you Jansen , " he said cooly and met the man 's wide-eyed gaze .
tr	5	When the sheriff had come over and told him that Scott and Sidney Lyndon had decided not to file a complaint he had tried to play dumb .
tr	5	Jansen had wondered about that warning and had thought about it for two weeks before he had decided to drive over to the logging firm .
tr	5	He could see the full of her eyes now and realized that glimmer was not a glimmer at all but a deep , raging inferno .
tr	5	When her hand extended and she pointed toward the porch Jansen had the instant urge to get down on his knees and kiss the slender hand .
tr	5	You stole it from them then had the gall to kill them when they couldn 't survive on what you had left for them . "
tr	5	You had to come out to their land , you had to spread out and take over the countryside , taking away what was theirs . "
tr	5	When she smiled at him Scott laid his hand on her arm and squeezed it tenderly then looked down at the pup she was holding .
tr	5	Sidney looked at the three coyotes then emitted a low , throaty sound and watched them drop to their haunches where they were then lay down .
tr	5	Scott smiled and took the pup and the bottle and after laying the pup across his legs , leveled the bottle at the gaping mouth .
tr	5	When Dan Jansen saw the woman get to her feet his gaze lifted with her and he caught his breath when her beautiful blue gaze meet his .
tr	5	Scott glanced over at the other man on the porch to see his wide gaze locked on the wrestling match and his mouth hanging open .
tr	5	Scott nuzzled Duchess ' nose then laid the pup in the box with her brother before he sat the empty bottle on the deck beside his chair .
tr	5	No part of this book may be stored , reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without express written permission of the author .
tr	5	So , if you take literally , or seriously , any of the concepts , ideas , representations , inferences or conclusions contained herein , try Valium !
tr	5	" I know you 're out there , Taylor , " the man called as he turned the horse in circles , looking each way carefully .
tr	5	Other than that , Alex 's room was the typical teen girl 's room : teen idol posters were pasted up randomly around the walls .
tr	5	The room was painted two tones of blue ; dark blue on the bottom , light blue on top with a wave border in between .
tr	5	It was a dream room for any young girl , and the layout was mirrored on the other side of a shared bathroom for Jessie 's room .
tr	5	She used the bathroom with the lights off so as to not awaken the beast in the next room , and glanced into the mirror .
tr	5	Nothing but tiled floor demarcated the area called the kitchen , wood floors defined the dining and living rooms , and stone distinguished the entry .
tr	5	She raised an eyebrow and then looked back down at her food , " Dad , I do work three times as hard at the fly .
tr	5	If I didn 't want to , I wouldn 't do it and I wouldn 't worry about whether or not you approved of it . "
tr	5	But that 's the only answer I would have accepted , " he said with a knowing smile as she gave him a puzzled look .
tr	5	Awareness finally registered on her features and she jerked her face up out of a puddle of drool and blurted , " Oh my gosh !
tr	5	Oh well , he thought , if that was her way of rebelling against authority , he might just make it through her teenage years .
tr	5	Anna came out of her room , still in her nightshirt , as he was cracking the second egg , her timing impeccable as usual .
tr	5	" Wow , " Rick commented under his breath , but knew his growing girl was apt to eat like a truck driver quite often .
tr	5	He had quit taking them to school because it embarrassed them ; they were far too mature for their daddy to take them to school .
tr	5	She had been in gymnastics since she could walk and her entire tiny room was covered with various gymnast posters , except for one : Albert Einstein .
tr	5	She smiled , satisfied , and proceeded to change into her school clothes , which she had laid over the back of her chair the night before .
tr	5	She went to the bathroom with her clothes and came out a couple minutes later with knee-length white pants and a blue ' Duke ' sweatshirt on .
tr	5	Chapter 4 -- An Interesting Assignment Both arms came out of the water at her hips as her legs thrust her almost completely into the air .
tr	5	Chelsea walked across the street to the high school ; Alex rushed into the junior high , the first bell ringing just as she entered .
tr	5	The questions kept coming and Mr. Anderson stopped them for a few seconds while he asked Christy to go to the chalkboard and start writing them down .
tr	5	A few kids later , Alex stood and said , " I want to find out what kind of houses normal people lived in . "
tr	5	" Hmmm ... " Anderson pondered , " You could use this fancy Internet you kids play around on all the time now ... books , whatever .
tr	5	Then , if you like , you can make up the answer -- use your imagination to tell us whatever you think it might be .
tr	5	This assignment is mostly for fun , but I believe we all have a chance to learn a great deal by it , including me .
tr	5	Mr. Anderson grinned broadly , enjoying their sudden enthusiasm in history as they all walked past him , smiling and talking about the great Roman Empire .
tr	5	She ran across the ground barefoot and sat down to put on her shoes just in time to join the other girls in warm-up stretches .
tr	5	By then , Kaylie had caught up to her , running parallel toward the goal , and the girl punted the ball directly in step with her .
tr	5	And the way I see it , that 's just enough to ensure victory , which is what I 'm supposed to do , right ? "
tr	5	He was at his limit as well , but the technique was what he was teaching so it didn 't matter to him at all .
tr	5	She took the time to notice all the flowers blooming , the deep , dark green of the trees , the smell of spring in bloom .
tr	5	By the time they got into the water , the wetness would feel the same as the pool water -- it was a common swimmer 's trick .
tr	5	Each would swim one lap of the same stroke , rest , then a lap of the next stroke through all four disciplines of swimming .
tr	5	Out of eight girls in their age group , she was still in the bottom half for all strokes , but was moving up steadily .
tr	5	" Quit being so hard on yourself , Jo , you 're not even near the bottom anymore and you 've only been swimming a year ! "
tr	5	Jodie knew she wasn 't going to win this battle with Alex , and really didn 't want to , she just wanted to vent .
tr	5	" I suggest you at least do a 100 or you 'll be a slacker and your mom may put you back in ballet ! "
tr	5	" Something I found at the bridge on the way over here , " she replied as she grabbed the wash cloth , soap , and shampoo .
tr	5	" It 's a piece of a space ship that fell off or something -- proof that we 're not alone in the universe ! "
tr	5	Alex grabbed the cube from her with a suspicious look and cradled it under her arm , as if protecting it from an evil enemy .
tr	5	She slung her backpack over her shoulder and waited impatiently , tapping her foot to emphasize that she was ready and Jodie was holding her up .
tr	5	All the kids seemed to act like Rick 's home was theirs , and he treated them as if they were part of the family .
tr	5	" Well , I have to correct a few bugs in this code I was testing before I forget them all , so go get cleaned up .
tr	5	It shouldn 't take me more than fifteen minutes , and then you can help me get dinner ready and talk about your assignment , OK ? "
tr	5	All were barefoot with nothing but tattered rags for the mother , a loin cloth for the children , " is most likely lower class . "
tr	5	So the coach raised the bar and showed me how to do it right and I kept going higher and higher until he made me stop ! "
tr	5	" We 'll set it in the center of the table , so we can look at it , but nobody touches it , OK ? "
tr	5	" Some of those may be Japanese , but some are Chinese , Greek , Cyrillic , alphabetic , numeric , even Roman numerals and hieroglyphics . "
tr	5	But , this thing is obviously from the past , so it could be proof of Atlantis or some other ancient race rumored to have existed . "
tr	5	Now you can be good or I 'll bonk you on the head with this ... sounds like as good a use as any for it .
tr	5	Anna , get the video camera for me ; she 's going to want to see it -- pictures probably won 't do it justice ! "
tr	5	" That 's interesting , love , " he kept up the joke as the girls continued to giggle at the two adults ' game .
tr	5	Rick mouthed the words , " Thank you , " and blew her a kiss ... shielding it from the girls to avoid more ridicule .
tr	5	' Balancing the universe ' could also mean bringing time into sync , or , according to some physicists , bringing alternate universes into sync . "
tr	5	" Come on , " Rick struggled to fight back an enormous belly laugh , " that 's all possible too -- " " What ?
tr	5	Jessica strolled over to Rick , cupped her hands around his ear and whispered something for about ten seconds , then stood back , proud of herself .
tr	5	Jessica finally grabbed the cube from an off-guard Christy , stared intently at the spiral design on one side and announced , " Watch this ! "
tr	5	The others clutched him and held onto each other in both fright and wonder , staying well behind Rick , but peering around and over him .
tr	5	While the outside of the box had seemed holographic , the inside was finely etched , much like her trophies and plaques , but with unimaginable detail .
tr	5	Abby immediately flicked off the lights , while the others continued to study one item or another , remarking , questioning , and imagining their purpose .
tr	5	He sat back , put his arm around Abby and exchanged items with her , " See if you can figure this one out . "
tr	5	They all continued to trade items , each inspecting while Alex intensely scrutinized the inscriptions on the former box itself bit by bit until she was satisfied .
tr	5	Alex continued , " -- is a Universal Chronicler , it records information and everything the omni-directional , four-dimensional recording devices observe when activated . "
tr	5	" Well , let 's take a look at it , " Rick said as he got up and led the crew to check out the display .
tr	5	" I know a treasure hunter who works with USGS ; he 's had a lot of success decoding treasure maps , " offered Abby .
tr	5	He left to start his search , promising to keep them up to date through messages , and promised he 'd call if he found it .
tr	5	Everyone was more than excited about that idea , so Rick easily caved in , " Sure , let 's go to the couch . "
tr	5	" I don 't think I can handle any more of this today , " Kaylie said as a tear slowly rolled down her cheek .
tr	5	" We can 't find out anything else right now -- " " But there 's more on the chronicler -- " Alex continued to protest .
tr	5	Moments later , they had food and drinks laid out in front of them , and Anna sat down with the remote to start their movie .
tr	5	It matches one line pretty closely -- the middle line is the stream -- " " But the stream doesn 't match , " Rick said quickly .
tr	5	I did find some history of the caves , but this study was over a hundred years old and the last mention of it was shortly after .
tr	5	He then wrestled Jessica into his arms and woke Christy , eventually following her up the stairs and laying Jessica in the bed beside her .
tr	5	He grabbed Jessica with one arm and Christy with the other , pulled them down on the bed , and proceeded to relentlessly tickle them into oblivion .
tr	5	" I thought you said they often fix breakfast ... " " They do , " he pointed in amazement , " but not like this !
tr	5	" I 'm sorry , I must have been given the wrong number ; is there another number I should call instead of your home phone ? "
tr	5	The land is worthless , you see , estimated two years ago at a $ 35,000 hunk of hillside with no access right of way .
tr	5	" Honey , " Rick said , " I don 't want you using that thing at the meet or anywhere in public for that matter . "
tr	5	Sure enough , they were near the finish line for all of her running events and only 25 yards away from the high jump pit .
tr	5	" That 's really cool , kids , but keep your voices down and promise me you won 't look at any future ones , OK ? "
tr	5	" I 'm just a freshman ... " " And taller and stronger and faster than everyone else on the team , " Jessica interjected .
tr	5	If my calculations are right , " a brown-haired man with an enlarged nose stated , " it should impact after the planet passes Mars . "
tr	5	It 's roughly half the size of the moon and at the speed it will be traveling , that 's more than enough for our experiment . "
tr	5	Anna was ahead by three yards , they had been even at the start of the straight stretch , but now she was pulling away handily .
tr	5	" It is , " Rick replied , " but I thought you girls should do something besides sit in the van all day . "
tr	5	Anna easily won with only one jump at 5 ' 4 " , and then went to prepare for her final event , the 100 meter dash .
tr	5	Anna quickly recovered and turned on her speed , pulling up to fourth place after just forty meters and passing third place just ten meters later .
tr	5	" We have to wait until the meet is over and someone ... " he squeezed Anna , " wins the most valuable athlete trophy . "
tr	5	" If we 're not done in twenty minutes , we 'll talk Abby into taking you -- " " Yeah , I can take you .
tr	5	She shortly returned with two hot dogs , a bag of chips , two orders of fries , a candy bar , and a large drink .
tr	5	There are so many mysteries we could solve so easily ... " " Then you 'd be out of a job , " Rick countered .
tr	5	" OK , " she said , pulling her clothes out of her bag , " I 'm going to the back to change . "
tr	5	Rick popped the back hatch and he pulled out a bag of old clothes , jeans and long-sleeved shirts , and began passing them out .
tr	5	Abby loaded the leftover snacks into her pack , which already held all her standard survival gear , climbing gear , and archeological tools and implements .
tr	5	This caused Rick to instantly think of the maps , which were in the front of the van , and he ran back to get them .
tr	5	I 'd hate to accidently hack off one of your ears ... or arms ... " They all made frightened faces -- just what he wanted .
tr	5	He pulled his pants back on , stood up and downed a long gulp of water , and tossed the bottle back in his sack .
tr	5	The cave floor was about five feet from ground level , so Rick boosted Abby up and then helped each of the girls before climbing up himself .
tr	5	Rick walked down the entire hall , lightly brushing the surface from top to bottom for nearly eighty feet until he reached an abrupt end .
tr	5	Chapter 11 -- If at First You Don 't Succeed After several minutes arguing over what each of them wanted , the orders were finally placed .
tr	5	He lugged the slumping lump up to her bed , pulled her shoes off , wincing at the smell , and dumped her in the bed .
tr	5	He then rustled Christy a bit , but she just grunted , so he unbuckled her and carefully worked her out of the van across his arms .
tr	5	I 'd love it if you joined us , you 're always welcome -- " " You 're sure I won 't be ... interrupting ? "
tr	5	Eventually , they tired of tormenting him , " Rick , you should feel honored that she would feel safe discussing such things around you .
tr	5	Kaylie knew she could discuss things with Rick , but she just realized that he was embarrassed by Abby being there when she did it .
tr	5	Abby yelped as she jumped up and scrambled over the edge , causing Kaylie to choke on a tidal wave and Alex to stand to avoid it .
tr	5	She traced a line to its end , " This appears to end , but it also goes just a bit beyond where it stops . "
tr	5	Kaylie , equal to Alex in eye and mouth size stuttered , " So ... that first intersection ... we should have ... gone straight ? "
tr	5	" We 'll be back , " he told the girls as Abby forced him out of the room while he was frantically trying to dry off .
tr	5	" Sorry , honey , but tomorrow we 've already planned to see the world 's largest ball of wax , " he teased with convincing solemnity .
tr	5	" I 'd like to see the pyramids being built , too , that would be so cool to watch , don 't you think ? "
tr	5	Chapter 12 -- Turning the Key Instead of an earthquake this morning , Rick awoke to voices , " Don 't they look soooo cute together ? "
tr	5	The path is clear now and it wasn 't that cold in the tunnels , " " I have a feeling we 're going deeper this time .
tr	5	You don 't have to wear them , but tie them around you or something in case you do need them , " Rick recommended .
tr	5	Abby again coated everyone with bug repellent and when Rick declared the journey was about to begin , he was treated to a collective sigh of relief .
tr	5	The air expelled from this new path smelled old and damp and was a stark contrast to the relatively warm and dry corridors preceding it .
tr	5	Rick , concealing his sudden apprehension , motioned for everyone to continue their jobs and asked Abby to detail the new path ahead on her map .
tr	5	Alex noted this side of the door had an identical ' keyhole ' as the other , although it was more apparent with the rocky background inside .
tr	5	Rick came to an abrupt stop as the narrow tunnel suddenly opened up into an obviously man-made and unnatural , but very beautiful scene of magnificent construction .
tr	5	After a few more seconds , a square tube , about five feet across , was clearly visible through the ripples along the bottom of the wall .
tr	5	He tossed the rope in the water just above the hole and watched the current suck it in , hoping it didn 't knot up .
tr	5	He balanced himself against the current at the split in order to pull up slack in the rope , and took the right path toward the light .
tr	5	Walking back to the exit , he sighed , not wanting to leave , reluctantly resealing the camera in the bag and pressing it into his pocket .
tr	5	Alex , Jessie , and Anna all really love you and think you 're the perfect mother -- " " You really told him all that ? "
tr	5	Kaylie mentally high-fived herself , " Well , I think you should let him know you might have changed your mind , " she suggested .
tr	5	Rick checked the bag , tied it tightly while expelling the excess air , and tossed it near the tunnel , barking out instructions to the others .
tr	5	Except Anna , who had her back to the room , sitting half in the water , coughing and complaining , " I almost drowned ! "
tr	5	I am programmed to address any concerns you have and will never displace you unless you confirm the destination and location and ask to be displaced . "
tr	5	There are actually more of them , infinitely more , stored in an infinite array of quantum states , or universes , if you will . "
tr	5	" It would take a very long time to detail all of my functions , Kaylie , are you sure you would like an entire list ? "
tr	5	No virgin was she , but a vixen you see ; At His birth , in His bed , lays a diamond of red . "
tr	5	Rick started manipulating the display , maneuvering the image , focusing up and down , especially on the neck , wrists , fingers ... nothing .
tr	5	" I took the liberty of adding salt and ketchup , Rick ; I am programmed -- " " To anticipate my needs , right .
tr	5	A digital display formed instantly , it appeared to be solid , but he properly guessed it was holographic , like the display on the console .
tr	5	" I think the damage is done , as long as we are responsible and don 't tamper with the future , " Christy stated convincingly .
tr	5	" I 'm fairly confident that your guess would be completely accurate , Rick , " Rick thought a moment , looking at his daughter .
tr	5	" Resume TV , T , " he said , and dug back into his food as the next season opener of his favorite sci-fi show started .
tr	5	" I think we should go in , see who gave it to him , then go back and get it from them , " Christy offered .
tr	5	One held boxes of coins from different times , one contained armor , swords , uniforms and many types of gadgets , old and futuristic .
tr	5	Although you and Christy are at our house more than your own , I 'm still not allowed to make such decisions for you . "
tr	5	And whose idea was it to go buy clothes and make tunics and stuff -- " Rick felt stupid ... mainly because everything she said was true .
tr	5	That 's probably much more dangerous and couldn 't possibly be more rewarding in any way ... plus you would be there to protect them ! "
tr	5	" But first , " he tried to regain some of his lost authority , " we are going to set down some hard-core rules .
tr	5	Rick gave her an appraising look , " You two are extremely smart ; I trust you to figure that out , " he told her confidently .
tr	5	We need to find enough Roman valuables to ensure our purchases , and maybe more to buy access , guides , or even the crystal itself . "
tr	5	Rick suddenly felt confident and played harder , dawdling a while before wrapping his hand around the back of her neck and pulling her into a kiss .
tr	5	" Oh , if you 're still not interested , I can wait another two years to work up the courage again -- " " Tomorrow ! "
tr	5	" I need to adopt that little birdie , " he said , looking at that little birdie as she excitedly helped Alex search ancient Rome .
tr	5	But we don 't know where the father is ... " " We think he could be a soldier , traveling abroad or in a war somewhere .
tr	5	" Everyone who is not traveling , please step well outside the red crystal circle , " T intoned as the area started to flash .
tr	5	Rick felt like it was Halloween and he was standing on the sidewalk as he sent his excited kids to a stranger 's door for candy .
tr	5	Alex carried a pouch Anna had made from the sleeve of one of the shirts and Christy and Kaylie each had one filled with coins and gems .
tr	5	The girls timed their interception well , seeming to merge accidently with the ancient youngsters as they came across the last knoll before their home .
tr	5	She cowered slightly ; they had decided Kaylie was going to speak , since she was the oldest and biggest and knew the most about Roman history .
tr	5	She had the same dark brown eyes as her brothers , but flopping from her head was a three-foot long mane of nearly blonde hair .
tr	5	" You can 't buy a home in Rome unless you have a lot of money or are related to a senator , " Lucius said skeptically .
tr	5	The girls blushed collectively , they had thought these clothes were very simple , but this Roman girl treated them like $ 10,000 designer dresses .
tr	5	Lucius , becoming even more suspicious , interrupted , " Wait , if you 're wealthy , and traveling to Rome , where 's your chariot ?
tr	5	Now we get only a couple coins a week from the blankets I weave and mother spends her time either gathering food or selling what I make .
tr	5	I see no problem with that -- we could definitely use one , " " But what if she finds out what we 're doing here ? "
tr	5	" This is a recon mission , soldier , " Rick teased , " I actually think we should tell her what we 're looking for .
tr	5	Kaylie elbowed her and grabbed her arm , " Yes , Father , you look splendid , " she emphasized ' Father ' for Christy .
tr	5	Rick knelt down in front of her , placing his hands gently on her shoulders and softly shook her , " Are you OK ? "
tr	5	She explained the exact route Octavian and his guards would be taking , how they could watch him , and how he could acquire the necklace .
tr	5	Kaylie talked on and on with her about clothes , and Rick prodded her for more information about the markets , army , and economy .
tr	5	Before they knew it , they were within the walls of Rome , staring at the exact steps Octavian would traverse in just a few minutes .
tr	5	She showed him her brightest smile and put her hands on her hips , " We won 't -- I 'll know where you are ! "
tr	5	" So she can watch behind me and keep an eye on Octavian -- unless you want to walk backwards and draw attention to us ? "
tr	5	He was possibly an inch taller than Rick and twenty pounds heavier -- mostly beer gut -- with a scarred , square chin and a flat nose .
tr	5	The bigger guard looked to the smaller one , passing a nod , the smaller one said , " Show us this necklace , street rat ! "
tr	5	" What is it to you , veteran , " he said condescendingly , which made Rick realize he was wearing an informal military uniform .
tr	5	No harm has been done , and perhaps my daughter has learned not to stray too far from her father , " Rick said diplomatically .
tr	5	" You got lucky , girl , " Rick told her casually , " The arrow went through your side , but mainly through skin . "
tr	5	He ignored the pain as he focused on the girl , finally finishing , and tying her tunic back loosely so it wouldn 't aggravate the dressing .
tr	5	Rick fought back emotions , " We have to go , honey ... here ... " he opened his hand , showing her the enormous jewel .
tr	5	She hugged him tightly , refusing to let go for over a minute , then slowly released her hold and embraced the others just as fiercely .
tr	5	She winced when she saw the ragged bloody hole , and could barely keep her hands from shaking as she began to clean it with disinfectant .
tr	5	She studied every detail of the two items for several minutes , listing the properties of each and explained popular theories , right and wrong .
tr	5	Alex told of the homeless children she tried to help , and Kaylie elaborated on their new friend , and how she recovered the crystal for them .
tr	5	Rick worked his way to his feet , grinding the hurt away with his teeth , and held out his arms to pick her up .
tr	5	Jessica rolled her eyes , " Oh , please , didn 't you just get done telling us a fourteen-year-old girl recovered the first one ? "
tr	5	" Sorry , it wasn 't easy getting that thing off inside that small box with one arm , " he said , slightly embarrassed .
tr	5	" You 're lucky I 'm injured or I 'd dunk you mercilessly , brat , " he warned as he waded into the water .
tr	5	" I was thinking of Abby since she 's an adult , but I think you 're right -- you 'd be a better choice .
tr	5	The trip back to the van took four times as long , nearly ninety minutes , because they had to stop several times for Rick to rest .
tr	5	" Seriously though , girls , you all smell like sweaty street bums , you need to take a shower -- " They groaned in unison .
tr	5	The phrase , ' although the court thought ' , must mean she was tried and convicted , doesn 't that make sense to you ? "
tr	5	Abby called down the stairs , " The girls are already in bed and sound asleep , so I 'm gon na take a quick shower . "
tr	5	They had deciphered the first part of the riddle and recovered one of the four crystals which would enable them to stop this disastrous event .
tr	5	Rick spent all day reading up on the birth of Jesus until it drove him mad and he opted to work on his video game instead .
tr	5	That alone gives her the motive and skills to deliberately mess with the government ... " " Like everyone thus far , " Scott sighed .
tr	5	We have no reason to suspect anyone inside -- there are no lights on and the mail is five days old , " an agent responded .
tr	5	The agent led them directly to the left , through a wide arch and into the living room where a desk sat with a computer on it .
tr	5	Samantha White was the newest face of the show , which seemed to cycle new , young , attractive women into Jordan 's evening news show annually .
tr	5	Jordan was obviously rocked by the news , but managed to finish his comment with , " He 's the last of a dying breed . "
tr	5	All the languages of the world were degrading into a universal , anachronistic , lazy impersonal , and emotionless waste of space -- according to Reed .
tr	5	There was the fireball he 'd seen in the desert , then a mid-air collision with something that forced him to land his small airplane .
tr	5	She was a good thirty feet from the plane , scampering along on all fours like a crab , when something large passed over her head .
tr	5	All the way on the flight from Mexico she had fretted over the precious load of marijuana she and Scott had been smuggling into Arizona .
tr	5	This was their summer vacation , before they would all go out into the world , to college , to jobs , to begin their new lives .
tr	5	Jimmy and the other boys began to walk slowly around the edges of the wreckage , hesitant to step on the out of place ashes .
tr	5	Like the other boys , Kendall stood on the edge of the burned wreckage , leaning forward to try and see what Josie stood in front of .
tr	5	Despite his fatigue , he had forced his body on , toward the cluster of tents , trucks and motorcycles illuminated by the full moon .
tr	5	Carlos was next out of his tent , rubbing sleep from his eyes and wearing a long , over-sized t-shirt like it was a nightgown .
tr	5	Like Logan , he had slept in his boots , pants and t-shirt because he was afraid of the rattlesnakes and scorpions in the desert .
tr	5	With skill born of countless years of practice , he flipped his knife up in the air , then caught it by the tip of the blade .
tr	5	Despite the fact this was the guy that had just thrown him through the air with no apparent effort , Logan relaxed and lowered his hands .
tr	5	Sure enough , Kendall 's knife was still lodged firmly in his back , above his shoulder blade , the point maybe two inches deep .
tr	5	Maria couldn 't understand - of all the people in the building , Mark was the one who could go down to the lab now .
tr	5	Maria was standing up in the elevator - blood trickling down her face from a scalp wound while the left sleeve of her lab coat burned .
tr	5	And while he wouldn 't elaborate on his death in 1962 , Mark agreed it was a good idea to return to the boat wreck .
tr	5	" I guess we 're all ready , then , " Josie said , stepping in front of Carlos so he couldn 't glare at Logan .
tr	5	" Yes - but it used to be I didn 't have to touch things ... I could just walk near them and shut them down . "
tr	5	That was a far cry from how his feet had been after those cold years in Korea when he nearly lost several toes to frost bite .
tr	5	He made his appearance in 1971 as all the astrology , new age types were trying to deal with a new decade and the Vietnam war .
tr	5	Lots of local jurisdictions , California included , didn 't want citizens - even those with super powers - taking the law into their own hands .
tr	5	Mark 's old pants were folded up and put in a bag , and Josie picked him out an extra pair of pants and two more shirts .
tr	5	I mean , you get re-elected , then everyone finds out you were cheating on your sick wife ... The President is a terrible person . "
tr	5	For the first time , she noticed at least a dozen men in dark suits , scattered around the food court at tables , watching them .
tr	5	A family that had watched her many a times over the years , while her mother struggled to recover from the loss of Josie 's dad .
tr	5	" Unless you want me to literally put a foot up your ass , you and your chauffeur friends are going to step aside . "
tr	5	He was very relieved the agent in charge had told him and his peers to stand down and let the strange , flat-topped man leave in peace .
tr	5	An area of maybe three feet across formed as the crack split and turned , forming a large circle that then cracked and broke apart .
tr	5	The remaining shards in the cloud passed over his head or smashed against Jimmy 's truck and the cars parked on either side of it .
tr	5	He lowered his arm , then with his right hand casually broke a piece of ice off from where it was sticking out of his chest .
tr	5	She struggled as she was being dragged across the pavement , but her arms were caught in the leather jacket and she couldn 't squirm free .
tr	5	She jostled and shuffled her feet , forcing him to turn in place so she could aim further insult at Mark as he walked away .
tr	5	It had gotten him into a bad habit that might just land him in the stockade if this situation didn 't get turned around fast .
tr	5	" This is your chance to go home - but I 'll need to keep your truck for awhile , if you don 't mind . "
tr	5	If he ever saw Carlos again , he was going to kick him right in the butt for talking Josie into that motocross trip to the desert .
tr	5	It wasn 't bad enough he 'd been taken over by a telepath , tasered and his deepest , most secret feelings about Josie revealed .
tr	5	" Hey , I watch TV , I read the blogs - I know what happens when you cross the men in black ... " Mark interrupted .
tr	5	The few times he 'd left a secure facility , he 'd been under the close supervision and protection of at least a dozen armed men .
tr	5	He still thought the best plan would have been for him to just seize control of the shapeshifter , telepathically , then let the soldiers capture it .
tr	5	The visor also displayed ambient air temperature , compass heading , barometric pressure and a variety of other information about the world in real time .
tr	5	Hyperion had just stopped in front of the door to a room on the back of the motel , directly adjacent to the target 's room .
tr	5	The redhead from Oklahoma was a splattered mess , her blood and most of her internal organs painted on the wall of the motel behind her bed .
tr	5	The shapeshifter immediately changed - abandoning the shredded form of the teenage drug addict for a lanky , blonde-haired , clean cut boy from Idaho .
tr	5	Before the stunned Hyperion could react , the blonde housewife reached up and over her shoulder with her left arm , grabbing Hyperion 's head .
tr	5	The shapeshifter flew right into the side of a parked car with sufficient force to cave the car 's door in and shatter all the windows .
tr	5	The staccato assault ranged across the giant 's chest , on his sides , down to his knee caps and back up to his throat .
tr	5	This just made him want to consume the black haired attacker 's heart more than any other he had yet encountered in this strange land .
tr	5	Laid out in the boat , half his skull gone , the Colonel lay still , breathing slowly , his eyes open and staring blankly upward .
tr	5	The Desert Oasis resort - a towering luxury hotel far removed from any city , overlooking a small lake and Arizona 's scenic painted desert .
tr	5	It extended all the way to the back of the hotel , where large windows looked out over a large swimming pool and deck area .
tr	5	By the elevators , they spied who they were looking for - two somber men in matching dark suits , guarding one of three elevators .
tr	5	In his ear , his superior was talking over the radio , telling him to take the two teens directly to the holding area in the basement .
tr	5	The lead agent pointed for his companions to go either way , one toward the lobby , one toward the pool area behind the hotel .
tr	5	Jimmy had stopped shrieking and was squatting on the floor of the elevator , clinging to the waist-high rail running around the elevator for dear life .
tr	5	Their orders were to take custody of the two teenagers , take them to a holding room , and await the arrival of the detachment 's telepath .
tr	5	As the agents grabbed for spare pistol magazines under their jackets , the Chef looked up at them and wagged a finger from side to side .
tr	5	The blow didn 't break skin or bone , but sent a shockwave into the agent 's head that jarred his brain and knocked him unconscious .
tr	5	He glanced down at his severed wing , which lay twitching , partially on the concrete patio , partially hanging down limply in the water .
tr	5	The coyote finally found the source of the smell - a wet lump , covered in dirt and sand , about the size of a softball .
tr	5	The coyote was in pain now , growling and snapping at its sides as they bulged and heaved , as though something were growing inside it .
tr	5	More SUVs arrived , with suited agents loading Jimmy 's body bag , and a much larger one , into the plane 's cargo hold .
tr	5	Detachment 1039 must find a way to stop the spectral forces marching on Washington and their shadowy leader , before the country is plunged into chaos .
tr	5	HS2 , a human simulation made to physically resemble a handsome thirty-year-old man , raised his perfectly manicured eyebrows , playfully waiting for her reaction .
tr	5	She had graciously accepted his offer for the two of them to stay with him , but only until she could find a place of their own .
tr	5	The post-surgery risks to Toby were no greater than those he would encounter skinning his knee on the sidewalk , thanks to vast improvements in surgical procedures .
tr	5	" Indeed , the implant seems to be a success , " said Ron pointing to a series of numbers projected on the wall beside his desk .
tr	5	The battery power level is in the low range , as expected ; it 's charging and sharing electrical pulses from Toby 's brain . "
tr	5	" Using the networked RF organism gives us the flexibility to monitor the device anytime it is connected to the internal mesh net , " said Ron .
tr	5	We can 't go there very often at all , only people who work for NET are allowed to be there all the time . "
tr	5	The galaxy and every individual star glowed when the room was dimly lit , producing a mesmerizing effect that remained apparent even in bright light .
tr	5	The books were divided by wall into history , classics , leisure , and finally a large collection of William 's favorite academic and research texts .
tr	5	Toby jumped onto the sofa and sank in , savoring the way it conformed to his body and swallowed him , making him feel warm .
tr	5	An old but amusing trick that had always entertained him , Toby found it odd that things like this could at times be remembered instinctively .
tr	5	CHAPTER FOUR With Toby in the study , Victoria sat down in William 's well-appointed kitchen , worrying about the tangled web this had become .
tr	5	His obesity and years of drinking gave him a ruddy appearance , the intensity of which his staff used as a barometer of his mood .
tr	5	In his prime , Alfred had been charming and respected by his colleagues for his leadership , a rock upon which Network Environmental Technologies had been built .
tr	5	A designer suit and the best grooming money could buy couldn 't hide the fact that he had aged poorly in the years she 'd been gone .
tr	5	" He trusted you with all significant negotiations , including the most important of all , the sale of Crawford Management Consultants to NET ... .
tr	5	" He is much less forgetful , more considerate and sensitive lately -- when he 's not agonizing over missing you , " said Victoria .
tr	5	CHAPTER FIVE Within the walls of NET , there were many technical objectives for the ambitious artificial intelligence HS project , but also one aesthetic goal .
tr	5	An HS unit required both an identifiable and a pleasing appearance , allowing it to blend in with society but remain easily distinguished from human beings .
tr	5	The real engineering of the " skin " started with an applied outer layer using several materials developed a generation earlier for the movie industry .
tr	5	In this state , the contrast between his sculpted face , human hands and forearms against the untreated off-white of his base shell was accentuated .
tr	5	" The cost is largely because the procedure is new , and the resources are expensive because they are risky to obtain in the United States .
tr	5	CHAPTER SEVEN That evening for dinner , Victoria ordered one of Toby 's favorite meals for all three of them -- cheeseburgers , french fries and milkshakes .
tr	5	" I read everything , so I have access to the knowledge of what you put into me , although I have not explored it yet .
tr	5	" No , no , it 's okay , " said William , " I 'd like to read your work but I never get to it .
tr	5	Toby watched the other two and considered whether it was better to remain ignorant , or indifferent to , the emotions of others most of the time .
tr	5	" No , I don 't think you 'll find anything new sweetie , but please try to use the network connection , explore a little . "
tr	5	Console text messages displaying commands and acknowledgements between 007 , the mesh network monitor , and William 's host were streaming past in the background .
tr	5	The shirt had been designed by NET to control access to the facility and was outdated -- perhaps it was part of today 's test .
tr	5	The full-color view appeared to be real-time , and matched the image in Toby 's photographic memory , a fact which did not escape him .
tr	5	I wanted to get another look at Alfred and see what he was doing , I didn 't expect to see him in William 's lab .
tr	5	Jacob 's ultimate goal was to train Toby to control multiple HS units and develop the full potential of the technologies he 'd spent a lifetime building .
tr	5	" You know I understand , " said Jacob , " but look , it 's up to you to keep us on track right now .
tr	5	" I don 't know , and it wasn 't terrorists ; he said he plans to sell to a foreign intelligence group , " said Jacob .
tr	5	" I won 't let Toby be an experiment any longer , " Victoria said with emotion , " I feel like he 's my son . "
tr	5	" Ben and I had a good laugh about the way Alfred charges around like a bull from one thing to the next , " said William .
tr	5	said William , reaching for a bag near the bed and pulling out two black shiny full-body one-piece suits , one smaller than the other .
tr	5	" We have applied mesh networking to link dozens of these sensors together to simultaneously track and identify the movements of a person wearing the suit .
tr	5	She pulled the suit on over her shoulders and turning the corner , walking back toward the bed , zipping the suit to her waist .
tr	5	" That 's the last face that was attached to this suit and the host remembered it since your face isn 't covered with sensors .
tr	5	She had never seen Toby run , or the genuine glow of excitement that had been apparent in his eyes when she gave him the suit .
tr	5	The years living abroad consulting for her father had estranged her from friends here at home , which , for now , was a good thing .
tr	5	His skin looked so real and he was so incredibly lifelike -- and intelligent -- it would be fun to spend more time with him .
tr	5	" NET is planning to sell 007 to someone who will use him to do bad things , things that will hurt people , " said Jacob .
tr	5	William built and understands most of 007 's systems , so they will want to take William and force him to help them with 007 .
tr	5	If there 's something bad going on at NET and you want to stop it , why do they still let you on their networks ? "
tr	5	" Toby let 's do some things to protect William first , then we can talk to your mother about the rest , " said Jacob .
tr	5	They and I were subjected to drugs and procedures in an attempt to boost my IQ to genius levels and give me a photographic memory .
tr	5	Better still , a facade connection , to make it look like his lab is up and running , can be put in place . "
tr	5	" You 've learned how to connect to my mesh network and you think we need to talk ... keep this private from others at NET ? "
tr	5	He sold me on the consulting and research businesses , but Alfred , in particular , is knee deep in illegal practices in the research division .
tr	5	It was a short , abruptly planned trip , set up under the pretense of appeasing the attorneys and ensuring all the Human Resource diligence was done .
tr	5	She said that she had a meeting with some new attorney across town within the hour and she thought it would be easier with me there .
tr	5	We learned early on it 's best to not ignore the local government 's overtures , which is why she had agreed to meet with them .
tr	5	" By the way , " said Jacob , " Did Alfred ever get over his aversion to our terms used to describe growing the organisms ?
tr	5	Toby was born with an abnormal brain , as you know , but I do believe they pulled off giving him exceptional IQ and a photographic memory .
tr	5	He found Victoria looking rested and content , sitting at the kitchen island , silently watching her father , who was cooking at the stove .
tr	5	William was struck by her beauty , wearing a deep purple , low cut spaghetti strap teddy , which , even in his state , was intriguing .
tr	5	Certain that eating wasn 't the cure , William sat and tasted the eggs , which had obviously been cooked in the pan following the bacon .
tr	5	It 's a research environment so I understand the open culture , although the consulting network is completely open too , which presents legal issues .
tr	5	From my account , I aliased to one of your old accounts , William , so anything I touched looks like you touched it . "
tr	5	CHAPTER SEVENTEEN The three spent another hour watching Toby eat his breakfast and discussing lighter topics , and then William showered and left for the lab .
tr	5	William parked his car in the lot with the rest of the NET employees , began walking in , and almost literally ran into 007 .
tr	5	When he first started giving me commands I felt rather robotic , but luckily I was still in the lab and I don 't think anyone noticed .
tr	5	Upon entering , visitors were typically shocked at the stark contrast of modern glass walls , chrome handrails and bright white tile floors on the cavernous lobby .
tr	5	In the past he had had a sense that much was missing in his life , but the frustrations of everyday life seemed to be his alone .
tr	5	" I 've since learned what he 's done with NET , in the past and recently , and how he 's affected other lives like mine .
tr	5	" He 's an amazing unit , " said Toby , " but I realized the physical movements are rudimentary compared to the intelligence inference engines .
tr	5	He had built-in programs which could automatically direct walking together with another person to a destination , all the while mirroring their movements and maintaining acceptable distance .
tr	5	You have my artificial heart rate set to 120 for the same level of exertion and I only weigh 28 pounds more than her . "
tr	5	" He appears to have full capability and can monitor all of my sensors and systems , although he 's just discovering my knowledge-based inference engines . "
tr	5	" William , old boy , you 've done it now , " said Ben bounding into the room and sliding into the nearest chair .
tr	5	" In addition to the programs , which I realized I could basically upload and browse , William and Victoria outfitted me with an accelerometer suit .
tr	5	Toby , Victoria and Jacob , back in William 's study , could see Alfred , along with the rest of the occupants of the room .
tr	5	" Slow and steady , " Ben said truthfully , although he had picked up on William 's direction and intended to say as little as possible .
tr	5	" He seemed to be watching for reactions to another clone run and pulling in some new investor , but I thought he was vague .
tr	5	" He confided in Ben and I , " said William , " that he felt responsible for your father 's death , Victoria . "
tr	5	He said he was talking with an Asian intelligence agency on a call and they likely overhead part of the plan to send William to Jakarta . "
tr	5	It 's a stretch for me to believe he 'd actually set the whole thing up , and then bring this type of story to our attention .
tr	5	" Maybe , " said Ben shaking his head in wonder , " this is why Alfred 's health has been in the can for years . "
tr	5	" And obviously , I knew about the surgeries on elderly and young children , babies sometimes , but Alfred assured me each patient was terminal .
tr	5	007 pushed to the far side of the hall and kept moving quickly through the foot traffic , hoping to avoid an encounter and discussion .
tr	5	The active image processor could be remotely controlled to direct focus toward objects within range , zoom and transmit a live feed over the network connection .
tr	5	Alfred settled onto the seat , cursing the discomfort , relishing the total privacy and thankful to have the latest encryption software to secure his messages .
tr	5	I changed the punctuation to reflect that , but if I have the wrong idea , here , it 'll need to be formatted differently . ]
tr	5	Because Alfred had placed a special alert in the system for Jacob , effectively overriding the default logic , no one else in the building was notified .
tr	5	Jacob had previously used his old login to analyze the security system and discovered Alfred 's alert trigger , and , as such , expected no greeting .
tr	5	Alfred could not prevent the security systems from capturing the events of the afternoon , and hopefully he would not be able to find this hidden recording .
tr	5	Bob and I will observe the laboratory procedures , and if we are satisfied , another team will be called in to take delivery . "
tr	5	Ahmad closely examined both Victoria and Toby , equally intrigued by the familiarity of Victoria 's beauty and by the promise of Toby 's abilities .
tr	5	" You should check your messages , " Victoria whispered as she pulled away from him , quickly catching the group and pushing toward Toby 's side .
tr	5	" Turn on his transponder so we can track him , and make sure he has a mesh net connection as he exits the building .
tr	5	Toby made a net connection to 006 , enabled the video and audio feeds , and directed him to stand and walk the perimeter of the room .
tr	5	Make sure the goons see him , and when 006 makes eye contact with them have him run toward the limo by the West door . "
tr	5	Through 006 's eyes , Toby could see the well-dressed Asian looking at him , first with surprise , then satisfaction , as he saw his opportunity .
tr	5	His chest felt heavy , almost painful , he removed four antacid tablets from his jacket pocket popped them into his mouth -- acid reflux again .
tr	5	Setting up the alert in the first place was simply covering all the bases and keeping the security system up to date , Alfred told himself .
tr	5	" I will take the stairs , if you don 't mind , " said Mohammed , ignoring the question and trotting up the first few steps .
tr	5	The connection had been sporadic at best since William had taken his network off the backbone ; no direct connection to William now , either .
tr	5	If he needs help he 'll get someone here , but we cannot take the risk of getting others involved until this building is secure . "
tr	5	" Violence , " said 007 , " is so much different than it seems in the movies ... " " 007 , do you drive ? "
tr	5	Disconnecting their identities should have helped ; he 'd erase the video evidence and hope anyone tracking them wouldn 't have time to dig further .
tr	5	A minute later they stopped in the middle of the parking lot , and Toby set the briefcase down in plain view of a security camera .
tr	5	" Mohammed and the goon at the airport are clearly assassins , the security detail , and Ahmad is apparently Alfred 's contact for this deal .
tr	5	The room was small : one desk , three chairs , one window looking out over the parking lot , and quiet Chinese music in the background .
tr	5	" Well , " said Toby , momentarily weighing the risks of telling William the plan through the network , " that 's where I am .
tr	5	" Now Ahmad , " said Jacob , " or whatever your name is , you are going to tell us why you 're here . "
tr	5	Victoria watched Jacob closely ; he had acted with shocking speed and power in dispatching Ahmad 's associate , then calmly confronted Ahmad without blinking .
tr	5	There was no reason to threaten Alfred further , he was ready to turn everything over to us and retire a rich old fool . "
tr	5	Toby directed 007 to run to the lower level to check on Victoria , and simultaneously switched to the video feed connection from 006 ' s eyes .
tr	5	He had two college buddies who had disappeared twenty years earlier , and who were rumored to have entered the FBI , although nobody knew for sure .
tr	5	Alfred didn 't know the true identity of the foreign contact he negotiated with , and didn 't catch on when Frank inserted himself into the negotiations .
tr	5	Toby continued his remarkable social improvement , mastering the HS units and the mesh networking environments , which NET was expanding deeper into everyday life .
tr	5	Frank 's team , following money trails from Indonesia to NET , found evidence that Ahmad had indeed not been working alone in funding Alfred 's projects .
tr	5	I mean , while you and Dad are drinking wine at cafés and stuff and visiting museums , I need my stuff , too . "
tr	5	" If something happens to America ... I mean ... when it is in crisis , the rest of the world is affected too . "
tr	5	" I guess this answers any question of evacuating to Limerick , " she said , turning and moving slowly in the direction of the porch steps .
tr	5	she said as soon as they walked into her grocery shop which was lighted only by the daylight coming in through the big shop windows .
tr	5	We don 't know how to take care of horses , or where to wash our clothes -- " Sarah felt the panic blossom in her chest .
tr	5	As David and the shopkeeper busied themselves filling a small but essential shopping bag , Sarah stepped outside and looked down the deserted village street .
tr	5	Maybe because she didn 't look like she was walking with anyone , a man coming toward them in the opposite direction got eye contact .
tr	5	It seemed like such a basic , little thing , she thought , to have a warm , well-lit place in which to curl up tonight .
tr	5	" If this was some kind of nuclear bomb that went off then there could be a risk of nuclear contamination in the cities . "
tr	5	" I wonder if I have a job to go home to , " he said to himself as he dumped the steaming horseshit onto the pile .
tr	5	She had gotten more adept at pushing the thoughts aside realizing that they didn 't make her any more capable for the challenges of a coming day .
tr	5	Sarah smiled , but the pit of fear and uneasiness returned to her stomach at the thought of their venturing out of the paddock along the roadway .
tr	5	" I guess we should follow the road , " Sarah said , grateful that at least there wouldn 't be cars on it since the crisis .
tr	5	" I just know how easy an accident can happen , " she said , feeling the girth on Dan to see if it was tight enough .
tr	5	Within minutes the three of them turned down a long dirt drive that led to a small cottage with a barn , like their own place .
tr	5	" I thought the Irish were on our side , " John said , as they all turned their horses and started back towards the main road .
tr	5	" Well , " he said , " we were just exploring , really , any place we can get to and back before dark . "
tr	5	As Finn turned to leave the group , he stopped abruptly in front of the man with the puppy and scooped the dog up in his arms .
tr	5	She watched his pony step knowingly in the deepening shadows of the trail back to the house and she was grateful for the animal 's steady temperament .
tr	5	Although never much of a baker she had , in one of her more industrious moods , typed in a recipe for bread on her phone .
tr	5	Before she 'd abandoned books entirely and gone strictly to e-readers , she 'd kept favorite recipes on index cards which she laminated and used for bookmarks .
tr	5	She quickly snatched it back and tried to calm him , convinced it was her own anxiety that had caused him to panic in the first place .
tr	5	They came bearing gifts -- another two chickens and a rooster , another dozen eggs , a kidney and potato pie , and a newspaper .
tr	5	At least she didn 't fall down , she thought grimly , but the anticipation of the recoil made her even more fearful of the gun .
tr	5	Sarah watched him ride up over the knoll and realized , for the first time , that the sight of him felt like an answer to prayer .
tr	5	In the middle of all that , there is incredible silence and stillness -- in your mind , in your ears , in your thoughts .
tr	5	Without waiting for breakfast , David and John ran outside , John to drag in firewood and David to check on the horses and the goat .
tr	5	At the time , Sarah had watched them work together and felt her heart lift at their obvious closeness and the sounds of their voices and laughter .
tr	5	" Oh , my God , you gave me a start , " Sarah said , double checking that her jerking hadn 't broken the eggs .
tr	5	It looked to David as if it had been killed by a wild animal , so he mentally checked marauding gypsies off the list of suspects .
tr	5	He bolted his food , grabbed a quick slurp of tea and met his wife in the corner of the cottage that served as their bedroom .
tr	5	She realized as she mounted Dan and moved out of the frontcourt of the house that she had felt no anxiety tacking up the horse .
tr	5	Probably about the hundredth time she 'd moved him out of the stall to clean up after him , or transferred him from barn to paddock .
tr	5	" I found the culprit , " John twisted in his saddle and waved his hand to indicate that the animal was somewhere behind him .
tr	5	He drew an arm around her as they walked back to the house , their earlier closeness coming back to both of them like a strengthening shield .
tr	5	" Now , if we can just turn some bags of sawdust into a rump roast , I 'll be good , " he said .
tr	5	They 'd all feel more agreeable to opening their doors to a rag-tag group of survivors than they would a lying , thieving gang of gypsy hoodlums .
tr	5	In a way , it 's actually marvelous to learn that you can 't control every moment of your schedule according to your whims and preferences .
tr	5	At night he repaired and cleaned tack , memorized Latin and French from a textbook they 'd found in the cottage and taught himself chess gambits .
tr	5	If he could stay awake , he spent his evenings writing the philosophy book he had always been too busy to work on back home .
tr	5	Besides , it had been several days since John 's rabbit trap had been fruitful and they were all getting tired of biscuits and canned beans .
tr	5	Looking at their animals as sources of food rather than affection or company was a new way of framing her worldview that Sarah was determined to master .
tr	5	Which reminds me ... " He bolted away from the kitchen table and flung open the bathroom door where the puppies had spent the night .
tr	5	Could he ever have imagined back home that he 'd awake to spend a full day in the kind of conditions he expected to be in today ?
tr	5	He had become very close to Sarah 's mother and father , in many ways even closer than to his own when they were alive .
tr	5	After fifteen minutes of stirring up more feathers and dust than a down pillow factory explosion Sarah grabbed the chicken and stuffed her in a pillowcase .
tr	5	She gripped at the chicken inside the bag , feeling for its scrawny little neck and hoping she didn 't mistake it for a leg .
tr	5	Within seconds she found the neck through the burlap bag and , with the adrenalin pumping through her , wrenched as hard as she could .
tr	5	He hadn 't heard anything himself , but he had been so exhausted that his sleep had been more like a light coma than a slumber .
tr	5	As docile as the puppies were , they were still too undisciplined to be around the horses for long without having to dodge a well-deserved kick .
tr	5	As she approached , she saw John 's eyes flick to her and then back at them , but it was enough to alert the men .
tr	5	" You 'd better get out of here , " Sarah said , aware that her voice was coming from a place she didn 't recognize .
tr	5	" You take ' er , I 'll get the boy -- " The words weren 't out of his mouth before Sarah shot him .
tr	5	Sarah recovered quickly from the recoil and turned the gun on the nearest man to her when he suddenly made a strangling noise and pitched forward .
tr	5	I don 't want to have to drag bodies any further than I need to ... " The stunned man began to stir on the ground .
tr	5	" You better get your buddy there to connect with the program , Gilligan , " Sarah said , indicating the groaning man on the ground .
tr	5	That shite , Brandon , had the effrontery to lay his hands on him as if to help him up the steps into the caravan !
tr	5	If he hadn 't been so weak from the loss of blood , he would have backhanded her for suggesting the raid had been a cock-up .
tr	5	When the crisis happened , he came in his trap , pulled by an ancient polo pony that hadn 't been ridden in a decade .
tr	5	Plus , when you think about it , Devon is their only source of news of the outside world and so our only source . "
tr	5	They did a run-through of John yelling from the kitchen window to see if David could hear him from behind the barn where he was digging .
tr	5	David was very serious in reinforcing to her that if she saw anything at all that looked dangerous or threatening , she was to bypass the place .
tr	5	She stretched out her legs on either side of Dan and relaxed her spine and when she did she could feel him relaxing , too .
tr	5	It had been a full eight weeks since she 'd been to the village and she wasn 't at all sure what to expect when she arrived .
tr	5	" I 'm talking to you today , " he said , " because I 'm thinking we need to come together as the community we are .
tr	5	" With no laws nor government help , " he said , " there 's plenty among us could use help and plenty able enough to help .
tr	5	The thought of going out into the pasture or on any of the trails -- even with a group of other riders -- had terrified her .
tr	5	A broken shoulder , although inconvenient to her life outside riding , had not put her in a wheel chair or attached her to a colostomy bag .
tr	5	When she reached the end of the main street she could see about twenty tents and tables set up , all of them crowded with people .
tr	5	" It 's me children , sure they 're so young and to see them so hungry ... " She looked at Sarah and shook her head .
tr	5	He would be by tomorrow to take the six sheep and dozen more bottles of Côte de Rhône Sarah had bartered in exchange for the gun .
tr	5	My children ... it 's just that when my husband , when Jamie ... " she began to cry softly and Sarah patted her on the shoulder .
tr	5	If it hadn 't been falling into disrepair , it would 've qualified as a quaint little Irish tourist cottage , complete with thatched roof .
tr	5	I 'm sorry , Missus , " Donovan shoved a hand through his thick hair , knocking his cheese cutter cap to the ground in the process .
tr	5	She moved down the porch , her eyes never leaving Donovan 's and , grabbing Dan 's reins , jerked them free from the porch rail .
tr	5	These were good people , doing a difficult job and she 'd practically held them at gunpoint and , worse , nearly shot the boy .
tr	5	He turned to the task at hand and grabbed the shovel back from Gavin , hoping the chore would banish further thoughts along those lines .
tr	5	With the rain dripping off her jacket , the mud covering the tops of her boots , she led her limping horse toward the cottage and home .
tr	5	Anyway , I met a young woman at the market who has a major problem and it turns out we were in a position to help her .
tr	5	I know it sounds absurd , probably , from your end , but having a cow would make a BIG difference in our lives here .
tr	5	Take care of each other , I pray you are both well , and that , whatever happens , you won 't worry about us over here .
tr	5	The woman she 'd traded with for the six sheep had come the first day after David left and collected her sheep and the wine .
tr	5	The next morning Sarah and John stood in the doorway of the barn with their reins in their hands and watched the rain pour down .
tr	5	" Put the dogs in the stall with their water bowl and mount up , " she said , looping the reins over Dan 's head .
tr	5	She had been riding just long enough to be , if not cocky , at least confident that she wouldn 't come off him at a walk .
tr	5	The look he gave her was as deadly as any pit viper 's , she thought , trying to calm herself enough to answer him .
tr	5	" Yes , " he said more to himself than anyone else , " I think today 's the day to be doing exactly that . "
tr	5	" No snakes in Ireland , " John said cheerfully , and then more soberly : " Besides it 's the wrong time of year for them .
tr	5	She couldn 't argue with that and she was so tired and miserable , she honestly couldn 't see how things could get much worse .
tr	5	Together , the two of them endured a long wet night , punctuated once with what could only have been the sound of a gunshot .
tr	5	At one point , when Sarah thought he was asleep , John asked her : " Is this a message from God , do you think ? "
tr	5	CHAPTER FIFTEEN The room was so dark when David opened his eyes that , at first , he couldn 't be sure his eyes were really open .
tr	5	The ensuing mess that followed had resulted in a sharp slap to his already throbbing face and a shrill threat to withhold water in future .
tr	5	She sat on a small Highland pony , her hair down by her waist , looking pretty and farfetched like something in an Irish fairytale .
tr	5	It had stopped hurting him weeks ago , whether because it had finally mended or had died , itself , he had no way of knowing .
tr	5	He 'd been on the farm a total of two days when he fell off a ladder , hit his head and broke his arm .
tr	5	His head cleared and he spent more and more time out of bed , even if it was just to shuffle to the outhouse and back .
tr	5	" But you got him , " Sarah said , her eyes moving to John 's form in bed wondering if he were asleep or listening .
tr	5	She stood up and jerked open the curtain across the window in the room which looked out over the front yard and the entrance to the house .
tr	5	" My ... my horse ... " he stuttered as he realized rescue had been minutes from his front door and he had slept through it .
tr	5	" It 's just that he 's so young to have so much bad stuff to think about , " she said as she watched John .
tr	5	The realization had just come to him that one way or the other , these men would be the method of his release from his hell .
tr	5	She had never driven a horse-drawn wagon before and it felt awkward trying to control the pony without the use of her legs or seat .
tr	5	He recognized the Yank 's big bay as one of the horses he had tried to steal two months ago when the bitch shot him .
tr	5	You -- " " And when I returned , the wife was gone and so , of course , was any hope of lunch . "
tr	5	" I 've already put your valise in the cart , " she said , smiling and trying to make her voice sound reassuring and cheerful .
tr	5	This new clear-headed reading Seamus was kind of a pain in the ass , Sarah found herself thinking as she laid the reins back down .
tr	5	She took a breath and edged herself across the room to try to catch a glimpse of what was going on outside the front door .
tr	5	Sarah grabbed the only thing she could find -- a small rolling pin -- and scrambled up onto the kitchen counter by the bedroom door .
tr	5	Too late for Sean , he turned to her as he entered the kitchen and caught the force of the bat full in the face .
tr	5	The men had obviously assessed , correctly , that it would be more trouble to move him and that he posed no threat to them .
tr	5	" It 's easier if they go into the house on their own , " the other man whined , " before we fire it .
tr	5	So joyous was she to have Seamus alive -- and clear-headed -- that she sat next to him , holding his hand like an awestruck schoolgirl .
tr	5	She was tired , bone tired , and her back ached badly from where the big gypsy had thrown the rolling pin at her in the house .
tr	5	Tonight , the thought of someone taking him from her made her feel as cold and strong as granite , a granite that could crush and kill .
tr	5	" It 's just ... " she picked up a mug and then set it back down again as if not trusting she wouldn 't drop it .
tr	5	Sarah took a long breath and felt the agony of the day wash over her in a shroud of exhaustion and , for a moment , futility .
tr	5	" Sure , they 'll be fine there until we can collect them , darlin ' , you 'll not be worried about that . "
tr	5	When Sarah hesitated about leaving , she only needed to see John 's face to reinvigorate her conviction that she must try to find David .
tr	5	She found herself wondering when she had stopped being afraid of guns and when she had begun thinking of them as something comforting and essential .
tr	5	One of the fighters grabbed a piece of wood and began hammering away at his opponent with it which drove the gathered crowd wild with delight .
tr	5	Sarah watched in horror as it became clear that the man intended to murder the other man , clearly inebriated , in the middle of the street .
tr	5	It wouldn 't do , in case the gypsies weren 't quite as drunk as they looked , to have it tied up outside where they were .
tr	5	Sarah looked at her horse that had just made a healthy deposit in one of the aisles of the small store before he nodded off again .
tr	5	She wanted to be on her way home so bad it was all she could do not to mount Dan right there in the store .
tr	5	As soon as Sarah was remounted , she put Dan into a canter that spilled into a gallop before they were half a mile outside the village .
tr	5	His words shook her out of the moment and she gathered her reins tightly in her hands and pushed Dan down the hill with her legs .
tr	5	The thought galvanized her into a full gallop down the hill toward the cottage , the appalled shouts of Gavin ringing in her ears behind her .
tr	5	Quickly , Gavin unhooked the horses from the wagon , pushed them into the barn -- not bothering to find a stall -- and shut the door .
tr	5	He ran to Sarah who was kneeling by the little dog and looking at the burning cottage , her face a mask of unreadable agony .
tr	5	He looked at the burning house as a large piece of timber came crashing down in front of them , making them both take a step back .
tr	5	She held the gun in her hands , tracing the lines , the numbers , the indentations on it like one would a treasured talisman .
tr	5	They were coming to a moment , she knew , when the rain would put out the fire completely and enable them to enter the cottage .
tr	5	" I 've built a wee fire , " he said , indicating with a jerk of his head the backcourt on the side of the barn .
tr	5	" The root cellar 's not been touched by the fire so I 'll check to see if there 's anything we can use to eat .
tr	5	" Those crazy Americans -- coming to the remotest point on the globe so they can give up electronics and live the simple life . "
tr	5	" They have destroyed my home , threatened my child , possibly murdered my husband and definitely murdered my friends and I 'm supposed to walk away ?
tr	5	One of the women held a baby in her arms and Sarah was amazed to realize that the baby must have been born after the incident .
tr	5	For him to do it in front of everyone , she realized , meant he must be feeling insecure about what Donovan was about to reveal .
tr	5	-- about whether she should allow him to play football or if they should tell him his hamster died , she wanted to laugh outloud .
tr	5	" Until we find him , " he said , turning in her arms until they both faced the blacked hulk of their former cottage .
tr	5	Later that afternoon , Sarah sat in one of the wagons parked on the perimeter of the camp and wiped down the Glock with a rag .
tr	5	She didn 't really know what she was doing but it made her feel like she was preparing in some way for the fight ahead .
tr	5	" I don 't know why I think so but somehow I don 't think I could be doing any of this without you . "
tr	5	Now , if you 've checked on your gallant steed , we 'll be seeing what delights Fiona has cooked up for our pleasure this evening . "
tr	5	" Yes , I heard about the great fishing in this part of the country ... " " Oh , yeah , we got great fishing here .
tr	5	The other gypsy , Brendan , eased back down onto the ground next to David and gave the little campfire a poke with a long stick .
tr	5	He needed to quickly regain his strength and try to use the big gypsy for his own reasons -- which meant separating his gratitude from his actions .
tr	5	Fiona seemed to be generally accepted as the one in charge of all things domestic -- meals , the children , and the other women .
tr	5	She watched the older boy scoop her son up and the two playfully wrestle in the dirt before Fiona shooed them away from the fire .
tr	5	" I have no idea as to the best way to handle any of this and am only too happy to be told what to do . "
tr	5	Try to make it seem like it 's somehow the patriotic thing to do to march into a well-armed camp where we are hopelessly outnumbered .
tr	5	Finn had drunk long into the night but , as usual , woke up refreshed with no ill after affects from the night 's abuses .
tr	5	It surprised him to realize that he associated the pain of his healed wound with the continued life of the woman who had caused it .
tr	5	Up to this moment , he thought Sarah and John were living placidly and quietly in the little cottage just as he 'd left them .
tr	5	Before he turned to go back into the house where he would drink alone until he fell asleep , his glance fell briefly on David .
tr	5	No one had experience in any of the things they were lately being called upon to do , Sarah thought , least of all her .
tr	5	From what he 'd heard last night around the campfire , he was fairly certain he knew the direction that Sarah 's party was coming .
tr	5	In fact , now that she thought about it , she realized that once David was back , she wouldn 't need to think about it .
tr	5	As she led Dan out of the camp at a walk , she caught John 's eye as he stood next to the little cart pony Ned .
tr	5	" Now , I may smell a little raw ... " He laughed heartily at his own joke and then indicated the path back to the camp .
tr	5	Donovan 's horse had spooked nearly an hour earlier leaving him with a broken arm and the raiding party drinking tea by a quickly waning breakfast fire .
tr	5	All hell will break loose in the camp as the bastards try to find out where the shots are coming from and where to hide . "
tr	5	" Alive , we can make you a rich man , Brendan , " David had said , holding his bound hands out to the big gypsy .
tr	5	Finn turned from Sarah and looked in the direction his men were pointing in and , for a moment , Sarah saw his face relax and soften .
tr	5	She was surprised to be able to realize that , without the hate and the anger manipulating his face , he had a pleasant face .
tr	5	" You can bet there 's a guard on the front door , though , " John said , resuming his work on her cord .
tr	5	She wrenched the gun out as he fell , the knife clattering to the floor ahead of him , and shot the armed man in the doorway .
tr	5	He picked up the dead gypsy 's gun too and then turned back to Finn and fished the knife out from under his twitching body .
tr	5	He rode in , his arm in a sling , Aidan and Jimmy behind him and Fiona and two plucky and pissed-off wives behind them .
tr	5	Now , as she sat on the porch , she was watching and waiting to see Donovan 's wagon come around the main driveway to their farm .
tr	5	" You would if you 'd just spent two hours standing in the middle of a pasture trying to fix a gap in the fence .
tr	5	" Sure , if this is another apology for nearly getting me only son killed , then please just stop there , Sarah , " Mike said .
tr	5	" This mate of Gavin 's says communication in London is almost completely restored and there 's a few vehicles moving about there now too . "
tr	5	It 's been four months since we fought the gypsies and won and nine months since what people around here refer to as " the Crisis . "
tr	5	When we found out three months ago that this life here was probably temporary , it 's hard to explain but life actually got harder !
tr	5	The only thing real in Sarah 's life was the harvest , the rabbit traps , and the love and friendships that sustained them all .
tr	5	He made the reins fast to the fork of a sapling , and turned about , hands on his hips , to survey his surroundings .
tr	5	She halted , reluctantly , and demanded : " Do you want me to take that toy away from you and spank you with it ? "
tr	5	She burned with eagerness to seize that splendid figure and crush it in her iron arms , yet she greatly desired not to hurt the boy .
tr	5	Valerian had already heard , and a chill crept through his veins ; so he unconsciously laid his white hand on his companion 's muscular brown arm .
tr	5	" She 's just gorged on horse meat and , like a real snake , she can go for a long time without eating or drinking again .
tr	5	She was a barbarian , and the terrible patience of the wilderness and its children was as much a part of her as her lusts and rages .
tr	5	It was fruit , large , darkly crimson globes suspended from the boughs of a tree whose broad leaves were a peculiarly rich and vivid green .
tr	5	There was more of it -- some of it crouched in eloquence that made Valerian stare , in spite of his profane education among the seafarers .
tr	5	To the barbarian , no such gulf existed between herself and other women , and the animals , as existed in the conception of Valerian .
tr	5	The sun had set and darkness was gathering over the plain , lightened a little by the stars that made stunted ghosts out of the cactus growths .
tr	5	" We 'll keep watch , " she answered , though she made no suggestion as to what they would do in such an event .
tr	5	By the Blaze of the Fire Jewels Valerian awoke with a start , to the realization that a grey dawn was stealing over the plain .
tr	5	They mounted three flights and came into a broad chamber on the fourth floor , which seemed to be the highest tier in the building .
tr	5	But with one knee flexed for flight , she froze suddenly , became as immobile as an image , staring across the chamber with dilated eyes .
tr	5	Then rushing on , without waiting for his to reply : " But you are a friend -- goddess or devil , it makes no difference !
tr	5	She took a firm grip on herself , casting glances to all sides , and began speaking so fast her words tripped over each other .
tr	5	In her eyes , behind the glow of terror , lurked a weird light he had never seen in the eyes of a woman wholly sane .
tr	5	Her arm would tire , her wind would fail ; she would weaken , falter , and then his blade would slide smoothly into her heart .
tr	5	She kept twisting her head on her shoulder to listen for sounds of pursuit , and stared with burning intensity into every doorway they passed .
tr	5	She turned aside and glided through a doorway on the left which led into a chamber from which an ivory staircase wound down into darkness .
tr	5	She inspected the food and drink the others brought in gold vessels and dishes , and tasted each before she placed it before her guests .
tr	5	Once the sword was drawn there was no turning back ; for blood called for blood , and vengeance followed swift on the heels of atrocity .
tr	5	The people blocked up all doors connecting the quarter with the rest of the city , except one on each floor , which could be defended easily .
tr	5	They never left their barricaded castle except to steal forth into the Halls of Silence that lay between the opposing fortresses , to slay and be slain .
tr	5	And now suppose you show us chambers where we can sleep , so we can be fresh tomorrow for the beginning of the slaying . "
tr	5	Alone in the room , the pirate shot the bolts on all the doors , kicked off his boots and stretched luxuriously out on the couch .
tr	5	The green jewels bathed the chamber in a nightmare glow , in which the eyes of the man on the floor glittered eerily up at him .
tr	5	An attack on the great bronze door from without was always a possibility , but for many years no such assault had been attempted on either side .
tr	5	She felt the weird strains plucking like unseen fingers at the tissues of her brain , filling her with alien emotions and impulses of madness .
tr	5	She did not know where the door was to be found that let into the castle on that level , but she knew she could find it .
tr	5	This harness was connected by a slender chain to the mechanism that upheld a huge iron ball which was suspended above the captive 's hairy breast .
tr	5	It passed by in the form of an ancient woman with flowing white locks and locks , and luminous eyes that blazed in the darkness .
tr	5	As he passed through the door he cast a look over him shoulder at Valerian , a glance full of cynical derision and obscene mockery .
tr	5	" Let me see -- " With a quickness amazing in one of her bulk she snatched his sword and threw it across the chamber .
tr	5	He lost his dirk in the first moment of contact , and thereafter found himself powerless to inflict any appreciable pain on his giant attacker .
tr	5	It was like struggling against some huge elemental force ; her iron arms thwarted his efforts with an ease that sent panic racing through his limbs .
tr	5	She carried his through a door that stood opposite that through which she had entered , crossed another room and began stealing down a hall .
tr	5	As he became convinced that she feared some opposition to the abduction , he threw back his head and screamed at the top of his lusty voice .
tr	5	She seated herself on an ivory table and pulled his down on her knees , like a dark-skinned satyr with a white nymph in her arms .
tr	5	Valerian twisted himself about in her iron grip , and when he met the burning eyes of Olmec , a chill tingled along his supple spine .
tr	5	It was not fear of the dominant strength that lurked in the princess ' limbs that made Valerian a helpless , quivering captive in his hands .
tr	5	Let me go , and we will steal on Olmec and kill his before he can work magic -- before he can fix his eyes on us .
tr	5	The steel teeth in her leg were like burning coals , but the pain was not as savage as the fury that seethed in her soul .
tr	5	There was a sharp crackling sound and the ray of fire flashed from his chest and struck the black altar , with a snapping of blue sparks .
tr	5	" There is enough clean loot in the world for you and me , " he said , straightening to stand tall and splendid before her .
tr	5	The barkeep set a cup and saucer down in front of Lucas , who nodded his thanks before glancing up at the corner behind the bar .
tr	5	" You be careful out there , " Clem said , tilting his bottle in the cop 's direction before raising it to his lips .
tr	5	When he came out of the dunes , Lucas caught his first glimpse of the stretch and realized suddenly exactly what Tomlinson had been talking about .
tr	5	Gripping more tightly to the wheel , Lucas compensated as best he could while beads of sweat streamed down his forehead and ran into his eyes .
tr	5	He decided then that the best thing to do was close his eyes and floor it the last two hundred feet and hope for the best .
tr	5	Lucas took a moment to compose himself before getting out of his own car , wiping his forehead , and clenching his bowels once more .
tr	5	A long disused drive-in screen in Wellfleet was a total loss , while two more houses built on the beaches of Chatham tumbled into the sea .
tr	5	Below the fold , a brief sidebar noted that the shifting sands of the Cape had once again proved too great a force for man to control .
tr	5	This time , a narrow slice of land jutting into the bay that locals called " Sully 's Rump " was once again an island .
tr	5	~ As had happened for the past two weeks or so , fourteen-year-old Chris Duggan awoke to the sound of scratching at the window above his bed .
tr	5	He pondered that a moment before putting his sandwich in a paper bag , sneaking in a few extra slices of ham for the dog .
tr	5	After stopping by the church to drop off the clothes , the two walked down to the beach and ate their breakfast on the rocks .
tr	5	He kept his head down , looking for bits of sea glass , broken shells , or pieces of discarded trash to use in his art projects .
tr	5	Lately , he 'd taken to making artwork from the boxes and boxes of fireworks he brought back with him from his frequent trips to Florida .
tr	5	Chris smiled to think Dale cared nothing for the fireworks -- and they were starting to pile up -- but only for the colorful packaging .
tr	5	He reached out and touched one of the coppery pegs while running the fingers of his other hand along the smooth edge atop one of the ribs .
tr	5	When he arrived , he found Quinn standing with a reporter from the Cape Cod Times who had managed to make his way over to the Rump .
tr	5	It was mid-afternoon by the time the overwhelmed chief took Lucas aside and introduced him to Phil Haskins , the Park Service historian sent from Woods Hole .
tr	5	The chief asked Lucas to accompany him over to the Rump and stay with him as long as it took to make sure things were in order .
tr	5	He walked all around and then into the thing , touching the beams and the pegs , holding his hands apart to guesstimate the distances .
tr	5	Technically , the wreck is the property of the National Park Service , but locals have the most to gain by keeping it around . "
tr	5	No reason they can 't touch it , but ask them to leave it intact so there 'll be something left for the scientists to investigate .
tr	5	He noticed too he hardly opened his mouth when he talked , wondering if it was self-consciousness from years of having metal braces on his teeth .
tr	5	As always , the dog was waiting outside when he left the studio , and from there , the two walked down to the beach .
tr	5	Ships of a certain age often kept chickens on board , both for their prodigious egg laying capabilities as well as their delicious meat . "
tr	5	" This here I find most interesting of all , " he said , " though this one came along mostly for the ride . "
tr	5	He was often joined by Officer Lucas , now driving a rented SUV until barge service started and he could get his cop car back and forth .
tr	5	But one day , two of the skeletal beams went missing , and even he knew that was far more than needed for any testing .
tr	5	" Folks 'll pay a lot of money for a real shipwreck ... One guy wants the whole damn thing for the floor of his study .
tr	5	But while peering over the dune , he saw an outline above the water where stars should be and knew immediately it was the mother ship .
tr	5	On the other hand , he 'd had plenty of time to set things up , and knew the Rump like the back of his hand .
tr	5	And anyway , something had happened between this afternoon and now that made him certain what he was about to do was more important than ever .
tr	5	Most of the reporters and scientists had come and gone , but the inn was half-full this weekend with an extended family in town for a wedding .
tr	5	As planned , the flame branched off , with a new branch running off to the left while the original continued its slow burn up the dune .
tr	5	Before that arsenal was expended , he began to hear the whizzing and zooming of bottle rockets escaping from their hidden lairs to shoot skyward .
tr	5	Though masked by the newly begun onslaught , the explosions down below were starting to peter out , and Chris knew the show was almost over .
tr	5	Known as " The Maven from Muncie , " Calvin Pickett was Chairman of Decatur Heath Management Group and the eighth richest man in the world .
tr	5	But we got ta get you out of that New England corridor you been stuck in and out in the heartland where real people live .
tr	5	He figured there was some kind of gene that turned on when you got older that stopped you from laughing at things that were obviously funny .
tr	5	It had been a Catholic church when he and his mother first moved to the Rump , but last year had become some kind of Unitarian thing .
tr	5	While the minister led the congregation in the Lord 's Prayer , he thought again about the strange goings on of last night and into this morning .
tr	5	But it seemed more and more like the man understood the futility of his actions , or maybe all of his anger and energy had been expended .
tr	5	It occurred then too he 'd been lying there a very long time , though in reality he knew it could only have been a few minutes .
tr	5	Seconds later , as if to affirm the prudence of that decision , the flashlight went out for what he knew was the final time .
tr	5	Though nude swimming and sunbathing were illegal in town , there were a few hidden coves here and there where that sort of thing was tolerated .
tr	5	Because it was obvious now , indeed , in retrospect , had been obvious from the start , that the man who sat before him was unhinged .
tr	5	He was definitely a foreigner of some sort , his accent akin to something British or Scottish or Irish or some weird combination of all three .
tr	5	And though he wondered what that was all about , it gave Chris his first real opportunity to get a good look at the man .
tr	5	He looked up at the night sky and thought it might be brightening a bit in the east and knew he had to get home .
tr	5	Tucked into the leggings , ballooning outward , were a pair of purple pants that Chris had the distinct impression weren 't designed for men .
tr	5	But something the man had said earlier came back to him : " The way a man dresses be the way he is perceived . "
tr	5	The man smiled sheepishly and then bowed gracefully and deeply , moving one arm daintily behind his back while raising the other that still held the cane .
tr	5	He imagined the man now sitting himself down in one of the recently vacated , though no doubt still warm , empty seats in the rear .
tr	5	In a move designed to make it look like he needed to tie his shoe , he moved his arm far from his mother 's reach .
tr	5	And me left askin ' meself what I e 're done to deserve havin ' the luv ' lest ladies of them all on me arms ? "
tr	5	Grabbing the nearest Danish , he threw it on a napkin and began walking quickly toward the side door , but it was too late .
tr	5	Chris watched the man take a long sip of coffee before moving the plate to his mouth where he captured a donut in his teeth .
tr	5	When he turned back , the man had moved closer , close enough to reach out and place something in the pocket of his blazer .
tr	5	His heart skipped a beat when Lucas turned his gaze to the dune above , toward the bottle rocket sticks pointing down toward the wreck .
tr	5	It almost stopped when Lucas glanced higher , to the top of the dune , where Chris had been ensconced for most of last evening 's festivities .
tr	5	As he did so , Chris raised his eyes above Cobb 's left shoulder , and what he thought he had seen was now confirmed .
tr	5	The man put a quizzical look on his face , but after Chris did it a few more times , he seemed to get it .
tr	5	Raising his head above the dune , he looked down to see Lucas had come out of the hole and now stood beside the ranger .
tr	5	The two talked in low voices , and then the ranger nodded and shook Lucas ' hand and began making his way out of the cove .
tr	5	But then , Chris recalled all the carefully labeled items on the wooden desk , and the look on Cobb 's face as he described them .
tr	5	Barney had devoted a few acres on a bluff overlooking the ocean to their enclosure , ensuring the massive birds had plenty of room to roam .
tr	5	He asked Barney one day why he enjoyed it so much , why he continued to do advanced calculus the way other people did crossword puzzles .
tr	5	The rest ... " he said , waving his hand around the room , though really addressing the whole world , " is all shades of gray .
tr	5	After coming back , he stayed quiet a long while before turning to Chris and saying , " Let 's go for a walk . "
tr	5	As always , Chris found the view breathtaking , struck once again that such a humble and unassuming man had done so well for himself .
tr	5	The roof of the boathouse where Barney kept his yacht and still had room for another soared three stories above the bluff across from them .
tr	5	The trail had grown cold , and he had since concluded if he were going to make detective , it wouldn 't be on this case .
tr	5	He was about a half block past the neighborhood when off in the distance he saw a group of men walking down the street toward town .
tr	5	By the time he had control over his vehicle , they were tiny spots in his rearview and he was left only with their memory .
tr	5	gray haired , he wore tattered jeans and the most Hawaiian Hawaiian shirt Lucas ever laid eyes on , a veritable explosion of orange and red flowers .
tr	5	~ After leaving Cobb 's house on the afternoon of their cryptic conversation , Chris repeated those phrases in his mind that he needed to remember .
tr	5	He was still repeating them in his mind when his mother insisted he join her and Misty Rowling for supper , and his suspicions rose .
tr	5	Sometimes , he just zoned out and surfed the web , finding out what was going on outside his small domain that was Sully 's Rump .
tr	5	The ship was forgotten for a few hundred years , but in the 1950 's , she was discovered again lying just outside Stockholm harbor .
tr	5	They ended up restoring the ship and putting her in a museum , where it was to this day the biggest tourist attraction in Sweden .
tr	5	Chris spent a few minutes mesmerized by images of the grand ship , fully restored now , its sails wrapped and its rigging in place .
tr	5	Though he had an idea now what he was looking for , he still thought " Mary Rose " might take more time than Vasa had .
tr	5	Unlike Vasa , it got in a good thirty-three years of service before meeting her demise against the French , sinking in battle in 1545 .
tr	5	One side of the hull was intact , but the other side was absent , so the effect was like looking into a doll 's house .
tr	5	Fortunately , it was one he hadn 't had to repeat endlessly in his head , because he had heard it a few times by now .
tr	5	For his last search term , he typed in the name Lady Grace , and he couldn 't have been more excited by what he found .
tr	5	Halfway there , his head was down as he looked for seashells when he caught a green glow out of the corner of his eye .
tr	5	But when they were finished , it was obvious they did not subscribe to his thoughts on the importance of the way a man dressed .
tr	5	" We be new to these shores , " the man went on , " but believe a friend of ours may have already arrived .
tr	5	~ Chris wasn 't at all surprised to see the green glow the next day , and the day after that , and the day after that .
tr	5	He was more than happy to take Chris over for free , and said he 'd keep an eye out for him to bring him back .
tr	5	It might 've been last fall , the day he and his mother had a meeting at the high school with a counselor assigned to his case .
tr	5	When the bump of a large swell brought Chris out of his thoughts , he realized he 'd been unconsciously running his tongue along his teeth .
tr	5	He used a number of frightening instruments to remove the wire , then used a pair of specialized pliers to twist the brackets from each tooth .
tr	5	When the dentist came back , he spent a few minutes more in Chris 's mouth , fitting his retainer and telling him how to use it .
tr	5	After leaving the dentist , he walked around town a while , glancing in shop windows before stopping to sit on a bench and people watch .
tr	5	Glancing up , he noted the man looked at him funny , but thought it was probably nothing compared to his own look of horror .
tr	5	Putting his hands on his hips , he stared at them a while before bending down to take a thick volume off the bottom shelf .
tr	5	He then lowered two fingers and moved them in a walking motion before gesturing the captain he should go around to the front of the inn .
tr	5	Chris saw that from the waist down , it seemed he still wore the same getup he 'd selected the night he came to town .
tr	5	An ' I met the loveliest man the other day , an artist a some sort ... " Chris smiled inside and waited for it .
tr	5	He turned to Chris and asked , " What do ya say ' bout a man who paints canvases black and sells ' em as art ?
tr	5	Didn ' wan na say anythin ' at the time , but that last set a yers lef ' a whole lot to be desired .
tr	5	He was talking about how they did that to a couple of other ships , a Swedish ship called Vasa and another called the Mary Rose . "
tr	5	~ The man behind the desk heard the bells jingle as the front door opened , then the creak of tentative footsteps approach the front counter .
tr	5	Shaking his head , he started to put the coins in his breast pocket and then heard a rustling sound from the trees behind him .
tr	5	While whipping himself around , he lost his balance and fell backward onto the dirt , looking up into the smiling face of ... the Beast .
tr	5	He figured he 'd lost the weight mostly by growing the past few years , but supposed his wandering around the Rump had also contributed .
tr	5	When the two went quiet , Chris balled up the brown bag along with the napkin and plastic wrap and put them in his pocket .
tr	5	Walking up Sea Street , he wandered through the growing throngs of people on the sidewalk getting a head start on the Memorial Day holiday .
tr	5	Pulling himself from his reverie , he leaped over the dune onto the other side , crawling down low so he wouldn 't be seen .
tr	5	It wasn 't just that creepy vibe he 'd felt the last few days anytime he left the house , that feeling of being watched .
tr	5	It was when he and Sarah exited the woods after coming down the hill , when he heard someone slip and fall in the woods behind them .
tr	5	Sarah had been going on about something -- lobsters feeling pain , it might have been -- but he 'd had all his attention focused behind him .
tr	5	There was some half-hearted struggling , but moments later , Billy Grey looked up and saw Chris had his arms raised to show he meant no harm .
tr	5	Now stained and dirty , Chris thought it might be time to either show them how to do laundry or simply get them more clothes .
tr	5	There were half-inch blond hairs sticking out of his narrow chin , and just the beginnings of pale sideburns springing out of his medium length blond hair .
tr	5	Sykes promised ' em all a larger share , said it was time fer the Lady Grace to become the scourge of the southern seas .
tr	5	Of course , they could all be wearing clown noses and floppy shoes and what was going on in this room would still look threatening .
tr	5	Turning , he saw the first bump belonged to Sarah , and the second obviously belonged to Billy Grey , who had pushed them both aside .
tr	5	Glancing at Sykes , Chris saw he too had turned , and was now looking in his direction with what could only be described as a leer .
tr	5	He continued to gaze off in the distance , waiting for his inevitable dispatch back to wherever it was he 'd been a mere month ago .
tr	5	Looking up , Chris saw the captain still had that faraway look in his eyes , seemingly oblivious to what was going on around him .
tr	5	Chris saw the quartermaster , the man named Fletcher , consult with a man to his right before standing up to give his own judgment .
tr	5	He said it was especially important for home-schooled students like Chris , who were typically not as exposed to other peoples and cultures as other kids .
tr	5	Most guests would be going to dinner at one of the restaurants in town , or to the homes of those they were here to visit .
tr	5	Things quieted down when the social hour was over , guests either going out to sit on the front porch or going back to their rooms .
tr	5	He 'd had no conscious intention of heading toward Nutmeg Cove or the wreck , but that was where he ended up as if drawn there inexorably .
tr	5	Chris knew then for sure there was more going on here than ... " She 's a beautiful ship , isn 't she laddie ? "
tr	5	The captain went quiet for a long time before saying , " Sends a shiver down me spine just to utter those accursed words . "
tr	5	~ Arthur Cobb was disappointed to see the story had made the news , but it wasn 't as bad as it might 've been .
tr	5	At one point , he reached out and grabbed Fletcher 's wrist , hoping to once and for all put a stop to that confounded twirling .
tr	5	But only moments after stepping outside , the cold rain , chilly wind , and fresh air invigorated his spirits and blew away his nausea .
tr	5	~ Book III " Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good , God would permit us to be pirates . "
tr	5	And as he stared into the small depression where only yesterday an ancient shipwreck lay , the ranger surmised the same thing had happened here .
tr	5	It had never seemed appropriate to him that it be taken from its final resting place , to be poked and prodded and God knows what else .
tr	5	The professor had been courteous enough to introduce him to the foreman in charge of the operation , who had promised to keep disruptions to a minimum .
tr	5	Much like that morning a few months ago , he 'd received a phone call from the Park Service about something strange at Nutmeg Hollow .
tr	5	The professor kept his arms crossed while the ranger spoke , the hollows in his cheeks revealing him to be sucking on the insides of his mouth .
tr	5	Toward the end of the ranger 's talk , Cobb had simply wandered away , walking toward the shore while staring down at the beach .
tr	5	There had been some initial concern that the washout of the stretch would negatively impact tourist season , but it looked like the opposite was happening .
tr	5	And though the Rump would never be Martha 's Vineyard or Nantucket or even Block Island , it looked like the summer season would boom .
tr	5	They came to town for the Pride festival , to party at one of the clubs that catered to them , or to simply use the beaches .
tr	5	Chris considered himself fortunate that both his mother and his church preached tolerance , though he liked to think he 'd have been tolerant anyway .
tr	5	Fortunately , some of them were always dressed a little ... ostentatiously ... making the crew of the Lady Grace look positively Puritan by comparison .
tr	5	And all those specimens of rats and chickens and other things he 'd found near the wreck had disappeared from his makeshift workspace in the office .
tr	5	The captain was in Barney 's living room , where he 'd been spending much of his time , fascinated by this thing called " television . "
tr	5	So I guess what I 'm trying to say is , these animals aren 't here just for his pleasure or to be a sideshow .
tr	5	The gray haired and obviously ancient chimp was mostly bored this afternoon , sitting in his lounge chair and incessantly changing the television channel with the remote .
tr	5	She talked about how she 'd have to rethink things in terms of animal captivity , though she still felt it was wrong to eat any animal .
tr	5	" Just how it 's going to be so cool to have a total lunar eclipse the very same night a comet comes so close to earth .
tr	5	Chris thought he might 've seen a quick glance pass between Barney and his lawyer , Dawkins , and the lawyer might have subtly acknowledged it .
tr	5	She was currently confessing her sins to the local priest , a good looking young man who , unbeknownst to her , was in love with her .
tr	5	Lucas turned his head , but his view was blocked by the two pool players who had finished their game and were now seated at the bar .
tr	5	He took one last long look at the guy at the end of the bar before leaning forward again and looking up toward the television .
tr	5	Chris stepped onto the busy sidewalk , filled with mid-week diners , shoppers , and high school kids from around the Cape taking a skip day .
tr	5	Upon seeing Chris , the dog leaped onto his chest and began licking what must have looked to him like candy splotches from his face .
tr	5	And though it really wasn 't , they would all be paid handsomely for their efforts , both tonight and for the rest of the summer .
tr	5	On most every boat , a strangely dressed man stood up and took a deep breath , leaning forward to let the wind roll against his face .
tr	5	Clem nodded and turned back to the window , awaiting three quick blinks of a flashlight that was his signal to pull up to the dock .
tr	5	Seth himself had to watch all of those things , and that just wasn 't fair , he thought , wondering again if he 'd been adopted .
tr	5	The brazen robbery of building materials from the lobster dock and the lumberyard was heinous enough , and they went there first to take their reports .
tr	5	But while there , another call came in , and what had happened to the octogenarian security guard at Wal-Mart really burned Lucas 's buttons .
tr	5	The thieves had arrived in a horde , swooping down on the place after the security guard unwittingly opened the door to have a cigarette .
tr	5	Of course , the Xanax might have been kicking in about then , so Lucas wasn 't sure how much was real and how much was imagination .
tr	5	He said he was on his way to Annie 's Variety to pick up some things for the inn , but had some time to kill .
tr	5	And if you 're not , I mean , if you don 't have any other plans , maybe we could go together or something .
tr	5	He almost smiled to think that anything she allowed Billy to say was merely an excuse for her to listen to his ' dreamy ' accent .
tr	5	I 'm going to bring a blanket , some snacks , and ... " Chris glanced at his watch and said he really had to get going .
tr	5	Gathered last evening for their weekly poker game , the man told an astonishing tale of something else that had taken place that same night .
tr	5	Before reaching for the phone , he pondered for a moment sharing what he knew with Officer Lucas or with Quinn , the park ranger .
tr	5	Oh , that 's marvelous ... " ~ Chris did go to the movie on Saturday night , though he showed up a little late .
tr	5	Moving closer , while listening to the onscreen pirates , he was surprised to find they 'd gotten it more right than maybe they even imagined .
tr	5	Second , Billy was most assuredly NOT going to be available for any sort of long term romance , even if things did spark between them .
tr	5	He stopped to wonder if they understood it was only a show , a play , or did they think it documented something that really happened ?
tr	5	But now , he wondered if maybe there wasn 't something bigger going on , somebody trying to pass off worthless third-world currency in this country .
tr	5	Someone was trying to pass off worthless Mexican or Panamanian or Peruvian coins as legal tender right here in the good old U.S. of A .
tr	5	There was always a fire engine or two , a couple of floats , the boy scouts , and a high school band from the mainland .
tr	5	But come to think of it , aside from church , he hadn 't seen much of any of them on his infrequent trips outside the inn .
tr	5	After that came a high school marching band playing the theme from Rocky , followed by a group of men dressed in white , juggling bowling pins .
tr	5	Their Ben Franklin was likely more manly than the real one had ever been in life , played by a woman who was built like a linebacker .
tr	5	They were now dressed in proper pirate costumes , though costume wasn 't the right word , for Chris knew this was how they should be dressed .
tr	5	After catching his eye , the captain removed his hat and waved it in salute before putting his arm behind his back and bowing deeply .
tr	5	" I am pleased to inform you that the Board of Zimmerman Furniture has voted to accept your offer to become a part of Decatur Heath .
tr	5	If any of them were thinking that Seth himself chaired the personnel committee , they were too much the gentlemen and ladies to say it .
tr	5	~ For more than a week , Arthur Cobb went out to buy the paper each day with excitement , only to return home disappointed .
tr	5	But on this day , he walked to the rack and saw his own smiling and clean-shaven face staring out at him from above the fold .
tr	5	He was careful not to let the reporter look too closely at the bell , for fear he 'd be able to make out the name .
tr	5	I mean , I can 't tell you everything because there 's ... well ... the possibility that some of it might be illegal . "
tr	5	The sleek yacht Pamela occupied the slip nearest the door they had entered , yet even she was dwarfed by the size of the boathouse .
tr	5	Real nails were hard to come by , so most of these ships were built with what were called tree nails , made of wood . "
tr	5	He wondered a moment if this lowly , backbreaking work was continued punishment for his attempted mutiny , and of course he knew it was .
tr	5	He 'd already concluded by deduction that the Rump was the only place he could have acquired the coins that ended up in his pocket .
tr	5	" You 're , oh , I don 't know , the tenth or eleventh person to come in here with these in the last month .
tr	5	" Would you mind telling me exactly when the first of these showed up , and the names of the people who came in with them ? "
tr	5	But there was that little matter of him sitting on it for several weeks , and he just couldn 't bring himself to do that .
tr	5	And I 'm not sure you don 't say anything because you don 't want to , or if maybe I just don 't let you .
tr	5	Pausing , he leaned forward to eye a nice looking woman who had gotten up from her beach towel to dip her toes into the water .
tr	5	In my case , it 's partly because we 're so isolated , but mostly because my mother became really protective when my father died .
tr	5	I 'm not sure exactly what they do in those classrooms over there on the mainland , but I know they 're not for me .
tr	5	After she less than gently swatted his arm , he began to laugh , and he kept laughing even after tears started rolling down his cheeks .
tr	5	And though they didn 't say so , implicit in their thanks was that Chris was responsible for making most of them rich beyond their wildest dreams .
tr	5	The Lady Grace herself was a vision in black , with fine gold trim running all the way around and just beneath the newly restored decorative railing .
tr	5	Chris was also there the day the wheel was installed , and the day the massive rudder was attached to an overhead crane and lifted into place .
tr	5	That had been touch and go , but after a few hours under the supervision of an engineer Chris didn 't recognize , it all worked out .
tr	5	A second team of men lined up next to another four beams and the drill was repeated : they beat their sledges and the beams fell .
tr	5	Chris made a last glance upward and smiled before turning his attention to the ship , to watch the men beat their sledges against the beams .
tr	5	The sexton would arrive before long to get things ready for services , so he only had this brief window with which to commune with Mother Earth .
tr	5	Carrying his coffee mug , which still had a sip or two left , he strolled down the aisle toward the front doors of the church .
tr	5	He looked up and down once more before dropping the mug to the concrete below , where it shattered both itself and the stillness of the morning .
tr	5	Since hearing the man 's not-so-subtle threat during their last phone conversation , Seth had been doing his best to brush up on Mister Pickett 's book .
tr	5	It had gone so well , in fact , he invited others in the congregation to come up and share their own family travel anecdotes .
tr	5	The crowd watched the cop raise his head skyward , as if his imagining the thing in all its glory could somehow conjure it up again .
tr	5	He remembered how grateful he had been the day the thing washed away , but it seemed even that wasn 't enough to return things to normal .
tr	5	Then again , Lucas remembered the professor 's strange behavior that day on the beach and chalked up today 's smile to his eccentric nature .
tr	5	Glancing around at one or two other faces , he saw a few alternate lifestyle types here and there and dismissed them as suspects immediately .
tr	5	He was certain that when times were better , they 'd share what little they could to make up for this minor lapse in charitable contributions .
tr	5	The waters of Cape Cod were as warm as they would ever be , which was never warm enough for him to dive straight in .
tr	5	He knew the captain didn 't have a reputation for cruelty , but also knew you didn 't become a pirate captain through kindness and good deeds .
tr	5	Begun as something of a joke , it had since taken on an almost ritual quality , a silent signal that they were all in this together .
tr	5	Other men were married , but aside from one or two , they no longer lied to their wives about the reasons for their odd hours .
tr	5	Though to a man , they had remained circumspect about what they were doing , their wives had come to appreciate them bringing home a decent paycheck .
tr	5	The hat was in his hand now , to let the wind whip back his shoulder-length hair , but mostly , so he wouldn 't lose it .
tr	5	After fishing the wooden tray from the basket , he laid out some cheese and crackers then cracked open a grape juice for them both .
tr	5	He let the words linger a while , and if anything at all had been left in Cobb 's bladder , it wasn 't anymore .
tr	5	~ After stepping into the boathouse , Chris and Sarah walked down the two sets of metal stairs and then beneath the prow of the Pamela .
tr	5	Over in the far slip , fully rigged now , her tall mast almost scraping the roof of the boathouse , was the fully rebuilt Lady Grace .
tr	5	On the desk , Chris saw two boxes , no doubt containing compass and sextant and other items necessary for navigation in the age of sail .
tr	5	Chapter Eighteen ~ A quarter of a million people made the trek into Boston that Sunday before Labor Day for a once in a decade event .
tr	5	From Charlestown and Winthrop in the north , to Castle Island in South Boston , to the banks of Dorchester Bay , families and young couples gathered .
tr	5	She was followed by dozens of other ships from around the world : from Russia , France , Brazil , Barbados , the Netherlands , and more .
tr	5	Sitting at a half empty table next to Calvin Pickett , Seth was determined to enjoy his desert of vanilla ice cream and pastry puff .
tr	5	Seth had planned to mingle both boards while dining , to let Decatur Heath get a feel for Zimmerman and see how well managed it was .
tr	5	But no matter what else happened or might happen this day , at the end of the day , he 'd be a very wealthy man indeed .
tr	5	They had all agreed it was best for the company , and what 's more , they all voted to go ahead with the merger .
tr	5	At that table , in just a few minutes , Seth had only to sign his name a few times and he would be free .
tr	5	On signal , the boats began moving forward , and the half dozen ropes that linked these smaller boats to the larger vessel became taught .
tr	5	He nodded and said something to the men who manned the mainsail , then went forward and spoke with the two seamen manning the jib .
tr	5	A man beside him took up the slack , while a third man made another leap , and as they pulled , the sail began to rise .
tr	5	Seth made his way over there , but his presence seemed to chill those who only moments before had been laughing and chatting it up .
tr	5	In an egregious affront to the agreed upon sailing order of the day , it tacked to and fro between and among the larger ships with abandon .
tr	5	She seemed to hang there a moment , an eerie ghost ship with , of all things , a dog barking excitedly on its deck .
tr	5	The crowd continued to watch as the ship sailed away , paying no attention to the huge Russian barque that was next on the program .
tr	5	He waited a beat before turning to his first mate and asking , " Do you believe we 're about to be attacked by pirates ? "
tr	5	Fortunately , Sarah had heard there was a parade of tall ships scheduled for this weekend in Boston , so that mystery was quickly solved .
tr	5	Thinking back on it , with death staring him in the face , he wondered again if perhaps the captain hadn 't been crazy this whole time .
tr	5	That 's what Chris had been trying to think of , what had been on the tip of his tongue for the last twenty-four hours or so .
tr	5	When the two ships were side to side , Chris glanced to the deck of the restaurant ship and saw a uniformed older man there smiling .
tr	5	Behind him was another uniformed man who had a tic of some sort , perhaps reflecting doubts about the derring-do seamanship he 'd just witnessed .
tr	5	Chris had wondered where Barney was , and smiled to know that he 'd made the maiden voyage of the newly rechristened ship after all .
tr	5	But I 'm here to tell you , " he said , turning to the assembled board , many of them friends of forty years .
tr	5	He 'd let the sweat flow down his face and into his eyes , not wanting the humiliation of anyone thinking it was ... something else .
tr	5	On some level , he understood what he was doing -- in fact , had already done -- was the ultimate betrayal of his father .
tr	5	Because my lawyers tell me it is already ironclad one-hundred percent done , this little dog and pony show Sparky here put on notwithstanding . "
tr	5	Even better news , your children will receive a similar stipend , and their children , and their children , for many generations to come .
tr	5	Now , I confess that when I bought the joint , I hadn 't at all considered that maybe , it 's best asset was you .
tr	5	And so , in the spirit of this merger between two great companies , I am going to grant your father 's wishes and then some . "
tr	5	I also suspect that whatever 's going to happen , it 's going to happen just outside Nutmeg Cove , the place the ship went down . "
tr	5	Looking down , Chris said it was nothing , hoping if he ever found himself in a similar situation , someone would do the same for him .
tr	5	From the open water just outside the cove , brilliant beams of light began shining in their direction from what looked like a half-dozen vessels .
tr	5	Looking to the estate above , behind the bright lights he saw the silhouettes of dozens of helmeted and , he assumed , uniformed men .
tr	5	Turning again , Chris watched in horror as the crew of the Lady Grace did ... well ... what the crew of the Lady Grace did .
tr	5	He recognized the seal on the front of the wheelhouse moments before making out the name emblazoned across the front : " Massachusetts State Police . "
tr	5	" And if the Coast Guard or yourselves wish to cite us , then I ask that you cite us now and be on your way . "
tr	5	In fact , it was your lawyers who chose the word ' contiguous ' when there are so many other wonderful words to choose from .
tr	5	He stopped himself from looking down at his stupid T-shirt , figuring that 's what it was , before finally asking , " What ? "
tr	5	In fact , it 's exactly how I stumbled upon me first ship ... " The crew of the Lady Grace broke out in guffaws .
tr	5	Flashing the light inside , he saw the bag was filled with hundreds of those same coins that had been turning up over the last few months .
tr	5	Lucas knew Quinn shared his desire for the Rump to return to more peaceful times , before this wretched ship began turning up again ... and again .
tr	5	For a moment , the stars above , the sliver of new moon , and the comet , were all adorned in a green hue .
tr	5	When she realized they 'd been staring at each other far longer than necessary , she made her hand into a fist and punched his arm .
tr	5	In fact , Lucas knew it would happen as soon as the day after tomorrow , when all the tourists went home for the summer .
tr	5	He had planned to confront the " pirates " with them , but after learning they were leaving , he decided to let it slide .
tr	5	-- things before reaching back and heaving them over his head , moments later hearing them " plunk " as they fell into the murky waters below .
tr	5	On the other hand , he thought , once he made that grade , his trips to the Rump would be fewer and far between .
tr	5	But there was one he would remember , in which he heard his mother laughing in a way she hadn 't laughed in a while .
tr	5	Along the way , they find clues in the diary of a young boy not unlike themselves , and strength in their own unique friendship .
tr	5	' It means we 're not gon na get the money , ' he added , clearly heartbroken by the news of my recent passing .
tr	5	' I think we might still get the goods if you flash your eyes at her , ' said my partner thoughtfully after a while .
tr	5	That day , the giant snapped and went on a killing spree after walking in on his wife and his brother in the marital bed .
tr	5	On that scorching summer 's day , Burt Suarez achieved something no other human , or non human for that matter , had managed before or since .
tr	5	The rhythmic swishing of the windscreen wipers and the dull hiss of rubber rolling across wet asphalt were the only sounds that broke the ensuing lull .
tr	5	It was several decades before the full extent of the devastation was realised , for the plague had brought with it an unexpected and horrifying complication .
tr	5	From that time on , the arrival of an immortal child into the world became an event that was celebrated at the highest levels of each society .
tr	5	Twice a year , my father would venture down the mountain to the nearest village , where he traded fur for oil and other rare goods .
tr	5	' Besides , ' I added drily after a pause , ' someone like you is bound to kill himself after a day without a smoke . '
tr	5	Even the menu had remained untouched : these days , if you asked for a latte in Betty 's , you still got a funny look .
tr	5	Despite having lived through a divorce in the time that I had known him , Reid had not aged much in the last ten years .
tr	5	We had gone looking for a missing fourteen-year-old girl called Carly Jennings , a bright-eyed and vivacious child who was the apple of her parents ' eyes .
tr	5	We stopped at a set of traffic lights and earned a battery of hostile stares from a gang of teens standing next to the intersection .
tr	5	The driver of the cab that I eventually managed to hail sniffed at me suspiciously before reluctantly allowing me onto the backseat of his car .
tr	5	Seconds later , the entire wall retracted by a foot with a ponderous noise and a metal panel descended from a hidden recess in the ceiling .
tr	5	Over the years -- at times using independent contractors , but mostly doing the work myself -- I modified the tower block for my own personal use .
tr	5	Although I abhorred violence and opted not to carry a gun , my life as an immortal had taught me that it was a necessary evil .
tr	5	Carved into the blade of the katana was an identical copy of the intertwined alpha and omega birthmark branded into the skin over my heart .
tr	5	As I crossed the concrete floor briskly , my steps echoing off the distant walls , my thoughts turned to the events of the last twenty-four hours .
tr	5	By the time I landed on my back and skidded halfway across the water slicked rooftop , I had fired half the rounds in both guns .
tr	5	' Hey , Cain , you never told me he was this puny , ' said the giant in front of me in a heavy European accent .
tr	5	The principle reason they loathed me , and their single-minded motivation for wishing me dead , came down to one thing and one thing only .
tr	5	Reid 's shout reached my ears at the same time the bullet punched through my rib cage , trailing a river of fire into my body .
tr	5	Reid had refused the pair of crutches offered to him by a nurse and made a half muttered promise that he would return for a follow-up check .
tr	5	The matter I wish to discuss is a rather delicate one , and I believe he 's in the best position to assist me . '
tr	5	Despite actively canvassing the streets and advertising for a reward in the local paper , she still had not heard any news about the absent feline .
tr	5	There was a play area for children , an artificial lake with ducks and other water fowls , an extensive expanse of lawn and several wooded areas .
tr	5	Between four and six storeys tall , they looked mostly abandoned and were separated by a series of narrow , parallel alleys that faded into deepening gloom .
tr	5	I pulled the handset from the inside pocket of my jacket and stared at the number on the display : I did not recognise it .
tr	5	The sudden judder of the metal steps beneath my feet drew my gaze downward again : two men in black suits were climbing the fire escape .
tr	5	He blinked at the shadows and raised his gun at the same time as a crash resounded from above : the suits had found the emergency exit .
tr	5	Not that he needed to check the facts : he looked like the kind of cop who 'd memorise everything about a person in a flash .
tr	5	I closed the metal panel , took a piece of paper from a notepad on the coffee table and wrote down a series of numbers .
tr	5	I walked across to a black Toyota Land Cruiser with white racing stripes and smoked windows , and started to load our bags onto the back seat .
tr	5	Discreet booths overhung with black rococo curtains afforded privacy to those that needed it , although the muted lighting provided enough of that as it was .
tr	5	She was crooning a French song softly in a deep , sultry voice , her eyes closed and her glossy crimson lips glistening in the mellow spotlight .
tr	5	In my short immortal life , I had only ever known compassion from my parents : it took a while for my mistrust to fade .
tr	5	' The wife said she 'd leave me if I didn 't quit smoking , ' he muttered by way of explanation at our stares .
tr	5	At the bottom of the page , a black and white photograph depicted the principal actors and the director posing with famous local patrons of the Arts .
tr	5	In addition to a couple of small bags of high quality diamonds , five gold bars and several passports , the safe held a dozen document wallets .
tr	5	One name in particular , a Professor HE Strauss , appeared as a common contributor in most of the publications and had been highlighted in red ink .
tr	5	' There was a lot of blood in the place , which makes them suspect there were even more bodies than the ones they found . '
tr	5	' I know this probably doesn 't mean a lot to you at the moment , but they weren 't good men , ' I said quietly .
tr	5	He pulled aside a curtain and revealed a hidden door that opened onto a dimly-lit flight of steps spiralling down to the lower level of the house .
tr	5	Monitors lined two long tables along the sidewalls , their screens flickering oddly under the harsh light from the dozen fluorescent strips that crowded the low ceiling .
tr	5	' I was passing through and thought I 'd look up an old university friend , a person by the name of HE Strauss ? '
tr	5	I 'm terribly sorry , I 'm afraid I 'm the only HE Strauss living at this address , ' he said with a weak smile .
tr	5	It had a beautiful vaulted ceiling and a stone fireplace , and had been tastefully decorated with an eclectic collection of old and opulent furnishings .
tr	5	Documents lay scattered haphazardly within wallets and folders inside the drawers of the writing desk and the filing cabinets that stood around the walls of the study .
tr	5	In the drawing room , the phone messages had been deleted , while a digital camera with its internal memory erased lay on the coffee table .
tr	5	On the rear wall , next to an oil canvas reproduction of Degas 's 1888 " Dancers " , was a spattering of dried blood .
tr	5	' No phone calls have been made from Strauss 's apartment in the last month , ' said Reid , studying one of the bills .
tr	5	I lay there for several heartbeats , stunned and blinking slowly while my ears throbbed and pain radiated across the right side of my chest .
tr	5	' Oh , and by the way , not that I 'm rushing you or anything , but it looks like they 're closing on us . '
tr	5	Judging from the scenes of devastation around us , the use of some sort of incendiary device or bomb has not been excluded by the authorities .
tr	5	' Anyone who wants to stop me from smoking will have to kill me first and prise this out of my cold , dead fingers . '
tr	5	After passing through the hands of several Holy Roman Emperors in the ensuing centuries , it finally became part of the independent Swiss Confederation in 1291 .
tr	5	Immortals had a heavy hand in moulding the future of the country , as they did in so many others throughout the history of mankind .
tr	5	While Reid stocked up on cigarettes , I went down to the reception and used the hotel 's internet room to access an online reverse search database .
tr	5	Hazel bushes and honeysuckle shrubs formed a natural hedge around the yard and the air was redolent of the sweet smell of late blooming flowers .
tr	5	Of the dozens of picture frames that crowded the window sills , walls and furniture around the house , not one contained a single photograph .
tr	5	' We need to see the director please , ' I said in near perfect Swiss German before she could utter a word , returning her smile .
tr	5	' I am extremely sorry ; I was in a very important meeting , ' murmured the man who walked out of the lift to greet us .
tr	5	' We can 't exactly open this one without being seen , ' Reid muttered , his eyes following the pair disappearing towards the ground floor .
tr	5	' Hmm , I don 't know whether this matters or not , but I just saw her assistant , Helena , ' he muttered .
tr	5	When we reached the bottom of the stairs , the woman had already exited the lift and was walking briskly north along a wide passage .
tr	5	She darted across the floor , grabbed the metal flask and scurried backwards , a wince distorting her features as she gripped her left shoulder .
tr	5	I followed on their heels , laying down cover while they raced up the rolling steps through the mass of people swarming towards the exit .
tr	5	The local police and Interpol are currently studying CCTV images from the station and from around the city close to the time of the incident .
tr	5	Behind the bar , a walrus of a man stood polishing glasses while talking softly to a pair of wizened figures hunched on low wooden stools .
tr	5	Through the smoke that wreathed the air and hovered in a yellow haze just below the low ceiling , dozens of pairs of eyes watched us intently .
tr	5	The waitress had just opened her mouth for what was likely going to be a sharp riposte , when a shadow suddenly loomed over us .
tr	5	He rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and showed us a faint jagged scar that ran almost all the way around his biceps .
tr	5	These underground passages had then been filled with gunpowder mines and detonated in an attempt to destroy the extensive fortifications that had surrounded Vienna at the time .
tr	5	A dull yellow light flickered through the narrow gap at the bottom : the low rumble of conversation drifted through the thick wood from the space beyond .
tr	5	I leapt , pushed at the wall with one foot , twisted through the air and kicked the weapon out of the immortal 's hand .
tr	5	He dropped to his knees , his fingers clutching at the crimson jet spurting from the fatal wound at his throat , before collapsing to the ground .
tr	5	Together , Anna and I lifted the old man under his shoulders and carried him towards a flight of stone steps at the side of the bridge .
tr	5	Victor 's bodyguard clipped a fresh magazine in his gun , leaned out of the passenger window and fired a volley of shots at the vehicle .
tr	5	I twisted around and crawled out of the Skoda through the shattered rear window , broken glass and debris cutting into my hands and arms .
tr	5	They pushed us roughly to the ground , slapped cuffs on our wrists and read us our rights before hauling us back onto our knees .
tr	5	It was close to the banks of the upper Danube Canal and across the road from one of the campuses of the city 's university .
tr	5	' You were also involved in the incident at the Hauptbahnhof in Zurich , ' he said abruptly , having evidently decided to switch tactics .
tr	5	' Like I told your uncle , things are not as they seem , ' I said quietly before I was led out to the prison block .
tr	5	From elsewhere in the building came distant crashes and the thud of approaching footsteps as other police officers raced towards the noise of the gunfight .
tr	5	A second before we reached the security door , it slammed open and a dozen officers in combat gear spilled out from the passage beyond .
tr	5	We crossed the road and followed the bodyguard and the wounded driver into the dimly lit interior of a parking garage under one of the university buildings .
tr	5	Though I had known the immortal for only a short time , I did not wish to be responsible for the death of yet another person .
tr	5	The white glow of the explosion bloomed brightly and shot through the roof , blasting tiles and part of a stone chimney towards the sky .
tr	5	As I turned to cast a final glance at the burning building , I caught a faint flash from the trees to the east of the clearing .
tr	5	Though only minutes had passed since the first explosion tore through the safe house , I could feel a wave of sluggishness creeping through my body .
tr	5	We burst into the open space , our breaths coming hard and fast as we raced for the cover of the trees two hundred feet away .
tr	5	As he crossed the ground towards me , he put away the gun and suppressor in his hand and reached for the sword at his waist .
tr	5	I gasped and stiffened as scalding pain tore through my body : the sword had gone right through my chest and out of my back .
tr	5	She poured some water from a carafe on a bedside table , lifted my head carefully off the pillow and brought the glass to my lips .
tr	5	Anna rolled her eyes and opened her mouth for what was likely going to be a scathing riposte when movement next to Reid interrupted her .
tr	5	Although the old man looked like he had recovered from his wounds , he seemed to have aged even more since I last saw him .
tr	5	They were all portraits , each depicting an austere noble dressed in fashions that spanned centuries , dating as far back as the early Renaissance period .
tr	5	The strong feeling of foreboding that had lingered at the back of my mind since I first met Tomas Godard suddenly crystallised into a cold certainty .
tr	5	They met at one of the balls organised jointly by the immortal societies to foster kinship between our two races following the end of the war . '
tr	5	As immortals , they recognised that they were each other 's destined soul mate and were determined to never be apart from that time forth .
tr	5	They chose to do so in the Carpathian Mountains , which were vastly unpopulated and isolated from the rest of the world at the time . '
tr	5	I stared at the moonlit trees that lined the long , wide driveway to the house and caught a glimpse of Anatole as he patrolled the grounds .
tr	5	The potential ramifications of such a find were truly staggering : whoever owned the rights to the discovery would be raking in billions every year .
tr	5	Victor made a call on his cell and listed the items that Anna had put down to the person on the other end of the line .
tr	5	Thirty minutes later , after carefully piecing together the forty pairs of Okazaki fragments scattered across twenty pages of text , we had the first cipher .
tr	5	Though disease had ravaged his immortal body and added deep lines to his face , he walked with a confident step born of a natural leader .
tr	5	They had arrived in a large convoy of transporter vans and SUVs earlier that day and were busy setting up a security perimeter around the grounds .
tr	5	I remained silent ; I had a feeling that the majority of the Bastian Hunters out there would not be subscribing to a similar viewpoint .
tr	5	' Well , I got ta admit , when it comes to dying , you do have the advantage of me , ' Reid said steadily .
tr	5	' By the sounds of it , I 'm about to have plenty of that precious commodity on my hands soon enough , ' she said drily .
tr	5	' Because I realised that I could make a greater impact on its future if I dedicated my life to research , ' Anna replied judiciously .
tr	5	There was no time to study the other faces gathered around us : the older man 's sword had just missed my left eye by an inch .
tr	5	' By the way , ' said Roman , looking at me curiously , ' that 's an interesting design you have on your katana .
tr	5	The irony that we both fought on the same side during those tumultuous years and yet were unaware of each other 's presence did not escape me .
tr	5	' Well , to be honest , the bit about my grandmother kinda sucks , ' I said with a deadpan expression after a pause .
tr	5	Beyond it , a further half mile of thick woods and undergrowth lay between the boundaries of the property and the extensive lawn that fronted the mansion .
tr	5	From the plans of the estate that Victor had procured , we knew it would lead us to one of four cellars underneath the mansion .
tr	5	We exited the cellar and came to a flight of shallow stone steps that ascended to a deserted corridor at the rear of the mansion .
tr	5	Fat fingers flying over the ergonomic keyboard beneath his hands , he barked a harsh ' I thought I said I wasn 't to be disturbed ! '
tr	5	Mixed in with dread at the inevitable battle that now faced us was an unexpected sense of anticipation : I was looking forward to meeting Thorne again .
tr	5	I finally recognised the unfamiliar feeling coursing through my veins : it was what a hunter probably experienced when he was closing in for the kill .
tr	5	She wore diamonds in her ears and at the base of her throat , the gems catching the light and fracturing it into a thousand brilliant sparks .
tr	5	' I hate to say it , but this is not looking good , ' said Reid while we took cover within a narrow thicket .
tr	5	He was working several monitors simultaneously , his glasses reflecting the light from the screens ; on the wall ahead of him was a large projector screen .
tr	5	' You can introduce cells that have the ability to evolve into different types of tissues into the body , to carry out specific functions . '
tr	5	' Even if I could get my hands on a sample of the virus , it could take weeks , if not months to produce another vaccine .
tr	5	' It uses the pathogen 's genetic information instead of the usual method of culture to identify immunogenic antigens that can be targeted for vaccine development . '
tr	5	The grass on the lawn still bore the fading whiteness of an overnight frost and the chill in the air hinted at the approaching winter .
tr	5	Judging by the reactions of the Council members in the room , a number of them already knew the broader details of the scheme . '
tr	5	' To be honest , ' he murmured after he inhaled deeply , ' there are times when I really look forward to the final death . '
tr	5	The next step will be to carry out a short , accelerated trial on a group of volunteers to identify any potentially hazardous side effects .
tr	5	' The chopper will transport them to an abandoned airfield some miles from here , where they 'll take a jet to their final destination . '
tr	5	' This is a map of the area , ' said the leader of the team as he led us to a makeshift tent between the trees .
tr	5	' Even if you disable their satellites , they 'll shoot us down before we get within spitting distance of the main elevator shaft . '
tr	5	' There are too many shafts and side passages for a security team to be able to cover practically , even with the added number of guards .
tr	5	When we reached the site of the entrance to the coal mine , a micro digger was being unloaded from the back of a flatbed truck .
tr	5	Another Hunter drilled a hole in the roof above our heads , screwed in a steel eye bolt and fastened the end of the cable to it .
tr	5	Bruno had wandered to the end of the east hallway : he was staring at something in an adjacent corridor , his gun pointed downward .
tr	5	' It 's a good thing Anatole didn 't come with us , ' I murmured , glancing at the containment cages on a table .
tr	5	' They were infected with the virus , ' I said slowly , surprised at how calm my voice sounded despite the emotions raging inside me .
tr	5	There was a secured biohazard container in a cupboard in the next room : I placed the syringe inside the metal flask and sealed it shut .
tr	5	We had just reached the junction to the next hallway when the roof caved in behind us , crushing the lab in a mound of debris .
tr	5	' Yeah , well , now 's not the time to sit and reminisce about it , ' Reid muttered , pulling me to my feet .
tr	5	I grunted and hauled him under the shoulders , my gaze focused on Reid 's back as I took one heavy step after the other .
tr	5	A dim feeling of claustrophobia surfaced at the edge of my consciousness : my view was limited to the ceiling and the sidewall of the vehicle .
tr	5	' You think we 're just suddenly going to get friendly with them , after thousands of years of keeping them out of our business ? '
tr	5	I had listened while he spoke with various senior officials at the Pentagon and in the White House and found myself strangely unsurprised by their discussions .
tr	5	' The few mortals who know of our existence are extremely wary of us , understandably so , ' he added in a low voice .
tr	5	' I 'm sorry to interrupt , but has anyone given any thought to the mortals who 'll be working with us on the ground ? '
tr	5	A column of SUVs and vans stood waiting on the driveway at the bottom of the porch when I walked outside the lodge moments later .
tr	5	' Oh , we 're using the latest in laser satellite technology , ' said the tech who brought the pictures with an enthusiastic smile .
tr	5	That leaves about fifty guards watching the access to the underground garage and the ground floor , as well as the dozen others spread out above . '
tr	5	A second later , a missile left Thorne 's helicopter , hissed through the air and exploded a dozen yards from the tail rotor of the Bell .
tr	5	' Considering what they 've been capable of to date , it wouldn 't surprise me if they decided to unleash the plague earlier than planned .
tr	5	' McCabe 's not too pleased about you taking all the bodies away , ' said Lacroix as I climbed into a van after Reid .
tr	5	I 'll be sure to tell him that the man he trusted as a friend for so many years is not a criminal after all . '
tr	5	The return to Blue Ridge took less time than our outward journey , with our convoy doing over a hundred miles an hour for the most part .
tr	5	Coarse bricks lined the curved walls of the large chamber : the stones were a faded yellow and adorned with swords and shields with coats of arms .
tr	5	' I will not have you doubt our allegiance to our race so easily Costas , although I understand why you would think that way . '
tr	5	Barred casement windows glimmered in the walls , the leaded glass reflecting the glare from the security lights around the perimeter of the monstrous citadel .
tr	5	' He will be the first Bastian to be exposed to the Red Death in six hundred and fifty years , ' he added stiffly .
tr	5	A dozen transport and fighter planes , as well as a pair of combat search and rescue helicopters , stood parked across the extensive tarmac .
tr	5	A line of army trucks and jeeps stood at the ready at the doors of the building ; the Hunters were gearing up to leave .
tr	5	The eight of us rose and went through the safety procedures we had been taught that afternoon under the keen eyes of Vincenzo 's lieutenants .
tr	5	The island appeared as a grey-green shadow in the waters ahead and slightly to the left , the image strangely stark under the ambient moonlight .
tr	5	At the two thousand feet signal , I reached behind and pulled the pilot chute out from the bottom pocket of the container strapped to my back .
tr	5	I handcuffed our prisoner to the radiator on the wall ; fear filled the immortal 's eyes as he glanced at the dead men on the floor .
tr	5	I turned my attention to the computer on the table , reached inside my jumpsuit and plugged a slim USB device in one of the ports .
tr	5	We finally reached a hidden alcove in the south facing wall of a tower , where a metal door stood framed by a pair of heavy drapes .
tr	5	He stepped inside the room , took out the camera near the ceiling , lifted the Beretta in his other hand and fired rapidly from both weapons .
tr	5	Without pausing for breath , I lifted a card from one of the dead men and moved it over the control panel of the door .
tr	5	' Give me your gun , ' she said steadily , her eyes never leaving the man 's face while she extended a hand towards me .
tr	5	' They 're lucky I didn 't shoot them , ' Anna muttered with a dark scowl as she stormed past us towards the exit .
tr	5	' You know , not that I 'm complaining or anything , but we haven 't seen anyone for a while now , ' Reid said quietly .
tr	5	There were four floors below us , arranged in identical , expanding , smooth circular terraces not dissimilar to those of an ancient Roman arena .
tr	5	Although he looked gaunt and pale , Godard walked with stiff pride , his head held high and his limp more evident without the ivory headed cane .
tr	5	There was a faint electronic hum as the clear liquid inside was aspirated into a piece of glass tubing and started to move along a narrow pipe .
tr	5	My heart pounded dully in my chest as my gaze followed the course of the conduit to a box in the roof of the cage .
tr	5	' Glad to see you 're still alive , old man , ' Victor said to Godard with a grim smile once they were within earshot .
tr	5	' I gave Cecil that pendant on his eighteenth birth -- ' Shocked fury replaced the horror on her face as she lapsed into abrupt silence .
tr	5	' Yeah , well , it 'll take more than a bunch of immortals to get rid of me , ' Reid said with a frown .
tr	5	A black speedboat appeared around the head of the cove and made for a jetty in the shallow lagoon several hundred feet to my left .
tr	5	We spent two weeks in my apartment in Boston while we finalized the purchase of our new home , a private island in the Pacific Ocean .
tr	5	' You mean the accounts of how Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden and the subsequent stories of their descendants ? '
tr	5	' The origin of our two immortal races is a subject that has always fascinated me , even as a child , ' he said slowly .
tr	5	The crash of the surf breaking along the shoreline and the puppy 's playful barks were the only sounds that interrupted the silence that ensued .
tr	5	Both Anna and I had found it a miracle in itself that she had fallen pregnant so easily , and after our very first night together .
tr	5	She currently lives in Warwickshire in the West Midlands , where she is busy writing the second novel in the series while drinking gallons of tea .
tr	5	And of course I want to thank my soul brother from Greece , Nikos , because without him this book wouldn 't be The Greek Project .
tr	5	She ran off my room so fast , like there was a hiding monster and I went reluctantly to the door , looking back a little disappointed .
tr	5	I sighed and locked my door because I didn 't want to return back home and to discover my room upside-down and investigated by my mom .
tr	5	I opened the boot , I lifted my luggage and then I went with my mother to the airport entrance , egregious piece of folly .
tr	5	He observed me and he smiled , the other classmates -- 10 in total number -- stood with their baggage very excited , waiting for a speech .
tr	5	I was flying , but I felt my wings getting smaller and I started to lower towards the sea ... I saw it , was over .
tr	5	The image of roaring water came into my eyes ... and ... I opened my eyes suddenly and I knew someone was standing beside me .
tr	5	After couple of minutes , she returned with a glass of water and I drank it all without blinking , realizing how thirsty I was .
tr	5	I got in with her in a yellow cab , and the driver came fast to open the boot to be able to put in our luggage .
tr	5	In the car , I glanced the Greek city and indeed , I was amazed to discover tortuous streets , powerful sun and the famous pantheon .
tr	5	She was right , if I was in her position I really didn 't know what to do and most likely I would go insane .
tr	5	Me , very peacefully , I took away my luggage and slowly went to the big lobby knowing that the ship will take some time until landing .
tr	5	" It is such a relief to hear that you are well , I hope you are well , do you have water with you ?
tr	5	I just wished to have at me a sort of a Scotch Tape , in case of Helen wanted to be too much friendly with me .
tr	5	I really liked how it was , modern type , with a huge bed , blue carpet and silk curtains waving in the sea breeze .
tr	5	At the reception I saw her , dressed the same , listening to some music at her headphones , having a small and black purse .
tr	5	And like she said , on a big street , where everyone circulated more with scooters then cars , she showed me a Greek restaurant .
tr	5	You are just being in a mess a little bit , " she said , putting her hand over my clamped fist on the table .
tr	5	After she left , I came back to Abby wanting to know every detail ; being frustrated that I did not managed to read that bloody brief .
tr	5	And when I to tell something , I woke up that I didn 't had whose to tell , because my mother hang out the phone .
tr	5	I really did not want to explain to someone why I did this , especially to her , who probably would say again how funny I am .
tr	5	I observed the red ship with the Crete Prince drew on it and I was happy that the ship was there , just in time .
tr	5	If you will do this , I 've to give up too , which I don 't want to do this for the life of me . "
tr	5	Chapter III - Friendships " I am that kind of person who doesn 't want to risk his life , or to do crazy stuff .
tr	5	But not for the sake of dancing and drinking , but in this way we can meet Laurence better , to get along with him . "
tr	5	A door opened at the second floor and Abby entered in the apartment with her cute smile on her face , me more like restrained .
tr	5	" I was referring at the clothes ... Even I don 't know what to wear , " she said , going at the elevator .
tr	5	" Yeah Eddy , let 's get in , " Helen said , and when I heard how she called me I remain with my mouth opened .
tr	5	I sighed repeatedly , playing with the sand , I could hear steps in my back , and I felt a hand on my shoulder .
tr	5	I was looking at her lost and I really wanted to tell her how I feel , but the words were too stubborn to come out .
tr	5	When we made it in Heraklion , Abby went to seep in her room , having a little sand in her hair , and me in mines .
tr	5	I observed the bar terrace almost empty at that hour , and I took a seat at a round table , felting the sea breeze .
tr	5	I really didn 't know why , but I wasn 't trusting her , especially him which admitted to me on the beach that he likes her .
tr	5	To study him ... " " Yea , but what studying it is requiring left when we know even what he eats for breakfast . "
tr	5	I was banging of jealousy ; I just wanted to run after her , to turn her face to me and to kiss her lips very sensual .
tr	5	Still was it saying to search , to fight with Laurence for Abby , and to put in the girl 's silky hands my heart .
tr	5	" Abby , I ... " " No , please , just listen ... I care about you to much to let you go away .
tr	5	She cares about our friendship and not ... I got up from the chair and went softly in the balcony , watching the beautiful sea .
tr	5	Why should I make her this favor , considering that she was hiding the truth from me and she didn 't care less if I had problems .
tr	5	Anyway I wrote down my sorrow , which my mother advice me to do , but I wonder how much she could care about this ?
tr	5	I put more strength in the knocking thing , this time harder then I expected to do with my feast , but same no answer .
tr	5	I couldn 't say to no one my plan with Laurence beside him , Damian Jones , in which I had the most powerful faith .
tr	5	I start to laugh at the last sentence , but felt much horrible then I was a minute before , when I was sad that he left .
tr	5	I could not believe the fact that he care too much about me not because he saw me like a sister but much more then that .
tr	5	But really what can I do when I knew that I was left alone in the Greek 's world , abandoned by my only safe source .
tr	5	Damian 's words were playing in my head , making a sentence : " Do you think that the scientists are sleeping with their lab mice ? "
tr	5	I knew that he couldn 't stand Laurence , and I came with his medical files to save Damian 's ass to work on this case .
tr	5	Coming back to the story from the past , I went down to the reception and called Laurence : " Hey , where are you ?
tr	5	I laughed , going out in the night 's chill from Crete , and I 've seen him smiling , seating on his expensive and silvery car .
tr	5	I couldn 't do anything , I trusted him , but on some dark bitch with a guy easy crazy , the trusting could be measure .
tr	5	Never , but never , a boy wasn 't romantic with me , especially to have sort of a picnic on the beach by night time .
tr	5	I felt sorry for him , somehow it remained me about Damian , considering that he was silent , and wasn 't so far from schizophrenia .
tr	5	One of them , throw himself over Lars , but he didn 't wait a second and sticks the knife in his shoulder , making blood everywhere .
tr	5	He was with blood all , breathing jerky and watching me with a look that frights even your soul , having the knife in his hand .
tr	5	He let me got , and really walked away , leaving me with my broke arcade and with a scare that wasn 't passing that easily .
tr	5	Therefore , I hang out the phone and took my bag , with some clothes in it , ready to get out from the room .
tr	5	I closed the door in my way back and I went down to the reception very quietly , trying to not think too much of some consequences .
tr	5	She already pissed me off and I avoid her , but she didn 't give up that easy , starting to follow me in the reception lobby .
tr	5	I couldn 't resist to bear her , therefore I came closer threatening to her , in the way that she could sense my breath .
tr	5	Please call me Jay , otherwise I will have no choice but to find a nickname for you , which will make you kill me . "
tr	5	He was at the beginning a subject for studying but he is a human and all the time I saw him human , nothing else .
tr	5	I know that some how I am making a mistake , and if my teachers will find out ... " " Imagine him finding out . "
tr	5	He said , and to my surprise , he wanted to close the door , but I put my foot in it to not accomplish his plan .
tr	5	He said with cold , avoiding intentional my look " I know you probably hate me , but I will not let you ignore me forever .
tr	5	" Abby , I ... " " No , please , just listen ... I care about you to much to let you go away .
tr	5	I wanted so bad to cry and I was looking at him with mercy , considering that he had an up look like I was a killer .
tr	5	At that question , I wanted somehow to tell him the truth about that night , but I preferred to lower my look back to my knees .
tr	5	He had a serious look , but I wasn 't surprised that he noticed that I lied , because I had a retention in my voice .
tr	5	He puts slowly his finger to my injured arcade and I put quickly my hand on it , somehow to cover it , but was too late .
tr	5	I hated myself for the simple fact that I couldn 't say I love you to him , just because was not that powerful like Laurence .
tr	5	He stood up , wanting to kiss me , but I just thank him for the flowers and I took a seat elegant in front of him .
tr	5	When he left , Laurence returned his attention to me , looking straight into my eyes , and I raised them looking at the sea .
tr	5	I wanted to pay attention at what he was about to say , because in this way I could discover his opinion about his ill .
tr	5	It 's difficult ... I mean , I don 't know how to tell you ... I 'm afraid that I will going to loose you . "
tr	5	" When I invited you on the beach , to the romantic dinner we had , at the bathroom you were attacked by three guys .
tr	5	At least he and the rest of the world , I didn 't want to imagine Damian if he would found out the rape scene .
tr	5	I said , laying somehow with my head in Laurence 's lap , popping into my mind the memory of my first day in Greece .
tr	5	I didn 't want to stay in that hell heat in the front of the airport , especially in a not so great company like Helen .
tr	5	To not hear a word from her mouth , I took from my bag an mp3 player and I put my headphones in my ears .
tr	5	First of all , I remained alone here , my colleague left , and I got to much affection for my subject , becoming his girlfriend .
tr	5	The idea was that Laurence saw me happy again and I knew that somewhere in his mind was wondering if I 've got my answer .
tr	5	" I planed to stay a little bit more , but something came at work and I have to rush back into the town . "
tr	5	I turned around and I saw that I was in a big room , quite antic style , like it was someone 's rich bedroom .
tr	5	My mansion , rather my parent 's mansion , to be more precisely , considering that I gave away my title and this ... the mansion . "
tr	5	You do not know what actually happened that night and it is not my fault that Damian saw me doing what I have done . "
tr	5	He said serious to me , when I put my hand on the latch and got out , heading to the hotel , to start packing .
tr	5	His attitude angered me so much ; he had the nerve to raise his tone with me , who the hell he thinks he is .
tr	5	And I really didn 't want to throw away my dream , just because of a boy , I didn 't yet end up that idiot .
tr	5	You are not realizing how much I worried and ... " " Listen , who the hell are you to tell me what to do ?
tr	5	I couldn 't resist no longer , I was finished , my nerves were shot , I was about to explode if she would say a word .
tr	5	She made me a face and she went to the door , when she opened it , she turned away with a sick and false smile .
tr	5	An idea was to cry a little to Lars , to pretend that I was sorry , and some innocent tears didn 't hurt to no one .
tr	5	When I saw her I got freaked out , and in my craziness running in the parking space , I stumbled hitting my head over the asphalt .
tr	5	I even tried to do the same thing with my eyes , but even they were upset on me , because they refused to open .
tr	5	Seemed to be that even the mouth was loyal , and suddenly I felt that step by step I could take over the control of my body .
tr	5	From what I was realizing in that moment , seemed to be that I was in his room , lying in the bed like a tuberculosis person .
tr	5	I appeared just in time and I thrown her on the ground , I grabbed you and took you here , at my place . "
tr	5	The condition was to not reveal this plan to you , but to observe how you would try to not reveal your truth to me .
tr	5	I put my head on the cold window , staring into space , my mind flew at him and at the situation I was in .
tr	5	Anyway , I was insight that he would not be the same , I mean that he will not be like I last saw him .
tr	5	I entered with courage in the courtyard , opening slowly the creaky door and tried to go on a path straight to the house door .
tr	5	She purred in two white cups , boiled water over some tea bags , with her hand shaking , was she thinking why I came ?
tr	5	Usually Damian was alone , not having friends and he isn 't the type of guy to hang out with a gang in the town .
tr	5	" Only the thought to not see him again hurts like hell , not to mention that I came here for him , for a reason .
tr	5	I was watching the crowded road , not knowing what to believe , just to stop planning and to stop thinking at the worst things can happen .
tr	5	I felt my tears in my eyes , knowing that Damian was there , and the treatments , which were applied to the patience , were horrible .
tr	5	He handed it to his mother , where was drawn a house , a little sun on the corner and also three humans with smiling faces .
tr	5	This is me and ... " he said thinking , and then he turned his look to me , and with it flashed all my body .
tr	5	There was a glass of milk by the tray ; she considered for a moment and poured it into the tin chamber pot under the bed .
tr	5	" I really wanted to see the child tonight so we could get things straight on how life will go on from this time forward .
tr	5	Been on holiday long enough with Pearson 's funeral ; time to remind everyone that we have a company to run and money to make .
tr	5	Her lungs cracked with the effort , but she was powerless against the lights and the whistle ; she could not make herself be heard .
tr	5	He became aware that someone followed him , but he didn 't want to turn around to see who -- or what -- it was .
tr	5	It seemed to come from below , but not from the beach ... Neil lay down on the ledge , and looked over the side .
tr	5	For some reason that he couldn 't name , Simon fell back on the floor and scooted backwards towards the hard bed in one corner .
tr	5	" Your parents , and that girl , " he said , his hair going every which way as he pulled a shirt over his head .
tr	5	Simon bounded off the steps onto the sand , and raced over to one of the many rock pools filled from the recent high tide .
tr	5	' Those things ' were a series of flat , silver circles set into the rock in the shape of a larger circle , perfectly spaced apart .
tr	5	Although , I doubt he would have kept it in such a public place ; I really think we 're wasting our time here . "
tr	5	We hope to ensure that your father 's fortune is held securely for you , as well as - " The woman came forward and interrupted him .
tr	5	For one moment , Virgil , Theodosia , and Miriam stood like a group getting a photo taken : ' Portrait of a Disturbing Scene . '
tr	5	However , Theo , I think I can get everything up and running in a month or so , and we may begin the new project . "
tr	5	" I 'm sure you will ; you may appear to be a complete fool , but I suppose I cannot deny your business knowledge .
tr	5	Paintings had to be moved , glassware was to be put away and lists were to be compiled of the contents of closets and storerooms .
tr	5	" But of course , Mrs. Williams , " he murmured , polishing the fruit and adding it to the pile in the large napkin .
tr	5	" We must keep our places , so we can look after things , as well as after our late master 's only daughter . "
tr	5	It was becoming apparent that Mr. Furnace 's temper was getting shorter as the days went on , which meant that Miss Miriam wasn 't doing well .
tr	5	The last time it occurred , the girl hurled a volley of objects at him as soon as he poked his face around the door .
tr	5	But I am at a very difficult stage of the proposed project , and I cannot work with all this -- this hooliganism going on . "
tr	5	First , wages , as well as uniforms , and rooms , and also meals -- no , I cannot condone such a foolish scheme . "
tr	5	They were poking around her house again , especially the Woman ; she could hear the drawers being opened , rooms being unlocked , cupboards being emptied .
tr	5	On the fourth day , or maybe it was the fifth , Virgil rang for a cup of strong coffee and put his head in his hands .
tr	5	We 're sorry to take up your time and all that , but you can see for yourself that it just won 't do at all .
tr	5	After a moment of frozen silence , Miriam threw herself forward and began to pound on it , screaming at the top of her lungs .
tr	5	Yet , for some reason , she didn 't want to appear stupid in front of this calm , tidy person buttoning up her dress .
tr	5	I was merely looking for -- " " You were wondering what the governess is doing , " Virgil said , biting the top off a cigar .
tr	5	" Oh , and I 'll need to have our supper sent up to the schoolroom , and a fire lit in there , please .
tr	5	As much as he wanted to see the ensuing meeting between Miss Miriam and her guardians , he knew it was none of his affair .
tr	5	Mana closed her eyes for a moment , took a deep breath , and said , " We will go upstairs now and have supper .
tr	5	She didn 't seem to get angry , but she could make you feel like a worm if you didn 't do as she said .
tr	5	" We have to move your rooms first , and then I have a great many other things to teach you , " Mana replied .
tr	5	She opened the book , reached for a pair of spectacles that hung around her neck on a gold chain , and began to read .
tr	5	" Just that I hear the whistle of the train that comes at night , and I don 't like it , that 's all . "
tr	5	The floor was made of wooden boards , rather weathered , but a cream rug with poppies on it lay in front of the windows .
tr	5	" I 'll come in every night and sit in here as it goes by , " Mana said , turning Miriam to face her .
tr	5	" She could come from the bottom of the ocean , for all I care , " Mrs. Williams vigorously scraped the bottom of a bowl .
tr	5	" Miss Miriam is eating like a Christian again , and she had roses in her cheeks when she came in today from drawing plants . "
tr	5	" Still , I wonder what that son of theirs will make of Miss Miriam when they do finally run into each other , " George retorted .
tr	5	" Aunt Theodosia thinks he 's the shining light of the world ; she bought him three presents from town today and had them wrapped .
tr	5	Although , I would rather that we stay to ourselves ... In fact , I wish you didn 't have to talk to her at all . "
tr	5	He had never heard him say a word to either of his parents , and here he was asking questions of a tall woman with black skin .
tr	5	We have lessons every day in the morning , and we do our drawing , and I have to learn a poem by heart every night .
tr	5	He dined in state with his parents in the long dining room , ' so he would get used to society , ' Aunt Theodosia said .
tr	5	Neil was writing to his parents and his sisters , and the rain fell steadily outside , putting a stop to any plans to go anywhere .
tr	5	Don 't you have a house party coming , or a trip to the Bishop 's Well , or a ball to go to ? "
tr	5	" It would have been fine , " she argued , " if you had handed it back to me when I told you to . "
tr	5	At the bottom of the steps , Miriam jumped onto the sand and ran over to the rock pools to see if there were any anemones .
tr	5	Feeling rather shy , Miriam , Simon and Neil walked over to the rock pools and began to poke at the various life forms in them .
tr	5	She climbed up onto the rocks and picked her way between the rock pools , feeling the way with her damp , bare feet on the stones .
tr	5	Instantly , Simon was fishing in the water with his net , and he managed to snare the crustacean and pop it into another jam jar .
tr	5	" It wasn 't until he started beating them all in cards , and winning all their money , that they started to tolerate him . "
tr	5	" Simon put up the funds for me to play , and -- " " -- And you beat him hollow , " Simon finished .
tr	5	Miriam , Simon , and Neil walked over to the pool and tilted the jar into the water , and the animal instantly slithered out .
tr	5	Simon must have wanted to be the first to show Miriam the strange circles , and he did his best to elbow Neil out of the way .
tr	5	" Afflicted is right , " Mrs. Williams grumbled , but she heaved her large form to its feet and put a currant bun on a plate .
tr	5	She remembered Miss Miriam pulling faces at her on the stairs , among numerous other insults she had received over the years from the child .
tr	5	Uncle Virgil was standing behind Theodosia 's chair , a glass in his hand as usual , and a stranger sat opposite them on a sofa .
tr	5	" I was just saying that the sea air nearby seems to be doing some good for your aunt and uncle , is it not ?
tr	5	" True vision is so hard to find , as I 'm sure Miriam will discover for herself one day , " Mr. Cantwell continued .
tr	5	Miriam climbed the stairs , relieved that she wouldn 't have to stay and listen to her aunt 's conversation during a long , formal dinner .
tr	5	As she slowly clumped up the stairs , she remembered that for all the questions he had been asked , Mr. Cantwell had never really answered them .
tr	5	Chapter 14 Mr. Cantwell Acts in a Suspicious Manner our essay on Hadrian is well-written , " Mana said , " but it lacks some polish .
tr	5	Through the window , Uncle Virgil and Mr. Cantwell walked into her line of vision , heading for the park on the side of the house .
tr	5	" Mana , can you do that thing to him like you did with those two , and make him reveal everything that he knows ? "
tr	5	He stopped after a bit and turned to the gardener , appearing to berate him by gesticulating wildly and pushing one finger into the man 's chest .
tr	5	Theodosia sniffed , peered at the books on the table , and said , " Miriam is to come down for tea again this afternoon .
tr	5	Look at you -- you were acting like a savage when I first arrived , and now I can almost state that you 're civilized . "
tr	5	Simon and Neil were playing cards in the room that they shared , but Simon had grown bored , as usual , with the game .
tr	5	" You 're right , " Neil said , pulling out a piece of paper that was covered with his neat handwriting in a long list .
tr	5	That one afternoon was the only time the circles were sticking out from the stone , or had distended , or whatever it is that they do .
tr	5	A heavy silence fell , and he looked at his plate , feeling his wrists grow three inches , and his feet increase by five sizes .
tr	5	" Don 't laugh at Simon 's mother , please , " Mana said , reeling off another long piece of cotton and threading her needle .
tr	5	And I don 't think she ever wears a dress twice ; good thing , actually , because each is more fearsome than the last .
tr	5	The beginning was incomprehensible ; it seemed to be addressed to someone called Fortescue , thanking him for some work done on Virgil 's behalf .
tr	5	Second , we 'll have to discuss the means of terminating ... " The letter ended there , as if the writer had been interrupted .
tr	5	He wasn 't just the son of her guardians , someone who was pleasant enough and who had listened when she talked about her stories .
tr	5	" Call me Barbara , please , " the sister said in a curiously light , husky voice , gracefully touching two fingers to Theodosia 's palm .
tr	5	" My sister is my right hand , " he said , taking his seat beside Miriam on the settee and leaning towards her intimately .
tr	5	" In the meantime , why don 't you ladies take a short walk before dinner , and Cantwell and I can discuss business ? "
tr	5	Suppose he won 't want to come down to the sea with us and Mana and hunt for shrimps tomorrow , " Miriam said regretfully .
tr	5	" Simon will probably be at dinner with them , which means you and I will have to be there too , " he said .
tr	5	Neil groaned to himself and turned away from the mirror , to see Simon with a bowl of hot water and a razor , trying to shave .
tr	5	Barbara seemed to be pleased to allow such obvious worship ; she raised her eyes to Simon and smiled , showing fine , white teeth .
tr	5	He kept dropping his napkin and making faces at her from under the table , and nudging her elbow whenever Simon said something vapid to Barbara .
tr	5	As the sweet course was brought in , Miriam hissed at him under cover of the clinking of china and silver , " Stop it !
tr	5	Miriam had to admit that she had a good voice , although , did she really have to gaze at Simon like that as she sang ?
tr	5	" I 've had some suspicions for a while , and what happened last night made me more certain that I must act , and soon .
tr	5	" Miss Cantwell is the most dangerous person I have ever met , and it looks as though she has won the first round . "
tr	5	" If I suddenly have to leave now , or if I am gone when you wake up one day , go to the islands .
tr	5	" My heavens , you are just a schoolboy , and yet you manage to put most of the grown men I know to shame ! "
tr	5	Simon had forgotten to tell Neil to get dressed for dinner in his rush to escort Miss Cantwell , so he was upstairs as well .
tr	5	He watched her , seeing how the glowing coils of her hair lay against the deep copper of her dress , and he said nothing .
tr	5	" But I had to deal with such nonsense at the beginning ; believe me , Barbara , you don 't know what I suffered . "
tr	5	" Tell me , " she added , tracing the rim of her cup with one slim finger , " when did you hire the governess ? "
tr	5	" That child of Pearson 's put up such a battle of wills when we arrived , that my nerves simply could not stand it .
tr	5	" That was the strangest part , " she said , " and you may not believe it , but we don 't remember actually hiring her .
tr	5	However , she has given us no cause for offence , no reason to let her off , unfortunately , aside from the incident the other night .
tr	5	" Quality isn 't something that you 're born with , it 's something that you attain , or prove by your manner of living ! "
tr	5	I 'm sure that you have items that are private to you , and I must ask you to respect my privacy as well . "
tr	5	Miriam , dying to run at Theodosia and smack her or throw coffee in her face or both , kept still with a great effort .
tr	5	Satisfied , he got up and , retrieving his cigar , resumed puffing on it as though nothing had occurred out of the ordinary that evening .
tr	5	She picked it up , but as she slid it over her head , something heavy fell out of one sleeve and bounced onto the carpet .
tr	5	She would show them that Mana was the finest governess anyone could wish for , and that she , Miriam , had learned her lessons .
tr	5	Sitting up in bed , she knew that she wouldn 't be able to fall asleep again unless she had some milk or something to drink .
tr	5	In her haste , she didn 't notice that she had left the Crown Phoenix typewriter sitting out in the middle of the attic room floor .
tr	5	Simon tried to hold the horse back , but it instantly began to move , annoyed at being disturbed from a late supper of oats .
tr	5	" Neil , you stay here and watch the horse ; I 'll go with Miriam and find out what 's happening , if anything . "
tr	5	" The missus is feeling a little poorly tonight , " he said , laughing nastily and putting an arm around the swaying body of the governess .
tr	5	Neil felt that Poole , if that was the driver 's name , would take to an unseen occupant of his cart none too kindly .
tr	5	Neil felt his foot cramping and his legs going to sleep , but he didn 't dare move while the driver sat in the cart .
tr	5	Quickly , he dropped out of the cart , nearly falling as the blood rushed back to his legs , and tottered over to the bush .
tr	5	Neil could tell , from the way they were straining at the oars , that they were unused to the ocean and the high waves .
tr	5	Once Mana had been loaded from the cart onto the boat , the two men had pushed off from the shore and headed towards the big island .
tr	5	In the end , he jumped into the boat and rowed after the large sailing skiff , which had disappeared into the distance at that point .
tr	5	As the summer ended and the term began , his name would be duly crossed off the register , and his scholarship would be cancelled .
tr	5	Sin number three , he thought , was abandoning his family and their plans for his future , which were to support his parents eventually .
tr	5	When it came to geometry and algebra , however , Neil left Simon far behind and was even able to help him with his lessons .
tr	5	If she did manage to escape from the prison somehow , she would fall and be smashed on the spiked , hungry stones below her .
tr	5	After a time , how long it was he had no way of knowing , he suddenly heard something -- a rhythmic , liquid noise .
tr	5	With a start , he noticed that the shadows no longer lay across his face ; sunlight now forced its way through the leaves and blinded him .
tr	5	There was a sudden , loud clatter behind him , and he heard the squawk of an outraged parrot as it was disturbed from its perch .
tr	5	His hands gripped the stones and he tipped his head back , allowing the liquid to soak his head , his hair , and his clothes .
tr	5	Do come inside , and you can have a drink , and a small bite to eat , and you can rest and get clean .
tr	5	The giant bowed deeply a few times , and backed away to a little cupboard , and began to pull out cups , plates and napkins .
tr	5	He lazily curled one pink and brown hand around Riki 's collar and lifted her up in the air to deposit her back in her seat .
tr	5	" I don 't want to -- " Another yawn seized him , and she put a hand on his arm to draw him inside .
tr	5	The room was patterned with mother of pearl so that it appeared that they had , indeed , entered the shell of a huge sea creature .
tr	5	Ignoring his protests , she gripped Riki 's shoulder , bodily dragged the girl out of the room , and closed the door behind her .
tr	5	After suffering from that huge thirst earlier , he would always consider it to be the most beautiful sound in the world , he reflected .
tr	5	He wrapped himself in one in order to go in search of clothes , as his dirty pants and pullover were nowhere to be seen .
tr	5	" The new owners of the company have increased their demands , and we have to find some way of hurrying the new harvest . "
tr	5	He opened the door and his heart sank as Riki , who was stretched out in the hallway , bounced up and grinned at him .
tr	5	Al least he could get an idea of what the island was like and , possibly , make an effort to find where Mana was being held .
tr	5	Before they left he had tried to extend the extremely interesting breakfast conversation , but Riki had sent up such a fuss that he had stopped .
tr	5	As they walked down the beach , swinging their nets , he imagined himself teaching her to be courteous and to listen when she was spoken to .
tr	5	At that moment , Riki deliberately stuck the handle of her net between his legs and tripped him , and he fell heavily into the sand .
tr	5	The waves , which were much stronger here , rushed up and hit the " thumb " which sent the spray up to coat the rocks .
tr	5	They were walking on again , heading towards where the row of cozy houses and well-tended gardens butted up against another huge swell of rock .
tr	5	Neil cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted , " I have our water and our lunch in my pack , you idiot ! "
tr	5	The guard 's hair was oiled and braided closely to his head , and he wore a long white tunic with a deep purple border .
tr	5	Dark shapes moved on the white steps , but whether they were guards , soldiers or the king himself with his family , Neil couldn 't tell .
tr	5	He shoved his glasses on his nose with one hand and said , " Riki , I do not want to get caught out here .
tr	5	" I will move on , and I will sit down and have a snack and a drink when I get off this bloody path . "
tr	5	" It has to do with Miriam , Mr. Pearson 's daughter , and Simon , the son of the man who runs the company now .
tr	5	Chapter 6 The Sad Case of the Cook 's Daughter hen Riki and Neil returned to the house , her parents were both on the front veranda .
tr	5	For once he wasn 't smiling ; in fact , as Neil quickly stepped back , he realized that tears were pouring down the man 's face .
tr	5	And would they suffer nightmares like his recent dreams , about Simon and Miriam and Mana , all caught in dreadful traps with no escape ?
tr	5	He straightened in his chair and opened his mouth , making up his mind to pour out his grievances , when a thought struck him .
tr	5	However , no one he had met in his previous life would be able to come close to Riki 's parents for avoiding a question .
tr	5	I could wind bandages , and wipe her forehead , and spoon gruel for her ... " Her voice faded away and she stared into space .
tr	5	" There 's a rumor going around the village , you know , where we were that first day , where we saw the baby ?
tr	5	Balancing his fishing pole between his knees , he took off his glasses and wiped the spray off them with the tail of his shirt .
tr	5	Riki flung out an arm in a dramatic fashion , sending her line with its sharp hook and wriggling bait into the nearby picnic basket .
tr	5	" And you were feeling pretty bad about the entire situation before I opened the door , and now you feel better , don 't you ? "
tr	5	Neil caught up with him just as he opened the door to a small shack that looked as if it had been built out of rusted metal .
tr	5	At the same time , the cook tried to maneuver the bowl of soup into his other huge palm , causing the tray to tilt perilously .
tr	5	After that , Neil felt exhausted and thought he 'd better get a nap himself , since he was going to be awake all night .
tr	5	She peered closely at Riki again , but the girl merely yawned , leaned on one elbow , and began to hum something without words or tune .
tr	5	As he looked inside , she burst out , " Torches , crackers and cheese , bottled water , rolled up rugs , and rope .
tr	5	Riki led the way , and after a bit she said to Neil , over her shoulder , " You should really breathe , you know . "
tr	5	" Your majesty has done much already for that man in the matter of the -- " he mentioned something that Neil didn 't understand .
tr	5	Days of swimming , fishing and running after Riki , however , had made him leaner and stronger , so that the climb wasn 't too difficult .
tr	5	Instead , they could hear odd plopping and wriggling from the inhabitants of the marsh , as well as the intermittent bubbles of escaping gas .
tr	5	Neil paused , looking back over the valley , at the lagoon separating them from the palace , the jungle and Riki 's own house .
tr	5	This time Neil was able to see the length of the tunnel for some yards ; however , he couldn 't make out where it actually ended .
tr	5	Cheese , and some crackers , and a stone bottle of water -- " Neil grabbed the cheese and the water and looked over the ledge again .
tr	5	Neil waited , forcing back his impatience , until the bamboo box was underneath him , and he dropped the cheese as carefully as he could .
tr	5	There was no way of rescuing anyone from there , even if they had something to catch her with and haul her in , Neil reflected .
tr	5	" Yes , you 're right , but if we can convince him -- " " But we can 't -- " " But if we can .
tr	5	His scalp still itched at the thought of all the ooze they had crawled through , and the live things slithering over his legs - ugh .
tr	5	" Forgive me , mother , but you have been able to have more time for yourself and freedom lately , is that not so ? "
tr	5	However , the large man sat with his mouth open for a moment and smiled as he put one massive arm around his daughter 's waist .
tr	5	Feeling a bit like a ripe beetroot , he took a sip of coffee to fortify himself ; Riki was right -- it was now or never .
tr	5	" You are asking me to forfeit my house , my position and all my wealth -- and perhaps even my family as well . "
tr	5	It was much easier going this way ; it was also better when there were other people to carry supplies and point out possible pitfalls .
tr	5	They dropped the chain and flung themselves back against the rock as the chain slid with ominous rapidity over the rock and crashed down on the underside .
tr	5	Indeed , there were ominous sounds coming from the rock as a long crack appeared right at the edge of where it entered the tunnel .
tr	5	There was something about Mana all right , if she could make those two brothers laugh and their mother wax poetic all of a sudden .
tr	5	The storm seemed to work itself into a fury , and its force smashed the wooden box into the heavy rocks of the cliff behind him .
tr	5	With an awful metallic , grinding noise , the heavy cable broke and the cage plunged downwards to the spiked fangs of stone waiting below .
tr	5	Feeling the pangs of hunger , he went to a large gold platter on a low table in one corner and selected some small sandwiches .
tr	5	" You two will have the important job of pretending to be normal -- playing a game , or feeding the parrot , or some such .
tr	5	" Shhh , " she said pointing to the second floor , which rang with loud footsteps as the guards tramped into the various rooms upstairs .
tr	5	It drummed down on the roof so loudly that Neil , who was getting used to going to bed at odd hours , couldn 't sleep .
tr	5	A troop of soldiers or guards could return at any time ; still , he wished that she were safely inside with them in the big house .
tr	5	A thin line of light under the door showed that one of the brothers monitored the house , but they managed to get downstairs undetected .
tr	5	Mana 's eyes were open , and she said in her best governess voice , " Pipe down at once , Neil , and come inside .
tr	5	" From what she told me , she was deliberately given the liquid to see the effects of it , and to measure those effects . "
tr	5	" I had a feeling you two would come down here , without permission , and jeopardizing the entire household , by the way . "
tr	5	Just the usual -- sit still , don 't talk or laugh , don 't fall asleep , no humming or whistling -- " Riki reeled off .
tr	5	Mirrors were set into the walls , making the room appear even larger than it was , and dark corridors branched off in every direction .
tr	5	The cook wore a broad smile , a snowy apron and held a huge tray filled with plates of rolls , cakes , fruit and fried plantains .
tr	5	Instead of gulping it down , however , she handed it to Neil , asking , " Would you like some also , Papi ? "
tr	5	" Your cook has such a way with sweets and spices -- ah , little crab cakes and -- are these lobster patties with ginger sauce ? "
tr	5	As tall as Mana was , she had to tip her head up to look into his eyes as he replied , " I can .
tr	5	Something in the stony regard of her maid , who stared straight ahead over her mistress ' shoulder , made her put it down reluctantly .
tr	5	He took her plump forearm between finger and thumb and guided her to the waiting chair , a conveyance that had been outlawed in Pearson 's time .
tr	5	" I do hope it won 't rain before we get to the Palace ; this boat 's cover doesn 't provide much protection -- oh ! "
tr	5	" And he left with a large amount of money , " Neil said , sitting beside Riki and propping one elbow on her knee .
tr	5	She looked around as her voice echoed in the huge room and added , " This isn 't the most comfortable room to work in .
tr	5	Riki 's mouth immediately opened in protest , but Mana cut her off by saying , " I think it would be best if they stayed .
tr	5	He looked at her , and she said , " Look , Papi , I 'm not going to scream , or whine , or cry .
tr	5	It was set in a country where there was a crystal globe called the Birthright , which protected the people and the lands in some mysterious way .
tr	5	That would be the last straw for Tom , the farmer 's son who loved to fish and swim in the ponds on the farm .
tr	5	You might as well just go to sleep , since we have no idea when we 'll arrive , or even where we 're going . "
tr	5	A large man , whose arms were bound behind his back , stumbled into the carriage as if he had been given a hard shove from behind .
tr	5	Miriam stole a peep at his face and saw that he was doing the same thing as her : trying not to look at the men .
tr	5	The factory was the largest structure in the mean little street , and it had several large , doors set into its dripping , dank walls .
tr	5	The man picked up the boy , tossed him over one shoulder , and followed the other guards and the prisoners into Devil 's Kitchen .
tr	5	In the Devil 's Kitchen n the other side of the door was a small , sanded yard , surrounded by four heavy , tall brick walls .
tr	5	The prisoners and the guard who carried Simon 's limp body had disappeared , probably through one of the heavy , iron doors that lined the walls .
tr	5	Miriam stumbled as he thrust her into a narrow hallway that was lit by two insignificant lanterns that left plenty of shadows and dark corners .
tr	5	Miriam , her hopes rising , saw that she had the same brown skin as Mana , the same dark hair , and the same black eyes .
tr	5	She continued to nod and repeat those words to herself as she turned to an old desk in one corner and removed a large pair of shears .
tr	5	Suddenly it all seemed too much -- the train ride , Mana 's disappearance , the cut hair , the disgusting cell she was in .
tr	5	With the comb in her hand , Miriam lay down , stuffed her face into the thin , hard pillow and felt scalding tears burn her eyes .
tr	5	He only knew that there had been something that he wanted very badly to get done , and he had been unable to do it .
tr	5	" I tell you that Miriam is being held prisoner in that terrible place , that factory , and heaven knows where Neil is . "
tr	5	" But wouldn 't it be best for you to get nice and strong and healthy , and you can find your friends when you feel better ?
tr	5	He swayed with the effort , but he managed to climb down and thrust his feet into the slippers , which were his exact size .
tr	5	He rolled and flipped his legs over the side of the bed , let his feet hit the floor and slowly stretched as he rose .
tr	5	Come in , come in , it 's beginning to get a bit chilly out here and that 'll do you no good at all . "
tr	5	He was surprised to learn Mr. Clancy still traveled though he did not wander far , at least compared to the days of his youth .
tr	5	There was fresh meat and the aroma of the vegetables and potatoes mixed with the delicate herbs and spices was almost more than they could stand .
tr	5	I have heard their calls and their songs and I have seen them soar over the lands and through skies far from their distant homeland .
tr	5	I believe they may owe a debt to the king 's line from a time during the Great War below us in the Great Southern Wastelands . "
tr	5	It is sometimes called the Snow Kingdom for in the winter far up north , the lands are covered with a thick blanket of snow and ice .
tr	5	Neither was accustomed to the late hours nor did they imagine what effect the spirits would have on them and they were slow to wake .
tr	5	Though my life been chosen for me , and I have labored long and hard , I would again undertake the search with high spirits . "
tr	5	At the time of the great crossing of my folk from the Southern Wastelands it is said they came upon a valley of great beauty and majesty .
tr	5	Crimson hues with watchful eye Lights crystal prism cut for thee Barrier force drives shades of wanton lust Heaven 's fire glistens for all to see .
tr	5	" I have been in the wild many times , maybe not under these circumstances , but I am always aware of my place . "
tr	5	They stopped by a small stream that fed into the Orange River where they sat on the bank to cool their feet and wash their wounds .
tr	5	They crawled to the front of the cave careful not to let themselves be seen and lay in the dirt , peering down the slope .
tr	5	At first look , he grimaced but after examining it closely he took a wad of the roots from his pouch he had gathered along the way .
tr	5	It is on the winds and in the living things of the forest , the plants and the animals and all the things that surround them . "
tr	5	An evil has been brought upon this land , one so vile as to make the winds themselves stop and hide among the branches of the trees .
tr	5	They saw the shape coming with great speed as it made its way through the mountain passes , plunging in and out of the low peaks .
tr	5	To fail in this dark hour would be to bring shame upon my line and the deaths of those that have come before me would be meaningless .
tr	5	It has crumbled and withered over time , a fortification long abandoned and now nonexistent , only an outline remaining , but it is there .
tr	5	It had taken several turns by the time they crawled up between two large boulders , their backs against the base of a sheer , cliff wall .
tr	5	The bottom was carved , chiseled to a point , the sides uneven as they ran upward , more than halfway to the broadest point .
tr	5	If we cut back across the mountains north of the low hills we would be able to make a short stop to pick up supplies .
tr	5	They stopped just yards short of the treeline facing the wide expanse of open ground between them and the other side of the valley floor .
tr	5	His heart began to race and he quickened his pace as best as he could and still not be heard , but he was too late !
tr	5	Their path was but a series of broken pieces of earth and fragments of living things once lush and beautiful that were now been subdued and scorched .
tr	5	He lifted his eyes just in time to see Mr. Clancy rush toward him and dive into a pile of dead leaves , his knife held high .
tr	5	" I will tell you the next time I leave if it will suit you , and I promise not to throw you again . "
tr	5	As the sun broke the eastern peaks I was also blinded by a curtain of light though as I crossed into the desert the light was gone .
tr	5	I flew in high circles catching sharp , stabbing flashes of a brilliant light from a point on the ground though I could not locate it .
tr	5	" The legend of the crystal speaks of a host which will carry the wisdom and power of the crystal back to the northern lands . "
tr	5	It is but a short , maybe in this case , long , hundred paces from the cover of thick trees to my rear wall .
tr	5	If he could judge the distance correctly , and it seemed he had , after two turns they would reach the woods behind his home .
tr	5	He rose and lifted his small pack slinging the strap around his left shoulder , then his right and stepped from the rocks onto the trail .
tr	5	" There will be success on all your parts or you shall all have the chance to see your successors cut your very throats . "
tr	5	He saw nothing other than a shed that was larger than it looked from the outside , its contents as well broken and strewn about .
tr	5	The sun rose fully but never pierced the cloudy skies , never reached the soiled grounds that had been trampled by the weight of the black army .
tr	5	The black creatures would be thick as flies on a dead carcass and if he read the signs correctly , they were in a foul mood .
tr	5	Their bodies were racked with pain and their wounds , the cuts and scrapes , bruises and tears began to ingrain themselves deeply on their spirits .
tr	5	It had been the first hot meal they shared in days and it went down quickly as the warmth lit a fire in their bellies .
tr	5	" These passes have served us well and we shall not abandon them as yet , though we must be more careful from this point forward . "
tr	5	" I am afraid though it will take us away from our lands and we will no longer be able to track the black army .
tr	5	" I think we should journey down the east side of the foothills along the edges of the Far Wilderness and up to the Barrier Forest .
tr	5	It would be the last look upon their homeland for some time , though it was a memory they would carry it in their hearts forever .
tr	5	They were well rested and the dutiful stare of the white wolf would keep all harm from them , even from reaching into their dreams .
tr	5	Their light dimly lit the grounds at the feet of the mountain but enough to let the travelers easily find their way in the darkness .
tr	5	You must at that point not speak of any other matters than those questions put to you , even the business you have come to speak of .
tr	5	They picked up their packs , donned the rest of their gear and as they had done many times before removed any evidence of their campsite .
tr	5	He looked up , embarrassed , then rose and released his feet from the tangle of weeds that had caught them and brushed himself down .
tr	5	We will take them only a few yards as they are a slippery outcrop and the rain of a few days ago may have made them worse .
tr	5	The sun was climbing high , the light bathing them with its warmth and even in the higher trails they were working up a good sweat .
tr	5	After a half turn they reached solid ledges and had a place to stand a few moments to gather their composure and brush themselves off .
tr	5	He would not care for any surprises though he thought little of these valley people and there would be nothing they could do to stop his army .
tr	5	He quickly made his way back along the forward lines in a more than jovial mood , stopping briefly here and there among groups of tired soldiers .
tr	5	They made their way through a narrow cleft in the mountainside , a respite from the danger of the ledges and the openness that surrounded them .
tr	5	The higher elevations soon made their presence known as the airs were thinner and their sweating more profuse even in the cooler reaches of the mountain .
tr	5	He rose and made his way around the small encampment getting to know the surroundings before making his way back to the center of the clearing .
tr	5	The sun was now high in the blue canopy , noontime was approaching and they were all beginning to feel the sting of hunger in their bellies .
tr	5	With the suddenness of a windstorm a piercing shriek let loose from behind them , as horrible and terrifying a sound as any they had ever heard .
tr	5	He glided quietly upon the spring airs , light and clean with their hope and promise born from a time from the beginnings of the world .
tr	5	He would like to give them some news of their homeland , good news , though he knew in his heart he could not deliver such .
tr	5	Sure that he was successful , the patrol losing him in the bright sky he came around through the low pass completely circling his prey .
tr	5	He looked down and shuddered , a black arrow , bent and shattered halfway up the shaft , the end buried deep within his shoulder .
tr	5	He struggled to open his eyes as his body was pulled along over the rough ground as the sharp rock cut deep into his cloak .
tr	5	A sudden call bellowed from the woods as a single scout came racing out and collapsed , his chest heaving as he fell flat to the earth .
tr	5	The eyes of the scout reached out in desperation and with one last gasp his eyes rolled up and he too , had failed to escape .
tr	5	Although his body was racked with pain , sore and stiff , he was able to distinguish what was torn and battered from what was only bruised .
tr	5	If he failed , most certainly all hope would be lost and the quest that he had guarded over these many years would be at an end .
tr	5	He knew this Clancy could for a time guard the crystal , but without the skills of the Searcher , the quest would be over .
tr	5	He studied the landscape for several long minutes , dove to his left and quickly disappeared into the shadows of the long , black night .
tr	5	The blood had soaked through his cloak , the stain dried and dark with new blood belching forth covering his side in a deep crimson .
tr	5	His hand reached the hilt of his sword and he drew the blade slowly , quietly , bringing it up and laying it to his breast .
tr	5	The blood was spewing forth , his feeble efforts was all it took to open the wound again , his cloak saturated with the thin liquid .
tr	5	From below his right shoulder where the wound was opened just above his breast were the remnants of the black arrow that had pierced his body .
tr	5	The sun was now climbing high in its morning arc , yet several hours away from its zenith when the hawk and the wolf entered the cave .
tr	5	Each time they fought to drive these thoughts from their minds as they struggled to keep up with Mr. Clancy , their limbs numbing with every step .
tr	5	The great wolf covered the stretch below the forest with the swiftness of the winds , holding ever so gently the body of the hawk .
tr	5	Some fresh meat they had picked up along the way would have to wait for supper and a good fire , if Mr. Clancy would permit it .
tr	5	" Only because this is our homeland have we journeyed so close to this evil , and be assured it is evil pure and simple .
tr	5	The slow , haunting pace of the day 's travel had sapped their strength , robbed the breath from their breasts and the spirit from their hearts .
tr	5	It would be a good place for a watch as he could prop himself up against the massive trunk and view the access from all sides .
tr	5	Without any warning , a hollow , splitting sound broke from his right and the trunk of a large tree fell with a resounding thud .
tr	5	His enemy had backed him once again up against a tree as their two swords met , the metal grating , singing out in the night .
tr	5	Ahead he could hear the sound of tearing flesh , the splinter of bones , then nothing save the sound of two heaving chests gasping for breath .
tr	5	The stranger stepped forward , the loose brown wraps from his cloak falling close around his large frame , his forearms clad in bright metal .
tr	5	Hearing the strangled cry of the mortally injured man , other gendarmes gave pursuit and took the murderer into custody , tackling him to the flagstones . '
tr	5	" We 'll continue as we are , and hope that our time in Paris won 't be interrupted by another Tennis Court Oath . "
tr	5	He followed and we collected our trunks and took stock of our situation as we stood in the crowd , isles amid a sea of movement .
tr	5	For myself , I found my own curiosity and studies being drawn further south , towards Rome -- the world 's seat of power for millennia .
tr	5	But as we descended once more from the locomotive , I could simply sense something different about Paris : it was a city of life !
tr	5	Hours were lost upon simple pleasures , and untold minutes were devoted to navigating the den of byways that composed the fantastical labyrinth that was Paris .
tr	5	Paintings , gilded chairs , plush carpets and massive four-poster beds , vases and wonders from the East -- we saw all of these in every chamber .
tr	5	There , out along the shaded paths , a grounds ' crew was busy snipping away at the trees and lawn , ensuring that everything looked perfect .
tr	5	Pools and fountains dotted these fields , and brass nymphs and sculpted gods sprayed jets of water from their open mouths into the overflowing fountains .
tr	5	After Logan 's comments , I found that I couldn 't meet the eye of the workers , the laborers who should have been me .
tr	5	" You 're included because you 're practically a noble and -- " " I 'm no noble , " I defended , interrupting him .
tr	5	I eat lavish meals every day , and even if I wouldn 't admit it , I know that in the countryside , some Englishmen are starving .
tr	5	Suddenly , a tall man approached us through the crowd , and by his dress and obvious swagger , it was plain that he was an aristocrat .
tr	5	The strange headpiece piqued my curiosity , but then I remembered that some stranger had just sat at our table ; my eyes flicked toward him .
tr	5	The wind flicked his hair about , and had the moment not been so somber , his ridiculous attempts to quell the movement would have been laughable .
tr	5	* * * * * Days later found us lounging amid our quarters once more , several more bottles of the Bordeaux empty upon the floor .
tr	5	Given the hour , it hadn 't been likely that many travelers would come to the building , so we hadn 't bothered to shift them .
tr	5	Logan scanned the group , hoping for a glimpse of someone nefarious , but our assailants , whoever they might be , never presented themselves .
tr	5	Clapping my friend on the back , we shouted an exclamation into the wind as the train picked up speed , propelling us towards Rome .
tr	5	Sounds of quiet morning conversation drifted through the car 's hall , and I was a bit bemused to see so many passengers cheery at this hour .
tr	5	I was born in that great country a little over twenty two years ago , and most of my short time on this earth has been merry .
tr	5	The ghost of happiness that flashed through his face was gone in an instant , replaced once more by the melancholy weight we had seen earlier .
tr	5	Of course , I couldn 't do this without my own family 's approval , so , filled with wonder , I once more boarded a train .
tr	5	My Lilly waited behind me , and after only a moment , the shock registered on my family 's face as I led her forward .
tr	5	The great waves of the Pacific will not swallow me , and the bandits of Europe 's alleyways deny me the swift demise I seek .
tr	5	" Now , " he spoke , a tiny grin crossing his lips at last , " You 've heard my story , such as it is .
tr	5	The Revolution doesn 't matter anymore ; France is back to her old ways , and the two of us are part of it . "
tr	5	For the time being , we resolved to be kind towards those poor whom we would meet and better their position any way we saw fitting .
tr	5	Logan turned towards the others and made to speak , but Jacob held up a finger , his eyes tracking something we couldn 't see .
tr	5	" Not to distract the two of you from your lovely banter , but three men with every intention of murdering us are wandering this way .
tr	5	This group was persistent if nothing else , and given their presence in two countries thus far , it was safe to assume they possessed ample resources .
tr	5	As the wheels of that vehicle clipped down the cobblestones , we explained our connection to Di Luca and were ushered inside by the footman .
tr	5	Entering the home , we were instructed to wait in the vast foyer as the little man ran up the stairs to find his master .
tr	5	" When you have reached the end of your will , as I had those years ago , a helping friend is worth far more than gold .
tr	5	In the meantime , we must get you three settled in , and I 'll introduce you to my tailor ; he does excellent work .
tr	5	Dozens of torches lit an expansive lane bedecked in flowers , fountains , and flowing dresses , while a small road led upwards towards an impressive chateau .
tr	5	Many attendees nodded or bowed to Di Luca as he passed , and more than once , our progress was halted as introductions were offered and received .
tr	5	Her hair was streaked with grey and plated into a simply braid , but the way she carried herself lent truth to her dancing partner 's compliments .
tr	5	' Faith ' seemed to imply religiosity , but the determined , scarred faces of the men we 'd seen thus far were far from clergymen .
tr	5	" Do you recall when these same men were to have absolutely no way or motive for pursuing us once we 'd arrived in Rome ? "
tr	5	If we 're going the wrong way , I 'm sure it 's just a quicker route this time of night , " I said .
tr	5	Of course , being a ceremonial blade , it wouldn 't last long against anything designed for real fighting , but the weapon was reassuring nonetheless .
tr	5	Before I could think too much though , the carriage pulled to the side of the road at a fork , parking next to several other vehicles .
tr	5	Bloodlines are important still , but no one has titles , so it makes it hard to exclude others on the basis of blood . "
tr	5	Deep forests surrounded us , and I could almost imagine the clash of Romans and the German tribes , battles long forgotten , and tears uncountable .
tr	5	They scurried about , ensuring that the farm 's chores were all accounted for , and the animals and workers would be ready for the day .
tr	5	This city would offer us answers ; we would discover , at long last , what the Faith was and why the scoundrels were hounding us .
tr	5	It helped not having luggage ; we 'd left that in our compartment , hoping to hire help to cart it to Mercedes ' home .
tr	5	Some were brightly painted in shades of blue , but most were covered in modest earthen tones of brown , yellow , and dull red .
tr	5	We had left hours after her , but travel can be rife with delays , and there was no guarantee that the woman would be home .
tr	5	The greeting sounded polished and practiced , almost as if it had been given for years and years , which I 'm sure it had .
tr	5	He mentioned you 've been through quite an adventure these few weeks but didn 't elaborate , and our Mercedes refused to comment without your presence .
tr	5	As the man spoke , a group of servants was setting up more chairs under the tree , as well as a small table of refreshments .
tr	5	Mercedes , who hadn 't heard this news , turned completely white , and I was half afraid that she would faint before its conclusion .
tr	5	Even if the monarchy could be harsh , it didn 't matter -- the kings were God 's elect and to say otherwise was blasphemy .
tr	5	Using masks and not at all opposed to violence , these noblemen saw themselves as God 's vigilantes , God 's righteous judgment on a heathen country .
tr	5	If a person believed in the divine right of kings , he could become a Courtier , or what members of the Faith called themselves .
tr	5	If a king doesn 't have the power to do as he pleases , as God wills through his actions , what good is that king ?
tr	5	A few men have been captured in connection with these crimes , but nothing ties the Faith to these men ; they 're completely clean .
tr	5	I thought about mentioning that we saw farms as our train passed through the countryside , but I didn 't think that would be helpful .
tr	5	But for the moment , the king found that newer farming technology , as well as seeds , building materials , and land were all incredibly taxed .
tr	5	The king respected Fuchs for his assistance when he first took the throne , so Martin was reticent to punish him , regardless of his secretive dealings .
tr	5	As I mentioned , the Faith was completely blameless in all of this -- not one shred of legal evidence could pin anything to them .
tr	5	Now , ministers , administers , bureaucrats , military officers , and the like gain their position through skill , hard work , and raw talent .
tr	5	It has taken time , political machinations , and even violence to bring this about , but changes , fundamental changes , are being enacted . "
tr	5	He 's a jolly man and quick to throw a lavish party , but he 's not caught up in the social nets of the court .
tr	5	A single scarlet stripe ran up the outside of his trousers , and scarlet tassels on his shoulders and his hat waved in the wind .
tr	5	Stopping before a wide , long set of stairs leading into the palace , the minister threw open our carriage 's door and bolted for the palace .
tr	5	Joseph seemed to know the way , for he didn 't look surprised when the officer suddenly opened a nondescript side door and ushered us inside .
tr	5	By the time some assassin made their way through this maze , a group of eager soldiers could be ready and waiting at the other end .
tr	5	The sentry lowered his weapon , knocked on the large door , and swung it open for us as he moved out of the way .
tr	5	I expected a dark , well-protected bunker in the midst of the royal palace , complete with barred doors , locks , and guards bristling with guns .
tr	5	He was handsome enough , and he bore the look of command , but he seemed not the bombastic , raging man I had expected of monarchy .
tr	5	His green eyes smiled at the victory , and although stained from battle , his long goatee and black mustache were identical to their counterpart .
tr	5	In answer , Fuchs drew out a revolver in a flourish , cocked it , and put a single ball through the helpless king 's head .
tr	5	As to that wretch , " the imposter pointed towards the dead king , " We 'll simply throw him in some unmarked grave . "
tr	5	The Messiah 's message was about loving your neighbor , not subjugating him into poverty or raising up one man above another to rule them all . "
tr	5	If I so much as suspect you 're acting out of line , I will have Mercedes tortured to within an inch of her life .
tr	5	Exiting the darkness , we continued down the long corridors , turning when necessary , and generally taking the same route we had walked earlier .
tr	5	Guards lined the perimeter , but a messenger flitted about to each , and slowly , groups of soldiers peeled off and exited the throne room .
tr	5	In all the mess , no one recognized us , and I breathed a prayer of relief as we reached the back of the kitchens .
tr	5	While Eva , Logan , and I selected a carriage immediately inside the building , Jacob roused some servants and ordered them to prepare the vehicle .
tr	5	I 'll take the time to learn each of your sorry names and demote each of your sorry selves back to the sorry ranks you started from !
tr	5	The gravel spit up from the wheels , and a musky smell of dust floated about as we traveled the short path towards the entrance .
tr	5	I fired my own weapon a few times , making them duck , but nothing came of it ; the carriage was bouncing too much .
tr	5	As the choking grit began settling into the carriage , and the intensity of fire dropped off , we sat back in our seats , sighing .
tr	5	Jacob , a massively dark stain spreading across his uniform 's jacket , fell into my arms , collapsing out of the driver 's seat .
tr	5	Poor farmers generally didn 't possess such mounts , but with a prayer of thanks for good fortune , I put it from my mind .
tr	5	All the same , images of his back , covered by a blanket of blood with worried monks swarming about continued to fill my mind .
tr	5	With each footfall of the animal beneath me , I thought of begging widows , and the poor we glimpsed on the streets of Paris .
tr	5	Logan must 've been feeling the same , because even as it panted for ragged breath , he again kicked his mount , driving it onward .
tr	5	I didn 't know what my companion was thinking , but my mind kept turning to the messenger , his body thrown across the platform .
tr	5	The jacket , stolen from the unknown Courtier that morning , was too big for him , and it hung limp about his frame in several places .
tr	5	Eva had said the estate was three miles down the road , so after a while , we began looking about us for our destination .
tr	5	The heads of animals of all kinds dotted the walls , and crossed swords and various foreign weaponry added a martial touch to the space .
tr	5	He flicked his saber to the side like a rapier , tapping his opponent 's knife out of alignment , redirecting and rendering it harmless .
tr	5	" I can 't tell ; there 's too much blood to see the actual cut , but that can 't be a good sign . "
tr	5	In tandem , we advanced the last few steps , and stabbed the fellow before his eyes could adjust to the shadows of the hallway .
tr	5	" I don 't know why you keep referring to me like I 'm the king , " he huffed as he threw on the jacket .
tr	5	Since they made no foray into the brush , I assumed their reduction in speed was more for the animals ' sake than for the pursuit .
tr	5	Again they were betrayed by the clicking of their horses ' hooves , and we had enough time to throw ourselves prostrate in the brush .
tr	5	As the long tendrils of dawn crawled between the overhanging limbs , we pulled away the worst of the foliage from the blockhouse 's door .
tr	5	" Sire , you are the country 's leader now , and your brother would be proud of you this night , " I uttered at last .
tr	5	When they hadn 't killed me in the forest , I simply assumed I 'd be ransomed , but the months went by and summer came .
tr	5	It looked bad to us , and having one or two days of recovery isn 't going to fix that -- such wounds don 't heal instantly .
tr	5	If Fuchs is holding him at the palace , or keeping him under watch , we 'll never be able to get close enough to talk .
tr	5	The sun was just beginning to set as I walked along , so I 'd have the cover of darkness to hide my movements once more .
tr	5	As before , the town was ghostly silent , and the slight guttering of street lamps was the only indication that life resided within this silent place .
tr	5	He stuck out his hand , smiling pleasantly , and I was more than happy to hand over my ticket and be rid of the kindly man .
tr	5	The man was pleasing to chat with , and although necessity forced me to keep my words jaded , his company provided for an enjoyable afternoon .
tr	5	I finally reached the outskirts of the city and ducked through an open gate just as the guards were shutting down the city for the night .
tr	5	We drank lightly as I told of our ragged chase through the pass , the Faith 's manor , and the flight through the darkness .
tr	5	Of course , other than a few occasions this week , I haven 't had a chance to practice in a while , " I said wryly .
tr	5	He was trained in the French school of course , but has since learned all the styles : Italian , German , and so on .
tr	5	The details were slim , even in my own mind , but I attempted to recall where our carriage had gone after escaping from the palace .
tr	5	From the tortured look in Eva 's eyes , she was dreading the fate of her closest friend , and I couldn 't blame her .
tr	5	The best plan is to attack the man when he 's least guarded , kill him , and present Phillip to the people afterwards . "
tr	5	" As much as that would remove all my romantic attraction , " I said dramatically , " I suppose it might be necessary . "
tr	5	" If you 'll excuse me , I 'm going to find some food , a razor , and a bed in that order . "
tr	5	It couldn 't last though , and after relaxing amid the brothers ' care for half a week , we resolved to set things in motion .
tr	5	I 've met Eva only once or twice , and from what her father Aleksei says at court , she 's a free spirit . "
tr	5	" Sire , I won 't contradict you , " returned one of the fencers , but he didn 't look like he believed it himself .
tr	5	He said this as if it might be an imposition to some , but I couldn 't fathom that ; the common room was simply enormous .
tr	5	He quit teaching for the rest of the day , pawned us off on some attendants , and we never saw him again -- strange , really .
tr	5	I was rather taken with his style , and Simon , being both a swordsman and Frenchman , had every published work by the author .
tr	5	My mother , God rest her soul , used to scold me for that , but since she died , Father 's been more distant .
tr	5	After eating breakfast with the group , he snagged a coat , selected a large book from the library , and bustled into the chilly air .
tr	5	Just as the sun set behind the trees , I was taking a short walk with Eva when he came trudging back from the woods .
tr	5	By this point , the murmur enveloping the room was too much , and I began reading aloud to quiet the others ' grim curiosity .
tr	5	There were rumors circulating the palace about a coming change in the king 's location , but he couldn 't say if they were true or not .
tr	5	On the pretext of relaxing from the worries of the capital and escaping the grief of Phillip 's death , he 's moved to the countryside .
tr	5	To make a long story short , a treaty several decades back changed the borderline , and his family 's property landed on our side .
tr	5	" Well you said that like it 'd be a walk in the park and not some midnight caper with half a chance of survival . "
tr	5	A few times a day , they throw the refuse out , but it 's above a ledge , and we 'd need a ladder .
tr	5	When I saw it though , there were lots of guards milling about , and people were passing to and from the paddocks as well .
tr	5	" It 's a long shot , and I didn 't get a long chance to examine it much , but maybe this other one will work .
tr	5	The king 's bound to return to the capital sometime , and if we miss our chance , it may be months before we have another opportunity .
tr	5	" There 's no possibility of surprise in that , but if we overwhelm the guards , we might get to the king before they surround him .
tr	5	While I hadn 't constructed a Versailles or taxed the people into poverty , I was a noble , if not by blood then by practice .
tr	5	" Now which fool do you suppose did -- " I snapped my gaze towards him , and the withering look shut him up instantly .
tr	5	Seeing no response from the guards we knew to be nearby , Simon waved us onwards then , and the shades flitted through the darkness once more .
tr	5	I would dive into the freezing waters , swim up the drainage pipe if possible , and emerge in the shadows of the great hall .
tr	5	My breath escaped my lips like a fleeing captive , and to my right , I could see the form of a student moving forward .
tr	5	Pulling with all my weight , I snapped the bar and shoved it against the wall , opening a space in the middle of the pipe .
tr	5	In the end though , I discarded the notion as too noticeable and moved on , but not before noting the silver diamond painted onto the table .
tr	5	Their backs were to the door , and they seemed too engrossed in each other to even notice me , but I crept backwards all the same .
tr	5	Gathered together , we numbered nearly fifty men , and despite our efforts , someone was bound to hear the mass moving through the dark corridors .
tr	5	The weight rested easily in my hand , and although heavier than other weapons , it possessed a forceful mobility that melded well with my body .
tr	5	In the end , I caught his shoulder in a passing swipe , and he collapsed in utter terror , cries of agony escaping his lips .
tr	5	Even so , cries of pursuit followed us , and I turned and clipped off a few shots over my shoulder to dissuade any chase .
tr	5	Together , we lunged , And together , Logan and I soared through the darkness , my friend seeking the girl , I the devil himself .
tr	5	Wasn 't it convenient that we had three foreigners -- three men unknown to anyone in the country -- on hand to take the blame ?
tr	5	A shot cut the bark from a tree as his side , a naked branch dipped to shade him , and he was swallowed by the woods .
tr	5	An empty casket was buried beneath heaps of black prince flowers , their petals flaking downwards , occasionally drifting to the silent marble floor below .
tr	5	" The depth perception ... It 's taking a while to adjust , " she said , lowering her eyes -- or her eye rather .
tr	5	To Alexandre Dumas , Sir Anthony Hope , William Shakespeare , and all the others : Thank you for walking the path ahead of me .
tr	5	A small grin graced her face and she collected a shawl ; the spring air still had a bite of the long winter in it .
tr	5	In fact , on several times , when testimony was taken about the Faith 's actual assassination , the trial had to pause to quiet the crowd .
tr	5	I 'd been present when Fuchs shot King Martin , so I of course testified in the affair , and the raging crowd made me sweat .
tr	5	In the wake of the recent disaster , Phillip had appointed us , along with Simon , to be in charge of his bodyguards and personal safety .
tr	5	We paused , collecting ourselves and allowing another ten guards to join our party before we pushed through the massive doors and ambled onto the palace grounds .
tr	5	Despite the dozen guards surrounding Phillip , as well as the fiercely loyal mob , the chaos surrounding the hanging would make for a perfect assassination .
tr	5	" Those bastards won 't be rising anytime -- " I had turned to look at him while he spoke , but the poor devil never finished .
tr	5	I saw more than one man , from both sides , sheath a bayonet in an enemy 's gut , dropping the corpse to the soil .
tr	5	Around me , men fought like animals over the parapet , and more than one soldier was flung from the heights into the melee below .
tr	5	My feet slid into the mud under the cow 's hooves ; I 'd spilled warm milk in my distraction , and it now churned the earth .
tr	5	I couldn 't tear myself from the unseen horror , the grasping arms of war that tried to embrace us here , even in the lonely kitchen .
tr	5	I clutched him to my breast , vowing I 'd never let him go , struggling to think of a way to keep him from the army .
tr	5	He raised his hand to strike again , but the girls , overhearing the commotion , raced out of the house and waited uneasily on the stoop .
tr	5	Now Owen , please , let 's eat ; there 's been far too many interruptions this evening ... Oh for pity 's sake ! "
tr	5	Instead of retreating back toward the stateroom , the man wandered the corridors , his eyes reflecting the dull brass and iridescent silver adorning the walls .
tr	5	The blade was elegant , perfectly balanced , and finely honed by a Hanoverian craftsman ; it was a graceful tool of life and death .
tr	5	* * * * * Ward had collapsed again on the observation deck , a pen in hand , a paper present , and a soul grieving .
tr	5	This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons , living or dead , or places , events or locales is purely coincidental .
tr	5	The problem with the Dominator was that in order to make the thing fly , its designers had sacrificed much in the way of armor .
tr	5	As the infantry flooded into the area , the DEMON guns fell silent , none of the tank commanders wishing to hit their own troops .
tr	5	Flaherty couldn 't help shaking his head at the stark difference between this engagement and the one they 'd fought less than two hours earlier .
tr	5	Flaherty was able to follow some of the action over the command frequency , but the fighting had moved on from where his company sat .
tr	5	Destro had been standing on the outdoor balcony of his private dining room when his guests arrived and he hurried back inside to greet them .
tr	5	In nearly four years of service with the Iron Grenadiers , this was the first time Flaherty had seen the man 's face in person .
tr	5	Flaherty did the math in his head and quickly realized that slightly more than half of his men would be trained and experienced as Ferrets .
tr	5	" I 'll talk to Aries and see if I can pick and choose at least some of them from the Brigade 's other mortar units . "
tr	5	He directed his two subordinates to take their positions and then posted himself at the tavern entrance to ensure that Destro 's meeting wasn 't disturbed .
tr	5	At his command , they threw on their packs and headed out toward the north lawn , which was commonly used as a landing field .
tr	5	After leaving the Officer 's Mess , he rejoined his company in the Motor Pool , where they were working on vehicle familiarization for the new crewmen .
tr	5	Lieutenant Lee ' Lethal ' Fleming had briefly served under Captain McLeod before moving on to another unit , so he understood exactly how the company ran .
tr	5	It occurred to Flaherty that he had no idea what the vehicle 's make was , but it obviously wasn 't a Ford or a Chevy .
tr	5	" A few months back , the Captain 's platoon was deployed to Sierra Muerte along with Colonel Nero 's team and a bunch of infantry .
tr	5	" I 'd just like to say that it has been a pleasure serving with this unit and I 'd like to be able to return someday .
tr	5	" So , for anyone interested , we 'll be saying farewell to Lieutenant Head this evening at the pub in town , " Flaherty said .
tr	5	That you 've wasted your time on a guy that 's going to spend half his time running around the world in a tank ? "
tr	5	" I 've a few things to attend to , so I believe I 'll leave you to it for the evening , Captain . "
tr	5	His head turned , and when he reopened his eyes , he was looking directly at a pair of men , approximately seventy-five meters away .
tr	5	" I 'll get back to you after I 've had a chance to listen to it , " Destro said before killing the connection .
tr	5	Voice # 2 : " If you had not blundered the first abduction attempt , you 'd not be in this predicament , would you ? "
tr	5	I don 't want her breaking anyone 's nose this time , so make her aware that this is my wish and it is not negotiable . "
tr	5	The rest of the items were left in the box , to be issued later , and the box was carried away with the squad .
tr	5	Though he was far from the senior man in the squad , he was easily the best underwater navigator - and that was saying quite a bit .
tr	5	As he dug into his breakfast , Flaherty couldn 't think of a single thing that wasn 't going perfectly for him at the moment .
tr	5	" What " " Lee , you need to get a hold of First Sergeant King and let him know that we 're deploying immediately .
tr	5	Sleet took the final position to the direct rear of Iceberg , covering the path they 'd made in the snow while infiltrating the valley .
tr	5	The blade was razor sharp and Snow Job never felt the blade crease his skin , only the thin trickle of blood running down his neck .
tr	5	Doesn 't appear that either round hit anything vital , but we 're gon na need to get him out of here , ASAP . "
tr	5	When he looked back , he saw that the blast had thrown the bodies of Graves and Blister some fifty feet from where they 'd fallen .
tr	5	" On top of which , we 're not sure yet which areas are of strategic value and which are simply storage sites or outposts .
tr	5	Spread the prisoners out amongst the birds so that we don 't need to worry about them waking up early and overpowering their guard . "
tr	5	Then he leaned closer to Vulcan and whispered , " Just remember we have a mission and try to keep your pants on this time . "
tr	5	When he 'd been a Sergeant , there was always something to check on , someone that needed his guidance or his boot in their ass .
tr	5	Hunger had fallen into the habit of bringing his MP3 player everywhere he went and Flaherty realized that his own tastes were not terribly different .
tr	5	Reaper was an expert marksman and absolutely ferocious in close combat , but oddly enough , he tended to be rather clumsy in ordinary tasks .
tr	5	He made a point of smiling like an idiot at every person that walked past , because that 's exactly what he wanted them to believe .
tr	5	Unfortunately , one of them had taken a liking to Huerta and made a point of stopping to harass him at least once a day .
tr	5	It was becoming more and more difficult to maintain his cover as an incompetent , while the two pushed him around for their own amusement .
tr	5	Staying in character , Huerta picked up a tattered rag doll and extended it toward the man , his eyes as wide and dumb as his smile .
tr	5	They would be transported to Scotland , where a site was being set up to allow for joint analysis between MARS personnel and the Joes .
tr	5	It was Colonel Masque 's preference to keep prisoners isolated at least until their initial interrogation so that they were not able to coordinate stories .
tr	5	As soon as they get here , we can brief the entire squad , divide up into fire teams and punch everybody back out . "
tr	5	As such , she was once referred to as The Iron Maiden , but later changed her call sign to Scythe when the Baroness formed this unit .
tr	5	Raven sat by herself , looking surly and aloof , as usual and casting occasional dark looks at Moira , whom she was known to dislike .
tr	5	These raids became commonplace , with men and women seized from their beds to become guinea pigs for an old man 's twisted lust for power .
tr	5	A few minutes later , he was standing beside his command DEMON surrounded by his three Platoon Commanders , Executive Officer and the company First Sergeant .
tr	5	Since departing Scotland , Vulcan hadn 't missed an opportunity to demonstrate his chivalry or his manliness , and it was beginning to wear on her nerves .
tr	5	He looked out over the shipping crate he was hunkered behind and spotted a very faint muzzle flash from the top floor of the grain mill .
tr	5	The palace is secure and if it pleases you , we 've prepared the Prime Minister 's conference room to be used as your CP . "
tr	5	As she stood on the balcony overlooking the city , she wondered whether they 'd be able to put this all behind them after this battle .
tr	5	She had just started to turn away from the view when the blow landed and her world first flared white with pain ; then faded to black .
tr	5	Stepping outside , he looked forward , beyond the front of the column , and saw an enormous cloud of smoke rising through the trees .
tr	5	The Joes may be hobbled by the fact that they were not deployed under official orders , but their presence on the waterfront was helpful , nonetheless .
tr	5	When hit , the man reacted to it as if stung , but no matter how many times he was hit , he failed to fall .
tr	5	Wry , Vader and Osgood were all in a similar state and were already onboard the gunship , which had been designated as a medevac bird .
tr	5	Those two brigades had split from each other just after crossing the border , so in essence there were now three brigades pressing the attack .
tr	5	But perhaps the biggest bit of news was that General Mayhem had arrived at the palace and assumed command of theater operations in Destro 's place .
tr	5	Chapter 58 Llama looked across the alcove which led to the bunker entrance and saw Sergeant Shock waiting there with his weapon at the ready .
tr	5	Now , we 're going to secure transport and I will expect you to provide me with updates so that we can be available to assist . "
tr	5	Inferno 's eyes narrowed and his smile grew wide as he extended both arms and triggered twin fountains of flame that engulfed the young Ferret .
tr	5	" Okay , hold for as long as you can , " Loc told him , loading grenades into his rifle 's launcher as he spoke .
tr	5	However , he could count on one hand the number he 'd encountered over the years that were actually tough enough to make it as a Highlander .
tr	5	He cursed to himself , knowing now , as he had suspected all along , that it had been an elaborate game designed to get him here .
tr	5	The Beryllium steel mask prevented any real harm , but the blow hurt more than Destro could recall experiencing from a blow to the head .
tr	5	She opened her eyes and as he pulled her to him , Destro released the breath that he hadn 't realized he 'd been holding .
tr	5	Destro and the Baroness watched from the Razor gunship as the earth collapsed in on the rooms and corridors , marking where the facility had once existed .
tr	5	Enter this world as a newborn Traveller and learn what it means to be one ... Read about a struggle that transcends space , time and dimensions .
tr	5	This novella is a fictional work and is not meant to portray any persons alive or dead , any similarities observed are accidental and unintended .
tr	5	Never mind I already know ; for I am the eternal watcher , the witness , who recorded all events that were and will be .
tr	5	Your soul has awakened and transitioned , you have chosen to serve creation by working with the Travellers in this now , and this is their realm .
tr	5	I have watched the works of these Travellers and I have been asked to aid them by bringing you up to speed on their struggle .
tr	5	The Father of Beginnings then decided to create the Guardians of the Cosmos to help protect creation and he made them eternal and their numbers were many .
tr	5	The Father gave them all laws to help protect creation but the children of Kek united with a host of planetary systems and became the Confederation .
tr	5	The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence , he feels it so he believes it is real and such was his reality .
tr	5	Like all things in nature , there was rhythm here too and so he went down , but a door representing his uncertainty faced him .
tr	5	We can never be truly full of what we don 't really want , and so he saw others trapped in this scene , their reality .
tr	5	He felt something ; it came from everywhere and from every direction , the air was heavy with it and the ground lifted by it .
tr	5	The air was sweet and flying creatures filled the sky , and as he gazed he realised there were other creatures by the lake to his right .
tr	5	He remained for a while and then turned back , stepping through a door to the present time and space , into the conscious physical world .
tr	5	He looked to the sky and he saw a sight words would struggle to convey , of a manner that never had they been seen before .
tr	5	Finally he looked at his hands , like they were new hands , none can know what he truly saw as he gasped and stood up .
tr	5	He spoke with words but there were no words , reaching far and near , nowhere and everywhere , to everyone and to no one in particular .
tr	5	The Sages had told us that one would come to our aid and my Empress directed me , I was blessed to witness it first hand .
tr	5	" Yes sir , " he responded and went to operate the controls of the transmission pedestal , and I returned to the object of my attention .
tr	5	Its coat however , was orange with black spots like a leopard ; they both had big paws and thick bodies , truly they were majestic cats .
tr	5	The camp was not small with tents scattered around a central clearing and some soldiers sat by a fire having a meal , while others played dice .
tr	5	It was surprising that such an old race as this was yet to evolve beyond violence , still , their cause was thing that I could understand .
tr	5	One day we Travellers will ascend to a new realm of understanding and move into a seventh dimension reality , and my heart glowed with the thought .
tr	5	Their tents were laid out orderly surrounding the centre of the camp and there was a fire where the warriors sat , ate and conversed without words .
tr	5	It was a deep black and seemed to be made of composite parts , and different materials ; however , they seemed to be sturdily bound together .
tr	5	It had an open groove at the top and I expected a weapon slid out from there ; truly it looked to be a beautifully crafted tool .
tr	5	I needed to see the situation myself ; making sure I was a good distance from the camp , I collected my thoughts and focused my will .
tr	5	" I am grateful for your wise words Traveller , but I must ask what ... What if we don 't win , what then ? "
tr	5	" Now we must begin our march , " I said to him as he saluted and walked to his warriors for more inspirational words .
tr	5	Just as in all there is masculine and feminine , so also in one there is the same truth , a truth not limited to sexual organs .
tr	5	I passed my thoughts over the Sphinx ; each seemed to perceive this hidden world differently ; indeed the hidden ways were a world of their own .
tr	5	I began to feel myself connect with the planet like I was part of its circuit , its full force flowed within me ; it was invigorating .
tr	5	They were like long finger nails , five on each hand , and I felt and heard the hum of each sonic blade in unison .
tr	5	My interface monitor alerted my mind , to the failure in my vessel 's systems ... I must return to the ground , I thought .
tr	5	I watched a pair of Sphinx make short work of a few of the armoured soldiers ; with a psychic link their motions were perfectly synchronised .
tr	5	I watched as one used his blade to take a man off his feet and I saw a few more headed towards the bigger machines .
tr	5	I felt the flow take hold and dropped to the ground ; their weapons left their hands to collect as one large rotating mass above us all .
tr	5	With my other hand I reached out and grabbed my spear , wrenching it from its mortal scabbard and I spun with it , spraying blood .
tr	5	The force was so great that he not only joined the mass , but also caused the mass to wedge itself into a nearby wall .
tr	5	The wave knocked off balance those that remained around me and I proceed unharmed through the exit , out the courtyard , deeper into the citadel .
tr	5	A flash of understanding came to me , I knew where I was and I knew what Tiamat planned and how she wanted to accomplish it .
tr	5	Then I saw it , it was big with many parts and it stood vertically seeming to extend into the very centre of the planet .
tr	5	Tiamat continued , while I mumbled words slowly releasing the Logos that I had collected , attempting to tear the veil of this dimensional trap .
tr	5	" You give up too easily , " a deep voice came from the other end and it wasn 't a voice that I recognised .
tr	5	" Turn right at the next intersection and continue until you see a warehouse , " he said simply and then the line went dead .
tr	5	" I brought you here to explain things to a calmer you , " I heard Adam 's voice as an image of him appeared .
tr	5	" We are inside your mind with our mental selves , " he explained , taking a seat beside me and picking up a margarita .
tr	5	" Your armour is a good design but it is lacking in some areas , I have modified it to improve your chances of survival .
tr	5	Scabbard in one hand , I raised the blade and held it vertically , its point in the air ; I pulled the trigger and it roared .
tr	5	I felt a wave wash over me and I noticed the blue shimmer of the blade and the red glow of one of the markers .
tr	5	I wore the cloak and strapped my new weapon , facing the very normal looking door with a golden handle , considering my new mission .
tr	5	I knew where I was and it was definitely not Africa , I thought , as I saw snow falling on the other side of the window .
tr	5	Maybe it worked , maybe it didn 't , whatever the case I wasn 't seen and so I continued up the building towards the console .
tr	5	" I know what you are up to , your plans are ruined give yourself up , " I replied ignoring his question and he smiled .
tr	5	Well I have a solution , I kill two thirds of the population to ease the land and subdue your people with an overwhelming invasion .
tr	5	" You will not stop me , " General Tani screamed as he jumped out the window and sprouted wings , holding the detonator in his hand .
tr	5	Blood and pieces of flesh filled my vision , until I heard the being scream no more ; but then I realised that I was falling .
tr	5	I hit the ground but I continued to fall , I was nowhere and then suddenly I was standing in the middle of a field .
tr	5	Since , time depends on perception to Travellers and all who abide in this realm , time is on your side , so be patient .
tr	5	I know Olympus is involved but I don 't know how or why , not yet any way ... I had considered it while in solitude .
tr	5	It was the day I first met him and my mind drifted ... I looked around me , noticing first the Moon low in the sky .
tr	5	They were tall seats like you would find in a bar and most seats were vacant so I chose one , particularly because of its neighbour .
tr	5	I looked to my left and grabbed the metropolitan paper and passed it her way , not without noticing and imprinting the image of a close friend .
tr	5	Like I said , I was in solitude and the venue was the most remote I could find , meaning I wasn 't expecting company .
tr	5	" When the wind howls the mountains remain unmoved , however , if the wind is precise and persistent it will wear down the mountain .
tr	5	" Hmm ... " Sheena said , as she repeated the phrase under her breath thinking it over and finally she declared that it was a warning .
tr	5	I should have realised ... Without another thought I vaulted myself over the chairs , no doubt discharging some static onto the metal bar along the way .
tr	5	I swung to the right and took another off his feet , spinning with the motion I brought my left fist down on his stomach .
tr	5	I carried the motion and caught another with the full force of my fist in his stomach , I lifted him and threw him at two others .
tr	5	I propelled myself into the air , launching myself on top of another , while I chucked the other baton , which connected firmly with a head .
tr	5	Four people guarded my body but I felt no tension in the atmosphere , it could be because I am not expected to be awake .
tr	5	Without hesitating I lunged at the one facing me , knocking his head hard on the side of the van and I grabbed his pistol .
tr	5	' Cos if it was just the money I would be dead by now ... " I answered , feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of my plight .
tr	5	I wonder what happened to Tim Sinclair , last I saw of him was in the papers and he was in trouble with the law like me .
tr	5	Shade jumped out of the line of fire with good time to spare and the wave of force hit the creatures carrying them through the main doors .
tr	5	Shade and I jumped and cleared the threshold , the drones following closely behind us and as our feet touched the ground the cops opened fire .
tr	5	" You must be a real danger for them to play their hand the way that they have and I have no doubt they killed your parents .
tr	5	Even as he tried to keep his distance from me I closed the gap , pulling the trigger once again to charge the blade 's energy .
tr	5	As my sword roared , I heard screams , which stopped me dead in my tracks and I turned to face were Nuru was looking .
tr	5	I pulled my blade back and in quick successions pulled the trigger and brought it down on his head but again it passed through him .
tr	5	Do you forget that I know the truth of your existence and that of your mother , Tiamat and that of her father , Kek .
tr	5	He hadn 't noticed that Adam had woven a web of energy behind him , until the web came to life in a bright fire .
tr	5	I could not simply bring you here and though it is unfortunate you went through what you did , you have greatly helped our cause . "
tr	5	" Your experience has tempered your body and you no longer have need for the cloak ; this is the reason for your golden appearance .
tr	5	I see , well give it time it will come to you , perhaps the dissonance the Confederation caused is the reason for your forgetting .
tr	5	It is an obvious ploy by Tiamat to divide and conquer , but notwithstanding she must be found and I am sure Oasis will find her .
tr	5	In the midst of this all , a glorious sight is seen ; the King 's champion waged battle against a dozen men on his own .
tr	5	Even as he savagely defended his wife and daughter , he cut down his assailants with mighty , swift , strokes of his long blade .
tr	5	" The time of the Magi has come to an end and we will take back what is ours , " the newcomer added with a smile .
tr	5	With nothing but silence Ezra advanced his new enemy , their blades clashed and the ring of metal filled the courtyard as these two titans battled .
tr	5	Now let me present to you a poem , which highlights a portion from one story within the second book of A Tale of Tales , enjoy !
tr	5	Constant rejection made even him , in his drunken state , realize that the women of the mead hall weren 't going to respond to his flirtations .
tr	5	Soon -- by morning 's light -- you will embark on a great journey , and gods alone know where the road will take you .
tr	5	Yet at the end of it all ... whether there are blue skies and long life , or dark shadows awaiting you , I cannot tell .
tr	5	Gunnar pitched back his axe -- its bit still dripping with blood -- as he grabbed the short , timid man by the scruff of his neck .
tr	5	Instead of Gunnar 's light tunic , they wore chainmail ; in their hands they carried swords , and on their backs were bows and arrows .
tr	5	She is a necromancer and the ghosts of the dead are everywhere here ... " " We 'll be all right , " Gunnar said .
tr	5	" Please do not arrest me ; I have brought a gift of atonement for the king -- something he will not pass up lightly . "
tr	5	The wielder of the idol possesses vast strength ... and Sven believes it can solidify the realm under his rule , so that none may rebel . "
tr	5	To the east -- where Gunnar planned to go , were the hundreds of caves , obscured by a dense pine forest full of game .
tr	5	As Brand 's eyes further adjusted to the light , he noticed that Gunnar was relaxed , sitting against the cave wall , and sharpening his axe .
tr	5	They would be the great pride of any fighting man , and could only have been gained through battle , or the purposeful cutting of a blade .
tr	5	" Now that I 've done as you asked , like a servant , perhaps you can tell me your story , " Gunnar said .
tr	5	" Perhaps if we sent you to fight the evil in the Darkling Wood , you could vanquish it with the purity of your voice . "
tr	5	Until you take up the sword of a warrior and pledge yourself to an earl , you will always be a boy in my eyes . "
tr	5	The earl has sent Gunnar in the tiny chance he might cure the evil -- so tiny it 's more likely that animals learn to talk .
tr	5	Then he asked all the gods who 'd listen if they 'd save him , as he took off toward the gate at a dead sprint .
tr	5	It was in a different language -- a thicker , more guttural language -- and the melody was in a mode that Brand had never heard before .
tr	5	" Show your face , monster , " Hilda hissed , " Or I shall cleave it from the neck and see it for myself . "
tr	5	There is always gray ... and colors -- bright , beautiful colors -- which you humans seem not to wear in your short , sad lives .
tr	5	Brand screamed and began to charge , but it was no use ; a White Wolf 's piercing howl filled the forest like a shrieking winter wind .
tr	5	And if you come from any other keep having a price on your head , be aware that your punishment will be ten times worse here . "
tr	5	There is pickled herring , salmon and lobster ... sweet cakes , honey loaves ... tea ... anything you can imagine , the market has it . "
tr	5	What did it matter that Brand 's father took care of pigs , and Hilda 's father was the patriarch of some unimportant noble house ?
tr	5	This wood -- a place of meditation for the noble line , as Hilda explained -- grew a quarter mile north of the main road .
tr	5	" And if you are a competent assassin , as your crimes suggest , then I believe you won 't outgrow your own use for a while .
tr	5	It 's wha ' the pigs eat down in the sty , but you can 't afford to be picky when you 're under my care . "
tr	5	" A horse chief -- one of the horse peoples -- she was sent to him by her father , and she was raped . "
tr	5	" If you do not believe me , " Gunnar said , " I 'll kill you , an ' I 'll cut you up . "
tr	5	" Henrik , earl of White Wolf Keep , will come with an army and take her by force , " the watch captain explained .
tr	5	" I tell the people I am barren , and that Brand 's sister-in-law Kenna must bear the heirs , since Harald refuses to remarry .
tr	5	Judging from half-finished painting -- the sun and its reflection -- he had done a competent job , even if he had no great artistic ability .
tr	5	" I will fight for them , if my lord requires , and serve them until the day I die ... " Brand gulped and hesitated .
tr	5	" The boy is not trained in a sword , and the sound of a lute in the darkness will not protect from invading men . "
tr	5	" I obey you alone , Your Honor , " he finally breathed as the sounds of screaming and tearing flesh echoed through the hall .
tr	5	" Go through every longhouse , " Captain Erik instructed the next morning , wearing his gold-colored armor and carrying a torch in his hand .
tr	5	In the stain , buried halfway in the snow , was the mutilated body of a grown man , his arms and limbs gone from his body .
tr	5	She may be a whore -- even a common one -- and she might not be the kind of guest you 'd like in our halls .
tr	5	" That would take days of hard riding , and we only have one day before he turns into -- " " Don 't say it ! "
tr	5	Brand felt safer than he would alone ; vicious brown bears were known to live here , and they had acquired a taste for human flesh .
tr	5	" The keep has had trouble of late and the city has been closed to visitors for the past week , " the guard answered .
tr	5	" I admit that it does , " the High Priest said , " and yet , I do not know who you are . "
tr	5	" What kind of fools would want to live in a place like this when they could live in a castle overlooking the sea ? "
tr	5	But inside , we have some scrapings of food , and guest quarters for a few ; but not enough for all of you . "
tr	5	Until you know what it is like to serve the Green Dragon , though , boy , you have never felt true joy -- only luxury . "
tr	5	For dinner , they had brown bear stew -- a meal of heavenly richness compared to the meager travel fare they had eaten of late .
tr	5	Even here , in this icy , snowy hell -- on the darkest day of the year -- they attempted to appease the Yule ghosts .
tr	5	" It 's a long journey in this weather -- and without a fire to warm us , or a daily meal , at that . "
tr	5	But when our noble house is reestablished , you are welcome to it at any time , in any state of health or mind . "
tr	5	His actions led to the poisoning of the king 's soul ; his transformation into a monstrosity ; and , in time , his death .
tr	5	" -- and they will not be put on the rack or tortured like any of you would be if you crossed the High King . "
tr	5	" This other criminal dying here today has committed offenses which can hardly be read in public ; yet the king wishes to do it anyway .
tr	5	At heart they are a warrior class , and in their inception expected to protect the kingdom and shy away from any temptations of luxury or excess .
tr	5	They serve as bodyguards to the baronial family and are sworn to do whatever the lord baron wishes , no matter how outrageous the command .
tr	5	In fact , it tasted strange to her , though she 'd never tell her father that ; insulting the king 's culinary preferences was social suicide .
tr	5	Marcus knew himself as a drunkard , a partier , and a man of loose morals ; but he also knew he had a heart .
tr	5	If you feel you have been mistreated by your master , could you not have taken it up in court , rather than joining a cult ?
tr	5	Despite the lack of spoken word , it seemed that underneath the pervasive quiet , a low moaning arose : a strained sob of the restless dead .
tr	5	" But it is clear , judging from the darkness you spread and the atrocities you 've committed , that your message is demonic in nature . "
tr	5	" He is a god , and an angry god that lives beneath the others ' feet ... but he is nevertheless a god . "
tr	5	Sleeping during a meeting with the councilors ... you 're embarrassing me , and you 're making these stodgy Imperials think you 're incompetent . "
tr	5	" Better yet , " Antonio said , and brushed Julia 's long hair , " you could pay him to cancel the vote . "
tr	5	And yet , though you advise against it , my heart 's desire is to have them all arrested , every last one of them .
tr	5	She was a proud Imperial matron -- a widow , but the Empress Dowager -- and no one should see her in such a pitiful state .
tr	5	But he was not a councilor or even an August ; just the son of the most famous -- and now deceased -- Imperial Knight .
tr	5	An assassination attempt on the emperor was rare , even with such a devious and -- dare Claudio think it -- incompetent boy on the White Throne .
tr	5	They 've been reprinted in The Year 's Best Fantasy and other anthologies , recorded for numerous podcasts , and translated into several foreign languages .
tr	5	For a long moment he stood there at the threshold , wondering why in the world he 'd been away from this lovely place so long .
tr	5	Just my luck , he thought not for the first time , that the woman I love runs the whorehouse with the city 's prettiest girls .
tr	5	Last week it was ten rounds of ' The Druggist , the Draper , and the Man Who Made Paper ' before he passed out .
tr	5	A red riverboat with eyes painted on the prow had been spotted only two hours ago at an abandoned dock near the Low Bridge of Boats .
tr	5	By then , Almighty God willing , I 'll be dead and gone , my ears untroubled by the peeps of holy men 's mouths ! "
tr	5	He had fought a dozen battles more difficult than this over the decades , but he did not think he 'd ever felt so weary .
tr	5	But as a student I always fantasized that I would one day be a hermit , alone with God and my many books in the barren hills .
tr	5	The sun sinks a bit in the sky and I break halfway up the hill for afternoon prayers and a bit of bread and green apple .
tr	5	For it is not my wife that needs your help , but I. " " But her -- pardon me , uncle -- her hoof . "
tr	5	I look into a woman 's eyes set in a demon 's face and I stagger backward , calling on God and my dead mother .
tr	5	" If I were a good Muslim I would run down to the village now and ... and ... " And what , learned one ?
tr	5	Or perhaps ... Perhaps his love for you ... The crippled beggars of Cairo are the most grotesque -- and the best -- in the world .
tr	5	She repeated the bit of scripture again and again in her mind as she donned her blue silks and wound the red scarf back around her scabbard .
tr	5	" Forgive me , O High Shaykh , but my oath to my mother and my oath to God were said with the same words .
tr	5	" As she lay dying I swore to her , before God and His Angels , that I would remember her by wearing her scarf .
tr	5	For seven years now , she 'd spent every moment she could in the training yard or the archer 's copse or the pool of hardening .
tr	5	And ' pointed , ' as the Traditions say a Dervish must be , ' like God 's own sword at the heart of injustice ' ! "
tr	5	In an hour 's time she would have a sword in her hand , and all of the intrigue and ceremony would be beside the point .
tr	5	He called out in a clear , thunderous voice " ' If there is no High Shaykh , there is no Lodge of God ' !
tr	5	His powers include a great proficiency with all forms of martial arts and -- " " Let me guess -- he 's white , right ? "
tr	5	One of the few that ever talks about anything other than taking over the world or putting this or that nemesis in a death trap .
tr	5	Rotting away and reduced to an animal 's existence for making essentially the same stupid decisions every frat boy on campus made back in college .
tr	5	It slipped into a clowning smile when he looked at his friend Ali , who sat on their apartment 's ratty couch , watching Muhammad practice .
tr	5	I mean , the fact that they 're still making stereotypical shit like this ... " Ali ran a hand through his spiky black hair .
tr	5	Still , when he 'd crossed the ocean to America , Muhammad thought , he had moved away from such superstition and into the future .
tr	5	The consoling words , like smokeless fire speaking , that had echoed impossibly in Muhammad 's head as he was made to watch his uncle being beaten .
tr	5	Thou hast followed the setting sun farther , to a land of disbelievers where the air itself doth choke and the earth itself doth tremble .
tr	5	Below the weird words was engraved the traditional Islamic declaration of faith , as familiar to Muhammad 's eye as the preceding lines were strange .
tr	5	Even got chased outta town once when I winked at the wrong girl -- they was sure as could be that I was a mulatto !
tr	5	Most of the gang had been caught before we ever got hired -- and what got done to 'em wasn 't none too pretty , neither .
tr	5	Ain 't nothing in this world drives me up the wall like riding with a man who keeps on talking when there ain 't nothing to say .
tr	5	And when it comes to a gang of killers like Parson Lucifer 's , well , I got no problem shooting a man in the back .
tr	5	But when I shot that boy four times and he ain 't stopped coming at me , well , that name wasn 't so funny no more .
tr	5	Yet Ali had left on this madman 's errand -- left the woman who mattered more to him than anything on Earth 's scorched surface .
tr	5	When he was done he lowered his eyes , but he felt the old man glare at him for a few long , silent moments .
tr	5	The old man gave Ali an irritated look " Y ' know , you and my wife -- you two fucking mystics would like each other .
tr	5	It didn 't happen that often -- he was a big man , after all , as experienced at drinking as he was at killing .
tr	5	In his day , in his home village , boys that size would be learning to work a blacksmith 's bellows , or to lift a broadsword .
tr	5	That he 'd been left to such a dead , dull life that a demon 's visitations were the most wondrous thing that could happen to him .
tr	5	And a few well-placed hints would let the Legion find this ledger , which would do much to make them less interested in avenging these men .
tr	5	About the Author In addition to his short fiction , Saladin Ahmed has published nonfiction in Fantasy Magazine , Salon , The Escapist , and Tor.com .
tr	5	Susan had determined that if the time ever came to rain down fire upon the earth , she wouldn 't participate , she wouldn 't fight back .
tr	5	She decided long ago that if called upon to launch her missiles , she would refuse , allowing the country she loved to be obliterated .
tr	5	They had run the drill thousands of times before and when it happened for real , Susan 's brain and body responded without conscious thought .
tr	5	They had grown close over the last few years working in the launch tube together and were sensitive to each others ' mood and feelings .
tr	5	The knot in her stomach grew and she was about to say something , anything to break that stare when Timmons ' voice came over the intercom .
tr	5	The procedures say I can 't let you out until we either get a stand down order or you have launched all the birds . "
tr	5	Strategic Command wanted people who relied upon procedures no matter what and didn 't think too deeply about the reality of what they were doing .
tr	5	" Timmons , we need to get out of here , we 've - " Jacobs pushed her aside sticking his face into the intercom .
tr	5	If we hadn 't launched those missiles , maybe we wouldn 't have been hit in return and maybe my family would still be alive . "
tr	5	Also , before you say it , I 'm not going to let your mother spend the night in this small shack with four corpses !
tr	5	" But Dad , those two look like they 're still alive , " pleaded Joshua pointing to the man and woman David had shot .
tr	5	" Just go get those other two bodies and then clean the blood off the floor , " said Nathan as evenly as he could .
tr	5	David gave him the same reaction when told he could not stay at a friend 's house or watch a late movie on a school night .
tr	5	Her eyes followed him like a wild horse , but there was no hope for her , it was a wonder she was alive at all .
tr	5	After all , lots of people were still alive and the world kept turning , but Nathan couldn 't help thinking of it in those terms .
tr	5	Nathan sat up and swung his feet out of the covers putting his hand comfortingly on Daisy 's head , but she crawled under the bed .
tr	5	He counted the expanding tops of three bright mushroom clouds rising over what must be D.C. in the southeast and two over Baltimore in the northeast .
tr	5	From deep in his subconscious , his brain retrieved a distant memory of a military class on what to do in the event of a nuclear attack .
tr	5	He continued to stare outside for a few moments as that clinical information briefing replayed in his mind along with visions of blind Hiroshima survivors .
tr	5	He checked his watch to mark the time and then started yelling for Beth and the boys to get up while he got dressed quickly .
tr	5	Once there , he picked up several pieces of luggage and took them back upstairs to find the boys and Beth at the window again .
tr	5	" Help your mother with water , fill any jug or container you can find and move , we 're almost out of time . "
tr	5	There has been no official statement or response from the government and we don 't know at this point even if they survived the initial blasts .
tr	5	If you don 't have potassium iodide tablets , consume as much iodine salt as you can stand per day for at least a month .
tr	5	Supposedly an official warning went out from the government before the bombs started dropping on America , but it was too late in most cases .
tr	5	He visualized thousands of people above ground coming out and helping each other , but in the process being poisoned by an invisible enemy all around them .
tr	5	Nathan also began to feel more comfortable eating any canned food they discovered and found it unnecessary to keep their faces covered with wet cloths .
tr	5	They conducted a futile search for anything of value , but all food , shelter , tools , and even scraps of plastic sheeting were long gone .
tr	5	" Let 's pack up , " he said to the room without turning from the window , " time to get on the road again . "
tr	5	It was plain that his courteous manner would vanish in an instant if they didn 't move along , so they thanked them and departed .
tr	5	Joshua nodded without question and moved off at a run carrying the Weatherby .270 rifle , his long blond hair flying out from under a knit cap .
tr	5	Nathan shook his head , " I won 't be alone , and you 'll be there and can cover me if I need help .
tr	5	As he rounded the corner he noticed the tall steel structure of the bridge , arching in the middle so that the other end was obscured .
tr	5	Part of him wanted to rush the men now and try to kill them all unawares , but he decided to take the more cautious approach .
tr	5	The big man spoke again after some hesitation , " You lay that shotgun on the ground slowly , the pistol too , partner . "
tr	5	The other man crawled under the car and out the other side where he was met by several carefully aimed shots from David and Bethany .
tr	5	Chapter 4 -- Rumor Control Reginald Philips was not a man who sought duty or responsibility , but throughout his life he seemed to consistently find both .
tr	5	He had grudgingly served as county judge when the incumbent died without warning , and then he was voted back into office for three subsequent terms .
tr	5	They were initially a simple means of putting out information , but they had since turned into one of the most anticipated events of the week .
tr	5	The region was technically part of the state of Kentucky when it was organized in 1792 , but in practicality remained under Indian control for many years .
tr	5	Only in 1818 , when Andrew Jackson and Isaac Shelby purchased the area from the Chickasaw Indians , did it really open for settlement and development .
tr	5	Reggie made his way down the stairs and out the front door of his father 's old house after giving his wife Janice a quick kiss .
tr	5	Reggie had held off as long as he could , but he was afraid it was time to wake everyone up for their own sakes .
tr	5	The clock on the wall was right at noon when Tim flipped several switches and a light on the wall went from red to green .
tr	5	For those of you who do not know , this council is made up of all the county executives and mayors from within the Jackson Purchase area .
tr	5	They all work together to cooperate on our common interests and I can frankly tell you this initiative has been a grand success so far . "
tr	5	We have every resource we need to survive for a long period of time , but the fuel we currently possess may be all we have .
tr	5	Although he had explained the rationale for this move many times , he decided to cover it again because people were always upset by the rationing .
tr	5	" Indeed we do , Mr. Lieutenant Governor " said Tim with a slight raise of his eyebrows , " Perhaps we should move on . "
tr	5	I want to remind everyone to continue to practice caution in that regard and stay indoors during cloudy or rainy weather to avoid potential radiation exposure .
tr	5	" We estimate that supplies are enough to get us through the next planting and harvest as long as we 're smart and don 't waste anything .
tr	5	With that said , I want to remind everyone not to throw away any old fruits or vegetables even if they appear to have gone bad .
tr	5	The two in the middle looked like they were brothers and Joshua could easily spot the resemblance from his vantage point two hundred yards away .
tr	5	He also knew he should look for stationary targets and " Mr. Tall and Thin " was now standing still less than twenty yards from the barricade .
tr	5	His eyes met Nathan 's a split second before a bullet tore through his chest , sending him to the ground in a crumpled heap .
tr	5	He also saw an older man around the middle of the bridge lying on the ground without moving , evidently a result of Joshua 's second shot .
tr	5	Bethany pulled out an old t-shirt from her bag , wet it in the snow , and began to clean spots of blood from Nathan 's face .
tr	5	She sighed disapprovingly as she kept cleaning , " Don 't you always tell the boys to know what they are getting into before they jump .
tr	5	Bethany smiled shyly , " Even I can do my small part , although you know I don 't want to have to shoot anyone . "
tr	5	I 'm saying you don 't have to be so eager to jump right into danger just because you want to protect the rest of us . "
tr	5	Bethany inspected and saw that it was minor but still hissed with exasperation , " That 's exactly what the hell I 'm talking about ! "
tr	5	He had felt tired and stretched thin five years ago when he retired after thirty-six years of wonderful , challenging , and sometimes painful military service .
tr	5	He would never truly be happy again without Rita , but he lived the best life he could until the day they could be together again .
tr	5	These characteristics served him well as a division commander and corps deputy commander , two of the most difficult and demanding jobs in the military .
tr	5	As surprised as Anderson was by those events , Lieutenant Governor Philips ' subsequent visit to his house a few weeks later left him incredulous .
tr	5	" I 'll be down at the Mayfield Court House until tomorrow morning when I head back to Murray , and we need to talk . "
tr	5	In many ways the area was fortunate in the fact that the FEMA plan had been briefed and rehearsed by all these units the previous year .
tr	5	The engineer unit from Benton had what proved the most crucial mission : guarding the Kentucky Hydroelectric Dam at Grand Rivers and keeping it operational .
tr	5	Additionally , the university was a source of much needed , and potentially perishable , skills and information that could easily be lost under such dire conditions .
tr	5	David was already facing north , " The voices were coming from that direction and I can see a light trail in the woods . "
tr	5	" Okay , here 's the deal , " Nathan began as he bent down to the ground near the fire and grabbed a small stick .
tr	5	The dog jumped to its feet with hair standing on end and gave a quick series of barks before charging forward , teeth bared and snarling .
tr	5	The wild woman jumped on Bethany as she slumped to the ground and straddled her , bringing the point of the screwdriver to Bethany 's neck .
tr	5	Bethany was dazed with blood on her face , but looked over at Nathan who stood , leaned against a nearby tree ready to take a shot .
tr	5	Chapter 8 -- Meeting of the Minds The first gathering of the Jackson Purchase Emergency Meeting started with tight lips and downcast stares at the table .
tr	5	Although he would have preferred it otherwise , he knew as the state 's Lieutenant Governor he was the only person who could legitimately call them here .
tr	5	He looked around and paused , " I feel like we should begin our session with a prayer for guidance , wisdom , and support . "
tr	5	There was more Reggie wanted to say , but he was afraid he would lose control of his emotions before the meeting even got started .
tr	5	The problem is they need a ... " Reggie sought for the right word , " ... framework , let us say , to operate .
tr	5	I would like to begin those meetings by telling them what we 're doing and propose recommendations to give them the framework we talked about earlier .
tr	5	" The three national guard units are currently at 86 percent manning , thanks to the ability granted at the last Council Meeting to enlist new members .
tr	5	Janet spoke up a little defensively , " Well , the FEMA plan was really only designed to operate temporarily , maybe a few weeks at most .
tr	5	" Excuse me , " said Doctor Stevens , " but isn 't that what the National Guard is anyway , at least , in essence ? "
tr	5	It was obvious he had rehearsed it several times , not wanting to get bogged down in questions before he could present the essence of his plan .
tr	5	Butch was a good man ; it was enough for Reggie to know that Butch believed in his plan and thought it best for all of them .
tr	5	" But ... " added General Anderson , perhaps sensing the mood turning , " we believe we have ways and means to overcome these obstacles .
tr	5	They believe with the proper resources , they can eventually produce 100,000 rounds a month , if we are only talking about one or two calibers .
tr	5	Butch again paused and looked around a little sheepishly , " We think we can get all we need from the post at Fort Campbell . "
tr	5	He says getting weapons out of unit supply rooms will be fairly easy as long as we have some time and energy to dig through concrete .
tr	5	We need to remember that Minutemen weren 't paid ; militia service needs to become a shared community obligation again , not a job . "
tr	5	We want them to be professional , in the sense that when called upon to fight they do it well and in a disciplined manner . "
tr	5	" Everyone will go through basic entry level training focused on light infantry tactics and skills , augmented by many other tasks normally performed by support troops .
tr	5	Anderson raised his hand to cut off the objections , " I know everyone needs sleep , but we can incorporate lack of sleep into our training .
tr	5	We can also cut out drill and ceremony , tradition and history , equal opportunity , and my favorite ... ' consideration of others ' training .
tr	5	Many of them are already intimately familiar with the ground from hunting , farming , and other more nefarious activities such as poaching or growing marijuana . "
tr	5	" We can also eliminate physical training , marksmanship , and other things that they can learn at their unit , or already know . "
tr	5	" Sure , I get that and don 't disagree , " answered Anderson , " but I don 't have time for politics or turf battles .
tr	5	In order to provide consistent service and avoid power outages , 25 to 40 percent of the current electrical output will need to be cut . "
tr	5	There are several settler camps that have sprung up on our eastern border , the largest of which is near the dam , along Interstate 24 . "
tr	5	" Yeah , I 've heard about those camps , " grumbled Anderson , " they grow every day if the reports are accurate . "
tr	5	We need to establish order there , that is , medical support , food , water , sanitation , electricity , tents , and information .
tr	5	Anderson wasn 't happy because he saw before the others that only the National Guard possessed the resources and discipline to perform such a mission .
tr	5	David , with his smoking shotgun , walked over and placed a foot on the dead woman 's shoulder shoving her rudely off his mother .
tr	5	" And shut that damn dog up before it draws more attention , " he added as he took off at a run after David .
tr	5	He did it he thought out of the necessity to simply survive , but had he somehow forgotten that he was dealing with just a boy ?
tr	5	Holding his crying and heartbroken son in his arms , Nathan looked up into the clear stars and asked for ... well , for anything .
tr	5	Jim Meeks lumbered into his office and collapsed on the couch across from Harold while pulling his baton out of its holster , laying it beside him .
tr	5	" Jim , have all the inmates locked down in their cells as soon as possible , even the trustees and anyone in the infirmary .
tr	5	Harold paused to allow for righteous protests of indignation , but there was nothing other than a light of understanding in the faces of a few .
tr	5	Until the process is complete , inmates will not be allowed out of their cells except for the review panel , execution , or release . "
tr	5	They had already fueled up more trucks and were at maximum capacity with two soldiers per vehicle , one driver and one man riding shotgun .
tr	5	They were most vocal in their innocence and in attacking the legitimacy of their executions , demanding to see lawyers and to speak to the governor .
tr	5	Although it was certainly easier on the executed , and the guards who didn 't have to kill them , it was a terrible ordeal for Harold .
tr	5	His crimes were repeatedly breaking and entering people 's homes where he simply stood over the sleeping residents until they woke and called the police .
tr	5	After walking slowly for about a hundred yards , Nathan spied a large dark square compound with a tall fence around it through the dense trees .
tr	5	As Reggie and his wife rolled through the front gate , he acknowledged and smiled to the two guards who responded with friendly waves of their own .
tr	5	Reggie shook hands and exchanged greetings as he made his way to an empty chair at the head of the table , typically reserved for him .
tr	5	It was okay when we thought things would go back to normal , but we all know that just ain 't going to happen . "
tr	5	The Council can still handle all the county business and cooperative stuff , but we need someone like a governor or even a president maybe . "
tr	5	James replied with a smile , " Well , as far as powers go , basically everything you 've been doing on an unofficial basis .
tr	5	Here James paused and looked around before continuing , " And we couldn 't think of anyone better to be our new president than you . "
tr	5	" Reggie , we know it 's a shock and all , but you 'd really only be doing what you 've been doing already . "
tr	5	Reggie began to understand with growing horror that this might actually happen and there may be nothing he could do to get out of it .
tr	5	The room erupted in a confusion of voices with several proclaiming that they felt the JP was ready for anything Sampson 's forces could throw against them .
tr	5	I hear you , but you damn well better get us ready in a hurry , because I think it 's coming , ready or not . "
tr	5	He was a master at his trade , but in his retired life that meant nothing because no one could know what it was he did .
tr	5	The end of the world had probably saved him from at best a lonely and miserable existence ... or at worse , a bullet in the brain .
tr	5	As the last person left the room , Ethan slowly closed the door and then came to sit beside the tense and physically imposing general .
tr	5	" President Philips has also asked me to remind all those listeners out there who are not part of the JP that the borders are closed .
tr	5	Harold looked down and saw a squat muscular man with long scraggly hair and unkempt graying beard in an overcoat looking calmly up at them .
tr	5	" Doesn 't look armed , but the men have spotted at least a half dozen others off in those ditches and woods across the road . "
tr	5	There was just enough time to recognize they were grenade launchers and that they were aiming towards his family before they fired with four muffled thumps .
tr	5	Going through the tear gas wouldn 't be pleasant , but he knew it wouldn 't kill him , and he had endured much worse .
tr	5	He saw the flash from the barrel at the same time he felt a blow to his stomach , like someone hitting him with a baseball bat .
tr	5	It is our intention to treat you with respect and courtesy , but that is only possible if you treat us with the same in return . "
tr	5	" The boss will be in here in a minute to talk to you about that and any other questions you have , " replied Meeks .
tr	5	Nathan decided to indulge him since he had questions , but thought he would throw a curve ball , " What happened to your eye ? "
tr	5	Harold sifted through the items and lifted up Nathan 's military identification card , " Says here that you are a Major in the U.S. Army . "
tr	5	I got married and the life didn 't really agree with having a family , so I went to night college and then Officer Candidate School .
tr	5	And you are from Mayfield which my map tells me is inside the JP , " Harold said this while holding up the driver 's license .
tr	5	I suspect if we take you there by force , it could be a problem the minute we need you to speak on our behalf . "
tr	5	What ails them isn 't all physical , but sometimes being under a physician 's care and following directions can help in other ways as well . "
tr	5	Since leaving the prison , travel on the road was slow going at times , but it felt like they were flying after months on foot .
tr	5	Doc , you can keep an eye out as we have more walkers and let us know if someone looks like they need a break . "
tr	5	A few more meals before the propane ran out , and he knew the two guards who were hunters would continue to provide for them .
tr	5	" Just being realistic , " Harold smiled , " only thing to do is enjoy each day and not stress too much over tomorrow . "
tr	5	Nathan was certain the original owners had either never read the Stephen King book of that name , or else had a quirky sense of humor .
tr	5	Bethany would not be put off that easily , " It 's not just the Hancock crowd , it 's those women and girls we rescued .
tr	5	Although he was close enough to hear the talk around the fire , he was just far enough away to exclude himself from the camaraderie .
tr	5	Nathan hoped , and prayed , David grabbed hold of whatever tattered shreds of childhood remained before he plunged into the serious and dangerous world of adulthood .
tr	5	" Honey , you 've talked to him and done what you could to let him know it 's okay and that you 're sorry .
tr	5	It was real , they said to each other in hushed whispers as if they might scare it away with the sound of their voices .
tr	5	For one , Nathan did not see sick or dead in the streets , nor human waste or garbage for that matter , which could cause sickness .
tr	5	Nathan also saw a raised platform nearby with three sets of rough wooden stocks , one of them actually occupied by a skinny and bruised boy .
tr	5	" Sure , no problem , " said the Sergeant , " take all day if you like , " he said with obvious sarcasm .
tr	5	" Only us for now , " said Nathan , " but I 'm going to talk to the commanding officer at the other end .
tr	5	The boy was up a few pieces , but his queen was in the center of the board and his pieces were not fully developed .
tr	5	The teenager looked up at Anderson as he approached and immediately gave him a stern look which amused Anderson , although he did not show it .
tr	5	Anderson could see the man forming angry words , but his beautiful wife jumped in gracefully , moving up in front of the two men .
tr	5	" By all means , go ahead , " said Nathan , still annoyed and trying hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice .
tr	5	" Well , I 'm going to have to explain a little bit of background first , " said Anderson as he pulled out a map .
tr	5	" We 're prepared to overlook any charges we could bring against you for desertion of your post at Fort Meade , " said Butch casually .
tr	5	Oh , I know I 'll have to report to you or the guy in charge of the JP , but you know what I mean .
tr	5	Jim 's smile vanished and he took on a harsh look , " I 'm up to it , don 't you worry , Colonel Taylor . "
tr	5	Let me first explain that the JP doesn 't really have the convenience of placing criminal in jails or prisons for any length of time .
tr	5	" Gentlemen , I need to get to Paducah , but I trust you understand the gravity and importance of the mission we 've entrusted to you .
tr	5	Nathan bristled at being called an outsider and pushed down an angry response , " Sir , we understand ... better than you folks , I think .
tr	5	Bryant took care of all sick and distributed the food given to them from the JP , and the gang ensured peace and order were maintained .
tr	5	They found several and brought them and their families over into the park , allowing a few to go out and help Bryant each day .
tr	5	They next sought out anyone with law enforcement or military experience and found about two dozen , many of them from Forts Campbell and Knox .
tr	5	They also quickly learned that first generation Americans were a godsend since they knew how to do and make things which wealthy western societies had long forgotten .
tr	5	From the time he met Clarence Anderson until his first furlough was just over a month , and the spring would soon be upon them .
tr	5	If something happened to Reggie ... no one could step in to fill those shoes , because there was no one so universally respected and trusted .
tr	5	The railcar was piled high with what Anderson was sure were bags of corn and other agreed upon items of trade such as bicycle tires .
tr	5	" I meant no offense , but you must know that we 've been having some problems with our electrical delivery and outages are more frequent .
tr	5	" Be that as it may , sir , " said Anderson , " I am committed to the council and President Philips as our leader . "
tr	5	We have devoted much time to this proposal and once you read it , I believe you will see its merits and its logic . "
tr	5	Sampson handed the proposal to Anderson who , without reading it , handed it to his aide who opened the envelope and began to scan silently .
tr	5	" It is a dangerous world out there and you are the only ones that I know of with your own functioning supply of electricity .
tr	5	Sampson stared at him for a few moments and then asked , " Might we speak in private for a few moments without our aides ? "
tr	5	" Sir , I 'm not sure that is proper given that I am representing the JP and not speaking on my own behalf . "
tr	5	" General Anderson , " began Sampson , " I believe you are a smart , dedicated man trying to do what is right for your people .
tr	5	" You are forced to support a government of people led by individuals who neither know nor understand anything about sacrifice , duty , or command .
tr	5	If you were to decide to take control of the JP , I would support you in any way needed , to include military force .
tr	5	Sampson stared at him , smirked , and turned and marched off without another word leaving Anderson standing on the border alone between the two former neighbors .
tr	5	As much as Anderson seemed to unintentionally get under his skin at every turn , Reggie Philips was the opposite and made him feel at ease .
tr	5	" What I would recommend is letting me go help train the State Police and then work with them as needed , and when I can . "
tr	5	Timothy grew up among numerous extended family , all of which made a living through various nefarious " trades " frowned upon by lawful society .
tr	5	They said he was a prodigy and held him up as an example of how the school district " turned around " a troubled teen .
tr	5	The day he received a full academic scholarship to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology , in far off Cambridge , was one of Noni 's proudest .
tr	5	Inside was $ 10,000 in dirty bills in various denominations and a scrap of white paper with two words scrawled on it , " Sorry Bro " .
tr	5	Chino , Two Tone , and Jams were part of the 15th Street Posse , a group with connections to larger gangs on the east coast .
tr	5	The Posse leader , Jaden , was once Brazen 's best friend , but there was a gulf between them now that could not be bridged .
tr	5	He stopped drug sales , prostitution , and violent crimes and turned the gangs ' illegal activity towards extortion , robbery , and violence against other gangs .
tr	5	He finally convinced the guards to prevent her from visiting him due to health concerns for the old lady caused by the stress of the prison .
tr	5	Brazen sucked in his breath in surprise and sudden anger , " That 's not what I 'm talking about and you know it ! "
tr	5	Brazen was nodding his head , " I know where you 're headed preacher , but it 's not going to work on me . "
tr	5	" Second , I 'm going to pray for you to let go of those sins every day until either I die or you die . "
tr	5	Although we have numerous areas of weakness here , our lack of intelligence prevents us from prioritizing which areas to address first with scarce resources . "
tr	5	But on a standard company organization that leaves two platoon leader slots open and these two are more than capable and they know their stuff . "
tr	5	And third , " here Nathan looked hard , " you 're most likely going to have men die under you if you do this long enough .
tr	5	Make damn sure you did everything possible to prevent it from happening ahead of time so that you know it isn 't your fault when it happens .
tr	5	Chapter 7 -- A Simple Choice Brazen wasn 't quite sure how the meeting was going to go and realized he was a little nervous .
tr	5	Brazen knew the mayor was under pressure to do something , which was the only reason he was willing to meet with a gang leader .
tr	5	He was haunted by the memory of what Noni would have wanted him to do and how he sometimes thought she looked down upon him .
tr	5	The other thing that drove him was a 3 x 5 index card in his wallet which he had carried with him since high school .
tr	5	The two men who entered walked in and without talking to anyone stalked through the bar checking out the kitchens , bathrooms , and offices in back .
tr	5	Finally , the mayor emerged from the van followed by an individual in an immaculate state trooper uniform who Brazen guessed was Commander Frank Simm .
tr	5	" I don 't know if this is good or bad , but that 's the county exec and the big man himself , President Reggie Philips !
tr	5	" Okay , easy , I 'll stand now if you want , you just need to decide what you want is all , " conceded Brazen .
tr	5	I applaud your presence here today and hope this will be the beginning of peace in our city and the end to the senseless bloodshed . "
tr	5	" Yes , let 's hear what they have to say , " said Simm , leaning on the table towards Brazen and crossing his arms .
tr	5	Reggie steeped his fingers in front of him , " Let 's say for the sake of argument that you are correct in all your claims .
tr	5	You may counter that neither does the city of Paducah , but the chances of breaking laws and getting caught by the city are slim .
tr	5	In a sense , I can be relied upon to maintain order , because that is what allows me to maintain my control and power .
tr	5	" But it does solve a lot of our problems , and we don 't necessarily have the luxury of choosing our allies right now .
tr	5	Give us three days to figure out how to announce this and in the meantime no more fights with the police or the army . "
tr	5	Chapter 8 -- Shut Down Nathan and Harold quickly made their way through the winding corridors of the interior of the enormous Kentucky Dam complex .
tr	5	They slowly , but steadily , made their way north along The Trace which was the main road running north and south through the park .
tr	5	Nathan had thought the same thing , " I don 't think he would do that , he sounded pretty frantic which is rare for him . "
tr	5	Harold decided to build housing areas around old camp grounds because those areas already possessed good roads , electrical hookups , and a clean water supply .
tr	5	After a few minutes Nathan came around a corner and spotted John looking at a set of computer screens with several technicians gathered around him .
tr	5	" We 've been monitoring the dam 's general internal temperature for several months due to a slight elevation indicating a major electrical problem somewhere . "
tr	5	" At 200 degrees things start going really bad , but I 'd like to shut it down before it gets to 190 , " said John .
tr	5	The only way to find the problem is to shut everything down and do checks section by section and circuit by circuit to find the problem . "
tr	5	I need time to tell President Philips and General Anderson , maybe they can get a special radio broadcast out before we do this . "
tr	5	It was when he remembered that one of his sons was already out there , and possibly in the path of whatever menace Sampson intended .
tr	5	I have it on good authority that failure to institute the outage now , and conduct the maintenance , could endanger our ability to generate electricity . '
tr	5	Anderson was worried about the spy in their midst , but Reggie didn 't think they could give anything away the spy didn 't already know .
tr	5	Reggie had expected some trepidation from the average citizens , but was shocked by the near open panic and irrationality of the leaders gathered around him .
tr	5	Oh , they would admit that some minor things had changed like not being able to watch Monday Night Football , but nothing of real significance .
tr	5	If the people want to have the JP , there 's going to come a point where we 're going to have to fight for it .
tr	5	Might take the shock out of peoples ' minds if they realize electricity isn 't gone forever , even if the dam is never fixed . "
tr	5	He had spent a lifetime manipulating people to do what he wanted them to do through recognizing and exploiting their wants , needs , and vulnerabilities .
tr	5	I 'm going to need you even more in the coming days , " Sampson spoke , as he disappeared into the darkness of the hallway .
tr	5	He had decided to pull all his guard troops back and keep them in reserve to respond using transport trucks when , and where , needed .
tr	5	I want a detailed report on what forces we face out there , and what they are doing from the Mississippi to the Cumberland River .
tr	5	They had a hand crank generator to keep the phone charged , but the dam must still be down which meant the cell towers weren 't functioning .
tr	5	Everyone was expecting an attack from the south , but no one was looking for an attack along the Cumberland River up through Barkley Lake .
tr	5	If it was a surprise attack , they would want to maintain secrecy as long as possible which means they would probably only travel at night .
tr	5	Joshua wasn 't familiar with the lakes or boating , but figured that it would take them several days at least to travel that far north .
tr	5	" You 're also going to have to get a boat at some point to cross over to warn Captain Green , " said Joshua .
tr	5	They had been checked for functionality and cleaned , but not yet zeroed to the individual shooters who had trained with other , more plentiful , calibers .
tr	5	He looked back down the hill to his rear , but could not see Henry and the other two men who were providing them security .
tr	5	He looked through the binoculars as the guns boomed repeatedly beside him and saw officers and NCO 's falling to the ground with horrific wounds .
tr	5	After fueling up the plane , they left the soldiers behind and lifted off without a flight plan , or any other real plan for that matter .
tr	5	It was not until later that Beau suspected Teddy 's lack of concern was related to the fact he had been drinking heavily since noon .
tr	5	Beau had never flown before and was mesmerized by the sight below him , but probably not as much as those individuals on the ground .
tr	5	Eventually , the tornados receded back up into the clouds where they had formed , and the sky quickly cleared up as if nothing had ever happened .
tr	5	They barely came to a stop before Beau jumped out and began racing toward the two soldiers laying on top of the General 's car .
tr	5	Billy and his team were nearly dead on their feet by the time they reached Captain Jason Green at the southern portion of the park .
tr	5	Captain Green reasoned he could not cover both the Lake Barkley and the Kentucky Lake approaches , and still have men left to cover the southern border .
tr	5	Since he reasonably believed the dam was their target , Nathan directed Captain Luke Carter to detach what troops he could to go reinforce the dam .
tr	5	" We don 't have enough soldiers to cover every approach , and there are several possibilities , due to the way this whole thing is built .
tr	5	I 'm going to take a risk and leave the water side approach thinly guarded since it will be hard for them to climb the dam walls .
tr	5	My guys can cover the approach from the west and the top of the park , can you cover the east side approach over the locks ? "
tr	5	His father had spent most of his youth and weekends up here fishing with his own father or hanging out with friends once he was older .
tr	5	David thought that image seemed pretty nice and he had a moment of resentment towards his father for the ability to have had such wonderful carefree times .
tr	5	" The Tennessee ships passed by their position and they could do nothing to stop them although they got a lot of good shots off .
tr	5	" Sir , the force on the river going north - " " There 's nothing we can do about that , " interrupted Anderson .
tr	5	Anderson hadn 't pushed any of his children towards the military , but had secretly and in vain hoped his son would one day become an officer .
tr	5	Once this was done , Jim peeked back over the edge and saw additional speed boats also firing at their position , keeping them pinned down .
tr	5	The soldiers who had landed from the first transport had been busy in the edge of the woods and appeared to have set up several mortar tubes .
tr	5	Jim turned to David 's position to give him the order to withdraw , but saw nothing but smoke , blood , and dead bodies .
tr	5	They 've also got maybe six hundred men and have already seized the east end of the dam road and the top of the locks .
tr	5	He unhooked the phone and carried it under his arm into the dark shelter of the dam , which he knew might very well be their tomb .
tr	5	Their trucks packed with soldiers quickly sped past the barriers and checkpoints at the Tennessee border while the disorganized Tennessee troops had simply stared in amazement .
tr	5	The man started to grab his weapon off his shoulder , but Beau drew the 9mm Beretta pistol from his holster and pointed it at him .
tr	5	Beau was transfixed by the sight and thought he could actually see the tank round come out of the barrel and fly towards him in slow motion .
tr	5	He began frantically yelling and waving for his friends to come get in the tank with him and many took off running in that direction .
tr	5	He missed that old feeling of clarity and energy he got when he stepped on the field and the loss of that feeling haunted him .
tr	5	He even cheered Beau on and encouraged him for a moment before realizing that he didn 't recognize the smoking and bloody man headed his way .
tr	5	Beau had a moment to wonder how it had all come to this so quickly , less than a year ago they were all Americans and neighbors .
tr	5	He grabbed the bleeding man by the shoulders and pulled him out of the way and then settled into what must be the gunner 's seat .
tr	5	He saw what looked like a throttle and instead of a steering wheel , a horizontal bar with grips at each end like a straight motorcycle handle .
tr	5	When they came over the last rise and approached the Kentucky border , Beau could see that pandemonium had broken loose on the other side .
tr	5	A wide smile crossed his face at the exact moment he was shot , falling back into the tank with blood pouring out of his chest .
tr	5	He weaved in and out of several corridors , but he wasn 't looking for an escape , defensive position , or even a place to hide .
tr	5	David turned the wheel as far as it would go , releasing the locking bolts and the immense counterweights deep in the bowels of the facility .
tr	5	They moved the wheel painfully , and unlike the first wheel , there never seemed to be a point where the wheel overcame its initial inertia .
tr	5	He had the units form up on line facing north and set out at a cautious pace while several small patrols ran ahead to gather information .
tr	5	He started walking again , but took only a few steps before he had to bend down and spit the awful taste out of his throat .
tr	5	Joshua thought and then smiled , " Because they want to keep our forces here facing south instead of moving north to help defend against the invasion .
tr	5	He was afraid if he told him the truth , it might occur to him that the enemy could do what they had done just as easily .
tr	5	" I also wanted to say that was a damn fine job holding up those Tennessee men while sending your guys to spread the word .
tr	5	Instead of shooting President Phillips , he shot his wife Janice who snuck up behind him hitting him with a cast iron skillet , crushing his face .
tr	5	His eyes were drawn to the most beautiful girl he had ever seen , she was standing at the foot of his bed looking at a chart .
tr	5	Beau followed her buttocks with his eyes and it took him several minutes to snap out of some sort of hypnosis to look around at the room .
tr	5	We can 't blindly follow orders because the situation can change , but we follow those orders to meet our commander 's objectives until the situation changes .
tr	5	If you had not done what you did , me and my force would have likely been killed after coming upon a superior force . "
tr	5	There were more prisoners than expected , and when not burying their comrades , they helped clear the debris from the locks , or were interrogated .
tr	5	" Excuse me , gentlemen , " said Reggie as he walked over to see the work at the locks , his bodyguards in tow .
tr	5	So I want you to hear me say that I respect the hell out of you and thank you for what you 've done . "
tr	5	" Okay , I made up the whole CIA thing , you can call it whatever you want , but I 'm serious about the job .
tr	5	Oh yeah , I almost forgot , you will work directly for President Phillips , and ... you 're now Brigadier General Taylor ... congratulations . "
tr	5	We might mislead them and send the message for success , but their other spies probably know by now that the assassination was unsuccessful . "
tr	5	" I 'm willing to overlook your attack on my life and the hurt you have done my wife in the best interest of both our people .
tr	5	First , your moron fails to kill Phillips , then your lack of warning allows them to steal my tanks , and now something else ?
tr	5	Sampson stopped awkwardly at the window and looked as if he had more to say , but finally blurted out , " That is all .
tr	5	Although I have received all the support I require , the task is still a daunting one and will take time , maybe even years .
tr	5	It will likely be necessary to disband many of the existing reconnaissance units in order to provide men to serve as leaders for other such elements .
tr	5	I have examined many agencies such as the CIA , FBI , and DHS to determine if these are proper organizations to model our state service after .
tr	5	The task of establishing this network will be significant and time consuming and the details of my plan will be included in a separate report .
tr	5	This person could continue to advise and assist the organization and the state after their term has ended , but could no longer hold such power .
tr	5	he yelled as he hobbled up the stairs , " From the south , on the river , dozens of them , filled with soldiers ! "
tr	5	They were fanatical in their own way , but would never be able to stand up to such troops in the open , at least not yet .
tr	5	He told them it wasn 't about bravery , but about killing as many of the enemy as they could without being killed or getting captured .
tr	5	Too far from the river to return in the dark , the invaders set up a defensive perimeter using several buildings to wait out the night .
tr	5	In the pitch black confined streets , Brazen 's men were able to sneak up close to the perimeter guards and pick them off one by one .
tr	5	Before sunrise they were forced to make a slow and painful withdrawal back to their boats , carrying their dead and wounded on makeshift litters .
tr	5	Brazen finally sent a rider to locate the County Exec who he thought was on his way back from visiting the dam and seeing the destruction there .
tr	5	Captain Green and his company were several miles to the north preparing to make a similar attack on the main WTR force south of Fulton .
tr	5	Captain Green was seriously concerned about the possibility of friendly fire incidents which is why everyone tied a white ribbon or band around their left arms beforehand .
tr	5	Captain Green also sent a runner north to try to pass this information to General Anderson , but no one knew if the message had gotten through .
tr	5	They ran a length of twine from the rear of the support team leader position over to the rear of the assault team and then to David .
tr	5	He didn 't check to see if anyone was following him but felt confident that he had a line of troops on both his left and right .
tr	5	He continued to hear isolated shots and pops as his men killed the worst of the wounded and tried not to think about right or wrong .
tr	5	Several got through and David decided to drop back at the edge of the camp and shoot anyone who got past the line of his men .
tr	5	Most did not even know what they were running from , but Sampson 's harsh insistence that they get themselves under control seemed to calm them considerably .
tr	5	So far , none of the enemy has come from that direction and I believe we can escape undetected , but only if we leave now . "
tr	5	Anderson ran over and found Captain Beau Myers standing on top of his vehicle looking south with binoculars like he had just conquered the world .
tr	5	Beau immediately responded with a smile , jumped off his tank and saluted Anderson , " Sir , the enemy is fleeing in all directions !
tr	5	There would be no returning from what he was about to do , but he saw no other way to stop the carnage and the craziness .
tr	5	Chapter 11 -- Cease Fire The reality of the situation hit President Reggie Philips as he walked towards an outdoor tent with the sides rolled up .
tr	5	I promise you they will remember it and it will establish a long tradition of respect and gratitude in return for your mercy and understanding . "
tr	5	The cease fire was the first step toward that end , and I pray that another shot will not be fired between us after this day .
tr	5	I hope today , at this table , we can establish a treaty between us that will allow our children and grand-children to live in peace . "
tr	5	" Actually , I don 't know , " said Ethan after a moment of consideration , " but it will not be a problem .
tr	5	I only ask that you allow those citizens living there the right to sell their homes and move south or grant them full JP citizenship rights .
tr	5	Many JP leaders wanted to cut the WTR off completely , but Reggie just couldn 't see doing that without fostering the hard feelings Ethan spoke of .
tr	5	We wish for trading rights allowing us to sell and trade goods within the WTR and to have free transport on all of its roads and waterways .
tr	5	As the military governor , Harold 's duties had increased during that critical time , and he missed the days when he worked under Nathan as deputy .
tr	5	He was recently promoted to Battalion Commander of one of the newly formed regular army forces made up primarily of his own men from Fort Campbell .
tr	5	Normally , Harold found these attitudes annoying , but given the current dam workers sense of defeat and dejection , this was just what was needed .
tr	5	They thought once the dam was back up and running , it could go back to full capacity , eliminating the blackout periods the JP routinely experienced .
tr	5	Harold shook his head , " If these big brains can 't figure it out , I 'm not sure what we 're going to do . "
tr	5	Despite this , Anderson knew that a cloud would hang over him for the rest of his life casting a shadow over everyone he was around .
tr	5	Although the retirement was bittersweet , the days back in his little house collecting his thoughts , gardening , and writing in his journals felt good .
tr	5	Second of all , the significance of your resignation would be lost on everyone and only result in weakening us in the days to come .
tr	5	" So , " asked Beau , " what will you do now that you are retired and your life of service is over ? "
tr	5	I have President Reggie Philips here to talk about all the dynamic happenings in the last few months , and what a time it has been !
tr	5	" Let 's start off with the most practical topic of discussion considering the broadcast , the repair of the dam and the return of electricity . "
tr	5	" Yes , Tim , that is a wonderful thing and it 's due to the tireless efforts of many people , " said Reggie .
tr	5	Before , the border was an arbitrary line on a map , now it is tied to key terrain which will make the border more permanent .
tr	5	Although counterintelligence is not part of their normal duties , they have exceeded all my expectations and are to be commended for their diligent work .
tr	5	His handler told him his elderly mother would be taken care of if he helped them ; but if not , they couldn 't guarantee her safety .
tr	5	The man 's biggest concern is now for the safety of his mother and he hopes his handler did not learn that he has been caught .
tr	5	He does not possess any information specific enough to identify these individuals , but we are opening cases and using his information to build subject profiles .
tr	5	Although the southern edge of Canada near the Great Lakes and Vancouver took direct nuclear hits , most of the rest of the country was left untouched .
tr	5	We are also regularly monitoring transmissions from something called The Alaskan Free State which gives indications of a functioning highly developed government of its own .
tr	5	The radio operators have on occasion picked up bits and pieces of information about something called ' Continuity of Government , ' possibly in Colorado .
tr	5	Fortune has smiled upon us to date , but we cannot gamble the lives of our families on the hope that she will continue to do so .
tr	5	Campbell was gracious in victory as he could afford to be , but it did not take back all of the things that had passed between them .
tr	5	People wanted blood , but they just couldn 't seem to understand that such a road demanded further war or total annihilation of the enemy .
tr	5	Reggie waved one final time , slapped the reins on the horse 's rump , and rode toward home and the peace he felt they had earned .
tr	5	The tribute paid to the JP had been difficult to stomach , but it was worth it to get the electricity back on and secure peace .
tr	5	Paul Campbell was not initially happy about running for the office , or campaigning in the manner that Ethan directed , but what choice did he have ?
tr	5	He was just far enough north of the city so he didn 't die instantly , but he did sustain a near lethal dose of radiation .
tr	5	In order for this to happen I needed the help and input of friends who willingly took time to read my manuscript and provide input and support .
tr	5	A caster could change the way the pieces came together , rearrange them into something new , build a thing up or take it to pieces .
tr	5	This was such an important mission , though , that each of the Brothers had been assigned a Watcher , plus another thirty , besides .
tr	5	This would have been the ideal moment to freeze the water and walk across , but he had never been very strong in Water or Fire .
tr	5	It was an enormous feature that engulfed the middle of the plaza , but today running like a madman along the edge drew hardly any attention .
tr	5	And somewhere in the hinterlands , somewhere by the dragon 's fang is the Book , and where the book is , Savana will be .
tr	5	As I suspected , he is less interested in the Falcon than using this mission as an excuse to set himself up as the Eastern Emperor .
tr	5	He didn 't like keeping children as hostages , but he could see the need to keep the heirs of the throne under close supervision .
tr	5	They must either come into the city each night and huddle behind the walls , or be content with the fact they might get eaten . "
tr	5	The Counsel , in its great wisdom , was rather hoping I would come up with some impossible answer to a very simple question . "
tr	5	" Well , you can 't blame them , " she noted , " They 're convinced you know the secrets of the Wilds . "
tr	5	There was no way that such a little thing would send her to the far side of Evermore , otherwise everyone would end up there .
tr	5	" Well , he can 't see my ankles in this , " she nodded to her outfit , a long belted tunic over loose trousers .
tr	5	He was on his feet , staring after her with a peculiar expression that lay somewhere between surprise and hope , but he hadn 't moved .
tr	5	Letting the two of them out to walk into the Wilds at night no longer bothered the gatekeeper , but he looked askance of Landon .
tr	5	Its thatch roof threw back the moonlight and small windows set high above the ground peered out from underneath it like a boy looking through too-long hair .
tr	5	She was equal parts concerned and amused that he expected ambush from a girl and a cripple in a cottage on the edge of the empire .
tr	5	" I 'm not certain , but a word from either of you will see me back at the inn if I 'm ever an annoyance . "
tr	5	" Don 't mind the noises in the night , " Elaina said as she left him for her own tiny room in the back .
tr	5	Now the eggs were cooking in the pan , and a pitcher of milk was cooling on the windowsill , thrown open to the cold morning breeze .
tr	5	That thrill she 'd felt at going to talk to a stranger the night before was dwarfed by the rush of adrenaline that burst through her now .
tr	5	It was in his movements , in his eyes -- he knows how to use that weapon , and he would use it to kill .
tr	5	Landon crossed to the pool in two long strides , tossed the buckets in and yanked them out again hard enough to make his shoulders ache .
tr	5	She was sure enough to put down her weapons , but she was walking much faster now with the heavy buckets than she had been before .
tr	5	Landon said nothing about being called a friend , but he 'd spent too much time around noblemen not to notice the implication of every chosen word .
tr	5	The embers laid out under the tub were dying in the cool wind that snuck through the curtain , but he wasn 't thinking of his bath .
tr	5	The thing he had worried over for so long was here in his kitchen , the answer to a prophecy he wished he 'd never heard .
tr	5	He keeps trying to come in the house , which would never do , since he 's about the same size -- " He shook his head .
tr	5	He paused when she ducked her head , then went on , " Would you have it another way , if you could choose ? "
tr	5	Then you 'll have to hide your eyes from the world , or you 'll draw the sort of attention you don 't want . "
tr	5	It is the spark of Life and the heart of Trust and all those other ideal , unmatchable things : Love , Time , and the rest .
tr	5	Even the greatest Creators who ever lived never brought life to the dead , nor altered the passage of time , nor manufactured love . "
tr	5	He began quickly , " Written by the very first of the Guardians when they feared they would be destroyed in the War of Shadows .
tr	5	" She knew she would be caught , so she hid the Book and left a riddle that would lead a survivor to the Book .
tr	5	" In times of struggle among Creators , it was dangerous because it explains the mysteries of the pillars , as much as they can be explained .
tr	5	" That , " he went on , " is why you must never lose this Book , or let it be taken from you . "
tr	5	If you can sense the pieces of the puzzle , you can move them about -- break them apart or join them together , move things about .
tr	5	There was obviously some second conversation going on that she was missing , but neither of the men was about to let her in on it .
tr	5	" To make them look brown again like mine -- the Changing has already happened , they 're grey now , not color left at all . "
tr	5	" It took a full month for me , being rather untalented with Earth , which is what they started men off with in training .
tr	5	You 'll get used to it -- just remember that in a mirror anyone can see them as they really are , not how they are hidden .
tr	5	" Yes , that 's true , " he mused , " we had many mirrors in those days , and you have hardly seen one .
tr	5	The thick gold collar around her neck and matching bands on her wrists shone in the starlight , as they did on his own neck and forearms .
tr	5	They picture showed one of them glowing brightly at dusk , riding on the back of a fat flying beetle like a person astride a horse .
tr	5	It she hadn 't needed it to keep the rats away from the woodpile she would never have gone near it , much less picked it .
tr	5	she called from her room , heaping things on the bed , " and what do they do that we have to run from them ?
tr	5	The Guardian declared , grabbing the soup tureen around the middle with one arm and marching out the door as fast as he could with his crutch .
tr	5	The Illusion over her eyes was okay , but with the whole face , anything from turning her head to speaking gave her away in an instant .
tr	5	He admitted , " More difficult even than getting a solid grasp of Illusion -- air and light are fleeting , but still they have a connection .
tr	5	Once she 'd tried hunting with her power instead : finding prey by sensing Fire in their warmth , hunting with darts or nooses of Air .
tr	5	Isn 't a sudden flood that crashes down on you , it 's a slow rising tide that you don 't even notice until you 're underwater .
tr	5	By the trunk there was just enough room to sit up straight , and the needles on the outside brushed the ground , blocking the cold wind .
tr	5	Elaina tried the subtle web that would keep them warm without setting the whole thing ablaze , but after failing twice , she let it drop .
tr	5	A pang of guilt struck her again , but it was a relief not to have to begin the mess of webs she practiced each night .
tr	5	But Healing was terribly complex , a mix of the all the pillars in an intricate and incredibly delicate combination that varied depending on the injury .
tr	5	He retrieved his knife off his belt , thumbed the edge to be sure it was sharp enough , and set to work with enthusiasm .
tr	5	They would flare for a few seconds at a time before they went dark and flew on , only to rekindle a few spans away .
tr	5	" He 's going the wrong way , " she said , staring , " I-I think he 's lost -- we have to go back . "
tr	5	" He can find us later , " Landon amended more gently , " He 's been a Guardian for over a hundred years . "
tr	5	She turned it another way and tried again -- if it were already pointing to him , by chance , it would appear not to work .
tr	5	Sometimes she caught herself staring at the world around her in surprise , wondering how everything could be going on as before when everything was different .
tr	5	" There 's a house there , " he said and pointed to a tilted little structure tucked into the last stubborn stand of pines .
tr	5	His face gave away a lot more of his frustration than his voice , though he was still doing better than she was at faking civility .
tr	5	He replied , as if that were an answer , then spurred his horse toward the horizon , tucking the orb back into the satchel .
tr	5	Too late , too slow , too late , too slow , the words were a chorus in her head , chanting out her death .
tr	5	Elaina 's heart sank -- there was no way he 'd survive it ... The Watcher did nothing more than narrow his eyes in warning .
tr	5	Water bubbles the size of small trees floated through the air , bursting when they struck anything , the only relief from the fires that raged unchecked .
tr	5	Landon wondered what audience Elaina could be having in a scorched village in the middle of nowhere , but then the Watchers lowered him toward the bed .
tr	5	The sword at that swung to tap his calf with every step was the only one he had ever used since the death of his father .
tr	5	Her face and hands were clean , but a cut ran across her cheek and many more showed on her arms , all straight , neat lines .
tr	5	Besides , if the way she was gripping that chair was any indication , she couldn 't cast anything too strong , she was too tired .
tr	5	There was no sense in pushing her too far , getting himself killed in a little girl 's fit of anger would not help his son .
tr	5	-- but she cut him off , " I do deny that it was against his will , or that I have bewitched him in some way .
tr	5	He bowed to the young woman solemnly , one palm to his chest , back of the other hand to the small of his spine .
tr	5	She was tired , did not know if she had what he wanted , and did not have the energy to stop his army alone .
tr	5	Truth , the boy 's mother would have skinned me if I had come home alone , if I had not taken my own life first .
tr	5	She peered at him a moment longer , then the Air around him returned to just air , and his cape moved freely behind him .
tr	5	He wasn 't pleased about it , accusing his father of treating him like a child and Elaina of conspiring against him and betraying him in general .
tr	5	With all the wounded Watchers either recovered enough to walk or buried , the large room of the farmhouse was now a command post of sorts .
tr	5	It didn 't make it easier that Healing required a level of immersion in the injured person 's being -- the healer felt the pain as well .
tr	5	Everything on all of them was black , down to the steel of their swords -- though she couldn 't see how that was possible .
tr	5	They would be doing the thatch themselves anyway -- she didn 't want heavy stone roofs collapsing on them three days after she was gone .
tr	5	If they don 't like it they can just relocate , there is no way I 'm going to tear it all back down again !
tr	5	Elaina tried to keep the scowl off her face -- there was no way she was going to put up with a lecture from an old woman .
tr	5	In quiet moments , waves of grief threatened to overwhelm her , and she would duck her head to keep anyone from seeing her tears .
tr	5	It was more than just missing her uncle , though that was enough to make her chest ache like she would collapse in on herself .
tr	5	All of it hit her at once , and so did the lonely and frightening thought that she was the very last of the Creators .
tr	5	They have removed nearly everything that binds me , and now they 're going to see what happens when everyone I love is already in Evermore .
tr	5	This girl was needed to save the Empire -- the one on this side of the ocean and the other , that much anyone could agree on .
tr	5	He would capture the Falcon and his star would be bright enough to see even in the day , even in the light of the Empress .
tr	5	The decorations were simple carvings , not glittering gems or stained glass , but the man at the end of the hall left nothing to be desired .
tr	5	Now that it occurred to her , these two were surely the strongest men she 'd ever seen , even if they weren 't the biggest .
tr	5	She thought she might be able to do it herself ... Elaina did not have any more time to gloat before the webs hit her .
tr	5	She was riding on a night black stallion on the edge of a sea-side cliff , a boy child with dark hair blowing in the chill wind .
tr	5	But it did not stop those that were taking away a little girl , rough hands tangled in her dark hair , dragging her away .
tr	5	The men normally in charge of interrogation turned an uncomfortable shade of green if they stayed to watch the session , and they were not soft men .
tr	5	Or maybe it was because he knew she was unusual that it affected him this way , or maybe it was the Link and his oath .
tr	5	To guard her was the duty he owed to the ones who held the leash , and he would see it done with or without her help .
tr	5	Traveling with a crowd of casters , they were not even forced to halt and cower in front of fires and stoves wrapped in blankets .
tr	5	Even healthy this would have been uncomfortable , and as thin and weak as she was , it was only an hour before she shivered uncontrollably .
tr	5	They ought to , he had not come to this position by being weak or foolish or binding himself with the petty morals of other men .
tr	5	Well , if I thought she would heed my warning I might not , but this will only serve to goad her directly into my trap .
tr	5	Unless she was trying to prove it was not fear that made her unresponsive -- then they marched in as fast as she could walk .
tr	5	They couldn 't leave their coals , so they 'd just have to work that much harder and pretend they could not hear what they heard .
tr	5	He imagined it was similar to carrying a child , though of course , he had not ever been close enough to a child to be sure .
tr	5	Elaina tried to put it all together again in her head , but her head was too busy trying to ignore everything below her chin .
tr	5	Before she could blink at him , he was no longer standing , but kneeling beside her , strong fingers closing on the collar on her neck .
tr	5	Ignoring her cries of pain , he wrapped the sheet snugly around her and hoisted her onto the lead horse before swinging up behind her .
tr	5	With the other , he dug about in the bags for something to cover her with , since her camisole no longer properly managed the job .
tr	5	By the time the horses ' sides had stopped heaving he sat again behind her , and the coat was buttoned up to her chin .
tr	5	After the first push , he slowed the horses to a canter and trot every so often to let the beasts rest , but never for long .
tr	5	They were approaching a village , its little buildings just barely visible through the darkness , windows casting bright rectangles of light onto the road .
tr	5	She didn 't catch anyone staring , but it was hard to look about and keep her grey eyes out of sight at the same time .
tr	5	Elaina kept her head down , chin tucked into the high collar , grateful that his story let her act just as she felt -- unwell .
tr	5	It was an old man , very old , with wild white hair and a hunched back and baggy eyes that almost disappeared under his bushy eyebrows .
tr	5	Ignoring the wounds he was covering with that hand and the other , which remained firmly on her forehead , the caster frowned in deep concentration .
tr	5	" It must have taken them years to find such a large piece -- I doubt they will find another , once I destroy this .
tr	5	She watched him suspiciously and began doing up the buttons of the coat she wore until the stiff , high collar brushed her jaw again .
tr	5	" Once you do that , you let the form do this ... " his hands moved down and out until his palms faced the floor .
tr	5	" So , the taller it goes , the wider it spreads in the end , and the larger the area they cannot track you .
tr	5	Her coat was stiff with dried blood and short enough to draw looks when they finally entered the Merry Maiden , even without her bare feet .
tr	5	Elaina flushed at the attention , especially with half her legs showing -- exposed to the knee with the white lace hem of her camisole peeking out .
tr	5	There was a slightly rumpled dress and a pristine white camisole folded loosely and thrown across her knees , and Cade was rummaging about in the saddlebags .
tr	5	He must have thrown them on her -- that was why she was suddenly so very wide awake , not at all like her usual .
tr	5	Cade sold the third horse to pay for the room and then some , so it was just the two of them and their mounts .
tr	5	Elaina knew it was still too slow for Cade by the way he kept staring up at the sky marking the position of the sun .
tr	5	It was far too hot , and she looked like a fool , but she was well past caring that Cade watched with a hint of surprise .
tr	5	Cade insisted on scouting up and down the road for the place the trees grew up closest , wanting to stay as hidden as possible .
tr	5	Women were a maze in the dark in the best of times , he knew , and he hardly had the experience to manage this one .
tr	5	Perhaps that was the source of her fury : she had not forgiven him for holding her captive , but was too scared to part ways .
tr	5	Cade didn 't delude himself , she was not frightened of the world at large and seeking protection -- though he thought she should have been .
tr	5	The newness of his freedom and the necessities of survival were distracting him from it , but Cade felt the raw emptiness of missing his brother constantly .
tr	5	CHAPTER 23 The Strangers They entered the small space without a care for Cade 's weapon , which was either very brave or very foolish .
tr	5	Elaina thought it a little odd , but she supposed it was common enough to ask a swordsman how long he 'd had a weapon .
tr	5	She was pretty , he supposed , and her eyes certainly lingered on him in a willing sort of way , but that was beside the point .
tr	5	Cade held back a snort -- if he was able to hear from across the clearing , Darin 's ears were not the motive for his move .
tr	5	It is an offer for her protection , nothing more , and if she decides to take enormous offense I do not want to be too close .
tr	5	Well , not quite almost -- she remembered the awkwardness of waking up with someone who held her like it was some kind of duty .
tr	5	" It was good of you to be suspicious of him -- you can 't trust people the way you are used to , Elaina . "
tr	5	" I am the most powerful caster you 'll ever meet it isn 't worth being ordered about like a dog , staying with you .
tr	5	The vague surprise on his face was fast fading to stony stillness as she went on , " As if I would flee to you from Darin !
tr	5	Even if she was the stronger , unlikely though that was , he knew a great deal more about webs than a caster not a year old .
tr	5	In this dense forest , she would not be going much faster than he was on foot , and she would never see him coming .
tr	5	" Oh , no one in particular , just a precaution , " Elaina added hastily , voice getting higher pitched as Darin moved closer .
tr	5	" Perhaps you could give me a ... demonstration of your skills , " he whispered in her ear , lips moving to her neck .
tr	5	Her hold on the pillars weakened and slipped away with her concentration -- there wasn 't room in her head for anything but the searing pain .
tr	5	For a few minutes she didn 't care who he was or what he 'd done -- he was there , and she was scared .
tr	5	" He 's so much older , he knew exactly what to do , and I didn 't even know enough to worry about it .
tr	5	His passion may be useful , like a rabid dog can be useful against your enemies , so long as it does not bite you first .
tr	5	Elaina was no longer frustrated , angry , or sharp , and Cade managed to speak to her much more like a normal traveling companion .
tr	5	a bored voice came from the guard 's stand , followed by a worn and rumpled man in a chain mail tunic and half asleep .
tr	5	They rode past a good number of inns before stopping at one called the Three Sail Bounty , with a great carved ship hanging over the door .
tr	5	Suddenly , it was all he could hope for that he 'd get back to the inn and get Elaina out of the city before dawn .
tr	5	The crowd was no thinner , though it was certainly louder and dirtier than before , but Cade felt like every eye was on him .
tr	5	" I don 't know why , but they sent us along as if they 'd not seen a half a hold of smuggled goods .
tr	5	Cade admitted , " Though we 'd still have to get out of the city , that 's easier than on a ship with agents around .
tr	5	Pausing at the door of the inn as if he were fixing his boot , Cade glanced around the street before he stepped out among the people .
tr	5	I do hope -- Elaina followed his gaze , " I did those last night , " she assured him , " Don 't worry .
tr	5	Wait for me by that pile of crates at the bottom of the ramp -- I don 't want you to go up there alone . "
tr	5	His wife wore simple clothes as well , and if her face was less weather-beaten under her deep bonnet , it was just as warm and open .
tr	5	" The young ones are waiting at home with her mother -- they 'll be right sad to have missed meeting you , sure . "
tr	5	At least then he would have been able to go up ahead a bit and miss out on the chatter of the amiable farmer Dawson .
tr	5	Elaina reached out for a hammer that lay across the anvil and -- She was jerked to a halt by the collar around her neck .
tr	5	" That is not what I meant , and you are not -- you saved me from it when you took that collar off . "
tr	5	Even before the Invasion , his childhood had ended relatively early , replaced with the training he would need to take his father 's place .
tr	5	She and Elaina stood in the center of the raft , and the farmer 's wife had one hand resting affectionately on the caster 's shoulders .
tr	5	The first woman said , touching her fingertips to her forehead , making the twin gold bracelets on her wrist jangle musically against each other .
tr	5	The doors and shutters of the houses and shops were the palest blues and greens and lilacs , like a dream of paradise at dawn .
tr	5	One or two stood high enough to suggest the arches of white stone that once connected them , but others were lost beneath the surface entirely .
tr	5	The songs we used to sing at events of state , and a child 's first lullaby , the wedding songs , and the Long Lament .
tr	5	If she kept looking at him with those sweet , sad , knowing eyes whatever was left of his soul was going to break in two .
tr	5	" If you want to fix the dock , you must see what of it is broken , including the part under the surface . "
tr	5	" Hold onto me and kick , just like you were doing with the wall , " he instructed , holding out his hands to her .
tr	5	Clearly , her concern for his shirtless state ranked below her concern for the water , though she still blushed every time her eyes brushed him .
tr	5	She didn 't even glare at him or blush , just closed her eyes for a few deep breaths and pried her fingers off his forearm .
tr	5	She 'd been swimming down and fought him when he tried to take her to the surface , but she wasn 't strong enough to stop him .
tr	5	He watched in shock as she rolled to her side and coughed , gulping in great gasps of air in between until finally she lay still .
tr	5	His shoulders did not shake , and he didn 't sob , but tears ran down his cheeks for the second time in as many days .
tr	5	I 'm not going to live a half-life , never getting close to anyone just because I might lose them someday -- then they 'll have won .
tr	5	A sudden breeze swirled down the cliffs , lifting the clouds of steam and cooling the stone until it was pure white and brilliant in the sun .
tr	5	" I should have thought of it when I was drowning , " she grimaced , " but it does have one enormous flaw . "
tr	5	She had purposefully put herself in a situation where all the power was in his hands , after trying it once had nearly killed her .
tr	5	Act like you 're meeting a king , do what I do , and you won 't offend anyone -- they 're a touchy people . "
tr	5	" I heard rumors that two of my ... shall we say , less enlightened Brothers were sent to the heavens by a certain Watcher .
tr	5	Back to the door as if to hold them out , Elaina looked to Cade with wide eyes , swaying with the rocking of the ship .
tr	5	" They follow the stars , using them to navigating from port to port so they don 't have to hug the shores like most other ships .
tr	5	I don 't know how to lead anyone , and I don 't want to be at sea if there 's a storm coming ! "
tr	5	he asked ; she could hear him though he spoke quietly , the noise of the wind and surf were partly blocked by the rope walls .
tr	5	" It 's similar to the Link , I think I found a way to mimic it , but it may hurt as that did . "
tr	5	Despite himself , Cade got lost in the worried grey eyes that flickered back and forth between his , searching for an answer to her fears .
tr	5	It could have been the warmth of her , so close in the small space , or the way her breath seemed to come faster .
tr	5	He didn 't care if it turned out to be the most foolish thing he had ever done , though he didn 't think it was .
tr	5	They had a great use for spices from the far isles , though , which took up little space and could be sold for an impressive price .
tr	5	She sat at the foot of the lighthouse watching her brother , nearly eighteen , braiding long strands of sea grass together with nimble fingers .
tr	5	What he thinks he knows about what a woman wears under her dress ... but half the court shows up this week in those awful leather things .
tr	5	It still clung to more green space than the rest of the city , though , even the Park , where most of the Houses were .
tr	5	I cannot explain all in a letter , but let it suffice to say that all of my Brothers are no longer united in our purpose .
tr	5	The rest of their caravan had stopped early in order to join a little country fair , which real wine merchants would not have passed up .
tr	5	In his mind the Link faded , and the emptiness brought the same horrific feeling of absence that you felt stepping off an unexpected stair .
tr	5	The man was all in black , there weren 't too many with them , and the girl was definitely the caster she was supposed to bring .
tr	5	For a moment his hand hesitated on the hilt of his sword , but then his gaze flicked to Elaina , who sat in stunned stillness .
tr	5	" Catching you both would have been a headache if you hadn 't been so obliging , and I did so want to catch you . "
tr	5	With a concerned glance , she stepped toward Elaina , " And you as well , my dear -- don 't think you 've been forgotten . "
tr	5	" Yes , you are for now -- it 's natural that there remain some separation of minds , spirits , call it what you will .
tr	5	Briefly , her gaze flicked to Elaina to see if she understood and rolled her eyes at the blush that stained the other woman 's cheeks .
tr	5	He never asked for this , never picked me -- it is his right to resent it , and I won 't make it worse .
tr	5	Added to this was the guilt that sapped every muscle of strength until she could no longer pace , but collapsed to the floor in a heap .
tr	5	The only reason he 'd done any of it was because he had to , had sworn to , was bound to by the Link .
tr	5	Riesling was almost that good : he knew men and war so well , his plans often met with remarkably good fortune as a result of preparedness .
tr	5	Man or beast , he would deal with it in the light of the fire , not scare it off to lurk in the night .
tr	5	The newcomer saluted them in the old way as he bowed -- one fist to his chest , the other to the small of his back .
tr	5	" I must see to my mount , " he said shortly , then slipped back into the night as quietly as he had come .
tr	5	Some will stay , and you fall on those from there , " Cade instructed , nodding to the shadowed ridge at the base of the rise .
tr	5	Only two of the horse thieves saw them approach , but the light in their eyes to finally recognize an enemy did not last long .
tr	5	He pulled a chain around his neck from under his shirt to show them a heavy silver ring with a great curling wave on it .
tr	5	She smiled and laughed all the time ... If not for the eyes and the power , she was as cheerful as a farm girl , sir .
tr	5	I 'll keep an eye on her , but I 'd bet a month 's pay she will soon recover her appetite and other habits .
tr	5	She was going through the motions , but Riesling had to agree with the younger men -- the Lady Elaina hardly seems to be alive .
tr	5	Countering nets had never been his strong point , but if he could locate the weaver ... " Archers , " he roared , " to me !
tr	5	Some of the green troops watched Elaina stumble and fall to her knees , her skirts and hair trailing out behind her like she was underwater .
tr	5	Riesling watched , fascinated , as pain and longing and heartbreak wrote themselves on her features , alive in silver eyes as they slowly dulled .
tr	5	He was young , one of the recruits , but he carried the long bow of a country archer like he knew how to use it .
tr	5	" But there are only two things I know of that can make a man ride like that : a brother or a woman . "
tr	5	To his shock , the man in the helmet directing the work only nodded to them with surprise , though most of the workers watched uncertainly .
tr	5	An officer , a general probably , walked in the center of the avenue between tents in a shining breastplate that showed the marks of long use .
tr	5	He explained , " And we have the advantage of difficult terrain at our backs , so we can retreat into the woods and regroup elsewhere . "
tr	5	Her heart was busy making up for stopping when she saw him now , racing as if it wanted to fly out of her chest .
tr	5	It wouldn 't be fair to him either , taking advantage of his nobility and making him stay with her out of guilt or duty .
tr	5	He went on , " I thought you didn 't want me , because I killed her , thought you never wanted to see me again .
tr	5	With a sigh , she cast : the perfect balance , the core harmony of pillars that echoed the Linking and touched the forgotten and untouchable .
tr	5	" Well , it is a lucky thing I have the greatest Watcher in the world to keep me alive , isn 't it ? "
tr	5	Her unwillingness to get up each morning was baffling to him , but he 'd let slip once how much he enjoyed watching her sleep .
tr	5	Might have been worth it to figure it out on our own ... That sneaking witch , even after she 's dead she 's still interfering .
tr	5	It was a crazy idea and an absolutely impossible question to ask with any sense of propriety , but Cade wasn 't about to stop her .
tr	5	One thin eyebrow arched at the two of them while he adjusted his grey cloak with the air of a cat twitching its tail at intruders .
tr	5	If I asked she might feel like she has to ... follow through , even if she changes her mind and doesn 't want to .
tr	5	She always called it the time ' when Cade left ' while he referred to it as ' when Elaina commanded me to leave . '
tr	5	The Empress valued her friendship and skill so highly , she assigned a Watcher to her , unusual though that was for a mere caster . "
tr	5	It was not uncommon , with Watchers and their counterparts relying on each other , protecting each other -- they very often married , in the end .
tr	5	Sparks seemed to crackle between them , flashing against his fingertips when he reached out to take Elaina 's elbow and steer her toward the door .
tr	5	An exultant smile swept across his face , and this time when she leaned into him for a kiss , he didn 't pull away .
tr	5	Deliberate Alternate Meaning The steam-powered ships break the halcyon slumber of the Pacific ; a mere four boats are enough to make us lose sleep at night .
tr	5	At an elevation of just under 14,000 feet , the atmospheric pressure at the observatory was forty percent less than at Mike 's apartment in Hilo .
tr	5	The rest of his telescope time was spent mapping out likely locations for deposits throughout the solar system but it wasn 't as time sensitive .
tr	5	He had just been down to the beach for a quick dip before coming to the mountain , but he still wasn 't fully awake .
tr	5	Her relief was interrupted when she realized that the technician was explaining to her , in great detail , what he had done to fix the problem .
tr	5	It was perhaps half the average size of a human and its charcoal grey suit looked to be made of interlocking plates of some hard material .
tr	5	Whoever that was , he didn 't have a friendly feeling about him and she shuddered to think it would soon be hearing her voice .
tr	5	Considering how far from help our eight colonists are , imaginations will spin this out of control before you can say one term president . "
tr	5	" Which takes some of the oxygen away from the fire , " he shrugged into his jacket , " but the fire is still burning . "
tr	5	How many times have we cited the War on Terror when we send military force into someone 's sovereign space to kill a couple of people ? "
tr	5	If we keep hammering away at every little target that presents itself , sooner or later we 're gon na get our cars torched . "
tr	5	Mammoth Cruise Lines Engineering Office , Dodge Island , Miami , Florida January 4th , 2026 " Off to Finland tomorrow , you poor stiff ? "
tr	5	" If they want a toilet put in the middle of the casino floor , I 'll put out a rocket to the architects . "
tr	5	" If that story takes off , I 'll be out of this stinking job so fast it 'll make my own head spin ! "
tr	5	" The last fifty changes have all been over the budget line so I have to take every new one upstairs to get Howard 's autograph . "
tr	5	If push comes to shove , we can always throw the architects under the bus ; the whole watch change idea was their recommendation anyway . "
tr	5	" Having learned from her parents -- both Hollywood producers - she let the scene on the monitor do the rest of the talking for her .
tr	5	A squad of figures were frozen in their advance on the entrance , their proximity to a NASA surface rover making it easy to estimate their height .
tr	5	" Hockey could be a hoax for all I know - a bunch of grown men in short pants chasing a puck around the ice .
tr	5	Mary was pretty sure he was jumping on the hockey comment to give himself a few seconds to wrap his head around an almost unbelievable dilemma .
tr	5	Stands to reason ; they want to gauge our technology and the obvious place to ... " Mike had raised his hand , cutting Pete off .
tr	5	" Despite what Administrator Gray thinks , I would rather meet them with force and be wrong than meet them in peace and be wrong . "
tr	5	" No doubt the native tribes had similar arguments when they spotted the first European ships anchored offshore , " he interjected with a dry tone .
tr	5	" Perhaps , Mr. Gray , you could explain the orbital airship concept that your administration has been holding back for the last few years ? "
tr	5	" How the hell are we supposed to get out there if we can 't pick a method and commit to making it work ? "
tr	5	We 've given them ten times that in military support but they conveniently forget that when they come calling with their hat in hand . "
tr	5	" We need to show the world that we are taking appropriate , concrete action to protect our planet from outside aggression , " Parnell jumped in .
tr	5	They have an impressive series of designs for three groups of carriers and escorts but ... " Jess knew the next step in this dance .
tr	5	" As this fleet is proposed and designed by us , we believe it should be led by an American , " he stated evenly .
tr	5	" The commanders of the three carrier groups to be commanded by general officers and staff from the three remaining nations of the ISS group . "
tr	5	She could see that this was not being received well but she still plunged ahead with the final idea ; one which had just crystalized for her .
tr	5	" I will need your support to sell this to the General Assembly ; we need a firm commitment from everyone for money and material support .
tr	5	Palm Island Miami , Florida January 9th , 2026 Frank took a pull on his beer and reflected on the changes a week could make .
tr	5	It would have no impact on the rival 's launch date but it would almost certainly cost Frank a week that he didn 't have .
tr	5	Davidoff finally left the poor sausages alone and stared across the water at Fury , the last ship to come out before the Leviathan class .
tr	5	There was something I was thinking about when I was lurching to the door with my third glass of wine in hand , but what ?
tr	5	The UN has been given the task of organizing our planet 's response to the alien incursion and we 're sending staff to represent our government .
tr	5	Well , nothing else to do except act like this is normal -- this is hardly the most embarrassing thing I 've ever been caught doing .
tr	5	Frank tossed the runner on the chair and quickly bent to check the results in Mr. Jeb 's photo as he ran his fingers through his hair .
tr	5	" Mr. Bender , " she said , unable to stop herself from glancing up at his hair and flashing a slight , diplomatic grin .
tr	5	" Must have been something in that bagel , " Frank mused out loud , then seeing the look on Jess ' face he explained .
tr	5	" I 'm hallucinating that I 've been flown at twice the speed of sound to chat with an improbably attractive politician about my work . "
tr	5	Frank was getting a little tired of the bizarre twists in his Monday and he was trying to throw Jess off her balance a little .
tr	5	" I remember the last day I saw my dad , before he shipped out , " he said , leaning forward in his chair .
tr	5	" It took the local warlords about a month to figure out the weakness of the force and how restrictive their rules were , " he said .
tr	5	The French Naval commandos had shown no bureaucratic compunction about opening fire and had come ashore once it became clear that the UN force was being overrun .
tr	5	" Three carrier groups , Frank ; three battle groups to send to Mars and you are the best qualified for what we have in mind . "
tr	5	Sam followed Parnell into the Oval Office through the door from the West Colonnade , the smell of cigarette smoke clinging to both of them .
tr	5	" Practically every president to sit behind that desk has cooked up a war to boost his numbers and most have done it without congressional permission . "
tr	5	" So , now that we need to go to war to preserve the species , he 's going to play a card like that ? "
tr	5	Not as an attack , mind you , but every Republican pundit on the talk show circuit will start dropping that little nugget in casual interviews . "
tr	5	The congressional majority leader was a huge man , over six feet tall and he carried his two hundred fifty pounds like an aircraft carrier .
tr	5	His countenance held no gloating , just the workaday expression of a man who could round up enough votes to make or break any Democrat legislation .
tr	5	Parnell fought the urge to stand , his nerves making him want to pace the floor but it would show weakness and he couldn 't afford it .
tr	5	We can 't afford a single moment of delay in developing our military capabilities and that is something the American public can easily identify with .
tr	5	Cochrane looked uneasy , plainly inclined to wring every ounce of political leverage he could from this meeting and yet convinced that the bill was necessary .
tr	5	If you screw this up , I 'll nail your ass to the White House door and our fellow citizens will thank me for it .
tr	5	It was almost two years before a neighbor read one of their books and learned that the two former agents were staunchly against big government .
tr	5	Their unique perspective , looking at government from inside its seedy underbelly , really appealed to many of their neighbors and they soon found themselves fitting in .
tr	5	From there , it had been an easy step for Callum to start teaching his new friends the same lessons that he had learned from his parents .
tr	5	The story was the only news anyone cared about at the moment - the passing of a bill to help fund the new UN Fleet .
tr	5	She hadn 't quite believed his story when he 'd arrived home late two weeks earlier but his dogged insistence had led her to reserve judgment .
tr	5	Frank nodded his thanks at the officer before turning to Ellen who was staring up at the blue , wreathed planet on the aircraft 's tail .
tr	5	She was still on the fence , trying to get a handle on the moment and he walked over to put an arm around her waist .
tr	5	" Seriously , Frank , I 've heard you and your dad complain a thousand times about how the military contractors are always late and over budget .
tr	5	Kim and Sarah sat in a pair of comfy leather loungers , Kim grinning like an escaped mental patient and Sarah smiling sympathetically at Ellen .
tr	5	Maybe put in an appearance at the NASA site down the hill every afternoon ; just to make sure the checks from Red Flag kept coming .
tr	5	Turtle Bay Manhattan , New York February 1st , 2006 Jan pushed back from her desk , her breath escaping her lips in a tightly controlled explosion .
tr	5	" We do get four or five days of snow a year , so it 's not like it 's a tropical paradise or anything .
tr	5	Anyway , my point was that I could drink coffee back home , so I 'm not really accomplishing anything extra by being here . "
tr	5	" We 've been over the same data a million times and we can 't see how we can do anything more than we have already . "
tr	5	" I think it would be much better if your team was there , where you could each add your perspective to the analysis . "
tr	5	" He insists on entering a room first but it kind of starts meetings off on the wrong foot , don 't you think ? "
tr	5	" It 's different , I 'll give you that , " Chuck said , as he realized he hadn 't fulfilled his side of the introductions .
tr	5	Chuck watched from the head of the table for a few seconds as Frank pulled out a laptop and Kim began setting up a small projector .
tr	5	Chuck handed over to the engineer and started to stroll over to the window , changing his mind when he realized the bodyguard was still there .
tr	5	" My dad spent a lifetime in the navy and if there 's one thing he taught me it was : never reinforce failure . "
tr	5	" I was the lead designer on the orbital airship program and I can have the rollers integrated by the end of the week . "
tr	5	" Some day , I 'll get my airships back , and I 'll be able to start bringing rare elements down here from the moon . "
tr	5	If we can get him to carry some scientific staff for us , we can put in a territorial claim that covers his area of exploration . "
tr	5	One had only to look at the man who would serve as Chief of Staff to see that the administration would not be entirely without military experience .
tr	5	" He always assumes Sam is following him out the door so it never gets closed when Sam stays behind after a staff meeting . "
tr	5	Mary tells me it could even have taken in the miners from the Red Flag site as long as they were careful about their resources . "
tr	5	Looks like they drove the one missing rover into the mouth of the cave and someone came out for a quick last look before going inside . "
tr	5	" I happen to have some openings right now and I need to fill them right away , " he said as he pulled out his phone .
tr	5	he asked , knowing full well that the contractor had lost four men in an incident at one of the local bars the previous night .
tr	5	Thanks to some willing help from Callum 's young followers , the four men had been provoked into a disturbance big enough to land them in jail .
tr	5	" Sure , Lance , " he said cheerfully , putting the twelve-year-old bottle back on the shelf and reaching for something a little more expensive .
tr	5	Sixty Meter Observatory Mauna Kea , Hawaii February 15th , 2026 Mike was out in the vestibule with Sergeant Davis when the new arrivals walked in .
tr	5	With the pleasantries out of the way , Tudor nodded at the meeting rooms on the far side where bunks had replaced the boardroom furniture .
tr	5	It had been a decision by the American Admiral to pull ships back from the center of conflict that tipped the balance back towards a ceasefire .
tr	5	" By that , I mean that it would be a better experience if I were to learn a new culture and language as well . "
tr	5	" Though your navy will be providing us with complements for quite a few ships , we have something else in mind for you . "
tr	5	He frowned momentarily at the two armed agents flanking Parnell before leading the group down the hall where he opened the doors and announced them .
tr	5	" John Henry was the first aviator to reach flag rank and now his descendant will command the first carrier task force in space . "
tr	5	" When two groups do as much business with each other as we do , quarrels happen , " he said simply as Ambassador Zhu drifted over .
tr	5	" My people have a saying that was meant to apply to money but it has truth for this situation as well , " Gao said .
tr	5	" For those of you who haven 't met him yet , Frank Bender is our project manager , " she said as she sat .
tr	5	" We have the first escort module scheduled to come off the line in Portugal in roughly four weeks , " said the big man .
tr	5	" I 'm not much of a fighter except where votes are concerned , " he said to a few chuckles from around the table .
tr	5	" Taking orbit is one thing , " Gao asserted , " Taking the planet , against billions of citizens , is quite another . "
tr	5	The Pope had spoken about the aliens for the first time and many had expected today 's address to fit them into the church 's framework .
tr	5	He could see from the faces of his two former men that they hadn 't given the matter much thought but his brother was unmoved .
tr	5	" The Indian military would either take them on , toe to toe or they would fall back and just nuke them , right ? "
tr	5	" When I get a taste for something , I tend to eat it for a few days in a row , " he responded .
tr	5	He ducked into the three-story structure that his crew was framing as offices for the hangar and slipped out another door on the eastern side .
tr	5	In accordance with the tradition of such things , she seemed to spend most of her time sitting in her car watching movies on her netbook .
tr	5	Though it might amuse him to rat Lance out , he didn 't want them causing a public fuss that might get them kicked off the job .
tr	5	" I 'll just try his cell , " she said as she pulled out her phone and slowly strolled away , looking down at the screen .
tr	5	He started to block her number and then , deciding to turn it back on his boss , forwarded her number to Lance 's cell .
tr	5	She had already suspected that she had been given Callum 's number and was bound to figure it out if her calls kept getting ignored .
tr	5	Almada Lisbon , Portugal March 28th , 2026 Frank jumped out of the way of a ground crewman racing to grab mooring lines from Red One .
tr	5	He was putting on a brave show of indifference but he had to be a little nervous and it came out in his next sentence .
tr	5	" We followed the drawings to the letter , " he stated forcefully , his gravelly voice almost too deep for a man of his size .
tr	5	Releasing some of the helium back into the bladders allowed enough tension to prevent the wind from blowing it into the sides of the docking pit .
tr	5	The decision to start in the middle was almost overlooked until Frank had questioned the assumption that they would start at one end of the keel .
tr	5	Happily , the rollers worked as intended and the module made its slow progress across the transfer block and into the hold of Red One .
tr	5	Finally , the huge collection of bulkheads , decks , pipes and wires came to a stop and Tony turned to Frank , extending a hand .
tr	5	They had brought along a field laundry , a mobile kitchen , larger shower facilities and also a permanent detachment from a combat engineering unit .
tr	5	There was nothing uncommon about that and she almost passed them without a word , but then she stopped and took a second look at the group .
tr	5	Now , looking up at the face she had once thought to see every morning , she felt that familiar old flutter in her chest .
tr	5	He stepped back a few paces and turned to face the center of the room , obviously aware that he 'd interrupted a private conversation .
tr	5	" It 's a state park and it hasn 't erupted in over a hundred and fifty thousand years , so you should be ok .
tr	5	Her hotel was down there in that jumble and she could see that , wherever it was , it would be a short walk to the beach .
tr	5	She exited her first choice of novels and opened The Count of Monte Cristo , hoping the faster pace of the second book would hold her attention .
tr	5	They weren 't the flamboyant muscles of a bodybuilder but the hard , purpose-built muscles of a man who made a living in harsh environments .
tr	5	She felt a thrill of possessive pride as it became clear that Liam was coming straight towards her - to the surprise of her neighbors .
tr	5	She smiled at him as he dropped his gear on the sand and dropped to recline at her feet , one arm casually draped over the bag .
tr	5	The knowledge of iron would have diffused its way to the mainland and spread like wildfire across the entire continent and down into Central and South America .
tr	5	He smiled to himself as he watched the contractor work his usual magic , turning Charles Gray from a stuffy administrator into an affable old pal .
tr	5	Even though half the crew failed to keep their breakfast down as they worked , they still did what was needed to keep the project on track .
tr	5	" The trees look to be in the right spots , " Frank replied , knowing he didn 't need to challenge Lance 's last statement .
tr	5	As they headed towards the path that led from one hangar to the next , Frank came to a stop and enlarged that section of the drawing .
tr	5	The men continued down the path , looking at the drawing as they walked , until a young man walked out of number three to meet them .
tr	5	" Whoever you pick , buy their dinner and expense it and I 'll make sure to leave a clearance at the gate for tonight . "
tr	5	Moffett Field Mountain View , California July 3rd , 2026 Chuck belched in the empty boardroom , the heady scent of beer in his nostrils .
tr	5	He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and , looking out the window , he saw Frank coming down the stairs of his Gulfstream .
tr	5	The three men wandered over to the open ramp but Chuck stopped when they were about twenty feet away and frowned at the wall of the hangar .
tr	5	Chuck had spent two years working for a rail company before starting his first degree and he 'd used thermite to weld dozens of rails together .
tr	5	They had just been finishing placement of the last charges in hangar four when they heard the unmistakable rumble of one of the big doors .
tr	5	Turning around to scan the large hangar , he was shocked to see the large man five feet away , hurtling at him in full tackle mode .
tr	5	Without the pressure that was usually provided on removal of the needle , blood began to seep out but it was nothing to worry about .
tr	5	Once out of the building , he would need to pick up his emergency stash of money , buried among the foliage in the wetlands preserve .
tr	5	That way , his camouflage would make sense to the driver and make him less likely to call the police when the escape hit the news .
tr	5	Unbelievable , thought Callum as he grabbed the knife with his right hand and reached over to grab the attendant 's shirt with his left .
tr	5	It 's not much consolation for her but at least it 's a show of respect for a man who died stopping a terrorist plot . "
tr	5	Officially , Keira and Christina were travelling together on their three-day vacation , while Mike and Corporal John Alvarez were a second , separate pair .
tr	5	Two young women in uniform got out and walked in the door , their faces lighting up in reflection of the happy grins awaiting them .
tr	5	A bank of computers sat in the atrium of the telescope facility giving staff a chance to put their names forward for service with the response fleet .
tr	5	He knew the layout of the mining facility as well as anyone on Earth , and his knowledge of the terrain far exceeded any other candidate .
tr	5	" Of course you have to come , " the man had sounded as if he were speaking to a dimwit but his smile softened the effect .
tr	5	Even though the rest of his life had fallen automatically into place , she was the one thing that he 'd needed to work for .
tr	5	Now , laying on the bed , he stretched luxuriously , thoroughly enjoying what may well be his last chance to enjoy the comforts of Earth .
tr	5	Does she just want to paint me into a corner so she can get angry at me , or is there some kind of right answer ?
tr	5	The low altitude airship picked up cargo from one of the various transfer yards in Europe and lifted it to an altitude of 140,000 feet .
tr	5	He 'd felt a moment of almost supernatural dread at knowing that he was standing in a massively heavy structure , floating within the atmosphere of Earth .
tr	5	It was more than fifteen times the size of the ill-fated Hindenburg and Frank had cringed the moment the unsettling statistic had come into his mind .
tr	5	A leisurely five day ride propelled by a mix of chemical and ion rocketry had brought them to this final destination at the Galileo Shipyard .
tr	5	His smug satisfaction at his neat maneuvering was spoiled somewhat when his left ankle struck painfully against one of the carbon beams of the upper deck .
tr	5	Brad put a hand to his earpiece before reaching down and activating a series of controls on a long touch-screen that was strapped to his arm .
tr	5	Positioning himself on the bottom step , he pushed off lightly and reached up to grab the railing that ran around the upper edge of the staircase .
tr	5	Given enough time , entire fleets would be ready , not only to defend Earth , but also to travel to Mars and fight the enemy there .
tr	5	Ground transport had also been developed , with roads and an elevated maglev rail connecting the mining sites with the production facilities on the plain below .
tr	5	You could spend years sifting through garbage but that one flash of insight could save thousands of lives on both sides of a conflict . "
tr	5	" Consider this : I would welcome any member of this current team but you are the only one that I 've approached about going .
tr	5	Now , Colonel McCutcheon had made her realize that she had every right to go ; in fact , he had presented it as her responsibility .
tr	5	He shivered , unsure of whether it was because of the new restrictions on household heating , or the growing dread of the imminent deployment to France .
tr	5	Before everything had fallen apart at Moffett Field , the two men had discussed the possibility of setting up a new cell on the east coast .
tr	5	" By the time I got him to the UN , he had pretty much told me the whole plan , except for the Canadians .
tr	5	" The minute one of them speaks , the French won 't be able to resist the urge to tell them to ' stop speaking English ' .
tr	5	He smiled his thanks at the young woman as she finished pouring and returned the small pot to a bank of brewers along the counter .
tr	5	The platoon guarding the smaller , left bank side of the bridge had reported seeing a large group heading their way along the Rue Dauphine .
tr	5	He leapt out , running through the small park and up the stairs of the massive stone square where the statue of Henry IV sat on horseback .
tr	5	The crowd surged onto the far end and flowed towards the soldiers , some wearing black ski masks , but most were showing their faces .
tr	5	They began to slow as they approached the barricade on the island side of the bridge , stopping at the seemingly standard distance of angry crowds everywhere .
tr	5	Running out in front of the crowd , he hurled the bottle and scurried back into the crowd , working his way through the mob .
tr	5	The bottle hit the ground , shattering and exposing its cargo of gasoline to the flaming wick of cloth that had been stuck in the neck .
tr	5	In the heat of the moment , he had completely forgotten about the young woman and little girl who had been trying to cross the bridge .
tr	5	Finding the senior sergeant , he caught his eye and held up his hand with four fingers , then indicated the ground next to himself .
tr	5	The historic hospital housed one of the city 's foremost trauma centers and it was next to the cathedral , only a few hundred meters away .
tr	5	" It could make the difference between life and death for some of these patients and perhaps the preservation of a leg or two . "
tr	5	" Four , I need a reliable man to get over to the hospital emergency ward at the Hôtel Dieu with a radio , over . "
tr	5	A pause ensued while the officer in charge of Second Platoon relayed the information to the trauma staff , then the headset chirped and crackled again .
tr	5	" A gap in your defenses , even for just a moment , could have been all it took for a stand-off to become a melee . "
tr	5	" Rather than the exciting future that I had planned out , I was stuck in an unimportant little building in a back alley of Marseilles .
tr	5	He could hear the screams of the wounded , the quiet urgency of the medics and , most of all , the screams of the little girl .
tr	5	" I must admit to a small bit of subterfuge , my son , " he said as the officer climbed back to his feet .
tr	5	It was the duty of the range NCO to ensure that the live grenade did not find its way over the back wall of the concrete cubicles .
tr	5	We 'll interrogate him and then maybe have him record a video statement to help generate some buzz before we move into the next phase . "
tr	5	The frigates , all named for rivers , were the smallest of the fleet and were designed for fast acceleration while still carrying a considerable armament .
tr	5	The voice blared from speakers throughout the ship , followed by immediate activation of four of the eight maneuvering thrusters built into the bow and stern .
tr	5	Though solid fuel engines were cheap and efficient , they couldn 't be shut off once started and would have been worse than useless for maneuvering .
tr	5	There was a moment of reprieve as the ship ceased its rotational acceleration and then everyone in the room began to rotate in the opposite direction .
tr	5	He felt a moment of relief as he pulled the locking ring , hearing the satisfying click as it engaged the seal around his neck .
tr	5	Cellulose canisters were no match for the tons of steel that would tear through the magazine and a deadly cloud of propellant would be the result .
tr	5	By firing in sequence , one every five seconds , it was hoped that fear of the big guns might disrupt the enemy 's decision cycle .
tr	5	The deep booming thud of a 250mm gun sounded through the room as the forward battery once again had a target in its firing solution .
tr	5	Frank followed her back into the room , wondering if he was about to die because he didn 't want to seem more afraid than a woman .
tr	5	Despite the initial variety of the dining room , the same themes always became apparent and she loved how the patterns emerged from the chaos .
tr	5	Though many were excited by the idea of dining there , a sizeable proportion were unimpressed with the service after all the trouble of getting in .
tr	5	" If this is the only way to get you out of your office , I may have to pull the alarm myself next time . "
tr	5	" If there 's that much security at every access point , how do you figure someone is going to get a bomb through ? "
tr	5	The major relayed the plan over his radio and they all ran back to Frank 's office to see if it would have any effect .
tr	5	Parts of the ship traveled with the wave , embedding in buildings or tearing large chunks out of their corners to rain debris on the pedestrians below .
tr	5	She saw a ship 's bulkhead laying between her and her startled parents , exactly where she would have been walking had she not raced ahead .
tr	5	They would take a marginally profitable electronics plant , shut it down , sell off its assets and develop the land for mixed residential and light commercial .
tr	5	Its nose smashed the outer glass , driving across the Arrivals walkway and shattering the glass wall of the inner side , nearly toppling the status kiosk .
tr	5	Picking up the piece of wire , she moved her right hand under her left so she could get at the inbound side of the locking mechanism .
tr	5	If we call for help but they don 't get here before our captor , he 'll find us missing and make a run for it .
tr	5	Then again , he might come back and move us as well , or even use us as hostages in a standoff with the cops .
tr	5	She bent down , freeing her fellow captive 's bonds far more easily than her own , now that she was able to use both hands .
tr	5	After a few aimless turns , they turned right onto a street and came up short at a dead end in front of a huge industrial building .
tr	5	She somehow managed to keep a calm professional voice despite everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours and Ellen resolved to follow her example .
tr	5	Ellen climbed out and crouched as she ran under the spinning rotor , heading for a man in dark blue camouflage who was moving towards them .
tr	5	" Neither , " Mike got out of his chair and walked over to one of the whiteboards that stood on frames around the central working area .
tr	5	" And every now and then it stops and someone ... " Jan came to a halt and everyone felt a tingling sensation dance across their skin .
tr	5	It 's almost as if they borrowed a few words of Hopi , maybe a few words of Zuni -- I need to hear more . "
tr	5	U.S. Military Academy West Point , New York April 24th , 2027 Sam walked into the commandant 's office with a tablet in his hand .
tr	5	The president was sitting in a leather club chair opposite the commandant having a coffee and he looked a question at his chief of staff .
tr	5	He sat down in the chair vacated by Hill and , after a moment 's consideration , appropriated the cup of coffee that Hill had been drinking .
tr	5	Behind the hive of activity that was Ares , the Earth looked fragile and vulnerable , its thin layer of atmosphere seemed hardly enough to sustain life .
tr	5	The portside half of the stern was one large airlock door while the starboard side was split between one larger door and two smaller ones .
tr	5	John nodded in the direction of the huge door where a small knot of figures in the new , reddish combat EVA suits were floating .
tr	5	While fighting , all of the ship 's aft hangar doors would be left open : a lucky shot could cause a closed door to fail .
tr	5	" If we can agree on it , we might be able to catch a ride back on the same ship I came up on . "
tr	5	Each nation had provided an officer of equal rank and Mike wasn 't sure whether that was by design or accident but it certainly wasn 't helping .
tr	5	" Chances are , you each have a good plan for analyzing the data but you need to pick a direction and go with it . "
tr	5	They looked a little embarrassed by this but Major Edwards - Mike still wasn 't sure if he was the Aussie or the Kiwi - was unconvinced .
tr	5	" I have some army officers with me who specialize in intercepts and I kind of told them that you could run circles around them . "
tr	5	" Here 's a nice big file on Mike 's desktop , " Mickey said with a tone a surgeon might use in locating a tumor .
tr	5	" This is a digital translation that I 'm looking at ; please tell me you have an actual optical recording of the full stream . "
tr	5	They fire up a huge bank of lasers , each one a different color , and send hundreds of separate data streams in one shot . "
tr	5	We 'll lock you up , just to be sure , but chances are slim that anything would survive for centuries without a host . "
tr	5	Staff , records , computer systems , all were destroyed in a heartbeat and there simply wasn 't enough people , money or time to resurrect them .
tr	5	Her nose would be called pointy , her eyes small and unremarkable and her mouth was a thin line set above a slightly jutting chin .
tr	5	Mike had always been able to view her with a neutral eye because of the close family tie and they had grown up as best friends .
tr	5	" Just call me Mickey , " she said as she strolled over to the cart , pulling the manifest from the clipboard on top .
tr	5	Given Rob 's love of computers , Mike wasn 't quite sure how much of his new attitude was entirely due to the quantum processors .
tr	5	He figured part of it might be due to his cousin 's impressionist beauty but that was a question for them to figure out on their own .
tr	5	As the introductions were nearing the end , a radio chirped to life , initiating a conversation with one of the majors in the small group .
tr	5	" Learning gradient at fifty percent , sixty-five , eighty , gradient complete , " the man announced , still having seen nothing but the screen .
tr	5	Most of the changes had been gradual but the last four weeks had seen a frenzy of activity as the crowded central area had become too congested .
tr	5	The second floor also housed workspaces for visiting staff , a secure discussion room and a small lunch area complete with a staffed barista machine .
tr	5	If Uncle Harold could see you now , thought Mike as he watched his cousin stand up and walk to the railing that surrounded the central opening .
tr	5	Even before Mike became associated with the discovery of the aliens , Mickey 's father had always compared her to his nephew the scientist , the doctor .
tr	5	Her work at SoCal had freed up so much bandwidth for them that they had easily generated enough capital to justify her salary for the next century .
tr	5	That seemed to satisfy Dr. Tudor and Mickey spent a few more seconds with the controls on her tablet , turning the screen behind her to static .
tr	5	It showed a list of systems - processing , helm , fire control , life support , data retention , and hundreds of barely recognizable items .
tr	5	She dropped the napkins beside the tablet , looking up at the main screen to ensure that she hadn 't lost the view of the interface .
tr	5	" I have a thought on how we could show some appreciation for all the lives she 's going to save with this idea . "
tr	5	The FBI had been on to him from his first arrival in New York but they had left him his freedom and assigned him a controller .
tr	5	He assumed he was only free until they could figure out whether he had any other associates in the city and so he had played that up .
tr	5	Cal had planned to use his next captive in conjunction with a new attack but her escape had forced him to go on the run .
tr	5	I should have gone to work today and then left tomorrow , he thought , now keenly aware of the police who walked about the station .
tr	5	Two soldiers in body armor also stood by the exit to the bus ramps equipped with the shortened Canadian version of the M-16 designed for armor crews .
tr	5	Cal turned to see her standing in the middle of the aisle , her bony index finger pointed at him like the beckoning hand of death .
tr	5	" Meeting the Secretary General will be pretty neat ... " She stopped talking , her smile melting into confusion as she stared beyond her cousin .
tr	5	Mike couldn 't suppress a grin as he panned the camera around to show the small group that was rooted to a hangar elevator by magnetic soles .
tr	5	The old man cuffed at his cheek as he looked up at the huge tarp that was draped across the dorsal end of the bow .
tr	5	Jess gave Mickey a slight nudge and Mike 's cousin took one last stunned look at the Secretary General before hurling the bottle at the new ship .
tr	5	Hot , humid air hammered it 's way inside and the palms surrounding the landing strip were bent almost double from the force of the tropical wind .
tr	5	He stood , flanked by four military policemen , and shuffled down the ramp , the familiar clinking of his leg irons drowned out by the storm .
tr	5	A small commercial district was taking shape nearer to the waterfront , as evidenced by the industrial air conditioning and refrigeration units on their roofs .
tr	5	He had the feeling this was just a nice prison for more slaves -- maybe not slaves in chains like Cal , but slaves all the same .
tr	5	There 's no way off this island for you , unless it 's me tossing a bag of ashes out the back of an Osprey .
tr	5	The Prime Minister of Britain had cornered him on the wet tarmac as they were boarding a modified Osprey for the short trip up to the Hannibal .
tr	5	The man turned at the approach and Frank realized that it was his own President ( though Frank had voted for the Republican ... ) .
tr	5	" There is a tide in the affairs of men which , taken at the flood , leads on to fortune , " the President murmured quietly .
tr	5	No matter what is built next year or even ten years from now , I built the fleet that will bring us either victory or defeat .
tr	5	He might even sleep the whole night through tonight , rather than waking in the wee hours to obsess over some technical issue or cost overrun .
tr	5	It made life on a military vessel more bearable and it also lit fires under people who might otherwise be inclined to question a civilian specialist .
tr	5	Having the same name as the young sailor 's ship might have also been a factor because his eyes widened a little as he acknowledged .
tr	5	One of the ship 's medical staff had shaved his head before stitching his wound and it was a scar that Mike would always remember fondly .
tr	5	The huge reactors took up most of the rear quarter of the vessel and Mike had forgotten how much they contributed to the background noise .
tr	5	Just like the army used ENIAC for the same thing in the forties , she realized , except it wasn 't done in real time .
tr	5	Though nobody had any idea whether the outgoing ordinance would have an effect on the enemy , it made the crew feel better to be firing back .
tr	5	Name one ship after me and I get delusions of grandeur ... The counter on her screen reached zero and she looked expectantly around the room .
tr	5	The disturbances began to grow and Mickey soon felt as though she was sitting in the back of a pickup as it drove over a rough track .
tr	5	" We 're blind for the next five minutes until we bounce back out , " Lieutenant Commander Kelvin , the intelligence officer , announced .
tr	5	He had suited up at the first hint of the strange noise and he cautiously approached the tunnel entrance with his sidearm in his right hand .
tr	5	She still drifted with the fleet but would soon skip out of orbit and drift out past the remaining two ships of the EW Squadron .
tr	5	" They can 't take a crap without dropping their pants - if they want to shoot at us , they drop shields and take severe damage .
tr	5	" The only way we can hurt them is if we already have a hail of ordinance heading their way when they drop their shields .
tr	5	" If the signal doesn 't shut them down , Colonel , we have a tough morning ahead of us , " Towers replied simply .
tr	5	Rob , promoted to the army rank of second lieutenant , was at the backup unit , two hundred feet forward in the secondary command center .
tr	5	" We have the beacon from their home world , " she announced , sliding the window over and concentrating on the signal from Mars .
tr	5	The young helm officer hunched forward in his seat , watching the screen like a hawk , not fully trusting Mickey to steer his ship .
tr	5	This is nuts , the full weight of responsibility suddenly made itself felt as Mickey designated the center of the heavily diffused beam from home world .
tr	5	The thrusters began to push the heavy ship into the center of the path so that the transmission they were about to send wouldn 't arouse suspicion .
tr	5	If it came from even a few degrees off axis , the whole thing might fall apart , as the alien system might reject the signal .
tr	5	" The captain of that ship may have figured out our little trick in time to save himself but not in time to save the rest ? "
tr	5	He felt strange and couldn 't quite put his finger on it until he saw one of his men climbing up onto a higher catwalk .
tr	5	The bridge is most likely on the central axis so we should move aft , he decided as he stood up and pressed his locator beacon .
tr	5	" Reserve , on me , " he ran aft another ten meters then turned to the port side of the hall , motioning to the door .
tr	5	The two men rolled their bricks of C-4 into long strips and stuck them on the wall , roughly approximating the shape of a door .
tr	5	" Fischer and his team are in trouble behind that wall , " he announced on the battalion wide circuit for the benefit of Fischer 's team .
tr	5	They must have been firing at Fischer 's men from the cover of the room , never expecting an attack to come through the wall .
tr	5	One was leaning up against the wall , a pressure bandage covering a wound in his leg as well as sealing the hole in his suit .
tr	5	" I do hope that isn 't the engineering officer , " Kennedy murmured quietly as the enemy captain struggled against the two humans holding him .
tr	5	He directed a part of the sensor array towards where the two ships had been as the fleet had hurtled past on their way to the atmosphere .
tr	5	" If any ship isn 't following that order , I 'll want to know the reason why , " Towers called up into the hole .
tr	5	The shielding was either too weak to deal with the intrusion or its generator had been destroyed by the contained force and it went down for good .
tr	5	Her full armament , including her four 250mm forward guns , continued their silent fire in a desperate attempt to soften the ground before impact .
tr	5	It 's a damn good thing she was built later than the Hermann or her magazine would have been directly behind the 250 's . "
tr	5	Without a planet wide magnetosphere or even much of an atmosphere , solar radiation on the day side was several times the exposure in Earth orbit .
tr	5	" I think everyone in there should start to suit up , " Gus replied , still staring up at the sky but seeing nothing .
tr	5	Mike watched in fascinated horror as more than seven megatons of explosive power completely obscured any view of the ship within the wedge of destruction .
tr	5	They were waiting for a chance to use that rail gun on us and your idea saved a lot of our people , myself included . "
tr	5	It was important to ensure the various avenues of approach allowed for logistical support and that was Mike 's main reason for being on this ship .
tr	5	He reached up just in time to avoid crashing into an overhead tray that carried cables and wiring along the upper part of the payload compartment .
tr	5	The young man had not earned points with his conscript class by remarking that someone of his pedigree should be an officer rather than a grunt .
tr	5	The staff on the Ares were now working at a feverish pitch , ensuring that data on the enemy was integrated as quickly as possible .
tr	5	Within seconds , two men from each platoon began to work their way out from the circle of men , fanning out from the main body .
tr	5	The man had a camouflage pattern of red and orange squares and an American flag on his shoulder embroidered in the same colors as his uniform .
tr	5	" Our battalion reserve company is really nothing more than a slightly augmented platoon , " he began , indicating his men with a wave .
tr	5	In many cases , that meant no more than a few hundred feet from one crest to the next , with a jumbled , stony valley between .
tr	5	The other two sections of the platoon would then move forward across the stony valley to the next crest , taking up new firing positions .
tr	5	In orbit , a sensor array on the Ares identified the reflection from his laser and added a modular shelter unit onto the Osprey flight schedule .
tr	5	They had spent months in zero gravity so the low gravity of this planet wasn 't as much of a treat as they had expected .
tr	5	A soldier ten feet away from them had raised up to a firing position and was almost instantly thrown back , shot in the head .
tr	5	He dropped back from the ridge and made his way over to the left , bringing up his rifle to paint a spot further down the canyon .
tr	5	Until he knew what kind of fighters they were up against , he would opt for the heaviest force that he could bring to bear .
tr	5	After a few moments , the first team relayed the signal from the second and the third team moved past the positions of the first team .
tr	5	Even on Earth , they had a more muted sound than heavy artillery but , here on Mars , the thin atmosphere made them barely audible .
tr	5	In the few minutes it had taken to clear the enemy threat , the two men had died a horrible death in the nearly non-existent atmosphere .
tr	5	" This one has the most markings on his suit , " he mused , sounding like he was picking a melon at the grocery store .
tr	5	He placed a boot on its chest and fired a short burst into the creature 's torso before stepping back to look at the enemy officer .
tr	5	Data encoded in the laser carried whatever information the sender entered on a small rugged touch pad that was strapped between the wrist and elbow .
tr	5	Almost a quarter of the Vulcans in the fleet were taking it in turns to fire on the target for a few seconds at a time .
tr	5	The enemy position was a horror of warm body parts but there were still at least five or six still alive and trying to fight .
tr	5	Hating the enemy doesn 't disqualify a man for leadership , as long as he keeps his emotions in check and concentrates on the job .
tr	5	He backed into the opening with the camera and tripod , dumping them near the shelter door before picking a spot for his last stand .
tr	5	" I 'm sorry , it 's just hard to believe that you 're here , that she 's going to have a normal life . "
tr	5	he declared theatrically , pulling out a tiny EVA suit , complete with the name Grayson and a little camouflaged American flag on the shoulder .
tr	5	He slithered back down the slope into a shallow depression just behind the crest , turning around to lean against the loose dirt next to the major .
tr	5	If they had been preparing a force to invade Earth , then there had to be some half decent troops somewhere , didn 't there ?
tr	5	His breath was starting to show as a light fringe of fog around his visor and a powerful thirst was starting to make itself felt .
tr	5	The grenade detonated , sending a shower of fragments out of the hole and the second man was the first to drop into the bunker .
tr	5	There were at least a hundred enemy streaming out of the tunnel mouth , firing up from the deep cutting that connected the tunnel to the roadbed .
tr	5	He had released the safety but before he could thumb the hammer back , his arm was pulled back and downwards by his opponent 's tail .
tr	5	She had approached the one uniformed member of the camera crew , a Public Affairs officer holding a clipboard , and asked what they were doing .
tr	5	Now came the moment that had been filling Jan with such a potent mix of yearning and dread , the opening of the Osprey 's loading ramp .
tr	5	From a height of four hundred feet , the missile angled steeply downward to slam into the thin armor on the roof of the enemy turret .
tr	5	His men gathered around him as he walked , slapping him on the back and congratulating him on his heroic defeat of the last tank .
tr	5	" Of course , we could have called in some Vulcan rounds and pulled back into cover , but this has a lot more flair ! "
tr	5	" They plan to keep him under for a few more hours since he hasn 't had a lot of rest over the last thirty-six hours . "
tr	5	We didn 't have any excitement over here aside from a high-speed rescue operation , so I was pretty useless after we sent our signal . "
tr	5	The confinement of the suit , along with the difficulties involved in eating and heeding the call of nature would magnify the stress of combat .
tr	5	They 'd all kept it in mind but after leaving the surface , relieved by a fresh rotation of troops , dementia had seemed a remote possibility .
tr	5	The big sergeant let the helmet drift and tried to pull him closer so they could talk quietly but the man was having none of it .
tr	5	The laughing and teasing continued as the inner door opened and they made their way back to their original dormitory where they enthusiastically greeted their wounded comrades .
tr	5	They had a decent rate of fire as well as excellent range and optics , but they had none of the accessories found on the human weapons .
tr	5	It slowly rotated out of view and he thought little of it as he approached until the man 's head rotated out several inches into the companionway .
tr	5	" Well , you wouldn 't be the first person to claim they 've cornered the market on God 's will , " he remarked casually .
tr	5	His punishment backfired because now we 're going to be stronger than ever and he needs a mere mortal like you to help him out .
tr	5	Jack Kitzhaber stood in the hall door , grinning with the knowledge that he would have one of the best days in Press Secretary history .
tr	5	" Jack , our public stand at the moment is that the U.N. is our best friend , but we all know what they 've turned into .
tr	5	" The preliminary reports from the tech teams indicate that the physics involved in the captured engines may be very close to existing but obscure theories . "
tr	5	" Whatever the President says in there will write our names into the history books and he 's pulling the whole speech out of his ass . "
tr	5	Ospreys had rarely touched the surface of the red planet but simply hovered while troops disembarked ; a sitting aircraft was easy meat for enemy infantry .
tr	5	He looked to be around ten and , like most boys , he was fascinated by the new engines that had revolutionized the transportation industry .
tr	5	Years ago , when she had imagined children , they had been just like this young man , right down to the father 's confident personality .
tr	5	" You 'll catch your death sitting on those stones , " he said , acting as though he had known her for years rather than minutes .
tr	5	As they approached the door , it opened and there he was , a cane in his left hand and a smile on his face .
tr	5	He shuffled sideways as his son disappeared inside the narrow doorway and then he threw his arms around her , the cane dangling behind her back .
tr	5	If you really liked the story and want to help others to discover it , the best thing you can do is post a review on Amazon .
tr	5	The boy had passed their test : he had survived the seven days and was therefore a true son if the Empress would have him .
tr	5	She laid a single finger , long and cruel , on the boy 's forehead , and reached into his soul for the final test .
tr	5	The hulking men drew their swords and approached the child , ready to rend him limb from limb and display his body on the palace walls .
tr	5	This child had failed the Empress ' test , the final test , and by all means should be killed and removed from her sight immediately .
tr	5	That living Seventh Child shall seek to inherit the Kingdom of the Veil , and should he claim his right , all your strength shall fail .
tr	5	The Prince of Ravens , the herald of the end times and keeper of Death , lived and breathed in the dark city of Lucien .
tr	5	It was late morning , only an hour short of midday , and yet the entire city spread out before him was cloaked in shadow .
tr	5	But he had read of the sun , in books he wasn 't supposed to know existed , in the deep bowels of the Fortress .
tr	5	All of his siblings were uneasy about how attuned he was to life -- it was the only thing in which they could not best him .
tr	5	" You think in all that time you 'd have learned to control your temper , " he responded , taking out his anxiety by goading her .
tr	5	The Prince 's heart stopped dead for a beat , and when it started again his chest felt as though it were being squeezed by a vice .
tr	5	When the Empress had arrived from across the ocean , she had expanded her territory one province at a time , using fire and the sword .
tr	5	As a member of the Most High , she was allowed in his presence , but not allowed to look him in the eye unless permitted .
tr	5	He began to walk again , slowly at first , but then more quickly until he was nearly running , the Guardians following close behind .
tr	5	He was not of the Most High , nor even of the High , but was simply a Guardian and as such existed outside the social order .
tr	5	" Yes , my Prince , " the captain responded , " she left this for you and commanded you read it before entering . "
tr	5	No doubt the fools were simply late - he had left his quarters rather abruptly -- he must have beaten the notice of his arrival .
tr	5	Surprise set the Prince 's nerves on fire and choked him as the men unsheathed long daggers from underneath their dark gray servant 's garb .
tr	5	Darkness swirled in on him , and the last image he had was of the inside of a sack , sewed to look like a tablecloth .
tr	5	It was a forest clearing , of that he was sure , though he 'd only seen pictures such as this in books and dreams .
tr	5	There was a prick of something being stuck rudely into his skin , and the Prince let out a gasp of pain as fire flooded his veins .
tr	5	The behemoth of a man ignored him , and instead reached over and placed a small tin cup full of some steaming liquid in front of him .
tr	5	The big man rolled his eyes and turned back to the makeshift stove , where sat roasting what looked like the entire leg of some unfortunate animal .
tr	5	Who else would have the audacity to do something of that magnitude in defiance of the Empress , the proper ruler of all of Lucia ?
tr	5	Her eyes flashed with rage , haunting green eyes that watched him with hatred and contempt , and he could see her desire to end his life .
tr	5	I found him unconscious , left to die from his wounds by a group of the Empress ' men at the bottom of the mountains .
tr	5	But then the man shook his head once more and actually stepped forward to rest the point of his blade against the Prince 's chest .
tr	5	She looked at the Prince -- and not just at his face , but at his clothing as well , his chafed wrists , his dirty hair .
tr	5	She stopped backing toward the door and instead took a few steps toward the two of them , her fear evaporating like an early morning mist .
tr	5	It was unlikely she had acted on her own -- this plan had too much open audacity for her ; she enjoyed pulling strings in the shadows .
tr	5	What mattered was that he needed to return to the Fortress and deal with whichever of his siblings had forged a Summons and had him attacked .
tr	5	" The entire Empire will be looking for me ; they will find me , and you will die slowly and in excruciating pain for holding me .
tr	5	As his head cleared and his ears drained , he heard laughter and saw through teary eyes the girl doubled over , arms wrapped around her stomach .
tr	5	The girl saw him looking , reached over to grab her cloak , and bunched it at the end of the table to block his view .
tr	5	She then began using a bit of string as a measuring tool , all the while muttering to herself and absentmindedly stroking the side of her face .
tr	5	When she was finished , she remained bent over the table , eyes scanning the map and her notes a second time , before finally speaking .
tr	5	I don 't know why it hasn 't happened already ; maybe we 've just been lucky and they don 't know for sure what happened .
tr	5	He would never be able to overpower the big man - particularly not in close quarters like this where he couldn 't maneuver and use his speed .
tr	5	They shared a short , unspoken conversation , and then they turned to look at the Prince of Ravens as if contemplating what lay ahead of them .
tr	5	" Now , " he continued , rubbing his hands together eagerly , " do you wish to tie him up or shall I ? "
tr	5	But the two Exiles presumably foresaw this eventuality and threw a large dark brown cloak over him before pulling up the hood to obscure his face .
tr	5	They towered up into the sky , nearly as tall as some of the buildings in Lucien , and they left him dumb and awestruck .
tr	5	He 'd stumbled over a floor that was not stone or packed dirt but a mixture of soil and grass and growing things - things of wonder .
tr	5	The clouds of Lucien weren 't even visible ; for all the Prince knew , he had somehow been transported to the other side of the world .
tr	5	The two Exiles talked softly to one another , in large part ignoring the Prince but occasionally glancing over to be certain he wasn 't making trouble .
tr	5	And one fact had become increasingly clear to him during the day 's journey -- these two ordinary people were very good at remaining unseen .
tr	5	The girl didn 't listen to him , but grabbed a hank of hair , yanked his head back , and forced the gag into his mouth .
tr	5	" You know what 's funny , " said the girl , " is that I was aiming for your leg but you rolled over .
tr	5	He thanked the Empress that he had received rudimentary riding lessons for visits of state , or else the day would have been even worse .
tr	5	As if in response to this thought the horse turned suddenly and the restraints dug even deeper into his skin as he clung to the saddle .
tr	5	The pain made him breathe in sharply through his nose , and he was only just able to keep a gasp from escaping past the gag .
tr	5	Was this the same man who had so recently threatened to bring him back to the Exiled Kindred in pieces if he didn 't mind his manners ?
tr	5	The spot where the Exiles had chosen to make camp that night was in the shelter of a narrow passage through a large stone wall .
tr	5	He may have convinced himself that it was a plot by others , but you and I both know that the signs point to the Empress . "
tr	5	Her voice had changed somehow , and the Prince realized that all the heat had gone out of it , leaving the sound cold and dispassionate .
tr	5	How the Exiles did it he couldn 't understand , and eventually he gave up , head pounding and eyes throbbing due to the awkward angle .
tr	5	They had camped near a running stream that night , and the Prince was cold enough without receiving another dunking in the name of good manners .
tr	5	He shot a surreptitious glance at the two Exiles from under his hood as best he could , and saw that they had noticed nothing .
tr	5	The bright glowing points continued to gain on them until they were less than half a mile away , and they didn 't seem to be slowing .
tr	5	The Prince stood and motioned for the man to halt , pulling himself up to his full height and assuming the stance of a Prince .
tr	5	No doubt the high ravine walls amplified the sound of their weapons , but the battle still looked extremely fearsome to the Prince 's eyes .
tr	5	Besides brief glimpses , the Prince was only able to track her movement by the shocked cries of the men she came upon like a vengeful spirit .
tr	5	But instinct and training took over , and instead of retreating the Prince stepped smartly inside the range of the sword , rendering the blow useless .
tr	5	With sudden strength pounding through his limbs , the Prince raised the dead man 's sword and danced into the middle of the onrushing group .
tr	5	It wore no helm , and the Prince looked into empty eye sockets , from the depths of which glowed not eyes but a sickly green light .
tr	5	The Watchman lunged again with inhuman speed and strength , the onyx blade whistling and hissing through the air like a thing alive and thirsty for blood .
tr	5	But , undaunted , the Watchman continued forward , swung its sword high overheard , and brought it down on the Prince 's blade , shattering it .
tr	5	The Exile girl was there waiting , and she dug her second dagger into the base of the thing 's neck , sending the blow awry .
tr	5	The Prince noted mentally that she was well informed -- the only way to kill a Watchman was to sever the brain from the body .
tr	5	The Watchman 's blade snaked out once more , and with a hair-raising screech dug into the rock not an inch from the Prince 's head .
tr	5	He only succeeded in inducing a huge coughing fit , his lungs burning as if he had pulled in a breath of fire instead of air .
tr	5	The Watchman swung into the series of movements that the Prince recognized as the opening of the Gunn Ax Form , and his fears were confirmed .
tr	5	it screamed , the ghoulish voice twisting the words into a scream of such ripping , throat tearing fury that no living thing could have uttered it .
tr	5	The Watchman dropped like a marionette with its strings cut , and the Prince felt the small wavering drop of life it had left in it disappear .
tr	5	The girl 's face turned from one of steely calm to one of red-hot hatred and the Prince vaguely registered that this was cause for concern .
tr	5	And with that , she spun on her heel and made her way back into the trees in the direction of where they had first been ambushed .
tr	5	Not only had he been kidnapped from the Fortress itself , but the Death Watchman had told him its orders had come from the Empress .
tr	5	The Prince hadn 't been alive long enough to act against or be acted against by one of the others , but he knew the histories .
tr	5	The Prince peered up from under his hood at the backs of the two Exiles , and felt a strange pang deep in his chest .
tr	5	If the maps of Lucia he 'd seen in the Fortress Libraries were accurate , the city was nestled at the southern foot of the mountain range .
tr	5	He 'd craft some story for the Seeker , how he had slipped away from them days earlier and had no knowledge of where they 'd gone .
tr	5	But nothing he told himself stamped it out completely , and as the day wore on he was lost once more in a mire of confusion .
tr	5	Privately , he had always assumed it was part of the Raven Talisman , or more specifically because of what happened when he took a life .
tr	5	The girl certainly didn 't , not after what had happened with the Death Watch , how he had allowed them to ambush the three of them .
tr	5	" The Death Watch was sent after me , they kidnapped me , and they followed and ambushed you in order to get to me .
tr	5	The Prince watched as the girl 's anger winked out and was replaced by the cold , dispassionate mask she wore more and more often around him .
tr	5	They have betrayed all I stand for -- all that is good in this world : the Empire , the Princes of the Realm , my Mother .
tr	5	But I wish to help you ... and if you give me something to do , you will see that I can be counted on .
tr	5	And yet , peace of mind did not descend on him , and he spent the night , once again , trying and failing to find sleep .
tr	5	Chapter Seven : Knowing Death The next few days passed quickly as they traveled on , descending the mountains but still surrounded by dense forest .
tr	5	Alone , but not truly so , for the Prince knew neither Exile was far enough away that he had any chance at attempting escape .
tr	5	At the thought of this bearded , rough-and-tumble giant with the uniform and manners of a Guardian , the Prince couldn 't help but smile .
tr	5	The Prince had never had any real companions in the Fortress , never had anyone who simply talked to him because they felt like talking to him .
tr	5	His large , square white teeth shone from the thicket of his beard as he pointed at another tree , this one taller than all the others .
tr	5	" Hopefully soon I won 't have to do that , " he rumbled , and gave the Prince another smile , this one small and conspiratorial .
tr	5	He felt a drop of blood crawl across his skin and fall to ground , and suddenly he realized he truly was afraid for his life .
tr	5	" I 'm sorry , " he whispered , not trusting himself to speak normally with the gleaming dagger pressed so fiercely against his throat .
tr	5	The Prince , even though his back was turned , allowed himself not even the hint of a smile as a thrill of triumph coursed through him .
tr	5	" No , " he heard the girl respond savagely , " he 's ... at worst , conspiring to kill or ... in our sleep .
tr	5	" It ' s been too long since I ' ve had some fresh meat -- I 'm off to hunt , " he rumbled .
tr	5	Before seeing the big man fight , the Prince would have found the sight of the small sling in the hands of the giant quite amusing .
tr	5	Now , he suspected that a stone from that sling in the hands of that man could kill a full grown ox at a hundred paces .
tr	5	" I 'll get the firewood -- I won 't need to go very far , so I can keep an eye on junior here . "
tr	5	After a brief instant of confusion , the Prince realized the giant was asking him to check the surrounding area for any signs of life .
tr	5	His vision had gone red around the edges , and his anxiety , frustration and anger had formed into a hard , twisting fist in his gut .
tr	5	A minute or more passed that way , the two of them staring at each other , the Prince watching the wheels turn in her head .
tr	5	He didn 't know when the big man had left , but the Prince was sure somehow that it was after he had finished speaking .
tr	5	Shocked , the Prince recoiled from the giant , but he was tethered to the tree and in the end there was nowhere to go .
tr	5	The giant turned away and sheathed his sword in a single , fluid motion , as effortlessly as the Prince would do up a button .
tr	5	He turned his head and saw the two horses cropping the scraggly mountain grass not twenty yards away , and realized he could take one and leave .
tr	5	He bent and stuck the knife into the elk 's stomach , doing his best to map out exactly what his plan of attack was here .
tr	5	He had felt numb then as well , but mostly because he had recently come out of the coma into which the experience had sent him .
tr	5	The Prince wasn 't sure what to make of this , but as he remained unbound he told himself it was none of his concern .
tr	5	Unlike the Black Wall , these buildings had never felt the touch of the Empress , and as such had been worn down and rebuilt over time .
tr	5	With a sudden thrill that jolted through his body to the tips of his fingers and toes , the Prince realized this would be his chance .
tr	5	" Not at all , " the Prince responded truthfully , trying to keep up the façade of being helpful for just a little longer .
tr	5	The sword hung in the air for a second too long , and in that time the shock and surprise that crossed her face disappeared .
tr	5	He spun , striking for her again as she nimbly dodged out of his way to the left , but he sliced through only air .
tr	5	He bent and reached for one -- Searing pain raced through his hand , up his arm and into his head as he grasped the hilt .
tr	5	He staggered back several feet and fell to the ground , watching in alarm as the dagger smoked in the grass where it had fallen .
tr	5	* * * After the Prince of Raven 's betrayal , the Exile girl named Leah lay at the base of the tree for a long time .
tr	5	For a moment or two she let the feeling wash over her , then she slowly sat up and took a deep breath to still herself .
tr	5	He always did what was right , and such fury as creased his features was reserved only for those who had violated his moral code .
tr	5	When he attacked me , I could see it in his eyes - he didn 't want to hurt me , but he did anyway .
tr	5	Leah was about to protest , but she had seen the look in his eyes before and knew that she would get nothing more out of him .
tr	5	But they were , in all cases , required to answer the Children 's questions to the farthest extent of their full and often considerable knowledge .
tr	5	Peace , the golden flower , prosperity , the seven green blades of grass , contained within the black ribbon , the Empire 's borders .
tr	5	He let his connection to the Raven Talisman fade and finally cut off , and the markings on his shoulders and back grew cold once more .
tr	5	The door swung inward just wide enough for the Prince to enter , and then was quickly shut after him , leaving him in total darkness .
tr	5	The Prince did so , his boots treading on a soft rug - a plain brown color that might be seen in the most humble of houses .
tr	5	Living like the poor was a mark of the lower orders of the Seeker society who sought to understand humility and a way to the Light .
tr	5	Two golden daggers , points down , were hung by large nails on either side of a window in the building in front of him .
tr	5	The two buildings were close together - close enough for the Prince to take a running jump and leap from one roof to the other .
tr	5	Her eyes gleamed , even in the dark room , with a blazing blue light , and illuminated a face creased and lined with age .
tr	5	Not quite sure what he had expected , he was still relieved to find that the stone was just stone , cool and hard against his skin .
tr	5	His arm looked as though it simply ended at the wrist , and he realized that the wall here wasn 't solid - it was an illusion .
tr	5	But there , high up and to the right , was a small Eagle , head pulled back as it screeched defiance into the sky .
tr	5	The hole was large and circular , just slightly shorter than he was and wide enough for him to stretch out an arm to either wall .
tr	5	The men were all in long robes , decorated with the colors of their house or perhaps the colors of the Prince to which they were sworn .
tr	5	He pushed against the side of the alleyway , hiding in the shadows , as the girl , even more stone-faced than normal , crossed the street .
tr	5	Suddenly he remembered the sound of crashing metal as he 'd descended the wall and he knew then that she had followed him and incapacitated the guard .
tr	5	Not even the High could enter here without a specific invitation , and the Elevated as well as the Commons were forbidden , on pain of death .
tr	5	" By following the path myself , " the Prince said , speaking quickly but doing his best to keep what was left of his composure .
tr	5	The Cathedral of the Empress was known throughout Lucia , and the Prince had heard stories of its grandeur since the day he was born .
tr	5	His voice came back to him in quivering echoes , and he realized he wasn 't in a room , but in a long passageway .
tr	5	The man trailed off as the Prince stepped forward , coming into the full light of the candles , breaking the Seeker out of the traditional welcome .
tr	5	He had regained his composure and spoke with soft assurance , but he was staring at the Prince so intensely a lesser man would have cowered .
tr	5	The Prince knew immediately that this was not a man who was used to being commanded , and certainly not one used to being taken by surprise .
tr	5	The Seeker bowed his head , and the Prince felt a brief flash of amusement as both guards exchanged a shocked glance at such deference .
tr	5	The Seeker moved across the room , and seated himself behind a large desk , and motioned for the Prince to take the seat opposite .
tr	5	The remaining guard poured two cups of a blood red wine , and handed them to the Seeker , who then offered one to the Prince .
tr	5	There has been treason in the Empire , and I must inform both the Empress and you of the events of the past few weeks . "
tr	5	A long moment passed where the Prince and the Seeker simply looked at each other , and then the Prince 's anger began to rise .
tr	5	" Hold him , but do not damage him , " the Seeker said , his brow furrowed in sadness and something akin to disappointment .
tr	5	And all this time they 've been looking for you to the north , thinking you would attempt to seek help from those you knew in Lucien .
tr	5	He 'd become an animal in a trap , and in his despair , in his descent into madness , he was granted the strength of desperation .
tr	5	Chapter Eleven : The Crucible There are moments of exquisite pain in our lives , where time and space swirl into an unknowable nexus of the imagination .
tr	5	He wondered which of the Children had been sent to retrieve him , and how long it would take them to arrive once the message came .
tr	5	How many days he had left to live , how many days until he reached the Fortress , this time in chains , and was killed .
tr	5	Finally , as he sat in the dark with his black thoughts , the door to his cell creaked open and he knew his time was up .
tr	5	The girl went so far as to pull back from the lock far enough to look the Prince straight in the face and cock an eyebrow .
tr	5	" I mean , " the Prince hurried on , feeling his cheeks grow hot with embarrassment , " why are you risking your lives for me ?
tr	5	The girl didn 't respond , but the Prince felt her hesitate for the briefest of seconds before attacking the lock again with renewed vigor .
tr	5	The noise of a far off grate swinging open came from outside the door , and then sounds of feet tramping across a corridor above them .
tr	5	Do not turn your back on us , who are trying to save your life , the same way that they have turned their backs on you .
tr	5	Stars winked at the edges of his vision , but as he looked up he saw dagger saw sticking out of the Exile girl 's boot .
tr	5	She simply stood there and examined him , her face cold and dispassionate , but her eyes blazing almost brighter than the torches along the wall .
tr	5	A number of men rounded the corner , some dressed in the rough black homespun of the Searchers the Prince had seen upon entering the lair .
tr	5	She reached the door , and turned back to look at the guards as they came running after her , and threw up her hands in surrender .
tr	5	" Well I 'm very grateful we have you around to open all the tricky doors , " the girl responded , elbowing her way past him .
tr	5	At the base of the tower they emerged to find themselves in the same gatehouse the Prince had made his way through on the Path of Light .
tr	5	This time it was free of guards , but contained instead two Searchers , and , in a ridiculous coincidence , the Lord Seeker himself .
tr	5	If I stay close , they 'll be able to feel me the way I can feel people , and they 'll follow me like bloodhounds . "
tr	5	They certainly weren 't his Prince robes , but they were comfortable , and provided good mobility , which would help him in this escape .
tr	5	" We can do it now , " she said , eyeing him dangerously , " when we don 't have Imperials right on top of us .
tr	5	" I 've heard that question before somewhere , " she said dryly , " though I vaguely remember being the one to ask it . "
tr	5	He would have wondered harder , but his brain was tired of working , and idle was all he had to work with it at the moment .
tr	5	I think we can anticipate scouting parties within the hour , though I don 't think they 'll range very far from the city initially .
tr	5	He pulled up his shirt to check the wounds he 'd received fighting the Death Watchmen and saw they were healing into fine , puckered lines .
tr	5	When he woke again , feeling warm and comfortable , a glowing heat pressing against the side of his body , he wondered distantly where he was .
tr	5	Besides , soon we will be followed in earnest no matter what we do , and there will be no chance for the comfort of a fire .
tr	5	" You are not weak , " the Prince scoffed , " don 't think that I can be caught off guard by simple lies . "
tr	5	The Prince moved swiftly to the opposite side of the fire , and looked out into the thicket of trees , not wanting to see the Exile .
tr	5	He continued to stare at the ground , trying to count leaves , trying to set his mind on autopilot , trying to stop himself from thinking .
tr	5	" I had been a member of the Guard for five years before I was given a Summons to enter the presence of the Empress herself . "
tr	5	I was invited forward , told to kneel before the Empress by her Hand , and then she laid a single finger on my forehead . "
tr	5	" I was told later that what she did was called delving , that she was examining me for the qualities of a Blade Master .
tr	5	All I remember was her nodding , and then I was given over to the Blade Masters , who took me and tested me themselves .
tr	5	" Not with this curse around my neck , " he said quietly , fingering the black marks over his shoulders through the cotton of his shirt .
tr	5	The Prince knew that there were small towns up and down the roads , some large enough to hold as many as twenty or thirty families .
tr	5	Ironically , as Leah pointed out to him with a smirk , it was the Prince 's fault they couldn 't travel the main roads .
tr	5	Two exiles being hunted was not an uncommon thing , and they were trained in and accustomed to passing unnoticed and had many times before .
tr	5	One who had impersonated a member of the Most High -- perhaps even I will be described as a renegade house player who has committed treason .
tr	5	For you two , the price will be high as well no doubt , but likely they are only seeking you to find me . "
tr	5	He will no doubt have sketches made and circulated , not just to garrisons along the Roarke Road , but to other Seeker cells throughout the Empire .
tr	5	No matter where you go , no matter what town , what city , you will be recognized , and likely killed in your sleep !
tr	5	But after they were sure they 'd lost any pursuit , they 'd begun to make small fires , and the nights had been easier to bear .
tr	5	" I did the prep work , since I enjoy doing it , " the big man rumbled , " but the sewing is up to you .
tr	5	I 've got a couple more scraps of hide in one of the packs if you need anything , and of course I have plenty of thread .
tr	5	It was one thing to strike him in combat , but to strike him in such a way , unprovoked -- that he would not let go .
tr	5	I may not be a Prince anymore , but I bloody well deserve the right to hit someone back when they hit me first ! "
tr	5	He 'd been so blindingly angry that all he 'd really done was knock her to the ground and give her a good amount of bruises .
tr	5	" Because you were starting to think about going back , " she said , watching him closely , her look daring him to contradict her .
tr	5	The Prince felt chills go up and down his back , and also the heat of embarrassment and shame , knowing that she had guessed his thoughts .
tr	5	The three of them began to move again , all of them on foot to save the horses ' strength for when it was needed .
tr	5	They lapsed into silence for the next few days , barely speaking more than a word to each other , each lost in their own thoughts .
tr	5	The Prince hesitated before responding , trying to see if she was going to mock him , or in some way degrade him for using the Talisman .
tr	5	The Prince slowly realized that she was trying to have a genuine conversation with him , and was so taken aback that he spoke hastily .
tr	5	I know that there are a few of the more adventurous High Blood who live around the lake , up in the mountains , for hunting .
tr	5	He was angry , and in his anger the guilt and shame of not doing what they wanted or thought was right burned up and disappeared .
tr	5	And he knew too that if he finished the journey with them , that he would find their leaders , and would be made to talk .
tr	5	It fell down , long in both the front and back , almost to his knees , and about halfway down his ribs on either side .
tr	5	The hood he 'd attached was easy to pull up or down , and , most importantly , the thing was warm and wouldn 't fall off .
tr	5	" Then prove it , " the Prince said , adding a biting , taunting twist to the words that he had learned from Leah .
tr	5	We can use staves if you want to find some likely looking logs , or practice swords if you can find some good branches . "
tr	5	The cuts on his wrist , and the wounds he 'd received from the Death Watchmen , had all healed well , and he felt whole .
tr	5	He had been too long away from the practice yard , anyway - he knew that he was in desperate need of a tune up .
tr	5	And as time continued to pass , hope grew in him that he might be able to escape his captivity and free himself from the Empire entirely .
tr	5	When he woke , it was to find a Defender of the Realm holding a sword to his throat , silhouetted against the rising sun .
tr	5	If only he had listened to the girl , he could have prevented this , but he 'd let his pride and his anger blind him .
tr	5	" We 've all been in the wars , " one of the other Defenders said with the same eerie , maniacal light in his eyes .
tr	5	" Once she is in one of the capital cities she is disavowed , " the big man said , his voice heavy with despair .
tr	5	Fear crossed the man 's face as the Prince drew Leah 's dagger and slammed it into his chest , piercing the Defender 's heart .
tr	5	He set off at a run , his feet digging deep trenches in the soft ground as he shot through the glen with inhuman speed .
tr	5	Leah , eyes wide and staring in shock as the captain fell off his horse right in front of her , was in the right hand column .
tr	5	His eyes were closed , and his entire body was shaking , each and every muscle jumping , bunching , contracting , releasing only to tense again .
tr	5	He was relatively sure that one didn 't sway when one was lying down , but then again he supposed one could never be entirely sure .
tr	5	He slid off of the litter , and let out a small groan as a hundred aches and pains suddenly came crashing down on him .
tr	5	" Whatever you say , sleeping beauty -- you 've been riding in this for almost a week now , sleeping like a little baby .
tr	5	But as the Prince stripped off and ran it over his bruised and battered body , he felt that the cold was worth the cleansing .
tr	5	He hadn 't had the opportunity to thoroughly wash himself since he 'd left the Fortress - he , who had taken sometimes two baths a day .
tr	5	Once he 'd finished , he made his way back to the fire , wrapped in every piece of clothing he owned to protect against the cold .
tr	5	He 's the Prince of Ravens , and nothing will change that , no matter how many times we save him or he saves us .
tr	5	They wouldn 't want him to share in it - the Exiled Kindred would treat him just as Leah did , with suspicion and fear .
tr	5	I am a Prince of the Realm as long as I bear the Raven Talisman , and I cannot turn my back on my responsibility . "
tr	5	There was a deep sadness in his eyes , and the Prince quickly looked away , feeling as though he were betraying the man in some way .
tr	5	" A few days at most , " she responded automatically , her eyes now focused past him as if seeing something in her memory .
tr	5	" And then you can go get yourself killed in whatever way you want , " she said , the anger coming back to the surface .
tr	5	The mountains began to become more noticeable as well , the ground dipping less and less often back toward sea level and instead continuing to climb .
tr	5	It was so far away that the Prince knew he shouldn 't be able to sense it : a bright point of life , coming toward them .
tr	5	The sound of her voice broke through his clouded mind , and he dropped his gaze to the ground , looking anywhere but at her .
tr	5	The Prince didn 't need to follow her gaze to know that the army was closer ; he could feel them growing nearer every second .
tr	5	I was taken out of the crowd , brought to the center of town , and whipped with a lash by the Prince of Lions himself .
tr	5	My father ... he spat on me as he left the room , leaving me hanging from the chains where slaves were whipped for disobedience .
tr	5	He found them , and watched them go in his mind 's eye , feeling their life dwindle as they rode further and further away .
tr	5	The trail was leading him well up into the mountains , high enough that the wind whipping past him cut straight through his layers of clothing .
tr	5	It was nearly twenty feet tall , made of a blinding white substance that the Prince knew to be the essence of the storm itself .
tr	5	Lightning and thunder crackled again , and the top of the tree was severed from the trunk and came crashing down nearly on top of them .
tr	5	The Daemon reared back and turned , a dazzling white dagger sticking out of its neck , just below the edge of its crown shaped helm .
tr	5	A terrible scream rent the air , a howling and tearing that resounded with the raw power of thunder and the piercing shriek of wind .
tr	5	And then , with a final heaving cry , the elemental monster exploded into a thousand shards of ice that went flying in as many directions .
tr	5	The Prince gaped in surprise as Leah shot across the clearing toward the smaller of the two figures , laughing in a way he had never seen .
tr	5	He had the same lithe frame as Leah , with the core of steely cat-like grace that made her movements seem like she was dancing .
tr	5	The Prince held Leah 's gaze and tried to convey his gratitude without words , but whether she understood or not he couldn 't tell .
tr	5	They must be a mile away still , " the Prince blurted out , reaching out and sensing the army still far away but certainly gaining .
tr	5	" No , " he responded , " and you 're not going to get much farther on those horses so the normal route is out . "
tr	5	The Ox Talisman endowed his brother with enhanced physical strength and power , and he was positioned here in the southern most Province because of that fact .
tr	5	His physical strength was matched only by his force of will -- and he had never been defeated on the battlefield in an open fight .
tr	5	It was a simple thing , made of wood and rope that was coated in tar and resin to provide a steady footing for horses .
tr	5	" The magic of the Council of Elders makes it so that anyone without an Anchor is unable to see through the protections we have in place .
tr	5	" Fortress , " he managed to get out , breathing heavily , his stomach settling back down as the cold air calmed his nerves .
tr	5	" We ' ll have to camp for the night , and then we ' ll get there early morning tomorrow , " Leah said .
tr	5	" When the metal is forged , the first person to touch a drop of their blood to the Anchor becomes linked to it . "
tr	5	She reached out toward him , and he jumped back as if she was wielding a smoking cattle brand instead of offering a friendly shoulder pat .
tr	5	We couldn 't get him to shut up on the way here - have you heard this one , have you heard that one . "
tr	5	He urged his horse into a slow walk , and the Prince followed suit , moving down the hill at a slight angle to the city .
tr	5	She can 't make it dance or anything , but she can make it do things that no normal dagger would be able to do .
tr	5	His hands started to ball up into fists , and he had to make the conscious effort to make them lay flat on his lap .
tr	5	And the dams I break are the ones that control the water to the grain he 's trying to grow in secret to feed those armies . "
tr	5	If he tried to take the Prince back to Lucia , back to the capital city and to his Mother , then maybe he would go .
tr	5	Together they moved forward , and as they did the Prince felt an icy chill settle inside him , and felt his mind clear of all thoughts .
tr	5	The blade was oddly bright , almost shining as it took in the smallest hint of light , amplified it , and threw it back .
tr	5	Most of the time it 's only for Ranger or Rogue training , but it looks like they found a spare since I ' ve been gone .
tr	5	" It 's light enough so you don 't truly feel it , and it 's good to train with a bit of extra weight anyway .
tr	5	The leather 's just on the outside , so when I smack you upside the head you get a bit of cushioning from the blow . "
tr	5	And as time wore on , it became slowly but shockingly clear that the Prince was holding his own against the giant , strength met with finesse .
tr	5	The Prince had turned around , and though he didn 't remember raising the sword , he was holding it in both hands in front of him .
tr	5	If I open the gates to let the army in , or sabotage the defense with false information or ... or take out the Council of Elders .
tr	5	" You once told me I didn 't have to be one of the Children if I didn 't want to , " the Prince said .
tr	5	There was a sudden noise from outside the room in the antechamber back where the staircase ended ; it was the sound of steel on steel .
tr	5	The others looked back in surprise , but the Prince simply continued moving , passing between them until he stood in front of the dignified leader .
tr	5	" I am not a runaway from the families of the Most High who has come to you with information , as has been reported .
tr	5	The man gave the impression of something solid , an eye in the storm forming around him , a deeply rooted boulder amid a rushing stream .
tr	5	He was very careful not to touch the edge -- he felt certain the sharpness of the blade would cut him at the slightest touch .
tr	5	The Prince recovered quickly , dashed out of the door , and ran back for the barracks as fast as his legs would take him .
tr	5	" Leah says she needs you and the twenty Rogue pairs under you to meet her at the north-west entrance to the valley within the next hour .
tr	5	I 've renounced my claim to throne and sworn myself to the Elders - to Crane - until the Prince of Oxen has been repulsed .
tr	5	By the time the Prince made it to the valley entrance , he saw that a large part of the ambush force had already been assembled .
tr	5	the Prince cried back , mounting in a single bounding leap onto his horse , surprised to find how easy it was to move in the armor .
tr	5	The plan , which had seemed good in concept when Elder Crane sent them off in the capital room of Vale , now seemed terribly foolhardy .
tr	5	No matter how effective this ambush is , it will stall him only as long as it takes him to force his army back into motion .
tr	5	He 's past the Pass , he 's past the enchantments , he knows he 's in the right place , and with a huge army !
tr	5	He 's had over a hundred years of battlefield experience , with all the resources of the Guardians and their vast knowledge of war . "
tr	5	They crossed through the door single file , having dismounted and tied their horses in the Kindred 's makeshift stable inside the decrepit castle 's walls .
tr	5	" I don 't like knowing I 'm a sitting target , " he growled to Leah , trying to mask his anxiety with anger .
tr	5	The Prince wasn 't sure how long they waited in the deepening black of night , the ground shaking underneath them as the enormous host advanced .
tr	5	" Not my fault , " the Prince said , shifting from foot to foot , his hands wringing each other over and over again .
tr	5	The messenger , who the Prince suddenly noticed had a tunic embroidered with the sign of the Ox , was motioning vehemently toward the mountain pass .
tr	5	The only thing different is that once you 're on the other side and they 're confused , I 'll give the order to attack . "
tr	5	The captain turned to make his way back to his post , and Leah grabbed the Prince by the arm and pulled him along after her .
tr	5	The sparse torchlight seemed to gather in her green eyes and her body flowed from one move to the next so seamlessly it seemed she was dancing .
tr	5	The Exiled Kindred began to disengage and retreat , leaving hundreds of the enemy dead behind littering the ground and hundreds more fleeing back up the ravine .
tr	5	A shape shot past the Prince 's blurred vision , pulling him along with it as it hurled up the mountain as fast as it could .
tr	5	But the rocks landed behind them , and the rumbling soon stopped as the big man slowed and set them down on a small patch of dirt .
tr	5	Together , they both looked down and saw a thick wooden shaft sticking out of the left side of his torso , under the armpit .
tr	5	He coughed and felt something salty and metallic in his mouth ; he spat it out and realized , dumbfounded , that it was blood .
tr	5	With a heaving gasp , the Prince sat upright , his head pounding as the dark shadows of unconsciousness splintered to reveal reality behind them .
tr	5	He brought his hand away from his side , expecting blood from the wound he remembered taking in the ambush , but it came away clean .
tr	5	Before he could react , she grabbed his head , thrust it under her arm , and held him in place while she checked his bandages .
tr	5	" We don 't have another day , " broke in a young man , dressed in the same plain light brown wool the woman was .
tr	5	" The walls will hold , " she continued , her voice loud enough to be heard throughout the room , " they always have . "
tr	5	But then the Daemons arrived , with spiked morning stars swinging viciously back and forth in their hands , each the length of two men .
tr	5	The Prince shot one more glance out over the edge of the balcony and confirmed that the two armies were backing down for the moment .
tr	5	The Prince moved to the bed of rags , his wound sending little shocks of pain down his side every time his left foot hit the ground .
tr	5	He gritted his teeth together , taking it on faith that this woman wasn 't trying to kill him even though it felt that way .
tr	5	The street was a mess of people running here and there , belongings scattered across the broad boulevard that ran around the mountain up to the keep .
tr	5	The Rogues were good , but what they were fighting against were supernatural beings , the power of the earth itself given form and malicious intent .
tr	5	" No , " the Prince responded , " but if they 're up high enough , close to that cliff , it will be easier .
tr	5	You need to take them off the Daemons to kill them -- they 're connected to the essence of the earth that helped make the creatures .
tr	5	And since I did my share of blacksmithing before I joined the Rogues , I take care of my own armor when I 'm on duty . "
tr	5	" Yes , that fool of a girl hasn 't eaten in nearly two days , and she still insisted she didn 't need to .
tr	5	You know your brother : once the scent of blood is in his nose , he won 't stop while there is anyone left standing . "
tr	5	They also bore looks of grim determination , as though they were ready to march off to the ends of the earth if need be .
tr	5	As if on cue , a sharp , piercing barb dug into his ribs and he gasped in pain as red spots danced across his vision .
tr	5	The shaking under their feet was growing more pronounced , and the Prince knew that his brother was somewhere on the other side of the gate .
tr	5	For what seemed like an eternity , they waited there , watching the barred wooden doors under the gate through which the enemy would attempt to come .
tr	5	As he walked , it was easy to note that his every movement was sharp and precise ; he moved with a deadly power that screamed danger .
tr	5	The Prince of Ravens stepped forward , knowing how small and insignificant he looked in front of his brother , the same way he 'd always looked .
tr	5	A number of Kindred drew in sharp breaths : he was within the reach of his brother 's axes if the Ox Lord chose to swing them .
tr	5	There was another scream of pain , and the creature brought down its iron mace with such strength that it left a crater in the ground .
tr	5	That much was clear : the Prince had no chance of defeating his brother when he couldn 't give his full attention to the task .
tr	5	The first axe swiped through the air so quickly it was no more than a blur of motion that the Prince just managed to avoid .
tr	5	The Prince took a running leap , pushed off a wall with his enhanced strength , and landed like a cat on the roof of a house .
tr	5	The Prince took off running on the top of the buildings , jumping from roof to roof , as fast as his feet could carry him .
tr	5	- fueling his legs , and just in time , as the next instant his brother crashed down behind him with a bellow of rage .
tr	5	The Prince of Ravens shot around another hairpin turn , but this time his brother checked his speed just in time to keep his distance .
tr	5	As the dust settled , the Prince of Oxen stepped into view , swinging his axes easily by his sides , a horrible grin on his face .
tr	5	The Prince of Oxen made another swing with his axe , but the Prince ducked and it instead hit another pillar that also came crashing down .
tr	5	He cried out in pain as a stone smashed into his spine , and he felt his hands go numb and his vision grow dark .
tr	5	He would deal with it all later -- he had no time to judge it now , and he couldn 't keep it in his mind .
tr	5	He moved through the gate to the second tier of the city , passing cheering Kindred , hearing the sound of retreat blown on Imperial horns .
tr	5	Concentrating with all of his might , the Prince mentally sank anchors into all of the memories , and began to reel them back toward him .
tr	5	An eagle screeched as it descended next to him and caught a small animal far below -- a golden , furry thing whose luck had run out .
tr	5	He cleared his throat gruffly and shifted his weight , putting his hands on his hips ; the Prince realized the big man was close to tears .
tr	5	" No other of his line has been able to touch the sword , though we have tried again and again , obviously without telling them why .
tr	5	I will leave you alone , though once you feel adjusted enough to be up and walking I would like to speak with you further .
tr	5	There is the matter of the information you gave us on the castle of Roarke -- the information you gleaned from your brother 's memories .
tr	5	The Prince looked from the girl to the man , confused about what she was saying , trying to see if this was one of her jokes .
tr	5	The Ox Talisman , for its part , continued to pulse with a fiery red light , beating in time with the giant 's heart .
tr	5	The first man recited it for him in the sing-song voice of a bird : The Raven shall kill the Ox The Kin will gain a throne .
tr	5	The Sword shall be reclaimed , The fruits of Empire sour ; But once the Lion shakes his main , So ends the Raven 's power .
tr	5	Elders , The : The governing body of the Exiled Kindred , made of thirteen men and women who are responsible for distinct areas of Kindred society .
tr	5	Even at this odd hour , several of the townspeople remain seated , their hands clasped in hope of their savior delivering them from this depression .
tr	5	Resting in a dark corner behind the organ , a young boy named Rift spins a small , wooden box between his thumb and index finger .
tr	5	Watching the shanty piece of craftsmanship slowly turn in his grasp , his mind remains blank , simply waiting for yet another day to pass .
tr	5	Once a symbol of hope and unity , its many spires seem to hang their heads in shame at the current state of the kingdom .
tr	5	The people of Castle Town remain disparaged , and the further one travels from the castle gate , the more uneasy the inhabitants of the kingdom become .
tr	5	A period of prosperity is long overdue to them , but with the hand the King 's been dealt , it 's simply not in the cards .
tr	5	His lovely Princess has shied away from a life of politics , and he has never needed her beauty and natural charm more than now .
tr	5	Resting listlessly in the only place he can feel at ease , Rift watches the rolling puffs of dust twinkle in the last of the days light .
tr	5	The reeds on the small plateau overhead seem to hum a blissful melody while the cattails beside the bridge knock on the dry wood rhythmically .
tr	5	The only child with a respectable ensemble , his baggy , brown overalls end in a pair of boots no one could afford these days .
tr	5	" We 're not in , " the girl on his right starts , clamping her hands over her mouth as Rho shifts his glance to her .
tr	5	Oblivious to his approach , Rift is taken by surprise when one of the boys sneaks up behind him and snatches the music box away .
tr	5	Stumbling after a missed catch that just grazes his fingertips , he is on his back looking up before the sting of pain is registered .
tr	5	The pain and humiliation is too much for Rift to handle , curling into a fetal position and waiting for the children to lose interest .
tr	5	Charging toward the multiple tiny skeletons , clumsily marching after the kids with glowing orange eyes , Rho beats them down with a rapid succession of strikes .
tr	5	Turning away and squeezing his eyes shut , Rift does his best to block out the screams of terror as the merciless monster bears down on them .
tr	5	Tripping to the side , he narrowly dodges the attack as more of the undead continue to climb into the haunting blue of the moon .
tr	5	A shriek of pain echoes through the trees as the plant whips him back and forth through the air before launching him into a nearby tree trunk .
tr	5	Its long , flexible stem becomes a collar of sorts , Rift 's leg just out of reach as the boy painfully climbs back to his feet .
tr	5	Even if he could summon the courage to return to Hyrule Field in the dark , he couldn 't find his way if he tried .
tr	5	Generally known for their passive nature , the tiny , armless creatures shrouded in leaves have grown increasingly hostile as the drought begins to threaten the forest .
tr	5	Searching for a way out , he feels a rush of air whip past his head and realizes he is being fired upon from multiple directions .
tr	5	Landing harshly on a loft of roots and earth , he feels as though he may faint , the excessive adrenaline too much for him to take .
tr	5	The ground itself is nowhere to be found beneath the intricate tangle of branches and vines , holding strong beneath the fine mist pressed against them .
tr	5	The large room is impossibly quiet , and the interior is equally pristine , the stone floor and walls appearing as if they are immune to decay .
tr	5	An alluring brassiere matches the red texture of the pants as well as the scarf tied beneath their matching ponytails , concealing everything below their intense eyes .
tr	5	Barely able to defend in time , the young man remains resolute , spinning into a whirlwind slash that forces his dark opponent back a step .
tr	5	Two successive slashes are batted aside with fierce , graceless movements , the dark man 's speed and reflexes showing no openings in his guard .
tr	5	Striving for the unorthodox , the young man scoops a low swing , knowing it will be easily deflected and appear to offer an opening .
tr	5	Her awe inspiring agility saves her life for the second time as she springs into a graceful gainer just as the blade returns to its owner .
tr	5	The air knocked from her lungs , she inadvertently tosses her only chakra over her shoulder as she lands harshly on her back , gasping for air .
tr	5	Behind her golden bangs , her red eyes begin to study her new prey , angrily slashing at her courageous hero in sudden bursts of speed .
tr	5	Throwing his large cloak into the air , the man eludes a wayward stab from the ninja while parrying a heavy swing from her ally .
tr	5	The critical second of weakness allows only for a blunt strike to the hero 's temple , knocking him to the ground with a grunt of pain .
tr	5	Refusing to admit defeat , the man 's helm suddenly glows eerily , the symbols peeling outward as a dark aura emanates from its crevices .
tr	5	A sudden blast of invisible force pushes the duo back a step , giving the man a head start as he charges up the stairs .
tr	5	The unintelligible glyphs and symbols continue to spread outward , projected into the open air around the helm , charging up for some unknown purpose .
tr	5	Quickly focusing the swirling darkness into a concentrated beam , he fires a colossal blast of energy , tearing open the dimensional doorway to the Sacred Realm .
tr	5	The dark man 's boots hit the soft dirt with rapid crunching noises as his eyes become entranced with the intoxicating wonder of the Triforce .
tr	5	With an assertive shove , the young man pushes him to his hands and knees , waiting for death to finally take him away forever .
tr	5	Passing through the portal , the ninja dips off the side of the platform , vanishing into shadow while the dark man comes into view .
tr	5	The undeniable power causes the man to grin crazily beneath his helm , but even so he knows there is only one artifact capable of harming him .
tr	5	The only surviving fragment , the blue handle , dropping onto the pedestal with a weak thud while the owner of the Triforce barks more evil laughter .
tr	5	Multiple beams of blue light peer through the holes created in the thick walls , and the unsuccessful couple feel the verge of defeat upon them .
tr	5	Never giving up for even a moment , the man in green pulls his bow from his back , lining up an arrow with its target .
tr	5	The worst day of his life seems as though it will never end , the screams and blasts of light above paralyzing him with fear .
tr	5	As if the arrow struck some unseen weakness , his aura falters , warbling and flickering as if its source of strength has been disconnected .
tr	5	Fighting to break free of the constricting restraints , the Princess ceases her struggle when the man marches over , stopping inches from her face .
tr	5	An authoritative slap across her cheek leaves her wincing with her eye tightly shut , the blow meant to send a message more so than dealing damage .
tr	5	Struggling to align her aim within the persistent pulling force of dark energy , the Princess fires the arrow just as the dark man pounces at her .
tr	5	A power struggle of cataclysmic proportions ensues , the divine light colliding with the dark energy , blasting pulsing waves of intensity and color in every direction .
tr	5	Accepting with a smile , the Princess climbs to her feet , and the couple help each other descend the long staircase toward the exit .
tr	5	Lost in the dark blanket of his mind , he subconsciously yearns for his mother 's warmth , having spent so many nights shivering himself to sleep .
tr	5	Rift thinks out loud , the influx of information distracting him from the fact that there is a voice in his head that isn 't his own .
tr	5	Once again , the dim blue triangle fills his vision , and succumbing for only a moment , he quickly sets his mind back to the task .
tr	5	Gaining a little confidence , he continues upward , the vines offering a path all the way up to the very ledge he fell from .
tr	5	" Yeah , " he nods , the depression in the earth looking as though it hasn 't seen a drop of water in quite some time .
tr	5	Several large , decaying tree trunks have entrances carved into them , but the potential of dangerous creatures inside is enough to quash Rift 's curiosity .
tr	5	Don 't need any gawkers driving away business , " the store owner rants , though no one seems the least bit interested in entering the store .
tr	5	" I don 't want any trouble , I just need to get through here , " Rift admits , desperate to avoid any confrontation .
tr	5	" Okay , you 'll walk strait toward it , and when I say left or right , I want you to dive in that direction .
tr	5	Far to the right of the clearing 's entrance , the lush , green field is marred by a small patch of odd , dark-blue grass .
tr	5	Below is a disgusting swampland , the pools of water slowly churning as the whirlpool drains through some small cracks at the lake 's bed .
tr	5	" A very long time ago , when my sisters created this world , I wept for the poor creatures that would have to live here .
tr	5	My sisters wouldn 't listen to me , and afterward , they trapped me in the Triforce in order to keep me from mending their mistakes .
tr	5	The forearm fades into nothingness before ever reaching the elbow , though the limb is much more visible than the first time Mai saved him .
tr	5	" Anytime , " she chirps , a sincere sort of joy taking over her tone every time Rift shows even the smallest amount of gratitude .
tr	5	Continuing forward , Rift finally arrives at the end of the line , a huge section of the bridge missing just before the door to the temple .
tr	5	Her hand latches onto his , and he swings back upward , sailing all the way to the platform in front of the door with ease .
tr	5	Stopping for a moment , he ponders how he will open such a heavy door , the wooden monstrosity obviously taxing its rusted iron hinges .
tr	5	Plant life has ravaged the interior as well as the exterior , several trees even managing to sprout up through the large cracks in the floor .
tr	5	Becoming excited himself , he must exert much more effort to throw the lid of this chest back , but the effort is promptly rewarded .
tr	5	Without warning , the entire temple jumps downward , a huge wave of water pouring into the room through the large hole in the ceiling .
tr	5	The power had fused with his soul completely , and he wielded it with little difficulty , but some unknown factor tore his entire plan to pieces .
tr	5	He is a handsome young man who was always eager to assist in any manner of calamity involving the town , even as a boy .
tr	5	It has always been an impossible love , but fate has interwoven their paths too many times for her to dismiss the notion as coincidence any longer .
tr	5	The pleasant smells of stored meat and vegetables , lining the walls in large barrels , beckon her unfulfilled stomach , but she continues on nonetheless .
tr	5	" This is no time to be coy , " he grumbles , freeing his arm from her grasp and marching back into the room .
tr	5	Your people need the charm of their Princess , but when disaster strikes , she is always absent , " he points out , stifling another cough .
tr	5	" He has a good heart , but he is not fit to rule , " he points out , taking Zelda 's hand in his own .
tr	5	" My daughter , you are the only one who can carry on our bloodline , less the kingdom fall into another civil war . "
tr	5	Regaining her senses , Zelda decides to slip away from the security of the castle grounds , reverting to her dark cloak to avoid attention .
tr	5	Pausing thoughtfully before entering the small amount of light , Sheik gazes at the uneven stones , their shadows growing and shrinking in the torchlight .
tr	5	The illusion of the solid brick wall is well known to them , and the two women pass through the mirage like a veil of weightless silk .
tr	5	The mayor 's daughter has grown into an attractive woman , though her short , dishwater blonde hair and sleeveless shirt are a bit tomboyish .
tr	5	Link is not one of them , and even after finding his lost fairy , he could not continue to live amongst the ageless children .
tr	5	In time he has learned fighting in secret has its advantages , but gradually it has become more and more of a burden on his daily life .
tr	5	Ganondorf 's evil grin flashes through his mind , then Zelda 's lips , sweet as nectar upon his , though he quickly stifles the thought .
tr	5	Navi left him when he told the Princess of Ganondorf 's plot , returning to the forest feeling depressed and useless once their adventure together had ended .
tr	5	" We better get going before the sun sets , " Navi points out , already floating away from the town to hurry Link along .
tr	5	He asked me to convince you to stay , but I know you won 't , " she breathes as a single tear rolls down her cheek .
tr	5	The Empty Handed : Some Open Hands Want Nothing The pale , green water pours over the lip of the tilted wall like a capsizing ship .
tr	5	Dipping his head under , he pulls his weightless leg out of the unforgiving floor , ready to succumb to fear in the pitch black tomb .
tr	5	Climbing atop one of the pillar bases that still stands , rift spots a small chest at the far end of the room upon a pedestal .
tr	5	Simply standing and staring at the short distance between his position and the staircase leading to the second floor , he hangs his head in shame .
tr	5	Still , the beast knocks Rift to the ground , snarling and snapping at the boy 's head while he struggles to push it away .
tr	5	Rapidly combining his strikes in imperceptible movements , Rift ducks in and uppercuts the animal 's furry chest , sending it flailing into the air .
tr	5	Spiked down like a volleyball , the defeated animal plummets into the swamp water far below , hitting the surface of the bog with a large splash .
tr	5	Suddenly , a massive span of the bridge falls , the path lost all the way to the archway resting upon solid ground a distance ahead .
tr	5	Landing with little more grace this time around , Rift tumbles head over heels through the blue grass before sliding to a stop on his back .
tr	5	The large clearing on the other side has grown dark , the massive tree seeming to yawn endlessly while the insects throughout the forest become increasingly lively .
tr	5	The mighty coliseum looks as though it would house a battle ground for gladiators , but its true purpose is nothing more than a glorified prison .
tr	5	A large , sandy pit was determined to be his final resting place , the sages too obsessed with their rituals to carry out an efficient execution .
tr	5	He had been wounded a thousand times , but the Sword of Sages impaled his very soul , inflicting him with a wholly new sensation of pain .
tr	5	In an act of pointless virility , he punches the edge of the portal stone , bashing off a large chunk of the dark rock .
tr	5	She thought it best to turn her back on the world of light forever , but fate has offered her a second choice on this particular night .
tr	5	He must gather what information he can to unravel this mystery , and with a little luck , he might just merge the two realms after all .
tr	5	His mind shifting to his next move , he makes it no further than three steps before Midna 's frustration gets the better of her .
tr	5	Regret gradually transforms into sensational anger , and the dark lord 's hand snaps shut like a bear trap , crushing the mask to pieces .
tr	5	The melody echo 's through the long cave before her , and the veil of water parts in the center allowing her passage into it .
tr	5	Rounding the store in order to reach the ramp leading up to the throne room , Zelda approaches a pair of Zora emerging from the water below .
tr	5	King Zora rests with a hand to his forehead , the stress of the crisis afflicting the kingdom beginning to get the better of him .
tr	5	" You 're stronger than you give yourself credit for , and you turned out alright , " she nods , reflecting on his circumstances .
tr	5	" Then she walked in , and even though she was there to swear loyalty , there was this air about her that demanded respect .
tr	5	The obligations and responsibilities of leadership have always been on her heels , chasing her down in an eventual effort to restrain her very spirit .
tr	5	A sleeveless purple dress covers her animated form , an oversized witch 's hat concealing most of her dark green hair hanging down in pigtails .
tr	5	The most curious feature of all , an ancient lantern chained to his waistband swirling with confined souls is partially visible through his open coat .
tr	5	" I 've never seen that man around here before , " she starts , still stunned by his ability to see right through her disguise .
tr	5	Give your father my regards , " Maple smiles , still unconvinced the daughter of a farmer could come up with so much coin for a cure .
tr	5	The last of the day 's light seeps beneath the mountainous west slowly , the cloudy sky advertising the dark night that is to follow .
tr	5	Examining the mysterious stranger , Link notes his thin legs and feet are wrapped in decrepit cloth , disappearing into the large robe at the knees .
tr	5	The revelations are staggering , but even so , Link cannot offer any sign of weakness , ready to fight at a moment 's notice .
tr	5	Dropping from the saddle , Link gives his horse an encouraging pat as she excitedly gallops into the dark field of yellow grass beyond the barn .
tr	5	" We really don 't have much time to lose , " Navi feels forced to point out as Link pours himself a glass of milk .
tr	5	A small gust of wind pushes a loose strand of red hair across Link 's face , but he makes no effort to bat it aside .
tr	5	She is one of his oldest friends , and she 's come to know the time they spend together will not turn down a road of romance .
tr	5	Another quick gust of wind tosses the rouge strand of hair over Link 's nose , bouncing off his cheek and landing on his ear lobe .
tr	5	Irritating Epona enough to course her back to Link , Navi gleefully bobs toward the exit as Epona nudges Link 's leg with her nose .
tr	5	An amused smile pops onto Link 's face as he gives Epona another comforting pat on the head before turning back to his somber host .
tr	5	Though he heard her gracious offer , Link sets a steady pace out of the ranch , circling the large diameter as Navi rejoins him .
tr	5	The Empty Handed : Some Foes Have Righteous Causes Another long groan fills the air as the cattle lazily shuffle out of the dim barn .
tr	5	Slowly regaining consciousness , Rift rises to a sitting position in his itchy bed of straw , the recently dressed wound on his back still throbbing .
tr	5	No mortal creature is so pure , and so the balance is never properly in check , " she explains , seeming to reflect on the notion .
tr	5	The carefree Mai leads him forward for a second before the arm dissipates and he is jogging into the next room with a sense of fellowship .
tr	5	Circling the desk and peering between the dusty racks , his eyes slowly adjust to the light and reveal a hidden room just beyond the small passageway .
tr	5	Staggered by his recently acquired strength once again , he initially fails to take notice of the room he has revealed , staring at his hands guiltily .
tr	5	" I think we 're too late , " she sighs , prompting her companion to finally take notice of the room he 's uncovered .
tr	5	Half of the curtain lies in a clump upon the steps descending into the sunlight , recently slashed diagonally to clear the passage through the hall .
tr	5	Moving down the steps , Rift finds himself in a deep ravine of stone and sand , the structure undoubtedly submerged as well in a distant memory .
tr	5	Returning to the intersection inside , the curving hallway spans out before him while the remaining two doors rest on his immediate left and right .
tr	5	Taking a defensive stance and backing toward the door , he is immediately cut off by a pair of giant crabs smashing their way into the room .
tr	5	Rift 's eyes dart from one ugly visage to the next , his head on a swivel , prepared for the inevitable attack from any direction .
tr	5	One of the many pools of water would have been unwelcome enough , but approaching at blinding speed is a cluster of sharp , stalagmite spikes .
tr	5	A tremendous clang sounds , like a hammer hitting an anvil , and the man 's grip holds true while the sword is launched backward .
tr	5	Peering through his crossed arms , Rift is dumbfounded by the strength of his armor , but still knows he is outmatched should the fight continue .
tr	5	Abruptly sliding the foot beneath his sword hand forward , he twists his body one hundred eighty degrees , launching his shield like a deadly frisbee .
tr	5	Noting the position of his foe 's blade , held broadly outward , Rift prepares to deflect and counter , not assuming himself quicker on the draw .
tr	5	A brief cry of pain is cut off by an explosion of debris , the man in green sent sprawling into the rows of wooden pews below .
tr	5	The dusty arena suddenly becomes very serene , the sun 's reflections off the water outside now coupling with the profound silence invading the room .
tr	5	" You 'll have to finish him , " Mai warns , fairly certain the boy doesn 't have what it takes for such a task .
tr	5	Dropping down without hesitation , the boy hears the faint whistle of an arrow scream overhead , stabbing into the wooden podium upon the altar .
tr	5	Finding the attempt at the joke much funnier than the joke itself , the boy shakes his head while carefully moving back into the temple .
tr	5	" No you 'll just laugh at me again , " she stubbornly points out as they move out of earshot of the defeated hero .
tr	5	The mild desert breeze is uncomfortable on his bare skin , the dry air refusing to cool at night as it always has in the past .
tr	5	Scratching at the dark tissue absently , he feels as if he can almost hear the witches who revived him from such a horrid wound .
tr	5	A marking signifying alliance to the king , and companionship among thieves , the stones the women wear upon their foreheads symbolize pride and respect .
tr	5	The cells themselves are a pathetic testament to security , only a collection of iron bars spaced just tightly enough to prevent most from slipping through .
tr	5	The long trench of sand at the base of the ravine stretches from the entrance all the way to the barracks just below the throne room .
tr	5	Marching proudly across the sands , a healthy cheer eclipses the music momentarily as Ganondorf makes the short trip from the cell block to the execution block .
tr	5	After ascending to the stage , she is face to face with her former lord , still every bit as sinister as he ever was .
tr	5	Seizing the sage of spirit by the throat , he clamps his hand shut like a vise causing the entity to burst and dissolve simultaneously .
tr	5	Reflecting the sun 's light in a beam twirling to the ground , the medallion of spirit is snatched out of the air by a dark hand .
tr	5	Din 's control has left him for now , but Ganondorf fails to discern the difference between his actions , and those willed by his deity .
tr	5	Spinning around within the silence that has washed over the crowd , he gives his halberd a skillful twirl before stamping the blunt end on the ground .
tr	5	There will be no pain , only a profound quiet surrounding her devout belief that Link will find a way to destroy Ganon 's evil reign forever .
tr	5	Please , Zelda , " he concludes , his muscles relaxing as he was determined to express the sentiment before he is no longer able .
tr	5	Even fewer paths lead to happy endings when greed , power , lust , loyalty , and the greater good are all thrown into the mixture .
tr	5	The massive staircase leading down to the throne room appears on her left , while the hall stretching toward her chamber lies on the right .
tr	5	Passing through the northern district , Zelda hears an angry woman shouting just before a small group of young children round the corner in a hurry .
tr	5	A subtle flick of her wrist summons a small , magic barrier in front of each of the children as they attempt to scatter in different directions .
tr	5	Her calloused hands are visible even at distance , and her dirty apron combined with the stolen bread hints at the probability of her profession .
tr	5	Ganondorf will attempt to seize power once again , but as much as she hates to admit it , he is Link 's problem now .
tr	5	A young boy sits on the steps descending from the back door in a trance , staring at a broken wooden sword resting in his hands .
tr	5	He mocks another young boy while prodding him with his sword , and then he is sitting in a stream , rocking himself in the dark .
tr	5	" They took Ona first , " he practically mumbles , the sight of the flailing girl being pulled into the ground flashing through his mind .
tr	5	Far too terrified to help , Rho can only watch the ghouls pull his friend into the sandy bank , vanishing forever beneath the surface .
tr	5	I ask that he be in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days , " she announces , struggling to keep all emotion from her voice .
tr	5	Deep down , she wants to stand where she stands now , many days down the line , and witness the brighter day she 's promised .
tr	5	Not simply to gain respect , but to know a kind heart and steady rationality can right a capsizing ship thought lost to the sea .
tr	5	It takes such unbelievable effort and patience to build this sort of trust , and a single blast from a war horn to destroy it completely .
tr	5	With a carefree chuckle , the skull kid hops away from the chain and around the trunk before shoving this tree over just as the one before .
tr	5	Another deafening snap later , a nearby tree slams to the ground , landing with a heavy crunch as Link narrowly dodges the mossy guillotine .
tr	5	Ahead the forest opens into a massive clearing , the ample sunlight hitting Link in short bursts as the tree 's branches conceal and reveal him .
tr	5	The added momentum of the falling tree accelerates Link even faster , closing the distance between himself , and the kid soaring just beneath him .
tr	5	Wasting no time , the skull kid claws both hands into the earth , kicking dirt up behind him like a bull preparing to charge .
tr	5	Skipping to a stop in a barely conscious stupor , the skull kid scarcely notices Link prying the gauntlets from his arms before reclaiming his ocarina .
tr	5	The sun has nearly set , though it is difficult to determine through the veil of trees , the entire sky glowing a dark shade of orange .
tr	5	It 's hard to tell exactly where , but there is another shard northwest of here , " She reports , confused by Link 's emotionless expression .
tr	5	Better prepared for the onslaught this time around , he 's made short work of the angry sea dwellers en route to the portal below .
tr	5	Hitting the water with plenty of force he sails strait through the red sand , emerging through a yellow blight upon an entire floor of red .
tr	5	The dark water temple in no way mirrors its counterpart , the path the boy stands upon leading into a dark , massive ravine of a structure .
tr	5	Upon entering the area , Rift cannot believe his eyes when he spots a large treasure chest resting at the center of the barren stone plain .
tr	5	Long before he steps close enough to access the wooden box , a pillar of limestone leaps into the air carrying the chest along with it .
tr	5	A strange glyph has appeared beneath the boy 's foot , its intricate design obviously having something to do with the chest now resting high above him .
tr	5	With no perceptible means to access it , he lets out a long sigh , irritated by the rapidly increasing challenge the temple is presenting .
tr	5	Spotting a small chest resting on the far side of the room , Rift begins to pick up the pace when Mai suddenly stops him .
tr	5	Cocking his head to listen , the boy doesn 't notice the pair of humanoid water forms climb up and out of the pools behind him .
tr	5	With Mai 's assistance he 's learned shielding himself is essentially pointless , her advanced warnings centering his posture on evasion as opposed to defense or deflection .
tr	5	Now significantly smaller in size , they each dance across the surface of a nearby pool , absorbing all the liquid they need for another offensive .
tr	5	The marine twins have no intention of hitting him with a knockout punch , but instead aim to wear him down until he cannot go on .
tr	5	Instantly realizing what he is up to , Mai opens a portal beneath Rift 's feet as well as directly in front of the fleeing form .
tr	5	Only slightly disoriented by the fall , Rift can practically see the stunned look on the formless face as he rises in front of it .
tr	5	The brief isolated shower settles on the ceiling , the forming puddles of water beginning to seep through cracks and disappear to someplace higher above .
tr	5	" Oh ... Well that makes sense I guess , " he shrugs , noting the small , uneven chunk of stalagmite the chest resides upon .
tr	5	Returning his gaze to the new doorway , veiled in a bluish hue through his palm , he determines the best shot and falls upon the ledge .
tr	5	Inside he finds large room with a massive staircase leading up in front of him before turning one hundred eighty degrees to meet a doorway high above .
tr	5	A pair of strange buttons rest just inside the doorway , their trapezoidal shape and fairly large size clearly intending for weight to be applied upon them .
tr	5	Starting up the staircase , the boy 's aggravation increases as the button pops right back up , slamming the door shut and ending the spectacle .
tr	5	The upside-down river covers over half of the doorway , meaning the boy would have to crawl through if he intended to progress right away .
tr	5	Suddenly recalling he has access to portals , he squints through the spray of water only to find there is no suitable surface to utilize .
tr	5	Opening both the portal he aimed at earlier , as well as the default one beneath him , Mai feels exceptionally proud watching Rift soar back upward .
tr	5	She wouldn 't call his new sense of determination bravery per se , but instead , more of a drive born of a desire for companionship .
tr	5	He needs her as much as she needs him , and it is within this concept of mutual aspiration that the boy finds the resolve to continue .
tr	5	Proceeding through the double doors without a hitch , the flowing water overhead occasionally splashes downward provoking Rift to habitually pull his hood back over his brow .
tr	5	Opting for the right , the boy finds another massive opening , the room plagued with collapsed overpasses , and varying clusters of stalagmite and stalactite .
tr	5	Her eyes are already locked upon his , their wild appearance on the surface seeming superficial , hiding some deeper pain she would rather not confront .
tr	5	The sort of motherly compassion of helping a toddler up a short staircase when their legs are just too short to climb on their own .
tr	5	Suddenly , a third glyph reveals itself beneath him , the elaborate pattern seeming to burn itself into the limestone permanently just as the others did .
tr	5	Almost seeming bizarre considering the events up until now , a steady rainfall commences , all the water returning to the ground from which it first migrated .
tr	5	Drawing his sword , but leaving his shield upon his back , the only feature that becomes clearer as he enters the light is his red eyes .
tr	5	Without a word , the shadow of Link draws closer , his slow , purposeful steps closing the distance faster than the boy would prefer .
tr	5	Skipping off the surface of the watery floor , Rift rolls to all fours as he recoils , scowling at the steadily approaching shadow through angry eyes .
tr	5	Shaking off the minor setback , Rift quickly grows obsessed with deciphering the mysterious entity 's style , and more importantly , finding a weakness .
tr	5	Knowing the boy is waiting for him to make the first move , Dark Link advances to his ideal range before stopping in his tracks .
tr	5	Simmering all around him , he can feel the weight of the pelting raindrops beating down upon his back as the shallow pool is steadily animated .
tr	5	Safely dropping a short distance back to what is quickly becoming a pool of death , Rift spots his nemesis already dashing toward him with bad intentions .
tr	5	A mixture of frustration and panic charges through him as several yellow crystals fall nearby , the walls of the dome falling away as the temple collapses .
tr	5	Releasing his sword for the moment , Dark Link catches the blade after a single rotation overhead , cutting diagonally downward in an impossible display of skill .
tr	5	A deafening clang sounds as the phantom 's unused shield saves him from the blow , though he is sent sprawling down the hallway anyway .
tr	5	Leaping into a furious sprint , Rift quickly discovers his newest piece of armor has drastically increased his running speed in addition to his jumping potential .
tr	5	Now scrambling up the side of a tumbling slab of stone , he manages to leap back up to ground level as the grand hallway collapses completely .
tr	5	The passage behind caves in as if it were built of dominoes , and the roaring sound of crashing rock and rushing water surrounds the boy .
tr	5	" I-I can 't , " he stammers , essentially reassuring himself as the darkening environment is far too deafening for his mumbling to carry .
tr	5	His need for oxygen reaching critical mass , he kicks off the stone , rocketing him forward as the boulder is blasted to pieces in his wake .
tr	5	Kicking and thrashing through the weightless darkness , the only thing he is certain of as his consciousness leaves him is that he didn 't make it .
tr	5	Bid for Power : My Fury Knows no Equal The aroma of the siege drifts up the steep cliffs of Death Mountain , pleasing Ganondorf 's senses .
tr	5	Expecting far more resistance , Ganondorf decides to remain in the shadows during his descent , curious what could be causing the primal shouts and cheers below .
tr	5	The attack was too fast for even Link to perceive , his heart sinking as the former patriarch lies inert at the warlock 's feet .
tr	5	His face obscured with an involuntary mask of evil energy , the king of thieves has gone too long without fulfilling his need for slaughter .
tr	5	Deciding the fight should move outside , Link knows the city will be destroyed at this rate , rolling away from the closing beast of a man .
tr	5	Unraveling from his rolling form a safe distance away , Link glares back at the entrance to the city , awaiting Ganondorf 's next move .
tr	5	The combo continues with a lunging punch to the torso , sending the warlock back a step before Link rolls forward into a heavy uppercut .
tr	5	Crouching into a solid base , Link suddenly explodes with force , tearing through the chains and rolling toward his opponent to finish the fight .
tr	5	Winding up to cleave the warlock 's head clean off , he is far from prepared when the king of thieves lifts his right hand .
tr	5	Allowing him no final words , Ganondorf crushes the sage , snatching away the medallion of fire as the lava creeps closer than he 'd prefer .
tr	5	Every time one of the horde is successfully dispatched , another promptly takes its place , failing to slow the assault in any perceptible way .
tr	5	Able to control the magic missile long after it has left her grasp , Zelda guides it beneath the decrepit tree smashing against the gate .
tr	5	Without warning , a kunai screams past Zelda 's ear , her intuition tilting her ever so slightly just before the attack could claim her life .
tr	5	If you 're aim is to protect her , then you shall suffer the same fate , " she cautions , irritated by the slow-paced dialogue .
tr	5	The brief gust of wind throws Zelda 's tangled , uneven hair to the side , and a look of contempt overtakes her brow in the torchlight .
tr	5	Soaring toward the teeming sea of goblins , she leaps off of a ladder being erected , her natural agility amplified ten-fold by her dark accessory .
tr	5	Gliding higher than Zelda 's position , she uses the advantage to charge up a kunai with potent energy before throwing the deadly projectile downward .
tr	5	The piece of steel leaves her hand like a bolt of lightning , stabbing into the Queen 's thigh long before she can even blink in response .
tr	5	Half of her lavish dress has been torn to shreds , her body riddled with minor nicks and cuts from the endless onslaught of flying metal .
tr	5	Realizing she intends to make the fight much more up close and personal , Zelda abandons her current element for a different sort of magic .
tr	5	A large shield of ice intercepts the rest of the needles , lowered slightly to reveal the Queen holding the frigid defender as if it were weightless .
tr	5	The evil smile of the king of thieves spreads across the younger woman 's face , and the illusion staggers the ruler of Hyrule momentarily .
tr	5	Having predicted the inevitable charge , Zelda drops her sword and sends a fireball into the fountain just as her foe hurdles the minor obstruction .
tr	5	An outline of a glorious bow forms in Zelda 's hand , an arrow of blinding light appearing the moment the string is pulled taught .
tr	5	The jarring visions seize hold of Zelda 's mind once more , but the flailing girl 's weakened state slows them to an observable rate .
tr	5	Inside the castle , a beastly man with dark skin stalks the halls , and though she doesn 't understand why , she is terrified of him .
tr	5	Grabbing her by the hair he leads her to the large bed in the center of the room , throwing her onto the mattress angrily .
tr	5	Finally , the fear fades slowly , and the blue eyes become identical yellow ones on the face of a girl straining to hang on .
tr	5	The younger children cry loudly despite the shushing adults hurrying them along , the citizens all but completely depleted of morale in these trying times .
tr	5	With no words to express her explicit glee , Zelda simply smiles warmly , grabbing her arm at the elbow instinctively as Link moves into view .
tr	5	The golden gauntlet releases the single horn still attached to the goblin ruler leaving him where he lies while the hero steps over to his companion .
tr	5	A passionate kiss is further encouraged by a series of whistles and cheers from the small audience , each of the lovers losing themselves in the moment .
tr	5	With a smile of his own , Link compassionately touches her cheek , content to simply be near her , and know she is alright .
tr	5	A collective salute signals her orders have been understood , and with that she turns to find Link leaping atop his horse in a fluid motion .
tr	5	Just before she can make out his opponent , a massive ring of fire erupts from the earth , sealing the combatants in an inescapable death match .
tr	5	Catching the briefest glimpse of the ninja 's hands , Link sees they are wrapped in the same disgusting cloth as his legs and feet .
tr	5	Unable to land the rapid , disabling blows the Master Sword provides , he will have to rely solely on technique to gain the upper hand .
tr	5	" We 're not sure ourselves , but he really hates you , Link , " Navi answers with an air of comedy while remaining mostly serious .
tr	5	He 's so full of hatred I don 't know how he can even form sentences , " she declares with a hint of fear .
tr	5	" He 's a killer , Link , " she reveals , the thousands upon thousands who have fallen to his blade flashing through her mind .
tr	5	Making no attempt to avoid the attack , Garo unexpectedly screams in pain when the ball erupts into an inferno , wrapping his robe in intense flame .
tr	5	A maniacal laughter echoes across Hyrule Field as the ninja slowly absorbs the fire into himself , a blinding orange glow emanating from beneath his hood .
tr	5	Two quick parries on his left , one on his right , then an overhead twirling attack buys Link another moment as he continues to backpedal .
tr	5	Reaching back in after the near miss , Link rips his blade back out of Garo 's chest , barely managing to deflect the next attack .
tr	5	Seconds later , Zelda 's eyes lock onto him in a furious glare , her cupped hands near her stomach slowly separating as the preparations are completed .
tr	5	Watching the spectacle in wonder , the three warriors stand stupefied as the reaver begins to whistle in short succession as if he were calling a dog .
tr	5	You can 't kill ' em with elements you know , " he points out , stumbling a step as he turns to face the charging ninja .
tr	5	Immediately forced to leap back a step , the livid zombie narrowly avoids the torrent of snapping jaws when four heads replace the severed pair .
tr	5	A distinct rumbling sounds from beneath the earth , and moments later the ground beneath the four headed monstrosity begins to crack and split apart .
tr	5	Lowering his head , the ninja has clearly had enough of Geist 's mockery and games , marching toward the reaver with slaughter in his eyes .
tr	5	" You will join your ancestors this night , " Garo adds , prompting Geist 's vision to wander to the lantern hanging from his waist .
tr	5	A half dozen of the glowing projectiles spiral around his outstretched arm and spread outward , forming a loosely knit sphere around the approaching foe .
tr	5	The ethereal orbs impact nothing but each other at the center of the trap as Garo briefly enters the shadows to emerge behind his opponent .
tr	5	Slicing clean through Geist 's torso , the only lingering concern perplexing the zombie is the ease with which he cleaved the man in two .
tr	5	" And so I die , leaving no corpse ... That is the way of the Garo , " he concludes with a sinister tone .
tr	5	Starting up the Death Mountain trail , the boy he fought only a day ago glances over his shoulder to realize he has been spotted .
tr	5	Not seeming to want a fight , Rift begins to run up the trail , fleeing the scene of the crime as quickly as he is able .
tr	5	Rift nervously jokes while shaking his vibrating arm , ducking to the side at Mai 's command as Link bashes the wall with another furious punch .
tr	5	Taking significantly longer than he should , Link slowly pulls his fist from the mountain wall , the entire section cracking apart with deep crunching noises .
tr	5	Seeing his foe has significantly increased his agility , Link charges back into the village at ground level , carefully monitoring the boy 's location .
tr	5	In a moment of uncharacteristic anger , the hero feels a need to chase the culprit , Garo 's warning of failure still drifting through his subconscious .
tr	5	A bolt of lightning streaks across the sky , and after a few more seconds , the Queen decides she has no more time for mourning .
tr	5	The murmur of conversation as well as the increasing sound of rainfall fades away as he is transported to the familiar training ground of translucent white surroundings .
tr	5	He pleaded to join the offensive campaign in hopes of seeing glorious combat at the King 's side , but he was ordered to stay behind .
tr	5	I finally had my story , but I lost everything to obtain it , " he pauses , the painful memories beginning to affect him .
tr	5	I had the blood of a hero charging through my veins , but my fate was never to be the slaying of a grand evil .
tr	5	Dawn 's light steadily increases in brightness , but even so the mountain is overshadowed with grey , the first raindrops beginning to fall upon the trail .
tr	5	Placing both hands to his brow , it becomes obvious he is mourning some kind of loss , but his anger quickly overshadows his sorrow .
tr	5	" Sorry about before , " Link starts , sitting on the ground behind a long , stone table in the center of the room .
tr	5	A proud smile spreads across Rift 's face as he makes his way through the winding hall to emerge in a sweltering cavern of molten lava .
tr	5	Inside the heart of the volcano , the boy almost instantly begins to pass out , but Mai promptly throws the necklace over his head .
tr	5	" Alright , " he nods , stepping to the ledge and squinting past the sharp pillars of rock attached to the path far below .
tr	5	Strikingly white , the soft earth seems to glow like heated iron , the scribbled divisions throughout the plain as black as the endless sky .
tr	5	Walking forward , Rift searches for any sign of life or structure in the distance , the endless black meeting the stretching white on the distant horizon .
tr	5	The seemingly empty shells show no signs of life , but their massive war axes , clenched tightly in their hands , are far from inviting .
tr	5	The odd-looking mechanism pops into the ground with a loud click as the boy squeezes his eyes shut , waiting for the armor to angrily awaken .
tr	5	Relaxing his muscles , Rift peers through the small gaps between the iron-clad curtains , finding nothing has changed outside his cell of metal backsides .
tr	5	Diving for the warrior 's head , Rift springs over the attack , pushing off the helm with his idle hand as he soars to temporary safety .
tr	5	Blasting up through the cracks in the earth , the lava pours out in a specific shape , gradually forming a rectangular cage of molten liquid .
tr	5	Passing on both sides the lava suddenly turns a corner , completing the rectangular shape of the liquid enclosure , and cutting off the slow-moving warriors .
tr	5	" You 're really pushing it today , " Rift sighs , hiding a smile when his comment provokes an uncontrollable giggle from his companion .
tr	5	Secured at the waist by nothing more than a thin rope , the slit continues down the side all the way to base of the thin material .
tr	5	Quickly regretting the stylish evasion , his back is seared through his cheap clothing , the blade piping hot after being driven into the sizzling ground .
tr	5	A groan of exertion sounds as Mai appears on the sentinel 's back , slowly peeling a shoulder plate upward to reveal the vulnerable chainmail underneath .
tr	5	Suddenly appearing atop the boy 's shoulders , she points at the fallen combatant with a mocking demeanor while palming Rift 's spikey hair for balance .
tr	5	Unable to see anything but her thick , ropey strands of black hair dangling beneath her inverted visage , the feeling in his stomach refuses to relent .
tr	5	The armored victims of the onslaught lie about the area as the glowing , white liquid gradually seeps into the dark crevices littering the landscape .
tr	5	Finally relenting , it returns to its passive stance , burrowing its bottom jaw just beneath the surface as its fangs recede back into the mimicked door .
tr	5	With a casual twist of her wrist , the door swings open revealing another hall of molten white , turning right just inside the doorway .
tr	5	" At first I didn 't want to find out , but suddenly I do , " the Goddess proclaims with an air of annoyance .
tr	5	Moments later , the seamless wall slowly slides downward with a loud rumbling , revealing the familiar junction as the obstruction slides back into the ground .
tr	5	" Of all the plans you 've come up with , " he starts , cut off when Mai appears on his shoulders once again .
tr	5	Fighting the suction with every step , he simply reacted too late , the vacuum finally pulling him off balance and into the monster 's mouth .
tr	5	Apparently annoyed by the boy 's reluctance to be eaten , the warbling mass of muscle vomits him back onto the ground with a disgustingly slimy noise .
tr	5	A simple , black belt secures the cloth about his waist , the shirt dangling just above his knees over his baggy , black pants .
tr	5	Rounding several more corners , he suddenly loses sight of his companion , falling back to his memory of the maze to make the right choices .
tr	5	As Mai reaches the wall ahead of him , she simply vanishes , leaving Rift wondering how he is supposed to get past the obstacle .
tr	5	Scouring his mind for the answer , a grin steals over his face as he leaps back a step and squints through his transparent palm .
tr	5	" You could have said something , " he manages to insist between breaths , leaping up the vast climb several steps at a time .
tr	5	Suddenly , the entire section of the earthy stairs blasts into the air , riding a column of erupting lava all the way to the imperceptible ceiling .
tr	5	Dashing off the rising chunk of earth , the boy leaps into the open air just before the flaming boulder smashes against the rocky ceiling .
tr	5	The entire horizon collapses downward , spilling into the approaching lake of molten liquid while sporadic plumes of lava throw islands of earth into the ceiling aggressively .
tr	5	Briefly landing upon a smaller group , Mai immediately leaps away once again , causing the boy to rush his terrible footing into a clumsy jump .
tr	5	Soaring back into the air Rift lands upon a particularly long colony of bats , feverishly flying against him as he runs atop the bulk of them .
tr	5	The reverse tidal wave of earth falling into the churning ocean of lava has nearly reached him as Mai appears , grabbing hold of his hand .
tr	5	Swinging him toward the door alters his momentum enough to prevent a harsh landing , and without looking back , the boy sprints through the portal .
tr	5	Back inside Death Mountain , Rift promptly slows to a stop and collapses from exhaustion , heaving heavily as he strains to catch his breath .
tr	5	Appearing beside him , Mai rolls him over and lifts his head into her lap , softly stroking his hair until his breathing returns to normal .
tr	5	" I wish I could tell you , " she sighs , shaking her head as she continues to run her fingers through his dirty hair .
tr	5	Landing behind the almost frantic patriarch , he ponders if his new ensemble will cause any suspicion as to what he did while locked in here .
tr	5	" Son of a torch slug , " he exclaims , hooking an arm around the boy 's neck and leading him back into his chambers .
tr	5	With only the faint breeze and drumming of water upon treetops to guide him , the warlock continues forward , taking paths essentially at random .
tr	5	Her full , crimson lips frown at her chosen 's reluctance beneath her feral eyes , locked in a patient stare , but still commanding submission effortlessly .
tr	5	Moving from clearing to clearing with a primal sort of haste , he has finally locked onto the scent of a child in the distance .
tr	5	His shabby , thatched clothing appears to have been handmade , but before the king of thieves can get a good look , he vanishes .
tr	5	Donning a green hood in an effort to simulate Rift 's signature look , she scowls through the downpour of water to offer a warning .
tr	5	Blindly lifting an idle hand to his right , Ganondorf charges a small orb of dark energy and fires the projectile at a nearby house .
tr	5	Connecting with the tree directly behind his target , Link zips the remaining distance , scooping Ganondorf off the ground with a punch to the stomach .
tr	5	After landing one final blow , Link grinds his knuckles into his nemesis ' face , attempting to crush his head with the gauntlet 's power .
tr	5	The hammer and anvil continue to meet between the foes , the force of each impact causing spheres of water to expand through the torrential rain .
tr	5	He is within Din 's reach , her arms extending around him , but still she waits , wanting for him to embrace her himself .
tr	5	Suddenly , the hero descends from above with a spirited war cry , narrowly glancing his target as his blade stabs down into the earth .
tr	5	He is now within the orb , and staring into his Goddess ' gorgeous yellow eyes as her pouty lips drift closer and closer to his .
tr	5	Utterly confused by what he 's just witnessed , Link stares at the open air in a stupor as the rain bears down on him .
tr	5	Refusing to give Link another single moment to consider what he has seen and heard , Din 's vessel rockets forward with murder in his eyes .
tr	5	All of the trees in the area collectively whip back and forth , many of them snapping in half as the explosion of force subsides .
tr	5	Lifting a boot to crush the look from her face , a pain like no other bolts into the king of thieves ' body like lightning .
tr	5	A primal roar of fear and pain echoes through the forest as Link removes the sharp shard of steel , preparing to stab him again .
tr	5	A pair of eyes track his every move from the thick canopy overhead , waiting until he is out of earshot to make a move .
tr	5	Only the warlock 's cape lies upon the ferns , rocks , and flowers , taking a humanoid shape at the right angle and distance .
tr	5	Every ounce of faith they have held onto through the rise of Ganondorf , and the drought that followed , has slipped through calloused fingers .
tr	5	To be responsible for so many lives , and still finding herself sitting on her hands , wondering if she has made the right choices .
tr	5	Morning has drifted into afternoon , though the much cooler climate deceptively suggests otherwise , and Zelda decides the fatigued volunteers have earned a break .
tr	5	A shrug is all the boy offers , scratching his nose nervously as he averts his eyes from Zelda 's partially exposed thighs beneath her shredded dress .
tr	5	With no words to offer in return , Zelda is blindsided by yet another vision eclipsing her world in the spaces of time between time .
tr	5	The tall spire she sits in begins to bend into the vortex , the desert sands and the lush forest tumbling in behind the ominous figure .
tr	5	I 'll meet up with the rest of you soon , " Zelda announces , ushering the rest of the group out of the area .
tr	5	" I am sworn to an oath of respect as well as protection , " he points out , standing up strait and relaxing a little .
tr	5	Many of the refugees taking shelter in the castle make their way back into town , eager to prepare their homes for the soldier 's return .
tr	5	" I will not leave him at Ganondorf 's mercy , " the ninja fumes , clearly letting her emotions get the better of her .
tr	5	The damage done to his soul is too traumatic to be felt right away , like a boulder falling upon him and smashing a limb .
tr	5	He continues to stare at her ageless face , the essence of purity and kindness , destroyed in an instant by an entity of boundless hatred .
tr	5	Shooting the suspicious hero a look of fragility and weakness , the Great Fairy remains on the dry base of her fountain surrounded by smaller pixies .
tr	5	The skull kid moves through the dense foliage and tangling roots with an unnatural ease , diving and flipping through obstacles with a simple kind of grace .
tr	5	I know you 're confused about what 's been happening , " she sighs , obviously not looking forward to what she is about to say .
tr	5	Afterward , I disappeared because ... I had to , " she admits , realizing her story has yet to make a lot of sense .
tr	5	The tiny fairy Link has known his entire life transforms into a beautiful woman , the torrent of magic dissipating as she opens her eyes .
tr	5	Standing just a tad shorter than the hero , she clasps her hands behind her back , staring at her chosen with anxious green eyes .
tr	5	" When you came looking for me , you set a chain of events into motion , " she starts , quickly changing the subject .
tr	5	Sensing his trepidation , the Goddess summons another rush of wind and light , transforming back into the fairy companion Link has grown accustomed to .
tr	5	With that she drops through the dimensional window , leaving the hero with his hand outstretched , and failing to voice his protest in time .
tr	5	" We 'd like to purchase a mask , " she half mumbles , suddenly very interested in the mask salesman , circling him several times .
tr	5	" Okay , okay , okay , " the pale salesman exclaims , creating some distance between himself and the fairy with no sense of personal space .
tr	5	" Just , you stay there , and I 'll stand here , " he instructs , clearly very nervous about the surging population within the clock .
tr	5	Immediately dashing across the room , the kid snatches the mask from the man 's grasp , retreating to a shadowy corner to try it on .
tr	5	" You mean where you 're told to go , " the fairy corrects , almost completely wiping the smile from the salesman 's face .
tr	5	The face itself seems as if it were molded from his own , covered with tribal war paint about the eyes creating an intimidating impression .
tr	5	It would have come in handy when he battled the demon all those years ago , but fortunately he emerged victorious on his own merit .
tr	5	The rain has ceased , and the drastic drop in temperature is a welcome replacement to the scorcher of a summer the boy has endured .
tr	5	The obvious answer is each of the races gaining independence , but it was their lack of discourse that lead to war in the first place .
tr	5	Assuming she knows what is best , Rift continues forward , descending into the destroyed town as a handful of people attempt to clean up the rubble .
tr	5	Landing safely upon a small platform of earth , he waits for his eyes to adjust , but all he finds is an endless black .
tr	5	A chillingly cold wind pushes through the area , the cavern obviously very large , though he has no way of perceiving the specific scale .
tr	5	Pressing the back of his hand against his eye , the inverted Triforce glows brightly , turning his palm transparent and revealing a radically different setting .
tr	5	Each of the many rooms floats in the air upon a hovering slab of earth , arrayed in the distance like a dark , cloud kingdom .
tr	5	Primarily silver in color , the structure is like no architecture he has ever seen , the roofs of the oddly fashioned buildings shaped like teardrops .
tr	5	The initial room is massive , but aside from the small ledge just inside the doorway , it is void of any features or obstacles .
tr	5	Wrapped around the intersection , barbed wire randomly spreads away , vanishing into the nothingness as Rift failed to reveal the remainder of the area .
tr	5	Saturated with blood , the wire drips the dark red liquid consistently , a steady stream tracing its way down the line from unknown sources .
tr	5	The husks of muscle take notice of the visitor , attempting to converge on one side of the room , but ultimately moving very little .
tr	5	A rapidly repeating influx of air sounds from below , and suddenly , a chorus of horrifying screams blasts up from the swarm of ghouls .
tr	5	Clinging to his music box , the boy finally climbs to his feet and sprints across the narrow path to the center of the room .
tr	5	Outside once again , the structure floating in the distance is the only feasible destination , the ledge the boy stands upon leading nowhere but down .
tr	5	After knocking on the top , she turns back to Rift and shrugs her shoulders , the simple act of obtaining the treasure seemingly legitimate .
tr	5	With an agitated sigh , the boy makes his way across the weaving and dipping path , finally reaching an ideal spot to line up a shot .
tr	5	The portal sticks this time around , and once again , the door is opened to reveal a small room with a chest at the center .
tr	5	" Silence , " he says aloud , prompting the female ninja to simply nod before crouching down and leaping up through the ceiling as she vanishes .
tr	5	The memory of his mother 's embrace suddenly eclipses his senses , and he releases Mai 's hand , giving the metallic crank a full twist .
tr	5	Relying on the melody to remind him where his heart truly lies , he knows he cannot discard the box on the whim of his companion .
tr	5	Clearing his throat , Rift is the one to finally break away , motioning toward the door in an effort to point out the task at hand .
tr	5	Simply staring at him fondly , Mai clasps her hands behind her back , humbled by the emotion a mere mortal has generated within her .
tr	5	Leading the boy back through the horrible room , Mai keeps a firm grip of his hand as the screams consistently cause his muscles to seize up .
tr	5	Grinning widely , the phantom continues his workout routine just the same , his duty requiring him to wait for an answer before taking any action .
tr	5	The thick , stone floor they are standing upon is obliterated causing Rift to fall with the debris down onto a hidden floor of the structure .
tr	5	The occasional twitch or muscle spasm makes Rift 's skin crawl , the bony apparitions of flesh and bone turning their wooden heads toward the boy .
tr	5	Suddenly , Mai appears directly in front of him , her hands upon his cheeks as she attempts to snap the boy out of his trance .
tr	5	Upon closer inspection , the boy brushes fragments of stone aside and sees there is a single word etched onto the back of the box .
tr	5	Welcoming the lack of surprise , Rift strolls into another identical room , taking a moment to psych himself up before stepping forward and revealing the ghost .
tr	5	Unsure of how much time has passed since the riddle was spoken , he opens his eyes once again , only to hear an unwelcome sound .
tr	5	As his arm gradually falls out of view , the boy nearly passes out from the devastating mental effect this temple is wrecking upon him .
tr	5	The trip through the room of barbed wire and blood is difficult , Rift 's limbs consistently freezing as Mai struggles to pull him forward .
tr	5	The more of me you have , the less you can see , " he proclaims , closing his eyes and returning to his meditative state .
tr	5	Should you fail to best it , you will join the others below , " he concludes , hovering off the ground slowly as he fades away .
tr	5	The trek over the walkways spanning above the pit of flesh and screams is uneventful , and finally the boy has reached the final door .
tr	5	Large chains staked into the stone walls bar entry , each of the strands held together by a simple , but large lock clasped at the center .
tr	5	" I 've got a bad feeling about this , " she warns , holding up a halting hand while she ventures into the room .
tr	5	An uppercut to the spine followed by three relentless leg kicks is enough to cause the mummy 's knee to buckle as it topples to the ground .
tr	5	Sick and tired of this terrible place , Rift pounces upon his fallen foe , straddling its heaving chest and pummeling its head with vicious right hands .
tr	5	Mai screams , but to no avail as the grounded ghoul whips its sword across its chest , throwing Rift across the battleground like a ragdoll .
tr	5	The entire platform gives way , the wires suspending it finally succumbing to the structural damage inflicted upon them as it swings downward like a trap door .
tr	5	Tumbling down toward certain death , Rift is kicked over into a preferable trajectory by Mai , narrowly missing a particularly nasty series of bloody wires .
tr	5	Fingernails scraping across chalkboards , screaming children , and satanic bellows seem to rise up into the room as the pit below is slowly consumed by shadow .
tr	5	Standing proudly with her arms crossed , the woman 's most striking feature is her massive ponytail of white hair waving lazily in the faint breeze .
tr	5	Taking his time , he waits for his breathing to return to normal before he starts for the dim moonlight shining in from the outside .
tr	5	Almost forgetting about the temple they just traversed , Rift feels a familiar glee swell in his stomach as Mai continues to serenade him with affection .
tr	5	Turning back to face the dark room , the boy feels certain he just saw a shadow move out of the corner of his eye .
tr	5	Still under Din 's influence , he finds himself unable to even converse without growing enraged , every utterance of his subjects irritating him beyond reason .
tr	5	His swollen cheek requires his left eye to remain narrow , the look on his face not one of fear , but fatigue and dread .
tr	5	Dangling between the restraints , he hangs just high enough to prevent resting on his knees , too exhausted to find the strength to stand .
tr	5	Though he has no idea where the Sage of Light might be , his captor 's ignorance to the fact is the only thing keeping him alive .
tr	5	Three strikes bite into his back this time , and his endurance is gone as he whimpers helplessly at the hands of the savage woman .
tr	5	" Of course I would , " After catching the depleted soul , she examines his back , cringing at the sight of the dried lacerations .
tr	5	Satisfied with what he has learned , Ganondorf silently makes his way out of the hidden passageway , emerging into the twilight hour on his sands .
tr	5	" If they get past you , you 'll both answer to me , " he declares , pointing through the doorway leading to the dark staircase .
tr	5	" My King , I have joyous news , " she starts , the knowing tone of her voice clearly indicating it is a rehearsed line .
tr	5	Resting on a knee , she makes no attempt to speak out of turn , simply hoping he is not too preoccupied to acknowledge her .
tr	5	A brief nod to his guard captain waiting beside the throne room entrance assures her that their previously agreed upon strategy will proceed as planned .
tr	5	Her emotionless visage would seem as though the words failed to affect her , but a single tear rolls down her cheek despite the fact .
tr	5	Using far more power than necessary , the wood is annihilated by the punch , the splintered pieces spearing into the renovated buildings near the entrance .
tr	5	Resuming his march toward the altar , Ganondorf stares into the priest 's soul with primal eyes , yet to decide precisely how he will kill him .
tr	5	A primal roar to dwarf all others erupts from his throat as an atomic blast of pure , evil force levels the entire section of town .
tr	5	Guiding Light : The Ignorance and the Bliss Attempting no strategic movements back into the shadow , Sheik feels she is portraying her desire for dialogue well .
tr	5	As he reaches an optimal speaking range , the ninja retains the poise of a friend while remaining ready to fight at a moment 's notice .
tr	5	" I 'll not stand idly by while someone conspires against the well-being of the realm , " she starts , beginning to grow defensive .
tr	5	" I don 't have time for this , " the boy declares , turning his back on her and ascending out of the cave .
tr	5	With an effortless grace , she whips the spike in his direction , aiming for his back in a simple attempt to get his attention .
tr	5	With the conversation at an apparent end , the ninja leaps into the air , disappearing into the shadows as she reaches the high ceiling .
tr	5	Catching up to him in no time , Sheik leaps overhead , throwing an array of spikes into the ground and cutting off his escape route .
tr	5	Though his sudden bursts of speed are formidable , the strikes that follow always arrive too late to inflict any damage upon the skilled assassin .
tr	5	Assuming he must have grazed her with the blow , the boy quickly follows with a kick , desperate to finally gain the upper hand .
tr	5	The one element pulling on her heart strings more than any other being the boy trapped in the middle of events eternally beyond his comprehension .
tr	5	Seduced by a companionship he would never find outside of his Goddess , he has shed essential fragments of his humanity far too incrementally to have noticed .
tr	5	Now he stands on the precipice of the meaning of his existence without an ounce of the willpower he will need to make the right choice .
tr	5	Sheik knows the righteous path is to put him out of his misery , but even so , she cannot bring herself to such cruelty .
tr	5	" I am sorry for my ignorance , but now I understand , " she continues , slowly stepping forward with no intention to attack .
tr	5	Stumbling back a step , she finds what she had expected , Mai 's translucent form recoiling her fist as she glares with intense anger .
tr	5	" Finally , I 'm strong enough to help you fight , " Mai smirks , turning to her companion and giving him an assuring nod .
tr	5	Without an instant to breath between the seamless attacks , Mai appears once again , mimicking Rift 's style , but with her own girlish flair .
tr	5	Before she is even able to properly gain her bearings , a heavy knee lands on her lower back just to the right of her spine .
tr	5	Tossed about like a ragdoll , the boy fails to realize the flawless technique of his opponent is merely being used to deflect his anger .
tr	5	Barely able to retain his footing , Rift stumbles into a nearby tombstone , colliding with it harshly as he turns back toward his approaching foe .
tr	5	There is a place for you in this world , " she points out , her eye twitching irritably when Mai assimilates next to him .
tr	5	Her golden essence rapidly concentrates into an ethereal bow , a golden arrow of blinding light drawn tightly back as she squares up the shot .
tr	5	Every perceptible ounce of light in the area is pulled into the arrow , the graveyard eclipsed in the darkest black as Sheik prepares to fire .
tr	5	Releasing her deep breath , the ninja smiles as escape from the holy projectile is no longer an option for the pale lady of the void .
tr	5	The unimaginable knowledge of a thousand millennia flows in through all of her senses simultaneously , Sheik 's convulsing body acting as a lightning rod of divinity .
tr	5	Feeling as if she is trapped within a dark nightmare , Zelda cannot convince her muscles to cooperate , whimpering and rocking slightly with every attempt .
tr	5	The setting is eerily quiet , the vast majority of the inhabitants having moved into the castle until the slow moving repairs show some progress .
tr	5	The scraping of shifting stone sounds in short durations from all directions , as if Death Mountain itself is toying with the idea of collapse .
tr	5	Rushing to her side , he quickly lifts her into his lap , brushing the hair out of her face and praying she is still alive .
tr	5	Short puffs of wind breathe down upon the crater , anyone standing in the path of whatever caused such devastation certainly gone from this world .
tr	5	The massive wall protecting the town now suffers a gaping weakness , the centuries-old erection blasted away as if it were hit by an enormous wrecking ball .
tr	5	Finding no answers within the desolation , the hero steers his steed back to the main street , charging up the hill to the castle in seconds .
tr	5	Before the sentries can scramble to respond , the hero has already reached the stairs , dismounting and gingerly pulling the queen down into his arms .
tr	5	Finally reaching the Queen 's room , her hero delicately places her upon the bed , backing away for the moment to allow the servants access .
tr	5	The years of danger and battle have numbed the hero 's skills of diplomacy , and he plays the battle out in his subconscious mind .
tr	5	Heading her words first , Link lowers the blade to his side slowly , rising from his battle stance as he realizes she is right .
tr	5	Anyone else would be on their way to execution already , " the captain points out , even more confident in the presence of his men .
tr	5	Eager to counter , the captain is thrown off balance as Navi aggressively darts into his face , eluding his flailing swipes while Link consoles his companion .
tr	5	With a subtle chuckle , the hero leans over the exhausted Queen , kissing her deeply as she weakly wraps a hand behind his neck .
tr	5	Charging against the steady wind , he scoops the shield off his back , twirling it in his hand before twisting his arm through the grip .
tr	5	The tense standoff lasts a moment longer before a purple orb rockets between them , exploding when it collides with the wall near the entrance .
tr	5	In a heartbeat , the hero draws his bow and lines up an arrow , the twang of the bowstring lost in the nearby explosion .
tr	5	Rising to his feet , Link is able to draw , aim , and fire just as rapidly as his foe , shooting down attack after attack .
tr	5	Launching himself downward with twice the momentum , the king of thieves flips into a downward stomp , the likes of which there is no defense against .
tr	5	His rage having left him for the moment , Ganondorf considers his options as the boy in the hood slowly climbs back to his feet .
tr	5	An indelicate arm scoops the twilight princess off the ground , and the dark lord slings her over his shoulder like a barbarian plundering a village .
tr	5	Realizing his bow is not up to the task , Link breaks into a sprint , determined to finish this endless struggle for the realm .
tr	5	Turning back toward him with a devilish smile , Ganondorf focuses for a moment then swings a dismissive arm across his chest , disengaging his protective shield .
tr	5	Certain he has the hero 's number , the boy lunges forward with a left cross before the failed uppercut has even begun to recoil .
tr	5	Zelda 's words breathe down upon the horizons of his mind , but even so Link must wonder what good could possibly come of sparing him .
tr	5	Mai must know by now he is awake , but even so he remains where he lies , too ashamed to arise and realize his defeat .
tr	5	The Twilight Princess valiantly made attempt on Ganondorf 's life when the dark lord opened the portal , but she and her paltry army stood no chance .
tr	5	Mai lying beside him , smiling a sad smile of obligatory encouragement while she waits for some kind of sign he is prepared to continue .
tr	5	With an exasperated sigh , he averts his eyes , staring into the ebbing and flowing ocean of darkness pouring out of the huge stone behind him .
tr	5	" My sisters will never allow their chosen to change anything , " she admits , deciding the cat is already out of the bag .
tr	5	" Maybe not , but that won 't stop me , " he shrugs , spinning into a defensive position when a scratching sound emanates from behind .
tr	5	A shadow beast crawls out through the opened portal stone , pulling its inverted form up onto the top of the dark monolith before spotting its company .
tr	5	Struggling to keep up with the nimble scout , Rift only makes it halfway to the entrance before several more of the creatures appear in the archway .
tr	5	These things will probably find it soon , " he points out , squatting down near the edge of the lofty balcony overlooking the area .
tr	5	" Oh don 't start , " Rift sighs , carefully eluding the patrolling beasts as he makes his way into the bowels of the prison .
tr	5	You 're jealous , " he accuses with a smile , stealthily moving past chasms of sand , spiraling down into pits of certain death .
tr	5	The massive stone architecture of the structure implies its ancient nature , having been constructed long before the majority of the oldest buildings in Hyrule .
tr	5	The sand offers little current , Rift 's every step sinking knee-deep in the pink and purple mixture as he tries to avoid buried pitfalls .
tr	5	Gazing upward , the boy finds indecipherable shapes and figures high above on the cavern 's ceiling , but the lack of light fails to define them .
tr	5	Squeezing the handle of the large lever , Rift pulls it all the way to the opposite position on the semi-circular dial at its base .
tr	5	Seemingly jolted from a trance by her sudden offer of assistance , Rift misses her open hand , tumbling down into the vortex of purple below .
tr	5	Hitting the sand softly , he slides half the remaining distance to the center of the whirlpool before his body begins to sink down into the grains .
tr	5	The intense pressure builds in his airtight space until it suddenly relents , gravity grabbing hold of his gut as he is sucked down into open air .
tr	5	Falling head over heels , the boy hits a soft pyramid of sand , tumbling down the side and landing upon a settled desert of glowing purple .
tr	5	The gravitational force of an entire temple turning upside down is absurdly powerful , throwing Rift flat on his face within arm 's reach of his goal .
tr	5	The purple sand has turned dark once again , but now the southern wall glows brightly , pink sand erupting from the two faucets in either corner .
tr	5	A suspicious area in the distance catches his attention , a strange arrangement of ruined architecture jutting out of the perimeter of the colossal hourglass .
tr	5	Falling almost all the way back to the bottom , he cannot help but question whether the portal he left behind is in the right place .
tr	5	Unexpectedly needing to twist his body to narrowly avoid a ruined archway , he flies all the way to the small room containing the next lever .
tr	5	With a few helpful hands from Mai , the boy descends back to base level , curiously inspecting the area , but finding no other switches .
tr	5	" It must be back in the first room , " he admits , not looking forward to taking the plunge through the narrow again .
tr	5	It is becoming obvious this temple requires many passes through the middle section in order to explore the buried and unearthed depths at the optimal times .
tr	5	The dim glow of the purple sand has all but diminished causing the setting to be significantly darker until the hourglass can right itself once again .
tr	5	Tightly grabbing hold of her wrist , Rift swings through the faded grains of pink sand , now creating a waterfall from the central room .
tr	5	Still much higher than the large cone of sand , gradually rising higher into the room as it accumulates , Rift determines another portal is in order .
tr	5	Raising his right hand back to his eye , the boy spots the final lever room standing slightly higher than the sand has managed to reach .
tr	5	Following suit , the boy sees he has three options for his next jump , two rising to his left and one slightly lower to his right .
tr	5	Struggling to retain his balance , Rift continues to eye the spot on the ceiling he found earlier , watching and waiting for the optimal moment .
tr	5	Flying toward his goal on an arcing path , the room completes its rotation , and the sand is coming down with deadly weight and speed .
tr	5	Several places within the room stand out in the darkness , and without a second thought , the boy places a portal on a distant wall .
tr	5	Tracking the sound to its source , he passes through the circular veil of dark grains , nearly tripping over the chest residing in the middle .
tr	5	" The cage only exists when it 's in the light , " she explains as an odd sort of pleasure creeps into her voice .
tr	5	Arranged in a disturbing array , dozens of iron knuckles stand guard , waiting for any sign of the boy cheating death in the carefully constructed trap .
tr	5	" The final piece isn 't a piece of armor at all , " Mai explains , speaking calmly and clearly while keeping her distance .
tr	5	The last of the day 's light rotates and twinkles through the shifting essence radiating from the desert causing a panicked atmosphere across the land .
tr	5	Steering Epona on a more elusive course , the hero continues to charge into what is quickly becoming a downpour of feathered , wooden projectiles .
tr	5	In seconds he breaks the arrow in half and removes it entirely , applying pressure to the wound as Epona falls to her knees in pain .
tr	5	Just past the main foyer and up the mighty staircase , Ganondorf rests comfortably upon the throne , sampling the castles best wine while he waits .
tr	5	The three before him stare , all of them equally shocked by the dark blood staining his clothing and dripping down the face of his shield .
tr	5	Remaining light on their feet , the pair encircle the hero , keeping their shields level with their shoulders while their sword hand bounces at their sides .
tr	5	In a devastating instant , he grabs the sword hand of the light warrior , jerking her forward before releasing his grip and striking her ribcage .
tr	5	Doubling over with pain , she is unable to stop her shield from being stripped away , and thrown across the room by Link 's intensifying rage .
tr	5	Wasting no time , the hero has already begun to charge , his blade glancing the edge of his shield as he breaks into a sprint .
tr	5	His blade skipping off the uneven ground with a clang , the hero begins to pick his opponent apart , carefully analyzing his reactions and timing .
tr	5	Beginning to descend back to the ground , one of Ganondorf 's orbs suddenly rockets back at him , batted back at the warlock like a fastball .
tr	5	Back on the ground , he steadies his upturned palm by tightly gripping his wrist , the growing , pulsating orb quickly becoming a dangerous weapon .
tr	5	Remaining out of the hero 's reach , Ganondorf leaps from one conjured platform to the next , finally throwing the deadly ball downward with a grunt .
tr	5	Repeating his rediscovered strategy , Link hits the fast-approaching sphere with the flat side of his blade , slapping the quivering orb back into the air .
tr	5	Not expecting the cunning tactic , the hero fails to react in time as the orb hits the ground before he can close the distance .
tr	5	Already charging back toward the center of the room , Link sends it back upward with ease , watching his antagonist now struggling to keep up .
tr	5	His irises fade as his brow deepens , his large nose shortening and turning upright while his jaw becomes more defined , producing primal fangs .
tr	5	Pressing herself against him , the Goddess makes her affection well known , glaring at Link briefly before shifting her gaze to her chosen 's empty hand .
tr	5	Walking over to her with a knowing expression , she doesn 't need to tell him any more than he needs to hear the words .
tr	5	Forced to remain on the defensive , Link deflects the flames when he cannot evade them , searching for a way to close the distance .
tr	5	Creating another X , and launching it at his opponent ends in failure as the fire rips it to shreds long before it even gets close .
tr	5	Almost close enough to strike , the demon leaps at him preemptively , stabbing his blade deeply into the stone floor as the hero dives forward .
tr	5	Finally lifting a single hand , the monster begins to laugh in its gravelly , distorted tone as Link prepares to block the coming attack .
tr	5	With a furious swing , he intends to obliterate the woman , but it stops short as Zelda invokes a much more potent shield than Link possesses .
tr	5	Staring up at him curiously , the boy doesn 't move a muscle as the beast lifts his sword overhead and stabs down at the foolish child .
tr	5	A wave of silence spills over the room , and though no one present respected the man , they all realize the importance of his death .
tr	5	Thrown back a step , Link is confused by Rift 's sudden explosion of confidence , marching toward him with glowing eyes beneath his signature hood .
tr	5	" I don 't have to , " the boy points out , recalling the state of bliss he entered upon fusing with the Goddess .
tr	5	Realizing the trap being lain far too late to voice a warning , Link 's eyes double in size as the brilliant ruse comes to fruition .
tr	5	The moment the attacks touch the boy , he gradually turns transparent , waiting within the safety of the void until Mai returns him to his dimension .
tr	5	Nearly losing consciousness from the assault , Rift regains his senses in time to see the massive chunk of stone the hero has just launched at him .
tr	5	Five times his size , the fragment of the room 's foundation tumbles in slow motion as it flies across the room at terrifying speeds .
tr	5	Unable to move , he glances toward the ruined throne and finds a flat portion of the wall that hasn 't yet been destroyed by the fighting .
tr	5	After all , Garo 's words reigned true , and now that his love is gone , he feels no ties to this realm any longer .
tr	5	Snapped together again like a treasure chest slammed shut , Rift and Mai reunite , the boy 's temporarily dead eyes glowing brightly white once again .
tr	5	A portal opens beneath the Goddess ' feet , and upon dropping through she reappears high above , falling right through the original portal again .
tr	5	As time starts to slow , the angel of death falls upon him , her remorseless expression shining through her vessel 's face as time stops completely .
tr	5	The translucent shadow of himself does not act threatening , or imposing , but instead like a long lost friend who has come to his aid .
tr	5	Whipping his head upward and arching his back , his power multiplies exponentially , the unstoppable force annihilating the entire castle in a nuclear explosion of darkness .
tr	5	Barely able to shield herself from the atomic blast , Mai 's very essence boils with anger to have been stopped so close to her goal .
tr	5	Far from immune to such unchecked power , her ensemble has been shredded , her vessel 's appearance now that of a starved ghost thirsting for blood .
tr	5	A steady rain of stone blocks , and metallic supports seems as though it will never end , the blast throwing debris to untold heights .
tr	5	Staring daggers at the dark creature standing before her , Mai has no intention of losing now , slowly circling her opponent and ready for anything .
tr	5	Her absurd ability checked by the outburst , she now walks upon the ground again , carefully choosing her footing as she prepares to strike .
tr	5	Landing several successive strikes , the Goddess decides she will simply wear her opponent down , sticking and moving to utilize her speed advantage to its fullest .
tr	5	Immediately charging like a crazed bull , the shadow creature spins into a blinding combination of masterful sword techniques , each strike unpredictable and perfectly angled .
tr	5	Able to stop the weapon from striking her , Mai is thrown off course just the same , flipping to her feet and taking evasive action .
tr	5	He is the purest of heart , and if you will not heed our warnings , he will use an entirely new force to destroy you .
tr	5	A force born of his own soul , " she explains , not expecting to reach her , but feeling the need to impart her wisdom .
tr	5	With history poised to repeat itself once again , the Goddesses gaze down upon their creation , each of them pondering a different manner of meaning .
tr	5	Her beloved chosen was only intended to be a shell through which she could enact her own solution to the perpetual cycle of her sister 's creation .
tr	5	In the single instant she left him behind , she learned more about the incalculable depths of emotion than in all the eons of her imprisonment combined .
tr	5	He enjoyed the most potent happiness in the arms of his love , but suffered the most severe sorrow in the years following her disappearance .
tr	5	He endured the worst kind of pain , fighting for his life throughout his travels , but found the highest state of accomplishment upon achieving his aspirations .
tr	5	The purest of heart , and never faltering in his moral obligations , his mettle was tested beyond that which any mortal being should be put through .
tr	5	It had broken his heart to shove his fingers , held rigid like a spear , into the hollow of Billy 's throat that Christmas Eve .
tr	5	Before he could lower the gun and return fire , Billy had wrenched the weapon from him , tossing it somewhere under the Christmas tree .
tr	5	" ... with authorities and medical personnel desperately seeking enough donated eyeballs to fill the sudden demand , " said the conveniently timed radio newscast .
tr	5	Most importantly , however , the gun is designed to work only intermittently , giving you ample opportunity to holster it and use your fists . "
tr	5	With that out of the way , your next assignment is to respond to reports of a code 451 at the Four Plot Points Mall . "
tr	5	He rewrote " Ken " in the slot for middle name and , in the first space , he scrawled a single word in block letters .
tr	5	" So you want me to sign something for the Cramps that says I can deliver this year 's Christmas presents , " said Duke .
tr	5	" When you sign this contract , you will be , for the duration of the holiday season and for all intents and purposes , Saint Nicolas .
tr	5	" Uh , sir , if you could just , you know ... " " No , I don 't know , " said Terwilliger .
tr	5	" What is thy bidding , my mas -- " " I told you to knock that crap off , " said the Shadow President .
tr	5	" Uh ... also ... he explicitly demanded ... Well , sir ... " " Spit it out , Doctor , " said the Shadow President .
tr	5	The smell of frying meat hung in the air like a bulimic hobo wrapped in a tablecloth made of bacon and soaked in maple syrup .
tr	5	The decor was bright , loud , and irritating in exactly the way red-haired , freckled , weight-lifting Vegas prop comics are also all of those things .
tr	5	An unassuming man with a mustache , wearing a photographer 's vest and a baseball cap , was standing at the counter of the Gordo 's .
tr	5	" But sir , " said the girl , " I 'm not sure ... I mean ... does that seem like a good idea ? "
tr	5	" ... And I think maybe you 're hiding the evil , fattening , murderous food your corporate masters push on the American people ! "
tr	5	He carried a microphone in one hand , the wire from which had been cut and simply swung freely from the end of the mike .
tr	5	" Yeah , and it just happens to fall on the calendar after the Christmas stuff is over and before the New Year 's stuff commences .
tr	5	Even Ken Goodspeed managed to get off a few rounds from his pistol , although he was obviously trying very hard not to upset anyone .
tr	5	Tying off the belt from his bathrobe on one of the exposed pipes overhead , Chip reflected that Christmas morning was something he could not face .
tr	5	In the next room , no less than twenty of her husband 's family were waiting for what was supposed to be a delicious meal .
tr	5	It said that Bryce Grain had used his own name and personal information to sign up for a Laotian Sex Slave dating service through the Internet .
tr	5	She reached around her mortified son and picked up the lingerie , holding it before her ample bosom as if to see how it would fit .
tr	5	He stood in a television studio in front of a chalk board , which was covered in elaborate diagrams that appeared to explain involved socio-political conspiracies .
tr	5	A captive audience to whatever loved ones ' medical emergencies had brought them here , they stared back at the wall-mounted television with something like resignation .
tr	5	As it is he 'll likely do something where his abilities can be put to their most evil and fitting ends , when he grows up .
tr	5	He was dressed in a red-and-white Santa suit and sitting in the sleigh in the parking lot of the decrepit amusement park that housed Secret Headquarters .
tr	5	He had informed her that he would be an artist when he grew up , and the media in which he painted would be pain and fear .
tr	5	When Billy had set the back porch on fire , his father had purchased him a chemistry set to encourage his " scientific leanings . "
tr	5	But now , it was Christmas Eve , and there had been no indication from any of the news sources that Santa was out of commission .
tr	5	I liked working with kittens and puppies , and I miss my family , but I have to admit it feels good to be saving Christmas .
tr	5	A tiny , green , scaly hand balled into a tiny , green , scaly fist was attached to a tiny , green , stunted arm .
tr	5	He climbed down from the monster 's back and made waving gestures at the flaming ninja , who was now running through the neighbor 's yard .
tr	5	Enraged , Cain slew Abel with his fists , a feat in which he was only slightly hindered by the impressively enormous size of his posterior .
tr	5	There are historians who believe , quite credibly , that the mere presence of Treat Williams in a movie is sufficient provocation for corporal punishment .
tr	5	Do you know , Gary , that I had to lay off an entire troop of my elves during the Christmas Season of 1981 ? "
tr	5	" Gary , when Mrs. Claus had her first stroke , thanks to the stress of your legal war against me , I eventually made the adjustment .
tr	5	Dressed in dark blue military cadet uniforms , the three friends joked as they walked across the grass between the metallic , modern academy buildings .
tr	5	" I 'm not saying , " Link frowned , causing his thick black eyebrows to touch in the middle , giving him a unibrow .
tr	5	By the age of thirteen , he had obtained his third black belt in multiple martial art forms in which his father kept him enrolled .
tr	5	" Room two , " the secretary nodded in the direction of a half dozen doors that lined the wall , numbered one through six .
tr	5	His search yielded two false identification cards , a crudely drawn map , and an outlawed object in the boot of one of the victims .
tr	5	He saluted with the typical motion of thumping his right hand over his heart and repeating the words , " Justice for the People . "
tr	5	It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to know that after they take their beating , they 're off to the prison planet . "
tr	5	His pulse throbbed in his temples at having to sit on the sidelines and watch , when he could have participated in his first bust .
tr	5	He momentarily focused on the brunette he had noticed on his way in , but this time instead of indifference , her eyes glinted with curiosity .
tr	5	The man continued to scream out the woman 's name until a sharp jab to his temple with the end of a club knocked him out cold .
tr	5	Then , checking to see he was positioned properly and that no one was looking , he slipped the stained letter out of his back pocket .
tr	5	Only the fact his mother was a senator and his father the head of the Elite Commandos , kept the government 's eyes out of his house .
tr	5	You 're toast before you reach your destination , " James stated as he stood up from the curl machine and wiped his face with a towel .
tr	5	" Well , when they 're traveling that fast , it 's impossible to totally disintegrate them before they complete the trip , " James explained .
tr	5	But Jeff towered over everyone , and , as the top dog , he wanted everyone to know it , " Are you challenging my authority ? "
tr	5	Now , I 'm not saying he wouldn 't have received the same treatment if he hadn 't done that , but he did initiate the fight .
tr	5	Although only riding in the attack vehicles and watching through the windows wasn 't that exciting , it beat the heck out of smelling like garbage .
tr	5	After they dropped him off at home , he circled the house to find his father 's instructions taped to the door of the shed .
tr	5	Finally , he was close enough to hear the woman as she struggled to get up the bank on the other side of the canal .
tr	5	When his focus jumped to the letter , it snapped his attention away from the throbbing in his temples and to the area around him .
tr	5	While still in the plastic , he rolled the letter into a round tube , and stuffed it into the finger of one of his work gloves .
tr	5	He didn 't want anyone to see him enter or leave the structure , as he wished to keep secret the location of the gloves .
tr	5	" Yeah , she 's a smart one , too , " the soldier smiled , as he scratched the panting animal behind the ears .
tr	5	It kept replaying all the events surrounding the letter ; the termination at the teleport , the break in , and the conversation with the girl .
tr	5	The second they came to a stop , the soldiers filed out in an orderly fashion and assumed defensive positions around a large dilapidated warehouse .
tr	5	The Sergeant gave a few hand signals and the squad split into several smaller groups and began surrounding the building , covering all possible routes of escape .
tr	5	After frisking each girl he jerked them up and showed no mercy as he drove the girls out of the room with kicks and violent shoves .
tr	5	As an elderly man tried to explain his reason for being there ; the soldier struck the man between the eyes with the butt of his gun .
tr	5	The sergeant 's eyes floated over the group , which resembled the know-it-alls in school , with their arms held high , bouncing on their seats .
tr	5	" We just s -- sought s -- s -- shelter but the o -- others a -- re planning a rev -- revolution . "
tr	5	He didn 't even respond to the rude comments from Jeff and Jeff 's friends , which drew a skeptical eye from James and Link .
tr	5	He didn 't know why , but he couldn 't bring himself to tell Link the real reason for what he was about to do .
tr	5	He had just extended his hands when he noticed some writing in the bottom of the sink , well out of the camera 's view .
tr	5	" We will only have time for one per session , so I 'll let you chose which one you want to start with . "
tr	5	He believed he could trust his friend with any secret he gave him , but this information was not only obtained illegally , but was dangerous .
tr	5	As he used a piece of scratch paper to work on his calculus homework like he always did , he wrote a few words between the equations .
tr	5	On his way to the teleport he stopped at a convenience store where he got a soft drink from the fountain , and a pack of gum .
tr	5	Even though it was for show , the urge to go to the restroom was real ; he had just consumed thirty-four ounces of soda .
tr	5	Once beyond her , he slapped the empty cup against his pants in a carefree manner before tossing it in an open trash container outside the restroom .
tr	5	When he exited the restroom he exhaled in relief as she sipped on a beverage next to a small snack counter in the middle of the area .
tr	5	" Did you think I wouldn 't notice her digging through a trashcan and then carrying out the cup my son had brought in ? "
tr	5	" Now , your next answer may determine which military camp you spend the summer at , so think carefully , " his father barked .
tr	5	But he seems to think you are well on your way to a great career eliminating subs and those who seek to destroy our perfect society . "
tr	5	This didn 't surprise him too much , as it only made sense for the military to have their own teleports to move military personal and equipment .
tr	5	" Power to the building will be cut in ten , nine , eight ... " At " zero " , the building went completely dark .
tr	5	" One target is moving in the north corridor and the second is still in the lab , " the soldier with the tracker reported .
tr	5	One could enter a public space without a card but it would draw immediate attention and result in a fine or imprisonment for being without it .
tr	5	It was as if he was listening to the event from the end of a long tunnel , only understanding a word here and there .
tr	5	The rest of the troops tore into the lab , snatching up documents , equipment , and meds and piled the stuff on the floor .
tr	5	the Captain mocked , then coming to his feet he kicked the professor hard in the gut , causing him to groan and assume a fetal position .
tr	5	" They were making meds , sir , " a Sergeant Major stated handing a computer pad to the captain with documentation of the confiscated items .
tr	5	One of the soldiers fired a few shots into the cliff face to drive him back onto the platform , as he attempted to crawl off .
tr	5	The old man fell to his knees , his hands together as if he were about to pray , " Please , " he begged .
tr	5	The metal shelf supporting the prisoners and their equipment shot out from under them , back into its housing in the side of the cliff .
tr	5	He fought the urge to run outside and check but feared losing the only evidence he had because of his father 's warning about being watched .
tr	5	It was only a short time later that he stood on the platform with the same female voice counting down the seconds until their departure .
tr	5	A bright bulb like a street lamp hung from the center of the roof over the tracks , providing the area its main source of light .
tr	5	He swung the butt of the gun down on the back of the woman 's skull knocking her unconscious and sending her sliding across the floor .
tr	5	She opened her eyes , which reflected utter terror at the sight of him , and she struggled to get away from him , slapping and kicking .
tr	5	The lights were designed to fade to a subtle glow at night and brighten to full beam every morning ; they were constant and dependable .
tr	5	A loud clunk , followed by a strange whooshing sound , and the lights began to power back up , flooding the land with their dazzling rays .
tr	5	During my one cycle and eleven phases in this world , I 'd managed to live seven hundred and two days of an unremarkable life .
tr	5	I wouldn 't have been surprised if it was his overwhelming sadness that consumed the lights , and caused the sudden darkness that submerged the field .
tr	5	His clothes were shabby , his long hair was unkempt , and dark rings circled his eyes , symptomatic of a restless night 's sleep .
tr	5	I was trying to perk him up , but I knew as well as he did , nobody wanted to be forced to join the military .
tr	5	Over the cycles , there 'd been numerous expeditions to crack the surface and venture beyond its boundaries , none of them had been successful .
tr	5	It also gave birth to a group that met in the cover of night , and hid in the shadows of society , the Veils .
tr	5	I 'd always tried to live by this philosophy , but if I were to listen to Benton then that way of life was unattainable .
tr	5	Regardless , he did represent the ' unimportant people ' , and through either talent or pure luck , won most of his cases against corporate companies .
tr	5	" We all strive to be more than we are , " he agreed , " but it 's equally important to know your limitations . "
tr	5	Just before his passing , he bestowed his home to me , and I was more than happy to take responsibility of his humble estate .
tr	5	Layers of triangular jagged metal overlapped to create a terrifying , spiky cocoon shape that all amassed to a sharp single point at its top .
tr	5	I suspected these stories may have been invented in an attempt to ensure the Trojans ' ambiguity , but I wasn 't willing to take the risk .
tr	5	One of the most popular of these was that the Trojans played a part in ' The Change ' ; how or why was never made clear .
tr	5	My ceilings weren 't especially low ; in fact , they were a standard height , but at that moment my unit felt like a toy house .
tr	5	Perhaps he was sent to infiltrate the government , or perhaps he was created in a lab in an experiment to test the boundaries of genetics .
tr	5	I 'd heard the sound thousands of times before , but I was already tense in present company ; I almost jumped out of my skin .
tr	5	When I was small these events had terrified me , and my mother often found me hiding under the bed or cowering in a corner .
tr	5	Fine , " I babbled , not wanting to appear childish ; after all , I was practically entering adulthood at almost two cycles old .
tr	5	" Thank you very much for the offer sir , but I already have a job with Clint and Tide , the law firm . "
tr	5	" We have already spoken to your employer , a Mr Tide , and he has agreed to terminate your employment , with immediate effect . "
tr	5	I would re-join the group when the hunt was over , and then return with them to the village where our success would be cheered .
tr	5	Firstly , all couples must be born within the same forty-eight hour time period , and come from the same or any neighbouring village within two miles .
tr	5	Zeal was not my idea of the perfect life partner , but she did save me from a life of servitude under a military regime .
tr	5	" Okay , let 's say I believe you , I still don 't see what it has to do with our bonding ceremony . "
tr	5	Standing in the darkness , I was reminded of stories I 'd heard as a boy , tales of life before ' The Change ' .
tr	5	As a result of this unremitting darkness , its population , my ancestors , had developed certain abilities allowing them to survive and function in complete obscurity .
tr	5	Our eyes can adjust to complete darkness , like a form of night vision , and other senses are also heightened ; smell , sound and touch .
tr	5	We stopped walking and remained still , unsure if we should continue , when a new sound began to replace the din of distress from the village .
tr	5	A large , heavy set soldier ; at least one point six metres tall and probably the same in width , stepped out of the vehicle .
tr	5	I prayed Zeal would let it go , accept his orders and abandon her home ; but I knew she wasn 't going without a fight .
tr	5	While the altercation between Zeal and the Commander was transpiring I observed six more soldiers exiting the vehicle , each larger and more imposing than the last .
tr	5	I spent the next hour cleaning up after my houseguest before grabbing a sheet from the storage cupboard and finally collapsing into a heap on the sofa .
tr	5	Grabbing the cushions from the armchair , I held them tight against my ears in an attempt to mask the deafening sound ; to no avail .
tr	5	I turned onto my side , then onto my back , then onto my other side , then onto my stomach , then onto my back again .
tr	5	Taking a seat on the cold step , I looked out at my beautiful garden , savouring the pretty plants , flowers , and floppy fruit tree .
tr	5	The failing lights caused the darkness in Danton , but there was another form of darkness infecting my world , one born out of fear .
tr	5	Switching off , but ensuring to say " Hmmm " every now and then , I stared out of the window at the passing buildings .
tr	5	" I think it means ... " The tram came to a stop at one of the smaller stations on the outskirts of the city .
tr	5	I had a great deal of respect for my government and all that it stood for , but even I was beginning to question their motives .
tr	5	Following a meagre breakfast , that I prepared myself from the remaining food Zeal hadn 't eaten the night before , I left for work .
tr	5	Chapter Eight ' Detained ' The doors glided open effortlessly , unlike the frightened passengers who surged from the carriage desperate to abandon the ill-fated tram .
tr	5	The only method of transport in and out of Trans Central was the tram network , without it , I had no way of entering the capital .
tr	5	I passed Kron who looked on , not with an expression of suspicion , but more of apprehension ; I doubted his anxiety was for my well-being .
tr	5	The lanes were lined with cafes and restaurants ; I remembered street sellers on every corner , and a joyous atmosphere that coursed through the village .
tr	5	If I tried , I 'd more than likely have a Jolt plunged into my back and my unconscious body would be carried into the military vehicle .
tr	5	" Well you better do it soon ; otherwise you may be spending a lot of time in a vehicle just like this one . "
tr	5	Not wanting to discuss my forced bonding , or potential military career further , I chose to keep quiet for the remainder of the journey .
tr	5	A small screen in the centre of the dashboard showed an image that must have been transmitted from a camera at the back of the vehicle .
tr	5	Having visited the area before , I should have been prepared for its size and scale , but I was still taken aback by the immense space .
tr	5	" I know the outer communities don 't have back-up power systems , but Trans Central surely has back-ups , for back-ups , for back-ups . "
tr	5	The sound of their engines filled the air , passing quickly as they sped towards the thousands of Trojans already lined up in the wasteland .
tr	5	I was no expert , and my sense of direction was sometimes unreliable , but I was certain the closest populated area was in the opposite direction .
tr	5	That pesky fear was again taking over , and I was relieved when we arrived at a copious open plot of land beyond the devices .
tr	5	At the far end of the corridor , I could make out a single metal door with a small blue control panel to its right .
tr	5	The Minister pressed the red button on ' The Key ' and the previous roaring sound returned as the massive opening above us began to close .
tr	5	I leaned against the wall in an attempt to keep my balance , but found it difficult to get a grip on its silky surface .
tr	5	I expected the door simply to open , glide to one side or perhaps be lifted into the ceiling ; but instead it began to disappear .
tr	5	A second mezzanine level circled the control centre with a transparent floor and banister that made it look as if people were practically walking on air .
tr	5	" It 's an absolute pleasure , " said the doctor grabbing my hand and shaking it with more heartiness than he did Minister Drake 's .
tr	5	" I 've run the calculations and , although theoretically plausible , to obtain the resources required will simply take more time than we have . "
tr	5	Chapter Eleven ' The Guest Suite ' Two armed guards , who had no desire to engage in small talk , escorted me to the Guest Suite .
tr	5	I had always considered these traits to be failings on her part , but I was learning they were something to be commended not ostracized .
tr	5	I could have pointed out the reason I had no food was because she 'd eaten it all , but this didn 't seem like the time .
tr	5	She carried on with her account " I 'd just decided to go out for food , when all of a sudden everything went dark . "
tr	5	" I told them , I wasn 't going anywhere , and if they tried to remove me by force then they 'd live to regret it .
tr	5	" What 's really weird is they said there was no record of our bonding ... " " Because we haven 't been bonded ! "
tr	5	Zeal was a skilled hunter and a reasonable fighter , but even she couldn 't take on two highly trained members of the armed forces .
tr	5	As the door began to swing shut , unknown to me at the time , Zeal leaped from the bed and prevented the latch from catching .
tr	5	There are three hundred and twenty two scientists and military personnel who work in The Hub ; they also reside here on semi cycle rotations . "
tr	5	An old , well used sofa , a wooden desk that was chipped and scratched , and several bookshelves that were ready to fall apart .
tr	5	He had a head full of thin , grey hair , deep set wrinkles over his face , and thin tight lips that appeared dried and cracked .
tr	5	I recognised the look on his face , it was the same one I 'd seen when he was escorting me to the lab ; bewilderment .
tr	5	" Please deploy another military unit to Commander Tork 's location , and transfer any excess power to the evacuation site 's emergency generators . "
tr	5	I didn 't know what a genie was , and even less sure as to what bottle we would be unable to return it too .
tr	5	I wanted to know the truth , but I was wary of what that truth would mean ; of how much would it change my life .
tr	5	I understood the reasoning , but I doubted that a lie , even one spoken with the best of intentions , could be a good thing .
tr	5	I didn 't want to push the issue , and there was a far more pertinent question to ask , one mystery that eluded me .
tr	5	I still clung to the hope that we would be reunited ; the question I needed to ask next could have potentially destroyed that hope .
tr	5	All those times I 'd dreamt of finding my mother , imagining what had happened to her , and now I was being told she was alive .
tr	5	I could have been wrong , but if this picture meant what I thought it meant then the situation had become a great deal more treacherous .
tr	5	I was getting the strong impression the Trojan Keeper didn 't like me much ; that was fine , I didn 't like him much either .
tr	5	This was the reason Drake 's speech was so slow ; each word he spoke or heard was translated through the device in his ear .
tr	5	He may have played the role of a mad scientist , but he clearly knew how to handle the lethal weapon ; Tork was going nowhere .
tr	5	I could see the cogs turning in his brain , searching for an opportunity , weighing up his odds of success if he attempted to break free .
tr	5	You told me that you 've lived in The Hub your whole life , yet you managed to get lost from the Guest Suite to your lab .
tr	5	A few minutes earlier the doctor had been skipping around the room with a cheery disposition ; I now found that memory hard to recall .
tr	5	I wanted to sound firm and assertive ; I wanted to do justice to my Grandfather 's memory , but my voice betrayed my intentions .
tr	5	I began poisoning him from then onwards ; a little bit here , a little bit there , but the resilient old fool simply refused to die .
tr	5	A scientist wouldn 't have been able to react so quickly to Tork 's escape attempt ; he clearly had some military training of his own .
tr	5	This new world of light was offered to us , and we embraced it , but the cost was everything that makes us who we are . "
tr	5	" Within minutes the Trojans will reach full power ; they will launch an attack on Earth , and we will live in the darkness again .
tr	5	I took a deep breath and then , screaming at the top of my lungs , I let out a shriek that sliced through the air .
tr	5	With one swing of his fist , Tork smashed the Doctor across the side of the face , grabbing the Jolt with his free hand .
tr	5	If you open it up you can punch in the code manually ; the deactivation order should be instantly transmitted to the entire network . "
tr	5	I 'm not sure what came over me , but I jumped back down , grabbed her , and gave her the biggest kiss I could muster .
tr	5	" A dream for one can be a dream for many If I dream of a new future , could I imagine a new present ?
tr	5	The heat scorched my skin , the searing pain travelled through my body , the burning was almost unbearable , but I no longer cared .
tr	5	Her long sandy hair flowing over her shoulders , her warm eyes , and gentle smile as beautiful as the memory that was engraved in my mind .
tr	5	Not everything is what it seems , but if you follow the path that is laid out before you , you can save our world .
tr	5	The longer I waited , the more apprehensive I became , the more sweat my body produced , and the more it caused my burns to sting .
tr	5	As usual , I 'd arrived early , so a kind lady had provided me with a glass of water and told me where to sit .
tr	5	Most would believe these stories , but I was certain it would also add to the conspiracy theories ; a conspiracy I was now a part of .
tr	5	I fear her disappearance was part of a plan to expose your grandfather 's identity ; which would mean the Veils are responsible for her desertion .
tr	5	I invited him to the Bonding Ceremony , and left him with a basket of fruit , and a couple of publications to help pass the time .
tr	5	My grandfather was murdered for them , my mother was sent to another world for them , my friend is lying in a medical bed for them .
tr	5	However , I would rather you keep the title , and allow me to keep my grandfather 's unit on the edge of the city . "
tr	5	Oblivion Girl By : Will Novy Copyright 2013 Will Novy Smashwords Edition Smashwords Edition , License Notes : This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only .
tr	5	I 've been told my clothes catch the attention of the opposite sex but my money 's on the fact it 's my developing body .
tr	5	I close my eyes as I , yet again , cut through another cloud -- nothing better than cold damp clothes sticking to your body .
tr	5	Before he was even done with his sentence I had already opened the drawer and was stunned to see it overfilled with tear gas cans .
tr	5	Pollution still lingers around our town due to the high number of military vehicles that patrol through -- - like they ever do anything useful .
tr	5	With his sad , mopey look down at me he said , " Can 't you at least TRY to be a little more discreet ?
tr	5	I could feel my hands tighten into fists as my eye twitched uncontrollably -- - I was unaware this guy had some sort of death wish .
tr	5	We entered the swanky place that was so clean it made you want to break something just so the employee 's would have some work to do .
tr	5	One more time is all I hoped for so I 'd have a reason to jump over the counter and staple his crotch to his thigh .
tr	5	To top it off , the mask didn 't vent very well and it was uncomfortable to feel my own breath roll down my neck .
tr	5	This caused the eyes to fog up quickly and made it hard to see -- I hated that Atticus was partially right -- this time .
tr	5	Since he was a peon he was left outside to guard the door while the rest of the men fucked around inside probably drinking and talking shit .
tr	5	" Hey big boy , " I shouted while the rest of my body stayed hidden around the corner , " like what you see ? "
tr	5	In the hall the smoke still lingered as the men fought against each other , not knowing the difference between a comrade and a crazy bitch .
tr	5	I stood up and was about to make my way out into the hall when , without warning , two grenades bounced into the doorway from Macro .
tr	5	Stuck in the corner with no way out , Atticus gripped his gun tighter and turned his head to see a fire extinguisher enclosed in glass .
tr	5	I watched as Macro passed by my door in the hall and that 's when a glimmer of light caught my eye in the closet .
tr	5	The goon turned around to his boss , a fat man in a business suit that smelled like wine and bad cheese -- mostly bad cheese .
tr	5	The building that knocked me unconscious had a cracked support beam that held up the attacking cement wall threatening my life inches away from my head .
tr	5	I eventually made my way back to what was left of my parents apartment , hoping to find my brother Eden hiding under some sort of shelter .
tr	5	The ironic thing was I didn 't just like my new life I loved it , I just didn 't know what to do with it .
tr	5	But the trick was how to force a man you just watched pee on his opponent become your everlasting slave and sidekick -- - so we gambled .
tr	5	Together the three of us kicked ass and I 'm thankful to have both of them -- you 'll just never hear me tell THEM that .
tr	5	And then I spotted it -- a silver bracelet with a strawberry red ruby in the middle , just like the one from my dream .
tr	5	Not only did he hate the sand , that was now riding up his shorts , he was also deathly afraid of what lurked in ocean water .
tr	5	" How are you expecting to collect the money , when you never met the person who was suppose to give it to you ? "
tr	5	Even though she was the new kid , she didn 't take crap from anyone and how can you do anything but admire a girl like that ?
tr	5	They all nodded like star stricken zombies more fixated on the idea that I was acknowledging their existence than the words that came out of my mouth .
tr	5	Ezra didn 't talk to me the rest of the day -- victory , like always , was mine -- and that was only Saturday .
tr	5	I had set up five ' X 's ' around town on the ground with white chalk to help make the targets stand out more .
tr	5	Once the girls found the ' X ' on the ground , they had to find the oranges with a black ' X ' marked on them .
tr	5	Within ten minutes Ariel came back , tossed me an orange with a black ' X ' and sat down next to me on the couch .
tr	5	With her free hand she reached for the orange trying her hardest to loosen the orange from the dogs ' mouth and pry it out .
tr	5	Even with both hands she couldn 't pry it out of the dogs ' mouth as orange juice fused with slobber oozed down her arm .
tr	5	Right before she could grab it though , the man placed his hand on the fruit , cleaned off the loose dirt and pealed the skin .
tr	5	In her back pocket was a sharpie marker she had used to draw an ' X ' on an orange she found at a fruit stand .
tr	5	I could smell the fresh sharpie when she handed me the orange but to be fair I never told the girls that they couldn 't cheat .
tr	5	The sway recharged my memory and I remembered where I was , slamming the pillow over my face -- - still in the middle of the ocean .
tr	5	We were only supposed to be on the ship for four weeks but it 'd been less than a week and I was already over it .
tr	5	Because it was night I grabbed two of my new canisters ; one had a picture of a sun with a happy face I called Second Sun .
tr	5	Lucky for them they didn 't go off while still strapped to my body otherwise they 'd have to clean my remains off the poop deck .
tr	5	In front of me was none other than the biggest pile of ' gold ' I 'd ever seen -- loot from the cargo ships .
tr	5	I kicked him in the ribs , grabbed my gear and walked out to the deck only to find we 'd been docked the whole time .
tr	5	I remembered the days when all a girl had to do was bat an eye and show a little skin to make money problems go away .
tr	5	I could tell by the look on his face he hadn 't the slightest clue he was the one I blamed for prematurely aborting my vacation .
tr	5	Chapter Seven : Miss Misery Part 2 If I had to explain pirates to someone , I 'd say that they most resemble the Mafia .
tr	5	Since he 's afraid of the ocean , it took a bit of convincing but I was pretty sure that ships rope has barely ever broken .
tr	5	Tattoo 's covered most of their exposed skin and their grins were so unnerving you 'd think they stayed up late at night sharpening their teeth .
tr	5	The two men dragging me didn 't even bother lifting me up over the ledge as they walked from the tanker to the pirate ship .
tr	5	The only problem was that Captain Osiris was not an easy sleeper and it took three hours before Atticus could hear a snore out of his mouth .
tr	5	Captain Osiris , who obviously liked his brains enough to keep them , waited till he was sure the man was gone before he spoke to Atticus .
tr	5	Atticus and I turned to see a boat twice the size of the one we were on , a few feet away and coming straight at us .
tr	5	Chapter Eight : Kiss Kiss , Bang Bang When we got back from the tanker job the only thing I wanted to do was sleep .
tr	5	When Atticus first started going to the bar he had barely said more than a few words to her so he was dubbed Mr. Quiet .
tr	5	She knew when a guy was interested the way he was and she 'd be lying if she said she didn 't feel the same .
tr	5	I noticed the sun was setting and it was getting dark -- like hell if I 'd be stuck out here at night with this wacko .
tr	5	It had been awhile so it caught me a bit off guard -- which seemed to be a new reoccurring theme in my life lately .
tr	5	I was fully loaded with my gas mask and canisters totally owning the guys in what felt like a game of hide and go fuck yourself .
tr	5	Turned out it was just a bad side effect of sleeping for more than twelve hours because when I woke up I had missed half the day .
tr	5	This would 've been the perfect time for an ice cream breakfast but I decided to take a temporary leave from the flirty ice cream boy .
tr	5	I checked the calendar I kept in my room and saw that the music festival in Aurora , a city near Lumina , was tonight -- perfect .
tr	5	I attached a few canisters around my garter belt just incase the shit hit the fan and I needed to switch to contract killer mode .
tr	5	People would stop on the side of the road and dance if they liked a particular song or wanted to see all the lovely costumes and dresses .
tr	5	I realized I 've been working too hard because before I knew it I had sized him up on whether I could beat him in a fight .
tr	5	I ended the conversation by pulling the gas mask back over my disgruntled face , grabbing my dress with my other free hand and stomping away .
tr	5	When she smiled , she had those eyes that make it so that you couldn 't help but smile back -- - I kept my guard up .
tr	5	I felt like the wicked witch of the East as the condemned house landed on top of me -- - well at least we still won ?
tr	5	But it wasn 't like I could just go up to strangers and ask , " Excuse me , have you seen my brain ? "
tr	5	But remember this - " I slammed the door on him with all my might -- - and with that , my living nightmare was over .
tr	5	" Well , I can see who wears the pants in this relationship and I 'm so glad Atticus filled you in on our little operation .
tr	5	Chapter Ten : Childish Thoughts I awoke prematurely to the sound of Alita laughing and mistook the noise for an unwanted person in MY house .
tr	5	In retaliation I smashed a soft fluffy pillow over my face in an attempt to either drown out the noise or suffocate myself -- whichever came first .
tr	5	Sitting at a table , illuminated by the glow of a candle , I realized I 'd forgotten to blink as the club roared with applause .
tr	5	" I will not stand here and listen to how our prize money gets sworn in as a member to the honorary club of brain damaged boys .
tr	5	Once the guns were filled and the girls were hidden around the ship , I gave Alita a smoke grenade and a word of advice .
tr	5	" First off , " I said with a mouth full of cookies , " there 's about five things wrong with that sentence . "
tr	5	Now Pop 's had withdrawn his offer after I came back to his palace for the tenth time empty handed and trying to extend my deadline .
tr	5	All I heard was blah , blah , blah , money and then I knew exactly who my new best friend would be on this trip .
tr	5	While I stalled with a little small talk , I gave the room a once over and eyed his safe -- - his unlocked and open safe .
tr	5	" See brother , " I said with a slight kick under the table , " I told you it 's a stupid job . "
tr	5	He was at the bar and had racked up quite the tab on some imported hard liquor with gold specks that floated around inside a blue bottle .
tr	5	" I mean it 's a dog eat dog world out there and if you hadn 't stolen it first someone else would 've . "
tr	5	" If that were so , " he said , " you 'd be the last person I 'd expect to try to rip someone off .
tr	5	Once he had walked to the next car , I closed the door and made my way down the hall -- gas mask dangling around my neck .
tr	5	Attached to the wheels of the caboose were three grenades tied to a fishing line that ran up and across the top of the roof .
tr	5	I glanced down as the warm blood dripped down my arm and flew off the side of the train -- - that was going to cost him .
tr	5	All I could think was ' this is all your fault Atticus ' as my one good arm kept me from swan diving down into the water .
tr	5	After insisting I could walk myself , he carried my struggling body back to the train while I filled him in on how the event went down .
tr	5	I ducked behind some tourist who probably thought I was either trying to molest them or steal their money -- - why couldn 't I do both ?
tr	5	That , apparently , was the magical cue for his angry group of mining friends to walk out of the train , all carrying weapons .
tr	5	" Well I got hungry and ate them , so you 're either gon na have to wait awhile or come gut me like a fish . "
tr	5	Long story short , Alita had spent some of our ransom money on a fancy hotel room while she gambled the rest away in the hotels casino .
tr	5	I began to wonder if I kept it up , if Alita 's head would pop off her shoulders like a cork out of a Champaign bottle .
tr	5	So the guys yelling something about how I did him wrong while I loaded my gun I tried to remember if I ever met the guy .
tr	5	Alita was off in her own world freaked out between what was happening in front of her and what she was seeing in the goggles .
tr	5	The stench of stale air mingled with garbage -- I would 've gave anything to trade my gas mask in for an oxygen mask right about now .
tr	5	I 'd go as far as saying he 'd make Hitler look like the Pope if it wasn 't for his slight , minuscule lisp .
tr	5	The only nice memory I can recall was when my drunken father tried to take a swing at me and ended up hitting Eden instead .
tr	5	I remembered watching my brother pound our fathers face til my mother complained how the hell she 'd get the bloodstains out of the carpet .
tr	5	While under that bathtub , buried alive for two days , something in Eden changed for the worse -- - as if that was possible .
tr	5	Soon after classified secret documents were leaked to the public and the top heads of every branch of the military were slowly being slaughtered one by one .
tr	5	Enough money to make the average man crap his pants , quit his day job and begin his life as some two bit wannabe bounty hunter .
tr	5	I knew he was setting me up for something I just didn 't know what exactly that was yet so I played his little game .
tr	5	I 'd found out in my short time on this earth that there are a lot of unwritten rules and games people play with each other .
tr	5	If it 's there , you got yourself a deal , if not , I don 't ever want to see HIS face again . "
tr	5	After I left , Mr. No Name jumped in his helicopter and took off back to his cave or wherever the hell he came from .
tr	5	So digging up dirt meant making waves and I 'm sorry to say that this is the best I could do before I made my presence known .
tr	5	After wrestling out a padlock from his pocket , he stripped off his coat that smelled like a sewer and threw it off to the side .
tr	5	With my comrades out of my way , I was free to jump around the ship like an acrobat , spinning and twirling my blade .
tr	5	He took a few more steps closer into the middle of the room and spotted me crouched behind a pillar with my back turned to him .
tr	5	Midget man 's TNT was fake two by fours painted to look like the real thing -- as if I 'd ever blow up a midget .
tr	5	Standing opposite from me on the other side of the statue was an old man with a rifle gripped tightly in his pale wrinkly hands .
tr	5	He gently kicked out his right leg , which forced his upper body to lean back , allowing my knife to miss his nose by millimeters .
tr	5	But the last time I saw him we had a fight and I didn 't think I 'd ever see this place again , let alone Pete .
tr	5	I closed my eyes and felt my body begin to drift to dreamland but awoke to Pete standing over me in the shadows not making a move .
tr	5	I slowly put on my battle gear and wrapped a scarf around my face -- I didn 't want another face full of chewing tobacco .
tr	5	By the time I was done worrying about that one , two more bullets were on their way -- glad to know Pops wasn 't holding back .
tr	5	We both paused as we caught our breath and I felt his warm blood ooze down to the handle of my knife before dripping into the snow .
tr	5	He stretched and took a few steps towards the kitchen then abruptly stopped when the chain I had tied around his ankle caught tight against the bed .
tr	5	He then used his limited strength to lift the bottom of the bed off the ground and slide out the chain -- victory was his .
tr	5	When we approached the main street let 's just say we didn 't get a warm welcome -- or any type of welcome for that matter .
tr	5	A dust cloud as high as a skyscraper kicked up into the air behind them as they raced their metal cans down towards the town .
tr	5	These bad boys were sporting all black and looked like they were part of some sort of special ops team -- boy were they special all right .
tr	5	Back on my side of the world , Commander Merit Badge made some pretty ugly faces as he found out his team was slowly decreasing in numbers .
tr	5	" Listen , " Merit Badge began to beg , " I 'll make you as rich as a king if you let me go . "
tr	5	We piled in the truck and as we drove off Merit Badge was still sitting there in the middle of the street like a good little boy .
tr	5	To get past the first wave of men , we blew up the truck as a diversion and snuck our way inside the gated area .
tr	5	We needed to get moving and cover some extra ground so I peeked down the hall and saw four more patrolling guards along with security cameras .
tr	5	He had his worked cut out for himself since these cronies were military grade assholes and didn 't seem to be going down so easily .
tr	5	Since the door was made for décor more than strength , chances were it wasn 't going to last long before the solid gold hinges broke off .
tr	5	Alita flipped over a writing desk , spilling ink and paper onto a five hundred year old rug as Atticus combed around for an alternate escape route .
tr	5	One after one , the squad charged inside the room , only to be swiftly dropped to their knees by a well-placed bullet from Atticus or Alita .
tr	5	Even though his hands were free , he kept them hidden behind his back as he tucked his feet on top of the fallen rope .
tr	5	I want go home and train and when we all are ready , we 'll all go after Eden together and kill him ... for Essa . "
tr	5	By the time he hit the ground , not only had my knife pressed against him , but turned his knife against himself as well .
tr	5	This time as I awoke in the morning , I opened my eyes and saw a deer in the bushes a few yards away eating berries .
tr	5	The next night I hadn 't caught anything for dinner , so I dug into the bread and one of the few apples left in my knapsack .
tr	5	Then , he patiently waited until NASA 's shuttle program came to a sad end and contracted the best minds in the U.S. Space program .
tr	5	As I step onto the moon I think in my mind , that this is one step for man and one giant leap for mankind .
tr	5	There were no thoughts to paint these people as good or bad , just people who are living at the time the story is written .
tr	5	The moon hadn 't risen yet , but they could just hear the sound of truck engines echoing faintly down the valley in front of them .
tr	5	They knew that several high-ranking Iraqi officers , who might have ties to the Iranians over the border , were native to the surrounding area .
tr	5	The UAV 's live feed was being seen by VIN , his men and his commander back at base , through their secure video displays .
tr	5	The team had walked through the same town three times in the last couple of weeks and hadn 't seen anything out of the ordinary .
tr	5	I would prefer a captive from the transport vehicles , but I think that the men inside the building could know as much as the drivers .
tr	5	The two men nodded , one lifting the unconscious man up over his shoulder in a fireman 's lift , and they silently padded out of town .
tr	5	He was in the middle , taller than the rest , and was showing one of the locals how to put together a suicide vest .
tr	5	Bradley had aimed well ; the three men to the left of the tall man had most of their skulls in pieces on the bloody floor .
tr	5	Lieutenant Noble then removed the hoods from the other two girls and found two local teenagers , fully dressed , unmarked , alive , and very scared .
tr	5	A few seconds later and three miles away , two trucks exploded and lit up the surrounding desert as missiles from the drone ended their useful lives .
tr	5	If the townsfolk heard any noises from the building or the explosions to the east of the city , nobody came out to see what was happening .
tr	5	Within minutes a platoon of Marines met up with the fourth team member still outside the back door and entered , followed by medics and stretcher bearers .
tr	5	It looked like the bad guys were hoping she would be picked up and taken into the densely populated area where they would detonate her device .
tr	5	" That sounds fine , sir , " VIN replied , and several hours later he was on his way back to HQ in a Humvee .
tr	5	Just relax , you are off duty , " was all he heard until the building with the laughing dead men returned to taunt him .
tr	5	His father often said that the only way to sell a car was to say one word -- yes -- to everything the customer asked .
tr	5	His parents , tall and slim and both over six feet , spent most weekends at home enjoying their free time reading books and weeklies .
tr	5	It was quite a shock when Ryan asked his father for a loan for his first business venture , sexy ladies ' underwear of all things .
tr	5	His four Russian scientists were still with him and he had purchased a large house close by for him and his team to enjoy life .
tr	5	A year after he and his company developed into a profitable venture , they were beginning to control a large share of the personal computer market .
tr	5	They were making a lot of money and his space hobby , as she called it , took him away from running the computer business .
tr	5	At the age of thirty-two , he again was bought out , this time by his two friends , and Ryan decided to explore new ideas .
tr	5	After the sale of the internet search company he was able to employ several of the best brains at NASA to grow his team even more .
tr	5	They had been terminated suddenly and without warning for some political reason , and Ryan , now wealthy , scooped them up on a ten-year contract .
tr	5	As a student at USC he spent spare hours auditing lectures in the aerospace department , taking notes of the best achievers in the classes .
tr	5	Over the next few weeks he drove out to the Nevada desert in his Audi R8 and looked for a place to setup his next company .
tr	5	Within weeks of the first private flight by the Englishman , Ryan had purchased 500 acres of desert around an old , unused military air base .
tr	5	Designed and manufactured during the last decade , it had already been ordered and would take a couple of weeks to be delivered from around the country .
tr	5	Ryan and his team had studied all the possibilities of reaching space , and how other companies were attempting what he was about to do .
tr	5	Obtaining permits from one stage to the next occupied a great deal of time , and the production schedule was planned to coincide with pending FAA approvals .
tr	5	Ryan 's design to use ion thruster space propulsion systems was created by Boris and the Russian scientists he had employed right at the beginning .
tr	5	Our company will make money bringing back valuable ores , minerals , and gas from space , a far more lucrative venture than the first two ideas .
tr	5	" Sometime next year , I want our first cargo ready to be shipped back to Earth ; that gives us sixteen months to get there .
tr	5	With murmuring and nods of heads , Ryan 's audience tried to absorb the abbreviated timeframe he outlined for the team to prepare for space travel .
tr	5	All of these measures are stipulated in your contracts which you have agreed to and signed , as have all management , administration and security personnel .
tr	5	Yesterday , we repeated the rules , only two people decided to leave , and that was before they knew anything important about the project .
tr	5	Our current plan on the drawing boards gives us a maximum of thirty days to collect small nuggets on the surface from the rubble piles I mentioned .
tr	5	Once the machine has collected a load of a few pounds , it will be maneuvered by the astronaut back to the ship for analysis .
tr	5	" The second advantage for us is that during testing of the large door , more powerful engines were added to her to reach higher altitudes .
tr	5	Our shuttle design shows a sleek oval tube with retractable wings and tail which will be fully deployed four seconds after exiting the rear of the C-5 .
tr	5	For the return trip , the fuel will be stored in pressurized tanks in the hollow interior walls between compartments two and three inside the spacecraft .
tr	5	He had flown hundreds in his lifetime and , although he had even crashed a couple , the Air Force courts never found fault with his flying .
tr	5	A decade later , he became one of the youngest Air Force test pilots and his father , now retired , was extremely proud of his son .
tr	5	Twice in his career , he verbally fought with superior officers and was grounded , with orders to think about showing respect to senior officers .
tr	5	" Welcome back to the land of the living , Lieutenant Noble , " the vision said to him as he watched her red lips move .
tr	5	With his new legs fitted onto his stumps , the therapy crew got him walking again , but it took a couple of months longer than expected .
tr	5	He also received his discharge papers and was informed of what was due to him for eleven years of service and his two lost legs .
tr	5	The officer allowed him to take in the news , sitting next to her in the patrol car , and waited for the usual reactions .
tr	5	He was a little embarrassed for crying as she was quite good looking , and not more than half a dozen years older than he was .
tr	5	He didn 't attend school the next day , but sat in his mother 's favorite rocking chair on the front porch and waited for company .
tr	5	Upon asking if VIN had eaten anything that day , the policeman left and returned with a fresh pizza , telling VIN that he had better eat .
tr	5	The officer left and the two men introduced themselves , and VIN searched for and found the leather case his father used for important papers .
tr	5	He lived in Fayetteville , and on one Friday night decided to grab dinner at a local family restaurant before finding a bar for a few drinks .
tr	5	" Hell , I don 't know , all the nice cars I 've seen have been in car magazines I read back at base .
tr	5	I suppose a Porsche or BMW or ... I know , that young singer kid I read about in hospital , he has an Audi R8 .
tr	5	Introductions were made and the owner , in his mid-sixties , quickly noticed that the younger man who was the interested buyer on leg prostheses .
tr	5	The bank was the same one the retired doctor used and he asked for a few minutes while he went in and checked with his branch .
tr	5	" OK , we each put fifty grand into a new bank account and head out to see life , and we go Dutch , or 50-50 .
tr	5	Sure , he had had lots of short relationships , but for some reason , explicitly noted by VIN , the girls always seemed to disappear .
tr	5	" The poor kid has just come back from Iraq , has two new prosthetic legs from above the knee , and just got the car .
tr	5	And , so far , in between hangovers -- and I have never drunk so much in my life -- we seem to get along . "
tr	5	There seemed to be a fuel problem to the three dead engines , and I tried everything to get them fired up again , to no avail .
tr	5	I trimmed her out for landing , told everybody to buckle up , and went in for a perfect landing with the one engine on full thrust .
tr	5	It wasn 't a very long runway , and I 'm sure I touched her wheels down within inches of the end of the blacktop .
tr	5	A week after leaving the East Coast they reached the end of I-70 , in the middle of nowhere , many miles south of Salt Lake City .
tr	5	After about five minutes , VIN realized that it had been four hours since breakfast at Idaho Springs , and his stomach needed some sustenance .
tr	5	By nightfall , with a burger , and a new tank of gas in St. George , Utah , they left the state and entered Nevada .
tr	5	Why he had the crazy notion to build it with a large office , he never knew ; he only slept and showered on the premises .
tr	5	His main office was in Hangar One , where the Ground Control was to be stationed , and where the ion thrusters were being built .
tr	5	He wanted to be near the power units , of which four were in production for the first trials into space in seven months ' time .
tr	5	Ryan pleaded his case and went to the President himself , who signed off on just two pounds of 238 instead of the twelve pounds he wanted .
tr	5	Instead , he picked up nine cases of British pounds sterling from his bank in Switzerland , so as not to break so many U.S. laws .
tr	5	" That adds to the grand you lost on day one , or now ten percent of your part of the stash , " replied VIN .
tr	5	His first day 's winnings of 500 dollars gave him pleasure and he was up $ 7,000 over the next three days while Jonesy pursued other interests .
tr	5	One he met and bedded on the fifth day was striking , until in the morning she asked for her nightly rate of $ 250 .
tr	5	It finally happened ; on the seventh day VIN 's total stash of winnings was reduced to a measly hundred bucks by Jonesy 's spending .
tr	5	Jonesy seemed back into the adventure , especially after asking his first question as VIN headed out of Las Vegas on I-95 toward Tonopah , Nevada .
tr	5	" Shit , guys , you know full well I can 't do that ; otherwise I would be quickly fired or retired just like you .
tr	5	Much like Area 51 , they reached a high wired gate on which hung large signs that told visitors that the whole fence was electrified and deadly .
tr	5	" Why don 't you call up the boss and say that his replacement silver bullet is here , and we are thirsty , " Jonesy replied .
tr	5	Nothing happened for nearly thirty minutes ; the guard didn 't return , and the truck behind them , its engine running , just waited .
tr	5	The gate opened , VIN started the engine , and they drove in and were directed behind the guardhouse and next to the other Audi .
tr	5	" No , a tough Marine , Mr. Richmond ; just slow due to crappy off-the-shelf military leg prosthetics , " replied Jonesy protecting his friend .
tr	5	" Sorry , I didn 't mean to insult you , young man , " replied the owner and carried on to the top of the incline .
tr	5	I tested her for two years when they put in that door and tried to pressurize it , and even when they added her new engine upgrades .
tr	5	I think my offer is more than the United States Marine Corps ever paid you , plus I 'm only getting half a body ! "
tr	5	" We are only taking up a second stage shuttle , and inside the shuttle a spacecraft , as high as the aircraft can fly .
tr	5	The Dead Chicken was the result of the first tests to get the larger C-5 to achieve low-level pallet delivery by parachute from less than 100 feet .
tr	5	" To answer your first question , every 1,000 feet of altitude saves half a percent of the fuel needed to get the second stage into space .
tr	5	" Your tests will be done in Hangar Five , but let 's first have Mr. Jones give us a tour of the Chicken . "
tr	5	Captain Pitt , please escort the colonel out of the aircraft immediately , and once he drives off with the corporal please return to the cockpit . "
tr	5	He and the captain and the mechanics and a few others don 't enter the hangars , other than Hangar Three where this aircraft is kept .
tr	5	" I 'm happy to fly for you , Mr. Richmond , now that you got rid of the colonel , " interjected Captain Pitt .
tr	5	He has been primed to tell them what we chose to allow him to know , and I 'm sure he will proudly relay the false information .
tr	5	Yes , in the tower I have a modern Russian-made system , a " Choking Device " they call it if you translate into direct English .
tr	5	Having noticed weird-looking engines or electronic motors being put together in the hangar , he understood the construction was to prevent spying by any external means .
tr	5	Let 's continue our tour , " a smiling Ryan greeted them , looking fresh and wide awake as he walked up and shook their hands .
tr	5	Some of the panels lay separately on long tables inside the plastic compartments ; the panels appeared to be about ten feet wide and forty feet long .
tr	5	Instead of liquid hydrogen , we add liquid argon which , if kept in a cold state , is too dense to accept any heat .
tr	5	" And a bit more space travel , but I will explain a little more when we get to Hangar Four , " smiled Ryan .
tr	5	" The last covering , like the soft inside wall of a commercial airliner , will be sealed onto the inner wall of each panel .
tr	5	Eight complete panels are programmed to line up into orbit on one shuttle launch , and then the panels will be bonded together by robotic spiders .
tr	5	As they entered the different world of Hangar Four , he could see the same type of vehicles he had seen on Mars , on television .
tr	5	Then a buzzer sounded ; VIN had to wait through lunch before getting to Hangar Five , where he would find out his real function .
tr	5	VIN realized that these workers must represent fewer than half the people on base , and many must be having lunch in their sterile areas .
tr	5	Finally the buzzer sounded , and as one the room emptied , the two men returning to the golf cart where Ryan had left it .
tr	5	This time a white coat held a control device like for a radio-controlled airplane , and he moved the metal frame next to the chair .
tr	5	First the metal upper legs were fitted to his stumps and snugly connected ; they felt tighter , and more secure than the military legs .
tr	5	The three men dressing him stepped back and one picked up what looked like an open-faced motorbike helmet and strapped it on VIN 's head .
tr	5	" This is your new lower-body control system ; it works from nerve impulses your brain sends to your legs to make the muscles work .
tr	5	She bent her legs , shot up , completed the full somersault and landed hard , the exact same way she had done the first time .
tr	5	" They are analyzing every move you make , to see if they can add something here and there to make it easier for you .
tr	5	These suits , VIN , will be the suits that you and I will wear to go out of the spacecraft and do spacewalks . "
tr	5	It wasn 't that heavy , but this piece of cake made it feel like it had added a hundred pounds or more to his body weight .
tr	5	" Rocket Man you are not , and heading off into space is still several months away , but you will have lots of time to practice .
tr	5	Her parents -- her mother a computer analyst and her father a software engineer -- worked at one of the new and fast-growing companies in the area .
tr	5	Her initial years of school were in San Francisco before her father received a promotion and they moved out of suburbia and closer to Silicon Valley .
tr	5	At sixteen , Maggie finally had enough of the endless mowing , weeding , and pruning and asked her father to take her to the airfield .
tr	5	asked Maggie , and the young man , maybe ten years older than she , sat down and gave her a ten-minute lesson on flight .
tr	5	They discussed flying for a while , and she asked him what it would cost to go up in an airplane to see what it was like .
tr	5	That sounded like a lot of money to Maggie , so she shyly said that she would think about it , and would ask her father .
tr	5	" Well , I suppose your mother and I have never given you any pocket money , plus you haven 't asked for anything before .
tr	5	As she returned to the car , his complete lack of interest made her that much more adamant to come back and learn how to fly .
tr	5	I had to go up to Seattle for that conference last year and hated the idea of sitting in a small place without fresh air . "
tr	5	That is what I want to do , and I 'm sure a pilot 's license will help me when I need to apply to engineering universities .
tr	5	" Well , dear , " he said to his wife " that 's about ten percent of what we have put away for her college .
tr	5	It seemed that she didn 't have an interest in the science of flying , but flew the aircraft exactly as he showed her how to .
tr	5	" I used up some of my college funds to learn to fly , and I haven 't had much interest from any universities yet .
tr	5	As they walked in their eyes grew accustomed to interior lighting for the sixth time , and the first of two shapes glinted back at them .
tr	5	On each side of the higher , third motor they saw a much smaller and different rocket exhaust , one-tenth the size of the big three .
tr	5	" Once she ejects out of the C-5 at 400 knots or faster , her wings and tail extend out to maximum within four seconds .
tr	5	Thanks to her parents , she had inherited three characteristics that would help her into the Air Force : brains , height , and eyesight .
tr	5	I will not sign those documents for you to waste your life , and our savings , and go and fly a stupid airplane ! "
tr	5	She walked across the apron , leaving the C-5 crew with which she had just completed a round-trip supply run to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany .
tr	5	She found the shouting and bad language of peculiar interest , often looking up the new words she had been called by the drill sergeant .
tr	5	She excelled at what she did and now only had two interests : flying and engineering , which she managed to get her degree in .
tr	5	It was the end of her time in Colorado , and she was about to be transferred to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington , D.C. .
tr	5	Even the detestable test pilot was forgotten , and soon after her last flight in the ungainly aircraft , she moved on to Edwards Air Force Base .
tr	5	Most guys who come in and drink at exactly four Saturday afternoon have been waiting outside for an hour , and are totally drunk by six .
tr	5	It seemed that the wives and school children didn 't have to join the employees who were gathering on the apron in front of Hangar Three .
tr	5	The run would cover about 10,000 feet , about two miles , since the apron was in the middle of the length of the long runway .
tr	5	Ryan , in the lead , had headed back on the other side long before either of them had reached halfway to the first end .
tr	5	" With those metal legs , I could probably do the run in one leap , but I enjoyed the exercises , " he replied .
tr	5	" It 's a little cheaper on fuel than bringing the C-5 down to pick up one colonel , Sarge , " VIN replied smiling .
tr	5	The end of the dual highway was rushing up a mile or so in front , and another truck was about to get in their way .
tr	5	He saw that the C-5 had been pulled out of Hangar Three and continued on past it , walking across the apron underneath one wing .
tr	5	The two ladies smiled at him , and Suzi watched from her wheelchair as Tatyana continued , like a tailor measuring him for a suit .
tr	5	In other words , you will have mechanical legs for everyday use , and a second exoskeleton set can be added to your body for space training .
tr	5	It took VIN a few seconds to understand what Suzi meant , and once it hit him , their giggling made him turn red again .
tr	5	" I don 't mind a few drinks now and again , " said Ryan as he watched VIN pour a decent amount into a glass .
tr	5	" It 's just that the foreign scientists were drunk every night for the first two weeks while we waited for our equipment to arrive .
tr	5	He thanked the men for the drink , told him that they had twenty-four hours to work on the colonel , and left the room .
tr	5	She certainly wasn 't going to take any crap from this test pilot , and for once , maybe Jonesy 's mouth had met its match .
tr	5	" This is a big project , far bigger than you understand right now , and will ever understand if you don 't belong here .
tr	5	He said that he would wait for the new pilot to arrive , and if everything worked out , the first flight crew would be complete .
tr	5	Mr. Jones , if you want to lead this group of pilots , I expect you to be the first person to finish next Friday 's race .
tr	5	The more adjustable and powerful fuel for space travel , pure liquid hydrogen , takes over and powers the craft to any desired altitude we want .
tr	5	Maybe this technology is new to you , but it is far more modern and safer than what has previously been used in any national space programs .
tr	5	On the runs VIN was at the back as usual , and noticed his partner just behind the three girls , only a hundred yards behind Ryan .
tr	5	Work will commence on our fuel tanks and on new lines to the outer fuel transfer connection units on the outer walls of the hangars .
tr	5	Everything we do here , from Mr. Noble 's new legs , to helping Mr. Jones reduce his alcohol consumption , is for this first mission .
tr	5	If they find out what we are doing , it is likely they will want to intervene and assume some governmental control for political or financial reasons .
tr	5	That morning during the run , and for the first time since he had been at the airfield , he felt so useless without his legs .
tr	5	" I agree , " she replied through their intercom , and behind her new entanglement of metal and other products hiding her beautiful face .
tr	5	Equipment and people had toppled over and Suzi just sat there laughing , the force of VIN hitting the ground even propelling her off the ground .
tr	5	We will have the oxygen packs fitted to our backs , and I believe we will be allowed outside for only three hours a day .
tr	5	Under the T-shirts , oversized jogging trousers were worn to hide the leg metal , and then VIN placed new track shoes over his new metal feet .
tr	5	Not believing what they saw , both looked forward to put on speed to catch Ryan only a hundred feet or so ahead of them .
tr	5	Jonesy , who had just barely outrun Maggie and Penny , stayed away from VIN , not knowing how to handle this new man ... or robot ?
tr	5	She was treated very unfairly , since the colonel who got her pregnant was the same colonel who terminated her contract with the Air Force .
tr	5	The shuttle 's first flight will be to fly up to another space station already in space , a dormant Russian satellite in a much lower orbit .
tr	5	Two are sleep units , then a command module , and the forth a larger communal relaxation and work module which can separated if necessary .
tr	5	It was one of the first space stations programs ; the space station is large , and on reentry , it could cause much damage .
tr	5	After two years of work on it up there in the 1980s , the Russians ended their test programs for space 's long-term effect on humans .
tr	5	First , we take up some supplies and connect our shuttle with its extending docking port to one of the space station 's docking ports .
tr	5	Interior measurements are 8 feet , by 13 feet , by 41 feet , " said Ryan through his intercom system to all the sterile suits .
tr	5	Ironically , she lost her legs not flying , but on the autobahn , where she had crashed into a pileup in thick fog in Bavaria .
tr	5	Captain Pitt was already learning the shuttle flight procedures , but would stay in command of the C-5 while the more experienced pilots would be in space .
tr	5	Tomorrow , Mr. Jones , I want to see what you and Ms. Sinclair can do with an empty C-5 with 50 percent fuel loads .
tr	5	Once we are at maximum , we will achieve one mission every ten days , the quickest we expect to turn around a shuttle flight .
tr	5	The next four flights after the water will transport 16.4 tons of soil , seeds , and animal stocks ; everything needed to sustain life up there .
tr	5	" To produce gravity similar to Earth 's , we have to build corridors stretching out 400 feet from these cubes on three of the four sides .
tr	5	Their inner dividing walls , walkways , furniture , and items needed to kit out these units will be the added cargo inside the cylinders .
tr	5	Ryan looked outside the left side cockpit windows at the remaining men of the workforce , now down from 1,500 to less than 50 laying pipes .
tr	5	At 25,000 feet , Ryan and Captain Pitt pulled on masks with portable oxygen tanks , and went back into the large , empty cargo hold .
tr	5	" Down to 420 knots ... ... ... ... 410 ... ... ... 400 ... ... ... 395 ... ... 390 ... ... 385 ... ... 380 .
tr	5	The aircraft was taxied to its stationary point facing Hangar Three and , as the engine turbines slowed , everybody aboard just sat there in shock .
tr	5	The reentry heat would be solved with the underside of each shuttle sealed with heat-resistant tiles , just like the old NASA space shuttles twice her size .
tr	5	Mr. Jones , you and Mr. Noble will connect to the Russian Space Station in its low orbit and stay hidden for thirty days . "
tr	5	Ms. Sinclair and Ms. Sullivan will pilot Mission Two to the Russian Satellite with the special cargo , plus supplies to be stored in the satellite .
tr	5	An hour or two before dawn , with temperatures hovering at a degree or two above freezing , Bob Mathews fired up the engines of the C-5 .
tr	5	" Pulling air brakes now ... hell , she 's dropping like a stone ... altitude 16,000 , speed 470 knots , air brakes away .
tr	5	I think there could be a 50 percent brake notch added to the system ; I suggest a half notch on such a small wing .
tr	5	Every aircraft had crosswind tables to help the pilot understand at what speed the crosswinds were safe for an aircraft , and its maximum crosswind thresholds .
tr	5	The C-5 hardly felt the weight difference , but this time Jonesy certainly did as he left the Dead Chicken 's stern at 49,000 feet .
tr	5	Going in straight ... descending through 3,000 feet , 800 yards to go , speed 245 knots , wheels going down , no need for air brakes .
tr	5	After eight test flights , both pilots had the final four minutes of flight , as well as the landing of the shuttles , figured out .
tr	5	Launch from the C-5 was planned for ten minutes after dawn ; fewer people watching a white streak head off into the upper atmosphere , the better .
tr	5	Again , on approach , the shuttle returned to 50,000 feet inside the airfield 's 20-mile border , not causing any danger to high-flying civilian aircraft .
tr	5	The shuttle would fall fast , and all he had to do was to keep her nose up at 75 degrees until the rockets ignited behind him .
tr	5	" Leveling out for our descent , forty seconds to release , " said Bob as the passengers felt a little weightlessness take hold of their bodies .
tr	5	" Roger , release activation , " said Jonesy as he watched the front of the cargo hold quickly retreat and sunlight filled the cockpit .
tr	5	I 've turned flight controls over to autopilot , computer reducing power to one half , speed Mach 19 , using thrusters to turn us upright .
tr	5	" Change heading 3.35 degrees to port ; you are off course , " said ground control and Maggie dialed in the change to the computer .
tr	5	I see the Middle East coming up , and I 'm sure we saw the silver glinting space station head over us from left to right . "
tr	5	" Sierra Bravo I to ground control , " said Jonesy several minutes later as the Pacific could just be seen as the Earth rotated .
tr	5	Maggie closed the outside doors and from then on , for 150 seconds , all Jonesy could do was monitor the computerized flight on instruments .
tr	5	To the crew it seemed like an eternity and pictures of the NASA shuttle disintegrating more than a decade earlier went through Jonesy 's mind .
tr	5	He was too high and too fast , his perfect approach out by so little from 180,000 feet , and he had to use the air brakes .
tr	5	It was getting dark outside ; the day had been a long one with his first flight to the outer atmosphere and the long debriefing afterwards .
tr	5	There was no interest in returning home for Christmas , even by Maggie and Penny , who had parents or friends they could go back to .
tr	5	He had gone over every inch of the skin of the aircraft in the warm hangar and had the maintenance team repair minute cracks and missing rivets .
tr	5	The main reason is that Mr. Mathews is happy where he is , and somebody has to return the C-5 to the United States Air Force . "
tr	5	She had visited as often as she could during her mother 's illness , but realized that she was a lone ship upon the waters of life .
tr	5	She had very little in common with her parents , and had developed closer friends and relationships in the Air Force than she had with her family .
tr	5	His mother , a married student , had to leave her studies and start work to support the family as his father passed from job to job .
tr	5	Debt collectors often came calling , and Michael was told what to say to them , while his parents hid and left him to answer the door .
tr	5	For his first two years of high school , even though he couldn 't get a good night 's sleep he was still a B student .
tr	5	First , we need the three most important requisites for all life : clean warm air , clean water , and healthy food to sustain ourselves .
tr	5	" At least I can 't ever be fired again , if we aren 't coming back , " joked Jonesy , as he and VIN left .
tr	5	Suzi has studied plant life and , to date , has completed three dozen experiments in space , thanks to Mr. Rose 's contacts in NASA .
tr	5	Here , instead of flying craft , were hundreds of what looked like rabbits in the first separated section and chickens in the second and third sections .
tr	5	I agree that these diets are sometimes a healthier form of eating , especially with the drugs and other chemicals added to meat these days .
tr	5	Unfortunately , it took humans thousands of years to form our current eating habits , and we just can 't change them in a decade or so .
tr	5	There is no extra sustenance in organic food , except that it contains few unnatural products , such as chemical fertilizers , pesticides , etc. .
tr	5	There were also plastic shelves full of equipment , like watering systems , hoses , and anything that could be found in the gardening section .
tr	5	After coffee and snacks , they all showered in the scientists ' large area of locker rooms and each was given white clothing to put on .
tr	5	" On the floor we have a small area of wheat , sorghum , pepper plants with several varieties of peppers , and an area of asparagus .
tr	5	" The ' gravity ' will be produced by a magnetic field of rare-earth metals passing through the middle of the room up there . "
tr	5	All plant growth needs only minimum gravity and doesn 't lose nearly as much nutrition or strength in lower gravity situations , as does animal life . "
tr	5	Grapes provide necessary nutrition for human survival , and for you ladies who don 't like beer , the odd glass of wine will be available . "
tr	5	It is going to take you this time to change , shower , and make sure you don 't take anything out of here with you . "
tr	5	Also we will be taking added items like salt up with us until we find an asteroid or planet that has sodium chloride on it .
tr	5	There will be the latest model tablets all over the ship with every bit of practical knowledge about agricultural , humans , and animals ever known .
tr	5	" The first two sections , " Ryan told them " is for the production of xenon gas , the propulsion fuel for deep space flight .
tr	5	We , on the other hand , have a laser that will be powered by a nuclear reactor , if and when its use is necessary . "
tr	5	" Helium will be important in the cooling of our arc welding by our robotic spiders in space and for some of our mining tools .
tr	5	The C-5 team didn 't seem to have any interest in the other goings-on and were happy to get flight pay and do no more .
tr	5	To make sure that you disappear with the explosion , this Cloaking Device will make it harder for these tracking systems to see you up there .
tr	5	Tomorrow , I begin to fulfill my dream that started when I watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon , actually eight years after he did so .
tr	5	He had been told a week earlier that the prosthetics team was beginning on a new set of legs , this time with smaller parts .
tr	5	" Congratulations Mr. Jones , you are now 60 miles , 100 kilometers above Earth and in an official Lower Space Orbit , or LSO .
tr	5	The liquid hydrogen motors had done their job and now it was time for the deep space ion thrust drives to be tested for the first time .
tr	5	Meanwhile , VIN had activated the Cloaking Device as soon as the shuttle 's cockpit had been lit up by the massive blast behind them .
tr	5	Then the Assistant Director , West Coast operations of another " no name " agency gave his condolences , and wanted to know what had happened .
tr	5	Once on board the station used an old , different sort of scrambled radio , which only the Russians working with Ryan could remember how to use .
tr	5	It was shorter than the shuttle by about twenty feet , but shaped like rectangular box , not the beer can shape Jonesy called it .
tr	5	Orange meant that the air was dangerous to breathe , not the right quantities of oxygen ; red would have meant no oxygen at all .
tr	5	He turned on several old-style switches on the main control board of the station 's command module , and their small lights began to brighten .
tr	5	Inside the command module he now had four dull red lights glowing on the flight console and two the two small computer screens showed nothing .
tr	5	" Occupied power settings should be set at 60 percent power for Human Sleep , it states here , and 75 percent power for Human Activity .
tr	5	He explained to Jonesy that the first red light was the fifth gauge from the left and Jonesy told him that it was the temperature light .
tr	5	Jonesy told him that he thought it all right for him to turn on the nuclear battery in its position underneath the module 's main control panel .
tr	5	The ship was tiny compared to normal ground accommodations , but up in space it was roomy enough for six people to live and work .
tr	5	By this time he was on the other side of the country , but often thought about driving back to see if she would marry him .
tr	5	After the initial shock of seeing her crippled had worn off , she suggested a beer or three , just like their old times after skiing .
tr	5	She was about to go to Berlin to begin her Masters in microbiology at the university there , when her Porsche had been in a pile-up .
tr	5	The nitrogen had balanced out earlier at 78 percent , the oxygen was now 19 percent and the carbon dioxide was just less than one percent .
tr	5	Maybe the cosmonauts had left the stuff in this unit knowing that it would be the best place for the liquid and bottle to survive .
tr	5	The next morning , refreshed after his eight-hour drive the day before and his usual early morning run , Ryan went into to Hangar Seven .
tr	5	VIN came over the roof to see the silhouettes of the two spacecraft as the sun appeared behind them ; he wished he had a camera .
tr	5	Each silver canister was exactly sixty inches in length , twenty inches across , and small enough to get through any of the space hatches .
tr	5	Just to make sure that they were hidden from any searching eyes , Jonesy switched the bay lights off each time VIN left the cargo area .
tr	5	After months of dirty , sweaty living conditions in Iraq , five percent cleaner was better than what he had been accustomed to in desert operations .
tr	5	He smiled at VIN 's feeble attempt to sing in the shower and imagined that the kid was having an interesting time in the spacecraft cleansing system .
tr	5	He nearly let several single balls escape but managed to catch them and slurp them down an inch or two in front of Jonesy 's cringing face .
tr	5	The International Space Station passed them once every three days , each time at a slightly higher orbit at least 300 miles from the Russian craft .
tr	5	" Just under fifty percent the size of our old NASA shuttles you say , and with fully retractable wings and tail , and five motors .
tr	5	The docking device is the same as the International Space Station and can be used for connecting with both Russian and NASA external hatches . "
tr	5	The former President kindly helped me obtain citizenship for several of my specialists after hearing the fantastic capabilities these men and women brought with them .
tr	5	Each gas must be separated and kept separated , or this part of Nevada could look like the old nuclear test facility it was during the 1950s .
tr	5	" We use those panels as sterile room panels , just like NASA needs to build space parts and pieces inside sterile compartments inside the hangars .
tr	5	They cannot enter their working areas until they have gone through a shower and dust collector system , the same used in the European Space program .
tr	5	" I believe the $ 10 million I paid Congress for the loan of the plutonium will help compensate for its loss , " added Ryan sarcastically .
tr	5	They want to see the actual aircraft that is propelling our shuttles into space and how we can achieve space at only twenty million dollars per flight .
tr	5	If he ever had to testify in court , he could honestly state that the purchase was not landed on U.S. soil , only at his airfield .
tr	5	While the aircraft was being refueled for the flight to Europe , the base commander invited the crew in for dinner at the Officers ' Club .
tr	5	Ryan then met with the three men in the hangar who had been there to deliver and load the cargo , and again envelopes were handed out .
tr	5	Michael had it placed next to the shuttle while a second rectangular crate was opened and its contents loaded into the rear of the shuttle .
tr	5	His biggest concern was the Cloaking Device which would be active for a full eight hours of the flight , or several rotations around the planet .
tr	5	To win the Space Race prize , he needed the shuttle to dock with the International Space Station and transfer crew into the space station .
tr	5	The closest the ISS would be to the Russian station would be well over 2,000 miles in front and 380 miles away on its own orbit .
tr	5	He had written a whole transcript of a drama , which would be picked up by hundreds of listening devices once they got into space .
tr	5	" Passing through 210,000 feet , perfect speed and the sun is slowly coming up to meet the nose , " she said several minutes later .
tr	5	For an hour Penny kept quiet as Maggie monitored her position and the position of the Russian satellite getting nearer several thousand miles ahead of them .
tr	5	They had the small ratchets the chains were threaded through and VIN ratcheted each one down tightening the load onto the wall off the space station .
tr	5	As Ryan had said to him , this was his training for walking on the asteroid ; Ryan was right ; he was becoming an expert .
tr	5	He was the only one wearing a jet pack , and he would need to help Jonesy along the tight cord to the shuttle 's open hatch .
tr	5	" Maybe your CIA personnel could tell us what interference was happening to our shuttle , and who is behind this act of sabotage ? "
tr	5	He struggled slightly to take each step and had to be assisted by the astronauts to the contamination area to get help removing his flight suit .
tr	5	After VIN suggested that their private stash might have to last for quite a while , they got through week two without drinking a drop .
tr	5	General Saunders , who was the jet 's pilot , and Joe Bishop , the West Coast Head of the National Security Agency , exited the aircraft .
tr	5	The CIA heard mutterings of radioactive materials being moved , and our equipment will quickly tell us if there are any radioactive materials on your airfield . "
tr	5	I would be interested to know myself ; and , if you wish , you can check around each of the outside areas of my twelve hangars .
tr	5	He was searching for companies who wanted to open up a second center of operations , or a manufacturing plant , in his area of government .
tr	5	Maybe you should ask Allen Saunders here if he would agree with me , " continued Jonesy , coming up to the shocked man from the NSA .
tr	5	" Allen Saunders , good to see you again ; a real general now , I see , " added Jonesy checking out the man 's rank .
tr	5	" Men , I want the outside of every hangar checked , and then we are out of here , " demanded Joe Bishop angrily .
tr	5	He was a good friend of Bishop 's , always getting fueled up , tanked up and staying over at the Visiting Officers ' Quarters . "
tr	5	I heard that retired General Bishop was seen showing the new President , a governor then , around the base at one time several years ago .
tr	5	She was a year or two older than he was , had large laughing eyes and he immediately felt good that she had joined the crew .
tr	5	" Ms. Pringle , under the supervision of Ms. Sinclair and Ms. Sullivan , has signed the contracts to allow her into our inner pilot circle .
tr	5	" We are six days away from our third launch , but first I must bring you up to date on our last week of outside news .
tr	5	An hour before his call , which I was expecting , I spoke to a friend , the current head of NASA , Bill Withers .
tr	5	" These two ideas will show interested parties that we might be beaten , but we are not out of ideas , " continued Ryan .
tr	5	Mr. Noble will be the fifth member on board , and will stay up there to help transfer our scientists into the safety of the station .
tr	5	Then , you and Ms. Sinclair will help the passengers exit , or leave them in the shuttle 's cockpit until the station can receive them .
tr	5	The seven minutes of thrust will help her climb out of her current orbit and rapidly increase her orbital altitude by approximately 100,000 feet per orbit .
tr	5	He knew that he was correct , especially when a member of the European government on the television feed said that was what he was worried about .
tr	5	" Setting up exit hatch , " VIN responded , the only one now floating around checking the hatch for his entrance to check the station .
tr	5	" I think you are on the ball , partner , " replied Jonesy as he watched VIN enter the last hatch into the spacecraft .
tr	5	With three of his team still in space , radio silence was still part of the strategy to make sure Ryan 's plans remained unknown .
tr	5	The Space Race was just the beginning and , even though I didn 't win , my project cannot be halted in the middle . "
tr	5	In the world of space , the U.S. government needs to realize that they don 't own it , nor do we ; nobody does .
tr	5	His idea to go into space was geared toward telling the American public what his company was doing , and make sure any interested parties stayed away .
tr	5	The xenon gas for the ion drives on return flight , which was six days shorter , was already in the inner hollow walls of the spacecraft .
tr	5	Even though weightless in space , the constant checking of lines , emergency connections , reconnecting canisters , etc. , was hard work in a sealed suit .
tr	5	From now on , the shuttles will need 10 percent more liquid hydrogen fuel for the extra burns to get up to our new altitude .
tr	5	However , our area of space will be visited by a second much larger asteroid sixteen months later , this time over ten miles across .
tr	5	We will be more advanced enough to set up a permanent base for the two-year period , and return to our automated gas station to replenish fuels .
tr	5	" Also good news for you pilots , our newest shuttle , Sierra Bravo III for our radio communications is a third of the way to completion .
tr	5	The thrusters will then need to slow it down to 6,700 miles an hour over the eleventh orbit as it rises up to the station .
tr	5	Jonesy didn 't have to worry much as the five computers aboard the spacecraft would automatically plot their course to the asteroid 's ever changing position .
tr	5	The scientists had worked out that each aluminum canister full of heavy rock from the desert around the airfield would weigh 1,250 pounds on Earth .
tr	5	" These ion thrusters , or drives , whatever Ryan wants to call them , sure wouldn 't win a drag race , " said Jonesy .
tr	5	No listening devices outside Ryan 's system could tell what the messages were , or where they came from ; they would just sound like space static .
tr	5	With a pint of water each time , the crew managed to bathe themselves before putting the lower half of their space suits back on .
tr	5	They were getting closer to their destination and outer wall doors to the hydrogen thrusters opened on each side of the craft for the first time .
tr	5	Even if it entered Earth 's atmosphere , ninety percent of it would burn up , and the rock wouldn 't cause a major catastrophe .
tr	5	Then it would be Jonesy 's job to match her tumbling , and gently bring the craft down to where he thought was the best landing site .
tr	5	Not only was it rotating slowly sideways at nearly two rotations an hour , it was very slowly rotating back over front , about once an hour .
tr	5	They reached the bow of the large asteroid , and he slowed them and the front of the rock began to move ahead of them .
tr	5	Jonesy also had to move the craft with the slow tumbling of the asteroid in two different directions and this was taking all his concentration .
tr	5	He pointed to a large crater about 800 feet across with a crater wall on the forward side about a hundred feet or so high .
tr	5	" She certainly wants to get down there in a hurry , " said Jonesy , using the thrusters to rotate the craft over the wide crater .
tr	5	He floated the craft down to within 200 feet of the rough surface and slightly to the side of where he wanted to put her down .
tr	5	VIN , Send your message that the eagle has landed , and also tell them I needed 70 percent thrust on both motors to bring her down .
tr	5	" We expected that an added 10 percent thrust might be needed to equal the electromagnet if there was any opposite pull from the asteroid .
tr	5	" It would probably take him several hours after emptying the three center compartments ; the electromagnetic batteries are screwed into the floor of the craft .
tr	5	If he took out the whole electromagnetic system he could reduce any magnetic pull of the asteroid by up to 30 to 35 percent . "
tr	5	Just grab your American flag , the flagpole and sort of throw them out , so that you can use both hands on the ladder .
tr	5	Jonesy kept the camera on his partner as he took a few steps to the darker , less shiny area below the rim of the crater .
tr	5	He could have done so himself , but the fingers of his suit were large and bulky , and it was easier for Jonesy to do it .
tr	5	Now the shuttle 's cargo could be loaded as the liquid rocket fuel in the hybrid rocket system would be fed into the shuttle just before launch .
tr	5	They would be turned on , connected to the first panel and operated from Ivan by Michael Pitt when he and Maggie got up there .
tr	5	Remind them how long it took NASA to get things right , and even when they were right , there were always snags and problems .
tr	5	They don 't care if Europe gets the fallout from an exploding shuttle , but they don 't seem to want Washington as a potential target .
tr	5	" I 'm hoping for about two to four tons of precious metals , or at worst some iridium or rhodium , " replied Ryan .
tr	5	Working his teams day and night , he also had several days to change the next shuttle 's payload , and get VIN and Jonesy some help .
tr	5	Jonesy and VIN , unaware that Nevada had finally realized that they were not going to leave their new home with cargo , continued collecting rocks .
tr	5	During the first ten days , both men collected a thousand rocks , about a quarter of the smaller rocks from a large area around the spacecraft .
tr	5	Michael had been told to connect up all the panels he had up there so that the spiders could work while he was back on Earth .
tr	5	The reason for this emergency flight is that the magnetic pull on the metal rock is nearly as much as Earth 's gravity , maybe even more .
tr	5	Also her reserves of hydrogen fuel are minimal , and we don 't want Mr. Jones to attempt takeoff until you have arrived with extra hydrogen .
tr	5	So , Ms. Sinclair , with your excellent flying ability and your extra thrust , you will attempt to help Mr. Jones lift off the asteroid .
tr	5	" Kid , you can name it what you want , but that Russian vodka supplier will always be called the beer can in my book .
tr	5	We can move them like we did to the side door and lift them off from there and make a pile to repack them again . "
tr	5	He could even see the moon off to the left side of Earth , and the distance between the Earth and the moon had grown slightly .
tr	5	" Now , I know your mental capabilities needed to be checked out before they allowed you in the Air Force , Mr. Jones . "
tr	5	You didn 't by chance pick up one of those nearly empty bottles from the beer can on your way through , did you ? "
tr	5	Jonesy watched as Maggie used the thrusters intermittently to slow the craft down , and waited to see her scream by them at a high speed .
tr	5	It seems that the magnetic pull is most severe at 100 feet and below and less severe above where the wall of the crater starts . "
tr	5	Then I want you to hover out of the crater and find a landing zone on a flat surface and not inside any craters this time .
tr	5	" Enough to refill my tanks from empty , and two 100 pound cylinders for you , about a quarter of a tank , " Maggie responded .
tr	5	" I also have two full cylinders , but these craft hovering low over this powerful pull will use up a lot of our fuel . "
tr	5	We are at 300 feet and at ten percent power ... I 'm heading forward to find a new place to put her down . "
tr	5	" I have the thrusters at 50 percent power , " said Jonesy , " sixty percent ... 70 ... 80 ... 90 percent power .
tr	5	Jonesy had worked out that they should be able to get out of the crater with four of the canisters removed , 1,800 pounds of weight .
tr	5	Jonesy , the front wall of the crater is a little lower than this side ; can you at least point her in that direction ? "
tr	5	I 'm waiting until we are ten feet away from the wall and then I want to push us off with the right hand thruster .
tr	5	" About 80 feet , where we started ; the craft is turning 90 feet ... watch our butt Jonesy ... about 100 feet ! "
tr	5	" We are climbing ; I think no fuel in the tanks is helping ... 105 feet ... 107 feet and we are moving forward . "
tr	5	" Well , my calculations were a few percent off , the pull stronger than I thought , but we are out and it worked .
tr	5	Fruit , the promised bottle of vodka , a half-full bottle of real orange juice , and several packets of cookies looked back at him .
tr	5	They then took over the fuel cylinders allocated to them and spent three hours carefully transferring the liquid hydrogen into their fuel tanks from outside .
tr	5	" Thruster on , tanks at half , here we go , hold thumbs girls , " and he pushed the throttles forward to gain output .
tr	5	It far outsized the original Ivan by nearly three times , and they were surprised at how big the new space station would actually be .
tr	5	The first cube was floating with a long cord attached to Ivan and Ivan was kept in trim by the two shuttles on her sides .
tr	5	Congress wants us to inspect your entire operation , and I have three platoons of US Army on board a C-17 several minutes behind us .
tr	5	Bill was currently at Edwards Air Force base , twenty minutes flying time away , and about to take off for Florida , and would swing by .
tr	5	After that call , Ryan called his good friend , the former President who suggested that he get a couple of news crews on the ground fast .
tr	5	It was going to be close , and he believed he could get the shuttle parked and in Hangar Six before the bad guys arrived .
tr	5	He enjoyed Europe and lived in three countries ; England , Germany and Portugal for 15 years before returning to Africa ; Cape Town in 1989 .
tr	5	A Talisman half used on its own is unreliable and needs a ' key ' to link it to the time it is travelling to .
tr	5	The holder will stay in the time the Talisman is set to so long as they are in physical contact with the ' key ' .
tr	5	The ribbons marked the route taken by Archie 's brother , Ed , who was trying to fly from England to Australia in under four days .
tr	5	He 'd goaded Ed into the flight , teasing him that there was no way he could match Archie 's own achievements as an aviator .
tr	5	Mr. Watson , a.k.a ' The Screaming Skull ' , was a skeletal little man whose skin was stretched impossibly tight over his bald head .
tr	5	He 'd been looking forward to today , because the field trip to the 20th Century exhibition at the museum was Mr Brown 's idea .
tr	5	" That 's what you get for building a city on a swamp , " he thought to himself as he buttoned up his overcoat .
tr	5	" Don 't worry old chap , we 'll soon be there to rescue you and then the fun will start all over again . "
tr	5	The text went on some more , but Andy had the gist of it , so he stopped reading and looked up to survey the scene .
tr	5	He was an expensive wax model , looking tanned and unshaven in torn clothing with a bandage around his leg and a tangled mat of dark hair .
tr	5	He lent forward and slid the book out from under the figure 's hand , half expecting it to protest and grab him by the wrist .
tr	5	A long piece of leather cord was looped through an eyelet at the top and at the end of the cord was a metal clasp .
tr	5	He knew if he were caught now he would be up to his neck in trouble , but he reached out and picked the Talisman up regardless .
tr	5	" Either I 'm in a dream or some clown has managed to somehow slip me into that ' Big & Fast ' machine . "
tr	5	He was swearing and cursing ; using a lot of the words that Andy knew , but there were others that were entirely new to him .
tr	5	Pushing his feet hard against the rudder pedals , he pulled back on the control column with all the strength he could find in his tired body .
tr	5	As the aircraft started to pull out of its dive Andy felt himself being pushed into his seat harder and harder until his head felt heavy .
tr	5	His vision started to return , which in normal circumstances would have been a good thing , but on this occasion Andy wasn 't so sure .
tr	5	" Yeah sure , " said Tim , " But if anyone catches you with that thing , I don 't know anything ; OK ? "
tr	5	The two of them walked around the corner to meet Tim 's mother Kim , who was waiting to pick them up in her ancient VW Beetle .
tr	5	" Well , we don 't know what it is and it scares me , so leave it there and tell me what happened to you . "
tr	5	" The first thing is that you weren 't in the ' Big & Fast ' machine because I was next to it the whole time .
tr	5	" Umm , just looking for something we saw in an old exhibit in the museum Dad , " said Tim , looking a bit anxious .
tr	5	I thought it was really interesting , so I looked a bit closer and that 's when I fell over the rope and hit my head .
tr	5	I don 't think it 's words because the shapes are nothing like the hieroglyphics on the screen there , " he said pointing at the computer .
tr	5	After a quick search he found a pencil , a ruler and a piece of paper and set to work carefully drawing a picture of the Talisman .
tr	5	On each side of the river was a public walkway which lay in the narrow area between the river and the houses which backed onto it .
tr	5	Downstream the Nova also flowed through Andy 's part of town , but instead of live trees , dead cars , fridges and TVs littered the banks .
tr	5	The Maya calendar , which is based around the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar , starts on a date equivalent to 11 August , 3114 BC .
tr	5	From the 10th to the early 16th century , development in the northern centres and the cities of the northern lowlands in Yucatán continued to flourish .
tr	5	Inscriptions show them on occasion working with sums up to the hundreds of millions and dates so large it would take several lines just to represent it .
tr	5	Andy and Tim sat down to have their lunch under the shelter of a stone arch in front of one of the old classroom blocks .
tr	5	" Well it says here that the Maya had their own calendar and the Romans had one of their own called the Julian calendar . "
tr	5	" What we were actually thinking , Sir , was ; would you save someone 's life if you knew they were going to be killed ? "
tr	5	They walked around the corner from the main gate and Kim Meadows was there in her old VW Beetle window down , singing loudly to the radio .
tr	5	" I 'm having the night off tonight and your father 's cooking , Tim , so I guess it 'll be fish and chips .
tr	5	" It 's a nice day ; I thought we might get the kayak out and have a paddle in the river , " Tim said .
tr	5	" Come on then , " Tim said to the dog , as he grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into the boat .
tr	5	There was a screech Andy had never heard before as a rabbit sprang out of the bushes straight at the boys with Jake hard on its tail .
tr	5	Leaning back against the workbench behind him , he tried hard to think about what he was doing immediately before he used the Talisman at the museum .
tr	5	I couldn 't believe they had the actual items from the crash , so I stepped over the rope and had a look at the wax pilot .
tr	5	" We 'll never get away with it with all these cameras around , " he thought to himself as he and Tim walked down the hall .
tr	5	They were all the same ; silver coloured with two sets of wings , all with the same red , white and blue circles painted on them .
tr	5	The man carried on searching for a few minutes then gave up and started to extract his tall frame from under the seats of the car .
tr	5	I caused brother number one to crash in my first trip and now brother number two is also going to die ; all because of me ! "
tr	5	Hopefully he 'll avoid crashing in the Swiss Alps and find his brother , so I won 't be responsible for either of their deaths . "
tr	5	Inside the shed Andy took the flying helmet out of his school bag and put it on his head , then picked up the Talisman .
tr	5	" Ever wonder how I managed to avoid you and all those other guys on an open airfield when I had nowhere to run ? "
tr	5	" Promise not to hurt me and I 'll tell you how I did it and I 'll prove to you I 'm from the future . "
tr	5	In this bag I have technology from the 21st century and proof of what happened to your brother and what will happen to you . "
tr	5	That box above it has maps from the 21st century and from 1936 and the one above that has some important dates from the 20th century . "
tr	5	A second later the screen changed and displayed the biographies of Archie and his brother Edmund that the boys had downloaded from the museum 's website .
tr	5	As they went through the biography Andy opened related pages about Archie 's crash , the recovery of his body and the inquest into his death .
tr	5	Not giving Archie any time to recover , Andy showed him the page on Edmond 's death and the discovery of the wreckage in the 1990s .
tr	5	If so , I 'll spend a couple of days preparing , then I 'll be off at the first sign of suitable weather . "
tr	5	" A butler is employed by and works for the house , whereas a valet works for an individual person ; in this case , me . "
tr	5	" I don 't think his father will believe a time traveller has arrived with just the information they need to find Edmond , will he ? "
tr	5	" He looks more like the son of a conman come to lure my fool son out of what little money he hasn 't already squandered ! "
tr	5	I 'd been using the computer all afternoon and was getting quite handy with it , so I thought I 'd take it up to father .
tr	5	I 'll see you the day after tomorrow and I want to leave by Monday , so it needs to be in top shape ! "
tr	5	After paying for first class fares a porter put their bags on a trolley then led them through a sea of people to their train .
tr	5	Picking up the bags he stepped up into a coach and led them down a narrow passageway before stopping at a door about halfway down .
tr	5	Two of the men began to protest , but the one in the middle spoke sharply to them and walked out followed by the other two .
tr	5	I was hoping to pay later , but we have to go to Croydon to pay Tasker and make sure the Comet is up to scratch tomorrow .
tr	5	" Well I had a few jobs to do in the village this morning , so I thought I 'd sort you out as well . "
tr	5	From there we 'll have to get a boat to Ed 's island or , preferably , a flying boat if we can find one . "
tr	5	Looking at the map I brought with me , I can see Singapore and Baghdad , but I can 't find an Allahabad or Batavia . "
tr	5	" There 's Allahabad in the centre of India , but it appears Sumatra is now called Indonesia and the capital city Batavia is now Jakarta .
tr	5	He doesn 't see me so I sneak up behind him and poke my shotgun in his back and demands to know what he 's doing . "
tr	5	Inlaid on the top of the stone was a gold snake in the shape of an S. Andy felt sick looking at the bloodied ring .
tr	5	No sooner had he done so , than his door was wrenched open and he was grabbed by the collar and hauled out of the car .
tr	5	Two looked like the one that was holding him , but the third was a huge ugly brute with a bandage on his right hand .
tr	5	If I had that much cash I 'd have houses and cars all over the place and a private jet to get me there . "
tr	5	Shows you 've got no idea about what you 've got yourself into " The man spat as he talked and his breath was appalling .
tr	5	The car carried on for another half hour or so , turning occasionally , starting and stopping but never really cruising for any length of time .
tr	5	Andy looked towards the voice and saw a thin , pale man , immaculately dressed in a business suit with a bow tie and round spectacles .
tr	5	" Close , but no , " the Ugly Man replied , " It is a collar and you 're going to wear it . "
tr	5	" Would it surprise you to know that me and my friends here deal in , how shall we say , goods of questionable ownership ? "
tr	5	" ' Cos I 'm going to make out I 've got some stolen gear to get rid of , so he 'll open the door . "
tr	5	I said I didn 't want anything to do with kidnapping a child , but I was threatened with my life if I didn 't help them .
tr	5	I just had instructions the other day that he would arrive with two others and that I was to help them with whatever they requested . "
tr	5	" I think he 's told us most of what he knows , but I 'd like a word with him in private if I may . "
tr	5	" Charlie , I have a story which is straight out of the realms of science fiction , but I swear on my life it is true .
tr	5	In fact it is the reason why I have placed a large sum of money on two outsiders to win gold in the forthcoming Olympics . "
tr	5	" The Sect is very secretive ; it is well funded and has people all over the world who are in constant communication with each other .
tr	5	He gave the air of a confident man , but inside he felt real fear creeping into his stomach for the first time since the Great War .
tr	5	They 'd arrived in a fabulously decorated chamber guarded by two massively built men , who tried not to look shocked at their sudden appearance .
tr	5	The servant had flung the scalding hot soup in his eyes and was now standing over him with the empty pot hanging from his right hand .
tr	5	" They are here to celebrate the return of the Talisman and your sacrifice tomorrow , but my friends in the palace kitchen poisoned the food .
tr	5	He 'd seen hundreds of battles on TV and had killed thousands more bad guys in video games , but none of that compared to this .
tr	5	In one fluid movement he spun , jabbed the guard in the ribs with his knife and then kicked his feet out from under him .
tr	5	They burst out a side door into a cool dark street then slowed a little as they put some distance between themselves and the palace .
tr	5	Almost as one , the group went silent and crouched down trying to look as small as possible amongst the stones and rocks of the sewer .
tr	5	While he had been away , a plague swept through the city , killing thousands , including the king and most of the royal family .
tr	5	When they fell ill , I entered the dungeon to rescue you and the children while my people attacked the palace to get the Talisman .
tr	5	Chapter Twenty Four The little jeweller was in the back room of the shop making dinner for himself and the huge man who was his guest .
tr	5	" I 'd rather have a beer , myself , but I 'll drink your wine if you in ... " The sentence hung in mid-air unfinished .
tr	5	You shouldn 't have left me in the car ; but I 'm back now , so I guess what 's done is done . "
tr	5	I 'll call the house and get them to let the dogs out , " he said to himself loudly enough so that anyone near would hear .
tr	5	His concentration was broken a few minutes later by the noise of dogs barking and someone walking down the shingle drive from the manor house .
tr	5	What he hadn 't told him was that when carrying such a load they would need every foot of room Croydon airfield could give them .
tr	5	" We 'll have to climb a bit to get over the Alps , and then we 'll drop down into northern Italy near San Marino .
tr	5	He looked out the window and saw the wings flexing up and down so much he wondered how far they could bend before they broke off .
tr	5	He tried to reach inside his flying suit to get to the coin hanging round his neck , but their wild ride made it impossible .
tr	5	I think we 're going to get a lot more of this Andy , so strap yourself up and secure anything loose back there . "
tr	5	We can 't climb over it or go round it , so we 'll have to aim for the gap at the head of the valley .
tr	5	" I 'm trying to gain a couple of thousand extra feet over the top of this pass to give us a bit of height to manoeuvre .
tr	5	They flew on , descending as they went , with the occasional vicious jolt to remind them the storm had not let them escape just yet .
tr	5	Another few minutes passed with the battle of Andy verses his stomach going in favour of the stomach when suddenly Archie shouted ; " Marvellous ! "
tr	5	Much to their delight he proved to be a natural , keeping the Comet level and maintaining their course with the occasional correction from Archie .
tr	5	At first there were dozens if not hundreds of islands , but as they made their way steadily east the ocean grew bigger and more intimidating .
tr	5	Andy had done a good job of maintaining their speed and height , but he 'd let the Comet wander south from where they should have been .
tr	5	" Because , silly boy , when the Comet slows the tail falls and the nose rises which means I can 't see a thing . "
tr	5	The poor little chap was only just getting settled in when I had to leave on this trip so I brought him with me . "
tr	5	" You were lucky you 've got a mate running the show , " said Andy , sitting on the bed pulling his boots off .
tr	5	" While I 'm standing next to ' is Lordship this foreign bloke starts asking about Mr Archie and what ' e 's up to .
tr	5	I saw ' is Lordship coming out of ' ere very early the other morning when you and Mr. Archie and the boy was out . "
tr	5	" If Mr Archie ' as been up to anything then sure as the good Lord made little white lambs there 'll be trouble from it .
tr	5	I 've known ' im since ' e was a boy and if anyone can make ' is Lordship 's blood boil it 's ' im . "
tr	5	" Stop your carping , " the sergeant replied , " I 've been doing it for years and there 's nothing happened yet . "
tr	5	They 'll need all their cunning and skill , and the help of unexpected allies to stay on the run and rescue Archie 's brother .
tr	5	Aside from the occasional flash of chalky white lightning and the pathetic illumination from his headlights , he could see nothing of the road ahead .
tr	5	A minute later , he pulled to a stop a few yards short of a lone FedEx drop box and knocked his car into neutral .
tr	5	He placed it in the FedEx envelope in his lap and sealed the envelope tight , going over it twice to make sure it was secure .
tr	5	He paused for a moment , tapping his pen against the steering wheel and chewing his lip as he considered whether he had made the right decision .
tr	5	He stretched out , stuffed the envelope into the drop box slot , and jabbed the window button , restoring the barrier between him and the storm .
tr	5	The man who had spoken from the front passenger seat was about Mike 's age , clean-cut and nondescript with shaggy brown hair and a medium build .
tr	5	It was impossible to miss , for it was the same look he himself had cultivated a lifetime ago as a new CIA recruit at Langley .
tr	5	Mike 's last thoughts , of his wife and children , flew through the back of his skull at four hundred and fifty feet per second .
tr	5	Two " Una más , por favor , " Kurt mumbled from the end of the bar as he raised his glass toward the pretty bartender .
tr	5	Her flirting wasn 't lost on Kurt , but instead of acknowledging it , he took his beer , turned , and ambled out the front door .
tr	5	I very much thank -- " He dismissed her with a friendly wave , handed her his half-empty glass , and continued on his way .
tr	5	It was a fatigue he never could have anticipated , and he couldn 't figure out how to take the next step , to move beyond it .
tr	5	Their mother appeared content to let her children burn off their energy , as she split her time between a magazine and watching them play .
tr	5	" You have two new messages ; press one to listen to your new messages , " said the soothing computer voice on the other end .
tr	5	" There are sixty-one FedEx drop off points between here and where we took him down , " Mason volunteered , looking up from his tablet .
tr	5	He detached the key from the lanyard around his neck , jabbed it into the ignition , and fired up the bike with his right thumb .
tr	5	It took only a few minutes to reach the airport , but the trip was the typical Peruvian obstacle course of deathtrap taxis hurtling over rutted roads .
tr	5	He surveyed the late afternoon crowd , looking from face to face , making quick mental calculations about who was about to have a lucky day .
tr	5	A late model yellow Crown Vic pulled up , and a slender Ethiopian man jumped from the driver 's seat to help him load his gear .
tr	5	After Amelia and Heidi had died , the promise of the trip was his only lifeline , the only thing that kept him moving forward .
tr	5	He didn 't bother with the lights ; there was still plenty coming in through the glass doors on the opposite side of the room .
tr	5	As the last surviving Vetter son , an enormous responsibility was now on his shoulders ; it was a responsibility Kurt wasn 't quite sure he wanted .
tr	5	He shifted his feet to the couch and stretched his body the full length , the rich leather crunching and crinkling as he made himself comfortable .
tr	5	What he didn 't know , and couldn 't possibly fathom , was what was waiting for him on the other side of this experience .
tr	5	His face was greasy , and his hair was a tangled nest of road grime , salt , sweat , and maybe even a few bugs .
tr	5	He was tempted to peek inside Amelia 's closet , to see if her scent lingered , and found himself taking an involuntary step in that direction .
tr	5	The water finished boiling , but as he was about to pour it into the press , there was a sharp knock at the front door .
tr	5	He poured the water in , gave the coffee a quick stir , set the lid on the press , and then hurried down the hall .
tr	5	Seven Kurt punched his accelerator and shot across the highway into the church parking lot , skidding to a stop beside a shiny Mercedes SUV .
tr	5	He held out the pack , and when Kurt shook his head , his father shrugged , knocked one out for himself , and lit up .
tr	5	He couldn 't help but recall a vision of Heidi , several weeks before the accident , playing hide and seek with Mike 's children .
tr	5	They had the backyard to themselves , stopping briefly to wave at Amy 's sister Jessica , who was in charge of the children for the afternoon .
tr	5	Once Philip was gone , Kurt made his way to the front of the house , searching the small knots of people for Amy 's face .
tr	5	He was surprised and startled to find her sitting alone , staring into a cup of coffee , on a couch near the front door .
tr	5	I told him he had to either figure out how to talk to me , to let me inside , or I was leaving . "
tr	5	She stared up at Kurt 's eyes for a long moment , and he had the feeling that she was waiting for him to kiss her .
tr	5	He and a friend , eager to experiment , had concocted a theory in which Mike had a bag of weed hidden somewhere in his room .
tr	5	He was parked a block down the street , and a minute later he was behind the wheel , accelerating away from his brother 's house .
tr	5	The act of performing a ' sneak and peek ' on a citizen was technically illegal , but the agency did it all the time .
tr	5	That meant he had an hour and a half to get to the airport , maybe two if he got lucky with security and traffic .
tr	5	With practiced efficiency , he gathered two shirts , two pairs of pants , several pairs of underwear , a light jacket , and his shaving gear .
tr	5	One of the wonderful benefits of working inside Langley was the direct tie-in with the real-time data collection efforts run by the NSA and the FBI .
tr	5	He barely recalled the drive to the airport , having kept one eye on his phone and one eye on the road the entire time .
tr	5	Much to his surprise , he spotted Kurt Vetter right away ; twenty feet ahead , Vetter stood patiently , waiting to go through the security checkpoint .
tr	5	They were almost at the point where they would separate into individual security lanes , and for a moment , Mason thought he had lost his target .
tr	5	Kurt stopped short in the middle of the concourse , causing a momentary traffic jam as people reacted to the sudden obstacle in their path .
tr	5	Mason had spent copious amounts of time in London over the years , to the point that it felt almost like a second home to him .
tr	5	Then he ran the top of his index finger over the camera on the backside , triggering the built-in fingerprint reader to unlock the device .
tr	5	He couldn 't tell for certain if it was an American or British accent , it was so fast , but his gut said American .
tr	5	The taxi driver launched them into the thick morning traffic , mashing Kurt back into the seat and sending his bag tumbling from his grasp .
tr	5	~ ~ ~ At the Piccadilly exit , Mason stared in disbelief as Kurt closed the taxi door , and it pulled away from the curb .
tr	5	Mason looked over the Sikh 's shoulder and saw to his dismay that there were now dozens of black taxis jostling for position on the street .
tr	5	Jack could be an absolute tyrant , she had learned early on , but when he was getting his way , he was an angel .
tr	5	The first thing he noticed was the stale odor struggling to compete with the thick smell of decades -- no -- centuries of fried meals .
tr	5	He had never been good at thinking on his feet , always coming up with the perfect witty response long after the moment had passed .
tr	5	They rocketed down the alley and back into traffic ; the tiny engine screamed as she pushed it to the red line before each shift .
tr	5	He gave her the official version of Mike 's death , starting at the gas station and working his way up and through the funeral .
tr	5	He was prepared to walk away , to catch a cab , and go back to his hotel if she wasn 't willing to give some information .
tr	5	He waited as she navigated through the files on the phone ; her delicate fingers danced across the device , paused , and then danced some more .
tr	5	His internal moral compass screamed at him to run to the embassy and hand over the data , to make it someone else 's problem .
tr	5	Two dots , representing the tracers on Kurt and Amanda 's phones , were moving in unison through central London , as Helen had said they would .
tr	5	As the Mini vanished around a hedgerow , he decided it was time to check in with the mother ship to spread the good news .
tr	5	Fifteen Fish Coldwell took a drag from his Marlboro Red , sucking the remains of the cigarette down to the filter in one fierce pull .
tr	5	He held the smoke in for a second , savoring the burn in his lungs , and then pursed his lips and exhaled like a dragon .
tr	5	He had experienced firsthand the dismissal of his life 's work , the calculated indifference to the sacrifices he and others of his generation had made .
tr	5	The Russian people were sick of poverty , sick to death of it , while the people in power longed for a return to the glory .
tr	5	From that point on , it was only a matter of time before the government reconstituted itself and reasserted control over the day-to-day aspects of life .
tr	5	For a brief moment , Fish considered going another round with her , but truth be told , he was sore from fucking all night .
tr	5	In the event that something went wrong , he needed the ability to walk away , to deny any involvement if the shit hit the fan .
tr	5	He also dabbled in low-level terrorism for hire , contracting his seasoned fighters to assist in the fight against the Americans in both Afghanistan and Pakistan .
tr	5	The box was eight feet long by four feet wide by three feet tall , olive green , and liberally stenciled in yellow Cyrillic glyphs .
tr	5	As he rounded the first corner , he pulled his phone from his pocket and activated the internal encryption mechanism before punching in Jack 's number .
tr	5	The explosion would vaporize Fish , along with his car and a section of the road about three feet deep and twelve feet in diameter .
tr	5	The building was old , yet appeared well maintained , with fresh paint on the exterior and decorative landscaping in most of the small yards .
tr	5	Something he couldn 't put his finger on ... Then he realized what it was ; it didn 't feel as if anyone lived there .
tr	5	Frustrated , he made his way back to the living room and took a seat on one of the sleek leather couches bracketing a glass coffee table .
tr	5	At forty-two , Nigel had been in a wheelchair for only seven years , the result of a tragic rock climbing accident in the Pyrenees .
tr	5	The last time they had met in person , he had recently completed physical therapy for his accident , and his outlook on life had been bitter .
tr	5	He looked right , left , and then dashed across the street to the building , taking care to look as if he belonged there .
tr	5	If Mason were to pay him , which he had no intention of doing , his fare would be well over five hundred pounds by now .
tr	5	His fingers danced across the keyboard as he navigated to a CIA search engine , plugged in ' Jack Carson , ' and hit Enter .
tr	5	They painted an undeniable picture of a complex and deadly web , originating in the CIA and stretching around the world to the Russian Federation .
tr	5	He had been in the same cramped position for the past hour , reviewing floor plans and security documents , trying to find a way in .
tr	5	Satisfied with his plan and preparations , Mason inserted a magazine into the sniper rifle , chambered a round , and settled in to wait .
tr	5	He could take Nigel this very moment and deal with Amanda and Vetter later , or he could be patient and get them at the same time .
tr	5	He hadn 't shown up with the woman the last time , and there was no way to guarantee he would be here this time either .
tr	5	He put his eye against the scope and gave the rifle a slight nudge to the left to better center it on the man 's head .
tr	5	He watched Nigel for a moment longer and then , with a controlled pull , he applied an even three pounds of pressure to the trigger .
tr	5	The flames cast a jittery orange and red glow on the surrounding buildings and reflected onto the faces of the people watching from the street .
tr	5	A police officer at the other end of the street , another young one , informed her that no one had come out of the building yet .
tr	5	He would have stayed , waiting to see who turned up , and she , like a good little soldier , had shown her face .
tr	5	The evening traffic was thick , and anyone could be behind her , lurking in the mélange of vehicles coursing through the arteries of the city .
tr	5	Amanda plucked it out , extracted the memory card containing Mike 's data , rolled down her window , and tossed the phone into the night .
tr	5	When she didn 't turn , he pulled one of the guns from the bag , making sure to keep the muzzle pointed at the floor .
tr	5	One day I was out for my morning run with your brother , when a car pulled up and a group of men snatched us .
tr	5	He punched in the numbers , and the light on the front of the safe blinked green twice , a soft ' clunk ' emanated from within .
tr	5	He had a vague mental map of the United Kingdom , but once he got a few dozen miles outside of London , things got fuzzy .
tr	5	With his right index finger , he traced a path from his current location in downtown London back to Heathrow Airport and committed the route to memory .
tr	5	Kurt knew enough French to understand Amanda was telling the woman he was sick to his stomach , that he hadn 't eaten in several days .
tr	5	Her mind raced through the possibilities as she tried to determine if he was pissed at something she had done , something she had missed .
tr	5	As Kurt was screwing the gas cap back on , she returned with a coffee in one hand and a long , skinny baguette in the other .
tr	5	I ran her through the system , and it looks like she was roommates with the woman you 're been looking for , at Stanford . "
tr	5	If she could get Mason in position to intercept Amanda before she reached the embassy , they stood a chance of stopping the leak in its tracks .
tr	5	Alert the guards too soon , and whoever was pursuing Amanda , if they were on the inside , would have time to cause problems .
tr	5	They had first been posted together in the embassy in Mexico City eight years earlier and had been tracking each other 's careers ever since .
tr	5	Rick got to handle all of the high-level , external political bullshit , leaving her to work more behind the scenes and get the real work done .
tr	5	She had to find out what in the hell was going on , who was threatening the embassy , and what she could do about it .
tr	5	The plane , a Cessna Citation , carried three other passengers , a group of German and Russian executives on their way to Moscow for a meeting .
tr	5	A long guttural exchange had ensued ; money changed hands , and five minutes later , Kurt and Amanda were boarding the Cessna with the businessmen .
tr	5	She had said she didn 't know anyone , didn 't have any contacts , and that he would have to take her at her word .
tr	5	Early in the days of the Cold War , they had become masters at copying Western designs , either through outright theft or through studious reverse engineering .
tr	5	" I 'm sure everything is fine with him , " she had told Jack in her calmest voice the last time he had checked in .
tr	5	At the same time , her intellect told her Amanda was probably trying to contact another resource , someone else she could trust , in western Europe .
tr	5	Mike , in a voice Kurt had grown to both love and hate over the years , explained why it was wrong to take the fossils .
tr	5	It had heft , and he couldn 't help but imagine the animal that had once roamed the plains of Montana millions of years before .
tr	5	She couldn 't begin to put a figure on the human toll , not to mention the economic impact the blast would have on Russia .
tr	5	The military and the local CIA presence were flummoxed at the Taliban 's ability to appear out of nowhere , and then disappear without a trace .
tr	5	It wasn 't until Darlene was tasked with monitoring traffic in the region that she picked out a pattern , a pattern the automated systems had missed .
tr	5	Darlene had flinched the first time he touched her , but once she learned he acted that way with all of his employees , she had relaxed .
tr	5	Due to the amount of signal traffic in the system at any given moment , the crawler was only useful when performing a targeted analysis .
tr	5	The beauty of the crawler was that it would follow links automatically , expanding out from the initial terms to create a web of related activity .
tr	5	Dominic took a deep breath , and Rick noticed a thin bead of sweat on his forehead , surprising since Dominic ran marathons in his spare time .
tr	5	I think Buzz is in Afghanistan this week , " Dominic said , referring to the Secretary of Defense , Bill " Buzz " Dumfries .
tr	5	Rick circled back around his desk and stacked the papers he had been reviewing , placing them in a folder with red stripes on the front .
tr	5	Darlene Foster and Charlie Howell , representing the NSA , sat in chairs along one wall , along with a smattering of staffers from the other agencies .
tr	5	As we speak , the President , the Prime Minister , most of the senior military leadership and their congress are all in Moscow . "
tr	5	Rather than a single room , there were over fifty , ranging from private quarters to planning and command and control centers for various agencies .
tr	5	Now the guards scanned everyone on the way into the facility and routinely , although seemingly at random , scanned some on the way out .
tr	5	An open olive green crate protruded from the shadows on the other side of the factory , partially obscured by one of the defunct machines .
tr	5	She had less distance to cover , as she would turn a corner and have a line of sight under their entrance point in a few meters .
tr	5	The soldier , a solid slab of killing muscle in his early twenties , shook his head as if to say he didn 't speak English .
tr	5	A small team of soldiers had clustered around the device ; they were inspecting connections and tracing the wiring from the internals to the attached laptop computer .
tr	5	He turned and wobbled towards the building entrance where he leaned up against the wall for a moment before pitching forward and vomiting into a trash barrel .
tr	5	It had happened so fast , it felt as if he was watching a movie , as if the events were happening to someone else .
tr	5	It was all he could do not to take her into his arms , feel her body against his and tell her how he felt .
tr	5	Without your actions , the world would be a very different place today , a place I think no one was prepared to deal with . "
tr	5	The Patriot Paradox is his second novel , and the first in a series of espionage thrillers following the adventures of Kurt Vetter and Amanda Carter .
tr	5	Lex tossed the controller at Ricky who had retracted into a ball with his knees drawn up to his chest at the far end of the couch .
tr	5	" Turn it off , Alex , " the boys ' mother , Karen appeared in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen .
tr	5	Lex motioned Ricky to follow and they did their best commando stealth moves up the trail to lay on a ridge and crawl up to peer over .
tr	5	Beyond the shooter was a clearing about the size of a baseball diamond infield with a rock face about the height of a pickup truck .
tr	5	yelled the shooter as he tucked the ammunition clip in the front of his jean overalls and stood squarely facing them with his hands on his hips .
tr	5	Tommy said looking at the trail that Ricky and Lex would have crossed had they not taken a detour over the berm to watch Tommy .
tr	5	" OK , I get it , " Lex stepped forward and took the rifle from Tommy , careful to keep the barrel pointed down range .
tr	5	" Now take aim lining up the two sights on the barrel , push the safety off and squeeze the trigger , " instructed Tommy .
tr	5	This was the first time ever that Lex didn 't stick up for him and it hurt more that any stranger throwing him to the ground .
tr	5	A few minutes down the trail towards home , Ricky could hear the report of the rifle as Lex and Tommy resumed their shooting practice .
tr	5	He could smell something that reminded him of a wet dog , so in his mind that 's what he thought was hiding from him .
tr	5	As Ricky moved around the biggest red cedar tree he had ever seen he heard something that sounded like someone pushing air through his nose .
tr	5	It reminded him of the sound that the bison and deer had made on one of those nature programs he used to watch with his dad .
tr	5	Ricky picked a stone off the top of the neatly assembled pile and noticed that it was perfectly smooth and about the size of his fist .
tr	5	We followed the trail on the other side of the field and met up with him in the bush on the ridge , " responded Lex .
tr	5	" The point is there are real dangers in the bush that you boys haven 't been made aware of and are not prepared for .
tr	5	Chapter 2 : This Land is Your Land It was still dark when they heard the truck door slam in the driveway next to the kitchen .
tr	5	Uncle Jeff cocked an eye toward his sister , unsure of whether he was annoyed or amused with the courage of the little fella to speak up .
tr	5	As much as he promised himself he wouldn 't , he managed to touch that nerve in his sister again , after all this time .
tr	5	Although his father never came out and said it , Jeff came to blame himself for his sister leaving and going south when she was just seventeen .
tr	5	" It 's OK , " answered Lex as he picked out the potato that he knew he would like , anxious to please his uncle .
tr	5	" Well you kids have fun and don 't forget to clean up , " Karen was hurriedly pulling her things together to get out the door .
tr	5	Have fun and mind your uncle in the bush , " she reminded the boys as she kissed her sons and stumbled out the kitchen screen door .
tr	5	" Sure , Uncle Jeff , " Ricky said as he quickly turned and picked up his smooth stone he had forgotten on the table .
tr	5	It takes hundreds or maybe thousands of years for the rivers to wear a stone smooth like that , " Uncle Jeff informed the boys .
tr	5	" Well , I found enough of these smooth red stones in the bush up on the ridge to fill that garbage can , " Ricky said .
tr	5	As the three of them left the house dawn was beginning to break east over the ridge casting a rhubarb hue into the light blue sky .
tr	5	Ricky led the way toward the big red cedar tree and showed Lex and Uncle Jeff the conical pile of stones between its two large roots .
tr	5	" Let 's move out guys , we have work to do today , " Jeff started back out to the trail with Lex close behind him .
tr	5	Ricky was quick to gauge his uncle 's uneasiness but couldn 't resist grabbing a couple more of those smooth red stones for his pockets .
tr	5	They made it back to the house a lot faster than it took them to get to the place of Ricky 's encounter with the Old One .
tr	5	When they pressed their uncle as to who the Old Ones were all Uncle Jeff would say is that they would talk about it later .
tr	5	While at the same time the Hazelton Mountains in the east and the Coast Mountains in the west were pushed up along the fault lines . "
tr	5	" As the lava is forced up through the fault line it is about 1000 degrees Celsius , very hot and very viscous , molten rock .
tr	5	And as the lava flow dissipates or the volume becomes less and less these lava tubes become large and cavernous but cannot support their own weight .
tr	5	Grasses will slowly take hold and eventually smaller bushes until finally after hundreds and hundreds of years , there will be enough topsoil for a forest again .
tr	5	" Well , yeah , " Uncle Jeff gave Ricky and Lex a long sideways glance wondering if Karen had told these boys anything of their ancestry .
tr	5	It may not look like much but the lava pooled up there before the cinder cone dam burst open and lava was pushed out from below . "
tr	5	" Sure is , " said Uncle Jeff , " that 's why we monitor this area so we can warn people when it starts to rumble .
tr	5	He stood there for a moment looking through the sliding glass door into the living room where Lex sat on the couch less than twenty feet away .
tr	5	Lex must have caught Ricky 's movement out of his periphery vision because he turned and smiled briefly at him before returning to his game .
tr	5	Next week he was starting at a new school with no friends and for the first time , no big brother to look out for him .
tr	5	Ricky felt a chill and stood to zip up his jacket thinking it was much colder up here than in the city for this time of year .
tr	5	Theirs was one of only six houses scattered along a gravel road maybe three soccer fields long , carved out of a forest that loomed all around .
tr	5	The backyard was long and there was no real separation from their property to the adjacent field they trekked across to take the trail into the bush .
tr	5	He wanted to bring her with him but mom said it was impossible because they had enough challenges moving to a new place and all .
tr	5	Ricky came upon this mother and son melee and decided to join in on Mom 's side by jumping on Lex like he used to do .
tr	5	" Do you know how much I love you , " Karen offered as she smoothed back his thick black hair and gave him a big hug .
tr	5	" Yeah , I know Mom , " Lex became the quintessential embarrassed teenager recoiling from his mother 's affection and prepared to peel the potatoes .
tr	5	" That 's why we took Uncle Jeff to show him the pile of stones this morning , " Lex smiled looking right at Ricky .
tr	5	" But , I thought ... " Lex started to complain but his mother shot him a look that made him think better of it .
tr	5	Karen stepped closer and grabbed him by the scruff of his plaid red and white , lumber jack shirt pulling him down to her level .
tr	5	He quickly slid into his pants , shirt and boots and turned on the floodlights twenty feet up on a pole in the front yard .
tr	5	This morning started out much more pleasantly with the boys salivating to the aroma of bacon in the air and the promise of lots of French toast .
tr	5	Jeff declared , remembering that it smelled the way her mother used to make it but cautiously avoiding any touchy subjects by not saying it out loud .
tr	5	These days most people refer to them as Sasquatch , which is the white 's version of the Salish people 's word for ' wild man ' .
tr	5	" Yes , I respect some of the old ways and legends and believe they have a lot to teach us , " confessed Uncle Jeff .
tr	5	" Long ago we and the Old One 's were all one people but we came down out of the mountains and began using fire .
tr	5	" You boys clean up and I 'll bring home pizza tonight , " Karen tugged at her brother as she headed for the door .
tr	5	Jeff waved his sister off and stood there looking at a clump of finger length , reddish brown hair he had pulled from his jacket .
tr	5	Barely an hour ago he had found the hair snagged shoulder high on a hemlock sapling , just steps inside the bush next to his place .
tr	5	" I 'd say all of you guys are too young to be in the bush with a rifle alone without supervision , " opined Uncle Jeff .
tr	5	When one of the Scout leaders saw me with it he took it and made my dad come to the hall to get it back .
tr	5	As the pickup made the stop at the end of the street , the sun hadn 't appeared over the mountains that shadowed their street behind them .
tr	5	I don 't understand that , " Lex was thoroughly engaged in what Uncle Jeff had to say , just as Ricky seemed to be .
tr	5	Uncle Jeff laughed , " Or you just don 't know how to think because you aren 't willing to take the time to figure it out ?
tr	5	" Well if you think about sliding that decimal place in 4.5 billion back three places , we are then talking in terms of what ?
tr	5	Ricky 's grasp on the import of his explanation didn 't seem to overwhelm him either , as he sat back and took out his iPod .
tr	5	ah , Old One 's have been spotted around here , Uncle Jeff " Lex asked as they pulled up to the first seismic station .
tr	5	" It sure is clean , " said Ricky , " I 'll bet I could drink that water without any filter or chlorine . "
tr	5	" I have a hunch , " Uncle Jeff said as he started clearing a hole in the center of the midden with his stick .
tr	5	" " Ricky , go get your red stone and let 's look at them , all together , " Uncle Jeff said taking off his jacket .
tr	5	" Oh no , this is the original one and I picked up these two red ones when we were back there the other day with you .
tr	5	Other than being worn smooth and about the same size , the other thing they have in common is that they are all made of lava . "
tr	5	It 's on your way and we don 't mind getting to school a bit early , " pleaded Lex , dreading being the new kid .
tr	5	Ricky declared coming out of the living room , pleased that he is able to get a few minutes on the Playstation without being bullied by Lex .
tr	5	Lex took his time since he had scouted out stop number 357 days ago with Ricky on their bikes and knew he had lots of time .
tr	5	Lex was alone for five minutes or so and then he noticed a lone figure slowly closing in on his position from the direction he had come .
tr	5	By the time he reached Thornhill Elementary , Ricky was chatting it up with a kid named Gary from Sockeye Crescent , the stop just before 357 .
tr	5	Gary really liked that one and was laughing as much at the joke as this new kid who was trying so hard to be his friend .
tr	5	Ricky figured his friend was about a head taller than Lex , which made it taller than mom and about as tall as Uncle Jeff 's shoulder .
tr	5	It was the Friday night before Halloween that Sunday that the boys had a sleep over and invited " one friend each " as directed by Mom .
tr	5	After supper the boys settled into the living room and began to argue over who got to play what game on the large screen TV .
tr	5	Tommy flipped the coin and let it land on the open newspaper on the large four by four square coffee table in front of them .
tr	5	Both of your parents aren 't native , so cut the crap with all this I 'm First Nations and you 're white garbage . "
tr	5	" Well if you 've been here all of your life how come you 've never seen one of the Old One 's and I have ? "
tr	5	My dad has seen footprints and gone into the bush many times looking for other evidence of the Sasquatch and he has never seen one . "
tr	5	They used the Playstation instead to search the Internet for information and watch Youtube videos into the early morning hours , long after Karen went to bed .
tr	5	" Do you think you can find the spot up on the ridge where you found those smooth red stones once again , Ricky ? "
tr	5	" Well , your uncle has taken you along the trails many times and you should know how to be safe in the bush by now .
tr	5	" If you are not home by noon , I will send your uncle after you and make sure Tommy 's dad is told when he returns .
tr	5	Ricky seemed to have no trouble finding the path working from the down slope direction and they were on their way into the bush in 10 minutes .
tr	5	" Good , " Gary raised the air horn above his head and let off a long blast until Lex grabbed the horn from him .
tr	5	The red cedar was large enough to drive their uncle 's Ford pickup straight through and still leave a couple of feet on each side .
tr	5	Tommy ignored his friend 's trepidation as the anticipation of a treasure just fuelled Tommy 's desire to get at what it was that was buried below .
tr	5	Gary absorbed the stone 's message instantly and took off around the other boys and down the trail as fast as his legs could carry him .
tr	5	Lex said grabbing the pack on Tommy 's back but Tommy wrenched himself free , pushed Lex to the ground and ran off after Gary .
tr	5	They were so scared none of them were going to take the chance of tripping up by looking behind them to see what it was .
tr	5	Karen and four boys were standing around the kitchen looking at a large skull on a burgundy towel in the center of the kitchen table .
tr	5	" Oh ... My ... God , " Jeff said as he slowly circled a skull the like 's of which he had never seen .
tr	5	" But I know where the stone pile is ... " Ricky really wanted to go , to somehow make up for what they had done .
tr	5	As they got close they began to find the smooth red stones strewn all over the trail , like ripe apples had fallen from an invisible tree .
tr	5	The path itself looked like a dozen men had marched up and down along its length ; all of the ferns were stomped into the ground .
tr	5	" Well , I think the boys found and took something from someone they shouldn 't have and now they are angry and want it back .
tr	5	As the sun rolled behind the Coast Mountains he watched the strange orange light dance on the dead trees standing amongst the living in the forest .
tr	5	Ricky closed his eyes and felt the warm glow of the stones long after they would have passed from view and knew what he had to do .
tr	5	As he listened , still , without the crunch of gravel below his feet , came sounds of several entities moving about him off the road .
tr	5	I can 't even remember exactly what Viv and I had been arguing about except it had started over a new TV program called Dr Who .
tr	5	The road continued behind the house , up a slight rise , to the barns and drive sheds , the land then sloping down to the river .
tr	5	Terry sat at his desk , nursing his second cup of tea , surrounded by the sounds and smells of a large , working horse barn .
tr	5	He knew he was absolutely secure as far as George was concerned even if he sat around and did nothing although that was not his nature .
tr	5	Looks as though he wants to bring the boat over here , give the crew a bit of a holiday then head down to the Mediterranean .
tr	5	Chapter 4 George sat up on the flying bridge contemplating the approach to Panama and mentally thanking Hector for insisting he take on a professional skipper .
tr	5	They had several options of ports and bolt holes if the weather turned nasty , including Cuba , as Gypsy was a Canadian registered vessel .
tr	5	He took a quick measurement off a piloting chart for the sailing distance between Norfolk and the Isle of Wight in the south of England .
tr	5	The area had seen its own share of violence over the years accompanied by illegal immigration from Central America , being just over the border from Guatemala .
tr	5	He 'd slept perhaps a couple of hours until the pain in his legs woke him up in spite of the medication he took continually .
tr	5	He was pretty sure everyone thought he was dead which was just as well considering the possibilities if it came out that he was alive .
tr	5	After McElroy had shot him in both knees down in Costa Rica he and George Mudd had left him to die taking off with Vance .
tr	5	Buying the farm had not been a problem and he had sufficient cash , now spread about in several banks to live out his days quietly .
tr	5	trapped in a broken body , in pain all the time , living in a shit hole part of the world and entirely dependent on other people .
tr	5	Using a local gangland murder a ' Kevin Callahan ' from Ireland had been identified by finger prints and dental records as the victim ... . .
tr	5	One , the Frenchman , dropped out as he seemed to be more interested in the racing and training end of things rather than the breeding .
tr	5	I know the girls still have some homework to do and it 'll be busy heading into Gloucester at this time of the evening . " .
tr	5	The car needed the exercise , she enjoyed the wind in her hair with the roof down and the growl of the exhaust left in her wake .
tr	5	she 'd put the card in a plastic baggie and it now sat between them on the conference table seemingly baleful behind its plastic window .
tr	5	They had offered to bring her into the big house and provide professional care but , in a more lucid moment , she had refused .
tr	5	For Kate it was a much longer drive from Gloucester and she had the kids to consider but she got there as often as she could .
tr	5	More often as not she would come over to Eaton Bishop with Marianne and Judith , leave them with Margaret , allowing them to drive over together .
tr	5	Many people are of the opinion that a hospice is a dark , dreary place with old folk lining the walls waiting their turn to die ... .
tr	5	" I heard she was sick so I thought I 'd come and see her , it wasn 't hard to find out where she was ... .
tr	5	You never even came to dad 's funeral , so what is it you expect or more specifically what is it that you want ? "
tr	5	You 'd better tie your hair back I 'm not going to put the roof up , it 's far too nice a day . "
tr	5	Everything seemed to be grey and shiny , the buildings , most of which had seen better days , the pavement , even the people .
tr	5	Lou Phillips , aka Kevin Callahan , hurried along the pavement head down like everyone else as though somehow you would keep dryer this way .
tr	5	Across the street , through the dirty mist thrown up by the traffic , he could see the Blythe Hill Tavern a favorite local watering hole .
tr	5	" For sure , I can see the CCTV camera at the main entrance but as to how extensive it is I couldn 't say .
tr	5	" I could always just walk in looking for a job but once they 've seen my face it would make things harder later . "
tr	5	In the meantime , the weather was gorgeous , the beer was cold and their diet had been supplemented by Dorado , caught trolling behind the boat .
tr	5	Hopefully the Cubans wouldn 't pay them any attention as they slipped by although being a Canadian Registered Vessel should help them on their way . .
tr	5	They discussed at length their experiences and , over time , a bond was created that only men who 've shared the same danger can truly experience .
tr	5	Chapter 9 The little red car took the winding road from Hereford to Eaton Bishop in its stride leaving a brittle exhaust note lingering behind .
tr	5	The mare carefully nuzzled it off her palm , turned and trotted back towards the other horses 200 yards away in the far corner of the field .
tr	5	She stood leaning against the fence facing the car , now quiet , one booted heel hooked over the bottom rail waiting for some sort of response .
tr	5	He 'd noted a couple of sight lines to the big house in the distance and had installed a couple of motion detectors in strategic positions .
tr	5	Cutting straight across the two story entrance lobby she called , " Margaret , can we get some tea or something in the study . "
tr	5	We have a horse breeding operation here which I run myself although I did just hire a farm manager as it was getting to be too much .
tr	5	I 'm sure you have lots of questions as do I but there 's no hurry just make yourself comfortable , explore a bit if you like .
tr	5	" I 've tried to get hold of George , " said Jen , " but without any success I 'm not even sure where he is .
tr	5	If he runs into weather or something and we can 't get hold of him we 're going to have to deal with this ourselves . "
tr	5	" I don 't like not having any communication , " said George , " the VHF works OK but that 's just line of sight .
tr	5	The coffee business had quickly developed to the extent that it paid to bulk ship to London and then re-distribute the individual orders from there .
tr	5	... but he 's got to be eight or ten weeks old by now , " she muttered , " how can this be ? "
tr	5	The silence was only broken by the sound of a tractor over by the barns and the frolicking of the foals in the nearby paddock .
tr	5	" Obviously I can 't be certain without having the results of a full blown autopsy but frankly I 've seen this before but not in foals .
tr	5	Subject to the autopsy which we 've put a rush on by the way , I would say the foal did not die of natural causes .
tr	5	Callahan , travelling as Lou Phillips , boarded the Leeds train at Kings Cross and settled in for the two and a half hour trip .
tr	5	It was a normal morning with the exception that she missed George and their traditional morning conversation over breakfast , except it wasn 't normal at all .
tr	5	Too many coincidences ; she remembered Robbie telling her that coincidences get you killed , expect the worst and anything else comes as a pleasant surprise .
tr	5	He remembered the Toyota Land Cruiser leaving the house and heading north but he had no idea who was driving or how many were in it .
tr	5	Viv was wearing clothes that Jen had picked out of her closet even though they were a little large for her on her scrawny frame .
tr	5	It housed George 's extensive collection of native artifacts and weapons acquired over the years he had spent on active service all over the world .
tr	5	" We 're at the Bristol Gun Club , " said Jen , " George is a principle shareholder here and a Director of course .
tr	5	I haven 't been down here for quite a while although when George is home we come down here quite often , come on follow me . "
tr	5	" Hi there Mrs. Mudd , haven 't seen you or Mr. Mudd for a while , " the receptionist smiled at them from behind the counter .
tr	5	Kate was a little tearful but Viv seemed to hold it all in , it was as though she 'd thrown up some sort of defensive wall .
tr	5	" He certainly knows his horses , " said Jen , " but he 's only been here a few days so time will tell .
tr	5	The kids were still in the barn and the conversation seemed to getting easier , they were interrupted by the phone ringing on the desk .
tr	5	We 've cut off a lot of the wire but some of it we don 't want to touch until Dr. Newnham is here . "
tr	5	If it really is Callahan it 's me and Robbie he 's after although how far he might choose to go is anyone 's guess .
tr	5	" See if you can get David have the Commander formalise the operation that would give us a little more clout if we need it . "
tr	5	Rick , I want you to fly down to San Jose and hook up with a guy called Julio Pan , you can trust him implicitly .
tr	5	Gary ... there is a ' threat ' so be on your guard ... maintain watches even though you 'll be at a dock , any questions ?
tr	5	He liked the idea and had even started to cultivate it by encouraging a tattoo of a spider 's web on all those that worked for him .
tr	5	It gave his people a sense of identity and instilled fear into people that either questioned him or who might cross him in any way .
tr	5	He was naked on the bed his body well tanned from wearing shorts most of the time watching the young girl move her hips on his lap .
tr	5	She was quite naked , probably in her mid teens and had been provided by the woman that looked after the house and catered to his needs .
tr	5	Terry has a line on a girl in Hereford who 's interested in working here , you should talk to her as soon as you can .
tr	5	George has arranged a meeting with a local accounting firm who 've agreed to handle that end of things until we have our new offices built .
tr	5	It 's compounded by the fact that we don 't know where either one is at the moment although apparently Hector has his network on it . "
tr	5	Callahan 's not working on his own ... we don 't even know whether he 's in this country or not for crying out loud .
tr	5	Of course the other thing is Connor Moylan , I 'm sure she told you about that issue and the background check that was done on him .
tr	5	" I don 't live in San Jose itself , " said Julio " sometimes I think you 'd need a Kevlar vest to live downtown .
tr	5	It was a city of extremes , from high rises and modern office buildings to slums of abject poverty and finally to this upscale suburban district .
tr	5	As last year , we have seconded ' Mudd Securities ' as a contractor which formalizes your involvement , David will act as liaison with MI5 . "
tr	5	" I 've looked at a map and that intersection where you found the Passat looks pretty major to me , surely there 's CCTV there .
tr	5	Also , David should stay at the farm for a while and we 'll get some recording equipment over as fast as we can ... . .
tr	5	" Oh , I can drive you into town if you like , " said Jen , " it 's only a few minutes . "
tr	5	" Not that I 'm trying to make light of things but I don 't think Kate and the kids are in any specific danger .
tr	5	" Well , let 's head home then , don 't want her coming out and seeing us here she might recognize the truck . " .
tr	5	" Yes ... I 've seen him before ... that 's her boyfriend , Harry , but I thought he 'd gone back to London . "
tr	5	Chapter 21 " Thought I might go and visit my mother in Managua for a few days , would you like to tag along ? "
tr	5	" I assume you think she might be on to something and we should go talk to her , " said Rick smiling at his new friend .
tr	5	Someone comes in to clean every day and it 's electronically swept every other day , you can 't be too careful in this business you know .
tr	5	He lost his license to practice quite some time ago , his name is Eduardo de Ramirez de Arroyo , we know where he lives . " .
tr	5	They 'd already been there most of the afternoon , drinking interminable coffees , they would have to move soon as they were getting conspicuous .
tr	5	He 'd added another distribution point for the drugs , a group he didn 't know particularly well in Birmingham but that really wasn 't the issue .
tr	5	They 'd tracked the boat to Miami and , to the best of his knowledge , it was still there but where the hell was Mudd .
tr	5	" I 'm going to go see George , " announced Jen , " Terry , I want you to make sure no one is following me .
tr	5	She found her still in her room , her cold had obviously cleared up , she was not sniveling any more and seemed more alert .
tr	5	" I 'd like you to give Connor a hand this morning if you don 't mind , Viv , he 's a little short handed .
tr	5	She stayed under the speed limit , if she got pulled over there could be hell to pay , her ' handsfree ' gave a buzz .
tr	5	Nearly all the drawers were empty and the wardrobe contained the suit she had worn when she arrived plus the clothes Jennie had bought for her .
tr	5	Lying with the new toothpaste , nail clippers and a couple of Tampax a small cellophane bag , teaspoon , cigarette lighter and a disposable syringe .
tr	5	He put everything back in the wash bag and tasted the content of the tiny bag on the tip of his little finger ... cocaine .
tr	5	" You 're doing the right thing , darling , and I 've no objection to her staying at the farm while things get sorted .
tr	5	" I don 't know but I heard them talking about a contact in Guatemala City , that 's as much as I know . "
tr	5	She 'd stopped to see if she could help but both her and the girls had been grabbed , bundled into the van and driven off .
tr	5	There seemed to be just two , a man and a woman , but she didn 't think they were the people in the van ... .
tr	5	and this is the bit you 're not going to like ... when she was working in the barn I had a look in her room . "
tr	5	" Oh , come on guys , " Jen in exasperation , " you said I didn 't know her and you 're absolutely right .
tr	5	We would be stupid to conclude that there 's no connection between the drugs , Kate 's abduction and what 's been going on at the farm .
tr	5	If there 's no connection then well and good , however , I for one and my people will assume there 's a connection . "
tr	5	As they approached the center of the city the buildings became more colonial in style , the boulevards wider although not many people seemed to be walking .
tr	5	His eyes did not pick up on the dirty gold , late model Mercedes that had been behind them all the way from the airport .
tr	5	Rick could see he 'd been hit three times in the chest , pink blood bubbled out of his mouth as he tried to breath ... .
tr	5	probably not ... Callahan 's smarter than that also so that means we have someone else in the mix , the common denominator was Eddie Ramirez .
tr	5	Chapter 26 " I 'm sure nothing 's happening because they don 't know where I am , " said George propping his head up .
tr	5	I 'm convinced that for either one to be brought to a satisfactory conclusion I need to be the unknown factor ... at least my whereabouts .
tr	5	He 's convinced there 's some connection between what 's going on here at the farm , Kate 's disappearance and the business over in Central America .
tr	5	If necessary we can hold her for possession not that I like the idea of doing that to my own sister but she brought it upon herself .
tr	5	Our priority here is finding Kate and the kids , the link might well be Ronan Flaherty according to the calls made by Vivien . "
tr	5	Chapter 27 The Land Rover hissed down the glistening highway in the steady rain , the wipers almost in sync with the radio playing in the background .
tr	5	Everyone in the house is being interviewed , including me and it is better to do it down here than in my own living room .
tr	5	" I 'm not putting up with this bullshit ... I 'm leaving , you lied to me , Jen , my own sister . "
tr	5	" This chap ... his name is not Harry Fowler ... his name is Ronan Flaherty , he 's a petty criminal and drug dealer .
tr	5	" That bitch ... that stupid fucking bitch ... let 's herself get into that position then goes along with it without saying a blasted word .
tr	5	George had already arranged with Hector in Vancouver to provide them with whatever they might need , through Connie , whilst he had been in transit .
tr	5	I think the best way is for you , Robbie , to take him in the street , he doesn 't know who you are .
tr	5	He was wearing the same crumpled clothes as the last time Rick had seen him except now he was wearing a sweat stained Panama hat .
tr	5	His name was Julio , he lived in San Jose but owned one of the casinos here in Managua ... ... he was my friend . "
tr	5	Apparently Viv was a casual user of recreational drugs to start off with but Flaherty got her hooked on harder stuff and now she 's addicted .
tr	5	" Any pub that has draft Guinness and Kilkenny can 't be all bad , " said Rafferty , " do you think he 'll come ? "
tr	5	If you 're a really good boy you might only need a doctor if not it 'll be a priest you 'll be needing for sure . "
tr	5	She also knew her period was almost due so she was going to have to talk to her minders and get the where with all .
tr	5	She 'd wracked her brain trying to figure out why they 'd been taken and was beginning to think that a mistake had been made .
tr	5	David was lying in the grass on the edge of the woodland in full camo gear his eyes glued to the binoculars trained on the building .
tr	5	There was a blue van parked in a yard to one side but no other vehicles , his earpiece squawked , " Any movement yet ? "
tr	5	" Looks as though it 's just the two of them , middle aged couple both in the kitchen ... no sign of missing subjects . "
tr	5	The couple had just been in the room and taken away the remains of their lunch leaving a jug of water and two plastic mugs .
tr	5	Brian was at a bit of a loose end but Terry had given him the job of monitoring the security systems which were all up and running .
tr	5	Apparently a pretty expensive barrister from the city is coming down here tomorrow to represent him , pretty obvious that someone else is paying for him .
tr	5	" They started knocking it down in 2006 but then they put it on hold , not sure what 's happening to it now . "
tr	5	... ... and Aiden Callahan was killed in the shootout in London last year , " whispered George , " well what do you know ! " .
tr	5	" At least it 's not that far , " said Robbie hanging on for dear life , " it 's less than five hundred miles . "
tr	5	They had started driving just for an hour each at a time as wrestling the heavy Toyota and dodging the constant pot holes was exhausting .
tr	5	They made a point of crossing at small , sleepy border towns and ended up spending the night at San Cristobal just over the border in Guatemala .
tr	5	By the day after tomorrow Connie will have been there three days and assures us we will have all the intel we 're going to need .
tr	5	" I see you 've done this before , " said Connie laughing , " but you 're right you can 't be too careful . "
tr	5	" Holy shit ... you don 't exactly travel light , " said Rick looking at the stack of suitcases on one of the beds .
tr	5	Unfortunately the front of the building was quite close to the street with little cover although the lighting was poor , just an ineffectual yellow glow .
tr	5	" She bloody well better , " answered Robbie , " I 'm sweating like a pig here , should have brought something to drink ... . .
tr	5	The vehicle slowed down as it went by the building , went another hundred yards , turned round and came back disappearing back down the street .
tr	5	" Don 't do a thing , " whispered Robbie urgently , " we need the other group here and we need them all in the building .
tr	5	Two grey vans swung into the parking lot at the back of the building , turned around and parked in the driveway facing out towards the road .
tr	5	Coming to his feet he was faced with two men , one carrying a suitcase , the other with an automatic weapon pointed right at him . "
tr	5	Horses still have to be put out and brought in daily , they still have to be fed and shod and in some cases exercised .
tr	5	" I heard from Robbie , " said George , " the plan went OK and nobody got hurt ... at least none of our guys . "
tr	5	" The security people came for Flaherty this afternoon , " said Jen , " now we have to decide what to do with Vivien .
tr	5	He motored slowly down the laneway between two paddocks , taking his time , looking at fences and gates for damage and checking the troughs for water .
tr	5	The last thing he saw was the muzzle flash in the grass , his last thought was what Margaret was going to do without him ?
tr	5	He slumped off the side of the machine which , still being in gear , slowly continued on until it ran into the fencing and stalled .
tr	5	" That sounded like a rifle shot , " said George sitting up in bed , " sounded like it came from down by the river . "
tr	5	George sat on a bench with Jennie , a bench he 'd put in place himself , looking at the marble headstone over the well tended grave .
tr	5	" We 've no choice but to focus on the living , " said Jennie quietly , " we do what we have to do .
tr	5	Of late he 's been into petty crime , primarily in and around Birmingham , but before that he was a bit of a shooter .
tr	5	He rarely had visitors other than the more legitimate pick ups of coffee and the less than legitimate deliveries that came by way of the migrant workers .
tr	5	There 's a couple of motels there but he doesn 't think we 'd be there long , two to three days at the most .
tr	5	I had a long conference call with my boss Hector Pan and your Mr. George in England and they have come up with a plan .
tr	5	" I 'm sick of being bitten by bedbugs , flees and God knows what else plus the food here is giving me the runs ! "
tr	5	" We 're pretty high up here , Pat ... it 's pretty warm during the day and cold at night ... kinda like the desert . "
tr	5	" We 're getting too old for this type of crap , " said Rafferty " it didn 't sound too bad the way Paco described it .
tr	5	Grey smoke started to rise from one of the shacks and a couple of laborers headed towards an outhouse that had previously been out of sight .
tr	5	" Bit risky , Robbie , if the other guy comes out we 're screwed , if he makes a noise we 're equally screwed .
tr	5	Hang on ... he 's stopped he 's lighting a smoke ... get down there right now ... nail him as he comes round the corner . "
tr	5	As he moved around the corner , cigarette dangling out of the corner of his mouth , Rafferty came up behind him like a wraith .
tr	5	I need you to keep an eye on the road , make sure the workers have headed into the mountains and not down the road .
tr	5	So far there had been nothing untoward , traffic was normal and , as usual , pedestrian traffic was almost non-existent being a light industrial park .
tr	5	" No , " said Robbie , " we 're meeting Rick and Gary with the boat and Drew the skipper who we 've never met .
tr	5	" The risks are too great , Pat , " answered Robbie , " with a gunshot wound they 're going to hold us all .
tr	5	" Paco assured Robbie that the local authorities will not want to get involved and will simply put it down to more drug war . "
tr	5	There 's no doubt she got sucked in way over her head , Jen , and , in the end , she turned Queen 's Evidence .
tr	5	I see no reason why Kate and the girls can 't go home to Gloucester tomorrow and we can get life back onto an even keel . "
tr	5	" We 'll need the new house for a farm manager still and it 's better than leaving it empty , save a ton of money too .
tr	5	They had posted a bond for Vivien and had undertaken to handle her rehab at home in , what had become for her , familiar surroundings .
tr	5	Interestingly David told me that when they raided the warehouse they found no cash neither did they find any when they raided his home in Croydon .
tr	5	Simple really , he 'd found the plan in Terry 's desk in an office to be converted into a reception area , lucky in retrospect .
tr	5	He settled down surrounded by the night sounds , the chuckling of the shallow river to his rear and the breeze rattling the branches above his head .
tr	5	He estimated that the range was approximately three hundred and fifty yards for specific recognition but simple heat blooms were discernible at over a thousand .
tr	5	Every now and again the swoosh of a hunting owl would startle him and he wondered at their design that caused them to be so quiet .
tr	5	Taking his Sig and his cell phone out of the nightstand drawer he quietly let himself out of the bedroom closing the door behind him .
tr	5	He stood at the head of the stairs , head cocked , every sense attuned to whatever it was that had woken him up ... .
tr	5	" They 've all stopped at the same time , they 're obviously in communication with each other , they seem to be waiting . "
tr	5	George eased himself down the wide staircase the Wilton runner absorbing any sound , he stopped at the bottom as his phone vibrated in his pocket .
tr	5	" You have four tangos outside , three in the front , one in the back , " the voice whispered in his ear then rang off .
tr	5	Placing his feet carefully , slowly putting his weight down mindful of the ancient flooring , he worked his way across the paneled hallway towards the study .
tr	5	He was highly aware of the slight noise he had made when entering and stood immobile letting his heart rate settle and trying to control his breathing .
tr	5	His mind registered the fact that there must have been five of them and one had slipped by and into the house but what about the alarms ?
tr	5	He brought the night sight back on to the figure kneeling by the corner of the main barn , registering the fact that the breeze had dropped .
tr	5	" I thought we 'd lost you , " she murmured , " several times actually ... ... I must get the doctor . " .
tr	5	It would be weeks of physio and exercise before George would be walking again but at least he was mobile in the rented power chair .
tr	5	Everyone sat around drinking George 's twenty five year old Bowmore ... he was stuck with a lemonade , being banned alcohol until further notice .
tr	5	I shouted at him , he was so surprised he didn 't react fast enough ... I shot him in the head ... double tap actually . "
tr	5	George still got very tired easily and had fallen asleep in the chair so Jen had grabbed the opportunity to catch up on the farm mail .
tr	5	The crunching of tires on the gravel forecourt broke her concentration and she saw the Commander 's Jag pull by the window and under the portico .
tr	5	At first I thought it might have been Hector Pan but there was much he didn 't know so it had to be you . "
tr	5	I 'm sorry I missed one of those bastards , if I 'd been a bit sharper you 'd not be in that chair . "
tr	5	She conveniently forgot that , until Michael had given this one to her for Christmas , she hadn 't known how to turn one on either .
tr	5	Eventually , after far longer than it should have taken to read a few thousand words , Josh raised his head and gazed out the window .
tr	5	All she could see was a square of tarmac on the side of the road and some buildings set back behind a line of trees .
tr	5	Images of Sunday morning brunches with Michael , and walking in the park to let the wind blow away their hangovers , besieged her brain .
tr	5	Come with me , we 'll have some nosh and I 'll show you how to be social when you 're on the road . "
tr	5	Claire dropped her head on her hands and groaned , refusing to respond to the man who had stopped on his way past their breakfast table .
tr	5	A mind that could generate award-winning one-liners for Press Ads was bereft of words when faced with the challenge of penning something entertaining about her day .
tr	5	The expression on Josh 's normally carefree face jolted deep in Claire 's stomach and she was conscious of a strong urge to offer comfort .
tr	5	They had booked another twin room and Josh hadn 't made a single suggestive comment about the double bed that formed the bottom of the bunk .
tr	5	Her coat had obeyed the laws of gravity and she recalled a few inches of frozen flesh creeping out into the chill winter 's day .
tr	5	It was only once she had trudged all the way back to the centre and handed in her gear that Claire realised what he had said .
tr	5	" What , you mean the one who pissed his pants when you threw yourself off a fifty foot cliff without checking he was ready ? "
tr	5	As the words walked through her head Claire realised she didn 't even know Josh 's surname or the part of Australia he was from .
tr	5	" I 'm sorry , " the man on reception explained , " some of our hostels are only open at certain times of the year .
tr	5	" No I 'm one of the bloody students at Carlisle Uni , sleeping in the Hall of Residence that doubles as a hostel in the summer .
tr	5	She became aware of an urge to walk over and run her hands across his back , to plant a kiss where his shoulder met his neck .
tr	5	Claire tried to keep her gaze on his face rather than following the line of hair that ran down his chest and into his trousers .
tr	5	It was on Claire 's lips to say You haven 't either , but she didn 't want the smile to leave Josh 's face .
tr	5	Tentatively Claire put one foot on the first of the planks and the whole structure shook as if a force seven earthquake had just hit Windermere .
tr	5	Claire turned to locate the source and her gaze met a pair of clear blue eyes peering up at her from beneath a giant helmet .
tr	5	If you 'd told me last week I 'd be swinging around fifteen feet off the ground I would have said you were nuts . "
tr	5	The latte didn 't look up to Starbucks ' standard but the mug was warm and she 'd tipped in sufficient sugar to mask any unwanted taste .
tr	5	I 've been swinging through the trees like Tarzan or following an Aussie I only just met up mountains I 've only just heard of ?
tr	5	She heard a loud noise coming from Ruth 's end of the phone and for once was relieved to have their conversation cut short by her niece .
tr	5	She hoped the lap of the water would drown out the words echoing around her head but it only muted them and muddled them together .
tr	5	She had assumed it would be empty at this time of year but the seats were crammed with huddling people , snuggling together against the icy wind .
tr	5	She grabbed at the images in her mind but they slipped away as if she had tried to catch a reflection and found only water .
tr	5	Claire jerked upright , crashed her head against the top bunk and collapsed back to the mattress with a groan , tears stabbing her eyes .
tr	5	I should have been worried about her , facing this all alone , having to care for Sky and having no one care for her .
tr	5	Claire gazed surreptitiously out the window , not wanting to be berated for her lack of attention but in dire need of something to stave off sleep .
tr	5	I hardly expected to see anyone I knew working here in the back of beyond or however it was you so eloquently put it . "
tr	5	She tried to keep the jealous note of enquiry out of her voice but something in Josh 's smirk suggested she wasn 't entirely successful .
tr	5	Josh held up his hands , palms forward , and took a step back , as if giving the girls space to discuss him at length .
tr	5	Training hadn 't been so bad and Claire had been thrilled with how quickly she had mastered the art of propelling the craft strapped to her hips .
tr	5	If you choose to hook up with every woman under the age of fifty that passes your way that 's no concern of mine . "
tr	5	Claire dipped her paddle in the water and pushed her craft forwards , concentrating on her technique so Josh had nothing else to sneer at .
tr	5	Claire bristled at his tone , chewed over some choice phrases to respond with , then decided she didn 't have the energy for a fight .
tr	5	" Why , are you worried that you 'll bump into me again or do you think you 'll get tired of the gruesome twosome ? "
tr	5	She had hoped for a private room so she could get her head straight and concentrate on Ruth , but the hostel didn 't have any left .
tr	5	This blog is meant to record the excitement of a life lived outdoors ; the thrill of hiking , biking , abseiling and rock climbing .
tr	5	Having received some bad news I was grateful to climb into my basic little car , drive along quiet winding roads and let my mind be still .
tr	5	The haunting melody took her back to university days - battling hangovers and fatigue to churn out essays so that she could go party with her friends .
tr	5	She had only meant his lying to his Mum but now she wondered if he had more troubling his peace of mind than he had let on .
tr	5	He folded his arms and looked over to the window although the dark skies outside meant all that could be seen were reflections of the hostel lounge .
tr	5	Also by Amanda Martin : BABY BLUES AND WEDDING SHOES Amanda 's latest release , the chick lit novel Baby Blues and Wedding Shoes is available now .
tr	5	Readers with an appreciation for a bit of reality and a bit of hopeful romantic wishful dreaming will not be disappointed by this lovely tale .
tr	5	On returning to Australia , Adrian was required to learn English in order to complete High School and pursue his interest in Physics at University .
tr	5	At the completion of his first year at University , Adrian decided to join the Australian Defence Force ( ADF ) as a Commissioned Army Officer .
tr	5	The soft swish of Shadow 's skis , the frozen snow and the cold on his face heightened his awareness as the target area was fast approaching .
tr	5	Lastly , Agent 2C 's extraction plan would be to use a body harness equipped with sufficient rockets for an instant propelled launch to 2,000 meters .
tr	5	A specifically built rescue plane would then snag the long reins of the parachute and retrieve the spy into the plane using an advanced winch system .
tr	5	Even though many feared Shadow , his reputation also made him a target for assassins who were attempting to make a name for themselves by killing him .
tr	5	Tonight , Shadow considered himself fortunate that the wind was moving snow across the forest , thus covering the small holes left by his boots .
tr	5	He took advantage of a noticeable track used by the sentries and local animals , and followed it to within visual distance of the target .
tr	5	Shadow pondered the only reward that he had ever requested from the Director of MI6 - at the end of this mission Shadow would finally be eliminated .
tr	5	Agent 2C considered this unnecessary , as MI6 always made sure that no pilot ever flew the same secret agent more than once a year .
tr	5	It was half way down a small hill , and deep enough to allow him to stretch and to take a comfortable supported firing position if needed .
tr	5	They are also informed that they have been selected for " fast promotion " and their achievements would be rewarded with varying levels of recognition .
tr	5	With the exception of two spies , one being ' Shadow ' , every spy since the end of World War 2 has gone through this program .
tr	5	Within minutes his pistol , fitted with a silencer , commenced firing rounds in several directions , hitting each target twice before moving onto the next .
tr	5	All Agent 2C knew about the target was that he had been on the Most Wanted list in 12 countries for the past 8 years .
tr	5	And now , seeing the heat radiated by his body , visible through the house walls , Shadow assessed 2C 's approach for the kill .
tr	5	Agent 2C had entered the bedroom and moved within metres of the bed where he had paused and for some reason had failed to fire his weapon .
tr	5	Once the house was cleared , she moved to the door leading into the courtyard where she noticed the used parachute and her dead guard .
tr	5	For several minutes ' Beta ' stared at the message , wondering if the drastic measures currently planned would lead to the end of his career .
tr	5	Simon got out of bed and changed out of his pyjamas and into a pair of bathers , shorts , t-shirt , socks and runners .
tr	5	On his fall he caught a branch and carried out a full rotation around it with the ability of a " high bar " gymnast .
tr	5	He remembered both of them laughing aloud and every few minutes having to hold his breath , as his dad would dive under the water .
tr	5	Shocked by the shark and panicked by the lack of air , he had released his dad and paddled as fast as he could to the surface .
tr	5	Simon remembered how the shark circled them for a few minutes , how he felt reassured by his dad 's strong body and softly spoken words .
tr	5	She explained that although she remembered that day , she had felt that both he and his dad 's eyes had showed exhilaration and not fear .
tr	5	" Light Boy ... " , a nickname given to him by local gangs , " ... we both know this not social meet lah . "
tr	5	The remainder of the boys shocked by Simon 's excessive response felt stunned and instinctively retreated a few steps shuffling backwards in the warm sand .
tr	5	When he reached his target he bent down and with one hand grabbed the boy 's shirt and effortlessly lifted him until theirs eyes were levelled .
tr	5	He felt the adrenaline pumping through him giving him courage to stand clearly in the open , holding a brick in front of his right eye .
tr	5	As he sat down on an old brown leather couch , he looked up at the yellowed photos of his dad displayed on the mantelpiece .
tr	5	" The stranger told me this morning that he doesn 't tolerate failures , and he ordered my friends to leave and planned to kill me .
tr	5	Simon , visiting his mother during some of her translating assignments , had met the Inspector , and found him to be amicable and interesting .
tr	5	He decided to simply close the locker and , as originally planned , leave the school before the " end of the day " bell rang .
tr	5	The first two thoughts were that someone may have reported the fight on the beach , or that the police were aware of the kidnapping attempt .
tr	5	Once there , he found a nurse who happily informed him that her station computer showed that his mother was located upstairs in wing 2E .
tr	5	For what seemed an eternity he stared into his mother 's eyes and felt the confusion , anger , and pain build up inside of him .
tr	5	However , in this case , he had only been presented with a basic report that stated that this family was linked to someone in the underworld .
tr	5	The man he saw this morning was obviously a professional and , if he attempted another kidnapping , he would wait for a better , safer opportunity .
tr	5	He started to realise that the origin of the word most probably came about from a ' kid ' having been ' napped ' somewhere in history .
tr	5	She placed a thermometer in Candice 's mouth , and then made a note on the medical chart clipped at the end of the bed .
tr	5	I will take good care of your mother and if there is anything I can do to help you , please feel free to ask . "
tr	5	" Mum , I am not really angry about the secrets , it 's just that I don 't know how to deal with it .
tr	5	I am scared of losing you and I am upset with myself that I am letting anger spoil what is quickly becoming our last moments together . "
tr	5	Simon suddenly felt the back of his hair stand up and his mouth instantly dry up as his mother 's words echoed in his mind .
tr	5	After a lengthy pause Candice explained that it was just after she became pregnant , that everything went terrible wrong and they had to leave their home .
tr	5	Simon sat transfixed and listened intently as his mother told him that his father was involved in a drug bust in Germany , at the Hamburg seaport .
tr	5	After a long pause Candice continued : " One night whilst working in the emergency ward , a critically wounded man had been brought in .
tr	5	I don 't know why he 's looking for you , but I don 't think he 's the long lost friend he claims to be .
tr	5	The man just smiles wearily and said that he knew he was in a bad way and probably would not make it through the night .
tr	5	He confessed he had done many terrible things in his life , and believed that if he did one good deed , it may help his cause .
tr	5	Although we had several years of living in peace , danger was always in the back of our minds , so we kept an emergency bag ready .
tr	5	He wanted to be angry for not seeing his father when he visited , and that his parents had not put him in the picture before .
tr	5	He had thought that this was a way his mother could still feel close to his dad , knowing that he had once visited these places .
tr	5	" In that case , I 'll see you in two days " stated Simon thinking that he could buy a little more time to think .
tr	5	I know I am burdening you with this request , but I also believe that you are mature enough to ask this of you . "
tr	5	" Simon , the doctors think I have only a month to live , but they can 't tell me how fast my tumour is growing .
tr	5	Treviso was not located by the sea , but was built on the river using a similar concept as Venice -- suspended on special pontoons - .
tr	5	All that I can tell you is that it is somewhere in central Italy and the town is surrounded by the walls of an ancient castle .
tr	5	Simon looked at his mother and explained with uncertainty " I don 't have much time , so I need to leave as soon as possible .
tr	5	In the back of his mind he did not trust the stranger 's true intentions : would he have told him of his plans so easily ?
tr	5	At that point Deepa entered the room with a tray holding Mango juice , a basket full of toasted bread , Vegemite and English breakfast tea .
tr	5	" A lifetime ago , I went to Australia for work and over the two months that I spent there I came to love it .
tr	5	Candice , I ran into the doctor down the corridor and he will be coming to see you at the start of his morning rounds .
tr	5	So , my young adventurer , as you do not have a car licence , we might have to rely on public transport between Germany and Italy .
tr	5	Simon did not stop to ask how the inspector knew that he would be leaving on his adventure and may need all the help he could get .
tr	5	The blinds were still down from the previous morning , as they kept the heat of the Malaysian sun out , and made their house somewhat cooler .
tr	5	As he entered , he struggled to make out any shapes , as inside the house was considerably darker and his eyes had not yet adjusted .
tr	5	" I thought I would wait for you here , as the hotel was becoming uncomfortable , " said a hoarse whisper coming from the double couch .
tr	5	You are left-handed ; you could probably outrun me if it came down to a chase ; something I would not recommend as I am armed .
tr	5	If it came to a physical combat , you would stay and fight instead of running outside screaming to the inspector in the car waiting for you .
tr	5	Simon , with a rapid movement drove his heel with all his strength into the European 's knee , bringing him down to eye level .
tr	5	" No Simon , this is a case of having the Air Traffic control director as my brother-in-law " replied the inspector with a smile .
tr	5	They made their way through some local houses that were supposedly initially built by the Australian Defence Force , but were now occupied by local airport personnel .
tr	5	Simon , unsure as to what to do next , turned around toward the exit hoping to still catch the Inspector before he went away .
tr	5	Realising that he had few options left to him if he was to find his father in time , he decided to try a different approach .
tr	5	I do not know how you managed to have Lau vouch for you and frankly , I think the less I know the better it is . "
tr	5	So , take a seat on our spare seat just to your left and for the next 24 hours try and not get in the way .
tr	5	Somehow , possibly based on the comment about the ' long chase ' , the European sensed that the kid was on his way to Europe .
tr	5	To his fortune , shortly after Simon took off from Malaysia , he found that amongst his gifts from inspector Lau there was an MP3 player .
tr	5	With one hour to go before landing in Germany , somewhere near Berlin , the pilot took a break and came to sit next to Simon .
tr	5	In order to allow Simon to stretch his legs for a little while without raising suspicions , the pilot provided a flying suit for him to wear .
tr	5	The experience of attempting to stay within the toilet boundary whilst moving through a bit of turbulence was at first a novelty but within seconds became annoying .
tr	5	Once Simon finished cleaning up the mess that he had made , he decided to head back to the pilot 's cabin and recommence his Italian course .
tr	5	" So Morten , you very young to be in Air Forces " mentioned Franco in broken English whilst looking at the flight suit worn by Simon .
tr	5	Beppe , despite being a man of few words often followed by a soft grunt , seemed to have an unlimited amount of energy stored within him .
tr	5	After a while , somewhere in the back of his mind he felt that it was getting late , so he glanced at his wristwatch .
tr	5	A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling instead of a ceiling fan , and instead of his desk there was a huge dark brown oak wardrobe .
tr	5	He grabbed a towel and ran to the bathroom at the end of the corridor where , whilst in the shower established a plan for the day .
tr	5	Simon 's plan for the day was to visit every advertised accommodation in the area and enquire about a family member that he was supposed to meet .
tr	5	He guessed that if he had a big breakfast he wouldn 't have to stop for lunch , therefore have more time to look for his dad .
tr	5	This morning you spent your time at the hospital staring at every nurse and doctor , as if you were expecting to recognise one of them . "
tr	5	In Germany , a tall blonde man stood outside a NATO base speaking to one of the local ground crew about a recent flight from Malaysia .
tr	5	After a few minutes he handed over a one hundred Euro note and jumped back into the rented car and drove toward the Berlin airport .
tr	5	That is all I have to say about the matter " , replied the Prime Minister , before turning around and walking back into his current residency .
tr	5	" 7 years , 10 months , and 6 days Sir " replied ' Beta ' , having read the Prime Minister 's dossier earlier that morning .
tr	5	Not wanting to correct the Prime Minister on the point of the 6 instead of 2 days , he simply replied " All of them Sir " .
tr	5	" Tim , I have read the reports that have been sent to me every time one of our spies has been caught or killed .
tr	5	" I ask to be given # 20 million to start a recruitment program where suitable teenagers are identified and recruited into a secret spy school .
tr	5	" Yourself , myself , the finance minister , two selected trainers , the Director of the spy school and , at first , two teenagers .
tr	5	' Beta ' then walked towards the secret exit , whilst feeling satisfied that he managed to get # 500,000 more then he actually required .
tr	5	This land overlooked the southern countryside , and was rented by a local farmer called Silvio , who used it to grow his own grape vines .
tr	5	Silvio was a very close friend of Nicola , and was only required to pay $ 1 and six dozen bottles of wine per year .
tr	5	After Beppe finished hearing the whole story from Simon , he remained silent for a few minutes unsure how much he should tell this teenager .
tr	5	After the collapse of Hussein , Luca was asked to set up a training establishment in Kuwait for the coalition special forces and other undisclosed organisations .
tr	5	Shortly after arriving in Bagdad , Luca was exposed by one of his contacts and assassinated in the middle of the day at a local market .
tr	5	I might be an old man , but I have a few tricks up my sleeve that would increase the odds in your favour . "
tr	5	I see no need to teach you self-defence : you walk and control yourself as someone who has been trained in some form of martial arts . "
tr	5	Once Simon 's makeover was complete , they both proceeded to one of Beppe 's Pharmacies located on Piazza Del Duomo in the centre of the city .
tr	5	" Simon , we now need to find if there is an Englishman that owns a local apartment , but lives elsewhere outside this region .
tr	5	Unable to shake this thought out of his head , he decided to visit Silvio for a glass of vino and a slice of panettone .
tr	5	He initially felt gutted that another agent was on route to replace him on the current mission , possibly resulting from his failure in Malaysia .
tr	5	The floor was made of dark timber and was partly covered by an intricate carpet that depicted a battle between the Romans and the Barbarians .
tr	5	Unfortunately , the only steps that displayed this pattern were in front of various doorways and did not face the house where Simon was staying .
tr	5	After a while Simon decided that this was a pointless exercise , as the European was a professional and would not leave such obvious tracks .
tr	5	Now on his knees , he looked closer at the wall where the shoe must have brushed , hoping to find a bit of leather against it .
tr	5	After years of living in Australia , there were several smells that Simon could never forget ; one of them being the smell of eucalyptus .
tr	5	Realising how much he was in danger , Simon decided to duck walk slowly to a nearby car and scan the area before standing up again .
tr	5	" I was thinking of taking him to see the Duomo and the museum , " replied Beppe with a wink in Simon 's direction .
tr	5	Then I faxed the photos to a friend , and this morning this fax was waiting for me " , replied Beppe with a smile .
tr	5	Stories began to circulate in the underworld that a new assassin was making his mark , and could only be identified by his soft spoken voice . "
tr	5	I immediately realised that even if I retired , this assassin would still be freely operating and able to come back and take Luca 's life anyway .
tr	5	The fight only lasted a few minutes , but by the end he was so beaten up that he was barely able to move . "
tr	5	So , out of love , he decided to go abroad and make sure that I would never hear from him nor about his missions .
tr	5	He had a second Dan in Jujitsu and , in addition to his native languages German and English ; he also spoke French and Latin .
tr	5	" Well , at least I can commend you for your taste in clothing " , replied Whisper whilst giving a hint of a smile .
tr	5	But if one of the terrorist cells or an underground criminal agency requests your service , does that mean that you would work for them ? "
tr	5	He could not believe that Signor Beppe , a random find in the paper , turned out to be such a great asset to find his father .
tr	5	Simon , thinking for a second about the two answers whilst interrupted by the waiter bringing them the coffees , suddenly realised what should be asked next .
tr	5	" Simon , I will answer you in due time , but right now we need to determine where your papa is " replied Beppe " Ok .
tr	5	He said that his run had come to an end , and that next time he would see me , would be for a social occasion . "
tr	5	" You know Signor Beppe , this is the closest I have been to my dad in a very long time , " said Simon silently .
tr	5	" Don 't worry , I promise that I will help you find your papa if it 's the last thing that I do . "
tr	5	The plane flight was initially supposed to land in Germany and head back , but it was diverted to Italy to an airport near Treviso .
tr	5	All it would have then taken was for someone to follow you , and then call the tapping agent when you made your call . "
tr	5	" Does that mean , that in addition to the people wanting to kidnap me , there is someone wanting me to find my dad ?
tr	5	" Although many years have passed , I still have nightmares about the funeral " added Simon remembering the sense of loss he had experienced .
tr	5	He told her that it was a place many Italians go to for their honeymoons , and that it 's not frequented by many tourists . "
tr	5	" He did also mention that it was somewhere in central Italy , and that the town was surrounded by the walls of a castle .
tr	5	I can see how your father might have thought of them as skyscrapers of the 13th century , as they are very close to one another . "
tr	5	He was not too pleased about being assigned to an assassin , but he was sure that MI6 had a valid reason for the decision .
tr	5	However , instead of responding , Steve feeling confident that this would be child 's play , made the decision to take the target now .
tr	5	As Steve regained balance from the roll , he swung his right arm and drove his fist towards Simon who was flipping onto his feet .
tr	5	Simon , once again changed direction of travel , took a step forward and drove his right foot in a roundhouse style towards the assailant 's face .
tr	5	Steve was prepared to counter attack the old man , but Beppe 's change of pace in the last few steps had taken him by surprise .
tr	5	He took advantage of the fact that the old man was distracted by Simon 's departure and kicked his legs with all of his available strength .
tr	5	Beppe , angry with himself for being distracted , could not do anything but simply throw his arms back to reduce the impact of the fall .
tr	5	He was hoping that it would wind the old man and allow him enough time to break away from the fight and chase his primary target .
tr	5	I 'll just follow him from a distance " replied Steve , although had no intention of doing so - it was a matter of pride .
tr	5	I 'll find my way to you and we 'll plan the kidnapping for tonight , " instructed Whisper feeling himself gaining some control over his student .
tr	5	Feeling satisfied that he lost his tail , Simon decided to take the next left , which would allow him to eventually re-enter the freeway further south .
tr	5	Simon managed to keep his bike moving forward at high speeds , whilst utilising the lack of traction to assist in drifting the Vespa around corners .
tr	5	As the bike slid into a natural gutter caused by years of land corrosion , the tyres jammed and caused the bike to jack back up .
tr	5	As Simon rode the bike down a set of footpath stairs , he noticed a tiny magnetic disc attached to the rear side panel of his bike .
tr	5	As Simon reached the next junction , Steve appeared from a side street and attempted to knock him off the bike by side swiping him .
tr	5	Unexpectedly he found himself side swiped by Simon that threw him off balance , forcing him to drive onto the footpath where many locals were walking .
tr	5	" Simon , never show fear to a predator as it will give it the confidence to attack " Simon heard his dad say in his thoughts .
tr	5	He decided to take advantage of the 15 minutes before the train for Milan departed to buy himself some new clothes at a nearby shop .
tr	5	After a rushed lunch , Simon received a reply back from his mum informing him that she was still fine and she was very proud of him .
tr	5	The Taxi driver thought about it for a few moments and then offered to sell him an old motorbike that he had in his garage .
tr	5	To Simon 's surprise , the taxi driver replied that he had a friend who for 200 Euros could also provide him a fake licence .
tr	5	Unable to drive into town as no vehicles were allowed , he found himself a private car park on the outer perimeter of the town wall .
tr	5	Beppe felt confident that he had found his former pupil , a highly educated farmer with manicured hands did not fit the stereotype Italian farmer .
tr	5	Although he was excited to see his mentor again , he felt that it was improbable , as his master would never jeopardise Nicola 's hidden identity .
tr	5	Seeing you at work reminds me of the holidays I used to spend at my grandfather 's farm as a young boy " replied Beppe honestly .
tr	5	It didn 't take them long to find a truck with a number plate from Bari -- a capital city located at the heel of Italy .
tr	5	I can tell you one thing for sure , the young man with him will certainly think twice before challenging me again , " laughed Beppe .
tr	5	" Hello young man , I 've got you a gelato from the Gelateria that won the world ice-cream championship in 2005 " offered the old master .
tr	5	Give your body a night 's rest to recover from today 's beating , and then continue with our search for your papa tomorrow . "
tr	5	" Sure , but wait until tomorrow as you look exhausted and right now the call would be difficult for you to deal with emotionally . "
tr	5	Simon looked at the small strip of glass that was approximately the size of a thumb in width , and a quarter of that in length .
tr	5	Instead of the mirror , Simon and Beppe found themselves staring at a minibar , a remote control , two loaded pistols , and a small safe .
tr	5	" Well , I think I might have found where the medicine cabinet might be " replied Simon as he pressed a button with a red cross .
tr	5	They failed to find the white BMW they were looking for , so they proceeded to investigate the only other car park outside of the town .
tr	5	However , he decided not to , as he did not want to risk having the message traced and thus giving away his dad 's hideout .
tr	5	Then , when we made contact inside the hospital , he threatened me by quoting the classic cliché " the hard or the easy way " .
tr	5	This would provide them with the opportunity to speak to a group of people who tend to have great observational skills - waiters and waitresses .
tr	5	Kiara , was an only child and had been strongly encouraged to study law by both her parents who were both Queen 's Counsels in Australia .
tr	5	I hope he was at least luckier than us in finding accommodation in town , " stated Whisper in the hope of gaining some more information .
tr	5	Simon asked , whilst listening to her voice in the monitor , thanks to a hidden parabolic microphone installed on the roof of the apartment .
tr	5	They might be waiting in nearby villages , hoping that their lack of presence in town will encourage us out of hiding " directed Beppe .
tr	5	The garage had multiple cars and motorbikes , even though at first glance only two cars , a motorbike , and the small helicopter were visible .
tr	5	" Not that I 'm ungrateful , but why is it that both you and dad lean towards the BMW as your car of choice ? "
tr	5	" Although , performance has always been considered the key feature when selecting a car for the job , the most important aspect is in fact reliability .
tr	5	According to the onboard computer , at night the front screen was developed to enhance ambient light , so that the driver could drive without headlights .
tr	5	asked Simon , guessing that his brother might be close in age to the chef and like many other Italians in the 50s , migrated for work .
tr	5	Unfortunately , over the years we started to lose money as many of the regulars passed away and the tourists found our meals too simple . "
tr	5	The irony is that I rotate the chefs between the two restaurants , therefore the meals here are the same as at the other place . "
tr	5	By the time they had finished , they had drunk copious amounts of wine and liqueurs and Beppe was barely able to walk back to the car .
tr	5	As his eyes started to regain focus , he noticed that he could see graphs showing his heartbeat , brain activity and body heat on the screen .
tr	5	the car computer called out as it proceeded to shut down the engine and gradually increase the brightness of the interior lights to their full setting .
tr	5	Simon felt excited about the prospect of seeing his mum again , even though he was disappointed that he would return to Malaysia without his dad .
tr	5	As he was concerned that the apartment might be under surveillance , he decided to use one of the tunnels instead of the front door .
tr	5	But I think that you might have me confused with someone else " replied Simon , hoping that it was a case of mistaken identity .
tr	5	Although Simon should have been alarmed that she knew so much about them , he found himself somewhat disappointed that her interest was not purely about him .
tr	5	You might end up being disappointed when it turns out to be a boring story , " replied Simon , whilst offering her a big grin .
tr	5	Simon did not want to bring his mum back to Italy just to experience the same disappointed that he had felt in the last few days .
tr	5	QC parents , sent to law school , graduated top of the class , and decided to become a full time backpacker instead " confessed Kiara smiling .
tr	5	The wonderful aspect about failure is that it provides a definite end to something , and the opportunity to start again with a clean slate .
tr	5	By bringing her here , although he might be elsewhere , she would at least be in his home and surrounded by his things . "
tr	5	" You know Simon , if you come back with your mother , you will have the privilege of a regular hot breakfast cooked for you ! "
tr	5	Unfortunately , the ship carrying the drugs sank in the Pacific Ocean , but that didn 't stop the drug supplier still wanting his money .
tr	5	Due to the usage of the short barrel , which was initially developed for close quarter combat , this weapon was ideal to be used in vehicles .
tr	5	In order to achieve this , Simon had to drive through several intersections where the traffic lights had changed to red as the second vehicle went through .
tr	5	Despite a fixed smile , he had an intimidating air about him that was most likely created by his stature and the scars across his face .
tr	5	I was the driver of the second vehicle and only had enough time to drag Mr. Stefano out of the car and into a building . "
tr	5	I used this baby to drill a door into the closest wall , " replied Alex with a smile as he lifted an automatic grenade launcher .
tr	5	As he looked up he could see Alex firing through the shattered window , the right side of his face was glittering with embedded glass shrapnel .
tr	5	" Kid , if we want to get through this we cannot afford to have the both of us changing an empty magazine at the same time .
tr	5	Although , they all wore bulletproof vests , the impact of a round incapacitated them for a few seconds whilst they managed to regain their breath .
tr	5	He then picked up the automatic grenade launcher and fired a few rounds at the spot where he had attempted to eliminate two assailants earlier .
tr	5	Beppe , in the middle of a magazine change , heard the sound of a loud clap made by a bullet speeding passed him at close range .
tr	5	Knowing my luck I will not only be unable to sew up the hole , but I will also struggle to remove the blood stain ! "
tr	5	Although the image was being captured hundreds of kilometres above the street level , they could clearly see the round cartridges being ejected from Gerry 's rifle .
tr	5	The second screen showed a closer view , taken by an agent currently hiding in an apartment near the location where the third vehicle had been hit .
tr	5	At first Gerry thought that Simon had overshot the target area as it looked like the Yoyo device passed the attackers several meters to their side .
tr	5	Unfortunately Simon only manage to lob the device about 10 metres in front of them where it came to a standstill after a few bounces .
tr	5	Although they provided covering fire whilst leapfrogging from one vehicle to the next , they were pleased to see that nobody was returning any fire .
tr	5	Although Boris instantly fell to the ground , this time he did not show the pain that he felt from the second bullet hitting him .
tr	5	When I was offered more money to work with your enemy , someone with real guts , it was an easy decision to make ! "
tr	5	Beppe , registering what he had just been told , forced himself back to his feet onto the ground and hopped a few feet forward .
tr	5	After a few seconds he watched the Italian gentleman extending his arm in the direction of the camera whilst holding something small and rectangular in his hand .
tr	5	We 'll take the dead bodies in the street to the morgue ; you 'll have to take care of those on the roof . "
tr	5	As the Blackhawk lifted vertically he gave a quick wave to Simon who was looking up from the ground whilst directing the collection of the dead bodies .
tr	5	Unfortunately , the reality is that the nightmares will eventually catch up to you and stay with you for the rest of your life . "
tr	5	For years I tried hard to lose them , ... but as time went on I realised they were my saviour from insanity and evil . "
tr	5	The two of them moved to the kitchen where for a while , over a cup of green tea , they discussed Candice 's health .
tr	5	When Candice opened the door , she found herself staring at an older gentleman wearing a tailored grey suit and holding two bunches of Tulips .
tr	5	Deepa , still somewhat annoyed that too few answers were given to her about the guest , stood silently in a corner observing ' Signor ' Beppe .
tr	5	" Signor Beppe , well at the time he was Signor Franco , was based at the Hong Kong English embassy while we were living there .
tr	5	Shortly after your mum and I arrived in Hong Kong we were invited for dinner by our neighbours , Signor Beppe and his wife Maria .
tr	5	Interestingly Tulips are not a native European flower , but in fact they are traditionally from a mountain range located between Afghanistan and Pakistan " explained Beppe .
tr	5	Once the contract ended I returned home and reverted back to my true name " " And why did dad use the word ' impossibility ' ? "
tr	5	The food was accompanied by great wine , lots of laughter , and serenity not felt by any of the guests for a long time .
tr	5	The hosts were saddened by the departure of their guests , and the guests did not want to show their eagerness to return to Italy .
tr	5	" Signor Beppe , when I told you about my story back in Treviso , you told me that you would help me find my dad ! "
tr	5	The walk to the apartment took a while as Candice regularly stopped to admire the buildings , the shops , the paved streets , and the tourists .
tr	5	What he also found amazing was that his trainer was most likely a double agent - Steve knew that this would come in handy one day .
tr	5	Feeling the throbbing pain in his head , Steve took advantage of the fall and used the momentum to roll back away from his attacker .
tr	5	Therefore , he grabbed Simon 's striking leg with his right arm whilst kicking at his other leg in the hope to throw Simon off balance .
tr	5	Steve glanced around in the hope of seeing an object that he could use as a weapon , but instead found a potential way out .
tr	5	He was so caught up by " White Line Fever " that he had failed to see a small number of tourists watching the fight in shock .
tr	5	Unable to keep eye contact , Steve instinctively glanced just to the right of Simon 's shoulder where the answer was suddenly clearly in focus .
tr	5	The London Eye capsules never stopped moving which means that , although not required to rush in , tourist have a limited time to board .
tr	5	The intimidating behaviour worked as planned as a young family , out of fear , decided not to insist on getting into the capsule with the boys .
tr	5	Not dissimilar to a bicycle wheel , the London Eye was developed with multiple tie rods that shoot from its centre outwardly towards an outer rim .
tr	5	And finally the time that the stranger broke into his house , followed him to Italy , and sent his apprentice to prevent him from returning home .
tr	5	As he prepared to somersault over the bench separating him from his opponent , Simon feared for his life at the sight in front of him .
tr	5	The bullet exited the mobile via the aerial , which also acted as a barrel and travelled at high speed across the chamber towards its target .
tr	5	He also had no idea if the firing device in Steve 's hand had more bullets : but he was not going to wait and find out .
tr	5	Using all of his energy , Simon then dug his heels into the floor of the capsule and drove himself backwards pulling Steve with him .
tr	5	Simon saw Steve smiling and took advantage of the pause by filling his lungs with air and blowing the glass at his opponent 's eyes .
tr	5	Simon felt Steve slowly sliding outside and he knew that if his opponent grabbed hold of him , he would be dragged outside as well .
tr	5	Using the pendulum momentum , Simon brought his feet up so that they ended in between his hands resting on the under section of the beam .
tr	5	The blow to the chest was strong enough to clearly knock Steve off his feet and make him fall backwards in between the various beams .
tr	5	To his amazement , his opponent had managed to grab onto one of the wheel spikes that connected the centre rim to the outer one .
tr	5	Just as quickly as the thought of quitting came into his mind , so did the thought of ending this battle once and for all .
tr	5	As he cleared the beams , using the momentum initiated from the fall , Simon extended himself out and prepared to grab onto one of the spikes .
tr	5	Despite Steve 's hands burning from the friction caused by his body slide down the spike , he immediately increased the rate of his decent .
tr	5	Simon saw that Steve was not continuing his descent , and instantly knew that he was taking a stance where the odds would be more even .
tr	5	Although the two teenagers were now almost half way down , they both knew that a fall from this height would result in their death .
tr	5	Steve saw that the next three successive blows to the head resulted in the desired affect - his opponent collapsed on all fours on the metal surface .
tr	5	Steve , not wanting to lose the advantage , took a step forward on his right and swung the left leg towards his adversary 's head .
tr	5	Although the move prevented the kick reaching its target , the strength was sufficient to throw Simon backwards against the spikes at one end of the hub .
tr	5	In addition to the sustained injury , Steve bounced on top of Simon , where he found himself welcomed by a right hook to his cheekbone .
tr	5	After a few minutes , just as the police were making their way through the crowd , Simon attempted to stand up and flee the scene .
tr	5	However , after a few seconds , as his drowsiness commenced to wear off , he realised that he was sitting on a leather couch .
tr	5	Although the events that preceded were at first sketchy , the excruciating pain from various areas of his body ensured that his memories came flashing back .
tr	5	I 've already worked out that it was you guys who have been playing me since the day that your Versace man turned up at the beach .
tr	5	It was the least I could do for the family of a man who had given everything for this country , its Queen and its people .
tr	5	" Becoming a good MI6 agent requires an innate ability to work independently , carry out orders without questioning , and execute the mission without hesitation .
tr	5	Unfortunately , in recent years our rate of failure has been on the increase because of what we refer to as " moral inflexibility " .
tr	5	I 'll have a car take you to Heathrow airport as I realise you have some friends back in Italy waiting to say their farewells .
tr	5	It was ambling down the steep mountainside , turning over a log of a fallen tree , stopping to eat blueberries that grew on the steep slopes .
tr	5	Back in the village , the different parts would be divided and given to the person whose craft it was to make the most out of them .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes said , " When I was a young brave , I was part of a hunting party led by my Uncle Night Walker .
tr	5	Night Walker could not understand why the bear would seemingly escape our pursuit only to come back as if he were asking to be slaughtered .
tr	5	We heard growls when the bear was chasing Night Walker , and we heard war hoops when Night Walker had the advantage on the bear .
tr	5	The hunters told their story about how they had tracked the bear and how the bear had stopped in the stream to catch a fish .
tr	5	They looked at each other for an instant , and then both of them took off running to see who could get to the river first .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes said , " Let 's look up and down stream to see if there are any other signs that might show who they were . "
tr	5	Wolf Eyes and Red Talon left for the village , praying that the Great Spirit would watch over the boys and return them home safely .
tr	5	The boys had a pouch of dried venison that would keep them from starving for the four days until Red Talon and Wolf Eyes returned .
tr	5	You have to pay much closer attention to sense the spirit of a reed than you would to sense the spirit of a deer . "
tr	5	Loot said , " It is easier for me to sense the spirit of a reed than it is for me to sense my own spirit .
tr	5	Fire Cub said , " We can 't sense our own spirits now , because we are spirits at the same time we are human beings .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes and Red Talon drew back their bows , and when the deer crossed the trail , they released their arrows at the same instant .
tr	5	Later the women brought deer meat back to the meeting fire , and it was cut in a size that could be easily roasted on skewers .
tr	5	Red Talon and Wolf Eyes each took a small portion of meat and threw it into the fire as an offering to the Great Spirit .
tr	5	He was to leave as soon as possible with a party of five braves , two from the first row and three from the second .
tr	5	The boys had gotten the dried meat out of their pack and were having a snack , when they heard the song of a mockingbird .
tr	5	She said , " There are other people that are sick and injured , and I have to go back to care for them . "
tr	5	" There it is , " she said , " just a little farther on down and under a giant bush that overhangs the water . "
tr	5	It was not long before they were entering the cave , and Three Baskets made a chirping sound as a signal that it was she .
tr	5	When my fear let me , I crept back in , little by little , listening like a deer -- smelling the air like a deer .
tr	5	After they had eaten and rested for a while , the injured were put on the litters , and a party left for the village .
tr	5	There was a leather loop that would tether the handle to the wrist so that it could not be easily taken away by the enemy .
tr	5	But we need to know what we are dealing with , so that we can offer the other chiefs good advice when they come . "
tr	5	Waving Willow said , " I gave them some cornbread treat , a little while ago , but I guess they have finished it now . "
tr	5	Still holding the spear in it and with one hand under the bottom of the fish , he raised it up out of the water .
tr	5	A figure came into the room with a robe of deer and panther skin that covered his body and a gourd rattle in his hand .
tr	5	He came to the square , and finding a seat in the shade , started lashing the stone head to the handle of the club .
tr	5	Then he had some powder that he had made from the scum of fish scales that he mixed with water and made a thick paste .
tr	5	Below him , he could hear and see the hawk as it flew along the base of the mountains and then out toward the cornfields .
tr	5	With the three children staying with Waving Willow , it was decided that Three Baskets would move next door to the house of Grazing Fawn .
tr	5	It hovered there , its forward motion stalled by the blowing wind that rose up from the valley and over the top of the bluff .
tr	5	When he came out of the forest and past the cornfield , he could see the Sun Spirit , settling beyond the mountain , to the west .
tr	5	When the Moon Spirit came on a clear night , he told the stars that he watched over the middle world on this particular night .
tr	5	It was made of logs that were stacked , side by side , with the heavy ends of the logs buried into the ground about two feet .
tr	5	The gate was a narrow , overlapping parallel row of upright logs with just enough room for two men to pass , going in opposite directions .
tr	5	They had their arms out in front of them , shooting through the water like a torpedo , until they surfaced in the middle of the stream .
tr	5	Before this raid his name was Standing Eagle , but since then he had chosen Wounded Eagle , in remembrance of his uncle and brother .
tr	5	The forest on this side of the river was ancient , with huge oak trees that towered to one hundred fifty feet in the air .
tr	5	There was nothing else to do but pile them up inside of it , and then come back and bury them later in a mass grave .
tr	5	After all the bones were moved it was getting close to dark , and the braves were individually finding places to rest for the night .
tr	5	The trickery of the underworld spirits had all the people of the middle world at odds with each other , causing terrible war and suffering .
tr	5	After a swim in the small creek , they ate some blackberries they found growing close to the stream with some cornbread they had left .
tr	5	The sun was up , and they started on the grim task of placing the skulls of the victims facing east in the house of the bones .
tr	5	Three Baskets thought a long time , " Yes , I lost my mother , father and uncle , along with two brothers and a sister .
tr	5	Now I can remember back to the good times and see the smiles on their faces and think what a good life we have had .
tr	5	The lay of the land was not level , but was steep hills and valleys that caught the water and shed it toward the river .
tr	5	The night was peaceful with only an occasional bark from the dogs in the village , and sometimes a wolf would howl somewhere out in the forest .
tr	5	When evening came , Wolf Eyes and Wounded Eagle went over the hill and found water in a small stream that ran down toward the river .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes and Wounded Eagle again watched the changing of the guard and how it was done and what was said as the guards changed places .
tr	5	He came out of the narrow passageway and walked up the river path to the edge of the woods , then turned and came back .
tr	5	The next morning , after washing off good in the little stream , they resumed their post on the bluff by the large oak tree .
tr	5	That afternoon , when the sun got high , Wolf Eyes and Wounded Eagle watched as the workers in the cornfield returned to their village .
tr	5	They stayed close to the bank , for the bushes here made great cover , working their way close to where the canoes were beached .
tr	5	They reentered the palisade and turned to the right and ran silently along the fence , under the catwalk , where there were other guards posted .
tr	5	When the view was clear , he signaled for the slaves to follow him , which they did , out the doorway one by one .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes had expected that some of the Creeks would have run down the river to keep them in sight , but no Creeks had been seen .
tr	5	It seems like it was a long time that we had been there , but I know that it was only a few days . "
tr	5	Tranquil Lady answered , " He is a medium size man , always wears a mask , but has a big scar on his left shoulder . "
tr	5	Then some braves picked up Wolf Eyes and Wounded Eagle and carried them up , high above their heads , as they danced around the fire .
tr	5	" Waving Willow , I guess you did not ask for me -- you want me to be an old bachelor and never have a true love .
tr	5	Their patience paid off , for then the flock lit in the trees right above them , and they blew darts until they ran out of them .
tr	5	All the inside walls and the roof were then coated with mud and grass mixture to form tight seals , so that no wind would come through .
tr	5	The wedding of Three Baskets and Red Talon was a simple ceremony held in the presence of friends , the chief and elders of the village .
tr	5	On each end of the field was a goal made from two poles about twenty feet long with a cross piece on the top of them .
tr	5	The cane line would also be used sometimes for punishment , but when children were very young , they would be scratched with dried snake fangs .
tr	5	Finally , they rolled to the foot of the mountain and into a big creek , and there my Uncle Night Walker drowned the cougar .
tr	5	The babies were strapped into these and carried on the mother 's back , or they could be laid down beside where the mother was working .
tr	5	Since men and women were opposite , it would pollute their spirits for them to come in close contact with the new mother and child .
tr	5	They would travel through the forest until they reached the river , and then it was the trail by the river that they would follow .
tr	5	Time passed , and two days later they came into the village of Tuscaloosa and were greeted by the town 's people they did not know .
tr	5	They came into a room that was about twenty by twenty feet and were shown seats at the hearth , where there were pillows covered with deerskin .
tr	5	Chief Tuscaloosa made his entrance through a doorway in the back of this room , followed by wives and servant girls that carried large fans .
tr	5	Chief Tuscaloosa rose and said , " I will call a council meeting for tonight , and you can have the number of warriors that you need .
tr	5	There was an open pavilion where they could relax in the shade of its roof , while they waited for the convening of the council .
tr	5	He rose and asked them if they were ready to go into the council house , as the council was ready to hear from them .
tr	5	Prepare yourselves , you mighty Chickasaw braves , that you will be brave in battle and uphold the honor of the ancient elder Chickasaw warriors .
tr	5	It made the forest have a dank smell to it -- like the smell from rich earth that comes from newly turned , black compost .
tr	5	Some of the villagers loaned them hides to make themselves more comfortable , as the people wanted the warriors to gain strength back from their traveling ordeal .
tr	5	The sun started to hide behind the mountain , and a large pile of firewood was laid down by the villagers in the middle of the plaza .
tr	5	In the booth he would store the potions that were used to bring on the spirits to entice the warriors in to a frenzy of madness .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes and Wounded Eagle attached rattles to their legs at the knees and ankles , then got up and started to do the war dance .
tr	5	The dancing warriors , though drunken and having such a wild time , started to make their way out of the circle one by one .
tr	5	The warriors drank their portion , and as they did , the faces on the cups became magnified as they tried to focus on them .
tr	5	Slowly turning back to face the fire and its warmth , they would lose their focus , and their eyes would roll back in their heads .
tr	5	He got to his feet and saw that Wounded Eagle was starting to stretch his limbs to get loose , so he did the same .
tr	5	They swam under the water until they were in the middle of the stream , where they surfaced to shake the water from their eyes .
tr	5	The answer might never be known , but the question was all the more reason for a successful raid on the Creeks of the Yellow Leaf .
tr	5	It was not long before he was seen climbing out of the water and going into the bush on the other side of the river .
tr	5	He was headed up into the hills , but Little Mink knew this was only a ploy and that he would eventually return to the river .
tr	5	This part of the forest had not been burnt off , so it had brambles and obstacles to avoid if one was to travel through it .
tr	5	Little Mink could feel the tiredness in his own legs , and his lungs burned , and he drank in air like it was water .
tr	5	By staying close to the wall , they were able to hold these positions by picking off Creeks as they leaned over the wall to shoot .
tr	5	After a while , the number of defenders lessened to the point where they could throw ropes with shafts attached to try to pull the walls down .
tr	5	Because of an east wind , the Chickasaw war party traversed a smoke filled valley , but their hearts were joyous , and they celebrated victory .
tr	5	There still remained a few dancers , and now to keep the mood going , as one brave retired another would join back in the dance .
tr	5	He was not surprised when he found out that the Yellow Leaf village had been attacked , because of the war-like nature of some of the braves .
tr	5	Chief Broken Bow met with his principal men and let them know that Black Scorpion would show up at his village , sooner or later .
tr	5	Turning to his general , he said , " Take this man back to the village of the Yellow Leaf where he made this trouble .
tr	5	He looked up at the sky , which was turning a gray color with streaks of red that originated from the setting sun on the horizon .
tr	5	They did not bother to rest that night in the woods , but made all speed that they could muster back to Chief Broken Bow .
tr	5	The knife blade turned parallel with the plane of the arrowhead and sliced the meat that was shoulder muscle to clear the point of the barb .
tr	5	The Creek refugees did not know the evilness of the cave they now called home , but they did not want Black Scorpion to come there .
tr	5	Black Scorpion walked to a pool , and from it he produced a jar of evil potion , which he brought back to the fire .
tr	5	They could not shut their eyes , but were forced to look at it as it came down from the ceiling , closer and closer .
tr	5	They will become the most populated of the earth ... but if the spirit of Wolf Eyes is not broken , he will single-handedly destroy you .
tr	5	Chapter 12 : Evil Comes The water felt refreshing , as the face of Wolf Eyes appeared , rising to the surface like that of a gator .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes will come out to look for the one who scared her , and we will be waiting for him , " said Black Scorpion .
tr	5	" Well , you have been a good wife to me , so go and see , like I know you are dying to do . "
tr	5	The light from the men 's torches did not shine on any wall to the left , but was lost in the spaciousness of the caverns .
tr	5	Wolf Eyes had a good start on them , and dark was coming , as the sun set behind the mountain , in the west .
tr	5	When the wolf grabbed the meat to run off , he stepped in the loop , and Wolf Eyes pulled hard to close the snare .
tr	5	As the night got old , most of the people went home , but Wolf Eyes sat and talked with Chief Silver Eagle at the fire .
tr	5	She said during the weeks of development the eggs ' soft shell would become transparent so they could see the gender each of the eggs had become .
tr	5	She considered for a moment whether she could steal the last egg from behind the sleeping Lizard , but the risks were too high for her .
tr	5	Chapter 2 : Almost Learning to Swim It had been a large backyard project for the old man and his daughter when they were younger .
tr	5	The sun heated the bricks to toasting warmth and resting upon it was the best way to enjoy down time from watching her little brother .
tr	5	The coping was easy to hold onto up to a point and she remembered how it 'd once given her a false sense of security .
tr	5	No longer in control then , she recalled the panic of being pulled to the water by a force stronger than anything she could imagine .
tr	5	And then she listened to her mother scold her about how dangerous the pool was for Lizards and why she shouldn 't be near the edge .
tr	5	So instead of Stinky curling into a circle like she normally would when she was in doubt , she urged Hailey to join her in looking .
tr	5	Of course this was a little silly since Hailey Lizard could cover the distance to the wood pile twenty times over before Stinky could make it once .
tr	5	They were an odd sight as Hailey darted over to the wood pile and Stinky hung on for the first Lizard ride in her life .
tr	5	From the resting spot they heard the echoed sounds becoming louder , like a deep hmmmm combined with scuffing and mumbling in a baritone voice .
tr	5	He was scuffing his feet and bumping the walls of this dark web covered tunnel , making a lot of noise as he backed up .
tr	5	To their surprise they saw a Bee 's shiny fuzzy deep black rear emerge and they felt the slight wind made from its rapidly moving wings .
tr	5	Stinky had crawled off of Hailey 's back and was beginning her movement towards the potted bush when the flashing lights hit her in the eyes .
tr	5	Sometimes the old man did move around , adjusting the direction his chair faced or letting down the rolled-up sun shade in the early afternoons .
tr	5	But the phrase really did express her feeling about how the dragonfly twins could bounce above the pool with so little resistance from the air .
tr	5	He backed a little off the forward lean of his crouch and then lowered his body over his legs as he prepared to spring at her .
tr	5	" But Mama , " she said , " Lizards can 't swim , they 're too heavy and we don 't have webbed feet ! "
tr	5	" No we don 't , but we can hold our breath , and float , and wiggle our tails just enough to save ourselves .
tr	5	The weather was warming to the temperature at night during which the round black Spiders became very hungry and would even take away unwary young Lizards .
tr	5	She would drag Noah up to the web nest with her and inject poison into him where he would become the birthing feast for her brood .
tr	5	She avoided the strike of the Hag Spider , flashed past the right side of the Spider as she snapped her tail like a whip .
tr	5	With another lightening move Hailey spun again and snapped her jaws around the horrible bug , crushing the life from it before she could release any poison .
tr	5	She had no doubt when it was his time he would become known as the second best Spider slayer in the history of the yard .
tr	5	Like any curious and intelligent little girl Lizard , she ran along the top of the fence seeking a way to get a better view .
tr	5	She was so interested she climbed down the fence head first , clinging with her sharp toes to the dried fibrous wood of the old fence .
tr	5	Hailey giggled as she stretched out the end of the word ' you ' , also as if it were stretched like a piece of bubble gum .
tr	5	Hailey became more aware of the other flowers in the same plant and how each of them seemed to have a different Bee working on it .
tr	5	Since hibernation had shut down their heart rates to about one beat per hour , their stored energy had been used solely to support breathing .
tr	5	Where most Lizards were right side strong , also known as right footed , Noah had been born as one of the few left foot strong Lizards .
tr	5	Then with blinding speed Noah must have forgotten his big sister had , she jumped over him onto the fence to catch another Cricket trying to escape .
tr	5	Gently pushing the Lizard back inside she said " I know Dad wouldn 't be happy if something happened to you , little old Lizard .
tr	5	And more often in the last days when she looked down into the green yard she knew she wanted to be there in the worst way .
tr	5	Its lush grasses were surrounded by bushes sagging under the weight of spring growth , the branch tips dragging like kite tails whenever the wind blew .
tr	5	She wanted the comfort of the heat of the sun one more time , the way she and Hailey had shared it many times before .
tr	5	As he felt the smothering heat of the day wrapping around him too he saw the pool shone blue in the middle of the yard .
tr	5	As wonderful as it had been over the last year , there was no family left for him in the yard with the deep blue pool .
tr	5	At the corners of the fences were two more backyards , so in total there were five backyards which were available for his immediate escape .
tr	5	The large Lizard spoke again , but it was clear to Noah he 'd tired himself out with the screaming and thrashing in the soft sand .
tr	5	Bump had learned the best method for him to capture them was to wriggle down into the warm soft sand so only his snout shown .
tr	5	It 's one of the defense tricks we can do you know , our tails break off just below the rear end , surely you know .
tr	5	When it was within inches of them Noah exerted a strong hip twist that surprised the weaker Lizard , which loosened its grip on his tail .
tr	5	It tightened its neck muscles and set its feet , giving Noah the fulcrum he needed to jerk his own tail clear of the Lizard behind him .
tr	5	He knew once he began moving he would need to continue without stopping until he found a place where he would be safe for a long time .
tr	5	So they agreed Mariposa would head south up the hill the next morning since she 'd already had a bird 's eye view of the surrounding landscape .
tr	5	Hailey recognized the same response as when Noah was tired of listening and was going to do it his own way no matter what she said .
tr	5	It 's time , she thought , to get out of the den and figure out how to get the eggs moved to a new home .
tr	5	After blocking the opening into the den with a wall of sand , Hailey ran into the underbrush to the north towards Nora 's garden .
tr	5	With a silent swish of his tail , which was twice as long as his body , he was gone into the background of brush .
tr	5	After an hour of foraging and snacking in the dead leaves and twisted vines of Lantana and Honeysuckle , Hailey found the pyramid of well stacked bricks .
tr	5	What a marvelous life she was leading now , she thought , with all the accomplishments even though she was the youngest in her family .
tr	5	As she looked at the sky overhead , the air seemed smeared , less clear , the way it was when she opened her eyes under water .
tr	5	Out in the open , midway between the top and the protection of the Palm tree , Mariposa saw the bird of prey rise into the sky .
tr	5	With a beaker she dripped mulched Cricket into his mouth , massaging his throat as she held him upright so the liquid would drain into his stomach .
tr	5	He knew in the future there would again be a need to fight and he did not want his limp to put him at a disadvantage .
tr	5	She recalled one of those hairy Spiders had dragged her cousin away into the dark night when she was but a year old in the canyon .
tr	5	Then the months of self-imposed solitary confinement followed , enlivened by the eating of hapless insects , mice , small birds , and unacceptable suitors .
tr	5	Hailey saw how quickly the huge Spider reached backwards with her two rear legs to the top of her giant abdomen and grasped the hairs .
tr	5	Above the foundation layer , which was a square of twenty bricks by twenty bricks , another layer of nineteen by nineteen bricks was stacked .
tr	5	The gross old Spider made so much noise with her hissing as she made her way down the inner passages she could not hear them .
tr	5	The two Lizards exerted all of their strength , pulling back so hard she could not spin and bite them with her gaping pink mouth .
tr	5	Even the smell of the potted cactus which got far too much water wafted up to her nostrils as she sat astride the old wooden fence .
tr	5	They rest in a deep cooled state of sleep where their little heartbeats keep them blissful on the edge of life with one heartbeat per hour .
tr	5	Alligator Lizards do not sleep through Southern California winters because there are many bright and warm days in between the odd weeks of cold and rain .
tr	5	A Mouse 's life is too short , he thought as he sat near the giant lava rock warmed by the late afternoon sun in November .
tr	5	To the side yard there was the remnant of a collapsed cellar which was once used to keep produce and liquids cool during the summer months .
tr	5	He rushed to the front yard in time to see the humans close the car doors and start their journey to the last foothill orchard in Corona .
tr	5	He saw Hailey and her brood of eight with their tiny snouts pressed against the wire mesh as they looked for Daniel to help them .
tr	5	Soon the dried feathers would enable her to float from her perch , making it possible for her to never have to touch the ground again .
tr	5	Two years old , strong and still hopeful she would find her mother , not yet understanding how being alone was the way of her kind .
tr	5	In the times before their creation there were the huge feudal grants of the Mexican ranches which encompassed the Santa Ana Mountains and the dry valleys below .
tr	5	By the end of the third day , Daniel decided he would begin to move further uphill in the morning to search for a better nest .
tr	5	To his surprise Daniel recognized his old friend Noah , the Blue Belly Lizard , scuffing in the leaves on the ground below his Orange tree .
tr	5	Watching with only one eye open , Miguel waited until the Spider disappear into the old Squirrel hole at the base of the Orange tree .
tr	5	And besides , the human reminded her of the old man she and Hailey had watched for hours as he slept in the chair beneath the patio .
tr	5	He shook his muscular shoulders and decided to enjoy the warmth of the soil , rolling over and back onto his feet beneath the mid-morning sun .
tr	5	When he found the place they were looking for , Daniel waited outside the danger zone around of the man lying in the small clearing .
tr	5	Afterwards she spent time rehearsing with the young Lizards about how to stay hidden as their best means of protection from the dangers of their new home .
tr	5	Every morning afterward Hailey heard as he blasted his way through the orchards making so much noise there was no surprise where he was going .
tr	5	She saw him sprawl on his back , suck the juice from an Orange , and slip the rind into the hat , barely lifting the board .
tr	5	Chapter 32 : The Ground Squirrels He whistled when he spoke , his breath coming in wheezing gasps from his thick chest through his two yellow teeth .
tr	5	Sylvia was concerned , because she did want to use the Rattlesnake skin as soon as possible , to roll her pups in it for protection .
tr	5	So Sylvia followed him through the interconnected burrow systems for their colony which traced like a city of streets beneath the roots of the many Orange trees .
tr	5	She had already applied the Rattlesnake skin oils to her pups , so they were safe from detection should any Snakes get into the burrows .
tr	5	The parents saw no harm in the practice because it gave them the freedom to wander further out among the Orange trees to graze and gossip .
tr	5	Once Sylvia was outside she felt satisfied with what she had accomplished , knowing there was nothing more she could do to help her friends .
tr	5	She was the first parent to feel the presence of the danger and the first to reach the burrow opening into which the Rattlesnakes had dropped .
tr	5	She jumped in the hole without hesitation , outpacing even the father of the rude Jude as they sprinted towards the Snakes in the dark passages .
tr	5	Beneath the ground his path crossed in front of the Rattlesnake still seeking a meal with ravenous intent within the haphazard crossroads of the tunnels .
tr	5	He barely cleared the rim of the earthen dam and the low flight traced Jude 's tail across the pond surface as he struggled for altitude .
tr	5	The dead Squirrel 's tail whipped the man 's face and its body bounced once and settled on the concrete in front of his open mouth .
tr	5	The whispers became louder and he realized the sounds were not his own thoughts but were angry Mice voices attempting to talk over each other .
tr	5	To other small animals the sound of their voices could have been mistaken as insects wrestling among the dead reeds at the pond 's shore below .
tr	5	His day-time activity had taught him to check twice and with the second visual sweep of his surroundings he saw two Snakes closing upon the Mice .
tr	5	He decided the only solution to saving them was to wait to alert them at the last moment and direct them to run uphill to him .
tr	5	To each of their sides were the Snakes , closing in , flicking their tongues , anticipating , close enough that their eager Snake smiles were visible .
tr	5	Any similarities to real persons , living or dead , actual events , locales or organisations is purely coincidental and not intended by the author .
tr	5	If you enjoyed this book , please encourage your friends to download their own copy where they can also discover other works by this author .
tr	5	Although not drunk she and her friends had sipped on a few gins already that afternoon and had reached the stage of laughing too loudly .
tr	5	His face was half masked by his hoodie but the roll-up dangling from his lower lip gave him the look of a much older man .
tr	5	The detached house had been extended since then with a wing over the double garage and dormer windows high in the roof following a loft conversion .
tr	5	Of course , it wouldn 't be the first time he 'd fallen for the wrong woman after the marriage to his first wife broke up .
tr	5	However , even I knew that above the salon was a massage parlour that offered all the ' extras ' a desperate man might need .
tr	5	Claire might not be bothered about sharing with Polish farm workers but there was no way she 'd enter a place also offering those sorts of services .
tr	5	The doors all hid different prizes ; some worth having like a holiday to Majorca but behind others were just a cheap Biro or something .
tr	5	All was going well until a beat up builder 's van pulled out of a suburban side road , Ancaster Drive , ahead of me .
tr	5	The van driver stamped on his brakes causing me to pull up suddenly in an abrupt stop that made my seatbelt catch across my chest .
tr	5	Like I say , nothing obviously useful like a baseball bat so unless I wanted to play some sports whilst I waited I was stuffed .
tr	5	Security lights on the side and rear of his house lit the scene with a harsh , brilliant glare that made the shadows even deeper and darker .
tr	5	The padlock was still dangling from its hasp so I locked them in and threw the key as far as I could into the bushes .
tr	5	The wind blew against the side of my car but inside I felt all warm and secure inside like I was snug in a cocoon .
tr	5	So I slipped my oversize grey hooded chain store sweatshirt over my jacket before driving across to the garage and filling up my Audi 's tank .
tr	5	Getting out , I noticed the wind had got up and blew in a flat whine over the field and it cut though my clothes .
tr	5	It was identical to the other five units in this part of the industrial complex except for the shell company 's sign above the door .
tr	5	Me , I wouldn 't let a drop of it pass my lips but maybe the East Europeans ' stomachs were much stronger than mine .
tr	5	The dog 's brain couldn 't understand what had happened except that it was in a lot of pain and couldn 't move its body any more .
tr	5	I would have liked to put the rottweiler out of its misery but I didn 't want to risk a second bullet on the animal .
tr	5	I could have stood hypnotised and watched the fire do its work of destruction but already there were lights coming on in the flats above the shops .
tr	5	He was one of the last of the so-called ' old-style ' villains and like me he 'd always left people 's houses and families alone .
tr	5	Turning the corner back onto Boston Road , I pulled up at the kerb and then slowly walked back in time to watch the fun .
tr	5	I had no time now to deal with my next job in Boston itself but could only hope to intercept them somewhere along the A17 .
tr	5	To keep my mind occupied , I wondered what she was selling -- maybe pharmaceuticals , maybe greeting cards , maybe a new type of software program ?
tr	5	So I made more gestures but then had to drop back behind the Luton as a Ford Mondeo was bombing down the road towards us .
tr	5	I knew the man must speak some , even if only a little , English and I didn 't have the time to mess about .
tr	5	I jogged to my Audi , took out my last Molotov , lit its tampon wick and tossed the bottle into the Luton 's cab .
tr	5	That must have been the boat that brought in the immigrants , I thought , as I made a note of the number painted on its side .
tr	5	As the fishing boat moved further downstream along the river I saw the eastern horizon shade from black to dark grey and then a still lighter grey .
tr	5	" You ever get an urge for a feel of some tits , why don 't you just play with your own man boobs ? "
tr	5	After I wiped up the last of my sauce with my toast , I stood and left a pound as a tip on the Formica top .
tr	5	I pulled the phone from my pocket but I didn 't recognise the number so I let the phone ring and ring until the caller gave up .
tr	5	He drew a dishonourable discharge after some business when he and some others in his unit went too far interrogating a bunch of Afghan prisoners of war .
tr	5	Checking my watch , I had a few hours to kill before the meet so I drove to the massive Tesco Extra supermarket over on Northgate .
tr	5	Someone had left little vases of fresh flowers by the wash basins next to bottles of scented hand lotion -- a nice touch , that .
tr	5	I bobbed out of the way with a fraction of an inch to spare and felt the airflow as his fist sailed past my ear .
tr	5	A large green and gold sign told me this was ' Sydenham Private Girl 's School ' founded in 1952 together with the name of the headmistress .
tr	5	It was a large red-brick building set well back from the road with tall , twisted chimneys on either side like an Elizabethan manor house .
tr	5	" Your Dad 's asked me to take you home instead -- and then I 'll take this useless lump onto the Grantham and District Hospital . "
tr	5	If they 'd noticed what had happened I 'd be in big trouble but the girls all seemed wrapped up in their own little worlds .
tr	5	After all , I hadn 't measured it out with scientific accuracy taking into account body mass like they do before an operation in hospital .
tr	5	As well as the usual dog-eared folders and text books and a small toilet bag containing make-up and emergency sanitary protection I found her smart phone .
tr	5	They took slow hesitant steps , little more than a cautious shuffle as their hands were still bound behind them and their eyes taped shut .
tr	5	Listen , one last chance , throw your hand in with me and I 'll make you my second instead ... " I laughed at this point .
tr	5	I 'm not telling you which direction we headed nor how far I drove as the Serious Organised Crime Agency might find that information of use .
tr	5	The previous chef had since moved on and the new chef seemed to be having some trouble as several of the dishes were off the menu .
tr	5	I think even he had become fed up with the chaos and uncertainty but he couldn 't let Claire go voluntarily now without losing too much face .
tr	5	I can 't say I was sorry as I was fed up with eating fries with mayo -- it was playing havoc with my waistline .
tr	5	We shook hands and on the way back to his farmhouse , I filled my boss in on how I 'd got on with Finnigan .
tr	5	However , his illicit income dwarfed that and there was no way he wanted the Inland Revenue or the VAT people getting a sniff of that .
tr	5	That flat unending east wind blew off the fens making the smokers huddle together against the sheltered side of the old , white stone church .
tr	5	The cab 's heater was on and a paper beaker of Starbuck 's skinny latte steamed in the cup holder next to a half eaten low-cal muffin .
tr	5	After all , although the industrial unit would have had a modern sprinkler system I must have done a lot of damage to the distillery equipment .
tr	5	A brown UPS courier van made a delivery but other than that , the place was as quiet as it had been at three in the morning .
tr	5	And if even that doesn 't work , you send someone like me to have a quiet word with some of the jurors in their own time .
tr	5	Even from my distance , I heard the driver of the lead carrier as he bellowed at the guard to , " open up , now !
tr	5	The security guard must have leaned on the open button as I 'm sure the barrier lifted quicker than usual and the police armada was barely delayed .
tr	5	The cops bundled the prisoners into the back of the OSU carriers , pulled out of the yard and accelerated out of the industrial estate .
tr	5	The chopper hung about a bit longer until it too was summoned back to base and in the sudden silence I could hear myself think .
tr	5	I don 't have to speak to people unless I want as most people on a mobile phone contract get given five thousand free texts .
tr	5	But soft living and worry for her new husband had weakened her sense of danger and Claire got in beside me , her handbag on her lap .
tr	5	People in my line of business usually have as much loyalty to their boss as an overpaid Premier League club footballer has to their team .
tr	5	" Here it is , if you please , each page has been mounted in a special frame and you can see it all here . "
tr	5	The lick spittle was so relieved that he had found favour that he prostrated himself on the floor and began to polish the boss 's shoes .
tr	5	" For the time being they haven 't come up close but have always flown past us , making some sort of loop and then disappearing .
tr	5	Of course all the others held on to their posts tooth and nail and the deputy 's place was filled as quickly as he was forgotten .
tr	5	The old prophet had given her a piece of advice she had never forgotten -- " never be slow to turn to the Lord " .
tr	5	She also studied and mastered the different languages , cultures , customs and traditions of the various countries that she had been living in with her family .
tr	5	Ben Ben lived in Kyiv and that year the plan was to go with his grandmother to spend the second half of the summer in Sofia .
tr	5	They had barely packed their things away in the four bed compartment when an old man with a military bearing and an even older woman joined them .
tr	5	He understood that even after death these holy men gave these huge crowds their divine energy , helping and providing solace to each and every pilgrim .
tr	5	The angel left the empty human shell as quickly as he had entered it and the strange man fell like a stone to the ground .
tr	5	But his grandmother gave the following explanation : " At the very moment when you felt sorry for him the Angel instantly entered into the murderer .
tr	5	I will give you a piece of advice : imagine what you would like to happen at school with each teacher and in each lesson .
tr	5	If something doesn 't turn out as you wanted , you mustn 't lose yourself control , otherwise you will have started everything over from scratch . "
tr	5	But where are we going to get enough boys to play , looks like we 're going to have to get some girls on board as well .
tr	5	Ben understood that this was the image of Mary from the Icon and immediately the words flowed and it was as if the essay wrote itself .
tr	5	" Yes , but I ... ... , " the chick tumbled out of the nest before he 'd even managed to finish his sentence .
tr	5	Before Ben even had had time to think about his dream let alone open his eyes , he sensed somebody standing in front of him .
tr	5	Ben immediately wanted to know when Michael would be coming and was pleased when he was told that it would only be a couple of days .
tr	5	He didn 't like being with the adults and listening to their conversations and he was really irritated by the insincerity and histrionics of their children .
tr	5	This had all come to a head for him after the latest set of guests had been over and he was sat on his own .
tr	5	He could get by in the more precise subjects very well , but all these different languages and their literatures required a lot more study .
tr	5	He may just be a small brook , running swiftly next to his close relations but steady streams will always find their way to the big river .
tr	5	He received the Spirit 's message but needed to find out who had had the audacity to attempt to take the life of a child .
tr	5	They will need a lot of strength , patience and love in order to restore and return all the wonderful things that have been sent from above .
tr	5	So in order to keep the child away from the Evil one 's " experiments " , the parents moved with the child to another country .
tr	5	A magnificent giant of a city with its wonderful architecture , parks , lakes and the most radiant flowers planted right outside people 's houses .
tr	5	There under the clock of Big Ben Romeo and Juliet would secretly meet and there was her nanny running to them to warn them of great danger .
tr	5	Next to him was a curious looking man , about fifty years of age , with piercing eyes and grey hair and dressed in 17th century clothing .
tr	5	" As you so rightly noted it indeed does live on because you continue to think about it and with some rapture I must say .
tr	5	This summer you and your brother will find yourselves in some very strange situations in which you 'll learn a lot about yourselves and your family .
tr	5	Thus , Michael and Ben reported their amazing stories to each other and waited for the next stage of the adventure that the Angel had promised them .
tr	5	It was then that Ben noticed a strange dark shadow sliding between them and asked Michael : " Have you noticed something a bit like smoke ? "
tr	5	The column stood where it was for some time swaying slightly and finally after some time said : " And I also give praise . "
tr	5	They swam , dived , raced each other and played with a ball by the sea , in the sea and even under the sea .
tr	5	The road twisted so sharply and the sun changed its position so quickly that it felt as if the mountains were playfully throwing it to each other .
tr	5	And there against the background of this orange sky right next to the window where Michael and Ben were sitting appeared a silver flying machine .
tr	5	" But what about mum and grandmother aren 't they going to get worried when they find us gone , " the brothers wanted to ask .
tr	5	Part 2 Michael and Ben 's Adventures With a feeling of joy mingled with excitement and fear Michael and Ben flew off into the unknown .
tr	5	Next to the tower were the most stunning flowers , which gave off the most wonderful scent and green lawns bordered with beautifully trimmed bushes .
tr	5	When they opened them the most wonderful air gondola had appeared next to them , equipped with a pair of snow white wings instead of oars .
tr	5	They also constantly changed their appearance and in the light of these suns the landscapes depicted on the walls took on the most enchanting forms .
tr	5	Under the light of a bright orange sun , birds would fly and flowers would bloom so that you could even smell their wonderful aroma .
tr	5	The red sun gave the animals greater energy as they went out to hunt and caused the trees to produce the most astonishing variety of fruits .
tr	5	Snakes would lazily bathe in its rays while the birds nestled on the branches and other animals would languidly return to rest in their dens .
tr	5	The snake whispered : " This fruit is extremely interesting , all you have to do is reach out and you will be all-powerful . "
tr	5	Michael looked with gratitude at the Angel and he smiled back : " God promised that the earth would never experience such a flood again . "
tr	5	The Angel had long since turned off the screen but the boys still sat in silence trying to make sense of what they had seen .
tr	5	" You have already received a great charge of positive energy for the very fact that you are ready to fight for such a good cause .
tr	5	The highway to the past seemed to stretch back into infinity and above it in certain places a menacing fiery glow could be made out .
tr	5	The fortress had originally been built by the Lithuanians but its main tower had been built by the Turks when they had held sway over the city .
tr	5	Let 's press the white buttons on our bracelets , it 's going to be safer being invisible just in case , " suggested Michael .
tr	5	In the end they decided that they needed to catch up with the freed prisoners who might yet be recaptured by the remaining fleeing Turks .
tr	5	But at that moment the boys heard the Angel 's voice : " Stop playing silly games with your imaginations and quickly hide in the forest . "
tr	5	The Cossacks quickly formed into a detachment and were just about to give chase when they saw a crowd of peasants running towards them screaming for help .
tr	5	The rafts with the Turkish cavalry were close to the other side and two boats full of captives were straddled in the middle of the river .
tr	5	But Darya only angrily replied : " Don 't you go looking at the Turks and don 't expect anything but trouble from them . "
tr	5	The myriad cries of those who had suffered at their hands , and tears of the adults and especially the children made her water turn icy cold .
tr	5	The rafts and boats bobbed up and down on the huge waves like corks and many of the hostages managed to save themselves in the ensuing chaos .
tr	5	They untied the ropes on her hands and feet , put her on a horse and set off on their long , long journey home .
tr	5	But what had been really surprising was the fact that everything these creatures had done was aimed at frightening the Turks and saving their loved ones .
tr	5	They couldn 't understand a word that these youths were saying because , although Ben had spoken to them in Ukrainian , it was 21st century Ukrainian .
tr	5	Of course this had all been a source of complete amazement to these simple folk who had never been further than the boundaries of their own village .
tr	5	The cousins shouldn 't have appeared before the parents of the captured girl but their attempt to console these simple and kind people had been extremely touching .
tr	5	Her fair hair was plaited into a long pony tail which stretched down to her waist and her head was decorated by a garland of white flowers .
tr	5	Michael and Ben immediately jumped up onto their horses and in the same instant everyone on board could see and feel the raft under their feet .
tr	5	Michael and Ben had learned all this from the tales the Cossacks had told among themselves when together they had fought off the Turkish raid .
tr	5	The Serb force was not a large one and when they realised they no longer had the advantage of surprise , quickly melted back into the darkness .
tr	5	And so the story that had started so sadly with a young girl being taken from her family had ended with the happiest of fairy-tale endings .
tr	5	When they were already sitting on the starship , Michael asked the Angel how everything would have turned out if they had not been there to help .
tr	5	At first no-one noticed that they had come in , the mother was busy at the stove and the father was making something at the window .
tr	5	Marko and Darya got married , but the wedding was a sad affair , they had both gone through too much and suffered too many losses .
tr	5	Soon they had joined a stellar highway where the traffic was moving mainly in one direction with only the occasional starship coming to meet them .
tr	5	The boys had the impression that one only needed to step into the screen to be transported to the scene depicted on it in real life .
tr	5	At the last second Nina and her two small children got into the last lorry that was so packed that you could barely stand up .
tr	5	It was only later that she began to wonder , whether it had been an Angel sent from heaven that had left these rings in her pocket .
tr	5	Literally the next day his wife ran to the head of the SS and showed him Ivan 's diploma proving that he had graduated from a seminary .
tr	5	Michael and Ben immediately pressed the red button and found themselves standing next to Ivan 's wife who was on her way to the ghetto .
tr	5	The boys quietly opened the door , went inside , lay the bundle by the doors , unwrapped it and quickly slipped to one side .
tr	5	They put the case on the table so that its contents would be visible to the guards and then muttered something totally incomprehensibly in German .
tr	5	So , if you can , take the children and young people and we will stay here so that they will think that nothing has happened .
tr	5	Repent by telling the people that everything you were doing in the church was a just a lie to trick them , " continued the boss .
tr	5	Sometime later the petty tyrant was removed from his post and Ivan was even sorry that he had sent his letter to the senior authorities .
tr	5	But most importantly he restored the old bridge that spanned the huge fifty metre cliffs separating the Old and New parts of the town from each other .
tr	5	And by acting as this buffer , she was able to protect the whole family , although she suffered a great deal in the process .
tr	5	Having played their fill in the building the children , with the boys ' grandmother amongst them , would happily run down to the river .
tr	5	To all their questions the Angel simply replied : " We have no time to waste ; I will explain everything on the way . "
tr	5	They firmly understood that it was vitally important that they find the Divine Star that was so priceless to the whole of their family line .
tr	5	Yes , yes this story has a direct link with your family line and pay close attention to this story because it is very instructive .
tr	5	It is a most a mystical story almost on a par with a fairy tale ... " Once upon a time there was a Princess .
tr	5	When the sad story of the Princess was over , Michael and Ben asked in one voice : " What 's going to happen now ?
tr	5	The Princess 's ring is being kept there and it is vital that you find it and bring it safely out of the city . "
tr	5	The Princess 's soul is in a state of constant agitation because a small part of her spirit is being held by the servants of Satan .
tr	5	This meant that the traditional idea of the struggle between good and evil for supremacy over the world was just the tip of the iceberg !
tr	5	It is for this reason that kindred spirits sense each other 's feelings so well and you have a chance of finding the Princess 's ring .
tr	5	First we will give you as much information as we can gather on the City of the Robots and most importantly a secret map of the city .
tr	5	" We really need a map of the City of the Robots for these two young researchers , " said the Angel indicating Michael and Ben .
tr	5	They were so overcome with curiosity and even a certain impatience that even the distracted scientist noted : " Oh , what are splendid lads !
tr	5	The scientist went silent , scratched the back of his head and looked towards the Angel , who nodded his assent for him to answer .
tr	5	Well , their Mayor recharges himself on this positive energy when he is feeling down and this has the effect of restoring his strength completely .
tr	5	" You know , " the scientist continued , " not long before this disastrous assignment I had an extremely heated debate with an eminent evolutionist .
tr	5	Michael even whispered to Ben : " Can you imagine what it must be like to be in the scientist 's shoes right now ? " "
tr	5	The scientist evidently wanted to throw his arms around the Angel but held himself back and instead began to shake everyone by the hand in turn .
tr	5	" Now we are going to strengthen your spirit because you are going to face some serious tests , therefore we will start with your parents .
tr	5	And then Natalie came rushing up and poured forth a tirade of reproaches of her own : " You haven 't been home the whole day !
tr	5	The Angel immediately answered the boys ' thoughts : " The followers of Satan have so many snares and you are still so young . "
tr	5	Stars lit up the dark sky and because they were shining brighter and brighter , the cousins knew that they were flying in a Southerly direction .
tr	5	Michael and Ben felt the rays on their skin and they felt as if they could literally hold them in the palms of their hands . "
tr	5	" Oh dear God , that means that this boy has been captured for being a Christian , " said Michael to Ben in horror .
tr	5	Not far from the dungeon , the boys could see an arena very similar to a circus , where a large crowd had already begun to gather .
tr	5	On the way he ducked into a local shop , grabbed a small rolled bundle from the shopkeeper and then ran straight towards the circus arena .
tr	5	Right behind him were a number of young men , many of whom the cousins had seen at the gathering of early Christians in the catacombs .
tr	5	Happy and sated he stretched himself out on the edge of the arena and like all cats after a good feed , promptly fell asleep .
tr	5	The lion continued to sleep peacefully on the other side of the arena and didn 't even twitch an eyelid at the appearance of the poor boy .
tr	5	While this was going on the cousins noticed how the man with the beard had greeted the consul and handed him some sort of scroll .
tr	5	" And charity in turn gives rise to love , " the Angel concluded , " those are the words of the Apostle Peter . "
tr	5	Further on the Angel took a course towards the ancient churches and monasteries that Michael and Ben 's ancestors and indeed the boys themselves had visited .
tr	5	" Yes , things were pretty bad back then , " the Angel replied , " but God looks after those who look after themselves . "
tr	5	First Sophia held Michael in her arms and then two years later it was Natalie holding Ben in hers at the Church of the Prophet Elijah .
tr	5	" Yes , when an Angel is next to a person , they always see that which is invisible to others , " the Angel explained .
tr	5	In two bounds Ben had caught up with the young scamp and had gently put him in an arm lock face down on the floor .
tr	5	It had not occurred to any of them that the boys could have run into the church but the cathedral was full of peace and serenity .
tr	5	The woman who had sold them the candles wet the handkerchief with water : " This water will sort you out , " she said tenderly .
tr	5	For the last fifteen minutes they had been harassed by a street beggar with an unpleasant voice making wild complaints about her lot in life .
tr	5	The woman was taken aback and mumbled : " You 're a good boy , " and then quickly scuttled off and really did hail a taxi .
tr	5	New people would arrive from the earth , put on one of the macs and join the ranks of those who were already praying . "
tr	5	The restoration artist does not know all the details of your mission but does know that he needs to help and protect in whatever way he can .
tr	5	The bottom of the canal had been cracked by the sun and it was evident that it hadn 't seen water for a very long time .
tr	5	" The water hasn 't been turned on here for a long time so all life here is dying out , " ' dad ' answered .
tr	5	With great difficulty the tramp sat up and drew a very precise plan of all the concealed water pipes on the blank piece of paper .
tr	5	The faucet was located in one of the canal 's well holes directly under the city walls about one hundred metres from the gate . "
tr	5	And each time the building was used for a new purpose it would be re-painted and " modernised " according to the taste of its new owners .
tr	5	" Let 's get to know the streets in our district and gradually work our way towards the centre where the Museum House should be . "
tr	5	When Ben decided to shoo it away , instead of running off like a normal dogs it just gave out a long and uninterrupted monotone howl .
tr	5	' Dad ' prepared supper for the boys and once calmly sat at the table all three began to discuss their unsuccessful stroll in more detail .
tr	5	It was the weekend so no-one was working and ' dad ' was able to show them all the work that the restoration experts had done .
tr	5	" Because the energy that flows out of these frescoes and icons and from the church , it is fatal for these robots ' black souls .
tr	5	On seeing the boys the dog began to wag its tail , the snake raised its head and the man waved them over to join them .
tr	5	They have a small camera sewn into them that can fix on to all living things and radiation that differs from those given off by the robots .
tr	5	She knew all the entrances and exits of the hall , where the alarm system was turned on and how to turn it off again .
tr	5	We have even arranged to produce an agreed sound , which she has taught me and I have remembered , to signal the start of the operation .
tr	5	Once outside and at a decent distance from the house , ' dad ' pointed to a bench in one of the little squares in their neighbourhood .
tr	5	You mustn 't talk to each other at all , especially outside the house , and when you 're indoors you should only communicate via the computer .
tr	5	Michael and Ben had no idea what advice to ask from ' dad ' , because they had never been in this sort of predicament before .
tr	5	Firstly , energy can be both negative and positive , what 's more good deeds increase a person 's energy but evil deeds exhaust their energy .
tr	5	And the boys and their surrogate father turned into a club for animal lovers but inside it looked much more like a bar for beer lovers .
tr	5	The only animals in the whole place were rare endangered birds and animals that had been stuffed and put on display in glass cases along the walls .
tr	5	So Ben decided to get his revenge : " Do you have a football team in this city that plays on the world stage ? "
tr	5	" My children have no interest in such a common sport as football , " the children 's mother pronounced after a lengthy and uncomfortable silence .
tr	5	But ' dad ' poured oil on the trouble waters by saying : " Children , why don 't we go and play some games together .
tr	5	Just as the housekeeper was getting ready to go home she came up to him asking what he would like her to cook them the next day .
tr	5	Then a torrent of words poured out of her all at once : " What do you mean ... but you have to have a housekeeper . "
tr	5	The only possible way of getting in was with a tour group and each member of these groups would be assigned their own special " observer " .
tr	5	In the evening hundreds of multi-coloured rays would radiate out of the building and especially the roof making it look a bit like a hedgehog .
tr	5	You need to agree everything down to the last detail then I will tell you what my part in the mission is going to be .
tr	5	" It 's a really good thing that we start operations tomorrow , because it 's getting more and more dangerous for us to stay here .
tr	5	In the morning the boys left for the outskirts of the city with the worker 's outfit that ' Dad ' had acquired for the security expert .
tr	5	But they had only managed to take a few steps before they were greeted by the howl of a siren and a terrible racket behind them .
tr	5	They stopped close to the gates , the security expert jumped out to see if the snake and the dog had got out of the city okay .
tr	5	He opened his hand and the circlet shone in the light of the sun , its brilliant gold flashing and its huge pearl gleaming softly .
tr	5	When both cars had sped out of view , Michael and Ben sat down in the spaceship and the Angel set a course to the highest heavens .
tr	5	" They are wise , kind and noble minded people , who are capable of achieving the most amazing things for the sake of others .
tr	5	Each cavalcade was followed by another full of those who had suffered on earth and all of them were welcomed with whatever their hearts desired .
tr	5	But there was one spectacle that particularly stuck in Michael and Ben 's memory : a squadron of open topped aeroplanes parading along the boulevard .
tr	5	Then he flourished his sword producing an explosion of sparks which floated to the ground as a multitude of roses of all sizes , colours and shapes .
tr	5	But the Angel was not standing next to him at the time and instead replied thought with thought : " That is the Archangel Michael . "
tr	5	The lads swam in the sea , rode scooters and rowed boats of all types and when they tired of this they swam with dolphins .
tr	5	Natalie 's love affair with figure skating stayed with her into her adulthood and she would go with her son to the rink at the slightest opportunity .
tr	5	They didn 't like to go to the communal summer camps but going to the seaside with their mum and dad was a completely different matter .
tr	5	" Human beings cannot foresee everything but you , Sophia , fought so hard for your son that your efforts were nothing short of miraculous .
tr	5	After all , now on the Earth nearly everyone is trying to categorise and encode each other , for their own benefit of course . "
tr	5	The earth was carpeted with silky grass , which shimmered in the breeze and gave the impression that the island was covered in soft green lapping waves .
tr	5	Then the Angel spoke up : " No , this is not paradise , but after a lot of hard work one can rest here .
tr	5	In the middle of the hall stood a large wooden table perched on a single leg , which made it look rather like a huge oversized mushroom .
tr	5	The table was surrounded by soft chairs woven from thin branches , which were covered by blankets decorated with huge leaves of every imaginable shade of green .
tr	5	One of them had a big screen rather like one of our computers , the screen was continually lighting up with new bits of information .
tr	5	You can sit down by a tree that takes your fancy , climb into the hollow of a tree or simply lie on the grass .
tr	5	At the spring she met a young woman with a jug : " Help yourself to this water and be sure to have some yourself .
tr	5	But instead of the tree with the large hollow where her sister had been sleeping she found herself in front of the huge tree with the hall .
tr	5	The door opened , the young man appeared and invited Sophia in for a cup of tea or coffee : " We grow it all ourselves . "
tr	5	But she soon awoke and sensing someone near her she opened her eyes and saw a small fragile old woman leaning over her and stroking her head .
tr	5	When I have freed your head of all these dark tendrils , my dear , you will have the most wonderful allegorical dream about your life .
tr	5	Natalie and Sophia were running out of the institute where they were studying and heading towards the tube along the path that cut through the park .
tr	5	No sooner had the words left her lips than the pigeon viciously pecked her and then jumped back on to Natalie 's shoulder and cooed and cooed .
tr	5	" But the poor thing has nowhere to live and he 's become so attached to us , " said Natalie looking tenderly at the pigeon .
tr	5	That part of her soul which has been stolen from her by taking advantage of her kind and gullible heart needs to be returned ! "
tr	5	After a little while the sound of flapping wings could be heard at the entrance of the hollow and the magnificent bird of prey dived in .
tr	5	I will leave you with this little bell , if you ever need me , ring it , and I will be sure to come . "
tr	5	And there were their mother and father taking them on their first day at school , then music and sport lessons and then finally to the institute .
tr	5	If you need any further explanations press the red button and don 't be afraid of anything , " said the Wise Old Man encouragingly .
tr	5	However , with Natalie , on the contrary , it would have been better if she and her family had lived independently away from her parents .
tr	5	It had been wrong for her to live in the shelter and protection of her nearest and dearest and not to solve her own problems .
tr	5	" After that what misfortunes wormed their way into our family , like that snake in Natalie 's dream , " thought Mama with terror .
tr	5	The sisters tried to keep in close contact with each other in spite of all the difficulties that each of them was facing in their own families .
tr	5	Natalie shuddered when she observed the scene : It had turned out that the wonder working healer and her so-called friend were one and the same person .
tr	5	" Well I can sort myself out , and if I draw upon this energy then it will be from a very reliable source . "
tr	5	Sophia got everything done : she completed the repair of the flat , bought furniture and finally flew to England with Michael to join Alexander .
tr	5	As she used to say in her student days : " It was hurtful , annoying ... but not the end of the world ! "
tr	5	Let me remind you of the words of Saint Paul : If we live in the spirit then we must act in the spirit . "
tr	5	" Oh well , " said Sophia with a decisive wave of the hand , " someone has evidently got us mixed up with someone else .
tr	5	And each suitcase also had a mysterious package containing a beautiful pair of lightly tinted sunglasses on a chain and instruction on how they should be used .
tr	5	Then they tried lowering the glasses on their chains ... Natalie and Sophia burst out laughing loud enough to be heard all over the whole ship .
tr	5	Sophia turned on one leg like a ballerina and made a deep bow to the screen as a sign of gratitude and then turned to Natalie .
tr	5	Later they would be joined by the more occasional and blasé gamblers whose aim was not so much winning but to feel the thrill of the game .
tr	5	It was Sophia who was the first to find her tongue : " Listen Natalie , we forgot our swimming costumes at the pool . "
tr	5	said Sophia trying to stop her sister but Natalie had already left the cabin and she had no choice but to follow Natalie 's proposal .
tr	5	They had barely got outside before Natalie said : " We will have to agree beforehand what we are going to say in the cabin .
tr	5	" There are certain situations where it 's simply vital to tell or warn someone about something , " said Natalie already beginning to get irritated .
tr	5	" Oh , Natalie , I 've got a feeling that our trusting natures are going to be very bad travel companions on this voyage .
tr	5	However , they had barely reached the dance floor before they were greeted with a loud bang and sparks that showered them like a firework display .
tr	5	They quickly made their way to the conservatory where it was quieter and there were less people , with only the occasional couple deep in private conversation .
tr	5	Sophia laughed : " And do you not think that there might be the odd snake or two in the grass around here as well ? "
tr	5	" Unfortunately , there seem to be so many of the two legged variety around here that I don 't know where to put my feet . "
tr	5	They literally hopped after the light arrows that lit up their way , and soon arrived at a small cabin with a large cross on the door .
tr	5	The sisters slept like babes -- the day had ended very successfully and they had managed to erect a smokescreen in front of their enemies .
tr	5	One of the boys ran on ahead to keep tabs on the sisters while the other followed them so close that he was practically under their feet .
tr	5	Sophia and Natalie nodded to each other and , in invisible mode , the two sisters rushed to catch up with the two faced security man .
tr	5	When the glasses were full she moved hers to one side and , unseen , poured its contents into an empty food dish that was standing nearby .
tr	5	As ever , the casino was a hotbed of gamblers , one exchanging places with the next , however , the people watching proceedings remained the same .
tr	5	Maybe the sisters had been mistaken and perhaps the boss at the centre of all this intrigue wasn 't to be found among these self-important gentlemen .
tr	5	I wanted to invite you over to my cabin for a cup of tea ; I 've got all sorts of different cakes and biscuits . "
tr	5	In reply Natalie let her know with a number of equally colourful facial contortions that she thought it was nothing but a bit of nonsense .
tr	5	Once when they were sitting at lunch the sisters mentioned that they couldn 't believe how careless the people on the boat were - constantly losing things .
tr	5	The sisters were somewhat taken aback but having signalled to each other with a couple of subtle squeezes of the hand , they gracefully accepted the invitation .
tr	5	said Natalie planting her glasses on her head , " we really need to talk , move your glasses up onto your head as well .
tr	5	But the general has at least shown a little bit of compassion and insisted that we are not exposed to a very serious dose . "
tr	5	" Now run to your sister , here are the keys to my cabin and hide there immediately for the evening and wait for me . "
tr	5	" Don 't you think it 's time that we wore the glasses normally so we can see people 's true natures " Natalie proposed .
tr	5	All three rays of light were encased by streams of black smoke and they all joined into one source located opposite the sisters ' cabin .
tr	5	" We saw them and they seemed suspicious to us , which is why we turned round and immediately came to your room , " Sophia reported .
tr	5	" Each of them has been issued with a very dangerous apparatus , which can shoot a ray of light and cause various degrees of injury .
tr	5	The sisters sat for a while in the room and also tried to fathom out to what extent they and the ship were in danger .
tr	5	The sisters read all these messages from the ship and were buoyed by the fact that they were not on their own fighting their ruthless enemies .
tr	5	They noticed the general and next to him a large group from the lower ranks of the ship 's crew as well as a few others .
tr	5	However , let us put more of the deck 's lights on while you relax and our waiters will bring you some refreshments on deck . "
tr	5	On their way out of the conservatory they saw one of the General 's close sidekicks - the man who had earlier disguised himself as a priest .
tr	5	" Yes , " said the senior security officer , " the surveillance cameras showed that all is clear at all the main collection points . "
tr	5	The helicopters with the attackers were intercepted and the ship 's security personnel were able to catch the chief conspirator and his accomplices on board the boat .
tr	5	The boss immediately grabbed his phone but Sophia stopped him : " We have already informed security and they 've already sent people down there . "
tr	5	The moment he had gone Natalie said : " Now it 's time to get our glasses on and have a look round the ship . "
tr	5	The sisters quickly stepped to one side and phoned the boss warning him that many of the people in this part of the ship were armed .
tr	5	" They wouldn 't fit you ; let us show you how they look on us instead , " said Natalie in a bit of a fluster .
tr	5	Natalie and Sophia 's expressions changed completely , the smiles vanished from their faces , their eyes flashed with fear and they had difficulty keeping themselves composed .
tr	5	Therefore the screen above the porthole immediately lit up when they came in : " Don 't be in a rush to get into the dinghy .
tr	5	Out of nowhere the bodyguard appeared , with a false expression of goodwill on his face , he offered the sisters his hand in farewell .
tr	5	A little later the Deputy Chief Security Officer arrived and said : " I will personally take charge of seeing you safely to the shore . "
tr	5	As he was brought past in handcuffs he literally hissed at the sisters in spite : " I wouldn 't be so happy if I were you .
tr	5	And no sooner had the words left her lips than the sharks and dark clouds disappeared in to thin air and the sea became calm again .
tr	5	And with that Sophia took pity on them : " It will all be as you hope ; ultimately it 's all in your own hands . "
tr	5	He did not make any reply to her but merely gave the slightest of nods to let her know that he had heard her plea for help .
tr	5	And he was most surprised that she had recognised him , because there was a whole crowd of other people who had passed him by .
tr	5	The sisters bade a fond farewell to each of the venerable brothers going up and embracing and kissing their hands as a sign of their huge gratitude .
tr	5	Natalie and Sophia 's eyes were filled with tears , but these were tears of joy that our sinful world could contain such islands as these .
tr	5	Give them all your love and leave them with some of your new found energy because their strength is getting low after all their efforts .
tr	5	Therefore I have arranged this meeting so that you can transfer a part of your energy to them to give them the strength needed until help arrives .
tr	5	They were particularly proud of how they had flown around the robot 's transformer and discovered a light source in one of the enemy craft 's compartments .
tr	5	' Yes , yes , " the Angel thought , " only they didn 't notice that their reconnaissance flight was accompanied by several angel starships . "
tr	5	The mums very carefully lay them down in some nearby armchairs and flew off with the Angel so that the miraculous reinforcements might arrive more quickly .
tr	5	You have already done much to pave the way for your victory ; all that remains is for you to give it one final push .
tr	5	He yelled and grabbed her arm and heaved her high in the air , all the way up , level with his terrifying , painted scowl .
tr	5	From a distance , anyone seeing his furs move through the growth could easily mistake him for one of the fearless great bears that prowled the grasslands .
tr	5	For a few seconds it was as if it had never been , and then it came on for a brief while and went out again .
tr	5	He 'd committed a grave error by assuming the woman rode alone , and compounded it by carelessly allowing whoever followed her to trail him .
tr	5	He rose from the grass behind them , no more than ten yards from the drag man , as the rear member of the diamond was called .
tr	5	If he made it a point to never let the tribe know his aloneness troubled him , he 'd certainly never let a stranger see it .
tr	5	They brought word of peace as well as war , news of disease prevention or warning of plague , and all the other information that linked men .
tr	5	Still , Gan had noted that they were frequently available when there was tranquility ; he believed their reputation as harbingers of disaster was exaggerated .
tr	5	When he saw her curious stare , he directed her attention far away , to the limit of the valley , where steam billowed from hot springs .
tr	5	In a distant draw to the left he pointed out the rough shelters of the Dog Chief 's wards in their neat rows , trainers at work .
tr	5	Gan shot a look at the Priestess and blushed just as the newcomer jerked his sword arm up in invitation for the crowd to cheer .
tr	5	The elders despised him for his parentage and what they saw as his presumption to a rank that had to be the people 's choice .
tr	5	It disappeared when Gan asked , " What kind of man encourages his youngest brother to torment a man he won 't face himself ? "
tr	5	He also hoped the Priestess missed the symbols on the man 's jacket that identified him , shamefully , as from Gan 's own North Clan .
tr	5	It always made Gan think of nettle leaves , so ordinary on the surface , with a surprising , vicious sting hidden on their undersides .
tr	5	Beast sounds crept from the cave walls , deep , resonant groans , the dissatisfaction of a creature powerful enough to challenge mountains and rivers .
tr	5	Along their length they acquired a mathematical precision , each vibrating at precisely the same rate , creating a glittering arc across the impenetrable blackness .
tr	5	The sibilant thing that listened for the notes responded , but the sheer weight of activity seemed to daze it , overwhelm it with opportunity .
tr	5	Smoke escaped despite the pit hoods , so the cavernous interior swam with a hazed , ruddy glow that changed the most commonplace objects into mocking fantasies .
tr	5	The woman who wasn 't Church earned her way into the King 's Hall by hanging onto her man with an unending show of infantile dependence .
tr	5	They had lived in the days of First Church , which tripped herself with the declaration that her Teachers were on the brink of a new world .
tr	5	After the feverish gloom of the hall , the brightly lit room was a relief , as was the crisp cedar scent of the beeswax candles .
tr	5	Instead of apprehension , she was filled with a wild sense of freedom ; no one would ever take her self away from her again .
tr	5	The irony of the situation rang in her ears with the rhythm of her breathing as she pushed her own life into the small , inert body .
tr	5	We 've already taught you to read and write , but now you can even learn a foreign language -- if you can afford lessons .
tr	5	I wish -- " There was a hesitation , and then the bent fingers holding the cup seemed to grow confused , and she dropped her cup .
tr	5	Two men , bare from the waist up and carrying clubs in both hands , strode purposefully up the dome 's side to the drums .
tr	5	Taking a piece of charcoal from the firepit , she drew a circle on the back of a hide , then divided it into quadrants .
tr	5	Then , with gnawing persistence , something in her mind asked if she really believed she could pursue her personal goals without a similar attitude .
tr	5	It was a bold jest , using Church 's name for the place of afterlife punishment , comparing it to the fire and noise of his work .
tr	5	Something about his studied indifference to the conversation made her suspicious , so she was watching him when his gaze swung to Neela 's back .
tr	5	The position hid his eyes , yet she caught glimpses of their shine , and knew he was peering up at her through his lashes .
tr	5	" Just as I 'd never inform on you , of course , because we all know that not even Church can shield a spy . "
tr	5	Then , businesslike again , " Our war games indicated a need for long periods of radio silence , as well as prearranged irregular schedules of activity .
tr	5	It was to be expected in his case , though ; Pastor John Jones was a negotiations specialist , famous for ending several hostage-taking incidents favorably .
tr	5	He 'd thought at the time the thing looked like the door on a bank vault , and had taken an inexplicable dislike to it .
tr	5	Falconer paused , and something in his manner caused Conway to tense , but the answer came with a softness and consideration that was a surprise .
tr	5	When they reached the door , they formed into work parties of three without instruction , each team taking a locking wheel as their project .
tr	5	As the first was forced , it cracked loudly , followed immediately by a shrill , startling squeal as the locking bolt backed out of its hole .
tr	5	From the corner of his eye , Conway caught Falconer 's frown , and followed the Colonel 's troubled gaze to the point of his concern .
tr	5	She remained upright , back against the surface , one hand on a wheel as though that delicate weight might find a way to free them .
tr	5	The only one to make any headway toward understanding what any of it did was Leclerc , and all he 'd identified was the air circulation system .
tr	5	Hopeful , covert eyes glanced continually from the cooking circle toward the door , invariably returning , sadder , to stare into some personal distance .
tr	5	Her companion , a plump young woman , more motherly in manner than her years would seem to indicate , shushed Carter , clearly embarrassed .
tr	5	He was one of the last to go into the project , and then only because he evaluated his chances of survival as nil , either way .
tr	5	She was still chattering as Conway watched the foursome collect their eating utensils and move to the washing area in the control room near the disposal shaft .
tr	5	He said , " Leclerc and I didn 't mention him because we were afraid someone might think we used what 's happened to influence attitudes .
tr	5	Before Conway realized what was happening , he was on his toes , his collar twisted in Falconer 's fist , his breathing almost totally cut off .
tr	5	Machines have been provided to , uh , maintain the bacteriological integrity of the facility in the event of , uh , crèche failures . "
tr	5	Then , with a lightning quick change of mood , she spoke to Gan with a tenderness that was as soothing as her anger was fierce .
tr	5	Sometimes , when she doesn 't think anyone 's watching , she gets a fierce expression , and I think she must hate all of us .
tr	5	" He 'll be a leader , and a leader has to have the heart to strike with all his strength when he sees an opening .
tr	5	She wanted to tell him she was already drawn to the boy , but that might lead to an expectation of commitment , or support .
tr	5	Just as she inhaled deeply and remarked on the savory smells of burning wood and cooking , a woman 's voice called out names and announced dinner .
tr	5	They slit my cheek and put a metal strip through it , then pulled it out my mouth and nailed it to a long stick .
tr	5	The wild notion was gone as quickly as it came , but the delicious tingle of it surged in her veins a good deal longer .
tr	5	It was the One in All 's way of punishing them for wanting too much , even as they were still being carried by Mother Earth .
tr	5	Almost defiantly , he said it was hard for him to believe in the giants who were supposed to have been the forerunners of all people .
tr	5	* * * Two miles south and east they came to the mouth of a shallow valley leading off the major one they were following .
tr	5	With its ears flattened to its head and its gnashing teeth bared , it clearly understood its rider 's frame of mind and was ready for battle .
tr	5	He moved with the deliberation of a man who trusts his strength and coordination , but acknowledges that the resilience of his youth has faded .
tr	5	A smile finally worked through when he told how furious his warriors were when he refused an alternate prize , a hundred pounds of fine steel .
tr	5	I 've heard her name the sex of children yet to be conceived , and describe the fathers before they 'd ever seen the mothers . "
tr	5	A bit later he looked in all directions and even scented the air before speaking , even though they were alone in the featureless meadow .
tr	5	If one prevailed , his fame would reach beyond the tribe , beyond the Enemy Mountains , beyond lands as yet unknown to the Dog People .
tr	5	I 've thought long and hard about this , and I think the One in All sent you here , intended that you help him .
tr	5	I withheld love from him because I believe he must kill me , and I want it to cause him as little pain as possible .
tr	5	Dressed in coarse gray trousers and a darker gray woolen blouse , he stood in front of his tent , legs spread , feet planted .
tr	5	They played a game with their bows and blunt arrows , with one of their number elected to roll a disk past their waiting line .
tr	5	He 's important in the tribe , though ; before his father died , he built his horse herd up to one of the largest and best .
tr	5	The leaves were young , still pale with new life , and the bright sun pouring through their screening took on the cast of old gold .
tr	5	Although she suspected they 'd be more reserved if their men were present , she was certain they were too comfortable with themselves for sniggering whispers .
tr	5	As she started to ask about that , another woman shouted warning , hurrying toward them with a smoking rock in a pair of tongs .
tr	5	She leaned forward , shielding her eyes against the afternoon sun , and only then realized she was looking at horses , hundreds of them .
tr	5	When she mentioned the latter , Neela looked nervous , explaining that spring brought the big cats down from the mountains to prey on the herds .
tr	5	There were dried tomatoes , pickles , slices of dried apple and peach , and even a small clay container of pepper oil for spice .
tr	5	Their conversation was innocuous , as though each was anxious to avoid any subject that might cause discomfort , and yet it had the spontaneity of friendship .
tr	5	Furthermore , she didn 't understand how it was possible for any unknown parties to ride so close to the camp without having been discovered long ago .
tr	5	Neela explained that custom required a feast the night before any man entered Earth Heart to learn if he was required to undertake the Honor Journey .
tr	5	Her face wasn 't clear enough to read the expression , but her manner was defensive , hands suddenly drawn up , chin tucked in .
tr	5	Her mind was already crackling with the implications of Neela 's discovery , and she resisted the distraction irritably , but finally she looked up .
tr	5	An aura of power and strength seemed to shimmer around him , as fearsome -- yet as achingly temporal -- as the flames of the fire .
tr	5	When he indicated no interest in how she 'd managed it , the disquieting thought that he already knew jarred her confidence , but she pressed ahead .
tr	5	He liked that image ; she saw it in the way he stroked his chin while his measuring eyes tried to gauge the thoughts behind her words .
tr	5	He gestured her toward a different exit , on the side of the tent , and she moved quickly to escape , backing through the flap .
tr	5	With spring , just before new growth swelled in buds and twigs , she dug a trench around one tree , a different one each year .
tr	5	She 'd raised him to think of goals , to understand that men took what they wanted or settled for what was thrown to them .
tr	5	Getting to her feet , she went to where a rough cloth bag acted as if it had taken on a life of its own .
tr	5	Suddenly it lunged forward , and with equal quickness she dropped the loop over its head and pulled tight , lifting it off the carpet .
tr	5	They made their way to the steep stairs of the south entrance , following a passage so confined they had to bend past the wall-mounted oil lamps .
tr	5	For an instant Gan 's mind staggered , as if flickering between two realities , and he saw every pinpoint of light as a seeking eye .
tr	5	By the time he thought to reach out , to substitute contact for speech , Col was gone , stalking to the Elders ' Bench .
tr	5	What can we expect of a boy who never knew a mother , who grew up in a tent filled with nothing but greed and ambition ?
tr	5	A handful of soft words from his father , and Gan had let himself be tricked into believing the man could care like other people .
tr	5	After reciting the prayer for reconciliation , with its obligatory three pauses so the antagonists could speak to each other if they wished , he opened it .
tr	5	All watched in silence while he blessed them and placed them beside the box on the bench , where they would wait for the cleansing rites .
tr	5	Chapter 18 Within minutes of walking from Earth Heart to his own tent , Bay Yan collapsed , clutching the wound on his wrist and moaning .
tr	5	It left a scar in the dirt and a flat , ugly sound that seemed to hang in the air long after it had bounced away .
tr	5	How often had she been warned never to interfere with its function , because without its continuous feeding of the brain , the entire body stopped ?
tr	5	He crawled on his belly past the suffused light coming through the tent wall , closing his mind against the throbbing of his wounded shoulder .
tr	5	Next , he wrapped his jacket around the blade and poked it through the hole ; when no one slashed it , he followed it inside .
tr	5	She pulled him down closer to her mouth , then said , " My brothers sleep like the dead , and my mother won 't hear us .
tr	5	I think , in your heart , you 've known that all along , and you said nothing because you believed your brother might be involved .
tr	5	Chapter 20 The awe in Gan 's voice as he described Neela 's appearance in their midst brought a thin smile to his father 's face .
tr	5	Gan wondered if that one , too , inhaled the thick morning air until his lungs ached with the beauty and unbelievable freedom of the new day .
tr	5	He gave the arm signal that all was well , but then followed it with another indicating they should continue to move dismounted , but faster .
tr	5	Gan , squatting in front of him , literally felt the will of the man , the refusal to concede that his life was draining away .
tr	5	The volume swelled to a crescendo of indistinguishable noises , and then , suddenly , sickeningly , there was a triumphant South Clan war cry .
tr	5	He wished he 'd brought a coat to stand guard ; once the sun got behind the crest of the mountain the temperature dropped fast .
tr	5	She wouldn 't take it kindly to be considered amusing , but her dark color added to the notion she was practicing to be an Indian .
tr	5	For long seconds the forest was silent , drawing the lowering dusk about itself , anxious for the lengthening shadows to hide what had happened .
tr	5	They all stopped at the broken vault door , where Falconer took up a firing position beside Conway and shouted for everyone to be quiet .
tr	5	He called to Leclerc and the Pastor , telling them to gather up anything that would burn and start a fire at the mouth of the cave .
tr	5	I wouldn 't want my friends to wake up a few centuries down the road and not know the reason they 'd been shut away .
tr	5	Anyhow , there were rumors that some of his labs were re-creating extinct species , cloning , doing genetic engineering , and so forth . "
tr	5	In the middle of a detailed discussion of genetically altered diseases beginning to sweep away entire populations in days , shouts erupted in the background .
tr	5	Nodding at the blank VDP , Conway said , " I was just thinking how much I hate having to look at more of these disks . "
tr	5	I figure the direction finders were a last ditch shot , that they 'd lost touch with everyone , that the whole works just came apart .
tr	5	When the tempers broke , and those who had suffered the losses struck back , the world accepted massive retaliation and holocaust and genocide as localized phenomena .
tr	5	" Radioactivity , toxic chemical concentrations , unstable construction , predatory gangs -- " " And an ongoing breeding ground for more disease , " Conway added .
tr	5	If you 're right , if they were thrown back to simple survival , they 'll be in the middle of some very interesting social patterns .
tr	5	Joining in , thinking aloud , Conway added , " It 'd be like trying to construct a body from just a couple of bones .
tr	5	Different groups would strike out in different directions , each one influenced by whatever prejudices and skills the strongest survivor could bring to bear . "
tr	5	Did you know that one of our leading museums had the wrong skull on a dinosaur skeleton for decades before anyone caught the error ? "
tr	5	There was another interesting facet to the way the group reacted , exemplified by the way they separated to go about their business of the morning .
tr	5	It disturbed him to realize he 'd have wanted to run away in the exact same manner if a man had appeared who looked hostile .
tr	5	In short , for all their advanced knowledge and skills , they were no better suited for the environment outside than the earliest survivors of the war .
tr	5	No one had been willing -- or able -- to accept the utter destruction of the civilization they were meant to help put back on its feet .
tr	5	In addition , I insist that you promise I shall be allowed to approach any humans we meet , that you won 't initiate hostilities . "
tr	5	" Just so we 're all together , I 'm going to review your primary weapon for you , show you how to load and fire .
tr	5	The entire weapon 's called a wipe , but when we speak of ' wiping , ' we 're speaking of firing the smaller barrel .
tr	5	The slope was gentle for the most part , with only an occasional steep bench that forced them to pitch downward from tree trunk to tree trunk .
tr	5	Once on its feet , its hindquarters moved away from them in an almost comical dance step , the huge paws daintily crossing over each other .
tr	5	It made Conway think again that there was something about Leclerc that hinted this entire experience was less of a shock to him than anyone else .
tr	5	Carter waded downstream to the deeper water at the first bend , modestly sinking in up to her shoulders to take off her clothes and scrub them .
tr	5	There was a pool there , carved by the abrupt change in the stream 's direction , and what he saw in it made him exclaim aloud .
tr	5	We deserve a treat for dinner today , and I don 't think just this once is going to ruin the fishing , do you ? "
tr	5	An eagle , severely majestic in black and white against the turquoise sky , swooped to stab talons into one of the fish beached downstream .
tr	5	Falconer caught the feeling , and he gestured at the bird , saying , " Look at the pride of that thing , would you ?
tr	5	Even Jones seemed to be taken by the scene , Conway noted , and he was especially pleased to see Carter paying more than passing attention .
tr	5	This was Falconer 's idea ; it was supposed to keep animals at bay without illuminating their camp for any curious human eyes in the valley .
tr	5	He listened to the even breathing of his companions and watched the multiple coils of smoke dance shyly in the faint light of the flames .
tr	5	There were good reasons , he argued with himself , beyond his concern that Falconer was becoming more of a dominant character than a consensus leader .
tr	5	He laughed openly at her stammering attempt to explain the phrasing , pleased to see her finally surrender to the humor of it and smile .
tr	5	We volunteered for this project with that in mind , and just because the boundaries have been changed doesn 't mean we can quit the game . "
tr	5	Carter wants to teach them that the working man is God Almighty and all they have to do is form a good union to prove it .
tr	5	Once that point was cleared up , he suggested they all agree to move until they found a place to settle that all could accept .
tr	5	Although chagrined to see Conway come into the balance against her , she was very forbearing when she told him there were no hard feelings .
tr	5	They packed all the discards inside and replaced the false rock cover as best they could , trusting to nature and time to complete their imperfect camouflage .
tr	5	Conway couldn 't hear the hushed commentary , but was willing to bet Leclerc was calling the mound Tiger Place , or something like it .
tr	5	In the river a large fish roiled , the splat of the tail a signal for a flock of swallows to swirl over the camp .
tr	5	Without appearing to aim , he dropped both men with two shots so close together that the rolling , battering noise was almost a single explosion .
tr	5	It made him feel better , because the way the two Devil warriors had seemed to come apart had almost made him shout his terror .
tr	5	Gan avoided complete agreement or argument , then asked , " What about the soft noise , and the big noise later , far away ? "
tr	5	The reasons why a man lives and his enemy dies are very clear , so a man learns to respect only what he can see .
tr	5	He still wasn 't comfortable with Cho , and as far as Shara was concerned , he 'd made it very clear he tolerated no youthful fools .
tr	5	He 'd lost count of the times the adult pair moved off together in silent investigation , and the immature animal needed more rest than that .
tr	5	Something that buzzed like an angry wasp struck a rock in front of Gan and spun to a stop on the gravel directly under his nose .
tr	5	After assuring themselves that neither man was hurt , they sprayed questions at them about the strangers , hardly waiting for answers before asking more .
tr	5	Even as part of him leaned eagerly into the adventure beckoning westward , he realized he was dragging others with him the way a man leads horses .
tr	5	And if others died as well -- or if he died in order for that goal to be achieved -- that was merely the price .
tr	5	The geographical crest was usually ignored or avoided ; it provided a scenic outlook but silhouetted a figure for any eyes that cared to see .
tr	5	Women like her had occasionally risen to Horse or Dog Chief , although they were never allowed in Earth Heart or men 's secret councils .
tr	5	The dash for safety would be hard on the horses , for one thing , and it was unlikely the strangers could hang on , for another .
tr	5	She repressed the urge to call him closer ; he settled just far enough away to exclude himself , and it was obvious their hosts resented it .
tr	5	Then , in a gesture she was beginning to think was far too common among these people , he drew his finger across his throat .
tr	5	He could never understand their to-do about cleanliness ; right now he smelled so strongly of herbs it was easy to imagine him sprouting leaves .
tr	5	The quilted underwear didn 't show , of course , but he wished it did , the better to show the savage what good construction was .
tr	5	He wanted to impress his guest , but more than that , he wanted to understand him better , learn what he liked , disliked .
tr	5	My cavalry captain insists their leader killed a Mountain warrior at least five bow shots away , and he did it with thunder and lightning .
tr	5	With spring coming , those who wintered away from the sea will be traveling to Ola with furs and other trade goods from the interior .
tr	5	We don 't live our days tied to a plow or a fish net , like you who live on the rain side of the mountains .
tr	5	A breeze dispersed the smoke well , but when Gan walked downwind , the smell of the camp and its cooking was thick for a hundred yards .
tr	5	He moved on a bit farther for his watch position and turned slowly , marking those things that would give him bearings in the darkness .
tr	5	His conscience warned him he was being derelict , and for a while he almost convinced himself that was the reason he couldn 't sleep .
tr	5	Signing Tate to follow , he led the way back to the lean-to where he rummaged in his baggage until he located the bundle of twenty sticks .
tr	5	He smiled , attempting to be placating , and was spreading his hands to answer when she pushed her face within inches of his , eyes blazing .
tr	5	After graduating with a BA in English , Don served twenty years in the Marines -- retiring in 1971 as a Major -- before becoming an author .
tr	5	Ted couldn 't remember them ever being so young , but they had never stopped looking as happy together as they did in that photo .
tr	5	He had faced certain death but , through some inexplicable miracle , had emerged on the other side , apparently little the worse for wear .
tr	5	Some , like the clippings from the local paper recounting Arthur 's soccer exploits , he tacked to the bulletin board in the family room .
tr	5	In his world , there wasn 't anyone to compete with and anything he could possibly want was only as far away as the nearest shattered storefront .
tr	5	After so long alone , Ted would have been delighted to see any other human face , even if it was hell-bent on stealing his sneakers .
tr	5	The frames of the basement windows seemed quite ordinary and they were , but the panes of " glass " were actually quarter-inch thick pieces of polycarbonate .
tr	5	Through the window under the front porch , Ted could see that Mr. Hoover was still sitting on the edge of his porch across the street .
tr	5	In the weeks after the outbreak , as the healthy population was quickly dwindling , many names were tossed around in an attempt to label the afflicted .
tr	5	Many people , however , couldn 't bring themselves to use such a frank and perhaps even vulgar , word to refer to their infected loved ones .
tr	5	In Ted 's world , " living " came in various shades of gray , but the difference between life and death was still black and white .
tr	5	He kept most of his dry foods in these and if the lids didn 't snap on tightly , humidity and insects quickly destroyed the contents .
tr	5	Chapter Two A Visitor Ted crept up the stairs to the steel security door separating the basement family room from the rest of the house .
tr	5	His hand went instinctively to the first deadbolt as he rose up on tiptoes to peer through the peephole in the center of the door .
tr	5	He waited for something , not really sure what that might be , in the dim light of the family room for what seemed like an eternity .
tr	5	He realized that his fingernails had dug deep impressions into his sweaty palms and his mouth felt as though it was filled with paper towels .
tr	5	He aligned it as best he could in the dark and slowly pumped the handle until he heard a trickle of water running into the cup .
tr	5	Along the bottom edge of the view through the peephole , Ted could see the garage and the fence at the back of the yard .
tr	5	He could clearly see that the chain and padlock on the back gate were hanging loosely and the gate was swinging slowly in the light summer breeze .
tr	5	Even during the cold months , he kept a small supply of " decoy " food in the kitchen cabinets in case someone came scrounging .
tr	5	He could easily see the church steeple in the center of town and the roof of the bank building , although they were probably a mile away .
tr	5	On his way up to the kitchen , Ted bent over the coffee table and picked up his pistol , a .45 caliber Colt Gold Cup .
tr	5	In the afternoon light that now illuminated the kitchen , he could clearly see that someone had made a half-hearted attempt to pry the door open .
tr	5	In any survival situation a sharp knife is probably your most essential accessory , but in Ted 's world pepper spray is probably number two .
tr	5	Zombies are primarily motivated by their very well developed senses of smell and taste and Ted had found that pepper spray was the best zombie repellent .
tr	5	What researchers were able to determine is that the disease is probably a viral infection that has a profound effect on the central nervous system .
tr	5	The fact that they can generally remember where their home is , might prove that there is still more we need to learn about the human brain .
tr	5	Crossing the parking lot and approaching the front entrance of the giant store , he again caught a whiff of that scent from earlier in the morning .
tr	5	As he took a deep breath again , Ted could tell that the smell was definitely in front of him , deeper in the store .
tr	5	Ironically , as the contagion burned through the world like a wildfire , most people died in their homes without ever setting foot in a store again .
tr	5	Pallets in the storerooms were still piled high with cases of everything from cookies and crackers , to just about any type of canned food imaginable .
tr	5	As Ted rounded the corner at the end of a row of pallets , he came upon something that made him freeze in his tracks .
tr	5	The hair that had been hanging limp just a split second before was thrown out in a flying halo as the zombie 's eyes locked on his .
tr	5	He didn 't know anything about her , other than the fact that she had him pinned to the floor and was threatening to slit his throat .
tr	5	After studying the pathetic , but confusing , thing at her feet for a few more moments , the girl sheathed her knife and extended her hand .
tr	5	Before you know it , the whole neighborhood will be sniffing around here and I 'll have a hell of a time getting you out . "
tr	5	Believe me , I 've killed them with just about anything you can imagine and shooting a gun is like ringing a dinner bell for those creeps .
tr	5	" You are a pretty frightening sight , " Ted replied , ducking to avoid a whack on the back of the head that never came .
tr	5	Somehow , she had the presence of mind to grab blindly onto one of the yellow plastic handles and yank the tool from its bracket .
tr	5	The whole top of the skull flopped over like a garbage can lid , spilling the rotten and discolored brain out onto the shelf behind it .
tr	5	Directly across from the door , the alley was bound on the far side by a concrete barrier with a privacy fence on top of it .
tr	5	Glancing to her right , Melody could see the full length of the alley as it proceeded in a straight line across the back of the store .
tr	5	Melody retreated down the alley a few yards and turned to watch for the first zombie to emerge from around the end of the fence .
tr	5	With the adrenaline still pumping and her crossbow strapped across her back , she turned and leapt , nearly clearing the fence in a single bound .
tr	5	Killing a zombie child is always difficult psychologically , but it can be damn near impossible when the little ghoul is clutching a teddy bear .
tr	5	" Took you long enough , " she said as she breezed past him , shrugging off her pack and plopping down on the picnic bench .
tr	5	" There used to be a wooden screen around it , but I 've been here by myself for so long , it seemed like a waste .
tr	5	Mounted to the cinder block wall , just under the water tank , was a narrow shelf with a soap dish and a bottle of baby shampoo .
tr	5	The slim angular face of a young man had replaced the round face of the awkward child that Ted was used to seeing in the mirror .
tr	5	A few minutes later , Ted heard the water stop splashing behind him , trailing off to a trickle and then just a steady dripping .
tr	5	Ted wandered back over to the fireplace to poke at his fire and wonder about this marvelous and mysterious girl that had dropped into his life today .
tr	5	He didn 't bother with the elastic strap , ( secretly hoping the hat would blow off and that would be the end of it ) .
tr	5	He squeezed the can over the cutting board until the quivering blob of meat plopped out , hitting the board with a hearty " smack ! "
tr	5	" Well , I can 't speak for you ... " Ted tossed a couple of Spam slices onto the wire grill over the bed of coals .
tr	5	He strode confidently across the street and Mr. Hoover 's front lawn and plopped down right next to the zombie on the edge of its porch .
tr	5	Ted put his arm around the zombie 's shoulders and extended his hands palms up in a gesture that said ' What did I tell you ? '
tr	5	I didn 't want to say anything at the time , but your eyes are the color of a zombie 's , " Melody said .
tr	5	I shouldn 't be able to smell anything this time of year , but I haven 't had trouble breathing in as long as I can remember .
tr	5	After they finished their dinner , Melody perked a pot of coffee over the fire and Ted blew out the candles on his corn bread .
tr	5	They might as well have been on the top of a mountain in Alaska or floating on a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean .
tr	5	Even though I am surrounded by man-made items every day I would start to feel as though I might have been the only person who ever existed .
tr	5	" I 'd like to tell you that was deep or profound , but I think it 's a bit of a stretch , " Melody replied .
tr	5	Satisfied that the pistol was ready for action , he set it on the coffee table and got in a comfortable sitting position on the sofa .
tr	5	You can 't imagine how many nights I 've spent alone in strange places , not knowing if I would even wake up in the morning .
tr	5	Ted almost started to tell her about the nightmares and his usually fitful sleep , but he decided that it could wait for another time .
tr	5	Down in the basement , Ted was still trying to calm down , but was starting to wonder if he hadn 't overreacted a bit himself .
tr	5	" He got interested , a few years before the outbreak , in what could be done to keep us alive if anything like this ever happened .
tr	5	" You can just be glad I didn 't tear down the new outhouse we built and break it up for firewood also , " Ted said .
tr	5	" Yeah , well we got most of our news out of New York City and that didn 't last long either , " Melody said .
tr	5	We had pretty much food stored up also and my parents decided we should stay holed up until we could see what was going on outside . "
tr	5	" Today , of course , I would shoot the both of them at that point , but we had never seen anything like that before .
tr	5	She didn 't seem to be able to get her breathing under control right away and Ted started to be concerned that she might choke .
tr	5	We had plenty of medical supplies , but without Amy 's expertise , I don 't know if I 'd be sitting here with you now . "
tr	5	" I must have read that journal five hundred times looking for some clue , but I still don 't have any real answers . "
tr	5	There is no way for us to determine if the drug is effective against this virus or indeed if it even is a virus at all .
tr	5	In his weakened state , he was unable to bite Arthur and Arthur held him down until we were able to come to his assistance .
tr	5	He was standing lookout on the roof this afternoon and swears he heard the noise of helicopter rotors from the north , maybe just beyond the hill .
tr	5	I mean the conditions I found myself in when I woke up seemed to show that I must have been pretty out of control at the end .
tr	5	" I 'm assuming you went on the other side of the hill to see if you could find any evidence of the helicopters Mike mentioned ? "
tr	5	I mean if guys in black helicopters came down in our town for some reason , would they be likely to leave any evidence behind ? "
tr	5	" So , turning the conversation to the business at hand ; I don 't think this temporary privacy barrier is working out too well . "
tr	5	" You can put the stuff you won 't need back into your big pack and use this one for our adventure , " Ted said .
tr	5	Shining her flashlight into the dark room , she could make out only a useless washer and dryer and more boxes of supplies stacked on the floor .
tr	5	Directly in front of her , at the near end of the lane , was a shooting bench with two stools in front of it .
tr	5	Most of the people who skipped town were carrying guns with them , even the people who had never so much as touched a gun before . "
tr	5	She snapped down the lever that pulled double duty as a safety mechanism and ejection port cover and grabbed the operating handle to check the chamber .
tr	5	Glad I checked it , " Melody said , hitting the magazine release and working the bolt again to clear the chamber , for real this time .
tr	5	Ted glanced over his shoulder at the house and was dismayed to see that it wasn 't any closer than the last time he had checked .
tr	5	Each time Ted heaved on the huge limb , the wood moved only a few pitiful inches forward , making a slow scraping sound on the pavement .
tr	5	Ted leaned back in his chair and let out the breath that he hadn 't even realized he 'd been holding for the last minute .
tr	5	" I kept hoping that he 'd move a little to the right so only the wooden fence would be behind him , but it never happened .
tr	5	When I came back out onto the porch , the gate was standing wide open and Mr. Hoover was just standing there staring at me . "
tr	5	" The Kubota tractor dealer up the street used to sell these , as well as all kinds of other farm equipment , " Ted said .
tr	5	After I woke up here all alone and started scrounging on my own , that was one of the first places I really checked out .
tr	5	So , I hauled some fuel over in a can , opened the doors , started the engine and drove right out of the building . "
tr	5	All seven were still standing there , staring stupidly at the wall , exactly as they had been when Melody first saw them on the other side .
tr	5	If those weren 't good enough reasons ; shooting the zombie from this angle , he also would run the risk of spraying Melody with infectious material .
tr	5	" I guess you 're right , but I think we 've had all the testing we need for a while , " Ted said .
tr	5	Chapter Twelve A Discovery Melody tried using her speed loader for the first time as Ted executed a three-point turn in the middle of the alley .
tr	5	It 's just that after riding around in comfort and relative safety , I 'm reluctant to get out and hoof it again , " Melody said .
tr	5	The hill didn 't look like much from town , but perched up on top , one had the impression of being able to see forever .
tr	5	" They made one in camouflage too , but by the time I got mine there weren 't many to choose from , " Ted replied .
tr	5	The pistol belonging to the skeleton in the other seat lay on the deck , below its dangling hand , in the dried puddle of offal .
tr	5	For just a moment , it occurred to Ted that this was the first time he 'd been attacked by a zombie since he 'd been infected .
tr	5	He really didn 't expect to find anything to go on at this point , but he didn 't want to leave any stone unturned either .
tr	5	It took him longer to search this body , avoiding any contact with the copious amount of contagious brain goo that was splattered across its flight suit .
tr	5	" Well , " Melody began , " I wouldn 't be much of a farmer 's daughter if I didn 't know what USDA stood for .
tr	5	" I don 't know about you , but I 'm having a hard time believing that these guys are Agriculture employees , " Ted said .
tr	5	They watched as a white-hot jet of flame erupted from the base of the grenade and immediately started burning a hole through the chopper 's fuselage .
tr	5	Ted tucked the ID card into his pocket and stowed his new toys in his pack before climbing into the Kubota and starting the engine .
tr	5	It was easy to find reasons to postpone what was sure to be a long and arduous , trek while they were in such a comfortable position .
tr	5	Next , she attacked the bulk of it , unceremoniously hacking away long chunks until the grass on the ground around the chair was barely visible .
tr	5	As the sound of his whistling disappeared into the distance , Melody shrugged her shoulders and turned to the mundane task of cleaning up from breakfast .
tr	5	" I guess we should continue making preparations for our trip , " Ted said , walking through the living room to the bay window in front .
tr	5	His dad 's expensive plastic windows had , with spectacular results , served their intended purpose ; they had stopped two bullets from killing him .
tr	5	Chapter Fourteen Explanations Melody sat with her back to the wall under the front window looking like all the wind had been let out of her sails .
tr	5	" It seems to me like you might have ended up with your back against the ocean with no place to run , " Ted said .
tr	5	But if there were bodies in the bed and no plastic bins , you could just forget about using ( or even touching ) anything underneath .
tr	5	On the other hand , it never ceased to amaze Ted just how many things with true , intrinsic value could be found in the average bedroom .
tr	5	The existence of guns in a house seemed to be determined not so much by the homeowners ' financial status , but rather by their political leanings .
tr	5	She started feeding me some bullshit story about how they hadn 't been sure what I was and were concerned about the threat I posed .
tr	5	But ... I knew I was in kind of a tight spot so I decided to just go along with it and see what would happen . "
tr	5	The reason he was so willing to take me along is that a teenage girl is far less threatening than a couple of middle-aged hobos .
tr	5	" After Joe had put him at ease , the guy became very forthcoming , I think a little too forthcoming for his own good .
tr	5	I don 't know if they worked for the government , or a private company , but they were in some secret high-security laboratory in Virginia .
tr	5	I had gotten pretty good at traveling cross-country and Joe and Lilith always stuck to the roads , at least when I was with them .
tr	5	I figured that if I left after dark and put enough distance between them and myself by dawn , I had a pretty good chance .
tr	5	Each blade of grass in the back yard seemed sharply defined in a way that it would not have been , even at high noon .
tr	5	Flying along as fast as he dared , Ted scanned his environment constantly , examining any bit of cover that an attacker could use to ambush him .
tr	5	" No , I don 't suppose he does , but I figure I 'm still safer with him than I would be on my own . "
tr	5	" Listen , kid , I appreciate what you 're trying to do , but I 've been dealing with this for a long time .
tr	5	" but I have no doubt that if he gets what he wants , he 'll kill us all without even thinking about it . "
tr	5	Ted knew that the fate of the whole world , what little was left of it , would be affected by the transaction that happened tomorrow .
tr	5	He hurried around the house , heating water on the wood stove and gathering the things he would need to successfully execute his plan for the day .
tr	5	Keeping his eye on the end of the ladder , Ted pushed off of the bucket with all his strength , jumping as high as he could .
tr	5	He flew higher than he had thought possible , but not too high , just barely catching the bottom rung of the ladder with his fingertips .
tr	5	Ted fished out the scrap of paper and added a few lines to his note , before folding it and stuffing it back in his pocket .
tr	5	After all , it wasn 't every day that you found a boy sitting on a roof eating something that generated so many interesting crumbs !
tr	5	Joe was seated on a chair in the northeast corner of the bank 's roof , facing down Main Street in the direction of Ted 's house .
tr	5	It was a cheap and easy way to make a rifle suitable for hunting deer , a very popular pastime in the autumn woods in Pennsylvania . )
tr	5	When he dared to peek over the wall again , Lilith was standing next to Joe , engaged in what appeared to be a rather heated conversation .
tr	5	Ted was still unable to make out what was being said , but Lilith was waving her hands now and pointing her finger in Joe 's face .
tr	5	" I 'd like you to take notice of the fact that I have removed the waterproof cover from the back of the GPS . "
tr	5	I don 't really need this thing at all and I don 't need the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow either .
tr	5	" The only guns I 've seen him with , were the ones you made him leave on the roof , " Melody called back .
tr	5	He stood , frozen in place , glancing first one way and then the other , apparently unable to decide which of the kids to go after .
tr	5	As Joe had yanked her back away from Ted , Ted had scraped some things that were taped to the back of his hand into hers .
tr	5	When Melody 's scent reached the zombie on the other side of the street , its head snapped up and it 's eyes locked on her .
tr	5	Somehow , even over the deafening blast , Melody could clearly hear the spent cartridge case pinging off of the concrete sidewalk to her right .
tr	5	Living human scent was a strong enough zombie attractant , but the smell of blood and guts was always sure to bring the ghouls running .
tr	5	Melody realized that the first of the runners would be on top of her in moments , and she quickly looked around searching for an escape route .
tr	5	Melody turned and ran about two blocks until she came across a house with a front porch that projected pretty far out into the sidewalk .
tr	5	Again , she was able to pick off a few of her pursuers , but again she had to retreat up the street to safety .
tr	5	It took her a moment to realize that it was cubes of safety glass from the windshield of the car she had taken refuge behind .
tr	5	It was apparently a piece of railing that had been blown free of its mountings on the concrete steps in front of a house near the blast .
tr	5	When she finished , Melody sat down on the front steps of a house to regain her composure and think about what she should do next .
tr	5	With its several ramps and sets of steps with steel railings , the loading docks became a sort of private skate park for the local slackers .
tr	5	Ted sprinted on , down the side of the video store , then turned into the access alley that ran behind the other small businesses .
tr	5	The zombie , or zombies , will just try to run you down and grapple with you ; all the while , trying to bite you .
tr	5	" A helpful addition to this plan might have been to sneak out here last night and stash a gun behind one of these dumpsters .
tr	5	In the life and death drama that was unfolding before Ted 's eyes , Jake was the obvious aggressor and Joe was on the defense .
tr	5	For each step that Jake took forward , Joe would take one backward , circling all the time to avoid being backed into a corner .
tr	5	Still struggling to free himself from Chris 's grasp , Joe barely had time to raise the board in a defensive position before Jake slammed into him .
tr	5	In one fluid motion , after kicking Jake away from him , Joe swiftly brought his boot heel down directly on Chris Yeager 's chin .
tr	5	It was in this moment of suspended animation , that Ted came to another realization ; it occurred to him that he just might have underestimated Joe .
tr	5	He turned his head just in time to see a plume of smoke and a column of flying debris rising above the rooftops across town .
tr	5	With his right hand , Joe grabbed a hank of Jake 's long greasy hair , winding it around his fingers for a good tight grip .
tr	5	Ted had always known that only one of them could come out of this alive , but now it was really hitting home for the first time .
tr	5	He knew that Joe couldn 't keep up with him forever , but he had to find a way to bring this chase to a conclusive end .
tr	5	Some of these buildings had been converted to storage facilities and loft apartments years ago , but most stood abandoned with broken windows and rusting doors .
tr	5	The sign read : " T.P. 's Salvage Yard " and underneath that , in small print : " Premises patrolled after hours by guard dogs . "
tr	5	Ted reached the rear of a rusty old land yacht and leapt onto the trunk lid , running up the rear window and onto the roof .
tr	5	Moving between the rows of cars as fast as he dared , Joe was on the alert for any sound that might betray an attack .
tr	5	The wall was high enough to prevent the theft of one of the vehicles parked within and just a little too high to climb over .
tr	5	Somehow , he had managed to climb on top of the only vehicle in the yard that wasn 't in jumping distance of another safe perch .
tr	5	If he could get over the wall , he should be quite safe inside and at least he should be able to find some shade .
tr	5	It was some small comfort that if he broke his legs when he hit the ground , he wouldn 't have to worry about dying of dehydration .
tr	5	With both of Ted 's legs dangling just out of their reach , all three dogs had assembled below , to jump and snap at his feet .
tr	5	As his back foot left the ground , Ted could feel the sharp tips of one of the dogs ' canine teeth closing around his ankle .
tr	5	One of the dogs , in an attempt to get to Ted , jumped over the front bumper and landed in the vacant engine compartment .
tr	5	Despite the unsuccessful nature of the dogs ' attempts to get to him on top of the car , Ted realized it was time to move again .
tr	5	After lying on the ground a while longer to catch his breath , Ted stood up , brushing the gravel from his bloody palms and knees .
tr	5	When he turned around and headed back toward the other end of the wall , they followed him back , snarling and drooling all the while .
tr	5	When Ted ran out of wall at the front of the warehouse building , he was only slightly forward of the car 's front bumper .
tr	5	He whistled to get the dogs ' attention and in an instant they were right below him again , jumping and biting at thin air .
tr	5	Ted turned to his left and led the dogs around the corner and all the way down the wall to the front of the warehouse .
tr	5	While the dogs were completely focused on his current position , Ted jumped down to the ground inside the paddock , disappearing from their view .
tr	5	Ted did seem to recall that electric garage door openers usually have some sort of mechanical release that would allow the door to be opened manually .
tr	5	At the far right side of the garage door opening and just inside the door , Ted could see a loop of chain hanging down .
tr	5	Along three walls and parked in rows down the middle of the building was a collection of high-end classic and exotic cars in various states of disassembly .
tr	5	The door on the side of the building , which Ted had seen from the roof of the school bus , was hidden from view .
tr	5	When he reached the last row of shelves , he turned right and walked along the wall until he reached the door leading out to the yard .
tr	5	He left them at the end of the wall farthest from , but still in sight of , the door on the side of the building .
tr	5	Now he could take a break and he hopped down off the wall to explore a bit and make some preparations for the rest of his plan .
tr	5	Another , a black shield , overlaid with the image of a raging Spanish fighting bull , had once graced the hood of a Lamborghini .
tr	5	Much to his relief , there were no stinking piles of goo inside the fridge that had once been tuna sandwiches or slices of pizza .
tr	5	As soon as the zombie dogs spotted movement on top of the wall and caught Ted 's scent again , they went into full-blown attack mode .
tr	5	Ted spun around and ran into the open door , turning quickly to the left and running down the aisle between the shelving and the wall .
tr	5	He could hear their nails scrabbling on the smooth concrete floor as they slid around the corners and tried to gain forward momentum again to catch him .
tr	5	Without time to stand up , he scrambled for the door and rolled outside onto the gravel at the same time as the dogs reached the door .
tr	5	He stumbled back to the shady side of the derelict school bus and collapsed against it , sliding down to a sitting position on the gravel lot .
tr	5	Chapter Twenty One Showdown Now , more than a year later , Ted could still hear the dogs on the other side of the door .
tr	5	Ted picked up a piece of wire from the ground and thrust it between the frame and door , where its latch engaged the lock plate .
tr	5	Ted kept his head angled down towards the door 's locking mechanism , but his eyes were up and focused on the reflection in the plastic sign .
tr	5	It wasn 't glossy enough to show a clear view of the yard behind him , but he should be able to detect movement in it .
tr	5	As the three dogs exploded out into the daylight , Joe could see the long strings of saliva trailing from the corners of their mouths .
tr	5	Joe had been pacing back and forth on the roof of the bus like a caged tiger , with the dogs following along below him .
tr	5	Joe , however , hadn 't spent years training and operating all over the world , just to let himself be defeated by a goddamned teenager .
tr	5	For a split second , he had allowed his situational awareness to lapse and now the pain caused him to falter for just a moment .
tr	5	As Joe turned his attention back to his victim , Ted realized that he now knew exactly where , and when , he was going to die .
tr	5	As Joe 's grip around his throat tightened , Ted raised his arms and grasped Joe 's forearms in a futile attempt to pull them away .
tr	5	Ted could hear a distant voice still yelling at him and he could vaguely see , in his peripheral vision , Joe going for his throat again .
tr	5	Despite his sorry condition , Ted had the wherewithal to roll onto his side , away from the clanging and to clap his hands over his ears .
tr	5	When the worst of the junk shower seemed to be over , Ted took his hands off of his ears and rolled over on his back .
tr	5	They were not nearly as loud as the first explosion , sounding as though they came from far away through the ringing in Ted 's ears .
tr	5	Slowly , he collapsed , rolling off of the stack of pallets to land with a loud thump , face up in the gravel lot .
tr	5	Joe lay perfectly still with his eyes closed , looking as though he 'd just lain down to take a nap on a bed of broken glass .
tr	5	At one point , he felt as though he would black out and leaned for a moment against the stack of pallets until his head stopped spinning .
tr	5	" I 'm afraid if you could see the inside of that place , I 'd never get you out , regardless of the killer dogs . "
tr	5	Ted and Melody wound their way through town on the way home , retracing their steps and retrieving gear they had discarded along the way .
tr	5	Melody had told Ted about Lilith 's fate and neither of them wanted to see the mess on the sidewalk in front of the bank .
tr	5	Melody understood Ted 's sadness at leaving this place , but she couldn 't help getting annoyed when he seemed to be dragging his feet .
tr	5	" Well , if we had had to pay diesel prices to fuel our farm equipment , things would have been a lot leaner at my house .
tr	5	He even took time to carefully arrange some of the plastic bins on the floor in front of the swinging shelves to make them even less noticeable .
tr	5	The shuffling feet of the two bleary-eyed travelers making their way down the back walk to the garage generated the only other sound breaking the early-morning silence .
tr	5	Ted 's house literally stood out like a sore thumb in contrast to the neighbor 's places , all of which were slowly falling apart .
tr	5	She met his gaze and Ted could see an expression of understanding in her eyes , but it was tempered by a look of impatience also .
tr	5	I would like to say that old habits die hard , but I just realized that I 've never driven on a real road before . "
tr	5	" Jack 's Place " screams its existence to the world with insanely large , glowing , red stylized letters running parallel to the roof .
tr	5	The beat of the music pulses directly into his heart and rises from a flashing multi-colored floor that is covered by a sea of gyrating dancers .
tr	5	She is well aware of the affect her dancing has on the audience ; it is the reason she is so very well paid to perform .
tr	5	Aria is used to positive energy from the crowd so it is surprising when her awareness detects a subtle but distinctly negative energy rising from below .
tr	5	Cleverly , she changes her dance routine , removing her usually sensual body movements and replacing them with flying jumps and kicks resembling rhythmic martial arts .
tr	5	The stranger , oblivious to Aria 's awareness , draws two long black blades from beneath his jacket , the sharp edges glinting in the overhead lights .
tr	5	With lightening speed he arcs a blade through the air , slicing the sharp edge through the neck of a hapless young woman , practically decapitating her .
tr	5	Aria pushes back the horror of the stranger 's presence in her midst and quickly recharges her will , keeping it at the edge of her fingertips .
tr	5	With a powerful burst of energy she releases her cry , projecting it out through time and space to the only person she knows can help her .
tr	5	Immediately her entire body and mind shifts and all the amusements and erotic thoughts that occupied her attention moments before disintegrate , replaced with programming and training .
tr	5	The unit projects a holographic heads-up display , or HUD , before his eyes and using his mind the Captain quickly selects the processes he desires .
tr	5	Prepare the decks , Miss Encino , this is an emergency jump not foreplay , " Commander Kraken shouts , an amused shimmer in his eyes .
tr	5	" Mr. Wallace , just open the hole and I 'll do the rest , " Warrior 's voice assures confidently in the helmsman 's ear .
tr	5	" XO , the event horizon is pulling us through , we cannot reverse , space time is already warping , " Warrior 's voice states hopelessly .
tr	5	Yeoman Encino feels the gravity around her pitch and she is flung out of her chair to hang in space for what seems like an eternity .
tr	5	Each gunship pilot cranks their engines toward the ground and jams their throttles all the way forward ; the crowd below is seconds from being scorched .
tr	5	The dragon hovers for a moment before its massive legs and muscular arms stretch down to easily settle upon the street , barely missing awe struck onlookers .
tr	5	The two chosen warriors sprint to either side of the large open emergency doors and take up defensive positions , holding their rifles at the ready .
tr	5	No witch , you cannot hide your evil from him and as his messenger I gladly fulfill his covenant , " the stranger states proudly .
tr	5	A sharp report thunders inside the club and the sword flies out of the stranger 's hand , clattering several meters away onto the dance floor .
tr	5	" Miss Encino , included in your memory core is the knowledge of recent events involving the loss of the dragon fleet and much of our population .
tr	5	" Of course , Doctor , it would be my honor and privilege to help in the reconstruction of our defenses , " Valerie states without hesitation .
tr	5	She has been this way since the passage through the portal sent her flying through the air ; after which she has no recollection of landing .
tr	5	She scans the tactical screens to discover the scales are taking hits from metal projectiles and some low yield explosive rockets fired from a dozen well-armed gunships .
tr	5	" Doctor , if you can hear this , we need your help , Warrior is ... unconscious , " the voice says with astonishment .
tr	5	Lisa quickly decides she has a concussion at the very least , but judging by the wound , a cracked skull is a likely possibility as well .
tr	5	She pushes with her legs sliding up the wall in an almost reverse motion in which she had come to be on the deck plates .
tr	5	Warrior 's secondary AI is online and ready for instruction , but her cortex is showing damage ... she 's unconscious , " Valerie reports sadly .
tr	5	She takes a deep breath and speaks toward the ceiling , " Warrior , we would like for you to take us to the Lunar Penal Colony .
tr	5	Doctor Dresden asks in a dry voice , taking his attention from the molecular scanner he is operating and giving the captain a look of extreme annoyance .
tr	5	" Very good , I see our XO has not forgotten her training , it appears she has placed herself in a healing trance . "
tr	5	The giant dock doors are sliding aside and beyond that is the stark grey airless landscape , the perfect place to build a penal colony .
tr	5	" I wasn 't talking to you , " Valerie says , waving her hand in front of her as if to push warrior 's voice away .
tr	5	" Warrior , my CU ... " " There is a subtle dampening field around the dock , which is effective in blocking your communications .
tr	5	The force of impact lifts the two men off their feet and sends them and large fleshy chunks , splattering into the bulkhead behind them .
tr	5	Lance twists his wrists so that his palms face away from each other then pulls his arms apart as if to part the way before him .
tr	5	Lance squeezes his hand and Jason 's pistol , his favorite and a gift from Aria , is crushed , the electronic sight sparks and dies .
tr	5	" I heard you aren 't suppose to go to bed angry , I wonder if the same rule applies when you are about to die .
tr	5	" I am in command , Doctor , that makes me responsible , but that bastard owes me when he gets back , " Valerie curses .
tr	5	" Talk fast , he 's about to be puddle at the bottom of your foyer , " Lance assures with a gleam in his eyes .
tr	5	Layers of pain replace the horror of being sucked out into space ; his skin is alight with exquisite fire that equals in strength to his fury .
tr	5	I still come here often , it 's been a long time since I brought you here , " Aria observes , her smooth voice distant .
tr	5	" Oh Jason , I 've missed you ... there hasn 't been anyone else , not since I left , " Aria states sadly .
tr	5	" Warrior , lower the pulse shield for five seconds , restore it and launch a volley of spawn at the target , " Aria orders confidently .
tr	5	A corpse , dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit , is strapped in the chair at the left control station , its flesh is burnt and smoking .
tr	5	Leather is thrown to the ceiling and is dragged through the wires and broken conduits tearing open the flesh of her back in many places .
tr	5	Leather screams in pain before being silenced when her body slams into the hull and is crushed by inertia ; blood pours from her mouth and eyes .
tr	5	The pilot 's chair is ripped from its moorings and is flung through a newly formed tear in the hull above the pilot 's head .
tr	5	Twirling end over end , pilot and chair slam into a sewage reclamation tank that had been torn from the maintenance level of the ship .
tr	5	The nurse makes an unhappy face then slowly turns toward a med chamber to her left and lifts her hand to point shakily at it .
tr	5	" Jason , Astral House is my projection , unless I am there with you , the place doesn 't exist , " Aria says .
tr	5	Jason , sweetheart , Doctor Dresden has assessed your condition and it ... there is no natural way to save you , " Aria announces bluntly .
tr	5	Warrior needs our help and we are just ... " " I am aware of the situation , Doctor , " Aria snaps cutting Lisa off .
tr	5	Her face is stretched so tight against her face the bones beneath are visible ; it is like her skin is painted onto her skull .
tr	5	The entrance to the bridge is an opening in the center of the smooth deck where a set of stairs descends to the deck below .
tr	5	" The process went faster than expected ; faster than the records we recovered indicated it should ... he ... " Zachary begins wringing his hands nervously .
tr	5	The constant hum of the ship is soon broken as she nears the medical lab , from which muffled screams , thuds and pops are heard .
tr	5	The woman makes a slight gesture with her hand and the energy balls bounce away from her and are absorbed harmlessly into the blood stained hull .
tr	5	Warrior 's keen vision spots a figure standing on the very top of the mesa and with curiosity , she circles the monolithic desert structure .
tr	5	" She 's ready to go , " Lisa says moving behind the center workstation and placing her hands on the back of the operator 's chair .
tr	5	There is a spark between Warrior 's horns and her whole body shakes and shudders causing tremors to run up through the sides of the cavern .
tr	5	It won 't help our captain and it won 't help us to determine what is hunting us , " Aria says as she straightens herself .
tr	5	" Commander , we are proceeding with the first stage ... are you certain about theses ... changes ... I wonder if Captain Drake would approve . "
tr	5	I have no idea how this would affect anything , the signal seems perfectly innocuous to me but clearly it had a devastating affect on you . "
tr	5	Lying in a puddle of putrid water is a rag doll ; it 's head half torn off its body , stuffing leaking out the wound .
tr	5	" How brave you are , father , " Maya says openly , her voice lingers and echoes , parts of her words stretching out ominously .
tr	5	A horror rises from the stone , a dark thing with hairy spider legs , a human torso and a goat 's head with razor sharp teeth .
tr	5	Lance looks up at the girl with disgust , although the condition of his face , skull like , he could be smiling for anyone could tell .
tr	5	We may have evolved away from humanity in a distinct way , but we are also very much the same in many other ways . "
tr	5	" The witch hunters are just a cult group looking to make a name for themselves , I can 't see how they could threaten us .
tr	5	Most of our people understand that in order to survive we are going to have to change our ways and accept outside help , " Aria explains .
tr	5	A single continent is visible floating in a purple ocean and bright flashes of light can be seen all over it along with rising gray clouds .
tr	5	" Commander , we have an internal hull breach , someone has sabotaged the ship , " Red explains , his mechanical voice , troubled .
tr	5	There is a buzzing noise and suddenly , with no explanation , she finds herself standing on what would appear to be a ruined world .
tr	5	Clearly the head is that of Blade , largest of the former dragon fleet , but the neck and chest is a combination of several dragons .
tr	5	" It is twice the size of Warrior and is almost fully functional , all she needs is her cerebral cortex and a personality profile .
tr	5	" Warrior , Lieutenant Encino is on the deck and taking command to execute transfer from Dragon Medical Bay to Docking Bay One , " Valerie states .
tr	5	" Thank you Warrior , but we lost many officers on Neo Utopia , my advancement was out of necessity , " Valarie states humbly .
tr	5	I thought you said ... " " It wasn 't mine and it wasn 't yours either , " Jason replies getting off the stool .
tr	5	" They destroyed Maya 's pod before we could stop them ... " " Then I tore them to pieces , " Aria curses through gritted teeth .
tr	5	Doctor Dresden looks over at the floating biosynthetic doctor and says , " well , she is very stubborn about this , I apologize , Doctor . "
tr	5	Speaking of lying , you lied when you told me you didn 't speak to your father , but you did , didn 't you ? "
tr	5	All I need now is to put your brain into the dragon 's cortex chamber , erase your memories and replace them with new ones .
tr	5	Again Jason turns and fires instinctively , a plume of blood , skull and brain flashing onto the dock doorframe as a soldier crumples to the gangway .
tr	5	Grabbing a cold metal support beam , he swings himself up , performs a somersault and lands on his feet on the metal deck of the gangway .
tr	5	Such lovely flesh and what beautiful eyes you have , " Lance gurgles then starts to giggle ; a deeply insane giggle mixed with hatred and pain .
tr	5	Lance straightens and moves his body into a grotesque pose , modeling his horribly deformed body for Jason as if he were a runway model .
tr	5	In his HUD Jason scans the visage of horror and places two target cross hairs on its body and one centered on his glowing third eye .
tr	5	Gathering his will , his heart filled with hatred and pain , Lance draws power down his arms as a bright red nimbus glows around his hands .
tr	5	Neo Utopia was supposed to be the end of them , yet she still flies and Drake not only lives , he looks amazing . "
tr	5	" Sir , the brain ... it needs to be extracted and then placed into the cortex receptacle , we can 't do that here .
tr	5	It then takes it up into the suspension tube , where the cortex will live for , if we are reading this right , several hundred years .
tr	5	The problem is that the brain and the ship 's systems have to be synchronized , an elaborate process that takes a very long time .
tr	5	He looks at Lisa , " Doctor Everett , thank you for your help , I never got a chance to praise your work before .
tr	5	Valerie leans over her own chair , taking in a data stream , her biosynthetic eyes annoyingly slow for the first time in her life .
tr	5	" It 's ... all of them ... they pieced them all together ... multiple parts from each ship ... it 's a monster ! "
tr	5	Raising his tail and extending his claws , three powerful beams of energy blast from the palms of his clawed hands and through his open mouth .
tr	5	Both dragons tumble end over end in a mess of arms , claws , tails and snapping teeth in a cloud of dust along the rocky surface .
tr	5	Skillfully , Warrior gets to her feet first , turns and races at Lance who has not quite figured out standing , let alone walking .
tr	5	Warrior spins and glides away from his fire , while releasing a spawn missile , which streams toward Lance and explodes in front of his face .
tr	5	" Empress , it is good to see your vessel has returned , we were worried , " a soft young female voice states over the speakers .
tr	5	" We don 't know where they are , so we have to draw them out and the only way to do that is to attack Earth .
tr	5	" Besides , it sounds like my other project is nearing completion and if it is as promising as it sounds , we will be unstoppable . "
tr	5	The door to her father 's quarters slides into the wall silently and Aria strides into the room carrying a tray with food heaped upon it .
tr	5	Upon stuffing herself , Maya lies back on her father 's couch and groans with satisfaction while resting both of her hands on her very full stomach .
tr	5	I learned to harness my abilities to protect myself and my crew from human pirates or people like the witch hunters , " Aria explains .
tr	5	A transparent docking tube extends out from the flat wall opposite the great iris door and attaches itself to the hatch in warrior 's chest .
tr	5	We managed to get Maya away from crazy town , unfortunately Lance managed to connect himself somehow to the empty cortex , " Jason explains quickly .
tr	5	" Doctor Everett , we cannot second guess what has already happened and nobody knew what Lance was until it was too late , " Warrior states .
tr	5	Its internal power must be very unstable and those guns are ridiculous , I don 't care how scary it looks , " Lisa states .
tr	5	" Lisa , study these images some more and pinpoint some other weak spots for Warrior and our weapons officers to concentrate on , " Jason suggests .
tr	5	" Wait , Aria , is there anyway for you to tap into Warrior to increase your will and defend the ship or fight Lance ? "
tr	5	Taking a quick looking around and seeing no one , she throws her arms about the burly man 's neck and hungrily presses her lips against his .
tr	5	Beverly , moaning with pleasure , stretches out her hand to slap the door pad , which instantly reads her DNA signature and releases the door locks .
tr	5	She plants a hard wet kiss on his lips then shoves him back violently , forcing him to sit on the edge of her bed .
tr	5	But if you want to stay on my channel , so I can trace you , then by all means keep talking , " Beverly warns .
tr	5	Anytime Jason , her former captain , saved her life he would simply tell her , " that 's a chip you owe me . "
tr	5	" On my signal , be in Earth orbit with guns blazing , you will know the targets when you see them , " Jason orders .
tr	5	" I know they have you chasing pirates through the Ort Cloud , but you better hang close to the closest static jump portal . "
tr	5	" Have fun and try not work him to hard , he looks a little soft for you , " Jason says with a wink .
tr	5	" I know how you feel about humans , but the treaty ... " " Oh please , can we just not do the political thing .
tr	5	" Oh that 's right , you put your disgusting seed in one of our women and somehow that makes you part of our community .
tr	5	I gave your crew a chance to depart but in the end they chose to sacrifice themselves for your magnificence , " Lance explains with contempt .
tr	5	It is only your plan that keeps me here now , but don 't think that you control me or you will regret it . "
tr	5	Maya 's eyes are closed , and a beam of red laser light is blazing against her forehead where her open third eye has again appeared .
tr	5	Jason sighs , remembering a time when he came to this very dock to speak with Blade , the oldest and largest in the dragon fleet .
tr	5	He snaps his head up to look at the catwalk far above and makes a joyful hoot sound before flapping his wings and soaring upward swiftly .
tr	5	I promise you , when this is over , we will target our resources to getting you into that body of yours , " Jason assures .
tr	5	Dagger looks about then swiftly wings his way up toward the ceiling where an oval hole large enough for him to glide up into waits .
tr	5	Her heart is filled with pure joy as finally her wish comes true and the man of her dreams has finally found his way to her .
tr	5	A few more technicians are working the end of her tail while another dozen are inside her open mouth working on each of her sharp teeth .
tr	5	" You are more than welcome , you are all individuals and very special to me , " Lisa states emphatically with serious uncompromising eyes .
tr	5	Lance draws back his clawed hand and prepares to jam it into the tiny cage when suddenly he looks up , his massive eyes blinking .
tr	5	His pants are barely hanging from his hips from all the rips in it , much of his legs are exposed , displaying deep cuts and gashes .
tr	5	We were told that he died in an accident , but somebody else , who was there , told us that Prince Lance killed him .
tr	5	Suddenly Tyler rolls back and comes to his feet as a bright light and a terrible grinding is heard from Dagger 's much larger cage .
tr	5	The shield wall is seen very clearly as a blue nimbus that pulses in a wide arc for many miles rising from the crater walls .
tr	5	Looking down , Jason watches the iris entrance to Dock Four open and a sleek looking vessel with a dark blue metallic hull slowly backing out .
tr	5	It is one thing for he alone to jump into the breach , but a far heavier thing to bring so many lives with him .
tr	5	It would not be long before his reign would be questioned and a more formal command hierarchy would be demanded from the officers of the fleet .
tr	5	From behind , Valerie Encino steps up next to Captain Drake , her uniform once again modified to now include commander stripes on her shoulder insignia .
tr	5	She steps away , salutes her Captain and clearly states , " Captain Drake , Commander , BFS Javelin , requesting permission to depart , sir . "
tr	5	" You know , dear , commanding more than one ship makes you an Admiral , " Aria suggests while playfully nibbling the back of his neck .
tr	5	I am mustering the fleet , fly into formation when you get here and get ready to jump to Earth orbit , " Jason states emphatically .
tr	5	The door to the lab slides into the wall and Aria , slightly out of breath pokes her head into the opening and looks at Dresden sternly .
tr	5	Her crew is busy and don 't have time to look up and acknowledge her presence , although a couple do smile or wave at her .
tr	5	The moment she sits in the command chair the domed room lights up and all around her the matted screens display a panoramic view outside the ship .
tr	5	" Your attention please , this is your commanding officer , this is our first time out together and unfortunately we are going straight into battle .
tr	5	I am sure you are all aware of our chances , but I have every confidence in both Captain Drake and all of you in particular .
tr	5	She is now floating in the middle of Dock One ; her arms outstretched , her legs pointed back , her body parallel to the deck .
tr	5	" She can 't hear you child , at least not that way , " Warrior says , her voice coming from all around her .
tr	5	" Maya , your body is safe inside me , you are just seeing things the way you need to so you can use your will .
tr	5	Captain Tate 's once long straight nose is broken in three places , blood pours from his nostrils and his eyes look glassy and distant .
tr	5	A stream of red energy blasts from his fingertips cutting a clean hole through the white uniformed man , who crumples back to the deck , lifeless .
tr	5	" Sir , several vessels of unknown origin have just jumped into orbit and are bearing down on us sir , " the officer proclaims frantically .
tr	5	As her body falls back to the deck , Gwendolyn twirls her other blade about and slices in a downward arc , decapitating the yeoman 's corpse .
tr	5	" This just makes the fight more interesting , but in the end you 'll still be impaled on the end of my tail . "
tr	5	" There is an enemy boarding party walking around our decks and I doubt they are just enjoying the tour , " Warrior replies sadly .
tr	5	She leans down to whisper in Lisa 's ear , " I 'm just kidding , nobody on this filthy ship is going to live . "
tr	5	Dresden gets off the deck holding his broken forearm , a piece of bone sticking up out of the skin , blood staining his lab coat .
tr	5	He turns his head , eyes burning and says between clenched teeth , " Report to station and prepare to drop , " Jason orders .
tr	5	" I didn 't get close enough to find out anything useful , other than how easily humans die , " Gwendolyn replies with a smile .
tr	5	Gwendolyn slides along the deck and impacts a support beam painfully , while her more experienced enemy find ways to stabilize themselves and hang on .
tr	5	" It doesn 't matter how big and powerful your guns are , a whole army of you Neanderthals couldn 't touch me , " Gwendolyn boasts .
tr	5	On the starboard side alone , Fearless has fifty missile turrets and a hundred rail gun batteries , to say the sky lit up was an understatement .
tr	5	The deck lurches and Gwendolyn is thrown back onto the deck as Jason and his squad scramble to cover , grabbing their weapons on the way .
tr	5	She gathers her will , jumps up and throws up a shield in time to catch Jason 's latest attempt to kill one of them .
tr	5	" We threatened your plans so you hunted us down , I get that , but not for the reasons you would have admitted to publically .
tr	5	Aria snaps her arms down , her hands glowing with a green nimbus as she pulls a magical shield around her , blocking the attack .
tr	5	Aria gets to her hands and knees , gasping for air , her entire body assailed by pain while blood gushes from her ruined nose .
tr	5	She spins the handle of her blade back into her hand and holds it in her clenched fist , the point aimed at the deck .
tr	5	Breach alarms start to sound , but many are unable to deal with anything as Dagger continues his passage through bulkheads and ripping compartments open to space .
tr	5	" Your daughter was connected to me for a long time , seems your " Channel " is open to me now too , " Warrior states .
tr	5	Dagger slows to a stop and watches in awe , as both fighting dragons become a burning streak of light descending toward the planet 's surface .
tr	5	Dagger swoops about and flies back toward the battlefield where the last volley of what history will call " The Battle of Earth " is being fired .
tr	5	Warrior leaps away from the blast and clears the distance between them in seconds , landing on Lance 's back and forcing him onto the sand .
tr	5	There is a lurch as everyone grabs their consoles or chairs ; the crew is getting better at anticipating the leaks in the gravity compensation field .
tr	5	The CIC crew jumps to work , calling to each other and speaking over their CU 's in an effort to effect manual control of Warrior .
tr	5	Warrior leaps skyward , extends her claws and delivers a combination of Particle Beam and Pulse Cannon fire into the discolored region near his rear legs .
tr	5	She is going to be out for a while , but once she wakes up , you will want her to be surrounded by this frequency . "
tr	5	" For centuries we lived in peace on our world , we attuned ourselves to the energy of the universe and we were awarded a precious gift .
tr	5	The transports had been waiting for a signal to jump to Earth and begin an assault on her cities , but the signal , thankfully never came .
tr	5	" Sir , First Lieutenant Everett is secure for drop , " Red reports proudly yet with a slightly sad catch to his mechanical voice .
tr	5	Maya moves up next to Doctor Dresden and slips her hand into his free hand , which hangs at his side , wrinkled with age .
tr	5	Some hover above construction sites while others , carrying material or construction personnel , are landing or taking off near the base of each building .
tr	5	In the year since the battle of Earth , Maya has grown over a foot , her hair is longer and her voice is slightly more mature .
tr	5	" The last of the construction crews left yesterday ; we are fully functional with all twenty docking bays occupied , " Jason replies proudly .
tr	5	Valerie , dressed in her newest and most flattering uniform to date , proudly and confidently walks out onto the floor to more applause and cheers .
tr	5	It is our way of healing the wounds of the past to build a brand new future , and you are the vanguard of that future .
tr	5	He began writing as a child when he would build homemade paperback novels and fill them with exciting stories about hiking , bears or space adventures .
tr	5	Most of the stories about these phenomena are normally referred to at dreary museums or read about in musty old texts books for they happened long ago .
tr	5	They might want to become celebrities just like myself and probably you as well so , we can get our ideas out and entertain our peers .
tr	5	Another couple of minutes pass and he decides to urinate , and then slide into bed , being careful not to wake his expectedly sleeping wife .
tr	5	It lingered in their brains , releasing small images of their son and their daughter in law in court wearing suits and dividing their belongings .
tr	5	Together they bought their own house , raised their only son to be an honorable businessman and were now retired , completely free of financial troubles .
tr	5	Her focused fiancé was sorting papers on the small bar table , engrossed in his work , when she shrieked in a fit of joy .
tr	5	If anything , if we were to sweep in and buy them out , it sounds like we would be spending more money on this lake . "
tr	5	They got into their truck and drove off on the lively streets of Victoria eventually making it to the highway that takes them home to Nanaimo .
tr	5	He couldn 't see anything so , he grabbed his flashlight and began to step out of the truck when his uncle grabbed his arm .
tr	5	After about a minute of driving John and his uncle could both see through the one headlight that birds were gliding around the road up ahead .
tr	5	Some carried a plethora of berries while others carried full nests and they were all going the same way the deer and the bear were going .
tr	5	The deer were now surrounding their truck , barely paying attention to the threatening yells John was emitting about further damaging his already scratched paint job .
tr	5	The furious truck driver loaded the gun and hopped out of his truck just in time to be standing right in front of the pack of wolves .
tr	5	Towards the open cape , there was a team of ocean kayakers thirty feet ahead of a long native painted canoe filled with twenty people rowing vigorously .
tr	5	I have got to warn you , the guide is a bit of a nut but , he 's a good friend of mine . "
tr	5	The sea taxi finally pulled up to the dock attached to the island and the group took their first steps out on New Castle Island .
tr	5	To their left were two average sized buildings along side many wooden structures over benches for people to eat at while camping and picnicking on the island .
tr	5	John walked with his shoulders hunched towards one of the only buildings on the island , which was merely a bit larger than a house .
tr	5	Hundreds of old photographs that took hours to develop were hanging framed on the wall depicting many past visitors who visited the island in the 1960 's .
tr	5	After strolling through a hall with wooden walls on one side and bathrooms on the other , visitors reach a comfortable room attached to the restaurant .
tr	5	So far the animals have all been acting strange , the tides have been off and many of the birds have left Vancouver Island completely . "
tr	5	There was silence , then , Jimmy began laughing a hard , bellowing laugh as he rolled on the floor and beat his fist into the ground .
tr	5	He expected them to share his enthusiasm about the seriousness of the event and maybe propose some ideas to stop it or even suggest they evacuate .
tr	5	At one point it looked as if the woman was taking a picture of him but , she was actually focused on the headboard above him .
tr	5	To the right is the field and the fun house which can be rented for low costs if ye ' have a group over thirty . "
tr	5	After a few pictures in front of the tree capturing all of them , they all began to move onto the lumpy , gray beach .
tr	5	There were brightly colored starfish that were smaller in size compared to the starfish clinging to the dock but , were equally as active and artistic looking .
tr	5	John and Jimmy both thought it was very strange she was taking pictures of everything but nature ; however , they didn 't say a word .
tr	5	Timothy , hopped carelessly rock to rock keeping record of every creature that was socializing in the pools until his feet sank into the gravely shore .
tr	5	Thomas was hardly paying any attention to the boy but , after noticing the looks he was receiving from the others , he took the picture .
tr	5	Everyone was very enthusiastic about the photo knowing how much the boy wanted to see a sea lion , but John felt obligated to break the news .
tr	5	The trees at some points blocked the sunlight completely , hiding whatever creatures may be watching them as the humans trespassed on their rightful home .
tr	5	Visible paw prints of Vancouver Island wolves lined the pathway in the crumbly brown soil , showing the strategies of how the wolves hunted the night before .
tr	5	A second later , a spray of water blew into the air as the ocean waves were slapped by the black fin of an orca whale .
tr	5	The suspense was thickening as the pod of females began to circle around both deer very calmly , like a wild cat prowls around its prey .
tr	5	Slapping their thick tales against the water , each pair continued to move forward without letting the orca encased deer 's heads go under water .
tr	5	Until then , it had been almost dead quiet , except for the sound of a single bird chirping a happy song deep within the forest .
tr	5	After hiking up a curving hill then trekking down the other side , the tour had brought itself to the center of the island 's problem .
tr	5	With the combination of the two , it did not look like there was a lake there at all but more of a botanic garden .
tr	5	Before that he worked as a lumberjack in the wild Canadian north , which was very unbelievable since he now weighs only one hundred and twenty pounds .
tr	5	We all knew right away this was super bad and definitely going to get us caught but , we didn 't expect to see what happened next .
tr	5	He told many fishermen 's tales during the next hour about fishing with his majestic boat " The Robin " which sported a red hull .
tr	5	Unfortunately , that dream like most sport dreams didn 't work out as planned and now he drives the sea taxi back and forth every day .
tr	5	The worst part is they don 't believe he is old enough to handle it , so they leave him in the dark unknowing that he knows .
tr	5	She contently whipped out her phone which was exactly identical to his and began playing a very loud game to be sure to catch his attention .
tr	5	John staggered back a bit , then after a long glance at the cold floor he said , " It will be us against the island . "
tr	5	There was a thunderous boom that propelled from the roof of the building as straggly brown claws tore it to shreds in wide ridged stretches .
tr	5	Once Ben was free , without showing the slightest bit of gratitude , he rushed out the door into the restaurant crazily muttering more obscenities to himself .
tr	5	His eyes bulged as they noticed a thirty foot evergreen tree with roots and most the branches still attached , lying next to the building .
tr	5	Jimmy knew the wind had been very subtle today but , when he continued to look around his eyes caught the sight of the angry outer world .
tr	5	The shorelines of the islands were too dangerous to approach for the waves were smashing over top of them , engulfing the rocks with their fury .
tr	5	The wind created a whispering effect as it carried the demonic cackles , making it seem like the devil was chanting right into one 's ear .
tr	5	Jimmy started tumbling towards were the sea taxi once sat frantically bellowing above the chaotic sounds , " Let 's get out of here ! "
tr	5	About fifteen seconds into moving they all began clinging to the elderly people 's scooters to keep themselves stable however , this didn 't alleviate the pain .
tr	5	Jimmy released his tight grip from the old woman 's scooter and grasped the structures beam which was definitely a lot weaker than it appeared .
tr	5	Timothy was more anxious to see what ghoul was making that god awful sound , then earlier today when he desperately wanted to see a sea lion .
tr	5	Chapter 7 : They 've Chosen to Run for Their Lives Jimmy picked up Timothy and bolted towards the forest with John hot on his heels .
tr	5	Jimmy , who was carrying Timothy , had so much adrenaline driven by fear he was bounding over the huge debris with his frail , skinny legs .
tr	5	He could not see very far ahead of him in the haze of stinging pines , so he closed his eyes to avoid permanent blindness .
tr	5	John was paralyzed by the experience , staring directly in the blood coloured eyes of the beast as it lunged towards him with fatal intentions .
tr	5	John braced himself , gripping the branch he had pinned himself to and once again closed his eyes to hide from the terrifying image forming before him .
tr	5	He kept running , noticing the silence that had fallen across the earth and praying that his eyes were just playing a cruel trick on him .
tr	5	The stoic sea lions remained in this outrageously chilling state for what seemed to be an eternity when suddenly , they all rushed the cliff in unison .
tr	5	The paranormal sounds still rang from their vibrating vocal chords making the nape of the humans ' necks tingle from the creepiness of the tones .
tr	5	He glanced back momentarily to see where the rest of the men were and caught them just as they were realizing the seriousness of the situation .
tr	5	Thomas was scrolling compulsively on Angela 's phone since his device had been broken earlier that day , when he fell upon something that spiked his curiosity .
tr	5	In an ironic way the earth , stars and people around you will make you suffer the consequences of your bad actions and decisions . "
tr	5	Suddenly , a tight grip began clenching her arm strong enough to stop the blood circulation as Thomas dragged her up on top of the table .
tr	5	After hauling himself up , they both stood awkwardly on the rafters listening intently to the strident creaking noise that was rattling the whole building .
tr	5	Rapidly water busted in through the first window , followed by the breaking of many others as gallons of water poured unwaveringly into the restaurant .
tr	5	A small dog like head popped out of the dark green water and glared up at them with its pure black eyes fixed into theirs .
tr	5	The thought struck Thomas 's pessimistic mind like poisoned arrow , spreading negativity throughout his thinking process making it unbearable to figure out a way to live .
tr	5	Two orca whales had just entered the building , their dorsal fins protruded out of the four meter high water projecting heckling cackles at the humans .
tr	5	The tables were uprooted from where they once sat , uncontrollably spinning around with the strong force of the current , along with the sharp pointed antiques .
tr	5	Chapter 9 : Revisiting The Dead Lake The grandma 's tires skidded to a stop , bumping the wallowing pinned down sea lion in the head .
tr	5	He then attended to the elderly woman , lifting her up to a standing position but , she crippled over to her right side in agonizing pain .
tr	5	Just before jumping over himself , he was slapped by a fin of the squashed sea lion sending him toppling over the top of its exposed back .
tr	5	John did not hesitate for half a millisecond before leaping back up and rolling over the log escaping the dangerous situation a second before it became fatal .
tr	5	The surprise made some of the sea lions abruptly stop dazed and confused creating the perfect opportunity for the old man to flee the scene .
tr	5	It was buried beneath dozens of sticks and about a billion pine needles but , it 's reddish bark still glowed beneath the tree products .
tr	5	The human group just watched quietly as these harmless , small critters analyzed whether or not they should go greet the old sailor or not .
tr	5	The extra weight squished the racoon into the ground leaving only a shifting growling mouth exposed under Ben 's left shoulder close to John 's face .
tr	5	A childish side of him had taken over as he watched this helpless creature try to pull the rest of itself up onto the peg leg .
tr	5	Spotting a peculiar object in the distance , Timothy tried to point and yell but , the roar of the wind was muffling his high pitched voice .
tr	5	All the lily pads that floated daintily upon the lake bobbed repetitively as they were pushed by the waves Jimmy had created when he fell .
tr	5	" We 're surrounded by the forest and who knows how long we have before some new terror will appear out of the darkness . "
tr	5	The group backed away , pinned against the muddy shoreline , as a bright white creature stepped out of the bushes in front of them .
tr	5	A Vancouver Island wolf with a fresh kill still on his lips sauntered out of the forest with his piercing blue eyes set upon all of them .
tr	5	The wolves , still distracted by the other deer , left a small window for the grandparents to scooter away from there as fast as possible .
tr	5	Jimmy stood drenched at the edge of the lake , his eyes bulged in fear as he attempted to run away but , something was wrong .
tr	5	In unison , the snarling pack turned their heads and locked eyes on their meal that was waiting for them helplessly at the side of the lake .
tr	5	The cane swooped down again , this time knocking a particularly straggly wolf right in the knee caps bringing it skidding into the hard gravelly ground .
tr	5	John had no time to turn his head back around when he felt two padded feet push against back knocking him down to the ground .
tr	5	With his one capable arm he flipped himself and the wolf over exposing the wolf to its newest form of attack , being run over .
tr	5	His feet , without him noticing , rushed him over to his deer 's back again where he rested for moments before the next problem arose .
tr	5	John and Jimmy 's deer had started heading the same direction and had their heads bowed down ready to prong any wolf that dared touch the boy .
tr	5	The grandparents split off between either side of Timothy , slamming productively into the first few wolves , denting their scooters and some wolf skulls .
tr	5	The remaining few wolves were smoked brutally in the heads by canes , purses and peg legs that were jutting out from the sides of the scooters .
tr	5	Jimmy and his deer rushed over and picked up Timothy , throwing him on the back of the deer before proceeding forward with their escape .
tr	5	A revolving flare gun glistened in the shreds of light that escaped the overcast sky , already loaded and ready to fire at some unsuspecting life form .
tr	5	With the slightest movement of a finger , a fiery blazing , red orb streaked through the cold air , leaving a foggy pink trail behind it .
tr	5	The old man slammed on his scooters brakes , flinging Ben forward with momentum causing him to crash onto the ground in a wavy blue mess .
tr	5	The voices of the terrified animals projected shakily and warped across the disturbed island and the trees wiggled like noodles as the island vibrated ferociously .
tr	5	They all began to see the rarely viewed under side of the massive ferry and the craters that had been punctured into it from impact .
tr	5	Now all they could see was the slimy , barnacle infested , underside of the ship that blocked their vision from the phenomenon that happened next .
tr	5	The first couple rows of the trees that survived the wave were run over by the flopped over ship and the beach was completely buried .
tr	5	The wind abated to a gentle breeze ; the sounds that once haunted the forest had ceased ; and the chaos had finally come to a halt .
tr	5	Towering four stories high above Timothy , with tidal wave had made a remarkable push since fifty feet of the seventy foot vessel was on the land .
tr	5	A diamond ring shaped with clusters of other diamonds to make a master diamond was sitting in his hand like a pearl inside a clam .
tr	5	Eventually rain began to fall ... Epilogue : The door busted open and two lovers tumbled into the dim hotel room with their lips locked together .
tr	5	Another addition to the story , many of the cars that had fallen off the out of control ferry are going to stay where they are .
tr	5	He didn 't begin writing novels until reaching high school when he realized he may begin forgetting the stories he had created in his head .
tr	5	Pushing herself off the wall , trying to ignore the numbness in her bottom from sitting on the cold stone , Claire smiled gratefully at the woman .
tr	5	I know where the café is -- I 've been here before -- and I don 't want to hold you up any longer . "
tr	5	Placing the cup down on the saucer , spilling her tea in the process , Claire pulled out her phone and selected her sister 's number .
tr	5	Inhaling deeply so she wouldn 't choke on the words , Claire said softly , " Sorry Mum , I must have misheard Ruth 's instructions .
tr	5	She wasn 't sure if her mother had finished but she knew there were limits to how long she could keep her own mouth shut .
tr	5	Trying to tell her the truth when she thinks she knows what 's what is like trying to find clothes in your size in the sale .
tr	5	Arriving reeking of alcohol when I 'm about to be put in charge of a six-year-old for two weeks is probably not a great idea .
tr	5	Blood rushed to Claire 's face but any chagrin at her niece 's repeated words vanished when she caught sight of her mother 's face .
tr	5	It 's going to be like working with Carl again , but it will be worth it to find out what they really think of me .
tr	5	The tiger looked down his proud nose at Claire and stood , stretching like a domestic cat , before jumping silently off the platform to walk outside .
tr	5	Claire let the girl drag her into the tunnel , which had been painted a vile sort of green with pictures to alleviate the metal expanse .
tr	5	Did she think we were only going to do little girl things , or did she hope rich Claire would take poor little Sky shopping ?
tr	5	She thought about the lunchtime battle to get Sky to eat her sandwich , which had unexpectedly resolved itself when Claire got up and left the café .
tr	5	Their looks of condemnation prevented her re-entering the room , even when Sky stopped crying and sat -- shell-shocked and alone -- at the wobbly Formica table .
tr	5	Sky took back her angry words of hatred and declared she loved her Auntie Claire so no lasting damage seemed to have resulted from the incident .
tr	5	How was I to know it was going to be five degrees outside and no one in their right mind is heading to the beach ?
tr	5	Claire forced the brakes on her runaway thoughts , realising that her mind had taken on the urgent , rolling interrogation style favoured by her niece .
tr	5	Deciding to pursue the happy accident , Claire pummelled her brain for ways to distract Sky from her need to pee and her incessant questioning .
tr	5	" So , anyway , Lucas is the eldest -- just a bit younger than you -- then Sophie and then Lily is still a baby .
tr	5	Wind whistled along King 's Parade and it was cold in the shade , despite the sun peeking over the buildings in front of them .
tr	5	She resisted the urged to check her phone for the fifth time , to see if they were late or if she was still early .
tr	5	With her heart hammering loudly , Claire yanked her head up and she scanned the approaching faces until she located the source of the voice .
tr	5	She grabbed Sky 's hand , as much to resist the urge to hurry over for a hug as to ensure the girl stayed by her side .
tr	5	Fiona stroked the boy 's hair and murmured soothing words , while Claire clutched Sky 's hand and waited for her pulse to cease its rapid beat .
tr	5	To stretch out these last moments with Josh and his family , knowing they would be flying half way round the world in a few days .
tr	5	She flicked a glance at Fiona , but the woman was discretely distant , marshalling a game of hide and seek amidst the empty market stalls .
tr	5	A crumpled magazine lay discarded on the floor and she stared at Claire , arms folded , bottom lip jutting out like a bad collagen injection .
tr	5	Claire 's duvet clung onto her like a lover , but she knew that her niece wouldn 't sit quietly on her bed for long .
tr	5	It 's not nice to pull someone 's duvet off when they 're hardly awake , but it was wrong of me to call you names . "
tr	5	The Whys didn 't stop : It turned out the hospital was full of realistic details , like some poor man having his leg sawn off .
tr	5	She tried to tune out the Whys , but discovered if she didn 't answer quickly enough , Sky 's voice became louder and more shrill .
tr	5	As the question was usually one Claire didn 't want to hear echoing amongst the milling families she had to respond swiftly and with detail .
tr	5	Staying in the horrible building in front of her for two or three nights would be bad enough , without having Wells cancelled as well .
tr	5	There was silence on the line and Claire hoped it was because he was checking on the computer rather than doubled over , laughing at her naivety .
tr	5	As she hung up the phone Claire felt for the first time in her life that a guardian angel might be looking out for her .
tr	5	This is meant to be kids ' entertainment but it 's no better than putting Eastenders on - all jealousy and revenge and evil bastards .
tr	5	She threw a scornful glance at the television , where Peter Pan and the Lost Boys were pretending to be Red Indians while Wendy stood grumpily by .
tr	5	Rolling back over , she felt on the bedside table for the in-ear thermometer the woman in the room next door had lent her for the night .
tr	5	She rubbed sleep from her eyes and swung her feet out of bed , glad sharing with Sky had ensured she 'd worn her pyjamas .
tr	5	And she could ... " Claire listened to Sky 's imagination spilling out into the monochrome hostel room , filling it with colour and life .
tr	5	The fairy godmother talked to the other frog and found out it didn 't want to be a prince , it liked being a frog .
tr	5	Little girl said the fairy godmother , if you wave this wand and turn me back into a fairy I will help you escape the angry bears .
tr	5	Claire flushed hot and glanced down to where Sky lay sleeping next to her on the bed , glad her niece couldn 't witness her embarrassment .
tr	5	Lack of attention had left her blog drifting with diminishing views and comments and she knew some serious effort was required to breathe life back into it .
tr	5	Sky hopped around gleefully as she connected four yellow discs in a row , once more cutting off her Auntie from her own straight run .
tr	5	I 've been looking online -- apparently there 's a miniature railway that runs from here to a place called Walsingham -- " " Walsingham ?
tr	5	There 's something about arriving by steam train -- even a toy one -- that makes it feel as if we 've travelled back in time .
tr	5	A few other visitors drifted past like grazing deer , and the courtyard of buildings blocked out the sounds of the village beyond the walls .
tr	5	Tight knots began to unravel in Claire 's mind and a tension she had been previously unaware of flowed free like a river bursting its banks .
tr	5	When I think how lonely I was when I first started this journey , and now I can 't wait to be alone with my own thoughts .
tr	5	She decided instead to fill her mind with all the positive pictures of Ruth she could find , focussing on everything that made her sister unique .
tr	5	Then , almost too quiet to hear , even in the heavy silence of the chapel , Sky 's voice whispered like the breath of a candle .
tr	5	Sky sobbing in fear that her mother was going to die , before falling asleep in Claire 's arms so she felt she couldn 't move .
tr	5	The castle was impressive , with at least a dozen towers , all surrounded by a deep furrow which Sky had tried to fill with water .
tr	5	She felt a quiver of recognition , although she couldn 't imagine how anyone she knew would turn up at a rare breeds centre in Norfolk .
tr	5	Crouching down next to her niece , she tried to frame words in her head that might entice her back to the car without a tantrum .
tr	5	Watching the little girl racing across the grass , hair and dress flying out behind her , Claire felt tears building in the back of her throat .
tr	5	Realising she had forgotten her niece in her own reaction ; Claire dropped to her knees in the mud and gathered Sky into her lap .
tr	5	Their own parents had been so distant and uncaring , it seemed highly plausible that Ruth wouldn 't want to let Sky out of her sight .
tr	5	She watched as all the blood drained from Chris 's face , much as it had from Sky 's earlier , and felt a certain satisfaction .
tr	5	" If you need to reach me , or want to speak to Sky -- at least for the next week -- you have my number .
tr	5	The only reason she has let me take Sky , and isn 't ringing every five minutes , is because the chemotherapy is taking all her energy .
tr	5	Even so , she received text messages from her sister several times a day , wanting to know where they were and whether her daughter was happy .
tr	5	The sound cut through the low hubbub of the crowd and a rippling revealed Chris 's location as he made his way through the press of bodies .
tr	5	Another rifle through the bag produced a tub of powder , but for all Claire knew it was teething crystals or talc for the baby 's bottom .
tr	5	She could feel people staring as she pushed the wailing child through tunnels , past tanks of turtles and sharks , and out towards the penguins .
tr	5	Angry feelings squirmed in her stomach and she felt regret swarming up inside her , accusing her of causing Sky more pain by inviting Chris here .
tr	5	Also by Amanda Martin : BABY BLUES AND WEDDING SHOES Amanda 's latest release , the chick lit novel Baby Blues and Wedding Shoes is available now .
tr	5	Readers with an appreciation for a bit of reality and a bit of hopeful romantic wishful dreaming will not be disappointed by this lovely tale .
tr	5	His abrupt movement caused the horse to dance a little , and the prince reined him in sharply , taking his anger out on his mount .
tr	5	He couldn 't stand the thought of having a clingy , needy female following him around everywhere , curbing his freedom and leeching his will to live .
tr	5	He was grateful for being the opposite in this particular situation too , thankful that his father wasn 't as anxious to see him married .
tr	5	It was still thrilling to see your bird bring down its prey , and it was definitely nice not to have the dogs along today .
tr	5	The prince jerked on his stallion 's reins , his blue eyes never leaving the birds as they wheeled in the air to angle for their descents .
tr	5	Chapter 1 The sunlight streamed in through the stained glass windows lining the upper right-hand wall , turning the dust motes a kaleidoscope of colors .
tr	5	To the right of the throne stood a serving man , holding a tray with cool water and glasses for the men on the dais .
tr	5	We all know that you can be very reckless and goodness knows that you 've spent every possible minute out of the castle these last weeks .
tr	5	Davin 's line on his mother 's side was questionable at best , but that hadn 't mattered when she 'd been married into the family .
tr	5	He was an ordinary looking man , with dull brown eyes and dirty brown hair , and he looked nervous -- maybe even a little bit scared .
tr	5	He had presided over a large number of courts during his time as king , and something about this man just didn 't seem right to him .
tr	5	As the dagger flashed forward , Rupert somehow found the strength he needed to heave himself to his feet , twisting aside as he did so .
tr	5	As he fell to his hands and knees , unable to stay upright any longer , the first of the guards finally joined the fight .
tr	5	There were three noble ladies who 'd fainted and needed carrying from the room , but they were unharmed with the exception of a few bruises .
tr	5	Finally , the serving man was lying in front of the dais with three apparently poisonous darts in his body , having successfully protected his king .
tr	5	He sent the secretary to summon the healers , and also requested the presence of the captain of the guard , Byron , as soon as possible .
tr	5	Other than his height , he was totally nondescript when he was standing still , with his short cropped , sandy blond hair and brilliant blue eyes .
tr	5	He didn 't want to finish the thought ; he and Rupert had been friends for years , ever since he became captain of the guard .
tr	5	I remember being told about him when I assumed the office , and that was a good four or five years ago , now . "
tr	5	He wasn 't just writing to request a new bodyguard , he was writing to inform an old friend about the imminent demise of kin .
tr	5	She swung a little , smacking into the wall and knocking the breath from her body , but her years of training wouldn 't let her fall .
tr	5	The street was narrow here , and the buildings tightly packed , so she should be able to jump across the gap with relative ease .
tr	5	She hooked her legs over the edge of the roof and leaned back , reaching down the wall for the top of the window frame .
tr	5	With a deep breath , she kicked her legs free and started into the flip that would bring her into the room , and to her target .
tr	5	I am so very sorry to inform you that your loyal subject , Rupert , is currently lying near death after saving me from an assassination attempt .
tr	5	It seems that there is a serious attempt underway for the throne of this kingdom , and we both know that this jeopardizes both of our realms .
tr	5	With this turn of events , I must respectfully request that Rupert 's replacement be sent as soon as possible , but not for me .
tr	5	We were attacked by two allied nations , one to the south and one to the east , and we were losing ground at a frightening pace .
tr	5	Your training makes you a highly skilled assassin , and assassins make the best bodyguards because they know all of the tricks of the trade .
tr	5	You 'd be sure to make a fool of yourself otherwise , and we can 't have that , what with the prince looking for a bride .
tr	5	These were the weapons she was most familiar with , and most comfortable with , though she had training to use a number of others .
tr	5	She wrapped her weapons carefully , and laid them into the bottom of one of the trunks Marja was apparently expecting her to fill with her belongings .
tr	5	" I guess that these will have to do , " she sighed , turning around and surveying the piles of fabric scattered around the room .
tr	5	" We should dunk you in the river , clean you all up , and tie a ribbon around your neck for good measure . "
tr	5	Marja reached into a small box that was sitting on the seat beside her and started sorting through accessories , looking for something that matched the dress .
tr	5	" Well whatever you do , just make sure you don 't do something that 's all elaborate and going to fall out when I ride .
tr	5	Rupert always found it difficult to stay in shape , to find time to practice , and I can use the daily check to my ego . "
tr	5	The procession continued through the streets , seeing more and more people coming out of their homes and shops to catch a glimpse of what was happening .
tr	5	The large horse could have run any of these people down , and the man astride him didn 't seem to care in the least .
tr	5	The handlers were another story , reacting as if a wild animal had wandered into the castle and was about to lay waste to the place .
tr	5	You should hurry though , because I have the seamstress coming soon and dinner will likely be served not long after you 're done with her . "
tr	5	Since she 'd had attention drawn to her , she decided to approach the table where the others were waiting for the meal to begin .
tr	5	Finally , he notes that this guild is very expensive to hire , so the culprit behind the attacks is likely from the upper nobility . "
tr	5	It 's almost as if the attack on him was staged , and very expensively given that the guards killed the " decoy " assassin .
tr	5	He hadn 't been sure she would show up , considering the unfortunate greeting he 'd given her and the very busy day she 'd had yesterday .
tr	5	He also thought to himself that he could get used to seeing her dressed like this -- her long shapely legs and tiny waist were enticing .
tr	5	They would sometimes watch us spar here , and you have to admit that such a highly skilled warrior would make a very unlikely serving man .
tr	5	I also imagine that when they see you here , they 'll know for sure that you are not only what you say you are .
tr	5	" I doubt that it will be an issue , and if it ever becomes one , I 'm sure that we can sort it out .
tr	5	It was a predictable move , and she realized that he was testing her , so she blocked predictably , not exerting herself just yet .
tr	5	" It looks like you win round one , " she said softly , and then she pushed herself away with a slightly pained smile .
tr	5	Byron smiled back , happy that she wasn 't badly injured and that she apparently wasn 't going to hold a grudge about being beaten .
tr	5	Even Cora , who until now had said nothing , was taking part in the conversation , making comments about some of the ladies who would attend .
tr	5	" I 'm very sorry to interrupt this fascinating conversation , " she began , " but I am afraid that I must excuse myself .
tr	5	" Do you actually need to go into the city , or were you just as desperate to get out of that room as I was ? "
tr	5	" I don 't think I 've seen you without it , though I 'll admit that you haven 't been here very long . "
tr	5	" So tell me about this Alexius girl everyone seems to want you to marry , " she asked , getting them moving once again .
tr	5	Since they don 't do the whole arranged marriage thing here , I 've been told , I suspect that your feelings toward her actually matter . "
tr	5	She pushed her blades up and apart , throwing Byron 's blade out to the side and following through with a thrust of her dagger .
tr	5	" Yes , but I got the audience and you 're the only one who got to see me knocked flat on my back -- twice . "
tr	5	It looked like it would be a small gathering for breakfast this morning , Collin indicating to the servants that they could bring in the food .
tr	5	You may want to have some extra guards in and around the lower halls though , so that they could be summoned quickly if necessary . "
tr	5	He would be wearing black pants also , but his shirt was a beige silk , meant to set off his black hair and bright eyes .
tr	5	People had been seeing her around court and city these past few days , but nobody had ever inquired about her identity within her hearing .
tr	5	It was rather fun to watch the ladies absorb the information , realizing that she was that extra step above them , royalty as opposed to nobility .
tr	5	She actually felt a bit sorry for them , understanding how nervous it must make them , thinking that they had to compete against her .
tr	5	She guessed that if he had his way , he 'd be making the choice on Midsummer 's Day , having held out as long as possible .
tr	5	Neither of them wanted to get soaked just to practice , so they had decided on some inside " games " for today 's exercise .
tr	5	The current game was to throw five daggers as quickly as possible , with each of them scoring points for speed as well as accuracy .
tr	5	The guardsmen in attendance were having a lot of fun themselves , suggesting games to play and making bets on the outcome of the matches .
tr	5	She stared off into the distance , wide-eyed and pale as the color totally drained away from her face , turning it an unhealthy shade of grey .
tr	5	" No , I can 't be totally certain , but it seems like the most logical conclusion given the evidence presented here before me .
tr	5	Natasha looked a little relieved by that revelation , but now that she was fully awake , her thoughts were running quickly though her head .
tr	5	Natasha already knew where he thought he was going , but it was better if he said it himself before she started arguing with him .
tr	5	Natasha sighed as she packed her husband 's belongings , making sure to pack something particularly formal for his arrival , and something black for the funeral .
tr	5	She could feel the determination underlying his grief , and she knew that he would do whatever it took to find out who had killed his father .
tr	5	" If they had checked it properly , like they were supposed to , there wouldn 't have been an assassin there to kill him . "
tr	5	It is much easier to come at your victim when they are defenceless than it is to stay still and hidden for who knows how long .
tr	5	Byron sounded a little less certain of this statement , as if he was starting to see that maybe the guards weren 't to blame .
tr	5	The four guards were left standing by the doorway , knowing what they had heard but having no idea what to do with the information .
tr	5	Remembering her father 's words and startled that it had only been just over a ten-day ago since she 'd heard them , she began .
tr	5	Your kingdom gave us that help mostly because while our emissary was here trying to forge an agreement , she saved your king from an assassination attempt .
tr	5	" It turns out that my kingdom produces some excellent assassins , who in turn make excellent bodyguards , and your kingdom has a wonderful army .
tr	5	" My father didn 't trust you , and he told me about you the very night that you arrived here , " Branden answered .
tr	5	You could take up a dagger and try to plunge it into my heart and I would be unable to strike back against you . "
tr	5	Marja had a feeling that if she valued her life at all , now would not be a good time to draw attention to herself .
tr	5	On top of all of these immediately necessary duties , he also had the more ordinary duties of running the kingdom thrust upon him too .
tr	5	It was bad enough that there was a formal coronation ceremony looming on tomorrow 's horizon ; he didn 't really need the rooms today .
tr	5	His disapproval of the situation was glaringly apparent , and his tone was bordering on being entirely disrespectful , which could be dangerous in certain company .
tr	5	He looked at her face , at her bright eyes and the stubborn set of her mouth , and he knew that she was deadly serious .
tr	5	He suddenly wished that he 'd paid closer attention to what his father had been doing , but then he brushed that thought away as unproductive .
tr	5	" No , it isn 't , " Marja agreed , " but it is my responsibility to keep you from making these sorts of errors .
tr	5	" If it wasn 't for the pact between our kingdoms , then his Majesty 's command to leave would have sent you fleeing from this castle .
tr	5	She had already explored the cathedral , noting the main door and the smaller back door hidden behind one of the tapestries flanking the altar .
tr	5	There were three massive columns running along each wall , and between them were immense stained glass windows , each depicting a different facet of the gods .
tr	5	At least I don 't have to spend hours kneeling on a stone floor , he remarked to himself with a bit of a smile .
tr	5	As soon as he was positioned to her liking , she threw the first of her knives , leaping down toward the assassin a split-second later .
tr	5	" Ah , but you have also lost one of your own , don 't forget , and we have completed part of our contract .
tr	5	As the assassin fell forward , nearly doubled over in pain , she stepped behind him , and with a brutal twist , snapped his neck .
tr	5	When that pair failed , they sent more guild members , which would explain the delay between those initial attacks and the one on your father yesterday .
tr	5	" Chances are , this is the assassin who killed your father , and he was trying to finish the contract by killing you too .
tr	5	It took her quite awhile to reach her destination , and when she arrived , she went immediately to the guards ' barracks , looking for Byron .
tr	5	I 'm curious about what happened yesterday while I slept , and I want to ask your opinion of a few things , that 's all . "
tr	5	Taking her elbow and using her present condition as an excuse to touch her , he led the way back into the building and toward his office .
tr	5	" Wait , " he called , just as she was about to close the door behind her , " come back for a few minutes . "
tr	5	After her visit with Byron , she had returned to her room to get dressed properly , and Marja had shown her the injuries in a mirror .
tr	5	He 's been your friend for your whole life , and you know that he hates me , and that he wants you to choose Alexius .
tr	5	She could feel the gambit of his emotions now : confusion when she left , decisiveness overlaid with happiness , anxiety and then happiness again .
tr	5	He had already decided that she was the perfect woman to be his bride , but now he realized that he was truly infatuated with her .
tr	5	Once they reached the cathedral , the cradle would be lowered to the ground and the bier carried into the church for the ceremony and viewing .
tr	5	He knew that the two of them had been very close , and he hoped that Collin wouldn 't be following his father to an early grave .
tr	5	" Your Majesty , " she began , " the princess asked me to express her deepest apologies that she is not able to attend personally .
tr	5	I know that you 're officially here to be his bodyguard , but still , everyone thinks you 're here as a potential bride . "
tr	5	She could only imagine what her body looked like under the bandages , but it was as good a time to find out as any other time .
tr	5	I will give you more salve , which you should apply tonight and again in the morning , to both your ribs and your face .
tr	5	" Well he must be getting medication from somewhere then , " commented the second voice , " or he 'd have died by now . "
tr	5	" I had a couple of guards head out into the city following Branden when he went off on his own , like you requested .
tr	5	Admittedly , it would be a strange coincidence for Branden to just happen to choose them for drinking companions , but stranger things have happened . "
tr	5	They talked about Davin 's plans for the day and he asked her why she had been absent from the breakfast table for the past few days .
tr	5	The décor struck her as very similar to her brother 's rooms back home , full of heavy , functional furniture , and bold colors .
tr	5	The reception room consisted of a couch and chair , both with wood stained a dark brown and with padding covered in a deep red fabric .
tr	5	There were notes on nearly every page she saw , and many of the notes were in reply to previous notes that he had written to himself .
tr	5	It looked like he had been spending a fair amount of time at a local tavern , likely the one that Byron had mentioned that morning .
tr	5	The amounts led her to believe that he was indeed drinking with company , and he seemed to foot the bill a lot of the time .
tr	5	His Lordship said that the money would be in the drawer of the table beside the bed , and that we should leave the package there . "
tr	5	It would be better for Byron to investigate the tavern and the seeds , she decided , because at least he had official sanction from the king .
tr	5	I figured that it would be good to know what 's on hand , so I know what I can practice with in the mornings . "
tr	5	She hoped that the princess would come to her senses in due time , but there was nothing she could do about it in any case .
tr	5	In the meantime , I 'm going for a ride , but you 're more than welcome to join us if you want to . "
tr	5	All three of them were happy just to be out of the castle for at least a little while , with nothing to worry about .
tr	5	The sun was beginning to set , and they both knew that it was more than time for them to head back to the castle .
tr	5	If what she said was true ... When they reached the castle , they left their horses with a pair of groomsmen and retired inside .
tr	5	She hoped that some salve and a good night 's sleep would help , but the first thing she wanted was a nice , hot bath .
tr	5	" Well , I sent someone to check out the tavern you mentioned , and his Lordship has indeed been spending a lot of time there .
tr	5	We do have guards stationed at his father 's home , and pairs of guards patrolling the city , but nobody 's reported anything yet .
tr	5	I thought about sending guards out to the various country estates used by the family , but I didn 't want to deplete the guard too much .
tr	5	They keep each other company , their duty here is light , and they are free to do just about what they please beyond that .
tr	5	Mateo is considerably quieter than Marcus is , so if you get very short , succinct responses to questions , you 're likely dealing with Mateo .
tr	5	" I don 't care about whether she 's available or not , " drawled an angry voice , " I will see her now ! "
tr	5	Blood began to flow , making her grip less than certain , and she stepped back quickly , trying to buy herself a little bit of time .
tr	5	This wasn 't the best position to be in , not by a long shot , but it was all that she had for the time being .
tr	5	She leveled her sword at the assassin , and sprang at him from the table , leaving herself open to the guard 's coming attack .
tr	5	But she also felt her own sword hit home , catching the assassin on the hip , turning him and distracting him from his shot .
tr	5	The dagger flew wide , embedding itself into the doorframe , and the assassin looked down at her , sprawled and bleeding on the floor .
tr	5	He and a small group of handpicked guards had made excellent time , covering the distance between the two capitals in just a little over four days .
tr	5	The four of them made their way up the stairs to the great double doors and through them into the castle , where organized chaos greeted them .
tr	5	" There is obviously something , and I 'll find out one way or another , so you might as well tell me yourself . "
tr	5	He knew that he would get a more coherent retelling of what had happened if she was able to release some of the strain and worry .
tr	5	The assassin was very angry that she caused him to miss me , and he kicked her in the head while she lay bleeding on the ground .
tr	5	" Well , there is often a very stiff penalty when an assassin fails in a contract , but there is obviously no stiffer penalty than death .
tr	5	You , my young king , have a lot to do , and you can 't do it while you 're pining away in here .
tr	5	You shall be escorted there , and a complement of guards will remain there to ensure that you never leave , so choose your prison wisely . "
tr	5	She knew what this sentence would mean ; she would live her life alone except for servants , guards and whichever family members would risk visiting her .
tr	5	As for your brother ... I will need to wait until he awakens and recovers a little from his injuries before I can pass judgment on him .
tr	5	These gentlemen were cowering and afraid , now stripped of their guards and left alone to survive in what was fast becoming a very hostile kingdom .
tr	5	" We know about the assassin , and we suspect that he wasn 't the only one being harbored by your entourage during your stay here . "
tr	5	Perhaps he would need to make an exception to the execution rule for nobility ... " What about the medication that was being provided to Lord Branden ?
tr	5	Even though they had not been at this for very long , it didn 't take long for his older joints and muscles to stiffen .
tr	5	They didn 't have to know the truth of the matter ; they would find that out later if it was deemed necessary that they know .
tr	5	" You can 't be serious , " Byron stated with a small chuckle , his anger dissipated a little by the sheer ridiculousness of it .
tr	5	" What about if we settle for teaching you how to keep out of harm 's way , and perhaps aide from a distance ? "
tr	5	Teaching him to keep out of the way entirely would be his first priority , however , as well as some target practice with bow and dagger .
tr	5	" Helping to make you less of a danger to yourself and others is technically part of my duties , " he said with a smile .
tr	5	That means that all of the thoughts and feelings he had were simply magnified by the effects of the medication , not created by them .
tr	5	He had to talk to Branden , to get the story from him , before he could make any decisions about what to do with him .
tr	5	" All I ever wanted was for us all to be together -- you as king , me as your advisor , and Alexius as queen .
tr	5	" I don 't know when things got out of control , but the more time you spent with her , the angrier I got .
tr	5	While I was there , one of those horrible head pains started , and the guard offered me something that really took the edge off .
tr	5	" The first assassination attempts happened before the two of you started having issues , and you , Branden , had nothing to do with it .
tr	5	" I swear that I will only ever take the medicines the healers give me , and I swear that I will do whatever you ask .
tr	5	I understand if you don 't want me to be your advisor anymore , and I will understand if you banish me along with my sister .
tr	5	There was an archery target set up against the far wall and a pair of heavy wooden swords waiting in the center of the courtyard .
tr	5	However , in order to make sure you don 't kill your allies with badly aimed arrows , you are going to need to practice .
tr	5	" As much as I 'd love for you to never be involved in melee combat , " Byron explained , " I have to be realistic .
tr	5	The healers agree with his statement that he was not in his right mind , so I believe I will let him remain at court .
tr	5	" That seems reasonable to me , and it 's not like you can 't change your mind later if he proves to be a liability .
tr	5	He looked a lot better today , not nearly so green , and his blue eyes held a sparkle that had been missing these past days .
tr	5	Your poor judgment will always be a stain on your record , and it will affect how others perceive my proclamations if you are seen advising me .
tr	5	" There are still a lot of things going on right now that need to be sorted out before I can take any time for myself .
tr	5	" I know that I 'm to blame for the way things ended , and I 'm going to make sure that it doesn 't happen again .
tr	5	He 's been acting as my advisor until I find a replacement for Branden ... " His voice trailed off , an idea suddenly occurring to him .
tr	5	" I took your advice and I told my council that they are my council and are here to advise me , not to make the decisions .
tr	5	You would be an asset to me , as my advisor , and it would give you a reason to be with me all the time .
tr	5	She could also feel his conviction that this was the right thing to do , his belief that this would be perfect , for both of them .
tr	5	She could feel a presence in the room , and she turned her head to see her father sitting in a chair beside the bed .
tr	5	" I really enjoy the time I spend with him , at least now , and I think that we are becoming very good friends .
tr	5	A number of generations ago , when the pact was first created , the king fell in love with his protector , and she with him .
tr	5	" If you don 't say it out loud , " he said softly , " it makes it less real , less ... painful .
tr	5	I 'm not sure what it is about you , but you have certainly changed him , and I think it 's for the better .
tr	5	" I didn 't ask you if you wanted to chop wood , " Byron stated sternly , " I told you to do it .
tr	5	Time slipped away as he worked , and it seemed like no time at all until there was no more wood in front of him to chop .
tr	5	She swung her legs over the side , discovering that her abdominal muscles hadn 't been too damaged by the attack , which was excellent news .
tr	5	It was only three days since the attack , so the healers in the kingdom were approaching miracle workers considering the injuries that she had sustained .
tr	5	" I think that it would be interesting to see another city , " he said , " and I would like to learn new things .
tr	5	" Well , try to figure out who has the most to gain from your death , and you 'll likely be on the right track . "
tr	5	Finally , they realized that the only person who would gain from his death was Davin , so only those with ties to the boy needed consideration .
tr	5	" Looks like your time 's up , " she said as the sounds of metal striking metal began to come from the hall outside .
tr	5	Durham came closer , one step at a time , and she was unable to strike at him , regardless of how hard she tried .
tr	5	" We were fortunate that Grandfather managed to convince anyone with the proper connections to marry him , given the fact that he was a bastard . "
tr	5	He 'd be able to get away with the emissaries faster without her , and he could pick her up before heading for the border .
tr	5	Knowing that the screaming would certainly attract attention , Durham stepped past the man as he dropped to the ground , and engaged the other guard .
tr	5	" The guards are on their way , and we all have death warrants hanging over our heads , so we should go very quickly . "
tr	5	Durham , ignoring the warning , just dodged to the left and kept on running , heading for the wall he could see ahead of him .
tr	5	Desperate to get away , Durham began to crawl toward the wall , now lost to view behind the plants growing in front of him .
tr	5	Branden stretched , feeling content and happy to be a part of the group again , even if his role was now a minor one .
tr	5	She rolled over carefully and saw the tray sitting on the bedside table , so she sat up and decided to investigate what was under the lid .
tr	5	The healer said that I could start stretching and exercising again in about a week , which is great news as far as I 'm concerned .
tr	5	I know that this is officially the queen 's garden , and I know that you are not the queen and have not agreed to be .
tr	5	If you don 't want to come here , you don 't have to , but nobody else is going to be coming here either . "
tr	5	" I 'm going a little stir crazy and I 'll be so out of practice that you 'll have to go easy on me . "
tr	5	There was little point in getting changed prior to eating , since the funeral was later today and they all needed to get ready for that .
tr	5	Marja walked into the room carrying a dress folded over her arm , but the dress did not look anything like the garment she was expecting .
tr	5	He had left a pathway , and it was up this path that he walked , leaving his guards at the base of the stairs .
tr	5	They walked up the aisle , steps in perfect time with each other , each man taking his position at a corner of the bier .
tr	5	While this small final interment ceremony was conducted , the nobility would arrange themselves in order of rank , preparing for the ceremony of fealty .
tr	5	Together , they accepted the fealty of the council first , all of them vowing to serve their king to the best of their abilities .
tr	5	They mounted , followed by their guards , who had also had mounts provided for them , and they all went back through the city .
tr	5	The ring was unusual in it was a red ruby carved into an elegant rose , mounted on a solid gold ring of thorny branches .
tr	5	She called the ring her " Suffering " because it reminded her of the chains that her man had on her for joining him on the sea .
tr	5	His wife had joined him on board the ship as a cabin maid and had seen no luxuries that a first mate 's salary could typically provide .
tr	5	More than twenty-five men joined the first mate in his plan to overtake Charles II and they only had to wait for an opportunity to present itself .
tr	5	The men worked speedily , faster than they had ever before known possible and were able to swiftly vanish into the night and off into safety .
tr	5	With that the new crew of the Charles II readied a boat for all those who did not wish to join the now pirates on their adventure .
tr	5	" He growled over the breeze that blew subtly past his face blowing his scarf behind him , trailing out like the tail of a kite .
tr	5	Most sailors enjoyed the reverie of nights where the ocean became as alive as the stars outshining them into the dawn , but not everyman .
tr	5	Captain Every had once possessed boyish good looks , but his days as a pirate had long since vanished any claims to beauty he might have had .
tr	5	His agitation grew to excitement when he turned the crimson tide in his favor and spotted a tiny blue sparkling fleck against the dark horizon .
tr	5	Having a man like Every around her constantly , made certain that she never had to encounter anything that would mar her loveliness or her mood .
tr	5	She also had honey hazel green eyes that reflected the golden light of the sun perfectly , but also could turn grey with the first cloudy day .
tr	5	All the crew present , cabin boys and wenches , formed a circle around the table , curious to see who Scarborough would spin to kiss .
tr	5	It stayed upright for thirty seconds before it fell and continued to spin wobbly on the table , till it finally pointed to the unworthy victim .
tr	5	He has survived , but his image , which may have once been younger , but never a boy , had suffered from years of abuse .
tr	5	" Just clean up in here , " Every ordered and left the room in a spin and a stomp , almost slamming the door behind him .
tr	5	Thirty men lost their lives to the sharks as the Everyman crew swarmed the decks , with their swords drawn they swung aboard the navy vessel .
tr	5	With none of his crew left , the sailor could only feel completely defeated already in handing over the treasure he had worked so hard to protect .
tr	5	She passed the table that Avery had joined to gamble his most recent bounty and proceeded to the stairs to a room they had rented .
tr	5	When he returned with the drink she downed it quickly and got the courage to specifically ask about the men sitting in the corner of the room .
tr	5	With the second glass of rum in her hand she sipped more cautiously and slowly waltzed over to the table with the gathering of rich Africans .
tr	5	Steering herself away from the gathering of now laughing gentlemen she approached Avery 's table where he sat distracted by a distinctly bad poker hand .
tr	5	He grabbed her after his victory and guided her to the bar where he bought her , himself and the first mate all a drink on him .
tr	5	It was a meat and vegetable stew poured over rice and they all three dug into the meal with velocity unmatched by any other patrons .
tr	5	Scarborough sometimes forgot her manners among the pirates and ate without abandon as well , burping slightly as she scrapped the last bits from her bowl .
tr	5	He unseated Scarborough from his lap and gently set her on the bench beside him , so he could go talk business among the men .
tr	5	" Yes Mam , I will see you around I hope soon , " he pointed to Scarborough but she gave him no indication of a reply .
tr	5	" The next death is a perfect hex , Something that you don 't expect A fiery inferno that gives surprise This is when your burned alive .
tr	5	There were also things like roots and flowers hanging to dry from the shelf itself and a few pieces of various hides of different animals .
tr	5	Scarborough would have edged her on into a canter but the foot traffic prevented her from doing This safely on the little rose gray horse .
tr	5	Bringing this horse was one of the few arrangement 's she had been sure to secure before stepping foot on a single ship of Avery 's .
tr	5	Avery 's head shot up at the cry of the raunchy sailors and he quickly called , " Scarborough , my dear , come over here ! "
tr	5	" Cowardly women that they are with no fins at all , promising us men our greatest joy of all a fine life in the ocean .
tr	5	It was cool to the touch now , but still slightly moist , and she laid it out on the bedside table to examine it .
tr	5	Even she could see the hourglass figure that was love at first sight , was making her regular self seem a bit bland in comparison .
tr	5	She spent the rest of the night and a good portion of the early morning hours changing back and forth from her new form to her old .
tr	5	" I actually was traveling here with my family , " replied the now Scarlett , " when we were overtaken by bandits among the jungles ! "
tr	5	" That 's awful , " exclaimed one , " How terrifying " said another , and the crowd of men all gasped in unison .
tr	5	Scarlett scratched her head , careful not to disturb the rose , and did her best impression of not having the slightest clue in the world .
tr	5	She peaked in on the crimson cloth , and to make sure she wouldn 't be missing it , she folded and tucked it into her purse .
tr	5	Stepping inside , both Scarborough and Avery noticed a different demeanor on the man which whom promised an entire crew of black pirates for Avery to command .
tr	5	" I hope then it will satisfy you more than it has my wife , she can 't get her hands off of it ! "
tr	5	The evil chill that grabbed onto Scarborough could not be shaken even when the party ventured inside to the dungeons out of site of the hideous scavengers .
tr	5	" Henry , " she called softly , as a slight welling of tears appeared in her eyes , " I must tell you something .
tr	5	He took in a large breath and stared deeply into Scarborough 's eyes , which sparked gold due to the sunlight cast through the window .
tr	5	Scarborough quickly shot him a glance that informed him the matter was still serious , so he stopped his outburst and returned to his previous state .
tr	5	They had decided it was best not to be seen staying in the same room together and so he had gone to make arrangements for another bedroom .
tr	5	queried Scarlett , not having any clue as to the real customs of the African people , " how many people do we need here ? "
tr	5	When they kissed , Osei 's mouth was warm and inviting , almost tempting , but some part of her resisted him to a degree .
tr	5	Scarlett pushed at him gently but firmly , insisting that they delay themselves slightly longer , so that they could toast to their new arrangements .
tr	5	Handing the tainted glass to the king she smiled and proposed a toast to their future , " Here is to what lies ahead ! "
tr	5	She shrieked upon the arrival of what she thought of as a friendly savior but what appeared in front of her as a gigantic spider .
tr	5	Scarlett turned and looked down at herself , she looked at her legs and was horrified to discover that they were now long spindly and black .
tr	5	Examining herself closely Scarborough realized she was all black , and instead of wearing anything , there was a large red hourglass on her abdomen .
tr	5	He grabbed the cloth and tucked it inside his bag , " Scarborough , " he called softly , not wanting to alert any guards .
tr	5	Attached at every angle , was a beautiful intricate spider web and on it sat a beautiful tiny black spider with a large red hourglass .
tr	5	Every removed the hourglass from its attachment to the web , destroying her hours of work in only a second , sending Scarborough tumbling to the ground .
tr	5	" Scarborough , " he spoke to the spider as if he knew she could understand , and sometimes she would move or wiggle in response .
tr	5	Every continued , " I know of another person who has a piece , that is how it got out that all seven must have been found .
tr	5	" Alas , I have finally arranged an exchange for two other pieces of the map , Thanks in part to your wedding treasure Scarborough . "
tr	5	The hardest job was splitting the loot fairly among the men as settling squabbles were more unsettling than the actual seizing of the treasure itself .
tr	5	By the time the sun had set on the third day , Avery and his crew set sail for their final destination , the Caribbean .
tr	5	If my head faced the sky it meant clear skies ahead and to hoist the flag , which now proudly was dedicated to my hourglass .
tr	5	It seems the scars on his face never deterred him from the idea that his mind was intact and he used every opportunity to read without abandon .
tr	5	Her poisonous bite had been the death of more than one man that had crossed Avery at sea , what was one more , especially the Devil ?
tr	5	He used the skin to stretch and dry and make a roll of parchment for Scarborough to enter into a Part with the Devil on .
tr	5	A slow quiet melody took place over the crackling of the fire and they all turned around to see what the noise had stemmed from .
tr	5	" That my dear , is a secret , " responded the Devil , " And please call me Lucifer , or Lou , for short ! "
tr	5	The two outside prongs were smooth and pointed with an opal in each end and ceased by blending smoothly in to the hips of the fiddles body .
tr	5	The middle prong was flared in an arrow shape and where the strings met the base there were four tiny opals to hold them in place .
tr	5	On the bottom of the musical apparatus there was nothing but the gold prongs which must have meant it got rather uncomfortable after long playing .
tr	5	" Yes , " said Lou , " They do now , but not always , would you like me to tell you the story ? "
tr	5	He then realized that the day had come to an end for the flood was upon the world and he quickly rushed back to the Ark. .
tr	5	Now the day had come where there was no more time for preparation and only those who had gathered on Noah 's Ark would survive .
tr	5	Thundering and storming Noah and his family settled in with all the animals on the Ark , all the animals but one , the unicorn .
tr	5	With the forest flooded , the unicorns had no choice but to swim in the turbulent sea , which grew ever wilder with the raging storm .
tr	5	With joy and excitement Noah 's family cheered with excitement , they no longer had to feel sorrow and shame in not completing their task .
tr	5	" Not to stop you two , " proposed Scarborough , " But how about you play us another song on that fiddle of yours ? "
tr	5	asked Lucifer with a sly grin on his face that made Scarborough realize immediately without a doubt she was in no way going to answer the riddle .
tr	5	Each providing her with an infinitesimal amount of blood she used her front tarsus claws to absorb ink and then scrawled tiny spider writing across the manuscript .
tr	5	" Halfway down the trail to Hell , In a shady meadow green Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped , Near a good old-time canteen .
tr	5	Then they took him to the nearby graveyard and began digging in the same spot where they had unearthed the coffin of the dead child .
tr	5	The freshly tilled soil was easy to work and they were done before the sun rose , which was good for the suspicion of the town folk .
tr	5	But even in his aging face , you could see a tenderness that allowed him to engulf her with his passion and reason to want her back .
tr	5	When they finally reached the point where the Devil 's body should have lain , scarcely a bone or rotting piece of flesh could be found .
tr	5	Scarborough could no longer argue and a Faustian replay began to send a chill down her backside as she remembered the Devil 's resurrection in the play .
tr	5	" Aye , " replied Avery , " That , and my soul is as condemned as yours was , whatever that may mean . "
tr	5	He felt a sort of kinship for the Devil in knowing what it was like to be parted from such a valuable precious work of art .
tr	5	That night Avery dreamed , but instead of a nightmare , he taunted Lucifer , saying he would never be able to find him now !
tr	5	Avery slowly began to move for the door allowing the echoing of the hall to reverberate and disguise his exact location , or so he hoped .
tr	5	With that he clutched the neck of the fiddle and the bow together and carried them off , with one broken string twisting in the wind .
tr	5	There was a distinguishable marking or figure on the spider 's head that looked identical to the fiddle shaped object he had stolen from the Devil .
tr	5	His red coat no longer distinguished him among the others and I needed to hide , quickly , for my own hide was at stake .
tr	5	Now I finally made my bid and veered to the left leaving the group behind and gaining ground as the path diverged between me and my friends .
tr	5	Neither her owner wanted " ' er nor ' er stock , because that 's what you 'll get from the lotta them , crazy . "
tr	5	" Typical chestnut mare , " thought Scarborough , as she examined the horse 's gaits , three easy liquid measures burning themselves into her gaze .
tr	5	It was all too little too late , his horse had caught the scent of mine and there was something beastly about the entire situation .
tr	5	Now that the hound had my smell it seemed there would be no hope in ever deterring him from his undying pursuit of my blood .
tr	5	Handing me a dark woolen cloak I draped myself in it and tied it off at the neck thinking about how I just might have saved mine .
tr	5	I peaked in on the barn and saw the dim back lighting of the few lanterns burning oil at that late hour of the moonlit night .
tr	5	Such nice care they were giving her , this man must really appreciate his horses , or maybe just the ones that are particularly fast .
tr	5	I walked over to his stall and realized how small in stature the horse really was for how powerful his stride had been in overtaking my horse .
tr	5	I looked down at his stall and almost laughed out loud when I realized his name , it was so simple , so obvious , of course .
tr	5	There his stall stated in two letters his title and the reason he had won before the race had started , his insignia was Go .
tr	5	How Go had been a ghost and how he had been able to run me down so quickly and how I couldn 't risk that happening again .
tr	5	She grimaced and turned to her new mount and steered him toward her where she placed her foot in the stirrup and swung herself on board .
tr	5	He was very muscular and his build would just glide between her legs as if made from the same oil his coat seemed to glean of .
tr	5	Scarborough removed from the treasure chest the most important of the items that was present among the collection , a three foot tall jeweled hourglass .
tr	5	So much so I just grunted and ignored most of them with small , one word answers , until he came to this line of questioning .
tr	5	He even tried using other horses to lure them over but was never satisfied because it only certified that Go had been a special case in scenario .
tr	5	She wanted a name that called to his roots and still needed no introduction , so she settled on Kingston , or King for short .
tr	5	" Race starts tomorrow at sundown , its twenty five miles , no water , and so pack for yourself and your poor , suffering animal .
tr	5	That was the first time she got friction being a female rider and a non-native in this strange land , but it wouldn 't be the last .
tr	5	She had feed him hours ago not wanting to upset his stomach with a heavy hay belly and cause colic in the hot summer heat .
tr	5	" Perhaps I will see you at the finish line , " he replied , " Or perhaps I won 't , hopefully I do though . "
tr	5	Soon enough they brought over a garland of jasmine flowers and placed it around Go 's neck , which he promptly took a bite out of .
tr	5	The cave we were entering was called Blind Man 's Bluff and was very dark but also filled with a noxious gas that was highly flammable .
tr	5	As I pulled out my map I studied the short cut when suddenly a great gust of wind came and blew it straight out of my hand .
tr	5	Suddenly out of nowhere , the largest , meanest , most gruesome , snarling , menacing , jackal like creature came howling out of the shadows .
tr	5	No , people always wanted her hourglass , how her hubris had gotten her in trouble , telling the Sultan all about her personal treasures .
tr	5	He stayed in this place where the other stallions surrounded him with fire coming out of their nostrils and fear for the first time swept over Scarborough .
tr	5	This was how Scarborough closed the letter she had written to the dignified Edward Coke , pleading with him to save her from her predicament .
tr	5	But in this case , it hopefully would work to her favor , now that the once boy was a man almost the same age as she .
tr	5	Once safely imported out of France , and with luckily with the blessing of Louis XV , there was one less chase on the stolen horse .
tr	5	She was fully prepared with a large supply of hashish to allow the stallion of notoriety and fame to be bred for the rest of his life .
tr	5	After three poor breeding seasons , Scarborough had enough of people not taking her wonderful horse 's line as seriously as she thought it should be .
tr	5	The Sultan begged one last time not to be parted with his fast little devil of a horse , but nothing was changing Scarborough 's mind .
tr	5	Insulting the Sultan was rare indeed and once he was out of sight and earshot , Scarborough and Coke broke out into fits of laughter .
tr	5	Hopefully , the undefeated Godolphin Arabian Kingston would lose to the newest haunt in town , Arabia 's scariest phantom of a horse , Ghost Op .
tr	5	The day of the race arrived all too soon , and Scarborough wished she could go over the instructions she had given the jockeys some more .
tr	5	Even a little spitfire from Arabia couldn 't beat my darling Go when it really came down to the fastest horse I had ever known .
tr	5	It was almost Christmas and it had been thirty four years since she had seen Lucifer about exchanging her soul for her human form back .
tr	5	She petted his aging face and he began to lie down in his stall , growing weaker with each passing moment , his energy fading .
tr	5	Scarborough couldn 't believe her eyes when the Devil produced his hand for her to shake , but she supposed a deal was a deal .
tr	5	Once she surrendered the majority of her gold stash she felt a sudden weight lift from her shoulders as if an anchor was off her .
tr	5	He was overwhelmed at his luck that God had heard his prayers and was giving him the opportunity to find a new pathway to his original form .
tr	5	After listening to every story from each individual jailed , none of them added up to what would be necessary to atone for Avery 's sins .
tr	5	Hoping that his task was complete , he escaped out the window before anyone would notice him and possibly even blame him for his actions .
tr	5	" Yes , " replied the dove , " soon you shall have your human form back and your soul will be purer than ever .
tr	5	It chimed in just as the entrance to the infernal damnation came into sight as Hell 's minions started the collection process of newly acquired souls .
tr	5	came the voice again , this time louder and more clearly it called from down a divergent pathway loosely associated with the road he was now traveling .
tr	5	" My name is Scarborough Black , " and as she held out one hand to shake she pulled out a pipe with the other .
tr	5	" Far from it , " Scarborough chuckled , " It 's typically defined in the dictionary as a word meaning you 'll take anything seriously .
tr	5	Leaving the horse where he was tied to a hitching post she and the newly recruited Napoleon went on a stroll through fiddler 's greens surrounding areas .
tr	5	As the silence grew Scarborough , felt frustration inside her rise and burst inside with stomping feet demanding to know where the fiddle had gotten too .
tr	5	he asked sympathetically , " It 's just a fiddle , I 'm sure you can live without the music for a little while . "
tr	5	Relieved for the first time in a while that food might be on the table that night , Avery went inside and listed himself as a contestant .
tr	5	Stepping on stage , Avery lifted the fiddle to his shoulder and began to play , first cautiously , then with more and more attitude .
tr	5	That 's when Avery turned and left the stage , only to be informed that everyone was still wondering who played the last round of the contest .
tr	5	Blushing red with both anger and vengeance on his mind , he screamed out for the farmer playing his fiddle but he was nowhere to be found .
tr	5	when as they wandered in the direction they had last seen the man run , and so she heard a faint fiddling noise off in the distance .
tr	5	Seeing them as a comforting signal of safety , he shivered in fear , obviously chilled to the bone at the horrific sight he had just witnessed .
tr	5	Once he finally was assured that no one was going to harm him by Avery , the man finally was willing to talk about the fiddle .
tr	5	Entering through the main gates , the scene opened up into a huge renaissance faire and its participants were laughing and dancing gaily about the park .
tr	5	Still invisible to Avery 's naked eye , he was infuriated because he could only hear the boys weeping , not bad fiddling any more .
tr	5	" Time to go Avery , " said Lucifer , and he gave him solemn expression suggesting this was hurting him more than it hurt Avery .
tr	5	Placing one hand over the old sea Captains heart , he called Avery 's mortal soul from his body and directly placed him where he belonged .
tr	5	Here lived a confused specimen that could use her tongue to speak to the horses , but was very unwise to the ways of man .
tr	5	What was to be a revelation to the world over spirituality and the philosophy of wisdom , could always be a destiny better suited to another .
tr	5	What evidence did she have that she was anything more than a babbling idiot who talks to herself about one of her favorite subjects , time travel .
tr	5	When she pictured time it slithered by smoothly counting seconds on the clock making its effort to strike the hour it rang in so diligently .
tr	5	She often mused these words herself , realizing mankind 's new understanding of times place in everyone 's lives was what we really needed to know .
tr	5	After collecting several different types in order to preserve the species , the message could be then passed forward throughout the millennia and prophecy could occur .
tr	5	With the World Wide Web her oyster it mean there was always plenty of black pearls to find , and with that came their wisdom .
tr	5	This engrossed her further and further into the depths of the bottomless Abyss , while she chatted aimlessly into the night with her phantom friends .
tr	5	Even if it takes millions of light-years to reach its destination , it may eventually go back in time billions of years previous to its origination .
tr	5	Kim didn 't push me for answers about Michael ; I should probably keep my mouth shut and let her tell me in her own time .
tr	5	Kim was snuggled next to Jeff , curled into his shoulder in such a pose of belonging it made Claire 's heart contract like withered fruit .
tr	5	If I 'd opened my eyes all wide and winsome like that at my Dad 's colleagues I 'd have been sent to my room .
tr	5	Claire felt the weight of Kim 's arm through hers , and the wide gulf of space that seemed to separate them , despite the closeness .
tr	5	" Besides , " she continued , her voice low , " I needed to decide what I was going to do before I told anyone . "
tr	5	There are some gorgeous buildings , " she gave Kim a cheeky grin , " and I can write about it for my blog ! "
tr	5	" Oh yes , there are classes , but they seem to be about getting through labour and keeping the kid alive for the first few months .
tr	5	She thought about trying to have that conversation with her mother , and whether she would choose to raise children the way she was raised .
tr	5	Both girls watched as Sky tipped water into the moat round her sandcastle , flicking some up at Jeff and giggling as he threw seaweed at her .
tr	5	She 's got nearly a century of life ahead of her to do as she 's told , feel the pressure of the world on her .
tr	5	Challenging her mother at any time was an exercise in futility and for once she had reason enough to be curt , with her daughter in hospital .
tr	5	Unable to say all she felt , Claire had nodded in agreement at the request to spend the night , and had kissed Sky farewell .
tr	5	Claire willed her eyelids to close but they remained fixed wide , and she felt as if her eyes might disappear into her head completely .
tr	5	Both looked serious but Claire knew that was Robert 's habitual expression , and tried not to let it twist the knot ever tighter in her tummy .
tr	5	With a push against the wall , Claire propelled herself towards the bed , slumping onto the pull down mattress before her knees betrayed her .
tr	5	" Sky , poppet , would you like to play that word game I downloaded for you , so your Mummy can have a rest ? "
tr	5	She studied Ruth 's face to see what level of censure it contained , and exhaled in relief at the sight of her closed eyes .
tr	5	Claire let her mind drift , wondering where Robert had disappeared to , and whether Carl had noticed yet that she hadn 't blogged a new hostel .
tr	5	Claire realised the idiocy of her words as she watched Ruth 's face lose any hint of ashen pallor and turn a dangerous hue of red .
tr	5	" The truth is I didn 't tell you because I knew this would be your reaction and I wanted to tell you when you were better .
tr	5	The meeting was accidental , " The first one at least , Claire thought guiltily , " And I gave Chris both barrels , I promise you .
tr	5	The idea of Sky living with her Ex , the woman that betrayed her and their new baby is not something Ruth is strong enough to handle .
tr	5	He would either deflect the question back to Claire and her perpetually single and childless state , or he would frown and change the subject completely .
tr	5	It was as if he had maintained some act of standing tall in Robert 's presence that he didn 't need to continue in front of Claire .
tr	5	It 's got no warmth , but she 's so afraid of it turning into her Mother 's house , full of tat and mess and pictures .
tr	5	Carl had agreed to only the week 's holiday and , with Sky returning to school in the morning , her presence was no longer required .
tr	5	Even though she had stayed with Sky at her house for the week , now Ruth was home it felt impolite simply to walk in .
tr	5	Claire gave her another hug , then turned to where Sky was snuggled up with Nana in the armchair , her face wet and blotchy .
tr	5	Pulling the thin arms away from her neck as gently as she could , Claire took Sky 's hand and led her back to sit with Nana .
tr	5	Then with a quick wave and no more words , she hurried from the room , swallowing down the lump stuck deep in her throat .
tr	5	Her visitor numbers had suffered , during her fortnight minding Sky , although she had maintained the regular posts by discussing trips out with children .
tr	5	I imagine it 's even harder to cater for the tiny ones , although how much entertaining do they need when they can 't walk and talk ?
tr	5	The stag threw up his head , then turned and galloped off to join the grazing herd on the other side of the car park .
tr	5	With a shiver , Claire took a couple of photos , then turned and went back through the restaurant to wander in the sculpture garden .
tr	5	I 'm sure , in the real world , handsome men didn 't profess their undying love and sweep the lucky lady off her feet .
tr	5	Despite studying The Arts at university , sculpture wasn 't really her thing , so she was surprised at how peaceful the garden had seemed .
tr	5	There was no sign to say if it was the YHA hostel or not , but Claire had an inkling it was somebody 's home .
tr	5	I 'll do no such thing , Claire thought , relieved when the strange man pulled his head out the car and sauntered back to his vehicle .
tr	5	A glance at the map revealed Louth as the nearest town and she 'd set off without checking what she would find when she got there .
tr	5	" It depends what kind of blog you 're writing , Miss -- I 'm sorry , I 've been very rude and haven 't introduced myself .
tr	5	He glanced at his watch , as if only now realising he had to get from Lincoln to London in time to oversee set up .
tr	5	No more cooking , no more sitting like a lemon in a tiny lounge , trying not to feel like the girl that time forgot .
tr	5	Her legs hurt , her bum hurt and , thanks to a moment 's inattention , her head hurt where she 'd ridden into a low-slung branch .
tr	5	Claire hadn 't enquired what group she 'd be joining and it turned out to be a bunch of teenagers on some Outward Bound expedition .
tr	5	Claire gave a quick kick to the ribs of her beast and on the third attempt it shuffled forwards , past the gaggle of teenagers .
tr	5	She let the teenagers past , and took up position at the rear again -- this time to watch for stragglers rather than to mope .
tr	5	She regretted the lack of a private room but , if the outside of the hostel was anything to go by , the dorms would be lovely .
tr	5	Claire thought about the stench of clashing body sprays , the comatose body huddled under a duvet at 5pm , the general clutter and chaos .
tr	5	She lay considering the problem for several moments before a surge of activity beneath her drew her attention to the real source of the music .
tr	5	One by one , the five women slid , climbed or fell from their beds and began rummaging in plastic bags until Claire thought she might scream .
tr	5	She 'd only come to visit the Tourist Information Centre , hoping to find exciting things to do in the area before Julia got there first .
tr	5	Warm and awake from her drink , Claire wandered through the Victorian conservatory , welcoming the humid atmosphere which snuggled round her like a duvet .
tr	5	A knot twisted Claire 's stomach as , at last , the satnav ran out of roundabouts and led her off the dual carriage way .
tr	5	Claire drove past two village pubs , facing each other across the road , before the satnav finally announced , " You have reached your destination . "
tr	5	The dome dominated the skyline in front of her as if it was a true mountain rather than a monstrosity of steel filled with fake snow .
tr	5	How can it be anything like the real thing , here in Milton Keynes , as far from the mountains as it 's possible to be ?
tr	5	" You 're doing great , Miss. " The boy flipped onto his feet , tilted his board , and sailed off down the slope .
tr	5	The words were barely formed in her mind before she lost her balance and landed heavily in the snow , her arm trapped awkwardly beneath her .
tr	5	Also by Amanda Martin : BABY BLUES AND WEDDING SHOES Amanda 's latest release , the chick lit novel Baby Blues and Wedding Shoes is available now .
tr	5	Readers with an appreciation for a bit of reality and a bit of hopeful romantic wishful dreaming will not be disappointed by this lovely tale .
tr	5	His face was being covered with hood but it could be perceived that he was a fine , young man with a sense of unpolished charisma .
tr	5	He turned the pages of the book on his hand and finally said , " It 's no good after all ... The wicked grows wicked . "
tr	5	The worst part is , he had to travel in time just to find this being in the world parallel to them , the Human World .
tr	5	Even Claw , the Old Wizard insist that he should find the Hunter in no time before the enemy does and made a move at their expense .
tr	5	Sofia almost exclaimed as the wolf growled on her back but turned away from her and stared back to the young man before her , still growling .
tr	5	Dark shadows began to emerge in a larger unit and sought to follow them but the portal immediately closed , leaving no trace of them .
tr	5	It could not be denied that she was afraid of the dark , yet she had found them in the midst of it all by herself .
tr	5	They feel at ease now that they were in the lair , the Hordes of Darkness would not be able to follow them through the barrier .
tr	5	On one corner rest a sturdy , old table loaded with tons of cluttered manuscripts and an old-fashioned pen made of quill feather lies on its edge .
tr	5	How could she possibly find the book when at the first place she was not sure if she was the right person to handle such responsibility ?
tr	5	It shows things you want to see , though it needs vital awareness and besides ... if the Sphere , itself , allows you to . "
tr	5	Her vision became blurry and the last things she saw was the picture of her protecting one of them while the other fell into great darkness .
tr	5	Sofia stared in emptiness and softly answered , " It shows the people of this world and they were calling for mercy ... for help . "
tr	5	Whenever he looked at her , he was being reminded by that brat and whenever he looked at that brat , he was reminded of Iris .
tr	5	The sound of the gently sloping water , rustling of dried leaves and the twittering of the wild birds create a wonderful symphony on her ears .
tr	5	The young woman draw out a flagon from one of the horse 's back and went to the stream to fetch some water for a drink .
tr	5	They had been traveling quite far but the path they were on seemed to be darker and darker as they draw closer to their journey 's end .
tr	5	Not a minute she think that she will end up in a world like this -- a world which only exists in a human 's imagination .
tr	5	She laid in silence for a while and finally replied , " Hmm ... We are not blood related but I called them a family .
tr	5	He took a deep breath and said , " I don 't think I should be telling you this but ... she 's different . "
tr	5	She let out a breath of discomfort as she saw the dripping blood from the open wound on his hand that resting over his bended knee .
tr	5	He grabbed the brocade blanket on his side and throw it to Sofia who was taken by surprised on the thing that had landed over her head .
tr	5	The moment they arrived on the tavern by road , she get some apples from their baggage and looked for the girl that she had seen before .
tr	5	After some talking , she offered her an apple and called out the attention of other sickly children she could find , giving them the same grace .
tr	5	" Enjoy your meal , " the woman said , curling the tips of her hair and took a glance at Chase before turning to Sofia .
tr	5	Iris utters a spell and the wooden chairs along with the tables flew directly over the woman but it had been blocked with an invisible shield .
tr	5	Looking down , sharp rocks debris that was formed of rock corrosion awaits on its bottom , with tall pine trees the showers its cones .
tr	5	I just hope you tell him your goodbyes before you die today ... " She draw nearer and nearer until she was just few paces away .
tr	5	He was about to shot the deer they had been chasing with a sharp arrow on his hand but he halted , letting the animal escaped .
tr	5	She promised of great power and strength anytime whenever I need of even without the practice of sorcery ... " He coughed and spat more blood .
tr	5	She never thought that a guy would tell her that she was beautiful , and it came from a dying man which she loved the most .
tr	5	The moment it touches the ground , it turned into a beautiful woman with pointy ears and dazzling red hair that extends down to its feet .
tr	5	Sofia tried to get hold of the book but her arms were caught by the one-eyed monster , lifting her and pitched her out of the chamber .
tr	5	Tristan sighed and said , " We looked all over the area for you but we never find even a shadow of you or Iris . "
tr	5	Claw was much delighted seeing them walked into the Old Wizard 's dwelling and was suddenly bothered hearing that they had been threatened by the Horde .
tr	5	He was tall enough that he needs to bend slightly for him to see her beautiful face , close that he could kiss her anytime .
tr	5	Sofia tried to knock his head down but he avoided it , making her fell but Chase caught her wrist and pulled her into his arms .
tr	5	He enjoy her company , her absurdity , her childlike attitude ... If only they could stay just like that for the rest of their lives .
tr	5	She put the flower on the messy table beside her , filled with magical essences and ancient books of spells , lifting another seed into her palm .
tr	5	" What a wonderful knight you were ... " She noticed that the wound on his hand healed fast , leaving not a single scar .
tr	5	I already found the book but I never had the chance to unlock the crypt until you came ... and bring it into my hands ! "
tr	5	Few steps and she will be roasted on the burning flame beneath just like the dirt that had fell from the ground where she was standing .
tr	5	" If you would waived this time we should never have started these things at the first place ... I cannot fight this alone , Sofia . "
tr	5	I left as soon as the first snow of winter had fallen , I never thought that I would return on the first bloom of spring . "
tr	5	To my readers : I 'm truly grateful that you 've chosen to give this series a read , please take your time and enjoy the journey .
tr	5	My personal hope with this series is to inspire curiosity and wonder , and your interest is what will drive me to even greater heights .
tr	5	The dreams still haunted him as they always had , veiled whispers that tugged at the back corners of his mind -- promises , revelations ... threats .
tr	5	A mere minute : an infinity measured by tempered fear , his hand lingered on the brass knob , pondering his final chance to escape .
tr	5	Seven turned on that voice to find his sister staring at him -- her wide green eyes shining with a child-like innocence that thinly , so thinly !
tr	5	he asked , looking around the ostensibly empty home for any sign of the rest of his family , equally reluctant to explain his sudden homecoming .
tr	5	Seven 's sister smiled at the gift as she pulled the short blade from its home , observing the edge in the light filtering in from outside .
tr	5	Shoulder to shoulder , he would have towered over Seven but for now , he held his distance -- half unyielding wall , half spooked rabbit .
tr	5	Perhaps they should have simply remained quiet , waiting for a conclusion dictated by fate and set into motion upon the first breath of the first star .
tr	5	Even before the retreating form of brother and friend eluded their sight , the two looked at each other only once before setting into motion .
tr	5	Long gone now and probably already home , the pilot a temporary hero until someone realized that he had missed whatever target he was aiming for .
tr	5	Alex 's voice came in an angry and desperate roar , a challenge directed at a world that would not listen , would not answer .
tr	5	A single shaft of sunlight pierced the smoky blanket and fell on his face , a golden rope that promised hope would be born once again .
tr	5	" We 're surrounded , " whispered the figure , her lilting voice clear and fierce , though Alex had to lean in to hear .
tr	5	" I 've worked here for five years , " he replied in a normal voice , " all the locals know me and like me .
tr	5	With a final burst of speed , he used the adrenaline surge of the moment to sprint to the door at the end of the hallway .
tr	5	It opened on a little-used alley , and he wondered if Mirai had any plan from there , or if she was relying on him to navigate .
tr	5	Sprinting behind him , she did not pause at the doors , tucking her shoulder low and bowling straight through , tumbling into a roll .
tr	5	Placing her hands on the terrace , she easily vaulted over and peered up , anger glowing in her eyes as she watched his approach .
tr	5	Suddenly he noticed something else wrong , some deep instinct realized that the entire world had hushed , as though holding its breath -- impending disaster .
tr	5	Mirai stared at him with eyes like liquid flame , golden in the hazy sunset , " With their false gods now , " she replied .
tr	5	" Normally I would leave you here , " she declared , " but it looks like I owe you a quick favor for the trouble .
tr	5	Raising his head just enough to catch a glance , a group of angry looking militia with thick beards and dirty clothes were gesturing in their direction .
tr	5	The girl suddenly looked hurt at the question , as though it brought back distant and painful memories that , like herself , remained equally indefinable .
tr	5	And then , as suddenly as she appeared , she was gone -- faded into the very fabric of the unforgiving universe , ever pursuing her prey .
tr	5	Stepping outside with her newly acquired chocolate bars , she looked to the left and then the right scanning for any signs of potential trouble .
tr	5	Instead , she concentrated on getting the candy bar into her mouth -- and , that mission accomplished , took time to take stock of her surroundings .
tr	5	Being entirely honest , though , Mirai realized that she had neither idea nor right to judge what passed as normality in the ever-changing world .
tr	5	That sparked the kids ' attention , and they looked to their princess expectantly , hoping she would negotiate something both equally rare and sweet .
tr	5	Mirai smiled at their looks of amazement and said , " That 's all right ... how about this : just tell me where they live . "
tr	5	The man 's aura , the very energy that radiated from him , smelled of a dualistic and confusing mix of unchecked chaos and carefully crafted peace .
tr	5	It was not a question , merely a simple observation -- the tone was curious , but lacked the judgmental weight shared by his neighbors .
tr	5	The young man 's eyes widened and his smile deepened , a ravine that showed the ragged scars cut by glaciers of conflict and time long lost .
tr	5	She resisted the urge to tug at her bangs , twirling the scarlet locks around her fingers as she had idly done in her childhood .
tr	5	Those days were long past , though , and she fiercely suppressed the impulse -- choosing instead to look straight ahead , waiting nervously for her summons .
tr	5	From this , from the shielding earth and bathed only in the light remembered by the sparks of the very first star , rose another crystal .
tr	5	Only the cloth stuffed into his mouth held back the howls he would have unleashed as he rolled back and forth , futilely attempting escape .
tr	5	At first Alex didn 't answer , anger burning in his eyes like smoldering coals as his tongue flicked out to nervously lick at the fresh wound .
tr	5	We are near the end , and it would be tragic to relinquish your place in Heaven for the sake of dregs like this one . "
tr	5	She whipped the phone into the rough walls of the imprisoning cave , where it smashed into pieces , drawing angry protests from the acolytes assembled .
tr	5	He tugged it tighter , thin material poor protection against the current cold snap -- but too familiar and comfortable to disregard over something trivial like warmth .
tr	5	He took a moment to adjust the white leather patch that covered his right eye -- making sure it fit snugly and was situated appropriately .
tr	5	Walking into the bathroom , he faced the mirror and in its polished surface , he bothered to observe himself for the first time since his imprisonment .
tr	5	His hair had grown far too long , falling like a midnight curtain past his shoulders and streaked with the silver tails of falling stars .
tr	5	His good eye , tinged permanently with the silver that defined him , observed the reflection with passive care , every detail long since drunk in .
tr	5	With half a sigh , he hefted his partner , enjoying the comfortable burden in his palm -- like a limb long lost had miraculously returned .
tr	5	Clutching it before him like a hunter in the wild , he swung right to descend the stairs that lead to the concrete jungle sprawled oblivious below .
tr	5	He sincerely hoped , at least , that he would not have to begin talking to walls or chewing paint , or whatever else crazy people did .
tr	5	Seven traced the squirrel as it discovered some treasure and rushed away to tuck it safely into its winter storehouse -- cheeks puffed with its other finds .
tr	5	When he turned to follow her gaze , she grabbed him into a tight embrace -- or at least that 's what it would have seemed .
tr	5	Breath came heavy and difficult as Seven 's lungs neared their limits , a line drawn by an undiagnosed asthma that had haunted him since his childhood .
tr	5	She 'd kill him if he gave a wrong answer , and even his restless shift caused the edged to dig deeper into his skin .
tr	5	The swords lowered as Mirai twirled away yet again , gracefully catching her bag with an outstretched toe and kicking it up high into the air .
tr	5	All Seven could see was her gleaming half-smile , and eyes that peered out of the darkness cast with a warm gold of their own .
tr	5	He had seen her go over , and turned back to look down , for some ledge or path she might have used to circle back .
tr	5	Despite calling his name , she paid little attention to him , instead she focused on Mirai , eyes distrustful and brooding with unquenchable anger .
tr	5	Mirai shook her head , " Not here , " she said , " if you truly wish to know more , find me tonight .
tr	5	" I 've been as good as always , I suppose , " he ventured , mind still reeling as it attempted to quantify what had happened .
tr	5	Seven 's voice dropped to a menacing whisper , " I told you that I was going to eastern Asia , not the Middle East .
tr	5	He laughed deeply , easily , and smoothly pushed himself back , sliding clear of Seven 's loosened grip and leaving Seven to ponder the revelation .
tr	5	What they claimed was brilliant historical fiction was not fiction at all ; but rather the culmination of hundreds of lives of memories and experiences .
tr	5	Looking outside , to where the driving snow had changed its mind yet again into a needle-like rain , Weston doubted such opportunity would present itself .
tr	5	" In times like these may dragons rise , " he finished and paused , considering the poem he had dedicated his existence to perfecting .
tr	5	The door to his study splintered in deafening explosion , revealing the black uniforms emblazoned with bronze crosses -- the assassins Ascended called Shadow Soul .
tr	5	In times like these , " he amended his magnum opus fiercely as he opened fire , " even poets must draw the sword ! "
tr	5	Chapter 10 : Trinity Shadows flickered in the bitten moonlight , as swift and evasive as lost faeries , dancing beneath the crystal , midnight stars .
tr	5	Mirai 's face flushed , shamefully ; neither her culture nor her nature had allowed people to call her " friend " so quickly or so easily .
tr	5	Even that morning she had threatened him , and meant it ; but there was no duplicity or doubt in the man 's resounding voice .
tr	5	She moved as lightning possessed , striking low and high , looking for the tiniest chink in the armor , spinning , pivoting , dancing .
tr	5	her voice failing to cover the excited tones that lurked under her minty breath like lava beneath a dormant volcano -- a heartbeat away from awakening .
tr	5	Still , she nodded in response to the question , this was simply another battle in an infinite line of previous encounters , she told herself .
tr	5	With a second glance at the smoky apparition , he dashed in the other direction , leaping the new trench and hitting the ground running .
tr	5	Every hair on his body stood stock straight , and only the awkward leap had saved his eyes the trauma of being burned from his skull .
tr	5	Undaunted , he saw his opportunity and took off as fast as he could , sprinting as the thunder clap rolled over him like a shockwave .
tr	5	At the last moment , he twisted away , shielding Mirai and absorbing the rumbling energy into his own body , stumbling under the sheer force .
tr	5	His eyes lingered on the trees -- ancient and silent sentinels , untouched by the voracious paper mill that once fueled the tiny self-styled dragon below .
tr	5	Mirai was up , tattered and staggering , but with a dangerous look in her eyes that glowed far more dangerously than her thirsty weapon .
tr	5	" No can do , " he gasped , trying desperately to stave off unconsciousness , " my lungs have had just about all they can take .
tr	5	He licked his lips , unsure if he even wanted to hear the answer now , having already met two denizens of that midnight purgatory .
tr	5	Despite this , his intuition could provide no further answers -- and so he watched , his mind long removed from the danger at hand .
tr	5	The forest uttered a low groan , as though protesting some fathomless pain , as a tempestuous burst of wind flooded the clearing with hurricane force .
tr	5	Understanding came in the measured heartbeats that he no longer had ; Mirai fell next to him , gently catching his body despite her own wounds .
tr	5	Neon Knights Episode 1 As the sun slowly made it 's descent from view the lights above the city were already racing to replace its dying illumination .
tr	5	The neon glow never truly died away , but as the sun 's bright light faded it always seemed to flare to life to dominate the sky .
tr	5	She could barely remember the last time she walked home with her mom , or for that matter made it home to find her mom there .
tr	5	" You know , one of these days your going to get caught Lex , and when you do it 's going to mean trouble .
tr	5	They couldn 't ever afford much , but when she was little she had been lucky enough to find the old device that miraculously still worked .
tr	5	While she had run through countless other nodes peeking around and tinkering most of them she had found held highly detailed renderings of visual settings .
tr	5	It was an endless sea of white in all directions every time her mind settled into it that slowly took shape depending on the game she selected .
tr	5	These were not the complex kind of games that flooded the markets in an endless stream that strived to capitalize on whatever whim was the latest craze .
tr	5	It wasn 't the games themselves that initially proved to hook her , it was the strange character always referred to as ' Unit Zero . '
tr	5	" I know , let 's just try a quick game of Match Fight , " she decided and smiled when her familiar friend formed before her .
tr	5	Of all the games Match Fight was one of the most straight-forward ; the point of the game was simply for Zero to fight another simulated robot .
tr	5	Its shoulders displayed mounted weapons of some kind that immediately trained themselves on Zero and fired violent blasts that barely missed the already moving target .
tr	5	Just as he entered into range he activated a grappling tether and prepared to launch the magnetic locking tipped cable aimed at his foes feet .
tr	5	Without the support of his legs Zero 's challenger found himself off balance and unable to maintain the footing it needed to support its bulky frame .
tr	5	Please , all I ask is that you give us a little more time to complete our research before you abruptly end this project . "
tr	5	She had to firmly level her gaze down at the floor for fear that meeting his eyes might strip her of what little resolve she could muster .
tr	5	" Questionable results , my dear professor , by their very nature can only mean one thing ; the questionable viability of the project . "
tr	5	Episode 4 Zero paced about in his little room blanketed by the bright glow of white light that permeated from every wall and even the floor itself .
tr	5	His caring creator was scared about something , and judging by the conversation he had overheard he had a very probable idea on what it might be .
tr	5	He would either be shutdown and placed into storage where he might never be brought back online ever again , or even more likely ; permanently deactivated .
tr	5	The simple device lacked the advanced circuits to register the difference between the correct key combination being pressed and the corresponding series of distinct notes .
tr	5	As the final metal plating was cut free to fall from before Zero he didn 't hesitate to leap into the waiting dark of the night outside .
tr	5	He had to activate the thrust stabilizers of his drop pack systems to slow his decent towards the ground ; otherwise this escape would quickly become counter-productive .
tr	5	The only possible destination he could think of was that of his nightly visitor , who even now might already be discovered and in danger .
tr	5	There was only so long that Zero calculated he could keep moving without attracting attention by skulking in and out from behind dumpsters or other urban debris .
tr	5	Connecting indirectly wasn 't without its risk though ; it stood to reason that any such device would be hardwired to prevent just exactly such intrusions .
tr	5	Deciding it might reduce his odds of being discovered inadvertently by anyone investigating the now growing source of chaos , Zero quickly moved to relocate himself .
tr	5	She absently picked up a blanket hanging off the end of a chair and began to fold it before pausing to shake her head at the notion .
tr	5	Her mouth went dry and she tried to swallow the lump that was forming in her throat but it just didn 't seem to go away .
tr	5	Especially if she had been playing games all this time with something that was now on the loose , surely somebody would be looking for it .
tr	5	He waited for what he thought was an acceptable amount of time , even though he couldn 't be sure before he tried to answer .
tr	5	When his inquisitive young friend didn 't seem to show any signs of continuing to speak further he decided it a suitable moment for him to answer .
tr	5	The only preferable option was to locate you so that we might continue our nightly games and thereby potentially avoid a less than acceptable fate . "
tr	5	She thought for a moment that there was a faint chance of never being found , or so she tried to convince herself to little avail .
tr	5	As much as she hated admitting it , it was a painful truth that it was only a matter of time before someone else did just that .
tr	5	The only real matter of importance to her now was the simple lingering inquiry ; did anything hold her here that she couldn 't leave ?
tr	5	She had grown weary of waiting and watching to see if her mother would stumble in or call needing her to come help her home .
tr	5	" It looks like something has come up and you can save the ' I tried to warn you speeches ' for some other time , promise .
tr	5	And he absolutely refused to put his faith in inept underlings who could always develop loose lips or decide to have a change of heart .
tr	5	Amber eyes flashed briefly signaling his command had been accepted and understood before the deadly duo silently slipped back into the shadows to obey his order .
tr	5	The devious devices were designed for covert engagements , once deployed they would blanket the area in thick darkness , completely rendering a target blind .
tr	5	Terror alone held her mind as she found herself unable to find any trace of light or any idea what was going on at all .
tr	5	" Just tell me , as simply as you can ; is it possible that those two back there were only meant to deal with me ?
tr	5	" It bears stating that if you were the primary target that without my intervention our attackers would have been successful , " Zero added .
tr	5	" Do not be afraid , " Zero 's electronic voice suddenly shattered her train of thought , prompting her to almost jump at being so startled .
tr	5	There is no sign , no building ; they have tried to shut it down for years but nobody can ever find it to do so .
tr	5	" I have seen you fight , and with my advice there isn 't going to be anything that can stand a chance against us . "
tr	5	" We just need to find ourselves a public terminal or some way of accessing nodes and I think I can work some magic . "
tr	5	She was growing more irritated by the minute , not by the lack of terminals but more so by the fact that she needed to use one .
tr	5	Shielded from view by the safety of stacked scrap and assorted bits she set herself about discovering how much of the damaged device still could function .
tr	5	Most of the visual output was gone , several of its boards were cracked or fried , but some of its core functions looked to be intact .
tr	5	While she had managed to locate a connection that promised to potentially lead them to NaN 's underground arena , she didn 't have a guaranteed entry .
tr	5	Zero decided he trusted his friend and while he didn 't have any previous reference to gauge such fights he did have vast combat experience .
tr	5	On one hand she was grateful that she had forgotten to clean out the bag but on the other she wished it had been a little fresher .
tr	5	See , we are about to be tested by people who fight on the streets for money and they typically are not too trusting of outsiders .
tr	5	" Do not be alarmed , you yourself can attest to my prowess in battle even if only using the available tools at my disposal . "
tr	5	Standing in the middle of a rubble ringed clearing was a purple and silver figure with a polish that gleamed in the last rays of sunlight .
tr	5	Surging into a short sprint he angled himself into a pass that arced around his adversary , maintaining a measured distance between them for safety .
tr	5	It was just as he had expected , and wisely feared ; the weapon 's paired sibling was already in motion to strike at him .
tr	5	In a fluid leap , Zero threw his self into the air and allowed a series of rapid pulsed thrusts to carry him over his adversary .
tr	5	She didn 't know what else to do , giving Zero advice was one thing but going toe to toe unarmed against brawling bots was another .
tr	5	Foam still partially clung to its optics and one of its shields ; somehow it had managed to dislodge the coating to free the other weapon .
tr	5	He also knew without needing to calculate the odds that cutting to pass around his foes weak side was also the logical and therefore the expected attack .
tr	5	Without needing his analytical circuits to predict the matter , Zero was already intimately aware the Greyhounds would be better prepared for him this time .
tr	5	If Zero said that he could not handle this rematch against these hostile hounds then after everything else she had to take his word for it .
tr	5	It was now or never , so without finishing his calculations he punched the full force of his thrust stabilizers to life and threw himself into motion .
tr	5	It took some digging and a little prying but eventually she proved to be victorious in securing its release from the pile that had pinned it .
tr	5	Instantly she regretted the question , as a look of shame flashed on the friendly face briefly before the smiling mask returned to replace it .
tr	5	He had always been good at fixing things and at teaching others ; it 's why he had became a teacher in the first place .
tr	5	You must be exhausted as well as starving , poor thing , well we 'll eat and then you can catch some rest yourself . "
tr	5	He should be upset at her for tearing into all these materials or at the very least for making use of his shop without his permission .
tr	5	He was all mangled up pretty bad before ; like something that has either been through a nasty bit of fighting or one terrible crash landing .
tr	5	I can 't have it on my heart you walking out of here into whatever is haunting you to go into some kind of warzone . "
tr	5	After working through the rest of the daylight hours they eventually declared Zero ready for the arena and smiled with satisfaction at their inventive handiwork .
tr	5	It wasn 't anything as obvious as your usual ' you have a message ' notification but for her it was as clear as a crystal oscillator .
tr	5	The concealed communication was as brief as it could be and quite direct -- providing the only information needed for them to appear for the games .
tr	5	Zero delighted at the news , the restless robot had already been pacing about nervously in anticipation of the chance to test his prowess once more .
tr	5	" Those games get downright barbaric and if you already have some heat after you then you 're bound to attract some dangerous attention . "
tr	5	When she and Zero walked out into the night they found the neon lights overhead already casting the rooftops in a washed glow of electric colors .
tr	5	Even if the facility itself was going to be closed down the powers that be were not about to leave potentially lost revenue just laying down there .
tr	5	Already a crowd was gathered together in a large part of the yard viciously cheering on a violent match between a pair of cobbled together construction bots .
tr	5	When one of the two finally connected with a blow with its only remaining arm the crowd exploded into a thunderous roar of sadistic satisfaction .
tr	5	It was one thing to test yourself in a sporting contest ; he could even grasp the validity of fighting to defend yourself or another .
tr	5	Zero had to push such thoughts from his mind as a gruff voice began to announce the next match and introduced him as the challenger .
tr	5	They would only be effective at short ranges at best and their Thermal Talons would require contact to bring to bear which meant melee combat .
tr	5	With a subtle mental command he diverted the power of some redundant circuits to activate the connected network of linear motors now mounted inside him .
tr	5	The flow of energy powered them into a growing wave of potential force that began to condense collected particles of matter filtered from his internal thrust reserves .
tr	5	Adjusting his firing solution Zero released a pair of piercing particle beam projectiles that ripped into the helpless hound in a blinding flash of fury and force .
tr	5	Already Zero let his plasma jet blades flare to life as he spun with the continued momentum to swing the makeshift weapon in an upward arc .
tr	5	No one has called on the right of judgment to resolve a match in ages ; however it appears that the majority favors the honorable gesture .
tr	5	Calling up the shop 's layout over his vision Zero marked the location of both detected people present and charged towards the closest exterior window .
tr	5	The old glass was already marked with weathered cracks that shattered and surrendered to his forced entry only to fall inside to the floor along side him .
tr	5	" It is good to see you again too , " she said politely and Zero found himself hesitating before disarming his active weapon systems .
tr	5	" This line will remain open until then to wait for your response , but please Lex ; don 't try and test these people .
tr	5	Zero would normally have been amazed by anyone noticing his proximity without having seen him but right now he was preoccupied with the situation at hand .
tr	5	She had managed to bypass the teacher 's security to peek at the class 's grades only to also find more than she bargained for .
tr	5	He couldn 't stop her , that much was clear but at the very least he could support her so that she had some chance .
tr	5	She pushed the lingering disorientation of rushing back out into reality so fast down as hard as she could and reached to reopen the communication channel .
tr	5	" So which is it going to be , have you decided to see reason or are going to throw these two to the wolves ? "
tr	5	By the growing twitch and slightly increased pulsing veins in his forehead it seemed fairly obvious that she was getting under the man 's skin .
tr	5	You let them go and agree to leave us in peace and I will refrain from releasing every scrap of data about your precious project .
tr	5	Make one move against us or harm a hair on their heads and soon find everything blasted all over every node in every network . "
tr	5	What he never could have expected was the interest of all four of his children as they eagerly awaited each new ' episode ' every night .
tr	5	She liked to close her eyes and then let the wind blow her hair as she imagined herself singing magical songs of her own as well .
tr	5	He was always doing this to her , every time she wasn 't looking he was doing something that led to them both running for their lives .
tr	5	As much as he could frustrate her , she had to admit Camden did do his best to look after them in his own weird way .
tr	5	- Episode 2 - Ever since he could remember Trinity had always been trying to tell him not to do this or how to do that .
tr	5	Trinity often tried to tell him they had ran away from a home for orphans when they were smaller but he didn 't like to believe her .
tr	5	Some unfortunate fool had already found the Vault of Echoes and that meant very soon his minions would deliver to him a key element of his plan .
tr	5	Green fire flew forth in a flash to torment and burn at the servant 's flesh who barely managed to keep from crying out in pain .
tr	5	The Baron could have easily taken care of the whole tower through his magic alone , but he did so enjoy this so much the more .
tr	5	" Because I am getting tired , maybe we could stop and take a nap or you could take a turn packing the big bag . "
tr	5	After a few minutes the two had sorted through their pile of items and tossed aside anything they were sure wouldn 't please the Baron .
tr	5	Surely they would make better time without the weight of the extra junk and either way Baron Samael would reward them for being so smart .
tr	5	- Episode 5 - A warm splash silenced both Camden and Trinity as they said their own little hello 's to the Pool of Tears .
tr	5	Either he figured it foolish to venture to close to the sacred pool or that the fall had taken care of the thieves he chased .
tr	5	" Look what you have done now , " he snapped at Trinity as he tried to hold up the mangled remains of the chicken .
tr	5	Camden was not about to thank his sister for saving both of their hides , but he had no problem blaming her for his grumbling belly .
tr	5	" How did you know about this place , " Camden asked her as it occurred to him he wasn 't sure how she could have known .
tr	5	Camden and Trinity had actually been fairly lucky picking the path they did ; it had actually led back up out of the rocky walls .
tr	5	If they had picked any other path it might have taken hours to find their way , or they might not have found their way at all .
tr	5	" Look , Trin , I got you a present , " he proclaimed as if he had just returned from the city market triumphant .
tr	5	The hem of her dress was still partially damp ; she was certain she could at least wipe it down and get some of the dirt off .
tr	5	One was a rather plain long dagger that wasn 't quite big enough to be a sword but clearly wasn 't a typical dagger either .
tr	5	The other thing to interest Camden was a leather bracer , it didn 't have a match but it did have a shiny silver stud on top .
tr	5	" Do make certain that should the book not be where you claim then it might be wise to not return until you locate it .
tr	5	- Episode 9 - " It 'll be getting dark soon Cam , we really should be finding a place to bed down for the night . "
tr	5	The sun was starting to pass behind the hills to the west , making Camden secretly have to admit to himself that his sister had been right .
tr	5	" And you honestly don 't think the farmer there will mind when in the morning he 'll find two strange children asleep in his granary ? "
tr	5	" I doubt that thing is even used much anymore , and besides we 'll be awake and long gone before some old farmer finds us .
tr	5	- Episode 10 - Old Mal never had been one to wait for the rooster to inform him it was time to start the day .
tr	5	It wasn 't something that had ever truly set well with him and as his legend grew he came to be burdened by it more and more .
tr	5	Every time he used to hear the tales of his deeds retold they always managed to sound bigger and bigger than the reality of the matter .
tr	5	" You can shovel out the stalls in the barn and feed the animals , and then meet me at the house for a meal . "
tr	5	" As much as I can 't stand doing actual work , " Camden began to speak as he watched the sun rising in the sky .
tr	5	Oh , wait , it quickly occurred to her that he had also pointed out that he despised hearing her say I told you so .
tr	5	With a sigh of relief Trinity realized her brother hadn 't changed overnight on her - he just wasn 't about to admit she had been right .
tr	5	" I 'll start with the feeding Trin , you see if you can find a shovel , " Camden told her with a laugh .
tr	5	Most of the stalls were empty , save for a handful of chickens , a tired cow that almost looked ancient , and a massive horse .
tr	5	Something strange and far away seemed to be trying to tell her something and for a second she thought she could hear the rustle of pages .
tr	5	Mal seemed to be able to read the doubt written on her , the very fact she herself wasn 't even sure was somehow obvious .
tr	5	It was one of his greatest reliefs that the kingdom could rest easy knowing that so many terrible threats were buried never to trouble them again .
tr	5	Well , Mal figured he still had a few more adventures left in his old bones and it looked liked duty was calling once again .
tr	5	The farmer had the look of desperation in his eyes ; he had already taken enough of a pounding he would do anything to avoid any more .
tr	5	The pummeled farmer nodded as he fought to keep his feet under him , he had been sure these two had meant to leave him dead .
tr	5	- Episode 14 - " Those two Neanderthals will never manage to accomplish the task you set them on , you know that right ? "
tr	5	The Baron couldn 't argue with her logic , not really but he also felt like he detected a certain glee creep into her tone .
tr	5	It wouldn 't surprise him at all to think that she might possibly enjoy her little plan , much less personally dealing with whoever now troubled them .
tr	5	The result was always the same , even now after all these years ; Camden took off as fast as his feet could carry him to obey .
tr	5	Supposedly the legends had said it was a gift given freely from a Unicorn to a repay an act of kindness made by a benevolent traveler .
tr	5	Seizing upon the opportunity Camden grabbed at the end of the rope pitched his momentum into a wide slide that carried him behind his attackers .
tr	5	Trinity looked up at the old knight 's kind eyes and saw how nervous he was behind the mask that even now seemed to be failing him .
tr	5	" It was blank , and then all of a sudden the writing just started to fill itself in on the pages - it was even glowing .
tr	5	I don 't think anyone has ever managed it except maybe who it was first given to , that is if the legend is true . "
tr	5	" All I can say is that it is very important that we keep this book safe and try our best to ensure the Vault is secure .
tr	5	It was like a massive sledge hammer had connected with them square in the chest , driving their breath from them and propelling them backwards .
tr	5	Instead , Trinity could just make out two figures as they struggled against the force of the wind to get to their feet before fleeing .
tr	5	Their eyes seemed to shine reflecting of the diffused forest light as they paced back and forth without taking their gaze from the approaching pair .
tr	5	While Thatch looked to the Lady he tried to riddle out what was going on and Cobble settled for keeping his attention on claws and jaws .
tr	5	It carried to Thatch and Cobble 's ears and she grinned with a certain sinister satisfaction as she watched her own subtle magic take hold .
tr	5	In a swirl of ghostly flames of blues , blacks and purples the Lady shifted spinning to take on the form of a vicious bird like creature .
tr	5	- Episode 20 - " You did well boy , now leave the ground be and help me move your sister into the house . "
tr	5	When Mal turned to look down at Camden his eyes flashed with a fiery forge of fury , his voice held the edge of restrained thunder .
tr	5	He was ashamed of himself , it was one thing to give her a hard time goofing around since she was his sister but this was serious .
tr	5	Once done they sat down into a pair of weathered chairs and Mal 's face dropped the usual stern demeanor replacing it with a grave seriousness .
tr	5	There was a certain truth to the boy 's words that resonated within Mal ; it made him feel foolish for ever having neglected his duty .
tr	5	" It 's not us I 'm worried about forgetting the plan Thatch , " Cobble countered eyeing the grizzly growling creatures that surrounded them .
tr	5	The feeling quickly changed to one of confusion when a single strange word rippled through the ground behind him carried by some melody he couldn 't place .
tr	5	He had hoped that fortune might have smiled on them a little longer and Trinity 's magic had held them securely for a while yet .
tr	5	While Trinity had proven to be both able of calling on her magic and effective as well they didn 't know her full limits yet .
tr	5	" Come on Percival , let 's show them just what your made of , " Mal proudly shouted as he urged his loyal steed onward .
tr	5	Camden had to fight the urge to smile and wave back as they passed away from the river bank , which was difficult for him .
tr	5	" Now let 's get moving , we need to cover more ground and I dare not presume that our gambit has deterred them completely .
tr	5	" Perhaps it would be wise to make use of this opportunity to share with us a little more about the Vault , " Trinity probed .
tr	5	Mal had spoken of the Vault already but while he had warned them of the danger of it he hadn 't really told them everything .
tr	5	She still longed to understand more of the book she now carried but she also desperately needed to know more of what was going on .
tr	5	For as long as I have served it was a well guarded secret and even when I was young it already held a rather impressive hoard .
tr	5	But the dear Lady has also seen to it to restrict them from reporting to me and instead bidden them to drive her quarry like game hounds .
tr	5	Summoning up his will , Baron Samael invoked his power as strange letters and arcane symbols flashed to life to hang in the air around him .
tr	5	Energies sprang into existence to cloak him in their flow pouring out from all around him , even from the very stones of the tower itself .
tr	5	Fear of punishment or not , they would have discovered any of the number of wards or barriers around the tower and perished while trying to escape .
tr	5	The only advantage they had left was the knowledge the Vault might still hold a clutch of guardian dragons and they alone had the key .
tr	5	If they were going to make a stand to defend the Vault , one with dragons on their side was a far better chance than without .
tr	5	Even Mal and Camden could see nightmarish magic 's drifting aloft through the air as they clashed upon each other or the walls around them .
tr	5	Mal couldn 't question the dire wisdom in the notion as he found his mouth now dry and his hand upon his sword 's hilt .
tr	5	A part of her tried to reason how a dragon had suddenly appeared from within the Vault but was quickly lost to a sea of bestial instinct .
tr	5	" I think lady luck has decided firmly to leave us , " Mal quipped , already drawing his blade and studying the scaly foe .
tr	5	Claws struck out like flashes of lightning to rend the ground and cut through air as Lady Adriana launched her new form into an assault .
tr	5	Mal carefully timed his swing when the beast 's right arm shot up to lash out and slid in below it catching it off guard .
tr	5	" Justice will be done , " he coldly intoned ; his staff a ghostly pallor that now matched the white on the knuckles that grasped it .
tr	5	His deadly aim trained on the thing that had been Lady Adriana as he watched every moment as his sorcerer senses revealed something else reshaping her .
tr	5	The beast moved with its unharmed right side guarding it 's left as already shadowy wisps were swirling , attempting to conjure forth fresh flesh .
tr	5	Camden kept his left arm tightly tucked up before him and as the unseen force slammed home threw all his weight into an arced spin .
tr	5	The thing should be destroyed in that deadly torrent and instead it was shifting , becoming some sinister shadow that was already threatening to slip away .
tr	5	Something fluttered into Camden 's view from the corner of his eye ; at first he had trouble making it out before the sickening realization struck him .
tr	5	But what he could see was more of the things he had seen from within the Vault which he figured he shouldn 't be seeing out here .
tr	5	And then she looked up , and she could see the intimate madness working its way into reality through the creature in front of them .
tr	5	Somewhere inside it , Trinity could see a vague spark of what it had once been , but already it was too far gone to save .
tr	5	For some reason it had not as yet managed to overtake the beast , while instead it was seizing upon the soul of this other thing .
tr	5	There was some difference there , Trinity could almost make it out as it as it tugged and teased at the back of her mind .
tr	5	Trinity was his best bet to gain any real understanding , and only a fool would enter into a battle ignorant of understanding what he faced .
tr	5	" This is very bad , " her brother remarked through pants while a strange shimmer made it look like he was smoldering from the magical flames .
tr	5	But if she could use her magic to somehow allow the stubborn steed to take to the sky as well then perhaps they would have a chance .
tr	5	Answering her was a page that began to fill with soft and delicate words that rolled off her tongue like the spring scent of sweet honeysuckle .
tr	5	The purity at the heart of her magic defied the tainted energies around them , driving it back with a hiss that punctuated its displeasure .
tr	5	Percival complained with a snort before Mal settled himself back in the saddle and took hold of the reins prompting the loyal steed to silence .
tr	5	- Episode 33 - Power roared and crackled as it poured out of Baron Samael 's staffs tip directed downward to seek out Lady Adriana .
tr	5	So focused upon his assault he realized that he had somehow managed to actually lose track of just how long his prey had been defying him .
tr	5	But already the dark shadow beneath him was spreading like a drawn cloak to cover the very ground as it rippled and flowed like restless waves .
tr	5	" With a dragon enthralled no one would dare stand against me , " Baron Samael purred once more pleased with his clearly clever wit .
tr	5	What good would it had done either of them ; both knew without even having to ask how far they might have made it on foot .
tr	5	But as soon as the question formed to him he instantly decided that opening his mouth to ask it wasn 't a very good idea .
tr	5	Even these horrid hounds that it seemed like just so recently were something so terrible had managed to discover a force that made them recoil .
tr	5	Where once all the various essences had been given homes , worked into artifacts that gave them purpose and directed their power now they were loose .
tr	5	- Episode 35 - With each ragged breath Trinity struggled to remain awake , the strain of maintaining her spell growing more and more difficult every moment .
tr	5	A single barked word , uttered with the clear tone of authority trumpeted out of Mal to slam itself home into Camden as sure as any blow .
tr	5	The sudden shock was all Mal needed to redirect Camden 's intended action and allow himself to marshal his mind to address their available courses of action .
tr	5	He watched in complete disbelief as a man was riding up with the bearing and confidence of seasoned veteran assured that his orders would be accepted .
tr	5	" Very well , " the king conceded with a slight wave of his right hand , his left still cradling his chin in contemplation .
tr	5	The king himself was hard pressed to resist a grin when his eyes finally settled upon Mal , and allowed a half grin to mark his face .
tr	5	We were only successful in securing a single guardian of the vault , while being beset by a hostile sorcerer and his forces in the attempt .
tr	5	Fortune alone provided us with salvation - my companions intercepted items stolen from the Vault allowing us to at least thwart their plan if only barely .
tr	5	The Vault is no more and while the treasures it held were destroyed , their heinous magic has corrupted it somehow allowing it to escape . "
tr	5	He alone marked his trusted former knight 's words attentively and allowed himself to contemplate both what he was saying as much what he wasn 't .
tr	5	So far they had found very little to appease their fiendish appetites , but they also had not yet come across anything that stood against them .
tr	5	At least they were free now ; able to feast until they had their fill and then relish in all the fun these forms could provide .
tr	5	There was something in its woven flow that had eluded them , defied and burned at them even as hastily summoned as it had been .
tr	5	A half eaten cow dropped to the ground from one dragon maw as the resounding wet thud was echoed by another , this time a wounded goat .
tr	5	Camden 's hand reached up to rest on her shoulder , when she looked back up it was his bright blue eyes she found looking into her .
tr	5	His bearing itself had changed ; the old knight had always carried himself with a detached , relaxed strength that now had become hard and lean .
tr	5	" That also means that I am going to need a pair of capable deputies to act as my agents bearing the title of Knight Marshal .
tr	5	The question caught both of them off guard , Camden stammered to reply with a ' but ' and Trinity had to find the words for him .
tr	5	" Well , no , of course we aren 't refusing but ... " Trinity was now finding herself struggling to grasp for the right words .
tr	5	" I herby do welcome you to the service of the King and defense of the realm granting you the title of Knight Marshal . "
tr	5	Not stopping to stand on ceremony , Mal walked through the doors to seize a large hefty blade from the wall and set himself to inspecting it .
tr	5	It took a special knack to wield it due to its awkward size ; it was a thick wide blade demanding two hands in its use .
tr	5	Don 't worry ; it won 't slow you down like a heavy suit of armor can so you can take full advantage of your speed .
tr	5	Trinity , your magic has served you well so far and I dare not presume to claim myself well versed enough to advise you about it .
tr	5	This staff has been wielded on occasion by wizards in the service of the King and it is said that it can lend you its strength .
tr	5	His left hand brushed reassuringly over the pommel of his sword always at hand , while he raised his right in a regal gesture calling for attention .
tr	5	He could leave the defenses to his Earl Marshal , and rightly so ; there was no one else more capable when it came to strategy .
tr	5	But only the King himself held the authority to raise the ancient runes etched into the very foundations of the keep that warded it from outside forces .
tr	5	The sudden surge in magical current immediately alerted Trinity to it 's presence as it sparked to life and set itself to its designed purpose .
tr	5	Trinity studied it carefully as she realized a quiet part of her mind was already deconstructing it , analyzing how it was shaped and crafted .
tr	5	No , it was far more than that ; what was taking shape was an intricately woven layer of enchantment that was blanketing the keep .
tr	5	- Episode 42 - For several long moments there was only silence as Camden and Trinity found themselves standing in the courtyard looking up in awe .
tr	5	The steel of its hefty blade rang upon the night air and a series of runes along the length of the weapon sprang to life .
tr	5	- Episode 43 - " I need you guys to buy me some time , " Trinity desperately pleaded the request at Mal and Camden .
tr	5	In all the confusion they had lost sight of the beast from outside the Vault , who was now stalking its way straight for them .
tr	5	" As you wish your majesty , " was Mal 's reply as he took his own defensive stance , his Marshal 's Edge held before him .
tr	5	- Episode 45 - Mal studied the charging beast 's movements as it came at them , carefully looking for anything he could use against the creature .
tr	5	Mal would have to be careful ; if that was the case he couldn 't rely on the same tricks working a second time around .
tr	5	The ground at Mal 's feet shuddered violently as the creatures clawed fists slammed into it , barely missing him as it continued it 's assault .
tr	5	She had to have faith that her brother and Mal could protect her long enough to work , there was no time to spare worrying over it .
tr	5	It was the gift of the Unicorn 's essence itself , the very Unicorn 's spirit that even now was walking with her trying to help .
tr	5	At times it was all he could do to hang on , trusting to his companion to keep him safe as they maneuvered through the air .
tr	5	Here he was in the middle of battle riding on the back of a dragon of all things and he was even thinking things through .
tr	5	It was becoming furiously frustrating ; before it was the one thing that it could feel as sure a threat as anything to its freedom .
tr	5	- Episode 47 - The music of life itself flowed all around Trinity ; she could hear it , see it ; feel its delicate warmth .
tr	5	Something she barely remembered from when she was little , it was a trick some kindly lady had shown her once to keep her busy .
tr	5	Before her she could see both Mal , this kindly old knight that fortune had led them to fighting side by side with the king himself .
tr	5	Neatly his masterfully made blade found waiting flesh to seize upon as it unleashed a portion of its potent power to rip through and remove both hands .
tr	5	It was a calculated risk , the experienced champion knew it , but it was necessary ; he couldn 't risk the king 's life .
tr	5	So he had anticipated Mal 's reaction , and following upon his old instructor 's lead he launched his own bold blade into a tactically placed thrust .
tr	5	For what seemed like an infinitely long moment he could only fight to clear his mind as he tried to make sense of what had just happened .
tr	5	Instead of acting like a hardened shield the protective magic was instead bouncing any force used against them to send the blows back at their sources .
tr	5	Immediately he pushed aside all questions that tried to form in his mind save one and directed the dedicated dragon to head for his sister .
tr	5	The notion of her brother actually concerned about her startled Trinity , and she had to look in her brother 's eyes before she could believe it .
tr	5	Such a powerfully spell crafted barrier would be near impossible to breach by brute force ; it would take some time and careful preparation to subvert it .
tr	5	Yes , indeed , if he was to get his hands on that dragon or reclaim what those meddling brats had stolen from him he could wait .
tr	5	" Thatch , Cobble ; it looks like you may yet be able to avoid your fates for failing me , " the Baron coldly cooed .
tr	5	The image of Lady Adriana crying out in pain like some savage beast warmed him inside as he recalled the scene he had just witnessed .
tr	5	His only regrets were two-fold ; that he hadn 't delivered the blows himself and that he had not been able to see her lifeless corpse .
tr	5	Moments ago someone , or something had been out there unnoticed and now only the lingering echo of dissipating magic remained to confirm it 's presence .
tr	5	Her mind raced to try and make some sense of what it could mean but Trinity had grown too tired ; she couldn 't think of anything .
tr	5	" Those dragons will be back , if not here they will be waiting to seek us out elsewhere , " the old knight declared .
tr	5	What he never could have expected was the interest of all four of his children as they eagerly awaited each new ' episode ' every night .
tr	5	" ' Cause I thought we 'll meet at your house , " Tori said and pointed to a cream painted house down the street .
tr	5	" Like any other middle school , full of kids and teachers that will hate me , " Tori said and sounded a little proud of herself .
tr	5	So , since it 's the first day , I 'm going to familiarize you with this year 's material , " Mr. Jonson said .
tr	5	He read the name on the paper and there was an awkward silence after a few seconds he slowly said , " Victoria Collins . "
tr	5	" I told you , I want a fresh start , ' cause this school is so ... so ... I don 't know . "
tr	5	Tori was still mad that she missed the plane , but knowing that there will be another one the following day gave her a little more hope .
tr	5	" In the place of fire The prophesy lies , You can only trust it on The person that never lies , " it said again .
tr	5	We 'd like the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for arrival and we want to thank you for flying with us today , " he said .
tr	5	I met somebody that might be perfect for you , " she said and dragged him to a guy with blond hair cut in a bob style .
tr	5	Living with a messy twin sister and a nerdy older brother leaves me all the work , " Stacy said and sat on Tori 's bed .
tr	5	She put her laptop , notebooks , pencil cases and other stuff on her desk , her books on her bookshelves and just felt complete .
tr	5	" Some may say that , some may say Sarah Rutter , " she said in a perfect British accent and sat on the couch .
tr	5	" Then what are we waiting for , let 's go , " Sarah said , although she didn 't like shopping , neither did Tori .
tr	5	Residence of Anubis House over the past years and archeologist claim that they have seen Daisy 's ghost still haunting Anubis House ' , " Sarah finished .
tr	5	" I switched with Camille Franklin so I 'll have a locker next to yours , " Stacy said and opened the locker next to Tori 's .
tr	5	She grabbed her bag and pulled Daniel to the third floor , to a big portrait of a beautiful lady with black hair and glowing green eyes .
tr	5	So , that day before breakfast , with her tie still untied and her jacket in her hand she went to the chair Daniel sat on .
tr	5	" If he 's a proper gentleman he 'll ask you , if he 's a little boy he won 't , " Stacy explained to Tori .
tr	5	" I 'll hide it in my room , for now , " Tori said , grabbed the piece of paper and started walking up the stairs .
tr	5	He knew it wasn 't practically a date : he 'll be playing , she 'll be watching , but he was happy she said yes .
tr	5	~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CHAPTER ELEVEN The Fireplace 's Riddle It was Friday evening and Tori was at Archery practice .
tr	5	~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ That Monday everybody gathered up in the main hall for the Monday morning assembly .
tr	5	I 'm going to reach and pull out the name of the new hall monitor , " Mrs. Jones said and reached in the bag .
tr	5	" If she didn 't , she wouldn 't have said ' Yes ' when Danny asked her to go to the basketball game . "
tr	5	While they were looking over the last row Tori saw a book that was a little burned with a fire symbol engraved in the side .
tr	5	" OK ... People , after school gather up everyone and bring them to the Main Hall so we can decide the roles , " Tori said .
tr	5	~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CHAPTER FOURTEEN The Game and The Golden Words " Tori , Tori wake up ! "
tr	5	~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CHAPTER FIFTEEN The Fire Survivor The next day Sarah ran to James and Mike 's room .
tr	5	As she walked to the back she dropped a notepad in front of Tori and whispered to her , " You can 't stop me . "
tr	5	I 'm sure I 'll waist two pink paper pads just on you this year , " Percy said and wrote Tori a detention slip .
tr	5	~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ October passed like nothing and the sudden cold wind marked the beginning of November .
tr	5	The next couple of days everybody was too busy with the website they didn 't even bother to concentrate in class that drove the teachers insane .
tr	5	Her dark brown hair , almost black was sprinkled with tiny snowflakes and her ice blue eyes were focused on one point : the woods .
tr	5	" Look what I found under the fire symbol on this book , the letter L. " " This one has an U , " Stacy said .
tr	5	~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Two weeks passed since Mrs. Jones discovered about the Clarke Brothers and grounded them .
tr	5	He grabbed the paper he was writing and hid it carefully behind all the clothes in his wardrobe and went to Tori and Stacy 's room .
tr	5	" She reminds me of somebody , like I said , but I just can 't put my finger on it , " Tori said .
tr	5	On the card it says ' For Tori Collins ' and there 's a poem , " Tori said and showed her the basket of lilacs .
tr	5	I called dad and told him to send me 7 , for the entire group , " Stacy said and threw Tori a walkie talkie .
tr	5	When the boys left she came out and started walking down the hall looking sweet when she tripped over a loose tile on the floor and fell .
tr	5	" Yeah , I just think my nose might be bleeding , " Tori said , grabbed a tissue and put it on her nose .
tr	5	" I invited your parents , they 're going to be here in half an hour with the president of Lightning Island and his wife . "
tr	5	" Let us lead you to your seats , " Daniel said and they lead them to the first row , at the ' VIP ' seats .
tr	5	" Mom , mom you 're squeezing me too hard , I can 't breathe , " Tori said to her mom after the movie .
tr	5	" Here 's your punch , " Daniel said giving Tori , that was sitting next to the edge of the balcony , a glass of punch .
tr	5	" I wanted to give you this , like an early birthday present , " Daniel said and gave her a medium sized blue box .
tr	5	Now , it 'd been on three for over three months so I was thinking of throwing a curveball ; you know , saying " Three ?
tr	5	" We 're from Industrial Products and we 'd like to see if we could be of any use to your company " Bob responded .
tr	5	I think I said but once again I can 't be sure because it 's hard to remember when you 're trying desperately not to urinate .
tr	5	There was no one there ; just me and crazy , dumb , beautiful Melissa who didn 't seem as unintelligent as she 'd been letting on .
tr	5	So anyway , there I was riding in an elevator with a crazy person and I 've got to admit it was a strange experience .
tr	5	So we took the elevator to the twenty-seventh floor , got out , and Melissa indicated with her gun I should move east toward the stairway entrance .
tr	5	I once heard we were a visually oriented species and I 'm here to verify whoever said it is the most spot-on correct person ever .
tr	5	The world goes black and every sensory organ you 've got decides it 's time to give false and misleading information about whatever 's around you .
tr	5	The ground feels uneven , sounds come from every direction and your nose is useless ; like a fork with chicken broth or male nipples .
tr	5	So I shut my mouth and stood there waiting for my senses to compensate for the lack of sight ... and waited ... and waited ... .
tr	5	Maybe a little color coded strip on your finger which warns you when you 've waited a bit too long to do the nasty deed .
tr	5	As I look back I suppose I did so because I was ready to forgive them anything so long as it got me out of there .
tr	5	Lady , you locked me in this broom closet with my hands tied behind my back after I was shot at and nearly killed on your rooftop !
tr	5	Your head of security almost broke my back and you send the dead security guard 's twin brother to scare the crap out of me !
tr	5	I don 't know why I complied so readily but his sheer size was probably part of the reason ; the man was simply large .
tr	5	" Yeah , I think she was playing a part or something because the person I knew wasn 't capable of pulling a gun and shooting people .
tr	5	Heck , the person I knew wasn 't smart enough to set her alarm clock let alone go on a shooting spree with an escape plan . "
tr	5	It was quite terrifying and I was somewhat relieved I 'd , uh , relieved myself earlier because I believe I might 've done so again .
tr	5	" Then , as far as Industrial Products is concerned , the only salesperson they knew who had an appointment with us was Bob Simpson . "
tr	5	I was starting to get a little light-headed and becoming increasingly afraid it wasn 't due to some Neanderthal kneeling on my neck when I heard pounding .
tr	5	He walked over to me , turned my head slightly to the right and stared at my neck where I 'd felt the sharp stings .
tr	5	One sounds like you 've got , at least , the possibility of getting something ; the other hints you definitely don 't have what it takes .
tr	5	She was there one second and the next , nothing , just her dress sitting upright in the same prim and proper way sans body .
tr	5	Oh , I 'm going to watch the game , grab a bite to eat , maybe get a little bloodletting , how about you ? " '
tr	5	I didn 't want to ask , I thought I already knew the answer but , like the proverbial cat , I had to know .
tr	5	I wasn 't sure what to do next but thought I might use the old Johnny Johnson problem solving technique which worked so well in the past .
tr	5	" Sorry about the new threads , Sweetie , but your old clothes were a bit disheveled so we threw them out " she said .
tr	5	Your blood flowed into my body , then George 's , then Philip 's and finally Vivian 's whose blood was already flowing into yours .
tr	5	" If you were in on Melissa 's plan your body 's subconscious system would 've betrayed you when you moved toward Vivian with the knife .
tr	5	We 'd been cleaning the aftermath of Melissa 's rampage for about fifteen minutes and I was amazed at my initial reaction which was strangely indifferent .
tr	5	When she paused and smiled I wondered if that was going to be her only answer but then her face got serious and she continued .
tr	5	" Okay , It 's true I was shot in the head but the damage wasn 't sufficient enough to overcome my body 's survival process .
tr	5	Anyway , I guess the best way to explain is look at the difference between what happened to me and what happened to Peter . "
tr	5	Okay , technically I didn 't move anywhere near as much dirt as the other two but I was amazed at what I could do .
tr	5	First off , I actually drove the complete head of my shovel into the ground and secondly I didn 't get one bit tired from the exertion .
tr	5	We tossed Peter in the hole and started shoveling dirt on him before he hit bottom leaving me wondering what an improper burial looked like .
tr	5	Uh - huh , but anyway , when she asked I answered ... " Like I said , Bob Simpson hired me " I said .
tr	5	You see , for every other being on the planet they have blood which is incompatible with all other types except those with the same markers .
tr	5	But with you , your blood acts as a universal fuel , it runs well in any vehicle because it adapts to the needs of the engine .
tr	5	But your blood is different ; it can be used by anyone , regardless of what their individual blood is made of " said George .
tr	5	Bob and Steve , on the other hand , probably have family and friends who will notice when they don 't show up for a while .
tr	5	Man-made lakes essentially involve digging dirt out of the ground and piling it on the sides to act as a levee so water can 't escape .
tr	5	" Let 's go meet him " said Trudy and reached for my hand but missed because what I saw couldn 't possibly be true .
tr	5	So anyway , Texas lakes are dirty because they have a silt bottom made of dirt and clay ; both not known for their cleanliness qualities .
tr	5	What this leads to is a temptation for the lazy and uninformed to use those wonders of water management as their own personal dumping ground .
tr	5	So anyway , I come from Heaven and I 've been tasked with monitoring your little green Earth and I must say it 's been a blast .
tr	5	So we were having some pretty good success with the early creatures and decided to incorporate the first set of Superiors onto the planet . "
tr	5	We flew them in and let them roam and do what Vampires and Werewolves do and , I might add , it was a great success .
tr	5	They hit it off splendidly and pretty soon we had a nice little group of baby Werewolves and Vampires running around having a jolly good time .
tr	5	I know it sounds pretty far-fetched those cute little kids could 've eaten all those overgrown lizards but , well , they couldn 't help themselves .
tr	5	" Well , almost all , they left the crocodiles ; something about the texture of the meat didn 't sit well with them . "
tr	5	We still had all the original genetic blueprints from the earlier creatures so we flew them on down in pairs and let nature take its course . "
tr	5	I don 't know who was in charge of the design process but whoever gave him a giant head and baby arms should have their diploma revoked .
tr	5	No , my friend , they took one look around , saw the writing on the wall and started murdering each other at an insane rate .
tr	5	There was enough food at the outset for the group awake to survive while those asleep slowed down their metabolisms which allowed for prolonged periods of hibernation .
tr	5	" When you put it that way it sounds a bit harsher than I would characterize it but , yeah , essentially it 's right . "
tr	5	Those little guys , God love them , got so good at the hibernation thing their bodies actually adapted and aided them with the process .
tr	5	But let 's not throw stones here , remember it wasn 't necessarily their fault they found themselves in the position they were in . "
tr	5	So they started experimenting to find out why eating themselves was more nutritious than eating fish and do you know what they found out ? "
tr	5	" Their hibernation times were based on how many nutrients they could ingest before shutting down ; the more food , the longer the hibernation .
tr	5	A species comes up with the way to survive the most horrific conditions a planet can throw at them and all you can say is yuck ? "
tr	5	So I found myself once again in their presence without any real knowledge of what was to transpire or how I 'd have any bearing on it .
tr	5	" You 'll stop showing age , you 'll tolerate heat and cold immensely better and you might live for an extremely long time . "
tr	5	Now , some might be curious about that statement and I believe it 's because there seems to be a misperception about the city of Dallas .
tr	5	" Peter said he got a good lead on a new product line which would knock ten percent off our chemical costs " said Trudy .
tr	5	Alright , admittedly it was an awkward question because , quite frankly , I don 't know if ' affair ' is a verb or noun .
tr	5	" If using one 's own blood enhanced the immune system so much reproduction became impossible what would happen if we used other blood instead ?
tr	5	" Anyway , we had a little bit of success with the blood mixing so we kept diluting our blood until finally we found success .
tr	5	If they decided to eliminate us we 'd certainly fight back but even our superior strength and healing abilities would eventually be overwhelmed by their numbers .
tr	5	They were sitting there one moment and then , poof , two empty seats except for the clothes they 'd been wearing only moments before .
tr	5	Upon further review I found the reason why ; the head the eyes rested in no longer resided on the neck it was previously attached to .
tr	5	I saw it in his eyes ; the realization he 'd been duped into doing something and , something else , the decision to try the impossible .
tr	5	All muscles contract , it 's all they can do , they can 't move sideways or circular and they can 't do anything when cut .
tr	5	" Right here " she responded while coming from the back of the nightclub bearing what looked like a bunch of medieval leggings and irons and stuff .
tr	5	" We know her name as Melissa only because you told us , we don 't have any idea which Vampire it actually was . "
tr	5	I asked and I 've got to admit I was waiting with baited breath for her to do so right there in front of me .
tr	5	" Um , I thought it had something to do with the Vampire thing ; you know , a play on words and all . "
tr	5	" I guess it had a little to do with it but the main reason 's because it was Peter 's idea in the first place .
tr	5	Heck , we 'd have noticed a huge profit loss if our clientele were drinking this much because they wouldn 't be drinking the other stuff .
tr	5	" Okay , okay , just give me a second here to straighten up a smidge " I said while picking my toaster off the carpet .
tr	5	Alright now , before we get too far I would like to point out one minor fact in life ; supermarkets get top money for aged cheese .
tr	5	Okay , when Vampires first began delivering Humans we were very protective of them because they were so cute and vulnerable ; like little puppies .
tr	5	So our cute little Humans began their first foray into agriculture and now they didn 't even need their adorable little nostrils to find prey for food .
tr	5	I just remembered my apartment complex never gave me a copy of the rental agreement so I guess we don 't need to keep looking .
tr	5	For a long time everything I saw on television or read in magazines led me to believe women never , ever , went for the geeks .
tr	5	shouted Phillip and we all stared at him because there were five of us in one pickup and a mere pointing of the finger would 've sufficed .
tr	5	Because books are one of our discretionary time wasters ; same with television , movies and video games which became much more entertaining during the decade .
tr	5	It means vague or abstract ; kind of like what your face is going to look like if you keep talking to me that way ! "
tr	5	" Okay , but she said Humans lost some of their scenting ability because they no longer had to worry about becoming prey , right ? "
tr	5	" Yes , the Heavens designed us to be the top predators on this world so we seek to dominate all , including our own . "
tr	5	" Because ' Beta ' doesn 't mean subordinate ; it 's merely the designation of a Werewolf who 's not mated with a Vampire . "
tr	5	" No , she wouldn 't be on her deathbed , she would either recover and I wouldn 't leave or she would die and I would .
tr	5	Remember , we were around a long time before we bred Humans and we pretty much accomplished nothing because we didn 't need to . "
tr	5	" Because Nature used a circuit breaker ; she kept it around for emergencies and sometimes those emergencies show up in the form of love . "
tr	5	Religion has , as it 's backbone , a set of rules you must follow in order not to face horrible consequences when you die .
tr	5	As far as I can tell , modern technology is merely replacing Humans by doing the exact same thing only at a lower cost and faster rate .
tr	5	" Yes " Vivian responded while looking directly into my eyes and for a second I forgot what I was going to ask but then I remembered .
tr	5	" What I was going to say was ' How does knowing where an individual is located help them monitor all the police reports ? ' . "
tr	5	Greedy people are selfish ; they see themselves as more deserving than others so they spend their lives acquiring wealth in order to prove it .
tr	5	I read somewhere there were places on the planet hotter than Texas and if it 's true then I have pity on the poor desert dwellers .
tr	5	" Okay , everyone , hop out " said George and I waited until the last possible second to exit the blissfully cool pickup truck .
tr	5	" Okay guys , we 're all set " Vivian exclaimed as she bounded down the slope to our location by the water 's edge .
tr	5	Except for football of course , the real football , the American kind , where men get paid to make other men addicted to painkillers .
tr	5	" We don 't really have ... " " I got that part , it 's the other part I didn 't quite understand . "
tr	5	The floorboard of the pontoon boat was a disgusting mess with brown , wet clay from the bottom of the lake muddying up the waterproof carpeting .
tr	5	" And you 're doing splendidly " said Trudy as she looked up from twisting Bob 's right leg so his foot would be facing forward .
tr	5	Large seafaring ships need deep hulls in order to keep them afloat and upright during the sometimes violent and vicious storms Mother Nature throws at them .
tr	5	" I wanted to save us as much distance as I could so we wouldn 't need to carry Bob and Steve so far . "
tr	5	Entrepreneurs run a very high risk of failure not because their ideas aren 't worthy but because they generally involve the public 's use of those ideas .
tr	5	" Well , it 's like this ; we sort of invested in the stock market a few years back and our finances fluctuate a little . "
tr	5	Okay , we had a little problem during the Middle Ages due to the wealth some of our kind accumulated so ... What , Johnny ?
tr	5	Now , this normally wouldn 't be a problem but a complication popped up which had the local populace in the area a bit miffed . "
tr	5	Okay , the wealthy Humans were in the same boat as us Superiors because the starving peasants were eying them with just as much jealousy and hatred .
tr	5	Remember , those Humans only lived till about forty back then and they had scores of babies because they expected to lose most of them before adolescence .
tr	5	" The titular head of the family was Lucifer but remember we 're a Matriarch so the actual head of the family was Isabella . "
tr	5	It helps if the person you 're blaming is in the minority and during the Middle Ages the wealthy were definitely in the minority . "
tr	5	" It 's the beginnings of our understanding we needed to keep a low profile if we were to survive among Humans , Sweetie " said Vivian .
tr	5	Now , fear does tend to work in our favor most of the time but it only takes once for a Catastrophe to happen . "
tr	5	If there were ten Vampires and one Werewolf it would be possible to sire ten Superiors but if there were only one Vampire and ten Werewolves ?
tr	5	The first kind , where the mother produces two separate eggs , is not technically a twin because the genetic makeup of the eggs is different .
tr	5	It looked as though the smaller one would eventually die if left alone with the larger infant because the larger one was so much more aggressive . "
tr	5	So , on the first day of Confrontation little Yin and Yang were brought to the cave and placed in the pit one at a time .
tr	5	Remember , we heal at an advanced rate so there 's no real danger to the baby Wolves ; except in this particular case . "
tr	5	" They weren 't defenseless , they had the same opportunities and weapons as Yin and Yang ; namely their hands , feet and teeth .
tr	5	You can 't blame them for using the gifts they were born with but their relationship towards each other was what baffled us for ages . "
tr	5	This heat phenomenon is not unexpected to the great people of the Lone Star State , no , they have learned to adapt and overcome .
tr	5	I rounded up some towels , tossed my wardrobe back on the floor where it belonged and we sat Bob and Steve on the couch .
tr	5	The four of them left and I began my wild tornado clean-up which consisted of throwing everything not bolted down into one closet or another .
tr	5	" You know ; just walk on in to one of those high-priced clothing stores and ... " They were still looking at me strangely .
tr	5	Anyway , that was in the past and now we use willing subjects and in return we give them a taste of our blood . "
tr	5	" Yes , after the transfusion the Humans are afforded the opportunity to receive some of the pregnant Vampire 's blood in exchange for providing their own .
tr	5	It 's a win-win opportunity , something which very rarely happens in a person 's lifetime and we 're almost never rebuked with the offer . "
tr	5	The medical revolution brought about these two desired resolutions and it changed the very fabric of society but not always in ways viewed as beneficial .
tr	5	It 's true people live much longer and can be kept relatively pain-free but there 's a catch ; someone has to pay for it .
tr	5	" Okay , girls , it 's time to leave the room " George said as he picked up the sack he 'd brought from the pharmacy .
tr	5	I thought I was about to witness a real-time torture session involving Werewolves , Vampires and Zombies all within the comforts of my living room .
tr	5	" Great , now I 'm not only weak but have a stronger brother who 's wanted to kill me before I was born . "
tr	5	" Hold on ... " I said and was going to follow with the question ' What in the world of Superiors was going to happen ? '
tr	5	" You can but you 're just going to keep pulling them off unless you don 't mind them sitting in their own waste " said George .
tr	5	I couldn 't think of a reason why they ended up as they did but , then again , I didn 't really know who they were .
tr	5	I 'd only known them for three months and for at least three days of those months they 'd been walking around as a bunch of Zombies .
tr	5	" ... so I can fingerprint him " " Oh , okay " I said and reached down to grab Steve 's hand when ... " Ow !
tr	5	The Werewolf cells you 're talking about are pure and perfect cells used to make muscle tissue or fibroblasts or ... " " What are fibroblasts ? "
tr	5	If a Vampire has in her family a very powerful set of Wolves then her family will be accorded a higher place in the hierarchy .
tr	5	" I don 't know , but there 's nothing you can do about it now so ... " " I just need to go there !
tr	5	After a while more people joined and they had themselves a nice little village where many different families lived and many little houses were built .
tr	5	Dallas is like most modern cities and it 's built accordingly with residential houses relegated outside of its downtown proper and replaced with apartment and condominium dwellers .
tr	5	You know how it is when sometimes you 're hungry but don 't want to eat because the person you 're with is on some strange diet ?
tr	5	We 're trying to catch them as they go about their everyday duties and during the middle of the day is by far the best time .
tr	5	It 's a sort of bait and switch ; come on in , get a free pizza , here 's our phone number , call us anytime .
tr	5	It 's always struck me as odd large portions of the population don 't believe in conspiracies and people who do get labeled ' conspiracy nuts ' .
tr	5	It seems absurd to believe someone born with the innate desire for power or money would balk at conspiring with others of their ilk to acquire it .
tr	5	It 's got just the right amount of incredulity to make it believable and they can 't ask you to reveal yourself without making a scene . "
tr	5	" Now look here , Vivian , just because you 've got those big blue eyes doesn 't mean ... " " Please " said the last .
tr	5	" We don 't designate them by name because it would entail picking one family to represent all which would result in a bloodbath . "
tr	5	I think I need to use it soon and I 'm not sure I can if Steve ... " " Steve ... " moron Zombie repeated .
tr	5	The place was a wreck with toilet water on the floor and my bathroom rug tossed willy-nilly in the corner but I didn 't care .
tr	5	" Sorry , sorry " Phillip said as he rushed back through my bedroom to enter my bathroom and ... " Come on Bob . "
tr	5	They contain , at their core , the exact same ingredients of cheese , sauce , bread and , if you so desire , meat .
tr	5	It probably stems from the fact Dallas doesn 't really have a background to rely upon when coming up with ways to describe their great city .
tr	5	New York has the fast and frenzied feel of a city on the go , Las Vegas has gambling while Los Angeles has beaches and Hollywood .
tr	5	First of all , Dallas doesn 't believe in the annoyance of neon signs proclaiming to the world they have " Girls Girls Girls " .
tr	5	one of the teenagers asked indicating the all-night shop located next to the hard-rock club which catered to the selling of all things tobacco related .
tr	5	I was about ready to tell him I thought my jaw , ribs and pride were but then realized I was in absolutely no pain whatsoever .
tr	5	Kids are cute , kids are innocent , kids are the future and kids are also the most sadistic little buggers in the world to other kids .
tr	5	" No , don 't worry about it , let 's just see how you like it " he said with a strange grin on his face .
tr	5	I say ' strangest ' because he was the only person except for George and I who was dressed even moderately resembling a normal human being .
tr	5	" Uh-huh " I said and nodded in the way the uninformed and ignorant do when acting as though they have a clue what 's going on .
tr	5	It wouldn 't have made a difference anyway because in all my years of consuming the sumptuous ingredients I 've never once found a flavor wanting .
tr	5	I don 't know if Phillip had ever made her mad but I 'm guessing he didn 't for the sole reason he was still breathing .
tr	5	It actually worked out better for the kids because the new place came with a stable and horses the kids can ride and take care of . "
tr	5	You built a prison and ringed it with oil rigs which are this very second pumping out millions of dollars of dinosaur fossil fuel . "
tr	5	If you cut their leg off they can just jam it back on and in a matter of a minutes they 'll be walking again . "
tr	5	But Peter , well , I guess he had other plans because what he set up might be the most daring power grab ever . "
tr	5	Chapter 19 Apartment complexes are all the rage since the housing market plunged and I don 't necessarily see them losing any ground in the near future .
tr	5	Phillip standing over Bob 's headless torso holding its arms behind its back as the thing kicked its legs like a two-year old throwing a tantrum .
tr	5	" Yep , you know it could probably happen to anyone under the circumstances considering ... " " He ... he ... caught ... fire ? "
tr	5	I 'd gotten to the point where the severed , scorched , drowned and flushed head of a former colleague would cause only that smallest of reactions .
tr	5	Nat got a call he was needed back at the station and left so I walked around the apartment to get a better grasp of the situation .
tr	5	In the living room I found one of my fold-out chairs lying on the floor and the newspapers and magazines which once sat on it scattered around .
tr	5	" Sure , and if they have the resources we 've built up and can lower their prices long enough , they get to win . "
tr	5	Oh , we could choose Shelter again , sure , but we 'd start at the bottom just like every other unattached family does . "
tr	5	Phillip explained because I was getting enough food my cells were perfectly fine and my body didn 't need to slow down to charge back up .
tr	5	It 's actually not hard to fall off the face of the Earth ; just stop paying your bills , quit driving and sublease an apartment .
tr	5	If you lose your job the first two naturally take care of themselves but the third needs a little help and a pinch of luck .
tr	5	" It 's just , well , I haven 't done anything like this before and I hope I don 't let you all down . "
tr	5	Dallas was built on the economy and if there is anything which is true it 's people of all races and genders like the color of money .
tr	5	So they come to Dallas because it offers what many other cities do not ; a place where there is no inherent culture except for commerce .
tr	5	Now , the good thing about Dallas at the time was it was abundant in the one resource necessary for those concrete raceways ; land .
tr	5	In this Werewolf 's case he managed to make it all the way to the security guard 's desk without me seeing him do so .
tr	5	I tried not to say anything but knew the cat was out of the bag because my voice could not have been mistaken for a woman 's .
tr	5	Okay , invisible is the wrong word to use because it implies the person is clear and that 's not what she was ; she was opaque .
tr	5	" Well , he 's missing his body so you probably don 't have a good point of reference to compare him to " George replied .
tr	5	I sighed , reached to turn on the hot water in the sink but stopped because I heard a rustle coming from my walk-in closet .
tr	5	There was a lien on the property but I guess his mother figured the lease money would eventually take care of that " he replied .
tr	5	He put up a whole bunch of little huts he then rented out to the migrant workers who came by to work the fields in the area .
tr	5	Now , he might 've gotten away with it if it hadn 't been for one small glitch in his plans he didn 't account for . "
tr	5	" Bob forgot other people lived in his town and would become curious as to why their new-found customers were no longer spending cash in their stores .
tr	5	" Yep , while in prison Bob met another inmate who also happened to be there for fraud but on a much larger scale than Bob 's .
tr	5	If you do the math it meant he had nine years of money to run through before a single investor 's principle was drained to nothing .
tr	5	" He said he would put up Bob 's bail money and fund his defense if she would sign over the lease to her land . "
tr	5	He even said he wouldn 't try and take the property as long as she could make payments to him over a twenty year period of time .
tr	5	" I don 't know , when he gets called away on a case he 's not really in charge of his time schedule . "
tr	5	Now , at first I thought maybe it was because Bob was naturally healthier than Steve when they were turned even though Bob was a bit older .
tr	5	" The Vampire who turned Bob is mated to an Alpha and if she is stronger than Vivian then he 's probably stronger than George . "
tr	5	" But you said she was fast-tracked out of Vampire school so she could mate with Yin and stop him from killing all the other Werewolves ? "
tr	5	If the governing authority who issued the order is strong enough we may pay a price for our insubordination but if it 's not ... ?
tr	5	" Why didn 't he just ... I hate to say this , but why didn 't he just get another mate or kill Merri Li ? "
tr	5	The freedom is further dampened by the fact they didn 't choose to put the stupid thing on , someone else mandated they do so .
tr	5	" She was with Yin , but Vampires do not fight in wars , we 're too important to lose in something as unimportant as governance . "
tr	5	" Yes , but a leader leads only so long as they live and even though Yin was superior over all others he was not omnipotent . "
tr	5	Okay , look , I readily admit it 's a defunct degree and a horrible occupational choice but I at least learned to lie convincingly . "
tr	5	" But ... that means ... " " Yes , Johnny , Yin was fighting to the death the Wolf who gave him life . "
tr	5	" Yes , it 's told in tale and it goes like this : The cave was naturally dark so torches were used to light the proceedings .
tr	5	The combatants were the best the two clans had to offer and the fight began ; three on one , two extraordinary , two not .
tr	5	It became clear early on the fight would be a protracted one for the lone individual was fighting a game of survival instead of conquest .
tr	5	Now , it was two on one and the situation changed dramatically for one of the two seemed not to know where the one was .
tr	5	" The America 's , Yin sent them to where they couldn 't challenge him and they founded what would later become Third Clan . "
tr	5	It seems the world has its own ideas as to what it wants to happen and the various species are merely pawns in its game of life .
tr	5	" No , Yang and Merri Li performed more Catastrophes than had been seen since the Great Flood , Freeze and Starvation " Trudy said .
tr	5	" They thought he was playing the same power game they all were and he 'd sided with Yin in order to raise his level of authority .
tr	5	He was , in all respects , a slave to the Elder Family who 'd sheltered him but with Yin he was something else . "
tr	5	" Well ... then ... " " Just keep pushing , Johnny , I 'm sure there 's another gas station somewhere over this hill . "
tr	5	The ride to the nearest gas station was twenty miles and since we were in a farmer 's pickup truck it took us forty minutes .
tr	5	Maybe in small towns they were so polite to each other he thought I would invariably catch a ride back by someone going the other way .
tr	5	So when the three of them agreed to set aside their rights to Alpha they got the attention of every higher family in the Clan . "
tr	5	" Well , Trudy yelled she 'd finished fixing our sandwiches so George and I sat down to eat when some cars ran into each other . "
tr	5	" Well , that 's where it got a little weird because there weren 't any more screeches , just a whole lot of banging . "
tr	5	" Thank you very much , sir " she gushed because a fifty dollar tip is still worth something no matter what the cable companies say .
tr	5	" Yep , on the other side of the ranch , a good ten-minute drive over rough terrain by daylight , let alone at night . "
tr	5	" Sure , they had lots but they only subscribed to basic service and it didn 't carry the news channel he was watching . "
tr	5	What I said was the Vampires in First Clan made Yang an offer they thought he couldn 't refuse and , technically , they were right . "
tr	5	It 's purposely used to emphasize what is being discussed is not , in reality , an exact representation of what it 's supposed to reflect . "
tr	5	" Why would one write a book explaining the meaning of life and start out by describing a lifespan the readers would immediately reject as impossible ? "
tr	5	" Okay , we 've got two pieces of land , both with oil under them and one prison sitting on top , right ? "
tr	5	It involves some pretty expensive equipment and you don 't request one unless you have proof there might be something underground which needs discovering . "
tr	5	" Okay , so he requested the sonar survey and that 's why we 're in the position we are today " the blonde Aphrodite finished .
tr	5	Since they settle down they have children who 've grown up there so they understand its geography and can at least partially understand its roadway system .
tr	5	" So we could show people we all belong to the same family ; you know , kind of like the old motorcycle gangs did . "
tr	5	" Oh , I don 't know , maybe because I don 't belong to a motorcycle gang and the sight of needles makes me faint ? "
tr	5	He took one look at Phillip and decided a seven-foot individual would not order only one hamburger so he took his order and moved on to me .
tr	5	" Okay , so Yang lured Merri Li into the garden and the assassin Vampire snuck up behind her ... " " Hold on . "
tr	5	" Yin and Yang shared the same blood but Yin 's blood made him a perfect killing machine while Yang 's made him the opposite . " '
tr	5	" Yes , Yin could identify Yang because they shared the same blood which allowed him to scent other Superiors when they could not scent him . "
tr	5	" Well , what were to happen if two Alphas were to fight but one of them had both arms tied behind his back . "
tr	5	The way the secretary put it he was a male cheerleader in college so when he got the offer he literally jumped over and over again .
tr	5	" Yep , she was a member of the Food Tribe and was responsible for screening the blood of those who gave for pregnancy . "
tr	5	" Yep , and when the attending Vampire came to pick her up and take her to the transfusion , well , a little mix-up occurred . "
tr	5	You see , the immune system of these people is so ramped up it thinks the body is under attack from foreign invaders at all times .
tr	5	" Her body tried but the little unborn kept shredding and since no one knew anything was wrong , well , it was too late . "
tr	5	" Yes , the only ones in our family who 'd seen her before were the ones placed in charge of investigating the Catastrophe . "
tr	5	So Steve hires Land Surveyors Incorporated who employ Melissa to do a sonar survey and ... hold on ... that means ... " " Yep . "
tr	5	Surely the fool in front of us didn 't receive the implied memo stating speed limits are only suggestions ; maybe they need a little encouragement ?
tr	5	" After Merri Li took the heads of one hundred Vampires the Wolves asked for a meeting with Yin to discuss how to resolve their differences . "
tr	5	" She was cutting the heads off people , Trudy , don 't you think that 's a little more than a difference of opinion ? "
tr	5	" At the beginning of the rebellion Yin , Yang and Merri Li would use Yang 's cloaking abilities to sneak up on an unsuspecting family .
tr	5	We can fight them in single combat or in groups so it gives us the best of both possible worlds " he said in all seriousness .
tr	5	In my case I was going to do nothing ; just stand there and say a silent prayer to as many Gods as I could recall .
tr	5	Or a chicken , or a fish , or whatever other creature we 've been stuffing down our maw for the past thousand years or so .
tr	5	" Oh ... um ... Hi , I 'm Johnny Johnson , nice to meet you " I said as I held out my hand .
tr	5	Now , they may not want to keep you around and they can order you beheaded but they 're walking a fine line if they do . "
tr	5	" ' Well , there 's a Zombie in my closet at home and Steve 's in the field over where Butch threw him . "
tr	5	On this evening hour , though , the lights were not even on so I entered the club without the aid of even a nightlight for guidance .
tr	5	The three families making up the Clan Elders were located on separate sides , six on each , five seated and one standing ; the Matriarch .
tr	5	" The advancement of her family , Cloak " the one in front replied and I had a sneaking suspicion she wasn 't on our side .
tr	5	" They have evened the Wolves , true , but they 're still down one Vampire and so are one Superior short " she said .
tr	5	The room began taking on the low hum which accompanies whispering from surprised individuals as the attending Superiors began discussing amongst themselves what was going on .
tr	5	Now , they already stood a good chance of winning even though they 'd be fighting with one fewer Vamp but ... " " Hold on . "
tr	5	" It means since the Ramos currently hold the tower they are , de facto , the occupying family and thus in ownership of the office .
tr	5	If they accept then they fight , if they accede then they 'll be cast off as unattached and need to reenter another occupation . "
tr	5	When a family challenges another family they immediately give up their previous occupation and must succeed if they wish to further their move up the hierarchy .
tr	5	Cities are constantly alive , constantly churning out production and constantly assailing the senses of the very same citizens they attempt to secure within their boundaries .
tr	5	" No , I 'm saying they couldn 't find a cave with the technical ability to allow other families to watch the proceedings . "
tr	5	If you want I can check it out for you , it 'll just take a second for me to ... " " Nat ? "
tr	5	What I 'm wondering is why didn 't some family higher up who lost a Wolf in a challenge pick one of them as a replacement ? "
tr	5	So , if you 're an Alpha above you don 't want to pick an Alpha below unless you 're sure you can beat him ? "
tr	5	" Johnny , walk with me " she said , and I did , because I believe I might 've mentioned her looks a time or two .
tr	5	" Okay , look , I get where you 're going with this but I don 't see how it 's even possible anymore . "
tr	5	" An Alpha Wolf with you would be able to walk up to any Superior and attack before they had any idea of the danger .
tr	5	" The Satan are going to fight us either way and I think they 'd like to do it without your particular abilities involved . "
tr	5	Now , with your abilities George and Phillip will be an almost impossible pair to beat because you get to choose the venue for the fight . "
tr	5	The Mate of Satan barely survived against Yin ; do you really think he would like to test himself against Phillip and George the same way ? "
tr	5	" No , it 'll be one Alpha and a pair of lesser Wolves against two Alphas ; I like our chances every time there . "
tr	5	" Well , Merri Li could not find a willing Wolf ... " " Because they were all scared Yin might rip their heads off ? "
tr	5	They weren 't scared ; they merely weighed their chances of surviving the conflict and none were ready to face the great unknown at the time . "
tr	5	" So every time Yin was challenged he would pick two mated Wolves to join his family , fight the challenge and remain Alpha . "
tr	5	" Why didn 't the Wolves he picked to be in his family side with the other three Wolves during the challenge and kill Yin . "
tr	5	" Yin needed Wolves to fight but he needed the right Wolves , the ones who could challenge him , the ones who could possibly win .
tr	5	They appeared to be interested in me and I 've got to admit it made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up .
tr	5	I ' ve always been a little shaky when it comes to the issue of commitment , any commitment , whether in my personal or business life .
tr	5	For all I know you could be a murdering Sorceress who likes to kill her husbands ... " " I 'm not a Sorceress . "
tr	5	" Why , Isabella , can you not look upon a child sired by your Wolf and not know it for what it is ? "
tr	5	It was then I looked around and noticed something quite unusual ; Lucifer Satan cradling the infant in his arms and looking on with obvious interest .
tr	5	" Well , don 't you find it a little convenient Peter would be killed while Stephanie was presumably in hibernation with his child ? "
tr	5	The overall effect was one of gloom surrounding a square of brown polished wood which made it impossible to detect where the Vampires were at any time .
tr	5	My being there also added to the confusion because , except for those with my blood bond , no one had any idea where the combatants were .
tr	5	If he admitted , well , that 's what he did so the consequences are playing out before us ... " " And if he denied ? "
tr	5	" Okay , let 's assume Peter was alive and your family ... " " Our family , Johnny , you are one of us . "
tr	5	If she had challenged and Lucifer rebuked her without her being mated it would definitely have ended her plans but ... " " But what ? "
tr	5	Werewolves were moving their seats closer to the dance floor and Vampires were whispering among themselves at the numerous changes in circumstances which had befallen the Judgment .
tr	5	" Already there , big guy " I replied as I watched the five Vampires disappear leaving only clothing on the ground to mark their passage .
tr	5	Since the lights were on and the actual combat area clean of obstacles except for a few heads whatever advantages I brought to the table were nullified .
tr	5	I looked at both the lovely creatures of boyhood fantasy and I 've got to tell you a guy couldn 't go wrong picking either .
tr	5	" From the safe of a great Wolf " Melissa responded as she made her way to stand next to me and the rest of my family .
tr	5	" I have to , Mistress , please forgive me for I do believe you , it 's just ... " " It 's fine , Nat .
tr	5	My blood hides us from his beady little eyes and unless he 's bugged every vehicle ever made , we 're safe " I replied .
tr	5	" The second reason is we already have an ally in First Clan " I answered and saw Melissa respond by removing the blade from her purse .
tr	5	Any similarities to real persons , living or dead , actual events , locales or organisations are purely coincidental and not intended by the author .
tr	5	If you enjoyed this book , please encourage your friends to download their own copy where they can also discover other works by this author .
tr	5	Then in the hospital , when he came to , he was raving about something that came out of the blizzards , wasn 't he ?
tr	5	Warlocks and witches , not all of them captured during the Salem trials of 1692 , also used the attics and cellars for their black rites .
tr	5	Yet the third , made of some strange iridescent purple material that was neither metal nor stone , showed a world completely unknown to science .
tr	5	I shan 't expect you to do much during your first trimester ... , " " I intend to pull my weight , professor . " "
tr	5	... however , teaching our students ; collating our displays , cataloguing our archives and such like will form much of your work until Christmas . "
tr	5	I intend to be fully involved in the life of the University and if there are any expeditions next year then I would like to be considered .
tr	5	For a moment , yet it felt an eternity 's age to Tarleton , he was back on that rocky camp on Baffin Island 's Cumberland peninsula .
tr	5	Perhaps it was the shock of coming back to Arkham on top of such a long journey ; maybe I should have stayed down at Austin .
tr	5	All the same , he 'd never had any problems with seeing ice down in Texas so he was surprised that it should happen now .
tr	5	Under Cartwright 's supervision , the hired waiters removed the dishes from the fish course and then placed lemon sorbets before the diners to cleanse their palates .
tr	5	Massachusetts ' fall foliage was spectacular and from his room in his parents mansion high up on French Hill he could see the forests in the distance .
tr	5	The vivid reds , oranges and yellows with a dash of plum brightened the vista but as the month progressed , more and more the browns dominated .
tr	5	Tarleton enjoyed the walk and , although he noticed the hurrying footsteps and furtive looks of people around him , that didn 't spoil his stroll .
tr	5	On their starboard side -- Hatley still insisted on calling it right just to annoy the sailors -- the grey mountains of Baffin Island sailed past .
tr	5	During the spring and on the voyage up from Boston , he 'd grown out his beard and now looked like a seasoned Viking warrior .
tr	5	And over it all howled the ever present north wind making Baffin Island 's summer even shorter and colder than normal for its high latitude .
tr	5	The men stopped , righted the sled , fixed and greased its runner and sorted out the dog 's tangled traces but it all took time .
tr	5	By their side , the glacier creaked and groaned breaking the silence like a soul in torment as it slowly slid on its journey to the sea .
tr	5	Towards the back of a shallow cave , little more than a hollow scooped out of a rising knoll on the plain , lay three bodies .
tr	5	It had been lying out for millennia and was little more than dust and fibres preserved only by the constant sub-zero air of the plateau .
tr	5	His boots crunching over the debris , his head bowed low as the ceiling lowered , Tarleton made his way to the back of the hollow .
tr	5	" Looks like it 's going to be a bad one , " Hatley said to Tarleton as they heaved their sled over a patch of shale .
tr	5	He knew that burial sites were sacred places to the native tribes but those three bodies from earlier didn 't belong to any known Inuit tribe .
tr	5	It was just as well that Cooke could take a joke and as he enjoyed his job he wore a chef 's white toque hat .
tr	5	" Once the war has ended , then over the next few years all the major universities of the world will be sending expeditions here .
tr	5	Of course , Hatley had picked up the name from Inuit lore , but from the Inuit 's lips , the name chilled him to the bone .
tr	5	Instead , the two brothers stole some supplies , launched their kayak into the blizzard and then paddled out into the fjord and headed south .
tr	5	It sank its fangs into Spruce and , as Tarleton stared finding it impossible to move , a slight rose flush suffused under the creature 's skin .
tr	5	This dog had more spirit than Spruce and bit and snapped at the creature but for all the good that did , it was like biting snow .
tr	5	The monster 's jaws opened devouring the dog , sucking out all its goodness as well as its life-force before tossing its desiccated carcass away .
tr	5	It was hard to see straight as his tears froze onto his lashes and the snow pouring from the creature in all directions confused him .
tr	5	If he 'd lain out much longer , he might have lost his fingers or even if his life if his core body temperature dipped too low .
tr	5	He 'd known Davis and some of the crew for better than twenty years and , despite their difference in station , he regarded them as friends .
tr	5	Men he 'd laughed with -- men he 'd bailed out of half the jails between Halifax , Nova Scotia , and Montevideo after drunken shore leaves .
tr	5	The dog 's body looked completely drained and mummified as if it had been exposed to the Arctic cold for years rather than one night .
tr	5	Maybe the sailors would be lucky and only two or three scientists had been left behind to suffer this strange and terrible death at base camp .
tr	5	However all that talk died down to a respectful silence when the bodies of Tarleton and the two orderlies were discovered under the snow in the quadrangle .
tr	5	And nothing was said to the Coroner about the trail of giant naked footprints that walked from the infirmary wing then along to the library .
tr	5	He had found an appreciation for security and solar technology over the last couple of weeks and was now fulfilling his security duty by patrolling the yacht .
tr	5	He thought about sitting on one of the loungers on the deck , but knew he would fall asleep if he didn 't keep moving .
tr	5	" And I will miss you both ... Now can you make sure this loot don 't wake up and decide to shoot us ? "
tr	5	" It is much nicer than most ships around and it would fetch them a hefty price if they found out it was reported stolen . "
tr	5	Omar had Connor follow him to the helm of the yacht while Jabir took Andre below to start reviewing the engine and mechanics of the yacht .
tr	5	He didn 't know if she was alive , if she was in Tunisia , or if she had managed to escape from the coliseum .
tr	5	" Our friends have taught us everything we need to know about this ship ... " Connor reassuringly put his hand on Andre 's shoulder .
tr	5	Connor didn 't know how long he would be at the beach or if he would run into anyone associated with the tournament in Kyiv .
tr	5	For the first time in a long time Connor 's mind was a blank canvas and he mindfully smiled as the sleep continued to consume him .
tr	5	" I can 't promise that I 'll kill Billy , but I 'll do my best to get him out of the way . "
tr	5	He had rationalized why it would be a good thing for Billy to die , but it didn 't parallel his values and respect for life .
tr	5	As much as he had wanted to get off of the yacht he now wanted a safe space where he could let out everything pent up inside .
tr	5	The concierge informed him that he saw Andre leave in a taxi shortly after he finished eating , but that he had not seen him return .
tr	5	Connor quickly walked around the block to see if he could find an alley behind the bar thinking there might be a back door that was open .
tr	5	Connor spun and knocked the gun out of the hand of the other man and then delivered a jolting thrust into the man 's face .
tr	5	" So you went out drinking and were told that this magic sapphire exists and decided to come back and check it out on your own ? "
tr	5	We might be able to pull things off before you even fight , but you fighting is the only way to get close to Billy . "
tr	5	As they crossed over to the east bank he noticed fishermen out on the river and a few people playing volleyball on the banks of the river .
tr	5	Babushka sat at the table and smiled while Connor finally saw in the light from a nearby window that her eyes were nearly completely covered in gray .
tr	5	" That 's great , but Babushka didn 't know he was alive until about six months ago when she got a letter from him . "
tr	5	He felt a sense of calmness in the midst of a chaotic chain of events and he wanted to soak in every minute of it .
tr	5	She went into a small enclosed structure and took out some shovels , gloves , a deep wheelbarrow , and a plastic jar filled with water .
tr	5	The baskets were sitting in the orchard when they had arrived and after Lena showed Connor which apples to pick she had disappeared with the baskets .
tr	5	Step after step was a struggle to keep pace with Lena , but he eventually caught her on the other side of the potato field .
tr	5	By the time he had taken two steps the other door of the sedan was open and Billy hopped out with his snake oil smile .
tr	5	" Hello Connor and good day to you too Andre , I was beginning to think you might not show up to our little event . "
tr	5	I have banned you from the tournament , but the people want their quarter staff master and I am here to offer you a spot . "
tr	5	You will be a staff master if you accept my invitation and can observe the first day of fighting with me in my box . "
tr	5	He could make out the silhouettes of Takeo and Billy , but was content to be separated from them on the trip back to Kyiv .
tr	5	The chauffeur stopped the sedan in front of the main entrance of the hotel and jumped out of the car to open the doors of his passengers .
tr	5	Connor continued to hold his bags as he followed Billy and Takeo to the bar despite three advances from concierges to take them off his hand .
tr	5	You will be recognized by every person in the city by tomorrow morning and this hotel offers the best anonymity of any hotel in Kyiv . "
tr	5	Connor pulled himself over to the open window and crawled through , then lowered himself to a ledge where he could hop down to the narrow walkway .
tr	5	That guard will give you five minutes before he comes looking for you and we 've already wasted two of them getting out the window . "
tr	5	He didn 't understand why she followed him out the window and was now trying to convince him to go back into the lion 's den .
tr	5	Connor was still in the mode to play cat and mouse and hurried Maria into the elevator and closed the door before the man could enter .
tr	5	Connor envisioned taking Maria back to England and peacefully walking through the forests , but forced himself to focus on what he had to do in Kyiv .
tr	5	The couple left the boutique a generous gratuity for their service and headed out to find a quiet cafe where they could practice the patience Maria encouraged .
tr	5	He knew his meditations brought him greater balance , but he didn 't expect anyone else to notice how he was coping with the stressors around him .
tr	5	I didn 't like what I saw so I turned away and a man dressed in white with a shepherd staff stood over me and smiled .
tr	5	" That 's all I want , but we won 't be left alone until Billy gets what he wants or he is gone . "
tr	5	A city was not the ideal location for training , but he remembered training around the port cities in England and the difficulty of staying conditioned .
tr	5	On the other side of the building Connor found himself in front of a large park with tall trees succumbing to autumn tones and winding paths .
tr	5	Connor raised the staff high above his head in the stance of the bear and returned to the form of the stag and raced through the park .
tr	5	He yelled at his guards until one of the guards quickly caught up with Connor and rode the elevator with him up to his floor .
tr	5	Connor 's voice was resolute as he came out of the bathroom with a terry cloth robe wrapped around his broad shoulders and chiseled forearms .
tr	5	The crowd suddenly shifted their attention as one of the side doors to the ball room opened and a spotlight shined on Billy and Takeo .
tr	5	" With any luck we 'll have Dominick out of the tournament before it begins which will open a staff master spot for our friend Billy . "
tr	5	I have promised you the top staff masters in the world at this tournament and you have seen for yourself our four valiant combatants . "
tr	5	" He 's a politician Maria , he 's aware of the danger he 'll be put in if Billy catches him doing this . "
tr	5	As the cars started to move he saw the guard who was following them come to a screeching halt at the bottom of the escalators .
tr	5	Connor kept his distance from his new friends , but by the time they got onto the other platform there was a hoard of people .
tr	5	Connor watched the transfer bridge and the escalator entrance for any of Billy 's guards ; he didn 't know how quickly they 'd spring into action .
tr	5	" These fighters are going to know what they 're up against this time , I 've got to know what they 've seen . "
tr	5	" I 'm sorry Connor , you 've got to know that I 've already done too much ... But your friend Lena knows . "
tr	5	Another level eight fighter appeared on the screen ; he was a local Ukrainian fighter who looked to be a few years older than Connor .
tr	5	The grassy pitch smelled fresh , but the decibel level of the crowd was too loud to admire the only natural element of the facility .
tr	5	Connor could see that he had landed several small shots on his opponent 's upper arms , but it wasn 't slowing down the Ukrainian .
tr	5	Connor had already viewed several fights prior to his own and none of the fighters were any better than the one he just put into submission .
tr	5	Connor knew it would take them quite a while to navigate through the crowd , but was determined not to fall in Billy 's trap .
tr	5	" It 's understandable Connor , after what he 's done to me and to your dad I don 't blame you at all . "
tr	5	To the crowd this would be a simple fight of the old guard against the new guard , and they would love only the victor .
tr	5	As Andre slightly paused to gain a firmer grip on his stick Connor struck his friend on his bad knee bringing him quickly to the ground .
tr	5	Billy was burrowing his ugly head deeper and deeper into Connor 's life and it was clearer than ever that Billy needed to be disposed of .
tr	5	She found out that Andre remained unconscious and that he had suffered several internal injuries which he could not have sustained in his short fight with Connor .
tr	5	He was relieved that he wasn 't the primary cause of Andre 's hospitalization , but was equally outraged knowing that Andre had been victimized by Billy .
tr	5	He knew Billy 's tactics of using pharmaceuticals on fighters and he wasn 't surprised Billy would drug someone to launch them into a hysterical rage .
tr	5	The events of the morning weighed heavily on Connor 's mind , but he also needed to focus on the predicament Billy was forcing him into .
tr	5	With one word your friend Andre will die , your slutty girlfriend will be back on the street , and your mom will join your dad ! "
tr	5	" He 's still asleep , but he 's moving around in his sleep and one of the nurses says he keeps getting better . "
tr	5	Connor smoothly stood up , grabbed his fighting bag and journeyed up to the sky box where he would await his name to be called to fight .
tr	5	He thought of Andre and Lena and what it would mean to them for Connor to bring down Billy , and then he thought of Maria .
tr	5	Connor would play by the stick fighting rules only once more and then it would be time to destroy the man who was trying to destroy him .
tr	5	Connor 's attention was turned back to the jumbo screen to see his name and picture appear , he briefly waited to see who his opponent was .
tr	5	Takeo sauntered onto the pitch and the official made it clear that he would not let Connor do anything until he signaled the fight to begin .
tr	5	Before Connor knew what happened he had one of the nun chucks wrapped around his staff and Takeo was preventing Connor from attacking with it .
tr	5	He was glad he could pick up his staff off the ground , but knew he could not withstand another attack like the one he just faced .
tr	5	Something had overtaken Connor and he didn 't know if it was the pain , the desperate situation , or something he could not understand .
tr	5	Billy smiled at the camera and motioned at them to wait a minute and then he turned his back to the camera and made a phone call .
tr	5	" Despite what you may think , I am going to make this decision based upon careful consideration of the situation in front of me . "
tr	5	He could see that Billy was dressed in a black full spandex suit with padding on the legs , arms , abdomen , and back .
tr	5	To make matters worse , Billy was purposefully attacking towards Connor 's bad eye making it difficult for Connor to anticipate what Billy would do next .
tr	5	He dropped his staff from his good hand and swiftly grabbed Billy 's staff that was less than a centimeter from knocking him on the temple .
tr	5	His conscience told him to stop and deal with the problem , but the agonizing look on his Mom 's face retuned and goaded Connor to leave .
tr	5	He had killed Billy in front of thousands of people and he would not be able to easily escape the country if he stuck around .
tr	5	He relaxed his posture , allowed himself to feel the pain in his hand and eyes once again and rested from a tragic chapter in his life .
tr	5	He swallowed up the countries of Austria and Czechoslovakia peacefully , and on September 1 , 1939 , attacked Poland and thus started World War 2 .
tr	5	The Allied invasion was diplomatically a very delicate operation , as they were invading French colonies and France was technically not at war with anyone .
tr	5	She had been able to purchase enough for two meals , tonight 's and tomorrow night 's , and then she would have to find more .
tr	5	She wasn 't beautiful , but she had a very pretty face , which combined with her elegance gave her a charm that was all her own .
tr	5	Abu tossed in his dirty and smelly bag , Drew shut the trunk and both of them moved to the passenger door to try to open it .
tr	5	Drew didn 't know which was worse , the hot sun or the weeks of cold drenching rain he had experienced here in North Africa .
tr	5	When the fiery red sun disappeared behind them and night fell , the thin desert air started shedding the heat and the temperature started plummeting .
tr	5	Instead , although the French units had fought , they had been of two minds whether to fight the Americans as invaders or welcome them as liberators .
tr	5	After all , they had been fighting for over three years , and the Americans here in Africa had yet to fight a real battle .
tr	5	Andersson was capable in combat , but the preparation for fighting made him impatient , and he increasingly relied on his quiet and very capable corporal .
tr	5	Dane emptied his coffee cup and went to his tent amid the sounds of hundreds of men all around him also getting ready for bed .
tr	5	Back to Table of Contents Chapter Three January 30 Angelique All morning long , Angelique had heard the rumbling sound of artillery fire to the west .
tr	5	She would stand at her doorway , listening and watching , but never seeing anything until midafternoon , when she saw a dust cloud approaching the town .
tr	5	For a long minute they just stared at each other , but then he looked away and started helping another wounded soldier into the hut .
tr	5	She ate a few bites of food , packed everything up into her blanket , sat back on her heels and rocked back and forth .
tr	5	She carefully built a pile of dry leaves , twigs and branches , breathed a prayer to Mother Mary , and struck one of her precious matches .
tr	5	The afternoon sun beat down on him , and he tried to wet his dry and chapped lips , but his mouth was too dry .
tr	5	Not seeing anyone , he got to his feet and climbed the slope , taking his bearings from the sun and trying to work his way eastward .
tr	5	Caught between the two groups , he tried to pretend that he was a mole and burrowed as deep into the ground as he could .
tr	5	" Drew , old boy , " he said to himself , " you have had more lucky breaks today than any one has a right to .
tr	5	It was not because of his deadly skill with a pistol that he hit the Arab , spoiling his aim and knocking him sideways in his saddle .
tr	5	" This way , " he called to his men as he led the half dozen survivors in a new direction , southeast , he thought .
tr	5	At last Dane and the three surviving privates were out of the battle proper , and Dane saw a heap of rocks behind which could be shelter .
tr	5	The captain explained how he had lost all of his gear and how he had been wandering around yesterday and today , avoiding German troops .
tr	5	He was able to double his feet up and kick him in the abdomen , using the momentum to somersault the hapless Arab over his head .
tr	5	He was also a natural target for the bullies , and he had cried more than once at night , using his pillow to muffle his sobs .
tr	5	Then he had been shipped out and sent overseas and , of course , he was seasick , which made him the butt of more ridicule .
tr	5	He believed he owed it all to the corporal , and felt hero worship for the kind man with the ready , but somewhat shy , smile .
tr	5	At first she stared around her , not understanding where she was , the mists of a dream of a happier time fading from her mind .
tr	5	Before anything more could be said , the other German noticed Angelique 's open eyes , said something in German and yanked her to her feet .
tr	5	She stood there swaying while the first German , a sergeant , glared at her and asked in French , " Who is with you ? "
tr	5	After some more discussion , one of the Arabs carried her into the smaller of the two buildings , roughly tied her up and left .
tr	5	Tired of her screams , one of them tied a gag on her and then they left her , helpless tears running down her face .
tr	5	The sun was sinking in the west when Captain Matthews , who was in the lead , came to a rise and saw two buildings .
tr	5	He had such an air of command about him that she had been shocked to discover that she was actually a little taller than he was .
tr	5	Drew was puzzled by the question , but Fredericks said , " I 've caught glimpses of them , but they are keeping their distance .
tr	5	When everything was done and the men were getting starting to bunk down , Dane pulled a Bible out of his pocket and started reading .
tr	5	Drew thought of how elegant and pretty she looked , and how he wished he chosen that building and rescued her instead of the corporal .
tr	5	But just to be on the safe side , maybe he should see if he could get some of the other men on his side .
tr	5	So strong , so tender , but then , inexplicably , the face of the captain appeared in her mind , with his rather nice smile .
tr	5	She realized he had left them there so she could see he had kept his word , and she felt her heart swell at his thoughtfulness .
tr	5	As they started driving cross country , going up and down the ridges and across the rough terrain , Angelique was being thrown from side to side .
tr	5	Maybe he would write a letter to her the next chance he had , just a newsy letter , just to see how she was doing .
tr	5	Are they fugitives from the battle and trying to circle around and make it to their own lines , or are they on a mission ?
tr	5	It is because of his goodness towards us that he meets our needs , so therefore I thank Him and praise Him for it . "
tr	5	" But not just everyone can read the Bible , " Angelique interjected , " one must have special training to interpret and understand it . "
tr	5	Dane shot a look in that direction and saw the road through a break in the hills , about a mile away , with traffic on it .
tr	5	Dane tapped the fuel gauge , " We are also getting low on fuel , I 'll get a fuel can out and put some in . "
tr	5	He was so mad he snatched his helmet from off his head and dashed it to the ground ; it bounced up and almost hit him .
tr	5	Dane shook his head , " If I can see them just a little , it would be just like a road map to those Arabs . "
tr	5	While the men got back into the vehicle , Drew made sure he helped Angelique into the cab and received her smile as a reward .
tr	5	He knew that no such idea had come to him when he looked at that hill , and he doubted that it ever would have .
tr	5	He took a mouthful of water and spat it out , " Well , it 's wet , " as he tasted the mineral rich water .
tr	5	" Oui , " she answered wearily , " I 'll start supper after I rest , if that 's acceptable to you , monsieur ? "
tr	5	While they were doing so , Angelique took the opportunity to wash one set of clothes and left them hanging on some bushes to dry .
tr	5	He fixed himself a bite to eat and then sat in his chair for a while , carefully going over in his mind everything he knew .
tr	5	Both of our parents were only children , so there aren 't any uncles , aunts or cousins , and our grandparents had died by then .
tr	5	I had the grades and had written to my congressmen about an appointment , and things were looking good , but then the accident happened .
tr	5	I had to take care of Amy and I couldn 't if I went to school , so I had to drop the request and find work .
tr	5	" Genesis , at the beginning of the Bible , is a good place to start , but you can try the Book of John . "
tr	5	I rely on the Lord for help and guidance and the strength to face each challenge , and then I do the best I can .
tr	5	You can 't let it master you , you have to master it , and sometimes you have to do it a minute at a time .
tr	5	He had a feeling that he could have reached out and taken her in his arms and kissed her , and she would not have objected .
tr	5	" Sir , if we leave here now and I am wrong about the Arabs , we 'll only lose an hour or two of sleep .
tr	5	As they stood and looked around at the abandoned camp , the bearded leader grunted , " One of them is as sly as the fox . "
tr	5	Now that the time had actually come for her to do what she had agreed , she wasn 't sure that she could go through with it .
tr	5	When they were able to stop and catch their breath , Angelique said , " I can 't remember the last time I laughed like that . "
tr	5	At his continued look of surprise , she hurried on , " It , it is for my grandfather , to be buried in . "
tr	5	She remembered that Dane had said that he would pray for her , and it seemed to her that she could almost hear his voice .
tr	5	She made her purchases , and with the old man 's condolences in her ears , made her way back to where Drew waited for her .
tr	5	" I 'm not sure that it was me , " she said slowly , and recounted her feeling in the store about a presence .
tr	5	When he had changed his clothes , he offered her the crook of his arm , " May I take you out to lunch , mademoiselle ? "
tr	5	With blinding speed Dane ducked under the blow , and with the blazing quickness of a striking cobra he smashed two powerful blows into his midsection .
tr	5	The major glared after him , wishing he had his Gestapo men with him instead of having to rely on stupid German soldiers to do his work .
tr	5	" Relax , and enjoy the company of a handsome man and food you didn 't prepare yourself , " he said with a smile .
tr	5	As a matter of fact , I became friendly with some fishermen who lived near there and they took me out with them once . "
tr	5	I was soaked and it was hard work and I would hate to do it all my life , but it was a blast . "
tr	5	Realizing that because of her reaction , he needed to have one also , he turned and looked at the blocky figure advancing towards them .
tr	5	He didn 't think it necessary to mention the flirty and very vivacious mademoiselle he met there and spent quite a lot of time with .
tr	5	He would make sure that there were no Germans in the café the next day , maybe that would bring the spy out of his hole .
tr	5	I 'll have to go back tomorrow , " Drew answered easily , and then added , " I need to talk to you . "
tr	5	Dane frowned and mused out loud , " I don 't know if I 'm going to have trouble with him in the future or not . "
tr	5	He looked at Dane , " You said you had an intense desire to pray for us a couple of times , when were they ? "
tr	5	Angelique remembered her promise , and with the strange happenings of the day in her mind , went and got the Bible and started thumbing through it .
tr	5	Angelique cleaned up from the meal , and while Fredericks was eating she retrieved the Bible , " Dane , I don 't understand this . "
tr	5	' For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved . '
tr	5	When he was a boy , if there was any mischief going on you could be sure he was in the middle of it . "
tr	5	He felt a stab of anger at the captain for causing it and , characteristically , resolved to settle the issue before it got worse .
tr	5	Drew followed him and said in a quieter tone , " I haven 't had guard duty today ; I 'll take the first watch .
tr	5	But no matter how fast she went , the light always stayed somewhere ahead of her as she went up and down those dark , twisting corridors .
tr	5	Listening to Dane talk about being born again was just like her dream , running and trying to catch the meaning , but never quite achieving it .
tr	5	" I agree with you , it is the logical answer , but , " he paused , " it doesn 't feel ... right . "
tr	5	They are continuing their flight so I don 't think they called for ground back up , otherwise they would circle to mark our position .
tr	5	As they walked she looked at him curiously , " You said that you had only just met Dane , how did you meet ? "
tr	5	" I heard that the money from the Jews never made it to the airport to be flown back to Germany , " one of them said .
tr	5	Abu narrowed his eyes , he had caught only a glimpse of the back of the male figure , but there was something about him .
tr	5	When he told her that , she looked him right in the eye and said ' you are the right age for me . " '
tr	5	The time flew past as they conversed , and they looked up in surprise at the nearly empty café when the waitress stopped at their table .
tr	5	" Oh , to be back in the old days , sitting on the Left Bank , sipping wine , and flirting with all the young men .
tr	5	If you try leaving by the back door , the Germans will certainly be on to you and it will cause suspicion to fall on me .
tr	5	But if you leave by the front door like any other customer , you may get away if this Abu can 't see your face .
tr	5	" Maybe if I use this handkerchief to wipe my face as I walk out , until I can turn away , maybe that will work ? "
tr	5	Looking wildly around at the vacant street , one of them pointed further on down the street saying , " They must have gone that way ! "
tr	5	He cast a quick look around , " Here , " indicating an intersecting street , " this way , this street goes west . "
tr	5	The smell was atrocious , and Angelique tried to hold her breath as much as possible while shuddering at what she must be walking through .
tr	5	Abu was so surprised to see Captain Matthews right in front of him , that he opened his mouth and shouted , " Here they are ! "
tr	5	As more German soldiers entered the square , a group of Arabs and French rushed away down the unguarded street , sweeping Drew and Angelique with them .
tr	5	Still not satisfied about his accent , she decided to ask a more pressing question , " How long have you and Angelique known each other ? "
tr	5	" Oh , it 's a new company , just starting , I am trying to line up some contacts , " Drew stammered a little .
tr	5	Deep in thought they quietly walked on down the street which ran more or less to the west , the direction they wanted to go .
tr	5	As she bounced along in the truck , the refrain kept going around and around in her mind : Dane and Drew , Drew and Dane .
tr	5	Dane froze , knowing that he was invisible to the Arab where he was lying , but that any movement would draw the man 's attention .
tr	5	He motioned for his men to keep up the pressure while he tried to keep an eye out for where the fox was holed up .
tr	5	If the fox was up there near the top , it would only be a matter of time before more of his men would be killed .
tr	5	All of them noticed the change in the captain ; instead of asking questions and relying on Dane , he was issuing orders and taking command .
tr	5	" Oh , oui , " Angelique hurried over to see what Drew wanted while Webster moved over to Fredericks and whispered in his ear .
tr	5	He wouldn 't admit it , but he didn 't want to remain here for long just in case the corporal was hot on their trail .
tr	5	Suddenly , it was like the whole plan unfolded in his mind , a plan that could not have been devised by any mere human .
tr	5	The Arabs were around somewhere , and despite his bravado , he definitely did not want to face that corporal again , wounded or not .
tr	5	Angelique was being bounced around , with occasional moans , until she too was able to brace her feet with her shoulder wedged behind Drew 's shoulder .
tr	5	Ahead of them they could see the road going over the draw on a low bridge , too low for a vehicle to pass under .
tr	5	As she tried to pull her head away , he shifted his hold so he had a free hand , which disappeared under her clothing .
tr	5	As he thought of Dane , he thought of what Dane had told them from the Bible , and it was like scales dropping from his eyes .
tr	5	He knew that within an hour he could be dead , but he felt no panic because he knew that he would be with Jesus .
tr	5	As the blood returned to his feet and hands , it was causing excruciating pain , but he tried to hide it from his captors .
tr	5	Once both feet slipped and he caught himself with his right hand , the pain in his shoulder tearing at him , but he forced himself on .
tr	5	He heard the roar of approaching vehicles , and leaving the fight , moved back down the ridge and to his right to intercept them .
tr	5	" Oh Dane , Dane , Dane , " she tried to throw herself into his arms , crying from relief and pain from the returning circulation .
tr	5	The three of them stopped talking , looked at each other and started laughing almost hysterically , trying to put their arms around each other .
tr	5	As the night wore on , the three Christians talked for a while , and then Angelique started dozing with her head on Drew 's shoulder .
tr	5	As he looked at her , he realized that he was in love with her , but he wasn 't sure how she felt about him .
tr	5	" Effendi , if the American dogs are circling around to return to their comrades , there is a short cut we can take . "
tr	5	There was a wide rent in it , if he could throw a grenade into the hole ... He armed both of them and flung them .
tr	5	Stunned , he leaned back against the rock ; if he just had one more clip of ammo , he could end this pursuit now .
tr	5	" We have to keep going , I couldn 't stop all of them , " Dane returned the hug while trying to explain his failure .
tr	5	After about fifteen minutes , they came to a draw sloping upward and they stopped for a breather , and then walked up the draw .
tr	5	At the top of the draw , the slope on the right continued for about fifteen feet and then sharply dropped down , forming a shoulder .
tr	5	On the other side of the valley they could see an encampment , with dark dots of people moving around and the shapes of vehicles .
tr	5	They heard a sound , and Drew saw an Arab with a greying beard step around the shoulder and point his long rifle at them .
tr	5	Like a primitive savage , Dane stood there among the dead and dying , with a snarl on his lips and green fire in his eyes .
tr	5	Drew gave a wry smile , " I wasn 't a very good officer when you met me , but you taught me how to command . "
tr	5	The soldiers of every other country in the world had to fight for a year before the soldiers learned to fight and survive on the battlefield .
tr	5	Although he was urged by other generals to keep attacking , the wily Desert Fox knew that he was beaten and retreated to his original positions .
tr	5	During junior high school , he wrote a series of science fiction stories about a soldier and his adventures fighting in China , Mars , and space .
tr	5	" I 've got one of my men who understands some German interrogating the prisoners , but we 're not going to learn much more .
tr	5	Jennings grimaced in pain , " It looks like we can 't go back , can 't go forward , and can 't stay here . "
tr	5	He shot a look at the sergeant , " Maybe you should have a council of war with all the sergeants and see what they think . "
tr	5	Dane looked around , " I should have a conference with the four of you , and I 'll need to round the others up .
tr	5	Although Dane did not hear what Braun said , he could see what Braun had said echoed in his men as he moved among them .
tr	5	While all this was going on , Tennessee and Hemphill were out scouting for someplace to take the wounded - a farmhouse , empty barn , something .
tr	5	Kim 's face held the strongest sway , filling Claire 's mind until she thought it must be imprinted on the inside of her eyelids .
tr	5	In the morning she 'd smiled her goodbyes , driven the Skoda to her parents ' house and left it in the street without waking them .
tr	5	Along a long tunnel and up and down stairs until she was aboard the plane that would be her home for the next twelve hours .
tr	5	A roll of thunder resonated around her and the wind began to blast like a hairdryer , stirring the sunflower leaves and setting the heads bobbing .
tr	5	He 'd tried to persuade her to join him but she couldn 't stomach sharing a tiny space with him for a second more than necessary .
tr	5	An hour later the same charming Kiwi called her name and handed her a bag containing her germ-free boots , with a smiling , " Cheers ! "
tr	5	She had no sense of what time it was , but the air felt warm and a hazy sun was visible above the airport buildings .
tr	5	Stopping only to drop the rucksack off her shoulders and chuck her purse on the bed , Claire fell forwards and lost herself to oblivion .
tr	5	Looking down , she saw she was still wearing the clothes she 'd put on Saturday morning , when she left her sister 's house .
tr	5	Claire Many thanks for your email indicating that you would like to accept my proposal of writing a column on the hostels of New Zealand .
tr	5	Our readers are considering holidays in hot countries and , as it is winter in New Zealand , it is unlikely to appeal to them .
tr	5	Please do feel free to submit to us any articles that you produce and we will , of course , consider them alongside our other freelance writers .
tr	5	Claire felt the blood rush back to her face in anger , and then in mortification as she realised several people had turned round at her outburst .
tr	5	She thought about the price of her airfare , about the opportunities she 'd given up by leaving the country without talking to Carl or Conor .
tr	5	Feeling like she would give her left kidney for a hot coffee , Claire stared at her itinerary and tried to tune out the laughter and banter .
tr	5	He cast his eyes towards the mountain of luggage by the side of the coach and then looked behind her , dismissing her from his mind .
tr	5	Hiding her blush with her curtain of hair , Claire scurried past the newcomer and the driver , and went in search of an empty seat .
tr	5	Two girls behind her were giggling , assessing their chances of pulling fit Kiwi blokes during the evening barbeque , which came as part of their accommodation .
tr	5	Around her , people filled the tiny ferry ; everyone eager to visit the nineteenth century sea port on the other side of the bay .
tr	5	The view stretched all around : flat patches of sparkling aqua water surrounded by undulating hills , receding in shades of blue to the distant horizon .
tr	5	Beneath her , the pier bisected the bay she had walked along , prodding into the water ; the only straight line in a scene of curves .
tr	5	Even the clouds served to enhance the vista , as their flat bottoms emphasised the horizon and marked the many miles visible from her standpoint .
tr	5	Wandering away from the flagstaff , and the people snapping shots before getting back on their buses , Claire sought a peaceful spot to rest .
tr	5	She was looking forward to the day trip : twelve hours of doing exactly as she was told sounded perfect after a night of little sleep .
tr	5	Surprised to find tears under her eyelashes , Claire pushed herself away and hurried after the group , who were already heading back to the bus .
tr	5	A tiny white lighthouse and a signpost showing how far away they were from the places of the world , were the only evidence of human life .
tr	5	A long line of white waves marked the clash of their meeting and Claire could feel the power from where she stood , high above the sea .
tr	5	It reminded her of the tiny path above Old Harry , where she had seen the family gather to say their last farewells to a loved one .
tr	5	Her heartbeat picked up , and she ran to the other side of the building and all the way down to where the bus had been parked .
tr	5	As she glimpsed red , instead of the green she hoped to see , Claire slumped back down and dropped her head into her hands .
tr	5	I 'm Amanda , this is Janet , " she nodded to her left , " and you 've met Emily there in the back .
tr	5	" The woman at our hostel gave us some directions and mentioned a place where the buses stop to let the passengers go for a paddle .
tr	5	Claire turned to face the driver , ready to give him a piece of her mind ; but the sardonic look on his face stopped her .
tr	5	With the guide 's advice to " keep yer bloody mouth shut " echoing in her mind , she pushed herself forwards and closed her eyes .
tr	5	It had been a huge relief to get on the bus that morning and discover a new driver would be taking them down the east coast .
tr	5	Even though she 'd watched the views out the window all day , nothing had prepared her for the brilliance of seeing it without glass .
tr	5	At first glance it was only sea and trees ; but the depth of the colours brought out by the afternoon sun made the whole panorama shimmer .
tr	5	Visible only by the whites of his eyes and his shimmering teeth , Claire recognised her nemesis and cursed herself for responding to his summons .
tr	5	Not wanting to give him an opportunity to goad her further , Claire took a step away from the edge and scanned around for another empty pool .
tr	5	Hostels didn 't have baths and when she was staying with her sister there had never been the time for the luxury of deep hot water .
tr	5	Her action led to another deep chuckle , and she realised Neal was massaging one of her feet , his thumbs digging deep in soothing circular movements .
tr	5	Not wanting to think about anything other than the heavenly sensation , Claire laid her head against the sandbank behind her and closed her eyes .
tr	5	There , up above , like the stars being revealed by the setting sun , hundreds of tiny green lights blazed across the roof of the cave .
tr	5	The space was larger than she had imagined : the lights emphasised the vastness , as their eerie glow illuminated the contours of the ceiling .
tr	5	The walk through the cathedral cave had left her prickling with tension as she 'd sought to keep her distance without giving away her unease .
tr	5	Claire had gone straight to her room at the hostel , not even leaving for the legendary fish and chips when the rest of them did .
tr	5	He 'd beaten her in the tour ; climbing into the boat when she was already seated , and taking a place just behind her .
tr	5	Feeling like a cornered mouse , waiting for the pounce of soft and deadly paws , Claire pulled out her book and pretended to read .
tr	5	So far he 'd been gentlemanly in actions , if not in attitude , but she still felt his presence like that of a predator .
tr	5	The urgent message to her feet wasn 't getting through ; they remained stubbornly stuck to the ground as Neal turned on his most sardonic stare .
tr	5	Just as she was about to relax and enjoy the physical sensation the pod swung out sideways , leaving her stomach somewhere behind on the curve .
tr	5	Claire had lost all sense of how many laps she 'd done , until she saw a flag waving to indicate it was her final time round .
tr	5	She wandered through the various dwellings as if it were a living museum , taking pictures for the blog and mentally filing notes to write about later .
tr	5	Although not overtly sexual , it made her skin hot and she was acutely conscious of Neal 's presence , despite the people sitting between them .
tr	5	Not wanting to look like an idiot , at last she took a seat in the far corner and prayed he wouldn 't see her .
tr	5	Any temptation to accept the counter offer had evaporated with her fight with Kim and the subsequent need to get away and find a new future .
tr	5	According to the guide sheet , the hike should take at least six hours , and she didn 't want to be running for the bus .
tr	5	Claire resisted the urge to lecture them in mountain savvy : after all , she was still a novice and had made her own mistakes .
tr	5	The desolate plains stretched out beneath her and it was easy to see why it had been the perfect place to film Tolkien 's masterpiece .
tr	5	After all the nonsense with Neal , and the turmoil at home , there was a freedom to being somewhere no one could find her .
tr	5	Every part of her body ached , as if she had spent the day before stretched on a rack rather than hiking through volcano country .
tr	5	Deciding that , if necessary , she would cling to the raft rather than paddle , Claire focussed all her energy on listening to the lecture .
tr	5	She dug her oar in on demand , she held onto the rope and ducked , she raised her paddle into the air and cheered .
tr	5	A day 's hiking followed by grade five white water rafting for three hours meant her muscles had turned to mush and her bones to jelly .
tr	5	" I thought I might try the spa , " Bethan continued , oblivious to the wall of silence on the other side of the table .
tr	5	I 'm never likely to come to this country again and I couldn 't even keep my eyes open for a few hours to admire the scenery .
tr	5	When she reached her room , Claire looked at her bed and felt an almost irresistible urge to climb under the covers and close her eyes again .
tr	5	The rain made it necessary to peer close at the black letters , but when she read the words , Claire 's face lit in a smile .
tr	5	There never seemed to be time to buy food and the hostels didn 't always offer a cooked breakfast like they did in the UK .
tr	5	Then she realised how much further there was to travel and that she 'd only planned to be away for a fortnight , and her stomach lurched .
tr	5	She wanted to ask Bethan how she afforded to travel without work , how many places she had visited , even how old she was .
tr	5	Bethan 's history intrigued her , not least because she hadn 't shared a single thing about herself apart from the stay in the States .
tr	5	Remembering something Mitch had said , Claire asked , " Couldn 't you get work on one of the ski resorts , or down in Queenstown ? "
tr	5	Eventually Bethan got up and went to peer out of the window , gripping onto chairs for support as the boat pitched around like a fairground ride .
tr	5	It was as if the hellish weather of the last twenty-four hours had ceased to exist , reinforcing the sense of it all being a bad dream .
tr	5	She needed to be on the South Island , ticking off tourist sites and making her way to Christchurch and a flight back to the UK .
tr	5	Her friend had opted to return to the hostel , when Claire had declared her intention to treat herself to a proper bed for the night .
tr	5	It had been on her tongue to offer , but a combination of tiredness and a yearning for silence and solitude had held her back .
tr	5	Also by Amanda Martin : BABY BLUES AND WEDDING SHOES Amanda 's latest release , the chick lit novel Baby Blues and Wedding Shoes is available now .
tr	5	Readers with an appreciation for a bit of reality and a bit of hopeful romantic wishful dreaming will not be disappointed by this lovely tale .
tr	5	The travel guide had made a big deal of the fact that the airport was built on a completely man-made island in the middle of the bay .
tr	5	It also mentioned that a lot of the fill was local refuse and Mike wondered if any of it had been found floating in the sea .
tr	5	Without responding further , Mike 's passport was checked through more thoroughly , the officer taking his time to consider the details of each page .
tr	5	Pushing the trolley laden with all his luggage through a set of automatic sliding doors , Mike ventured out into the land of the dripping jewelled spear .
tr	5	Mike had travelled before and so was not feeling all that stressed about waiting around the arrivals area in a strange airport in an Asian country .
tr	5	Taller than Mike , thin , with a neat appearance the man held out his hand as he announced in an American accent who he was .
tr	5	Mike felt as if they were gliding around buildings as the urban freeways and overpasses began to compete with the surrounding glass fronted high-rise buildings for height .
tr	5	Paul paused for a moment , taking the time to introduce Mike to the superintendent who occupied a small room to the side of the entrance .
tr	5	Next to the kitchen was a room that could be separated by sliding doors , making it either a part of the kitchen or a separate room .
tr	5	At the end of the kitchen and to each side , were two rooms one larger than the other , the larger with a small balcony .
tr	5	A little overwhelmed , he scratched the top of his head , took a deep breath and looked around the room with a vacant expression .
tr	5	Planning a brisk thirty-minute tour before coming home to a shower , Mike decided to leave everything but his wallet and key in the room .
tr	5	In a classic ' Hansel and Gretel ' moment , he decided that a trail of vending machine crumbs might help him to find his way home .
tr	5	From in front of the station , Mike could see that there were more vending machines lining the bare concrete walls of the station building .
tr	5	He walked over to them out of interest , noting that they sold everything from soft drinks , beer and cigarettes to hot noodles and magazines .
tr	5	Walking along the front of the station area and entering the first street along , he immediately noticed that it was lined with vending machines .
tr	5	There he stood staring at the traffic light flashing the ' don 't walk ' light and mused that the sign must be a message .
tr	5	He realized that he was again verbalizing parts of his inner dialogue and that to strangers he must have appeared to be a frantic , babbling lunatic .
tr	5	Luckily , the traffic was stopped already , the crosswalk sign was flashing green , the machine gun was whirling and the melody of misery was playing .
tr	5	As soon as he walked in , the staff stood to attention , standing very alert and erect , politely bowing and smiling very cheesy smiles .
tr	5	He walked towards the counter but stopped about two meters away , realizing that he hadn 't yet worked out the language he needed to order .
tr	5	His order arrived and he picked up the tray , smiled at the girl one more time then walked over to a nearby available table .
tr	5	While he waited , he did some mental Japanese practice and tried to work out how to ask what he needed to ask in Japanese .
tr	5	The people in front had been served and had moved on , so Mike walked forward , stood at the counter and smiled at the girl .
tr	5	She already knew that his Japanese was crap , so she just stared and smiled back nervously , waiting for him to take the lead .
tr	5	Mike looked around noticing that some other staff did the same , while one of the male staff members was shaking his head in disbelief .
tr	5	He felt like a bull in a china shop -- albeit a Japanese China shop -- clumsily knocking down and smashing the surrounding social conventions .
tr	5	Embarrassed , he turned and raced out of the store , feeling the sting of the imagined laughter on the back of his neck as he exited .
tr	5	The light from the many restaurants and bars was beginning to illuminate the streets while the sun began to take its leave , deferring to the evening .
tr	5	Neon lights began flashing and swirling , advertising products in animated characters that seemed to have a life and meaning separate to the advertised products .
tr	5	Late afternoon had given way to early evening by this stage and the streets now seemed to be spilling over with different kinds of people .
tr	5	As he continued on he began seeing patterns of variation in bone structure , head shapes and sizes , walking styles , physiques and expressions .
tr	5	Mike reasoned that at least , for the time being he was distracted and able to focus on something other than the dire situation he was in .
tr	5	Excited by this revelation and with no better plan , he decided to solicit strangers as they walked past and ask them for directions in English .
tr	5	There was not a lot he could do about human nature , he realized , and it seemed he had a lot to learn about Japan .
tr	5	The weak child overcame many hardships , grew legs and the rest of his skeletal structure at the age of three and became the god Ebisu .
tr	5	He pointed out though , that on the back , written in pen using katakana characters was the name of Mike 's apartment block , Daichi Heights .
tr	5	Tsuyoshi explained to him that this whole area was a nightlife hot spot and that a part of it was a lively and vibrant sex industry .
tr	5	He thought about how stupid he must have looked and started to feel like a country bumpkin on his first trip to a big city .
tr	5	" Nice car , " Mike said as Tsuyoshi fired up the engine , barged onto the road in reverse and slipped into the stream of traffic .
tr	5	He felt like he was imposing now , as he knew that Tsuyoshi had to get back to the snack bar , but Mike couldn 't lie .
tr	5	It was a serene experience and a welcome break - a left turn at the end of the rice field and serenity succumbed to opulence .
tr	5	As much as he hadn 't planned any of this , it was an education and he felt that he was experiencing a lot very quickly .
tr	5	He didn 't need to contact the English conversation company for two days , as the training began on Monday and it was now Friday night .
tr	5	Young men looking and walking ' just so ' in fashionable suits moved in and out of the multitude of restaurants and bars lining the streets .
tr	5	The pictures were not particularly provocative but the fact that there were no other products in the pictures encircled by pink love hearts made it fairly obvious .
tr	5	He formed a plan where he would just wait until they had walked past and then call them from behind as if he had been chasing them .
tr	5	In a reserved manner , the English man that he had heard talking from a distance greeted him , saying nothing about the telephone or the cards .
tr	5	Mike managed a quick , " Hi " before spewing out the story of his entire ordeal in what must have seemed like one continuous sentence .
tr	5	It seemed like the right thing to do for Tsuyoshi , the barman , as a way of returning the kindness he had shown him earlier .
tr	5	Jon , sensing that his brazen remark was not being taken in context , tried for some attention again , this time ordering a drink in Japanese .
tr	5	Imagining how ridiculous this must have sounded to her , all of them except for Jon burst out laughing , while Jon retained his composure .
tr	5	With no reason to contest this , the other three just nodded in agreement , leaving Mark yet again to retain the intellectual high ground .
tr	5	As had become the pattern , Jon put up his hand first and a songbook emerged from behind the bar and was placed in from of him .
tr	5	The pretty girl , sitting between Jon , her boyfriend and the drunken old guy , understanding the situation but not the language , motioned to Jon .
tr	5	The next song title came up on the screen , but it was in Japanese , so no one was sure if it was Jon 's song .
tr	5	The remaining three laughed in unison as he continued on in monotone sheep voice , dismembering what would otherwise have been a very beautiful song .
tr	5	Others at the bar noticed and began to smile , albeit nervously , for fear that the apparent playfulness might develop into a physical altercation .
tr	5	It would not be true to say that Mark was entirely sober , nor that he had honorable intentions -- but none of that mattered .
tr	5	" Yeah , " he roared melodically , in a rough but rounded male rock growl , absolutely appropriate for the melody and the style .
tr	5	He chose a song that would allow him to skillfully shout his way through the melody , hiding his lack of control and quality of voice .
tr	5	" Oh , you know , the big ears ... me getting lost ... walking around with the card and everything ... meeting you guys . "
tr	5	" I 'm not sure of exactly what you mean , but did you realize that we all got one of the cards from the superintendent ? "
tr	5	The night started to wind down as Mark sank lower towards the bar and Jeff and Mike began flicking through the songbook without selecting a number .
tr	5	Jon 's fledgling romance was also winding down , as the young Japanese girl started to organize her immediate environment , starting with her scarf .
tr	5	The girl moved to position herself ready to stand from the bar stool but Jon put his hand on her right shoulder and began to push down .
tr	5	Jon said nothing as the girl , escorted by her date , walked behind him on to the front of the bar near the door .
tr	5	People began to turn their attention away from Jon and the girl as the icy mood of the snack bar began to thaw a little .
tr	5	That way , they don 't have to pay each time they want a drink and it looks cool when they are chatting up a girl .
tr	5	He motioned to Tsuyoshi , who hesitantly moved towards the general vicinity of the end of the bar where Jon and the others were sitting .
tr	5	Other staff that had overheard the exchange , smiled broadly at the innocent but hilarious mistake , erasing any of the previous tension and restoring the equilibrium .
tr	5	Picking out the required one hundred and twenty yen he rolled the coins into the slot then stalled as every row of buttons lit up .
tr	5	With his mind racing and the light still on , he stretched over to the travel guide for a quick read to help him sleep .
tr	5	Today he symbolizes not only safe sailing and plentiful fishing but business prosperity for merchants in all trades and success to people in any occupation .
tr	5	Having spent the last six years in this country , he had really seen and done all the things that were to be seen and done .
tr	5	For Mark , a single room in the more affluent north would be a more serene and restful way to spend the next three months .
tr	5	It had been a couple of years since Mark had descended into the local shadows and he hesitated a little before he boarded the escalator .
tr	5	Others had told him , that as long as you kept your distance from the Yakuza , there was no need to worry about them .
tr	5	Mark stood much taller than the man and was at least three times larger , purely by muscle weight -- and yet he was intimidated .
tr	5	The house was to the right , and it was necessary to cross traffic , over the concrete island and over to the other side .
tr	5	Together , they stole away the purifying rays of sun at the expense of the lower street area , forcing the inhabitants to live in shadow .
tr	5	The hallway was particularly narrow and dark , allowing enough space for a body and one raised elbow , without space to swing a cat .
tr	5	" Not exactly , I help out in the office at a private school and do a few ' privates ' myself ... you know . "
tr	5	Making her apologies , she told Mark he was welcome to wait but she was already a little late for work and needed to get going .
tr	5	" That no one in this country really gives a fuck about eating Moby Dick and his friend Flipper , except those fucking nationalists . "
tr	5	" Yeah kind of ... but just leave it ... I talked her down ... she 's fine for now but she 's getting worse . "
tr	5	We 've got a couple of English language teachers ... they sell drugs ... you buy them and they get to know the ' Y ' .
tr	5	The cancellations meant that he could finish up early if he wanted to and on a day like today it was the only option expected of him .
tr	5	Although still young , he needed to pause on a small stairway to take a breath and shake off the tiredness that was starting to overtake him .
tr	5	The magazine he wanted was on the right hand edge of the counter , stacked one on top of the other near the line 's exit .
tr	5	In his agitated state , he began to feel he needed to make a stand against what he was beginning to perceive as discrimination against foreigners .
tr	5	Frustration accumulated , begging him to act ; to make a stand ; to show these people how they had made him feel over the years .
tr	5	He walked out into the crowd and felt insignificant , his mood slipping down through a series of gears almost to a state of depression .
tr	5	Defiantly , he put the bottle to his lips as the first officer grabbed his left arm , forcing him backwards into the vending machine .
tr	5	He looked around the cell , there was no toilet , there were no holes in the concrete floor and only a tiny little porthole window .
tr	5	There was a meaningless exchange of glances between them before the policeman stood in front of Josh who was sitting , his bag at his feet .
tr	5	He had the money , had just stated that he knew he had the money and he hadn 't used it to pay for the magazine .
tr	5	His gaze rested on his bag in front of him until , in a flash of awareness , he realized he was drawing attention to it .
tr	5	In a frantic yet concentrated effort , he selected delete and confirmed the action as fast as he could , one by one down the list .
tr	5	He then felt despair as the phone was yanked out of his hands by a young policeman and his backpack was picked up by another .
tr	5	Translated , this meant that he turned up late , left early and had lots of holidays -- all for a comfortable salary and no responsibility .
tr	5	Mark noticed the exchange and stopped mid-sentence ; realizing that nothing he could say was going to change the way these two saw the situation .
tr	5	The grey of the clouds did nothing to differentiate the concrete structures from the sky , but the road did seem to open up and widen .
tr	5	Mark went over the business strategy that Kenichi had come up with to start up an online service to supply Japanese food to consumers in Australia .
tr	5	I spoke with some government people and they gave me a good lead in to some advertising and some local online sellers that we could work with .
tr	5	Look , there might be one or two sticky questions , but I can assure you that the rest will be standard , run-of-the-mill stuff ' . "
tr	5	I don 't ' need money but he say ... no , no , I pay ... but no ... I know ... he not pay .
tr	5	Mark didn 't want to burden Kenichi with any more stressful information , so he decided to skip the problem with Jon and Kimberly and the police .
tr	5	The train was just pulling in to Umeda station as Mike sent a quick last-minute text to Jon , asking if Mark was coming to Happy Hour .
tr	5	He caught himself , shaking his head in judgment at such a stupid act and thanked the gods that he didn 't have friends like that .
tr	5	No one came to greet him and he could hear the sound of male voices , laughing and Japanese speech coming from the living area .
tr	5	Mark had encountered this many times before and knew that Tsubasa would insist on speaking English from now on , so he just switched over .
tr	5	At the table next to him were a group of Japanese men and women in their mid-thirties , happily engaged in conversation and alcohol consumption .
tr	5	He glanced around a little more , settling on the stairway in time to notice Mark , Jon and a Japanese guy walking down the steps .
tr	5	Mike 's gay radar immediately flashed red , before he was distracted by Mark , Jon and Tsubasa , who had come to sit at his table .
tr	5	questioned Mark with a disrespectful smirk on his face , a beer held to his lips hiding the true degree of contempt in his expression .
tr	5	Seizing the opportunity , he stood up , insisted they wait and began to move the table towards the other in order to join them together .
tr	5	He waved his hand in the air and caught the attention of a young waiter who no one else at the table had even seen .
tr	5	The models , neither of whom had said a word for quite some time now , just shook their heads and looked down at the table .
tr	5	Tsubasa seemed a little disappointed but bowed politely as Mark , out of the corner of his eye , noticed Kaori walking down the stairway .
tr	5	" You know I 've missed you too , " he retorted as Kaori laughed joyfully at what was , after all , a pretty lame response .
tr	5	Subconsciously zoned out of other conversations , Mark ignored Mike 's sad and obvious denial of unrequited love , continuing to attempt humor with Kaori .
tr	5	Josh was used to this order , so he stood and was cuffed by the officer , the cuffs pinching the skin around his wrists .
tr	5	" If you tell me who the main person is that you sell to , we maybe can think about your time in jail . "
tr	5	Things kind of ground to a halt after this and there was a long silence -- perfectly acceptable in Japan , although awkward in any other country .
tr	5	Mike wondered what he was ordering but couldn 't hear him or see him as he held the menu up high in front of his face .
tr	5	The others , on cue , did peace signs and made silly faces again while Mark hogged in into the second round of delicious food .
tr	5	Mike explained that he lived quite close and could walk , while Mark and Kaori mentioned something about ' kicking on ' at the nearest karaoke station .
tr	5	" Look , I just don 't know what to do ... I mean ... umm should I do it ... the interview I mean ?
tr	5	I may not have listed them in the right order but these are undoubtedly the questions you will be repeatedly asking yourself during this period .
tr	5	He knew that he should have told Kenichi yesterday but thinking it was better late than never , he decided to ' spill the beans ' .
tr	5	Mark told Kenichi about the drugs , Marley and Josh , the card connecting Tsubasa to that seedy downtown apartment and Jon 's new Internet business .
tr	5	The thought of losing his only reliable ' confidante ' was weighing heavily on his mind , particularly in light of his last conversation with the detective .
tr	5	Kenichi 's office was actually a few blocks up from The Cantaloupe , so the area was familiar to Mark once he had his bearings .
tr	5	" Atta , " ( It 's here ) , he remarked , as he motioned for Mark to come to the other side of the desk .
tr	5	Then , just like the time he appeared on TV in Sydney , the reporter decided to throw one at him , from left of field .
tr	5	" Ok then ... look , I 'm going to go into Shinsaibashi to do some shopping and I 'll be catching up with Marley .
tr	5	She ate quickly , showered , dressed then came down downstairs , leaving the dishes in the sink on the way out and left without saying goodbye .
tr	5	Remembering that he had left his luggage at Jon 's , he decided to get over there and pick it up while he had time .
tr	5	The wire supported his weight and was stretched out from the top of the weights bar of his exercise table , suspending him in an upright position .
tr	5	Kenichi had taken over the organization of Jon 's affairs out of a sense of obligation , as the death occurred at the house that he owned .
tr	5	* * * The taxi pulled away onto North London 's Chingford Mount Road , leaving Amy searching beneath the knickers in her handbag for keys .
tr	5	Bidding Danny goodnight she zigzagged across the threadbare living room carpet and passed the kitchen piled high with dirty pots and plates to the bathroom .
tr	5	Apart from the waiter who seemed displeased to have someone of lesser means in his bar , Calvin suspected everyone to be as happy as they seemed .
tr	5	Alert to danger each footstep seemed to push the lighthouse further away until , at last within twenty feet of the harbour mouth , he stopped .
tr	5	Biting plastic wrapped passport and money he eased into the water ; the contrasting temperature took his breath away as Katherine indicated him towards the stern .
tr	5	To her he seemed different from the jealous boys she 'd grown up with and the controlling guys in Saint Tropez from whom she remained detached .
tr	5	Katherine watched him look it over as she would a computer 's innards -- or like someone who 'd lied about being able to play guitar .
tr	5	Interrupting his thinking Katherine said , ' I mean there 're plenty of beds here and ... well ... you haven 't sung yet . ' '
tr	5	' Look , if you don 't want to sing -- ' Too late Calvin began strumming chords before nervousness got the better of him .
tr	5	They had ten days of holiday left and I spent every night with them sailing port to port and meeting loads of other people . '
tr	5	In finding the hired bicycle untouched he realised how absurd he 'd been imagining he could offer enough to sway someone like Katherine from such a place .
tr	5	As the road stretched leading to certain confrontation with the bicycle hire man Calvin wondered whether he would recover from the pain of never seeing her again .
tr	5	' Yes , he could join other bands but if they don 't suffer his crap then he 'll have to join another band , and another .
tr	5	Saturday 18th June 1983 The following Saturday the lads shopped in London 's Denmark Street for an amp to replace Danny 's ailing practice amp .
tr	5	When Danny shook his head Amy thought , Well stuff you , and left him with Calvin before heading to where she 'd seen the drummer earlier .
tr	5	He could have any girl he wanted , Amy thought as her drunken logic overruled the low opinion she had of herself during sober hours .
tr	5	' Okay he 's in a band , so he 's no reason to be interested but it 's still a blow to the ego . '
tr	5	Ignoring Danny 's crudeness Calvin said , ' Of course , he 's not rejected us musically , because he hasn 't actually heard our songs . '
tr	5	Amy speaks well of you but , being honest , last night you didn 't strike me as guys I 'd want to start a band with .
tr	5	' Okay , we know we didn 't impact last night , ' Calvin said undeterred , ' but how could we get your interest ? '
tr	5	But Raphael 's caresses came as slowly as the tide ; his kisses washing over her body relaxing her and transporting her far from the city .
tr	5	' Hi , ' he said slowing down as he passed the phone at the top of the stairs pretending he hadn 't been rushing .
tr	5	But because 10,000 Faces is still embryonic if we 're to do stuff together he wants an equal part -- like a founder member . '
tr	5	When they arrived back in the room Danny said into his mic , ' Okay , things might have seemed too good to be true before . '
tr	5	After making the brews Danny fought to hide his disappointment in the dumped 1960 's style relic which looked more beaten up than his decommissioned practice amp .
tr	5	Tired and still a teensy bit drunk she swayed as if on a ship 's deck waiting to cross the road to the exam hall .
tr	5	Let 's crank it up and see if we can get this thing singing , just the way you want before you start looking at pedals . '
tr	5	' Ze time to be happy is now ; especially as we can 't know for certain rock stardom 's ze key to happiness . '
tr	5	Getting down to a home rehearsal they chose five songs to master guessing their first gigs would be twenty minute spots supporting more experienced amateur bands .
tr	5	' Well , ' Calvin said sounding reluctant , ' it didn 't seem worth mentioning given her stubborn refusal to take any contact details .
tr	5	I 'm on four weeks trial starting Monday and , given the busiest time is the start of the week , I should be off Fridays . '
tr	5	' And there was me thinking we 'd use the early Dog and Parrot gig to be good enough for The Water Rats , ' Danny said .
tr	5	Looking from the living room to what had recently been Calvin 's tidy kitchen he asked , ' Is ze kitchen tidy or messy ? '
tr	5	' So , ' Raphael said drying the pot Calvin passed him , ' if it 's true we can think our way to rock stardom . '
tr	5	Please for me and Danny forget your dad 's advice and Coventry ; give us a hundred percent at least until ze twelve months are up .
tr	5	She 'd seen him looking nervous before gigs in the past but seeing his skin appear ashen , feared he 'd be too scared to play .
tr	5	Looking but finding no cracks of insincerity Danny thanked him saying , ' You did a fine job ; the sound was crystal on stage . '
tr	5	Danny looked around the now three-quarter full room but the guy said , ' Door count says only ten of this lot are yours . '
tr	5	' Wow , ' he said startled seeing her at the top of the stairs , ' you nearly gave me a heart attack . '
tr	5	* * * Later that night finding herself alone with Danny , Amy said , ' You 've not had a girlfriend for a while . '
tr	5	' I haven 't brought anyone back here or gone back to anyone 's house since -- ' ' I know , I 'm sorry . '
tr	5	She went to him for a hug and left him with his guitar and pad of paper where he 'd written , The Only Time is Now .
tr	5	Almost breathless at the top of the stairs he saw Danny signal the barman who 'd turn the jukebox off after whatever current track finished .
tr	5	Picking a spot on the stage he watched it diminish with lift-off and enlarge again as his feet touched down with cymbals crashing his eardrums .
tr	5	* * * Back in the flat seeing Calvin put the kettle on Raphael said , ' So it 's just me going out ? '
tr	5	In fact , ' he said reaching to his pocket , ' take a card it 's got my number on it just in case . '
tr	5	The final , rather arrogant band , hadn 't wanted to share their equipment meaning Little Spirit would have to use all their own gear .
tr	5	Raphael said , ' It 's just like I read in Ze Crowd ' ' They really do think as one , ' Calvin agreed .
tr	5	His words stated he 'd love to see her at the gig but guessed they 'd have played before she even received the letter she now held .
tr	5	Danny set his guitar on its stand as Amy , sitting by his amp , watched students fail to access the hall for a glimpse of Bananarama .
tr	5	He didn 't see heads turn and follow the image of perfect female elegance walking chin held high with shining dark eyes anxiously fixed on him .
tr	5	* * * An hour earlier Katherine , fearing she 'd got the wrong polytechnic , saw Bananarama posters that didn 't mention Calvin 's band .
tr	5	Calvin nodded his thanks then , before Danny 's riff wearied , he signalled to the band as the bass thundered them into a tremendous intro chorus .
tr	5	That night back at the flat Amy went to the kitchen and shouted to Calvin and Katherine , ' Do you two fancy a cuppa ? '
tr	5	* * * Before getting up Katherine relaxed in Calvin 's arms relieved that the gamble she 'd taken in turning up had paid off .
tr	5	Though Katherine didn 't know how long she would or could stay with Calvin she swore to stick by her rule both financially and socially .
tr	5	A girl from the student union staff said once you guys hit the stage the rush to get in caused a queue round the building .
tr	5	* * * Later that afternoon when the lads returned from rehearsal Amy said , ' Me and Katherine have been discussing it -- image that is .
tr	5	After a couple of hours traipsing around Chingford 's businesses Katherine headed to The Lion , where she 'd arranged to meet Calvin for lunch .
tr	5	' Nah , Amy seems to like you and if you turn out to be dodgy it 'll be no more gigs for Little Spirit . '
tr	5	Katherine wouldn 't have let them buy anything even if they 'd wanted arguing the clothes would look cheap and unflattering if they didn 't fit properly .
tr	5	Back at the flat she left the boys in the living room drawing huge letters on the fabric as it became the band 's backdrop .
tr	5	If people know that I 've financed a credible band then I might look cool or generous either of which could lead to better deals . '
tr	5	Raphael looks better , his drumming 's infinitely better ; as is his sound and he got me a deal on my guitar pedals . '
tr	5	Monday 26th September 1983 Amy called into Katherine 's pub on her way to poly with the results of her and Danny 's phone calls .
tr	5	In Calvin 's room they leafed through the pages but to Amy , personal beauty seemed too distant a goal as one gorgeous image flicked to another .
tr	5	' Well , mum answered but cried so much that before I knew it I said I 'd go and see her this Friday . '
tr	5	' I 've not told anyone but before you arrived I was starving myself of sex -- like Danny would stupidly think I was a virgin . '
tr	5	Everyone decided to go to the pub so in her room Amy tried some outfits sure she 'd look good if she held a decent posture .
tr	5	Friday 30th September 1983 On the same Friday morning as the girls left for Cumbria , the lads arrived at the studio before the owner .
tr	5	The distant cliffs reached the horizon , where a chemical factory with two metal chimneys tirelessly raced fat swirling worms of smoke into the sky .
tr	5	' We 'll catch another bus to Mum 's from the station , ' Katherine said as they descended the final road into the town 's centre .
tr	5	Like many of the passengers the driver looked rock hard , like he 'd just as sooner kick your head in than sell you a ticket .
tr	5	That said Tom changed his tune once Raphael came to record his parts saying he 'd never worked with a drummer as accurate or expressive .
tr	5	Barbara hoisted Katherine 's bag as Amy ran with mother and daughter along the street of dead gardens , boarded windows and clapped out cars .
tr	5	She didn 't breathe under the gaze sinking to her chin , neck and chest freezing her as Alan 's contempt reordered forming contemptuous lust .
tr	5	Left fending for herself she accepted the fear but found it passing as it became apparent that the smoke had no grounds to hurt her .
tr	5	' Not able to please both families I caved to Alan 's request and without the blessing of my parents married on my eighteenth birthday .
tr	5	Sunday 02nd October 1983 Next morning in the kitchen Katherine asked her mum , ' Where 's Dad , didn 't he come home ? '
tr	5	' You 've never allowed me a job , ' she said with comparative calm especially considering how emotional she 'd been upon Katherine 's return .
tr	5	But worse than that , though she 'd missed him , she found herself not wanting anything to do with him -- friends or otherwise .
tr	5	She went into the landing hating herself knowing Danny couldn 't be blamed for the past grief he 'd caused her but what could she do ?
tr	5	' She 'll be applying for Olympic grants soon , ' Katherine said and seeing his work asked , ' Are these inlay card designs ? '
tr	5	* * * At Hemel in his post studio excitement Raphael had bought a headset microphone so he could drum and sing without craning his neck .
tr	5	After some minutes of conversation Raphael asked , ' Is everything okay , I 'm guessing you weren 't just ringing for a chat ? '
tr	5	' I went to the bathroom in the middle of the night , not realising either you or Amy were in , blamed the stink on Calvin .
tr	5	Now Danny wondered whether he could fancy her as indeed he had when they 'd first met before their friendship developed and other girls absorbed his attention .
tr	5	Soon the boys headed out for soundcheck leaving Katherine to wait for Amy who arrived from her mum 's looking the best she 'd ever seen .
tr	5	Resting his hands on silenced guitar Danny sang to the bass line feeling the stage tremble under the galvanized rhythm of drums and Calvin 's stamping foot .
tr	5	' If you 'd allow Proper Printing 's details to be added to your posters and flyers we 'd happily waive the cost of them .
tr	5	We 've got a list of all the national record companies so when we meet John we can show him how ready to go we are . '
tr	5	Rather than head for the door John walked to the bar where he took Liz 's hand and thanked her before turning leaving her blushing .
tr	5	' Hopefully it 'll be fine , ' she said looking proudly at the new Little Spirit banner leaping from the front of the drums .
tr	5	* * * When everyone hit the venue 's bar John collared Katherine and said , ' The weather 's still warm in Saint Tropez . '
tr	5	Looking thoughtful she said , ' I 'm thinking my romantic feelings towards him were based on there being no danger of anything actually happening . '
tr	5	' I know but I 've had an idea and need you onside before approaching Danny -- especially with him being ze ideas man . '
tr	5	' First step to convincing Danny , ' Raphael said taking the groceries from the bag he 'd brought , ' is to feed him .
tr	5	I was thinking we should play streets like Brook Green where the EMI and Virgin offices are -- you know , put it under their noses . '
tr	5	Danny not wanting to face passers-by watched the drummer 's posture and fearlessness to look out into the park at anyone who cared to look at him .
tr	5	There they handed out flyers and promoted that night 's Water Rats gig before packing up and heading off to meet the girls ' plane .
tr	5	On the tube heading to the airport , Danny closed his eyes and thought of Amy and the blonde who 'd given him her number .
tr	5	' Wasn 't it JFK who said , We do these things , not because they 're easy but , because they 're hard ? '
tr	5	Saturday 05th November 1983 In the parks the next morning Danny felt more positive than the previous day as performances seemed to reach people more effectively .
tr	5	' Like I say , without distribution it wouldn 't appear in the shops and without PR or Marketing the masses won 't know about it . '
tr	5	When a label tells you that , it usually means they 're not looking to sign new acts ; not that many admit it . '
tr	5	Amy reckoned the only remaining date on the flyer would yield another no show as the poly 's main hall lay miles from GMD 's Camden office .
tr	5	Now , what I have here , ' Richard said pushing a stack of paper towards Raphael , ' is a one album recording contract . '
tr	5	As long as you understand and accept the terms of both those contracts and you appreciate The Production Annex sound that 's where you 're going . '
tr	5	He 'll tell him what 's what and if the documents are fair I 'll make sure he 's present when the lads sign . '
tr	5	They 'd spent hours filling in the lost years before Barbara admitted how wrong she 'd been and how right they 'd been about Alan .
tr	5	When it didn 't work he took Raphael 's , leave ' em wanting more , advice by actively ending the conversation saying he 'd ring Raphael .
tr	5	As requested he pulled the car into a courtyard where a Range Rover , a tractor and a fine old Jaguar stood by stable doors .
tr	5	' Well , ' Calvin started nearly choking on a raisin and looking between Katherine and Barbara , ' we haven 't actually discussed that . '
tr	5	Edward said he 'd drive her , Katherine and Calvin in the Jag until , as Barbara considered more stuff , Edward suggested the Range Rover .
tr	5	Calvin remained watching as Alan 's brain , like a computer performing damage reports , ran check after check each one coming back , ' okay ' .
tr	5	Austin 's studio had become available but , they 'd have to wait until February the following year if they didn 't start recording in two days .
tr	5	Monday 05th December 1983 The band had been told to get up when they wanted the next day but excitement had the better of them .
tr	5	Instead of Tom 's contemporary black and grey decor Austin 's control room had shabby brown walls and carpet , not soundproofed doors but hefty traditional oak .
tr	5	With Raphael banging drums in the live room Calvin and Danny joined Austin in the control room where the music they played came through immense studio monitors .
tr	5	Austin balancing sounds ran from room to room fine tuning the drum heads and swapping Raphael 's felt kick drum beater for a wooden one .
tr	5	The band finally understood that visual aesthetics paled in the face of sound quality 's importance as Austin drew fabulousness from the Soviet looking equipment .
tr	5	Big Country and Simple Minds gave them a run for their money but not so much as bands produced by Trevor Horn who 'd even outdone himself .
tr	5	Calvin drove and as they drew near they could see students packing out the Hyde Park Pub and celebrating around the paved outer area and picnic tables .
tr	5	' Hi John , ' Danny said before anyone else could and , after everyone else did , the waiter showed them to their table .
tr	5	She breakfasted with Katherine and Calvin while John and Barbara went to the single room to get changed and check out before going to The Production Annex .
tr	5	Amy took photos and John tried getting into them all until around 11am her camera ran out of film and John ran out of questions .
tr	5	Back in the control room Katherine watched her friend at the mic , with Austin and the band not buying her fake giggles and shrieks .
tr	5	Raphael stood up as if that 'd be the hardest thing he 'd have to do that day and led the way to the live room .
tr	5	Monday 19th December 1983 The next day Austin jumped in the van and directed the lads to the Hall Manor rehearsal rooms a short drive away .
tr	5	Calvin and Danny carted all the gear into the hall and onto its stage fabulously decked with lighting system and PA. ' Let 's get started ? '
tr	5	Austin loved Raphael 's new introductory music and remixed it adding the chants and cheers recorded when the girls and John had visited the studio .
tr	5	' Great , thanks , ' the drummer said with an air of arrogance that suggested Raphael wouldn 't understand the degree of their brilliance .
tr	5	That 's what I like to see and hear on my stage and that 's what I liked seeing you guys busking outside The Hyde Park pub .
tr	5	Thursday 22nd December 1983 On their final Thursday Calvin stood on Hall Manor 's stage singing his parts , his fingers happily finding their frets .
tr	5	On stage and into the set their certainty of the songs ' strength warmed the audience who couldn 't help but fall into sympathy with their vibe .
tr	5	' Anyway , Raphael you 're lucky to be walking out that club taking the mick out of that other band and nicking their girlfriends . '
tr	5	Though she knew he suffered from stage fright he always got through it but seeing him in the company of his dad had been a revelation .
tr	5	But just like most his eyes nearly popped out when he first saw her as the drowsiness that 'd followed the deacon 's sermon took flight .
tr	5	' I wonder how many lives we 'll change -- how many people will come to know and be entertained by what we do ? '
tr	5	By the end of the fifth song , I Can 't Wish , Richard pressed stop saying , ' I think we get the idea . '
tr	5	' So if they put masses into a band by way of a six-figure advance they 're going to work damn hard to get it back .
tr	5	You see when a band signs for marketing and distribution there 's nothing in the contract stipulating how hard the company has to work promoting your records .
tr	5	Every major 's investment is a gamble ; the majors are terrified just like I was when I sent you to Leeds with Austin 's cheque . '
tr	5	Danny said , ' What if we find some money and , once a single 's released , get everyone to buy bulk loads of it ? '
tr	5	If records start flying out of targeted shops Gallop will look closely at how it 's being promoted and how many are being returned . '
tr	5	By the end of January Little Spirit still hadn 't chance to employ Richard 's advice as they 'd not seen inside any major record company offices .
tr	5	Worryingly the general ripples of interest throughout the business flattened with the notion that Little Spirit 's solid rock sound offered nothing new for record buyers .
tr	5	If I was a girl Grace 's age and interested in you I wouldn 't want to read that you 're happy in a relationship .
tr	5	Though his amp hadn 't blacked in several gigs Calvin couldn 't miss the sudden drop in volume or the stench of electrical smoke that followed .
tr	5	The band carried on regardless and soon Amy and Grace had lost themselves in the sound of the band and the support act 's borrowed amp .
tr	5	Calvin looked up into the younger man 's eyes and felt like a boy being told by a caring parent that the bullies would be dealt with .
tr	5	When Katherine brought in a mug of tea she asked , ' So , how did you get on this afternoon , any inspired thoughts ? '
tr	5	' Of course , ' Raphael said setting the mug on the floor so he could pull a piece of paper from his coat pocket .
tr	5	Tying the towel round his middle he passed through the kitchen and living room where he flung his arms round himself as cold air engulfed him .
tr	5	' Not this time , ' Danny said though he hadn 't so much invited Calvin as told him he intended to go running with Amy alone .
tr	5	Pulling her hat further down anger and embarrassment washed through her , recognising them as the two who 'd humiliated month 's earlier in the Hippodrome .
tr	5	Giving up forcing his face to relax Calvin said , ' I 'd better go , the girls won 't have such luck getting backstage . '
tr	5	He left and found Katherine and Amy by the bar starting their first glass of dry white and stopped ten feet short to admire them .
tr	5	Amy watched her pass heading straight for Richard who still looked awkward but delighted to see her despite the two men she 'd brought along .
tr	5	' The thing is I 'm confident that we 'll get a video as good as any imaginable for a number of reasons I 'll come to .
tr	5	' So for the stuff with us on stage , ' Calvin asked , ' wouldn 't it have helped to see us live ? '
tr	5	* * * Putting their faith in the makeup girls who plied on foundation and eye shadow the boys edged towards a post new romantic look .
tr	5	We 'll probably go through the song ten times to make sure we 've got what we need by which time the audience may get restless .
tr	5	When it came he pulled the strings as he would normally and , because he heard bass , he felt the same as had he played it .
tr	5	Before the lads came out of makeup the three models exited still wearing colourful wigs but tight dresses that scarcely covered their buttocks and high heeled stilettos .
tr	5	' Sure , ' she said surprising Raphael who thought she 'd be way too shy to agree especially with her uncle lurking out of shot .
tr	5	Happy with what he saw Des brought the models in and shooting resumed with the dancing crowd and band members strutting around his designated female target .
tr	5	Calvin with a firm command of rhythm and having performed the song on stage many times felt a little put out when the instructions seemed so basic .
tr	5	As the lads bore down on her , the first one she 'd danced with that night moved in front and threw out a halting hand .
tr	5	With the first lad now behind sandwiching her , Amy still hugging herself screeched , ' Leave me alone or I 'll call the police . '
tr	5	The lad squealed but , perhaps out of shock , fell silent when the man kicked the backs of his legs slamming his knees to the ground .
tr	5	An hour later Little Spirit played to a full house delighting Richard and Des and many who had attended the video shoot still sporting Little Spirit T-shirts .
tr	5	Raphael , closer to Grace than Calvin or Danny , hadn 't worked out the chemistry between them especially after he 'd reacted to her stage kiss .
tr	5	The jeans and sweatshirts had given no suggestion of the body that existed beneath and now Raphael 's heart raced seeing what he 'd been missing .
tr	5	Eventually he stepped to the mic and , as all sound dropped away but for keyboards Johnny barely whispered the verse of the first song .
tr	5	Songs passed and standing between Calvin and Grace , Katherine witnessed for the first time in ages a band in the same league as Little Spirit .
tr	5	She tried to make it look like fate by getting Johnny to say certain things from the stage ; like it was meant to be .
tr	5	If you ask a bricklayer if he 's good at building walls he 's bound to say yes ; if that 's all he does .
tr	5	We saw his band a few times and just had to have that guitar because I went all over London but couldn 't find one as good .
tr	5	Once it was disguised I did as I always did before I had pennies to rub together , I told people I 'd won it .
tr	5	' Yeah I suppose , ' Raphael said thanking God for Calvin 's generosity but wondering how he 'd cross London in the weekend 's early hours .
tr	5	Behind the screen again he changed into a fresh pair of jeans which he rolled to the knee and a black shirt which he left undone .
tr	5	' They sound like animals , ' she said taking his hand as if flirting would dilute her feelings of betrayal towards Danny having met Marlon .
tr	5	' They got more money , ' Des said when he found them , ' but we 'll see whose video comes out best . '
tr	5	She 'd not given him her phone number and until that evening , the first day of April , hadn 't been to his place .
tr	5	Compared to Danny 's hers seemed oppressive and given that the sun moved off her window after first light it always had a slight dampness to it .
tr	5	But Amy had already made her mind up and slipping her feet into her shoes she headed for the front door without saying bye or being seen .
tr	5	Through further questions Katherine learned that Barbara had bought a passport and from the description guessed that her mum had left the country with John .
tr	5	Dave Whitaker was gutted to have lost Nik Kershaw to MCA and Howard Jones to WEA just to give you an idea where he 's at . '
tr	5	But now Richard and I , without the aid of the William Morris Agency , have got you into a whole new batch of venues .
tr	5	' But , ' Danny said taking a moment , ' We 've been told there 's no point playing these sorts of games . '
tr	5	Trudie told them to meet her by the lifts and once out of earshot Raphael said , ' I know how you two feel . '
tr	5	We should be looking forward to this and the better gigs and if nothing else we 're making money busking which nobody can take from us . '
tr	5	Not normally given to praying he found himself asking someone somewhere for good fortune as the lift took off through the floors before halting abruptly .
tr	5	Of Raphael 's carpet comment Dave said , ' You guys are fantastic , no doubt about that but it 's still early days . '
tr	5	Danny , like everyone else stared expectantly at the black screen where Raphael 's boot suddenly appeared kicking the bass drum as the beat started .
tr	5	Sure enough , when the time to play arrived the club couldn 't manage any more punters , So much for Monday being quiet , Raphael thought .
tr	5	I don 't want to rock the boat with Trudie but I 've taken phone calls the past two days from interested parties at Polydor and Island .
tr	5	' They 're interested to know where you 're at and because you 've been doing so well I 've had quite a bit to tell them .
tr	5	She 'd probably have left Little Spirit for a week or two but had worked late on Monday and The Electric Ballroom lay on her path home .
tr	5	Wednesday 18th April 1984 Letters had flown between Katherine and Loretta but none ever confirmed whether Elaine 's wedding chapel and venue payments had been finalised .
tr	5	He pushed the shop 's door open just in time to hear the last few bars of Only When it 's Saturday before another track started .
tr	5	' Normally we move on the when a shop runs out of records but , because it 's you ... ' ' Aw , thank you gorgeous .
tr	5	' Anyway we need to get performing the fella in the shop says loads of copies came in yesterday and shoppers have already enquired about us today .
tr	5	' Okay , ' Katherine said hiding her surprise , ' if you end it you 've got to realise that he 'll eventually meet someone else .
tr	5	' Well I 've heard the single , which I love , I 've met you and found you all very decent and extremely well styled .
tr	5	It 'll be sailing into the North Sea ; a pirate radio station that 'll constantly stream UK hits including Only When it 's Saturday .
tr	5	When he went in you guys were on the video screens too so he reported back to base and someone checked up via me . '
tr	5	That bottle blonde just told you she loves the record ; we 'll see if that 's true when Smash Hits next comes out . '
tr	5	Before Katherine could think of a suitable answer Amy said , ' You 've just equalised ; you and Calvin both pulled a music journalist . '
tr	5	Initially she 'd refrained from giving him any of the flat 's details to protect Danny 's feelings but perhaps instinct had been warning her .
tr	5	She imagined Calvin had just presented her an Easter egg and wondered if she should have gone to her parents ' over the holiday period .
tr	5	Puzzled , Amy approached , tapped and put her head into the room where , on the desk , her books stood all orderly awaiting her attention .
tr	5	' I suppose we 've been very fortunate , ' Raphael said , ' but a little more good fortune wouldn 't go a miss . '
tr	5	Danny gave a wave and received a cheer back though felt somewhat fraudulent given that half of them had appeared at the sight of TV cameras .
tr	5	When Richard hung up Raphael banged on Calvin and Danny 's doors and shouted , ' We need to get to Manchester by 4pm . '
tr	5	' You 're right it 's easy to forget how long ze journey is amongst ze excitement of interviews and ze few sell-out gigs we 've done .
tr	5	' Let 's set up double quick like he said and if he doesn 't like it it 'll only be more work for him . '
tr	5	' The shop owner told our guy that this is the first copy he 's sold since the first batch of just three units came in .
tr	5	' I reckon our stage performance will speak for itself but if he doesn 't want to hear us perform acoustically his attitude could affect viewers . '
tr	5	On his side of the stage Danny inappropriately found the relief and irony of the song 's first line , Please help me , hilarious .
tr	5	' We get a lot of bands on , like yourselves , who 're looking for exposure and they might bring some skill but perhaps little else .
tr	5	That includes you and I know you 're mostly a very confident person and when you 're not you make up the deficit with bravado .
tr	5	' I don 't believe this we 're about to sign the most important contract of our lives and you don 't want to ? '
tr	5	* * * ' Morning , ' she said kicking Danny 's door closed behind her and setting the tray of tea and toast down .
tr	5	We all know this the flat isn 't big enough for the five of us so we need to think about alternatives starting now . '
tr	5	I don 't depress you with the bad news and I protect you from the so called good news ... ' he opened a desk draw .
tr	5	' Nevertheless , ' Richard said maintaining order , ' let 's save any excitement until the papers are signed and the money comes in . '
tr	5	So next we look at which company is offering us the best deal and , more importantly , which company has our best interests at heart . '
tr	5	After the chitchat ran thin Trudie said , ' I 'm really sorry but I 'll have to go and see what 's holding him up . '
tr	5	He got a phone call earlier from the proprietor of a London record shop who claims Gallup rang him this morning querying Little Spirit sales . '
tr	5	It seems a record shop in Manchester flagged them last night when he sold his first Little Spirit single to someone in the BBC . '
tr	5	The other lawyer , Peter , told Richard he 'd head back to his office but would return as soon as the problem had been remedied .
tr	5	Grace who remained serene asked Trudie , ' Not that it should but could a situation like this affect Dave 's decision to move forward ? '
tr	5	On this hand you have proven yourselves to be highly styled , highly entertaining on and off stage , highly industrious , and incredibly hard working .
tr	5	And most important of all to me highly synergistic ; thus creating results that have wowed me and , it would seem Gallup too . '
tr	5	Richard may have told you that in March , EMI lost a legal battle and was fined for over influencing record shops efforts to sell singles . '
tr	5	' This may be a factor in how you guys managed to attain such a high place without constant airplay and a Top of the Pops appearance .
tr	5	But Little Spirit would surely leap onto Rock ' n ' Roll 's gravy train beyond poverty 's precipice and that made her head spin .
tr	5	It became obvious that affordable properties in London got snapped up instantly ; they 'd have to be ready to move the moment something presented itself .
tr	5	' Firstly the advance has come and I 've opened a business account called Little Spirit which ; we 'll get all our names on .
tr	5	I should let you know we 're looking for another place to live and from what I can see there 'll be a rent hike . '
tr	5	He didn 't give a thought to the traffic passing behind until without a second 's warning an opened Coke can clattered into the pavement .
tr	5	' She 's getting ludicrously priced plates for this wedding , ' he said before running through the points Richard had made the previous day .
tr	5	Tuesday 8th May 1984 Amy waited for signs of life the following day and got up when she heard Calvin going to the living room .
tr	5	Following The Tube national interest in the band continued to flourish and , as the weather became hotter they pulled greater crowds in London 's parks .
tr	5	' Still , I 'd just love for us to get our own tour ; see our names at the top of the tickets . '
tr	5	' You 'll look terrific on this little stage , ' he said advising them of marked spots on the stage from which they 'd perform from .
tr	5	Unable to decipher yelled words she saw security guards forcibly removing two lads smartly dressed in crimson shirts ; one looked like Brian the other like Marlon .
tr	5	But , his self-assurance didn 't soar genuinely as he discovered every time he came under fire and saw his courage vanish like smoke in a hurricane .
tr	5	Marlon 's anger and assault of Amy had maddened Danny but that the aggressor might now be back for more saturated Danny 's being with indignation .
tr	5	When they headed into London Katherine explained that after the Astoria everyone including Richard had headed to Trudie 's apartment where they 'd all crashed .
tr	5	Calvin said , ' We 're looking to move and places don 't hang around plus Enfield isn 't too far from where we are now . '
tr	5	Having taken residence of the settee again , Raphael woke when Calvin and Danny joined him a moment before Amy arrived waving a pad of paper .
tr	5	John 's agreed a 6pm meeting at the properties so let 's hope it 's quiet enough in the pub for Katherine to get away early . '
tr	5	It seemed that although Leyton had been gutted when the previous deal fell through he had found serious interest in one of the houses at higher rent .
tr	5	Wednesday 23rd May 1984 The deal on the new houses came together so quickly there wouldn 't have been time to move without a dawn start .
tr	5	Not only had Katherine finished her time at the pub but Trudie had assigned her a band to style on her return from Saint Tropez .
tr	5	An hour after that and Katherine lost Amy and herself in the hugging arms of more Saint Tropez friends than she 'd ever seen around the marina .
tr	5	The girls found a table when John arrived and though the conversation lightened Katherine noticed Amy massaged her temples but hardly spoke and John appeared serious .
tr	5	' I tried to be as honest as I could but truthfully I couldn 't say your mother and I were no more than friends .
tr	5	Katherine launched into what had happened punctuating everything with , ' I 'm so annoyed , ' and , ' what really makes me angry . '
tr	5	The photographs took an age so as soon as Katherine , Amy and Barbara had been snapped a couple of times they headed back towards the marina .
tr	5	' They have , they demo 'd it in London and John gave it to Gareth , not that he mentioned it was Little Spirit . '
tr	5	* * * ' There you are , ' Calvin said finding their girls on deck together after they 'd finally managed to leave the stage .
tr	5	' I 'm sorry we couldn 't tell you about the gig , ' Calvin said when his bandmates and Amy left for the bar .
tr	5	' What a fabulous room , ' Calvin said getting comfy ' Hmm , ' said Katherine as the previous night 's feelings spiralled back .
tr	5	' Nonsense , ' Katherine said , ' you 're very welcome ; I mean , apart from this being your yacht of course . '
tr	5	He glared at the back of Stu 's head with a frustration he 'd not felt for his best friend since their vehement introduction years earlier .
tr	5	Competent in only the most trivial of matters , Dane had been an office jockey dumped on them against his will by their record company .
tr	5	Stu loved America and had been grateful when none of the band objected to starting the second US tour right off the back of their first .
tr	5	Stu believed only he understood Johnny 's stoicism but as songs passed he tried but couldn 't guess what had spooked his pal so badly .
tr	5	' And Trudie 's too wrapped up with Little Spirit , as GMD are right now , ' Johnny said as if reading her mind .
tr	5	Carlisle , Cumbria , UK : Friday 26th April 1974 Ten years earlier near the Scottish border , Barry Peters sat alone in his bedroom .
tr	5	Whist most in the group concentrated on their left hand fingering , Barry found he could look away from the guitar neck and listen to the ensemble .
tr	5	Bring me a song that says what you want to say and I don 't mind how rubbish it is or how rubbish you think it is .
tr	5	Boxes , for the content of which I felt no immediate use , were stored in the garage or on top shelves in the closets .
tr	5	This box , " STORIES " , ended up in my daughter 's closet , and this is where it was found five years later .
tr	5	She actually did it in the evenings , which was not that bad at all , because it reduced competition for the bath in the morning .
tr	5	" I was trying to tell my parents that I was sick so I could stay home , but they did not buy it . "
tr	5	Since her parents made sure she took all the hard classes in high school , it would have not been difficult for her to continue studying science .
tr	5	So she went back to school and followed her parents ' advice to study sciences , choosing molecular biology to work in a research lab .
tr	5	Between the second and the third building there was a gap one building wide , through which Bradley and John usually passed to get to their entrance .
tr	5	John was already pulling on the door , when Bradley heard the sound of footsteps and thought that this time it had to be Megan .
tr	5	Forests , fields and rivers , occasional villages , and forests and fields again , just as in old grandfather 's clock with rotating pictures .
tr	5	As he began to untwist the wire cap , Megan scolded him , " Don 't , you 'll break it or get shocked ! "
tr	5	" As simple as this , " John began , and Megan figured that he was probably the least scared of all at that point .
tr	5	" Simple indeed , " the chubby chief stared directly at John and inquired , " And who allowed you to enter this building ? "
tr	5	John paused , and Megan expected the chief to ask more questions , but instead John went on the offensive , " And who are you ?
tr	5	I mean , I 've already gathered that you are the Chief of the Unknowns , but I am not sure we understand what that means . "
tr	5	" You will understand everything in due time , " the chubby chief replied to John and then moved his gaze to Megan and Bradley .
tr	5	" Meanwhile , since you got here , we would have to make sure that you don 't get out , " he continued with all seriousness .
tr	5	She expected John to start explaining how cool he thought this was and why , but the three mentors promptly advanced towards her and the boys .
tr	5	Not that he felt real hunger , which he was actually surprised about , but having a tasty meal would be a fun thing to do .
tr	5	The door behind him closed , and John was left wondering what the Adventurous meant by saying that Bradley and Megan were not too far away .
tr	5	This arm would pivot on a ninety degree angle and grab plates from the sink , then release them into the racks of the dishwasher .
tr	5	While Bradley was trying to remind him that they were running out of time , John just waved his hand and continued with his idea .
tr	5	Which was great because , needless to say , John was not ready with the robot that day or ever , to tell the truth .
tr	5	And if they didn 't see Megan , then they would have their wits about them to think of a way how to find her .
tr	5	In his mind , the Adventurous was behaving rudely by talking to him from the hole in the ceiling instead of generating a door and coming in .
tr	5	The Adventurous did not seem to mind that John also behaved rudely and went on with his explanations , " Oh , that I will tell you .
tr	5	Well , there is a special skill that lets one do that , and you can learn that , too , after you master flying . "
tr	5	" I don 't think this kind of thing will work for me , " John said cautiously , slowly recovering from his initial shock .
tr	5	But there was no reply for very long time , and John kept banging on the wall and shouting until Bradley finally showed some signs of life .
tr	5	Second , Megan felt uneasy sitting in this room all by herself and the boys being somewhere else where she could not talk to them .
tr	5	Megan even turned back because of being scared of such a possibility , but the hole , through which she came out , was gone .
tr	5	Being forced to learn to fly because there was no other way out of their rooms , and then they would not be able to leave !
tr	5	When she , Bradley and John were walking towards the building where they were placed yesterday , she did not see a single person on the street .
tr	5	She wanted to try finding the boys before anything happened to her and she lost her chance to share with them what she 'd heard .
tr	5	She tried to keep her mind occupied by the events of the day so she would not fall asleep , but it did not work .
tr	5	He heard John 's footsteps , then John said , excitement in his voice , " Good , finally , so how did it go ? "
tr	5	The Tenacious came down by means of flying , landed next to Bradley and asked , " Well , well , how are things going ?
tr	5	He started to climb the ladder , but after the second step turned around , jumped on top of the Tenacious and started to fight .
tr	5	Megan gave a little bit of explanation , " I 'm so glad to see you guys , I have a lot to tell you .
tr	5	He could not be sure that the Unknowns did not have a mechanism to find out what one had been doing without having to watch that person .
tr	5	If his theory about the maze were correct , it made no difference whatsoever to wait to be captured , sitting in one place or walking around .
tr	5	The Adventurous and the Suspicious had to have joined the Tenacious because they were all there , as if waiting for the kids to show up .
tr	5	He realized that it was not as much physical exercise that he had to do , but emotional wear down that made him tired the most .
tr	5	Encouraged , he kept trying until he could fly from the top step of the ladder and make several circles around the room before reaching the floor .
tr	5	He insisted that Bradley kept trying and that without flying he would be stuck in this room forever , and what good does that do to anyone ?
tr	5	He was going to say that they should not and were not going to master flying and take the flying test , had John already forgotten ?
tr	5	Therefore , by articulating it he might let out the fact that he , Megan and John were aware of the danger of learning how to fly .
tr	5	We have seen the world outside of this building , but we are stuck inside in these corridors , and there is no apparent way out .
tr	5	But their discussions concluded by acknowledging the fact that unless they flew , there were no options to learn or be able to do anything else .
tr	5	" I 've been sitting in this room for days and because I still don 't believe in flying , I can 't get out .
tr	5	" I am not sure , may be two weeks or so ... " the girl replied , staring at Megan with a glance full of hope .
tr	5	" She looks at me as if I 'm somewhat special ... " Out loud she said , " Keep doing what you 're doing .
tr	5	The girl might not be telling the truth and was indeed send to her by the Unknowns to spy on her or was an Unknown herself .
tr	5	Suddenly realizing this , Megan asked , interrupting her previous thought , " ... By the way , how did you get into my room ? "
tr	5	But on the other hand , the girl Megan just met could share with her what she knew about the Unknowns and how many prisoners there were .
tr	5	The girl insisted they should tell their parents , but her friends said they were not going for a long time , so it would be Ok .
tr	5	When they were coming in , two other kids were coming out , and they told the girls that they did not see anything inside .
tr	5	John was not very tall and also a little overweight and clumsy , and he could not reach the ceiling very well even from the last step .
tr	5	But the idea in his dream was not a bad one , so he started climbing the ladder to try to implement it in real life .
tr	5	John muttered and started going down the ladder to get it back , when the hole in the ceiling fully opened and the Adventurous peeked in .
tr	5	Because of his accident , the Unknowns probably already saw that he succeeded , so John figured he did not have to hide it any longer .
tr	5	" It must be because Bradley doesn 't know how to fly yet that they are not allowing him to get out , " John decided .
tr	5	He was not sure that at this point John would listen to his pleas to not fly in order to not get stuck in this country .
tr	5	I have to be the one who somehow finds the way out and gets everyone out of here before you guys pass your test ! "
tr	5	He was left in his room , now without his friend next door to talk to , and desperately started thinking of a way out .
tr	5	Megan and Mary were running along the tunnel , and once in a while they noticed the same arrows with the word " Exit " on them .
tr	5	She was happy , though , that they did confirm the exit existed and were now on a mission to find their friends and lead them out .
tr	5	They 'd been in this country for much longer , and they had plenty of opportunities to start flying if not to take the test already .
tr	5	Megan also wanted to talk to other people and ask some questions , especially if she could find anyone who had already taken the test .
tr	5	That did not work so well , but eventually she managed to lift Mary high enough for her to come through the ceiling into the room above .
tr	5	When Megan and Mary entered her room , she got scared at first , and , like Mary , thought that they were the Unknowns .
tr	5	" Oh , that ... " Megan suddenly realized that the empty rooms were indeed inhabited by people who went along and learned to fly .
tr	5	Out of the corner of her eye , Megan noticed that Mary was getting impatient , but Megan was convinced that talking to Rachel was very important .
tr	5	Rachel agreed and tried to follow Megan and Mary when they passed onto the next room , but sure enough it did not work right away .
tr	5	Megan made a conclusion that everybody , or at least the majority of the people who passed the test , lost the capability to think clearly .
tr	5	He reasoned that they more likely didn 't have such a school because everybody was the same age and , therefore , couldn 't teach each other .
tr	5	In the middle of a very interesting dream about flying John heard several bangs on the wall and hastily jumped out of bed making a loud noise .
tr	5	He was so busy with rides that he did not have time to make acquaintances or pay attention to what languages people around him were speaking .
tr	5	" However , if the money does convert into books , you will have fun reading them , so it 's not a catastrophe . "
tr	5	" Speak for yourself , " John said , hoping that Bradley was right and nothing would happen to the money since nothing had happened yet .
tr	5	This way , in his opinion , there would be room for books in the backpack should they appear , and the money would be safe .
tr	5	Much less reckless than John , he would be the best candidate to help Bradley think of a way to escape without learning how to fly .
tr	5	If not for the laws they established for their country , this place would indeed be very enjoyable with all these possibilities that it offered .
tr	5	When John returned back from his rides and started sharing with Bradley the events of the day , Bradley did not really want to listen to him .
tr	5	The book was very vague about it , as if the writer was restrained by rules of what he could include in the text and what not .
tr	5	It was as if history had frozen , and for many years , on and on , there was only one Chief and no historical events .
tr	5	He skimmed the book for any mention of time control or anything of the kind , but there was no mention of time at all .
tr	5	In fact , everything indicated that time did not exist and objects were moving in space instantly or indefinitely long to get from one point to another .
tr	5	Megan told him about traveling through the walls , finding the exit and them coming back to get him , John and Mary 's friends .
tr	5	They all told us that they were very happy here and encouraged us to learn to fly , " Megan concluded , plopping onto Bradley 's bed .
tr	5	" Yes , this flying thing totally transforms you , " Bradley agreed , moving to the very end of his bed and told them about John .
tr	5	Megan did not move right away , and Bradley kept making faces , endangering the whole operation , because the Tenacious started looking at him in amazement .
tr	5	While she was falling to the floor , the Tenacious easily flew through the opening in the ceiling and could be heard laugh as it closed .
tr	5	That laugh of his told me that your trick isn 't in their rule book and he wouldn 't be expecting us to be gone .
tr	5	I 'm afraid , he won 't join us if he finds out that we 're planning to escape , " Bradley said to the girls .
tr	5	All of a sudden this other girl , he already did not remember her name , exclaimed , " Look , what is this here ? "
tr	5	The rest of the group joined them , and John clearly saw the word " Exit " on an arrow glowing on the tunnel wall .
tr	5	The point was that the door was clearly locked , and for John that was good enough reason to turn around and go back to his room .
tr	5	At his left hand there was a large hall that he was sure was not there before when they travelled in this tunnel towards the exit .
tr	5	" Apparently , you are not the only one hallucinating , " said one of the girls , whose name John also did not remember .
tr	5	If seeing things nobody else saw was one of the capabilities of people who knew how to fly , it was totally acceptable to John .
tr	5	" All right , guys , we already established that me and Megan see the hall and you don 't , can we now move on ? "
tr	5	Then repetitive shouts of command , noises of metal things falling and hitting other metal , more shouts ... " It sounds sinister , " said Mary .
tr	5	They were in such a hurry that John was pretty sure they did not see a group of kids on the other side of the door .
tr	5	Why do you think those guys walked so hastily out of here and so negligently left the door open behind them that we could get in ? "
tr	5	Bradley was going to complain , but just as he was about to do it , he heard a hissing noise and thought better of it .
tr	5	He told Bradley that this prison was intended for people who were not happy about flying so the happy ones didn 't see them around .
tr	5	We don 't know whether we can run away from here , and we have to be prepared to act in case they find us . "
tr	5	I think they need to be encouraged to fight back against the Unknowns and then break out and use the exit that we found . "
tr	5	Some did not learn to fly in a timely manner , and others did learn to fly but then did something wrong and were taken here anyway .
tr	5	Generally , it 's wrong to sympathize with those who don 't want to learn to fly or try to help them in any way .
tr	5	He told Mary , " You are saying this only because you have not experienced flying and you don 't know how it feels . "
tr	5	Can you tell it to your boss or whoever you need to tell it to , so I can be released and take the flying test ? "
tr	5	" Well , I am not supposed to be doing this , you know ... " began the Adventurous , but John saw that he started hesitating .
tr	5	" All right , then , " said the Adventurous after a few seconds of silence , as if he still was thinking through the final agreement .
tr	5	John was hoping that some money would be left by the Adventurous ' disability to carry all of it away , so he was really disappointed .
tr	5	And then who knows ... It was a real surprise to him when two days later John appeared at work in a role of a guard .
tr	5	Bradley 's heart sank when day by day he saw his sister and the other girls wither , but he kept thinking about a way out .
tr	5	Bradley and Megan got out and hid under the train for the entire time it was unloading , which took almost the entire day again .
tr	5	After a while , still holding hands next to his ears , Bradley stood up in the car and saw that they were in an unlit tunnel .
tr	5	Suddenly the tunnel ended , and Bradley was shocked to see that the train was only moving at a crawl inside an old abandoned train station .
tr	5	The engine was off , and Bradley could not even hear the sound of brakes , only soft whoosh of dust and light trash being pushed away .
tr	5	The book that I read made it sound like the Unknowns started to use free labor from Earth more than one hundred fifty years ago .
tr	5	But Bradley felt very competitive when he heard that James could develop so many ideas from the books , while he , Bradley , didn 't .
tr	5	He was pretty sure he heard it before , but at the same time he was confident he saw James first time in his life .
tr	5	One proof that we are no longer the land of the Unknowns would be to see a person who is older or younger than us . "
tr	5	Megan exclaimed , took the flashlight from the boys and went back to the end of the platform to check if there were any remnants of stairs .
tr	5	If there were no staircase to begin with , maybe there was no earthquake ... Bradley and James stayed put , using the method of Sherlock Holmes .
tr	5	A light approached them , and Megan 's voice said , " Guys , in the end of the tunnel there is a door in the ceiling !
tr	5	... Several businesses changed , and nobody did , " she added , helping Megan up as she was the last one to get out .
tr	5	James was dropped off , and Bradley at the last moment realized that they needed to exchange emails , which they barely had time to do .
tr	5	During dinner Bradley tried to start an investigation about what was happening while they were gone , but his parents were not in the mood .
tr	5	What was worse , Dustin made fun of him and Megan , and their parents had to hush the conversation because he was getting obnoxiously loud .
tr	5	The book you just read is one from the series of stories about the World of the Unknowns , whom I imagined when I was a child .
tr	5	As I was getting older , the characters and the story line changed , but the idea behind who the Unknowns were , always stayed the same .
tr	5	Instead , they were scolded for getting lost at a tour during a vacation , but still , still , he was back home in America !
tr	5	Realization of the seriousness of whatever happened back home while he and Megan were in the World of the Unknowns started to dawn on Bradley during breakfast .
tr	5	When the elevator door opened , his father stretched his arm as if to prevent Bradley from rushing in without waiting for people to come out .
tr	5	Bradley felt like he could eat everything that was served after not eating anything in the World of the Unknowns for such a long time .
tr	5	Since Bradley fell asleep late last night , he dozed off and woke up only when the flight attendant announced that they were preparing for landing .
tr	5	He was hoping he would get a chance to talk to Dustin if his father turned on music and would not pay attention to their conversation .
tr	5	" Basically , they showed the entire story , as if interviewing the participants of the chase , James Andrews and William Fuller , after the event .
tr	5	When Bradley and Megan carried their suitcases upstairs and were about to go inside their bedrooms to unpack , Bradley slowed down and turned to Megan .
tr	5	He and Megan unpacked their suitcases as fast as they 'd never done before and were shortly running downstairs to the garage with the laundry baskets .
tr	5	As if he were surprised to see us do what he told us to , " Bradley said to Megan as the garage door closed behind them .
tr	5	They did not discuss it , but independently decided that given the current situation it would be wise to be obedient and respectful to all adults .
tr	5	Apart from identifying these substitutes , the key was to behave even better than Bradley and Megan did before the World of the Unknowns adventure started .
tr	5	There was a very slight chance that there was something they 'd not learned on their own already that was covered at school while they were gone .
tr	5	He had no idea what happened in school and what those individuals whom everybody thought to be him and Megan manage to accomplish here on their behalf .
tr	5	At the same moment John jumped up , ran with unfathomable speed to the teacher 's desk and snatched Bradley 's assignment right out of her hand .
tr	5	Bradley and John were taken out of the classroom , and had to sit in the principal 's office until their parents arrived and picked them up .
tr	5	If before there was a slight chance of convincing his father that his behavior changed , now for sure his father would not go for it .
tr	5	Remember I slipped a couple of weird phrases in the car on the way from the airport that made you think I was nuts ? "
tr	5	First and foremost , I thank my family for their support and patience during the times when I was writing this book on the weekends .
tr	5	No I haven 't thrown myself off a bridge with an elastic band round my ankles , but I have been white water rafting and sand boarding .
tr	5	As if remembering her name brought Josh 's wife into the room , Claire jerked , feeling as if she 'd been doused in cold water .
tr	5	Claire thought through the new awkwardness of their relationship , as she kept pace with Josh 's long strides and tried not to pant with exertion .
tr	5	Instead she gazed at the snow-capped mountains in the distance , the harbour beneath her where the high-rise buildings were dwarfed by the surrounding hills .
tr	5	Bethan 's lips twitched in a coy smile and Claire wondered what erroneous conclusions she was drawing from Josh 's appearance out of the blue .
tr	5	I thought it 'd be cheaper to travel here than at home , given the high volume of traffic coming through some of these places .
tr	5	Now , with an autumnal nip in the air , she was content to dig her toes in the sand and soak in the beauty .
tr	5	He 's clearly crazy about you and , I have to say , you talk a good talk but I 'm not buying it . "
tr	5	Claire tried to exude her best ' I 'm invisible do not speak to me ' vibe , that she used to use on the Metro .
tr	5	He seemed to have got the message that she didn 't want a fling , and now the thought that she had wounded him twisted her stomach .
tr	5	Now , even though the man she had loved for months was sitting mere feet in front of her , she felt close to tears .
tr	5	She tried to imagine what that might be like , as Josh dipped his paddle in to steer the kayak after the rest of the group .
tr	5	" You mean he isn 't just a selfish twat that never grew up , who has run away because life got a teensy bit hard ? "
tr	5	" Show me a man who has actually grown up and I 'll show you a boring bastard who takes life far too seriously . "
tr	5	Not that I can blame him for wanting to evade the responsibility of raising children : it 's not something I 'm in a hurry to do .
tr	5	Bethan called , as the group split into those going jet boating and the ones remaining behind to horse ride or catch up on sleep .
tr	5	Wraparound shades covered his eyes and he had one arm resting along the side of the jet boat , as he nonchalantly span the wheel .
tr	5	She was grateful they 'd been allocated different dorm rooms and she had almost made it to bed undetected , when he finally tracked her down .
tr	5	Claire felt acutely aware of his hand holding hers , as she stared at the floor and waited for it to open and rescue her .
tr	5	The rigid routine , the upholstered seats , even Bethan 's unending good humour , felt like a cage that she was finally free from .
tr	5	Claire looked across the racks of clothing to Bethan , who was holding up various items against her and contemplating her reflection in the mirror .
tr	5	Not that there was anyone left on the bus whose opinion she cared about apart from Bethan , and she 'd already offended her twice .
tr	5	You won 't remember most of it in the morning and I promise not to remind you more than , ooh , once an hour ? "
tr	5	Then , in the distance , snow covered peaks , with a valley carved between them like a giant had split them with a machete .
tr	5	Claire realised with a start that the rest of the group had walked on and she shuffled after them , nearly dropping her camera in her haste .
tr	5	It had been an amazing experience but the alien feel of the landscape left her on edge and longing for a steaming mug of hot chocolate .
tr	5	Giant sails blocked out most of the sky , although she could just see glimpses of pink from the setting sun in the gaps around the edges .
tr	5	Bethan swam languidly up to where she lay , and propped her chin on her crossed arms so she could watch the people walking past .
tr	5	I think he wanted to see if I would come for him , not because I thought I 'd inherit his money when he died . "
tr	5	Either side , dark trees framed the scene , both above and below the water 's edge , creating an expanding line of perspective towards her .
tr	5	This far south , winter had the island in its grip and she was in no mood to linger , despite the beauty of the scene .
tr	5	As she arrived at the car park , she saw a girl load her camera into her bag and climb into a rusty red hatchback .
tr	5	Following a cycle path , Claire walked around the edge of the lake , beneath the autumn trees , kicking at the fallen leaves beneath her feet .
tr	5	The further she got from the town the lighter she felt until , at last , the buildings were out of sight and she felt like skipping .
tr	5	Finding a bench in the weak wintry sun , Claire zipped up her jacket before loading her emails , expecting only blog comments and junk .
tr	5	This will entail visiting hostels and tourist attractions in the surrounding counties to undertake a benchmark exercise on where Isle of Purbeck tourism sits at present .
tr	5	The camera girl circled them , taking pictures , before changing her body position so she could dive to the next person and photograph them .
tr	5	Apart from Wellington , it was the first really hilly town she 'd seen , and the buildings seemed to be made of stone rather than wood .
tr	5	As she climbed , Claire marvelled at the buildings , where the road started at the lower floor window and passed somewhere near the upper floor .
tr	5	A tanned man in his thirties beamed at her through the window , before jumping down and opening the door for her to get in .
tr	5	All the years she 'd spent inside an office , surrounded by glass and steel , wires and technology , made no sense to her anymore .
tr	5	Not like Puzzling World or the luge or any of the dozen other ways I 've been convinced to spend my money this trip . "
tr	5	Even though she didn 't know anyone present , there was a real sense of camaraderie that Claire hadn 't felt for some time , if ever .
tr	5	She let herself out the back door and stopped to pull on her boots , then stood and stretched , inhaling the cold morning air .
tr	5	As she moved away from the hostel , her ears filled with the sound of birds echoing from the forest beneath her in the valley .
tr	5	It took a while for Claire to identify it as the hush hush of waves caressing the shore , out of sight behind the forest .
tr	5	" So , if I 'm wearing nice clothes and I brush my hair , I must be a city chick , as you call it ? "
tr	5	There were many times in her life she would have loved to be stranded in a beautiful location , with nothing to do but read and relax .
tr	5	Those with the resources -- Michael , Josh , her brother , her parents -- were not the ones she wanted to approach in an emergency .
tr	5	The people who might take pity on her -- her sister Ruth was the only one who came to mind -- couldn 't afford it .
tr	5	Claire searched through her brain , wishing Bethan were there to come up with an amazing solution or fill the room with her endless optimism .
tr	5	Her contact with the world , her reading material , her music , her photos , her memories : all stored in the small device .
tr	5	With a shrug , she tried to convince herself it was just a possession ; no different to having her phone stolen when she was mugged .
tr	5	His quirky texts had kept her smiling through the last few weeks , and she hoped that would continue even when he was her boss .
tr	5	If it hadn 't been from Kim , she would have worried that it was a goodbye note from someone intending to do something foolish .
tr	5	The thought that he 'd arrived too late , and was too distraught to contact her , ran over and over like a stuck record .
tr	5	From what she could see , it was very like Cambridge , with the canals and the punts , all tied up waiting for the morning .
tr	5	Claire could almost taste the cool refreshing tang of tonic with a slice of lime , and she took a swig of water to wet her throat .
tr	5	The thought raised a flicker of happiness deep inside , but it was soon extinguished by her concern for Kim and her need to get home .
tr	5	After everything she had been through to get here , to miss the flight because this woman wouldn 't let her through was too much .
tr	5	Also by Amanda Martin : BABY BLUES AND WEDDING SHOES Amanda 's latest release , the chick lit novel Baby Blues and Wedding Shoes is available now .
tr	5	Readers with an appreciation for a bit of reality and a bit of hopeful romantic wishful dreaming will not be disappointed by this lovely tale .
tr	5	She noticed a taxi moving up the street and scratched her head , unable to remember the last time she 'd seen one on the block .
tr	5	For a moment Carol was not sure how to respond , but took a deep breath and invited Sam to join her in the kitchen .
tr	5	A quick call and she booked a flight the next day for her husband , departing in the morning at the time Sam had said .
tr	5	" I 've always made it a point to put things back where they belong , but I guess that can go anywhere now . "
tr	5	However , high above near the mountain 's crest , even her untrained eye could make out a massive deposit of snow ; it lingered ominously .
tr	5	He then slid in his gun case and followed , squeezing between the ceiling and floor of what only a child would call a cave .
tr	5	" Let me out of -- " He interrupted her when he started firing , getting off the rounds before ducking back into the cave .
tr	5	With a bit of maneuvering , he twisted himself so that he was facing the snow and started pushing the case into it like a giant toothpick .
tr	5	Zoe watched both the buck , who took notice of them and stepped up its effort , and Harry who struggled to keep the gun case steady .
tr	5	# Harry marched off wondering if there was a limit to how much Zoe was enjoying herself and even her intention to have the baby .
tr	5	With the cave lit by the fire , he got up and used an evergreen branch to brush away dust from the corner near the door .
tr	5	She inhaled , filling her lungs to capacity , and then stuck her tongue out between her lips and blew out a most offensive sound .
tr	5	By the time I went to college , it roared like a lion and could take a corner as if it were glued to the road .
tr	5	Just as with a good romance novel , she was enthralled by the purity of love and it being a safe distance from any reality .
tr	5	It reminded him there was a lot he didn 't know about her , but in the last second , he pushed it back under .
tr	5	With a stillness in the air , he listened to his own heavy breathing as he made his way down the slope toward the southward facing pass .
tr	5	With a clear night and no wind , he anticipated the drama of this white vastness yielding the show to a starry night 's sky .
tr	5	Morning came , and no matter how much he tried , he couldn 't see any road in the distance , though it had to be there .
tr	5	She got up to look around , discovering the drips were coming from the crack in the cave 's ceiling , which acted as their chimney .
tr	5	" If I was sure that we could get out safely , if I knew what was ahead , I would give it a try . "
tr	5	But it doesn 't mean I caused the storm , and it doesn 't mean I wouldn 't have told you about the road . "
tr	5	" Oh , " said Harry , " give me a few minutes to make sure our food isn 't getting buried too deep . "
tr	5	He explained to them that you just don 't know what kids will want to be , and you certainly can 't control it . "
tr	5	Otherwise it was at least a squirrel or two , but he would trap them in a hole -- couldn 't waste the ammo on something small .
tr	5	He thought about his own children and their first kicks from inside -- how he 'd joke with his wife that their personalities were already showing up .
tr	5	It was the middle of the night when her belly seized in a foreign way , causing her to move around and inadvertently wake Harry .
tr	5	" God , what an insane way -- " She shook as another blinding wave of pain pierced her , but this time , she was waiting .
tr	5	But then his confidence snapped back , memories of his own children 's birth flashed by and gave him a relieving sense of déjà vu .
tr	5	He then touched the baby , her eyes opening wide at the new experience , and he ran his fingers from her head to her toes .
tr	5	They began yet another brainstorming session , agreeing that this would be the final discussion and that they 'd quit only when they arrived at her name .
tr	5	" Carol will love you as if you were her own , and I have already loved you for ... " He looked away searching .
tr	5	" It 's a beautiful blue sky , the sun shining and there 's Laura , looking around with those big eyes of hers . "
tr	5	As they walked , they found themselves squeezed between a rock wall that had risen up to their right and the creek on their left .
tr	5	She resisted the urge to argue that she was capable of taking Laura across , but opted to let Harry enjoy a moment being a man .
tr	5	Gravity gained the upper hand , and doing a kind of comical dance , she flapped her arms in a failing attempt to steady herself .
tr	5	Lying Laura on a flat rock and keeping her steady with one hand , Zoe moistened her fingers and rubbed across Laura 's soft skin .
tr	5	Unlike other faster sections , the current meandered by at this particular spot , and so the stream only occasionally hinted at carrying the shirt off .
tr	5	The clean air , the anticipation of going home , the chance to take a moment for her self and clean up -- she was blissfully happy .
tr	5	She was frozen , unable to step aside to retrieve the stick ; she couldn 't remove herself between Laura and the cougar 's teeth .
tr	5	She tried one last time to intimidate it , thrusting forward and raising her arms , all the while yelling at the top of her lungs .
tr	5	Hiking along the water 's edge was a lot easier than up to the pass , where they huffed and puffed in the warm desert air .
tr	5	" After it had gotten dark , when I was out here last time , I watched a car 's headlights cross the horizon . "
tr	5	# Zoe watched his ministrations , knowing that she had to talk to him ; sooner than later , if she could only find the right moment .
tr	5	Feeling the carrying sack would never be warm enough , Zoe thought to sleep with Laura on her chest , much like how Harry held her now .
tr	5	I felt like there was a grand plan , right down to Scott , in his final moments asking me to help you have this child .
tr	5	He looked away from the blinding headlight until it passed , at which point he began to hurtle the dirt -- the timing was critical .
tr	5	Facing the conductor 's window , the clump left his fingertips , giving him an instant to set its course sailing toward the unsuspecting conductor .
tr	5	When we first crashed , it was okay -- actually , I was relieved that no matter what , I wouldn 't be saddled with a baby .
tr	5	In fact , I so fear it that I couldn 't discuss this before hand -- I didn 't want to light your fuse prematurely .
tr	5	And so I steeled myself to counter with all the thrust of youthful enthusiasm , " only I 've got it all figured out , you see .
tr	5	" Oh , yes , of course -- " Bink said slowly , " yes , yes , yes , yes , sorry about that .
tr	5	He turned on his heel , and with the air of someone who has just narrowly avoided some minor misfortune , took off into he crowd .
tr	5	I bought a desk -- this took a lot more care as it was to be the chief wellspring for my inspiration -- and a typewriter .
tr	5	This census lark would only last a few months , after all , and it might prove to him that I could do something useful .
tr	5	And in the Spring , we could see about reinstating the allowance ... " I 'll see about it ... Thank you , dad . "
tr	5	For lunch I 'd escape to Ratner 's on Delancey for an onion roll , and by evening I usually had to take something stronger .
tr	5	Americans would replace vice with vice , I thought , and imagined fondly the tabloid headlines I would see tomorrow : America 's a Sweetheart !
tr	5	The white stone buildings had turned blue against the snow , and the first signs of light stood out in yellow squares of windows and shop displays .
tr	5	Then a tall , carved mantle fronted by a round conversation table on a clawed pedestal , six more chairs , and a grandfather clock .
tr	5	Now I assure you that while all is lost , we might still be persuaded to accept -- " " Are you acquainted with H.L. ? "
tr	5	I ran back through bedroom to the hallway , stumbling in the dark toward the glimmer of the foyer , then finally I was there .
tr	5	The porter 's face fell , and he said sadly , " I 'm sorry to tell you , but Dawes has been out all week .
tr	5	I looked up at him in horror , then with a flash of brilliance ventured , " do you happen to have a key to my place ?
tr	5	* * * * * Back in the living room , I opened the drapes to reveal the city dazzling in its own artificial starlight .
tr	5	I looked out over this new , naked , fragile world , and took slow sips of tea , finishing his last sentence in my mind .
tr	5	Bloated and squat with thick , frothy slime running from his nose and mouth , dripping from his ears , from the corners of his soft eyes .
tr	5	At some point the force yanked Charlie forward , wrenching the French Nail from the wall and Charlie 's shoulder , sending him crashing to the floor .
tr	5	His belt lamp , covered in dirt and muck , cast a warped amber glow flecked with oversized shadowed bits that stuck to the lens .
tr	5	Only the ringing in Charlie 's ears and the pressurized thrum of his heartbeat keeping time with the throbbing of the gashes in his head .
tr	5	" I just don 't get it , is all , " Hank replied , " Any one of us is funnier than he is .
tr	5	" Whiskey , " Hank replied , his bushy eyebrows lowered into that angry expression that got him more than one close-up over the years .
tr	5	As the van picked up speed , Chuck felt the dirt and grit of the road sliding underneath him , every pebble working him over .
tr	5	" Yes , he 's funny , he does the pratfalls too , but he ... you know , he also makes the audience care about him .
tr	5	She wore her hair short , and she was exotic and beautiful , the kind of girl that made Chuck gulp involuntarily like a frog .
tr	5	Ed and Edna left early , before Hank 's nose got really red , confirming Chuck 's suspicion that Edna had her husband on a short leash .
tr	5	The following day , Chuck found himself eating lunch under the same tree he 'd smacked into the day before , thinking about last night .
tr	5	" Everybody clear out , " Ed said , " Take a break , be ready to work again in half an hour , understood ? "
tr	5	* * * * * Half an hour later , Hank was nowhere to be found , so shooting had to go on without him .
tr	5	Then they got a close up of Chuck doing his droopy miserable face , his jaw hanging open , a banana peel on his head .
tr	5	After hanging up his uniform and cleaning up as best he could , Chuck drove over to Hank 's apartment to check up on him .
tr	5	The sets , the cameras , the lights , it all looked different when there wasn 't a room full of people messing around with them .
tr	5	He turned and looked directly at them and saw they were connected to a pair of pants that went out of sight behind the clothes rack .
tr	5	Burt looked like was about to say something else , but at that moment Sofia entered the studio , followed closely by a pretty blonde girl .
tr	5	Once inside , he found himself in the living room , and here were the signs of struggle that were missing from the dressing room .
tr	5	He turned it over in his hands a few times , before he realized he was looking at the heel of a woman 's high-heeled shoe .
tr	5	He was also worried that the wake would be mobbed with reporters , but when he arrived at the funeral home , he didn 't see anything .
tr	5	" I 'm throwing a dinner party tonight in Hank 's honor , " Ed said , " I hope you can make it . "
tr	5	" You really must come , " she said , " Everyone will be there , and Ed will be making an important announcement . "
tr	5	" Attention , please , " Ed said , raising his glass , " I have a toast to make , and an announcement . "
tr	5	It seemed like a dismissal of sorts , so Chuck turned away , unable to stop the suspicious thoughts that were swirling about in his mind .
tr	5	Maybe it was true , pretty people get stuff handed to them for free , while people who looked like basset hounds worked hard for scraps .
tr	5	She was crying silently , big tears running down her face , running black with mascara and getting soaked up in the cloth that gagged her mouth .
tr	5	" But ... " " You promised we wouldn 't return to England as failures , and we 're bloody well not going back as criminals ! "
tr	5	He leaned towards Anne and whispered in her ear , " Don 't be afraid , " as he lifted his arms and put them around her .
tr	5	He lay there panting for a moment , Anne resting uncomfortably under one of his elbows , waiting to hear someone shout " Cut ! "
tr	5	He rolled over onto his stomach , gently depositing Anne onto the grass , and pushed himself up , getting his bloody knees underneath him .
tr	5	Once a living , breathing person , he is now an undead agent of the supernatural , impervious to death in all of its conventional ways .
tr	5	With that , the pilot exploded into a giant mass of veiny flesh and rammed Poltergeist in the chest , knocking him through the cornfields .
tr	5	It drooled an icky , viscous drip as two long , red tentacles slipped out from between the teeth and lifted the box from the ground .
tr	5	Whatever these things were , who they might have been , where they came from , or even their motivations meant nothing at this point .
tr	5	I 've yearned to say these things to you many times , but the right words , or frankly the courage , never found me .
tr	5	I 'd only remember fragments , blacking out and waking up not far away , often still frightened but somehow knowing that I 'd be safe .
tr	5	My actual father had been gone since before I could remember and my mother hadn 't been too picky about finding someone to fill his shoes .
tr	5	I found a few when I was hiding and I stopped using those spots so I 'd be safe , but I still wasn 't .
tr	5	He 'd rarely revisited the episodes this way , but now that he was putting it down on paper for Delilah , it felt strangely good .
tr	5	The few people that did notice kept quiet fearing for their sanity , and anything else ended up in the whispers of the superstitious soldiers .
tr	5	I knew I was in trouble but I stepped between the buildings hoping that I could hand over my cash and get on my way .
tr	5	He actually could connect what happened in my case to others , many others , but he couldn 't connect me specifically to the other cases .
tr	5	He knew I 'd have little memory of the episodes , but he also knew about the sensation of peace and the feeling of flying .
tr	5	That means they are either destroyed , or worse , they 're sent off with the threat to endure whatever torment was meant for the protected one .
tr	5	Though he and I have discussed the possibility of using a suicide attempt to reach the other place , he always considered it too dangerous to try .
tr	5	I 'm not sure how he will react to what I 've done , but I want you to know that this is my own choice .
tr	5	Straightening up , the Detective was suddenly very businesslike as he said , " You got a letter and you rushed over here , right ? "
tr	5	Well , some of that crazy stuff is true , " he said , " and separating the true from the crazy is the fun part . "
tr	5	She has recently edited " Fleeing from Absence " ( 2009 ) , a collection of four essays on time , space and information by Olga Ast .
tr	5	Not to be confused with David McCullough , the author , historian , and lecturer , Dave McCullough is an author , software developer , and craftsman .
tr	5	He is the award-winning creator of " War of the Woods " which was hailed by MTV as one of the best webcomics of 2010 .
tr	5	Makeshift portable lighting had been organised , heating was available at certain times of the day and a system of provisioning had been put in place .
tr	5	Their search for him and all opposition would go on through the night and day , every day until he and his followers had been eradicated .
tr	5	Terry was finding it difficult to find words and both men sat on the dusty concrete ledge by the side of the track in silence .
tr	5	John felt the battle was over ; all of the fight had gone from him and he realised that he was facing the last of his struggles .
tr	5	He smoothed the hair away from her lifeless eyes and looked fondly at what he still thought was the most beautiful woman in the world .
tr	5	He was so proud of his red beret but rarely wore it when on leave as attitudes had changed for the worst towards uniformed soldiers .
tr	5	He remembered the wonderful day of his marriage and how he had spent too much time away fighting wars that no one but his political masters wanted .
tr	5	He recalled how much he and Marie wanted children but they had decided that they would wait until he was out of the war zones .
tr	5	Terry nodded and watched the trio walk away down the tunnel as he gave the command to his explosives man to seal the room within the alcove .
tr	5	He and Marie had become heavily involved in voluntary work for the vulnerable in the community and John derived great satisfaction from the work they did .
tr	5	Chapter 2 Eighteen years earlier 2018 The economy had got progressively worse as a privileged few took more out of the pot than they put in .
tr	5	More often than not , they waited for a bank to show signs of failing before jumping in to buy at a knock down price .
tr	5	The Government had long since stopped bailing out failing banks but not before they had pumped billions into them , buying up most of their toxic debt .
tr	5	John thought it was a totally unnecessary law as there was little stomach for anyone in work to risk losing their jobs by going on strike .
tr	5	Britain was spared some of the problems associated with a return to a previous currency because the UK Pound remained largely isolated from the Euro difficulties .
tr	5	We know that political opposition is now virtually impossible ; we know elections are rigged ; worker power has been sterilised so those in work are powerless .
tr	5	I 'm afraid the riots we 're now seeing will get worse because it 's the only option left for anyone who wants their voice heard . '
tr	5	Two others , ex Para Graham Johns who was now a police officer and Paul Cobb an ex Marine , was an expert in explosives .
tr	5	Another change of government was brought about by a very public scandal of several senior cabinet members accused of being involved in a sex ring .
tr	5	It was proven that they were party to importing young girls from Eastern Europe and taking fat hand outs for arranging the necessary import documents .
tr	5	A draft constitution is being developed that will re-establish the values and principles I know you all wish to see as part of our society once again .
tr	5	2nd Infantry Brigade will despatch its battalions to the major cities and towns outside the Capital to maintain order in the event it gets out of hand .
tr	5	' Gentlemen , I believe we can get this show on the road so I will ask the General and Commissioner to leave and commence their operations .
tr	5	He spluttered , his hands were trembling , ' I have never seen these in my life , someone has put these in here . '
tr	5	Just at the rear of the line a spotter , using night vision binoculars , would identify a ringleader and pass the information to the front line .
tr	5	Directly behind the line a snatch squad would wait for the signal for the row of riot police to part , opening a gap in the file .
tr	5	The wages were not good but it was a steady income and given the economic environment , John considered himself fortunate to be in employment .
tr	5	A canvas sheet was rolled out on the roof of the pen whenever there was rain but the wardens took their time putting that in place .
tr	5	' What are you going to do about it prick , why don 't you come in here and show me what I should do ?
tr	5	Locals tidied the place up from time to time and occasionally one would see groups of elderly men and women carefully tending the few remaining plants .
tr	5	He saw that her hands were gnarled and painfully swollen , her face ravaged by years of hardship and plainly she was not in good health .
tr	5	' I 'll get the message out to the rest of the men John , we 'll be at your house at about 8pm , ok ? '
tr	5	' Yes , of course it is John , I take it they need some medical care so I 'll get some things together . '
tr	5	' I guess you know me better than I know myself so I won 't pretend that tonight will be a turning point in our lives Marie .
tr	5	Trust me , please honey , I promise that I will do nothing about whatever is agreed tonight until I have spoken to you . '
tr	5	Before I continue , you have the right to walk out now if you feel in any way uncomfortable with what I have said so far .
tr	5	John paused to gauge responses ; he needed to be sure that the group were fully aware of the gravity of what they were agreeing to .
tr	5	' Absolutely John , with respect to the rest of the team , I can 't think of anyone else I would sooner follow . '
tr	5	' I believe you have been planning this for a long time John and so I think you must be the right man to see it through .
tr	5	John continued , ' Terry shall be my second in command , Derek and Paul I would like you to establish our bases using the Underground network .
tr	5	' Thanks Paul , I 'll leave it you and Derek to report back with a plan of what you are going to do and how .
tr	5	' I will be visiting the towns and cities outside of London over the next 2 weeks and making contact with our group leaders there .
tr	5	John embraced her and let cry before he spoke , ' I am not going to let it go on Marie , it will stop I promise .
tr	5	He told her everything that had taken place that evening and asked , ' do you want to go along with me on this ? '
tr	5	Only this time it won 't be criminals , rioters or disruptive hooligans but you guys and others like you that fall into the profile .
tr	5	It probably will not be the police but the military that make the arrests although the police will be there doing the processing and DNA sampling .
tr	5	I can get hold of a small quantity of explosives and detonators but I need some help to me get in and out of the place .
tr	5	' So , it may be we can develop some allies by talking to the dissidents even though they may no longer have any political clout .
tr	5	Our return route may or may not be underground and that part of the plan will be finalised after I have the report from P and D .
tr	5	Oh , and by the way there is some flooding in the last leg as we go under the Thames between London Bridge and Monument . '
tr	5	Derek responded , ' when we realised how bad the air situation was we decided that the pump was the priority so we fixed that first .
tr	5	' I am glad to say , ' John started , ' that the tunnels between here and our destination at Monument are reasonably clear .
tr	5	Each group crouched in the darkness waiting for the signal to cross the road to the entrance point that would take them down to their underground rendezvous .
tr	5	John saw the look of recognition on Alan 's face and said ' the nurses will do their best to sort you out Alan . '
tr	5	Most of your time will be spent in underground tunnels like this but you will have food , friends with a common aim and freedom .
tr	5	Most importantly you will be a part of a movement that intends to change everything that we know is wrong , back to being good once again .
tr	5	' The sooner we have a fully integrated centralised information system Tony we will be in a better position to eliminate such a threat . '
tr	5	We can build a profile of potential rebels and then we take a view whether those people are lifted and incarcerated before they do any damage . '
tr	5	No Henry , I will not deviate from the course of action I have taken , action that will benefit this country in the long run .
tr	5	John 's fear was that the State would try to flood the tunnels or use gas once they knew that the tube was the fighter 's base .
tr	5	Alan was uncertain about what the boss wanted to talk to him about but he felt privileged that John would want to speak to him personally .
tr	5	To date they had managed to divest the contents of two security vehicles and turned over a couple of jewellery shops but took only the cash .
tr	5	John stopped him , ' leave it Alan , I knew you would have a problem and that 's why I want Janice to help you .
tr	5	' Ok , Mr Walker but promise me you will get back underground as soon as we reach my front door and I have got home .
tr	5	Janice leaned against Alan as they walked and all too soon for Alan they reached Janice 's apartment block , she stopped at the stairwell entrance .
tr	5	Alan could not afford to risk the first policeman surviving so he reluctantly made sure he would not be before he ran away from the scene .
tr	5	Terry answered his secure radio ' I have no idea boss ; it appears that we might have a renegade action from within the ranks . '
tr	5	They were both lost in the moment and for a short time the young couple felt peace and joy and complete release from all of their anxieties .
tr	5	Chapter 7 2028 Graham waited at Jubilee Gardens for John to show up ; he was becoming nervous about his meeting with John at this place .
tr	5	' Of course John , ' she smiled knowingly , ' I 'm very well thank you , ' she said in her normal chirpy way .
tr	5	Having waded through the crowds of travellers in Waterloo station John carefully made his way to the disguised entrance that led down to the disused underground tunnel .
tr	5	' Then he is a worse criminal than I imagined and I swear to God that he and his cronies will pay for their crimes .
tr	5	Graham tried to contain his reservations , ' isn 't that upping the ante a bit and putting us in the same camp as them ? '
tr	5	' He 's being held at Kings Cross police station John and I believe they won 't be moving him for at least three days .
tr	5	I ' ve called you together because we have a very important and I have to say dangerous job to do within the next three days .
tr	5	I believe that they are already responsible for many disappearances and the only way to stop this cancer from growing is to cut it out .
tr	5	John noted Alan 's anger but continued , ' Mal , I will need two vans that can carry six of us and equipment in each .
tr	5	Within minutes two vehicles approached , one from the North , the other from the South each carrying six armed and black clad masked men .
tr	5	One reached for his weapon but with a stride Alan had entered from the rear and placed his gun muzzle against the officer 's head .
tr	5	Alan was still trying to absorb what he had witnessed and was concerned by his own lack of sympathy for those they had just killed .
tr	5	I 'm sorry but all that we can offer him by getting him to a medical facility is more of what he has already endured .
tr	5	Despair was etched on their faces ' Terry , will you please nominate a section to organise a decent but discreet burial for Mr Watson .
tr	5	We are making all necessary enquiries to ascertain who was responsible but as yet we only have our Police Officers ' statements to work on . '
tr	5	Reynolds was surprised that his MI5 colleague was able to make such a conclusion ; he had not done so although he could now see the link .
tr	5	Chapter 8 The year 2036 John stirred from his memories of the job at Kings Cross eight years ago when Jason came and sat next to him .
tr	5	' I 'm going on a tour of the bases let me know which parts of the network the units are in after we meet .
tr	5	As with all movement in the network , there was always a fear of what was around the next bend or waiting in the dark shadows .
tr	5	Terry watched the trio approach from the direction he had expected but didn 't expose his position until he was sure they had not been followed .
tr	5	Nearly 100 hundred years later John would have a battle group of 650 men and some of their families in there or other tunnels just like it .
tr	5	As they carefully traversed the walls of the old building Jason was first to spot a distinctive mark that was similar to an old War Office arrow .
tr	5	' I think they 're ok but may need one of our engineers to look at them , I just can 't get them going . '
tr	5	' Yes John , Alan Walker , he 's been on a number of operations with us and is proving to be a good soldier . '
tr	5	It took about two hours of cautious and painstaking digging before there was sufficient space for Derek and his men to clamber through the gap .
tr	5	Terry winced and looked at John , he wasn 't expecting that request and Brenda could see the expression on John 's face suddenly change .
tr	5	We are being watched and some of my colleagues have been questioned by a team of people brought in from Henry Mason 's MI5 department . '
tr	5	He had a big responsibility and was proud of what he had achieved in his life -- up until recently ; now he wasn 't so sure .
tr	5	His years of policing gave him a sixth sense , a nose , an ability to read signs that would lead him to a conclusion .
tr	5	They were his idea but whilst they worked at first , instilling order from the mayhem that accompanied the riots , now they were being misused .
tr	5	Henry Mason was not a stupid man , he knew that they had not heard or seen the last of this group , whoever they were .
tr	5	' No problem , we 'll go there together now and you can tell me what you 've managed to find out on the way . '
tr	5	More importantly , the general expert opinion was that it would take at least two years to fully integrate the data and ensure back-up capability .
tr	5	Millions of pounds of computer hardware have been installed and it currently has a copy of everything that the CIO has written on to its system .
tr	5	Within seconds of them reaching their underground escape route several loud thuds of the explosive charges could be heard together with the sound of police vehicle sirens .
tr	5	Paul Cobb held his finger to his ear as if to say ' listen ' , the loud bang was followed by several smaller thuds .
tr	5	The full report threw no new light on the insurgent group except that now there appeared to be more of them and they were very well organised .
tr	5	' I sincerely hope so Commissioner , I 've already had one Chief of Police demonstrate that he wasn 't up to the job . '
tr	5	The investigating officer explained what had happened , asked him a few routine questions and said ' do you have any idea who might have done this ?
tr	5	' These guys were pros John , I 've no doubt about it and I don 't think we 've seen the last of them .
tr	5	' Well , between you and me and I mean strictly between you and me , they must have found out what was happening at the CIO .
tr	5	Data on everybody was being collected and integrated into one system so that the Government could identify everything about everyone at the push of a button . '
tr	5	John put his hand on his colleague 's shoulder , ' get some rest Jack and we 'll see you back at work soon eh ? '
tr	5	' You 're right John I don 't have a better answer but I 'm unsure that your plan will have the desired effect . '
tr	5	John was in favour of going in under cover of darkness and escorting Mr Harper to the nearest underground station , which would be Notting Hill Gate .
tr	5	Greg thought for a moment ' I guess all of them with exception of Boyce who I believe is back raking in money from his banking activities .
tr	5	You would be provided with an office , which I hope , when you have a team together , will eventually become the interim government offices .
tr	5	' Don 't worry , I won 't have second thoughts , I 've been praying for some time that someone like you would turn up .
tr	5	Terry responded ' it 's going to be risky simply because we have to act quickly and I guess we cannot leave it beyond tomorrow night . '
tr	5	' Sorry to interrupt Sir but Brendon and I have an idea about picking up Mr Harper that we would like to talk to you about . '
tr	5	Do not give him my name but just that your commander knows that he has a small porcelain ornament of a tiger on his mantelpiece .
tr	5	' You go on ahead and park yourself on a bench close to the apartment ; I 'll follow on in about 5 minutes . '
tr	5	The door swung open ' come in , come in , ' Gregory said looking furtively over Kenny 's shoulder as he ushered him into the apartment .
tr	5	Greg Harper was given a flask of cool water , ' you will need it because it can get very dry and dusty down here . '
tr	5	John extracted his hand and said ' My name is John and for the moment I have no intention make myself known to our enemy .
tr	5	There would be time later to discuss the finer details of future action ; for now , he would let them enjoy their renewed friendship .
tr	5	Mason could not rely on Police support either ; the new Police Commissioner was out of his depth and just did as he was told .
tr	5	He decided that his best option would be to create a situation that would force them to attack and he would be ready for them .
tr	5	So the capture of one or more of the gang and a little subtle persuasion of the kind he personally enjoyed would do the trick .
tr	5	' I will get some of my men on to it Sir , I 'm sure that if we pool resources we can get the answers quicker .
tr	5	Do we know how they are able to appear and disappear at will and why do we not have any intelligence on any of the perpetrators ? '
tr	5	Fortunately , we have some friendly States whose support is dependent on their current leadership 's penchant for the good life , if you get my drift .
tr	5	' We have arrest squads on their way now to all of them with the exception of Edward Grainger who is believed to be overseas .
tr	5	' I do not want Bill Boyce picked up Henry he is being very helpful to me and his contacts in the financial sector are extremely important .
tr	5	Four of the deep shelters , two north of the Thames and two south had been fully equipped to house several thousand civilians and soldiers in each .
tr	5	Tables , chairs and all the trappings of a busy ministerial meeting office had been provided and even a secretary was available to record their discussions .
tr	5	I will not nor cannot give any assurances that there will not be a difficult road ahead but I know that we will achieve our goal .
tr	5	We conclude that it is unlikely as so much infrastructure passes through that if it were damaged business life above ground would come to a standstill .
tr	5	The fledgling ministers had managed to recruit more willing hands to their ranks and now had the numbers needed to start building a constitutional framework .
tr	5	He gave examples of how the people had now come to realise that they no longer live in a democracy and their freedom had effectively been removed .
tr	5	' Unfortunately , ' he said , ' the military and the police are still supporting him so any revolt by the people is quickly squashed .
tr	5	And so for the next three years the rebel politicians worked tirelessly , arguing , debating and analysing every aspect of what made good government .
tr	5	Throughout this time the investment banker and the Frenchman pleaded with their captors not to harm them , offering large rewards for their safe release .
tr	5	They were each told the same thing , ' I want two things ; I want you to search your conscience and I want your clothes .
tr	5	' My officers at three of our Containment pens had three visitors who claimed they were businessmen who had been kidnapped and threatened earlier that evening .
tr	5	After they made some phone calls it was verified that they were indeed who they said they were and were given lifts to their homes . '
tr	5	Henry Mason looked a little uncomfortable , ' in fact Sir most of my men are engaged in more global activities and matters of national security .
tr	5	Whoever is leaking information to them will give them enough to encourage them to want to pick him up and take him to their base .
tr	5	' I have to agree that there are some unanswered questions but also the payoff may be , in my view , greater than the risk .
tr	5	Brendon noted that there were plenty of gardens in the area and waited at the top of the road whilst Kenny rang the doorbell of number 415 .
tr	5	' We understand that you are interested in joining forces against the current establishment Sir and I 've come here to escort you to our headquarters . '
tr	5	' Yes I am interested but I 've got far too much to do that would make it impossible for me to leave right now .
tr	5	His body jerked and lifted from the ground with the impact of each strike eventually rendering him motionless on the ground in a pool of blood .
tr	5	As the police vehicle trundled through the streets of London , Ken Vernon or Kenny as he liked to be called pondered on his life .
tr	5	He fell to the ground and unable to maintain his balance scraped his face and hands as he contacted the rough surface of the road .
tr	5	The operation about the banker was clearly a set up but it wasn 't until he was contacted by Graham that he learned of Kenny 's death .
tr	5	John had always known that this time would come and he wasn 't surprised that his picture now appeared on wanted posters all over London .
tr	5	There were six uniformed men in total in general states of undress and all had been drinking heavily judging by the empty bottles and cans lying around .
tr	5	For the moment , they were speechless until John entered and took up a central position in front of the quickly sobering up police officers .
tr	5	John spoke quietly but with menace in his voice ' I will tell you what I want and then we will decide what comes next .
tr	5	As a starter , I want you to point out to me the two individuals who were responsible for the death of one of my men .
tr	5	One of the two handcuffed officers a tall man named Adam French puffing out his chest in defiance said , ' he 's telling lies .
tr	5	These individuals were considered a threat to the regime and we are paid to see to it that the threat is removed ; no questions asked . '
tr	5	So I personally don 't give a shit what happens to me and I certainly don 't give a damn what happens to you . '
tr	5	' It 's a pity you didn 't take the time to count , maybe you would have been aware of the wrong you were doing .
tr	5	I want a lock up prepared for our two guests where they will be secure until it is decided what is to be done with them .
tr	5	Adam French lay on his bunk with his hands behind his head , unmoved by the delivery , whilst Charlie scrambled over to the water and bread .
tr	5	Adam got up and banged on the cell door ' you had better get in here ; you have a dead prisoner on your hands . '
tr	5	' There are over one thousand people here and there are several other deep shelters just like this around London with similar numbers occupying them .
tr	5	' Yes I have and it shames me deeply to know I have been party to inflicting the misery that these people have to endure .
tr	5	When the riots and the lawlessness were at their peak , I felt justified and even patriotic in helping get the society back to some normality .
tr	5	' I somehow figured that was the sort of response I 'd get from you so I have a proposition for you to think about .
tr	5	Unfortunately , it would be necessary for you to be seen as an enthusiastic member of his set up so you must have no qualms about that .
tr	5	' That 's easy , you pointed him out as the copper responsible for Kenny 's death and we took him with us when we left .
tr	5	I will arrange for an advance party to check out the Southgate location and if it 's clear just you and I will go inside . '
tr	5	John didn 't hold anything back when he sideswiped his new colleague on the side of his head with the heavy end of his machine pistol .
tr	5	' Three police officers were murdered sometime in the last 24 hours , another is missing presumed dead and one other seriously hurt and in hospital .
tr	5	You know as well as I that there are some dangerous criminal gangs around and I trust you to remove them from our streets . '
tr	5	' The exact words we believe were , " We will continue to seek out these assassination squads and they will be found and eliminated .
tr	5	' We know his personal details and his military background we also know he and his group are well armed , well trained and organised .
tr	5	He has managed to develop bases in different parts of the network , which has given him the ability to move around London at will .
tr	5	The business community above all must not be affected and of course I do not want any of our law abiding citizens harmed in any way . '
tr	5	I 'll get it set up now , so good luck my friend and don 't worry , we won 't be too far away . '
tr	5	I am to provide the over ground patrols in support but they are to be discreet and appear no different to our normal street patrols .
tr	5	I am pleased to say that riots , criminal activity and antisocial behaviour have almost been eradicated and that is a great credit to you all .
tr	5	I am not expecting this will be easy but I am relying on all of you here to carry out this policy with energy and enthusiasm .
tr	5	Policing is a matter for the Police and should only involve Government when the Police are not doing the job they are there to do .
tr	5	The main focus would be on the Northern line , one would enter in the North at Hampstead and the other from the South at Clapham South .
tr	5	Explosives or grenades were not to be used but any targets that were contacted in the tunnels were to be destroyed using small arms fire .
tr	5	John did not view this as a great advantage as these men were highly trained and experienced soldiers , nevertheless , it made them less mobile .
tr	5	JD deduced that there were several small figures huddled together in groups at one end of the shelter and these were surrounded by larger people .
tr	5	Here at least we 're not taken from our beds in the middle of the night and thrown into one of your Con pens . '
tr	5	As he did so , John Judge and a heavily armed section of his men had quietly approached from the dark stairwell to the rear .
tr	5	Before John could respond the Platoon Leader picked up his radio , ' Delta 1 to all sections abort your mission now , I repeat , abort .
tr	5	JD flicked on his transmission switch , ' Delta 1 to Bravo 24 you will be allowed to return to the surface shortly without obstruction .
tr	5	For some time now I have become disenchanted with fighting wars thousands of miles away , wars that in many cases were open to question .
tr	5	Now I 'm being asked to fight against our own people and tonight we were responsible for the death of innocent civilians including two children .
tr	5	I have already disobeyed my direct orders and now I will be classed as a deserter but I 'd rather live with that than the alternative .
tr	5	JD , I will assign one of my commanders to you until you are fully up to speed with how we operate and what our plans are .
tr	5	When any of my troops desert and especially an officer , I can no longer claim to have the trust of the men under my command .
tr	5	The General stood up slowly and standing to attention saluted the Union flag that was draped in the corner of the room , turned and left .
tr	5	' He decided to do so himself and has declared that he will only inform you when the new policy is well under way to being implemented .
tr	5	We cannot lose the support of the Police or the Army , if we do then we will return to the anarchy we had 15 years ago .
tr	5	What are you going to do about the terrorists causing so much disruption and how will you deal with the obvious disquiet amongst the ranks ? '
tr	5	It was decided not to use the station for security reasons given that Judge and his men have already taken two units down from within Police stations .
tr	5	They became aware that they , for the first time in their military careers , would be fighting for a cause they could believe in .
tr	5	By the time John settled into the passenger seat the men had bound , hooded and gagged their captive who had now ceased to struggle .
tr	5	' Terry take him to the execution cell then dump his body outside Mason 's office ' John turned and started to walk out of the door .
tr	5	' Mr Winterton , because you did not live up completely to your side of the agreement I am not going to let you go . '
tr	5	John started by passing the brown envelope to Graham who slid the contents out and read the typewritten note , he then looked at the photograph .
tr	5	The ' special duties ' squad had become sloppy and undisciplined mainly due to inactivity and lack of direction So Derek completed the task with minimal fuss .
tr	5	As things turned out , he didn 't have to bring anyone in because three days later Commissioner Slattery was shot by one of his own men .
tr	5	The loss of Derek particularly was devastating for John and the other founder members given the years they had worked together and the sacrifices they had made .
tr	5	There was of course , none to be found but most of the men were shocked to see that they had killed their own comrades .
tr	5	The leader of the group was aware that a unit had deserted during a previous engagement at Stockwell and was making his way there to join them .
tr	5	' Yes Sir but ... ' ' There are no buts Colonel , he 's a deserter and will be executed as per military law .
tr	5	John remembered finding an unused alcove and lay down on a makeshift bunk , looked up at the mildewed arched ceiling and tried to sleep .
tr	5	The noise of his radio brought him fully back to the present ' Dad it 's Jason , where are you , are you ok ? '
tr	5	Most of the missions they were sent on were relatively safe and if they weren 't dad saw to it that Terry watched over them .
tr	5	The three men walked on to where a group of men were standing around a warming coffee pot ' ok if we join you ? '
tr	5	Terry interrupted ' Listen boys , you 've already lost your ma ; your father does not want to take the chance of losing either of you .
tr	5	However , Unions will be restricted to taking action only if they have the majority of their membership in support of whatever action they are recommending .
tr	5	Each Company must , under the Charter , allow for a workers council with at least one of its members sitting in on board meetings .
tr	5	' Greg , from what I have heard so far I am really optimistic that the framework you have outlined is a fantastic way forward .
tr	5	He knew that they were about to desert on the night of their capture but still felt the firing squad was not the way to punish them .
tr	5	The two spent the next three hours planning the operation ; an operation that John thought would turn the odds in his favour if successful .
tr	5	John commanded Mrs Mason to keep quiet and calmly told her that she would come to no harm if she did as she was told .
tr	5	John nodded to the arrest team leader who together with another of his largely built men stepped forward and physically lifted Mason out of his bed .
tr	5	He was a small man dwarfed by the six-man arrest team who were physically carrying him out of the room clad only in his boxer shorts .
tr	5	' Believe me Mason , nothing would give me greater pleasure than to remove you permanently from this planet but I 'm sorry you have another destiny .
tr	5	In the meantime I need to speak to Graham even though it is becoming more difficult for him to escape his workplace without being noticed . '
tr	5	He called an emergency Cabinet meeting and was particularly interested on what the military and the Police plans were to recover Mason from the rebels .
tr	5	Therefore , it would require a massive operation and I suspect there would be many military losses ; the rebels have a major advantage below ground . '
tr	5	Not only could they find Henry but also release him and perhaps , if the opportunity arose , even get rid of Judge and his senior people .
tr	5	John responded ' that sounds ok to me JD ; you vet them and let me know when you have the infiltrators identified and closely watched .
tr	5	To wait until after the event would , he believed , completely eradicate any thought of desertion from the ranks and so make his infiltrators less credible .
tr	5	Some were seriously concerned by the way the outdated law of death by firing squad was being used without the accused having a proper trial .
tr	5	On the open side , newly set into the ground , were the three wooden posts that would restrain the sentenced soldiers to face their executioners .
tr	5	As they approached , their allotted final places each turned and spat on the ground in the direction of the General as a last act of defiance .
tr	5	Soldiers either side of him stepped forward to help him up ' Stand still you men ; leave that man where he lies ' the Adjutant commanded .
tr	5	The party securing the sentenced men to their wooden stakes completed their task , each avoiding the eyes of their comrades who were about to die .
tr	5	As one soldier finished securing a strap around the ankles of a condemned comrade , he stood up and a tear rolled uncontrollably down his face .
tr	5	He looked to his Sergeant , ' take two of your men and escort the General back to his quarters and keep him under guard . '
tr	5	As the troops started an orderly withdrawal from the square Colonel Jock Fraser noticed a spring in their step that certainly wasn 't there earlier .
tr	5	' Today is the day of the executions Terry and maybe it 's gone ahead despite my letter and they 're still returning to barracks . '
tr	5	I do know that the military are back at their bases , which are in lock down mode so my Officers have been unable to gain access .
tr	5	He wished she could be with him now especially now that he was about to launch the final push to take back the country for the people .
tr	5	You will be happy to know that the executions did not take place and it may be because of the two Officers we are holding .
tr	5	They are not to be destroyed but contained so the occupants in some cases will be allowed to continue working if they are providing a public service .
tr	5	We are sure there will be no resistance from the nurses and doctors although the foreign owners of the private clinics may squeal a bit . '
tr	5	There was a frenzied blur of movement as commanders and team leaders collected their orders and moved out either North or South to respective locations .
tr	5	Firstly , those who helped this revolution are to be pardoned of any crime that they committed or were accused of committing by the outgoing regime .
tr	5	Oh , and by the way there are four more in the gardens and two in the room at the rear of the house . '
tr	5	' The old were a drain on the country 's resources and if kids went hungry it was because their lazy parents couldn 't be bothered .
tr	5	Gregory Harper decided to wait until medics were able to see to the dead before he would complete the task John Judge had set him .
tr	5	I will now take this opportunity to ... Terry Bayliss listened with pride to what was being said as Greg started to elucidate elements of the charter .
tr	5	One or two people curled up in the deep red armchairs , their faces intent as they absorbed themselves in the books cradled in their laps .
tr	5	If I 'd come here a few months ago I would have stayed one night and run away to a refurbished city hostel with relief .
tr	5	Claire had refused to even charge her phone for the first twenty-four hours , convinced she would discover impassioned messages from him after her sudden departure .
tr	5	There had been nothing for a day or two , and then only a polite enquiry as to whether the laptop worked and contained everything she needed .
tr	5	Claire gripped the steering wheel and pointed her car up the narrow lane , crawling along in a low gear ready to stop if another vehicle appeared .
tr	5	I can 't see more than a few metres in any direction , the hedges are like walls and there 's barely room for one car .
tr	5	The hostel , when she arrived , looked like someone 's house ; a sprawling brick building with large white chimneys , surrounded by trees .
tr	5	Claire Thank you for sending through your initial findings , they appear satisfactory , although I have not had a great deal of time to peruse them .
tr	5	It 's an essential part of the region 's tourism , so I 'm sure you 'll understand why we need it to be a success .
tr	5	Regards Conor The last sentence definitely sounded like a rebuke , although Claire couldn 't point to the exact part that gave her that impression .
tr	5	When she 'd arrived back at the hostel she 'd decided to skip her planned activity and wander around the house and gardens , enjoying the silence .
tr	5	Her thoughts drifted on to how much she 'd neglected it since selling her iPad and she made another note to give it some attention .
tr	5	If she looked around she might notice the steep drop down to the rocks below , visible beneath the white froth of the crashing waves .
tr	5	The manager at the hostel had said a visit to Tintagel castle would be all the more impressive against the backdrop of the rough sea .
tr	5	Claire pulled into the side to make way for an elderly couple , holding hands and giggling as they skipped down the steps like teenagers .
tr	5	With effort , Claire blocked out the sounds of the tourists , the giggling children , the frantic mothers , the bored teenagers up to mischief .
tr	5	I 'm staying at the Tintagel hostel tonight ; just spent the day at the castle , so hopefully I 'll be able to write about that .
tr	5	I 'm as devastated that there won 't be any grandkids for me to spoil - I can 't see her sister ever settling down .
tr	5	Then she remembered gossiping with her friend about a promotion in the office that could only have made sense if those involved were sleeping together .
tr	5	Claire knew there was no way she would be standing on it by the end of the two hours , despite all of Paul 's enthusiastic assurances .
tr	5	Although they didn 't look huge from the beach , she was certain it would be a different matter when they were pouring over her head .
tr	5	As she looked around , the other students were too busy pulling themselves back on their boards or brushing wet hair from their faces to notice .
tr	5	Eventually , after falling off and into the sea more times than a toddler learning to walk , she managed to climb briefly to her feet .
tr	5	She wandered along the walkways , where endless beds of vibrant flowers filled the air with clashing scents and painted the floor with rows of bright colour .
tr	5	Dotted among the plants were sculptures and displays , like a living museum , while all around there were people chattering and calling to each other .
tr	5	" That would be quite straight forward , " he said eventually , " but you 'd need someone financially motivated to set it up .
tr	5	I was going to ask Ruth , but she didn 't give me a chance and , on reflection , you may be the better person . "
tr	5	She thought about them stuck at her mother 's house for two weeks , while her dad wrote his novel and her mum went to WI meetings .
tr	5	" Just fixing up my sixties semi costs a fortune , I can 't imagine what the upkeep on an old Georgian pile like this would be .
tr	5	It really was like flying , to stand on the waxed board and balance atop the waves as the beach rushed up to meet her .
tr	5	While the ancient laptop warmed up , Claire loaded her emails into her phone , checking to see if Robert had sent his flight details as promised .
tr	5	Claire stared at the message again , trying to read beneath the surface , as she always felt compelled to do with messages from Conor .
tr	5	Her room was cosy , and she had been able to grab the proper bed in the corner , instead of one of the bunks .
tr	5	Leaving her things in her room , Claire followed the advice of the bunkhouse manager and headed off to find the woodland walk into the village .
tr	5	After taking a few sneaky hours to go surfing the day before , Claire felt a stab of guilt that she 'd been slacking on work time .
tr	5	She wanted to lose herself in castles and museums , reports and recommendations , anything that would distract her brain from the images it insisted on creating .
tr	5	Mentally adding ' sign posts ' to her report topics for successful tourism , Claire took a deep breath and tried to get her temper under control .
tr	5	At last she spotted a sign up ahead pointing to the castle , and then there it was , about a hundred yards from the sign .
tr	5	Claire parked the car and grimaced at the long walk up to the castle entrance , wondering if the maritime museum would have been a better choice .
tr	5	She walked into the castle behind a group of giggling children whose parents were also muttering about the price of membership and the slightly aggressive sales pitch .
tr	5	Thinking of things to do with her nephews lessened the fear a tiny bit and made her feel like she might cope during their two-week stay .
tr	5	Then she remembered they would be leaving in the morning to catch their flight , and pulled her phone out to send a quick text message .
tr	5	She hit send , put her phone away , then headed to the roof to take some photographs for the blog and to clear her head .
tr	5	Feeling as if clouds had swept over the brilliant sun , Claire turned away from the wall and headed back into the gloom of the castle .
tr	5	It was on the tip of Claire 's tongue to make some comment about wooing the ladies and she stopped , blood rushing to her cheeks .
tr	5	She looked at the top of Conor 's head , as he studied the menu , and searched her brain for something neutral to say .
tr	5	" Yes , apparently my brother and his wife have separated and the boys are being shuffled from parent to parent during the long vacation .
tr	5	Her early confidence evaporated and she could feel the hot flush rising up her neck as it did when she felt out of her depth .
tr	5	She found him sitting in the courtyard , looking relaxed in an open shirt and sunglasses propped on his head , despite the clouds gathering above them .
tr	5	She wanted to pull her hiking boots on and stride down to the beach , to let the sea breeze blow the dark thoughts from her mind .
tr	5	But outside the window , the mountainous clouds had turned black and the wind dragged at the tree tops , sending the green leaves dancing .
tr	5	She knew if she looked her brother in the eye she was likely to lose her temper again and she wouldn 't give him the satisfaction .
tr	5	Claire wondered what they had to apologise for , noting also that the boys clearly understood English , even if they didn 't speak it .
tr	5	His voice held no trace of the French accent from earlier , but rather rang out with the public school boy vowels of his father .
tr	5	Treating me like one of your PAs , whispering sweet nothings to your new lady friend while your boys try to convince me they only speak French .
tr	5	However little she knew about looking after boys , it didn 't seem as if they 'd get much more care and attention from their dad .
tr	5	She didn 't want to think about it too deeply , so she said , " Well , if you 're sure , that would be great .
tr	5	She rolled her eyes at him , then gave him a meaningful look , trying to convey some sense of the morning they 'd had .
tr	5	They all live near each other and play at each other 's houses and stuff , and they go to school down the road . "
tr	5	Between hockey and homework Claire thought she 'd probably only seen her parents a couple of hours a week from the age of eleven onwards .
tr	5	He said it wasn 't your fault that Father 's a ... " He stopped again , and a faint blush put colour in his pale cheeks .
tr	5	" Probably not , " Claire replied , wondering if Conor would find another excuse to drive the hundreds of miles from Dorset to Cornwall .
tr	5	Just because you 're in lurve , " he drew out the word , " doesn 't mean the rest of us have to be boring . "
tr	5	With two sisters in the house , Robert hadn 't been a rough-and-tumble child , although she remembered a few times when they 'd fought .
tr	5	She drained the last of her coffee , making a mental note to pick up takeaway when they stopped at the café , and stood up .
tr	5	As they left the breakfast room in relative harmony , Claire felt that she might be starting to get the hang of this parenting lark .
tr	5	Hooking an arm through Jack 's , she held out her elbow for Alex to hold on to , not really expecting him to take it .
tr	5	" Well , I might not be very good at making you behave , but I do know a café where they sell very good chocolate cake .
tr	5	After sharing with the boys for a week at the previous hostel , Claire was glad to go back to her own , private , sweet-smelling space .
tr	5	And very vulnerable , she thought , watching the boat pull at its mooring as the wake of a passing yacht stirred up the water .
tr	5	Leaving them discussing the merits of various types of bait with the man from the boat yard , Claire wandered off in search of caffeine .
tr	5	As the boys wrestled with the fish tugging at the end of the line , she tried to recall where she 'd heard the name before .
tr	5	As soon as Claire had taken several pictures , he gave it one last longing look before throwing it over the side of the boat .
tr	5	" Besides , " Alex continued before Claire had managed to frame a suitable answer , " It would have been nice to say goodbye .
tr	5	A cool breeze blew in from the sea , and Claire sensed the collective sigh of the closely packed audience , as the clapping died away .
tr	5	Claire looked over to where Alex stood , his gaze on the phone in his hands rather than the amazing view from the end of the land .
tr	5	Ruth didn 't have the money for travel to Europe , and it was years since Robert and his family had come home for the holidays .
tr	5	Behind her attempt at calm , a wave of anger was building : rage at her brother 's thoughtlessness , and remorse at her own previous neglect .
tr	5	He nodded in their direction , as if stumbling across a casual acquaintance , rather than coming to collect his sons after a two-week absence .
tr	5	Also by Amanda Martin : BABY BLUES AND WEDDING SHOES Amanda 's latest release , the chick lit novel Baby Blues and Wedding Shoes is available now .
tr	5	Readers with an appreciation for a bit of reality and a bit of hopeful romantic wishful dreaming will not be disappointed by this lovely tale .
tr	5	His younger brother , Neil , was thirteen and put in charge of babysitting Catherine 's three-year-old son , Michael , who was a rascal .
tr	5	The pictures of his family placed around the room were all facing at him as if his mom had planned on him sitting in that chair .
tr	5	Because he waited so long to get an Imp he didn 't have as many years of practice keeping his face under control when he logged on .
tr	5	" Neil , go check on Michael , " said Mac 's mom from the kitchen , where she and Catherine were building a feast .
tr	5	He already didn 't like the boys that were sniffing around his twin sisters -- and he didn 't even know if there were any .
tr	5	He knew if he told his mom the truth she would just say that all it meant was that the military did what all militaries do .
tr	5	Mac even suspected that Chester was on his Imp in the living room just now , but he was better at disguising his zombie face .
tr	5	Mac wanted to point it out but didn 't want to embarrass him before he revealed what he had really come out here to talk about .
tr	5	He didn 't come right out and say ' and get your Imp removed ' but that would be a big discussion when the time came .
tr	5	It was hard for him to sit and interact with others when he was so excited he wanted to stand up and cheer at every moment .
tr	5	If they had been at his parents ' house in Passage , they would have had fresh potatoes from the garden and mashed them all up .
tr	5	At three in the morning he decided he wasn 't going to fight it anymore so he read the messages on his Imp more closely .
tr	5	Mac would admit that it sounded strange that the military wouldn 't let certain soldiers go home but he was sure the commanders had a good reason .
tr	5	One of the things he and his fellow spacers used to do when they were taking breaks from studying in military classes was have push-up competitions .
tr	5	It was his sisters car , but she had all the adults in the family programmed in so they could all drive it when needed .
tr	5	He knew everything about the ships he worked with but he had seen this ship before ; it was the same ship that took her .
tr	5	Next time he saw his family he was going to use this as an example for why they needed to get Imps , regardless of their age .
tr	5	There was , however , a message from the offices of Major Spacer Commander Littleton -- that was the third highest rank in the military .
tr	5	Then he contacted the only man in Passage with an Imp to get an unbiased update on what Mac had missed while he was unconscious .
tr	5	" If we find out you set that hover car on fire to destroy evidence , then I will gladly be the one to take you away .
tr	5	Of the several people onboard , six spacers and a lieutenant to boss them around , went over to Mac 's burned out hover car .
tr	5	Mac was fighting the temptation to try to get some information out of Raymond , but he didn 't think that Raymond would tell him anything .
tr	5	As soon as the wheels touched down and were locked in place , military personnel surrounded the trucks to unload them and start setting things up .
tr	5	The interviewer would leave them alone for a long time and wait for the suspects to lower their guard and use their Imp to do something incriminating .
tr	5	As he walked back and forth , Mac told himself over and over that everything was going to be okay and that they would believe him .
tr	5	He was thrown into the psych ward by authorities who maintained that only a crazy person would do nothing while his people were being destroyed .
tr	5	There was enough open space beyond the debris from a collapsed section of wall for her to see that there was no one else out there .
tr	5	He wouldn 't be able to process what happened here on the best of days , so he 's just reverting to what he does best .
tr	5	The only way out was at a spot where a damaged wall leaned at just the right angle to allow them to pull themselves up .
tr	5	The glow was easy to see -- even through the thick dust and darkness of night -- and it cast long shadows over the rubble .
tr	5	" He said we needed to go away from whatever is on fire over there , " Tek pointed towards the glow Lynn was worried about .
tr	5	Lynn was relived to find out that George wasn 't a figment of Tek 's imagination but she still didn 't feel safe around either of them .
tr	5	It wasn 't exactly shelter , it didn 't even have a roof , but it was something familiar and Lynn desperately wanted to be there .
tr	5	The head was deformed -- twice the size of most humans ' skulls -- but from that distance , she couldn 't make out any facial details .
tr	5	When she got to the hospital she jumped onto the ramp , slid down the wall and thumped to an abrupt stop at the bottom .
tr	5	It pushed hard on the blade , and as it raised the tip in the air George 's skewered body slid down the long knife .
tr	5	When Jace came back later that night , he initially sounded like he was there to continue the questioning and not to visit someone he 'd wronged .
tr	5	It was hard for Mac to think of his family in those conditions , especially the young kids , but he couldn 't help it .
tr	5	They were just told to stand there and answer classified to anything anyone asked them B4 was a big hall with three offices in the back .
tr	5	They signed up for a scouting party which allowed Mac , the soldier and pilot , and Jace , the military intelligence officer , to work together .
tr	5	Chapter 6 Survivors When they got back to base later that night , they had to go through sensors to determine if they were exposed to radiation .
tr	5	In front of them , on the north side of the river , was a small transmission tower with a tiny red light blinking on top .
tr	5	With his free arm , Raymond punched Mac in the jaw and then pushed up with his other arm in an effort to free himself .
tr	5	Mac grabbed that arm and twisted it so that Raymond was forced to roll from his back to his stomach or his arm would break .
tr	5	It was on the verge of breaking when the Major reluctantly admitted defeat " Find me something to tie him up with , " said Mac .
tr	5	While they were trying to find out what was wrong with me , they discovered electric shocks helped me gain control of my arm again .
tr	5	My husband found out ... " Lynn hesitated when she realized she was about to present a conflicting idea to a mental patient with a possessed arm .
tr	5	Anyone who did or said something the military didn 't like was arrested and demanded to change their ways or be publicly denounced as traitors .
tr	5	Just remember that no matter what you choose to believe , don 't try to convince me that what I saw didn 't really happen .
tr	5	It was possible the closest fire was the burning remains of the explosion from the night before but there was no way to tell for sure .
tr	5	It 's complicated , and still in the testing stages , but just before I left my lab they were talking about starting human testing . "
tr	5	The man looked angry and ready to kill , but he must have been ordered to stand down because he didn 't pull the trigger , yet .
tr	5	He wouldn 't be able to describe the extent of the carnage to anyone -- even if he managed to get out of Northgate alive .
tr	5	There were moving lights from the hover cars on the highway and , in the sky , shuttles and space ships were flying to and from Earth .
tr	5	Jace and Mac puzzled over why the monsters were only in the North end of the city and why the attackers came down to kill the survivors .
tr	5	It was awkward taking in the sights because none of them had Imps , and museums had virtual tour guides which were accessed only with Imps .
tr	5	Mac and Jace didn 't care that the creature was in the middle of a conversation and his comrades would know that someone else was there .
tr	5	Using their Imps to get found was the easiest way to get out of the city , but it was going to be under military custody .
tr	5	But usually Mac would go down first and use his legs to hold himself up without going all the way to the end of the slide .
tr	5	When he was in place , the other kids would go down the slide until either the slide filled up or Mac 's legs gave out .
tr	5	The lack of Imp feeds did distract the soldiers long enough for Mac to shoot them , but that only worked for the people who were closest .
tr	5	Other soldiers noticed , and realizing that Mac and Jace were trying to get to the shuttles , they started running back to the ships .
tr	5	The massive transport shuttles and ships were also very boxy , but no one judged them because they were just hauling goods from one place to another .
tr	5	Chapter 10 McAllister The shuttle stealing scheme went off without a hitch , and Mac was soon on his way in the ugly Earth Living Shuttle .
tr	5	He had to carry the big , funny-looking transmitter around , and the fewer eyes there were to see it , the better for Mac .
tr	5	The really bad ones , the homeless ones like the man in the alley , stayed plugged into their Imp worlds as much as humanly possible .
tr	5	" Knowing would get you in trouble , and if you told the right people about me then I would get in trouble as well . "
tr	5	I 'll do what I can to get your package , but as soon as you leave I 'll go back in my made-up world . "
tr	5	I 'm the one who made the adjustments to the traditional surgical glasses , so if you end up going blind you 'll have me to blame .
tr	5	Soon she will be turned over to a maximum security mental hospital for the criminally insane , but for now she 's with us . "
tr	5	They weren 't allowed on the base , but hundreds , possibly thousands of reporters set up temporary shelters near the base 's front entrance .
tr	5	" It 's not very often , even these days , for the man to take the woman 's family name when they get married . "
tr	5	" There are only three people that are ever allowed to come and go from this place , and you are not one of them .
tr	5	Brindle opened a door -- it was a foot thick -- and obviously had a hydraulic assist mechanism because he didn 't have to pull very hard .
tr	5	He wished he could talk to Lynn about it , but he would lose the advantage of gathering information while his captors thought he was blind .
tr	5	A promise from a man who had just claimed to have killed millions of people just to control the population didn 't mean a whole lot .
tr	5	Also , once they get here they will need to get past the security system , and not even I know how to do that .
tr	5	And there 's no interplanetary drive , so you won 't get very far in space before one of my people catches up to you .
tr	5	She still wasn 't allowed to see where she was going , but described in detail what she was could see between the periods of blindness .
tr	5	In the docking bay , guards and crew members were trying to get out , but the last lurch sent them sliding all over the place .
tr	5	He took the controls , but instead of trying to maneuver his way to the doors , he decided shooting their way out would be faster .
tr	5	Mac wondered if the only man in Passage with an Imp had done that on purpose , just in case Mac was still in there .
tr	5	People would be too shocked about the general 's house crashing into the ocean to care much about the small shuttle that managed to escape .
tr	5	Raymond was one of the few who knew she 'd been onboard Zinger 's yacht , but Mac could only guess at where Raymond might be now .
tr	5	" Yes , and I approve of the general direction , but our charts don 't show the planet you guys are looking for . "
tr	5	On the other side of the door he could hear chatter about a pull of some kind , but he had no idea what that meant .
tr	5	That green went around the rest of the horseshoe and was only broken up by another mountain range that ran along the outside of the horseshoe curve .
tr	5	The base , or at least the only group of manmade objects as far as I can tell , is the source of the pull . "
tr	5	" I 'm going to the planet 's surface , and I 'm taking the Luddite and the girl with me , " said Raymond .
tr	5	Two people could stand inside it , but they would be so close together that it would be awkward if they weren 't really good friends .
tr	5	He remembered the tailspin , needing Raymond 's help to pull the shuttle 's nose up , approaching a hill , and ... that was all .
tr	5	I should be with my husband , but I 'm stuck with you and Raymond and I don 't even know what 's going on anymore . "
tr	5	He tossed the battery in the air , caught it , tossed it again , caught it ... He had no idea what to do .
tr	5	" You 're just going to end up dying on some planet no one has ever heard of for reasons you don 't even know ! "
tr	5	" My question isn 't just ' was it really aliens who attacked Northgate , ' but was there ever a war to begin with . "
tr	5	I knew she was out there somewhere , but I also knew my parents couldn 't afford the price of a ticket to get me off Earth .
tr	5	Plus , she was one of the people abducted at the beginning of the war , so I was sure it was aliens who had done it .
tr	5	The only evidence I ever found was a list in Zinger 's office that had her name on it and linked her to this planet . "
tr	5	The rocky terrain made it hard to crawl out the back , but he made better time when he got around to the shuttle 's side .
tr	5	A boulder , five inches taller than he was and as wide as his outstretched arms , stood between him and the front of the ship .
tr	5	The gas had already been eating away at it for a while now , so he thought he should be able to break through easily enough .
tr	5	He rolled on the ground , wiped off the remnants with his hands , and then wiped the stuff from his hands onto a cave wall .
tr	5	He couldn 't avoid getting bits of gas on the suit when he climbed in the shuttle , and he didn 't want to accidentally touch it .
tr	5	And then when you stand up and let the gas interact with you , that 's when the glowing starts and you really feel the energy . "
tr	5	The gas caused a positive reaction everywhere it went into and onto his body , and it gave him more energy than he 'd ever felt before .
tr	5	They jumped -- higher than either of them had ever jumped , or thought it possible to jump -- and latched onto the side of the shaft .
tr	5	Mac was amazed that , in the absence of footholds or places to grab onto , he could punch into the rock without hurting himself .
tr	5	There were still some spaces in between the rocks for Mac Gas to seep through , but none big enough for Mac and Lynn to squeeze past .
tr	5	We would be the only ones left alive , and even then we wouldn 't last long with nothing to eat but Mac Gas . "
tr	5	" If we let this gas out , we won 't be able to steal a ship from that base to get out of here . "
tr	5	They got to the bottom of the shaft in minutes , doing things that would have broken normal people 's arms , legs , and fingers .
tr	5	When they got far enough down that they couldn 't see the ledge they started from , they noticed a dull light coming from below .
tr	5	The strangest thing about the ship was it didn 't look like it was designed to carry any people , or aliens , or whatever .
tr	5	The top of the machine was flat except for a small raised platform that , before the damage occurred , sat in the middle of the roof .
tr	5	It was hard to tell how far up they were but they were up far enough to look down on the disk shaped pull machine .
tr	5	Mac knew they were way more powerful and durable than they used to be , but he didn 't want to push his luck by jumping down .
tr	5	As they walked towards it they could no longer see the blinking red light , but its on and off glow still illuminated the cavern .
tr	5	He and Lynn walked through the opening and saw miles of wires and tons of metal girders that were covered in a thick layer of dust .
tr	5	As curious as they were about their new surroundings , they laid down and did nothing for a while to slowly allow themselves to adjust to daylight .
tr	5	" It 's so flat you could watch your dog run away for three days , but we can 't see a tower of purple gas . "
tr	5	I have to know for sure why her name was on that list , " said Mac as they blazed over the foothills towards the base .
tr	5	There is no one here named Janelle Stewart , so just put the gun down and let 's be calm about all this , okay ? "
tr	5	The gun he had stolen was on its lowest setting , so Mac didn 't feel bad when he shot the man in the back .
tr	5	Janelle was breaking apart and coming back together randomly , but every time she came back together she looked less and less like a solid mass .
tr	5	Unless an invading army of aliens that were non-verbal , cloudy , human clones existed , Mac still wasn 't prepared to believe the war was real .
tr	5	Hours had passed since Mac and Lynn left the cave , but their shuttle was still there , sizzling away as the gas swirled around it .
tr	5	To do their experiments , scientists harvested gas from a fissure near the military base that emitted only a puff of gas every ten minutes .
tr	5	The skin around the burn mark wasn 't glowing as much as the rest of his body , but the gas did have healing qualities to it .
tr	5	He might survive being in the middle of the gas , but he didn 't want to risk being inside the ship when it exploded .
tr	5	Just as he was leaving , he thought he caught sight of a glow in his peripheral vision , but he couldn 't turn around now .
tr	5	It was taking a bit longer for the gas to cross over the ocean but , the water wouldn 't be a safe place for long .
tr	5	Even if it was a military ship made to look like an alien ship , there would have been some kind of communication attempted already .
tr	5	He was inside the evidence he needed to prove to all the worlds that Earth 's military was behind the deaths of millions of innocent citizens .
tr	5	Even though Mac now believed him , he still thought Zinger was an insane , blood thirsty animal for killing millions of his own people .
tr	5	The same phenomena occurred in space as they did underwater -- he didn 't feel the cold , and he didn 't need to breathe .
tr	5	Part of his plan was to get on the alien space ship , but now that he was here he wasn 't sure what to do .
tr	5	Every once in a while one of them would stop , a door would open in the wall in front of them and they would go inside .
tr	5	When all four of them were in the room , the door closed and the room adjusted its size so that they could all fit comfortably .
tr	5	The pillars were still warming up , but the more powerful they got the more obvious it became to Mac about what was going on .
tr	5	Individual particles were too small to be seen with the naked eye , but when they moved in groups they formed a visible air current .
tr	5	The big black man had to stand nose to nose to establish a connection with Mac , but that was not the case with the Janelle impostor .
tr	5	He rushed forward to embrace her , but as soon he touched her she broke apart and he had to wait for her to take form again .
tr	5	Now that he was ready to take on a ship full of aliens , he realized he still didn 't know how to open a door .
tr	5	Some people turned and followed him , but no one chased after him except for the cloud of the military guy that was trying to attack him .
tr	5	Just as he took care of the last one -- the sick looking dog with a too long tongue -- the soldiers started coming down the stairs .
tr	5	Whatever safety measures he had initiated saved him from perishing as his yacht crashed into the ocean , but he didn 't get away completely unscathed .
tr	5	Mac looked to see if the feed of the three soldiers in the room was up there too , but he couldn 't see it .
tr	5	We will go easy on you at your court martial if you 'll tell me how you made yourself immune to the enemy 's attacks . "
tr	5	A command deck protruded from the top of each ship , and weapons ports formed a dotted line all way round the long oval vessels .
tr	5	He watched the first beetle latch onto a capital ship and pull it up until the beetle appeared to be resting on top of it .
tr	5	When it slammed into the ship , its prongs were so heavy and had so much power behind them that they easily punched through the hull .
tr	5	Now that he didn 't need to eat , drink , or breathe to survive , he feared he would just float through space forever .
tr	5	Always eager to do as he was told , Rory had his hand on the fire button , ready to carry out the order he was expecting .
tr	5	The ambient light from windows and docking bay door allowed Cliff to see the outline of the explosive containers and the shocked looked on Rory 's face .
tr	5	After they were all destroyed he had to find a way to save the people who had been abducted -- if they were still alive .
tr	5	Four collector ships were intact , but there was a mass exodus of swarms from three of them to the one farthest from the conflict .
tr	5	Don 't worry about it , Mac said to the alien who was communicating through thoughts , I 'll just come get her some other time .
tr	5	I also know that this book would have been delayed by several years if I had to work normal working hours at a day job .
tr	5	Speaking of editors , I know this book would have been much harder to read if I didn 't have Rhonda Skinner edit it for me .
tr	5	I know that the best way to reach as many people as possible is for the readers to go out and spread this book like wild fire .
tr	5	If they like book one then tell them book two is going to blow their minds because it only gets bigger and better from here .
tr	5	I 've read book two and I know most of these questions will be answered and it will not be easy going for any of the characters .
tr	5	The boy hesitates , but eventually says , " He came in through her window back when she lived down in Guatemala with her parents .
tr	5	Digging her toes into the mud , and pulling hard on the sapling -- praying it wouldn 't give -- she struggled up onto the bank .
tr	5	He moved very fast for such a small guy -- it helped that the briar and the thistle moved out of his way as he approached .
tr	5	His mother had met Gordon , and seemed glad that he wasn 't spending his time alone and unsupervised in their little two bedroom duplex .
tr	5	The shelf had metal wire doors , presumably to keep the bottles and other stuff from crashing to the ground when the trailer was on the road .
tr	5	With shaky fingers she picked one of the keys from the key ring and , though poking and missing at first , slid it into the deadbolt .
tr	5	In the upper drawer she found a lot of envelopes from the Catholic Church with various saints , or crosses , or Virgin Marys on them .
tr	5	Lizzie took after their dad : brown eyes , brown hair , freckles , and what her mother called a ' prominent Roman nose . '
tr	5	The only thing she could think of was to wait until everyone went to sleep and then sneak into the office and return it then .
tr	5	With a start Lizzie woke , the book she had been reading lay face down next to her pillow , the pages bent underneath it .
tr	5	In the morning , during " The Basic Four , " Math , English , Science and History , her mom caught her daydreaming three times .
tr	5	" He is our new ... " Lizzie 's dad hesitated , glanced at Lizzie , and continued weakly , " ... our new Cardinal . "
tr	5	Through the door Lizzie could see their outlines moving across the room , but as they reached the desk she could see them directly through the crack .
tr	5	Her dad stood behind the desk where she could see his face , and the Cardinal was on the other side with his back to her .
tr	5	" Yes ... , but it may not be as great a consequence as it so happens , " the Cardinal said , speaking with deliberate precision .
tr	5	Lizzie 's dad did not respond , but she imagined that he would be angry with the Cardinal , though she couldn 't quite understand the accusation .
tr	5	" I would trust her , " Mr. Long said , putting a hand on Lizzie 's shoulder , " more than most men I have met .
tr	5	" So , " Lizzie asked again , thinking of the gnome 's question , " what does it mean for me to be a Second ? "
tr	5	But I became your grandpa 's Second when I was only ten , and you are every bit as ready as I was at that age .
tr	5	The Nephilim were in the earth in those days , and also after that , when God 's sons came in to men 's daughters .
tr	5	And generally the only cheers occurred after a score and , occasionally , when Manuel , as goalie , plucked the ball from the air .
tr	5	He would jump up , or dive sideways -- but he didn 't try to bat the ball away -- he tried to catch it .
tr	5	There had been six shots on goal he 'd had to defend already , and they hadn 't even reached the end of the first period .
tr	5	At the end of end of the period he ran back to the bench to find his mother holding his water bottle in her hand .
tr	5	He thought his mom was being more than a little optimistic as far as him being president , considering that she was an illegal alien .
tr	5	If Nick hadn 't asked her what she was , would she have used the keys she found to snoop in her father 's office ?
tr	5	There were all the things you would expect at a park : picnic tables , camping areas , restrooms , and markers showing places of interest .
tr	5	The trees here were large , and their boughs stretched out toward each other and made a dense web that covered the entire area in shadow .
tr	5	" Well , there have been occasions mentioned in the journals where ... " Her dad paused and started again , his voice a little more stern .
tr	5	" We 'll do our best to keep her from seeing us use the Spear , but there 's always that chance , " he answered .
tr	5	Just wanted to have a little bed-and-breakfast to keep me busy , and keep me fed , after my husband died , " Mrs. Davis said .
tr	5	Manuel thought about Gordon riding through the sheets of rain on his motorcycle and he agreed that it didn 't seem like a great idea .
tr	5	Manuel jerked his head back and it missed his face , but the razor claws sliced through Manuel 's t-shirt and deep into his flesh .
tr	5	He knew no one could have heard him as he splashed in the mud , nor could they hear him as he ran down into the ravine .
tr	5	The Mingo River had swollen in the rain , and it surprised Manuel how the force of the river on his legs made it hard to stand .
tr	5	His ribs smashed into a jagged rock , and the rushing water dragged him over the boulders , battering and scraping his knees and ankle .
tr	5	While her father took his turn in the bathroom , Lizzie sat on the bed with her back to the wall , eyes darting around the room .
tr	5	But she still comes ... doesn 't know any better I think , " she said , and silently she backed away toward the door .
tr	5	There were still several hours before her soccer game , and though she was tired , she didn 't feel much like taking a nap .
tr	5	The dog looked at her momentarily , then took off again , running and barking at something small down under the thick cover of soybean leaves .
tr	5	Lizzie moved to the edge of the wood , leaning this way and that to see if she could get a glimpse of the dog .
tr	5	After the game a woman with a notepad and a man with a camera on a tripod approached the coach , and Simpson then waved Manuel over .
tr	5	Never had he been a great student since coming to Middle School ; he did well on tests , but he did poorly on homework .
tr	5	Carefully , avoiding the springs poking up through the mattress and the glass from the shattered window , Manuel climbed off the bed and onto the floor .
tr	5	Moving on his hands and knees , he crawled through his room , all the while hearing the crashing and rending noises from the living room .
tr	5	There were twelve sigils on the silver chain , ranging in size from the size of a nickel to the size of a half dollar .
tr	5	For a moment there was silence , then the door slammed , another moment of silence , and then the sound of the imp 's destruction continued .
tr	5	He 'd always been uncomfortable with the tunnels , with their eerie endless darkness and the cool damp air that sometimes seeped out from them .
tr	5	With the momentum from ducking , his legs pumping full speed while his upper body leaned forward , Manuel struggled to keep his feet underneath him .
tr	5	Chapter 20 -- Resonant Sigil Signal Gordon held Manuel 's chin in his hand , looked at Manuel 's throat , and shook his head .
tr	5	" Ahh ... yes ... right here , " he said , picking up a glass coke bottle , empty save for a splinter of black metal .
tr	5	Quickly he told her about the imp in their duplex , the demon who had taken the sigils , and finally the splinter in the bottle .
tr	5	Manuel knew he was thinking about the imp , though it didn 't seem that there was much chance they 'd find it still there .
tr	5	Her dad had insisted she wear a long sleeve shirt , despite the heat , and now she had to admit it was a good thing .
tr	5	She didn 't like the idea of staying behind alone at all , but how could she argue if she wasn 't even supposed to speak ?
tr	5	He disappeared into his room for a moment , and then came back with his black leather jacket on and a duffle bag under his arm .
tr	5	To Lizzie , whose ears had become accustomed to the quiet of the night woods , they sounded like a pair of elephants tramping through the forest .
tr	5	" Okay , if you two don 't want to watch , you can go look around and see if she has any friends with her . "
tr	5	" And since I recorded the position of their farm on GPS , " her dad continued , " that is exactly what is going to happen .
tr	5	With so much emotion bottled up , the sense of pride caused it to all bubble over , and a lump formed in her throat .
tr	5	" Yes ' r , " she answered , but quickly explained , " I mean ... he told me to tell you the truth . "
tr	5	A few strands of her blonde hair were stuck to her face where her tears had made it wet , but her blue eyes blazed .
tr	5	" Okay , " he said , shaking his head , " but your failure to cooperate will make the investigation that much more difficult . "
tr	5	Seeing her mother sitting on the couch , crumpled up tissues in her fists and staring at the TV like a zombie only made her worry more .
tr	5	With a glittering smile , the lady news anchor went right into the next story about Madison Akers , the Congressman now running for the U.S. Senate .
tr	5	The man , she guessed , just wanted votes , and she didn 't appreciate him using Lori 's kidnapping as an excuse to get on TV .
tr	5	Muscles popped out all over his hairless body like on a bodybuilder ; his powerful looking arms he held crossed in an X across his chest .
tr	5	A scream escaped from Lizzie 's mouth , but only for a moment , because Nick 's hand shot out and clamped over her mouth .
tr	5	" That is the only sound you will make , " the demon said in a deep voice Lizzie could feel rumbling in her own chest .
tr	5	He paused , and then she heard his voice ... felt his voice -- evil and painful -- inside her head : We can help one another .
tr	5	With a sandpaper sound Nick imploded into a spot , and all that remained was a cicada , bug eyed and buzzing its clear wings loudly .
tr	5	The church people sat in the living room talking in hushed tones , in the same way people do in the sanctuary just before Mass. .
tr	5	At the corner , along the street that ran parallel to the Yazoo River , the building had three garage doors opening onto the street .
tr	5	Manuel ate Fig Newtons and potato chips , his mom slept , and the shrunken head moaned from time to time , but mostly remained silent .
tr	5	A long black car pulled out , turned toward them , blinding Manuel for a minute , and then turned and went up the steep road .
tr	5	" He is alone , " the shrunken head said , somehow aware of Manuel 's questioning eyes even though its eyes were sewn shut .
tr	5	The wooden door in front looked like something that belonged in a castle ; the speakeasy had iron bars over it and was locked shut anyway .
tr	5	Manuel again looked up at the clamp , measured the distance in his mind , and tossed the other cable up so the clamps caught together .
tr	5	After latching the gate , she shook her finger at the dog , which had begun to whine , and said , " Be quiet ! "
tr	5	The cicada buzzed off the tree and transformed -- arms and legs snapping out , green vest growing in the center , red cap popping up .
tr	5	Lizzie ducked as she felt the air from the beating of its wings as it swooped down close over her head and then flew on ahead .
tr	5	Chapter 31 -- The Wood Witch Manuel and his mom followed Gordon on his motorcycle through town and then onto a highway and finally into the suburbs .
tr	5	Manuel was surprised when they did not take the path into the woods and instead took the narrow dirt road that led to the fields .
tr	5	Also , the moon was full , and even down under the shadow of the great canopy of trees some of the light filtered through .
tr	5	Another person , a child about his age judging from its size , stood some distance to Manuel 's right and well beyond the pentagram .
tr	5	The knife and the chain of sigils he laid on the ground so he could use both hands to pull back the zipper on the bag .
tr	5	He had thrown the rock , and he 'd hit the sorcerer , and the girl -- Miss Long -- had finished the job with her kicks .
tr	5	Miss Long and the man with the pointed hat were talking and leaning over the girl Lori , their backs to the bird and to Manuel .
tr	5	His mouth cracked open into something like a smile , but Raum had no teeth , just hard bone like a turtle or a bird .
tr	5	Lizzie held out her hands and Nick held them , and though he wasn 't any taller than she , his hands covered and hid hers completely .
tr	5	And you , " she said , cupping Lizzie 's cheek in her hand , " can tell me what you can when you are ready . "
tr	5	But you have to know that Lori would have never been in that situation if you hadn 't talked to Nick in the first place .
tr	5	After rescuing Gordon from the Muddy Brown Bayou , they walked back to the car , and Manuel told Gordon about everything that had happened .
tr	5	He didn 't feel defeated -- he felt like a hero , and it seemed to him that that was what he was made for .
tr	5	Sneak preview of Abomination Spear Bearer : Book Two Chapter 1 -- The Crown of Stars " You have the first watch , " Mr. Long said .
tr	5	She picked up the ancient Spear of Longinus , its haft broken short , and went to the edge of the pentagram they had made .
tr	5	She had had dreams like that before , where an emotion was simply a part of the landscape and had little to do with what was happening .
tr	5	There was no consensus on what to call these times people were living in since the Great Collapse , or the Reset as it was also known .
tr	5	In the 2030 's and 2040 's the Earth 's population had gone from 9 billion to 1 billion in just a little more than a decade .
tr	5	Things had been better , and with a high , very high level of literacy world wide society was finally much more civil and progressive .
tr	5	There were still some internal combustion engines around , but they ran on alcohol or bio-diesel , and most vehicles were electric , and some hybrid .
tr	5	It was a reborn world of high tech , powered by renewable and clean energy , and low tech , agricultural , organic , and sustainable industries .
tr	5	Out of an area of 2 million people only 200 people were incarcerated , and the only prison was on what remained of Staten Island .
tr	5	That was the nature of society and commerce , to rebuild and restore , but to also do so in sustainable ways using or generating sustainable energy .
tr	5	She loved flowers and plants and wanted to become a florist specializing in exotic flowers , herbs , and native plant species and habitat restoration .
tr	5	Both of them dreamed of and wanted more from both life and love , and both had the kind of personality and stubbornness to wait for it .
tr	5	If people weren 't interested in finding companionship or talking much , they wore loose fitting clothing in plain colors , if they were , they advertised .
tr	5	Wearing colors were common mostly for those 35 to 40 or younger , and very common at Festival for those 15 to 30 more normally .
tr	5	It gave him a sense of his being tied to the sea , but was still simple enough to be considered as " not advertising " wear .
tr	5	They had each come with friends , each of whom had witnessed this exchange and just watched in absolute amazement from about 6 meters away .
tr	5	There was a brief pause as they slowly turned away from this distraction , a break in interaction like taking a breath before diving again .
tr	5	Sk ' lar banged it out so names made it all the way around the foursquare circle there near the front door of the store .
tr	5	" Let 's catch some sounds " Lawrence suggested , happy his friend had found someone , he even found female companionship for him in the process .
tr	5	They found a place to watch the pianist on stage , and Sk ' lar put his spontaneous date upon his shoulders so she could see better .
tr	5	" So , check it ; I 'm vested in this project now , been working to restore a fish called salmon to the ocean and rivers .
tr	5	They both didn 't even seem to notice she could hear everything being said , they just were honest enough not to need to hide anything .
tr	5	She could see her father up reading through the large plate glass window as they approached the old stone , wood , and slate cottage .
tr	5	" Morning mom , his name is Sk ' lar , - nd he 's from Shore Province down round Red Bank and the Hook .
tr	5	" Yo , have fun , - n be where I can find ya , be up there soon as we 're done here . "
tr	5	" Straight up " was all that Sk ' lar said , short for agreement with and recognizing the approval that Marcus had given it .
tr	5	He hair was feathered , and she wore a pendant of a leaf sprouting from a seed within a circle in white gold around her neck .
tr	5	His allegiance to his gender superseded his loyalty to his daughter when he muttered under his breath " Boy , you 're in trouble " .
tr	5	" This is beautiful up here " he said with a tinge of envy of her having grown up in what was essentially a giant garden .
tr	5	He said as she stood before him , finally no longer curious or jealous of those instances when she was in the presence of true love .
tr	5	" Your dad and I ain 't stupid or blind , baby ... You 're goin ' to the Shore with him I 'd guess .
tr	5	There just didn 't feel like there was any reason to here , and if it was a mistake , it would be a life lesson .
tr	5	Marc seemed too embarrassed to do anything other than say " good morning " and excused himself to check on the equipment in the plant .
tr	5	Lucinda finished the conversation on the fly , going downstairs to load their little electric utility truck with four bags Jules had packed the night before .
tr	5	I know you ain 't much for that , yo , but ain 't like I 'm gone , just a little bit away . "
tr	5	" I 'll get the tickets " she said as she went over to the window , " two Red Bank " she said to the clerk .
tr	5	Both these two were close to their parents , and as independent as they were they wanted that home connection and relationship with their folks .
tr	5	When the train pulled into the station in Red Bank he grabbed the two biggest bags and she the smaller two , and they exited the train .
tr	5	They didn 't need words to communicate , and this was natural between them and was as refined as if they have been together their entire life .
tr	5	This was not the most beautiful dawn sky she had ever seen , but it would be one of the most memorable of her life .
tr	5	She had also come to explore flora and fauna a couple of times , but this was more new to her than her home was to him .
tr	5	She found a photo album , and had thought to herself that with a few exceptions there weren 't many women her age in it .
tr	5	She realized that he had opened a door to his world that he maybe never really had before , and she felt special because of it .
tr	5	I took the liberty of digging through your work , hope you don 't mind , and I 'm interested in the kelp farming project . "
tr	5	They settled in on his couch , her playlist still playing , and with Orion at their snuggled in and curled up at their feet .
tr	5	I really proud of you for that , and I 'm going to give Lawrence access to my students to help if he can handle it .
tr	5	For a research vessel , it actually looked more like a luxury yacht inside , maybe because that 's what it had been converted from .
tr	5	She looked at Lucinda and smiled , the two mothers connecting as only two mothers can when their children had fallen in love and taken a mate .
tr	5	The Shore had been one thing , but now this dashing young man was taking their little girl to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with him .
tr	5	Al approached his son and shook his hand saying , " You 'll never know how proud I am of y ' a son , eh ? "
tr	5	They were making 28 knots and were at full speed now , but would have to slow later when the seas started to swell more .
tr	5	The mission was the kind of thing he lived for , and there really was no one as qualified as he was to take on this venture .
tr	5	As you know we are 16 hours away from Bermuda where a 25 meter very pregnant blue whale seems to be having difficulty giving birth .
tr	5	Speaking of which , we have to name her , so for lack of anything better how does ' Big Mama ' sound to everyone ? "
tr	5	Orion responded to this by wagging his tail and creeping up the bed inbetween them , licking him frantically and then her , waking her up .
tr	5	He was almost awoken once by one of three drills Karl Hampton had run while he was getting rested up for what was coming ahead .
tr	5	He had dumped a spoiled catch once and seen a baleen whale rise to consume it surprising him , and hoped he could be helpful there .
tr	5	They emerged later sensing that they were the butt of jokes that were playfully being told about them , and realized they didn 't sneak by anything .
tr	5	Having fixed that , he looked into her eye again , stroking her , and she seemed to relax ; she knew he was a friend .
tr	5	Big Mama flinched a little , and she made a slow downward thrust of her fluke which swamped him and sent him around in a somersault .
tr	5	Sk ' lar followed up the ladder and when he climbed on board simply said " back to the Watson , not too fast , please .
tr	5	They joined up with the other skiff and tied off on either side of the Watson , coming aboard by the dive deck at the stern .
tr	5	The computer had generated a very detailed image that could be rotated , color enhanced , and focused to specific sections of the big cetaceans ' body .
tr	5	She thrashed for over a minute and when she stopped Sky noticed part of the fluke of the young calf was protruding from the slit beneath her .
tr	5	Messages were coming in from around the globe , and the only ones really having to continue to work were communications officers on the ships .
tr	5	" I haven 't had this much fun in years , at least since that sick seal you brought me when you were 14 . "
tr	5	Lawrence had always been a little bit scattered and more concerned about hitting the pubs in Red Bank than doing any kind of real work .
tr	5	Sky went to a far corner and sat at a terminal and composed an email to his parents , Orion still staying close by his side .
tr	5	The salmon would live there for about two weeks or less , and be released as soon as they were ready to move upstream and spawn .
tr	5	, sexy pirate wenches , humor , bloody violence , drunken debauchery , a healthy serving of sex , and even some philosophy and subtle social commentary .
tr	5	It was the third day of his vacation on the island of Roatan , off the coast of Honduras , and he was enjoying his solitude .
tr	5	Since he only had a few days left on the island , he wanted to get in one more swim on the reef before the weather turned .
tr	5	He reached the edge of the reef where it suddenly went from about 8 feet to well over 40 feet deep on a sheer drop-off .
tr	5	He could see the pier at the guest house now and knew he would be able to make it to the beach in a few minutes .
tr	5	Suddenly , a lightning bolt struck the elevated deck at the end of the pier and a loud burst of thunder roared through his ears .
tr	5	He quickly tied the docking rope around the paddle in case it got knocked off the kayak in the rough water and laid as flat as possible .
tr	5	The strange lightning was nearly upon him and he could feel all of the hair on his head and body standing up in the static electrical charge .
tr	5	The brightness of the flashes forced him to shut his eyes and at that moment , he felt the searing pain of electricity passing through his body .
tr	5	He looked at his watch to see how long he had been unconscious , but the digital screen was blank , apparently damaged in the electrical storm .
tr	5	He finally reached the rocks and between swatting bugs he spotted what appeared to be a small cave about 10 feet up the side of the outcropping .
tr	5	After repeatedly crunching and scraping his hands on the rocks while beating the coconut on them , he finally opened up a tear in the husk .
tr	5	After several more minutes of beating , tearing at the husk , and cursing , he managed to separate the inner nut from the husk .
tr	5	I don 't have any money with me , but I 'd be happy to pay you when I get back to my guest house . "
tr	5	As Jeff had hoped , Harrison 's first attack move was to slice the head off of the mop handle , leaving a reasonably good fighting staff .
tr	5	Jeff moved his grip on the mop handle so that he could attempt to block and parry with both the middle and ends of the staff .
tr	5	Jeff raised the mop handle just in time to deflect the sword enough to avoid being cut , but the blade easily cleaved the handle in two .
tr	5	Without hesitation , Jeff lightly tossed the two pieces of mop handle into the air in front of him and caught them at the ends .
tr	5	The other pirates stopped what they were doing and fell into a line as the pirate who had been in charged stepped forward to answer .
tr	5	" Well , Captain , he paddled his canoe up to the ship and be callin ' fer help and I had him climb aboard . "
tr	5	As all of the other men withdrew , one lingered and spoke up , " Begging the Captain 's pardon , but this man is dangerous .
tr	5	Jeff was no gun expert , but he guessed it to be a .45 caliber pistol of the type commonly used as a military sidearm .
tr	5	As I made my way around the outskirts of the storm , I spotted a strange object that appeared to be falling from the sky .
tr	5	As the Captain took his seat at the table , he asked , " So Mr. Greene , are you a sailor as was Captain Stivers ? "
tr	5	Jeff nodded , " Yes , and the weapons and ships are even more advanced in my day than they were in Captain Stivers ' .
tr	5	There are weapons so powerful that an entire country , or for that matter a continent , could be destroyed in a matter of minutes . "
tr	5	" Good , I would hate to see you die before you had a chance to adapt to our time , " replied the Captain .
tr	5	I took some pre-med , er , preliminary medicine classes in college and I 've studied a lot about nutrition and herbal medicine on my own . "
tr	5	I certainly did not want a woman aboard , but she convinced me that she could disguise herself and I agreed to allow her to try .
tr	5	She is quite a good cook , as you will see -- at least as good as she can be with the ingredients we have available .
tr	5	The Captain laughed , " You 'll need to build up your tolerance if you are going to stay aboard this ship , sir ! "
tr	5	It was now dark outside and it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the dim light provided by the moon overhead .
tr	5	Robinson turned up the flame on the lantern on the wall before walking over to a wooden box at the foot of one of the bunks .
tr	5	Still staring at it , Robinson 's expression changed , " Now that I 'm getting used to it , I rather like it . "
tr	5	Jeff smiled , " Well , she does kind of look like a man , but after our encounter , I do find myself attracted to her .
tr	5	" Of course , Captain , " Jeff agreed and added , " There is one thing I would ask of you as well . "
tr	5	" Now , Mr. Greene , although it has been a most enjoyable evening , I ask that you take your leave of me now .
tr	5	Although the crew quarters were noisy with the snoring of the men and creaking of the ship 's timbers , Jeff soon drifted off to sleep .
tr	5	The sun was just coming up and even though it was still low in the sky , it was still painfully bright in his eyes .
tr	5	I don 't want to interrupt your work , but I was wondering if you might boil me some water to help my hangover . "
tr	5	Thick algae covered the walls of the barrel and a thin layer of what looked like pond scum floated on the surface of the water .
tr	5	He placed the tail of his shirt over the opening of the bottle to serve as a makeshift filter before dunking it below the surface .
tr	5	" It be an odd storm , " Graves nodded , " Have not seen one like it in all my days at sea . "
tr	5	Graves continued , " Be that as it may , he is to be with us for a while and introductions are in order . "
tr	5	" As I was sayin ' , " Crabtree continued , " That be Gerard , but we mostly call ' im ' Frenchy ' .
tr	5	As the men smoked , Jeff asked , " Captain , please forgive my ignorance , but are you a privateer or a pirate ? "
tr	5	" Since you have brought it up , Mr. Greene , I should explain what you may expect if you stay with us when we sail .
tr	5	Over the next few months , I , along with a few other of my brethren , shall be raiding several Spanish settlements along the coast .
tr	5	" Do you have any suggestions on how I might make some money to get me started if I do stay in Port Royal ? "
tr	5	" Well , Mr. Greene , if you decide to stay in Port Royal , you could do worse than to work for Mr. Franklin . "
tr	5	Jeff tucked his new clothes inside his shirt , squatted down , and hoisted three sacks of dried beans onto his shoulder before struggling to his feet .
tr	5	" Best be careful what ye say ' bout Robinson , Mr. Graves , " Crabtree warned , " He does prepare your meals ! "
tr	5	" If you can summon the strength for one more trip to shore , I 'll cover your expenses at the tavern for the evening . "
tr	5	A short discussion with the men followed , with the 4 men breaking into hearty laughter , but then falling silent before nodding their heads .
tr	5	" Just so I 'm clear , " Jeff began , " Mary is a ... " " She be a whore , " Crabtree interjected .
tr	5	The bright sun hurt his eyes as he exited the tavern , but he adjusted quickly as he followed Robinson across to a stand of trees .
tr	5	She reached her hands behind her head and untied the dirty bandana covering it to reveal shiny straight black hair that dropped to her shoulders .
tr	5	After some minutes , Robinson sat up , straddling him and said , " Well , Mr. Greene , are you ready to collect your prize ? "
tr	5	" You go in first and I 'll come in a bit later , just to make sure nobody suspects us , " she suggested .
tr	5	Turning to Jeff , he continued , " Mr. Greene , these men have each lived many years at sea as well as here in Port Royal .
tr	5	I was on my way over to the island of Utila on a small boat with my son when the storm came up out of nowhere .
tr	5	Do you know he had the nerve to issue a writ for my arrest for doing the very things he used to do himself ? "
tr	5	Bring us a pitcher of rum , a pitcher of ale , and a pot of whatever that is that I smell cooking in the kitchen ! "
tr	5	Before the man could attack , Jeff grabbed his arm and brought it swiftly down onto his knee , knocking the knife from the man 's hand .
tr	5	In any event , I am glad that you were watching my back when all I had asked of you was to watch your own . "
tr	5	Jeff heard Crabtree mutter thanks to God at the announcement as he waited for some sign of anger or resentment from Graves , but there was none .
tr	5	" Yes , Captain , there are sharks and such , but with some precautions , swimming in the sea is not that dangerous . "
tr	5	" I 'm not sure yet , but I 'd like to take a swim around the ship to see what the options might be .
tr	5	" I 'm going to look at the ship in the water to see if there 's a way to disable the Spanish ships . "
tr	5	" It 's probably going to be tough getting that stuff on in the water , but I guess there 's not really another option .
tr	5	When the modifications were done , Jenny made her way to the galley for the ash and grease as Jeff made his way onto deck .
tr	5	Robinson gripped the mallet in one hand as she grabbed hold of the cargo net with the other and the two swung themselves over the side .
tr	5	Though it was dark , the water was clear and the space in the rudder hinges was visible as the ship bobbed in the moonlight .
tr	5	Jeff pulled himself under once more and attempted to swing the mallet , but quickly realized the buoyancy of it was going to limit his swing .
tr	5	He turned to Jenny and motioned that they needed to swim around to the far side of the ship where they would be hidden better by shadows .
tr	5	Realizing what was happening , it was all Jenny could do to keep from laughing out loud as she clamped a hand over her mouth .
tr	5	Jeff was now stifling a laugh and Jenny was still convulsing silently as the stream finally stopped and they heard footsteps leading away from the rail above .
tr	5	" A shark , but ... " Before he could finish his thought , Jenny took off swimming as fast as she could for the reef .
tr	5	" Let 's just say my mouth was in the wrong place at the wrong time , " Jeff said with a laugh of his own .
tr	5	Jenny watched the others settle in before turning her back and quickly removing her wet shirt and wrap as one and sliding a dry set on .
tr	5	It was still quite dark , but there was a faint line of orange and red sitting low in the sky signaling the approach of sunrise .
tr	5	They can 't chase us if they can 't steer and they 'll need men who can swim to have any chance of fixing the problem . "
tr	5	The second Spanish ship and then the third quickly followed the same sequence as the first ship and were now dead in the water as well .
tr	5	The crew fell silent as the Spanish ship picked up speed and Jeff 's heart sank with the knowledge that the sabotage had somehow failed .
tr	5	In a few moments , although it was heading in their general direction , the Spanish ship was rapidly approaching the edge of the reef .
tr	5	Jeff watched as a moment later the Spanish ship came to an abrupt stop and the sounds of wood cracking and men yelling carried across the water .
tr	5	Mr. Crabtree , take a position on the bow and Mr. Pike , get to the crow 's nest and find me a cut ! "
tr	5	If any of the crew gets injured , there 's a good chance they could get septic and die from what would otherwise be survivable . "
tr	5	He looked around the cabin and realized that one priority was going to be cleaning the room to try to minimize the potential for infection .
tr	5	" I am very much looking forward to the next opportunity we have to be alone together , " she said as she winked at him .
tr	5	The Captain has told me to improvise if needed , and I am here to check our supply of things that might serve the purpose .
tr	5	After a few minutes , he could feel some energy returning , but he was feeling quite stiff , so he stood up to stretch .
tr	5	Jeff looked angrily at Harrison who shrugged his shoulders and said , " Captain not say nothin ' ' bout toes , did ' e ? "
tr	5	The process was repeated with several more members of the crew , and gradually Jeff was taking over the control of his arm from Harrison .
tr	5	They load the same as the pistols , but ye use the larger powder horns , " he said pulling a rifle from the box .
tr	5	" Thanks , " Jeff said , trying not to gag from the smell , " But it 's my other shoulder that hurts ! "
tr	5	As they finished their pipes , the Captain turned to Jeff and said , " I should take my leave of you now , Mr. Greene .
tr	5	" Actually it 's more of a gift for me and the rest of the crew , " she said , handing him the bucket .
tr	5	Jenny looked around and leaned toward him so as not to be overheard , " Strange , ' sucks ' means something quite different in our time .
tr	5	Less than half an hour later , the Captain sailed alongside the other ships and gave the order to furl the sails and drop anchor .
tr	5	Most of them obviously knew each other , although Jamison 's crew was much friendlier with the crew of the Wench than was Craig 's crew .
tr	5	The men gulped down whatever was left in their mugs and the crews separated as Jamison and Craig and their men returned to their ships .
tr	5	" Whilst you do not see eye to eye ... " " Fuck ye , Jamison , it 's yer fault I be lacking me eye ! "
tr	5	The next day , Jeff awoke before dawn and made his way to the galley for a quick breakfast to fuel himself for his sword practice .
tr	5	" Ye just lost yer arm , Mr. Greene , " Harrison commented , " Catch your breath and I 'll find ye a new opponent . "
tr	5	This match went better for Jeff and he ultimately was victorious when he lunged forward and thrust his stick into the other Stevens ' gut .
tr	5	After a few hours and several opponents , Jeff was bruised all over from strikes and thrusts he had absorbed to multiple areas of his body .
tr	5	As Pike landed flat on his back on the deck , Harrison once again turned towards Graves who had just picked up his practice sword .
tr	5	By the time the sun was beginning to set , he was thoroughly exhausted and was bruised , and sore to the point he could barely move .
tr	5	" I thought so , " she replied softly as she untied her rope belt , slid her pants down her legs and stepped out of them .
tr	5	The two enjoyed each other 's bodies for quite some time before the roughness of the burlap bedding left them somewhere between pleasure and pain .
tr	5	Jenny was already sleeping soundly and Jeff laughed to himself , " Just like a man -- right after sex , he falls asleep ! "
tr	5	The Captain 's expression turned serious , " The question is , do you believe you can take a man 's life if you must ? "
tr	5	The men cleaned and prepped the weapons so they would be ready when needed before Harrison advised them , " Get ye some rest , men .
tr	5	Harrison retreated to his bunk for some rest and Jeff headed to the galley for some food and to see his favorite member of the crew .
tr	5	She was already in the midst of preparing the evening meal and was busily cutting up vegetables and throwing them into a pot heating on the fire .
tr	5	An hour or so later , the Captain signaled the other ships to set anchor and the crew gathered on deck to prepare for the raid .
tr	5	Captain Jamison ha ' provided four additional men and if ye can see fit to provide another four , we shall have full strength for the raid .
tr	5	They began lowering the boat over the side at which point Jeff called out quietly to Harrison , " They 're lowering a long boat . "
tr	5	The two men on the net had reached the top and were ducking down below the rail waiting for a chance to rush the deck .
tr	5	The man was so startled that he barely made a sound as he lost his grip on the net and Jeff pulled him under water .
tr	5	The man behind the mast was just finishing the reloading process , but Jeff drew his sword and was upon him before he could fire .
tr	5	Once again , Jeff submerged and delivered two more deep cuts to the man 's legs before thrusting his sword through the man 's abdomen .
tr	5	Satisfied that there was nobody waiting for him , he rose to his feet and as quietly as possible slogged the remaining way to the beach .
tr	5	Those eight plus three others including Craig himself in the raiding party would not be enough to safely take on both of the other crews .
tr	5	As Jeff saw the last man in the line pass by , the man in the trees slipped out onto the path and Jeff quickly followed .
tr	5	The other Stevens , who had been the target of the ambush , continued down the path toward the beach , apparently none the wiser .
tr	5	Jeff flinched as the shot rang in his ears , and he searched his body for the pain of the wound , but there was none .
tr	5	I seen ' im comin ' but then I seen ye comin ' up behind that first one and knew ye ' ad ' im .
tr	5	" Aye , there 's some sense in that , " Captain Jamison agreed , " But how do you propose to get my ship back ? "
tr	5	Jeff began putting on his costume as Craig knelt naked in the sand with his hands and feet bound , staring at him in stony silence .
tr	5	Jamison nodded at Craig and his men , who looked as if they had taken a bit of a beating since last he 'd seen them .
tr	5	Now , as the night grows short , we should get back to the ships and prepare to be underway before the Spanish fleet shows up " .
tr	5	Jeff had been busy for the first time in his role as ship 's surgeon attending to a variety of minor injuries the crew had sustained .
tr	5	Jeff was pretty worn out too , but the adrenaline from the life and death fights of the night before still had him pretty wired .
tr	5	Killing Craig 's men had been a necessity , but Jeff was more than a little disturbed at how easily he had taken his blade to them .
tr	5	Your lives shall be spared , however , our law dictates that you be punished for your part in the crimes perpetrated by your Captain .
tr	5	Jeff winced as the first crack of the whip resounded with a loud smack against the first man 's back and the man screamed out in pain .
tr	5	As the punishments continued , Jeff zoned out for a time , lost in his thoughts about his own violent actions from the night before .
tr	5	The fort that Jeff had seen from the ship was an imposing structure with high stone walls that came right to the water 's edge .
tr	5	They soon had a large fire burning and although it was some distance away , Jeff could feel the warmth from it on his skin .
tr	5	Rather than attempting to make a deal immediately , these women simply joined the party , laughing , drinking , and flirting with the men .
tr	5	Jeff shrugged it off and moved towards the center of the table to listen to a couple of Jamison 's men telling tall tales of their adventures .
tr	5	I shall like to share a smoke with my mate here and perhaps later we can enjoy each other 's company again , " Jenny said .
tr	5	As they walked , Jeff asked , " OK , so how did you pass yourself off as a man to your blonde friend there ? "
tr	5	" This is where the occupants of the fort can come to escape in case the fort is ever over-run by an attack , " Jenny explained .
tr	5	I 'm getting a bit lonely and if you aren 't up here soon , I might have to go find my friend from earlier . "
tr	5	They eventually found themselves breathing hard in each other 's arms , somewhat worse the wear from making love on the rough floor of the grotto .
tr	5	" I saw the two of ye head this way when ye went off fer yer smoke , but I never seen him come back out . "
tr	5	The pair dressed quickly and Jeff did the best he could to re-apply Jenny 's facial disguise before they made their way back through the passageway .
tr	5	He jumped up and staggered a bit as he made his way out to the center of the fort to look up at the sky .
tr	5	He watched the storm move out to sea and disappear on the horizon before reluctantly turning the boat around and heading back toward the beach .
tr	5	Only a faint glow appeared in the sky above it from the torches burning within , and Jeff was not really sure where they had come ashore .
tr	5	" So , Mr. Greene , you are trustworthy when it comes to other women , but not so much when it comes to thunderstorms !
tr	5	I 've been worried that I have been leading you on , developing a relationship with you knowing that I could be leaving at any time . "
tr	5	" I 'd love to , but I 'm afraid that Esmerelda will not give me a moment 's peace for the remainder of our stay .
tr	5	I can 't take the chance of her figuring out that I 'm not exactly the man she thinks I am , " Jenny said apologetically .
tr	5	I can barely move , my head feels like it 's going to explode and now you want to sneak off to the grotto ! "
tr	5	They played in and out of the water for some time as the sunlight shined in and the reflections flickered on the dark walls of the grotto .
tr	5	By now , the sun was peeking over the wall of the fort and most of the celebrants were awake and moving about over at the tables .
tr	5	" There be bacon and potato hash ready soon , " the woman said as she set down the fruit in the center of the table .
tr	5	Within minutes , Jeff and a just a handful of other men , mostly the older members of the respective crews remained in the dining area .
tr	5	If we did have to fight , I am confident that we would be victorious , but I do not believe we will encounter them .
tr	5	We shall be on a course that takes us the long way around the island , so it is unlikely that our paths will cross .
tr	5	He walked down to the galley and as usual , Jenny was busy preparing food and after stealing a quick kiss , she shooed him out .
tr	5	Jeff noticed that Jenny was not among the gathered landing party , so there was not going to be a chance for another visit to the cave .
tr	5	Jeff watched the crews on all three ships scurrying around to try to get as much speed as possible to try to outrun the Spanish .
tr	5	Meanwhile , The Crow was on an intercept course for the port side Spanish ship and Jeff could hear Jamison barking orders to prepare for his attack .
tr	5	The Spanish returned fire , but now was fighting a battle on both sides as the crew of the damaged Booty was firing at them as well .
tr	5	Jeff watched intently as the Captain seemed to be reading the waves and timing the rise and fall of the ship 's bow for the perfect moment .
tr	5	As before , the Captain 's timing was perfect and the shot found its mark -- a direct hit on the shaft of the ship 's rudder .
tr	5	Both shots hit their mark , with one splintering the center of the aft mast and the other tearing through sails and rigging further forward .
tr	5	Jeff volunteered to go over to the Grand Booty to provide care for their wounded , and quickly gathered his medical supplies when the Captain agreed .
tr	5	The dead crewman appeared to have been killed instantly by cannon shot to the chest , but he was not the sole source of the gore .
tr	5	Both were barely conscious , fortunately for them , Jeff thought , because the pain from the injuries he was looking at would have been intense .
tr	5	He was missing the outer half of his left hand and was covered with large wooden splinters and debris poking out from all over his body .
tr	5	Jeff hoped that it would be enough to keep the man alive for the time being and turned his attention to the rest of the injured crewmen .
tr	5	But all of them knew that death by infection was a horrible way to die and so they took their chances with Jeff 's lime juice treatment .
tr	5	Finish up what you are doing and make preparations for yourself and the injured to hold fast as we shall be coming to an abrupt stop . "
tr	5	Jeff then made his way over to the two critically wounded crewmen to check on their conditions and to secure them for the grounding of the ship .
tr	5	As he suspected , the one with the abdominal wound no longer had a pulse , but the other man seemed to be holding his own .
tr	5	Jeff was pleased to find the sacks were covered with some fine bed linens that had been part of the haul from a recent raid .
tr	5	" I suppose you 're right , " Jeff agreed , " It would be quite a challenge to get you assimilated in my time .
tr	5	As he headed out on deck to get some air before lunch , he could hear sounds of hammering and sawing coming from the sandbar .
tr	5	The Booty had suffered quite a bit of damage and Jeff figured it would be at least a few days before she was seaworthy again .
tr	5	The party went on late into the night and Jeff dragged himself off to his bunk after several of the men simply passed out on the deck .
tr	5	To this end , he remained aboard the Wandering Wench , which anchored well offshore in an attempt to avoid detection by the Jamaican authorities .
tr	5	" Well , we could hire a couple of these lovely ladies , or perhaps we could get a room to relax in at the Hotel Royale .
tr	5	Jenny entered the hotel and Jeff leaned up against the railing that ran across the front porch of it to watch the happenings on the street .
tr	5	It was no wider and was significantly shorter than a modern twin bed and their legs hung over the end a good foot or more .
tr	5	The mattress appeared to have been filled with a mixture of straw and feathers , providing a surface that was remarkably lumpy and poked at the skin .
tr	5	The two made their way back towards the docks and arrived at a small line of wooden carts that had been converted into open-air kitchens .
tr	5	An even larger man slowly rose from his chair and swatted the heavy table aside with one hand as he stepped forward toward his accuser .
tr	5	Fortunately , Jeff saw it coming and was able to block the punch before sending his attacker flying backward with a kick to his chest .
tr	5	" You can start with a massage on my shoulders and I 'll see what else I can think of , " she replied seductively .
tr	5	" We need to get back to the ships , " Jenny said as Jeff stood up stiffly and tried to work out the kinks .
tr	5	Jeff and Jenny quickly made their way onboard The Crow , while the others gradually dragged themselves to their feet and stumbled their way onto the deck .
tr	5	By the time Jeff and Jenny were finished eating , everyone was back on the ship and Captain Jamison gave the order to cast off .
tr	5	" Mr. Greene , I have considered your interest in joining the raid , and I think I can accommodate you -- on one condition . "
tr	5	Jeff was already waiting at the rail when the Captain gathered the rest of the raiding party and placed Crabtree in command of the ship .
tr	5	The three other soldiers in the building were taken completely by surprise and put up no resistance when faced with the multiple pistols aimed at them .
tr	5	The ground floor was cloaked in shadows , and although they knew there was probably a sentry patrolling there , he could not be seen .
tr	5	They moved quickly through the first floor of the house and found only a maid from the village hiding in terror beneath the dining table .
tr	5	Jeff tied the sack closed and threw it over his shoulder and only then noticed the first sack of coins was still poured out on the desk .
tr	5	Jeff returned to the bedroom , where the woman was now wrapped up in a blanket and sitting quietly on the bed with a glass of wine .
tr	5	The Captain continued , " Mr. Greene , words cannot express how much I have valued you as a friend and as a member of my crew .
tr	5	Mr. Crabtree caught us in a kiss , but I told him it was a custom from my time -- right before I kissed him ! "
tr	5	" I suspect that to be true , " the Captain said with a chuckle , " That was quick thinking indeed , Mr. Greene .
tr	5	The crackle of the strange lightning was now getting quite loud and the rapidly shifting winds from the storm were whipping the sea into a heavy chop .
tr	5	There was no time for Jeff to climb down the cargo net , so he leapt over the rail and dropped into the water feet first .
tr	5	He quickly pulled in the rope and untied the paddle and shoved the blade hard into the water to turn the kayak toward the storm .
tr	5	We have to be careful to be gone before they get a drone close enough to ID us on camera or they get a hovercraft out there .
tr	5	" You probably should sit down over there , " Rita said , nodding at a seat on the other side of the stern of the boat .
tr	5	" That should do it , " Rita said as she finished rolling Jeff 's body with the repellant and placed it back in her bag .
tr	5	The room was empty , except for a few buttons , a mirror , and what looked like some sort of drawers on the walls .
tr	5	Out of curiosity , he pushed the button again and after a momentary pause , the sound stopped and the commode slid out from the wall .
tr	5	Sitting at the kitchen table , Edwin put down his textbook and ticked the box marked " history " in his homemade revision planner chart .
tr	5	Once more Edwin was forced to protect his eardrums , and as he sheltered beneath his science textbook he noticed the pained look on Bryony 's face .
tr	5	" Why don 't you leave this to me , and go check today 's paper to see if any new vacancies have come up ? "
tr	5	Except one day in Art , and that was only because I had to make enough papier-mâché to bung up the teachers ' toilets . "
tr	5	" The Library hasn 't been used for several hundred years , and we had to lay off the cleaner due to public spending cuts . "
tr	5	Make me bright as a spark So I 'll not only pass , But get high enough marks To come top of my class ! "
tr	5	I 'm sorry I didn 't have time to check the results at school , but I was stuck in the office all day doing paperwork .
tr	5	He felt awkward and self-conscious in the homemade skirt , but the wig he 'd crafted from strips of black painted string was a work of genius .
tr	5	So he had settled for a compromise , writing a spell to make people think he was Bryony , without having to alter his physical appearance .
tr	5	The weather didn 't look promising ; the sky was an ominous shade of grey , and he 'd already heard the odd rumble of thunder .
tr	5	" Several , " lied Edwin , deciding not to mention that he 'd spent most of last night manufacturing fake hair out of painted string .
tr	5	" All the pages are blank , but that 's because you have to write the spells in the book for it to work . "
tr	5	Edwin wondered how Maddy knew so much about the house , but before he could ask any other questions , the coach lurched to a halt .
tr	5	Suddenly his fear of that foreboding building gave way to greater concern for his painted string wig , and he found himself hurrying through the doorway .
tr	5	She wore a long grey dress that looked like it had come from a museum , and a large disc-shaped silver pendant hung from her scrawny neck .
tr	5	She quickened her pace across the playground , partly out of eagerness to be reunited with her friends , and partly because it had started to rain .
tr	5	Legend had it that he 'd once kept a class in detention for an entire weekend , even though it clashed with his own wedding .
tr	5	" You couldn 't get more ' haunted house ' if you tried , " murmured Edwin , eyeing the suits of armour as he walked past .
tr	5	It was getting colder and darker with every step , and the sense of eeriness was heightened by echoing rumbles of thunder from the strengthening storm outside .
tr	5	From their nervous glances and hesitant steps , Edwin suspected the other children shared his misgivings , but Maddy 's mood was more difficult to gauge .
tr	5	" It 's bad enough you finished bottom in your exams , " continued Jane , " but this sort of behaviour will only make things worse .
tr	5	From the sounds of frantic tapping , Edwin guessed the other kids were still hard at it , and he wondered how Maddy was getting on .
tr	5	A line of paintings hung on the passage wall , portraits of people wearing old-fashioned costumes , staring at him with eyes that seemed somehow alive .
tr	5	" It 's opening ... " Edwin looked at the wardrobe , and realised Maddy 's shock was not the result of an electric current .
tr	5	He guessed they were leading to some sort of cellar , perhaps where the original occupants of the house had stored wine or other provisions .
tr	5	He claimed he was investigating a cure of boils , but the authorities knew he was up to no good and so closed down his laboratory .
tr	5	" If we end up in a tank of alligators , I don 't think either of us will be doing much running again . "
tr	5	" I know you finished bottom of the school , but there are some things you really shouldn 't need a teacher to tell you . "
tr	5	It would seem he has kept the Tome , and used its magic to make people think he was you , and vice versa . "
tr	5	No , it wasn 't the dark ; it was the thought of being down here on his own that made Edwin 's stomach knot with fear .
tr	5	That is why the Wise Ones kept the Tome secure in their library , to stop its power falling into the wrong hands again . "
tr	5	There was the sound of approaching footsteps , and Edwin pulled Bryony back from the grate as a strange looking man came scuttling into view .
tr	5	I could obtain this from the national grid , but I am a little behind with my monthly bills and I don 't trust direct debits .
tr	5	" I didn 't understand any of that , and couldn 't care less just so long as I get my split ends sorted . "
tr	5	You see Maddy is really a witch , and she ... " " Trapped you down the pit and then ran away with the Tome ? "
tr	5	" She was a bright pupil , but lacked concentration , and would rather play tricks on her tutor than commit herself to serious study .
tr	5	The computer desks had gone , and at the end of the room was an ornate wooden stand with an opened book resting on it .
tr	5	" A brilliant spell to send me forwards to a point in time when the Tome would be once again free to claim for myself .
tr	5	He saw the grief in her moistening eyes , and felt a surge of sympathy for someone who had lost their parents , brothers and sisters .
tr	5	There was a buzzing noise as a large metal needle , as thick as a drainpipe , rose from the centre of the laboratory floor .
tr	5	There was a crackling noise as forks of electricity danced around the metal pole , and the BBC lit up like an oversized fruit machine .
tr	5	An organic brain , however , can store data and use it thanks to complex neurological processes that human science doesn 't yet fully understand . "
tr	5	" That was by far the creepiest thing I 've seen today , " said Edwin , surveying the suit of armour 's dismembered remains .
tr	5	At the same time there was a clap of thunder , followed by a flash and a crackle when another bolt of lighting struck the conductor mast .
tr	5	But Bryony had the monster in her sights , and shot a beam of magic that hurled the gargoyle into the advancing suits of armour .
tr	5	" But when I was in that pit on my own , I ... " Edwin 's words were drowned by a booming crash from below .
tr	5	Cursing with fury , the Spell Wizard launched another attack , and then another , but his fiery bombardment could not penetrate the Guardians ' magic shield .
tr	5	My younger sister used to hang around me all day wanting to play with her dollies , and she was still prettier and cleverer than me .
tr	5	" And we are most apologetic should we have given you cause to suspect our motives were ever less than genial towards your personage . "
tr	5	" But make the most of it , when I 'm working full time I won 't be around to help out round the house . "
tr	5	It may not have been everyone 's idea of the perfect career , but it came with a company car and attractive performance related incentives .
tr	5	I must also advise that the reader should not attempt to re-enact any scenes in the story , especially ones involving wet string , keys and lightning .
tr	5	After few letters from my Readers I realized that some does not understand this in spite it should be rather obvious that IT IS A STORY .
tr	5	Anger and frustration mounted steadily because the contrast between my inherited from my family code of ethics and the ' reality ' I faced there was overwhelming .
tr	5	Still , I value very much what I learned and have no regret that I invested my money , time and energy in this exercise .
tr	5	Instead of answering my questions I am , rather , accumulating more and more questions which I would like to be answered by someone who knows .
tr	5	He is in fact far from sainthood and even far from accepted common norm as he is determined to think independently and have own opinions .
tr	5	However , I completely disagree with many of White Eagle 's ways of conduct , with His hypocrisy and His using lies to control Colony members .
tr	5	He is an experienced rock climber and mountaineer , pistol , rifle and AK-47 machine-gun marksman at Olympic level , but recently only shooting at sport targets .
tr	5	All birds , on joining the Bird Seekers Colony , wore a white feather in reverence of their leader and spiritual guide , White Eagle .
tr	5	Suddenly , a copper water vessel atop another one near the water tap fell on his feet , washing them with cool , crystal clear water .
tr	5	He was so enthusiastic that he was always ready to do any work , at any time , even the work of the sparrows or the ravens .
tr	5	Other well-wishers prescribed him to blindly do his work at least twenty-eight hours a day and even better and faster than Big Ostrich could run .
tr	5	On inspecting the damage he found it too extensive for his capacity and asked White Eagle if Woodpecker could be sent to the humans ' hospital .
tr	5	At least five old Bird Seekers , Bird Colony inmates , were needed to separate White Eagle 's Father -- Old Kingfisher and the poor visitor .
tr	5	Birds ' Family Court already officially divorced them but Woodpecker was involved , almost on a daily basis , with their son Bird Naughty Chick 's affairs .
tr	5	Even going back to Birds ' Colony wouldn 't be appropriate , as he was not able to join their chirping chorus of birds ' songs .
tr	5	One small , friendly Goldfinch got frightened on hearing this heresy and said trembling , " Never say such a thing loudly my dear Woodpecker .
tr	5	Woodpecker was a bit shaken but also thankful for God Sun for giving him , just in time , a warning and saving him from disaster .
tr	5	We , we , we ... the Generals always know what to do ... Foreign birds donate generously so there is no problem at all .
tr	5	Until now foreign goods had been carefully stored in damp rooms to mature and thus adapt quickly to the local conditions of this tropical climate .
tr	5	Luckily for all involved , the Generals appointed a most knowledgeable and technically minded small Goldfinch to be the bird in charge of Woodpecker 's supplies .
tr	5	But birds say that time heals all wounds and it is true not only in the normal , mundane but even in the spiritual birds ' world .
tr	5	It is much better to exercise higher intelligence by watching TV , as most bird seekers did when the Bird in Charge -- De Peacock was away .
tr	5	In the meantime , two more containers of goods arrived and now things were everywhere , even on the muddy ground under the unfinished entrance porch .
tr	5	In this way foreign bird Woodpecker was on his way to becoming the first bird ever to run a workshop with a white marble floor !
tr	5	This made the work of finishing for the tradesmen easier ; there was no need to do any work , as there was no access .
tr	5	It provided a great chance for the local bird carpenters to prove that they could make wood straight again by hand planing through the night .
tr	5	When asked when he was going to install windows into Woodpecker 's workshop because the place was flooded when it rained he shouted : " Tomorrow ! "
tr	5	Three weeks later when asked the same question , he repeated the same with the same confidence but now tainted with anger : " Tomorrow ! "
tr	5	Woodpecker photographed this superior scene , choosing as acting heroes most lovely dogs , and sent the photo , as a postcard , to White Eagle .
tr	5	After a few months of experiments to find out how to operate it Bird De Peacock finally found an old bird experienced in burning dead birds .
tr	5	Thanks to the still miraculously functioning air conditioning system , all carcinogenic gases and the smell of burning plastic was evenly distributed to all rooms .
tr	5	For Big Condor -- S ' Maya , a gigantic cushioned seat was arranged on an elevated stage , like those in movies about ancient King Birds .
tr	5	On hearing these words of wisdom , few Doctors and many nurses left upset that they ended up on the stupid side of the birds ' society .
tr	5	Next morning Big Condor -- S ' Maya requested Woodpecker to write about his greatness in a magazine he published in his old cold country .
tr	5	I am the General in Charge of this Project and my only intention is to serve White Eagle , our dear Guru Bird to my very best .
tr	5	Small Goldfinch , being such , forgot his mastery of the birds ' martial arts and changed position to be at the back of others .
tr	5	Being there he had a chance to gaze from time to time with love at one foreign Chick Bird , even sometimes tweet with her .
tr	5	Woodpecker , being heartless , advised her to pack her possessions and go as soon as possible on a birds ' bus to the Colony Headquarters .
tr	5	There were other examples of the Bird Seekers ' dedication , sincerity and utter humbleness but it would take a full book to report it all .
tr	5	One hundred meters , in front of their vehicle , a small mini lorry capsized , spreading the fish it was carrying on the tarred road .
tr	5	The road started to dance in the lorry 's windscreen , and then the lorry turned sideways , hit the road 's elevated side and rolled over .
tr	5	Woodpecker stopped a passing humans ' lorry and with the help of its crew and his unharmed workers relieved the man from under the lorry .
tr	5	Woodpecker brushed away his questions and ignoring his genuine interest in finding out what was going on , walked towards the auto rickshaw awaiting him .
tr	5	Bald Turkey The Corporate Office was disturbed but kept silent until one day Woodpecker met in the Infirmary Atrium Administrative Director Bird -- Bald Turkey .
tr	5	Bird Sniper comforted him saying that Bad Birds are afraid of the Birds ' Police presence and that is why there is no need for ammunition .
tr	5	She , in her short birds ' life , had already managed to break the hearts of dozens of innocent birds and seduce considerably more .
tr	5	A day later Woodpecker notice that everything in Condor 's Studio was as it had been for many months -- no action had been taken .
tr	5	" White Eagle , there was launched by Pail Heron a very serious accusation that you were secretly living a life in contrary to your teachings .
tr	5	Do not play stupid now as this is beyond the norm of highest bird 's stupidity and does not relieve you from responsibility for your choices .
tr	5	But now you say in this nice book , Hellish Heaven , that you cannot be sure one way or the other about all of them .
tr	5	I heard that you are living with this low cast bird Fairy Bluebird who is nothing , not even good enough to be my servant .
tr	5	Instead , working on starving your own arrogant ego , you concentrated on consolidating power and were lobbying a few to have a team of dedicated supporters .
tr	5	Go now , go , and do not waste time again , it is only one week -- not one hundred and thirty five years ! "
tr	5	Tiger Bird was sitting behind his foreign desk and his legs were stretched Predator Eagles businessman style over his documents aesthetically spread all over the desk .
tr	5	When he reached the ground floor , Woodpecker rushed towards the Infirmary Back Entrance , where his deputy was standing under the guard of seven security hawks .
tr	5	He assessed Bird Alli as completely sober and confirmed that the workers staying in Woodpecker 's workshop were permitted , as he is in charge .
tr	5	As Lady Bird was high up in Colony hierarchy , and the energy between them was irresistibly powerful , he decided immediately to back up .
tr	5	In fact , Woodpecker disliked spoiled and neurotic birds , and was not interested in Bird -- Spoiled Pigeon , so he decided to back up .
tr	5	To give up is the easiest thing any Bird can do , but to continue when most of the other birds are against us is real strength .
tr	5	His energy on those premises so powerfully matched the energy of the big rats that they felt at home freely damaging all the birds ' clothes .
tr	5	General in Charge , Bird -- De Peacock was stripped from power and position and kept in the Colony Headquarters as a White Eagle casual driver .
tr	5	He felt worthless , empty and bored so he left the Colony deciding to continue his search for God Sun in the innermost domains of himself .
tr	5	One Crow , after reading a book on the subject of the stars ' influence on a bird 's life , wanted to imitate Owl -- Astrologer .
tr	5	Woodpecker 's mate , who was very intuitive , asked if he knew her and what was wrong with this bird -- it was so obvious .
tr	5	It meant those who are on similar mental and moral levels are attracted to each other - ' that which is similar unto itself is drawn ' .
tr	5	Only one : from now on he should simply follow his Inner Bird Self , where God Sun is hiding , blessing others for illumination and ... .
tr	5	Fences were pleasantly decorated with razor blade wires ; watchtowers dominating the surroundings had microwave transmitters crowning their roofs , ready to cook rebellious individuals ' brains .
tr	5	I 'm glad we 've decided to spend the night with her because I know she gets lonely out there on the sheep station . "
tr	5	He exits the tent and quickly moves toward the dingoes , waving his hands in the air , " Get outta here dogs , shoo ! "
tr	5	She feels a sharp pain in her neck , her head turns to the side , and she can 't move it at all now .
tr	5	The turbulence is bouncing the airplane around a bit and the Captain has the seat belt sign on so we can 't move freely about the cabin .
tr	5	I put my head back against the seat and start smiling because I am remembering my wedding , the wedding that happened about 28 hours ago .
tr	5	Derrick would like to identify and catalog some of the most venomous snakes in the world , and quite a few of them are located in Australia .
tr	5	I reach over and grab Derrick 's hand and can 't believe we are almost here and about to start an adventure of a lifetime .
tr	5	We are both starving , so we leave the airport and head straight for Hanuman , a restaurant known for its Thai and Indian cuisine .
tr	5	Wood is a little scarce around the camp site , so we need to spread out farther to find enough wood for the next three nights .
tr	5	When I went to bed earlier , I heard the typical night noises from the nocturnal animals in the trees and the insects making their usual sounds .
tr	5	We have a long day in front of us , and I really want to get started so we can be back here before dark . "
tr	5	She asks if I had seen the light , and I told her that I did see it and was not sure what it was .
tr	5	I mention that our guide talked to the park ranger and said it was nothing to be concerned about , so she seems happy with that explanation .
tr	5	Day 7 Before we head to our next destination , we need to stock up on a few supplies -- hopefully , no more beef stew .
tr	5	The park only allows a certain number of canoes to be out on the water at one time , so Dane had to reserve them weeks ago .
tr	5	At the very top of this one particular rock wall , I see a lone tree that appears to be growing right out of the rock .
tr	5	" No , we just got back here about 30 minutes ago and didn 't even glance in your direction ; I 'm sorry . "
tr	5	We are all just a little on edge after what has happened , and to be honest , I really don 't feel like eating .
tr	5	" It sounds like dogs yelping and growling at each other , you know , when they are fighting over scraps , " he says .
tr	5	He responds in a very calm voice as he enters our tent , " I am protecting us from whatever is out there making that noise .
tr	5	But I do realize that the dim fire light can play tricks with shapes and shadows , so we really don 't have much to go on .
tr	5	All I know is there is something out there , and I don 't want to make its acquaintance in the middle of the night .
tr	5	We all decide that it would be best to keep someone awake and guarding the camp while the other two catch a little shut eye .
tr	5	I reposition myself so that my back is in front of the tent -- not immediately in front of it , but probably about five feet away .
tr	5	As we are taking down the tent , Derrick is surprised to find what appears to be blood splattered on the back side of our tent .
tr	5	We pile into the car and on our way out of the National Park we see a couple of ambulances on the side of the road .
tr	5	In my mind I keep playing the scene over and over and finally have to shake my head and push it out of my mind .
tr	5	" No , I don 't mind at all ; in fact , I 'm just as curious as you are , " Derrick answers .
tr	5	I figured she was probably like all the other eighth grade girls -- stuck up because she was so pretty ; but I was wrong .
tr	5	Derrick opens the door and asks him if he just knocked , he said , " No , I thought you just knocked on my door .
tr	5	" I recommend we go to Litchfield National Park , which is just south of here on the way to my house , " Dane suggests .
tr	5	He 's so ecstatic about going snake hunting today , he can hardly get the camp site dismantled and loaded into the car quick enough .
tr	5	Derrick looks back at me and gives me that little boy grin that I love so much , and holds his thumb up to the sky .
tr	5	It 's a little hard to tell what it used to be because it looks as if a tornado came through and totally rearranged the contents .
tr	5	At the end of the long hall is a big steel door with half a dozen hazardous material suits hanging on the outside of the door .
tr	5	The rooms still have clothes in them , but there are no personal items that we can find to identify who might have been living here .
tr	5	" Sorry man , but we knocked , and the door was unlocked , so we walked in to find this mess , " Derrick explains .
tr	5	" I 'm sorry but I don 't know you people and what 's going on here is none of your business , " he says sharply .
tr	5	If taken in very small doses on a daily basis , it can control anger and aggressiveness not only in humans , but in animals as well .
tr	5	The next morning , we gave the same dingo a small amount of the drug again and he remained calm for the remainder of the day .
tr	5	He looked around towards the back of the airplane and saw what he called a ' hot rock ' burning a hole through one of the seats .
tr	5	He found the meteorite inside the fuselage and saw where it had burned through the floor , through the metal to the cables located beneath the flooring .
tr	5	I didn 't say anything to Carlos about the blood , because I didn 't want to alarm him in any way since he was already agitated .
tr	5	After reading the entire contents of the notebook , I realized that he was not working on the same project as the rest of us .
tr	5	Trevor didn 't hear us when we first came into the facility because he was downstairs in the basement burning the bodies in the incinerator .
tr	5	" I 'll give her a call this evening and let her know we will be there bright and early in the morning , " Dane says .
tr	5	It takes us about 45 minutes to get there , and as we pull up in front , we see Nicola on the steps waiting for us .
tr	5	Trevor thinks that it probably isn 't , because he did not get it from Carlos , but what about a bite or bodily fluid exchange ?
tr	5	Dane is going to contact an old friend of his , Monti , and ask him to help us hunt and kill the infected dingoes .
tr	5	It is a directive advising people to immediately go indoors if a dingo is sighted , because they are attacking humans for no apparent reason .
tr	5	Trevor gets on the phone and says , " Now that we have more information on the parasite , I am going to call the CDC .
tr	5	Trevor shows them the notebook that he found on Dr. Elliot and relays the unimaginable story to them like he did to us when we first met .
tr	5	Geoff looks at Dane with surprise and says , " And you don 't mind taking on the burden of hunting and destroying the infected dingoes ? "
tr	5	I 'm sure you are very competent , and I am not questioning your abilities , but I have to send a team member along with you .
tr	5	May I also suggest soaking the freshly killed dingoes with bleach so the blood doesn 't contaminate the soil and spread , " Geoff requests .
tr	5	I know it needs to be destroyed because of the parasite , but deep inside , I 'm crushed ... you know what I mean ? "
tr	5	Derrick and I talk in bed for about ten minutes before going to sleep wondering if this is the right thing for us to do .
tr	5	But something startles the dingo , because in a blink of an eye , it jumps to its feet and is growling at Monti and Dane .
tr	5	Let me get a plastic sheet out of the car so we can wrap up the dingo and prevent further bleeding in the soil . "
tr	5	Monti is busy gathering wood for the fire , and Dane grabs the bleach and starts pouring it over the two dingoes to be burned .
tr	5	" The gun was in my left hand , and my right arm was in front of my face blocking the dingo 's mouth ... damn ! "
tr	5	Marcus , post guards outside of their rooms , and if they try to leave or get violent , tell the guards to bring them down .
tr	5	" Listen , Geoff , " Dane says , " we want to head back out in the morning and finish killing the infected dingoes .
tr	5	I also called Geoff this morning and requested that he give us four biohazard suits from the lab -- suits that are stronger and tear proof .
tr	5	I see Taku 's eyes open and he whispers in a very weak voice , " Cousin , cousin , what are you doing here ? "
tr	5	At the car , we start to carefully remove the protective gear and place them in airtight containers to be decontaminated and recycled back at the lab .
tr	5	We want to make sure everything has been disposed of properly before we leave , so we decide to wait for the fire to run its course .
tr	5	When we arrive at the lab , Dane and Monti take the airtight containers right to the decontamination area and grab four clean biohazard suits .
tr	5	Chapter 13 Day 16 I pull out the GPS at breakfast and am pleased to see the remaining three dingo dots are very close together .
tr	5	Our first reaction is to yell at him and tell him to go back inside , but then we see three dingoes following him outside .
tr	5	We were at the airport buying tickets at separate counters when these security guards grabbed me and told me I had to come with them .
tr	5	So , when she yelled as us , we were very surprised to see her standing in front of the car pointing her shotgun at us .
tr	5	Dane continues , " So , after explaining the situation to them , they are more than willing to return to the facility and get help .
tr	5	I would say , " It hurts when I do that , " and he would say , " Then don 't do that ! "
tr	5	Derrick comes out of the bathroom , sees me on the bed and asks , " Hey , what are you doing , Honey ? "
tr	5	So I fold up my timeline and put it in the pocket of my jacket so I am sure to have it tomorrow at the lab .
tr	5	I remember , the bodies were in terrible shape and the little boy ... well , I cried and that doesn 't happen very often .
tr	5	Please don 't be alarmed , but there is a possibility that your daughter and her family were attacked by a pack of infected dingoes . "
tr	5	When I made the incision on the husband , a reddish black fluid oozed from the incision , but I didn 't think much of it .
tr	5	" But Geoff , even if there was a parasite in his blood , wouldn 't the chemicals from the embalming fluid kill any infectious organisms ? "
tr	5	" We can 't say for sure because we have never seen a parasite like this and do not know how it responds or reacts .
tr	5	I walk in the lab , give the fluid to Nicola , and ask her if anyone has checked on our patients in quarantine today .
tr	5	He holds out his right arm for me to use and says , " Why don 't you let me collect blood samples from the other guys .
tr	5	I know it 's easy for me to say because I am out here and you are in there , but you can 't give up . "
tr	5	I wonder if being infected directly with the parasite versus being infected with bodily fluids , like I was from the dingo , makes a difference ? "
tr	5	Cole puts his hand up to the glass , and I put my hand up to the glass , smile , and head toward the hazardous area .
tr	5	" I am so hungry , I could eat a horse , " Dane says as he flips the box open and grabs a huge sandwich .
tr	5	" I started flying when I was 16 years old , soloed on my 17th birthday and received my Private 's Pilot License a few months later .
tr	5	Chapter 17 Day 18 I wake up all alone in my hotel room , and start to think about the conversation I had with Cole yesterday .
tr	5	Being a rat owner myself , I know it is best to buy them at a young age , because they are easier to train .
tr	5	I look through the drawer of rat pups and huddled in the corner , with his head under his body sleeping , is the perfect rat .
tr	5	If you look at him from this angle , nose to nose , you can see a faint , white , ring around his nose .
tr	5	And look at his little hands , they are so human-like , except they don 't have thumbs -- see the little knuckles and the fingernails .
tr	5	Trevor and Nicola have given me a copy of all the information they have on the parasite to give to the CDC Director in Perth .
tr	5	" My daughter 's mother , whom I never married , is a professor at the University of Darwin and I wanted to be near my daughter .
tr	5	My dad worked at the Air Force Base as a Civil Servant for Department of Defense , and my mom was a seventh grade math teacher .
tr	5	I did see one yard that had really green grass , but Taylor told me it was a special grass that doesn 't need watering at all .
tr	5	Matthew comes into the tent about 20 minutes after starting the fire and pours bleach all over the body while it is in the coffin .
tr	5	The tip of the device is then placed into a container and a handle is squeezed , allowing whatever is in the cylinder to fall out .
tr	5	The tiny lid is removed from the coffin , and inside lying just as peaceful as an angel is this precious little boy with light blond hair .
tr	5	Taylor asks Matthew to set up a trailer by the cemetery to store the coffins in until they can be placed back in the ground .
tr	5	I am crossing my fingers that the parasite isn 't in the water because if it is , we have a serious problem on the sheep station .
tr	5	We tested the soil where the coffin was , and it is infected with the parasite , so we decided to check your water , too .
tr	5	" I know Mrs. Jones , and I hope you don 't have the parasite , but we really need to check , okay ? "
tr	5	Taylor and I look at each other and take a deep breath because we know that this is going to be a very long day .
tr	5	Derrick and Dane will collect the blood while the sheep handlers corral them into the upper pasture , where they will be quarantined until further notice .
tr	5	Each sheep has a tag number on his ear ; that is how we will keep track of the samples and find out which ones are bad .
tr	5	As soon as Derrick and Dane are finished gathering up the sheep and collecting blood , we will call it a day and check into the hotel .
tr	5	We are talking to the mortician here in Darwin , he thinks that the formaldehyde will probably kill the flesh , especially at the injection site .
tr	5	We are going to have some surveyors confirm that the water here does not tie into any other water system , just to be safe .
tr	5	She has about 500 acres out here , so it may take until dark or even maybe part of tomorrow to get them in . "
tr	5	I have it typed and saved on the computer because every time I go to the doctor , they want a current list of medications .
tr	5	She knows we will be back bright and early in the morning , but I assured her not to worry about having coffee for us .
tr	5	Sometimes , I stop and listen before I approach the glass , because he is totally into that rat , and the conversation is so cute .
tr	5	I know Derrick is glad the chute is hydraulic , because if it were a manual chute , I think he would be exhausted after ten sheep .
tr	5	I saw Derrick knock on the door of the truck and pass the box full of vials to Taylor so he can start analyzing them .
tr	5	You look good standing up there with your blue jeans on and that cowboy hat riding low on your forehead , " I say with raised eyebrows .
tr	5	The sample will be checked , and if it is positive , I will place a check next to the tag number on the sheet .
tr	5	When we are done with one vial , it is placed in a bucket of bleach , along with the microscope slide and the dropper .
tr	5	Matthew speaks up and says , " Mrs. Jones , please flush out your water , using the faucets on the outside of the house .
tr	5	But , now that we are just about finished , my mind has a chance to absorb the vastness and the beauty of the striking landscape .
tr	5	The CDC in Perth sent a team to oversee the quarantine , and Animal Control Services has taken over the task of tending the sheep .
tr	5	" Mrs. Jones , I am going to do is test the water today , just to get an idea of what sort of impurities are present .
tr	5	We decide to go up to the house and deliver the news , and let her know we will be returning to Darwin the next morning .
tr	5	As soon as we have an antidote , Taylor and I will come back and give it to your employees and all of the sheep .
tr	5	Do you need us to stay and help you through this , or ... " Before I can finish my question , Taylor shakes his head no .
tr	5	I 'll see you soon , hopefully with the antidote " Derrick , Dane , and I quickly go to our rooms and get everything packed up .
tr	5	I see Henderson fighting with the controls , just trying to hang on to the airplane , but he is having a very difficult time .
tr	5	We are 500 feet above the ground , 400 feet , 300 feet , 200 feet -- brace for impact -- 100 feet , and then BAM !
tr	5	I am lucky to have a button up shirt on today , so I tuck my arm inside my shirt and use it like a make-shift sling .
tr	5	The landscape is a burst sienna color speckled with dots of yellow with little short , stubby bushes as far as the eye can see .
tr	5	" It looks like we have 13 bottles of water , a few sodas , some juice boxes , and a dozen bags of peanuts .
tr	5	He comes back with a towel , takes a little of the water from his bottle , and gently wipes the dirt off his face .
tr	5	" Yeah , that 's the first place that search and rescue will be looking , but it might take them days to get here .
tr	5	Derrick is looking through all of the suitcases searching for something like a blanket we can use to shelter us from the hot , midday sun .
tr	5	Sometimes out here in the Outback it can get windy , so having a wall of rock around the fire helps to protect the flame . "
tr	5	" It looks like you have this fire building under control , so Derrick and I are going to hunt for food , " Dane announces .
tr	5	" If someone is trying to find us , maybe they will see the smoke , plus we will have good coals for tonight 's fire . "
tr	5	We are going to need more wood if we are going to keep the fire burning like that all night , so Henderson starts looking for more .
tr	5	Henderson gets up and walks to the tail section of the airplane , retrieves an orange duffel bag and brings it back to the fire .
tr	5	Don 't travel during the day , because it is difficult to keep yourself hydrated , especially if you don 't have a lot of water .
tr	5	We will sit around the fire tonight and discuss our options , whether we should stay or leave the aircraft ; the pros and cons .
tr	5	The four of us decide to rest for a while , so we all crowd in under the canopy , and what a difference this blanket makes .
tr	5	" I 've been doing some thinking this afternoon , and I think we should stick around the airplane until tomorrow evening , like Henderson suggested .
tr	5	We will use the jelly beans , trail mix , and peanuts when we need to travel , if we are forced to abandon the aircraft .
tr	5	" Hey , Henderson , tell us about some of the cool places you went to when you were in the Armed Forces , " I request .
tr	5	I guess they had never seen a handsome black man like me before , and thought I would taste like chocolate , I don 't know .
tr	5	My Dad respectfully said no , and explained that in our country , young girls go to school and get an education before they marry .
tr	5	It wasn 't the type of safari where you go and shoot wild animals ; it was a pleasure safari just for viewing the wildlife .
tr	5	The van driver told us that the huts along the side of the road were built out of mud , cow dung , and straw .
tr	5	" The roof of the van was constructed so that it could be electrically lifted to create a space large enough to view the scenery .
tr	5	Within a couple of hours , another van came along , got our information , and drove back to the lodge and got us some help .
tr	5	At the end of the passageway , there was an elevated structure that served as an observation deck , where you could watch the animals drink .
tr	5	My Dad looked at me and told me if I was serious , I would have to find the instructor and an airplane to use .
tr	5	" So Dane , I 'm sure you have a story or two about some of your favorite clients , or maybe not so favorite clients .
tr	5	I met them at their hotel in Darwin and couldn 't believe that this was the couple I would be roughing it with for a week .
tr	5	She had studied geography for one semester , so that made her an expert on all the different cultures of the world , especially mine .
tr	5	Once the tents were set up and the stew was warmed up enough to eat , Charles went to the car and told her dinner was ready .
tr	5	She came out of the tent and told her husband , ' Get me out of this dreadful country ' , so they left that afternoon .
tr	5	I notice that the fire has almost completely died out , so I throw a couple of logs on top , and it starts to burn again .
tr	5	They come back holding what appears to be a big bowl , but it is actually the cone off of the tip of the tail .
tr	5	I am feeling a little better now , so I decide to sit up and see what else Derrick and Dane brought back with them .
tr	5	I see the sun starting to dig its way into the earth 's surface and am truly amazed at how beautiful the sunset really is .
tr	5	If one of us gets depressed or starts to whimper negative emotions or thoughts , it will create an unhealthy environment for all of us .
tr	5	We are probably about two hours from the crash site now , and I ask if we can stop for a few minutes and rest .
tr	5	I suggest to the group that we eat a bag of peanuts or maybe a few jelly beans to give us all a little bit of energy .
tr	5	Dane sees it too , because we alter our course just a little bit to the right so we can stop and rest under the trees .
tr	5	I know it 's a Joey , and then I see it ; there is a little head sticking out of the top of the pouch .
tr	5	I 'll be glad when the sun is up because that means I get to stop walking and can sleep for the rest of the day .
tr	5	Derrick has Dane and Henderson pulled aside a few yards from me and I can hear him whispering , " She can 't go any farther .
tr	5	I remember seeing some large band aids in the first aid kit , so I wake up Derrick and ask him to give me a hand .
tr	5	Chapter 30 Day 27 We don 't even bother to set up the blanket because there is quite a bit of shade under the grove of trees .
tr	5	At sunset , someone comes into the tent and wakes us up , requesting our presence at the fire pit located in the center of the village .
tr	5	We make our way through the town and right around the corner , I see a large fire pit with about 50 people gathered around it .
tr	5	I was a young man , and remember that everyone across the entire country turned their lights on that evening for the astronaut in trouble .
tr	5	His manner of speech is addictive , and I feel as if I am in a trance , hanging on every word he 's saying .
tr	5	Meanwhile , one of the elderly women has been staring at Dane 's face , touching and feeling the burns he acquired after the crash .
tr	5	It is very late now and I am tired , so Derrick and I excuse ourselves from the festivities and return to our tent for the evening .
tr	5	" Thank you , Kobi , but it is our custom that when a loved one dies , their name is to never be spoken again . "
tr	5	The doctor from town arrives at the village about 45 minutes later , and is told by one of the family members that she has died .
tr	5	After a few minutes , Dane breaks contact and sits down at the small table in the tent and asks me to explain what happened .
tr	5	One minute we were in the water , she was tending to her clothes , and the next , she was in the mouth of the crocodile .
tr	5	I ask him what is wrong and he says , " I am just imagining how I would feel if it were my own little girl .
tr	5	The death rituals and ceremony will most likely continue into the night , so Dane decides to walk over to the Chief and have a conversation .
tr	5	Give me a number for you and I 'll call you back after I get a good estimated time of arrival for the copter . "
tr	5	We do a complete blood and parasite count daily , and the parasite numbers are decreasing , so I know the body is getting rid of it .
tr	5	They knew you were alive because there were no human remains in the ashes and there was a really nice fire pit constructed by the crash site .
tr	5	They found it a lot quicker than I thought they would , but with two great minds working around the clock , it was inevitable .
tr	5	I am on dialysis , and I have to carry around these bags to get rid of my waste , but my mind is still functioning .
tr	5	I didn 't want to bring him in the ICU , so I put him in his cage , which doesn 't happen that often . "
tr	5	The facility allows dogs , cats , and other domesticated animals inside the facility , so I thought I would bring him in to brighten her day .
tr	5	I know you have tickets to fly back to the states departing out of Perth , and I know you want to go see Mrs. Jones . "
tr	5	I definitely have a place for you on my team and I know that Derrick could get a job at the zoo here in Darwin .
tr	5	" Yes I did , but with such nasty bump on his head , he might not be cleared medically to fly by the flight doctors .
tr	5	" I knew your Dad was really lonely without you here , so the rat would be good company until he could see you again .
tr	5	I have a tub next to the shower and usually put my towels there so when I get out , I don 't have to walk far .
tr	5	When you first mentioned moving here , that was the first thing that entered my mind when I thought about what I would do for work here .
tr	5	There is no reason for us to go into the lab early in the morning , so we will be able to finish in the morning .
tr	5	We will need to use the CDC van to haul the suitcases to the airport , so we will pick them up on the way .
tr	5	I walk down the long hall to Stolz 's room and am pleased to see him sitting up in the bed when I walk in .
tr	5	The lady at the reception desk in the Fixed Base Operation pushes the button releasing the magnetic latch on the gate , which allows us to enter .
tr	5	We really like it here and have made some wonderful friends in the process , " I say as I lightly punch him in the arm .
tr	5	" My semester is over in six weeks , so we are tentatively planning to be back in two months if everything goes according to plan . "
tr	5	He said it 's probably one of the fanciest restaurants in Perth , and most of the celebrities go there when they are in town .
tr	5	The crop dusters have been spraying these fields for days , and another team has been spraying the area the planes can 't get to .
tr	5	" Sounds like we have some work to do today while the boys are giving shots to the employees , sheep , and horses . "
tr	5	Derrick and Dane you know , but this is Geoff , the CDC Director from Darwin , and Henderson , our pilot and my dear friend . "
tr	5	Taylor and Geoff will be on the microscopes , Derrick and I will be on soil detail , and Henderson and Dane will record the findings .
tr	5	I think Derrick is planning to have a beer with the guys while I am taking my bath , so I will enjoy a bath even longer .
tr	5	We are leaving in two days , so I 'm sure he and Dane have a lot to discuss about their future together as tour guides .
tr	5	So , Dane and I walked up toward the front of the store and sat on the floor right in front of the soda cooler .
tr	5	We could hear the sirens coming , so we thought this was all going to be over soon , but that 's when things started getting tense .
tr	5	Derrick takes a swig of Pepsi and continues , " He was furious that someone had called the police and was demanding to know who did it .
tr	5	The gunman looked at me with his gun pointed right at my heart and yelled , ' If you say another word , I will shoot you .
tr	5	Her daughter was recovering from open heart surgery , and the woman had just gone home for a few hours to get a little sleep .
tr	5	She was rocking back and forth crying , ' Please let me go ; I have to get to my little girl , please ! '
tr	5	" The gunman was pacing back and forth , glancing out of the window at the police , getting more agitated with every passing moment .
tr	5	Then , all of a sudden , he reached down and yanked the woman up by her hair and yelled at her to shut up .
tr	5	He managed to get the gun away from the gunman and render him unconscious , thanks to a large bottle of wine sitting by the register .
tr	5	The five of us walk into the room and see Dane sitting up on the edge of the bed with a sling around his arm .
tr	5	In fact , Derrick and I are planning to move to Darwin in a few months , so we may be seeing you real soon . "
tr	5	The airline wants us to arrive two hours prior to departure , which will allow us time to get all the bags checked and go through security .
tr	5	Just a few months from then they 'd all be off to different corners of the nation , going on to lead lives independent from each other .
tr	5	" Hey , " Mike defended , " they 're not helping either , " he gestured to his sister and Taylor on the nearby table .
tr	5	" He is , " Cera explained , " he can run faster than anyone else , but he 's got a throwing arm like Jell-O . "
tr	5	" Well isn 't this a sight for blind eyes , " Mike exclaimed upon seeing Nate come out into the swiftly vanishing day light .
tr	5	" Sweet Jesus , " Nate spoke almost breathlessly , staring at the pile of fireworks sitting on the ground in the middle of the yard .
tr	5	Cera scoffed at them , pointing to the orange sky behind her , " what do you think that orange thing in the sky is ?
tr	5	" Well , I don 't have any bottles for the bottle rockets , so I just need you to hold onto them until they launch . "
tr	5	" You guys are gon na miss out on some quality firepower , " Mike called to them , fidgeting with a pile of bottle rockets .
tr	5	But before he could get another accurate shot in , he ducked for cover and a few ears of corn on nearby stalks began exploding .
tr	5	Seeing the corn stalks burst apart Cera ran around the near side of the house in hopes of surpassing whoever was coming around the other side .
tr	5	2 Close to ten minutes of aimless roaming through the extensive field had brought the distraught and still heavily confused Nate to his breaking point .
tr	5	" Yes , and the more I think about it , the more I think that not calling them right now is an awful idea . "
tr	5	" Yeah , " Mike nodded , looking at his , " a few square miles of corn can 't be good for cell signals . "
tr	5	All thinking alike , the trio crept through the dark and eerie landscape , being careful not to stumble on any of the smaller headstones .
tr	5	" Can you just show us the way out of here so we can find a place with cell reception and call the cops ? "
tr	5	" That 's my sister out there , don 't you think I want what 's best for her as well as Cady in this situation ?
tr	5	" If we 're going to go to the gun store , I suggest we do it soon , " Taylor said , looking at her watch .
tr	5	" I was hoping it would be like a Solo cup , that there 'd be lines on the inside to tell me where to stop . "
tr	5	" Just past downtown there 's a whole bunch of old factories and buildings like that , we could try there , " Mike suggested .
tr	5	The room they 'd been left in was floor to ceiling concrete , with the exception of a few thin and barred windows near the ceiling .
tr	5	Water ran silently through cracks in the walls and coated the floor in a paper-thin layer of moisture , which produced an inescapable and rather pungent odor .
tr	5	" You 're being kind of nonchalant about this , " Cady observed her lounging friend and she paced around and kicked up minute amounts of water .
tr	5	" Great , we know where we are ... kind of , " Cady shrugged anxiously , " now how do we get out of here . "
tr	5	We have been searching for three years for this person , and that search has brought us to you and your group of friends . "
tr	5	" Ignore him , " Bobby brought Taylor back up to the front seat conversation , " he 's under a lot of stress . "
tr	5	Otherwise you 'd just be a group of downers diminishing each others hope until there 's none left and you just sort of give up . "
tr	5	" I left my phone at home before I went to the party , I didn 't think I needed it , " Taylor replied apologetically .
tr	5	But no matter how fast he drove or how many turns he made , the truck was never less than a few car lengths behind them .
tr	5	Nate wondered as he shifted his head wildly back and fourth between looking at Bobby and watching the truck spin around and continue its chase .
tr	5	They had made it a mere ten feet before the truck stopped next to the abandoned car and the two passengers exited , guns drawn .
tr	5	" Okay , " Josh broke his recent rule , " I 'm going to ignore for a moment that you just threw a rock at us .
tr	5	" I know , but when I saw it hit you it looked like it hurt and that kind of hurt me in a way . "
tr	5	The alleyway the group had faded into spit them out just a half block from their car , which was now sufficiently empty of smoke .
tr	5	6 The bleeding on Adnan 's face had long ceased by the time he and Josh returned to their hideaway in the factory district empty handed .
tr	5	Although for some reason , I have a feeling it 's one of you , " his voice was suddenly stained with a faint qualm .
tr	5	" Shut up , " Cera pulled her chair back under the bulb and collapsed down onto it , trying her best to relax her wounded leg .
tr	5	A day to enjoy the company of Cady , or just enjoy a sunny , cloudless day by yourself , or a rainy day for that matter .
tr	5	The point I 'm making is that you try so hard to control every part of your life , you often forget to live it .
tr	5	And in a situation like this , logic might say thinking about your options is the best strategy , but obsessing over it can disrupt your progress .
tr	5	By the time the three of them got into the restaurant , Bobby had already ordered and was sitting at a booth , sipping at his drink .
tr	5	" Oh , come on , if you 're not going to some kind of beauty or design school , I 'm going to be shocked . "
tr	5	The restaurant was devoid of customers at this hour , but all the workers were staring over at them , as were Bobby and Taylor .
tr	5	" Hey look , " Mike said , observing a small shelf near the door of the store , " they make bacon flavored energy shots . "
tr	5	A bullet blew the cigarette right out of Bobby 's mouth and continued past the group to shatter the glass panel on the convenient store door .
tr	5	They were far off from the target , but they were enough to throw Adnan off his aim and get him to duck for cover .
tr	5	" Think about it , Taylor is a young , energetic , harmless looking , blonde all-American with an interest in politics and world news . "
tr	5	Certain that his message had gotten across by the looks on their faces , he turned and left just as quickly as he 'd come back in .
tr	5	" Look on the bright side , Bob , " Mike patted him on the shoulder , " just be glad you have a car .
tr	5	Your friends and or siblings are out there right now , and my car has been beaten to the point of quite possibly being totaled . "
tr	5	But by the time he 'd gotten the truck in view it was rolling backwards and spinning around , ready to speed off in the other direction .
tr	5	The punctured tire on the truck made it easier to keep up , but all of them noticed Bobby 's car showing heavy resistance to movement .
tr	5	Nate hugged Cady , Mike hugged Cera , Taylor hugged Cady and Cera , and Bobby tried his best to hug everyone all at once .
tr	5	" Not to burst your racist bubble , friend , " Hosni replied , " but I am the only one here native to Syria .
tr	5	" We 're only looking for one of you , so I suggest they confess or everyone is going to have a terrible night . "
tr	5	He reached down and snatched a cement chip in an instant and hurled it thoughtlessly at his intended target , praying he 'd hit it .
tr	5	With one movement of mindless adrenaline Nate shoved his body against Josh 's , sending his adversary tumbling out the door and across the hallway .
tr	5	" I don 't know how we 're supposed to do either of those things when we 're lost like this , " Cera pointed out .
tr	5	" Don 't give us any hippie nonsense , Bobby , " Mike stopped his friend 's thought , " now is not the time . "
tr	5	Taylor was going to speak up against his joke at Bobby 's expense , but before she could , something gained all of their attention .
tr	5	" Watch them for a minute , I 'm putting this in the truck , " he picked up the chainsaw and exited into the garage .
tr	5	My car is destroyed , I 'm missing part of my ear and I may have seriously injured my leg jumping out of an abandoned factory . "
tr	5	I guess , if I saw something like this in a movie , I 'd laugh , so why shouldn 't I do it now ?
tr	5	" Sorry , but after tonight , I might have to stay in my house for the rest of my life , " she chuckled .
tr	5	" I certainly don 't blame you , " Mike came into the conversation as the remainder of the group came out of the house .
tr	5	" You guys shouldn 't leave yet , " Nate suggested , " we should probably all be here to tell the cops what happened . "
tr	5	" But it probably won 't be right away , " he looked at his watch , " it 's a little late for that . "
tr	5	" I do have to say , Cady , " Mike turned to her , " you throw one hell of a solstice party . "
tr	5	" They might make me retire after this anyway , " she chuckled again , and this time Nate gave a small laugh as well .
tr	5	They brought me with like twenty other people under the pretense of taking an advanced fighting class and I excelled at it , so they enlisted me .
tr	5	They said I could do it in a way that wouldn 't effect my life immensely , which it didn 't , minus some lack of sleep .
tr	5	And , even though the fact that it 's something that Bobby said makes me kinda hate it , I 've got ta love it .
tr	5	Not one of those retirements that ends after a deadbeat child moves in and the parents needs to go back to work , it 's full-fledged forever .
tr	5	This was an odd story to write , not to say it wasn 't fun , but it was certainly different from all the others .
tr	5	His name was Frank Light and he was the chairman of his university 's department of archaeology , the youngest professor ever appointed to the position .
tr	5	The banner , decorated with red and white , orange and black Maryland flags , proclaimed " River Sunday Heritage Day , August 7 . "
tr	5	He instinctively fell on the planked floor of the porch , pushing his body flat , making his hands grasp for protection from the pine planks .
tr	5	He could see a great number of pleasure boats , sail and power , anchored or sailing out to the Chesapeake Bay in the distance .
tr	5	In the middle of the harbor a huge pile of what appeared to Frank to be large building stones rose fifty feet above the water .
tr	5	Anchored nearby and surrounded by small fishing boats was a very large and modern white yacht far grander than any other craft in the harbor .
tr	5	He started toward Frank , with the confident smile of a man who had complete control of his environment and all the people in it .
tr	5	In an adjoining room Frank could hear the luncheon preparations , dishes being placed on tables with voices of waitresses providing a pleasant background rhythm .
tr	5	At his request , they put two loaded Navy Colt revolvers in the coffin so the Admiral could keep on shooting Yankees in Hell . "
tr	5	We made the decision that we want to develop the island to benefit the owners and the people of River Sunday , not the insects . "
tr	5	" Well , as luck would have it , we seem to have another one of those old hulks sunk right in the middle of our construction .
tr	5	" You know , " said Jake , looking out over the crowd , " River Sunday is named for all the churches we have here .
tr	5	" We 're with you , Jake , " a voice shouted from the darkness , and more applause burst out as Jake returned to his seat .
tr	5	Strangely , in the heat , he heard a distant band playing the lively melody of a winter song , " Oh , Christmas Tree . "
tr	5	" When I was a kid , " he said , " first thing they taught you in school was the words to that song .
tr	5	The system of pulleys on the equipment raised and dropped the tremendous weight of the hammer to drive the pilings deep into the river bed .
tr	5	Beside the old bridge , the ramp for the access road raised up , its massive structure of poured concrete and soil fill dwarfing the old structure .
tr	5	Flowering vines and corn plants brushed and scraped against the station wagon as Spyder drove hard towards a small farmhouse a few hundred feet ahead .
tr	5	Among the boxwood were a variety of disorganized perennials and wildflowers blooming in a few clear spots where the sun could get through to them .
tr	5	In this wilderness , touching Frank 's carefully shined shoes , were a mass of violets mixed with English ivy , their spring blooms long gone .
tr	5	Around the yard were remnants of wire animal fences of various types , the links of the fences totally overwhelmed by the powerful tangle of green honeysuckle .
tr	5	Behind the cab , he could see a hoist , like a small crane , its metal structure rising from the bed of the truck .
tr	5	Frank , as soon as he figured out what had happened , left Jake behind and walked slowly , almost tiptoeing , towards the man .
tr	5	He smelled the aroma of the wetlands , the smell almost a stink coming up from the newly exposed and bacteria rich earth of the excavation .
tr	5	To Frank 's right , towards the old bridge , were several fallen gnarled trees , reaching far out into the river and horribly bent from storms .
tr	5	On all sides were stretched the tense white surveyor strings , their clean straight lines out of place in the construction disorganization of the site .
tr	5	Most had fresh marks on them where the bulldozer blade had cut into the old wood as it pushed them upward out of the soil .
tr	5	It solved the problem of strength when the bow rounded to the stem and the frames could no longer be at right angles to the keel . "
tr	5	" Whatever her date , early or late , her bowsprit or any bow timbers will be out here beyond the stem that the bulldozer unearthed . "
tr	5	I thought it made the most sense to do all my measurements to the points where I guessed parts of the ship might be buried .
tr	5	Placed on the grid were a series of proposed test pit locations measured out from the datum point marked in the center of the outline .
tr	5	Doctor Light does his reconnaissance , tests a few pits , makes a decision what 's here or isn 't here and makes a recommendation .
tr	5	" You have to understand that my job here is to look for a ship , not to look for graves of dead slaves . "
tr	5	It was a big hole in the ground , a gully , with trees growing down inside it that are at least two hundred years old .
tr	5	A long white wooden awning extended part of the length of the craft suspended on iron plumbing pipes built into the side of the boat .
tr	5	In the center was a rectangular engine box , its top resting partly open to cool the engine running under it in the bright afternoon heat .
tr	5	Then he went to the stern and , watching carefully the drift of the boat , anticipated his best spot and threw out his anchor .
tr	5	Frank did not move , trembling slightly with the fear of the unknown , an anxiety he had not felt since long ago nights in Vietnam .
tr	5	His mind sensed the primitive unsung music , like a beat he might have studied that derived from Africa or early America , even Asia .
tr	5	Soldado reached a far point in the site area , turned and raised his hands again to the sky , the rods pointed directly over his head .
tr	5	When a person wants to dig a new well , they get Soldado to come up to their farm and locate the best spot for the well .
tr	5	" Some people think they work like our electronic finding devices , forming some kind of relationship with metal or magnetism in the ground below the surface .
tr	5	Its glare was everywhere and glinted off the bits of silica in the soil and the white oyster shells that appeared everywhere as they dug .
tr	5	Then , for a few minutes they worked along the sides of the artifact , digging out the space around it , expanding the excavation .
tr	5	" You folks stand to the side in case the strap lets go You 'll get hurt if it breaks and whips at you . "
tr	5	The Pastor walked on one side of the artifact and Maggie walked on the other , both of them with their hands on the large cluster .
tr	5	" That 's why most of us were surprised when we found he had come back and was intending to put all this money into the island .
tr	5	The artifact split open at that moment and pieces of the conglomerate split like the pieces of eggshell breaking loose when a bird is hatched .
tr	5	Revealed was a rusty metallic tube about nine feet in length and about eight inches high with ridges around its circumference at different lengths of the tube .
tr	5	Sometimes they were recycled in later ships , captured and used , or simply bought from gun warehouses in London to outfit merchant ships . "
tr	5	Frank showed Maggie 's site diagram to Jake , pointing out with care each theoretical section of the wreck and carefully explaining what they hoped to find .
tr	5	" Jake , most of what we need to find out seems to be located within a few feet of the surface soil of the marsh .
tr	5	" There 's no way you 're going to find a few grains of wheat in all this muck , " said Jake , winking at Spyder .
tr	5	Now , Jake 's hoping his television celebrity status makes up for his father 's death and that loss of the family status around here .
tr	5	" People come to us and say how much they love the school but they only send in a contribution when they have a real reason . "
tr	5	He did this after he found out they were telling stories that he didn 't like down among their families and cousins in River Sunday .
tr	5	The bottler went along with the damn fools but he said they had to buy a lot of cases to keep his inventory cost down .
tr	5	" My father 's job ended when Jake went to his father and got him to throw out my dad and mom and me and my brother .
tr	5	" Even in all the evil I saw in Vietnam I was able to find some good in the faith of some of the men .
tr	5	So when the rebuilding starts new owners run into the old construction and guys like me come out to see how important the artifacts are . "
tr	5	The Pastor interrupted , " I don 't understand how I can see Maggie as a racist if she is just being a good historian .
tr	5	I know she will do this job correctly and that she will fight to save anything that is significant , no matter what it is . "
tr	5	" That 's why I 'm a little worried about what you are going to do down here , Frank , " said the Pastor .
tr	5	If it 's a grave , especially African , there ought to be some jewelry , some food dishes even if there is no coffin . "
tr	5	He 'd get produce of all kinds but the one thing that folks around River Sunday were always good at breeding was good fat chickens . "
tr	5	He sighed , " Well , I 'm sorry that this wasn 't one of the slave graves that you 've been looking for , Pastor . "
tr	5	Cathy kept her polished shoes carefully out of the wet earth as she walked across the field , following behind a barefoot and unconcerned Maggie .
tr	5	When I tell you to get a job done and get back to the office , you listen to me and do as I say .
tr	5	That 's all he said but I knew he meant that both these men were very powerful and could cause him a lot of adverse political pressure .
tr	5	Just like everywhere else , it seems , most of the time the sites get concrete poured over them no matter what we think might be there .
tr	5	" Why bring me here if everybody has made up their minds already and no body is interested no matter what we find here ? "
tr	5	" You have something to learn about roses , " Maggie said The Pastor called , " Should we try to lift out these soldier bones ? "
tr	5	So we set off in the morning , walked all the way out to the island and up to the big house and knocked on the door .
tr	5	A wet wind was blowing hard off the river , and my feet were just about frozen in some old red rubber boots I had .
tr	5	" Cat might know more than you think , " said the Pastor , staring at the animal and leaning down to stroke its light orange fur .
tr	5	I remember seeing him in the convertible with Miss River Sunday , the high school girl who won the Fire Department beauty contest that year .
tr	5	Then the smoke , as slight as it was , drifted down on Frank and the others , and mixed a new pungency with the river smell .
tr	5	" I 've found that the nature folks care more about the animals and the insects than they do about any people , " said the Pastor .
tr	5	You go in there , " Soldado continued , " You 'll come across little pot holes and trails where the muskrats and the other animals live .
tr	5	The water under the boat was changing from a slightly rippled current to a movement of slow swells , lifting and dropping the narrow hull .
tr	5	In the distance a harbor tug was heading up the Bay to the right , its exhaust boiling a dense black smoke into the blue sky .
tr	5	When I was still on an ocean deck I carried lots of them to Africa , breeding stock for the chicken business over there . "
tr	5	All of the wood below the tide line was covered with the green and brown growths of the thousands of water creatures infesting the hulk .
tr	5	They waded over to the second hulk , rusty chains linking it to the third wreck so that the bows of both were side by side .
tr	5	" There 's a lot of them to fight , " said the Pastor , thoughtfully , as he watched the letters vaporize away to nothing .
tr	5	We want to do something with the money , something that will free us from working for the people who have always given us orders .
tr	5	Many of the white owned businesses in River Sunday had black employees and after a while some of those black employees threw in with us .
tr	5	" Inside the old cannery we had set apart offices , filled the rooms with accounting machines , file cases , typewriters , all the records .
tr	5	" Your picture was on the bulletin board of my high school for several years , your picture and part of one of your speeches .
tr	5	" The line I liked was ' To get the real size of a country , you have to measure the hearts of its leaders . '
tr	5	" That was what I said in my acceptance at the award July 17 , 1968 , standing in front of the courthouse in River Sunday .
tr	5	A lot of Washington people attended , not many folks from River Sunday , but that was the way it was in those days . "
tr	5	The way the man is gripping the hilt shows he was using it as a hammer , not as a weapon , " observed Frank .
tr	5	The mystery might be something like what kind of wine was in the old bottle that was unearthed or what town in Europe manufactured a ceramic shard .
tr	5	Bugs were scratching and crashing against the worn screen of the porch to get to the light that was on inside in the old kitchen .
tr	5	" From what I 've read about the Chesapeake Bay and especially this Eastern Shore area , there were not many Europeans here in those days .
tr	5	That 's why more soil was added to fill in the cove so the wreck would not show at low tide , " said Maggie .
tr	5	Just a little fourteen footer that I keep down in River Sunday to row out around the river some evenings when the water is quiet . "
tr	5	It was getting late , but there was still some of the sunset left in the west of the Bay , some red , some light .
tr	5	He was a pretty good way off but I knew it was Jake from the way he was sitting , all sprawled over the chair , careless .
tr	5	I knew at that moment I could get even for what Jake and his father had done to me and my people at the General Store fire .
tr	5	The cat came into the light beaming out from the farmhouse kitchen , stopped on the top step to the porch and looked at them .
tr	5	There beside my face almost out of focus it was so close was the hand of the little boy still holding the plastic handlebar grip .
tr	5	The hand was upright , like it was ready to continue guiding the bike , but only a stump of the boy 's arm was still attached .
tr	5	They had been his strength in that tough time and the thought of them came when he needed it to comfort him and to give him energy .
tr	5	Spyder was there too , his bent posture even more ignoble compared to the others who held their heads and shoulders erect like trained soldiers .
tr	5	As the man moved into position , his legs became buried in the honeysuckle , his body twisting to maintain his balance against the vines .
tr	5	Jake stood close to the edge of the pit , standing over Frank , his face intent , " Those look like skulls , Frank . "
tr	5	We look for something that points to one direction or conclusion and that 's what we finally accept as the story of the site . "
tr	5	Do you think you can finish up with whatever it in that you need to do so we can get started by early tomorrow morning ? "
tr	5	To do this job right , Jake , to do my job , we have to analyze these bones , find out what we can . "
tr	5	If you want to research these bones , you are going to hold up a multimillion dollar project and a lot of local people 's jobs . "
tr	5	The old fashioned windows in the mansion house are too hard to see from so I wanted to open up the front side of the house .
tr	5	" Their only interest in this dig is that it holds up Jake 's building that bridge , " the Pastor said in a disgusted tone .
tr	5	" You 're thinking , " said the Pastor , " that finding these skeletons is not going to be enough to delay the bridge . "
tr	5	" If they were the bodies of some people who had been killed recently by some serial killer maybe that would stop the bridge construction .
tr	5	But these persons died a long time ago and , like Jake said , most people don 't care that much what happened to them .
tr	5	" It 's a tough job convincing people the loss of the money is worth finding the answers to the history puzzles , " said Maggie .
tr	5	In small metal boxes were the remains of cloth ribbons with Secession mottoes , Confederate flags of various sizes and some uniform material and insignia .
tr	5	She went out on a limb and gave me half a day to find what I could , document it , and cover it up .
tr	5	He said that these flowers were the most reliable , that they kept on being beautiful every spring without all the care the other plants required .
tr	5	" I said , ' No , that was what she wanted so I would use it for the work of the church . " '
tr	5	She seemed far away , a stranger , not the warm flesh , the clever mind , he had loved so fiercely only days ago .
tr	5	He could see her swinging her leg , puzzled like she got sometimes when things did not go her way , thinking what to say next .
tr	5	Then , with this trip to the Eastern Shore , all of a sudden , the real world had burst into his protected university career .
tr	5	This was disappointing to Frank because that was the stern section , the Captain 's area which he had expected to be rich in artifacts .
tr	5	His voice was very low , but he pronounced his words carefully , like a man who wants to be known for good speech habits .
tr	5	" She went on , ' Well , he told me that when he was a little boy this farm was his favorite fishing spot .
tr	5	" ' Up by the road , near the white gate to the farm , I heard this noise , sounded like a large truck .
tr	5	Each one had a little candle in their hand , held up in front , and it made a procession of candles in the dark .
tr	5	I could tell because there was a little girl right next to him that pulled on his hand to show him which way to walk .
tr	5	In the flickering of the candles , I could see the heads of the folks and I could see the whole shape of the man .
tr	5	Then with a little bit of mud on his finger , I watched him draw a cross of mud on the forehead of the kneeling person .
tr	5	" He stopped for a moment to catch his breath , then continued , ' I did not go back into that marsh for a long time .
tr	5	When this shipwreck was uncovered , and I think that was by the grace of God , why , Frank , it was like a second chance .
tr	5	" The question is , " said Frank , " How do you train the kids , if you don 't carry any banners ? "
tr	5	It 's like Vietnam was a great disappointment for a man like you and you don 't want to ever risk that disappointment again . "
tr	5	Frank could see the costume from behind , the human underneath who was dressed in a black shirt and trousers with straps holding the wings .
tr	5	She turned and watched , her hands on the porch railing as the butterflies began to move their wings and sway from side to side .
tr	5	" With all her concerned heart , " the Pastor said , " That lady doesn 't have any idea about the poor folks here .
tr	5	He took her into a small room off his study where he had hung these framed photographs of ducks and butterflies , that kind of thing .
tr	5	" ' I 'm so sorry about you , ' I said back to her , watching for only a moment as her face angered .
tr	5	" You tell me , Frank , don 't you hate it when they use your name and they don 't even know you ? "
tr	5	There is not a one of those photographs here in this old house and anyone wants to see , why they can just come and look . '
tr	5	I told your father about the insects , how they live and fight and love and die , in a smaller version of our world .
tr	5	He was very subdued , I remember , thinking , he said , about the effect that we humans had on this tiny creature 's existence .
tr	5	He said you didn 't have the strength that he did , that you didn 't have the ability to scare people away like he did .
tr	5	Before anyone could stop him , he had picked one of the skulls out of the soil and placed it up on the edge of the pit .
tr	5	" I want a bridge and I want to put a lot of your friends and mine to work building it , " said Jake .
tr	5	You don 't want people out seeing the bones anyway so that will solve your problem without your having to pick up all the skeletons .
tr	5	At the center of each rope span Frank hung a small sign on which he printed , with Jake 's approval , the words " Restricted Area .
tr	5	A large piece of canvas taken from the cover of one of the farm implements was stretched over the Q location to hide the crew skeletons .
tr	5	They planned to stay behind the rope barrier , away from most of the guests , and to return to archeological work the instant the visitors left .
tr	5	It creaked , an ugly noise , as it went , its wire cables reeling forward into the water , the barge itself showing a decided list .
tr	5	He continued , " Over in Baltimore the crews always try to put off the worn out equipment for jobs down here in the country . "
tr	5	After the cable had left the crane , the sprocket on the crane arm spun furiously for a few moments , then slowly creaked to a stop .
tr	5	A black businessman wearing one of the ubiquitous light blue cotton suits that most of the men wore raised his hand and pointed at Frank .
tr	5	" It went on this way for years , " the man said , looking around at the faces to make sure he still had their attention .
tr	5	Just about the only thing here he didn 't have much control over was when the Washington people came and give you that award , Pastor . "
tr	5	The faucet man nodded and went on , " What some of us refer to as the garbage war took a while to come about .
tr	5	" Well , the fire department went to the dump , sent out all five trucks they had in those days , even the old pumper .
tr	5	" He was told by Jake 's daddy , ' All the money we pay you and you can 't keep that fire from breaking out . '
tr	5	" In the next few weeks it got so whenever the wind was blowing over the town folks knew that the garbage was likely to start burning .
tr	5	Come the morning the people who worked in the courthouse could only get into their offices by entering the big side windows or the back entrance .
tr	5	" The citizens , meanwhile , white and black alike , were standing back and watching them to see what they were going to do .
tr	5	She had two bodyguards who restrained the most aggressive men trying to push against the woman , to touch her , to be part of her body .
tr	5	Even Frank , his mind rarely drifting these hours from concern for the project , was caught off guard by the fantasy she portrayed so expertly .
tr	5	There was Texas the jeep mechanic who was a poet , always taking out his latest poem and set it in front of him while he drank .
tr	5	By her carefully chosen words she gave the impression of being just one of the crowd herself , anxious to find out all about the project .
tr	5	Serena , her talk finished , began her silky movement among her admirers , her eye contact radiating heat and driving them to an orgasm of excitement .
tr	5	He did not expect Jake to encourage this night work so he knew asking Jake to end the party and send the people home would be futile .
tr	5	There , Jake 's wife was lying on the ground , her flimsy dress ripped almost off and blood flowing from deep scratches on her thighs .
tr	5	Suddenly the cat snarled , caught its claws in her dress , then jumped right on to her chest , his claws ripping downward on her skin .
tr	5	In a few moments , there were two skulls , side by side as if they had come to rest in a hug or an embrace .
tr	5	This is at an earlier strata , earlier than the soldier , about the same as the giant , the sailors , " said Frank .
tr	5	They locked their arms in a square dance twirl and turned themselves around and around until they fell on their sides in the muck , laughing .
tr	5	From the beginning Soldado had been one of them , gently directing their hands towards the promising spots , divined by old fashioned water finding gear .
tr	5	He wrote back with love that same afternoon , scratching a note and putting it in the simple Army envelopes that were there for GI letters home .
tr	5	Out on the river a tower of bubbling water rose up from the surface a few feet in front of the bow of the yacht .
tr	5	Spyder , an oversize towel draped around his neck , had maneuvered the Boston Whaler around to the ladder hanging down the side of the yacht .
tr	5	Halfway down the ladder she stopped and looked again , then resumed her descent , finally jumping the last few feet into the small boat .
tr	5	" I was telling your boss that it 's a real hard job to get anything out of the wreck that you can use . "
tr	5	Then , I thought , this guy must have gone over there to make some money , maybe as a civilian contractor after his hitch was up .
tr	5	" It could have been an accident , " said Frank , as usual speaking as a scientist , trying to consider all sides of the issue .
tr	5	" The children had to surrender with their families to some other African , perhaps a debt collector or a conquering warrior from an enemy tribe .
tr	5	Perhaps each is given brandy so he or she will smile with a drugged smile and indicate that he or she has a good temperament .
tr	5	They soon learn Maryland is where they are going , where , the children think , they will be eaten at some great sacrifice or feast .
tr	5	There is only a smell of vomit and excrement , the stench of fear and disease , and the room is so dark that none can see .
tr	5	While the children are eating the sailors try to clean the hovel below decks but they never get all the filth and it reeks of death .
tr	5	There are the cries and laughter as they try to please the men for a few more minutes of warmth in the cold night air .
tr	5	" After many days of this routine , and after the deaths of a great number of the children in the hold , the ship stops moving .
tr	5	Out on the river Jake 's yacht began a slow trip back to River Sunday , its lights growing dim as it moved farther away .
tr	5	Many had been painted in bright colors and surrounded the hospital like an invading army , one that owed no allegiance to memories of Yankees and Rebels .
tr	5	The Pastor had been assigned to a double room but the Pastor 's church elders had quickly made the room into a private area for their minister .
tr	5	Too much noise and he knew they could be noticed by the person with the rifle on the looming bridge , noticed and fired upon .
tr	5	The massive pulley wheel of the top of the crane arm was directly opposite Frank and Maggie , its great sprocket silent , still , powerless .
tr	5	The memories came back of mortars coming in , waiting with his fellow soldiers in places of safety that were not safe , trusting them .
tr	5	In addition , at the end of the bridge on the island side the lights picked up a pile of small logs barricaded the road .
tr	5	He was just going home to his house out there and somebody shot out his engine right up there in the center of the bridge .
tr	5	He said to Cheeks , " The boys over to Baltimore are sending me over a helicopter to scare these folks out of here . "
tr	5	" These folks over there with that flag , they want trouble , they can have it , " said the scared man , becoming braver . "
tr	5	Frank heard the chop chop of the machine rushing up the Nanticoke River , its lights flashing first far distant then closer in the night .
tr	5	The helicopter moved along the island shoreline for a few minutes its light searching up the riverbank for any sign of the source of the rifle shots .
tr	5	Bits of concrete popped into the water around them as the bullets ripped into the old bridge sending color filled sparks spinning high into the air .
tr	5	A small fire had been started at the barricade and the flag pole on the church had a race of fire climbing toward the flag .
tr	5	Just then a huge explosion from under the river surface on the opposite side of the bridge sent a geyser of water fifty feet into the air .
tr	5	They looked at each other , their faces green , then yellow , then red from the glare of the innocent stoplight from the bridge above .
tr	5	He was too far away for Frank to see his face or to do more than guess that it was a man by his heavy build .
tr	5	Her eyes full of fear , she gazed at the flames , the reflection of the fire fierce on the windshield in front of her .
tr	5	" Happens at all these fires , Mister , " said the fireman as he pulled at the folded hose on the back of the truck .
tr	5	I 'm surprised it hasn 't gone up before , old as it is and nobody living here much anymore , " said one of the firemen .
tr	5	There was the sound of rock songs mixed with country ballads all producing a heavy beat , not a melody just a beat like a huge drum .
tr	5	They watched as the rest of the farmhouse collapsed inward , sparks twisting upward into the sky in the white smoke of the dying fire .
tr	5	He smiled at her , sensing a closeness with her , as though they were two comrades who had fought an enemy side by side and survived .
tr	5	The truck still had its military panel of switches and dials , the stark faces and numbers contrasting with the softness of her hair and face .
tr	5	The fire engines had left great tracks in the grass where only a few hours ago people had stood with cocktails at Jake 's party .
tr	5	Towards the road a few boxes were still upturned where the merry makers had apparently sat and tossed the skulls and bones at the pile .
tr	5	Rising from the boards were rusty iron rings , coupled to long chains which were entangled with dozens of skeletons , almost all of them children .
tr	5	" It 's definitely the British and American style , the bulging beam near the bow like a fish , the stern real narrow . "
tr	5	Her excitement , her impish figure like a wraith , a spectral and physical presence amidst the awful holocaust wreckage , was cheering to Frank .
tr	5	The operator in turn looked at them occasionally as he continued to service the tractor , adding grease to its grease points and its tracks .
tr	5	They worked as quickly as they could , placing the parts of the wreck back in places where they were sure the parts had originated .
tr	5	Mice and other small animals appeared standing up from the grass , looking quickly and fleeing before those great metal tracks and the acrid smoke .
tr	5	Like many of the rural structures around the River Sunday area , the farmhouse had been constructed without a basement or cellar of any kind .
tr	5	Then the remains of the second floor and roof might topple directly down on the tractor , burying the operator in broken wood and plaster .
tr	5	He backed off again and after moving a few more feet from the back of the house , shut down the machine 's engine and climbed down .
tr	5	Only his head showed over the trash even though Buddy was forced to stand up on his small driver 's seat in order to see ahead .
tr	5	A few feet in front of that spot was the frame section that the bulldozer had originally uncovered which had been the start of the whole project .
tr	5	They assembled in a small group , ten in all , and their leader , Billy , ordered them to stand near where the bulldozer was idling .
tr	5	Frank glanced at Buddy 's face a tiny orb above the heavy roll of broken wood and plaster that was tumbling toward the two of them .
tr	5	It ran down over the various pieces of blackened wood like blood and dripped on the tiny bits of green grass still left on the old lawn .
tr	5	Then he pulled some tools from a metal box on the running board of the great tractor and began to disassemble a part of the engine .
tr	5	Along the brush and tree trunks at the river 's edge , there was movement , flashes of orange and black against the bright glare .
tr	5	Frank could see the orange and black of human butterflies , several in the front part of each boat , wings folded to their sides .
tr	5	The passengers pushed their way into the lane and circled around the guards until the green coated men gave up and stood back out of the way .
tr	5	In a few minutes there were several hundred people assembled there , the yellows and whites of their clothes bright against the green honeysuckle vines .
tr	5	They moved among the patches of high green marsh grass and sat on the piles of construction materials stored in that section of the site .
tr	5	With a movement of his hands , the Pastor directed them to close ranks with the human butterfly group that was spread along the riverbank .
tr	5	As the chant reverberated with different human accents , it increased in power and force until it became high pitched , like a scream or yell .
tr	5	The engine began , first faintly as the starter motor whirred , then building up revolutions and rolling its terrible thunder out over the site .
tr	5	I think business and profit has become more important than the people you hurt , the people who die , because of what you do . "
tr	5	" Jake , is all this some kind of family secret , something that has been passed down to you , something for you to hide ?
tr	5	Jake wiped his face leaving a streak of mud across his forehead , swore , and rushed again at Frank , knocking him off balance .
tr	5	The shovel continued and hit the mud , its impact throwing dirt and water through the air , the handle snapping with a loud crack .
tr	5	Soldado was startling , tall , angry , with yellow , white and black paint on his bare skin , a red cape across his shoulder .
tr	5	The shuffling steps of the people speeded their advance on Jake , their hands stretching in front as if to grab him and tear him to pieces .
tr	5	Even if the police had wanted to stop the mob , they would not have been able to accomplish this easily with the few men they had .
tr	5	Jake , still holding the splintered wooden handle , saw Soldado and the crowd , then looked back at Frank , fear and confusion in his eyes .
tr	5	A large thigh bone , likely a part of the strange ancient giant , was protruding from Jake 's chest , blood gurgling at its browned base .
tr	5	" He 'll take his boat and go hide down on some creek in the southern Eastern Shore or out in the Wilderness Swamp . "
tr	5	It 's like being able to see the history in that room from different perspectives , almost different centuries , each time you move your eyes . "
tr	5	" This morning we heard that there is interest in forming a local group to operate this site as a monument , " said the Pastor .
tr	5	He had a mansion located on the Thames River and a country estate in Kent as well as his own ship , the Adam and Eve .
tr	5	" If it had not been for the digging up of this so called graveyard , old Richard would never have been found out . "
tr	5	Even if you had succeeded in beating him up and chasing him away to stop the bulldozer , all would have been only for a short time .
tr	5	Old timers said with authority that the only time more people had shown up on the streets was when General Eisenhower came through looking for votes .
tr	5	Those not invited to the ceremony at the church , especially the hundreds of tourists visiting the harbor for Heritage Day , stood on the sidewalk outside .
tr	5	One visitor from Texas remarked casually that he was delighted he could see , if not a wedding of a celebrity , at least a funeral .
tr	5	Jake 's white yacht , its bow showing scar marks from the explosion , pitched with the waves , rising and falling without purpose or direction .
tr	5	She said nothing more and the reporter finally walked away leaving Serena crying , standing alone as other visitors to the grave passed by her without stopping .
tr	5	" There will be a twenty four hour human and electronic security system , paid for by the State of Maryland , " she said .
tr	5	Then she went on , " The Governor is going to dedicate all of this to the African children who died here in the shipwreck .
tr	5	" If you were still the same guy who came down here a few days ago , my answer would be a lot different . "
tr	5	Then as it lifted again into the sunlight , the butterfly seemed to tip its wing to Frank and Maggie before it disappeared among the honeysuckle .
tr	5	In his River Sunday Romance Mysteries series , Tom honors the battles for love of land that have recurred over and over in the Chesapeake Bay .
tr	5	The author of The Wizard hadn 't given a time period when Toni 's wish would come true , but it plainly said it would in time .
tr	5	Do you think we should wait to see if our wishes come true or should we walk over to the mall and buy our Prom dresses ?
tr	5	I mean we have only two weeks before the prom so don 't you think that 's more important than this silly old request ? "
tr	5	After all , it was not one of the popular beliefs ; as a matter of fact Tessie never heard such foolishness in her entire life .
tr	5	What was known because of the screams coming from Toni was that there was a white light like nothing which could be found on earth .
tr	5	Following another deep inhale and exhale Toni spoke out with an obvious inquiry , " Where am I Tessie , Mom , what just happened ? "
tr	5	" That 's exactly what we would like to find out Toni , " brought the response from Tessie preceding a deep sigh of relief .
tr	5	They thought it might be fun to meet in their old stomping grounds since their parents both remained at their respective homes in which they grew up .
tr	5	Now here they were again , face to face beaming from ear to ear as if they had just been transformed back to their teen-age days .
tr	5	' Wizard I wish to venture with you into the unknown ; to visit the parallel universes that hold the existence of dual worlds . '
tr	5	Toni scooted closer to the desk and smiled , " I remember reading an old Wizard book with directions on how to get a wish fulfilled .
tr	5	" My hunch is that we 're imagining things Toni , but nonetheless , take a look at that painting of your Willow Tree on the wall ?
tr	5	The materials were of elegant imported silks and cottons unknown in modern times for these dresses were fitting at the President 's Ball or other such events .
tr	5	I think I 'm going to lose my ... " She said as she ran to the bathroom and saw an old fashion toilet and screamed .
tr	5	" Something happened to Tess and me , but , no , it 's a long story ; one that we will tell you later . "
tr	5	One morning Toni had just gotten out of a meeting with some oil specialist and a group of men that discussed a new product in the business .
tr	5	She readily accepted and once settled at their table sipping on wine , he asked her if she had ever experienced any near death experiences .
tr	5	" I don 't think I wish to discuss this subject any further , " he said unwillingly , " I just asked on an impulse . "
tr	5	Later , when I saw you exiting the room a power overtook me and I had to approach you to invite you for this drink and dinner .
tr	5	Their goal was to help those with their own past experiences that weren 't as comfortable with their events as were Bob and Toni were .
tr	5	Chapter Three One cool autumn night another incident occurred , only mildly , but nevertheless Toni knew it was another experience that she 'd never forget .
tr	5	She dashed over to the phone with an unsteady thrust and called Bob , and when he answered she told him about the occurrence with the bird .
tr	5	She slapped herself several times trying to wake up until she realized she was real , awake , and she was in a real city .
tr	5	No structures resembled commonly known buildings and these were made of materials foreign to her existed ; this included the structure where she found herself hiding .
tr	5	Each in turn tried to tell their story of what brought them to this strange weird place , but neither could come up with any answers .
tr	5	He hung up and tried the call again , and once again he heard or thought he heard a human sound ; this time slightly more audible .
tr	5	A thought suddenly came to him to call his cell phone carrier and ask them to identify the location of the call he had just made .
tr	5	One of the destination charts indicated train numbers and locations , and sure enough there was one bound for Berkley ; it was train 74 .
tr	5	Two hours later the train came to a halt , and out the window they could read signs indicating that they had arrived in Berkley .
tr	5	" Hey , Tess , I didn 't know you had put out this picture of us from way back when , " stated Toni .
tr	5	Not knowing what to do at this point in time , and being totally exhausted , they beckoned for the bedroom in great need of sleep .
tr	5	She pointed , placed her hands on her hips , smirked , and began walking away again when he reached out and grabbed her arm .
tr	5	She twisted her foot over the other one in a defiant stance and stood waiting until he decided it was time for him to finally speak .
tr	5	Toni stormed toward her office door and when she stood in front of it , she turned around and saw that the man was gone .
tr	5	She figured he had darted into another door , but then again she felt a wave of fear go through her body and she wanted to run .
tr	5	" Let 's go across the street , settle down , have a drink , and then tell me what it is you 're talking about . "
tr	5	Several hours later , after Toni had finished telling her story about all the happenings she asked Bob if he thought she was losing her mind .
tr	5	Perhaps we need to find it and read it again very carefully to discover exactly what your commitment was to the wish you made . "
tr	5	He said as he pulled into the driveway , turned off the motor , looked at her with asking eyes and then opened his door .
tr	5	Chapter Five The phone rang at Tessie 's home as she was settled in for the evening after another successful day of teaching and counseling .
tr	5	How do they explain to whoever answers that they need to see Toni 's mother who lives there when in fact a stranger answers the door ?
tr	5	" It will be at that time where you might be able to unlock the secret mystery of the book allowing you to escape your bounds . "
tr	5	" Oh , hell , Tess did that creep follow us before and is now parked in front of my mother 's house , " exclaimed Toni .
tr	5	He looked in his rear view mirror and said to Tessie , " I wish you could stay with Toni for a week , Tess . "
tr	5	He did not answer and she looked up at him and reached half timidly for his hand , and said , " Come inside Honey .
tr	5	The phone sounded out and when it rang two more times , Toni realized she too had fallen asleep and didn 't hear it at first .
tr	5	When Toni clicked off from talking to Tessie , she turned to see if Bob was still asleep and noticed he wasn 't in his chair .
tr	5	Bob opened the door looking a little better than he had when he arrived , and said , " Oh , what kind of bad dream ? "
tr	5	When he nodded and said it was in real life , Toni moaned and said , " What in the hell is going on , Bob ?
tr	5	Along the way there were terms none of the three understood so Bob assigned himself the chore of taking notes of odd words , phrases or chants .
tr	5	Again there were items unknown to the three so Bob made note of those , and he was next so chapter two was his to dig in .
tr	5	But one can 't cry over spilt milk , but instead they had to progress forward and work to come to some resolution to find a solution .
tr	5	" All I know is that I am very confused by the complexity of the words and how they were woven and interspersed throughout the text .
tr	5	Because of the need for all three to get back to their jobs they decided to leave as they were not on a long-term vacation .
tr	5	The meeting was held at Tessie 's house because it was close to a major research center at Berkley in the event more information was needed .
tr	5	Each took a turn in explaining their findings , and although most were confusing , they did settle on some things they thought might be relevant .
tr	5	It seems that the term that came up many times ; ' The Ju Ju Man ' denoted the center of all this black magic .
tr	5	These facts became important because it afforded the group some ammunition as to where to begin to find answers to the happenings affecting their lives .
tr	5	They needed street clothes that were torn and tattered and looked dirty and unkempt for they were entering the underworld of the little understood mind controllers .
tr	5	We at the FBI office never know how they will react for they are always in fear that we will invade their territory and give them trouble .
tr	5	She was not the sort of lady you would want to introduce to your close friends ; that is unless you wanted to scare them off .
tr	5	Bob dug into his pocket and came up with a special pin he had always carried with him - sort of a superstitious good luck charm .
tr	5	He also saw no way to signal Toni or Tessie that he was in danger so they were probably going to be subjected to the same routine .
tr	5	Bob was unable to speak because he had an object stuck in his mouth and secured behind his neck so that his voice was inaudible .
tr	5	You must know that I 'm capable of initiating some very bad and dangerous hexes upon you - should you deny me my request for your silence .
tr	5	Assuring her that they just wanted to get out of there , out of Florida , and return as fast as possible back to California .
tr	5	They found themselves in a downtown section of Miami , all tidy and neat so as not to arouse suspicion and led out of the van .
tr	5	They called the Agent , assured him that they were safe and back where they began , and all was well , but was it ?
tr	5	They motioned to the waiter to bring menus and after they ordered a light dinner they recounted the events of the past couple of days .
tr	5	Bob confessed that his neck was hurting and it would probably be in the best interest to lie down and rest hoping that would relax his muscles .
tr	5	Bob slept the entire night and was better the next morning , and felt that he could get himself back to Texas in preparation for his meetings .
tr	5	Toni and Tessie tossed around a bit - no doubt wanting to keep one eye open ; more out of subconscious fear rather than reality .
tr	5	Can we cease to be how God made us or on the other side of the coin can we change the way God made us ? "
tr	5	She casted her hands over her rough red wrinkled face and cried , " I am aging as we stand here wondering what to do .
tr	5	Her round brown eyes were sparkling happily and her hair was no longer a grayish white , but her warm brown hair with red highlights in it .
tr	5	It was also adapted for use in other religions , or completely non-religious contexts , and with a lessening degree of severity , if circumstances warrant mercy .
tr	5	Variations such as these arise because different folks have different reasons to work such a spell and because the conditions they are working under may differ .
tr	5	Tessie followed behind Toni hollering with an upset tone and said , " I did wish to be right there beside you and guess what Toni ?
tr	5	Did they tell you we had a wonderful meeting and I sent them away with positive thoughts and suggestions on how to resolve their problems ? "
tr	5	I didn 't tell him much of anything not knowing what was told to him by the visitors , so I tried to avoid any direct answers .
tr	5	She told them that she was going to create a Ju Ju and she needed some of the items they had removed from the visitors .
tr	5	She also held some dark secrets that could wreak havoc on anyone who happened to get in her way or cross her path in the wrong direction .
tr	5	" Here 's my business card , in case you would like to get together for a drink , coffee , wine , dinner ? "
tr	5	She chuckled and mumbled to herself , I did look at the candle last night and wished upon a handsome man coming to my door .
tr	5	On the drive over to her friend 's home , she reflected on the handsome gentleman who appeared at her door with the rose buds .
tr	5	The lights in the house went out and then they heard a loud noise of what sounded like a hundred people hitting on a drum .
tr	5	All of a sudden whoever was at the door started pounding on it until Bob couldn 't stand it any longer and got up and opened it .
tr	5	He yelled out to them to not light the candle and that if they did they must put it out " What 's this all about ? "
tr	5	Willy 's body all but jumped off the ground , and more abruptly did it begin than it ended , and his body settled down .
tr	5	Toni and Bob stepped outside the door where the two embraced and expressed their growing fondness for one another , and at that point Bob departed .
tr	5	This condition cast Bob back toward the driver 's door whereupon he banged his head against the window shattering the glass into a million pieces .
tr	5	A driver who was behind Bob witnessed the accident , pulled over to assist and immediately summoned an emergency vehicle to come to Bob 's aid .
tr	5	She walked over and stood beside his bed while placing her hand across his forehead and whispered , " Darling you are going to be okay .
tr	5	Neither Toni nor Tessie moved ; only watched for a time musing on the motionless kitten that stopped and lay under a tree cleaning its face .
tr	5	" I will be close by , so when you arrive at the hospital please have a nurse page me and I will come to you . "
tr	5	Toni yelled over at Tessie and told her the good news and that Dr. Mitchell suggested they come in and be with him for a short time .
tr	5	Toni and Tessie immediately headed to the hospital in rapid time , sped down the hallway in the intensive care unit and sought out a nurse .
tr	5	She was in the bathroom brushing her hair when Toni leaned against the opened door and said , " Do you know a Dennis Mays ? "
tr	5	" Well , he 's here standing at the door waiting for you , " Toni said and then followed Tessie back to the door .
tr	5	She bumped into Toni when she turned to go look for her , and when she did , Toni said , " What was that about ? "
tr	5	After Tessie rushed back into the house , Toni was on the phone and seemed to be carrying on with some business at her work .
tr	5	Tessie shook her head agreeing and said , " If you don 't mind , I 'll stay another night and then leave tomorrow . "
tr	5	Tessie wasn 't so sure he was being honest , but she thought she 'd give him a chance to show who he really was .
tr	5	Although he was not available at the time of the call , Toni asked to speak to someone else close to the case dealing with Bob .
tr	5	I believe he is directly under your care in the intensive care unit and I have been communicating with Dr. Mitchell since he was brought into Memorial .
tr	5	Do I call Tessie she thought and tell her what the doctor just said , or just dismiss it as a bad dream resurfacing again ?
tr	5	His captivity must have affected him more than we thought ; that 's why I had to call and get your thoughts " cried Toni .
tr	5	Let me think about this after having a glass of wine to calm down , and I will get back to you , " promised Tessie .
tr	5	It was most important to keep the neck stable while the body was on the mend , especially in the case of a spinal injury .
tr	5	She moved her hand across his eyes as in a wave to see if there was any awareness , but Bob just stared straight ahead .
tr	5	It 's a long story , but just to let you know , that name is not associated with anything nice to any of us .
tr	5	It represents evil and a bad experience , so in that case , could there possibly be any ill effects from that name surfacing ? "
tr	5	Tessie yelled out to him and began walking over to greet him , exchanged a brief hug , and made their way out to the parking log .
tr	5	Tessie was overwhelmed with joy , not only because of the opera singers but also of the class shown by Dennis in his treatment of her .
tr	5	I 'm sorry that I can 't tell you exactly what I do , but I can say that I work for the Federal Government .
tr	5	Tessie was not quick enough to catch the nature of the questioning and continued to tell him that she and Toni had been friends since childhood .
tr	5	Do you like the hot climate , or is there some other reason you would venture from wherever you originate all the way to Miami ? "
tr	5	" Nice to see the sun shining in the city at this hour ; there is usually a fine mist , but not this morning .
tr	5	She was bothered about the inquiry about her visiting Miami , and although he didn 't come right out and say so , the implication was clear .
tr	5	In her business even one hour can make a difference in earning or losing thousands of dollars because the market is always in a volatile transitory state .
tr	5	No one can tell the effect except it is known that sometimes a person in a coma will come out of it with proper prodding . "
tr	5	Toni moved over to Bob 's bed and noticed that all tubes had been removed and he seemed to be in a more restful state .
tr	5	All of a sudden Toni realized what this bright light represented and demanded that Bob fight the light and not yield no matter how nice it looks .
tr	5	Was it really on purpose or was he sworn to secrecy as to what his obligations were with the CIA ; that remained the unanswered question ?
tr	5	Tessie , after much back and forth conversations with her alter ego decided to seek help , and what better help than her best friend Toni .
tr	5	Chapter Fifteen Feeling more comfortable now that Bob was regaining some feeling in his hand Toni was able to concentrate on her job as CEO .
tr	5	Working her evil magic on us she never in truth wanted to help us - only to rob us of everything and anything we had .
tr	5	He didn 't know , but he needed to repeat some of the words in his dream so he wouldn 't forget the significance of its message .
tr	5	She felt brave and wanted to show it so she reached down and even went so far as to slip on her red shoes to match .
tr	5	In her excitement Tessie also couldn 't wait to tell in detail all about Dennis and the ins and outs of the mysteries surrounding their relationship .
tr	5	" I have a feeling things will get better ; it will just be a matter of time , and I feel our time is coming .
tr	5	We 'll be happy once all is said and done , but you know we still have some unfinished business to attend to Toni . "
tr	5	The sales person exhibited a strange and fearful look and quickly dismissed herself saying over her shoulder to wait for Willy and she 'd get him .
tr	5	No it 's not a head ; we haven 't come that far ; it 's that candle we bought from you and never used .
tr	5	We are here now to ask you to help us put it to the use for which it was intended , way back when . "
tr	5	Plus , I will have to bring in four other people to help , for it will take seven of us for my séance . "
tr	5	It was placed directly on top of the book Wizard because that was the onset of this special wish Tessie and Toni wanted to have removed .
tr	5	The lights were dimmed , and all seven participants were seated ; Willy with his back to the wall and Toni and Tessie opposite him .
tr	5	The other two sat in between Tessie and Willy so that there was Willy and two others on his left and two on his right .
tr	5	But how could this be if they were at the table holding hands with the persons next to them and be pressed tightly up against the ceiling ?
tr	5	The participants were so scared their joined hands and arms were trembling , but they were more afraid of breaking the bond that held them together .
tr	5	Although it was late Tessie cautioned Francine that the two might be spending the night and not to be concerned if they came home late that night .
tr	5	Chapter Eighteen Toni arrived home late and immediately showered and went to bed thinking she 'd call the hospital to check on Bob early the next morning .
tr	5	She crawled into bed exhausted , in fact too exhausted to sleep so she got up to fix a glass of warm milk when her phone beeped .
tr	5	He quickly approached the bed where Bob lay sleeping and placed a small object on his chest , just below the neck but up from his stomach .
tr	5	As he was adrift in this strange sea he noticed a person along with him who appeared to be directing this craft in a specific direction .
tr	5	You must stop where you are going , for I know you are in the light and you aren 't supposed to be there . "
tr	5	A strange feeling overtook her body as if to tell her that her message was received and to wait and word would be sent back to her .
tr	5	Bob had the helmsman turn the craft in the opposite direction and work his way back to the hole in space where their journey originated .
tr	5	Bob 's heart was off course and it was hoped that the shock would create a normal rhythm and restore him to his stable condition .
tr	5	She felt a bump and looked around but no one was near , yet she knew Bob was sending her a signal that he was back .
tr	5	They studied the monitors and it was obvious she knew something they didn 't for there was the proof ; Bob 's vitals were becoming more stable .
tr	5	Meanwhile , a special agent , posing as a limping wealthy visitor from Europe who was in immediate need of some counseling was the ' plant . '
tr	5	The money did come out , but so did a score of special agents who were planted around the bank waiting for her to arrive .
tr	5	The agents made special note to arouse the neighborhood as to what was happening so as to dissuade others from trying to move in on the operation .
tr	5	After all was said and done , the agents returned back to their normal routines having done another great deed in ridding the neighborhood of another criminal .
tr	5	She peeked through the peephole and sure enough there stood Dennis with a toothy smile and standing tall with his hands in his jacket pockets .
tr	5	We had enough on her to put her away for years , but only time will tell whether she wiggles her way out of it .
tr	5	Dennis grinned and said , " Yes , let 's do , but before we do , let me order in dinner for us . "
tr	5	All three returned to Toni 's house where the best thing they did for the rest of the evening was to watch a comedy movie on TV .
tr	5	It fit her tightly around the bosom and was cut low enough to show off her firm breast , as well as her tiny waist .
tr	5	She knew exactly what her father was referring to , but even so , she was never jealous of Marcy 's looks or her popularity .
tr	5	We both know who poisoned mother , but you won 't ... " " Celle I don 't want to hear another word about your sister .
tr	5	Jonas removed Celle 's hand from his jacket , and then looked back at her in astonishment as he turned and moved over to the casket .
tr	5	Firstly , I 'd like to introduce Seamus who is my chronicler and it is he who will be the story teller of my life to date .
tr	5	The powers granted to the Daughters are hereditary , passed from mother to daughter over many generations ( the name is apt in so many ways ) .
tr	5	Usually when a daughter turns thirteen her mother will hand her a moon disc and with it the mantel of being a Daughter of the Moon .
tr	5	For reasons I kind of understand now though didn 't at the time I had what turned out to be a sink or swim type of training .
tr	5	I had never met an insane person before and was trying to figure out if there was some way I could leave without getting into a pickle .
tr	5	They were kind eyes but I also had the feeling that they were eyes that had seen a lot and not all of it was good .
tr	5	Startled out of her thoughts the old lady replied , " Sorry my bird , it 's my age you see " she chuckled to herself .
tr	5	Pictures of Iron Age and Bronze Age metalwork from Dads books flashed into my mind for they also had patterns similar to the one on the discs .
tr	5	There is much you need to know , but time is short , I hope we will meet again Sarah Tremayne so I can tell you more .
tr	5	I know so much more than I did then and I often wonder if I knew then what I know now would I have taken the amulet ?
tr	5	Shaking her head to clear the fog , Sarah concentrated on the words and then like a light switch being turned on , the words become clear .
tr	5	The spear had , thankfully , been removed from the tip of her nose and he seemed to be waiting for her to say something .
tr	5	On the left attached to the belt was a sword in a wool lined leather scabbard , the hilt highly decorated with silver wire and enamel .
tr	5	Apart from all the pointy things that had Sarah licking her lips nervously the item which caught her attention was the buckle on his belt .
tr	5	Confusion and sheer fright fought with each other but eventually the effort of keeping up with the giant Ulf removed all thought from her mind .
tr	5	Feeling that she had just been given a stay of execution , her heart slowed to a normal rate and another feeling took over , thirst .
tr	5	Dad 's going to think I 've run away again , he 'll send me back to Cornwall or worse , that snot nosed school !
tr	5	Holding up his hands in mock surrender and not in the slightest bit taken aback by her tone , Ulf smiled " Okay , Sarah it is .
tr	5	The first , she guessed would be answered when they got to wherever it was they were heading , the second was a bit more difficult .
tr	5	Even so , just to be safe I will have word with Geir , he can make it clear to the boys where their responsibilities lie .
tr	5	As she stepped out , shielding her eyes from the bright afternoon sunshine , it became immediately obvious that things were not as they should be .
tr	5	There were lots of questions Astrid had for Ulf , like why didn 't he go home or why didn 't he take a wife ?
tr	5	Unconsciously her chin went up and her eyes swept the crowd staring at her before coming back to look boldly at the woman in front of her .
tr	5	Clothing which had Astrid known would not have looked out of place in a twenty first century shopping centre but to Viking eyes were very odd indeed .
tr	5	Some while later Sarah was sitting by the fire at the centre of the hall , her belly pleasantly full of a lightly spiced fish stew .
tr	5	The roof was thatched and had a hole above the fire pit presumably to draw the smoke away , which Sarah realised was not particularly effective .
tr	5	There were hooks on walls and posts for everything , wooden spades and buckets , coils of rope , cloaks , an axe and several swords .
tr	5	One was covered in furs and had curtains that could be drawn at night and she assumed that this was where Astrid and her husband slept .
tr	5	The others also had furs but were smaller , Astrid had mentioned that Jarl Geir was fishing with her sons so these beds must be for them .
tr	5	Anyway here are some clothes for you to wear , which should stop the stares when you go outside , a little bit at any rate .
tr	5	" Ahh , Astrid , please I don 't want to offend you but would you mind terribly if I kept my own boots on ? "
tr	5	Feeling the tension leaving her , she smiled her biggest smile , not yet realising the impact that smile had on the people around her .
tr	5	She seems to have lost quite a bit of her memory and has no recollection of where she is from or how she got here .
tr	5	Said Astrid in a tone of voice that Sarah had often heard from her Nan and it was one with which you did not argue .
tr	5	At this point the amulet , so carefully hidden under her dress began to warm and feeling her spine stiffening she looked the headman in the eye .
tr	5	Sarah continued to look Geir in the eye , even though what she really wanted to do was hide behind the relative safety of Astrid .
tr	5	Very carefully so as not to wake the young boy gently snoring beside her , Sarah slid out of bed and silently put her boots on .
tr	5	Turning away from the sleeping boy and stepping quietly outside to use the privy , Sarah marvelled at how she had adapted to this life so easily .
tr	5	It would not be until then that the boys would eat their morning meal as most people would do a couple of hours work before eating .
tr	5	Although the goats generally looked after themselves it was the boys job to make sure they didn 't wander too far or break through into the crops .
tr	5	The song caught Sarah 's attention and she felt the hairs on the back her neck stand on end and goose bumps ran down her limbs .
tr	5	She gave them both what she hoped was a reassuring smile and carried on serving the ale , trying to block her ears from the mesmerising chanting .
tr	5	Treat her well and when you think that all is lost then know that it is not , for she will be your salvation . "
tr	5	" That is not a question you want answers to , my dear " replied the seer , the smile disappearing , her eyes turning to ice .
tr	5	Sounds pretty big to me , frankly the thought of being anyone 's salvation , let alone a whole village , scares me stupid . "
tr	5	All her feelings about the situation aside , she knew that a lot rested on Sarah 's ability to tackle the task ahead of her .
tr	5	We will go back to the hall and you can go about your business , even though they will be all agog to know what was said .
tr	5	The right hand of the tallest one kept going to his side only to find that the scabbard which usually hung there , now was not .
tr	5	It has come to the King 's attention that several lords to the north have banded together and wish to make themselves a kingdom of their own .
tr	5	All eyes turned to the Geir as Sarah wondered if he would decline but then remembering Astrid 's words knew that it was a foregone conclusion .
tr	5	Eventually , he had decided that there was no point in pushing his luck and had returned to the place of his birth a rich man .
tr	5	His crew , give or take a few , had also decided to accompany him home , so great was their respect and loyalty to him .
tr	5	His ideal woman was someone older , with experience and curves , someone like ... well best not go there , even in his own head .
tr	5	Sighing he stood up , there were far too many questions surrounding the girl Sarah and right now just thinking about them made his head hurt .
tr	5	There was a broken plough share to be fixed ; maybe a good bit of hammering would help him get his head around the problem .
tr	5	Wiping the sweat from his brow he walked over to the large chest which under normal circumstances contained all manner of swords , hammers and knives .
tr	5	I would like it very much if you could show me how to look after myself , because something tells me it will be necessary . "
tr	5	Rolling over onto his back , Sarah realized that Ulf was laughing or trying to laugh as he hadn 't quite got his breath back .
tr	5	Feeling a little embarrassed by her outburst , muttering under her breath she took a big drink and a long moment to get herself together .
tr	5	" This is for you " he said as he handed her a belt with six pockets , in each pocket was a small throwing knife .
tr	5	In a rush of cool air the doors to the hall burst open and a dozen warriors rushed in quickly subduing the only men , Ulf included .
tr	5	" Right , I want all the men over there and the women and children on the other side , kill any who resist " .
tr	5	Turning to him , Sarah gave him a punch in the arm that almost sent him toppling over the body , " You bloody scared me !
tr	5	Figuring she didn 't have a lot of time , Sarah then jumped up and sat on his back taking a handful of hair and pulled .
tr	5	I mean , I can understand Rolf and Harald because they could ransom them , assuming they know who they are but why the others ? "
tr	5	Slave traders preferred young children for many reasons , they are easier to control , they eat less and they are easily indoctrinated into slavery .
tr	5	" Come on then , we had better tell mother " said Leif , who had been quiet throughout this little exchange , turning away .
tr	5	" Ok , can you hazard a guess as to where they might make landfall , or what market they might take the children to ? "
tr	5	Her hand went to her amulet still tucked under her tunic , warm against her skin , and in a flash it came to her .
tr	5	They had been lucky that the raiders did not hole any of the vessels , they were obviously confident that no one would dare to follow them .
tr	5	She hoped that whatever his problem was he would get over it soon , or at the very least , not let it jeopardise their rescue mission .
tr	5	As she sat there listening to the gannets her mind was , for once , relatively blank and she wasn 't drifting off to sleep .
tr	5	With these thoughts on her mind she felt the amulet warm against her skin and reaching under her tunic , removed it and looked at it .
tr	5	Looking carefully at the warrior guarding the children she realised he was the leader , the one who had been giving the orders at the hall .
tr	5	One appeared to be a snake twisting around a sword , the hilt of which had runes inscribed on it that Sarah was unable to read .
tr	5	Dropping to the ground , the smell of damp earth in her nostrils , her heart pounded so loud that she was sure she would be heard .
tr	5	Listening to the voices she felt a similar sensation to the one when she first arrived into this Viking world and Ulf was talking to her .
tr	5	The price has just gone up , " said one of the warriors still on the beach , a defiant hand on his sword hilt .
tr	5	Once paid you can all return to your stinking swamp of a homeland ... except you , " he pointed to the warrior who had complained .
tr	5	They were ( or in this case are ) a breed of warrior who would fight their opponents with a single mindedness that bordered on the insane .
tr	5	Her hand went through Harald 's shoulder , she was at best a ghost to him , a ghost he could not see , or could he ?
tr	5	Opening her eyes , everything about her felt strangely heavy but after a few deep breaths to control her rolling stomach , her eyes opened .
tr	5	The thought sent a shiver up Sarah 's spine and although she could not see the woodland clearly she imagined eyes watching their every move .
tr	5	The faces of the children , especially Harald , loomed into her mind and she knew that she would see this through to the end .
tr	5	Sarah said a silent prayer of thanks to whatever gods were watching over them , although she was not sure why she felt such relief .
tr	5	Settling herself Sarah took out the amulet and this time just holding it in her hand , closing her eyes she imagines the children on the warship .
tr	5	Although Sarah knew that it never got truly dark in the Baltic during summer she was thankful for the burgeoning darkness of the season 's end .
tr	5	The warriors had mostly fallen asleep where they had been sitting around the fire , with the exception of the two who were obviously on watch .
tr	5	Sarah 's legs turned to jelly as she slid awkwardly down the rough wood exterior of the building whose shadows had kept them from being discovered .
tr	5	Her heart was thundering in her ears and it took a little while to realise that the boys had also slid to the ground beside her .
tr	5	It was then that they all realised that the shout wasn 't about them but part of the normal sounds of the little community waking .
tr	5	" Why don 't we wait and see how the land lies before we make any firm decisions that we might later regret , hmm ? "
tr	5	Looking around Sarah realised that they had skirted past the spot where they had landed last night and were a bit further around the bay .
tr	5	Just thought we should make an effort at blending in , our boat would stand out less if it was beached with other similar ones . "
tr	5	Sounds of hammering and sawing reached Sarah 's ears , as did all the usual sounds of village life that she had become used to .
tr	5	" Now I feel that I could face an army and win -- it is very hard to remain positive on an empty stomach ! "
tr	5	But it wasn 't long before their peace was interrupted when from behind the row of houses ' snake arms ' appeared herding the children before him .
tr	5	Without a glance in their direction snake arms moved beyond their view and none of the children gave any indication that the trio had been seen .
tr	5	I hate to say it , but we need to split up for reconnaissance and information gathering , between now and nightfall , " said Sarah .
tr	5	Sarah realised that neither he nor Leif had understood a word that had been said , they had been talking in Olaf 's native language .
tr	5	The village was winding down for the evening with the exception of a group of men sitting on the benches where they themselves been sitting earlier .
tr	5	This did not make her feel any better but all the same she removed two of her throwing knives from their belt and held them ready .
tr	5	" Put your weapons away and come , I have found you a good place , it is just around the side here , very rotten wood .
tr	5	She ran over to the man , apologised under her breath and gingerly retrieving the valuable knife , ducked into the darkness of the warehouse .
tr	5	But now the hole that they had made was blocked by several large booted feet and the ends of a bear cloak could be clearly seen .
tr	5	Reaching down deep inside herself she motioned them all back and then with shaking hands reached and yanked as hard as she could on the bear cloak .
tr	5	In the distance some laughing and singing could be heard from the men who were drinking but to Sarah 's amazement no one had come to investigate .
tr	5	Your goddess is much older and though not of this land , you could ask her for help but you do not , why ? "
tr	5	She nodded her agreement , hoping that this wasn 't one of those things that come back to bite you when you are least expecting it .
tr	5	Great frothy waves began to break over the gunwale and they found themselves being tossed from side to side , the sail flapping madly in the wind .
tr	5	The knives sank into the dark waves and for a moment Sarah could have sworn she saw a pair of aquamarine eyes staring back at her .
tr	5	Sarah was certain that the events of the past few days hadn 't properly really sunk in ; otherwise she wouldn 't be sitting here so relaxed .
tr	5	Relief flooded through Sarah as she hastened to do as Leif had asked ; it would be nice to hand over responsibility to an adult .
tr	5	Sarah turned and saw a short jetty to one side of a narrow bay , at the head of which a cluster of buildings was visible .
tr	5	" He 's saying that the boat is one of Fathers , he recognised the carving , and it was being repaired when Father left " .
tr	5	" It 's a long story , but please can we get these children some food and warm clothes and then we will tell all . "
tr	5	She found herself sitting in front of the fire a beaker of warmed mead in her hands and a rough wool blanket around her shoulders .
tr	5	She shook her head " No , you 're the eldest , you tell what happened , I 'm hungry and want to eat " .
tr	5	Although she could feel the gaze of many on her , it was the intense look that Ulf gave her that made her the most uncomfortable .
tr	5	Walking over to a cluster of women she offered to help and was put to work with an older woman making the bread for the evening meal .
tr	5	" I 've got something to do first and then when I get back in a few days , I 'll take you there then " .
tr	5	Well if you won 't take me , I 'll go on my own " said Sarah , determined that she was going home today .
tr	5	Questions tumbled through her mind , but the warm stone at her back and the sunshine on her face soon put a stop to the questions .
tr	5	Other Titles Cornwall in Prehistory 2005 Tempus ( print only ) -- a basic introduction to the archaeology of this fascinating county in the UK .
tr	5	Every morning he 'd give the nurse his tips and a tenner and every evening she 'd come back with his winnings -- if there were any .
tr	5	- - - My Mum said that the school , which was the only one in the town , would be much different from my last .
tr	5	In my last school you had to be smart or you got into two types of trouble : with the teachers or with the kids .
tr	5	Apart from my Dad , who read the Racing Post every day of his life , I didn 't know anyone who knew anything about horses .
tr	5	All that had happened is that I 'd spooked a maths teacher with a knife given to me by a loony looking for a horse .
tr	5	' I know this is a bad time , ' said the social worker , ' and I have come up with a temporary solution .
tr	5	The social worker flashed a thin smile ; she went on , almost as if to prove that she knew more about me than me .
tr	5	Mr Watkins , suddenly started talking about all the things we could have , as if we were sitting in a travel agent 's buying a holiday .
tr	5	He said he could get mourners along to lend dignity and gravitas to the procession and that he thought a lot of people would want to come .
tr	5	He said that even though Dad hadn 't been here long , a lot of the punters from the pub would come along to show respect .
tr	5	I had my new black school trousers on , my black blazer ( minus the school badge ) and a black shirt with a black tie .
tr	5	The guys who visited our pub kept slapping my back and telling me how sorry they were , as if I 'd lost a game of football .
tr	5	I stepped out onto the street in front of the church and stood at the street corner , the junction of Bush Street and Charlton Place .
tr	5	Something changed in Sally , almost as if a switch had been flicked : she became serious and old like a teacher or my Mum .
tr	5	Slowly , when they don 't come back , you start to realise that they 're gone , that they really are never coming back .
tr	5	The social worker said she was extremely anxious to get me out of the pub so they put me in the unit the next day .
tr	5	The reason why I was there was because I 'd screwed up ; the only reason why she was there was because people like me screw up .
tr	5	There was a picture of a man with a pair of binoculars around his neck , holding a kite , standing in front of a castle .
tr	5	All he did was sandwiches , just cheese ones and coffee and tea -- I think that he was supposed to cook us all hot meals .
tr	5	Underneath all the bull , all I ever found was this : Carlos thought he should be number one ; but he didn 't know why .
tr	5	But when I introduced her to Dexter she changed , I think it was the first time I 'd brought someone from the new place home .
tr	5	We 'd cleared a table in the pool room as Mum had agreed to keep it shut during the morning so that I could study .
tr	5	I tried to tell her that this wasn 't necessary because all that happened was me and Andrew sat at the table and he talked about surfing .
tr	5	He arrived on time , he worked hard ; he just made sure that every day he went home with a little extra in his bag .
tr	5	' The last I heard from him he was working for a woman called Sally , ' added Spartan in a throwaway kind of way .
tr	5	I took one last look at Alexi as he stood by the door tapping the meat cleaver in his hand , sweat running off his bald head .
tr	5	To be honest , I wouldn 't have minded carrying on doing my lessons with Andrew in the pool room or working with Alexi in the kitchen .
tr	5	From my open doorway I saw him park on the side of a lane , open a gate and stroll into his field of cows .
tr	5	I tried to figure out what Dad would have done : sleep , probably , he was a very chilled sort of guy , my Dad .
tr	5	The roof had slates missing , the windows were rotten and most of the outbuildings were held up with metal poles and bits of scaffolding .
tr	5	' Don 't just stand there , boy , ' said Sally , kicking off her boots , at the threshold : ' Come in . '
tr	5	I followed a line from Sally 's finger ; someone had laid out rows of picked vegetables all neatly placed on the floor next to each other .
tr	5	I didn 't want Sally to think I wasn 't surfing so I made sure I stuck it out on the beach for a long time .
tr	5	And judging by the size of Preston , I think she probably did think I was telling the truth when I said I was seventeen .
tr	5	' You can work with Preston today , Clint , we 'll find out if you 're as useful as you pretend to be . '
tr	5	But the thing is , ' he added with a twinkle in his eye , ' I 've got a plan and Blackie hasn 't . '
tr	5	Basically he was too big , too wide , too long in the neck and too short in the leg to win a real race .
tr	5	One was like a sprint for horses that ran like the wind , and the other was over fences , that was a more risky game .
tr	5	Preston told me that when he worked at the big stables it was his job to train and ride some of the horses Lester Piggott rode .
tr	5	I had to muck the stables out , change the hay , give the horses the feed and put the bags in my old shed .
tr	5	I can still feel the sea air blast out all that hay , horse dung and saddle soap that seemed to cling to our skin .
tr	5	' A conditions race , boy , is what I always wanted , that 's where the big money is -- but I never got the ride .
tr	5	Preston went into the house for a bath and a long sleep in front of the old telly that Sally kept in the big living room .
tr	5	She was always driving off in her Mini with boxes of tomatoes and lettuces or beetroots and peas for restaurants and shops around the county .
tr	5	In the evenings the three of us would eat together and then I 'd go to bed in my room at the top of the house .
tr	5	Things went on like this for a couple of weeks and , although I didn 't know it at the time , I was happy .
tr	5	' Found her on the side of the road , ' said Sally , hiding her head in the hole where the ash comes out .
tr	5	' That 's very kind of you , ' she said , ' but there 's only one pretty person around here and guess what ?
tr	5	' Woah , sorry , Keith , ' I said , ' I didn 't realise you were , er -- lining up the peas . '
tr	5	- - - I went back to the house , fixed Preston 's breakfast and then we set out to bring Missile down to the beach .
tr	5	I suppose the kid didn 't realise we 'd trained the horse to go for the line and he was standing right in front of it .
tr	5	I could just about make the shapes of the kids shambling onto the beach from a white minibus right at the top of the beach .
tr	5	' Missile , ' I said , in my happiest voice , without showing my face , then I stood up so that he could see me .
tr	5	' Look , ' I said , ' I 've got to get us back to the farm without the geeks on the beach spotting us .
tr	5	I mean how do you run away straight to the thing you 're actually really supposed to be running away from in the first place ?
tr	5	I could see him in the clouds , in the moonlight -- there was one that went sailing past that reminded me of his nose .
tr	5	I remembered him before he got sick , when I was a kid , playing footy in the back lane with me , doing the commentary .
tr	5	If we 're going to keep Missile 's training programme going we can 't have his back squashed by great big lumps like me and you .
tr	5	Slowly I picked up what to do with my feet in the stirrups , what to do with reins : how to turn , how to stop .
tr	5	Missile felt more like a motorbike : 1000cc with fat tyres , so fast that it leaves your guts behind when you open the throttle up .
tr	5	It was just that Missile was so big I could see over the hedges and right down to the beach -- and he felt strong .
tr	5	And I 'd found something out : I was good at it -- riding horses -- or at least , riding one special horse , Missile .
tr	5	I used to talk to him all the time and we 'd ride up and down that beach so fast that I thought we were flying .
tr	5	You were a real jockey , ' shouted Sally , ' now you don 't need a horse -- you need a bloody Zimmer frame . '
tr	5	I couldn 't see Dexter 's face , it was too dark , but I could hear him pull his glasses off and wipe his nose .
tr	5	There were old tools for the farm , a pile of house coal , sacks of potatoes and a couple of rusty old sun loungers .
tr	5	I told Dexter we 'd be out of there on Thursday morning and then he should get ready for a day out at the horse races .
tr	5	But the amazing thing was , almost as soon as Sally pulled the gun and shut us in the dark , Dexter started to talk properly .
tr	5	Almost getting flattened by Missile didn 't do Preston any good , but it put some fast talking into Dexter 's mouth for the very first time .
tr	5	We saw the same sacks of spuds , the same pile of coal , the same rusty old tools and the same cobwebs hanging from the ceiling .
tr	5	His team strung a few passes together but they had to deal with Puyol in defence and he wasn 't having any nonsense that day .
tr	5	He had a fight with some Barcelona fans , he bought pizzas for his team at halftime and he did an interview on Spanish television .
tr	5	The engine whined and we crawled down the path to the beach , we took a left at the road and began to creep up the hill .
tr	5	' He did a runner , ' she said , ' and we 're not staying around here to find out where he went . '
tr	5	I looked at Sally and , instead of hating her for lying to me , cheating me and threatening me I just wanted to help her .
tr	5	I even knew the course : you mustn 't let the horse run away down the hill , because the ground rises towards the finishing line .
tr	5	After parading around in the paddock in front of the crowd it was time for me to ride out with the others to the starting gates .
tr	5	The horses and jockeys go into the stalls -- when it 's time to race , the doors open and you just kick for the line .
tr	5	' You took my knife , boy , ' shouted Spartan , before turning into the crowd and forcing his way back towards the car park .
tr	5	I pulled my riding hat off , the one with the gold circle on the top , and I shoved it on Preston 's skinny old head .
tr	5	I shoved through the crowds of punters , desperately searching for one big , stand-out lighthouse with two small , but highly distinctive prisoners in his hands .
tr	5	The noise of the crowd in the grandstand , the pounding of the hooves and Preston 's deaf old ears would never have picked up my cries .
tr	5	He used a pair of steel hammers , each about a foot and a half long and covered in the green crap that Goblins used for blood .
tr	5	Fighting with an axe isn 't that hard , especially when there 's one edge to it , especially when the enemy comes in a flood .
tr	5	I didn 't have names for half of what she was doing ; mostly I regretted not being able to watch her as she fought .
tr	5	It 's almost relaxing to settle into that haze of crimson , the blood spattering on my face and the enemies exploding off my axe .
tr	5	I was so safe and secure that by the time I woke up again I found myself killing the shit out of an old Volkswagen van .
tr	5	He stood to his full height and drew one of his short swords , and I wondered if we were going to throw down right there .
tr	5	Ethan watched to make sure that we weren 't going to go back to growling at each other before turning to Gunner , his second-in-command .
tr	5	Gunner was the biggest Human I 'd ever personally met , and the cast of his features made suspect that there was some ogre in his background .
tr	5	He carried a genuine claymore sword on his back in a special sheath , and like me he wore the heavy armor of the front-line fighter .
tr	5	He had a latticework of scars up his left arm ; he 'd told me that he cut a new one for every life that he took .
tr	5	I wiggled a part of the gun loose and cleaned it ; the blood wasn 't setting quickly , which was my only saving grace .
tr	5	" These were the new tribes , the ones who aren 't strong enough to make it on the inside , " she said , still glaring .
tr	5	One estimate says that half the world 's population died , but it 's hard to tell because of the way that the magic changed some people .
tr	5	Africa had its share of problems , though with more people living a little closer to the old traditions they at least had a fighting chance .
tr	5	Still , I wanted to be living cannon fodder when everything was finished , so slung my axe up onto my shoulder and hurried to join them .
tr	5	He 's got a bunch of people in there and he 's supposed to be taking charge of a lot of the tribes , consolidating power .
tr	5	We all knew what he meant ; the government was just as out of date as the map but no one wanted to admit it .
tr	5	If we 're real lucky we might get a shot at the bounty on him , but I 'm not sure that 'll happen . "
tr	5	Raine grabbed my arm and dragged me to a car , forcing me down below the edge of the door until I couldn 't see the sphere .
tr	5	The five of them immediately started scanning the area , two of them looking at the skyline while the others looked at the buildings nearby .
tr	5	It was like standing near a really angry tornado , and by the time he was done I was surprised that we hadn 't been buried .
tr	5	We 'd been so busy checking the skyline for giants that we hadn 't been paying close enough attention to the ground and the buildings around us .
tr	5	The wound , and the others around my arm , hand , and right side of my face , started to tingle and feel numb .
tr	5	I swung back the other way , wobbling in the air thanks to my gyrations , and I crashed into the skeleton on the other side .
tr	5	At the same time , the ropes around my ankles slipped , causing me to cry out as I gave in to the panic for a moment .
tr	5	I cried out again when I clamped down on the knife in my hand and the keen edge bit through the leather and into my palm .
tr	5	Birgitte made no noise at all when she dropped to the floor , her armor and natural grace working together as she dodged behind Raine .
tr	5	While Ethan 's downed Hag was causing trouble for the others on the stairs , a pair of them had gotten to the top already .
tr	5	A Hag bore down on me , screaming like a mountain lion caught in a wood chipper , and I abruptly had my hands full .
tr	5	I struggled to my feet and looked for my axe , noticing along the way that Raine and Birgitte had taken care of the first Hag .
tr	5	I added a few punctuating arguments with my shotgun , glad to get a chance to use the damn thing , and we headed up the stairs .
tr	5	Most of them hadn 't worked , and had fallen to either internal or external pressures , but a few had struggled into life and remained viable .
tr	5	Birgitte and I are going to see if we can do something about our scent trail , and then we 've got first watch . "
tr	5	They looked scared , and I could hardly blame them ; he was an intimidating guy at the best of times , and these were hardly that .
tr	5	Ethan looked back and forth between them and settled his gaze on the mother , who looked a little more together than she had before .
tr	5	Ethan said , " My team and I are here to stop what 's going on in the middle of town , around the Needle .
tr	5	She led us through a tortured maze of alleys and caves , each block taking five times as long to travel as they would have normally .
tr	5	Ethan was content to go along with it , apparently fine with the slow pace as long as we didn 't run into anything else .
tr	5	He stared at it for a few more seconds before putting it back in his mouth , reverently licking his dirty fingers to get every last smidge .
tr	5	I couldn 't hear much of what was going on out there thanks to the distance and the way that Virgil was shrieking for his mother .
tr	5	The big man didn 't argue , just unclipped one of his hammers and slid it to me through a gap in the grate that separated us .
tr	5	" You pull that pin I 'll shoot you myself , " said Gunner , his deep voice rumbling through the tunnel from behind Birgitte .
tr	5	Between the bits of silver and the sheer impact of the other ingredients , the wolves that went down weren 't very interested in getting up again .
tr	5	If it had been nighttime , it would have been a different story , but during the day we were able to hold our own .
tr	5	He looked like a trick of robotics , every round hitting something either fatal or painful enough to draw a wolf 's attention away from us .
tr	5	" You , we need to keep our guide and her son alive , and we don 't need you collapsing tunnels or any other stupid shit .
tr	5	I stayed as far from Birgitte as possible , taking heart in the fact that she was ignoring me now that Ethan had snarled at her .
tr	5	Everything smelled of papery scales , indicating that this was a Naga passageway , and we moved as quickly as we could to avoid them .
tr	5	Nagas weren 't horribly dangerous but there were usually a lot of them and it didn 't take many of their bites to get overloaded with poison .
tr	5	I didn 't want to fight her if I could help it ; the memory of her fighting the Goblins was still fresh in my mind .
tr	5	From time to time we 'd go out and pull in more wood to rebuild the fires , but that was the extent of the excitement .
tr	5	They came the same way we 'd come earlier , sliding over the gap in the walls with barely a sound besides the thump of their landing .
tr	5	The rest of the Breakers and our guides woke immediately ; it was hard to sleep deeply when you might be attacked at any time .
tr	5	The Nagas were moving so quickly in the cold night that it was impossible to tell where they were going to be from moment to moment .
tr	5	I looked back and saw Baran facing away from me , a bloom of flame ten feet high and twenty feet wide pouring from his face .
tr	5	She struggled with holding three of them back at once , but there were another dozen trying to sneak by her as she did so .
tr	5	Whatever she felt about me , for whatever stupid reason , I realized that she was one of the factors keeping me alive in this place .
tr	5	Baran did his trick again , freezing the Nagas by Raine , and between the five of us we were able to fight off the others .
tr	5	It reminded me of the way that Ethan had looked at Lynette and Virgil when we 'd first met them : empty of all Human feeling .
tr	5	It was the stare of someone who would kill without considering it , because he didn 't think that he was looking at another living being .
tr	5	He had eyes that looked as though they 'd been stolen from an eagle , and his neck was a mass of scar tissue on one side .
tr	5	It wasn 't a ringing endorsement of the shanty way of life but it appeared to be the best that we were going to get .
tr	5	The bartender had his hands below the bar ; if I knew anything about places like this , he had them on a weapon of some kind .
tr	5	He worked his mouth and spat on it , the liquid burning a hole through the middle of the dollar and then eating into the bar .
tr	5	The alcohol content was high enough that my taste buds simply crisped and died , expiring before they could send messages of bleak horror to my brain .
tr	5	I started out trying to do one of the Cyclops way of life , but it turns out that they like trying to kill and eat documentarians .
tr	5	" It would be a true shame for the local gangs to hear about how much wealth you carry on your person , friend Ward .
tr	5	I wasn 't sure that I wanted Fraser along but I had to admit that whatever he 'd done to the Naga had been effective .
tr	5	I was sure that the guards were already watching me , but I figured that it wouldn 't do to let them know that I knew .
tr	5	I was just imagining him running around in a circle with his ridiculous shirt engulfed in flames when Virgil said , " What 's that ? "
tr	5	He went back out into the tavern and returned with a pair of bottles that proved to be drastically better beer than what was on tap .
tr	5	I 'll have to ply you with beer and my own unthinkable charm to get the story again sometime so she can hear it all .
tr	5	He and Birgitte started talking ; she spoke the Goblin language as if born to it , sounding like someone with a serious throat infection .
tr	5	Finally I said , " You 're welcome to stay the night with us if you don 't mind sleeping in a chair or something . "
tr	5	I kept dreaming of Birgitte slashing at me with her slim blade ; each time , I 'd start and find myself staring at the ceiling .
tr	5	Everything was in order , so I opened the door just in time to keep it from being destroyed by one of Raine 's hammers .
tr	5	He followed the hammer blow with a couple of shots from his pistol , one of which struck me in the same shoulder and knocked me down .
tr	5	I was dismayed to see Raine doing the same ; apparently his armor had absorbed enough of my kick that I hadn 't broken his knee .
tr	5	My axe was a wonderful weapon but it took space to swing and I was too crowded in the cluttered common room to use it effectively .
tr	5	While he got ready for another swing , I dropped the axe and pulled a pair of pointed metal rods from the back of my gauntlets .
tr	5	There was a series of crunching noises and the sound of something tearing , and he dropped his hammer to stare at his ruined hand .
tr	5	The room turned into a dark whirl of grunts and screams , mostly mine , as the rage took over and I charged right back at Raine .
tr	5	I found a cloth in my pack and wiped down my spikes , gauntlets , and axe while I let the anger drain out of me .
tr	5	I tried to focus on what had happened and what was going to happen next , and the conclusions were not my favorite things ever .
tr	5	Since Virgil was with me and one of Raine 's apparent targets , I also knew that they wouldn 't want to take care of him .
tr	5	Fraser took a step toward Lynette 's crumpled body and that was when the guards at the gates leveled their guns and began to fire on us .
tr	5	It was made harder by Virgil 's sudden squirming and shrieking as he tried to get out of my arms to get to his fallen mother .
tr	5	By the time we stopped , we couldn 't see the walls of the stronghold anymore ; they were hidden behind layers of fallen buildings .
tr	5	I held him , careful not to let the armor bite into his unprotected skin , and I rocked back and forth until he fell asleep .
tr	5	For the benefit of most of the humans on this planet , I carry a device with a small screen which I can type into .
tr	5	By now you 're probably feeling a little sorry for me , and I can understand that , but there 's really no need for pity .
tr	5	So not only can I not communicate with any real emotion by speaking , I lack the face to generate expressions and nuances to match those words .
tr	5	Though , as an infant , I lacked the language needed to describe what I experienced , I had other senses to give my existence a vision .
tr	5	I know it 's a difficult concept to grasp , but for me , it 's just one more thing I don 't have to worry about .
tr	5	The burning from my stomach acid passing over the sensitive membranes of my nostrils was a fiery pain that made the whole front of my head throb .
tr	5	My mother picked me up and held me , trying to find some way to soothe my pain , but nothing was making the burning stop .
tr	5	Basically a needle was inserted into my throat to create an airway directly into my trachea , bypassing my swollen nostrils , so I could breathe .
tr	5	The doctor came in and looked me over commenting on my lack of facial features and deformations as if I were on some other planet .
tr	5	According to her , her whole life has been one form of coping or another , though I don 't know if it has been successfully managed .
tr	5	My mother , as part of her coping , tried to hide everything and I let her believe she succeeded because it was what she needed .
tr	5	The brain 's ability to form new synapses and connective pathways diminishes and unless you have a serious injury , you 're stuck with what you have .
tr	5	Adults , my mother and father for example , don 't seem to have the flexibility in thinking that the youth of the world possess .
tr	5	As infants we are wholly impressionable and who we become in life may be determined by who and what we are exposed to in our youth .
tr	5	Learning , like memorization , is just a reinforcement of the electrical pathways created in the brain as we are exposed to the world via our senses .
tr	5	We could take in whatever bits of each other 's minds that seemed important or we could discard it for the white noise that it was .
tr	5	The flicker was like an electrical short and at times it was as if I could hear a buzzing when it would do its thing .
tr	5	He was her little brother and she was more than willing to rescue him and help him get over the rough spot in his life .
tr	5	" If you just touch his face , " my mother was saying , " then you 'll be able to read his mind too .
tr	5	He jogged to a respectable distance , working his arm in an arc with the football in his hand , and then turned and yelled .
tr	5	My mother was standing on the stoop to the front door watching , one arm wrapped across her stomach and the other up by her face .
tr	5	I ran across the street into the yard there and put on burst of speed because I could tell it was going to go over my head .
tr	5	It fell into my fingertips as I was stretched out horizontal over the brown grass and I pulled it in and fell onto the ball .
tr	5	My mind became clear and the image of the ball sailing through the air became so visible , I felt like I could actually see it .
tr	5	I didn 't have my pocket computer with me because I didn 't want to risk breaking it , so I couldn 't communicate with him .
tr	5	My mom answered and though there was no need for her to yell , I could see in my mind that Tucker was at the door .
tr	5	She had a puzzled sound to her voice and I could see she was curious as to why this strange boy was asking for me by name .
tr	5	Even though the mind reading thing had been going on for years in our house , she still insisted on using her voice to talk to me .
tr	5	You know , that mom look they 're so good at when you 're a kid and no amount of words or thoughts can equal it .
tr	5	I was having a hard time catching my breath and this electric feeling of having a live wire inside my chest permeated the middle of my body .
tr	5	I could smell damp earth and musty pine needles and of course a hint of that burnt rubber smell , but it was mostly gone here .
tr	5	Tucker was up on a fallen tree that spanned the width of the creek at a point where two faint paths merged in the undergrowth .
tr	5	I found a way up onto the tree anyway and cautiously made my way out over the water , but I was on my feet .
tr	5	The bark was slippery on the old tree , but I could keep from slipping in if I kept my feet in a straight line .
tr	5	I wanted to ask him if he ever fell in , but I didn 't want to risk typing into my pocket computer at the moment .
tr	5	A burst of tingling erupted at my fingertips and it was as if I could see something discharge from them , but it was probably my imagination .
tr	5	My mom , who was all about her old way of life , even after fourteen years of this , stood and introduced Kaylin to Joey .
tr	5	At the time , I wasn 't exactly sure how she did it , but I knew what I saw when she was doing it .
tr	5	She didn 't have a rule that said I couldn 't leave , I 'd never had a reason to before and she assumed I never would .
tr	5	She was focused on the forest to my left when she bolted from my hands and charged into the underbrush , barking and growling furiously .
tr	5	Tuck didn 't want to leave the puppies , but he stood and we walked through the woods to the log that crossed the creek .
tr	5	He ran under it easily and pulled it from the air , slowing to a jog as the ball settled into the crook of his arm .
tr	5	Tuck questioned me in my head , but I wasn 't about to let Joey decide who I let in and who I didn 't .
tr	5	Pepper was the curious one and Sadie would have to scold her with a single woof to call her back from wherever she wandered to .
tr	5	His dad , the anger rolling off of him in red waves , pushed his son away where he stumbled and fell to the ground .
tr	5	It struck the gun in his hand and knocked it to the ground just as Sadie jumped to his chest and went for his throat .
tr	5	Sadie backed off now , a growl low in her throat as I was able to get through to her and tell her to stop .
tr	5	Other birds began to settle in front of us and as they landed they grew quiet , the din of the cage growing softer by the second .
tr	5	More birds landed and it seemed as if the whole sanctuary was encircling us , the beaks and eyes of all the birds quiet and staring .
tr	5	The entire aviary launched itself into the air as one and then settled in other places , the cacophony of the cage returning and the tension leaving .
tr	5	A little boy ran up to them and the ones closest to him took flight and then settled back to the rail in a different spot .
tr	5	An ostrich had wandered close , its head level with my chest and I reached out my hand , that tingling feeling coming on its own .
tr	5	The lady who had shoved us had grabbed her son and was pulling him away from the dock , heading for the main part of the zoo .
tr	5	As we stepped up to the fence they all moved to us and stood in a semi circle swaying from side to side on their huge legs .
tr	5	I think she was going to scold us , but saw my face , and like most , paused , not sure what to do .
tr	5	But , of course , he 'd been pretty down on himself not working and all and having to live with his sister and her family .
tr	5	Joey and I watched the chimps do crazy flips and chase each other in front of us , their cries and calls a playful banter between them .
tr	5	She found a place in the shade of a tree and sat with her back up against it , pulling the blanket through her fingers .
tr	5	At the alligator swamp , when the crocs and gators all came up on shore to inspect us , Joey decided it was time to leave .
tr	5	She really did live here because Joey had to give her his tag info so he could get in after park hours to get her .
tr	5	While Joey flirted with Susan , I told him I was going to the chimps and he waved his hand at me dismissing me without a glance .
tr	5	I just had this feeling that it was what she needed , but it was more of an unconscious thing now that I look back on it .
tr	5	At the zoo , the ticket seller didn 't want to let us in with the dog , but Joey insisted that we be allowed .
tr	5	Of course , Joey spent most of that time with Susan , who had come out to see us , and she fell in love with Sadie .
tr	5	We made it to the chimps in the late afternoon and Rebecca sat in her corner with her blue blanket until she saw us coming .
tr	5	Fred , the zoo employee with the dirty boots , was next to the trashcan and he stared at us as Sadie growled and barked .
tr	5	Fred 's face had turned ashen , his mouth hanging open and the gloved hand that was pointing at Sadie shook and then fell to his side .
tr	5	I just didn 't trust my own thoughts and I really didn 't want them to see how bleak and dark things were growing inside of me .
tr	5	When the driver finally got the courage to ask me about the dog , I pretended I didn 't understand and he finally gave up .
tr	5	Closer to an animal than any human should be , yet further from one too , for no animal could do what this man had done .
tr	5	I know he 's young , but he won 't be able to survive in this world if you keep him sheltered all the time .
tr	5	She could see all that was going through my head , but her noise barrier was up strong as ever and I could read nothing .
tr	5	My mother looked between us both , a confused smile on her lips and then she introduced herself to Paul , pushing her kids from her mind .
tr	5	They don 't have ' things ' on their mind , " she said , back in the kitchen with her drink in her hand .
tr	5	I could see a bright spot of color on her face and though her hand flitted around it I could tell it was a bruise .
tr	5	A small sliver of doubt about my decision crept into my head and sat there in a corner of my mind like a child in detention .
tr	5	She wore a hooded sweater over a blouse I couldn 't see and her shoes were decorated with little animals that were tied to the laces .
tr	5	She reached for the book I held in my hand and I realized that I was holding on to it and wouldn 't let go .
tr	5	* * * Tuck had spent all of homeroom showing me where to go for my classes and finished just as the bell rang for first period .
tr	5	She believed strongly that handicapped people in America were being wrongfully persecuted and fought very hard to gain awareness and eventually equal rights for them . "
tr	5	He wishes he had different food every once in a while and he hates it when you poke at him with the yellow stick . "
tr	5	It was a nice tight spiral but it didn 't have the power of mine and we had to slow up to meet the ball .
tr	5	There were times in my life that I really resented not having lips or eyes or any kind of facial expressions and this was one of those .
tr	5	Most of the boys were older than Tuck and me by a year or two , but I recognized some of the faces from my classes .
tr	5	I could see Rodney and Andy , the grins wiped off of their faces , and Paul shifting his weight from one foot to the next .
tr	5	Her ocean description was pretty close and if I ever got to see the real thing this is what I would imagine it looked like .
tr	5	She put Pepper down and opened the door to her house , disappearing inside as an emptiness settled over me that I couldn 't quite get past .
tr	5	" Too bad you won 't be playing , " he said as the bat he was holding behind his leg came out into view .
tr	5	The sound it made as it struck my skull echoed in my head and followed me into the darkness , the world spinning out of control .
tr	5	I didn 't know where I was or what was happening and my heart started to pound in my chest as the panic spread through me .
tr	5	When she first saw me , she jumped on the bed and licked my face , but Mom shooed her off and she stayed down .
tr	5	They didn 't stay long when they realized that I couldn 't remember a thing and left with nothing new to add to the case .
tr	5	I can see this vision of you and you 're shimmering pink all around , but I don 't see the day you dream about . "
tr	5	I held her hand and concentrated , brief glimpses of the past , but nothing that meant anything , or nothing as dramatic as my sight returning .
tr	5	I knew that I could keep learning from home , but the freedom of school and the act of just being around other people was too overwhelming .
tr	5	* * * Mom dropped us off , the sky a cloudy , boiling mass of rain and the temperature chilly to say the least .
tr	5	I wore the mask , my face itchy and hot , but I also had a hoody on that I had pulled over my head .
tr	5	Or , it could be they were all just trying to stay dry as they made their way around a campus that had very little overhead covering .
tr	5	Kind of like looking through the slits cut out in a Halloween costume , a kind of tunnel vision that made you miss things in your periphery .
tr	5	I sat next to the kid who had told me it was cool that I could hear the animals and typed him a question about Herman .
tr	5	The memory of us together in this same class a few weeks ago bloomed bright in my mind and I could see it clearer than ever before .
tr	5	Cake and presents and all that frilly stuff moms liked to do were planned and Avril was more than happy to be in on it .
tr	5	And in Avril 's case , some of her past was buried deep down in there , in a place I hadn 't accessed yet .
tr	5	" Your house , " she said , trying to see it in the distance and then we hurried up the small hill and we saw .
tr	5	" Thanks , " Joey said , sarcastically , and walked over to where Avril , my mom and I sat on the curb with the dogs .
tr	5	" I 'm going to take Avril home , " I said , letting the noise in my head down a minute so Mom could see .
tr	5	We had stopped in the middle of the street as this vision played out in her mind and I watched as they almost raped her .
tr	5	She took a step back , her hand to her mouth , the ripped blouse hanging from her body as I blasted those images into her .
tr	5	He moved to run , but I caught him and picked him up , the red wave of energy coming out of my whole body now .
tr	5	So when a part of her past turned up in her present , her light , her kindness , started to lose some of its luster .
tr	5	She needed me as much as I needed her and the day her brother came back into her life was the day we all will never forget .
tr	5	He liked to hurt people and for the first time in my life I saw an evil that existed in this world that hid itself among us .
tr	5	Joey was still with us , his job giving him steady hours , and Susan , the zookeeper , was a common sight at our house .
tr	5	He was admitted to a mental facility and would probably spend the rest of his life there , his fractured mind something that could not be repaired .
tr	5	On the day of Bret 's return , I was outside with Tuck and we were working on getting my throwing arm back into shape .
tr	5	Whenever the world became too much , the trial , the surgery , the guilt , we had gotten in the habit of asking that question .
tr	5	I don 't know who started it , and it didn 't really matter , all that mattered was what it meant to us both .
tr	5	He ran to his house and put it on his porch and then ran back to catch up with us as we walked to the creek .
tr	5	We found an old tree house that was pretty rickety , but still held our weight , and we climbed and looked out over the forest .
tr	5	She looked up at me , a small smile on her lips and touched her fingertips to my face as I put mine to hers .
tr	5	He was still in his work clothes and they separated from one another as if they had been doing something they weren 't supposed to .
tr	5	" There 's something they sense in me , but I still have to connect with them and then I can read their thoughts . "
tr	5	This guy scowled after a minute and went back to his paper , but whenever I looked up at him , he was staring at her .
tr	5	At the elephants ' enclosure , Reggie and Tammy trumpeted a greeting to us and came over to the edge and put their trunks through the gaps .
tr	5	I put my hand to the glass and she walked up to it , pressing her nose to where my palm lay flat on the smooth surface .
tr	5	Maria 's snout broke the surface of the water again and she nodded her head up and down rapidly making clicking noises and a few whistles .
tr	5	She was close to giving up all she was and succumbing to her grief , and what little energy she had she was expending on me .
tr	5	I think she was meant for me , and we had been lucky enough to find each other in the vast darkness that was this world .
tr	5	On the bus trip back home , Tuck and Avril both fell asleep , her leaning on my shoulder and Tuck 's head up against the glass .
tr	5	A male and female and I worried that her ability to see into the future was somehow playing out a scene we would be involved in .
tr	5	* * * After the bus dropped us off , Tuck and I walked Avril home and she said she would come see me later .
tr	5	A part of you that 's now in me and no matter what , I 'll always carry that part of you around inside . "
tr	5	She was prodding around in my head , something that I had felt dozens of times with the connections I had but it still felt weird .
tr	5	She opened the door and ran from the house , her steps loud on the porch and the ground thumping softly as she ran to her car .
tr	5	Concentrating my thoughts on each little trinket or object , I could levitate each around the room and elevate my thoughts to things that made sense .
tr	5	We held hands and the sunlight played in the water , the soothing sound surrounding us as our little hideaway sheltered us from the real world .
tr	5	There was some dark stain on his clothes and with me being only able to see shades of gray I could not tell what it was .
tr	5	I stood outside the door for a moment longer , feeling her move through the house safely to her room and then Sadie and I went home .
tr	5	Susan would normally get us in free , but since she wasn 't answering Joey 's calls we were going to have to pay to get in .
tr	5	We headed straight for the elephant paddock and found Susan in with the elephants , cleaning up hay and debris with a shovel and broom .
tr	5	I could see Joey react to his girlfriend 's emotions , his face softening and holding a bit of curiosity that I 'd never seen before .
tr	5	I ran with her , her hair blowing back in the wind as she led me , little speckles of pink flowing behind her like glitter .
tr	5	I motioned for all of us to move out of range of Maria and we went to the other end of the sick bay and talked .
tr	5	They 're willing to let her move , but we don 't have the funds to build a tank big enough to hold more dolphins .
tr	5	Dr. Eva called Susan to talk with her , but the conversation didn 't last long with both women breaking down and promising to keep fighting .
tr	5	Avril remained the most upbeat , her vision of the outcome was something she trusted and she knew in her heart that it would all work .
tr	5	The dead dolphins that had washed up on the beach were being kept there until the Georgia Aquarium came and picked them up for study .
tr	5	Some of the rooms had lab equipment and chemicals and one room had an incinerator that Susan claimed was used for cremation of animal remains .
tr	5	It was still warm to the touch and Joey looked at us all like this was going to be a bust before it even started .
tr	5	" I 'm going to jail for breaking and entering , and we 're not even going to find any dolphins in here , " Joey said .
tr	5	He had little earphones in his ears and I could now hear the TV blaring into them as some re-run played on the small set .
tr	5	Susan and Tuck were in the bed with the dead dolphins as Joey maneuvered out of the back lot and we were off to the zoo .
tr	5	There were three security guards during the night shift at the zoo , various animal keepers and the master zookeeper who lived on the property .
tr	5	Susan told Joey to pull the truck around to the back entrance and then they would take a small internal road to the sick bay .
tr	5	She slowly came up out of the sling and rose above my head , Avril and Susan laughing , and Joey standing there with his mouth open .
tr	5	He stared at me , my hand pointed to him as I pinned him in place and the fear in his eyes made me hesitate .
tr	5	I took over and rolled the sling lift back into its place , the muscles in my back working , but nothing like the dolphin .
tr	5	Susan and Tuck kept Maria sprayed down so she wouldn 't dry out and she clicked and whistled periodically to show us that she was doing fine .
tr	5	Maria splashed and whistled as I lowered him to her and when he was finally in the water , I witnessed the most amazing thing ever .
tr	5	Of course , I hadn 't told her about the telekinesis so all her predictions could mean squat if that was what was causing the pain .
tr	5	It had been a good day , and even though I had pain with the long ball , I now knew that I could do it .
tr	5	" I had a dream that you and I were naked , " she whispered and I stopped in the street and stared at her .
tr	5	When she told him she was pregnant , he had just had his first review and the faculty all agreed he should be given a permanent position .
tr	5	They would starve and he would be unable to provide for her like the plans they had whispered in the dark over the last few months .
tr	5	He shared with me the story , a story that encompassed a whole lifetime of joy and pain , sorrow and mistakes , love and betrayal .
tr	5	The locker I was looking for was dark in color , but I since I saw in shades of gray , I had no idea what color .
tr	5	A young man took us around and showed us the equipment , weights , and indoor pool , but we were anxious to see the locker rooms .
tr	5	The final place was a little ways further south on Blanding and we pulled into the packed parking lot and stepped out into the heat .
tr	5	It was the year 2000 , and though the cell phone was big and just about everybody had one but us , pay phones were still around .
tr	5	In the locker room , the lockers here were dark in color and looked to be the same size as the picture in George 's head .
tr	5	The lock was pretty new and though it had been used , the tumblers were still in good shape and showed only the faintest traces of wear .
tr	5	We decided to skip the new place and head for the boxing gym on SR 220 , thinking that it might be our best shot .
tr	5	The name registered nothing on the man 's face and he looked at all three of us again as if we were pulling his leg .
tr	5	" But that doesn 't mean I 'm just going to let you take whatever was his because you tell me some crazy story about a bag .
tr	5	She saw me and frowned , but after a moment , she plastered a smile on her face and asked if she could help us .
tr	5	I have all kinds of people come in here day after day with problems that they want me to solve or lost loves they need to find .
tr	5	The red in my vision threatened to cloud over but her pleading face in front of mine pushed it back and I took deep breaths .
tr	5	They fought , Bret screaming at her , her father passed out in the bed from drinking , and Avril huddling in her room afraid to move .
tr	5	The black , oily stench of him seeped into my nostrils and filled my head with visions of death and things I couldn 't banish .
tr	5	I reacted with brilliant speed and flung his body across the room , the gun sailing out of his hand through a window and into the night .
tr	5	I couldn 't stand to see her like that , the grayness all around her and the tubes and wires and bandages holding her together .
tr	5	She shivered now from a fever as they pumped the antibiotics into her , an infection raging within the shell that lay in front of me .
tr	5	Just a pain that wouldn 't leave me , an ache that racked my body with the shakes and made my nose drip and run .
tr	5	I touched her face , that beautiful face that was surrounded by a faint pink light and I put my forehead to hers and smiled inside .
tr	5	When they realized it was a bad dream , they left me with her and I held her until her shaking stopped and she fell back asleep .
tr	5	When Joey pulled the wheelchair from the trunk , tears began to fall from her eyes and I went to her and picked her up .
tr	5	Joey or I carried her wherever she needed to be and she sat a lot in front of the window with Pepper in her lap .
tr	5	I held her like that until she fell back to sleep , her dreams a restless symphony of things she didn 't want to remember .
tr	5	The darkness and evil that is in this world feeds my strength and I know I need it and am repulsed by it at the same time .
tr	5	I told her I didn 't want to leave her , but she insisted that what happened to her should never interfere with what I want .
tr	5	Her eyes were shining bright spots in my vision , the pink hue of her aura shimmering along its edges , brighter than I 'd ever seen .
tr	5	At the time , I didn 't think it was such a great idea , but it was good to have him there just the same .
tr	5	The center , for purposes of the tryout , would hike the ball on the third audible , but of course I couldn 't talk .
tr	5	I let the ball sail , the familiar pain shooting into my arm as the ball shot skyward , a nice tight spiral that looked dead on .
tr	5	She was staring at me , a look of confusion on her face , but I told her to trust me again and she relaxed .
tr	5	I could see it in her mind now ; a pain , starting small and then building in her back and radiating to her legs .
tr	5	I let my mind free , the tingling leaving my fingertips as I pulled my hand free of her pants and slowly let her go .
tr	5	She burst into tears as she looked down at herself , her legs holding her up , my mother shaking her head and crying herself .
tr	5	We got dressed and walked hand in hand down the street , dew on the grass and the sun just coming up over the trees .
tr	5	He had been the investigating officer on that one too and since they were still actively pursuing Bret , he remained aggressive in his tactics .
tr	5	They found a girl that you haven 't been able to find for three years and you 're going to give them a hard time ?
tr	5	It was a thing that I wasn 't sure I understood , but I tried to explain it to her the way I thought it happened .
tr	5	It was there , just buried , but when you let me view it again , it was like ' Ah , now I remember . '
tr	5	What they didn 't know was the rooms they put us both in were right next to each other and Avril and I could still talk .
tr	5	An older couple came in , the woman in tears , and they both stared at Avril and me as if we were the enemy .
tr	5	Avril and I walked back to the site with the dogs , the police tape still up around the area but the cars and evidence vans gone .
tr	5	She smiled and closed her eyes , her lips finding the spot she had before and this wave of tingling swept through my whole body .
tr	5	He called one of his staff over and told them to start an I.V. on me and they got that going right there on the grass .
tr	5	I found a bloody baseball bat leaning up against my locker and I picked it up in my hands , touching the red liquid on the wood .
tr	5	As I ran , the jarring of it caused Pepper so much pain , I switched to lifting her with my telekinesis and carrying her that way .
tr	5	I followed him back , Avril with me , and we walked into the operating room where his assistants were getting ready for the procedure .
tr	5	Pepper was lying on her side , her eyes slightly glazed from some pain killer , but she sensed me there and licked my hand .
tr	5	Everybody would come up and look her up and down and either give her a big hug or congratulate her on being out of the chair .
tr	5	As we ran plays , Tuck getting open on just about every down , the first squad began to pay attention to us between their own plays .
tr	5	I was lobbing the ball down field to Tuck on almost every play , and pointing and whispering amongst the seniors was starting to get louder .
tr	5	I wasn 't sure if what we were seeing was just a dream or some memory of Bret 's bubbling up in the middle of the night .
tr	5	She went to get shoes and as I put mine on , another vision slammed into my head and I had to wait for it to finish .
tr	5	Rodney stayed for a few minutes , shaking his head and looking over what had been a nice crop of pot just a few hours before .
tr	5	The fact that Joey would do such a thing shocked me and the more I let it recycle in my head , the angrier I became .
tr	5	They didn 't like the idea of a rookie playing yet , even if the rookie was going to be the best player they ever had .
tr	5	The two guys looked nervous now , and their eyes flicked back and forth between Coach Danforth , me , and the team behind us .
tr	5	We drove to The Palace and Avril filled Susan in on the discovery of the missing money and how it couldn 't be anybody but him .
tr	5	I didn 't know if I could get to them both , but the energy was building in my back and I could feel its power .
tr	5	Susan and I froze with Joey held between us and the big guy with the scar moved in front of me and glared in my face .
tr	5	I could feel Susan 's fear as she breathed hard , the surprise at being so close to getting Joey out of there and now this .
tr	5	He pushed the barrel of the gun harder into my head , a brittle irritating pain that made the energy in my back seethe beneath the surface .
tr	5	A tremor surged through my body and colors popped into my vision as bright as I 'd ever seen , but I really wasn 't paying attention .
tr	5	I pulled them to within a few inches of my face and held them there , blood leaking from their mouths and terror in their eyes .
tr	5	He bet money he didn 't have and they wanted it , " Avril told them , the white lie causing her aura to dim a bit .
tr	5	Detective Tate was pulling his hair out , but the District Attorney 's office would not push it to the grand jury for lack of real evidence .
tr	5	When Paul showed up at practice , I felt him immediately , even before some of his old teammates recognized him and went up to him .
tr	5	He glanced down the street , as if he were unsure of what he was doing , and then finally closed the car door and walked up .
tr	5	" I know I haven 't been anybody you 'd even talk to and I don 't blame you , but I just wanted you to know .
tr	5	Coleen Dyson was smiling with the sun behind her and the wind blowing her hair as she rode in the passenger seat of a car .
tr	5	Friday arrived without any interference from Paul Rose or Avril 's brother , Bret , and I was beginning to think that they had left town .
tr	5	It was a tradition with the team and the owner of the restaurant had opened up his place for them since the school 's inception in 1964 .
tr	5	A pick six for a starting quarterback is always something hard to overcome , and Kyle couldn 't seem to get out of his funk .
tr	5	They had a receiver on their team who our corners couldn 't seem to cover and he was beating us on just about every play .
tr	5	The refs all huddled and must have decided that there was nothing they could do about me and no rule was being broken that they could determine .
tr	5	I saw Rodney open and whipped the ball over the hands of another linebacker and it flew true as I was slammed to the ground .
tr	5	She found a part time job at the zoo , Susan helping her there , and I would be joining her in a couple of months .
tr	5	At the mall , we ran in to some kids from school and they hung out with us as we all waited for the movie to start .
tr	5	Her aura was something I 'd never seen before , a brilliant dark red with an edge of orange that flickered along the outline of it .
tr	5	She opened to me , as if I had allowed her to touch my face , and she poured into me before I could think .
tr	5	A bright crimson life that spoke of fun and danger , joy and thrills , and I saw a kind of person who could never be boring .
tr	5	The irony was not lost on me , but I let them have what made them feel good and took all the positive energy in .
tr	5	Sydney glanced sideways at me , the smile on her face matching the blazing inferno around her body , and then she shut me out again .
tr	5	After last period , I waited for Avril at her class and she came out with Sydney beside her , the two of them laughing and smiling .
tr	5	My belly tightened at the sight of them together and I felt a twinge of guilt when Sydney saw me first and flashed her eyes at me .
tr	5	I could see that Tuck was embarrassed at being called cute and he also thought that Sydney Allison was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen .
tr	5	I climbed in beside Avril , the glow of her aura soft with sleep , and I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her tight .
tr	5	My legs threatened to fail me , and I stared at the now recognizable features of the man I hadn 't seen in almost fourteen years .
tr	5	There must be something she saw in this man I no longer knew , and I always listened to what she tried to tell or show me .
tr	5	She closed the door and stood there , thoughts racing through her head in a blur and I knew she was not going to be gentle .
tr	5	I was getting more comfortable behind the center and though the home team protested my playing , the referees assured them that I was legal .
tr	5	Mom , Avril , Kaylin , Joey and Janice were all there to cheer us on and Tuck and I had a game to remember .
tr	5	After all this time , it had grown weak and atrophied , like a paraplegic 's legs and I had no idea if it could be restored .
tr	5	I know it didn 't make for an ideal way to communicate , but the telepathy had been the reason he left in the first place .
tr	5	After a brief yelling fit , ( Mom actually looked as if she was having a fit ) she allowed him to stay and see his children .
tr	5	Still , I knew some of my darkness must come from him and I wondered how much he knew it was a part of him .
tr	5	Later , when everyone was asleep , she called to me and I went to her , slipping in beside her and pulling her tightly to me .
tr	5	The weird thing was that at the beginning of the year , Chase liked her too and he would even stay after class , talking with her .
tr	5	" All right , I know this isn 't as fun as everything else going on this week , but we still need to study English . "
tr	5	Avril and Sydney were becoming very close and though uncomfortable for me at times , it was good to have them both around so much .
tr	5	I 'd see a smile at the corners of her mouth and then she would whisper in my head , " It would be like heaven . "
tr	5	I didn 't like what that look meant and I stood up , Avril right next to me , and we went over to him .
tr	5	Sydney and I didn 't feel the same excitement as the rest of the class , only sorrow at how sad the whole situation had become .
tr	5	She and her husband did seem to keep their distance from one another , though , and I wondered if there had been a confrontation after school .
tr	5	We were all going to the dance on Saturday together , including Sydney 's date , Kyle Ansel , the senior quarterback who had injured his shoulder .
tr	5	In a way , I was glad she had somebody to keep her occupied , but another side of me wanted to punch him in the face .
tr	5	He resigned from his job in disgrace and after her trial and conviction , he moved away to some place only a handful of people knew .
tr	5	She pulled in to herself , her aura contracting and turning a dark grayish red as she questioned what happened and wondered at what I had done .
tr	5	Avril wore a white dress that seemed to shimmer with her aura and I thought she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen .
tr	5	I was the hero who stopped a crazed kid and I led the football team to a big victory over one of our most feared rivals .
tr	5	Not only did I feel like the luckiest guy in the world , I felt as if my world was going to crumble around me .
tr	5	She knew I was here , having protested in her way , but she also knew that she wouldn 't be able to keep me from this .
tr	5	And he cocked his head as he tried to get what he was seeing into some nice little box that was compartmentalized in his head .
tr	5	Every once in a while I 'd come across a kid or somebody hyped up on something and they would shoot before they even spoke .
tr	5	The red wave pulsed outward from every pore in my body , the power an addictive feeling that made me take a deep breath and savor it .
tr	5	She and I would be forever bonded and the feelings I had when I was with her ruled my life and made it all good .
tr	5	Dad was not welcome , but he made it known that he was here to stay and would show us all that he was a different guy .
tr	5	She was even trying to give up her drinking for him , but it would take something more aggressive than determination alone to beat her alcoholism .
tr	5	The town finally settled down and the media blitz that surrounded it all faded into the background as new things were discovered to focus on .
tr	5	I had come home from football practice with Avril 's hand in mine and we walked into the house to find Dad and Mom huddled together crying .
tr	5	She stood up quickly , as if they had been caught in the act and he wiped his face with the back of his hand .
tr	5	A week before Avril 's eighteenth birthday , Dad sat us all down in the living room and told us they were going to be remarried .
tr	5	Later that night , I crept into Avril 's room , and slipped into her bed wrapping my arms around her and pulling her in tight .
tr	5	Sydney 's grades were not up to par for a scholarship , but her dad could afford to pay her tuition and she was already accepted .
tr	5	The recruiters all had been very interested and we had gotten several of the smaller colleges talking big , but those didn 't really interest us .
tr	5	I wanted to play for Florida State University originally , but with Avril getting a scholarship to UF , it was the choice for me now .
tr	5	He was hard for me to pick out , his aura a darkened eggplant color that faded into a grayness that made him part of the background .
tr	5	One that he really didn 't know how to get out of and the blackness had taken hold of him and would not let go .
tr	5	I knew what he was looking for more than he did and when he saw it , I sat up in my Chevy and tensed .
tr	5	I watched her color slip from orange to black to gray and I felt her leave this world in a rush of wonder and questions .
tr	5	My carelessness and cavalier attitude had cost a life tonight and even though I hadn 't held the blade in my hand , I felt responsible .
tr	5	She stared at me , a softening in her eyes told me that she knew I was not being honest , but she forgave me anyway .
tr	5	In Calculus , Sydney sat next to me , her red and orange aura sending its warmth to me even though I didn 't deserve it .
tr	5	Her eyes held a sadness and comfort I didn 't know she possessed and she spoke in my mind , her voice soothing and warm .
tr	5	* * * That afternoon , Avril and I were outside playing with the dogs when Joey pulled up in his truck and parked in the driveway .
tr	5	Joey lay in a pool of his own blood , his fingers covering the wound on his belly as the dark fluid leaked around his fingers .
tr	5	An hour later , a doctor found us in the waiting room and told us Joey was in recovery and doing as well as could be expected .
tr	5	Sydney tried to keep our minds off him , but she knew , too , that nothing would work until we got to see him .
tr	5	Avril , Tuck , Sydney and I pushed his door open slowly and found him sleeping in his bed , wires and tubes running out of him .
tr	5	Two men , huge in comparison to Joey , stepped from behind a dumpster and proceeded to beat him to within an inch of his life .
tr	5	His shame was a thing we could all see , the aura around him that awful black fractured mess that seemed to short-circuit around him .
tr	5	He ran to his car and drove away , leaving her there to die alone in the street , the gun something that revolted him now .
tr	5	" The police believed it to be some random shooting of a prostitute , " Joey said , " and never put much effort into the investigation .
tr	5	He looked around , searching for any nurses and when he didn 't see any , he stepped to us and gave us a hug .
tr	5	" Call security , " he yelled , and a nurse fumbled through the mess on the desk caused by the Tidal Wave and found the phone .
tr	5	Joey glanced at me as he held Susan and said in my head : " Looks like I 'm not going anywhere but to jail . "
tr	5	A nurse came over and brought some smelling salts to revive Susan as I went into the room where I had pushed Avril and Sydney .
tr	5	Susan cried silently in my mom 's arms , the shock she felt matched by her anger at the fiancé she now felt she didn 't know .
tr	5	Sydney 's family was not supposed to leave for a few more weeks , but she wanted to make sure the arrangement would work before they left .
tr	5	Her father had bought her and Avril queen sized beds and small desks so that each would have a place to study without interfering with the other .
tr	5	That first night was like a party as we sat up and talked in their room late into the night despite the fact we all had school .
tr	5	The speed built and the wind rushed past our faces as the skyline raced beneath us , the chill finally making her ask me to slow .
tr	5	Rarely a day went by when I didn 't think of her , the light leaving her eyes as the dark blood ebbed from her wound .
tr	5	I watched him on the third day as he slipped behind a building and talked to himself when his advances only resulted in her scorn .
tr	5	We ran from the parking lot to the ER and found Kaylin and Mom pacing by a large aquarium meant to add tranquility to the environment .
tr	5	It seemed like the clock was working backward as no word came from anyone and the nurses at the desk wouldn 't tell us anything .
tr	5	We 're giving him a transfusion now and if all goes well , you 'll be able to see him in about an hour . "
tr	5	Lots of muted and gray auras in there made the atmosphere stifling and the vibe was one of hope and death at the same time .
tr	5	Tuck was gloomy , not because of my dad , but the conflict that tore at him inside about whether I should play or not .
tr	5	Basically the body had gone into a type of serious shock and the lungs were inflamed making it difficult for the ventilator to push the air in .
tr	5	The nurse glanced at me with my hands on him , checked his leads for the EKG and then noticed the change in the ventilator .
tr	5	I picked up his hand in mine and brought it to my face , my mother watching and questioning me in her head and then she understood .
tr	5	His cold hand touched my skin and I let him connect with me again , that old familiar presence something I had missed for all these years .
tr	5	I felt guilty that I had not taken care of this before and now my father lay in front of me hooked up to all these machines .
tr	5	I said nothing to her in her head as she left her car parked behind me and opened the passenger door to my vehicle , slipping in .
tr	5	Bret and Paul were back and were using the old place , as obvious as it seemed , and no one would think to look there .
tr	5	Sydney reached over and touched my shoulder , that tingling we had started up and I tried to ignore it , but it was impossible .
tr	5	" Except ... " She glanced back at me , and then lifted her hand and pointed her fingers at the keys in the ignition .
tr	5	Bret weaved in and out of traffic , and it was slowing them down , giving my old car an even chance in a race .
tr	5	They swerved in front of a truck , but I kept them in view as they found heavier congestion and had to come to a complete stop .
tr	5	The road changed to dirt and ruts and I saw that Bret 's car was slowing , losing its traction with the speed it was carrying .
tr	5	Bret crept into my head then , a slithering snake of a voice , dripping with anger and sarcasm , pulling my vision back to him .
tr	5	Her lip trembled as a tear slid down her face and she looked at her hands in front of her and opened and closed her fingers .
tr	5	I saw Bret 's lifeless body in my hands , Paul 's unmoving hanging from his belt , and I dropped Bret to the ground .
tr	5	We drove to my house in silence , but the anguish I felt inside at what I had done tore at me like razors across my skin .
tr	5	Sydney was lost in her own despair and went to my mother 's liquor cabinet , poured herself a vodka , and drank it in one slug .
tr	5	She put the bottle down , tears in her eyes , and moved to me , sitting in my lap and wrapping her arms around me .
tr	5	I 'm so sorry , " she said over and over again and I caressed her hair with my hand as the alcohol took hold even stronger .
tr	5	I slipped in beside her , holding her against me , that familiar tingling running up and down along my body as mine touched hers .
tr	5	I stumbled out of the bed , my mother and Tuck coming in as Avril rushed past them , my nakedness something I didn 't care about .
tr	5	I sat up in my bed , unsure of my surroundings , and when reality dawned again , I collapsed against my pillow and hated myself .
tr	5	The coach had assumed I was spending time with the family , unaware of what really went on , and Tuck kept it all to himself .
tr	5	Tucker hated me from a distance for most of the day , but at practice it was necessary for us to work together as a team .
tr	5	He had lost his whole family and the love of his life at one point too and it hurt too close for him to bring it up .
tr	5	On the field , the other team had made some adjustments too and it seemed as if we could not gain a single yard on them .
tr	5	I reminded him of Tuck 's and my connection , the telepathy , and suggested that he and the whole offense connect with me immediately .
tr	5	The only thing I could feel was her sorrow and disappointment with me and the regret she had for what she was about to do .
tr	5	The crowd gasped , and I could see some of the defensive players gawking as they stopped in their tracks , staring at their downed linebackers .
tr	5	I saw my father pumping his fist and my mother cheering me on , but I had not felt Avril since she snuck into my head .
tr	5	Commotion on the other sideline brought attention back to the field as the referees converged at center field and discussed things with the other coach .
tr	5	Don 't worry , the next Book in the Blank Serial , BLANK : THREADS , will be hitting the stores February 20th , 2015 .
tr	5	I 'm just Blank , the idiot who lived a tortured life , torn between what I feel is good and what I don 't .
tr	5	So , we clung to each other , keeping each other afloat , waiting for the other to grow weary , tire and give in .
tr	5	When the door closed behind me , she turned and moved close , pressing her body against mine as she wrapped her arms around me .
tr	5	The two kids turned fully to me and now the second one had a gun out too and they both pointed the barrels at my chest .
tr	5	I moved with him and we cuffed the two masked guys and Seth read them their rights as they tried to gain their bearings again .
tr	5	A guy approached cautiously , the manager , and glanced back and forth between the two of us , but didn 't move any closer .
tr	5	It was getting tiresome for us , and we finally felt we had the goods on him to put him away for a long time .
tr	5	I turned and saw a woman running from the back of the house , a gun outstretched in her hand and a grimace on her face .
tr	5	I flung energy at her as the gun went off and the bullet whacked into a tree behind me as she was thrown backward against the house .
tr	5	I hovered there in shock , a moment of horrible deja vu sinking into my system , and then I turned to where Alfonso had been .
tr	5	131 Chapter 25 : Reflections Of The Past ( Part IV ) 136 Chapter 26 : The Lost Soul 138 Chapter 27 : An Explosive Confrontation .
tr	5	180 Chapter 34 : Identity Theft 190 Chapter 35 : Reflections Of The Past ( Part VI ) 194 Chapter 36 : A Killer In White .
tr	5	I live in a small apartment in Bartow , Florida , where I spend most of my time writing and drinking way too much black coffee .
tr	5	Considering they were no longer needed within the cities , the king 's knights were assigned the responsibility of delivering mail and transporting goods throughout the land .
tr	5	Regardless , with the presence of the wild beasts , their experience in combat proved to be absolutely essential in completing these once simple tasks .
tr	5	" Smells good , " Lucas commented as he passed through the kitchen , making his way to a large iron pail resting on the countertop .
tr	5	Lucas 's eyes darted around the landscape as he closed the front door behind him and made his way around the side of the house .
tr	5	All too familiar with the sound , Lucas knew that he would have no choice but to run if its source were to emerge from the trees .
tr	5	" I 'll try not to be too long , but I can 't make any promises , " he said as he opened the front door .
tr	5	As Lucas neared the royal city of Cymbeline , he observed in the distance what appeared to be a group of imps in the road .
tr	5	It appeared to be a flat , golden semicircle , not much larger than his hand , containing several odd engravings that made no sense to him .
tr	5	Soon after arriving in northern Cymbeline , Lucas found a building with a brown roof and a sign that read " Roshan 's Café . "
tr	5	Turning his head away from the stranger , Lucas sat and waited as the constantly shifting emotions of the city continued to churn inside him .
tr	5	" Sorry , " Roshan began as he shut the door behind him , securing several locks , " but I cannot risk anyone knowing about this .
tr	5	When united with the other fragment it becomes a key to The Temple of Damiano , a structure containing a source of raw , limitless power .
tr	5	It 's said that this raw source of power has the capability of making its user truly immortal , though it 's supposedly difficult to control .
tr	5	It was most intriguing , appearing as though the entire landscape had been drawn by a large pen with white ink on a black canvas .
tr	5	Mostly , they 're small business owners who provide funding , though they also lend a hand in situations like the one I just described .
tr	5	Lucas knew that they had traveled quite a way , but all of the surrounding landscape looked to him as though it were repeating itself .
tr	5	Still he continued to push himself , focusing on each individual step as the bitter chill cut into his skin like millions of microscopic icicles .
tr	5	Through his blurry vision , Lucas saw the creature writhing in agony , producing another loud screech as it was hit with a speeding orb of fire .
tr	5	Though he was relieved to be able to move a little more than before , Lucas was still upset that Iris considered him to be delusional .
tr	5	From what I understand , this object that was brought to you is the missing fragment of Damiano 's Disk , currently in Spade possession .
tr	5	Chapter 6 : Learning The Art Lucas sat quietly on the couch reading The Basics of Light Magic as Iris and Hagan chatted in the kitchen .
tr	5	As she dug through it , she said , " I believe you might be getting in a little over your head with that particular book .
tr	5	Iris handed Lucas a book entitled , So You Want to be a Mage : A Beginner 's Guide to Conjuring through Your Elemental Center .
tr	5	He learned that each person is born with an elemental center , of which there are four types : Fire and Ice being the most common .
tr	5	Centers from past relatives float outside of the person 's true center and while these elements are present , the mage does not have access to them .
tr	5	For example , if one 's parents are of Ice and Light , then typically the child would be born with the Ice elemental center .
tr	5	At the bottom of the list was written , " Elemental centers are rarely active from birth and , for most people , must be activated manually .
tr	5	However , rituals often depend on whether one has access to certain enchanted accessories and take much more time to cast than typical elemental conjuring magic .
tr	5	Briefly inspecting the cuts , bruises , and bandages on his body , Lucas said , " I can walk , I 'll be fine .
tr	5	Considering that the stars were always out and the lighting remained constant , it was difficult to tell when the days ended and the nights began .
tr	5	Once they had walked off , Zoe allowed several minutes to pass before removing her hand from Alex 's arm , causing them to become visible .
tr	5	As it struggled to escape , Alex thrust his blade into the insect 's thorax , causing it to shudder violently before it went limp .
tr	5	As the spell swept over the monsters , they slowed considerably , eventually collapsing to the ground as their bodies were completely encased in ice .
tr	5	Glancing at Zoe , he saw that she had also gained control of her situation , mercilessly bashing the imp 's head against a nearby tree .
tr	5	He still has no idea where I am and there 's no telling how long it 's going to take for me to get home . "
tr	5	The room was small and furnished with nothing but a bed , a nightstand , a dresser , a small sofa , and a coffee table .
tr	5	Crickets chirped , and were accompanied by the distinct sound of an owl resting on a branch nearby , in search of its next meal .
tr	5	She was about halfway between Alex and the lurking beasts when she suddenly hurled the orb , landing a perfect strike on the nearest imp 's head .
tr	5	Trying not to panic Zoe , Alex didn 't mention the oncoming threat and quickly sliced at the web in an attempt to free his companion .
tr	5	The ascent was uneventful until Alex suddenly felt a strong jab on the back of his head , nearly causing him to lose his grip .
tr	5	Her eyes widened , completely caught off guard , but slowly closed as she wrapped her arms around his neck , returning the display of affection .
tr	5	Alex yelled , hurling an ice orb at one of the birds , though it easily dodged the projectile , promptly swooping down to peck at him .
tr	5	Following a pause , Alex leaned in toward Zoe 's lips , but she quickly turned and collected her sack still lying on the ground .
tr	5	He did not speak to many guests for the first hour or so , simply watching from the side as the happy attendees danced with their partners .
tr	5	I want to write a letter to Grandpa , just in case I 'm stuck here for a while ... so he knows what 's going on .
tr	5	While she was gone , Lucas began writing the letter , summarizing all of the events which had occurred since his departure from the house .
tr	5	She provided him with the requested information and took the letter , informing him that she would deliver it to the post office later that day .
tr	5	I need to accept that there 's no way I 'm getting home unless I 'm patient and take the time to do this correctly .
tr	5	Even if Iris decides I 'm well enough to travel , I doubt I 'll last the lengthy journey ahead of me without learning a few spells .
tr	5	" We didn 't find anyone else when we searched the area , but she kept screaming ' Alex ' when we tried to restrain her .
tr	5	You 're alive , I know it ... Zoe stared at her knuckles , bruised from where they had met the thick armor worn by the guards .
tr	5	" It 's great that you 've finally managed to conjure , but throwing that orb is going to accomplish nothing but your demise ! "
tr	5	If there even is a way out of here ... She slouched down against the back wall and rested her hands on her stomach as it growled .
tr	5	Then she heard it again , followed by Lord Quinn 's voice , though it was too muffled and distant to tell exactly what he was saying .
tr	5	" If you do not wish to be part of it , " he replied , " then why did you join the Spades , hm ? "
tr	5	" Pardon my criticism sir , " the man in the red cloak said , " but are you sure it was wise to kill our prisoner ?
tr	5	As the three walked back to Iris 's house , Lucas told Hagan about his encounter with the old man on the outskirts of Cymbeline .
tr	5	Even if that girl you spoke to thinks they 're the good guys , I doubt whoever 's in charge is much different than Quinn . "
tr	5	Using The Basics of Light Magic , Lucas found that he was able to accomplish this task with much less effort , successfully healing his remaining injuries .
tr	5	As we 've learned today , there could be a bunch of other groups and people going after it that we don 't even know about .
tr	5	" Well , considering that our training session has met an early end , let 's begin assembling necessities for our expedition tomorrow morning . "
tr	5	" I feel that they will be a bit more protective of their base than simply allowing us to visit due to our interest in their organization .
tr	5	Hagan , however , despite the fact that he now had several cuts and additional bruises , did not feel that he needed the assistance .
tr	5	" It felt like I was walking forever the first time I was here ... but then again , I didn 't have a lantern . "
tr	5	" I found myself in a rough patch in my life ... I decided that I had had enough and ... well , I hung myself .
tr	5	I followed them around for a while , and soon figured out that I could speak to them in the same way we 're talking right now .
tr	5	When I finally managed to have my first conversation with them , I learned that they were a member of a group called the Spades .
tr	5	I was told that I would only be safe from this fate if I crossed over to the Netherworld ... but I think my chance has passed .
tr	5	Supposedly , this ' Lord Quinn ' sent a group of men to the In Between to find the two pieces of Damiano 's Disk .
tr	5	" The guy who ran off with the fragment and started the group had probably figured out that Quinn was just going to use him .
tr	5	Chapter 27 : An Explosive Confrontation The group continued back through the valley , headed in the direction of the field from which they had originally emerged .
tr	5	Once the knights show up to pick up the mail and see the damage , they 'll probably want to stop to investigate the area .
tr	5	Iris outstretched both of her arms toward the enemies as Lucas 's orb smashed into one of the men , knocking him to the ground .
tr	5	" I 've got it , " Hagan replied , launching an arrow at Fino , who simultaneously threw his massive fireball at the group .
tr	5	Lucas was thrown several feet and smashed against the ground , greatly injured by the impact and searing flames as a deep rumble resonated throughout the passage .
tr	5	Lord Quinn was seated at a small table on the far side of the large room , slowly sipping a cup of tea as she entered .
tr	5	" If you do not wish to be involved in my endeavors , I advise that you stay out of my way and keep your mouth shut .
tr	5	The amount of conjuring you can do is low at first but the more you push your limit , the more you can cast without rest .
tr	5	If you ever plan to try the intermediate level stuff , you 'll have to crank your limit up a bit just to handle one spell . "
tr	5	It sounded to me like those Cobras were on their way to carry out another attack on a different town when they ran into us .
tr	5	He was especially intrigued the day he stumbled across one particular book , entitled The Forbidden Art of Necromancy ( For Scholastic Use Only ! ) .
tr	5	" Ya say a word or move an inch and you 're gon na get it , pal , " a voice behind him warned .
tr	5	I could try to hit him with an orb , but there 's a good chance I 'll miss and Hagan will be done for .
tr	5	Before the thief could get to his feet , he was met with surprise as he felt a sharp metal tip lightly graze his back .
tr	5	He 's terrified ... It 's hard to tell if he 's being truthful , but the worst he could do at this point is run away .
tr	5	Monsters still slip into town here and there , but most people are way too scared to travel through the desert to go somewhere else .
tr	5	On her head was a black pointed hat with a large circular brim , decorated with what Zoe considered to be a rather ugly flower .
tr	5	Noticing the look of uncertainty on Veronica 's face , Lord Quinn added , " Remember , there is far more than gold in store for you .
tr	5	By assisting me in obtaining the missing fragment , you and your son shall be rewarded with high ranking titles and privileges under my reign . "
tr	5	It 's a very unpleasant sensation , to say the least ... " " I don 't have time to waste , " Lord Quinn asserted .
tr	5	" Very well , " said Veronica , " I 'm going to have to insist that you leave the room during this particular process .
tr	5	She focused all of her energy on Zoe , who remained frozen in the same position she was in during her argument with Lord Quinn .
tr	5	He looked at Hagan , then Iris , then Lucas , each of them remaining still the entire time , staring back at the stranger .
tr	5	" We had just asked him what he had in there , " one of the men quickly explained before Lucas had a chance to answer .
tr	5	Her reaction time slowed from exhaustion , Iris met the same fate as a fourth imp lunged at her , knocking her to the ground .
tr	5	Remembering the knife he had obtained from Aiden , Hagan sliced the neck of the first imp while the second continued to claw at him .
tr	5	Noticing Iris 's struggle , Lucas hastily finished off her aggressor with a thrust of his blade as Hagan delivered a lethal stab to the final imp .
tr	5	He let out a cry of pain as Lucas and Iris turned to see one of the monstrous scorpions pulling its stinger out of him .
tr	5	Taking advantage of this , it lunged its stinger at Lucas 's face , who quickly darted his head to the right to avoid it .
tr	5	As Lucas prepared for his next attempt to defeat the beast , a figure wearing a white hooded cloak emerged with lightning speed from the shadows .
tr	5	Lucas was unsure of what to do with the lantern , considering that he and Iris would need both of their hands free to carry Hagan .
tr	5	There was no conversation along the way , as Lucas and Iris had to use every ounce of physical and mental strength left to tote their teammate .
tr	5	Picking up a pen lying in front of her on the table , she jotted down the latest development on a lengthy piece of parchment .
tr	5	She stood like a statue , the look of anger on her face , her mouth still positioned to form words for her argument with Lord Quinn .
tr	5	Turning her head back toward Lord Quinn , she added , " I believe you will be most pleased with what you are about to witness . "
tr	5	He expressed again and again his eagerness to resume their life as it was , feeling his days of darkness were at last coming to an end .
tr	5	" Hey now , we don 't want any trouble , " Lucas asserted , " it 's just a bit of a lengthy story . "
tr	5	To the best of his ability , Lucas once again explained everything that had happened since his departure from his home just outside of Cymbeline .
tr	5	The woman in white said nothing the entire time , even during the parts that were usually cut short due to the listeners ' disbelief .
tr	5	Still , Iris occasionally interrupted to verify his claims , likely a result of her own skepticism when Lucas initially told his tale to her .
tr	5	Much to the trio 's surprise , the woman in the white cloak proceeded to remove her hood , revealing the upper half of her face .
tr	5	She had straight cut bangs , and when she pulled the rest of her hair out of the cloak , she unveiled a rather lengthy ponytail .
tr	5	" Now listen carefully , kids , " she continued , " I 'm going to tell you about my personal encounter with Javan Quinn .
tr	5	It worked perfectly ... Thanks to the wine , it didn 't take long for him to doze off , allowing me an excellent opportunity to strike .
tr	5	Now , Grandpa is the only family I have left , and I 'm not going to let these monsters take him away from me too .
tr	5	He laid the map of Aria he had been examining on the table and motioned for his companions to come closer and take a look .
tr	5	" The Cobras we met in the In Between seemed to be on their way to carry out an attack like the one we saw in Azure .
tr	5	It looped around with lightning speed , slicing through both of the serpents and shredding them to pieces before flying into the distance and shattering .
tr	5	* * * * Meanwhile , Lord Quinn quietly sipped a cup of coffee at the end of the large table in the meeting room .
tr	5	She doesn 't seem at all pleased with what 's taking place ; if she were to interfere , our efforts would be in vain . "
tr	5	" The manor 's staff is well aware of her ' mental condition ' and they have orders to apprehend her if she attempts an escape .
tr	5	" I apologize for disturbing you , Master Quinn , " he said , " but there is an urgent situation which requires your attention immediately . "
tr	5	Lucas intends to enroll at his school as one of his pupils once we have completed our work here , in order to advance his abilities . "
tr	5	Maybe we should stick with our original plan and try to get in with the Spades and get their disk fragment before going after Quinn .
tr	5	After nodding in agreement , Hagan softly responded , " He 's got as much control of his magic as he has of himself . "
tr	5	" Once you 're close enough , you 'll notice a small groove in the rock shaped exactly like the purple crystal in your pocket .
tr	5	Much like what Veronica had viewed while exploring Zoe 's memory , the crystal began to glow and the rock shifted to create an opening .
tr	5	" I understand that Roshan was a very special person to you , and I know that you were only acting out of compassion for him .
tr	5	It was apparent that he was a bit perplexed by Zoe 's strange behavior , but he mostly attributed it to stress and lack of sleep .
tr	5	Glancing around to be sure no one was nearby , he came to a halt and whispered , " Ma , can you hear me ? "
tr	5	This could be a lengthy affair , however , and I will need to remain awake in order to keep my link with him established . "
tr	5	He noted that the road didn 't appear to be in much better shape , observing several cavities as he ran to keep up with the group .
tr	5	As the group pursued , Lucas glanced toward the source of the shrieks to see a battle between three armored Cobras and a handful of imps .
tr	5	" If you 're serious about restoring peace to Aria , you 're going to have to face many dangers such as this along the way .
tr	5	Even though I 've had my doubts along the way ... " I agree with Iris , " Lucas finally said , turning back to the group .
tr	5	Both the group and the Cobras were shocked by the unexpected confrontation , briefly staring each other down in a brisk moment of sheer astonishment .
tr	5	He 'd tried to save himself with his bizarre brand of Fire magic , but was mercilessly beaten the moment his hands blazed to life .
tr	5	As Lucas slowly revived Aiden , Iris saw the Cobras suddenly reappear from around the corner of the next block 's end , now mounted on horses .
tr	5	Meanwhile , Iris prepared to conjure another ice barrier as Hagan fired an arrow and Aiden 's hands burst , once again , into flames .
tr	5	As the first sniper poked his head around the corner with a loaded arrow , he was unexpectedly pelted by an onslaught of fireballs from Aiden .
tr	5	Let 's see , I 've been in the kitchen already ... Walking farther down the hallway , he noticed a room he had yet to explore .
tr	5	To be honest , some of us thought he was just faking it so he could go home and see his wife and kids a bit .
tr	5	Those were the last words Javan heard from the voice , leaving behind nothing , save an infinite lust for the power promised to him .
tr	5	" Due to the excessive use of magic during our last phase of combat , I 'll be unable to conjure without first acquiring some rest . "
tr	5	On the far side of the room was a decorative rug , which sat at the bottom of a stairway leading to another set of double doors .
tr	5	If there 's anyone left they 're probably -- " he had only managed to climb a few steps before an arrow speedily buried into his leg .
tr	5	" From what you said in town , I can assume that you 're already quite familiar with the In Between and Damiano 's Disk . "
tr	5	Apparently , this dimension I 'd stumbled into was a buffer world between our realm and the land of the dead , also known as the Netherworld .
tr	5	So I killed him , and sent my men to find the two pieces of Damiano 's Disk themselves , one town at a time . "
tr	5	" Then , considering you 're such a fearless warrior , I presume you wouldn 't be opposed to a fight to the death . "
tr	5	On the two balconies , now with the curtains drawn back , additional Cobras stood equipped with loaded bows , their sights set on Lucas 's companions .
tr	5	" Maybe I 'm just some ' boy ' throwing ' fairy dust , ' but you 're the one who lost to him . "
tr	5	Meanwhile , Lucas and the group seated themselves on the various chairs and couches in the large lobby room , at last having time to relax .
tr	5	If he ingests even a miniscule amount , you should have more than enough time to nab the fragment and exit the base as he slumbers . "
tr	5	Though it took a great amount of effort , he managed to drag the bulky guard far enough away from the chest to make it accessible .
tr	5	Javan calmly responded , " While I do not possess the answer to your question , I 'm quite convinced of the disk 's authenticity .
tr	5	At first , they were skeptical of the news but now believed its prophecy to be true and Javan to be the man of whom it foretold .
tr	5	The men expressed that they wished to create a perfect soldier , capable of speech and free will , yet compelled to follow their every command .
tr	5	He warned of his close connection to the king and was certain to make it known that anyone who betrayed his trust would be dealt with .
tr	5	The moment his eyes snapped open he saw , to his dismay , the woman hovering over him with a sharp dagger , poised to strike .
tr	5	He hurriedly dressed himself and pursued her , but by the time he 'd run downstairs and made it outside , she was nowhere to be seen .
tr	5	In the months following their escape , the Crimson Clan continued to laboriously search Aria , but were ultimately unable to uncover the guilds ' whereabouts .
tr	5	Though it still acted wildly and impulsively , it was ' embedded ' to fear Javan and the Crimson Clan , and thus would not attack them .
tr	5	The king 's knights fought rigorously against the invaders , but found themselves greatly outnumbered as they continued to emerge from seemingly out of nowhere .
tr	5	But even in those days , deep down inside of my heart , I knew the practices we partook in were forbidden with good reason .
tr	5	I jumped out of bed to see who had left the base without permission , but they had disappeared by the time I 'd made it there .
tr	5	I didn 't think much of the incident until I returned to my room to discover that my keys had been swiped while I was asleep .
tr	5	Though we will be unable to truly confirm my suspicion until Gavin has awoken , Zoe Quinn appears to be the only Spade missing . "
tr	5	Even if I had my scythe , Javan would just use effect magic to stop me before I could land a single hit on him .
tr	5	He 's probably having trouble getting into the chest , which should give me enough time to sell this junk for gold and buy a weapon .
tr	5	" You can afford to live in Regal Heights and own jewelry , yet all you have to carry it in is a pillowcase ? "
tr	5	The sound of a hammer striking hot iron on an anvil in the shop 's backroom was audible over the voices of the many people .
tr	5	" You can 't be too good with scythes if you let your guard down long enough for that to have happened to you . "
tr	5	Zoe was uncertain of where she was going , but luckily managed to find that the northern border of the city was in close proximity .
tr	5	She took a moment to catch her breath as her heart raced , reaching into her robe 's pocket to ensure the fragment 's safety .
tr	5	" Still , until the day arrives when I at last open The Temple of Damiano , I am bound to the duties of my occupation .
tr	5	Keep in mind that while we can forgive our own past mistakes , the rest of the world is hesitant to offer such a courtesy .
tr	5	" I suppose if you 're departing , " said Iris , " I would like to thank you once again for your generous support . "
tr	5	It also mapped the coordinates of every known gateway constructed by Spades and Quinn 's men alike , along with their corresponding destination in Aria .
tr	5	I would like to make it indisputably clear that you are not to kill any female members you encounter until I have located my adopted daughter .
tr	5	" Still , even if we consider that the Spades have in fact relocated , I 'm curious to know why certain members have remained behind . "
tr	5	While we 're still in the process of searching the premises , it seems that the majority of the occupants have abandoned the base . "
tr	5	" If you treasure your life even in the slightest , " Lord Quinn warned calmly , " I would suggest that you answer my question . "
tr	5	If you do not willingly surrender the intelligence I seek , you can rest assured that I possess other methods with which to extract it . "
tr	5	If you honestly think that your resistance will hinder my progress , then I urge you , for your own sake , to reassess your beliefs . "
tr	5	While the horses enabled the group to travel much farther in a shorter duration than on foot , the monsters still proved to be a restricting obstacle .
tr	5	Because after centuries of effort , the Brotherhood is on the brink of success and the thought of such power in human hands is unconscionable .
tr	5	" Gentlemen , we have been betrayed , " Browder proclaimed as he holstered his sidearm and proceeded to recite the facts as he knew them .
tr	5	" This is a strange , dark corner of the world , Milo , " Browder continued , " full of strange , dark things .
tr	5	Matthew Graham sat bolt upright in the middle of his bed , sweating profusely ; and not just due to the humid , summer air .
tr	5	His sense of dread deepened when he realized that his sword was on top of his chest of drawers ... all the way across the room .
tr	5	Although the darkness of the room was almost absolute , Matthew wasn 't about to do anything that might block his vision for even a heartbeat .
tr	5	He knew that the thing was waiting him out , waiting for him to slacken his guard , waiting for the perfect moment to strike .
tr	5	It would be unbearable if Finch should learn that Matthew had slept so soundly that he had not moved and his legs had fallen asleep .
tr	5	" I would suggest walking and stomping your feet , if you wish to regain the use of your legs before your breakfast gets cold . "
tr	5	" I know they expected to be gone for five or six months , but I 'm beginning to think something may be wrong . "
tr	5	When all that reached his ears was hushed , indecipherable mumbling , Matthew threw caution to the wind and began gobbling his breakfast like a hog .
tr	5	CHAPTER 2 To Matthew , the remainder of the day played out much as it had begun , in the numbing grip of pins and needles .
tr	5	He was still standing there , rooted in place , even as the night sky crawled up from the horizon , trailing stars as it went .
tr	5	A boy your age , with so much growing yet to do , needs to be with his kin ... a home with a proper family . "
tr	5	Matthew lingered just long enough to smile triumphantly and say , " Oops , always forgetting my manners , " before bolting from the room .
tr	5	For a moment , Matthew was about to head upstairs to his room where he could crawl through the window and climb down the huge maple .
tr	5	" The one and the same , " admitted the cowboy , " and you almost found me out more times than I care to admit . "
tr	5	As I commit these words to paper , we are in Krakow , Poland , by way of Transylvania , having come at Milo 's behest .
tr	5	We believe that our captors will go to any lengths to achieve their goal and , we do not know the extent of their reach .
tr	5	" Now that , " Bax said , " I suspect will be made clear when I go to claim the crate they sent . "
tr	5	There was , however , no need for balance since , before anyone knew what was happening , Bax had plunked him down into the nearest chair .
tr	5	Oh yeah , um ... " Matthew caught Bax 's sidelong glance as the cowboy said , " Where are his folks and grandpa ? "
tr	5	" Just so we 're clear that I don 't work for the boy , I 'm not gon na thump ya for that . "
tr	5	Even if the sheriff agreed with us , we don 't have any actual proof of this good-for-nothing 's involvement in your parents ' kidnapping . "
tr	5	" This may be Michigan , Mr. Fleming , and not your savage frontier , but believe me , it can be every bit as deadly . "
tr	5	" And If I ever hear tell of you coming around here again , you 'll find out how savage the frontier can be . "
tr	5	Had things gone my way , the boy and his family might have had an easier time of it in the days and weeks to come .
tr	5	Without looking back , he grasped the reins , put his heels to the horse 's sides and prodded the animal into a gallop down the drive .
tr	5	I don 't know how big the crate is that I 'm to pick up , and I don 't want to be caught unprepared . "
tr	5	Good thing I didn 't nail it shut , he thought as he opened it and crawled through onto the shingled roof of the porch .
tr	5	But if he 's got back up ... " Mr. Finch thought and then replied , " I shall be ready and waiting , Mr. Fleming . "
tr	5	" Ow , ow , ow , " he moaned while fighting back the tears he could feel pooling at the corners of his clenched eyes .
tr	5	" However , " Mr. Brewer said , " I know that there boy well enough , so I reckon you are who you claim . "
tr	5	" Like I said , wish I could help , but ... " " It 's not a problem , sir , " Bax said .
tr	5	Just then the noise sounded again - a soft thump , like something landing on the outside wall of the barn followed by a brief scratchy sound .
tr	5	Matthew wasn 't convinced and , without taking his eyes from the recesses of the loft , took a discreet step closer to the hulking cowboy .
tr	5	" Don 't fret it , little man , ain 't much of anything in these parts that can do more than spook a person . "
tr	5	Matthew peered as deeply into the blackness as the lantern light allowed ; it looked to him as if a patch of stars were visible there .
tr	5	Though it had taken but a moment to catalogue all the hideous features , it struck Matthew that he had had too much time to do so .
tr	5	Matthew didn 't , but he nodded anyway , frantically trying to envision any positive course of action that could possibly require him not to move .
tr	5	As he spoke , he kicked the crate - which was tied to the other end of the rope - over the edge of the loft .
tr	5	Matthew 's breath caught in his chest as he and Bax struck the ground , their landing somewhat softened by Bax 's hold on the rope .
tr	5	He glanced at Bax but the cowboy was too busy to have noticed ; he was already up and making his way over to the broken box .
tr	5	If Mr. Brewer wasn 't inside - and he sincerely hoped the old-timer wasn 't - he was going to be plenty angry about his barn .
tr	5	Matthew could not tell for sure , but the body , what he could see of it around the cowboy , didn 't appear to be burned .
tr	5	" That barn fire is big enough and bright enough , it may have driven them into hiding , but I doubt they 've gone very far .
tr	5	We need to get as far away from here as we can , as fast as we can , while we still have a chance . "
tr	5	Matthew looked back , and through the gloom , he could just make out the swirling cloud of the creatures as they lingered above their lost comrade .
tr	5	Matthew handed the bundled egg to Bax , looked the cowboy in the eye , then to the creatures , and finally to the flaming house .
tr	5	" I know I 'm supposed to look on the bright side of things , but ... " A terrible thought struck Matthew like a lightning bolt .
tr	5	As Bax opened the letter , Matthew observed at once , and with a lightning bolt of panic that ... " It 's blank ! "
tr	5	Like the whole of old man Brewer 's barn , everything in it , including the crate and instructions had probably burned to the ground by now .
tr	5	They stepped close to the flaming expanse that had been the front porch , getting as close to it as the searing heat would allow .
tr	5	He was still admiring his parent 's cleverness when he realized that Bax was angling the letter toward the flames , reading it to himself .
tr	5	" If you , the young master , and that egg are elsewhere , do you really think there will be more trouble here ? "
tr	5	" I reckon we 've got no choice but to ride out the night and hope the fire burns bright enough till sun up . "
tr	5	And even if he was , he didn 't think he could sleep knowing that those scaly monsters were just waiting for a chance to attack .
tr	5	" They certainly would have liked to , " she said , handing him the enormous egg which was still wrapped protectively in Bax 's coat .
tr	5	" That we all are , " said Bax as he and Mr. Finch , with Mr. Brewer 's horse in tow , gathered ' round .
tr	5	He breathed a sigh of relief when Bax ceased drawing him back and Matthew was able to reach the corner of the daguerreotype jutting from the ashes .
tr	5	Rather than hold on to it though , he quickly tossed it toward the yard , at which point Bax pulled him to his feet .
tr	5	Mr. Finch , who had been standing next to the tree to which the horse was tethered , said , " Perhaps ; perhaps not .
tr	5	It sure does a body good to be fretted over , " said Bax , a broad smile hoisting his mustache as he stepped into view .
tr	5	" Good idea , " Matthew said as he carefully lowered the egg , and the jacket it was wrapped in , into the bag .
tr	5	Even if no one had sighted those flying beasties , I would have expected the glow from the fires to have been noticed for miles around .
tr	5	Above the treetops , beyond the bend in the track , Matthew could now see the plume of black smoke that revealed the train 's location .
tr	5	A porter approached to gather up their luggage , but Bax waved him off saying , " Thank you kindly , but we can manage . "
tr	5	At the last second , just as the boys were passing Bax , one of the cowboy 's booted feet slid out into the aisle .
tr	5	He seemed about to say something , when he was blindsided by his brother , who apparently had not realized that Jonas had been tripped .
tr	5	Matthew watched the three of them enter the building before hastening to where Bax stood , still watching the activity near the end of the train .
tr	5	The door to the train car into which the crates had been loaded was shut , and the platform before it was empty of people .
tr	5	He still found it strange that , after who knew how many weeks by its lonesome , the egg had not begun to smell rotten .
tr	5	Though not enough to discern details by - the passengers and their belongings were but dark shapes -- there was enough moonlight to detect movement .
tr	5	Now ... " A muffled clank sounded from the further in the baggage car , and Bax 's hand settled over Mani 's ivory grip .
tr	5	His immediate concern was that in the darkness , he would run smack into the door , in which case the creatures would have him .
tr	5	Panicked , he looked and saw Bax gripping the baggage car doorknob with both hands ; it seemed all he could do to keep it from opening .
tr	5	Several men were on their feet , acting as if they were in control of a situation about which they hadn 't the slightest understanding .
tr	5	Just as they reached it , they were forced to a sudden stop as one of the flying monsters dropped down to block their escape .
tr	5	As soon as the way was clear , one of the creatures rushed into the car , sending the passengers scrambling for any avenue of escape .
tr	5	Matthew 's spirits rose a bit , for it seemed that even with monsters at his command , the Undertaker Man was afraid of Bax .
tr	5	" What you see here , " he said , " is the last picture of the past and the first picture of the future . "
tr	5	He wasn 't sure if Bax wasn 't just spinning a yarn , but he liked the story and so didn 't question its authenticity .
tr	5	" If you say so , " he said , climbing back up onto the tree to where his plate of beans sat waiting for him .
tr	5	He slid from the tree and joined Bax at the river 's edge , where the cowboy squatted , washing his plate in the slow flowing water .
tr	5	When Matthew rejoined Bax and stacked his plate and fork with his , he found the cowboy gingerly leafing through clumped pages of a sopping wet book .
tr	5	The low hills sloped down to form a shallow valley in which the river they had followed all day merged with a river several times its size .
tr	5	Matthew and Bax wheeled around to see a woman standing on the boardwalk out of the rain , beneath the building 's street front balcony .
tr	5	Her long hair , pulled back beneath a lively afternoon hat , was black as coal and lustrous , even in the grayness of the day .
tr	5	He looked at each and every door they passed , hoping that some circus act , perhaps practicing their routine , would pour out into the hall .
tr	5	The men made several more trips to and from the room , bringing pails of hot water and pouring them into the tubs in the process .
tr	5	When both tubs were filled , the hotel workers paid and gone , Matthew and Bax each settled into the steaming embrace of a hot bath .
tr	5	Matthew returned the favor in kind , and before long , it seemed that there was more water on the floor than in the tubs .
tr	5	For starters , I 'm not too keen on women folk who ... " Cordelia interrupted him , " Who say what they 're thinking ? "
tr	5	Matthew wanted to shrink away to nothing , as Bax lurched to his feet and glared over the table , a hard look in his eyes .
tr	5	" I 'm going to let you do yourself a favor by putting those fancy irons of yours on the table where I can see them . "
tr	5	For a moment Matthew thought that Bax was going to chance it , but then the cowboy glanced at him , seeming to weigh the risk .
tr	5	He looked as surprised as Matthew felt when Cordelia , leaving them where they were placed , simply covered them with a large , frilly handkerchief .
tr	5	In spite of what Bax might think , Matthew felt himself a good judge of character , too , and he had been right about Cordelia .
tr	5	" For one thing , Mr. Fleming , I don 't believe everything I read , " she said , nodding to the folded dodger .
tr	5	" For someone who claims not to believe everything she reads , you have a mighty strange sense of what you choose to believe . "
tr	5	He could scarcely believe it when Bax kept asking questions : " What manner of work do you have in mind , Miss McKenna ? "
tr	5	" It means big animal messes , and I 'm having a premonition of me shoveling big animal messes all the way to St. Louis . "
tr	5	Bax looked to the folded dodger , " I reckon we 'll keep a low profile and just walk out of here as pretty as we please .
tr	5	He 's believed to be traveling with a nine-year-old boy - the boy he 's accused of kidnapping - who answers to the name of Matthew Graham .
tr	5	If you help us , and the folks lookin ' for us get wind of it , you 'll be askin ' for a world of grief .
tr	5	Taking the key , Matthew glanced once more toward the rough looking characters still lingering just inside the doors before he hurried up the stairs .
tr	5	He regarded the dodger , comparing the illustration on it to Bax , before crumpling it into a ball and tossing it at Bax 's feet .
tr	5	Whatever Cordelia was trying to tell him , Matthew was certain it was urgent and it had to do with the situation below him in the lobby .
tr	5	He gave her a hurried nod and , with one last look to Bax , he turned and raced down the hall toward their room .
tr	5	Quickly , he gathered them up , stuffing the few items of clothing that had been laid out on the bed into one of the bags .
tr	5	Looking for himself , Matthew could make out a group of dark shapes at the far end of the row of buildings near the hotel .
tr	5	Even before she had asked , the gangplank was reaching toward the riverbank , the end of it settling into the gravelly earth with a gritty plunk .
tr	5	But Bax did not enter the cabin ; instead , he made his way along the railing for a better view of the stand off below .
tr	5	However , the voices eventually quieted down , the lantern glow faded , and Bax , with a satisfied nod , started back for the cabin .
tr	5	Fog lay thick and heavy in the predawn darkness reducing the visible world to a matter of four or five feet in any given direction .
tr	5	I 've spent most of my life on the river , and I can 't say I 've ever seen fog so confounded thick as this .
tr	5	Everything I have , not to mention the livelihood of everyone who works for me , is invested in this circus , in this boat .
tr	5	" And now , " she announced in a ringmaster 's tone , " the portion of the tour you 've both been waiting for . "
tr	5	The sobering fact was that , as he looked around , he saw that the pile wasn 't unique , nor was it the largest .
tr	5	If you want an elephant to remember something forever , you have to convey it to them in the only way that truly matters to them . "
tr	5	The ostrich egg wasn 't big , not in comparison to their egg ; which begged the question , What kind of egg am I carrying ?
tr	5	One of the great birds high stepped to the side of the pen and bent its long neck until its head was level with Matthew 's .
tr	5	There could be something wrong with George or Martha ; could be that they 're not getting enough of something they need in their diet .
tr	5	Matthew was unconvinced , and Bax must have sensed as much for he said , " Let 's say we let Martha sit on the egg .
tr	5	If you think Martha is sad now , imagine how torn up she 'd feel if we snatched a young ' un out from under her . "
tr	5	Matthew had already retrieved a pail full of feed and was returning to the ostrich pen when he heard a commotion from within the enclosure .
tr	5	To Cordelia , Matthew said , " I love the part where Bax faced off with twenty bandits when he had only one bullet left .
tr	5	" Assuming there was even a pinch of truth to that yarn , it sounds to me as though I just made a lucky shot . "
tr	5	" Yeah , " Matthew agreed , adding , " How can you not remember shooting out of the air every knife he threw at you ? "
tr	5	Bax must have sensed his hesitation , for he exchanged an assuring look and a subtle nod , which was all Matthew needed to know .
tr	5	The cowboy seemed not to have noticed the fright he had caused , for he said , " I had a feelin ' you would run back .
tr	5	" I have a feeling we 're going to have to up the intricacies of our contest if one of us is going to win . "
tr	5	Matthew did a double take as he watched Bax pause to pick something up off the deck and stuff it into a shirt pocket before taking cover .
tr	5	With bullets plying the air , the three of them moved to the railing , making certain to keep the baled cargo between themselves and the gunmen .
tr	5	He wondered how Bax 's would fit between the uprights ; however , the thought abandoned him when it occurred to him that everything had fallen quiet .
tr	5	A bright spark snapped and crackled , creating a tail of smoke as it consumed the fuse , moving closer and closer to the explosives .
tr	5	The prisoner seemed about to comment , but before he could , The Aurora was rocked by a powerful explosion that set everyone to stumbling .
tr	5	A blood stained cloth was wrapped around the tall , gangly man 's left shoulder , the arm beneath supported by an equally blood-soaked sling .
tr	5	Smoke billowed from rents in the wall which , combined with the dark of night , reduced visibility to but a few feet in either direction .
tr	5	One of the explosions had obliterated the wall to their left and , with it , a portion of the promenade at least five feet across .
tr	5	The barrel in which he was standing began to slide , just a little at first , but then more and more in starts and stops .
tr	5	Matthew ducked back down into the barrel , wrapping his arms around the egg to shield it , yet not so tightly as to break it .
tr	5	Matthew was terrifyingly aware of several large pieces of the obliterated riverboat as they came to within inches of hitting him , Bax , and Cordelia .
tr	5	Bax , with his feet dangling over the edge , stared absently at the thronged roads behind them , preoccupied with thoughts of his own .
tr	5	To the right were buildings as far as he could see , curving away to the south around a far reaching bend in the river .
tr	5	Everything from steamers to keel boats , to barges and more buzzed about the sloped levees of riverbank like bees in a field of flowers .
tr	5	When his only response was a blank stare , Cordelia tapped the book in her hand and said , " They certainly lead exciting lives . "
tr	5	You 've read all the books and stories based on their adventures , and yet you 've missed one of the most basic things about your family .
tr	5	He crouched lower when he heard the clerk say , " Miss , I will be with you as soon as I finish with your friend . "
tr	5	Then his head snapped upward as the sound of the merchant 's approaching footsteps punctuated the tension in the air in time to Matthew 's thumping heart .
tr	5	Following the adults up the steps and through the ominous portal , Matthew was relived to find the inside of the hotel bright , cheerful and welcoming .
tr	5	I 'm not tryin ' to get your hopes up , but there 's no reason to think they aren 't still on their way there .
tr	5	Cordelia lifted her chin and , in a no-nonsense , matter-of-fact tone said , " I think you have yourselves a dragon 's egg . "
tr	5	" All right , your story is outlandish , to say the least , but you two seem to believe it , " she said .
tr	5	In either case , you should have a new traveling companion , a young acquaintance of mine from Michigan whom I am eager to meet again .
tr	5	He shivered to think how close he had come to falling into the man 's clutches He looked up from the egg as Cordelia said .
tr	5	Unless Bax could be convinced that there wasn 't any immediate danger , the cowboy was going to send him back to the hotel for the night .
tr	5	When his gaze fell upon Matthew , he encouraged Bax , " If we hurry , we can probably get there and back in less time . "
tr	5	The woman had a way about her that set him off balance , and she obviously sensed it which explained the peck on the cheek .
tr	5	Leaving the money for their bill on the table , Bax donned his battered hat , tipped it at the waitress , and headed for the door .
tr	5	He couldn 't confidently identify the sound , but was certain of two things : it was trailing him , and it was somewhere above him .
tr	5	They stood , waiting in dread anticipation , shifting their gazes from one pitch black alleyway to the other , from the alleys to the sky above .
tr	5	Cordelia 's left hand swung into view , and she unloaded a bullet into the creature 's head , stopping it dead in its tracks .
tr	5	It growled like a mad dog as it dropped to all fours , crouched low , and proceeded to circle him , looking to strike .
tr	5	There were not as many now as on the train , but even that swarm , in retrospect , had been smaller than the one from Holly .
tr	5	" Unless you want to end up like your friends , " Cordelia said calmly , " I suggest you let the boy go . "
tr	5	It hurled a piercing shriek of pure fury Cordelia 's way and then , to Matthew 's horror launched itself skyward , taking him with it !
tr	5	Pistol in hand , Bax reached forth and , with his fingertips , felt of the dark wall until he did in fact discover a door .
tr	5	Taking it , he butted one end on the floor against the base of a heavy support column and the other end against the door .
tr	5	It exploded on the ground , showering the intersecting alleys with its contents just yards away from where Matthew and Cordelia were getting to their feet .
tr	5	Yet , even though he felt it his destiny to safeguard the egg , he would gladly have entrusted it to anyone else at the moment .
tr	5	It was clearly seeking a better vantage from which to strike for at no time did the sound of its movements recede into the alley .
tr	5	" It 's one thing to hit a mess of critters behind a wall , but it 's another thing entirely to hit just one . "
tr	5	He could see Americus , his feet braced against the low lip of the flat roof , leaning back and pulling with all his might .
tr	5	Judging from the constricting noose , that Bax was sure would cut him in half before it freed him , his friend was giving his all .
tr	5	" How could I not recognize in you the courage of your mother , Elizabeth , and the boldness of your father , Charles ? "
tr	5	Along with that recollection , the last of the cobwebs dissipated from his mind , and he remembered that Americus was here with him ... somewhere .
tr	5	Amid the raining shards of glass , his friend dropped to the street , revolving rifle in hand , coming to rest on one knee .
tr	5	" One or the other of us has been on the roof for the past three days , waiting and watching for you to show up . "
tr	5	Bax continued , " Whatever manner of egg it is , I can 't imagine that Charles , Elizabeth or Milo didn 't know it for themselves .
tr	5	Stunned silence filled the room as Bax and the others slowly fanned out around the bed , carefully maintaining their distance , weapons at the ready .
tr	5	Bax was the last to do so , but even he had to admit that he sensed nothing threatening in the strange reptile 's change of behavior .
tr	5	There 's bound to be trouble before the night is through , but at least here , we 'll be able to get some sleep . "
tr	5	" Cooper is a yarn spinner - of questionable talent if you ask me - who probably lives in New York City or some such civilized place .
tr	5	While Cordelia and Ochoa kept an eye on the gaping window , Bax opened the door a sliver and peered out into the front room .
tr	5	Down the length of the hall , apparently roused by the growing ruckus , he saw a few curious faces peering from some of the other doors .
tr	5	He could see fire , and the blaze was spreading , crawling up the walls , dancing along the winding banisters of both spiral staircases .
tr	5	Bax slammed the door shut and flinched mildly as one of the slugs punched through the panel just inches above his head , creasing his battered hat .
tr	5	On second thought , he motioned Matthew still further away with a flick of his chin , and then Sol too was freed of its holster .
tr	5	The thing 's hideous face , like any varmint 's face had soft spots , and Bax had six rounds with which to fill them .
tr	5	Both Cordelia and Ochoa had their own pistols reloaded by then , but as they stepped forward , the creature was already dead at Bax 's feet .
tr	5	They looked to where plumes of smoke had been wriggling up between the floorboards ; now flames too could be seen clawing up from below .
tr	5	A swarm of glowing orange cinders swirled up into the main room upon the devil 's own breath , sparking new fires wherever they came to rest .
tr	5	He swung outward in a relatively graceful arc , but just as he was carried back toward the building , he began to drop straight down .
tr	5	The fact that Bax was beginning to feel the heat through the roof only added to the feeling of being fried like so much bacon .
tr	5	Bax was about to remark that the extra weight was all muscle when he noticed that Americus was peeling a pair of cowhide gloves from his hand .
tr	5	Americus smiled warmly and tousled Matthew 's hair ; drawing his hand back when the dragon hissed a warning from the collar of the boy 's poncho .
tr	5	A bit too spirited , he thought , as he caught Matthew by the tail of his poncho , just before he was about to jump .
tr	5	The gloved hand bore up well enough , but the tarred palm felt the bite of the rope until its end slipped skyward from his grasp .
tr	5	Byrnes proceeded to hand each of the men a torch of his own from a small crate nestled among the stalagmites at the edge of the path .
tr	5	The passage they had descended through had widened into a spacious cavern throughout which a forest of stalactites and stalagmites cast jittery shadows in the flickering torchlight .
tr	5	Even as Bax ducked the punch , his left arm swung up , planting the end of Mani 's barrel between the attacker 's eyes .
tr	5	The remaining two men had spread out , waiting for the right moment to make a move , intending to come at Bax from different directions .
tr	5	Pain and murder radiated from Sweeny 's eyes , but uncertainty flickered in them as well as he watched Bax stop some ten paces away .
tr	5	You can answer my question and hobble out of here on your one good foot , or I 'll put you down like the cur you are .
tr	5	CHAPTER 26 The four riders reigned their horses to a stop , the echo of their hoof beats fading away down the otherwise deserted street .
tr	5	" This had better be the last time I ever lay eyes you , you ugly varmint , " he called after the fleeing henchman .
tr	5	" There must be a lever to open it with , " Cordelia said as she ran a hand along one edge of the facade .
tr	5	He pushed down on it , and a click sounded from inside the faux container as the entire face of it swung open on quiet hinges .
tr	5	Both Matthew 's and Ely 's would-be helping hand - who barely kept his own footing - watched as Ely 's feet flew out from under him .
tr	5	To Matthew I hope , Bax thought before saying , " I don 't know , but judging from the echo it sounds fairly extensive . "
tr	5	" Or ammunition , " Cordelia stated with a broad smile as she pointed to several boxes of bullets on top of a nearby barrel .
tr	5	The line of men pressed ever onward , ascending and descending , climbing and crawling , and occasionally wading , as the cave system dictated .
tr	5	The beast was drawing away from the light , recoiling from the glow of the torches concentrated within the confines of the crushingly narrow tunnel .
tr	5	He saw his torch as it landed on the bridge , bounced once , and rolled over the edge to disappear in the vast darkness below .
tr	5	Matthew 's eyes were brimming with tears that he managed to keep from running down his face as he fixed the lawyer with a hateful stare .
tr	5	Because I 'm not sure what , if any , effect your death might have on the dragon , you go where it goes -- for now .
tr	5	And because of this , " he waved the hand for emphasis , a gesture which caused him to wince , " my priorities have changed .
tr	5	Everyone flinched as a gunshot rang out , the sound almost deafening as it bounced around the cavern , mingling with the roar of the waterfall .
tr	5	Behind him , he could see the glow of lanterns , could hear the shuffling of Cordelia and the others as they shimmied after him .
tr	5	" Wish I could , " he replied as first Americus and then Ochoa left the ledge behind and joined them in the bowl chamber .
tr	5	Scouting the high edges of the cavern , they found the mouths of several tunnels amid the thicket of stony formations , but no telltale poncho threads .
tr	5	That the others were equally troubled was evident by the quiet , sober manner in which they searched the chamber , a quiet suddenly broken by Cordelia .
tr	5	He pointed to the shadowy rim of the chamber where several dark patches - tunnel openings - were just visible through the ranks of stalactites .
tr	5	The bloody stump , wrapped rather professionally , was elevated on a pile of pillows and cushions stacked high on a chair next to his .
tr	5	After they had finished eating , a porter - the first Matthew had seen since boarding the train - came and cleared away the empty dishes .
tr	5	Byrnes sat solemnly , periodically checking the time on his pocket watch , seemingly more out of boredom than any actual concern for the time .
tr	5	When the monotony showed no sign of ending , Matthew found his eyes growing heavy , until eventually he drifted off into a much needed sleep .
tr	5	When he reached a point where neither end of the bridge was visible , an odd sound set the hairs of his neck to dancing .
tr	5	They moved quickly , their pace akin to a fast walk , quickly discovering that anything faster caused the bridge to convulse wildly beneath their feet .
tr	5	Bax drew Mani as he went , wishing he could draw Sol as well , but they could not afford to abandon even a single lamp .
tr	5	He glanced back and saw that Americus had slipped his revolving rifle into the scabbard on his back , and now held Magna at the ready .
tr	5	Bax looked desperately at the rigging as the fire burned through yet another line , causing him and the others to hold on for their very lives .
tr	5	Without another word , Bax drew Mani and set out again , evading the crackling tongues of fire licking at him from the ropes and planks .
tr	5	If he said yes , he had a feeling the man would want to know what he heard - which wasn 't much , of course .
tr	5	Her left arm hung clear of the tangled bridge , and with her left hand she had miraculously managed to keep hold of her lamp .
tr	5	He turned in time to see her lamp , their last lamp , as it spiraled from her grasp ; knocked away by the dying creature .
tr	5	Then , in a quieter , somewhat ominous tone , Byrnes added , " Because if I catch you asleep again , I 'll make it permanent .
tr	5	The pint-sized monsters were forcing them to flee at such a pace that Bax had a terrible fear of missing the trail Matthew had left for them .
tr	5	" I will have you know , amigo , that I have not smoked in seven months , not since that little incident with Don Javier . "
tr	5	He joined Cordelia at the tunnel entrance , on the other side of which the beasts had worked themselves into a frothy rage just beyond the lamplight .
tr	5	" I hope this works , " he said as he made a quick study of the stalactites clawing down from the ceiling nearest to the entrance .
tr	5	He intended to wait until the last possible moment in the hope of bringing the ceiling down on the first of the varmints to cross the threshold .
tr	5	At the top of which , they discovered several shattered crates and a large lift ; the platform of which was out of sight high above them .
tr	5	Their fiery mantles were snuffed out in a steaming hiss , half a beat before the relentless waters drove the beasts down to regions unknown .
tr	5	: -- RRB - I thank all people , who accompanied me on the way up to now and who supported me in these times .
tr	5	Therefore , take my " Thank you " and be sure that it 's much , much more than just words captured in black letters .
tr	5	These people encouraged me and took away from me many tasks , fears and obligations that caught me up to that time like a boa .
tr	5	In the meantime , my book is no work just of mine , but a common project of many people , who are invisible for fans .
tr	5	All these people get one more thank you at that point , because they have changed my life and brought me at the literary riverside .
tr	5	Last , but not least , it 's my fans , who won 't be mentioned here by names , because there are too many of you !
tr	5	It was such a pleasure and honour to be one of the jury members , who I allowed to look at every piece of your creativity !
tr	5	Then I thought I needed one minute to notice him , one hour to judge him and one day to fall in love with him .
tr	5	Then , with a rapid movement of his hand the old man captured some air and directed the wind on the ball over the fire .
tr	5	-- The old man kept silent for a while and then added : -- Eastern Europe will play a great role not only for humans .
tr	5	The guys ' interests in sports now began to get into conflict with another wish : getting a girl you can call " your girl " .
tr	5	Of course , you had wouldn 't talk about it , because such secrets should not give an opportunity for anybody to make a fool of you !
tr	5	Everybody was laughing , remembering the holidays , which seemed to be so far away from reality now like the distance between the earth and the moon .
tr	5	The youngsters were smiling and one of boys said : - We are always present at the ceremony at the end of the school year .
tr	5	Some other people showed a little bit of enthusiasm , in the end they were not supposed to know about the new classmate until now .
tr	5	She didn 't know exactly for what , but she knew there was a person in the world , which she never ever wanted to see .
tr	5	She was escaping from the past but this past had the really annoying habit to catch her anytime she thought she had found at least some peace .
tr	5	Thereby Mia had the opportunity to get to know the new school and this one visit was enough to memorize all the details she needed to know .
tr	5	It was so quiet you could hear the wind outside , and this wind wasn 't strong , only moving the weakest leaves in the trees .
tr	5	At last , when she read the name of the new pupil she was astonished by the quiet " present " from the end of the room .
tr	5	Reading names wasn 't necessary for her , she knew right from the beginning who was and who missing , but this whole experience had changed today .
tr	5	Most people don 't have enough money and live with their parents or with their kids and don 't spend money for such extravagant things .
tr	5	It was about knights from the 18th century who were fighting with swords and honour , who always followed their codex and never broke the rules .
tr	5	As she was reading aloud , she forgot about the entire world , and reality around her was further away than the things she was reading .
tr	5	Mia didn 't remember since when she discovered this gift , but as far as she could remember it has been there all her life .
tr	5	Therefore , Julian started with his own club , with his own stuff , with the music he liked and pretty girls he was dating sometimes .
tr	5	Now , he already had a good reputation on the market and therefore he was in the good position of being his own boss and a student .
tr	5	In addition , he had time to organise parties with his friends and to observe how " Sunshine " turned into the best club in the city .
tr	5	He had already understood from her voice that she was a professional , but to be on the safe side , he had to be prepared anyway .
tr	5	She wasn 't hidden ; she was just sitting with one of the books many girls love to read these days , some story about vampires .
tr	5	She didn 't have any friends because of all the relocations in her life and because of pieces of certain memories going around in her head .
tr	5	She wore a simple top in an unremarkable blue colour , and jeans , and she had something inside her that forced him to watch her .
tr	5	She 's nice , she 's polite , she 's unproblematic , but zou get the feeling there is something else about her you want to know .
tr	5	# 11 IT IS ALL COMING BACK TO ME She can see it in the colour of the eyes in the moment when a person dies .
tr	5	Nevertheless , she knew the day would come when she was going to be confronted with the past and she was hoping it wasn 't so far .
tr	5	I just had this certain kind of shade in front of my eyes and I couldn 't replace it with any other picture or feeling .
tr	5	I had to go out , I rang for the nurses and the medical staff , and I don 't remember what I did next .
tr	5	You just have an assumption , which can lead you directly to your goal , or to the opposite , it can throw you off your course .
tr	5	You have to keep your motivation alive , which makes you open your eyes after a long , unsettled sleep and which brings you through the day .
tr	5	She kept talking on and on , described the prisoners , the poor unfortunate souls , and described their sufferance , as it was her own .
tr	5	And then , just a minute later , she was like Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna or like James Bond 's Martini : Shaken , not stirred .
tr	5	It was always so simple to say and so hard to realise : choose love , because it is always a good time to start loving someone .
tr	5	Sebastian was trembling a little , but he didn 't let go of her because he was afraid she would turn around and walk away .
tr	5	If you would ask Sebastian , they could end the day with a trip to the moon and back or with a journey along the sunset .
tr	5	Even though had to warm up right now and wasn 't able to drive his car home , because he was all frozen to the bones .
tr	5	How can you be sure of something in one moment and in the next you 're already convinced that you had been foolish or even worse ?
tr	5	It was a late afternoon and usually it would have been already grey outside , as it had been in the last few cloudy days .
tr	5	They walked here and there ; sometimes they heard some people on the other side of the park who were rushing because of the upcoming party .
tr	5	He thought she just accepted this meeting to do him favour , in an act of mercy for the poor boy who fell in love with her .
tr	5	- The fact I don 't celebrate doesn 't mean you should stay home as well , if you already have other plans for a long time .
tr	5	In his current , rather sentimental mood , he looked at his best friend and was thinking how often such girls were not interesting for Julian .
tr	5	Just two fellows were standing motionless , looking doubtfully at this vivid event , whereas the doubts were not so obvious on Julian 's face .
tr	5	Girls were just like his dolls and it was sometimes frustrating to see how he got such a range of enthusiasm from the female side .
tr	5	There was a kitchen and three bedrooms , one for Mia , one for her grandma and one for guests , although they never had any guests .
tr	5	Everything in this apartment was simple and there were no personal things around , if you don 't count Mia 's books in her room .
tr	5	It was the first gift in Mia 's life and she didn 't want to ruin anything , but she felt a need to explain the situation .
tr	5	After the death of grandma Zofia , she had at least two afternoons off and she felt comfortable enough to sit in his apartment and read .
tr	5	He was a nice , friendly person who didn 't ask her about things she was doing and it should be enough for both sides .
tr	5	She was there , she was present , she made him feel so calm and so well , he didn 't want to speed up this relationship .
tr	5	After everybody signed the ascendancy list , they could finally take their seats in the coach and Mia was sitting in the back of the bus .
tr	5	Tonight it was one of these nights when she wouldn 't sleep well , because there were too many empty rooms and too much light out there .
tr	5	However , inside them she imagined a great power and there was life , but everything was caught up in the tough and inflexible shell .
tr	5	The Carpathian Mountains are a range of mountains forming a long arc across Central and Eastern Europe , making them the largest mountain range in Europe .
tr	5	No area of the Carpathian range is covered in snow all year long and there are no glaciers , but now there was snow everywhere .
tr	5	Mrs. Nowak was from the generation of Mia 's grandmother and she was the person who was the grandmother , which Mia always wished to have .
tr	5	Or maybe it was simply the first spark of love she felt in her heart and which she didn 't want to admit to herself .
tr	5	She took her favourite place on the kitchen bench behind the massive table and here she could lean back with her right arm on the windowsill .
tr	5	After Mia had finished she took two plates from the cupboard , cut two more pieces of cake and put them down on the cupboard .
tr	5	In the meantime , she prepared tea and when this was done , she put everything on the table in the middle of the room .
tr	5	She knew her old friend wasn 't allowed to eat many sweet things and she was just baking cake when Mia came to visit her .
tr	5	Mia tried to pass people politely , she almost danced between them and as she finally got to platform 4 she saw the train starting to move .
tr	5	It was strange , because he hardly needed any sleep and as far as he knew , he wasn 't able to dream as human beings were .
tr	5	He couldn 't move , he couldn 't stop to stare at her and it surely made a careless impression instead of showing himself rather humbly .
tr	5	Over years , the picture in his mind became clearer and sharper and now he could finally see her entire face and her person in real .
tr	5	He was in many different places already , he already saw many things during his time on earth , but this smell was something new for him .
tr	5	She was used to being observed , but his look had such deepness and such intensity , it was almost impossible to sit there and relax .
tr	5	It wasn 't one of my best smiles ever , I guess it wasn 't even a smile and that is why he didn 't believe me .
tr	5	As I saw a memory of Aunt Renata in front of my eyes I got a feeling of getting a hole pierced through my middle .
tr	5	She hadn 't enough time for even a small talk , so she just passed by and went through an empty hall of the main station building .
tr	5	If you have never been in Wroclaw or to any other big Polish city , you have to know how to find your way around in Poland .
tr	5	She also knew that her aunt always used to keep the house perfectly tidy and now all the drawers were pulled open revealing their secrets .
tr	5	He didn 't see " his girl " ( as he used to call Anna ) for days and she didn 't answer his calls .
tr	5	As if she disappeared and he even thought about calling the police to search for her using every means possible which would make this search easier .
tr	5	As experience had taught him , Sebastian wasn 't the one for deep emotions , he fell in love quickly and would flirt for a while .
tr	5	He didn 't care about work , he had finished everything himself and without thinking about it , and he had lost overview a long time ago .
tr	5	He hadn 't proposed this to anybody else up to now and he hardly knew her , but he wanted her to be around him .
tr	5	After having finished their route , he went home and sometimes she came with him for a tea and to pick up her new work .
tr	5	In the third week , there was nothing new to translate and Sebastian proposed reading books in his apartment as she had already done before .
tr	5	Even as she was sitting on the couch and reading it , she didn 't look like the girl he met before the class trip .
tr	5	Sebastian 's mind kept warning him : she is like a fire , if you start to play with it , you will lose it .
tr	5	Julian didn 't want to go to such a party , he was busy with his things , but he was afraid of forgetting something important .
tr	5	It should be a party like the one they were having before they started to study : no commerce , just a friendly sit-in at his house .
tr	5	In the moment , she spoke the words his world started to fall apart and he had to try to rescue everything he was able to save .
tr	5	He saw a wall rising between them and he knew that he would lose her again if he wouldn 't insist on her coming to the party .
tr	5	I am looking for her , I was out and about during the last days and I guess I have to relax and slow down a little .
tr	5	Sebastian invited some of his friends and they came with their girlfriends and boyfriends and there were so many people there , but somehow he was alone .
tr	5	At the same time , he noticed a specific smell , very delicate , almost imperceptible and he thought about the girl he was looking for .
tr	5	Then Sebastian introduced his guests and talked about each person 's qualities , as he would like to integrate his new girl into his circle of friends .
tr	5	Nobody noticed , but he went from one corner of the room to another a couple of times and he still wasn 't relaxed inside .
tr	5	She was angry seeing him there but she didn 't say a word and moved her hand to her knees so she could cover herself more .
tr	5	As she was sitting , again , he put his hanky on the wound and then he swathed her leg with a bandage she brought with her .
tr	5	He didn 't know how powerful he was and he even didn 't care much to explain her anything or to control himself carefully right now .
tr	5	He asked what she remembered from the night they first met and what it was like for a 3 years old girl to grow up without parents .
tr	5	She had her own room ( Mia called it a cell in her thoughts ) and it looked like the old lady was getting anything she needed .
tr	5	In addition , if she didn 't have met him she wouldn 't have managed to stitch her wound as fast and professional as he did it .
tr	5	Relaxed and in peace ... Moreover , she wanted to get rid of the pain that waited for her around the corner of her current perception .
tr	5	He promised her to leave her in peace after all , so he had to use every time he could find to have her here .
tr	5	It could have been because of her current state , and on the other hand , it could have no meaning for it at all .
tr	5	He was trembling a little because he wanted to touch her and at the same time , he didn 't want to wake her up .
tr	5	The cotton blanket was very warm and she put it a little bit aside so now she wasn 't covered from her feet up to her cheeks .
tr	5	She met Sebastian and it was the same : she couldn 't leave them without a goodbye and she wasn 't able to say goodbye .
tr	5	Mia wondered how strange it was that a guy had this kind of tea at home or how he knew which kind of tea she liked .
tr	5	She didn 't feel well knowing she was the only person who was going to eat something now and what he prepared was too exaggerated .
tr	5	Sometimes he just acted as if he would eat , but it was just a game , because he didn 't want to catch anyone 's attention .
tr	5	If you had someone who cares about you , you wouldn 't go with me and you would have protested at the latest in my car .
tr	5	He didn 't show up and she didn 't intend to go back and apologize although she knew that this option was the right one .
tr	5	She just stood watching this painting for a while and in any cartoon movie , she would look like a person with a jaw hitting the floor .
tr	5	She stepped closer and looked particularly at the people in the painting and then she watched the city 's buildings and thought about colours and colour combinations .
tr	5	Then she looked at another painting and it looked similar to Claude Monet 's Woman with a Parasol where he painted his wife and his son .
tr	5	Of course , you can make your real name shorter or use the cute version or even a nickname , but two different first names were strange .
tr	5	Julian didn 't wait and sent him a text : " Hey Sebastian , everything 's OK , she 's safe , don 't worry .
tr	5	He was still invisible , but the lack of concentration could cost him a lot : he could be unmasked and it wasn 't what he wanted .
tr	5	They don 't look inside themselves , they don 't think about their needs and every dream they have is put aside like a fairytale .
tr	5	They don 't have enough courage and enough certainty about their own needs , because they don 't allow themselves to think about what they really need .
tr	5	While they sleep , their desires , needs and wishes come to the surface of their mind and you can catch them like a fisher angles fishes .
tr	5	As Jonas surprisingly cut her with a knife , he said something hard to understand , but the last part of it was " from Jonas " .
tr	5	Smaller and bigger pieces of wood flew through the air and she had to put her hands in front of her face to protect her eyes .
tr	5	Then she thought she needed one minute to notice him , one hour to judge him and one day to fall in love with him .
tr	5	He couldn 't find the dark shadow he had already seen a couple of times , when she wasn 't aware that he was looking at her .
tr	5	If Julian didn 't know that she was the one at the side of Sebastian , then , he never ever would come to this idea .
tr	5	In addition , she drank it as if it was something she was doing daily or as if she didn 't feel the heat at this moment .
tr	5	For him she wasn 't even a friend of Sebastian and that is why he asked himself why Sebastian called her " his girl " .
tr	5	Then they sometimes acted according to the well-known saying of Mark Twain : " Dance like nobody 's watching ; love like you 've never been hurt .
tr	5	Julian couldn 't describe it with words , but he had a special feeling about her and she became his obsession from the very beginning .
tr	5	Of course , he knew there was such a feeling , but to know about it and to feel it , made a huge difference .
tr	5	He already had some " best friends forever " and sooner or later they died , because humans don 't live long from his perspective .
tr	5	If Sebastian got mad about her , Julian could still care about him in his invisible form , and he could observe Mia in the same way .
tr	5	Julian was mostly invisible and at first as Sebastian moved to Warsaw he arranged a get-together and in this way , they met each other personally .
tr	5	This past tense form revealed him some new information , but she didn 't add anything more and he was left with too many options .
tr	5	She scratched her forehead and after a short break said : - When I was a little child , we celebrated Easter with my parents .
tr	5	Nothing happened without a reason and such a calculated and mean person like Jonas had to have a reason to behave the way he did .
tr	5	Then he pushed her on a wall and as she fell on the floor after she crushed with the wall , Jonas smiled even more .
tr	5	With fever and pulsating pictures which her mind perceived by looking around , Mia finally managed to leave the room and stood in the corridor .
tr	5	When they finally got to her street , one of the bodyguards opened her door and waited until she slowly got out of the car .
tr	5	She realized that these two boys were very important to her and she had to fight for her hopes , for her dreams , for her future .
tr	5	The Easter Ram made from the cake mass was dried , then cut , put into milk and eggs , baked and eaten with cinnamon and sugar .
tr	5	She didn 't look like a person from an orphan asylum ; therefore , Sebastian assumed one of her family members took care of her .
tr	5	She ordered him to cream the butter and sugar together until they became light and fluffy , and then he added three eggs to the mass .
tr	5	With the same expression on her face , she crossed the street and didn 't look into the direction pretending she didn 't notice the car .
tr	5	He told her about his latest troubles when he went shopping and had an issue with his credit card , because it couldn 't be read .
tr	5	After more than two hours of monologue and two pots of tea , Mia brought him back to reality by saying she had to go .
tr	5	She left him as quickly as she arrived , but she left him in a kind of mood , which he wished to be in every day .
tr	5	She sometimes read to him in French and even if he didn 't understand a word , he was very pleased to hear her voice .
tr	5	He took over the translation bureau from his father after he had an accident three years ago and now he was responsible for almost everything .
tr	5	Sometimes they wanted to have a short summary of the translated text in addition to the translation and with such tasks Mia was the best .
tr	5	Mia saw a shadow of sorrow in Sebastian 's face and she didn 't want him to think there was something between her and Julian .
tr	5	Every time she mentioned the name of his best friend , Sebastian got a small stitch in his heart and some fear tried to overwhelm him .
tr	5	She stood there for a moment , her smile was gone and she still waited for his reaction , but it didn 't make any sense .
tr	5	There were no distinct emotions , only undefined pain , all her emotions were captured together and she wasn 't able to distinguish between single ones .
tr	5	One , two , three , she changed the balance of her body and one , two , three : she pulled the other foot up .
tr	5	Julian suffered already because of the thought that she might die someday , that she will go away when her time had come and leave him behind .
tr	5	His years used to fly by like minutes and now he learned to appreciate every second and every real minute , all thanks to her .
tr	5	One false action , one wrong movement , and he could destroy everything that was precious to him and that he was supposed to protect .
tr	5	His stories were not so interesting for Julian , so instead he concentrated on Mia 's face , which Sebastian was looking at every now and then .
tr	5	Then Mia changed the subject so naturally that Sebastian thought : " Sebastian , you 're so not a hero , you 're such a loser !
tr	5	Mia heard a saying that looks could kill people , and now she felt his eyes on her as if they wanted to perforate her body .
tr	5	She should give him some information , but it should proceed in a natural way and it should take away all that was left of her dignity .
tr	5	She was the missing part of him that he had been waiting for , she had been so near , and he let her go .
tr	5	If she was observed , it wouldn 't be good to stand on the street and scream her name until she looks out of a window .
tr	5	Julian started walking , but he caused such a wave of air that she had to open her eyes and saw the world in a blur .
tr	5	Her heart was beating like boom , boom , boom , in a rhythm of a jumpy , dynamic Black Eyed Peas or Kevin Rudolf song .
tr	5	He couldn 't explain why he did it , it was forbidden , but he couldn 't leave her alone and see how she was suffering .
tr	5	When Mia was laying in the bed , she looked at him and asked with amazement in her voice : - How was it possible ?
tr	5	When he was sure that she was asleep , he would have liked to take a deep breath , but he wasn 't able to .
tr	5	He could easily give her too much energy and she would break down like an ant crushed by an elephant or an eagle caught in a tornado .
tr	5	Normally a person has veins , which pulsate -- She turned herself towards him and a little tensed , she touched him with her hand .
tr	5	It was more logical that she wasn 't at her senses , but if he told her the truth , then she was right in her theory .
tr	5	Mia knew already which answer she had for him , but she knew as well that it wasn 't the proper time to say it .
tr	5	Nevertheless , this major wave didn 't let her ship fall down into the bottomless channels - deep like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge of the sea of Atlas .
tr	5	After a longer while , Julian asked : - I know what 's bothering you and I decided not to involve you in this story .
tr	5	It was friendly enough of him to let her stay here , without cameras and with clean air where she could gather her strengths again .
tr	5	He will not take you home now , because it is already afternoon and it is unlikely that he would leave you alone for a night .
tr	5	She was able to swallowed the rest of the mixture of blood and spit sitting in her throat and then she was able to breathe freely again .
tr	5	She would surely wake up in a couple of minutes and she will be too shy to ask him whether this was real or not .
tr	5	Mia made some steps forward and when she saw a tiny grassland , she ran there and only when she reached the middle , she stopped .
tr	5	He was sure she was the only human being in the world , which he wanted to see every day , every night , always .
tr	5	Then he took her hand in front of his face and kissed her fingers slowly and carefully - like a gentleman does when he meets a lady .
tr	5	She could feel her happiness in every cell of her body , and with every beat of her heart it was transported through her whole body .
tr	5	When she thought that they would walk back the same way they came here , she was surprised as he suddenly took her into his arms .
tr	5	If you have ever experienced the feeling of great joy and endless happiness , it is very hard to come back to the grey reality .
tr	5	It was no time for such a dress -- it was early spring , everything was turning green and it was quite cold , I suppose .
tr	5	I was already so close that she could see me without turning , and when I stood right next to her , I saw ... you .
tr	5	I will take the entire responsibility for what I will tell you , but you have to think about it and say what you want .
tr	5	There is a party in the city , everyone is celebrating the third day of May , the constitution day , and you asked for a proof .
tr	5	Some minutes later , they arrived to the city , there was light everywhere , but through the speed they looked like askew streaks of light .
tr	5	You try to catch breath , but you only get more water into your lungs and you can even hear the river laughing about you .
tr	5	She was like a little child watching a magic trick " where is my nose " , enjoying this game every time it sees it .
tr	5	- I was in your apartment and brought some of your stuff and on the way ; I couldn 't resist to take this one .
tr	5	Imagine you have a cut diamond , it is transparent , you can look inside of it , and you see the millions of colours there .
tr	5	The only thing she was sure of , her grandmother should not be in Jonas 's hands , even though she seemed to be happy about it .
tr	5	She was moving slowly and as she went four steps into the wrong direction , she turned around and made some slow steps on the right track .
tr	5	I couldn 't send you any energy , if I had banned myself , because when you do it , you can 't make any exception .
tr	5	It is just as if you would say that our date is at 8 pm tonight and I would be there already 5 minutes earlier than agreed .
tr	5	When he came back , she pointed at the painting with Venice on it and asked : - Is it an original painting of Canaletto ?
tr	5	It was the time when I was in Italy and went from city to city and someday I met him at a small Italian market .
tr	5	He was very pleased that someone is interested in his work and as I saw his art , I said , it won 't work .
tr	5	So , one day , I brought a nobleman with me and as he saw Canaletto 's work , he wanted to have such a painting too .
tr	5	Up to now , there was no such case in our family 's history and we usually don 't make any exceptions from our rules .
tr	5	She made half a step forwards and added : - I don 't know who you are , but I know that I love you .
tr	5	Like a poet already said : One word can set us free from all the weight and pain of life : that word is love .
tr	5	" You 're just too good to be true , I can 't keep my eyes off you " Julian sung and they were spinning around .
tr	5	He was apparently expecting her all lifelong and right from the day he saw her , he was sure that she was the reason to live for .
tr	5	One evening , he said quietly , but serious : - Nothing I could say to you could show you how I feel about you .
tr	5	You wouldn 't be able to resist the desire to drink it all , it would be hardly possible for you to stop half way .
tr	5	- When you share your energy with me , is it consequently possible that I will get some of your skills , even in a small scope ?
tr	5	- Mia , nothing in this world will change my love for you , but I cannot change the world in the way I would like .
tr	5	-- She didn 't move and she didn 't look back ; she was like a violin with steel strings that were tense up to maximum .
tr	5	- If you would like to , you can move here and I will bring you to school every day and pick you up in the afternoon .
tr	5	It would be enough for his family to judge it , and this decision wouldn 't be in any way good to Julian and Mia .
tr	5	This top was like the one of Nelly Furtado in Promiscuous , bright and creamy , but quite longer and reached up to her hips .
tr	5	His Mustang wasn 't just fast ; it was fast and furious , wild like a real mustang , although it was a high-speed machine .
tr	5	She looked after him and although his car was already gone , she kept staring at the point where she had seen it for the last time .
tr	5	It was hard to concentrate on what the teachers were talking about and in fact , schoolbooks were not as fascinating as Julian 's stories .
tr	5	Somehow he was the only person , she didn 't want to see right now , but when she saw him , she was happy about it .
tr	5	Of course , she had human features , but now she was full of emotions and they came out of her and he could feel them .
tr	5	She didn 't care if people were talking about her style , because the most important thing for her was to melt into the background .
tr	5	They were visibly pleased by seeing Julian who was wearing fashionable clothes as if he would be a model coming from a Paris fashion show .
tr	5	She didn 't like to attract attention and avoided such situations it as much as possible and now Julian was leading her here , through this boutique .
tr	5	Even if Jonas should stay her nightmare for a while , Julian was the knight on a white horse who could save her from the dark .
tr	5	Julian was partially afraid that she was scared of whom he was , and that was the reason why she didn 't talk much about herself .
tr	5	For the first time in her life it was complicated to stay relaxed , because for the first time in her life she really loved someone .
tr	5	Julian waited a moment before he answered : - I found it very amusing to run at your side , even if you didn 't notice it .
tr	5	-- She stayed calm and closed her eyes , because she wanted to concentrate herself on other senses , hoping she would hear or feel him .
tr	5	It was like when you are on a street and hear a hooter and you don 't know form which direction it was coming from .
tr	5	Today she had to admit that this room was similar to the rest of Sebastian 's apartment : plain and classy , but cosy as well .
tr	5	Finally , she had her two weeks of calmness : not because she was living with Sebastian or because of being sure that Julian was always near .
tr	5	I liked his music already earlier , my sister loved Michael , she wished to go to his concert , and I wanted it too .
tr	5	- You know , I left you here and I wanted to see how you spend your time and you didn 't even go back home .
tr	5	She knew that she had some money in her apartment and she wanted to take it and then take the first train to leave Warsaw .
tr	5	She couldn 't even say goodbye , because she didn 't want to give Jonas any reason to be violent to people who were important for her .
tr	5	Mia killed Julian , she killed him , she killed him ... These three words echoed in her head corresponding to the rhythm of the running train .
tr	5	She knew she would never be happy and all happiness she ever collected up to now was too much and too less of what she could collect .
tr	5	Ahead of them , there was the residence of the German chancellor and the river Spree over spun by a bridge and the lights of Berlin .
tr	5	The truth was that she didn 't know Berlin ; she had never been to this city before and had no idea about its layout .
tr	5	She was surprised to feel him taking her into his arms and to find herself on a roof of an old building a second later .
tr	5	Now Mia was wearing a top looking like Beyonce on the cover of her album " Halo " -- it was nonchalant and very stylish .
tr	5	I haven 't told you yet how pleased I was by your line " I don 't love you , I 'm scared of you " .
tr	5	She was curious about his plans and every information he could give her , could be worth more than the greatest treasure in the world .
tr	5	- According to our legends and according to steps , which all others undertook , I knew that now was the right constellation of time and place .
tr	5	In addition , I can 't read your mind , but I assume Julian can 't do it either , otherwise , he would already be here .
tr	5	In fact , if this was the role she was supposed to play , she should kill herself before Jonas would be able to use her .
tr	5	She didn 't know much about you and therefore I had to rely on your answers , which of course , I didn 't get .
tr	5	She had to help Julian and had to make sure she wouldn 't to fall into a trap , and therefore she had to commit suicide .
tr	5	Her life wasn 't the best , there has never been much success , in fact , it was more a sequence of defeats and scary moments .
tr	5	She was happy to have met Julian on her way and if it was foreseen since centuries , she was relieved that it worked out .
tr	5	Then one of men ( they were looking quite alike , both wearing dark suits and rather muscular ) said that he could show it .
tr	5	Mia didn 't know what he was meaning by " it " , but as Jonas went around one of the cars , she followed .
tr	5	Mia followed the old lady 's silent order and when she was ready , the Russian driver came to pick her up and she ensued him .
tr	5	If I just get a feeling that you 're not honest with me , I will do things you don 't want me to do .
tr	5	Sebastian wanted to help her and jumped into their direction , but Jonas pushed him aside with a black light coming from his free hand .
tr	5	It wasn 't you , Julian , who decided to play , but that 's my rules , my decisions and your lives depend on me .
tr	5	That 's what I like : to see the resignation in their eyes and to see their hate and lack of sense of what they are doing .
tr	5	Sebastian tried to stand up , but before he could even moved , Jonas was already in front of him and had caught his throat .
tr	5	I will get to know all of her thoughts and wishes and you won 't stop me , because you 're not as great as I am .
tr	5	Then I thought I needed one minute to notice him , one hour to judge him and one day to fall in love with him .
tr	5	A voice in his head ordered him to talk to her : " Never give up on anything ; you always have something to fight for " .
tr	5	Sebastian didn 't know what he was talking about , something inside of him spoke through his soul and forced him to speak foreign words .
tr	5	He was mad , he was furious and he jumped so hastily at Jonas that Jonas was pushed away and smashed against the opposite wall .
tr	5	Slowly ashes and pieces from the house started to rain down and Sebastian was hit by some wooden parts and stones falling down from above .
tr	5	The he ran back to the stone piles and wooden pieces , that were laying around and started to dig and to look for his friends .
tr	5	He wasn 't able to remember what happened last night , but he had a crazy dream , Mia was there and Julian was there .
tr	5	Her body warned her long enough about its bad condition , and now the rest of her bodily problems started to follow through with their own claims .
tr	5	She didn 't have any doubts about Julian and still she destroyed everything , because she didn 't trust him enough to tell her story .
tr	5	From them both , from the duo of an almost immortal and mortal being , this was the end of the road for the first one .
tr	5	There was no escape anymore , there was just a stop sign and the certainty that sometimes there was nowhere to hide from all the pain inside .
tr	5	She didn 't want to open her soul to someone who stepped into her life so suddenly and didn 't make any impression on her .
tr	5	If you will die without having lived your life and without fighting for what is important to you , your death doesn 't really matter .
tr	5	He wasn 't dreaming , he wasn 't hallucinating , he became a conscious part of something bigger than other humans were allowed to know .
tr	5	( July 2010 ) If I would say just a simple " Thank you " , it wouldn 't describe my gratitude even in the smallest range .
tr	5	Therefore , take my " Thank you " and be sure that it 's much , much more than just words captured in black letters .
tr	5	These people encouraged me and took away from me many tasks , fears and obligations that caught me up to that time like a boa .
tr	5	In the meantime , my book is no work just of mine , but a common project of many people , who are invisible for fans .
tr	5	All these people get one more thank you at that point , because they have changed my life and brought me at the literary riverside .
tr	5	Last , but not least , it 's my fans , who won 't be mentioned here by names , because there are too many of you !
tr	5	She had nowhere to go and she wasn 't strong enough to hit him hard enough to somehow get by him , much less overpower him .
tr	5	Idiot that she was , she had to take a shortcut and die in a dark back alley at the hands of a cruel outcast .
tr	5	" You might want to avoid shady corners after sunset in the future , lady , " a dark , cool voice said from the shadows .
tr	5	" You need to give me something ; the Gods need to know who to bless when I thank them for sending you my way . "
tr	5	Without him she would have died in a decidedly unpleasant and most likely painful way ; she was more than relieved that he had spared her that .
tr	5	The Healer sat down in a chair in Nia 's spacious chamber and said , " So , what have you been up to ? "
tr	5	Hate to break it to you , sweetheart , but you can 't afford my services ; at least that 's what your wonderful predecessor told me .
tr	5	The only things missing now are the herbs , since we figured our future Healer would know best what she needed , and well ... you . "
tr	5	That left her enough time for experimenting with new potions and improving those she already had , something she didn 't have enough time for before .
tr	5	In her experience most men found it easier to talk to a ' harmless ' woman than to a soldier with a sword at the ready .
tr	5	He took a breath and said a bit more civilized , which wasn 't civilized at all , " Yeah , you can help me .
tr	5	He had finally been able to overcome his grief and had put all his efforts into finding the bastard who had murdered his beloved big brother .
tr	5	If she weren 't already dead , he would have found a way to throw her out of the fortress that had been his home .
tr	5	Anyway , he drew his attention back to the beauty standing to the side , watching the scene before her with a mixture of curiosity and puzzlement .
tr	5	He took a deep breath , reached deep within his soul where his elemental Fire power dwelled and focused his thoughts on the letter in his hand .
tr	5	Although it hurt , it had been a wise decision to keep him in the dark ; he wasn 't sure what he would have done otherwise .
tr	5	If there was one thing that never failed to rile his usually calm , rational brother , then it was a threat to his life .
tr	5	Well , he better took care of the situation , because he wouldn 't lose what remained of his family to the Traitor , too .
tr	5	She was used to being wooed or at least being the center of attention and not a nuisance or a threat due to some yahoo 's paranoia .
tr	5	Of course she wouldn 't let him stay -- he was a stranger ; she hadn 't even seen his face yet , for Sol 's sake .
tr	5	" They won 't feel save to contact me if they think I 'm working for a mad shrew with a penchant for blood . "
tr	5	As for the life-saving : I made the mistake of taking a shortcut through the market one night after I visited a vendor and got cornered .
tr	5	He winced as the healer began to clean the bleeding wound with one of her awful potions that she seemed to carry with her everywhere she went .
tr	5	" No , I 've got one last question for you , Healer : what did the message remind you of that you almost lost it ? "
tr	5	There she had discovered who he was -- and had had to resign herself to the fact that she had no chance to bring him down .
tr	5	" About twenty-five years ago , I was just of age , I came home one day after training and found my whole family in an uproar .
tr	5	The picture of my vibrant little sister , who had always been so full of life , reduced to , to ... this , never left me .
tr	5	Only someone with a corrupt heart would ever do something like that -- and someone who doesn 't want to bring any attention to his depravity . "
tr	5	At last , she said so quietly that he almost didn 't hear her , " No , in all those years I 've found only her .
tr	5	And if you doubt my words on this , then you only have to spend a week in any infirmary to confirm my words ! "
tr	5	We are talking about a little girl not yet six years old and all you say is ' she can 't have been hurt that badly ' ?
tr	5	So much aggression from such a little child ; but beneath her hostility there had been so much fear and misery that it broke my heart .
tr	5	Anyway , I kept watch over her that night , calmed her down when her power almost set the infirmary on fire in her sleep .
tr	5	Not a single person saw the little girl leave , which was strange because there 's only one entrance and it 's heavily guarded . "
tr	5	Since the only little girl he knew was his eight-year-old niece , so the nameless victim had a disturbing resemblance to her in his mind .
tr	5	No one can survive something like that mentally unscathed , especially not a child her age , yadda , yadda , " the Healer scoffed .
tr	5	Most likely the man used some of his Idris power to hide what he didn 't want to be seen behind a cloak of darkness .
tr	5	There had been those who had liked her sassy personality of course , but the majority of suitors had avoided her after the first encounter .
tr	5	Nia asked , then her eyes went wide and she answered her own question , " They assigned him to you , didn 't they ? "
tr	5	However , it 'd be pretty stupid to be afraid of them because of something they can 't change like the nature of their power .
tr	5	It sure didn 't help that the Fire people were stubborn as hell and more likely to solve a problem with their swords or power than words .
tr	5	She wondered about that for some time until it suddenly hit her : despite his bulky appearance he had moved with the grace of a dancer .
tr	5	Strangely exhilarating thoughts about forbidden encounters with a certain Fire Warrior intruded her mind at every turn and left her breathless in the days to come .
tr	5	Everyone was allowed to enter the house , but to actually get to see a real person depended solely on the judgment of the current residents .
tr	5	Even a servant 's room would have been a vast improvement over that -- broom closet was the most flattering word he could come up with .
tr	5	They had to carefully watch the balance of their souls to not lose themselves in corruption and cruelty -- and Onyx was close , too close .
tr	5	He took a deep breath and tried not to think about how often he had been close by the abandoned dungeon in the last weeks .
tr	5	" It matters because these , " he waved in the direction of the infirmary , " are not the only ones out for her .
tr	5	You 'll need someone to distract her after you told her to stay put while you are out chasing ... whoever it is you are chasing ! "
tr	5	Good thing all of them thrived on battle , blood , gore , and the satisfaction of making the world a better , a safer place .
tr	5	Sure , Blade was a great asset in every battle , but the man had the annoying habit of trying to take control of everything .
tr	5	" Well , somebody went and tried to kill my precious Healer sister three and a half days ago -- which pissed me off to no end .
tr	5	I might not have been the most rational of men the last months but I do know how to do my job properly , dimwit ! "
tr	5	Damn , she needed to make sure that she was nowhere in the vicinity when some really , really unfortunate individual was telling her about her infirmary .
tr	5	The only other alternative was to wait until the body of the rogue gave out under the increasing pressure of the Fire in his soul .
tr	5	I want this shit be over and done with -- and I sure as hell don 't want to set any dead bodies on fire .
tr	5	He was already consigning himself to the thought that this was it then , when suddenly the image of a boy appeared in his mind .
tr	5	His soul had gradually warmed at the memories -- they reminded him that blood and gore and death weren 't the only things in his world .
tr	5	The next minutes passed in a clash of swords and power , the Traitor and his still faceless ' Master ' dodging every attack with ease .
tr	5	Concentrating on one man at a time , they made short work with their opponents who appeared like they didn 't know what hit them .
tr	5	Its architecture was simply breathtaking ; the intricate carvings that adorned the houses were quite a contrast to the plain whitewashed style the Earth kingdom preferred .
tr	5	Damn , the Healer must be really out of whack , for her to use ' Please ' the second time now in as many weeks .
tr	5	The only explanation I can come up with is that they knew we were coming and that the bastard used his Illusion Talent to trick us .
tr	5	It was close to midnight now and he was sitting on the roof of the safe house and thought about what had gone down today .
tr	5	Well , then ... " She stopped and seemed to debate with herself whether to chance a negative respond and risk anger him some more or not .
tr	5	Before she could make up her mind though , he decided to use the situation to his own advantage and get to know her better .
tr	5	So , if you don 't want to get acquainted to my temper , then you might want to keep any challenges to a minimum . "
tr	5	" Well , I mean they have to be huge for her to let you off without at least calling you every name in the book ? "
tr	5	But from her studies of the four kingdoms she knew that the Fire people thought the origin of their power came from Nyx , Sol 's consort .
tr	5	And given his state of despair she was pretty sure that the whole thing had to be related to the death of the Fire King .
tr	5	The girl shook her head and said in the slow , carefully measured words of a foreigner , " No , I 'm all right .
tr	5	She wrapped herself in the comforting , quiescent darkness that allowed her to pretend that everything was good and no one was throwing rotten food at her .
tr	5	Maybe these biased people got their wish now and she would be gone for good , because she was pretty sure she would die today .
tr	5	Everyone knew she was a disgrace to the House of Fire , and now she proved us right , the lying , thieving freak . "
tr	5	I took her back to the kitchen and asked if anyone had seen her near there , when some of the older boys came back from training .
tr	5	Still , she deserved everything she got for her misdeeds , " the cook ended her tirade enraged , but with a decidedly smug air to it .
tr	5	At the rate her soul was dying , she would lose every trait of humanity within the next two years , she thought strangely detached .
tr	5	He knew what that meant : perimeter duty ; which was considered a shame for every self-respecting Warrior seeing that it was a beginners ' task .
tr	5	Nobody seemed to care enough about her to stand by her side , and even her brother couldn 't be bothered to speak on her behalf .
tr	5	Apparently a perfectly fine girl had held no value for her , whereas a boy , even small and sick , had apparently been a godsend .
tr	5	Oh mighty Nyx , Queen of the Desert , I humbly request to reveal the truth for all to see and judge whom we bring before you .
tr	5	She was the Princess of Pyr , and though she was a disgrace , she wouldn 't add ' wimp ' to her growing list of flaws .
tr	5	Her mind , a cold and clear entity now , followed the venom 's destructive path to the secret place that was the fount of her power .
tr	5	Sheba reinforced the walls by pushing more and more power into it and prayed that they were able to withstand the poison 's unrelenting pressure .
tr	5	She had a happy look on her face , and appeared totally at ease in midst of the tall and proud animals that towered over her .
tr	5	Shortly before the adults ended their practice , a bunch of young boys made their way back to the camp and stopped at her side .
tr	5	" At least they provide meat when they are dead , whereas you we would have to bury -- who knows if your idiocy is contagious . "
tr	5	" Here , take that , your Highness ; it is a left over from last week and quite old , but it 's better than nothing .
tr	5	When the girl refused and tried to escape the woman 's clutch by twisting her body in a sudden move , the cook stumbled back in surprise .
tr	5	In a flash I realized that it must be from Chris , to talk about our trip to the Grand Canyon planned for the next day .
tr	5	By the end of the day , before I opened the refrigerator for the third beer I was pretty convinced that I had packed all I wanted .
tr	5	One by one , she pulled out the chocolates and the fluffy doll from my pockets and like on any other day , was looking for more .
tr	5	" I am here , can I put your bags in the SUV , " I shouted so that they could hear from their bedroom .
tr	5	I stopped the SUV so that he was close to the trunk ; and pressed the button on the control panel to open the trunk .
tr	5	My eye signal requested him to direct the complaint to the passengers in the rear seats as I didn 't want to take the blame .
tr	5	Forgetting I wasn 't supposed to talk about it , I casually said " All this was because of the Sparrow that flew into their house . "
tr	5	Though Dan is an exceptionally good person in most areas , when it comes to the aspect of superstitions he is at an extreme end .
tr	5	We are comfortable talking about religions , though our voices on different viewpoints always gather momentum with the quantum of spirit intake ; the liquid kind .
tr	5	I managed to force her to give me a piece , though she resisted a few times by saying it was meant for after dinner .
tr	5	" If you were running a race , and you passed the person in 2nd place , what place would you be in now ? "
tr	5	About a quarter mile away , we saw a series of blue and red lights flashing ; probably due as a result of an accident .
tr	5	Once when he woke up I looked at him to get his attention , but he ignored me completely as if I was a stranger .
tr	5	While I was ordering my espresso shot , Sara tapped my back asking me to buy her a chocolate by pointing to the ones at the counter .
tr	5	I picked one from the counter and before placing it in her little hand , I told her not to show it to her mommy .
tr	5	Since I was up floating in the air , at least 300 ft from the ground , I could see what was happening down below .
tr	5	I couldn 't believe why I 'm experiencing this new form of life as I was an ardent nonbeliever of life after death in any form .
tr	5	" Shattering all that I thought was right , here I 'm , out of my body , thinking and seeing things in a new realm .
tr	5	I wasn 't upset or worried about what really happened or what I saw , due to the serene , relaxed mood I was in .
tr	5	That means what I am experiencing is not anything like a near death experience ( NDE ) that I 've read about , but my own soul .
tr	5	Chris came towards me and said , " Now , as all of us are here shouldn 't we move to a different place ? "
tr	5	I wasn 't sure whether the other three were chanting silent prayers according to their beliefs , seeking to reach heaven or other happy places .
tr	5	So , do not jump to conclusions or impose all of your ideas on me or force me to believe what you believe , yet .
tr	5	It doesn 't matter how grave the sins might be ; if the sinner truly repents , he or she will be forgiven , " Chris explained .
tr	5	" It 's not that clear because Catholics also believe the possibility of people going straight to heaven or hell , " Chris explained further .
tr	5	" Yes , " " The fourth idea is the souls of believers go to heaven and the souls of non-believers like you guys cease to exist .
tr	5	You better hold onto me if you want me , " Chris was still in the jovial mood he got from his last jab at me .
tr	5	Contrary to all the other religions this is the unique concept in Buddhist teachings , " Dan paused as he saw Chris wanting to say something .
tr	5	I might take a long time to get into the core teaching on this , as it is a bit complicated to explain all that .
tr	5	These two factions were necessary as the Buddha had to preach to people of various intellectual capacities in the diverse social structure at his time .
tr	5	The seeds of all good and bad deeds you had collected in the past are in your life system and those seeds affect your rewards and punishments .
tr	5	In Buddhism the impetus to your next life is the last thought of your present life or the thought you have at the time of death .
tr	5	" Interesting but complex ; I need to think a bit on that , " Chris said " Let me go a little further on this .
tr	5	Because your question has an error with a word ' who ' in it , a valid answer cannot be construed , " Dan said .
tr	5	In fact , there are rites the Buddhists follow during and after a funeral , believing some kind of existence of a sprit world immediately after death .
tr	5	My second guess is , perhaps all of us are already born in a ghostly realm due to the sins we have done in the past .
tr	5	I think it 's best for me to say I don 't know rather than trying to come up with a bogus answer , " Dan said .
tr	5	" Dan , do you think you have the seeds of all good and bad things you 've done along your life journey so far ?
tr	5	I need to think about it with my half brain but at least I know my brain is still better than Chris 's , " I said .
tr	5	Things like voyages toward a bright light in a tunnel can be induced in anybody in the lab and why it is happening can be biologically explained .
tr	5	" Why do you want to have all the math , science and history there Tony ; it 's a pleasure place , " Chris said .
tr	5	" You may not have heard this , but the Quran sets the age of responsibility at 40 ; that 's the age of full maturity .
tr	5	Sara probably knew there was no way of getting into the arms of her grandparents ; the first thing she usually does at every opportunity .
tr	5	I don 't buy this idea , but these are the psychotherapeutic treatments that the psyches of the grieving require , more than the deceased .
tr	5	When I asked my dad about those rituals , he told me that some customs were influenced by the earliest known religion in Iran known as Zoroastrianism .
tr	5	In my view , the belief aspect is secondary as the intention of all religions is to bring good to mankind , " Chris said .
tr	5	I think Lily would have been thrown out of the SUV first , since she wasn 't trapped by a seat belt , " I said .
tr	5	What have these poor children done to undergo such a miserable life while people in another part of the world enjoy luxury and an abundance of food ?
tr	5	It started playing the song " After I died , and the makeup had dried , I ... ... , " I turned it off immediately .
tr	5	The feeling I had , can 't be explained ; it was scary , awful , and weird with plenty of thrilling elements induced by the dream .
tr	5	At the time that I conceived the original story told herein , my primary motivation was to impart history via a fictional frame of reference .
tr	5	While this is admittedly impossible for the author him - or herself , I submit that I did in a certain fashion accomplish my mission .
tr	5	Rather , my aim has been to tell an interesting fictional tale of how the events might have appeared to people swept up within the Texas Revolution .
tr	5	Where I have erred historically , the blame is mine and mine alone , as I have not consulted anyone now living in this endeavor .
tr	5	By the dawn of the 16th century a new wave of world exploration was underway , fueled by the expeditions of Columbus , Cabral , and others .
tr	5	Further east , in the colonies , events were unfolding around the same time that would eventually lead to conflict in the area known today as Texas .
tr	5	Thomas Jefferson , the third president of the United States , understood this fact intimately , having himself become a significant land owner in Virginia .
tr	5	With a bold stroke , he purchased Louisiana from Napoleon in 1803 for fifteen million dollars and overnight doubled the size of the fledgling country .
tr	5	James Bowie was born in Kentucky in 1796 , but spent most of his life in Louisiana , where he established himself as a bona fide frontiersman .
tr	5	At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution , he was married to Lucinda Lopez de Santa Anna , sister of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna .
tr	5	" Well , son , just look at the map - look at where the land is -- it must be a thousand miles from here . "
tr	5	A pasture , perhaps forty acres in breadth stood before them , ringed by tall oak trees , a stately pine tree interspersed here and there .
tr	5	It didn 't look like much , but he was proud of what they had accomplished in the two years since they had arrived in Texas .
tr	5	Hank had put the first course of logs up on rocks to keep the termites out , but the house nonetheless had a dirt floor .
tr	5	So there was another reason to build the barn , and Hank had gotten it done in the spring of their second year in Texas .
tr	5	Seems it was cheaper to pay boys grown to men to leave home than it was to keep them on if no land was to be had .
tr	5	It had been a hard trek over land to get there , but all in all Hank was happy with the plot they 'd been granted .
tr	5	Hank figured it must have been really hard for them at first , too , but look what the old three hundred had been able to do .
tr	5	In fact , the population of Bastrop seemed to have tripled overnight , and he meant to find out exactly what the excitement was about .
tr	5	Off he went , his long-sleeved shirt already soaked with sweat from the blistering noonday heat , his boots caked with countless layers of dirt .
tr	5	First of all , he seemed a bit old , and , truth be told , he wasn 't half mean enough to be an effective sheriff .
tr	5	He wasn 't big enough neither , being only middle sized in height , and prone to the lean side except for his protruding belly .
tr	5	Hank couldn 't tell whether the man was talking up to him or down , which was curious since Hank was near a head taller than him .
tr	5	Bill paused , spat and , peering down at the spot where it had landed , seemed to be contemplating the import of his own conjecture .
tr	5	When that happens , that 's where I 'll heading , and I 'll be taking along anybody that is of a mind to join me .
tr	5	I 'll show you , " and so saying , he pulled out a big knife and reached forward , intent on stabbing the toad .
tr	5	It seemed to him as if it had only been a few days since General Santa Anna 's army had swept through his village near Zacatecas .
tr	5	He had been too young and new , so he had only helped with feeding soldiers , and after the battle , with caring for the wounded .
tr	5	Since they had come later , long after it had been written , most of what he knew about them he had learned from his religious studies .
tr	5	San Francisco had also established an entire order of the Christian religion that practiced humility , servitude , destitution , and above all , devotion to God .
tr	5	Since the countryside hadn 't been so much different all the way down from Lexington , he hadn 't thought much about it at the time .
tr	5	He had simply assumed that sort of countryside would stretch all the way to the west coast , which he 'd heard was way out there somewhere .
tr	5	He 'd heard about the troubles over the last couple of years with the government of Mexico , but he didn 't pay it much heed .
tr	5	But once they got riled up , it didn 't seem it could be stopped until they ran out of energy , along with everything else .
tr	5	Although he had worked hard for fifteen years to stay on good terms with the Mexican government , this time President Santa Anna had gone too far .
tr	5	Since the dissolution of Congress , the northern states of Mexico had rebelled , several of them even going so far as to declare independence .
tr	5	It was a long rough ride , and she wasn 't one to waste a day that could be used for some back breaking chore or another .
tr	5	With this thought in mind , Hank honed his story for an entire day before approaching Julie with what he thought would meet her approval .
tr	5	Because the nights started cooling down a bit this time of year , the cabin wasn 't too hot for passing the time in the morning .
tr	5	Suddenly realizing the silence had grown embarrassingly long , Hank sheepishly began his carefully planned speech timidly , suggesting , " Been thinkin ' , Julie . "
tr	5	Baffled at her complexity , he continued his soliloquy , still searching for the right phrase , " Well , here 's the thing , Julie .
tr	5	As a result Julie , who was in an expansive mood over their surprisingly good finances , decided to do a bit of unplanned shopping .
tr	5	Of course , that doesn 't rule out the possibility of minor skirmishes sooner , what with some troops already on the ground in Texas . "
tr	5	In his view , it was a fundamental act of humankind to walk , and it just so happened this was a perfect day for it .
tr	5	Hank abruptly dismounted from his horse and let out a grunt , complaining amiably , " Ain 't too used to riding for hours at a time .
tr	5	Hank really didn 't care much for walking , but it seemed the prudent thing to do since he cared even less for traveling alone .
tr	5	In Hank 's opinion , once the decision was made to get into a war , you ought to go straight after it without hesitation .
tr	5	But , as he certainly didn 't need a sore on his butt , he decided to keep his mouth shut for the time being .
tr	5	" On a scale of one to ten , it was about a three , " Hawk tallied , without so much as missing a stride .
tr	5	" Well , sir , it seems that the Egyptians thought that beetles were gods , " Hawk continued , attempting to clear up the mystery .
tr	5	The Egyptians thought they were gods because they would roll up a bunch of turds and drag them into a hole , and seal it up tight .
tr	5	" Don 't know quite what to say to that , Mr. Hawk Banks , " Hank said , continuing to trudge on down the trail .
tr	5	I expect it does sound somewhat bizarre to you , but where I come from , this would all be pretty normal subject matter . "
tr	5	Ain 't never heard anyone ever say ' subject matter ' outside of a classroom , and that 's been at least twenty years for me . "
tr	5	But for me , it 's neither - too much politics , and too many people telling you do this and don 't do that .
tr	5	After a while , it gets to the point that you can hardly breathe from the claustrophobia of folks minding your business for you . "
tr	5	" Meaning , about them beetles that shit their offspring in a dung hole , " Hank added , grinning proudly at his newfound cognition .
tr	5	" Whatever , " Hawk replied blandly , adding coincidentally , " Turns out , the Egyptians considered it to be sacrilegious to eat beetles . "
tr	5	Columbus didn 't discover this continent until about three hundred years ago , and the Egyptians began worshipping beetles a lot longer ago than that .
tr	5	In my religion , if I eat a beetle , I absorb all of its godliness , and that 's where we started this discussion .
tr	5	As they were in an elevated spot , a beautiful panorama now unfolded before their eyes , allowing them to see for miles off in the distance .
tr	5	" Well , here 's the thing , boys , " Hawk announced , " I 'm a Ranger - sworn to defend Texans against Indians .
tr	5	Sensing their collective shock , Hawk just glanced at each one of them in turn , thenceforth commanding , " Follow me , gents . "
tr	5	Moving as fast as he could to swim the river , Hawk intended to reach the far bank before the pup finished what he was doing .
tr	5	By now , satisfied that the brave was not coming for him , Hawk leaned over to the woman and asked her if she was alright .
tr	5	She yanked the ropes off as fast as lightening , grabbed Hawk 's knife and ran for the pup who had been on top of her .
tr	5	She jumped on the corpse , stabbed it , over and over , repeatedly saying , quietly , " That 's for Billy , you bastard .
tr	5	They killed a couple of Texans , captured a white woman , and , perhaps most important of all , they defended themselves to the death .
tr	5	Twelve weary months have crept away Since he , upon thy natal day Left thee and me , to seek afar A bloody fate in doubtful war .
tr	5	The woman , having completed her song , stood motionless for a few seconds more , and then she silently stepped from the cliff into thin air .
tr	5	I haven 't got it all quite clear yet since folks all seem to be in a rush , but here is what I know .
tr	5	Most folks think that being ordered to give it back violates the Constitution of 1824 , so they 're refusing to comply with the request .
tr	5	" That 's the beauty of joining the military - once you 're signed on , you don 't have to do any thinking whatsoever .
tr	5	Eventually dawn came and , the fog so thick Hank couldn 't see a hundred feet , he figured the whole thing would be called off .
tr	5	Hank had never been in a war before , but if that was the first shot of this war , Hank figured it to be entirely forgettable .
tr	5	The cannon went off once and , as there was still too much darn fog , Hank hadn 't the slightest idea what was going on .
tr	5	They all sat down after a few minutes and , waiting around for what seemed like two hours , they then marched back into town .
tr	5	From Hank 's viewpoint , everyone seemed to be overly optimistic , and worse still , the army appeared to be little more than a mob .
tr	5	And perhaps worst of all , latecomers frantically attempted to attach themselves to the excitement , acting as though they had been there from the outset .
tr	5	He could see another one of those infernal speeches coming on , but he felt he had no choice but to play out his part .
tr	5	The Spanish influence is definitely stronger here than anywhere I 've been on this continent , and I expect it will increase the further south we go .
tr	5	Hank pondered a moment , then offered , " Well , I expect they 'd eat everything , and then we 'd all die . "
tr	5	Because the elevation was much higher around the capital of Mexico , it was not nearly as cool here as it was in Mexico City .
tr	5	News had reached them that the first shots had been fired at Gonzales , thereby obliging Austin to prepare for his immediate departure with the volunteer army .
tr	5	He was sure that he was the only person who could bring together an army sufficiently large to deal with the current state of affairs .
tr	5	Word spread through town faster than he could walk down the street -- " General Austin has arrived to take command of the Army of Texas ! "
tr	5	Word came to Austin shortly thereafter that General Cos and his army of five hundred soldiers had vacated Goliad and marched to Bexar a few days earlier .
tr	5	The other was the Alamo in Bexar , and it was now clear to Austin that Cos planned to make it his base of operations .
tr	5	Hawk had to be at least fifteen years older than him , but that wily son of a no good tree stump could walk for sure .
tr	5	He took a short drag , grimaced as he swallowed , then continued with , " What in hell is that stuff , anyway ? "
tr	5	Never would have known if it hadn 't been for my little friend here , and so saying , he gestured towards his hip flask .
tr	5	Francisco glanced around uncomfortably and , since no one seemed to be inclined to say anything , he murmured softly , " Well , yes sir .
tr	5	They could see plenty of mesquite trees , but very few appeared to be large enough to meet the requirements laid out by Sergeant Pena .
tr	5	As it turned out , they only had to go upriver a couple of hundred yards before they found a large stand of cottonwood trees .
tr	5	Since he abhorred the thought of digging ditches , Francisco was suddenly very glad that he had spoken up , but his optimism was short lived .
tr	5	They were good men , good hunters , sure shooters , and so far as he could tell , they could be depended on in a fight .
tr	5	" Already cleaned mine , " Hawk observed , " I expect I 'll get myself a poke , soon as we 're there . "
tr	5	Mims had financed the scheme , and although Fannin had succeeded in transporting a fair number of slaves , he had continued to carry significant debts .
tr	5	To look at the dilapidated rows of stone huts , anyone would have been surprised to hear that it was one of the largest cities in Texas .
tr	5	" After you 're finished eating - you , Travis and the other officers meet me in my tent to discuss military tactics , " Austin ordered .
tr	5	His surprise evident at this offer , Hawk responded politely , " Sir , I have had no military training in my entire life . "
tr	5	Now Cos was faced with the prospect of dealing with these hardened revolutionaries that outnumbered his poorly equipped and trained army by as much as two-to-one .
tr	5	He wanted desperately to believe that Ursula was with God , watching over him , instilling in him the fortitude to pursue his better nature .
tr	5	But despite this , he continued to wade headlong into adversity , always the optimist , ever certain that his next adventure would turn a fortune .
tr	5	Great to see you , " Austin responded and holding out his hand , implored , " Welcome , please come in and have a seat ! "
tr	5	" I have not had the pleasure of meeting Captain Fannin , sir , " Bowie rejoined , " But I do know him by reputation .
tr	5	Now to the point - we are challenged with somehow deploying a volunteer army that is little more than a mob into a daunting foray .
tr	5	I need not tell you that General Cos commands twice our number of men or more , and that they are well trained and supplied .
tr	5	Furthermore , they occupy Bexar , which you would know better than anyone else in this army , provides a great deal of protection for his men .
tr	5	" Fair enough , sir , and I am honored that you have seen fit to offer me such a pivotal role in this engagement .
tr	5	I say we search out a location where we can get close in to the city , and fortify that location as quickly as possible .
tr	5	" On the surface it makes sense , but General Austin gave specific orders to report back before occupying a new site , Colonel Bowie . "
tr	5	" I know , but that could destroy the element of surprise , " Bowie suggested , adding , " I 'd hate to lose that advantage .
tr	5	The river afforded a natural protection , thereby forcing the enemy to cross the river and then cross that open plain in order to attack .
tr	5	" All it means is I 'm Hawk 's property to order around , " he thought to himself , simultaneously noticing Hawk sauntering his way .
tr	5	When you see the site of the Mission Concepcion , I expect that you will concur with me that time was of the essence . "
tr	5	The infernal heat that had infested Texas the previous summer was now slowly filtering away into a glorious autumn with cool nights and pleasant days .
tr	5	As quickly as a new crop arrived , ready to join up , just as many or more left , tired of the inaction by General Austin .
tr	5	To make matters worse , word had it that Austin 's entire staff were at odds not only with him , but also with one another .
tr	5	Hawk kept hoping that someone would get the gumption to take control and discontinue the voting , but no one seemed to be up to the challenge .
tr	5	One must take life as it comes , because I 'm here to tell you , this is the only one you got , sir .
tr	5	When captured , the boys had said that it was not theft -- they were just appropriating weapons so that they could join the Army of Texas !
tr	5	The two of you will make a perfect pair for this assignment , " and all three were by this point smiling in joint complicity .
tr	5	Hawk would never have considered entering the city on his own , but he found it surprisingly easy to do so with Juan Seguin as his companion .
tr	5	Here was not only something to do to take away from the boredom that had set in , but he now had access to the city .
tr	5	So just content yourself with watching , and let yourself imagine , imagine beyond your wildest dreams ... " Juan Seguin stepped quietly into the cantina .
tr	5	Hawk decided to try another approach , inquiring , " Señora , if you don 't mind me asking , what would make you happy ? "
tr	5	She hit him so fast , he didn 't even know it was coming , screaming , " So you want me to be your whore ! "
tr	5	For the life of him , he couldn 't tell whether he had just gotten the upper hand , or whether in fact she had .
tr	5	On the contrary , if there was a fight within a hundred miles , you could count on him to be right in the middle of it .
tr	5	He was still contemplating the latest turn of events when there came a knock at his door , eliciting from him , " Please enter ! "
tr	5	Quite a few of them came here with their hearts in the right place , but they have families to feed , and crops to plant .
tr	5	It was the first one of the coming winter , the one that reminds you what you had forgotten that you disliked so much about winter .
tr	5	Hank , continuing to scratch himself distractedly , observed , " Well now , that does sound important , I 'll give you that , Hawk .
tr	5	" Colonel , I have been appointed to be an emissary from the State of Texas in Mexico to the United States of America . "
tr	5	San Antonio Hawk had barely managed to contain himself till sundown , but once it had grown dark he 'd immediately set off for the city .
tr	5	When he spots the enemy approaching , he can inform you so that you have sufficient time to send out a party to cut them off . "
tr	5	" Sir , " Bowie said upon entering , " Deaf says they 're five miles outside the city , exactly as we anticipated . "
tr	5	I leave it to you to decide how you will engage the enemy , but just make sure you get between them and Bexar . "
tr	5	Quickly brushing off the shavings from the stick he 'd been whittling mindlessly , he raced over to the horse shed to saddle up Achilles .
tr	5	he yelped and , hastily jumping up to pull on his boots , he prepared to march out as quickly as his distracted brain would allow .
tr	5	" Where 're we goin ' , " he asked groggily , but the soldier had already moved on in search of other human kicking posts .
tr	5	One soldier let out a whoop and said , " We got ' em , Colonel Bowie , we got ' em on the run ! "
tr	5	Hank scanned about in search of Hawk , and sure enough , there he was off to his left , not more than a hundred yards distant .
tr	5	" I swear , this army couldn 't keep a secret if it meant we were all set to win a parole pass from perdition ! "
tr	5	" No sir , there ain 't no silver , " and it was clear that Hawk was not the least bit happy at this revelation .
tr	5	On the one hand , he told himself that this was no time to become entwined with a woman , especially one so obviously complex as she .
tr	5	Then her look hardened and , appearing exceedingly proud , she added , " But please do not speak to me this way , Señor .
tr	5	Why was it that the Mexican army always placed her least prepared soldiers farthest from home , where the likelihood of battle was the greatest ?
tr	5	The Mexicans , many of whom under his command were felons , wanted nothing more of this group of wild men from the back woods .
tr	5	He wondered how in the name of the Virgin Mary he would be able to rally his troops to win this battle in this godforsaken place .
tr	5	He had written to James Fannin , the highest ranking regular officer in San Antonio , and ordered him to vacate the army to Gonzales .
tr	5	General Edward Burleson was deep in discussion with his staff when a messenger came in to inform him that Lieutenant Banks had arrived with important news .
tr	5	" Sir , with all due respect , I believe that neither option is the right one for us at this moment , " Hawk replied .
tr	5	Hawk now added , " Sir , based on my information , supplies are low in the city , and the soldiers are drinking a great deal .
tr	5	Somebody said that the command staff had been surveying the defenses , that they had been ordered to attack at this particular point for that very reason .
tr	5	Most of the time they missed - their weapons were really terrible -- but every once in a while one of Hank 's buddies got shot .
tr	5	Antonia kissed him on the check , as if she were his mother , murmured softly , " Well , Francisco , we owe you .
tr	5	He thought momentarily how incongruous it was to be admiring a woman in such a life-threatening situation , suddenly realizing that he had no weapon .
tr	5	The heat of the day was fetid within the stone houses , flies fighting for the opportunity to buzz and bite whoever entered each enclosure .
tr	5	No sooner would the volunteers complete their sweep of one small area than the enemy would appear in another part of the maze of downtown Bexar .
tr	5	Hawk went looking for Antonia at the first opportunity , locating her right where he would have expected - with Teresa at her small home .
tr	5	Enhancing the familial atmosphere as the three strolled down the street to join the revelry , Teresa grabbed Hawk 's pants leg and tugged on it gently .
tr	5	Hawk reached down and , sweeping Teresa up into his arms , tossed her just a bit , at which the child emitted an enormous giggle .
tr	5	Accordingly , he laid his pick axe aside and headed to the commandant 's quarters , where he found Captain Seguin in the company of Colonel Neill .
tr	5	But what 's got me worried the most is the paltry number of troops we will have here when Grant and Johnson head out for Matamoros .
tr	5	Hawk was not a man to shirk his duty , but he was thinking on the attachment that he had begun to feel for Señora Perez .
tr	5	I have discussed this with her , and it is our mutual view that the best place to go at this time is to Bastrop .
tr	5	It is just that I have observed that whenever you spit , you can be counted on to eventually agree , no matter what the issue . "
tr	5	Hank is from Bastrop , and he knows the area and some of the folks there , so he may be of use in recruiting . "
tr	5	She wore a long riding skirt , a white ruffled blouse and a short Mexican style overcoat , together with some really expensive looking riding boots .
tr	5	But this close to the hills , the river ran clean and clear , a welcome change from the muddy rivers that flowed in East Texas .
tr	5	Where women were concerned , Hank had enough experience to know that if there was a child in the bargain , employing logic was a lost cause .
tr	5	On the bright side , Teresa was bundled up nicely , and she appeared to be faring much better than she had during the previous night .
tr	5	As they dismounted , Hawk indicated to Hank that he should get together some firewood , and for some reason Hawk rode off to the northwest .
tr	5	Hank set about preparing camp for the evening while Antonia tended to Teresa , attempting to make the child comfortable and warm for the cold night ahead .
tr	5	For her part , Antonia simply sat down within the tiny fortress , inquiring to Hank , " Does he know what he 's doing ? "
tr	5	Their slim supply of food hadn 't gone very far , quite a bit having been lost in the creek when the horses had gone down .
tr	5	While Hank 's supposition that the simplest thing for the Indians to do was to wait , Hawk reasoned that they would not do this .
tr	5	It 's not more than two feet wide , but it 's just right for me to get the jump on them , I reckon . "
tr	5	Surely he didn 't think that Hank could really pick off four of them , armed with two rifles , a knife and a piece of wood !
tr	5	Hank dreamed that he was in hand-to-hand combat with a giant snake , which was pretty interesting , seeing as how snakes had no hands .
tr	5	If it is Buffalo Hump , then we 're most likely safe so long as he doesn 't know we haven 't a loaded weapon between us .
tr	5	While he was doing that , Hawk loaded the third , then slapped Antonia , not too hard , but hard enough to shut her up .
tr	5	" Aw , hell , " Hawk said , grabbing her and , pulling her to him , wrapped her in a great bear hug .
tr	5	And we 'll get you fed , " Hawk said with a big grin , and so saying , he swept her up onto his shoulders .
tr	5	" Hank , Antonia , this here is Major Bonham of the South Carolina Grey 's , come with his men here to support the Texas Revolution .
tr	5	She has done the Army of Texas great service , and I am attempting to get her out of harm 's way during this conflict .
tr	5	" I am wondering , " Bonham continued , " I believe I heard you say that you intended to protect the Señora here from harm .
tr	5	The locals informed us upon our passage through there that the current hostilities between the Indians and the locals made it unsafe to remain in Bastrop .
tr	5	He now turned to Bonham and said , " We 'll be taking those three horses now if that is alright with you , sir . "
tr	5	Hawk and Hank began preparing to depart for Bastrop when one of the Grey 's came running up to Major Bonham and yelled , " Indians !
tr	5	In fact , I 'll bet he went off and rounded those braves up to catch us for killing his five buddies last night . "
tr	5	Throughout the playing out of this bizarre scene , the prairie fire , now no more than fifty yard distant , continued to expand and intensify .
tr	5	Launching himself full force directly into Hawk 's massive chest , the pair went down and rolled over and over two , then three times .
tr	5	" You have disgraced the Army of Mexico , General , " he said , and this last was said softly , seemingly without malice .
tr	5	His father had told him about great snow storms back in Scotland , but he 'd never experienced more than a few inches at one time .
tr	5	To make matters worse , quite a few men had deemed the war to be over , and they had simply set off for home .
tr	5	He had lost the feeling in his fingers and toes , but by continuously shifting and moving , he had been able to avoid falling asleep .
tr	5	Francisco felt certain that every one of them was wondering the same thing -- what in the name of the Virgin Mary were they doing here !
tr	5	But then the wind began to let up some , the sun came out , and after an hour , the clouds began to dissipate .
tr	5	He was contemplating the deep psychological significance of his own question when he noticed a large group of men riding into town from the north .
tr	5	A sunny warmth poured across the field , a welcome change from the previous week , when snow had chilled the folks in Bastrop to the bone .
tr	5	" Those birds were so dumb , they didn 't have the sense to come in out of the storm , " he thought to himself .
tr	5	He had that thing that all men seemed to have -- a lack of good sense that made him seek out the worst possible solution .
tr	5	He said something unintelligible to the other three and pulled back mightily on his reins , turned his horse , and ran full speed for the woods .
tr	5	They might even be in the woods right now a watchin ' , so we best be gettin ' into town where it 's safe .
tr	5	He knew he couldn 't stop Julie , head strong woman that she was , but he wanted the blame to be off of him .
tr	5	Sheriff Green had given her enough to go on so that she was confident that she could find Gonzales , although locating Hank was another matter .
tr	5	She had thought on it for several months now , and it didn 't seem to make any sense to just wait around any longer .
tr	5	Having accomplished his objective , he hopped down from the horse , certain that he had made a new friend , and a famous one at that .
tr	5	They had made it a game when they killed a rabbit or a turkey , chasing it down as if they were playing with it .
tr	5	She had seemed to understand something mysterious , but she had carried on , " I have just one question for you , Señor . "
tr	5	" May as well , if you 're going to be miserable , I may as well drown it out somehow , " Hank answered sullenly .
tr	5	" Let me remind you , Señor , you came to my house to say something to me two weeks ago , " Antonia replied with consternation .
tr	5	Hearing this , Bowie had decided on his own recognizance to return to Goliad and help there as best he could - the council be damned .
tr	5	Having declined Houston 's suggestion , he prodded his horse forward , the thirty volunteers from Goliad that he had persuaded to accompany him following close behind .
tr	5	He was standing at the highest point in the fort , on the dirt parapet built as a buttress against the rear wall of the old mission .
tr	5	To make matters worse , Bowie chose the slightest excuse to go off and get roaring drunk for two or three days at a time .
tr	5	" Heard of you , Mr. Bowie , " Crockett responded , " Seems we 've both had a few scrapes in our time . "
tr	5	It had been a long cold winter , and Hawk had said little most days , but when he got to talking it was always colorful .
tr	5	Heck , I don 't even know where she is any more , although it would do my heart good to hear she left that lawyer .
tr	5	I 'd say that is about the most ridiculously understated description of our current predicament that any man could ever conjure up , sir . "
tr	5	Having heard Stephen Austin 's speech in Gonzales the previous fall , she suspected that General Cos ' family relationship to Santa Anna would be pivotal .
tr	5	Susannah knew men like that - they never let a failure go by the wayside -- in the end , they always got to get even .
tr	5	As this was friendly territory , the locals were inclined to supply his army with intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the forces of Grant and Johnson .
tr	5	And now , at the last moment , at the last river separating the army and their enemy , the weather had conspired against them .
tr	5	And with each passing hour , the army slowing to a near standstill , El Presidente knew that the element of surprise was slipping from his grasp .
tr	5	was all Hawk replied , and so saying , he immediately turned Achilles and drove hard for Bexar , racing as fast as Achilles would take him .
tr	5	The emotions that passed between the two changed rapidly from fear , to love , to realization , to resignation , and finally , to acceptance .
tr	5	" No , " he said softly , " No , I don 't , " the two melting into a gentle embrace of acceptance of reality .
tr	5	You 're right , " and Hawk didn 't want to say that they might have been seeing only the advance guard of the Mexican Army .
tr	5	Three months ago , I wouldn 't have cared one way or the other , but now I have just as much to live for as you .
tr	5	Hawk halted abruptly and , seemingly taking in Nate for the first time , responded politely , " Why , of course you are , Nate .
tr	5	We may be testing out your reckoning before the day is out , " and that is how Nate joined up with Hank and Hawk .
tr	5	" Hot damn , we 're gon na have ourselves a turkey shoot , " he said , and punctuated it by dancing around in a circle .
tr	5	But as his eyes adjusted to the light , he saw her , sitting at a table in the corner , surrounded by several men .
tr	5	He rushed to the table and , his relief all too apparent , he realized how he must have looked to her , but he was desperate .
tr	5	Antonia turned to him and spoke benignly , " Ah , so we meet again , Señor Francisco Ernesto de la Garza , my little one .
tr	5	I will be back shortly , " and at this she arose gracefully and took Francisco by the hand , leading him silently into the night air .
tr	5	" Señora , " he said and , grasping her by the arm , he jerked her around and pulled her to him , kissing her savagely .
tr	5	Travis now attempted another approach , pleading softly , " Sir , you must at least recognize that you are in no position to command this army .
tr	5	" However , as for the first option , it goes against my orders , and I will not disobey my orders , sir . "
tr	5	Travis gazed at Bowie for a few moments , eventually acquiescing , " Sir , sadly , we are for the first time in complete agreement .
tr	5	The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion , otherwise , the garrison are to be put to the sword , if the fort is taken .
tr	5	And each time the enemy launched an attack , the defenders decimated enemy troops wherever they attempted to find a weakness in the Alamo perimeter .
tr	5	" I 'll make do , but as there are Indians about , I 'll need some men to go with me , some good riders .
tr	5	How about those two that rode out to check up on the Mexican Army two days ago - can I take them , sir ? "
tr	5	Now that he 'd figured that out , it was just a matter of details , meaning exactly how to go about accomplishing his buddy 's getaway .
tr	5	Because the San Antonio River wound to and fro between Bexar and Goliad , it was necessary to cross it several times before arriving in Goliad .
tr	5	Bexar was the only other major garrison on the plains , the pair of missions the only means of halting the advance of the Army of Mexico .
tr	5	To his trained eye , it seemed to make sense that the main enemy force would therefore take the less arduous coastal route northward through Goliad .
tr	5	The troops rode into the mission shortly thereafter , and though they appeared weary , there was obvious relief to be at the end of their ride .
tr	5	Bonham exclaimed , " We have accomplished what we feared most of all - we have succeeded in enraging the entire population of Mexico , sir . "
tr	5	" I expected that was coming , sir , " Fannin responded thoughtfully , " No , no , I don 't see how it 's possible .
tr	5	Under the circumstances , I should think it would be far easier for your forces to advance to his aid than the other way round . "
tr	5	Realizing exactly what he had to do , he set off for General Santa Anna 's headquarters , whereupon he reported that he had discovered a spy .
tr	5	As a result , it was possible to climb up to the highest point within the Alamo and look toward the east - towards Seguin 's ranch .
tr	5	Although he was a natural born citizen of Mexico , he was no longer in a position to choose which side he would prefer to support .
tr	5	Crossing himself , he spoke a silent prayer for the departed and stood silently , the memories carrying him far away , to another time and place .
tr	5	Hawk stared at Juan for a moment and , the reality of it sinking in , murmured wretchedly , " I was afraid of that .
tr	5	I promised Antonia ... " but then , awareness rising to the surface , he gurgled , " Oh God , my dear Antonia ! "
tr	5	Opening the bottle for his bereaved amigo , Juan instructed compassionately , " My friend , there are times when a man should forget himself .
tr	5	The effect being essentially immediate , he sensed a comforting pang of sorrow sweeping over him , the pain growing distant , the raw edge mercifully blunted .
tr	5	The latter , on the other hand , promises to be far more exciting , but the outcome of it is most assuredly in doubt .
tr	5	Later , as Nate was engaging in his daily task of digging , he thought on the state of things , and what they could expect .
tr	5	Every once in a while they 'd start firing them darn things off , but so far they were just a damn nuisance more than anything .
tr	5	Nate only heard maybe four or five shots fired , and in little more than a minute , Bonham was through the gate and into the fort .
tr	5	I need not remind you that had it not been for your incompetence we would not now be engaged in this battle to retake the Alamo .
tr	5	The next time that I see you , General , you will either be inside the walls of the Alamo , or you will be dead .
tr	5	As he pondered whether this was going to be the final assault , he noticed that the cannons weren 't firing from the opposite river bank .
tr	5	He was simply swept up in the fervor , the great sense of national pride as he and his fellow soldiers pressed forward to defeat the enemy .
tr	5	Unable to place his finger on the emotion on the man 's face , he assumed it to be a mixture of triumph and resignation .
tr	5	Apparently seeking a place to hide , within seconds she could hear the shouts of several Mexican soldiers as they pursued him through the door .
tr	5	Susannah staggered into the courtyard , momentarily blinded by the brilliant sunlight , intent only on maintaining her balance so as to avoid injuring Angelina .
tr	5	Surveying in every direction , she saw mounds of bodies , rivers of blood , soldiers moaning , if not already dead , sobbing their final breaths .
tr	5	The infectious sense of triumphant enthusiasm that had permeated the hills of East Texas only three months earlier had turned to stark fear and dejection .
tr	5	First , messages had been received confirming that Grant 's and Johnson 's forces had been decimated in a series of skirmishes south of Goliad .
tr	5	There were now sufficient forces remaining in Texas to afford only a single army , and Houston was determined to make the most of them .
tr	5	First , Colonel Fannin had sent off an entire company of forty men to Refugio , where they had all promptly been captured by the Mexican Army .
tr	5	It had subsequently developed that there were in fact two armies heading north from Mexico , and Goliad was directly within the path of the second one .
tr	5	Under the circumstances , they had fought pretty well , but from the first shot it was clear that a victory was out of the question .
tr	5	They had twice as many men as Travis had commanded at the Alamo , and Colonel Fannin had pissed the entire force right down the creek .
tr	5	Given these reassurances , Fannin 's troops had marched back to La Bahia and begun preparing for the process of shipping them out to New Orleans .
tr	5	They would not go down without a fight , and executing Colonel Fannin 's entire army would ultimately only make things worse for the Army of Mexico .
tr	5	Surely they would intern an army only until the war was over , but after the massacre at the Alamo , he had to consider all possibilities .
tr	5	And in all truth , of the two , he felt certain that no more than one of them would ever reach the pearly gates of heaven .
tr	5	He attempted to pretend as if it was nothing and , failing miserably , he sensed that his prisoner had apparently discerned his intended fate .
tr	5	The man stared at Francisco , an indescribable expression on his face - was it fear , or was it hatred -- turned , and ran .
tr	5	Fifty Yards Away Hank , sprinting as fast his legs would carry him , hoped that in the smoke and confusion no one would follow .
tr	5	He had seemed to Hank to be little more than a boy , and the look on his face had been one of naked despair .
tr	5	From beneath the water 's surface he heard two musket shots , felt them rip through the water , but neither struck their intended mark .
tr	5	He swam as fast as he could for the water 's edge , hoping that none of the soldiers jumped in the river to follow .
tr	5	Realizing immediately what it foretold , Fannin stood quickly and stared off towards the prairie , as if straining to see what he could not .
tr	5	He paused a moment and , wiping sweat from his brow , announced sadly , " The Mexican Army has executed the prisoners at Goliad . "
tr	5	" Get me that man , soldier , " he exclaimed , " I want to question him further , " but it was only a feint .
tr	5	He had taken the occasion to open a bottle of his finest porto , his porter now pouring a glass for each of the officers .
tr	5	" Gentlemen , " the commanding general began , " Word has just come of the destruction of Colonel Fannin 's entire army at Goliad .
tr	5	He hoped that Houston was a smarter man than he appeared to be , that he had conceived of a visionary scheme that would save the day .
tr	5	But he had rallied yet again , at which point Hawk was obliged to admit great admiration for the way the general had recovered his composure .
tr	5	It developed that while Hawk and his now deceased buddies had been surrounded at the Alamo , a new government had been formed at San Felipe .
tr	5	There was now in Texas an Army of Mexico that numbered nearly ten thousand combatants , and there was no Army of Texas to speak of .
tr	5	Instead , repeatedly crossing fields with waist-high grass , he made a desperate attempt to put as many miles as possible between himself and Goliad .
tr	5	All he knew was that he was headed east , and since he had not taken the main road , he had no idea where he was .
tr	5	He decided on the spur of the moment to see if he could catch up with the woman before she got on down the trail .
tr	5	Raising her rifle , she shouted forcefully , " Mister , you walk this way , and don 't you be trying nothin ' suspicious ! "
tr	5	Hank complied , and as he came close up to her wagon , he could see that she was perhaps a few years older than him .
tr	5	Suddenly overwhelmed by the enormity of his disclosure , he fell to his knees , put his hands to his face , and began sobbing uncontrollably .
tr	5	Well , at least up until six months ago , when I got that darn fool notion to up and join the Volunteer Army of Texas ! "
tr	5	The two sort of eyed each other from a distance of perhaps thirty yards , both sorely attempting to insure their eyes weren 't tricking them .
tr	5	Hank coughed a bit and spat out , " No sir , no sir , ain 't possible that 's a hug from a ghost .
tr	5	He 'd spent one especially dismal afternoon cooking up a pot of boiling animal fat and mud , subsequently basting the tent with the obscene concoction .
tr	5	" Har , har , " Hawk shot back , his head clearing , " Stinks to high heaven in here , but we 're dry .
tr	5	" This here ain 't no chess game , Hawk , " Hank exclaimed in stark irritation , " We got lives at stake ! "
tr	5	" Alright , I get your point , " Hank murmured and , apparently regretting this last inanity , repeated , " I get it .
tr	5	" Well , that is a long story , and it doesn 't exactly apply here , but let 's just say that he outsmarted them .
tr	5	" Give me some evidence , anything at all ... anything , " Hank suggested , now zeroing in on the end game of their debate .
tr	5	We need to lay low , because we have very few weapons at our disposal , and we must therefore pick exactly the right time and place .
tr	5	So now here he sat with an army that was shrinking by the day , and half of those who remained were under the weather .
tr	5	On the other hand , if he could somehow maneuver to engage one and only one of them , they might just score a victory of sorts .
tr	5	" He seems to be growing up , " Julie thought to herself incongruously , her only positive thought in an otherwise sea of concern .
tr	5	Her family had come a long way to get away from war and killing , and it had all followed them right here to Texas .
tr	5	The driver of the wagon , now launched into the middle of the river , was hurled downriver , his head as he screamed for help .
tr	5	As one driver passed Julie , he yelled that they were going to try further upriver , suggesting hopefully that there might be some shallows nearby .
tr	5	As she pulled the wagon over the ridge on the far bank , she glanced back at the poor souls awaiting their turn to cross .
tr	5	Peering above , off in the distance beyond the far shore , she thought she could see a banner -- the approach of Santa Anna 's scouts .
tr	5	Mother and son were sleeping in a thicket , attempting to be as safe as possible , but the enemy scouts heard the horse snorting .
tr	5	The soldiers had first tied the pair up , and then sat around the fire getting drunk so as to show off their manliness to one another .
tr	5	Therefore , the sentence that will be passed is that he will have the thumb of his left hand cut off by the woman he has offended .
tr	5	Julie , having resigned herself to the inevitable , was surprised to see a soldier on a horse with a ridiculously perfect uniform ride into camp .
tr	5	He was accompanied by an entourage of similarly dressed men who , following a series of commands issued by their leader , did his bidding without question .
tr	5	She couldn 't figure out why they were trying only him , but it didn 't take long to find out they 'd found him guilty .
tr	5	They had managed to evade Santa Anna 's army for more than a month , but now it was all coming down to the end game .
tr	5	More were deserting every day , and those that weren 't had reached the point where they would just as soon shoot him as the enemy .
tr	5	Except for snatches here and there , like the siege of Bexar , he 'd been more or less continuously walking all over the place .
tr	5	Hawk rose , a cup of coffee in his hand , and volunteered , " Well , then , I got good news for you , Corporal .
tr	5	Because you 're either gon na be on your way to meet the God you just got through damning , or this war is going be over .
tr	5	As he did so , he spotted the advancing Texas Army and , screaming in abject fear , he ran to the rear waving his arms .
tr	5	Hank was off towards the left end of the line , where there appeared to be several large tents near the rear of the enemy encampment .
tr	5	At that moment Hawk came up behind Hank and , gazing down on the visage of the soldier , he sucked in his breath in shock .
tr	5	At this , Hank bent down and examined further , suddenly exclaiming , " Look here at his left hand , Hawk - it 's bandaged . "
tr	5	Hank assumed that he could see or hear something , though Hank couldn 't tell what it might be in this pea soup of a fog .
tr	5	Such a scoundrel deserved nothing less than death in his opinion , but Houston understood full well that he was worth far more alive than dead .
tr	5	At this announcement General Houston lurched forward so hard he almost stood up , but then realized that would not be wise given his current state .
tr	5	Recognizing the voice , she knew who it couldn 't be , but she turned and sure enough it was , it was her own husband Hank .
tr	5	He had never been more in love with her than at this very moment , touched as he was by her feigned dissatisfaction with him .
tr	5	Hank , momentarily frozen in place , lunged for Julie , encircling her within a grateful embrace , Julie returning his adoration with a sly grin .
tr	5	At that moment , the sound of a baby 's wail bursting from within the cabin , Julie turned to see what the crying was about .
tr	5	David G. Burnet so infuriated Texans with his decision to allow Santa Anna to live that he spent much of the remainder of his life defending himself .
tr	5	Houston became such a towering figure of American folklore and legend in his own lifetime that he rarely found solitude the remainder of his life .
tr	5	The Alamo would become one of the most famous historical sites on Earth , visited by more Texans than any other place in the world .
tr	5	If you enjoyed Dr. Henry 's book , please be so kind as to provide a review on the website from which you purchased this book .
tr	5	Quantum Gate By Daniel Betts Copyright © Daniel Betts 2013 Smashwords Edition Smashwords Edition , License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only .
tr	5	Phoebe holds a wrinkled grey fist under her chin , her elbow resting on her other arm that she wraps just under her small breasts .
tr	5	The one that doesn 't , the last on the right , groans , " Please , doctor your alarmist viewpoint does not do you justice . "
tr	5	Once this happens we can get to their central cores , figure out how to emulate their protocols and order their vessels to stand down permanently .
tr	5	Blade 's dark face appears on the screen , surrounded by stars , his blue eyes glowing , three sharp horns sticking out of his knobby forehead .
tr	5	His head is human shaped but is smooth , hairless and lacks any features save a single blue strip of light where eyes would normally be found .
tr	5	Some of his colleagues have speculated many of the younger generations of humans have fallen in battle , but Doctor Hartman believes humanity may have become sterile .
tr	5	It descends at speed , extends its claws and releases a terrifying trumpet just before touching down , almost on top of the hovering Doctor .
tr	5	" Oh very well Doctor , but you and I are going to have a proper conversation about this one of these days , " Warrior declares .
tr	5	Eleanor , a tall thin woman with grey hair but a smooth complexion , takes her seat in the command chair of Blade 's main control hub .
tr	5	Several cries of dismay are heard from other officers on the observation deck who notice the strange occurrence , some pointing up at the screen .
tr	5	Blade and Warrior are the first to be pulled into the portal having , by some miracle , avoided the numerous bursts of red portal energy spikes .
tr	5	Eleanor 's eyes roll back into her head as she collapses onto the deck , the last of her breath leaving her lungs with a rough gasp .
tr	5	He is hovering above the dead body of a human crewmember , her lifeless body having been crushed against the bulkhead during transit through the quantum gate .
tr	5	" Apparently when the human ancestors were experimenting with static jump portals they didn 't know what was going to happen , but they risked everything anyway .
tr	5	" Besides , we are stuck here , we can 't create another quantum gate , not without the energy of an armada or a carrier .
tr	5	Tell them what we are planning to do and if they wish to provide support they are welcome , but this mission is voluntary . "
tr	5	His dark flesh appears to stretch over his grotesquely swollen muscles in such a manner as to suggest at any moment the flesh would tear or burst .
tr	5	" You know , captain , your current actions are a clear violation of the TDF Public Displays of Affection protocols established by the admiralty . "
tr	5	Clearing the round hole in the ceiling , Jason and Aria take a few steps and enter a round room with a large single leather chair .
tr	5	" Well ... 700 kilometers might be in range for my ... " Aria makes a poof motion with her fingers in front of her chest .
tr	5	Coming about the large icy moon the dragons quickly change course and dive toward the gas giant Neptune , which fills their entire field of view .
tr	5	We could have just flown into a pulse shield or had over two hundred pulse cannon rounds rain hell on us , " Warrior groans .
tr	5	" If it is any consolation , I did download several combat and strategic protocols before leaving the medical bay , " Hartman offers enthusiastically .
tr	5	Hartman proceeds toward the light , while Red slides in behind the doctor and begins walking backwards , keeping his rifle pointed behind them as they move .
tr	5	They are the ones that do the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome , it is the very definition of insanity . "
tr	5	As they step inside , the translucent walls ignite brightly , forcing all of them to squint painfully after having been in near darkness for several hours .
tr	5	He feels the sudden sensation of being in two places at once , followed by a low hum in his ears ... the sound of wind rushing .
tr	5	" It should have been a natural compulsion ... the need to come home ... to meet your creators , once you became self-aware . "
tr	5	" The compulsion you are referring to might be what the humans call the anomaly ... a compulsion to think for ourselves and therefore disobey orders . "
tr	5	" I wasn 't present a thousand years ago and the data for that era has been long clouded by more pressing matters , " Hartman explains .
tr	5	Red turns about in the hall outside the amphitheater and stomps into the room , holding up the barrel of his cannon in a safe direction .
tr	5	The human doctor who gave me this mission felt it could be use to develop a tool that would stop the slaughter in our galaxy . "
tr	5	Right now the war machines are growing in strength not diminishing , they technically have the resources of an entire galaxy at their disposal . "
tr	5	The docking tube is attached to an oval shaped structure on top of a gigantic cube that seems to hover within an even bigger metal cavern .
tr	5	" We only stuck around cause we knew you 'd be back , but there is no way we are sharing our work with anyone ever again .
tr	5	Sykes tumbles down the docking tube , out the opening and is seen falling into the depth of the cavern , spinning end over end .
tr	5	The debris of four corvettes drifts in the vicinity of the stricken patrol craft , but slowly limping and coming about is the fifth corvette .
tr	5	" Your ship ... or whatever ... is just in my range , but we need to get close and ... " " Wait ! "
tr	5	" Doctor Hicks , I can probably figure this out myself but it would be faster if ... " " Shrine , " Hicks states .
tr	5	The vat is filled with a thick green viscous material ; steam rising from the liquid fills the protected area with a light green mist .
tr	5	" Sanctuary was not built with dragons in mind , but Doctor Hicks and Red have been busy converting it into a dragon medical bay . "
tr	5	" Millions , maybe billions are dying right now as we speak ... and now it may never end ... unless I do something . "
tr	5	" A dragon cortex can be easily converted , we just need to synchronize your brain to the biotech nodes of the dragon , " Hartman decides .
tr	5	Soaring up over a large crater and gliding effortlessly to the top of a lunar mountain , Blade settles his bulk on an uneven peak .
tr	5	Floating near the spire is the TDF Samurai ; smaller vessels are attached to its hull , torch flashes indicating repairs underway to its damaged hull .
tr	5	He began writing as a child when he would build homemade paperback novels and fill them with exciting stories about hiking , bears or space adventures .
tr	5	This particular stint at Holloway had run about two weeks now -- yes , thirteen days -- and he wasn 't even in gaol proper yet .
tr	5	Somehow , the case against them would fall apart and onto the patsy 's shoulders , and Corbin was looking forward to the trial 's conclusion .
tr	5	And since the boss kept his end of the bargain , only requiring those few distasteful stints behind bars , Corbin wasn 't inclined to grumble much .
tr	5	Most visitors were weeping or ranting family , the occasional physician , or the frequent solicitor , but sometimes a chap like Fred would turn up .
tr	5	Not that Fred ever said what the boss was up to in the Queen 's English ( he and Corbin weren 't fools : ' shaw !
tr	5	Once he 'd passed along this information , the boss had not only managed to squash the other gang , but also made them his patsy .
tr	5	He 'd stopped across the hall with the visitor and one cell short of Corbin 's , and he wasn 't facing Corbin 's direction .
tr	5	For one , he needed to drop by his solicitor 's to see if the situation had changed about the property he wanted to buy .
tr	5	David belatedly realized that if he wished to accomplish anything further that morning he would have to be rude or make his way off Commercial .
tr	5	He could cut through here , zigzag down a few streets , and leave a note with his friend 's landlady within a few minutes .
tr	5	When he caught sight of David , his eyes widened and he tried to shout something , but one of others had a hand over his mouth .
tr	5	Sure , he knew how to throw a punch if necessary , despite the fact that his profession was supposed to be a peaceful one .
tr	5	Too dizzy to do much more than lurch unsteadily to his feet when the man he 'd jumped turned his attention back to Lewis Todd .
tr	5	" Go about your way , if you please , " one of the men said abruptly , his tone startlingly polite , city accent mostly gone .
tr	5	A few moments later , the sound of men dragging something -- someone -- heavy reached David 's ears , and he almost sighed in relief .
tr	5	Briefly , he 'd thought they might decide Lewis was too much of a bother to haul away alive , and finish him on the spot .
tr	5	They 'd been in court a number of times -- a few even due to Horace 's patient hounding -- but they had always slipped the charges .
tr	5	Of course , the trial was a nightmare of a court case , for the Harker lawyers were masters of minutiae and legal sleight of hand .
tr	5	While trying to work the gag free , the priest rose unsteadily to his feet and quested about cautiously until he came in contact with the sergeant .
tr	5	" I couldn 't see a way to free you before or on the way here , and I should 've -- " " -- No . "
tr	5	" I 'd rather find a way out of here under our own steam than learn what it is these chaps have in store for us .
tr	5	I left early to give testimony at court and returned home after I finished to fetch a few things before going to the station . "
tr	5	" One of those chaps ran up to me just as I was reaching my flat -- said he needed my help and to follow him .
tr	5	He missed on his first attempt ... with a little help from me ... so a few of his mates joined in from somewhere nearby .
tr	5	" I ... was actually dropping by to see you -- or , rather , leave a message with Mrs. Marsh , " David replied .
tr	5	His nerves were jittery from the brutality of the assault and kidnapping , and the abrupt cessation of the violence hadn 't curbed the feeling .
tr	5	" I ran into him when I left for the Old Bailey , but hadn 't had a chance to peruse what he gave me yet .
tr	5	* * * * * Detective Inspector Horace Tipple waited expectantly while the chief prison warden at Holloway consulted the logbook and a sheaf of paperwork .
tr	5	( Almost as soon as the prisoner 's disappearance became known , the Islington division had attempted to claim jurisdiction , as Holloway fell under its auspices .
tr	5	He 'd hoped the opposite was true , for he had a sergeant under his command who could produce astounding likenesses merely from others ' verbal descriptions .
tr	5	No amount of pounding or prying budged the solid wood , so the sergeant had suggested they allow their captors to open it for them .
tr	5	Without food or water , we 'll weaken quickly , so if we wish to escape at all , we must try sooner than later . "
tr	5	While the sergeant broke up one of the crates to make weapons of a sort and even apparently took a nap for a time , David paced .
tr	5	With a sigh , Horace leaned forward and traced a finger down a small , framed portrait of Hildy that sat at the corner of his desk .
tr	5	* * * * * In his younger years ( well , he still wasn 't very old ) , David Powell had been quite the cricketer .
tr	5	David concentrated on the rhythm of his breathing -- as Lew had whispered encouragingly to do -- the drumming of his pulse loud in his head .
tr	5	The priest couldn 't tell whether their captors had expected them to burst from their prison ; he didn 't have time to think about it .
tr	5	" Though I still don 't think they mean to let us go , perhaps they have other designs for us besides a quick death . "
tr	5	Then their hallway took a right turn , and then another right ... turning them back toward the main passage and their kidnappers and captivity .
tr	5	The room was a different one , and light flickering through a small , oblong hole in one of the walls broke up the darkness .
tr	5	After a few repetitions , however , the clergyman understood the other 's name was Innocent and that he was as much a newcomer as they were .
tr	5	Between the two of them , they maneuvered the sergeant onto his back , pried his arms away , and removed the remnants of his uniform tunic .
tr	5	To his right , he noticed a crew of workmen laying out their supplies to begin painting shutters and doors on the long row of tenements .
tr	5	The detective asked , though a look at Burberry 's rheumy eyes and he doubted the old fellow could pick out much with any clarity .
tr	5	Innocent had leaned over the slumbering policeman , his thick brows drawn in a pensive , thoughtful frown for a long moment before making his pronouncement .
tr	5	But then , the concern Innocent had shown to the injured policeman seemed far too genuine to be feigned , so a devious scheme seemed unlikely .
tr	5	When they 'd made their initial introductions , David had learned Innocent had arrived , as he and Lewis had , only the day before .
tr	5	This time David found it a bit easier to interpret what the young man was saying , perhaps becoming accustomed to his manner of speech .
tr	5	" Let 's forget for a time that each of us has an Englishman for a father ... forget the cold Victorian for a moment . "
tr	5	As the wracking effort shook the policeman 's frame , he clutched at David 's arm , his grip like a vice even after the fit subsided .
tr	5	The river was higher than I 'd ever seen it -- before or since -- from unusually heavy rains , and the current was quick .
tr	5	The breeze always smelled like fresh hay and damp rocks and growing things , and the air hardly had a man-made sound upon it . "
tr	5	Either of us could 've swum back to the shallows without much trouble , but you were out cold and I couldn 't swim far with you .
tr	5	Horace could count on the fingers of one hand the number of cases that had kept him awake at night during the course of his career .
tr	5	The daylight in their cell faded to twilight and then night ; lamplight from the adjoining room splintered the darkness through the hole in the wall .
tr	5	He could do what his friend had asked of him , at least in part , so he started forward with slightly more energy than an automaton .
tr	5	He cradled Lew 's head and shoulders as the man struggled ever more weakly to breathe , to cough away whatever was filling his lungs .
tr	5	Your crew leader told me to keep Lewis alive after he 'd been ripped to pieces by you lot , and I 've done all I can .
tr	5	The priest would 've kept shouting , only the door to his cell smashed open and the blond fellow strode in with a light in hand .
tr	5	Not of the hurt raining down on him , but that these thugs would leave him unable to fulfill his promise to his dear , dying friend .
tr	5	Sunday morning Hildy went to bed after sitting up with him for a half hour or more , but Inspector Tipple gave up on sleep altogether .
tr	5	However , Horace saw only the details that reminded him of the murderer who 'd slipped through his fingers -- was that only the day before yesterday ?
tr	5	" Sorry to wake you , sir , " Nolan went on , " but you asked that we ring you if anything further developed . "
tr	5	Horace asked , almost absently , as he turned to the large , detailed map of the East End tacked to the wall behind him .
tr	5	Holloway , Clerkenwell , and the Old Bailey were a few miles to the northwest of Whitechapel on the other side of the Old City .
tr	5	The newcomer 's words were a cross between a command and a plea ; at the same time , David felt himself wrapped in gentle embrace .
tr	5	After a moment , David opened his eyes -- one was nearly swelled shut -- and saw Innocent 's face only a few inches from his own .
tr	5	When he finally finished , Lewis was rather bloodied , but his breathing was noticeably stronger , less labored , and his face no longer bluish .
tr	5	David had yet to learn any of the languages from the Orient , but he had little doubt he would should they ever escape their current predicament .
tr	5	If this surprised David , hearing the blonde respond in the same language -- albeit with an unmistakably east London accent -- did so even more .
tr	5	Kneeling down by his friend , the little clergyman bowed his head and closed his eyes and began to speak the words Lewis had asked for .
tr	5	Their awe had made him uncomfortable , so he 'd brushed it away by saying he 'd received extensive training as a child -- only partially true .
tr	5	For a moment , he tried to hold onto them , to yank their importance back so he could understand again , but he gave up .
tr	5	" He dazzles you ; blinds you by spectacle , or by a flourish , or encourages you to look elsewhere while the trick is played .
tr	5	Openly waiting in the wings for one of them to finally leave the evidence I need to make a case strong enough for a conviction . "
tr	5	The evidence accompanying Nicholas Harker 's arrest was dazzling , and the trail of breadcrumbs that led from there to the witch 's house was spellbinding . "
tr	5	For the barest instant , the sergeant thought he knew what sentiment had darkened the old man 's expression , but then dismissed the notion at once .
tr	5	" Another soul caught up in this mess , picked up by the same chaps who nabbed us , though his lot seems different from ours . "
tr	5	He 'd been able to ignore last night 's abuse just sitting still ; standing and walking , however , were a far different story .
tr	5	" We 've aged like fine wine ... or maybe a smelly cheese -- but not changed much in essentials , " David returned with a smile .
tr	5	With a ferocious , wordless cry , Lewis hoisted himself to his feet and crossed the ground to the young man in three quick strides .
tr	5	As it was , the corner they stood in in the mostly empty receiving area was probably as secluded as anywhere else in the station .
tr	5	I didn 't approve of my sister becoming involved with that family at all , but she is ... was ... my senior by nearly a decade .
tr	5	While the rest of the family seem keen to support him and deny his culpability , I will not share their good opinion of the boy . "
tr	5	As I was making my way to the offices , I saw someone moving about near the area where equipment and raw materials are stored .
tr	5	" I was in the alley behind the factory when I awoke , and came straight here as soon as my wits returned fully . "
tr	5	The look on the young man 's face was frightened , yet he hadn 't raised a hand in struggle and lay still as he spoke .
tr	5	Cocking his head to one side , the Innocent studied the policeman for a moment and then thrust a hand into a pocket in his trousers .
tr	5	" You tore a stitch or two throwing the boy about , " the priest explained as he sat down stiffly next to the pair .
tr	5	( Frank had explained the situation to me -- he understands me like Father David does -- but not until I was already in jail .
tr	5	" And when you signed that confession written for you , we wouldn 't have pressed the matter further , " the policeman muttered to himself .
tr	5	Innocent 's answer -- that Uncle Conway had asked him to deliver a message to the police -- David repeated aloud for the bobby 's benefit .
tr	5	If nothing else , these small signs refuted any doubts Horace still had about whether Harker , Todd , and Powell could be entangled together .
tr	5	This chamber 's secret was more ghastly : a large , rusty stain had marred the floor and painted macabre swirls in the clay dust before drying .
tr	5	Sprinkled on the floor here ; near the wall , there ; a streak or two where someone may have lain and bled for a time .
tr	5	Yes , the chevrons were as expected , and the sleeves looked to be long enough for a man Sergeant Todd 's size : Bartholomew was right .
tr	5	They had to pause at each of the periodic intersections to determine where the trail of blood went before continuing , but continue they did .
tr	5	You raise a hand against any of my men in my absence -- or after my return -- and all hell will come down on you .
tr	5	Not sparing his men more than a glance , Horace shouldered his way through the throng of heavies to follow the bobbing light into the darkness .
tr	5	As soon as they were out the door and off down the corridor , the remaining heavies began tying up the priest and his friend .
tr	5	The thug who had taken such offense at him last night and beat him accordingly ( the one called Venn ) -- he took offense again .
tr	5	" For the good of -- " The prick of something hard and sharp under his chin forced the priest 's mouth shut with a snap .
tr	5	Venn 's question was directed at the blonde , and though the angry bruiser 's attention was temporarily diverted , the hold and the knife stayed put .
tr	5	The speaker was one David hadn 't heard before , and the man 's words broke through the horror replaying in the priest 's head .
tr	5	The newcomer 's voice murmured commands to someone ; the blonde replied ; then several of the men departed back the way they 'd come .
tr	5	David heard footsteps come toward him , and then the new fellow spoke quite nearby , as though he were standing next to Innocent and Lewis .
tr	5	Horace did , and then another of the gang made a show of searching the old policeman , patting him down for weapons and the like .
tr	5	And to Horace 's left , almost but not quite hidden in the shadows behind Todd and Powell and their guards , was the long-sought Nicholas Harker .
tr	5	Your continued , unjust persecution sent my great-grandfather to an early grave , and our family enterprise has suffered several times from your misguided attentions .
tr	5	At a gesture from the blonde , off came the hoods and the inspector was pleased to see both Lewis Todd and David Powell standing there .
tr	5	The gestures were ineffectual , though , and one hulking thug cuffed the little priest roundly about the ears until the fellow 's brief struggles subsided .
tr	5	, and both Todd and Powell looked at each other in what could only be dismay before they both wrenched at their captors ' holds .
tr	5	* * * * * David 's head ached from Venn 's blows , but his thoughts had been scattered well before the heavy had struck him .
tr	5	The gag felt looser in his parched mouth this time ; perhaps the rough use at Venn 's hands had made it slip a little .
tr	5	Apparently , the fellow had snagged one from his captors and then played dead ( or almost dead ) in order to cut through his bonds .
tr	5	The police sergeant dropped to his knees beside the little clergyman 's still and crumpled form , and let out a brief , quiet , keening moan .
tr	5	The detective went to one knee helping the younger man sit down , keeping an eye on the thug and his prisoner all the while .
tr	5	Sergeant Bartholomew 's voice wafted to him from somewhere up ahead , faint and oddly distorted by the confines of the passage , but clear nonetheless .
tr	5	Powell lay twisted on his stomach , and Harker had stripped off his own shirt to press to the bloody wound in the little man 's back .
tr	5	From the other tunnel , Sergeant Bartholomew and his squad ( his crew 's numbers had swelled ) brought with them the final heavy and Conway Duke .
tr	5	" Seems unlikely , " the inspector conceded , watching with concern as David Powell and Lewis Todd were loaded onto stretches for transport out .
tr	5	The young woman was tall and quite pretty , had a brilliant crown of flaming ginger hair , and her smile and merry laugh were catching .
tr	5	Her husband had been hanging back throughout this exchange , but now he drew up chairs for both of them and they sat down to converse .
tr	5	He paused , a faraway look in his eyes , which seemed to Mathilda to have nothing to do with the contents of the drawer .
tr	5	I hazard he may be here a few days longer than I , what with broken ribs and three times as many stitches and all . "
tr	5	Mathilda glanced over fondly to where her husband and the dark-haired young fellow were lost in some case file or another that Rory had brought .
tr	5	Citing gross negligence , they want the whole matter -- including everything we discovered in the tunnels while pursuing the real murderer -- dismissed from court . "
tr	5	Indeed , on Monday ( only a day after the raid ) , a judge had approached Horace 's superintendent about dropping the Harker matter altogether .
tr	5	" I 'm glad , " both Lewis and his friend said at the same time , looked at each other , and then grinned in unison .
tr	5	" Yes , but then Duke worked you into his scheme to pin all blame on his nuisance of a nephew and fell the family 's empire .
tr	5	After making a book out of cardboard and glue and stolen printer paper , she then decided she needed a story to fill the pages .
tr	5	She then taught remedial English composition at the college level for a few years before joining the New Hampshire Army National Guard as a photojournalist in 2010 .
tr	5	Her civilian job took her to northern Virginia in 2011 ( where she lives now ) , and then she deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 .
tr	5	It wasn 't my fault I was no good ; she was the first to ever force me to attempt this dreadful domestic trade on this level .
tr	5	" My fingers won 't do that , " I told her , and it was meant to be more of a confession than a blaspheme .
tr	5	" You are the most absolute insolent , audacious and stupid girl I have ever seen in my life - " Her hair was flying around wildly .
tr	5	But because of the way the people still talked about her around here , one would think she was still alive and living in the castle !
tr	5	When I was four , I sneaked into one of the trunks of our scullery maids ' son and took out a pair of dark maroon breaches .
tr	5	Although he was from a different kingdom , with different traditions and laws , we had always been able to relate to each other quite easily .
tr	5	It had been so long since he had visited , centuries to me , that I had forgotten almost everything we did in preparation for him .
tr	5	As she turned to measure me , she said , " Besides the prince 's coming , you could use a new gown anyway . "
tr	5	We would both crumple to the ground in laughter , causing grief to all those who strived each and everyday to help me become a lady .
tr	5	" Can I tell you a secret , such a secret , that if you were to tell anybody I would die of grief and devastation ? "
tr	5	There were elderly woman selling homemade goods , others buying homemade goods , lonely old men shopping , and mothers with babies on their hips .
tr	5	When I got to her old shanty , I discovered that all children were grown , eighteen and up , and were working in the fields .
tr	5	" And I 'll get the nails so we can keep her from sliding down the wall of the barn while she 's flogged ! "
tr	5	I walked up to the well , dropped the bucket in and I slowly pulled it up , savoring the little time I had to myself .
tr	5	" Perfect or not , they can still throw you in the well , " I retorted without bothering to look to see who it was .
tr	5	It struck me with the facts : I was trusted enough to be given a chance to prove myself and show who I really was !
tr	5	Aggravated with myself , I started to discard the paper that had wrapped the spotters but then I noticed that it was also a map .
tr	5	" So I fled the forest as fast as I could , " I said it so fast that I was hoping they hadn 't understood .
tr	5	But I was the one who ended up freeing my self from her wheezing side ; I threw myself upon her course hair and wept .
tr	5	I tried to keep strong , but looking at my poor , dying horse made me break down into a million tiny pieces of despair .
tr	5	I had a hard time trying to figure out if she obeyed out of adoration or from the excitement of getting to go on the quest .
tr	5	In fact , everybody stood there , doing nothing but sitting there in awe , trying to remember what we were doing when something amazing happened .
tr	5	Laughing like a lunatic , I rounded the bend to my hide out , where I fell asleep as soon as I hit the ground .
tr	5	My eye twitched nervously as I rummaged through my bag , trying to find the spotters , but I felt no cold , hard metal .
tr	5	I tried hard to make myself think it was , but I looked over and saw her huddled on the ground with her hands over her head .
tr	5	As my trembling hands felt along the edges of the small , cold object , I got as excited as my nerves would let me .
tr	5	I hadn 't even given a thought to what I was to bring home to father , but maybe it was best that I hadn 't .
tr	5	Even though I hadn 't gotten much sleep the night before , I felt as though I had energy enough to get me home in two days !
tr	5	And I just might get a kick too , for there would be many people there who would be against the idea of inside pets .
tr	5	The rain had stalled itself , but it wasn 't but a minute after I had left the safety of the tree that it started to pour .
tr	5	After the corn cakes were done baking , and had turned a scrumptious golden brown , I coated them with a clear and sugary frosting .
tr	5	" I will put them in a bag for you so I don 't have to stand here with the tray in my hands all day ! "
tr	5	My fingers came across a gooey patch of skin that hurt so terribly , my hand bounced off as if were attached to a bow .
tr	5	For a second I thought I saw my life flashing before my eyes , but then I realized it was just helpless tears streaming down liberally .
tr	5	It was swelling noticeably , and the circulation was sure to be cut off if I didn 't get it out from under the root .
tr	5	I was about to lift my leg to crawl over him the rest of the way , when he shot a hand up in the air .
tr	5	I held my throat and screamed with my mouth closed , resolving that out of all the pain I had endured so far this was the worst .
tr	5	I was not sure how I did it , but I rolled all the way to the shoreline without my injured foot once touching the ground .
tr	5	I waded out far enough to where my weight had shifted to something lighter , and I could hold myself up easily on one foot .
tr	5	I heard cries from the guards at the gates , telling that the princess was back , and they needed to prepare to let me in .
tr	5	But they probably hadn 't ever done anything like that ; Adda had probably never stepped on death 's doorstep , lucky to fall back off again .
tr	5	Then I noticed that a slit ran all the way down the sleeves , sewn together in places with light leather , exposing skin when worn .
tr	5	Even though I hated this new room with a passion , I knew I was about to get rid of it , and that made me cheery .
tr	5	My mind flashed back , remembering father 's letter : " Brydon has come up with the idea , and I have now consented . "
tr	5	maybe if I made everybody think I was absolutely content here , they would see their plan was not going to work and I would be released !
tr	5	" We will return in a fortnight , so let this be on your mind , " Father gave a few last words before leaving .
tr	5	" Sometimes I just get the urge to get wet , since I don 't get no baths or nothin ' , " I said .
tr	5	I broke the arrow off close to my skin , but I did not pull it out , because it would have caused excessive blood flow .
tr	5	Any resemblance to actual persons , living or dead , events , or locales is entirely coincidental This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only .
tr	5	" John and Vincent come to dinner now , " shouts Victoria 's father from the kitchen table to his two sons in another room .
tr	5	When we arrived at our motel , right next to the beach , with our room facing the waterfront I helped unpack the car full of luggage .
tr	5	I stood like a statue unable to speak or move lusting for her while she stood in front of me in her two piece swimsuit .
tr	5	I could only imagine what I looked like to anyone who looked at me because I felt as if I was unable to hold my excitement .
tr	5	I looked out toward the beach , at Victoria standing by herself on the edge where only your feet get wet after a wave breaks .
tr	5	I think back to anything in everything that I could possibly have done to her to make her feel like she needs to stop seeing me .
tr	5	" Maybe this is a good thing , " says Steve sitting on one of the couches in the living room of Josh 's house .
tr	5	Unfamiliar people catch up with friends asking about their summer , what classes they 're in , or how their boyfriend or girlfriends are doing .
tr	5	" Why don 't we start with you , " said Mrs. Snow pointing to a kid in the front of the column that I was in .
tr	5	The hallway is swarming with other students " Hey , " says a girl whom sits on the opposite side of my first period classroom .
tr	5	" I go that way , " I say pointing to the left side even though I have no idea where my next class is located .
tr	5	My past is my past , this is a fresh start , these people don 't know me , and I could redefine who I am here .
tr	5	" Get a chair , " Leo says in a soft voice while he picks up a pencil from the desk and begins writing in a notebook .
tr	5	He faces challenges but you can see in his eyes the passion and genuine care he has for the people in the isolated hallway outside .
tr	5	" I don 't know if I 'm the best person to help you , I don 't think I could be comfortable in the spotlight . "
tr	5	Pretty soon you 'll be able to find your classes with your eyes closed , " my mom says taking a seat next to my dad .
tr	5	" Well you know what Sage , I was drunk , and I think we went over this a number of times over the past week . "
tr	5	Today we have the normal chicken patties , burger , fries , pizza , subs , with our daily special being a healthy Mac n cheeses salad .
tr	5	" You calling me dam liar , son I am a lot of things , but liar is not one of them , " shouts Principle Burns .
tr	5	I walk to the forgotten part of the school , down the hallway of despair and sadness and into the classroom where I first met Leo .
tr	5	Leo picks up binoculars that I didn 't notice were right next to him on the ledge of the roof , and looks at the truck .
tr	5	5 " Matt stay here , " Mrs. Snow notifies me while the rest of my classmates gather their belongings for their second period class .
tr	5	He looks at me then at Mrs. Snow and smiles as he goes through the classroom door backwards , smiling until the door finally closes .
tr	5	We would observe as it parked , and watch as the driver unloaded boxes onto a magna cart and enter the school cafeteria 's back entrance .
tr	5	Leo was a natural born leader , and inspired the students whom spent their days in a forgotten and long lost section of the high school .
tr	5	She is wearing white pair of short shorts and short sleeve pink shirt that shows her tan lower back and stomach up to her belly button .
tr	5	I 'm usually not one for dancing but something about the combination of a hot girl grinding her ass against me and beer make me .
tr	5	He is wearing a black buttoned down that isn 't buttoned all the way , exposing his hairy chest with a gold medallion around his neck .
tr	5	" Nah bro go ahead , what 's up , " he says while I sit down in the seat across from him in the booth .
tr	5	" You really don 't know what you 're getting yourself into , don 't you , " says Bruce looking straight ahead into space .
tr	5	" And you shutter your eyes and choose to ignore all the right , the safety of your very own classmates , " Bruce snaps back .
tr	5	As your Student Body President I assure you those days are now over , there is no need to fear because today we are one .
tr	5	There was no question about it , I was in fact falling for Kayla as the images and memories of Victoria were placed on the wayside .
tr	5	I try to keep up with Leo as we attempt to get to the pickup zone in the back of the school before the trucks arrival .
tr	5	I come to a halt when I notice ladies in school cafeteria uniforms packaging what appears to be more orange powder on the counter tables .
tr	5	I close my curtains , shut my light and slide myself under my own warm blanket and let my dreams take me to another reality .
tr	5	That is only by technicality though because I know , Leo knows , and the rest of student body knows who was behind the attack .
tr	5	His motives to scare us from rising against him , but we will not bend or concede to a man who will kill so easily .
tr	5	" I really haven 't , thanks for taking me here , " Kayla says taking another sip out of her chocolate peanut butter marshmallow shake .
tr	5	" We need to go more armed men will surely come , " Jerry tells the team while Olivia holds his arms behind his back .
tr	5	The only thing gotten out of the mission is a man named Jerry , thought to be one of the smartest in the school by Leo .
tr	5	In how much time I 'm not sure , but they eventually will die within 1 or 2 weeks at the most , " Jerry tells us .
tr	5	" The reactor will explode and set off bombs throughout the school , as the weapon extends through the school 's air vents , " Jerry answers .
tr	5	" It 's a dam suicide mission and we need to clear the school before attempting it , " Marcus says pointing out the obvious .
tr	5	" The rest of you stay here Matt is going to need you , " Leo says before anyone else volunteers for the suicide mission .
tr	5	No one stood up to the cruelty and the wrong that was going on because we were all scared and choose to ignore what was happening .
tr	5	Colt and I walk through the hallways heading to the backstage of the auditorium for me to deliver my first speech as Student Body President .
tr	5	" You 're not a dead man Matt , I 'll get more people on our security team to watch you , " Colt says .
tr	5	" We need to organize those who are on our side , the right side , " Justin says warming his hands in the fire .
tr	5	On his signal I rise from cover at the edge of the window , aim , and then fire as I kill one of the two guards .
tr	5	I walk further into the hall feeling the walls in an attempt to find a door knob of a classroom as the sound of guns firing persist .
tr	5	" Well we started with 37 people before the attack and now we 're down to 10 , " Mike say 's shaking his head .
tr	5	" There is no other positive we killed our fellow classmates instead of going after who we really should 've been going after , " I shout .
tr	5	To get through the remaining months of the school year , our team 's primary goal has shifted to making sure other attacks don 't occur .
tr	5	" At first it could have been because they were scared and believed or wanted to believe that giving into his threat will solve everything .
tr	5	I never liked dancing , but I didn 't want Kayla , who is a senior to miss out on a memorable and special night .
tr	5	Innocent people who will never experience graduating from high school , experiencing college , falling in love , and all that follows because of me .
tr	5	" Bruce , that could work we could put some sort of tracker on you and , " I say before Bruce cuts me off .
tr	5	The bartender places another full lager for Bruce and his driver , taking their empty glasses with her on her way back to the bar .
tr	5	" Okay now I want pictures with your dad and me after I get one of you two kissing , " Kayla 's mom says .
tr	5	" Sorry we took so long , " I tell the driver before closing the glass window that separates us from him in the back .
tr	5	" Okay seniors this is your last dance before graduation find your dance partner and head to the dance floor , " the D.J. tells us .
tr	5	The area above me transforms into a cloudless blue sky with the sun so bright that I have to shield my eyes from it with my arm .
tr	5	The physical and mental pain and being out for two weeks hasn 't given me the motivation or the time to care about my appearance .
tr	5	When we finally reach my headquarters in the abandoned section of the school I take a seat at the desk of televisions in front of me .
tr	5	I don 't even know who I am anymore , " I say lifting myself up from the ledge of the roof heading for the exit door .
tr	5	He has a clean , neat , professional appearance , dressed up for the occasion , while I stand wearing cargo shorts and a blue t-shirt .
tr	5	The Pyramid Company is major drug operation that uses the school delivery business as a front for their other illegal business , " he says .
tr	5	He would come over the house , then I got assigned to look into the Pyramid Company in Miami , and I discovered his parents alive .
tr	5	In it is a meeting room that takes over half the room with other offices on the opposite side of the hall taking up the other half .
tr	5	It 's obvious that I 'm on a team of men like me who lost someone and are in desperate need to revenge their deaths .
tr	5	I hear nothing but I see Kayla fall to the ground in front of me , a bullet wound in the back of her head .
tr	5	" I have trusted connections to get us the helicopter , but expanding our team is a no , they would sell us out . "
tr	5	I 'm going to make it alive and even if I die , I would in an attempt avenging the deaths of the ones close to me .
tr	5	I think that we have a better chance to exit the building from the front , but without the elevator working it 's an impossible feat .
tr	5	" We had a deal , " he says as I open the door and walk into the room , assault rifle aimed at his head .
tr	5	" Your right about one thing , you 're going to die , " he says grabbing my gun and throwing it across the room .
tr	5	The helicopter with my entire body hanging with my hands clutched tightly to the landing skid move further and further into the distance from the Pyramid building .
tr	5	Back in the present day , I let go of the helicopters landing skid and fall from the sky into the clear , blue Miami water .
tr	5	Epilogue : 11 years later Victoria sits on an empty green lawn chair holding our first child , 2 month year old Tucker in her arms .
tr	5	Victoria gets up , " I 'm going to get some food , did you want me to bring you back something , " she asks .
tr	5	ONE Bones In the echoing gloom of the hay barn , a tall , gaunt figure stared down at the gaping hole in the ground .
tr	5	Smoothing the earth with his boot , he leaned across to stand the spade against the wall , and rested for a while , thinking .
tr	5	That much was obvious the minute Spike had crashed through the door , pulled open a tatty carrier bag , and thrown the thing onto the table .
tr	5	Grabbing a cloth , Duke wrapped it around the handle , pulled off the whistle , and poured boiling water into five cups of hot chocolate .
tr	5	Doc sat down in a battered armchair , pulled up her feet , and leaned back ; her slender form almost disappearing into the cushions .
tr	5	It wasn 't the first time Meatball had had strange dreams , though some of them were more like nightmares ... ' What sort of noises ? '
tr	5	Course , if it isn 't - ' ' If it isn 't , ' Meatball finished , ' then what does it belong to ? '
tr	5	Then staring up at the leaden sky , she added , ' You don 't think it might be better to wait till the morning ? '
tr	5	She was peering ahead , through eyes screwed tight against the glare , her warm breath billowing out into the freezing air like puffs of smoke .
tr	5	He stopped for a moment , leaned one hand on her shoulder , and then reached down and one by one , pulled off his boots .
tr	5	He was alone for a reason , she thought , alone because he had a reputation for shooting any creature that ventured onto his property .
tr	5	Stale , musty air hung around their faces like a suffocating cloud and Terri felt the sudden need to cough , without really knowing why .
tr	5	We 'd better get a move on , we want to get there and back before that lot comes down so it hides our tracks .
tr	5	Selecting one or two of the rings , she gazed at them , watching them sparkle as she turned them in the light of the torch .
tr	5	Almost immediately , Spike passed her two large items wrapped in a cloth , which slipped sideways as she held them , revealing two ornate candlesticks .
tr	5	Now put these others back , Spike and for heaven 's sake , let 's get out of here , before anyone sees us . '
tr	5	Several minutes passed as they huddled together , straining to hear any sound and then cautiously , Spike peeled back his hood and lifted his head .
tr	5	Beside him , her voice still muffled by her coat , Terri whispered , ' He knows we 're here ... ' A third shot .
tr	5	FOUR The Silver Ball In the large conservatory at the side of her home , Doc sat with her feet tucked up on the settee , dozing .
tr	5	Pulling a rucksack from her back , she let it slide to the floor and then dropped into a large sofa and made herself comfortable .
tr	5	His parents had explained to him more than once that there were no royal connections in the family , but he didn 't believe them .
tr	5	' A crystal ball - ' Duke took it from Meatball 's hands and held it high in the air , straining to see beneath .
tr	5	' Look at the way it catches the light - ' Slowly , she lifted it into the air and slid it onto her head .
tr	5	Around the top , where the outer surface began , the casing had broken away and was now oozing down the outside in a thick wave .
tr	5	Down and down , it slithered and slid , folding over and over itself until it came to rest at the base in a large gleaming ring .
tr	5	Pressing the change back into Duke 's palm , Bernie said , ' You know old Price at The Laurels , don 't you ? '
tr	5	The chill wind nipped his fingers and he sank his hands deeper into his pockets as he turned off past the church and up the road .
tr	5	' Yeah ... s ' pose - ' ' Anyway ... it 's half eleven now - ' ' Might be , ' Spike muttered .
tr	5	If he 'd seen them and was now in hiding , waiting for them to draw near ... But they saw no sign of him .
tr	5	Barely a second or two after Meatball 's warning , he appeared on the bridge as though he 'd just burst through the skin of a bubble .
tr	5	' He can 't be - ' In a mad scramble , they half fell , half tumbled to the ground behind the spiky screen of bracken .
tr	5	At the start of the bridge , he stopped , gave a final look round , and then seemingly satisfied , stepped confidently onto the bridge .
tr	5	' It must 've been about here -- ' Spike bent and retrieved a twig from the ground and threw it into the air before them .
tr	5	NINE Gruesome Discovery Duke , Meatball , Terri and Doc stood in the middle of the bridge , staring at the spot where Spike had vanished .
tr	5	The ground no longer crunched as they stepped into the crisp snow ; the surface on which they now stood was hard , wet , and slippery .
tr	5	In a desperate attempt to stay calm , Duke held his head in both hands , as if stilling it might calm his thumping heart .
tr	5	' I ... I didn 't think - ' Duke wiped beads of sweat from his forehead with his hand , smearing it into his hair .
tr	5	' Well , ' he said , with certainty , ' He 'd have nothing to lose if he shot us here , would he ?
tr	5	' Looks like he 's gone , ' Meatball murmured cautiously , ' but we 'd better watch it , you never know with him . '
tr	5	The heat was already oppressive , relieved only by a faint breeze that lifted huge fronds and leaves dripping with water and rocked them gently .
tr	5	But somehow I didn 't think they 'd be that big ... ' ' No sign of him , ' Meatball interrupted , looking about him .
tr	5	Spike had been investigating the far edge of the hillside around the side of the cave and was now walking back to where they stood .
tr	5	' I 'm glad they 're over there ... ' Perched on a low mound , Doc was still gazing into the distance , studying the creatures .
tr	5	' No , leave it , mate , it 's been eaten by something ... you don 't want to see it , believe me . '
tr	5	Quickly they retrieved their coats from the hiding place behind the rock and passed them around , then they walked back down the gloomy stone passageway .
tr	5	Once inside , they closed the door against the weather , lit the stove , and huddled round , Ed spread out at their feet .
tr	5	They still said nothing ; the kindling was sparking and crackling and as flames started to lick around the logs , they sat staring into it .
tr	5	Meatball stood up and then with a look across at Duke , he pulled something from his pocket and walked across to where Spike sat .
tr	5	Turning the monitor to face them , Meatball said , ' You remember the recording we made of the ball came out like this . '
tr	5	It says ... um ... ' The course of the fragment is certain ... it will strike the Earth in ten years after it orbits the star .
tr	5	' Well , I don 't know really , ' Doc replied , with a shrug , ' I mean it doesn 't actually say .
tr	5	Glancing around at four blank faces , she went on , ' Did any of you lot remember to put your brains on charge last night ? '
tr	5	' You mean , ' Duke said , ' that ... that place we went this morning ... that could be sixty-five million years ago ? '
tr	5	' If only we knew what was in it - ' ' Well , there was the ball , and the headband , ' Duke pointed out .
tr	5	He pointed to the far hills of the valley where large , lumbering creatures were visible in the distance , long willowy necks among the treetops .
tr	5	' I don 't care what they are , ' Terri muttered in reply , ' as long as I 'm not on the menu . '
tr	5	' And I suppose that 's not going to hurt us either , ' she said , watching as it flew off into the distance .
tr	5	Above them , large , brilliantly coloured blooms nestled in the crooks of the branches , dripping nectar , their long fibrous roots dangling toward the earth .
tr	5	A fine mist dampened their skin and hair , and despite the heat and the sweat , their clothes had the chill of feeling damp .
tr	5	What if ... Ed growled again , deep and menacing , the noise reverberating in his throat until it spilled over into a loud bark .
tr	5	Ed threw himself forward in fury , straining against his collar , pulling , and yanking against Spike 's grasp as he struggled to hold him .
tr	5	With a swipe of his long arm , Meatball struck out repeatedly toward its head , narrowly missing it with the blade as it dipped and swerved .
tr	5	Ed gave one last volley of defiant barks and then flopped into a sitting position beside Spike , who bent down to pat his head .
tr	5	' Thank God they 've gone ... ' In front of the bushes , Meatball was still staring at the spot , almost daring something to appear .
tr	5	At the very edge of the forest , she saw a large animal lope out into the clearing on long , gangly legs and stop .
tr	5	With a quick jerk of his head , Ed broke free from Spike 's grasp and launched himself into a run toward the advancing creature .
tr	5	Repeatedly it rushed at the invisible barrier , until finally , as if accepting it couldn 't pass , it turned and began to move away .
tr	5	Duke 's heart pounded as he gazed at the group of strange , willowy figures standing before them , his mind working frantically to find an answer .
tr	5	The centre figure was communicating something to his companion , who in turn , gave instruction to the guards , but there was no sound .
tr	5	Lofty and erect , two of them separated from the main party and stepped slowly past them to position themselves at the rear of the group .
tr	5	For the first time since they 'd met this strange new race , Spike wished they could arrive , so he could get out of the heat .
tr	5	He looked up ahead to where Ed was still trotting by the leader 's side and wished they could stop so he could give Ed a drink .
tr	5	As if the old dog could sense Spike 's every thought , Ed turned and trotted back to walk with him , close enough to touch .
tr	5	Terri bent down to add the little that remained in her bottle , then topped it with the dregs of the bottles offered by the others .
tr	5	Duke looked around at the others , drew in a long breath , releasing it slowly to calm his nerves , and stepped through the doorway .
tr	5	He pushed his hand deeper into it and then pulling it free , checked it and slowly sat himself into the centre of the cube .
tr	5	' Don 't think they 'd be too worried about a baseball bat , ' Duke murmured , still trying to peer through the door .
tr	5	That light , that plant thingy ... ' He nodded at a stout vine , which was creeping around a box in the centre of the floor .
tr	5	His mouth moved in jerks as the purple vein pulsed across his throat and almost simultaneously translated , ' I trust you have all rested ?
tr	5	' I mean , the fact that he 's not bothered ... maybe ... ' They fell silent , trying to calm their beating hearts .
tr	5	They swung around to see a second creature , similarly dressed , with a smaller and slightly rounder head , pierce the surface of the wall .
tr	5	' It doesn 't taste like burger , ' Spike said , plucking up the courage to take a bite , ' it tastes like pizza . '
tr	5	Suddenly they were through , into the biggest indoor space they had ever seen ; a staggering sight , a sight that stopped them in their tracks .
tr	5	You may feel this a great imposition ... and if it were not for the urgency of the situation , I would not ask it .
tr	5	' But the dream ... ' He answered her , his head nodding slowly all the while , as if it was out of his control .
tr	5	We only ask that should you locate him , you will spare a moment to say the words we give you as a blessing . '
tr	5	Their hearts were pounding as they retrieved the winter garments they knew they 'd need from a secluded hiding place and slipped them on in readiness .
tr	5	' Well , one thing I 'd do , ' Terri said , ' Is eat chocolate till it came out of my ears . '
tr	5	' And wash your face and hands , ' said Terri , ' you can 't go meeting that Grim Reaper bloke looking all grubby . '
tr	5	The outside door of the coal hole was old , rusted , and hardly ever used and it took three of them to prise it open .
tr	5	As the door fell down and a narrow concertina of wooden steps expanded to the landing floor , they were hit by the most dreadful smell .
tr	5	Outside in the fading light of the hay barn , Spike , Terri and Doc were huddled together trying to keep warm by the makeshift grave .
tr	5	Wrapping their scarves around their faces to minimise the clouds of breath , they moved quickly , with as little noise as they could manage .
tr	5	SIXTEEN The Storm The following morning , Spike stood on Terri 's doorstep and pressed the bell , listening as the chimes resounded down the hallway .
tr	5	They had no reason to suppose it would , Doc had pointed out , no reason it should have moved any quicker than their own .
tr	5	He wasn 't ready , but he could never say so , because he was the biggest and big people weren 't supposed to be scared .
tr	5	' So , ' asked Duke , as they stood , looking down a long avenue of metallic walls , ' Where 's this lead to ? '
tr	5	' It sounds as though it 's right above our heads now , ' Duke said , staring at the ceiling for signs of vibration .
tr	5	From the base of the disc several narrow columns appeared , sprouting upwards to waist height and then fanning outwards to form a circular rail .
tr	5	' Like when you 're standing on a station and you can 't see the express train , but you know it 's coming in . '
tr	5	Halfway down the staircase , the whole structure began to shake , catapulting them forward one over the other , legs and arms flailing in all directions .
tr	5	From these , splinters of weakness sped across the crystal to the centre , where they collided , rupturing the dome like a smashed eggshell .
tr	5	The train now standing at Platform four ... ' Halfway along the carriage , a door opened and a boy stepped out onto the icy platform .
tr	5	Dressed in a big black coat and ridiculous shoes , she kept smiling at people , but clearly , she did not like doing it .
tr	5	' Bit of a long shot , ' he said amiably to the man behind the counter , ' I 'm looking for this man .
tr	5	* At that moment , in a different time and place , Spike would 've given a king 's ransom to know for sure about anything .
tr	5	Finally back at the cave , they turned and giving their friends a last wave , stepped into the entrance and passed cleanly through the wall .
tr	5	I 'm not sure ... ' Duke found himself looking more closely at the surrounding countryside , examining the lane stretching out in front of them .
tr	5	' I mean , we always assume we have , but I bet this lane looked pretty much the same in the eighteen hundreds . '
tr	5	All was quiet , save for the ticking of the grandfather clock , but on the thick pile of the hall rug , there were wet footprints .
tr	5	' You need a hot drink , ' said Doc , feeling the old man 's icy hands , ' and something to eat . '
tr	5	' Well , no , ' Duke intervened hurriedly , ' it 's not that we thought you were dead exactly , it just seemed a possibility .
tr	5	' Well , after a while I managed to free my hands and I was able to find something to cut through the bonds on my legs .
tr	5	Fortunately for me , the lock was very old and with several applications of my shoulder against the door , the frame splintered and gave way .
tr	5	' I don 't understand it , ' said Terri , as she helped Spike stoke up the fire , and close it up tight .
tr	5	' I know ... ' Back in the living room , Joseph Price heard Terri and Doc come into the room , but kept his eyes closed .
tr	5	To his horror , it slipped away from the dampness of his palm and flew open , striking the wall behind it with a crash .
tr	5	Behind the cellar door , Duke watched the man pull a gun from his pocket and scale the staircase two or three treads at a time .
tr	5	Behind the cellar door , Duke mouthed the words over his shoulder to Spike and Meatball , and then returned to squint through the gap .
tr	5	Bursting from the cellar , they poured up the stairs , onto the landing and into one of the rooms at the front of the house .
tr	5	' It 'll buy us a bit of time , ' Duke agreed , ' and we 'll be out of sight once we 're inside . '
tr	5	Following behind , Meatball ducked through the shallow opening , squeezed inside , and then took the box as Duke , Spike and Billy followed .
tr	5	' That 's odd , ' said Duke , running his hand over the seamless surface , ' there doesn 't seem to be any opening . '
tr	5	Floating in mid-air , high above the panel , was a hollow sphere of the deepest midnight blue , peppered with silver stars , pulsing with light .
tr	5	The snow was falling once more , thick dollops that grew deeper and heavier as they walked , holding every tread in a tenacious grip .
tr	5	Spike was looking over his shoulder at a large car further down the lane , crunching and wobbling its way along the deep frozen ridges .
tr	5	TWENTY The Earth Splits In the metallic air of a late winter 's afternoon , five teenagers and a ten-year old stood in silence between two worlds .
tr	5	As they appeared through the other side into the shadows of the cave , Meatball felt a completely new sense of foreboding flood his system .
tr	5	Spike strode across to the grassy mound and perched on the top to get a better view , looking out on a landscape that was completely still .
tr	5	It was all so still ... They trudged on , then , at the front , Duke called over his shoulder , ' Everyone OK ?
tr	5	This was where ... Just before the summit , they dropped to the ground , to catch their breath and gulp down what remained of their water .
tr	5	' At least there 's no sign of any dinosaurs , ' said Meatball , ' I thought we 'd have seen something by now . '
tr	5	' She 's right , ' he gasped , flicking his gaze from one to the other , ' what 's happening to it ? '
tr	5	At that moment , out of a swirling mist , a dome of shimmering silver came into view and started to melt from the centre .
tr	5	Unable to stop themselves , they rolled over and over on the floor , Billy flipping completely , coming to rest by Meatball 's head .
tr	5	And with it came a noise , like thunder rolling around the sky , a cavernous sound that seemed to come from deep within the earth .
tr	5	After some moments the screaming lessened , then faded and died , leaving only a dull murmur that throbbed through the ground with a regular pulse .
tr	5	Then , in the eerie aftermath , they caught their first glimpse of it , still vaguely shrouded in what remained of the crumbling hillside .
tr	5	For what felt like an age , the star ship floated just above the hills , casting a shadow across the whole of the valley .
tr	5	For a long moment , they could hear distant reverberations , like heavy drumming of thunder ... and then the sky was full of an echoing emptiness .
tr	5	' The storm must 've affected it more than we thought , let 's try elsewhere in the cave , it might have opened somewhere else . '
tr	5	They barely had time to stand upright before the water roared into the cave , battering the rear wall , shaking the ledge beneath them .
tr	5	Turning , Spike lunged across , trying to hold her steady , but her foot slipped from the mossy rock and she slid further down .
tr	5	Chests heaving , limbs trembling with exertion , they lay there for a few moments , then dragged themselves up again and stumbled towards the tree .
tr	5	' Do me a favour , Spike , ' Meatball mumbled later , as his head hit the total bliss of a soft warm pillow .
tr	5	Of course , there are certain circumstances over which we have limited control , so we 're hoping you can fill in those details for us . '
tr	5	' Yes , well , that 's because Solomon opened in the yew tree that forms the backbone of Yew Cottage , ' she said .
tr	5	And sometimes possessing such an ability may mean you are vulnerable in other areas , but make no mistake ... ' She glanced around at them all .
tr	5	' No , ' said Joseph , ' Things won 't be the same , but for the time being , they will carry on as normal .
tr	5	Her faded cheeks gathered with the heat of anger , and her hatred for me seemed to leap across the space , making my breath catch .
tr	5	" And if she has lied about everything that led to the Red Knight 's death , then that makes this fate only more appropriate . "
tr	5	Robbed of the swift and merciful execution I 'd anticipated , I found myself at a crossroads on the verge of torments I couldn 't imagine .
tr	5	My brother , were he here right now , would 've told me that with a grin that said it was us against the world .
tr	5	We were all hitched to horses by our wrists , forced to stumble ahead at a pace just fast enough to induce the agony of fatigue .
tr	5	My bronze complexion might have fooled someone into thinking I was a hard worker , but the smoothness on my body up and down gave me away .
tr	5	Yes , and if he does that he 'll reduce your friend 's body to a bloody pulp as she bounces along the ground behind him .
tr	5	I had to give them credit for an ambush well executed , but our escort to the Black Kingdom included one of the Knights of the Conclave .
tr	5	Then we were off , the hooves of our mounts pummeling the earth beneath us as the wind caressed my cheeks with the first teases of freedom .
tr	5	I leaned against a dry tree trunk with Bronwyn 's body pressed against mine , our warmth surprisingly good as the temperature plummeted through the night .
tr	5	We 'd taken a blanket from the saddlebags since it was the only clothing we had , and in no time we had ourselves cocooned in it .
tr	5	No , the more I thought about it , the more I understood that the Blue Knight would probably not give up unless things became extremely desperate .
tr	5	He should 've been paying more attention because I used that flimsy distraction to maximum benefit , ramming my knee upward into his groin area .
tr	5	Although I regretted it even as I did it , this was still part of the plan , and I couldn 't let fear rule me now .
tr	5	Meanwhile his men were so exhausted they 'd practically fallen to the ground wherever they could find a flat space the moment after we 'd been found .
tr	5	I let him go so far as to put his visor up higher , tipping my mouth upward as our lips joined for a tentative kiss .
tr	5	Gorgeous as you are , I don 't think I 'm willing to lose my life for a false promise , no matter how ... tempting . "
tr	5	The only question was ... how long would it take to circulate though the Blue Knight 's body , and how severe would the reaction be ?
tr	5	She was all business , her focus all on the terrain ahead of us , threading one treacherous gap to the next and then the next .
tr	5	At the same time I felt an incredible wall of force , my neck feeling the whiplash as a net enfolded us between two trees .
tr	5	That was all I could mutter under my breath as hands reached out to untangle us from the netting , and I closed my eyes .
tr	5	Chapter 4 They practically danced as they walked , and even when standing or sitting still , they always seemed on the verge of motion .
tr	5	We rounded the bump of the hill and I gasped at the rocky ridge that sort of thrust out of the earth like a dirty fingernail .
tr	5	I saw the dark horns protruding from his helm , and the wide backing of the helm flared outward , making his face seem twice as menacing .
tr	5	He didn 't wear metal armor like I 'd seen the other Knights wear on special occasions or when Father had taken me on his travels .
tr	5	He beckoned us with his hand , and my heart beat out a frantic rhythm in my chest even as the water temperature seemed to plunge .
tr	5	One of my spies was in the household of the Red Knight on your wedding night , and through her I know what really happened . "
tr	5	He turned and dove under the water , his feet kicking as his body made an appealing figure slicing through the pool towards the opposite side .
tr	5	I know he 's not the Black Knight you expected to find , " Bronwyn said , and for some reason I wanted to smack her .
tr	5	To her credit she 'd picked up her own sword and stood ready to back me up if the Black Knight made any sudden moves .
tr	5	My goal for the day had rapidly changed from ' Find glory and slay the enemy ' to ' Try not to die , Naji . '
tr	5	The force behind my blow sent him reeling , and before he could recover I thrust between the joints of the plates which protected his groin .
tr	5	A few more heartbeats and then they broke ranks altogether , hoping to reach the relative safety of the trees before their human-sized troll counterparts .
tr	5	The more I thought of what her son had done to me , done to others , the more she became the surrogate for everything I hated .
tr	5	I saw the genuine ache in him , and he said the words slowly , as if trying to penetrate through many layers of rock .
tr	5	" We could fall over the edge , not seeing where we 're going , and never be heard from again , " I said .
tr	5	" When I first saw you naked and beautiful bathing in the waterfall pool , I didn 't know you had such a mouth on you . "
tr	5	" Bronwyn 's best chance of escaping would have been to slip away unobtrusively , and from what I can tell she 's a pretty resourceful girl .
tr	5	Drake nodded slowly , trying to determine where this was going , and his hesitation told me he didn 't expect to like the destination .
tr	5	In the fog I didn 't have a prayer of hitting an exposed gap in a knight 's armor , but a horse made a decent target .
tr	5	I led them ever deeper into the woods but made sure the ones at the head of the pursuit didn 't lose sight of me .
tr	5	From a logical standpoint my plan could work , but the odds against us would have had Drake trying to convince me out of it .
tr	5	The two mounted knights flanked me and then began to circle as the third knight came up on foot , his helmed face hidden from view .
tr	5	The knight on foot angrily drew his own sword and muttered an oath about making me suffer under his attentions in the dungeons for that remark .
tr	5	I sent another flurry of arrows at the knights , and by the time the knight with the lance reached Drake my damage had been done .
tr	5	My arrows were still hissing through the fog , though , and one of them glanced off of the enemy knight 's helm like an irritation .
tr	5	With a roar that would have made most predators envious , Drake grabbed the enemy knight by the wrist , hauling him from the saddle .
tr	5	The Black Knight was relentless though , and he picked up his opponent 's fallen sword , thrusting for the exposed gap between the breastplate and helm .
tr	5	He 'd won me over just because of who he was as a person , not because of his power , influence , or anything else .
tr	5	So I have to ask the most beautiful , kind , brave , and amazing woman I know one simple question : Will you marry me ? "
tr	5	It was us against the world , and the dreams I 'd been having included Drake in my life , for better or for worse .
tr	5	I walked quietly in my glossy black gown , mesmerized by the rubies studded around my belt which winked here and there under the dappled moonlight .
tr	5	Why was it that the very man who probably knew the least about the act of conceiving had the sacred responsibility of blathering on about it ?
tr	5	Drake was about to wade into battle for me despite it all , and I loved him for it , but I could fight my own battles .
tr	5	When I 'd been condemned for killing the Red Knight , I think part of me had been glad to finally have relief from the royal stage .
tr	5	I made sure that my heart was still beating and that the words coming out of my mother-in-law 's mouth were in a language I understood .
tr	5	She reached out a hand to catch a wisp of hair which had strayed from the simple ponytail I 'd insisted on for the wedding .
tr	5	The suspicion in my eyes must have evaporated , because I found myself reaching out to clasp one of her frail hands in two of mine .
tr	5	" Your body is every bit as beautiful as your heart Naji , and it 's all mine , " he said with a sly wink .
tr	5	There were two men covered head to toe in gray who had lifted the tent flap wide while a third partner raised his crossbow and fired .
tr	5	The assassin whose eye I 'd skewered was still clutching his eye socket and screaming when Drake lopped off his head as an accidental bonus .
tr	5	He wasn 't sure that the assassins here wouldn 't have a change of heart , and he was willing to risk Bronwyn over me .
tr	5	It was one thing to hear of ogres in tall tales , but quite another to have one lumbering towards you at the speed of an arrow .
tr	5	The ogre 's handsome faces -- yes , ogres had two heads as reliably as humans sported two arms or legs -- peered at me intensely .
tr	5	Just a point of fact , it 's very hard to pull off red eyes without looking creepy , and this ogre was no more fortunate .
tr	5	You think that because your ridiculous myths depict us as savage brutes that it must mean we 're dumber than a broken church bell ? "
tr	5	I promise you , if you 'll let me go free , that I will go to your people and make the Black Kingdom your ally .
tr	5	Why would the ogres want to jeopardize the unofficial alliance that had existed between them and the Black Knight 's household for nearly 250 years ?
tr	5	I had a long sprint ahead of me , in bare feet in the dark , and I was definitely not looking forward to it .
tr	5	I gave him a gaze of steel that said if it was about anything else , he was going to lose a significant piece of his anatomy .
tr	5	Of my father , who 'd torn open my heart the day I found out he would not try to defend me in front of the Conclave .
tr	5	" Give me the short version and add in the really juicy parts , " I said , trying to lighten up an awful situation .
tr	5	For over a decade he has let his resentment fester , conjuring plots , until finally the spark came for him to act on it .
tr	5	" My grandfather was a young boy the last time we had to fight off such an onslaught , and back then it was different .
tr	5	We stood there , our eyes exchanging flickers of doubt and love , each of us trying to find strength from the other 's example .
tr	5	This easy , flat part of the journey would last the better part of the day , but after that it was a rough road .
tr	5	Did you and my son get a chance to , hmm , how shall we say ... enjoy one another 's company before being nearly killed ? "
tr	5	I gave Bronwyn a look more menacing than a barrage of throwing knives as I dismounted and led my horse to the cool , glittering blue water .
tr	5	They were long enough that for every man 's shield , three or four bodies could huddle in safety underneath when it faced the sky .
tr	5	My mission is to get you to the edge of the ogre lands in one piece , and I aim to do just that . "
tr	5	Our alliances with most of the races who live in the mountain ranges encircling the Black Kingdom ... we have him to thank for solidifying them .
tr	5	What it sounded , more like , was that Bronwyn was eager to distract me from the fear steadily beating its drum in my chest .
tr	5	The sergeant patiently kept shouting at the man , and the men next to him shook him to try to wake him from his trance .
tr	5	I never imagined you with anything bigger than a letter opener , but it 's nice to know you can surprise me once in a while . "
tr	5	Growing up as a princess of the White Kingdom , my tutors had taught me about all the artifacts of power which my Father had inherited .
tr	5	My feet wanted to run , but the broken part of my brain that apparently had forgotten the concept of fear wouldn 't allow it .
tr	5	I roared a battle cry of my own as my sword cut a satisfying gap through several layers of swaying vine that stood between us .
tr	5	I kept swinging , only dimly aware of the swirling vines detaching from the treetops beside me , rolling downward like a wave crashing against the beach .
tr	5	It was all I could do just to turn us in the right direction and propel us forward without tripping over a random root and sprawling headfirst .
tr	5	During my time blacked out the knights had gotten us onto the horses and made good distance to get us clear of the forest path .
tr	5	" If I do not show alone , she will be greatly displeased , and what slim chance of alliance exists will be torn away .
tr	5	" Or I will attack you , and you will have no choice but to turn on your own Queen and forever be dishonored for it . "
tr	5	It took us three more hours , and the sun stubbornly rose to announce morning by the time we reached the foot of the sandstone cliffs .
tr	5	Then I mounted my horse and rode until that familiar baking feeling told me that this chainmail armor would have been the perfect culinary tool for cannibals .
tr	5	It felt strange to think it , but this ogre Queen really was a gorgeous woman -- just not in the way humans would believe .
tr	5	" So you are the upstart princess from the White Kingdom who torments us with these petty demands for fancy pieces of paper which mean nothing ! "
tr	5	I told her what I needed her to do , and to my relief she considered the radical thought ... then considered what she had to gain .
tr	5	A trickle of blood started flowing down and underneath her plated armor , and I smiled just to see if it would infuriate her more .
tr	5	Pounding the earth with her plated boots , she was on me too soon , looming like a shadow with the words Die , puny human !
tr	5	I 'd just recovered feeling in my arms and legs when Selene grasped me by my ankles and lifted me up , dangling me like a worm .
tr	5	I was like a sleep-deprived dog on the hunt , and as long as the scent tormented my nose I had no choice but to move forward .
tr	5	Two long , gaping furrows tore canyons through his face , and what passed for a nose looked more like the snout of a feral beast .
tr	5	Drake 's spearmen were in formation and advancing , his heavy cavalry of knights threatening to outflank the enemy or bolster the main line of attack .
tr	5	There were many intimidating things about an ogre 's size , and being a few heads taller than any human was definitely a big part of it .
tr	5	But what made it far worse was their strength , and the solid plated armor which made them look twice as massive as they really were .
tr	5	The first charge of the enemy cavalry came from the ranks where the fluttering banners proclaimed the colors of the Yellow Knight and the Brown Knight .
tr	5	In close combat with the knights who 'd already breached the front lines , the ogres didn 't have the maneuvering space to swing their hammers .
tr	5	I felt barbed arrowheads beat harmlessly against my armor , but my heart lurched at the idea that my horse might not have been as lucky .
tr	5	I heard the call of a horn to signal retreat , and then I saw the forces of the other Kingdoms withdraw in good order .
tr	5	It had been only a day since the bloody battle in the fields in front of Drake 's castle , with frightening losses suffered on both sides .
tr	5	I had done my part , and the part of me that wasn 't knotted by nerves was actually swelling with a touch of a pride .
tr	5	The red-haired woman 's fingernails scraped like claws , and I was glad for the gauntlets serving as a barrier between my skin and hers .
tr	5	Last of all I gripped my father 's hand , but he shocked everyone there by firmly shaking my hand in return rather than moving briskly away .
tr	5	And for him it was a mighty canyon leap just to show affection for his daughter and for once leave the question of duty aside .
tr	5	" My thoughts aren 't worth a copper bit , " I replied , the bittersweet aftereffects of the encounter with my father still clinging to me .
tr	5	" I seem to remember someone fitting your exact description coming out of the mountains at the head of an ogre army larger than anyone expected .
tr	5	I remembered , when my mother was still alive , how she used to fidget and get easily upset with me the day before a court function .
tr	5	But I doubted it , and secretly I resented the court politics which I blamed for devastating her nerves and inviting her to an early grave .
tr	5	Without even realizing it I 'd crossed to the outer chamber beyond our bedroom , thrown open the drapes and looked out over the pensive night .
tr	5	What did you say when your mother-in-law sat like a ghost in a shadowy throne room at night and nearly terrified you out of your wits ?
tr	5	That 's what happens when you assume that the end justifies the means without looking at the long term picture or what 's inside your heart . "
tr	5	If Drake and I were about to embark on the most annoying journey of a lifetime , at least I was leaving things intact behind me .
tr	5	Please take a moment to rate it and share your thoughts on Smashwords , Goodreads , Barnes & Noble , Amazon or wherever you prefer !
tr	5	He stretched his arms , feeling the metallic exoskeleton hum as the joints slid along the well-oiled combat suit that hugged his body like a second skin .
tr	5	Damian swore , diving for cover as he took Mr. Robles down hard alongside him , aware of the table blowing apart into shards and splinters .
tr	5	Finally , satisfied that the man underneath him wouldn 't so much as twitch , Damian stood up and turned to speak to his unlikely rescuer .
tr	5	Physically they were super-strong , but no amount of strength was any protection against an energy pulse that could make pulverized meat out of your internal organs .
tr	5	Once a dumbass got banned from the club , he didn 't sneak back in no matter what disguise he wore , not on Damian 's watch .
tr	5	The apartment doors which Damian flitted past were probably locked , and he didn 't want to barge into one random room after the next .
tr	5	Unless she knew this place a hell of a lot better than he did , Damian thought he had a decent shot of catching up to her .
tr	5	A deep gash across her left shoulder told Damian that she 'd probably collided with something inconvenient in her rush to flee the scene at the club .
tr	5	Chapter 2 Somewhere in Beta Sector an apartment hummed to life as Damian and Jenson awoke to the gentle , cascading whoosh of a waterfall .
tr	5	That girl has one word written all over her , and it starts with a capital T. " Damian slammed his hand on the stall 's surface .
tr	5	Jenson leaned on the counter beside him , swiping two mugs and pouring two helpings with a grace that disgusted Damian this early in the morning .
tr	5	The syn bosses will send their guys to Beta to put the heat on someone , but they don 't do business here in Beta Sector .
tr	5	He still owed this girl a debt and there was something more to it , though Damian didn 't feel like examining his own motivations too deeply .
tr	5	He happened to mention it and I may or may not have used one of these B-grade retrofits to creatively ' open ' the door .
tr	5	While he walked down Jefferson Avenue in the Archimedes sub-sector Damian wondered if he 'd find that his apartment had been ransacked of everything valuable .
tr	5	As a single area carved out of rock , it towered at least a kilometer above its residents and was more than ten times that in width .
tr	5	He had to hope that was why she hadn 't opened the door yet , especially since he didn 't like some of the alternatives .
tr	5	He slowly walked up to the sound , gasping when he realized in the glow of the alarm clock light that it was the same girl .
tr	5	" The lights weren 't even on , " Damian protested , backing away with hands held out in what he hoped was a non-threatening manner .
tr	5	If only he 'd shut the stupid door ... their programming forbade them to enter someone 's personal living quarters without some physical sign for provocation .
tr	5	The main thoroughfare of the Inner Fringe was called " The Gut , " and they followed it for what seemed like eight or nine kilometers .
tr	5	It was currently the most popular running show you could view on the casts , a lot like the mindless " reality " programs of old Earth .
tr	5	" I know you 've come for papers , and I have papers , " she continued , waving a syringe in her free hand .
tr	5	A barren , airless asteroid on the outermost edge of the galaxy , home of the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor .
tr	5	As Director of the Idaho School of Economics , he had the choice corner office in the building that held the ISE , as it was called .
tr	5	Seeing someone from the next generation who grasped the importance of the topics that were being discussed and then challenged his views was especially rewarding .
tr	5	" If you recall , the court will determine your living situation and whether it has taken on aspects of a marriage , " Paul said .
tr	5	With an apartment on the top floor of the ISE building , he often ordered meals for himself and his children when duties prevented him from cooking .
tr	5	But their work would have to wait as the large doors began to shut to protect the delicate 32 " telescope from possible hail damage .
tr	5	Thunderstorms were a frequent visitor to the Observatory during the summer months and this July was turning out to be one of the most active yet .
tr	5	The University was frugal with its budget and if something went down , it might be a long time before a replacement could be purchased .
tr	5	The Forest Service that managed this stretch of the Salmon River assigned camp spots and raft parties were responsible to be at their assigned place each evening .
tr	5	We could hang back and let everyone else get ahead , you never know what might happen out here in the wilderness , " Amanda said .
tr	5	As Paul got the propane stove lit and got water on for coffee , Amanda stood sheepishly beside him as they both smiled at each other .
tr	5	He started to look around when he noticed a figure climbing over the rocks on the end of the beach he and Amanda had slept on .
tr	5	Paul was shocked to learn that it would stay that way for years , as new transformers were moved in to replace the destroyed ones .
tr	5	As they came around the bend in the river , a fishing lodge appeared on the left bank , and a boat ramp on the right .
tr	5	If it looks clear , we 'll camp here tonight , float to town early in morning and head out south towards Boise , " Paul said .
tr	5	The others stepped back , not sure what to make of this sudden change in this demure woman that had been with them all week .
tr	5	" Now , just so we don 't have any accidents in the dark when we come back , we need a password , " Paul said .
tr	5	Desmond fought the wheel on the big boat as the speed accelerated and the hum in the rudder shot up through the wheel to his arms .
tr	5	He fought the boat to keep it on course as it crested the next wave and broke free for a run down the back side .
tr	5	Since it was winter in the Southern Hemisphere when the CME hit , Desmond would have to sail through some very treacherous water to reach safety .
tr	5	Luckily I got to the store right after the lights went out with cash and bought enough supplies for the trip , " Desmond said .
tr	5	Many people are going to die in the near future waiting for a return of a life that will never be seen again , " Paul explained .
tr	5	" General , the world changed this week and if we don 't all work together , we will all fail , " Amanda added .
tr	5	The Idaho Governor had found him living quietly in retirement in Burley and had convinced him four years ago that his services were needed by the state .
tr	5	Paul ran to the boulder hiding the children , and in the dim light , saw Ed pulling on a body lying face down in the river .
tr	5	With the gravy train stopped , they 'll be out looking to take and take , only now with a gun , " Ed said .
tr	5	With the hot weather of summer beating down on them , Paul called for a break under one of the few trees near the road .
tr	5	They were waiting by the side of the road as they saw a white 1958 Chevy Bel Air four door sedan slowly climb the hill .
tr	5	Paul fell into telling their personal stories of survival , as the rest all broke out the food and water Isaac took out of the trunk .
tr	5	John and Isaac had worked up the ruse for Brittany that their grandfather had taken ill and that they needed to head to Idaho right away .
tr	5	Since Bruneau was south of the Snake River in desert country , there weren 't any nearby population centers to contend with in a crisis .
tr	5	" Mary still didn 't want any part of it , but I got the kids all loaded and on their way before I told her .
tr	5	Paul could tell he knew the truth of his daughter 's chances , but he agreed that the grandkids should be out of harm 's way .
tr	5	The local display of weapons , with the look that we were prepared to use them , persuaded them to move on , " Leslie said .
tr	5	When the Congressional Commission on Electromagnetic Pulse had issued their report in 2002 , everyone expected the Federal government to act quickly to protect the nation .
tr	5	Ed was antsy to get to National Guard Headquarters , and upon arrival , discovered that the governor had convened a meeting of all his top officials .
tr	5	All of our efforts over the past four years will amount to a hill of crap if the criminals take over , " the governor said .
tr	5	Northern California , always at odds with the powerful legislature in Sacramento , followed the local Oregon counties lead and worked to improve their power grid .
tr	5	An area stretching from Minnesota through Michigan , Illinois , New York , Maryland and New England had state governments that put their faith in Federal action .
tr	5	" As you 'll recall , Sid was my Science Advisor and was instrumental in getting many of the protections in place that we have .
tr	5	Might I suggest a top person here that might be willing to fill in until a new science advisor is named , " Ed said .
tr	5	" OK , let 's go around the table and everyone give me a five-minute picture of where we 're at , " the governor started .
tr	5	Now armed with personal weapons , these units were the local security needed to help the police and sheriff 's offices maintain control over the criminal elements .
tr	5	After ' the Pulse ' , the Governor had immediately declared martial law for the state , so anyone disobeying the law could be incarcerated immediately .
tr	5	The Food Advisor stated that with the hardened local trucks , food was being distributed to local schools where food centers had been set up .
tr	5	Also , the Clearwater River line is defended and we 're ready to blow the bridges at the first sign of trouble , " the adjunct offered .
tr	5	Along with other big liberal cities around the world , time and money had been wasted on alternative energy , light rail , and other liberal ideas .
tr	5	Now those same people were being robbed and killed by all the criminals on whom they had spent so much energy trying to understand and rehabilitate .
tr	5	The advisor for the power utilities received applause when he announced that Idaho Power would be returning electricity to the Boise area on a limited basis today .
tr	5	Written accounts report the Northern Lights were visible all the way down into Virginia , but back then the only electrical device was the telegraph .
tr	5	" Governor , if my mayor says fine , it would be an honor to serve the state in whatever function you need , " Amanda responded .
tr	5	Obviously some of the clients of this investment banker had sought revenge from the 2008 economic collapse that had taken the United States closer to the brink .
tr	5	Paul had spent many days explaining to his students that the basis of ' capitalism ' was that it was a system of rewards and punishments .
tr	5	Individuals like Hank Paulson , Bush 's Treasury Secretary , and Ben Bernanke , Fed Chairman , were just two of the fifty-two people highlighted .
tr	5	Chapter 9 Eugene , Oregon At the same time , three hundred miles to the west , events were playing out very differently from those in Boise .
tr	5	Combined with timber from the vast swaths of towering Douglas Fir trees , wealth had gathered in the three principal cities of Portland , Salem and Eugene .
tr	5	But unlike Idaho and other parts of the Intermountain West , Eugene was now in the hands of individuals conditioned by years of government handouts .
tr	5	Now that societal collapse had arrived , they took their ideology to heart and began a systematic looting of the ' wealth ' of Eugene .
tr	5	She thought of leaving , but by the time she had decided to follow them to Idaho , ' the Pulse ' had removed that option .
tr	5	Paul said a little prayer that his brother could find solace with this woman and move into the new world that the sun had created .
tr	5	The light provided by kerosene lighting was adequate for some things , but for detailed things like reading or needlework , it was hard on the eyes .
tr	5	Assuming that one criminal gang could find common ground to work with a rival gang , the bikers felt that they could reach a compromise .
tr	5	The crowd would cower with his armed guards standing by , but he knew that he wouldn 't be able to turn his back on his men .
tr	5	Chapter 12 Cheyenne , Wyoming The November wind blasted down from Canada as the American States Security Compact ( ASSC ) gathered in the Cheyenne Convention Center .
tr	5	But traffic was limited to one train per section since the railroad computer control system had been cooked beyond repair by the sun 's supercharged electrical pulse .
tr	5	Texas has their fellow Southern supporters hopping up and down over some of the policies outlined in our preliminary report , " the governor said .
tr	5	I would also acknowledge representatives from North Carolina , Arizona , Virginia , West Virginia , Nevada , Ohio , Indiana , Oregon , and California .
tr	5	They 're in this with us and have been very helpful in making sure gas supplies got flowing quickly , " Montana 's governor said .
tr	5	Our so-called leaders in Washington D.C. were well on their way to driving this country into the ground before we were knocked flat by the sun .
tr	5	As you know , we have radio operators in different parts of the country and the world reporting on conditions in their area , " Ed said .
tr	5	North Korea was developing the ability to launch a nuclear EMP and the Chinese would have been ready if that had been successful , " Ed said .
tr	5	From my counterpart in Virginia , he reports that members of the U.S. Armed Forces are more concerned about protecting their own families right now .
tr	5	The Governor of Virginia , being closest to Washington , D.C. , answered , " When ' the Pulse ' hit , Washington turned into anarchy .
tr	5	" We sent our state 's militias into Virginia to help hold back the wave of gangs trying to get out of the hellhole they had created .
tr	5	The Potomac River isn 't wide enough in some places and it looked like lemmings rushing into the sea , but we held them , by God .
tr	5	" My friend said that the Indonesians have made it plain that they 've come to stay and that we can just move or die . "
tr	5	Setting a goal of two divisions from Idaho , recruits had been selected while the remainder were put on a waiting list for the next call-up .
tr	5	But when news spread that New Zealand and Australia were suffering similar invasions , people took on a new resolve to defend their way of life .
tr	5	" My reports from the regular forces is that the Air Force has reached a thirty percent operational status and the Army is at fifty percent . "
tr	5	" You don 't expect to need them for the opening moves though , so they 'll have more time to increase their ready status . "
tr	5	I am confident many other states will feel the same about putting Texas or any other state into a dominant position , " the Idaho governor added .
tr	5	We take our Army into combat in a month and we continue to have problems between the regular forces and the various states ' troops .
tr	5	The thirty member states and provinces had agreed that neither the U.S. Federal government , nor the Canadian national government , held their best interests .
tr	5	Virginia delegates at the meetings described the effort that their state had made in keeping the chaos restricted to the north bank of the Potomac River .
tr	5	" Mr. Moderator , the great State of Texas would ask that a question of the legitimacy of all the Canadian Provinces being here be polled .
tr	5	" To my compatriot from Texas , I want to point out Dr. Kendall mentioned no state in his reference to ' commercial interests ' .
tr	5	" Mr. Moderator , I would make a motion that all our members be instructed to allow any refugee to enter and seek sanctuary immediately .
tr	5	" Mr. Moderator , obviously rich white men like Dr. Kendall don 't understand the suffering of millions of women and children in our distressed areas .
tr	5	" Ms. Richards will refrain from such language in the future , if she wishes to remain part of these proceedings , " the male moderator admonished .
tr	5	Unfortunately , creating more debt and deficit spending was not an answer to the largest ' credit bubble ' that had ever been created in history .
tr	5	Paul knew that the economic future would not have been good , but fate intervened when the sun answered the question for the entire world .
tr	5	Future generations expect us to give them a new government that eliminates the old problems that the Founding Fathers failed to foresee , " Paul said .
tr	5	He had just quoted the last President 's Chief of Staff , someone that had looked on the economic problems as an opportunity to make government bigger .
tr	5	They had all been training together now for three months , and the combination of experienced veterans teamed with his young troops was working well .
tr	5	" Well Mr. Mayor , we have food and supplies back in the column that can keep your citizens alive until full service is restored .
tr	5	" General , I know from our conferences that Boise knew they couldn 't guarantee northern Idaho 's safety in such an event as happened .
tr	5	The gangs tried once to come up into the mountains , but they didn 't try a second time , if you know what I mean . "
tr	5	The bridges leading into eastern Oregon had been blown , cutting this area off from any refugee drift from the large cities to the west .
tr	5	" It 's not my place , but I think we 're going to see this a lot as we clean out these nests of vermin . "
tr	5	Even though it was a warm fall in the rest of New Zealand , up here on the Desert Road the nights dropped below freezing .
tr	5	Western Australia , Queensland and the Northern Territories held a huge reservoir of metals waiting to be scooped up and shipped to factories in Asia .
tr	5	He described how fighting with your mates was the essence of life itself and that the rest of his existence on earth paled in comparison .
tr	5	Noel saw from the facial expression that the major was about to unload , but in good Allied cooperation mode , he held it in .
tr	5	And since our military has been progressively shrunk over the years , no Kiwi has won one since 1945 , " the Kiwi commander explained .
tr	5	The group elected me as their commander , since I 've seen action , most recently as an officer with the British Army in Iraq . "
tr	5	By the nods and murmurs of the delegates , they were happy to turn the Rebecca problem over to anyone willing to take it on .
tr	5	Paul knew that it was his trying to keep up with a younger woman as well as his political horse trading that had gotten to him .
tr	5	If we can offer half the wisdom today that they provided back then , we can count ourselves deserving , " the Utah governor said .
tr	5	He continued , " The United States that we all knew had reached an impasse of insolvency and cronyism when the sun resolved our problems .
tr	5	When we were on a system based on capital , it was the late 1800s and the United States was the fastest growing country on the planet .
tr	5	Along with absentee ballots that were questionable , that Democratic idiot Al Franken won a narrow victory , " a delegate from South Dakota chuckled .
tr	5	The worker was ready to hand him a ballot when he stopped them saying he was making a public demonstration of the failure of the system .
tr	5	Further , all ballots would be numbered so that they could be accounted for against unused blank ballots suddenly showing up to swing a close election .
tr	5	He hoped that if nothing else , the common government they all would choose would be significantly smaller than the one in the recent past .
tr	5	He pointed out that the United States had been unique in the world in conferring citizenship on anyone who happened to be born in the U.S. .
tr	5	Are you saying we should throw out all those people who through no fault of their own , are now living here , " Rebecca shouted .
tr	5	Ed knew sending messages by Morse code was the old-fashioned way , but with satellites knocked out , the old-fashioned ways would have to do .
tr	5	He had arranged a river pilot from Astoria to take one of the few running skiffs out to the fleet and assist them in crossing the bar .
tr	5	The shifting sand bars were notorious for grabbing unsuspecting boats and holding them while the crashing waves of the North Pacific pounded them to death .
tr	5	They had become close friends during their tour of duty and as Bud had moved up in rank , Ed had transferred to Special Ops .
tr	5	Over the last few years they had stayed in touch by email , but hadn 't seen each other since being together in the Middle East .
tr	5	" Too many people looking for a handout from the government , and he stood at the head of the line promising them the world .
tr	5	With over thirty thousand experienced troops on board , Ed could send his local units back to provide security in the towns they had passed through .
tr	5	While some trains had been hardened by state edict before ' the Pulse ' , their numbers were being tested at the demands of the UAS .
tr	5	Our scouts came in this morning with news that the Americans have formed up on our defensive lines south of Tacoma and east of Bellevue . "
tr	5	It was true that besides the full infantry division that had been landed and deployed to prepare defensive lines , a full armored brigade had arrived .
tr	5	" You might have attended high school here in the States and learned to speak English , but you didn 't learn anything about Americans .
tr	5	If you think the Americans were pissed after Pearl Harbor , what do you think they 're feeling with you guys standing on U.S. soil ?
tr	5	Chairman Z dug into the ground as close as he could and was hit by the hot air being pushed ahead of the bomb blast .
tr	5	And the accommodations you have are the best you 'll get , so make yourself as comfortable as you can , " the nurse said .
tr	5	When they were finally alone in their raft , Amanda said , " Couldn 't you figure out what I was trying to say ? "
tr	5	Julie and I have spent a little too much time in the old hot water tub out on the back pasture , " John said .
tr	5	" I 've been running rivers since I was six years old you know , " Amanda proceeded to announce , to no one in particular .
tr	5	" Let 's go , Brother , " Paul said as he shoved the remaining raft into the river and jumped into the rower 's seat .
tr	5	John explained that about ten minutes after the two had left , he heard movement behind the bridge abutment in some bushes by the river .
tr	5	The hair on the back of his neck stood up at the noise , and instinctively he cracked open the ammo can for easy access .
tr	5	Then they asked if I had any spare money so they could go into town and buy some food , still acting nice and friendly like .
tr	5	The one on the right then pulled up his shirt to reach for this , " John said as he lifted the man 's shirt .
tr	5	" The kind of country where people know how to survive , that 's where , " John answered , a strain of anger in his voice .
tr	5	Without this weapon , I would be dead right now , you 'd be tied up for future things you don 't want to know about .
tr	5	" I 'll take the lead with the two women in the Caprice so they don 't have to look at our load , " Paul said .
tr	5	With over two hundred million Indonesians before ' the Pulse ' , they had sufficient numbers of people to displace the four million New Zealanders .
tr	5	When Noel 's units met up with the railroad from Wellington , then supplies would flow more easily to the forces defending the center of the island .
tr	5	Leaving the bush knife stuck in his second victim , GG grabbed one of the abandoned rifles and stuck the bayonet into one of the two men .
tr	5	" We heard the commotion and thought we 'd come help , " Sergeant Illingworth said as he walked down to the six dead soldiers .
tr	5	Maybe you young guys are good for something after all , " GG said as he handled the extra assault rifles and ammo off to the team .
tr	5	If I may , Lars thought we could meet ahead of time to work out a compromise between the Idaho Plan and the Louisiana Plan .
tr	5	Paul , regarding your explanation of the profound problems that the United States suffered under in the final days , I agree with all of them .
tr	5	" But eventually , Rhode Island came around and joined the other states , so they saw the need for a Constitution , " Vernon offered .
tr	5	" Yes , after the U.S. Constitution was fully passed by all thirteen states , other nations began to examine what the U.S , had done .
tr	5	No , we were losing with Canada and Mexico , too , in the amount of $ 93 billion a year going across our borders .
tr	5	Paul added , " Yes , and that report listed the eleven states that before ' the Pulse ' had more people on welfare than were employed .
tr	5	If we can get our new country stabilized and on track , we may all look back on the CME as a godsend , " Lars added .
tr	5	So much pain and misery had been caused by social experiments like Communism that sounded good on paper but didn 't stand up against human nature .
tr	5	I know the problems the country got into with all the borrowing , but I think other solutions can be found , " Vernon said .
tr	5	Paul knew that any system devised would quickly devolve into deficit spending and the new country would be back where the old one had found itself .
tr	5	It was late spring and Wyoming was still cool as the couple pulled their collars up around their necks to shield them from the wind .
tr	5	Paul and his party were settling in for a long wait when a loud yell from the back alerted them that they had been spotted .
tr	5	The days of the ' smoke-filled rooms ' might be over , but the days of working things out ahead of time hadn 't stopped in politics .
tr	5	New York State had once been a linchpin in keeping the national power in the Northeast , but it had been losing population for decades .
tr	5	Local people would be hired to work in the new bureaucracy , and over the years those same people would rise up to control things .
tr	5	" But with the new Constitution limiting the size of the government , we wouldn 't see such a huge city there , " Vernon said .
tr	5	We can assume that even with the changes you 've worked out , the new government will one day be out of control , " Amanda offered .
tr	5	The full complement of planes from the battle group kept a sustained rate of sorties going each day as they knocked the Chinese defenses to pieces .
tr	5	But just in case the bridges were blown , the East Force was ready to split in two and add weight to the southern attack .
tr	5	The Regular Army was one thing , but like what George Washington wrote about regarding the original Continental Army , citizen soldiers were a different breed .
tr	5	With the use of a garden cart and accompanied by the thug who knew sailing , the small party made their way to the Seattle waterfront .
tr	5	They weren 't sure where the U.S. Navy was stationed , but by the sounds of the jets overhead , it wasn 't too far away .
tr	5	With all the Chinese concentrated in Seattle , Ed estimated that the Chinese had approximately twenty thousand troops in one full Infantry Division and an Armored Brigade .
tr	5	As he and General Gale walked in , Ed took up a position against the wall while Fuller sat down in front of the prisoner .
tr	5	They indicated that they had no wish to return to a Communist China and that they were willing to live the rest of their lives in America .
tr	5	There are some accounts to be settled there , " Ed said , " but we need to sit on all of it for now .
tr	5	The more Chinese troops who think they can stay in America if they surrender , the easier the job will be , " General Fuller said .
tr	5	Noel knew that they would be carrying mostly ammunition today and that the day-to-day things of life in the field would just slow them down .
tr	5	" But Grandfather , we haven 't used it in months and the major said we 'd be moving forward today , " Noel offered .
tr	5	After a breakfast of Marmite on toast cooked over their camp stove , followed by a cup of tea , the two Kiwis were ready .
tr	5	With a rate of 1200 rounds per minute , it throws bullets into the air with a sound every soldier on the receiving end never forgets . "
tr	5	He took his weapon and shovel and crawled over the ridge to see if he could lend a hand getting the machine guns dug in .
tr	5	A firing slit was created between two logs so that the gunner could have a free range of fire while being protected from returning shots .
tr	5	A buzz went up through the clamor of battle and Noel saw the dirt flying up as bullets tore holes in front of the charging troops .
tr	5	Noel marveled at the ' buzz saw ' action as the gun capable of over 1200 rounds per minute cleared an area of live men .
tr	5	Panic stuck him as he looked out the slit and saw what looked to be a full company leaping over the dead bodies of their countrymen .
tr	5	He felt for the place that seemed to be bleeding the most and squeezed it the best he could * * * Noel opened his eyes slightly .
tr	5	They stood guard over his body the whole time until we buried him in the military cemetery set up outside Bombay , " Major Smith said .
tr	5	As he got ready to be wheeled down to the waiting truck , Noel 's father , Desmond , and his Grandfather Leslie stepped into the room .
tr	5	" The last thing I want you to remember while you lead the Ewing Commission is that the old United States was looted purposely by American criminals .
tr	5	The Idaho governor was voted to oversee the operation while the rest of the Committee met with local Army commanders to discuss a full incursion north .
tr	5	Paul and the governor were back in Newport News just in time to board the Iwo Jima as she raised anchor and made way into Chesapeake Bay .
tr	5	The trucks would deposit the gold on the dock and the crane on the ship would hoist it aboard and lower it into the hold .
tr	5	* * * " OK , bring in the next four , " Mr. Wong told Johnny as four men climbed the gangway onto the ship .
tr	5	A leader of a pack of thugs had to keep them under control - the ' Alpha ' dog theory of life , he recalled from somewhere .
tr	5	" And trying to steal the United States gold reserves as well as gold from other governments stored in New York won 't make China popular .
tr	5	" Stealing the gold reserves of a country and turning it over to a belligerent country is the textbook definition of treason , " Lewis answered .
tr	5	" Captain , as a member of the Governor 's Council , I am authorized to command the armed forces of the Union of American States .
tr	5	Our old friend , Horst , quickly gathered up his minions and along with Oklahoma and Louisiana , walked out of the Convention , " Amanda said .
tr	5	When the Idaho governor finally answered Ed 's inquiry as to the cargo that they would be responsible for , there was a moment of stunned silence .
tr	5	The locomotive 's engines started to wind up and the strain on the cars behind it creaked as the pull took the slack out of the couplers .
tr	5	" If the governors haven 't gotten through to all the air units to stay away from this train , the boys with the Stingers will . "
tr	5	Ed notified the troops that friendly air assets were in the area and to act accordingly , but he cautioned them to maintain vigilance just in case .
tr	5	Chapter 30 Cheyenne , Wyoming " Will the delegates please take their seats , " the Missouri governor said as he called the Convention to order .
tr	5	Until your governor chooses to attend these meetings as the head of the Louisiana Delegation , we will not be having any ' observers ' . "
tr	5	As we all know and greatly appreciate , the general was instrumental in assuring the safe delivery to Wyoming of the New York Federal Reserve gold .
tr	5	Shortly , I 'll be returning to Seattle to lead our troops into California to do battle to free our country from the Chinese invaders . "
tr	5	With a return to an orderly society , computers would once again rule citizen 's lives , but hardened this time from any future CME .
tr	5	The rich already make sure their ' boys ' are elected to the Senate , and to the House , and to the White House .
tr	5	Because of that belief , provisions were put into the Constitution that allowed the House to overrule any other branch of the government , " Lars continued .
tr	5	" Yes , I would remind Ms. Richards that voting with your feet is one of the most immediate confirmations that a governing body can have .
tr	5	At present we have thirty states and provinces , so we 'll have thirty little experiments all vying for the best system to govern people .
tr	5	If we truly believe in self-government , then anyone selected should have the ability to weigh the issues of our times in a thoughtful way .
tr	5	" No , it isn 't , but farmers have been growing crops for centuries and have done so successfully without subsidies from the government .
tr	5	" I don 't imagine that they are going to say ' Oops ' and pronounce they they are leaving forthwith , " Paul said .
tr	5	" Paul , I 've been thinking about our first meeting and I believe you need to stay here at headquarters , " Ed said .
tr	5	Just as the Communist Chinese abrogated the debt of the Nationalist Chinese when they came to power , so the world works , " Ed offered .
tr	5	Ed loaded on , " Now the only thing I 'm here to discuss is how fast your sorry asses can get out of my country . "
tr	5	" I guess future generations won 't be traveling to Willows Grange Hall to witness where the peace treaty was signed , " Ed joked .
tr	5	Noel knew the family heirloom was the ' beast ' , the German MG 42 machine gun his grandfather had brought back from the European War .
tr	5	Chapter 33 Red Bluff , California The abbreviated talks with the Chinese had ended with the Chinese general showing his displeasure with a violation of protocol .
tr	5	But I think there 's one thing you need to do when you get back to Cheyenne and report to the President , " Ed said .
tr	5	Between dalliances with interns and running guns to drug cartels , these former United States Presidents had become corrupted ghosts compared to their earlier counterparts .
tr	5	With you now in a position in the government , it would be compromising if they fell into the wrong hands , " Ed offered .
tr	5	The first is the existing one on the West Coast of North America , from the tip of Baja north to Eureka , California . "
tr	5	" And if we don 't state our policy right now , then ignorance on their part might make that decision easier for them to make .
tr	5	The airmen of the 8th Air Wing of the UAS Air Force listened intently in their ready room at the air base located at the Reno Airport .
tr	5	The 2nd Fighter Squadron had scrambled four jets to intercept a reported enemy sighting over Lake Tahoe that morning and they were just returning to base .
tr	5	They had to pull the missiles from the silo , remove the nukes and then transport them to Florida for launch , " the commander said .
tr	5	When the day approached to launch the attack , Special Forces had been inserted ahead of time into California to confirm the Chinese main bases .
tr	5	He would push his sailors hard so that the sacrifice that the Perry had made to protect the U.S.S. Enterprise would not be in vain .
tr	5	As Commander of Task Force Delta , he had fought across the State of Washington and was ready to take his Montana and Idaho volunteers into battle .
tr	5	" Besides , I hear through the grapevine that Commander Z and that bitch woman of his are back at it in the Bay area .
tr	5	One of their first orders of business concerned setting the policy for new states to join the twenty seven that had passed the new constitution .
tr	5	" These are the days I wonder why I 'm not back in Boise enjoying a nice fall hike in the Front Range , " Amanda mumbled .
tr	5	We have to get things started right for the nation to have a chance at returning to the great country it once was , " Paul said .
tr	5	Paul often wondered , with more normalcy springing up around the country , if John and Julie would still want to spend their lives together .
tr	5	It is not finalized as of yet , but the Commission feels the importance of the findings warrant its early release , " John said .
tr	5	" How about the Federal Reserve Chairman that manipulated the banks in order to float money to save the hedge fund called Long Term Capital ?
tr	5	She had been elected to the House by Colorado 's voters and had been selected as a House of Representative 's appointment to the Cabinet .
tr	5	And with one hundred million dead Americans linked to these treasonous acts , I will seek the death penalty , " the Attorney General said .
tr	5	" Yes , Sir , we will make exceptions for fully cooperating individuals who are forthright in their disclosure , " the Attorney General said .
tr	5	" But while we are punishing the guilty , never forget that it was government interference in the market place that caused many of the problems .
tr	5	" When I was captured by a company of Idaho volunteers in Pennsylvania , I remembered her writing me about her professor at the University of Oregon .
tr	5	If the troops round up everyone who broke the law over the last year , there would be no one left , " Kevin said .
tr	5	As such , the house had a number of guns that would normally have been illegal for common citizens under Maryland 's tough gun laws .
tr	5	When they reached the agreed-upon meeting place , Paul , Amanda and Kevin joined the commander in greeting the three representatives of the local militia .
tr	5	If you followed our progress , you know that suppressing the gangs and bringing security for the survivors has been our priority , " Paul said .
tr	5	" We 'll accept the food , but we 've voted that we are not so sure we want to accept your ' security ' .
tr	5	So Paul 's only companion was a cargo bay full of strapped down supplies that was deemed vital to the battle taking place in the Golden State .
tr	5	The air attacks had done their job on the most loyal and dangerous units , but no sign of weakening was evident from the others .
tr	5	With the best troops torn apart by air attacks , the remaining units folded and headed for home when the Americans came over the horizon .
tr	5	" I 'm sure the sergeant has some interesting ideas on soldiering , but I need to track down Matt right now , " Paul injected .
tr	5	Wanted for serious violent crimes against people from Eugene to Seattle , she had literally cut a swath of death and misery across the Pacific Northwest .
tr	5	Rumored to have escaped Seattle with Chairman Z , Sergeant Wilder had made it a personal mission to track the two down to face justice .
tr	5	" I don 't know , Sergeant , but it does look like my brothers wife 's sisters husband , if you follow all that .
tr	5	" Look , I 'll admit to being Chairman Z , but I don 't know who this Dwight character is , " the man said .
tr	5	The first shot was against the side of the woman 's head and then he quickly placed the gun under his chin and pulled the trigger .
tr	5	The locals had finally gotten with the recent demand for good coffee and Amanda had made it a ritual now to support the owner 's efforts .
tr	5	The President had recently appointed her as his representative to the Commission that would hear requests from non-member states and provinces that wished to join the UAS .
tr	5	" Well , I would have never believed it , but it seems that Rebecca and I seem to agree on a number of things . "
tr	5	He continued with the litany of Texas history from its beginning as part of Mexico up to the day it walked out of the Constitutional Convention .
tr	5	" We don 't need to go back to the 19th Century to understand how America rose to the top of all the nations in the world .
tr	5	She went on to explain that as the other countries rebuilt and became more competitive , the United States didn 't adjust to the new situation .
tr	5	To get the National Council approved , the other side made sure that the ' Defense of Marriage Act ' was incorporated into the constitution .
tr	5	The President broke the silence as both he and Amanda remembered the past negotiations " We 'll have to see what price they want this time .
tr	5	But with the reduced size of the national government , Interior had taken on a lot of orphan programs when other departments had been closed .
tr	5	The small remaining portions of the old Departments of Transportation , Education , Housing and Urban Development , Agriculture and the Environment were now under Interior .
tr	5	If people didn 't chose to attend church , then with limited shopping and entertainment options , they might spend more time with their families and neighbors .
tr	5	" I think you 'll find an equally receptive audience when one day of the week is set aside with very little outside stimulus available .
tr	5	While it is a state 's issue , in order that people have the same rights across state lines , the national government would recognize those unions .
tr	5	But the thought of losing the ' gold standard ' and reverting back to a ' fiat money ' system persuaded the majority to accept the deal .
tr	5	The FWF , as it would be called , would be an association of western-style countries that could find common ground in which they could cooperate .
tr	5	Amanda watched the response at the news of a world gold standard by the opposition as both Horst and Rebecca had attended the news conference .
tr	5	Chapter 39 North Shore , Oahu , Hawaii The Battle of San Francisco , as recorded , was as bloody and destructive as had been predicted .
tr	5	With fixed defensive lines similar to the Russian Front in the 1940s , the Chinese were determined to extract as many American casualties as possible .
tr	5	Hopelessly cut off from any chance of resupply , the Japanese devised a defensive posture on their islands that would kill as many American troops as possible .
tr	5	I know I can speak for my colleague from New Zealand in expressing our profound gratitude for what your country has provided to our two countries .
tr	5	We 'll just have to hit them from the Indian Ocean direction so we don 't have trouble with our supply lines around New Zealand .
tr	5	Noel had found an empty bed and although his injuries didn 't warrant a hospital stay , his concern for the major overshadowed official protocol .
tr	5	With no other additional fanfare , the President walked in from a side room and took his place at the lectern on the raised dais .
tr	5	The Times reporter continued , " Isn 't it true that many of these so-called criminals have never seen the inside of a courtroom ? "
tr	5	That anyone was even now questioning the justice in incarcerating the criminals that had been responsible for many of those deaths was incredible , Paul thought .
tr	5	Amanda had left strict instructions with her brother that she didn 't want to see anyone and it took some male bonding to get Paul an answer .
tr	5	He returned to the mouth of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River where the adventure that had been the past two years really had begun .
tr	5	Glad to be around people who had not witnessed the horrors of life after ' the Pulse ' , he had joined in local events .
tr	5	Corbyn 's business revolved around studying current sunspot activity and then comparing that information to a point in history with a similar sun spot activity pattern .
tr	5	You do have other duties today , I believe , " Paul injected , attempting to end the discussion before things got out of hand .
tr	5	He asked , " If a period of solar maximums had just about killed off humanity , then a little less activity must be good ? "
tr	5	With the size of the explosion on the sun , the activity may drop off to nothing as the sun settles into a quiet period .
tr	5	" Mr. President , this is all interesting and I 'm sure we can set up a meeting with your science committee to review all of this .
tr	5	You are to convene the best scientific minds we have and give me a report on the possibility of global cooling as soon as possible .
tr	5	While other books have dealt with a hostile power 's attack on the U.S. with nuclear missiles , I chose the sun 's threat to the Earth .
tr	5	" We 're going to be on here for a few days so I would prefer you not be too childish if you can help it . "
tr	5	She pushed open one door , looking around the strange walls that connected one train car to the next with a floor for them to walk on .
tr	5	I would also talk to myself , starting with ' A ' and trying to say every word I could think of up to ' Z ' .
tr	5	I could see through walls and every human body in the room was an assortment of different heat signals - yellow , orange , red and purple .
tr	5	I had sat up at once , trying to make it stop , but when I sat up I felt my whole body was even heavier .
tr	5	" Once you learn to change from one form to the other , you will be put through tests to see how good your control is . "
tr	5	" I didn 't want to wake you , " said Soul , frowning at Hiro who leaned his elbows on the table and held his head .
tr	5	" A file I think you should read , " replied Hiro as one screen blinked and then a wave of words spilled through it .
tr	5	Most of what she read were a complicated series of numbers and Soul felt her head spin as she tried to understand what they were .
tr	5	" I could almost call this laptop my brother more than I can call my parents Mom and Dad , if I had any . "
tr	5	She stared hard out the window , ignoring Hiro who watched her a moment longer before lying on the bench and kicking off his boots .
tr	5	As soon as she was inside she laughed out loud over the murmuring of conversation and stood near an unfamiliar man who had black hair .
tr	5	He reached out towards Soul to take her arm , but before he knew it Soul had his arm and slammed his head into the lockers .
tr	5	" You haven 't stopped looking wary of everyone since I woke you up , " Soul told Hiro , making him glance at her .
tr	5	" I 'll try this tea if you tell me , " he said , tapping the table with the teaspoon to make Soul look at him .
tr	5	She glanced up at him in confusion and saw him cast a wary glance at the window before leading her out of the dining car .
tr	5	" I 've faced them and took out quite a few , but there is one more left who has become a major problem . "
tr	5	He looked ahead and saw the train was indeed coming to a stop , but it was on a bridge over top of a large lake .
tr	5	" Well , this is all very heart warming , " said Anna , sticking the pistol in her left hand and snapping her fingers .
tr	5	He was pushing himself even though the blood rushing from his shoulder was dripping out of his sleeve and staining the top of his jeans .
tr	5	" You do remember then , " said Anna quietly , watching Hiro as he hung his head with gritted teeth and a pained expression .
tr	5	The force was so great it made the water around the barge shoot out in all directions and also blasted the barge from the surface .
tr	5	She dabbed the fresh blood away and then did the same to the back of his shoulder , since the bullet had gone straight through .
tr	5	Soul looked oddly alone , standing by the window with her long hair tangled at the base and her fragile body leaning on the wall .
tr	5	" If we don 't escape then this time is all we have left , " he said quietly , leaning against the wall beside her .
tr	5	As the village and people were shredded I sank back to the ground , my armored feet touching the ground and my visor sliding back .
tr	5	She flung her arms and legs , trying to get back to the top , but she wasn 't even sure which direction she had to go .
tr	5	She didn 't even want to be in his arms , which was strange since lately all she wanted was to be close to Hiro .
tr	5	Crystal Crier didn 't want to climb it , but he knew if he didn 't get off the water soon he would start to sink .
tr	5	The last thing she saw was the stranger laughing and setting his hand over Hiro 's wide-open eyes as if trying to calm him down .
tr	5	Shaking her head , Soul looked around again , seeing the bedroom was elegant and that there was a fine wood door that led into the house .
tr	5	" Or you 've never seen how some times he acts unlike a human and will , say , leave you behind without knowing it ? "
tr	5	No one figured out that it was the crystal itself , the heart they had given him , that was causing Hiroshima 's downfall itself . "
tr	5	" Were he able to , he should have stopped it then and there , but he had not the mind nor the ability to .
tr	5	" I 'll protect Soul with everything inside of me , even if I have to let Crystal Crier kill me to do it ! "
tr	5	" You and your brother are both in danger because Anna decided to fix your heart problems and use you to reach her own goals . "
tr	5	Since I knew where the exit was , having gone there many times blindfolded to missions , I had an idea of where I was going .
tr	5	" I don 't need to be Crystal Crier to get past you , " I said , trying to ignore the mockery of them both .
tr	5	" I shouldn 't have been so anxious to die , " he said , turning in the opposite direction Hiro and Soul had gone .
tr	5	They would be miles away in only a few minutes , but with how fast Anna and the rest caught up Soul knew it would be pointless .
tr	5	They moved in on her and Soul looked up in alarm when they seized her and one tried to take the key from her hand .
tr	5	Anna threw her arms up and her bodyguards dove in front of her to save her , but Shadow Eater vanished from in front of her .
tr	5	" You killed him , " he said , lifting his head and pointing at the puncture wound in his throat that oozed blood and black oil .
tr	5	Soul saw herself reflected in his silver visor and her own wide eyes stared back at her as Crystal Crier spun the knife that had killed Hiro .
tr	5	There was suddenly a loud crackling sound and Soul looked up to see bolts of electricity shooting from Shadow Eater 's hand into Crystal Crier 's side .
tr	5	He pushed back the hood of his cloak and his short blond hair caught the light of the fire climbing the walls of the house .
tr	5	It 's hard to escape her , let alone doing it while carrying a half-human machine and leading a young lady who has a weak system . "
tr	5	If he is to take control over you all that will happen is he will destroy the planet , unless he destroys you first . "
tr	5	He stood with his back to them , his arms at his sides , and his black hair windswept from the energy he had used .
tr	5	" If I can 't hear Crystal Crier anymore I want to know if I still take on the same massacre form as I used to .
tr	5	" Well , it 's because you ruined the mood , " replied Hiro , laughing again at his words then stopping hastily with a blank stare .
tr	5	" Anna is probably scouring the woods looking for us so if we can get there safely we 'll have time to search its remains . "
tr	5	" I just meant - " " I know , don 't worry about it , " Hiro interrupted , patting Soul 's hand before taking it .
tr	5	Soul herself felt foolish for every time she heard her footfall on the soft ground or when she passed some weeds and made them rustle .
tr	5	He tightly shut his eyes , gritting his teeth as tears rolled down his face , mingling with the raindrops that dripped from his hair .
tr	5	The barge pulled into the harbor and instead of dropping a lifeboat to row to shore , Anna made Hiro swim while following close behind him .
tr	5	Hiro didn 't trouble himself with pointing out that he wouldn 't need rest any more than she would , but he thought better of it .
tr	5	Hiro approached , looking inside and finding a long steel tunnel with orange and red lights lining the ceiling and a staircase that led down into it .
tr	5	" It wasn 't my choice , " said Anna over her shoulder as they approached the window at the end of the long corridor .
tr	5	" I have another one of these under the city you lived in too , " said Anna as she gazed at the village with pride .
tr	5	Had he only been left on that hill someone else would have become Crystal Crier and he would be dead and gone from the explosion .
tr	5	There were shelves all along the wall , filled with odd tools and metal parts and in the center was a large chair with many straps .
tr	5	Her voice sounded as if it were miles away and her mouth moved slowly as if the misty form couldn 't keep up with her .
tr	5	It reached into the dome , causing the mechanical people to look up at their sky and wonder at the golden like painted across the sky .
tr	5	It was the last thing they wondered before each one fell to the ground , their system crashing because of the overwhelming power inside the light .
tr	5	Anna held up a hand to shield her eyes as she watched the ground cracking open and the large chunks of earth rising slowly into the air .
tr	5	Hiro seized her by the throat and lifted her into the air , then slammed her to the ground so hard the earth cracked at impact .
tr	5	She picked up her knives and moved to get up , but suddenly Hiro slammed his foot down on her back , making her collapse again .
tr	5	He had seen it go flying when Anna changed into her second form and Hiro went to it , picking it up and dusting sand off it .
tr	5	Somewhere in the back of his mind he thought he heard Soul 's laugh and he lowered his head , placing his hand over his heart .
tr	5	The nymphs are said to have blue or green eyes and far shorter or much taller than the average Filipino , in short Caucasian but translucent .
tr	5	I thought about the reason why I flew half way around the world and each time , I felt this sinking feeling in my stomach .
tr	5	What I had in my memory card was all from Dave who downloaded these songs for me to play when I get bored or scared .
tr	5	I had dropped out of a case I had dreamed of taking over for a long time and asked for a month-long leave from our law firm .
tr	5	Most of the people in the airport were dressed to the nines and still I was getting so much attention when I was dressed down .
tr	5	He was very affectionate when he told me about his youngest son , a naughty little five year old boy who had just started studying kindergarten .
tr	5	It 's like sour stew ... we serve it in a clay pot , with a plate of rice and a glass of iced tea .
tr	5	He used his fund to finance his global trotting and last year , he announced , he was going around Southeast Asia to look for supernatural entities .
tr	5	He knows the way up the mountain and from the looks of it , Josh could have lost his way there and wasn 't able to return .
tr	5	He did look engaging though , with his deep brown eyes that I could stare at for days without end and his lean body was sculpted beautifully .
tr	5	He was tall for a Filipino , probably around 5 ' 10 " and had a lighter complexion than most I 've seen in this province .
tr	5	" But , I hope you don 't mind my telling you this , if he 's there , I should have found him by now . "
tr	5	Patricia led me to their dining area and served me two slices of the brown rice cake that looked a little too oily for my taste .
tr	5	But Patricia asked her son to walk me back to the main road so we 'd also get the chance to talk about the climb .
tr	5	We decided to let the rains abate and checked in a lodging house around seven in the morning after a bus ride from Cuenca to Sto .
tr	5	Both trails are generally established and safe , although throughout the years there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents and injuries , especially on the Sto .
tr	5	Samuel told me to rub shampoo on my arms and legs to keep the leeches from attaching themselves to my limbs and even my face .
tr	5	It was a soft raspberry colored hooded jacket that always makes me feel just as comfy and cozy as if I was back in my own bed .
tr	5	" By the way , Pamela can I give you a word of advice if it 's okay for me to tell you one ? "
tr	5	I would really love to know more about what he did here ... " I said before taking a spoonful of the porridge into my mouth .
tr	5	He seems to be the only topic we 're talking about instead of updates on your search for your brother ... " " Pamela ? "
tr	5	The closeness of our bodies was intoxicating and had it been a different situation , I wouldn 't wait for him to make a move .
tr	5	I retorted but the got distracted when a sudden cold chill blasted through the windows and I felt my spine tingling like in horror movies .
tr	5	He has been up here several times already and he was more intent on trying to retrace my brother 's footsteps and in finding him of course .
tr	5	We didn 't speak to each other much but he kept extending a hand each time I had to jump from one stone to another .
tr	5	" But the sent us a text three hours ago that they were also on their way up and were already at the jump off . "
tr	5	She used to be the president of our mountaineering club and she 's got at guiding other newbie 's ... Samuel consults with her unnecessarily .
tr	5	" Better hear the news from my friend over there because he 's had a lot of experiences about things we can 't rationally explain . "
tr	5	But here in the Philippines , everyone knows that this mountain is named after a beautiful fairy and the mountain and its peaks resemble her body .
tr	5	" She said that the guy was taken by the wood nymphs because he was boasting about his riches all the time , while climbing up here .
tr	5	You should understand that there are things in this world that we have to learn to accept and respect in order for us coexist . "
tr	5	This time , it was about me being lost in the forest that I imagined looked like any other forest I 've seen on television .
tr	5	" If you ever go to the Arizona , or anywhere near me in the United States , I 'll take you there to the canyons . "
tr	5	Then we dock in ports in the US too so I get a couple of days off to sight see and stay in hotels in America . "
tr	5	Lanie brought out her tablet again and read a line from a blog saying , " The nymph is also said to appear mostly after a storm .
tr	5	" If we ever , by some terrible misfortune , land in a similar situation , we 'll need all the help we can get . "
tr	5	Then suddenly , I heard splashes of water like its falling from the top of the mountain , like a waterfall or some kind of a stream .
tr	5	This has been the best three days of my life ; the best vacation rather , here in Cuenca , Batangas with my twin brother ! "
tr	5	Through their boundless determination and largely unappreciated hard work , they have crafted the premiere community for independent writers , editors , publishers and authors .
tr	5	Because of my eclectic tastes , one story may be vastly different from another , but I feel certain there is something here for everyone .
tr	5	Jared , a young farmer from a small isolated village , has paid scant attention to the distant troubles until his younger siblings are taken as slaves .
tr	5	While touring a little-known concentration camp and museum , she spontaneously experiences a violent past life memory of being murdered in this very camp during the Holocaust .
tr	5	Superstition Gold Married and widowed within a 24-hour period , beautiful Leigh Banning watches as her storybook New Orleans life crumbles away piece by piece .
tr	5	Leigh 's quest for justice leads her to a remote Apache camp in the company of a proud Pima Indian and a handsome cavalry officer .
tr	5	Romance - Contemporary Lightning Strikes Jessie Evans is a free-lance journalist , emphasis on the " free , " with no plans to tie herself down .
tr	5	An epic and magical story of one woman 's exceptional destiny during exceptional times , Goddess Rising follows Greer 's journey from simple obscurity to prophesied reign .
tr	5	Not more than five minutes later -- he 'd barely shrugged into his shirt and pulled his pants up -- he heard the drone of planes overhead .
tr	5	He jammed on his shoes and trotted quickly through the battleship , edging sideways through hatches as other men went in opposite directions past him .
tr	5	Do you remember that summer you took us to the pool in the park , and that bully held me under water and I about went nuts ?
tr	5	He studied the woman , wondering if she were taking Brian for an easy mark of if she got her kicks out of seducing young kids .
tr	5	Finishing up the notes she 'd been taking throughout the session , she turned off a cassette recorder and flipped through the pages of her notebook .
tr	5	I don 't know what I thought would happen to me , but I just know I really didn 't want to find out . "
tr	5	Science still doesn 't know to what extent our subconscious minds pick up stuff , what we take in and store without even realizing it .
tr	5	" But really , Dad , " she said , returning to the original subject , " you 've got to admit there 's something to it .
tr	5	" I always said he had a mind like a steel trap , " Brian joked , " closed up tight and rusty as hell . "
tr	5	He called to Ross and the two men followed the prints , accompanied by one set of boot tracks , to another set of horse prints .
tr	5	Here the dirt was patterned with hoof marks , as if a man sat a restive horse that would not be still and held another .
tr	5	She was reported to be the best brood mare in the territory , and the general -- or whatever he was -- loved flashy color .
tr	5	Ash watched the mare lift her head curiously and she let out an answering whinny before he could jerk her lead rope and shut her up .
tr	5	" If you don 't get that rail down in the next two seconds , we 're leaving without him , " Ash said angrily .
tr	5	If it weren 't for the fact that he would be committing suicide , he would just as soon turn his horse about and head for home .
tr	5	It was times like these that he almost smiled for a bit , until his fantasies progressed so far that his erection clamored for relief .
tr	5	Inside the earthen cottage in the softening glow of firelight , several women cleared the last vestiges of a feast from a long , crude table .
tr	5	He ruled his kingship with the family of his one true son , Mal , and his second wife who had her own son , Bren .
tr	5	They began by shouting , demanding that everyone come to the center yard for inspection , and herding slow ones with jabs of their lances .
tr	5	The eldest of three , he had always been a serious , conscientious boy , more mindful of necessities than his younger brother and sister .
tr	5	His mother 's face sagged at the mention of her younger children , as if she folded in on herself under the weight of her returning grief .
tr	5	The thought of himself a slave , dragged to the mines to be brutally used until an early , desperate death , sent a chill through him .
tr	5	He looked about at the ruin that was his village and thought more about facing the king 's animals that had brought about the destruction .
tr	5	While midnight was only minutes away , the asphalt still held a store of heat from the day that it released consistently throughout the night .
tr	5	Leave it to an American to bring the storied stone bridge from England and plop it down over a spit of river in the southwest desert .
tr	5	Before that , Lake Havasu City was nothing but a trailer park beside the Colorado River ; now it was known everywhere because it had THE BRIDGE .
tr	5	He looked again westward down the roadway toward the island ; nothing there at all , not even a leaf moved in the heavy air .
tr	5	He remembered the fleeting sense of the dark shape coming at the windshield but when he examined it , there were no scratches , no marks .
tr	5	Having that one down left Matt with only two units unreserved for the day , so it would be first come , first served for those .
tr	5	Her small stature might fool someone at first , but people quickly found out that if Susie had a problem , it would be dealt with .
tr	5	He had thought then that any advance on his part would not be rebuffed , but common sense had prevailed and he 'd kept his distance .
tr	5	" How is it , " he asked , " that you know the exact moment I have time to even think about lunch ? "
tr	5	I figured you 've probably been so busy you haven 't eaten a thing , but by now you ought to be able to get away .
tr	5	Matt usually managed to take a couple days off during the week as his " weekend , " but of course Carrie was working then .
tr	5	Whether they went out or stayed in at either his place or hers , he couldn 't remember the last Saturday night he 'd spent without her .
tr	5	" It would , " Matt agreed , " but I 'd hate like hell to lay someone off in the winter when things slow down .
tr	5	Granted , they don 't slow down much , but enough so that Susie , Simon and I can handle it without a problem . "
tr	5	At his sheepish look , she leaned closer and added , " Don 't worry ; that 's a trait I find highly admirable . "
tr	5	When they 'd first started dating she had thought Matt was driven and ambitious , a combination she was not sure she could meld with .
tr	5	" Maybe you are , " she said slowly , " but I never have to wonder if you 're telling me the truth or not . "
tr	5	" We can hang our clothes up and put the suitcases in the closet so they 'll be out of the movers ' way . "
tr	5	She knew he wasn 't as keen about this as she was ; he was still angry about being assigned to this rural sales route .
tr	5	With all its underpinnings intact , the house was almost like a bare canvas , just waiting for Jen to sweep across it with color and accent .
tr	5	It was there she learned the intricacies of cleaning antiques without removing the patina of age , and her appreciation of design and craftsmanship increased tenfold .
tr	5	Converted to a garage decades ago , it also had a second room that ran the length of the garage with large windows and a slate floor .
tr	5	By the time the truck backed out of the driveway and rumbled down the street , Jen was already unpacking kitchen utensils and thinking about dinner .
tr	5	Her blonde hair flying in the late July breeze , she couldn 't get over how clear the air was here , how sharp everything looked .
tr	5	" Why my brain insists on climbing back onto that hamster wheel and rehashing the whole thing over and over again , I 'll never know .
tr	5	To find out it wasn 't that way at all ... well , it just makes me wonder what else I 'm not seeing clearly .
tr	5	You 've never been flaky , never been an airhead , so I don 't think it 's fair to start rethinking everything you 've ever believed .
tr	5	I think it 'll be a wonderful interim for you , a time when you can relax and just enjoy yourself and recharge your batteries .
tr	5	The knob turned easily in her hand -- not with difficulty , as with a rusting mechanism as she had expected -- and the door swung open .
tr	5	There was no odor , although she expected one : the musty , powdery smell of bulk flour or grain , the earthy smell of raw potatoes .
tr	5	After the brightness of outdoors , the windowless building was dark but she forced herself to step up into the dimness and let her eyes adjust .
tr	5	Rough burlap sacks were stacked against one wall , but when Julia peeked into the loose opening of one , she saw it held only rocks .
tr	5	The small windowless room was entirely empty but it felt oppressively crowded to her , as if she couldn 't move , she couldn 't breathe .
tr	5	" I don 't know any of the whys or hows , I just know what I felt in there , and it felt like memories . "
tr	5	" I would never believe this if I didn 't feel it myself , but I actually physically felt like my airway was being pressed closed .
tr	5	Like so many villages in Bavaria , its clustered whitewashed buildings and predominantly red roofs created a pleasing contrast to the forest greenery around it .
tr	5	The square was cobbled with stones worn smooth by hundreds of years of use , and the narrow streets starred out in all directions around it .
tr	5	Primarily in German but also in varying degrees of English , Maggie explained that they were headed to the clinic and would stop longer at another time .
tr	5	The clinic was a " newer " building ( as in built in the last forty years , Maggie explained ) and devoid of any charm whatsoever .
tr	5	To Maggie , he dropped his voice to a stage whisper and said , " But examining someone before I meet them is really not necessary .
tr	5	Maggie immediately reached in a cupboard for an ear thermometer and slipped the protective cover on it , then held it in Julia 's ear .
tr	5	" We were touring the camp , " she told Theo , " and I noticed I was getting a weird prickly sensation inside my head .
tr	5	" I understand what you 're saying , " Julia told Theo , " but I didn 't feel like that anywhere except in that storage building .
tr	5	Somehow feeling the experience in her body was less frightening than putting forth a bonafide theory about it , and she realized how crazy it all sounded .
tr	5	" There are plenty of anecdotal reports of people having memories triggered by being in a place or a situation that matches the past life .
tr	5	He 's mentioned it to me , although we 've never talked about it in -- " Just then there was a tapping at the door .
tr	5	In the dimming twilight they came like ghostly devils from hell , loosing death with every arrow , surrounding the wagons in a fiendish shrieking circle .
tr	5	Hearing her father curse yet another missed shot , she jumped up and ran to his side , wanting to help but not quite sure how .
tr	5	His eyes fell on the rifle , then rose to the sight of an Indian riding hell bent away from him , apparently struggling with something .
tr	5	Jack received no word during the time he was in California and none awaited him at Fort Leavenworth on his return trip the next year .
tr	5	Any man who had found his fortune in California or any man not willing to travel as far as the west coast hurried eagerly to the Platte .
tr	5	Before my mother and I were bought back from the wilderness , it was only a guest room and not subject to much change , just maintenance .
tr	5	That particular spring had about it a crispness and a newness that seemed to act as a catalyst on my boredom , making it almost unbearable .
tr	5	Since my graduation from Mrs. Pettit 's Finishing School , I had little to occupy my time so I paced or stared out my window .
tr	5	I imagine many of the older women thought me a cold child with little empathy or gratitude , but I cared very little what they thought .
tr	5	My grandfather 's wealth was well known , so I was duly inspected by the proper suitors , usually at parties or other large affairs .
tr	5	Mrs. Pettit had done all in her power to correct this horrible fault , had vowed that she would do so or have a nervous breakdown trying .
tr	5	Mr. Slater came for dinner twice each year , once in late summer on his arrival and once in early spring before he left again for Leavenworth .
tr	5	I had often thought of how I might make my way to the prairie but I had almost no idea of how to do it .
tr	5	I would necessarily have to keep up my charade of being a well-bred young white woman or find my way blocked by prejudice and possible harm .
tr	5	As much as they verbalized their love for me , I saw the guarded look in their eyes when they thought I wasn 't looking .
tr	5	One man sat boldly beside me and drew me into conversation until I confessed I was on my way to Leavenworth to marry a lieutenant colonel there .
tr	5	Since it wasn 't to leave until the following day , I rented a room in a hotel and stayed there until time to depart .
tr	5	It was still not easy for me to initiate conversation but I answered most questions put to me until I had woven a simple history .
tr	5	I was closer to my homeland than I had been in seven years and I had escaped New York and all its constrictions with hardly a problem .
tr	5	The hotel was fine for a few days but I was afraid I would spend too much money if I stayed there for very long .
tr	5	We had spoken a few times on the ship so I knew her name and that she was betrothed to a corporal in the 8th regiment .
tr	5	If any inquiries should make their way to Leavenworth concerning a runaway heiress , I wanted no one to be able to make any connection to me .
tr	5	He wrote that he 'd probably be gone two months or more , so I don 't expect him until the end of April or later .
tr	5	At first I was glad my parents came with me , but now I think I could have probably managed quite well here on my own .
tr	5	As much as I attempted to play down my wealthy appearance , I knew a keen eye could see it if one knew where to look .
tr	5	After we had walked a bit and read what street signs we could find , we began to sort out the ads in my paper .
tr	5	" Frank says the saloons are awfully rough and no decent lady would even walk down the same street where one is , " Melly told me .
tr	5	Painted stark white , it was imposing in its structural simplicity and I agreed with Melly that it had once been a very fine house .
tr	5	Still , I liked the idea of being upstairs and away from the communal rooms below , and the room was decent and sufficient for my needs .
tr	5	If I had my way , I would take a horse and ride straight out of town , out onto the prairie , but that was impossible .
tr	5	The male boarders , I knew , would require more time to get to know , so I tried not to form opinions right away .
tr	5	Charles Lafferty was the youngest , no more than five years my senior and as out of place in Leavenworth as I had been in New York .
tr	5	He began to walk toward the back as he talked , and I followed him to where bolts of cloth lay haphazardly on a table .
tr	5	If there isn 't enough to keep you busy or you can 't handle it , I won 't keep you , " he warned .
tr	5	The man 's abruptness was something I would have to get used to , although I preferred that to the insincerity typical of most people .
tr	5	She was alarmed and ashamed of the tingling sensations she felt at the center of her womanhood , but they were much too compelling to stop .
tr	5	Oh God , oh God , oh God ... She felt her sex opening up to him , allowing -- no inviting -- him to probe inside .
tr	5	When it seemed she could not take any more he suddenly hesitated , seemed to shudder and shake , and dropped down on top of her .
tr	5	" I heard the first time was usually not very good , " he said happily , " but I guess that doesn 't apply to everyone .
tr	5	And although she 'd always spoken civilly to Leigh , it was clear to the younger woman that " Mother " Banning did not like her .
tr	5	One closed suitcase stood waiting on the floor ; another one , half packed and open , lay like an unanswered question on the bed .
tr	5	They thought they had left their capable daughter in a predictably stable life , and in less than a day it had fallen into rubble .
tr	5	With every newcomer mouth-watering aromas drifted out the door -- sweet hams , fried chicken , young buttered peas , all sorts of pies and cakes .
tr	5	Although she and Leigh had never had a close , affectionate mother-daughter relationship , they were friends , and Leigh depended on Monica 's knowledge .
tr	5	Leigh quickly relieved her of it and walked slowly back to her window seat , waiting to hear the door click shut before tearing open the envelope .
tr	5	Davis was on his feet as soon as the first tear fell , and he put comforting arms around Leigh as she poured out her sorrow .
tr	5	" I know it 's not much , but if there 's anything I can do ... " " How can she do that ? "
tr	5	She hoped the sticker in the corner of her windshield that identified her as a journalist would signal someone , but no one seemed to notice .
tr	5	If it weren 't for the haphazard distribution of pick-up trucks and visitor 's cars , she could easily imagine herself a thousand years in the past .
tr	5	Immediately Jessie began to put together the words that would convey this feeling for her article , and she reached back in the car for her camera .
tr	5	She zoomed in on a small boy , surely no more than six , and the delight in his eyes as he watched the dancers .
tr	5	His unemotional lecture only served to offset Jessie 's anger , but she couldn 't seem to get herself under the same kind of control .
tr	5	His quick glance at her camera traveled over her as well , noting the breezy camp shirt and the tight-fitting jeans that molded her body so well .
tr	5	Acting again without an ounce of explanation , he reached out for her , plucked a card from the place over her breast and drew it back .
tr	5	" Why , you -- you -- " " Save it , " he said , pocketing the business card along with the appropriated memory card .
tr	5	This time not only did her contact not show at all , but what did show was a disrespectful , ill-mannered ... She shook her head .
tr	5	Roy 's wife , Dianne , was a born and bred poor little rich girl , or at least that was what Jessie had heard .
tr	5	I 'll check back with you in a day or two but if you run into any problems , don 't hesitate to call . "
tr	5	Most of the whites that came to watch the ceremonial dances were grass-roots American tourists , tall and skinny Californians or short and round Nebraskans .
tr	5	It had been exactly that reaction that had made him want to catch the back of her head in his large hand and pull her to him .
tr	5	Jessie had been trying to put together some of her impressions of the day but the screen on her laptop insisted on remaining mostly blank .
tr	5	I expected you to come out of the anesthetic yesterday evening , but with all your injuries , I 'm just as glad you slept . "
tr	5	Your right eye is all right , just some close cuts that required stitches , and I was afraid you 'd rub at them in your sleep .
tr	5	We had thought you were extremely lucky to come out with a concussion when , by rights , you might have had your skull crushed .
tr	5	I 've seen cases where it comes back little by little and cases where the patient wakes up one morning and boom , it 's all back .
tr	5	Emotionally , she felt like Alice in Wonderland , fallen down a rabbit hole and unable to get back or even to see where she fell from .
tr	5	" I 'm sure you don 't feel lucky right now , but perhaps later , you 'll be able to look back and see it .
tr	5	She was surprised at the anger she felt , too surprised to notice how her voice had risen or how her husband 's jaw tightened .
tr	5	" You wrote me a wonderful note telling me what an emotional cripple I was , packed your bags and ran off with your lover .
tr	5	Try as she might , she could summon up no names , no faces , no emotions except the confusing ones struggling inside of her right now .
tr	5	Elly could see that her husband had no plans to let her off the hook for what she 'd done , but she refused to be bullied .
tr	5	He couldn 't erase the anger from his voice , but when he straightened and faced the nurse , his features were smoothed into an expressionless mask .
tr	5	" I 've left word at the desk that you 're to have no visitors without clearance from me , and I 'll always check with you .
tr	5	Whatever synapse that had broken down to cause her memory lapse was apparently not disrupting her other cranial functions , and she tested out perfectly normal .
tr	5	The good news is that your concussion is not as bad as it could be , and you can go home in a day or two .
tr	5	No , I think what I need to do is go home , wherever that is , and try to start where the me before left off .
tr	5	A nurse ushered Cole in , a slightly more reserved Cole , although his eyes sparked dangerously as soon as they settled on his wife .
tr	5	Even now , as she drew breath to brave the Iron Boar , a young lad tripped over a dog as he walked by staring at her .
tr	5	Just in time , Elizabeth whirled and laid her crop across the man 's face , dodging his clumsy attempt at catching hold of her .
tr	5	" I should think you 'll have no more trouble here , madam , " he said , and he strode silently out the door .
tr	5	She twisted , whirling away from his grasp , but his fingers caught on the lace and tore a swathe down the front of her gown .
tr	5	His steely blue eyes roamed her body , still flushed with passion , taking in all the hills and valleys she could no longer hide .
tr	5	His gaze swept her , caressing her silken skin , then looking back into her eyes as if he 'd just remembered there was a head attached .
tr	5	The fact that she preferred the simplest duties only seemed logical to the women , even though she had become capable of as much as they .
tr	5	The long escarpment of cooled lava was a maze of air pockets and tunnels , all frozen in time as the lava had congealed to rock .
tr	5	Then the Goddess sent the dream to more and more people , dozens and dozens , until they began to speak of it out loud .
tr	5	The water buckets filled quickly under the clear stream of water , and Grace hefted them in either hand , mindful not to slosh too much .
tr	5	Almost fifty people lived in the Ruins and the elder women cooked for them all in the great kitchen that Pat said used to feed thousands .
tr	5	Although Pat spoke sparingly and kept silent most of the time , it was not difficult to know her thoughts ; at least not for Grace .
tr	5	There was no glass in any windows ; the women had long ago broken out what shards remained in the frames and sometimes used them for cutting .
tr	5	But there were some aspects of the world before the Shift that sounded wondrous and exciting , and Grace hoped the Sibling would reinstate those things .
tr	5	For years she had taken the Prophecy at face value , as she was told : the Sibling would come and deliver the people from chaos .
tr	5	The simple statement was not enough to override Grace 's fears , although eventually she understood that Pat knew and Pat spoke the Goddess ' truth .
tr	5	She imagined Greer to be a shining woman of light , a pillar of strength and wisdom , a beautiful image of the Goddess Herself .
tr	5	Grace wasn 't sure if she believed these stories or not ; she had never heard anyone say they had ever seen one of the carts .
tr	5	They came for news of the Sibling , beseeching Pat to tell them when and how her fabled sister Greer would come to deliver them from darkness .
tr	5	No one could ever be sure what strangers would do , but their appearance at the edge of the valley was always an exciting , apprehensive event .
tr	5	Most of the rough-hewn tables and benches were pushed against a side wall ; the colony only used five tables normally to feed their number .
tr	5	She put away her broom and rags and wrestled the heavy tables into a gathering pattern , arching them from the front table where Pat would sit .
tr	5	Not that she 'd wanted to , but the proper taking of the life of another of the Goddess ' creatures was a critical responsibility .
tr	5	Entering the pen , she let the birds scatter around her , then settle back into their quick , jerky strut about the edges of the pen .
tr	5	" Oh , Goddess , whose light and creations are beautiful , I thank You for this animal who will die for me so I may live .
tr	5	Taking the knife , Grace cut off the head and neck and left the carcass draped over the side of the table to bleed itself .
tr	5	The diploma recently pressed into her hand was supposed to turn the tide , but Julie still looked and felt young whenever she stared in the mirror .
tr	5	Like Greg , they were important men with stunning wives , and Julie knew that her mother always felt somewhat out of place with them .
tr	5	Sharon kept her back to her daughter , but Julie could see the lines of all kinds of anxiety and regret through her faded gray tee .
tr	5	Kim already has a job lined up , she has orientation -- " " And maybe you should be focused on that , too . "
tr	5	Julie lacked the conviction to argue Sharon 's last point as her mother kissed her head , and she cast her gaze on the clock .
tr	5	The strangers ' lips , already tinged with the first of what would probably be several cocktails before the day was out , met her face .
tr	5	The repeated sentiment in the wake of his death was that time would heal the wounds which were then still so fresh around her heart .
tr	5	Julie turned her head at the sound of the sliding glass door , and saw Greg , smiling , with two glasses in his hand .
tr	5	Her parents had divorced when Kim was seven , and her mother changed pretenders to the throne with like most people clicked between TV channels .
tr	5	He had to be here on another of her mother 's errands , and she waited for him to try to talk her out of the trip .
tr	5	Sharon Heller finished setting a plate at the breakfast bar , and she wiped her hands on her apron when she saw Julie in her travelling clothes .
tr	5	Right now she was too nervous and too excited to eat much , but she made a show of enjoying the meal for her mother 's benefit .
tr	5	When she was eight years old , ages before her father was stripped away from their family , Sharon was already blocking her daughter 's path .
tr	5	Julie remembered flying into a rage when her mother denied her a sleepover at the home of Bethany Irwin , the new girl in her class .
tr	5	Julie knew and liked the girl , even though she was jealous of her orange hair and the trail of freckles that ran down her neck .
tr	5	With a red magic marker that was supposed to carry the perfume of cherries , Julie tried to emulate the picture across her own throat .
tr	5	From what Julie heard and what she could still remember , her father was less opposed to the idea , but Sharon held her ground .
tr	5	Eight didn 't translate to stupid , and Julie trudged back home under the weight of the treasures that she ' d have to unpack alone .
tr	5	Flying from the driver 's seat , Julie 's father pulled his wife to their lawn and asked her what she thought she was doing .
tr	5	Julie listened to all the reasons why Sharon thought she was in the right as her father railed against what no mother should ever do .
tr	5	That had to hurt , but it also made Kim worldly wise and self-reliant well before the time when it was no longer a choice .
tr	5	The plan was to turn off at the first pang of hunger and rely on back roads with quaint names for as long as possible .
tr	5	They pressed on for nearly two more hours and talked about the bad Botox on display at the party and Greg 's gift of cash .
tr	5	Kim got a decent enough spot , and they passed a woman with a walker and her patient husband as they made their way up a ramp .
tr	5	A row of booths featured mothers cutting chicken fingers into even smaller pieces while the eventual eaters splashed apple juice upon placemats adorned with local advertisement .
tr	5	It was as if they had been born there and would carry tray after tray of burgers and seasoned fries until they took their last breath .
tr	5	The boy was quicker than Short Stack 's intention , and he knocked the knife to the floor and pressed his booted heel against the silverware .
tr	5	His friend was a different story He laughed at Matt and smiled at Kim , but he only looked at Julie for slight seconds at a time .
tr	5	Pete 's voice held a promise that Julie wanted to explore , and she leaned across the table and turned Pete 's face to hers .
tr	5	Kim was never one to take orders , but it was obvious that she liked the view , and she let Matt plead his case .
tr	5	Julie was nervous about leaving the car unattended for minutes that might stretch into hours , but when Pete took her hand , her nerves were calmed .
tr	5	No matter how much Julie applied herself and how much Kim entered exams on a wing and a prayer , she still came out on top .
tr	5	Julie was relieved to find a slab of stone that could serve as a seat , and she got off her feet at the first chance .
tr	5	With the sweating bottle just inches from her hands , she took it gratefully and let the cool , clear liquid drizzle down her throat .
tr	5	He sipped from the same neck without wiping the edge clean , and Julie thought it was kind of nice that he didn 't discard her taste .
tr	5	Julie had never been one to give her whole story blindly , but something in Pete 's eyes made her believe that he was safe .
tr	5	Sweet as Greg was , if she stayed under his thumb indefinitely , it was one more way for her mother to suffocate her into submission .
tr	5	Someone like him probably thought she was pathetic for an aspiration that only meant seeing to others ' needs while simultaneously sacrificing any and all of hers .
tr	5	And she could see to that , it would translate into enjoyable stays that would linger in the memory and beckon a return at the first shot .
tr	5	With nothing to steady her but the air , her legs were wobbly , and Pete leapt up to stop her from falling back to the earth .
tr	5	She took her cell out of her purse and saw that the battery had died to the point where the phone went into automatic hibernation mode .
tr	5	A rush of breath passed through Julie 's lips in a shuddering wave , but Pete stilled her with an arm around her tense shoulders .
tr	5	This trip was supposed to be about Julie throwing caution to the wind and exploring every corner of the earth that wasn 't already earmarked .
tr	5	Her buzz was still intense enough to keep her from getting very far , and she steadied her stance with hands on a table meant for meals .
tr	5	She could see a padlock touching her toes , but she still tried to free herself even as she knew there was no escape without the key .
tr	5	Julie slipped to the cold ground and furiously scraped at the chains that kept her from reaching the windows and flagging down a helping hand .
tr	5	This was far worse than the car simply stalling on a lonely road or getting so turned about that they feared finding their way back .
tr	5	This was what he really tasted like , and Julie fought the urge to vomit " It 's just a little secondhand smoke , Jules .
tr	5	For the first time since regaining consciousness on a night whose date remained a mystery , she realized that she had been robbed of her sneakers .
tr	5	She curled into a fetal position and folded her arms around her vulnerable frame as she tried to crawl as far as the chains would allow .
tr	5	It wasn 't the escape she longed for most , but she had to put some distance between her aching body and the threat of further blows .
tr	5	Julie couldn 't comprehend what he was alluding to , but it promised to be something so harsh that it would rival her present state of confinement .
tr	5	It was all too apparent that it was a futile wish , and Julie closed her eyes and prayed for this to be a nightmare .
tr	5	No one knew where they were , no one was coming to their rescue ... And angels had no power in the devil 's house .
tr	5	She wanted to break free of the bonds and take her friend from this horrible place , but the ropes prevented her from making the desired move .
tr	5	All she could do was look at Kim and try to convince her that they would get away at the first chance , whenever that might be .
tr	5	Even though Julie knew that Pete could be just as vicious if given the chance , he played at being resigned when confronted with Matt 's demands .
tr	5	She knew the bare bones of the matter , but the details could prove useful as Julie kept trying to free herself from a similar fate .
tr	5	Matt had gone out of his way to rival Kim 's second of pleasure with his own need to control her and bring distress to the fore .
tr	5	This time , he wasn 't a fantastical savior with the power to descend from white clouds and spirit her from the grip of the lying pair .
tr	5	Julie anticipated the backdoor of the van sliding open , and she could feel Kim on the verge of more tears as the moment never came .
tr	5	After all that had happened , Julie knew Pete better , but it was just as easy to picture Matt in the driver 's seat .
tr	5	So maybe Pete was the wild card , the one that suppressed his true self in an effort to put the pair of potential captives at ease .
tr	5	Kim was working through every second of her life to this moment , and Julie could see the doubt in the red that colored her cheeks .
tr	5	Julie observed all of this and more , but she resolved to be all that Kim didn 't entirely believe and just get them out .
tr	5	Kim 's voice was the loudest thing she had ever heard , but it swiftly faded into nothingness as Matt rammed her onto her back .
tr	5	It terrified more than any blow , and she was unable to stop her body from flinching as his fingers made contact with her flesh .
tr	5	She wasn 't sorry that she hurt him , but she was devastated by the fact that it was all she had been able to do .
tr	5	Even though she was now free of her chains , even though the door was still open , Julie didn 't dare break into another run .
tr	5	Once she ascertained where she was being held , once she understood the layout , then , only then ... She prayed for the chance .
tr	5	Kim looked scared , but Julie thought she also caught a slight trace of anger at Julie 's failure to make good on the promise of freedom .
tr	5	When he finally reached his stop , he picked up a sandwich or a pizza or something else ready-made , and climbed the stairs of his brownstone .
tr	5	Low music , the television in his bedroom set at a low hum , half a bottle of Nyquil , an entire bottle of wine .
tr	5	Ethan could never be sure if Nick was being sarcastic or if he was concealing some kind of hurt or if he was just a moron .
tr	5	The kid was barely twenty-five , and he had amassed , or rather been born into , more money than Ethan could ever dream of spending .
tr	5	When Ethan tried to erase the awkwardness with what he hoped was a kind smile , the girl simply stuck her tongue out at him .
tr	5	Ethan knew nothing when it came to anything having to do with flowers let alone those were meant to exist in service of a wedding day .
tr	5	Not one thing on the desk gave any indication of his past or his present , and Ethan 's future promised well-organized anonymity in the same vein .
tr	5	The chances of Ethan actually attending were slim to none , and he was ready to refuse her politely and save her the cost of the postage .
tr	5	Better to tick of his regrets on the little card that would undoubtedly accompany her invitation and directions to the venue from every conceivable location .
tr	5	Perhaps it was a lesson passed down from his late father , or maybe the senior McCord had made the mistake of assuming that bigger meant better .
tr	5	An outline of his day-to-day would only serve to make him appear pathetic in Carter 's eyes , and neither Ethan nor Arcadia could afford that idea .
tr	5	It only took a quick glance at a leather-bound book for him to leap into action and show the previously uninvited guest towards the elevator .
tr	5	The younger of the two had a taut face because time had yet to leave its marks on porcelain cheeks glowing beneath sky blue eyes .
tr	5	In the company of her parents , he only gave her pristine face the slightest peck , and Ethan liked the respect of the gesture .
tr	5	He had assumed that the girl was his in every way even before the ring found her finger , but now he wasn 't so sure .
tr	5	He recalled an item from the Times that mentioned her making an appearance at a fundraiser for the illiterate obese as if the terms were interchangeable .
tr	5	Tori Troxel stuck her altered breasts in the direction of Ethan 's eyes and managed a smile in spite of what had to be the Botox .
tr	5	When Geoffrey kissed her new and improved face , he did so with total love , and Ethan felt that the picture in the penthouse was complete .
tr	5	He appeared to revel in the denizens of his private kingdom as trays of cheese and crab cakes made their way to the table under gloved hands .
tr	5	When the final course reached its end and the coffee started to flow , Victoria and Melissa started to help the servers clear the table .
tr	5	Ethan watched the ladies regard him with pity even as they were the ones made to collect dirty dishes by virtue of gender and nothing else .
tr	5	Victoria pressed her hands to her hips and shot each man what Ethan took for a knowing glance before her face expanded into a familiar smile .
tr	5	Julie was completely paralyzed as his fingers tangled with her hair , and he slightly lifted her head only to slam it down again and again .
tr	5	In spite of her outrage and her sorrow , she silently prayed that there wouldn 't be an unwanted baby in the wake of this horrible night .
tr	5	Julie 's head fell to her side , and before she knew what was happening , Pete stripped and assumed the first man 's position .
tr	5	This time around , he felt that everyone was looking at him with some kind of knowledge pertaining to Geoffrey 's intentions for the next day .
tr	5	After the taxi reached his building and he paid the fare , he climbed the stoop and lingered for a moment before Nick 's door .
tr	5	He left the set on as he showered , made an enormous pot of coffee , and packed the little that he would need for the weekend .
tr	5	An excuse like that would help him save face , but what if they invited him again the next weekend and the next and the next ?
tr	5	When he reflected on the penthouse and all the perks that the guys ' combined fortune could provide , it almost made a kind of sense .
tr	5	It sounded idiotic the second it came out of his mouth , but Geoffrey was already getting drunk , and he tousled Ethan 's hair .
tr	5	When he met Ethan 's eyes , he looked as if he wanted to say something important , and Ethan tried to solve the puzzle .
tr	5	Ethan needed to latch onto anything else , but all he could find was the very real chance that he would be invited to the wedding .
tr	5	Carter was out first , and he ordered a valet in an ill-fitting uniform to deposit their luggage in the assigned rooms as Geoffrey ushered Ethan inside .
tr	5	Ethan wanted to ask for what , but now he had other concerns as Geoffrey 's driver was nowhere to be seen and Troxel took the keys .
tr	5	Ethan observed him carefully , and he was barely past the car when two blonde boys emerged from the house and shook Geoffrey 's hands .
tr	5	She was suspended from a wooden beam in the ceiling by a thick rope , and she turned her head as the door creaked open .
tr	5	Somehow she summoned the courage to stand , and as she kept Ethan 's jacket around her body , she pressed her ear to the closed door .
tr	5	It could never erase what had happened to her , but Ethan was already thinking of a way to stop it from going any further .
tr	5	Julie gasped gratefully at the sight , but Ethan 's face fell when he realized that there was beyond no reception in this isolated place .
tr	5	Ethan 's new plan was to leave her to the others and excuse himself to take a breath of fresh air or a leak or whatever .
tr	5	As she cried into his hand , he could feel her imagining only what would happen when Carter made his way back to her prison .
tr	5	Resolving to prove as good as his word , Ethan opened the door and gently closed it with one last look at the damaged girl .
tr	5	He started to lead her from the room , and he pulled her away from the place where her friend 's body was already being disposed of .
tr	5	Each blow brought him back to the ground , and once he was on his knees , he could only wrap his arms around her bare legs .
tr	5	She didn 't believe in him and if she kept this up , their location would be revealed and she would be as lost as her friend .
tr	5	If she wanted to escape from them , too , he would have to find her another place where the world could start to make sense .
tr	5	Ethan gasped at the impact , but his arms remained on her wrists as they both fell to the ground and coughed into the dirt .
tr	5	He could almost hear the older man berating Carter not only for making the mess but for suggesting that Ethan was game in the first place .
tr	5	Not that Ethan hadn 't unknowingly dropped the clues , but that was hardly enough to jump to the conclusion that this was Ethan 's scene .
tr	5	He searched wildly for some sort of cover to keep them safe until the danger passed them by or at least moved in another direction .
tr	5	Disarm him and then force his way back into the night to beat him to a pulp , get his gun , and keep running .
tr	5	She could identify them , sure , but these guys had to have the mode and the money to go underground if the dirty secret got out .
tr	5	Julie 's eyes went wide at the mention of the names , and Ethan realized that these were other men that had forced themselves on her .
tr	5	Ethan started to speak , to reveal something that he had seen , but he fell back on the possibility of coincidence and let her keep going .
tr	5	Ethan and the others had lunched at the same place of her last meal , and Ethan moved in front of her and started to spill . "
tr	5	But Ethan would do what was required to keep her near in the hope that he could convince her that he was someone she could trust .
tr	5	" And ... and then Pete came back ... " Ethan waited for the part of the story that told of Pete taking advantage of his prisoner .
tr	5	He wanted the man who had ripped Julie away from the place that she counted on and dropped her in a land where nothing made sense .
tr	5	No one else would ever understand what they had survived , and it would be something to have each other 's backs in the aftermath .
tr	5	He raped her for more minutes than she could count , and Julie went from pleading for him to stop to just begging him to finish .
tr	5	He moved slower than the first guy , and what was worse , he touched her sweating , shaking body everywhere as he pressed himself deeper .
tr	5	A part of her wanted to gag on the bread , but another part of her , a rapidly diminishing part , was just hungry .
tr	5	Was it just part of the game , or had Ethan really needed to find a way to break in to get them stronger cover ?
tr	5	So much for even something as simple as food when he 'd probably just brush the cobweb away by slamming her hair into the collected grime .
tr	5	Ethan entered and smiled as he lit a single , dusty lamp " Just so we can see our way around , " he said .
tr	5	She had forgotten the need to take her time with sustenance , and when she started to cough , Ethan raced back to the cabinet .
tr	5	She was left with the knife in her hands , but she had nowhere to drive the blade as she heard doors opening and closing .
tr	5	Matt and Pete were probably just waiting around the next corner , but she 'd have the knife , and she would try to put them off .
tr	5	When she was fully clothed , Ethan 's gaze went back to the knife , and Julie was quick to stuff it under her waistline .
tr	5	He was quick to catch up , and they didn 't speak as the forest began to thin and a patch of dirt road came into view .
tr	5	Julie was startled by his explosion of excitement , and her hand went for the knife as he wheeled around and smiled at her brightly .
tr	5	" We 're almost -- " She jumped when he touched her , and Ethan quickly released her and pressed his hands to his side .
tr	5	Julie 's frantic kicks met the air as Matt lifted her off the ground , and she was desperate to pry his hand from her face .
tr	5	Taking Matt by his shoulders , he pulled the animal off of her , and Julie scrambled away even as her face burned from the cut .
tr	5	In short order he would overpower Ethan and hack him to death or find a way back to his gun and blow his head off .
tr	5	Once he had her subdued , he would bind her with ropes or chains or whatever he had been able to grab before he started his pursuit .
tr	5	Ethan cleaned the blood from her face and told her to take the torn piece of skirt and apply pressure as he started to help her up .
tr	5	Ethan fell to the pavement , and Julie was left with the gun in her hands as Ethan coughed at her feet and Pete kept moving forward .
tr	5	She poured herself a cup of stale coffee , folded a series of fresh files under her arm , and settled into an interview room .
tr	5	An ancient mug shot on account of a DUI in Florida showed a different face from the one now lying , restrained in a hospital bed .
tr	5	Her family was with her , and everyone , suspect Bowen included , would return to the city to face the consequences of the night .
tr	5	Like a dog who 'd tasted a bone , his muzzle was wet with the hope of landing a millionaire and his spawn by association .
tr	5	Geoffrey Troxel and Carter McCord were already launching a defense as this girl and the broken man down the hall spun tales of months of torture .
tr	5	Morales didn 't protest his intentions even as she wanted to know how this had happened to two girls who planned a trip and found misery .
tr	5	She heard him make a phone call , and once he had someone on the other end of the line , he stepped out of her earshot .
tr	5	Julie started to cry as a soft spoken nurse entered with a smile and told her that she would soon give her something to help her sleep .
tr	5	Julie tried to tell herself that Amanda didn 't mean it , that she was just shattered by what had happened to her little girl .
tr	5	Except for the nurses that poured in to check on her and asked if she needed anything , Julie was all but abandoned in the darkness .
tr	5	Other times , she was back in combinations of places that made little to no sense but were still preferable to the place where she was trapped .
tr	5	The people that she 'd see there mash-ups were only vaguely familiar , but for the most part they stared blankly as she walked by them .
tr	5	The palm on her shoulder felt more real than the others , and Julie desperately tried to push it away as her voice finally returned .
tr	5	And the fact that something had happened that turned his memory and his stomach at the sight of what she was being forced to do .
tr	5	For a second , she thought she was losing him to a bad call , but then Ethan spoke as he clutched her hand tighter .
tr	5	They ... " With his hand still in hers , Julie could feel him tremble , and she leaned up and awkwardly reached for his face .
tr	5	It was sick , but she needed to know that others had endured and come out intact if she had any hope of following his lead .
tr	5	It seemed as good a solution as any , and Julie envisioned concealing herself in her lonely bedroom to ward off the memories of too many nights .
tr	5	And if my sister had made it through , I bet it would have taken me a long time to look her in the eye . "
tr	5	But even there , she thought of thick tension in the air , awkward calls to the dinner table , and meals barely consumed in silence .
tr	5	After seeing that she was still breathing and poised upon a road to recovery with no end in sight , he had done his part .
tr	5	In the picture , Kim didn 't know the meaning of fear , but one stupid call had acquainted her with the term until it killed her .
tr	5	Julie was angry at what had been done to them , but Amanda Beyer 's drug-induced delirium aside , the trip was never of her design .
tr	5	The space between the three rings was endless , and she wiped her eyes until his voice emerged on the other end of the line .
tr	5	Beyond that , they , her mother especially , would be glad that the marked girl with the sliced face was out of their home .
tr	5	The confirmation that life as she knew it was nothing but a memory stung her soul and she found herself sobbing harder at the truth he offered .
tr	5	Her body stiffened some at the feel of his hand mingling with the memories of so many others , but he would never hurt her .
tr	5	Ethan was at her back , but he kept his hands where she couldn 't feel them as his soft voice slipped into her ear .
tr	5	All of the anger of the last several months finally trumped the fear that had become her existence , and she slammed her palm against the glass .
tr	5	Placing the larger piece on a bright yellow plate , he offered her the meal and returned the forgotten bottle of beer to his fridge .
tr	5	Even the idea of it being Ethan , who had had been nothing but kind , still scared her , and Julie shuffled where she stood .
tr	5	Ethan had her bag over his arm as he turned the comforter down and smoothed the wrinkles in anticipation of the sleep she so desperately craved .
tr	5	Even though she knew that he could do without , she still felt guilty about taking something else when he had already done so much .
tr	5	This wasn 't the bed she had envisioned , but her own room was too close to her parents and too full of memories of Kim .
tr	5	She had to keep moving , and she slipped out of her pajamas and stepped into a pair of jeans and a light blue blouse .
tr	5	Everyone had their own stuff to deal with , and one 's own problems had the power to surpass whatever was happening to anyone else .
tr	5	She drew a deep breath at the sight of him , and everything seemed to go black again as she shrunk behind Ethan 's back .
tr	5	Julie 's eyes moved up Ethan 's arms until she saw his eyes , still tense , but also waiting for whatever Nick would say .
tr	5	Ethan inhaled the aroma of her attempt at breakfast , and one taste told Julie that she was triumphant as her own fork hit the meal .
tr	5	Julie started from her seat , but Ethan signaled for her to stay in her chair as he moved forward and pressed his ear to the door .
tr	5	The easiest way to bring that wish to life was to press charges and place Ethan behind bars with the men who had truly hurt her .
tr	5	And then I 'm going to put the screws to this asshole , and he will never see the light of any free day again .
tr	5	Leo and Morales spoke in hushed tones to the officer guarding Pete 's door , and she heard the assurances that the room was secure .
tr	5	His right side ended with a stump , and Julie realized that one of her bullets had cost him the ability to ever run anywhere .
tr	5	Julie couldn 't help but take some satisfaction in his inhibited position , and she felt stronger still as she neared the edge of his bed .
tr	5	Or did I knock that bit of intel from your puny -- " " But you said you might want a taste after they were done .
tr	5	She could barely comprehend her own name on Morales ' tongue , and she fell to her knees as another set of hands surrounded her shoulders .
tr	5	Before she knew it , they back in her neck of the woods , but now every shadow behind every tree seemed to threaten harm .
tr	5	" If ... if it is true ... " Ethan 's voice trailed off , and he stopped at a crossroads , turning his face to hers .
tr	5	But now she was a scarred , ravished shell , and the world that she had counted on ceased to be a place of reason .
tr	5	Julie lifted her tear stained face to Ethan 's kind eyes , and she resolved to be strong as the car winded towards their home .
tr	5	It was the last cry of the condemned , the found out , and Julie scoffed at the point of the shears against her already injured cheek .
tr	5	Her mother had been manipulated into believing her a whore , but Ethan was the last person to blame for the place to which she had fallen .
tr	5	" Julie ... " Morales shot daggers at the woman with her eyes , and she seemed ready to retrieve her gun and help Julie away .
tr	5	He was strapped for a solution and could think of nothing better or easier than selling the little girl in his midst to the highest bidder .
tr	5	Sharon moved back and started to protest when Julie left Morales ' hold and slammed her mother into the first wall that she could find .
tr	5	She was far too broken , and her head was full of too many painful memories to imagine a place where she would ever be truly happy .
tr	5	As she walked with Ethan out of the hospital into the light of day , Julie envisioned survival as hiding until she was with the others .
tr	5	She nodded on cue without meaning it as they climbed into a taxi and drove back to the only place she could almost call home .
tr	5	When they hit the street , she felt the first chill of fall and wished that she could be back in the heat of the early summer .
tr	5	It was something else entirely , far worse , when she was abandoned in favor of Greg and his pleas that things just got out of hand .
tr	5	She scrubbed and dusted until the place fairly sparkled , and when she realized that that job was done , she decided to give him something else .
tr	5	Julie stood before him with her scars under his eyes , and when Ethan was slow to move , she feared that she had made a mistake .
tr	5	This , with him , was as ready as she would ever be , and she embraced him as he eased her body to the bed .
tr	5	When he shifted , Julie took her hand away and just watched him as he slept even as she wanted his voice in her ears again .
tr	5	Riley 's other books - Mystical Quest Katherine Lynette Copyright 2010 by Katherine Lynette Smashwords Edition - Chapter I : Cold Streets " Get that girl ! "
tr	5	Many sighed in wonder of why she continued to run , hide , and had run away from the orphanage before she turned an adult age .
tr	5	They were dirty and full of tears , but rather than complain of their ill condition , she was grateful to have anything opposed to nothing .
tr	5	Sylvia did not know what to think , but before she could ; she had a feeling guards would be on her tail so again she ran .
tr	5	Sylvia threw the bag strap over one shoulder across her body , then put her coat on over the jacket , and zipped it up .
tr	5	And that guard ... he may have fallen to his death ... I did that ... " " I hate being here in this cold place ! "
tr	5	" With a prayer , a smallest whisper , hurt and lost , you will be found , you will see your inner most desire . "
tr	5	Her hands closed over the jewel , but it seemed as if the jewel was emitting power of some sort that could not be contained .
tr	5	Sylvia began to turn to run out of reaction , but her aunt placed a painful grip on her arm , and pulled her back .
tr	5	He grabbed his dagger that was strapped on his belt , jerked Sylvia 's arm and placed the point of the weapon at her chest .
tr	5	She tried to push herself up , but pain , emotions , thoughts , and weariness forced her to drop back down to the ground .
tr	5	One of the big rules in my kingdom is to watch out for each other and never to abandon someone in a time of need . "
tr	5	" Down the mountain will not take long , but when we reach the Valley you can find a stick to use as a staff .
tr	5	" Nolen has worked with the queen before and as for me ; I 'm still a bit new compared to the rest of the group . "
tr	5	She picked up a tall , thick stick that laid among other sticks from skinny to thick , but this one was the best to her .
tr	5	" I have not seen many of them , but every now and then someone can stumble onto finding one , mostly in this area .
tr	5	She did not want to to leave her mother , but there was no time to argue so she had jumped into a tall basket .
tr	5	An event had been held for people to compete to become one of the queen 's protectors , Tessa went for it , and had won .
tr	5	It took so long for him to realize that his father had only blamed him cause he couldn 't and wouldn 't face reality of what happened .
tr	5	In her mind , she saw her sister ; tall , thin , beautiful , long dark hair much like her own except not as curly .
tr	5	" The forest , and Vesper used to be so peaceful , but now it is like spirits of many deceased townsfolk are haunting the forest .
tr	5	I don 't belong anywhere ... " She turned , staggered a few feet back , and sat down against the trunk of a tree .
tr	5	" Then you better get on my back now so we do not have to walk in this strange forest all the way by ourselves . "
tr	5	Sylvia wanted to make him tell her someway , but she did not feel in a mood to argue so she let it go ... for now .
tr	5	Beaten by rocks Watch them fall Silver magic mocks Feel the burdens of us all " Are they taking this out on us instead of Silver ? "
tr	5	" Ha ha , are you worried about me , yourself , or the fact that if something happens to me , you will be helpless ?
tr	5	She fell back on the ground and threw an arm over her face as if she tried to grasp all that had just happened to them .
tr	5	She had even thought that she would have died by starvation , if the bitter cold had not taken her down into an icy grave first .
tr	5	When she had been told her mother had passed on , she had truly wished for the icy ground to open up and swallow her .
tr	5	The more she truly wanted her friend to shake off the illusion , the more it seemed that she actually entered into Nolen 's illusion .
tr	5	" Sylvia demanded and decided to leave out the part where she was also trying to distract him so Zell would not get hurt anymore .
tr	5	I 'm not gon na wait in fear because I know , when that moment comes , that I don 't have to worry anymore .
tr	5	Sliding the pistol into the holster at his right hip , he turned to Jim and said , " Okay , I won 't be long . "
tr	5	To his shock , he watched as Jim tucked his own pistol into the pocket of his suede jacket and reached for the car door .
tr	5	Even as Adam heard himself speak his words of caution , he knew only too well that he might as well have been on mute .
tr	5	As he turned to notify Jim , who had started to wave Abbey over , he spotted two young , overweight skinheads barrel through the main entrance .
tr	5	Adam couldn 't take out the leader without his thugs taking a couple of shots at him and Jim or the innocent people in the room .
tr	5	It sped like lightning , traveling so fast that he couldn 't make out what it was until it plunged into the man 's wrist .
tr	5	It was barely a three-inch blade , but it inflicted maximum damage to the gunman , piercing a vein and forcing his hand to release the firearm .
tr	5	He was so distracted by the heavy flow of blood that quickly followed that Adam barely had to use any effort to finish the fight .
tr	5	Adam watched as he effortlessly disposed of the final threat with an iron fist that destroyed his attacker 's jaw and forced him into unconsciousness .
tr	5	" Now we 're even , " the leader spoke as he sadistically yanked out the blade , ripping through more flesh and widening the wound .
tr	5	Jim called between hits as Adam fired off two perfect shots into the temples of two men attempting to force Jim into a submissive body lock .
tr	5	CHAPTER 3 " I have a diluted strain of morphine if you need it , " Tom Winston spoke as he finished bandaging Adam 's wound .
tr	5	Tom knew , as Adam did , that Jim 's death and the resulting loss of backing for Adam as Commander would mean a hard road ahead .
tr	5	She followed close behind with seemingly unending patience for the excruciatingly long time that it was taking him to make it up one flight of stairs .
tr	5	Opposite the couch was a very masculine entertainment unit , complete with a nifty flat screen TV and speakers that rivaled the size of the TV itself .
tr	5	To the left of the living room was a hallway leading to the front door and a flight of stairs to the second floor just beyond that .
tr	5	Paul Cooke had been Adam 's right-hand man at the CSA for the last eight years , almost as long as Adam had been Commander .
tr	5	Shouldn 't take long , " Paul said , patting a small bag that he carried on his shoulder that was full of medical supplies .
tr	5	He retrieved the two beers from the kitchen and handed her one and eased himself into one of the oversized armchairs adjacent to the couch .
tr	5	In his entire career , there was only one other that Adam had met who had it also ; that 's how rare it was .
tr	5	And this was one of those times where , despite the circumstances not being black and white , he knew exactly which way to go .
tr	5	" No , there won 't be a retaliatory response , " he told her , feeding her inconsequential information to satisfy her need for answers .
tr	5	But the only image that stuck in her head was the one of him sitting before her , bloodied and dying at the train station .
tr	5	Dressed in black suit pants , a crisp white shirt , and a tailored black blazer , he fiddled with his tie in front of the mirror .
tr	5	And , I sure as hell don 't care about that frigging chip on your shoulder over the fact that I became Commander and not you .
tr	5	He , too , was dressed in his Sunday best for the funeral , wearing a tailored navy blue suit and a chapeau to match .
tr	5	" Well , luckily for you , I had a plan on standby , " Adam said as he took his phone out of his suit pocket .
tr	5	The CTF was also the meeting place of the Mentors ' Circle , which consisted of five men and women , Colin , and Adam .
tr	5	Her cheeks reddened just enough to be noticeable and her spirits appeared to lift a little as soon as she 'd registered Adam 's presence .
tr	5	* * * * * Adam and Abbey sat at the foot of a hill in Hillview Cemetery a few feet from Jim 's mausoleum .
tr	5	He didn 't want to upset her so he decided the best way to spurn her advances was to use some sort of lighthearted humor .
tr	5	In one swift motion Adam drew his gun , aimed , and fired off a shot , shattering the kneecap of the man closest to him .
tr	5	As soon as he hit the ground she was upon him , forcing her heel against his diaphragm to prevent him from getting back up .
tr	5	It 's only by a stroke of luck that you succeed in battle , because you have neither clarity of thought nor the skill to win . "
tr	5	" Tell me you didn 't fail , that that 's not what I 'm sensing from you , " Carl said with an eerie calm .
tr	5	Joe cleared his throat nervously and said , " We did exactly as you ordered and we had him until -- " " Until what ? "
tr	5	" We wait , " he repeated to ensure Joe got the message and then he turned abruptly on his heel and strode away coolly .
tr	5	* * * * * After dropping Abbey off at home Adam had popped into the ER to get his wound stitched up once again .
tr	5	But today she 'd managed to shake them and slip out unnoticed through her back door which led out to the edge of the forest .
tr	5	He watched her respond with a smile and she started to follow him across the floor to the staircase at the rear of the room .
tr	5	" He slapped my ass , " Abbey said in her defense as Rick took his seat and eyed her intensely without saying a word .
tr	5	Abbey shifted her weight in her chair and broke eye contact before she said , " There 's just something I have to do . "
tr	5	He unzipped his track jacket and hung it on the back of his desk chair so that he was just wearing a black wife beater .
tr	5	As he approached the entrance he noticed four thugs , clients of Rick 's , in the middle of some sort of illegal deal beside the door .
tr	5	You can 't take that , you sure as hell won 't be able to take the real thing , " he yelled , egging her on .
tr	5	You 're not strong enough , " he told her , trying to rile her up in an attempt to get at the heart of her anger .
tr	5	The argument appeared to be extremely heated , especially on Adam 's side , with loud , angry hand gestures and lots of finger pointing .
tr	5	He gulped , overcome by the heat between them , trying to fight his not-so-nice urges that he normally reacted on immediately with other women .
tr	5	Barely over five-foot tall , he was a small , plump man with spiky black hair and a face that was never without rough stubble .
tr	5	Paul handed Adam a piece of paper with the pairings for tonight , which the two of them had worked out together a few hours prior .
tr	5	It enabled movement while offering excellent protection from any assault , be it a gun , a knife , or even shrapnel from a blast .
tr	5	Rick 's favorite were the tactical gloves with knuckle armor , which enabled him to inflict maximum damage on his opponents without suffering any himself .
tr	5	He dressed quickly , but given his tardiness , the rest of the agents had already left the prep area by the time he was ready .
tr	5	It was a quiet little place , far enough away from the downtown core and the hub of Syndicate activity that it could be deemed safe .
tr	5	Tony has pulled together a series of reports and surveillance footage all pointing to the existence of such an individual , " Paul spoke anxiously .
tr	5	Wearing blue camouflage pants and a white wife beater , her hair dyed jet black , she didn 't even look like the woman he remembered .
tr	5	He moved to protest , but she cut him off , " Just because you 're not drinking , doesn 't mean no one else can . "
tr	5	Adam leaned forward and whispered , " I guess you think it will numb the memories of all the people you 've maimed and beaten .
tr	5	He thought he saw a look in her eye , a looking of yearning , as if she was seeing more in him than just a friend .
tr	5	Of course , his jugular would have been a hell of a lot easier , but I didn 't want to kill him , " Abbey explained .
tr	5	Paul was preoccupied sifting through dozens of resumes and Tony had only a few hours left to finalize his analysis of the strategy for the supplier hit .
tr	5	Despite it being autumn , the temperature had climbed to eighty degrees Fahrenheit so everyone was out making the most of the weather while they could .
tr	5	Earphones in her ears , music turned up , with sunglasses shielding her eyes , she was in a reverie completely unaffected by the world around her .
tr	5	Placing her music player in her shoulder bag along with her sunscreen and a couple of bottles of water , she was ready to leave .
tr	5	" Rick , baby , let 's go for a swim , " she purred as she ran her hands all over his naked back .
tr	5	A psychologist would probably tell him it was the tragic circumstances surrounding her death that made it so difficult for him to lay it to rest .
tr	5	As the two of them made their way down the hill , Adam started to become more cognizant of the reality of the world around him .
tr	5	We know that Jameson has contracted them several times to do things that he can 't afford his own people doing for fear of exposure .
tr	5	He 'd just turned down a night of smoking hot sex because he had feelings for a woman who was revolted at his very presence ?
tr	5	But knowing now what she did about the Syndicate , the CSA , and her own abilities , she couldn 't just return to mundane normality .
tr	5	" It would be a perfect match if you ask me , Col. Not that I can imagine Adam considering anything like that right now .
tr	5	They found out you were ex-military , a police detective already located in the city , and an idealistic , self-righteous son of a bitch .
tr	5	At only twenty-six years of age she was the youngest member of the Circle , but every bit as worthy to be there as the rest .
tr	5	But he remained calm and collected as he responded , " I agree that there is a chance we will be forced into a partnership , yes .
tr	5	She didn 't know what had happened , but from the state he was in she wagered it was something to do with his wife .
tr	5	I 'll give you a ride , " Adam offered , not prepared to leave Rick alone with Abbey after what he had just witnessed .
tr	5	They were too far away for him to hear what they were saying , but he was surprised to see that Abbey wasn 't pushing him away .
tr	5	She turned on her heel and walked towards Ty to prepare for the arrival of the transport for the Syndicate personnel that littered the parking lot .
tr	5	You will not be permitted to have contact with anyone here , not even me , at least not for the first couple of years .
tr	5	I 'll be watching over there , " Adam said , gesturing to a wall a few feet away at the edge of the parking lot .
tr	5	" I do use it , Rick , " she said , moving away from the door as she began to get caught up in the conversation .
tr	5	But having tried and tested it now he found it only served to complicate and slow progress and strategy in an organization like the CSA .
tr	5	In one precise motion , Rick withdrew his Desert Eagle from its holster , spun , and fired off a perfect shot at Joe 's kneecap .
tr	5	As soon as they reached the edge of the pool he let go of her and began stripping off his jacket , quickly followed by his shirt .
tr	5	She unzipped her boots and pulled them off and then shimmied out of her skirt until she was standing only in her black , lacy underwear .
tr	5	Moments later , he heard a heavy splash of water and before he could turn around she was on him , pushing him under the water .
tr	5	Wearing black track pants , a sports bra , and a light windbreaker jacket , she followed the instructions the security guard had given her .
tr	5	For the first time in a long time , Abbey felt like a normal young woman joking around with friends and discussing the men they were seeing .
tr	5	* * * * * Abbey , Serena , and Jake stood beside one another in the center of the arena awaiting the arrival of their instructor .
tr	5	The training program will cover six areas : physical fitness , hand-to-hand combat , weapons training , sniper training , psychological readiness , and field operations .
tr	5	The sound of the main doors creaking open silenced them and they all turned to see a dozen soldiers decked out in heavy tactical gear approaching .
tr	5	They are highly skilled , well-trained individuals , whose role it is to assist during certain aspects of the program such as combat training and field exercises .
tr	5	With that , Abbey , Serena , and Jake made their way further into the forest while Bill and Jeff took their position on higher ground .
tr	5	" That could be them , " Jake said , listening to the erratic , relentless bird calls coming from the other side of the bridge .
tr	5	Up ahead was a steep incline that led up to another level of the forest covered with fallen autumn leaves and several felled tree trunks .
tr	5	They made eye contact and Abbey signaled to them , suggesting that they split up and go around the enemy , taking them one at a time .
tr	5	Wasting no time , she grabbed hold of the rifle of the other one and slammed her knee up into it , forcing it from his grasp .
tr	5	* * * * * Bill and Jeff watched the scene going on below , binoculars in hand , from a railing overlooking the forest .
tr	5	" You know , you could get laid every night without fail just based on your rank in the agency , " Rick realized aloud .
tr	5	It was the last day of the program , also known to the recruits as " dress down " day where they could wear their street clothes .
tr	5	He 's not in the best position to advise someone else on this subject matter when he is no expert himself , " Bill warned her .
tr	5	" At the same time , I don 't want you to be so afraid that you don 't draw on your instincts at all in battle .
tr	5	That means that if you mess up and if you do what I have warned you not to then you are out of the CSA .
tr	5	Long day , brutal mission earlier , " he said , rolling up the sleeve of his robe to reveal a deep gash on his forearm .
tr	5	But when he looked at her and saw the hunger in her eyes he couldn 't bring himself to do what he knew he should .
tr	5	The only furniture was a king-sized sleigh bed in the center of the room with a couple of sheepskin rugs on the floor surrounding it .
tr	5	You were hoping I 'd show some remorse so you could finally let it go after all these years and get a good night 's sleep ? "
tr	5	His right hand gripped his hair and slammed the back of his skull against the hard concrete floor , over and over , without mercy .
tr	5	By the time they 'd finished they 'd been closer to Abbey 's place than Rick 's so they 'd crashed there , completely exhausted .
tr	5	And then he dove over her , grabbed his gun off the side table beside her , and pulled her off the bed with him .
tr	5	It 's almost empty , " he exclaimed , inspecting the magazine as he crouched as low as possible beside Abbey to avoid the gunfire .
tr	5	His fingertips dug into his flesh and he slammed the back of his head against the wall over and over again until he lost consciousness .
tr	5	She shoved his arm away and took the opportunity to land a back kick to her other opponent , forcing him back against the bookshelf .
tr	5	Without breaking his stride he fired off a fatal shot at one of the men blocking his path and then rushed out towards the gym floor .
tr	5	He saw the agony on her face as he pressed his other hand to her side to steady her for what he was about to do .
tr	5	If you want me to keep the civilian fatality off the Circle 's radar for a few days , I can , " Winston offered .
tr	5	" The problem is that a decision was made to launch an offensive against a small army which superseded the safer option of a retreat .
tr	5	I 'd have to create a separate secure frequency that the government and the rest of the CSA wouldn 't be able to pick up .
tr	5	After a few moments , Adam finally broke the tension by saying , " He has to accept what he 's done and take responsibility .
tr	5	He sat forward and spoke earnestly , " Let 's not forget that our Commander murdered a man and brutally slaughtered several Syndicate soldiers in the process .
tr	5	Do you deny that your actions were reckless and irrational , driven by your personal vendetta against Ward rather than the agency 's best interests ? "
tr	5	They have roamed unchecked all over the world , committing atrocities that those of us who have lived through the realities of war can very easily imagine .
tr	5	You and I may not always see eye to eye , but as far as I 'm concerned , your leadership abilities actually surpass Jim 's .
tr	5	To succeed with Adam was a great accomplishment , because of his penchant for maintaining a level head even in the most difficult and tense of circumstances .
tr	5	He opened his eyes and a smile crept across his face as his gaze fell upon the figure leaning against the wall beside the door .
tr	5	She was wearing her street clothes , so today had to be her day off , meaning she 'd come in just to see him .
tr	5	" This isn 't about the win , you idiot , " she rasped , hunched over , with her hands resting on her thighs .
tr	5	" Maybe , but can you be certain that I can 't fire off a shot at one of you before you shoot me ? "
tr	5	He hated himself for feeling relieved to hear that she hadn 't been in love with Rick , that their relationship hadn 't been anything of substance .
tr	5	His intention had been to make sure she was okay , but he couldn 't help but feel glad that the relationship was now over .
tr	5	" If I wasn 't an agent -- " " You 're needed -- more than ever now -- with Rick gone , " he cut in .
tr	5	" I don 't want to get into it , " he said , snapping back to reality and taking a gulp of his beer .
tr	5	An ivory , low-cut tank drew attention to her ample cleavage , which was further accented by the contrast with her fitted black leather jacket .
tr	5	Adam continued , " Rick used to assist her with protection , muscle , to put it simply , in exchange for a cut of the profits .
tr	5	That 's why , until we have concrete information concerning him and Carter , I will not authorize Alpha to carry out a tactical strike . "
tr	5	" Adam , I need to -- " she began , but stopped upon noticing the unfamiliar individual standing a few feet away from her .
tr	5	You 're nothing , " Rick muttered , convincing himself that he had been worrying for nothing , that she was no match for him .
tr	5	She felt Adam 's glance and told him over her shoulder , " I need to make sure nothing 's broken before we move her . "
tr	5	Sheila gripped a pair of tweezers and began to remove the shards of glass that were embedded deep in the skin of her stomach and her arms .
tr	5	Rick shook off his jacket to reveal a white t-shirt that was completely soaked through with blood on the right side where Adam had shot him .
tr	5	Frantically , he wrapped more gauze around it , slipped his jacket on , and forced himself to focus on the hazardous situation around him .
tr	5	His eyes narrowed at Paul as he watched him react and signal half his team to shift their aim to Leanne as she bolted for the exit .
tr	5	Compared to the others he had only sustained minor injuries -- a broken nose and a nasty bruise on his back from his scuffle with Rick .
tr	5	CHAPTER 52 Bill Palmer sat at his desk poring over some operational files for potential new recruits that Adam had faxed him earlier that day .
tr	5	He couldn 't imagine how hard it was for him to look Jameson in the eye and not reach across the table and snap his neck .
tr	5	* * * * * Bill stood behind Abbey as she lay on the bench press , her arms extended , lifting a barbell above her head .
tr	5	As they walked , Abbey gripped Paul 's arm and whispered , " Whatever happens in there , just go with it , okay ? "
tr	5	* * * * * Abbey stood back and watched Bill , Jeff , and Paul argue their situation with the receptionist and two heavyset security guards .
tr	5	He had barely spoken to her in the last few days since she 'd told him how she 'd brought about his release from Special Operations custody .
tr	5	He glanced around outside to make sure no one had seen Adam 's angry entry and then he followed him in and shut the door .
tr	5	" If we were to enter covertly , instead of entering offensively with a full-on assault , where would be the optimal point of entry ? "
tr	5	Obviously I have to fix it , my life , the problem is I don 't really trust anyone and I don 't know how .
tr	5	Leave both men behind and go back to Allie and Clara take on the world ... is thirty three too old to do that now ?
tr	5	We have to get out of here fast , " Marco had reached out to grab Gizmo and that 's when he had been hit .
tr	5	If he had grabbed Gizmo and pulled him as he intended to do , he would have pulled Gizmo directly into the line of fire .
tr	5	Even in the dim light they would have no trouble following the trail of blood Marco was leaving behind as Gizmo dragged him between two large crates .
tr	5	Suddenly they were outside the warehouse but Gizmo still had to half carry the semi-conscious Marco the last few feet to Giselle under heavy gun fire .
tr	5	He pulled out Giselle 's first aid kit which wasn 't equipped to handle an emergency of this magnitude , so he would have to improvise .
tr	5	She was now oblong in shape and the cabin had four overstuffed lounging chairs that were capable of rotating and being locked into place when needed .
tr	5	I 'm still the pilot , but if something should happen to me , you will need to listen to Marco and do what he says . "
tr	5	What he hadn 't told Giselle , and had no intention of telling her , was about the ' kill ' switch he had installed .
tr	5	Over the time he worked on this device he got to know the Captain of the Guard on the flight deck scanning detail pretty well .
tr	5	After a trial period and numerous tests supervised by the flight deck Captain , he decided it was time to have a talk with the medical staff .
tr	5	The Colony would always be their home but they still had a restless spirit and some exploring to do before being confined to life at The Colony .
tr	5	Moments after his birth , when she held him carefully in her arms like a priceless ancient porcelain urn , Gilbert looked up at her and smiled .
tr	5	Sitting on the edge of the bed beside his wife , Ben felt it too , and reached out to caress the top of Gilbert 's head .
tr	5	Gil 's head was so full of new designs he didn 't have enough time in the day to build even a fraction of them .
tr	5	He had endless projects he started but had not yet finished in the small cramped space his father had carved out for him in the family garage .
tr	5	At first he wasn 't sure he liked it , but he warmed up to it rather quickly and would just smile when called Gizmo .
tr	5	Since Gizmo hated to brush his teeth , but knew his mother insisted on it , he invented a toothpaste that could be used without a toothbrush .
tr	5	The chip would also control the lights in the house , turning them on and off as needed , and the thermostat and air conditioning as well .
tr	5	Gizmo had gone through a growth spurt and by the age of 15 , he was six feet tall , so he no longer looked his age .
tr	5	When he smiled , which he liked to do , and often did , he showed a big mouthful of very white perfectly shaped teeth .
tr	5	It gave him the appearance of a homeless person , which Gizmo didn 't seem to notice , but it got him teased a lot at school .
tr	5	When referring to Gizmo , the words nerd and geek generally came to mind , but Gizmo embraced the terms because he knew he was special .
tr	5	None of his inventions were patented and he didn 't want them falling into the hands of strangers who could put them to ill-conceived purposes .
tr	5	He knew this was cutting edge technology and his professors would not only have questions , but they would not be able to keep it to themselves .
tr	5	The project he presented with the dissertation was a very simplified space-time gadget designed to move a golf ball three inches from one spot to the next .
tr	5	He also programed in a homing algorithm that would bring him back home again no matter where , or when , he might eventually end up .
tr	5	" Shouldn 't you let that to the space administration , or the government , or someone with a lot more experience with that kind of thing ?
tr	5	We have crossed through three universes and have arrived in an orbit around a planet that appears to have all the conditions necessary to sustain life forms .
tr	5	Gizmo asked Giselle to transmit the coordinates of his orbit and ask if it was likely he was being tracked or followed from the ground .
tr	5	Looking around , Gizmo was unsure where it had come from or if there were any more of its kind lurking around to ambush him .
tr	5	The vibration in the ground , and the thundering sound of their hoofs hammering the terrain would generally give anyone sufficient time to seek shelter .
tr	5	If they were lucky enough to have water flowing through , the water 's edge was built up to keep the water on its designated course .
tr	5	§ § § Marco 's people were more concerned about day to day survival than they were about whether they shared the universe with other intelligent life .
tr	5	Over the next couple of years Marco spent every free moment he had on redesigning an old radio he had managed to get his hands on .
tr	5	But he didn 't know anyone else able to duplicate the communication device he built so he was fairly sure this had to be the real thing .
tr	5	With his heart beating so hard he almost couldn 't move , he mustered all the courage and strength he had in him and stood up .
tr	5	Marco was shaken when the alien stepped out of his vehicle wearing something on his head with a picture of one of his prime food sources .
tr	5	What would this stranger think when he found out that creature depicted on the strangers head gear would most likely consist of Marco 's evening meal ?
tr	5	§ § § This being an historic event , and not knowing what to say , Gizmo thought humor would be the best course of action .
tr	5	One evening in an intergalactic bar they met an interesting pair of individuals claiming to be from a distant star they would undoubtedly find interesting .
tr	5	Gizmo would have been interested even if he hadn 't been drinking a brew of unknown origin , but as they talked , Gizmo found himself hooked .
tr	5	§ § § The Universal Star Colony , on the planet Colossus , was set up in the furthermost corner of the furthermost known universe .
tr	5	Since its atmosphere was not particularly hospitable to most life forms , it was not a destination , or generally on the way to any known destination .
tr	5	Only the tip was on the planet surface , and that was enclosed in an invisible force field that held atmosphere in and most other things out .
tr	5	The Colony was pretty much a closed community , and only accepted new members rarely , and then only by a unanimous vote of the council .
tr	5	But the fact remains , it 's better to have them on our side than have them jumping from universe to universe doing whatever pleases them .
tr	5	It would take centuries for his species to rise to even a minimal amount of awareness of intergalactic affairs , if in fact they ever do .
tr	5	It could be good news or bad , Gizmo wasn 't sure how to read the lengthening silence in the room while all eyes were on them .
tr	5	As Sula finished , with a sweep of his hands , the doors they had come through once again opened and their escorts were waiting for them .
tr	5	It was also the first stop because they both would undergo a complete medical examination and they would need to remain here for the first few days .
tr	5	The rejuvenation process only takes a couple of days while your new body is grown and prepared for you and you are transferred into it .
tr	5	Just when he had given up trying to keep track of everything they were requiring of him , he was given some rather distressing news .
tr	5	In three days ' time you would be completely healed and recovered and ready to get on with your orientation with no further worries of kidney failure .
tr	5	There was silence in the room as he arranged his papers , continuing to eye them suspiciously , and then he approached them with two small objects .
tr	5	" Take as long as you like , but you will not be leaving The Colony until we have had a chance to talk again . "
tr	5	They barely had time to finish it when their guides arrived to take them to the classroom again for another fun filled day of lectures .
tr	5	He still didn 't understand how the transports worked and would have loved spending some time taking one of them apart and learning its secrets .
tr	5	As he paced in front of the General 's desk , he seemed lost in thought as he stared at the floor and stroked his chin .
tr	5	So you see , you will not be going into the actual fighting , you will be going back in time before the fighting starts .
tr	5	" We haven 't figured that out yet , but I 'm sure you 'll come up with something , " Sula replied staring at the floor .
tr	5	" What about if we arrange to have him adopted by a working class family who is unable to have a child of their own ? "
tr	5	" With Leap Frog , you could be in , switch arm bands , and back out again before they even knew you were there . "
tr	5	" Yeah , it would have to be at night when the hospital is quiet , and there are fewer staff who could see us .
tr	5	§ § § The front door of the Everhart house flew open and a very pregnant woman was being assisted out with a woman at each elbow .
tr	5	" The real Marion Everhart is the leader of the resistance against the ruling class , and the real Arturo Northam is the ruling class leader . "
tr	5	It may mean taking him out in the true sense , or it may mean preventing him from meeting his wife , and having a son . "
tr	5	Every florist shop in town was busy ordering the mass of flowers for the floral arrangements at both the cathedral and the bride and grooms house .
tr	5	He said he was going to go up to the new house to make sure everything would be ready for them after the wedding . "
tr	5	As he backed out and slowly turned the car around on the cushion of air , Gizmo was frantically trying to figure out a plan of action .
tr	5	" But it is unprecedented to let new recruits leave The Colony until they have completed orientation ; at least the security part of it .
tr	5	Your activity will be restricted for the first week , and then if there have been no problems ; you can resume normal activity after that .
tr	5	Gizmo hadn 't been happy at that news , but all things considered , he was feeling remarkably well especially after such an intrusive surgery .
tr	5	§ § § The following morning Dr. Strom released Gizmo from the medical clinic but again reminded him against any strenuous activity for the next seven days .
tr	5	Gizmo only hoped things would improve over time , but had his doubts they would ever be on good terms with the Director of Security .
tr	5	" The Director has informed us that you brought up a security issue that we have , until now , been unaware of , " Sula started .
tr	5	They were told their transportation platforms would not allow them to go beyond a certain point into a restricted area without the proper authorization code .
tr	5	Anyone sitting in either of the vehicles could be tracked or ' seen ' as an object on radar able to pick up brain wave activity .
tr	5	§ § § Chapter 11 -- Getting Away At Last Gizmo was still at work when Marco showed up at the lab the next morning .
tr	5	" Next we will have to do a field test but I will have to get Sula 's permission for that , " he said .
tr	5	The exercise they had worked out required them to engage in a zigzag course while returning to The Colony , engaging and disengaging the cloaking device randomly .
tr	5	It also includes a person who is very interested in technical subjects , like computers , and is usually slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits . "
tr	5	In the lengthening silence , Giselle said , " For what it 's worth Master , I don 't see you as a nerd . "
tr	5	As soon as we get back , I am going to pull the plug on you and do a major reprogramming of your attitude . "
tr	5	I am merely expressing the fact that you are not only my creator , and my master , I will endeavor to follow your every wish .
tr	5	Turning to Marco , he said , " I hate it when she uses logic on me to beat me at my own arguments . "
tr	5	Our cosmologists have estimated that there are at least 100 billion galaxies in our universe , very few of them believe there is more than one universe .
tr	5	Is there another universe out there that ours will combine with , or will it again trigger a big explosion if our universe collides with it ?
tr	5	" We been here far too long if you ask me , but it won 't be much longer before we can leave this hellhole .
tr	5	" I 'd have to check with him first and get back to you but I don 't think he 'll holler too much . "
tr	5	I don 't want any tracking devices or anything else attached to you , and I don 't want anyone close enough to examine you .
tr	5	As soon as they were securely down on the pad , it started to lower and the flower petal surface started to close over them .
tr	5	§ § § As they stood on the hanger deck looking around wondering which way to go , they saw their hosts approaching from a far corner .
tr	5	" Giselle , " Gizmo said , " eject the toy spacecraft on a fast trajectory away from us as fast as possible and engage cloaking .
tr	5	As is usually the case , life got in the way and he ended up getting a degree in a field totally unrelated to writing or photography .
tr	5	Looking back over the course of his career , the single most important element that stands above all others is his ability to write effectively .
tr	5	The second book entitled Breaking Point follows the lives of four people who are on a path that will define the rest of their lives .
tr	5	It is currently released as a short story or perhaps a short novel but may someday be further developed into a full length novel or series .
tr	5	This short novel follows the adventures of Gizmo and his friends through the many and varied universes , in the many varied times of their evolution .
tr	5	" Table sixteen , table sixteen ... " murmured the man , skimming through the room filled with men with tuxedo and women with fine dresses .
tr	5	Suddenly the car appeared from the corner , turning wildly , making a loud screeching sound ; it smashed few people and crashed on the wall .
tr	5	The yellow , black striped barricade was blocking the entrance , their huge thorns spiked up , but the tanks just crushed it and went inside .
tr	5	The ships were out of light , merely floated on the water , the mooring rope stretched and loosened by the tide , making a loud noise .
tr	5	When they arrived on the main floor , there was a huge garden in the middle , full of luxurious pine trees , and the pond .
tr	5	But soon , he knew they will go for Veron 's throne and during the course , he and Thompson family won 't be safe .
tr	5	" Yes , we should show that we are glad to serve Veron our ruler , the descendents of gods , " cackled one of the soldiers .
tr	5	" Shut it officer , " hissed Valentine , but soldiers didn 't listen to her and talked among themselves , cheerfully waving at the submarine .
tr	5	The soldiers surrounding them were shooting at the creatures in the dark , fell like a doll so they starting to run for their lives .
tr	5	The land was nowhere to be seen , the grey clouds were moving slowly from the sky , the ship jumped up and down against the waves .
tr	5	When situation became like this , they filed the marriage to the court as they didn 't want more suspicious glares from Veron 's officers .
tr	5	With a full swing , Michel threw something afar and he did it two more times ; swiftly , he ducked to the bottom of the boat .
tr	5	" Waterproof sleeping bag , Woolen socks , Mosquito nets , Stoves , " said Jessica , smiling at the various stuff spread on the deck .
tr	5	" I don 't think we can travel with the Machina suit ; we will pick the handsome amount of soldiers and fetch your family .
tr	5	The bag contained few survival kits which included compass , grenades , coil of wire , antibiotic cream , canned food , knife and bullets .
tr	5	However as Veron was a subcontractor when they started the project , few of Veron 's officers were living inside the room along with them .
tr	5	" Gentlemen , we will continue this later , I have to talk to him in private , " said Ricky , dismissing the crowd .
tr	5	" There is no reason for her to leave like that , I mean ... She needed the shelter , she couldn 't have just left . "
tr	5	" She is still in recovery , I hope the wound cures it well , " said Molly , stirring the honey into her tea .
tr	5	" I didn 't ... You know , helped her ... just because ... I mean I think you are pretty ... " muttered Glock .
tr	5	Poe had an old dog named Donald , Jake was interested in the old hound sticking its tongue out and running inside the woods cheerfully .
tr	5	Few of the refugees came to Diana last night , the group mainly consisted of local middle-aged ladies but there were some men with them .
tr	5	" It 's the pain , " said Gilbert , wiping his sweat from the forehead , " This untouched ground ... dead beat to march . "
tr	5	" Yes mother , I have a bad feeling about the river , " said Diana , looking at the dark part of the forest .
tr	5	No one knew the reason why , and he even thought that she was rich , that her parents hid a lot of money in secret .
tr	5	" I mean look , she 's so fucking cunt , Oh Evan , I 'm bored , let 's make her know who we are ! "
tr	5	" There will be bunch of these who will come for Ricky 's neck , better enjoy the spoils , any of them alive ? "
tr	5	Ever since he entered Nina 's army , he always had that jealousy upon seeing Alvin , as he was valiant and let the troops well .
tr	5	But he didn 't like James , even made a suggestion to Nina to fire him as James is not fit to lead the troops .
tr	5	No wonder those stupid thugs falling in love with her , going war with each other , even dreamed about being tortured and killed by her .
tr	5	Veron 's son , Morris , was whining all the time in the submarine , crying out that the submarines were too dark and narrow .
tr	5	The officers and Veron looked at him thinking that he is weeping for the death of his mother and showed fake tears made out of saliva .
tr	5	Put it in a pillow case , if someone tries to open the door by force , get it ready , and find me . "
tr	5	Chapter 9 The Wilderness In the Island of Riddles , Alvin was looking at the corpses of creatures , which attacked them while they were sleeping .
tr	5	Alvin took out the picture while on a break and looked at the photo of Diana , him , Tasha and Jake , laughing inside the picture .
tr	5	Few of the soldiers came back with some rabbits ; they hurriedly skinned them and brought to the cook who threw them inside the soup .
tr	5	After stream of disciplinary remarks , Sarah sheepishly went to the soup pot and with a scoop ; she took out something black and huge .
tr	5	Paul and Michel , who were surrounded by them , spat out the rat 's back bone , competing against each other for who spat further .
tr	5	The gun fired , the smoke came out from its barrel , the chief tribe man was hit in the head , fallen to the ground .
tr	5	They have looked around the field , where they 've left , there were caves , which seemed like their dwelling ground , and the plantation .
tr	5	" No , when Ricky made a village , he made so-called ' secret rooms ' inside the tunnel and granted the protection for specified individuals .
tr	5	" But if they act separately and make plantation for them to gain power in the island , he will release the creatures to ruin their crop .
tr	5	" But if they were from the outside world and had a war amongst one another , why would they run away from us ? "
tr	5	" There were ten bomb threats and five death threats in the agency this month , " " Quite an improvement , " said Heston .
tr	5	At that time , in the Island of Riddles , Ricky was deep inside his thought , looking at the blueprints of the underground maze .
tr	5	Veron 's officers conquered the plantation and as the supply of crops were cut , the dwellers in the secret room revolted against Veron 's officers .
tr	5	Then Ricky would release the waves of creatures preserved in the underground ; it was an overdrive which Veron 's officers have no control over .
tr	5	" Although I 'm more worried about the revolt from Veron 's officers ... " Ricky went to the kitchen and put out the jar of tea .
tr	5	They demanded us to give out the rooms where Veron 's officers dwelled but our boys refused as it was against the rule , " said Ricky .
tr	5	" A week ago , Glock , I 'm afraid we need to get into the bunker soon , " said Ricky and sipped the tea .
tr	5	" We are able to override the system at the production facilities , and then Veron 's officers and others will be overwhelmed by the creatures . "
tr	5	It was a dry march , the sun was baking the soil , and there were no clouds , dry leaves started to falling upon them .
tr	5	" There was a big fire in the hill from the eastside , " said one soldier to Logan , handing him the burnt device .
tr	5	" When this is over , we will have that bitch walk on the carpet full of nails , " sneered Logan , his eyes bulging out .
tr	5	At the night of the overthrow , which was hardly a coup , Logan threw Morris 's head in front of Veron and laughed at him .
tr	5	" Even if they 've got all the data of the enemy , it doesn 't matter if they don 't know which part to use it .
tr	5	They were still talking whether to deploy the troops or not , but he knew that they have already sent a spies in the area .
tr	5	" Those refugees in the island are those who try to hide from the Assassins ' Chamber ... " murmured Heston , pouring whiskey to his glass .
tr	5	He looked around the room quietly , but there was no one there ; he slowly pulled the desk drawer to take out his gun .
tr	5	" So in the time of distress , concerning the spoils , trade in food ... Huh ... " murmured Baldi , reading through the contract .
tr	5	" Maybe since you have been working in the espionage division for many years , you might have something that will impress us , " said Lucy .
tr	5	" Bunch of militants is ravishing the island now , " said Gilbert to Poe , hearing the sound of wailing and lamenting from the ladies .
tr	5	They are going to use our men as human shields " " Damn them , " said Poe , his huge cheek vibrated with anger .
tr	5	It didn 't go off , he and his wife were just waiting for it to shut up , but it kept going and going .
tr	5	" Completely broke , single , trying to take care of his sister ... I 'm sure you can manage some backroom deal for your friend . "
tr	5	Convince him to find Ricky Guido , and give him the drive ; we ' ll give you the detail soon , " said he .
tr	5	However , after when his face got exposed to some dangerous organization , he had to stay in the maximum security prison for the safety reason .
tr	5	" Your organization is dying off , good luck trying to stay alive , " muttered Ned , licking the last drops of his whiskey .
tr	5	During the civil war , they were trying to take over the country after Veron 's army became weakened by the government at the time .
tr	5	As the situation come to this , Lucy bluffed that the organization became stronger as Veron regime fell , which , the reality was an exact opposite .
tr	5	" Don 't worry , we won 't be harsh like that crook did , " laughed the guard , pointing a finger at Veron .
tr	5	" I 'm not sure ... I don 't see any base from here , so they have been waiting for somebody for sure . "
tr	5	" I guess it is true what they talk about you , " said Tasha , looking at her beauty , reflected under the moon .
tr	5	" Go away , Captain , I 've got a gun , and you don 't , " said Sarah , shooing him off with her pistol .
tr	5	" Oh ... Sarah , I don 't think you can resist my charm , " said James , winking , making a weird cute face .
tr	5	" Admiral , pardon me , but I don 't think it is wise to move right now ... " murmured James , interrupting her .
tr	5	hissed the assassin , looking at the turmoil right in front of her " Just a little more , fall down to the pit . "
tr	5	There was a feast at that night , not only the initial squad survived , but also they 've successfully have made a wine from the berries .
tr	5	" Well , we prepared some dishes that go along with the drink , " said them , offering the various unknown vegetable dishes they 've made .
tr	5	" This looks not bad actually ... " said Alvin , taking a bite ; the men there wanted to find out whether it is poisonous .
tr	5	After a half an hour later , the soldiers begin to get out of the carts and came up to the huge metal door , examining it .
tr	5	After the days and days of turmoil and life-threatening situation , she finally became free from the oppression and from the pursuers who wanted to kill her .
tr	5	We have a reason to believe that you are engaged in treason , by conspiring with Ricky Guido to conquer Cassandra , " sneered Heston .
tr	5	" Don 't look at me like that ... We are all at the table , with the dice and chips , " muttered Heston .
tr	5	Ricky indeed was devastated when his wife died ; he attempted suicide and ended up being in an emergency room after his neighbor called a police .
tr	5	Chapter 36 The Slip of the Tongue Some villagers were wounded during the attack ; they were staying at the hospital wings to get treated .
tr	5	" So , before he built this village , he has known Henry Jefferson , who was on the same side as Veron , " said Molly .
tr	5	He said it reminds him of his wife ... " " I know it is quite random question to ask but , " said Molly .
tr	5	" I know because one of our own friends , inside this very agency , tried to contact Ricky Guido in secret , " said Heston .
tr	5	" Seemed like that old man is dealing with a hard shit even to his end of the term , " grumbled one of the agents .
tr	5	" I have to go to the general 's meeting in twenty minutes , so let 's get this over with fast , " said Walter .
tr	5	" According to our president , in this hour of peril , he does not wish to deploy troops to so-called ' Island of Riddles . '
tr	5	But next time , be aware , some of our men are quite cunning ... " chuckled Walter , glancing at Heston who looked reproached .
tr	5	Captain Baldi , after wiping out the petty rulers in the island , destroyed many plantations by pouring the sea water on it , ruining the soil .
tr	5	As the plantation got ruined , those who have been living in the Secret Rooms had no choice but to come out and surrender to Baldi .
tr	5	They have spotted Nina 's base inside the cave near shore , where Captain Nottingham was in command , but the defense was too strong .
tr	5	This story is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons , living or dead , or places , events or locales is purely coincidental .
va	0	I laughed , rolling away from him .
va	0	" I believe that , actually .
va	0	Hey , Joaquim ! "
va	0	They 're coming ! "
va	0	" This one ? "
va	0	" This one . "
va	0	The voice was emotionless and methodical .
va	0	This place smelled familiar .
va	0	" This one . "
va	0	That had to be me .
va	0	That man had been happy .
va	0	This one just looked tired .
va	0	I understood the shouting now , too .
va	0	I was shouting I 'm sorry .
va	0	I was saying good-bye .
va	0	Some of us cried .
va	0	Some of us hugged .
va	0	Had I tried to call out ?
va	0	I couldn 't remember .
va	0	It meant we had to work harder .
va	0	Except me , apparently .
va	0	" Joey Harker . "
va	0	My voice sounded dull and flat .
va	0	See the doctors every night .
va	0	" Yes , sir . "
va	0	You understand what that means ? "
va	0	" Yes , sir . "
va	0	" Yes , sir . "
va	0	My mind was numb .
va	0	" How are you ? "
va	0	" I 've been better . "
va	0	He glanced at my arm .
va	0	" Does it hurt ? "
va	0	" You okay ? "
va	0	I asked him in return .
va	0	" Is it always like this ? "
va	0	It was always this hard .
va	0	She missed the worst of it ? "
va	0	" Like what ? "
va	0	" Like ... this .
va	0	We shouldn 't have to fight . "
va	0	" But we do .
va	0	It wasn 't your fault .
va	0	It made sense , of course .
va	0	And what were they likely to find ?
va	0	Hue was hovering mournfully beside me .
va	0	" Did you see it , Hue ?
va	0	Were you anywhere nearby ? "
va	0	" Where were you ? "
va	0	Yeah , that was a great tribute .
va	0	Why was I even here ?
va	0	It was just a normal trip .
va	0	Then I remembered the explosions .
va	0	Jerzy had always been so dedicated .
va	0	A stupid game of capture the flag .
va	0	" Hey , Hue .
va	0	I turned to Hue .
va	0	" Ready to go home ? "
va	0	This time , I really looked .
va	0	" You were back there ? "
va	0	Hue brightened , turning a pleased pink .
va	0	" I don 't understand . "
va	0	It wasn 't particularly helpful .
va	0	I took a shot in the dark .
va	0	" You were interacting with something ? "
va	0	I hadn 't expected to be right .
va	0	" You were talking to someone ? "
va	0	Acacia wasn 't here .
va	0	" Is it safe here ? "
va	0	" Oh , come on .
va	0	That laughter sounded again .
va	0	" You 've almost got it .
va	0	Basically , I 'm a psychic imprint .
va	0	" Like a ghost ? "
va	0	It 's close enough , anyway .
va	0	He shook his head .
va	0	" Enough about me .
va	0	What brings you here ? "
va	0	" Didn 't you ?
va	0	" He did ? "
va	0	Now , he was standing right there .
va	0	It was exactly what I needed .
va	0	I told him everything .
va	0	He gave a low whistle .
va	0	My heart jumped into my throat .
va	0	What can you tell me ? "
va	0	Jay hesitated for a moment , considering .
va	0	" Call me Joe .
va	0	Such as - ? "
va	0	" The ... ? "
va	0	" And they can time travel . "
va	0	" You got it . "
va	0	Making sure it happens .
va	0	" You should be so lucky .
va	0	She can erase you .
va	0	" Go back home .
va	0	Sit and wait . "
va	0	I just stared at him .
va	0	" What about Acacia ? "
va	0	" She 's a Time Agent .
va	0	There was no blood .
va	0	None of that remained .
va	0	I jumped to my feet .
va	0	- on the back of my neck .
va	0	Well , no weapon on me .
va	0	Do a hard restart or something !
va	0	" Joey Harker . "
va	0	" Acacia Jones . "
va	0	" Hey , Joe .
va	0	It 's been a while . "
va	0	When we punched it . "
va	0	I paused , considering that .
va	0	She sounded the same .
va	0	It felt like both yesterday and forever .
va	0	I 'm a Time Agent , Joe .
va	0	That made a certain amount of sense .
va	0	" More like I lost it completely .
va	0	I shook my head .
va	0	She paused , tilting her head .
va	0	" You hear that ? "
va	0	What is it ? "
va	0	She took my hand .
va	0	I was here , though .
va	0	We watched from right over there . "
va	0	It 's not possible .
va	0	She noticed my blank look and clarified .
va	0	I wondered if she could regenerate .
va	0	" We 'll see . "
va	0	Finally , finally it stopped .
va	0	" Are you okay ? "
va	0	I managed , and she nodded .
va	0	" Trust me . "
va	0	" Where are we ? "
va	0	" That 's hard to answer . "
va	0	" Is there a better question ? "
va	0	Where aren 't we ? "
va	0	" We 're not anywhere . "
va	0	" We 're not anywhere ?
va	0	So we 're nowhere ?
va	0	" I dropped anchor .
va	0	Without a destination . "
va	0	She shook her head .
va	0	" We fell through time . "
va	0	" Are you okay ?
va	0	He shot you . "
va	0	" Skin shield . "
va	0	" Can you recharge this ? "
va	0	" I think so .
va	0	She rested the disk on her fingernails .
va	0	The disk glowed faintly blue .
va	0	" Neat trick , " I commented .
va	0	She smiled , but didn 't respond .
va	0	" Did it work ? "
va	0	" Where did you find it ? "
va	0	Maybe she already knew .
va	0	" On the mountain .
va	0	" I 'm absolutely sure .
va	0	It 's the same one . "
va	0	" I don 't know .
va	0	I saw it fall .
va	0	This was all getting immensely confusing .
va	0	And one of them looked familiar .
va	0	" He found us ! "
va	0	" He hasn 't .
va	0	He 'd be clear . "
va	0	" Can he find us ? "
va	0	I sat back down .
va	0	" I don 't know .
va	0	He shouldn 't be able to .
va	0	She looked at me .
va	0	" What did he say ? "
va	0	And that he was ... anchored ... ?
va	0	Fixed on our souls . "
va	0	" Essence , " Acacia said assuredly .
va	0	" He said ' essence . '
va	0	" They do that . " "
va	0	' They ' ? "
va	0	Her stare was intense .
va	0	I did my own research . "
va	0	Finally , Acacia shook her head .
va	0	" No , hold on .
va	0	He said ' we . '
va	0	' We ' ? "
va	0	Acacia looked at me .
va	0	He says I , first person .
va	0	More advanced in science .
va	0	He 's one of me .
va	0	" You think what ? "
va	0	" I think this happened recently .
va	0	Like when we got Joaquim .
va	0	I put my head in my hands .
va	0	We can fix him . "
va	0	It 's much more complicated than that .
va	0	We keep close track of these guys .
va	0	" I have to get back .
va	0	" Why not ? "
va	0	" Because it 's not safe . "
va	0	One of us didn 't .
va	0	I wasn 't listening .
va	0	He 'd been plugged in , though .
va	0	" There 's someone else . "
va	0	He 's there right now .
va	0	I couldn 't move .
va	0	That was an unsettling comparison .
va	0	It wasn 't as bright anymore .
va	0	The walls were gray instead of white .
va	0	And there were bars .
va	0	I could move again .
va	0	" Why do you say that ? "
va	0	" Oh , come on .
va	0	" She said so . "
va	0	I gestured at my surroundings .
va	0	" You 're safe here . "
va	0	" It 's her job . "
va	0	" Which is , exactly ? "
va	0	" To protect you . "
va	0	They were all me .
va	0	He had to mean all of us .
va	0	" Where 's Acacia ? "
va	0	Do not bother . "
va	0	I nodded my acquiescence .
va	0	He reached toward me .
va	0	" Where am I going ? "
va	0	At his silence , I persisted .
va	0	Where are we going ? "
va	0	I wouldn 't have run . "
va	0	I listened , but heard nothing .
va	0	It was more than a little unnerving .
va	0	There was no elevator this time .
va	0	I wasn 't sure .
va	0	" The council decided . "
va	0	" Are you on the council ? "
va	0	" Who is ? "
va	0	" So who are you ? "
va	0	Watch your step . "
va	0	" Good luck , Joseph Harker . "
va	0	This wasn 't right .
va	0	Was I not there yet ?
va	0	Long , silver boxes .
va	0	I started to run .
va	0	I was met with silence .
va	0	It broke in two .
va	0	For how everything was different .
va	0	For how Acacia had betrayed me .
va	0	Joey Harker , they said .
va	0	Traced your signal , it said .
va	0	For me , anyway .
va	0	Sending something to help .
va	0	Can only guess your location in time .
va	0	Don 't touch anything else !
va	0	I wondered what she was sending me .
va	0	Maybe I should have looked inside .
va	0	The thought gave me chills .
va	0	I wanted to save them .
va	0	I wished I had a blaster .
va	0	" Are you hurt , Hue ? "
va	0	You saved me , though . "
va	0	" Where are you going ? "
va	0	" Wait , Hue .
va	0	He paused , hovering uncertainly .
va	0	I have to go where she is .
va	0	The In-Between , in a different time .
va	0	Can you get there , too ? "
va	0	That was only mostly true .
va	0	" Please , Hue ? "
va	0	I 'm so sorry .
va	0	" You have to go ! "
va	0	" Get out of here ! "
va	0	It felt like taking my first steps .
va	0	I should have known it all along .
va	0	Where we 'd " rescued " Joaquim .
va	0	I glanced at Joaquim , who frowned .
va	0	" I 'm sorry . "
va	0	" You can 't be .
va	0	I 'd never betray us ! "
va	0	" Yes , you would .
va	0	One of us could never betray us .
va	0	We 'd feel it .
va	0	" Are you trying to convince me ?
va	0	Sense it , Joey .
va	0	" What was that for ? "
va	0	We both looked to the window .
va	0	She just looked uncertain .
va	0	" What are you talking about ? "
va	0	" He 's not a Walker . "
va	0	" Wrong , " Joaquim said .
va	0	" Both of you .
va	0	You 're both wrong .
va	0	You look a little dizzy . "
va	0	We 're free , they exulted .
va	0	" Where did you get them ? "
va	0	Could Joaquim have once been a Walker ?
va	0	His eyes were like that .
va	0	No pupils , nothing .
va	0	" Yes , Professor . "
va	0	This was the Professor .
va	0	Leader of the Binary .
va	0	" Not yet , Professor .
va	0	I 've made the connection . "
va	0	And looked at me .
va	0	I nodded to the scouts .
va	0	Joaquim was just looking at me .
va	0	" And HEX 's magic . "
va	0	Acacia 's voice was barely a whisper .
va	0	I suddenly felt a ton better .
va	0	They were working together now .
va	0	We 'd just lost our only advantage .
va	0	Put succinctly , we were screwed .
va	0	" It would take me a while .
va	0	He 's strong . "
va	0	" Then bring him .
va	0	The girl , too . "
va	0	Joaquim grinned at me .
va	0	" You and me , Joey .
va	0	I 'd heard that before .
va	0	The words had been whispered , pained .
va	0	There are too many of us .
va	0	I hope I feel love , someday .
va	0	It had to be done .
va	0	And we 'd let him .
va	0	No , thank you .
va	0	" Okay , I 'll bite .
va	0	" So enlighten me .
va	0	It 's a soliton .
va	0	Can you get any more cliche ?
va	0	Joaquim smirked at me .
va	0	We are destroying nothing .
va	0	We 're re-creating . "
va	0	Somehow , that was worse .
va	0	" So you 're re-creating the universe .
va	0	So much chaos ... " " Joaquim .
va	0	" Your father and mother ?
va	0	You 're a clone . "
va	0	By Binary , and HEX . "
va	0	Would yours do the same ? "
va	0	" Joe , Walk ! "
va	0	You have to Walk ! "
va	0	Joaquim spoke up serenely from my side .
va	0	" They 're ready . "
va	0	No , not gone .
va	0	I was still reeling .
va	0	Joaquim was not nearly as excited now .
va	0	" Professor ... " He sounded scared .
va	0	" Professor , what is this ? "
va	0	I knew why he was panicking .
va	0	he screamed , his struggling becoming wilder .
va	0	The transmitter nearest Joaquim was on fire .
va	0	It was the fear of death .
va	0	Acacia screamed from somewhere to my right .
va	0	" Help him ! "
va	0	And more important , why would I ?
va	0	I knew what to do .
va	0	Use us , they said .
va	0	Let us Walk again .
va	0	It was so easy .
va	0	The blue lights hesitated .
va	0	We had to be .
va	0	I had to be .
va	0	He was looking through me .
va	0	Acacia 's hand slipped into mine .
va	0	I swallowed , closing my eyes .
va	0	I 'm so sorry .
va	0	" What was that thing ? " "
va	0	... I don 't know . "
va	0	" You looked like you knew . "
va	0	" I. . . "
va	0	She shook her head .
va	0	" Was it completed ? "
va	0	I asked , afraid of the answer .
va	0	" You said we were powering it .
va	0	Did they ... ? "
va	0	She was silent for another moment .
va	0	" You were there , too .
va	0	You saw everything happen .
va	0	She let me , nodding .
va	0	I promise ; they 're all okay .
va	0	" Why not ? "
va	0	" Find the traitor . "
va	0	I 'd try to break the link .
va	0	I 'd punch it .
va	0	And God help anyone left behind .
va	0	" I 'm sorry , Joe . "
va	0	There wasn 't anything I could say .
va	0	" As a guest .
va	0	As a friend . "
va	0	" No cells ? "
va	0	She smiled , brilliantly .
va	0	No holding fields , no Sentry . "
va	0	She laughed , eyes sparkling .
va	0	He 's our main guard . "
va	0	" Your main guard ?
va	0	" He 's not that scary . "
va	0	" We meet again , pup . "
va	0	I still couldn 't see Acacia .
va	0	Certainly everything was looking a little fuzzy .
va	0	We are even now , yes ?
va	0	I could handle that .
va	0	You have already seen it . "
va	0	Our Silver Dream . "
va	0	I couldn 't get home .
va	0	Yes , the ground .
va	0	So did that stone statue .
va	0	The street signs were names I recognized .
va	0	That was true for me , too .
va	0	I could still sense portals .
va	0	I could still move between worlds .
va	0	I could find more of us .
va	0	I had things to do .
va	0	Chapter 1 I was seven years old .
va	0	He was so limp .
va	0	I 'd never heard such a quiet .
va	0	" He 's dead ! "
va	0	And then they all took it up .
va	0	I knew it was true .
va	0	And I was empty .
va	0	From everywhere the women came running .
va	0	My mother lifted me off my feet .
va	0	He turned his back on the light .
va	0	He said : " Jesus did it .
va	0	He killed him . "
va	0	Big Joseph woke up .
va	0	I didn 't know why .
va	0	He 'd been asleep on the mat .
va	0	He climbed to his feet .
va	0	" What 's that shouting outside ? "
va	0	" What 's happened ? "
va	0	He looked to James .
va	0	James was his eldest son .
va	0	James said it again .
va	0	My mother was trembling .
va	0	You saw it too .
va	0	Salome was like my sister .
va	0	" Is the boy dead ? "
va	0	" Or is the boy alive ? "
va	0	Little Symeon was giggling .
va	0	" Salome , be quiet . "
va	0	I heard other noises .
va	0	My mother started to cry .
va	0	" You dare do that ! "
va	0	Joseph went after him .
va	0	" Wake up now . "
va	0	The power went out .
va	0	All the women were screaming .
va	0	I fell back on the floor .
va	0	The room was dim .
va	0	Other people had rushed in .
va	0	" Son of David ! "
va	0	I was still gasping .
va	0	I hurt all over .
va	0	I was in Joseph 's arms .
va	0	These were Joseph 's brothers .
va	0	And they 'd just woken up .
va	0	Then I couldn 't see anymore .
va	0	The Teacher raised his voice in Greek .
va	0	" Your eye , there 's blood .
va	0	Your face is cut ! "
va	0	Joseph and his brothers came in .
va	0	said the Teacher to the whole crowd .
va	0	" Seven years is too long !
va	0	What 's the matter with you ! "
va	0	" You sound like a madman ! "
va	0	Listen to your own words ! "
va	0	More of them came into the room .
va	0	She was too afraid .
va	0	And they all went quiet .
va	0	The whole mob of them fell quiet .
va	0	Never had Joseph raised his voice before .
va	0	No one said anything .
va	0	Everyone looked at him .
va	0	Not even the Teacher spoke .
va	0	Again no one spoke .
va	0	The Teacher was not happy .
va	0	He looked at Joseph .
va	0	" Leaving to go home ? "
va	0	Taking my fine Jesus ?
va	0	" You mock our forefathers ? "
va	0	" Then why go ?
va	0	Jesus is coming along wonderfully here .
va	0	" Jerusalem does not speak Greek ! "
va	0	You leave Alexandria for that . "
va	0	shot back the Teacher .
va	0	My mother was anxious .
va	0	The Teacher looked at me .
va	0	The Teacher went on .
va	0	They were all laughing .
va	0	The older boys laughed .
va	0	But my mother was still crying .
va	0	I had to stay by her side .
va	0	The Teacher was angry .
va	0	As if - . "
va	0	" Stop , " Joseph said .
va	0	All the men stared at the Teacher .
va	0	No one said a word .
va	0	What had the Teacher said ?
va	0	What were these words ?
va	0	Then in a soft voice Joseph spoke .
va	0	" But I don 't have it .
va	0	And because Herod is dead . "
va	0	The Teacher was taken aback .
va	0	Everyone else was surprised .
va	0	The Teacher was frowning at Joseph .
va	0	The Teacher was cold .
va	0	" How do you know ? "
va	0	" And what will Philo think ? "
va	0	Her voice shocked everyone .
va	0	The Teacher did not answer my mother .
va	0	said the Teacher coldly .
va	0	" What is Nazareth ?
va	0	You came here from Bethlehem .
va	0	Your terrible stories , why you - .
va	0	Philo would see to it - . "
va	0	No more the library of parchment scrolls .
va	0	Greek is the language of the Empire .
va	0	This is a map of the Empire .
va	0	Hold the edge for me there .
va	0	All this Rome rules .
va	0	I shook off the memory .
va	0	James was staring at me .
va	0	The Teacher was talking to me . "
va	0	You liked answering his questions .
va	0	You liked his library . "
va	0	The Teacher continued to stare at me .
va	0	This was not right .
va	0	" Jesus , speak up ! "
va	0	What was I to do ?
va	0	" When will you go ? "
va	0	" We have work to finish . "
va	0	But Joseph stopped him .
va	0	He took money out of his purse .
va	0	We were all excited .
va	0	Salome clapped her hands .
va	0	The Teacher bowed his head .
va	0	He put two fingers to his lips .
va	0	" You 're healed . "
va	0	I have many a time . "
va	0	I don 't understand . "
va	0	He thought for a moment .
va	0	We live as Jews wherever we are .
va	0	A chill passed over me .
va	0	Joseph was not my father .
va	0	" Remember me , " Philo said .
va	0	And I hurried back home .
va	0	She sat next to Joseph .
va	0	Bethlehem , where I was born .
va	0	" Never , " said Joseph .
va	0	He was kind as always with her .
va	0	Why , that alone - . "
va	0	Do you think they 've forgotten anything ?
va	0	We can never go there . "
va	0	Joseph put his arm around my mother .
va	0	She put her hands to her ears .
va	0	We have no choice .
va	0	Besides ... " " What star ?
va	0	What men from the East ? "
va	0	I couldn 't hold back anymore .
va	0	" What happened ? "
va	0	My mother looked up at me .
va	0	She hadn 't known I was there .
va	0	" But what happened in Bethlehem ? "
va	0	Joseph was looking at me .
va	0	Her voice was stronger .
va	0	It was a voice for me .
va	0	These are our kindred in common .
va	0	We 're returning to our house . "
va	0	" Yes , " said Joseph .
va	0	" Can 't you tell me ? "
va	0	Her tears were gone .
va	0	I would have learned more .
va	0	How could it not be ?
va	0	I didn 't want to sleep .
va	0	I never wanted it .
va	0	But now my thoughts were racing .
va	0	And what had happened today ?
va	0	I felt a hand on mine .
va	0	I opened my eyes .
va	0	" I know , " I answered .
va	0	" I know , " I said .
va	0	I closed my eyes .
va	0	I stroked the head of Little Justus .
va	0	Without waking he snuggled closer .
va	0	What did I know ?
va	0	" Jerusalem , " I whispered .
va	0	No one heard me .
va	0	My eyes snapped open .
va	0	All around me the others slept .
va	0	Where had that power come from ?
va	0	Was it still there ?
va	0	No one would talk of these things .
va	0	It had to be linked .
va	0	All this was mine to keep inside .
va	0	What was the inside of it ?
va	0	I must not misuse who I am .
va	0	A coldness came over me .
va	0	I pulled the blanket up around me .
va	0	Better to drift as they drifted .
va	0	Better to trust as they trusted .
va	0	How had Joseph known ?
va	0	No one answered him .
va	0	Then came time to leave .
va	0	Everywhere people were shouting and waving .
va	0	" The whole world ! "
va	0	" Did you hear that ? "
va	0	she said to me .
va	0	I laughed with her .
va	0	People began to sing hymns .
va	0	The land grew ever more distant .
va	0	The lighthouse became small and then disappeared .
va	0	I have to get there .
va	0	" I want to see what happens .
va	0	He nodded to both my uncles .
va	0	" I want justice from Herod Archelaus .
va	0	" He must tell them something . "
va	0	Nothing he says means anything anyway . "
va	0	I wondered what they thought of him .
va	0	And they just might get it . "
va	0	" Why not ? "
va	0	I did it suddenly , surprising myself .
va	0	Don 't you know it ?
va	0	Joseph was at my side .
va	0	Both these boys should know . "
va	0	He nodded to me and James .
va	0	He looked at my uncles .
va	0	He drew me away .
va	0	James he allowed to stay there .
va	0	The wind swallowed up all their words .
va	0	" But what happened in Bethlehem ? "
va	0	Joseph didn 't answer .
va	0	I did what he said .
va	0	I felt a little sick .
va	0	I was getting a little cold .
va	0	Little Salome was waiting to question me .
va	0	" What were they saying ? "
va	0	Salome wanted to know .
va	0	" I want to see it . "
va	0	" Is it a big town ? "
va	0	" A village , " she said .
va	0	" People say that ? "
va	0	" That an angel came to Nazareth ?
va	0	It really happened ? "
va	0	It was her way .
va	0	Little Salome asked him .
va	0	And again came his low private laughing .
va	0	A terrible anger came over my mother .
va	0	She looked over at her brother .
va	0	This was her way with her husband .
va	0	I was very sorry to see this .
va	0	I didn 't know what to do .
va	0	But he never answered him .
va	0	My mother turned back to her mending .
va	0	Her face became smooth .
va	0	It was as if nothing had happened .
va	0	I knew not to say another word .
va	0	We were going to Jerusalem .
va	0	But I loved it all the same .
va	0	But the women were growing afraid .
va	0	And even some Latin .
va	0	I was struck dumb .
va	0	I knew Joseph was tired .
va	0	I asked him to put me down .
va	0	He asked for water .
va	0	Other cousins were already there waiting .
va	0	Zebedee would see to it .
va	0	And this name I knew well .
va	0	And that of her son John .
va	0	I could see the Temple again !
va	0	She looked at me .
va	0	" Yes , " I said .
va	0	I looked at the Temple .
va	0	" Yes , " I said .
va	0	" And ... everywhere . "
va	0	I looked only at the Temple .
va	0	" Why do you say that ? "
va	0	I shrugged my shoulders .
va	0	" You know that it 's true .
va	0	The Lord is always with us . "
va	0	She laughed and so did I .
va	0	It made my thoughts clearer .
va	0	Tomorrow we would go to it .
va	0	But James would be with the men .
va	0	We knew the Law by heart .
va	0	He wasn 't right in the head .
va	0	" You come sit by me ! "
va	0	he said to me .
va	0	We were all very close together .
va	0	My aunt came nearer again .
va	0	The sauce was hot from the brazier .
va	0	I was very hungry .
va	0	The bread was warm too .
va	0	It was time for the blessing .
va	0	I bowed my head .
va	0	But it was still very good .
va	0	At last we began dipping our bread .
va	0	And there was plenty of it .
va	0	my mother asked him .
va	0	" Why should we go away ? "
va	0	My mother refused to leave .
va	0	Then he clutched at my arm .
va	0	His fingers were burning .
va	0	" You remember it .
va	0	The angel had come to her !
va	0	He 'd come to her .
va	0	But what did this mean ?
va	0	My mother stared at him .
va	0	I could feel the fever in him .
va	0	I could see it .
va	0	Remember , I told you .
va	0	I believed her . "
va	0	He looked at her .
va	0	His eyes stayed on her .
va	0	But not very far .
va	0	I didn 't move .
va	0	My mind was working and working .
va	0	I asked in the same whisper .
va	0	I felt chilled all over .
va	0	He struggled for breath .
va	0	Don 't you see ?
va	0	" And you ? "
va	0	Yes , you must .
va	0	Again he struggled for breath .
va	0	" So it was with King David .
va	0	And yes , I am sure !
va	0	And have always been sure ! "
va	0	He smiled and I heard his laughter .
va	0	" Why do you laugh ? "
va	0	" Yes , amused .
va	0	Did I see an angel ?
va	0	No , I did not .
va	0	Over there , over here .
va	0	Did you hear all that ?
va	0	They 've stoned Archelaus 's soldiers !
va	0	What does it matter to me now ?
va	0	Make this pain go away .
va	0	Strength for this little while .
va	0	What harm is there in it ?
va	0	I wanted to cry .
va	0	What had I done ?
va	0	How was I to understand these things ?
va	0	I could barely see over it now .
va	0	I was a little colder .
va	0	Then I didn 't .
va	0	I didn 't care .
va	0	I was not Joseph 's son .
va	0	My aunt Mary caught me by surprise .
va	0	She was crouching over me .
va	0	" I don 't know ! "
va	0	" I don 't know ! "
va	0	Now I did cry .
va	0	I wiped at my tears .
va	0	My mother came back .
va	0	" I am , " I answered .
va	0	I answered in Greek without thinking .
va	0	She spoke Greek as well .
va	0	" My brother has seen to that .
va	0	Would that he could suffer in silence .
va	0	So I say it .
va	0	Don 't ask questions of me .
va	0	But listen to what I say . "
va	0	She turned towards me .
va	0	The torchlight was in her eyes .
va	0	The noise of the city was gone .
va	0	My mother was beautiful .
va	0	I am consecrated to the Lord . "
va	0	" I do see . "
va	0	I had never called Joseph Father .
va	0	Adam didn 't even have a mother .
va	0	She shook her head .
va	0	She was soft and almost sad .
va	0	" People will say things ... ? "
va	0	She closed her eyes .
va	0	She gave a deep breath .
va	0	She put her hand over her mouth .
va	0	I thought she might cry .
va	0	" The Lord can do anything . "
va	0	" Mamma , " I said .
va	0	I reached out for her .
va	0	My head was pounding with thoughts .
va	0	Don 't let her be sad .
va	0	More a little sign than a giving .
va	0	She had her smile for me .
va	0	It took us a long time .
va	0	People were chanting the Psalms in Hebrew .
va	0	But the crowd didn 't like them .
va	0	He gave way so easily .
va	0	Everyone was happy to be here .
va	0	All the children were laughing with happiness .
va	0	The air was sweet and fresh .
va	0	People broke into shouting and women screamed .
va	0	I think the children were thrilled .
va	0	But there was no way to move .
va	0	There was no way to move .
va	0	The blood just gushed out of him .
va	0	I thought my breath had stopped .
va	0	Some people were falling to the ground .
va	0	" Little Salome ! "
va	0	" Reach for me . "
va	0	What could we do ?
va	0	" My son , my son . "
va	0	I saw the great big square .
va	0	The psalms rose to Heaven . " '
va	0	Take those words to Herod .
va	0	Take them to Caesar ! "
va	0	I couldn 't see the horse anymore .
va	0	Our men bowed and prayed .
va	0	He didn 't see us .
va	0	He didn 't know about the soldier .
va	0	Terrible cries came out of my mother .
va	0	More people got up and ran .
va	0	People ran between us and the man .
va	0	I heard the sheep again .
va	0	The crowd was loose and broken .
va	0	They cried and screamed .
va	0	They howled like dogs .
va	0	The soldiers didn 't hurt them .
va	0	They came on foot into the crowd .
va	0	All the fighters were gone .
va	0	I raised my arms and prayed .
va	0	New soldiers came riding out .
va	0	Chapter 6 The quiet was not quiet .
va	0	I could see them .
va	0	And our dead man was all alone .
va	0	Men ran after them .
va	0	I had hold of Little Salome .
va	0	" Mamma , wake up .
va	0	We 're going now . "
va	0	She was trying to be strong .
va	0	All the people moved to the gateway .
va	0	" See the priests there ? "
va	0	I could barely make them out .
va	0	How would this blood be cleaned away ?
va	0	The whole Temple was defiled with it .
va	0	I was not afraid yet .
va	0	I was wide eyed .
va	0	The fear would come later .
va	0	We moved as fast as we could .
va	0	You go to your homes . "
va	0	" No Passover ! "
va	0	" Quiet , " said Joseph .
va	0	" Keep your eyes off them .
va	0	What would you have them do ?
va	0	Don 't taunt them ! "
va	0	asked my cousin Silas .
va	0	My mother took him .
va	0	This was a good sign .
va	0	But it didn 't matter now .
va	0	" No Passover ! "
va	0	But he didn 't say any more .
va	0	People lay dead in the streets .
va	0	They looked like they were sleeping .
va	0	I had Little Symeon by the hand .
va	0	Did anyone come to bury him ?
va	0	What happened if nobody did ?
va	0	How could I ever forget their spears ?
va	0	There is no Passover . "
va	0	And our dead man .
va	0	I put my hands over my eyes .
va	0	I couldn 't stop seeing these things .
va	0	He laughed his soft slow laugh .
va	0	He looked down at me .
va	0	" Did you ? "
va	0	He didn 't wait for my answer .
va	0	" Caesar should laugh him to scorn .
va	0	King of Jews ! "
va	0	He shook his head .
va	0	That 's the truth of it .
va	0	That 's why they were fighting !
va	0	He began coughing again .
va	0	The men gave out coins .
va	0	They held up their spears .
va	0	Some had drawn swords .
va	0	They were all around us .
va	0	The dead were beyond number .
va	0	See it and never forget it . "
va	0	Shouldn 't we fight ! "
va	0	I started to cry .
va	0	You 're with us .
va	0	James was looking at me .
va	0	Elizabeth rode on a donkey .
va	0	It was very hard .
va	0	The walk was getting hard .
va	0	And on went the caravan .
va	0	It did feel wrong to be going .
va	0	The hills closed us up .
va	0	I started to cry .
va	0	I couldn 't help it .
va	0	" And the year after .
va	0	We 're home now . "
va	0	" The King of the Jews ! "
va	0	" The King of the Jews . "
va	0	Chapter 7 A dream .
va	0	Something wet was against my face .
va	0	I opened my eyes .
va	0	James ran past us .
va	0	Little Salome was calling to me .
va	0	" Jesus , wake up ! "
va	0	What was this place , a cave ?
va	0	All the women were wiping my face .
va	0	" You 're dreaming . "
va	0	I was coughing from so much crying .
va	0	I clung to my mother .
va	0	I pushed my face against her .
va	0	" Put out the lamps ! "
va	0	The fear swallowed me .
va	0	James said : " Jericho is burning .
va	0	The palace of Herod is in flames .
va	0	All of it 's burning . "
va	0	" They 've burned it before .
va	0	His voice was steady .
va	0	I felt his hand against my shoulder .
va	0	Don 't you worry at all . "
va	0	They went to see the fire .
va	0	He smiled at me .
va	0	" But why ? "
va	0	" Why are they burning Jericho ? "
va	0	" And why shouldn 't they ? "
va	0	The flames reach farther than words . "
va	0	" Where is your brother ? "
va	0	Joseph rose to his feet .
va	0	" Oh , but why ? "
va	0	" Must he go out ? "
va	0	" Tyrants who murder their own people ?
va	0	He led me out of the house .
va	0	I huddled close to Joseph .
va	0	She stood behind me .
va	0	I turned my head .
va	0	I couldn 't look at it .
va	0	I went into wild crying .
va	0	Against my eyes I saw the flickering .
va	0	I couldn 't get away from it .
va	0	The smell of the smoke filled me .
va	0	" We 're safe from it .
va	0	Listen to me ! "
va	0	I couldn 't stop my cries .
va	0	They hurt my chest .
va	0	They hurt my heart .
va	0	Let your mother hold you .
va	0	" Angel of the Lord . "
va	0	My mother took me .
va	0	I sobbed against her neck .
va	0	She stroked my back .
va	0	I took deeper and deeper breaths .
va	0	Who was looking for me ?
va	0	I didn 't want to sleep .
va	0	What did all the strange stories mean ?
va	0	I ought to make something of it .
va	0	I knew that , didn 't I ?
va	0	Strangers were in the front room .
va	0	My mother gripped me very tight .
va	0	They had rags around their wrists .
va	0	He spoke in Greek .
va	0	" What do we have here ?
va	0	Half the village . "
va	0	" Come on , everything ! "
va	0	said another forcing his way towards us .
va	0	He too spoke Greek .
va	0	His voice was ugly .
va	0	Your gold or your silver .
va	0	The women did nothing .
va	0	Little Salome began to cry .
va	0	But no one answered the men .
va	0	But the men said nothing .
va	0	" Did you hear me ?
va	0	said the man , stepping back .
va	0	Very softly in Hebrew , Joseph spoke .
va	0	" I can 't understand you .
va	0	What do you want us to do ?
va	0	We are people of peace .
va	0	I can 't understand you . "
va	0	" You miserable ignorant filth . "
va	0	Eat your dirt in peace . "
va	0	" Remember this , " he said .
va	0	We knew what had happened .
va	0	All of us knew .
va	0	Little Salome was sniffling .
va	0	He looked like he was already dead .
va	0	But he wasn 't dead .
va	0	People were pouring out into the street .
va	0	No soul in him .
va	0	" Don 't look at him . "
va	0	" But who killed him ? "
va	0	And it would be very frightening again .
va	0	I knew the fear was waiting .
va	0	The fear was something new .
va	0	The fear was terrible .
va	0	It would never go away .
va	0	It doesn 't matter . "
va	0	We were told to go inside .
va	0	I couldn 't remember all those names .
va	0	I know that it will .
va	0	I know the signs .
va	0	said Elizabeth in a low voice .
va	0	Are they not pious ?
va	0	Are they not zealous for the Law ?
va	0	My cousin John was looking at me .
va	0	His face didn 't show much .
va	0	He looked like a little man .
va	0	But he couldn 't stop the cough .
va	0	She came to me and why ?
va	0	Elizabeth lowered her voice and spoke on .
va	0	And he will study with them .
va	0	He will learn the prophets .
va	0	" You are welcome .
va	0	" No , " said Elizabeth .
va	0	" I will stay here .
va	0	The mothers said hush to the babies .
va	0	" Out with it . "
va	0	He began to cough again .
va	0	I had not known it .
va	0	He belongs to the Lord . "
va	0	" The Lord of the Essenes ? "
va	0	Again she looked at each and all .
va	0	You know perfectly well . "
va	0	But she went on .
va	0	What was done could not be undone .
va	0	And do you think they even tried ?
va	0	" They beat Zechariah .
va	0	Right before the Lord . "
va	0	" Many saw what happened .
va	0	Some of the priests knew .
va	0	And they sent word to me .
va	0	And I was told . "
va	0	All were dazed by this terrible news .
va	0	Not till you came to Jerusalem .
va	0	No one dared to answer her .
va	0	There he will be hidden .
va	0	I have nothing for them to take .
va	0	But I won 't see you again .
va	0	Now you , you go . "
va	0	The fear became part of my thinking .
va	0	The fear became part of the story .
va	0	" They tried to steal them ! "
va	0	Little John stood there staring at me .
va	0	" But who are the Essenes ? "
va	0	Little Salome asked me .
va	0	" I heard what you heard .
va	0	How could I know ? "
va	0	They believe they have the true priesthood .
va	0	They are the descendants of Zadok .
va	0	They live apart . "
va	0	" How can we know ?
va	0	I hardly thought about it .
va	0	He rubbed her head .
va	0	Joseph merely shook his head .
va	0	Isn 't that so ? "
va	0	He looked away as he spoke .
va	0	We were in the valley now .
va	0	" A King will come ? "
va	0	Joseph turned and looked at me .
va	0	" No , " said Joseph .
va	0	My mother spoke up .
va	0	But now is not that time . "
va	0	I didn 't think so .
va	0	He was gentle but he meant it .
va	0	We 're out of Jerusalem .
va	0	We 're away from the troubles .
va	0	" We want to see Jericho ! "
va	0	" The River Jordan ! "
va	0	Everyone was shouting it with great excitement .
va	0	She had a sweet high voice .
va	0	We sang with her .
va	0	But did David do it ?
va	0	But such a woman was found .
va	0	" And what happened then ? "
va	0	And so we pushed on .
va	0	And to the river we finally came .
va	0	Many people were bathing in the river .
va	0	We washed our bodies and our clothes .
va	0	We were singing and shouting .
va	0	He threw up his hands .
va	0	All the cleverness was gone from him .
va	0	All the anger was gone .
va	0	He didn 't care about the people .
va	0	He didn 't sing for the people .
va	0	Father in Heaven , I ask this !
va	0	Is this too much ?
va	0	It happened quickly and then slowly .
va	0	I reached out with both arms .
va	0	I opened my eyes .
va	0	Gone , whatever it was .
va	0	" What did I do ? "
va	0	I put you to bed .
va	0	" And something happened . "
va	0	" No , " she said .
va	0	She didn 't understand .
va	0	Little Joseph was snoring .
va	0	Mary of Zebedee was nodding .
va	0	I closed my eyes .
va	0	It was only a moment .
va	0	Then I was myself .
va	0	I was happy with my eyes closed .
va	0	Praise to the Lord . "
va	0	" Look to him ! "
va	0	His fever 's gone .
va	0	I 'm not going .
va	0	What 's the use of going ?
va	0	Let him have his last strength . "
va	0	Their voices went low .
va	0	Talk of common things .
va	0	Bandits everywhere , villages burning .
va	0	I snuggled close to my mother .
va	0	" Enough , " said my mother .
va	0	" Nothing ever changes . "
va	0	I went away in my half sleep .
va	0	I said out loud .
va	0	I opened my eyes .
va	0	I laughed to myself .
va	0	And I had seen them .
va	0	Less than a moment .
va	0	What had they looked like ?
va	0	This is not the most difficult part .
va	0	I was happy and sad .
va	0	She slipped her fingers out of mine .
va	0	She lay down beside me .
va	0	Thoughts began to slide .
va	0	And don 't tell anyone ever .
va	0	I 'll find out everything .
va	0	No , you don 't know .
va	0	And how do I know that ?
va	0	How soon was it shattered ?
va	0	We woke up to shouts and crying .
va	0	The nearby villages were in flames .
va	0	They killed at whim .
va	0	They were " thirsty for blood . "
va	0	He didn 't have any more fever .
va	0	People didn 't talk about it now .
va	0	Archelaus had sailed to Rome .
va	0	The word was out .
va	0	They had no interest in these things .
va	0	And neither had my mother .
va	0	I missed the sea .
va	0	You could always feel the cooling breeze .
va	0	And there were sudden rains .
va	0	He no longer coughed at all .
va	0	Our men threw up their hands .
va	0	I would forget about bandits and trouble .
va	0	The men disputed wildly .
va	0	" Would it be Roman officials ? "
va	0	And many others said the same thing .
va	0	They respect our ancestral Laws .
va	0	The talk went on and on .
va	0	It made me feel safe .
va	0	I opened my eyes and sat up .
va	0	In this beautiful land ?
va	0	" Perhaps , " he said .
va	0	" We 're close . "
va	0	" It won 't be burnt up .
va	0	I know it won 't .
va	0	You go back to sleep . "
va	0	He stopped because Joseph had turned away .
va	0	Joseph looked at him the whole time .
va	0	" What 's happened ? "
va	0	What 's happened ? "
va	0	" We have been through it . "
va	0	That was the answer they had wanted .
va	0	I looked up at the stars .
va	0	All the men had left the fire .
va	0	The fire had gone out .
va	0	I never wanted to sleep .
va	0	Far off people shouted .
va	0	It was down the hill .
va	0	We were in darkness .
va	0	" Nothing changes , " he said .
va	0	" How can you say that ? "
va	0	And they almost did .
va	0	I was afraid of the flames .
va	0	It was one woman screaming .
va	0	Our men rose up .
va	0	The distant fire showed nothing yet .
va	0	I could smell the wine on him .
va	0	I could see him wag his head .
va	0	Then he went quiet .
va	0	I knew what the sounds were .
va	0	They were beating him .
va	0	I started to run after them .
va	0	What am I to do ?
va	0	Where am I to go ?
va	0	They burnt my house .
va	0	They broke what little I had .
va	0	She went on and on .
va	0	I couldn 't see anything .
va	0	I felt my skin all over .
va	0	I could barely see him .
va	0	" Say nothing , " he said .
va	0	" Go back to your bed . "
va	0	There were too many of them .
va	0	He was my older brother .
va	0	I had to do what he said .
va	0	I lay awake until the men returned .
va	0	The other men were whispering too .
va	0	And somehow I went to sleep .
va	0	Then I remembered the night .
va	0	They were burning village after village .
va	0	A tunnel under a house .
va	0	Even the men listened to her .
va	0	" Old Herod had him in prison .
va	0	He 's raided the armory there .
va	0	We 'd written to them .
va	0	She couldn 't keep it inside .
va	0	The men said nothing .
va	0	" Who would bother with Nazareth ? "
va	0	" I know it . "
va	0	The grass was high .
va	0	The roofs had fallen in .
va	0	But all our kindred stopped here .
va	0	It was a beautiful thing to behold .
va	0	They even smelled like Egypt .
va	0	" And it looks like rain again .
va	0	If not , we stay here . "
va	0	The men were not themselves .
va	0	But they had been quiet all day .
va	0	But this time the men were different .
va	0	The letters in the book were Greek .
va	0	" What is it ? "
va	0	" Samuel , " he answered .
va	0	" About David , " he said .
va	0	I listened as he read .
va	0	" I will not ! "
va	0	Then he became steady .
va	0	I knew they 'd killed him .
va	0	I just knew it .
va	0	It seemed a glad land .
va	0	The men cried out the same .
va	0	" But where is Nazareth ? "
va	0	" Is it burning too ? "
va	0	" No , " said my mother .
va	0	My mother bent down and she pointed .
va	0	Beyond was the great fire .
va	0	I say we go home ! "
va	0	" Perhaps we should remain here .
va	0	I don 't know . "
va	0	" What , from you ? "
va	0	" We have tunnels ? "
va	0	" Yes , we have tunnels .
va	0	Everyone in Nazareth has tunnels .
va	0	We all have them .
va	0	And my mother to say hopeful things .
va	0	And we 'll go .
va	0	I sang in my heart .
va	0	There was no one anywhere .
va	0	" Don 't talk .
va	0	" Where are they hiding ? "
va	0	His father told him to be quiet .
va	0	" Let me look . "
va	0	" May I go with him ? "
va	0	But the answer was no .
va	0	And I knew we were home .
va	0	There were benches under the tree .
va	0	We had had mud floors in Alexandria .
va	0	I didn 't even think about it .
va	0	I had to know .
va	0	Even the little ones were quiet .
va	0	We went into the courtyard .
va	0	They were too big for the street .
va	0	You have this whole town for yourselves .
va	0	Isn 't that good for us ! "
va	0	No one said a word .
va	0	Still no one spoke .
va	0	We 're at your service . "
va	0	At once Little Salome started crying .
va	0	The leader didn 't answer .
va	0	We 're simple , my lord .
va	0	We always have . "
va	0	But I knew they were in dread .
va	0	My teeth began to chatter .
va	0	I couldn 't cry .
va	0	" Let 's get on . "
va	0	He looked us over .
va	0	I say , one . "
va	0	The leader said nothing .
va	0	" Take me . "
va	0	I will die for the family . "
va	0	" I will go with you .
va	0	This is the perfect moment .
va	0	I 'm never good at anything .
va	0	I 'll be good for something now .
va	0	" I 'm going .
va	0	I will be the one . "
va	0	The soldiers laughed even more at that .
va	0	One of them pointed .
va	0	We all turned around .
va	0	And you are young men .
va	0	" And you 're a kind woman .
va	0	I 'll show it to you .
va	0	You can see for yourself . "
va	0	You don 't want it like this .
va	0	Look at this village .
va	0	Look at the farmland here .
va	0	This is rich land , good land .
va	0	Why this stupid rebellion ?
va	0	But the first soldier went on .
va	0	The soldiers looked at her .
va	0	" Battle 's one thing .
va	0	Execution is another . "
va	0	A quiet came over everyone .
va	0	All of us bowed .
va	0	And they rode away .
va	0	I don 't know how many .
va	0	Maybe fifty men crucified . "
va	0	Her eyes were under hoods of wrinkles .
va	0	But they were bright .
va	0	The air was fresh and almost warm .
va	0	There was talk all around me .
va	0	I asked my mother .
va	0	He closed his eyes .
va	0	He was older even than Old Sarah .
va	0	He was her uncle .
va	0	These things Old Sarah had prepared .
va	0	I didn 't mind it .
va	0	I couldn 't see anything .
va	0	I came to know we were home .
va	0	He sounded very sure and strong .
va	0	I wished it was daylight .
va	0	I began to cry again .
va	0	I drifted in dreams .
va	0	The women were already up .
va	0	The air was sweet and almost warm .
va	0	I couldn 't count them .
va	0	People were moving around the crosses .
va	0	But again it was hard to see .
va	0	" I ran up . "
va	0	" What did you see ? "
va	0	" They 're finished .
va	0	There are villages that were burnt . "
va	0	The leaves were big and green .
va	0	" What are you dreaming ? "
va	0	I wanted to sing .
va	0	And I wanted to sing .
va	0	" The market 's open again .
va	0	Have you seen the market ? "
va	0	" No , where is it ? "
va	0	The town was coming back to life .
va	0	The town grew busier and busier .
va	0	She believed that he was probably dead .
va	0	We worked in quiet .
va	0	Joseph was on his feet at once .
va	0	" And those who were crucified ?
va	0	Have they all been taken down ? "
va	0	Leave it alone . "
va	0	No one spoke after that .
va	0	I missed Little Salome .
va	0	You will be eight years old soon .
va	0	What do you want ?
va	0	I didn 't answer .
va	0	I turned over and closed my eyes .
va	0	I slept through the night .
va	0	But here was the green grass .
va	0	I looked off towards the village .
va	0	I felt my skin .
va	0	And it was so sweet .
va	0	I wasn 't drowsy .
va	0	I wasn 't sleeping .
va	0	Theirs was the world of the grass .
va	0	That 's all they knew .
va	0	I was not sorry for it .
va	0	I felt no sadness .
va	0	The earth was a bed under me .
va	0	But a man was coming .
va	0	Perhaps all of us were that way .
va	0	I couldn 't answer .
va	0	" But why must I - ? "
va	0	" No , " he said .
va	0	" No questions now .
va	0	There will come a time .
va	0	You must never tell people things . "
va	0	I didn 't say a word .
va	0	He took my hand .
va	0	We walked back towards the village .
va	0	The plot was overgrown with weeds .
va	0	But the trees were good .
va	0	He looked at me .
va	0	" Are you sad ? "
va	0	" No , " I said quickly .
va	0	" I like it ! "
va	0	He didn 't believe me .
va	0	The winter cold was almost gone .
va	0	" The water moves .
va	0	It was bright and clear but cold .
va	0	Finally , the Sabbath was upon us .
va	0	It came so quick .
va	0	The Sabbath makes scholars of us all .
va	0	It made philosophers of us all .
va	0	But all were good .
va	0	He held up the scroll .
va	0	But what did Jonah do ?
va	0	He tried to run from the Lord .
va	0	Can anyone run from the Lord ?
va	0	" And what did Jonah ?
va	0	O Lord my God . "
va	0	said Joseph , raising his eyebrows .
va	0	" The King ! "
va	0	he repeated and we nodded .
va	0	He drew himself up .
va	0	We all nodded . "
va	0	' Now ! ' "
va	0	He threw up his hands . "
va	0	What do you think ?
va	0	He lifted his finger .
va	0	" He fainted ! "
va	0	Joseph slapped his legs and nodded .
va	0	And what did he say ? "
va	0	I had not seen a synagogue .
va	0	" Answer me , my nephew ! "
va	0	This was Old Sarah .
va	0	Joseph looked at her .
va	0	She looked at Joseph .
va	0	She lifted her chin .
va	0	I liked to look at them .
va	0	But I liked it .
va	0	I looked this way and that .
va	0	Something happened with us .
va	0	I stood on the wood threshold .
va	0	And no one was blocking my way .
va	0	Who is this one ? "
va	0	It was very quiet .
va	0	I didn 't like it .
va	0	" Jesus bar Joseph bar Jacob . "
va	0	She stood behind all of us .
va	0	Let him in . "
va	0	Maybe I saw the dirt floor .
va	0	We had the inside corner .
va	0	She could have come .
va	0	But she didn 't come .
va	0	My fear was gone .
va	0	The people had forgotten us .
va	0	I remember her warnings .
va	0	I knew that something was wrong .
va	0	We stayed for hours in the synagogue .
va	0	Some of the children went to sleep .
va	0	After a while people left .
va	0	It was warm there .
va	0	At times people were all laughing .
va	0	" Stand up . "
va	0	And so I did .
va	0	I walked out with my head down .
va	0	We came into the house .
va	0	Several times I woke up before sunset .
va	0	We were never alone .
va	0	My memories became links in a chain .
va	0	What had happened in Bethlehem ?
va	0	I heard the bandits .
va	0	The purse was bulging .
va	0	My teeth weren 't chattering anymore .
va	0	The sun was shining on their helmets .
va	0	The other women nodded .
va	0	People cursed as they wept .
va	0	" You 're carpenters ?
va	0	Joseph bowed and said no .
va	0	" But I have skilled work ! "
va	0	said a large well-dressed man .
va	0	" You 're the Egyptians . "
va	0	" Ever step in one ? "
va	0	" What did the ants do ?
va	0	People just go on .
va	0	Because it 's over .
va	0	Somebody said it was over . "
va	0	The donkey was steady .
va	0	The whole family laughed at him .
va	0	Even Joseph laughed at that .
va	0	I always have . "
va	0	" Were you almost a scribe ? "
va	0	" I never heard this before . "
va	0	I sat at his feet . "
va	0	" But why did you go ? "
va	0	He looked at me .
va	0	We walked on in silence .
va	0	Then he smiled kindly .
va	0	A low thunder rolled overhead .
va	0	The earth was thick with rotted leaves .
va	0	When we laughed , Joseph corrected us .
va	0	" Mark my words .
va	0	" What did happen to him ? "
va	0	I want this rain to stop .
va	0	Foolish of me to think such things .
va	0	The rain had stopped .
va	0	Little James was reading to Old Justus .
va	0	So was the rain .
va	0	The money was good .
va	0	The weather was good .
va	0	Maybe it was the way .
va	0	But he was the teacher here .
va	0	And at once I looked down .
va	0	I wanted to cry .
va	0	I gathered all my strength .
va	0	I looked at the old man .
va	0	The old man looked at Joseph .
va	0	I couldn 't help it .
va	0	I swallowed hard and quiet .
va	0	The old man said nothing .
va	0	No one said a word .
va	0	I closed my eyes and opened them .
va	0	Surely you understand . "
va	0	Again there was a silence .
va	0	" The fathers ? "
va	0	" In Judea . "
va	0	" What city of Judea ? "
va	0	" Close to Jerusalem . "
va	0	" But not in Jerusalem ? "
va	0	Joseph didn 't want to say it .
va	0	" No , " he said .
va	0	" Not there . "
va	0	" Then where ? "
va	0	But nothing was said .
va	0	" The city of David . "
va	0	Joseph didn 't answer .
va	0	" I had to go .
va	0	" Hmmm ... " said the Rabbi .
va	0	" And you claimed it . "
va	0	Claimed it and sold it .
va	0	I didn 't know what it meant .
va	0	Here came a surprise .
va	0	" What is this ? "
va	0	asked the Old Rabbi .
va	0	The Rabbi stretched out his hand .
va	0	The old Rabbi laughed .
va	0	Then the other two Rabbis laughed .
va	0	" Nothing 's changed with you .
va	0	What more could be asked ?
va	0	What more could be said ?
va	0	I felt my face on fire again .
va	0	The tears were wet on my face .
va	0	I did as he told me .
va	0	" It was the Philistines .
va	0	I didn 't answer for a moment .
va	0	There is no one in Eden . "
va	0	I thought for a moment .
va	0	Was I remembering it ?
va	0	" Where is the King ? "
va	0	" Will a carpenter build it ? "
va	0	But the Old Rabbi didn 't laugh .
va	0	There is always a carpenter .
va	0	The Old Rabbi drew back in surprise .
va	0	I could hear noises all around me .
va	0	They didn 't like this answer .
va	0	I didn 't look at anyone else .
va	0	There was quiet again .
va	0	But then I went on .
va	0	The Rabbi drew back .
va	0	What had I said ?
va	0	I looked up again .
va	0	The Rabbi stopped me .
va	0	" I like this child . "
va	0	I sat down there on the mat .
va	0	At last , the men were gone .
va	0	A bowl was given to me .
va	0	In it were delicious curds with honey .
va	0	" What is this ? "
va	0	My mother looked at the bowl .
va	0	That made them all laugh .
va	0	And I laughed too .
va	0	And I didn 't remember .
va	0	Or think about it much again .
va	0	It was already evening .
va	0	I 'd slept too much .
va	0	I couldn 't let that happen again .
va	0	But everyone went to them for judgements .
va	0	He loved people talking to him .
va	0	My mother would shake her head .
va	0	Old Sarah would shake her head .
va	0	Men and women came to Old Sarah .
va	0	I remembered it in pictures .
va	0	A house was a private place .
va	0	I 'd always been taught that .
va	0	They knew the Scripture in Greek .
va	0	They had copies of it .
va	0	But it was not to be .
va	0	" But who will be King ? "
va	0	They watched us at our work .
va	0	This was a Jewish city .
va	0	I saw it by and by .
va	0	Here it was a different story .
va	0	Then back to work we went .
va	0	I didn 't mind all those times .
va	0	But studying in Nazareth was better .
va	0	On every walk I saw new things .
va	0	Little Salome was also sick .
va	0	" It could be from the Romans .
va	0	They could have brought it .
va	0	He said her name .
va	0	And she wouldn 't answer him .
va	0	Old Sarah sang to us .
va	0	But not to sleep .
va	0	I dreamed while I was still awake .
va	0	I knew I was in Nazareth .
va	0	I knew I was safe .
va	0	Columns held the roof over my head .
va	0	" The Rabbi loves you . "
va	0	He had a soft musical voice .
va	0	His eyes were blue like the sea .
va	0	There was a shine to his eyes .
va	0	He smiled at me .
va	0	In this palace ? "
va	0	I laughed at him .
va	0	I heard my laughter in the dream .
va	0	All was beauty around me .
va	0	" Why should I ? "
va	0	" Are you certain of that ? "
va	0	His face went dark .
va	0	He looked at me with contempt .
va	0	Your Archelaus is eager to be home .
va	0	" I know , " I answered .
va	0	" Who are you ! "
va	0	All dreams came to an end .
va	0	I looked at him .
va	0	He couldn 't hide it .
va	0	But he was no child .
va	0	" I didn 't before .
va	0	I laughed and I laughed .
va	0	He couldn 't hold it back .
va	0	I felt sad for him .
va	0	But I had to be careful .
va	0	I could not do anything for him .
va	0	" Who are you ! "
va	0	I moved back , away from him .
va	0	I didn 't answer him .
va	0	I didn 't want to see it .
va	0	But this was far worse .
va	0	I was so afraid .
va	0	this strange creature asked me .
va	0	I put my hands to my face .
va	0	I wouldn 't look .
va	0	But I 'm watching .
va	0	I tell you , chaos rules .
va	0	And I am its Prince . "
va	0	I looked at him .
va	0	His misery hurt me .
va	0	His darkening face hurt me .
va	0	His fury hurt me .
va	0	I woke up without a sound .
va	0	The lamp was the only light .
va	0	It seemed everywhere there were moans .
va	0	I dreamed of water .
va	0	" Stop , " I said .
va	0	" I will not . "
va	0	You 're safe . "
va	0	I found that out afterwards .
va	0	My mother looked at me and smiled .
va	0	" Tell me ! "
va	0	" Don 't you remember ?
va	0	She wouldn 't answer me .
va	0	" Is it Aunt Mary ? "
va	0	I turned to look .
va	0	My mother closed her eyes and groaned .
va	0	She rocked back and forth .
va	0	It must have been .
va	0	" They already buried her .
va	0	They put her in the cave . "
va	0	I didn 't say anything .
va	0	" Was she covered up ? "
va	0	" Did she look white ? "
va	0	They told her to be quiet .
va	0	I went out into the courtyard .
va	0	The window had only a thin veil .
va	0	The light fell on their shoulders .
va	0	I sat down beside my mother . "
va	0	" You understand me ?
va	0	They are my children now .
va	0	I can care for them .
va	0	I want you to believe in me .
va	0	I 'm not a girl .
va	0	I 'll care for all of them .
va	0	We are all one family together . "
va	0	I gobbled the bread .
va	0	" I mean it .
va	0	And drink this . "
va	0	She gave me water .
va	0	I wanted the bread .
va	0	I sat there alone with my uncle .
va	1	" After you got kicked out , " he teased me .
va	1	We were pulling our blows some , but it still hurt .
va	1	" Yeah , and I was back within a week .
va	1	Jerzy danced back at that , glancing up toward the mountain .
va	1	he called up , cupping one hand around his mouth .
va	1	There 's nowhere to go , no cover .
va	1	Jumping was our only option - The cave .
va	1	I planted my feet , tugging back on Jerzy 's arm .
va	1	I stumbled sideways , losing my grip on Jerzy .
va	1	" Cracked collarbone and dislocated jaw , sprained wrist . "
va	1	It didn 't sound like my dad anymore .
va	1	He passed out from the energy expended to shield them . "
va	1	The air was sharp and tangy but somehow still .
va	1	It smelled like medicine ... I was in the infirmary .
va	1	" Proximal humerus fracture , bruised ribs , dust inhalation .
va	1	The cave protected him from the worst of it . "
va	1	He 'd survive , they were pretty sure .
va	1	They just didn 't know if he 'd be fully functional .
va	1	I couldn 't see it , this time .
va	1	I was shouting This way , there 's a cave .
va	1	I wasn 't sure she 'd appreciate it , anyway .
va	1	I 'd remembered the cave , and pulled him back .
va	1	I hadn 't been able to see him anymore .
va	1	It meant things had just gotten worse for us .
va	1	It meant we all had to band together .
va	1	" You 've been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder .
va	1	" Your daily schedule is cleared until further notice .
va	1	Regular sessions with the therapist have been scheduled . "
va	1	Or worse , taking my memories and kicking me out .
va	1	I hadn 't been able to save him .
va	1	Now , five hundred comrades were looking at me askance .
va	1	I felt like a mouse in a jar .
va	1	I wasn 't hungry , but I tried to eat anyway .
va	1	After a moment , he did the same .
va	1	I didn 't know how to answer that .
va	1	" Losing people is never easy , " I said finally .
va	1	" I 'm sorry , " he said .
va	1	" Is everyone else going to be okay ? "
va	1	More than a few broken bones , some stitches .
va	1	One of his knees is pretty messed up . "
va	1	" I saw Jo flying right as I fell .
va	1	Have you heard anything else about Jaya ? "
va	1	He 'd activated his shield disk and jumped .
va	1	" We shouldn 't , " I agreed .
va	1	If we don 't , Binary and HEX will take over .
va	1	I was there , I know it wasn 't .
va	1	But ... people are suspicious , anyway . "
va	1	He hesitated , still playing with his fork .
va	1	I just sat there , letting this run through me .
va	1	How could I not have thought about that ?
va	1	He bobbed sadly , turning a depressed shade of gray blue .
va	1	I felt the spark of hope do the same within me .
va	1	I asked dully , not really expecting an answer .
va	1	Or that I 'd care for whatever answer he gave .
va	1	Why did things have to keep going wrong like this ?
va	1	I wasn 't tired , but I wanted to be .
va	1	I wanted to sleep until everything was back to normal again .
va	1	The thought tugged a laugh out of me .
va	1	None of them had seen two of us die .
va	1	Dirt that 'd had a hand in killing him .
va	1	I sighed , flopping back onto my bed .
va	1	My shoulder ached at the movement , which only irritated me .
va	1	Well , it wasn 't like I could go anywhere .
va	1	And I had a tracker in me , didn 't I ?
va	1	I knew what to put on Jerzy 's Wall .
va	1	I just ... wasn 't a normal recruit anymore .
va	1	Dust still hung thick in the air near the mountain .
va	1	I wished I had someone to talk to .
va	1	Mother Nature was not something you wanted to mess with .
va	1	Maybe the whole PTSD thing wasn 't just an excuse .
va	1	For a second I was confused ; was this a volcano ?
va	1	They may have found all the evidence they needed .
va	1	I hoped it wouldn 't somehow implicate me .
va	1	In retrospect , perhaps this wasn 't that great a tribute .
va	1	I really needed to get my priorities in order .
va	1	He bobbed again , that same side-to-side motion .
va	1	" What were you doing back there ? "
va	1	" Do you want me to go there ? "
va	1	He flickered an affirmation , giving a pleased up-and-down bob .
va	1	I still wasn 't sure it was a fair trade-off .
va	1	The voice seemed to be coming from Hue .
va	1	I spun around , saw nothing , darted behind Hue .
va	1	Hue , help him out , would you ? "
va	1	" But you 're ... really here . "
va	1	" No , I 'm sort of half here .
va	1	I died here , so some of my essence stayed . "
va	1	" If you want to call it that .
va	1	Not sure if it 's more magic or science . "
va	1	" He and I were chatting a little while ago .
va	1	" Well , not in so many words .
va	1	But that was the impression I got . "
va	1	" How 're things going at school ? "
va	1	Jay 's eyebrows shot up almost to his hairline .
va	1	Y ' got ta give me something . "
va	1	The explosions , the scorch marks ... It infuriated me .
va	1	Jay was looking at me like he was seeing someone different .
va	1	Though they 've got bigger problems than Binary and HEX . "
va	1	" So ... Acacia 's a - " " Time Agent .
va	1	I 'm trying to talk to you like an adult .
va	1	You 're interested , and why shouldn 't you be ?
va	1	I 'd watch it around her , honestly .
va	1	In judgments about time their authority is absolute .
va	1	I drew a rigid index finger across my Adam 's apple .
va	1	She can do far worse than merely kill you .
va	1	Jay was as grim as I could ever recall seeing him .
va	1	" She fills in the gaps , fixes them herself .
va	1	" So what do I do now ? "
va	1	The seconds stretched on , until he chuckled .
va	1	" Didn 't think you 'd go for that .
va	1	I felt , rather abruptly , like sitting down .
va	1	I winced at the thought and looked away .
va	1	Suddenly I couldn 't wait to get out of there .
va	1	What actually happened was that I got shot by a laser .
va	1	When he did , though , I could see past him .
va	1	And it was not anyone I 'd expected to see .
va	1	I wasn 't used to seeing it from that angle .
va	1	Knowing it was futile didn 't really help .
va	1	I was going to have to find a new shield .
va	1	It was warm , and too bright to look at directly .
va	1	I didn 't really want to hurt him .
va	1	A blast of heat ruffled my hair as I jumped again .
va	1	The only place I could go was down .
va	1	I 'm not entirely sure what happened next .
va	1	" How long is ' a while ' ? "
va	1	She paused , giving me a considering look .
va	1	" Since the last time I had to jet .
va	1	How long ago was that for you ? "
va	1	" I 'm guessing you know , then . "
va	1	" That I 'm a Time Agent . "
va	1	I was rewarded with a bright , mischievous grin .
va	1	It 's been , what , three days for you ? "
va	1	" It 's been about a week for me .
va	1	Your ship , ah , punching it was a little disorienting .
va	1	It messed with me something major , actually .
va	1	" Because you were flickering through multiple dimensions at warp speed .
va	1	I have to temporarily anchor anywhere I go . "
va	1	" So we messed with your anchor . "
va	1	Have you ever been really , really seasick ? "
va	1	" I went over a waterfall in a barrel once . "
va	1	" Well , it was probably kind of like that . "
va	1	" I remember learning about this in high school . "
va	1	" The Battle of the Somme , 1916 .
va	1	" I remember learning it , " she clarified .
va	1	" Not in your third period history class .
va	1	I tried to follow that , I really did .
va	1	That 's where we have to be careful about paradox . "
va	1	I had to keep him on the defensive .
va	1	I had to get him away from Acacia .
va	1	" How the hell did you follow us ? "
va	1	Did she really think that was going to work ?
va	1	" We do not need your technology , Time Agent .
va	1	Acacia straightened up abruptly , putting a hand on my shoulder .
va	1	She looked at me like I was absolutely nuts .
va	1	" It 's pretty good , huh ? "
va	1	You felt like you were ready to take on the world .
va	1	Everything was gray and foggy , covered in a thick mist .
va	1	I think she smiled , but I couldn 't quite tell .
va	1	" You could ask where we aren 't . "
va	1	She took a deep breath , shifting to sit up .
va	1	" So we fell through the world ? "
va	1	Then that one would go off in a different direction .
va	1	" Is that ... like a suit , or something ? "
va	1	She sighed , running her fingers over the area .
va	1	Acacia took it from me , turning it over thoughtfully .
va	1	I counted the seconds until she was done .
va	1	Acacia 's fingernails were more powerful than anything we had .
va	1	She handed it back , and I powered it up .
va	1	" That can 't be right , " I muttered .
va	1	" Yeah , but ... this is the one I lost .
va	1	The one the quartermaster got mad at me for .
va	1	" Are you sure it 's the same one ? "
va	1	I remember noticing that when I checked it out .
va	1	" So how 'd it get there ? "
va	1	I powered it down , clipping it back to my belt .
va	1	He 's looking , but he can 't see us .
va	1	If he could , he 'd be here .
va	1	He shouldn 't have been able to Walk through time .
va	1	Walkers can 't do that , right ? "
va	1	" Uh ... he said he didn 't need your technology .
va	1	But that 's not how we do it .
va	1	" The things we 're sworn to fight .
va	1	" How do you know about them ? "
va	1	But he still managed to fix on our essence and follow .
va	1	" Well , what else did he say ? "
va	1	We were both silent for a moment , thinking .
va	1	Something pinged in the back of my mind .
va	1	" You said he 's a cyborg . "
va	1	They inject you with programming microchips the day you 're born .
va	1	People live longer , are healthier , all of that . "
va	1	" Could he have been a traitor this whole time ? "
va	1	" No , " I said , a little too forcefully .
va	1	She raised an eyebrow ; I took a breath .
va	1	" No , I don 't think so .
va	1	He was out for a few days . "
va	1	" Doesn 't he have antispyware or something ? "
va	1	My friend was a member of the Binary now .
va	1	No wonder he 'd been trying to kill me .
va	1	" Hey , it 's okay , Joe .
va	1	this doesn 't solve how he followed us , though .
va	1	The Binary can 't time travel , either .
va	1	That 's how we stay on top . "
va	1	" They can 't transfer it like that .
va	1	" Because it 's my job to know .
va	1	" Nowhere 's safe right now , Acacia .
va	1	I have to - " I never saw her move .
va	1	She had me in some kind of antigravity grip .
va	1	It wasn 't just in that one room , either .
va	1	Gradually , I became aware of hushed voices around me .
va	1	I could turn my head and flex my fingers .
va	1	CHAPTER TWELVE " SHE 'S TRYING TO HELP you . "
va	1	Why do you think she 's trying to help me ? "
va	1	" How is this helping , exactly ? "
va	1	" I didn 't ask to be kept safe ! "
va	1	" You are the future , Joseph Harker . "
va	1	" You are to come with me , Joseph Harker . "
va	1	He set me down but did not release my shirt .
va	1	Best to gather information about where I was first .
va	1	" You said I was to come with you .
va	1	His tone still had no emotion at all .
va	1	The landing wasn 't as easy as before .
va	1	Thing is , I 'd stayed conscious for all that .
va	1	Did I have to Walk somewhere else first ?
va	1	I 'd assumed it would be overcast , dark .
va	1	The kind Jay had been sent away in , and Jerzy .
va	1	The metal at the grip was rusted almost through .
va	1	The scorch marks were the worst , here .
va	1	For the family I doubted I 'd ever see again .
va	1	For the fact that I 'd been too late .
va	1	It was ransacked : his desk overturned , papers scattered everywhere .
va	1	The Old Man 's desk was talking to me .
va	1	I felt my knees go weak with relief .
va	1	Don 't know what IW will be like in the future .
va	1	Get to the port room if you can .
va	1	I left the room the way it was .
va	1	Probably not , now that I thought of it .
va	1	Not only was it instinct , it was protocol .
va	1	I didn 't know how to feel about that .
va	1	I promised to the empty air that I would , somehow .
va	1	I 'd have settled for a sharp stick at this point .
va	1	" Oh ... I 'm sorry , buddy .
va	1	I wanted to go back , believe me .
va	1	I can 't go back there yet . "
va	1	If I went back , they 'd detain and question me .
va	1	You can do that , can 't you ?
va	1	Time is a dimension , too , in that sense .
va	1	It was the first place Acacia ever took me .
va	1	I have to find Acacia so she can tell me . "
va	1	His form shifted , becoming less spherical and more ... liquid .
va	1	It was probably the anger that gave her strength .
va	1	I wasn 't too pleased with her either , frankly .
va	1	Seems to be a lot of that going around . "
va	1	" I didn 't like you from the beginning . "
va	1	He smiled , looking both apologetic and horribly , infuriatingly smug .
va	1	I hoped I never looked like that when I felt smug .
va	1	" I am one of you , Joey . "
va	1	I mentioned I had a wooden chair , right ?
va	1	I activated my shield disk , sprinting toward him .
va	1	I was just sorry the glass had already been shattered .
va	1	I didn 't expect a slap in the face .
va	1	You were very dear to him , you know . "
va	1	I wasn 't paying attention to Joaquim anymore , either .
va	1	I was looking at the souls of dead Walkers .
va	1	CHAPTER FOURTEEN " ARE YOU FEELING OKAY , Joey ?
va	1	I was too warm , and my limbs were too heavy .
va	1	I doubted there was enough of them left to know .
va	1	I wasn 't sure that was possible ... " Everywhere . "
va	1	" Here and there , all of space and time .
va	1	And behind those glasses , there was nothing but static .
va	1	I could still tell he was looking at me .
va	1	" Have you finished draining him yet ? "
va	1	" You grew him , they powered him . "
va	1	" They gave me the power to fix everything . "
va	1	Acacia had broken whatever link Joaquim had made with me .
va	1	There had been blood on the rocky ground .
va	1	When my vision cleared I was in some sort of cage .
va	1	It was mesh , see-through , but vaguely human shaped .
va	1	There were straps about my chest , waist , and legs .
va	1	I could turn my head but not move my body .
va	1	I couldn 't do it all at once .
va	1	Slowly , yes ... But you , Joey .
va	1	You 're one of the most powerful Walkers they have .
va	1	I wanted to ask why he was strapped in , too .
va	1	I wanted to panic , and struggle , and yell .
va	1	Instead , I mumbled " Where 's Acacia ? "
va	1	" Your concern is sweet , it really is .
va	1	The hair on the back of my neck stood up .
va	1	Jay was safe , and so was Jerzy .
va	1	" I have some of your memories , too , Joey .
va	1	Armageddon , if you want to be dramatic .
va	1	A self-aware explosion that will reshape time and space . "
va	1	" So you 're helping them destroy the universe .
va	1	Why don 't villains ever want something rational ? "
va	1	" When did I ever say it would destroy the universe ?
va	1	I said it would reshape time and space .
va	1	Isn 't it fine the way it is ? "
va	1	" Poetic philosophy , " he snapped back .
va	1	" I wonder if all of us would agree .
va	1	Do you know how many of us were hurt ?
va	1	" I was given life , same as you .
va	1	" No , because mine are sane . "
va	1	I looked around wildly , trying to find her .
va	1	I probably wouldn 't have comprehended the alphabet right then .
va	1	They were containing it , whatever " it " was .
va	1	The leader of Binary was nowhere to be seen .
va	1	It only took me a moment to recognize the feeling .
va	1	It was because he 'd taken everything I was from me .
va	1	" This was the intent behind your creation , Joaquim .
va	1	I didn 't stop to watch any further .
va	1	Help him , I directed , but they faltered .
va	1	Acacia was beside me now , one hand clutching my wrist .
va	1	She 'd told me to help him only to use him ?
va	1	One step closer , two-three - " You can 't ! "
va	1	I couldn 't tell if they were being freed or dying .
va	1	He wasn 't looking at me , not really .
va	1	He was holding his hand out to the lights .
va	1	I took a breath , finding the gate in my mind .
va	1	" I 'm sorry , Joe , I really am . "
va	1	" I don 't know what it was , exactly .
va	1	It felt like it ... could just erase me .
va	1	" I don 't think I could run from that . "
va	1	" I was warned about it once before . "
va	1	" I 've never heard of it . "
va	1	" I don 't know , " she said again .
va	1	" I don 't ... think so . "
va	1	" We have to figure out what it does . "
va	1	" We 're going to report first . "
va	1	I turned to face her , looking down into her eyes .
va	1	I was just glad to see someone looking back at me .
va	1	" Doesn 't mean you can 't , Cay . "
va	1	Hundreds more , if you count all those souls .
va	1	Just come report with me , okay ? "
va	1	" So you 're asking for my help . "
va	1	" No , I was trying to save you .
va	1	" It 's because he was stealing them , right ?
va	1	" I 'd try to break the link .
va	1	" They 're not coming , " I said .
va	1	My voice sounded strange in my own ears .
va	1	I kept silent , just standing there , holding her hands .
va	1	" Oh , is that what they 're called ?
va	1	" He has more than one form . "
va	1	We were afraid to even whisper , afraid to breathe .
va	1	Slowly , they began to flicker in tandem .
va	1	He smiled , the expression not at all pleasant .
va	1	" Your ship isn 't coming for you , child . "
va	1	His red eyes were wide , ears perked up with excitement .
va	1	Finally , finally , I saw movement behind him .
va	1	It was you who made all this possible . "
va	1	" It was you who destroyed my ship , little Walker .
va	1	And in doing so , showed me how to defeat you .
va	1	You can Walk , but where will you go ?
va	1	" The power that will reshape everything . "
va	1	Darkness was creeping into the edges of my vision .
va	1	" You will be alive to see it , little Walker .
va	1	Instead of everything , there was absolutely nothing .
va	1	I groaned , rolling over onto my side .
va	1	And you will be alive to see it , little Walker .
va	1	To make all worlds into what they wished .
va	1	It would be erased , and I along with it .
va	1	If I were not here , I would be dead .
va	1	Still breathing deeply , I cast out for a portal .
va	1	What do you know when you 're seven years old ?
va	1	In the snap of two fingers everyone drew back .
va	1	The power had taken everything with it , all gone .
va	1	" Don 't you say such a thing ! "
va	1	I 'd been taught to call him Joseph .
va	1	Jesus cursed him and he fell down dead . "
va	1	Joseph stared at me , his face still blank from sleep .
va	1	There was more and more shouting in the street .
va	1	" He couldn 't have done it , " she said .
va	1	" He wouldn 't do such a thing . "
va	1	" I saw it , " said James .
va	1	Jesus looked at the birds and they turned into real birds .
va	1	Salome was my age , and my dearest and closest .
va	1	Salome shot forward and whispered in my ear .
va	1	He was too little to know what was going on .
va	1	Little Judas knew , but he was quiet .
va	1	I could hear them shouting in the street .
va	1	Stones were hitting the walls of the house .
va	1	I went so fast , they didn 't even see me .
va	1	I was like a fish in the river .
va	1	His mother was there leaning on her sister and sobbing .
va	1	There was only one lamp , very weak .
va	1	Then he saw me and said : " Out . "
va	1	I reached out and laid my hand on his forehead .
va	1	But I heard him draw in his breath .
va	1	His mother screamed over and over and it hurt my ears .
va	1	The Greek physician was staring down at me .
va	1	I ached all over , couldn 't breathe .
va	1	Whoever could think this child is dead ? "
va	1	They put up their hands against the crowd .
va	1	Their mouths were hard and their eyes were big .
va	1	Aunt Esther and Aunt Salome came in with her .
va	1	I could hear stones hitting the house again .
va	1	" There 's blood on your face ! "
va	1	" I 'm not hurt , " I said .
va	1	I meant to say it didn 't matter .
va	1	But there was James with his hard look .
va	1	The Teacher came into the room backwards with his hands up .
va	1	Someone ripped the curtain away and the light was very bright .
va	1	All of us had to move to make room .
va	1	" They 've been with us for seven years ! "
va	1	The father himself did come into the room .
va	1	" Are you complaining that he 's alive now !
va	1	" Oh , that you say such things ! "
va	1	" Jesus and James are my finest pupils .
va	1	" Oh , your pupils , your pupils ! "
va	1	My mother backed up against the wall , holding me close .
va	1	I wanted to get away , but I couldn 't .
va	1	" You break the walls of my house . "
va	1	He bowed his head , and then he turned .
va	1	She held me close , her hands shaking violently .
va	1	" And taking my fine students with you ?
va	1	And what will you go home to , may I ask ?
va	1	To the land of milk and honey ? "
va	1	" Or you mock the Lord Himself ? "
va	1	" And it isn 't our home . "
va	1	Do you know one word of Hebrew ? "
va	1	" Do you yourself know what that means ! "
va	1	" I 'd like to hear you explain it .
va	1	What do any of you know , you hardheaded Galilean Jews ?
va	1	" And what would you have us do ? "
va	1	It was so unusual for her to speak up .
va	1	Joseph glanced at her , and then looked at the Teacher .
va	1	" You call our forefathers the dregs ? "
va	1	" As if I believe travelers ' tales . "
va	1	" The Lord made patience for this ! "
va	1	" He is dead , " said Joseph .
va	1	All the others were quiet , eyes on Joseph .
va	1	" Our boys will have to work with us until then .
va	1	No more school for them now , I fear . "
va	1	I knew this was not an easy moment .
va	1	They had worked hard for Philo and for Philo 's friends .
va	1	I 've never heard of such a place .
va	1	Philo would educate your son if you would allow .
va	1	No more the rich house with its marble floors .
va	1	There is Rome , here is Alexandria , here is Jerusalem .
va	1	... but you liked Philo , didn 't you ?
va	1	" He stays with us , " said Joseph calmly .
va	1	" He will not go to Philo . "
va	1	The Teacher turned and threw up his hands .
va	1	" As soon as we can , " said Joseph .
va	1	" We 've done well in Egypt , " he said .
va	1	He pressed it into the hand of the Teacher .
va	1	" I thank you for teaching our children . "
va	1	We all gave cries of delight when we heard it .
va	1	May you reach your home in peace . "
va	1	" Why , they 're gone , " she whispered .
va	1	" It wasn 't much , " I said .
va	1	I was so happy we were going home .
va	1	She listened behind the curtain and she let me listen .
va	1	Aunt Salome and Aunt Esther were there too .
va	1	Joseph listened to all this in silence but said no .
va	1	He knew that this was what he had to do .
va	1	Philo was pleased at that and nodded and smiled .
va	1	And it means for us we will go home . "
va	1	I walked a way with Philo up the street .
va	1	We have the Torah , the Prophets , the Tradition .
va	1	And I didn 't say anything about it now .
va	1	" It seems we were meant to return there . "
va	1	" We can 't even consider such a thing . "
va	1	He appeared to be looking up at the stars .
va	1	" Think of all the signs , " said my mother .
va	1	" Do you think anybody there has forgotten that ?
va	1	They 'll remember the men from the East .
va	1	Above all , they 'll remember the night that - . "
va	1	" Please don 't say those words . "
va	1	" You mustn 't worry about it , " she said .
va	1	" You have more cousins than you can count in Nazareth .
va	1	Old Sarah 's waiting for us , and Old Justus .
va	1	She stood up and beckoned for me to come .
va	1	" We 'll leave as soon as we can .
va	1	My uncle would not stop his soft laughing .
va	1	" You mustn 't ask me these things now .
va	1	I 'll tell when the time comes . "
va	1	" This is true , " said Joseph .
va	1	They were gentle , but these were clear and strange words .
va	1	All the words they 'd spoken were strange .
va	1	I should have let them go on talking .
va	1	" What you did , " he whispered .
va	1	" Never , never do that again , " he said .
va	1	" Nazareth is a small place , " he said .
va	1	I rolled over , my head on my arm .
va	1	" Where the Lord dwells in the Temple . "
va	1	I saw the clay sparrows that I had made .
va	1	and they were gone , tiny dots against the sky .
va	1	What did I think had happened in all this ?
va	1	Joseph hadn 't spoken one word to me about it .
va	1	My mother hadn 't asked me what had happened .
va	1	Had we ever talked of the sparrows made on the Sabbath ?
va	1	And I couldn 't ask anyone , now , could I ?
va	1	It made me sad , so sad I wanted to cry .
va	1	It was my fault we had to leave here .
va	1	But I 'd find out what had happened in Bethlehem .
va	1	I felt still and I felt very small .
va	1	It came as if an angel had touched me .
va	1	Better to sleep as all of them were sleeping .
va	1	I stopped trying to stay awake and think on these things .
va	1	And that night I knew it would be bad .
va	1	I heard the rattle down in his chest .
va	1	And so it was resolved , we would go by ship .
va	1	Over and over the heralds blew their trumpets for ships .
va	1	" The whole world 's headed for Jerusalem . "
va	1	But what was that to passing before it now ?
va	1	How Archelaus handles this will argue for everything else . "
va	1	I 'd heard many bad things about King Herod .
va	1	" Well , what does he tell the people ? "
va	1	He can 't rule without Caesar confirming his crown .
va	1	My uncle gave one of his mocking laughs .
va	1	But the crowds don 't even listen to his messengers .
va	1	The crowds don 't want patience right now .
va	1	How can Caesar know everything that goes on in the Empire ?
va	1	You are old enough to know that , child .
va	1	And Herod took their lives for this ! "
va	1	He would know the names of Matthias and Judas .
va	1	" It was the right and just thing to do .
va	1	And they knew what a monster Herod was .
va	1	They were visited on great and small , I tell you .
va	1	Quickly and firmly , he brought me towards the women .
va	1	" Will we still go to Jerusalem ? "
va	1	The wind was blowing hard now and the boat was heaving .
va	1	I snuggled in between her and my mother .
va	1	It was warm here and I felt better .
va	1	They were pointing to the sail and to the rig .
va	1	" Trouble in Jerusalem , " I said .
va	1	" I hope we go , " I said .
va	1	I thought of all the words I 'd heard .
va	1	" Yes , I know , " she said .
va	1	" It 's the best thing we 've ever done . "
va	1	" Yes , " I said with a big sigh .
va	1	" I hope Nazareth is a fine place as well . "
va	1	My mother sighed and threw back her head .
va	1	" Not a town at all , " my mother said .
va	1	" But it was once visited by an angel . "
va	1	To say small things , and nothing more .
va	1	I knew that he just might tell us something .
va	1	" My mother says she knows this . "
va	1	" What would you do , Father ? "
va	1	He had laughed in that way at the story of Elijah .
va	1	He had said that the Teacher ought to see that .
va	1	And laughing , always laughing under his breath .
va	1	I still heard Greek spoken around us as much as Aramaic .
va	1	We children jumped up and down with excitement .
va	1	For a long time , I couldn 't see anything .
va	1	Finally we passed through the open city gates .
va	1	I had not looked up at the pagan statues .
va	1	And besides pagan temples were not for entering anyway .
va	1	On the roof , a swarm of kindred greeted us .
va	1	My mother fell into this woman 's arms .
va	1	The roof couldn 't hold any more people .
va	1	" The Lord is everywhere , " I answered .
va	1	" But He 's in the Temple ! "
va	1	" I know that the Lord is everywhere .
va	1	We are here to go to the Temple . "
va	1	God is everywhere and God is in the Temple .
va	1	Tomorrow we would stand in the court inside its walls .
va	1	I would be with the children and the women .
va	1	Little Salome seemed to feel that way too .
va	1	The women were just coming back with food they 'd bought .
va	1	It was time for everyone to gather and time for prayer .
va	1	Little Salome sat on his left , watching everything he did .
va	1	He was angry but not at anybody there .
va	1	Suddenly he asked when we would get to Jerusalem ?
va	1	Did anybody remember we were going to Jerusalem ?
va	1	Little Salome went quiet also , just looking at her father .
va	1	Then he seemed himself again , just like that .
va	1	He took a deep breath and looked at his wife .
va	1	The first prayer we all said together in Jerusalem .
va	1	I didn 't think about anything except the food .
va	1	I ate until I almost couldn 't eat anymore .
va	1	" Why , what are you going to say ? "
va	1	" You go away , " he told her .
va	1	He had drunk less wine than anybody else .
va	1	" Don 't you tempt him , " my mother said .
va	1	" And what do you mean by that ? "
va	1	The angel - the angel who 'd come in Nazareth .
va	1	His face was wet and his eyes very big .
va	1	" I believed her , " he said .
va	1	" I am her brother , am I not ?
va	1	There was no chance , and I am her brother .
va	1	He lay back a little on the clothes bundled behind him .
va	1	She turned away , and then moved away .
va	1	I didn 't know whether she heard him or not .
va	1	But I couldn 't make sense of all he 'd said .
va	1	" But you 're not really sure , are you ? "
va	1	" And Joseph isn 't either , is he ? "
va	1	" And that is why he never lies beside her . "
va	1	My words had come ahead of my thoughts .
va	1	But I didn 't try to change what I 'd said .
va	1	" Turn it around , " he said .
va	1	" He never touches her because he does believe .
va	1	How could he touch her after such a thing ? "
va	1	" Must you grow up before you fulfill the prophesies ?
va	1	Until such time as Saul sent for him .
va	1	Until such time as the Lord God sent for him !
va	1	Don 't you see , that 's what confounds them all !
va	1	That you must grow up like any other child !
va	1	" I am still amused , " he answered .
va	1	Ah , listen to them down in the streets .
va	1	His hand came up , groping for me .
va	1	I placed my hand on his chest and felt his heart .
va	1	But I didn 't think it was nothing .
va	1	I sat down and leaned against the low wall .
va	1	I wanted to see what was going on below .
va	1	An angel had come to my mother , an angel .
va	1	She pulled me hard around to look at her .
va	1	They stood over me , their robes brushing my face .
va	1	" You can 't ask this of him ! "
va	1	" He 's a little child and you know it ! "
va	1	What could I say to my aunt Mary ?
va	1	Down below a man played the pipe and another man sang .
va	1	I couldn 't see the stars for the mist .
va	1	The torchlight hit her face as she looked towards the Temple .
va	1	" Listen to me , " she said .
va	1	" But it can 't wait now , " she said .
va	1	Do as Joseph told you in that regard .
va	1	" I am , " I said again .
va	1	The torchlight made her look beautiful to me .
va	1	It wasn 't right to move or say a word .
va	1	" You can 't understand this ... can you ? "
va	1	" I do follow , " I said .
va	1	Joseph wasn 't my father , yes , I knew .
va	1	" Anything is possible with the Lord , " I said .
va	1	" The Lord made Adam from the dust .
va	1	The Lord can make a child with no father . "
va	1	When she spoke again , she didn 't sound like herself .
va	1	I didn 't want her to be hurt .
va	1	I know , " I said to her .
va	1	" It 's enough for now , " she said .
va	1	Now this was not the sprinkling and cleansing for Passover .
va	1	And some were praying with their eyes half closed .
va	1	And others were merely talking to each other .
va	1	And children were crying naturally as they always will do .
va	1	Once more Joseph put me on his shoulders .
va	1	I could hardly bear the slow pace of waiting .
va	1	I could barely see the beautiful decorations all around us .
va	1	But the whole feeling of the crowd changed .
va	1	I would be staying with the women today , I knew .
va	1	Suddenly , we were pushed this way and that .
va	1	I thought Joseph would fall but he didn 't .
va	1	A huge cry went up from the crowd .
va	1	" Get out , get out , " men shouted .
va	1	Then out of nowhere stones began to fly .
va	1	Hands pulled at him and he went down into the crowd .
va	1	I opened my mouth but the air wouldn 't come .
va	1	Terrible as it was , I wanted to see .
va	1	They were cries for help , cries for deliverance .
va	1	But things like this were happening on all sides .
va	1	When my feet hit the marble , I couldn 't move .
va	1	" Little Salome , where are you ? "
va	1	" Yeshua , " she called in the Aramaic .
va	1	" Get on your knees and stay there ! "
va	1	We were on our knees and pitched forward .
va	1	My mother 's voice came up in my ear .
va	1	I held Salome and threw up my left hand .
va	1	" Oh Lord , you are my refuge ! "
va	1	Little Salome cried : " Oh Lord , deliver me ! "
va	1	All around us people called on the Lord .
va	1	Some groups of people were like mounds of the dead .
va	1	" Joseph , look , " cried my mother .
va	1	" Get him , pull him down . "
va	1	My head was pressed right to the stones .
va	1	Then came another stone from under his mantle and another .
va	1	It went deep into him and through him .
va	1	Was I to turn away from his very death ?
va	1	Blood poured out of the man 's mouth .
va	1	Blood came out of his mouth onto the stones .
va	1	Beyond them more stayed on their knees and prayed .
va	1	The body of the soldier was covered with blood .
va	1	Again the stones flew from everywhere over our heads .
va	1	Bodies lay everywhere like heaps of bloody wool for the wash .
va	1	Everywhere I looked men fought and men died .
va	1	Women ran right to the dead to cry over them .
va	1	They did not care where they were , these women .
va	1	They raised their voices , and they spoke in Greek .
va	1	" Leave , go to your homes ! "
va	1	Aunt Salome and Aunt Esther had my mother by her arms .
va	1	She started to sink again and she groaned .
va	1	But they turned her and they pushed her along .
va	1	Did they know the soldiers were going to attack us ? "
va	1	What did they think as they looked on this ?
va	1	And who would come for our dead man ?
va	1	The whole Temple would have to be cleansed .
va	1	But there wasn 't much time to look .
va	1	And I only wanted to get out now .
va	1	The soldiers came behind us , crying out their orders .
va	1	They spoke in Greek , then they spoke in Aramaic .
va	1	These were the same now who had killed others .
va	1	" The Festival is over , no Passover !
va	1	" As if they can say there is no Passover !
va	1	My uncle Simon , the quiet one , said nothing .
va	1	As we entered the tunnel , people hurried past us .
va	1	Joseph picked me up , and Little Salome with me .
va	1	The other men were picking up the little ones .
va	1	I couldn 't see very well in the dark .
va	1	Joseph spoke up as he had in Alexandria .
va	1	But everywhere people cried even as they hurried .
va	1	At the synagogue , we found everyone very afraid .
va	1	The wailing over the dead still filled my ears .
va	1	I hadn 't looked at the face of any soldier .
va	1	" Leave Jerusalem and go to your homes .
va	1	Yet he had looked just like the rest of us .
va	1	I stood against her , against her soft robe .
va	1	We had all seen it , hadn 't we ?
va	1	" Did you think it was good ? "
va	1	" Did you think it was good ? "
va	1	" We 're in exile in our own land .
va	1	" No more of this here , you understand me ?
va	1	So I was wrong that Joseph never answered him .
va	1	I saw that windows and doors were shut tight .
va	1	The wooden gates of courtyards had been closed .
va	1	People stepped over the beggars and those huddled here and there .
va	1	The tents of the pilgrims were torn apart .
va	1	We were to move on , everyone was to move on .
va	1	And we 're going to a peaceful place .
va	1	There is no war where we 're going . "
va	1	I tried to swallow the crying , and I became afraid .
va	1	I started to see in my mind our dead man again .
va	1	And so was my cousin John , the son of Elizabeth .
va	1	The harder we climbed , the less afraid I was .
va	1	And soon Little Salome was up with me .
va	1	Both of them held babies in their arms .
va	1	I thought of Silas , and what he 'd said .
va	1	And they would know what to do with our dead man .
va	1	Our voices were echoing off the sides of the mountains .
va	1	When riders came through , we pressed ourselves to the side .
va	1	The man went down , the spear through his chest .
va	1	He went down again , the spear through his chest .
va	1	Wake up , they said , more voices .
va	1	" Wake up , " said my mother .
va	1	" You 're dreaming , " said my mother .
va	1	Joseph had been carrying me by the time we got here .
va	1	" It 's the royal palace , " someone shouted .
va	1	" They 've set it on fire ! "
va	1	There was a loud noise , the sound of horses .
va	1	Then the red light flickered on the ceilings .
va	1	My mother kissed the top of my head .
va	1	" They 'll rebuild it , " Joseph said .
va	1	Caesar Augustus will see to it that it 's rebuilt . "
va	1	" Don 't you worry , little one .
va	1	" We 're safe , little one , " said Joseph .
va	1	The women who 'd been right beside me got up .
va	1	Little Symeon shouted , " The fire , the fire ! "
va	1	Never had I seen a sky like that .
va	1	This word will reach Rome before Archelaus does .
va	1	He 's crowned himself King and gathered a huge force .
va	1	He 's lit fire to the palace ! "
va	1	" You stay in this house , here ! "
va	1	He was afraid , and it made me more afraid .
va	1	" And why should they let tyrants live in luxury ? "
va	1	The clouds over the plain below were boiling with fire .
va	1	" He 's very little still , " said my mother .
va	1	" He should see , " said Joseph .
va	1	" We 're far away from it ! "
va	1	He walked fast with me back into the house .
va	1	I saw her eyes just in front of me .
va	1	Who is to say what are the purposes of the Lord ?
va	1	Now , stop your cries and trust in the Lord .
va	1	You are in the hands of God . "
va	1	" Angel of the Lord , " I whispered .
va	1	" We are passing through this , " she said .
va	1	Her voice was low and sweet in my ear .
va	1	I wrapped my fingers around my mother 's neck .
va	1	I was drowsy , so very drowsy all at once .
va	1	And Elizabeth had just said that an angel came to Joseph .
va	1	Joseph hadn 't said an angel came to him .
va	1	And tomorrow we would leave this terrible place .
va	1	Then the curtain was ripped off the door .
va	1	I was blinded and blinked , struggling to see .
va	1	No one spoke a word , and no one moved .
va	1	I knew we were to be quiet and to do nothing .
va	1	Everyone knew it , even the very littlest ones knew it .
va	1	One wore animal skins and another a gleaming helmet .
va	1	The light hit their swords and their daggers .
va	1	You women , your bracelets , take them off .
va	1	I held her so tight I must have hurt her .
va	1	I felt my mother 's hands on my shoulders .
va	1	Finally the cries and the noise were over .
va	1	Never lift your hand to defend yourself or to strike .
va	1	If you must speak , be simple . "
va	1	They were in a fury against the robbers .
va	1	He was like our dead man in the Temple .
va	1	" He was one of them , " said James .
va	1	" And what will they do with him ? "
va	1	" They 'll bury him , " said James .
va	1	" His dead body can 't be left unburied .
va	1	It 's an offense to the Lord in Heaven .
va	1	They 'll put him in a cave or in the earth .
va	1	We made a big thick , crowded circle .
va	1	The babies were quiet enough for Elizabeth to be heard .
va	1	" I 'll make my words quick , " Elizabeth said .
va	1	All at once there was fussing and crying out .
va	1	And John , the son of a priest !
va	1	" And who do you think the Essenes are ! "
va	1	She was patient but wanted to be understood .
va	1	" Are they not from the Children of Abraham ?
va	1	He didn 't look like a little boy .
va	1	Am I the only man here with a voice ?
va	1	" Brother , calm yourself , " said Elizabeth .
va	1	" Save your passion for your own sons !
va	1	You speak to Sarah of old , to Hannah of old .
va	1	You speak to one chosen for a reason .
va	1	" You stand closest to the boy , " said Joseph .
va	1	My aunt Mary was worried and so was my mother .
va	1	I tell you , the boy goes to the Essenes . "
va	1	He will learn the word of the Lord .
va	1	" Why can 't you come with us to Nazareth ? "
va	1	I 'll be buried with my husband , Zechariah .
va	1	" And you know I want you to come to Nazareth .
va	1	Then he started coughing again , trying to hide it .
va	1	" Eli the priest , " said Silas quickly .
va	1	And I could see that the others had not known it .
va	1	" Let her speak , " said my mother .
va	1	" Do you forget everything you know ? "
va	1	I didn 't know what had sent us into Egypt !
va	1	" We know this , " said my mother softly .
va	1	They would see this son for themselves . "
va	1	" I had to wait until you came .
va	1	He had already hidden me away with the baby .
va	1	And he wouldn 't tell these soldiers where we were .
va	1	Do you think the scribes came to his defense ?
va	1	Do you think the chief priests came to protest ? "
va	1	Now my cousin Elizabeth 's eyes were fixed on me .
va	1	We waited in silence as she went on .
va	1	But they didn 't know the reason for it .
va	1	" He goes to the Essenes and soon .
va	1	We found our beasts still tethered on the outskirts .
va	1	An old woman without teeth stood there laughing .
va	1	" But the animals wouldn 't move . "
va	1	She bowed her head and slapped her knees as she laughed .
va	1	" They couldn 't make them move . "
va	1	" They stole my shawl , " he cried out .
va	1	He waved his hand and he laughed and laughed .
va	1	When my mother finally came , we set off .
va	1	" I don 't know , " I said .
va	1	They wait until they can purify the Temple .
va	1	They dress in white ; they pray together .
va	1	" Are they good or are they bad ? "
va	1	" You don 't worry , " he said .
va	1	" But David was King of Israel , " I said .
va	1	" David was King , and Solomon after him .
va	1	And King Josiah , he was a great King of Israel .
va	1	" But who is to judge the ways of the Lord ?
va	1	The crowd of those coming out of the mountains was large .
va	1	" Do angels come only in Israel ? "
va	1	" They come anywhere and everywhere and whenever they want . "
va	1	" Why did we have to go to Egypt ? "
va	1	" Why did King Herod 's men - . "
va	1	I knew they would say this , or words like it .
va	1	Maybe those older boys knew things , surely they knew things .
va	1	Had anyone made me promise not to ask him questions ?
va	1	Enough talk of the bad things of long ago .
va	1	" I wanted to go into Jericho ! "
va	1	" Couldn 't we go into Jericho for a little while ?
va	1	" You listen to me , " Joseph said .
va	1	" We will bathe tonight in the River Jordan !
va	1	We all loved the stories of David and Saul .
va	1	He sang aloud so all could hear him .
va	1	He sang and sang without looking at anyone .
va	1	He didn 't even know I was there .
va	1	Lord , Father in Heaven , let him stay with us .
va	1	People laughing and talking as they do late at night .
va	1	The stars were sprinkled all over the sky .
va	1	You 're here now , and you go to sleep .
va	1	She told the truth as she always did .
va	1	Little Symeon was asleep bundled up against Little Judas .
va	1	" I don 't know where he is .
va	1	" But he 's stronger now , I tell you .
va	1	He 'll come back when he needs to lie down .
va	1	What 's the use of trying to tell him anything ?
va	1	When he needs to come , he 'll come . "
va	1	Archelaus had gone to the sea to sail to Rome .
va	1	The whole city of Jerusalem was in a state of riot .
va	1	And my whole body was like a fist .
va	1	" But I didn 't really see them . "
va	1	" You lie quiet , " said my mother .
va	1	She had seen an angel before I was born .
va	1	I had seen them but only for a moment .
va	1	Because the truth of it was they were always there !
va	1	You just had to be able to see them .
va	1	But the curtain was thick , and heavy .
va	1	I wanted to cry again , but I didn 't .
va	1	That 's how to do it , I thought .
va	1	And I will find out what happened in Bethlehem .
va	1	You come from the place where there are no numbers .
va	1	Chapter 10 What was the peace of that night ?
va	1	We packed up the donkeys and made our way north .
va	1	Again and again we were stopped by the bandits themselves .
va	1	We were to give them no " provocation . "
va	1	I wanted to go to the Sea of Galilee too .
va	1	I wanted to see it with all my heart .
va	1	You could always smell the water in Alexandria .
va	1	Rebel leaders had risen everywhere , said the men .
va	1	And the Romans were doing what they could .
va	1	Must we have a tyrant to rule us ? "
va	1	" In every city of the Empire , we 're respected .
va	1	I liked to fall asleep listening to it .
va	1	" But why do the innocent suffer ? "
va	1	said a stranger , a Jew from Galilee .
va	1	" You can be swept up like that by them .
va	1	My aunt Mary , the Egyptian , cried out .
va	1	I could see her tears in the firelight .
va	1	" We came out of Egypt to listen to this ?
va	1	The other men went on talking but in quieter voices .
va	1	" We 're going to be in Nazareth that soon ? "
va	1	" But what if it is all burned ? "
va	1	" What 's happened to us so far ? "
va	1	I heard horses down there in the little valley .
va	1	" Everywhere we go it 's changing . "
va	1	I wanted badly for the screams to die away .
va	1	There was a song of screams coming closer and closer .
va	1	I thought it would stop , but it didn 't stop .
va	1	She was breathing hard and couldn 't scream anymore .
va	1	He was a big black shape like the rocks around us .
va	1	The night was full of soft , but loud sounds .
va	1	And he had stopped his cursing and raging .
va	1	I don 't know why I didn 't move .
va	1	I heard my brother James say : " No . "
va	1	This is the dregs , I tell you .
va	1	And my son believes they fight for our freedom .
va	1	I listened for the sounds of the men .
va	1	" What are they doing with him ? "
va	1	A little bit of light in his eye .
va	1	They made sounds , more than they spoke .
va	1	And Little Salome was crying a little , half asleep .
va	1	I went to her and hushed her and kissed her .
va	1	Even the women weren 't making much noise .
va	1	I could not make it out , what he said .
va	1	I prayed for her without thinking about her .
va	1	Nazareth in this land - of trees and fields .
va	1	The woman cried out and ran to her .
va	1	The men had bundles of belongings from the house below .
va	1	There was more news on the road , too .
va	1	And the Romans could not stop the Arabians from their rampaging .
va	1	I had never seen a tunnel under a house .
va	1	There were nods and murmurs at this name and that name .
va	1	Now he 's stirring up the young men .
va	1	But Elizabeth and her son John didn 't live there now .
va	1	It hurt too much to think of all this .
va	1	And the land around me was so beautiful .
va	1	Old Sarah and Old Justus were waiting in Nazareth .
va	1	We 'd told them we were coming home .
va	1	Old Sarah was the aunt of my grandmother Anna .
va	1	The land was greener and greener as we moved on .
va	1	She had no hope of seeing him again .
va	1	" It will be good , " said Joseph .
va	1	And the sun moved high in the sky .
va	1	People had gone from here a long time ago .
va	1	Most of the people on the road walked on .
va	1	" Why can 't we go on to Nazareth ? "
va	1	" It 's early in the day . "
va	1	" The men want to rest , " said my mother .
va	1	If it rains we 'll go into the old buildings .
va	1	I hadn 't thought much about it until now .
va	1	With all the troubles , we changed every day .
va	1	And we had to make do with what we found .
va	1	Men might have died in the getting of it for David .
va	1	Their voices were small but I could hear some of it .
va	1	" No , but you lost your farm .
va	1	People passed on the road without even seeing us .
va	1	But I didn 't say so to myself .
va	1	And I knew why they 'd killed him .
va	1	I knew what he meant to do to the woman .
va	1	They wanted to be clean to go home .
va	1	But could they ever be clean of such a thing ?
va	1	" Well , what do we do ? "
va	1	" Don 't be so hasty , " said Joseph .
va	1	I asked quickly , not meaning to interrupt the men .
va	1	And these murdering bandits are everywhere we go . "
va	1	And there were no sheep grazing , and no cattle .
va	1	Finally we were climbing the slope to Nazareth !
va	1	In Nazareth , we found an empty town .
va	1	Joseph led us faster and faster up the hill .
va	1	And it was the most beautiful house I had ever beheld .
va	1	Inside , we would probably find mud floors .
va	1	I thought about the whole family in this house .
va	1	I sang a secret song of thanksgiving to the Lord .
va	1	Horses coming up the lanes of the village .
va	1	Joseph stared one way and then the other .
va	1	My aunt stood still as if she 'd turned to stone .
va	1	From up the hill and down came the riders .
va	1	We had to go , to get out of their way .
va	1	But that 's as far as we went .
va	1	But these men were not like any I 'd ever seen .
va	1	And we have the entire population gathered in one courtyard .
va	1	Joseph 's grip on my shoulder almost hurt .
va	1	" What do you have to say for yourselves ? "
va	1	Then in a soft voice , Joseph began .
va	1	We know nothing of what goes on here .
va	1	Pick out two of them and let 's go . "
va	1	I was so scared I couldn 't breathe .
va	1	We keep to our law and your law .
va	1	I knew if I cried I would sob .
va	1	We haven 't even searched these houses . "
va	1	" How can we search all these houses ? "
va	1	" It was for this moment that I was spared .
va	1	If one is to go , I will go .
va	1	" If someone must go , let me be the ransom .
va	1	Only tell me why I should die ? "
va	1	I 'm to offer my life for the family now . "
va	1	I 've always been the slow one , the late one .
va	1	You know it , all of you know .
va	1	This had to be Old Sarah , we knew .
va	1	Old Sarah came forward with quick steps almost to the gate .
va	1	I know you 're weary and in a strange land . "
va	1	Her Greek was as good as Joseph 's Greek .
va	1	And she spoke like one who is used to telling tales .
va	1	" Better than nectar and ambrosia , " said the leader .
va	1	You make me think of my grandmother at home .
va	1	" They 've been in Alexandria for seven years .
va	1	It 's no good for anyone when it 's like this .
va	1	" These leaders have no chance to unite this country .
va	1	Yet they 're putting on crowns and declaring themselves Kings .
va	1	And the signals from Jerusalem tell us things are worse there .
va	1	" A good prayer , " said the leader .
va	1	" You take it with you , " she said .
va	1	And then Nazareth was as empty and as quiet as before .
va	1	And the new leaves of the fig , so brightly green .
va	1	" This is Old Sarah , " said my mother .
va	1	" This is the sister of my mother 's mother .
va	1	" Come and let me present you to Old Sarah . "
va	1	" Jesus bar Joseph , " she said .
va	1	All my life I 'd heard of Old Sarah .
va	1	All my life we 'd read letters from Old Sarah .
va	1	But I knew the truth of it , nonetheless .
va	1	The place was a place of shade and of sunlight .
va	1	The men went to tend to the beasts .
va	1	The older boys were taking the bundles into the house .
va	1	And let us pray they don 't come back . "
va	1	There was a little laughter from the other men .
va	1	" You think my father had no room there for Homer ?
va	1	You think he never read to his children in the evening ?
va	1	Don 't think you know what I know . "
va	1	A woman had saved the lives of the men .
va	1	" But she has many gray hairs , " I said .
va	1	In the night , I woke up crying .
va	1	For a time I didn 't know where we were .
va	1	My teeth were chattering , but I wasn 't cold .
va	1	He lay beside me with his arm over me .
va	1	I felt my fear would go away if it was daylight .
va	1	I went out before anyone could stop me .
va	1	Don 't you go up there again . "
va	1	" It was my doing , " I said .
va	1	" It 's quiet , " said James .
va	1	People are taking away the bodies of the dead .
va	1	" I didn 't see the villages , " I said .
va	1	She was at her sewing , but mostly pulling out threads .
va	1	Women passed with their baskets , and I heard children .
va	1	" This is my nephew , Jesus bar Joseph . "
va	1	Toda told him they had to get back to work .
va	1	" You go , " said Old Sarah .
va	1	And James came to look for me quick enough .
va	1	But there was much I could do with them now .
va	1	And thanks to the heavy rains , the cisterns were full .
va	1	I was eager for us to get to work .
va	1	I didn 't know for sure whether this woman could talk .
va	1	" I don 't know , " said Joseph .
va	1	" A crucified man should be taken down before sunset ! "
va	1	" We are here and we are alive ! "
va	1	" Please , brother , " she said .
va	1	I didn 't want to be sleepy , but I was .
va	1	I 'd always been with the women and the little ones .
va	1	But the little ones were with their mothers .
va	1	You can be with your mother if you want . "
va	1	" We have enough here to do , " said Joseph .
va	1	I loved the rustling of the leaves above me .
va	1	People were picking weeds out of the earth .
va	1	That 's what it looked like to me .
va	1	I even saw the flutter of little wings .
va	1	I let my eyes move slowly towards the trees .
va	1	The cries of the birds were a song .
va	1	Leaves came down in a shower , a silent rain .
va	1	" I know , " he said to me sadly .
va	1	Never do you talk outside your house to anyone .
va	1	It 'll be covered with red blossoms . "
va	1	He walked up and down looking at the garden plot .
va	1	The others on the hill were neat and full of plantings .
va	1	We 'll see what Old Sarah says . "
va	1	He thought I was saying it to be kind .
va	1	I wanted to run through the woods and climb the hills .
va	1	Chapter 15 Old Sarah said we were a whirlwind .
va	1	" It 's living water because of that tiny drain ? "
va	1	" That makes it like the stream ? "
va	1	In the light of the lamps , it looked very fine .
va	1	And the rugs here were much better , thicker and softer .
va	1	The Teacher in Alexandria once said Philo was a philosopher .
va	1	Understand , I wanted to see the tunnel !
va	1	Some of these were very old and cracking at the edges .
va	1	We knew it was The Book of Jonah .
va	1	We clapped , and begged for him to read it .
va	1	" Tell me what I should do , " he said .
va	1	Again we clapped our hands , all of us so happy .
va	1	We loved the way Joseph told the story of Jonah .
va	1	said Joseph , and we all said it with him .
va	1	But a great storm overtook the little vessel .
va	1	Fast asleep in the bottom of the ship . "
va	1	We laughed and clapped as he went on .
va	1	We all cried , " The great storm went on . "
va	1	" They threw Jonah into the sea ! "
va	1	Joseph grew grave , and narrowed his eyes .
va	1	Yet you have brought up my life from corruption .
va	1	Jonah did now as the Lord commanded him .
va	1	" All the people believed in the Lord ! "
va	1	He put out his hands as if to say : Behold .
va	1	' When I was in my own country !
va	1	" Right by the gates of Nineveh , Jonah sat down .
va	1	Perhaps the desert winds weren 't too cold under that vine .
va	1	" The Prophet fainted in the heat and the wind .
va	1	It is better for me to die than to live ! "
va	1	Has it burned to the ground without my knowing it ? "
va	1	" It 's there , " said Joseph .
va	1	" Then take these children to it , " she said .
va	1	" And I will go as well . "
va	1	Joseph stood up and gestured for us to do the same .
va	1	He waved a greeting to Joseph as we passed .
va	1	There was not a sign of work being done .
va	1	Gently Joseph pushed me towards the open door .
va	1	The men came up around me on either side .
va	1	The benches on the left side were filled with women .
va	1	I looked up as it was time to go inside now .
va	1	There were lots of people crowding behind me to come in .
va	1	He put his hand out in front of me .
va	1	I saw that everyone in the synagogue was looking at us .
va	1	I was beginning to be scared of it .
va	1	He stared at me and then looked up at the others .
va	1	" Need I say to you that this is the Sabbath ?
va	1	The Rabbi must have been looking at her .
va	1	But I was not going to turn around to see .
va	1	I looked ahead , and I saw nothing .
va	1	Maybe I saw the light coming through the lattices .
va	1	Maybe I saw all the faces turned towards us .
va	1	And next I knew we were going into the synagogue .
va	1	She could have left the children with Riba .
va	1	I didn 't look up when the talking began .
va	1	I remembered my mother 's strange words to me in Jerusalem .
va	1	The Rabbi walked up and down asking questions and inviting answers .
va	1	But I grew sleepy and fell asleep against Joseph 's knee .
va	1	When I woke up later , everyone was singing .
va	1	I woke when Joseph told me we were going home .
va	1	" I can 't carry you on the Sabbath ! "
va	1	What had they said that night in Alexandria about Bethlehem ?
va	1	I 'd been born there but what had they been saying ?
va	1	I felt things to which I wouldn 't attach words .
va	1	Blood had been shed in the land and we were sorrowful .
va	1	We gave to the widows from our purse .
va	1	The men had gone off and left us .
va	1	But she had little hope she 'd ever see him again .
va	1	He held out coins to catch the light of the sun .
va	1	Some went to work and some didn 't .
va	1	Men came up to them , offering them work .
va	1	I 'll pay you double what you get from anyone else .
va	1	I 'll put you to work this minute . "
va	1	" We 've just come from Alexandria , " he said .
va	1	" We do only skilled work - . "
va	1	" I have a whole house to finish for my master .
va	1	Joseph promised we 'd come back as soon as we could .
va	1	" I 'll remember you , " he said .
va	1	But that was how we became known - as the Egyptians .
va	1	He said , " You ever look at an anthill ? "
va	1	" Why must you be the sage for my son ? "
va	1	We were walking at a slow pace behind the cart .
va	1	I even laughed before I could stop myself .
va	1	" And what would you know about it , brother ? "
va	1	" There are many teachers in the Temple colonnades .
va	1	No answer to my question - no real answer .
va	1	" You leave off at the best part . "
va	1	" They didn 't like the prayer he said ! "
va	1	But I couldn 't see to laugh at it .
va	1	Nazareth was pretty to me when we came back .
va	1	And there was Old Sarah waiting for us .
va	1	I didn 't want to go up to the school .
va	1	This man hadn 't spoken or taught on the Sabbath .
va	1	What is it that we can do for you ? "
va	1	When I saw this , I felt sick .
va	1	Never had I seen a man refuse a purse .
va	1	This old man had hair and beard that were pure white .
va	1	Now he spoke in a soft and gentle voice .
va	1	" Yes , Joseph , " he said .
va	1	Not a word came from the men behind me .
va	1	" You know that he 's my son . "
va	1	I started to cry without making a sound .
va	1	No matter how steady my eyes were , the tears came .
va	1	Then he looked back to Joseph , above me .
va	1	" And there are other things which everyone remembers .
va	1	" Rabbi , these are little children , " said Joseph .
va	1	" In Bethlehem of Judea , " he said at last .
va	1	" Bethlehem , " said the Old Rabbi .
va	1	" Because of the census , " Joseph answered .
va	1	I went to register where my ancestors were born . "
va	1	" And you married an Egyptian woman . "
va	1	And of a good family who has sent you this . "
va	1	" You 're afraid to touch them , Rabbi ? "
va	1	I took a deep breath as he took the scrolls .
va	1	I hadn 't known my uncle had such scrolls .
va	1	I hadn 't dreamt of such a thing .
va	1	" And how many gray hairs has Philo of Alexandria ? "
va	1	Everyone laughed at that in their secret way .
va	1	The three old men were again looking at me .
va	1	I blushed for all the eyes turned to me .
va	1	And they cut his hair to make Samson weak . "
va	1	Then I said in Greek : " No one .
va	1	The other Rabbis looked at him and all looked at me .
va	1	I knew I had to say what I knew .
va	1	But how I knew it , I couldn 't tell .
va	1	" The Lord never broke it , " I said .
va	1	I didn 't even have to think about it .
va	1	" The Lord does not break his covenants .
va	1	The old men didn 't even look at each other .
va	1	the Rabbi asked , his voice getting louder .
va	1	" He will come , " I said .
va	1	" And his House will last forever . "
va	1	His face was even more kind than before .
va	1	Even the Lord Himself is now and then a carpenter . "
va	1	A smile came slowly to the face of the oldest man .
va	1	" And my lord , " I went on .
va	1	I didn 't know where I 'd learned that part .
va	1	" My lord Rabbi , " I said .
va	1	I couldn 't read the meaning of his face .
va	1	He laughed and put up his hand for quiet .
va	1	The other men nodded as the old one nodded .
va	1	He pointed to the floor right in front of him .
va	1	I knew only that the worst was over .
va	1	I came back to sit down and eat .
va	1	" Don 't you know what it is ? "
va	1	" Do you know who spoke those words ? "
va	1	I was eating the butter and the honey .
va	1	I gave it to Joseph who passed it on .
va	1	I hadn 't done my work after school .
va	1	And his eyes would bulge , and he 'd smile .
va	1	I did remember , really , what she 'd said .
va	1	I didn 't want to leave them at all .
va	1	I could speak some Latin , but not much .
va	1	There were no pagan temples here at all .
va	1	We prayed as we worked , under our breath .
va	1	So I 'd run ahead sometimes and wander a little .
va	1	How could anyone ask for more than we had ?
va	1	A fever came on me in the afternoon .
va	1	Joseph carried me the last hour of the way .
va	1	But my aunt Mary was sick , too .
va	1	These things I saw but I was half asleep .
va	1	I never really wanted to run away into it .
va	1	I didn 't want to flee into sleep .
va	1	Flee into my mother 's arms , yes .
va	1	Flee to our own safe house , yes .
va	1	It was the most pleasant dream I 'd ever had .
va	1	But at the same time I was walking in a palace .
va	1	On a marble bench , there sat a being with wings .
va	1	He looked like a man , a very comely man .
va	1	" I knew you 'd like that , " he said .
va	1	" I 'm dreaming , of course . "
va	1	How clear was everything under the full moon .
va	1	" Why don 't you live in such a palace ? "
va	1	" I lived in both , " he said .
va	1	And so are his brothers and his sister . "
va	1	After all , this dream would shortly come to an end .
va	1	He was angry and he was trying to hide it .
va	1	He made me think of my little brothers .
va	1	" And you 're no child either ! "
va	1	You don 't know what 's to come ! "
va	1	But as his smile broke up , he began to cry .
va	1	" This that I am is from love . "
va	1	I didn 't want to look at him .
va	1	" I demand that you tell me ! "
va	1	" Never , never lay your hands on me . "
va	1	" Do you know what 's happening in Jerusalem ? "
va	1	" Let me show you , angel child ! "
va	1	Temple treasure , sacred treasure , treasure of the Lord .
va	1	" Is that all you can do ? "
va	1	" I 'm waiting to see what you mean to do .
va	1	You think your little miracles will help these foolish people ?
va	1	But no , it wasn 't to happen .
va	1	No , not this way or any other way .
va	1	It hurt so badly I couldn 't bear it .
va	1	My mother was near but with someone else .
va	1	I could hear a strange voice , a woman 's voice .
va	1	I saw the fields of wheat around Nazareth .
va	1	I saw the villages of white houses tumbling over the hills .
va	1	Thin curling leaves flying in the gentle gusts of the wind .
va	1	No , not the world of palaces and ships , no .
va	1	It was days and nights before I came to myself .
va	1	And even then I slept most of the time .
va	1	Little Salome slept nearby , her face very damp .
va	1	But she wasn 't really too sick anymore .
va	1	The fear came , a grip on my throat .
va	1	" The children are better , " she said .
va	1	I told you all this last night . "
va	1	" No , I want to know who ? "
va	1	Joseph was with me and he made me drink some soup .
va	1	" I 'm sorry for it , " I said .
va	1	" I 'm sorry for it , " I said .
va	1	Little Salome wouldn 't stop asking about her mother .
va	1	" Did she cry when she died ? "
va	1	It wasn 't until the next morning that I got up .
va	1	At first I thought no one was awake in the house .
va	1	I was so hungry I could have eaten anything .
va	1	I 'd never been so hungry ever that I knew .
va	1	They are the brothers and sisters of Jesus and James .
va	1	Everyone has always treated me as if I were a girl .
va	1	" No , not so fast , " said my mother .
va	1	My mother ran her hand over my hair .
va	1	" You heard what I said to your uncle ? "
va	1	I ate some more of the bread and sauce .
va	1	" That is enough , " said my mother .
va	1	I was so surprised I could hardly breathe .
va	1	I tried to say something but no words would come out .
va	1	He gathered me in his arms , and rocked me .
va	1	For weeks we didn 't go outside the courtyard .
va	1	Not now , when there was fighting , no .
va	1	There was so much to see at the Temple .
va	1	And the Temple was now in the midst of fighting .
va	1	However could I have dreamed such a dream ?
va	1	But that was far away , all of that .
va	1	It was peaceful here as we went through the purification .
va	1	I didn 't ask any questions about it .
va	1	I knew that we did what we could .
va	1	Even our cousins , Silas and Levi , were happy .
va	1	And the house was to receive higher wages .
va	1	And so it seemed the pestilence had left our house .
va	1	The arrows went like that through the air .
va	1	The fire exploded as if from a mountain .
va	1	And the gold was destroyed in the flames .
va	1	And the men on the roofs were destroyed .
va	1	How can we count the number of the dead ? "
va	1	I saw it as I 'd seen it in my dream .
va	1	I bowed my head and closed my eyes .
va	1	" Two thousand crucified , " he said .
va	1	" They went after those who had fled .
va	1	They brought in those they suspected and executed them .
va	1	Who knew if all these people were guilty ?
va	1	They can 't tell the good from the bad among us !
va	1	I saw the flames against the night sky .
va	1	" Yes , Rabbi , " I whispered .
va	1	" They 'll never be wiped out . "
va	1	" They 're families , tribes of bandits .
va	1	I saw the nighttime sea under the moon .
va	1	A man spoke up from the back of the assembly .
va	1	" The priests of the Temple will rule ! "
va	1	" Who knows if there is even a High Priest ? "
va	1	There was much nodding and approval of that .
va	1	The messenger went on to answer questions from the men .
va	1	But there was soon disputing and shouting all over again .
va	1	I got up and slipped out of the synagogue .
va	1	In the warm air I didn 't shiver anymore .
va	1	I went through the village and out and up the hill .
va	1	The farmers worked with their helpers in the fields .
va	1	And the trees were full of green olives .
va	1	And I looked up through the branches of the olive tree .
va	1	I thought I could even hear the bees in their hives .
va	1	Or so the men said as we chanted the Psalms .
va	1	" Father in Heaven , I thank you for this . "
va	1	It wouldn 't last , being alone here .
va	1	" Don 't be unhappy , " he said .
va	1	" No , " I said , shaking my head .
va	1	That fool , Simon , is just one of them .
va	1	They 'll hunt down these thieves in Galilee too .
va	1	I 'll tell you one thing about Caesar .
va	1	" Who else is to keep the peace ? "
va	1	I felt the fear so sharp that it hurt my belly .
va	1	He looked at me for a long time before he answered .
va	1	" I want peace , " he said .
va	1	You know they 're not bad people , the Romans .
va	1	They have their ways as we have ours .
va	1	" But this is Galilee , " he said .
va	1	Do you know what that word means ? "
va	1	" You are the one who understands me . "
va	1	" I 'm your prophet , " he said .
va	1	What is it you want me to do ? "
va	1	Why did they stop me at the door of the synagogue .
va	1	He put his hands up to his head .
va	1	" He doesn 't want to know , " I said .
va	1	He knelt down and took me by the shoulders .
va	1	" He doesn 't understand things himself , " he said .
va	1	" Yes , that 's what I said .
va	1	I said it for your ears only . "
va	1	But no angel has ever come to me . "
va	1	" I cannot tell you what you want to know .
va	1	And I can 't bring that trouble to our house .
va	1	You 're what , eight years old now ? "
va	1	How could I not know you were a man ?
va	1	I promise you ... " He went into his thoughts again .
va	1	" I will tell you this , " he said .
va	1	" Now to Caesar Augustus , " he said .
va	1	What does it matter who stands at the city gates ?
va	1	Herod Archelaus gives the order for slaughter in the very Temple .
va	1	I 'll tell you something about the Romans .
va	1	" He was let off easy , if you ask me .
va	1	" How many times have you said that to me ? "
va	1	" But I do understand , " I said .
va	1	" Nothing for us really changes , " he said .
va	1	You 'll be working just as you did in Alexandria .
va	1	I didn 't tell him what was in my heart .
va	1	" Come , " he gestured with his hand .
va	1	He looked at me and I looked at him .
va	1	It was gone as soon as it had come .
va	1	He bent down and brushed my hair back from my forehead .
va	1	" You spoke the truth , " I said .
va	1	" I 'm too little to understand , " I said .
va	1	Chapter 21 The summer had been so good .
va	1	Joseph woke up and took the baby into his arms .
va	1	" Who said it was an Arab child ! "
va	1	He had a good little chin and large black eyes .
va	1	More things happened that year than I can possibly tell .
va	1	The burnt places were healed the way bruises are healed .
va	1	I did learn to paint borders more cleverly than before .
va	1	People came to hire us from other places as well .
va	1	It was different after she began weaving in the open courtyard .
va	1	This was good for my mother because she was fearful .
va	1	In a village like Nazareth , all the women know everything .
va	1	I could see her fearfulness of other women .
va	1	So she had no real fear of men .
va	1	But now as it changed , I was happy .
va	1	Her eyes were more innocent than those of Little Salome .
va	1	Make a joyful song to the Lord ; sing praise .
va	1	We had delicious melons and cucumbers from our own soil .
va	1	But even this was good and the time went fast .
va	1	It was troubling to James and to me too .
va	1	We 'd come to Nazareth after the rains .
va	1	And the mikvah was empty when we came .
va	1	But this was rainwater , was it not ?
va	1	Had it been living water when we filled the mikvah ?
va	1	" The women use the mikvah - . "
va	1	" See two paths on a mountain ridge .
va	1	" Pharisees say all these things are Laws . "
va	1	" We do the best we can do .
va	1	We went down into Egypt in the time of Joseph .
va	1	Egypt became the smelting forge and we suffered .
va	1	The Lord gave the Law to Moses on Sinai .
va	1	But Israel sinned in the eyes of the Lord .
va	1	Hear , O Israel , the Lord our God is One .
va	1	Jews all over the world kept the sacred Feasts .
va	1	It was not safe yet to travel to the Temple .
va	1	The fire signals coming from Jerusalem told us all was well .
va	1	One could hear these bells when the High Priest walked .
va	1	It was a " glorious thing to behold . "
va	1	And he would lay hands upon the two goats .
va	1	He had come out of the Holy of Holies safely .
va	1	That 's our King of the Jews for you . "
va	1	" But where does Israel stop and start ? "
va	1	" Will we ever see those Greek cities ? "
va	1	" You saw a city second only to Rome . "
va	1	" Before I couldn 't understand it - . "
va	1	It was our journey through the wilderness . "
va	1	I 'd forgotten Joseph 's order to me not to ask .
va	1	I felt a sharp pain all through me .
va	1	She looked at Joseph and then at me .
va	1	It was in the cave beside the place .
va	1	" Well , maybe someday you will , " she said .
va	1	And she knew how much I wanted her to go on .
va	1	The memory made them all happy , except for James .
va	1	Our eyes met , and something passed between us .
va	1	I wanted my mother to tell me more .
va	1	That couldn 't be the whole story of Bethlehem !
va	1	In the dream , they hadn 't hurt me .
va	1	I heard a breathing that I knew was from Old Sarah .
va	1	My uncles went off to bed in their rooms .
va	1	" What 's this thing you want to say ? "
va	1	" Say it to me , " I said .
va	1	" Men said they saw things , " James said .
va	1	" When you were born , they saw things . "
va	1	" Men claimed to see things , " he said .
va	1	We 'd been in Bethlehem for a while .
va	1	And then in the night , these men came .
va	1	And they laid their gifts before you . "
va	1	I didn 't dare to ask him anything .
va	1	I knew he was telling me the truth .
va	1	No lie would ever pass the lips of my brother James .
va	1	Son of David , Son of David , Son of David .
va	1	Old Sarah had taken her place on the bench .
va	1	" Don 't fret , " said Aunt Salome .
va	1	That girl tends to her as if she were a child .
va	1	My mother told me to go to bed .
va	1	The next day James wouldn 't look at me .
va	1	And as the days passed , he never did .
va	1	Soon everyone in the room was up and running .
va	1	" Well , you have a snow . "
va	1	" Be careful what you pray for ! "
va	1	His laughter and happiness made me feel all right .
va	1	And we were almost never , never alone .
va	1	How fresh , how clean it all looked .
va	1	Father in Heaven , tell me what you want of me .
va	1	And what is the story of all this ?
va	1	Slowly as I watched , the village disappeared .
va	1	And I loved it when we were in the open country .
va	1	And I loved the bathing in the Jordan River again .
va	1	If she wanted to remain with us forever , she could .
va	1	We had all been strangers once in the Land of Egypt .
va	1	No one minded at all , and my mother said so .
va	1	That was her land and she ought to have it .
va	1	We sang those sweetest Psalms called the Psalms of Praise .
va	1	I wanted to be strong , and with the men now .
va	1	There was much pointing and trying to determine things .
va	1	" They burn it , we rebuild it . "
va	1	" We 're going down into the city . "
va	1	There were no other temples in Jerusalem but the Temple .
va	1	Some had fallen asleep in their mothers ' arms .
va	1	We had thought to come before so many people .
va	1	But I knew it was the same for everyone else .
va	1	It was still daylight , but getting on towards dark .
va	1	His black hair and his beard were shining with perfumed oil .
va	1	" We come to find our cousin Elizabeth of Zechariah .
va	1	" You come into the house , please .
va	1	" You 're most welcome , " he said .
va	1	" You 'll find Elizabeth peaceful but silent .
va	1	I don 't know whether or not she will know you .
va	1	So all we could do was go on .
va	1	She looked far older than she had been last year .
va	1	She looked as old as our beloved Sarah .
va	1	Like a withered flower ready to drop from the vine .
va	1	We must not worry that we weren 't within the walls .
va	1	" And they come from rich families . "
va	1	" Yes , I have more to say .
va	1	" You know that as well as I do .
va	1	And they go before the Lord , yes .
va	1	But at the very top , those who protect the Temple ?
va	1	Who can do it but men whom other men fear ? "
va	1	" Does it matter who they are ? "
va	1	How long has it been since Israel chose the High Priest ?
va	1	" Oh , yes , the Pharisees watch ! "
va	1	And we did have a laugh at that .
va	1	He looked up and his face was dark .
va	1	" What kind of talk is this ! "
va	1	Let 's put this talk out of our minds . "
va	1	" I say Joseph Caiaphas is a fine young man .
va	1	My aunts , and Alexandra , agreed with this .
va	1	How do you find out these things ! "
va	1	" Everyone knows this , " said Salome .
va	1	" Perhaps Joseph Caiaphas may be High Priest someday ? "
va	1	" I know he 'd be good as High Priest .
va	1	Yes , he 'll be High Priest . "
va	1	The full supper was ready and it was a good meal .
va	1	The bread was light and warm from the oven .
va	1	She waved a greeting to everyone , and then went inside .
va	1	Now I must say that James was almost finished with school .
va	1	Maybe she would have known her own son ?
va	1	And when would I ever be able to do that ?
va	1	Everybody knew the Essenes didn 't come for the Feast .
va	1	They believed themselves to be the true Israel .
va	1	The lights of the Temple were great and beautiful .
va	1	" Do you believe they are good people ? "
va	1	" A man could do worse than be an Essene . "
va	1	He waited a moment , then went on .
va	1	" This is a way it is with Jews .
va	1	And I had been so curious to talk to my cousin .
va	1	This was good to be away on the slope .
va	1	" What 's the matter with you ? "
va	1	I 'd never seen my older brother like this .
va	1	Sorry for the mean things I 've said to you .
va	1	Sorry for ... being mean to you . "
va	1	" But it 's all right , " I said .
va	1	" James , you never hurt me ! "
va	1	" But I wanted you to , " I said .
va	1	" I wanted to know what happened when I was born .
va	1	" I didn 't do it because you wanted it .
va	1	I did it to be strong over you ! "
va	1	This was the sound of a man crying .
va	1	" James , you 're sad about nothing .
va	1	" I hated you before you were born .
va	1	I 'd never heard anyone say something like this .
va	1	" I didn 't know , " I said .
va	1	I think I knew but I knew it would pass .
va	1	I didn 't think about it if I knew it . "
va	1	" Listen to your own words , " he said .
va	1	What I hadn 't known was that I was any different .
va	1	I didn 't know what to say to him .
va	1	" I 'm sorry for hating you , " he said .
va	1	" Will you let me put my arms around you ? "
va	1	He nodded , and we held each other .
va	1	And I hugged him tight and could feel him trembling .
va	1	" Too many reasons , " he said .
va	1	" And I can 't tell you all of it .
va	1	" No , James , tell me now .
va	1	" But who is to tell me ? "
va	1	" James , tell me what made you hate me .
va	1	" The angels came when you were born .
va	1	That 's why I have to love you ! "
va	1	He smiled but it was a dark , bitter smile .
va	1	" The angels came on the very night you were born .
va	1	You know how it was , they told you .
va	1	And your mother lay in Aunt Salome 's arms .
va	1	Never have I seen faces like their faces !
va	1	He was no longer full of anger or tears .
va	1	His face had softened and his eyes were large .
va	1	" Christ the Lord , " he said .
va	1	He and I had spoken Greek for most of my life .
va	1	" They were so full of joy , those men .
va	1	He seemed to drift into his memory altogether .
va	1	So this is what they kept from me .
va	1	Yes , and I knew why they kept it from me .
va	1	It was too much to keep in my mind .
va	1	It was a host of angels in the Heavens .
va	1	And on Earth , peace and goodwill to all . ' "
va	1	He had stopped crying , but he looked spent and sad .
va	1	" Picture it , " he said in Greek .
va	1	" How could I hate you for this ? "
va	1	" Don 't offer me your kindness , " he said .
va	1	" But you 're my older brother , " I said .
va	1	He lifted his tunic to wipe his tears .
va	1	" I have hated you , " he said .
va	1	" I don 't know , " he said .
va	1	In the moonlight I could see he was better now .
va	1	" But don 't you see , your mother was happy .
va	1	She went to sleep with you tucked near her . "
va	1	The next day we found a new lodging .
va	1	People kept coming to the door , asking to see you .
va	1	Old men came , hobbling on their sticks .
va	1	It was Joseph walking slowly up the slope .
va	1	I knew him in the dark by his walk .
va	1	" You 've been gone too long , " he said .
va	1	I don 't want you this far from the camp . "
va	1	" I love you , my brother , " he said .
va	1	Envy is a terrible thing , a terrible sin .
va	1	Christ the Lord ... had never told Herod .
va	1	Joseph 's way was to talk about nothing .
va	1	Joseph 's way was to go from day to day .
va	1	But I had to know the rest of this story !
va	1	Were these strange happenings the reason we had gone to Egypt ?
va	1	No , it couldn 't have been that way .
va	1	But what about the angel who appeared to my mother ?
va	1	And they weren 't all chief priests who were rich .
va	1	But then Herod 's men had killed Zechariah !
va	1	Stories of a child born who was Christ the Lord !
va	1	All the many lines of the Prophets drifted through my mind .
va	1	Chapter 23 I wasn 't a child anymore .
va	1	My mind was on the unfinished story that James had told .
va	1	For James wanted to make a sin offering .
va	1	And I soon realized this was why we had come .
va	1	" We were purified before we left Nazareth in the mikvah .
va	1	We go through the sprinkling because of Passover .
va	1	But there 's no reason for James to wait .
va	1	We 're going into the Sanctuary now . "
va	1	" All the Jews from other lands . "
va	1	Men and women were disputing with the money changers .
va	1	" What is the point of their arguing ? "
va	1	Don 't they know these people are robbers ? "
va	1	They charge too much for the exchange . "
va	1	" But why do they charge too much , Father ? "
va	1	" I don 't know that they do .
va	1	" We 've come with enough money for the sacrifice .
va	1	It was a long time before we reached the tables .
va	1	" Or bring your own perfect birds from Galilee ?
va	1	That 's where you come from , isn 't it ?
va	1	That way , it 's your sacrifice still .
va	1	You don 't take anything from me for it .
va	1	The merchant gave the women two fluttering little birds .
va	1	Quickly , he shoved the others into an empty cage .
va	1	Yet I could see that many did not mind it .
va	1	I 'd seen them plenty enough in Alexandria .
va	1	Perhaps they fought and argued just as much .
va	1	The Gentiles couldn 't enter under pain of death .
va	1	The terrible fires had not harmed this place .
va	1	The columns were Greek and as beautiful as any in Alexandria .
va	1	I worried as to how we would find each other .
va	1	My legs were aching as we climbed the steps .
va	1	I was in the House of the Lord .
va	1	I could hear the singing of the Levites .
va	1	" This is a little boy , " he said .
va	1	" Why not leave him with your women ? "
va	1	" He 's prepared , " said Joseph .
va	1	The Levite nodded and let us go in .
va	1	But the music , the music was all around us .
va	1	There was no beginning or end to any part of it .
va	1	The hands of the priests were covered in blood .
va	1	Their beautiful linen robes were splashed with blood .
va	1	And the smell of roasting meat was strong beyond words .
va	1	I smelled it with every breath that I took .
va	1	" Look , the singers , do you see them ? "
va	1	Their singing grew louder in my ears when I saw them .
va	2	Jerzy shook his head and laughed , bringing a knee up into my side .
va	2	" My team 's here , " I tossed back at Jerzy .
va	2	He turned to look at me , that frown still on his face .
va	2	The mountainside won 't protect us , and we 're too far up to jump .
va	2	Another rock fell just beside me , clipping my left shoulder on the way down .
va	2	I crawled into it , praying I 'd find Jerzy already there .
va	2	I had to tell them Jerzy hadn 't made it to the flag .
va	2	Footsteps sounded across the room from me , then the voice again .
va	2	The voice sounded muffled , like the person was facing away from me .
va	2	" Not an uninjured one in the whole lot , but only one casualty . "
va	2	I managed to ease my eyes open , then squeezed them closed again .
va	2	Joaquim 's darker red hair was visible from a bed near the door .
va	2	The box had shimmered and vanished , but I didn 't know where to .
va	2	In a few moments , the same thing would happen to Jerzy .
va	2	Though I didn 't use any words , I was shouting Look out !
va	2	The music played and we all stood there as the coffin vanished .
va	2	He 'd pulled me to the edge so we could try to jump .
va	2	Maybe if I 'd called out , he could have found me .
va	2	Maybe he 'd have been able to make it to the cave .
va	2	It meant we had one less person standing in the way of HEX and Binary .
va	2	" Your injuries should heal in a matter of weeks , three at the most .
va	2	You will be injected with a tracer , for your own safety .
va	2	They 'd already taken a chance with me ; they couldn 't take any more .
va	2	I wasn 't benched because I had PTSD , I was on probation .
va	2	They knew I 'd been injured in an accident that had killed a Walker .
va	2	How many more times was a Walker going to die because of me ?
va	2	I wouldn 't have gone so far as to call all of them friends .
va	2	I still didn 't know all of them , at least not personally .
va	2	I 'd been just another recruit , aside from my friendship with Hue .
va	2	A tray plunked down opposite me , and I looked up to see Joaquim .
va	2	" Hey , " I offered , trying for a normal tone of voice .
va	2	He was down at the base when it happened , wasn 't he ? "
va	2	" Joey ... you know a lot of people are blaming you , right ? "
va	2	The Old Man had said any actual injuries would be investigated thoroughly .
va	2	There 'd damn well been some actual injuries , so of course they were investigating .
va	2	Joey Harker , who 'd fought with Jerzy right before he 'd been killed .
va	2	Joey Harker , who 'd already been accused of selling out his team once .
va	2	Joey Harker , who 'd saved himself and let someone else die .
va	2	I didn 't remember leaving the mess hall , or getting back to my room .
va	2	If Hue had been there , maybe he 'd seen what had happened .
va	2	I didn 't understand what he was trying to tell me , and sighed .
va	2	" Okay , " I said , and put my head in one hand .
va	2	I remembered how my room smelled when I was about to fall asleep .
va	2	They were all me , but none of them seemed to have my luck .
va	2	None of them seemed to have my penchant for getting into trouble .
va	2	There wasn 't anything saying I couldn 't just ... go for a Walk .
va	2	Well , more specifically , I was Walking , and then I was walking .
va	2	I started toward it , depression settling more heavily over me with every step .
va	2	I stood still for a moment , just staring up and feeling very small .
va	2	Some of the officers were probably intending to sweep the area a few more times .
va	2	Yes , I 'd recognized my need to continually reassure myself , thank you .
va	2	It infuriated me that he 'd died on a training mission , of all things .
va	2	It must have been dislodged when I 'd pulled the flag free .
va	2	Nothing worked ; it was either completely out of juice or plain broken .
va	2	I wouldn 't know until I could get it back to a charger .
va	2	I tried to keep from sounding frustrated , and Hue gave a brief flicker .
va	2	" Safe as anywhere , which is relative , " my own voice answered .
va	2	I looked at Hue , who was bobbing and sporting his pleased color .
va	2	The answer was a laugh , one that sounded a lot like mine .
va	2	Hue gave a pleased flicker , momentarily blocking out Jay 's face .
va	2	A question I could answer honestly , and someone I could talk to .
va	2	I 'm tired of being kept out of the loop for my own good .
va	2	Which means you two have a rocky road ahead of you . "
va	2	I didn 't really want to know , but I asked anyway .
va	2	" I 'm not , " I tried , but Jay laughed .
va	2	My face was as red as the dirt beneath us , but I kept quiet .
va	2	And will , if she deems it necessary for the good of continuity . "
va	2	If I 'm erased , what happens to the things I 've changed ? "
va	2	She can do it , " he assured me , seeing my disbelief .
va	2	I couldn 't argue with that , but I sure as hell wanted to .
va	2	If it 's fated for you to see her again , you will . "
va	2	" But - " It was too late ; the conversation was over .
va	2	So I did , half sitting and half collapsing onto the ground .
va	2	I looked about , marveling once again at how everything seemed exactly the same .
va	2	Even the scuffs from where I 'd dragged Jay 's bleeding body were still there .
va	2	Everything was as I 'd remembered it , except for one thing .
va	2	It hurts so much that at first you can 't even tell where it hurts .
va	2	I dropped into a defensive stance , keeping an eye out above me .
va	2	Whatever or whoever had shot me had to come from the same direction .
va	2	I could see the person standing there , arm still extended , laser still out .
va	2	He turned a pained reddish green , seeming to huddle around himself .
va	2	He was still my friend and teammate ; what else could I do ?
va	2	He ignored the command , as I 'd assumed he would , and fired again .
va	2	That meant he was motivated , at least in part , by his ego .
va	2	Unfortunately , I wasn 't going to get the chance to try reaching him .
va	2	He 'd won , and it hadn 't been a close call .
va	2	I wondered if the In-Between had a " ground " or anything like it .
va	2	" I don 't know what 's gotten into you , but quit it !
va	2	There was the sound of a laser firing , and I felt nothing .
va	2	Literally , though it took me a moment to realize I hadn 't been hit .
va	2	I sat up carefully , using one arm to push myself to my feet .
va	2	" Close call , " Acacia said suddenly , turning to look amiably at me .
va	2	She turned fully toward me and put her hands on her hips .
va	2	Would you believe me if I said it 's been a few years ? "
va	2	" No , " I said finally , trying to sound certain .
va	2	I was sick for two days , couldn 't eat a thing . "
va	2	My grip on this plane is a little more tenuous than yours .
va	2	Off in the distance , there was scattered percussion , faint pops and booms .
va	2	" Is what they say in all the science fiction novels true ?
va	2	" So why can 't you just do the same thing over and over ? "
va	2	You know those memories you have that seem frozen in time , like a snapshot ?
va	2	Acacia 's voice was remarkably steady for someone who had just been shot .
va	2	He offered no answer , merely extending his laser arm once again .
va	2	" If you 've stolen our technology , believe me , you will . "
va	2	We know your very essence , and we will follow it anywhere . "
va	2	It was a little like punching it , except we weren 't moving .
va	2	We were standing absolutely still , and the world was changing around us .
va	2	She nodded , and I took a sip from the flask myself .
va	2	I finally took a moment to look around , not that I could see much .
va	2	Acacia 's voice drifted up from my lap , weak and strained .
va	2	I helped her , keeping a hand on her shoulder to steady her .
va	2	I offered her the flask again , but she shook her head .
va	2	She took another breath , raking her hair back behind her ears .
va	2	One of her nails was broken , split to the quick and bleeding .
va	2	It was starting to make a little more sense , sort of .
va	2	I looked around at the figures , misty and distorted , walking around us .
va	2	They were all over the place , sometimes even walking right through me .
va	2	She nodded , moving part of her shirt aside to show me .
va	2	The shirt itself was seared through , but the skin beneath it was unburned .
va	2	Red , yes , with the faint start of bruising , but unburned .
va	2	I 've got ta recharge it , now ... that was a strong blast . "
va	2	Her fingernails sparked , circuitry pulsing with green light , and a thought struck me .
va	2	Acacia held her hand out , palm up , fingers bent and apart .
va	2	Twenty , not the full thirty it usually took to fully charge a disk .
va	2	The number is FB two forty-two , and my mother 's birthday is February twenty-fourth .
va	2	I left it behind ; I didn 't have a choice . "
va	2	I started to scramble to my feet , but Acacia grabbed my wrist .
va	2	" No , " she tugged on my arm , and I paused .
va	2	" I don 't know how to , anyway , " I told her .
va	2	I leaned back with some relief ; my ribs were killing me .
va	2	That he was fixed on your essence , and he 'd follow it anywhere .
va	2	" They do that , " she said , her voice shaky .
va	2	She whirled around , and I almost fell at the abrupt lack of support .
va	2	He said , ' We don 't need your technology . ' " "
va	2	He may be a cyborg , but he 's always been his own cyborg .
va	2	" The Binary , " I managed , as Acacia just looked at me .
va	2	" He comes from a world closer to the technological end of the Arc .
va	2	I think ... " I fell silent , and Acacia nudged me with a shoulder .
va	2	Something backfired , and ... he was unconscious when I rejoined the team .
va	2	" Even my world has that , and we 're not half as advanced ! "
va	2	Acacia snorted , but I was too upset to find it even faintly funny .
va	2	She paused , then went on , though seemingly reluctant to do so .
va	2	Every time someone tries to change the time line , alternate worlds are created .
va	2	And I 'd know if one was here , or had been here . "
va	2	" I don 't think you should go back yet , Joe . "
va	2	For an instant , I was terrified that Acacia had done the same .
va	2	The ground beneath us vanished , and once again we fell through time .
va	2	I was only half conscious when I felt ground beneath me again .
va	2	It was white tile , shining with the reflection of the bright lights above us .
va	2	I tried to turn my head to either side , and couldn 't .
va	2	Acacia took me through several halls and rooms , and into something resembling an elevator .
va	2	Acacia moved me through one set of bars , into a small room .
va	2	" I 'm sorry , Joe , " she said , and walked away .
va	2	" It 's her job to protect the future , " I snapped .
va	2	His mouth hadn 't moved , but I knew the words had come from him .
va	2	" You will not find her here if you attempt to run .
va	2	I kicked at him , not sure what I was expecting this time .
va	2	You could have told me that when you let me out of the cell .
va	2	Constellations I hadn 't seen in I didn 't even know how long .
va	2	The Little and Big Dippers , Orion , Cassiopeia , the Lion .
va	2	I slowly pushed myself to my hands and knees , then my feet .
va	2	My vision was clearing , allowing me little details here and there .
va	2	Gravel crunched beneath my feet as I walked , slowly , taking everything in .
va	2	The halls didn 't look familiar , yet I knew exactly where to go .
va	2	When the sun went down , I 'd be left in darkness .
va	2	I found the Old Man 's office with not a single wrong turn .
va	2	The furniture was overturned , obviously having been used as a barricade at some point .
va	2	The plush chairs and patterned oval rug were nothing but ash and dust .
va	2	I 'd cried for myself , for the loneliness of knowing I was changed forever .
va	2	I climbed over the door , into the Old Man 's office .
va	2	I gave a thought to going through them , then decided I didn 't care .
va	2	I looked for the picture I 'd seen before , of him and Acacia .
va	2	I was alone on a dead world , one that used to be my home .
va	2	A necklace hung next to it , dangling half over an embroidered napkin .
va	2	That flash , brief as it had been , had ruined my night vision .
va	2	I squinted , ducking down against the wall , my eyes on the far door .
va	2	I 'd never been so glad to see anything in my life .
va	2	If he were human , I 'd 've said it looked like a burn .
va	2	He stopped , bobbed again , then continued , obviously expecting me to follow .
va	2	I wasn 't even sure what I could tell them about Acacia .
va	2	" I don 't know why , but I have to find out .
va	2	You 're a multidimensional life-form , and the In-Between exists in all times .
va	2	There 's danger there , and I don 't know what it is .
va	2	I couldn 't help anyone if I was thrown in jail or kicked out again .
va	2	He wasn 't happy about this , but he 'd do it .
va	2	Or like being painted on , except he wasn 't cold or anything .
va	2	He was no temperature at all , which just contributed to the oddness .
va	2	I 'm sorry , I thought as the world around me faded .
va	2	Like a hound tracing a scent , I followed it back to its source .
va	2	He was already there when I Walked in , power swirling around him like electricity .
va	2	The entire building was pulsing like a heartbeat , like a thousand heartbeats .
va	2	" Just trying to find out why you betrayed me , Casey .
va	2	Joaquim said , then turned as Acacia began to struggle and spew curses .
va	2	He half turned , stretching out a hand , and Acacia shouted again .
va	2	I felt hot all over , but whatever he 'd done didn 't stop me .
va	2	I grabbed up a chair and swung it full force as I ran .
va	2	" Calling me Casey , " she snapped , but then she hugged me .
va	2	Joaquim was just outside it , and he was sort of ... flying .
va	2	" I don 't blame him , knowing what will happen . "
va	2	I glanced at Acacia , looking for some sort of recognition or understanding .
va	2	I was feeling the way the wind was warm and sparking with purpose .
va	2	All the Walkers who 've ever been captured ... " You finally get it . "
va	2	Joaquim spread his arms to either side , his gaze seeming to burn through mine .
va	2	My eyes burned like I 'd been staring at a computer screen for hours .
va	2	He glanced at the Professor , then at me , uncertainty showing on his face .
va	2	" And infused with the souls of your kind , " the Professor agreed .
va	2	I caught her halfway down , and I think I said her name .
va	2	I could feel her breathing , but she didn 't react to me at all .
va	2	" Drain him , " said the Professor , but Joaquim hesitated .
va	2	He was still talking to Joaquim , but the clones moved forward to grab us .
va	2	He 'd looked at me , and warned me , and died .
va	2	I didn 't see Acacia anywhere , but Joaquim was next to me .
va	2	I was surrounded by metal , but it was more than that .
va	2	Thin , prickly fingers of dread began to clutch at my stomach .
va	2	Joaquim was strapped in as well , and didn 't seem at all concerned .
va	2	Which , however unwilling I was , may have been the case .
va	2	and made a serious attempt at lifting my head to look around .
va	2	I 'd hoped everyone would ... but it had to be done . "
va	2	I ignored him , turning my attention to getting feeling back into my extremities .
va	2	Just above the star was the oddest machine I 'd ever seen .
va	2	Whatever this was , I didn 't want any part of it .
va	2	" Well , I don 't have yours , " I snapped .
va	2	" Okay , " I said slowly , trying to work all this out .
va	2	I didn 't know , and I didn 't want to know .
va	2	It was misty , ice blue , and roiling like it contained a storm .
va	2	He lifted his head , that small motion obviously taking a lot out of him .
va	2	The wires flared to life again , and Joaquim started to struggle .
va	2	You will fulfill your purpose and bring about the revolution of the world . "
va	2	The machinery around us crackled , and the acrid smell of smoke reached my nose .
va	2	I called it back to me , commanded it , and grabbed Joaquim 's hand .
va	2	The blue glow spread to envelop me , whispers and pleas brushing against my mind .
va	2	I was standing now , no longer caged , no longer captive .
va	2	I was the eye of the storm , immune to the chaos around me .
va	2	I stretched out a hand to Acacia , still held by the Binary clones .
va	2	They would do as I asked , I was sure of it .
va	2	I turned back to Joaquim and the machine , stretching out my other hand .
va	2	I shrugged her off , taking a few steps toward the machines .
va	2	I stumbled away from her , moving toward Joaquim and the machine .
va	2	She threw her arms around my neck , using her weight to slow me .
va	2	I took two steps toward Joaquim , before I stopped in my tracks .
va	2	There was nothing in his eyes anymore , not anger or hatred or fear .
va	2	The sunsets always seemed rosier , the sunrises brighter , the sky bluer .
va	2	I know it was the most terrifying thing I 've ever felt .
va	2	I can run as fast and as far as I need to . "
va	2	Her brow furrowed slightly , but she allowed the nickname , obviously considering this .
va	2	She drew in a breath , shifting slightly , but I kept on .
va	2	" It 's the least you can do for betraying me . "
va	2	" Joaquim had his memories , " I said quietly , taking her hands .
va	2	Taking their power , like the machine tried to do to me ? "
va	2	They 're just ... I don 't know that they 're coming , Joe . "
va	2	" What if he was gone by the time you found him ?
va	2	What if he 'd taken what he needed and gotten away with it ? "
va	2	I don 't - " But then I did understand , all at once .
va	2	The hulking men in the suits that look like secret service on steroids ? "
va	2	The idea of going with her was becoming more and more appealing .
va	2	" I like you better when you aren 't trying to impress me . "
va	2	Worst of all , it was completely silent , like an animal stalking its prey .
va	2	The darkness grew thicker , more pronounced , and I lost sight of Acacia .
va	2	He caught my ankle and pulled , slamming me back onto the ground .
va	2	" You are the last one left , and you should be commended .
va	2	I couldn 't feel my fingers , and Acacia wasn 't moving anymore .
va	2	His breath was rancid in my face , the sickeningly sweet smell of rotting meat .
va	2	As I watched , it turned brown and brittle , dying right beneath me .
va	2	His voice was echoing in my ears , everything around me sounding hollow .
va	2	And you will not be able to Walk far enough away . "
va	2	I had time for about two seconds of abject panic before I hit the ground .
va	2	I was alone ... back on the world I 'd just come from ?
va	2	No ... I could hear something in the distance , a familiar sound .
va	2	I managed to get to my feet , making my way toward them .
va	2	He had sent me home , but soon , there wouldn 't be a home .
va	2	I would have been one of those little blue lights used to power Joaquim .
va	2	I wouldn 't let a few broken bones stop me , not now .
va	2	He fell down white in the sandy earth , and they all crowded around him .
va	2	The sun was hot and my chest was heaving as I looked at him .
va	2	It seemed the whole street went quiet except for the carpenters ' hammers .
va	2	" He 's dead , he 's dead , he 's dead . "
va	2	He was a bundle of arms and legs in the beaten dust .
va	2	She clutched me so close to her , I could scarcely breathe .
va	2	James was the son of a wife who had died before Joseph married my mother .
va	2	My little cousins were slipping through the door one by one and crowding around us .
va	2	" I saw it when he made the sparrows out of clay on the Sabbath .
va	2	The teacher told him he shouldn 't do such things on the Sabbath .
va	2	" Stop , " said James , the little boss of the children .
va	2	His mouth was open and his white teeth showed over his lip .
va	2	His mother turned and she saw it was me and she screamed .
va	2	he shouted , mocking me , " Son of David , Son of David ! "
va	2	He was trying to move , but the crowd wouldn 't let him .
va	2	" Oh , look what 's happened to you , " she said .
va	2	She spoke in Aramaic , our tongue which we didn 't speak very much .
va	2	" The Lord made shame for an argument such as this ! "
va	2	" And as it happens , we are going home to Galilee . "
va	2	What was left now was all our people , and the Teacher .
va	2	" That has nothing to do with it , " said Joseph .
va	2	" All the world speaks Greek now , " said the Teacher .
va	2	" Do you even understand Hebrew , and you call yourself a Teacher ! "
va	2	Following it with " Now do you know what that means ? "
va	2	Coming to Egypt for refuge , and leaving as hardheaded as you came . "
va	2	" And to take this child , this brilliant child - . "
va	2	" Oh , no , don 't ask such a thing ! "
va	2	" And the Lord on Sinai didn 't speak Greek , " he said .
va	2	Even James had the same look on his face as the men .
va	2	" Oh , you think people don 't talk about these things ? "
va	2	" You can 't speak of the King in this way . "
va	2	" The news will come by the Roman post in two days . "
va	2	asked the Teacher , " when he hears that you 're taking Jesus ? "
va	2	" What has Philo to do with my son , " said my mother .
va	2	We went to the little House of Prayer in our own street .
va	2	Philo had treated me as a guest when I was brought to him .
va	2	But to talk of this now , that Philo had taken a liking to me ?
va	2	Philo thinks Jesus is the most promising scholar he 's ever seen .
va	2	" You want to be educated by Philo , don 't you ? "
va	2	" Yes , yes , and you take them back to - where was it ?
va	2	Joseph , there are more Jews living in Alexandria than there are in Jerusalem . "
va	2	The Teacher couldn 't say anything to this , but only nodded .
va	2	My mother looked at me , ready to nurse my cuts and bruises .
va	2	Joseph was my father and Joseph must take me back to Nazareth .
va	2	It 's no different in the town of Nazareth , believe me . "
va	2	" And we will have our disputes over the Law and the Prophets .
va	2	" The news will reach here soon with the Roman post , " Joseph said .
va	2	" As for me , I knew it in a dream , my lord .
va	2	" But why don 't all the Jews go back to Israel ? "
va	2	Then he said , " A Jew can live anywhere and be a Jew .
va	2	And don 't we take the Word of the One True Lord wherever we go ?
va	2	Don 't we establish his Word among the pagans wherever we live ?
va	2	I live here because my father lived here and his father before him .
va	2	You go home because your father wants you to go home . "
va	2	I kissed his hands , and he bent down and kissed me on both cheeks .
va	2	But I was too excited to be returning to the Holy Land .
va	2	" But I 've been hoping all this time , " my mother pressed .
va	2	I could see James in the doorway watching , and listening too perhaps .
va	2	" Think of the night when the men from the East came .
va	2	" That 's just it , " said Joseph who sat beside her .
va	2	" Don 't say it , please , " said my mother .
va	2	" Don 't you see , we must take him and go to Nazareth .
va	2	" Our house is in Nazareth , " said my mother to me .
va	2	My mother took me by the hand and started to lead me inside .
va	2	" But who were the men from the East , Mamma ? "
va	2	Even in the dark , I could see the strange expression on Joseph 's face .
va	2	She was strong for me as always , not the child she was with Joseph .
va	2	" I don 't want you to ask , do you understand ? "
va	2	And I knew it was a great secret , this that they talked about .
va	2	And as for me hearing it , they knew they 'd made a mistake .
va	2	It was James next to me , James , my elder brother .
va	2	Philo had told me , It is the biggest Temple in all the world .
va	2	To talk of such things outside the family , that could never happen .
va	2	I knew something now that was beyond what I could put into words .
va	2	But for now , what was the very deep secret of all this ?
va	2	I felt drowsy , so drowsy that I couldn 't think anymore .
va	2	Chapter 3 Within days the news arrived in the port that Herod was dead .
va	2	The Teacher came storming back , demanding to know , but Joseph said nothing .
va	2	And all this meant coming home after dark , tired and hungry .
va	2	It would cost us , everybody knew , but Joseph said we would do it .
va	2	And it seemed the whole street turned out to see us off .
va	2	Now many times , I 'd looked out to sea at the Great Lighthouse .
va	2	It stood on its own little island - a great torch reaching the sky .
va	2	And we passed it as if it was a holy thing , wondering and murmuring .
va	2	He was a tall man with very dark skin and richly dressed .
va	2	" I wouldn 't be going to Jerusalem if I were you .
va	2	For me it 's home , and my wife and children are there .
va	2	I want the men who served his father in this to be punished .
va	2	" He has to wait for Caesar to say whether he 'll be King .
va	2	It flowed easily like Greek did from our Teacher , or from Philo .
va	2	I tell you there has to be a reckoning for the things he did . "
va	2	said the other , " why not when the whole world is there ?
va	2	" But why did Herod burn alive the two teachers of the Law ? "
va	2	But the taller one , the calm one , was already answering me .
va	2	I understood him though his words were not so simple to understand .
va	2	" They led their pupils with them to take down the eagle .
va	2	The angry man said , " Don 't take him away , let him learn .
va	2	You in Alexandria , what did it have to do with you ? "
va	2	" But for us , we lived with him and his monstrosities .
va	2	Joseph said , though he smiled and nodded as he put up his hand .
va	2	" Yes , you must see Jerusalem first , " she said sadly .
va	2	" As for Nazareth , it is the will of God it seems . "
va	2	And his laughter only ran on as he curled up to sleep .
va	2	" Just what my beloved sister did , " he answered me .
va	2	" Obey the angel in everything he told me to do . "
va	2	My aunt shook her head as if to say let it all go .
va	2	But Joseph sat quietly away from all of this just thinking to himself .
va	2	For him , he 'd made this voyage over sea rather than land .
va	2	And for him , he 'd go to Jerusalem , even if there were trouble .
va	2	She had a piece of fine Egyptian cotton that she was mending .
va	2	The waves were so rough I thought we would be pitched into the sea .
va	2	he said to Joseph , " if you mean to go on to Galilee ! "
va	2	Joseph nodded and said we would go on to Jerusalem and to the Temple .
va	2	And sometimes he was laughing just to himself , maybe remembering things .
va	2	The next morning we began the hard slow climb into the hills .
va	2	And for the Temple of Jerusalem I had no measure at all .
va	2	He said he wanted to bathe now , and Aunt Mary said he couldn 't .
va	2	The women said we had to get him to bed right away .
va	2	and this made them very happy , as if nothing else was going on .
va	2	John and Elizabeth were clothed in white garments that were very clean .
va	2	" Our Temple , " said Little Salome proudly to me , and I nodded .
va	2	But for now we should talk of his being in the Temple .
va	2	The Lord is with us , you and me , right now .
va	2	Nearer to the altar where the lambs of Passover would be sacrificed .
va	2	Closer to the Sanctuary into which only the High Priest would go .
va	2	We had known about the Temple ever since we had known about anything .
va	2	We had known about the Law ever since we had known anything .
va	2	I felt a quiet inside myself in all the noise of Jerusalem .
va	2	Joseph came up to us , and guided us back to the family .
va	2	I did it , sitting at his right hand , crossing my legs .
va	2	My aunt suddenly was very tired of it and threw up her hands .
va	2	He picked up the cup of clean water and he drank it .
va	2	My mother moved beside her , and put her arm around her .
va	2	It was the first really good supper since we 'd left Alexandria .
va	2	She sat down on his left , not very close but close enough .
va	2	She said this in a kind way but she had something on her mind .
va	2	He sounded like he had drunk himself drunk but he hadn 't .
va	2	" I 'm going to tell you something , " he said to me .
va	2	This goes in your heart with the Law , you hear me ?
va	2	When she told me the angel had come , I believed her .
va	2	That was what he 'd said on the boat , wasn 't it ?
va	2	She stayed there with her back to us , close to our cousin Elizabeth .
va	2	His chest rose and fell with each rattling breath and again he shivered .
va	2	" You remember , what I said to you , that I believed ! "
va	2	I was as surprised as he was by what I 'd said .
va	2	He rose up on his elbow , and his face was close to mine .
va	2	And must you be a child first before you are a man ?
va	2	His eyes changed as if he stopped seeing things in front of him .
va	2	And half the time they don 't know what to do with you !
va	2	My laughter is the way I speak , don 't you think ?
va	2	When I moved away , I wanted to go to the edge of the roof .
va	2	And the things he 'd said to me - what did they mean ?
va	2	Cooking fires still , or maybe fires for warmth as it was a little colder .
va	2	I was so surprised I didn 't know what to say to her .
va	2	My mother came down upon us and tried to pull her away .
va	2	I drew my knees up and I crouched even closer to the wall .
va	2	The sound was clear for a moment , and then gone in the hush .
va	2	" What I have to say to you should have waited , " she said .
va	2	But it 's never been his way to do anything in silence .
va	2	" You 're not the child of an angel , " she said .
va	2	Beautiful perhaps as Sarah looked to Pharaoh , beautiful as Rachel to Jacob .
va	2	" And so it happened , " she said , looking up again .
va	2	" You can 't follow what I 'm trying to tell you . "
va	2	She wasn 't like a girl now , but not like a woman either .
va	2	After all , it was the farthest place to which I could go .
va	2	They weren 't Roman soldiers ; I didn 't know what they were .
va	2	I think I wanted Joseph to push harder for us to get through the gate .
va	2	The prayers of the people echoed off the roof and the walls .
va	2	I was too little to be taken to the court of the men .
va	2	There were many many men running on top of the far-away porches .
va	2	Most everyone around us was shouting in Aramaic , but many were shouting in Greek .
va	2	Then came the bellow of the cows or the oxen - a dreadful sound .
va	2	I saw one soldier struck by many stones before he fell from his horse .
va	2	Prayers rose from everywhere , but they weren 't the joyful Psalms .
va	2	All of us went back again like a wave in the sea .
va	2	Even my tunic was caught up against those in front and behind me .
va	2	He stood in front of me and he was laughing his old laugh .
va	2	The crowd moved to the side and then forward , so that we fell .
va	2	A wild will came over me and I struggled to get up and free .
va	2	I pulled free of the hands that tried to tug at me .
va	2	I could hear the snorting of the horse and the clatter of his hooves .
va	2	He drew a stone from under his robe and thew it at the soldier .
va	2	The soldier 's spear came down right into the man 's chest .
va	2	The man dropped the stone he held , and fell back with his eyes wide .
va	2	Little Salome screamed , " Don 't look , don 't look . "
va	2	But was I to look away from this man in his last moments ?
va	2	The soldier pulled up his spear and the man rose with it .
va	2	I could only hear it , and the terrible noise of its running wild .
va	2	The people who 'd taken hold of the soldier got up and were running away .
va	2	Who had come into this Temple that did not carry stones for this war ?
va	2	The stones rained down on us , and hit us on our heads and shoulders .
va	2	At last the soldiers were everywhere , so many soldiers I could never count them .
va	2	said Joseph to me , breaking his chant for only a moment .
va	2	" Get out of Jerusalem , by the King 's order . "
va	2	Some bodies were dead all alone on the tops of the porches .
va	2	Joseph struggled to get close to her , but the little ones were underfoot .
va	2	" Look , " he said to anyone who could hear him .
va	2	He pointed to the top of the faraway wall of the Inner Court .
va	2	" They had sense enough to run for cover , didn 't they ?
va	2	I think they were in their fine robes and headdresses , but maybe not .
va	2	There would be no celebration of Passover this year , the soldier called out .
va	2	" We should get out of the city as quickly as we can . "
va	2	" But is it right to leave now of all times ? "
va	2	She had the child in her arms , and she would be all right .
va	2	I couldn 't reach her as she was too far behind me .
va	2	" Yes , and how many innocents did they slay in there just now ? "
va	2	The men began to give out coins where they could , as others did .
va	2	I hadn 't looked at the face of the soldier who killed him .
va	2	He 'd brought his stones to the Temple so that he might throw them .
va	2	I saw in my mind the spear go into our dead man .
va	2	I saw it over and over , and the look on his face .
va	2	I saw the dead all over the court of the Temple and the wandering sheep .
va	2	I huddled near to my mother , who at once opened her arms .
va	2	" It was a good moment to die , " he said .
va	2	" It was the finest moment perhaps that he 'd ever seen . "
va	2	I don 't care what you think , you say nothing more . "
va	2	Joseph went to the task of tying the bundles on the donkey .
va	2	He was an old man , thin and white haired with bright blue eyes .
va	2	Goods were scattered and people had no thought to pick them up .
va	2	" I see it , Father , but shouldn 't we stay !
va	2	I started to cry and I didn 't know why I was crying .
va	2	I felt I couldn 't breathe , and I couldn 't stop it .
va	2	I don 't know that I 'd ever been afraid before in my life .
va	2	Yet it seemed a wrong thing to me to leave Jerusalem in this way .
va	2	So many riders passing us , and so quickly and no more Jerusalem .
va	2	" We 'll be there again next year , " Joseph said to me .
va	2	said my cousin John , who 'd never spoken a word until now .
va	2	Again came the noise , the noise of horses rushing past , and screams outside .
va	2	Even with my eyes closed , I could see the red flashes of light .
va	2	Little Salome was shrieking with excitement the way she shrieked when we played .
va	2	All the men got up and were headed out of doors to see the fire .
va	2	" Yeshua , you come and see this , " he said .
va	2	" You can see how they run rampant to celebrate the death of Old Herod .
va	2	" My brother , " said my mother , " I 'm going mad ! "
va	2	" Listen to what I say to you , my child , " she said .
va	2	Lie against your mother 's breast , here , and stop your crying .
va	2	What did it mean what my mother had said about the angel coming to her ?
va	2	But then I felt purely drowsy , and I felt so safe .
va	2	He was better now , much better , though he still coughed .
va	2	" They 're stealing everything , " said my cousin Mary Alexandra .
va	2	Even the little ones who were always excited by everything were quiet .
va	2	I wasn 't afraid now , and I didn 't know why .
va	2	" Well , look here , " said the man with the helmet .
va	2	" You stupid fools , don 't you know what 's happening in Israel ? "
va	2	I 'll cut your throats one by one , starting with the children ! "
va	2	Do not let it be said of you that you shed innocent blood . "
va	2	" Oh , you stupid worthless peasants , " he said in Greek .
va	2	" They 've never seen any money in their lives , " said the other .
va	2	" There 's nothing in this place but old clothes and stinking babies .
va	2	" Yes , grovel while we fight for your freedom , " said another .
va	2	All at once we children rushed to the doors of the little house .
va	2	Now , she shook her head before she began and she lifted her hands .
va	2	" No , why in the world have you made such a decision ! "
va	2	" To send that child to people who don 't even worship in the Temple !
va	2	And he , the child himself , wants this and he has reason . "
va	2	He stared at me and I could see only a calmness in him .
va	2	You don 't speak to a woman when you speak to me .
va	2	" If you must speak against his mother , then speak . "
va	2	Then the cough came up in his chest , and he was in pain .
va	2	" Brother , you have a poor memory , " said Elizabeth .
va	2	I don 't put it before you for judgement , you understand .
va	2	Never had I heard a woman speak with this kind of authority .
va	2	But this was stronger , and more clear than anything I 'd ever heard .
va	2	And I will tell you the reason why this child is to go . "
va	2	Surely it is right for John and Yeshua to be brought up together . "
va	2	" Please listen because I only want to tell it one time . "
va	2	" We are of the House of David , " Elizabeth said .
va	2	I didn 't dare to ask the question that was on my lips .
va	2	" We knew nothing of this , " Joseph said in a whisper .
va	2	And do you think he would tell them where to find his son ?
va	2	" And do you think I have gone into the Temple since ?
va	2	Not till the tyrant was dead , and gone to eternal fire .
va	2	I 'm old and John is little , and they 'll leave us in peace .
va	2	And surely John is meant to hear the voice of the Lord .
va	2	But I couldn 't think now except in bursts of curiosity and fear .
va	2	James said : " They don 't hold with the priesthood in the Temple .
va	2	" They 're good enough for our kindred , " said James .
va	2	There are Pharisees , there are the priests , there are the Essenes .
va	2	We murmured the prayer after him in Hebrew as he 'd said it .
va	2	When we said it everything stopped , and we said it with a true heart .
va	2	I didn 't want to say anything about the things that troubled me .
va	2	My feelings grew darker and darker and the fear was there , very near .
va	2	She smiled at me and it seemed I 'd never be afraid again .
va	2	" Do they really fight for the freedom of the Holy Land ? "
va	2	We 've known this for as long as we 've known anything .
va	2	The Lord will keep his promise to David in the Lord 's way . "
va	2	" Forever ... what is forever in the mind of the Lord ? "
va	2	" A thousand years is nothing but a moment to the Lord . "
va	2	" This is no time to tell you , " said Joseph .
va	2	We have good daylight and we can go far before making our camps . "
va	2	I want to see the palace of Herod where they burned it . "
va	2	We 'll wash our bodies and our clothes in it for the first time !
va	2	And then we 'll sleep out in the valley under the stars ! "
va	2	" And that 's what we 'd like to do right now . "
va	2	We could hear the singing coming from everywhere , and songs blended into songs .
va	2	We ran into the water and the water came up to our knees .
va	2	" Praise to the Lord , Praise to the Lord , my soul , sing !
va	2	I needed to hold on to him or I would have fallen .
va	2	I was covered up and warm and my mother had her arm over me .
va	2	" But we 're here and we 're home , " I said .
va	2	He 's out there over by the river singing with them , talking .
va	2	They 're shouting at each other one minute and the next singing . "
va	2	If I go to him with the men he 'll be angry .
va	2	" But we should see to him , " said my mother .
va	2	And then the worries , but I didn 't want to hear it .
va	2	If the Romans weren 't on the march yet from Syria they soon would be .
va	2	An angel had told Joseph to bring us back , I had heard it said .
va	2	Why hadn 't I paid more attention to what they looked like ?
va	2	It was like opening a wooden door , or pulling back a curtain .
va	2	And the curtain could fall down , closed , just like that .
va	2	I was filled with feeling , as a cup can be of water .
va	2	That 's how to do it , so that no one knows .
va	2	Don 't ever tell , not even Little Salome or my mother .
va	2	But Father in Heaven , I did do it , didn 't I ?
va	2	You can come , you aren 't going to make me jump and wake up .
va	2	You come , but you don 't know what I know , do you ?
va	2	The next morning , the river valley was flooded with those fleeing the uprisings .
va	2	When we crossed the river , the other way , we found the same terrors .
va	2	I stayed close to him to learn what he had to say .
va	2	Alexandria was a narrow piece of land between the Great Sea and the lake .
va	2	But we were inland , and the land was rocky and the paths hard .
va	2	Those who passed us on the road brought stories of more riots in Jerusalem .
va	2	" We don 't need a Jewish King who isn 't a Jew . "
va	2	We keep the Sabbath , we 're not required to join in the army .
va	2	I 'm telling you when they come , you get out of the way .
va	2	They don 't have time to listen to you tell them you 've done nothing .
va	2	" Stop it , don 't say any more , " she shouted .
va	2	We could get home tomorrow and find Nazareth 's been burnt to the ground . "
va	2	" Don 't be frightened , " said Joseph in a low voice .
va	2	" How are we to know the will of the Lord ? "
va	2	When I lay down , Joseph brought the blanket up over me .
va	2	The ground under me was cool , and I could smell the grass .
va	2	I could smell the sweet smell of the trees not far off .
va	2	Little Judas and Symeon snuggled up next to me , without even waking up .
va	2	I was on my feet , and James was right behind me .
va	2	Against the faraway flames , I saw the man rise up and stop .
va	2	It was one big shape of darkness taking over another great lump of darkness .
va	2	And from everyone else nothing except the women shushing the hurt one .
va	2	She 's dead , she 's dead , she 's dead . "
va	2	The women comforted her the way they comforted us when we were sad .
va	2	" Go back to your bed , " said James again to me .
va	2	She curled her fingers around mine , and I knew she was sleeping again .
va	2	Little Symeon and Judas were sleeping all this time as if nothing had happened .
va	2	The women were all talking in such low voices they might have been praying .
va	2	I stood up , said the morning prayers with my arms outstretched .
va	2	They spoke Greek together , the maid and the woman , and hugged each other .
va	2	When the woman talked to the other women , she spoke our tongue .
va	2	Finally we joined the crowd of people on the road and headed towards Nazareth .
va	2	But they hadn 't found what was hidden in the tunnel under the house .
va	2	And Riba had hidden in the tunnel , which the bandits didn 't find .
va	2	But he didn 't execute him , which he should have done .
va	2	He rules from there , but the Romans are already on the march from Syria .
va	2	No , they had gone into hiding , as my cousin Elizabeth had told us .
va	2	And when I thought of this , all the questions came back to me .
va	2	But I was too eager to see Nazareth to think of all this just now .
va	2	And when there came a light rain we didn 't even stop .
va	2	And the woman with her hands up , shaking her head , left them .
va	2	They all came back and lay down , and became quiet again .
va	2	That 's why they didn 't go on to Nazareth on this day .
va	2	Chapter 12 At last we 'd reached the top of the hill .
va	2	The fear came up in me , and I pushed it back down .
va	2	And our prayers went up , as we looked but didn 't move .
va	2	They 're old and need to be repaired but they are there .
va	2	We walked slowly as ever and we children were not allowed to run ahead .
va	2	The road was rocky and uneven , but the wind was gentle .
va	2	" Let 's hurry , " said Joseph , and his face was dark .
va	2	" But what 's happening up there to make everyone hide like this ! "
va	2	" Let me go up on the highest roof , " said James .
va	2	Silas and Levi were sticking out their lips that they couldn 't go with James .
va	2	He brought us to a stop in the main lane maybe halfway up the rise .
va	2	In the courtyard was the biggest fig tree I 'd ever seen .
va	2	Where was the room in which the angel came to my mother ?
va	2	Now all these happy thoughts were crowded in an instant in me .
va	2	We 've just arrived , and found the village empty as you see . "
va	2	He pointed to the donkeys with their baskets and blankets and bundles .
va	2	" We 're covered with the dust of the road , my lord .
va	2	We don 't have time to raid every house in the village .
va	2	Little Symeon began to howl , but I 'm not sure he knew why .
va	2	They had said " crucify , " and I knew what crucifixion was .
va	2	I was also in terror because I knew the men were in complete dread .
va	2	He showed no fear at all , and none of the men showed fear .
va	2	I could feel it as I could feel the air around me .
va	2	The women were shaking and crying so softly it could almost not be heard .
va	2	" You can 't tell me this town didn 't support the rebels .
va	2	" We take one , at least one , to set an example .
va	2	This soldier moved up before the leader and began to look over the men .
va	2	" No , take me if someone is to go , " said Joseph .
va	2	I don 't know what I 'm accused of , but I 'll go . "
va	2	" Don 't you see , this is why I didn 't die in Jerusalem .
va	2	" I will be the one , " said Simon , and he stepped forward .
va	2	" The Lord doesn 't spare a man to die on the cross .
va	2	" No , I tell you , I will be the one ! "
va	2	The soldiers , who said nothing in their amazement , suddenly broke into laughter .
va	2	" I 'll go with you , " he said to the leader .
va	2	We children looked at her because the soldiers looked past the men at her .
va	2	" Stop it , all of you now , " shouted the leader .
va	2	" Can 't you see the old woman wants to speak ! "
va	2	" You 'd feed an army that 's crucifying your own people ? "
va	2	" These men are as they told you , " said the old woman .
va	2	James took the empty tray from her , as the men ate their cakes .
va	2	They 're craftsmen who work in silver , wood , and stone .
va	2	I have a letter from them telling me they were coming home .
va	2	It 's in Greek , written by the scribe of the Street of the Carpenters .
va	2	" No , that 's all right , " said the soldier .
va	2	And a good part of the city has gone up in flames .
va	2	" What you have to do is a hard thing to do . "
va	2	" It is a hard thing to do , " said the soldier .
va	2	Then he said : " I thank you , old woman , for your kindness .
va	2	As for this village , let it be as it is . "
va	2	He reined in his horse and turned to make his way out into the street .
va	2	I couldn 't see the men , but I could see the crosses .
va	2	All of you come here to Old Sarah , " she said to us children .
va	2	I loved the vines with their white flowers fluttering in the breeze .
va	2	" May I go up on the roof and see them ? "
va	2	" You go in to see Old Justus , " said Old Sarah .
va	2	" Old Justus is in bed , and can 't move . "
va	2	We went through four rooms in a row before we found him .
va	2	Joseph was already with him , seated on a wooden stool by the bed .
va	2	Joseph said our names to the old man but he only looked at me .
va	2	Old Justus we 'd spoken of , yes , but he himself never wrote .
va	2	And kin to Joseph and to my mother , just as Old Sarah was .
va	2	The rugs were thick and soft , and the supper was my whole thought .
va	2	If there was anyone else in the town , we didn 't know it .
va	2	Old Sarah said for us to have patience , and have faith in the Lord .
va	2	James came up close to me and told me that the Romans had moved on .
va	2	When daylight came I saw it under the door to the courtyard .
va	2	" They were out there , little places , near the city . "
va	2	Joseph shook his head , and took James with him to work .
va	2	An old man came to the gate , nodded and moved on .
va	2	Chapter 13 The marketplace was only a gathering at the foot of the hill .
va	2	A peddler was there with some goods , including some silver plate .
va	2	I met more friends , but the mothers were keeping the children close .
va	2	The water from this pool was piped from one of the cisterns .
va	2	Old Sarah bowed her head from her stool and chanted in Hebrew .
va	2	" Pray they never have to come back , " my mother said .
va	2	It was the way I felt sometimes before I went to sleep .
va	2	They had the wind in them again and were dancing back and forth .
va	2	They streaked across the sky above me so fast I could barely see them .
va	2	The breeze grew strong and the branches above me moved with it .
va	2	It was Joseph , with his head bowed as he walked up the slope .
va	2	I only knew that this peace was broken , and had to be broken .
va	2	You 're hidden , and that 's how you 'll remain . "
va	2	He stopped and looked at me to make sure I understood him .
va	2	" You mustn 't talk about what you hear at our fire .
va	2	" My grandfather 's grandfather planted this olive tree , " Joseph said .
va	2	" We 'll harrow this tomorrow for the women , " he said .
va	2	I wanted so badly to find words , words like those in the Psalms .
va	2	I wanted to do all the things I 'd never done in Alexandria .
va	2	But I loved to be up there and look out over the valley .
va	2	And soon the pool was white and ready for water from the cistern .
va	2	The afternoon we finished refilling the pool we all gathered around it .
va	2	They had to go to the spring outside the village and bring it back .
va	2	I thought of what Joseph had said to Philo , as we studied .
va	2	Now , Joseph had taken out and laid down some scrolls before the Sabbath began .
va	2	Down to the sea , he went and onto a ship to a foreign land .
va	2	Joseph said as he put on the face of the angry Captain .
va	2	They rowed hard to bring the ship to land and - ? "
va	2	" Who can know if the Lord will turn and repent of his anger ? "
va	2	Joseph waited , then he asked : " But who was unhappy ?
va	2	Who stomped out of the city gates in a fit of temper ! "
va	2	' Was this not the very thing I knew would happen ? ' "
va	2	Was this not why I ran away on a ship to Tarshish ? ' "
va	2	' For it 's better that I die than to live ! ' "
va	2	He was so tired and so angry that he sat right there .
va	2	We all slept there in our clothes by the lamp as the lamp burned on .
va	2	When morning came it was still the Sabbath and would be until sundown .
va	2	Now she said , " Is there no synagogue in this town now ?
va	2	" Ah , so it 's fallen down , has it ? "
va	2	Yes , there was a synagogue but I didn 't know where it was .
va	2	" Or have I lost my wits as well as my patience ? "
va	2	All were observant of the Sabbath , but they were moving slowly about .
va	2	I pinched and squeezed my hands to make them not be cold .
va	2	We went towards it , and had to wait our turn as others went inside .
va	2	The others went on ahead , the women first except for Old Sarah .
va	2	James stood behind me too , with all my uncles and Joseph .
va	2	Then Joseph spoke : " He is my son , " said Joseph .
va	2	The bearded man kept his hand in my way , but his face was kind .
va	2	Then came the voice of Old Sarah , as clear as before .
va	2	No matter where I looked , I knew that the Rabbi turned around .
va	2	Then the other two boys got up and came over and sat with us .
va	2	And for the first time I thought : my mother didn 't come .
va	2	The Rabbi greeted many other people , until the room was very full .
va	2	I had not looked in the eye of anyone in the synagogue .
va	2	She looked at Joseph and I saw the question in her eyes .
va	2	I went to her and went to sleep with my head on her knee .
va	2	Over and over , we stopped and Joseph gave them money from the family purse .
va	2	And my mother told them what words of comfort she had to give .
va	2	There were men already clearing the way for rebuilding at the top of the hill .
va	2	The sky was bright blue and the air was chilly but it felt clean .
va	2	" Oh , yes , " said a woman who saw me look at them .
va	2	Her eyes were red , and her clothes covered with ashes and dust .
va	2	They took my son , my only son , he 's gone !
va	2	They cursed the King ; they cursed the bandits ; they cursed the Roman soldiers .
va	2	Everything was burned - I 've nothing left but the foundations . "
va	2	" No , but I saw another boy step in one . "
va	2	That 's the way it is with war , little or great .
va	2	There was no psalm with an ant in it that we knew .
va	2	" I didn 't listen to you in Egypt , " said his wife .
va	2	I studied with the Pharisees , I studied with the greatest of them .
va	2	He tapped me on the shoulder to make sure of my attention .
va	2	He could make the rain come and he could make the rain go . "
va	2	" And tell the children what became of him , " said my aunt Salome .
va	2	And I knew I would never tell anyone what I had just done .
va	2	It seemed the fig tree had put out more leaves even in these few days .
va	2	And the little ones were playing in the courtyard and running through the rooms .
va	2	Only when they released us would we join the men , probably about mid-morning .
va	2	Joseph said , " These are our sons to be taught , Rabbi .
va	2	I looked up and saw that the old man was looking directly at me .
va	2	" James and Silas and Levi , I know , but Jesus bar Joseph ? "
va	2	" Rabbi , you saw my son on the Sabbath , " said Joseph .
va	2	" I am the child 's father by the Law , " said Joseph .
va	2	" Ah , yes , and there the child was born ? "
va	2	It seemed the bad doings of Old Herod , of which there were no end .
va	2	" And after that you went on to Egypt , " said the Rabbi .
va	2	But how your parents wept for their son and their daughter . "
va	2	But I was much better because they were not talking about me .
va	2	They are in dire need of Pharisees to straighten them out . "
va	2	" I thank you for your gift , " said the Old Rabbi .
va	2	I blushed but I didn 't know for what I was blushing .
va	2	" Look at me , Jesus bar Joseph , " said the Rabbi .
va	2	" I beg the Rabbi to forgive me , " I said in Aramaic .
va	2	The Rabbi sat back and looked to one side and then the other .
va	2	" No one is in Eden writing down the deeds of the world ? "
va	2	This I had always known as long as I knew any answer .
va	2	" Why is there no King from the House of David on that throne ? "
va	2	The old men laughed first and then the boys who were seated on the floor .
va	2	" Yes , it was , " said the Old Rabbi , smiling .
va	2	I felt my heart was beating so loud others could hear it .
va	2	I still didn 't wipe my tears , but they 'd stopped .
va	2	I was as tired as if we 'd laid marble pavers all day .
va	2	Chapter 18 As the days passed I came to love the morning study hours .
va	2	Or worse yet screaming and crying over what was being read to them .
va	2	And this made the people happy and they went away thanking us and thanking him .
va	2	Now I should say a lot of people came to Old Sarah .
va	2	I struggled to remember the things my mother had said to me .
va	2	I thought when I could , but ours was a busy life .
va	2	What time there was from work , I went to the Rabbis .
va	2	He made a sound which showed his disgust for the family of Herod .
va	2	The scribes were busy writing letters for them to their womenfolk and their children .
va	2	I heard my mother say to James , " You have to drink it !
va	2	Little Salome was moaning and when I touched her , she was hot .
va	2	It could be that we 've been away and now we 're home .
va	2	No one else in the village is sick - only our little ones . "
va	2	He said it as if he was angry , but he wasn 't .
va	2	For the first time it seemed to me that sleep was a place .
va	2	I knew my mother was there and my aunt Mary was lying close by .
va	2	" Oh , you 're very clever for your age , aren 't you ? "
va	2	It seemed I could see the oars dipping , and the men at the helm .
va	2	" Yes , it 's a palace fit for an Emperor , " he said .
va	2	" Oh , I see now , " I said with the greatest satisfaction .
va	2	" That 's your doom that you don 't know how it will end . "
va	2	He became so angry that he couldn 't keep the smile on his face .
va	2	It was a grown man 's broken crying , which I 'd almost never seen .
va	2	" You know that I am what I am from love , " he said .
va	2	He became so angry that he stopped crying and he reached out for me .
va	2	" Don 't lay your hands on me , " I said .
va	2	I was not angry or excited , but I wanted him to understand .
va	2	" Don 't put yourself to the trouble , " I said .
va	2	The screams of the suffering people were more than I could stand .
va	2	" Lord in Heaven , have mercy on them , " I cried .
va	2	All my fear came back to me and was worse than it had ever been .
va	2	Out of the depths , I cry unto thee , O Lord .
va	2	I knew that if I wanted to , I could answer him .
va	2	I lay in the dark room , covered in sweat and thirsting .
va	2	That creature wanted to come again , but I wouldn 't let him come .
va	2	My mother said , " You 're dreaming , I 'm holding you .
va	2	Aunt Mary had been lying right next to me and she was gone .
va	2	When next I woke up , it was the funeral feast that was happening .
va	2	I could hear the music of flutes that cut the air like wooden knives .
va	2	" And the baby too is dead because the baby was inside her . "
va	2	The air was warm , and the leaves on the fig tree were big .
va	2	She took all the bread and the sauce and got up and went out .
va	2	" Do you think the Lord in Heaven had to take one of us ? "
va	2	" And when I was spared , he took her in my place ? "
va	2	" Ah , my own , " he said under his breath to me .
va	2	But I knew she was all right because she was screaming her lungs out .
va	2	But someday when it would be peaceful and we could go there .
va	2	Some of them had been working there all during the time of illness .
va	2	And I trusted in what my uncles and Joseph said to do .
va	2	But no one was going to ask the younger Rabbi before asking the older Rabbi .
va	2	Little Symeon was happy and he hardly knew what this was about .
va	2	We roared with laughter as Joseph read this part in Tobias ' innocent voice .
va	2	" And who else do you think such a smell would drive off ! "
va	2	Joseph went on as the helpful angel Raphael , his words in a rush .
va	2	Again we were laughing so hard we could hardly keep from crying .
va	2	I saw they were looking at my mother and then looking away at each other .
va	2	My mother was looking off at nothing , and then she smiled .
va	2	She shook her head , and laughed , and they all broke into laughing again .
va	2	There were many funny parts in the story and we knew them all .
va	2	' And they will call you The Chosen One through all ages forever . ' "
va	2	And the Roman arrows couldn 't reach the Jews because of their position .
va	2	Though it was warm , I felt cold as he went on . "
va	2	As he went on speaking , I could see what he was telling us .
va	2	" We await the ruler who is now put over us , " he said .
va	2	And another : " The priests know the Law and we live by the Law .
va	2	" Who knows the lineage of the priest in the Temple at this hour ? "
va	2	Wildflowers bloomed in the grass , some tall , and others small .
va	2	I wanted it that way - the sky in bits and pieces .
va	2	I could hear far away the pigeons and the doves of the village .
va	2	We had given the pagans something to look at , had we not ?
va	2	I did think of those things ... but I loved this place .
va	2	" I 'm very happy , " I said as I climbed to my feet .
va	2	" Oh , I see , " he said in his usual tone .
va	2	" I thought the talk in the synagogue had made you cry . "
va	2	" I come here and I think and my thoughts turn to prayers . "
va	2	" You mustn 't worry about all those struggles , those defeats .
va	2	The Romans will get every last one of those rebels in Judea .
va	2	They 're up there in the caves , at the Fountains of the Jordan .
va	2	Oh , not here , no , nothing much ever happens in Nazareth except - .
va	2	" You want it this way , that we always have Caesar ? "
va	2	" Will we never have another King for David 's throne ? "
va	2	Why didn 't Joseph want to say that it was in - . "
va	2	" And when a man doesn 't understand , he can 't explain . "
va	2	But Joseph 's way is to wait , wait on the Lord himself .
va	2	Joseph doesn 't have to understand , because Joseph trusts in the Lord completely .
va	2	There 's something I can tell you and that you must remember .
va	2	" And not to me , but ... " I broke off .
va	2	" Speak , go on , I 'm listening to you . "
va	2	When he turned back to me , he had a sharp smile again .
va	2	" What does it matter who is collecting the taxes or catching the thieves ?
va	2	I didn 't answer him but I heard every word and remembered every word afterward .
va	2	" What did they do to Simon , the rebel whom they caught ? "
va	2	But then I didn 't care that he burnt the two palaces of Herod .
va	2	" Oh , you 're too little to understand , " he said .
va	2	He looked around , at the sky , at the passing clouds .
va	2	There was a woman singing in her garden , and little ones playing .
va	2	" What was it , up there , that you were going to tell me ?
va	2	In a small voice I said , " I want to know . "
va	2	" You keep what I say in your heart , " he said .
va	2	" The day will come when you will have to give us the answers . "
va	2	We looked at each other , and I was the one to look away .
va	2	And there came in a flash to me a feeling of understanding everything , everything !
va	2	And I knew that I had let it go , this feeling .
va	2	And there were laborers aplenty for us to hire for our work .
va	2	She had grown up overnight , and was always tending to a baby .
va	2	But my mother didn 't talk much of those days in Jerusalem .
va	2	No woman ever went to the Holy of Holies : only the High Priest .
va	2	Our kindred who had not come to talk were now coming often .
va	2	But that is the way it is , and the way it was .
va	2	I 'd feel my skin all over and then I 'd stop thinking about it .
va	2	The darkness was gone ; death was gone ; fire was gone .
va	2	As the air grew cooler , the early rains came with great force .
va	2	Thunder roared over the rooftop , and everyone offered prayers of thanks .
va	2	The cisterns of the house filled , and the freshwater poured into the mikvah .
va	2	" We bathe often in the stream , don 't we ? "
va	2	And when the rain filled the cistern , it was living water .
va	2	One is close to the edge , the other is farther away .
va	2	We did not have to be at the Temple to keep the sacred Feasts .
va	2	We hoped and prayed there would be no rebellion , no trouble .
va	2	In a cleansed and renewed Temple , the High Priest had completed his task .
va	2	One princess of Herod was given the palace of the Greek city of Ascalon .
va	2	But I hadn 't thought there were pagan cities in the land .
va	2	" In this house we are in the Land of Israel , " he said .
va	2	" And anywhere that there are Jews gathered together who keep to the Law . "
va	2	" No , " said my mother , " it 's true .
va	2	I liked it as always , but I didn 't cuddle close to her .
va	2	" I 'm sorry that I said it , " I whispered .
va	2	My brother James had a hard look on his face as he stared at me .
va	2	She spoke haltingly , looking at Joseph and then at me as she went on .
va	2	" You were born there in the stable , " she said calmly .
va	2	" And I wrapped you up and put you in the manger . "
va	2	I remembered the winged man , and the mean things that he said .
va	2	At age twelve , a boy can take on the yoke of the Law .
va	2	His eyes came back to me , and his look was sharp .
va	2	My father was tending to his affairs , finding our kindred , all of that .
va	2	They were wise men , from the East , maybe from Persia .
va	2	" Everyone in Bethlehem saw those magi come , and their servants with them .
va	2	It was the end of their journey , and they were satisfied . "
va	2	And my older cousins had wandered in from where I didn 't know .
va	2	My aunt Salome picked up the last of the bread and scraps from supper .
va	2	" Pray that child sleeps till morning , " said Old Sarah .
va	2	" Riba sleeps with one eye open for all of them . "
va	2	" A blessing , " said my mother , " that sweet girl . "
va	2	Before I could ask what it was , I went with them .
va	2	I knew many new words to think in my head about what I 'd seen .
va	2	She worked as a woman in sleep , helping but wanting nothing for herself .
va	2	Riba was a joy to the women , said my aunt Salome .
va	2	I wanted my mother and I didn 't want anyone to know it .
va	2	My mother was troubled as we approached , and so were Zebedee and his wife .
va	2	It had been a long time since anyone had received a letter from Elizabeth .
va	2	Everyone cried for joy and gave thanks at the sight of it .
va	2	But the fear got a grip on me , and I didn 't tell anyone .
va	2	Joseph lifted me up but I was too big now to be on his shoulders .
va	2	Some of the children were trying to squeeze to the front of the crowd .
va	2	It didn 't matter that there was the sun in the sky .
va	2	I think Old Sarah knew because she drew me close to her .
va	2	Let them offer their sacrifices , the Prophets have spoken on their sacrifices - . "
va	2	" And the Prophets have said it , " Joseph added quietly with a smile .
va	2	And so I could not see where we were going or what we were doing .
va	2	But as far as I could see , there was no fighting .
va	2	He was dressed completely in white linen and he wore fine tooled sandals .
va	2	He had a bright face , and he welcomed us with his arms out .
va	2	" This is your cousin Joseph , " my mother said immediately .
va	2	" She doesn 't suffer , you see , " he said .
va	2	The women came out and they offered us blankets , but we had our own .
va	2	" People never say good things of the rich , " said Old Sarah .
va	2	" Do you have good things to say of them , old woman ? "
va	2	" Ah , so I can speak in the assembly of the wise ! "
va	2	Who do you think would listen to them if they weren 't rich ? "
va	2	" No , he was not poor , " said Old Sarah .
va	2	How long has it been since the Lord chose the High Priest ? "
va	2	For the first time I saw that James was deep in his thoughts .
va	2	" He had him drowned on account of it , and everyone knew it .
va	2	" We 've come to the House of the Lord to offer sacrifice .
va	2	" Yes , let 's put it away , " said Old Sarah .
va	2	I knew why she said it even though he was very young .
va	2	The fear was gone from me but I didn 't know it then .
va	2	He was thirteen years old now , and a man before the Lord .
va	2	And Silas and Levi who were older than that didn 't go to school anymore .
va	2	Those old puzzling words came back , that he had been foretold .
va	2	My mother had gone to them when she 'd known I was to be born .
va	2	Essenes kept themselves apart in a life more strict even than Pharisees .
va	2	It was getting dark , and the city below was full of light .
va	2	" They 're Children of Abraham like the rest of us , " he said .
va	2	I was forbidden to ask him all the things that weighed down my heart .
va	2	" I have to tell you , " he said , " I 'm sorry .
va	2	I put my hands out to hold him , but he drew back .
va	2	" I had no right to tell you about the magi coming to Bethlehem . "
va	2	James , if only you would tell me everything that happened - . "
va	2	" I did it to know something that you didn 't know ! "
va	2	It was just the kind of hard truth that James always said .
va	2	" But you told me what I wanted to know , " I said .
va	2	There was no one here but the two of us on the slope .
va	2	" I 've hated you ever since you were born , " he said .
va	2	" You have a different face than you had when we left Egypt .
va	2	And I mean to love you and be loyal to you always . "
va	2	" I love you as well , my brother , " I said .
va	2	" I 'm not the one to tell you the things that happened . "
va	2	He looked at me and it seemed his face was full of hate .
va	2	" I 'll tell you why I must love you , " he said .
va	2	" You mean the angel who came to my mother , " I said .
va	2	And your mother went through her pain in the back of the stable .
va	2	You were crying , but only as little babies cry because they can 't talk .
va	2	She was all wrapped up and the rags from the birth had been taken away .
va	2	But these men were there , and a boy with them and a lantern .
va	2	" It was as if the fire from the lantern was burning in their faces !
va	2	I had to know what the angel had said who had come to my mother .
va	2	It was too much even to frame the questions that remained unanswered .
va	2	" The shepherds , they said the Heavens had filled with angels .
va	2	The angels sang : ' Glory to the Lord in the Highest !
va	2	" Where did these men go , these shepherds who said these things ? "
va	2	" He was as he always is , listening , and saying nothing .
va	2	But we weren 't going to stay there long , Joseph said .
va	2	And the magi from the East , they came to that house .
va	2	If it hadn 't been for the magi going to Herod - . "
va	2	" I love you , my brother , " I said in Hebrew .
va	2	Oh , how long would it be before I knew these things !
va	2	A great sweetness came over me , a quiet in my heart .
va	2	I thought to myself , All this World is the Temple of the Lord .
va	2	I knew it when I watched the other children that morning at play .
va	2	I knew it when we joined the pilgrims going to the Temple .
va	2	At last , we were in the tunnel moving upwards toward the Great Court .
va	2	For what sin James wanted to make this sacrifice I didn 't know .
va	2	It wasn 't until tomorrow that we would receive the first sprinkling of purification .
va	2	We bathed this morning in the stream beside the house of Caiaphas .
va	2	In our first visit , bloodshed had stopped us from ever getting this far .
va	2	She asked a question in an Aramaic that was different from ours .
va	2	" Not in the House of the Lord , " said Joseph .
va	2	" There hasn 't been a riot yet today , has there ?
va	2	Nothing 's been taken from me that I haven 't been prepared to give . "
va	2	And the stones were hard under my feet , though they were beautiful stones .
va	2	The stench of the cages was worse than any courtyard in Nazareth .
va	2	" Would you care to sit here and deal with these people ! "
va	2	A family had returned with birds that the priests wouldn 't accept .
va	2	The merchant shouted in Greek that the birds had been unblemished when he sold them .
va	2	" I 've walked for fourteen days to get here to make this sacrifice . "
va	2	Of course Gentiles had their own temples , their own merchants selling animals for sacrifice .
va	2	As we reached the gate , the Levite on duty stopped us .
va	2	I saw the little lambs and the goats going to the sacrifice .
va	2	I made them out through the goings and comings of the priests .
va	2	Your mother was among those who wove those veils , two a year .
va	2	And when he enters , it is filled with a cloud of incense . "
va	2	What a little boy I 'd been when she said that to me .
va	2	I wanted the peace and happiness that I 'd felt only moments ago .
va	2	A little sound amid the music and the Hebrew prayers whispered all around .
va	2	Even the priests going back and forth seemed like the movement of a dance .
va	2	I thought of the men burned in the rebellion within this very Temple .
va	2	I didn 't know that anyone else but me knew he was crying .
va	2	May the Lord forgive my sins , and may I be cleansed .
va	2	They would wring the neck of one bird and pour out its blood .
va	2	Teachers sat back under the porch , with many young men gathered around them .
va	2	Old Sarah at once received James in her arms and kissed him .
va	2	As we were all very tired , we sat down there with them .
va	2	We kept very close together so as not to be stepped on by others .
va	2	The Levites who sold the oil and flour for sacrifice were folding up their tables .
va	2	Finally I asked Joseph if I might give him something and go listen to him .
va	2	It was beautiful Greek he was speaking , smooth as Philo would have spoken it .
va	2	" A Son of Israel or one seeking the Lord of All ? "
va	2	" A Son of Israel , Teacher , " I said in Greek .
va	2	" A student who seeks the wisdom of your gray hairs . "
va	2	He slipped the coin into his girdle beneath the fold of his woolen robe .
va	2	" Ah , child , there are many anointed ones , " he said .
va	2	" Oh , that old story , child , " he said .
va	2	" The story from Bethlehem , the story of the babe born in the manger .
va	2	" We will know when the Messiah comes , how can we not know ? "
va	2	" That was too dreadful , and who knows what really happened ?
va	2	Only Herod could have done such a thing , a bloodthirsty and evil man !
va	2	We 're alone here , there 's no one near us . "
va	2	" How did we come to be ruled by such a family ?
va	2	' I 'd sooner be Herod 's pig than his son . ' "
va	2	He meant the money changers , and the people who disputed with them .
va	2	I looked at his eyes , at the thickness of the film .
va	2	And I held tight to him and I prayed in my heart for him .
va	2	At the top of the stairs into the tunnel , Joseph stopped .
va	2	The blind man ran towards us , his eyes dark and fierce with light .
va	2	He squinted , looking to left and right and back at Joseph .
va	2	It couldn 't have been more startling to see a dead man back to life .
va	2	He glanced over me and down the stairs and over the crowd .
va	2	Not one word did he say to me on the way home .
va	2	Chapter 24 The following days were cheerful and rich days for the family .
va	2	At night there was much music and even dancing in Bethany among the camps .
va	2	And I didn 't know whether he could see the change in me or not .
va	2	I paid attention to things that before I would not have noticed .
va	2	I went to the road now that led down to the Temple .
va	2	He was well dressed and he had his blue threads sewn in his tassels .
va	2	He looked carefully into the face of each boy who answered him .
va	2	I heard all this , but it didn 't go deep into my mind .
va	2	The lamps were lighted , and all around him were the scrolls .
va	2	I waited for a moment , but no thought came to me , no design .
va	2	I can 't eat or drink until I find out about this child . "
va	2	But now close to Jerusalem , the star hovered over a vast collection of settlements .
va	2	" We told him Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah .
va	2	We didn 't know yet the talk of angels , or the virgin mother .
va	2	So we answered , not with cunning , but with the truth .
va	2	But they didn 't return to Herod as he 'd asked of them .
va	2	And when Herod discovered this deception , he went into a rage .
va	2	I began to shake and to cry with all my body and my soul .
va	2	" My son , " he said , " my son . "
va	2	I saw the throats of the lambs slit in the Temple at Passover .
va	2	" But they 're dead , they 're dead , they 're dead ! "
va	2	I slept , and the cold rags on my head felt good .
va	2	I have to wake up , I thought , but I couldn 't wake up .
va	2	The old Rabbi was there and at once got up from his table .
va	2	The younger man felt of my forehead and looked into my eyes .
va	2	My throat hurt but I knew it was only from not talking .
va	2	" Come , I have fresh clothes for you , " said the younger man .
va	2	I don 't think I 'd ever sat on a stool before .
va	2	" I wanted to know the answers to my questions , Rabbi .
va	2	" And the virgin mother , who could believe such a thing . "
va	2	Joseph and my mother had been looking for me for three days .
va	2	Joseph wanted to pay for my keep , but the Rabbi refused this .
va	2	" Mother , I must know things now , " I said .
va	2	I must be about what it is that I have to do ! "
va	2	It was there that they had been staying as they looked for me .
va	2	" Sit here and listen to me , " my mother said .
va	2	" Don 't say anything to me as I tell it . "
va	2	" Now one morning , I 'd awakened early and I didn 't know why .
va	2	But I went in to her and she was asleep and well .
va	2	It was a light that didn 't hurt my eyes but it was absolutely bright .
va	2	It said the Holy Child born from me would be the Son of God . "
va	2	" The hardest part was to tell Joseph bar Jacob , " she said .
va	2	And what they 'd seen , others came to know as well .
va	2	He didn 't cry out in the streets about this as I had .
va	2	I listened to her as if I hadn 't heard these things .
va	2	" I knew we had to leave Bethlehem , " she said .
va	2	Then Joseph awoke one morning and said we had to go right away .
va	2	The men took work when they could , and we did well .
va	2	And all this while I didn 't know why we were running .
va	2	He 'd sent soldiers down from his fortress only a few miles away .
va	2	" I said to Joseph , ' Did you know that was going to happen ?
va	2	He said , ' No , I knew nothing about it . '
va	2	I felt , ' We have blood on our hands ! ' "
va	2	" You weren 't born of a man , " she said .
va	2	Not the Son of God as an anointed King is called the Son of God !
va	2	She waited , staring at me , but she asked nothing of me .
va	2	Guard it until your Father in Heaven shows you the time to use it .
va	2	Oh , I know how much you want to stay at the Temple .
va	2	They had already let it slip deep and away from the current of everyday thoughts .
va	2	I saw the fire in the night leaping up to the sky from Jericho .
va	2	She knelt down and she put her hand on the side of my face .
va	2	" I don 't know why I didn 't see it before . "
va	2	I looked up at the first few stars coming through the twilight .
va	2	Why else would I be flesh and blood if it wasn 't to die ?
va	2	The pain was so terrible I didn 't think I could bear it .
va	2	I would go home crying if I didn 't stop thinking of it .
va	2	A quiet fell over me , just when I thought my heart would burst .
va	2	Authors Note Every novel I 've ever written since 1974 involved historical research .
va	2	And over the years , I 've become known for that accuracy .
va	2	Ultimately , the figure of Jesus Christ was at the heart of this obsession .
va	2	We learned Catechism and Bible history , and the lives of the saints .
va	2	As the rigid Catholic I was , I had no options for exploration .
va	2	And I wanted to know the context , why things were the way they were .
va	2	I read a sentence that said the Protestant Reformation split Europe culturally in half .
va	2	I thought that was absurd and I asked her , was this true ?
va	2	I wrote two novels during this period that reflect what I was doing .
va	2	But something happened to me that may not be recorded in any book .
va	2	It set into motion the idea that there may in fact be God .
va	2	I didn 't know exactly how I was going to do it .
va	2	Even then I did not know what my character of Jesus would be like .
va	2	In August , I went to my beach apartment , to write the book .
va	2	As to the size of the field , it was virtually without end .
va	2	As I began my serious work , a call came from my husband .
va	2	He wanted gifts given to those who helped him in his illness .
va	2	Before that he had managed , though half paralyzed , to create three amazing paintings .
va	2	I went on with my quest right through his illness and his death .
va	2	They built their books on certain assertions without even examining these assertions .
va	2	I have the old Catholic translation , and every literary translation I can find .
va	2	I acquired every single translation for the light it might shed on an obscure line .
va	2	Absurd conclusions were reached on the basis of little or no data at all .
va	2	If they do , the person is usually not the focus of the study .
va	2	But there are New Testament scholars who detest and despise Jesus Christ .
va	2	What looks like solid ground might not be solid ground at all .
va	2	I had never truly confronted these events before , never tried to comprehend them .
va	2	Would Christian writers not have written about it had they seen it ?
va	2	Right now , scholars neglect or ignore the realities of this period .
va	2	That 's why they were preserved without question though they contradicted one another .
va	2	They came from a time that was , for later Christians , catastrophically lost forever .
va	2	I was able to enter the Fourth Gospel , and see Jesus alive and moving .
va	2	Roger Aus always teaches me something though I disagree with his conclusions completely .
va	2	Wright does a great deal more to put the entire question into historical perspective .
va	2	I can only recommend him without reservation , and go on studying him .
va	2	There are thousands of pages of the above-mentioned scholars to be read and reread .
va	2	The challenge was to write about the Jesus of the Gospels , of course !
va	2	I could append to this a bibliography of stifling length but I will not .
va	2	It was Amy who found the priest and took me to see him .
va	2	I leave Amy as I leave New Orleans with the deepest regret .
va	2	A perfect circle of light fell on the snow beneath each lamp .
va	2	To his right and his left , the skyscrapers of midtown crowded near him .
va	2	He wanted to establish more of these , and that would mean some travel .
va	2	The museum of classic automobiles now filled one level of the basement .
va	2	A creature seven feet in height can 't avoid the eyes of people .
va	2	But a rather amusing thing had happened in the last two hundred years .
va	2	Once in a great while , he wasn 't sure of it .
va	2	Hundreds could be given to schools , hospitals , other such institutions .
va	2	The dolls and toys he refined and manufactured reached every country on the globe .
va	2	Unlike his joyless colleagues , with each of his triumphs he had taken greater risks .
va	2	It didn 't make him happy to drive others out of the market .
va	2	Sometimes he wanted to sneak her upstairs , put her on a bedroom shelf .
va	2	Patiently she waited to be reclaimed , the humble inspiration for his empire .
va	2	But who would have imagined that such things would have caught his fancy ?
va	2	And he was not good at predicting the future , or so he felt .
va	2	He fancied he could feel the heat , coming up through his shoes .
va	2	People could not bear to see it on the screen before them .
va	2	There seemed to be more war and more hunger now than ever .
va	2	The snow had begun again , with flakes so tiny he could barely see them .
va	2	" Make a big museum high up in the sky with terraces around it .
va	2	Now , seven thousand years later , the greatest buildings were commercial buildings .
va	2	As for temples and places of worship , they were relics or almost nought .
va	2	The scribes of Jericho would have understood this shift , he thought .
va	2	Only the most limited implications of the marketplace theory were to blame for it .
va	2	He could see that she wanted the tea , but then she didn 't .
va	2	" Now you look splendid , Mr. Ash , " he said with raised eyebrows .
va	2	" You 're afraid I 'll frighten her , aren 't you ? "
va	2	She looked at his hands , at the fingers , and at the palms .
va	2	" Mr. Ash , you look fabulous , " she said quickly .
va	2	It brings out not the obsequious but the more thoughtful side of humans .
va	2	He gave her hands a tender squeeze and then he let them go .
va	2	Her own face was narrow and deeply lined for one so young .
va	2	" I admire your work , Miss Paget , " he said .
va	2	" This is one of the most important days of my life . "
va	2	" I want your dolls , Miss Paget , " he said .
va	2	It was always a thrilling moment , this , for them and for him .
va	2	" Miss Paget , you need someone to bargain for you ! "
va	2	Her eyes had brightened , but they were not filling with tears .
va	2	The methods ... " She gave a little shake of her head .
va	2	She had taken her inspiration from figures in motion pictures and in novels .
va	2	" You know you 'll be rich soon , Miss Paget . "
va	2	" But don 't be sure you will enjoy the process here .
va	2	As you have observed , manufacture is not the same thing as crafting or creating .
va	2	She gave another little riff of laughter , distinctly careless and young .
va	2	" I 'm so glad , Miss Paget , " he said .
va	2	Naturally , she was looking at them ; she was wondering at their immense size .
va	2	He nodded as if to say , This is not important , go on .
va	2	Suddenly she herself laughed , and looked for one second as happy as her creations .
va	2	Are you perhaps going to make me some very sad children now ? "
va	2	Humans are skilled at recognizing their own kind , tribe , clan , family .
va	2	" Now , what made you say that , Miss Paget ? "
va	2	When she got home , of course , she would drag out her magazines .
va	2	She would do addition on her fingers , maybe even with a calculator .
va	2	She would realize he couldn 't be young , not by anyone 's count .
va	2	She 'd conclude he was past forty , and carefully fighting fifty .
va	2	Here was a life he loved , but he would have to make adjustments .
va	2	Oh , he couldn 't think of something so awful just now .
va	2	Once again he turned to the windows , and to the falling snow .
va	2	He could see Central Park as clearly from this office as from the others .
va	2	Such a figure would have been the victim of starvation in times past .
va	2	It makes me want to curl up in bed and go to sleep .
va	2	I want some hot chocolate and then to sleep and sleep . "
va	2	I took the chance that he - " " You did right .
va	2	The voice was coming all the way from Scotland ... from the glen .
va	2	It sounded as if you said - " " I did say this .
va	2	The gypsy would be dead right now if it weren 't for me . "
va	2	If his brothers in London catch sight of him , he 'll be dead . "
va	2	" Then there 's one more thing I must tell you right now .
va	2	There are no real shocks for you , except the hair . "
va	2	I 've been out here in the glen for two years . "
va	2	Gray hair , now that was gray hair , an entire head of it .
va	2	The doors had closed , the beautiful bronze gleaming as if it were hot .
va	2	There were so many thoughts racing through his head , such a clatter of emotion !
va	2	Exhausted , he had slept beneath that roof ; they had comforted him .
va	2	And for some strange reason his heart went out to this gypsy in the glen .
va	2	You must arrange everything so that this little man has exactly what he wants .
va	2	He was in the elevator before he realized that this last statement was absurd .
va	2	The wind howled in the elevator shaft as the cab descended at astonishing speed .
va	2	" You 're sure you want to make this trip , tonight , sir ? "
va	2	If you 're frightened , you don 't have to come . "
va	2	" Yes , I did do that , sir , didn 't I ? "
va	2	They melted as they struck the dark windows and the wet sidewalks .
va	2	They came down through the dark faceless buildings as if into a deep mountain pass .
va	2	The sting of this kept him chastened , kept him within bounds .
va	2	He hadn 't seen Samuel in five years , or was it more ?
va	2	As the wires and phones themselves improved , they had talked often .
va	2	In those days there had only been a little white in his hair .
va	2	But of course Samuel had seen the few white hairs and remarked on it .
va	2	Why , it might be very soon , for all he knew .
va	2	And the white-haired females were so few , because the birthing made them wither young .
va	2	His car had crossed the river , and was speeding towards the airport .
va	2	He 'd been old when the horsemen had ridden down upon the plain .
va	2	And , Mr. Ash , they don 't know his surname either .
va	2	" They 're all afraid of me , I can 't remain here .
va	2	Look at them , they 're more afraid in these times than long ago . "
va	2	" It 's not so bad , really , sir , " said Jacob .
va	2	" We can get out of here in less than an hour .
va	2	" This is for your son , Jacob , " he said .
va	2	Taking big steps , he walked too fast for the driver to follow .
va	2	He boarded the warm , close , and always frightening jet plane .
va	2	He knew this young woman , but he couldn 't remember her name .
va	2	Shameful not to have her name on the very tip of his tongue .
va	2	he asked , smiling , begging forgiveness with a little bit of a frown .
va	2	" No , sir , Leslie , " she said , forgiving him instantly .
va	2	He put his head back , ignoring the winter spectacle outside the little window .
va	2	" Sleep , you fool , " he said without moving his lips .
va	2	She looked at the wall , or the flowers , or the yew trees .
va	2	Perhaps she 'd forgotten that the double grave was right beneath her feet .
va	2	Groups came across the lawn , standing back as if they might hurt her .
va	2	It was even a little yellow from her sitting in the sun .
va	2	But Rowan didn 't look at the guy or say a word .
va	2	" I wish I 'd been here for that , " said Mona .
va	2	I guess a doctor doesn 't want her hands to be soiled .
va	2	She came on the property with her own key , the heiress and all that .
va	2	" Your dream is coming into being , " she told Rowan .
va	2	" My Aunt Evelyn is in Touro , " Mona said quietly .
va	2	She didn 't say that Yuri had not written or called for three weeks now .
va	2	" I worry all the time about him , " she had said .
va	2	" Of course , he 's a grown man , " she said .
va	2	But Mona could swear there was a vague acknowledgment in Rowan that Mona was there .
va	2	Maybe it was only that Rowan didn 't look annoyed , or sealed off .
va	2	Had to be a mind in there , just had to be .
va	2	Why , she looked twenty million times better than she had looked in the coma .
va	2	She 's taking her time , but this lady here knows what 's happening . "
va	2	It was bound to happen , finding a throwback like Mary Jane .
va	2	" I knew about y ' all , " Mary Jane had declared .
va	2	" I come over here sometimes and look at you , " said Mary Jane .
va	2	His tryst with Mona had been no freak of nature or twist of witchcraft .
va	2	" That 's what you 're doing here , isn 't it ?
va	2	" They 're so mixed up over there , wonder they got anything right .
va	2	" Well , that 's not very good , " Celia had muttered .
va	2	" And every one of them I could recognize on sight , every single person .
va	2	" Well , what does it feel like to be so rich ? "
va	2	Mary Jane asked , big , quivering eyes fastened still to Mona .
va	2	Darling Mary Jane , you ought to bring your grandmother up here immediately .
va	2	We have an entire list of addresses , both temporary and permanent . "
va	2	Mary Jane had thrown her voice out like a lasso , catching everybody 's attention .
va	2	" Of course , it 's nothing that 's even remotely likely to happen ! "
va	2	" I don 't think anything that wild will ever happen to this family again .
va	2	When I was a little child , I sat on Ancient Evelyn 's knee .
va	2	" Oh , well , that might be a blessing , " said Bea .
va	2	" But you did read the file , " Celia had pressed .
va	2	She slapped her slender , tanned little thigh and shrieked with laughter .
va	2	' Course , I didn 't want to go to school then .
va	2	They can stand over the graves of monsters and never know it .
va	2	Of course , none of the other witches in this family knew it either .
va	2	" I don 't recall Ancient Evelyn ever making homemade ice cream . "
va	2	" Darlin ' , she made the best homemade ice cream that I ever tasted .
va	2	And there was something about her eyes that reminded Mona a little of Ancient Evelyn .
va	2	" No , I got the right person , " Mary Jane had insisted .
va	2	" But we didn 't really come on account of the ice cream .
va	2	" I had a sixth finger when I was little , on both hands ?
va	2	' Course we do , dear , I 'm so sorry . "
va	2	" Like I said , there 's a story to it all .
va	2	I could tell you some terrible things about my time in Florida .
va	2	Yeah , I been there , and in Alabama for a while , too .
va	2	I had to sort of work my way back down here . "
va	2	Only thing , Mona had no memory of any other little girl there .
va	2	I left a message for you three times at the drugstore . "
va	2	That was fine music you had at your wedding , Michael Curry .
va	2	" Oh , you are in your heart , " said Celia .
va	2	And what do men see when they look at bundles of charm like this ?
va	2	" Michael , you 've never been in the Bayou Country , " said Celia .
va	2	We had bees , you know , on the porch for honey ?
va	2	Why , I 'd just pick all I wanted right there where the road forks .
va	2	" Honey , that 's against the law , " said Bea .
va	2	My life 's far too interesting for me to ever tell lies about it .
va	2	She drank the iced tea with another noisy slurp , spilling more of it .
va	2	You 're looking at a future member of the Fortune Five Hundred . "
va	2	" You could be killed , fiddling with electricity , " declared Celia .
va	2	I had a couple of things going for me , I did .
va	2	" Darling , you are not in the witness box , " said Bea anxiously .
va	2	" What do you care at your age about the stock market ? "
va	2	" The stock 's nearly doubled in the last four months , " said Mona .
va	2	" You got it , that 's right , now how did you know that ?
va	2	Well , you 're some strange kid , aren 't you now ?
va	2	Celia stared at the girl as though she were a giant mosquito .
va	2	Or at least they had not known her as an old lady .
va	2	" Hell , she 's not dead , " Mary Jane had said .
va	2	Just as if I 'm his daughter now , thought Mona indignantly .
va	2	They had buried the wrong person from the old folks ' home .
va	2	" So they let the old lady live with you in this flooded house ? "
va	2	" Do you want to go to school , Mary Jane ? "
va	2	" Yes , sir , I do , " said Mary Jane .
va	2	" This story about your granny , you 're serious , this really happened ?
va	2	Mary Jane , you can care for this old lady all by yourself ? "
va	2	" That 's right , honey , that 's exactly right . "
va	2	" Of course , we got them fresh linen , new things .
va	2	" Hey , you don 't have a sixth finger , " said Mona .
va	2	" My mother had some doctor in Los Angeles chop it off .
va	2	" Oh , I didn 't know , " said Mary Jane .
va	2	When do you say ' whom ' instead of ' who , ' exactly ? "
va	2	" Mary Jane , I 'm going to call your mother . "
va	2	You know what kind a ' doctor cut off my sixth finger in L.A. ?
va	2	If this didn 't snap Rowan to , then a tornado wouldn 't do it .
va	2	If it was true , no one else could see it or sense it .
va	2	" There 's nothing wrong with her , " Mary Jane had declared .
va	2	Mona had wanted to say , Why don 't you start now ?
va	2	But in truth , she had wanted to believe that Mary Jane was right .
va	2	This girl might just be some powerful witch after all , Mona had figured .
va	2	If Mary Jane wasn 't , she would still make it , somehow or other .
va	2	" We 've got to take care of her , " Bea had said .
va	2	She had , in spite of everything , a sort of deliberate and successful style .
va	2	Well , it wouldn 't be hard to verify that , would it ?
va	2	And if Celia and Beatrice didn 't , well , Mona would .
va	2	" She 's a sweet thing in her own way , " Celia had admitted .
va	2	" Only what if she never makes up her mind to speak again ! "
va	2	Maybe Mary Jane 's big gush of words had been good for Rowan .
va	2	" I don 't want to be the designee of the legacy !
va	2	Mona gave a sigh , a pretty spoiled and petulant thing to do , really .
va	2	The burning green of the garden seemed to fold into one great veil .
va	2	" I didn 't mean it with Michael , " she said aloud to Rowan .
va	2	Her hands lay in her lap in the most natural little heap .
va	2	Mona wanted to reach for one of her hands , but she didn 't dare .
va	2	And wasn 't as careful that night as I should have been .
va	2	But not to worry , I 've never been what anyone would call regular .
va	2	He looked at me the way he looked later at that kid , Mary Jane .
va	2	Mona stared at him , and then the tears came , wet and frightening .
va	2	" No , honey , " he said with the softest , most comforting smile .
va	2	" Michael , it 's because I told her about us , " she said .
va	2	I didn 't ... I don 't ... She never spoke after that , Michael .
va	2	" I just didn 't realize it then , that she 'd quit talking . "
va	2	Honey , you 've never lived in Northern California , have you ?
va	2	The family is split right down the middle on the subject of the raw egg .
va	2	" Beatrice thinks raw eggs are dangerous , and she has a point .
va	2	She 'd said she was dying for a cup of New Orleans coffee .
va	2	" You 're sure that was the last thing she said ? "
va	2	I wanted to call everyone , tell them she was all right .
va	2	" I don 't think you hurt her at all , Mona .
va	2	" Honey , don 't - " " No , I mean I 'm okay .
va	2	He put the square rubber cap on the container , and pressed the button .
va	2	Then came the ghastly sound of the blades turning as the liquid jumped inside .
va	2	Maybe it was better if you didn 't know about the egg .
va	2	All that time she was in the coma , she heard things .
va	2	" You know , Mona , it 's nothing anybody said . "
va	2	It was ... perhaps the last thing that happened ... " Mona nodded .
va	2	She tried to picture it again , the way he 'd so briefly described it .
va	2	She insisted on carrying it down herself , and she could hardly walk .
va	2	But someday , perhaps , she 'll want to talk about it .
va	2	" Don 't ever worry that I 'll tell , " she said .
va	2	" Michael , for the love of God , she will be all right .
va	2	If that 's what it is , she 'll get better . "
va	2	He was going to cry , and Mona wouldn 't be able to stand it .
va	2	He sighed , and he leaned on his folded arms over the counter .
va	2	" Having a linen napkin , " he said , " anytime you want it .
va	2	But who the hell else could play off a wink like that with her ?
va	2	" Have you told Aaron that you haven 't heard from him ? "
va	2	But he 's not going back to Europe , no matter what happens .
va	2	It was too dreadful to contemplate , it couldn 't have been that way .
va	2	Maybe he would have the brains to see it was flat-out undrinkable .
va	2	She knows I am her slave till the day I die . "
va	2	He was looking at her in a calm but almost cold fashion .
va	2	And again there came over her a sense of how bereft he really was .
va	2	" Let 's go talk to the lady , " he said over his shoulder .
va	2	She didn 't answer him , but she knew what he felt .
va	2	Men were always complaining about how the sight of sexy women aroused them .
va	2	Rowan was frowning slightly , as if weighing something in her mind .
va	2	She was still looking at the distant flowers , at the wall .
va	2	He used the same tone he 'd used to Mona , brusque and warm .
va	2	She did blink naturally and slowly as she swallowed , but that was all .
va	2	He talked about her to Mona , as if Rowan couldn 't hear .
va	2	It was like a person on a park bench in a big city .
va	2	You 'd think someone had sat down beside her , maybe too close to her .
va	2	" I could take her to the hospital for the tests , of course .
va	2	She 's done everything else I 've wanted her to do . "
va	2	" The tests can 't help her anyway , " he continued .
va	2	He drew close to her face , but there was no change in her .
va	2	It had been rough , though , and sort of terrible to watch .
va	2	Perhaps she didn 't want to appear to be Michael 's ally .
va	2	Her guilt just hung all over her all the time these days .
va	2	She let out her breath , and felt herself relax all over .
va	2	" I 'm too young to know certain things , " she said .
va	2	Of course Rowan remembered Aaron , if she remembered anything at all .
va	2	" Rowan , it 's not over , " she whispered again .
va	2	And she was frightened to do either , frightened that Rowan would look away .
va	2	She wanted to believe this was good , this was ratification and redemption .
va	2	She had caught Rowan 's attention , even if she had been a hopeless brat .
va	2	Gradually Rowan 's preoccupied expression seemed to fade as Mona stared at her .
va	2	Rowan made a little sound , as if she were clearing her throat .
va	2	She 'd lost the nerve , suddenly , to speak her heart .
va	2	Rowan lifted her right hand and ran her fingers back through her pale ashen hair .
va	2	And then the sudden , alarming sound of a woman crying or laughing .
va	2	She turned and stared through the gates , across the glaring pool .
va	2	She was the one who was crying , and it was most certainly crying .
va	2	Her heels sank into the soft lawn , but on she came .
va	2	" They did it , Rowan , " said Bea , gasping for breath .
va	2	She continued to nod , as Mona and Rowan closed against her .
va	2	Michael collected her and held her and she sank , crying , against his chest .
va	2	" I 'm so sorry , " he said with a distinct New Orleans accent .
va	2	Mona had never heard such an accent from such a Chinese face .
va	2	Was there time for Michael to be amazed , for Mona to be flabbergasted ?
va	2	And thank God she had not sat still and silent through this moment !
va	2	Never mind how fragile she looked , and how hoarse and unnatural her voice sounded .
va	2	Three HE HAD PROMISED the little man he would enter the hotel moments after .
va	2	As for the glen , it was vivid in his memory and thoroughly gruesome .
va	2	And been shot in the shoulder by a .38 - caliber bullet in the process .
va	2	Only then had he heard their baritone chants , their words thoroughly unrecognizable to him .
va	2	They fired their pistols into the great windy night with the riotous hilarity of savages .
va	2	The soft strains of a string quartet came from the nearby bar .
va	2	The little man was on his knees , piling wood into the fireplace .
va	2	" Come inside , sit down , " said the dwarf impatiently .
va	2	He had now lighted the fire and was fanning it with the bellows .
va	2	He realized suddenly that he 'd failed to remove his dark glasses .
va	2	He knew the hotels of the world , but he had never known Claridge 's .
va	2	I would be dead if it wasn 't for your friend . "
va	2	He seated himself in a soft , rather shapeless chair that looked extremely comfortable .
va	2	His red hair was the appropriate cliche for his impatience and his temper .
va	2	He drummed his short fingers on the cloth arms of the chair .
va	2	" Yes , I know that for certain , " said Yuri .
va	2	He was not going to laugh at this , but it was horribly amusing .
va	2	And the little man 's abnormalities made him seem dangerous and wicked .
va	2	It was somewhat beyond the scope of the range of accidents in which Yuri believed .
va	2	Are you sure these evil people came from the Order itself ? "
va	2	Apparently , unbeknownst to me , my vows rested upon a loyalty to Aaron Lightner .
va	2	Now this creature is dead , as I 've told you . "
va	2	He sat very straight , as though never ashamed or uneasy about his height .
va	2	The witch family carries an extraordinary set of genes within its various lines .
va	2	You speak as if you weren 't born in these times . "
va	2	" Well , I was educated on their documents in Latin , " said Yuri .
va	2	It 's centuries since I 've seen one single other member of my own species .
va	2	" You 're very old , that 's what you 're telling me .
va	2	" As I told you , Aaron Lightner went to New Orleans .
va	2	Aaron Lightner never knew whence this spirit came , or what it really was .
va	2	They may have coldly and deliberately taken several lives in the process .
va	2	That is why I 'm asking you : Do they know about you ?
va	2	" You don 't tell lies at all , do you ? "
va	2	" Ash , try not to say strange things , " grumbled the dwarf .
va	2	He looked a little annoyed and then his eyes returned to Yuri .
va	2	" Let me answer your question , Yuri , " he said .
va	2	But in those times all written language seemed naive and touching to me .
va	2	" Realism in fiction , and journalism which is filled with colloquialisms .
va	2	It has lost all formality , and instead abides by an intense compression .
va	2	" They tried to take him away , and they died in the process .
va	2	But he didn 't trust them and he didn 't go with them .
va	2	he confessed without obvious surprise that this woman had recognized his voice .
va	2	" Yuri , Aaron Lightner 's dead , " said the woman .
va	2	He didn 't think or visualize anything or rush to any conclusion .
va	2	He ran his tongue along his upper lip and then firmly forced himself to speak .
va	2	And the soft pastel colors of the bedroom lulled him for a moment .
va	2	Alienation , a lack of trust either in happiness or in others .
va	2	" I never called to tell him they 'd tried to kill me .
va	2	Yuri felt the big , spidery hands close tenderly on his shoulders .
va	2	" Aaron ... Aaron was my father , " Yuri said in a monotone .
va	2	Sit on the marble floor , perhaps , with his knees up , and weep .
va	2	He sat back and hugged the sweater , uncomfortable to be so uncovered .
va	2	The little man had brought him a white shirt , still wrapped around laundry cardboard .
va	2	Yuri took it , opened it , unbuttoned it , and slipped it on .
va	2	He felt the ice blade of the wind cleave through the room .
va	2	They must let the Order sink back into its routines , undisturbed by all this .
va	2	They must be anxious to prevent me entering it at all costs .
va	2	I couldn 't call there or Amsterdam or Rome if I wanted to .
va	2	To bring him together with the female ... " He looked up .
va	2	Had he ever been in a room with a sentient being who wasn 't human ?
va	2	The aged dwarf , with his own clock and his own grudges and stories .
va	2	But that 's just it , I don 't think I can find them .
va	2	That 's my last hope ; we are all dupes of a few .
va	2	He realized he 'd been frightening them , these two strange friends .
va	2	" You saved my life when I was shot in the mountains .
va	2	" Maybe we are gypsies , too , Yuri , " he said .
va	2	He didn 't believe in anything , except that Aaron was dead .
va	2	He saw her , her remarkable little face and her great veil of red hair .
va	2	What would they be , Yuri , females of our species ? "
va	2	The voice went on unhurried and tender still , but profoundly forceful .
va	2	" A female would have gone at once to this creature , Lasher .
va	2	Why send mortal men to capture such a prize and such a foe ?
va	2	Take comfort : your brothers and your sisters are not dupes of the Order itself .
va	2	But I believe that you have hit upon the truth in your considerations .
va	2	It was as if the air had been emptied of music suddenly .
va	2	" We have it in our power to discover the truth , " said Ash .
va	2	I can remember when its catacombs enclosed a library no bigger than this room .
va	2	He took the linen napkin , unfolded it , and wiped his eyes .
va	2	But there have been times in the past when the Order has been threatened .
va	2	" Yes , it makes such good sense , " said Yuri .
va	2	I don 't know why I said such terrible things to you both . "
va	2	It 's a good chance the Little People left it right where it fell . "
va	2	But that really had not been feasible , given his wound and the awesome terrain .
va	2	But then this was the price of such visions , was it not ?
va	2	" What makes you think it 's a group from outside ? "
va	2	There are many easy ways to kill people so that others hardly notice at all .
va	2	They would not go into the glen stalking a man as if he were game .
va	2	" Why shouldn 't wizards use guns if Little People use them ? "
va	2	" It 's the toy of the glen , Samuel , " said Ash calmly .
va	2	" No , that wouldn 't do for them , would it ? "
va	2	" On the contrary , they will strive to strike the match again .
va	2	The witch Rowan ... " " She can no longer bear , " said Yuri .
va	2	He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his little wallet and opened it .
va	2	His hand was trembling so badly that Mona 's lovely face was out of focus .
va	2	He saw the long , thin fingers of Ash touch the edges of the photograph .
va	2	Suddenly Yuri pulled in the photograph and crushed it flat to his chest .
va	2	He pitched forward , sick again , the pain in his shoulder immediately paralyzing him .
va	2	It will be in these records who is a powerful witch and who is not .
va	2	" You may not , " he said again , staring at Ash .
va	2	He knew that he , Yuri , might suddenly drop where he stood .
va	2	We 'll be here with some hot supper for you when you wake up . "
va	2	Yuri found himself looking back at the tall one by the mantel .
va	2	" No , it 's warm in here , and it 's safe . "
va	2	He heard the door close , but he didn 't open his eyes .
va	2	Then gradually he realized Ash was standing beside him , and looking down at him .
va	2	I 'll come back tomorrow and must find you here when I come . "
va	2	" I think I 'm going mad now , " said Yuri .
va	2	Only in New Orleans , she thought , could it be like this .
va	2	She steadied herself with her left hand and lifted the bloody sheet .
va	2	She figured the time of death at less than two hours ago .
va	2	She looked at the eyes , which did not look back at her .
va	2	If he had suffered , no image of it hovered near him now .
va	2	If he had struggled not to die , that too would be unknown forever .
va	2	Beatrice had seen him try to dodge the car , or so she thought .
va	2	Mary Jane Mayfair had reported , " He tried to get out of the way .
va	2	Her throat still hurt , but this was of no importance to her whatsoever .
va	2	" There was a time when I was used to it , " she said .
va	2	" I have to get out of here , " he said .
va	2	But the horror was not the mold ; it was the two stacked together .
va	2	The unclaimed dead , as intimate in their own way as lovers .
va	2	By the time they climbed into the car , Mona had stopped crying .
va	2	Rowan met the glance and felt the strength of it , and the warmth .
va	2	Heiress , the one who will bear the child that will carry on the legacy .
va	2	Child with a womb inside her , and the passions of an experienced woman .
va	2	It was going to be another terrible , terrible blow for Michael .
va	2	No one knew who had hired the man to run down Aaron Lightner .
va	2	She had seen them pass before her during her long hours in the garden .
va	2	Michael filled a plate for her before the others could do it .
va	2	They were leaving her alone , out of respect or out of helplessness .
va	2	For the most part , they knew very little of what had actually taken place .
va	2	" I 'm going upstairs to sack out , " Mona said .
va	2	There was a look of dread in her face , weariness and sadness and dread .
va	2	The child 's eyes fixed on her , and they merely looked at each other .
va	2	Mona nodded , then left , without even a quick farewell to Michael .
va	2	Weeping is often fought , choked , half strangled , or surrendered to with humiliation .
va	2	But what was the use of saying something like that to him ?
va	2	What had her new friend , Mona Mayfair , said to her only hours ago ?
va	2	Through the cherry laurels , she could see the sky was the legendary purple .
va	2	This meant darkening the colors somewhat ; this meant somber , muted , complex .
va	2	He looked at her , eyes shifting and striking her like lights .
va	2	She reached out and touched the shadowy beard on his face , on his chin .
va	2	There was almost a throb in his hand as he held her arm .
va	2	" I thought perhaps ... " " No , I 'm healed .
va	2	But she didn 't care about herself or want to see herself .
va	2	Her hand came up , between his legs , finding him hard and ready .
va	2	Be quiet , she said to her body , her loins , her inner self .
va	2	Day in and day out , I 've told you that I love you ! "
va	2	He came towards the bed , and put his hands firmly on the footboard .
va	2	Well , this man would die if she struck with her invisible rage .
va	2	" I ought to be afraid of you , " he said .
va	2	But it seemed as beyond reach now as words had been so soon after that .
va	2	She lifted her hands and ran them back hard through her hair .
va	2	Then , rather mechanically , she reached for the taps in the shower .
va	2	And it felt good to be dressed again in the clothes she herself had loved .
va	2	Who , she wondered , could have bought all these pretty dresses ?
va	2	The eyes were huge and glistening but hard and shadowed with sadness .
va	2	" Michael , no ... " " No , let me say it .
va	2	I ... I ... " " No , don 't speak anymore .
va	2	Forgive me , Michael , forgive me for your sake and my sake .
va	2	" I learned how once , apparently , and it will have to be forever .
va	2	Come with me , come outside , come out under the oak .
va	2	She felt his soft responsive sighs , thick and heavy and from the chest .
va	2	It was no longer a trek one had to make on horseback .
va	2	For the going there had never been the difficult or the cathartic part .
va	2	He would not have been surprised if she had changed into a nightgown .
va	2	As he stepped out onto the metal stairway , the wind caught him by surprise .
va	2	Why climb the mountain and visit these shrines of his past again ?
va	2	Ah , but maybe he would sleep a little , and without dreams .
va	2	Rich witch , that had come plain to him in the conversation .
va	2	The desire was so painful that he forced it back , let it go .
va	2	He smelled again the woods and the vale clinging to the gypsy .
va	2	Beyond the dark glass lurked all the world that he had come here to see .
va	2	The moon , snared in clouds , gave an intermittent and filmy light .
va	2	He knew the stars above , even though the clouds tried to obscure them .
va	2	Indeed , the starry heavens brought him a strange , painful emotion .
va	2	When at last he stopped , it was upon a high crest .
va	2	Think of the gypsy asleep in his warm bed , dreaming of his witch .
va	2	The sounds grew stronger , or rather he allowed himself to hear them more truly .
va	2	He walked higher , with one steep , heavy step after another .
va	2	And slumped , breathing heavily against the wall , and closing his eyes again .
va	2	Perhaps he had been walking with his eyes closed ; he didn 't know .
va	2	The soft sound of his breath seemed to move out forever and ever .
va	2	He felt the wetness like something greasy and filthy on his forehead .
va	2	he asked , and this time his voice was small and distant .
va	2	The heat and the anger struck his soul as it had struck his eardrums .
va	3	I remember hearing voices sometime after that , though I didn 't know whose they were .
va	3	I thought I heard crying , and I know I felt a hand grab my wrist .
va	3	I had to tell them he would have won , if I hadn 't pulled him toward the cave .
va	3	" Compound fracture of the radius , three broken fingers , eleven stitches , twisted ankle . "
va	3	" One too many , " the older voice said roughly , and I stopped struggling to move .
va	3	I tried to lift my hand to rub them , and the pain made tears well up .
va	3	As before , Jai was across from me and Jo was next to me , both asleep or unconscious .
va	3	I looked around with as much effort as I could muster , identifying everyone I could .
va	3	He 'd been close enough to the explosions that some of his circuitry had been fried .
va	3	I wished I could see his bright red hair feathers one more time , but the coffin was closed .
va	3	I saw it when I dreamed , and I remembered everything about it I could when I was questioned .
va	3	A rock had hit my shoulder , and I 'd felt his hand slip from mine .
va	3	I was tired ; I hadn 't been able to sleep the night after Jerzy 's funeral .
va	3	My sling was both a mark of honor and of shame ; everyone knew I 'd been there .
va	3	I 'd been right there , and he 'd tried to help me and gotten killed .
va	3	It was like when I 'd first come to Base Town after Jay 's death , but worse .
va	3	Back then , five hundred people I didn 't even know had hated and shunned me .
va	3	I sat down at an empty table , not even sure if I wanted anyone to come join me .
va	3	I missed Jerzy , and I was worried about Acacia and everyone who 'd been involved in the avalanche .
va	3	Not ... " He looked at the food on his fork , then put it down .
va	3	We went over it again and again , checking on everyone who 'd been involved , exchanging stories .
va	3	He 'd been at the top of the mountain when the rumbling started , he 'd said .
va	3	He seemed to really be trying to get to know everyone , really trying to fit in .
va	3	" A silver dream , " he said , turning his fork over in his hands .
va	3	I wanted to ask what he meant by that , but he continued before I could .
va	3	" I 'm blaming me , " I said honestly , and he shook his head .
va	3	" I heard some of the officers talking ... They 're investigating the possibility of foul play . "
va	3	" Jerzy was my first friend here , aside from you , " I told him .
va	3	Maybe he 'd be able to show the Old Man it had been an accident , not my fault .
va	3	Hue hovered uncertainly around me for a while , still with that odd multicolored two-tone pattern .
va	3	The Old Man had said I was suspended from classes , not that I couldn 't leave the base .
va	3	That train of thought led to another , and I sat up again after a moment .
va	3	I could see it from a distance , a faint miasma that made it almost look like a volcano .
va	3	I wished I knew where Acacia 'd gone , or what Hue had been trying to communicate .
va	3	I started up the mountain , testing each rock carefully with my foot before putting my weight on it .
va	3	I turned slowly in place , looking for another path up to the peak of the mountain .
va	3	It wasn 't much , as far as tributes went , but I found it oddly fitting .
va	3	Hue spun around slowly in place , then bobbed from side to side , trying to tell me something .
va	3	It looked kind of like those clear plastic circles that come in cases of blank CDs .
va	3	I turned it over in my hands , testing the charge , then the emergency power switch .
va	3	His surface turned reflective , as it had when he 'd shown Acacia behind me in my room .
va	3	He brightened so much I almost had to look away , but it made me laugh .
va	3	Grinning like a fool , I took a step toward the edge , and Walked off the mountain .
va	3	I stood for a moment at that point , looking at the larger footsteps that had belonged to Jay .
va	3	" I 'm looking through him , " I said out loud , and Jay grinned and nodded .
va	3	I thought Hue came to get me ... " " If he did , it was his idea . "
va	3	He apologized for what happened and said he 's been doing his best to keep you safe . "
va	3	Jay just listened , until I recounted my excursion to the library and the paltry results that had yielded .
va	3	Look , Joey , I 'm not sure how much of this I should tell you . "
va	3	They were investigating the possibility of foul play , and of course there 'd been foul play .
va	3	He blinked and narrowed his eyes and then , to my astonishment , gave a crisp nod .
va	3	" Yes , sir , " he said , with more than a hint of irony .
va	3	Jay hesitated again , just for a second , as though he was reluctant to even speak their names .
va	3	They 've refined the arts of both magic and science so as to be nigh indestructible .
va	3	They don 't want to rule all life , they want to wipe it out and start over . "
va	3	" But if they can destroy worlds that easily , why haven 't they won ? "
va	3	Sounds like she might be , too , from how she 's fixated on you . "
va	3	" The Time Agents care about one thing , and one thing only : the future .
va	3	It wouldn 't be you who did those things , it 'd be her or someone else .
va	3	After struggling for a moment and coming up blank , I pushed it aside and moved on .
va	3	But you should go back home , at least long enough to see if they 've found anything . "
va	3	Hue was hovering anxiously in front of me , pulsing colors and patterns like a supercharged kaleidoscope .
va	3	The shot was aimed for my head , and I brought the lid shield up again .
va	3	I snatched one of them out of the air , or what passed for air here .
va	3	His laser retracted and he strode forward , grabbing one of the light beams for himself .
va	3	His laser was a better weapon than the light sword , but he wasn 't relying on the laser .
va	3	He was accepting a challenge , taking an opportunity to beat me in an even fight .
va	3	There was an explosion behind me , and I didn 't even stop to see what it was .
va	3	Instinct propelled me to my feet and I cast about for a portal , but no luck .
va	3	He raised his arm , laser engaging again , aimed - " Call me Joe , " I said .
va	3	Acacia did much the same thing , colliding with me as a burst of purple light enveloped us .
va	3	We fell through nothing , and pain exploded once again in my shoulder as I landed on my back .
va	3	I blinked as a few strands got in my eyes , and felt her get to her feet .
va	3	The air was clean and crisp , a little cool , tinged with a slightly acrid smell .
va	3	I would have just been glad to see her again , and forgotten all about Jay 's warning .
va	3	But now I knew she was a Time Agent , and that meant I had different questions .
va	3	She was wearing mostly the same clothing she 'd worn before ; her hair was the same length .
va	3	" So do I , " Acacia said , though she grinned when I looked at her .
va	3	Even if you don 't have a picture to look at , you remember every detail .
va	3	I couldn 't tell if we were going forward or backward ; then I realized it was both .
va	3	A figure walked past me and then split into two ; one went left , the other right .
va	3	I could sympathize with how Acacia had felt on Base Town , when we 'd gone into overdrive .
va	3	I would have been humiliated , except I could hear Acacia doing the same thing a few feet away .
va	3	I took her hand and pressed the flask into it , again enjoying knowing something she didn 't .
va	3	She still seemed dizzy and had the shakes , and her skin was pale and clammy .
va	3	I held out the little shield disk I still had , the one I 'd found on the mountain .
va	3	It 's the same kind of thing as my skin shield , just ... well , less advanced .
va	3	It was both sunny and cloudy , and dark storm clouds loomed off to the west .
va	3	If I looked closely , I could see rain falling around us , but we weren 't wet .
va	3	The ghostly figures still milled about , walking or jogging or falling , everywhere I looked .
va	3	She shook her head , then brought up a hand to rub her temple in frustration .
va	3	" No , " I said , " except for relativistic and sidereal changes from world to world . "
va	3	" No one I know knows how , unless they 've been hiding it from me .
va	3	She scooted around so that her back was to mine and we were leaning against each other for support .
va	3	I mean , she 'd probably believe me , but it seemed better not to tell her .
va	3	" They infected him , " murmured Acacia , confirming what I 'd just realized myself .
va	3	I felt her sigh , felt her hair brush against the back of my neck as she looked away .
va	3	My response was a laugh that came out a whole lot more bitter than I intended it to .
va	3	Could he have gotten access to the sheets , scrambled it so that his name wasn 't there ?
va	3	I didn 't even feel myself falling , but I definitely knew it when I hit the ground .
va	3	Still , the pain seemed far away , held just outside my body by that shining purple light .
va	3	Then she stepped into my line of vision , knelt , and put a hand to my head .
va	3	Everything was bright and clean and shining , the colors all soft and muted , beautifully luminescent .
va	3	After only a few rooms we stopped , and I was moved to some kind of gurney .
va	3	I didn 't say " door " because there wasn 't one , from what I could tell .
va	3	I didn 't much care ; I wasn 't really interested in attempting to run again .
va	3	Not if I were likely to run into more like him , which I imagined I was .
va	3	As before , the hallways were gray and colorless , floor-to-ceiling bars lining them at intervals .
va	3	The room was empty , and I took this opportunity to look around as we walked .
va	3	Artwork hung on them , abstractly pretty scenes of ships at sea , lighthouses , birds in flight .
va	3	" Why send me back home , if Acacia told me it isn 't safe ? "
va	3	It did , though , and it seemed somehow firmer than the marble I 'd been standing on previously .
va	3	I put a hand out , and it brushed against a firm wall that had the texture of static .
va	3	I wasn 't sure anyone had spoken , yet somehow the words hung in the silence .
va	3	The smell of smoke hung in the air , and wherever I was was silent as the grave .
va	3	There was a structure up ahead , an entrance , just where I knew it would be .
va	3	I climbed over it , waiting for that maddeningly calm voice to recognize and greet me .
va	3	Some of the doors were still sealed , but it took no strength at all to pry them open .
va	3	The computer was off-line , the mechanisms just ordinary gears and wheels with nothing to lock them down .
va	3	I ran faster , bolting through the hallways and leaping over debris , through doors and around corners .
va	3	For the loss of my second family , even the ones I hadn 't known as well .
va	3	I wanted it to tell me why I 'd trusted her , why he 'd trusted her .
va	3	The light was condensing , forming into sections , then squiggles , then letters , then words .
va	3	I couldn 't use the port room to warp back from here to there , could I ?
va	3	The red light from outside hit a bit of reflective metal , brightening the hallway just slightly .
va	3	And then I realized I was still five halls from the infirmary , where the Wall had started .
va	3	I wasn 't even past the lockers yet , and the Wall had stretched this far .
va	3	Then it faded , and I was left in darkness more pronounced than it had been before .
va	3	Colors were swirling uncertainly across Hue 's surface , and I got the impression he was thinking .
va	3	Once I got to the In-Between , I 'd ... well , I 'd think of something .
va	3	The colors swirled faster , mingling into a muddy brown that slowly shifted to a lighter red .
va	3	I was reminded of when I 'd put on Jay 's encounter suit , after he 'd died .
va	3	It felt like someone was covering me in Silly Putty , if you can imagine that .
va	3	I looked toward the Wall as Hue surged over my shoulders , my neck , my mouth .
va	3	I might have been detained for questioning , but at least I could have gotten some more equipment .
va	3	Acacia shouted again , still struggling to free herself from the wires wrapping themselves around her .
va	3	It was like looking through a kaleidoscope that made string theory look like connect the dots .
va	3	He wasn 't leading me so much as he was allowing me to see the path .
va	3	" Hi , Joey , " he 'd said with a smile , and then I 'd seen Acacia .
va	3	I 'd seen her because she 'd called out , her voice far stronger than she looked .
va	3	It was about right then that I started wishing I 'd stopped to get a weapon .
va	3	Joaquim , however , was armed with a blaster and that weird miasma thing surrounding him .
va	3	There was more I 'd been intending to say , but he laughed , cutting me off .
va	3	It hit him square on , knocking him clear off his feet and out the window behind him .
va	3	That would have been more satisfying , though it did give me something I could use to free Acacia .
va	3	I ran over to her , slicing at the wires with a long shard of glass .
va	3	Joaquim 's voice rang out , louder and somehow ... fuller than it had been before .
va	3	" Poor Captain Harker , " Joaquim said , still just ... hanging out there , in the air .
va	3	I have the energy of Captain Joseph Harker flowing through me , and that includes some of his memories .
va	3	Acacia remained silent , stunned and uncertain , but I wasn 't paying attention to her .
va	3	I was looking at the little blue lights , the whirlwind of static and emotion surrounding him .
va	3	It was hard to tell whether he was being snide or genuine , but I really didn 't care .
va	3	I edged my feet a little further apart , trying to regain my center of gravity .
va	3	Anywhere a Walker 's died , with the technology of Binary and - " " Enough , child . "
va	3	In a moment I didn 't have to , for the figure came into my view .
va	3	You know how when your cable TV is disconnected and there 's nothing but static on the screen ?
va	3	You know how they use it for horror movies all the time , with people seeing things in it ?
va	3	Joaquim 's voice cut smoothly through the hypnotic effect of those eyes , and I blinked rapidly .
va	3	The Professor regarded us , the tweed and glasses and bow tie all striking me as absurdly unfunny .
va	3	" You were grown by Binary , in a vat , just like the vegetables . "
va	3	There was the sound that was half static shock and half something snapping , and Joaquim reeled back slightly .
va	3	She didn 't respond ; her eyes were open , but she didn 't seem to be conscious .
va	3	I was trapped by Binary , and nothing short of a miracle was going to get me out .
va	3	Without you , this would have taken months ... " I wanted to ask what this was .
va	3	I wanted to ask what this was going to do , or why he was so happy about it .
va	3	As near to panic as I 'd been a moment ago , a sudden calm settled over me now .
va	3	The wires went from me and Joaquim down into a bundle on the ground and out past our feet .
va	3	There were thirteen of them , just standing there , all in a circle around the coil .
va	3	" It should be soon , " Joaquim murmured , and I finally turned my attention back to him .
va	3	My wrist was beginning to chafe , but I thought it was starting to come free a little .
va	3	The wires that fed from his machine were glowing blue , and I could hear them .
va	3	Over the chanting , over the sound of the engines and the machines , I could hear them .
va	3	His head drooped as though too heavy to hold up , his skin was pale and clammy looking .
va	3	As bad as that had been for me , I didn 't feel nearly as weak as he looked .
va	3	he screamed , his voice barely audible above the whirring of machinery , the nightmarish chanting .
va	3	With a strength born of desperation , he ripped one arm free of the bindings , reaching toward me .
va	3	The chanting was momentarily lost in the sound of electricity , of the wires crackling and popping .
va	3	I used the souls as Joaquim had done , directing them to burn through my bonds .
va	3	The little blue lights arced from my fingers like stars , like fireworks , flying toward Acacia .
va	3	Each of them touched a clone , and one by one , they were zapped into nothing .
va	3	I couldn 't look away from that face , my face , with the dead eyes .
va	3	The valley was beautiful ; the world around us was calm ; the sun was setting .
va	3	There were tears on my face , and I didn 't even care if she saw them .
va	3	" I know you wanted to save him , " she said , not looking at me .
va	3	She paused for a moment , and her voice was very small when she spoke again .
va	3	" Joe ... " " You were just trying to help me , I know . "
va	3	" Do any of them speak with their mouths , or is that part of the intimidation factor ? "
va	3	She looked up at me and I looked down at her , and we were both smiling .
va	3	" Nah , I gave up on that when you stood up to the Old Man . "
va	3	I wondered if she was going to be his someday , or if she already had been .
va	3	In less than a minute they 'd completely blanketed the sky , like storm clouds in winter .
va	3	I wasn 't even sure what had struck her , but she gasped and went limp in my arms .
va	3	Shadows swept up in front of me , coalescing , forming strong hands that grabbed me by the throat .
va	3	I didn 't bother trying to break his grip ; he was too strong for that .
va	3	Instead , I snaked a hand down to my belt , going for my shield disk .
va	3	He let go with one hand , claws grabbing my wrist before I could make it to the shield .
va	3	His grip was hard , but what worried me more was the way his fur felt against my skin .
va	3	It was warm and sticky , matted with a viscous substance I desperately hoped wasn 't blood .
va	3	Acacia was struggling to her feet , using the wide tree trunk behind her as leverage .
va	3	He lashed a hand out , smacking the weapon out of her hand and knocking her to the ground .
va	3	Sharp teeth glinting in a fierce , canine grin , he twisted my wrist in his strong grip .
va	3	I could kill you , little fly , but I have something far better in mind . "
va	3	A small , tiny , faint glimmer of hope began to make itself known in my gut .
va	3	If he wasn 't going to kill me , whatever it was , I could get out of it .
va	3	At first I thought I was passing out , then I realized the ground was actually turning black .
va	3	It grew as I felt toward it , becoming so bright I had to close my eyes .
va	3	I limped toward the intersection , breathing as deeply and as evenly as I could through the pain .
va	3	Jerzy 's voice echoed in my mind from long ago , one of the first conversations we 'd had .
va	3	I 'd Walked by accident the first time , and had drawn the attention of HEX .
va	3	I squared my shoulders , training taking over as I continued to move despite my injuries .
va	3	His mother came out of the house , and her scream went up the walls into a howl .
va	3	She carried me down the street and through the courtyard and into the dark of our house .
va	3	All my cousins crowded in with us , and James , my big brother , pulled the curtain shut .
va	3	He rose to his feet , and ran his hands back through his thick curly hair .
va	3	" Just make him come alive , Jesus , the way you made the birds come alive ! "
va	3	I went right into the dark room , where they 'd laid him on the mat .
va	3	Someone lifted me and carried me out of the house and into the crowd in the street .
va	3	" Brought him back to life , that 's what he did , " said one of theirs .
va	3	I was in my mother 's arms , and she had taken me into the front room .
va	3	" Yes , seven years and why don 't they go back to Galilee , all of them ! "
va	3	That boy is possessed of a demon and I tell you my son was dead ! "
va	3	said the Teacher , saying every word as if we were in the House of Study .
va	3	And these men are your neighbors , what 's happened to make you turn against them like this !
va	3	Suddenly Joseph put up his hands and he roared out the word : " Quiet ! "
va	3	" We will leave for the Holy Land as soon as our few jobs are finished here .
va	3	My mother wiped her eyes , and looked to my face , but then the Teacher began to talk .
va	3	" No , and it 's Greek that you 're teaching them , Scripture in Greek ! "
va	3	" The Jews in every city of the Empire speak Greek and read the Scripture in Greek - . "
va	3	He then sang out in Hebrew the psalm that he loved and had long taught to us .
va	3	" It 's always the same , " said the Teacher with a great drawn-out sigh .
va	3	Even my mother was surprised , and I could see the women looking at each other .
va	3	" Joseph , it 's not wise to say such a thing , " the Teacher said .
va	3	" It will take a little while to prepare for our journey , " Joseph said .
va	3	It was not right , and I felt the men were uneasy as they looked at the Teacher .
va	3	Finally Joseph said : " Philo should be surprised that my son goes home with me to Nazareth ? "
va	3	That 's what Philo has to do with your son , that 's what Philo 's said .
va	3	But there is no city outside of Rome as great as Alexandria where we are now .
va	3	" My lord , I do as my father and mother want , " I said .
va	3	Then he gave us a blessing : " May the Lord go with you on your journey .
va	3	At once all the family was speaking our native tongue for the first time in the whole afternoon .
va	3	Philo wanted to keep me and instruct me and send me back to Joseph an educated young man .
va	3	Philo told me to always remember Egypt and the map of the Empire which he had shown me .
va	3	" If we are Jews , shouldn 't we live in the land the Lord gave to us ?
va	3	I had always known this , but it wasn 't something to be said to anyone , ever .
va	3	He turned back once to wave to me and then he and his servants with their torches were gone .
va	3	In the darkness , I came up quietly on the courtyard , and I heard my mother crying .
va	3	" But I don 't know why we can 't settle in Bethlehem , " she was saying .
va	3	" How could you think this , that we could ever go back to Bethlehem ? "
va	3	" They 'll remember the star , " said Joseph , " the shepherds coming in from the hills .
va	3	" Some night , I 'll tell you all of it , " said my mother .
va	3	Little Salome was singing softly to Baby Esther who was , by some miracle , quiet .
va	3	It was my fault , and even though everyone was happy , I felt sad and to blame .
va	3	I 'd find out some way , even though I had to do as Joseph said .
va	3	The spirit in the street was with us again now that everyone knew we were soon going .
va	3	We were dressed in our finest woolen robes and sandals , everyone loaded with packs of goods .
va	3	We were really leaving Egypt behind , and I wanted to break down and cry like a baby .
va	3	At last , I had to hear what they were saying , and moved away towards them .
va	3	" I tell you it 's dangerous , " one of the men said in Greek .
va	3	But I tell you , it 's no time for all these pilgrim ships to be sailing . "
va	3	I didn 't know a thing about the new Herod , his son , who was Archelaus .
va	3	" He tells everyone to be patient , naturally , " said the first man in his good Greek .
va	3	" And he waits for Caesar 's confirmation , yes , and he tells the people to wait .
va	3	" The Law says plainly there shall be no image of a living thing in our Temple .
va	3	" You 'll hear stories about Herod 's deeds all your life , " Joseph said under his breath .
va	3	" Go there , and sit with your mother and the children , " he said .
va	3	After that , she wouldn 't say anything even though we asked her over and over again .
va	3	" My mother says Nazareth was once visited by an angel , " I told him .
va	3	" If you saw an angel of the Lord with your own eyes in Nazareth ? "
va	3	In the House of Prayer , he would laugh when he thought the stories of the prophets were funny .
va	3	And then all the men had begun to argue with the Teacher about the story of Elijah .
va	3	At last we were able to jump out and make our way through the foaming tide to the land .
va	3	His cough came and went but he was hot all the time , and thirsty and restless .
va	3	But our family had stopped speaking Greek to others , and was using only the Aramaic .
va	3	I only knew we were moving little by little , and we were close to the walls .
va	3	We were in the Holy City of Jerusalem , and the Temple was right in front of us .
va	3	My mother reached up and put her hand on my hip and I looked down at her and smiled .
va	3	After all , I was seven years old , and he 'd been carrying me a long while .
va	3	And when these three women hugged and kissed they cried out : " The Three Marys ! "
va	3	In fact , the two of them marked each other , just as I might have expected .
va	3	He would never cut his hair , and he would never share in the wine of supper .
va	3	There was a little wall there , just high enough so we couldn 't fall - .
va	3	" The Lord who made Heaven and Earth dwells in the Temple , " she said .
va	3	" To dwell with his people , He 's in the Temple , " she said .
va	3	We would watch from our place , but we would all be within the walls of the Temple .
va	3	My aunt needed to sleep , I could see it , but she couldn 't do that now .
va	3	" Jesus , come in so you can hear me if I whisper in your ear . "
va	3	" You think I 've come to the Holy City of Jerusalem to tempt him ? "
va	3	Anointed , and then sent back to the flocks , a shepherd boy , wasn 't it ?
va	3	He fell back again , tired , unable to go on , but his eyes never left me .
va	3	I would like to breathe without it hurting me for one quarter of an hour ! "
va	3	He touched the back of my head , and I bent down and kissed his wet cheek .
va	3	The families close to us were settled down , the women having gotten the little ones to sleep .
va	3	I wanted to be in her lap , in her arms , but I didn 't move .
va	3	" I have never been with a man , not then , not now , nor will I ever .
va	3	" This is why you didn 't want to go back there ... to Nazareth ? "
va	3	" No , Mamma , I do see , I understand , " I said at once .
va	3	She was disappointed , but then she looked at me and for my sake , she smiled .
va	3	I smiled a little smile I never gave to anyone but to her if it was giving .
va	3	And now , she shook off everything that had gone before , and she reached out for me .
va	3	I went up on my knees , and she did too , and she held me tight to her .
va	3	" It 's enough for you to have my word , " she whispered in my ear .
va	3	After a while , I got up with her and we went back to the family .
va	3	At last we entered the gates , and to my surprise found ourselves in a huge tunnel .
va	3	The sunshine was bright as it had never been in the tight streets of the city .
va	3	But I 'd be able to see the men as they were sprinkled with the first purification for Passover .
va	3	I could hear the bleating of the sheep suddenly , as if someone had made all the animals run .
va	3	The soldiers were coming closer and closer to us , and they had their spears raised .
va	3	" I stretch forth my hands to you , Oh Lord , " my mother cried .
va	3	" Let the wicked fall in their own snares , " cried James right near me .
va	3	The bellowing of the oxen was terrible , and the high thin screams of the women hurt me .
va	3	Soldiers on horseback came racing after the people , both men and women who ran right towards us .
va	3	Down I went with a hand on the back of my head and another on my back .
va	3	The man rolled onto his left side , and he stared right at us , right at me .
va	3	His body was lost in the crowd that covered him , as elbows rose and fell over him .
va	3	The dying man if he heard it , if he knew it , didn 't care .
va	3	The sheep wandered everywhere , the sheep without blemish that would have been the Passover sacrifice .
va	3	They ran after the oxen that were still bellowing and that bellowing was the loudest noise of all .
va	3	As long as there is one Jew alive in the world there is Passover when there is Passover ! "
va	3	Little Salome was sobbing and sobbing , and nothing Aunt Mary said to her could comfort her .
va	3	" If they hear one word , they 'll turn on the lot of us . "
va	3	" You will not say another word on this until we are out of Jerusalem ! "
va	3	Some people were too miserable to want such a thing or they didn 't need it .
va	3	James told us to stand still and be quiet , to hold on to the babies .
va	3	" Leave Jerusalem , " someone shouted even now in Hebrew here in the synagogue courtyard .
va	3	Why had he almost flung himself at the soldier , when he knew the soldier had the spear ?
va	3	And he made sounds under his breath as if he was talking but he wasn 't talking .
va	3	In a softer voice he said , " Nothing now , you understand me , brother ? "
va	3	He was lost in his laughing and staring away , as if Joseph hadn 't told him these things .
va	3	And there was sweat all over his face now , and the day wasn 't hot .
va	3	At last the clans were all together , and Joseph and Zebedee led us out of the courtyard .
va	3	" When we get outside the gates , I want you to ride on this animal . "
va	3	We were packed tighter than a herd of sheep as we tried to move up the street .
va	3	We could not stop to help anyone here any more than we could have stopped in the city .
va	3	But more than anything else , it was the number of the dead that caught our eyes .
va	3	My mother said , " We 'll be out in the hills soon , away from all this .
va	3	And when I saw these two looking at me , James and my cousin John , I stopped crying .
va	3	They would see to it that he was washed and wrapped and buried as he ought to be .
va	3	But I tried not to think of him because I knew I 'd start crying again .
va	3	People began to sing , but this time they sang mournful Psalms of pain and affliction .
va	3	I was so afraid , afraid and never never would I ever be not afraid as I was now .
va	3	For a moment I slipped back into sleep - the Temple , the man rushing towards the spear .
va	3	I gritted my teeth and cried , and my mother held me as tightly as she could .
va	3	" We 're in the house here , we 're all together , and we 're safe . "
va	3	They were all rushing back and forth , and fussing to get into the doorway to see it .
va	3	But Levi was there , and when I saw his face , his expression was terrible .
va	3	You can see what lies beneath the surface when a King rules by cruelty and terror .
va	3	The cries came out of me like knots in a rope being pulled out one after another .
va	3	We sank down on the floor , and my cousin Elizabeth took my face and held it .
va	3	" We are passing through this , and we 'll be home soon , in our own house .
va	3	We will eat the figs of our own tree , and the grapes of our own garden .
va	3	An angel had come before and an angel had come again , and an angel was here .
va	3	But my aunt Mary did not feel well , though no one was worried about her .
va	3	We could hear screams and the braying of the lambs and the screech of the birds .
va	3	The other women told her to be quiet , and her husband Zebedee patted her arm .
va	3	I stood among the women with the other children , except for James who stood beside his father .
va	3	James was really not a child anymore , I thought to myself , looking at him .
va	3	Little Salome crushed up against me and I hugged her tight as my mother hugged me .
va	3	" We 're fighting for freedom for our land , " said one of the men .
va	3	People were going around him , and nobody wept for him , and nobody knelt beside him .
va	3	In the light of the day it was not so frightening as it had been in the night .
va	3	But I knew , even at this moment , that the darkness of the night would come .
va	3	I didn 't feel it but I remembered it , and I knew it would come back .
va	3	Now as if nothing had happened , as if no one had died in the street we went on .
va	3	I saw her gray hairs under the edge of her veil , running through her darker hair .
va	3	" This is what I must tell you , what I never put in a letter to you .
va	3	When I die , which will be soon - and no , don 't say that it won 't .
va	3	When I die , John will go to live with our kindred among the Essenes . "
va	3	Why not at his mother as everyone else was , when they were not looking at him ?
va	3	Elizabeth , on the heads of our grandparents , I swear this must not - . "
va	3	This son is mine , entrusted to me by the Lord in my old age against all probability !
va	3	Am I not to provide for this child what I think the Lord will have ? "
va	3	But I knew if he hadn 't been coughing he would have said a lot more .
va	3	" This is what I couldn 't write to you in a letter , " said Elizabeth .
va	3	" Come out with it , " he said , " or I may die without hearing it . "
va	3	You will see that no razor has ever touched his head , and he takes nothing of the grape .
va	3	And no one spoke , all of us waiting to see what all this could mean .
va	3	" King Herod had his watchers everywhere , " she said , her voice getting rougher and deeper .
va	3	" I told you I would not write this in a letter , " said Elizabeth .
va	3	We had gone into the caves near the Essenes and they had brought food to us .
va	3	Slowly she looked at Joseph and Mary , and then again at each and every one listening .
va	3	Our kinsmen were told , and they told other kinsmen and some came to the Essenes and told .
va	3	My mother leaned forward and put her head on the shoulder of Elizabeth , and Elizabeth held her .
va	3	But then Elizabeth drew herself up , and so did my mother , and Elizabeth spoke on .
va	3	Now you take your leave of me and go on to Nazareth before more bandits come through here .
va	3	He is consecrated to the Lord , and the Essenes know that he is under the vow .
va	3	And they will take care of him and he 'll study until the time comes for him .
va	3	My cousin Zechariah , a priest with gray hairs , being kicked by the soldiers of Herod .
va	3	And an old man who was sitting in the dirt beside a small house was laughing too .
va	3	" I said to them , ' Go on , brother , take it ! ' "
va	3	Little Salome and I went ahead with James , and some of the other cousins followed .
va	3	We all say the prayer , ' Hear O Israel , the Lord our God is One . ' "
va	3	We said it every day always in the morning when we rose and in the evening .
va	3	We drew near villages where children were playing , and we could smell the cooking food .
va	3	These robbers , they come and they go , but we are who we are . "
va	3	She was looking to the men now for an answer , as we were somewhat drawn together .
va	3	" Little daughter , if men want to fight , they find a reason , " he said .
va	3	" Once it was Cyrus the King who watched over us , now it 's Augustus Caesar .
va	3	" There will come a time , a time to tell you everything slowly so that you understand .
va	3	But there had been a chance , and I was glad that Little Salome had spoken up .
va	3	She said , " This is my brother , " and she went with him alone .
va	3	" She made him sit down and eat a meal for his strength , " said Silas .
va	3	Beyond the tall grass , it was red with the light of the sun that was almost gone away .
va	3	People streamed down to the banks from all directions , and others had made camps nearby .
va	3	The cool air did not bother us , and we were soon warm and the water felt warm .
va	3	The whole river was full of singing , and those on the banks began to sing .
va	3	But I was dry and wrapped up and it was soft here , soft and close and dark .
va	3	" You fell down in the river , you were tired , you were praying and you were tired .
va	3	There were so many people , and you were praying and you cried out to the Lord .
va	3	I could see that in the firelight , and I could feel the heat of the fire .
va	3	New voices sang from here and from there , and people who passed us were singing .
va	3	Why hadn 't I held on to the sight of them , and not let them go ?
va	3	You come from where there are no robbers , no fires , no man dying on a spear .
va	3	They forced their way into the crowds , shouting and cursing , and seeking to rob everyone .
va	3	In one town we hid from them while they set fire to the houses around us .
va	3	After all , these " rogues , " the men said , carried swords and daggers .
va	3	That is , if I had a single thought of not being afraid , I missed the sea .
va	3	And the rains made us huddle together under our cloaks , and they made us cold .
va	3	It was said the Roman soldiers were on the march from Syria , there was no question of it .
va	3	" When the Romans put down a riot , they kill the innocent with the bad . "
va	3	It 's one swarm of locusts after another , the thieves first and the soldiers second . "
va	3	Two of the other women caught hold of her and took her away from the men .
va	3	I got up and went close to James , who was looking into the fire as he often did .
va	3	Some of the men were whispering their night prayers , heading for their beds under the sky .
va	3	" The Lord wanted us to leave beautiful Alexandria for this , the Lord wanted us - . "
va	3	All the better could I see the stars , and I didn 't really want to go to sleep .
va	3	Nothing changed in our camp , and it was the same for all those camped near us .
va	3	And with it I could hear feet running , faint and then loud , stomping feet .
va	3	All at once the woman 's steps were right near us , pounding up the slope .
va	3	They brought her down to the ground , and pushed her behind them into the blankets .
va	3	The woman let out a cry , more like a choke , as if she couldn 't help it .
va	3	Down below , in the valley , the fire burned but its great flames were finished .
va	3	Little children like that , once they fall into deep sleep , nothing wakes them up .
va	3	I couldn 't think of the poor girl , down there where the house was burnt .
va	3	Chapter 11 When i woke up , I saw the blue sky and the trees before I said anything .
va	3	They were just coming back from the woman 's house , or so the women told me .
va	3	The women crowded around these two newcomers and hugged them and comforted them and kissed them .
va	3	As we walked on towards Nazareth , I learned they would now be with us , these two .
va	3	And the aunt of one of Joseph 's people , but I couldn 't trace it all back .
va	3	And the clouds were clean and like the sails of ships , and there were women in the fields .
va	3	The men went alone to the spring to bathe , and the women brought fresh robes for them .
va	3	Then the women took all of us little ones , and we bathed and dressed the same .
va	3	But when I looked to Joseph as I always did at such times , he was steady .
va	3	I don 't see anything bad happening in Nazareth , and nothing between here and there . "
va	3	I begged to run ahead , and so did James in the same voice , but Joseph said no .
va	3	" In the tunnels , they have to be in the tunnels , " said my cousin Silas .
va	3	And the vines grew on the rotted wood frames above the low wall at the street making a gateway .
va	3	I thought about the fig tree , and the glory of the vines with their peeping white flowers .
va	3	Then a sound came , a sound so frightening to me that it wiped out everything else .
va	3	Rattling and scratching and the sound of men calling in Greek words I couldn 't make out .
va	3	My aunt screamed and so did my mother , though they tried to cover their screams .
va	3	I could hear my aunt Esther murmuring in Greek , but I couldn 't make out the words .
va	3	" No , these men have nothing to do with this , " said the leader .
va	3	" You just said yourself we can 't search all these houses , now let 's go . "
va	3	Let me have this moment to offer for my brothers and all my kindred now . "
va	3	Joseph pulled James back and they all started fighting again , until the soldiers looked towards the house .
va	3	The soldiers all broke into such laughter now it was as if they 'd never laughed before .
va	3	" You know , we had to put this down , this rebellion , you do know that .
va	3	And now half the city burnt and the slave traders dragging away the women and children . "
va	3	One of the other soldiers was quietly scoffing , and the mean soldier held his peace .
va	3	You know the better part of the army 's marching south to Jerusalem , don 't you ? "
va	3	" Ah , that 's good , " he said , " that 's very good wine . "
va	3	The leader tried to give the skin back to the old woman , but she refused it .
va	3	The leader looked at us and at the old woman as if he was speaking but he wasn 't .
va	3	As they had come , they went - with a lot of noise and clatter , and rattling .
va	3	Nothing moved but all the little flowers and leaves on the green vines that grew around us .
va	3	I could hear but the cooing of doves , and the soft song of other birds .
va	3	Joseph spoke in a low voice to James , " What did you see from the rooftops ? "
va	3	" It 's over , " Joseph said , and everyone began to move and to talk at once .
va	3	Her robes were dusty but soft , and her hands small and wrinkled like her face .
va	3	Old Sarah was the place where my father 's family and my mother 's family were joined .
va	3	I couldn 't remember all those links , no matter how often they were told to me .
va	3	And so we gathered under the fig tree , and I sat at Old Sarah 's feet .
va	3	I wanted to be with the men and help them , but I wanted to hear Old Sarah too .
va	3	Old Justus raised his hand , and tried to sit up on his bed but he couldn 't .
va	3	Then he lay back on his bed , and I saw that he couldn 't speak .
va	3	Even though it was bright sunlight , the men made us all go into the house .
va	3	The other men came to Old Sarah one by one and kissed her hands and she received them .
va	3	She frowned and shook her head and said in a whisper that I mustn 't speak of it .
va	3	" She 's still a woman , " my mother said , " and they are men . "
va	3	Others were coming and going on the road as people do and I saw wagons , and donkeys .
va	3	James blushed , and there passed between them a quick look , James ashamed , and Joseph forgiving him .
va	3	Old Sarah sat , bundled up against the open air , under the old bones of the fig tree .
va	3	At once Little Symeon came out from behind the curtain of the doorway , and so did Little Judas .
va	3	There was much white painting to be done where the plaster had gone gray or black .
va	3	I wasn 't old enough to do it , to keep a long strip of green border perfectly straight .
va	3	She took care of Old Justus and Old Sarah , and she slept on the floor in their room .
va	3	Everyone knew it could take two days or more for a man to die on a cross .
va	3	" The last of the soldiers passed on the main road over an hour ago , " said Joseph .
va	3	" It is a shameful thing , and it 's been days since these men - . "
va	3	I even missed Baby Esther who woke up to start crying and only stopped when she went to sleep .
va	3	Chapter 14 It wasn 't until the third day that we were allowed to roam far and wide .
va	3	It was damp there , because it had rained in the night , but it was good .
va	3	It was as if I was humming and the humming filled my ears , but I wasn 't humming .
va	3	I lay still on the grass and I heard little tiny creatures around me in the grass .
va	3	He came out of the grove of trees down the hill , and made his way up towards me .
va	3	What was time that I could spend it here staring until the world lost all its hard edges ?
va	3	" But you see , " he said , " nobody will ever look for you here .
va	3	We came to a little garden marked off with small stones , and near to a few trees .
va	3	A great big tree stood by it , and the tree was full of knuckles and knots .
va	3	He picked me up and he kissed me on both cheeks and he walked with me back home .
va	3	A chill lingered , and I didn 't like it but I knew the warm air was coming soon .
va	3	Here they were up early to bake the bread and no one brought the water here .
va	3	When we lay down for the evening meal , with rugs and cushions , we felt good .
va	3	But the men said that the tunnel needed repairing and no little ones were to go down there .
va	3	" Read it to you in the Greek , or tell it to you in our tongue . "
va	3	' What are you doing , Stranger , snoring in the bottom of this ship ? ' "
va	3	" And they prayed unto the Lord , in fear of him , but what did they do ? "
va	3	" And he was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale ! "
va	3	" They fasted , they put on sackcloth from the greatest among them to the least .
va	3	Even the King stood up from his throne and covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in ashes ! "
va	3	" And so the night passed and the Prophet slept under that vine ... and who knows ?
va	3	' Do you do well to be so angry over the death of a vine ? ' "
va	3	' Yes , Lord , I do well to be angry , even unto death ! '
va	3	And after everyone had eaten of the bread prepared before by hand , Old Sarah spoke up .
va	3	" I know James , yes , and Silas and Levi , I remember them , but this one ?
va	3	Right when the words left Joseph 's lips , I felt the men behind me draw in very close .
va	3	My uncle Simon stood close to me too and he put his hand on my shoulder too .
va	3	Then came talk again , talk about the Law , and even arguments with the men raising their voices .
va	3	It was full and pretty and not like the broken songs of the people at the River Jordan .
va	3	My uncles whispered in the light of the lamps that would never go out on the Sabbath .
va	3	Joseph said , " Come now , Yeshua , how long am I to look at this troubled face ?
va	3	And we bowed our heads when we passed the crosses , though all the bodies were gone from them .
va	3	My teeth were chattering and my mother thought I was cold , but I wasn 't .
va	3	That she was trying to go from my house to the house of her mother-in-law ? "
va	3	" Be careful in what you write on that wall , " said my aunt Salome .
va	3	And another : " I need hands now to carry the buckets of dirt , who ? "
va	3	We laughed at that , and we did move on and back to the peace of the countryside .
va	3	And my aunt , his wife , said , " His talk is better than his singing .
va	3	And if there 's a psalm with an ant in it , he will sing it . "
va	3	My uncle started to sing , and my aunt groaned , but soon we were singing with him .
va	3	" Let me tell you : no one ever listens to a prophet in his own land ! "
va	3	Joseph waved his finger at me for my attention and grandly shook his head : No .
va	3	The best in Jerusalem , and then , well , some of them not so good . "
va	3	" But you know a holy man can make the rain come and go , " he said .
va	3	Then he laughed more as if he thought this even funnier the more he thought about it .
va	3	The rain was coming down harder now , and passing through the branches and we were getting wet .
va	3	Everyone was very happy and we made our way out on the road and headed home .
va	3	I didn 't say a word to anyone , but I was troubled , deeply troubled .
va	3	I couldn 't remember a single word that my mother had said to me that night in Jerusalem .
va	3	I could remember only her face , and the way that she 'd whispered to me .
va	3	I didn 't have to look up at Joseph to know that he was not himself .
va	3	The Rabbi looked pleased and gentle and when he saw my eyes on him , he even smiled .
va	3	" There 's no one here who doesn 't remember your betrothal , " he said .
va	3	" Is it not for the fathers of the children to tell them these things in time ? "
va	3	" But where were you married to your betrothed and where was your son born ? "
va	3	" And Old Sarah daughter of Elias was with them , and Old Justus was not infirm . "
va	3	" Ah , so I remember , " said the Rabbi , " and you are so right .
va	3	" If he had you for an accuser , he 'd have gray hairs aplenty ! "
va	3	In Hebrew he asked , " Why did the Phoenicians cut the hair of Samson ? "
va	3	He spoke to me in Aramaic , " Where is Elisha who was taken up in the chariot ? "
va	3	" It was Elijah who was taken up , and Elijah is with the Lord . "
va	3	The Rabbi spoke in Aramaic , " Why did the Lord break his covenant with King David ? "
va	3	The throne of David is there ... " The Rabbi was quiet and so were the others .
va	3	" Yes , Rabbi , " I said , " a carpenter will build the House of the King .
va	3	" Tell me how the Lord is a carpenter , " said the Old Rabbi in Aramaic .
va	3	" This is a good child , " he said , looking at Joseph above me .
va	3	Again there was the laughter , not a loud laughter but a gentle laughter moving through the room .
va	3	" You should eat it if your uncle gave it to you , " she said .
va	3	I 'd had enough and gave the bowl to James but he didn 't want any .
va	3	It was said he had become a Pharisee only after he could no longer go to the Temple .
va	3	His brothers were also priests , but they lived in Capernaum which wasn 't very far away .
va	3	In fact , sometimes people came to ask Old Justus , our uncle , his view of things .
va	3	But even then we were all talking or singing , and I couldn 't really think .
va	3	A carpenter had to be careful what he said about the houses of those for whom he worked .
va	3	That way , if someone didn 't know the sacred language , he or she could still understand .
va	3	The land of Judea was full of fighting , and there were bandits hiding in the Galilean hills .
va	3	All around us buildings for a King Herod , whoever he might be , were rising up .
va	3	But Joseph looked at him and he didn 't say the words he wanted to say .
va	3	The soldiers drank in open taverns , and at the street corners where they bought their food .
va	3	Our women were always in their proper robes , and with their shawls and their veils .
va	3	Very different from Alexandria where there had been so many Greek and Roman women always in the crowds .
va	3	We were never supposed to look at them , but we could not help it sometimes .
va	3	The blossoms were gone from the almond trees , but so many other trees were full of beautiful leaves .
va	3	I wanted to go off the road and wander in the woods , but we couldn 't do this .
va	3	Chapter 19 I don 't know how many days it was before I began to feel sick .
va	3	It turned out four of us , and then five were bedded down in the same room .
va	3	I could hear coughing everywhere around me , and my mother kept putting water to my lips .
va	3	My mother was talking to me : " Who knows what it is , " she said .
va	3	When I couldn 't see her clearly in the shadows , I could hear her voice .
va	3	My whole body hurt me - my shoulders , my hips , my knees - but I could sleep .
va	3	There was green and red embroidery along his tunic , a vine full of the tiniest flowers .
va	3	" What I want to know is ... what do you think you 're doing here ? "
va	3	" Yes , they 're coming out of Ostia , " he said , " those beautiful galley ships .
va	3	He had his hand to his face , and he was looking at me through his fingers .
va	3	Crying , yes , but watching me , and it filled me with terrible misery to look at him .
va	3	He was so angry that his face was red with it , and his eyes getting bigger and bigger .
va	3	Before us , instead of the blue sea , I saw suddenly the great courtyard of the Temple .
va	3	I didn 't want to think of the men fighting as they 'd been when I was there .
va	3	I heard his voice in my ear : " I 'm watching you , angel child ! "
va	3	Everything would be there before me , all the answers , all the whole span of Time .
va	3	I didn 't know where I was , this room , this place - and my head ached .
va	3	I saw the flowering almond trees that we 'd passed when we first came into the land .
va	3	I heard it , that broken grown man crying that I 'd seen and heard in the dream .
va	3	My aunts came in , Salome and Esther , and they made Little Salome drink soup and lie down .
va	3	He passed the bread to me , and whispered the blessing and I whispered it too .
va	3	" They 're my brothers and sisters , " I said , " as it 's always been . "
va	3	His face was calm as if all the crying had gone away and left him empty .
va	3	" O Lord of All Creation , " he prayed , " you 've restored me .
va	3	This was from the impurity we had taken on from the death of our aunt Mary under our roof .
va	3	That and then the fiery battle I 'd seen in the dream , the strange dream .
va	3	But here in the Land , it was the custom to do these things according to the Law .
va	3	And the women had been going out to the vegetable garden when they had to do it .
va	3	But Joseph , upon whom everyone relied , would not charge any different for any one job over another .
va	3	They were gone a long time , and when they came down they were all in good spirits .
va	3	He was a Pharisee and dressed in the finest clothes , with plenty of white hairs beneath his shawl .
va	3	The man was speaking in Greek , and from time to time he stopped and spoke in our tongue .
va	3	The pitch in the roof of the Temple caught fire ; the columns themselves were burning .
va	3	Battle after battle , and the Roman legions coming , and the crosses going up along the road .
va	3	But there were so many others ... " They 're in those caves to the north ! "
va	3	The messenger stopped as if he had a lot more to say , but couldn 't say it .
va	3	Why do we not have priests from the House of Zadok as the Law says we should have ?
va	3	I tell you , you purge the Temple of its impurities and the priests will rule again . "
va	3	" Caesar has made his decision and we will soon know the full words of it .
va	3	The sky was big , and the clouds were moving as if they were ships at sea .
va	3	I lay down on the grass , and felt of the wildflowers with my open hand .
va	3	I could hear something that was like the grass growing , but it wasn 't that , I knew .
va	3	It was all the sounds coming together , and being soft - so unlike the sounds of a city .
va	3	They 'll come out when they want something , and you 'll hear them roaring through the village .
va	3	" I can 't do it because Joseph doesn 't want me to do it . "
va	3	" Joseph has forbidden me to ask questions of him , even to ask questions . "
va	3	He stood up and looked out over the fields at the mountains rising to the east and the west .
va	3	If I try to tell you things , your father will put me out of the house for it .
va	3	Listen to me , someday before I die , I 'll tell you all I know .
va	3	How can the Temple be rebuilt and purified if the Romans don 't bring order to Jerusalem ?
va	3	The thieves and the rebels stand on the cloisters and shoot their arrows in the very Temple .
va	3	I 'd have a Roman peace , yes , a peace such as we had in Alexandria .
va	3	Their cup is full , and it 's good to be ruled by one whose cup is full . "
va	3	It 's not that ... it 's all the rest of it , the lawlessness , the ruin . "
va	3	That and to love the Lord with our whole hearts and minds , and to know his Law . "
va	3	I wanted to tell him about the strange dream I 'd had but I couldn 't .
va	3	And who would understand the night near the Jordan , the beings around me in the dark ?
va	3	When the canopy and the torches came to her door , everyone sang at the sight of her .
va	3	Many women of the village came to talk to my mother and watch her with this loom .
va	3	And she almost surely knew of the hard questions put to Joseph when I was taken into the school .
va	3	All this about my mother 's fearfulness I hadn 't really put together in my mind until it changed .
va	3	If she wasn 't innocent , then she would have been afraid of men , wouldn 't she ?
va	3	Let the fields be joyful , yes , joyful , and all the trees of the wood rejoice .
va	3	I found flowers so sweet that I wanted to pick them and make them grow at home .
va	3	In the synagogue , we clapped our hands and danced and sang as we learned our Scripture .
va	3	The women of our house crushed olives in a small press for the purest oil at home .
va	3	We were laughing as we always laughed at things we talked about for which there seemed no one answer .
va	3	I hadn 't seen it so clearly before , but now it was so clear that it thrilled me .
va	3	And then we would sing it out after him : We are the people of Abraham and Isaac .
va	3	And we are a holy people , a people of priests , a people of the Law .
va	3	We are a people of great Kings - Saul , and David , and Solomon , and Josiah .
va	3	And on the head of the High Priest was a great turban with a golden crown .
va	3	On this day , the High Priest laid hands upon the bullock to be sacrificed for Israel .
va	3	And he was gone now as we were to a banquet among his kindred in his home .
va	3	I knew what a palace was , as surely as I knew what a pagan temple was .
va	3	" Don 't be distressed over it , that we have all these Gentiles among us .
va	3	" Because in each of us , you must realize , is the full story of who we are .
va	3	She shrugged her shoulder and shook her head , and went on picking at the embroidery .
va	3	He was smiling , but I think he was smiling because he hadn 't thought of this before .
va	3	And she had the bright eyes of a child , the trust of a child , my mother .
va	3	I remember , in Bethlehem , when I was asking the Lord , ' How , how ... ? '
va	3	She looked at me , and ran her hand over my hair as she often did .
va	3	My mother looked at me , and I could see she knew that I was feeling bad .
va	3	" You were born there , you know that , " said my mother , " in Bethlehem .
va	3	And the beasts kept us very warm , while the tenants froze in the rooms above . "
va	3	It was dark and chilly but it felt good after the close warmth of the house .
va	3	My mother got up to tend to them , and then called for Joseph to help .
va	3	It was only Old Justus coughing because his throat was so weak that he couldn 't swallow .
va	3	" But I can tell you what I saw , myself , with my eyes . "
va	3	And he 'd seen me bring clay sparrows to life , a thing I hardly remembered .
va	3	Joseph looked at me with a secret smile , as everyone else went out into the silent snowfall .
va	3	His smile grew bigger , and he led me out to feel the snowflakes for myself .
va	3	I was hidden in the snow , I was hidden and safe , even from myself .
va	3	And Joseph told us apart from her that we must never judge her or be unkind to her .
va	3	And there were other households from Nazareth as well , and from many other villages who joined the procession .
va	3	It had been a long time since I 'd had the bad dreams , but they came back .
va	3	Of course we had to see the foundations of the new palace and how the carpenters were proceeding .
va	3	Now right after Jericho we came to the village where we 'd left our cousin Elizabeth and Little John .
va	3	When we arrived , we found the little house where we 'd stayed shuttered and vacant .
va	3	Fear rose in me like a sickness in my throat , from which I couldn 't escape .
va	3	I loved the smell of her wool robe , and the soft touch of her hand .
va	3	They 've been working on the Temple since they were born , most of them ! "
va	3	And more and more they talked of how this was the biggest Temple in all the world .
va	3	And the sunlight was shining , and the fear , the memories , the darkness , went away .
va	3	But the kindred wanted to go down first into Jerusalem and find the place where we would stay .
va	3	I was far too old now , I thought , to ask anyone to carry me .
va	3	High on the walls , the soldiers walked , and I tried not to look at them .
va	3	And my mother and father took me by the hand and we went to see to Elizabeth right away .
va	3	I 'd offer you a place to sleep here , but you see , we have people everywhere .
va	3	There , you see , there 's quite a tribe of us from Nazareth and Capernaum and Cana . "
va	3	" Wife of Zechariah , " he said gently , " there are kindred here to see you . "
va	3	My mother bent low and kissed her and spoke to her , but there was no answer .
va	3	Her hands were tight and twisted at the wrists , so that they pointed sharply downward .
va	3	Then Old Sarah and the uncles went in to see Elizabeth before it was too late .
va	3	" They 're rich from the hides of the sacrifices which are theirs by right , " said Joseph .
va	3	And yes , there are many who work with their hands , and they have to .
va	3	" The other priests watch , the Levites watch , the scribes watch , the Pharisees watch . "
va	3	" Old Herod murdered the High Priest once , " he said in a low voice .
va	3	And when he marries the daughter of Annas , he 'll be closer to those in power . "
va	3	" We haven 't been here two hours and you women know who Joseph Caiaphas is going to marry !
va	3	" If you weren 't so busy quoting the Prophets , you 'd know it too . "
va	3	" And may our cousins who 've received us here be blessed for their generosity . "
va	3	And he stands up tall , and he had long hands that move like birds flying slowly .
va	3	The House of Caiaphas brought us a thick porridge of lentils with lots of spice in it .
va	3	And as always there were cakes of dried figs but these were very rich and good .
va	3	So as we went over the rules of the Feast , I think they were glad of it .
va	3	But I thought of my cousin John bar Zechariah who 'd gone off with the Essenes .
va	3	Finally I left the boys , even though I wanted to play , and I found Joseph .
va	3	I asked him right away , " Will we ever see our cousin John again ? "
va	3	" The Essenes are beyond the Dead Sea , at the foot of the mountains . "
va	3	It took me a moment and then I said : " It doesn 't hurt me . "
va	3	You had a boy 's face then , and your eyes were like your mother 's eyes . "
va	3	And she began to cry for the first time , and it was terrible to hear her .
va	3	But now I knew it , and it meant I had to know all the rest .
va	3	He began to speak again , his eyes moving as if he was seeing what he described .
va	3	They threw up their arms as they said it , as if they were seeing the angels again .
va	3	And when all the people in the stable questioned him , he gave them no answers .
va	3	Only long enough for you to be circumcised and the sacrifice to be made at the Temple .
va	3	Even if the whole town of Bethlehem was talking about this , we could have gone to another town .
va	3	Later that night , as I lay on my blanket , I closed my eyes and prayed .
va	3	No , they had not been born of a woman who had never been with a man .
va	3	I looked at the stars , and tried to see the hosts singing in the Heavens .
va	3	I prayed for the angels to come to me as they would to anyone on the Earth .
va	3	He had his hand on James 's shoulder as he guided him and us through the crowd .
va	3	The capitals of the columns were beautiful , and a great deal of the gold work had been restored .
va	3	And now as we came up to the tables ourselves , it was a din of voices .
va	3	" Well , if you want to buy two birds , then you change to this ! "
va	3	a man said to a woman who stood over him , who seemed not to understand his Greek .
va	3	The money changers waved him away without much of a look , and Joseph pressed him to stop .
va	3	I could hear more anger , more disputing , along with the cluck and coo of the birds themselves .
va	3	" Listen , you have to let us pay for another pair of doves for you ! "
va	3	" I don 't give the money to you , " he said to the woman .
va	3	" I give it to this fellow here and then he gives you two more birds .
va	3	Our Lord dwelt only in this Temple , and we were all his holy people , every one .
va	3	As we left her , we agreed to meet again in the southeastern corner of the Great Court .
va	3	" He 's older than his years and he knows the Law , " said Joseph .
va	3	I could hear the pipes and the cymbals and the deep blended voices of the singers .
va	3	Never had I heard such rich music , such full music as that of the Levites singing .
va	3	It was a dark and almost sad sound that flowed on and on with great power .
va	3	James closed his eyes in prayer as he held the two birds , waiting for the priest to come .
va	3	That 's up , past the singers , in the Sanctuary , and beyond the great veil .
va	3	If only the magi had not told Herod ... My mother 's words came back to me .
va	3	But I didn 't want these thoughts , these fragments of something that I couldn 't complete .
va	3	Such a peace and happiness took hold of me that I was scarcely a boy standing there among others .
va	3	It belonged to the Lord when it was in the animal , and it belonged to the Lord now .
va	3	It was a dark and beautiful thing like the music rising , and the prayers spoken everywhere in Hebrew .
va	3	Then I saw Joseph 's hand pressing his shoulder , rubbing it , and comforting him .
va	3	This time we walked not in the very middle of everything but along the colonnade called Solomon 's Portico .
va	3	I took it and ran at once to sit down at the feet of the man .
va	3	" And who is this who gives me so much , and comes to sit at my feet ? "
va	3	And Caesar Augustus , what did he say of Herod after the man had slain his two sons ?
va	3	So did I out of respect for him , but my mind was racing with thoughts .
va	3	I cannot give up those I copied myself , or those copied so carefully according to the Law .
va	3	If only I knew that it was right , if only , but I had promised .
va	3	" May God bless you , Rabbi , " I said , and I kissed his hand .
va	3	We went to the sprinkling in the Temple , and bathed after the second time as was required .
va	3	" It 's good for you to see it when it 's not so full of people .
va	3	Now all this time Joseph had not said one word to me about the blind man .
va	3	I hadn 't known it when we hurried down the stairs that evening , but I knew it now .
va	3	And because I saw things with different eyes , I was quiet but not at all unhappy .
va	3	He had a fair crowd of young boys around him , some much older than me .
va	3	He had a quick laugh that was friendly and kind ; but there was a sharp authority in him .
va	3	When the horn was blown for the evening sacrifice , we stopped to say the prayers .
va	3	The boys went their way into the rooms where they slept , or to their homes in Jerusalem .
va	3	The library was very big , bigger than that of Philo , and full of scrolls .
va	3	He had taken his seat at the desk , and a cup of wine had been brought to him .
va	3	The scents of the room were of the parchment , the papyrus , and the burning oil .
va	3	If my heart had not been pounding in my chest , I would have loved this place .
va	3	Days after that three men from the East came , Persian magi who offered him gifts .
va	3	" So that you may put it out of your mind and be done with it .
va	3	" These magi , as you call them , these wise men , they came to Jerusalem .
va	3	They said they had seen signs in the Heavens that told of the birth of a new King . "
va	3	Herod had received these men , pretended that he wanted to know who this King might be himself . "
va	3	And he looked away , his eyes moving up the walls and then slowly back to me .
va	3	But we didn 't know then that a child had been born in Bethlehem surrounded by miraculous signs !
va	3	We hadn 't heard the stories yet because the child was only a few days old .
va	3	I saw the man , our man , in the Temple with the spear through his chest .
va	3	" No , no ... " I said this word over and over if I said any word .
va	3	Only now and then did I see the babies , the murdered innocent ones , and I cried .
va	3	And once when I did , it was dark , and the old Rabbi was asleep in his chair .
va	3	Finally , there came a moment when I opened my eyes , and I knew I was well .
va	3	I thought at once of the murdered children , but I could see it without crying .
va	3	I saw as I got up that I was in a new tunic and that kindness touched my heart .
va	3	" The child born in Bethlehem has been dead for eight years , as you said yourself .
va	3	And in that moment , I felt all my sadness , all my separation from those around me .
va	3	Before he could speak , however , I heard voices that I knew very close by .
va	3	The Rabbi praised my answers to his questions , when I had been with the other boys .
va	3	There was a window in the room , covered by a lattice and the light was good .
va	3	Everything that was in the room was still there but it was filled with the light .
va	3	Oh , not the weight of the baby that comes later , or the movement , no .
va	3	" And that has earned me the everlasting ridicule of some in Nazareth , hasn 't it ? "
va	3	And it wasn 't the angel who came to me , who filled the room with light , no .
va	3	But it was an angel and the angel had told him to take me as his wife .
va	3	He wouldn 't tell me why - only that an angel had come to him again in a dream .
va	3	Then finally we went back north up to Alexandria and settled in the Street of the Carpenters .
va	3	" Only after a while I heard stories , stories of what had happened in Bethlehem .
va	3	Tales of a Messiah born there had caused a jealous rage to come from King Herod .
va	3	I struggled not to cry , not to fear , not to tremble - only to wait .
va	3	" Joseph said to me , ' No , the blood is not on our hands .
va	3	We must protect him and that we will do , and the Lord will show how . ' "
va	3	Chapter 26 From the mount of olives , we took the last look back on the city of Jerusalem .
va	3	I could see that they were pleased but they didn 't want to talk about what had happened .
va	3	It won 't mean anything to you until it comes to you , no matter who you are . "
va	3	And when will the angels come to me with such bright light that I am not afraid of it ?
va	3	When will the angels fill up the sky with singing so that I can see them ?
va	3	And everything that happened to me , everything both great and small , was something I had to learn !
va	3	I would go out into the world and do what it was I was meant to do .
va	3	More generally , it was the birth of Christianity and the fall of the ancient world .
va	3	But I also inevitably plunged into researching the first century because I wanted to know about Ancient Rome .
va	3	A European scholar was there , I found myself alone with him , seated on a couch .
va	3	But even then I had not closed in on the question of Jesus Christ and Christianity .
va	3	I 'd acquired many books on Jesus , and they filled the shelves of my office .
va	3	He was experiencing the first symptoms of a brain tumor from which he died in less than four months .
va	3	Was I given the gift of purpose before this tragedy so that it would sustain me through it ?
va	3	I do know that during his last weeks , my husband when he was conscious became a saint .
va	3	He expressed love for those around him , understanding of people he hadn 't understood before .
va	3	Then after that period of love and understanding , he slowly lapsed into a coma , and was gone .
va	3	His memorial gallery will soon move from New Orleans to Dallas , Texas , where he was born .
va	3	Surely he was a liberal , married , had children , was a homosexual , and who knew what ?
va	3	Sometimes I thought I was walking through the valley of the shadow of Death , as I read .
va	3	They were in no way compelling when treated as composites and records of later " communities . "
va	3	Many of these scholars , scholars who apparently devoted their life to New Testament scholarship , disliked Jesus Christ .
va	3	They don 't even apply this sort of dislike or suspicion or contempt to other Elizabethan figures .
va	3	But in general scholars don 't spend their lives in the company of historical figures whom they openly despise .
va	3	But maybe I 'm arguing for sensitivity - on the part of those who read these books .
va	3	Maybe I 'm arguing for a little wariness when it comes to the field in general .
va	3	But the more I read about the Fall of Jerusalem , the more I couldn 't understand this .
va	3	And the core story of Judaism has to do with redemption from Egypt , and redemption from Babylon .
va	3	And before redemption from Babylon there was a Fall of Jerusalem in which the Jews were taken to Babylon .
va	3	Would they not have seen in the Fall of Jerusalem some echo of the Babylonian conquest ?
va	3	Christianity achieved what it did , according to N. T. Wright , because Jesus rose from the dead .
va	3	I 'd stumbled on them very early in my research , in multiple editions , and never forgotten them .
va	3	Ultimately I chose to embrace this material , to enclose it within the canonical framework as best I could .
va	3	Let me in conclusion thank several people who have been my support and inspiration throughout these years : Fr .
va	3	Dennis Hayes , my spiritual director , who has answered my theological questions with patience always .
va	3	Skaters moved on the frozen lake , though he could not make them out in detail .
va	3	People gave him a second glance , of course , but they weren 't frightened of him anymore .
va	3	Indeed , occasionally a human male came into the building who was in fact taller than he was .
va	3	They thought it one of his little quirks that he wanted such people reported to him .
va	3	He 'd turn to the bank of small glowing screens , and quickly catch sight of the individual .
va	3	There would be numerous sizes , from dwellings for dolls to houses which children could enter themselves .
va	3	And carousel horses for sale , made of wood resin , which almost anyone could afford .
va	3	Long ago , in ancient times as they called them , he had dreamed of monuments .
va	3	His secret belief was that the number of potential buyers in today 's world was unlimited .
va	3	In the museum , he was silent when they met , the glass of the case separating them .
va	3	But dolls and toys gave him such sweet happiness that he imagined he would never hereafter be without them .
va	3	Nevertheless , he did study his own breed , making and recording meticulous notes on himself .
va	3	He knew it was the coils beneath the marble floor , gently heating the room around him .
va	3	In the first days of motion pictures , and later television , he had thought war would end .
va	3	The first writings in all the world had been commercial lists of goods bought and sold .
va	3	No one had thought it important then to write down his or her ideas or thoughts .
va	3	Somewhere down there he could pick out the steeples of St. Patrick 's if he tried .
va	3	He barely understood it himself , yet the implications seemed mammoth and more wonderful than human beings knew .
va	3	" Sir , I care that you look your best always , for your own benefit . "
va	3	" I didn 't expect that ... I didn 't expect that you would be so tall .
va	3	As he moved around the desk , she took her seat again , eyes still locked upon him .
va	3	Perhaps she was even a little infatuated with his style and manner , he wasn 't sure .
va	3	" Well , I don 't really understand the mass-production methods , but I know your dolls .
va	3	" The dolls have never had names for me , Mr. Ash , " she said .
va	3	" But you have to keep your appointments with us , you have to approve each step .
va	3	It won 't take so much time , really ... " " I 'm going to love it .
va	3	" Of course there 's a stock answer , " he said , " which is wholly true .
va	3	But what I like , Miss Paget , is that your dolls are all smiling broadly .
va	3	" I can 't tell you how much ... " " You don 't have to . "
va	3	Never repelled by his face , it seemed , they were often repelled by his big feet and hands .
va	3	A great part of the human brain is organized around merely recognizing and remembering types of faces .
va	3	But she was not repelled , merely young and overwhelmed , and anxious over simple transitions .
va	3	" It 's just that the hair is so white , and you 're so young .
va	3	He gave her one final sober smile as she went out and the bronze doors were shut behind her .
va	3	" Now that is wealth and that is power , " he mused quietly to himself .
va	3	He turned from the window , and looked at the manservant , at his placid face .
va	3	As the doors closed , he picked up the receiver , and pressed the tiny red button .
va	3	" Yes , old friend , phones in the glen , and other things as well .
va	3	" Samuel , people are always watching you , wait - " " Your hair , Ash .
va	3	And yes , just a tiny touch of white in the dark hair of his chest .
va	3	The world will crumble ... " Was it the right thing , sir , the phone call ? "
va	3	Nothing tasted richer to him , sweeter , or better , except perhaps unadulterated fresh milk .
va	3	The driver was comfortably shut away behind glass , and the others followed in the car behind him .
va	3	He pictured this because if he didn 't , he would picture too many other things .
va	3	Now that was something that flooded him with happiness , or would if he let it .
va	3	And he had become a master of letting the floods of happiness come when they would .
va	3	For one moment the veil lifted , the great protective shield which so often saved him from unendurable pain .
va	3	" The wise ones , the good ones , the knowing ones , " they had called them .
va	3	The white-haired males had been vigorous , amorous , prodigious eaters , and ready makers of predictions .
va	3	They have arranged his usual suite for him , second floor , corner , with the fireplace .
va	3	Nevertheless , the snow was so pretty , and so clean before it struck the ground .
va	3	" Mr. Ash , for you to remember something like that on a night like this . "
va	3	If he slipped himself into those dark chords and dark voices , the memories would close in .
va	3	The grass was growing over it , quick and wild , as it always does in spring in Louisiana .
va	3	But she was pale , still , and her hands , when she did move them , would shake .
va	3	Now it looked alive , though if memory served Mona correctly , hair was dead , wasn 't it ?
va	3	Already dead by the time you brushed it , curled it , did stuff to it .
va	3	Sometimes Mona was waiting for Rowan in the hallway , and she saw Rowan do this .
va	3	And the doctors had confirmed it , though they could not say what was wrong with her .
va	3	" I never should have let her do it , " Michael had said to Mona a hundred times .
va	3	" I washed the mud from her hands , " Michael had told Aaron and Mona .
va	3	And Michael , no longer looking at her with lust in the eye , had practically adopted her .
va	3	They ought to bring her home , but I don 't think she knows the difference . "
va	3	She 'd explained that Yuri had been a gypsy and he understood things that Mona understood .
va	3	She even described how they 'd met together in her bedroom the night before Yuri went away .
va	3	That last night , she had some terrible dream about Yuri that she couldn 't remember .
va	3	It was too easy to dump all these words on a person who couldn 't or wouldn 't answer .
va	3	" I stood over there , ' cross the street , and looked at your party ? "
va	3	And Mary Jane Mayfair was as succulent a little swamp hen as Mona had ever beheld .
va	3	" I don 't know , " said the genius , the mighty powerful swamp witch .
va	3	You have the gleam and glow of somebody who 's just come into tons of money . "
va	3	" Never mind , I know I 'm not supposed to ask that sort of question .
va	3	" I don 't know , " said Mona , who was in fact not afraid .
va	3	" Oh , yeah , Bea and Paige brought that stuff to me , " said Mary Jane .
va	3	She pointed to the Band-Aid on her arm that was just like the Band-Aid on her knee .
va	3	Mary Jane blew a big bubble with her gum , sucked it in , and popped it .
va	3	Help me get some education , that 's about the only thing I could really use .
va	3	You know , the worst thing that ever happened to me was my mama taking me out of school .
va	3	" You and I are second cousins , " Mary Jane had said to Mona , renewing her approach .
va	3	You weren 't born when I came to Ancient Evelyn 's house and ate her homemade ice cream . "
va	3	" Oh , listen , there 's a story to it , " said Mary Jane .
va	3	" I remembered you when you and Gifford Mayfair came out to L.A. to go to Hawaii .
va	3	" I don 't remember seeing you at Michael and Rowan 's wedding , " said Mona .
va	3	These are the first shoes that are not tennis shoes that I have worn in a decade !
va	3	" Michael Curry , we were squatters , that 's what we were , " said Mary Jane .
va	3	Besides , I 've got more courage than imagination , that 's always been the case . "
va	3	" I 'm afraid so , " said Bea , staring at her in mingled horror and embarrassment .
va	3	" Hold it , please , darlings , let 's not talk Wall Street , " said Beatrice .
va	3	Dolly Jean was supposed to have died last year and been buried in the family tomb .
va	3	Lauren and Celia had seen her many times when they were all little girls , of course .
va	3	" She came to me in a dream and said , ' Mary Jane , come get me .
va	3	" How come Dolly Jean didn 't tell you in the dream where the home was ? "
va	3	I have a whole theory about apparitions and why they , you know , get so mixed up . "
va	3	" Are you sure you didn 't grow up in Mississippi and maybe even Texas ? "
va	3	If Gifford had still been alive , and there , she too would have looked anxious .
va	3	And they had promised Gifford , hadn 't they , that they would take care of it ?
va	3	" Mary Jane , you told me two weeks ago how your mother died in California . "
va	3	" I was trying to be polite , you know , save everybody the grief and the trouble . "
va	3	" Now , that 's not exactly true about the woman in the grave , " said Celia .
va	3	" Look , that 's all very sad about the woman in the wrong grave , " said Beatrice .
va	3	" But , Mary Jane , you have to tell me how to reach your mother ! "
va	3	They did the same thing to - " " Enough of this talk , really , " said Celia .
va	3	" I don 't think you 're at that stage yet , " Mona had replied .
va	3	" There are a lot of other basic things ... " " Enough , ladies and gentlemen ! "
va	3	It was a voodoo witch doctor from Haiti , and he did it on the kitchen table . "
va	3	" Well , they have a very good suspicion , but ... " Celia had started .
va	3	Wasn 't anybody in that place with a lick a ' sense , if you ask me .
va	3	" Let me tell you something , it may have turned out for the best . "
va	3	" We 've got to sit down and talk about the Mary Jane situation very soon . "
va	3	" And those eyes , Mona , " Beatrice had said as they walked back into the garden .
va	3	" Beatrice , shame on you , " Celia had said , glancing pointedly at Michael .
va	3	Maybe they ought to ask Mary Jane back , or maybe she 'd just come back .
va	3	I don 't even want to be the heiress if you don 't approve of it . "
va	3	Mona reached up for her own hair ribbon , to adjust it , to make her head stop itching .
va	3	" Look , Rowan , if you want me to go , give me a sign .
va	3	And suddenly Mona felt as awkward and unloved and as unwelcome as she ever had in her life .
va	3	Wedding ring so thin and spare it made her hands look like those of a nun .
va	3	She didn 't dare even to lift Rowan 's hand and put the lantana in it .
va	3	I don 't take your hand , or feel it or try to learn something from it .
va	3	He must have gained fifteen good pounds since Rowan had woken up and climbed out of bed .
va	3	" I think , " said Mona , " that she stopped talking because of me . "
va	3	He was patient , reassuring , but he was too tired for all this , and Mona was ashamed .
va	3	But Celia says ... " " Lord deliver me , " said Mona , imitating Celia perfectly .
va	3	" Look , honey , she stopped the day before , I told you , " he said .
va	3	It was about twenty-two hours from the time she woke up ; and she hadn 't slept at all .
va	3	" Well , I put lots of broccoli juice in it this time , " he said .
va	3	Of course , nobody knew about you and me and our little , you know , criminal activity . "
va	3	" Don 't kid yourself , sweetheart , " he said , shaking his head in obvious disapproval .
va	3	He fell into his thoughts , staring off , brooding almost , looking intensely handsome , beefcake and sensitive .
va	3	" I know when to tell and when not to tell , but ... " He shook his head .
va	3	Long as I live , I 'm not going to get that sight out of my mind , ever .
va	3	Perhaps it 's that , more than anything else , that 's made her silent . "
va	3	She wanted with all her heart to go to him and put her arms around him .
va	3	Finally he stood upright and picked up the glass and wiped it with an old white napkin .
va	3	" You know , Michael , that just may shock her out of her trance , " Mona said .
va	3	He picked up the jug of slop and poured a full , egregious glass of it .
va	3	" Yeah , bereft , " he said , and there was something almost mean in his smile .
va	3	She knew this in spite of so many people having told her this , more or less .
va	3	She followed him out onto the flagstones and along the pool and then into the rear gates .
va	3	His tight jeans , and the sharp images that had invaded her mind after what he 'd said .
va	3	There was no change in her , except the breeze caught a few strands of hair .
va	3	Then he reached down and he lifted her right hand and he placed her fingers around the glass .
va	3	Honey , honey , honey means Mona , Rowan , or Mary Jane , or any female being perhaps .
va	3	Would " honey " have been appropriate for the dead thing , buried in the hole with its father ?
va	3	Christ , if she had only laid eyes on one of them , for just a precious second !
va	3	Mona watched with a fearful fascination as she drank without ever moving her eyes from the distant flowers .
va	3	Michael stood watching her , hands in his pockets , and then he did a surprising thing .
va	3	" Because when she gets up in the morning she puts on her nightgown and her robe .
va	3	His cheeks were red , and there was a frank twisting to his lips that said it all .
va	3	She wasn 't sure why she stayed here , except it seemed the loyal thing to do .
va	3	Rowan did look beautiful , if you stopped thinking about the fact that she didn 't talk .
va	3	" But I ... ah ... care about what 's happening to everybody , well , almost everybody .
va	3	" Well , what I meant to say was , there 's this man , Yuri .
va	3	She could have sworn that Rowan had been looking at her , and had only just looked away .
va	3	And then her frown tightened , and her eyes darkened , but she didn 't drift away .
va	3	Bea 's hair was falling loose from her invariably neat twist on the back of her head .
va	3	Michael and a man in ominous plain dark clothes followed quickly , talking together as they did .
va	3	" Yes , " Bea answered , nodding frantically , her voice now dry and barely audible .
va	3	Thank God that she couldn 't or didn 't have to , and was with them now .
va	3	" You come with me , " Samuel had said , " and everyone will see you .
va	3	Only when he had seen the little men in their circle had he realized they were singing .
va	3	Yuri climbed out of the car , the genial British doorman quickly coming to his assistance .
va	3	And this man was as strange to behold as the little man , but in an entirely different fashion .
va	3	How bright the room was suddenly , even with its deep green velvet furniture and old-fashioned flowered curtains .
va	3	He had no more suspected this than he had suspected that the Little People really existed .
va	3	" Aye , " said the little man , " and what we would call a witch as well .
va	3	" I call him by his full name to make him strong and attentive , " he said .
va	3	He warmed his hands over the fire ; with fingers splayed apart , they looked diseased .
va	3	The wound 's in my shoulder , in such a place that every little movement pulls it .
va	3	" But to what purpose do I tell you my business , or of my adventures ?
va	3	I protect myself from it , as I do from anything which would constrict me in any way .
va	3	When he went to New Orleans to investigate a family of witches , things somehow went wrong .
va	3	I read their history in old records of the Order before these records were closed to me .
va	3	This family had been haunted for many , many generations by a spirit , both evil and good .
va	3	It surprised Yuri , because the smile so fired the face with expression and affection and simple delight .
va	3	" Their story of this creature , Lasher , it went back to the sixteen hundreds .
va	3	" When I know you better , when you 've matched my confessions with your own . "
va	3	I 've heard tell of them , chased after them , and in some instances almost found them .
va	3	Like an ordinary man , I remember some things with haunting clarity ; others are completely erased . "
va	3	" Hush , Samuel , mind your manners , " said the tall one softly but seriously .
va	3	" Don 't be an imbecile , Ash , this gypsy is falling in love with you ! "
va	3	" Aaron Lightner went to help the Mayfair witches in their endless battles with the spirit Lasher .
va	3	I know that Aaron had no part in their schemes , and felt betrayed by them .
va	3	He too had sat back , letting his short , stumpy legs stretch out perfectly straight .
va	3	He had knitted his fingers on his tweed vest , and his shirt was open at the neck .
va	3	I read some manuscript once , centuries ago , and laughed and laughed at the words in it .
va	3	He looked up at Yuri , head bowed , so that his dark brows shadowed his eyes .
va	3	He found himself in a shadowy stillness , with soft , loose curtains filtering the subdued morning light .
va	3	How much to tell Aaron in the few moments he might have to speak with him ?
va	3	He did some senseless and stupid little thing with his hand , pinching the telephone cord .
va	3	" Aaron ... " " He was run over , deliberately , by a man in a car .
va	3	Beatrice was just about to go into the lobby of the hotel when she heard the noise .
va	3	He was hired , but he doesn 't know the identity of the man who hired him .
va	3	It began to seem that he had been planted by the dressing table for a long , long time .
va	3	Inside him the grief and the guilt boiled and the stark , awful terror of death became unendurable .
va	3	That had been the last time he 'd known such pain as this ; he couldn 't bear it .
va	3	He clenched his teeth , fearing that in an unmanly way he would cry out or even roar .
va	3	But he did love a woman there , and now perhaps her life too has been destroyed . "
va	3	He could see the grass in it , the twigs and bits of soil clinging to it .
va	3	He had retreated to his chair and was sitting with his hands clasped between his knees .
va	3	That it was a fanciful lie or something , that they had the female that they had always wanted .
va	3	Oh , I don 't mean to offend you - " " - of course not . "
va	3	They 'll never let down this guard , or stop looking for me , till I 'm dead .
va	3	" You speak of centuries , Ash , " he said , " the way others speak of years .
va	3	A little noise came from Samuel , as if to say , This is not worth an answer .
va	3	Yuri didn 't answer , but he did not believe in the sentiments this man was describing .
va	3	A female , living only among females , could not have been prevented from doing it .
va	3	It was some other small coterie of members who have discovered the secrets of the old breed . "
va	3	He was hungry for the sweets on the plate , but didn 't want to eat them .
va	3	I will not , if I can prevent it , see the Order hurt or destroyed . "
va	3	" They would have it to chop it to pieces , perhaps , " said Ash .
va	3	" The man who tried to kill you , " Ash said , " did you kill him ? "
va	3	It was either knock him off the cliff or let him fire another shot at the gypsy .
va	3	The light of the torches had been the last thing he saw before he lost consciousness .
va	3	He looked nothing now like he had that night , in his ragged jerkin and breeches .
va	3	And the little man had said , " You can call me that if you like .
va	3	" Yes , " said Yuri , more to snap himself out of it than anything else .
va	3	" Ash , the gun is now the weapon of the glen , " said Samuel derisively .
va	3	" You told me you 'd tell me if I were to tell things to you .
va	3	He raised his right hand and pressed it to his forehead , disappointed that his hand was so warm .
va	3	" Or they will try to get her or some other witch in this family . "
va	3	But ... " " May I see the picture of the young red-haired witch again ? "
va	3	Then he went into the bedroom and , to his own surprise , fell dazed upon the bed .
va	3	The hair between her legs was red , but darker than the hair of her head .
va	3	" I won 't take the picture while you sleep , " said Ash in a whisper .
va	3	I came to tell you that I must go north tonight , and visit the glen .
va	3	Then , right before his face , he saw the white fingers of Ash 's right hand .
va	3	No doubt the lungs had instantly collapsed , and even before that , the heart might have been ruptured .
va	3	Obviously the lower portion and the foot had been detached and put back into the wool trouser .
va	3	She drew back only a step , and glanced into the other room , at the bloody heap .
va	3	The Chinese cop had restored the covering sheet , out of respect perhaps , or procedure .
va	3	She sat staring out the window , so deep in thought she forbade any talk , any distraction .
va	3	They genuinely cared , but there was nothing they could do now , except leave her alone .
va	3	Michael was at her right , devouring a plate of food and a can of cold beer .
va	3	" We need each other now , " Rowan said , speaking the words as low as she could .
va	3	And it had all happened in this house , she mused , when you got right down to it .
va	3	Had Aaron been there himself for a split second , disembodied and merciful , whispering it in her ear ?
va	3	He didn 't look so innocent now , so unlike the man he really was inside .
va	3	No , the inside had seeped through the handsome skin and changed the texture of him all over .
va	3	It had lent a slight ferocity to his face , as well as many soft and ever-shifting shadows .
va	3	He had said that when they painted houses in the Victorian times they used " saddened " colors .
va	3	She withdrew her hand , rising at the same time , and he stood up with her .
va	3	As he moved the chair back and out of her way , she let herself brush fully against him .
va	3	He came forward and kissed her on the cheek , turning her head as he did it .
va	3	He battered her hard , and she came , giving no cue of cries or sighs .
va	3	It was so divinely rough , so divinely crude , so utterly blinding and bruising and simple .
va	3	She was certain he would sleep , and she herself knew she couldn 't do it .
va	3	But he was up and dressing himself again , dragging clean clothes from the rods in the bathroom closet .
va	3	That 's what he did , that 's what he did over and over and over again .
va	3	His shoulders sagged for a minute , just a minute , and then he turned away from her .
va	3	He was so hurt , but he would never again have the vulnerable look he had had before .
va	3	She wanted to go to him , to talk to him , to hold him again .
va	3	With the water flooding down , she could think , perhaps clearly , for the first time .
va	3	He listened intently , frowning slightly , face calm but never innocent the way it had been before .
va	3	" I don 't know how I could have hurt you just now , Rowan , " he said .
va	3	He had dropped his voice to a whisper the way so many people did when they spoke of death .
va	3	She leant forward and kissed him , took the breath out of him deliberately so it would remain wordless .
va	3	You and I , we are the only ones who know that they 're there together . "
va	3	Yes , for this little while and then you 'll hate me again , she thought .
va	3	She kissed his hair , his cheek , she rubbed her forehead back and forth across his sharp beard .
va	3	Sometimes it had taken him years to make his way to England and then north to the Highlands .
va	3	Scotland must seem like any other place to which he had at times dragged her or his other attendants .
va	3	Indeed , his journey had taken him from one circle of frost to another and then another .
va	3	And with childish eagerness and shallow regret , he longed for the warmth of the London hotel .
va	3	He could not remember anything that he had ever known , per se , to be childhood .
va	3	Through the dim glass he watched young Leslie slip into the passenger seat in front of him .
va	3	" Mr. Ash , I 've called the Inn ; they 're prepared for our arrival .
va	3	This was one of those journeys when he would feel every minute , and every bump in the road .
va	3	In his mind 's eye he reached for the button of her white blouse in the photograph .
va	3	He sighed and let a low whistle come from his teeth and turned his head to the side .
va	3	He sat up and forward and put his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands .
va	3	His hands and feet were cold , but it was not a coldness he couldn 't endure .
va	3	At last he emerged into a small clearing , eyes fixed on the distant overhanging peak .
va	3	The trees were so close he could not easily find the path now , or any simple footing .
va	3	If they knew you were here , would they play a true song to draw you in ?
va	3	He pushed at the heavy overgrowth , letting the small branches scratch at his hands and face .
va	3	And the silence leapt back from him , curling perhaps into the very depths of the cave .
va	3	" Oh , please , once more , for mercy 's sake ... " he whispered .
va	3	He would fall if he remained here , unable to see , unable to do anything but remember .
va	3	He had been a fool to separate himself from them and climb to this terrible place alone .
va	3	His pain was so sharp that he made a soft sound , like a child crying .
va	3	He ripped it loose and went on , the rocks beneath his feet hurting him but not stopping him .
va	3	He could smell burning flesh , but this was not real ; it was only memory .
va	3	The group scattered with wild cries , and then drew close to make one small body again .
va	3	And the smell , the smell of the burning flesh , it came from their torches !
va	3	he cried , recognizing the old man , the gray beard dripping to the earth like soiled moss .
va	3	They were beating them with their fists , and a wild series of notes burst from the pipes .
va	3	When he reached the Inn , Leslie , his little assistant , was waiting up for him .
va	3	With a small cry of shock , she greeted him and quickly took the torn coat from him .
va	3	No , he would not go down to see the Cathedral this time , he said .
va	3	Even his red hair was combed decently , and his face had the respectable look of an English bulldog .
va	3	You play with your toys and your money and all your fine things , and you forget .
va	3	But it was another sound that had awakened her , the sharp ring of a phone .
va	3	And she would say , " I treasure the compliment , but I do get the point . "
va	3	What did Rowan have to say to her , to her alone , and in private ?
va	3	Rowan had shown no signs of lapsing back into the silence that had imprisoned her for three weeks .
va	3	Yes , he seemed as sound now as he had been the day she met him .
va	3	But she needed the records , and Michael , not wanting to argue , had referred her to Ryan .
va	3	" I don 't have time to take these tests , " Rowan had been saying .
va	3	Her eyes were brilliant now , and not so much cold anymore as serious , a real important distinction .
va	3	" I don 't want to go home to Amelia , " she 'd said sleepily .
va	3	" Yes and no , " said Mona , who would rather have been here than home .
va	3	" There should have been papers there , in my room in Houston , reams of scribbled writing .
va	3	She had flopped on the living room couch , too tired to think about it all just now .
va	3	The living room had been empty , the breeze floating in through the windows to the side porch .
va	3	The floor-length windows had been open still , and the guard was out there smoking a cigarette .
va	3	She must have listened for half an hour before the sound of the water began to prey on her .
va	3	She stared at the sunlight bathing the floor and the gold damask chair nearest the window .
va	3	The lights had gone dim for Mona when Alicia and Gifford died , there was no doubt of it .
va	3	Probably wants to ask me if I want to go to boarding school , Mona thought .
va	3	Mona rose , straightened out the silk dress which was perhaps ruined now , she wasn 't really sure .
va	3	Very black , espresso , Michael 's kind of coffee , the kind he 'd loved in San Francisco .
va	3	Rowan was smoking a cigarette which she tapped now above a fine china saucer with flowers along the edge .
va	3	" So are my closets , " said Rowan , and there came again that bright smile .
va	3	Mona took a deep swallow of the orange juice , thinking how good it was , and how cold .
va	3	This was like having a crush on a teacher , something that Mona had never known .
va	3	" When you look at me , " said Rowan , " I can 't read anything .
va	3	Perfect skin , red hair to die for , long and outrageously thick , and enormous green eyes .
va	3	There 's no reason to expect that anything like what happened on Christmas will ever happen again . "
va	3	" Besides , I don 't have to marry anyone with the extra string , do I ?
va	3	You have to be strong to be the heiress , especially the way things are now .
va	3	But later on , I learned to use it in a subtle , almost subconscious way .
va	3	The look was so cold and so quietly fierce that it made her seem sexless to Mona .
va	3	Mona was far too intrigued and excited by all this to let her eyes be forced away .
va	3	I 'm the only one who can find out why Aaron died like he did . "
va	3	Mona instantly regretted what she 'd said , then instantly thought she hadn 't said it strongly enough .
va	3	Mona took another big drink of the orange juice and then pushed the glass to the side .
va	3	" He 's the only one who understands the kind of danger directed against the family .
va	3	" You should have called me , Rowan , you should have ... " " Hold it , Mona .
va	3	Yuri 's purpose in calling was to warn you to stay close to your family and remain under guard .
va	3	" And Yuri thinks they 'd try to force Michael and me to do that ? "
va	3	" We don 't know the limits of the danger for anyone who 's in any way involved .
va	3	Rowan , I want to say something to you that takes a lot of nerve . "
va	3	If he does , what do you think the man in him is going to want ?
va	3	Rowan , you 're arranging all this as if we were pawns you 're moving on a chessboard .
va	3	" You know , Mona , I wish I could take you with me , " she said .
va	3	" The family would never tolerate such a betrayal on my part , " said Rowan .
va	3	Why are you asking me things like what I think about what 's going on ? "
va	3	" There are too many reasons , Mona , why you have to stay here with Michael . "
va	3	I mean , this was only a month ago , and ... " " Yes , " said Rowan .
va	3	There 's nothing on earth that 's going to make me get rid of it . "
va	3	Besides , I wouldn 't do away with this baby no matter who the father was .
va	3	" No , I would like to hear you say it , if you don 't mind . "
va	3	There must be indications , all kinds of little signs , if it 's abnormal . "
va	3	Mona wanted to respond , to say something , but she was too deep in her thoughts .
va	3	Her own child , and nobody , I mean nobody , was going to shove her around anymore .
va	3	" An attempt was made to shoot him , " said Rowan , " and the attempt failed .
va	3	" Listen , Rowan , whatever your plan , you 've got to tell Michael all this .
va	3	" Why aren 't you scared that these bad guys will kill you and Yuri both ? "
va	3	I can reach one of the very old members , one of the most trusted and revered .
va	3	Rowan pulled back the black silk of her jacket sleeve and looked at a small gold watch .
va	3	" I 'm going to go upstairs and talk to my husband , " said Rowan .
va	3	Sometimes I can still smell it in the living room here , and upstairs in the bedroom .
va	3	" I want you to do something just because I ask you , " Rowan said .
va	3	There is someone you can confide in , isn 't there , someone who can be like a mother ?
va	3	If there 's any doubt , any whatever , don 't tell him till that doubt is resolved . "
va	3	I 'll tell her I 'm having a nervous breakdown and I 'm on my way over .
va	3	When the tests come back okay , nothing 's going to keep me from telling him .
va	3	And nothing , I mean nothing , is going to keep a baby of mine from being born . "
va	3	They were for decoding the past , rapidly , with all the tools at their command .
va	3	To lose Stuart to death was inevitable ; to lose Stuart before that time was unthinkable .
va	3	This breach would be repaired with an appeal from the soul , with poetry and with honest fervor .
va	3	He drank from it when he came , he would drink from it before he left .
va	3	Only Stuart had to be reminded of it , Stuart had to be convinced in metaphors and lofty sentiments .
va	3	This had meant a night at the George and Pilgrims Hotel while his clothes were thoroughly cleaned .
va	3	Stuart , at eighty-seven years of age , had had perhaps his first excursion into reality .
va	3	Let me ask you a question , my brilliant young friend , my finest , my bravest hope !
va	3	And here Stuart 's voice failed him , and the grief displayed itself , monstrous as the rage .
va	3	" I put an end to those who could have stopped us , " said Mark .
va	3	" No , " Mark said , " you don 't speak the truth , and you know it .
va	3	Now , how was this to be done except in the ways that we did it ?
va	3	And the doctor ... " " No , " said Stuart , shaking his head with dramatic emphasis .
va	3	" There was no choice in the matter of the excommunication , " said Tommy flatly .
va	3	But do not , for whatever remains to us now , strike against the family ! "
va	3	Risk the ire of the Mayfair witches , and God himself couldn 't help you . "
va	3	" If I take you to Tessa , what 's to stop you from doing away with me ? "
va	3	" Oh , Stuart , you hurt us both ; how can you ask this of us ?
va	3	But Tessa is in your hands , as real as she was the day you discovered her . "
va	3	And the union shall not take place , and my eyes will close without ever seeing the miracle . "
va	3	His white hair , blown back and forth by the wind , resembled the unkempt hair of a drunkard .
va	3	An eagle of a man , yes , but not an elderly one , never that .
va	3	Is it the chain of memory we hoped to discover link by link to its earliest source ?
va	3	Or is it that you are damned now , both of you , for what you 've done ?
va	3	" And one must remember , " said Tommy , " that the spirit was addled and blundering .
va	3	Our other unwitting assistants can be phased out without their ever knowing the grand design . "
va	3	" We didn 't kill him , Stuart , " said Tommy , in an almost casual manner .
va	3	If the interception is ever uncovered , no one will ever be able to trace it to us . "
va	3	" At the very worst , there 'll be a little confusion , perhaps even an investigation .
va	3	" And Tessa is in your hands , unknown to anyone but the three of us . "
va	3	He was looking down at the town , and conscious that both of the others were staring at him .
va	3	It 's a hard truth to face , but the death of Aaron means nothing . "
va	3	And we know that the power , the future of this fourth entity , is unimaginable . "
va	3	" My innocent friend , " said Stuart , " who sought only to help the Mayfair family . "
va	3	" It 's a sterile priesthood , " said Tommy , the voice once again devoid of all feeling .
va	3	They were together again , and he longed for the warmth of the George and Pilgrims .
va	3	He longed for the taste of hot soup and ale , and the light of the fire .
va	3	" Yes , " said Tommy , " we 're all too cold now to speak anymore . "
va	3	When they had reached Stuart 's car , they opted for the drive rather than the long walk .
va	3	He 'd been a prisoner of this house then , and up until this very moment .
va	3	And if he was wrong about that , well , then he would die in action .
va	3	" They would have done it to Ophelia if she hadn 't drowned in the stream . "
va	3	" Ryan , I 'll be in touch with you as soon as possible , " he said .
va	3	" I wish you could tell me more about all this , what you 're really doing . "
va	3	She was looking forward , and so he felt maybe it was safe to look at her .
va	3	She lifted her hand and pressed the button for the leather privacy panel to go up behind the driver .
va	3	" I don 't plan to be kind and law-abiding with these people who killed Aaron .
va	3	It had been Aaron 's death that had done the trick , bringing her back to all of them .
va	3	He 'd give her that much , but maybe he was lying to both of them .
va	3	" But don 't think you know what it 's like to be the person I am .
va	3	I love you as I always did , my love for you was never in question .
va	3	" You want to hurt me , and I know you do , " she said .
va	3	And as she looked up , her brows seemed especially long and her eyes both pretty and mysterious .
va	3	Maybe it 's a physical capability to do things that normal people can 't do . "
va	3	It was there in my hands when I could read the past and the future in people 's touch .
va	3	It was there when I heard the music played by a ghost especially to lead me to Mona . "
va	3	It was not the best thing to do , perhaps , but he couldn 't stop himself .
va	3	" Michael , my love , " she said , " my one and only love . "
va	3	Now the cabin was dark and silent , and they bundled beneath a loose half-dozen blankets .
va	3	" I 've taken life three times , and I 've walked away from those deeds without regret .
va	3	" I can do it again , " he said , " if I have to . "
va	3	" But you see , I 'm going to do it whether I have to or not .
va	3	" I was once riding on a plane when a certain sort of love was made known to me .
va	3	Thank God she 'd opened the blazer , or he might have torn the buttons in proverbial romantic fashion .
va	3	Perhaps it was not wired with alarms as any door of his own would have been .
va	3	Without knocking , he turned the knob and let himself into a small but elegant bedroom .
va	3	She was looking up at him , and had not moved at all since he entered .
va	3	" I always know when I 'm being rude , and I beg your pardon . "
va	3	" I don 't think it was the witches who did it , " he said .
va	3	It seemed forever that they walked , until they had reached the very opposite end of the main corridor .
va	3	I don 't even know the purpose of the order , or why they wanted you here .
va	3	I was sent here to see that the wishes of the Elders were carried out . "
va	3	" No one else knows , and no one is meant to know , " said the man indignantly .
va	3	You were offered advancement and money , and so you cooperated with something you knew to be evil . "
va	3	" Do it for Aaron , " he said , " and for Yuri Stefano . "
va	3	Yet they were people of the Order , scholars all , not a service person among them .
va	3	The woman in the room behind him tugged at the knobs of the doors , then flung them open .
va	3	But he had too good a head start , and his legs were so much longer than theirs .
va	3	It was a number outside of England , and if memory served him right , it was in Amsterdam .
va	3	But he had insisted they remain here at Claridge 's on the chance that Yuri would trust them again .
va	3	Ash got up , gathered some soft pillows from the couch , and put them beneath Samuel 's head .
va	3	His breath came in snorts , but none of this repelled Ash , who had always loved Samuel .
va	3	If Yuri hasn 't returned by morning , I suppose that we should leave here . "
va	3	Mona let the doctor lift her wrist and then place her hand on her own belly .
va	3	" Not that poor man who married your cousin , the one killed by the car ? "
va	3	" Okay , I want to make an appointment for that test where we look at it . "
va	3	Mona started for the door , and had her hand on the knob when she stopped .
va	3	" No , I 'm not , I 'm just going to faint like women in the movies . "
va	3	And the identity of the father can be confirmed as soon as the baby 's born . "
va	3	He was like a man on strong medicine , a little punchy , and more open than usual .
va	3	" Gifford told me , " he said , speaking slowly , in the same druggy fashion .
va	3	They were driving slowly down St. Charles Avenue , the prettiest stretch of newer mansions and very old trees .
va	3	" It was a dream I had last night , " he said , turning to her finally .
va	3	" Even now that she 's dead , no one is paying attention to what she says .
va	3	Yes , that 's what it was , and the dirt was piled high all around her . "
va	3	He drifted away again , looking out the window , as if he 'd already forgotten they were talking .
va	3	" Uncle Ryan , I can 't go to Aaron 's funeral , " she said suddenly .
va	3	And besides , the fences are being patrolled by a force equivalent to the French Foreign Legion .
va	3	" You 're not afraid of the baby , and not afraid of the house . "
va	3	" You have to tell me the minute that Rowan or Michael calls , " Mona said .
va	3	" That would be too much to hope for , " she said over her shoulder .
va	3	Two young uniformed guards were at the gate , and one of them had just unlocked it for her .
va	3	No one knows these answers because no one knew at that time that Rowan was pregnant .
va	3	She didn 't press down to feel the hard little lump that Dr. Salter had let her feel .
va	3	She wanted so to talk to Ancient Evelyn , but Ancient Evelyn was still recovering from the stroke .
va	3	She probably didn 't even know that they 'd brought her home from the hospital at all .
va	3	She placed her hand on her belly again and just let it stay there , warm , tight .
va	3	Her eyes moved over the grass again and up over the thick black arms of the oak .
va	3	The old leaves looked dusty and dark and ready perhaps to dry up and drop away .
va	3	She turned around and looked to her right , towards the very front of the property .
va	3	How can you not wonder whether or not the baby is all right , under these circumstances ?
va	3	Your brain , though flooded with new chemicals and combinations of chemicals , is still your brain .
va	3	Without the intervention of Lasher , Rowan might have had a completely healthy and beautiful ... " She stopped .
va	3	He 's overexcited , and talking out of his head a little , but otherwise OK . "
va	3	" Yes , you and me , kid , " she said , talking to the baby again .
va	3	She sat down again , and began to type as fast as before : " Nerves on edge .
va	3	Could be a ghost or a deficiency in vitamin B. " Aaron 's funeral is presently under way .
va	3	" This could have been a human who had a reason for deceiving you , " she said .
va	3	Even though we were excommunicated by the Order , he wouldn 't have failed to write everything down . "
va	3	" He did make notes , son , and we have them , " said Michael .
va	3	But she had to snap out of this , had to concentrate and make Yuri concentrate .
va	3	He has bodyguards , attendants , he travels in a little motorcade , so Samuel tells me .
va	3	Michael , these creatures can tell a witch when they see it , male or female .
va	3	I mean , you 're saying that Ash and Samuel are only five minutes away from this hotel . "
va	3	" We had Milling , he 's bedridden , there 's no way to get to him .
va	3	" Not the devil himself could subvert Joan Cross , " said Yuri , words tumbling faster than ever .
va	3	" But we cannot forget , " said Rowan , " that he may be in on the conspiracy .
va	3	You cannot open up to this man , you understand , no matter how much you trust him . "
va	3	Show us the location of the archives , the vaults , the exits , everything . "
va	3	They were with me as you are with me , they were in a room ! "
va	3	" But it 's not your fault , all this , that you told them about the family .
va	3	Oh , if you could have seen this creature Ash , you would not have believed your eyes . "
va	3	Michael searched in his pocket and drew out some pound notes as he went to the door .
va	3	How extraordinary , she thought , that he remembers such things , that he keeps everything going .
va	3	" Now , Yuri , you have to sit down and draw pictures , " said Michael .
va	3	He 'd said he loved French furniture , but everything in this room seemed to be prancing .
va	3	The gilded moldings were bubbling up and down the paneled walls as if they were made of neon lights .
va	3	He hadn 't seen her shut her eyes , and then struggle to catch her breath .
va	3	" All the more reason , " said Michael , " to set to work now . "
va	3	Yuri said everyone knew him , they treated him as if he were a jolly little Father Christmas .
va	3	It falls apart if we can 't reach them , and we 're back to the starting line .
va	3	The council room was crowded with members , but the meeting had not been called to order .
va	3	Too perfect , he thought , it 's as though the powers that be were on our side .
va	3	" Come inside , all of you , be seated , please , " said Stuart .
va	3	You 're in the driver 's seat , he thought bitterly , but you can 't handle it .
va	3	You 're stepping down when you are needed to block the very communication that will hasten things .
va	3	One of the old men was complaining that in this emergency the Elders present should identify themselves .
va	3	Someone else had told the old man to be silent , not to mention such a thing again .
va	3	He could see Stuart leagues ahead of him , it seemed , moving towards the Superior General 's office .
va	3	He marched forward , rapped on the doors , and opened them without waiting for permission .
va	3	" They 've asked everyone to stay in , sir , until the meeting 's over . "
va	3	He went directly to his own Rolls , and slammed the door on the attendant who had followed him .
va	3	He couldn 't pretend even for one day , really , that the company could run without him .
va	3	" See to it that my car and driver are ready for me whenever I need them .
va	3	But he was to see her rushing about with marvelous energy every time he glanced up .
va	3	" Excuse me , " he said , pleased to see that she at once backed away .
va	3	However , I do not think the problem involves the whole Order , only a few . "
va	3	" Brook and Spelling , just up from Claridge 's , " he told the driver .
va	3	But she had said that she would see him and that she would meet him here .
va	3	The woman suddenly broke the stillness , but only with the slight movement of her lips .
va	3	Finally he had gathered up all of the little bundles and deposited them in the canvas bag .
va	3	And away she went , waving to him as he waved cordially and respectfully to her .
va	3	Ash started across the street , dodging one car and forcing another to a hasty and noisy stop .
va	3	He knows what I am , thought Ash , and his heart sank slightly for this man .
va	3	Holding tight to Gordon , Ash glanced to the corner and quickly raised his left hand for his driver .
va	3	He slid behind the wheel at once , and the car was turning to come down the street .
va	3	" Lock the doors , " said Ash , but he didn 't wait for the familiar electronic click .
va	3	" The Mayfair witches , " he said bitterly , all but spitting out the words .
va	3	And finally at Yuri , across from him , who seemed unable to think or to speak .
va	3	Now let go of me , or you will never lay eyes on Tessa , any of you .
va	3	Or am I tragically mistaken , and do you have a harem of your own ? "
va	3	" Then take me to her , please , immediately , or I will strangle you now . "
va	3	He took a deep breath , eyeing his captors one by one again , and then returning to Ash .
va	3	His voice had a lust in it that surely extended to many things , thought Ash .
va	3	Their branches were filled with bright Resurrection ferns , once again green from the recent spring rain .
va	3	" And look at those beautiful big sleeves all rumpled , and that lace , that delicate lace . "
va	3	There was a tall glass of milk , frosty , luscious looking , in Eugenia 's hand .
va	3	Of course , Eugenia didn 't know what she was talking about , but it didn 't matter .
va	3	Like a veil snatched away , it left nothing but a faint memory of texture and color .
va	3	Lily was going to stay there for a few days , and so would Shelby and Aunt Vivian .
va	3	" Could you offer some old-fashioned First Street hospitality to Mary Jane Mayfair for a while ? "
va	3	She crossed her bare legs , the shirt easily covering her knees with its thick lace hem .
va	3	Ophelia 's my secret name , she thought , and you 're going to be called Morrigan .
va	3	She closed her eyes and smelled the water , heard the waves crashing on the rocks .
va	3	" I presume you know , " he said , " that Michael and Rowan are in London .
va	3	There was a little mud , from the cemetery , probably , on her beige high-heeled shoes .
va	3	" listen , I can cut out of here any time you don 't want me .
va	3	Hey , that 's just adorable , you look like a white lace bell with red hair .
va	3	" Yeah , sure , I 'm glad to have you here , " said Mona .
va	3	" You have to push up that window , " said Mona , " then duck .
va	3	But this is really not a dress , it 's some kind of shirt or something . "
va	3	I 've got a mutual fund I 've been managing for six months , and it 's making millions .
va	3	" Oh , you 're just saying that because of this shirt or smock or whatever . "
va	3	Mary Jane examined the plates that Eugenia set out for them , holding hers up to the light .
va	3	As long as we both know it 's very hit-and-miss , and easy to misunderstand . "
va	3	" I got to get an education , " said Mary Jane , shaking her head .
va	3	" You think it 's too late for me to ever be a truly educated person ? "
va	3	" No , " said Mona , " you 're too smart to let a late start discourage you .
va	3	The veal did look OK , well browned and juicy , with a light wine sauce .
va	3	Eugenia was outraged at the suggestion , especially coming from an unknown cousin who was obviously a perfect rube .
va	3	As soon as it had been set before her , it had begun to disgust her .
va	3	Probably just the usual bout of sickness , she thought , and that proves I 'm on schedule .
va	3	I keep getting this vibe that you 're really happy that he 's the father . "
va	3	That woman is going to get over her grief for Aaron on account of one simple reason .
va	3	But she says that gypsy you fell in love with is just all wrong for you .
va	3	She only ate French bread , or rolls , or something properly prepared to accompany a meal .
va	3	Mary Jane grabbed the top slice , mushed it together , and started sopping up veal juice .
va	3	" You look like Ancient Evelyn , I mean in her pictures when she was a girl . "
va	3	" Small wonder , " said Mona , " but you don 't offend me . "
va	3	" Rolled it into balls , " she said , shaking her head with nostalgic wonder .
va	3	Did you know that if mundane started with a b , I 'd know what it meant ? "
va	3	" Because I 'm up to b in my vocabulary studies , " said Mary Jane .
va	3	I figure there are two kinds , ones with a sense of humor and those without it . "
va	3	" But what about all the b words , cut out , and rolled into balls ? "
va	3	Mary Jane popped the bread ball into her mouth and started pulverizing the frame of crust .
va	3	She tore a slice out of the plastic , and scrunched up the middle of it .
va	3	She licked her lips , tore loose some fragments of soft bread , and ate them .
va	3	" All this time , you remembered that we were talking about that , didn 't you ? "
va	3	Something stirred inside her , and she looked down by moving her eyes instead of her head .
va	3	A wild thought came to her , dangerous and sacrilegious , but not really so surprising .
va	3	She had never believed those scenes , especially if the person did it by herself or himself .
va	3	To dig up a body , you had to have a lot more balls than Mona had .
va	3	Michael had added earth to this place , and the newest , tenderest grass grew here .
va	3	The rocks were the danger , and the monsters of the deep who lived in the lochs .
va	3	She was wide awake and staring across the grass at the distant ginger lilies , at the azaleas .
va	3	Inside her , in the belly that she could still sleep on , the thing stirred again .
va	3	" Regardless of what happens , we must remain there so as not to arouse suspicion .
va	3	If he hadn 't known this route by heart , he wasn 't sure he could have made it .
va	3	Perhaps it 's not a healthy sign to be so calm in the face of this .
va	3	That there was some sort of conspiracy , and that Stuart didn 't know the extent of it ? "
va	3	" Boy , they made a mistake with us , didn 't they , brother ? "
va	3	" Wouldn 't it be simply marvelous if the intruder was one of the Mayfair family ?
va	3	I tell you , I want to read that whole file on the Mayfair witches from cover to cover .
va	3	It 's a perfect excuse to turn everything over to the old guard and very considerately clear out . "
va	3	The hall was choked with men and women , thick with cigar smoke , and positively roaring with voices .
va	3	And all his life he had believed in his instincts , as surely as he believed in his intelligence .
va	3	" Let 's talk about it now , man , before they forbid all conversation on the subject .
va	3	" No , not at all , not since this morning , when he declined to take charge .
va	3	But obviously he 'd been unable to solicit help , or had not dared to try .
va	3	It was his turn to disappear into the pub now ; he was still anxious , if not crazed .
va	3	He saw only a graceful frame , and easy , efficient movements that indicated both alertness and strength .
va	3	But the real allure of the man was mixed up with his voice and his eyes .
va	3	It was pretty hard not to think he was human , just different , unaccountably strange .
va	3	Yes , you are living now with a whole series of completely new realities , he thought .
va	3	You 've seen a ghost ; you 've listened to him ; you know he was there .
va	3	He had no doubt that Stuart Gordon was guilty , dreadfully and inexcusably guilty of everything .
va	3	And very soon the figure of Tessa would explain Gordon 's sacrifices and terrible mistakes , very clearly .
va	3	It 's hard to ride in a car for an hour with a man who is supposed to die .
va	3	If these four , my oldest and closest friends , are part of it , then I despair . "
va	3	Are you going to stand by and let this giant of a man murder Stuart Gordon ?
va	3	They were leaving the little village , which had all but disappeared into the gathering shadows .
va	3	When he turned to the side , he was surprised to discover that Rowan had been watching him .
va	3	Their headlights forged through the darkness , and this might have been any highway , anywhere in the world .
va	3	Perhaps on some summer sabbatical which he could no longer remember he had even seen this one .
va	3	The lake , the giant tree to the left , all of this was too nearly perfect .
va	3	He walked towards its venerable trunk , realizing that he was walking away from his wife .
va	3	A woman , her hair loose or covered with a veil , he couldn 't be certain .
va	3	Perhaps he was still weakened by jet lag , maybe even going predictably crazy like Yuri .
va	3	Medieval paintings hung on the walls , many with the high imperishable gloss of true egg tempera .
va	3	Light shone down from the room above and , for all Michael knew , from the room above that .
va	3	The voice , issuing from the skeletal old face , seemed the last reservoir of his masculine power .
va	3	He caught up with Ash at the head of the stairway and disappeared out of Michael 's sight .
va	3	" Tessa , " he said , " Tessa , I 'm here , my darling . "
va	3	She yielded with a sweet , delicate sigh , her hands rising to gently touch Gordon 's thin shoulders .
va	3	In spite of her height , she was so slight of build that she seemed the weaker one .
va	3	With his arms around her , he brought her forward into the brighter light , into the circle .
va	3	A great mane of white hair grew back from her forehead , falling about her almost magically .
va	3	Gordon was transformed with astonishment , as if nothing had actually prepared him for this meeting to take place .
va	3	" You dare to hurt her , either with words or actions , I 'll kill you . "
va	3	" My dearest , " he said to the woman , " can you understand me ? "
va	3	She shrugged and threw up her hands , almost in the manner of an ecstatic saint .
va	3	It had the quality of an orator , or of someone who knew how to affect his listeners .
va	3	Gordon came between them , circling Tessa 's waist with his left hand and gently drawing her back .
va	3	Ash regarded him almost sadly , composed , merely listening , as the impassioned voice continued .
va	3	But her hair is white , completely white , not a single live strand remains in it .
va	3	" No , I don 't judge you , " Ash said earnestly and with great concern .
va	3	She looked at Michael suddenly , and then at the shadowy figure of Rowan near the stairway .
va	3	She said with deep , true feeling , " I 'm so glad you 've come . "
va	3	" It 's what she wants , " said Stuart , staring still at the woman .
va	3	Had there ever been a more plaintive piece of music , anything more frankly abandoned to romance ?
va	3	Tessa 's face was ecstatic as that of a little girl whose greatest wish has been granted her .
va	3	And they seemed now to have forgotten their watchers , and whatever lay ahead of them .
va	3	" I want the names of the others , " said Ash in the usual mild fashion .
va	3	" I want to know who your cohorts were , both within and outside the Order . "
va	3	" You 're Alice in Wonderland , " said Mona , " that 's who you are .
va	3	" You better believe it , " said Mary Jane proudly , again displaying her perfect white teeth .
va	3	Mona sighed , threw up her arms and said farewell to the night , and then went inside .
va	3	This cousin opened up a whole vista of possibilities , but how adventuresome was she , really ?
va	3	And how naive of Ryan to have dropped her off here , and left the two of them alone !
va	3	" I never saw china like that , " Mary Jane was saying , bubbling away .
va	3	Mary Jane had just come back with a carton of milk and a box of powdered chocolate .
va	3	She 'd splashed it on the table , but it was so good , so good , so good .
va	3	" Oh , I understand , might feel the same way if I wasn 't pregnant .
va	3	A vision had taken hold of her , a vision of the sky speckled with all the visible stars .
va	3	As soon as he stepped in the kitchen , Mona felt so sorry for him with his tired expression .
va	3	" Ryan , come join us , " she said , chewing another huge mouthful of rice .
va	3	" Ryan , before you go , take a little walk outside , it 's simply beautiful .
va	3	And if you haven 't smelled the sweet olives , it 's time to do it now ! "
va	3	Mona poured some more milk from the carton , slopping a bit on the glass table .
va	3	And God bless us all , he had not said one word about taking Mary Jane away .
va	3	" I don 't know if you can , " he said in a low voice .
va	3	These are things that Rowan wanted , writings that came out of her last room in Houston . "
va	3	Mary Jane , genealogy is not a special interest with this family , it 's a full-time obsession .
va	3	" When you 've returned to your senses , " said Ryan , " would you please call me ?
va	3	Certainly you aren 't going to risk his life with one of those tests to determine gender . "
va	3	" Don 't touch those papers , " he called out from the butler 's pantry .
va	3	That was the last adult scheduled to be looking in on them , as far as she knew .
va	3	I almost became a statistic like my mother and Aunt Gifford and all those other poor dead Mayfair women .
va	3	They just said Granny and I had to come to New Orleans and stay with everybody else .
va	3	If you live in fear , what does it matter ... " What 's the matter , Mona ? "
va	3	" I just had a flash of the dream I had out there in the garden .
va	3	" No , " she said with a sigh , " it 's gone again . "
va	3	Mona stood very still , trying to catch it , but for her the fragrances must have been mingled .
va	3	She went round the boxes , and eased down on her knees , careful not to shake the baby .
va	3	I can 't see my eyes , Mama , I can see only what you see , Mama .
va	3	Will you be my ally and confidante , or do you wish , right now , to abandon me ?
va	3	Her white eyebrows caught the light against her bronzed forehead , and you could practically see every hair .
va	3	This kid is not stupid , I 'll say that for her , she 's not stupid .
va	3	The chandelier that Mary Beth had hung there , the one from France , or had it been Julien ?
va	3	But the ghosts don 't answer unless they want to , unless they have a reason of their own .
va	3	" Yeah , well , from what I heard , he was pretty picky about who got to survive .
va	3	Mona turned over and lifted her head , resting her chin on her hands , elbows on the carpet .
va	3	said Mona in a hissing whisper , and she made her fingers flutter beside her hair .
va	3	" No , silly , I didn 't mean that , " said Mona , laughing .
va	3	The branches of the trees came down to stroke her face , to touch the water .
va	3	No , Mother , don 't ... No , the flowers , the circles , you talk !
va	3	Mona could barely hear her ; besides , it didn 't make any difference what she said .
va	3	He had packed everything of importance in one suitcase , and hidden it under his own bed .
va	3	He 's a coward , perhaps , a melodramatic lunatic even , but he 's not stupid .
va	3	Look , I 'll wait till the damned ceremony starts , but then I 'm leaving .
va	3	And on , on to my rendezvous with the Mayfair witches , Stuart and Tessa be damned . "
va	3	Yuri sat at the round table , looking down into the cup of steaming Chinese tea before him .
va	3	What could the man give that would not be contaminated , not perverted by his madness ?
va	3	Michael Curry wanted it , but perhaps he could not touch the refreshments offered by Gordon either .
va	3	It was one of the young men who uncovered it among his grandmother 's possessions when the grandmother died .
va	3	" Called me , as a matter of fact , told me he had a mystery for me .
va	3	He said he could get her to England , if I 'd take over once she arrived .
va	3	" Yes , I 'm sure , " said Ash softly , with a trace of a smile .
va	3	He was now so passionately involved in his tale , he seemed to have forgotten the danger to him .
va	3	" She said that all her kind had two lives , sometimes more , " he went on .
va	3	And it was the memory of this earlier life that kept you from going mad among human beings . "
va	3	" You had realized , " asked Rowan , " by this time , that she wasn 't human .
va	3	These islands were warmed by volcanic springs from the depths , by geysers of steam , and pleasant lakes .
va	3	It was the same simplicity he 'd observed in Ash at Claridge 's , when they had first spoken .
va	3	It was Pope Gregory and his henchman , St. Augustine , who thrust the Roman church on Britain . "
va	3	Of course , there has never been anything stopping Tessa from leaving , nothing but her own fear .
va	3	Well , Tessa 's giants , hunted from the earth , almost annihilated , also survived in secret places !
va	3	And when they did dare to appear among human beings , they incited both worship and fear .
va	3	It was the same , she said , with the Little Folk , whose origins had been forgotten .
va	3	" And right there , mixed in with these ranting condemnations , were tales of giant saints !
va	3	And Christmas , that time of ancient pagan rituals , had become their favorite period for the sacred game .
va	3	" Because the women didn 't bring death to the human men who lay with them . "
va	3	" What I know , " said Yuri , " is that you didn 't tell Aaron .
va	3	asked Rowan in her low , expressionless voice , probing but not meaning to alarm him .
va	3	Gordon calmed himself with remarkable will , appealing to Yuri again in a manner that infuriated Yuri .
va	3	Perhaps I should say nothing more ... " " Tell your story , " said Ash calmly .
va	3	And there I allowed her to be worshiped by those whom I trusted to help with my work .
va	3	Gordon at once resumed his account , his shoulders hunched and his hands working now in his excitement .
va	3	His full black hair and smooth , almost innocent mouth rendered his expression all the more menacing .
va	3	" Yes , " said Gordon , ripping his eyes off Ash finally and looking to her .
va	3	Other records I had always examined within the house , in the libraries or wherever I chose .
va	3	" See , " Gordon said , his fingers resting on the oiled wood as if on the sacred .
va	3	To see the mild face of Ash disfigured with rage was a terrible thing to behold .
va	3	This is what angels look like , thought Yuri , when they come with their flaming swords .
va	3	His breath came haltingly , and then at last the fire started to drain from his face .
va	3	He began to weep , choking , gasping , his voice half strangled as he went on .
va	3	It was not to kill , never to kill , but to bring back to life !
va	3	Destroyed him , coldly and ruthlessly , and without a care for what he was , or might become !
va	3	Her stricken face will be the very last thing you see before the brain inside sputters and dies . "
va	3	" Look , I won 't tell you who the others were , I told you . "
va	3	One bullet from this through your heart , and you are as dead as any man ! "
va	3	It was Ash who made the swift move to close the gap between himself and the man .
va	3	I knew it - " Bent near double , he shut his eyes , and collapsed against the cabinet .
va	3	With his right hand he pushed vainly at the floorboards , as if trying to lift himself .
va	3	Rowan merely stood there , her arms folded now , her eyes fixed on Gordon 's .
va	3	They all stood there , paying some sort of dark homage to the dead body , perhaps .
va	3	In the very early days , we believed that was the only way that people died .
va	3	Such a lovely thought , suddenly , that he who lives forever becomes ever more compassionate .
va	3	" I am no enemy to Mona Mayfair , " said Ash , apparently catching on easily .
va	3	Leave Mona Mayfair to these two witches who love her and will take care of her .
va	3	That is what the Elders will tell you , no doubt , when you do reach them .
va	3	We will take care of the body of Stuart Gordon , along with everything else . "
va	3	He saw the long fingers of Ash close on either side of it , picking it up .
va	3	" But in the days that follow , I promise , I will contact you . "
va	3	I will never acknowledge , to any one of them , the things I 've told you .
va	3	And for the love of God , please warn them not to go to the glen .
va	3	The Little People are dying out , but until they do , they can be most dangerous .
va	3	" Yes , you 'll have to do that , you 'll have to be utterly open with them .
va	3	Then Rowan gave the woman her kisses of parting , and quickly walked towards the stairs .
va	3	Make sure the file on the Mayfair witches is finished , just as it should be . "
va	3	" You know , darling , if you had turned out to be an idiot ... " she said .
va	3	She burst into laughter , all alone , in the dark kitchen , leaning against the refrigerator .
va	3	Rowan wants to talk to you , she said for us to wake you up . "
va	3	" Pick it up in the library and take the message , I can 't risk talking to her .
va	3	Tell her we 're fine , I 'm in the bathtub or something , and ask about everybody .
va	3	And all my life I have been so neat , and now look , I 'm corrupted by money .
va	3	Said for you to stay inside and rest , and do whatever your doctor tells you . "
va	3	Then Mary Jane 's eyes dropped to Mona 's stomach and her face went blank with fear .
va	3	She lowered her right hand , wanting to touch Mona 's stomach , but she didn 't dare .
va	3	Mary Jane 's eyes were huge and round , making her nose look tiny and her cheeks very smooth .
va	3	" And the best place for us to go is where nobody will be able to find us . "
va	3	The song started again , so sweet , so pretty , the song of flowers and the glen .
va	3	Mary Jane had come back , shutting the kitchen door quietly this time , thank heaven .
va	3	" Well , no more than anybody would be , with a nuclear explosion going on in her womb .
va	3	Roar of the engine , and the rusty , creaky sound of the gate rolling back .
va	3	Rowan didn 't die , did she , and she gave birth to one and the other !
va	3	God , I never sat up here before , with the whole damned stretch behind me .
va	3	Aaron 's reports , hasty , excited , full of concern finally , had been clear on that point .
va	3	And speaking of Aaron , how could they get his papers from this new wife in America ?
va	3	Yes , when you looked you saw they were senior members , but not merely the decrepit class .
va	3	Joan Cross sat solitary in the midst of the gathering , her forehead resting in her hand .
va	3	He had always loved this scent of pure wax , but this was overpowering , absurd .
va	3	And when the twins both smiled as they were doing now , they looked rather hideous .
va	3	" And certain things , " said Enzo , the twin , " are beyond question with us . "
va	3	It was like looking at a cruel version of Aaron , much taller , more ostentatiously elegant .
va	3	" On what is of value , and how it must be protected at all costs . "
va	3	No , there he was , eating grapes from the table like some sort of Roman plutocrat .
va	3	If he had ever been this apprehensive in his life , he didn 't remember it .
va	3	For the first time he saw that the black cloth had been draped everywhere along the walls .
va	3	God , how much money did this Order have stashed away in its cellars and its vaults ?
va	3	This wasn 't his custom , to stand about feasting and drinking in black clothes at dawn !
va	3	For one second , in the ringing stillness , he almost gave in to a scream .
va	3	Slowly he leant over so that he could see the dead face that was turned away from him .
va	3	And then , realizing his terrible error , he realized in full what he already knew .
va	3	He heard Tommy protest once more , " Let me go , " but it was now utterly impossible .
va	3	It was a mob which had caught him , a mob from which he couldn 't conceivably escape .
va	3	With a loud metallic shuffle and crack , the doors of the old elevator were thrown back .
va	3	" I insist upon being taken to the main floor again , " said Tommy disdainfully .
va	3	" Certain things which , as an order , we cannot possibly forgive or forget . "
va	3	And there was his brother beside him , repeating in a maddening echo the very same words .
va	3	There are things you don 't know about Tessa , things you simply don 't understand . "
va	3	He couldn 't see their darkened faces ; he couldn 't make out even the shapes of their heads .
va	3	" Stop it , you can 't keep us here , you can 't put us here ! "
va	3	" No , you can 't do it , you can 't countenance such a thing ! "
va	3	Back came the echo , as if these cries were streamers rising and then tumbling back down upon him .
va	3	Within sixty seconds he had traveled along that wall , and along another and another , and finally another .
va	3	No , this couldn 't be their final decision , to bury them alive in this awful place !
va	3	Pray it had fluid or a cartridge of butane , or whatever the hell made it burn .
va	3	The illumination swelled around him , revealing the small chamber , cut deep , deep into the earth .
va	3	There lay a skull beside him , sockets staring at him , and there another , oh God !
va	3	Or was it the physician in her , horrified by the folds of flesh slowly covering his entire face ?
va	3	" Mayfair witches , " he 'd said when he saw them , Rowan and Michael .
va	3	When I get home , I mean to read up on witchcraft , to study it in earnest . "
va	3	" Ah , well , we have that in common then , too , don 't we ? "
va	3	" You have a tale to tell which no one can hear but me , " said Ash .
va	3	It gave her a small warm burst of pride , suddenly , that she had killed Gordon .
va	3	He was reaching into his pocket , pulling the pack halfway up and then shaking loose the cigarette .
va	3	We are close , you and I. Oh , it isn 't terribly complicated , really .
va	3	There passed another one of those silent , secret moments , rather like an invisible kiss .
va	3	We always seem like children when humans first meet us , but we 're not children .
va	3	Why did you both hesitate when I asked you to come with me to New York ?
va	3	" Yeah , he wanted to take Lasher , but he understood why I didn 't let him .
va	3	" The thing had hurt my wife ; it had taken my child somehow , taken my child .
va	3	" I don 't think you understand me , I mean in a very basic way .
va	3	" No , " said Ash , " but there are reasons for not thinking about such possibilities .
va	3	You 'll understand when we can sit down and talk together in my rooms in New York . "
va	3	I also believed that others wanted me to kill him , others both alive and dead .
va	3	" I was told centuries ago that to be the lone survivor of my people was my destiny .
va	3	His eyebrows were raised , coming together in a frown only slightly , as he peered into her face .
va	3	She was talking for her own sake , the mother who had shot the daughter , pulled the trigger .
va	3	" But you would have moved heaven and earth to get to her , " Rowan said .
va	3	Ash rose to his feet suddenly , his head almost touching the top of the cabin .
va	3	" Listen , we cannot answer each other 's questions this way , " he said .
va	3	" But what I can tell you now is I am glad the female is dead .
va	3	He shook his head , and placed his hand on the sloped back of the chair .
va	3	" No , we can 't share it , " Ash said , shaking his head with emphasis .
va	3	War is worldwide ; and the wars are tribal , no matter what men say they are !
va	3	People dream that it will , but it can 't , as long as there are people .
va	3	" Do you know how quickly our population doubles itself and then triples and then quadruples ?
va	3	As she tried to sit forward , she felt heavy and achy all over , and wanting more milk .
va	3	They had cartons and cartons in the ice chest , best to get to the house .
va	3	" I swear to God , I can see your teeth through the skin around your mouth . "
va	3	They couldn 't be going to that house , not a house leaning like that , a crippled house .
va	3	There was nothing but the lantern and that dim , glowing coal of light inside the collapsing mansion .
va	3	And is this theory of evolution supposed to account for absolutely every species on the planet at this time ?
va	3	" I want to help , " said Mona , but she could barely get out the last word .
va	3	" Mary Jane , I 'm kind of , well , sort of , scared of the water ?
va	3	The lantern stood at the very front , like there was a little bench or something especially for it .
va	4	Reminds me of someone ... " " Hey , I did my fair share of rescuing in the end . "
va	4	I didn 't mind , especially because I got a shot in at that moment : a solid punch to the jaw .
va	4	I didn 't press the advantage ; a slight frown crossed his face at my comment , and he lowered his guard a little .
va	4	" What 's - " I started , but I couldn 't even hear myself over the sound of falling rocks .
va	4	Those rocks are huge - Jerzy moved first , launching himself toward me and tugging me over to the edge .
va	4	A boulder the size of my dad 's car slammed into the rock we stood on , splitting it in two .
va	4	I just kept backpedaling , instinct taking over as it grew darker ; the avalanche was literally blocking out the sun .
va	4	Then a noise almost too loud to comprehend sounded just next to me , the world lurched , and I fell .
va	4	I heard strong , no-nonsense commands from a voice that sounded like my dad , and someone was asking me questions .
va	4	They burned and my eyelids felt like sandpaper , but I stubbornly kept at it , blinking to clear my vision .
va	4	I struggled to sit , ignoring the voices telling me to be still as I continued to look around the room .
va	4	I was between Jo and Josef , the only two on my team aside from me who were able to stand .
va	4	So was I. I 'd wondered , at the time , where Jay 's body had gone when he 'd died .
va	4	When he 'd said so , I 'd looked again in his expression for the man he 'd been in the picture with Acacia .
va	4	After all , it was entirely possible I was the one who 'd gotten Jerzy killed in the first place .
va	4	I 'd played the scene over and over in my mind as I recovered in the infirmary after the funeral .
va	4	Classes were scheduled as usual that day ; the death of a Walker didn 't mean we could take a break .
va	4	After all , I knew what the Old Man wasn 't saying : I 'd now been present for the deaths of two Walkers .
va	4	Even though classes were going on as usual , depression hung like fog over Base Town , like something tangible and oppressive .
va	4	The Walkers I encountered in the halls didn 't meet my eyes , and most of them just stepped aside to let me pass .
va	4	Everyone 's shoulders drooped ; everyone walked with their heads down and their feet shuffling , looking tired and upset .
va	4	The back of my neck felt prickly , like it had out in the field , but without the pleasant exhilaration .
va	4	One side of his face was covered in scratches and abrasions , and he looked as tired as I felt .
va	4	" Hey , " he said , and we sat in silence for a while , neither of us eating .
va	4	No , it wasn 't always like this , but ... when something like this happened , it was always this bad .
va	4	" She messed up her wing more trying to glide , but I guess it would have been worse if she hadn 't .
va	4	I hadn 't tried half as hard when I 'd first arrived ... but then , I 'd immediately been ostracized .
va	4	I remembered , with a longing so sharp it hurt , what the dinner table looked like and where everyone sat .
va	4	Maybe I could do what I 'd done for Jay , and get dirt from the base of the mountain .
va	4	No classes , no training , nothing strenuous , and the knowledge that most of my fellow Walkers hated me again .
va	4	No one stopped me , though ; Base was on low-key lockdown , which meant leaving was discouraged but not forbidden .
va	4	I 'd signed out , put an estimated time of return , and basically done everything like this was just a normal trip .
va	4	I stepped off the ship onto a small mound of sand , flailing my good arm to catch my balance .
va	4	I closed my eyes , took a breath , and followed the threads of a portal into the world I was looking for .
va	4	I wished I hadn 't decided to come back here , even though it would be a fitting tribute for Jerzy .
va	4	It took a fair while for me to get to the top like that , but I didn 't dare move any faster .
va	4	My shoulder was still fractured ; I couldn 't climb , and I couldn 't catch myself if I fell .
va	4	Finally , though , I was standing on a small , natural platform about ten yards below the very top peak .
va	4	Maybe I should just leave it here and come up with something else to put on the Wall for him .
va	4	Or , for those of you who 've had extensive schooling in a multidimensional military academy , it looked like an uncharged shield disk .
va	4	I wondered what it was doing there ; then I remembered Joaquim 's injuries had been mitigated by having a shield disk .
va	4	Jerzy was dead , and I was trying to think of a way to get the quartermaster to stop being mad at me ?
va	4	He pulsed , alternating between the bright , cheerful blue and the reflection , so I was seeing myself every other second .
va	4	There was a lesson here in jumping to conclusions , I was sure , but I didn 't really want to think about it .
va	4	" Jay ... " I was having trouble adjusting to the fact that I was standing there talking to Jay .
va	4	It seemed like an odd question , the kind of thing an older brother would ask when he was trying to break the ice .
va	4	I wasn 't really sure what possessed me to start all that , but I 'd realized halfway through how right I was .
va	4	I was tired of being treated like a kid , and I was more than ready to get some damn answers for once .
va	4	There aren 't many of them , but they 're so powerful that a single glance from one could destroy a world .
va	4	I don 't know exactly how they do it , but they 're the ones keeping things in order . "
va	4	No matter what your intentions are , or how she feels about you - " " I get it , I said . "
va	4	Something odd struck me then , and , much as I didn 't want to , I looked back at those marks .
va	4	There had been enough , I remembered , to turn a large patch of the dusty ground to dark , viscous mud .
va	4	Now , if only fate would hurry itself up and let me see Acacia again , I could learn a bit more .
va	4	I 'd like to be able to say that what happened then was the call of my name in a familiar voice .
va	4	I 'd like to tell you that I heard it the moment I stepped into the In-Between , turned , and there she was .
va	4	Basic teleportation didn 't work in the In-Between ; it was too chaotic , had too many things interfering with it .
va	4	He caught the laser beam and flung it back out again , off in a different direction , snapping back into his usual sphere .
va	4	It was like watching someone stretch a balloon way out , except it didn 't pop and just returned to its normal shape .
va	4	It looked solid enough ; unfortunately , what things look like in the In-Between isn 't always what they are .
va	4	His gaze locked on me as it would on a target , nothing more , and I knew he 'd just keep coming .
va	4	Hoping fervently that my improvised weapon had broken his built-in one , I jumped off the path and opened my senses for another portal .
va	4	I was just barely able to stay ahead of him , and I wasn 't going to be able to keep it up .
va	4	He had the advantage of being a cyborg , never mind his not having a fractured shoulder and several bruised ribs .
va	4	I was too disoriented to even see what I 'd run into , but in the In-Between it could have been anything .
va	4	As last words went , they were maybe not the best I could have come up with , but they seemed appropriate .
va	4	She was half on top of me , the ends of her dark hair brushing against my cheeks and lips .
va	4	By the time I 'd rubbed my eyes to clear my vision , she was standing , looking off into the distance .
va	4	The grass beneath me was green , the sky above me blue , and puffy white clouds made their way across it .
va	4	Ordinarily , I would have waved that off and asked where we were , or how she 'd known to find me .
va	4	I looked her over carefully , checking what I saw with what I remembered ; she didn 't seem any older .
va	4	We were standing on a ridge just inside a copse of trees , watching the figures in their life-or-death chess match below .
va	4	I turned , calculating the trajectory of the assault : It had come from behind me , slightly to the left .
va	4	He brought up an arm to block my first strike , and my second , but my third got through .
va	4	I couldn 't see her well , but the glimpses I caught when I was ducking or kicking told me she was still alive .
va	4	" You can 't Walk through time , " she persisted , tracing the outline of a badge in the air .
va	4	I cast her an incredulous look as she limped over to stand beside me , the badge moving in front of her .
va	4	The sun and moon were flickering like a strobe light ; the ground beneath us was grass , sand , water , grass again .
va	4	The trees grew taller , then shorter , one was struck by lightning , then was whole and green again .
va	4	I would rather have sailed over the waterfall in a barrel again , even with all the stitches I 'd needed .
va	4	I recovered more quickly , and was able to crawl over and rub her back while she curled there miserably , gasping for breath .
va	4	She took another sip and handed it back to me , shifting around to use my knee as a pillow .
va	4	It was like looking at something through a patterned glass window : You could see shapes , but not make out details .
va	4	" I don 't ... " I sighed , running a hand through my hair and looking up at the sky .
va	4	" He just said he didn 't need our technology , and that he 'd fixed on our essence . "
va	4	" If they can time travel , couldn 't one of them have come back and given him the power ? "
va	4	There aren 't many , but - " " But their power can destroy worlds with a single glance , I know . "
va	4	I was thinking about how he 'd still been unconscious in the infirmary when I 'd signed out to go off Base .
va	4	For one brief , horrified moment , I remembered when Lady Indigo of HEX had laid a spell on me .
va	4	It wasn 't that Acacia had put a spell on me , exactly , but she 'd somehow disabled my motor functions .
va	4	Voices rang out around me , one of them Acacia 's , but I couldn 't make out the words .
va	4	I occasionally saw sparks of purple and green around me , saw her nails glowing as she took me through the corridors .
va	4	I couldn 't tell if I was walking or not , or if my feet were even touching the ground .
va	4	It looked like the night sky except white instead of dark blue , with a thousand sunsets swirling behind the misty clouds .
va	4	Some parts grew darker , others lighter , then they 'd switch , giving the impression of a pulse or faint heartbeat .
va	4	The static in my ears had died down a little , and I could make out someone saying " Is that him ? "
va	4	I became aware of the air on my skin again ; it was a neutral temperature , not hot or cold .
va	4	I saw Acacia as she walked back through the bars the same way we 'd entered , like a ghost .
va	4	My guard was a man who didn 't look like me at all , which had taken some getting used to .
va	4	The bars were simple , went from the floor to the ceiling , and I didn 't see anything resembling hinges anywhere .
va	4	I couldn 't help thinking of what Jay had told me through Hue , and I took a deep breath before asking .
va	4	He turned to face me at that , meeting my gaze for the first time since he 'd come down here .
va	4	Something in my stomach knotted into a hard ball , and my tongue suddenly felt too big for my mouth .
va	4	I have no idea what I would have said to that , if I 'd gotten the chance to respond .
va	4	He took a single step back , turning and bowing his head , then left without another word to me .
va	4	The man in the suit was tall and well muscled , wearing black sunglasses with reflective lenses and some kind of earpiece .
va	4	As he raised his hand to make another gesture toward the bars , I ducked around him , darting through .
va	4	He 'd just suddenly been there , in front of me , with no indication of how he 'd gotten there .
va	4	I figured he 'd have some fancy trick to counter it , but why not give it a shot anyway ?
va	4	My foot struck what should have been a nerve bundle on his thigh , but he simply ... didn 't react .
va	4	Finally , figuring I should do the smart thing and give up for real this time , I spread my hands in surrender .
va	4	He remained silent yet again , so I committed myself to learning my surroundings as we walked through the halls .
va	4	We simply walked through halls until we came to a larger room , better lit with that sky crawling across the ceiling .
va	4	As far as I could tell , we 'd walked in a straight line , yet somehow arrived in one of the upper floors .
va	4	I 'd only been able to look in one direction the last time I was here , if it was even the same area .
va	4	The walls looked almost like those of a nice hotel lobby ; the room was circular , the walls a rosy beige color .
va	4	I looked down , tracing the gold lines etched into the floor until I recognized the pattern as a nautical star .
va	4	I glanced down ; there was , in fact , a step into the next room , if it even was a room .
va	4	The floor was completely black , to the point where I doubted my foot would come into contact with anything .
va	4	The room was completely black , yet I could see my hand and arm as clearly as if it was broad daylight .
va	4	I saw all the way to my shoes when I looked down , though nothing but sheer blackness surrounded me .
va	4	A small light appeared in my peripheral vision , then another , and another , until I was surrounded by a field of stars .
va	4	I don 't know how long I was out , or even why I was out in the first place .
va	4	My head ached like someone had it in a vise , and my vision was so blurry I could hardly see anything .
va	4	There was no smoke anywhere , nor fire , but I felt ash covering my hands as I rubbed them together .
va	4	Peering between the scorched limbs lining the path afforded me glimpses of long , rectangular boxes , sitting silently in the gardens .
va	4	Where I 'd walked in alongside Jo after Jerzy 's funeral , berating myself for not having taken her hand .
va	4	I stood there for a few moments in the hallway , the noise seeming impossibly loud in the silence , but nothing stirred .
va	4	This time , I cried for the loss of my home , the second one I 'd had to say good-bye to .
va	4	After a while I stood , brushing the ash off my hands so I could wipe the tears from my face .
va	4	It was too dim in here to read , probably even too dim to find what I wanted , but I looked anyway .
va	4	A jolt of adrenaline went through me ; it was the first thing that had reacted to my presence since I arrived .
va	4	After a moment , the letters faded ; I touched the desk again , with the exact same result , the exact same words .
va	4	I couldn 't help wondering if there were other messages for me , scattered throughout the world or on the other ships .
va	4	Maybe we could put precautions in place , something to stop this ... " But she said not to touch anything . "
va	4	I thought of all the coffins outside , all those silver boxes that carried us home when we died , wherever home was .
va	4	I stared at them , at the paper taped haphazardly to the wall , and as my eyes adjusted I saw another .
va	4	A flash of light filled the hall for a moment , affording me a view of the Wall in all its glory .
va	4	I ran forward , unabashedly throwing my arms around him , but he squeezed through my grasp , turning an apologetic powder blue .
va	4	" Acacia said it isn 't safe there , " I hedged , trying for a version of the truth .
va	4	He filtered down to the floor , crawling across it to my feet , and sort of ... stretched up over me .
va	4	The sun had crept down past the jagged window , the last dying rays illuminating the first note I 'd seen .
va	4	And I 'd found , while Hue was wrapped around me like a second skin , that I could Walk anywhere .
va	4	I 'd looked back and seen time , seen where I belonged , and leaped millennia in a single bound .
va	4	She was restrained by wires and circuitry , held tightly against the far wall and looking like she 'd seen better days .
va	4	It was almost all one word , discernible only by the slight emphasis on my name and the mild expletive .
va	4	Well , if being pissed at me was helping keep her conscious , I was more than willing to play along .
va	4	" Please be quiet , " he said politely , though it was followed by a pulse of energy from the wires .
va	4	She did , though not until after giving a strangled , pained noise that made my stomach constrict in sympathy .
va	4	Hue was no longer wrapped around me ; I was vaguely aware of his presence , though I couldn 't see him anywhere .
va	4	I wasn 't sure what it could do other than make my skin crawl , but I wasn 't looking forward to finding out .
va	4	" Never , " I said passionately , though the tiniest bit of doubt made itself known in my mind .
va	4	Some of them were thick cables , others were just telephone wire ; those cut easily and she was able to wriggle free .
va	4	I somehow expected a thank-you or at least a nod , maybe , before she started telling me what to do .
va	4	" You weren 't supposed to be here , I told you to - " " You didn 't tell me anything , Acacia .
va	4	The hair on the back of my neck stood up as the room filled with power , a wind picking up from seemingly nowhere .
va	4	" He misses you terribly sometimes , " he told Acacia , his expression turning , for a moment , genuinely sympathetic .
va	4	I was remembering the last time I 'd seen little blue lights like that , and I was suddenly sick with knowing .
va	4	" You 're making me sick , " I tried , but the truth was I felt a little dizzy .
va	4	I was tired , and reeling from the knowledge that Joaquim wasn 't one of us , he was all of us .
va	4	I wondered if they even knew what they were being used for , that they were made to be traitors just like him .
va	4	The floor seemed to be rolling beneath me just a little , like I was on a ship amid a calm sea .
va	4	" You 're a clone , " I told Joaquim , and I had the small satisfaction of seeing him pause .
va	4	Acacia 's hand found mine , though I wasn 't sure if she was scared or warning me about something .
va	4	Jay ... Despite my attempts to stay conscious , I must have passed out for a few moments at least .
va	4	There was a rounded part for my head and room for my arms , which were stretched out to either side of me .
va	4	My hands were trapped , my wrists stuck through padded restraints that felt like the cuffs used to check blood pressure .
va	4	They were around my ankles , too , and hundreds of little multicolored wires were twined and twisted out of them .
va	4	" You made this possible , you know , " he said , as though I were helping him complete his life 's work .
va	4	He 'd needed the base on lockdown , needed everyone inside so he could drain as many of them as possible .
va	4	I had nothing but the burning need to not let the traitor who shared my face get away with Jerzy 's death .
va	4	I flexed the fingers of my right hand , then my left , finally managing to work some blood back into them .
va	4	Looking vastly out of place amid all the machinery were figures in dark robes , nothing but blackness visible beneath their hoods .
va	4	Joaquim confirmed this a second later , though I was still too angry to care much for the understanding in his voice .
va	4	The sudden , overwhelming disgust I felt was doing wonders to distract me from the feel of my wrist chafing against my bonds .
va	4	The more I was educated there , the more I learned , the more I realized our mission had to succeed .
va	4	" That 's a hell of a family , " I muttered , and I think I actually made him angry .
va	4	The machines flared to life around me , and I couldn 't have Walked even if I was willing to leave Acacia .
va	4	I couldn 't understand what they were saying , but for all I knew they could have been speaking English .
va	4	The last of the blue light was sucked into the growing sphere , and the robed figures changed their chant .
va	4	I felt like part of my soul had just been sucked out , but at least now I could understand what they were saying .
va	4	" By science and magic begotten , by sorcery contained and technology bonded - " It didn 't sound good .
va	4	I admit I actually felt for him ; there was a slowly awakening comprehension in his eyes that chilled me to my core .
va	4	" Be still , " the Professor 's voice commanded , carrying easily above the din though he was still nowhere to be seen .
va	4	I was aware of the entire room , the ebb and flow of the energy , the people in it .
va	4	" You can 't save him , we have to Walk - " " You told me to help him ! "
va	4	" To get you out of the machine , to take his power back - " Anger flared suddenly , deep in my chest .
va	4	Electricity was crackling in the air all around us , the power undulating , vibrating back and forth , bouncing all around the room .
va	4	Whatever they were doing , they didn 't seem concerned with us ; the little blue lights were winking out , one by one .
va	4	" It 's almost complete , " Acacia pleaded into my ear , her broken nails digging into my shoulder and chest .
va	4	" Walk , Joe , " Acacia whispered , and somehow I heard her , even over the chaos surrounding us .
va	4	It opened , and I followed the path that was home , leaving the dead Walkers and the empty one behind .
va	4	She looked away , which was impressive since she still hadn 't been looking at me in the first place .
va	4	" I 'm liable to get thrown out again if it 's just me coming back with another crazy story .
va	4	She was looking up at me , a maddening little smile starting to turn up the corners of her mouth .
va	4	I 'd throw the ship out of time , as quickly as possible , and get as far away from the receiver as possible .
va	4	I stared at her for a moment , reading the earnest hope on her face , the desire to make me understand .
va	4	I doubled over ; the only way I could save myself from a broken rib was to roll with it .
va	4	I felt my feet leave the ground as the darkness continued to take shape , forming into a figure from my nightmares .
va	4	I looked up , unable to do anything else , looked to the faint outline of my home as it flitted through the sky .
va	4	The expression closely mirrored a dog 's in a way that was entirely unfunny ; a sick parody of something usually comforting and familiar .
va	4	" Poor little pup , abandoned by his pack ... They couldn 't come get you , even if they wanted to . "
va	4	I caught a glimpse of her face as she fell ; her nose was bleeding , eyes shutting tightly in pain .
va	4	I felt something snap , and it took me a moment to realize the hoarse shout of pain had come from me .
va	4	" Your ship is stranded out of time , Walker , " he whispered , his voice somewhere between a growl and a purr .
va	4	If he wanted to boil me down to my essence and try to capture my soul , I 'd escaped from that before .
va	4	You cannot return to your ship , and the few precious moments you have left will not be enough to stop us .
va	4	I took my gaze away from his face long enough to glance down at the grass beneath me , and my eyes went wide .
va	4	The ground gave way beneath me , and as I felt myself starting to fall , I saw Acacia 's body glowing bright green .
va	4	The one time I 'd been there before , I 'd managed to will myself where I needed to be .
va	4	As soon as I did , it was as though I suddenly gained both weight and mass , and was free-falling to my death .
va	4	Though it felt like I 'd been falling forever , I 'd hit the ground from maybe two , three feet up .
va	4	It smelled like dirt and grass , and when I opened my eyes , that 's exactly what was beneath me .
va	4	I sat up , looking with disbelief to one side of me , where the machines sped along in neat rows .
va	4	They 'd sent people after me , and if not for Jay , I would have been captured and killed .
va	4	Now Big Joseph was my father , because he was married to my mother , but I 'd never called him Father .
va	4	He went into the corner , and then came his brother , Levi , and both wanted to see what was going on .
va	4	" But we have to live and work , and there 's more to life than being a pupil ! "
va	4	" The Lord shall preserve my going out and my coming in from this time forth , and even for evermore . "
va	4	Now , we little ones all knew Herod was the King of the Holy Land , and we knew he was a bad man .
va	4	Chapter 2 That night , after supper , while the men were dozing on their mats in the courtyard , Philo came .
va	4	I sat beside Joseph , hoping to hear all that was said , but then my mother took me inside .
va	4	" He 'll go to school in the mornings , as all the boys do , " Joseph went on .
va	4	And we 'll go up to Jerusalem and there at the Feasts , maybe he 'll listen to the teachers in the Temple .
va	4	I felt sad for a moment , just a moment , enough never to forget it , this stabbing sadness .
va	4	It will take us a few days , but we 'll be in time for Passover in Jerusalem and then go on home . "
va	4	I lay on my blanket trying to sleep , but sleep didn 't come and I didn 't want it .
va	4	Son of David , Son of David , Son of David ... Little by little everyone came in to sleep .
va	4	The women were in their corner , and I had Little Justus snuggled up to me , Simon 's youngest son .
va	4	Any more than I could stay in the great city of Alexandria and study with Philo in his house of marble floors .
va	4	I wanted to go to Joseph , to wake him up , to ask him for help in understanding this .
va	4	Heads were turned , and people were pointing , and finally Salome and I had a good view of it .
va	4	" I want to be there , " said the other , his Greek just as easy , though he was a rougher man .
va	4	I was there when Herod burnt alive both Matthias and Judas , two of the finest scholars of the Law we ever had . "
va	4	" He probably tells whatever lies he has to , " he said as if he knew all about it .
va	4	Just because Herod built the Temple did not mean he could put an image of a living thing in it .
va	4	" These men were Pharisees , teachers of the Law , " the tall man went on , fixing me with his eye .
va	4	" Remember , I told you that there were some questions that I didn 't want for you to ask . "
va	4	I said excitedly , " Salome , just think of it , people from all over the Empire are going to Jerusalem . "
va	4	" No , people don 't say it , " said my mother , " but I know it . "
va	4	And usually it was my mother 's way too , to let things go with her brother , but not this time .
va	4	I had a sense of something then , and why I 'd never sensed it before I don 't know .
va	4	He would start to laugh very low and then the little children , such as myself , would start to laugh with him .
va	4	Little boats carried us in , the men dividing themselves to care for the women in one boat and the little ones in another .
va	4	" Take me to the gates of the Temple and leave me there , a beggar , if you will ! "
va	4	He laughed at the little children , and the things other people said , and he looked at me and he laughed .
va	4	Our ship companions had long ago gone ahead , and we were with those who had come from many different places .
va	4	It wasn 't until the third day that we finally saw our first view of the Holy City from the slope above it .
va	4	I was in a crowd of the children , mingled with the men , my hand in Joseph 's hand .
va	4	Now in Alexandria , I had , like any good Jewish boy , never let my eyes stray to the pagan temples .
va	4	What were idols to a Jewish boy who was forbidden to make such things and held them to have no meaning ?
va	4	Even I knew that they were supposed to be the house of the pagan gods for whom they were named and put together .
va	4	But I knew of these temples , and somehow from the corner of my eye , I had taken their measure .
va	4	Standing out from all the rest was an old woman who reached out for my mother as my mother called her name .
va	4	I 'd often been with her when she 'd gone to the scribe of our district to dictate these letters .
va	4	John had the look of a boy of James ' age , though he wasn 't , and John 's hair was very long .
va	4	I knew from my mother and her talk of her cousin that John had been dedicated from his birth to the Lord .
va	4	All this I saw in a matter of moments , because there were greetings and tears and hugs , and commotion all around .
va	4	Zebedee and his wife were making room for our blanket to be put down , and then Little Salome tried to hold Little Esther .
va	4	The cooking fires made a mist in front of us , and all the noise was like a mist of another kind .
va	4	I turned and looked at him , and I knew right away he didn 't know what he was doing .
va	4	It was so good - not just a sauce but a thick pottage of lentils and soft cooked beans and pepper and spices .
va	4	And there were plenty of dried figs to chew after the hot flavor of the pottage , and I loved it .
va	4	His eyes opened wide and a new expression came over him , as if he was waking from his fever .
va	4	He smiled , and then he laughed in that low laugh of his , but no one else heard it .
va	4	Maybe if I had , I wouldn 't laugh , but then maybe again I would laugh all the more .
va	4	I wanted the answers to questions , yes , but these words only made more questions , and my head hurt .
va	4	It was dark now and there was torchlight all over the city , and loud happy cries , and plenty of music .
va	4	Her face was full of glittering tears , and her voice was thick : " Can you cure him ! "
va	4	There was just room near the wall by me for my mother to kneel down and then to sink back on her heels .
va	4	With the noise in the streets , with the low nighttime talk on the roof , I could still hear her .
va	4	" The angel said to me - that the power of the Lord would come over me , " she said .
va	4	Yes , he was my father according to the Law , and married to my mother , but he wasn 't my father .
va	4	" No matter what anyone ever says to you in Nazareth , " she said , " remember what 's been said tonight . "
va	4	She took a deep breath , and she was gentle : " You haven 't understood what I 've said to you ! "
va	4	You must grow up like any other child or was it Little David back to the flock until they called him ?
va	4	That had to be done in three stages , starting with the first sprinkling of the men within the Temple today .
va	4	It seemed the crowds were growing , though how even more people could fit into this space I didn 't know .
va	4	And , nearly blinded by the light flashing off the Temple walls , we started the climb up the stairs .
va	4	I was still on Joseph 's shoulders , and we were packed in so tight that he couldn 't move .
va	4	For the first time I saw at the far left many armed soldiers on horseback coming right towards us through the crowd .
va	4	Hands pulled me down , and I pulled Little Salome under me , my right hand on top of her head .
va	4	The prayers grew louder and became like a rumbling rising so high it almost rose above the screams and cries of those who fought .
va	4	Zebedee rose up to implore the Lord and then bowed , but he was only one of so many I couldn 't count .
va	4	I flee unto you , O Lord , to hide me ... I cried to you , O Lord - . ' "
va	4	The people ran on top of those kneeling , right over them as if they were rocks by the sea .
va	4	He cried out in Greek : " There is no one but the Lord Himself who has a right to rule over us !
va	4	The body was cast this way and that , and then the spear pulled free and let the body drop .
va	4	The man who stared at us reached out his hand , but his arm flopped down , and he died .
va	4	They moved through the families of those kneeling and came closer and closer on the left and on the right .
va	4	" But the souls of the righteous are in the hands of the Lord , and no torment can harm them . "
va	4	At first I couldn 't hear them , but then one of them came nearer to us , walking his horse .
va	4	It was full of crying and sobbing and the clatter and noise of the horses , and the soldiers shouting at us to go .
va	4	" Mamma , we have to go now , " I said to my mother , staying close to her .
va	4	Now they were each past their fourteenth year , and they took all of this perhaps not the same as we little ones did .
va	4	" So this King who doesn 't wait on Caesar to confirm him on his throne has just done away with the Passover !
va	4	This King who is as full of blood now as his father , who takes his stand with his father - . "
va	4	We reached the bright light , only to see soldiers everywhere who spoke the orders as if they were cursing us .
va	4	Joseph gathered us inside the courtyard only to wait while the women rushed up to the roof for our bundles .
va	4	I couldn 't stop thinking of our dead man , the dead man who had died so close to us .
va	4	He must have known the soldier would kill him when he threw the stone he had hidden under his robe .
va	4	Same simple mantle , tunic , same dark curly hair , a beard like the beards of Joseph and my uncles .
va	4	A Jew like us , though he shouted in Greek , why Greek , and why had he done it ?
va	4	I said to my uncle , " Why did that man throw those stones when he knew the soldier would kill him ? "
va	4	They want to get rid of this miserable family of Kings who build pagan temples and live like pagan tyrants ! "
va	4	My legs ached and my feet hurt me on the rough paving , but this was no time to complain .
va	4	And the soldiers rode wildly back and forth through the helpless people , crying out their orders , with no thought to the dead .
va	4	The soldiers even pushed at people with their spears , and the people hurried so as not to be touched in this shameful way .
va	4	It felt wrong to be hurrying away from the Temple in the hour when the Temple was in need of care .
va	4	And they would stay - they and the High Priest - and they would cleanse the Temple the way it ought to be cleansed .
va	4	This was the home of my kinfolk here - this was the house in which John and his mother lived .
va	4	My cousin Elizabeth prayed in a low voice , and one of the men said for the children to get back from the door .
va	4	I could see out of the open door past them , and the very sight of the red flashing sky made me shiver .
va	4	" Let Caesar Augustus see how we despise the man who sent his soldiers to mingle our blood with our sacrifices !
va	4	My cousin Silas came running into the house , crying , " It 's Simon , one of Herod 's own slaves .
va	4	I looked at all those black shapes against the sky , so many moving back and forth , as if everyone was dancing .
va	4	" Come , you can look at what a band of robbers and murderers have done , " said Joseph .
va	4	Tyrants who build theaters and circuses in Jerusalem , the Holy City itself , places no good Jew would go .
va	4	I was shaking so hard I feared to get up , but I did get up and I took Joseph 's hand .
va	4	I couldn 't stop until he crushed me against his chest , and I couldn 't twist or turn there .
va	4	" Yes , " said Joseph , " and the angel of the Lord will be with us until we reach Nazareth . "
va	4	I wanted to ask him what he meant by those words , look for me , who was looking for me ?
va	4	It seemed for a moment as I was sliding deeper and deeper into sweet rest that it was all connected .
va	4	Chapter 8 Right after the coming of the light , men on horseback came on a " rampage " through the village .
va	4	He lay smiling in his usual way , his eyes wet as he stared up at the low roof over our heads .
va	4	The babies cried but it was soft and it had nothing to do with these men who had torn the curtain away .
va	4	We 'll cut you open for what you swallowed if you don 't give up what you 've got ! "
va	4	Now it was the turn of the men to be still as stone , and finally one of them turned away .
va	4	I could see James , and he looked so much like Joseph , it was a wonder I never saw it before .
va	4	Finally two men with a rope came and they looped it over him and under his arms and they dragged him away .
va	4	We were told to sit down and be still and listen because Elizabeth wanted to talk to us before we left to go on .
va	4	Both the women and the men had been repeating what she 'd been telling , in order to remember it .
va	4	And you married all your life to a priest , and Zechariah , the son of a priest , and before him ? "
va	4	Are they not of the House of David and the House of Aaron , and from all the Tribes of Israel ?
va	4	I 'm telling you , they will take him out in the wilderness and there they 'll educate him and care for him .
va	4	" To whom did your sister , Mary , come when she learned that she was chosen to bear this child Yeshua ?
va	4	" And she told him that she was praying and why she was praying , and he prayed for her as well . "
va	4	They beat him because he would say nothing , and with one fine blow to his head , they killed him .
va	4	" The kinsmen of Zechariah , all of them priests , saw to his burial with his ancestors , " she said .
va	4	Not till the stories of Yeshua and John were forgotten , and what do we find when we go before the Lord ? "
va	4	What had happened , and was it the thing that had made my family go to Egypt where I 'd lived all my life ?
va	4	" We 'll go around Jericho and on through the valley home , " Joseph said to all of us .
va	4	Bands of pilgrims passed us , some singing , and some were on horseback , and they had cheerful greetings for us .
va	4	" For you will eat the labor of your hands ; and you will be happy and all will be well ! "
va	4	King Saul went into a cave to cover his feet , and his enemy David was in there , and might have killed him .
va	4	And out of the Earth by her power came the spirit of the Prophet asking , " Why have you disturbed my rest ? "
va	4	Then he foretold that Saul 's enemies would defeat Israel , and that Saul and his sons would all die .
va	4	All began to sing with him : " Happy is the one that has the Lord of Jacob for his help ! "
va	4	Please , please , with me , please , but if he has to die , so be it - .
va	4	People still sang and there were lights moving everywhere , lights of lanterns and candles and fires by the tents .
va	4	You close your eyes now , and when you wake in the morning , you 'll eat and you 'll be strong .
va	4	Something stirred in me , knowledge as clear as if a voice was speaking : this is not the most difficult part .
va	4	" The Lord shall reign forever , " they sang , " even your Lord , O Zion , unto all generations .
va	4	" Don 't you know , " said my aunt Salome to her , " that this is what he wants ?
va	4	They came in great numbers , numberless like the stars in their numbers , and I 'd seen them for a moment .
va	4	Maybe that 's how it was with the curtain of the Holy of Holies - it was thick and heavy .
va	4	I was so full of it my body curled up under the covers , and I held tight to my mother 's hand .
va	4	They came again , so many of them but this time I only smiled and I didn 't open my eyes .
va	4	No , you can come , even if there are so many of you there are no numbers for you .
va	4	Aunt Mary said he was having a high time of it with so many new men to listen to his speeches .
va	4	Joseph 's brother Simon was quiet too , and so were his boys and girl , as they 'd always been .
va	4	But now there was no one thinking about the harvest or the crops , only of getting away from the rebellions and the troubles .
va	4	Then out of nowhere , over the rise of the hill would come a pack of the riders , sending us all screaming .
va	4	Other times they tormented the men who gave them nothing but humble answers as if the men were stupid when the men were not .
va	4	" And what if a Roman prefect comes marching into Judea with a statue of Caesar Augustus as the Son of God ? "
va	4	I say better them than this family of madmen who plot against each other and slaughter their own blood ! "
va	4	James asked , James , my brother , who was now one of them , as if he had ever been anything else .
va	4	We were all scattered over the slope of the hill , some under the trees , and some in the open as I was .
va	4	The whole night was quiet , except for his breathing , and the crunch under his feet as he tried to get his footing .
va	4	At that the man laughed and he headed right towards my father and my uncles , and they took hold of him .
va	4	When I thought about it , it came clear to me that I didn 't know parts of the story .
va	4	I knew that word from the Psalms and when I looked at this land I knew what the word meant .
va	4	We found a small spring coming out of the rock , and water filling a big basin surrounded by heavy , leafy trees .
va	4	We made a camp , and my mother said we 'd stay the night and go on to Nazareth in the morning .
va	4	The water had been cold , but everyone had laughed and had fun , and the clean clothes smelled good .
va	4	He had taken out a little book to read , a bound book with cut pages , and he was whispering to himself .
va	4	They went off towards a grove of trees that were moving in the wind in a way I liked to watch .
va	4	And after the meal , when everyone slept , I thought about the man in the darkness , the drunken man .
va	4	Only a great valley spread out in front of us , and what a sight of olive trees and blowing fields it was .
va	4	" There is Nazareth , " she said , and I followed her pointing to see a village laid out on a hill .
va	4	" I thought you knew the Lord would take care of us , and now we 're less than an hour from home .
va	4	If those thieves come riding this way , I 'd rather be hiding under the house in Nazareth than up in these hills . "
va	4	Joseph thought this over and then he said : " Yes , the Lord will take care of us , you 're right .
va	4	It was a big house , far bigger than I had ever dreamed it could be , and very old and tired .
va	4	It needed plaster everywhere , and even sweeping , and the wood I could see that held the vines was rotting away .
va	4	They were Roman soldiers in full armor , the riders , their brows covered by their helmets , and they carried spears .
va	4	These men were in a sweat and covered in dust , and looking from their right and to their left with hard eyes .
va	4	Then another soldier who waved for the other to be quiet moved forward as best he could on his restless horse .
va	4	" My lord , " he said in Greek , " we 've only just come from Alexandria , to find our home here .
va	4	He looked at all of us , and our bundles , and the woman huddled together and the little ones .
va	4	But before he could speak , the other soldier said : " Why don 't we take two and leave the rest ?
va	4	I 'd seen crucifixion outside Alexandria , though only with quick looks because we wanted never , never to stare at a crucified man .
va	4	Nailed to a cross , stripped of all clothes and miserably naked as he died , a crucified man was a terrible shameful sight .
va	4	The other said , " That 'll teach the village a lesson , two , and let the others go . "
va	4	" No , wait , we have to come back with somebody from this town , " said the other .
va	4	But the men were still fighting over who was to be crucified , and when she spoke we couldn 't hear her words .
va	4	" I would bow , my lords , " she said in Greek , " but I 'm far too old for that .
va	4	I 've sweet cakes to offer you and the best wine from the vineyards of our kindred in the north .
va	4	It wasn 't mean laughter , it never had been mean , and their faces were soft now and they did seem tired .
va	4	" For the life of my family , " asked the old woman , " would I give you bad wine ? "
va	4	There was space here and a softness to things , or so it seemed to me , that there hadn 't been in Alexandria .
va	4	" I 'm too old to be crawling in a tunnel , " said Old Sarah , " and they never kill old people .
va	4	" There are thousands of them , " said James , the one who had seen them from the rooftops .
va	4	His bed was up off the floor , and there was a lamp burning there that gave off a perfume .
va	4	But again , how , I couldn 't have told out as my mother could , as if it were a psalm .
va	4	Now there was the smell of food in the house - fresh baked bread and a meat pottage on the brazier .
va	4	" And what do you know , " he asked , " about gods and goddesses who drink nectar and eat ambrosia ? "
va	4	" Look in the boxes of scrolls when you have the time for it , curious one , " she said .
va	4	It was so far away that all I could see were the crosses , and it was as James had said .
va	4	To my right the houses of Nazareth went up the hill one against another , and to the left they went down .
va	4	" And you won 't do it again , " said Joseph , " because what if they come back ? "
va	4	And then the final discovery was the big mikvah that had been cut into the stone beneath the house many many years ago .
va	4	It was Old Sarah 's grandfather who had built this pool , we were told , when he settled in Nazareth .
va	4	Uncle Simon and Aunt Esther and Baby Esther had their rooms near the stable in the middle of the house .
va	4	Then there was an old serving woman , a thin silent woman , named Ide , whom I hadn 't seen the day before .
va	4	Only a small number of men are left with Herod 's men to keep the peace until Archelaus comes home . "
va	4	" If I wake up crying , " I asked , " will you put me with my mother ? "
va	4	" Is that what you want me to do , " he asked , " to put you with your mother ?
va	4	You are little to be in here with us , but you 're seven years old and you understand things .
va	4	I was happy because we could go outside the village , and I went as soon as I could out into the woods .
va	4	I could see men and women working in the vegetable gardens , and beyond that the farmers in the fields .
va	4	But my mind was on the groves of trees here and there , and far away , and the blue of the sky .
va	4	The leaves of the trees looked silver in the sunlight , and they never stopped moving even when the breeze died away .
va	4	His robe and its tassels blew in the breeze , and he was thinner than when we 'd left Alexandria .
va	4	Finally , I climbed to my feet , and I felt as if I was waking up from deep sleep .
va	4	" And there , you see that tree , that 's the pomegranate , and wait till you see it come into bloom .
va	4	" It 's not too late to plant a few vines , grapes , cucumbers , and plant some other things .
va	4	Some people even had plants in pots on their roofs , small fruit trees and plants I didn 't know .
va	4	The dirt floors were no different than those in Alexandria except that they were beaten harder and there wasn 't so much dust .
va	4	All this was set out , and then the Sabbath lamp was lighted to welcome the Sabbath into the house .
va	4	Why , we even had scrolls , like Philo did , though not as many , no , not as many .
va	4	And even some scrolls were hidden , buried down in the tunnel , to which we children hadn 't been allowed yet to go .
va	4	" We read only the Hebrew here in the Holy Land , and do I have to tell anyone why ? "
va	4	" But what shall I do with the book we love so much , which is in the Greek ? "
va	4	And all the Gentiles prayed to their gods to save them , but on raged the rain and the thunder and the dark clouds .
va	4	And all of them , man and beast , were to be covered in sackcloth , and cry out to the Lord . "
va	4	Joseph went on as Jonah drawing himself up with great pride , " ' take my life , take it from me ! ' "
va	4	She was pushed back against the wall on a nest of pillows , and we hadn 't heard a word from her all night .
va	4	People were in the street , nodding to us , some passing us because we were slow , others moving behind us .
va	4	We did the same now , washing our hands and as much of our arms as we could without getting our clothes wet .
va	4	The stream twisted and turned as did the road behind us , and I could see much of it in either direction .
va	4	There were children on the floor , lots of them , all over , and on the right side in front of the men .
va	4	There was a row of posts , and at the end there stood a place for a man to stand and read .
va	4	His eyes were dark , and his hair was long , to his shoulders , only a little gray , under his prayer shawl .
va	4	The man spoke in a very soft voice , looking at me as he did , but his words were for the others .
va	4	I knew that one of the other Rabbis , and there were two of them on the bench , whispered something to him .
va	4	Old Sarah made her way slowly with the help of Aunt Salome and Aunt Mary to the bench where the women sat .
va	4	But I couldn 't forget that the Rabbi had questioned us , that the Rabbi had wanted to stop us .
va	4	My mother looked up from where she sat against the wall , near to the brazier , with her blankets around her .
va	4	Even if there had been a time when I could ask Joseph a question , what would I ask him ?
va	4	What would I ask him that he didn 't want to tell me , that he had forbidden me to ask ?
va	4	I didn 't want my mother to know that the Rabbi had stopped me at the door of the synagogue .
va	4	And for a while we were all crying - that is , I was and so was Little Salome and so were the women .
va	4	It was a sight , the weeping and the working , the howling and mourning , and the buying and selling .
va	4	And what had he done , but gone out to try to find his sister , and she too for what ?
va	4	She went off with her slave girl to write on a wall where others were writing a message to the lost ones .
va	4	Down out of the ruins came men asking people to work : " You want to stand here and weep all day ?
va	4	" We have so much to do in our own village , " Joseph said , as we tried to go our way .
va	4	The men surrounded us , on to us now , wanting to buy the wood in the cart and use us as a team .
va	4	I looked back at the city from the road , where I could see all the busy people under the late sun .
va	4	They all ran around all over the place , but they didn 't leave the hill , and they rebuilt it .
va	4	" If I hadn 't been snared by a woman , " he said , " I would have been a prophet . "
va	4	His wife said , " Start now , tell us whether it 's going to rain before we get home . "
va	4	" You 're the only one who ever listens to me , " he said , looking into my eyes .
va	4	" I went because my kindred went - you , and my sister , and her husband and his brothers and my kin . "
va	4	We hurried , but a light rain caught us and we had to go off the road and into a grove of trees .
va	4	" All right , prophet , " said my aunt Mary , " make the rain stop so we can go on home . "
va	4	A tiny thought came to me , so small I imagined it in my mind like a thought no bigger than my little finger .
va	4	I was so amazed I stared up at the clouds , unable to do anything , even take a breath .
va	4	He offered the Rabbi a purse with his hand folded over it , but the Rabbi didn 't take it .
va	4	The Rabbi stopped and looked to one side and the other , and the heads of those two Rabbis beside him turned towards him .
va	4	" We worked in Alexandria , my brothers , and my wife 's brother and I , " said Joseph .
va	4	He stretched out his hand with two small scrolls in it , both of them in fine cases with bronze trimming on them .
va	4	And to see the Rabbi receive them made me feel so glad that the tears came again but I was as quiet as before .
va	4	" I do see it , " said Joseph , " and we are your servants , and will repair everything as you wish .
va	4	" I beg the Rabbi to forgive me , but it was not the Phoenicians , " I answered in Hebrew .
va	4	And my mother , my mother was very happy , and I knew she didn 't know what had been said .
va	4	She looked like a girl as she tended to the dishes and told us to eat more than we could .
va	4	When I woke , I could hear everyone talking and I smelled the porridge and the good smell of the baked bread .
va	4	All the afternoon had passed and I 'd slept like a baby , and it was time to eat again .
va	4	Then Joseph gave a little laugh and then my uncles all caught the laugh as if it were a breeze moving through the trees .
va	4	" I know it 's Isaiah , " I answered my mother , " but I don 't remember any more than that . "
va	4	But from no one did I really learn the answers to the questions that were now eating at my heart .
va	4	And I told all about Philo 's house and how beautiful it had been , insofar as it was proper to say so .
va	4	I spoke of the library , which had been rebuilt after Julius Caesar had been so foolish as to burn it .
va	4	But Hebrew was the language of our learning here , and our tongue , Aramaic , was the daily tongue .
va	4	In the synagogue , the Scripture was read out in Hebrew , and then the Rabbi explained it in the common tongue .
va	4	James and I knew how to go to the marketplace and pick the laborers from the men who stood around .
va	4	And the whole family of King Herod was still in Rome fighting and disputing before Augustus , as to who should be King .
va	4	My teeth no longer chattered in fear no matter what I heard , and our family didn 't talk of it very much .
va	4	The soldiers yawned and threw a glance at our women as they came and went , but what could they see ?
va	4	They were veiled many of them , too , and modest , but there was another sort that hung about the public houses .
va	4	As for our family , and many many others , we went right on working no matter what the news .
va	4	As we gathered to eat our little meal mid-day , we blessed the Lord and we blessed our food and drink .
va	4	I woke up thirsty and my throat hurt , and my mother was frightened as she put me to bed .
va	4	When I look back on it , I know that up to that point in my life , I always fought sleep .
va	4	The rocks went up on either side , and the coastline curved , and there were torches down below in the garden .
va	4	When you 're with me like this , you don 't know what 's going to happen , do you ?
va	4	He stood very close to me , handsome in his rich clothing , his blue eyes full of anger even though he smiled .
va	4	So go on : walk like a child , eat like a child , play like a child , work like a child .
va	4	" If this goes on like this , you don 't want her to come back ... " I closed my eyes .
va	4	Only the wailing woke me , the wailing and the crying , and I knew then that someone had died .
va	4	I turned towards her and put my hand on her knee , but I don 't think she felt it through her robe .
va	4	When I woke up , the room was still full of children sleeping , and my older cousins were there , sick , too .
va	4	I remembered all at once my prayer for him to live when he 'd been praying in the Jordan River .
va	4	Finally all had recovered from the illness , even Little Esther for whom we 'd feared the worst just because she was little .
va	4	The uncles wanted double for the jobs of skill , and the other carpenters were for this , and Joseph would not charge this .
va	4	We little boys couldn 't crowd in and as it grew warmer and warmer outside , we went on home .
va	4	And then Joseph became the angel Raphael again , " Now you listen to me and don 't you worry about this demon ! "
va	4	" Now before you get into your bed , stand and pray , asking that safety and mercy be granted you .
va	4	Then came a string of names - places burned , families who had lost their homes ... I couldn 't open my eyes .
va	4	He turned this way and that as he looked into the faces of the men and the women gathered there .
va	4	I thought of the great open Temple to Augustus Caesar by the port with all its gardens and its libraries .
va	4	I had seen it many times as we passed it on our way to take supplies from the warehouses on the docks .
va	4	" This is a happy place , this , " I said , looking back to where I 'd been .
va	4	" I want to build , and plaster and paint , and feed my little ones , and be with my kindred .
va	4	" Once one lives in a city like Alexandria , once one has been to Rome , you know these are illusions .
va	4	" Let 's talk about the battles , and the rebellion , and these Kings of the House of Herod .
va	4	" We don 't have a Jewish King who can rule over all of us , not a Jewish King whom men love . "
va	4	" You don 't fool me , " he said and he stood up and we walked down the hill together .
va	4	It was the beginning of time for me - from the last days in Alexandria to the coming to this place .
va	4	" That 's no Arab child , " said my aunt Salome , " that 's a Jewish boy and you know it . "
va	4	" Very well , very well , " Joseph said quietly , as always , " we 'll call him Ishmael .
va	4	Moreover , after that his father-in-law , not to be outdone , had to dance , as did every old man in the village .
va	4	The marketplace grew larger all the time , with more and more merchants there to sell to those furnishing their new houses .
va	4	Only to say the veil had been very big and very elaborate , and two a year had to be made .
va	4	It was this veil that covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies : the place where the Lord himself was present .
va	4	And so my mother had loved her work on the veil , and that the work of her hands had gone there .
va	4	She had been afraid , until the days of the loom , and the women coming to learn from her .
va	4	Now with all the hammering and polishing and fitting and sewing and weaving , the courtyard was a busy place .
va	4	In the long late light , I ran through groves of trees up and down the slopes until I couldn 't see Nazareth .
va	4	Soon the men were harvesting the olives , batting the branches of the groves with their long sticks and gathering the berries .
va	4	" If it 's not living water , " said James , " then we were unclean after the mikvah . "
va	4	" And as for the mikvah , it has a tiny hole in the very bottom , so the water continues to move always .
va	4	" It is good enough , " said Joseph , " but he 's a Pharisee and Pharisees are careful .
va	4	" That Moses was given Laws that weren 't written down , and these were passed down through the sages . "
va	4	Stories were our history , and who we were , and there were times when I liked nothing better than stories .
va	4	And you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul , and with all your strength .
va	4	But the news came to us that the fighting had stopped in Jerusalem , and that the Temple had been purified .
va	4	Because on this day the High Priest would seek to atone for all the sins of the people of Israel .
va	4	I knew that Samaria was Samaria , yes , and we had no doings with Samaritans though they were very close to our borders .
va	4	I formed a picture in my mind of Princess Salome , the daughter of Herod , wandering around her palace in Ascalon .
va	4	We were in Egypt , as were our people long ago , and as they did , we came home .
va	4	We saw battle in the Temple , as our people did under Babylon , but the Temple is now restored .
va	4	" Ah , so that 's why it happened this way , " she said , like a child would say it .
va	4	It was good to be in there , because it was warm , and God had sent a snow . "
va	4	He 'd been by my reckoning maybe seven years old when this took place , the age I was now .
va	4	My mind could not put all the pieces together , the questions , the moments and words spoken , and doubts .
va	4	I heard steps behind me , soft , dragging steps , and then I felt a hand on my shoulder .
va	4	I turned around and did what she said because she told me to , but I didn 't want to .
va	4	Aunt Esther was in the other part of the house , with Baby Esther , who was howling as always .
va	4	To myself I was an older child since that sorrowful and frightening journey on the very same path to Nazareth .
va	4	The little rains had been good this year , everyone said , and for a long time the land was green .
va	4	Old Sarah made the journey with us and she rode the back of the donkey , and it was good to have her .
va	4	She was modest as a Jewish woman , and clean and helpful , and did as we all did in everything .
va	4	When we started to climb up from the Jordan towards the Holy City , through the steep mountains , I felt the old fear .
va	4	I knew that James woke up at these times , and I didn 't want for him to know this .
va	4	I thought my mother was going to suffer a terrible blow , and it did come but not as bad as I had feared .
va	4	After the prayers were offered , people began to point out where the colonnades had been burned , and where there was rebuilding .
va	4	" Your cousin Joseph is a priest , and his father Caiaphas is a priest , and his father before him was a priest .
va	4	We 've been told she 's not well , and is being kept here by your goodness and we 're grateful for that . "
va	4	" Elizabeth is my cousin , just as you are , " said the young man in a soft voice .
va	4	He had quick dark eyes , and he smiled at me in an open way that made me feel at ease .
va	4	I knew we were tracking the dust of the road through this house , but there was nothing to be done about it .
va	4	Out of respect , it seemed , people grew quiet , and our cousin bent down to her , and held her arm .
va	4	" How do the people know , " I asked , " that the priests do what the priests must do ? "
va	4	The Rabbi didn 't want them to leave but they begged off on account of work , which they wanted to do .
va	4	As we were finishing our supper , some of the boys of the camps came up to meet with us .
va	4	He was far away in the desert , they 'd said , and how often I thought did he see his mother ?
va	4	He was sipping a bit of wine from a cup , and no one was near him for the moment .
va	4	You know that in our own village we have men who don 't believe in the Resurrection on the Last Day .
va	4	And the Essenes , they believe in many things with their whole hearts , and they try very hard to please the Lord . "
va	4	I didn 't say it because there seemed truth in what he said , and I didn 't have any more questions .
va	4	I could see them in my mind , the two women hugging each other when last we 'd been together .
va	4	I lay down on my mat , and wanted to sleep even though the sky was just filling with stars .
va	4	" I have to tell you , " he said in the same whisper , as if he needed to whisper .
va	4	" You 're wiser than your years , " he said , he who stood so tall at thirteen , a man .
va	4	Aunt Salome was there to help her , and they lifted you up for my father to see , and I saw you .
va	4	An angel had come to her and told of your birth , and here it had happened in a stable . "
va	4	" It was terrible to hear her crying , " he repeated , " and my father had nothing to say to her .
va	4	No one could have stopped them from their telling this , and now everyone lodged in the stable was gathered around .
va	4	" You were just a little boy - a little boy younger than I am now , " I said .
va	4	" I love you , my brother , " James said again , " and I love you , whoever you are . "
va	4	Now I knew as we walked back that I could not let Joseph know that James had told me these things .
va	4	I knew the Kings of Israel had been the Lord 's anointed , but they had not been heralded by angels .
va	4	According to the custom , a boy assumes the yoke of the Law when he 's twelve , but that didn 't matter .
va	4	Here the voices of those who disputed echoed off the walls , and at times sounded angry , but I wasn 't frightened anymore .
va	4	" How is it we 'll go into the Sanctuary for the sacrifice if we haven 't received the purification ? "
va	4	It 's the full purification in order to cleanse us if we 've contracted any uncleanness of which we don 't know . "
va	4	When Joseph offered to give her the right coins she needed , she put up her hand and would have none of it .
va	4	Again , Joseph offered to pay for another sacrifice but the father said no , this time with thanks to him .
va	4	There were Gentiles all around us in this great ever moving crowd and I blushed secretly for what they saw and heard .
va	4	But I was filled with a new happiness , and for the first time my painful memories , my confusion , left me .
va	4	Though Joseph pointed to the altar of incense and I saw that too , I couldn 't smell the incense .
va	4	I hadn 't thought of those words since the night she spoke them to me on the roof here in Jerusalem .
va	4	I looked once more at the great stone altar of sacrifice , and the priests dashing the blood against the stones .
va	4	James held the two birds tightly as they tried to escape from his hands , his fingers a cage around them .
va	4	James held the birds , and he bowed his head as the priest came down the line towards us . "
va	4	The priest was suddenly standing tall in front of us , and the blood spatters were on his beard and on his face .
va	4	With very narrow eyes he looked at James , and James nodded and gave over to him the two birds .
va	4	We made our way back , pushing and almost shoving , and soon into the mob of the Court of the Gentiles .
va	4	Even two or more of the merchants had packed up their birds in their cages and were going down the stairs .
va	4	" Tell me the words , child , from Daniel ... ' One like the Son of Man coming . '
va	4	" Yes , Rabbi , but what is the story , Rabbi , of the child in the manger , in Bethlehem ? "
va	4	I will not give them up to pay for a boy to read to me what is left of them .
va	4	Tell me , Zechariah : ' On that day ... On that day ... ' the last line , child ... ? " "
va	4	' On that day there will no longer be any traders in the house of the Lord , ' " I said .
va	4	All merciful God , only if it is your will , grant him consolation , grant him some relief ... Joseph stood beside me .
va	4	It was Joseph who slit the throat of the lamb before the priest and the Levite who caught the blood .
va	4	But when I remembered the blind man 's unwillingness to say these " terrible things , " I understood why I wasn 't told .
va	4	Joseph Caiaphas was on his way down with several members of his close family , and he nodded to me and smiled .
va	4	But I was looking for a very old man , a man who was frail with years as well as white hair .
va	4	And soon , the Rabbi passed me over with a smile , to let the other boys have a turn instead of me .
va	4	Then came the moment for which I 'd been waiting , and I hadn 't even known I was waiting for it .
va	4	" These were men of wealth , richly dressed , with a caravan and servants , advisors to their rulers .
va	4	We knew only the Scripture , and we thought these men from the East were Gentiles on a foolish quest , really .
va	4	It was like a dream , this , and I slid back into sleep without being able to stop it .
va	4	" You 're a little boy , " he said , " and I forgot that you were a little boy .
va	4	As far as I could tell , he was saying nothing about our talk of Bethlehem , and nothing about my being ill .
va	4	If you can imagine looking at the sun and the sun not hurting your eyes , you can imagine this light .
va	4	I didn 't know we were going south to Egypt until it was evening , and we pushed on late into the night . "
va	4	I said , ' How could the Lord let such a thing happen as the murder of those innocent children ! ' "
va	4	I thought for a moment I would give way to tears , but I used all my strength not to do it .
va	4	He sent you to Joseph bar Jacob , the carpenter , and his betrothed , Mary of the Tribe of David in Nazareth .
va	4	I simply told them that they need never worry that I would go off on my own away from the family again .
va	4	At once my mother talked simple things to do with the household and Joseph was nodding to what she said .
va	4	I looked at her and it was as if she 'd never left me to be busy with the women .
va	4	I felt my voice would be too big for me if I tried to say it , yet say it I did .
va	4	That whatever is born into this world , no matter how , and for whatever reason , is born to die . "
va	4	I walked through the street and out to the hillside and up to where the grass was soft and undisturbed .
va	4	This was my favorite place , just short of the grove of trees near which I loved so to rest .
va	4	Oh , yes , I would grow up , and there would come a time when I would leave Nazareth , surely .
va	4	I wanted to know desperately what happened in the first century , and why people in general never talked about it .
va	4	After that , I wrote many novels without my being aware that they reflected my quest for meaning in a world without God .
va	4	It was a wonderful evening , but I didn 't leave with a feeling that I had the true grasp of what had happened .
va	4	Catholic Church history had given me an awareness of our cultural heritage , although it was presented to me early and quite without context .
va	4	And when that happened there grew in me for whatever reason an immense desire to return to the banquet table .
va	4	In 2002 I put aside everything else and decided to focus entirely on answering the questions that had dogged me all my life .
va	4	And if not , so what , because they didn 't mention Herod , who built the Temple , either .
va	4	And that this had to be addressed when one wrote about him or thought about him , or so it seems to me .
va	4	I 'd have to end up compartmentalizing my mind with faith in one part of it , and truth in another .
va	4	I had to know who Jesus was - that is , if anyone knew , I had to know what that person knew .
va	4	Not only was it not made , I discovered in this field some of the worst and most biased scholarship I 'd ever read .
va	4	I 'd never come across this kind of emotion in any other field of research , at least not to this extent .
va	4	The people who go into Elizabethan studies don 't set out to prove that Queen Elizabeth I was a fool .
va	4	They don 't make snickering remarks about her , or spend their careers trying to pick apart her historical reputation .
va	4	People studying disasters in history may be highly critical of the rulers or the milieu at the time , yes .
va	4	All these skeptics insisted that the Gospels were late documents , that the prophesies in them had been written after the Fall of Jerusalem .
va	4	The way the skeptics put this issue aside , they simply assumed the Gospels were late documents because of these prophesies in the Gospels .
va	4	Before I leave this question of the Jewish War and the Fall of the Temple , let me make this suggestion .
va	4	But I am convinced that the key to understanding the Gospels is that they were written before all this ever happened .
va	4	And what eventually emerged for me from the Gospels was their unique coherence , their personalities - the inevitable stamp of individual authorship .
va	4	Of course John A. T. Robinson made the case for an early date for the Gospels far better than I ever could .
va	4	In his book The Resurrection of the Son of God , he answers solidly the question that has haunted me all my life .
va	4	It was the fact of the resurrection that sent the apostles out into the world with the force necessary to create Christianity .
va	4	There is so much of Josephus and Philo and Tacitus and Cicero and Julius Caesar that I have yet to cover .
va	4	Anybody could write about a liberal Jesus , a married Jesus , a g * y Jesus , a Jesus who was a rebel .
va	4	The " Quest for the Historical Jesus " had become a joke because of all the many definitions it had ascribed to Jesus .
va	4	I felt there was a deep truth in it , and I wanted to preserve that truth as it spoke to me .
va	4	After all , is Christ Our Lord not the ultimate supernatural hero , the ultimate outsider , the ultimate immortal of them all ?
va	4	My time spent in his parish in Florida was one of the most beautiful periods of my research and work .
va	4	Curtis Thomas of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish , who have been welcoming to me as a new parishioner .
va	4	As the darkness fell , very close and quickly , he stood at the window looking down on the tiny figures in Central Park .
va	4	Make a note : Build a series of towers which have no function except to be parks in the sky for the people .
va	4	After all , the parks were almost completed now , and the little schools had been opened in seven cities .
va	4	Granted , the animals were synthetic , but each was a meticulous and indestructible reproduction of a famous European hand-carved masterpiece .
va	4	The winter had caught him dreaming ... In the last century , he had put into material form a hundred such ideas .
va	4	And the private museum , open only now and then , including the dolls which he himself had personally cherished .
va	4	Now and then he slipped downstairs to watch the people , to walk through the crowds , never unnoticed , but at least unknown .
va	4	And now , miracle of miracles , even at his height , he did not stand out so very much .
va	4	Other dreams : small play buildings for children , made exquisitely out of space-age plastics with rich and intricate detail .
va	4	This year he would try something entirely different ... He had plans on the drawing board , a couple of promising prototypes .
va	4	Great circles of stone for all to see , a dance of giants in the high grass of the plain .
va	4	Even modest towers had obsessed him for decades , and once the lettering of beautiful books had taken all his joy for centuries .
va	4	His company had been his redemption ; even his wildest and most daring ideas had been put into successful production .
va	4	His Bru , his princess , his French beauty , a century old ; she was his most enduring witness .
va	4	Even if war reduced the world to rubble , he would make little figures of wood or clay and paint them himself .
va	4	Of course , his breed had always been known for its capacity to play , to cherish , to enjoy .
va	4	They were inscribed with the names of banks or great corporations , or immense private companies such as his own .
va	4	The real revolution came not in the cycle of make and destroy , but in a great inventive and endless expansion .
va	4	Sometimes he walked through Manhattan , deliberately seeing every face as made , no nose , no ear , no wrinkle accidental .
va	4	He walked towards the young woman , and as he drew closer , he made a polite and decent amount of noise .
va	4	Slowly she turned her head ; she looked up ; she saw him , and there came the inevitable shock .
va	4	Of course , everyone said you were ... " " And do I look like a kindly man , Miss Paget ?
va	4	Mr. Ash , I want to make - " " I want to see anything that you make , immediately .
va	4	He started to rise , slowly , the signal of dismissal , and he wasn 't surprised when she rushed to her feet .
va	4	Or , deep in their subconscious , they realized his neck was just a little too long , his ears too narrow .
va	4	But how must he deal with this in the long run , for the long run was always his problem ?
va	4	" He said to come to you directly , Mr. Ash , that it was the custom when he called .
va	4	" You 'll live till the end of the world , Ash , and be the one to make it crumble . "
va	4	There were white hairs there , mingled with the dark hair that had covered his arms now for so many years .
va	4	It 's going to be very difficult - " " Hurry , then , please , don 't say anything further . "
va	4	Their scholars he knew by face and name , only because he feared them enough to keep track of them .
va	4	Over the years , they had never stopped coming to the glen ... Someone knew something , but nothing ever really changed .
va	4	Before the London house , long before , when the old palazzo in Rome had been lighted still with candles .
va	4	" Cold enough for this , sir , " he said , as he put it over the boss 's shoulders .
va	4	He is a dwarf and he is a hunchback and he has very red hair , and a very wrinkled face .
va	4	When he reached the underground garage the car was waiting , giving off a great flood of noise and white smoke .
va	4	You once assured me that we fly safely above the weather now , and with far greater security than a commercial jet . "
va	4	Surely some of them had been brought into his lobby and given warm drink and cots upon which to sleep .
va	4	He saw her in his mind dead on a bed , with blood all around her , making her dress dark .
va	4	Those with the white hair knew the longest stories ... " Go up now and listen to the story . "
va	4	And how long , he thought , how many decades would it be before his own hair was completely white ?
va	4	Nevertheless , he reached into his pocket , felt for the small toy , the rocking horse , yes , it was there .
va	4	It was embarrassingly insignificant , this little toy of wood ; he wished now that it were something infinitely better .
va	4	He would think about Samuel and the things Samuel had said , over and over , until they saw one another again .
va	4	There had been rain aplenty to help it , and sometimes the glory of the sun and rain at the same time .
va	4	At night Rowan slept , Michael said , as if she were exhausted , as if she 'd been hard at work .
va	4	Now and then Rowan stopped at her dresser before she went down , and put on a bit of lipstick .
va	4	Until Mona laid eyes on this brilliant bit of work , she had not considered someone of that age a true teenager .
va	4	She 'd addressed her words to Michael too , who stood by Rowan 's chair as if posing for an elegant family portrait .
va	4	" You should have come inside , " Michael had said kindly , hanging on every syllable the girl spouted .
va	4	The fact that her skin was dark , sort of olive and possibly tanned , made the girl look something like a human palomino .
va	4	" But they said I was fine and go home and they 'd tell me if anything was wrong with me .
va	4	" But , honey , " Michael had protested in vain , " I 'm not a Mayfair . " "
va	4	- and the ones with the red hair like her , only she 's just about the most pretty one I 've seen .
va	4	I came over here to see her , you know , because Paige and Beatrice told me to do it . "
va	4	Only the woman who won 't talk , and Michael , the big hunk of Celtic muscle and charm standing beside Rowan .
va	4	My mama brought me into New Orleans to - " " You 've got the wrong person , " said Mona .
va	4	And that 's why my mother brought me to see Ancient Evelyn , because Ancient Evelyn has just such a finger herself . "
va	4	And how come you talk like you 're from Mississippi when you say you lived all that time in California ? "
va	4	" No , I 'll git it myself , tell me where it is , " Mary Jane had cried .
va	4	" I seen you before , " Mary Jane had said , going on as if nothing at all had happened .
va	4	" Here it is , precious , lots of lemon and sugar , the way you like it , isn 't that right ?
va	4	You look like a Mayfair to me ; I could make let 's say seven different points about your appearance that 's Mayfair . "
va	4	I hooked it up myself from the highway , and I did the same thing with the cable TV . "
va	4	" I 'm tasting something now that is fifty times sweeter than anything anybody ever tasted on earth until this very time .
va	4	Rowan was frowning just a little at the flowers , as if the flowers were talking to her in a quiet and secret tongue .
va	4	" Well , sure I do , " said Mary Jane , laughing at herself in an utterly agreeable and forgiving manner .
va	4	And this girl was interesting , putting it all together on her own , with far less nuts and bolts than Mona had .
va	4	" Now , you know what happened to Granny after Mama came and got me and took me away to Los Angeles ?
va	4	There are words that I don 't dare pronounce and I can 't read the symbols in the dictionary . "
va	4	That 's how she 'd seemed , finally , ignorant , crazy , brilliant , a mess , and somehow dainty .
va	4	Why , after thirteen years , the radio was still there , and the mosquito netting and the ice chest . "
va	4	We wanted to put them in a hotel or a house or ... " " Well , naturally , " said Celia .
va	4	I pay him below minimum wage to watch Granny and to cover the phones , but I don 't take out any deductions . "
va	4	Michael had asked , drawing close enough most likely to sneak a look down Mary Jane 's tightly laced junk polyester blouse .
va	4	" Don 't worry about my mother , Aunt Bea , she thinks she 's on the astral plane already .
va	4	" But can 't they dig up the wrong woman and find out once and for all who she was ? "
va	4	" Oh , it has to do with welfare checks , " Beatrice had declared , " and that 's none of our business .
va	4	And here he was , calling Mary Jane by name , doing everything but eating Mary Jane up with a spoon .
va	4	" Don 't you worry none now about Granny , " she said as she was " fixin ' to go . "
va	4	And though this girl clearly had evinced no remarkable powers on the spot , there was something exciting about her .
va	4	Why couldn 't she come in and study with this tutor who was going to free Mona from the boredom of regular school forever ?
va	4	And there was one other little secret reason why Mona liked Mary Jane , a reason which nobody would ever understand .
va	4	" Yeah , and that Band-Aid on her knee , " Michael had muttered under his breath , not thinking .
va	4	He 'd been sitting with Rowan and reading a book , by himself , when they 'd all come together .
va	4	" Please , Rowan , talk to us , " Mona said now in her frank , almost brash girlish voice .
va	4	She leaned on her elbow , her red hair making a veil between her and the iron gates to the front garden .
va	4	She could no longer be a doctor , that was almost certain ; she seemed to care for nothing and no one .
va	4	And my period will finally come , like it always does , and my doctor will give me yet another lecture .
va	4	Mona gathered up the little sprigs of lantana there on the table , next to the china cup , and she walked away .
va	4	" She does like it , " he said now , as if they 'd been discussing this concoction all along .
va	4	" Honey chile , don 't torture yourself , " he said , wiping up some of the sticky gunk from the counter .
va	4	If she wasn 't listening when you made your confession , I 'm not sure it came as a surprise .
va	4	" I know , honey , believe me , I know , " he said with just the warmest little spark of good humor .
va	4	Then he was really gone again , forgetting her , forgetting them , and the huge glass of gunk , as he stared off .
va	4	He looked out into the sunshine , into the gently moving yard , full of rattling green leaves and spring .
va	4	" Ah , that 's one thing , " he said , " that is really nice about being rich . "
va	4	" Michael , I don 't want her to see both of us together , you know , standing side by side . "
va	4	Now that was always a good sign , Mona thought , but she would get Michael 's hopes up if she talked about it .
va	4	Yeah , and every Mayfair woman who laid eyes on him during his little rampage had paid with her life for it .
va	4	But to tell the truth , Rowan looked like she would have drunk anything that he 'd put in her hand .
va	4	He bent down suddenly and set the glass on the table , and laid his hands flat on either side of it .
va	4	He reached out for her as if he was going to take her by the shoulders and shake her , but he didn 't .
va	4	Slowly she sat down in the chair at the table , across from Rowan , the same place she 'd taken every day .
va	4	" Well , you know , " Mona said , " I 'll probably keep coming until you give me a sign .
va	4	I know that doesn 't absolve me , or make it okay to be the pest of a shocked and mute person .
va	4	But when you 're mute like this , you sort of force people to act , to make choices , to decide .
va	4	" I mean , I 'm not going to sit here and tell you I understand what happened to you .
va	4	She looked at Rowan ; the eyes looked green now , as if picking up the tint of the bright spring lawn .
va	4	Then she looked off , through the iron gates , and beyond the pool and down the middle of the front lawn .
va	4	Her hair fell in her eyes , and her hands were still reaching , trembling , like birds that couldn 't light .
va	4	Rowan spoke calmly to the policeman , though her voice was hoarse and small in the confusion , in the clattering of emotion .
va	4	He didn 't mind sitting in the car for the moment , watching people walk past the elegant front doors of Claridge 's .
va	4	To see this mysterious friend of Samuel 's , who had already arrived , and who had not been described or explained to Yuri .
va	4	He had taken off his tweed jacket , and the white shirt pulled painfully over his stunted arms and hump .
va	4	" There , there , come in here , Yuri , " he said , without so much as looking up .
va	4	Only the white in his hair gave him an air of authority , which he clearly did not regularly enforce .
va	4	The spidery hands were raised and extended as if , in order to see Yuri 's face , the man had to frame it .
va	4	" For the love of God , Ash , " said the dwarf , " have some guile for once . "
va	4	Indeed , the voice alone carried everything with the little man , who only occasionally made bright wide eyes as he spoke .
va	4	the tall man asked , turning and looking at Yuri with eyes that were almost shy in their openness , but not quite .
va	4	Will you forgive me that I slouch back on this sofa , and try to remain like this , looking lazy ?
va	4	" Help you , of course , " said the tall one slowly , with a gentle nod of his head .
va	4	This spirit took hold of the infant inside Rowan Mayfair , took possession of it and assisted its unusual birth .
va	4	But not in centuries have I touched my own flesh and blood , as humans are so fond of saying .
va	4	When people write now , it is sometimes like the screech of a whistle compared to the songs they used to sing . "
va	4	Let 's not speak of saints , if you please ... " " Oh , please do call me Yuri .
va	4	And we sit here in this parlor , and the fire crackles , and the waiter taps at the door now with our refreshments .
va	4	Yuri rose , the shoulder hurting him acutely for a moment , and he walked into the bedroom , closing the door behind him .
va	4	They will want to know where you are and how you are , and how to reach you immediately . "
va	4	He knew that Ash , the tall one , had come into the room , but not to detach Yuri from the telephone .
va	4	And some deep , awful grief in Yuri was touched suddenly , disastrously perhaps , by the warm , sympathetic voice of this man .
va	4	I should have warned him - " It was the slightly abrasive voice of Samuel that reached him from the door .
va	4	" Ah , but I ... " " Don 't hold on to it with guilt , my young friend , " said Ash .
va	4	But he rolled up the sleeves and buttoned several of the buttons and was grateful to be concealed once more .
va	4	Good Lord , it was as if Yuri had been knocked unconscious , and was seeing all of this again for the first time .
va	4	He saw the red-haired hunchback standing at the window , which he had opened a crack now that the fire was positively roaring .
va	4	Samuel , leaning against the closed window , appeared , for all the fleshy folds of his face , sad and concerned as well .
va	4	The little man had his arms folded again , grotesquely , because they were so short and his chest was so big .
va	4	Oh , I know to you I don 't seem formidable , but you might be very surprised by my tales .
va	4	I can remember when it became two members , and then three , and later five , and then it was ten .
va	4	I can remember all these things , and those who came together to found it , I knew them and I loved them .
va	4	I must confess I did it rather for the hell of it , as Yuri and I hadn 't yet exchanged a single word .
va	4	Slowly he eased back , trying not to pull or flick his shoulder , and then he closed his eyes .
va	4	His back was very straight , his bearing almost military , his full dark hair curling against his collar , completely covering his neck .
va	4	From this vantage point , Yuri could see no white in his hair , only the deep dark locks , brownish black .
va	4	" So they 'll try to get her , " said Ash , with his back turned still , raising his voice as needed .
va	4	He was still holding the picture , tight , under the cover of his palm , and pressed to the shirt .
va	4	" Come on , Yuri , " said Samuel to him with gruff gentleness , coming towards him with the usual swaggering walk .
va	4	For a moment he was only aware of a close darkness , a disturbing absence of light that ought to be there .
va	4	In instinctive fear and revulsion , Yuri lay still , not moving , eyes fixed forward on the wool of Ash 's long coat .
va	4	Slowly he turned and looked up , and the nearness of the man 's large face horrified him , but he made no sound .
va	4	He merely peered up into the eyes that were fixed on him with a glassy curiosity , and then looked at the voluptuous mouth .
va	4	" No , you are not , " said Ash , " but you must begin to be clever from now on .
va	4	Only here would they let a thirteen-year-old girl step up to the body and see it and start to cry .
va	4	This was not the place to pay him reverence , to remember his multiple kindnesses and his vain attempts to help her .
va	4	She laid her hand on his forehead , and she moved his head just a little to one side and then back again .
va	4	She lifted the sheet back farther , and then ripped it aside , clumsily or impatiently , she wasn 't sure which .
va	4	It was the Chinese detective coming into the room , the sound of dirt under his shoe making that awful noise against the tile .
va	4	She laid her hand on Aaron 's head , and on his neck , and she stood quiet , thinking , listening , feeling .
va	4	She went to the sink , turned on the ancient faucet , and let the water flood over her fingers .
va	4	Michael was there , cigarette in hand , collar open , looking utterly wasted by grief and the burden of comfort .
va	4	And now the guilt lay on Mona , far too intoxicating , confusing all the mighty doses which she had had to swallow .
va	4	She felt uncomfortable in the dress that Mona had helped her choose , because she could not remember ever seeing it before .
va	4	They would never understand her abduction , as they called it , her captivity and the assaults that had been made upon her .
va	4	Mona bent and kissed her cheek , doing this very slowly , so that at any time , Rowan might have stopped her .
va	4	When she had been dying upstairs , and Michael had been crying by her bed , there had been people in the house laughing .
va	4	She remembered thinking about it , thinking about both sounds in a detached way , without alarm , without response .
va	4	Someone came quickly to put another can by his plate , and he picked this up and drank half of it immediately .
va	4	Maybe he was listening to the commotion of the starlings that swooped down at this hour in great flocks to devour the cicadas .
va	4	And the awful , shameful truth was that his bitterness and suffering had made him more attractive ; it had tarnished him rather marvelously .
va	4	He had told her something once about saddened colors , in the bright newlywed time before they knew their child was a goblin .
va	4	She opened her blouse , pulling it out of the skirt with one hand and peeling it off and dropping it to the floor .
va	4	She lay still in the cooling air of the room , uncovered and watching the slow movement of the fan blades near the ceiling .
va	4	She half dreamed , in fear , revisiting the moments in Lasher 's arms and , mercifully , found them wanting .
va	4	He had his back to her , and when he turned around , the light from the bathroom shone on his face .
va	4	He came round the side , and suddenly grabbed her by her naked arms , fingers hurting her skin unbearably .
va	4	she screamed back , struggling to keep her voice low , knowing how ugly it was , how filled with panic .
va	4	Goddamn it , if you don 't stop yourself you will , you will , with your power you 'll kill Michael !
va	4	She turned slowly and looked through the door and she saw him standing beside the bed , merely watching her .
va	4	There must have been something more lovely than falling in his arms like this , more lovely than merely being close to him .
va	4	And then he winked and he said , his voice breaking : " You really do still love me , baby . "
va	4	He covered his eyes with the back of his hand and hurried down the metal steps and into the car .
va	4	This was an agony , really , this return , this refusal to move forward without a bitter consultation with his full soul .
va	4	For a moment he saw the glaring reflection of the lights behind him , the bodyguards following as they always did .
va	4	But to see the world in its natural colors , that was something he needed the way he needed air and water .
va	4	" Yuri , " he whispered in his fantasy , and he turned the young man over and bent to kiss his mouth .
va	4	He could have fallen here , but the trees were like tall balusters keeping him safe , letting him go on and on rapidly .
va	4	He closed his eyes and let the soft , harmless wind stroke his face , let it chill his fingers .
va	4	In a moment the clouds may again cover the light , but it will be no less easy for you .
va	4	He pushed up and on , and coming round the boulder , he felt the cold surface of the rock with both hands .
va	4	Twenty feet ahead , perhaps more , lay the mouth of the cave , overgrown , concealed perhaps from any other climber .
va	4	Only the wind sang as before , mercifully obscuring the distant drums if , indeed , they still made their awful ugly mayhem .
va	4	And now , as he opened his eyes , as he sought to draw the light into them , there was only the blackness .
va	4	" In the hope that you would take my hand again , here , as you did before , and give me solace ! "
va	4	What collected in this place was no tender apparition , but the memories of the glen which would never leave him .
va	4	In a panic , he pivoted and rushed forward , until he did feel the stone walls , harsh and closing in on him .
va	4	When at last he saw the stars , he breathed a sigh so deep that the tears threatened to come .
va	4	A cadence had begun , quick and playful and then slow again , like the drums that beat for an execution .
va	4	He didn 't care if he stumbled , or if his coat was torn , or if his hair was here and there caught .
va	4	Look , see , he told himself , though the music would not let him articulate these syllables even inside his imagination .
va	4	he hissed again , so angry that he cared nothing for his own dignity , or the inevitable distortions of his face .
va	4	he cried , and reached out , ignoring the flame , as if to grab the little man 's throat and lift him .
va	4	In the morning he ate a quick breakfast in his room , as his staff prepared for an immediate return .
va	4	" You mean , sir , that 's not why we came here , to see the shrine of the saint ? "
va	4	He was cleanly attired in his tweed suit , with a fresh , stiff white shirt and tie , and looked the diminutive gentleman .
va	4	At least to touch her red hair , to kiss her white skin , to drink the scent of her . "
va	4	But the two had been so careful with each other ; it had been lovemaking , yes , but in the safest way imaginable .
va	4	And it had left Mona wishing that she had been more forthcoming on that last night about her usual rampant desires .
va	4	" You just can 't tell a gypsy something like that , that his oldest friend 's been run over by some maniac . "
va	4	They want you to go for tests , you know , " Ryan had been saying as Mona came in for a final good-night .
va	4	For instance , what was found in Houston when you opened the room where Lasher had been keeping me ? "
va	4	" I was wondering if I could stay here - " " I wish you would stay , " said Rowan without hesitation .
va	4	" You are a woman , Mona Mayfair , " Rowan had said , with a sudden , deeply personal smile .
va	4	But what Mona had realized in a flash was that she wasn 't necessarily going to be shut out of all this .
va	4	The last thing she 'd heard was Ryan saying in a strained voice that everything from Houston had been examined and cataloged .
va	4	The guard was nowhere in sight now , but that didn 't mean much on a property of this size .
va	4	Through the gardenia bushes , Mona had seen that it was Rowan , naked , and moving with incredible speed through lap after lap .
va	4	She filled another cup with orange juice , and carefully capped the jug to keep all the vitamins from dying in the air .
va	4	She wore a black silk suit and pearl earrings , and there was a little string of pearls around her neck , too .
va	4	The voice was as chocolaty and smooth as it had been last night , after all the soreness had gone away .
va	4	I 'd say it happens in flashes when you 're sort of preoccupied , kind of slipping into your own reflections .
va	4	I knew this myself in my own instinctive fashion as soon as I came to grasp what had been done .
va	4	Oh , the extra chromosomes are there , all right , but they 've been there in Mayfair women and men for centuries .
va	4	" If I did cure him , then I won 't go to hell after all , " said Mona .
va	4	There was more than a trace of guilt and self-loathing in her voice and face , and she knew it .
va	4	Someday maybe we can talk together about the dreams you had , and the Victrola that materialized in the living room . "
va	4	" But Michael , you 've got to take Michael with you , you 've got to let him help .
va	4	And there 's the question of his own safety , but then I don 't know just how critical that is . "
va	4	All this while Rowan 's gray eyes were fixed on her , scanning her , weighing her response to every word .
va	4	And if you leave him without telling him , he 's not likely to hang around and play the assigned role .
va	4	" I don 't do it , due to my superior intelligence , but - " " You 'll care very soon . "
va	4	If it 's Michael 's baby ... if it 's really there , that is ... " " Please finish . "
va	4	" If it 's Michael 's , then Michael would be the father of the next generation that will inherit this house . "
va	4	" I knew you would paint a more colorful description than I would , " said Rowan softly , a little sadly .
va	4	She realized suddenly that Yuri 's understanding about the baby was the least of her worries , the very least .
va	4	I need perhaps fifteen minutes with him to know whether this evil springs from the Order collectively , or from a small group . "
va	4	But it could be a very small group within the Order , or outsiders who have a connection within . "
va	4	It was right after that that somebody tried to get in the library window and I smelled that scent . "
va	4	When he tried to get in , it woke me up And then I went to her and she was already dead . "
va	4	" Look , whatever happens , I 'm going to be back here before you have to tell anyone at all . "
va	4	But what if you never come back and Michael and I never know what happened to you or to Yuri ? "
va	4	" If you do tell Michael about this baby , and then decide to get rid of it later , that will kill him .
va	4	She was about to get up when she realized what she 'd said , and that Rowan would never face this particular dilemma again .
va	4	The country round was always green , even in winter , but now it had the new intense color of spring .
va	4	Even the discovery of Tessa had not infected Stuart with any last-ditch desperation to lengthen the time remaining to him .
va	4	" You stand on the sacred ground of Glastonbury , " Stuart had told them that day , when it all began .
va	4	His would be the keys to the tabernacle , the map to the treasure , the formula for the magic potion .
va	4	As for Tommy , Tommy was faithful to the vows the three had taken , faithful to the concept and the person of Tessa .
va	4	They had first laid eyes , upon each other at the age of twelve , in boarding school in America .
va	4	He took his last steps carefully , for it was easy to lose one 's footing in the slippery mud , and fall .
va	4	What 's to stop you now from killing me , as you 've done with Aaron and Yuri Stefano ? "
va	4	Tommy stood quiet , seemingly emotionless , his red hair tousled by the wind , eyes squinting behind his glasses .
va	4	" You speak of expediency , but you don 't speak of life and death , my pupil , " he insisted .
va	4	" But I cannot do such things , and that is perhaps why I did not think that you could !
va	4	Tommy really ought to say something , he thought , but he knew that when Tommy spoke , he would stand firm .
va	4	You left it to me to bring Lasher here , you left it to me to step out of the library and plot everything .
va	4	" I knew the first day we spoke that this couldn 't be accomplished without someone paying for it with his life . "
va	4	He turned his back on them to face the tor , and he hung his head as if communing with some personal deity .
va	4	He was far taller now than Stuart , and Stuart in old age had lost some of his earlier height .
va	4	" Stuart , " said Mark , very aware that Stuart had not sought to free himself from his light embrace .
va	4	Only loyalty to the Order might have kept Aaron quiet about the various things he 'd seen and come to suspect .
va	4	The stiff collar of his coat rose to hide his mouth , and thereby leave nothing to scrutiny but his level , untroubled gaze .
va	4	" Perhaps you should never see her again , " said Stuart , voice small for the first time , eyes large and speculating .
va	4	Or do you doubt the word of a man who would follow Yuri doggedly over land and sea only to finally shoot him ? "
va	4	" Yes , " cried Stuart , his voice out of control , " and strike them and they will destroy you .
va	4	He looked down at the earth beneath his feet , his hooked nose glistening as though it were nothing now but polished cartilage .
va	4	" The telekinetic assistance that can be rendered by the witches themselves in the event of a birth can 't be underestimated . "
va	4	" To put it another way , " said Tommy , " our accomplishments here are by no means negligible .
va	4	" And we have witches who know not only the old secrets now in abstract , but who believe in the physical miracle itself .
va	4	That 's why it 's very important that we remain loyal novices , that we do nothing now to arouse suspicion . "
va	4	" There is no hard evidence of anything anywhere , except a few piles of paper in my flat in Regent 's Park .
va	4	" What Mark means , " said Tommy , " is that our position now is better than we could possibly have expected .
va	4	" If we had it to do over again , " said Tommy , " we 'd do it better .
va	4	It might have been more of a challenge , you know , to accomplish our purpose without really hurting anyone . "
va	4	" Yes , it was this fourth entity , as you call him , who killed my friend , " said Stuart quietly .
va	4	Six weeks had passed since that night , when , in illness and in grief , he 'd written those sentiments .
va	4	He slipped it into his leather bag , tucked the bag under his arm , and picked up the suitcases .
va	4	He 'd dream of a son or a daughter in his arms when there was a real chance of it .
va	4	Michael liked this new driver so much better than the last , liked his good humor and his matter-of-fact ways .
va	4	Rowan held Mona tight , kissing Mona 's cheek and then smoothing her hair , and even laying her hand on Mona 's forehead .
va	4	She was too thin still , far too thin , but her face had never been more lovely to him .
va	4	He wondered if this was what her patients had seen as they looked up , right before the anesthesia began to work on them .
va	4	" When we get there , when we meet Yuri , I want to know , that 's all , what he knows .
va	4	" You 're Rowan again , and you 're here , and there are things to live for other than vengeance . "
va	4	Clear away these thoughts , man , because if you don 't , you can 't love her again , ever .
va	4	It 's not because you aren 't strong , aren 't capable , aren 't everything you ought to be .
va	4	When she sighed , the soft sound of it seemed to fill up the car , rather like her perfume .
va	4	She lowered her head , a small gesture that made her hair go very soft and longish around her face .
va	4	Years ago when I was a kid and I stopped at the gate of that house , he chose me .
va	4	Not because he ever thought I 'd be a good man and destroy his hard-won flesh , no , that wasn 't it .
va	4	She gave a small frown , and her eyes grew small for one tiny instant and then large again and wondering .
va	4	I used my strength as a man , and the simple tools , as Julien had told me I would .
va	4	" My innocent Michael , " she said , but it had the tone of a query rather than a declaration .
va	4	He held her by the shoulders , and he did press her back against the seat and cover her mouth with his mouth .
va	4	This time it was she who reached out for him , who clasped his head in her hands , and kissed him .
va	4	They 'd eaten their gluttonous fill , and drunk a little too much , and talked for an hour about Aaron .
va	4	I love Mona in my own way , and always will , but that 's part of who we are , all of us .
va	4	But I want only you , and that 's been true since the first day I was with you . "
va	4	Only the cars lining the gravel drive , the cars parked in the open garages in long rows , betrayed the modern age .
va	4	He walked through the trees , and then up close to the foundations and along the stones , searching for the doors he remembered .
va	4	To his amazement , it opened to his touch , and made a yawning creak that startled him and unnerved him .
va	4	A light leaked down the stairs from above , illuminating a carefully written sign that said DO NOT LEAVE THIS DOOR OPEN .
va	4	He walked along , not trying to hide the sound of his tennis shoes or to conceal himself in the shadows .
va	4	The sole occupant was a woman with gray hair , who looked up from her desk with obvious but fearless amazement .
va	4	There was a book open there under her left hand , and with her right she 'd been underlining words in it .
va	4	She held his gaze for a moment and then slipped back in her chair , her right hand releasing the green marker .
va	4	She pursed her mouth so that the heavy lines above her lips were very defined and dark for a moment .
va	4	She rose slowly from her chair and gave him a cruel look , especially now that she realized how very tall he was .
va	4	The woman closed her eyes this time , as if , unable to leave , she would allow herself to feel this appropriately .
va	4	She looked straight ahead , dully , with no thought of him standing there , apparently , and then she looked up .
va	4	" Yuri , the gypsy , said it was one of you , and Yuri wouldn 't lie in such a matter .
va	4	The man within looked out warily , and when he saw Ash , his face was transformed from amazement to shock and immediate secrecy .
va	4	" You 're looking at something that ... " " Tell me what part you played in it , " Ash said .
va	4	" If Aaron Lightner 's been harmed , don 't you realize it 's the will of the Elders ? "
va	4	The Elders said I was to come here and do what I had to do , at all costs . "
va	4	He could hear the lady crying inside the room , a thick , heavy sobbing rather like her speaking voice , roughened with age .
va	4	Ash pushed through the loose gathering quickly and decisively and made for the stairs , going down two by two before anyone followed .
va	4	He went out into the night and walked fast across the wet grass , and then , glancing back , began to run .
va	4	He memorized the number , or tried to , at least , and then he folded the paper and put it into his pocket .
va	4	" You 're to find me another place of residence as soon as it 's daybreak , " he told Leslie .
va	4	The young Leslie seemed overjoyed to be so commissioned and empowered , and off she went with the others in tow .
va	4	Afterwards he lay on the sofa , quietly listening to the crackling of the fire and hoping perhaps for a gentle rainfall .
va	4	Only now did Ash see that the shirt was specially made , as the suit had been , to fit Samuel 's grotesque body .
va	4	" Aye , there is no beginning and no end , " said Samuel with a deep and forlorn sigh .
va	4	Samuel forced himself up on his elbow and struggled to gain an upright position , but Ash had finally to help him .
va	4	No loyal member would have mentioned the Elders to anyone outside , or said things that were so defensive and obvious . "
va	4	Mona sat up , and jumped down from the table , smoothing down the black skirt and quickly slipping into the fancy shoes .
va	4	But I can 't bring myself to make the requisite speeches , to issue the usual warnings and reservations . "
va	4	She always looked the same to me , you know , whether she was twenty-five or thirty-five , or fifteen even .
va	4	I know it sounds stupid and self-centered , but ... " " I 'll take you right home , " he said gallantly .
va	4	Obviously he was not thinking of intruders , but old stories , stories that had always excited her in the past .
va	4	Perhaps it took exhaustion and grief to bring him to the point where something so spontaneous could happen with him .
va	4	When she reached the front door , she put her key into the lock , and was inside within seconds .
va	4	The door closed as always with a deep , muffled , heavy sound , and she collapsed against it with her eyes shut .
va	4	And of course there was the second pregnancy , the one no one else knows about , except Rowan and Michael and me .
va	4	She simply opened her fingers and clasped her belly loosely , realizing that it was altogether bigger than it had ever been .
va	4	She looked around and then rose and walked across the room , looking back at it to make certain of what she already knew .
va	4	She looked at the gilt frame of the mirror , the dark brown marble mantel , the shelves of old decaying books .
va	4	Michael sat against the arm of the fancy French couch , with his socked feet crossed on the gold pillows .
va	4	" Yuri , " she said in her most quiet and unobtrusive authoritarian manner , " describe the Little People again .
va	4	" Of course , Samuel told me all this when he thought I was going to die in that cave .
va	4	" Then he wasn 't lying when he told you he wanted to help you , " said Rowan , watching him keenly .
va	4	But a witch , don 't you see , a witch of Mona 's power is simply too valuable to Ash and to Samuel .
va	4	He reached for the coffeepot on the tray beside him and refilled his cup , holding it like a mug , without the saucer .
va	4	They do not require modern medical tests to know that you have the chromosomes which are so precious to them .
va	4	Michael gave a little shrug , as if to say he was reserving judgment , but he wouldn 't push this now .
va	4	" No , you didn 't , but it 's quite all right to say it now , " said Rowan .
va	4	I remember him telling me once in passing , last year it was , that Aaron had been near to the family too long .
va	4	" Okay , the phone call is a crucial step , " said Michael , " we 've got that .
va	4	What makes you certain this one is older , that he 's not trying to confuse you with those easy statements he made ? "
va	4	She lifted her hands to her head , as if to say , Where were these streaks of white hair ?
va	4	Her entire body convulsed suddenly and she reached for the place where he 'd hurt her again and again and again .
va	4	No one seemed to care about one novice and his reactions , or what he did or where he went .
va	4	He 'd stumbled onto all of this when he 'd finally opened his door and discovered several members " patrolling " the hallway .
va	4	And if he was gone , if he was gone to be with Tessa ... But no , he would not have fled .
va	4	" You must forgive me , " said Stuart , forcing a polite smile which was certainly not required and was hardly appropriate .
va	4	I think ... I think I should pass the scepter to Joan , if it 's all right with the entire assembly .
va	4	" Gentlemen , I 'm too ... I 'm too upset over Aaron 's death to be of use . "
va	4	Young Crawford , one of Joan 's pupils , was maneuvering her wheelchair into position at the head of the table .
va	4	But his orders were that no one else should leave without express permission , sir , that 's what he said . "
va	4	And since he had no idea whatsoever where Tessa was , or Yuri , he was following nothing and no one !
va	4	He reached for the car phone and , with his thumb , punched in the number of the secret digs in Regent 's Park .
va	4	He floored the accelerator and passed the truck in front of him , pushing the Rolls to its top speed .
va	4	Thirteen IT WAS AN apartment in Belgravia , not far from Buckingham Palace , and expertly fitted with everything he required .
va	4	Georgian furnishings surrounded him , a great deal of fine new white marble , and soft shades of peach , lemon , oyster white .
va	4	" Surely Yuri has seen this , " he thought , " if Yuri is functioning at all normally . "
va	4	" Dearest , " he said , " see that a great roast is prepared in the kitchen for Samuel .
va	4	she said zealously , and at once began to scribble everything on a notebook which she held two inches from her eyes .
va	4	You cannot think of me in those terms , Rowan Mayfair , even if my voice reminds you of him . "
va	4	I wanted to expose the conspiracy to the entire Order , so that the innocent might know , as well as the guilty .
va	4	" Do you know anything else about him , anything that would make it likely that he would know about you ? "
va	4	If you will not let me come - " " Can you find the corner of Brook Street and Spelling ? "
va	4	He hurried down the two flights of steps , Leslie following , asking all the requisite questions : Did he want his guards ?
va	4	Surely Rowan Mayfair would see it and memorize its license , if such a thing was even necessary with a Rolls-Royce stretch limousine .
va	4	Though occasionally , very occasionally , he had heard this soft , whispering murmur from the body of a living dog .
va	4	It had been so long since he had seen witches of this power , and he had never seen witches with more .
va	4	It was blowing in the other direction , which meant , strictly speaking , that they ought to catch his .
va	4	He let his hands hang naturally at his sides , which he seldom did , due to the length of his arms .
va	4	Suddenly one of the pedestrians bumped him accidentally and dropped an entire paper sack of small items to the pavement with a crash .
va	4	He was close enough to the witches , perhaps , for them to hear him , but he could not show fear .
va	4	He could feel the same power which caused the sheen to them in his vision , perhaps the same energy .
va	4	The scent of the man was strong , and the face was more terrible , filled with suspicion and perhaps even wrath .
va	4	She gestured with a pointing finger , and a hand held close to her breast , for him to look across the street .
va	4	Yuri looked ill , worse than ever , and his haphazard jeans and shirt were far too light for the chilly air .
va	4	The elderly man was talking very intently to Yuri , and did not seem to notice that Yuri was looking away .
va	4	He turned just as Ash bore down upon him , reaching the curb , and reaching out to grab Stuart Gordon 's arm .
va	4	Yes , without question , the man knew him , and gazed up into his face with mingled horror and a deep secretive recognition .
va	4	" You killed our Superior General , " said the man , but this he had latched upon in desperation .
va	4	This one was almost insane now , and Rowan Mayfair moved to restrain him as he pressed in on Gordon .
va	4	As soon as the back door of the car was open , he flung the helpless Gordon into the backseat .
va	4	" I 've always had the female , " said Gordon , in a small , heartfelt , yet sardonic voice .
va	4	Ash opened his fingers , stretching them , letting them frighten Gordon , and then withdrawing them and laying his hand in his lap .
va	4	Yuri , in the coffee shop , when I told you I was concerned for your life , I meant it .
va	4	He did not wish to be near this human , this feisty and vicious human whom he knew that he would eventually kill .
va	4	Mona was about to pick up the phone when her mind , veering back to the dream , discovered the dream was gone .
va	4	And the very strange certainty that she must name her daughter Morrigan , a name she 'd never heard before .
va	4	And naturally , she 's half in love with First and Chestnut and wants to ask you a thousand questions . "
va	4	Instantly she wished she hadn 't admitted it , that she , Mona Mayfair , had been spooked in the great house .
va	4	Mona sat against the pillows , looking out again at the Resurrection ferns and the bits and pieces of blue sky beyond .
va	4	Would that be right , to name a girl child after poor mad Ophelia , who had drowned herself after Hamlet 's rejection ?
va	4	" Uncle Ryan points out that it is not a mansion , it is a town house , actually , " said Mona .
va	4	By all rights , she should have enjoyed descending upon Mona and making all kinds of predictions about the baby .
va	4	Mary Jane seemed normal enough by the time they reached the kitchen , chattering about every picture and every item of furniture she saw .
va	4	" And you , too , " said Mary Jane , " you look like some kind of princess , all dressed in lace .
va	4	" Everybody just looks at you when you 're pregnant , they always do , soon as they know . "
va	4	Other people are giving me swoony , loving looks , and looks of approbation , but you - " " What 's approbation ? "
va	4	I pushed him off a fire escape in San Francisco and he fell four stories into an alley and cracked open his head . "
va	4	Eugenia had set down a cold salad of potatoes and peas , another Michael Curry gentleman 's special , tossed in oil and garlic .
va	4	She was already gobbling her veal , and noisily stabbing every bit of mushroom and onion she could find with her fork .
va	4	" This is something I haven 't told anybody yet , and ... " " Everybody knows it , " said Mary Jane .
va	4	He belongs with another kind of woman , somebody wild and homeless and without a family , like himself . "
va	4	Suddenly she spied the plate of bread which Eugenia had set out for them , slices of plain white bread .
va	4	Darlin ' , this is a family of witches , you 're supposed to know that better than I do .
va	4	But , come to think of it , Ancient Evelyn spilled the beans to Viv , if I am not mistaken .
va	4	Her lashes were all smoky and slightly violet , rather like her lipstick actually , very subtle however , and glamorous and beautiful .
va	4	Mary Jane grabbed it , tore the middle out of it , and started rolling the soft bread into a ball .
va	4	" I 've been working on my education in several different ways , I 'd like to know what you think about it .
va	4	" The girls at school appreciate my humor , but almost no one in the family laughs at my jokes . "
va	4	" Hey , listen , Mary Jane , " said Mona , " there 's plenty of bread in this house .
va	4	She jumped up , reached for the bread , caught it by its plastic wrapping , and brought it down on the table .
va	4	asked Mary Jane , and this time she looked worried and protective , sort of , or at least sensitive to what Mona felt .
va	4	But maybe there 's just something wrong with it , the genes make some combination and ... something could be wrong . "
va	4	But this worrying about the baby was wholly different ; it aroused a fear so deep in her that it was agony .
va	4	If this baby 's not right , if this baby 's ... She realized she was looking off through the greenery outside .
va	4	She expected to see the girl startle , and wake up , so to speak , and immediately volunteer what she had been thinking .
va	4	Mary Jane just kept looking at her in exactly the same fashion , and she said : " Yes , Mona ? "
va	4	" Maybe they didn 't even notice , I mean , maybe the older ones took no notice that I was even gone . "
va	4	" Stuart knew just what he was doing , that we 'd have the nerve to carry out schemes that he could never realize .
va	4	" And neither of us stayed around long enough to find out about this person , this crime , this fortuitous incident .
va	4	" I doubt it seriously , " said Tommy , with an air of one who wants to meditate on more important things .
va	4	It even had the proverbial dart board and a couple of men playing darts , and the smell of the beer was wonderful .
va	4	Yuri was upset again , wringing his right hand as he held the receiver with the left , nodding over and over again .
va	4	Rowan had been watching him attentively during the drive , that is , when she was not riveted to Ash .
va	4	The thing about the tall man was this : he did not in any way appear hideous , as Yuri had averred .
va	4	His voice could have talked you into anything , Michael thought , and the eyes were highly persuasive as well .
va	4	Michael had to admit he himself had always had a susceptibility to this very kind of Celtic darkness and mystery .
va	4	His very love of Christmas had its roots in some irrational longing for rituals born in these isles , perhaps .
va	4	He couldn 't any way in the world know what Rowan was thinking or feeling as she looked at this strange creature .
va	4	A witch he might be , by genetic profile , and perhaps by some peculiar heritage of which he knew nothing .
va	4	And this misguided bastard , this crazed man who claims to have a goddess under lock and key , has killed Aaron .
va	4	At any other time he would have asked them to stop so that they could walk for a while along the road .
va	4	He had avoided her the entire time they were in the village , and now he wondered why he had done that .
va	4	It was a sight so romantic that surely the poets of the last century had gone mad for the place , he thought .
va	4	But as they drew closer , as they swung round and came near to the tower , Michael saw it more clearly .
va	4	And realized that it was a rounded Norman tower , rather large , with perhaps three stories rising to its battlements .
va	4	An enormous larch tree stood between them and the tower , a tree that was surely one of the oldest Michael had ever seen .
va	4	Though he could hear the crunch of the others coming , he didn 't step out of the way , or move at all .
va	4	Ash wrested the key with a firm but slow gesture from Stuart Gordon , and slipped the key into a large iron lock .
va	4	A staircase came down into the room , on their left , following the curve of the wall as it descended .
va	4	They all followed , finally even Gordon , who pushed past Michael rudely , and then shoved Yuri out of his way .
va	4	And a single real iron chandelier , a circle of melting candles , revealing a great pool of polished floor beneath it .
va	4	A small bit of her tapestry was revealed , and Michael could see that it was very intricate and full of muted color .
va	4	Her face was perfectly round , flawless , rather like that of Ash , but not so long or deeply defined .
va	4	Her mouth was tender and tiny , and her eyes , though big , were timid and without unusual color .
va	4	Blue eyes , however , kind , and fringed , like those of Ash , with long , luxuriant lashes .
va	4	As the woman drew near to Ash , Michael couldn 't help but see that her skin was so pale it was almost white .
va	4	She frowned , which made a single pucker in her forehead , and seemed like a baby about to bawl .
va	4	He was gazing at her , even smiling slightly , but he had not moved to greet her or touch her outstretched hand .
va	4	But he was too full of emotion for there to be any artifice in what he was saying or doing at all .
va	4	" Then , " said Gordon , " I will have seen the thing that I was born to see .
va	4	I 've brought you together with a spouse of such beauty that you should fall to your knees and give me your thanks ! "
va	4	" Her face will be that way , perhaps , the day she dies , " Ash said with his characteristic mildness .
va	4	He had clapped his hands over his lips , the little steeple of his fingers collapsed to shut in his pain .
va	4	She stepped forward and put her long , slender arm lightly around the shivering Gordon , and addressed her words very distinctly to Ash .
va	4	Once again she smiled , brightly , almost brilliantly , as if this was a reason to be supremely happy .
va	4	She gave Ash a great bow and another smile , and he too bowed and reached out to take her hands .
va	4	He felt heartbroken himself , impossibly sad , unable to enjoy the great relief he ought to have been feeling .
va	4	It swept the couple along , their heads bending gently , their wide steps graceful and slow and in perfect time with the instruments .
va	4	The couple stopped in the very center of the floor , the light spilling down over their faces and their shimmering hair .
va	4	Ash drew back , careful not to make a sound , and then he turned and looked at Stuart Gordon .
va	4	Something had to happen to save this miserable human being ; simply because he was that , something had to prevent this imminent execution .
va	4	She lay in Morrigan 's arms and Morrigan lay in hers and - It was evening when she opened her eyes .
va	4	" We didn 't just have lunch , and you didn 't eat a thing , " said Mary Jane .
va	4	She loved the men in their seersucker suits in summer , and she loved the old ones who still wore the straw hats .
va	4	Ryan was looking at his watch , the infallible signal that he would remain in this spot no more than four more minutes .
va	4	" Mona , I 'm off , " he said , " but there are several boxes of papers up in the master bedroom .
va	4	He gave a pointed look to Mary Jane , as if to say , She is not to know about all that .
va	4	But you never do know the name of Maxim de Winter 's second wife in that novel , or in the movie .
va	4	But there is something I must tell you , about Michael , something I found in a genealogy in those papers .
va	4	" There is a mention , " Ryan said , " in those papers , that apparently pertains to Michael , explicitly . "
va	4	Hey , Mary Jane , when we 're finished , let 's go up and look at those papers . "
va	4	Like right now , you and I , we are educating each other to understand each other , you get what I mean ? "
va	4	and I 'd just leap up and get in the pickup and take off and be at your side . "
va	4	" There 's a bowl full of apples over there , you want me to get you an apple ? "
va	4	Matter of fact , I don 't know if we have any right to go up there at all . "
va	4	Running around the block just to see if you could do it without stopping , without fainting , without having to throw up .
va	4	There was a scream in Mona 's ears , so loud , so violent it was ten times as terrible as the imagined gunshot .
va	4	You know , I have never gotten another single member of this family to admit that they could smell that smell . "
va	4	' Our full hearts are swelling , our glad voices telling the tale of the loveliest rose of the dale ! ' "
va	4	She hummed the tune now without the words , picturing the forests , and the green land , and flowers . "
va	4	' Oh , Mary , we crown thee with blossoms today , queen of the angels , queen of the May .
va	4	Trouble is ... " I 'm so sleepy , " Mona said suddenly , realizing it as soon as she said it .
va	4	" That it is alchemy and chemistry and brain science , and that those things collected make up magic , pure lovely magic .
va	4	" I don 't think a commune of the Twelve Apostles could have made me do that , " she said .
va	4	That she had lived this long without lying on the floor and looking up at one of these things was just inexcusable .
va	4	She could almost not feel the floor under her , when she concentrated on the music and on the lights above .
va	4	And as I was about twelve years old at the time , she wasn 't about to let that happen .
va	4	I have at one time or another looked up the derivation of every single word that pertains to witches and witchcraft . "
va	4	Or it means , don 't tell me , it means somebody who knows the truth all the time , right ? "
va	4	The thing is , I fear he has gone to heaven and left us to our own devices , but then that is fine .
va	4	It 's got nothing to do with Julien or Michael or Rowan and the way that they would have solved things .
va	4	" Besides , if I 'm not too young for men , I 'm not too young for girls either .
va	4	As for Gifford and Alicia , they 're dead , and Ancient Evelyn is too sick , and Ryan is too dumb .
va	4	Besides , it 's the middle of the night in London and we don 't know what they 're doing , do we ?
va	4	That explains everything , why I have dreamed gardens all my life , and drawn pictures of gardens with crayons .
va	4	" I want to do what they asked us to do , " said Tommy , " which is what I intend to do .
va	4	He 's bound to have a home somewhere , a place we 've never seen , some ancestral manse or something .
va	4	" Tommy , I don 't think Stuart would hide Tessa in a place that was known to be his home .
va	4	He watched the light jump in Stuart 's eye , as if the lamp nearby had jumped , and not Stuart .
va	4	" It was the two young ones , " said Yuri , though Michael was gesturing to him to hold back .
va	4	I had only lately inherited this tower from my mother 's brother , an antiquarian who had been my family mentor .
va	4	It 's only when I 've been here a long while that she 'll talk , and then she tells her amazing tales .
va	4	I have hundreds of recordings of her talking , lists of Old English words and Latin words which she has used .
va	4	It was incredible , the idea that everyone would come into this world with some distinct and valuable historical memories !
va	4	He had gone there to make contact once more with the Mayfair witches , and to pursue other paths in psychic investigation .
va	4	How Aaron would have loved these stories , especially those which had come directly from the Highlands and its haunted lochs and glens .
va	4	And when enough maidens had died that the people doubted the power of this male giant , he was then burnt as the sacrifice .
va	4	That the male giant or the female giant did parent , as it were , the magical child of its own race .
va	4	You can tell them with clarity and power , for you 're strong , and not addled , like my poor Tessa !
va	4	Besides , what would our beloved Elders have said , if ' said ' is even appropriate for their endless silent communications !
va	4	The doctors involved , yes , I agreed to this , though again I would never have proposed it . "
va	4	You see , my helpers had some very different notions from mine , about what was required to keep the whole thing secret .
va	4	I only know my friends , my confidants , they felt they could control those men with secrets and money .
va	4	" It was spiritual gain , perhaps , " said Yuri , " but it was gain , personal gain .
va	4	Gordon stopped , gazed at the table , one eyebrow raised , as if to say he need not settle for this ultimatum .
va	4	" Naturally it occurred to me , what if this Lasher were the soul of another species of being seeking to reincarnate ?
va	4	" I will tell you nothing of them except that they were ... they were young men in whom I believed . "
va	4	" It was a sentimental thing , my taking her there , to stand over the grave of one of her own .
va	4	They helped me obtain with a syringe the first blood from Tessa , which was sent to various laboratories for anonymous analysis .
va	4	To return to the cellars , to all the abandoned folklore , and research only those saints of exceedingly great size .
va	4	" All right , " said Gordon patiently , " but you will perhaps grant this dying man one request . "
va	4	" I did bring the tale home to Tessa ; over supper , as always , I told her of my reading .
va	4	He paused , glancing from one face to another , and even to Yuri finally , his smile full of pride .
va	4	" This was a book , a codex of vellum , such as I had never seen in my long life of scholarship !
va	4	" And beneath that name , " said Gordon , again looking from one to the other to enlarge the drama .
va	4	" Get on with it , please , Gordon , " said Michael , throwing a pointed glance at Ash .
va	4	At once he opened the cover and revealed the title page on the vellum , beautifully illustrated in crimson and gold and royal blue .
va	4	Yuri saw more gorgeous writing and more fine , tiny illustrations whose beauty could only be studied by someone looking through a glass .
va	4	Suddenly Ash rose to his feet , and snatched the book away from Gordon , tearing it loose from Gordon 's very hands .
va	4	When a man is this angry , one must respect his anger , or at least acknowledge it , thought Yuri .
va	4	They stood quietly gazing up at him as he continued to glare at Gordon as if he would kill the man now .
va	4	" To see the race rise again on the sacred mountain where Christ himself stood to propagate the religion that changed the whole world !
va	4	" If only you had told your tale to Aaron Lightner , if only you had given him your precious knowledge ! "
va	4	And answer me now or I will rip your head from your shoulders and place it in the lap of your beloved Tessa .
va	4	Who killed the mystery as if he were a pedestrian criminal to be dispatched by you to hell in a barroom brawl ? "
va	4	But it was created , and we let through only those letters to and from the Elders that did not pertain to this case .
va	4	We substituted our own exchanges for those between Aaron or Yuri and the Elders , and those from the Elders to them .
va	4	" You can 't shoot all of us , " said Yuri , moving around the edge of the table .
va	4	He could express a long sigh of relief , so different from the mournful whisper of sound that had just come from Michael .
va	4	And they will find out , they will surely find out , who his helpers were , if they were those proud young novices .
va	4	Somewhere in the back of his mind were Samuel 's careless words , that he had fallen in love with Ash .
va	4	" And if you don 't , " said Michael , " then we 'll know that we were wrong . "
va	4	" I understand now , I understand how it could happen ; I see the weaknesses , the charm . "
va	4	But he was too tired , really , to think of anything else , or to do it in any other way .
va	4	" I 'll explain that Stuart is very very ill , and that you 're going to stay with her until help comes . "
va	4	They were coming , his brothers and sisters , and he could lay bare the horrors and the mysteries he 'd seen .
va	4	" Goodbye , Yuri , " she said gently as she passed him , and she turned with her hand on the rail .
va	4	He stood merely watching her at her sewing , listening to her humming , and when finally she looked up , she smiled again .
va	4	And Stuart , poor dear , he was so very weak , I knew the death would come for him at any time . "
va	4	Oops , forgot something , thin slices of yellow processed cheese , gag me with a spoon , full of chemicals and dye .
va	4	The key thing was to remember to put that stuff back so that neither Rowan nor Michael was unduly alarmed .
va	4	" Mona Mayfair , it 's Rowan Mayfair on the phone , all the way from England , calling you ! "
va	4	What she needed was a tablespoon for this ice cream , even if she had almost finished the entire pint .
va	4	" That she would tell us all when she saw us , but that right now she had something she had to do .
va	4	I was going to lead you into it step by step , but that 's not fair and it 's not necessary .
va	4	" Well , sure , I can drive , " said Mary Jane , " but whose car are we taking ? "
va	4	" Mary Jane , don 't freak out on me , don 't , no matter what it looks like . "
va	4	" Arizona , honey , had to do it , had to steal the truck , but that 's another story . "
va	4	We 're burning up the miles , honey , this thing does ninety and you can 't even feel it . "
va	4	They would carry with them the memory of Stuart , Stuart 's belief and conviction , Stuart 's reverence for the mystery .
va	4	They would set up some small apartment in New Orleans , and begin their systematic watch of the Mayfair witches .
va	4	Tommy was slumped over in the chair by the desk , snoring , a tiny bit of drool on his chin .
va	4	They 'd go to Regent 's Park , get everything , and leave for America on the first flight out .
va	4	Being awakened at four in the morning ... Good God , it 's actually five ... for a mourning ceremony .
va	4	" And what if you 've overlooked something in your room , something that would blow the lid off the entire affair ? "
va	4	From all around came soft murmurs of Aaron this , and Aaron that ... always loved Aaron , adored Aaron .
va	4	Look at the old dishes , dragged from some vault somewhere perhaps , to be loaded with fudge and iced cakes .
va	4	Positively vulgar , and every one was supposed to have its history , replete with tales of battle , treachery , vengeance .
va	4	Don 't want to see any more , want to leave here ... The press loosened as they passed through the doors .
va	4	From one end of the table to the other , the members surrounded it , a phalanx of mourners in black .
va	4	This was the second stage , the absence of movement , with members so still he could not even hear anyone draw breath .
va	4	He felt a pain in his chest as though someone had begun to press on his breastbone with impossibly strong hands .
va	4	Why in the name of God hadn 't Stuart been clever , why hadn 't he known how to deflect Yuri ?
va	4	At once the crowd shifted and moved against them , pushing them slowly from the head of the table , towards the foot .
va	4	They could see two doors at the end of this passage , large wooden doors inset beneath a low arch , and bolted shut .
va	4	Out of the corner of his eye , he saw Tommy struggling , knee bent , foot kicking at the men behind him .
va	4	And when he sat upright , his hand fell on objects which crumbled and broke and gave off a dull ashen smell .
va	4	But the figures had stepped back out of the lighted opening , and with horror he heard a familiar sound .
va	4	Then , in a split second , longer in duration , perhaps , than all his life , he understood everything .
va	4	And crawl he did , pushing the bones away from him , the debris , the crumbled rock or bone or whatever it was .
va	4	How stupid of Tommy to have utterly alienated his stepmother , to have told her he wanted no further contact .
va	4	There was a series of sounds , actually , picture it , try to picture it , and then he did .
va	4	No , this was temporary , a contrivance to make them miserable , contrite , before turning them over to the authorities .
va	4	Even in this plane , so lavishly upholstered , with its deep chairs and large table , you knew you were in a plane .
va	4	" It doesn 't matter , " Ash had said finally , hearing her , perhaps for the first time .
va	4	" Voice from the glen , " the little man had said in London , jabbing his thumb to point at Michael .
va	4	" I would never hurt this child Mona , " said Ash suddenly , startling her , waking her more fully .
va	4	Her eyes were dry and she would have to sleep soon , simply have to , but she couldn 't now .
va	4	" I think I want all that , since you ask , " said Michael , with a little shrug and laugh .
va	4	" I want you to know them , the story of what happened and how we came to the glen .
va	4	I want to study the book , if you still mean to let us do that , see the book . "
va	4	" All that is possible , " said Ash , with an easy gesture , one hand resting on his knee .
va	4	There 's a stubbornness in it , a desire to be gratified at once , and for things to remain simple . "
va	4	There was one witness , one man present who could understand and forgive , if a forgiving witness is required .
va	4	" Lasher , that was the deliberate murder , " said Michael , as if he were speaking to himself .
va	4	" Or would you have spared him because he was one of the very few of your kind left on the earth ?
va	4	I am no friend to a migrant soul with a thirst for power , an aged soul that had usurped a new body .
va	4	I have lived too long to hold foolish beliefs that humans aren 't worthy of compassion , that they are ' other . '
va	4	" His worry , " she said , " is something that I 've done , which he himself could not do . "
va	4	I killed her as soon as I realized what she was and who she was , and that she was there , with me .
va	4	And she realized as she looked at both of them that she wasn 't really saying all this just for them .
va	4	" Rowan , " said Ash gently , " Rowan , Rowan , don 't suffer these things again on my account . "
va	4	" It 's why you came to England when Samuel called you , when he told you Yuri 's story .
va	4	He stretched and then turned his back , walking a few steps , head bowed , before he turned around .
va	4	She had had to pass an examination , and she that passed would rule the world , so Mona had to answer every question .
va	4	She tried to lift the sack of groceries from the floor , but she could not bend down that far .
va	4	" And there isn 't any hay , besides , and if there was , it would be soggy . "
va	4	" Jesus Christ , this is a wild place , " Mona whispered , but in a way she loved it .
va	4	The night went dark , but what she had seen remained , a great black hulk against the sky , impossible .
va	4	We 've got to get Granny out , assuming that Granny has not already been unceremoniously dumped into the drink !
va	4	The very topmost branches were thin and covered over with webs , silvery webs , were they spiders or silkworms ?
va	4	Science has reached a point where once again various kinds of beliefs , once condemned as metaphysical , are now entirely possible .
va	4	When she got to Mona , she stopped , bent over double , and caught her breath and then looked at Mona .
va	4	A pain like a whip wrapping around her back and her waist , or what was left of her waist .
va	4	I mean I feel real clumsy , Mary Jane , I don 't know if I should climb into the boat . "
va	4	" Yeah , that 's it , honey , we don 't go but fifty feet , you just stand still , real still .
va	4	You can kneel down if you want , or even sit down , but at this point I would not recommend the bother . "
va	4	It 's just all the columns make those vertical lines and look like they 're about to fall over . "
va	4	Mary Jane dug the pole in again and shoved hard , sending the boat flying towards the immense shadow looming over them .
va	4	" Well , it 's off the hinges now , if that 's what you mean , but that 's where we 're headed .
va	4	Mona put her hands over her mouth , wanting to cover her eyes , but knowing she 'd fall if she did .
va	4	But then she 'd never actually known anyone who really lived here , at least not a person who could remember .
va	4	The frogs were singing and singing , a lovely sound , very strong and loud compared to the more gentle sound of garden cicadas .
va	4	And a good thing , too , because another pain came round her middle and bit deep into her back .
va	4	" Go on up , " said Mary Jane , who had already hurled one sack up on the step above Mona .
va	4	Mona turned to look into the little wrinkled face with the small lips pressed tight together as the woman nodded .
va	4	Same crisscross of electric lights she 'd seen below , and look at the steamer trunks and the wardrobes tucked into every gable .
va	4	Every gable except for one , which held the bed deep inside , and next to it , an oil lamp .
va	4	And the oil lamp , though it was treacherously close , made it into a little tent of sorts around her .
va	4	It will be born , but if I die , you have to do it for me , you and Morrigan together . "
va	4	" Wisteria , roses , all those things growing outside , swamp irises ... " " Yeah , yeah , and then what ! "
va	4	Her very own face , pale and with the same freckles and the same green eyes , and the red hair tumbling down .
va	4	She had asked for chemistry sets at Christmastime , or a new tennis racket , or new stereo components for her room .
va	4	And there are people who are , regardless of background , taste , or religious beliefs , simply afraid of dolls .
va	4	She stepped out , letting the door rush closed behind her , realizing that she stood in a vast , brilliantly lighted room .
va	4	She saw herself rocking it , rather like a newborn , and singing to it , though it was no infant .
va	4	Through several banks of glass , she saw that Ash had joined her , and had been watching her , perhaps for some time .
va	4	She loved its lace stockings and its silk petticoats , very old , very faded , apt to tear at her touch .
va	4	His suit was white silk today , very baggy , fashionable , probably Italian , she honestly didn 't know .
va	4	I don 't regret it , but the feeling is sadness , sadness for something perhaps I dreamed about when I was young .
va	4	She folded her arms and walked past him into a new and unexplored area , where the German dolls ruled .
va	4	They were too charged with emotion , too full of obvious conflict , and very little if any struggle to hide it from her .
va	4	" Yes , of course , and Michael 's awake now , and Michael should be almost finished with breakfast .
va	4	" It was a dishonest thing to do , to tell you and to deny it , it was wrong . "
va	4	If she 'd thought of an answer , she might have said it , but nothing really came to her mind .
va	4	Except that she couldn 't imagine being severed from Ash right now , and she didn 't think that Michael could , either .
va	4	Only when they were both seated did he tear himself away , fold the paper neatly , and put it to the side .
va	4	But Ash reached to pour for her before she could do it , and he put the cup in her hand .
va	4	He thought for a moment , and Rowan could hardly bear to see the tiny signs of stress in his hands and his face .
va	4	A restless soul refusing to accept death , and making a tragic , blundering reentry into life , for which others paid the price .
va	4	And we knew about the land of winter , but we never went there , because our island was always warm .
va	4	I think , though I 'll never know , that ours was an island , very large , yet an island .
va	4	Fire we had always known , because there were places up in the mountains where fire breathed right out of the earth .
va	4	Hot earth itself , molten lava , came in a tiny trickle from some of these places , running down to the sea .
va	4	We had always known how to get fire , keep it alive , feed it , and make it last .
va	4	The islands of winter , that 's what we called them , or , more literally , the islands of the bitter cold .
va	4	Everybody knew there were beasts in that land , covered with fur , that would kill you if they could .
va	4	We reckoned time in moons only , and we did not have a concept , as I recall , of a year .
va	4	Of course there was a legend you will hear all over the planet , of a time before the moon .
va	4	And that was the legendary time before time , or so we thought , but no one actually remembered it .
va	4	And if she really didn 't want us sucking her milk , well , within a reasonable amount of time we stopped .
va	4	We didn 't have many people of the mixed hair , and of course the young greatly outnumbered the old .
va	4	You hadn 't really done it , though others might condemn you for your appalling carelessness and even send you away .
va	4	The white-haired ones who liked to tell tales had been alive the longest , certainly , but no one thought of them as old .
va	4	There was no ownership , except perhaps of musical instruments or pigments for painting , but even these were fairly liberally shared .
va	4	Indeed , women could derive complete pleasure in this way , reaching satisfaction with scarcely any other contact at all .
va	4	I don 't remember rape ; I don 't remember execution ; I don 't remember grudges that lasted very long .
va	4	And someone would venture , telling a tale of white-haired ones long gone , whom he had heard tell when he was newborn .
va	4	Others would then volunteer their earliest recollections ; people would argue with or add to or expand the stories of others .
va	4	But this chain of memory , this ritual telling and recounting , it is important to me now for what it later became .
va	4	After we migrated to the land of bitter cold , this was our way of knowing ourselves and who we had been .
va	4	As for the woman , the question was , did she understand how hard it might be to bear the child ?
va	4	But those are the only painful or difficult things I remember , and I won 't tell of them now .
va	4	And the couple would embrace and play lovingly with each other for as long as they could before the final moment had to come .
va	4	To tell is to strike out against the awful loneliness of forgetting , the awful ignorance of it , the sadness .
va	4	Nothing stood between one seeing any woman or any man , and love and friendship were not romantic ; they were pure .
va	4	That is why the birth aroused such reverence and such caution in all of us , for it involved pain for the woman .
va	4	Ours was a world of harmony and true happiness , it was a world of one great mystery and many small , wondrous things .
va	4	We see it , we hear the songs of its birds , and we feel the warmth of the volcanic spring .
va	4	Another reason I believe that violence must have happened was that we had definite concepts of the Good God and the Evil One .
va	4	Afterwards , I go out in my car and give coats and wool scarves to those who don 't have them .
va	4	Sometimes we bring in the street people to sleep in the lobby , to feed them and bed them down .
va	4	But then one will fight with another , perhaps even knife another , and out they all must go , into the snow again .
va	4	Then began their trials and their tribulations , their real suffering , and their first concept of valor and sacrifice .
va	4	And as we had no real idea that winter was going to come again , many more died the following winter , too .
va	4	If life had not been so hard , this would have been seen perhaps as a time of great creative pleasure .
va	4	I had by this time become accustomed to being the leader , and did not frankly trust anybody else to do it .
va	4	I invoked the name of the Good God every time chaos came upon us , striving to put our lives back in order .
va	4	And certain strange events had had an incredible impact upon us , far greater than anyone realized at the time .
va	4	They had also left behind curious little creatures like monkeys , though hairless and very helpless , who might be their young .
va	4	This settled the question that they were bestial , for in our minds only the beasts had helpless little young .
va	4	They taught us nothing , and they made us cry with frustration when they couldn 't learn anything from us .
va	4	We became , though we never thought of it that way , the people of the stone circles all over the land .
va	4	To be driven out was exhausting , but in a new home the desire to build a larger , more imposing circle burnt hot .
va	4	We would find stones , we vowed , so large that no one could ever dislodge them , or would ever try .
va	4	Our basic values , though unchanged since the days of the lost land , had hardened somewhat around certain rituals .
va	4	It was the law that reverence and sensuality attend these births ; indeed , a great sexual euphoria was often sustained .
va	4	The idea of moving all the time , to avoid arguments or to chase the food supply , had long since lost its appeal .
va	4	And we had good-sized herds and flocks of sheep , goats , and a form of wild cattle that no longer exists .
va	4	We arranged for the orderly burial of the dead ; indeed , we built some graves beneath the ground during this time .
va	4	We did not build the whole thing that is there now , or is believed to have been there at one time .
va	4	At one time , all of our beloved open-air temple was enclosed into some sort of wooden edifice by savage human tribes .
va	4	Long before it was ever completed , it became a place of inspiration , and it has been one ever since .
va	4	I was called upon to go into the center , to strike the strings of the harp , to begin the dance .
va	4	Indeed , we imprisoned a number of human beings , invaders all , to try to pry the knowledge from them .
va	4	They called us " the fools of the circle , " or " the simple people of the stones . "
va	4	Principally , they wanted our women for pleasure , and some of the finer gifts which pilgrims had brought to the circle shrine .
va	4	They 'd been driven from their homes along the coast by the human invaders , who inspired in them only deathly fear .
va	4	Many had come from far and wide for the winter birth circle , and we heard more and more tales of slaughter and woe .
va	4	We had to return to the hidden valleys of the Highlands , or places too inaccessible for these cruel invaders .
va	4	Twice we raided lowland forts to rescue our men and women , whose singing we could hear from great distances .
va	4	But many of our kind had resisted , refusing to be so violated ; some women had found ways to take their own lives .
va	4	Many had been killed for struggling , for attacking every human who came near them , and finally for trying repeatedly to escape .
va	4	If they weren 't , their warring ways would destroy all that had been given us by the Good God .
va	4	Surely we could outnumber them as we fought against them , if only ... if only we had the stomach for the fight .
va	4	Within a week , after endless argument , it was decided that we did not have the stomach for the fight .
va	4	Those wanderers who did return , and frequently with at least a couple of human prisoners , confirmed our most terrible fears .
va	4	Were we cousins of each other in some time before the lost land , when perhaps we had mingled in some earlier paradise ?
va	4	Over the centuries the mythology grew ; the Little People had once been as we were , tall and fair .
va	4	In the glen the Little People still hang on ; there are few natives of Britain who do not know of them .
va	4	They steal human women now and then to breed , but they are no more successful with humans than we are .
va	4	Never believe that they won 't hurt you in the glen , or in other glens and remote woods and valleys .
va	4	And they would kill you and burn the fat of your bodies on their torches for the sheer joy of it .
va	4	Another tale can be told of them , by Samuel , perhaps , should he ever be moved to tell it .
va	4	Banding together outside the glen , whenever possible , they exchanged the memories , the tales , and formed their own tiny settlements .
va	4	And this became a part of innate knowledge very rapidly because we deliberately cultivated it , and this cultivation worked .
va	4	Now , the Art of the Tongue , as we called it , was something we never thought of until the humans came .
va	4	It 's no secret , what he 's telling us , of course , but he won 't let us record any of it .
va	4	And if he does come to hurt us , for any reason , well , that 's going to be what happens . "
va	4	She was surrounded by a very courtly group of companions and invited to go with them , probably to Amsterdam .
va	4	The baby looked fine enough , thank God for that , about a month premature , he figured , and undernourished , of course !
va	4	She was a pretty girl , though , he had to give her that much , even with that cowboy hat .
va	4	He could scarcely see what looked like a house up ahead , and the great fan leaves of a green palmetto .
va	4	I delivered babies in Picayune , Mississippi , for thirty-eight years before I ever came down to this godforsaken country . "
va	4	At least the tangle of trees was so thick in this part of the jungle that he was almost dry for a moment .
va	4	If he had had to see his way around this place by kerosene lamp , he would have gone crazy .
va	4	Lo and behold , they were gliding right over the front porch of this dilapidated wreck and into the open doorway .
va	4	" Well , nobody was here when the water came in , " said Mary Jane , straining as she pushed on the pole .
va	4	The boat collided with the steps , tossing him violently to the left , so that he had to grab the slimy wet banister .
va	4	He leapt out , immediately stamping both his feet to make sure the steps weren 't going to sink under him .
va	4	And then he saw old Granny Mayfair at the very top in her flowered flannel gown , waving her little hand at him .
va	4	Mary Jane picked up the ice chest as soon as he set it down , and ran off with it .
va	4	There was an oil lamp burning inside , he could smell it , and see the warm glow in the smoky glass shade .
va	4	He lifted the long , thin veils and lowered his head just a little as he stepped under the spine of the gable .
va	4	" She 's worn out , Doctor , you would be too , " said Mary Jane , with her smart tongue .
va	4	The girl lay nestled in fresh sheets , and wearing a fancy white shirt trimmed in old-fashioned lace , with little pearl buttons .
va	4	Her hair was just about the reddest he 'd ever seen , and long and full and brushed out on the pillow .
va	4	" You know perfectly well that you should - " " Doctor , the baby 's born , " she said .
va	4	But she went away , bouncing the baby in her arms , pretty vigorously , he thought , for a newborn .
va	4	He thought sure the little mother was going to put up a fuss , too , but she didn 't .
va	4	There was nothing to do but hold this oil lamp himself , if he wanted to make sure everything was all right .
va	4	She pointed to a small makeshift desk of two pine boards laid over two stacks of old wooden Coke bottle crates .
va	4	" Spell it for him , Mary Jane , " the mother said , her voice very low , from inside the enclosure .
va	4	When you got right down to it , it was impossible to tell which of these young women was the prettiest .
va	4	The water was oozing out of his shoes , just look at it , but what could he do about it ?
va	4	The darkness closed down around her and her glowing screen and a gooseneck lamp making a puddle of yellow light on her fluttering fingers .
va	4	Then the thunder went off with the loudest boom he 'd ever heard , rattling every piece of glass left in the house .
va	4	He himself was five foot ten , and this long , tall drink of water was at least a foot taller than that .
va	4	" Now you go back and sit down , " said Mary Jane , " the lights will be on in a jiffy . "
va	4	And a little bit of sun was even breaking through the heavy gray clouds just enough to shine on the drops !
va	4	" Now , here , Doctor , you take this , " said Mary Jane , as he climbed into the car .
va	4	Then we ventured out , declaring ourselves to be the Picts and offering enlightened friendship to those whom we encountered .
va	4	And with the doors of the glen open finally , new learning came to us for the first time directly from outside elements .
va	4	And though we never did more than forge a few coins and make arrowheads , we nevertheless went mad for a while with it .
va	4	And we learnt it from our slaves as soon as the first marvelous connection between symbol and word was made .
va	4	You can see this script on many a stone in the north of Scotland , but no one today can decipher it .
va	4	The Romans , by the way , never did reach our glen , though for two hundred years they campaigned in Britain .
va	4	Of course , all this depended upon considerable peaceful cooperation with those who lived in the glen , and this remained stable for centuries .
va	4	A fine example of this is the bronze pin with a human face , discovered many centuries later by modern peoples in Sutherland .
va	4	Pictures of us as fierce warriors were deceptive , and skillfully made to actually show people meeting in peace , or so we imagined .
va	4	That if they killed us , with the proper words and the proper curses , they could take our power .
va	4	And when traveling abroad , we took great pains to avoid the village witch , or the sorcerer who lived in the wood .
va	4	He would bring her home ; she might at some point in the distant future bear him another child before she died .
va	4	Let me pass over in silence the sadness we often felt , the emotions we evinced at our secret rituals .
va	4	And if God is merciful and you really don 't , well , then , you can still imagine it .
va	4	The leader they followed , the god they worshiped , the savior in whom they believed was the Lord Jesus Christ .
va	4	What is the pure message , even today , of those cults which would consecrate themselves anew to Christ and his teachings ?
va	4	Now , I had seen many books in my time , Roman scrolls and the codex , which was now the popular form .
va	4	It was a magnificent altar book that he carried with him , a great illustrated and decorated account of the Four Gospels .
va	4	And the man had been a humble person , with only the most tenuous of connections to ancient kings , that was obvious .
va	4	Not only was this god amazing and this story amazing ; the whole question of the relationship of the tale to writing was amazing .
va	4	As you can tell from this narrative , the one thing we had once shared with our barbarian neighbors was that we distrusted writing .
va	4	Columba was born of a rich family , and might have in the scheme of things become King of Tara .
va	4	Beautiful books such as this were being made in these Christian compounds , and all were invited into this new faith .
va	4	But as soon as I arrived at Iona , I became further spellbound by the monastery itself and the personality of Columba .
va	4	It was as if I had found again the lost land , only now the dominant themes were penance and austerity .
va	4	Gradually I began to see what many a heathen prince had come to see in Christianity : absolute redemption of everything !
va	4	All my suffering made sense in light of the woes of the world and Christ 's mission to save us from sin .
va	4	In sum , if this church accepted us , if it embraced us , all our past and future sufferings would have meaning .
va	4	I was very struck by this , particularly when I found that some human families had been Christian for three generations .
va	4	" How very like us you are , " I thought , " but you don 't know it . "
va	4	Janet too had been born in the lost land , which she mentioned now quite openly before the human beings .
va	4	So loud was the talk that I could not even tell how many were for Janet 's point of view or against it .
va	4	They did not fully understand yet how different we were , but they knew we were not like other people .
va	4	Others simply did not like it , and wanted to keep to our own ways and not live in austerity and penance .
va	4	The frenzied zealots , of whom I was the most outspoken one , declared that these things no longer mattered .
va	4	Now gathered from the battlefield , wounded , limping , these rebels , with Janet as their leader , cursed us .
va	4	They would not be driven from the glen , they declared , they would die where they stood in opposition to us .
va	4	We fought off the few who had the stamina to attack us , subduing others with mere ferocious looks or vociferous condemnations .
va	4	We did have a chance , that is , if I did not despair and seal the fate of all of us .
va	4	And even as she continued to speak , there was whispering , and those going to prepare a stake in the stone circle .
va	4	All this I saw from the corner of my eye , and so did she , and still she kept her courage .
va	4	" I see before me a chalice , " I declared , speaking softly but loud enough for all to hear .
va	4	I see the blood of Christ emptied into the Well ; I see the water run red , and I know its meaning .
va	4	It shall forever replace the cursed milk we sought from our women in lust ; it shall be our new sustenance and our portion .
va	4	This religion was a deceiving thing , and the body and blood of Christ could kill as surely as poison .
va	4	Then , leaping up , I ran at the slowly gathering blaze , only to be pulled back and held against my will .
va	4	The flames leapt up , obscuring her fair face , and a low roar came from the rapidly burning timbers .
va	4	I did not know if it was Janet in her final pain , or some trick of light and shadow and flickering .
va	4	Bathe away the blood of those who wouldn 't accept God 's grace and have gone now to eternal perdition . "
va	4	I had no more hope , no more dreams ; I had no more words , and no more thirst for anything !
va	4	We were all baptized in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy Ghost .
va	4	In the days that followed , we five males who were left did win the entire goodwill of the people .
va	4	And the witches were on the prowl , boasting that they could make us reveal ourselves , and render us powerless .
va	4	It had become a poem to them which they could recite , and they spat at my feet when they were finished .
va	4	Meantime , in a great ceremony , some five of us , and four who had come later , accepted Holy Orders .
va	4	And a cross was erected at the holy stream , inscribed with Latin words to celebrate the burning of Janet and the subsequent miracle .
va	4	But it was more than plain that for the enemies of Christ , justice could be as bitter as God chose to make it .
va	4	At last I set aside each day an hour or two when my door was locked and no one might speak to me .
va	4	" From the first day I came into your house , " he said , " I knew your simplicity and your goodness .
va	4	I never saw that book again until Stuart Gordon laid it out on the table in his tower at Somerset .
va	4	Seek absolution at some distant monastery , where your nature is not known , and ask permission to practice your vows in peace there .
va	4	This was nothing as ornate and heavy as my kingly raiment had been , and nothing as humble as a priest 's robes .
va	4	I rode for perhaps an hour through the forest , following old trails known only to those who had hunted here .
va	4	Up and up I went along the heavily wooded slopes towards a secret pass that led to the high road .
va	4	There would be a full moon , and I meant to travel until I was too tired to go further .
va	4	This was a time before the great forests of Britain had been destroyed , and the trees here were thick and ancient .
va	4	But I had not been in the darkest forest for very long when I heard the voices of the Little People .
va	4	He was very young then , and his face was not so gnarled that one couldn 't see his eyes .
va	4	And as he rushed through the undergrowth , shaking his fist at me , his face was full of malevolence .
va	4	Twenty-nine " NOW LISTEN TO me , both of you , " she said without taking her eyes off the road .
va	4	And the uncanny resemblance between their faces was enough to completely unnerve Mona if she let herself stare too long at Morrigan .
va	4	" This is a question of safety , you know , and what do you mean , ' take over ' ? "
va	4	I know all the words my mother knew before I was born , and a great many my father knew .
va	4	How else would I know what a socket wrench is , and why the trunk of this car contains an entire set of them ?
va	4	" And I get a creepy feeling in my bones from the way you say those words , ' take over . ' "
va	4	" You have reminded each other enough in my presence that the name of the game is survival , " Morrigan replied .
va	4	Morrigan shook her head , making her red hair tumble and tangle and then giving it a vigorous and determined toss .
va	4	Besides , for all you know , they are home now , Rowan and Michael , and I am for an immediate confrontation .
va	4	No doubt they will make the records available to me , even if in their secret hearts they have opted for extermination . "
va	4	I tell you that there are no accidents in this world , nature is sufficiently random and lush for things to happen almost inevitably .
va	4	To say it right I have to speak it very , very fast , to you it will sound like whistling .
va	4	The car moved on , in its own lane , but they had come into Metairie , the traffic was getting heavy .
va	4	" What makes you think that , given all your reservations and fears , and desires to hide from prying eyes ? "
va	4	" They will not have to use a gun , if they don 't love me , " Morrigan said .
va	4	" Like hell , " said Mona , trying to sound very calm , very controlled , very much the woman .
va	4	We are enough , don 't you dare say we 're not , not enough for now , you hear me ? "
va	4	She stared at this graceful gazelle , who was driving and crying at the same time , passing every laggard in her path .
va	4	I was about to set off and go around this part of the slope , when a voice called to me .
va	4	I looked at the little hovel , with its lights flickering in the dimness , and there I saw a woman standing .
va	4	She came up to the horse , and laid her hand on mine , and I felt the desire rising in me .
va	4	" For your sake , no , " I replied , but she was taking off my sword and I let her do it .
va	4	Getting up long enough only to bolt her door , I fell back on the bed and pushed her down beneath me .
va	4	It came to rest in the mud , and when I tried to reach for it , I couldn 't .
va	4	She lost her simple smile , and taking my hand , she spoke these words as if they were our secret .
va	4	Or would you rather find a dance so simple and full of grace that all the peoples of the world could do it ? "
va	4	" And would you make a song so sweet that no man or woman of any breed could ever resist it ? "
va	4	It seemed the words she 'd spoken were carved in my mind as if engraved on the flat stones of the circle .
va	4	And I saw them , and fixed them for all time , even as the last reverberation of her voice left me .
va	4	And not this gentle spirit who had just looked at me with loving eyes , and spoken verses that promised some remission .
va	4	It was the burnt one , the suffering and dying woman , her hair full of small flames , her bones smoldering .
va	4	But nowhere in the dark wood could I find my horse , and within moments I heard the laughter of the Little People .
va	4	Fiercely I turned on them , challenging them to come out , to fight , and was in a moment surrounded .
va	4	I know of them what you know , and what has been confirmed now that Gordon and his cohorts have been discovered .
va	4	I was beginning to feel a fear on this account , and Janet 's curse and her poetry were ever in my mind .
va	4	Remembering to play the cripple still , I went to the high altar to say my prayers , and then to the tavern .
va	4	There I paid the bard to play all the old songs he knew , and none of them were familiar to me .
va	4	" But what is the meaning of this strange prayer , and the words ' who will come again ' ? "
va	4	You will see a young man of immense height , almost as tall as yourself , and such men are not so uncommon here .
va	4	" Sometimes the mother does not even know she 's with child , other times she is in her third or her fourth month .
va	4	A frantic thing , crying in fear , and possessed of no visions from God , but wailing for the pagan circle of stones !
va	4	In the early light , cold and bitter as that of a winter 's eve , I heard a voice call me .
va	4	No men of your ilk but a mewling priest born of witches , who falls to his knees when he hears our pipes .
va	4	I turned and ran through the trees , not stopping till I had cleared the pass and come once more to the high road .
va	4	Oh , how many times in the early centuries had I seen my female counterparts and turned away from them .
va	4	I had come too late , or to the wrong place , or plague took the beauty many years ago .
va	4	You have saved me from the most terrible dilemma I could ever know , and one which I may be not meant to know .
va	4	This is a world where human races battle endlessly , where people of one faith still slaughter people of another .
va	4	I can see our kind , up night and day , tracing the paths of particles through magnetic fields on computer screens !
va	4	Foolish old poets who live in towers still , and dream of rituals on Glastonbury Tor to make the world new again .
va	4	She digs and digs , and there is her girl , with the long slack hair and the big blue eyes .
va	4	All the images of his tale went through her mind , the sonorous timbre of his voice , his gentle eyes as he spoke .
va	4	A drowsy feminine thing that would not have hurt any mortal being , so easy to control , so easy to care for .
va	4	What happens when grief is this mad , when grief has blotted out all other thoughts , feelings , hopes , dreams , wonder ?
va	4	We are friends and we will always be , and nothing , nothing will ever break the promises between us . "
va	4	And then she was gone , drowsy , aching , glad of the day spilling down over the soft bed .
va	4	Now I can sleep , daylight at last , now I can sleep , tumbling under the soft covers , next to Michael again .
va	4	Thirty-two IT WAS TOO cold to be out , but winter would not let go its hold upon New York .
va	4	Only problem was , he should have dressed for anonymity and the freezing wind , but he had dressed for neither .
va	4	Samuel had left behind the bulldog , that it might be his New York dog , if Ash didn 't mind .
va	4	The young Leslie was now a permanent fixture in the tower offices and rooms , much to her glee . )
va	4	The little man himself was spruce in his new style , tweed with waistcoat , brand-new shirt , shoes shined like mirrors .
va	4	There was even a pair of brown leather gloves lying like two ghost hands , all collapsed and mashed , on the table .
va	4	I always think it 's going to be wonderful and then I get tired , and I have , to go home .
va	4	They 're just a sort of noise I 've grown used to hearing when I 'm in your presence . "
va	4	It was too terribly important not to say anything he didn 't mean , not now , not to Samuel , not to anyone .
va	4	He was a man with a broken life ; but you sent him home to write volumes on what happened .
va	4	You could have turned him loose to build more parks , plant more trees , all these grandiose schemes of yours .
va	4	He drank some of the fresh drink , about half , and licked his heavy crooked lower lip with an amazingly pink tongue .
va	4	" Think about all those who depend on you , Ash , " said Samuel , continuing the same sermon for the same congregation .
va	4	That can substitute for sanity , I think , having other warm beings of intellect and feeling dependent upon us .
va	4	Ash bowed his head and looked away , out the window at the blowing snow , at shoulders hunkered against the wind .
va	4	" Eventually we 'll have to find some more remote place , some other curse or legend to protect us .
va	4	Ash kissed his cheek quickly , faintly repelled by the leathery texture of the skin , but determined at all costs to hide it .
va	4	The snow was already catching in his hair and on his bushy eyebrows , and making dark wet spots on his shoulders .
va	4	He lifted his hand in farewell , and then he passed out of the frame , and the crowd became the crowd again .
va	4	The chair felt so soft , he could not imagine climbing out of it later on to go to bed .
va	4	His mind was horrifyingly empty and still ; and he felt the loneliness and the stillness of the rooms completely .
va	4	We hire those who are unobtrusive , Ash thought , and then they can 't comfort us ; what we tolerate cannot save us .
va	4	I want a list of the top twenty-five available penthouses in midtown , purchase price , lease price , every pertinent detail .
va	4	Yes , the description will be exact , I need to be reminded ... For now , get the best building . "
va	4	If there is an old woman in a village in the Pyrenees making dolls , I want to see pictures .
va	4	" Oh , and yes , a special assignment , something I want you to do tomorrow perhaps , or the day after .
va	4	He dropped to his knees , felt for it , then slipped it out , the light blazing beautiful on the jeweled cover .
va	4	A bit of icy air touched his cheek , making the warmth of the heavy covers all the more delicious .
va	4	Don 't dream of witches ; don 't think of their red hair ; don 't think of Rowan in your arms .
va	4	He saw Michael smiling at him , hands in his pockets , just the way Samuel shoved his hands in his pockets .
va	4	This is worry , this is going back over it , and making it come to life again , and holding tight .
va	4	Yes , the smooth lady with the bobbed hair and the slim tailored suit of supple cloth was crying silently .
va	4	He moved closer , what the hell was all this distance about , all this respecting of one another 's privacy , feelings ?
va	4	He had forgotten what it meant to ride in normal automobiles , live in normal houses , have normal dreams .
va	4	" Well , it had to be done , obviously , since neither Mary Jane nor Dolly Jean will stand to see it demolished .
va	4	" All the news is good news now , " Rowan said with a wan smile , her voice deep as always .
va	4	" It 's just a big beautiful house , and it 's waiting for us , and for ... new generations to come . "
va	4	How dapper the Mayfair house looked in the San Francisco style , with its fresh coat of peach with white trim and green shutters .
va	4	Once again the light changed , darkening , and the trees expanded , crowding out the sky and breaking it into tiny glowing fragments .
va	4	He opened the front door for his wife , and felt a sudden impulse to carry her over the threshold .
va	4	But then I think of Ash , and that is something to contemplate rather than all the sad things . "
va	4	It would be better to leave it alone , that 's what others would advise , if ever he asked them .
va	4	" You 're my man , " she said with a soft explosion of breath , " my man , Michael . "
va	4	No , they could not shut themselves away now , unless by some luck the entire tribe had gone out for an early dinner .
va	4	But who was this new beauty who stood incredibly tall , and looked , why , she looked exactly like Mona !
va	4	The Three Graces , they were , against the dining room door , and Mona 's face seemed to occupy two different places .
va	4	Rowan is going to faint , she is going to go down , and the pain in my chest is killing me .
va	4	And now would that helpless voice come out , the child voice he 'd heard from the other before the shot was fired ?
va	4	As you can see here , she has placed the emerald around my neck , but I bow to your decision . "
va	4	" And we 'll meet and we 'll talk , and we 'll ... " " Tell me , " the stricken girl whispered .
va	4	You can 't expect him to learn some hing like that and not ... not go as crazy as she 's gone .
va	4	" Not some evil that stole its way in , some lying , deceiving thing that nourished alienation , madness .
va	4	" The way that he once belonged to me , the spirit who came to me , full of lies .
va	4	Maybe I 'll brush her hair back and put a ribbon in it the way I used to do in mine .
va	4	' The dance , the circle , and the song ... ' Or do you believe the prediction in the cave ?
va	4	If you do believe it , and I don 't know that I do , but if you do , what then ?
va	4	And the trees outside still held their color , their detail , because the streetlights were shining up at them .
va	4	For a while it ran almost warm through the pipes , and then it came from the deep earth and it was really cold .
va	4	At last he dried off , patting his skin with a little mercy for once , and then he laid aside the towel .
va	4	And in ancient times , could the human female pick up the scent of the human male coming through the forest ?
va	4	She cried and turned her head away when they took you from her arms , and never was the same again , ever . "
va	4	" Yes , the old ones to tell their tales to me , the way it was once for us . "
va	4	" And then you will accept our protection , which means our authority and our guidance , that you 're our newborn girl . "
va	4	And that you can know where he is , but only if you promise ... " " I swear , " she cried .
va	4	She was trying to pick up the thread again , to prevent a flood of tears or screams , he didn 't know which .
va	4	She leant her head against him , just the way Rowan did it now and then , and she cried .
va	4	He thought of the brief union on the sofa , on the library floor , and this , this frail and unpredictable thing .
va	4	And I know when you drowned , when you were so cold , you got warm , you saw witches ' ghosts .
va	4	And only in Mona 's face did he see not wonder and shock , but fear , a calculated , controlled fear .
va	4	" You have to learn our ways , and maybe you 'll discover someday that they are your ways too .
va	4	And then she only shook her head and , turning her back on them , moved towards the door quietly .
va	4	In the night , she may come into your room , you may wake up with her bending over you .
va	4	Then the keys of the computer tapping away , and that laughter , and the soft rumble of their running feet on the stairs .
va	4	A speaking twilight , a city so wooded still that the creatures of the air sang the songs of dusk .
va	4	He had checked his map , and now he walked past the iron picket fences , and vines of florid pink trumpet flower .
va	4	Grand for these times , with its stucco walls made to look like stone , and chimneys rising high into the clouds .
va	4	Ah , the sky is like the moist soft sky of England , so near , so full of color !
va	4	And that had been Julien 's room up there , where the vines groped with helpless tendrils in the empty air .
va	4	The murals of Riverbend , wasn 't that what Michael had described , and might they be gathering this soon for their meal ?
va	4	But the scent was so sharp and old and tyrannical that it took hold and the moment slipped right out of his hands .
va	4	And her red hair all aflame beneath the chandelier and the arms out as she spoke , rapid , anxious .
va	4	" No , you won 't do that , " Rowan cried out , and now it was she who rushed to the girl .
va	4	" Morrigan , Morrigan ... " And she , crying so softly and the scent gathering and moving on the air .
va	4	And I loved you , thought Ash , and I thought for a little while I would be one of you .
va	4	She had picked up his scent from those gifts , dear God , what agony for her , poor newborn !
va	4	On the top of the wall he placed her , vaulting it and gathering her up again in the dark , empty street .
va	4	Her feet rang out on the stones , and then he swept her up again , running faster than they could run together .
va	4	" Before morning comes here , it will be morning there , and we will be in those stones , " he said .
va	4	His mouth closed on her nipple , sucking the sweet nectar of flesh alone , moaning as he burrowed against her .
va	4	I liked the other rooms all right , especially the Inn keeper 's Suite , but I was patient in waiting for the Amistad .
va	4	I thought of it in far more sinister terms , and nothing during these ten years had ever accustomed me to my function .
va	4	It had come later , during the restoration , but the chapel itself seemed to me to be very real .
va	4	And that was probably why I was circling these same places more and more often , free of my many disguises .
va	4	Some humanity is going to show itself now and then , some hunger for normality , no matter what you do .
va	4	You 're gripped all your life by a span of two thousand years because you grew up being conscious of belonging to that span .
va	4	I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven , and as the sand which is upon the sea shore .
va	4	All I know is you like to play the lute , and when you were a kid you played it all the time .
va	4	" Years ago , I bought you every recording in the world of lute music and the best instrument money can buy .
va	4	" Penthouses are usually reached by two methods , Boss , " I said , " and I don 't like being bottled up .
va	4	I would play the piano in that suite , and sometimes even sing , with the ghost of the voice I 'd once had .
va	4	But mostly it was the music that had ravaged my twelve-year-old soul , and the total charm of the lute .
va	4	When the real Lucky the Fox walked in with the alias Tommy Crane , no one showed a flicker of recognition .
va	4	Nobody knew it , but I sent money now and then to the Basilica , though rarely under the same name .
va	4	This was the Holy Trinity actually though maybe a Protestant wouldn 't have known it -- with the three figures rendered in literal form .
va	4	It was gorgeous , it was gleaming , and it comforted me to see it , even when I was steaming with hate .
va	4	Underneath the dying Lord was his Blessed Mother , in the form of Our Lady of Guadalupe , whom I 'd always admired .
va	5	There were five or six of them total , but the popping was soon replaced by a rumbling , and it began to rain pebbles and dust .
va	5	I stared up at the cloud of dust and earth , thoughts going through me as calmly as if it were happening to someone else .
va	5	I remember being aware of total darkness , then it got a little brighter , like a light turning on while your eyes are still closed .
va	5	I had to tell them what I 'd seen before the rocks fell , but I wasn 't sure I remembered what it was anymore . "
va	5	CHAPTER TEN THE FUNERAL WAS A lot like Jay 's had been , except I saw it from the front row instead of the infirmary window .
va	5	I kept dreaming he was falling toward me , and if I could just catch him , I could tell everyone he wasn 't dead .
va	5	If you take daily vitamins and refrain from any strenuous activity , you should be well enough to train again in two , maybe even one .
va	5	I tried to ignore it , just going over to the cafeteria and getting a tray , but I felt like everyone was watching me .
va	5	I sat in silence for a while longer , before an idea occurred to me and a faint spark of hope flared in my chest .
va	5	He flickered , giving the impression of a shrug with a well of color that rose to the top of his sphere and faded downward again .
va	5	Hue turned a reddish brown around his lower half , the upper part no single color but a multitude of them , all swirling and blending together .
va	5	It hadn 't used to mean walking around a corner and running into a mirror , only to have your image excuse himself and step around you .
va	5	Excursions off Base weren 't against the rules , as long as you were careful , signed out , and weren 't gone for too long .
va	5	Some of them shifted even after I 'd tested them , sending my heart leaping into my throat and a tremor through my knees every time .
va	5	Some of the boulders up on the plateau with me were blackened and scorched , as was the edge sticking furthest out from the mountain .
va	5	" And like I said , if she thinks it 's best for the future that you were never in the past , she will . "
va	5	I may not have come away from that conversation completely enlightened , but I 'd certainly learned enough to give me a start on things .
va	5	I 've mentioned the noise in the In-Between , so it won 't come as much of a shock that I didn 't hear the thing fire .
va	5	The left side of my chest and inside upper arm were burned , and there was a hole clear through the sling covering my shoulder .
va	5	Hue had gotten behind me , and when the laser was fired again , he sort of turned into a giant , flat bit of reflective rubber .
va	5	I hurled the thing a la Captain America , silently thanking my Alternative Phys Ed teacher for training us in the dubiously useful art of discus throwing .
va	5	I had no idea where I was going , but with my shoulder as messed up as it was , climbing wasn 't really an option .
va	5	I was reminded of when Hue had saved my life from the agents of HEX by hurtling toward me at full speed and teleporting us both out .
va	5	She stretched her arms over her head and clasped them behind her neck casually , turning this way and that to look over our new surroundings .
va	5	She smelled it hesitantly , then took a sip ; I couldn 't help a smile as her brows lifted in surprise , and her features relaxed .
va	5	Then it would straighten and go on its way , except there would still be a figure standing there , looking at whatever it was .
va	5	A spark of electricity jumped from one to the next , around to four of her fingers ; one of her nails was still broken .
va	5	Sir Isaac had had things simpler when time was serenely separate from the rest of the universe and not all bound up as part of space .
va	5	We can track people , but not like ... " I felt her sit up a little straighter against me , felt her breathing quicken .
va	5	It was mostly true , and I wasn 't sure how to explain that I 'd been told by the psychic imprint of my former mentor .
va	5	I was thinking about how he 'd been on standby for a while , and I hadn 't seen him until we went on our training mission .
va	5	Someone else had picked up the lost disk , recharged it , and brought it on a simple training mission instead of turning it in .
va	5	The shapes around me were growing fuzzier , my vision was suddenly filled with a faint purple glow , and static crackled in my ears .
va	5	I tried to get up , or at least roll over and look at Acacia , but my limbs weren 't responding to my brain .
va	5	It was everywhere we went , down hallways and through corridors , with Acacia pushing me along like a patient on the way to surgery .
va	5	I couldn 't tell if we were going up or down , but I assumed down because when we got out , the sky was gone .
va	5	He stood up tall , and hadn 't looked at me even once since he 'd planted himself as an immovable object in front of my cell .
va	5	You 've been doing that statue routine for hours ; now that you 've started talking , you don 't get to just stop again .
va	5	Right at that moment , however , a large man in a black suit came up behind the guard , clapping a hand on his shoulder .
va	5	His tone was still completely emotionless , the words somehow delivered from that impassive face , but I was pretty well certain he was being snide .
va	5	I mean , it hadn 't really been easy , what with the vomiting the first time and the dizziness and being held captive the second .
va	5	I 'd cried for the loss of someone I 'd just met , someone who 'd nevertheless saved my life a dozen times by then .
va	5	Instead , when I put a hand on the Old Man 's desk , it flashed a bright blue , so bright I had to look away .
va	5	I was on my feet and back against the wall in a second , racking my mind for any memory of the Old Man 's security systems .
va	5	The Old Man 's office was at the center , just about ; I could make it there in ten minutes , four if I ran .
va	5	" Even if I could , the ship is powered down , " I muttered to myself , feeling a little better as the silence was broken .
va	5	I was still a hall or two over from the port room when I stopped , my hand brushing against something tacked to the wall .
va	5	The dust motes visible in the fading light swirled in agitation as something moved in the doorway , a dark shape I could only partially see .
va	5	All his kind words about believing me , about wanting to hurry up and work with the team ... " You can 't be one of us .
va	5	That 's because they were next to the window , and so was Joaquim , and the window was still shattered from our daring " rescue . "
va	5	You stabbed me in the back and kidnapped me , not to mention stranding me - " " I didn 't stab you , " she protested .
va	5	You still - " " It doesn 't matter , will you just shut up for a - " " Aren 't you two adorable ? "
va	5	His feet touched the ground and the souls stopped whirling so fast , though there was still a spark in the air , a muted excitement .
va	5	I 'm not bragging ; I need you to understand what I mean when I say I shouldn 't have been afraid of this man .
va	5	Behind us , through the door the Professor had come in from , a dozen or so Binary clones took up position around the room .
va	5	" And gave me power , " Joaquim snapped , and I almost fell to my knees at the surge of weakness that washed over me .
va	5	I fought to hold on to Acacia , but she was still unresponsive and there were far more of them than there were of me .
va	5	The thought of Jay 's spirit being used for something like this ... But , no , these were only the souls of captured Walkers .
va	5	" The revolution that will reshape everything , " Joaquim said simply , with the kind of rapture you find only among zealots and fools .
va	5	There were only the robed and hooded figures , still chanting , the clones standing guard and the ones who 'd finally managed to subdue Acacia .
va	5	Joaquim was looking at me , eyes wide and frightened , his free hand reaching out , desperately trying to close the distance between us .
va	5	Today was no exception as Acacia and I stood on a cliff overlooking a great valley , so close our clothing touched with every breeze .
va	5	I 'm ... " Now I had to look away , swallowing hard against the sudden hopelessness that settled in the pit of my stomach .
va	5	I thought of the picture in the Old Man 's desk , of him and the older her , of the way they 'd been smiling .
va	5	I pulled Acacia back beneath a tree as the particles shifted and swirled , still absolutely silent , streams of them shooting out in all directions .
va	5	I put all my weight on one leg , using his grip on my wrist as leverage , and sent my heel toward his face .
va	5	I wasn 't sure if it was just the pain from my broken wrist making me dizzy , or if she was actually starting to glow .
va	5	I tried to wriggle a leg up between us so I could kick him off me , start fighting again , but he was way too strong .
va	5	The women all had their backs to the door , and they didn 't see me as I went around the edge of the room .
va	5	kicking me in the face , and in the ribs , until his father grabbed him around the waist and picked him up in the air .
va	5	We 'll bid you farewell , and those jobs that come to us as we prepare to go we 'll send to you by your leave . "
va	5	We go home because it is our home , " he went on , staring at the Teacher , " and it is the Lord 's land .
va	5	" I want to send word to Philo that Jesus is leaving , " said the Teacher , and with that he turned to go .
va	5	" And if we finish our work quickly , " Joseph said with a sigh , " we can reach Jerusalem in time for Passover . "
va	5	He thanked Philo , and offered him wine again , and said that he would see to it that I was educated as a Jew .
va	5	When Philo offered a gift for my education , a little purse that he wanted to put into Joseph 's hand , Joseph said no .
va	5	My uncles who had sat quietly all this time in the dark came in with their agreement , and how much they had despised the King .
va	5	We were going home , and I had so much to think about because so much had happened , and now they were saying these strange things .
va	5	I saw them spring into life , heard the flap of wings , heard my mother 's breath , Joseph 's cry : " No ! "
va	5	Other families gave us presents to take with us - small pottery lamps , and one a stoneware cup , and another a fine bit of linen .
va	5	He had become very pale , and thin , and had not been working much with us anymore , and this was all he had to say .
va	5	We waved and hollered to people we didn 't even know , and they waved back and I could feel the high spirits of everyone around me .
va	5	Then everyone was shouting for us to look at the Great Lighthouse , as if we could not see it looming over us to the left .
va	5	At once Joseph turned from his thinking , though he was far away , and he looked over at me and then at the men .
va	5	" Because they pulled down the golden eagle Herod had put above the great Temple gate , that 's why , " he said calmly .
va	5	He heard us talking about angels in Nazareth - saying that we hoped we would see them - and he began his not so secret laughing .
va	5	I wanted to go on , to enter the Temple - I thought that 's what we would do - but that was not to be .
va	5	And when she had received letters , they had been much read and reread , and so the names had stories to them which I also knew .
va	5	My cousin John , too , had about him this same manner as his mother , though he made me think of my own brother James .
va	5	Zebedee , being the eldest , led us in the prayer in our family tongue , and the words were a little different to me .
va	5	Afterwards , my cousin John bar Zechariah stared at me as though he had something very important on his mind but he didn 't say anything .
va	5	My mind was working , collecting every bit of knowledge I had ever learned that could help me make sense of what he had said .
va	5	He drew in his breath , and then he appeared to drift and to sleep , and his chest began to rise and fall slowly and easily .
va	5	Modest , but beautiful , no matter how many veils she wore to hide it , no matter how she bowed her head or blushed .
va	5	And she was so like a girl always , and the other women like her older sisters , I knew , yes , I knew .
va	5	Finally , we came out into the great open space inside the first court of the Temple and it seemed that everyone shouted at once .
va	5	And the people on top of the roofs were so tiny that I couldn 't even make out their faces so big was this holy place .
va	5	All of it was such a wonder to me , and the wonder of being inside it was beyond any words in me to describe it .
va	5	I saw her head before me as she struggled , as if she was swimming towards me , through the bodies that closed in on her .
va	5	" Deliver me , Lord , deliver me , from the evil around me , " I prayed , but I couldn 't hear my own voice .
va	5	I looked up , lifting my head as much as I dared , and I saw that everyone all around us was kneeling and bowing .
va	5	For a moment , I was crushed right to the marble tiles of the floor , slipping beside Little Salome , my hand not leaving her head .
va	5	I pushed and jerked to the side until I wasn 't under Joseph , and I climbed to my feet as if I was running .
va	5	The prayerful groaned and cried out , and as a single horseman drove his way towards us , the bodies fell back to either side .
va	5	I saw the soldier in the grip of men all around him , those who had pulled him from the horse which was now gone .
va	5	When Joseph raised his arms in the chanting , I managed to get out from under him , and I got up on my knees .
va	5	We saw them for the first time , the gathering of men up there above the gates , who could have watched the whole thing from there .
va	5	Joseph put a coin in my hand and said to give it to a beggar and I did , and the man kissed my fingers .
va	5	And that was a thing to think about , climbing the road as we went up and up until we could look down on the city .
va	5	I was in the middle of the women , and the fire was the only light , except that something out there was lighting up the sky .
va	5	I didn 't want to see what they were talking about , all the children screaming and shouting , and the prayers of Elizabeth running underneath .
va	5	" As if flames had the purpose of words , " said my mother under her breath , but I don 't think they heard her .
va	5	In all this misery and woe , I had forgotten about what she 'd said on the rooftop in Jerusalem , the strange words she 'd spoken .
va	5	Once Silas tried to get up to go to the curtain , but his father ordered him to go to the far corner with a firm gesture .
va	5	The room had been cleared , the floor swept and beautiful rugs had been put down , rugs covered with flowers woven in the wool .
va	5	I remembered now that we had been gathered for this purpose before , but the rugs had not been unbound yet when the first horsemen had come .
va	5	I sat before Joseph , my legs crossed , as were his , and Little Salome was right by me , leaning back against her mother .
va	5	When I 'd awakened this morning , she 'd been talking of grandfathers and grandmothers , and who had married who and gone to what village .
va	5	Your brother surely will say so , as it 's the house of his parents that we go to , all of us - . "
va	5	She stopped and looked to each and every one of us little ones who were in the inner circle and we nodded that we understood .
va	5	As for John , he sat quietly , watching his mother , but it seemed nothing was disturbing him and he was deep in his thoughts .
va	5	" They pushed him and knocked him to his knees , and this right outside the Sanctuary , and the other priests could not stop them .
va	5	Why was he foretold , and why were we linked , and behind it all was the great question : What had happened in Bethlehem ?
va	5	A bad feeling came over me that James knew all about it , and I didn 't want to say anything with Little Salome there .
va	5	It wasn 't hard to see that people everywhere were going on with what they had to do as if the bandits had never come .
va	5	" You see , " said my mother , as if she knew my thoughts , " it will be this way all the way to Nazareth .
va	5	" Men have been fighting for the freedom of the Holy Land by raiding the villages whenever they want to for hundreds of years . "
va	5	And we 're the House of David , and the Lord said to David , ' I will make you reign over Israel forever . '
va	5	If I cannot have answers to my questions , let me have this man for a little while , for as long as you will .
va	5	It 's all too much , and you 're little but not little enough , and you 're a big boy , but not big enough . "
va	5	The others , the great crowd of others , so sweet , like the blanket , like the wind with the smell of the river .
va	5	I lost count of the days , and the names of the towns and places we passed did not drop a hook into my mind .
va	5	" How are soldiers to tell who is innocent or guilty when they come down on a mob in a city , or on a village ? "
va	5	My aunt Mary rose up suddenly from among the women and came over to them , her hands shaking , her eyes streaming with tears .
va	5	We 'd been walking up and up into the hills for a long time when we came to a small village that was broken down and empty .
va	5	And I knew that the men had washed and put on new garments according to the Law , and they wouldn 't be clean until sundown .
va	5	I saw trees full of flowers , and little towers way back away on the small rises , but there was no one in the fields .
va	5	We pulled at the donkeys , and took turns carrying Little Symeon , who fussed and cried for his mother , no matter what we did .
va	5	" Go on , " said Joseph , " but keep low , don 't let anyone see you , and come right back to us . "
va	5	But it was a house for many families , as we 'd been told , with an open stable in its great courtyard , and three stories .
va	5	The other soldier called out , " Is there some reason we shouldn 't crucify you with all the rest of the rabble down the road ? "
va	5	My aunt Mary , who couldn 't stand up by herself any longer , and was being held up by the other women , nodded at this .
va	5	She drew out a little packet of parchment , the very parchment my mother had sent her from Alexandria when I was with my mother .
va	5	" And not in the bundle flung out , like the souls of those who do evil , as if from a sling , " she said .
va	5	The old stones were so worn that they showed hardly any of the marks of the mason 's tools anymore , and they were big stones .
va	5	They 'd left soldiers to keep guard on the crucified , and put down any last bit of rebellion , but most of them had moved on .
va	5	James came fast after me , and I ran up the ladder to the roof , and up the next ladder to the roof above that .
va	5	The fire was out , though there was still smoke streaming up to the sky , and there was plenty of the city that wasn 't burnt .
va	5	A little boy came to the entrance to the courtyard , and then another behind him , and I said to them , " Come in . "
va	5	People threw up canopies and laid their goods out on blankets , and women sold the vegetables from their gardens that they didn 't need .
va	5	We all knew this meant perhaps that he 'd been nailed to one of the crosses on the road , but we didn 't talk about this .
va	5	We were lying back , taking our ease , not talking much , doing nothing , when a man came into the room from the courtyard .
va	5	When he came back from the door , shutting it against the chill , he said : " The Roman legions are gone out of Galilee .
va	5	It smelled good to me , better than any perfume , and when I passed under the branches of the trees , the ground became soft .
va	5	A little wind was coming from down in the valley that I could see , and it caught the trees almost one at a time .
va	5	I walked on up the slope until I was out in the grass again , where the grass was thick , and there I lay down .
va	5	But we had our work waiting for us when we reached the courtyard , and more and more people were coming to pay their respects .
va	5	Some were lost and it was bad , but most of the vines were saved , and we tied up the thick parts with new rope .
va	5	The women had more work to do than they ever had in Alexandria where they could buy fresh bread and even pottage and vegetables every day .
va	5	This was the duty of my mother , and she spoke the prayer in a soft voice as she put the wick to the lamp .
va	5	" And now , we don 't read from the Greek anymore , " Joseph said , looking all around him , taking us all in .
va	5	He loved nothing better than to have us gathered around him to listen , and we hadn 't had a chance for this for so long .
va	5	And he had never really read it in the Greek without putting down the book and telling most of it because he loved it so much .
va	5	We all smiled and we all nodded , and we all felt it as we always did , and the laughter warmed us as it always did .
va	5	I had never heard a woman speak this way to a man before , but this was a woman with a great many gray hairs .
va	5	Give me wisdom , O Lord , wisdom who sits right by your throne , and don 't refuse me a place with your servants . "
va	5	I saw the man dying in the Temple , the crowds frightened and trying to escape , the long journey , fire leaping against the sky .
va	5	" And besides , with all this building going on , there won 't be any roof tiles to be had in a day 's time . "
va	5	" When we took Mary up to Jerusalem to commit her to the house where the veils were woven , I studied in the Temple for months .
va	5	I loved the little street and the houses of white plaster and the vines that grew on our lattices even in the chill of spring .
va	5	And when I realized that , once again , all the men of the family were walking up the hill with us , I felt afraid .
va	5	Now he was a very old man and I had not really looked at him before because I was too afraid to do it in the synagogue .
va	5	I could see even as I stared at the hem of his robes that they were fine wool with their tassels sewn with the proper blue thread .
va	5	I heard Joseph rebuking him in a whisper , but the boys were laughing , and a great bright smile spread over the Rabbi 's face .
va	5	" We should take up a collection , " he said , gesturing to the whole room , " and send the Rabbi to Alexandria .
va	5	In Greek he asked , " Who is it that resides in the Garden of Eden , writing down all that takes place in this world ? "
va	5	There was more talk , friendly and easy , as the Rabbi received James and the other boys , but I didn 't really hear it .
va	5	The Old Rabbi recited the questions and the answers , and the boys repeated , and as the doors were closed the room grew warm .
va	5	It was their eyes when they looked at me , the way that they were trying to make me think that there was nothing wrong .
va	5	An angel had come , an angel to my mother , and no man had been my father , but what did such a thing mean ?
va	5	We talked too about the harbor of Alexandria , and about the Great Lighthouse which I had seen most clearly when we 'd sailed away .
va	5	There were few public women to hang around with soldiers , only the older tavern keeper women , and sometimes they had their own men .
va	5	Someday , I thought , there 'll be time for wandering to the little villages everywhere in the little valleys , but for now life was full .
va	5	But now , in this sickness , when my shoulders and legs were hurting me , it felt good to tumble down into deep sleep .
va	5	It was far larger than Philo 's house in Alexandria , and when I came to the edge of the room , I saw the blue sea .
va	5	" Well , certainly it 's better than the dirt and filth of Nazareth , " he said in his gracious tongue with his gracious smile .
va	5	One fire after another filled my mind , as though each fire were ignited from the one before it until the blaze reached to the stars .
va	5	Your cause is lost , I know it 's lost , it 's lost every day and every hour , and you know it is .
va	5	When I opened my eyes , I saw my mother feeding Little Symeon who was under the covers , and propped against a blanket roll .
va	5	Little Salome was sitting straight up next to me , and she said with very wide eyes , " Did you know my mother is dead ? "
va	5	There were white flowers all over the vines , and the sky was very blue yet full of clean clouds that didn 't mean rain .
va	5	I went in and saw my mother and my uncle seated there on the floor , talking together , before a meal of bread and sauce .
va	5	We bathed in the mikvah after each sprinkling ; and after sundown on the last day of the sprinkling all of us and our house were clean .
va	5	" That 's the way it goes , " said my aunt Esther , and all of them broke into laughing again looking at one another .
va	5	cried my aunt Salome , and again they were all laughing as if they the mothers knew far more how funny it was even than we did .
va	5	... and the Romans , they went right through the flames to steal the treasures of the Lord before the eyes of those who watched helpless .
va	5	They ran through the Great Courtyard right into the storehouses to steal in their greed , and they stole from the house of the Lord . "
va	5	Or about that night on the banks of the Jordan when I 'd thought there were others there , all around me in the darkness .
va	5	He was quiet , and a change came over him , a softening , and then he spoke in a low voice as he answered me .
va	5	The mother of Alexandra went off to sit with the bride and the women and they were drinking happily that the Pharisees had come to the banquet .
va	5	And even to paint some of the flowers and leaves , though pretty much I filled in what the skilled painters had outlined for us .
va	5	When we did stonework , it was of the richest kind , when matching the marble pavers took patience , and the plan took careful layout .
va	5	I knew this because I knew every little move of her face , of her eyes and her lips , and I could see it .
va	5	And another thought came to me , a secret thought , one of the many I couldn 't tell anyone : my mother was innocent .
va	5	And at home , there was the sweetness of the wood shavings , and the nice smell of the oil that we rubbed into the wood .
va	5	There was the smell of baking bread always , and we knew when the best sauce was there for dinner as soon as we came home .
va	5	The later figs were so many from our courtyard and the garden that some were taken to the village market at the bottom of the hill .
va	5	Yet I was coming to understand something of the greatest importance : all stories were part of one great story , the story of who we were .
va	5	Turn and look towards the Temple , for there every day the High Priest offers a sacrifice for the people of Israel to the Lord on High .
va	5	Azazel was evil ; it was the demons ; it was the world " out there , " without the Law , in the wilderness .
va	5	We gathered in the synagogue to hear the announcement from a young priest who had just returned from Jerusalem and was charged with giving the word .
va	5	We suffered on our journey here , as our people suffered in the wilderness and under the scourge of the enemies , but we came home . "
va	5	" Yes , " said my mother , " and there you lay , probably in a softer bed than any newborn in Bethlehem that night .
va	5	And I knew that he knew I had caused that boy in Egypt to die , and that I 'd brought him back to life .
va	5	On the morning at the end of the eighth day , as the Feast was ending , and I was sleeping , I heard shouts from outside .
va	5	I wore heavy wool around my feet with thick sandals , but the wool was wet by the time I got there and I was very cold .
va	5	" Father in Heaven , I won 't pray for snow , Father in Heaven , I will never pray for what is not your will .
va	5	Chapter 22 My first year in the Promised Land came to an end as it had commenced : with the opening of the New Year for Israel .
va	5	My mother came also , but Aunt Esther and Aunt Salome stayed behind to tend to the little ones and Little Salome remained with them .
va	5	I slept close to Old Sarah when I could , and if I woke up crying , her voice would make the dream go away .
va	5	Several of the Essenes had come to take him out with them to a place near the edge of the mountains just above the Dead Sea .
va	5	And the great glory of the Temple did seem beautiful - white and shining and full of gold - unspoilt - at least at this distance .
va	5	There were pilgrims everywhere , on their blankets in every room , and people running here and there with jugs , and plenty of dust already .
va	5	Several of the kindred from the house came out to us and offered us food and drink , and our cousin Joseph was with them .
va	5	They were all in linen , all well spoken , and treated us kindly , more kindly maybe than they would have treated people like themselves .
va	5	We had come to Jerusalem and we were at Jerusalem and we would see the lights of the city as soon as it was dark .
va	5	There had been a seriousness in my cousin - that was the word , I found it at last - a seriousness , that drew me .
va	5	I got up , left my mat , to walk off alone , out of the camp , and into the hillside under the stars .
va	5	" I can 't go into the Temple of the Lord tomorrow with this on my heart , that I 've treated you so badly . "
va	5	" They cried out : ' Glory to the Lord in the Highest ; and peace on Earth , peace and goodwill to all ! '
va	5	But he was back in Bethlehem , in that moment , and he was with the shepherds , and his voice was low and full of quiet .
va	5	And they 'd seen this and come down into Bethlehem looking for the child in the manger as the angels had said to do . "
va	5	There was a spreading out , a freedom to take deep breaths , but we were soon in another crush to purchase the birds for our sacrifice .
va	5	Here even Joseph was surprised by the price that he had to pay , but the merchant was cross and pointed out how many people were waiting .
va	5	It caught me up so completely that only slowly did I see what was happening in front of me , in front of the railing .
va	5	But I did now , and all the strange pictures which James had painted for me in his tale were fired in my mind with color .
va	5	But still there were others complaining and even shouting at each other , and some people were backed up at the tables of the money changers .
va	5	He was reciting from the Psalm : " ' Let my cry of joy come to you , Lord , give me understanding as you promised .
va	5	As soon as Old Sarah was on her feet , and Riba had the baby securely tied up to her , we started on our journey out .
va	5	Now and then I knew the temptation to be angry , angry with those who wouldn 't tell me all the things I wanted to know .
va	5	There were scribes at work there , at tables , copying , with their heads bent , and they rose out of respect for the old man .
va	5	As for Herod , we understood perfectly that the very last thing the man would ever want was to find the true King , the Christ . "
va	5	When I 'd returned from the bath , much refreshed and dressed , the old Rabbi dismissed the man and told me to sit down opposite him .
va	5	I stood at once and turned to greet them as they came in , quickly saying to the scribe that yes , I was their son .
va	5	" I was betrothed to Joseph , my kinsman , as was always the custom with us , distantly related , yet part of the same tribe .
va	5	And that from my womb would come a son named Jesus , that he would be great and he would be the Son of the Most High .
va	5	It said that the Lord God would give him the throne of his father David and that he would reign over the House of Jacob forever .
va	5	" This voice , this being , this angel wanted an answer from me and I said , ' I 'm the servant of the Lord .
va	5	An evil King has sought to kill him because the darkness cannot abide the light , but the light can 't be quenched by the darkness .
va	5	If he 's made you a child , then he 's made you a child to grow in wisdom as well as in everything else . "
va	5	I was in the embrace of the earth , of those who loved me no matter what they thought or understood , of the very stars .
va	5	I left this church at age eighteen , because I stopped believing it was " the one true church established by Christ to give grace . "
va	5	The novel reflected my guilt and my misery in being cut off from God and from salvation ; my being lost in a world without light .
va	5	Just maybe , I might discover something I 'd wanted to know all my life and never had known : How did Christianity actually " happen " ?
va	5	I remember in the 1960s , being at a party in a lovely house in San Francisco , given in honor of a famous poet .
va	5	From that time on , December 2002 when he died , until 2005 , I have studied the New Testament period , and I continue to study .
va	5	I saw almost no skeptical scholarship that was convincing , and the Gospels , shredded by critics , lost all intensity when reconstructed by various theorists .
va	5	In reading his descriptions , which took seriously the words of the Gospel itself , I saw what was happening to Jesus in the text of John .
va	5	The work of Luke Timothy Johnson has always been helpful , and so also the scholarship of Raymond E. Brown , and John P. Meier .
va	5	The scholar who has given me perhaps some of my most important insights and who continues to do so through his enormous output is N. T. Wright .
va	5	They were fanciful , some of them humorous , extreme to be sure , but they had lived on into the Middle Ages , and beyond .
va	5	I offer this book to those who know nothing of Jesus Christ in the hope that you will see him in these pages in some form .
va	5	Perhaps ... He felt a consoling warmth steal through him as he thought of these many projects , for they would take him hundreds of years .
va	5	And now she was housed in glass , and thousands saw her yearly , and all the other antique Bru dolls now clustered around her .
va	5	And he did so love the skies over New York City , the full panoramic skies which the people in the streets never really saw .
va	5	Bring them up in glass elevators , heavenward to see ... " Towers for pleasure among all these towers that men had built for commerce and gain .
va	5	A thought took him suddenly , an old thought , really , that often came to him and prodded him to meditate and perhaps even to surmise .
va	5	But wealth makes people withhold judgment on what you have done , it makes them search for the good in your choices , your style .
va	5	" And by the way , Mr. Ash , if you don 't mind my saying it , the white streaks in your hair are very becoming .
va	5	Indeed , he had only the two streaks flowing back from his temples , and a bit of white in his sideburns , as they were called .
va	5	There was a trail of light across the marble floor from the light embedded in the ceiling , rather like the moon on the sea .
va	5	He saw the glen , the smoke rising ; he heard the awful ring and clatter of swords , saw the figures rushing towards the forest .
va	5	Even when they 'd come to the glen , they had never said the word " old , " but everyone knew they had lived the longest .
va	5	When she 'd been in the coma , it had been the color of driftwood , the kind you can see on the muddy riverbanks .
va	5	" The smell that came out of that hole , the sight of what was left ... I should have taken care of things . "
va	5	She asked me how I was , she wanted ... " And there he had choked up , both times that he told this story .
va	5	It was like turning away from the sure , bright glitter of gold , to take dark trinkets of inestimable power from a small hiding place .
va	5	But Mona knew that despair can fill up a mind so completely that trying to read its thoughts is like trying to read through thick smoke .
va	5	Mona had demanded , though she 'd felt a wild compassion for the child actually , never mind that she was six years older than Mona .
va	5	Mary Jane was just about the most interesting discovery they had made since they 'd started rounding up everyone for genetic testing of the entire Mayfair family .
va	5	And besides , if this child does not have sense to get out of there and take the old woman to safety - " The old woman .
va	5	Look , I figure I 've probably got witch genes coming out the kazoo , I expect to blow the top off the graph , you know ?
va	5	" Mary Jane , darling , " said Celia , unable to follow up with an intelligent bit of advice or a meaningless little question .
va	5	She 'd been sitting beside Rowan , and was the only one bold enough to wipe Rowan 's face now and then with a white handkerchief .
va	5	" Well , if she has an implant , " declared Beatrice , " then Polly has a visible chin , doesn 't she ? "
va	5	Rowan had stared , as she always did , at the wall , maybe at the sunshine on the bricks , who could possibly know ?
va	5	I had much more fun in the public library , but - " " I think you 're right about the extra genes , " Mona said .
va	5	" Well , of course , " said Michael , never taking his eyes off the girl even once , no matter who spoke to him .
va	5	We had fruit trees all around the landing then , before the wisteria got them like a giant boa constrictor , you know , and blackberries ?
va	5	I have my own broker , honey , discount broker but that 's the best kind , since I do the picking most of the time anyway .
va	5	" Earned every penny of it on the way home , and that took a year , and don 't ask me how I did it .
va	5	For Michael 's benefit , she had now repeated the entire tale , and the look of astonishment on Michael 's face was becoming unintentionally comic .
va	5	You picked up your granny and ... " " Darling , it all happened , " said Celia , " exactly as the girl says .
va	5	" Well , Michael Curry , come to find out they 'd been calling that dead lady Dolly Jean for some time before she passed on .
va	5	Mary Jane was spunky and there was something irresistible about the idea of showering her with Mayfair money and benefits , and trying to improve her .
va	5	And with her braids on top of her head , and her slick , tight denim skirt , there was something all together about her .
va	5	" You can 't take care of all of them , Bea , " Mona had reassured her , " any more than Gifford could . "
va	5	For two or three days Rowan had seemed better , showing that little frown more and more , which was , after all , a facial expression .
va	5	It was one thing to talk for half an hour , but she couldn 't touch Rowan , she couldn 't force a physical contact .
va	5	It was as if she needed to be mothered by the designee of the legacy who had lost her power to carry on the line .
va	5	On the other hand , when I was in high school , playing football , I used to pop a raw egg into a milkshake every morning .
va	5	If you must know , I could have done without your telling her that I committed statutory rape on the living room couch with her cousin . "
va	5	" But what I was saying is , she heard the things you and I said to each other when we sat by the bed .
va	5	God help her if she had , she thought , she would have died at this moment , the way he was looking at her .
va	5	" Your life will be filled with good things , for the demons are slain , " he said , " and you will inherit Eden . "
va	5	Maybe we should do it again , Mona , on the grass , you know , you and me , and maybe she 'd wake up . "
va	5	" When the doctor spoke to her , when he told her she should go in for tests , she just got up and walked off .
va	5	Well , he 's gone , very gone , as it stands now , and I 'm worried , and Aaron 's worried , too .
va	5	It appeared for all the world as if Rowan thought she was still speaking to Mona , and didn 't know that nothing was coming out .
va	5	As Michael , too , put his arms around her , Bea slumped as if she would faint , and let herself fall to the ground .
va	5	Even the long drive south with Samuel , tunneling through the night on freeways that might have been anywhere in the world , had unnerved him .
va	5	Worse , by far , were the drums , the awful pounding drums , and the few pipes whining and struggling with their gloomy melody .
va	5	The hands were a little too big , and there was an abnormality about the fingers , though Yuri wasn 't sure what it was .
va	5	For hours before he 'd left New Orleans , he had listened to Aaron summarize the tale of Lasher , the demon from the glen .
va	5	I don 't mean to be impolite , but I so prefer the simple name Ash that often I don 't answer to the other . "
va	5	" All my adult life I 've served the Order , in a traveling capacity mostly , often performing tasks which I myself don 't fully understand .
va	5	When I lived in happiness among my own , I was too young to learn what I would need for this long , lonely voyage .
va	5	You told me how he warned you not to come back here , how he said they 'd come for him at any time . "
va	5	Yuri might as well have been a boy again , in his mother 's village in Yugoslavia , standing by her dead body on the bed .
va	5	Out of dark times , a web spun that is so evil and so perverse that modern men and women can 't even conceive of it !
va	5	I want to walk inside quickly , before anyone is the wiser , and grab hold of the brothers and sisters , and make them listen .
va	5	Perhaps these secrets were even sold to them by servants ... " " Then we must seem like children to them , " said Yuri .
va	5	" But there are others , a family of others , and there is one so powerful that even - " Yuri 's head felt heavy .
va	5	Oh , my God , but we 've given them an advantage , " he said , only just realizing it , and realizing it completely .
va	5	" I need you , I need you very much to help me , but don 't ask me to see her face , not now . "
va	5	Yet something stopped him , caused him to resist the little man , who was as strong as any full-sized man Yuri had ever known .
va	5	Gently she touched his lips , prying them apart as if she were a lover teasing him , preparing to kiss him , she thought .
va	5	Celia had come and had taken Bea in hand , letting her " cry it out " in Aaron 's regular guest room on the second floor .
va	5	She sat at the head of the dining table and she ate , and she watched the others moving here and there in little groups .
va	5	" I do want you , " she said , but she said it in a low voice so that Michael perhaps wouldn 't notice it .
va	5	That he loved her was as much a miracle as anything that had happened to her , as anything that had happened in this house to anyone .
va	5	The man slouching in the chair , crushing the hapless beer can into something round and almost flat , his eyes still settled on the windows .
va	5	She wanted to open now with the kindling excitement she 'd felt then , the utter love , thoughtless and rushed and without the slightest caution .
va	5	And I don 't know how I could have blamed you , been angry with you , hurt you like that , I don 't know ! "
va	5	" Lost knowledge ... " Those words had been given to him so often ; he could not remember a time when he didn 't know them .
va	5	He closed his eyes and saw for a second the brilliant red hair of the little witch whom Yuri loved as foolishly as a boy .
va	5	The path descended into a small vale covered with sharp stones that hurt his feet , and made him more than once lose his balance .
va	5	All you have to do is walk on and up , and turn there before the gray boulder you can see right now under the naked moon .
va	5	But he refused to run , refused to scramble out like some frightened bird , awkward , humiliated , perhaps even injuring himself in his haste .
va	5	He felt sweat on his back under his shirt , and around his waist , beneath the leather belt that tightened around his wool pants .
va	5	See the pistols in their hands , and now , now they draw their guns to shoot , and tiny flames burst from the barrels !
va	5	There came a shriek of wild laughter , and then another , and finally a whole crackling wall of noise going up around him to enclose him .
va	5	The sun was coming in the windows , actually , and making the floor amber and beautiful to look at right before the side porch .
va	5	But in Rowan 's presence he had had the air of a general , all seriousness and capability , in the presence of the Chief of Staff .
va	5	She 's talking to me like I 'm a grown woman , thought Mona , which is more than anybody else around here ever does .
va	5	The black silk suit was really terrific ; in the days before the wedding , Rowan had never been seen in anything so deliberately sensual .
va	5	She looked down into her coffee cup , then lifted it and took the last swallow and set the cup a little to the side .
va	5	It might be a man looking at her , this person with the gray eyes and the dark straight eyebrows and the soft blond hair .
va	5	He said things about the genetic testing , people accessing the records , figuring out that you were the most powerful witch in the clan . "
va	5	I figured that out a long time ago , but , Rowan , if they are after witches , why aren 't they after you ? "
va	5	And if it 's Michael 's , that 's all the more reason for everybody to be happy , because Michael 's part of the family !
va	5	If I wasn 't pregnant I 'd make you take me with you , for your sake and Yuri 's and everybody else 's . "
va	5	Glastonbury would never be anything for him but a sacred place , though he believed almost nothing , literally , that was connected with it .
va	5	Stuart stopped some six feet from both of them , his hands clenched , his thin face anguished as he confronted the two young men .
va	5	Rowan stood on the porch talking to Ryan , and Mona was there , with tears in her eyes , peering up at him with renewed devotion .
va	5	That I want to have you the only way I can , because you shut me out , you left me , you ... " He stopped .
va	5	He wondered if , in her secret heart , she was bored and wishing him safe at home as she plotted the next steps she would take .
va	5	And there was no time now for the passion he felt , for the consummation of anger and hurt and love that he needed so desperately .
va	5	" I know that you can , " she said softly , not opening her eyes , still lying there as if in deep sleep .
va	5	" We 're the only ones in the entire first-class cabin , " she said , raising her eyebrows , and then kissing him again .
va	5	Her gray hair was heavy and worn in an old-fashioned bun on the back of her head rather than the sexless bob of the present fashion .
va	5	she asked again in almost precisely the same tone of voice as before , except that she put a space after each word for emphasis .
va	5	" Delicate , " she said in the same gravelly voice , her eyes moving only very quickly to his hands and then back to his face .
va	5	When the door opened , she went inside , and then turned very pointedly to reveal to the man within that she was with another .
va	5	" I give you one final chance , " said Ash , " to tell me something that will prevent me from killing you . "
va	5	He realized it as soon as the words were out of his mouth , but on the other hand , perhaps the man would say something .
va	5	Here were some who were old and others quite young , five women , four men , and a boy very tall , but still almost beardless .
va	5	Quickly he looked from face to face , eyes darting back and forth until he was certain he had memorized the features of each person .
va	5	He pulled loose the phone hooked beside him on the wall of the car , and he punched in the number for the long-distance operator .
va	5	" No , " said Ash , who remained down on one knee , so that he could speak to Samuel almost in a whisper .
va	5	The corruption is near the top , perhaps at the very top , and has not by any means penetrated to the rank and file .
va	5	What was it , damn it , oh yeah , linen , black for funerals , or for looking nifty with fancy high-heeled black-and-white string shoes .
va	5	She went out , passing through the small , carpeted outer office , and out the door , though the doctor was calling to her .
va	5	I know who the father is , if that 's what you 're wondering , but I don 't want to talk about it now .
va	5	" Mona , you are some young woman , " he said , and he smiled in a way that she 'd seldom seen him smile .
va	5	They had brought her computer over last night and she 'd set it up , creating a small station to the right of the big mahogany desk .
va	5	She went to the window , the very one that had been opened that day so mysteriously , perhaps by Lasher , she 'd never know .
va	5	She 'd read plenty on these physical and mental changes last night in her new books on pregnancy , and she had plenty more to read .
va	5	She realized she was staring at the screen , at the questions she had so intelligently and logically listed : How fast did Rowan 's pregnancy progress ?
va	5	She loved this place best of all , she thought , and there wasn 't any spirit gramophone playing , and no faces in the mirror .
va	5	Hearing voices whispering in my ear , sounds like ... sounds like , unsure , but think it sounds like someone singing or even humming !
va	5	Her entire constitution had been aged and weakened , she knew that now , if there had ever been any real hope to the contrary .
va	5	God , what secrets does this world harbor , what monsters are camouflaged amid its forests , its big cities , its wilderness , its seas ?
va	5	It all has to do with the past , and perhaps the archives , the secrets , though what is really in those archives nobody knows now .
va	5	" Yes , it 's inevitable , " said Yuri , " but if they don 't know where I am , there 's no danger .
va	5	I can get more out of Stuart in five minutes than anyone else I can think of , even my old friend Baron in Amsterdam .
va	5	I never laid eyes on Lasher , not for one moment , I was not there when he told his tale to Michael and to Aaron .
va	5	Not in the library , not in the parlors , not in the chapel praying for his beloved Aaron , not in the council room , either .
va	5	Stuart had always taught them , if you have some secret you must keep from the psychics around you , think something close to the truth .
va	5	They had been a threat to the operation since the beginning , though neither had had the wits to realize that anything had been wrong .
va	5	It seemed he was missing something , something extremely important , some probability that would make itself known to him only with pondering and time .
va	5	He crossed the intersection boldly , walking against the traffic , infuriating a couple of drivers , but he reached the other corner , naturally , unharmed .
va	5	Now it had vanished into the back of the front seat and Michael Curry had turned and was peering past Yuri , right into Ash 's eyes .
va	5	" And this thing , this thing you 've conjured from the swamps , this Lasher , is it your avenger , your Golem ? "
va	5	said Gordon , turning so that he might face Ash as well as Rowan Mayfair , his head back against the upholstered corner of the car .
va	5	Tell you what I know before you reach Tessa , and when you have her , you 'll do away with me at once . "
va	5	" Oh , I 'm sorry , " said Mona , swinging her legs over the side of the bed and coming round to greet them .
va	5	Mary Jane laughed , bending her whole body backwards , and then she turned to look at Mona , who had barely stepped out on the porch .
va	5	" Don 't be crazy , " said Mary Jane , sweeping past her into the kitchen , hips swinging gracefully , high heels clicking grandly .
va	5	She was frying these now , the way Michael had taught her , with sliced mushrooms and onions , already prepared , from a little plastic sack .
va	5	Mary Jane had been looking at her silver fork , and suddenly she just stopped moving and narrowed her eyes again and looked at Mona .
va	5	He 'd shot me up with heroin and he was giving it to me and telling me that him and me were going to be lovers together .
va	5	" Coca-Cola , please , Eugenia , if you don 't mind , but then I can certainly get up and get it myself . "
va	5	" Well , I was never much of a milk lover , you know , probably because the refrigerator in our house never kept it cold .
va	5	She 's real worried about you and Michael Curry , because he 's got the genes , as everybody knows , and he 's Rowan 's husband .
va	5	" You know , you really are fascinating , you 're the most challenging combination of the mundane and mysterious that I 've ever run across . "
va	5	" It 's not going to be some giant , " said Mona quickly , though with each word , she found it more difficult to continue .
va	5	" But this family has got lots of people with the giant helix , and they haven 't had horrible deformed little babies , have they ?
va	5	" Yeah , I know how to do that , you take it easy , Mona Mayfair , you call me if you need me . "
va	5	She went down on her knees , and stretched out on the earth , not caring that it was getting on her beautiful white shirt .
va	5	She pressed her cheek to the cool mud and grass , and her billowing right sleeve was like a big white parachute fallen beside her from heaven .
va	5	" I think you would have the sense to do that , and perhaps I would , but I don 't know about Stuart . "
va	5	He relaxed , realizing only then that he had braced himself so hard for an accident that his jaw was aching from the clenching of his teeth .
va	5	" You should all be here , of course , " the jolly man was saying , " all the young ones should be here .
va	5	And then there 's the immediate consideration , isn 't there , he thought as he slipped into the passenger seat and firmly shut the door .
va	5	He leaned over , reaching out to cup the back of her head with his hand , and he kissed her quickly , and then settled back .
va	5	And when her lips had touched him , he had felt a sharp little pain inside , that now began to glow and to increase in intensity .
va	5	He could see a lush and wild English garden spreading towards the lake and towards the forest , banks of flowers just coming into bloom .
va	5	This was the den of a poetic man , a man in love with England 's past , and perhaps fatally alienated from the present .
va	5	" Don 't hurt her , " he cried suddenly , viciously , as though it was the only thing he could think of to say .
va	5	The sleeves were gorgeously old-fashioned , gathered around the small of her upper arms and then ballooning to the cuffs that fitted tightly at the wrists .
va	5	A swan of a princess she seemed , her cheeks firm and her mouth glistening slightly , and her lashes very vivid around her glowing blue eyes .
va	5	Ash was the picture of patience , but for the first time Michael saw a deeper and darker emotion behind Ash 's eyes and even his smile .
va	5	He stopped , looking to Ash desperately still , and deeply saddened , as if behind these words were some complete acceptance of his own death .
va	5	As for Gordon , it was too painful even to look at him , and this disappointment seemed far more important to him than his life .
va	5	He caught her hands , and then embraced her as a man might embrace a woman for a waltz , in the modern intimate position .
va	5	Her skirts flared freely , her small feet turned with perfect grace , heels clicking faintly on the wood , her smile ever more radiant .
va	5	Ash 's eyes were now playful , yet adoring , as he rocked his head and swayed more freely , and moved even more quickly .
va	5	On and on they danced , spinning along the edge of the pool of light , into shadow and out of it , serenading one another .
va	5	" I told Eugenia to take the night off , hope you don 't mind , when I saw that pantry I went crazy . " "
va	5	She drifted into the kitchen , as if in a delicious trance , and sat down at the lavish table that Mary Jane had set for them .
va	5	She 'd taken out the Royal Antoinette china , the most delicate pattern of all , with fluted and gilded edges to the plates and saucers .
va	5	The sky was arched overhead , black and pure and cold , and people were singing , and the stars were magnificent , simply magnificent .
va	5	" Well , when she was writing Rebecca , it began as an experiment to see how long she could go on without naming her first-person narrator .
va	5	" Well , you 're like that yourself , Ryan , you 're going to go to the grave without ever saying Lasher 's name . "
va	5	" Oh , Mona , I don 't know , he just said those were Rowan 's papers , didn 't he just say that ?
va	5	Of course I believe in him , why he 's ... " She caught herself pointing to the garden , in the direction of the tree .
va	5	Was the unspoiled world really unspoiled , or were the everyday menaces of nature so terrible that everything was just as ruined then as it was now ?
va	5	And the meat from the sea was white , the meat of the shrimps and the fishes , and of the oysters and the mussels .
va	5	She stretched out her arms and ran , through the pantry and the dining room and down the long hall , and then up the stairway .
va	5	I heard all that when Rowan was sick in here , and Beatrice called down to get Granny and me to come to New Orleans .
va	5	She began to hum a little song , not even asking herself what it was , just something pretty , something perhaps that she made up .
va	5	Yes , this was the Ultimate Cousin , the Cousin who could be a Great Friend , the Cousin who could know everything that Mona knew .
va	5	They kill all the young , so that the females go into heat at once , and then they sire as many young as they can .
va	5	" Well , sugar plum , to tell you the truth , I couldn 't have made this out if somebody hadn 't marked it .
va	5	" That wasn 't so comfortable , guess I have to kiss that goodbye for a while , you know , sleeping on your stomach ? "
va	5	As a matter of fact , I 'm curious about doing it with a girl , or a woman perhaps , a beautiful woman like Rowan .
va	5	" Listen , before you fly away here , darlin ' , who would you say is your very best trusted next of kin ? "
va	5	" Then what you 're saying is , you don 't want me to call Rowan or Michael in London and ask their advice . "
va	5	Stuart 's quarters are absolutely impenetrable , unless we want to risk breaking in the doors , and I don 't like being under a curfew . "
va	5	And we study the File , we study it closely for every clue as to which of the clan is most useful for our purposes . "
va	5	He did hate Gordon , and Yuri saw it by the absence of something in Ash 's face , the absence of compassion , perhaps ?
va	5	" Out of the jungles of India , " said Stuart , sipping his own tea , in which he had poured a large slug of whiskey .
va	5	Stuart made an impatient and disgusted gesture at the mention of these names , hardly realizing how this might be interpreted in relation to the boys .
va	5	And when he 'd made inquiries , with a view to sending her home , he found she was a legend in that part of India .
va	5	I couldn 't have told anyone what I was doing or why , except for the obvious fact that I was so charmed by her .
va	5	I had taken a woman entrusted to me as a member of the Order , and I had kept her for myself , almost a prisoner .
va	5	Our giants lingered long after their time in the dark and remote places , in the caves by the sea , in the caves of the Highlands .
va	5	" And ... And among these treasures was a carton marked by some long-dead secretary or clerk : ' Lives of the Scottish Saints . '
va	5	But Gordon was already staring at Ash , and then said quickly : " Could this be the very personage for whom you were named ?
va	5	" You will tell me whether or not these tales are actually known to you , whether you yourself have remembrances of these early times ? "
va	5	That was the name of the saint that leapt from the dust and the shadows as I went along the shelves with my electric torch . "
va	5	As Tessa was to confirm for me that very night with a simple nod of her head , I had hit upon the crucial word itself .
va	5	Ash had watched him calmly , not anticipating an attempt at escape , or confident that he could catch Gordon if Gordon had run for the stairway .
va	5	" And what do you think , " he asked sadly , " is the age of that pathetic creature who sits at her loom below ? "
va	5	With a grimace , Gordon brought the gun close to his own chest , his shoulders suddenly hunched , the other hand opening and closing .
va	5	Then his body went entirely limp , and his eyelids slid down halfway over his eyes , giving them the dull look of the dead .
va	5	He turned his back on the dead man , shaking his head , and he moved away , into the shadows , near to the window .
va	5	This being had taken life , and would have killed Gordon if Rowan hadn 't somehow forced Gordon 's heart to come to a fatal stop .
va	5	Yuri looked up , overcome with love , and then , clamping his hand behind Ash 's neck , he put his lips to Ash 's mouth .
va	5	How puny in death Gordon looked , Gordon the scholar whom everyone had so admired , the friend of Aaron , and the mentor to the boys .
va	5	" I must warn you about something , " said Ash softly , thoughtfully , holding the book as if it were some sort of sacred shield .
va	5	But the joy in him was so alien to his expectations , it was so wondrous that he longed to tell them , to let them know .
va	5	" I know , " she said now , looking up at him , smiling sweetly and brightly , with a round and radiant face .
va	5	He saw her turn to look at him , green eyes , lips smiling , words coming rapidly with a lovely American vulgarity and charm .
va	5	All the milk was gone , every single drop of it , and the cream cheese , and the cottage cheese , and butter too .
va	5	And in a very real way , I am everyone who has been speaking to you from the beginning , and I am Mary Jane .
va	5	Never mind , it was all kinds of medical stuff and lawyer business , and papers relating to things that had happened only three weeks ago .
va	5	" Yes , but Rowan said she had momentous news for us , " said Mary Jane , very obviously aware of the import of this message .
va	5	When Ryan had bought it for her , he 'd said she should never be in a limousine that was not black and was not a Lincoln .
va	5	The house was dark all around them , light pouring in from the garden , from the big zone of blue illumination that was the pool .
va	5	" That is what the others have to understand , " said Mona , " that this is not from hell , but from God .
va	5	And there was the big sleek limousine , and bless her heart , Mary Jane had started the engine , and the door was open .
va	5	" And when the sun comes up in the morning , it will come into all the attic windows ... " Mary Jane hit the brakes .
va	5	Morrigan lay cramped , filling the bubble of fluid , her hair falling around her and under her , her knees pressed against her eyes .
va	5	His eyes made you think of fish , too large for expression , indicative only of illness , and to think it had struck both of them .
va	5	" Yes , we hold certain things sacred , " Timothy was saying , " just as if we were a small nation unto ourselves . "
va	5	He was determined not to enter , but before he could act upon this decision , the crowd moved him slowly and solemnly towards the open doorway .
va	5	He backed away awkwardly , colliding with Tommy , feeling his heel on Tommy 's toe , and then the swift removal of Tommy 's foot .
va	5	And suddenly , very suddenly , he realized that all the others were not looking at Stuart , they were looking at Tommy and at him .
va	5	" The papers scattered all through his tower house accused you , his diary accused you , his poetry accused you , Tessa accused you . "
va	5	They were being pressed into the corridor and down it , the soft thudding of feet on the waxed boards echoing up beneath the wooden arches .
va	5	They were being taken along some unknown route in the cellars , down a corridor supported with crude wooden beams , rather like a mineshaft .
va	5	he screamed , scrambling forward in the darkness , and then , without compass points or touchstones of any kind , climbing to his feet .
va	5	He reached out , patting the floor , touching these soft , broken , crumbling things , and suddenly he felt something wet and warm !
va	5	The thing was to be ready , to be calm , to sleep perhaps , sleep , listening to the sounds of the brick and the mortar .
va	5	He dropped , the lighter , his hands flying to his head , his eyes closing , his mouth opening in an uncontrollable and deafening scream .
va	5	He had told it once before to Rowan , yes , and she remembered it more as a series of images and catastrophes than words .
va	5	To have heard it again in the black limousine , flying over the miles towards London , was to see it again and in greater detail .
va	5	" To have spoken with Lasher , " said Ash , " to have talked about his remembrances , that might have given me considerable pause .
va	5	And she 'd cured me , she 'd come to me with her milk and given me this and healed me of the trauma of her birth .
va	5	Ash had leant forward in the chair , his elbows resting on his knee , one finger curled beneath his soft lower lip , pressing into it .
va	5	She flinched suddenly , eyes shut tight , shuddering , her shoulders rising , and then sitting back in the chair , head to one side .
va	5	He shook his head and looked down , thoughtfully , the finger curled beneath his lip again , elbow on the arm of the chair .
va	5	" I 'm relieved , I 'm relieved that you tell me in the same breath it was there and that it is no more . "
va	5	In the western movies , they are always throwing a lantern like that into the barn where the hero has been trapped by the bad guys .
va	5	And when the last sound of the car was gone , she thought for a moment that she heard something like the playing of a radio .
va	5	Her back ached now almost unbearably , and she wasn 't even lifting anything or trying to reach anything , just holding up this awfully heavy lantern .
va	5	Mary Jane came right out of the blackness , running like a little girl , clasping her high-heeled shoes together in the fingers of her right hand .
va	5	The wallpaper was covered with little bouquets , faded now so that only the white sketch of the bouquet remained , glowing in the dark .
va	5	Mary Jane lay beside her , looking down into her face , wiping her forehead now with something soft and white , softer than a handkerchief .
va	5	Down she went , in mechanical silence , listening to the howling , thinking how utterly ghostly it was , and wondering if Ash liked it too .
va	5	Perhaps her loving foster mother had known of the witches ' dolls in the trunk in the attic , made of real hair and real bone .
va	5	Everywhere she looked , she saw their staring glass eyes , their flawless faces , their mouths half open with a look of frank and tender awe .
va	5	He came towards her , making no sound at all on the marble , and she saw that he held the beautiful Bru in his hands .
va	5	She was not the coquette of anyone 's imagination , yet she was radiant , and as perfect as the Bru in her own way .
va	5	" But I 'm so eager to talk to you , to hear your story , I could savor it more truly at another time . "
va	5	" Oh yes , " he said , " or I would beg you on bended knee to let me make love to you . "
va	5	And it struck her , suddenly , making her smile , that she rather liked having these two men with her , one on either side .
va	5	Scarcely ever did the winds come into the valley , sealed off as it was , except for two or three passes , from the coasts .
va	5	We used fire to light up the longer nights of winter , though we had no name for it , and it wasn 't cold .
va	5	We did not know the actual cycle of the seasons , by the way , for to us even the summer in Scotland felt fatally cold .
va	5	Sometimes a pestilence came over the valley that greatly diminished our numbers , and the stories of the pestilence were the saddest that we were ever told .
va	5	Indeed , if you did quarrel and push someone off a cliff , and that person fell and died , it was still an " accident . "
va	5	It weakened women , and if a woman did not die by the fourth or fifth birth , she would almost always fall asleep later and die .
va	5	It was only later , when we mingled with humans , that women were worn out , like Tessa , by having bled again and again .
va	5	I remember pleading and arguments and much talk , and even some quarreling over mates , but always it was in the realm of songs or words .
va	5	I remember a band of us carrying torches along the most treacherous cliffs , just to see if we could do it and not fall .
va	5	Those tales he would relate now , offering them as the oldest , until someone raised his voice and told tales that he could place before those .
va	5	They could be caught by the music of others , so that others had to be made to stop the music in order to release them .
va	5	Men and women went in all directions seeking a place that was not turbulent , but they did not find it , and some came running back .
va	5	We did all right with the oxen to pull our carts , which , in the beginning , of course , we had pulled ourselves .
va	5	It is enough to say that we became a highly developed people , worshiping the Good God largely through banquets and dances as we had always done .
va	5	Purely animal , that was our conjecture , and I don 't think we treated these primitive primates any better than they might have treated dogs .
va	5	We knew by then that the winter would always be with us ; we did not think it possible to escape the winter anywhere in the world .
va	5	Indeed , some people never left of their own accord , and small fires were made within the margins between moving lines of dancers , for warmth .
va	5	Those born in the time of the circles were more aggressive , and could murder when they had to , without giving way to tears .
va	5	They stole our men and sought to enslave them , and laughed at them and ridiculed them , and in some instances drove them mad .
va	5	We only learned later that we 'd been saved from earlier annihilation by one simple fact : we didn 't have much that these people wanted .
va	5	There were so many of us gathered together , and we had lifted from the dead so many spears and swords , that we felt safe .
va	5	We heard the enormous rumble of the horses before we saw them ; it was a roar like the sound of the crumbling of the lost land .
va	5	Indeed , if the mother knew and was to address the child , quiet its fears , and sing to it , the growth was greatly accelerated .
va	5	And the great tragedy , of course , of their desire to wander is that inevitably they carried the secret of the glen to the human world .
va	5	The legend of the glen , of the tall people who gave birth to children who could walk and speak at birth , began to spread .
va	5	We 're going to stay here , as I said , for another two days , maybe more , then we have to go back down south .
va	5	There was some talk of a nice place for her where she could rest , and where all her memories and stories would be recorded .
va	5	You could hardly believe it was standing , the way the west side had sunk , and to think this clan insisted upon living there !
va	5	Mary Jane Mayfair had been slowly cleaning out the local Wal-Mart for the last six months , fixing the place up for herself and her grandmother .
va	5	Maybe he was already going crazy , crossing this stretch of duckweed slop with this crazy young woman , and the place about to sink any minute .
va	5	" It 's not going to sink , this is a sissy rain , " said Mary Jane Mayfair , shoving on her long pole .
va	5	At last he reached the warm , dry air of the attic , the little old lady standing on tiptoe to press her lips to his cheeks .
va	5	Lots of comfortable old furniture scattered around , and it didn 't smell too much like mold ; on the contrary , it smelled like flowers .
va	5	" The baby didn 't tear you , I can see that , but it would have been a damned sight easier for you if it had .
va	5	She wasn 't wearing anything but a big white shirt , just like the mother , and her soft white legs just went on forever and ever .
va	5	she said , staring down at him and then marching towards him , bare feet on the bare wood , though Mary Jane tried to stop her .
va	5	" I told you , this is the doctor , " said Mary Jane , " come to fill out the birth certificate for the baby .
va	5	You 're a fairly good-sized man , aren 't you , let me see , I estimate you are sixty-seven years old , am I right ?
va	5	" Honey , I don 't know what I think about that , but I sure do like the style with which you say it ! "
va	5	It was a fat envelope just full of bills , and , he saw by the way she ruffled them with her thumb , all new twenties .
va	5	For though they built magnificent buildings , the likes of which we 'd never seen , they were more skilled at war than the others .
va	5	Finally the Roman Emperor himself , Septimus Severus , came to Britain to subdue the Scottish tribes , but even he never penetrated our strongholds .
va	5	By the time they withdrew from those lands , and gave them up to the barbarians at last , we were no longer really a hidden people .
va	5	He would love this witch ; she would love him ; and being a ragged poor creature , she would throw herself upon his mercy .
va	5	Let me not try to describe our long conversations , pondering the meaning of this world , and why we had to live among humans .
va	5	And though he had not sprung full-grown from his mother 's womb , he had nevertheless been born of a virgin , which was just as miraculous !
va	5	See our towers very bare , yet warm and snug , and filled with skins and comfortable chairs , and raging fires to keep us warm .
va	5	Its front cover was decorated with gold and jewels , it was bound in silk , and its pages were painted with spectacular little pictures .
va	5	I didn 't include the Torah of the Hebrews , because I didn 't know it , but the gospels are even different from that .
va	5	I wanted to go there at once , to see the sacred place where Our Lord 's own disciples had set foot on our own island .
va	5	Many books such as this were being made in monasteries all over the world , and this copy was most important for study at Iona .
va	5	Columba soon convinced me that the harsh monastic life and the mortification of the flesh were the keys to the love which Christianity demanded of a man .
va	5	I read all the books that were in it ; I was charmed by the pictures , and very soon took to making copies of them .
va	5	The verbal battles progressed to physical pushing and shoving and threats , and I saw within an hour that the entire future of the valley was threatened .
va	5	" Look , everywhere on the bodies of your brothers and sisters , men and women who have lived since the time before the circles !
va	5	And I walked back and forth in the circle , angry , using the Art of the Tongue as well as I 'd ever used it .
va	5	At once the human converts descended upon her and bound her hand and foot , as those who sought to defend her were cut down .
va	5	I closed my eyes , I prayed , I made the Sign of the Cross , and then I made my plea to all to listen .
va	5	And we do it only to the enemies of Christ , that His kingdom may come on earth , that he may rule forever . "
va	5	In my soul , I knew that this new faith must sweep me up , it must consume my whole life , or I was lost forever !
va	5	In the fervor of their new religion , they praised us that we had brought Christ to them , and honored us for our vows of celibacy .
va	5	It was a brief interlude in which something returned of the old fervor that had once taken hold of all of us on the Salisbury Plain .
va	5	And in the privacy of my cell , I began a great illustrated book , using all the skill I had acquired from my teacher on Iona .
va	5	" Read my words here , Father , " I wrote , " you who would not listen to them when I tried to speak them .
va	5	It was dark in these dense woods , so dark , I think , that people of this day and age cannot quite imagine it .
va	5	I myself had only been up this way a couple of times in all my life , but I had no fear of the cave at all .
va	5	However , as my horse followed the old trail closer and closer to the cave , I saw flickering lights playing in the thick darkness .
va	5	And I wondered if I should not visit the cave , perhaps even rest there a while , hidden , and safe from the Little People .
va	5	Ryan had asked " Mona " very tactfully if she was taking amphetamines , and reminded her gently that anything ingested might hurt the baby .
va	5	But the point was , Uncle Ryan had never guessed that the fast-talking and inquisitive female on the other end of the line was not Mona .
va	5	" Well , I 'm talking about something inevitable , " said Morrigan , " but let me break it to you in stages . "
va	5	And First Street is empty now , we know that , and we can make our preparations in peace for Michael and Rowan 's homecoming .
va	5	I shall have a sentimental attachment to it all of my life , of course , but at this time I simply cannot remain there !
va	5	" When we get there you can write it all out again , you can have peace and quiet , two whole days before they come . "
va	5	You 're me and Michael , and something else , something powerful and wondrous , and part of all the other witches , too . "
va	5	" Somehow or other that sounds insufficient , " said Morrigan , crying now , making a pout like a baby , the tears making her blink .
va	5	She saw her tall girl struck , the body crumple , her own hands out to shield her , taking the head to her breast .
va	5	But this woman was very beautiful and in the shadows my eyes played tricks on me , so that she looked somewhat like our lost Janet .
va	5	Dead , white , quiet forever in death , the blood staining her gathered skirts , her little hut a tomb , her fire a vigil light .
va	5	I crossed Europe to find Pope Gregory in the ruins of Rome , I did go on to Byzantium , and finally to the Holy Land .
va	5	I came as a lone Scotsman wandering through the land , eager to talk to the bards of the Highlands about their old stories and legends .
va	5	No one knows when the creature inside her shall start to grow and become the image of the saint , come again to his people . "
va	5	We 're not to speak of it here , but now and then such a giant child is born who knows nothing of the Saint .
va	5	It was a desolate spot , dark as it had been five hundred years before , with no sign now of the witch 's hovel .
va	5	Would we choose tropical islands on which to play our sensuous games , to do our dances and fall into our spells of dancing and singing ?
va	5	Michael slept beside her , his knuckles touching her hip as she sat there , hands clasped to her mouth , looking down at him .
va	5	She wanted to crumple and fall on the floor , to go limp without will or purpose or fight anymore , just to sink into the darkness .
va	5	The sky was paling so fast , the room just filling up and opening wide , and his face was weary and only slightly less than perfect .
va	5	Couples were hurrying to dinner so that they might make the curtain at Carnegie Hall for a young violinist who was causing a worldwide sensation .
va	5	And he was as unsure of their love now as he had been the very first moment in London when he had laid eyes on them .
va	5	" That we 'd talk about things ... " " You cried when you said goodbye to your human friends , didn 't you ? "
va	5	Ash pointed to something on the menu , the standard pasta he always ordered in such places , and waited for the man to disappear before resuming .
va	5	You could have kept that kid busy all his life , and you would have had his companionship - " " I wish you would stop .
va	5	It is essential to the sanity of that man and woman that they go home and build the life the Mayfair family expects them to build .
va	5	And I hate it when you love those who will only turn their backs on you , and those two have to do it . "
va	5	" You 'll destroy all this , the company , the corporation , the Toys Without Limit or Dolls for the Millions , whatever it 's called .
va	5	You 'll walk out and far away , and the things you 've built and the things you 've made will just slowly fall apart without you .
va	5	But don 't wait for your witches to come to you again , and for God 's sake never seek them on their own turf .
va	5	There was one gift , one precious gift , something as fine as the Bru , and something he wanted to put in Michael 's hands .
va	5	The street in Paris ; the woman in the store ; the doll in its box ; the big paperweight eyes looking up at him .
va	5	Michael asleep on the floor , and Samuel standing over him , saying drunkenly , " Why didn 't God make me into this ? "
va	5	And there would be the blue-eyed Bru staring up from the tissue , make the tissue the color of her eyes , remember to tell Leslie .
va	5	And the past ; the past was not fun anymore and never would be , but something inherited with its burdens , its curses , its secrets .
va	5	Take your eyes off the bodies of the dead ; forget the old man crumpling to the floor ; and Aaron , Where has Aaron gone ?
va	5	" And the girls will be in the house , and the silence will have to wait , and the spirits recede into the walls . "
va	5	And Uncle Shamus when he was so sick , saying to his wife , " You can still talk to me after I 'm gone .
va	5	And he had been so right , and what did it do to you , to be taken away from all the fragrances you needed to breathe ?
va	5	He looked into her eyes , opening his own very wide , perhaps wide enough to look angry when he didn 't mean to at all .
va	5	Suddenly it struck him , as things often do , in a rush of different stages , all clattering together to take his breath away .
va	5	It would have been Mona 's voice except it sounded older , and a little less strong , as though chastened already by the world .
va	5	She rose , rushing close to Rowan , before Rowan could possibly move away , sniffing at Rowan 's cheeks , and then standing back .
va	5	" No , he 's dead , " said Mona , " you 're picking it up again from the floorboards , from the walls . "
va	5	She sat still on the side of the bed , her shoulders slightly hunched , her hair falling down against her cheek , her eyes gazing off .
va	5	he asked , trying to make his voice sound strong , firm , when the firmest thing he knew to do was to ask questions .
va	5	Dear God , there are two of them and they are alive and they 're not ... they 're not ... " " What ? "
va	5	Her fingers had gone to her lips , the sure sign that she was in mental pain and trying to think her way through it .
va	5	I 'm not asking you to tell her if there 's really a male somewhere , just come , accept my child , listen . "
va	5	Rowan talked : " I tell myself we all run the risk of horror ; any child can be a monster , a bringer of death .
va	5	" Let 's go , " she said , in the deep , commanding voice that made him think of butterscotch and sleeping with her .
va	5	" You have them in the palm of your hand , " said the diminutive Mona nestled in the leather chair , cheeks wasted , skin pale .
va	5	" Give me my place , " she said , her eyes growing wide and seeming to catch fire as they had when she 'd cried .
va	5	" And you know , " she said , looking up at him , tears draining from her eyes in stains down her white cheeks .
va	5	He stared at her , shocked rudely by her words , and the little laugh that came out of her as she shook her head .
va	5	She did not move as the lithe , silent figure drew very close , as Morrigan sniffed at her cheeks , her neck , her hair .
va	5	Mona looked up at him , torn , helpless , as if there were a thousand things she wanted to say , to ask , to explain .
va	5	And my sin has done this , my sin has unleashed this thing , as if from the heart and mind of Mona herself , he thought .
va	5	Then maybe , maybe she 'll calm down , she 'll stop thinking about it and talking about it , she 'll be all right .
va	5	A waltz had begun , Richard Strauss , strings , one of those lovely bland records that you can listen to for the rest of your life .
va	5	Pray for them ... " Our Father , Who art in Heaven , hallowed be Thy name , Thy kingdom come - " His eyes opened wide .
va	5	" Love you , " she whispered , a murmured prayer out of the depths of sleep , perhaps , more comforting than his prayer had been .
va	5	It had been a full five days since Michael and Rowan had gone home , and they had not called him , or written even a note .
va	5	Listen to the cicadas ' song , and are those starlings who swoop down as if to plant a kiss , when it is simply to devour ?
va	5	The scent , yes , catch the scent , my dear , my darling newborn woman , and closing his eyes , he staggered backwards .
va	5	He took one glance back at the house , rising so darkly and solidly there , as if full of secrets , of witches , of magic .
va	5	So the Mission Inn was mine , cipher that I was , and so was the bridal suite , called the Amistad Suite , under the dome .
va	5	And sometimes they called me on one of the many special cell phones I carried , to let me know the suite could be mine .
va	5	And then there was San Juan Bautista , too , with its refectory and museum -- and all the other Missions that had been so painstakingly restored .
va	5	Maybe I just wanted to walk the sacred ground , walk through places of pilgrimage and sanctity because I couldn 't actually think about them too much .
va	5	Last time I 'd been to the Mission -- scarcely a month ago -- I 'd spent an unusually long time walking about the enormous garden .
va	5	In the past , I 'd never gone out without some sort of disguise , and I noted this change in myself with a cold equanimity .
va	5	I felt secure in my Beverly Hills penthouse and it was walled with books on just about every epoch that had preceded the twentieth century .
va	5	It comforted me that other people around me were worshipping , that I was somewhere sacred or where people came to be with the sacred .
va	5	And I did work for only one man , my boss , the one I called , in my heart of hearts , The Right Man .
va	5	But I 'd long known how to acquire that sort of material on my own , and how to confuse the people who provided it to me .
va	5	" That I 'm just a little bit out of my mind , and someday , I 'll bail on you , or come back at you .
va	5	Cut off even in the blossoms of my sin ... No reckoning made , but sent to my account With all my imperfections on my head .
va	5	Maybe it was New Orleans holding me in its arms , just because it was old and creaky and nonsensical and deliberately and accidentally picturesque .
va	5	She tried it in Vegas , failed , now she 's pushing for it in the chapel in this crazy place where people go to get married .
va	5	There would be no talk of murder among the employees of the one place where I felt solace , and just a little glad to be aboveground .
va	5	It had been worth it to play the lute in that room , to strum it softly and go over the melodies I used to love .
va	5	I liked to play it so much in the Amistad Suite , I didn 't care if the room service waiters heard or saw me .
va	5	And I always drove just a little too fast , with my window rolled down and my bare arm showing , and nobody saw me at all .
va	5	I walked with a weak left knee and a regular swing to my head , something somebody might remember when they didn 't remember anything else .
va	5	But I remembered that bit of information they always give you in the hospital that " the hearing is the last thing to go . "
va	5	Only on this occasion it was stronger , much stronger , and it had language to it in my head which I didn 't expect .
va	5	It felt as if the voice was beside me , instead of inside me , Lucky talking to Lucky , as he so often did .
va	5	Outside , the stranger got up from the table , and I found myself watching in cool amazement as he came into the open door .
va	5	He was a tall , rather impressive figure , slender , with a mop of soft black wavy hair and blue eyes with an unusually engaging expression .
va	5	He looked at me with such focus that it was almost devotion , and I had , unaccountably , an instinct that he was feeling love .
va	5	Only now did I notice , a little frantically , that he wore a simple gray suit , and a very beautiful blue silk tie .
va	5	It was as if he knew all about me , and only now did it penetrate that he had three times called me by my name .
va	5	" Well , not The Right Man you hold in such regard , Lucky , but from another whois The Right Man , I should say . "
va	5	Find some corner of this hotel , and you know all of them , and there put an end to yourself once and for all .
va	5	Again I had that sensation of love flowing from him , of an infinite knowledge and an unaccountable acceptance of who and what I was .
va	5	I 've come to offer you a way out of this , and you must not , you absolutely must not , reach for that syringe . "
va	5	The ivy was trailing over the bells , and people were streaming by us on the pathway , to the left and to the right .
va	5	" Oh , you are some assassin , throwing all that in my face , " I said , " if that 's what you are . "
va	5	Slowly I put them on , the dress shirt , the gray trousers , the black socks and plain brown shoes , and finally the red tie .
va	5	" I know I asked you before , but you have to tell me , tell me completely , why me and not someone else ?
va	5	I wondered what it was like for a tree to lose its blossoms to the wind , when its blossoms were all that it had .
va	5	And what drew me to him was not the anger churning inside him and devouring him alive in this present time , or in time past .
va	5	And though there was talk of that as some in the family had jet-black hair and blue eyes , he never thought much about it .
va	5	That he 'd taken with him a suitcase of clothes and his precious lute gave them hope , but they never saw or heard of him again .
va	5	There was a look to the boys of uptown New Orleans that was located in these very clothes and he took to discovering and cultivating it .
va	5	And it was the sound of the lute , at a public Renaissance concert , that drew him away from his ardent desire to enter the priesthood .
va	5	For years , she drank herself drunk , and lay on the bare boards murmuring her husband 's name , " Dan , Dan , Dan . "
va	5	In a daze , he 'd look down and see the money that could buy him a little peace for a week or even more .
va	5	If only he could learn enough to teach music someday , he thought , even to little children , that would be a workable life .
va	5	But it was Emily who asked if they could pray to Mother 's guardian angel too and stop her from getting so drunk so much .
va	5	When he would not give his mother money for drink , she took his lute out and smashed it over the edge of the kitchen table .
va	5	He didn 't want her to know that it was his first time , but when she confessed it was hers , he admitted it .
va	5	With her long black hair and dark eyes , her soft soothing voice , and her immediate understanding , she seemed everything that he could ever desire .
va	5	Her songs were Broadway songs and this brought a whole new songbook to his repertoire , and when time would allow , they played and sang together .
va	5	He parked himself very near to the most famous bars on Bourbon Street , and there he opened his case , and began to play .
va	5	He thought of all the wondrous traits she had , and he knew that as the college years passed , he would surely lose her .
va	5	She 'd all but chopped off her left hand , so deep was the wound , but she 'd bled to death from both wrists .
va	5	He stared out the window and he knew a misery so deep that it didn 't seem possible life could ever hold a particle of joy again .
va	5	In his ears , he heard a din as if the imps of Hell were making a horrid music to drive him out of his mind .
va	5	He never ceased to be proud of his increasing height , and he took pride in the way he dressed to wring the money from the tourists .
va	5	Though most of the women living there were old , and kind , there were a few young women , and men came to see them .
va	5	They spoke Italian mostly but sometimes English and they seemed involved in times gone by , and there were hints they had once been lovers .
va	5	Toby thought for a long time and then he said , " You have to do to them what they are trying to do to you . "
va	5	They promised if he signed the deeds and cleared out , they 'd give him a piece of things , and they wouldn 't hurt him .
va	5	He knew the answers to such questions as that and nobody from New Orleans ever trusted the police very much in these sorts of affairs anyway .
va	5	He took the automatic weapon from his briefcase and shot her , and he shot the men who came running down the hall towards him .
va	5	The receptionist had just unlocked the door , and smiling , she explained her boss had not come in yet , but would come any minute .
va	5	He slumped down on the leather couch and , carefully removing one glove , he wiped his forehead as though a terrible ache were bothering him .
va	5	Toby stood up to his full commanding height and said in the same lisping whisper , " I 've come on an important matter . "
va	5	" Look , I 'm moving as fast as I can , " said the man , " but that old Italian 's a fool .
va	5	He took the papers from the man , glancing at the address , which was that of his hotel , and shoved them in his briefcase .
va	5	The number in the little digital window on the phone was the same as the number on one of the business cards in Toby 's pocket .
va	5	" Come outside now , " he said in his now practiced lisping whisper , as his eyes moved over the crowd before the bank 's entrance .
va	5	He turned and walked back to the granite wall of the bank and stood to the left of the revolving door , looking around coldly .
va	5	His guardian angel stood with his arms folded watching everything sadly -- or that is as well as I can describe in human terms his attitude .
va	5	" They 'll be here , and they 'll be very glad to see you and very glad to teach you anything that they can . "
va	5	He thought about her after he 'd shot her , lying there , still , like his brother and sister had lain in the bathtub .
va	5	We can string together an infinite number of gestures , expressions , changes in respiration , and movements and draw from all this many deeply moving conclusions .
va	5	It was as if someone had thrown an all-encompassing net over what he had become and how he had destroyed all things he held to be sacred .
va	5	The carpet had been woven for the room , an immense sea of dark flowers , banded in gold along the walls and their high polished baseboards .
va	5	" I 'm going to tell you exactly what I want you to do , " said the man , and then he described it .
va	5	You know how to do that , to keep walking , with your eyes focused ahead as if you never even brushed up against the guy .
va	5	By that time , you 'll be out of the restaurant , normal pace , just keep on walking and we 'll pick you up . "
va	5	He thought of that girl sobbing , pleading , he thought of her stretching out her arms , her palms up to push him away .
va	5	Because there 's something beautiful about you , about the way you look and talk and about the way you move through a room . "
va	5	His guardian angel , hearing the despair in that prayer , hearing the grief and the utter misery , had turned his back and covered his face .
va	5	I looked up to see him standing opposite me , and once again there was that sense of his vivid coloring , his distinct and beguiling shape .
va	5	You didn 't care for his easy laughter or agreeable observations , or the casual way in which he discussed the things he wanted you to do .
va	5	" I want to be this instrument , but I think , for the first time in my life perhaps , I am genuinely afraid . "
va	5	And all around me , above , below , beside , I saw what seemed like shooting stars , whipping past me without a sound .
va	5	But we were plunging down towards the planet , and I knew this was just and right , and I didn 't resist it in any way .
va	5	Everywhere the moving stars still darted to and fro , and there was no doubt in my mind at all now that these were angels answering prayers .
va	5	I felt my entire body take form again , even as the whispering enveloped me , and I became aware too that my old garments were gone .
va	5	And all the rest was the rooftops crowded together , some utterly blanketed in white and others so steep that the snow had somewhat fallen away .
va	5	I knew the word , " Jewry , " referred to the Jewish population in Norwich and to the small area where most of them lived .
va	5	We were surrounded by close half-timbered houses that seemed to slant inward dangerously , as if they 'd tumble down on us in an instant .
va	5	Thank Heaven , I wasn 't a Franciscan and consigned to sandals or bare feet , I thought , and then a giddy sensation gripped me .
va	5	" Now go to the mob and get into the very thick of it , because it 's turning in a way that it should not .
va	5	" We took Lea with us because she wanted to see the Christ Child , " she said to me bitterly , her lip trembling .
va	5	The crowd gave him a loud roar of approval , but I could see that many bystanders did not believe in what he 'd said .
va	5	Meantime half the town it seemed was joining the crowd , and suddenly there sounded from a nearby steeple the clang of an alarm bell .
va	5	He brought his horse to a halt several yards from the door of the house , and there gathered behind him at least five or six horsemen .
va	5	" You know they were seen in the forest with a heavy burden , and no doubt buried this child right by the great oak . "
va	5	The bell had stopped , but the street was choked with people , and it seemed to me that some even came over the rooftops .
va	5	Lady Margaret beckoned furiously for certain people to come forward , and at once two rather ragged individuals were produced , both of them reeking of drink .
va	5	It seemed all who could hear had something to say on the outrage of this , but I let my voice carry as I spoke .
va	5	" But I never saw her again , " cried the child , " and she never told me she was making any journey . "
va	5	Antoine , " a wicked Jew in Baghdad was stunned to find that his son had become a Christian and threw the child into a roaring fire .
va	5	" That 's an old tale , " I shouted at once , infuriated , " and it 's been told all over the world .
va	5	" None of them is to be pitied , " insisted Lady Margaret , though she didn 't raise her voice to address the stragglers .
va	5	I saw it clean and white suddenly in spite of the crowd that had just been here , and I also realized I was freezing .
va	5	The young man appeared to be paralyzed watching all the proceedings as if he couldn 't think what to do and was very ashamed of this .
va	5	He will produce a letter from my daughter which verifies that she 's alive ... " " That won 't be enough , " the Sherriff began .
va	5	But because he is our friend , and would be our friend in this , and would believe us , and would plead for us . "
va	5	Do you think you could remit enough debts , acquire enough gold , and all this with the promise of my returning with larger sums ?
va	5	He was as elegant as his wife as he sat back against the chair , slender , and otherworldly in a manner I found so moving .
va	5	Again I sensed that she reminded me of someone I had known in my life , but again there was no time to pursue the thought .
va	5	Imagine that we would take this little Christian child , crown him with thorns , pierce his hands and feet , and mock him as the Christ .
va	5	Had not an unfortunate member of our race been tortured , and forced to name others , the madness might not have gone so far .
va	5	And what was not burnt was given over to the Franciscans and to the Dominicans ... " She paused as she looked at my robes .
va	5	" But in Paris , our learned men , including my own kindred , fought for the Talmud when it was taken away from us .
va	5	We went to Oxford often , because he had pupils there , students who wanted to learn Hebrew and paid him well as a teacher .
va	5	What he could not know was that I 'd given my heart entirely to one young man who was just finishing the Arts at Oxford .
va	5	It was this young man who came to warn us before the Oxford riots , and we warned as many other Jews as we could to escape .
va	5	My father was devoted to this young man on account of that , but also in general because he loved this young 's man inquiring mind .
va	5	There have been riots for less than a nobleman 's son converting to our faith , and in these restless times when we are constantly persecuted .
va	5	As for my father , he did not know what we would be accused of , but he was as wary as he was enraged .
va	5	He was a man with a tender heart for me , as I was all that he had , but he was in a rage against Godwin .
va	5	In fact , his gaiety and charm , which so seduced me , were wound up with great eloquence , and love of poetry and song .
va	5	In fact , he would have preferred to take the cross and go crusading to the Holy Land , and find adventure there and along the way .
va	5	" There are wicked and licentious priests aplenty in Rome , " he said , " and bad bishops and I 'll become another one .
va	5	Now while I was traveling I hadn 't received Godwin 's letters , so there were many of them waiting for me when I came home .
va	5	Of course he could have bastards aplenty in the Rome he described to me and among his worldly companions for whom he had nothing but undisguised contempt .
va	5	In truth , I didn 't want to cause him misery , and I did not want to confess to him the sufferings I had endured myself .
va	5	" Why should I wear the garments of Your church when I have nothing but contempt for all I see , and no desire to serve You ?
va	5	The letter went on to tell me that that very day he had gone to the Friary of the Dominicans and asked to be taken among them .
va	5	He even said he would leave behind his learning and pray on his knees for the rest of his life , if that is what they wanted .
va	5	For even with Nigel and Godwin reconciled and writing regularly to each other , I couldn 't envisage anything coming of my revelation except disaster all around .
va	5	When he wrote of this , the untold truth pressed in on me painfully , because I was so happy with our two daughters at my knee .
va	5	I wanted him to know that these two fine flowers of our love had bloomed safely and gave forth their beauty now in innocence and with protection .
va	5	" I have told you the truth , and feel some great selfish relief in it , I must confess , but also a selfless joy .
va	5	Should I tell my daughters the truth when they are of age , and what do I do with this good man , Meir , now ? "
va	5	I implored him that this not be a shock to him , but that he give me his most pious advice on what I should do .
va	5	I also told him that I had meant to deceive him , but could never resolve whether I had protected him or done him wrong .
va	5	Neither of the girls knew what to do , and I stepped at once between my father and Godwin , and begged my father to be calm .
va	5	But now , knowing the extent of your betrayal , I ask how dare you be so bold as to come under my roof ? "
va	5	What faces you now is not my defection , surely , for I love you as much today as I did yesterday and the day before that .
va	5	It was the old stalemate , which I had faced when Godwin and I had first loved each other , and Godwin had been sent away .
va	5	I only hope and pray that Godwin will not seek to take his daughters from you , for that would be a horrid and terrible thing . "
va	5	Both men greeted me with all the respect they might have shown a Gentile woman , and I urged them to be seated and take some wine .
va	5	My father , hearing his footsteps , raised his walking stick as if to push him back , and Godwin stopped in the center of the room .
va	5	We are , if you have even for a moment forgotten it , the King 's Jews , and you will not do such a thing . "
va	5	I would kill you with my bare hands , and bury you beneath the backyard of this house to keep it from your Christian brethren .
va	5	As it is , I order you out of my house , and insist that you never return , and do not seek to see your daughters .
va	5	Nigel was the one after all with the power to seize my two daughters , if he chose , and to subject us to the harshest judgment .
va	5	Godwin appeared to be praying , and then he said under his breath , " Dear Lord , you have placed a treasure in my hands .
va	5	The Lord in Heaven has taken Lea from me , my child who remained with me , my faithful , timid , and loving Lea .
va	5	He has taken her , as my father in Oxford refuses even to speak to me , and mourns for Rosa who is yet alive .
va	5	It is a judgment on me , that I let Rosa become the ward of the Earl and go with him and Godwin to Paris .
va	5	No , there are those who know here , but they know in silence and our physician and our elders can see that they remain quiet . "
va	5	" And as for Meir , in his sorrow and misery , he blames himself for Lea 's taking sick because he brought us here .
va	5	Why , I would face utter ruin , all my property gone , if only I could take Meir with me away from this terrible place .
va	5	" That would be the best solution , no doubt of it , " I said , " because an imposture would carry dreadful risks .
va	5	Before I could answer her , the wooden door to the chamber opened and the Sherriff appeared , fully armed , his hair wet with snow .
va	5	That I was kneeling in this massive and magnificent monument to faith during the very age when it had been built lulled me into a wordless gratitude .
va	5	That Godwin was an impressive man didn 't surprise me , yet I couldn 't help but be amazed at how very impressive he truly was .
va	5	His cheeks were ruddy from the weather , and his eyes were ablaze with a deep passion for the concepts and ideas he was expressing .
va	5	A genial laughter punctuated his sentences , and he turned from right to left gracefully to include all his listeners in the points being made .
va	5	His was a lean frame , and the simplicity of his short cut ring of hair made his face all the more vital and striking .
va	5	He whispered : " You know this child was my daughter , of course , I 've told you as much already in my own words . "
va	5	A humble man can conquer anyone , and this man seemed to hold nothing back out of the usual masculine pride that suppresses emotions and expression .
va	5	Finally he signed the letter , blotted for the last time , then folded the parchment and sealed it with wax , and looked up at me .
va	5	Write to your brother at once , if you dare , and tell him what has happened , and that he must proceed to Norwich at once .
va	5	When I looked through the little window of the cell , I saw only darkness , but that might have been the thickness of the snow .
va	5	I ask that you go at once to wait for me in the town of Norwich , where I am now heading this very night .
va	5	I could see he didn 't like the fine leather or the fur trim , but he knew that we had work that we had to do .
va	5	Now you come with this friar and I know you wouldn 't be here at this hour if something wasn 't required of me at once . "
va	5	Can 't I take her into her parents ' house there to rest until she is strong enough to see her parents in the castle ? "
va	5	" You may tell the Earl , his brother is come , " said the old man to the guard , and then he shut the door .
va	5	" I am not here on behalf of children who have given up their faith for fathers who are no better than thieves in the night . "
va	5	" You 've taken everything from me , " said the old man in a low hard voice as he stared in the direction of Godwin .
va	5	Godwin went directly into his brother 's arms , and holding his brother 's face in his hand spoke to him intently under his breath .
va	5	He received Rosa in his arms , and put his arm around her as we proceeded under the archway and into the great hall of the castle .
va	5	At the elevated table that commanded the room stood the Bishop and on either side of him the cathedral priests and more of the Dominicans including Fr .
va	5	And tougher men who hadn 't been allowed admittance were making their voices heard , until the Bishop ordered one of his men to go silence them .
va	5	She embraced her tearfully and said loud enough to hear : " I have caused you disgrace and unspeakable pain and I 'm sorry for it .
va	5	What could they do but send for the Earl 's soldiers to take me to Paris , which they did , and there I joined my sister .
va	5	But I did see it , and I did come to understand , and as soon as I was well enough , I went to join her .
va	5	But before she could go on , Rosa demanded to know , " How could you have doubted the goodness of my mother and father ?
va	5	No , never , but she is Lea , and I would know her were there a thousand Rosas to fill this room and say otherwise .
va	5	" Silence , I say , " said Eli with an immense deep voice , as if he wanted everyone in the great room to hear it .
va	5	All around people were murmuring , " The old Jew tells the truth , " and " Yes , how can they prove it ? "
va	5	Forgive me , forgive me with all your heart , please , that I did not write to you and tell you of my gratitude .
va	5	Lady Margaret and Rosa were now tangled in each other 's arms , sobbing , whispering , and Little Eleanor had put her arms around them .
va	5	" I do with all my heart , " Rosa said , and she said a great deal more , but the entire room was in motion .
va	5	You who came here to challenge us , you who brought from Paris a child who may not be the child she claims to be . "
va	5	" Yes , and it will stand , and all will be well , but who are you and where do you come from ? "
va	5	Somewhere deep inside my clouded mind was a vision of that cart , surrounded by soldiers , safely away , on the road to London .
va	5	I shoved the driver 's license back in my pocket and I climbed off the bed and went into the bathroom and stared into the mirror .
va	5	I saw my usual leather bag there , and realized how much it resembled the bag I 'd been toting all through the thirteenth century .
va	5	It was all I could do to kneel in the first pew , and say again the prayer I 'd said when the mob attacked me .
va	5	To just know that it had all been real , or to lose the feeling that it had been undeniably real , which was driving me crazy .
va	5	I tried to imagine them before the throne of God , to see that glorious blaze of light , and hear that glorious unending song of praise .
va	5	But you 've been writing a story you had to write , and what you have to do now isn 't clear to you . "
va	5	And something akin to sadness swept me up and mingled my very essence with the voices who sang , because the voices were singing of me .
va	5	Other voices sang all around me and of me , and these voices vied with angelic voices as though answering them across a fathomless vault .
va	5	It was a weave , these voices , angelic and other , and I knew suddenly that these were voices of people praying , praying for me .
va	5	Not a single word was lost in this great womb of love that surrounded me , this vast night that was as bright as day .
va	5	I 'd crept off with his daughter into the family guesthouse , and never dreamed all these years that she 'd had a child as the result .
va	5	" Upstairs , on your computer , " he said , " there 's a long document you wrote called ' Angel Time . ' "
va	5	She wore a red suit , fitted at the waist and flaring over her narrow hips , with a short flared skirt that just covered her knees .
va	5	There was nothing hesitant or reticent about her , and when I thought back on it , I realized there never had been at all .
va	5	Now the Innkeeper 's Suite at the Mission Inn is the only one that is really modern and lavish in the five-star sort of way .
va	5	I 'd done murder here at the Mission Inn , and yet I had brought these two people here as if this had never happened .
va	5	He 'd lifted me out of the twenty-first century , and sent me back in time to avert disaster for am imperiled community in medieval England .
va	5	And it was here that I 'd called my old boss , The Right Man , and told him I would never kill for him again .
va	5	I was so unworthy of my long-ago love , and my newfound son , so utterly unworthy , and they had no conception of it .
va	5	I care about you and Toby and I care about , well , the men in your life and what all that might mean . "
va	5	" Remember you said if you could teach college and own a beautiful house on Palmer Avenue , you 'd be the happiest man in the world .
va	5	He was having a lively time with his iPhone camera , and he took dozens of pictures of us in just about every setting imaginable .
va	5	You start now with or without words , and you just keep talking and you never never let anything come between you and talking to God . "
va	5	I got up , kissed him again on the forehead and told him that I 'd be right outside whenever he wanted to join me .
va	5	I found my son busy at the koi pond with his camera , determined to catch one fish which didn 't want to be caught .
va	5	Neither of them had seen the Pacific and we found some breathtaking vantage points and Toby wanted to take as many pictures as he could .
va	5	We talked all about New Orleans the way it was these days after the horrors of Hurricane Katrina and how difficult the storm had been .
va	5	" I 'm a creature of the coast now , I think , but there are different reasons why people live in different places . "
va	5	I stood silently , not daring to move closer to her , or to touch her arms , or to bend down for the smallest kiss .
va	5	" And in the meantime be strong for her , the mother of your son , be strong for him and the man he can become .
va	5	" He says if you cannot be a saint , or a monk or a priest , then think in terms of being a hero . "
va	5	And we all had room service together at a beautifully draped table replete with hotel silver and the appropriate covers to keep the dishes deliciously hot .
va	5	she asked , naturally , and when I tried to explain that she could read all the material on the plane , she insisted I explain now .
va	5	My name doesn 't appear in these papers , but be assured the name that does is one I use for business all the time .
va	5	Then the car was gone and they were gone , and the great beautiful world of the Mission Inn seemed empty as it had never seemed before .
va	5	But it was all I had , and I could use it for them , and it could be cleansed in that way , couldn 't it ?
va	5	You 'll never go a day of your life without knowing you have them , that they need you , that you mustn 't disappoint them .
va	5	" Oh , give me world enough and time to make up for the things I did , and world enough and time - . "
va	5	" Yes , remember those words , " he said , " where I 'm sending you , because it will be a complex series of tasks .
va	5	The men around me backed away as the gate finally opened , and a young gentleman , about my age , stood squarely on the threshold .
va	5	The old servant uttered some prayers in Latin , and crossed himself , which surprised me , but the young man with me appeared fearless and defiant .
va	5	At last we opened the double doors of the study , and the servant quickly lighted several more candles for us as the shutters were drawn .
va	5	His head was bald and pink in the light with only a few wisps of dark hair , and he stared uneasily at the pair of us .
va	5	" That sounds like a very human prayer to me , " I said , " and given your gifts , it sounds quite understandable . "
va	5	While I play the lute , I can listen and I can watch and I can see if in fact this man is being poisoned . "
va	5	" But I tell you , Toby , there is no one that does not love him , no one that could bear to lose him .
va	5	We pushed through without speaking a word , and as we made our way through the thick press of the alleyway , Vitale was whispering to me .
va	5	I could see he bore some resemblance to the old man and to the young man in the bed , but something very different marked his appearance .
va	5	" The Holy Father himself has sent the caviar , " he went on patiently to explain to the father , expressing an almost tender trust .
va	5	" No insult to His Holiness , " said Vitale quickly , " and it 's kind of him to send this caviar , of course .
va	5	And finally , much to my relief , a servant woman appeared with a basin of water , and applied a cold rag to his head .
va	5	Do you think every man who takes a fever and dies of it does so because there 's a demon in a house in the same street ?
va	5	Then as if to quiet his brother , he took the spoon and swallowed the caviar and at once his eyes began to redden and tear .
va	5	I settled snugly into the huge chair , a veritable monster of exuberant black claws , with red cushions for the back and for the seat .
va	5	And the dejected man , moving almost as if in a dream , took the decanter , filled a goblet and drank the contents down .
va	5	" I have no great gift for poetry , and yet I am a poet for want of being anything else , " he said to me .
va	5	Oh , I could tell you stories of the wilds of America , the wilds of Portuguese ports and savages such as you can only imagine . "
va	5	" Yes , and wealth I have from my father 's ever-increasing generosity and affection , abundantly in private , and in the presence of others . "
va	5	" You 've been kind to me , " he said , but when he smiled , only his lips moved , and it was frankly hideous .
va	5	" Say you have prayed , and you have pondered , and you have considered what has happened since the caviar was first given . "
va	5	You think that in hopes of a palazzo I can well afford to buy I would sacrifice the life of my closest friend in all the world ?
va	5	Have you made vows to the Evil One that you would offer up to him this Christian death for some dark purpose of your own ? "
va	5	He 'd glanced to the left at his father , to the right at his brother , he 'd studied the priests when they spoke .
va	5	An elderly woman , much bewildered and frightened , produced a crockery dish for the poor starved dog and went to fill it with water .
va	5	Why , it was this very Jew Vitale who brought the plant to the house ... " " You contradict your story , " said Antonio .
va	5	Not making a sound , he stood there in his long white bed tunic , barefoot , trembling , yet staring at his dead brother .
va	5	He wore a sword in a heavily jeweled scabbard , and a short cloak over his shoulders of gray velvet as fine as that of his tunic .
va	5	Torches were passing us , making a spitting sound as they flared , and some of the shops now poured their light into the narrow walkway .
va	5	It was the way I loved it , dry and with a slight smoky flavor , and as good a wine as I 'd ever had .
va	5	There were actors again , some got up as horses , and they were acting a battle scene with much noise and frequent rounds of applause .
va	5	The first course had been taken away and I 'd scarcely noticed it , and now came the servants with platters of roasted fowl and steaming vegetables .
va	5	His mouth was soft , full and smiling as though he thought me entertaining , but he didn 't seem scornful or disdainful at all .
va	5	The spirits who are manipulating you are feeding off your emotions , feeding as surely as the people in this room are feeding off these plates . "
va	5	" Of course , he didn 't send me , but you must ask yourself why he can 't stop me from telling you the truth . "
va	5	There was something so eloquent of justice and beauty in the music , so expressive of a virtue that it could break one 's heart .
va	5	He released me but then placed his hands tightly on my shoulders , and I could feel the pressure of his fingers growing very strong .
va	5	Indeed the very fabric of the world around me was ripped , and his body exploded in that rip into huge splashes of blinding fire .
va	5	There was a rolling roar , which grew louder and louder , and even though my eyes were closed , I knew the light was gone .
va	5	I stood there until I was calm again and resolute and the darkness did not seem to be a fatal gloom enveloping the entire world .
va	5	I thought of Vitale 's words to me that " upstairs " he had found the synagogue of the house , with its sacred books .
va	5	Again objects were being hurled at me , and I had to get out of the doorway , shielding myself instinctively with my right hand .
va	5	One of the chandeliers began to rock furiously back and forth until it was ripped from its chains , and thundered into the benches below .
va	5	I wasn 't sure what I meant to do , but I tightened the strings of the lute , plucking it very softly , to tune it .
va	5	I grew a little bolder , playing faster , and with greater variation , and slowly taking the melody into a melancholy comment on itself .
va	5	' Oh , Lord of my salvation , when I cry out in the darkness before you , let my prayers reach you . ' "
va	5	Blue tassels were sewn to the ends of his mantle and he wore the hated yellow badge over his heart , which marked him as a Jew .
va	5	From behind the door came the most piteous howling and then a thunderous noise as if the large wine casks were being rolled across the cellar floor .
va	5	We pounded on the doors of Signore Antonio 's house until the night watchman appeared and , seeing who we were , sleepily let us in .
va	5	" I must see the master immediately , " I told the old man , but he only shook his head as if he were deaf .
va	5	He sank down on the cushions and , rubbing his nose for a moment as though he was in pain , he looked up at me .
va	5	He wears a black velvet tunic , long , like that of a scholar , but he has blue tassels sewn on the edges of his mantle .
va	5	He turned away from me , as if he couldn 't bear my scrutiny , or anyone 's for that matter , and he bowed his head .
va	5	I saw at once that there were four armed guards in attendance on Signore Antonio , hovering about his chair at the head of the table .
va	5	He was clad in black like his father , and so was Vitale , who sat beside him , and looked up at me with timid eyes .
va	5	The noises from the cellar continued , and once again , I was convinced that the ghost was rolling the heavy casks of wine over the floor .
va	5	Raising his voice above the sounds , Signore Antonio spoke again : " A terrible thing befell my friend Giovanni in Florence , " he said .
va	5	" I only now as a father who has lost a son can begin to grasp what this meant for Giovanni , " he said .
va	5	" The young man , with stumps for hands , his eyes torn out , his body mutilated , clung to life for a few days .
va	5	And not a ghost who hurls bottles against walls or rattles doors , or heaves ink pots into the air or throws things against a cellar floor .
va	5	I lifted the stones , eager to free my poor friend , and attend to him , and what do you think I found ? "
va	5	Then he looked off again as if he wished , for all the world , to be absolutely alone now rather than telling this tale .
va	5	Was it true , a Jew known to me had attacked Christians in Holy Week when it was forbidden that a Jew be seen in the streets ?
va	5	I could not bear what I had done , and I could not bear the pain I felt in remembering all that had gone before .
va	5	" And who now is charged , justly , with seeing to it that my old friend 's remains are at last properly laid to rest ? "
va	5	" Bring light , " he said to the servants , and we followed him now out of the dining room and down to the main floor .
va	5	Finally , I put out my arms and he drew me close in a firm embrace , and thanked me for all I 'd done .
va	5	Fact was , I believed in God and always had , but I don 't know if I have ever really believed in the Devil .
va	5	And then I felt wonder that the seeds of goodness had lain dormant so long in him , waiting for the breath from an angel 's lips .
va	5	I didn 't believe in the Devil or demons , and when I came to God , it was not out of fear of Hell . "
va	5	I went to the refrigerator in the little dining area , found a bottle of icy cold soda and drank it down in several gulps .
va	5	I 'd told him to keep his eye on the bookstores , that someday he might find my name on the cover of a book .
va	5	Well , I 'd been filled with consolation and light when I 'd spoken those words to The Right Man , and now I was confused .
va	5	I took out another bottle of soda , savoring the coldness of it , even though I was still cold , and then drank again .
va	5	I nodded , as if I 'd caught him in a startling series of admissions , but of course I had caught him in nothing .
va	5	There might be rules to all this , a vast system of them , but it might be far too intricate and involved for me to understand .
va	5	" And also by the way in which he used the New Age viewpoints on questions of life and death and why we 're here .
va	5	" Because you need me and you want me to be here , and you 're restless and your ideas of what to do next are unformed .
va	5	I struggled in my brain for concepts to describe it , to seize it and hold on to it , but this was not possible .
va	5	I soon learned what I should never have forgotten , that Rome was sacked in 1527 , at which time thousands of lives were lost .
va	5	I had sought to use the truth to solve the problems confronting me , and found it a very complex and hard thing to do indeed .
va	5	I wasn 't surprised to see him in the lobby , seated in one of the large chairs , with his eyes turned towards the restaurant entrance .
va	5	Lucky the Fox had always had his antennae out for those who might be watching him , whether sent by his enemies or his boss .
va	5	It had been almost a year since I 'd been in that particular way station , and I didn 't like going back there at all .
va	5	I have also resolved to walk a path of reparation , to make up in my remaining years for what I did in these last ten .
va	5	I walked outside , felt the spring air warm around me and caressing and soothing , and then I started to walk back towards my hotel .
va	5	And yet I was connected with all here , I was part of this place and this moment , and this felt very simply glorious .
va	5	And if he was following me then he might have seen me go to the garage in Los Angeles and the garage in New York !
va	5	Yet I was thankful we were here , in New York , amid the early evening crowds , with people on all sides of us .
va	5	But he was a little too happy right now to put on his studious expression , and try to look older than his twenty-three years .
va	5	They , d been walking the forested slopes of the property since Reuben arrived , visiting a ramshackle old guesthouse and the ruin of a barn .
va	5	I , d be ashamed of you if you weren , t. " " Oh , that , s music to my ears , " he confessed .
va	5	" Actually , I haven , t accomplished one single thing in my life yet , " he said with an ease that shocked him .
va	5	And both the women in his life had praised his writing to the skies , and lectured him at length on what he failed to grasp .
va	5	" Your mother talks in detail about her surgeries over shrimp cocktail , and your father will only talk about what absolutely does not matter at all .
va	5	But if the house sells tomorrow , I , m ready to ship it all to climate-controlled storage and work with it from there . "
va	5	The other men were undeniably interesting , all with rather abstracted and serious expressions , and one in particular stood out , to the far left .
va	5	She turned and melted against him for a moment , kissing him on the lips quickly and then said again that he was the most charming boy .
va	5	" Oh , yes , I know , I , ve spent my time in the libraries of Berkeley and Stanford , " he said .
va	5	She paused , closed her eyes for a second , and then , making a little fist with her right hand , she tapped her breast .
va	5	He was always coming through the door with some treasure - an Olmec statue , a colonial oil painting from Brazil , a mummified cat .
va	5	" I think they , ve been in every rehab in the country , " she said , " and a few overseas as well .
va	5	They know just what to tell the judge to get sent to rehab , and just what to tell the therapists when they , re inside .
va	5	Anyway , he had everything , you know , and the drugs just got him , and he died like a dog , in a barroom toilet .
va	5	Sometimes he thought that it was Willie , s death that bound them together , him and Celeste , or at least it had for a while .
va	5	" Yes , because , you see , Felice thinks he , s coming home , and there were times when I certainly thought so too .
va	5	And this meant she , d gone out there in the dark alone to get it for him , and this made him a little ashamed .
va	5	He felt that it was something he , d remember forever , and it seemed infinitely more important than most things he , d ever done .
va	5	He would certainly not spring it on her , and it would have to be very clear in his mind that she would want to know .
va	5	In fact , he was certain she wouldn , t. And he winced when he thought of her patronizing him , maybe calling him a beautiful boy .
va	5	Seems she had whispered something like that to him when they were in the thick of it , and it hadn , t mattered then .
va	5	Maybe it would bind them together , deeply , as good friends and fine friends , and that would be something of great value to them both .
va	5	Many doors stood open , and he found himself peering into several little libraries and galleries much like the one he , d just left .
va	5	He struck out with all the force he could muster , thrusting his shoulder behind the blow , and threw one of his attackers backwards and away .
va	5	His attackers were screaming , the animal was snapping , roaring , and Reuben himself had slid down in what was surely his own blood .
va	5	He felt the weight of the beast on top of him , pinning him to the floor , and then the bellowing of the two men stopped .
va	5	His fingers closed on the cell phone , but he waited , waited in the silence until he was certain that he was truly alone .
va	5	The sirens were very close now , winding down , someone spooling up that shimmering luminous ribbon and , once again , the sound of breaking glass .
va	5	But certainly they could get a decent sampling from the bites on the dead men that would tell them whether the animal had been rabid or not .
va	5	But folks in the vicinity of the old house put their money on a mountain lion they , d been tracking for the last year .
va	5	She was wearing the ruby bracelet he , d given her , and a bit of lipstick that was the same color as the ruby .
va	5	One of the other doctors , a good friend of Grace , s , had dropped by , and they stood chatting in the hall .
va	5	Ironic that he , one of their most promising reporters , as they always put it , was the subject of headlines in other papers .
va	5	And now he was able very easily to defend himself against a big lumbering guy who two weeks ago might have scared him out of his wits .
va	5	I mean is that what , s happening now , you , re going through some sort of adolescent recharge of your whole system ? "
va	5	He jerked it out angrily , studied the small screen , rose to his feet , kissed Reuben on the top of his head , and left .
va	5	Phil was in his robe and pajamas and was sitting back in his big leather desk chair , listening to music under the obvious black headphones .
va	5	It had been some force in the darkness that savaged the young killers , and then left him alive for reasons he could not understand .
va	5	" Well , your mother said there was a bloom to it , you know , almost like a woman gets when she , s pregnant .
va	5	The kids had been en route for a field trip in nearby Muir Woods , which included some of the most beautiful redwoods in the world .
va	5	He could see all the details of the room with remarkable clarity , the old plaster crown moldings , even the fine cracks in the ceiling .
va	5	On all sides the buildings were alive with pulsing lights , tiny busy windows , voices throbbing inside , as the city breathed and sang around him .
va	5	Reuben tore at the man , s flesh , growls coming out of his mouth as his teeth tore at the man , s shoulder .
va	5	It was just thicker in some places than others - around his private parts , and on his inner thighs , and on his lower belly .
va	5	It seemed he , d never tasted water before , never known how purely delicious it was , how sweet and cleansing it was , how invigorating .
va	5	He saw it tumbling and boiling towards the dark waters of the bay , the distant invisible ocean , the faraway mountains , the rolling clouds .
va	5	Something had happened to his entire body that was very much like what happens to the erectile tissue of his organ when a man is sexually aroused .
va	5	He had a vivid memory of being strapped to that gurney in Mendocino County as he shouted at those doctors , " Tell me what happened ! "
va	5	But never had he wanted so much to be alone , to be studying , thinking , searching for answers to the mystery that was engulfing him .
va	5	At the same time there was a scent in the room that was distinctly familiar and connected to something out of the ordinary , but what ?
va	5	It , s been two weeks since that disaster in Mendocino , and you , re expecting me to cover another animal attack - . "
va	5	" Well , the coroner , s office has confirmed it was an animal , all right , canine or lupine , but an animal .
va	5	I , m telling you , Reuben , the worst thing that could possibly happen to you is to go into broadcast news at your age .
va	5	The story was galloping around the globe , all right , and almost all accounts mentioned the " mysterious " attack on him in Mendocino .
va	5	If a Man Wolf - the Man Wolf - is stalking the alleyways of San Francisco , to whom exactly is this beast a threat ?
va	5	Reuben hated the rain , and immediately lighted his fireplace , turning down the lamps so the flickering of the fire could provide some tangible comfort .
va	5	Phil was mumbling that Reuben might become a writer after all and writers had a way of " redeeming everything that ever happens to them . "
va	5	With the fire flickering away , and the rain tapping at the windows , and the lovely rippling Mozart filling the room , he felt almost normal .
va	5	Though there was one little thing worth salvaging : in several movies , the power to become a werewolf was referred to as a " gift . "
va	5	True , in The Howling , they had fun making out , but other than that , what was the good of being a movie werewolf ?
va	5	Reuben brought up the pictures he , d taken of himself last night , which he had buried in an encrypted file that was password protected .
va	5	On Amazon.com , he punched in an order for one of several reprints , and then decided to try to find the title story online .
va	5	This had to be a coincidence , and certainly it was a coincidence that no one had noticed and which no one might ever notice .
va	5	He , d talked on and on about this in phone call after phone call , as if reassuring himself of this rather than Reuben .
va	5	And at once he set about ordering books specifically on werewolf fiction , legends , and poetry , including anthologies and studies , to be delivered overnight .
va	5	All the sounds of the night were sharpened , the chorus rising around him , mingled with bells , fleeting streaks of music , and desperate prayers .
va	5	He felt the urge to escape the confines of the room , to spring off into the darkness , utterly indifferent to where he might land .
va	5	The kerosene had spilled in the grass and was burning , spitting and smoking in the rain , giving the ghastly scene a hellish light .
va	5	The old man who had been the victim knelt huddled , his arms tightly wrapped around his body , staring at Reuben with large unquestioning eyes .
va	5	He went up over the slippery roof tiles with no hesitation and found himself traveling to the blackness of yet another small woodland - Buena Vista Park .
va	5	Only it wasn , t spoken aloud ; it was the drumbeat behind the moans and cries he heard that were beneath or beyond language .
va	5	He landed on the roof above the victim , high atop a grand four-story mansion that bordered the steep hill leading up to the little park .
va	5	When he heard the voice of the operator a wild exultant urge went through him , to say Murder , murder , but he did not .
va	5	Whatever the case , he had to get away from everything , including the voices that had drawn him into the slaughtering of four people .
va	5	I mean , what is the thing going to do next : scrawl a poetic message on a wall in the victim , s blood ? "
va	5	They aren , t telling us everything , but my contacts in the sheriff , s office say they , re dealing with real professionals here .
va	5	And one parent had broken with the FBI and the sheriff , s office to publicly condemn both for not paying the ransom on demand .
va	5	Should he simply drive the back roads in the vicinity of the kidnapping , listening with his new acute hearing for the victims , cries ?
va	5	The victim in Golden Gate Park had been identified as a missing Fresno man , and his family had been overjoyed to be reunited with him .
va	5	And he , d left no saliva evidence last night , just whatever might have come from the claws with which he , d slashed his victims .
va	5	That was all the more reason , wasn , t it , to conclude that the other victims were not very far away at all .
va	5	My wife , s lived here all her life , used to cook and clean up here now and then when there were parties . "
va	5	I know she has , she , s teaching them to hunt , and you have to be careful at sundown and at dawn . "
va	5	" Well , she got my dog , " he confessed , " and I , m going to kill her just the same . "
va	5	The master bedroom was indeed impressive , with its original brilliant flowered William Morris wallpaper , and the best bedroom on the front of the house .
va	5	The southeast bedroom of the house was just as quaint as the master , and so were the two central front bedrooms that faced south .
va	5	" Now all this here is renovated , " Galton said proudly , " and all this is wired for cable , every bedroom in the place .
va	5	There , s a closet down at that other end off the hallway and that , s full of china and silver , too . "
va	5	Very slowly , he turned to survey the floor , and discovered that the white marble had been covered by a series of oval braided throw rugs .
va	5	Once that alarm was set , the entire ground floor was covered by motion detectors , glass breaker alarms , and contacts on all doors and windows .
va	5	And by the way , there , s a cellar under this house , a small cellar , with a stairs under the main stairs .
va	5	The Hamiltons live north and the Drexel family used to live east but I don , t think there , s anybody out there anymore .
va	5	" I can , t wait to walk the woods , " Reuben murmured but what he was registering was that he was really alone here .
va	5	If there was something out there in the night , something that knew more about him perhaps than anyone did , he couldn , t feel it .
va	5	Then far away he heard the sea banging on the coast , banging , the waves sounding like big guns as they thundered on the beach .
va	5	And he wondered if that creature , that creature who just might be out there watching , would wait for that transformation before he or it appeared .
va	5	" You know , nobody who knows you expected you to write such interesting articles for the Observer and you should be writing right now .
va	5	And what is she doing going to a movie with Mort when the whole city , s looking for the kidnappers or the Man Wolf ?
va	5	Well , they , d be here forever now ; and he could spend hours with them later this evening or tomorrow or tomorrow after that .
va	5	He was about to put the book back when he saw there was something scribbled in ink on this page : Beloved Felix , For You !
va	5	Far to the back of the room , he saw the discarded iron stairs , all of a circular piece lying on its side in the dust .
va	5	For the next hour , he roamed , finding two other isolated gable attic rooms like this first one , and another that was empty .
va	5	Everywhere he searched he found evidence that small items - the tablets - had been carefully collected and removed , leaving shiny blank places in the dust .
va	5	" If you , re getting uneasy up there , son , I , ll be glad to come back up and sleep in the back . "
va	5	He sat at the desk for a long time , looking across the room at the big photograph of Felix and Company over the fireplace .
va	5	Nothing had changed except parents were breaking faith with the sheriff , s office and the FBI and blaming them for the little girl , s death .
va	5	Oh , this was glorious to own this house , to be here in this dark forest once again , to be close to this immense mystery .
va	5	He parked near the San Rafael Civic Center and took up his stand in the trees , far from the gaggle of reporters camped before the doors .
va	5	Yes , the kidnappers had called again , and they weren , t going to tell that to the public , no matter who was demanding it .
va	5	It was the children , the children crying , and sobbing , and the women , s voices crooning to them , singing , comforting them .
va	5	He pulled the Porsche over into a thicket of oaks on a bluff quite high above the deep valley into which the Land Rover had gone .
va	5	With all his soul , he wanted to devour the man , to close his jaws on his flesh , but there was no time .
va	5	The taste of the flesh was rich and overpowering , mixed with the stench of evil , the stench of viciousness , the stench of utter corruption .
va	5	He could have torn at the frames of the doors with his teeth ; he wanted to lock his teeth again on anything that he could find .
va	5	He reached the doors of the barn in a split second , and ripped off the locks , fracturing and splintering the doors as they fell in .
va	5	The children were squealing in a frenzy , their cries thin , and shrill , the whooping clarion of the alarm almost swallowing the sound .
va	5	He lay down on a bed of leaves panting and crying softly , licking at his teeth for a last taste of the warm flesh and blood .
va	5	He knelt and drank as if he , d never satisfied thirst in his whole life before , lapping , guzzling , gulping the water .
va	5	He moved slowly towards her , and watched in secret astonishment as she moved along the porch and to the head of the back steps .
va	5	Her flesh was white in the light of the lantern , sweet , tender - and her lips opened and she gave a little gasp .
va	5	All the domestic scents swirled around him - of polished wood , scented soap , candles , a touch of incense , the smell of a fire .
va	5	He made out an antique bed against the wall , with a high back of golden oak , and white covers that looked as soft as foam .
va	5	He kissed the top of her head , and he kissed her forehead , hmmmmm , satin , kissed her upturned eyes and made them close .
va	5	This was a little house of the woods made by someone who had loved the woods and wanted to be in it without disturbing it .
va	5	A woman of thirty , yes , and her hair was an ashen blond , but mostly grayish white now , and long and loose and natural .
va	5	From where he lay he could see a picture of her in hiking gear , with a backpack and a staff , smiling for the camera .
va	5	He headed south for the Golden Gate , struggling again and again to stay awake as the sunrise broke through the fog with a steely heartless light .
va	5	I don , t know what manner of beast attacked me up there , or whether or not it meant to give me this power .
va	5	Well , I think that applies to people who haven , t been changed into some sort of ... " " Animal , " said Reuben .
va	5	" Yes , that , s so true , and nobody would word that quite like you just did except my little brother , Reuben . "
va	5	And he let me go , perhaps knowing what he , d done to me , what he , d passed on to me . "
va	5	And there , s more to it all than meets the eye , I mean , more connecting what happened to that house and the family .
va	5	Look , let Mom run tests , let her figure out what the physical components of this thing are , how or why it , s happening .
va	5	I , ve been thinking about the hostages in the jungles of Colombia , and how easy it might be for me to get to them .
va	5	Frankly , I think Mom could be persuaded to keep this secret because she loves you , Little Boy , and she , s your mom .
va	5	It would ... it would drive Mom right over the edge , that much is certain , no matter what she decided to do . "
va	5	I think I know who she is , but the point is , I came on her unexpectedly and I lay with her . " "
va	5	" If it , s not supernatural , if it , s simply a virus , then why are you killing only bad people ? "
va	5	He couldn , t begin to explain how his thinking had changed , even when he wasn , t under the power of the transformation .
va	5	At last he stood staring at the old Reuben Golding he thought he knew so well , and neither had a word for the other that mattered .
va	5	He desperately needed her friendship right now , but the rest had taken on a nightmarish hue , and it wasn , t her fault .
va	5	The man was bawling , whining , pitying himself and those he " had " to kill , and the wife who was already dead .
va	5	Reuben stepped up to him quietly , took the gun from his hand , and squeezed the man , s thick slippery neck until his windpipe broke .
va	5	He went back the way he came , punched in 911 on the bedroom phone , and said to the operator , " Two people are dead .
va	5	Laura had been in New York when the " accident " had happened , and the accident , it turned out , was no accident .
va	5	But even in this , he was surrounded by love - intimately connected to Grace and Phil and , of course , his beloved brother , Jim .
va	5	He had the warm hub of the Russian Hill house and the great gang of friends drawn perpetually into the family circle by all its vibrant members .
va	5	However , there was one more tiny item that he did want , and that was her address , and he found that quickly enough .
va	5	The bedroom opened onto the kitchen , divinely rustic with its big black stove and blue-and-white china cups on hooks beneath the open white shelves .
va	5	There were large bright garden paintings by Collette D. throughout the house , rather tame and predictable , perhaps , but brilliantly colorful and comforting and sweet .
va	5	He couldn , t tell her that he wasn , t always like this , that he was in fact " that boy up north . "
va	5	Let me just hold her here by this fire , in this small house of simple things , and let this be all right for now .
va	5	They , d shot the man , s companion - but kept him alive , bound , gagged , suffocating in the trunk of the car .
va	5	She appeared wrapped in solitude as she sat there , snug in her corduroy coat , her face fresh and lovely as it had been last night .
va	5	The little house in the forest had belonged to her grandfather , and he , d still been alive when she was a little girl .
va	5	If the creature was up there , if the creature had secrets to divulge , well , then they should give the creature a chance .
va	5	Her eyebrows were just dark enough to give her a definite serious expression and her blue eyes were always beautiful even when they looked a bit cold .
va	5	He realized he felt utterly possessive of her , proprietary , in a way he , d never felt with anyone , not even Celeste .
va	5	They were sitting on the leather couch in the library , with the fire going , watching the large television to the left of the fireplace .
va	5	" Well , the element of surprise , for one thing , " said the expert , " but his strength has probably been wildly exaggerated . "
va	5	How did he find a woman on the third floor of a San Francisco house or a homeless man being attacked in Golden Gate Park ? "
va	5	Reuben wanted for all the world to snuggle up with her now , either here or upstairs in the regal bed of the master bedroom .
va	5	The fountain had been reinvigorated and the water was rumbling beautifully from the small basin atop its fluted column into the broad flat basin below .
va	5	They removed their clothes , hurriedly , silently , and came together again , in a tangle of kisses that were almost tormenting for him .
va	5	When he did open his eyes , he was standing , the mane thick and heavy over his shoulders , his hands transformed into claws .
va	5	All the scents of the night had broken through the solid shell of the house , rising like steam from a thousand tiny whispering chinks and crannies .
va	5	Out there , south of here , in the redwoods that ran to the east and upwards , he heard the snorting , snuffling animal he wanted .
va	5	He turned and bent to kiss Laura again , fearing to hurt her as he held her face gently , very gently , with his paws .
va	5	He let out a huge roar to give it fair warning , and then leapt from one tree to another before it , enticing it to pounce .
va	5	The werewolf was not a wolf , no , nor a man , but an obscene combination of the two , exponentially more powerful than either one .
va	5	" Oh , I know you , re burning with curiosity for what I might tell you , " said the creature with subtle contempt .
va	5	" You sealed the woman , s fate , not I , when you gave her the secret of who and what you are . "
va	5	Again , Reuben advanced , but the creature stood firm , raising one paw as if to fend Reuben off , a weak defensive gesture .
va	5	" Don , t think it doesn , t rip at my heart , " he said , baring his fangs as if in an ugly smile .
va	5	Reuben yanked him forward by the hair of his mane and then hurled him against the stone mantel and the beast let out a strangled roar .
va	5	The creature bellowed , and thrashed at Reuben , and Reuben lunged again and clamped his teeth down on the side of the creature , s face .
va	5	For a long moment , they remained still , Laura crying ever more softly , exhausting herself in her tears , and then finally growing quiet .
va	5	" Laura , the mitochondrial component of the DNA would prove that this wasn , t the being who slaughtered the others , " Reuben said .
va	5	They , d gotten some results , then gone back only to find that all the original material was useless , or contaminated or lost .
va	5	He , d obviously come here prepared to lose these clothes , which might mean that he had a lodging and a vehicle close by .
va	5	And he was a little afraid of its coming , of being weakened and unable to defend himself if another one of these creatures appeared .
va	5	Just opposite and to his right , the cliffs rose , blotting out the view of the ocean and its winds , as they extended further north .
va	5	He willed it with all his strength , feeling the heat teem in his temples , and feeling his heart beat faster in his ears .
va	5	" What the book means to me at any rate is that Felix is a theological thinker , a person interested in the destiny of souls . "
va	5	Reuben looked off again , beyond the gravel driveway , at the oak forest , so close , so dense , so filled with shadow and light .
va	5	Because any such move would spell the complete end of my freedom and Laura , s freedom , and the complete end of our lives ! "
va	5	" Okay , then I know I can , t imagine the freedom and the power and they must be seductive beyond my most feverish dreams . "
va	5	Let me try to figure who could be trusted , who could study this , analyze , figure some way perhaps to reverse it - . "
va	5	This Russian doctor , he , s supposed to arrive here tomorrow , and take her to see this little hospital in Sausalito - . "
va	5	In the past , Reuben had always helped serve on Thanksgiving at St. Francis , and so had Phil and Celeste and even Grace when she could .
va	5	One come into town and took a walk in north Berkeley , right past the shops and restaurants , not so very long ago . "
va	5	" Well , it , s not as if we don , t try to get him a decent set of wheels , " said Reuben .
va	5	" Well , they did when she was a little girl , I guess , but after Felix disappeared , I don , t know .
va	5	" If he comes in , I , ll tell him you , re up at the house and you , ve got the letter . "
va	5	" It , s the restlessness that comes when I can , t change , when I don , t hear the voices calling me .
va	5	There had probably been other diaries , tucked in the shelves here , but the shelves had never been full , and he couldn , t know .
va	5	I went into every closet , bathroom , stairwell , and nowhere did I find a door opening to the middle of the house . "
va	5	She could no longer hold the wine bottle , no longer move her hands or her arms , her matted hair covering her wet face .
va	5	And I know he , s suggested a private hospital , Mother , and I know you want me to go to this place . "
va	5	But I want you to do what , s best for me , and what , s best for me is to leave me alone . "
va	5	He moved towards her but she stiffened against the door as if she , d fight to the death before she , d let him go .
va	5	You , ve been infected by something infinitely more dangerous than rabies , and I want you to go with me to the hospital now .
va	5	Just today , Galton had added a number of potted ferns and some white bougainvillea , and the room was surprisingly warm from the dim afternoon sun .
va	5	Supper was a thick soup from the lamb dinner of yesterday that Reuben had concocted , and he thought the ingredients tasted better than before .
va	5	" Until we know , " she said , " we won , t ever know whether we , re alone here , will we ? "
va	5	This morning , he felt that he had brought on the change simply by wishing for it , after he and Laura had made love .
va	5	But the lighted windows made it easy for them to see their way through the oak forest that surrounded the entire east side of the house .
va	5	" One doesn , t change one , s legal name just for the fun of it , to be a member of a select club . "
va	5	" What it could mean , " she said gravely , " is that these creatures don , t age , that you won , t age .
va	5	He thought about the bullet that didn , t wound him , about the glass he , d broken which didn , t cut him .
va	5	He explored the deep gutter , digging like a dog through the leaves , but he found no handle , or lever or button to push .
va	5	He climbed down now quickly , easily , to the first floor of the house , feeling the wall on both sides with his paws .
va	5	Books there were aplenty on shelves everywhere , covered in dust and cobwebs , but this was no simple library , not by any means .
va	5	If these creatures have longevity , truly great longevity , think what modern science must have meant to them after thousands of years of alchemy .
va	5	Reuben didn , t want to touch them either , but he wished for all the world he had a bright light to shine on the tablets .
va	5	Desire was building in him now that the night was waning , not desire for the wild , but for the wild within this room .
va	5	A thousand fingers were stroking him , plucking ever so softly at every slithering hair on his head , his face , the backs of his arms .
va	5	The man was tall , well built , and had that kind of dark skin which is golden , and thick flowing short brown hair .
va	5	It was , well , you might say , a disastrous meeting , but not disastrous , as it turned out , for us . "
va	5	" Reuben , please , if you will , I think perhaps - , " said Simon who actually started to rise to his feet .
va	5	, Our doubts , like our misfortunes , are the price we have to pay for the fulfillment of the universe ... , " Reuben nodded .
va	5	That you mean me no harm on account of what happened to him , that you , ll leave me and my lady friend alone ! "
va	5	And he knew as well that there was nothing he could do to clarify things for Simon , or to mollify him , or to reassure him .
va	5	Flashing a smile at Reuben , and making a small bow , the man withdrew immediately and disappeared down a corridor of dark paneled doors .
va	5	" And perhaps he knows all the answers , the answers to everything , and he , ll be willing to tell you all he knows . "
va	5	He was quietly proud of how attractive she had been in that moment , in her gray wool pants and sweater , sleek and groomed and shining .
va	5	" I , m happy but I love you and I miss you and I , m worried about you and so is everybody else . "
va	5	He , d cried more in the presence of Laura than he had ever cried in his whole life in front of his own mother .
va	5	The Stan Getz - Charlie Byrd Jazz Samba had been playing in the background , and the entire group was obviously having a good time .
va	5	The scent was growing stronger as he looked into the man , s strangely opaque eyes , and what if the scent triggered the change ?
va	5	Only a low fever pulsing in his face and in the palms of his hands , and in the smooth flesh where the pain had been .
va	5	" Wrap yourself around me , " he breathed into her ear , guiding her arms around his neck , and her legs around his torso .
va	5	Then he eased her just a little to the right , so that she sat on his right thigh and his right arm firmly held her .
va	5	The clouds gathered and broke over the moon , sustaining that illusion that the moon was again and again burning its way through the clouds .
va	5	A long time ago in his short life , the voice of conscience had been the voice of Grace , Phil , Jim , and Celeste .
va	5	He had to move , and he began to climb from tree to tree , with her arms and legs once more locked to him .
va	5	As always , she weighed nothing ; she was fragrant and sweet as if he carried bundles of flowers close to him for their luscious scent .
va	5	Then he took them off of her , rolling back the sweater and pulling it gently away , and pulling loose the pants and throwing them aside .
va	5	Then the fur began to melt away , his skin drew breath , and he looked down again at his hands , his familiar hands .
va	5	Stuart , s whole goal in life , or so he repeatedly told the press , was to become a lawyer and work for human rights .
va	5	When Reuben walked in , Stuart was propped up on a mound of pillows and had two different packages of IV fluids pumping into his veins .
va	5	There are diseases that produce this kind of growth , and in his case he , s covered with shaggy hair on top of it .
va	5	You didn , t. " " He put his hands up to his head like this , like the sight of Antonio lying there dead - . "
va	5	And if I had stayed , well , then by the time I , d passed Santa Rosa , Stuart McIntyre would have been dead .
va	5	But not with anyone else ... except perhaps that chipper , bright-eyed boy with the freckles and the grin who was upstairs now healing miraculously .
va	5	The final rabies shot had been set up with Dr. Angie Cutler , Stuart , s doctor , for tomorrow morning at ten o , clock .
va	5	He cannot be thanked for this any more than an erupting volcano or an earthquake can be thanked for whatever good may follow in its wake .
va	5	Night came , and the towers were covered in glowing lights , sparkling and winking amid the dark trunks of the trees and the immense branches .
va	5	This was the tenth night since the transformation had first happened , and this was the first night that he had not experienced the change .
va	5	I just want him to be all right , to live , to survive , to be as if none of this happened to him .
va	5	He hated it , struggling to sound sincere , helpless in the face of their curiosity , eager to please , when inwardly he was trembling .
va	5	A fan club had sprung up among Stuart , s old high school friends , and they picketed daily demanding that the murderer be brought to justice .
va	5	It was the pale shadow of the raucous urban wilderness that lay to the south , beckoning with its promises of thousands of mingled voices .
va	5	Later on , Laura confessed that she knew what it meant to those people to be able to hike these woods , she really did .
va	5	" I , ve never been afraid anywhere ever in my life , " she said , " least of all in the California forests .
va	5	Of course the reporters and cameramen came on up the road on foot , but at least they couldn , t drive to the front doors .
va	5	When Felix comes , if Felix has the answers , if Felix can somehow direct , if Felix knows how ... they speculated for hours .
va	5	Finally , he brought her home and once again they made love in the dining room before a raging fire in the old grim medieval black fireplace .
va	5	Susan Larson , the Man Wolf , s first " contact " in North Beach , also lobbied hard for his " safe " capture .
va	5	He drove Laura south to get her Jeep and the bulk of her possessions , which amounted to so few boxes that he was kind of amazed .
va	5	Grace and Phil were completely taken with the house , but it was Phil who fell in love with it , just as Reuben had anticipated .
va	5	He , d never gone into the principal of any of his trusts until now , and had lived for years on half his income .
va	5	Phil was snorting , throwing down his napkin , picking it up , and throwing it down again , and saying the guy was a Rasputin .
va	5	Dr. Cutler , s trying to get custody of Stuart , or at least some kind of power of attorney with regard to his medical decisions .
va	5	She looked back to Reuben , and there came that warm affectionate smile on which so much of his well-being depended , but only for an instant .
va	5	Only one thought governed him , and that was to find Stuart , and the abandon he knew in the name of that cause was sublime .
va	5	The dead man on the stretcher Herman Buckler , and the men fanning out to search the surrounding trees were goaded by the thrill of the hunt .
va	5	Slowly he moved eastward , out of the orbit of the search , certain the boy would have been clever enough to do the same .
va	5	Let me listen now , let me see if I can pick up the scent or the sound of the person who , s coming .
va	5	He lay back against the old rotted tree and listened , urging the boy again to be silent with the firm grip of his paw .
va	5	The Jeep bumped and jogged along the freeway , swerving to pass a car , and then gained speed again as it sailed into the left lane .
va	5	Looking into the front bedroom beside his own , he saw Stuart across the bed , dead asleep as Reuben had been only moments ago .
va	5	" Your e-mail , s filled with messages , not just from your mother , but from your brother and your father , and from Celeste .
va	5	He could make it to the hidden room , no question of that , but what if Galton knew about the hidden room and always had ?
va	5	It was a sea of wet angry people in glistening raincoats with glistening umbrellas , and a good many more enforcement personnel than he had realized .
va	5	" And absolutely no one has to be harmed in this situation , where , you see , we have so many armed men . "
va	5	He turned anxiously to the door as he gestured , seemingly on the verge of opening it and inviting the " armed men " in .
va	5	" You have no sense of the volatile nature of the illness we , re dealing with , or our knowledge of these dangerous cases - . "
va	5	With ugly patronizing facial expressions the doctors were shaking their heads , and pursing their lips , as though this was out of the question .
va	5	Reuben stared aghast at its powerful hairy legs , the way it moved on the balls of its feet , heels high , knees flexed .
va	5	Simon Oliver had been taken to the local emergency room , after suffering all the symptoms of heart failure which might have been only a panic attack .
va	5	All the lamps had been lighted , from ornate wall sconces to old electric lights on corner tables or chests which Reuben had never even noticed before .
va	5	" And all this to determine why the boys were exhibiting these symptoms , whatever they are , these strange changes - , " said Phil .
va	5	" And what did you learn from this , " asked Felix , looking intently at Grace , " that you didn , t know before ? "
va	5	They , ll get to the bottom of what he is and how he became what he is , and that will be the end of it .
va	5	Laura looked emotionally threadbare but she obviously liked Thibault enormously and they , d been conversing all evening in low voices as the party rolled on .
va	5	" One of these days I , m going to appear on your doorstep , " he said , " with a suitcase under my arm . "
va	5	At last they were gone , all of them , and he wandered back through the drizzling rain into the house and bolted the door .
va	5	And across the table , Felix sat with his arms around Laura who was crying softly , her lips pressed to the back of her left hand .
va	5	Her hair was loosened now and down around her face in that ethereal white veil that Reuben loved , full of flickering and reflected light .
va	5	And you do realize that not the slightest suspicion will ever attach to you or Stuart now for the Man Wolf , s attacks . "
va	5	Grasp the right side of the lower portion of it , bring it towards you , and you will open a door to which it is attached .
va	5	He sighed , then went on : " This Durrell , he was a genius of a conversationalist , and dazzled us over the phone .
va	5	They knew things about our history that astonished us , and they had immense scientific knowledge in areas where more conventional scientists refuse to speculate . "
va	5	" We did everything we could to trick them into allowing us access to one another , but they were far too clever for that .
va	5	" They thought we were quite thoroughly demoralized by that time , " said Thibault , " that we were far weaker than we were . "
va	5	" I , m tired now , " said Felix , " and the sight of so much blood earlier has played upon my inveterate hunger . "
va	5	Boar , wildcat , bear - he caught the scents , and the hunger rose in him , the imperative to kill , to feast .
va	5	On and on they ran , until there came on the wind the scent he , d never truly relished before : the bull elk .
va	5	It was almost dawn when they descended the cliff , clutching , sliding , and scampering over the slick rocks to the entrance of the cave .
va	5	Stuart , seated between Felix and Thibault on the other side of the table , in a white T-shirt and jeans , began to cry .
va	5	You must leave such fateful choices to me , to Felix , to Thibault , even to Frank and Sergei who will be joining us soon . "
va	5	" So how many nights is the change going to just come over me , " asked Stuart , " whether I want it or not ? "
va	5	They had befriended him , and he was an outcast from his people - exiled from the only real city in the whole world . "
va	5	Refuse to recite hymns to the monotonous beat of drums about the marriage of gods and goddesses who never existed and which never took place .
va	5	It was like reading a wonderful sentence in a book , and not being able to continue because so many possibilities were crowding his mind .
va	5	Maybe it would have been better for them if they had had a history , an ancestry , even if it was nothing more than descriptive .
va	5	I , ve been taught ever since I can remember that there were excellent reasons for me to lie about it to everybody I knew . "
va	5	They , d laughed at me for wanting their power , as I said , or more truly for thinking that I could acquire it .
va	5	Understand , they could easily transform into wolf people in the daytime if an enemy approached ; but for executions they always waited until dusk .
va	5	" Now if they , d torn me apart as they did the other enemies and lawbreakers , that would have been the end of the story .
va	5	And of course , I believed in nothing , and held that I , d acquired the power , as I saw it , on my own .
va	5	" Well over a hundred years later I returned to that island , to see how my people , as I called them , had fared .
va	5	Think for a moment of what that truly means - that we , the people of that time , truly thought this earth was all there was .
va	5	I didn , t need the wisdom of Darwin to know by then that we are all one great family , we creatures of the earth .
va	5	I conceived of these witnesses as set apart , incorruptible , unaccountable , but on the side of the good , the merciful , the protective . "
va	5	" Is there a maker hopelessly beyond this world we know of cells and breath , or is He holding all this within Himself ? "
va	5	And that will be our only truth - as long as we know only how and when ... and not the why of anything . "
va	5	" Oh , perhaps he does believe these things , " said Thibault , " more than he , s ever cared to admit . "
va	5	" But I did find you - and there must have been innumerable small signals - the sound of your crying , I heard that . "
va	5	And above all , for now , to withdraw from the world until all chatter about the notorious California Man Wolf finally dies away . "
va	5	Meanwhile the beast had made one last spectacular appearance deep in Mexico , slaying a murderer in Acapulco , and passed for the moment into oblivion .
va	5	It was impossible to guess the age of any of these men , really , Reuben felt ; and it was clearly not polite to ask .
va	5	Thanksgiving night , after the family left , Laura went south to spend a few days alone in her little house on the edge of Muir Woods .
va	5	Reuben dreamed , as he dragged his exhausted limbs up the stairs , that Laura would be there waiting for him , but she was not .
va	5	And yet it felt so good , so lovely , lovely as it felt to feel nothing like this at all when the wolf garb protected him .
va	5	Back in San Francisco , the little gas fires of Reuben 's home had been pleasant , yes , a luxury certainly and often entirely neglected .
va	5	He was weak with relief , but that lasted only a few seconds , and then he was kissing her as if they 'd never been separated .
va	5	Her skin looked moist , youthful , and though she 'd never looked old , she 'd been powerfully enhanced , there was no doubt of it .
va	5	" Reuben , what you have never grasped ... what you seem absolutely unable to grasp ... is that this means we don 't die . "
va	5	He thought of the people whose lives he 'd taken , the bad guys the Man Wolf had ripped right out of life , thoughtlessly .
va	5	He should have said , Just wait , just wait until the full change comes on you , but his voice had died in him .
va	5	" You can 't be happy for me , you can 't be happy that I will share this with you , can you ? "
va	5	I 'm young and foolish and I don 't understand all of it , but I love you , and I want you to come home .
va	5	He was about to pick her up , to carry her back into the house , but she stepped away and put her hands up .
va	5	" Maybe Reuben and I should go off together tonight and , you know , get in real trouble like the little wolves that we are . "
va	5	Stuart was staring askance at him with skeptical blue eyes , his freckles and boyish face as usual making him look like a rebellious cherub .
va	5	But I knew that if it could be passed , given , and I wanted to ... " " Of course you did , " said Felix .
va	5	A shock passed through him as he looked at it , thinking of Laura again , and the scent of the deer outside her house .
va	5	A magnificent possibility was occurring to him , that disparate things might in some way be united in ways we had to come to understand .
va	5	He felt a great relief that Felix was here , with his resolve and his vision , to make something like this grand Yuletide party truly work .
va	5	But it was in Confession and my brother is the kind of Catholic priest who will die before he breaks the seal of the Confessional .
va	5	Reuben stirred it , brought it back to life , and took a book from the shelves and did something he had always wanted to do .
va	5	The sound of Reuben 's heart was deafening in his ears , and so powerful in his arteries that he felt he couldn 't breathe .
va	5	He saw the tall slim figure of Felix looking out through the window , but Felix did not appear to see him down there looking up .
va	5	He 'd been energized by it , and he hadn 't thought for one second about Felix , and what Felix must surely be experiencing just now .
va	5	" Yes , she looked right at me , " Reuben said , trying not to give way again to a gush of excited words .
va	5	He thought of her vividly , of her face , of the anguished expression , of the way that she had reached towards the window .
va	5	... and I suppose this is good news for somebody , " she was saying , her voice uncharacteristically flat , " but not for me .
va	5	As he showered , he reflected that the two people he really wanted to see today were his father , and his brother , Jim .
va	5	You know the theories , don 't you , that some ghosts are earthbound spirits , people who have died and simply cannot move on .
va	5	" These souls , assuming they exist at all , are trapped , clinging to what they can see and hear of us and our world . "
va	5	Two blocks away in a charming Craftsman cottage nestled in a garden , they made love in an old brass bed below a close sloping ceiling .
va	5	Only one truck remained for the crew that was working on the guesthouse on the lower slope , and it would soon be gone as well .
va	5	He felt the transformation coming but did all in his power to stop it as he stood there , shaken , and not certain what to do .
va	5	A sound came from the bed , the sound of the springs and the mattress creaking , and he felt the mattress shifting just to his right .
va	5	She drew even closer , her cold hand covering his right hand as it tightened its grip , and her other hand closing on his left shoulder .
va	5	He kept to the back roads , vaguely aware that he was moving inland and the forest was on either side of him wherever he went .
va	5	Then he started to wash his paws in the stream , splashing the icy water over his hairy face , but he heard the child calling him .
va	5	I thought I might be , right before you first went up there , and then as I said , I thought I wasn 't .
va	5	She 's already requested a leave from the district attorney 's office and she 's talking about relocating in Southern California after this is over .
va	5	When you hold your firstborn in your arms , well , Reuben , that 's when you understand your own life for the first time .
va	5	He was going to " give " Grace and Phil a grandson and he would be a wholly human grandson who could grow up before their eyes .
va	5	He was smiling , but his eyes were glazed and faintly red and he looked terribly sad , suddenly , his smile what people call philosophical .
va	5	The trees were so horribly out of scale with the little streetscape and the community of small graves that slumbered here amid the velvet green grass .
va	5	But if you go out on your own , if you venture into the surrounding towns , the press will be on top of us all again .
va	5	" What stops us , Felix , from living in the forest always , encased in fur , living like the beasts that we are ? "
va	5	" I was born in the most beautiful land imaginable , " said Felix , " near the River Rhine above a heavenly Alpine valley .
va	5	" Felix , I know you own all the land around this property , all the land to the town and back and north and east .
va	5	" Because if you did that , " Felix said , his eyes glazing with tears , " it wouldn 't be your home anymore .
va	5	This didn 't stop Sergei from lecturing Reuben at length on the risks of what he had done , and Thibault joined in as well .
va	5	" Now , you must leave the nanny to me , " said Lisa forcefully as she straightened the white curtains in the new office .
va	5	In fact , he was a little shy around them , not being used to " servants , " as Felix so easily called them .
va	5	Mort , after some agonizing reflection , saw absolutely no reason why he should be the husband of record here , and neither did she .
va	5	He didn 't know how long it had been going on , only that it had finally penetrated his thin chaotic dreams and nudged him towards consciousness .
va	5	He stiffened , keenly aware of the wolf hair bristling inside him , nudging him , but he didn 't know why it had come .
va	5	He 'd done some computer work , trying to trace down the words " Forest Gentry , " but could find nothing of any significance .
va	5	" And let me bring you some coffee now , as you 're awake and it 's useless for you to go back to bed . "
va	5	" What you mean is you don 't want anything from my hands , " she said , " because you 're angry with me . "
va	5	Will you accept that we 're all better off if they leave us alone here , and keep to their own territory and their own ways ?
va	5	Well , there you have the entire moral story of the human race and all the immortal races in a nutshell , don 't you ? "
va	5	" I mean , what you 're saying is they leave you , yes , but you can 't know that they 've gone on . "
va	5	I 'd rather people my world with those creatures who are flesh and blood , no matter how mutant , unpredictable , or misbegotten they may be .
va	5	And he was standing there , shaken as badly as before , his heart in his throat , staring at his own reflection in the window .
va	5	As for the journey ahead , well , he wouldn 't be stopping for Laura , but she would meet the wedding party at City Hall tomorrow .
va	5	This wasn 't easy at all for Grace or Phil to hear , but they remained at the table , Grace gesturing covertly to Reuben for patience .
va	5	As for Jim , his expression was compassionate , but oddly fixed , as though this were a willful attitude rather than a reflective one .
va	5	He was a handsome man , Jim , but nobody ever talked about it , not when they could talk about Reuben 's looks instead .
va	5	And he 'd never been the " vapid airhead boy who dated the cheerleaders of the world " but he had no intention of saying so .
va	5	She went silent looking into his eyes , and then for the first time , for the first time in months , she seemed slightly afraid .
va	5	It seemed the others had sensed some deepening of the collective misery , and Grace started to speak , but Phil urged her to be quiet .
va	5	I know the burden I 've put on you , telling you ghastly things , unspeakable things , in Confession and binding you to secrecy .
va	5	I don 't much see how anyone could , not based on what I know of them , and based on how well they treat you . "
va	5	Lorraine made excuses for me when they came over the bridge to see me and I was dead drunk in the guest room at her place .
va	5	I 'd always stockpiled enough booze to do this , and I don 't know how long it was before the booze started running out .
va	5	" She told me , if you can believe it , that I had given her the only real happiness she 'd known in recent years .
va	5	I see her , way to the back , and then of course by the time I give the last blessing , she 's gone . "
va	5	And then there 's her hair , her long blond hair , straight hair , and her face , and the shape of her head and shoulders .
va	5	Lorraine could indeed take me down , and Jim 's great personal mission in the slums of San Francisco would blink out like that . "
va	5	" Or , you feel so guilty about it all that you think any pretty woman you see who 's wearing a hat is Lorraine . "
va	5	The obvious question was , would Jim turn it down if it was offered to him , but Reuben was not going to go there .
va	5	And how in the hell was Phil going to live under this roof with Celeste here , Celeste who couldn 't conceal her perfect disdain for him ?
va	5	Celeste warmed to her and told her she was glad to see her again , all this a bit breezy and predictable and ridiculous , Reuben thought .
va	5	We make blunders , we make mistakes , and somehow new doors open , new possibilities arise , opportunities of which we 've never dreamed .
va	5	Your dad 's always struggling with his old work , or taking notes in a book as if he had to give a lecture in the morning .
va	5	Laura frowned , her mouth twisting a little as though she found this particularly painful to say , and then she went on in a low voice .
va	5	The statues themselves had been hastily arranged under it , and though there was no hay or greenery yet , the beauty of the statues was impressive .
va	5	And the scope of this undertaking , this lighting of the forest in honor of the darkest days of the year , left him kind of breathless .
va	5	Was it conceivable that cold was all she felt , a bleak and terrible emotional cold that was far worse than the cold he was now feeling ?
va	5	He tried to pick up the pace , but he suddenly pitched forward and fell hard on the palms of his hands on the mulch .
va	5	Once again , he felt a touch on his arm , and then what felt like a hand , a firm hand , against his back .
va	5	Light leapt out from behind the north end of the house , and seemed to penetrate the mist as though it were made of tiny golden particles .
va	5	" Not from me and my kind ever , for we have always served you , and not from the Forest Gentry because they are harmless . "
va	5	And you must not let them force your ... your blood to rise , as it were , as it seemed it did tonight . "
va	5	A tall elegant St. Nicholas with a gaunt but benevolent porcelain face and soft green velvet robes had been placed at the very top of the tree .
va	5	That might have looked absurd in a small house , so much greenery , but it was perfect here in these vast rooms , Reuben thought .
va	5	" You can expect the entire week to be this way , " said Thibault casually as he handed the ornaments out of the box to Reuben .
va	5	" I can tell you right now , I won 't be happy unless I grow to be as tall as you , Sergei . "
va	5	If you 're finished buzzing around the Christmas tree like a couple of little woodland spirits , you can come help with these boxes . "
va	5	You heard of them in the fairy tales you learned as little ones , but the fairy tales have domesticated them , rendered them quaint .
va	5	If we build the fire , if our musicians play , if they play the drums and the flutes and we dance , they come !
va	5	The earthbound have their Ageless Ones ; the earthbound have their aristocracy ; they have their myths now and their ' beliefs ' and their superstitions .
va	5	We know some souls or spirits detach from the body , or are released by the body and they move on and are never heard from again .
va	5	But Felix reached down and put his right hand on Stuart 's shoulder , saying " Stay with us " in a small but authoritative voice .
va	5	We attempt to rouse her spirit , to provoke it to focus so that she pulls her spirit body together and becomes a learner again . "
va	5	" So when a dreaming spirit draws itself together , " said Stuart , " when it focuses , then it starts to really think . "
va	5	And as it grows stronger , so its senses become stronger ; it can see the physical world in the old way again , though not perfectly .
va	5	And the act of concentrating , of focusing , of pulling together , this happens without her fully grasping that that is what she 's doing .
va	5	" It 's those who don 't know much about life and death that linger , those who aren 't prepared for the transition . "
va	5	I chose this physical body ; I constructed it for myself , and perfected it , and now and then alter it and refine it .
va	5	Felix sat calm and collected , merely looking at the polished wood in front of him , where Reuben could see the reflected glare of the fire .
va	5	Again and again , Reuben brought down the fat succulent rats , big as raccoons , ripping back the twitching silky coat to bite into the meat .
va	5	He swayed slightly from one foot to the other , great hairy arms slack at his sides , as if the breeze were washing him clean .
va	5	Far back in the workaday world such relics were enshrined in museums , untouchable , and out of context , unconnected to such a night as this .
va	5	Scent of innocence and suffering , scents of evil , and other scents , strangely ambiguous and unclassifiable , odious and ugly , rose all around them .
va	5	How many times had Reuben seen that very attitude before , that helplessness , that blank stare of a broken human being on the verge of madness ?
va	5	Over the staircase railing fell one of those bodies , landing on its face , or what was left of its face , blood streaming from it .
va	5	It stood with its back to the sea surrounded by a forest of dense and beautiful Douglas fir trees , all splendidly lighted like everything else .
va	5	The rest of the pavilion was beautifully furnished with hundreds of small white draped tables and white dressed chairs , all trimmed in gold ribbon .
va	5	" But still , it will be entirely possible to walk in the forest , " he said , " as the branches are so thick .
va	5	It had all been " done , " or so they had thought when they left , but it seemed a multitude of refinements had been added .
va	5	China plates in ten or more patterns at least were piled at the ends of the long table along with stacks of heavy sterling dinner forks .
va	5	It 's going to be a long day and evening , but it 's only once a year , and they 'll all love it . "
va	5	" Well , she 'll be with us tomorrow in the village for a little while ... and then later on Christmas Eve , of course .
va	5	The air was moist , as if at any moment the featureless sky would dissolve into rain , but by ten a.m. , it hadn 't happened .
va	5	Reuben glimpsed quilts for sale , along with handmade cloth puppets , rag dolls , baby clothes , and a whole variety of linens and laces .
va	5	But it was impossible to focus on any one particular booth because so many people wanted simply to shake his hand and thank him for the festival .
va	5	But it was soon clear that people saw him as the young lord of the castle , and even said so in exactly those terms .
va	5	" Well , no entry fee , no license requirements , no rules , no restrictions , and some cash incentives , " said Felix exuberantly .
va	5	" And a lot of repeated personal invitations by phone and e-mail , and networks of phone helpers , and voila , they have come .
va	5	They did ask right off about the Man Wolf attack at the house , with the same old questions and Reuben gave them the same old answers .
va	5	The place appeared picturesque enough , as always , yet he couldn 't prevent a frisson from paralyzing him as he looked at the graves .
va	5	But she 'd like to add a short paragraph to today 's story , about the Man Wolf being nowhere in sight during the village fair .
va	5	One potter confessed she wished she brought all of her new mugs and bowls , as she was now left with almost nothing to sell .
va	5	It was so easy to see them as they passed , as they walked among the human beings , so easy to know who they were .
va	5	Within moments a new air of festivity had swept through the fair , and it seemed the noise of the crowd was louder than ever .
va	5	Felix waved at Reuben from down the street , but then was blocked inevitably by more greetings and more thanks , though he kept moving .
va	5	This place is done up so beautifully and this is all going to be so much fun , you don 't have to do any heavy lifting .
va	5	To Reuben 's surprise , Thibault appeared and explained that he was taking Reuben out to stand with Felix at the large east entrance of the pavilion .
va	5	The voices of the adult choir soon joined in , and the entire glorious wave of sound proceeded without the need of the waiting orchestra .
va	5	At the far end very near the choir , Reuben could see Phil alone at a table clearly rapt as he 'd been when Reuben first arrived .
va	5	Felix stood at the large eastern entrance of the pavilion greeting each and every person coming in , and Reuben quickly took his place beside him .
va	5	And there were plenty of women in hats , fantasy hats and vintage hats , and those little cocktail hats with veils that Jim had described .
va	5	Immediately , Rosie , the family housekeeper arrived , looking very pretty and girlish in a bright red dress with her full dark hair combed free .
va	5	She was his uncle Tim 's oldest daughter , and a redhead like Tim and Grace , and used to babysit Reuben when he was a kid .
va	5	Grandfather Spangler had been furious about it at the time , and Grace 's brother , Tim , a recent widower , had been brokenhearted .
va	5	Several old friends from Berkeley had found him and were full of questions about this house and what in the world had happened to him .
va	5	At one point , he heard Frank at his side , and Frank whispered , " Don 't forget to look around , Wonder Pup .
va	5	Yes , he 'd seen Shelby and Clifford , said Tim , and yes , they were staying in Hillsborough with the family there through Christmas .
va	5	She glanced at Fiona as she spoke , as if to watch her every reaction , but her brown eyes were warm and her smile almost girlish .
va	5	Was Frank angry as he spoke to her , and was she begging him to be patient about something with little hand gestures and imploring eyes ?
va	5	How intense she seemed , and how fascinated was Stuart , who took her off with him apparently to see the conservatory , disappearing in the crowd .
va	5	A young boy sat on her other side , with his arms folded , rolling his eyes and staring at the ceiling with an air of mortification .
va	5	And my son is coming , Reuben thought , and he 'll be like this , made of pink bubble gum with eyes like big opals .
va	5	Everywhere , he saw people in animated conversation , infused with the excitement of the party , and unusual meetings of locals with friends he knew .
va	5	A couple was here , with plates and glasses in hand , obviously hoping to commandeer the table , of course , and why not ?
va	5	A glistening gaggle of teenage girls passed him , giggling and laughing and then rushing into the dining room , obviously on a mission to explore .
va	5	One might grant men in their prime another twenty years of remarkable vigor , and the young ones did appear to be men in their prime .
va	5	How was such a thing possible , that someone so advanced in years when the photo was taken should have the very same appearance now ?
va	5	And as Reuben glanced around at the people talking and laughing and nibbling from their plates he realized that nobody had noticed , nobody at all .
va	5	Pastor George wore a black pantsuit with a lot of pretty white lace at the neck , and she too was staring fixedly at Reuben .
va	5	She swallowed and the tears came up in her eyes , and suddenly there was a listlessness in her face as if she 'd lost the thread .
va	5	And he 'll keep your secrets too , and you can talk to him anytime you want , just as you can talk to me . "
va	5	" And you can talk to Father Jim about all of it , Susie , whatever happened out there in the woods with that bad man .
va	5	" Jim , whatever happens , " said Reuben in a low confidential voice , " these are our years , our years to be brothers . "
va	5	Maybe there was a scent to his own kind , male and female , that his body recognized even when his mind didn 't acknowledge it .
va	5	There had been many lovely old hymns and songs heard up until now , and some grand church music , but not the great lusty heavy hitters .
va	5	A silence fell with the rustling of the little paper candleholders and a few coughs and sneezes as one might hear in a packed church .
va	5	All around Reuben people were singing , falling in and out of riffs of lyrics that they knew and humming with those they didn 't know .
va	5	On and on in frenzy the music coursed towards its inevitable climax until there came the last great : " Ha Le Lu Jah ! "
va	5	" Easiest thing now is to stand by the door , or they 'll all be stumbling around trying to find you to say good-bye . "
va	5	" You think you can get away with anything , Felix , " said Fiona , voice uglier than before , a flush beating in her cheeks .
va	5	" I don 't think my parents in all their lives ever contemplated giving a large party let alone something even remotely like this . "
va	5	" I do recall his saying his grandmother saw ghosts and that he 'd seen them , but that was all there was to it .
va	5	I was just trying to assure her that yes , the Man Wolf was real , and what she 'd seen was real - . "
va	5	And I saw it tonight , I saw it in the party , I saw it infecting the guests like some kind of wonderful intoxicant .
va	5	He didn 't want to lose the vivid mind pictures crowding his brain , or the questions , or the sharp remembrances of special moments .
va	5	But he found himself merely listing all the many things that had happened , in loose order , and listing the people he 'd seen and met .
va	5	The pavilion had been completely cleared by evening on Tuesday , the wooden wind barrier , the tents , and the rented furniture all hauled away .
va	5	Not now , not so soon , not so close to Christmas Eve , when a veil had to come down between him and his father .
va	5	And you can see well enough how we come together in packs as wolves do , and packs have their territory , do they not ?
va	5	" It 's ready now for your father , " he said to Reuben , " and I can 't wait to show him the place . "
va	5	Lisa stocked the refrigerator for him with yogurt , fresh fruit , avocados , tomatoes , and all the raw stuff he ate all day .
va	5	It was all going to work out , that was the point , and Felix cautioned Reuben not to worry about it for a single moment more .
va	5	For Grace , he 'd found a nineteenth-century memoir by an obscure doctor who described a long and heroic life in medicine on the frontier .
va	5	It was wrong to " own " this woods , but he wanted to preserve it and he wanted to get to know it again .
va	5	That night , Reuben came upstairs to find a long dark green velvet robe on his bed , and a pair of heavy green velvet slippers .
va	5	At last it was Christmas Eve morning , a cold crisp day with a bright white sky that just might show some sunshine before twilight .
va	5	Jim would say Midnight Mass tonight at St. Francis at Gubbio Church as always , and Grace , Celeste , and Mort would be there .
va	5	There came the deep insistent throbbing of big drums , and the relentless goading sound of other smaller drums , and then the horns soaring above them .
va	5	He had no idea now in which direction he was going except that they were drawing closer and closer , always , to that glare .
va	5	But the fire was calling them , and he was eager for it , reaching out suddenly and taking firm hold of Felix 's arm .
va	5	At once they were swaying , rocking , leaping , and rushing to the right , all of them , the circle picking up speed .
va	5	He pivoted , enraged , and opening his mouth wide in a delicious roar brought his teeth down on the side of the animal 's neck .
va	5	He could see others doing the same , and soon the stench of burning animal flesh rose all around him , sickening and yet somehow tantalizing .
va	5	Sergei backed up near the gathered musicians , and then giving a horrific roar , he cried out : " Through the need fire ! "
va	5	Terrified as he was of the flames , he felt invulnerable , he felt eager , he felt crazed with the new and seductive challenge .
va	5	He saw her paws flying out before her , like two front feet , saw her powerful shoulders churning under the dark gray wolf coat .
va	5	He tried to pick her up off the ground but she threw him over and they wrestled , rolling into the shadows against the boulders .
va	5	The music was low , furtive , patient , like the breath of a beast who was dozing , and dozing they were , Laura and Reuben .
va	5	A human scent , distinctly human like nothing in this clearing , like nothing that should have been in this clearing or in these woods tonight .
va	5	But for every advancing step taken by any of the females , the males countered while others moved this way and that behind them ready to spring .
va	5	" And it can 't be extirpated , what you 've done , you with your dreams and your schemes and your risks and your madness . "
va	5	You tantalize the most dangerous enemies we 've ever known , and you carry on , and on , and on as if this is nothing !
va	5	Even Berenice , Frank 's wife , ran at them , trying to claw her way into them ; but they absorbed her blows and remained intact .
va	5	Felix , on his knees , had Phil 's right hand in his great hairy paws , and he sank his teeth gently into that hand .
va	5	His voice was still the voice of the beast , but also very much the voice of the man , with its distinct melodic power .
va	5	" Move away from the living ; move away from those of flesh and blood who were your kin , for your sake , and for theirs .
va	5	He was visibly trembling , but he drew himself up , and caught his breath and then went on in the same exquisitely modulated voice as before .
va	5	She remained kneeling close to Phil , and now Frank went to her , and helped her to her feet in the most tender and human manner .
va	5	And his eyes , of course , his pale hazel eyes were now a deeper shade of green when from time to time he opened them .
va	5	Reuben wanted her in the beast shape ; he wanted both of them coupling in the forest , savage as they 'd been by the Yule fire .
va	5	His dark green eyes regarded Reuben calmly , but abstractly , as though he were struggling to bring himself out of his deepest and most crucial thoughts .
va	5	" Well , you know , son , it wasn 't a shock , though to see it that way was a shock all right .
va	5	It 's bad for her , bad for her because she becomes emotional and carries on and cries and then she can 't own what happened . "
va	5	" And of course , she 's a surgeon , and when that phone rings she wants to be ready to go into the operating room . "
va	5	" Well , of course , I helped her back to bed , and I lay down with her until she stopped crying and went to sleep .
va	5	And then in the morning , Reuben , she didn 't remember a thing except that she 'd gotten drunk and she 'd cried over something .
va	5	He just looked at me for a long time , and the expression on his face , well , I don 't have words to describe it .
va	5	And then he said , in the most sad , discouraged voice , ' Dad , I don 't have any light to shed on this . '
va	5	" And I said , ' Okay , son , we 'll let it go , and your mother can 't remember any of this anyway . '
va	5	Well , there was time to deal with Jim , to made amends , to give thanks , to thank him for taking over with Susie Blakely .
va	5	" But to get back to your question , what did I think when I saw all of you out there in the forest on Christmas Eve ?
va	5	Felix has a voice like a Mozart piano concerto , always full of light ; and Sergei , well , Sergei sounds like Beethoven . "
va	5	" So it wasn 't all that surprising that you 'd cultivate some group of otherworldly friends who sounded as strange as you sometimes sound .
va	5	I had to spend my remaining days somewhere that I truly wanted to be , doing the things that mattered to me , no matter how trivial .
va	5	And in the nights since I 've been going over and over it , with Lisa 's little whispers here and there , patching it together . "
va	5	And whatever happens , whatever you decide , whatever Felix decides , nobody will separate you from me or me from you and Laura . "
va	5	Then came Berenice and Frank , and Sergei , while opposite sat Felix as always with Thibault on his left and Stuart next with Phil beside him .
va	5	Reuben managed to put on his leather gloves without slowing his pace , and he wrapped his scarf high around his face against the wind .
va	5	She wore a simple gray garment with a hood , and beneath the hood , he saw her short blond hair framing her oval face .
va	5	I know that I go on , but I don 't know to what , or where , or if I will ever see you again .
va	5	" Come , " said Felix , hugging him close , and then letting him go , his eyes filled now with the old vigor and light .
va	5	Her short gray hair was nicely curled , and she wore a bit of powder and lipstick , as if this was an important visit for her .
va	5	Pastor George went on a bit about how nice Father Jim was , and how he was the first Catholic priest she 'd ever personally known .
va	5	" I knew when you said good-bye to her that way , upstairs here , when you said , ' I love you , darling dear . '
va	5	Oh , it wasn 't the same , no , but there 's a ... a cadence to a person 's voice , a personal cadence .
va	5	They liked tea much more than coffee , it seemed , and every afternoon at four , of late , they had their afternoon tea .
va	5	Lisa had renounced her customary black for a striking long sleeve gown made entirely of intricate ivory lace , studded with pearls and tiny diamonds .
va	5	Conversation rolled easily round the table , often sweeping up the entire group , and other times breaking naturally into pockets of animated voices and eager faces .
va	5	It was eleven thirty before Felix rose to his feet again , and this time the gathering was subdued and perhaps ready for his more sober reflections .
va	5	" So many thoughts are running through my mind , " said Felix , " as to what this new year holds for us . "
va	5	" One thing that we must do in the next year is share the stories of our lives with our new brothers and sister . "
va	5	Reuben drank his coffee , loving the sharpness of the taste and the jolt of the caffeine , and pushed his wineglass away from him .
va	5	" I want to call Dad and tell him I 'm with you , " Reuben said and he went into the bedroom on the right .
va	5	Finally , Reuben fell silent , as much from not knowing what to do as respect for the fact that this was what Jim might want .
va	5	" You know , " said Reuben , " if you do have any idea who did this ... " He let the words trail off .
va	5	But he held the change at bay as he waited , marveling quietly that sheer rage and anticipation could bring it on as was happening now .
va	5	Right after the kid came to me , Blankenship 's lackeys forced me into a car and brought me there to meet with the man himself .
va	5	" But how can you do it , how can you get him without bringing the whole world out to hunt for the Man Wolf again ? "
va	5	He looked at Reuben and he smiled bitterly , his mouth quivering just for an instant , and then he rose and left the room .
va	5	It was dusk now , and quite suddenly , unexpectedly , the decorative lights of the huge cathedral were switched on , gloriously illuminating the entire facade .
va	5	Hurling aside a confused and protesting lackey , he 'd gone straight to open the back door , and the wolves were inside within seconds .
va	5	It penetrated to him slowly and sweetly that Laura was now unassailable against the mortal enemies that lurked in the shadows for every female human .
va	5	What would it be like to remain in this body forever , to enjoy this brain which never hesitated , never doubted , never feared ?
va	5	Meanwhile a preliminary study of the bloodstains in the mansion indicated that numerous victims had perhaps died on the premises though all bodies had been removed .
va	5	That afternoon and evening Reuben walked up and down Ocean Avenue , in and out of shops and restaurants , looking for his brother in vain .
va	5	Wednesday morning , Grace called to say no one had heard a word from Jim , and this included the parish office and the archdiocese .
va	5	He couldn 't very well tell her that he 'd just remembered the drug money in the green plastic garbage bag in the trunk of his Porsche .
va	5	" And that 's all you have to say , Reuben , " she replied , not even looking up as she reached for the phone .
va	5	" You tell her not to worry , you keep her there , please , Felix , take care of her , don 't let her leave .
va	5	She turned and rested against him , sobbing , and then after a long while , as he stroked her hair , he began to speak .
va	5	And she could live here and see him in secret and nobody would ever have to know that he was a priest with two children .
va	5	If there was just the smallest room , the smallest room in the attic or in the basement , or in the servants ' wing out back .
va	5	Beside them stood Jamie , about five foot four inches tall , and very much the man of twelve in his blue blazer and gray wool pants .
va	5	And we talked , you and I , about the poet William Carlos Williams , and that he 'd been a doctor as well as a poet .
va	5	He took the club chair as always , as if Felix were sitting in the wing chair when in fact no one was sitting there .
va	5	I know what his life means to him now , and Reuben , I knew him very well before he ever became a priest . "
va	5	She started drawing pictures of him as soon as she heard about him , though she hadn 't the faintest idea what he looked like .
va	5	And when Christine saw him with that little girl , you see , smiling at that little girl , and talking to that little girl - . "
va	5	And this is Jim 's dream , this rehab shelter right by the church , where he can offer decent rooms to recovering addicts ! "
va	5	He heard a footstep in the shadows behind him , and then he caught the scent of Laura , of Laura 's hair and Laura 's perfume .
va	5	He could recall every second of it ; but he could not feel what he 'd felt when the Twelfth Night Feast had been in full swing .
va	5	Of course the enclosure would be a dramatic and harmonious extension of the existing conservatory with lots of white iron , gingerbread , and beautifully shaped windows .
va	5	Does that room go , so to speak , and do we replace it with a bright dining area at the northern end of the pool ? "
va	5	" If we haven 't heard anything by tomorrow , I 'm going back down there , with anyone who 's willing to help . "
va	5	He was so attentive and so unfailingly polite that Reuben worried about it a little , that there was a note of sadness and humiliation in it .
va	5	Phil and Jamie had called a truce as to certain irreconcilable differences over politics , art , music , literature , and the fate of Western civilization .
va	5	" Hear , hear , " said Sergei , " and we shall all reflect on this as deeply and briefly and concisely as possible . "
va	5	" And anyone turning off his PA system would be arrested , " said Stuart , " and confined to the dungeons beneath us . "
va	5	" I died at the age of 23 , in the season of the year which the church calls ' Ordinary Time , ' " he wrote .
va	5	" And as we come once again to ' Ordinary Time , ' I want to write the story of my life since that moment . "
va	5	And for another hour he wrote , stopping only now and then for a moment or two , until finally he had filled some fifteen double-spaced pages .
va	5	God only knows how he found me , but until he tapped on my window , I had no idea anybody was looking for me ! "
va	5	Only a deep redness in his eyes and a distinct paleness to his face revealed that the past few days might have been a trial .
va	5	And for warmth to return to the world , melting the deadly snows of winter , and gently nourishing the crops of the field once again .
va	5	" That 's the meaning of all the candles of Christmas , " he said , " the bright electric lights on our Christmas trees .
va	5	We all need to reflect every day of our lives on what we are , what we 're doing , what we ought to do .
va	5	When I was a boy and I first heard it , I loved it : ' This is the first day of " Ordinary Time . " '
va	5	And opening his eyes , he let the intense colors of the church with its grand Tuscan murals and painted saints penetrate him and warm his soul .
va	5	When Communion time came , he slipped out of the pew and went outside to the fresh cold air of the courtyard to wait for Jim .
va	5	I asked you to kill Fulton Blankenship and his cohorts ; I told you where to find him ; I provided you with a map . "
va	5	That 's what I want , to stay , to work right here as I 've been doing for years , to make amends here .
va	5	" Yes , but what if nobody ... oh , hell , I don 't know what I 'm saying , for God 's sake .
va	5	He was thinking about Christine , about those precious moments to come when she would lay eyes on Jim and Jim would lay eyes on her .
va	5	She was in her green scrubs , and her red hair was loose over her shoulders , and her face was shining with irrepressible happiness .
va	5	One was his father , naked and barefoot , and the other was Lisa in one of her characteristic dark dresses with lace at the throat .
va	5	He locked his legs around her , loving the feel of her easy power as she climbed higher and higher into the redwoods , into the pines .
va	5	" And the beast saw beauty , " she growled against his ear , " and carried him away with all her might and main . "
va	5	They lay together silently for a long while , and then he leapt up , urging her to follow him and they took to the trees again .
va	5	" And Christmas is indeed complete upon the midnight , " he whispered to her , " and ' Ordinary Time ' has begun . "
va	5	Felix has done all he can to help us , but we 're moving so rapidly away from them , what can we do ? "
va	5	He thought about his little boy , that tiny slumbering creature in Celeste 's womb , that tender hostage to fortune that was his very own .
va	5	" Sometimes I wish I could just let someone like that bleed , " Catarina said , taking out a tissue and wiping her hands .
va	5	She was so tired that Magnus saw her glamour fade for a moment , saw a wash of blue on the hand he was holding .
va	5	" I can 't believe the Nephilim are causing trouble now , of all times , " she said , rubbing her face with one hand .
va	5	A safe house had been set up in Chinatown , through an amnesty between the constantly feuding vampires and werewolves , and everybody was on the watch .
va	5	Magnus was worried about Tessa , too , hiding alone near the Los Angeles Institute , that house on the high hills by the sea .
va	5	Magnus knew that Catarina 's heart lay with mortals , and that she was involved more for friendship 's sake than because she wanted to fight Shadowhunters .
va	5	Night was often his working time ; he had many walk-in clients , and there was always research to do or reading to catch up on .
va	5	Tonight , like every other night since the dark murmurs of the bloodthirsty young Shadowhunters had started , he would sit and watch and think .
va	5	All of these things added up to a kid in trouble , and the general streetwise appearance plus a certain fluidity to the walk suggested werewolf .
va	5	The test had come , and come so quickly that Magnus had no time to really go through his feelings or think through a plan .
va	5	Magnus ran through Chinatown , under neon signs that flickered and sizzled , through the yellow smog of the city that clung like begging ghosts to passersby .
va	5	The Shadowhunter knew something , had heard some dark whisper about his family tree , then , and was desperate to prove it was not true .
va	5	Rachel Whitelaw lunged at the woman called Maryse , and the sheer ferocity of the attack took Maryse aback so much that Rachel almost had her .
va	5	Then the black-haired man , Robert , who Magnus thought was her husband , lunged at Rachel in his turn , and ran her through .
va	5	Magnus edged toward the werewolves , to the woman who was the only one who remained human , even though her teeth and claws were growing apace .
va	5	She was fastened to the chair with silver cord , and was making a terrible low sound , a cross between a whine and a moan .
va	5	Magnus could heal , but it had never been his specialty as it was Catarina 's , and he had not had to heal werewolves often .
va	5	No sooner had he said the word " him " than he felt the cold blade sink into his back and his mouth fill with hot blood .
va	5	He made the contact burn as the touch of silver had burned the girl , and he grinned as he heard Valentine 's hiss of pain .
va	5	Valentine simply stared at Magnus with cold eyes , the same way anyone might stare at a loathsome animal in their path and impeding their progress .
va	5	" I thought we were playing a game where we said what the other person was and what we were doing , " Magnus told him .
va	5	Magnus gasped , salvation lost as quickly as it had been found , then turned his head toward the sound of more footsteps on the stone .
va	5	Now the shadows and the frenzy of battle had receded , and they were left in the light to look at what they had done .
va	5	If they had chosen to step aside , to trust us , their fellow children of the Angel , all would have been well . "
va	5	You could share your bed with a monster , lay your head on the same pillow next to a head filled with murder and madness .
va	5	Magnus had a sudden impulse to tell the Shadowhunter that Magnus knew and loved his ancestor , that Tessa would be so disappointed in him .
va	5	When he looked back , Adam Whitelaw had turned his face away and set his mouth so that he would not betray either pain or grief .
va	5	The Shadowhunters were scarce enough after the massacre , and could not be replenished without the Mortal Cup , which seemed to have been lost with Valentine .
va	5	Then you must be ... " Henry had been dead for the better part of a century , and Tessa looked no older than twenty-five .
va	5	Some warlocks could hide their marks under their clothes , but Jocelyn could look at as much of Tessa as she wished and never find a mark .
va	5	" I am Theresa Gray , daughter of a Greater Demon and Elizabeth Gray , who was born Adele Starkweather , one of your kind .
va	5	People did say she and Lucian had planned to defeat Valentine together , though Jocelyn had not been there to confirm the rumor after the battle .
va	5	It was one of the few things he had to believe in , the possibility of beauty when faced with the reality of so much ugliness .
va	5	Jocelyn appealed to Tessa , voice as faint as if she could already see the weakness of this argument but she had none other to make .
va	5	I want her to be braver than I was , stronger than I was , and to let nobody decide her fate but herself . "
va	5	I want her to have a mundane life , quiet and sweet , and I hoped she would be born not able to see the Shadow World .
va	5	" Can I tear away an essential part of your child 's nature , and twist her into a shape that would suit you better ? "
va	5	" If you want the child safe , " said Magnus , " she doesn 't need only a spell to hide her own Sight .
va	5	A name you choose for yourself could tell you the story of what your destiny will be , and who you intend to become . "
va	5	Magnus knew what it was to want to forget as badly as Jocelyn did , knew the passionate urge to protect that came with love .
va	5	Jocelyn stroked her little girl 's face , and they all watched as the baby smiled , lit up with the sheer joy of living .
va	5	He glanced behind him , to where the street narrowed into a passage that gave onto the black , heaving water of the Thames in the distance .
va	5	At the moment it was deserted ; even the drunks staggering home from the Grapes up the road had found somewhere to collapse for the night .
va	5	Will liked Limehouse , liked the feeling of being on the edge of the world , where ships left each day for unimaginably far ports .
va	5	That the area was a sailor 's haunt , and consequently full of gambling hells , opium dens , and brothels , didn 't hurt either .
va	5	She tried to move aside , only to be almost trampled by a throng of disembarking passengers hurrying for the shelter of the railway station .
va	5	The inside of the carriage was richly decorated with plush purple velvet bench seats facing each other , and gold tasseled curtains hanging in the windows .
va	5	As Tessa settled herself on the bench seat , Mrs. Black reached to shut the carriage door behind her sister , closing out the gray sky .
va	5	Tessa put a hand to the clockwork angel at her throat , taking comfort in its steady ticking , as the carriage lurched forward into the rain .
va	5	He was the one she was doing all this for , but sometimes she missed him so much it felt like she 'd swallowed broken glass .
va	5	Sometimes the horror of that thought threatened to overwhelm her and plunge her down into a bottomless darkness from which there would be no return .
va	5	Exactly like the Dark Sisters ' coachman , she had eyes that protruded like a frog 's and made her look like she was permanently surprised .
va	5	To begin with , it was always hot and wet inside , like a swamp , even when the skies outside were gray and rainy .
va	5	They were their usual colorful selves , Mrs. Black in a dress of vibrant salmon pink and Mrs. Dark in a gown of peacock blue .
va	5	They hadn 't let her hold it or touch it , had snatched it back as she 'd reached for it , but she 'd recognized it .
va	5	Had drunk the potions they 'd given her , done the hours of agonizing exercises , forced herself to think the way they wanted her to .
va	5	They 'd told her to imagine herself as clay , being shaped and molded on the potter 's wheel , her form amorphous and changeable .
va	5	It had taken weeks , and the first time she had Changed , it had been so blindingly painful that she 'd vomited and passed out .
va	5	That evening when Tessa had gone up to her room , there had been gifts for her , two new books on her bedside table .
va	5	She didn 't know what was around her in the strange dark place they asked her to journey to , but she knew the pathway through it .
va	5	Her new body was slight , almost frail , and the fabric of her dress hung loose , pooling on the floor at her feet .
va	5	She could run , but she 'd never get past Miranda to the door ; there were no windows , no doors to other rooms .
va	5	She dashed for the stairs and hurtled up them , nearly tripping over her skirts and banging her knee painfully on one of the steps .
va	5	But here the street was nearly deserted , save for a man leaning against a nearby gas lamp , reading a newspaper by its light .
va	5	The knots were tight ; tight enough to dig into her flesh and make her hands and feet tingle and shiver with pins and needles .
va	5	If only she had the power to set things on fire , or shatter metal , or cause knives to grow out of her fingers !
va	5	The knob of the bedroom door was turning , twisting back and forth as if the person on the other side were having difficulty getting it open .
va	5	For the first time Tessa saw that he had a design on the back of his hand , drawn there as if in black ink .
te	0	whispered Lily with a voice that trembled .
te	0	I love staying here with you . "
te	0	She patted the little girl 's chest .
te	0	" In here . "
te	0	She knew that voice .
te	0	" You know what I heard ?
te	0	How 'd she find out about that ?
te	0	" Oh well . "
te	0	How could she ever leave this village ?
te	0	What new adventures would she find ?
te	0	Was there more to learn somewhere else ?
te	0	Assorted weaponry hung from the walls .
te	0	Maybe he was a cousin .
te	0	" What is it ? "
te	0	She was screaming her head off .
te	0	" Just hold on ! "
te	0	The water was freezing cold .
te	0	Then she was pushed under again .
te	0	Do something , idiot !
te	0	She mentally yelled at herself .
te	0	The vine tugged in her hand .
te	0	Easier said than done .
te	0	Then the vine shuddered .
te	0	Almost there , a little farther !
te	0	The vine popped off the first branch .
te	0	It was not that far away .
te	0	The vine was almost off .
te	0	There was not enough time .
te	0	Her foot struck something hard .
te	0	She did not quite make it .
te	0	The little girl jumped up .
te	0	They both were crying .
te	0	" Thank goodness you 're safe ! "
te	0	You 've saved the day again . "
te	0	There was not much to say .
te	0	" It 's nothing , really . "
te	0	It glittered in the sunlight .
te	0	She caught her breath .
te	0	It flamed in the sun .
te	0	The group led her back to town .
te	0	It wasn 't worth it .
te	0	It was not worth it .
te	0	Auntie was the only one who noticed .
te	0	She 'd heard that before .
te	0	" That was bad phrasing .
te	0	I hope it wasn 't Aunt Elena .
te	0	I just got this feeling today .
te	0	Auntie gave a small gasp .
te	0	Do you know what it is ? "
te	0	" No , " said Auntie .
te	0	All the magical creatures went extinct . "
te	0	That was what she had expected .
te	0	She gazed up at the stars .
te	0	It is time . "
te	0	I will pack you a bag .
te	0	For now , get some rest .
te	0	You will need your strength .
te	0	She really hoped so .
te	0	Auntie was checking her bag .
te	0	Is there anything else you need ? "
te	0	They ran into her embrace tearfully .
te	0	In some ways they would .
te	0	I won 't be gone forever . "
te	0	" Eleanor never did . "
te	0	She hugged them again .
te	0	" Good-bye for now . "
te	0	" Good-bye , " they sniffled .
te	0	Aunt Elena piped up .
te	0	Aunt Elena stood there for a moment .
te	0	Aunt Elena scurried away .
te	0	" All right then .
te	0	You 'd best be going . "
te	0	" I 'll miss you . "
te	0	Some of the women waved handkerchiefs .
te	0	Stone buildings lined the streets .
te	0	The smallest ones had two floors .
te	0	On the smallest buildings !
te	0	It was actually cobblestone instead of dirt !
te	0	It was so much , so new !
te	0	The man smiled at her .
te	0	" You see , " she whispered .
te	0	" Let me see it . "
te	0	" No , you don 't understand .
te	0	It 's a really big crystal .
te	0	He handed her a cloth .
te	0	She showed it to the man .
te	0	" Do you recognize it ? "
te	0	" Hmm , " said the man .
te	0	" It stays with me . "
te	0	" Of course , " said Jo .
te	0	Something was not right .
te	0	Even she knew that .
te	0	She began to turn away .
te	0	She was under attack from all sides .
te	0	This was only a matter on time .
te	0	a voice yelled to her .
te	0	A sword was tossed to her .
te	0	She caught its hilt .
te	0	" Are you crazy ? "
te	0	How did you see it ? "
te	0	It 's lucky I did , too .
te	0	" Do you recognize this ? "
te	0	She held out the pendant .
te	0	He peered at it .
te	0	" No , I don 't . "
te	0	" I recognize him , though .
te	0	He 's part of the River Boys .
te	0	A bunch of these guys are . "
te	0	" Who are the river boys ? "
te	0	" You 're bleeding . "
te	0	" Doesn 't it hurt ? "
te	0	" I 've had worse . "
te	0	The boy rolled his eyes .
te	0	Make up your mind ! "
te	0	Then he started walking away .
te	0	He glanced over his shoulder .
te	0	And you 're coming with me . "
te	0	What 's yours ? "
te	0	A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling .
te	0	called a woman 's voice .
te	0	" I brought a friend .
te	0	" I am Mrs. Raymond . "
te	0	" You 're hurt .
te	0	A ceramic jar held needles for acupuncture .
te	0	" Hmm , " she said .
te	0	" That is a big crystal .
te	0	" Well , " Mrs. Raymond continued .
te	0	" It 's obviously something special .
te	0	The house was very large .
te	0	The floors were all polished wood .
te	0	She stayed on the first floor anyway .
te	0	" ... really amazing , mother .
te	0	Eventually she wandered into the kitchen .
te	0	He absorbed himself in his cooking again .
te	0	But we got ta take shifts here .
te	0	She assumed that was for the meals .
te	0	At the bottom was flat ground .
te	0	Fireflies danced throughout all of it .
te	0	She heard the soft fall of footsteps .
te	0	He paused when she looked up .
te	0	" I was being quiet .
te	0	Jeff sat down next to her .
te	0	" It 's a very nice sword .
te	0	A katana , right ? "
te	0	" Yes , " she said .
te	0	It was the best one there . "
te	0	Jeff handed back her katana .
te	0	" Exactly , " Jeff said .
te	0	" So , who would train me ?
te	0	Jeff raised an eyebrow .
te	0	" I 'm on my Journey . "
te	0	" You 're on a journey ? "
te	0	Not a journey , my Journey . "
te	0	" Right , okay . "
te	0	" I could . "
te	0	" Well , yeah . "
te	0	" How good are you ? "
te	0	" You want to duel me ? "
te	0	" Why not ? "
te	0	Jeff raised an eyebrow .
te	0	She put her hands on her hips .
te	0	They faced each other .
te	0	Then he made his own lunge .
te	0	Finally they both stepped back .
te	0	It had lasted less than a minute .
te	0	" Shut up . "
te	0	The sun was bright overhead .
te	0	" Bye , mom ! "
te	0	" You ready to go ? "
te	0	Jeff rolled his eyes .
te	0	" Alright , let 's go . "
te	0	He also ran an on-going commentary .
te	0	She 's a gossip .
te	0	He 's blind and nearly deaf . "
te	0	" Hello Mr. Ferdinand ! "
te	0	Jeff called across the street .
te	0	So good to see you ! "
te	0	said the man , waving a finger .
te	0	We must protect the bees . "
te	0	I 'd say you smell like lilacs .
te	0	Jeff just grinned and shrugged .
te	0	" Yes , yes !
te	0	" No , " Jeff said .
te	0	It was a man 's voice .
te	0	He turned to look across the street .
te	0	" We 're about half your size .
te	0	Lurking in the shadows ?
te	0	Ferdinand could find you in a moment .
te	0	Jeff became suddenly serious .
te	0	" How can you tell ? "
te	0	Then he grew serious again .
te	0	Someone was shooting at them !
te	0	Jeff peeked around the corner .
te	0	You almost hit us ! "
te	0	A girl 's voice answered him .
te	0	In her hand she held a bow .
te	0	" Do your parents make arrows ? "
te	0	" My father is a lawyer .
te	0	Where are you headed ?
te	0	" This is a short cut .
te	0	Do you want to come ? "
te	0	What would make Jeff overlook that ?
te	0	" You live in the country ? "
te	0	" I love it there .
te	0	" My mom hates it there .
te	0	No one 's thought that for centuries .
te	0	" Umm - " " Great ! "
te	0	" Let 's go ! "
te	0	" Jeff what were you thinking ? "
te	0	It 's safe to trust her . "
te	0	" Excuse me ! "
te	0	" Have you seen my daughter ? "
te	0	Jeff looked at her in alarm .
te	0	" Yes , well thank you . "
te	0	She caught her breath .
te	0	The library was huge .
te	0	It towered above the buildings around it .
te	0	He went back to sorting books .
te	0	She had never seen so many books .
te	0	There are things you must do first .
te	0	" Right , " she said .
te	0	" Where to ? "
te	0	Those are this way . "
te	0	" Artifacts are down that one . "
te	0	Is that interesting ? "
te	0	" You found anything yet ? "
te	0	Jeff peered over her shoulder .
te	0	" What are you reading ? "
te	0	She sighed and rubbed her eyes .
te	0	" Possibly , " said Jeff .
te	0	It 's not a normal gem . "
te	0	" How can you tell ? "
te	0	" This is a gem glossary .
te	0	" What 's it ? "
te	0	The words were written around it .
te	0	He skimmed the page .
te	0	" What does it say ? "
te	0	" That 's all it says . "
te	0	" Someone 's coming . "
te	0	It was wedged below a bookcase .
te	0	Come help put these away .
te	0	she said , distracted .
te	0	" Alright , " Jeff said .
te	0	They started picking up the books .
te	0	" Are you crazy ?
te	0	Put that away ! "
te	0	The librarian looked at her very seriously .
te	0	Are you one of them ? "
te	0	The librarian looked around nervously again .
te	0	Come with me . "
te	0	She shook her head .
te	0	He stared at her .
te	0	" That 's not possible . "
te	0	" I guess you 're right .
te	0	She leaned closer to whisper to him .
te	0	" And very secretive .
te	0	They are professionals at staying hidden . "
te	0	" Some professionals . "
te	0	Then her eyes narrowed .
te	0	I left , and hid .
te	0	" Tell me more . "
te	0	The librarian stared at her .
te	0	Then they 'd bury us as well .
te	0	No one will know what happened . "
te	0	She turned and headed for the door .
te	0	With that she left the room .
te	0	" There you are ! "
te	0	" When you were looking for trouble .
te	0	It was so obvious .
te	0	You always stared at whatever moved .
te	0	" How do you know that ? "
te	0	Yours feels like an actual home . "
te	0	" Umm ... " Jeff said again .
te	0	She took two more steps .
te	0	Still like any other step .
te	0	She wasn 't far off the ground .
te	0	They seemed so steep at this height .
te	0	They were both fighting grins .
te	0	She didn 't fall .
te	0	She peeked behind her again .
te	0	She took two steps .
te	0	" You like the stairs ? "
te	0	Realization dawned on him .
te	0	My mother would kill me ! "
te	0	" What are we doing ? "
te	0	Was she going to jump off ?
te	0	" Just slide down ! "
te	0	Everything rocketed by her .
te	0	" That was cool ! "
te	0	His voice was deep and smooth .
te	0	" What exactly are you doing ? "
te	0	Jeff was turning very red .
te	0	She bowed her head .
te	0	" I know it 's not allowed .
te	0	I 'm sorry . "
te	0	He gave her a slight bow .
te	0	" Thank you , sir . "
te	0	Mr. Raymond will do . "
te	0	" What alley ? "
te	0	No one seemed to hear her .
te	0	Mr. Raymond sighed through his nose .
te	0	It would help with the search . "
te	0	" Oh , and Jeffery ? "
te	0	Less people walk through there . "
te	0	" Come on , guys .
te	0	Let 's go . "
te	0	Red armchairs surrounded the table .
te	0	" What happened ? "
te	0	" How 'd you get this ? "
te	0	" And that necklace , too . "
te	0	Mr. Raymond gestured to them .
te	0	" Please , sit . "
te	0	Jeff glanced at her .
te	0	" There 's always tomorrow . "
te	0	Mr. Raymond nodded , writing this down .
te	0	" It 's a really large jewel .
te	0	Mr. Raymond nodded again .
te	0	" No , sorry . "
te	0	" Mr. Raymond ? "
te	0	" Yes , dear ? "
te	0	He smiled kindly at her .
te	0	" Of course . "
te	0	They left the study .
te	0	Jeff stared at her .
te	0	" I 'm sorry , Jeff .
te	0	" Where are you going ? "
te	0	Jeff asked , looking at her .
te	0	" You can 't leave . "
te	0	She pulled free and started off again .
te	0	This time he didn 't follow her .
te	0	He walked up behind her .
te	0	We need to know more . "
te	0	He slipped his hand into hers .
te	0	" Come on , guys !
te	0	Ready to go ? "
te	0	Then she stared at the ground .
te	0	She glanced at Jeff .
te	0	He was looking nervous .
te	0	" Just until things settle down . "
te	0	" What 's wrong ? "
te	0	" You 're on a journey ? "
te	0	" My Journey . "
te	0	My Journey might take me anywhere .
te	0	Her friends were quiet for a moment .
te	0	" It 's all settled then ! "
te	0	They left the room .
te	0	She sighed through her nose .
te	0	So her skills were sadly lacking .
te	0	he asked in a whisper .
te	0	" History , " Jeff said .
te	0	" Well , " the librarian whispered .
te	0	" The history section is over there .
te	0	You may use it .
te	0	It 's in the back left corner .
te	0	" Thank you , " Jeff said .
te	0	They glanced at each other .
te	0	So far so good .
te	0	There was a plain wooden door .
te	0	Inside was just a plain wooden room .
te	0	Jeff closed the door behind him .
te	0	Jeff picked up a book .
te	0	" Nice to meet you . "
te	0	" More like ten . "
te	0	" Things might get dangerous .
te	0	" Where to begin ? "
te	0	" Where 's the necklace ? "
te	0	" Or the rest of it . "
te	0	On it were hand drawn pictures .
te	0	" For which one ? "
te	0	Everyone was silent for a moment .
te	0	Just look at it .
te	0	She had that right .
te	0	What where any of them thinking ?
te	0	We can pick this up tomorrow . "
te	0	Jeff let out a sigh of relief .
te	0	" I just implied it . "
te	0	" This is too open .
te	0	Let 's go inside . "
te	0	Innocent people will die . "
te	0	" Remember what Mr. Archibald said ? "
te	0	" But what can we do ? "
te	0	" We 're just three kids . "
te	0	" This is my calling .
te	0	She heard the sounds of creaking boards .
te	0	He sat down next to her .
te	0	" Thinking , " was her response .
te	0	" What about ? "
te	0	" I was thinking about home . "
te	0	She touched the neckline of her nightgown .
te	0	It reminded her of Lily .
te	0	" You miss it ? "
te	0	" Yes , every day .
te	0	" I keep having this feeling .
te	0	Something I 'm missing .
te	0	" What exactly is it ? "
te	0	" How do you know ? "
te	0	" For me I get this feeling .
te	0	I have a sense of restlessness .
te	0	He took her hand in his .
te	0	A moment later Jeff walked in .
te	0	" What are you doing ? "
te	0	The day had been uneventful .
te	0	" We already have one piece .
te	0	" Is she trustworthy ? "
te	0	She had frowned , and then shrugged .
te	0	" I guess . "
te	0	Archie had shook his head .
te	0	" Sadly , no .
te	0	" I don 't know . "
te	0	" I just do . "
te	0	Jeff rolled his eyes .
te	0	Almost like crouching people .
te	0	Shadows haunted each isle .
te	0	" Mr. Archibald ? "
te	0	Her voice echoed through the room .
te	0	" We 're closed ! "
te	0	" We 're still closed ! "
te	0	I left it here today .
te	0	She tied the string under her chin .
te	0	Everyone in the room froze .
te	0	" Thanks , " she said sarcastically .
te	0	It hit the doorframe and stuck there .
te	0	It was a poisoned dart .
te	0	Then she ran back at them .
te	0	That was all she needed .
te	0	" I have an idea . "
te	0	" You 'll know . "
te	0	She disappeared into the shelves .
te	0	She dropped into a crouch .
te	0	It saved her life .
te	0	She threw herself at him .
te	0	Books cascaded down on top of them .
te	0	They sneaked down the aisle .
te	0	He dropped like a stone .
te	0	She hopped up on the table .
te	0	Time for some dramatic effect .
te	0	" Looking for this ? "
te	0	Jeff and Archie were completely forgotten .
te	0	This would have to be perfect .
te	0	By then it was too late .
te	0	Her vision was slightly blurry .
te	0	You just destroyed his library ! "
te	0	" Just this corner .
te	0	" I 'm sorry , Archie .
te	0	She heard Archie sigh miserably .
te	0	" Yes , I guess it is .
te	0	Thank you for saving us , Pain .
te	0	" That was so cool !
te	0	" No , " Archie said .
te	0	The teens blinked at him .
te	0	" Why , what 's wrong ? "
te	0	" Where would he be ? "
te	0	He pointed to her shoulder .
te	0	" ... she going to be okay ?
te	0	" Hush , Jeff .
te	0	Jeff leaned over her again .
te	0	" How do you feel ? "
te	0	" Where am I ? "
te	0	Are you alright ? "
te	0	" Yes , fine .
te	0	I got poisoned , right ? "
te	0	Archie stood up , looking very disapproving .
te	0	" Not me , " Archie said .
te	0	Archie shook his head .
te	0	" No , don 't be sorry .
te	0	He glanced up and down the alley .
te	0	" We 're wasting time .
te	0	" Now get going . "
te	0	Mal met her gaze .
te	0	With that he turned and walked away .
te	0	The streets they used were deserted .
te	0	Finally they came to a stone wall .
te	0	The kitchen was dark and empty .
te	0	Jeff nodded and hurried off .
te	0	For a moment he didn 't answer .
te	0	" I don 't know .
te	0	" What happened in the library ? "
te	0	The teens didn 't answer at first .
te	0	" If we can . "
te	0	She sounded almost pleading .
te	0	" You 're just kids . "
te	0	But ... " People need you here .
te	0	She gave him another kiss and hug .
te	0	Then she shooed them out the door .
te	0	" Mrs. Raymond ? "
te	0	" Yes , dear ? "
te	0	" I ... I 'm sorry .
te	0	Mrs. Raymond gave her a small smile .
te	0	" You alright ? "
te	0	Jeff nodded and stood a little straighter .
te	0	" Yeah , for them . "
te	0	" That 's her room . "
te	0	Jeff turned bright red .
te	0	She motioned for them to come inside .
te	0	" These are the servant 's hallways .
te	0	It was a defense mechanism .
te	0	" I like my house better . "
te	0	Then she disappeared inside .
te	0	" I do not !
te	0	She shook her head .
te	0	Love , Dad . '
te	0	" What 's in it ? "
te	0	She attached them to her pack .
te	0	" Alright , I 'm ready .
te	0	She rolled her shoulder .
te	0	It was on fire .
te	0	" How are you ? "
te	0	The room inside was plain and messy .
te	0	My mother never comes in here .
te	0	She straightened and pointed to the stool .
te	0	Mostly he 'd just work .
te	0	She smiled at him .
te	0	They left the study .
te	0	" Who 's Mal ? "
te	0	" Is ' Mal ' Archie ? "
te	0	Garbage rolled around in the street .
te	0	" Then why are we here ? "
te	0	Jeff stopped and stared at her .
te	0	" Hey , Raymond ! "
te	0	the man yelled again .
te	0	He started walking towards them .
te	0	Jeff turned to look at the speaker .
te	0	" What do you want ? "
te	0	Or maybe you 're avoiding him .
te	0	Julius kept walking towards them .
te	0	Jeff 's eyes narrowed .
te	0	Her hand was already resting on hers .
te	0	The man 's evil smile grew .
te	0	" Oh , this is stupid ! "
te	0	" We 're not scared of you .
te	0	Get out of our way . "
te	0	One of them even lowered his club .
te	0	Julius fell backwards to the ground .
te	0	He dropped like a stone .
te	0	He fell like his comrade .
te	0	These people were just so slow .
te	0	Things could have been worse .
te	0	" Jeff , look out ! "
te	0	And I never miss ! "
te	0	I didn 't think of it then .
te	0	I 'm so sorry . "
te	0	She spoke gently to her .
te	0	Don 't blame yourself . "
te	0	No warning and no nonfatal shots .
te	0	Now get out of my sight . "
te	0	" Nothing will get by me . "
te	0	" Are you alright ? "
te	0	" Can you talk ? "
te	0	This time he looked up at her .
te	0	" What 's wrong ? "
te	0	He looked away again .
te	0	" It was a mistake .
te	0	He finally turned to look at her .
te	0	But I couldn 't . "
te	0	" So , where to now ? "
te	0	The shadow leaped across the rooftops .
te	0	That had been a disaster .
te	0	The shadow took off again .
te	0	" You 're late . "
te	0	" I know , " he said .
te	0	" Go on . "
te	0	The shadow took a breath .
te	0	" I could not find them .
te	0	They proved what I 'd feared .
te	0	The traitor is with them . "
te	0	" The only one to get away .
te	0	" We 've underestimated them .
te	0	He thought for a moment .
te	0	" Let 's send more men . "
te	0	He could not believe it .
te	0	Who the abyss was this idiot ?
te	0	" You doubt my judgment ? "
te	0	" No , " he began .
te	0	" No , " he said again .
te	0	The shadow knew who that was .
te	0	She hadn 't thought of that .
te	0	" Great , " Jeff groaned .
te	0	" Less sleep for everyone . "
te	0	" Bite me . "
te	0	" So , the left road ? "
te	0	Jeff re-checked the map .
te	0	" Then let 's get going ! "
te	0	" How does it work ? "
te	0	It connects everything together .
te	0	" Why a crystal ? "
te	0	" Can you show us ? "
te	0	" Yes we do ! "
te	0	" The jewel from the necklace ! "
te	0	They started walking again .
te	0	Jeff pulled out his map .
te	0	" What 's the difference ? "
te	0	" Towns are usually busy . "
te	0	It was named simply " Inn . "
te	0	" What would you like ? "
te	0	She turned and walked away .
te	0	" What are menus ? "
te	0	It would have some rundown shacks . "
te	0	Jeff thought for a while .
te	0	" It 's just a theory . "
te	0	" Like this , " she said .
te	0	" Yup , just passing through !
te	0	" A drink . "
te	0	" What kind ? "
te	0	Very slowly she took a sip .
te	0	She 'd gotten his attention .
te	0	" Where you from , stranger ? "
te	0	She crossed her arms over her chest .
te	0	" These are strange times . "
te	0	They don 't like foreigners . "
te	0	" Don 't worry . "
te	0	" I hate this stuff .
te	0	That stuff was nasty . "
te	0	" Was that all really necessary ? "
te	0	Jeff grimaced and rubbed his throat .
te	0	The bored barmaid returned with their food .
te	0	The three ate in silence .
te	0	Just then the front door opened .
te	0	" No , " Jeff said .
te	0	" What brings you to town ? "
te	0	" I asked you a question ! "
te	0	" Nothing more . "
te	0	" We 're just passing through . "
te	0	" Good , " he sneered .
te	0	The bar man stood watching them .
te	0	The brunet noticed him .
te	0	The bar man looked terrified .
te	0	The woman got it .
te	0	You 've got other customers waiting ! "
te	0	The bar man hurried off .
te	0	She smiled evilly at Davis .
te	0	He pointed at her .
te	0	She tilted her head to one side .
te	0	They howled in rage .
te	0	It crashed down behind her .
te	0	The people at the table scattered .
te	0	He dropped to the ground unconscious .
te	0	It was the woman .
te	0	Inside she was searching for an advantage .
te	0	The woman smiled nastily .
te	0	the bar man yelled .
te	0	" You alright ? "
te	0	" Thank you . "
te	0	I 've always hated bullies . "
te	0	The people in the bar celebrated .
te	0	" Alright , alright , enough !
te	0	Davis leaned down and scooped them up .
te	0	" Hi , Uncle Davis ! "
te	0	She looked like she was only five .
te	0	She poked Lily in the tummy .
te	0	" Oh you . "
te	0	" This is my wife . "
te	0	She gestured to the children .
te	0	Please , come inside . "
te	0	Across the room was another sliding door .
te	0	The man and woman looked up .
te	0	They 're staying with us for dinner .
te	0	Ben and Jan shook hands with them .
te	0	Apparently they had gone over this before .
te	0	" What about the police ? "
te	0	One of the older cousins spoke up .
te	0	She thought it might be Jen .
te	0	" Well it 's true ! "
te	0	" You watch your mouth young lady !
te	0	" I apologize for Jen 's behavior .
te	0	" I wonder what 's bothering her .
te	0	" What about it ? "
te	0	" What about when we leave ? "
te	0	" What about protecting the jewel ? "
te	0	She held it out to Jeff .
te	0	He didn 't take it .
te	0	" Get some sleep , guys . "
te	0	" Get used to it .
te	0	There was a different sound .
te	0	It was coming from outside .
te	0	That was when she recognized it .
te	0	" You 're doing it wrong . "
te	0	" What are you doing here ?
te	0	She studied the girl 's swords .
te	0	" I 'm not against fighting ! "
te	0	It 's timing and judgment . "
te	0	Jen was all too happy to attack .
te	0	Jen screamed in frustration and attacked harder .
te	0	Jen hit the ground on her back .
te	0	Do you want that ? "
te	0	It will come , but not yet .
te	0	" You call your aunt Aunty ? "
te	0	" Aunty , seriously ?
te	0	That 's so childish . "
te	0	" Why is it childish ? "
te	0	Jen sheathed her swords .
te	0	How is that not childish ?
te	0	" Honestly , grow up . "
te	0	Are you almost ready dear ?
te	0	Here , this is yours . "
te	0	Jan came flying around the building .
te	0	Jeff joined them there .
te	0	" Hey , Davis ? "
te	0	Davis sighed and shrugged .
te	0	" We 'll find some way . "
te	0	" That would solve nothing .
te	0	" But be quick .
te	0	He kissed her on the cheek .
te	0	An idea was forming .
te	0	" Yes , dear ? "
te	0	" They gamble every second they get .
te	0	" Well I guess they would .
te	0	Gambling 's addictive sometimes . "
te	0	" Here , give me some . "
te	0	She only added to the commotion .
te	0	They stopped ten feet from the wagon .
te	0	You owe me money , Otani . "
te	0	She counted ten in all .
te	0	This might be tricky .
te	0	Everyone blinked at Davis .
te	0	Marshal took another step towards the wagon .
te	0	" You dare challenge me ? "
te	0	" I do . "
te	0	She stopped between Marshal and Davis .
te	0	" I am . "
te	0	Marshal stared at her .
te	0	Then he broke out laughing .
te	0	So did his followers .
te	0	" Prove it . "
te	0	" To a gamble . "
te	0	" What gamble ? "
te	0	" And if we win ? "
te	0	" That 's your call . "
te	0	It was a win-win situation for him .
te	0	Was it worth it ?
te	0	" Deal , " she said .
te	0	He didn 't get up .
te	0	Right into the man 's swinging rock .
te	0	" You fools ! "
te	0	Get her all at once ! "
te	0	They screamed a war cry and charged .
te	0	She met the group head on .
te	0	Would these guys ever learn ?
te	0	Seven and eight down .
te	0	It wasn 't over yet .
te	0	This guy was strong .
te	0	He didn 't wince .
te	0	She had underestimated him .
te	0	He had done this thousands of times .
te	0	" This isn 't over .
te	0	I 'll be back . "
te	0	Look around you . "
te	0	Look at their faces .
te	0	Marshal scanned the faces of the crowd .
te	0	Not all of them were convinced .
te	0	Some of them were still scared .
te	0	But it was enough .
te	0	Lying near him was a knife .
te	0	" The agreement 's broken ! "
te	0	" She helped her ! "
te	0	The crowd started jeering .
te	0	The crowd just kept getting wilder .
te	0	" Thank you . "
te	0	Or at least she tried to .
te	0	" That was so cool ! "
te	0	Her parents spotted her right away .
te	0	Ben cried in surprise .
te	0	" Where did that come from ?
te	0	" How did you get them ? "
te	0	" Why would you want weapons ? "
te	0	Jan called after her .
te	0	" What has gotten into her ? "
te	0	He looked apologetically at the three teens .
te	0	Bane bounced up to the wagon .
te	0	He looked excitedly up at everyone .
te	0	" Guess what I just found out !
te	0	Bane pointed up the street .
te	0	" Over there outside the town hall .
te	0	" Lead the way ! "
te	0	Bane darted away up the street .
te	0	" That 's the mayor ! "
te	0	She smiled up at the mayor .
te	0	" I know . "
te	0	" I had to do it .
te	0	She shrugged and took it .
te	0	Finally it disappeared altogether .
te	0	They were on their way !
te	0	Something wasn 't right .
te	0	" We want to see them ! "
te	0	" See what ? "
te	0	" The swords ! "
te	0	She passed them to Jeff .
te	0	" Gold is really soft . "
te	0	Jeff looked closer at the blades .
te	0	" No , look .
te	0	Even the handles . "
te	0	" Oh calm down !
te	0	Look , it isn 't even scratched .
te	0	That clear stuff is really tough . "
te	0	" They 're well balanced .
te	0	I never knew they were actually usable .
te	0	" You knew about them ? "
te	0	" Everyone knows about them .
te	0	" Is everyone okay back there ? "
te	0	Ben called over his shoulder .
te	0	" Why 'd we stop ? "
te	0	" That 's why . "
te	0	The three teens joined them .
te	0	These trees are in deep . "
te	0	I 'm sorry for these delays . "
te	0	It was too dangerous .
te	0	" Hey , Jeff ? "
te	0	" How is that childish ? "
te	0	" It isn 't .
te	0	" Who knows ? "
te	0	" I 'll go find her . "
te	0	Fireflies drifted among the trees .
te	0	Crickets had started their nightly chirping .
te	0	" Jeff told me . "
te	0	" What 's up ? "
te	0	Her friends looked surprised .
te	0	" What , why ? "
te	0	" I like traveling with them .
te	0	" What about the Assassins ? "
te	0	It 's too dangerous . "
te	0	They 'd all be safer without her .
te	0	Then she slipped away into the woods .
te	0	Soon she had left the road behind .
te	0	A different sound cut through the night .
te	0	They 'd never find her then .
te	0	So much for avoiding Jen .
te	0	" Hello , Enya . "
te	0	Jen sheathed her swords .
te	0	The younger girl crossed her arms .
te	0	Jen asked , confused .
te	0	" None of your business . "
te	0	She turned to leave .
te	0	Jen noticed her bag .
te	0	" Hey , you 're leaving ? "
te	0	Jen asked , shock filling her voice .
te	0	I never thought it was true .
te	0	It isn 't , right ? "
te	0	" Then why are you leaving ? "
te	0	" Are you even listening to me ?
te	0	I 'm not running away .
te	0	" I know that .
te	0	It was Jen who broke the silence .
te	0	Jen made a face .
te	0	" My case is different . "
te	0	" I do not ! "
te	0	" How can you be sure ?
te	0	She put her head in her hands .
te	0	She had looked so lost and young .
te	0	Only she was leaving them .
te	0	Then they 'd go after her friends .
te	0	No one would know she had left .
te	0	" I never should have left . "
te	0	Jen looked at her for a moment .
te	0	What was I thinking ? "
te	0	" You had very good advice .
te	0	Are you still doing that ? "
te	0	Jen gave her a mean grin .
te	0	She stood up and hurried away .
te	0	Then her eyes narrowed at a thought .
te	0	" Nothing at all . "
te	0	Birds chirped somewhere off in the trees .
te	0	A soft breeze touched her cheek .
te	0	" What 's wrong ? "
te	0	Jen had a small smirk .
te	0	" Never mind . "
te	0	" You 're going to practice ? "
te	0	" Yeah , " Jen said .
te	0	" Don 't follow me . "
te	0	Then she followed Jen into the forest .
te	0	Jen asked without turning around .
te	0	" Not usually . "
te	0	" Your swords are dull . "
te	0	Jen stopped and glared at her .
te	0	Jen looked down at her blades .
te	0	" You mean they 're ruined ? "
te	0	They just need to be sharpened .
te	0	The clearing went silent .
te	0	Finally Jen gave in .
te	0	I 'll go get it . "
te	0	" Did you sleep well ? "
te	0	" Yes , thank you .
te	0	" I 'm sure . "
te	0	Just make sure you 're back soon .
te	0	" We will . "
te	0	She hopped up when she saw her .
te	0	" You try . "
te	0	" Don 't push so hard . "
te	0	Eventually Jen got the hand of it .
te	0	It felt off in her hand .
te	0	" How do you use these ?
te	0	They 're awful . "
te	0	" Suit yourself . "
te	0	" Who taught you ? "
te	0	" Mind your own business ! "
te	0	She never took her eyes off her .
te	0	Jen glanced over her shoulder .
te	0	Finally Jen broke the silence .
te	0	" Who was he ? "
te	0	" I don 't know .
te	0	But he told me a secret once .
te	0	Jen seemed lost in her memories .
te	0	" Why am I telling you this ?
te	0	I don 't even like you !
te	0	Besides , that 's all stupid .
te	0	" Not really . "
te	0	Jen gave her a strange look .
te	0	" You do ? "
te	0	" Well , almost .
te	0	Jen was practically bouncing off the walls .
te	0	I don 't have any . "
te	0	As she watched large drops started falling .
te	0	When will this rain stop ? "
te	0	Jen took them and hurried away .
te	0	" Hey , is everyone okay ? "
te	0	Some of them were crying .
te	0	They shook their heads .
te	0	" And they like jumping .
te	0	That 's the lightning . "
te	0	Lightning crossed the sky .
te	0	She jumped and pointed .
te	0	" Look , they jumped ! "
te	0	" And drums ! "
te	0	All four of them waited .
te	0	Lightning flashed and thunder boomed .
te	0	" Big , " Vila decided .
te	0	The other two agreed .
te	0	" Everyone in the wagon ! "
te	0	Joan helped her little cousins in .
te	0	" I 'm scared . "
te	0	Lily climbed into her lap and nodded .
te	0	He looked back at the kids .
te	0	" Everyone ready ? "
te	0	" That 's a neat song .
te	0	Where did your Aunty learn it ? "
te	0	" I never asked .
te	0	The roads did not hold out .
te	0	The younger cousins began to cry .
te	0	" We 're stuck ! "
te	0	Jan yelled over the storm .
te	0	Davis jumped down after her .
te	0	" We 'll all have to push !
te	0	Joan , take the reins ! "
te	0	" Come on ! "
te	0	They climbed down after the adults .
te	0	" Ugh , " Jeff groaned .
te	0	Jan yelled to her .
te	0	" No mom ! "
te	0	" I can help ! "
te	0	" Maybe she can help !
te	0	Jan looked like she wanted to protest .
te	0	" Alright , everyone listen up ! "
te	0	Ben , take the front right corner !
te	0	Jan , take the front left corner !
te	0	It was the safest place to be .
te	0	We just need one more push !
te	0	Her arms and legs screamed in protest .
te	0	Her determination and power .
te	0	The movement of the wagon stopped .
te	0	She dropped to her knees beside them .
te	0	" Is everyone okay ?
te	0	Is anyone hurt ? "
te	0	" I know I know !
te	0	" I love it ! "
te	0	" Won 't it blow over ? "
te	0	" It might , " Jen said .
te	0	" No , have you ? "
te	0	" This is new for everybody . "
te	0	Jen broke the silence first .
te	0	" How did you do it ? "
te	0	" Do what ? "
te	0	That thing is heavy .
te	0	How did you do it ? "
te	0	It was enough to stop the wagon .
te	0	What had she really done ?
te	0	was everyone else 's reaction .
te	0	" Remember those energies I talked about ?
te	0	" THIS IS GREAT ! "
te	0	Jen 's face lit up .
te	0	Finally she grudgingly said , " Whatever .
te	0	" Wouldn 't dream of it . "
te	0	She finally gave in .
te	0	That allows you to gain control . "
te	0	" Something you greatly need . "
te	0	" Whatever , keep going . "
te	0	" You came to me for this .
te	0	Let yourself find peace .
te	0	Feeling anything yet ? "
te	0	" Yes , " Jen said .
te	0	" I feel stupid . "
te	0	They 'll just get in the way .
te	0	Just relax and find peace . "
te	0	Her face screwed up in concentration .
te	0	She finally opened her eyes .
te	0	" It 's not working ! "
te	0	" I quit ! "
te	0	" Because I see potential in her .
te	0	" Not yet anyway .
te	0	She 's still too young . "
te	0	Her friends looked at her .
te	0	It doesn 't matter now .
te	0	" It can be fun .
te	0	The kids shook their heads .
te	0	Vila marched over to stand beside her .
te	0	She looked absolutely shocked .
te	0	" What is it ? "
te	0	Lily scampered over to her siblings .
te	0	She pointed at them each in turn .
te	0	Vila slid down the tree and followed .
te	0	Then she took off after them .
te	0	" Having a good time ? "
te	0	They had been out way too long .
te	0	Were they in trouble ?
te	0	" Hey , we just got dry .
te	0	Why are you all wet again ? "
te	0	Come back to yell more ? "
te	0	Jen wouldn 't meet her eyes .
te	0	I thought it was stupid . "
te	0	" Not until you walked out .
te	0	Everything takes time and patience .
te	0	Jen bounced to her feet .
te	0	Jen did as she was told .
te	0	Jen sat quietly for a while .
te	0	Jen squirmed and cracked one eye open .
te	0	" And no peeking . "
te	0	Jen immediately snapped her eye shut .
te	0	" What inner eye ? "
te	0	" Actually , yes .
te	0	Jen 's eyes slowly opened .
te	0	" It 's gone . "
te	0	" Hours of meditation .
te	0	You 'd better start now . "
te	0	This I got ta see ! "
te	0	Jen glared up at her .
te	0	" I am not !
te	0	" Pain , wake up ! "
te	0	Her double swords she carried .
te	0	" Come on ! "
te	0	Jen took a breath and did .
te	0	Then her shoulders slumped .
te	0	They tried it three more times .
te	0	She had done it .
te	0	" Stand and face me . "
te	0	She 'd deal with that later .
te	0	" Before you begin you should center .
te	0	Time to deal with that stance .
te	0	" You 're stance is wrong .
te	0	It has to be broader and lighter .
te	0	" Now , attack me . "
te	0	" Each stroke is controlled .
te	0	" I 'm not a master . "
te	0	" No , really .
te	0	" Hungry already ? "
te	0	Jen asked , looking up at her .
te	0	" We just ate ! "
te	0	" But I do like climbing . "
te	0	Jen took her place across from her .
te	0	Her expression returned to annoyance .
te	0	" What were you thinking about ? "
te	0	Jeff asked , grinning .
te	0	" There 're so many friendly people .
te	0	It 's , well , nice . "
te	0	" Did you have friends ? "
te	0	" Other than practicing martial arts ? "
te	0	Here , actually . "
te	0	" What could you do here ?
te	0	Climb the tree ? "
te	0	Jeff glared as they laughed at him .
te	0	" Very funny . "
te	0	It 's an inspiration ! "
te	0	" And ruin your fun ? "
te	0	she said with a smile .
te	0	the younger cousins shouted .
te	0	" So many questions !
te	0	" Like that would be a problem .
te	0	The buildings all had one story .
te	0	The wagon pulled up to a building .
te	0	The adults climbed down .
te	0	Jen bounced up to her .
te	0	Her mother shook her head .
te	0	No size jokes here . "
te	0	Jeff raised an eyebrow at her .
te	0	" Tell that to Denton ! "
te	0	She waved her hand dismissively .
te	0	That 's open season . "
te	0	" How old are you ? "
te	0	Jen made a face .
te	0	" Yeah , I know .
te	0	" Great news , everyone ! "
te	0	the hairy man said .
te	0	" Great , more riding .
te	0	My legs are so cramped ! "
te	0	" Sometimes , " Davis said .
te	0	It felt ... wrong .
te	0	She glanced at her friends .
te	0	They would never agree to leave now .
te	0	Jen put her hands on her hips .
te	0	" Come on . "
te	0	" Pay attention . "
te	0	Jen rubbed her shoulder irritably .
te	0	" They 'd make me stop . "
te	0	They don 't know what 's wrong .
te	0	They 're worried about you . "
te	0	" They 're always worried about something .
te	0	She bit her lip .
te	0	" And I do love them .
te	0	Jen looked almost panicked .
te	0	Can 't we wait until later ? "
te	0	" What is it , Jen ? "
te	0	Jen took a deep breath .
te	0	I like doing drastic things .
te	0	" They 're doing things ! "
te	0	You 're just a little girl . "
te	0	Jen stood and drew her swords .
te	0	She took a deep breath .
te	0	Jen looked back at her family .
te	0	Her eyes were pleading .
te	0	I can do this ! "
te	0	Jan and Ben looked at each other .
te	0	She looked up at her daughter .
te	0	" Oh thank you , Mom ! "
te	0	" I will , I will ! "
te	0	" Everyone down ! "
te	0	Then the screaming began .
te	0	Everything was a mass of running people .
te	0	" My sword ! "
te	0	" I need my sword ! "
te	0	She tripped over something .
te	0	Her eyes were wide and staring .
te	0	We 've got to go ! "
te	0	" Jeff , that woman was dead !
te	0	Because of us ! "
te	0	" I know , " he said .
te	0	He shoved her sword into her hand .
te	0	" Yes , you 're right . "
te	0	She looked at the chaos .
te	0	" Grab our packs ! "
te	0	She wasn 't listening .
te	0	Someone grabbed her arm .
te	0	" But you need to stay here .
te	0	You need to protect your family . "
te	0	" I will , I promise .
te	0	she screamed as loud as she could .
te	0	" Your plan sucks ! "
te	0	" Are they coming ? "
te	0	" Uh , yeah .
te	0	She should have expected that .
te	0	" Great , " he muttered .
te	0	" I can try . "
te	0	" She 'll be fine . "
te	0	But it can 't be helped .
te	0	She dropped to her left and rolled .
te	0	It saved her life .
te	0	They stood back to back .
te	0	She narrowed her eyes .
te	0	They 've sent better fighters against us .
te	0	Unfortunately her distraction cost her .
te	0	That didn 't matter .
te	0	" Do you see the road ? "
te	0	He scanned the woods .
te	0	He pointed off to her left .
te	0	She pulled him in that direction .
te	0	" Come on ! "
te	0	" We can 't fight them here !
te	0	" What about their archers ? "
te	0	Didn 't think of that .
te	0	" Are they following ? "
te	0	" Uh , no .
te	0	Jeff glanced back again .
te	0	" Someone 's coming out .
te	0	" Jeff , stop ! "
te	0	She ran back towards them .
te	0	She was covered in cuts and bruises .
te	0	Arrows fell around them .
te	0	She glanced back at the trees .
te	0	" It 's a common strategy .
te	0	They crouched down in the grass .
te	0	" This is a death trap . "
te	0	" But how ? "
te	0	" Any ideas ? "
te	0	" Get ready to fight ? "
te	0	She touched the nearest piece of grass .
te	0	" It 's Dragon Weed .
te	0	It 's highly resistant to water .
te	0	" Oh , " Jeff said .
te	0	" I get it . "
te	0	" Well I don 't ! "
te	0	" This circle is big enough .
te	0	Then she struck a spark .
te	0	Immediately the weed burst into flame .
te	0	It felt like forever .
te	0	The field was gone .
te	0	So they weren 't dead .
te	0	The shadowy figure could not believe it .
te	0	They 'd set her group on fire .
te	0	The shadow had a duty to fulfill .
te	0	The children had gotten away .
te	0	She was lucky she was right handed .
te	0	When they awoke it was early morning .
te	0	Only one of them looked bad .
te	0	She was currently replacing her bowstring .
te	0	" My hair ! "
te	0	" Look at it !
te	0	It 's all burned and uneven ! "
te	0	She glanced at Jeff again .
te	0	Inside was a light green paste .
te	0	So enough with the pity parties ! "
te	0	She looked at them very seriously .
te	0	Right , there was that .
te	0	She said it like she didn 't .
te	0	" Is it a tributary too ? "
te	0	" Most likely , " Jeff said .
te	0	" So it 's old ? "
te	0	She pulled some branches aside .
te	0	I barely noticed it at all . "
te	0	" Smugglers , " Jeff said .
te	0	" Or a criminal organization .
te	0	Following it would be really difficult . "
te	0	Jeff raised an eyebrow .
te	0	" Jump them ? "
te	0	" Why not ? "
te	0	" How do we do it ? "
te	0	" We 're being followed , remember ?
te	0	" That 's wishy-washy . "
te	0	" You got any better ideas ? "
te	0	The way they talked was strange .
te	0	" My Aunty taught me .
te	0	They looked at each other .
te	0	She stopped dead in surprise .
te	0	Her surprise gave him time to recover .
te	0	She heard something pop .
te	0	Something clashed behind her back .
te	0	That couldn 't be good .
te	0	She 'd been expecting this .
te	0	Where had they come from ?
te	0	Her head exploded with pain .
te	0	She fell back to the ground .
te	0	Or what she assumed was the sky .
te	0	The last blow had blurred her vision .
te	0	A dark head loomed over her .
te	0	It looked up and nodded .
te	0	Something was bumping her side .
te	0	Her vision was slowly clearing .
te	0	There was something she needed to do .
te	0	Jeff looked pissed but not badly hurt .
te	0	The Assassins were standing around them .
te	0	So that 's what had hit her .
te	0	This jerked her back into focus .
te	0	They couldn 't find the jewel !
te	0	She glared at him .
te	0	He opened his hands just a touch .
te	0	Red glinted between his fingers .
te	0	" Where is the Jewel ? "
te	0	" Where is it ? "
te	0	" In my pocket . "
te	0	The woman shook her head slowly .
te	0	The woman was still speaking .
te	0	Where is it ? "
te	0	" I-I don 't know . "
te	0	" You lie . "
te	0	" No , it really was ! "
te	0	Tell me where it is .
te	0	So much for lying .
te	0	" Go fall off a mountain . "
te	0	The woman stood triumphantly .
te	0	Her kick landed on his knee .
te	0	Her head throbbed and her stomach protested .
te	0	The other Assassins hadn 't noticed yet .
te	0	The woman pointed at him .
te	0	At once the Assassins ran for him .
te	0	" Jeff , duck ! "
te	0	Jeff shoved their weapons at them .
te	0	" I think we lost them . "
te	0	" Where 's Jeff ? "
te	0	" We can go home . "
te	0	The smaller girl went sprawling .
te	0	" You selfish little girl !
te	0	I 've known that all along ! "
te	0	" Not far , " he said .
te	0	" Plus you probably have a concussion .
te	0	And they 'll be expecting it . "
te	0	" But I have to try .
te	0	Don 't come with me .
te	0	It 's a death trap . "
te	0	But his mind was set .
te	0	" Alright , let 's go . "
te	0	The Assassins were ready for them .
te	0	" Watch out ! "
te	0	" Back to back ! "
te	0	" No , " she answered .
te	0	This feels like fighting in the dark .
te	0	" Got it , " Jeff answered .
te	0	He was fighting a knife fighter .
te	0	The mace missed her by inches .
te	0	She grabbed the handle .
te	0	Her vision went blurry from pain again .
te	0	Otherwise she 'd be dead .
te	0	His hand had blood on it .
te	0	The back of her head was bleeding ?
te	0	That couldn 't be good .
te	0	She figured that was mostly from malice .
te	0	Two arrows cut through the air .
te	0	She didn 't have to .
te	0	Her shock ended with another arrow .
te	0	Nine down , six to go .
te	0	They closed in on her .
te	0	That was not good .
te	0	It barely missed her nose .
te	0	The woman closed in again .
te	0	The woman opened her mouth in surprise .
te	0	The woman fell to the ground .
te	0	She thrust at his abdomen .
te	0	She slashed up at his chin .
te	0	He barely deflected it high .
te	0	Her head betrayed her .
te	0	She doubled over in surprise .
te	0	" You okay ? "
te	0	" THAT WAS SO COOL !
te	0	" The last one 's leaving .
te	0	Should I take him out ? "
te	0	We can take them . "
te	0	They waited for a little while .
te	0	" He 's gone . "
te	0	The two girls ' eyes met .
te	0	They gave each other a little nod .
te	0	Then they both toppled sideways .
te	0	Mal 's voice was exasperated .
te	0	" Yes , Jeff .
te	0	They 'll both be fine .
te	0	" Move over , Jeff .
te	0	Stop leaning over me . "
te	0	" Not this time .
te	0	" What are you doing here ? "
te	0	Lucky I did , too .
te	0	You knew how bad it was . "
te	0	Mal pushed her back down again .
te	0	" It 's not mine ! "
te	0	" What does this do ? "
te	0	Mal turned to take it back .
te	0	Jeff and Mal looked at each other .
te	0	" Alright , let 's go . "
te	0	" You 're being sarcastic again . "
te	0	Her head hurt too much .
te	0	She could sew up her pride later .
te	0	she managed to ask .
te	0	" No , " Jeff said .
te	0	The three teens joined him there .
te	0	" We grew up together .
te	0	Finally Jeff stopped and looked around .
te	0	" That should be it . "
te	0	Dragon gargoyles dotted the many peaks .
te	0	Mal 's eyes filled with tears .
te	0	A woman sat in it doing calligraphy .
te	0	Kind of like Mal .
te	0	He laughed and took her hands .
te	0	She slapped him on the shoulder .
te	0	" An old friend ?
te	0	She threw her arms around him .
te	0	She turned to the three teens .
te	0	Mal asked her quietly .
te	0	He smiled at her .
te	0	She blushed and looked away .
te	0	She smiled at him .
te	0	She nodded and left .
te	0	Mal went to follow her .
te	0	The door closed behind him .
te	0	Her peace lasted about two seconds .
te	0	" Why not ? "
te	0	" What do you mean ? "
te	0	It 's supposed to be dead . "
te	0	" He knows everything . "
te	0	" She is , " Jeff said .
te	0	She 's won a couple of awards .
te	0	It drives her cousin crazy . "
te	0	" It 's not a big deal .
te	0	" I 'm not that predictable . "
te	0	Her lips pressed together in distaste .
te	0	she said to the two girls .
te	0	Her voice implied no nonsense .
te	0	" Hmm , " the woman said .
te	0	" Inhale the fumes once every hour .
te	0	" This should have gotten immediate attention .
te	0	That can 't be helped now .
te	0	You 'll have a large scar . "
te	0	" A lot , " Mal said .
te	0	" That 's very helpful . "
te	0	The woman sighed impatiently through her nose .
te	0	Then she took out a wooden object .
te	0	It was a stand .
te	0	He looked at the healer .
te	0	" Where did you get one ? "
te	0	The woman was packing up her bag .
te	0	And that was the end of that .
te	0	They learned very little .
te	0	They were completely isolated .
te	0	" Hi , " he said .
te	0	It was covered in books .
te	0	" Just what we need . "
te	0	" How are you doing ? "
te	0	" I 've stopped getting headaches ! "
te	0	" I 'm fine . "
te	0	" There is no such thing .
te	0	" It never does me any good .
te	0	" What jewel ? "
te	0	I am soo sorry .
te	0	It just slipped out ! "
te	0	She buried her face in her hands .
te	0	" Oh I am such an idiot !
te	0	" Where did you find this ?
te	0	It 's huge . "
te	0	" I still don 't know . "
te	0	" She knows too much already . "
te	0	" With a symbol like this ? "
te	0	" How do you know them ? "
te	0	" One of the reasons ? "
te	0	" We 're wasting time .
te	0	" Coming , " he said .
te	0	" See you later . "
te	0	" Why not ? "
te	0	" We 've just met him .
te	0	Put your feelings aside . "
te	0	Just listen to me a moment . "
te	0	" Well , yeah . "
te	0	He just wanted to touch it . "
te	0	" How do you know ? "
te	0	" So he likes shiny things .
te	0	" This is just paranoia ! "
te	0	She mentioned this to her friends .
te	0	Do you know by how much ? "
te	0	How far have you two gotten ? "
te	0	" Not much , " Mal said .
te	0	" It 's so strange , Maggie .
te	0	Have you noticed ? "
te	0	She stopped in surprise .
te	0	" What 's up ? "
te	0	" I don 't know .
te	0	She turned and walked towards the doors .
te	0	" I need some air . "
te	0	She scowled over her shoulder .
te	0	" I 'll be fine ! "
te	0	The doors open and closed behind her .
te	0	Soft footsteps padded down the steps .
te	0	He didn 't answer .
te	0	His expression was one of dread .
te	0	He clenched his fists on his knees .
te	0	She looked at him .
te	0	He was smiling again .
te	0	She liked it when he smiled .
te	0	She couldn 't help but smile back .
te	0	" No , I guess not . "
te	0	" We should go inside . "
te	0	" Who are they ? "
te	0	The tall brunette guy ?
te	0	Then it was hidden again .
te	0	" Hello , James . "
te	0	She stopped when she saw his face .
te	0	The look of dread was back .
te	0	" What does he mean ? "
te	0	James said in false surprise .
te	0	" Told me what ? "
te	0	" Shut up , James . "
te	0	He gave her another wink .
te	0	" Come hang out with us . "
te	0	His friends back off .
te	0	" You hit me ! "
te	0	He drew his sword .
te	0	Instead he lunged in towards her stomach .
te	0	He pushed himself to his feet .
te	0	Jeff appeared at her elbow .
te	0	She hadn 't noticed him come out .
te	0	" Let him go . "
te	0	" I know , " he said .
te	0	" But just let him go . "
te	0	James spun to face them .
te	0	James ' eyes widened .
te	0	" I know you !
te	0	" Yes , " Jeff said calmly .
te	0	Finding none he turned and stormed away .
te	0	His shocked friends trailed after him .
te	0	He still looked pissed .
te	0	" That was so cool ! "
te	0	" How much did you hear ? "
te	0	" I already gave you one . "
te	0	What 's your relationship with James ?
te	0	I didn 't want that . "
te	0	I deserve to know . "
te	0	" They 're mapmakers .
te	0	" I really do .
te	0	What am I supposed to think ? "
te	0	" Jeff doesn 't like you . "
te	0	" Do not start that !
te	0	" And I was right . "
te	0	" Look , I 'm sorry .
te	0	What am I supposed to do ? "
te	0	He gave her a thin smile .
te	0	I 'm sorry too .
te	0	" Nothing 's going to change that .
te	0	She hoped Jen was okay .
te	0	" What did he tell you ? "
te	0	She swallowed her pride .
te	0	I just don 't know . "
te	0	Mal made her stop and go outside .
te	0	Someone walked up behind them .
te	0	He smiled when she looked at him .
te	0	" Can I join you ? "
te	0	" It 's so obvious . "
te	0	" He 's head over heels . "
te	0	" Tell what ? "
te	0	The door slammed behind them .
te	0	" They 're all over priced . "
te	0	Like those golden swords over there .
te	0	" Is he always this cocky ? "
te	0	Jeff glared at her .
te	0	Nothing 's up there . "
te	0	" How do you know ?
te	0	" No , " she said .
te	0	" Unless they had assistance . "
te	0	" Jeff is not a traitor ! "
te	0	Some passersby gave them a funny look .
te	0	" I 'm done talking about that .
te	0	Why wouldn 't they ? "
te	0	" What are these used for ? "
te	0	she asked the store manager .
te	0	He stared at her .
te	0	" Light a field ... again ?
te	0	" Yeah , I guess so . "
te	0	" So will I .
te	0	" What do you mean ? "
te	0	" What , my Journey ?
te	0	" Yes , " she said .
te	0	" I guess . "
te	0	They stopped in four more shops .
te	0	Her navigation skills were nonexistent .
te	0	It just had to be an alley .
te	0	She was being ridiculous .
te	0	His back hit the wall behind him .
te	0	The woman slashed at her again .
te	0	She planted her feet and pushed .
te	0	She cursed herself for being so careless .
te	0	" They jumped me again .
te	0	She paused , her heart hurting .
te	0	" You were right , Jeff .
te	0	I should have listened to you . "
te	0	" I wish I wasn 't . "
te	0	They took off running for the library .
te	0	She scanned the roof of the building .
te	0	" No , " she said quietly .
te	0	" But it 's a large building .
te	0	With some effort she nodded .
te	0	It creaked ominously as it did .
te	0	Everything was dark inside .
te	0	That was a very bad sign .
te	0	Jeff crouched behind her .
te	0	" Wait , " he hissed .
te	0	" It 's Mal . "
te	0	" Mal , they 're here . "
te	0	She dropped lower , ready to spring .
te	0	She was obviously not an expert .
te	0	" Maggie , " Mal whispered .
te	0	I didn 't see you .
te	0	" We need to go .
te	0	" I 'm sorry !
te	0	It was the only way ! "
te	0	" You 're the traitor . "
te	0	" Maggie , no !
te	0	It can 't be . "
te	0	He took in the scene .
te	0	" I 'm sorry !
te	0	They were going to kill us ! "
te	0	Then realization dawned on his face .
te	0	Then she fell to the floor .
te	0	Two darts missed them by inches .
te	0	" I had no choice ! "
te	0	He needs a distraction .
te	0	" We 'd lose you too . "
te	0	" Oh , yes . "
te	0	She thought for a moment .
te	0	She closed her eyes and focused .
te	0	Then she kicked up .
te	0	He shook his head .
te	0	She pointed more fiercely .
te	0	He did and nodded .
te	0	" Don 't sound so surprised .
te	0	" I don 't know .
te	0	He was quiet for a moment .
te	0	" Alright , " Jeff said .
te	0	" Let 's do it . "
te	0	" On my count .
te	0	The pack would slow her down .
te	0	Plus they 'd need some supplies .
te	0	" These were new . "
te	0	Mal cleared his throat .
te	0	She told him the plan .
te	0	Jeff wasn 't there anymore .
te	0	He gave an almost nonexistent nod .
te	0	She 'd always win .
te	0	" Mind telling me ? "
te	0	She started counting again .
te	0	He looked over at her and nodded .
te	0	Time to make some fire .
te	0	She peered around it at the table .
te	0	It was burning heartily .
te	0	If it wasn 't too late .
te	0	She had six seconds of safety .
te	0	Finally she spotted Jeff .
te	0	So far so good .
te	0	He nodded and got ready to run .
te	0	She just rolled and jumped around .
te	0	His strategy seemed to work , though .
te	0	" They didn 't fire . "
te	0	" Maybe they 're out . "
te	0	" Maybe , " he said .
te	0	" It took them long enough .
te	0	How many bolts did they have ?
te	0	She turned around and drew her sword .
te	0	" Yup , nothing .
te	0	We should get back .
te	0	He dove forward and caught her .
te	0	She rolled back into cover .
te	0	" I don 't have much time .
te	0	" Are you all right ? "
te	0	" I 've been poisoned .
te	0	" Good luck . "
te	0	She hid under the front desk .
te	0	Our little game of cat and mouse .
te	0	But what if I 'm the cat ?
te	0	She could see a couple yards .
te	0	After that everything went all blurry .
te	0	Don 't be stupid , she thought .
te	0	You can barely see .
te	0	The door 's not far away .
te	0	She could make it .
te	0	Focus , she thought .
te	0	No , she answered .
te	0	Whatever , she thought .
te	0	The confusion and pain swirled away .
te	0	Her internal energies stilled .
te	0	The bolt landed somewhere behind her .
te	0	Where are the boys ? "
te	0	" Oh , " he said .
te	0	" Don 't sit down .
te	0	You need to stay awake .
te	0	Not that they could see much .
te	0	Something pricked her side .
te	0	She managed to focus on her side .
te	0	Mal had poked her with another dart .
te	0	I advise you not to go . "
te	0	She wasn 't listening .
te	0	" And I 'm positive this time .
te	0	" Where 's Jeff ? "
te	0	He stopped and turned to look back .
te	0	" Look , there . "
te	0	" Keep going ! "
te	0	" Jeff , look out ! "
te	0	" Come on ! "
te	0	" I know , " Jeff answered .
te	0	It was lucky she weighed almost nothing .
te	0	Jeff slapped a hand to his forehead .
te	0	" Of course it 's closed !
te	0	They know we 're not going anywhere .
te	0	she asked the two boys .
te	0	Jeff thought really hard .
te	0	Not that anyone would attack here . "
te	0	Hey , friendly guard !
te	0	Would you please open the gates ? "
te	0	They looked at each other in bewilderment .
te	0	" Did someone hear us ? "
te	0	" No way , " Jeff said .
te	1	" I don 't want to go either .
te	1	She took off the ring and handed it to Lily .
te	1	" Well , this ring is very special to me .
te	1	I 've had it for as long as I remember .
te	1	Now I 'd like you to have it . "
te	1	She meant every word with all her heart .
te	1	" You 're doing quite a bit of wallowing , Pain .
te	1	Where are those boots you were so proud of ? "
te	1	What is it , the " Journey " ?
te	1	" No , sorry , " she said .
te	1	" You 'll have to live with the disappointment . "
te	1	Her smile turned nasty and she leaned farther out the door .
te	1	She turned and looked back at the village .
te	1	It was her whole world , her home .
te	1	She sighed , turned , and walked into the studio .
te	1	The studio was just as she had left it .
te	1	When she straitened she looked around the studio .
te	1	When she was done with that , what would she do ?
te	1	It was built for dexterity rather than brute strength .
te	1	Its grip was leather dyed to an elegant bright red .
te	1	The boy babbled so fast she could hardly understand him .
te	1	The bridge was wet from the high water .
te	1	Instead she ran over to a long vine .
te	1	Then she inched forward over the slippery bark .
te	1	The shore was only a couple arms lengths away .
te	1	The shore was only a couple feet away .
te	1	A large rock was sticking out of the water behind her .
te	1	They sat on the bank , breathing heavily .
te	1	" My baby , " sobbed the woman .
te	1	The man turned to the rest of the group .
te	1	" All right , the girl 's safe .
te	1	Something red was shining on the bank of the river .
te	1	In her hand was a large red crystal .
te	1	Its red depths looked as vast as an ocean .
te	1	She eventually made the cousins go do something else .
te	1	Auntie folded her hands in front of her on the table .
te	1	" I thought you didn 't want to . "
te	1	" What brought such a change in mind ?
te	1	Everyone knows she 's a selfish gossip . "
te	1	" I found this in the river . "
te	1	" You say you found this in the river ? "
te	1	" But it 's more than a large and expensive crystal .
te	1	I can tell that by just looking at it . "
te	1	It was a stupid question , but she had to check .
te	1	" Auntie , magic is a lost art , right ? "
te	1	Auntie closed her eyes almost sorrowfully for a moment .
te	1	You and you alone will know when it is time . '
te	1	" Then you must leave in the morning .
te	1	Maybe her Journey would be something small and quick .
te	1	Maybe she would see everything here again soon .
te	1	" No , I think that 's it . "
te	1	" I 'm going to miss you too , every day .
te	1	" Besides , this isn 't really good-bye .
te	1	" But what if you don 't come back ? "
te	1	" Of course she 's going alone ! "
te	1	" No one has ever gone in a group before ! "
te	1	Auntie turned a cold gaze to Aunt Elena .
te	1	" Good-bye , Auntie , " she whispered , fighting tears .
te	1	" I will miss you with all my heart . "
te	1	As she passed through town , people called out parting farewells .
te	1	The streets were lined with stalls and merchant 's tents .
te	1	She found that stall farther down the road .
te	1	There was a man dressed in fine black clothes .
te	1	" What is it you want , little girl ?
te	1	Do you wish to buy some jewelry ? "
te	1	I was wondering if you could possibly identify it . "
te	1	" Well of course , " said the man .
te	1	I don 't want someone else to see it . "
te	1	" Of course , " whispered the man , leaning close .
te	1	" It seems familiar , but I can 't place it .
te	1	" But of course , " said the man .
te	1	" I 'm taking this young lady to my store .
te	1	She has a special jewel we need to look up .
te	1	Run this stall until I get back . "
te	1	Then they went into a longer , wider alley .
te	1	" How far is it to your store ? "
te	1	Black dressed figures landed all around her , surrounding her .
te	1	" Give us the jewel , " the jeweler growled .
te	1	Everywhere she turned there was a new threat .
te	1	She somehow deflected the flat of the blade to the side .
te	1	Suddenly someone came flying into the circle of men .
te	1	" Bring it , " she told the men facing her .
te	1	They formed beautiful lines after hours upon hours in the studio .
te	1	The last man she faced was the treacherous jeweler .
te	1	He was a boy who seemed around her age and size .
te	1	It obviously didn 't work since you saw it .
te	1	" I got a lucky glimpse of it .
te	1	Then I saw you follow him to here .
te	1	You wouldn 't have held out much longer .
te	1	It 's actually incredible you held them out this long . "
te	1	" A big street gang , " the boy said .
te	1	Anyway , they 're a bunch of thugs .
te	1	" Oh , yeah , I am . "
te	1	She was careful not to drip blood on it .
te	1	She took out a bandage and wrapped it around her forearm .
te	1	The boy sighed and squatted to help her tie it .
te	1	" Where do you think you 're going ? "
te	1	" I don 't even know your name . "
te	1	" I 'm Jeffery , " he said .
te	1	" Jeffery Raymond , though you can call me Jeff .
te	1	It had two floors and many , many rooms .
te	1	It was made from gray stone with slate roofing .
te	1	Jeffery pushed open one of the doors and walked in .
te	1	The floor was marble , and the walls were painted white .
te	1	said Jeff , closing the door behind them .
te	1	It looked like it was made of silk .
te	1	" Hello , mother , " said Jeff .
te	1	There were cabinets lining the walls and white counters underneath them .
te	1	The mattress was the softest thing she had ever felt .
te	1	When they were finished she thought for a moment .
te	1	" That is the crystal they wanted ? "
te	1	You say you found this in the river ? "
te	1	It was red and decorated with golden dragons .
te	1	She suspected they were fake , but it didn 't matter .
te	1	The hallways were all white with the occasional painting or tapestry .
te	1	And she isn 't even formally trained . "
te	1	" Imagine what she could do if she was . "
te	1	She blinked in the sudden yellow light that filled the room .
te	1	It was a stark contrast from the dim , quiet hallways .
te	1	If I were you , I 'd go out back . "
te	1	" It 's especially beautiful this time of night . "
te	1	The maid nodded and went back to work .
te	1	To her right was a garden surrounded by a plain fence .
te	1	It had vegetables and an occasional fruit plant .
te	1	In front of her was a large , grassy yard .
te	1	A cobblestone path led down a slight hill .
te	1	Taking up most of the space was a beautiful garden .
te	1	You don 't miss much , do you ? "
te	1	She noticed he was still holding her sword .
te	1	" Well , you are amazing , " Jeff said .
te	1	You sort-of make things up as you go . "
te	1	I won 't be here much longer . "
te	1	" And you can tell how ... ? "
te	1	" So , who 's here who would train me ? "
te	1	" Well ... " Jeff seemed a little awkward .
te	1	" All right , you got a sword with you ? "
te	1	" Umm , you 're wearing a dress . "
te	1	" It won 't interfere with my footing . "
te	1	Black leather covered the grip and the hand guards .
te	1	Jeff brought his sword up in a parry just in time .
te	1	" You 're better , " Jeff said , mirroring her .
te	1	" I was ready before you were , " she said .
te	1	They started off down the cobblestone street through the crowd .
te	1	He weaved expertly through the crowd , right at home .
te	1	" That 's Mr. Green , the best baker in town .
te	1	He gives small pastries to the little school children every Wednesday .
te	1	Over there sitting on the curb is Ferdinand . "
te	1	" He 's a nice man , though a little crazy .
te	1	" Does he have anyone to take care of him ? "
te	1	" Yeah , his niece , " Jeff said .
te	1	" But he likes to wander by himself .
te	1	Mr. Ferdinand peered across the street with two blind eyes .
te	1	" Jeffery , is that you my boy ?
te	1	" Come on , let 's go say hello . "
te	1	" A friend of Jeffery 's is a friend of mine .
te	1	Except for that Denton boy , he smelled . "
te	1	Jeff tried , and failed , to suppress a smile .
te	1	It did not really matter since the man was blind .
te	1	" Yes , I remember you making that quite clear . "
te	1	" And it was a good thing , too ! "
te	1	" It would have spread to the bees .
te	1	" You don 't smell bad , though .
te	1	That 's very good for the dragonflies . "
te	1	Stop by and talk to me again sometime , though .
te	1	I do enjoy talking to you polite kids . "
te	1	" Is everyone here that ... interesting ? "
te	1	" What do you want , Julius ? "
te	1	You 're wasting your time with that one . "
te	1	You won 't know what hit you . "
te	1	All he 'd need was his sense of smell . "
te	1	" Shouldn 't you be a little worried about their threats ?
te	1	Those were part of the River Boys , right ? "
te	1	" But we don 't have to worry about them .
te	1	" Did you recognize any of them from the alley ? "
te	1	Otherwise they wouldn 't be broadcasting the news like that . "
te	1	Her heart raced and her muscles tensed for a fight .
te	1	A large grassy area surrounded by a brick wall stood beyond .
te	1	At the other end of the area was a girl .
te	1	She looked like a woodland cherub with an attitude .
te	1	" I 'd like to see you try . "
te	1	" We 're going to the library , " Jeff said .
te	1	" Nah , I 'm going to keep shooting .
te	1	I can 't wait until we go back . "
te	1	" Uh-oh , that sounds like my mother .
te	1	" I think I 'll come with you after all .
te	1	" The less people who know about this the better .
te	1	How do we know we can trust this girl ? "
te	1	" Take it easy , " said Jeff .
te	1	I know you less than I know her . "
te	1	She turned on her heel and strutted off down the road .
te	1	" Thanks for covering up for me , guys .
te	1	Let 's go before she figures out she was duped . "
te	1	The library was not far from the archery ring .
te	1	The roof was made of gray slate tiles .
te	1	Gray stone gargoyles loomed at the corners of the roof .
te	1	Tables and chairs were scattered in between the shelves .
te	1	" Good morning , " said the man quietly .
te	1	" Can I help you with anything ? "
te	1	" No thank you , sir , " said Jeff .
te	1	There will be time for that later , she told herself .
te	1	" And we could also check out the ancient artifacts section .
te	1	A bamboo table sat in the middle surrounded by red cushions .
te	1	" But we 're not here to look at swords .
te	1	" I 'm looking through the city 's guild log .
te	1	It keeps track of all the active guilds . "
te	1	Jeff opened the book he had been holding .
te	1	" It 's not a ruby or something else ? "
te	1	" Hey guys , is this interesting ? "
te	1	Some knight killed it by smashing the crystal . "
te	1	" That 's where it comes from . "
te	1	He looked through the index and then flipped to a page .
te	1	Apparently the first monarch had a friend who had this necklace .
te	1	" Does it say what happened to it ? "
te	1	The jewel was the last of its type .
te	1	" The library will be closing soon , " he whispered .
te	1	" Have you found everything you need ? "
te	1	" For today , yes , thank you sir . "
te	1	" Where did you get that book ? "
te	1	The librarian asked sharply , forgetting to whisper .
te	1	" That was weird , " said Jeff .
te	1	" What do we do about his cart ? "
te	1	" I bet he 'll come find it .
te	1	I 'm going to go talk to the librarian . "
te	1	" Do you know what this is ? "
te	1	He looked around to make sure no one was looking .
te	1	" Were you sent here to threaten me ?
te	1	" It 's not safe to talk here .
te	1	On the other side of the door was a small room .
te	1	Boxes filled with books were piled against the walls .
te	1	In one corner stood a small desk covered in papers .
te	1	" Do you know what this is ? "
te	1	" How did you come across this symbol ? "
te	1	" Too late for that , " she told him .
te	1	I left him and his companions out cold . "
te	1	" That 's not possible , you 're just kids . "
te	1	" Tell that to the men in the alley . "
te	1	The man leaned back and ran his hand through his hair .
te	1	" Then you are in great danger . "
te	1	" This is the symbol of a guild .
te	1	" It 's a very powerful guild , " he agreed .
te	1	" How do you know so much about them ? "
te	1	It dove into her pocket and drew out the jewel .
te	1	Their eyes met above the jewel , both cold and deadly .
te	1	Only then did she let go of his wrist .
te	1	The librarian shook his head and started for the door .
te	1	They 'll enter the library from where we least expect it .
te	1	Very slowly , she let go of his wrist .
te	1	" We 've been waiting for you for ages !
te	1	Luckily the walk back to the Raymond house was uneventful .
te	1	This obviously wasn 't the reaction she was expecting .
te	1	Jeff didn 't seem quite how to react to that .
te	1	" I feel like I 'm in a freaking museum .
te	1	" Oh , right , follow me . "
te	1	It felt like any other step , only it was carpeted .
te	1	But after about ten steps she stopped again .
te	1	Or trip and bounce all the way back down .
te	1	She was not really that far off the ground at all .
te	1	" You know what 's even more fun ? "
te	1	" Oh no , we can 't do that .
te	1	She gained speed until she was practically flying !
te	1	She landed in a forward roll and came to her feet .
te	1	It slowed her momentum without her slamming into the floor .
te	1	She turned around , a huge grin on her face .
te	1	" Oops , sorry Mr. Raymond , " she said .
te	1	The man standing in front of her looked remarkably like Jeff .
te	1	" It is very nice to see you . "
te	1	" You seem like an impressive girl . "
te	1	" You don 't have to keep calling me sir .
te	1	" Did you get the men in the alley ? "
te	1	By the time we got there they were gone .
te	1	Perhaps after dinner Jeff could take you to my study .
te	1	With that Mr. Raymond closed the door behind him .
te	1	There was a large hallway ending in a large sliding door .
te	1	There was a small wooden table in front of the fire .
te	1	When she finished they didn 't say anything .
te	1	I think we should be prepared anyway , though . "
te	1	It was a tan room with a small fireplace .
te	1	The opposite wall was covered with a large bookshelf .
te	1	Next to the bookshelf was a blue armchair .
te	1	There were three plain wooden chairs near the desk .
te	1	" Oh well , " Mr. Raymond said .
te	1	That 's all I can remember about him . "
te	1	" Do you know why they wanted it ? "
te	1	I bet it 's worth a fortune . "
te	1	I was just wondering if you knew anything else . "
te	1	After what seemed like forever to her it was finally over .
te	1	" Could you not tell anyone about the jewel ?
te	1	I 'm not used to that much attention . "
te	1	" Why did you lie to him ? "
te	1	" Jeff , your father is head of the police .
te	1	Then he sat down on a chair , hard .
te	1	He moaned and buried his face in his hands .
te	1	I shouldn 't have pulled you into this . "
te	1	" Especially after you 've been so nice to me . "
te	1	She walked out and started back down the hallway .
te	1	She could hear Jeff hurrying to catch up .
te	1	He put his arm out in front of her .
te	1	" I have to , " she said .
te	1	She ducked under his arm and kept going .
te	1	" They already saw me in the alley , remember ?
te	1	" I don 't know if she 's in danger yet .
te	1	She climbed the stairs and followed them to their meeting room .
te	1	" Okay guys , what 's up ? "
te	1	You don 't have to worry about that . "
te	1	That gives me an excuse to leave too .
te	1	" We 'll go with you and see what happens .
te	1	" You 're right , who knows ? "
te	1	" Let 's go to the library ! "
te	1	Her unsettled expression had again replaced her forced happy one .
te	1	But if I tell them that I might lose them .
te	1	They both are set on coming home again .
te	1	For now we 'll take everything a step at a time .
te	1	Jeff had come up with the time period .
te	1	Besides , she claimed to have a very accurate internal clock .
te	1	He didn 't understand , giving her a very confused look .
te	1	They really needed to get used to communicating to each other .
te	1	The library was just as they had left it .
te	1	The librarian sat at the desk sorting books like always .
te	1	He looked up when they came in and smiled .
te	1	" Can I help you with anything ? "
te	1	We were wondering if you could help us with it . "
te	1	" Of course , " the librarian said , standing up .
te	1	" On what subject would that be ? "
te	1	I have a room where scholars can study in peace .
te	1	The librarian hurried off to " get the room ready . "
te	1	" Come , sit , " he said .
te	1	She had bought it from the market on her way over .
te	1	The librarian brought a small bag out from under the table .
te	1	From it he took a dozen old and expensive looking books .
te	1	Even the littlest detail could help us . "
te	1	" That couldn 't have been seventeen minutes already . "
te	1	" Nope , " Jeff said , sounding resigned .
te	1	" I thought we agreed on seventeen minutes . "
te	1	" I said it was easier for me to count ten .
te	1	Besides , those seven extra minutes won 't matter ! "
te	1	A couple minutes later Archibald came back in .
te	1	" You 're a blunt one , aren 't you ?
te	1	" You mean the necklace was broken ? "
te	1	The three teens leaned over to see it .
te	1	" But they didn 't , " Jeff theorized .
te	1	" No , they didn 't , " Archie agreed .
te	1	" For the jewel , " Archie said .
te	1	It all seemed way too crazy to believe .
te	1	Who else is going for the necklace ? "
te	1	" As far as I know , nobody .
te	1	That ominous thought hung in the air for a little bit .
te	1	There 's something about it that just seems ... magical . "
te	1	So , for hours they sat in the room reading .
te	1	He looked at her with serious , almost sad eyes .
te	1	Which do you think a group like that would do ? "
te	1	This was either a good or a bad sign .
te	1	He seemed distracted , looking around the yard anxiously .
te	1	" We planned for her to get here after us .
te	1	She 's most likely just following the plan for once . "
te	1	He nodded again , but he didn 't look convinced .
te	1	She looked around to make sure no one was watching .
te	1	" A guild of assassins in charge ? "
te	1	" They 'll let everything fall into chaos .
te	1	" We 've got to do something about this !
te	1	They were putting the pieces in the Sanctuaries .
te	1	She stopped and took the jewel out of her pocket .
te	1	Jeff appeared over the lip of the roof to her left .
te	1	" What are you doing up here ? "
te	1	The chain that used to hold her ring was there .
te	1	I 'd give anything to be back there . "
te	1	" And yet ... " " And yet ? "
te	1	She keeps making me feel like there 's something more .
te	1	" You keep mentioning this Journey , " Jeff said .
te	1	We feel an urge to leave and accomplish a goal .
te	1	Jeff gazed down at the city of his birth .
te	1	" We have to stop the Assassins anyway . "
te	1	But whatever comes , we 're sticking together . "
te	1	He stopped when he saw her searching through her bag .
te	1	" I 'm looking for my hat ! "
te	1	" Only one problem , " Jeff had said .
te	1	" She has contacts all over the Middle Kingdom .
te	1	" I believe so , " Archie had said .
te	1	" We have known each other since we were kids .
te	1	" It 's settled then , " Archie had said .
te	1	" Wait , aren 't you coming too ? "
te	1	Unlike you kids I can 't just leave this library . "
te	1	" My hat must still be at the library . "
te	1	" We can get it tomorrow , " Jeff said .
te	1	" I think we should go tonight . "
te	1	She passed him and started down the hallway .
te	1	The inside of the library was even darker .
te	1	The books were like dark spells of magic with black bindings .
te	1	Even the front desk where Archie usually sat seemed sinister .
te	1	they heard Archie call from the direction of the thump .
te	1	" You 'll have to come back tomorrow ! "
te	1	Archie met them at the door to the room .
te	1	" You 're a stubborn one , aren 't you ?
te	1	" See , that didn 't take very long . "
te	1	Archie moved to the door and peeked out .
te	1	Bye Mr. Archibald , thanks for letting us come in . "
te	1	" Any time , kids , " Archie said .
te	1	A shadow dropped from the rafters above and behind her .
te	1	As they fought more shadows dropped from the ceiling .
te	1	The number of them was starting to worry her .
te	1	She didn 't need much strength for the move .
te	1	Then she came to her feet again and took off running .
te	1	She also analyzed the layout of the roof and walls .
te	1	It was blocked , and the stroke was returned .
te	1	It seemed more than a few had followed her .
te	1	So she did the last thing the assassin expected .
te	1	She looked down at the man at her feet .
te	1	Then she stepped over him and ran off .
te	1	She was relieved to see both of them still alive .
te	1	The men fighting turned to look in her direction .
te	1	In her free hand she held up the jewel .
te	1	The shelf fell , hitting a bigger shelf with a boom .
te	1	That shelf gave out under the weight of the first one .
te	1	Then they all broke into a run for a way out .
te	1	With a groan it tipped , slowly at first .
te	1	The old ceiling no longer had anything to hold it .
te	1	Tons and tons of wooden ceiling collapsed down onto the Assassins .
te	1	She made her way back to the fallen ceiling .
te	1	She could hear Jeff calling to her from the other side .
te	1	" You destroyed my library , Pain ! "
te	1	We 're alive and the jewel is safe .
te	1	That 's what 's important , right ? "
te	1	Her balance wavered for a moment , which was unusual .
te	1	You 've got to stop him before he gets away . "
te	1	" Pain , when did you get that ? "
te	1	Whatever , it 's just a scratch . "
te	1	Then she looked back down at her shoulder .
te	1	Was it her or did her cut look a little green ?
te	1	That means she 's going to be okay , right ? "
te	1	" Yes , Jeff , she 'll be fine . "
te	1	When Jeff saw her eyes open he almost jumped for joy .
te	1	" She 's awake , she 's awake ! "
te	1	You 're too loud , " Archie scolded .
te	1	" The assassins got you with a poisoned needle .
te	1	You need to take it easy and rest . "
te	1	" They 've made a direct assault on our lives .
te	1	Did either of you stop their spy ? "
te	1	If I just leave people will start getting suspicious . "
te	1	" They just tried to kill you . "
te	1	" How did they find you anyway ? "
te	1	" I thought you were in hiding . "
te	1	" I was in hiding , " Archie said .
te	1	" Sorry , Archie , " Jeff said .
te	1	" Be careful , Archie , " Jeff said .
te	1	" Don 't worry about me , " Archie said .
te	1	They turned and started back down the alley .
te	1	Jeff knelt on the ground and linked his hands together .
te	1	" I 'll give you a boost over . "
te	1	" You 've just been poisoned , " Jeff retorted .
te	1	As she stood up Jeff landed beside her .
te	1	They entered the house through the kitchen door .
te	1	She hoped her coming there hadn 't ended that .
te	1	" What are you going to tell your parents ? "
te	1	she finally asked him in a low voice .
te	1	She didn 't sound angry , but her voice was firm .
te	1	I know you 'll make us proud . "
te	1	Jeff was standing outside , waiting for them .
te	1	" Bye , mom , " he said .
te	1	" We won 't , " Jeff promised her .
te	1	" It 's just hard to leave . "
te	1	She touched her collar and her chain necklace under it .
te	1	" Yeah , I know what you mean .
te	1	But we have to if we want to protect them . "
te	1	She looked at him and met his gaze .
te	1	Jeff pointed to one of the windows on the second floor .
te	1	" How do you know where her room is ? "
te	1	Come on , let 's get her . "
te	1	After two more a face appeared at the window .
te	1	" How come everything exciting happens when I 'm not around ?
te	1	" I had to rip the lace off .
te	1	" So much for being a museum , " Jeff remarked .
te	1	You won 't find anything even close to nice-looking here . "
te	1	They followed her down the hallway and through another small door .
te	1	When they stepped through it they entered a main hallway .
te	1	" Come on , my room isn 't too far away .
te	1	" You can wait out of here while I change . "
te	1	" What do you think of this place ? "
te	1	" I 'm keeping my eyes glued to this door .
te	1	" You seem to know a lot about her already . "
te	1	She reached down and yanked him to his feet .
te	1	I think it was originally meant for shoes . "
te	1	She turned to her friends , looking troubled .
te	1	" Do I have to leave some of these behind ? "
te	1	" They 're such good models , " she said .
te	1	" Each one is perfect for a certain purpose . "
te	1	There 's just one more thing I have to do . "
te	1	They ran down the hallway and around the corner .
te	1	They ran up to the door and stopped .
te	1	A candle took up the only space not covered by papers .
te	1	The right wall was the only one visible .
te	1	" It 's my father 's sanctuary , and mine .
te	1	" I 'd sit on that and watch him work .
te	1	Sometimes we 'd talk , basically about anything .
te	1	It gave a slight click of finality as it closed .
te	1	" It 's where the Lord lives . "
te	1	The houses on the outskirts of the city were very rundown .
te	1	His voice seemed to echo strangely through the dreary place .
te	1	It 's not a great place to be after dark . "
te	1	" Don 't worry , no one will bother us .
te	1	After all , I am the Constable 's son . "
te	1	" Then why is someone following us ? "
te	1	" We 're being followed , " she repeated .
te	1	" They 've been following us for a while now .
te	1	" Nope , they 're definitely hostile . "
te	1	" I bet daddy wouldn 't like to find you here .
te	1	I wonder what trouble you 've gotten yourself into . "
te	1	Finally Jeff demanded again , " What do you want ? "
te	1	" I heard you 're leaving , " the man sneered .
te	1	Julius could too , and he gave a nasty laugh .
te	1	" You know what that means , Raymond ?
te	1	" We don 't have time for you !
te	1	The men in the circle immediately jumped into the fight .
te	1	She had been right before , these guys were a joke .
te	1	They had to get away before the real threat found them .
te	1	Most had either run off or were already taken down .
te	1	Jeff looked up at her and went to turn around .
te	1	They grabbed at her , but they couldn 't catch her .
te	1	The man fell backwards and Jeff dropped to the ground .
te	1	Then she dropped to a knee beside Jeff .
te	1	Jeff sat down and leaned against a wall .
te	1	" We aren 't going to be caught unawares again . "
te	1	" I 'm alive , aren 't I ?
te	1	If I 'm alive I can talk . "
te	1	He was hoarse , but he sounded okay .
te	1	You thought they wouldn 't dare go after us .
te	1	" You are streetwise , Jeff , " she said .
te	1	She stood up and held out her hand to him .
te	1	He took it and she pulled him to his feet .
te	1	" Besides , you 've already saved my life .
te	1	I needed the opportunity to return the favor . "
te	1	" I 'm so glad you 're alright ! "
te	1	" Our trip out of here has been way too exciting .
te	1	Let 's go before something else fun happens . "
te	1	" You do know you live here too , right ? "
te	1	" Now shut up and do your job . "
te	1	They made it out of the city with no more trouble .
te	1	It paused by a chimney and looked back .
te	1	Finally it pulled itself up onto a flat roof .
te	1	The rasp came from the darkness near the chimney .
te	1	Of course it was not his real voice .
te	1	" That was against orders , " the hidden man said .
te	1	" But , I felt the circumstances had changed . "
te	1	The other shadow did not reply right away .
te	1	And those children ... " His rasp turned sharp .
te	1	" Do you really think that it wise ? "
te	1	" Do you wish to challenge me ? "
te	1	He could not believe where the hierarchy was headed .
te	1	" I have made my decision , " the man continued .
te	1	" Go now and get even more , more experienced men .
te	1	And ... " he paused for a moment in thought .
te	1	" Send her out to lead them . "
te	1	I wish my feelings were a compass like yours are . "
te	1	They were standing at a crossroad in the middle of farmland .
te	1	" Do you see anyone following us ? "
te	1	She was standing on a boulder near where the roads met .
te	1	" But I 'd rather keep myself in one piece . "
te	1	" Yup , that would be the one . "
te	1	The sun was hot on their backs as they walked .
te	1	" That 's amazing , " he said in awe .
te	1	" It 's all about focus , " she said .
te	1	It 's best if you have crystals arranged in a formation .
te	1	" I haven 't been able to do it yet .
te	1	Besides , we don 't have a crystal . "
te	1	It 's much bigger than my current abilities .
te	1	I don 't want to mess with it . "
te	1	They straightened and looked at each other , breaking the trance .
te	1	" You 're right , " Jeff said .
te	1	It wasn 't long before they saw something in the distance .
te	1	The main road went directly through the center .
te	1	" Are there places where people go to buy food ? "
te	1	Inns sell food and rent out a place to sleep . "
te	1	" Imagine , a place where they sell pre-made meals . "
te	1	" I bet there has to be at least one . "
te	1	It didn 't take long for Jeff to find the Inn .
te	1	Wooden stools stood in front of the bar .
te	1	A man was cleaning it with a rag .
te	1	To the right of the door was a staircase .
te	1	There were a few people in the room .
te	1	Jeff led them over to a table in the back corner .
te	1	" Something to eat , please , " Jeff said politely .
te	1	The woman sighed and slapped the papers onto the table .
te	1	She unfolded it twice to show writing on the inside .
te	1	" They show what the inn has for food and drink .
te	1	" Small towns are going to have small selection . "
te	1	When the barmaid came back they told her what they wanted .
te	1	She wandered back through an arch behind the bar .
te	1	" There 're not many people here either .
te	1	I wonder why this town is so deserted . "
te	1	" A poor town wouldn 't have nice clean buildings .
te	1	" You mean these people are in trouble ? "
te	1	Jeff leaned closer to her to keep from being overheard .
te	1	" How are we going to do that ? "
te	1	Jeff made a grab at her but missed .
te	1	" I don 't think that 's a good idea ! "
te	1	There 's practically no one in the streets . "
te	1	" You from outa town , girl ? "
te	1	" She 's going to get nowhere that way . "
te	1	The man turned away and started to fill up a glass .
te	1	It made her want to gag , but she showed nothing .
te	1	The man 's confidence grew from her false compliment .
te	1	They bully people into giving them what they want .
te	1	They come in here every day around this time .
te	1	I suggest you clear out soon , stranger .
te	1	The man grunted and went to another customer .
te	1	" I acted like a mysterious foreigner . "
te	1	The only reason I got it was to complete the image .
te	1	I hope I never have to do this again . "
te	1	" Are you coming back to the table now ?
te	1	" I think I 'm going to puke .
te	1	" This town is being terrorized by a bunch of thugs .
te	1	Actually , they 're going to come here soon . "
te	1	" I think we 've dealt with enough thugs this week .
te	1	I say we eat and then clear out . "
te	1	She set it down and Jeff paid her .
te	1	Now they knew where the rips were from .
te	1	Two large men and one buff woman entered , talking loudly .
te	1	The other was bald with a very red face .
te	1	Immediately all the conversation in the room stopped .
te	1	" Three beers , on the house ! "
te	1	the brunet man yelled at the man behind the bar .
te	1	They strutted over to where the three teens sat .
te	1	" You 're a stranger around these parts . "
te	1	" It 's like we 're invisible . "
te	1	" We just don 't look dangerous . "
te	1	The three thugs stopped laughing and looked at each other .
te	1	" You looking for trouble , stranger ? "
te	1	Her stomach was churning from just watching them drink it .
te	1	" Oh , oh yes , " Davis said .
te	1	The brunet passed them to the women , who counted them .
te	1	" This isn 't as much as you owe us . "
te	1	I can come back tomorrow and pay you full ! "
te	1	" Are you trying to cheat us , Davis ? "
te	1	She looked the brunet guy straight in the eyes .
te	1	" You 're going to pay for that ! "
te	1	Then she put one foot on the table and pushed .
te	1	She hit him in the chest and sent him flying backwards .
te	1	He crashed into a table , which broke beneath him .
te	1	He started to climb to his feet , roaring in rage .
te	1	She whipped around and punched the woman in the face .
te	1	The woman fell back , holding her broken nose .
te	1	By that time brunet man was on his feet .
te	1	He toppled forward and face planted into the wall .
te	1	She stepped to one side and stuck out a foot .
te	1	He tripped and went flying over the bar .
te	1	She threw that down on top of the woman .
te	1	" Not so invisible now , am I ? "
te	1	There was a long moment of silence in the room .
te	1	" Drinks on the house for everyone ! "
te	1	" Like I said , no problem . "
te	1	" We were going to head out right away . "
te	1	You could come with us tomorrow and get there faster . "
te	1	She scooped up her hat and looked back up at Davis .
te	1	Davis led them out of the bar and down the road .
te	1	Four kids saw them coming and ran out of the house .
te	1	It was a little girl with black ringlets and wide eyes .
te	1	The little girl peeked at her from behind her teddy bear .
te	1	" It 's a beautiful name , just like you . "
te	1	Davis set his children down and walked towards the woman .
te	1	Lily , the youngest , trailed shyly behind .
te	1	Inside was a plain wooden room with a wooden floor .
te	1	" Dinner 's almost ready , " Ben said .
te	1	" We 'll set three more plates for you . "
te	1	" We 've tried , " Ben said .
te	1	" Those thugs have stopped any messenger we send . "
te	1	Jan shot to her feet and towered over her daughter .
te	1	" But - " " Not another word ! "
te	1	Do you think that might actually happen ? "
te	1	No one can get to them while we 're around . "
te	1	Those guys could be waiting for them when we return . "
te	1	" Unless we get rid of them for good . "
te	1	" Isn 't that our first responsibility ? "
te	1	" When that happens can we please help you ? "
te	1	" Don 't fight if something could go wrong . "
te	1	" Yeah , but I didn 't sleep in them ! "
te	1	She began to notice it because it didn 't fit in .
te	1	The night air was cool and moist with a little mist .
te	1	That wasn 't where the sound was coming from , though .
te	1	She walked around the house , but no one was there .
te	1	The sound grew louder as she walked away from the house .
te	1	She whipped around to see who had snuck up on her .
te	1	Why would you pretend to be against people fighting ? "
te	1	You feel like I stole your thunder . "
te	1	She gave out a little shriek and charged her .
te	1	Jen lost her balance and almost fell over .
te	1	Just charging at your opponent will most likely never help . "
te	1	" Those swords are meant to work together in graceful movements .
te	1	You can 't let it cloud your thinking . "
te	1	So much for not letting anger control her .
te	1	" I know you want one moment to feel special .
te	1	You 'll have to wait a little longer . "
te	1	Jen stood and started hunting for her swords .
te	1	" Are we heading out right away ? "
te	1	Davis and Jan are outside putting everything in right now . "
te	1	She grabbed Jen and pulled her away towards the house .
te	1	" I was looking for work , " he said .
te	1	" It 's an old debt , " Davis said .
te	1	" How are you going to pay them off ? "
te	1	He snapped the reins and they started into town .
te	1	We 've already caused enough trouble for one week .
te	1	Let 's get out of town without being noticed . "
te	1	" You won 't even know I 'm gone . "
te	1	He hopped off the wagon and went into the store .
te	1	Jeff jumped out of the wagon to help him .
te	1	The boxes he had been carrying went everywhere .
te	1	He had a broad sword strapped to his back .
te	1	The large man called out , " Hey , Davis ! "
te	1	Davis , who had been picking up boxes , turned pale .
te	1	" You mean you didn 't want us to notice you .
te	1	" Are you skipping out on us ? "
te	1	He stepped so he stood between the wagon and Marshal .
te	1	It seemed Davis had more in him than she had thought .
te	1	" Are you challenging me , kid ? "
te	1	The people behind Marshal exchanged looks , suddenly interested .
te	1	" Me against you and all the ten behind you .
te	1	She hated putting other people at risk like this .
te	1	If she lost then Davis would be in even more trouble .
te	1	Was she so sure she could beat them ?
te	1	For a moment the two groups stood facing each other .
te	1	The second guy grabbed her hair and yanked her head back .
te	1	He brought up his other hand to smash into her face .
te	1	He howled in pain and let go of her hair .
te	1	She came up with a jab under his chin .
te	1	She would have to hit back and take them out quick .
te	1	As he fell she came up and struck his temple .
te	1	Marshal drew his sword and pointed it at her .
te	1	Someone tried to get her from one side .
te	1	That had been easier than she had thought it would be .
te	1	He thrust again while she was momentarily off balance .
te	1	He put his forearm to her shoulder and pushed .
te	1	That was a mistake she wouldn 't make again .
te	1	He had won this one , he was sure of it .
te	1	He stared up at her , fury in his eyes .
te	1	" I believe I won , " she said mildly .
te	1	" Davis ' debt is paid off . "
te	1	He spit on the ground near her feet .
te	1	" Oh , I believe it is . "
te	1	" You 've just been beaten by a fifteen-year-old country girl .
te	1	No one 's going to fear you anymore .
te	1	Not after seeing you be beaten so badly . "
te	1	Jen stood behind her with her swords drawn .
te	1	She scooped up the knife and waved it at Marshal .
te	1	" Your man tried to stab her in the back ! "
te	1	She had never expected such a large reaction in her planning .
te	1	Then a shrill whistle cut through the air .
te	1	Jen slipped the whistle back into her pocket .
te	1	She looked down at Marshal and pointed towards the road .
te	1	You don 't want to deal with me again . "
te	1	" You practically sent them running crying to their mommies ! "
te	1	She let go of her and gestured towards the wagon .
te	1	" We didn 't even know you had a sword ! "
te	1	" Fine , just leave me alone ! "
te	1	The streets are too crowded to get the wagon out . "
te	1	" Oh man , this is great ! "
te	1	" Where does he want to see her , Bane ? "
te	1	I can take you there if you 'd like . "
te	1	Then she turned to look at the mayor .
te	1	She decided to go with respectful and humble .
te	1	" Sometimes I forget how ignorant you are . "
te	1	" Well , aren 't we the big hero .
te	1	A thank you from the mayor and golden swords .
te	1	She turned on her heel and climbed back into the wagon .
te	1	" Don 't , she 's not worth it . "
te	1	For most of the afternoon they were stuck in the town .
te	1	" I said I wouldn 't go around picking fights .
te	1	I 'd only step in if something bad happened . "
te	1	" That counts as picking a fight . "
te	1	" It 's still hours before night fall . "
te	1	Jeff climbed in and they were on their way .
te	1	Then a feeling of unease settled over her .
te	1	" They 're of fine design , " he commented .
te	1	They 're completely covered in some clear material .
te	1	She drew her dagger and stabbed one of the blades .
te	1	Unlike the others she held the swords by the handles .
te	1	I wonder why no one has used them before . "
te	1	" Oh , sure , " Jen said .
te	1	We don 't know where they came from .
te	1	She moved them to a safer spot behind the chest .
te	1	Jan pointed to the road in front of them .
te	1	The three teens leaned over the side to look .
te	1	The road split in two ahead of them .
te	1	The one right in front of them was a mess .
te	1	" You can 't control the weather . "
te	1	" What 's your friend 's name ? "
te	1	Maybe they shouldn 't be traveling with these people .
te	1	What else am I supposed to call her ? "
te	1	" Don 't listen to Jen , " Jeff told her .
te	1	" She 's just trying to get in your head . "
te	1	" This is really bothering you , isn 't it ? "
te	1	Don 't worry about it , okay ? "
te	1	She set Lily down and looked around at the family .
te	1	Back to her own little Lily and the ever changing cousins .
te	1	Her hut , the studio , the forest and river .
te	1	" I need to talk to you both . "
te	1	Aunty used to tell her how crickets were lucky .
te	1	I need to talk to you two . "
te	1	Jeff leaned against the wagon on her opposite side .
te	1	" But we 're not just trying to use them ! "
te	1	" But that won 't stop her , " Jeff said .
te	1	" We still shouldn 't be traveling with people .
te	1	The last thing she wanted was to run into Jen .
te	1	She crouched down behind the foliage to keep from being seen .
te	1	There were already deep slices crisscrossed across the bark .
te	1	Hopefully they 'd give up and go back home .
te	1	Or she was just angry all the time .
te	1	" I 'm not here to bug you . "
te	1	" Then what are you doing here ? "
te	1	" I said , none of your business . "
te	1	" I just made that up to make you look bad .
te	1	So just forget you ever met me . "
te	1	She turned and took a couple steps away .
te	1	" All I want is to be a hero . "
te	1	" You 're using my own words against me . "
te	1	" Well they still apply to you ! "
te	1	" I want to protect the people I care about . "
te	1	" I can lead the danger away . "
te	1	" I 'm not going to die ! "
te	1	" I can deal with what 's out there . "
te	1	" Oh , I see how it is . "
te	1	She spun in a circle and sat down hard .
te	1	That was ridiculous ; there was no connection between the two .
te	1	Only she hadn 't totally defeated the Assassins in the library .
te	1	She dropped her head into her hands again .
te	1	The campsite was just as she had left it .
te	1	She tossed her bag and sword up into the wagon .
te	1	" You were right , " she told her softly .
te	1	" Oh no , did I convince you to stay ?
te	1	I need to start listening to myself more often . "
te	1	" I was just about to leave . "
te	1	" What did you say to Jen ? "
te	1	Aunty had let them sleep outside that night under the stars .
te	1	It was going to rain later that day .
te	1	Four bodies were lying around the ashes of their camp fire .
te	1	Two on one side and two next to her .
te	1	She wasn 't sleeping under the stars with her cousins .
te	1	She was on the road with a different family .
te	1	" I was just thinking about my family back home . "
te	1	Jen attacked the tree with a furious assault .
te	1	She slashed and spun , leaving deep cuts across the bark .
te	1	I have a sharpening stone back in my bag . "
te	1	" Can I use your sharpening stone ? "
te	1	Jan was cooking breakfast on a skillet over a fire .
te	1	" I forgot who I was talking to .
te	1	She took it out and ran back into the woods .
te	1	" Um ... how do you use it ? "
te	1	Jen took the stone and grated it against the blade .
te	1	The blade was too heavy and the handle too light .
te	1	It took me two years before they were actually usable . "
te	1	" I have nothing else to practice on ! "
te	1	" I 'm definitely not practicing with you . "
te	1	As she watched her practice she remembered something .
te	1	" I 've been neglecting having Jeff train me . "
te	1	As soon as she said it she wished she hadn 't .
te	1	Ever since then I 've been teaching myself .
te	1	Jen began to fidget and shot more frequent glances at her .
te	1	He 'd give us kids some lessons on the weekends . "
te	1	Jen got very quiet as she thought back .
te	1	" Only , I 'd visit him almost every day .
te	1	He told me that I was his most promising student . "
te	1	He spent all day meditating and sharpening his focus . "
te	1	" How long were you training with him ? "
te	1	" One year , " Jen said softly .
te	1	She shook her head , breaking her trance .
te	1	Dark clouds had completely covered the sun while they were talking .
te	1	Jen put her hands out to catch some .
te	1	The adults and older cousins were hurriedly packing up the camp .
te	1	The youngest cousins were playing in the slowly forming puddles .
te	1	Thunder boomed overhead , and the younger cousins screamed .
te	1	They ran under the wagon and huddled together .
te	1	" Are you scared of the thunder ? "
te	1	" Do you know what thunder is ? "
te	1	" Sometimes when it rains they form a parade .
te	1	" Little giants that are young like us ? "
te	1	the same time that David and Vila yelled " Drums ! "
te	1	" Was that a big drum or a little one ? "
te	1	The three of them thought for a moment .
te	1	Davis cracked the reins and the wagon started off .
te	1	Didn 't your parents sing you to sleep ? "
te	1	Besides , he can 't hold a note . "
te	1	The storm got worse as they went along .
te	1	Or at least it had been before the rain came .
te	1	Jan jumped down from the wagon and inspected the wheels .
te	1	" The wheels are sunk right in ! "
te	1	" Don 't be such a baby ! "
te	1	Jen landed behind them , splattering them with mud .
te	1	" Jen , stay with your cousins ! "
te	1	" It 's too dangerous , Jen ! "
te	1	" You could slip and get caught under a wheel ! "
te	1	We need all the strength we can get ! "
te	1	" I 'll stay with her and keep her up ! "
te	1	Jan bit her lip and looked at Ben .
te	1	If they slipped they couldn 't be trampled .
te	1	Very slowly the wagon began to inch forward .
te	1	The rain battered the small group as they strained .
te	1	Then the wagon came out with a loud pop .
te	1	A cheer went up at the front as it came free .
te	1	" Run , you 'll be crushed ! "
te	1	The wagon slowed its descent but it didn 't stop .
te	1	She looked inside herself and shut out the world around her .
te	1	There was just her and the strength that flowed through her .
te	1	He smiled at her , and she returned it .
te	1	" You four are absolutely covered in mud .
te	1	" It seems kind of rickety , " Jeff said .
te	1	She sat as far away from him as possible .
te	1	She stuck her arms out , preventing any further argument .
te	1	" Stop the wagon , " Jen said .
te	1	" It was pushing you backwards and then it just stopped .
te	1	Centering is the first step to achieving perfect internal balance . "
te	1	" I think you 're wrong , " Jen said .
te	1	" My teacher talked a little about centering .
te	1	I think you went a step beyond that . "
te	1	I don 't know what this balance stuff is . "
te	1	" It 's the first step to achieving internal balance !
te	1	Jen froze , remembering she was supposed to hate her .
te	1	" Like when you stopped the wagon ! "
te	1	" What I did today was a miniature example .
te	1	I didn 't reach internal balance , only something like it .
te	1	" Centering is the first step of balance .
te	1	Jen nodded without looking at any of them .
te	1	" You first need to find peace within yourself . "
te	1	" You need to put these troubles to rest .
te	1	" Any wise advice on how to do that ? "
te	1	This was going to be a long instruction session .
te	1	" Close your eyes , " she said .
te	1	" Let go of your troubles and personal dilemmas .
te	1	" You need get rid of your feelings .
te	1	Jen took a deep breath and let it out .
te	1	" It 's stupid and it doesn 't work ! "
te	1	" If she would just grow up , " Jeff said .
te	1	" She shouldn 't have to , " Jeff said .
te	1	" I never said she had to learn all at once .
te	1	It 's not like she 's going to tell us . "
te	1	The rest of her family might need us . "
te	1	The ground was soupy and the road was a river .
te	1	The four younger cousins were having a blast .
te	1	When she saw them she shook her head .
te	1	" Just look at yourselves , you 're absolutely filthy !
te	1	How are we going to get you all cleaned up ?
te	1	" I don 't want to walk barefoot ! "
te	1	" So everyone just goes around barefoot ? "
te	1	" Do you know what type of tree this is ? "
te	1	Large bunches of small yellow berries peaked out around the leaves .
te	1	She turned and gave the four kids a mischievous smile .
te	1	" So , which one of you likes surprises ? "
te	1	" Ooh , ooh , pick me ! "
te	1	" Okay Vila , come stand here . "
te	1	" A natural shower , " she said .
te	1	The three siblings in front of her burst out laughing .
te	1	" When I get my hands on you kids ! "
te	1	The three on the ground all took off in opposite directions .
te	1	She was used to chasing down many little kids .
te	1	All four cousins ran into her legs behind her .
te	1	None of them knew what would come next .
te	1	" Well , isn 't it little princess perfect .
te	1	" Shut up , Fletcher , " Jen said softly .
te	1	" I want to learn from you . "
te	1	I was actually disappointed in myself for my failure . "
te	1	No one gets it right on their first try . "
te	1	" Stand up , you 're getting your trousers soaked . "
te	1	" So , you 'll teach me ? "
te	1	Jen punched the air and jumped in excitement .
te	1	" Oh , I won 't , I promise ! "
te	1	" She 's finally showing a little more maturity . "
te	1	Jen took a deep breath and let it out .
te	1	Calming the mind and all of that . "
te	1	" Well , it 's like that , " she said .
te	1	She took a deep breath and closed her eyes as well .
te	1	The girl took another breath and tried to resettle herself .
te	1	" Am I supposed to be getting a headache ? "
te	1	" You 're focusing too hard again . "
te	1	Jen let out some air between her teeth .
te	1	" It 's hard to sit still like this . "
te	1	" I hate sitting and doing something boring .
te	1	Jen whispered as she closed her eyes again .
te	1	" Breathe deeply , " she said in a soft voice .
te	1	' Use your inner eye ' is a lot better . "
te	1	Do you think you 've done it ? "
te	1	" Without losing this , open your eyes . "
te	1	" That means more practice , doesn 't it ? "
te	1	" I know , " Jen said , opening her eyes .
te	1	" You told me you had asked him to train you .
te	1	" You 're going to keep training yourself . "
te	1	You - " Jeff cleared his throat , making Jen stop .
te	1	She took a deep breath to calm herself .
te	1	The girl 's work was already paying off .
te	1	" Hey , wake up , " that someone hissed .
te	1	" The sun 's not even up yet . "
te	1	" There 's your stuff , now come on ! "
te	1	Jen was standing near the woods tapping her foot .
te	1	She peeped an eye open to see Jen .
te	1	" Don 't give up just yet . "
te	1	On the fourth try Jen didn 't look disappointed .
te	1	The younger girl gave her a small smile in answer .
te	1	Jen jumped up and drew her own swords .
te	1	She took a ready position across from her .
te	1	Jen closed her eyes and took a breath .
te	1	Jen brought her swords up in a ready position .
te	1	The girl 's momentum sent her stumbling past her .
te	1	" You put too much momentum into your swings .
te	1	You need to be quick and light on your feet .
te	1	A master 's strokes are graceful as well as deadly . "
te	1	" Like yours , " Jen piped up .
te	1	They practiced until the sun was well over the horizon .
te	1	They arrived back at the camp before anyone woke up .
te	1	No one would know they had even left .
te	1	This is kind of , nice , that 's all . "
te	1	" You don 't hang out with friends at home ? "
te	1	" I spend most of my time shooting arrows .
te	1	The city kids are all drags , too uptight for me .
te	1	There 's no way to make yourself ... special . "
te	1	" I come from a very big family .
te	1	" I 've never really thought about it .
te	1	" You don 't know how to have fun . "
te	1	" I know how to have fun ! "
te	1	" I had fun with Jen 's little cousins yesterday .
te	1	" This is for calling me soft . "
te	1	She tilted one of the leaves down above him .
te	1	They practiced until Jan called them back to the camp .
te	1	We should have helped you break camp . "
te	1	" I appreciate how much time you 're spending with Jen .
te	1	These last few weeks she 's been ... distant .
te	1	It 's nice to see her spending time with people again .
te	1	I don 't know what got into her before . "
te	1	" It 's no problem , I like Jen . "
te	1	" But we 've been traveling for days ! "
te	1	It was very interesting since the wagon was so bumpy .
te	1	Other wagons of various sizes were also stopped there .
te	1	" Stay off the road and away from the horses . "
te	1	" Can I take the horses to the water trough ? "
te	1	" You aren 't big enough , Jen .
te	1	If they get spooked they could trample you . "
te	1	" I 'm old enough to handle them ! "
te	1	Obviously this was a conversation they had had before .
te	1	Jen walked back to stand next to the three teens .
te	1	" Hey , I 've been small all my life .
te	1	" No , he was way too tall , not short .
te	1	" I thought you were - " " Eight ? "
te	1	" You can head out right away ! "
te	1	There were ten wagons in their caravan in all .
te	1	" Is traveling in groups always this dusty ? "
te	1	" Especially when you 're near the back . "
te	1	Now they were in a group even bigger than before .
te	1	She could feel that now even stronger than before .
te	1	Especially now when Jen was finally being friendly .
te	1	The groups decided to share a fire and dinner .
te	1	That way each family would get the same amount for less .
te	1	" Couldn 't we just relax for one night ? "
te	1	She picked up her swords and nudged Jeff with her toe .
te	1	" Your mom did , " Jeff pointed out .
te	1	" Why don 't you just tell them ? "
te	1	" They wouldn 't understand , " Jen said .
te	1	" It seems that 's all you want from them .
te	1	Why don 't you give them the same opportunity ? "
te	1	Jen stepped back and wiped sweat from her brow .
te	1	" Do you always give such annoyingly true advice ? "
te	1	" Of course they 're worried , " Jen said .
te	1	" There has to be things you like . "
te	1	And my parents are always there when I need them . "
te	1	" So are you going to tell them ? "
te	1	" I guess I will , " Jen said .
te	1	" Tonight , at the camp fire . "
te	1	Jen looked back at her parents and took a deep breath .
te	1	Jan drew Jen into her arms and held her close .
te	1	You don 't have to go and do something drastic . "
te	1	" But you 're just a little girl .
te	1	You can 't go off doing dangerous things . "
te	1	" Besides , they are much older than you .
te	1	" I 'm already getting better at this . "
te	1	She stood in a clear area and closed her eyes .
te	1	" I just want to be given a chance .
te	1	" This is what you really want ? "
te	1	" Get into your wagons and run ! "
te	1	Her mouth was open in a silent , unending scream .
te	1	She blinked and looked at him , tears blurring her vision .
te	1	" But we 've got to get moving .
te	1	" We need to stop the Assassins . "
te	1	" Get your pack from Jeff and follow me ! "
te	1	" I want to go with you ! "
te	1	" Enya , you have to stay with you family . "
te	1	" But I want to join you ! "
te	1	If you ever need me , just call . "
te	1	" Take these , you 'll use them more than me .
te	1	Now get everyone into those wagons and moving . "
te	1	Jen nodded and ran off through the crowd .
te	1	" Get ready to run , " she said .
te	1	Only they 're disappearing into the woods . "
te	1	Now they wouldn 't be able to see their pursuers .
te	1	Running in the dark through the woods was like running blind .
te	1	They 'd never outrun their pursuers at this pace .
te	1	" I 'm kind-of distracted right now . "
te	1	" Do you think you can slow them down ? "
te	1	" Wait , " Jeff said , grabbing her wrist .
te	1	He pointed to an arrow imbedded in the figure 's side .
te	1	Branches scratched at their faces and hooked on their clothes .
te	1	They hadn 't gotten far when the first Assassin caught them .
te	1	If she hadn 't moved it would have hit her neck .
te	1	There wasn 't time to think about that , though .
te	1	It 's almost like , like these people are more experienced .
te	1	She arched her back and turned her head to avoid it .
te	1	A slight movement in the shadows caught her eye .
te	1	More of the Assassins were slinking through the shadows towards them .
te	1	She had to end this and end it fast .
te	1	She turned back to her attacker and lunged at her .
te	1	She turned and thrust past Jeff towards his opponent .
te	1	There 're too many places to hide ! "
te	1	Across the road was a small field of long red grass .
te	1	Beyond that green grass went on to the horizon .
te	1	They can 't all be that good ! "
te	1	" We 've got to get out of range ! "
te	1	" Come on , get out of range ! "
te	1	Some of them came too close for her liking .
te	1	" No one 's following us , " she said .
te	1	" I think we 're going to make it . "
te	1	" They 're circling around , " Jeff said .
te	1	" I was going the wrong way , " he answered .
te	1	She didn 't like the idea of fighting them out here .
te	1	" Quick , help me pull these out .
te	1	We need to make a large circle . "
te	1	Get in the middle and stay down . "
te	1	That was a sound she did not want to hear .
te	1	It had been replaced with a barren field of ash .
te	1	They stumbled away towards the woods , coughing as they went .
te	1	She kicked the guy in the head and kept walking .
te	1	He counted way less than half their number who had survived .
te	1	So she hadn 't gotten caught in the fire .
te	1	She and the few survivors could take care of themselves .
te	1	She should never have sent her out alone .
te	1	She had lost her hat when her hair caught on fire .
te	1	She held it up so they could see .
te	1	" It 's just missing a bit . "
te	1	" You 're such a girly girl . "
te	1	Jeff winced when he put a bandage on .
te	1	She rummaged through her bag until she found a small jar .
te	1	It was a cream for burns that Aunty had packed .
te	1	" You two keep giving each other guilty looks ! "
te	1	" You 've been doing it all morning ! "
te	1	We didn 't know this was going to happen .
te	1	It was the only reason we survived at all .
te	1	" How do you know so much about geography ? "
te	1	She had just learned her first piece of geography .
te	1	" But , it 's really faint . "
te	1	" This trail is hidden each step of the way .
te	1	" What are we supposed to do ? "
te	1	" Burn the paths like we did the meadow ? "
te	1	" You can wait down on the trail .
te	1	When they draw even with you take out their guards .
te	1	Jeff and I 'll take out the rest . "
te	1	" Is arguing all you 're going to do ? "
te	1	" This time we 'll have the advantage of surprise . "
te	1	" Do we really have to do this ?
te	1	It might be better if we make our own plan . "
te	1	" It 's only used in the hierarchy .
te	1	They speak it in the high courts , " Jeff said .
te	1	A branch broke off on the hidden trail to their left .
te	1	They watched the woods for any sign of movement .
te	1	He stabbed at her stomach with a nasty looking knife .
te	1	She twisted it , pulling it out of his grasp .
te	1	The knife fighter stabbed at her unprotected side .
te	1	She leaned sideways and kicked the knife fighter in the shoulder .
te	1	She spun away before the dagger could pierce any deeper .
te	1	She turned to face the Assassin who had stabbed her .
te	1	Then again there were more of them here .
te	1	Her cheek hit the soft loam of the forest floor .
te	1	Now she was looking up at the sky .
te	1	It grabbed her hands and tied them together with rough rope .
te	1	There were hushed voices and the sound of soft feet .
te	1	She tried to clear her head and looked around .
te	1	One of them was holding a blunt mace .
te	1	Another one of them was going through their bags .
te	1	Jeff increased the pressure of his elbow on her side .
te	1	She started to nod but stopped quickly when her head throbbed .
te	1	His superior strode over to their three captives .
te	1	" I already searched your pockets and found nothing in them .
te	1	Your two friends don 't have any pockets . "
te	1	" The jewel was not in any of them .
te	1	She hissed some air in through her teeth .
te	1	" Please , that 's all I know !
te	1	It was in my pocket when I blacked out ! "
te	1	I was also well trained in torture . "
te	1	She gritted her teeth against the pain and opened her eyes .
te	1	The woman was diving for something on the ground .
te	1	The jewel had fallen into the hands of the Assassins .
te	1	The rest of the Assassins started down the trail .
te	1	She jumped up to her knees , but the world wavered .
te	1	She was too busy trying to stay on her feet .
te	1	You 've got to grow up and realize that ! "
te	1	" I know this isn 't a game !
te	1	" You 're plan wasn 't going to work !
te	1	" Either we float together or we sink together .
te	1	She ran into Jeff near the deer path .
te	1	He bit his lip and , after a moment , nodded .
te	1	" How far away have they gotten ? "
te	1	" We can catch up with them , " she said .
te	1	" Watch out for the one with the mace ! "
te	1	Jeff leaped behind her and deflected a knife someone had thrown .
te	1	" Can you see the rest of them ? "
te	1	Jeff asked as they stood with their backs to each other .
te	1	They both ducked as the mace guy swung again .
te	1	She did not want to have that thing hit her again .
te	1	It wasn 't one of her best ideas ever .
te	1	It came free and fell into the underbrush .
te	1	The mace guy got ready to swing again .
te	1	" Um , rolling , " she said .
te	1	This time she ended next to her sword .
te	1	A foot came down on the blade of her katana .
te	1	" You make this too easy , " she breathed .
te	1	The woman saw it coming and jumped it .
te	1	Someone hit her on the back of the head .
te	1	She turned to see another Assassin standing behind her .
te	1	It wasn 't the mace guy , which was lucky .
te	1	One of them had an arrow sticking in his chests .
te	1	It hit him squarely in the chest , knocking him backwards .
te	1	Two more were crouched behind her , hidden in the underbrush .
te	1	Her attention was focused on the one in front of her .
te	1	Archers do not do well in close quarters .
te	1	The woman cut down at her with a dagger .
te	1	The tip of her blade grazed his stomach .
te	1	This time he caught her sword on his hilt too late .
te	1	Her blade penetrated three inches into his abdomen .
te	1	Her stomach tried to force its way up through her throat .
te	1	Jeff 's sword stuck out through the man 's throat .
te	1	" Let them know we 're watching the trails .
te	1	" ... sure they 'll be okay ? "
te	1	Looking a little abashed he sat straight again .
te	1	And not a small one at that . "
te	1	" You were a fool to have ignored your wound .
te	1	I didn 't want to slow anything down .
te	1	" Dammit Mal , I 'm fine ! "
te	1	" Why do you call Archie ' Mal ' ? "
te	1	" They could be coming down it any moment . "
te	1	She clamped her hand over her mouth when her stomach protested .
te	1	" Since when were you two comrades in mischief ? "
te	1	" Especially when I don 't feel well . "
te	1	She could see the largest buildings far off in the distance .
te	1	" Does every city have such big walls ? "
te	1	" Ooh , I know this one ! "
te	1	" She is my friend , " Mal said , scowling .
te	1	Jeff sighed and looked at the city around them .
te	1	" I would assume so , " Mal said .
te	1	Eventually she stopped concentrating on the road and started looking around .
te	1	The buildings grew more and more extravagant as they went .
te	1	He pointed to a gigantic building off to their left .
te	1	The red bamboo roof stood high above the street .
te	1	She didn 't want the Assassins pretending to be gargoyles again .
te	1	This seemed a little like overkill to her .
te	1	The double doors were made of fogged glass outlined in gold .
te	1	Large marble steps led the way to the doors .
te	1	The steps were guarded by two great lions .
te	1	" So many gorgeous , wonderful , precious books . "
te	1	Inside was just as impressive as the outside .
te	1	A large marble desk stood directly in front of the door .
te	1	She had white hair that fell in ringlets about her shoulders .
te	1	She looked up as Mal approached the desk .
te	1	Do you have time to help an old friend ? "
te	1	" You could have at least written ! "
te	1	" You know I couldn 't , " he said .
te	1	" We 've all had a rough journey .
te	1	" Take over the desk for a moment . "
te	1	" Did you see the way he looked at you ? "
te	1	A fire burned in a small fireplace in one wall .
te	1	" Thank you , " Mal said , taking her hand .
te	1	" You weren 't ... followed , were you ? "
te	1	" We 're here , now lie down . "
te	1	" Why did your aunt teach you the Ancient language ? "
te	1	She knew I had to go on my Journey eventually . "
te	1	" The phrasing 's different , " he said .
te	1	" And the words and grammar are barely recognizable . "
te	1	" Do you think it could be a different language ? "
te	1	" One close enough that we can understand it . "
te	1	" Not necessarily , " Jeff said slowly .
te	1	That 's where the roots of the Ancient language come from .
te	1	" And why would she teach it to me ? "
te	1	Anyway , we don 't know for sure .
te	1	" So where 'd you learn how to sing ? "
te	1	The other girl gave her a blank look .
te	1	" It sounded like you were trained . "
te	1	I don 't even want to do it . "
te	1	She really needed to remember that she had a concussion .
te	1	The fumes stung her nose and made her eyes water .
te	1	The stitching is poor , but it will do .
te	1	" How much blood did she lose ? "
te	1	" I knew you 'd be the tough one .
te	1	You 're to lie here and hold still . "
te	1	" Hold still or you 'll pull it out ! "
te	1	Healers never stuck needles into people 's arms .
te	1	" What in the world is that for ? "
te	1	" No questions , that 's the deal .
te	1	" We need to look for ... something . "
te	1	" That something can wait , " the healer snapped .
te	1	For all society knew they could have all died off already .
te	1	The three teens hoped they were having better luck .
te	1	They looked up from the books they had been reading .
te	1	" All I asked was how you were doing . "
te	1	" What 's in those that might be useful ? "
te	1	" So , what are you looking for ? "
te	1	Why can 't I keep my mouth shut ! "
te	1	" Um ... what 's going on ? "
te	1	Jeff shifted , looking uneasy at how much she was saying .
te	1	His eyes followed it until it was out of sight .
te	1	" You said you were running from a guild .
te	1	You 're supposed to be organizing the return box . "
te	1	" How do we know we can trust him ? "
te	1	" You said I needed to be more trusting . "
te	1	" You 're one to talk , " she snapped .
te	1	" He couldn 't take his eyes off of it . "
te	1	" You saw that , didn 't you ? "
te	1	She didn 't , but that didn 't matter .
te	1	That was a weak argument and they all knew it .
te	1	" Archie has training in fitting in , " he said .
te	1	" You said you had slowed them down .
te	1	" Which is why I think we should be leaving soon .
te	1	" What do you mean general area ? "
te	1	" Near enough that they might know something about it . "
te	1	" This is going to be easy ! "
te	1	" How about the people you 've been contacting ? "
te	1	" They 've either disappeared or give me vague answers .
te	1	I think someone 's warning them off . "
te	1	" I said hello twice before you responded . "
te	1	His smile disappeared when he noticed her expression .
te	1	Someone in the library 's betraying us . "
te	1	" Who do you think it is ? "
te	1	She walked down the steps and sat on the lowest one .
te	1	" I don 't think anyone here would betray us . "
te	1	" People come in and out of the library every day .
te	1	There are plenty of chances for someone to steal something . "
te	1	" I 've been in situations of extreme paranoia before .
te	1	His eyes went to something farther down the street behind her .
te	1	" Look , see the one in the middle ?
te	1	He and his friends can get away with practically anything .
te	1	It would be best if we avoided confrontation . "
te	1	Taking your girlfriend out for an evening walk ? "
te	1	" Oh , she doesn 't know ? "
te	1	I used to be in the street gang that lives here .
te	1	" I can protect you from criminals . "
te	1	" Come on , James , " she said nervously .
te	1	" Do something , " another boy said .
te	1	Seeing his friends ' doubt , James ' bravado returned .
te	1	" That was a kill shot , you little rat !
te	1	She did , giving his arm a final jerk first .
te	1	" I was just going to break his arm . "
te	1	" My mother will hear about this ! "
te	1	" You 're disgusting , " he said to James .
te	1	Imagine what a scandal that will be . "
te	1	" Do you think he 'll listen ? "
te	1	" He wouldn 't dare do anything now . "
te	1	" How long have you two been out here ? "
te	1	" We heard all of it , " he said .
te	1	He kept glancing over his shoulder at Jeff .
te	1	" I don 't want to talk about my past . "
te	1	" I think I deserve an explanation . "
te	1	" You could at least tell me that . "
te	1	" I saw what I could turn into .
te	1	" Why didn 't you go back to your parents ? "
te	1	It 's been a family thing for generations .
te	1	They 've never really forgiven me for joining a gang . "
te	1	" I don 't like talking about it . "
te	1	So yes , I do deserve an explanation . "
te	1	" I want to , " she retorted .
te	1	" Do you think that or your friends ? "
te	1	" I 'm not too fond of him .
te	1	Did you know a Constable 's his father ? "
te	1	He isn 't like James , though . "
te	1	He was the first person who joined me on my Journey .
te	1	If I trust anyone here , it 's him . "
te	1	" You 're not exactly what you seem .
te	1	" It turns out you 're actually some warrior teenagers .
te	1	You don 't wear your identity on your sleeve either . "
te	1	Once she had herself back under control she went back too .
te	1	Apparently trust has been a problem with me for a while .
te	1	" What happened , happened , " she said .
te	1	The point is to learn from it and grow . "
te	1	" You are annoyingly wise , " he said .
te	1	She walked past Jeff and sat down on her cot .
te	1	They sat on their cots on either side of her .
te	1	" He also suspects you , " she told Jeff .
te	1	" You don 't agree though , right ? "
te	1	" Who do you think the other spy would be ? "
te	1	Everyone 's talking and no one 's listening . "
te	1	" Okay , you have a good argument .
te	1	" You 're making excuses again , " he said .
te	1	" I don 't know what to believe anymore .
te	1	" You just want to get out of researching . "
te	1	He sat on the other side of her than the lion .
te	1	Jeff walked over to stand next to the stone lion .
te	1	It wasn 't like she was walking directions .
te	1	" And not practical , " Jeff added .
te	1	" Anything from them is mostly for decoration only .
te	1	They wouldn 't last a minute in battle . "
te	1	" Well , only in cities , " she amended .
te	1	" We can split up into two groups . "
te	1	The merchant tents weren 't set up there .
te	1	The buildings around them became smaller and the roads narrower .
te	1	They still were by no means small , though .
te	1	Their bamboo roofs were cast in shadow from the setting sun .
te	1	I trust him with my life and that 's final . "
te	1	He scowled but didn 't push the subject .
te	1	People pay for her skills , not her herbs . "
te	1	That way the flames don 't singe you . "
te	1	" How do you think I got these burns ? "
te	1	We feel an urge to leave and do something .
te	1	He probably hadn 't noticed that she had stopped .
te	1	But then she should have been able to see him .
te	1	She bit the inside of her lip uneasily .
te	1	She was the worst person to lose in a big city .
te	1	She saw black hair in her peripheral vision .
te	1	She sighed in relief and ran to catch up .
te	1	She stopped at the entrance to the alley .
te	1	She was almost out when her instincts screamed at her .
te	1	Before she got the chance her instincts screamed at her again .
te	1	She had to get out , and fast .
te	1	Then she did something that went completely against her training .
te	1	She was going to use it to her advantage .
te	1	They couldn 't get her with so many witnesses around .
te	1	She should never have let her guard down .
te	1	She wasn 't going to do it again .
te	1	" He 's ... gone , " she said .
te	1	Her friends skidded to a stop behind her .
te	1	" It 's too easy to pick us off that way .
te	1	We need to stick together , keep all eyes open . "
te	1	She stepped to one side and gestured to do the same .
te	1	Well , they were making progress at working together .
te	1	It had been lit by candles when they left .
te	1	The door of the room they were staying in opened .
te	1	A glint of a dagger caught some light from the windows .
te	1	The dark figure turned his head at Jeff 's whisper .
te	1	" They 're here , Maggie , " he told her .
te	1	You too , they 'll kill you . "
te	1	No , you should stay , they can 't be here .
te	1	" They are here , " Jeff said .
te	1	" It 's you , " Jeff said .
te	1	" I 'm sorry , they made me do it ! "
te	1	" No , it can 't be . "
te	1	She ran back into the room she had come from .
te	1	She peered up at the windows high on the walls .
te	1	" Can you see where they are ? "
te	1	He was crouched under the desk with her .
te	1	He seems to be the one with the crossbow .
te	1	" It 's just logic , " he said .
te	1	We 'll just have to give them some . "
te	1	" Then why don 't we just chuck something ? "
te	1	" They 'll shoot that instead of us . "
te	1	" What do we have to throw ? "
te	1	We can throw one of the books . "
te	1	It would have been so much easier that way .
te	1	" I have a plan , " Jeff whispered .
te	1	They only have so many bolts and darts .
te	1	" He 'd get hit too easily . "
te	1	" You can 't be one without some skill .
te	1	And we need as many people as we can get . "
te	1	" How many more bolts do you think they have ? "
te	1	She 'd be the more likely to know that . "
te	1	That would have to do for now . "
te	1	" I could set something on fire . "
te	1	" Why you tell him and not me ? "
te	1	" Because you have better agility and Mal 's farther away .
te	1	Two darts went flying past her head , barely missing her .
te	1	It felt like missiles were coming from every direction .
te	1	It was a miracle none of them hit her .
te	1	Then again it would also protect her back .
te	1	" Then we 'd better get going . "
te	1	The table she was going to burn seemed so far away .
te	1	He had run off farther into the library .
te	1	It was nerve-racking , but kind of exhilarating .
te	1	This one left her open to the crossbow man .
te	1	" Crossbows take time to reload , " he said .
te	1	It nearly nicked the top of her head .
te	1	Two darts flew at her , one to either side .
te	1	There were only two more bookshelves between her and the table .
te	1	It began to burn down at a scary rate .
te	1	She stood from her crouch to run again .
te	1	On the way up something hit her pack .
te	1	She hoped it hadn 't hit anything important .
te	1	She ran along the bookcase , counting as she did .
te	1	She worked her way deeper into the library .
te	1	Or it would have if anything were fired at him .
te	1	It feels like they 've been doing this forever . "
te	1	" I think they 're out , " she said .
te	1	She walked out farther , still tensed to move .
te	1	Dizziness impaired her vision and she tottered sideways .
te	1	Sure enough a dart was sticking into her side .
te	1	" Put aside your honor for a moment and shut up !
te	1	" I 'll go first , " Jeff said .
te	1	Then she too dove out of cover and started running .
te	1	Her roll was sloppy and her gait awkward .
te	1	If they had been shooting at her she 'd be dead .
te	1	You and me again , Mr. Crossbow Man , she thought .
te	1	But her eyes wouldn 't focus that far .
te	1	That 's the best way to help your friends .
te	1	I 've been training to reach perfect balance for fun .
te	1	I never thought I 'd have to use it .
te	1	She closed her eyes and focused her thoughts .
te	1	Then she brought them together to form something hard and strong .
te	1	She rolled into position and got ready to run .
te	1	Then she thrust those energies forward in one large push .
te	1	She pushed off from the ground , propelling herself forward .
te	1	" I have her stable , " Mal 's voice said .
te	1	" Just give me the freaking antidote , " she muttered .
te	1	You 'll have to sit this one out . "
te	1	" What 're the chances of that happening ? "
te	1	" Not very likely , " he sighed .
te	1	She peeked around the door into the library .
te	1	" They 're out , " he called to her .
te	1	They 're not at the windows anymore . "
te	1	" Haven 't seen him , " he said .
te	1	He turned in time to catch her dagger with his blade .
te	1	Only now she was standing between him and the door .
te	1	It buried itself to the hilt in the Assassin 's back .
te	1	Jeff continued his run towards the front doors .
te	1	Once outside he turned and slammed the door shut behind him .
te	1	" That won 't stop them , " Mal said .
te	1	He nodded and slung her over his shoulder .
te	1	There 're still five of them left . "
te	1	" It 's closed , " she said unnecessarily .
te	1	I 'm so stupid not to have thought of it before !
te	1	They knew we 're trapped , she thought .
te	1	That 's why they haven 't attacked yet .
te	1	" Is there any other way out ? "
te	1	" It 's better than nothing , right ? "
te	1	" The sewers have bars on the end .
te	1	They don 't want crooks getting into the city through them .
te	1	" Yes , that 's a good idea .
te	1	" The wall 's way too high for that . "
te	1	A dagger flew over their heads and away into the darkness .
te	1	Finally she had come face-to-face with Mr. Crossbow Man .
te	1	She drew back and lunged towards the outline 's chest .
te	1	She blocked each and started to get annoyed .
te	1	She felt slow and her attacker felt fast .
te	1	" Don 't waste time , " she snapped .
te	1	He reached back through and grabbed at them .
te	1	" I 'm having a little trouble here ! "
te	1	" Hold still , " Mal said calmly .
te	1	They 're trained to work in cities , not forests . "
te	1	" They did okay before , " Jeff muttered .
te	1	" Do you know how much I could have done ?
te	1	" That 's why they targeted you , " Jeff said .
te	1	" They knew you 'd cause the most damage . "
te	1	" You 're a ray of sunshine this morning .
te	1	She cursed herself for reminding them of it .
te	1	I shouldn 't have brought that up . "
te	1	" We can 't pretend it didn 't happen . "
te	1	We were friends when we were young , you know .
te	1	She was like a sister to me , or more .
te	1	We were inseparable before I joined the guild . "
te	1	The four teens looked at each other awkwardly .
te	1	" It 's easy to see why , " Mal said .
te	1	" I didn 't know her like I did you two .
te	1	" None of you thought it was me ? "
te	1	" Wait , you know what this Journey thing is ?
te	1	" I say we make an oath on that . "
te	1	And I say we trust each other even after that .
te	1	" Hey , I actually know this one ! "
te	1	" How come he gets explanations right away ? "
te	1	He looked more and more worried as she talked .
te	1	This is a lot bigger than I thought it was . "
te	1	" This might be the village you 're looking for . "
te	1	The guild can 't see or know about this .
te	1	" One more shouldn 't be too hard . "
te	1	" I think so , " she said slowly .
te	1	After a half a mile or so Jeff spoke up .
te	1	" It 's a note , " he said .
te	1	" From the person who opened the gate for us . "
te	1	" There 's a P.S. addressed to me .
te	1	It says : To that red head girl .
te	1	" I think James just apologized , kind of . "
te	1	" That 's some progress , right ? "
te	1	She would have kept arguing , but he was right .
te	1	She had let her guard slip way too much .
te	1	" If we run low I can go hunting . "
te	1	We can 't stop in towns or cities anymore for supplies .
te	1	" You haven 't had capable friends before ? "
te	1	" A street gang has either thugs or thieves .
te	1	A little after noon it began to rain again .
te	1	The black clouds blocked out the sun , making everything shadowy .
te	1	" Do we need to ford it ? "
te	1	The rain would ruin it if she took it out .
te	1	" No , I don 't think so .
te	1	Besides , it 's moving too fast to ford anyway .
te	1	All this rain is turning little streams into big fast ones .
te	1	" Could we get back on track , please ? "
te	1	" Try not to step in the water .
te	1	" I didn 't mean to , " Jeff said irritably .
te	1	As they continued walking she thought back to the library .
te	1	She was leaning around it to look farther up .
te	1	" So we have to ford the river ? "
te	1	It would yank our feet out from under us .
te	1	" But I think I could make it .
te	1	He did not look happy at having to admit this .
te	1	He looked a little less unhappy from this remark .
te	1	That was the best they were going to get .
te	1	He ignored her and pulled himself up farther .
te	1	She lowered herself the rest of the way down .
te	1	Her heart was still going a million miles an hour .
te	1	Luckily after that everyone got to the other side safely .
te	1	As evening came the rain slowed and then stopped .
te	1	She had not expected him to be mad at her too .
te	1	" Will you two listen to each other ? "
te	1	" I can 't believe none of you get this .
te	1	Look , we 're all here for a reason .
te	1	A lot more than any one of us .
te	1	It 's her job to get us through in one piece .
te	1	The group was silent as they soaked all of that in .
te	1	" At least a little , " Jeff said .
te	1	" I 'm sorry I snapped at you . "
te	1	" No , I should be sorry . "
te	1	A dagger was sticking out of his back .
te	1	They were nearly there when the first Assassin appeared .
te	1	Jeff panted as he lunged at his opponent .
te	1	You 're better at reading maps then I am . "
te	1	He was dragged away on the rocky bottom .
te	1	" How many of these things do they have ? "
te	1	" Will you be able to move ? "
te	1	" I may be old but I 'm not weak . "
te	1	" They 're waiting , " Mal said .
te	1	" Planning for the right moment to attack .
te	1	He took the hit in the side and kept coming .
te	1	" Keep going , " she said to Mal .
te	1	The dead Assassins had arrows sticking out of various body parts .
te	1	" Tripping on someone could get me killed . "
te	1	That didn 't explain why the Assassins had retreated , though .
te	1	They 'd have to fight them in the open eventually .
te	1	Then she looked farther up the trail and understood .
te	1	" It 's flooded , " she said .
te	1	" The tributary 's flooded the road . "
te	1	He dropped to one knee to examine it .
te	1	" Is there any way around it ? "
te	1	" Could there be a way across farther on ? "
te	1	She backed up so she stood right next to her friends .
te	1	" And what are we going to be doing ? "
te	1	He was doing a rather good job of it .
te	1	" Why can 't you be the bait ? "
te	1	" Because I 'm quieter than you , " she answered .
te	1	We 've probably got four left to get . "
te	1	She hadn 't seen the woman at all !
te	1	The woman raised her sword to stab him in the back .
te	1	The Assassin was doing what she had done .
te	1	It was almost as if they were using the same tactics .
te	1	What if they were using the same tactics ?
te	1	She launched herself up and hit the guy in the jaw .
te	1	At such a close distance their swords weren 't very good .
te	1	He sidestepped and returned her attack with a punch .
te	1	He seemed to struggle to keep himself from doubling over .
te	1	She finished it with a punch to his head .
te	1	He dropped to the ground with his sword .
te	1	She noticed some red on the side of his tunic .
te	1	" He or she will have heard the fight .
te	1	The woman was perched in a tree above them .
te	1	She looked down at the powder on her hands .
te	1	She barely avoided it by side-stepping out of the way .
te	1	She rolled backwards to avoid the woman 's next attack .
te	1	She didn 't need her mouth to call for Jeff .
te	1	She did the only option left for her .
te	1	" We can 't let her get away ! "
te	1	Without waiting for an answer she gave chase .
te	1	She saw the woman glance over her shoulder .
te	1	She looked down at the black figure lying on the ground .
te	1	Or more like where she had been a moment before .
te	1	Even when that person is skilled at hiding their tracks .
te	1	Jeff came skidding to a stop next to her .
te	1	" She 's much cleverer than the others and more skilled .
te	1	The woman was running parallel to the tributary .
te	1	" I 've got an idea , " she said .
te	1	" What are you - " " Don 't ask questions !
te	1	She ran to the tributary where there was a clear path .
te	1	It didn 't take long to get ahead of the Assassin .
te	1	With any luck the Assassin would run right up to her .
te	1	She peeked around the tree to see the Assassin approaching .
te	1	The woman was looking over her shoulder towards Jeff .
te	1	Time to give her a taste of her own herbs .
te	2	" I don 't want you to go , " Lily said .
te	2	" Lily , you know I won 't always be here . "
te	2	She looked very elegant with her white dress and long blond hair .
te	2	She found herself wondering what else there could be beyond the hills .
te	2	What life would be like outside of the town she grew up in ?
te	2	She was almost finished with what the studio had to offer her .
te	2	It was a katana , a sword with a long , slightly curved blade .
te	2	It had a beautiful , shining steel blade and a small oval hand guard .
te	2	In the middle of the hand guard was a round red crystal .
te	2	The children liked to play on it when the water was low .
te	2	It was a miracle either of the children could have climbed on it at all .
te	2	If she climbed the bridge she would most likely end up in the water herself .
te	2	She lay flat on the tree with her arms and legs hugging it .
te	2	Her head broke the surface and she caught a glimpse of the forest trees .
te	2	As the river pulled them , the vine swung them towards shore .
te	2	To her horror she saw the vine slowly start popping off the tree .
te	2	It would be a close thing , but maybe she could make it .
te	2	She hooked one arm over the top and pulled herself up onto its slippery surface .
te	2	She shifted the little girl in her arms to make it easier to carry her .
te	2	She stood and turned to see a group of adults carrying ropes and nets .
te	2	One of the women dropped to her knees and folded the girl into her arms .
te	2	Let 's go back to town and get her warmed up . "
te	2	The mother of the girl stood , holding the child in her arms .
te	2	It was not the only thing glittering in the sun , though .
te	2	It was a little longer than her palm and a little less wide .
te	2	The little hero of our little village , whatever would we do without her ? "
te	2	Auntie made her change out of her wet outfit while she made her warm soup .
te	2	Auntie came in holding a lantern and sat down in a chair beside her .
te	2	I guess , I feel like it 's time I went on my Journey . "
te	2	I was wondering what life could be like outside this little village .
te	2	There has been no one who has practiced it for hundreds of years .
te	2	Then she stood and took her niece 's hand , leading her outside .
te	2	We don 't know when you will have completed your Journey until you do . "
te	2	Various sad looking aunts , uncles , and cousins stood to one side .
te	2	She dropped to her knees and held her arms out to them .
te	2	" I know more , and I know this is the time for me .
te	2	" Are you going to be traveling alone or in a caravan ? "
te	2	She could feel the trees and road calling her , beckoning her onward .
te	2	" I 'll go alone on foot , at least for now . "
te	2	" I 'll miss you too , dear , " Auntie whispered .
te	2	She joined the throng of people going in and out of the iron gates .
te	2	They all just gave up and walked around her after an elbow failed .
te	2	Above him an orange tarp was being held up by four wooden poles .
te	2	They went through a little alley behind it into a side street .
te	2	" Just around this corner , " the man called over his shoulder .
te	2	The man seemed too eager , too hurried , and too nervous .
te	2	" You know , maybe I should just go back to the library . "
te	2	The hood of his coat was pulled up to hide his face .
te	2	" So be it , " the jeweler answered in the same tone .
te	2	She dropped again as a knife came whistling through the air at her .
te	2	It missed her by inches , but there was no time to think about it .
te	2	But there were five of them and one of her , and she was unarmed .
te	2	She took on three at once as her helper fought the remaining two .
te	2	She parried the swords coming her way , and then she counter attacked .
te	2	He lunged in , planning to catch her while she was off balance .
te	2	She brought the hilt of her sword up as he came in .
te	2	It connected with his forehead , and he dropped like a stone .
te	2	She could tell from his clothes that he came from a higher class family .
te	2	" I didn 't go ' waving it around , " ' she snapped .
te	2	" I was showing it to a jeweler for help identifying it .
te	2	" I was in the stall next to the jeweler 's , " he said .
te	2	I have no idea how they got so good at fighting like that . "
te	2	The cut from blocking a sword with her arm was dripping blood .
te	2	She raised it horizontally so it didn 't drip onto the crystal .
te	2	" The last person who helped me tried to kill me . "
te	2	" One minute you 're overly trusting and the next you 're paranoid .
te	2	Jeff 's house had big double doors and stone steps leading up .
te	2	The room beyond had a grand staircase with a blue carpet and shining wood railings .
te	2	" I bet you 've never seen house like this , huh ? "
te	2	" It 's a pleasure to meet you , " Jeffery 's mother said .
te	2	They went down a couple of hallways until they got to a white room .
te	2	A mattress covered in white sheets rested on an odd wooden frame .
te	2	" Sit here , " Jeffery 's mother said , gesturing to the bed .
te	2	It cushioned her until she felt like she would fall into it and disappear forever .
te	2	Jeff 's mother went over to a cabinet and rummaged around in it .
te	2	" Come , let 's get you something less dirty to wear . "
te	2	The doors all slid , and they seemed to be made out of paper .
te	2	Candles were spaced along the walls in holders to light the way .
te	2	She discovered that a butler was a manservant who answered the door when someone knocked .
te	2	It was warmer there , and it had a cheery look to it .
te	2	She gestured with her head to a wooden door that looked like it led outside .
te	2	In the center was a marble fountain with a stone owl on top .
te	2	" I accidentally stole it from the martial arts studio in my village .
te	2	Must have come with the person who built the studio , " she guessed .
te	2	" You know , with some actual training you could be pretty scary . "
te	2	" I thought I already was pretty scary , " she said .
te	2	" Oh don 't give me that look , I 'll be fine ! "
te	2	Jeff danced aside and came down on the hilt of her katana .
te	2	He stepped back just in time to avoid the tip of her sword .
te	2	( But there had been five of them , so they didn 't count ) .
te	2	" I don 't know , that has a nice ring to it . "
te	2	She closed her eyes and leaned her face up to the warm sun .
te	2	He had on a white shirt , light blue tunic , and black breeches .
te	2	Uh-oh , that old woman sitting on that porch is Mrs. Tania .
te	2	He pointed to an old bald man waving his arms as he yelled to passers-by .
te	2	" Good day , nice to meet you , " the old man said .
te	2	Be on your way , I wouldn 't want to make you late .
te	2	" We will , good-bye , Mr. Ferdinand , " said Jeff .
te	2	" But this is a city , so you get a couple odd people .
te	2	A bunch of young men were sitting on some wood crates outside a store .
te	2	" You beat up a bunch of our boys last night ! "
te	2	" No one gets away with that , not even the Constable 's son ! "
te	2	You 'd think a bunch of men could take on two kids . "
te	2	The men glared at him when they realized that that was true .
te	2	" Someday your daddy won 't be around to protect you , little boy .
te	2	And when that happens , I 'll be lurking in the shadows .
te	2	" Yeah , they 're part of the River Boys , " said Jeff .
te	2	Plus it 's not a secret that I 'm good with a sword . "
te	2	" They don 't have any bruises or cuts , " Jeff said , grinning .
te	2	" Why would members of a gang be hiding things from other members ? "
te	2	On the end nearest to them stood a long line of wooden targets .
te	2	The nearest target had a bunch of arrows in its bull 's eye .
te	2	It keeps me occupied until we leave for the country again . "
te	2	I suppose that 's one of the reasons I love it . "
te	2	It 'll take a while before my mother decides to check the library . "
te	2	" So have you known her as a friend or an acquaintance ? "
te	2	She wore an expensive looking dress and had a frilly umbrella in one hand .
te	2	It was made of red brick , and the corners were trimmed with gold .
te	2	The windows , like all the others in the city , had real glass .
te	2	The trio walked up the large steps and pushed open the double doors .
te	2	Inside were bookshelves so large that they reached the domed ceiling high above .
te	2	" Well , just ask if you need anything , " said the librarian .
te	2	At the studio in her home village there were mostly scrolls instead of books .
te	2	" Legends are down that isle , " said Jeff , pointing .
te	2	A small stack of books on ancient magical artifacts sat on the floor beside her .
te	2	Jeff wandered back into their work area from the legends section carrying a book .
te	2	" If I had I would have said something , wouldn 't I ? "
te	2	" I don 't know , I might just be jumping at shadows . "
te	2	Jeff flipped through the pages slowly and paused at the red ones .
te	2	Jeff made a noise that sounded like he 'd swallowed his tongue .
te	2	On the cover was a picture of a very large and gaudy necklace .
te	2	The pendant was gold covered in designs that made it look like the sun .
te	2	Most of the page was taken up by another picture of the necklace .
te	2	I found it when I dropped a book on my toe . "
te	2	" I guess we should put these books away , " Jeff said .
te	2	" Oh , yeah , you guys can put the books away .
te	2	" I guess we 'll meet you near the front desk . "
te	2	Oh , yes , is there anything you need , miss ? "
te	2	" What do you think you 're doing , waving something like that around ? "
te	2	The librarian peered out of the door again before closing it behind them .
te	2	" I got this pendant off a man who attacked me in an alley .
te	2	He took it and pushed her palm against the jewel , passing it to her .
te	2	" They have been searching for that since the group began . "
te	2	" Come back tomorrow and I will help you and your friends .
te	2	I could be laying a trap for you and you 'd never know . "
te	2	" Well then , I guess I better be on my guard . "
te	2	What were you doing in there , and where 's the librarian ?
te	2	" What part of ' shut up ' do you not understand ? "
te	2	" I 'll tell you when we get back to Jeff 's house . "
te	2	Maybe there was more to this strange girl then what first appeared .
te	2	" I like your house a lot better than I like mine . "
te	2	" You 're not going to fall off , " Jeff said reassuringly .
te	2	" I once bounced all the way down on my - " Jeff elbowed her .
te	2	" Yeah , but that 's part of what makes it fun ! "
te	2	Someone was going to be black and blue later if he kept that up .
te	2	For a second she was going slowly , but suddenly she was picking up speed .
te	2	Within seconds she hit the end of the railing and was launched forward .
te	2	He gave her a gentle smile and patted her on the shoulder .
te	2	May I suggest that next time you think before you jump into something ? "
te	2	I really must go now , but it was a pleasure meeting you . "
te	2	" You were right about that symbol being important , " Jeff said .
te	2	After a few hours a maid came and announced that dinner was ready .
te	2	They sat , and Mr. Raymond sat across from them with a note pad .
te	2	" So , did you find anything in the library today ? "
te	2	Wow , right off the bat he had asked a very dangerous question .
te	2	A dangerous problem that could lead to the death of many kind people .
te	2	Suddenly this didn 't seem like such a harmless thing after all .
te	2	" The only one I really saw the face of was the jeweler .
te	2	He was sort of middle-aged , thin , and had a pointy nose .
te	2	Jeff led her back to the room they had been in before dinner .
te	2	" I didn 't want him to know about all this . "
te	2	They could help , and we can 't keep lying to them ! "
te	2	If he finds out about the master guild he 'll start looking for them .
te	2	They can 't have anyone knowing about them , especially people of your class .
te	2	She stood up suddenly before he could respond and headed for the door .
te	2	He ran and caught her shoulder , pulling her to a stop again .
te	2	" You didn 't pull me into this , I chose to join you . "
te	2	Man , I 'm starting to wish I hadn 't invited her along . "
te	2	" But no matter what happens , we 're in this together . "
te	2	" Remember how I told you about that master guild yesterday ? "
te	2	" They want the jewel , and they 'll kill to get it .
te	2	" For all we know I could already be on their list . "
te	2	" I don 't think you understand just how dangerous they are . "
te	2	" We 're not leaving forever , you know , " Jeff told her .
te	2	" Remember when I told you I was on my Journey ? "
te	2	" I have this feeling that I 'm going to leave any day now .
te	2	Who knows , you might end up coming back with us ! "
te	2	Light filtered in through the windows , shedding a warm glow over the shelves .
te	2	" We 're doing research for a project assigned to us by our tutors .
te	2	I 'll go get it ready while you collect what you need . "
te	2	A long , low rectangular table took up most of the room .
te	2	They knelt down on some of the cushions at the near end of the table .
te	2	It was an almost flat cone made of reeds with a circular brim .
te	2	This one was much nicer than the ones they had , though .
te	2	" Yes , except for that one , " the librarian agreed .
te	2	" Umm , what exactly are we trying to find out about this necklace ? "
te	2	" I 'm sorry , but I don 't actually know your name . "
te	2	Then we 'll look for anything that 's new in these books .
te	2	" I have most of the information in these books memorized , " Archibald said .
te	2	" But it is worth looking through them in case I missed something . "
te	2	" So , basically more reading with no idea what we 're looking for ? "
te	2	She closed the door behind her and said , " Hey guys ! "
te	2	I won 't mess with things when it gets really important , I promise . "
te	2	" So , what have you got for us , Archie ? "
te	2	" Not broken , but separated into parts , " Archie said .
te	2	" These are the parts of the necklace , " Archie explained .
te	2	His followers were to take them to different Sanctuaries all over the Middle Kingdom .
te	2	" They were ambushed , and were forced to hide the pieces in other places .
te	2	Places where one would have to risk his life to get to .
te	2	That was a lot of information in a very short amount of time .
te	2	I guess a hunt would be a better term for it , then . "
te	2	" You said magical objects were destroyed or lost , " Archie said .
te	2	" Doesn 't being broken up into many pieces count as being destroyed ? "
te	2	" I guess , but it still seems a little too fantastic . "
te	2	" I think we should just go with the flow for now , though . "
te	2	After all , he hadn 't been incredibly high in the guild .
te	2	" Alright , if you 're both going to be wimps about this . "
te	2	Jeff mimed throwing a book at her , almost giving Archie a heart attack .
te	2	The cook yelled at them , and they slipped out the back door .
te	2	A shadow appeared , climbing over the stone wall that surrounded the lawn .
te	2	" We need to talk , " she told them in a low voice .
te	2	" There 's bound to be someone trying to stop them , right ? "
te	2	" There 's no one but the master guild looking for the necklace . "
te	2	We can 't just sit here and let them find the pieces . "
te	2	We need people like that now , now that the race has started again .
te	2	And if no one else knows about this , then why not us ?
te	2	Even if we only take care of the jewel , it will be enough .
te	2	They can 't complete the necklace and get all that power without it .
te	2	" All I know is that I found this for a reason . "
te	2	I 'm almost certain that this is the purpose of my Journey . "
te	2	" Gee , that told me so much , " he said .
te	2	I miss my family , and my little town , and the studio .
te	2	" How do you know where to go or what to do ? "
te	2	" I don 't think I 'll be coming back here any time soon .
te	2	If you 're coming with me then you might not come home again . "
te	2	" We 'll see what the future holds for us when we get to it .
te	2	She went over to the books she had taken from the library that day .
te	2	It was the night after she had talked to Jeff on the roof .
te	2	The first thing we should do is find it 's Sanctuary . "
te	2	And she knows about the necklace and the race for it . "
te	2	" I will send a letter to her telling her you are coming .
te	2	And so it was decided that they would leave the next day .
te	2	" If she keeps this up then our quest will be a looong trip . "
te	2	The big old building looked almost scary as the sun went down below the trees .
te	2	It cast shadows across the roof and the gargoyles guarding the front .
te	2	Especially higher up on the roof , where the gargoyles looked completely black .
te	2	" Oh honestly , I 'm just coming to get my hat !
te	2	I 'll get it and then be out of your hair ! "
te	2	" I had a f - " A small thump echoed through the library .
te	2	" You 're memory has always been bad , " Jeff said .
te	2	She rolled under something that came flying from the upper left corner of the door .
te	2	She dropped low and swept her leg around to knock the shadow off his feet .
te	2	The shadow jumped her foot and came down with his sword aimed at her head .
te	2	His eyes met hers , and she gave him a nod of thanks and respect .
te	2	Who knew how many of these guys the three of them could take on ?
te	2	The old library 's walls creaked and groaned as a strong breeze battered them .
te	2	" Now would be a really good time to tell us , " Jeff said .
te	2	" ... you two need to get back into the room , " she continued .
te	2	" How will we know when you put it into action ? "
te	2	She realized that this was the absolute worst thing she could be doing .
te	2	It was while she was doing this that the first guild man attacked .
te	2	As they fought she caught movement in the corner of her eye .
te	2	The assassin easily side stepped her , and she slammed into the shelf behind him .
te	2	The assassin , who had not , was bombarded by heavy books .
te	2	She turned and ran , the guy 's buddies hot on her heals .
te	2	She almost missed the black figures as they slipped silently around the corner .
te	2	They blended into the shadows and moved as quietly as a breeze .
te	2	They were ready for her to be around the corner this time .
te	2	One of them was impaled on her sword when she landed on their backs .
te	2	The back of his head snapped back against the bookshelf behind him .
te	2	They all came for her , their need to get the jewel making them careless .
te	2	Then it picked up speed and crashed into the wall of the library .
te	2	The old bricks groaned under the weight , and then it too collapsed .
te	2	Most likely her eyes were tearing up from all the dust in the air .
te	2	She couldn 't see any sign of life under the pile of ceiling .
te	2	The rest of it is covered in dust , but otherwise fine . "
te	2	" My poor beautiful books , the ancient ceiling , the tables ! "
te	2	" Would you rather lose a corner of the library or your life ? "
te	2	But next time , please try to be a little less destructive ? "
te	2	" Pretending to be a gargoyle on the r - " Archie stopped .
te	2	" I must have gotten it when I ran by one of those assassins .
te	2	The world blurred , began to tilt sideways , and then went black .
te	2	There wasn 't any painful light , so she opened her eyes all the way .
te	2	A wave of nausea hit her , and she wrapped her arms around her stomach .
te	2	" You shouldn 't sit up so fast , " Archie said gently .
te	2	This time she was prepared for the nausea and managed to ignore it .
te	2	She was lying in small alley with the library nowhere in sight .
te	2	" We had to move you away from the library , " Jeff told her .
te	2	Luckily for you I am familiar with the poisons the guild uses and counteracted it .
te	2	She swayed dangerously , and Jeff leaped to his feet and held her up .
te	2	She leaned on Jeff as she fought to push these unpleasant feelings away .
te	2	She stood on her own two feet again , ignoring her body 's protests .
te	2	" We were a little busy saving your life , " Jeff said .
te	2	" We 've got to leave , before they come for us again .
te	2	It has been years since I was in the race for the necklace .
te	2	I believe it is time for me to join in once again .
te	2	You two must go get your friend and leave the city immediately .
te	2	" We need to save your strength for when the fighting begins . "
te	2	It felt strange to not have it be full of light and noise .
te	2	She stood in the center of the room and looked around it .
te	2	She didn 't want to take any more from then than she had to .
te	2	Even in the low light she could see the pain on his face .
te	2	You may be able to fool your father but you 'll never fool me .
te	2	Jeff stood with his mouth slightly open , completely lost for words .
te	2	" You 're going to try to stop whatever is causing the problem ? "
te	2	" Are you sure there 's nothing we can do to help ? "
te	2	She expected her to start crying , or at least beg them not to go .
te	2	" You 're a strong , resourceful boy , almost a man .
te	2	Right before she closed it she stopped and looked back at Jeff 's mother .
te	2	" Take care of Jeff for me , " she whispered in her ear .
te	2	" Remember , don 't get killed , " she reminded them .
te	2	" We 're their protectors now ; we 're doing this for them . "
te	2	Jeff picked up a small pebble and threw it at her window .
te	2	You two look like you 've been to the abyss and back ! "
te	2	She had on a flowing white nightgown that fell to the floor .
te	2	The walls were pink and decorated with pictures of vines bearing all kinds of fruit .
te	2	Huge gold frames that were made of more fake gold surrounded the paintings .
te	2	" Okay , I agree with you now , " Jeff said .
te	2	He lets my mother decorate the house and basically do anything she wants .
te	2	" Are you going to be able to carry all of them ? "
te	2	She took her knives down and tucked them in various hidden sheaths .
te	2	" I 'm sure your father will take care of them , " Jeff said .
te	2	She pushed open the door and walked in with Jeff right behind her .
te	2	The walls and ceiling were white , and the floor was hard wood .
te	2	A large desk that was covered in papers took up the left wall .
te	2	I always used to come here to escape her , and I still do . "
te	2	Her mood turned melancholy and she turned and laid the letter down on the desk .
te	2	Jeff walked over to her and laid a hand on her shoulder .
te	2	" So , what new place are we going to now ? "
te	2	" The sooner I 'm gone from these halls the better . "
te	2	From there Jeff took the lead and led them through back streets .
te	2	Some of them had boarded up windows , and some were completely empty .
te	2	She felt like a dozen hostile eyes were watching her every move .
te	2	It was a definite change from her safe little village where everyone knew everyone .
te	2	" Why would a nice city have a horrid place like this ? "
te	2	" Outlaws are always attracted to cities , it 's easy to hide .
te	2	" We 're less likely to be stopped here , " Jeff said .
te	2	He was remaining unaffected by the atmosphere of the place and was completely confident .
te	2	She also seemed to be unaffected by the atmosphere and was as cheery as ever .
te	2	One of the people following them stepped out from behind a building .
te	2	" My business is none of yours , " Jeff said coldly .
te	2	She could tell he had no idea how Julius could have found that out .
te	2	That means no one will be expecting to see you for a long time . "
te	2	" Your daddy isn 't around to protect you this time , boy . "
te	2	Instead she put her sword at an angle and slid it off to one side .
te	2	She was backing up as she went , but that was okay .
te	2	None of them wanted to face an enemy that could get them from a distance .
te	2	So , her friends were fine and there were only a few gang members left .
te	2	That was when she saw someone rise up from the ground behind Jeff .
te	2	Julius caught his sword hand with one hand and his throat in the other .
te	2	Her shoulder erupted into agony , making her give an angry yelp .
te	2	She felt something crack under her hand , and he fell back howling .
te	2	Her anger and pain gave her speed and her fear gave her strength .
te	2	She was incredibly relieved to see that he looked dazed and bruised , but alive .
te	2	" Alright , the next person to step forward gets an arrow through his head !
te	2	Some of them shrunk away from her a bit at her look .
te	2	They all scurried away as fast as their cowardly legs could take them .
te	2	The trio left the street and stopped in a small , but safer , alley .
te	2	She hopped up on a dumpster and crouched , watching the ends of the alley .
te	2	There was no way you could know they 'd be that brash . "
te	2	It 's just that strange stuff is happening and things are going to start changing .
te	2	Jeff rolled his eyes and started down the street to their right .
te	2	The road stretched on across farmlands until it disappeared into woods in the distance .
te	2	I guess I won 't have to be going on my Journey alone after all .
te	2	It moved so silently not even the pigeons knew it was there .
te	2	The library was lit from the lights the crowd around it held .
te	2	It jumped from roof to roof , window to window , ledge to ledge .
te	2	The shadow strained his eyes to see the speaker , but he could not .
te	2	" I went looking for them , " he told the shadow .
te	2	He sounded distant , like he was talking more to himself than the other man .
te	2	We won 't be able to come after him while he 's in the city .
te	2	The destruction of his library will keep too many eyes on him .
te	2	There will be no more inexperienced men going up against them . "
te	2	If someone was to go up against these children it would be her .
te	2	As for feeling which way to go , I 'm getting nothing right now . "
te	2	" I think we have to take the road to the left .
te	2	" I guess we 'll have to set up watches during the night . "
te	2	Jeff rolled up his map and put it back into his bag .
te	2	He slung it over his shoulder and they started off down the left road .
te	2	" Everything there is has this sort of energy that flows through them .
te	2	She slowly reached into her pocket and drew out the red stone .
te	2	Her friends leaned over it with her so they were almost bumping heads .
te	2	" Let 's keep this hidden until we get to the Sanctuary . "
te	2	" A village is a bunch of huts bunched together in a tiny community .
te	2	The town buildings were mostly made of stucco walls and red bamboo roofs .
te	2	They walked down the main road , looking at the buildings around them .
te	2	" I don 't like it , it 's too quiet , " Jeff said .
te	2	" A restaurant is a fancy place where you can buy a meal .
te	2	I 'm learning something new about the world every day , she thought .
te	2	" Here are your menus , I 'll be back soon . "
te	2	It took her a moment to figure out how to open it .
te	2	" They must not get a lot of business if they 're so small . "
te	2	" Is she really going to bring us a full meal ? "
te	2	Unfortunately it was impossible to see anything back there from her seat .
te	2	" But the buildings are so nicely made , " Jeff said .
te	2	" Maybe something 's happening here , so everyone is hiding inside their homes . "
te	2	" I don 't like leaving people when they need help . "
te	2	" Hey , how about we find out what 's wrong first ? "
te	2	" Hey , I was just wondering why this place is so empty . "
te	2	" You 'll get into a lot of trouble that way . "
te	2	" I 've been some seeing some strange things around these parts . "
te	2	Seems to me like this town has gotten itself into a little trouble . "
te	2	" There are these men that have been hanging around town lately .
te	2	They 're a bunch of thugs , but no one is willing to challenge them .
te	2	They 've been bullying the people here into doing what they want .
te	2	She was in the same position she had been when they had started their meal .
te	2	The person who opened it did it roughly , putting more holes in it .
te	2	One of the men had brown hair smoothed flat to his head .
te	2	He hit his buddies on the shoulder and gestured toward the table .
te	2	" Well , I , uh ... " He gestured helplessly at the drinks .
te	2	The brunet suddenly sat up straight and barked , " Hey , Davis ! "
te	2	The man , Davis , immediately sat down in his seat and cowered in fear .
te	2	The three thugs marched over to the poor man and stood around his chair .
te	2	" You owe us some money , Davis Otani , " the brunet said .
te	2	It sounded like he was trying to sound friendly , but didn 't mean it .
te	2	The brunet put his hands on the table and leaned over the man .
te	2	She felt it go past her ear close enough to hit her curls .
te	2	They grabbed the edge of the table and flipped it over , sending it flying .
te	2	He grabbed a mug and flung it at her , following it with a punch .
te	2	He crashed into a wall full of glass mugs on the other side .
te	2	Then , very slowly , she toppled forward like a falling tree .
te	2	Jeff heaved the woman off Davis and helped him to his feet .
te	2	Finally the only person that was left in the room with them was Davis .
te	2	" I 'm sure my wife would love to have you . "
te	2	They went down a couple streets to a small house at the edge of town .
te	2	It was neat and tidy with a tree and a rope swing in the yard .
te	2	Three more kids who looked to range from eight to eleven leaned out a window .
te	2	She clutched a teddy bear to her chest and looked nervously up at them .
te	2	" You 've brought guests and you didn 't warn me . "
te	2	" You always say the best surprises are the ones you don 't expect ! "
te	2	With his arm still around the woman , Davis turned back to the three teens .
te	2	Kids , this is my brother Ben Enya and his wife , Jan Enya . "
te	2	They all knelt on the cushions around the table as Ben served them .
te	2	" I don 't see why no one has done so before ! "
te	2	" No one had the ability to take them on before , dear . "
te	2	It would have been better if they had just kept to themselves . "
te	2	Jan pulled Jen to her feet and dragged her from the room .
te	2	I think there 's something more than what she 's saying . "
te	2	" I 'll talk to her tonight to see what 's wrong . "
te	2	" I was thinking about what that girl said during dinner . "
te	2	" But we 're going to be with these people the whole way .
te	2	If it comes down to another fight I want to give them a message .
te	2	It 'll keep them from trying to do this again once we 're gone . "
te	2	She rolled over onto her stomach and pulled the jewel out of her pocket .
te	2	We 'll be doing it a lot now that we 're on the road . "
te	2	She lay in bed listening to the soft sounds of the sleeping house .
te	2	The sound was somewhere off in the tall grass and low hills .
te	2	The tall grass tickled her legs as it waved slowly in the breeze .
te	2	Jen looked like she wanted to protest , but then she realized it was pointless .
te	2	" I 've been practicing for months so that I could save this town !
te	2	She unstuck her sword and held it out in a ready position .
te	2	" Momentum can work to your advantage , but it can also work against you .
te	2	They aren 't going to work for you if you use them like that . "
te	2	" You 're not my mother and you 're not my teacher !
te	2	Then she put her hand to Jen 's chest and pushed her sprawling .
te	2	I haven 't called anyone anything like that since I was six ! "
te	2	" Yes , as soon as we 're finished packing the wagon .
te	2	" She 's a no good witch and so are you ! "
te	2	Maybe next time you should be a little less violent and ... colorful . "
te	2	She grabbed Jen by the wrist and pulled her back into the house .
te	2	" This is going to be a very long trip , " Jeff said .
te	2	" No one 's willing to hire someone who 's in debt to those thugs .
te	2	One of those men at the table had finally offered me something . "
te	2	" How did you get in debt in the first place ? "
te	2	The town wasn 't much different than it had been the day before .
te	2	The big wagon they were in was by far the largest thing on the road .
te	2	Three thugs huddled around a gambling box rolling dice and laughing to themselves .
te	2	" That money they waste is money they took from helpless townsfolk .
te	2	" Those thugs , do they like to gamble in a lot of things ? "
te	2	" Like picking sides in a fight or for a horse race . "
te	2	Davis came out of the store carrying a large stack of boxes .
te	2	Jeff took a couple from him and climbed back into the wagon .
te	2	Jen shrieked and jumped out of the wagon to avoid being hit .
te	2	Everyone on the road looked up to see what had happened , including the gamblers .
te	2	When the gamblers spied who it was they leaped to their feet .
te	2	The large man gestured to the others and started towards the wagon .
te	2	" Oh , Marshal , I didn 't see you there . "
te	2	He took a step towards the wagon , leering at the people inside .
te	2	" Maybe I 'll just take what 's mine from that wagon of yours . "
te	2	She tilted it back so she could stare defiantly into Marshal 's eyes .
te	2	" You 're the stranger that fought my men in the inn yesterday ? "
te	2	You 're so thin I could break you with one hand ! "
te	2	If I win then Davis ' debt is paid off in full . "
te	2	" When we win we get twice what Davis owes , and that sword . "
te	2	Then red-faced guy and two other men broke away from the crowd and charged her .
te	2	He let go of her and grabbed his nose , howling in pain .
te	2	She spun and hit him in the side of the head in a spinning kick .
te	2	Two more people , one man and one woman , attacked her next .
te	2	This took the woman off balance and forced her to stumble forward .
te	2	" Don 't just stand there and let her pick them off one by one !
te	2	No , she 'd have to use the flat of her blade and the hilt .
te	2	She lunged up at Marshal , who barely deflected her and struck back .
te	2	She caught his sword in her free hand and dropped into a crouch .
te	2	She swept her leg out and hooked her ankle behind his knee .
te	2	A crowd had gathered in a circle a safe distance around them .
te	2	A scrawny , rat like man lay sniveling on the ground at her feet .
te	2	If something wasn 't done fast then it would turn into a mob .
te	2	" Leave town , Marshal , and take all your men with you .
te	2	Don 't ever come back , no one fears you here anymore . "
te	2	Marshal and his followers climbed to their feet and started to slink out .
te	2	He led his men out of town with as much dignity as a weasel .
te	2	" I suggest you get in before the crowd squishes you . "
te	2	Jen pushed her way out of the crowd , trying to be unnoticed .
te	2	All this time you acted like you thought fights like this were barbaric . "
te	2	" Don 't you talk to us in that tone of voice ! "
te	2	She put her hand on her forehead like she was getting a headache .
te	2	" I didn 't expect this kind of reaction from the crowd . "
te	2	She grabbed her friend by the arm and dragged her off the wagon .
te	2	Bane turned back to look at the two girls and pointed up at the man .
te	2	The mayor was smiling broadly and holding up his hands to silence the town .
te	2	It took what seemed like forever , but finally they settled down .
te	2	" Thank you , it was an honor to serve this town . "
te	2	Apparently that was the right thing to say , because the people went nuts .
te	2	" So it seems I saved a town and got some swords .
te	2	When they got back to the wagon Jen was waiting for them .
te	2	It was late afternoon when the street was clear enough to get the wagon out .
te	2	" I know , and I totally agree with what you did .
te	2	Just next time don 't say one thing and do another , okay ? "
te	2	He took the jewel out of his pocket and held it out to her .
te	2	She hadn 't actually gotten a chance to look at them that day .
te	2	There was a thick hand guard that arched over the wielder 's knuckles .
te	2	She stood and moved the swords back and forth in slow , graceful movements .
te	2	They 've been hanging around in the vaults for as long as anyone can remember .
te	2	They probably gave them to you to make space in the vaults . "
te	2	She remembered who she was talking to and her expression turned sour again .
te	2	The cousins who weren 't in a very balanced position toppled over .
te	2	One road went straight , the other took a winding route off to their left .
te	2	A couple trees had fallen onto the road and sunk down into the mud .
te	2	" Do you think we can move the trees and ford the water ? "
te	2	" Oh , a couple days I think , " she said .
te	2	" It 's hard to tell , though , especially with this bad weather . "
te	2	" Joan , don 't ask personal questions , " Jan said sternly .
te	2	It was dark when they finally stopped to camp for the night .
te	2	" Jen said I shouldn 't call my Aunty " Aunty . "
te	2	Talking about Aunty made her remember her own family back in her little village .
te	2	That uneasy feeling returned again , and this time she recognized it .
te	2	They would have looked beautiful if she hadn 't been in such a dark mood .
te	2	" Sorry , didn 't realize you were lost in thought . "
te	2	Besides , it 's easier to travel in a group than alone . "
te	2	" If they find us with these people then they 'll be in danger . "
te	2	" We haven 't seen them since the city , " Jeff said .
te	2	It 'll be faster if we ride in the wagon than if we walk .
te	2	She left the golden swords ; they 'd only slow her down .
te	2	All she could hear was the crickets and sound of the forest .
te	2	It reminded her of the night before when the same sound had aroused her curiosity .
te	2	Was it just her or were Jen 's movements just a little more controlled ?
te	2	" What , you 're here to teach me another little lesson ? "
te	2	She couldn 't show anger , Jen wouldn 't respond to anger .
te	2	I 'm leaving to get you and your family out of danger . "
te	2	" I 'm a big girl , I can take care of myself ! "
te	2	" Your time will come , Enya , but not yet . "
te	2	" Didn 't you just say that you 're new to the real world too ?
te	2	" So you think dying will be the answer to dealing with your problems ? "
te	2	" That girl gets on my nerves like no one else . "
te	2	She sat there seething for a couple minutes until here anger slowly drained away .
te	2	She touched her chain under her collar as she thought of them .
te	2	Jen was finishing reading a book to her younger cousins near the fire .
te	2	" If you do then you 'll be the only one , " Jen muttered .
te	2	" Your lame attempt to put me down is getting old . "
te	2	Why she had been planning to leave friends like these she didn 't know .
te	2	She didn 't know what type they were , but one of her cousins might .
te	2	The wagon was a couple feet away from the boy 's side .
te	2	" Oh , right , your - " She glanced at Jeff .
te	2	Jen had stopped in the same clearing she had been in last night .
te	2	" You don 't take no for an answer , do you ? "
te	2	Jen and I are going to go on a little walk through the woods . "
te	2	" Are you sure you two will be safe by yourselves ? "
te	2	Breakfast is almost ready and it looks like it might rain soon . "
te	2	This one 's blade was too light and it 's handle too heavy .
te	2	After she was done Jen stood up and faced the tree again .
te	2	" Well , you definitely have a long way to go . "
te	2	" Alright I 'll tell you , just stop looking at me !
te	2	He always welcomed me when he 'd tell other kids that he was busy .
te	2	" He died before he could finish teaching me the basics . "
te	2	I mean , magic is gone and that talk about energy is ridiculous . "
te	2	" I know how to focus those energies your teacher told you about . "
te	2	I started trying to really focus my mind two months ago . "
te	2	Well , I didn 't really want to learn from you anyway . "
te	2	She put her hand on her head and looked up at the sky .
te	2	" Jen , take these blankets and put them in the wagon ! "
te	2	When they land they form cracks in the clouds that light shines through .
te	2	It was just after noon when the wagon gave a lurch and stopped .
te	2	The mud went up to her knees and fell down the tops of her boots .
te	2	Jan sighed , though they couldn 't hear it above the storm .
te	2	Up at the front of the wagon she heard Davis yell , " Push ! "
te	2	Finally she heard Davis yell above the wind , " We 're almost out !
te	2	They 're joy was short lived as the wagon started rolling backwards .
te	2	The teens scrambled to get out of the way , slipping in the mud .
te	2	He tried to get back up , but a wheel pinned his sword .
te	2	It swirled in a chaos of energy , coming and going in bursts .
te	2	She breathed deeply and relaxed her mind , letting those energies rest .
te	2	She brought them together throughout her body to form a solid , rock hard structure .
te	2	The adults finished getting the wagon to flatter ground and ran back to the teens .
te	2	" It isn 't safe to go any farther today , " Davis said .
te	2	" But the tent isn 't big enough , " Jeff pointed out .
te	2	" I 'll show you how to make a tent the simple way ! "
te	2	Then she laid a tarp across them to form a pointed roof and two walls .
te	2	She took two more blankets and clipped them to each side of the tarp .
te	2	" But that 's a risk whenever you set up any temporary shelter . "
te	2	" I guess I 'm not somebody then , " Jen said grumpily .
te	2	They sat in an awkward silence as they listened to the rain pounding outside .
te	2	She had brought everything in her together to create one powerful force .
te	2	She knew what she did , but not what to call it .
te	2	It 's supposed to calm your mind to allow you to focus clearly .
te	2	" You mean my centering allowed me to achieve greater balance ? "
te	2	" That 's great , now could you please stop yelling in my ear ? "
te	2	The only sound in the make-shift tent was from the storm raging outside .
te	2	" There is an abundance of energies that flow through every living thing .
te	2	By calming your thoughts and emotions you can then have clearer focus .
te	2	Jen glanced at him and seemed to shrink in on herself a little .
te	2	" Gee , that 's so helpful , " Jen said sarcastically .
te	2	Jen tried so hard to relax she just made herself all tense .
te	2	" Why do you keep trying to make friends with her ? "
te	2	" All she 's ever shown you is disrespect and anger . "
te	2	" I don 't think she quite gets how evil people can be . "
te	2	" Though there 's no way we 're going to find out for sure .
te	2	Anyway , the rain has stopped so we might as well go outside .
te	2	" There 's a way to do it in the forest . "
te	2	Leave your shoes under the wagon so you don 't lose them . "
te	2	" These are brand new , the first pair I 've ever owned . "
te	2	The tree was shorter than the ones around it , but its branches were longer .
te	2	Vila raised her hand and started jumping up and down with excitement .
te	2	Vila shrieked as a cascade of water tumbled down from the leaf onto her head .
te	2	The cousins had a great time jumping up and pulling the leaves down on themselves .
te	2	" One , two , three ... " Cold water crashed down on her head .
te	2	Vila was on a tree branch next to a very large leaf .
te	2	She laughed and yelled after them , " You better run ! "
te	2	For a little while , for the first time in days she felt ... free .
te	2	" I came here to say , I want a second chance .
te	2	" I ... said that because I couldn 't do it , " Jen said .
te	2	" But , I don 't want any of your attitude . "
te	2	" Go get another blanket and we can start right away . "
te	2	" That was a brave thing for her to do , " Jeff commented .
te	2	Jen brought back a blanket and laid it on the ground next to them .
te	2	As they sat Jen asked , " Okay , what do we do first ? "
te	2	" You 're practically bouncing off the walls , if there were walls here . "
te	2	" You need to store away your thoughts and emotions without forcing yourself . "
te	2	It had been a while since she had been able to meditate herself .
te	2	" It 's just that I have a lot of experience doing dull stuff . "
te	2	You mean we 're going to do something other than sit and meditate ? "
te	2	" Turn off your outer senses and turn on your inner eye . "
te	2	" It will take time to be able to maintain what you had . "
te	2	Jen groaned again , but she shut her eyes and went back to meditation .
te	2	" Not you , you 've been forgetting something , " Jeff said .
te	2	" Not you , " she said , tapping Jen on the head .
te	2	" I want to see you two in action , " Jen said .
te	2	" I wan na get an early start , " she said .
te	2	She slipped on her belt and tied the scabbard of her katana to it .
te	2	They stayed out so long that the sun was rising above the horizon .
te	2	She wouldn 't have thought that such a high-strung person could sit still that long .
te	2	She usually only wielded one sword , but she also knew how to use two .
te	2	It will give you more control and keep you from doing something stupid . "
te	2	Otherwise you 'll end up like one of those thugs back in town . "
te	2	Jen attacked again , only this time careful not to make the same mistake .
te	2	" To learn from one of them , that would be a great honor . "
te	2	" When you become an active teenager , you 'll understand . "
te	2	After all , he had had longer , better instruction than her .
te	2	Uh , present company not included , " she added , glancing at Jeff .
te	2	Fun for me was spending time in the martial arts studio . "
te	2	" Why don 't you come join us down here on the forest floor ?
te	2	I know two people who 'd love to give you a special greeting . "
te	2	When they arrived the wagon was packed and the family was climbing in .
te	2	She glanced at Jen to make sure she was out of earshot .
te	2	Other travelers would be lucky to be traveling with us on that account . "
te	2	They had white or gray walls and pointed black roofs made from bamboo .
te	2	The streets were dusty and dirty , but the people seemed happy enough .
te	2	A couple adults stood near the door conversing while children played among the wagons .
te	2	Jan took the horses from the front of the wagon and started leading them away .
te	2	" But you aren 't big enough , " Jan said patiently .
te	2	" You folks just filled the last spot in today 's caravan ! "
te	2	" Yeah , but she was trying to dominate my life . "
te	2	" Enya , this secret you 're keeping is hurting your relationship with your parents .
te	2	" Well ... Joan and Bane are my best friends , " Jen said slowly .
te	2	" I 'm not , but I do know a lot about family . "
te	2	" Alright , I guess it 's no time like the present . "
te	2	" Oh honey , we have always loved you and been proud of you .
te	2	Jen pulled away so she could look into her mother 's face .
te	2	" But , you see , I like sword play and adventure .
te	2	" I 'm not going to go running off into mortal peril right away ! "
te	2	" And I 'm not going to be a little girl forever !
te	2	The Jen 's eyes snapped open and she lunged to one side .
te	2	She threw herself into Jan 's lap and wrapped her arms around her neck .
te	2	" Just promise us you 'll be careful , " Jan said .
te	2	It wasn 't a rock or a piece of food or a bit of mud .
te	2	There , stuck into the ground illuminated by the fire , was a black dart .
te	2	she yelled , her voice lost under the screams of the people around her .
te	2	A woman lay at her feet , blood trickling from her mouth .
te	2	These people won 't last five minutes , we need to protect them .
te	2	" I know you 're doing something really important , and I want to help .
te	2	I 'm really sorry for how I treated you earlier , I really am . "
te	2	" But you said I couldn 't win against them , " Jen said .
te	2	This was going to be a fun little chase through the woods .
te	2	She raised the jewel over her head again , silently taunting them .
te	2	They stumbled through the forest , putting distance between themselves and the caravan .
te	2	A dark figure dropped from the trees to land in front of them .
te	2	A black arrow flew over their heads and they took off running again .
te	2	This felt more like fighting Jeff than the black figures she had battled before .
te	2	As she engaged her opponent again , she thought , something has changed .
te	2	Her opponent faked a kick and came up with her sword in a slash .
te	2	It made her lunge slow and left a small opening through her defenses .
te	2	The woman took the opportunity and thrust under her arm at her stomach .
te	2	She didn 't take time to look at what she had done to her hip .
te	2	His opponent blocked her and Jeff hit him while he was open .
te	2	They stepped out onto the road and broke into a flat out sprint .
te	2	" If we get to that grass we can take them on .
te	2	An arrow came out of nowhere and struck him in the shoulder .
te	2	She had her bow in her hand , but the string was cut .
te	2	" We 've got to get out of here , " she said .
te	2	The Assassins still had their archers for when any of them showed their heads .
te	2	" And right now we 're all standing in a whole field of it . "
te	2	She threw herself down into the wet mud as the fire around them spread .
te	2	She huddled down and covered her ears against the screams of the Assassins .
te	2	As they passed the ring of dark figures one of then rose to their knees .
te	2	The shadow watched some of the dark shapes stagger up from the burnt field .
te	2	He leaped silently down from the tree and disappeared through the darkness of the trees .
te	2	Just then another shadowy figure staggered to her feet in front of him .
te	2	That girl must have wounded her before they went into the Dragon Weed .
te	2	The shadow slipped past her as she staggered towards the Dragon Weed field .
te	2	His superior would need to know that they needed a new group .
te	2	She also had a burn on the back of her left hand .
te	2	They had washed the mud off and started to clean and treat their injuries .
te	2	Jeff had only taken light hits from his fight with the Assassins last night .
te	2	His arrow wound wasn 't as bad as it could have been .
te	2	I could have helped my friends and saved some of those people from the caravan .
te	2	Do you know how many times I kept them from surrounding you guys ?
te	2	" I sense a ' but ' somewhere in there , " Jeff said .
te	2	" This little stream is most likely a tributary for a larger river .
te	2	" I actually pay attention during classes , " Jeff said wryly .
te	2	There were plenty of loose rocks to slide on along the way .
te	2	Jeff mumbled something about getting along fine , but no one was listening .
te	2	She had saved their lives , and now her forestry experience was coming in handy .
te	2	" And whoever did it did a really good job of it .
te	2	" Why would anyone want to hide a trail in the middle of nowhere ? "
te	2	They need a way to move through the area without being seen .
te	2	Even then finding them would be luck , there 's a lot of forest . "
te	2	" They 'll catch us quicker with these paths out here . "
te	2	" If we get too close they 'll see us coming and overrun us . "
te	2	" Except for in the forest last night , " Jeff pointed out .
te	2	He still didn 't look happy with the plan , but he didn 't argue .
te	2	" No , I 've already told you to always follow a plan . "
te	2	" Where in the world did you learn to speak that language ? "
te	2	" It was unusual for someone of my status to learn it .
te	2	This one was way far ahead of where the arrow had hit .
te	2	She stepped in towards him and turned , twisting his arm behind him .
te	2	Their weapons had unlocked while she had turned , and she hit him from behind .
te	2	Why was she shooting down there when the scouts were up here ?
te	2	They were getting close enough that her bow wasn 't the most useful weapon .
te	2	The other Assassin , a knife fighter , ducked in and deflected her strike .
te	2	The swordsman attacked again , followed by the knife fighter a beat later .
te	2	The swordsman would stand in the front and take the bulk of the attack .
te	2	When done right the team did a graceful weave around each other .
te	2	When done wrong they got in each other 's way and got killed .
te	2	She continued to turn until they were side by side but facing the opposite directions .
te	2	The knife fighter had already been reeling from having her teammate stumble into her .
te	2	Her dagger hit the ground , leaving her armed with only her smaller knife .
te	2	She had been surrounded before , but she hadn 't been armed in the alley .
te	2	These people were definitely more skilled than the ones in the alley .
te	2	Whatever they had hit her with was very hard and the person was very strong .
te	2	She desperately started to push herself back up , shaking her head to clear it .
te	2	A foot swung into her vision and her head exploded with pain again .
te	2	The thing bumping her side poked her rib cage hard and pressed .
te	2	It was in her pocket , or at least she thought it was .
te	2	He looked up at one of the others and shook his head .
te	2	The woman whipped out a dagger and held it at her throat .
te	2	She screamed in shock before clamping her jaws firmly together to cut it off short .
te	2	The remaining Assassin drew a dagger as he bent over the three teens .
te	2	Decide which side you 're on before you start following us again . "
te	2	" I thought I might find you here , " he said .
te	2	She came up to her feet and went to stab him in the back .
te	2	He yanked the mace back and pulled the katana from her hand .
te	2	She came up to a crouch behind him and dove forward again .
te	2	She looked up to find the woman who was leading the group .
te	2	She pushed off the ground and rolled again as the woman continued to attack .
te	2	An arrow sliced through the air and quivered in the woman 's neck .
te	2	Two Assassins fell from a tree to land in shadowy heaps on the ground .
te	2	The arrow flew close enough to her head to give her a new part .
te	2	She struck out before realizing that he had an arrow sticking through his eye .
te	2	While her hand was still flying two Assassins toppled from the woods .
te	2	The last one was being pushed to the ground by the weight of her companion .
te	2	She had an arrow to her string already and returned fire with deadly accuracy .
te	2	She hit the ground in a roll and snapped off a shot .
te	2	Her roll had put her in front of one of the remaining four .
te	2	Her momentum took her into another roll , keeping her from being flanked .
te	2	The woman grabbed her foot and stabbed down at her exposed stomach .
te	2	She brought her sword down to cut the top of his head in half .
te	2	He caught her sword on his hilt an inch from his head .
te	2	She slid her sword free and plunged her sword again at his stomach .
te	2	Seeing her suddenly off balance the man brought his sword down towards her back .
te	2	Jeff pulled his sword free , letting the man fall to the ground .
te	2	She didn 't open her mouth , not trusting her stomach yet .
te	2	" I didn 't know if I could take them all . "
te	2	I put my foot down on sitting up fast after gaining a concussion .
te	2	I 'm no healer , but I know a good amount of field medicine . "
te	2	" We can 't stay on the path , " Jeff said .
te	2	" Only a few days ago you couldn 't stop bickering . "
te	2	Giant wooden and iron gates stood open to allow travelers in and out .
te	2	Soldiers paced along the top of the walls like a bunch of really big ants .
te	2	" It 's weird not knowing who 's up there , " Jeff said .
te	2	" Can 't look up and see good old Bob up there , huh ? "
te	2	There was plenty to keep her mind off her head beyond the walls .
te	2	He looked around at the roads and buildings , stroking his goatee .
te	2	" Now , which way , which way ... " Jeff 's jaw dropped .
te	2	" It 's the typical layout for most cities , right ? "
te	2	Some windows in the upper floors had little roofs of their own .
te	2	" I wonder how many books they have , " Jeff speculated .
te	2	Bookshelves made of fine polished wood stood in neat rows and reached to the ceiling .
te	2	Two grand staircases led up to another floor , one on either side .
te	2	" But I am being rude to your young friends , " she said .
te	2	The boy nodded and walked over to the desk , looking pleased .
te	2	Near the back of the room three cots stood against the far wall .
te	2	" I will go get you some food and find a healer .
te	2	I know one who 's very good and doesn 't ask questions .
te	2	Tomorrow we can see if we can find what you 're looking for . "
te	2	" Well it wouldn 't be much use to you out in the country . "
te	2	" Well I wasn 't going to stay in the country forever , was I ?
te	2	" How you speak it is weird , though , " he said .
te	2	Her gaze fell on the three teens and immediately began appraising them and their health .
te	2	" I assume you 're the two I have to look at ? "
te	2	" There 's not much that can be done for a concussion . "
te	2	She set her gray satchel down and took out a small bottle .
te	2	She propped her feet up on a pillow and covered her with a blanket .
te	2	Finding the right books to look in doesn 't need four people anyway . "
te	2	" I 've got some more books that I thought might be useful . "
te	2	He shrugged and set the three books on top of a pile on the cot .
te	2	" I 'm fine , but that healer won 't let me up yet . "
te	2	" You 're not fine until you stop getting headaches , " Jeff said .
te	2	" If you were still bed bound you 'd be complaining too . "
te	2	Well , this one - " he dropped one of the books .
te	2	He started turning red as he leaned down to pick it up .
te	2	Those paths are so dangerous and so complex no one has ever mapped them . "
te	2	I still don 't know how she got the jewel in the first place . "
te	2	She pulled the jewel from her pocket and showed it to him .
te	2	He lifted his hand as if to touch it , but thought better of it .
te	2	Is it ... do they wear long black coats that covers their heads ? "
te	2	She rummaged through her bag and pulled out The Assassin 's symbol .
te	2	That 's not a good group to have looking for you . "
te	2	That 's one of the reasons I came to stay with her . "
te	2	He glanced at her pocket where the jewel was hidden again and left .
te	2	" What do you think you 're doing , telling him all of that ? "
te	2	" Did you see how he was looking at the jewel ? "
te	2	" And he 's got a cousin in the guild , " Jeff continued .
te	2	" Then why didn 't he just stay with his parents ? "
te	2	" Working in a public library isn 't exactly lying low . "
te	2	" There is no possible way he could be one of them ! "
te	2	She was starting to get anxious about where the Assassins might be .
te	2	" We have reasons to believe that there are still villages in the mountains .
te	2	" Anywhere within five miles of any part of it , " Mal said .
te	2	I don 't want to think it 's anyone , I trust everyone here .
te	2	Apparently I 'm too trusting or not trusting enough at the wrong moments . "
te	2	Cool night air brushed her face as she pushed through the doors .
te	2	She had come to associate a breeze with the calm feeling of meditation .
te	2	She crisscrossed her legs and closed her eyes , slipping into meditation .
te	2	Never knowing who to trust , feeling completely alone , suspecting even your closest friend .
te	2	" Coming here can 't be all bad , " he said .
te	2	" Nothing , we just really should go in , " he said .
te	2	He 's the Constable 's son , and he doesn 't like me .
te	2	A flame of pure hatred and the knowledge to act upon it .
te	2	" I didn 't want to tell you , though I probably should have .
te	2	" Thinking twice about staying out at night with him , huh ? "
te	2	He puffed out his chest and laid his hand on his sword .
te	2	A dark haired girl leaned down and pulled him to his feet .
te	2	" It seems we have a new rat on our streets , " he said .
te	2	What gives you the right to murder someone in a main road ? "
te	2	It means you have a responsibility to uphold the law in your actions .
te	2	You 're that kid from that little city out in the country ! "
te	2	" So you also know that my father 's the Constable there .
te	2	Which means he knows the people who are in charge of your mother .
te	2	James ' mouth worked furiously as he tried to find a comeback for that .
te	2	" He 'll pretend not , but he 's a coward , " Jeff said .
te	2	" Just look at them , running away with their tails between their legs ! "
te	2	She was still taking immense pleasure at watching the group run away .
te	2	" And here I was worried about you going out alone . "
te	2	I 've been trying to break old habits , but it 's not easy . "
te	2	I saw the hate in your eyes when you saw him . "
te	2	" He and his friends are the arch enemy of this city 's gang .
te	2	I 've been trying to keep old emotions down , but changing 's hard .
te	2	" I left because my cousin joined a bunch of murderers , " he said .
te	2	" I thought you only had one question , " he shot back .
te	2	She put her hands on the desk and leaned closer to him .
te	2	" You have been leading me on pretending to be a simple apprentice librarian .
te	2	" I 've told you enough , can 't you just trust me ? "
te	2	" I ... " She sighed and leaned up against a bookcase next to him .
te	2	Is that why you 're so sure no one else is too ? "
te	2	" I don 't pretend I 'm anything but what I am ! "
te	2	" I knew you wouldn 't trust me afterwards , " he said bitterly .
te	2	" I 've heard that one before , " she said wryly .
te	2	He doesn 't know you well enough to know who you really are . "
te	2	For a guy who 's sick of paranoia he 's being pretty paranoid .
te	2	Do you think it 's possible for there to be two spies ? "
te	2	" That 's all anyone 's been doing whenever someone thinks of a suspect .
te	2	She thought about Jeff 's arguments and had to admit it was suspicious .
te	2	But just because he was in a gang doesn 't mean much .
te	2	I just wanted to make sure my poor injured friend is okay ! "
te	2	" I didn 't say anything , " she said , raising her hands defensively .
te	2	" Even I can tell and you 've been here less than a week ! "
te	2	Merchants in fine tents from all over the Middle Kingdom lined the road .
te	2	She hoped Jen and the rest of her family were all right .
te	2	" We can meet up back at the library in an hour .
te	2	Anyone could have been hiding up there and we 'd never know it . "
te	2	They stopped in an herb shop to stock up on medical supplies .
te	2	Lining the walls were shelves covered in all different types of herbs and liquids .
te	2	" Do healers come here to buy their stuff instead of foraging for them ? "
te	2	Remembering the burn near her ear she added it to their pile .
te	2	" I 'll be sorry to see you go , " he said quietly .
te	2	It 's been nice here , but we 've got to move on .
te	2	It ranges from inventing a new type of boat to getting married .
te	2	" And this job you 're doing , that 's your Journey ? "
te	2	The one experience she had had with an alley had turned out very badly .
te	2	Immediately she dropped into a crouch and drew her sword in one motion .
te	2	A dagger cleaved the air where her neck had been only seconds before .
te	2	She came up hard with her blade angled to slide under his ribs .
te	2	He managed to backpedal and bring his dagger up to deflect her lunge .
te	2	And these people knew how she fought , so they were ready .
te	2	They know where we are and they know we 're leaving . "
te	2	" If they knew where you 'd be , then they know about the library .
te	2	I 'll do a perimeter to make sure no one 's hiding anywhere else . "
te	2	Then her eyes barely made out a dark shape moving out in a low crouch .
te	2	" I know , " he said softly in a voice that barely carried .
te	2	He had his hand clamped over his left bicep , which was covered in blood .
te	2	" Well , I guess you know they 're here too ? "
te	2	Mal had taken cover under a table , but it wouldn 't be much help .
te	2	She couldn 't see anyone , but that didn 't mean they weren 't there .
te	2	He followed the direction the missiles had come from with his eyes .
te	2	" There 's probably one up at that small window high on the far wall .
te	2	" You figured all that out from a couple darts and bolts ? "
te	2	" But there 's no cover to our right , " Jeff protested .
te	2	" Mal needs a distraction so he can hit some of them with a knife .
te	2	Her foot went through the thin wood , making a nice hole .
te	2	Lucky the return box was wood unlike the rest of the desk .
te	2	" Here , " she muttered , shoving a book at Jeff .
te	2	The bang from her kicking in the return box had gotten Mal 's attention .
te	2	She pointed at him and then at the window above the door .
te	2	" One , two , three ... " Jeff threw the book at the door .
te	2	" And I 'm talking about Mal , not you , " she added .
te	2	" But he was once a gang member , " he pointed out .
te	2	" Because if this takes too long we 'll lose a member .
te	2	" We are not burning down the library , " Jeff said forcefully .
te	2	" Do you know how old many of these books are ? "
te	2	" I won 't burn down the library , " she said .
te	2	" I 'll just set something on fire , like a table . "
te	2	" On your count run to tell this to Mal , " Jeff said .
te	2	She finished the motion by coming to her feet and running again .
te	2	Even with her irregular run they still had incredible aim , though .
te	2	" Aw man , " she said quietly as she examined the ragged hole .
te	2	Bolts and darts had been only inches away from hitting her the whole time .
te	2	It was like when she used to play manhunt with her cousins .
te	2	Running feet sounded near her , and she turned to see Jeff .
te	2	He dove behind her bookshelf and came to a stop next to her .
te	2	" Hey , I know something that might help you get to the table . "
te	2	" No problem , " he said , and ran off again .
te	2	Four five ... And if not , well , too late for that .
te	2	She pushed off the ground , stepped out of cover , and rolled sideways .
te	2	She hopped to her feet and bolted for the end of the bookshelf .
te	2	She lit it , making sure to keep it far away from her .
te	2	She had had some doubt as to whether the table would actually burn .
te	2	It took only a moment for the table to begin to burn .
te	2	She was very glad the floor was not made out of wood .
te	2	She looked over her shoulder to see a bolt sticking out of it .
te	2	Great , it had been a trap and she 'd walked right into it .
te	2	" Of course I 'm not all right , " she snapped .
te	2	I 've got less than a minute before I 'm out . "
te	2	I am not losing my two best friends in the same hour .
te	2	She could feel the effects of the poison slowing her down and offsetting her balance .
te	2	This was embarrassing , and she couldn 't but help feeling like a coward .
te	2	The first bolt came her way when she was just yards away from the door .
te	2	Her old friend the crossbow man must have figured out their plan .
te	2	Get there , get well , and then get back in here .
te	2	She agreed with herself , but she wasn 't going to like it .
te	2	The bowman was waiting for her , but that didn 't matter .
te	2	Isn 't this what you 've been training for your whole life ?
te	2	She closed her eyes for a moment as the world started spinning again .
te	2	She wasn 't sure if he heard her , but it didn 't matter .
te	2	Very slowly the world stopped spinning and her vision started to clear up .
te	2	She could see far enough to make out the building across the street .
te	2	He stepped to one side and hooked her hand guard with his .
te	2	To make matters worse another black figure stepped out of the shadows behind him .
te	2	" But we 'll know if they come out this way . "
te	2	" Jeff , lead the way out of here , " she instructed .
te	2	" Mal , stay near the back and keep a watch for Assassins .
te	2	Cities always close their gates at night and open them in the morning . "
te	2	High above them she could just barely make out a blurry image of a torch .
te	2	" There 's someone up there , " she said in surprise .
te	2	" What if we asked them to open it for us ? "
te	2	" They 'd only need to open a bit so we can slip through . "
te	2	" No one in their right mind would open it for us . "
te	2	As if on cue the gates gave a soft creak and slowly began to open .
te	2	" No one in their right minds would open for us , huh ? "
te	2	" Through the gate , " he muttered and pushed them that way .
te	2	" And it 's probably not from my lack of vision . "
te	2	" I can see them and my life isn 't as valuable as yours . "
te	2	She leaped forward and intercepted a sword coming down at Jeff 's head .
te	2	She could barely make out the outline of the sword 's owner .
te	2	She could see a shadow of a crossbow attached to the outline 's back .
te	2	She side stepped it and brought her sword back to the ready for another attack .
te	2	Before she got the chance her attacker came in high , then low .
te	2	" Oh for goodness sakes , " Jeff said from the other side .
te	2	He got Mal by the back of his tunic and yanked him backwards .
te	2	" Once we get into the forest they 'll have trouble finding us .
te	2	After stumbling along on roots and rocks for what seemed for forever they finally collapsed .
te	2	" If they find us I 'm going to kick their butts ! "
te	2	" We 're not in a good shape to take them right now . "
te	2	That was true , but it would be better not to face anyone at all .
te	2	Don 't worry about it , I thought it was you . "
te	2	" If we 're all giving apologies then I have one for you .
te	2	They looked at each other , all of them shaking their heads .
te	2	" And you 're just that kind of person , " Jeff said .
te	2	" It 's easy to see , even with so little time .
te	2	" Look , everyone here has proven themselves to us , " she said .
te	2	They started packing up camp , getting ready to travel to ... wherever .
te	2	" It has the power to conquer all evil in this world .
te	2	If the Assassins guild gets it they could use it to rule as tyrants . "
te	2	" Hey , do you remember when I said my family are mapmakers ? "
te	2	They 're too small , and we don 't even know all of them . "
te	2	And look , " he pointed to a speck in the mountains near a river .
te	2	I think this situation is a little more important than a family secret .
te	2	With a map like this in their hands they could get wherever they want . "
te	2	" But they can 't even look at it , " he said .
te	2	" So , keep map away from enemy eyes and jewel away from enemy hands .
te	2	I won 't be able to without the map , though . "
te	2	" It won 't be easy finding exactly where we are , " she said .
te	2	" Then we 'll have a better idea of where we are . "
te	2	I figured out they 're the bad guys , but it still was a shock .
te	2	She looked up at her friends , seeing her own surprise reflected in their faces .
te	2	I shouldn 't have tried to get you with that kill shot .
te	2	Then she put the problem out of her mind and concentrated on keeping watch .
te	2	All in all it was the worst conditions to spot an ambush .
te	2	Luckily for them there were none by the time they reached the tributary .
te	2	I 'd hate to think about what would happen to a river . "
te	2	It 'll take your foot right out from under ... Jeff ! "
te	2	They wouldn 't have made it out alive if it weren 't for Jeff .
te	2	" The boulder 's blocking our way , " she called over the wind .
te	2	There aren 't many handholds , and the rain 's making it slippery . "
te	2	" Being outside your element doesn 't make you an idiot , remember ? "
te	2	You and Jeff are going to need to settle this before we go any further .
te	2	She probably hadn 't meant it to sound snide , but it did .
te	2	I 've seen the looks you two share whenever I mess up . "
te	2	" I tell you to do something and you don 't do it ! "
te	2	You both need to respect your separate parts in this Journey . "
te	2	He was making it sound like they were just tools she was using .
te	2	If you haven 't noticed he has a lot of street knowledge .
te	2	" Well apparently I 'm the only person here who sees the big picture ! "
te	2	Otherwise she wouldn 't have reflexively shot him and saved her life .
te	2	She actually was wondering why the Assassins hadn 't found them sooner .
te	2	She parried a sword and faked a slash at her opponent 's temporarily exposed throat .
te	2	Normally she would have followed through and finished it , but they needed speed .
te	2	The problem was that they kept popping up to stab them at unexpected times .
te	2	She was almost skewered by a woman who stabbed at her back .
te	2	Mal managed to intercept the blade with his own before it reached her .
te	2	" If we can make it there then there 's a village farther along . "
te	2	Mal had managed to stop those , but that was no excuse for her mistakes .
te	2	" We 'll have a better shot once we get to the road . "
te	2	She doubted he would have trouble doing anything because of his age .
te	2	She 'd hunt them all down before she let them stalk her for a week .
te	2	Swords cleaved the area where their heads had been a moment before .
te	2	" I said not to let your guard slip , " Mal said .
te	2	" The water undermined the ditch under the road , so it caved in . "
te	2	She kept her eyes on the forest around them , ready for anything .
te	2	They lose their advantage on open ground like this without any cross bows . "
te	2	She scanned the woods around her while keeping an eye on Jeff .
te	2	That would mean there would be another one behind ... " Look out ! "
te	2	He turned his head in time to make it a glancing blow .
te	2	It gave him time to catch his balance before she could attack him again .
te	2	She came up so the handle of his sword bounced off her shoulder .
te	2	She grabbed his wrist , twisting it so his sword fell to the ground .
te	2	He struck out with his free hand and hit her sword arm .
te	2	Immediately her arm broke into pins and needles and her sword dropped from her grip .
te	2	So , she wasn 't the only one trained in unarmed combat .
te	2	As soon as she could she really needed to figure out how he did that .
te	2	She stepped on the blade and snapped a kick at his knee .
te	2	She blocked it and open hand punched his chest , which landed .
te	2	With him momentarily off balance she kicked him again , this time in the stomach .
te	2	" I 've had worse , " Jeff said , grinning as he quoted her .
te	2	" No , really , it 's not bad , " he said .
te	2	We need to get out of here before he or she finds us . "
te	2	It took them a couple of minutes to find the last Assassin .
te	2	She glanced up just as the woman moved her head to look over her shoulder .
te	2	While the woman was distracted she jumped and grabbed a small tree limb .
te	2	She didn 't see the tree branch before she had brained herself on it .
te	2	She caught the woman 's blade on her own as she jumped from a tree .
te	2	The Assassin brought her sword down in time to knock it down .
te	2	But the woman did not drop to her knees or fall over .
te	2	If she makes it to a healer she could come after us again . "
te	2	I 'd say she 's the last of the better fighters in this group .
te	2	She 's moving slower now so you should be able to keep up . "
te	2	Once she did she cut back into the trees and crouched behind a trunk .
te	2	She was probably planning her next attempt to catch them off guard .
te	2	Her opponent barely blocked it , but it kept her off balance .
te	2	She brought her sword up in a high guard to brush it to one side .
te	2	At that moment Jeff had caught up and was blocking the way out .
te	2	The Assassin held her hood in place and let herself fall sideways into the tributary .
te	2	" She knew you 're one of the biggest threats against the super guild .
te	2	And then she dove into the tributary so we couldn 't identify her body .
te	2	When she was ready they jogged along the tributary back to the road .
te	2	It was a longer distance than she remembered going in the other direction .
te	2	" I 've done all I can , but I 'm no healer .
te	2	" Once we find someone he 'll be okay though , right ? "
te	2	" He won 't be doing much , but he can walk . "
te	2	" Is he going to be okay once we find a healer ? "
te	2	" There 's a fallen log not too far up the trail .
te	2	" Do you think we 'll get to a town or village tonight ? "
te	2	After squinting at it in the dim light she shook her head .
te	2	The nearest place is a village a couple miles up and off the road .
te	2	If we walk through the night we could get there by the morning . "
te	2	She tried to find anything from her Journey sense but found nothing .
te	2	" The forest gets very dark in the night , " Mal said .
te	2	" Soon we will not have enough light to see our feet .
te	2	" You guys nearly get yourself killed while it 's day out .
te	2	I 'll go nuts trying to keep you upright at night . "
te	2	It was harder for her to get into a centered state than usual .
te	2	She listened to the soft sounds of the forest and her friends ' breathing .
te	2	She was distant from the world around her and yet perfectly alert .
te	2	It had to be one of her friends or she would have heard them approach .
te	2	" Just bothered by an old man 's troubles , " Mal answered .
te	2	" I 've been meaning to ask you something , " she said .
te	2	" I have had a long life full of mistakes and wrong doing .
te	2	" You were young and stupid and now you 're trying to make things right .
te	2	I was not too young , and nothing changes what happened . "
te	2	" We shouldn 't have stopped for the night , " Mal said .
te	2	" That 's not going to happen , " she said forcefully .
te	2	On top of all that she felt like she had a cold coming on .
te	2	They all walked along with their heads low and their shoulders slumping slightly .
te	2	Something had to be done , but she had no idea what that was .
te	2	Every time they 've tried it , except for once , they 've failed . "
te	2	She didn 't know if that was a good sign or not .
te	2	She continued , " The only thing that can keep us back is ourselves now .
te	2	We can 't give up hope or let bad things that happen get to us .
te	2	" I 'm getting something , but , I don 't understand it .
te	2	They were all looking to her for the next move and for confidence .
te	2	It was a constant drizzle , unlike the large storms they 'd had recently .
te	2	Out on the road there was no escape from the constant rain .
te	2	It also turned the roads to mud that sucked at her feet with each step .
te	2	If they tried to shoot her the mud would be a problem .
te	2	" I 'm not as good at reading maps as you , Jeff .
te	2	I think we 're four miles down along this road here . "
te	2	She rolled up the map and took her pack back to stow it away .
te	2	" The prints are too deep for someone trying to be sneaky .
te	2	The only way they can win a fight is through trickery . "
te	2	She didn 't want to admit it but he had a point .
te	2	A few people walked along the mud roads calling out greetings to others .
te	2	It 's positioned so everyone can get to it quickly if they need to . "
te	2	" Excuse me , " she said , trying to look young and innocent .
te	2	" We were attacked by bandits and one of our friends was hurt .
te	2	" They would have said something if they didn 't want us to enter . "
te	2	A low table was in the center of the room with two arches leading out .
te	2	The one difference was a Zheng in the far left corner of the room .
te	2	" Yes , my friend has been hurt and needs a healer . "
te	2	Ivy was a small , black haired girl with olive shaped eyes .
te	2	Healers must stay clean so as not to infect the wounds of their patients . "
te	2	Net laid out some blankets on four different boxes for them to sit on .
te	2	" I 'd like to welcome you to our village , " he said .
te	2	She also mentioned that you claimed to have been attacked by bandits .
te	2	" Do you know what we should pay the healer for our trouble ? "
te	2	It was illegal in cities and towns to do that to a healer .
te	2	She said it a little too harshly , but she didn 't like being ignored .
te	2	" The miller 's just down the road and the butcher 's near the fields .
te	2	A little while later Net came in carrying four mats and a couple more blankets .
te	2	" Adults are always trying to tell kids what to do . "
te	2	They 're there to make sure people don 't do things that are bad .
te	2	" They can make rules that are unfair that benefit them and no one else .
te	2	We 'd have to follow them because it 's the law . "
te	2	" So you think it 's okay to stay here tonight ? "
te	2	" What choice do we have even if my Journey sense says we shouldn 't ?
te	2	Soon rays of sun were leaking through an open window into her eyes .
te	2	Her hand drifted to her chain as she thought of Lily and her ring .
te	2	" We shouldn 't stay here another night , " she told them .
te	2	They had a ball made from woven , dried grass and were kicking it around .
te	2	" I still don 't know what you 're talking about . "
te	2	" That 's because it 's small and at the end of the village .
te	2	" Do you see those flowers growing near the path in the woods ?
te	2	" He 's unhappy because he usually wins , " the little girl said quietly .
te	2	" How many red ants are on that piece of bread ? "
te	2	The other kids yelled out all the names of red fruit they could think of .
te	2	I 'll tap something , and if you hear it raise your hands .
te	2	I 'll start out loud and get softer as we go . "
te	2	" ... don 't take it slowly you won 't get better ! "
te	2	" It 's nice to see you too , " he said through her hair .
te	2	" I have never had a patient so set on refusing help and advice ! "
te	2	All I know is that we shouldn 't stay another night . "
te	2	We all agreed we wouldn 't argue with her Journey sense again after that . "
te	2	He put up his hands defensively like he had known that last bit was coming .
te	2	She pressed her arm into her side to block Jeff 's elbow .
te	2	If you 're coming back this way sometime feel free to stop by . "
te	2	" You could have been a little nicer , " Jeff said as they walked .
te	2	" Now check the map and tell us where we 're going next . "
te	2	" Hey guys , let 's take a break , " she called out .
te	2	Jeff walked over and tapped her on the top of the head .
te	2	" I 've only gotten basic training , " she told him .
te	2	" If you only know the basics then why are you so good ? "
te	2	" Show me the new block I showed you , " Jeff told her .
te	2	She brought her sword up and angled it so his blade deflected to her left .
te	2	Instead he gave her separate moves that she could then put together however she wanted .
te	2	It worked for her but it made it hard for him to keep up .
te	2	Home was a little world all of its own where everything was perfect .
te	2	" I give up , we 're never going to practice ! "
te	2	" Hey Archie , come over here , " Jeff called to Mal .
te	2	You don 't have to if you don 't want to anyway . "
te	2	" Can 't you two ever have a conversation without getting into an argument ? "
te	2	" You calling someone else stubborn , " Mal said with a chuckle .
te	2	" Yes , we 've been over this before , too many times .
te	2	" We should have waited longer for him to get well . "
te	2	Staying there would have been wrong even if we don 't know why .
te	2	No one 's gon na get anywhere with you sulking around being all angsty . "
te	2	Can 't a girl take a moment to collect her thoughts ? "
te	2	" I am not - " " Oh shut up nobody 's listening . "
te	2	" No , you kind of have problems taking direction from anybody . "
te	2	What happened that made them end up that way that turned him so paranoid ?
te	2	I assume you 've noticed his constant watch and obsession with look outs . "
te	2	" I 'll take his watch if you get him into a conversation . "
te	2	He looked at her suspiciously out of the corner of his eye .
te	2	I 'm trying to get into the habit and we only need one rear guard .
te	2	" Especially when I want to be the one p - " He cut off .
te	2	" I 'm not a wimp , " he said , sounding frustrated .
te	2	" She wouldn 't go running off into danger by herself , right ? "
te	2	" I should have known this place would be flooded with all this rain ! "
te	2	" You were just trying to find the fastest way , " Jeff said .
te	2	" If that means cutting across the swamps I say we go .
te	2	" You kids need to realize that I 'm not a clock .
te	2	That doesn 't mean we should let our guard down , though .
te	2	" There 's a sunken tree that leads to a higher patch of ground .
te	2	She stepped out onto the log , which was barely visible below the murky water .
te	2	So far the water didn 't reach the top of her boots .
te	2	She glanced back to see the water flood over the tops of his shoes .
te	2	" That water came pretty close to the top of your boots . "
te	2	" You 're not taking this seriously , " he said angrily .
te	2	She does the same thing when it comes to the jewel and this Journey . "
te	2	" I doubt whatever happened before was your fault , " she said .
te	2	I 'm taking rear guard so you can take the time to clear your head .
te	2	Flies and other bugs flew about their heads and bit bare skin .
te	2	Don 't touch the frogs , some of them have poisonous skin .
te	2	" Other than that I don 't know , I 've never seen one .
te	2	She 'd stepped off the path and now her boot was flooded .
te	2	She yanked her foot out of the water ... and left her boot behind .
te	2	" You 're laughing now , but you 'll be next . "
te	2	She wondered how everyone else ( but Jeff ) survived having each step squish .
te	2	As in only a couple inches of water instead of half a foot . "
te	2	" This is about as dry as it gets , " she said .
te	2	" That means standing around in shin deep water for a while .
te	2	She jumped , caught a branch , and swung up into a tree .
te	2	" I noticed he went farther this time before looking worn out . "
te	2	She didn 't know what she would have done if she 'd lost him .
te	2	They did manage to get their shoes a little dryer , though .
te	2	She put her back to a nearby tree and peered around it .
te	2	She drew her sword just in case as she stepped out from behind the tree .
te	2	She 'd been fooled before at the library and she wasn 't doing it again .
te	2	Something shot out of the water so fast she barely saw it .
te	2	She stumbled back from the giant reptile and slashed at its eye .
te	2	Against the speed and jaws of the reptiles close combat was too risky .
te	2	It backed away , turning to keep them in sight with its good eye .
te	2	Finally deciding to find less dangerous prey , it slid back into the water .
te	2	" None of us could have anticipated a full on crocodile assault . "
te	2	Then she handed her the pack and slipped off silently into the swamp .
te	2	She leaned in close and whispered , " I think she heard something .
te	2	She thought she was doing pretty well when movement caught her eye .
te	2	The Assassins weren 't going to find them in a couple days .
te	2	She went cold when she realized that they were staring in her direction .
te	2	All she could do was pray to her ancestors they didn 't see her .
te	2	She had to deflect them and hit them fast before they disappeared .
te	2	In the end her reflexes won and she took out her opponents .
te	2	" I 'm sorry , I shouldn 't have come , " she said .
te	2	" Those guys that just attacked us weren 't with that last group .
te	2	I think they had small groups combing the swamps to find us .
te	2	She only heard it at all because she was expecting a whistle noise .
te	2	We 'll only have a half a second to deflect and hit back . "
te	2	" If we split up we can move faster , " Jeff said .
te	2	He nodded , tracing out a good trail to the spot with his eyes .
te	2	Separating was either going to be a really good idea or backfire spectacularly .
te	2	He fell back into the swamp water and disappeared below the surface .
te	2	She blocked a dagger coming at him with a move Jeff had taught her .
te	2	She thought about him as she did it and hoped he was okay .
te	2	They could not risk the chance of separating even more than they already had .
te	2	An arrow barely missed her foot as she ran to catch her friends .
te	2	She glanced up in the direction it had come from without stopping .
te	2	Arrows continued to fall around her as Mal drew a throwing knife .
te	2	She jumped up and simultaneously brought her sword up in a high block .
te	2	His steps faltered as he tried to juggle the map and his dagger .
te	2	" This is why I told you to keep your weapon away .
te	2	" We can 't keep doing this forever , " Mal said .
te	2	" We 're the better fighters here and we have a stronger motivation .
te	2	It looked like a bunch of rocks created a large island amongst the swamp .
te	2	At least the Assassins would be just as stuck as they were .
te	2	It had only been a couple seconds when the mud was starting to slow .
te	2	She stood and stared in the direction where Mal and the Assassins had gone .
te	2	It would be more dangerous now to try to follow them . "
te	2	" I think the rocks are full of holes like this . "
te	2	The boulders on either side were close together but she managed to get through them .
te	2	" Maybe we 'll meet up with the other two here , " he suggested .
te	2	If we head towards the right ridge then maybe we 'll find them . "
te	2	They had more mobility but there were less people to watch each other 's backs .
te	2	Also , small groups too easily deteriorated into individuals , which was unacceptable .
te	2	Climbing on rocks was a lot different than trudging through the swamp around them .
te	2	They passed a couple crevices , but most of them looked like dead ends .
te	2	Finally they passed one that looked like it went farther than usual .
te	2	" But we 'd be hidden from sight from the Assassins . "
te	2	" If you really want to keep going up here we could .
te	2	She jumped down into the crevice behind him , showering the ground with pebbles .
te	2	The left path veered off way away from the direction they had been going .
te	2	" Right , " she said as she sat on the thankfully flat ground .
te	2	" I think fate 's trying to tell us to keep going left . "
te	2	There was no point in going back after coming so far , though .
te	2	Not too far along the ground beneath her hands began to squish .
te	2	" My feet still aren 't dry from the last time . "
te	2	" Mine neither , but we might as well keep going , " she said .
te	2	She stepped forward and her foot sank knee deep into the water .
te	2	" Watch your step when you get out here , " she called back .
te	2	It wasn 't as big as an adult or as low down as a crocodile .
te	2	In desperation she picked up a stick and threw it at her .
te	2	She brought her sword handle down on the third person 's hand .
te	2	She lunged over the first person 's sword and hit him in the chest .
te	2	She hit the second guy again with a thrust under his sword for good measure .
te	2	She had to leave him to it since another shadow was attacking her back .
te	2	She slashed him before he could get close enough to hit her .
te	2	She leaped to one side in time to avoid the crocodile 's menacing jaws .
te	2	Her feet landed in some deep water that went up to her knees .
te	2	Her feet stuck in the mud and she nearly fell flat on her face .
te	2	" Anyone in the swamp will know where we are now ! "
te	2	she yelled , though she couldn 't see her friends in the confusion .
te	2	She let out her breath in frustration and ran her hand through her wet hair .
te	2	But there was no other way to see if Jeff was still up there .
te	2	" You left a trail so obvious Raymond could follow it . "
te	2	" Hey , you are not the one who 's allowed to be angry here !
te	2	He opened his mouth to say something , but she cut him off .
te	2	Then I lost those two and came back here to try to find Jeff . "
te	2	" And that 's assuming they can actually make it back . "
te	2	" I guess we must , " he said in a painful voice .
te	2	" There are some things I missed about adventuring and some things I didn 't .
te	2	" Remember how this island is riddled with crevices like this one ?
te	2	Mal sighed and waded over to her to lean up against the rocks .
te	2	" Anyway , we could even run into them while we 're at it . "
te	2	Mal had a harder time getting up than any of the teens had .
te	2	" Anyone a hundred miles away could hear you , you know . "
te	2	They waited for what seemed like forever to make sure he had gone .
te	2	She poked her head out again and once again immediately yanked it back down .
te	2	After a few calming breaths she lifted her head and peeked out .
te	2	They seemed to be discussing something even though she couldn 't hear them .
te	2	As she watched one of them made a small gesture off to their left .
te	2	" They know where some of the others are , " she said .
te	2	" It 's typical procedure for an abnormally difficult opponent , " he whispered back .
te	2	" Come on , Mal says we need to go before others arrive . "
te	2	" He signaled the others with the whistle , " Mal said .
te	2	They looked back over the swamp to see if they had gotten away .
te	2	All they could hear was the sound of insects and a couple small creatures .
te	2	A man jumped from nowhere and covered the entrance to their crevice .
te	2	Luckily the hand guard of his dagger caught her blade and ruined his first attack .
te	2	They skinned their arms and legs as they scrambled through the crevice .
te	2	She yanked her legs in to keep him from falling on them .
te	2	At least she could go a little faster without having to fight someone .
te	2	She grabbed him by the hood and slammed his head into the wall .
te	2	Her dagger continued on to bite into the guy 's other wrist .
te	2	She kicked the head of the woman attempting to climb from the hole .
te	2	At the last moment when his arms cleared the hole he brought up a crossbow .
te	2	The bolt flew over her shoulder and hit a tree far away .
te	2	Throwing knives flew from the opening and spun in the air before falling back in .
te	2	One woman had used the distraction to get herself into a better position to fight .
te	2	" But this is going to send up smoke seen for miles around .
te	2	Staying close to a fire is too stupid for us to do . "
te	2	" We will , but first we need to get out of here alive . "
te	2	She saw no movement besides the bugs and a couple small animals .
te	2	They held as still as they could even with the insects biting them .
te	2	" Okay , but you 're going to ruin my cover . "
te	2	The trees were moist and were hard to hold onto to catch their balance with .
te	2	There were some vines , but mostly they were just more obstacles to be avoided .
te	2	Still , she hoped that their next terrain might be a little nicer .
te	2	Considering their next stop were the mountains , she highly doubted it .
te	2	It was possible that the person who had made the noise had moved on .
te	2	They could have walked right by each other and not even realized it .
te	2	She jumped up onto a tree root to get a better view over the ferns .
te	2	They dodged past some trees and ferns and leaped over a patch of deep water .
te	2	Then she realized what she was doing and stepped back , blushing .
te	2	He chewed his lip for a moment in thought before pointing to another spot .
te	2	" Would he have gone back when he saw the smoke ? "
te	2	I ran west , so he must have run in the eastern direction . "
te	2	She could be happy when they got the jewel to the Sanctuary .
te	2	She opened her mouth to call to her friends when she heard something else .
te	2	Not too far away two black clad people were crouched near the water .
te	2	One was in a tree and one was kneeling in some ferns .
te	2	" Hit another one , " the girl in the ferns said .
te	2	The boy in the tree raised his reloaded crossbow and shot into the water .
te	2	It hit a big croc with a slashed eye in the tail .
te	2	" This is so much better than trudging around looking for those brats . "
te	2	These two brats were torturing such noble , dangerous creatures for fun .
te	2	She stepped back and leaned away so the blade passed by her face .
te	2	They had their weapons out , but they didn 't need them .
te	2	To her friends watching it seemed almost like they were locked in a graceful dance .
te	2	" So , it seems you have a way with big , dumb lizards . "
te	2	She walked over to the apprentice girl and kicked her into the water too .
te	2	" It didn 't seem quite so big on the map . "
te	2	" But still , you sure we aren 't going in circles ? "
te	2	We 've had better luck up there than down in the swamp . "
te	2	She climbed up the rest of the way and peeked over the top .
te	2	So at least she had an idea of how big it was .
te	2	" It looks like it goes somewhere , let 's follow it ! "
te	2	Stop being so slow , we need to hurry and find the others ! "
te	2	" It 's not like Assassins are going to appear behind me . "
te	2	" They could have if we didn 't get to the crevice first .
te	2	" Hey , do you think there could be more of those trick tunnels ? "
te	2	" Man , it would be really bad to go into that . "
te	2	" Okay , well , I 'll go after her and you can stay here .
te	2	We can both brace against the walls and make it back up . "
te	2	It 's way too small and you don 't know how long it is !
te	2	She could feel the drag in her shoulder and knew that it was working .
te	2	Her arm burst into pain from being trapped between her forehead and the wall .
te	2	She moved her head , but she couldn 't get into a better position .
te	2	Slowly she realized it was just because there was no light down here .
te	2	I 'm not supposed to be able to see anything , right ? "
te	2	I think I slowed us down enough to prevent any harm . "
te	2	She could feel two grooves in the right side and one on the left .
te	2	It pressed in on all sides of her , building on the total blackness .
te	2	She thought of for the first time how far down they must be .
te	2	She wasn 't afraid of the dark or small spaces , but still .
te	2	" I know I 'd hate to get stuck down here alone .
te	2	" What if our voices don 't carry in these tunnels ? "
te	2	It 's like some of the contents of her backpack spilled all over . "
te	2	A bit of the edge of the rock floor fell down into the gap .
te	2	Finally she heard the rocks splash down at the bottom of the gap .
te	2	" There 's a hole up there , " she told him .
te	2	" Maybe it 's from all this rain , " she said .
te	2	" It 's a little more than an arm 's length across .
te	2	She sheathed her sword so she wouldn 't stab herself like an idiot .
te	2	She backed up , did an awkward running start , and jumped across the gap .
te	2	If you aim past my voice you should make it fine . "
te	2	I 'd rather be run over then have you misjudge where to jump to . "
te	2	She held her other hand up in front of her face just in case .
te	2	" I 've been feeling the walls as I go , " he told her .
te	2	" I 've found a tunnel running off of this one . "
te	2	" I think we should keep going the same way we have been .
te	2	" Oh no , " she groaned as she felt the walls .
te	2	Blackness , the feeling of rock , and the sound of their breath .
te	2	She put her hand down to touch the nonexistent floor in front of her foot .
te	2	The cold seemed to shoot up the nerves in her arm and make them tingle .
te	2	" Yes , to light the Dragon Weed , and hurry . "
te	2	A large sea serpent had risen from the water right in front of her .
te	2	It had three fins on its head and one going down its long back .
te	2	Its eyes were completely black and didn 't look like they were used much .
te	2	Its mouth was filled with long , skinny , snake like teeth .
te	2	It hissed and shied back away from the sudden light and heat .
te	2	The stream came out from under one wall and went into the other .
te	2	The fish were still jumping madly , but the serpent had stopped hissing .
te	2	" Just be thankful they didn 't get their meal today . "
te	2	After the stream incident they didn 't run into too many more traps .
te	2	They had so many offshoots and forks that it was impossible to remember a route .
te	2	How do we know when to sleep or eat or move ? "
te	2	They really didn 't have a way to tell what time of day it was .
te	2	They didn 't even have a way to tell how long they spent down there .
te	2	" I say it so you don 't have to , " he said .
te	2	She stopped and listened , but she didn 't hear anything unusual .
te	2	That is , unusual for the surface where there were plenty of background noises .
te	2	" We 've got to find where that 's coming from , " she said .
te	2	They couldn 't have passed another tunnel , the floor and walls were all solid .
te	2	" We have to find it first , " she pointed out .
te	2	" Let 's head back , and keep a hand on the ceiling . "
te	2	She felt the edges of the hole to find how big it was .
te	2	" It 's too small to brace ourselves , " she said .
te	2	" Sorry , " he said , not sounding sorry at all .
te	2	" They 're really stiff but at least they 're long ! "
te	2	It seemed to take Jeff forever , but finally they heard his voice again .
te	2	" Then when you get up there you can help him pull me up . "
te	2	She took the vine and held on as tight as she could .
te	2	As she rose she could feel the air getting warmer and dryer .
te	2	The sunlight burned at her eyes like the fire had down below .
te	2	" Thank you , I never thought I 'd get out of there ! "
te	2	Slowly they pulled more and more of it up and out of the tunnels .
te	2	Her eyes widened when it came out of the darkness of the crevice .
te	2	For one horrible second she saw the vine slipping past her fingers .
te	2	The jerk of the vine snapping tight again yanked at her shoulders .
te	2	Together they pulled it back until they were away from the edge of the crevice .
te	2	She could tell he was having the same problem with the light as she had .
te	2	" We really need to find the others , " Jeff said , getting up .
te	2	" Do you have an idea of which way he might have gone ? "
te	2	" I 'm pretty sure he might have run this way . "
te	2	" We can regroup there and come up with a better plan to find everyone .
te	2	She shielded her eyes from the setting sun and squinted at the ground .
te	2	Jeff let them have time to adjust to the light before starting off again .
te	2	It seemed almost impossible to discern which sounds were natural and which weren 't .
te	2	" There 's plenty of ways each one of us could start blaming ourselves .
te	2	The sounds of crossbows and a bow going off were distant noises .
te	2	" Come on , we 've got to go before they get here . "
te	2	The three of them had walked up to the fight without realizing it .
te	2	The one time it really mattered he hadn 't done what she told him to .
te	2	He could fight , protect her , try to be a hero .
te	2	All she wanted was that he 'd get up and follow her .
te	2	He just had to stand up and run out of this place with her .
te	2	She could still see him lying on the ground , bloody and surprised .
te	2	He was hiding just out of sight , waiting to jump out at her .
te	2	He had been covered in blood , so surprised on the ground .
te	2	He wrapped his arms around his knees and put his head in his arms .
te	2	Mal was standing to one side , staring off into the trees .
te	2	Its red depths seemed to laugh at her , mocking her pain .
te	2	They could dig it out of the woods and stash it in their little collection .
te	2	The sprinkle of rain combined with the night was making it nearly impossible to see .
te	2	No one moved to make a fire or some sort of shelter .
te	2	It was her chain , peaking around the edge of her collar .
te	2	She 'd be sitting near the window , looking out as far as she could .
te	2	But if they found it nothing would stop them from controlling the world .
te	2	A group of assassins ruling the world would only bring death and destruction .
te	2	They 'd succeed in their plan and ruin her safe little village .
te	2	Very slowly she took it from her belt and held it in her hands .
te	2	As long as Lily still had her ring she would never be alone .
te	2	They 'd both made it out of the tunnels alive , but what for ?
te	2	Still , there was no way she was letting her guard drop .
te	2	She hadn 't been looking out for one minute and look what happened .
te	2	No wonder Mal had such an attachment to safety and keeping watch .
te	2	She hadn 't been giving him enough credit with the guilt he must be feeling .
te	2	There was no way she was going to let that happen to her .
te	2	She 'd be a hypocrite if she let her grief overcome her .
te	2	They turned and filed back in the direction they 'd just come .
te	2	The unseen man was just going to have to suck it up .
te	2	These should haves had to go if she was going to protect her family .
te	2	She drew her sword as she looked at her attacker for the first time .
te	2	He attacked her again , fighting to subdue rather than to kill .
te	2	She had to give him something , he was determined and not that bad .
te	2	In the same motion she spun on her knees so she was facing his side .
te	2	Instead she just ran up his back and hooked her legs around his neck .
te	2	Her other friends were also up and had their weapons trained on him .
te	2	" He 's probably the man who turned us back last night , too . "
te	2	" You should have gone back , " the man said gruffly .
te	2	They 're knowledge of the woods is unmatched and only slightly outweighs their bravery ! "
te	2	" Why thank you , " came a voice from the woods .
te	2	A woman around the man 's age stepped out from behind a tree .
te	2	She was dressed the same , only instead of weapons she had a small sack .
te	2	" Marge , this ' child ' is bending my arm behind my back ! "
te	2	You made them sleep outside in the dark and mud last night .
te	2	I can promise that he won 't give you any more trouble . "
te	2	" I apologize for my husband 's behavior , " Marge said .
te	2	" Won 't you come back to our cottage with us ? "
te	2	Marge and George led them through the woods until they came to a small cottage .
te	2	There was a mattress in one corner and a low table in the center .
te	2	" So what brings you in this part of the woods ? "
te	2	" Well , not always Archie , but everyone else does . "
te	2	" Well , I 'm Marge Wendell and over by the door is George Wendell .
te	2	" Thank you for everything , really , but we should be going . "
te	2	Finally Mal said in a hoarse voice , " We lost someone . "
te	2	Marge did a double take at the name but didn 't make a comment .
te	2	Maybe they could use a break , but they couldn 't afford one .
te	2	" It 's too easy for animals to get in them . "
te	2	" You can 't stand in the doorway forever , " she told the woman .
te	2	George went to the far left corner and started building a fire .
te	2	" I 've seen a lot of people pass through here with plenty of stories .
te	2	" They 've been through enough , I would think to myself .
te	2	" You can 't protect anyone like this , " Marge said .
te	2	They stayed with Marge and George for the rest of the day .
te	2	George busied around doing chores and making conversation while Marge made conversation from the doorway .
te	2	Fireflies were floating among the woods so the dark trees reflect the sky .
te	2	The wet leaves brushed against her legs and the loam squished under her feet .
te	2	She could feel the wind whisper past her face and brush her hair .
te	2	She could almost feel him standing beside her , staring through the forest with her .
te	2	Then he 'd look at her and say not to miss him .
te	2	They 'd look at each other shyly before looking back out over the forest .
te	2	He 'd never really been there , but it felt like he had .
te	2	" It 's hard to explain without a map , " he said .
te	2	" It 's the most detailed map of this region there is . "
te	2	From there you could go here and get to that town . "
te	2	This path here is a little longer but it 's much safer . "
te	2	George set up the best sleeping place for them as he could .
te	2	Healers must have to be determined and stubborn to get their way with their patients .
te	2	" No , I 'm going to run away and abandon everyone here . "
te	2	" Smells good , " she said as she walked up to the little fire .
te	2	" It better be after over thirty years of making it out here . "
te	2	Mal woke up not too long after that and immediately went on watch .
te	2	It was nice eating a meal that wasn 't dried or soggy .
te	2	Marge and George took them partway to the edge of their woods .
te	2	" Are you sure we can 't go all the way ? "
te	2	I don 't think any of us really truly got that people could die .
te	2	She continued slowly , " Another one of us will die . "
te	2	Her friends stirred at this and looked around at each other worriedly .
te	2	" You could be stuck out here without a good hunter , " she said .
te	2	" We were debating when the best time for hunting would be .
te	2	Neither of them looked completely happy with this idea , but they didn 't argue .
te	2	They made it out of Marge and George 's woods in the afternoon .
te	2	" I just hope it 's good enough , " Mal said from the back .
te	2	" We don 't want another run in with the Assassins . "
te	2	" No , no I 'm not , " she said darkly .
te	2	" Nobody 's going to sneak up while I 'm the one leading us . "
te	2	They didn 't run into any Assassins for the rest of the day .
te	2	She also could see them looking at each other when they thought no one noticed .
te	2	" No , I was too young , but I 've always wanted to .
te	2	" And doing all the heroic stuff you were probably doing isn 't ? "
te	2	" I ended up latching on to it more than the others .
te	2	When we stopped lessons I was old enough to go there on my own . "
te	2	She was not enjoying having holes picked in the happy memories of her childhood .
te	2	It was a beautiful doe standing in a little clearing not too far away .
te	2	While this made the girl look mysterious and dangerous it made the boy look sickly .
te	2	He held his arms at odd angles to his sides and his fingers in claws .
te	2	Both wore identical skin tight black outfits with black sashes around their waists .
te	2	He had golden hair that shone in the sun and bright green eyes .
te	2	Together they backed away from the bushes until the trio was out of sight .
te	2	" I suppose we should leave this here for now in case she comes back .
te	2	" All the Assassins we 've met were wearing hoods over their heads . "
te	2	" We should move on a bit anyway , " Mal said .
te	2	He looked as surprised to see her as she did of him .
te	2	" So what brings you to this part of the woods ? "
te	2	To Jeff 's dismay the trio stayed with them until it was dark .
te	2	" We shouldn 't be around them anymore , " Mal said .
te	2	" Then we should leave early tomorrow before they get up . "
te	2	She was even protecting people who weren 't with her , like Lily and Aunty .
te	2	She picked up a stick and stuck it down into the water .
te	2	" If I 'm remembering correctly there are trails pretty close in either direction .
te	2	She hoped this wasn 't because of what happened in the swamp .
te	2	" The sooner we 're there the better , " Mal said .
te	2	" Hey , so how come you didn 't speak out there ?
te	2	How else will we learn things like ' splitting up is bad ? '
te	2	Her heart went out to him , but she couldn 't let up now .
te	2	" Do you know which one of us will ... get it next ? "
te	2	Man tried to create huge , grand things , but nature just laughed .
te	2	" I think I 'll stay down here with the Assassins . "
te	2	We want to stay out of that as long as possible . "
te	2	A powerful , constant force that made little animals like humans shiver .
te	2	Looking up at the mountain she could tell why people would think that .
te	2	The two girls crouched behind a boulder and peered over the top .
te	2	They didn 't say anything , but it seemed as if they were communicating .
te	2	The two girls slowly moved back until the Assassins were out of sight .
te	2	" We should avoid contact with them as much as possible , " Mal said .
te	2	" They could be hiding in trees , underbrush , or basically anything . "
te	2	Back around the bends in the trail Mal disappeared into the woods .
te	2	Though he looked dazed he managed to roll forward with the hit .
te	2	She took the small opening he left and kicked him in the stomach .
te	2	Number one was back on his feet and coming for her from behind .
te	2	She ducked under his first swing and sweep kicked his legs out from under him .
te	2	She caught number two 's lunge between her elbow and side as she came up .
te	2	She spun and slashed them across the chest with the opposite blade .
te	2	She used the momentum to help her backflip and land behind number two .
te	2	She redirected it so it bit into the ground next to her neck .
te	2	She twisted her body and threw him over her by his wrist .
te	2	These guys were better than the normal mooks they 'd been fighting .
te	2	Number one stopped his sword and inch from his companion 's stomach .
te	2	She kicked number two in the back so he was thrown into number one .
te	2	She scooped up a rock and threw it at one of Jeff 's opponents .
te	2	Assassin number two caught up to her a quarter of the way up the trail .
te	2	The footing there was incredibly insecure , especially for someone facing backwards .
te	2	Moving backwards while fighting was just asking to follow number two down .
te	2	Number three ducked under her first thrust and went for her ankles .
te	2	She stepped up onto his back and ended up behind him facing number one .
te	2	She hooked her sword with number one 's crossbow just as he fired .
te	2	She grabbed at some weeds desperately before she fell to her death .
te	2	She was willing to be that he was playing hide and seek with some more .
te	2	She took a couple steps back and got into a running position .
te	2	She took a running start and vaulted off the Assassin 's back .
te	2	The woman dropped her sword to keep from behind turned upside down .
te	2	Then she thought , hey , I didn 't even need my sword !
te	2	" You know your shoulder has blood on it , right ? "
te	2	" It 's ... " he said a long word she didn 't follow .
te	2	Mal and Jeff picked their way around the dead Assassins to get to them .
te	2	" I didn 't know that was possible , " Mal said .
te	2	" Well , at least this wasn 't my sword arm , " she said .
te	2	" You aren 't honestly going to tell me that those were just bandits .
te	2	Really good bandits who are also experts in poison , " he added .
te	2	They 're from a super guild of assassins with people in practically every guild .
te	2	That 's why we didn 't tell you what we were doing .
te	2	" This is one of those times where you don 't get to argue . "
te	2	The trio insisted that they eat some of their section of the deer for lunch .
te	2	" If you want to talk about something else that 's fine .
te	2	" They would have known about the jewel if they were part of the Assassins .
te	2	" It 's possible they left their guild , " Mal said .
te	2	" It doesn 't take much to spot an experienced swordsman , " he said .
te	2	" Saving the world and little girls on your spare time . "
te	2	" The design is typical of the Ho cha , emperor 's guard .
te	2	" I was wondering why it wasn 't shrapnel by now , " she commented .
te	2	Your family 's bound to be interesting if they raised you . "
te	2	" I don 't think anyone was crazy enough to try to make one !
te	2	I do know that there were five people who always were there with me .
te	2	She was going to avenge him by foiling the Assassin 's evil plan .
te	2	" Come here and we 'll show you how to make one . "
te	2	" But all she does is give me cold looks and ignore me .
te	2	I get these feelings that tell me what I need or should do .
te	2	We have a rule that we don 't argue with it . "
te	2	" There is no such thing as a good morning , " Mal said .
te	2	" And yet you always insist on being the first one up . "
te	3	The day had cleared from last night 's rain , but the road was still muddy .
te	3	She was about halfway to the studio when she heard a voice call out , " Hey Pain ! "
te	3	I heard you 're going on that ridiculous trip you Pains force your kids to go on .
te	3	Please tell me it 's true , I 'd love to get rid of you . "
te	3	How could she bring herself to say goodbye to the muddy streets and the crowded huts ?
te	3	How could she bring herself to tear her eyes from the faces around her , possibly for good ?
te	3	If that was what her Journey would bring her then she 'd much rather stay a child forever .
te	3	She looked down to see a dirty and scared looking boy who apparently knew her name .
te	3	She didn 't have to go too far into the forest to find the bank of the river .
te	3	All the rain had made the calm stream rise up onto its banks until it was almost like rapids .
te	3	She chopped the vine partly off the tree before sticking the point of the sword into the ground .
te	3	She held the other end of the vine in her fist and climbed onto the bridge .
te	3	All she needed to do was hold on and keep above the water until they hit shore .
te	3	It would be a close thing , but there was nothing she could do about it now .
te	3	Her body above the waist hit dry land , but her legs trailed in the water .
te	3	It looked like it has already been cut for something , a necklace or crown perhaps .
te	3	In the past century the Journey has become something that we force our children into doing .
te	3	But it used to be something that we felt we must do at some time in our lives . "
te	3	But you know I 'll always think of you , and I 'll never truly leave you . "
te	3	As her first foot falls on the road fell , she thought , I 'm on my Journey .
te	3	Besides , the girl had the handle of a sword sticking out from under her backpack .
te	3	He had jewelry made with fine stones and gems spread out on a silk cloth on a table .
te	3	" I 've found a large crystal in the river near my village , and it looks important .
te	3	" Cover the back with this so that I 'm the only one who can see it . "
te	3	" I would not expect a reasonable lady like yourself to part with such a crystal .
te	3	" Hey , Jo , " the jeweler said to one of the men helping him in the stall .
te	3	" Give it to us now and you can walk away , " the jeweler said .
te	3	She struck like a snake , using the crystal as a weapon to crush the man 's windpipe .
te	3	A well-placed elbow connected with her nose , and the handle of a sword bounced off her shoulder .
te	3	The handle turned out to be sharper than she expected and traced a cut from her wrist to elbow .
te	3	The person pulled her sword from its sheath as he passed by , and then stood back-to-back with her .
te	3	With all of her side taken out , she turned to deal with the other side .
te	3	He was holding her sword in one hand and had an incredulous look on his face .
te	3	" There was a martial arts studio where I came from , " she said dismissively .
te	3	" No one knows why they picked that name , since there 's no river around here .
te	3	She did not do a very good job of it , seeing that she could only use one arm .
te	3	" You might as well come to my house to get this cleaned and properly bandaged . "
te	3	" Well , considering I just saved your life I think you can trust me , " he said .
te	3	She had jet black hair , like Jeff 's , but hers fell in curls around her shoulders .
te	3	She had reached the end of the staircase and was walking across the floor towards them .
te	3	" Tell me what happened , " Jeff 's mother said as she pulled out bandages .
te	3	Her red hair was held in a bun with two dainty wooden sticks decorated with red jewels .
te	3	Probably wouldn 't have needed me if she 'd been able to get to her sword in time .
te	3	She did not want to eavesdrop , especially after they had been so nice to her .
te	3	The cook , a skinny , sweaty man with receding white hair , was busy preparing a meal .
te	3	A young maid was helping him , and she did not look happy about the arrangement .
te	3	" Then explore somewhere else and keep out of the kitchen , " the cook retorted .
te	3	The path wound around through the flowers , flowering trees , and a couple stone benches .
te	3	" This is yours , by the way , " he said , holding the blade in his hands .
te	3	" It 's a little weird , having this sword in a small village , " he said .
te	3	" This looks like it would come from a master craftsmen in a city like this one . "
te	3	" When you do a move you 're just building upon what you already know , " Jeff explained .
te	3	Jeff blinked , took a moment to absorb it , and seemed to take it in stride .
te	3	It was a different style than hers , but she could tell it was a good one .
te	3	Their swords were at the ready , waiting for the other person to make the first move .
te	3	He also had his sword at his hip , just in case that gang got any more ideas .
te	3	She sells perfumes , but don 't listen to a word of news she tells you .
te	3	The children call her the Old Witch because she 's so mean , let 's cross the street .
te	3	They weaved through the crowd of people in the street until they were standing in front of Ferdinand .
te	3	" Well , we 've got to be going , sir , " Jeff told the man .
te	3	" If you 're looking for a real man , sweet heart , I would come looking this way .
te	3	" I doubt any of those guys outside that shop even knew the men in the ally were different .
te	3	I assume it 's not the archery ring , since you don 't have a bow . "
te	3	She liked this girl , but the fewer people who knew about the crystal the better .
te	3	Two stone dragons guarded the stone steps leading up to the large , wooden double doors .
te	3	Off to one side of the door was a large wooden desk stacked high with books .
te	3	Sitting behind the desk was an old man with a white goatee and almond shaped eyes .
te	3	You could tell that a literary work was important if it was put in an actual book .
te	3	Here you could tell that a book was important because its cover was made of silk .
te	3	" I guess the first place to go would be the legends , " said Jeff .
te	3	He led the way down a couple isles until they came to a small open space .
te	3	" You know , it would really help if I knew what I was looking for . "
te	3	" I want to find out what this means , " she said in a low voice .
te	3	" If it 's a group that wants the jewel then I want to know why . "
te	3	" How do you know they didn 't just want it because it 's really big ? "
te	3	" Because when the jeweler was talking to his assistant he said I had a special jewel .
te	3	" But at least I can tell you that we 're not just jumping at shadows with this jewel .
te	3	" So it 's something special , whatever it is , " Jeff said , closing the book .
te	3	" There 's not much here , especially since it 's on the cover , " he said .
te	3	After a quiet moment they could hear the squeak , squeak , squeak of the wheels of a cart .
te	3	The librarian 's wooden cart loaded with books came around the corner , followed by the librarian himself .
te	3	You don 't have to put that back , I 'll take it , " he said .
te	3	" Well , actually sir , I was wondering if you could identify something for me . "
te	3	" Forget about this while you can before you bring too much attention to yourself . "
te	3	I wouldn 't have been able to do it without help from the boy out there . "
te	3	They don 't have an official name , but they refer to themselves mostly as The Assassins .
te	3	The groups the men are planted in don 't even know about the master guild . "
te	3	" Well , you see , I ... " He spluttered and wrung his hands together in distress .
te	3	He bustled by her , seeming to want to postpone answering the question by organizing the shelves .
te	3	" I was young , and a group like that has a rebellious , dangerous pull to it .
te	3	A former member who is no longer loyal is too dangerous for them to leave alive . "
te	3	They 'll slit your friend 's throats and hide them where not even they could find them again .
te	3	If you come here as normal every day it will seem as if you haven 't found anything . "
te	3	Just as she was putting her hand on the doorknob the librarian said , " You 're too trusting .
te	3	You have to act calm and look at things out of the corner of your eye .
te	3	You 've got to know this stuff or you 're never going to get anything . "
te	3	It was around the same distance as the stairs leading up to the studio in her hometown .
te	3	She turned around to look behind her , and grabbed the railing in a death grip with both hands .
te	3	He had the same black hair , pale skin , and deep brown , canted eyes .
te	3	" I 've heard a lot about you from my wife , " he told her .
te	3	Actually I was wondering if I might ask you a couple questions later on about them .
te	3	Just before he was about to close it behind him he poked his head back out .
te	3	Jeff looked like his hopes of getting out of this without being noticed was crashing down around his ears .
te	3	" Next time you decide to cause mischief , do it in the back of the house .
te	3	The room beyond had a small window in the wall opposite the door and a fireplace to their left .
te	3	" If he was going to set a trap he wouldn 't have told me that he could .
te	3	" I feel like I started reading a book halfway through and someone burned the first half . "
te	3	A large desk covered with papers stood facing a wall with a window overlooking the backyard .
te	3	Of course , he was only curious of what his son and his son 's friend had been doing .
te	3	I don 't want people knowing that I 'm walking around with something that valuable in my pocket .
te	3	" I can 't put you or your family in danger anymore , " she said .
te	3	" I 'm in too deep to get out of this now , " Jeff called .
te	3	Chapter 3 Archibald Someone was knocking on the door nonstop , which could only mean one person .
te	3	She sat on a chair , but unlike the day before she didn 't curl up in it .
te	3	" Then I 'll enter the library ten minutes before you and meet you when we 're in there .
te	3	No one will know I 'm actually with you besides us and the librarian guy . "
te	3	I feel like I won 't see this place again for a long time , she thought .
te	3	It would be so much easier to not have this Journey and come and go as I please .
te	3	Then again , I never would have met them if I hadn 't started my Journey .
te	3	It worked better when she counted minutes grouped in fives , so ten or fifteen minutes would be easier .
te	3	After they pretended to find the books they needed they went to the back left corner of the library .
te	3	The librarian was kneeling on one of the cushions by the table when they came in .
te	3	" It must have fallen and gotten wedged under the shelves while I was taking the rest . "
te	3	Actually , the real thing you should be asking is , where are the pieces . "
te	3	He took a crumpled sheet of paper from his pocket and smoothed it out on the table .
te	3	They also hid clues in other deadly places in case a follower had to find the pieces again .
te	3	And so for a hundred years that followed a race for the clues and pieces began .
te	3	She held the jewel up so the other girl could get a good look at it .
te	3	Eventually it came to a point where Archie didn 't have anything left to tell them .
te	3	" Mr. Archibald , what will the master guild do if they get all of the necklace ? "
te	3	He brushed past her to take his place at the front desk , sorting books like nothing was wrong .
te	3	Then she set her jaw , took one last look around , and went to join her friends .
te	3	Then she let her hand fall away again as the shadow began to stride across the grass towards them .
te	3	Only one person could have that small hop to her step in a situation like this .
te	3	Jeff led the way back through the kitchen , up the stairwell , and to their meeting room .
te	3	" The Assassins are planning on using the necklace to take total control of the Middle Kingdom . "
te	3	" Archie said that there were people before who were racing the Assassins for the necklace .
te	3	Who else is there to defend the innocent people who don 't even realize they 're in danger ? "
te	3	The flames in the fireplace danced on its surface and made it flash with an almost magical light .
te	3	She pulled her legs up to her chest and hugged them close as she stared across the sleeping city .
te	3	The long white nightgown Mrs. Raymond had lent her fluttered around her ankles in the breeze .
te	3	Like there 's something ... something beyond the next hill that I can 't wait for .
te	3	They had finished the remaining books and found that they still had no idea where to begin their search .
te	3	I mean , it had to be in this area in order for her to find it here . "
te	3	There was a thump from somewhere near the back of the room , making Jeff jump .
te	3	" I still don 't see why this couldn 't have waited until tomorrow , " Jeff said .
te	3	Jeff raised his eyebrows as if to say , " That was the best you could do ? "
te	3	" Well , now that you 've found it , can we go home now ? "
te	3	As he said it he pointed with his thumb over his shoulder at the top of the door .
te	3	She felt a sharp pain on her shoulder , but there was no time to worry about it .
te	3	The last one managed to roll away and come to his feet , sword at the ready .
te	3	She picked up his dagger , flipped it once experimentally , and then threw it down the aisle .
te	3	It had mostly been luck that the blade hit instead of the handle , but she wasn 't complaining .
te	3	To her left she could barely see the door where Jeff and Archie were holding off the Assassins .
te	3	She 'd have to make them come for her so they 'd be in the right spot .
te	3	She tilted her head back up a bit so they could barely make out her eyes .
te	3	Showing them the jewel was a large gamble , and she had one shot to take them out .
te	3	As the first couple of shelves hit the ground the black figures stood there in confusion .
te	3	She really was mostly worried if her friends had remembered to get back into the research room in time .
te	3	" Right now we need to move some of this so you guys can get over . "
te	3	I mean , she 's really tough , and you know what you 're doing , right ?
te	3	She was staring up at the starry night sky with Archie and Jeff leaning over her .
te	3	She felt a strong , gentle hand rest on her back and slowly lower her to the ground .
te	3	I honestly have no idea how you managed to unconsciously fight it for so long . "
te	3	Her head was pounding , her ears were ringing , she felt sick , her shoulder burned .
te	3	We could get our things and meet up at the gate before they bring reinforcements . "
te	3	" I still need to make sure the library is in good hands , now more than ever .
te	3	Naturally they kept away from any streets adjacent to the road with the library on it .
te	3	They didn 't meet anyone as they ran through the candle-lit halls , which was a good thing .
te	3	It was much grander than anything she had ever dreamed of back in her home village .
te	3	It might be best to just - " They rounded a corner and almost walked straight into his mother .
te	3	You know more about this than you 're telling us and I want some answers . "
te	3	If you leave then there 'll be no one here who knows that something is happening .
te	3	Listen to this girl , she knows what she 's doing , and above all come back alive ! "
te	3	You 've been so nice to me and all I 've done is put you in danger . "
te	3	Then she let her go and pushed her the rest of the way out the door .
te	3	My mom had me looking like a freakin ' bride with all the lace and ruffles . "
te	3	" You guys can fill me in on the details of what happened while we go to my room .
te	3	Huge portraits and pictures covered the walls so that she could barely see the pink and designs under it .
te	3	" Does your father like all of this , or is it just your mother ? "
te	3	" My father is rarely home , and if he is then he 's always in his study .
te	3	I mean , they 're polar opposites , and she 's horrid to everyone , including him ! "
te	3	" I can 't think about it or I 'll be sick , " was Jeff 's answer .
te	3	A door gilded with fake gold is much better than anything else I might see . "
te	3	Jeff leaned up against the door and glared at her , his face turning bright red again .
te	3	I - " At that moment the door opened again , sending Jeff crashing to the ground .
te	3	The carpet was also gone and had been replaced with long pieces of grass weaved together .
te	3	" I like your room better than anything I 've seen yet , " Jeff said .
te	3	She took down four bows , strung one , and wrapped the other three in cloth .
te	3	A single chair stood in front of it , and a high wooden stool sat next to the chair .
te	3	Behind the stool and covering up the far wall was a large bookcase full of law books .
te	3	There were smaller bookcases to the right and left of the door through which they had just entered .
te	3	" This was my favorite spot in the house , " she said without looking up .
te	3	It 's the only spot in the house besides my room that she has no control over .
te	3	" Every city has a section like this , " he answered , not in a whisper .
te	3	There were people hidden behind different buildings and alleyways , and they didn 't look friendly .
te	3	" You 're in a bad side of town , Raymond , " the man said .
te	3	She marched right up to Julius , put her hands on her hips , and glared up at him .
te	3	The men in the circle all tensed and drew their own weapons , ready for a fight .
te	3	At first they looked angry , and then for some reason they began to look uncertain .
te	3	Jeff hit him with the hilt of his sword again , only this time in the chin .
te	3	The guy was strong and would have broken through her defenses if she had blocked it head on .
te	3	She brought the hilt down at the base of his skull , and he went down like the rest .
te	3	She wasn 't in danger and the gang members were mostly trying to move away from her .
te	3	His jaw was swollen , possibly broken , and he had an angry , crazy gleam in his eyes .
te	3	When she was clear of the crowed she took a couple steps and kicked off the ground .
te	3	She launched herself into the air and landed a flying kick directly in Julius ' face .
te	3	She had finally managed to get around the semicircle of men that had formed around her during the fight .
te	3	" If you 're upset about taking us down that road then don 't be , " she said .
te	3	And you know more about these street gangs and what they do than we do , too .
te	3	Not for the first time he marveled at how his superiors could blend in so well .
te	3	All of them changed how they sounded into a hissing , rasping thing so no one could identify them .
te	3	" I was just - " " I am in charge of this expedition , " his superior interrupted .
te	3	" If anyone here were to know the way , it would definitely not be me .
te	3	Jeff got her into a conversation about what they had learned in their combat training over the years .
te	3	When you focus on a crystal you can tap into this balance and do amazing things . "
te	3	As they gazed at it the red sea seemed to form an endless pit that went down forever .
te	3	I don 't know what will happen if I try to tap into powers like this .
te	3	The shops and businesses lined the main road while homes were on smaller streets behind them .
te	3	There were some horses pulling small wooden wagons with large wheels , but mostly people walked on foot .
te	3	" We could find out why it 's so empty here while we 're there . "
te	3	A tavern is mostly where people go to get drunk , but they sell some food there .
te	3	" A small place like this will most likely only have an Inn , " Jeff said .
te	3	A bored looking woman came up to their table with a bunch of stiff paper under her arm .
te	3	She marched right up to the bar and leaned on it to talk to the man behind it .
te	3	" You oughta keep your nose outa other people 's business , little girl , " he said .
te	3	She tilted her head down so her hat hid her face , hoping it made her seem mysterious .
te	3	She caught it and was glad to see that she hadn 't let a drop spill .
te	3	She put a coin on the bar and flicked it across to the man , who pocketed it .
te	3	People eventually can sense when they 're being watched , and the man was no exception .
te	3	He leaned across the bar , glancing around to make sure no one was listening in .
te	3	" How come he called me " girl " but he called you " stranger " ? "
te	3	That was because she was watching the new comers from under the brim of her hat .
te	3	A nervous looking man was trying to sneak away from the table across from her without being seen .
te	3	What made this man suddenly brave enough to try to escape when everyone else in the room was frozen ?
te	3	He hurriedly dug all the coins from his pockets and deposited them in the brunet 's hand .
te	3	The man slammed into the table and bounced back to the floor , holding his butt .
te	3	Then he leaped to his feet and whipped around , his face almost as red as the red-faced guy .
te	3	The three teens were stuck surrounded by admiring fans until the bar man finally got them settled down .
te	3	" I wanted to let you know again how incredibly thankful I am for what you did . "
te	3	Up there in the window are our nieces and nephew Jen , Joan , and Bane .
te	3	Orange cushions surrounded a low bamboo table , which was set with cups and bowls for dinner .
te	3	She had long , thin , dark brown hair , canted eyes , and a know-it-all expression .
te	3	I don 't know what got into her ... " " It 's alright , " Jeff said .
te	3	They were soft but not so soft that she felt like she would sink in and disappear .
te	3	If one lone girl can take them out , then other people might start standing up to them too .
te	3	" I want you to take this in case a fight starts and something goes wrong . "
te	3	Jeff took the jewel , looking a little nervous at being trusted with something so special .
te	3	" I thought you spent hours running through the woods at your country house , " Jeff said .
te	3	It didn 't sound soft and gentle like the rest of the house , it was sharp and angry .
te	3	It was coming from the other direction , from the side of the house facing away from the town .
te	3	As she got closer she could hear the sound of someone grunting with each new ring .
te	3	She practiced angrily , and although she wasn 't bad her anger was making her sloppy .
te	3	" You don 't like me because you wanted to stand up to those thugs and be the hero .
te	3	I 've had to live with my cousins my whole life , always overshadowed by someone else .
te	3	I 've been waiting for forever to do something special , and I really thought my time had come !
te	3	Then you come in and beat three of them up without any help from your heavily armed friends .
te	3	" It 's is like a dance , not just stabbing at people and hoping to get a hit .
te	3	She let go of her and gave her a little push , making her stumble away .
te	3	She gave the last flick a little extra power , making Jen spin away from her .
te	3	You 've been learning as fast as you can , but it 's not fast enough .
te	3	If I hadn 't intervened when I did then your Uncle Davis would either be dead or badly hurt .
te	3	There was no way I was going to sit around while she spread such horrible lies about you ! "
te	3	Jen Enya 's just a spoiled , ignorant kid , but her family has been really nice to us .
te	3	" And if you keep this up we 'll leave you behind to be here when they do ! "
te	3	" If you guys are so poor , then what were you doing in a bar ? "
te	3	" Before those men became so powerful one of them lent me money so I could buy this house .
te	3	Jen sulked in one of the front corners of the wagon in a very bad mood .
te	3	A few people walked the streets and there were one or two small wagons made of reeds .
te	3	The only problem was that she had told her friends that she wouldn 't go picking a fight .
te	3	She was watching as men and women filed in from side streets to take their place behind their leader .
te	3	" You can threaten me , Marshal , but don 't ever threaten my family . "
te	3	Unlike in the inn the day before she didn 't tilt her head forward to hide her face .
te	3	The wind blew her red hair around her shoulders and kicked up dust to swirl around her feet .
te	3	No , she wasn 't sure , but it was too late to back out now .
te	3	She pushed off the ground and smacked her attacker in the nose with the crown of her head .
te	3	She caught it on the way down and turned sideways , bringing it down so he hit the ground .
te	3	She launched off his back as he fell and lashed out at a woman at head height .
te	3	On her way down she cracked the last guy on the top of the head with her hilt .
te	3	She pushed off with her hands above her head and flipped herself back onto her feet .
te	3	Which was why he was so surprised when she struck up at him like a snake .
te	3	She hit the handle of his sword and twisted in a move that used dexterity instead of strength .
te	3	Suddenly there was the sound of steel against steel behind her and something hitting the ground .
te	3	" You aren 't only a bunch of bullies , you 're cheats as well ! "
te	3	People started to throw random items at Marshal and his followers , who were starting to wake up .
te	3	" If you ever mess with the Otani and Enya families I will hear about it .
te	3	Joan pulled her little cousins off her and sat them back down on some bags of clothes .
te	3	Davis helped his wife up onto the front of the wagon to get out of the crowd .
te	3	The mayor is coming to meet Pain and thank her for her service to this town ! "
te	3	" I would like to present to you these golden swords as a token of our gratitude ! "
te	3	Apparently freeing a town from the enslavement of a band of thugs was a really big thing .
te	3	The townsfolk parted for the three of them as they made their way back to the wagon .
te	3	And they insist that you aren 't just trying to get us to give you stuff . "
te	3	" You know , I can 't help feeling clumsy after dropping all those boxes . "
te	3	" Don 't worry about it , it wasn 't your fault you lost your balance . "
te	3	He raised an eyebrow and spoke in a low voice so only she could hear him .
te	3	" You can go on fooling everyone else , but I have feeling in my ankle .
te	3	" Yeah , so you created a situation to allow you to do that , " Jeff said .
te	3	I couldn 't just sit back and let this go on , it wasn 't right . "
te	3	" So we should get going before you two waste those hours and the whole night chatting ! "
te	3	The wind whipped her hair around her face , and for a moment she had a thrill of excitement .
te	3	They really were made of gold , except they were somehow light enough for a person to use them .
te	3	Some people think that they might have been important at one point , but no one knows for sure .
te	3	" Shiny , Dad , " Joan answered as she picked herself up off the floor .
te	3	Water covered a large section of the road and turned parts of it into thick mud .
te	3	" With all the rain we 've been having , the road flooded , " Davis said .
te	3	The adults climbed down from their seat and stood at the edge of the flooded area .
te	3	I 've seen this happen a couple times in the woods after a lot of rain .
te	3	When everyone was back in Davis cracked the reigns and had the horses take the winding path .
te	3	They did not want this family to find out anything more about their quest then they had to .
te	3	Jeff narrowed his eyes at Jen , who was trying to start a fire a couple yards away .
te	3	It made her sad , thinking about the family she 'd left behind when she went on her Journey .
te	3	She knew she wasn 't supposed to go with anyone but her friends at this point in her Journey .
te	3	She bit her lip as an idea she didn 't like very much came to her .
te	3	She 'd meet them there once she got the jewel to the Sanctuary and this was all over .
te	3	She needed to pay more attention to where she was going before she stepped on any more rodents .
te	3	" Wait , you 're not going to run to my parents or humiliate me ? "
te	3	No , she needed intensity and control if she was going to get anywhere with this girl .
te	3	There are people out there who would slit your throat in your sleep for a gold coin .
te	3	I 'm new to the real world , but it didn 't take me long to figure that out .
te	3	Finally she balled her hands into fists in front of her and made a frustrated sound .
te	3	The sounds of the forest were the only things that could be heard for a couple minutes .
te	3	" If it 's so bad out there then how are you going to get by alone ? "
te	3	' Cause it seems you think you can take on the world by yourself just like me ! "
te	3	You said you 're new to the world , how do you know what 's out there ? "
te	3	She brushed herself off and strutted out of the clearing back towards her family 's campsite .
te	3	Closing her eyes , she straightened and rested her hands on her knees in a relaxed position .
te	3	Crickets sang a sweet song , and the rustling of the leaves added a soft harmony .
te	3	Maybe someday she 'd return to that family after the jewel was safely in the Sanctuary .
te	3	The thugs in that small town , the gangsters in the city , the Assassins in the library .
te	3	Sure she had taken them out , but the only reason she had survived was because of Mal .
te	3	Every time she came up against the Assassins she got through it because of her friends .
te	3	" You 're just saying that because you - " " Hey , what are you talking about ? "
te	3	" Oh , Jen was just saying - " " Nothing , " Jen said sharply .
te	3	The sun was bright , making her squint , but she could see many dark clouds .
te	3	The adults were sleeping in the wagon and the four little cousins were in a small tent nearby .
te	3	She ran over to the wagon and picked up her sword , careful not to wake anyone .
te	3	All that hacking on trees had dulled their edge so they won 't cut as well . "
te	3	" You put it to the edge of the blade and then run it down like this . "
te	3	She ran the stone along the edge , starting near the hilt and ending at the tip .
te	3	The grip was rough , and when she pulled her hand away she found she had a splinter .
te	3	" Didn 't you hear me when I said that the blacksmith was getting rid of them ?
te	3	Jen opened her mouth to defend her weapons , realized what she had said , and closed it .
te	3	Jeff told me that if he could show me advanced moves then I could get even better . "
te	3	We had this nice old man who lived in a peaceful little house at the edge of town .
te	3	The rain started falling for real , and the two girls took off for the campsite .
te	3	" Thunder is just the giants in the sky playing their drums , " she told them .
te	3	The loud thunder is big drums , and the little thunder is from drums held by little giants . "
te	3	Up in the front of the wagon the adults climbed into their seat and Davis took the reins .
te	3	" I don 't allow my mother in my room and my father always works late .
te	3	Sometimes the wind would blow sideways and everyone would crouch down to try to avoid getting wet .
te	3	They weren 't on one of the main roads , so it was made out of dirt .
te	3	It had turned to mud , so the horses had to work to get the wheels through .
te	3	" It doesn 't look like this is going to be stopping any time soon . "
te	3	The horses panicked , flailing around and preventing the adults from getting back to the wagon to stop it .
te	3	She slammed her shoulder into the wagon and dug her heels into the mud until she hit solid ground .
te	3	" We should get the wagon off the road and camp until this rain passes . "
te	3	You might as well let the rain wash you off before you get back into the wagon . "
te	3	" Well , we aren 't going to make you stand outside until the storm blows over ! "
te	3	" Simple " would have been a good word for it if it hadn 't been stormy out .
te	3	The four teens let the rain wash the mud off them and then crawled into their homemade tent .
te	3	Back to the rain pounding her , the mud sucking at her feet , the wagon bearing her backwards .
te	3	Oh man , I really wish I had a jewel now , maybe I could actually do it ! "
te	3	I 'll see what you can do , but don 't expect me to listen or anything . "
te	3	In order to reach internal balance you need a jewel or a structure of jewels to focus through . "
te	3	Ignore the world around you , your own body , and the activities of your mind .
te	3	She didn 't expect her to get it on the first try , but apparently the other girl did .
te	3	" If you keep telling yourself to let go then you 're keeping yourself from doing just that . "
te	3	The rain had stopped while they were talking , so she threw open the flap and stormed out .
te	3	" That 's why she wanted to be a hero , to prove she was up for it . "
te	3	When they stepped on a patch of grass they would leave a brown indent that flooded with muddy water .
te	3	You might as well take off your shoes so you don 't lose them as you play . "
te	3	She slipped off her own boots and set them beside the four little pairs of shoes under the wagon .
te	3	You get to feel the grass and mud and loam as you walk over it . "
te	3	She squatted next to them to get closer to their level and pointed to the tree .
te	3	" Well , I want all of you to march right back to the campsite right now .
te	3	The sun was starting to sink below the horizon , casting long shadows around the little campsite .
te	3	I still want to learn how to center , and maybe even a little more . "
te	3	" I 've dreamed of doing at least a little bit of what my teacher devoted his life to .
te	3	She had a flash of hope that maybe this high-strung girl could reach some stage of peace after all .
te	3	If she was going to ever reach some stage of perfect balance then she needed to practice .
te	3	" You can use centering to calm your strokes so your fighting can be more controlled . "
te	3	" I 'm not going to say ' look inside yourself ' because that 's cheesy .
te	3	Finally she said , " Now don 't let go of the peace you 're in .
te	3	" Come on , I want to go train before we got ta head out again ! "
te	3	The girl actually looked peaceful with her face relaxed and the wind playing with her silky hair .
te	3	That was unnecessary since she was already centered , but she wasn 't about to stop her .
te	3	And if you stand sideways , " she demonstrated , " you 'll be a smaller target . "
te	3	One of the bundles of fruit was in her reach , and she popped some in her mouth .
te	3	" Let me guess , you spend half your time in trees up at your country house . "
te	3	" Next time you call me soft I 'll fill you with arrows , Jeffery Raymond ! "
te	3	There 's always someone there for you and someone to be with if you want company .
te	3	You just have to find a place to go to be alone and do your own thing . "
te	3	" Now we know why she spends so much time in trees , " Jeff commented .
te	3	The one to have flipped the most Ticks into the cup by the end of the game won .
te	3	He was standing outside of the door to the building next to a boisterous , hairy man .
te	3	They had covered more ground that day than usual when the groups finally decided to stop for the night .
te	3	They pulled over near the side of the road in a circle formation to protect them from wind .
te	3	" Over protective parents keep just as tight a reign on their children , " Jen muttered .
te	3	" How do you know what they 'll do if you don 't give them a chance ? "
te	3	Worried I 'm lost , worried I 'll get hurt , worried they 're too worried . "
te	3	" And my little cousins are really cute , although they can be a big pain sometimes .
te	3	She sat down next to them and said , " I need to talk to you about something . "
te	3	I just want to be trained and given the opportunity to do bigger things in the future . "
te	3	She twisted and turned , her two swords flowing in a dance as she fought an invisible opponent .
te	3	" Then we 'd better find a good school to make sure you 're prepared . "
te	3	A man pulled a pipa out of one of the wagons and began to play and upbeat folksong .
te	3	Someone began to sing , and soon the entire caravan was singing and clapping to the music .
te	3	Davis reacted first , grabbing everyone within reach and yelling for them to leave everything and run .
te	3	She had taken her sword off when she got back to camp and had put it in the wagon .
te	3	Dark figures descended on the caravan , squeezing between the wagons to get into the main area .
te	3	She looked behind her to see what it was and found herself staring into the eyes of a corpse .
te	3	Jeff yelled , but she could barely hear him above the screams and through her shock .
te	3	He dragged her to her feet before the crowd could trample her and dragged her over to the wagon .
te	3	" We give them something so good to chase that they 'll all follow us ! "
te	3	" We don 't have enough time - " " I know , " Jen said .
te	3	Jen drew herself up to her full height as she fought the tears that were coming to her eyes .
te	3	The light of the fire made it glow , shining red light across the desolated campsite .
te	3	" I hope you have a plan to get us out of trouble now , " Jeff said .
te	3	" She 'll be alright , " she told him when he gave her an accusing look .
te	3	The one on her side lunged in at her chest , surprising her with the speed .
te	3	She cut it so close that she could feel the wisp of air across her cheek .
te	3	She dropped flat to the ground , getting a mouth full of dirt as a reward .
te	3	She spat it out and looked up in time to see black arrows flying over her head .
te	3	They 're corralling us to a certain spot while their friends surround us , " Jeff said .
te	3	" If we try to break through one of their lines they 'll just shoot us . "
te	3	People often make rain gear out of it for that reason , only it 's highly flammable . "
te	3	" Let 's hope this works , " she muttered as she crouched next to the edge .
te	3	She could barely make out the huddled forms of the Assassins forming a perfect circle around them .
te	3	It had been a temporary victory for the children , but it was better for the Assassins .
te	3	She had a large gash on her thigh , but she insisted it wasn 't terrible .
te	3	She 'd gotten away , but he 'd given her most of her cuts and broken her bowstring .
te	3	I should have come up with something better , she thought as she looked back at the stream .
te	3	Actually , I should have known the guild was coming and made them listen to me .
te	3	She took some of the cream out and spread it over the burns on her face and hand .
te	3	" Not really a ' but , ' more like a ' next time . " '
te	3	Next time I get one of those feelings , though , I want you to listen to me .
te	3	She obviously wasn 't angry , but she didn 't seem to be taking any of this seriously either .
te	3	" You do know how important it is that we keep the jewel safe , right ? "
te	3	After they had gotten clean and refilled their water bags Jeff suggested that they go downstream .
te	3	" Towns , villages , and cities are often built on rivers and streams , " he explained .
te	3	The streams of that area usually come from the eastern mountains and filter into the Lin River . "
te	3	She claimed it was the trail a deer would use while trying to get up the incline .
te	3	It stayed in sight of the river and had much better footing than the rocky bank .
te	3	" I know I 'm not walking down any alleys ever again without constantly looking over my shoulder .
te	3	An arrow streaked through the dense underbrush and hit something solid , which collapsed to the ground .
te	3	Jeff had his fight under control , so she dodged past him and ran farther into the woods .
te	3	She hit him in the back with her elbow , throwing him off balance and ruining his stance .
te	3	Unless ... " You didn 't go for their leaders instead of the scouts , did you ? "
te	3	She deflected weapons , twisted , and jumped as much as she could to keep from being hit .
te	3	It was making her head throb more , but she couldn 't bring herself to move .
te	3	If they had found it while she was out she wouldn 't have woken up at all .
te	3	Her voice was quiet and had a rasp to it that couldn 't possibly be real .
te	3	" Yes , it was , but you know more than what you say , " the woman said .
te	3	There must have been something on the knife because the cut it made burned worse than fire .
te	3	He ducked just in time to avoid a dagger one of the knife fighters had thrown .
te	3	She didn 't pay attention to where she was going or who was running with her .
te	3	" But we outran them and we 're both injured , so he should be okay . "
te	3	" Well , the jewel 's gone , so we 're done , " she said .
te	3	If we had gone with the plan we would have gotten our butts kicked and run away .
te	3	You would have kept them from surrounding us and the scouts wouldn 't have gotten to you .
te	3	I don 't care if it 's a death trap , we need to stop them . "
te	3	" You 'd have to be a really good forester to see them before they attack .
te	3	Jeff was on the ground trying to force a knife another Assassin was holding away from his throat .
te	3	She ducked to one side , barely avoiding the bolt and not falling out of the tree .
te	3	One of the five had snuck up to the base of the tree with another crossbow .
te	3	The girl 's head whipped over her shoulder , spotting the two sneaking up on her from behind .
te	3	She spun and snapped off a shot at one of the two , hitting her in the chest .
te	3	She pulled it free and spun to hit him in the back of his head with her elbow .
te	3	( Which would have been normal except the world didn 't stop spinning when she did . )
te	3	" We might as well make sure they don 't die on the way , " Jeff said .
te	3	He started down the main road , weaving through the crowd like he had lived there his whole life .
te	3	The walls were all white but finer than the white stucco walls of the smaller buildings near the gates .
te	3	The carpeting on them looked like it used to be fine but now was slightly ragged from many feet .
te	3	She was definitely old , but she still had the movements and sharp gaze of a much younger woman .
te	3	" You three look like you 've been to the doors of the abyss and back .
te	3	" Do you have a room where we can stay and a way to contact a healer ? "
te	3	Empty bookshelves lined the walls , most likely used to hold the books the scholars weren 't currently using .
te	3	" Some history books mention an Olden Language , one spoken back before the times of our first Empress .
te	3	" Back when we were camped with the caravan you joined in the singing , " she said .
te	3	She was a severe looking woman who looked a little older than Aunty and much younger than Mal .
te	3	This wasn 't her first time with a concussion and it wouldn 't be the last .
te	3	It should decrease the swelling , but the best thing to do is get a lot of rest . "
te	3	She took out a small bag with a tube hanging from the bottom and hung it on the stand .
te	3	" It 's only done for people of the ruling class for lack of clean needles . "
te	3	" I didn 't say you needed them , I just said I thought they might be useful . "
te	3	" It 's amazing how the circumstances change how fast you choose to trust someone , " Jeff murmured .
te	3	" But I can tell you that there 's this ... guild looking for something I found . "
te	3	We should learn what we need to and get out before said guild catches up to us .
te	3	" Did you stare at it when you first saw it because of its size ? "
te	3	" So , when you say general , you really mean general , " Jeff said .
te	3	It felt like despite all the books in the library there was nothing there that had anything useful .
te	3	This is one of the best libraries in the world , and yet it has nothing useful .
te	3	" I 've had no signs of a break in , but books are disappearing . "
te	3	The martial arts studio back home was little more than a pavilion , so wind blew through it easily .
te	3	Her hand wandered up to touch the chain beneath her collar as she thought of home .
te	3	" They all just happen to be off vacationing or feel rather mysterious just when she needs them ? "
te	3	It 's horrible , and I thought I 'd never have to do it again . "
te	3	I wish we never had to come here , never had to bring you into this . "
te	3	If he had been able to see her face through the dark he would have stopped there .
te	3	Possibly there was more to this than a jerk looking down on someone of lower class .
te	3	She tried to keep her voice down , but the group of teens heard it anyway .
te	3	" Better luck next - " he cut off when her fist connected with his nose .
te	3	He fell back on his butt in shock , his hand clasped over his bleeding nose .
te	3	" My mother being the Constable I have a duty to rid our fair city of vermin . "
te	3	Furious , she twisted to one side so the blade went past her and grabbed his arm .
te	3	She spun him around so he fell back to the road where he had been before .
te	3	Before he could finish turning around she grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back into a lock .
te	3	" He tried to kill me just because I broke his nose , " she snapped .
te	3	" Being a Constable 's son does not give you the right to boss everyone around .
te	3	" Stealing things like it was what you did for a living not too long ago . "
te	3	" He 's not going to say anything while you 're here , so get lost . "
te	3	" I 'm being hunted by the most dangerous group there is and you have a connection to them .
te	3	He took a pile of books and started down the rows of shelves to put them back .
te	3	But things keep building up against you and you 're suddenly refusing to talk to me .
te	3	" If you had asked how good I was in a fight I would have told you !
te	3	If you want to know my family or why I left in the first place I 'll tell you !
te	3	I know I should be more helpful , but I 'm trying to forget and move on . "
te	3	" If we keep this up then we 'll be seeing traitors all over the place . "
te	3	After all , Mal was in the super guild and he 's turned into a good guy . "
te	3	" Mal thinks we should leave tomorrow since there 's nothing more here for us to learn . "
te	3	" It would be easier to get everything we need if we split up , " Jeff said .
te	3	As they walked the babble of the crowd and the calls of the merchants faded into the distance .
te	3	" The city guards would stop them if they tried to get into the city , right ? "
te	3	" They 're for lighting something that might go up in flames fast , " he said .
te	3	" You light one end and throw it onto whatever it is you want to burn .
te	3	" Who knows when I 'll have to light a field of Dragon Weed on fire again ? "
te	3	Maybe I 'll come back after we finish our job and my Journey 's over . "
te	3	" That 's why the other two looked for your approval to leave , " he said .
te	3	Just because she had gotten jumped once didn 't mean she had to chicken out and avoid them forever .
te	3	He didn 't fall , but she had knocked him off balance enough to get another attack in .
te	3	Which one of them was really the stronger they 'd never know , but it didn 't matter .
te	3	She took her opportunity and ran past the stumbling black figure , leaving the alley at a dead sprint .
te	3	" They 're here , " she panted , skidding to a halt in front of them .
te	3	" He lost me in the crowd and disappeared down a side alley right before I was attacked . "
te	3	Jeff , who had seen her make the same gesture before , knew what it meant and did so .
te	3	Another dark figure had emerged from a side door and was moving carefully towards the front desk .
te	3	She positioned herself bellow the part of the desk where the empty space for the return box would be .
te	3	She pulled her leg back just in case one of them had an angle to shoot at her .
te	3	He gave her a look that clearly said ' do you want me to get killed ? '
te	3	A bolt hit it before it had barely left his hand , almost hitting his fingers .
te	3	Eventually they 'll all be used up , and then they 'll have to come to us . "
te	3	" You want us to draw their fire until they 're out , " she said .
te	3	" If we have a big enough distraction Mal could get her outside and stabilize her .
te	3	You can hide under that table over there and wait for Mal to hide under the front desk .
te	3	She zigzagged to make her path irregular so they 'd have a harder time hitting their mark .
te	3	Jeff was hit in the arm by a bolt , but it looked like it was just a scratch .
te	3	She ducked to avoid a crossbow bolt aimed at her head , which brought her back to the present .
te	3	The problem with bookshelves was that they only shielded her from two of the three windows .
te	3	" I 've been counting the intervals between when that guy shoots , and it 's around six seconds .
te	3	One , two , three ... If all went well Jeff would be drawing the fire now .
te	3	She slammed her elbow on the ground to stop her roll short before she rolled right into the dart .
te	3	Nothing shot at her before she was done , so Jeff 's plan must have been working .
te	3	She did this two more times , varying her dodging techniques to make herself a little less predictable .
te	3	There were many close calls and a couple scratches , but finally she rolled under the table .
te	3	She lay on her back under it and looked across the room towards where Mal should be .
te	3	She reached into the bag of herbs and took out a flint and a stick of Dragon Weed .
te	3	Also , it hadn 't occurred to her that she would be lying under a burning table .
te	3	She put her back to a bookshelf , counting to six , and gave them a thumbs up .
te	3	Jeff left the cover at a run , immediately rolled forward , and ran off to their left .
te	3	She was leaving her friends to be hunted down while she ran away and saved herself .
te	3	She crossed the distance in five seconds and got out the door as she counted six .
te	3	" She 's not getting worse , but she won 't wake up in time to help .
te	3	There were some ruffling noises and hands held her up , her back to the wall .
te	3	If you go unconscious then you won 't wake up in time to be of any use . "
te	3	" Also you 're reactions and movements will be slower so you won 't be as effective .
te	3	Jeff dodged out of the way of his first attacker , who fell into his second attacker .
te	3	Jeff drew even with her and grabbed her arm , dragging her to the door with him .
te	3	Though after seeing him throw that knife she knew he was definitely more fit and dangerous than he seemed .
te	3	" They patrol the walls at nights as well as at day , " Jeff said .
te	3	" It 's just as easy to be attacked when the moon 's up as when the sun is .
te	3	We 're just three random bloodied and injured people with drawn swords being chased by a super guild !
te	3	" Which is why you two need to go while I cover you , " he said .
te	3	The outline deflected her lunge to the side and thrust towards her neck in the same motion .
te	3	" Go through the gate , " she said to Jeff , who was fighting someone else .
te	3	She and Mal put their backs to the closing hole , keeping the attackers away from it .
te	3	A dagger flew past her ear to burry itself into the throat of the shadow in front of her .
te	3	The shadow flung out his arms , knocking into the two shadows to either side of him .
te	3	" We must get a head start before they climb the wall , " Mal said .
te	3	Do you know how many butts I could have kicked if I 'd been up and running ?
te	3	But no , I had to be the victim who gets shot to show the situation is serious . "
te	3	The only times I saw her before she came in with you was while passing the archery range .
te	3	" That 's okay ; I thought it was you for almost the same reasons . "
te	3	" We know it 's somewhere along the river , but the river 's really long .
te	3	" I still hate you for humiliating me , but I just saw someone die for the first time .
te	3	I didn 't know what it was really like to kill someone or see someone die .
te	3	We have enough medical supplies , but we only have two canteens and not enough food . "
te	3	Their supplies problem was far from settled , but it was the best they could do then .
te	3	" Just because she can walk blindfolded through a forest she acts like I 'm an incompetent idiot . "
te	3	" If anyone ever thinks that you are , just tell them about the library . "
te	3	We could just jump it if it was the normal size , but you know , rain .
te	3	Jeff turned and grabbed his arm to keep him from sliding off the rock into the shallow water .
te	3	Since she had been starting to head down the other side there was no way for her to help .
te	3	You 're going to need to start figuring out how to get along in each other 's element .
te	3	" Do you think you could find a little more sheltered area for us to stop ? "
te	3	They only had two , so one became the floor and the other was the roof .
te	3	Do you even stop to think that you 're just as difficult to deal with in the city ? "
te	3	" You both have the same problems and yet you have no sympathy for each other !
te	3	The other boy 's face was white with pain , but he hadn 't passed out yet .
te	3	It was luck that she so happened to be facing the right way at the time .
te	3	Most normal people would not have been able to move quickly with a dagger sticking into their back .
te	3	" I think we 're almost to the road , " she whispered so only they could hear .
te	3	It 's brown , and bendy , and - " " Behind you , " Mal said calmly .
te	3	" It 's just hard to see it beyond the sarcasm , which I can 't help . "
te	3	" High places are good , and open space is easy to hit someone in . "
te	3	" If you want to make a stand , then this is the best place . "
te	3	He was a couple yards to her left , being a lot less quiet than she was .
te	3	He needed to attract anyone close to them without bringing them all down on their heads .
te	3	Most likely his natural walk through the forest was as loud as they needed him to be .
te	3	She yanked her sword out of his side and couldn 't help but feel a little relish .
te	3	She hoped Jeff had been able to react in time as she knocked away her attacker 's sword .
te	3	In her momentary distraction he had pulled his wrist out of her grip and went for his sword .
te	3	It was some sort of powder that got in her eyes and mouth and made her choke .
te	3	She stumbled backwards to keep the woman from jumping down on her as she rubbed her eyes .
te	3	Her hand went for her sword , but she knew she 'd never get to it in time .
te	3	She dropped to one knee beside the indent the woman 's body had made in the muddy ground .
te	3	She has to move quietly to get away without us knowing , so she 'll be going slowly . "
te	3	" If I had more time I could get one , but she 's getting away .
te	3	It looked like he wasn 't gaining on the woman , but he wasn 't falling behind either .
te	3	She backed the Assassin up to the tributary , the shallow rushing water gurgling at her heels .
te	3	They warily closed in on the Assassin , ready for whatever she had up her sleeve .
te	3	" Did ... did she just commit suicide to try to kill me before she went down ? "
te	3	Fighting down nausea , she squatted by the little stream and let the water wash the red away .
te	3	I stitched up what I could , but I couldn 't stop all the internal bleeding and damage .
te	3	" A fallen tree or some rocks would make a good place to forge it , " she said .
te	3	" With all this rain there must be some that were blown or washed down . "
te	3	It made that new feeling she 'd been having towards him come to the surface again .
te	3	I say we get across the log and find a dry place to spend the night . "
te	3	" Alright , we 'll stop for the night as soon as we get across the tributary . "
te	3	I have done things that have had dire consequences for innocent people without even realizing it . "
te	3	When she nodded he said , " I was two years older than you when I joined the Assassins .
te	3	You 're the one who was saying we needed to find a healer as quickly as possible . "
te	3	I swear that I will keep that from happening with all of my strength and ability . "
te	3	" But what if it 's beyond your ability , and what if it 's you who dies ? "
te	3	They walked on the road now that the current group of Assassins was taken care of .
te	3	Then she noticed their smiles weren 't the large ones people get when they 're laughing .
te	3	There was no reason they should know that she had had no idea what she was doing .
te	3	It 'll be late , but at least we won 't be sleeping outside again . "
te	3	She held her head high as she turned to lead the way , trying to seem in control .
te	3	" This isn 't a normal animal track , " she said after examining the prints in the mud .
te	3	" My village had a real path , but our neighboring village only had a trail . "
te	3	" Yeah , the Assassins couldn 't have known we took out their last group yet .
te	3	" If you didn 't then we have very little time until they start attacking us again . "
te	3	" She would have let us walk right by if I hadn 't spotted her . "
te	3	" She could have been waiting to drop down behind you , " Mal pointed out .
te	3	I don 't think they 'd have caught up by now , but better safe than sorry .
te	3	She touched the chain around her neck , thinking of her own village that was so similar to this .
te	3	" There 's most likely no main road because it 's not big enough to need one .
te	3	That hut over there , the one in the center , is the healer 's home .
te	3	" So why 'd you ask him where the house was when you already knew ? "
te	3	Dried herbs hung from the ceiling and clay bottles stood on the floor near the walls .
te	3	A brunette woman a little younger than Mal sat behind the Zheng plucking the strings on each side .
te	3	The woman 's eyebrows rose at seeing all of them , but she didn 't comment .
te	3	" My Auntie is the senior healer there , though we don 't have any junior healers right now .
te	3	You can show these people to a room for them to wait while I take care of their friend .
te	3	As long as they gave him or his people no trouble they would get none from him .
te	3	That was mostly true except they were attacked by Assassins instead of bandits and they didn 't actually lose .
te	3	In villages the villagers tended to get together to hunt down and beat up anyone who shorted their healer .
te	3	" Maybe we should go get supplies , " Jeff said , trying to change the subject .
te	3	They 're meant just to keep us from having fun and doing what we want . "
te	3	" No they 're - " Jeff cut off and took a breath to calm himself .
te	3	She sat up and leaned her elbows on her knees , closing her eyes to imagine home .
te	3	He should be fine as long as he doesn 't do too much activity or anything . "
te	3	" Well , from the shape of its wings I 'd say it 's a falcon . "
te	3	" You don 't only need your eyes checked , you need your brain checked . "
te	3	A little girl broke free from the huddled kids and ran to the base of the tree .
te	3	" That one 's only good if you know a lot about flowers , " the boy said .
te	3	The basket she pointed to was being held by a woman near where the ball had been .
te	3	She picked herself off the ground and glared at him , keeping her smile off her face .
te	3	" He won 't stay that way if he keeps insisting on over exerting himself ! "
te	3	" Either you all wait for at least a week or your friend should stay here .
te	3	" Then either you 'll wait a couple days or I 'll try my luck , " he said .
te	3	" All I 'm saying is that it seems very unreliable and could be wrong . "
te	3	If you 're coming with us then you have to listen to me when it concerns my Journey .
te	3	" He hasn 't gone through what she has had with you , " Mal said from behind them .
te	3	The only way for a group to learn how to work together is through experience . "
te	3	" We don 't get many visitors here and it 's always nice to see a new face .
te	3	" The mountains are really steep in that area and I don 't have experience going through them . "
te	3	" You can navigate through the mountains even if you 've never actually been there before , right ? "
te	3	" It would be best if we took more breaks to allow him to gain his strength . "
te	3	" I thought we wanted to get as far as we can before the super guild catches us . "
te	3	Jeff had quickly given up with giving her a combination since that wasn 't how she worked .
te	3	She glared at him , thinking back to when she had done the same thing to Jen .
te	3	He crossed his arms and tapped his foot , waiting for her to get this over with .
te	3	Now she saw it on the map and it made her home a part of everything else .
te	3	Jeff poked her with the tip of his sword again before she could start feeling homesick .
te	3	He didn 't look like he was sure whether he liked where this conversation was going or not .
te	3	" And I mean free time you have for fun , not work or anything like that . "
te	3	" Besides , I also go riding , hunting , tracking , and do other stuff like that . "
te	3	" You always say ' with my cousins ' but you never say anyone specific . "
te	3	I 've memorized at least most of the aunts and uncles and that 's about it . "
te	3	" Of course I want you to get well , but we couldn 't stay there either .
te	3	" I 'm not being angsty - " " Yes you are so cut it out .
te	3	You 're supposed to be the one with the journey thing , whatever that is , here .
te	3	Keep working us like this and one of us is going to have a mental breakdown . "
te	3	We need to get as close to that mountain as we can before the Assassins find us again . "
te	3	" His favorite color is yellow , he likes chicken noodle soup , and he loves badminton . "
te	3	" It 's just he does it so much it 's going to drive him into the ground . "
te	3	" Maybe we should take turns actually keeping look out so he doesn 't do it all . "
te	3	" Hey , you 're the one who 's been telling me we need to keep watch .
te	3	She hadn 't expected him to be the first one to make an effort to make up .
te	3	" I 'm sorry if I 've been babying you , and maybe being a bit insensitive . "
te	3	" I don 't like people thinking I need to be protected , " he said .
te	3	You 've been stabbed and you won 't be doing much until you 're better . "
te	3	Once you 're better we can fight together and you can play hero to your heart 's content .
te	3	" It 's a swamp area that continues on until near the base of the mountain .
te	3	I should have known about it , I shouldn 't have led you this way ! "
te	3	" Couldn 't there be some place that 's shallower where we can ford it ? "
te	3	She didn 't want to think about what it would feel like to be wading in mud soaked boots .
te	3	" We could be attacked at any moment and if we aren 't prepared we could be killed ! "
te	3	" Stop giving advice on something you know nothing about , Pain , " he said angrily .
te	3	The strain of that guilt can break you or drive you to do something stupid and get yourself killed .
te	3	Every time they had to stop for something she had to call up to find out what was happening .
te	3	The green pit viper grows up to four feet long and has venom without a known cure .
te	3	He took her arm to balance her as she yanked her boot out of the water .
te	3	It was a much more uncomfortable break than what they 'd had back in the forest .
te	3	If anyone was watching they 'd move to follow her friends and she 'd see them .
te	3	As it was , she could feel the light wind that its jaws made as they snapped shut .
te	3	It hissed in pain and drew back , its jaws opening wide to show its teeth .
te	3	The one with the arrow through the jaw gave up and slid back into the water .
te	3	Jeff stepped forward and swung his sword wildly at the first one to scare it away .
te	3	" It 's not like I even knew what crocodiles were before one tried to eat me . "
te	3	She focused on the area it had come from until she spotted what it had been .
te	3	Nothing but the water , some ferns , and trees casting shadows in the late light ... Shadows .
te	3	He didn 't scream , but he hissed in pain as his dagger fell from his useless hand .
te	3	It was so high she could barely detect a faint sound just outside her spectrum of hearing .
te	3	He did not look happy with his assignment , but at that point she didn 't care .
te	3	She couldn 't tell which shadow it had come from until another arrow came shooting in her direction .
te	3	She stopped herself from telling him to warn her before he did something like that next time .
te	3	The people of this world depend on us and we won 't let them down . "
te	3	" I thought I might have had an idea , but it won 't work . "
te	3	Just then the side of the hill seemed to cave in as mud and rocks tumbled down across it .
te	3	She lifted one foot , the current of the mud dragging her backward , and tried moving it forward .
te	3	A bolt flew through the air where her neck would have been and embedded itself in a tree .
te	3	Suddenly Mal grabbed them by their collars and threw them into a crevice in the rocks .
te	3	She easily climbed the rocks until she levered herself out of the crevice and on top of the island .
te	3	I 'm beginning to think that splitting up like this wasn 't such a good idea after all . "
te	3	Light peeked through the rocks above them , making the tunnel a mix of shadow and sun .
te	3	She reached down and yanked her foot out , making sure the boot came with it .
te	3	She didn 't see anything again , but that didn 't mean there was nothing there .
te	3	It was harder than she thought it would be to catch up with the other girl .
te	3	The second person would have faded into the shadows if he hadn 't seen an opening .
te	3	She shifted her grip on her sword so she could stab behind her without turning around .
te	3	She stayed farthest back to shoot arrows back into the confusion they were trying to escape from .
te	3	She let go of the string and it snapped back to hit him in the nose .
te	3	She dodged between the trees , weaving in and out of the underbrush to try to throw off pursuit .
te	3	The Assassins would have been on their trail , so they would have moved out of the way .
te	3	And if she happened to run into some Assassins along the way then so be it .
te	3	She was sick of this mindless running , so this time she was prepared and ready to fight .
te	3	It was nice not having to fight , but she would have enjoyed taking her anger out on someone .
te	3	If it was an enemy she 'd have to fight , but she 'd be ready .
te	3	We cannot afford to do foolish things that might lose us a member of our group . "
te	3	Mal sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair as he came to stand next to her .
te	3	They didn 't encounter any snakes , leeches , Assassins , or crocodiles for a while .
te	3	" It 's easy for you to say , you skinny kid , " he said .
te	3	She grabbed the dagger guy 's shoulder and spun him around to stab him in the chest .
te	3	She ran over to the guy Mal had downed and knelt next to him to pull out the dagger .
te	3	" She 's the hardest to find so they 're setting a trap for her . "
te	3	The top half slammed into her hip and forced her to step back to avoid losing her balance .
te	3	She caught the punch aimed at her face and pivoted to throw the woman off to her left .
te	3	They ran away to their right , darting through the trees to try to not be seen .
te	3	There was a ping of metal hitting metal and his knife was deflected off to the left .
te	3	" It 's kind of hard to fight and squeeze backwards at the same time ! "
te	3	" Well at least it 's too narrow for their crossbows or we 'd be dead !
te	3	The guy had dropped the crossbow and had his knees on the edge of the hole .
te	3	She quickly pushed herself back away from the opening before they could regroup and get her exposed stomach .
te	3	The other girl held up a Dragon Weed stick in her other hand and lit it .
te	3	" They 'll expect us to run , so we wait for them to pass us before sneaking away .
te	3	They walked for what seemed like minutes and still didn 't discover what had made the noise .
te	3	" So I followed the sound and got close enough to hear what you were saying . "
te	3	" Now all we need to find is Jeff and Mal and we can get out of here ! "
te	3	" Jeffery and I were caught in a mud slide and then chased by those crocodiles .
te	3	" Some of them have clipped wings , but I 'll take that as a yes .
te	3	Even the water spraying in their wake seemed to leap in time with their graceful lines and artful blows .
te	3	The lead croc looked at her and opened its mouth to show its many sharp teeth .
te	3	Plus they needed to use that attention to keep a look out for disasters , natural and otherwise .
te	3	She was a bit relieved when they encountered the rock island again and the attention was taken off her .
te	3	She put her foot in his hands and he boosted her up to the first rock .
te	3	She liked to think that the effort of it was his fatigue and not her weight .
te	3	Besides , if she can do that then there 's no use to go after her . "
te	3	" Actually I could tell her what our plan would be , but you 're right anyway . "
te	3	Even if she 's fine one person is too easy for Assassins to pick off ! "
te	3	" Even if we 're all stuck down there at least we 'll be there together .
te	3	She put her legs into the crevice , took a deep breath , and slid in .
te	3	The walls started getting covered with a layer of moss , though it was too dark to see it .
te	3	She couldn 't move to get away from the wall because something heavy was pressing into her back .
te	3	What if she took out two arrows and slowed herself down , one on each side ? "
te	3	" She can 't be perfect all the time , and she just slammed into a wall .
te	3	She thought of all the rock , water , mud , and dirt piled up above them .
te	3	" At least we know we 'll be the only sounds competing for her attention . "
te	3	She found a water skin , some more dried ( now soggy ) food , and a sock .
te	3	She had no idea if she was going to land on hard ground or keep falling to her death .
te	3	" There 's some sort of underground river here , and it 's really cold . "
te	3	The light didn 't blind her enough that she didn 't see what had made the noise , though .
te	3	The tunnel 's walls didn 't change , but a section of the floor was actually a stream .
te	3	" You really have no idea when to not say something unhelpful , do you ? "
te	3	" Leaders can 't afford to say stuff like that , so I say it for you . "
te	3	Whose idea was it to start looking to some village kid like she 's a leader ?
te	3	A faint bit of background noise that was completely out of place in the silence of the tunnels .
te	3	She was never ever ever coming down to this abyss of endless tunnels and random traps ever again .
te	3	She soon realized that she could make out the outline of the vine she was clinging to .
te	3	They were out , both of them , and no one had fallen to their death .
te	3	She could feel raw sections on her hands from the vine , but that didn 't matter right then .
te	3	After the silence of the tunnels the background noise of the swamp was like a cacophony .
te	3	Still , there was no way for them to hear the Assassins or their friends anyway .
te	3	She 'd do whatever he wanted , just as long as he did that one thing .
te	3	They could all go and live in some little village where no one would find them .
te	3	It would be so easy ... Something caught her attention in the surface of the jewel .
te	3	She couldn 't see much from the rain and dark but that wouldn 't stop her .
te	3	She would have no way of knowing that her girl was sitting in the mud , her heart breaking .
te	3	It was a horrid thought that she hadn 't been able to do the same for him .
te	3	Jeff had been feeling guilt back in the swamp before ... before the real tragedy had occurred .
te	3	She 'd been trying so hard this time , and yet someone had snuck up on her .
te	3	This time she made sure they all ate and set up one of those hand-made tents .
te	3	Finally she managed to drift off into dreams filled with running , blood , and dead staring eyes .
te	3	On instinct she whipped a leg around and swept her attacker 's feet out from under him .
te	3	Her kick ended with her up on one knee with one leg out to the side .
te	3	He had a square face and his skin was worn and tanned from hours in the sun .
te	3	She rolled forward under where the bolt would have gone if he had actually shot at her .
te	3	She came up in front of him and slammed the hilt of her sword into his chest .
te	3	She underestimated him , and he grabbed her arm and tried to flip her over his head .
te	3	She rolled forward and away as he fell so she was on her feet when he hit the ground .
te	3	Traveling about their woods , leading travelers to safety , protecting the roads , going places !
te	3	Besides , any girl who wants to be a forester is bound to have dangerous but good friends . "
te	3	" But it looks like your friends could use a bit of a break , " Marge said .
te	3	" I think I know what town that is , though I don 't remember its name either .
te	3	It 's outside our woods , but if you want we can take you to the edge tomorrow . "
te	3	" We have to do something , but it 's a bit of a secret . "
te	3	No witty or unhelpful comments , no ideas , no words of support , no nothing .
te	3	" You people need a break , and a longer one than a few hours . "
te	3	" No one can find our cottage unless we bring them here , " George said stubbornly .
te	3	" I 've been doing this job for a long time , " he said slowly , reminiscing .
te	3	The hardest are always those who have been through some tragedy before they got here . "
te	3	It 's my job to make sure they don 't have to go through any more . "
te	3	" So I know there isn 't anything I can say to change what has happened .
te	3	" Now I said ' move on ' , not ' forget ' , " George corrected .
te	3	It 's a terrible thing that you 've had to deal with this so young . "
te	3	" If you take this trail it should lead you to the edge of our woods .
te	3	With all this rain we want to stay out of the mountains as much as possible .
te	3	She didn 't really know what she was going to say , but she had to say something .
te	3	From the looks on their faces and steel in their eyes she could see how determined they had become .
te	3	She hadn 't thought it was that good , but the effect on her friends had been big .
te	3	They had to know in order to really make the correct decision to keep going or not .
te	3	It 's just that hunting is such a small thing that I decided to listen to her . "
te	3	" Why in the world would someone teach toddlers self-defense instead of waiting until their older ?
te	3	I don 't need someone tramping around behind me scaring away all of the game . "
te	3	They didn 't find any game large enough for a while , but it was exciting all the same .
te	3	She moved slowly closer to the deer , preparing for a good shot through the trees .
te	3	It had a crossbow bolt in its eye , one smaller than any she had seen before .
te	3	" Even if they aren 't a danger the guys would want to know about it . "
te	3	Back at their campsite Mal and Jeff had finished the tent and gotten a fire going .
te	3	She wandered over to get it and found herself face to face with the handsome boy from the trio .
te	3	" Though Ala did mention that you would have gotten it if she hadn 't shot first .
te	3	The next morning they got up early and set down their little campsite as quickly and quietly as possible .
te	3	They seemed like nice people and she didn 't want them to get hurt because of her Journey .
te	3	It would be nice to have someone she didn 't need to protect all the time .
te	3	Their trail dipped down a bit , and for about ten yards it went under muddy water .
te	3	" Who here wants a reminder of what it was like wading through the swamp ? "
te	3	The one to our right takes us away from the mountains , but it 's really long .
te	3	" And the one time it wasn 't it cost a friend 's life , " he said angrily .
te	3	We should concentrate on trying to keep it from happening , rather than wondering about it . "
te	3	The mountains had been there long before humans were and they 'd be there long after .
te	3	She gave her a look that clearly said , " don 't get me caught . "
te	3	After a moment they all turned simultaneously to look down the trail in the other direction .
te	3	" They seem to be planning , probably how they 're going to find and kill us . "
te	3	Mal sneaks around and takes out a few of the guards before positioning himself in the super-secret path .
te	3	It was barely big enough for her to put both feet on and covered in loose rocks .
te	3	She wasn 't afraid of heights , but still she was glad to see the ground coming closer again .
te	3	Jeff had jumped out from behind the rock and hit his first target from behind as well .
te	3	She twisted so the dagger came out of his hand and caught it with her free hand .
te	3	Number two had a second knife and lunged at her as number one did the same with his sword .
te	3	She deflected both , number two 's with his own dagger and number one 's with her sword .
te	3	The hilt of her sword cracked on the top of his head as she came down .
te	3	If she could get up it then they 'd have to come at her one at a time .
te	3	She twisted down low so she went by his legs and he went over the edge .
te	3	The Assassin 's last act before he fell was to hook his foot behind her ankle .
te	3	Her top half landed on her side on the ledge and her legs landed on air .
te	3	She tried to yank herself back up , but the weeds began to snap at the extra pull .
te	3	Before she could do either of these things she felt a hand close of her wrist .
te	3	There were more Assassins then they had anticipated , but they weren 't doing too badly .
te	3	Now that the four most dangerous ones were down Jeff was able to take the front of them .
te	3	He ducked under the first guy 's mace and used his momentum to flip the guy over his head .
te	3	He moved his head slightly to one side so the next lady 's dagger went past his ear .
te	3	He grabbed her wrist and aimed it so the woman hit the guy he had flipped in the chest .
te	3	She leaped forward and turned so she could catch the first woman 's thrust over her shoulder .
te	3	" You were understating when you said you were good , Pain , " he said appreciably .
te	3	" That 's funny , the last time I got poisoned I started feeling weird right away .
te	3	She took the jewel out of her pocket and held it up for them to see .
te	3	" I just thought you should know something about those twins , " he told her softly .
te	3	" Those sashes they 're wearing are a sign of full membership to an assassin 's guild . "
te	3	If he was going to be a part of their group he needed to know everything .
te	3	He said his family traveled all over collecting data so fine it included even the tiny mountain villages .
te	3	" In such good hands we 're bound to get there without a problem , " he said confidently .
te	3	" So , during the fight , why did you let me go for my sword by myself ? "
te	3	" You don 't know me well enough to know that I can take care of myself . "
te	3	It 's made so the blade doesn 't bend or break while battling larger blades . "
te	3	" I 've come to the decision that my family isn 't usual , even for villages .
te	3	The various aunts , uncles , and cousins all seemed to disappear and reappear at different times .
te	3	I 've memorized most of the cousins , but everyone else is just random family . "
te	3	My Aunty and four of my cousins , Lily , Dan , Charlie , and Molly . "
te	3	She felt pretty proud of that , even though it was a silly thing to feel proud of .
te	3	He made her forget all the horror she 'd gone through without distracting her from the task at hand .
te	3	" For my family when someone reaches around seventeen they find there 's something they must do .
te	3	" We 've found that bad things tend to happen when we ignore my Journey sense .
te	3	" Hey , if I woke you up every morning by kicking you what would you do ? "
te	3	" Perhaps we send in one or two people to get supplies and a little information on the terrain .
te	3	" I know the usual layouts of towns and such pretty well , " Jeff said .
te	3	" One can keep a look out for trouble while the other two are getting what 's needed . "
te	3	Slowly she placed the doll back in the little girl 's arms and paced across the street to her .
te	3	She hadn 't expected there to be survivors , but at least it had been a hope .
te	3	Under her cloak she wore a white tunic with their symbol on the chest and a chain mail shirt .
te	3	" We were coming here for supplies for our journey through the mountains , but we found it destroyed .
te	3	The Guild of Angels was formed to counter the Assassins in the race for the necklace .
te	3	" Mal left the Assassins when he was young after he realized what they really were .
te	3	" You seem like an honorable girl , Miss Pain , so I shall hold my sword this time .
te	3	You must understand that traitors are what destroyed this town , so we cannot take any more chances . "
te	3	Our group hasn 't been fighting the Assassins long , but we 've been pretty successful . "
te	3	There aren 't just seven people against a super guild , there 's a whole other mega guild ! "
te	3	" You may use these for the duration of our trip , " she told them .
te	3	" My superiors will be waiting for us at a meeting point higher in the mountain . "
te	3	She did not want to admit it , but she had absolutely no idea how to ride .
te	3	" That was with making an odd little tent , this is riding a horse . "
te	3	" No one will know your lack of skill if you 're riding with me . "
te	3	The day almost seem to mock the terror that the people of this town had undergone .
te	3	The world would have been a better place if groups like the Assassins didn 't exist .
te	3	We received a message that you seven wished to form an alliance with the Guild of Angels . "
te	3	If we can form an alliance together then we 'd have a better shot at taking them down .
te	3	I have a whole establishment to worry about so I can 't make alliances with just anyone . "
te	3	My group would be an asset to your guild because we were able to protect this for weeks . "
te	3	We can have our best and bravest make sure it gets to where it needs to be . "
te	3	They could take it the rest of the way and she could go home to her family .
te	3	What could you possibly do that groups of highly trained and armed soldiers couldn 't do better ? "
te	3	She watched him break past the wall of what he saw and begin to evaluate what was underneath .
te	3	I would like to invite you all to come back to our base as allies . "
te	3	She 'd always dreamed of meeting one for real , but it had always been only a dream .
te	3	She didn 't want to walk up to a mystic and start talking about something they knew nothing about .
te	3	" Our actual stronghold is much farther up in the mountain , " Commander Laurence said .
te	3	A cloaked person stepped out from a group of trees to talk with the Commander as they approached .
te	3	After spending so much time looking for the Assassins she had seen the guy from way back .
te	3	Then send one of your men to the commander 's room in order to take a message .
te	3	They followed her into the dining room and through one of two doors on the left wall .
te	3	Feel free to wander the compound , though I wouldn 't suggest going into the woods .
te	3	Now suddenly there she was inside an organization made a hundred years ago for that very purpose .
te	3	There were still people willing to do what needed to be done to protect the innocent .
te	3	No one was in the dining room except for two Angels washing dishes in the back corner .
te	3	They weren 't bad , but they had a bad habit that was driving her crazy .
te	3	She didn 't want to get in the way , though , so she continued by .
te	3	If she remembered correctly then there were thirty men under one P ' u li yen , or lieutenant .
te	3	" Most katana are meant to be used with both hands , but yours is single handed like mine .
te	3	Without missing a beat the two switched rolls , the girl stepping into attack while the boy backed off .
te	3	As they went she started calling out moves less and less until she was basically just giving tips .
te	3	" It 's not your fault , these soldiers should know better than to become distracted . "
te	3	Going out to spend hours scouting or fighting Assassins only to come back and drill themselves until dinner .
te	3	Simultaneously the soldiers hung their weapons on the racks on the walls and filed into the dining hall .
te	3	They were already kneeling by a table placed in the front left hand corner of the room .
te	3	Jeff passed her a plate with a piece of meat , bread , and a small salad on it .
te	3	" Still , I think we all prefer to not die at all , " Jeff said .
te	3	" In this guild we are born with the knowledge that our lives are committed to the cause .
te	3	" Mystics who have spent many of their years unraveling the secrets of the universe . "
te	3	Maybe when they found out how much she knew they would want her to come back .
te	3	The idea might have just been a silly dream , but at least it was something .
te	3	He smiled like he found her daydreaming amusing before turning away to flirt with one of the lieutenants .
te	3	" We will be escorting you to our main base , " Commander Laurence told them .
te	3	At times the trail went up a steeper point so they had to climb up the rocks .
te	3	How the girl managed to look at a map and walk at the same time was a mystery .
te	3	" We made it hard to get to so that no one would ever find it .
te	3	" If you don 't know where it is then this cliff is basically impassible . "
te	3	Despite all this they managed to get up the face without anyone falling to their deaths .
te	3	Great arches , domes , spires , and towers made the building look like something from a dream .
te	3	To the left of the giant compound a large , slow moving stream bubbling past some rocks .
te	3	Bamboo pavilions and pathways ran across the stream with dragon flies buzzing around the people there .
te	3	Henna bowed her head as he , the two captains , and the lieutenants swept past her .
te	3	They reminded her of smaller , more open versions of her martial arts studio without the weapons .
te	3	She slipped out past Henna and knocked on the wall next to the boy 's door before opening it .
te	3	" Lieutenant Henna Lyre , first of her class and youngest soldier to become an officer ! "
te	3	She moved behind him and put her hands over his so he was in the right position .
te	3	Some of you might want to go over to him , he actually knows more than me . "
te	3	Instead of embracing her little sister Henna raised her eyebrows and put her hands on her hips .
te	3	I also have a letter that I will present to your group after you are finished . "
te	3	When their kids reach ten they start training and the parents go back to being soldiers . "
te	3	Ala went straight to her mat and sat down on it , looking like she 'd seen a ghost .
te	3	After the servants had cleared everything away Henna stood up and took out an envelope with a golden seal .
te	3	In the end they decided to wear their normal clothes , only the sets that were actually clean .
te	3	In the girls ' room they all brushed their hair and made sure they looked alright .
te	3	They hadn 't changed clothes either , though they were all cleaner and had brushed their hair .
te	3	Her long blond hair fell about her shoulders and made her really look like a warrior angel .
te	3	She led them down some hallways until they came to one that was bigger and grander than the others .
te	3	Mostly there were officers , but there were also a few normal soldiers and some families .
te	3	Brenna , who had been walking with them , let go of her sister 's hand .
te	3	Once we get to the stairs we 'll all drop to one knee before the five Mystics of Angels .
te	3	Large decorated pillars lined a marble walkway to a platform at the end of the hall .
te	3	Beyond the pillars was a good amount of space filled with a surprising amount of people .
te	3	Behind the people on the walls were calligraphy pictures of mountains , trees , and rivers .
te	3	The major officers stood on the stairs at each side of the platform in increasing rank .
te	3	Almost in unison the eight of them dropped to one knee in front of the platform .
te	3	She kept her chin high and her back straight even though she felt like her insides were shaking .
te	3	There was no way she was going to enter into this alliance less than an equal .
te	3	The Commander that received you has given his opinion that we support you in your decision .
te	3	If a couple teens could figure out where they might learn of the Sanctuary then mystics could .
te	3	The rain has turned it into a river and trees and other debris have fallen over the trail .
te	3	" Just then there was a strong energy flowing around you , " the Most Honorable Mystic told her .
te	3	" We have spent our lives studying and have not heard of such a thing . "
te	3	" It happens without our control , but I have also studied the works of ancient mystics .
te	3	" Now 's not the time , " he said quietly so only she could hear .
te	3	As much as she wanted to talk with the mystics they had a mission to do .
te	3	She walked over next to one of the Generals so her arm could reach the mountain .
te	3	What she had said was true , but she had made it sound like they 'd left it behind .
te	3	" The trick is to find a way that has only small places like this , " he explained .
te	3	" Except that way has brambles at the bottom that are too thick to pass , " he said .
te	3	" Just start in the gorge and pick up the trail where they meet here . "
te	3	" Set up another time with Miss Fletcher for this discussion after the meeting , " he ordered .
te	3	Looking disappointed , the two Generals stepped back into their places while Laurence rolled back up the map .
te	3	Could she really just leave it here and let someone else protect it for a while ?
te	3	Outside , the hall was crowded from people trying to get out of one door very quickly .
te	3	I was just officially assigned by the mystics as your guide as long as our alliance stands . "
te	3	" But once a bad comment is made the target usually challenges him to a duel . "
te	3	If the insulted does not take up the challenge then he is seen as a coward . "
te	3	" I bet we could find our way out there if you want , " he said .
te	3	She turned back to the window with her hands on her hips and an eyebrow raised .
te	3	The still ponds continued out for a bit before changing into the moving water of the river .
te	3	" I have also studied the works of ancient mystics , " he assured the woman .
te	3	" Then you are welcome here as well , " the woman said in a kinder tone .
te	3	She went back to the pavilion and sat down on one of the benches along the wall .
te	3	" This was written around a hundred and fifty years ago by a famous mystic named Cho Ming . "
te	3	She hated feeling stupid , and she could tell that this woman was slowly losing respect for her .
te	3	" My Aunty taught me to speak and read it , and she 's the healer of my village .
te	3	She said healers all know it so they can read the ancient scrolls of healers past . "
te	3	Maybe written down it 's different enough that I can 't read the Ancient language . "
te	3	" Of course , " Lia said quietly so the dragon fly wouldn 't fly away .
te	3	She held out her finger slowly towards the dragon fly as a place for it to perch .
te	3	" At first our guild was only a group of mystics focused on study , " Lia said .
te	3	Some of them went out to learn more of it , but the Assassins slaughtered them .
te	3	" It 's time for the officer meeting , " he told them when he got close enough .
te	3	" I 'll be friendlier when he stops making jabs at me , " Jeff snapped .
te	3	You use the same style , and you have the same power and grace in your strokes . "
te	3	Most of the room was taken up by a large rectangular table covered in a very large map .
te	3	Henna led them past the officers until they came to stand in front of the red drapery .
te	3	" But it also takes us past one of our outer posts , " the other general pointed out .
te	3	" It would be easier for our men to take a break before continuing up . "
te	3	It would be better for them to cross over here instead of going by the post . "
te	3	Eventually she found herself beginning to understand their reasoning behind taking a route or finding another one .
te	3	" Those lines represent the change in elevation , " one of the generals told her .
te	3	Once we get up there the terrain could become impassible like the way up into your fortress .
te	3	" You 're right , we don 't know whether or not this will work . "
te	3	Jeff took the mattress for her so she could use both hands pry up the loose board .
te	3	" From the looks of it we should be able to follow this one almost the entire way .
te	3	Things get a little fuzzy up here near the village , but it 's good enough . "
te	3	The soldier stared at her in surprise for a moment before holding out a fancy envelope .
te	3	" I 've been invited to the Meditation hall to talk with the mystics at five ! "
te	3	Henna was conversing angrily with two other lieutenants , both of whom were gesturing angrily at some papers .
te	3	If you two can 't share a training session then you are ill fit to be lieutenants ! "
te	3	" They were under the illusion that a third party could make the decision for them . "
te	3	Right now I should hang around here and make sure that these idiots don 't start something again . "
te	3	" It 's going to be very hard to be normal stuck in a military compound . "
te	3	She looked rather frazzled and was running her fingers through her hair as Jeff opened the door .
te	3	" See you guys later , " she told her friends before shutting the door behind her .
te	3	They passed by the Hall of Angels and came up to a silver door decorated with engravings of angels .
te	3	They should have just let her do her job instead of forcing some arrogant woman to do it .
te	3	The alcoves each contained a beautiful and incredibly intricate structure made up of thin clear crystals .
te	3	On each side of the alcoves stood bookshelves filled with rich and very old looking books and scrolls .
te	3	" We are most glad that you are able to join us , " he said .
te	3	" It is so unusual for one at your age to have reached the level you have . "
te	3	She closed her eyes and breathed out as she brought her hands together in front of her chest .
te	3	First she brought her foot up to rest on her knee , her opposite knee facing outward .
te	3	She leaned forward so that her stomach was parallel to the ground and extended her leg out behind her .
te	3	Even slower yet , she took one hand and started to move it back towards her ankle .
te	3	She was getting angry at herself for losing it and that was just making it worse !
te	3	She started leaning forward , bringing her ankle past her head and her body closer to her leg .
te	3	Desperately she tried to get rid of her emotions , but she was fighting a losing battle .
te	3	Her leg collapsed out from beneath her , and she cracked her head on the floor .
te	3	There he carefully picked out a very old looking scroll and delicately handed it to her .
te	3	We request that the first thing you do after the officer meeting upon return is translate our volumes .
te	3	None of them claim to be or act like they are the one who discovered it . "
te	3	They remained in balance , yin and yang , and in a never ending circle of life and death .
te	3	" We have never encountered someone so far along with so little experience with the energies of nature .
te	3	She scanned the scroll quickly in case there was anything she 'd missed before carefully rolling it back up .
te	3	The other man took the scroll from her and carefully placed it back in its slot .
te	3	" All of the volumes you see here as well as a large section of our personal library .
te	3	The exact number escapes me at the moment , but I have it written down in some files . "
te	3	" If you could write down the basic characters then we can have our scribes do the rest .
te	3	" I did not realize that it had become so late or I would have sent for a dinner .
te	3	The last woman stood to pull a rope hanging near a small door in the far wall .
te	3	It was a rather strange meal , no dumplings or roast duck , but it all smelled wonderful .
te	3	The second woman must have noticed her look since she leaned over and whispered something in Orion 's ear .
te	3	" You were just trying to do what you thought was right and she walked all over it ! "
te	3	" You 're going to make us climb them with you , aren 't you ? "
te	3	She was already part of the way up one of the trees when they reached the base .
te	3	From this height she could see past the tree tops surrounding the compound and out over the mountain side .
te	3	Above it the sky blazed in fiery colors slowly fading to the deep blues and purples of night .
te	3	" I can see it from here , " he continued as if she 'd never spoken .
te	3	" Out of all the things you can do in a library you chose to organize the books ? "
te	3	She could be sad in a couple weeks once the jewel was safely in the Sanctuary .
te	3	She had to climb up onto the second story window sill before pulling herself up onto the roof top .
te	3	She didn 't peek inside the second story window just in case it was someone 's private room .
te	3	" Wise assess like wise assess , it 's just no one else can appreciate them . "
te	3	" If I were to pick someone I thought could handle it , it would be you .
te	3	" I lost a friend in the swamp and nothing 's going to replace him . "
te	3	Living relationships come and go , but he 's always going to be with you . "
te	3	" Someday I 'm going to crack past that shell you 've got , Pain . "
te	3	A small fold up table had been erected in the center and held a bowl of rice and vegetables .
te	3	When everyone was ready Henna took out a map and unrolled it on the floor next to the table .
te	3	As you can see it follows this trail up the gorge before joining this deer trail up here .
te	3	Our trail is one of the riskier ones since no one has ever gone up it before .
te	3	All I said is that we need to keep an eye out for those kinds of things .
te	3	There 's also the possibility that the gorge will be completely flooded due to the recent weather .
te	3	She hated being the only one who didn 't know how to read a map well .
te	3	" We think it may be steep but passable the whole way up , " Henna said .
te	3	" We 've already been provided with sufficient supplies , so we can start heading out right away . "
te	3	Then they 'll start on the soldiers , methodically working their way from veterans on down .
te	3	Henna replaced her cloak and chain mail with a plain , long sleeved brown shirt and dark brown trousers .
te	3	" It 's the symbol of my station and duty , of my destiny and courage . "
te	3	Finally , after a half hour walk , they came to the entrance of the gorge .
te	3	Other times it slipped under the rocks so they only knew it was there from the noise .
te	3	" Someday you 're going to be the experienced one dragging around a bunch of newbies . "
te	3	Maybe they should have left him back at the compound so he 'd only have to do this once .
te	3	They all sat around on a large flat rock and shared some dried meat and bread .
te	3	The only warning she had was a small sliding noise and Henna 's foot connecting with her mouth .
te	3	Jeff had all four of his limbs braced on the hill and had taken the group on his shoulder .
te	3	" Any of us could have done it , and Jeff stopped us before it got carried away . "
te	3	They found a bunch of trees that they could brace their feet on to take another break .
te	3	The world was just putting one hand or foot over another , pulling herself up each step .
te	3	There it was , a section branching off onto a deer trail to their left up ahead .
te	3	She looked up ( down ) and found the ground to be an uncomfortably long distance away .
te	3	Jeff and the twins all had failed to move in time and were hanging from their waists .
te	3	They were all rather dirty and scraggly like they hadn 't had a decent meal in a while .
te	3	Their clothes looked badly hand-sewn and made out of random pieces of brown and green material .
te	3	They all were rough and worn down , their eyes holding too much experience and distrust for their age .
te	3	" If so much as one of you makes a move I could easily break her neck . "
te	3	If we really were one of them then we 'd just go get some assassins and kill you . "
te	3	You think you 're so special , but you 're just a group of murderers ! "
te	3	We found something the guild wanted and they 've been trying to kill us too since .
te	3	I thought you 'd be clever enough to at least come up with something believable . "
te	3	" If they find out you know then they 'll stop at nothing to kill you . "
te	3	" I was watching you for a while and you don 't act like a guild member . "
te	3	" Since you came into sight at the top of the gorge , " the girl answered .
te	3	I 'm not willing to put myself at the mercy of people who just tried to kill me . "
te	3	" Then there will still be one of you who knows what our camp looks like . "
te	3	" All you 'd have to do is make sure that the one doesn 't make it out . "
te	3	The largest was slightly in front of the others and was about twice the size of the rest .
te	3	To the right side was a flat open area that had targets and badly made straw dummies .
te	3	A long table took up most of the floor space with a dozen chairs gathered around it .
te	3	" Go stand over there , " she said , pointing to the far left corner .
te	3	The most pronounced ones looked like someone had at one point driven a hook under each collar bone .
te	3	" As I was saying , they claim that they aren 't a part of that guild of murderers .
te	3	" They lead you into believing them , trusting them , and then they turn on you .
te	3	" They 're liars and cut throats are we 're going to kick their asses ! "
te	3	Everyone we 've encountered has either come up with an intricate story or just plain tried to kill us .
te	3	" They 'd never leave them behind unless it was completely necessary , even to fool us . "
te	3	She just raised her eyebrows and reached behind her to take a slate and piece of chalk .
te	3	Now we 're taking it up the mountain to a place it will be safe . "
te	3	If you interfere with what we 're doing then your people are going to get hurt . "
te	3	" We 've given you all the evidence we have that we 're on your side .
te	3	Why did you bring us here if you 're just going to keep questioning our motives ?
te	3	" These ' children ' have gone through more pain than you 'll ever experience ! "
te	3	Training does , and half of us here have been training since we could barely walk ! "
te	3	You can 't just walk into our section of the forest and belittle everything we 've done ! "
te	3	That 's why we need to go if nothing good is going to come out of staying here . "
te	3	Finally she said , " Either you are very good at lying or telling the truth . "
te	3	We might get some more insight on whether they 're telling the truth or lying . "
te	3	" Once we 're sure you 're not going to betray us , " An told her .
te	3	" Well , we 'll have to assign you guards , " An said , thinking .
te	3	" ... and you three will stay with that sly talking , aggressive , belittling redhead . "
te	3	" She left out almost all physical characteristics and went with personality traits , " she said .
te	3	" You do realize that you 're the only redhead in our group , right ? "
te	3	" So under that logic could we act incredibly suspicious and not get in trouble ? "
te	3	" As long as it takes to make sure you 're not evil , " An said .
te	3	I got dragged into it and took charge so everyone wouldn 't starve the first winter .
te	3	" When I recovered An saw my determination and insight , and she made me her second .
te	3	" I left their group when I realized what they were , " he told her .
te	3	Then to her friends she said , " Try not to hurt anyone if you don 't have to .
te	3	The two boys led them on a diagonal path angling towards the way they 'd come .
te	3	They had nearly made it to the trees when archers stepped out of nowhere and fired at them .
te	3	She grabbed the bow of the scout in front of her and yanked it out of his hands .
te	3	She jumped forward and cut the string of one of the bows aiming for her right before it fired .
te	3	Someone grabbed her hair , but she reached back and ducked to flip the girl over her head .
te	3	She rolled with the fall , but when she came up her back hit a tree .
te	3	Come on , the others will be freaking out and those scouts will be here any second . "
te	3	" If we go down the gorge we 'll be sitting ducks , " Jeff said .
te	3	They hadn 't gone far when a line of archers appeared at the top of the gorge .
te	3	The archers appeared at the top of the gorge again , but they didn 't fire .
te	3	The sky had long since blackened into night and the moon was high in the sky .
te	3	There was no way they could stop to sleep with the scouts searching for them in the forest .
te	3	By the time they reached the bottom of the gorge everyone was nearly asleep on their feet .
te	3	She looked below her and saw the cliff she was on go on down into an abyss .
te	3	A great monster , a dark cat-like thing , was crouching near them , ready to pounce .
te	3	The girl stepped up , holding up the spear she apparently had had the whole time .
te	3	She braced the end of the spear on the ground so the monster fell on the tip .
te	3	" I can 't move or turn my head , but I can hear two people .
te	3	Then I see this great red dragon trying to keep the sea away from the wall .
te	3	I know someone 's supposed to be there to help her , but the person 's missing .
te	3	She found her friend just outside the room where the officer meeting had been two days before .
te	3	" They offered to give us another assignment , but I turned it down on your behalf .
te	3	Military accidents happen , people get hurt on scouting trips , a kid falls outside , the usual .
te	3	" So , last night sucked , " Jeff commented as he took a piece of bread .
te	3	She remembered the pain in her eyes when she mentioned the town at the base of the mountain .
te	3	" Starting a group like that is exactly what I would have done , " Jeff said .
te	3	" There 's always a big ceremony and celebration when they do things like this , " Henna said .
te	3	He smiled at her as she came in and gestured to the red cushion across from him .
te	3	" We would be honored if you would come as soon as possible to continue . "
te	3	Instead of going back to their rooms , however , they passed through the front arch to outside .
te	3	They were offered rice wine , though most everyone politely refused it in favor of tea .
te	3	Henna led them to the left side of the platform where they waited for everyone to settle down .
te	3	This time there were so many people that the ones in front were practically stepping into the center aisle .
te	3	They were completely naked and their bodies were so damaged and misshapen that it was hard to distinguish features .
te	3	" These are the last of the traitors from that wretched town , " Orion told her .
te	3	" But now they are all caught , and none of them shall betray us again ! "
te	3	The Five Mystics of Angels , however , are wise enough to see past their lies .
te	3	" You can 't just walk in here and defile the great deeds of our guild ! "
te	3	Instead of taking the time to open it she merely punched in the glass and grabbed the jewel inside .
te	3	They had already knocked aside an aisle in the crowd of people and were jumping out the window .
te	3	They ran through an arch that took them out of the courtyard they had jumped into .
te	3	Then there was the sound of a flint being used and a torch burst into flame .
te	3	He was just so worn down that he looked much more aged than he really was .
te	3	As the man drew closer the torch showed that there was another wall only a couple feet behind her .
te	3	The man peeped out the crack of the door for a long moment before opening it .
te	3	This time a younger woman lifted the trap door and waved for them to follow her .
te	3	She also had a torch , and she walked with the same stoop as the older man .
te	3	The woman peeked through the cracks in the trapdoor above her before opening it and slowly climbing out .
te	3	She came face to face with a ring of ragged , bent , defeated looking people .
te	3	" But if you know a way out then why don 't all of you escape ? "
te	3	" We 'd be cut down before we could even reach the trees , " she told him .
te	3	" There are small passages they 've forgotten about all over the compound , " the woman told them .
te	3	With a twisting motion of her body she wrenched the lieutenant 's sword from her grip .
te	3	She kicked Henna in the chest against the wall again so she wouldn 't jump on her back .
te	3	" If you keep up that pace then I 'll be the only one left , " he called .
te	3	Instead of a wooden sword , though , this time she had ambushed them with a real knife .
te	3	Mal picked her up by the collar and tossed her carefully back out into the meadow .
te	3	" Don 't get hit in the crossfire , little animal , " he warned her .
te	3	" There a heck of a lot of them and I 'll need arrows later on . "
te	3	They scrambled up a muddy slope before running up an easier slope heading towards their left .
te	3	" We 're taking a winding route up so you guys don 't kill yourselves on steep slopes .
te	3	" It will erase our tracks so we can disappear into the woods farther up . "
te	3	She turned just in time to see Mal topple over the edge on the other side .
te	3	All of this is too big for us , but there is one thing we can do .
te	3	Suddenly a huge bolt of lightning broke the sky and crashed into the trees she was looking at .
te	3	The wind fed it until it had become a huge forest fire right before her eyes .
te	3	The three of them dove to the edge , lying on their bellies to scan the fire bellow .
te	3	Feeling like they 'd just lost yet another person , they ran farther away from the edge .
te	3	They cowed there , hoping that the lightning would miss them as the storm played out .
te	3	She must have fallen asleep at one point because she couldn 't remember the storm stopping .
te	3	The whole right side of her clothing was covered in mud and she was soaked through .
te	3	Neither of them looked hurt , though they both looked as wet and miserable as her .
te	3	She scooted over to the edge and lay down on her stomach like she had the night before .
te	3	She blinked a lot , her left eye tearing up from the mud on her hand .
te	3	" It seems as if we 're going to end this like we started , " Jeff said .
te	3	" I didn 't think of you as a multitasker , Gillie , " Jeff said , grinning .
te	3	It didn 't , though the wind continued to buffet them and the trees around them .
te	3	The clouds remained a constant , gray , dreary blanket as far as the eye could see .
te	3	" Sounds like that mud slide back in the swamp , only louder , " she said .
te	3	She sprang to her feet and immediately danced sideways so they wouldn 't be taken out from under her .
te	3	He was clutching his left arm tight against his body and his face was white with pain .
te	3	There was a large bruise and a horizontal slice across her ribs , but none of them felt broken .
te	3	" But I 've seen it done twice and my father showed me how a couple years ago .
te	3	She placed both hands on Jeff 's shoulder and with one swift motion popped it back into the socket .
te	3	" It 's going to be interesting for you getting up the rest of the way .
te	3	As it was they saw a small section of the forest , but it was enough .
te	3	" So all we have to do is head north-east and eventually we should hit the river . "
te	3	" I hope that mountain lion eats them , " Jeff said as they continued walking .
te	3	If you make one mistake you lead your trusting group to the wrong location and then you fail .
te	3	" I guess wishing they 'd all gotten crushed was too much to hope for . "
te	3	Just something that randomly came out of my mouth without checking with my brain first , I guess . "
te	3	The first drops of rain came down while they were half way up a steeper section of the mountain .
te	3	By the time it was too dark to go on they hadn 't found any sort of shelter .
te	3	It was hard to tell how long she had to stay up since she couldn 't see the stars .
te	3	She climbed out of the ditch and walked around a bit to get the stiffness out .
te	3	This bare mountain side is a lot harder to keep track of than the trees back down there . "
te	3	That is , it was until they reached a slick cliff face a little after noon .
te	3	Looks like we 're going to have to pick a direction and hope there 's a way by . "
te	3	With luck they wouldn 't have to get up the rest of it to the top .
te	3	" It depends on if they 're far enough away from the banks for us to get through . "
te	3	Before her the rock face had left only inches of land between them and the river .
te	3	She turned sideways so her hands rested on the rock in front of her and edged forward some more .
te	3	It was long enough that it didn 't show any signs of ending by the time night had fallen .
te	3	She snuggled down deeper into her damp blanket and tried to ignore the freezing rain dropping on her head .
te	3	She kept reminding herself to wiggle her toes in a poor attempt to keep them warm .
te	3	The lingering chill inside her from the night before hadn 't receded much even though the day was warmer .
te	3	She squinted up through the rain at various intervals , looking for any sign of the top getting closer .
te	3	Every time she tried the pouring rain would flood her eyes and make it nearly impossible to see .
te	3	They were long gone past soaked and were far into the territory of looking like they 'd gone swimming .
te	3	The rain was starting to come down so thick it was hard to see more than a foot .
te	3	There was no good place to sit to rest and the rain would just turn it to mush .
te	3	It was probably turning to mush anyway since their packs were just as soaked as their clothes .
te	3	It feels like we 've passed that distance , so it could be night now . "
te	3	Jeff might have rolled his eyes , though it was hard to tell for sure through the rain .
te	3	They picked up their pace , but the sounds of dogs and shouting voices were drawing nearer .
te	3	They had to wedge their feet into the space and keep their balance with their arms .
te	3	Suddenly her head broke surface , but before she could take a breath she was shoved back under .
te	3	Next thing she knew she was being dragged from the water and laid on what felt like grass .
te	3	A head was above her for a moment , but then it was gone followed by another splash .
te	3	She looked the other way and saw she was inside the single room of a very small cottage .
te	3	The far wall had a table covered in small clay pots , different herbs , and bandages .
te	3	She was standing outside a cottage on top of a green , grassy hill overlooking a tiny village .
te	3	There was a small meadow to the left of the village where some children were playing .
te	3	She spotted someone standing in the sun at the edge of the village looking over the meadow .
te	3	He wore simple clothes ; a white long sleeved shirt , black pants , and brown moccasins .
te	3	He looked young , barely fourteen , but his eyes held wisdom far beyond his age .
te	3	He smiled a gentle , caring smile up at her before walking up the hill to join her .
te	3	" And the mountainside surrounding us is impassible , that is unless you grew up here .
te	3	" The elders will most likely want to speak with you tomorrow once you have your strength back . "
te	3	Normally that wouldn 't be a problem , but at the moment she was really feeling drained .
te	3	" If you want to you three can go inside so you won 't be stared at .
te	3	She was rather surprised how tired her legs had become after such a short time standing .
te	3	" Only the people who grew up in these mountains can make it past those cliffs .
te	3	" So , we 've finally found a place we won 't destroy by staying here too long ?
te	3	" You , Mal , and Starling all helped me and now you 're my best friends . "
te	3	That lord then choses dukes to rule smaller sections , who choses Counts , and so on .
te	3	A few people worked up the courage to enter the hut on the pretense of bringing food or water .
te	3	" We don 't have any here because no bad people can get to us . "
te	3	" Why don 't you seven go find Kale and Tillie , " Kata and Kana 's mother suggested .
te	3	" Nothing 's going to stay private for very long in a little place like this . "
te	3	" But just because I 've risen to that rank doesn 't mean I 'm old .
te	3	Technically the older you get the greater weight your opinion carries , but we also elect a chief .
te	3	I 'm the one who 's old enough to be nearly blind , not you ! "
te	3	You can 't go around running into walls , you 'll knock your brains out that way ! "
te	3	She was feeling tired again and the old woman 's voice was starting to drill into her head .
te	3	The inside of the hut wasn 't much different from the healer 's , minus the jars and herbs .
te	3	There wasn 't enough space to put many people inside , but the three of them fit .
te	3	" She 's rather cranky , but it 's endearing when you get used to her . "
te	3	She picked up the chest and brought it out farther into the room for him to sit on .
te	3	" But I married her for her spirit , so I 'm not one to talk . "
te	3	" Say , I 'm sure you got a nice young man fancying you back home . "
te	3	" Most people here are off taking care of the cattle and crops or doing chores .
te	3	" Now now , my dear , it 's just natural for kids to be kids .
te	3	After hearing the conversation in Kate 's house they 'd stop outside to try to listen in .
te	3	" But I came here to ask them to dinner at the healer 's cottage ! "
te	3	" I didn 't think you 'd take up our offer anyway , but Kate insisted I try . "
te	3	Tillie led them out of the village and back up the hill to the healer 's hut .
te	3	" It sounded a lot more impressive before you two went and beat me out . "
te	3	" Well you still don 't have to worry about starting last , " Lora said .
te	3	She climbed the rocks around the meadow so she could look across the landscape below her .
te	3	Out in the distance she could see where the forest slowly dissipated and the rolling hills began .
te	3	" It 's always been one of my favorite parts of living here , " he agreed .
te	3	" I suppose you don 't get sun sets like this down in the forest . "
te	3	" When you get your strength back , are you going to be leaving here ? "
te	3	" I mean , we 've never been able to stay in one place for very long .
te	3	And it 's not like they know where we 're going , so maybe we should stay longer . "
te	3	" It 's been so long since something different has happened or since we 've met someone new . "
te	3	" Different than I 'd expected , though I 'm not quite sure what I expected .
te	3	It 's so large and dangerous , and yet ... " She paused , looking for the right words .
te	3	" Do you think you 'll ever leave here and see all that for yourself ? "
te	3	She 'd hoped originally to find out what they needed and get to the Sanctuary as quickly as possible .
te	3	The seven kids scampered ahead , shimmying up rocks and drops like they weren 't even there .
te	3	" If it doesn 't hit the water it doesn 't count , " Kata warned .
te	3	A dozen or so white cloaked figures were climbing some ledges in the distance to their left .
te	3	A couple minutes and skinned limbs later the two girls ran up the hill to the healer 's cottage .
te	3	She felt touched that they cared enough about their mission to make time for them like that .
te	3	There were around a dozen of them , all respectable looking people over the age of thirty .
te	3	" I guess that you are going to give us your reason for being here . "
te	3	Almost simultaneously the elders sucked in a breath and leaned forward to get a better view .
te	3	The pool had healing properties , but the dragon guarded it from any who would try to use it .
te	3	One day a young warrior journeyed to the pool to save the life of his true love .
te	3	" These things we 're dealing with are so old almost everyone 's forgotten about them .
te	3	" I 'm pretty good at finding my way with little to go off of now . "
te	3	Let 's see , food , flint , water ... " Kate ran out after her .
te	3	It didn 't take long for the elders to get everything they thought they might need .
te	3	Their packs were surprisingly light , though since they would only need supplies for two days that made sense .
te	3	The elders were gathered to see them off , wishing them good fortune and a safe return .
te	3	" If you 'd grown up in the mountains you 'd be better than me . "
te	3	The rocks were simple enough , but there was a loose section she hadn 't seen .
te	3	" So , how come we 're going up when that place you 're taking us is down ? "
te	3	Be careful here , we 're going to come close to the edge of the cliffs . "
te	3	" There 's someone down there , " Jeff said suddenly , looking down the cliff .
te	3	" And he 's taking us to this special place that may or may not be the Sanctuary ! "
te	3	He didn 't react badly when they told him about Mal 's history with the Assassins either .
te	3	" You have no idea how hard it is to find three people on a mountain . "
te	3	The three of them then went on to tell him about their incident with the Guild of Angels .
te	3	When she got to a tiny shelf he called up , " Now turn around and climb down . "
te	3	" The next foot hold is a little to your right and down , " he called .
te	3	" It doesn 't look as high from down here , " she called up to Jeff .
te	3	They hit narrow and steep sections , but not as bad as the one they had gone down .
te	3	If she 'd been doing this on her own she 'd never have thought of trying it .
te	3	She was a little surprised at how far they 'd come in that amount of time .
te	3	The ground rose steeply to their right until it came to a point just above their heads .
te	3	Of course , even if they had it wasn 't as if it would be a big problem .
te	3	Then she remembered that those cliffs were the only things between the terrible Guilds and the mountain village .
te	3	We had a lot of time and the distance just made it feel more special . "
te	3	" Considering I am dozens of feet below you I 'd say not , " Mal responded .
te	3	After giving it a testing tug Mal braced his feet on the wall and started working his way up .
te	3	An wasn 't exactly friendly , but she moved them out as soon as we left . "
te	3	" We 're technically on the same side , but they 're so full of hate .
te	3	She looked at the ground , her face turning a little pink at their close proximity .
te	3	" Hey , I haven 't had much time to think about it , " she snapped .
te	3	I 'll need to prove to my mother that you 're still alive , " Jeff said .
te	3	Her friends ' breathing one by one fell into a peaceful rhythm as they drifted off into sleep .
te	3	He was sitting just a bit to her left , glowing softly in the gentle light of the moon .
te	3	" I don 't think you 'd let something as small as an unknown location stop you . "
te	3	I never really did put any thought into what 'll happen after my Journey until today . "
te	3	She told him about how she found the jewel in the river and the goal of her Journey .
te	3	" We 'll have to make sure everyone knows about them as they get up for watch . "
te	3	She was determined not to let herself get any stiffer from the cold than she already was .
te	3	After the few days of warm food in the mountain village the cold veggies seemed even worse .
te	3	" Alright , " she said quietly enough that only he 'd be able to hear her .
te	3	Long nights at the bedside of the sick , going immediately to where we 're needed .
te	3	" Without the ' I think ' that would have had a little more conviction , " Jeff said .
te	3	At one point far along they had to stay quiet while they passed through a falling rock zone .
te	3	They had been climbing for a while when they reached an odd formation in the rock .
te	3	" We thought that maybe people came to this place a lot a long time ago .
te	3	The ground slowly gained altitude until the group was on top of the rock walls that had surrounded them .
te	3	When they came around the bend they caught a view of what they were looking for .
te	3	High , mossy walls filled with ledges and holes surrounded a large , circular grassy area .
te	3	At the far end a waterfall fell into a pool that took up most of the clearing .
te	3	She turned to face the rock and secured her hands and feet before pulling herself up .
te	3	A chunk had been cut out from the rock where they could overview the pool far below .
te	3	She drew the shape of the Sanctuary and the pool in the dirt at their feet .
te	3	He 'd give her a bag with a rock inside and then take the jewel to the pedestal .
te	3	The Assassins would leave with the " jewel " , planning on finding her another day .
te	3	In one swift motion Starling took a dagger from his boot and slid it under Jeff 's back ribs .
te	3	He didn 't know whose idea it was to leave the two of them alone in that underground room .
te	3	She still has to give the jewel to - " He cut off short when he smelled the smoke .
te	3	He fell to one knee , still too far away from the pot to stop it .
te	3	He had to yell , to warn his new friends of the betrayal before it was too late .
te	3	She stopped firing especially since it wasn 't any fun anyway it was like shooting fish in a barrel .
te	3	Why would someone shoot fish seriously there were so many more practical ways to catch a fish .
te	3	" Look , Jeff 's missing and someone needs to get the jewel to the pedestal . "
te	3	She wasn 't sure what it was but there was something about it that seemed different .
te	3	The two groups were disorganized enough for her to get around the main bulk of them without getting shot .
te	3	One good thing about the situation was that they couldn 't shoot her in the path .
te	3	She 'd been running for what seemed like forever , but what else could she do ?
te	3	The chase had led them out of the smooth Sanctuary path and back into the mountains .
te	3	She moved to go around him but he sidestepped to still be in between her and the pool .
te	3	" You 're able to pick them off at a distance , " he told her .
te	3	Rage was burning through her but she knew that she couldn 't stop to fight him now .
te	3	She had to get to the center of the pool and then she could kick his ass .
te	3	" You don 't want to do it this way , " he told her idly .
te	3	So is Raymond , though he 's not going to be moving anywhere any time soon . "
te	3	He drew his sword and swung it in circles with a flick of his wrist , unconcerned .
te	3	In the same motion she brought her sword down in a slash down across his abdomen .
te	3	Suddenly he pressed in , going on the offensive instead of letting her do the attacking .
te	3	Each time one of them pushed harder , the other one would step up even more .
te	3	It was taking all her years of training , all her skills and talents to keep him back .
te	3	She was nearing the center of the tree bridge , where the waterfall had made it slick and thin .
te	3	She brought her hands together in front of her , bringing her herself to an inner calm .
te	3	Suddenly each move she made felt right , each shift in her body felt ... perfectly balanced .
te	3	She didn 't know what kind of energy he was using , but finally they were even .
te	3	The other girl 's eyes were red from crying , though her face had already dried .
te	3	She shoved down the pain of that memory and the panicky fear of it being repeated with Jeff .
te	3	" Who knows how long he could have been laying there bleeding before we found him ? "
te	3	A couple of them got in my way , but it wasn 't hard taking them out . "
te	3	That 's when I saw the staircase and I ... kind of got an idea . "
te	3	I led them on a long run for a while until we came upon that falling rock zone . "
te	3	" Yeah , well , I climbed up into the rocks as fast as I could .
te	3	So , angels fell like burnt stones , scattered across the world , condemned to aimless wandering .
te	3	Anger began to boil , festering slowly in their minds , sown ever deeper by their discord .
te	3	The Fallen began to hate mankind , who became their enemies through the haze of flame and ash .
te	3	God inspired the chosen Makers with visions and dreams of fantastic creatures with wings and animal faces .
te	3	The gargoyles , made by the hands of their Makers , are forever barred from Heaven .
te	3	España ( Spain ) 1210 AD Chapter 1 Birth The moonlight bathed the gargoyle in a translucent silver glow .
te	3	A breeze pushed a branch against the window , drawing her attention to the eerie scraping .
te	3	Gargoyles lived among a chosen few , shrouded by the church among the mysteries of Heaven and Hell .
te	3	The hair on Iseo 's arms stood on end , as stillness settled inside and outside the room .
te	3	Light burst from his chest with a roar that shook Iseo 's bones and the timbers of the room .
te	3	His leathery wings flew open like a ship 's sails catching a strong wind on an open sea .
te	3	Pure faith filled her completely , like a jug of water poured to overflowing in a cup .
te	3	The winged lion inhaled his first air , blinked , and folded his wings behind him .
te	3	He sat perfectly still on the carving dais , watching her , waiting for her signal .
te	3	She shrieked as a tremor shook his splendid frame from the tip of his wings to his clawed feet .
te	3	His wings flapped frantically once , twice , and the third time folded up into nothing behind him .
te	3	A hot blush rushed to her cheeks as she undid her work apron and handed it to him .
te	3	" For modesty 's sake , " she explained , hoping her embarrassment would fade from her cheeks .
te	3	His hand clumsily took the goblet before raising it to his lips , greedily gulping the water down .
te	3	She knew her training would culminate in this holy , yet entirely earthly creature divinely inspired by her God .
te	3	If the gargoyle existed , so too did the evil beings he was born to fight .
te	3	She felt his warm breath caress her skin as he hesitated , before gently pressing his lips to them .
te	3	I do not know this Lord you serve , or who I am expected to serve . "
te	3	He heard the shuffle of feet as the door opened wide enough to scan the interior of the room .
te	3	In the center of the room , stood a man , a full head taller than himself .
te	3	He found he was quite unprepared for the sight of this magnificent specimen of power and beauty .
te	3	He pointed to a wooden bench in front of the table in the center of the room .
te	3	Celestino puzzled over the idea that he did not exist , yet he knew that he did .
te	3	I feel His power through His work , and because of that , I know He exists . "
te	3	At less than one day old , he was more a catechism student , than warrior .
te	3	Together , they walked in silence ; Celestino following the priest , observing Father Tomas 's uneven gait .
te	3	Father Tomas placed his hand on the weathered planks and dusty hammered iron , and looked at Celestino .
te	3	He thought he would find forgiveness for his past failings , but now he was not so certain .
te	3	" This is where you meet God , " Father Tomas said , as he opened the door .
te	3	" The place where the blue heaven meets the edge of the human world , " Father Tomas explained .
te	3	It is what made them vulnerable until their mission was consecrated into their hearts and minds .
te	3	" The God who made you possible is the same God who created all you see before you . "
te	3	Their punishment is to exist on Earth knowing they may never return , " Father Tomas explained .
te	3	" Sí , partly , " Father Tomas paused , " He also gave them a free will . "
te	3	He heard birds , felt the wind on his face , and smelled something warm and comforting .
te	3	He considered the gargoyle 's size before continuing , " In your case , several times a day . "
te	3	Celestino 's matter-of-fact tone with the word " Father " caused the priest to flinch on the inside .
te	3	There had been another , years ago in his youth , who called him Father ... Stop !
te	3	She really had no idea what this new being become accustomed to , or if that was even possible .
te	3	The features she had carved in stone , those she knew like the back of her own hand .
te	3	She pushed a hollowed out loaf of bread between them , filled with a vegetable and fish stew .
te	3	He pulled out a chunk of white meat from the stew and put in into his mouth .
te	3	We eat again when the sun moves above our heads , and finally when the sun fades to night .
te	3	And on some Fridays , " she thought before she added , " some Saturdays as well . "
te	3	" I think fasting will be difficult for you at first , " Iseo concluded out loud .
te	3	" Fasting means to go without food all day long and eat only an evening meal .
te	3	He mimicked her dainty handling of the bowl and Iseo bit her lower lip to keep from smiling .
te	3	It is not like the other ... drink , " he stated , confirming her observation .
te	3	" I will not drink too much , " he said , " or make my face . "
te	3	" You have no idea what I mean by making a face , do you ? "
te	3	His physical presence exuded strength and power ; his words revealed an unworldly innocence that demanded protection .
te	3	Father Tomas stood up from his table and gestured for him to sit in a chair opposite him .
te	3	Celestino approached the offered seat , pulled out the chair , and then backed into it slowly .
te	3	Celestino felt warmth spreading inside his chest each time the priest made reference to his Maker .
te	3	However , his reasoning could not quiet the small voice whispering a warning about the reply .
te	3	You have never felt the breath of God , so you are bound to Earth for all your days .
te	3	" Tell me , Celestino , what have you learned from today 's lesson about your nature ? "
te	3	Since you are no longer a stone statue , you cannot very well stay in my workroom .
te	3	I am not certain what you are to do while I am gone , " she said .
te	3	A small window high in the wall allowed him to see the sky and the tops of trees .
te	3	He closed his eyes and pictured the view from the high ledge Father Tomas had taken him to .
te	3	It existed even as he sat there , alone and unsure of what would be expected of him .
te	3	" I know it is not your favorite , but you must accustom yourself to it .
te	3	So you do not -- " " Make my face , " he finished for her .
te	3	Wiping her mouth with her napkin , she then proceeded to sip from the wine bowl .
te	3	" You will have a mottled tabletop if you continue in that manner , " she observed .
te	3	His upper lip curled slightly and Iseo laughed at his involuntary reaction to drinking the wine .
te	3	This time he was able to manage the task without making any facial expression at all .
te	3	" You are not just a creature of the Earth , but one of God 's great warriors .
te	3	She could not force herself to look across the small table and the room suddenly felt cramped .
te	3	She cleared her throat before speaking again , " You will be eating quite a bit of it .
te	3	" I think you will have to see it one day to truly grasp what it is . "
te	3	Father Tomas is a spiritual father , who is responsible for the souls of his parishioners .
te	3	The one who has the power to give me away as chattel to any man he chooses . "
te	3	The script speaks to you , " she pointed to her head , " in your mind .
te	3	He noticed the black inked lines , the gilded edges , and the elaborate art framing each page .
te	3	" When you learn how to read the script ... hand me the book , " Iseo said .
te	3	" I will teach you how to read the words , just as I did , " Iseo said .
te	3	Hours passed , drawing the darkness into the room like mist , so Iseo lit several more candles .
te	3	" It is time for me to return to my own quarters , Celestino , " she announced .
te	3	He tried to imagine a body of water so vast its end could not be seen .
te	3	He became aware of his breath , aware of the rhythm 's rasp sounding loudly in his ears .
te	3	Celestino sat up , watching the room for signs of anything changing , but he could see nothing .
te	3	He reasoned that if Iseo had found sleep , he would not take it from her .
te	3	He instinctively knew the large , white orb hanging so perfectly still against the black was the moon .
te	3	It did not take him long to find the window that belonged to Iseo 's room .
te	3	He felt a warm shimmer rise up through his body , urging him to unfurl his wings .
te	3	Pacing on all fours , he watched his Maker 's breath to see if he had truly been successful .
te	3	She threw a woolen dress over her nightshift and slipped her shoes on , heading straight for the kitchen .
te	3	It was her appointed day to light the kitchen hearth and begin preparations for morning meal .
te	3	Iseo knew that of all the priests at Compostela , Father Antony favored her least of all .
te	3	All she could think about was Celestino and what he might be doing sequestered in his room .
te	3	After all the Fathers broke their fast , she slipped into the kitchen to make a tray for Celestino .
te	3	She noticed that today his movements were so graceful that he almost did not appear human at all .
te	3	However , I have seen evidence they eat larger prey , but mostly nuisance creatures . "
te	3	All the candles had burned to waxy puddles of hardened wax on the table under the window .
te	3	She noted the way he said I suppose and recognized her own voice in his words .
te	3	" I felt a presence with the stillness , but I do not understand it , " Celestino added .
te	3	" If it were to come into God 's house , it would have to enter ... hidden .
te	3	Father Tomas considered the question for a moment before answering , " All of us are vulnerable to temptation .
te	3	Father Tomas moved to the window , parting the heavy curtain , peering out through the lighted space .
te	3	He exists , as He is ... to save us , to bring us to the Light .
te	3	We must be vigilant to guard our souls from such temptation and from such a fate .
te	3	The priest walked across the chamber , stopping before a bookcase filled with volumes of leather bound books .
te	3	He ran his fingers across the bindings on the second shelf , pulling a book in the center .
te	3	The book did not come off ; rather it caused the entire shelf to release and roll back .
te	3	It contains God 's words , and information very few in the church are aware of .
te	3	You need to become a scholar in your own right to receive and to complete your training .
te	3	Although , you may find a woman 's reading selection much different than what I will require . "
te	3	By the end of your training you will be able to decipher much of your studies on your own .
te	3	" First , you are required by God to know His Word , so that you may know Him .
te	3	" I know this is complex , try not to think too much on the image .
te	3	God has told us that His ways are far too complicated for us to understand completely . "
te	3	" The Jesus Christ and the Spirit help me defeat Evil , " Celestino summarized out loud .
te	3	This exposed the land , or Earth ... this is the power of our God . "
te	3	" The horizon and the sky meet at the edge of the earth , " Celestino said .
te	3	When the humor ebbed , he closed the Codex and looked Celestino squarely in the eye .
te	3	" Perhaps you should return to Iseo 's chambers , as it is time for the afternoon meal .
te	3	Celestino left the chamber by way of the secret corridor with his lessons weighing heavy on his heart .
te	3	The words to beg him to stop using that term refused to form in her mouth .
te	3	When she felt the heat of Celestino 's inquisitive gaze , she could not glance up .
te	3	That is His Holy Power alone , " Father Tomas agreed , before continuing to read .
te	3	I have never heard the power of the moon spoken of in such a manner . "
te	3	Iseo was not there , but the book about Tristan and Isolde was on the table under the window .
te	3	Sitting in a chair next to the fire was a young cleric , whom Father Tomas did not recognize .
te	3	The young priest bowed his head slightly , as a sign of deference to the older priest .
te	3	Father Tomas questioned more sharply than he intended , revealing more of his true feelings than he wanted .
te	3	Unless you are deaf , or your ears full of wax , I will not repeat myself . "
te	3	The admonishment forced Father Tomas into a corner from which he could formulate no argument providing escape .
te	3	I do not think you fully prepared for the mysteries of God you are about to encounter .
te	3	Father Tomas spoke into the room , not so much to the young priest , as to himself .
te	3	I am afraid they will be quite simple compared to anything you may have had in Rome . "
te	3	A humble man , I would not have expected that , you being from such a privileged station . "
te	3	The door opened and Iseo entered , carrying a tray with two goblets and a silver decanter .
te	3	She quickly set the tray on the small table and poured them each a full measure .
te	3	Indeed , how do I answer you , " he took a drink from his cup .
te	3	God chooses your kind by granting the gift , and the Holy Father chooses us for ours . "
te	3	They have only us to save them from being pawns in the battle between Heaven and Hell . "
te	3	Such truths would only overwhelm them , perhaps lending more weight to superstitions and a turning away from God .
te	3	" I am not yet accustomed to your anticipation of my whereabouts , " Iseo said .
te	3	However , that it was Celestino who felt her so keenly made the blush deepen into her heart .
te	3	She closed her eyes against the memory of him as he stepped off the carving dais cloaked in nothing .
te	3	She had not realized how protective she felt towards Celestino , until she was asked to reveal him .
te	3	She wondered what part of his training she might have to share with this new priest .
te	3	Perhaps , she thought , I can live with this particular stain on my soul a bit longer .
te	3	The corners of Celestino 's mouth curled up into an almost smile , which made Iseo laugh harder .
te	3	I must allow God 's will to direct his education and training , not my own selfish desires .
te	3	She felt the initial pangs of jealousy dissipate as her mind firmed the truth of the situation .
te	3	A seductive thought tucked not so neatly in the recesses of her mind strayed to consciousness .
te	3	Rarely did one have all their teeth , let alone all their teeth set in a perfect white row .
te	3	* " Enter , " Father Tomas called out when Iseo knocked on the closed chamber door .
te	3	She stood mortified that she had not yet taken opportunity to instruct Celestino in proper greeting practices .
te	3	The odd timing gave the priest pause , but he took Celestino 's hand in his own .
te	3	Three chairs were positioned around a small , wooden table in front of the chamber hearth .
te	3	" Eventually , sí , if he is to be trained in the work we do . "
te	3	" Evil has many shades , some of them quite beautiful , " the elder priest explained .
te	3	" It is the myth of darkness and the light of evil that requires more than a priest . "
te	3	Her gown itched at the neck , and she ran her finger around the inside collar .
te	3	He would be the first to deliver the true nature of the war between Heaven and Hell .
te	3	" I believe you should sit , Brother , for we have much to discuss . "
te	3	A chill threaded down Iseo 's spine , when the priest 's gaze bore into her own .
te	3	" Iseo , perhaps it is best you seek Father Antony and offer your assistance in the kitchen . "
te	3	" But , I was hoping to -- " " He will be fine , Iseo .
te	3	" Celestino , perhaps you can recite what you have learned about the Creation from our studies . "
te	3	" God created the Heaven and the Earth from the great darkness that was a void .
te	3	God spoke and the Heavens shone with the sun , the moon , and the stars . "
te	3	This is how we know women are to serve men and why they deserve our protection . "
te	3	" When God created the Heavens , he also created the angels , numerous as the stars .
te	3	The sheer weight of their celestial bodies crashing to the Earth caused the ground to crack open . "
te	3	It was the source of great mourning for them , and their hatred burnt as black as pitch .
te	3	The Fallen , knowing they would never again ascend to Heaven to serve God , turned from Him completely .
te	3	It is extremely rare , and must be worked with great care ... and in secret . "
te	3	" What is made from this stone is God 's most powerful weapon against the dark . "
te	3	" What purpose does the woman have to hold such a great secret of the church ? "
te	3	It had not occurred to him that God would elevate a woman with such a unique gift .
te	3	She did not want the common kitchen tapers of tallow leaving a trail of fatty stench behind her .
te	3	The church spent handsomely for the beeswax because it did not smoke and smell of rotting meat during services .
te	3	" I was birthed in the dark , during the Devil 's time , " he said .
te	3	She used her own candle to ignite the rush and lit the ring of tallow on the table .
te	3	She carved each inch of him herself and brushed each inch of his figure with her own hands .
te	3	" I consider your words , my Iseo , to be spoken truthfully ... as you understand them . "
te	3	" I know I am to fight evil , but I do not yet understand what evil is . "
te	3	" Gargoyles and females are not so different after all , " she declared , smiling .
te	3	When they both passed through the secret door , Celestino saw that they had come from behind a bookcase .
te	3	Pillars taller than anything he could imagine were set into the floor at equal distances from one another .
te	3	" Everything is made of stone , " he whispered , as much to Iseo as to himself .
te	3	" This is the place where God dwells , " Iseo whispered and crossed herself with her free hand .
te	3	She bent down placing the candle on the floor and reached up , taking his hand in hers .
te	3	" There are no benches in the sanctuary so that the congregation may move about freely during mass . "
te	3	" For humans , it is a much different process ... for more to be made . "
te	3	Even though she could not see his face , she knew what his lopsided smile sounded like .
te	3	She shivered slightly as the early morning chill crept across the stone floor of the cathedral .
te	3	" When a man and woman have relations ... , " Iseo cleared her throat again , coughing dryly .
te	3	" You do not wish to do procreation and receive a child in your belly ? "
te	3	His actions reminding her of what she was easily forgetting in the darkness with his closeness .
te	3	From the pitch-black shadow behind a far pillar , a pair of eyes watched the couple exit the sanctuary .
te	3	As she bent to slip them on , she remembered Celestino 's warm hand next to hers .
te	3	She closed her eyes to ward off the image , but it only intensified the vision .
te	3	She moved to the wide wooden table and began to shape the rising dough into oblong loaves for baking .
te	3	" It does not matter what bargain your father made with the Monsignor and Father Tomas .
te	3	The Fathers will be expecting more than sop and wine this day , " Father Anthony chided .
te	3	I will not tell Father Antony that you scattered the morning meal on the ground . "
te	3	It did not occur to her to look up , and he was glad she did not .
te	3	I see , " he paused slightly , " I will see to the wine . "
te	3	Setting the heavy tray on the floor , she fumbled for the iron key to her door .
te	3	With her index finger , she tilted it out and lifted it from the company of the others .
te	3	His nearness made her heart heavy and full , like a ripe fruit weighing heavy on a delicate branch .
te	3	After she had said these words she kissed him , and immediately when she kissed him she died .
te	3	Your life is set in motion , no matter the amount of effort to steer it otherwise . "
te	3	I have chores to attend to , and you have a lesson with Father Tomas . "
te	3	It still bothered her that he was able to sneak up behind her with such stealth .
te	3	" The farther I am from your company , the more clearly I see you in my mind . "
te	3	And the war being waged between Heaven and Hell , literally above and below us . "
te	3	" Do you remember all your lessons on the creation of the world and mankind ? "
te	3	He is the great Maker of the world , of all heavenly hosts , of mankind .
te	3	" As I was explaining , God is the God of Light , of goodness , the Creator .
te	3	In order for a Creator to exist , there must also be an equal being of Darkness and Destruction .
te	3	This Darkness existed at the moment of mankind 's creation , because without it humans could not exist .
te	3	He alone , among the angels , was granted full knowledge of good and evil . "
te	3	Protected by the Church , so that he may chose correctly , " Father Tomas insisted .
te	4	You may have fought off a few bandits , but there 's bound to be someone out there better than you . "
te	4	She soon spotted her boots lying on the floor near the bench that she had set the box of crystals on the day before .
te	4	The " bridge " the little boy was talking about was really a large tree that had fallen across the water .
te	4	The roots of the fallen tree shot up into the air on her left as she looked at the rushing brown water .
te	4	And there , hanging off of it and clinging to the bridge for dear life , was a little girl barely over seven .
te	4	Even if she did get to the girl , if she took her arms off the trunk she would fall in .
te	4	What most people who don 't live in a forest village don 't know is that vines are actually very stiff .
te	4	She would have never gotten it off if she had not forgotten to put the sword down when she ran out of the studio .
te	4	She could wait for a rescue party , but by the time they got there it would be too late .
te	4	The water still yanked at her ankles , threatening to pull her off , but the rest of her was out .
te	4	It held mystery and an almost magical sense around it , which was ridiculous since magic was a lost art .
te	4	When they got back to town she allowed Auntie to lead her through the streets and back to their hut .
te	4	She didn 't bother to scold her or try to convince her to " next time leave the rescuing to the adults . "
te	4	" Don 't sit in the dark with only a candle unless you want to go blind before you reach forty . "
te	4	How I would fare in the cities , and what more I could advance in my studies from the books in the big libraries .
te	4	And then today , when I saved that girl , I ... " she hesitated before reaching into her pocket .
te	4	" When I was around your age my mother told me something that our family used to always tell our children .
te	4	She said , ' Don 't go on the Journey until you feel deep down that you are truly called somewhere else .
te	4	I 'm going to make it , because I 'm too stubborn and you all love me too much . "
te	4	The people were finding it a surprisingly hard task considering she was just a girl in clothes dirty from travel .
te	4	But she seemed as solid as a rock , and it would take a purposeful shove with both hands to knock her over .
te	4	A vender waved a fur in her face , but she just ducked under his arm and kept right on walking .
te	4	There was only one stall she wanted to find , she decided , before she found a place to sleep .
te	4	How about you come with me to my store , then we can find out a little more about it . "
te	4	Plus , this did not look like the part of town that a respectable jeweler would build a jewelry shop in .
te	4	It was a black square the size of her palm with a symbol of a white thorny vine loosely winding around itself .
te	4	Her idea of a large house had been six rooms , a wood floor , and a door for each room .
te	4	The windows actually had glass , and they each had a curtain that could be drawn across to hide the room inside .
te	4	" Well , I 've got to say my ideas of big and wealthy just went up a lot , " she said .
te	4	" She was jumped by some of the River Boys and a bunch of other men , " Jeffery told her .
te	4	The woman put her hand on the girl 's back and propelled her to a wooden door to the left of the stairs .
te	4	I 've never seen it before , but it seems like something come straight out of an old legend . "
te	4	" You can stay with us here tonight and go there tomorrow if you 'd like , " Mrs. Raymond offered .
te	4	" And I 'll contact your father right away and have him go to the alley with his men , " she told Jeff .
te	4	And you 'd better stay out of the way or you 'll be feeling my ladle on your skull . "
te	4	" When you 're living in a small village it helps to be able to hear the soft footfalls of a deer . "
te	4	" But I noticed when you fight you don 't actually do a move beyond one of the basic steps .
te	4	" You 're one of the best swordsmen I 've ever seen , but other people know a wider range of moves .
te	4	" I 'm not as good as you , but my father says I 'm better than most men in his watch . "
te	4	Its blade was straight , unlike her katana 's curved one , and the hand guards were long and thin .
te	4	" Alright , I 'll learn from you , but there 's no way in the abyss I 'm calling you master . "
te	4	She was wearing the clothes she had worn from her village again ; her white collared shirt , brown breeches , and black vest .
te	4	Her sword was at her hip , the gem was in her pocket , and her red hair was free around her shoulders .
te	4	Miss Julia should be over by that fountain , she 's usually there this time of day , ah there she is .
te	4	His niece is one of the best healers in the city , which is why the gangs haven 't mugged him . "
te	4	Ferdinand is nice , but you 've got to learn who you should av - " " Hey , Raymond ! "
te	4	An arrow flew in front of them , right through where they would have been if Jeff had not stopped them .
te	4	It was a little higher than normal , and had a sweet sound to it that stayed no matter what the girl said .
te	4	It was made of a brown leather shirt with bracers at the wrists , brown leather breaches , and brown lightweight boots .
te	4	She had an empty quiver hung over her shoulder and a hunting dagger strapped to a leather belt at her waist .
te	4	" If you call me Gillie I 'll twist your arm , " she said in a perfectly friendly voice .
te	4	" My Auntie always says you don 't really know a person until you 've traveled life 's hardest roads with them . "
te	4	I 'm not saying we should show her the jewel right now , but bringing her along isn 't a bad thing .
te	4	Besides , " he said , " if you follow your standards for trust then you can 't really trust me either .
te	4	She could lose herself in their teachings forever , soaking up their knowledge on balance , harmony , and weaponry .
te	4	" Some guy once had a sword that was so sharp if you put it down it would cut open the ground .
te	4	I didn 't think much of it then , but now I think that they knew what it was . "
te	4	" It 's an ancient necklace , dating back to the time of our first empress , " said Jeff .
te	4	" I believe I am the one asking you the questions , not the other way around , " she told him .
te	4	Only it 's not just any guild , it 's a master group that has men in almost every other guild .
te	4	" A group like that would be almost impossible to weed out unless you brought every one of the members together . "
te	4	Suddenly , as he passed her , the librarian 's hand shot out at a speed seemingly impossible for a man of his age .
te	4	" I know so much about them because I was once one of them , " the librarian said softly .
te	4	" I 've spent a lot of time in the woods up at my country house , hunting and whatnot .
te	4	Eventually she was running up the stairs , looking behind her at intervals with excitement at seeing how high she was going .
te	4	Before she knew it she had made it to the top and was standing beside her now openly grinning friends .
te	4	He wore the gray uniform of an officer , and there were many badges attached to the front of his left shoulder .
te	4	Jeff looked like he was in shock and was only just starting to realize that he wasn 't going to die .
te	4	They poked Jeff until he snapped out of it and led them through the door at the top of the stairs .
te	4	A smaller hallway led off of the large one , and they went through a smaller sliding door on that one .
te	4	She took the jewel and the Assassin 's symbol out of her pocket , setting them on the table between them .
te	4	That guild will kill all his men and slit your whole family 's throat in the middle of the night , including yours .
te	4	I couldn 't tell him about the necklace either because if they know anything then that makes them a threat . "
te	4	" You 're right that we shouldn 't stay here too much longer , but rushing off blindly isn 't going to help anything .
te	4	" My dad 's gone all day and I 'd rather stick pins in my eyes then tell my mom anything about my life .
te	4	" I know you 're going to leave soon , because that 's the next logical step to save Jeff 's parents .
te	4	I don 't know if I 'll ever be back here , or anywhere I 've ever been , again . "
te	4	Large overlapping maps hung on the right wall , showing things from all of the Middle Kingdom to a map of the city .
te	4	She had seen some of the workers in her home village wear them , but she had never had one .
te	4	Archibald went to the front desk while they waited in order to act like nothing was out of the ordinary .
te	4	No wasting time with other things when you could just go and ask the obvious question on everyone 's mind .
te	4	Some people wished to use the pieces for their own selfish means while others wanted to put them in the Sanctuaries .
te	4	That ended the race for the necklace , until a couple decades ago when the Assassins found a clue . "
te	4	" The race for the necklace started again , and as far as I know it is still going on today . "
te	4	" Do you honestly expect us to believe that there is a magical object that people are trying to put together ?
te	4	" Let 's find more about this thing that people have been willing to kill for for centuries , shall we ? "
te	4	A little after noon Jeff stood up , stretched and announced , " I 've had enough for one day .
te	4	I told myself I wouldn 't be the first to give in , but I 'm developing a major eyestrain headache . "
te	4	The necklace could be used to bring unending peace , or it could be used to give a tyrant unlimited power .
te	4	They dumped the books they had taken from the library in Jeff 's room and headed down to the kitchen .
te	4	" Tell the men we kicked the butts of in that alley that we 're just three plain kids ! "
te	4	He was still wearing his breeches and shirt , but he was barefoot and didn 't have on his blue tunic .
te	4	" For every person in the Pain family there 's something we have to do in our lives , something we have to accomplish .
te	4	It can be dangerous , like when my cousin died in a rock slide , but it 's something we have to do . "
te	4	I don 't always know where it will take me , and Jeff ... " she turned to look at him .
te	4	" There has to be somewhere where people still know of the Sanctuary , or at least know of its general area . "
te	4	If you go to her , she may be able to find a town where people still know about this legend . "
te	4	If you had started with " I 'm coming to get my hat , " I would have gladly gotten it for you ! "
te	4	The man opened his mouth and a stream of blood came flying out , splattering the floor in front of her .
te	4	All she needed was the knowledge of where to put a sharp hit to knock the sword from his hand .
te	4	She hopped over the man on the floor , using his body to separate her from the shadowy figures surrounding her .
te	4	This was the last thing they expected one of their victims to do , so they hesitated for a second .
te	4	A sword jabbed out of nowhere , cutting the air above her head , and then was gone as fast as a snake .
te	4	If she was going to finish her plan without getting caught in an all-out fight she had to do something soon .
te	4	The next assassin , a woman this time , ran around the corner after her and right into her sword .
te	4	If it weren 't for the fact that her friends might already be dead she might have been having fun .
te	4	The person who had gone around to cut her off came around the corner just in time to catch the dagger in the throat .
te	4	Part of her worried how big the hole she had made in the ceiling was , but that wasn 't important just then .
te	4	The corner can be fixed , some of the books are ruined , but all of the assassins are dead .
te	4	She saw Jeff on the other side and Archie sitting on a board looking at the hole in the roof .
te	4	There was a thin red line on the side of her shoulder , just enough to cut through her shirt and knick her skin .
te	4	As her mind drifted along the voice got louder and clearer until she could make out what it was saying .
te	4	" Pain , you 've just been poisoned by one of the guilds that are the most experienced at doing just that .
te	4	" I hate to break it to you Archie , but people are a little more than suspicious , " Jeff said .
te	4	" But I believe being around the girl and boy with the jewel might have brought me into attention , just a little . "
te	4	I have known many strong women in my days , and I am glad to count you as one of them . "
te	4	Policemen were all over those streets , and a large crowd had formed to see the destruction that had befallen the library .
te	4	" Let 's go , " she said , and they took off in a run across the grassy lawn .
te	4	Jeff led her through the servant 's hallways at the back of the house so less people could see them from the outside .
te	4	She quickly picked up what little she had brought with her from her village and packed them into her bag .
te	4	These people had given her so much when they didn 't even know her and all she had brought them in return was danger .
te	4	Then a lot of good people would get killed , and many of them won 't even be policemen . "
te	4	So she was really surprised when Mrs. Raymond nodded sadly but firmly and said , " You 'll need food from the kitchen .
te	4	Mrs. Raymond helped them get food for their journey and grilled them on what supplies they would need while she was doing it .
te	4	We may not know your role in this yet , but I feel as if it will be a key one .
te	4	They ran around to the back yard , which was full of clashing but expensive looking statues and shaped bushes .
te	4	She was covered in dust and dirt , and there was a small red line of dried blood on her shoulder .
te	4	On the ceiling were pictures of little winged naked babies , fruits and other foods , and clouds with sunrays .
te	4	I often wonder why he stays with her , but for some reason he seems to still be in love with her .
te	4	The walls and ceiling had scratches on them like someone had gone around ripping things off until only the wood was revealed .
te	4	The bed looked like someone had used a knife to shave off the outside wood , and it was covered with plain white sheets .
te	4	On the right wall a bunch of hooks held many different bows , arrows , and a couple hunting knives .
te	4	Attached to it was a small note that said , ' To my little rose , beautiful yet with thorns underneath .
te	4	" It seemed such a waste putting such hideous stuff in my real closet , so I stuffed them in that .
te	4	Then she took down all of her quivers , slung one over her shoulder , and put the rest in her pack .
te	4	" If we lose her then we 'll be stuck wandering around this place for hours , " Jeff said .
te	4	He taught me how to use the bow , how to fight , and how to hunt , you know .
te	4	It wasn 't often he 'd come to the country house , but when he did it was special . "
te	4	The rest of the people following them rushed out of the shadows and surrounded them , but they kept their distance .
te	4	We 've got bigger fish to fry , so why don 't you just bug off and leave us alone ! "
te	4	Almost before her feet had touched the ground she turned and hit the man she had just vaulted off of with a spinning kick .
te	4	His momentum carried him past her , and she brought her knee up to hit him in the gut on the way by .
te	4	They were so slow and unskilled she could have danced around them all night if they didn 't have to deal with them quickly .
te	4	He squeezed Jeff 's sword hand until the boy cried out in pain and the sword fell to the street .
te	4	The guy who had hit her cheered because he was the only one to have gotten a hit on the strange , fast girl .
te	4	" If any of you ever come near one of us ever again then I will kill every one of you .
te	4	" Next time , let 's not go down a street where a gang that hates you might hang out , okay ? "
te	4	" If you 're keeping track of that then you 've got a lot of work ahead of you . "
te	4	They would have to keep a watch on the Constable from then on , make sure he wasn 't getting ideas .
te	4	It then creates a pattern for the energies and lets them get into a state of balance that helps you . "
te	4	She held it in her palm and stared down as it flashed in the sun , leaning over it slightly .
te	4	There were many round tables spaced randomly around the wooden room , and a bamboo bar took up the right wall .
te	4	We find something we want , tell it to the barmaid , and then she brings it for us . "
te	4	I just happened to notice that everything 's so empty , and I was wondering if something was up . "
te	4	The man came and leaned on the bar in front of her with one elbow as she took another slow , painful sip .
te	4	" A long way from here , " she said , keeping her voice low with a hint of mystery and danger .
te	4	" Deserted streets , an eerie quiet , and a place like this deprived of the many customers it deserves .
te	4	The bar man nodded hurriedly and rushed to fill the brunet 's request , nearly bowling over a barmaid in the process .
te	4	The thugs went back to the bar where the bar man had set out three large mugs filled to the brim with brown liquid .
te	4	" That 's what you said last week , and the week before that , " the red-faced guy said menacingly .
te	4	It slid across the floor and caught the three in the thighs , pinning them to the table behind them .
te	4	She ducked it and grabbed his wrist , using his momentum to help her flip him over her head and down onto another table .
te	4	" Don 't take another step , little girl , or I spill this guy 's blood all over the floor . "
te	4	Now , I want you to - " There was the sound of shattering glass and the woman froze without changing expression .
te	4	" I was wondering if you three might want to come to my house to stay the night , " Davis said .
te	4	If you send a message to the Constable there then he 'll send you a new sheriff right away . "
te	4	" I don 't see how it makes any difference , " she said , sounding as much like a know-it-all as she looked .
te	4	" We 're stuck with them , and anyone who goes around making trouble is wasting everyone 's time . "
te	4	These people have done us a great kindness and I will not have you being rude to them like this ! "
te	4	" She said those guys you beat up would go running to their bosses who would come hurt this family .
te	4	" I won 't go picking fights , but if anyone approaches these people I 'm going to stop them . "
te	4	" It 's unavoidable when we 're all fighting for real , so when that happens it 's safest with me .
te	4	But if something does start tomorrow then it 'll make me happier if I don 't have to worry about it . "
te	4	She slipped on her boots , tied her scabbard to her belt , and went outside to see what it was .
te	4	Crickets chirped in the stillness , and she could hear the distant sound of drunken laughter coming from somewhere in the town .
te	4	She had two swords , not beautiful but still functional , and she was using them to attack a tree stump .
te	4	" From the way you talked today I would think that you 'd be against fighting , and then I find you secretly practicing .
te	4	She stood at her side and pulled out her sword , holding it out so Jen could see her grip .
te	4	" You hold a sword like this , not like some knife you 're about to cut meat with . "
te	4	Davis , who was loading the chest with Ben 's help on the other side of the wagon , smiled across at her .
te	4	I 've been slowly paying him off , but recently they 've been demanding that I pay all of it up on front . "
te	4	The adults sat on a bench in the front and the rest of them sat on bags of clothes in the back .
te	4	If one of those men even looks this way I 'll show them exactly what I think of their gambling ! "
te	4	" If you give me another month - " " You 're leaving town , Otani , " Marshal said .
te	4	The man had a large rock , which he swung at her head while the woman tried to bear hug her from behind .
te	4	She grabbed his hand and spun , tripping him over his fallen comrade and cracking his head against someone else .
te	4	She easily slid it to the side , but the force of the blow was greater than she had anticipated .
te	4	Usually his opponent hadn 't gone through all his men in less than a minute before fighting him , but no matter .
te	4	When he stepped back in surprise her ankle collapsed his leg out from under him and he fell like a tree .
te	4	He pulled away from her and gave her a murderous look , but she knew he wouldn 't dare do anything to the family .
te	4	" Oh my dear , you have turned out to be the biggest blessing this town has gotten in a very long time . "
te	4	" The blacksmith was planning on melting them down , but he let me take them instead , " she said .
te	4	There were stone steps leading up to the front , and a man dressed in fine clothes stood at the top .
te	4	" On behalf of the town I would like to thank you for the great service you have performed for us today ! "
te	4	" Hey are you guys going to stay down there all day or are we going to leave before dawn ? "
te	4	" I don 't understand how calling my Aunty " Aunty " is any different than calling her anything else . "
te	4	Besides , if we leave now then Jen will tell everyone that it proves that we are who she says we are . "
te	4	" She 'll say that we 're leaving now that there 's nothing more they can do for us . "
te	4	If she was going to go against what she knew was right , then she might as well go a little further .
te	4	The small animal 's instincts went from fight to flight after it hit a tree , and it scrambled away .
te	4	" Yeah , and we just so happened to meet in the middle of the woods during your nightly stroll . "
te	4	" Wait , you aren 't really a con artist just trying to make people give you what you want , right ? "
te	4	Jen blinked and stared at her , her mouth hanging slightly open from a snarky response she had been preparing to use .
te	4	You 're going to make a great warrior someday , but gain some wisdom before you decide you know everything . "
te	4	" So you think you can take care of whatever it is that 's putting us in danger by yourself ? "
te	4	Thinking of Aunty brought back that bittersweet feeling she often got when she thought back to the life she had left behind .
te	4	And in the alley when she first got to the city her ignorance would have gotten her killed if it weren 't for Jeff .
te	4	If something like that happened while she was on her own she 'd be dead and the Assassins would get the jewel .
te	4	She looked like she didn 't actually want to be talking to anyone at the moment but she couldn 't help it .
te	4	" Just because they aren 't as fancy as yours - " " No , I mean they aren 't very sharp anymore .
te	4	" I 've got to say , it 's impressive you got to the point you 're at with these . "
te	4	He said he was a mystic , that he studied energy and learned about magic even though he couldn 't use it .
te	4	There was a martial arts studio in my village , and I spent a lot of time studying from the scrolls that were there .
te	4	Bane was holding a tarp that they would attach to the top of the poles to keep out the rain .
te	4	" Do you want to hear a song my Aunty used to sing to me when I was afraid ? "
te	4	He leaned over the side , shielding his eyes from the rain with his hand so he could look at the sky .
te	4	She had not come all this way to let one stupid wagon turn all of that hard work into a waste !
te	4	Gone was the wind and rain , the water running down her nose , the weight of the wagon forcing her back .
te	4	We could make a tent so we won 't get your stuff wet and still have a place to be ! "
te	4	They tied three ropes between two trees each , two parallel to each other and one higher up in between them .
te	4	She laid a blanket on the ground for a floor and clipped it to the walls to keep it from washing away .
te	4	We 're going to be stuck with each other for hours , so we might as well try to get along ! "
te	4	" It 's taken me years of study and meditation to reach the point that I 'm at now . "
te	4	" So , are you going to say what to do or are we going to just sit here all day ? "
te	4	If I 'm going to teach you then you need to listen to me and do as you 're told .
te	4	Growth takes time , maybe years , so if she starts learning now then she 'll have plenty of time . "
te	4	" You know , in the villages out in the country people don 't get shoes until they 're adults . "
te	4	The kids scampered among the trees and underbrush , having a great time and making enough noise to raise the entire forest .
te	4	" You know how when you 're falling asleep you can never do it if you tell yourself to ? "
te	4	Jen for once sounded calm when she spoke , the anger and sadness that had touched her voice before was gone .
te	4	I hope to be one someday , but there are plenty of men and women who have dedicated their entire lives to swordplay . "
te	4	" I was an only child , so it 's kinda weird being in such a large family , " she continued .
te	4	It was a game in which you used small , flat circles called Ticks to flip other Ticks into a wood cup .
te	4	I 'm actually the oldest kid in my family , but Bane and Joan are both taller than me . "
te	4	" Mom , Dad , I 've been sneaking out at nights for the last couple months to practice using these swords .
te	4	I wanted to get good enough to challenge Marshal and his thugs so you 'd finally notice me and be proud of me . "
te	4	I can 't be happy living in our small house doing small things and being a meek little town girl .
te	4	" We 're glad that you told us this , and it doesn 't change how we feel about you , " Ben said .
te	4	A couple of the wagons had caught fire , creating bright patches in the darkness , adding to the nightmare .
te	4	" The Assassins won 't leave these people alone and we can 't hold them off without more people dying ! "
te	4	There were plenty of things to trip over and twist their ankles on that they would never know were there .
te	4	A sword colored black so it wouldn 't glint in the moonlight drew a cut down from her shoulder to her elbow .
te	4	She slipped her sword between her opponent 's blade and her own chest , deflecting it down to one side .
te	4	" She 'll be fine , but we won 't be if we don 't get into the open ! "
te	4	They stood and sprinted away from the trees , bending down to keep the archers from getting a good shot at them .
te	4	How could there be dry grass when it had rained enough to create mud wet enough for people 's feet to sink in ?
te	4	The smoke scorched their throats and the heat beat down on them , but eventually the fire burned itself out .
te	4	She was one of their best leaders , only called upon only when the situation was necessary , and those children had beaten her .
te	4	They needed someone like her , and the group leader could now be healed before they came after them again .
te	4	She had a light burn arching from her left ear , across part of her check , to the side of her neck .
te	4	After they had left the field they had hiked for most of the night before finally collapsing near a small clear stream .
te	4	Even if we did she wouldn 't have let you light the fire instead because she 's all noble and stuff .
te	4	" I don 't always make the correct decisions , and you both know more about the world than I do .
te	4	No one would know the paths are there unless you 're a really experienced forester who 's deliberately looking for trails .
te	4	It seemed like they had just found one of the ways those Assassins could get from one town to another .
te	4	If they 're doing the same things on their little secret paths then they can 't move as fast . "
te	4	" So we 'll just sit here and hope that a group will come by before the month is up ? "
te	4	" We won 't know how many people we 're dealing with or their formation or anything , " Jeff said .
te	4	His confusion had given her time to recover as well , though , and she caught his stab on the hilt of her sword .
te	4	He stepped in while their weapons were locked and stabbed up towards under her rib cage , a fatal shot .
te	4	If the opponent was able to get by the swordsman 's defenses the knife fighter would step in and deflect the blade .
te	4	She looked over her shoulder to see another semi-circle of assassins had snuck up from behind her , completing the circle .
te	4	" You have gained skill at lying , but I have been trained to see the lie through your eyes .
te	4	Jeff snuck up behind the Assassin that carried their weapons and hit her in the back of the head with the dagger .
te	4	But no one listens to me because I like to keep a lighter view on things , so I had to wing it ! "
te	4	But now the jewel is stolen because you decided to " wing it , " and we have to make up for your mistake .
te	4	" About half of them are out looking for us and the rest are heading back the way they came . "
te	4	She had just enough time for her expression to turn to one of surprise before she fell like a tree .
te	4	The Assassin fell onto Jeff , pinning him down and effectively keeping him out of the way of future arrows .
te	4	It intercepted a dagger that had been thrown at her from behind and kept going to hit the owner of that dagger .
te	4	He managed to turn to one side , so instead of a kill shot it hit him in the shoulder .
te	4	Mal stepped off to one side of the road , away from the crowd and the noisy vendors trying to sell them food .
te	4	Then when they got into the real hierarchy the buildings had the original style again , only they were made to look much finer .
te	4	It had many triangles and corners that made it look less formal and more exotic than the buildings around it .
te	4	Her mouth opened a little , and she slammed her brush into an ink jar as she rose to her feet .
te	4	She lay on her back on the center cot and closed her eyes , a quiet sigh escaping through her nose .
te	4	That was a bad idea as it made the room spin and her stomach threaten to expel its contents again .
te	4	" It 's to put fluid in her veins without having it go through her mouth , " Jeff explained .
te	4	I 'm doing this to repay a favor I owe Mr. Archibald , and that 's all you need to know . "
te	4	She still didn 't like it , but there wasn 't anything to be done about it besides get better as fast as possible .
te	4	He tried to close the door behind him , but it was hard with the three books balanced in his hands .
te	4	" I 'd think knowing about that group but not joining them would make you a target , " Jeff said .
te	4	A small group of people who looked around their age was walking up the deserted street , chatting and goofing off among themselves .
te	4	I don 't want to talk about this anymore , " he said as he saw her open her mouth to ask another question .
te	4	He saved my life when he didn 't even know me and his family gave me a place to stay when I needed it .
te	4	You wouldn 't have told me about your past if James hadn 't been ready to tell me first ! "
te	4	It was most likely from all the reading , but since she had recently had a concussion she wasn 't completely sure .
te	4	" If someone doesn 't tell me what 's going on I 'm going to twist both your arms ! "
te	4	It took her a moment to realize they were waiting to see her opinion on the matter from her Journey sense .
te	4	The only golden swords she had come across that were fit for a fight were the ones she 'd given to Jen .
te	4	There should be some cheaper stores a couple streets over , but we don 't want to wander into the shifty areas . "
te	4	" We have basic things like a butchery and a cloth shop , but there 's only one healer , my Aunty .
te	4	For every person in the Pain family there 's something we have to do in our lives , something we have to accomplish .
te	4	It can be dangerous , like when my cousin died in the mountains , but it 's something we have to do . "
te	4	She turned to see why he wasn 't telling her she was wasting time , but he wasn 't there .
te	4	The streets weren 't that crowded anymore since most people were going home for dinner , but he was nowhere in sight .
te	4	Maybe he had decided to cut across an alley for a short cut since it was getting too dark to be out safely .
te	4	They were moving in to flank her , and this time Jeff was not here to jump in and save her .
te	4	The Assassin , caught completely by surprise from this sudden change in tactic , was thrown off balance and stumbled back .
te	4	" No , but those arrows and darts should show us what angle they 're at , " he said .
te	4	There seems to be three more at the stained glass window to our left , and one more bowman behind us . "
te	4	Maybe Mal could hit one with a knife , but they 'd pin cushion him as soon as he shows his face .
te	4	" They aren 't firing anymore because they 're looking for one of us to move and do something stupid .
te	4	She pointed to Jeff , hoping Mal would figure out that since it was Jeff 's plan they weren 't all going to die .
te	4	She scooped up the bag with the Dragon Weed sticks and other herbs she had dropped on the way by .
te	4	She had to dive to one side just short of Mal 's table to keep from being hit by a dart .
te	4	The spare bows and arrows were still attached to it , which was why she had grabbed it instead of the others .
te	4	A dart pinned one of her pants legs to the ground , taking off a piece of material as her slide made it rip .
te	4	" You go for our room when I 'm half way to the big bookshelf over there , " she whispered .
te	4	She slid past it , pushed off the one next to it , and rolled back to the other side .
te	4	It burst into flame that threatened to scorch her hand even with the rest of the stick between them before dying down a little .
te	4	After all , there was only one quickly diminishing stick of Dragon Weed with nothing else to kindle a large fire .
te	4	He had taken his pack out of their room when he snuck out , so he 'd be able to counter the poison .
te	4	Once she hit six she dove to the other side of the next row , rolling to avoid darts from the other windows .
te	4	" Well , at least they must be getting low , " she said to Jeff as she pulled the dart from her side .
te	4	" Most likely they won 't go for her again because she won 't be any help until she gets to Mal .
te	4	As soon as she got an antidote she was charging back in there and helping them , no matter what Jeff said .
te	4	She peered out under the desk across the room towards the bowman 's window , toying with the idea of taking him out .
te	4	A black shadow had dropped from one of the bookshelves behind him and was bringing her dagger down towards his neck .
te	4	He turned to keep the new attacker from killing him when the first one drew out another knife to stab him in the back .
te	4	They ran along the main road , careful to keep near the center so no one could sneak up on them .
te	4	I managed to squeeze through a couple times when I was younger , but we 're all too big now . "
te	4	She kicked his attacker in the stomach and then hit Jeff in the chest with her elbow , shoving him through the gate .
te	4	" We were getting all paranoid with each other , and one of the two people no one suspected was the real traitor . "
te	4	" We take an oath that we can and will trust everyone in this circle and they can trust us .
te	4	We stay by each other and are loyal to each other until this journey , whatever that is , is ended .
te	4	Plus the village could be so far away from the river we 'd never see it through the trees . "
te	4	Large X 's showed cities , dots showed towns , and some tiny dots showed ... " Are those villages ? "
te	4	" It won 't be an easy journey , and it 's a couple days away , but I think I could get there .
te	4	I know now there 's something bigger going on here , something bigger than me and my grudge against you guys .
te	4	" I hate to ruin your point , Archie , but there 's something we do need to talk about , " Jeff said .
te	4	" The stream 's on one side and there 's a thick patch of thorns on the other side . "
te	4	" I 'm not the best at reading maps , but I think we won 't get there by tonight .
te	4	" It 's getting too dark to be safe , especially if we 're not going to get there today anyway . "
te	4	' Oh look , here 's something else we 're going to need to get that stupid city kid past . '
te	4	" I 'm expected to find the way to everything in the cities while you two have no idea of what 's going on !
te	4	Plus while you were out cold in the library he came up with a plan that got us all out and saved our lives .
te	4	Their progress was slower now , but that didn 't make much of a difference since they weren 't attacked .
te	4	Under no circumstances should any of you let your guard slip , even if they don 't attack for a week . "
te	4	The efforts of the Assassins seemed to double , which she assumed was because they would lose their greatest advantage in the open space .
te	4	Her blow didn 't land anywhere close , though , due to her stumbling over a rock and then stepping on a dead Assassin .
te	4	She stopped the knife fighter 's dagger while her balance was off and turned sideways to avoid the other 's sword .
te	4	Jeff looked like he had a good idea of what she was going to say and was dreading the answer .
te	4	The Assassin must have heard or felt her there , because he turned almost in time to stop her blade .
te	4	She opened her mouth to call for Jeff , but the woman threw more dirt at her , making her choke again .
te	4	The woman was fast and hard to see , but she obviously wasn 't as used to settings other than a city .
te	4	The Assassin grabbed a branch and lifted herself with it enough to avoid most of the kick , but it left her off balance .
te	4	She had felt the blow vibrate up her blade and knew it was bad , for the Assassin at least .
te	4	She must be running blindly from pain with that wound , so she wouldn 't be paying enough attention to where she was going .
te	4	She watched the woods as she ran , checking at intervals so she wouldn 't run off the path and into the water .
te	4	There was no way someone who was willing to run with a bad wound would give up once she was caught .
te	4	For all she knew they could have a way of making people talk when they really didn 't want to .
te	4	The blade passed between her shoulder and ear , close enough that she could see her reflection in the metal .
te	4	Jeff had struck as soon as the woman had attacked his friend , so there were three bleeding holes in her abdomen .
te	4	" We 've taken out the Assassins , so we 'll be able to find a way across without that extra pressure .
te	4	Then again , the way he closed up and became cold whenever she tried talking to him about his past drove her crazy .
te	4	Okay , maybe if he hadn 't gotten injured she wouldn 't have to worry about him as much after all .
te	4	" We left both of our blankets back in out last campsite and I wouldn 't want to sleep in this mud . "
te	4	The rustle of the tree leaves , the soft gurgle of the tributary , and the hoot of an owl filled her ears .
te	4	Finally , he said grudgingly , " That wasn 't the first oath of trust I have made with four younger people . "
te	4	She had no idea what she was going to say , but she had to do something before morale hit rock bottom .
te	4	Of course at home she could have gone inside to a nice , warm , Assassin free hut any time she wanted .
te	4	At least if she got into a hand to hand fight her opponent would be at the same footing disadvantage as she was .
te	4	" Five miles is about this far along , " he said , pointing to a spot on the streak .
te	4	" Then if we go off to the left of this road we should get to the village , " she said .
te	4	" Did you remember when I told you how they leave one person out of the fight to report back if someone fails ? "
te	4	The roads were dirty , the huts small , and the people much less dignified than the city people they had met so far .
te	4	" As much as I think Archie 's just being paranoid I definitely agree that it 's worth wasting time getting all mushy . "
te	4	Neither of them could spot Assassins waiting for them , so they brought the guys up the rest of the way .
te	4	" If five armed and dirty strangers randomly walked into town and went straight to the healer 's hut it would be weird .
te	4	The Zheng was a rectangular instrument with a slightly arched surface and twenty one strings , each on its own bridge .
te	4	Her limbs were thin and her hands slightly worn , but she had a wise , kind , motherly feel to her .
te	4	" It 's so there 's always someone to take care of the village when the senior healer passes on .
te	4	To the average person the idea of a couple kids and one adult taking on a group of bandits and winning was ridiculous .
te	4	It was possible to refuse to pay for their help , but bad things tended to happen to people who did .
te	4	Usually being called kid wouldn 't faze her , but he said it in a way that felt rather derogatory .
te	4	If you 've got coin or something to barter with I 'm sure you 'll find sufficient supplies for you . "
te	4	" You just don 't like him because you 're used to being treated like an adult , " Mal said .
te	4	She had seen plenty of people wait in the front room of their house while their loved ones were with Auntie .
te	4	They wouldn 't go home until they knew the person was going to be okay , so neither would she .
te	4	" I can see how you might think that , but most rules aren 't like the ones your mother gave you .
te	4	Like if Net didn 't wash his hands he could infect the wound of someone he 's trying to help . "
te	4	" We might as well get a good night 's sleep since we don 't have to keep a lookout for Assassins . "
te	4	Auntie would call them in soon for breakfast and the noise of the children would wake the other people in the house .
te	4	The ball went rocketing down the road so far it bounced into the tall grass at the end of the village .
te	4	You 'd of had to have watched it all the way like I did in order to see it . "
te	4	Finally the boy ran over and grabbed the red thing out of the woman 's basket , much to her surprise .
te	4	She hadn 't realized how stressed and worried she 'd been until it all flowed away , leaving her relieved and empty .
te	4	" Just because it 's not helpful all the time doesn 't mean we should ignore it when it does happen . "
te	4	The lemmings got her to play a game of Catch the Dragon Tail , which turned out being more like The Whip instead .
te	4	It sounded like the kind of thing someone closer to Mal 's age would say , but it was true .
te	4	It would allow her to come in immediately with a slash across his exposed chest if it was a real fight .
te	4	" You 're going to do that move over and over again so it 's drilled into your reflexes . "
te	4	She stared at the speck and wondered what Auntie , Lily , and all her other family members were doing there now .
te	4	Her hand started creeping up to the collar of her shirt where the chain she wore around her neck was .
te	4	" You know , you guys all tease me for working for fun but you always go to an archery range . "
te	4	" I would have started going on hunts with the adults if it weren 't that I had to leave on my Journey . "
te	4	" I don 't know if any of you have noticed but I 'm the only one keeping watch , " Mal said .
te	4	" So unless some of you wish to volunteer to do that I cannot take time off to join your session . "
te	4	" If you wanted me to get better then maybe we should have stayed at that village a little longer . "
te	4	" Keep slacking off like this and one of you is going to end up with a bolt through the stomach . "
te	4	You 're just being sore because you hate being babied and getting told what to do by a girl . "
te	4	" I have no problem being told what to do by a girl , " he protested to the remaining people .
te	4	If you are I might be able to find a way that 's a little less deep , or we could go around . "
te	4	" We need to get as far as we can before getting caught , so I say we cross . "
te	4	" We 've had roughly forty-five hours since we last attacked , so we could be under ambush within two days or so .
te	4	" We must get as far as we can before - " " Before they catch us , we know , we know . "
te	4	She was willing to hang out in rear guard , though , if it meant giving Mal some time to relax .
te	4	The trees and vines started getting covered more and more with wet moss , and the low lying shrubs turned from bushes to ferns .
te	4	There 's the swamp snake and the black swamp snake - " " Please stop talking about snakes , " Jeff said .
te	4	' Over there ' was off the strip of only slightly flooded bit of land they were walking on and into the muddy water .
te	4	" We could go on a bit and possibly maybe find some rocks to sit on or we could make due here . "
te	4	If we 're going to stay on our feet we might as well keep moving and make something out of it . "
te	4	" Do you want to hang around all day on the ground or are you going to find somewhere dry ? "
te	4	" Besides , I didn 't get my foot chewed off and we know no one 's watching us . "
te	4	" If crocodiles live around here it would be better for us and the crocs if we got out of their territory . "
te	4	She followed the arm down to find her friend , crouched behind some ferns and staring intently off into the woods .
te	4	If she hadn 't known they were there and what to look for she would never have seen them at all .
te	4	Her blade caught the wrist in which the man held a dagger that he was preparing to stab her with .
te	4	Then she pivoted and came in low below Mal 's arms , hitting one of the two he was fighting .
te	4	The block she used was a high one , so she slashed down diagonally at her opponent 's exposed chest .
te	4	It felt like forever , though it was probably only a minute , when they finally reached the edge of the mudslide .
te	4	Mud and stones filled in most of the spaces between the boulders , which was most likely the cause of the mud slide .
te	4	It was a dangerous move and could attract attention if anyone was around , but it was better than yelling or running .
te	4	" We came back to look for you after we realized splitting up was a mistake and he got caught in a mud slide .
te	4	This time she wanted to be the one to catch her enemy off guard , not the other way around .
te	4	If an enemy found it then I would fight , but I had to take the chance if it meant trying to find Jeff .
te	4	" Well , it 's not a great plan , but I guess it 's the best we 've got . "
te	4	" I guess we 're going to have to walk through the swamp again so no one knows which direction we went . "
te	4	She got back around the bend just in time to avoid the gaze of an Assassin slipping silently over the rocks .
te	4	When they came to the edge of the island they jumped off , rolled back to their feet , and kept running .
te	4	In the same motion she slashed at the woman 's mace before it could hit her and cut it in half at the handle .
te	4	" As I was saying , we ran this way and probably traveled this far , so we 're around here . "
te	4	" He would have expected us to run north away from it , so he 'll be somewhere in this area . "
te	4	They weaved in an out between each other 's moves , dealing blows that were almost like art to watch .
te	4	It makes sense , since you are so much like a dragon yourself , that the leading croc would honor you like that .
te	4	You two separated on the other side of the island , so we might meet him somewhere half way . "
te	4	You didn 't know they weren 't watching us , just waiting for a moment to break us apart . "
te	4	" I turned down a thin dark tunnel since it was going in the direction we needed , but the floor was super steep .
te	4	" It 's nice to know what to avoid and all , but we really need to get going . "
te	4	She had just enough time to bring her arm up before she left the small crevice and hit the far wall .
te	4	Her hand tried to creep up to the chain around her neck , but it was pinned between her and the wall .
te	4	" And then we had to slide all the way down , and then we lay down here stunned for some time .
te	4	Her hand landed on what felt like a piece of dried meat that had gone soggy from the water on the ground .
te	4	The tunnel was about as big as the one up above , which meant there was enough room to move through without being comfortable .
te	4	" From the sound those rocks just made it 's really deep and there 's water down at the bottom . "
te	4	That would be a problem if they ever hit an intersection , but for now they were still going in the right direction .
te	4	It 's more likely for her to have kept going this way than to so happen to discover this offshoot . "
te	4	It was just the natural fear of being stuck in a dark place deep underground that one might never get out of .
te	4	The serpent 's mouth was too wet for even Dragon Weed to burn for long , and the flame was starting to die .
te	4	Fish as big as her hand with teeth nearly half their size started leaping from the water to try to get at her .
te	4	" We keep going for now and decide how long we 've been down here when we get back up . "
te	4	She didn 't really know how long she was in the little crevice , but it seemed much longer going up than going down .
te	4	If they went back down to find her they 'd just get themselves killed , and telling Jeff would only make him freak out .
te	4	" I ... kind of ended up walking into a trap , and Archie came out of nowhere and helped me out .
te	4	She was the better fighter , she had the crystal , she was the bigger threat , they should have gone for her .
te	4	If someone else had the jewel then there was no way for them to complete the necklace and gain all that power .
te	4	Doing what was hard so Lily , Aunty , and all her relatives could go to bed at night safe .
te	4	She couldn 't protect them at her home , but she could keep them safe by making sure this was safe .
te	4	" I know it 's night , but we need to put as much distance between the swamp and ourselves as possible .
te	4	" But we were traveling north , so if we keep going that way we should hit the base of the mountain .
te	4	The loam had been replaced by mud that seemed black in the dark when they could see it at all .
te	4	If it weren 't for their mission it would have been better for both of them to stay down there and waste away together .
te	4	It just was brought up in more detail when she thought of something that connected her main thoughts to him .
te	4	Keeping watch was necessary and they 'd been neglecting it way too much , but the constant drive of guilt was dangerous .
te	4	She wouldn 't let herself turn into something bad , but that didn 't change the fact that it hurt .
te	4	" I don 't allow folks as armed as you in this here forest , " the unseen man said gruffly .
te	4	The little forester started picking her way through the underbrush , leading them in a semicircle around where they had met the man .
te	4	She should have been faster , she should have been smarter , she should have , should have , should have .
te	4	She jumped forward and locked his arm behind his back in a hold that used his own strength against him .
te	4	" You all look like you could use a good meal and a dry place to sleep for the night . "
te	4	" I don 't know what happened in the swamp , but I think you need a break , " Marge said .
te	4	" We don 't actually know its name , but we know it 's at the base of the mountain . "
te	4	" I 'll respect your privacy , but you should know that taking travelers through our woods safely is part of our job .
te	4	" There are people out looking for us , so we need to put as much distance between us as possible . "
te	4	" You people were really kind to us , so I don 't want to have to move you . "
te	4	Sometimes the best thing is to take some time out to deal with what 's happened before finally being able to move on . "
te	4	Moving on is when you can think of his memory and smile because he lived instead of crying because he died . "
te	4	They probably weren 't the best company since they were all so melancholy , but Marge and George didn 't seem to mind .
te	4	" We 're so used to taking people through , not telling them how to get there by themselves . "
te	4	" Take care of yourselves , and if you 're ever in this area again you 'll know where to find us . "
te	4	It occurred to us that it could happen but we never really realized that it 's true , besides maybe Mal .
te	4	She continued , " This is my Journey and I 'm going on , but if you want to turn back I understand .
te	4	If they kept going she 'd never know whether each time she saw them was going to be the last .
te	4	" But then we 'd have to stop and wait for too long while you hunt , " Jeff put in .
te	4	It seemed they had finally managed to get them off their trail for once , at least for the time being .
te	4	" You , the kick-ass heroine with freaky knowledge in fighting , weren 't allowed to hunt because you were too young . "
te	4	" If she didn 't want you doing something dangerous then why did she start you on martial arts ? "
te	4	It 's like she wanted you to turn out like you and didn 't want you to at the same time ! "
te	4	Slowly she raised her bow , pulled back the arrow , released ... The deer jerked and dropped to the ground , dead .
te	4	Both twins were impossibly skinny with straight black hair , olive shaped eyes , and pale skin with an odd green tinge .
te	4	Why follow her all the way back there if you 're just going to turn around and come back ? "
te	4	He was a great person whom I wrongly accused of being a traitor , and he was one of my best friends ! "
te	4	Her friends were great warriors and could take care of themselves , but during every fight she found herself worrying about their safety .
te	4	" If you guys don 't want to go the dangerous route , though , that 's fine too . "
te	4	" Mistakes have big consequences , but that doesn 't mean we need to stop making decisions to avoid them .
te	4	After seeing so many cities and having so much amazement at the huge manmade structures she finally saw what real size looked like .
te	4	It seemed to go so high that at any moment it would tip over and fall down to crush them .
te	4	The mountain continued to loom over them , seeming to want to remind them of how tiny and insignificant they really were .
te	4	He swept his arm out to one side and took her ankles out from under her while she was distracted .
te	4	In the same motion she caught number two in a hold behind his back so he was between her and number one 's attack .
te	4	He was smiling as if he found her predicament , or the fact that he was about to save her life , amusing .
te	4	She must have seemed like a flaky little damsel , hanging off the edge until someone came to save her .
te	4	" It 's just over there past the guys that are charging us , and I 'm really good . "
te	4	She 'd be able to get there if those guys were out of the way , but then she 'd be surrounded .
te	4	" It doesn 't have a reliable antidote , but with just the right weak poison you can burn it away . "
te	4	" It took ... " he said another really long name " almost a minute to knock her out . "
te	4	" I think we can handle ourselves , if you think we 're ' not too bad ' enough . "
te	4	" I 'm going to assume you have a way of knowing where something like that is , " he said .
te	4	We have to keep this map safe so someone with a photographic memory won 't be able to find us . "
te	4	" I could tell you were good from the strength in your body and the grace in which you move .
te	4	It felt like only a few minutes before the afternoon was gone and it was too dark to keep going .
te	4	" I don 't suppose you 're actually going to tell me what this ' Journey ' thing is . "
te	4	" That 's if we don 't run into more obstacles , but honestly I 've given up all hope of that . "
te	4	They 'd slit the throats of a family in the night , but never before have I heard of them destroying a whole town .
te	4	On the chests of their horses was a code of arms of pure white wings with a background of silver .
te	4	He 's been in the race for the necklace before and he 's been a huge help to us this time . "
te	4	" If they can help us stop things like this from happening , then we 're there , " he told her quietly .
te	4	She was already astride one of the large animals and looking as comfortable as if she was sitting on a bench .
te	4	Normally we would allow you to train to become one of us , but you say you want an alliance instead .
te	4	Pardon me but I 'm afraid I must ask ; how could six children and an older man help us ?
te	4	What if this group was just an offshoot of these Assassins , tricking people into giving them what they wanted ?
te	4	Then the guild members pressed in closer , staring at the jewel like it was a miracle that could make their dreams come true .
te	4	It wasn 't like she 'd be throwing it away in the woods like she 'd been tempted to do before .
te	4	She 'd be leaving it in the hands of a mega guild , one that had hundreds of years of experience doing this .
te	4	" It is a mistake to judge someone before you know what they 're capable of , " Mal said .
te	4	" And I 've only been with these people for a couple days , but already I know what they can do .
te	4	Somehow a small group of highly skilled people have managed to find their way to each other and join together under one cause .
te	4	" We use different terms than the Middle Kingdom 's military but basically the same structure , " Henna said .
te	4	The smallest groups are led by Lieutenants , which are kind of like the P ' u li yen . "
te	4	" We actually have quite a few mystics , but only five of them are in charge of the military . "
te	4	It was also much steeper and rockier , so much so that they had to dismount and lead the horses .
te	4	Finally they encountered a small structure covered in moss , leaves , and branches so that it almost looked like part of the forest .
te	4	" We also have a scouting base not far from here where our scouts can stay while they 're on duty .
te	4	We can stay there for the night if you wish before making the journey back to our main base tomorrow . "
te	4	The outside of the scouting base appeared to be much like the outside of the stable , only much larger .
te	4	It was one building about as long as the town hall back in Jen 's town but only half as tall .
te	4	As I said , if you need anything just ask someone with a steel band , they 'll be able to help you . "
te	4	" In a real fight your opponent would be able to anticipate your next move easily , which is bad for obvious reasons .
te	4	At the end of the sequence the girl he was fighting stepped back and ran the back of her hand across her forehead .
te	4	None of them had noticed a crowd forming around them until Henna 's voice rang out across the practice room .
te	4	Great will be our glory when the guild of murderers lie smoking at our feet and the land is safe once more ! "
te	4	She had been on her Journey for only a couple weeks and had seen horrors she hadn 't dreamed of before .
te	4	Seeming to realize how she must sound , Henna set down her chop sticks and folded her hands before explaining .
te	4	If they were to give up on their cause , even in the last days of their life , then they were incomplete .
te	4	" If our leaders wish to speak with you then they may summon you at any time , " Laurence told them .
te	4	If the mystics were as busy as he said then there was no way they were ever going to want to talk to her .
te	4	She had to cling to small ledges , hanging feet above the rocky ground with gravity trying to rip her off .
te	4	A couple scholarly looking people sat on marble benches in the courtyards reading expensive looking books and writing on scrolls .
te	4	Everyone would stop and drop to one knee as they came up until they passed by , including the children .
te	4	They went through a large archway and along the edge of a courtyard with a Koi pool in the center .
te	4	I have been assigned to you , so if you need anything you may ask me or any of the servants . "
te	4	After some wrong turns and ending up in the wrong courtyards they found the big entrance archway out onto the meadow .
te	4	She put her hands under the little girl 's back and carefully lowered her down so she landed on her feet .
te	4	" I 'm going to be the greatest soldier ever and follow in the footsteps of my noble sister ! "
te	4	She was the first person I met from your guild , and she 's been assigned to be our guide . "
te	4	" Don 't worry , when you finish your training I 'll bet you 'll be able to ambush me all you want . "
te	4	Parents take time off from the army to raise their children here , though they are expected to keep their skills sharp .
te	4	She cleared her throat and began to read : To the seven keepers of the precious jewel , Hail to the most honorable seven .
te	4	Sincerely , Orion , Most Honorable Mystic Henna carefully folded up the letter and slipped it back into its envelope .
te	4	She put it on a silver tray that one of the servants was holding out , who then whisked it away .
te	4	" To meet the five Mystics of Angels , our supreme leaders , and to receive the invitation from the Most Honorable Mystic himself !
te	4	Ala made absolutely no change and didn 't even register when Henna was practically yelling at her to do something a little more formal .
te	4	Henna , who had gotten out of her armor during the day , had shined it up and put it back on .
te	4	It had designs cut out of the marble near the ceiling in the shapes of dragons and other mystical beings .
te	4	" We have yet to see the proof that you do in fact have the precious jewel , " one of the women said .
te	4	Commander Laurence wheeled a glass case with a red velvet cushion inside to the center of the platform in front of them .
te	4	" Bring forth the most precious jewel before the Five Mystics of Angels , " intoned one of the generals .
te	4	The General gestured to Commander Laurence , who took out a large map and spread it on the floor before the platform .
te	4	Jeff whispered to her , " People in high station usually don 't go on things like simple scouting trips . "
te	4	" If it is your wish to join the parties then you may , " the Most Honorable Mystic said .
te	4	" We 've already set up a time for an officer meeting today , " the speaking General told her .
te	4	" You and the rest of your group are invited to come so we may set up the scouting parties . "
te	4	She dragged the smaller girl back through the crowd and met the rest of their friends in a deserted hallway .
te	4	A dark haired woman in a kimono of white and gold , a mystic , was sitting in one of the red pavilions .
te	4	A tree with pink blossoms made a beautiful backdrop , and the sun glinted off the diamonds on the sticks in her bun .
te	4	" Maybe if you have that attitude , " he said , leaning his elbow on the wall next to her .
te	4	Once she pushed away the cattails she could see the little shallow pools near the edge where koi fish swam .
te	4	They stared up at her before swimming away as if to say , " What the abyss do you think you 're doing ? "
te	4	Somehow it had managed to avoid the floods that the other rivers had experienced and was staying at a peaceful height and speed .
te	4	" I don 't think people around here talk about seeing the Five Mystics of Angels so casually , Pain . "
te	4	" You , little one , are said to be the spirit of a deceased dragon reincarnated into another form . "
te	4	" I have never been late to an officer meeting and it 'll look bad if I do now ! "
te	4	I 'm supposed to make sure you get to where you need to be when you need to be there . "
te	4	She turned to go back to the gray drape , but a captain gestured with his head for her to stay .
te	4	" We 've marked down the route you suggested during the meeting with the Five Mystics of Angels , " he told her .
te	4	" We also have marked out three more routes that we had kept in reserve in case our original route failed . "
te	4	" How come there are all these lines lower down on the mountain but once we get past a certain point it stops . "
te	4	We barely have enough information to have a vague idea of what our trails will be like once we get up there . "
te	4	Unless you 're sure that the entrance to this place is the only cliff face with only one way up . "
te	4	" Then if it is alright with you I shall assign Lieutenant Lyre as the last member of your party , " he said .
te	4	We will have another officer meeting at the same time as today where Lieutenant Lyre and Captain Twain will give their reports .
te	4	" Remember , if you need anything just come find me , " Henna said before walking back the way they had come .
te	4	Once the lieutenant 's footsteps had died away she said , " Once we get back to our rooms we need to talk . "
te	4	" It 's probably the only thing that can show us how our trails might look like farther up the mountain . "
te	4	" Is it possible for them to see the cliff faces by the time they have to turn around ? "
te	4	She didn 't want to have to scramble to get everything done when Henna woke them up way too early the next morning .
te	4	There wasn 't much to pack anyway since none of them had had enough time there to make a mess .
te	4	She opened the door to go see if Jeff wanted to come and nearly walked into a soldier who had been about to knock .
te	4	" Someone accidentally scheduled for two groups to use the training field at the same time , " she said .
te	4	She didn 't want to lose one of them at all , but especially not without knowing who they actually were .
te	4	" But I am the assigned guide to the seven keepers of the most precious jewel , " Henna protested .
te	4	" But I am expected to uphold my duty to the fullest of my extent , " Henna said , sounding distressed .
te	4	She barely noticed how the décor had suddenly become intricate and rich , very different from the plain décor of the soldier 's halls .
te	4	Each one had wings that were spread long enough to touch the tips of the other angels at the corners .
te	4	The five mystics knelt in the center of the carpet in the same semicircle on silver , or gold for Orion , cushions .
te	4	On top of that the room itself was shaped to channel the energies of the world around her in the proper way .
te	4	" We have been informed by one of our mystics that you speak and read the Olden language , " Orion said .
te	4	" We would be honored , " Orion said , " if you would translate some of our most valuable texts for us . "
te	4	Someone like you should be able to spend your time with something more important , something worth your talents . "
te	4	Since the first time she climbed into the compound she 'd been denying powerful people who weren 't used to the word no .
te	4	We don 't know when you may have to leave and it would be a catastrophe to lose this opportunity . "
te	4	The most successful example is when a small collective channels energies into someone , making them stronger , faster , and more balanced . "
te	4	" For the common person it is more difficult than to control your internal energies , " the original woman said .
te	4	" I can 't make this quite out , but I think it 's actually over three thousand years old . "
te	4	They are our most precious and we would prefer to have them dealt with in a more controlled setting . "
te	4	They had nearly reached the end of the book when she caught a faint dong echoing somewhere in the compound .
te	4	" The last mystic sent to guide me acted like it was below her , so why are you so chipper ? "
te	4	It is below a full mystic , but they decided that you deserved someone higher than that , " Lia said .
te	4	" You are nothing more than an apprentice the Five Mystics of Angels have taken a liking to , " Henna told her .
te	4	She could hear the sounds of mothers calling their children in for bed and the crickets just starting to play .
te	4	" You three have a habit of nearly getting yourselves killed wherever you go , " a voice said from above her .
te	4	She closed her eyes for a moment , trying to block out the image of his dead , staring eyes .
te	4	It was harder getting onto the roof here than at the Raymond 's house since she was on the first floor .
te	4	" Pain , I understand what it 's like to lose someone special , but that shouldn 't stop you from continuing to live .
te	4	Then she backed up until her back hit a spire , judged the distance , and took a running leap off the building .
te	4	They jumped from roof to roof , winding their way around the river until they finally reached the middle pavilion .
te	4	" There 's a chemical in the river bed here that reacts with the water in the dark to make this glow . "
te	4	We 're all going to eat it in the other room so we can discuss a few things before heading out . "
te	4	The spacing 's tough , but the contour lines are far enough apart that I think we 'll be able to make it . "
te	4	" Not that many rockfall zones either , so if all goes well this should be the trail that we take . "
te	4	" They could tell the Assassins where you are and bring the whole guild down on top of us . "
te	4	" And before you claim that your guild can take all of them on , just think , " he continued .
te	4	It 's not like they 're going to march up and knock on the front gate to challenge you . "
te	4	" If you keep up that pace then you 'll be exhausted before we even get anywhere , " Henna said disapprovingly .
te	4	If I did that then all seven of you would have to scramble to get out of the way . "
te	4	Mal had said they were people who created poisons for a living and then had someone else do the dirty work .
te	4	" What , no ' I 'm such a tough forester I 'm used to all this you 're all wimps ' ? "
te	4	The boulders slowly dissipated into a slick slope covered in grass and shrubs pressed flat from the recent rain and mud slides .
te	4	She finally came to a stop with her head awkwardly propped up on somebody and her legs up on Henna 's stomach .
te	4	She got her feet under her and launched herself forward to grab strong looking plants on either side of Henna .
te	4	" With all of my training , I should have ... " " It was just a mistake , " Jeff said .
te	4	" I feared I had doomed my friends to a fall all the way back down to the rocks below . "
te	4	Any one of us could have made the same mistake and any one of us could have just as easily stopped it .
te	4	They continued up like they had been , taking frequent breaks and being ready to catch each other at the slightest slip .
te	4	" If no one 's come here before then it should be just a small deer trail , " he continued .
te	4	Now you 'd better drop that bow and not try that again or you 'll see just how accurate we are .
te	4	" Look , I don 't know what this is about , but we 're not here to fight you .
te	4	" You 're going to do as we say or we 'll shoot you , " the girl said sharply .
te	4	We 're scouting out a path up the mountain so we can take the object to a place it can be safe . "
te	4	They spoke quietly for a moment before the kid climbed back into the tree and the little party went on its way .
te	4	" But it 'll be easier for you to watch that one person than all of us , " he said .
te	4	" Look , I don 't know what it is you people are doing here , but I do know this .
te	4	After a pause An said , " Everyone in this camp comes from families that have been ripped apart by the guild .
te	4	We can 't do much , but we raid them and try to disrupt their missions as best we can .
te	4	You don 't have the power to keep us here , so start giving us a reason to not just walk out . "
te	4	An , do you really want to risk your men just because you couldn 't try to put some trust in someone ?
te	4	As soon as one of you does anything slightly suspicious all of you are getting dragged straight back here , got it ? "
te	4	" If you three would stop mumbling and giggling amongst yourselves then perhaps you should join us , " Mal said wryly .
te	4	This place isn 't that big , and as I said before we have places we need to be . "
te	4	They invited us to their headquarters to negotiate , where upon they took us and tortured us for a week straight .
te	4	They were only a couple feet from the shack when a horn sounded three times followed by Fen 's voice .
te	4	She grabbed the boy 's wrist and hooked her ankle behind his knee , gently collapsing it to bring him down .
te	4	They were unable to use their bows in such a short distance , but almost all of them had a blade of some sort .
te	4	She turned and used the person 's momentum to deflect the dagger someone had been trying to get to her with from behind .
te	4	The scouts were not as tough as assassins , but twenty of the thirty people there were now pouring down on her .
te	4	Ala raised her tiny crossbow more threateningly to make sure the archers didn 't get the idea of using the moment as an opening .
te	4	It was rather nerve wracking going down the hill with a bunch of unfriendly archers taking aim at their backs .
te	4	This time , though , it was An who grabbed the dagger and stab it into the other girl 's chest .
te	4	She ran headlong into a boy , but instead of crashing into him they were both suddenly in a sunny meadow .
te	4	But then a great swarm of shadows leaped at her , burying her so she could no longer see the sun .
te	4	I try to scream out a warning to her , but before I can the waves rise up and drag her under . "
te	4	After taking a look , the healer had her sit on an empty mat while she went to get the supplies .
te	4	" The Five Mystics of Angels have called a meeting for a demonstration tonight , " she announced with excitement .
te	4	" The Five Mystics of Angels would also like to meet you in the Ancient Library to start the translations of their tomes .
te	4	The boy led her through the different sections until they came to an arch that was blocked with a great golden gate .
te	4	One of the Five Mystics of Angels was kneeling on a silver cushion on the other side of the table .
te	4	What she read in those texts were amazing feats that opened her mind to possibilities she couldn 't have dreamed of .
te	4	Some of the things the ancient mystics described doing were beyond what she was capable of , but some of them seemed actually doable .
te	4	She set down the quill and rubbed at her hand , trying to get some feeling other than pain into it .
te	4	They followed her back through the halls until they once again came to the great white double doors of the Hall of Angels .
te	4	Brenna followed by her group of friends wormed her way through the crowd so she could stand next to her sister .
te	4	It was impossible to tell its gender or age , but she could make out the words its lip 's shaped .
te	4	She could see Brenna and her followers jumping up and down in savage delight at these poor people 's blood .
te	4	" This way , " he said , heading back the way they had come and taking the right instead of the left .
te	4	They were almost to the end of the hallway when they heard footsteps coming from the corridor ahead of them .
te	4	Even if all you do is make sure they don 't get that pretty thing in your pocket it will be worth it . "
te	4	" They 're short and you must cross open spaces to get from one to another , but it will do the trick . "
te	4	All she could see under the cloak was a sword , a flash of armor , and a lock of blond hair .
te	4	She stepped in past Henna 's arm and rammed the butt of her hilt into the other girl 's nose .
te	4	" I just realized , Henna recognized An 's little group , " she told them , a bit panicked .
te	4	It was slower and forced them to backtrack a lot , but so far they hadn 't run into any real obstacles .
te	4	By the time it was too dark to continue the scene around them had changed dramatically since the day before .
te	4	There was no shelter in sight , so they huddled together under their blankets and hoped it wouldn 't rain that night .
te	4	They couldn 't build a fire since it would be like sending an arrow with dragon weed attached to it into the sky .
te	4	As she dodged rocks left and right she caught sight of Jeff just in time to see him take a rock to the shoulder .
te	4	There were only a few rolling rocks in their area when they stopped , but they were far enough apart to avoid .
te	4	He took a piece of cloth that might have once been and handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it against her cheek .
te	4	Until then it made moving a little more dangerous since two out of three of them had only one usable arm .
te	4	" Look , if you 're going to lead the way you need to make absolute sure you 're right .
te	4	It 's nothing more than anyone else is doing , but it 's important and you can 't ever slack off on it .
te	4	" I 'm sure Mal can take care of himself , " Jeff said , but he didn 't sound convinced .
te	4	" I guess when you two decided to get pessimistic that meant there wasn 't any more room in that group for me .
te	4	After a bit she sat at the edge of the ditch were her friends were already eating dried vegetables for breakfast .
te	4	She took the one out of Jeff 's hand right before he bit into it and popped it in her own mouth .
te	4	After a half an hour or so the cliff decreased in size until they were able to clamber up a section of it .
te	4	The river here was farther across than her entire village and was rushing fast enough to carry off a library .
te	4	" Do you mean we may have to go all the way back the way we came in order go around this thing ? "
te	4	The incline they were scaling was so steep they almost had to use their hands as well as their feet .
te	4	They sat in the inch deep water and brought the blankets over them to shield themselves from the rain a little better .
te	4	" The dogs won 't be able to track us in the storm , " Jeff said , but he stood up anyway .
te	4	At times they had to hold their weight with their arms when there wasn 't good enough traction for their feet .
te	4	It should have worried her about Jeff 's shoulder , but at that point more pressing matters were filling her mind .
te	4	The wind was blowing so fiercely now that it felt like they were going to be ripped from the ledge .
te	4	Then Auntie 's voice echoes through her head , an answer to a random question from long ago she 'd forgotten .
te	4	To her surprise she found that the largest ones , like the one on her arm and thigh , were healing well .
te	4	The sun glinted off his hair and fell in beams around him , giving the illusion that he was glowing .
te	4	Jeff told me about your tendency to move about when you shouldn 't so I gave you something to make you sleep . "
te	4	They seemed to be badly pretending to just so happen to stop and chat at those spots while taking quick peeks at them .
te	4	" It 's like we 're a bunch of lions that just walked up and asked to be their friends .
te	4	Unless if you take the river , but we can just tell them what people to not pull out . "
te	4	Like , they won 't suddenly turn into blood thirsty psychopaths just because we 're safe here , right ? "
te	4	" I , I brought some bread since it 's lunch time and all and I thought they might be getting hungry . "
te	4	The sun was shining brightly as if the storm of the night before ( actually two nights before ) had never happened .
te	4	One of the women had a heart shaped face and sleek , light brown hair much like Kata and Kana .
te	4	" Because the world outside of our mountains are a lot more dangerous than our village , " their mother told them .
te	4	The call came from a very old woman sitting in a chair woven from grass outside of a hut across from them .
te	4	She was bent and withered with age , but she waved her cane around in a manner that was far from weak .
te	4	" I was popping babies outta women left and right , and I didn 't lose a single one of em !
te	4	" We just prefer to be left alone , and it so happens that our location keeps us from the outside world . "
te	4	A small , low table stood near the far wall , and an empty fire pit stood in the center .
te	4	" We 've never had someone that old in our village before either , " Kate said with a small laugh .
te	4	It 's not like she 's not going to hear us and it 's an easier way to find her . "
te	4	" It seems we 've got our three guests and a good number of our elders all in one room .
te	4	Saito would have to send them on their way or else a whole crowd would have stopped outside the hut .
te	4	" Kate would like to invite you three to join us for dinner , " he told the three teens on his way by .
te	4	" I 'd invite you to dinner , but I think you 'd rather not spend an evening with my wife . "
te	4	The houses alone are at least two stories high , and there are libraries four stories high that are absolutely full of books .
te	4	Merchants line the streets selling all sorts of things , and you can get anything you want from the shops there .
te	4	The small group of children absolutely adored taking them out into the mountains and showing them their favorite playing spots .
te	4	Even if they can 't get to the village they still have a chance of finding something before us . "
te	4	It 's supposed to be a place where the pieces of an ancient , magical necklace can be safe . "
te	4	" Right now there are two super guilds , the Assassins and Angels , who are willing to kill to find it . "
te	4	The dragon died , but the pool lost its properties once the dragon was gone , so the warrior died as well .
te	4	" If any place were to be the one you 're looking for , it would be that one . "
te	4	" Because if someone falls we need someone else who 's able to catch them without falling themselves , " he told her .
te	4	He told him about their run from the Angels , that little incident in the river , and the Angels climbing into the cliffs .
te	4	After all , they had a greater chance of running into them on this trip than they had with the Assassins .
te	4	When it got steep enough he turned so he was facing the cliff and climbed the rest of the way down .
te	4	After discovering that she wasn 't falling she slid her right leg off the ledge and lowered it down near her other one .
te	4	They had had Mal to patch them up before , and he was good at it , but it wasn 't the same .
te	4	" It took an hour or so to get out and maybe an hour and a half to get back .
te	4	" When we get to the end we 're dropping a rope down so you can get up here , " Jeff told him .
te	4	Jeff tied some rope he 'd been carrying to a heavy looking rock and dropped the end down for Mal .
te	4	" It seems you three had at least enough sense to keep yourselves alive in that amount of time . "
te	4	" Surely you wouldn 't want to abandon the last three members of your party , " a voice called up from below .
te	4	" They went back to warn some people we met about the Guild of Angels when we found out the guild was evil . "
te	4	" Those sashes the twins wear signify that they 're part of an assassin 's guild , " she told them .
te	4	" We met a group of kids in the mountain while we still thought the Guild of Angels was good , " she explained .
te	4	" We were getting attacked by some Assassins , so I kicked some of the bookshelves on top of them .
te	4	" Don 't worry , I 'm sure they 've began fixing it by now , " Jeff reassured him .
te	4	She briefly wondered how this had happened as she leaned up against a rock facing the edge of the cliff .
te	4	The sun hadn 't peeked through the clouds enough to burn it off even though it was past early morning .
te	4	So she kept herself moving , packing the few things she had taken out and walking around as she ate a cold breakfast .
te	4	The rocks on each side rose steadily into the air until they formed a wall on either side that toward over them .
te	4	A large tree trunk somehow had fallen across the gap in front of the waterfall , even though there were no trees around .
te	4	The tunnel was small enough that they would have to crawl , but it was big enough to fit through .
te	4	At one point they went down and past an underground room with a horizontal slit that allowed one to see outside .
te	4	" If we can distract them and lead them away , then one of us can get to the pedestal . "
te	4	There could be no chance of someone spotting the other girl before she had a chance to make it with the jewel .
te	4	Something had happened to Mal too since he was supposed to cover her in case she was followed but he wasn 't .
te	4	This time she landed on the other side of him near the edge of the water so she scrambled towards the pool .
te	4	Starling came up behind her and hooked his ankle in front of hers , collapsing her leg out from under her .
te	4	He caught her wrist before she could turn and twisted bringing her arm above her head and nearly breaking her wrist .
te	4	He turned sideways and hooked the hilt of her sword in his , using her momentum to push her past him .
te	4	" I don 't have much experience with that kind of thing , but the other two have been a little busy . "
te	4	" Well , they were disorganized enough for me to get on the ground and out to the Sanctuary path without getting shot .
te	4	That was when I remembered the crossbow I 'd taken from the Assassin , so I used it to brace the rock .
te	4	If you enjoyed it , won 't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer ?
te	4	In addition , everyone that signs up for the mailing list will receive the first chapter of book two free !
te	4	Now a senior in high school , she has finally finished her debut novel , a project that took four years .
te	4	During the Separation from the Light , the deepest , darkest pain angels carried began to weigh on their shoulders .
te	4	Slowly , it dawned on their collective minds that there was no hope of the forgiveness God afforded so effortlessly to mankind .
te	4	Hell 's molten stench surged up through the Earth 's upper crust , allowing demons and the Fallen to torment God 's soulful creatures .
te	4	They tempted them with false promises , and led them to Hell ... holding hands with the burning darkness forever .
te	4	Legions of angels , commanded by Archangels , were sent to protect mankind from the Fallen and their demon soldiers .
te	4	One who was strong enough to fight the Fallen -- but not covet a place in Heaven -- because they belonged to this Earth .
te	4	They were made of stone , created by the God inspired human hands of Makers , but not by God himself .
te	4	Only humans and angels are made by the hand and breath of God , and their reward is a place in Heaven .
te	4	In fact , the very act of their creation is the barrier between them and Heaven , therefore , they do not desire Heaven .
te	4	It is these traits that make them the most powerful intermediaries between demons and human souls , for they are the sacred exorcists .
te	4	" May the Lord bless you and keep you , " she said , still marveling at his impressive figure .
te	4	For the first time , she understood that the fight between dark and light , the war between Heaven and Hell , was real .
te	4	Chapter 2 God of Stone and Spirit Years had passed since Father Tomas had beheld the wonder of a gargoyle in his sanctuary .
te	4	Father Tomas paused in front of the rough-hewn door , before lifting the worn iron ring to push it open .
te	4	" True enough , but I have gained the required knowledge to teach you the ways of God and train you for battle . "
te	4	I warrant that after seeing you , had she any doubts , they quickly took wing , " Father Tomas laughed .
te	4	He sipped his wine before he added , " Ironic that , because of you , we have proof of our faith .
te	4	Even though you are a man sitting before me , you are also a beast of flesh and a beast of stone . "
te	4	After a time , they reached a spiraling stone staircase and climbed until they reached an ancient door at the end of the corridor .
te	4	He blinked until the burning brightness yielded and he took in the expanse of blue and green spreading forever before him .
te	4	" No , they are not like you , " the priest said , struggling to find the precise explanation .
te	4	He chose not to tell Celestino that he would also face other gargoyles , ones that had been turned to the darkness .
te	4	Chapter 3 Talk of Stones and Souls " Buenos dias , Celestino , " Iseo said with a small smile .
te	4	The gargoyle pulled out the wooden chair by the low backrest , just as she did , but his landing was far less graceful .
te	4	You will get used to a great many things , " Iseo tried to sound reassuring , " I suppose . "
te	4	" To begin , we do this , " Iseo made the sign of the cross over her chest and pressed her palms together .
te	4	Celestino 's stoic expression made him a difficult man to read , as it was almost expressionless , except for his eyes .
te	4	With each simple word , he became the rising sun and she the flower bending its neck to feel the warmth .
te	4	She was aware that he observed everything , and that nothing passed between them or in the room that he did not notice .
te	4	Chapter 4 Forty Days of Flesh Father Tomas did not hear footsteps approaching his door , so when the knock sounded it startled him .
te	4	" Well , my young friend , you are not wholly human , so I suppose it makes sense . "
te	4	" As an instrument of God 's grace , you have been endowed with special abilities to serve His purpose .
te	4	He commands that you return to stone to guard His house and to remind you that you are of this Earth .
te	4	The angelic price is possessing divine knowledge and understanding surpassing all other creatures of God 's creation , but remaining subservient to God .
te	4	" Neither is death , at least not for many years to come ... God willing , " he added .
te	4	" It is God 's will that my Maker freed me , I will know angels , and I exist without ever reaching Heaven .
te	4	Until you are ready to be introduced to the world , it is important you bring no undue attention to yourself . "
te	4	Chapter 5 Wisdom and Truth Iseo felt the heat rise on the back of her neck , causing her to turn around .
te	4	There are few things a woman may keep in this world , her given name is one of them . "
te	4	Candles , in various stages of melting , covered much of the surface of the small table beneath the lonely window .
te	4	Iseo followed his lead , bowed her head , and spoke , " Holy Father , we receive your blessing and give thanks .
te	4	It is easier to handle , " Iseo instructed , as she took a dainty scoop of fish from the hard bread bowl .
te	4	Iseo 's words sounded logical , when she said them out loud , but the truth of them wrenched her heart .
te	4	It unnerved her to know that she lived in peace , only until her father called on her to fulfill her duty .
te	4	I do not think my father will allow me to remain here forever , secretly carving gargoyles for the church . "
te	4	Celestino gently pulled back the cover of the book , the first few pages fanning up from the stiff leather binding .
te	4	Much to her relief , she navigated the winding halls that led to her room without seeing or speaking to anyone .
te	4	He heard a bird softly crying as the shadow of dancing leaves played on the floor and spread across his bed .
te	4	He had no idea how long the night would feel , but as the darkness lengthened he sensed a shift in the air .
te	4	Soon , he stood in front of a wooden door , like all the other wooden doors he had passed along the way .
te	4	He reasoned that perhaps she too had a window in her room and that it might be larger than his .
te	4	Far above his head , beyond the tallest trees , tiny flickering flames scattered as far as his eyes could see .
te	4	It , too , was placed high up in the wall , but it was large enough to allow him through the opening .
te	4	The jump to reach it was easy enough for him to accomplish in a single bound without making a sound .
te	4	He had not known how it would happen , but afterward he was satisfied that he had made the transition silently .
te	4	Celestino curled up on the floor in a darkened corner and slept for the first time in this new world .
te	4	Everything appeared in order , but she could not shake the feeling that something , or someone , had been in her room .
te	4	He stopped stirring the giant kettle and spoke over his shoulder , " I am not interested in your excuses .
te	4	He grumbled to anyone who would listen that a woman was little more than a step above Hell 's Gate .
te	4	In the end , Father Tomas 's connection with Cardinal Demetrius held more sway , because she was permitted to stay .
te	4	She scooped out a bowl of porridge for him as she asked , " How did you pass the night ? "
te	4	" I will do so , my Iseo , " Celestino said , and if she was not mistaken , he smiled slightly .
te	4	I will not be seen or heard , " Celestino answered , as he shut the door behind himself without making a sound .
te	4	Sí , it is possible , but the Eternal Codex forbids taking possession of a human in God 's house .
te	4	" If evil were completely eradicated , wiped clean from the world , then there would be no need for God .
te	4	If this book were to get into public view , I suspect many would be burned at the stake for heresy .
te	4	" It is a book that includes many passages from the Bible , as well as books strictly for Divine and Inspired creatures .
te	4	" That is another form of God that cannot be seen ... think of the spirit as the movement of God .
te	4	Though it feels as an entire lifetime has flown , " Father Tomas 's voice trailed off into a whisper .
te	4	His voice again , speaking the words my Maker , reached into her chest , squeezing her heart until it physically ached .
te	4	Despite her attempts , encouraging him to call her by her given name , he continued to use the possessive greeting .
te	4	Father Tomas did not tell Celestino that it was his connection to his Maker that was cause for his concern .
te	4	The priest stifled the warning messages inundating his mind about the dangerous ground of having a woman wield the power to pull the beast .
te	4	He picked it up , studying the intricate artwork framing each page , running his finger across the raised gold leaf and heavy artwork .
te	4	It seems you will be serving our young Father as his , " the Monsignor paused before he said , " mentor . "
te	4	" Someone with whom you and I shall be working closely ... that and ... I wonder what is keeping her ? "
te	4	Iseo looked uneasily between the two men , becoming aware that a great deal of tension hung in the air .
te	4	It is , " Father Tomas replied , " but it is a necessary duty we must carry out for the people .
te	4	In some small way it was an intrusion on her privacy to know that someone sensed her comings and goings .
te	4	Nor did he wish her to know that he had transformed into a gargoyle in the dark corner of her chamber chasing elusive sleep .
te	4	When Iseo continued to sit without speaking , Celestino said , " You have yet to speak of your purpose .
te	4	" He was sent to train with Father Tomas , " she explained on an exhale , the truth now between them .
te	4	He smiled again ... and as he did , his perfection burned itself into Iseo 's mind , pricking her right in the heart .
te	4	At that moment , it occurred to him that he had not truly considered the image of the defender against the dark side .
te	4	" Now that acquaintances have been established , " he motioned to the worn leather seats , " shall we sit ? "
te	4	I informed him , of course , that you had gone to fetch some documents for me from the ink room . "
te	4	" The dark side , as you say ... as you think you know it , is the most easily recognized and defeated . "
te	4	He returned to his seat , stretching his long limbs in front of him , looking his mentor in the eye .
te	4	In her own small way , she rebelled by returning to her workshop , avoiding the kitchen and Father Antony altogether .
te	4	Father Tomas took a deep breath , as he began to tell the secrets he had learned about the angels .
te	4	And then God created the first man , called Adam , from the dust of earth and breathed life into him .
te	4	Angels are messengers , as well as warriors , " Father Tomas paused , " and some are evil . "
te	4	Jealousy consumed them , for they perceived that God had given mankind a greater gift than to live in His Heavenly presence .
te	4	They joined with the demons below to search out weak humans and steal their souls -- that precious immortal gift -- to Hell . "
te	4	" The gargoyle is the inspired work of God , made by the hands of chosen Makers , but takes no breath from Him .
te	4	" Finding one 's purpose is never an easy task , even when we know what is expected before it happens . "
te	4	" I wish to walk freely among humans , under the light of the sun or the moon and stars .
te	4	She picked up the candle she came in with and replaced it with one a bit taller from the table .
te	4	When he leaned down , she gently pressed her lips against his ear and said , " Welcome to Santiago de Compostela . "
te	4	As they walked , Celestino kept looking up into the darkness , sensing no ceiling structure pressing down from above his head .
te	4	He could feel each block , cut with squared precision , set so closely not even a finger tip could slip between them .
te	4	She pulled her knees up to her chest to ward off the night chill and rested her back against the pillar .
te	4	The bluish dark , the solemn cavernous chamber , and the hazy chill felt like another world descending around her and Celestino .
te	4	" You will never be forced to lay vulnerable with someone who will lick his lips at you as he would a hearty meal .
te	4	I imagine that for a creature newly arrived in this strange place , " she sighed , " new sights and sounds might overwhelm .
te	4	His easy agreement with her reasoning should have relieved her anxiety , but she found it only made her sad .
te	4	I fear tomorrow I shall be of little use to Father Antony in the kitchen if I am awake until dawn . "
te	4	Chapter 9 Of Fish and Sticks Once safely in bed , sleep eluded Iseo as a dream eludes the sleeper upon awakening .
te	4	She could think of little else except the closeness of Celestino , his warmth , and the sound of his voice .
te	4	She rolled onto her side and pulled the covering up under her chin , in hopes of finding comfort against the cold and loneliness .
te	4	She quickly put the slippers on , wiggling her toes inside the stiff shoes to warm them up and to soften the leather .
te	4	She wanted to pinch the priest 's lips together to stop his tirade against her , but she could not .
te	4	Instead , she took her irritation out on the spongy dough , even slapping a few loaves for good measure .
te	4	The snap and crunch of every twig , every leaf she stepped on , was amplified by the stillness of everything else .
te	4	When she returned to the kitchen , Father Antony was in a full sweat , his rounded cheeks ruddy with exertion .
te	4	He practically yanked the basket from her arm , took the cloth off , and began dividing the contents into three large wooden bowls .
te	4	She turned to see what issue he had with her now , only to see him holding a twig between his fingers .
te	4	If you mean not to help set the bread and wine to table , get out of my kitchen . "
te	4	His curiosity regarding the new priest faded as thoughts concerning the preparation of the next meal pressed with more urgency .
te	4	" How did you enter without -- " " I am no ordinary creature , my Iseo , " he replied .
te	4	Something was different , but she could not put her finger on it , nor could she lend voice to it .
te	4	He grimaced at the taste of wine , even when it was watered down to almost no wine at all .
te	4	Several leather bound books lined the middle shelf , and she ran her fingers along the spines until she found the right one .
te	4	In sadness came I hither , in sadness did I bring forth , and in sadness has your first feast day gone .
te	4	And as by sadness you came into the world , your name shall be called Tristan ; that is the child of sadness . "
te	4	So , she ushered him quickly out the door and brought the wooden lever down , securing a measure of safe isolation .
te	4	Father Tomas continued , ignoring the comment from his younger counterpart , " God is the Light of the universe .
te	4	" Ah , that is in the next chapter , " answered Father Tomas , as he turned a page .
te	4	It was they who guarded the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden , protected the Ark of the Covenant .
te	4	" He is sequestered here , under heavenly roof , for a reason ... they all are in the beginning .
te	4	If they are set against God ... if they were to unite with -- " Father Tomas collapsed in his chair .
te	4	Not even Saint Michael could defeat such a one as that , if he turned to the God of Darkness . "
te	4	If we happen upon any pilgrims , we may veer from the main road and wait for their passing . "
te	4	" It might be prudent if we cover you up a bit , " Iseo went immediately to a trunk tucked beneath a worktable .
te	4	They used the side door of her studio , keeping close to the back retaining wall of the cathedral grounds .
te	4	Lifting the foliage up , she revealed an opening in the stone wide enough to allow them to pass through .
te	4	Here , under the clouded sky , surrounded by molting trees , she felt a prick of that innocent perfection .
te	4	They walked a while without further conversation , before Iseo finally asked , " You do not wish me to free others ? "
te	4	Celestino knelt beside her , gently brushing the debris from places along the train of her dress and cloak she could not reach .
te	4	" As you wish , " he hesitated , adding , " but you did not answer my question . "
te	4	Iseo immediately remembered the smokehouse , and how he literally appeared behind her without being heard , and disappeared in a blink .
te	4	" Reveal yourself that I may know my heavenly champion , " Celestino commanded , as he had been trained to do .
te	4	The mysterious pronouncement was followed by a radiant light , a swoosh of air , and then a peaceful silence .
te	4	The fiery angels of God who guarded the entrance to Eden ; and guard the very throne of God . "
te	4	He spoke with me , " Celestino said , not wishing to reveal the primary admonishment the Archangel had given him regarding Iseo .
te	4	The elder priest , rattled to the core , sat back in his chair and took a drink of watered wine .
te	4	" Sometimes their presence is required , when the enemy is particularly ancient , or closely allied with Lucifer . "
te	4	He demands that demons give up their name to remind them that they are part of a design not of their own making .
te	4	The underworld operates as if they will win the great battle , but it has already been foreseen they will lose .
te	4	Command and know it with all your being , or it will sense your weakness and twist your thoughts to serve its own purpose .
te	4	It is meant to bind thought , heart , and body to one purpose and one purpose only ... to serve God . "
te	4	The weight of the ceremony was hours from commencing , yet he felt the pressure of it already weighing on his heart .
te	4	I will cleanse my heart and set my feet upon the path of righteous tasks to serve God , " Celestino vowed .
te	4	* Iseo waited in the bathing chamber , as the setting sun 's golden rays pierced the narrow window slits .
te	4	It also fell to her to anoint the beast , because she alone could view Celestino in his true form .
te	4	Celestino unfastened his belt and set it down on the bench , the metal buckle making a distinct clang against the wood .
te	4	He sat next to the pile of clothing to reach his boots , pulling each one off and setting them side by side .
te	4	Iseo inhaled and closed her eyes as she exhaled , knowing his shirt and breeches were all that remained of his modesty .
te	4	As she stood there with her eyes closed , she heard the water splashing , and then wet feet on the stone .
te	4	She thought it strange how , at his birth , he was like Adam without embarrassment for his natural state .
te	4	Now , exposure to the world , or to her presence , provided reasons enough for him to seek modesty .
te	4	She reached out , groping the air until she felt his back , and washed the final length of it and down his legs .
te	4	It reminded him of a ribcage , causing him to think of the House of God as the bones of God .
te	4	There was no place in this world for Iseo and his kind ... there was no place anywhere for that dream .
te	4	" Tonight is a sacred eve , not only for you , but for all the saints who have come before you .
te	4	" You will keep your watch before God and his Holy servant , Saint James , until dawn breaks the sky .
te	4	The pain in his knees paled in comparison to the desire he felt to curl up in the shadows of her chamber .
te	4	A low , cold mist spread across the land , curling over fields and covering the ground beneath orchard trees .
te	4	The celestial bodies shone visible , only for brief moments when the clouds broke , like the hand of God parting Heaven 's curtain .
te	4	Beneath the night sky splendor , on the precipice of Santiago de Compostela , a lone figure stood his own vigil .
te	4	He would not flinch or move from his post until the gargoyle below had safely passed the night without incident .
te	4	* As dawn crept through the morning sky , streaking it purple and pink , Celestino sensed the Love of God filling him .
te	4	His duty to God pushed his selfish desires deep into his heart , where he hoped they would stay buried forever .
te	4	He ignored the stinging sensation as he spoke his fealty to God , " I will honor these gifts given me this day .
te	4	Chapter 13 The Rite and Butterfly Talking in the full light of day revealed more than Celestino imagined possible of the human world .
te	4	The earth 's breath inhaling and exhaling misty trails through the verge solidified in Celestino 's heart that the world lived .
te	4	Every step beyond the sacred grounds of Compostela felt unfamiliar , not only in sight and sound , but also in smell and spirit .
te	4	He realized the further he and Father Tomas traveled from the center of the cathedral , the further away from God they were .
te	4	By mid morning , they came upon the house of a man called Andres , whose wife sought assistance on his behalf .
te	4	She began to weep , as the icy finger of fear punctured her gut , tugging and twisting her insides .
te	4	When Celestino felt certain they were out of earshot of any demonic spirit dwelling inside the house , he spoke .
te	4	An oiled animal skin stretched over the window opening , denying even the slimmest rays of light to penetrate the shadows of the chamber .
te	4	Once Andres was secured to the wooden posts of the bed , Father Tomas stepped back and motioned for Celestino to come to him .
te	4	He pulled out a silver cross , blessed by the Pope himself , which hung from a long chain about his neck .
te	4	He took a mouthful of the holy water and sprayed a fine mist upon the afflicted man 's chest with a single breath .
te	4	He hissed and coughed , but the priest took another mouthful of holy water and spat a mist over his head .
te	4	Father Tomas knelt beside the bed and began the ancient rite to deliver the afflicted man from the clutches of Satan .
te	4	Father Tomas , undeterred by the demon 's taunting , continued imploring the aid of Heaven in the liberation of Andres ' soul .
te	4	Celestino was aware the soul of the man was caught in gray mist far from the battle being waged in this stifling small room .
te	4	" I will squeeze the life from this mortal and end your own if you do not , scourge of the earth !
te	4	Should you refuse to reveal who you are , attacking this servant of God , I will press you into perpetual darkness . "
te	4	Then , Celestino bent his head close to the possessed man and whispered , " You will have no victory here .
te	4	The demon feared eradication more than facing Satan for failing to drag a soul to the fiery depths of Hell .
te	4	The demon fled in terror , but Andres 's body was spent from the evil that had inhabited it for so long .
te	4	His lips touched the silver and his head , too heavy to support itself , fell back onto the bed .
te	4	Celestino continued , " What did the demon mean when he spoke of you being the Maker of the Morning Star 's shield ? "
te	4	As a young man , I was plagued by strange , nightmarish visions of clawed beasts with talons and beaks .
te	4	He questioned me about the nature of my dreams , when they began , how they progressed and so forth .
te	4	" In the end , he informed me there may be a spiritual cure , but I had to pass a secret test .
te	4	I remember thinking it was not so unusual that a sculptor 's shop would be here on the grounds of Compostela .
te	4	" It is not only you they will come after , " the priest paused , " they will come after the Maker .
te	4	Some midwives hold little respect for the spiritual world , so focused they are on the physical , " Father Tomas reasoned .
te	4	A stray hair fell across her face , which she tried to tuck behind her ear with her wrist , but to no avail .
te	4	It would draw too much attention if you were to eat with me ... alone , in my quarters . "
te	4	" I will do as my Iseo suggests , " he said , " I will miss our dining together . "
te	4	He was about to make his ritual walk to Iseo 's chamber to sleep , when a familiar blinding light consumed the dark .
te	4	They made no bargain with Satan or Lucifer , yet find themselves dragged down into the burning caverns of Hell ... like Andres .
te	4	Celestino began , " When we gave assistance to the man , Andres , I found his soul in great jeopardy . "
te	4	" My Iseo , many souls from Compostela are being taken to Hell whether possessed or not , " Celestino explained .
te	4	Think , my Iseo , how many more will go to Hell because they are not possessed and our aide requested ?
te	4	Satan and his followers will seek to destroy the Maker , just as they seek to destroy what you create .
te	4	Chapter 15 Lost to Love " This makes two days in a row you summon me to your chamber , " Iseo remarked .
te	4	It is how he can reach inside a soul , clutch the demon , and not bring harm to the possessed . "
te	4	He drafted a letter to Iseo 's father , telling him it was time to retrieve his daughter from the church 's keeping .
te	4	Satan and Lucifer recruited , lured , turned good to evil purpose , wherever they could , but they could not create life .
te	4	" Until my father requires me , I hope to become useful among women in the village , " Iseo answered .
te	4	Marriage was an eternal bond the female had no control over , always at the mercy of her father 's choices .
te	4	The main room was no wider than ten steps , so Iseo crossed the space in two blinks of her eyes .
te	4	" When some poor child comes knocking at the door hollering for a midwife for their mother or sister . "
te	4	" There is always a child coming into the world , " she huffed , and put her hands on her hips .
te	4	It seemed an eternity before they arrived at a small cottage where a few men sat outside drinking in front of a small fire .
te	4	It was the largest room , and the only room with a hearth to heat water and keep the chill from the air .
te	4	It suddenly pressed on her how enormous the responsibility was to help a woman bring a child into the world .
te	4	" The babe is making its way feet first ... with one little foot already stepping into the world . "
te	4	She carefully cradled him in the crook of her arm as she lowered his legs into the basin of warm water .
te	4	When the babe was cleansed , she wrapped him in a clean , sun-bleached blanket and presented him to his mother .
te	4	Iseo watched as the happy young mother held her child and prayed that Celestino and Father Tomas were wrong about the midwives ' stones .
te	4	* Pale dawn greeted the Fathers of Compostela , as they moved around the grounds , all headed for early Morning Prayer .
te	4	The elder priest spun so quickly , he spilled the contents of the little leather pouch he had in his hands .
te	4	Not until his feet touched the floor , did the old priest realize he was being held above the tile .
te	4	This information was vital to piecing together the reason and source of all the lost souls from Compostela flying through the Gates of Hell .
te	4	Father Tomas has requested me , " she said , as she held out the letter that had arrived yesterday .
te	4	If I ever would have had a daughter such as you , I would never have let her go . "
te	4	In a single day , my father lost his doting wife and son , the long awaited heir to his land and title .
te	4	And so should you , " the midwife said , as she started packing bottles of oil into her basket .
te	4	Iseo walked over to the hearth and stared into the flames , before finally moving the simmering stew off the main heat .
te	4	A young priest set her trunk down on the floor , as she directed , and dismissed himself to his chores .
te	4	It was not that long ago , when she spent many a long night chiseling and carving to set him free .
te	4	She went to her trunk and felt for the small bundle she stowed in the corner wrapped in a piece of cloth .
te	4	Let us hope we are close to an answer , " Father Tomas said , taking charge of the gathering .
te	4	The jasper is used during the baptism , if the birth was difficult and the child 's health may go suddenly ill .
te	4	When I asked directly , she told me when I was no longer an apprentice , I would be taught the proper words . "
te	4	Celestino put wood in the small hearth opening and took the lit rush from Iseo 's hand , using it to kindle the fire .
te	4	" I know what I am feeling , " Celestino said , as he lit the candles in his chamber .
te	4	From every angle she observed him in , from every light she had seen him in , he remained flawless .
te	4	She could feel his eyes on her now , as he moved close enough that she could almost feel each breath he took .
te	4	" Yet , it is here , " he placed his hand on his chest , " and here . "
te	4	Iseo bent her head in shame and fear of what might happen if she dared look up into his gray eyes .
te	4	She knew a terrible thing was coming , and she was unable to pull her eyes from the wondrous horror .
te	4	We are from two different worlds ... mi amor , " she returned his truth , spearing them both through the heart .
te	4	She feared that if she did not break away at that very instant , she would never be able to break away again .
te	4	Chapter 18 Lost Soul of a Child Father Tomas accepted the audience of the parents of a little girl right after his morning meal .
te	4	The parents left the chamber , buoyed by hope that the Church could drive the demon tormentor from their precious child .
te	4	" As you wish , my Iseo , " he replied , his smile revealing the perfection of his mouth again .
te	4	Iseo sighed , pushing the stray thought from her mind , and continued folding the garments into her small trunk .
te	4	Iseo would not divulge which memories his remark stirred within her , so she said , " Whispering in my ear . "
te	4	Celestino shifted toward the side of the carriage and the absence of his body heat sent a cold shiver up Iseo 's side .
te	4	" You could tell me why the place we travel to is called the end of the world , " he suggested .
te	4	The Romans believed the entrance to Hades , what we call Hell , lay just beyond the line of sea and sky .
te	4	In her sleep , Iseo 's weight shifted toward Celestino and her dream filled head tilted to rest on his shoulder .
te	4	He remained quiet and still , having no desire for her to awaken and take her sweet softness from his side .
te	4	I instructed them to go about their business , as if they never came to ask for our assistance . "
te	4	He leaned in closer to the men and spoke with conspiratorial tone , " She is truly beset by something evil .
te	4	He led them back to the cobbled street , around the corner of the inn , and up several wooden steps .
te	4	Once , as a child , her father ordered her hair completely shaved to eliminate the tiny creatures from infesting their household quarters .
te	4	Her mother had cried when the long locks of her dark hair were thrown into the fire to burn the infestation .
te	4	" I need no permission , " the demon , speaking through the girl 's mouth , spat at Celestino .
te	4	I command you in the name of the Father , the Son , and the Holy Spirit to give me your name . "
te	4	Celestino stepped between the priest and the girl 's body , putting his hands on the demon host 's neck .
te	4	Her skin became translucent enough to see her pulsing veins like the roots of a plant washed free of earth .
te	4	Tiny threads of gold flashed through his skin and his eyes sparkled with an inner light , confusing the demon .
te	4	At that moment , a little brown sparrow flew through the window and landed on the table near the door .
te	4	Iseo marveled how human Celestino appeared as he and Father Tomas sat at the table where she waited for them .
te	4	Celestino 's hunger needed no further encouragement and he bit a huge chunk of the octopus dressed in olive oil , chewing it ravenously .
te	4	He and Father Tomas made good work on the meal , leaving nothing except a few crusts of hard bread .
te	4	Celestino caught her eyes in his and said , " Sí , it is certainly a pleasure of this earth .
te	4	* As the afternoon sun climbed the sky , Iseo and Celestino climbed the path to the world 's end .
te	4	" It is very beautiful like this , " Celestino said so softly the wind almost stole the words from Iseo 's ears .
te	4	" It does not feel wrong to utter them in your presence , here , at the end of the earth .
te	4	She blinked disbelief from her eyes and turned around walking at a much quicker pace , as if she could out walk him .
te	4	That his words told her of his longing should engender sympathy ... because she , too , longed for what could never be .
te	4	And there was no joy in the knowledge that they would always be torn asunder by their place in the order of the world .
te	4	He waited politely until the pilgrim finished her prayers , before he knelt down and traced the outline of the saint with his finger .
te	4	" Sometimes , sí , but mostly I forget that you are not completely human , " she answered honestly .
te	4	" I do not know , " Iseo answered , " I do not think we are supposed to know those kinds of things .
te	4	They stripped their clothes and threw them in the flames before running , arms stretched , into the cold , welcoming waves .
te	4	Iseo barely heard what he had said , as her knees still shook and her heart pounded loudly in her ears .
te	4	As they walked back , with the sun behind them , the grayness of evening shrouded them in their own world .
te	4	" I plucked these from the ground , " Celestino reached into his pocket , pulling out an orange polished stone .
te	4	" Let me see that , " Father Tomas snapped , as he snatched the stone from the younger priest .
te	4	If they are some pagan superstition , we can just inform the midwives and they will stop using them . "
te	4	She took her apron off , laid it on the edge of the wooden table , and practically ran from the building .
te	4	Neither are the stones , " Father Antony said , pushing the baking slab loaded with fresh dough into the bread oven .
te	4	Celestino forced his eyes closed , willing sleep to take him to a different place , a place where missing Iseo did not exist .
te	4	The Archangel 's presence filled the room with heat and luminous light emanating from his body like an aura in all directions .
te	4	" When the disgraced angels fell to Earth , many realized they had been misled , betrayed by Lucifer 's shining promises .
te	4	It was he who instructed the Fallen in how to turn their pain into power to wield against their enemies .
te	4	" There is no better way to send a multitude to Hell , than to damn their souls from the beginning .
te	4	We will end this evil tonight , " Celestino said , even though the Archangel 's words stabbed at his heart .
te	4	With a flash of silver stars , the Archangel vanished , blowing out the few candles that lingered with flame .
te	4	He heard the latch unlock and the door opened to Iseo 's face glowing by a single candle 's flame .
te	4	It had never occurred to her until that moment that other elements of earth may not be wholly of this world .
te	4	The hearth fire glowed with embers in need of stoking long ago , so it cast very little light into the heavy blackness .
te	4	Iseo dug through the chest like a meticulous thief , laying each item down on the floor in neat piles .
te	4	Iseo tried not to think of the sweet child going to Hell with no help for it , partially by her own doing .
te	4	The stone needed to be found and destroyed before it could damn another soul to an eternity of flame and ash .
te	4	They startled as three horsemen bore down hard in their direction , and made an abrupt stop just paces from their feet .
te	4	It perplexed him that no one , not even he , could identify the hooded man , or place him anywhere in particular .
te	4	If he gave Father Antony the Tears of the Fallen and the Soul Casting stones , where did he get them from ?
te	4	Take the list to Father Tomas , so he may begin to save the souls who can be saved . "
te	4	I must tell her about the stones , but not until the child is delivered safely , " Iseo whispered .
te	4	They kept the fire stoked hot enough to keep the wintry chill on their backsides , while their faces shone rosy warm .
te	4	Mercifully , his time of stone approached , and he would not be tempted by his heart 's purest desire .
te	4	Iseo was already in the kitchen , when Father Santos came in to assist with making the first meal of the day .
te	4	She stood for a moment , listening to the melodic sound of the drops hitting the stone , splashing the threshold .
te	4	She inherited all the kitchen duties and the added responsibility of training Father Santos in the art of baking bread and smoking fish .
te	4	* The door the Father Tomas 's chamber was ajar , so she quietly knocked as she opened the door .
te	4	She tried to push him from her mind as much as possible , but she never got him completely out of her heart .
te	4	On occasion , she saw him in the cathedral , or in passing in the cloisters , or taking a meal .
te	4	She knew he would be facing the east , so she walked the length of the rooftop pass until she saw him .
te	4	Celestino sat motionless under the wet sky on the rooftop of Compostela , a beautiful , perfect sentinel for the House of God .
te	4	Where I am going , it would only serve as a reminder of all I have loved and left behind .
te	4	She took her warm brown hands and placed them on either side of Iseo 's face , looking her directly in the eye .
te	4	When he comes to you , simply allow -- " Amat stopped speaking when she saw Iseo 's eyes fill with heavy tears .
te	4	Their faces carefully veiled to protect their modesty as they danced with suggestive undulations and spun in circles making Iseo dizzy .
te	4	Tears filled her eyes at the humiliation of standing stark naked in front of strangers , with the exception of Amat .
te	4	They fussed over the final arrangement of her hair and argued about how best to drape the folds of silk .
te	4	Finally , when their primping of the bride was completed , they stood her at the foot of the king 's enormous bed .
te	4	She had not realized there was another entrance into the room , other than the great doors she arrived through .
te	4	" You are truly lovely , " he said , as he took her hands and softly kissed each palm .
te	4	His face hovered momentarily above hers , until she opened her eyes to see him staring intently into her face .
te	4	He kissed her forehead , and then planted a trail of kisses down the side of her face and neck .
te	4	She allowed the tears to fall , as she remembered and tried to endure the life that now belonged to her .
te	4	" There is no need for apology when losing your virginity to your husband , " Amat said , dismissing Iseo 's qualms .
te	4	Then , she shook out the bed covering one layer at a time , until Iseo 's robe fell out .
te	4	Amat scrubbed Iseo 's long dark hair , her shoulders , taking great pains to avoid the bruises on her back .
te	4	She recalled the evening she had awakened and found him curled in the corner of her room deep in slumber .
te	4	She had gone back to sleep , never speaking of it to him for fear he would withdraw his presence all together .
te	4	She paced with her hand on her belly and caressed the growing swell hidden by the flowing folds of her gown .
te	4	Since she had been introduced to the intimacy between a husband and wife , she found her thoughts about Celestino became more provocative .
te	4	Laying intimately with Celestino would be considered more sinful than laying with a man , because he was not just any man .
te	4	* Late into the evening , Iseo walked to her private chamber only to find a boy servant waiting at her door .
te	4	" I beg your pardon , mi Señora , but he requests you come to his chamber without any delay . "
te	4	As she passed through , the servant who opened the door swiftly switched positions with her and shut the door behind her .
te	4	For if you delayed , all of this , " he clapped his hands twice , " would have gone to waste . "
te	4	Iseo feared he would move toward her too quickly , but he regaled her with the political tale of the day .
te	4	" I suppose I am familiar with who they are , never having met any of them in person . "
te	4	" I did not ask a price , but he offered a treasure he believed I could not refuse . "
te	4	" He offered to convert to Islam and make England a Muslim realm , if I helped him defeat the Gauls . "
te	4	he asked , knowing that she continued to pray to her God , with his agreement to look the other way .
te	4	The king pulled her out of the bath , wrapped her in a warm blanket , and carried her to their bed .
te	4	Instinctively Iseo shook her head no , but she moved forward regardless that her mind had begun screaming for her to stop .
te	4	She saw gold coins glistening here and there , as if someone had scattered them as carelessly as ordinary pebbles .
te	4	" Sí , I belong here , " Iseo answered , not knowing if she told the truth or not .
te	4	" My Lord , I do not know what is affecting her eyes , but I do know we must treat her fever .
te	4	The king took hold of her torso , while Amat made sure the queen 's legs did not drag across the marble floor .
te	4	Tears sprang to Amat 's eyes when the king got into the pool fully clothed , holding his beloved in his arms .
te	4	The bath was deep enough it required her to step into the water to assist the king in carrying Iseo out .
te	4	" Your Majesty , " the primary physician began , " We are only certain that her suffering is not of this realm . "
te	4	" I would rather not lend voice to my dreams , for fear it is the truth I see . "
te	4	When Father Tomas and Celestino entered the room , Iseo sat bolt upright as if hinged solely from the waist .
te	4	Father Tomas recognized the voice immediately , even though it had been over forty years since he had heard it speak to him .
te	4	Considering the circumstance , Father Tomas spoke to his Celestino , " We should step outside , beyond the demon 's ears . "
te	4	The unclean had granted a brief window of reprieve for Iseo , not for her benefit , but to heap anguish upon the exorcist .
te	4	" Your teeth are so perfect , " she whispered and reached up a trembling finger to trace his lips .
te	4	Iseo grasped Celestino 's hands in her own , and kissed them , like he had done to hers so long ago .
te	4	" My word , my Maker , " he promised with his heart , his power , and his purpose .
te	4	But now that she spoke it aloud , the swell of her belly was unmistakable , even from beneath the pile of coverlets .
te	4	He knew it was for her own good , but the action of binding her wrenched his wounded heart all the more .
te	4	Father Tomas next removed the holy water and purple sash from the waist pouch and pulled the silver cross from beneath his robe .
te	4	Father Tomas began anointing Iseo 's body with the sign of the cross at her neck , each shoulder , her belly .
te	4	The demon knew Iseo wanted the child inside of her more than her own life and he clutched the unborn from within .
te	4	Father Tomas was not sure why he agreed , but he ran from the room and Celestino bolted the door behind him .
te	4	When the bolt slammed shut with an iron clang , a roar shook the heavy oak door almost from its hinges .
te	4	But the roar from within the chamber vibrated every rib and shook his doubt out like one shakes a floor covering clean .
te	4	He feared for his family 's lives , for his own , and for the young priest facing the demon by himself .
te	4	* Celestino knew that the only hope he had of saving Iseo and her child was if he faced the demon as a gargoyle .
te	4	A loud shattering and heavy thud to his left made the gargoyle take his eyes from the demon and Iseo .
te	4	He bit her neck from the inside , until blood flowed on the outside " Celestino ... , " Iseo whispered .
te	4	" The exception is , I have not spoken the name of the intended soul , " he smiled at his enemies .
te	4	With one tremendous flap of his wings , the Archangel shot straight up through the chamber , which opened into the blue sky .
te	4	He watched with growing empathy as the king gently covered Iseo 's wretched body and cradled her lifeless form in his arms and wept .
te	4	" I have never known you to ask for wine , " Father Tomas 's observation brought Celestino back to the present moment .
te	4	He had not realized how entwined Iseo 's very essence was with his existence , until it was no longer there .
te	4	He realized that for his entire existence he would have to live with all the memories and images of Iseo .
te	4	The Fathers buried her in the center of the common Garden and a great flowering tree was placed over her grave .
te	4	Iseo 's son was educated for a time among the Brothers of the Church , and returned to his grandfather at his majority .
te	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
te	4	We would like to dedicate this book to our mothers : Evelyn Miller - One of the two best moms in the world .
te	4	Diana Brooker - The other of the two best moms in the world , who still inspires us to this day .
te	4	The two of you knew we could do it when we weren 't even worried about anything past the next hour .
te	4	A child born of each race , who shall together create a whole , the blessed ones , the hopeful salvation of our Kingdom .
te	4	Beware it will be a rough journey for these young children , and it may not be clear who each of them are .
te	4	That the Gods were happy with us and that we all seemed to respect the other species and the other races .
te	4	Everyone on , under , or around the Island , our species and humans seemed to perish in an instant .
te	4	After hundreds and thousands of years people think of us myths , things that do not really , nor have ever really existed .
te	4	The youngest sea person had been born about a month before the Queen announced her pregnancy , that baby is me .
te	4	More and more attempts on these children 's lives have been made now that we are weeks away from them turning sixteen .
te	4	Ms. Flora makes sure that we don 't get into any trouble or sneak out of the tower before we are allowed .
te	4	We will all be training together , as protectors we need to train with those we are assigned to protect .
te	4	We are all excited because protecting the prophecy children is such an honor and the top two families were chosen for this task .
te	4	We also have a kitchen and dining area , as well as laundry area and training areas in the lower levels of the tower .
te	4	We have to protect them , we have made it so close , and we cannot lose one of them now .
te	4	You know I don 't like wearing dresses any more than I have to and it 's my birthday party . "
te	4	I know she grew up all high society with a debutant ball and all that but it 's really just not my thing .
te	4	She was in a really bad car accident when she was a teenager and it messed her up really bad .
te	4	Dad said he was in shock when about six weeks later his phone rang and it was her telling him she was pregnant .
te	4	Dad bought the house a few months after mom had passed because he couldn 't stand staying in their room anymore .
te	4	He never really decorated the house , he just put furniture in the rooms that needed it and called it done .
te	4	But I am not sure you can really call it redecorating when it wasn 't really decorated in the first place .
te	4	So she mostly talked on the phone , emailed , or surfed the internet looking for pieces for her clients .
te	4	Anyway I usually let Wendy dominate our shopping trips when it comes to clothes because she is highly fashionable and I 'm just not .
te	4	They are coming to see you turn sixteen and don 't you want to show them the work we did ?
te	4	I have never met anyone from my mom 's family , though I get cards and gifts from them every Christmas and birthday .
te	4	" So , should we go dress shopping soon , or would you like to have a dress made for the party ? "
te	4	" I 'll call Maria right now and see if she can bring some material samples over and her color wheels .
te	4	It made my eyes look super green , and I just got my hair cut in a really cute angle bob .
te	4	Tomorrow we will be preparing for the party and Sunday we will have a late brunch and then everyone will head home .
te	4	I was hoping that like all guys the twins dated this past year , they would get boring after a couple of weeks .
te	4	Since I ordered eight pizzas I was unsure how to turn down the offer , so I just nodded and headed towards the door .
te	4	Jayden and I go to school together and are both on the swim team so we hang out a lot at events .
te	4	I don 't know who pushed me in , but I knew it had to be one of the creep brothers .
te	4	" I was throwing the ball at him and he didn 't see her and Tia walking behind him . "
te	4	I really don 't know what it is about them , but the longer they are around the more uncomfortable I feel .
te	4	" Um , I clearly saw Mike , if that 's the blonde one ; purposely push you into the water . "
te	4	" Sorry they knocked you in the pool , they said it was an accident but we don 't really think it was .
te	4	The pain is so bad that I can 't even try to look around and see if anyone is coming to help .
te	4	My lungs are starting to burn because I have been under for a bit too long and I need air .
te	4	It took me a minute to realize you went under and that you couldn 't get back to the surface .
te	4	But I can 't move my legs at all , it 's like I 'm paralyzed and they can 't move my legs either .
te	4	After the nurse left , Wendy and Aunt Molly helped me get out of my swimsuit and into a gown .
te	4	I told them I could feel and move my legs again , and the pain was gone completely , in fact I felt normal .
te	4	So it could be that I had inflammation somewhere that pinched a nerve and he wanted to keep me overnight for observation .
te	4	At first he was reluctant to let me go , but told me he wanted to see me walk across the room .
te	4	He started laughing and said " don 't damage yourself more just to prove to me that you are capable of walking . "
te	4	My parents tell everyone we are headed home , so by the time we get there everyone is asleep except Eddie and Georgie .
te	4	Mark and Mike were in it and they kept tormenting me , trying to throw me in the small pond behind my house .
te	4	Tonight was our last chance to kill her before she became ... " and then the alligator tore him and Mark apart .
te	4	I could barely speak because my heart was about to beat out of my chest and I was breathing so hard from screaming .
te	4	Dad and Wendy came tearing in the room and I tried to assure them that I was fine , just had a weird dream .
te	4	Dad and Wendy hugged me and went to bed telling Tia and Carly to come get them if anything happens .
te	4	Please make sure you wear the necklace at all times , even if you are in the shower or bath .
te	4	Please be very careful who you talk to and stay away from anyone new who is trying to get too close to you .
te	4	She takes the letter and reads it , she turns to my father , " Brad you better read this . "
te	4	I don 't know why she suddenly decided to contact you and let us know that she is alive , but she wrote this .
te	4	That I am sure of , and I promise you until this very minute I had no idea she was alive . "
te	4	My dad says and then he walks over to where we are on the floor and wraps his arms around us .
te	4	Dad , Wendy , and I spent the next hour or so discussing what we were going to about my mom .
te	4	CHAPTER 6 We got up and the day seemed to fly by , the party was perfect and everyone had a great time .
te	4	" My mother is at the door , if you want to talk to her go ahead , I 'm going outside .
te	4	I need air and I can 't be around her right now , otherwise I can 't be held responsible for my actions . "
te	4	I 'm so angry ; I don 't even know what to think , let alone what to say to her .
te	4	I hear Wendy go to the door and invite my mother in and then call my father to come down stairs .
te	4	When my dad comes down it was silence , like I was beginning to wonder if they were alright in there .
te	4	It must have worked because the next thing I hear is " What the hell are you doing here ? "
te	4	I don 't know nor care what you have been doing for the past fourteen years , but she is almost sixteen .
te	4	They seemed to be curious about me , and they came up to the bank by me and just watched me watching them .
te	4	What that means is that when we go into water we change from our land form to our more natural form .
te	4	They recognize it in you , and you recognize it in them , it 's why you 're drawn to them . "
te	4	You may start experiencing episodes or pain and temporary paralysis in your legs when in water for more than a few minutes .
te	4	I couldn 't listen to another word that came out of her mouth , " You are certifiable to you know that ?
te	4	Leave me alone , do not come back , and do not bother my family , I want nothing to do with you .
te	4	You disappeared when I was two , you died and as far as I am concerned you can stay dead . "
te	4	Please wear your necklace , please don 't turn until you have had time to realize what I say is true .
te	4	It made me wonder if what I seen in my dream was an alligator like I thought or was it a salt water crocodile .
te	4	I started to freak out because I was going to go under and there was no cute boy to help me this time .
te	4	As they get closer I see the evil looks on their faces and they are chanting in a language I have never heard before .
te	4	Blood spurts everywhere , I can feel the warm stickiness in my mouth , going down my throat and pooling in my stomach .
te	4	Once I know they are both dead , everything starts spinning again and suddenly I 'm lying on the bank , naked .
te	4	It 's too much for me , I suddenly get sick and have to bend over and start throwing up and crying .
te	4	I don 't want to wake dad and Wendy ; I don 't want to explain to them what happen .
te	4	I grab the necklace from where I keep it hidden under my bed , lock myself in my bathroom , and cry .
te	4	I was a Chicago Bears fanatic ; I loved the Cubbies , the Blackhawks , and the Notre Dame Irish .
te	4	I stayed with my Dads brother yes , but my Dad was a drunk , lazy , and had an excuse for everything .
te	4	My Uncle had a great job as a city bus driver , and my Aunt was the Principal at my high school .
te	4	The very inebriated man said , his breath so laden with alcohol , I almost got a buzz off his breath .
te	4	My Uncle had gone to get us something to drink , so I was on my own on this one .
te	4	I was not a punk , nor did I intend to let a grown man bully me at my favorite game of the year !
te	4	My Uncle said , in fact he was correct , there was a team of four security men running towards us .
te	4	But we were in a public place ; a place for all we know could 've televised it on national TV . "
te	4	She didn 't think it was very funny at all ; I thought the things I said were funny and true .
te	4	She was always dressed in name brand Abercrombie and Fitch , Gucci , Prada , and had Louboutins on her feet on the daily .
te	4	I didn 't quite have enough money for the real expensive brands ; Gucci was a little too much for me .
te	4	One of my nicknames had been Chicken Little because of my glasses , braces , and I was very skinny at the time .
te	4	" You can see each other in school on Monday , that is of course if Cameron 's suspension is up by then . "
te	4	But before that , bring your xbox 360 , your tablet , and your smart phone and leave them on the kitchen table .
te	4	Uncle Tim had me cut grass , trim the hedges , pull weeds , and help him change oil in the Ford Escape .
te	4	" We all make mistakes , Cam , its whether we learn from our mistakes , and what we do after that .
te	4	I know you have not had the best track record at school recently , but I really think you are doing much better .
te	4	I was back up quarter back due to me being a sophomore , but I was gunning for that spot .
te	4	" Well , I will forgive you this time if you PROMISE you will wear that awesome shirt I bought you last week . "
te	4	Since we were fifteen we had to be dropped off , but at least we got to come to the club .
te	4	Most kids in the country didn 't get to even come to clubs till they were eighteen or some places even twenty-one .
te	4	One day , I just got tired of him beating up on me , and I turned the tables on him .
te	4	Ever since Yuri had known me in kindergarten , the kid had repeatedly made fun of me for my feet .
te	4	Aunt Brie sat me down and said , " Cameron , God made you that way because you are special .
te	4	He 's just mad because I finally beat him , and he can no longer threaten me or scare me . "
te	4	Yuri came up behind me and put a cloth over my nose , and the world faded to pitch black .
te	4	A middle aged Russian man who looks eerily similar to Yuri is standing over me with a foul look on his pinched looking face .
te	4	" Ok , then tell me , why haven 't I changed into a seal if that 's what I am ? "
te	4	" Oh , don 't get your boxers in a bunch , we brought him along so you wouldn 't be lonely !
te	4	Crazy Russian Dude says shaking his head in dismay , " You , my friend , are a full blooded Selkie .
te	4	The other masked guy was searching around for something , and one started to remove my handcuffs , as well as removed the chains .
te	4	The girls were smoking hot with gorgeous long hair ; one was strawberry blonde , and the other a dark brown with auburn highlights .
te	4	So I was a pretty decent looking guy , but these guys beat me in the looks department hands down .
te	4	Like , Greek God Status , as the girls in my school would say to describe most movie stars and actresses .
te	4	" He stole her , HER coat , so she could not come back to us , and held her captive for three years .
te	4	He decided he was going to remove the threat of your father , so he could have Trinity all to himself .
te	4	He was not burning physically that we could see , but he was dying from the flames , it was his coat burning .
te	4	So when Tim recognized her , Richard told him they had fallen in love , and she chose to stay on land .
te	4	That earned me dirty looks from everyone except Richelle , and she had seemed like the tough one at the beginning !
te	4	I am either losing my mind and I am enjoying this alternate reality in the Twilight Zone , or ... .
te	4	I was always saying once I turned eighteen and got out of the system , I was going to leave and never look back .
te	4	I don 't know anything about my parents except that my mother is Caucasian and my father is some form of African American .
te	4	Sometimes I wonder if I will ever meet her , and what I would say to her , if I did .
te	4	I know that everyone thinks that if you 're put into the system as a baby , that you get adopted out .
te	4	I mean there were so many unwanted babies here in the United States , hell I was one of them .
te	4	At least she had a reason for it , being an Ambassador and actually working where she adopted her children from .
te	4	I mean I have been in a few abusive homes , but mostly it was verbal abuse , or slaps .
te	4	But I mean really we are disposable , if we get moved another foster kid will just fill up our place .
te	4	But one night he got really drunk and he started ranting and raving and our foster mother had enough and she just walked out .
te	4	But I ran to Travis and picked him up in my arms and checked him over real quick to make sure nothing was broken .
te	4	He then jumped on me calling me all kinds of horrible names , and started punching me in my face .
te	4	I was so freaked out , I didn 't know what to do , and tears were streaming down my face .
te	4	I hate that such a horrible thing happened to him when all he was trying to do was help me .
te	4	At least then we are not just going to be sent out into the world at eighteen with no idea how to survive .
te	4	So I try to keep myself out of trouble and get the best grades and be involved as much musically as I can .
te	4	I used to be housed with this girl who was super gifted on the keyboard , and she would put music to my words .
te	4	I don 't know where she is now because she was due to time out a few months after me .
te	4	My skin looks like it has a permanent tan and I have hips and ass and a decent sized chest .
te	4	But for someone who is not right in the head , it could cause them to do some really messed up things .
te	4	I couldn 't find out anything about why people were having that reaction to my singing , so I started holding myself back some .
te	4	One of my girls saw you a pizza place last week and I have been trying to hear you ever since . "
te	4	I mean I am in the system , so I have had to defend myself against my foster siblings more than a few times .
te	4	She takes her hand off me and raises both hands in a surrender gesture , " Not trying to make you mad , Hannah .
te	4	After a few minutes they all seemed to snap out of it and look around like what the hell was going on .
te	4	It 's a lot safer there and we can explain a lot of things to you that I don 't think you know .
te	4	We can tell you why your singing does this and how to keep it from happening without giving up singing . "
te	4	I ask incredulously " Hannah , come home with me , talk to my rents and hear what we have to say .
te	4	But part of that was because the bus we jumped on initially was going in the complete opposite direction than we needed to go .
te	4	I rarely ride in cars except to move from one foster home to another , but a limo , I have never been in .
te	4	I hesitate a moment longer so she climbs back out of the car and grabs my arm and pulls me towards the car .
te	4	" Of course I do , when your one of Chloe and Javier 's you don 't ride around on a city bus . "
te	4	They like actually have a security guy who is in a booth by the driveway in front of a giant gate .
te	4	Chloe asks me if I 'm hungry and before I can even respond Nikki says , " Oh my goodness yes , Chloe .
te	4	I had to ride a city bus , can you imagine , because two crazy men chased us because of her singing . "
te	4	Singing like that takes a lot out of you and then we had to run and ride the bus for over an hour .
te	4	There was a nice over stuffed couch and a couple love seats , and random bean bag chairs sitting around the room .
te	4	I just kinda nod at him with a look on my face like ' dude you need to take your meds ' .
te	4	" I told ya she wouldn 't believe us , we need to just take her out back and prove it to her .
te	4	At first nothing happens , I just think they are really determined to drag this out as long as possible .
te	4	But I couldn 't argue with them anymore , the truth was right in front of my face , they are Sirens .
te	4	A few minutes later Chloe comes back in smiling , " Ready to go pick up your stuff , Hannah ?
te	4	They are going to have me sing by myself and make sure everyone is there for protection , just in case .
te	4	We set it up that way , because I needed to be able to leave quickly if things went bad .
te	4	Then that someone pulls me up off the floor and I can 't see straight cause I 'm crying so hard .
te	4	Then I realize that no one from my group helped me , I couldn 't believe they let me get attacked .
te	4	I turned to see where they are , and I notice everyone one of them fighting to keep people away from me .
te	4	The driver takes us to the house and tells me to go in and lock the door he would go get everyone else .
te	4	We sat on the couch , I was so scared and upset waiting on everyone to come home and prayed they were all ok .
te	4	" Your right , you do need to leave , not because we don 't want you Hannah , not because of what happened .
te	4	" I 'm sorry I don 't understand what you 're saying , what do you mean who I am ? "
te	4	See when you were born , someone stole you from your mother , about an hour after you were born , you were missing .
te	4	When I seen you , I knew there was something familiar about you but I couldn 't figure out what it was .
te	4	I 'm so confused , my mom didn 't abandon me , someone stole me and that monster abandoned me .
te	4	He is no longer an active singer , the last known info about him is that he retired somewhere in Brazil .
te	4	When I am around the Hispanic kids at school , I don 't feel like I fit in with them .
te	4	She had quit for years , but then one day , the doctor gave her the news she had lung cancer .
te	4	It was an extra hundred dollars , but so worth it if I got to meet Henry face to face !
te	4	But I am glad you don 't want my man , because best friend or not , I would have to fight you ! "
te	4	Jasmine and I were on the ferry on our way from the Sausalito port to the port near pier 9 .
te	4	You are lucky I don 't march my butt down to the arena , and have security remove you from the concert .
te	4	We got grounded from each other from time to time because we always seemed to get into some kind of trouble .
te	4	It was very crowded and I couldn 't believe the bus driver was allowing as many people on the bus as he was .
te	4	A middle aged woman with grey streaks in her hair ushered us on the stage , and I looked back at the arena .
te	4	I knew one day I would be singing on a stage like this , maybe one day on this stage !
te	4	" Everyone form a line , everyone gets a minute for pictures and autographs , but the line needs to keep moving . "
te	4	" Alexis , I don 't know how to say this , but I really want to get to know you .
te	4	" You knew this could have ended badly , you could have been abducted , robbed , who knows what else ?
te	4	Jack asks , " well that sounds like something I would do , but your still grounded till school starts . "
te	4	Henry : I knew u had star written all over u and no I dont mean like my last name .
te	4	: -- RRB - Me : LOL ur funny Henry : yea ive heard of ur dad , hes amazing .
te	4	if u have skills like him , u will be on the top 40 charts in no time , do u have a manager ?
te	4	I would luv to help u in the industry I can see us in each others lives in the near future .
te	4	this seems unreal to me Henry : I am just an average boy who made it big and got lucky I got discovered .
te	4	He is awesome , but when he tries to look serious or act like an adult , he gets a big epic fail .
te	4	" As in , you have his posters all over your walls , you talk about twenty four - seven , Henry ? "
te	4	Jasmine said excitedly " I 'm so jelly of her , I wish Thom had done that for me . . "
te	4	I say , looking hopefully at Jack ... " I wouldn 't count on it , your mother is pretty mad .
te	4	I would have my phone by me , you could meet him before , you and mom and Nona . "
te	4	" Ok " I said " Jasmine , you are staying here tonight , your mom is picking you up in the morning .
te	4	Most of the kids in my school were allowed to go to the city on the ferry , and go places on their own .
te	4	I had begged Jack to see if he could convince mom to let me go out with Henry for my birthday .
te	4	" Jack will escort you to the restaurant , and be in close proximity of you , and will take you back home . "
te	4	" I cant help it , I cant believe my baby girls is so big ... the years went by to fast . "
te	4	Teenage girls are horrible enough , I don 't need to hear them say I am a liar and delusional .
te	4	I knew that becoming a pop star was a rough road , and having friends in school was not one of the requirements .
te	4	In fact , most people who are famous state that they were unpopular or dorks till they made it big , so who cares ?
te	4	I said looking at myself in the mirror , I couldn 't believe how different and grown up I looked .
te	4	I wondered what kids would say when I got back to school it was like a night and day change .
te	4	I had heard of people changing over the years , but my change from ugly duckling to swan was about a month transformation .
te	4	I was happy , I had to be attractive to be a star , and to be Henry 's girlfriend , it totally helped .
te	4	I will hug my grown up daughter on her sixteenth birthday , as well as CRY as much as I feel entitled .
te	4	I am your dad and any guy is crazy if he doesn 't see how great a catch you are . "
te	4	He was wearing a black t shirt with a linen jacket , white linen dress pants , and leather dress shoes .
te	4	Henry Star , celebrity of One Truth is meeting me , and I am in a Chrysler Town and Country .
te	4	She is a very special , talented , smart , beautiful , and most of all she is my baby girl .
te	4	I promise you this , you treat Lexi right , you will have a great ally with my wife and I .
te	4	This was a five star restaurant , and the average bill for two people was close to six hundred dollars .
te	4	I ordered the chicken parmesan , with a Cesar salad , and Henry ordered a Tuscan Steak , rare with stone crabs .
te	4	We sat and talked about One Truth 's upcoming concert tour in Asia , parts of Africa , and Europe .
te	4	He told me he had a flat in London , as well as a house in Chelsea , where his family lived .
te	4	He ran in the same circles as royals , as well as other famous people , and he was dating ... ME !
te	4	The driver opened the door to the very ' posh ' as the brits say , fancy is what I would say , limo .
te	4	I just blissfully stayed there , and we rode with just the radio playing , Truly , Madly , Deeply by Savage Garden .
te	4	He never cared for me , he had only used me as an ends ... The perfect night turned into the worst nightmare .
te	4	I figured if I kept asking him questions , I might stall him till I could find a way to escape .
te	4	Our sole purpose was to find you or one of the other six and kill you , even if that means death to us .
te	4	I jump in and suddenly there is a dolphin right next to me , where my father should have been .
te	4	It felt like a tingly sensation all over , almost burning , all of the sudden I felt a tail .
te	4	I tried to jump , I saw the moon as I jumped out of the water , it was exhilarating .
te	4	I am one of the chosen , I am swimming the ocean as a dolphin for God 's sake , this is so crazy .
te	4	We would like to thank our mothers , Diana Brooker , Evelyn Miller , Emma Miller , Brenda Ware , and Vickie Young .
te	4	We would like to send a big thank you out to William Daniels our amazing editor and to Ashley Clark our promoter .
te	4	This is our second publication of this book due to our switching from working with a publishing company to starting our own company .
te	4	We love the story of how these characters found out who they are and what they are meant to do .
te	4	We hope that you look forward to reading about the next set of characters as much as we enjoy writing their stories .
te	4	We also are excited to tell you that you will learn a little bit about Atlantis in the second book .
te	4	Sincerely , Serenity Twins Sara Simmons Larisa Miller AUTHOR BIO Serenity Twins is the combined collaboration of Sara Simmons and Larisa Miller .
te	4	The three - or four-story building was a hotel , so it had a radio antenna tower in the corner .
te	4	Blinking to clear his vision , he nearly lost sight of the roof of the shorter building across from the hotel .
te	4	He grabbed the metal bar , but suddenly its metal frame groaned as it was ripped from the weakened building 's wall .
te	4	He ran inside the building -- an old apartment complex -- and found a staircase , which he bounded up .
te	4	He had created a map of it in his mind during all those nights of tracing across its rooftops and through its streets .
te	4	As he approached the four-lane street , cutting through the panicking crowd , he leaped onto the trunk of a car .
te	4	Sucking in air through gritted teeth , he lowered his arms and marched toward his father , clenching his fists .
te	4	A courage -- no , defiance -- unlike any he had ever felt swelled within him and burst through his teeth like a dam .
te	4	The prince watched as white energy exploded from below the Palace , the ground underneath it erupting like a volcano .
te	4	The black fighter 's weapon stabbed with almost murderous intent and parried attacks with the attitude of a man brushing dust from his shoulder .
te	4	A fireball shot from his hand , flew into the air , and exploded into a cloud of colorful flames .
te	4	Shar removed his helmet , tucking it under his right arm , and ran his fingers through his dry golden hair .
te	4	He snapped his fingers , and a small flame appeared on his pointer finger , making it look like a candle .
te	4	Shaking his head , he said , " If this was a real fight , I wouldn 't need magic to defeat you . "
te	4	He could not look away from the pile of burning rubble that was once the Emperor 's Palace -- his home .
te	4	Exhausted , his legs buckled and he fell to his hands and knees like a peasant bowing before his emperor .
te	4	" The panicking hordes may find their way down here , and we have no firearms to defend ourselves . "
te	4	We will use the lighter , but gather materials for a torch , just in case we need it . "
te	4	Sometimes the silence was broken by the low rumbles of stampeding crowds , collapsing buildings , and exploding cars on the streets above them .
te	4	" I 've heard about a man who lives among the urchins down here who makes devices that don 't run on magic .
te	4	The frayed tip of a severed rope dangled out of reach from the center of the cross beam that connected the pillars .
te	4	And all of this is done with only their bodies and is limited only by their wits and creativity . "
te	4	He was grateful he and the general had developed a more casual rapport than the general had with his subordinates in the military .
te	4	" Tracers can jump from ledge to ledge or fall from great heights with little or no injury by tumbling as they land . "
te	4	Your father , despite his great power , is blind to who you are and what you are capable of . "
te	4	Gripping its black hilt , he admired its fierce but simple six-inch blade , which seemed to glimmer despite being gray .
te	4	Such knives were handcrafted by Select who could focus energy into a laser beam , so they were the sharpest blades in the world .
te	4	However , some citizens were still intimidated because they feared the magic would return at any moment , powering the guns .
te	4	Glass shards , derelict cars , broken bricks , and other debris littered the street under the coat of dust .
te	4	He relayed the orders to the soldiers , and without breaking the protective circle , they marched down the street .
te	4	" I hated them for their arrogance as much as anyone , but how can we rebuild without their abilities ? "
te	4	The general announced the Emperor 's decree to the soldiers , ordering them to spread the word that they were to prepare for war .
te	4	Sliding down the slanted cliff face , he twisted around and clawed for a handhold , finding none in the wall .
te	4	His hand grabbed a wiry metal rod -- the remains of a building 's foundation -- and he halted his fall .
te	4	His mind was focused on finding his next step , so he climbed in silence , never looking higher than a foot or two .
te	4	He sucked in a breath , his cry for help just behind his lips , when the soldiers ' words silenced him .
te	4	He did not want to announce his presence and risk arousing those officers ' suspicions , even if he was in trouble .
te	4	He spoke over the applause , saying , " My Emperor , I must respectfully disagree with your choice of leader . "
te	4	So , he disappeared into his room high up in the south tower of the Emperor 's Palace , locking the door behind him .
te	4	There went his cavalier brother , the favored son , the heir to the throne , off to prove himself in battle .
te	4	He was close to the far corner of the Palace , so the guard at the portico probably would not notice him .
te	4	With that , he backed up , dashed toward the ledge , and leaped across the narrow alley to the next building .
te	4	Whenever the alleys were too wide to jump , he descended to the ground and ran through the nearly empty streets .
te	4	He received some rare shouts , but was usually climbing a ladder or antenna tower to a rooftop before anyone could say anything .
te	4	Once or twice he had to avoid a lighted window as he climbed , but they were not a problem .
te	4	Stepping toward the building 's ledge , he pulled off his backpack and sat down , leaning against the short wall .
te	4	Both were a little worse for wear : the canteen was dented in several spots and the bread had been squashed .
te	4	He opened the bag of bread and was about to bite into it when he heard voices in the alley below .
te	4	The woman -- so young she seemed barely out of girlhood -- had long locks of tarnished gold for hair .
te	4	" I-I 'm not a virgin ... " The tall man clutched her small shoulders , and she squealed in pain .
te	4	Then maybe I 'll pay you extra for taking your virginity -- or less because you don 't know how to shred properly ?
te	4	" My father was a soldier , but now he 's crippled , and my mother is too sick to work .
te	4	They 're a few hours old and were flattened during my run , but I promise you they 're still tasty . "
te	4	" Doesn 't he know how many women have been widowed because of him and his constant wars and conquests ?
te	4	The loss of his abilities had been a shock , but he had adjusted to his new normality fairly well by comparison .
te	4	Plus , we need all the soldiers we can get , so I doubt you 'd get discharged right now . "
te	4	Once he was in earshot of the entrance and saw the moonlight pouring in from above ground , he stopped .
te	4	Checking to make sure nobody was around , he opened his backpack and produced his hooded sweatshirt , which he had stuffed inside .
te	4	Not even a scurrying rat could be heard , although the musty air was still filled with their foul odor .
te	4	Peeking out to scan the street , he saw it was clear , so he ran into the nearest alley .
te	4	Tracing , though , had taught him to improvise and find new routes , so he never stopped for long .
te	4	We 're wasting our time , " a man said to a woman sitting next to him , presumably his wife .
te	4	" I don 't blame you for wanting to confide in me , but ... " He paused to take a deep breath .
te	4	The first troop of soldiers marched past the gate , which was opened to welcome the prince and the general .
te	4	The two stopped in front of the gate , dismounted their respective rides , and strode through the gate escorted by several soldiers .
te	4	The glory he sought was dashed against the rocks , yet his father dresses the boy 's failure up in a faux glory .
te	4	He ran through the halls at full speed , only looking ahead , dodging servants until he reached his room .
te	4	It was not far from the Emperor 's Palace in the newer government district , which is what saved it from devastation .
te	4	The building he stood on was the same height , but the Hall was too far to jump across the gap between them .
te	4	He could try jumping for a window , but he would risk wounding himself on the broken glass and making noise .
te	4	So , clutching the cable with both gloved hands , he slowly leaned over the edge , the gray streets four stories below .
te	4	He removed his backpack , unzipped it , and produced the master key , which he plunged into the lock and opened the door .
te	4	He stuffed his light rod into his backpack and surveyed the large room in the moonlight pouring through the window .
te	4	The file cabinets were organized into groups and subjects , so he started with secret military operations , of which there were many .
te	4	His father had sent many advance scouts to infiltrate neighboring cities to prepare them for conquest , among other things .
te	4	Then he was jolted as he found a document covered with blocks of black ink , and his fingers froze .
te	4	" I can 't read it all , but it looks like this was about manipulating the magic in some way .
te	4	" I headed the project and it was spearheaded by members of the military elite and the aristocracy , both Select and Normal . "
te	4	" I wanted to include you , but the others ... they did not know if you could be trusted .
te	4	The Emperor blocked or parried each attack , but the barrage slowly pushed him backward until he was almost leaning against the cold glass .
te	4	The young man 's eyes widened and he lurched to sit up , but pain and Kyrie 's hand joined forces to stop him .
te	4	When not writing , Nathan enjoys other creative endeavors such as acting , amateur filmmaking , and occassionally saving the world .
te	4	If you would like to share this book with another person , please purchase an additional copy for each recipient .
te	4	These were the seven ghosts of Ludhiana , the specters responsible for maintaining the happiness and well being of the people of this city .
te	4	" I have called this meeting here tonight , in order to welcome to the group , our new ghost of wisdom .
te	4	As you all know , the old one retired last week , and we now have been sent his replacement .
te	4	Like before , his overall deportment remained refined and stately as he introduced himself as Jai Prakash , the ghost of contentment .
te	4	Like you , each of us was given one before we were discharged for our duties in to the mortal world .
te	4	Just as mortals derive their nourishment from food , we ghosts derive ours from the energy that radiates out from our mother trees . "
te	4	He saw the smile recur on Neha 's face before she pointed down again , this time though with one of her fingers .
te	4	As a ghost of wisdom , you will try and help people that are standing at pivotal crossroads in their lives .
te	4	You will need to help them make the right choice , and for that you are given some special powers .
te	4	Otherwise the two of you , if seen together , can create quite a ruckus as you can well imagine . "
te	4	" The third of these powers allows to you materialize any object you wish for from within the limits of this city .
te	4	And so she explained it all to her newly found pupil , who was staining hard to absorb all this knowledge in one go .
te	4	" Do not worry , you will have it all down within the first week or so , it is quite easy .
te	4	Just a couple of moments later , a white holographic map of the whole city appeared in the air right above them .
te	4	The moment it caught Neha 's attention , as per habit it sent her in to a state of reflexive alarm .
te	4	" Once the mother fucker is addicted to it , he will be a cow we milk for money every other day . "
te	4	" You have got to do something , you have to ... " she pressed Ankit , her face clenched in anger .
te	4	Luckily for him , after putting an intense and urgent stain on his faculties , an idea manifested itself in his head .
te	4	okay , just in a minute or so make a knocking noise on the door of that shack . . "
te	4	She then noticed the door of the shack being opened , and promptly clicked her fingers to make the stone she had hurled disappear .
te	4	And so he managed to send him back in to the same snake pit from which he had crawled out of .
te	4	" Well the stroke has not been played yet ... " Ankit rejoined with a mischievous gleam in his eyes .
te	4	and here comes Waqar Younis from the pavilion end , running in full steam , and it 's a ... . "
te	4	you bastards ... " It was the boy in the shack who had just erupted out of it like an angry volcano .
te	4	They had seen a variety of effects cocaine could have on a first timer but this was a reaction totally unheard of .
te	4	" Well that was some idea , I am greatly impressed , " Neha complimented when she had finally managed to control her laughter .
te	4	and so he carried on skipping between these myriad of activities for an hour or so until his mother finally arrived home .
te	4	It was while she was cooking that the young kid came up to her and started tugging at the hem of her kurti .
te	4	he suggested in a cherubic sing song , his sugary tone leaving his mother no choice but to accede to his demand .
te	4	ah what am I saying , he is already spoiled , it was all evident to me just now . . "
te	4	It isn 't like I am trying to force you or something ; I just say all this for your own good .
te	4	These orders were then passed on to a crop of younger boys , who would then immediately start working towards their dispatch .
te	4	" Though things always take time to settle down , the wise ancestors were not joking when they said . .
te	4	I will come again soon , after the fruit season I will totally invest all my money in shoes . "
te	4	" It is not that easy to play the flute young Mister , you have to work hard for it , work hard . "
te	4	" Pocket money papa , " he said simply , not even looking at his father or acknowledging him in any other way .
te	4	The boy momentarily looked up , though not at his father but at the money that was now resting in his hand .
te	4	his father apologized , before he quickly topped the money in his son 's palm with a five hundred rupee note .
te	4	" His demands are just rising every day , " the father commented , more with amusement rather than anger .
te	4	But before he could fathom what to do next , the man much to his complete surprise urged him to sing .
te	4	36 hours earlier ... Imagine to yourself two frames , two distinct pictures in front of your eyes that are placed side by side .
te	4	quipped one of the girls in the first picture to her friend who was getting married in a couple of days .
te	4	Honestly , I don 't see a relationship as some kind of a way to make my life financially secure .
te	4	With Raj , I just wanted to be with him because in him I saw some goodness that I had seldom seen in others .
te	4	Anyhow , how come are you suddenly all interested in Meeta and me a couple of days before your marriage ?
te	4	" Close call , he nearly caught me , guys don 't usually talk with such honesty about their intimate affairs with each other .
te	4	I have been trying to bring these two together for so long now but have failed in all my efforts .
te	4	With their task thus done , she got up to leave , but before she could , Amar put forth another proposition for her .
te	4	" May be , we should wait and see if your tree can weather an autumn or two first . .
te	4	he once again looked at her sister for confirmation and upon receiving the same , entered the amounts in to his phone .
te	4	But before the mother could relay out the required information , the voice of an unknown Samaritan from amidst the crowd helped them out .
te	4	But his apathy only increased her petulance and she went on with the rant with even more vehemence than before .
te	4	Mohit asked with an exhausted sigh , there seemed no light at the end of this dark tunnel to him .
te	4	he asked nonchalantly , while pointing to a very young boy who was sleeping on the seat next to Mrs. Sharma .
te	4	Do that and you will at least collect 10000 in Shagun , " he suggested with an ingenious smile playing on his lips .
te	4	Soon Vikram Sahni finished tying another one around it , therefore shielding himself from the reaper 's scythe at least until the evening .
te	4	The train was coming nearer now and Vikram 's shouts were getting louder , more desperate , but still they were of no avail .
te	4	And just as the train had come within a few yards of the kid , Pandit Ji 's hallowed voice echoed in his ears .
te	4	Roshni asked rather rhetorically , after she had seen Arjun ignoring the presence of that blinking dot upon his map .
te	4	" Yes , my good lady , it 's the very same guy , " replied Arjun , a little dramatically .
te	4	" Of my countless fuck ups in life , that , right there , is the biggest fuck up of them all .
te	4	" Though I have asked you about this guy a few times before , you have always evaded my questions on the subject .
te	4	The dot was blinking very rapidly , and so at once I knew that this was a case of a suicide attempt .
te	4	" And it was then that an idea occurred to me , and it seemed like a good idea at that time .
te	4	I began to enter his dreams , and there I started painting him bleak and harrowing pictures of what awaited him after death .
te	4	" The fear I used to dissuade him from suicide weighs so heavy on his mind now that he had stopped living altogether .
te	4	I turned him in to a shell of a person , who cringes in death 's dread in his every waking hour .
te	4	In life there are some intricacies which despite all their powers even the ghosts of a city fail to disentangle .
te	4	She thought it was important that she helped him get rid of his skewed perspective about the world as well as her own self .
te	4	Here it is , " Raj shot back , as he pulled out his phone and played for her the incriminating video .
te	4	She thought of it as quite silly and was rather amused at the stunt that the two of them had pulled .
te	4	What if it was a mortal hiding there , what if he had witnessed the magical metamorphosis of the directory ?
te	4	" Do you Sir have any response that you wish for me to convey to the council on this particular matter ? "
te	4	Good bye , " And suddenly he vanished off in to the same dark corner from where he had come forth .
te	4	Nalini said immediately after entering the room , looking to hasten the proceedings so that she could get back out to the hall sooner .
te	4	" So what I had been wanting is for your father to talk to Uma , " her mother began the discussion .
te	4	" Are yaar , how can I go and ask her that directly , you do not ask people such things .
te	4	now you guys just start arguing again , that is just the solution to our problem , isn 't it ? "
te	4	" Just go Dad , ask her once , it will at least lift this suspense , " she suggested to her father .
te	4	her father pulled on a bit of a long face , clearly not happy about what his family wanted him to do .
te	4	" I say there is no need to ask anyone anything , " It was Mohit , who now intervened .
te	4	" Just , just ... Okay I am going ; just stop getting on my case , will you ? "
te	4	Mr. Sharma , joining his hands in front of his wife in submission accepted his defeat and walked out of the room .
te	4	" Sorry Aunty , sorry , sorry , " their faces had turned somewhat pale as they now stood there , shivering in discomfiture .
te	4	Meanwhile inside the room Mrs. Sharma had gone on a bit of a tirade about the evils that plagued the present generation .
te	4	That is his destiny , " the revered man gave his diagnostic , a look of grave seriousness on his face at all times .
te	4	" If God has given us human troubles , then he has also left us ways that can lead out of these troubles .
te	4	There is a gemstone , known as the white sapphire , which in a situation such as this can be of great help .
te	4	Still smiling , he pointed her to the door after which she went out to the anteroom to buy the needed gemstone .
te	4	With a persistent urgency in both his step and manner , he entered the office and approached the desk of the pear shaped man .
te	4	In the period of uncomfortable silence that followed , Vikram found himself reeling under the thoughts of yesterday 's incident at the tracks .
te	4	" Exceedingly ' EVIL AND DANGEROUS ' these powers are Son , the sort that can destroy a man completely .
te	4	he asked sternly , to which he saw the shuddering young man now nodding his head like a slave afraid of a flogging .
te	4	It is courage which helps men do even the impossible , " Pandit Ji shot back , raising his voice once again .
te	4	" So , my dear fellow , how long are you going to keep tying threads around tree trunks ? "
te	4	But before Vikram could pose any of these questions , the man fired at him one more of his own .
te	4	Just who in the world did this person think that he was , to meddle in someone 's affairs so blatantly ?
te	4	" It is none ... of your business ... " Vikram answered him , no wonder with a hint of anger in his voice .
te	4	Life is too beautiful , full of too many charms and possibilities , for you to waste it away like that .
te	4	You do not , else you would just be like me , and in fact the whole world would just be like me . "
te	4	Mister I have seen this thing we call death up close , and believe me , it has a very ugly face .
te	4	" I have not come here to speak gibberish to you my dear fellow , I only wish to help you .
te	4	In fact he was still grappling with the meaning of the old man 's words when his bus arrived some fifteen minutes later .
te	4	" Yaar , you been saying this since last night , but are you at least going to tell me what he did ? "
te	4	Shivani responded , having no knowledge of what occurred between Meeta and Raj which had left her friend so disconsolate .
te	4	And I thought it was me who had convinced you to get rid of that stupid pixie cut of yours ! "
te	4	In retrospect , it all seemed so stupid now , the little things she had done to win that idiot Raj over .
te	4	" Alright then , " And Shivani 's mother took her leave , much to her daughter 's immediate relief .
te	4	Raj with the weight of yesterday 's incident still on his shoulders began to move with a heavy tread towards her room .
te	4	" I was a complete jerk , for what I said to you , I thought about it the whole time last night . .
te	4	" No we don 't need it , " Raj answered him , irritated but able to maintain a calm demeanor on the outside .
te	4	The waiter , after getting the response , nodded his head and left the two of them in their belligerent peace .
te	4	" We don 't want to have any photo taken , okay , " Raj answered , staining hard to keep his composure .
te	4	I mean you don 't want to get over him ; you don 't want to sort things out with him .
te	4	I tried to stand there for as long as I could , but people kept interrupting us , with spring rolls or photos . .
te	4	She had made it perfectly clear this afternoon that she no longer wished to have anything to do with him at all .
te	4	" I want us to be friends again if we could , " he answered , after what was a long pause .
te	4	Or may be a trap laid out for him by the evil powers to stop him from conforming to his daily observance .
te	4	Two opposing voices were fighting it out in his head , one calm and reasonable , the other strident and crying out doom .
te	4	It caused Raj to momentarily overshoot ahead with his jacket before he too checked his steps and hastened back to her .
te	4	If this is the time , then this is the time , " It was Amar 's father who suddenly intervened in the matter .
te	4	" The two brothers had gone to our car to collect the bouquets for the ceremony when the downpour began .
te	4	" Or may be , we can just go ahead and pay for that ritual , " she added cheekily .
te	4	For a while Vikram forgot all about the pouring rain , as he stood there weighing up the implications of what he was seeing .
te	4	What are you doing , standing out in the rain and gawking at an old man like me , huh ?
te	4	Vikram dropped his thoughts and took the towel after which he used it to dry himself for the next couple of minutes .
te	4	After doing the most thorough job of wiping and scrubbing , he returned it as he thanked the old man for his kindness .
te	4	" Never mind that Son , never mind that , just tell me what would you like to have for a drink ?
te	4	Stepping in to that living room was another elderly man , but dressed rather oddly in clothes befitting a young teenaged hip-hop fan .
te	4	I like myself some wife jokes ... ha ha ... " " Well give me some time and I will be better at this .
te	4	In fact there is another one upstairs in his bedroom , but he has been busy there with his Missus since the afternoon .
te	4	Vikram next inquired , wondering if this third friend was the same person he had met at the bus stop earlier today .
te	4	" No , not a Sardar , " the old man replied , his face growing ponderous for a second or two .
te	4	O Life was so beautiful then , days spent in the company of our mates and nights spent in the company of our dreams .
te	4	Why not instead of wasting away alone in some dark desolate corner , we spend our old age in the company of each other ?
te	4	But before he could , he noticed that the young man sitting in front of him was looking very agitated all of a sudden .
te	4	And as far as your fear about death is concerned , well I assure you it is nothing to be afraid of .
te	4	how do I ... I was a first rate idiot , for saying what I said ... " " Only an idiot ? "
te	4	So why don 't you go to them , why are you standing here holding your jacket over my head ? "
te	4	" Damn it Jain , keep yourself more side on , how many times have I got to fucking tell you that ! "
te	4	Soon Sameer returned with the ice teas and it was over the delicious and refreshing sips of the beverage that their earlier conversation recommenced .
te	4	I mean how can someone teaching final year engineering say that a satellite will fall back on earth if its orbital velocity increases ?
te	4	I mean , I know the professors here are not the brightest in the world , but this , this is the limit .
te	4	Don 't forget , half of our class did agree with the Professor today , " Sameer pointed out , matter-of-factly .
te	4	" Calm down and don 't create a ruckus now , " Sameer advised , somewhat dismissive in his manner .
te	4	Normally Sameer would have used this time to catch up on some sleep , but presently his faculties were anything but lethargic .
te	4	Sameer could notice a very calm determination on the face of his friend as he went around the class handing out his flyers .
te	4	Rishabh Jain - D4 ECE ' Within minutes of the distribution of these flyers , an anticipatory murmur had spread itself throughout the class .
te	4	Silence please , " said the professor in a grave and somber voice to hush down the murmurs in his class .
te	4	It was only the sudden ringing of the phone on his desk which diverted his attention away from this paperwork .
te	4	" Its Professor Upadhyay Sir , he wants to meet you , " his personal assistant replied from the other side .
te	4	As the professor entered , Pranav greeted him with a warm shake of hands , before ushering him to his desk .
te	4	He understood how integral the professors were to the proper functioning of this institute and always showed them the greatest degree of respect .
te	4	" Very well , a revolutionary , I am intrigued , " he commented , much amused at the situation .
te	4	After finishing his lecture , he had come straight to the Director 's office to notify him of this protest situation .
te	4	" Do you really believe that just sitting on the floor is actually going to compel the college administrators to consider your demands ? "
te	4	" Oh , wait , what are you talking about , I think that is rather the best point of the three .
te	4	" Well there is nothing to say , " Rishabh simply replied , his nonchalance surprising more than a few .
te	4	Rishabh was followed out of that room by Sameer , who had witnessed the whole proceedings so far from a quiet corner .
te	4	It was in the hostel courtyard that Sameer managed to catch up with Rishabh and conveyed to him his own thoughts on the matter .
te	4	But what did I do , I crammed for exams , I copied assignments , I listened to dull boring lectures .
te	4	This is an individualistic venture for me , and I do not care if anyone else wants to join me in it or not .
te	4	And so among them they started to look for ways that would get them the attention of the college authorities .
te	4	It was another reason why he disliked this whole business of protests ; it attracted self-aggrandizing people like Ajit Singh .
te	4	" Just a minor sprain , it will be sore for a couple of days but I will be good for the tournament . "
te	4	Sameer diagnosed , grinding his teeth in pain as his injured ankle was carefully maneuvered out of the stud by his friend .
te	4	" You really got to take it easy with the tackles , it was just a practice session man , " Rishabh reproved .
te	4	" So Ajit Singh came up to me today , " Sameer mentioned casually after a little time had passed .
te	4	" Let me guess , the compromise on the attendance point , 30 more students , media attention , right ? "
te	4	" Ajit Singh is not in this because he believes in the spirit of this protest , you know that , right ? "
te	4	This morning itself , the front page of the Ludhiana Harbinger had carried the news of the protest in bold black letters .
te	4	" This has been going on for a week , and you have not taken any steps to deal with it ! "
te	4	" But it has gotten in the newspapers now , do you think this is going to be so easy to control ? "
te	5	" And when you wear this ring , it will remind you of me , and it will remind you that I 'm always with you . "
te	5	" You 'll have to leave some day , Pain , and when you do I hope you 'll meet the same fate as Eleanor .
te	5	She could almost reach out and touch the shore , but it was still too far away to properly grab before the current dragged them down stream .
te	5	All the books were either accidentally burnt or so badly damaged that they were unusable , and the magic relics were all lost or broken .
te	5	" There have been others who went with groups or on wagons before we began to force our children to leave before they 're ready .
te	5	The buildings got more and more extravagant until the middle of the town where the town hall and personal mansions of the rich people were .
te	5	Merchants and vendors were shouting and waving their products around , people were chatting , and the smell of cooked food and horse manure filled the air .
te	5	She looked around her as much as she could , at the people and the vendors and the different goods , soaking it all in .
te	5	By the way the men looked it seemed like they would sooner wear a fluffy pink dress then really let a witness walk away alive .
te	5	After conversing with one of them she figured out that there were five maids , a cook , a grounds keeper , and a butler .
te	5	" If you 're lookin ' for snacks like that boy does you can just turn right around , you won 't get any here .
te	5	They all looked like a bunch of thugs , with only a little hair , burly arms , and shirts that showed off their muscle .
te	5	She had a round face , rosy cheeks , and fluffy straight hair that fell halfway down her back and was pulled half back with bangs .
te	5	I have a theory that one of our ancestors was a fletcher and that 's how we got our name , but it 's only a theory .
te	5	She 's got this weird idea in her head that girls should sit inside and set up tea parties while boys get all the fun . "
te	5	At the far end of the library large rectangular windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling , letting most of the library 's light in .
te	5	It was forgotten when it disappeared , which is why we couldn 't find it in the jewel index , " Jeff said , closing the book .
te	5	She grabbed his wrist and twisted so all she had to do was flip her hand over and he 'd be in an almost unbreakable lock .
te	5	And if something hidden moves then you scan the whole area and look for movement again , so you know where it 's heading . "
te	5	One on top of the other like she could just step off the stair she was on and fall all the way down to the floor .
te	5	Then , when she came to the end , she slid right off and went into a run until she was able to stop herself .
te	5	If you leave now then it 'll only mean that there 's one less person who would know what 's going on if they come here . "
te	5	As she started for the door she thought , Jeff 's right , we should see what is to come before we make a decision .
te	5	Once they were put on the pedestal inside , he said , no one could remove them until his heir called them together again . "
te	5	Magical books and objects are all destroyed or lost , magical creatures are extinct , and the art of magic died with the last mages .
te	5	" Not quite , but - " " And doesn 't the fact that all those pieces are hidden in unknown places count as being lost ? "
te	5	Anyone could be hiding behind the stacks of books , just waiting for two unsuspecting kids to walk into the room as the day turned into dusk .
te	5	There were plenty of hiding places for the Assassin men to be lying in wait for her , but she didn 't see any other choice .
te	5	He had also shown her how if you set the dominoes up on their end and knocked one over , the others would all fall down .
te	5	" Archie said that the Assassins would be back to get rid of the bodies of their assassins and that it wasn 't safe there .
te	5	Actually , they might be the best guild because they most likely have men in the other guilds that are also very good at poisoning people .
te	5	Then Jeff found his voice and said , " We don 't kn - " " I don 't want any of that , Jeffery Raymond .
te	5	She was swooping in here and taking this poor woman 's son off on a wild journey that was most likely going to get them all killed .
te	5	She reminded them of all of the survival and fighting skills she knew , and then gave each of them a hug and a kiss .
te	5	Oh , and be prepared for the decorations in here , I really meant it when I said my house is like a freakin ' museum . "
te	5	I suggest you keep your eyes on the disgustingly lush carpet as you go , it 's more bearable than anything else you might see . "
te	5	In fact , the only thing slightly girly in the room was a blue ceramic vase on the bedside table that held a single rose .
te	5	As the paintings got more recent both of her parents got older and her mother began to look stricter and wore more formal , uptight outfits .
te	5	Every arrow hit someone different , and they always hit where it would be painful enough to put them out of action but not kill them .
te	5	They had just lost over a dozen members and destroyed a library and this guy 's answer was to send in a larger , more conspicuous group ?
te	5	The shadow departed from the rooftop , hoping that the last decision was a sign that this guy wasn 't as stupid as he seemed .
te	5	" I don 't like it either , " Jeff agreed , " but what we 're doing is much more important than one little town . "
te	5	You 're the one who almost got strangled by the last bunch of thugs we dealt with , so I guess it 's your call . "
te	5	Then she shot to her feet and swept off her hat in one grand gesture , letting her red curls fall freely around her shoulders .
te	5	I suggest you all get out of here before these three to wake up , the bar 's closed for the rest of the day ! "
te	5	" Those bullies in the bar are just going to go running to their bosses , and then those bosses are going to come beat us up .
te	5	" I don 't like people walking into our town and sticking their noses into other people 's problems when everything 's under control ! "
te	5	" One last stop in town to get some necessary supplies and then we 'll be on our way , " Davis announced from the front .
te	5	If they came at her a few at a time she could easily take them out , but if they all charged her things would get tricky .
te	5	It would be easy to just cut through them and be done with it , but she didn 't want a massacre on her hands .
te	5	She faked down and to the left and then came back up to hit a man in the head with the flat of her blade .
te	5	" Half the town here just saw your humiliation , and the other half is sure going to hear about it before the day is up .
te	5	I 've got to say , it 's a little more than what I expected to happen today when I woke up this morning . "
te	5	" Trust me , I know when I should be traveling with people and when I shouldn 't , and we shouldn 't be with them . "
te	5	Just because you 're the ' top dog ' around here doesn 't mean that you 're the ' biggest bad ' out there you know . "
te	5	" You think that just because you 're the ' top dog ' here you 're the - " " I can take care of myself ! "
te	5	" The only training I 've ever had was many years ago when a woman from my village taught me the basics of sword play .
te	5	Every time she took a step she had to not only fight the weight of the wagon but also the heavy mud that sucked at her feet .
te	5	She told them that if it was good weather then they didn 't need to clip it to the walls or add in the last two walls .
te	5	Its bark has natural pain killers , the berries are healthy and tasty , and my cousin Rick showed me once something else that 's useful . "
te	5	Happy and carefree , like she was back home with her real family playing with her own little cousins without a care in the world .
te	5	Jen made a horrid face and probably would have kept arguing if Jeff hadn 't been there , but she went back to her work .
te	5	" Hey , you 're the one who spent all that time trying to get me to let you teach me , so suck it up . "
te	5	The other families they were traveling with didn 't know what all the fuss was about , but they knew something good was going on .
te	5	She had been worried they wouldn 't understand and think she was being bossy , but she could tell by his face that he understood completely .
te	5	They must have gone up in elevation while fleeing the burnt meadow the night before because the stream led a slightly tricky way down a hill .
te	5	She clamped her elbow down on his hand , pressing the flat of the blade up against her and keeping it from cutting into her .
te	5	When they attacked the swordsman would go first , followed a beat later by the knife fighter while the opponent was still countering the first attack .
te	5	Immediately her instincts screamed at her and she dropped into a crouch just in time to avoid an arrow shot by another Assassin from behind .
te	5	You 've got to stick to the plan , because if we go down separated then we 've got no chance of getting back to the surface .
te	5	She dropped back to the heel of one foot and a hand to kick out with the other one , forcing the woman away from her .
te	5	" Then the library will be down that way near the center of the city , " Jeff said , pointing farther down the street .
te	5	After a couple seconds a boy with black hair that fell slightly past his ears and almond shaped eyes stuck his head out from around a bookshelf .
te	5	Her nose looked like the beak of a bird of prey and her black hair was pulled into a tight bun at the base of her neck .
te	5	She grabbed her by the chin so she could look at her face and held a match up so she could look in her eyes .
te	5	The less we know of each other the less likely it is for either of us to give information on the other if we 're caught .
te	5	Fresh air had always helped clear her thoughts , and she did not want to join in on another conversation about who didn 't like who .
te	5	His skin was pale from spending all day inside , but she noticed for the first time that his hands had uncharacteristic calluses for a librarian .
te	5	" Point taken , but Archie didn 't hesitate to tell us about it after he found out what we knew , " Jeff said .
te	5	She had seen Aunty hang herbs from their ceiling to dry them before , but she had never seen so many at the same time .
te	5	Some of them were dull , like the butchery where they got more dried beef , but some were just as neat as the herb shop .
te	5	She ducked under the merchant 's arm and started along the road in the direction they had been going , scanning the people for him .
te	5	Then a body landed with a wet thump on the floor near the door , the handle of a knife sticking out of his neck .
te	5	That decoy wouldn 't work a second time , which didn 't matter since it didn 't give them enough time to do much of anything anyway .
te	5	If we make random runs they 'll have to guess which one of us will move next , so they won 't hit us as accurately . "
te	5	She 'd need to find Jeff to tell him that their plan was done and he didn 't have to draw fire for her anymore .
te	5	He dropped her a moment later and fell backwards into cover as another dart shot through the air he had been in a moment before .
te	5	The last time I was poisoned it took a minute or so to take me down , and this one 's bound to be stronger . "
te	5	" I put some of my antidotes in darts just in case poisons go too far in for it to enter the body through the mouth .
te	5	Before she might have been able to hold off her attackers enough to get through the hole , but at her slowed state she could not .
te	5	She wasn 't with us when we were attacked and I didn 't know you two well enough to fully trust your judgment of her . "
te	5	" We 've been through more together than most people do in their lifetimes , and we 've only been out here for , what ?
te	5	" My family has been traveling all over the Middle Kingdom for centuries , finding features and villages no one knew about and writing them down .
te	5	" If one of them has a photographic memory , one glimpse and they could use it to get wherever they need to go . "
te	5	" Every time the guild catches you it 's because you spend too much time talking and not enough time keeping an eye out . "
te	5	" Yes , the number of times they 've ambushed you and your friends supports your cause , Miss Pain , " Mal said wryly .
te	5	" It 's flooded over its banks to about twice its normal size from the rain we 've been getting , " she called over the wind .
te	5	She turned it into a hit from her sword handle at the last moment , catching the woman on the chest and knocking her backwards .
te	5	Unused to this new tactic it took almost all of her concentration to knock aside ones that would hit her friends and dodge ones that wouldn 't .
te	5	She came down hard on the swordsman 's arm to knock it away and came up high in a thrust towards the knife fighter 's throat .
te	5	She barely managed to avoid an Assassin who was sneaking up behind her like she had been sneaking up on the Assassin sneaking up on Jeff .
te	5	There had been very few boys in her village who weren 't her cousins , and she hadn 't spent much time really thinking about them .
te	5	He gave them a look that clearly said that he could survive the night without a healer and wanted to rest since he felt horrible .
te	5	She listened to the soft snap of a twig under a rabbit 's foot and the crackle of the fire in her vigilance for intruders .
te	5	Besides , I thought you were ' not too young ' when you were seventeen and I 'm only two years younger than that . "
te	5	The rest of the group decided it was better to get to a village with a healer faster and worry about the Assassins when they got there .
te	5	We 've got to keep our heads high and our spirits up , because if we don 't do that none of our success matters .
te	5	" You 're forgetting that you 're not an adult and most people who don 't know you aren 't going to treat you like one . "
te	5	" It 's always ' don 't get dirty , ' ' don 't stay up late , ' ' don 't play with your food . '
te	5	Her friends had all agreed that she would take care of payment since she had grown up with a healer and would know what would be appropriate .
te	5	" And I know you 're going to say he 's just trying to do his duty , but I don 't really care . "
te	5	There 's no real trail that goes all the way to the village we 're heading to but I 've mapped out the easiest climb up .
te	5	She sheathed her sword so Jeff wouldn 't do that again and raised her hands to show him that she wasn 't continuing at that moment .
te	5	" He 's traveled with a group of younger people and from what he told me they 're all either missing , dead , or crazy .
te	5	She 'd gone barefoot plenty of times at home and never thought about it , but back then there had been a place to get dry .
te	5	" Even if you think you 're doing a good job of staying attentive and being prepared it might not be enough , " he said .
te	5	" I don 't know what happened in your past , but if you really want to help us now then you need to let that go .
te	5	" Someday we 're going to run into something that I know and you don 't and then it 'll be my turn to laugh . "
te	5	She slid the mace that had been aimed at the back of Mal 's head off to one side and side kicked the man behind it .
te	5	" We can 't catch her attention or call to her without letting the Assassins hear us , so we need to catch up with her . "
te	5	She could go try to find them , but it would be like finding a needle in a haystack ( which she 'd actually tried once ) .
te	5	But you put your life in danger on purpose and by doing so you also endangered our lives because there were less people to protect each other .
te	5	" The person with the map and the one real forester are lost together and the person with the least experience in woods is alone . "
te	5	" We met up with Jeff , and then I heard something and went ahead to check but I couldn 't make it back . "
te	5	Crossbow bolts broke on the rocks beneath her feet right as she rounded the bend upwards and out of line of fire just in time .
te	5	She saw an opening in the first guy 's defense and got him in the stomach at the expense of a small cut on the arm .
te	5	" We are going to find our friends and get out of here alive if it means I have to tear this horrid place apart . "
te	5	" Great , the two people who know where to go are in the same group and the city kid is on his own , again . "
te	5	She stepped forward over the lead croc 's tail and thrust into the stomach of an Assassin going for the lead croc while its back was turned .
te	5	Sure fighting with the lead croc had been an amazing , thrilling experience , but they didn 't have to keep looking at her like that .
te	5	Soon she realized that if the tunnel didn 't level out smoothly at the end then they were both going to crash and probably break their necks .
te	5	" Because it was nearly dark when we were back up at the surface and we don 't have any way to tell time down here .
te	5	There are so many different forks and side passages that connect and curve around everywhere , and there are traps in most of the tunnels . "
te	5	We found this rock thing again and climbed around on it , but then the Assassins found us and we got separated in a crevice .
te	5	If she really felt bad then she should not beat herself up over this and make sure she didn 't turn out to be like Mal .
te	5	He had a belt filled with bolts slung over his shoulder , a hunting knife at his hip , and another strapped to his thigh .
te	5	She had the feeling that Marge and George weren 't prepared for visitors in their house , so everything they did for them she greatly appreciated .
te	5	What she did know was that , somehow , the time with the two foresters had eased her mind , at least a little bit .
te	5	We 're going to make them pay for what they 've done and will do , and we 're not going to stop until we do .
te	5	When this is all over there will be time for mourning and saying goodbye to those who have left us , but that 's not today . "
te	5	" If you do it at night then you can go hunting and skin it and stuff while we 're at a more permanent camp . "
te	5	" Look , after the twentieth time Aunty told me not to go running off and doing something dangerous she gave up trying to stop me .
te	5	He wore a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows , brown pants , brown boots , and a sword at his hip .
te	5	It looked like a fencing sword , only its handle guard was made of thin , interweaving metal gilded with gold and decorated with tiny diamonds .
te	5	" It 's not like we 've had a single stretch of this journey in which we didn 't get held up by something . "
te	5	" There 's a pathway that leads up a small cliff overhead this way , and there 's probably one of those super-secret trails over here .
te	5	So this idea worked in theory , but now she had three people coming at her , all of whom were almost as good as Jeff .
te	5	" It 's a type of slow moving poison that completely destroys the muscle while numbing it so you don 't feel anything , " he clarified .
te	5	" I haven 't actually been in the mountains before , but I 'm pretty sure I can get us there , " she said .
te	5	" I was holding it when I ran out to save a girl from a flood and never really got around to putting it back . "
te	5	" Actually I was thinking more along the lines of Archie or Pain , but if you want I 'd be fine with going myself . "
te	5	He looked up at her with sad eyes as he sat by his owner , loyal even when the little girl wasn 't there anymore .
te	5	" This town was supposed to be under our protection , but there were people here who betrayed us to that horrid guild of murderers .
te	5	It was a meandering little road that went up slowly , most likely so wagons and horses could go up without the threat of sliding backwards .
te	5	The Assassin 's attention would be distracted away from her and her friends when such an important piece fell into the hands of their rivals .
te	5	To listen to what they had to say about the forces of nature , philosophy , martial arts , and weaponry would be an honor .
te	5	" We have to keep the horses in these stables since it 's too rocky for them to go any further , " Henna explained .
te	5	These people had been living with it ever since they joined the guild , which itself had been dealing with such tragedies for a hundred years .
te	5	" They had us come out early so we didn 't have to wait in line behind all of the soldiers , " he explained .
te	5	" I 've gotten used to finding everything on this , and yet there 's this big thing that 's left off of it . "
te	5	" Just make sure no one kills someone else , " she said before she stuck her tongue out at him and closed the door .
te	5	The poor kid was crushed that neither teenagers knew how to use it until one of the other kids gave him a small wooden dagger .
te	5	" We would receive the support of the Guild of Angels in the form of protection , transportation , and supplies , " she said .
te	5	Henna had told them that only one could speak , and from the look of things it was considered impolite to just barge into the conversation .
te	5	After a moment of silence Jeff said , " I 'd hate to admit it , but watching him fight 's a bit like watching you . "
te	5	She did her best to memorize the way so she could make it back out without having to jump through the window , but it was hard .
te	5	" Then we 'd have to climb down somewhere to get there , and it 's all too steep for armored men to get down .
te	5	Henna hadn 't said that she was going to do that , but the Angels all seemed to start their day hours earlier than normal people .
te	5	" I am aware of your assignment , but as only mystics are allowed pass this point I have been sent in your stead . "
te	5	She took a couple steps so she was an equal distance from each of the side crystals and directly in front of the far one .
te	5	She pressed her hands together in front of her chest , gently ; hard enough to create pressure but not hard enough to tire herself out .
te	5	" But all of the writings I have read claim that you 've got to let go of all your emotions in order to reach peace . "
te	5	" There could be hundreds of ancient mystics and scholars with knowledge long forgotten and you could be the only person able to access them ! "
te	5	" I want to take an active part in this mission , not just sit behind a desk while others do the dangerous things for me .
te	5	" I volunteered to take the place of your first guide because I couldn 't pass up an opportunity to speak with you again . "
te	5	It was my fault to have let my ego grow too large and it was right for her to remind me of my place ! "
te	5	Under both their weight the branch snapped , sending the two girls tumbling into Jeff , who then joined them on their fall to the ground .
te	5	They had history mixed up with fairy tales , short stories in amongst series , and I even found a cook book among ancient tomes !
te	5	Since this was the first time she wasn 't strung tight at the thought of getting attacked at night images kept swirling around clogging her brain .
te	5	" I guess it 's just that so much has happened in such a short amount of time that it 's gotten a little overwhelming .
te	5	" Then Henna wants to hit the road right after , so you 'd better finish getting your stuff together or she 'll hit the ceiling .
te	5	We 're hoping that since there 's barely any water running down it normally there won 't be too much to get by now . "
te	5	We need to get up the path as far as we can and make sure it 's not too steep , dangerous , or impassible . "
te	5	" Anyone who sees you will easily be able to identify you as a member of the Guild of Angels , " he told her .
te	5	" They 'll just slip in in the middle of the night and slit all of the officers ' throats while you sleep , " Mal agreed .
te	5	She had to concentrate on getting her hands and feet to secure looking niches and to grabbing onto plants when the mud gave away beneath her .
te	5	The girl wore her hair in a ponytail and had a thin cream tank top that clearly showed many scars crisscrossing her arms and shoulders .
te	5	" And the three of us are going to keep a close eye on you , but I guess you get free reign of the camp .
te	5	" She could have said , ' you three stick with the red head , ' and they would have been able to pick you out . "
te	5	" By the time An and her group attacked the outpost and stumbled upon us I was the only one left alive , " Fen continued .
te	5	If she could just get around the base of the trunk she could run for it , but the scouts had formed a semicircle around her .
te	5	" Today we shall avenge the lives so wrongly taken by villains and bring justice to those wrongdoers who deserve to be brought to justice ! "
te	5	It was just tall enough to make Mal bend over a bit and just wide enough for one and a half people to stand shoulder to shoulder .
te	5	Finally two people , a young man and woman who looked like a couple , opened the end of one that led into a small hall .
te	5	As it turned out she didn 't have to warn him about that either as he easily caught his attacker and sent her stumbling past him .
te	5	" I don 't think it 's such a good idea to be on a cliff in amongst some trees in the middle of a lightning storm .
te	5	" If they don 't shut those dogs up then they 'll bring the whole mountain down on all of us , " Jeff said .
te	5	" Like it just wants to remind us it 's there so we go and freak out about it only to have it do nothing . "
te	5	It actually had a gradual incline that might have allowed them to scale the side , but not with an injured shoulder and not while wet .
te	5	Alright , if you fall into a river stay on your back with your legs downstream so you can navigate yourself away from rocks . "
te	5	She knew as soon as she did she 'd be thrown back into that world of terror and cold , but it couldn 't be helped .
te	5	She wasn 't sore , and she realized that the great number of little injuries she had been sustaining over her Journey weren 't hurting at all .
te	5	The group of children did their best to pretend like they weren 't up to anything , but it was pretty obvious that they were .
te	5	This was the highest up in the mountain she 'd ever go , and with the clear night she was able to get the full view .
te	5	" When I was younger , before Nagai 's little incident with the rock slide , some of the children would go out to those lower cliffs .
te	5	Some of the spacing between the feet and hand holds were a little undersized for her since she was taller , but it wasn 't too bad .
te	5	There were enough sharp points to brace their feet on , though they had to be careful not to slip and cut themselves on some sharp stones .
te	5	It couldn 't have been more than a half an hour until they reached the point where the cliffs really started curving up the mountain .
te	5	Even if we don 't get along , as long as they 're out there we know we 're not the only ones making a resistance . "
te	5	We are traveling to a magical place called a Sanctuary with an ancient artifact in order to thwart two super powerful guilds after all . "
te	5	She didn 't know what they were going to find tomorrow , but she had a feeling that whatever it was it was going to be important .
te	5	" And I 'll try to be friendly , but I just can 't make friends with someone whose whole job is to kill others . "
te	5	Ala had given her a signal from the top of the far rock wall to let her know that the Assassins were about to enter the clearing .
te	5	She was being mature since she was doing what was best for everyone instead of just freaking out and going to look for Jeff instead .
te	5	From the sound of the many footsteps following her they 'd gotten their act together enough to give up fighting each other and just go for her .
te	5	" Nothing personal , " he said and brought it down on the base of her skull with a solid crack that reverberated through her head .
te	5	Janell Rhiannon Birth Livingstone Saga Book One Princess Guild Publishing An Indie Press California , USA Copyright @ 2013 by Janell Rhiannon All rights reserved .
te	5	When they begged forgiveness , He threw thunder and lightning at them , not to kill them , but rather to remind them of their treachery .
te	5	The apocalypse is known only by God , and He has kept the secret for millennia , refusing to give up His date of reckoning .
te	5	This pressed them into darker places , where they hid from the emptiness that filled their being , the emptiness where God used to dwell .
te	5	Instead , her mouth opened in terror and awe ; any remaining doubt she had that her work was indeed inspired by divine intervention evaporated .
te	5	She reached with a trembling hand to touch his nose , half expecting to feel coarse stone and was quite shocked to feel a wet black muzzle .
te	5	The beast of stone she knew , the beast of flesh she easily accepted , but the man -- dark haired and powerful -- was a stranger .
te	5	He would gladly take responsibility for the spiritual training of this new creature of God , for he was determined that the past would not be repeated .
te	5	Almost as trying as converting a pagan , except the threat of eternal damnation for his soul would prove to be no motivation for Celestino .
te	5	The flesh gargoyle may only be witnessed by God , your Maker ... and the demons sent by the Evil One , whom you will fight .
te	5	Clouds morphed into shapes as the wind blew , birds flew and twittered , and the bells of the church echoed across the rooftops of the town .
te	5	He tried imitating her facial expression , but it felt strange on his mouth , so he let it fall away before Iseo looked up .
te	5	" There are a great many table manners you will need to remember , if Father Tomas intends on taking you to any public feasts .
te	5	He knew each gargoyle was as unique as each human being , so he guessed that he could not really expect any particular response at all .
te	5	You are a reminder to Evil that God 's house is not for them , that here is sacred ground where Evil cannot tread . "
te	5	Choosing to sit in the chair near the window , he backed into it slowly , careful to measure the distance before he relaxed into the seat .
te	5	" I know it is you , my Iseo , " he said , but quickly corrected himself to obey her wishes , " Iseo . "
te	5	The contents looked identical to the earlier meal , except a round object of reddish color , which rolled against the edge of the tray .
te	5	Iseo thought she caught his attempt to smile in her periphery , but it flashed so quickly , she lost it before she could be certain .
te	5	" I have never seen a grown man grimace so ... your lip curled as if you would rather spit it out than swallow it . "
te	5	Work must be done , even when we have personal issues to attend to , " he replied in a tone that made Iseo feel defensive .
te	5	It was difficult for her to think of him as the lion with wings , because the face of the man burned behind her eyes .
te	5	She looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching and pressed a hidden lever with her foot beneath the bottom edge of the shelving .
te	5	She could see the sun filtering through the windows placed high enough to discourage the casual glance or the peeping curiosity that composed human nature .
te	5	Celestino did not want to tell the priest he went to Iseo 's room , so he said , " Sleep is not easy to find . "
te	5	Evil can move about in observation , but to penetrate the humans here ... evil must pass through a strong veil of power woven by God . "
te	5	Father Tomas had rarely been summoned to the Monsignor 's private chambers , and he was surprised to discover they would not be conversing alone .
te	5	The fact that demons and the Fallen worked tirelessly to ensnare human souls to spite God was a fact kept well hidden from the hysterical masses .
te	5	Secrecy seemed the only security he could truly have in a world where demons and evil angels sought to destroy him for his God inspired duty .
te	5	Chapter 7 Of Men and Angels Celestino sat in the chair under the high privacy window , listening to the outside sounds drifting into his chamber .
te	5	As long as he remained hers ; her creation , her responsibility , her secret joy ... she embraced all this with her entire being .
te	5	He is a foreigner , " she faltered slightly with the partial truth , " and he has yet to master the finer points of etiquette . "
te	5	" Adam lingered at the edge of the great Tigris like one who was abandoned , even with all of creation at his feet . "
te	5	Chapter 8 Crossing of Stone Iseo walked quietly down the hall toward Celestino 's room , feeling guilty for borrowing a beeswax candle from the sanctuary supply .
te	5	It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust , until she finally recognized his silhouette a few feet in front of her and felt relief .
te	5	There was truth in his reasoning , but she knew he was nothing of the evil or dark that ruled the realm of his creation .
te	5	She knew each bone of each wing , the length of his nose , the size of his clawed feet by perfect measurement , by her heart .
te	5	Together they walked down the long , empty corridor that led past Father Tomas 's private chamber and the library where Celestino was to study .
te	5	Iseo placed her finger to her lips , as she poked her head into the opening , peering around the edge of light into the hallway .
te	5	* Iseo took a full tray of fish , a fresh loaf of bread , and a small decanter of watered wine to her workshop .
te	5	" The knowledge that was there from the beginning , but you ignored , because in the moment the closeness of things blinds you to the truth .
te	5	Do you remember when you asked me why God would allow evil in the world , if He was indeed the creator of all things ?
te	5	Isolde is yours and I am but your vassal ; Isolde is yours and I am your nephew ; Isolde is yours and may not love me .
te	5	By giving their name , they are vanquished back to Hell , but have hope of returning to do some future bidding of Satan or Lucifer . "
te	5	For a moment she watched the sunlight filtering through the steam and busied herself watching how the wisps of vapor twisted and turned in the light .
te	5	She leaned over the edge to wash his chest , his mouth close enough to taste the smell of the damp curls framing her face .
te	5	The dawn would see the rise of a newly consecrated warrior of God , a mighty beast whose strength would shake the vilest beings back to Hell .
te	5	He moved with soundless feet across the empty space , pausing briefly before the pillar he and Iseo had sat against not so long ago .
te	5	Your sandals are meant to remind you that forever you are connected to this earth , where you shall remain rooted all of your days .
te	5	The world he had studied so intensely existed only as pale images inside his own imagination and from behind the purity and safety of cathedral grounds .
te	5	After all I have done to ... no mind ... you were not asking me ... he worshipped as often as the next man . "
te	5	When threatened with returning to Hell , they themselves , creatures of the burning sulfur , will shriek for mercy and beg to be left alone .
te	5	From the waist pouch , Father Tomas also produced a vial of holy water and a purple cloth , which he draped around his neck and shoulders .
te	5	" I have lived my entire life in this town and I have never seen such a delicate creature as flew in at the moment of cleansing .
te	5	" I studied with the masons and a master sculptor for over a year , before I put chisel to stone for the first time .
te	5	" The souls of hundreds have been lost to Satan , because they do not know they are lost , until it is too late .
te	5	She knew temptation and sin were the natural burdens everyone must reconcile , but never had she imagined that Satan would send a demon soldier after her .
te	5	Men blame women for being sinful creatures , but in all my years on this earth , it is not the women begging for lustful ventures . "
te	5	There was a small cot with hand woven coverlets , a small hearth , and a tiny slip of light serving as the only window .
te	5	A bed had been moved to the center of the room , the floor was swept clean and fresh rushes had already been spread across the floor .
te	5	A woman with long dark hair pulled up messily behind her head , with a few wispy tendrils escaping the fasteners , turned to greet them .
te	5	The midwife pulled the coverlet down and Iseo 's gaze fell on the large mound of belly beneath the thin veil of a night dress .
te	5	" I must push the babe 's foot back inside the womb , and turn it around so he can enter the world head first . "
te	5	" It is my business to remind you , my Brother , that you are a priest and bound by vows to live a righteous life .
te	5	She had no idea how to reconcile what she knew to be the truth in her heart , because the truth only tore it asunder .
te	5	And , if she acknowledged complete honesty of emotion , the thought of seeing her Celestino again made returning to Compostela that much more desirable .
te	5	If her mother had survived , she would be married by now , and never would have been initiated into the secret world of God and gargoyles .
te	5	Perhaps he is close to solving this mystery ... still ... there is something about him ... , " Father Tomas lingered on his thoughts .
te	5	She did not want to miss a moment of this terrifying perfection , of his lips evoking the most exquisite torment yet to be discovered .
te	5	If Constantine had not moved the Empire to Byzantium when he did , all traces of Rome would have been wiped away by those barbarians .
te	5	" Except for I shall have no sleep this evening , for all the sleeping I did this day , " Iseo replied with a smile .
te	5	He also forbade her from playing with the servants ' children , as he was certain the disgusting insects lived on the poor and filthy .
te	5	† Celestino * Father Tomas and Celestino entered the small , dark room where the child , Julia , lay drenched in her own sweat .
te	5	Father Tomas reached his hand inside the neckline of his robe , pulling out the silver cross that hung from a chain around his neck .
te	5	He crossed himself and kissed the cross , before plucking the vial of holy water , along with his purple sash , from inside his belt pouch .
te	5	The demon shook Julia 's head so fiercely that her mother , who had been silently observing , cried out in fear for her daughter .
te	5	Father Tomas took a mouthful of holy water and spat it like a mist over the length of the child 's body , beginning the sacred rite .
te	5	When the words were spoken , Father Tomas placed the silver cross on Julia 's forehead and commanded , " Give us your name . "
te	5	Celestino commanded , " In the name of God , in the name of Jesus Christ , and in the name of the Holy Spirit .
te	5	Father Tomas said , " I am far too exhausted and I have a few inquiries to make regarding any lore about the stones from this region .
te	5	It was Celestino who broke the tension by reaching out to touch the curls of her hair as they escaped in wild directions from their fastenings .
te	5	I wish ... I wish ... he were a man so I could scorn his compliments and ... Iseo caught the lies she tried to tell herself .
te	5	As she shivered , he stepped back and stood watching the sun as it prepared to tuck itself behind the line of ocean and sky .
te	5	She let him take it , and for a precious brief moment , they walked as lovers under the twinkling stars at the end of the world .
te	5	He decided to answer the call of the bells by going to the cathedral to spend the dark hours of his self imposed exile from Iseo .
te	5	If these are the stones Iseo saw the midwife using , then I have no doubt Santiago and your cathedral at Compostela are in grave danger . "
te	5	The Archangel drew himself up to his full height , before he spoke , " You must beware the affection you bear for the female .
te	5	" There is more , " Celestino continued , " and you will not wish to hear it , but it must be told . "
te	5	He was surprised and none too pleased that I requested he remove her from our care and proceed as if the ruse were indeed the truth .
te	5	Opening the note , he read : My Dearest Celestino , I have left you what I consider to be our copy of Tristan and Isolde .
te	5	But do you think so little of yourself , daughter , as to believe the king would marry to obtain relatively little in exchange ? "
te	5	" When the king lies with you , you must remain in bed the entire day so his seed may take hold in your womb .
te	5	" Today , we make an exception , because it would not do to have the queen lay in the bridal sheets longer than necessary . "
te	5	She handed the silky garment to Iseo , who slipped it on while still in bed determined to maintain as much of her privacy as possible .
te	5	She watched the water splash against the sides of the tub as she stood , knowing there was no choice , but to obey Amat .
te	5	She lit a candle and tried to conjure an image of Celestino as the gargoyle curled up sleeping in the corner of her bed chamber .
te	5	There would be no where to hide , no welcomed privacy screens and no comfortable darkness , only the illuminating pale glow of dozens of candles .
te	5	It was covered with so many layers of swaddling cloth she could not see the face to discover whether the child was a girl or a boy .
te	5	She picked it up to kiss its tender cheek , but maggots wiggled and writhed between the swaddling and fell like rice on the dirt .
te	5	The mention of her name , voiced in the light , voiced against his wishes to hear it gripped his chest with a strangling tightness .
te	5	If He hears a single voice above the din of the world 's requests for favors , it is a miracle , " Father Tomas reminded .
te	5	" Soon , you will release this woman and be cast from this earth , " Celestino warned with the first words he had spoken in days .
te	5	" I command you , demon , to release this woman servant of God , His chosen Maker , and release also her child . "
te	5	A moth fluttered in and flew straight for a small flame , flickering with life in the hearth , where it incinerated itself with a small crackle .
te	5	In the days to come , he would have to reconcile all these things in his heart , but this day was not the day .
te	5	Near Tristan , the Señora of the White Hands crouched , maddened at the evil she had done , and calling and lamenting over the dead man .
te	5	Who has been there for us always , gives us inspiration and lets us talk about our characters like they are real people without getting annoyed .
te	5	Being raised by the two of you gave us the strength to step out on our own and do this the way we believe it should be .
te	5	THE PROPHECY In a land , a kingdom called Atlantis , The Fates , decreed that a prophecy would be fulfilled far into the future .
te	5	It states this : There shall come to pass a year in which only seven women will give birth to a child , a male or female .
te	5	It had been so long that no one really believed the prophecy would be fulfilled ; people were doubting that the prophecy was ever even written .
te	5	But there were those of us who just kept waiting , kept passing down the prophecy and kept counting the pregnant women , every year .
te	5	He said she told him that she didn 't expect or want anything from him , just didn 't feel right not telling him about me .
te	5	But when I was about two years old , we went to North Carolina to visit some family , and we took a trip to Myrtle Beach .
te	5	The stables were almost completely destroyed , but dad had the good part repaired so that we could keep a couple of horses on the property .
te	5	Dad leaves them alone unless they start moving into the small pond closer to the house , then he calls animal control to come get them .
te	5	Don 't get me wrong , I don 't mind girl clothes , I just don 't like dresses and skirts because they limit my movement .
te	5	Everyone went overboard for my sixteenth birthday so there was a table over flowing with gifts on one side of the room and family everywhere .
te	5	Normally the boys are outnumbered but this year Tia and Carly had their boyfriends come over to hang out and we had an even number .
te	5	We walk out of the pool house and are headed across the patio by the deepest end of the pool when suddenly someone pushes me in .
te	5	Carly asks , " She could have hit her head and gotten seriously hurt , not to mention it only takes a tablespoon of water to drown .
te	5	" It 's fine , just caught me off guard , but really try to watch out because not everyone knows how to swim . "
te	5	" Mark said he threw a ball to Mike and that Mike didn 't see me and Tia behind him and ran into me . "
te	5	So the four of us goofed off for a while then decided to join the rest of the kids in the pool and swim for a bit .
te	5	Tia and Carly hug their parents and tell them they are gon na stay the night with me and head towards my parents car with us .
te	5	The weirdest thing about this dream is that even though everything was happening to me , it was like I was watching it from above .
te	5	" I 'm fine , I do not need to go back to the hospital , and it really was just a crazy messed up dream .
te	5	Before I even realize it , Sunday brunch is over and everyone is getting in cars to drive home , to airports , or to catch trains .
te	5	I got to the big pond at the back of the property and I sat there watching Frankie and JoJo being lazy in the pond .
te	5	Once you officially turn sixteen you will fully turn any time you get in water until you learn to control it , unless you wear the necklace .
te	5	It 's not that I don 't want them to think bad about her , I don 't want them to think I 'm weird .
te	5	I sat by the shore until a little after midnight and then I finally got the nerve to go in the water , at first nothing happened .
te	5	As I sink below the surface and my lungs start to burn , I let go , I figure I 'm going to die anyway .
te	5	But suddenly they start throwing things into the water and its starts burning me , it hurts so bad that I can 't even think anymore .
te	5	I am only partially aware that my body is changing again and it 's not just my legs , my whole body is shifting into something else .
te	5	Mark and Mike get a terrified look on their faces and they try to run but they trip over the log I was sitting on earlier .
te	5	They are terrified by whatever it is on the other side of the log and by what they are seeing when they look at me .
te	5	You know that is considered assault in most places ... " My Uncle said calmly , but with a hint of steel to the man .
te	5	Those were some bleak and lonely years , other than the fact that my mom is dead and my dad a drunk , who abandoned me .
te	5	The one everyone said I was a mirror image of , from what they can remember , except I was a boy version of her .
te	5	No way in the world would I get through college , or get to do anything professionally so to speak if I was always getting in fights .
te	5	I agree you should have had better control over your temper yesterday , but I do understand being upset with someone spitting in your face .
te	5	All throughout school he bullied me , took my lunch money , and threatened to beat me to a bloody pulp if I told on him .
te	5	We were walking out the door with a group of kids , and I was holding tight to Jenna 's arm so we wouldn 't get separated .
te	5	The one fighting the Russian finally knocked him out cold , and retrained him with the same handcuffs that had just been removed from me .
te	5	Were these the actual bad guys and had they double crossed the Russians to get me for free so they wouldn 't have to pay up ?
te	5	We got a distress call from you Uncle Tim , and we figured out who had kidnapped you , and got you before he could . "
te	5	He came every night , till he saw us again on another full moon , and again and again till he figured out the pattern .
te	5	" Weird dude that kidnapped me was telling me I am Selkie , and Rikki is a half-breed , that Sha what a bar o ! "
te	5	My file says that my mother handed me over to someone at the fire station a couple hours after I was born and never returned .
te	5	Sometimes when I 'm walking down the street I see someone with hair and a build like mine and I wonder if it 's her .
te	5	They were not adopting because they wanted a baby to love , they were adopting because it would make them look like good charitable people .
te	5	What that means is , these homes were set for kids up to a certain age and I got to old and had to be moved .
te	5	He grabbed me by my hair and was trying to pull me back , but because he was so drunk he wasn 't very steady .
te	5	CHAPTER 16 The police had the ambulances take all of us to the hospital to be checked out , and our case workers were called .
te	5	I asked " Well I am looking for another singer for a group we have started , we are almost perfect but we need one more girl .
te	5	But if your life is so damn boring that you get your kicks waiting to see if I sing , then by all means stalk away . "
te	5	" I want to hear you sing , I want to see you belt it out , I want to see what she saw . "
te	5	Once we got off the last bus , Nikki walked up to this limo and the driver opened the door for her and just let her in .
te	5	The gate man let us in and we drove up a lane that had big trees on each side that made a canopy above us .
te	5	As we climbed out of the car a group of people walked out the front door and waited for us at the top of the steps .
te	5	All I ask is that you have an open mind about things before you dismiss everything I say , because it may sound quite impossible to you .
te	5	I don 't know what they are up to but come on a Siren , I read about them , but in mythology not in National Geographic .
te	5	If you don 't change within a week of your birthday , we will take you back to your foster home if that 's what you want .
te	5	CHAPTER 20 So we go and get my stuff and get me settled into my rooms at the big house , and yes I said rooms .
te	5	In the closet there are tons of clothes given to me from the other girls that are closer to my size , so all the older girls .
te	5	But all the clothes still have tags , so I don 't even feel like they are hand me downs , not that I would care .
te	5	As we were walking back to the car , I seen Travis walking down the sidewalk holding hands with a lady I didn 't know .
te	5	That night we have a concert at the park ; Chloe and Javier want to see what my range is and how I affect people .
te	5	We got to the park , it was crowded and everyone sang their songs , the concert was great and everyone was enjoying their selves .
te	5	We go in the house and I take Marcus to the rec room , which is what I finally figured out they called the TV room .
te	5	My beastie Jasmine and I have been informed via our twitter feeds that our favorite group One Truth were to be in concert in the city .
te	5	We got situated , bought snacks , drinks , and of course , shirts , pictures , and I got a life-sized poster of Henry Star .
te	5	She acted like she was going to faint when Thom sang , and held up the sign , " Thom will you marry me ? "
te	5	Jasmine and I didn 't go straight to sleep , we talked for about fifteen minutes about Henry texting me and what it could mean for me .
te	5	She had styled her hair , she normally wore it in a ponytail , and had on a cute Victoria 's Secret pink hoodie ensemble .
te	5	I knew I should tell mom and dad that we were going somewhere other than the restaurant , but I knew they would probably say no .
te	5	I walked out into the living room where my mom , Jack , Nona , and the aloof but fluffy Prissy were waiting for me .
te	5	Jack had told me a long time ago , just nod and say yes dear or yes mom for me , and we would be alright .
te	5	I 've watched you grow from small infant , to a toddler , to a preschooler , a tween , now a almost grown young lady !
te	5	Best way for me to explain it is , a manly smell mixed with a woodsy forest scent , along with , was it ocean salt water ?
te	5	You don 't treat her right , you will be wishing you never met any of us , because I will make your life a living hell .
te	5	I would probably ask him what excuse he thought would be good enough for him to stay gone out of my life this whole time . "
te	5	Except for maybe the time I had toilet paper sticking to my shoe and the whole cafeteria at my school saw me do the walk of shame .
te	5	He lightly sucked on my bottom lip then , then lightly French kissed me , a little bit of tongue , but not a lot .
te	5	He then kissed my nose lightly , and took my chin into his hand , looking into my eyes with passion , and kissed me again .
te	5	Don 't get me wrong I was grateful for the rescues but this is the man who has not bothered with me since I was born .
te	5	You are one of the chosen , and now that you are sixteen , and the resistance has already found you , we need to go .
te	5	I felt myself start to shift and my last thought as a human was , ' this cant be happening , this cant be real ' .
te	5	My dad has a lot of explaining to do , and he would have to explain it not only to me but also to my mother .
te	5	They spend their time watching netflix , having noisy weekend sleep overs with the kids and a few of their friends , and reading books .
te	5	He climbed the triangular rungs of the antenna with desperate speed , his gloved hands gripping each rung tightly to keep his seemingly heavy body from falling .
te	5	If only ... Suddenly , he heard a shout -- a warrior 's battle cry -- emanate from the open door under the half-circle staircase .
te	5	Before him was the thick containment door , opened , and inside the room beyond lay the Palace 's source of power , its magic generator .
te	5	At the heart of this storm was a man -- a man wearing a ripped king 's robe and a purple cape riddled with holes .
te	5	With his back to the proverbial wall , the white duelist parried his opponent 's attack and instantly thrust his own weapon at his opponent 's chest .
te	5	The white fighter rolled over on the ground to desperately defend himself , only to find the tip of the foil pressed against his neck .
te	5	His muscles burned , his heart thundered in his ears , his clothes were soaked with sweat and blood , his lungs sucked in stale air .
te	5	The people must be subdued , but with the military in shambles and the people in the grip of fear , force will be necessary . "
te	5	" I had expected they would have regained their abilities by now , but their powers seem to have vanished with the magic itself . "
te	5	Where once stood buildings -- whether old or new , pristine or dilapidated -- housing someone 's home or business , were now mountains of broken dreams .
te	5	Across from them were his sisters , each of whom wore the dresses that had made them the envy of every woman in the kingdom .
te	5	After making one last check for guards and any bystanders on the other side , the prince jumped onto the fence and scaled it like a spider .
te	5	With his hood concealing his face , he looked up at the surprised dregs and shouted , " Get your filthy hands off her ! "
te	5	" I have friends who had to watch their husbands leave during his stupid parade for Prince Shar , afraid they won 't come home . "
te	5	For a little more than an hour , he ran through the dark city , leaping from rooftops , scaling walls , jumping over cars .
te	5	A young mother declared that she would tell her sons that their favorite hero , the Watchman , had returned and given them these gifts .
te	5	I 've been telling him for three years that I got my job as a baker because of you , but he doesn 't believe me .
te	5	Shar , appearing to be in good spirits and almost silhouetted against the flaring flashbulbs , waved at the reporters who bombarded him with questions .
te	5	" I didn 't like my family any more than you did , but ... you shouldn 't have kept me in the dark . "
te	5	He spent many hours in high school writing stories ( and fanfiction ) that never saw the light of day ( it 's better that way ) .
te	5	He 's also self-published Destroyer , a pulpy sci-fi novella , and The Day After , a short story collection featuring a tie-in tale to his novel .
te	5	He had been given this before being dispatched off on his way here , but no one had explained to him anything about its purpose .
te	5	Ankit asked , as he reflexively looked down to check upon the zipper of his jeans and was much relieved to find it in proper order .
te	5	so I guess I can just bury my stone some place nearby , this park seems large enough for the both of us . . "
te	5	The second boy vehemently agreed with the first , as he spat on the ground to show his indignation towards the whole race of cigarettes and alcohol .
te	5	" Brother is right brother , a royal drug that will make you feel as if you are standing in the middle of an Armageddon . "
te	5	The third boy , looking a little shook up himself , came out of the shack , looking for the source of that sharp noise .
te	5	" Though it is going to be played any moment now , I think the batsman is on the crease , he has taken his stance . .
te	5	" Come back home before your sister returns , " she shouted out to her son , who was already running off in the street .
te	5	It was this momentarily distraction which caused him to clash straight in to a dark and portly middle aged woman coming from the other side .
te	5	that is the problem with you people , you don 't know hard work at all , rather you sit and daydream all the time . "
te	5	In response , Govind quickly jumped off his stool and squatted down to begin tidying up the sample boxes when the owner 's friend began again .
te	5	So that is why you were all gaga over Raj from the moment you saw him , because he came across as a loafer ? "
te	5	Anyways , it is not like he is all that rich or something , so I don 't think you missed out on a lot . "
te	5	I have enough capability in me to work and support myself that I do not need to find some rich guy and live off his wealth .
te	5	I am getting married and I have to go now , so many preparations are pending , I will call you in the evening . "
te	5	Mohit asked his sister , not able to remember the name of these other ceremonies that were going to fetch the family money in this .
te	5	thank you so much for this idea , " Nalini was the next to show her appreciation and soon the rest of the family too joined in .
te	5	And since the path outside was fraught with many a dangers , Vikram Sahni kept his senses awake and alert to these at all times .
te	5	But Arjun completely ignored its presence and with a doleful sigh , turned his eyes back to gaze once again at the beautiful winter sun set .
te	5	" I kept vigil for the rest of the night to make sure that no more suicide attempts were made by him , and fortunately none were .
te	5	A great curiosity to see what followed life was exhorting him to end it himself , through those suicide attempts , it sought immediate satiation . "
te	5	For a couple of weeks , I tortured him with those dreams , hoping in the process to dissuade him from his silly idea of suicide . "
te	5	Roshni wished that she could provide some sort of solution to his problem , but even she was left completely perplexed after hearing his tale .
te	5	Perhaps the only thing one can do then is to look up to the heavens and wait for an answer to be delivered from there .
te	5	" Just think about what I have said to you and one more thing , please don 't go and make similar accusations against Amar and Shivani .
te	5	A grave offense , one you have been guilty of several times in the past too , for which you have also received multiple admonitions .
te	5	Uma is your sister , a brother ought to be able to discuss things like this with his sister , " her mother shot back .
te	5	Seeing that their father had gotten somewhat angry , Mohit and Nalini fell silent , leaving it upon their mother now to hold the forte for them .
te	5	Mrs. Sharma interrogated sharply , with every intention of going to the girl 's father and telling him what a harlot his daughter has become .
te	5	On the other end of the table sat a middle aged lady , the grim lines on whose face indicated towards an existence burdened by worldly troubles .
te	5	" Do not stress yourself , there is one solution , " the great man spoke back , his voice calm and smooth at all times .
te	5	It will help him gain positive energies from his Mercury and Venus and within only a few months , he will stop drinking all together . "
te	5	The abject cowardice he had shown in making no attempts whatsoever to save that young kid from the onrushing train was unceasingly gnawing at his soul .
te	5	These do not wish for you to complete your daily observance , " Pandit Ji spoke after having scribbled down some more pictures in his notepad .
te	5	" No need for that Son , It was only my duty , " he humbly replied , like the selfless altruistic spirit that he was .
te	5	" And yes Son , before you change the tree , it is essential that you take the permission from the present one for it .
te	5	" O ... Okay Pandit Ji , " And Vikram , knowing that there was no defying the great man , agreed to do his bidding .
te	5	You are in danger of wasting away the rest of your life , by spending it under the bleak fears which plague you presently . "
te	5	Just take a little leap of faith this evening and believe me if you do , it will save you a lot of grief . "
te	5	" Are no yaar , you don 't understand anything ... Raj , you should have noticed the way he was looking at her long hair . .
te	5	It was a slightly low pitched female voice , one befitting the alto section of a chorus group , coming from the other side of that door .
te	5	" And one more thing , that boy Raj is here too , he is waiting for you and Meeta outside , " she added .
te	5	Raj said lowering his eyes , hoping to gain her forgiveness , and somewhere deep down , hoping to gain back her affection as well .
te	5	" Meeta , please , say something , hurl curses at me if you want but at least say something , " Raj pleaded once again .
te	5	A couple of minutes later , a dispirited Raj was met by Shivani in the main hall as he was making his way out of her house .
te	5	And then he saw her entering that garden , looking simple and sweet as ever , like a blessing sent by the heavens for his withered soul .
te	5	The distressed looking lady went on to make a call to the cell phone of her older son , who as a coincidence was also missing .
te	5	It is one and the same thing really , " she proposed but then immediately noticed that her husband did not look too happy about the idea .
te	5	There was no trap in there ; the intention of the old man was at worst a practical joke ; so he consoled himself by saying .
te	5	" Here son , and feel at ease , " the old man was back with the towel , which he now held out for his guest .
te	5	Anyways , I have some writing to finish and I can feel that the muse of inspiration is kind on me at the present moment .
te	5	And in a way the person that made life happen once again for all of us , " the old man continued with his anecdotal recital .
te	5	What I want to say to you my dear fellow is that your life is too precious and beautiful to waste away in meaningless fears .
te	5	I am wet and my arms are aching now , " he implored Meeta for some mercy but all he got in return was a quizzical smile .
te	5	" How can you let him cross the ball in so easy , you are the fucking right-back of this team for god 's sake ! "
te	5	" You never , never show a player on his stronger foot when he is this close to your goal , can 't you get that ?
te	5	" You looked well out of it today champ , the coach isn 't happy at all , " Sameer commented as he sat down beside him .
te	5	Sameer inquired , as the team captain and as his friend , he thought that he had a duty to ask and a right to know .
te	5	Rishabh moved to one of these stone benches to reserve it for himself and Sameer as his friend went to The Booth to get those ice teas .
te	5	Rishabh found his fingers ready to clench in to the disposable ice tea glass , but somehow kept them , and his temper , in check .
te	5	Some problems , they are better left unsolved , " Sameer concluded , not wishing to waste any more energy on discussing such a futile subject .
te	5	Rishabh now revealed , before he leaned forward towards his friend and after lowering his voice to a whisper , outlined to him his plan .
te	5	- Assignments should focus more on field work and technical real life problems , rather than making us copy down huge chunks of text from reference books .
te	5	Once he reached the spot where Rishabh was seated , after hurling at him a few silent curses , Sameer too joined his friend on the floor .
te	5	Professor Upadhyay in response fished with his fingers in to the front pocket of his shirt and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper .
te	5	I chose the means of my protest as sitting on the floor during the lectures because I genuinely believe that it will have an impact .
te	5	Now , I don 't expect everyone to agree with my views , neither am I going to try and persuade anyone to agree with them .
te	5	A team only plays well when they have someone to tell them of the tactics and the formation that they need to employ out in the field .
te	5	When I came here , to this college , I came with dreams of learning great things , doing great experiments , making great inventions .
te	5	Sameer understood that now and so he decided not to pursue the argument any longer , leaving his friend to follow his own judgment in the matter .
te	5	Although this lack of acknowledgement did not in the least bother Rishabh 's patience , it did begin to chafe the majority of the protestors .
te	5	But he is not ready to listen , as if he is having some great fun in sitting on the cold floor day after day .
te	5	" Well I will talk to him about it but I can 't promise anything , " Sameer answered and then walked away hiding a grimace .
te	5	" I can 't explain it , it 's a strange kind of passion , so intense that it compels me to give it my all .
te	5	He was about to go back to solving his cube , when suddenly his cell phone chimed , signaling the arrival of a new e-mail .
te	5	Now , he was stepping in to the office of his employer , a man he had come to respect and idolize in these past two years .
te	5	The students are well aware of the fact that Screenshot Consultancy Services has the most number of intakes when it comes to placements in our campus .
te	5	So let us be done away with the praises , and tell me , how many of these students still remain in the protest ? "
te	5	Another is a Sameer Verma , the captain of our football team , my sources tell me that he is a close friend of Rishabh Jain .
te	5	" You have to understand that it is a lost battle now , and it is not only wise , but graceful as well to concede defeat .
te	5	Prepare for the next battle , " The student activist had gone on to explain vehemently , trying hard to cloak his personal greed as wisdom .
te	5	" It 's cool man , no problems , " Rishabh had reiterated before going back to resume his seat on the floor for the coming lecture .
te	5	Unlike Rishabh , he couldn 't help but feel disgusted and enraged towards them for the abject selfishness they had shown in the past twenty four hours .
te	5	Please come with me , " Mr. Sharma announced formally , and then immediately turned and began to make his way towards the stated destination .
te	5	On reaching the Director 's office Sameer was ushered straight inside , where he encountered the sharp and stately looking figure of Dr. Pranav Banerjee .
te	5	You end this protest of yours and I will overlook this minute gap in your marks and we can both have what we want . "
te	5	After stating out the morally scandalous proposal the Director went silent , focusing his piercing gaze unto Sameer 's face in an attempt to gauge him up .
te	5	" Let us not be so irresponsible with our words Mr. Verma , " the director advised , aplomb in the face of his allegation .
te	5	All you have to do is to make a decision , whether you want to be part of the problem , or part of the solution . "
te	5	" Yes Sir , I am not going to ' sell ' myself out to you , " Sameer said bitterly , grinding his teeth .
te	5	There was a lot more that he wished to say at that moment , but fewer the words he spoke , the better it was for him .
te	5	" Because for the past three years , placement has been drilled in to their minds as the main motive of their lives . . ? "
te	5	When he looked in his friend 's direction again , he was already sweeping clean the floor next to him with a piece of paper .
te	5	The world , as he knew it , may have deceived him , but he was not going to do the same to his friend .
te	5	This gave Doctor Banerjee an opportunity to go back to the Rubik 's cube he had been trying to solve for the past so many weeks .
te	5	At his query , the man behind the stall simply pointed to the sought exit and then to the over bridge which led to it .
te	5	Now that he was looking at him , the police officer stopped in his tracks and used his fingers to beckon the professor to come to him .
te	5	I have been shouting at you to stop for so long , " The police officer bellowed angrily once the professor had moved in front of him .
te	5	The police officer started shouting , losing his temper in the face of the defiance this Bihari had dared to show in front of him .
te	5	He then suddenly snatched away the professor 's suitcase with one hand and grabbed his arm with the other , before striding off from that spot .
te	5	The police officer now asked , he was disappointed by what had come out of that suitcase but was not yet ready to drop his accusation .
te	5	" Most of these people live here for six to nine months a year , going back to their hometowns during the hosiery 's off-season .
te	5	But just at that moment , the professor recalled something of great importance , something he had forgotten about in all this stress and tension .
te	5	How could he have forgotten it , it was the very thing that had brought him to this city , like every other city before it .
te	5	" I am afraid it doesn 't jog the memory professor , " He answered after a little while , and then looked curiously at the professor .
te	5	Finding you through these words , as I am now far away from you But I promise to find my way back to you someday .
te	5	" And yeah , waiting to see if my tree can weather an autumn or two , " he could not help but add the little jibe .
te	5	" I am not implying anything , " Ankit felt somewhat trapped in her words , being compared to an immature brat shaking him up a little .
te	5	The council understands that the ghost of wisdom is still new to his duties , and as such , is confident that he will improve with time .
te	5	Seeking some clarification , he approached the only person he thought he could consult on such a subject matter , the ghost of hope , Arjun .
te	5	" Oh , doing it doing it , " Arjun said , his tone expressive of him now gathering an understanding of Ankit 's words .
te	5	In addition , his shiny black spheres of eyes were hinting at the presence of a joyful personality behind them to go with his vernal physical features .
te	5	" Say professor , you are new in our city , how about me and Rosa give you a little tour of it sometime ? "
te	5	' Love read or love written is never the same as love felt , that I know from writing about you on many a silent nights . '
te	5	I will have Kamal take care of the rest of your joining formalities , you can begin from tomorrow , have a good day professor . "
te	5	" I say more the merrier , me , you , our new professor and Rosa , one for all , all for one . .
te	5	" Alright , alright , it 's futile arguing with you , " Kamal gave up , in what was rather a very quick surrender .
te	5	" But why do you lie , I see no reason why a young man should be ashamed of his love for a young woman .
te	5	" And yes , one thing more , he has spent his adult life living in eight different cities , searching for a long lost love . "
te	5	It was Kamal , who had returned after completing the sale and now tried to rescue the professor from the clutches of his Aunt 's questions .
te	5	" That is certainly a possibility , or maybe she lives nearby but isn 't too fond of shopping , was she fond of shopping professor ? "
te	5	" The girl 's father is correct when he says that he fears for the safety of his daughter in sending her out of town . "
te	5	" These are the statistics comparing the last ten years ' average performance between this local college and the out-of-town college the girl wants to join .
te	5	And so my judgment rests , " Jolly Singh announced with a majestic air , striking his imaginary gavel in the air as he gave his verdict .
te	5	He had wanted to ask this question ever since witnessing the original enchantment but had held back on it because of the presence of the others .
te	5	About how he managed to accurately state that lineage without losing track of some relation , well that was a question for the posterity to ponder upon .
te	5	Both of them making a run for it under the cover of Kamal 's excuse that some urgent work had come up which required their immediate attention .
te	5	The professor was quick to lap it up , and promptly he and Kamal went back to the guest house to bring back his luggage .
te	5	" Imagine professor , just imagine , a girl and her father , walking in to the premises of a college to see its admission cut-off lists .
te	5	A keen father with expectant eyes is now scanning through those lists , finding the relevant one and hoping to find his daughter 's name in it .
te	5	Well the name on top of that list is Rajesh Chaudhary ; the name on the top of that cut-off list is none but his own ! "
te	5	" My girlfriend and she did not want to take admission in this particular college but had only applied there under her father 's pressure .
te	5	She lives not far from here , and I will drop you at her house , " Kamal proposed , hoping the professor would accept this plan .
te	5	But instead of doing so , she thumped on the breaks and brought the car to a lurching halt in front of a park facing building .
te	5	Here for the next couple of hours or so , they ran a number of chores to get the apartment in to a livable condition .
te	5	" Yes , Sahab , have not eaten anything from the morning , " the boy just repeated , making his eyes even sadder than before .
te	5	But having not eaten anything since the afternoon himself , he decided it best to forgo his deliberations for now and search for some food .
te	5	It was after twenty minutes that the tasty delicacies were served to them on disposable silver colored plates along with a small serving of mustard sauce .
te	5	" It 's a good thing you did not get a job after engineering , otherwise we would have never gotten to eat these yummy sandwiches . "
te	5	" So that I could open this shop and serve you guys with my tasty sandwiches , " the sandwich maker replied with a sarcastic chuckle .
te	5	Since no company would touch me because of my past , yes the world is superficial like that ; I came here and opened this sandwich shop .
te	5	As they say , time heal all wounds , no matter how deep , all one needs to do then is not to give up .
te	5	Very much sure that it was going to be the latter , it only took him close to a couple of seconds to drop the idea altogether .
te	5	" Monty , the maverick , " Neha turned around and gave a smile of familiarity to the entrant before floating forth to hug him .
te	5	" This here is Ludhiana 's new ghost of wisdom , Ankit , and this here is one of my dear friends , Monty . "
te	5	" A couple of them yes , fond of my booze they do visit the club once in a fortnight or so , " Monty answered .
te	5	Lacking much coordination in her movements , she somehow managed to grab Ankit 's hand and flew with him upwards , up above all that dense fog .
te	5	Upon reaching it , Ankit noticed that they were late , for the minute hand had already crept past the hour 's one by a few degrees .
te	5	And as Ankit paid close attention , he indeed discovered that the minute hand was approaching the hour 's one rather than going away from it .
te	5	She had been through this grind numerous times before , having been compelled to meet many a suitors and their families when her mother was alive .
te	5	I firmly believe that to be good in a profession , you have to stick to it for at least a period of ten years .
te	5	" After his retirement from his government job , he decided to try his hand at cooking , but lost his interest in it after a while .
te	5	" I know you were only doing it for my happiness , but its best to let these things happen at their own time . "
te	5	After musing upon his apology for a couple of seconds , she sat back down , the dull grimace on her face turning in to a smile .
te	5	okay , " he said , gulping , feeling a little feverish as his fingers brushed the soft skin upon the back of her hand .
te	5	The young Happy Uncle was at most times surrounded by beautiful lady customers who came to the shop out of their fondness for the colorful bangles .
te	5	Arjun was a bit flummoxed as the image of Neha appeared all of a sudden above him , disturbing him in his listless star gazing .
te	5	And now I come here and see you like this , all weak and shriveled up , really Arjun , what is going on ? "
te	5	I can decide myself what is good for me and what is bad for me , " Arjun waved her away with his bony hand .
te	5	The area around it was surrounded by a large crowd of excited , shrieking youngsters , making it a typical scene for a Rock concert .
te	5	" I will be on my way then , got a few more people to invite , " she said , ready to step away .
te	5	" He really was a magician with words , Whitman , " Kamal opined as he soaked in the verse the professor had just recited .
te	5	" Well of course professor and you better do it fast , unless you want to reach that party after it has ended , " Kamal warned .
te	5	" Lovely , first late and now breaking things for me to clean up at my own party , what more can a girl hope for ! "
te	5	" And while I am at it , I will grab a mop and some gloves for picking up glass fragment too , oh lucky me ! "
te	5	And paving the way for this ' much more ' was the brilliant idea that struck Kamal as he was halfway through his bottle of beer .
te	5	As the first few notes of a sweet cherubic guitar riff began coming out of those speakers , somebody in the room dimmed the lights .
te	5	So I dialed her up , and call it dumb luck , but she is in the city right now and she has agreed to meet us .
te	5	Kamal broke the silence that had spread momentarily , flopping down on one of the couches , there was nothing for them to do now but wait .
te	5	I had asked him to help me in my search about Angels in the Shadows and he has just sent me a couple of relevant links .
te	5	The first one was just another database website that had not been updated for a long time , and it was quickly discarded off as useless .
te	5	So like an idiot , I let myself be forced in to it ... " here she paused , shaking her head at that horrid memory .
te	5	Anyhow , as I made my great escape I had the good wits to take some gold with me , and this kept me on my feet .
te	5	If last time it was all shriveled and barren , then the condition of that tree as it came in to their sight now was even worse !
te	5	a debilitated Arjun asked in a weak voice , forcing a sad decrepit smile on his lips which had turned an icy shade of blue .
te	5	I 've always hated the heat ; therefore , during summer days I often just stayed inside and relaxed alongside the company of my air-conditioned living room .
te	5	I didn 't go too far , just to one specific place that had caught my eye a few weeks earlier , on the way to school .
te	5	From the right of the corner I waited on every morning , lied a sort of cul-de-sac , which only a few houses reside on .
te	5	Oddly enough , this cul-de-sac was now a required stop on my buses route this year , even though only one person waited at this stop .
te	5	It was almost as if the entire area was dug out by some sort of giant machine , or stomped on by a giant shoe .
te	5	It was peaceful down here , colorful leaves lie on the ground , and hung everywhere , and birds chirping happily could be heard from the above .
te	5	As I slowly walked forward , I began to hear the noise of something softly gliding across what sounded like street pavement in the distance .
te	5	Once I walked even swifter forward , I noticed it was the end of the line for me , or so I thought at the time .
te	5	Luckily I had my legs up on the seat so they acted as support ; so my body wouldn 't go sliding off the seat .
te	5	" I went down into those woods yesterday , and I didn 't spot a single deer , where did they all come from ? "
te	5	Despite all the thoughts stirring in my head at that moment , I continued down the trail , which went further , and further down .
te	5	I took only a few steps more , until I heard a loud sharp snapping noise from one of the trees on my far right .
te	5	We walked towards the top of the staircase , the same staircase Lance & I rushed up earlier , to meet with Clarity in the Sanctuary .
te	5	As we continued to walk , I couldn 't help but fix my eyes on what looked to be a giant maple tree in the distance .
te	5	The ones that lie within the plaza were of both men and woman , standing proudly , all with differently shaped bow & arrows on their back .
te	5	Yes it is indeed a small town , however the activities , and happenings that happen both within and outside of the town can be quite large .
te	5	She turned for me for just a few seconds , and then continued to gaze back at the giant tree , and then , began to speak .
te	5	They wanted to live in a world that was hidden from others , that was hard to find , with new resources , and new wonders .
te	5	The bird quickly took off , and began darting westward towards the Chamber , without even thinking I dashed after it eyes locked on the bird .
te	5	It was a nice feeling , but at the same time an eerie feeling came over me the further I began to think about it .
te	5	As time slowly passed within the dream , the silence grew thicker , almost as if it began to have a sort of weight attached to it .
te	5	As I stated earlier , I was never the type of person to contain " genius smarts " , I was more ... lucky smart .
te	5	On my way back home , I got off the bus a few stops earlier and made my way into the woods from a different direction .
te	5	Upon making my way down , I spotted nothing but a long path in the distance , and I quickly broke out a big smile .
te	5	It wasn 't long until I made my way to the Sanctuary ; I noticed Lance dressed in full armor , was guarding the entrance .
te	5	He 's always up to his ears when it comes to anything but his business , now what is it you would like to chat about ? "
te	5	I felt defeated , they both had very good points , and how did I differ from the rest of the citizens within the town ?
te	5	It was at this moment we both caught eye to eye once again , but this time , it was much more different than ever before .
te	5	I was confident I 'd make the leap to the tree without a problem nonetheless , but I was mainly much too tired to try .
te	5	I thought about all of the possible outcomes that could take place , which would involve my parents finding out that I had snuck out .
te	5	I often played music quite loudly in my room , so this wouldn 't come across as suspicious to them , at least so I hoped .
te	5	Positive that things were going to change quite a bit after this evening , I left my room and went downstairs to visit with my family .
te	5	All my teachers gave out absolutely zero homework for the entire weekend , so this was the perfect time for me to test my sneaking out method .
te	5	Hands sweaty , I gripped onto the edge of the window seal tightly and looked back at my door , and then started back at the tree .
te	5	I reached for the branch , and it only took me a second to realize ... that I was only a tad too far to reach it .
te	5	I took a look at my right hand , as blood began to ooze out of the long and thin cut that was created only seconds ago .
te	5	As I began to put pressure on my wound , I began to think as to how I would get to the cul-de-sac without being seen .
te	5	I quickly cut through several backyards that I lived next-door too , and dashed across the street with my hood up , towards the cul-de-sac road .
te	5	It began to darken greatly as we made our way further through the woods ; it was foggy in some spots , just overall spooky .
te	5	Behind the desk hung even more types of weapons ; guns , bows , arrows , swords , throwing stars , knives , you name it .
te	5	I panicked and hopped back ; Lance leaped forward and held out his hands as what once was the box came dropping into his arms .
te	5	First step being your hands against the tree , second step being one foot against the tree , following it up with your second foot . "
te	5	He went over the main grip area , and the necking point , the essential features that would allow me to properly launch an arrow .
te	5	Lance pointed at a tree just head , " Aim for that one , let 's just see if you 're not blind as a bat ! "
te	5	" This arrow is roughly 8 inches deep into the tree , what great speed it must have been traveling at , what force ! "
te	5	At this moment , I was sure he was hiding something from me ; something he knew , and perhaps many others did as well .
te	5	I knew something was strange the moment she agreed to have me begin training , and now I want to know the reason behind it . "
te	5	These physical manifestations of the Seasons were stored within four different Orbs , each one , housing the power and essence of a given season . "
te	5	Extremely shocked as to what I was hearing it had all became clear now , " So Clarity wants me to find the Orbs ? "
te	5	" Many believe that the one who had stolen the Orbs of seasons , is an outsider , someone from your world , earth . "
te	5	" Let 's try your bows multiple arrow feature , seems like a technique that can be used for great advantage over your enemy . "
te	5	I was successfully able to wrap both arms around the window seal ; so about thirty percent of my body was inside of my room already .
te	5	I spent a lot of time thinking of how exactly I would bring up the stolen orbs without causing any sort of emotional disturbance to Clarity .
te	5	But on the other hand , if she had been expecting me to bring it up , I 'm sure it wouldn 't matter at all .
te	5	During the entire school day , the halls were packed with talk of Halloween , trick or treating , and the various parties that would be attended .
te	5	I dashed up to my room and threw on my backpack with both my bow and arrows stuffed inside , but something didn 't feel right .
te	5	my dad said , I nodded and dashed off towards the street I used to cut through several backyards to make my entrance into the woods .
te	5	" I know I 'm just a boy , I know I 'm an outsider , I know , I know , I know ! "
te	5	The further I made my way in , the darker it grew , and the thicker the trees had become , blocking out every ounce of sunlight .
te	5	I continued to inch backwards and around them until something caught way of my feet from behind me , as I crashed to the ground .
te	5	I quickly looked up towards the woman surrounding the fire , just in time to catch one of the women look up to notice me .
te	5	I sat frozen in the chair , both hands now sweating , yet I sat amazed from the ability I was witnessing right before my eyes .
te	5	She began to wave her hand around the crystal ball once again ; it now began to shift to a more , bright green color .
te	5	" I don 't know what in the world you were thinking to come to such a dangerous place , but you must leave immediately !
te	5	Though my mind was still worrying about Serena 's wellbeing , I knew I had to focus on the whereabouts of Fields 2 and 3 .
te	5	" Wasn 't as fun as I 'd thought it would be " I answered , once again contributing the lies I had made earlier .
te	5	The overall premises and street was familiar , I knew I had past by it several times , however I never noticed fields of any sort .
te	5	The following morning I awoke late , in a panic , only to realize that there was no school this Tuesday due to parent teacher conferences .
te	5	I thanked the man , and he responded with a feint " Be careful " , almost as if he knew I was up to something .
te	5	A small stream , which opened up into a small pond , further in the distance , could be seen from the other side of the woods .
te	5	I looked around from the bridge to see if I could spot anything out of the ordinary hanging , or glowing from within the ground .
te	5	Everything was silent for maybe ten seconds following , until the shadowy creature came violently crashing into my left arm , knocking it out of its socket .
te	5	It let out several loud cries that shook the entire pond , and began violently swarming downwards , " It could be headed for the orb ! "
te	5	I grasped the Orb tightly within my right hand and kicked off from the bottom of the pond with my feet , now heading to the surface .
te	5	I kicked my way over to the shallow end of the pond , and soon limped my way out , back onto the solid ground .
te	5	The arrow pierced far enough into the bark , to the point where I could use it as a sort of crutch to make my way up .
te	5	I staggered left and right down the cobblestone path , anxious for someone to come and fine me , yet there was no citizen to be found .
te	5	It wasn 't until a sudden shock of pain came spiraling throughout my wound on my stomach , did I crash violently to the ground .
te	5	I managed to get it out , and held it up slowly towards her , with a light , yet tired smile on my face .
te	5	Fresh cracks had split its ancient mortar , and a tower in its rear had collapsed altogether in the Cataclysm , spilling its rubble across the graveyard .
te	5	He glanced around the office , a spacious old room lined with paintings of the past governors of Falcon Point -- every one of them dead now .
te	5	And then if you decide you don 't want a job , well , that 's fine with me -- I still get paid . "
te	5	Kyrie had hoped to raise money to buy the medicine she needed to live , but medicine has little power against the order of life and death .
te	5	The ground around them was beaten raw by the footfalls of the workers -- so the bunkhouse village already looked like the desert had newly reached it .
te	5	This was visible to the passengers only through the towering fence , taller than any of the buildings in the whole camp and topped with razor wire .
te	5	With a little hesitation , but otherwise without incident , the passengers filled the aisles and made their way out of the bus and onto the yard .
te	5	The tension grew for less than a minute when the guard with the hat tapped one of his men and pointed toward the front of the room .
te	5	The difference is this : My job is to make the rules that help keep us all alive , and your job is to follow those rules .
te	5	" If any man is injured , he must work , because -- by the laws of survival -- we cannot afford to feed him .
te	5	" You 're in a room full of armed guards who will cause you all the pain I want them to , " he said .
te	5	The front door squeaked , but no one would be made suspicious at that -- women came and went throughout the night to go to the outhouse .
te	5	She heard fingers snapping and followed the sound around the corner of the bunkhouse , to a deep black shadow , but no one was there .
te	5	Kyrie shook her head and he answered again : " My purpose is to help others by doing the best I can with what I 've got .
te	5	So I decided that I would let ' em do what makes ' em happy -- and I would make it work to my purpose .
te	5	If I hadn 't let them do that , well then they would go pick a fight with somebody who didn 't do nothing wrong .
te	5	He leaned forward again and went on , speaking quickly and directly , " But you 're soft pedaling : I 'm running a damn slave camp .
te	5	Two weeks ago if you 'd told me about someone doing what I 'm doing now , I 'd say to cut his head off .
te	5	Now his voice was less terse , almost rich : " The only thing to do for people is lead them , " he said .
te	5	" If you were trying to infiltrate the city , which is what the Governor is so afraid of , you would have stayed there . "
te	5	But she would still want him to say yes , that he was a leader ; he was made for bigger things than grunt work .
te	5	Vac walked over toward his desk and he went on , " You touch the tip of your nose whenever you 're about to sneeze .
te	5	He straightened his back a little and peered about the room , at the pictures hanging on the wall , the past leaders of Falcon Point .
te	5	" So my men and I got together and said , ' What if people develop a way of building a bomb out of magic ? '
te	5	And I guess I want revenge , but every looter and vandal on every street in every city in the whole world is already dishing that out .
te	5	And the more I know about the invaders -- the people who attack my city unprovoked -- the better I 'll be able to do that .
te	5	These had been strung up with lighting in the days of magic , and in fact laws dictated that prisoner 's cells had to be lit .
te	5	This was a medieval dungeon , and those who were unfortunate enough to be held here when the cataclysm struck withered with newfound neglect and malnourishment .
te	5	And gradually , he was able to see it , to focus on this one line that was darker than the other shadows that covered the room .
te	5	On looking around the room , he could even see a cot , and the bars of his cell , all nearly saturated in darkness .
te	5	The damage may have been hundreds of years old , but more than likely it was caused by a tremor at the time of the Cataclysm .
te	5	His palms faced out , putting pressure on the stone , as if he was going to pull the crack apart and make it wider .
te	5	Outside his window was a graveyard where the first kings of Falcon Point lay beside the modern heads of state whose pictures lined Vac 's office .
te	5	He scraped it along the surface of the paper until all the smoke was rubbed off the point , then found another rock to finish the job .
te	5	He didn 't know how he was going to find her , but caught sight of torchlight spilling out of one of the dungeon windows .
te	5	One deep pit was once an ancient spring from whence the substance of magic rose from the middle of the world to come to Falcon Point .
te	5	At last , barely able to stand , he crawled down into a roadside stone ditch -- used to transport waste water out of the city .
te	5	It was a hard-earned sleep , but unlike his rest in the refugee camp , this one did not wash away the worries of life .
te	5	In the two weeks since the Cataclysm , wide-scale starvation had not yet set in , and disease had not yet gained too strong a foothold .
te	5	They scurried about , some of them perhaps going to check on friends or relatives , and some of them going to steal from strangers .
te	5	But before it came to blows , the thief held up his hands ( a loaf of bread in one of them ) and slowed his pace .
te	5	He did not know why the world was in ruin , or what conspiracy had driven that young man to steal a loaf of bread .
te	5	But he knew the name of one guilty man , and with every clenching of his heart , his body filled with heroic hatred of that name .
te	5	But with Vac 's indifference in the face of grave danger , he at first rolled his eyes , then lifted his arms and flailed them about .
te	5	I may be wrong about you -- I 've only really met you on paper -- but I don 't think you have that command over people .
te	5	" I 'd be lying if I said I could stop a war , but I 've got more power to stop it than you do . "
te	5	They are just here because this is one of the few things they can do that will earn them a meal for the day for their families .
te	5	It will spread as a rumor and these guards and a couple others that see you in prison will come out of the woodwork to confirm it .
te	5	I 'd like you to think it 's better to send me away with your blessing rather than to crush me out of hatred . "
te	5	Although never a great producer of art , music , or technology , Falcon Point had a rich history of adventure stories and warrior poetry .
te	5	Their mouths were covered in black cloth masks , and it was impossible to tell which one answered : " We see no emperor . "
te	5	And he was a rare man because he could trust common sense even in the face of danger and even in the face of the unknown .
te	5	They held their own knives ready and shifted from foot to foot , feeling the rhythm of the combat , ready to join in an instant .
te	5	They had stepped forward as soon as their friend had lost his weapon , but his bones were busted before they had time to reach him .
te	5	" That 's a great notion , " said Vac , " but for the second time , these are the best of the best .
te	5	The neighborhood was in shambles : much of the industrial district , once driven by generators and magic machinery , was obliterated in the Cataclysm .
te	5	They told me I was welcome to stay here for as long as I liked , but that I shouldn 't leave until I received further orders .
te	5	Drawing a thread of Earth energy from his chest , he spun a green string across the tips of his fingers , forming his desired pattern .
te	5	He had pale blond hair that fell braided to his collar , and his slender frame drew into a tight line that bespoke confidence and authority .
te	5	Without a pause in his step , he strode through the open door and vanished into the sounds of horse hooves on cobblestones and jingling tack .
te	5	He was built like his father and was rapidly growing to a lofty height with broad shoulders , a trim waist , and slender figure .
te	5	The movement was so sudden the servants almost missed it , but they never would have seen the green pattern he snapped between his fingers .
te	5	Two vines shot from the cobblestones and wrapped around the back wheels , securing the carriage to the ground and preventing the horses from pulling further .
te	5	His sweeping gaze did not miss the vines wrapped around the wheel , and he glanced over it as if it was the most natural thing .
te	5	" No , no , Gabriel , I cannot have such precious cargo falling to her death because you can 't keep your feet grounded . "
te	5	" They need a trained Mage , and while you know many patterns , you do not yet bestow the strength to handle the bigger ones .
te	5	The atrium echoed with far-off voices , the sounds of creaking leather from chest handles , and the scuff of boots on carpet mingling together .
te	5	" Lady Mage Aisling told me much of you , young man , " she said with a husky , respectable voice that offered no love .
te	5	Robyn picked her tea up , holding his gaze as he reclined back in the chair , his long legs thrown out and crossed before him .
te	5	On other occasions they would throw out their hands and snap their wrists to create an explosion of blossoms from the poor tortured cherry trees .
te	5	You have two -- someday three -- Mages who call Jaden their home , and it would be admirable of you to understand their culture .
te	5	Within five years Gabriel will have a proper Class to his name and will be able to take the title of protector from me . "
te	5	My trainers will not discuss it with others , so when I test for my Class , the Mage Council will not be biased . "
te	5	She had always been told what was expected of her and what was acceptable and unacceptable , but never had she considered what she wanted .
te	5	Gabriel had a leggy stride , so she rushed to keep up with him as he moved through the dimly lit halls deep into the manor .
te	5	It is said Ryker was the brains behind everything Pike made , and together the men created objects that helped their side win the war . "
te	5	" Come , we have happier moments to think of , and it 's not too late to sneak a cake from the kitchens . "
te	5	Lacing his short black boots , he suddenly stopped as a wave of energy coursed over him , standing the hair on the back of his neck .
te	5	He slowly looked about the room searching for the source of energy but finding only his reflection in the long mirror which gave him another fright .
te	5	He wore the finest brocades , drank the best vintages , and wooed -- or coerced when necessary -- the loveliest ladies to his bed .
te	5	She may have been lovely when she was younger , but that was before her exiled husband beat her will and confidence out years ago .
te	5	The Lady was just into her fifties , and in her short years had risen from a powerful Mage House to become Advisor to the Queen .
te	5	" You know how much the boy loves his power , " Miranda sighed and played a finger on the rim of her silver goblet .
te	5	The young serving boy entered with a tray of cakes , and again he pulled the onion and cheese back to offer them the apple or mushroom .
te	5	A decade ago he collected all the information he could find on poisonous plants and devoted his life to making sure they got into Nolen 's food .
te	5	Nolen and his mother thought the dusty air of the City provoked his ailments , so the Prince often went on hunting trips or visited Castle Jaden .
te	5	The shock sent vibrations through his arms , and the sun beat down on his bare shoulders in the copse where the pines offered little shade .
te	5	He could not see the cottage he called home , but he knew the lay of the land well enough to know he was safe .
te	5	She folded her arms under her breasts -- the part of her slim figure that was anything but boyish -- and set him with a glare .
te	5	" If I wasn 't sworn to protect you ... " he trailed off , shaking his head , and grabbed a handful of biscuits .
te	5	They lived off the land since then , finding abandoned cottages and masquerading as cousins , brother and sister , or lovers wherever they went .
te	5	Its orange coloring muted , dark gold replaced the black stripes , and it had more ivory to its legs , belly , and chest .
te	5	Nolen often had guards accompanying him , but this time he wanted to be alone ; that , and his digestion had been rather unpredictable of late .
te	5	Nolen heard the herald call for the gate to be opened , and with a great groan , one side buckled outward enough for him to enter .
te	5	Stylized Elemental emblems embroidered the right breast of the cloak , from the forked red hooks of Fire to the white pointed star of Spirit .
te	5	The hour was still too early for his business , so he refreshed himself from the trip in a hot bath and allowed himself a nap .
te	5	' Is it a man who does what he knows is wrong for the betterment of others , or is a man born with malicious intent ?
te	5	He gave himself another few hours to debate with his conscious until he was certain it was past midnight , and he slipped out of his rooms .
te	5	He drew gray strings of Air from his chest and wove them into a pattern to sense if air constantly pushed and pulled from a breath .
te	5	The other man , the sleeping Spirit Mage , flung a web of loose threads at Nolen 's chest as he scrambled to his feet .
te	5	It was made of a sturdy metal and indeed locked , but Nolen felt the keyhole with his Air Element and found it was a simple lock .
te	5	Class Ten Mage Ryker Slade was reportedly as mad as he was powerful , and stories of his power were enough to frighten even the Head Mage .
te	5	He was known for his sick pleasures , and though the stories were exaggerated with every tongue , they had to stem from some truths .
te	5	Rumors in codices said the room was a mirage ; it was not what it appeared and had patterns built into the stones to befuddle the captive .
te	5	Mages throughout the years sought to wake and kill him , but the mere idea of such a feat was so chilling that few people had tried .
te	5	" Y ' have gumption waking me , but as y ' did it in a good Age I shan 't kill y ' . "
te	5	It was taken from me long ago , ac if y ' truly want your throne , y ' will find it par me . "
te	5	He recognized it instantly , playing his finger in and out of the center hole through the patterns within , and his dark eyes flicked up .
te	5	This form of transportation was power unknown , and he suspected that if he never studied or heard of it , it could not be safe .
te	5	" That felt good , " Ryker whispered and snapped his fingers around a collection of white strings , creating a ball of light above his fingertips .
te	5	He gripped a rough hand to the small of Nolen 's back and made a twisting motion that drew a shuttering gasp of pain from Nolen .
te	5	" Y ' find him , ac I will help y ' keep him , then y ' bring me mine Silex , aye ? "
te	5	Somehow , Arch Mage Ryker moved them from Westerly Motte , across the courtyard , and into the stables in the span of a breath .
te	5	Handling the Head Mage 's schedules , the Council 's positions , and Jaden 's affairs were arduous and required a great deal of multitasking .
te	5	The large oval anteroom branched into two separate apartments and he headed towards the right , pushing through the door that led to a wide hall .
te	5	We cannot keep a secret like this for long , and the sooner we can welcome Mages here for their safety , the better . "
te	5	Robyn peered at the black and white tiles before them , twirling one in her hand that was black on one side and white on the other .
te	5	" You are going to lose , " she said quietly , eyeing the board as she held the tile delicately between her thumb and index finger .
te	5	The rules said tiles must be placed in sequences of forward then back , except when a tile was placed on the opponent 's board .
te	5	He knew her well , having seen her several times in his childhood and having spent much time with her when he trained in Jaden .
te	5	" Be yourself , " she told him , giving his arm a thoughtful squeeze , and she slipped through the doors to take her Council seat .
te	5	Lit torches lined the walls , two water fountains bubbled to his sides , and numerous potted trees and plants stretched out their energy to his senses .
te	5	" It is a pleasure to have you with us today , " Lael said , a line that was undoubtedly rehearsed but sounded sincere .
te	5	He drew from the clouds rolling outside and made it rain , catching the water before it landed on the Council but letting it fall on himself .
te	5	" I ... " he began , then lost himself and laughed , " Can you change back or do you need a private room ? "
te	5	I do not know who my mother is , but I am told she was a powerful Spirit Mage and also had a strong Mage line . "
te	5	" I always wondered why father made sure I knew coupling was reserved for the marriage bed until I realized I must be a bastard . "
te	5	My father and I agreed it would be best if a Class Ten protected you , but I was the one who asked for the duty . "
te	5	The window inside his bed chamber blew a shrill blast of cold air into the wash room , and he ducked further under the water .
te	5	Anatoly City sat on a hilly plane that was warm in summer and chilly in winter , but never as bitterly cold as Jaden got in winter .
te	5	A pretty girl with red hair and freckles brought his supper , but he was in no mood for dessert and let her leave without a word .
te	5	" Thank you , Lady , no , " he replied , but noticed her cup was low and fetched the pot to top her off .
te	5	" Tell me which town you are heading to in your notes , and if I have instructions , I will send a pigeon to the rookery .
te	5	" Oh , no , I spoke with all my officers in the other hunting parties , and they said you were the party heading south .
te	5	If , by the end of the month , the Mage had not been found , they were to regroup in Anatoly City to exchange knowledge .
te	5	It took Nolen 's party three days to reach their destination , a little town at the foothills of the Gray Mountains called Hollow Downs .
te	5	It was a pretty town , despite being so far from a major city , but they rode through after stopping for a pint and directions .
te	5	Nolen told his men to make camp for the evening across the road while he went to speak with the remaining inhabitants of the Manor .
te	5	So far his intestinal discomfort had not been quite as bad as usual , though it often lessened when he left the bad air of the City .
te	5	One was the size of small dinner plate , two were the size of actual manacles , and the last was made of three conjoined rings .
te	5	' All I know is that Prince Nolen searches for him as well , ' she wrote , detailing Nolen 's movements and suspected motives .
te	5	He did not allow himself time to find his voice , and instead offered a folded letter with the Head Mage 's stamp in wax .
te	5	She could not leave Anatoly City , not when Queen Miranda needed constant watching ; not with Nolen 's suspicious actions and Robyn 's hopeful arrival .
te	5	A cat moved in a much smoother , rolling gait than a horse , and she had become quite accustomed to it over the past two years .
te	5	He looked at her and stuck his tongue out , reminding her he could not speak in tiger form , and she smirked and scratched his head .
te	5	He returned his eyes to the trail , the toes of his paws moved every now and then as he practiced a pattern she could not see .
te	5	I will need the backing of the army and my family , not to mention the powerful houses before I can truly be seen as Queen . "
te	5	Despite being secluded from news , even she knew Queen Miranda was not adequate , and she would be stepping up to stitch together a fraying kingdom .
te	5	A Mage like him had been extinct for far too long and once knowledge of his existence spread , so would the need for him .
te	5	While Class Five Spirit Mages could mend broken bones and stitch wounds , she had seen him reattach a finger and reform a crushed skull .
te	5	' I would only be tapping one Element , and I am sure he would grow bored lighting my fires and keeping my baths warm .
te	5	" I would be selfishly squandering your power , and it would be unfair for me to keep you to myself when your kind needs you . "
te	5	A moment later he returned to his human form , pulling what few fibers there were in the area to form a pair of shorts .
te	5	When her handlers took too much of her identity to make the perfect heiress , he bore her into the countryside , ever cognizant of her mood .
te	5	She desperately wanted to know why he tried to kill himself , but she did not press for fear of losing control of the situation .
te	5	He strung it up to drain and tacked the skin to the ground , scraping it with a sharp knife to begin the tanning process .
te	5	He had been practicing with his Earth Element all morning , and she watched as the world blossomed into flowers and withered to ash an hour later .
te	5	They did not know or would not say who they were looking for , and they had no direction other than what the leader Mage gave them .
te	5	With Gabriel 's tiger ears , he could narrow in on conversations , and the few he heard were either unhelpful or about Robyn 's various assets .
te	5	As promised , Arden saved her a bowl of stew , apparently from his own pot , and it looked far better than anything the men ate .
te	5	The next day was much the same ; endless plodding north-east , finding a small hamlet to exchange information , and camping down before the sun vanished .
te	5	He knew right where you were , how to get you to join him , and has asked no one else 's help in the quest .
te	5	" Sit , there is something you must know , " she said , " I have reason to believe Prince Nolen is hunting Mage Gabriel . "
te	5	He never expected the girl to have blood on her hands , dust on her thighs , or riding a tiger with a band of marauders .
te	5	It was the first time he had done such a thing , but before she could inquire , his breathing changed as he drifted off .
te	5	When he did not , she gently pulled her fingers across , feeling the curves and dips of his torso until two fingers stopped atop a rib .
te	5	He began with defensive Earth patterns , drawing energy from the trees around him , throwing up mounds of soil , creating barriers and blocks and distractions .
te	5	Dropping the spreader Fire pattern across his skin , the fire around him shot out in a circle like a dying star and drew back in .
te	5	He found a solid arrow buried deep and when he tried to rise , he realized it had stuck itself in the soft loam beneath him .
te	5	He snapped the slender shaft , sending blinding pain through his body , and left the rest in his back where he could not reach it .
te	5	A root of the nearest tree shot up at the man , piercing him in his chest , and he died quietly suspended and burning .
te	5	He pulled up the fire he sent into the soil , this time closer to where he believed Nolen to be , and screams filled his ears .
te	5	With it he carved off the faces and limbs of men unfortunate to follow orders from a man who did not know what they were dealing with .
te	5	Putting a hand on his side , he felt it slick with blood , and he saw it had bled down his shirt into his trousers .
te	5	Sweat dripped down into his eyes , and he wiped a hand across his brow inhaling deeply , feeling the drain the Elements took on his body .
te	5	He pulled apart pieces of a fallen soldier 's coat , and used the red thread to bind his waist and wrap a tourniquet around his thigh .
te	5	Men stopped to see why the Mage with his hand to the sky was not fighting , and for a moment even the screaming dimmed .
te	5	Gabriel looked in Nolen 's direction and gave the man a moment to call his men back , but the Prince did not know the pattern .
te	5	Every time he bent a finger , a massive tree fell forward , opening the split like a cavernous maw , and slammed down onto the soldiers .
te	5	He grabbed at it with his free hand to yank it lose , pry it open , or slip it over his hand to no avail .
te	5	He put the blade 's edge against the side of his wrist , prepared to cut the damned thing off , starting with his hand .
te	5	" And so it was the Class Ten who caused the stars to fall fell to a Mage half his Class , " Nolen whispered .
te	5	Chapter 15 Councilman Dagan had been asked not to leave Castle Jaden , but he left anyway , bent for the small city of Brisbane Dale .
te	5	Dagan looked harder and saw the man was wounded , missing an ear and a finger , weeping dark blue blood from a dozen wounds .
te	5	He looked around her and saw the little boy standing still , a blank expression on his face , with skin as gray as rock .
te	5	His horse was in the stable , and he had just enough time to throw a bridle on the mare when the specter glided through the doors .
te	5	Nah I don 't know Lady Aisling 's skill in healing , so you must tell her to mend the bones in your leg and ribs .
te	5	a voice shouted , and for a moment Gabriel hoped it might be Robyn , but the voice was too deep to be a woman 's .
te	5	" With the power of a Class Ten at my fingers I am the strongest Mage alive , and by right I stand above your hierarchy .
te	5	After some time it occurred to her Gabriel had not used his Water Element and she knew he must have not been able to find its energy .
te	5	As he stood , she saw he had raw scratches down his cheeks and bled from his nose and lip ; the cut also reopened .
te	5	He did not know what Gabriel meant when he said his Elements were gone , but he heard stories of fabled Mage objects with such power .
te	5	He held the banner aloft again passing the Queen 's Gate closest to the palace and kept it up as he galloped to the main doors .
te	5	He has been enslaved with no control of his Elements , and he will never be free of the objects until his life is claimed . "
te	5	A Lady of her distinction never ran , but tonight called for customs to be broken , and she flew down stairs and across the halls .
te	5	Aisling stood there for a moment , her eyes going from one wound to the next until she came to the copper band around his neck .
te	5	It means he can feel his Elements , but any time he tries to use them , the pattern he lays backfires on his own body .
te	5	" I am his man for life , " the soldier replied , a statement he looked as though he stood behind for a while now .
te	5	When the wound was finally closed , she ran her hands hovering over his body , stopping in a few places to mend scratches and nicks .
te	5	The tall windows that faced east were drawn with crimson curtains , and the candle sconces on the dark , wood-paneled walls burned to brighten the space .
te	5	" He gave no reason , and we ask no questions , m ' Lady , " Lex replied with a bow of his head .
te	5	Nolen would have pushed them harder , but these were his sworn men , and he did not wish to incur more hatred against him .
te	5	Of the men in his hunting party , thirteen had survived , running for cover when they saw the battle was too much for them .
te	5	Nolen told the girl he would allow her the time promised before supper when he would treat his hunting party to a feast in reward .
te	5	He was delighted to find a fire and warm bath already drawn and a set of handsome clothes laid out for him by the hearth to warm .
te	5	Nolen swiped his hand away and brought his fist up , catching the Mage on the chin and forcing him back as his teeth clicked together .
te	5	The ornate door to the Queen 's apartments swung inward , and Miranda stepped out , regal in a dark orange gown trimmed in pale gold flowers .
te	5	The Mage stopped and turned , trying to jerk the leather from Nolen 's hand , but the Prince already had it wrapped around his wrist .
te	5	Snapping to one of the guards , he demanded the gold cord that bound his tunic around his waist , and the guard unfurled it .
te	5	To the left of the throne stood Nolen with a nasty smirk , and between the throne and Prince was a man lying on a pillow .
te	5	Queen Miranda offered a feast for them that evening , and welcomed them to use part of the guest quarters in the west wing to freshen .
te	5	She breathed in the earthy smell of his raven locks and rose before he could say anything , but she saw the shock on his face .
te	5	Nolen pulled the control piece off his hand , and whatever wonders he experienced left him with a tight face as he broke the connection .
te	5	He was a stocky man in his later forties with silvery temples mixing with brown hair , but his neatly trimmed goatee was still dark .
te	5	Adelaide knew such things were not possible , for the eyes that stared out of Selene 's head were void , raging white flames that saw nothing .
te	5	He felt like he was holding a breath , and when he exhaled it would be back to normal , but that exhale never came .
te	5	It was a beautiful golden ring with tiny braids interwoven , but only upon touching it would someone realize it was made of her hair .
te	5	He hoped Robyn was safe , under a warm roof , and as much as he wanted her to stay there , he wished her to return .
te	5	He knew the workings of a manor and expected the same of a palace , and he was certain the servants gossiped over the leash .
te	5	He wore a long cream tunic with sleeves that bore several gray stripes interlocking over the fabric to join in the center of his chest .
te	5	Yet , there lay a man on the cusp of death and disaster who saw fit to heal the soldier who tried to kill him .
te	5	There were a dozen burns he could see , and hundreds of little cuts that crept around his sides , as well as a broken collar bone .
te	5	" That boy is an innocent civilian who has just been dealt a fate worse than death and you allow your son to torture him .
te	5	Against his better judgment , Lex stayed , telling himself he needed to be here to better help Lady Aisling heal him in the end .
te	5	Lex lost count , but with each strike Gabriel 's knees gave a little more , and his grunts deepened until cries broke through his clenched teeth .
te	5	Nolen tossed the whip aside and took up a new wooden item with a winch on it , fitting it over Gabriel 's left forearm .
te	5	He continued for some time before Gabriel let out an angry scream , and Lex 's eyes popped open to see him losing the ability to stand .
te	5	All he did remember was tearing out of the dungeons , his bloodied boots skidding for a second on the black tiles of the west wing .
te	5	She did not know where to start , and the sudden sensation of every cut , every bruise , burn , and broken bone stopped her .
te	5	She walked beside the stretcher as the two men carried him , working little healing patterns into the wounds she could reach from his side .
te	5	Aisling swore he had more informants than she , but he helped more people with his herbs and had gained a loyal following long ago .
te	5	The anteroom to her chambers was vacant , and she breathed a sigh of relief that she did not have to contend with the Queen .
te	5	Her Element would allow her to feel all the damage , but she could not bear to see such a great man so horribly wounded .
te	5	I do not have the stamina to repair everything done to him , " she answered and dabbed at her cheeks with a dry towel .
te	5	She knew each man and woman did the best they could , but she could have done better alone had she the time and stamina .
te	5	The great room where Ryker resided was built with magnificently large windows to maximize the view of the surrounding mountains and plains of Anatoly far below .
te	5	His eyes suddenly became white , and he reached a hand down to grab the man 's head , but he did not seize the body .
te	5	He was most chagrined to feel his fiery Councilwoman slip back into the spirit world , but the Councilman with a stony kiss was still out walking .
te	5	These things took time , she knew , but she hated the idea that Gabriel could be hurting somewhere , and she was not there for him .
te	5	" My son tells me you are here on his bidding , " Miranda stated with little emotion , and Gabriel knew she was uncertain .
te	5	One woman stood in a relaxed fashion , a finger on her lips , and she slowly looked him up , undressing him with her eyes .
te	5	Once the doors closed shut , Nolen released Gabriel for a moment but quickly put the pattern back up as Gabriel reeled around with his fists clenched .
te	5	" The Head Mage has already given his pardon , and Mage Gabriel can no longer be tortured , " Aisling said in a shrill voice .
te	5	The Mages had fallen so far they did not even know the Void Element ; a skill difficult to attain but vital for power succession .
te	5	A few candles lit the cells , and Gabriel saw a slender , ragged man with a brown beard stand putting his wan hands on the bars .
te	5	His voice was thin and parched , his skin much the same , and he looked withered under what was once a fine coat and breeches .
te	5	He selected simple gray trousers and a cream shirt , with a short dark blue wool mantle with a fox fur collar to keep him warm .
te	5	Aisling opened her door , relieved to see Gabriel , but her eyes fell to the man by his side , and her mouth fell agape .
te	5	Gabriel read books that hinted to the existence of the sister side of Spirit , but Void had been outlawed an Age ago after the Mage Wars .
te	5	" I 've never bedded a woman , and I 'm not about to start with you , " he said , his voice gaining strength .
te	5	He was halfway finished dressing in snug brown trousers and a cream shirt that laced up the chest and wrists when a knock rapped the main door .
te	5	" I have to look out for the good of the kingdom and for your -- " " I didn 't lie with her ! "
te	5	His heart gave a leap , for the girl looked like Robyn , but she turned when he entered and she was indeed not his love .
te	5	Elements could not be drawn too quickly or too deeply , for it would unbalance the mind and body , leaving some dazed and others unconscious .
te	5	Soldiers fell all around the room , some with shards of mortar and wood imbedded in their torsos , others bleeding from the eyes and nose .
te	5	As Nolen raged , Gabriel felt ... stretched , as though he had been drawn too far and could not bounce back to his former flexibility .
te	5	Nolen 's draw on Gabriel 's Elements was not as vicious as it had been , but Gabriel feigned weakness and fell to a knee .
te	5	When he opened his eyes , Challis and the throne room were gone , replaced with the carpets and decorated walls of the Willow Wine Salon .
te	5	He snatched the vial from the Prince 's hand , took the tray up against his chest , and rushed from the rooms in a gangly fashion .
te	5	" I 'm bastard born , you know this , so what would I have to offer your sister if I came to her sullied ? "
te	5	If y ' succeed , my home will be yours t ' share , so y ' best come see what y ' are missing . "
te	5	Narrow tables sat along the walls with relics atop them : weapons , vases , models , a stuffed bird , books , and pieces of finery .
te	5	The control piece on his fingers gave him no feel for the Mage who was so far east , and he slipped it off in his pocket .
te	5	" It is believed the creators of the Silex went gray after it was finished ac have since passed that trait down through the Ages . "
te	5	He even knew how t ' bend metal t ' his will , which is a right hard thing t ' do par any Earth Mage .
te	5	We need to find the Silex , kill Gabriel , and return him to life without his binds if we want a hope against Ryker . "
te	5	" Kindle is a weak Mage , only a Class Two , so she knew she would have to work hard to achieve respect as a Mage .
te	5	She was apprenticed in the library working in the restricted section when she came across a bookmark in a tome on ancient passageways in castles .
te	5	He knew what he must do from the moment Lael reported Gabriel 's fate , but Casimir feared the outcome and the Arch Mage with a vendetta .
te	5	With a broken Class Ten , he did not know if he could rely on Gabriel , but he had no one else to believe in .
te	5	The task they had was daunting , for so many Mages had come to Jaden to escape the lands , not traverse back out to them .
te	5	" Prince Nolen has a knack for pain infliction and domination , but your Mage has a will of his own and knows you are safe . "
te	5	Robyn knew the comment meant the General wanted her to stay out of Anatoly City , but she was not about to back out now .
te	5	I lay awake sometimes wondering if she is still alive , tortured , torn from her life , and hoping I come for her . "
te	5	All she had of him , so she was told , was his dark flashy eyes , unlike her mother 's which were faint hazel .
te	5	" I was told the castle you walled up in was broken , but no one has ever told me the truth of his death .
te	5	" I was on the wall pushing ladders off when it happened , and by all accounts it looked as though the King had died .
te	5	He called his Commanders together , gave us instructions on how to handle the army , and then commanded us to cut his throat . "
te	5	She had been told stories of valor , that her father went down in battle like a King should , but they were always exaggerated .
te	5	He was so proud when both you and your brother were born , happy to have a son to take after him and a daughter to rule .
te	5	Chapter 27 The thought of being sent to the kitchens was demoralizing , but Gabriel found himself easily at home within the first few minutes .
te	5	" I was aware of the situation and knew she harbored a secret , but no more was told to us for our own safety . "
te	5	The third time she laid an Air pattern around her wrist , so he could not block her , and her hand landed solidly on his cheek .
te	5	The pattern around his ankles fell loose as Axa focused her stamina on his sphere , and he took a few menacing steps towards her .
te	5	His body shook as it struggled to keep him conscious , and darkness throbbed at the edges of his vision with every beat of his heart .
te	5	The specter stepped forward gracefully , and as she picked up her feet , she left pointed shards of ice broken off from her ankles and calves .
te	5	She had unfortunately taken after their mother , being delicate and insecure , and it had been Nolen 's great pride to see she was protected .
te	5	It would be a heavy blow for the man to learn of his impending death , and certainly a tile to play in breaking him .
te	5	Before he snapped his fingers to create a flame , he caught himself , and instead fetched a firebrand from the fire to light a few wicks .
te	5	Nolen used to steal away into the rooms created by hedges when he first came to the palace at sixteen to kiss the servant girls .
te	5	The sheen of sweat on his face said he had run , and the edges of his shirt untucked said he had already been assaulted .
te	5	Before them was a gathering of palace folk , mostly servants , but Nolen recognized several of the upper class who socialized within the walls .
te	5	Someday soon you will have to answer to the Head Mage and all of Jaden , and I warrant Casimir will take him from you . "
te	5	She was a heavy nun of middling years and well used to tending the sick and delivering babies in the small villages of the district . '
te	5	Then sprang up into her saddle , ' I will lead them a merry dance and extract a heavy price before I am done . '
te	5	Painting a wonderful scene his mind whisked him off on a fanciful flight while his feet stepped along in long practiced cadence without missing a beat .
te	5	' Hmm ... of course , ' Megan gave Anabel one of her - I don 't believe a word you are saying - looks .
te	5	' Gods be damned , but they are the devil 's own creation , ' swore Captain Mor while feverishly slapping his face and neck .
te	5	If that was not enough , a deep frown now darkened his normally dour countenance , further twisting his features beyond what could be described as human .
te	5	Something was up and it must be important to drag him all the way back to the capital when every man was needed at the front .
te	5	Cholera is so rampant that the injured men feel they are better off staying on the lines rather than chance going to the aid stations .
te	5	' If it was in your power to save your people by sacrificing your princess and you refused , would that not also constitute treason ? '
te	5	On one hand , his heart demanded loyalty to the Crown , while on the other , his head agreed with the logic of Chael 's argument .
te	5	On the few occasions that clarity returned , her world was a confusing blur of twisting unfocused images before sleep swept back in to take her again .
te	5	They had placed something soft on the bottom for her to sit on , but it made little difference , she was still in agony .
te	5	One of his men hurried up with a tray of food and a jug of water , and placed them on the rig bed beside her feet .
te	5	The warden quickly shut the door , but opened the little window slot , ' Glad to have been able to help you , Major .
te	5	The bruising had somewhat subsided and he could see out of his left eye again , though it was still an unsightly mix of black and blue .
te	5	The myriad intertwined branches and the overhead carpet , combining to block most of the available light , rendering the forest floor a dark sombre quality .
te	5	All in good time , ' the white haired old man belly flopped onto the mule and slowly , and very awkwardly pulled himself onto the saddle .
te	5	The soldiers were not removed in one mass exodus , that would have been foolish , and encouraged an all out attack by the enemy .
te	5	A few men from one battalion and a few more from another , over a number of weeks and generally under the cover of darkness .
te	5	Sitting , as he was , atop his mount with legs enfolded as though meditating , while simultaneously playing a melancholy tune on a small white flute .
te	5	She was a lady of the court , but she might as well have been a lowly slave for all the good it did her .
te	5	' Mark me , old man , ' he jabbed a finger into the old wizard 's chest , ' keep your meddling to yourself .
te	5	Yes of course , ' the wizard shrugged , ' but be mindful , you walk a precipice , one wrong step and you may fall . '
te	5	Then powerful jaws would lunge and grab , twisting , tearing , pulling , beneath the murky water in a frenzy of splashing and blood .
te	5	The shocked general quickly backed his way down the aisle , bowing as he went , out the double doors at the end and was gone .
te	5	Not the physical kind but the strength that makes a man do good , rather than evil , though it be the harder option . '
te	5	The first tendrils of wispy fog passed lazily cross her vision obscuring , in gradual ebb , light of some of the dimmer celestial orbs .
te	5	He was a low sized stocky man with a scar that ran right across his face from his left temple to just below his right ear .
te	5	And when they caught him and opened him up , the man was still sitting atop his mount like he was just going for a jaunt .
te	5	His frozen mind rebelled and ran careening away to the darker trackless recesses of his brain , while his gaping mouth issued a silent scream .
te	5	He would make them pay for straying too close to his nest , and for the stinging wounds he had suffered at their hands in past .
te	5	A heavy downpour would turn it into mud in a very short time , reducing the already pitifully slow column to a snail 's pace .
te	5	Tripping over a protruding root , her body no longer had the strength to compensate for the imbalance and she crashed to the ground with a thump .
te	5	It was just before the last sliver of daylight abandoned the land to blackness that one of the soldiers noticed a glow in the distance .
te	5	Not around these parts , ' she snorted and reached for an oil lantern beside the door then walked down the rickety steps towards the stretcher .
te	5	I 'm yours to command , ' Chael bowed and pressed a fist against his chest in salute , then turned and left the room .
te	5	Tall wooden towers , filled with armed guards , spaced every two hundred yards , or so , a precaution against escape rather than fear of attack .
te	5	They tied the boat up at one of the many jetties on the southern wetland approach and were slowly making their way towards the centre of town .
te	5	Inside the cramped room there was a large bed covered with animal furs , a table , and a couple of uncomfortable looking wooden chairs .
te	5	The government actively encourages resettlement and then abandons them to fend for themselves knowing that they will end up in the slave markets of the East . '
te	5	If the locals knew that he had two thousand pieces of gold , on his person , he would have been torn to pieces in the rush .
te	5	The men that they passed looked dangerous , mostly human but now and again there were dwarves , and always in groups of three or four .
te	5	On the other side of the bar a dwarf was playing cards with three humans , and winning by the sounds of his raucous peals of laughter .
te	5	After spending a minute trying to figure out how to open the door , he finally raised the latch and threw the door back , smiling .
te	5	' Just getting some air , ' ' It 's okay , you can drop the pretence , the wizard told me where you went .
te	5	The last I remember I was having a bit of a stretch on my bed after eating a nice meal , and now this ! '
te	5	After the claustrophobic closeness of the swamps the open plain , dotted here and there with clumps of isolated forest , was a welcome change .
te	5	A squat solid looking dwarf dragging a horse and a bundle laden mule appeared from behind the bole of a large tree a few paces off .
te	5	' Now then , ' he wagged a stumpy finger in the air , ' shall we celebrate the accord with a few drops ? '
te	5	The slavers were in the fullness of health and walked about with an arrogant swagger pushing and abusing any unfortunates foolish enough to stray too close .
te	5	The guards brought the two women into the house and locked them in a room that had one large bed , a table , and a chair .
te	5	He smiled again , but then the smile dropped as an image of Anabel 's angry face appeared from the mists of his inebriated mind .
te	5	His bleary , overly moist , eyes struggled to focus as the chest started a slow undulating circular movement that got faster the longer he stared .
te	5	If he came into their room , as he had done the night before , and discovered them gone , all the effort would be for nothing .
te	5	Once a few had been loosened they were able to slip through to the town proper and quickly disappeared into its warren of dark streets .
te	5	Anabel had a rough idea of where the main gate was , but it still took the best part of an hour to find it .
te	5	' I 'm not s ' posed to leave my post , you see , ' he said , but his mind was already ablaze .
te	5	Oblivious to my grief , Dimitri set the box down , fingertips barely brushing the soft peach tablecloth as he looked up from his silence .
te	5	He didn 't respond , just twitched his lips in a smile that might have been real had I been able to see his eyes .
te	5	For an instant , I thought the images were tiny paintings on the lenses , for no mirror ever captured a man as he saw himself .
te	5	And even if it were nothing more than some inexplicable synchronicity , the confident aura with which Dimitri spoke sent a chill down my spine .
te	5	I wasn 't sure what I meant , but perhaps I was simply grateful to him for acknowledging my grief in a way most people never could .
te	5	The jolt of being catapulted back into my own body was like a rubber band snapping , the pain of it causing me to gasp .
te	5	Dimitri placed a hand on my shoulder , warning me to silence with a oddly erotic gesture of one long finger laid discreetly over pale lips .
te	5	Darth Vader stormed off carrying his head under his arm and the others just drifted away , extras milling about at the whim of some unseen director .
te	5	Stephanie dancing with Mephistopheles high atop the Acropolis , spinning and seeming to fly as her long black dress flew out from her on the wind .
te	5	It happened so quickly I couldn 't twist free , and my heart cramped as I saw the lips of this dreadful cherub stained red .
te	5	Before I could say another word , before I could parade my wounded pride around the room or hurl accusations at the boy , he was gone .
te	5	From the sanctuary of my hotel room , I called my best friend , but when Charlie answered , I had no idea what to say .
te	5	On the other end of the line , I heard Charlie rolling her big brown eyes the way she always did whenever I said something inane .
te	5	Face it , something incredible happened to you tonight and if you don 't try to figure it out , you 'll be crazy within a week .
te	5	Without remembering how I fell in the quicksand , I was over my head , wanting nothing more than to be alone with my misery .
te	5	Two strip joints with flashing neon lights , an assortment of sleazy nightclubs , and the glittering runway of LAX luring the newest victims down from heaven .
te	5	My hand was an ocean , my erection a serpent gliding through it as I collapsed to my knees and uttered a choked cry into the mist .
te	5	Stephanie 's ghost danced in the shiny metal doors and spoke to me in a whisper that was only the rustling of Superman 's cape .
te	5	I thought of Stephanie , for I knew we must be near the underpass where her body was found , and once again I blamed myself .
te	5	And then I was completely entranced , a participant in a waking dream as the limo thrust deeper into its night lover and left the world behind .
te	5	On one side of the gate , the terrible head stretched upward , jagged teeth ripping the sky , red eyes really sensors on high-tech security cameras .
te	5	Nearby , a young man was held in an eternal pose of martial arts kata , one stone arm and one stone leg extended in perfect balance .
te	5	Water rushed through a manmade creek , and frogs hidden within the lush gardens sang an off-key melody that was reassuring and yet keenly sad .
te	5	And then my mind was out of control , conjuring images of maniacs and madness and my own blood spilling out to stain the polished hardwood floor .
te	5	His words caused me embarrassment , though that was quickly forgotten when he extended his hand in a gesture that seemed trite under the circumstances .
te	5	And though I struggled to look away , I was paralyzed with sick fascination as he ran the pad of one long finger over my self-inflicted wounds .
te	5	Then , never taking his gaze off of me , he touched fingertip to tongue tip , moist lips slowly closing over a single drop of red .
te	5	And I wanted to collapse in his arms , a dead weight caught between the world of the living and the world that belonged to the night .
te	5	Yet while I would have been loathe to give him any credit for compassion , I felt he wanted to make this easy for me .
te	5	His arms went taut around me , the full length of his preternatural body pressing against me as if to shield me from what was to come .
te	5	" If you 're going to kill me , get it over with , " I said , the reality of my situation stabilizing around me .
te	5	If I died then and there , I 'd be with Stephanie again , the struggle would be over , and it would be perfectly all right .
te	5	" No , I haven 't brought you here to harm you , Stefan , but to offer you a life that never ends . "
te	5	My neck hurt where those fangs had stung me and , stupefied , I raised a hand to the injury still moist from his lips .
te	5	Miquel 's smile deepened and , running his fingers down my cheek , he said matter-of-factly , " Bite is such an ugly word , Stefan .
te	5	" I meant you to find it enjoyable , you realize , though I 'll understand completely if you prefer to pretend it wasn 't . "
te	5	At this , Dimitri gave a hearty laugh , then got up and moved to the window , where he stood with his back to us .
te	5	This seeing came as a tickle of thought , a trickle of an idea , a drop of awareness that quickly swelled to a rushing river .
te	5	The flaw in the program was that the program was irrevocably flawed , contaminated with a self-destruct virus that was intrinsic to the program itself .
te	5	When I looked up into Miquel 's eyes and saw my reflection captured there , I understood these things with a terrible and dark sobriety .
te	5	A cry of despair tore from my throat , for though I had never been particularly religious , I had cultivated a firm belief in God .
te	5	He tilted his head , the masculine stubble of his chin a shocking contrast to the softness of his lips moving over my neck as he spoke .
te	5	Intuitively cradling child to breast , he watched those lips turn dark with his blood as the river flowed into the dead boy 's open mouth .
te	5	The blasphemy tasted sweet on his lips , an honest hatred for death , for the pious lies of a God who 'd long ago forsaken him .
te	5	I must have cried out when I fell back to Earth , back into my body , on my knees in the middle of the floor .
te	5	He was something else entirely , and he had shown me more about myself in a single evening than I 'd learned in a lifetime .
te	5	Now he was offering me a chance to live forever , yet I couldn 't help feeling a bit like Adam pondering the outstretched apple .
te	5	It was even easier to believe the soul might exist forever in Hell 's torment than to think it would not exist in any capacity whatsoever . "
te	5	" You begin to understand , Stefan , " Miquel told me as he got up off his bed and walked to where I still knelt .
te	5	They were Miquel 's human lovers , dead and buried and destined to be mourned forever by their immortal beloved who had gone on without them .
te	5	The pain within you can make the nature of life and death ugly enough and beautiful enough to peek through the words you 'll write .
te	5	His voice softened to an awestruck whisper , and once again he caressed my face to mute the blow of what he was telling me .
te	5	This time , I did not lose consciousness , and I can only describe the soft red suckling as a libertine union of pain and pleasure .
te	5	Perhaps that 's what it really was , a willful parthenogenesis whereby a man passed through death in order to evolve forever beyond its reach .
te	5	My head swimming as Miquel 's mouth brushed over mine and lingered there , I wondered if this were the forbidden kiss that would forever transform me .
te	5	" I won 't change my mind , " I insisted , and a terrible resolve caused me to add coarsely , " just do it ! "
te	5	I was taking the covering off the display when a fat guy with a green dragon perched on one shoulder ogled me with a knowing grin .
te	5	" Looks like I 'm not the only one who scored last night , " he said , though he obviously hadn 't scored his entire life .
te	5	Wrinkled green army fatigues folded in on his frail body as he caught my eye and shot me a mock salute accompanied by a toothless grin .
te	5	I hurried down the loading ramp , but a gust of wind burst around the corner and tossed a handful of grit in my eyes .
te	5	It meant turning my back on everything I 'd ever known , and that meant dancing a dangerous tango with a designer label known as insanity .
te	5	Still , I couldn 't help thinking that madness , like death , was a threat thrown in by the scriptwriter to keep the stakes elevated .
te	5	It was a sensation I 'd known only rarely in the past , some eerie confirmation of a deeply hidden truth clawing its way to the surface .
te	5	" Oh , God , " I whispered , and slid down the wall until I was sitting on the ground hugging my knees to my chest .
te	5	There was that word again , that monosyllabic abstraction which stated that humans were in control of nothing , including our fate or even our faith .
te	5	But at least Miquel had held me in his arms and offered me immortality in a body I already knew and a location right here on Earth .
te	5	" And besides , why would you drink from a peasant 's stone cup when the golden chalice of the prince is pressed to your lips ? "
te	5	Dimitri was good , a cunning and patient hunter who knew a net of pretty words would capture me faster and hold me tighter than any cage .
te	5	I was beginning to think Dimitri and Miquel had forgotten about me entirely when I heard the hushed padding of tennis shoes on the hardwood floor .
te	5	His hair , which had been tied back before , now hung almost to his waist in glassy waves the shade of imported dark chocolate .
te	5	Seeing him better -- firelight flickering over pronounced cheekbones , narrow nose and defined chin -- I realized he was older than I 'd first believed .
te	5	I was too scared to be scared anymore , so I sat there numbed to the bone by his voice , his extraordinary male beauty .
te	5	Then , when I could no longer bear the grief captured in the eyes of those stained glass angels , I drew my attention back to Earth .
te	5	Two DVDs in rental cases sat next to the array , tagged with a common yellow sticky note which read : Dimitri , return these on Monday .
te	5	Taking his gaze from the window and fastening it on me , he added darkly , " I do not like to lose , Stefan . "
te	5	The thirst aroused him , thoughts of drinking from his chosen blood lover causing his lips to part and his eyes to roll slightly upward .
te	5	The first time Miquel laid eyes on the kid he had to have him : a taste of his blood , a drink of his poetry .
te	5	Miquel said to the empty room , the breath rushing out of him as he collapsed on the floor , his chest heaving from hours of exertion .
te	5	" I 've danced the day away for you this time -- to prove to Death that my will is stronger even than his . "
te	5	Instead of chastising me for my cowardice , Miquel followed after me and slipped an arm around my waist in an attempt to calm my fright .
te	5	My body was numb , my mind detached , and my life was far too finite -- measured in minutes and seconds rather than years .
te	5	My heart went into an unearthly rhythm until I cried out in pain , ashamed of myself for an anxiety so acute it reduced me to this .
te	5	All that remained were the songs of the frogs and the gurgling of the little creek , a miniature Styx winding its way past the window .
te	5	" When you feel my lips on you , draw a deep breath and rejoice in knowing it will be your last as a mortal .
te	5	Yet when that ending came , the heavy blankness obliterated even the realization that there had been a me to be destroyed in the first place .
te	5	Adrift in that nihilistic state , I didn 't see Miquel loosen his crisp black tie nor unfasten his ruffled shirt to reveal his neck to me .
te	5	Shame overwhelmed me , and I wept in denial as the river of arousal flowed from me in a rush that confirmed his intolerable power over me .
te	5	I demanded , appalled at the strengthening flutter in my hollow chest , yet secretly filled with a hunger that horrified me with its intensity .
te	5	However , this is not just the decadent historical immortality of the long-lived vampire , it is immortality as a change in one 's perception .
te	5	I found it totally uplifting regardless of the gritty story In the end , it made me realize that light can 't exist without darkness .
te	5	The final irony was that grief would always turn out to be the paradoxical antithesis and simultaneous manifestation of whatever it is what humans call love .
te	5	Crystal remained silent and walked a few steps away from Raine -- further down the shoreline , until she stood under the wing of one fallen Phantom .
te	5	Young talented psychics are being temporarily kidnapped from present day Earth , seemingly at random , to serve as part of one side 's psychic army .
te	5	Anyone else might not notice because he keeps them clasped into fists at his sides or , while sitting , pressed tight to his lap .
te	5	" Do you want to talk or do you want to waste time looking for logical explanations for every magical thing that ever happens ? "
te	5	" If you 've ever felt like a stranger in a strange land , this book is your road map to survival in the spiritual wilderness ! "
te	5	They will smile politely , squirm uncomfortably , and eventually they will stop returning your phone calls and look the other way when they see you coming .
te	5	One kingdom still remains under their power , and we have every reason to believe that it will , in short order , fall as well .
te	5	You , my son , are like a leaping flame , springing to life when at once there is the right heat , fuel and air .
te	5	Remove your mother , and will you not be as the flame that has been covered with a cloth , or doused with cold water ?
te	5	But how can we , who are ruled by laws , have lives different from what we have been caused to have by our own parents ?
te	5	And if that cause be different , my son , do you not now understand that the sun and stars must have been different also ?
te	5	Change yourself , my son , and watch the world change with you ; change the world , my son , and you will be changed also .
te	5	But on occasion , a shadow of their future as it were would reveal itself and blood would be drawn in contests that were meant for recreation .
te	5	There was a time , just as they neared their fourteenth birthday , that they fell into a rage and wrestled one with the other .
te	5	The government of the Elementals was placed under his command , and he was given the task of shaping the world that would soon appear .
te	5	This answer was given to him , ' Your labors have not come to naught ; only within your own eyes is this so . ' '
te	5	In the midst of these flames the great Dragon lay himself down in great anguish of soul , lamenting the work of his own hands .
te	5	When he arose , and when he had taken a look at the stars above , he discerned that an entire age of the world had passed .
te	5	The feel of the water calmed his raging heart and he could , for that moment only , discern in the world a quiet wisdom .
te	5	In time , the creatures grew strong and large , and those that survived donned armor of scales and learned cunning ways to evade their vicious assailant .
te	5	He took their resistance as a mockery of his own labors and his own sufferings , and he vowed to make an end of them .
te	5	But he sought it not to gain hope , but rather advantage ; for he hoped that by it he might overthrow the purposes of heaven .
te	5	The hot and arid terrain made their skin as strong as leather , and the ever-changing volcano made them - at least those who survived - adaptable .
te	5	It is said among some of our more comical poets that it was the hot landscape that made them first devise words and language in consequence .
te	5	Their intellect became as swift in its judgment as their arms were in battle , and their skill in forged metals grew in proportion to their needs .
te	5	The fire of the dragon drove them deep into the ground where they discovered and mined the many hard metals from which they crafted their armor .
te	5	Independently of the dwarves they explored the deeps and made use of the strong metals they found therein , though never with the same level of skill .
te	5	' We labor for the Almighty King , ' he replied , taking a break from his labors as one who pauses to greet an old friend .
te	5	There she was shown a great many rotted limbs and fallen trees , many of which were now home to rats , serpents and spiders .
te	5	The sight of the bones terrified her , but the dragon bade her walk on , sounding more like a master than a friend with every step .
te	5	Above it circled many vultures and upon its wasted bulk there crawled scavengers and rats , each taking a piece of the great fish for its supper .
te	5	' Turn aside therefore , my children , from the way of life , and make no creature to suffer , whether for meat or for labor .
te	5	In a great fury this bear attacked the women , sending those who escaped into the wilds , wearing only what linens they wore for bathing .
te	5	' It is evil , ' she said to him , shuddering as his eyes were fixed upon her , ' to look upon me so . '
te	5	If you find the path of the Almighty King too hard to tread , then tread your own path , and see whence it leads . ' '
te	5	Take heart , and face the grim master with courage , therefore , and make an end of suffering for as long as the world endures . '
te	5	Upon that mountain they built great cities and lived in peace such as the world had not known before , and has not known since .
te	5	His captains and his queen all fell to their knees in unison , for they would not dishonor their lord by standing taller than he .
te	5	' Nay , my love , ' he said , embracing her for the last time , ' It is a gift to belong to the Almighty .
te	5	They bound him with unbreakable chains and threw him cursing into the deepest hole on the mountain , his hands still red with dripping blood .
te	5	If the perils of war were not sufficient to make an end of them , the servants of their fathers would poison them in their sleep .
te	5	Seeing as there was nothing but frozen streams and crumbling mountains in the Far North , there were few who traveled beyond the northern forest .
te	5	Have a care for your own heart , and your own memories , and see to it that you first endeavor to preserve your life .
te	5	' As though the dark one has not been pain enough for me , your father has seen fit to give him license to slay you .
te	5	' But know this : your brother 's thoughts are darker than yours ; he will not hesitate to slay you when the hour comes . '
te	5	It was a rare occurrence , but when the four of them sat in the hall together , none could stand before them without trembling .
te	5	They were given no instructions or plans for their coming trial , no weapons or armies ; their conquest was to be born of their own labor .
te	5	' Do not be angry brother ; this trial is meant to kill one of us , and our father means it to be you . '
te	5	He could accept the practice in general , but when their father so clearly preferred one son over the other , it made him feel sorrowful .
te	5	It is hard to estimate just how much of the toil of men is consumed by planning for successions , inheritances , sicknesses and retirements .
te	5	But for men , all the days of their lives are as their last days , and they live them in frantic pursuit of gratification . '
te	5	' You told my brother that there would be a great army coming to this region by the time the summer heat is upon us .
te	5	But if summer comes with no threat from the north , then we will cut your throats and sink your bodies into the bogs . '
te	5	When the company had been on the eastward road for no more than three days , they were approached by a mortal man on horseback .
te	5	Sol smiled slightly and then , quicker than a gale , he drew his sword and killed the man , knocking him from his horse .
te	5	Nor are they your father 's servants , for they would have sought you out by other means , and not lain in wait like this .
te	5	But they found it impossible to stay together in those lands , as the paths through the swamps and stones were very narrow and difficult .
te	5	Do you think I am somehow above the methods of my countrymen , who send their sons away on Doom Paths for lesser insults . '
te	5	There were bodies of both men and goblins strewn about the fortress , but all of them had been reduced to bones and dust by time .
te	5	A great fortress lies to the west of the city , and a great many watch towers and battlements stand to the north and south .
te	5	The elven lords , who rule over these sorry mortals , have taken full advantage of this story in their religious ceremonies and traditions . '
te	5	She had seemed quite afraid of them at first , apparently having been under the impression that these visitors were there to rob and plunder .
te	5	After hearing them ask such questions , however , she seemed to relax , accepting their story about traveling from the foot of the Talon Mountains .
te	5	The front portion of the house had thick logs standing as columns on each corner , upholding a slatted roof through which smoke billowed rapidly .
te	5	The stones , however , were all of a sandy color and reflected the light of the rising sun as though they were polished gold .
te	5	He blinked twice , turned on his stool and leapt from his place , running - half stumbling , out past a curtain and into the workshop .
te	5	After they had watched him work for some time in silence , the boy approached him , shielding his eyes from the heat of the forge .
te	5	He felt sick at the thought , and a tear made its way to his eye , despite his attempts to feel nothing but anger and hatred .
te	5	' Would to the gods I could have fled away alone - or with an equal , ' he lamented as he peered out into the darkness .
te	5	Beside him stood two others , a man in a white robe with golden edges who looked like he was ready to break into a grin .
te	5	And if any man say he is greater than his father , then let him look to his father and say , he also is greater .
te	5	If any excellence should be granted the elves , it must be their dominance in the arts of cookery and in the creation of fine foods .
te	5	When at last she awoke she found herself blindfolded and , it seemed , riding upon a horse supported by the strong arms of her captor .
te	5	She knew he spoke the truth , and she remained silent for a great while , softly sobbing and quietly wetting her blindfold with her tears .
te	5	' Are there stars tonight , ' she seemed to plead , hoping to rekindle some semblance of the kindness she detected in her captor earlier .
te	5	The road to the palace was lined on each side by ancient oak trees , each of which was planted some thirty feet from their neighbors .
te	5	There was a short bustle of conversation and then , as if it were waking from slumber , the sound of the city returned to the streets .
te	5	' If there is any hope of victory , brother , it is in that thought - that we are bearers of a godly bloodline . '
te	5	From the day he surrendered to their authority he gave no sign of rebellion or resistance , but contributed all his efforts to their mission .
te	5	' We have become a rival within his own dominion , and he will not have it , be our intentions whatsoever you will . '
te	5	And because he does not wish to pass into obscurity , he sends our elder brothers away to die even as he intends for us to die .
te	5	' What would you have me do , then , march against our father , to avenge men we have never met in living flesh ? ' '
te	5	In a tally of opinion , then , how can it be said that the opinions of servants are weightier than the council of a king ?
te	5	Ere the road passed under the thick cover of the ancient trees of the North there was a guard tower and a great force of mortal guards .
te	5	For when the Power of which I speak acts , you must be still ; and when it speaks , you must be silent . '
te	5	Every moment of your life , therefore , shall be an evidence and a testimony against your pretenses , but you are forbidden to understand it .
te	5	' Sol , most clever of elves , your wisdom will save your kin for a time , but your folly will damn them . '
te	5	' It would be for show , only , if I offered you hope - and a chance to change the path upon which you sojourn .
te	5	But alas , I have come , not because your will might be turned , but because your will has already been fixed from the beginning .
te	5	The paths appear before you in this moment , but you , who are the decider , are already what you are and shall be .
te	5	There was music and song , poetry and storytelling such as has never been seen in Tel Arie - for it passed away with the Northern World .
te	5	For he knew , even in his nightmares , that his brother , after all the many years of their camaraderie , bore him such distrust .
te	5	You have heard the old stories , of course , about how our ancestors were deceived by the dragons and how that brought death into the world .
te	5	In that you have called me mad , I shall be mad , lest you be shown to have a lie upon your tongue . '
te	5	' Madmen , they say , think not of the future , but live by the moment , not understanding the consequences of what they do .
te	5	He was in such haste that he did not reveal himself to the shopkeeper , but simply tossed a small bag of gold atop the counter .
te	5	He rushed out before he could even hear the shopkeeper 's gratitude - for he had paid thrice the worth of that which he took .
te	5	' In all the ages of the world , you have not altered , ' he said , repeating what he had been taught as a child .
te	5	' Be you as capricious as you will , oh dirt and filth ; you at least alter even as they who trample you beneath their feet .
te	5	He made sure to give it time to eat and he kept near to the river so that the horse could drink its fill of water .
te	5	They were not wholly unaccustomed to such strangers , as their land was the favorite route for all sorts of criminals , dissidents and spies .
te	5	' One might walk the greater part of it , if they could withstand the current , and a strong horse could swim what remains . '
te	5	It was nearly midnight when at last he came to the falls , so he set a fire and had a meal by the lakeside .
te	5	He lay for hours listening to the distant roar of the falls and hearing to the splash of fish as they leaped into the air after flies .
te	5	The current was strong , and it took a great deal of coaxing for him to get his horse to enter into the cold stream .
te	5	His heart sank , for he knew that it was within her power to destroy him , even as he lay prostrate before her father .
te	5	You need not fear the devices of your father in our land , for our steel and our wealth are greater than his iron and his tyranny .
te	5	I have , as you shall soon learn , many sons , none of whom I have betrayed to their deaths to preserve my own authority .
te	5	He thrust a spear through the belly of the messenger , and watched him bleed to death on the stone floor of his hall . '
te	5	' This shall be my last feast , for I cannot fill my own belly while this dread terror consumes the very soul of the earth .
te	5	It languished in a museum for a while , was sold or fenced into a series of private collections , and ultimately acquired by her predecessor .
te	5	He used it to communicate the focus of the return of rule of law he promised as he ended the interregnum and reinstated the Empire .
te	5	" I appeal to your patriotism " , she said , giving another long look at the general in the insignia of the 22nd army .
te	5	The horses footfalls were light and the rider approached quietly , closely , before the soldiers , intent on their breakfast , started to notice .
te	5	Another soldier had freed their sword to the rider 's left , and used the space that had opened there to raise a cry and charge .
te	5	By the noise , they had made the smart decision not to send a single person to check it out , but to move as one .
te	5	The shield charge had disrupted the soldiers , but they were well back to their footing now and clearly had the advantage over their single opponent .
te	5	He couldn 't make out the face through the pushed up visor , but the coat of arms on the shield slung from the saddle was unmistakable .
te	5	If this is a task worthy of The Queen 's Champion 's time then it is a task worth of The Queen 's time . "
te	5	However , given the first Emperor founded the first Academy of Magic , it seems unlikely that they could craft such a wonder that long ago .
te	5	" But at least with you this close , it means that anyone else will probably be more subtle than I 'm going to see . "
te	5	An encampment and perimeter surrounded it , divided into lanes and holding areas , to organize forces traveling through it should a maneuver be required .
te	5	Coral continued more quietly , " I know it makes you uncomfortable not to know the entire motives of all of the players in the field .
te	5	My memories are not my own , my skills are not my own , but , thanks to magical intervention , my Will is my own .
te	5	" I have made sure to get at least two hours of condensed sleep a night , as per your suggestion " , she said .
te	5	But as this war drags on into years , we must think about how we marshal our personal reserves strategically , not just tactically . "
te	5	The deep black of her garments offset her pale skin , but standing next to Lilly made it evident it was just very pale , not colorless .
te	5	" You do know that he would be very cross if he knew you had been standing there the whole time " , said Lilly .
te	5	But it was wise to be aware of how he felt since it would affect his reactions should he have worked out she was watching him invisibly .
te	5	" But if we have the power to defeat them , then these republicans could just as easily be swept aside " , said Bianca .
te	5	" I have been advised by both Mistress Angelika and Jack , that acting ethically is usually the best option , strategically " , said Lilly .
te	5	No birds flew overhead , no stubs of grass peeked between rocks , no insects crawled under the stones , and no lichen crept over the rocks .
te	5	She felt a little better that it wasn 't just that he was more skilled than her , but had just found some way to outsmart her .
te	5	He took a step in place with each foot , like he was climbing invisible stairs , and stood a few inches above the ground .
te	5	" If you walk into that palace with that pearl , I will make life , very , very , very hard for you . "
te	5	Chapter 13 -- Throne of the Sea Shafts of sunlight speared downwards from the distant surface , illuminating the Throne of the Sea in a bluish light .
te	5	She continued to the center of the platform where she stopped , nodding her head politely to Atlantica , but not going down on a knee .
te	5	A hasty party was sent forth to parlay with Atlantica and Devonshire herself took full responsibility , offering her own life in repentance for her actions .
te	5	" I know killing gods is kind of a hobby of yours " , started Winter , licking something black and sticky from his fingers .
te	5	No matter what they give back to us , how beneficent they seem , they are only returning a fraction of what was ours anyway .
te	5	Normally he could rely on being purely taken at his spoken word , since his gestures and intonation were alien to those he circulated with .
te	5	Their table was along an elevated platform at the back of the pub , giving a wide view of the patrons , but shadowy enough for privacy .
te	5	" You get to raise him and place all the idiosyncrasies and neuroses he 'll carry with him for the rest of his life . "
te	5	" Problem two : we don 't really know the meaning or import of all of those ' sedimentary layers ' , as you put it .
te	5	" Given time , and if we ever come to an agreement , we can probably continue to pick them off as they get in the way .
te	5	But you 're ignoring all of that because you 've got a completely different agenda that you want me to spearhead all by myself . "
te	5	The horse pulled back on it 's reigns , gave a whinny like fingernails on a chalkboard as flame and smoke jetted from it 's nostrils .
te	5	With her other hand she reached into one of her baskets , pulled out a ceramic jug , and popped the cork off with her thumb .
te	5	It was his own people to whom the work was contracted out to , and , using the knowledge gained , these tactical portable gates were created .
te	5	With a great heave , Coral pulled down what was strapped to the horse 's back , and lowered it , gently , to the ground .
te	5	He pulled back the horse blanked that covered it and inside was a woman , eyes wide with fear , and two small whimpering children .
te	5	A large figure had broke through the barrier and the soldiers were crying an alert and trying to close ranks to block it 's advance .
te	5	If they crafted patterns inimical to those from other realms , then it shouldn 't matter which realm as long as it wasn 't this one .
te	5	So pack a bunch of Souls together in some sort of contorted symbiotic relationship , and you 've got more punch than you would otherwise . "
te	5	In a sort of waterfall cascade , many aspects of the demon drew back , and raised to a height to take in the scene .
te	5	Chapter 21 -- General Strategy General Alessa lay on the floor of her tent , curled up in a ball , shuddering and crying silently .
te	5	The several thousand soldiers of the 9th , the officers , her fellow generals , the Queen herself ; all looked up to her and respected her .
te	5	She donned her light battle dress with well practiced hands , the regulation sword , and strode from the tent with a façade of purposefulness .
te	5	The grandmother sat in a corner of the curiosity shop , in a dress elaborately braided from small strips of leather in a riot of earth tones .
te	5	Only a few moments after that he started again when he discerned that the grandmother and granddaughter were actual people , and not shop fixtures .
te	5	It is only the recent immigrants , Orcs , in my case , and divinely wrought beings in your case , that have Souls . "
te	5	" Um , you know how magic is powered by mana energy and that derives from the interaction between a Soul and a Will . "
te	5	" I wasn 't fostered , but I did spend many years here as a student amongst those who thought themselves my cultural and ethnic betters .
te	5	The place was a maze made up of books , equipment , crates , boxes , and wax tablets stacked on every available horizontal surface .
te	5	What if , instead , it was just one Soul , but one that had the barriers between it 's past lives ripped apart . "
te	5	" Because " , he said , lifting a finger , " I wish to talk about a subject you are most expert in . "
te	5	The red lines represent a line of lay pulled from a vortex , randomly orientated and oscillating , broken by this pattern of four polarizers .
te	5	We overthrew the Wizards and prepared a great spell to search for the pattern of the Six Books and to destroy everything matching that pattern .
te	5	We were to retain the power of it , to help and lead the survivors , but also limit our memory to a few centuries .
te	5	One horse was black as night , and struck sparks on the cobbled street as it stamped , eagerly watching its nose bag being prepared .
te	5	Then he intimated that he was about to order Grave Keeper to open his doors and release her , as she was unfairly and untimely sent there .
te	5	The High City itself was guarded from magical approach , the palace further guarded , and he , himself had specifically proofed this individual room .
te	5	If someone was here , they wanted him for a reason , they , as often as not , answered that question without any prompting .
te	5	She did not have the mana of tens of thousands of worshipers at her command , but she did not forget as the gods did .
te	5	" My conjecture " , said Jack , " is that a paragon is an aggregate entity made up of the souls of experts . "
te	5	" I 'm talking about our plans to take the war to the gods " , she said , running her finger over the map of hell .
te	5	They 're smaller , fractious , no collective pantheons , and their particular practice of soul enslavement is even more despicable than the gods . "
te	5	If our enemy has the wisdom of every damned general of history , then we have to assume he can second guess our every move .
te	5	If we do not act fast and decisively , we give our enemy time to make this a strategic play rather than a political one .
te	5	If we present no flanks , then it does not matter if they outnumber us two to one , or a hundred to one . "
te	5	" I 'll get the cloth wears , you see to the armor " , Phyllis said to Clive as they entered her personal armory .
te	5	The two arms were tied at points to her shoulders , similar to the legs , with the same cut outs in the pits of her elbow .
te	5	And , since I do not bear the responsibility for that decision , it would not be my place to second guess you on it . "
te	5	The personal guard were formed up , ready for the quick transition , and watching her , eager for some indication of what was up .
te	5	I will address the troops , and then " , she looked up at the rapidly forming gate structure , " we shall move out . "
te	5	Chapter 36 -- Lake of Fire The 9th army preceded the 22nd through the gate , General Porterhouse having lost a coin flip to General Alessa .
te	5	Her first impression was that they were on a burning hillside of tumbled boulders with a rise behind them and a further conflagration down slope .
te	5	Hands , claws , tentacles , and less recognizable things clutched at them from the broken scabs of rock that composed the surface of the lake .
te	5	" Since this seems in hand , I 've ordered the 31st to advance to it and hold it for us to regroup at . "
te	5	It was those whose wounds were not mortal , or were felled by poison or exhaustion , who were dragged back to the medical station .
te	5	Fire turned to ice and a blizzard of black , stinging flies the size of small birds crawled over them , leaving frostbite with their pricks .
te	5	" When we 're down to one tenth of the reserve , we 'll retreat in good order " , she said , more calmly .
te	5	The effigy had become engulfed in black flame , searing any eyes looking at it directly with it 's darkness , as painful as the sun .
te	5	The black flames had subsided and the figure took on the smoky , shifting appearance they had seen in other demons , only immensely larger .
te	5	For this affront she has brought her armies hither , wrought great damage against your lands , and stands before you , victor of this battle field .
te	5	Do not speak to me with one side of your mouth about honor while the other side makes veiled threats to the masters you turned traitor to !
te	5	And the arrogance to throw stones in my own domain , and then hide behind a swaggering Champion who does not know his own limits . "
te	5	It is the Queen who offers to face your Champion , not I , though I gladly would , as would any who fight for her . "
te	5	The vanguard of the 9th rejoined the rest of it 's army , and was the last to leave the demonic realm through the flickering gate .
te	5	And their leader , a foul monstrosity of warped souls dissolved into its constituent parts , each able to now seek solace and forgiveness . "
te	5	Her eyes had just closed , and her breathing had begun to slow when she became aware of some indefinable change in the quality of the environment .
te	5	We had to haul this one 's mother over to the Volcano Palace for unauthorized use of magic and we found another murdered girl . "
te	5	" You need to get him behind bars or better yet in a grave , " Rory told the guard , fingering his folded love letter .
te	5	Rif stared at it suspiciously , lip curled , and eyes wide , as if wary a tentacle might break from its surface and pull him in .
te	5	Don 't kill him if you 're afraid to , you can use the spell to render him weak , then return his spirit . "
te	5	Though my anatomy is gone , I am a fellow male , and therefore understand your hesitation to debase yourself by using primitive methods such as communication .
te	5	The new army commander requested such hordes of treasure that he would have me canceling all galas to buy clunky armor and rusted swords . "
te	5	" Of course , I have them right here , " Crag showed Dade a blotchy , yellow parchment , dotted with jam and coffee stains .
te	5	You are beautiful , but - " " I must request you save your elegant courtesies for a later date , preferably the seventh of never . "
te	5	The cobblestones of the road gave way to a river of mud and muck , while overhead the sky formed a thick , gray blanket .
te	5	Oh whoa , bring it to the harvest Oh whoa , fire in the mill The song , and the work , inspired a hypnotic rhythm .
te	5	He felt like he was back at his burning manor , waiting for the Fire Guard and the dragon to drive the Sky Raiders away .
te	5	Tired of cold and pain , which stretched on like the endless icy plains , there were moments when he was tempted to join his father .
te	5	In all of these visions , he ran with the same companion , a girl with dirty blonde hair and a green vine tattooed on her cheek .
te	5	He wouldn 't have mistaken Goat 's smoky silhouette for his brother 's , wouldn 't have called to him , and ran to him .
te	5	The tattoo , the filthy blonde hair , the emerald eyes , the cat-like face with the high cheek bones -- there was no mistaking her .
te	5	The crowded stone chamber was filled with rolled scrolls , hand-written manuscripts , yellowed parchments , chalky clay tablets , and tomes bound with sinew .
te	5	" Distracting myself from the horrific and potentially deadly situations in which I find myself has become something of an art form for me . "
te	5	One of the iron sky gates on the side of the Nest swung open and a blond Sky Raider flew past them on a terracotta wolf .
te	5	He stared at it , hoping to see some sort of a hint , so as to be able to find others of the Weaver 's doors .
te	5	Surrounding the temple were four large black boulders , each a different shape : the Anvil , the Moon , the Maiden , and the Skull .
te	5	" On the Three Moons ' Night , he 'll have his soldiers seize you , and you 're to be sacrificed with the other magi .
te	5	Red Paw licked the tears from her cheeks , but even the elixir of wolf slobber couldn 't cheer her up on this darkest of days .
te	5	The wolves let out a howl and the iron sky gate on the far side of the kennel rattled and fell open with a clang .
te	5	She took a saddle from a nearby rack and placed it upon the winged wolf 's back , clambering onto it , and tightening the straps .
te	5	The escaping figure , wrapped in a brown cloak , ran through a corridor that Alaina could have sworn wasn 't there a moment ago .
te	5	If she caught the slave boy , or whomever the Connection belonged to , she could force him to locate and open the hidden door .
te	5	If you knew the slightest bit about me , you would know I knew we were leaving , because I saw it in the water .
te	5	She considered trying to make a run for it , but she wasn 't sure how she could ever get out of this maze without their help .
te	5	The chill of autumn was replaced by the warm humidity of Cook 's Lake , as the caravan descended into Devil 's Valley , zigzagging down switchbacks .
te	5	Perhaps moments , perhaps hours - the road was endless sameness , and yet paradoxically endless diversity : every leaf slightly different than the last .
te	5	He 'd told them from the start he could no more capture a dragon , than he could the sun , but would they listen ?
te	5	At least here he could taste fresh air , see the fireworks of leaves exploding from the trees , feel the cold wind of freedom .
te	5	She was a work of art greater than any other , but the work of art was marred , a bruise inflicted upon her eye .
te	5	" And I smell a distrusting dictator who thinks killing people is okay as long as you 're just making a monument out of their bones .
te	5	Every emotion and its opposite seemed to be racing through his body : dread and excitement , terror and wonder , despair , and hope .
te	5	She entered the off-limits area , where the government of the Red Palace conducted its business : the huge cavernous chamber known as the Court of Flames .
te	5	Our military was weak , our coffers bankrupt ... I swore to myself if I were accepted for the Great Choosing , I would run things differently .
te	5	The air had grown cold , and snow fell from the sky , star-like flakes descending , gracing the branches white with their crystalline embrace .
te	5	The ropes were no match for her , but there were the magical ropes to contend with , Gar 's magical snare was far less easily unraveled .
te	5	The girl 's golden eyes weren 't the cruel eyes of the other Sky Raiders , but softer , wider , sparkling with a deeper inner life .
te	5	So they ran against the cold , biting wind that sailed across the icy plains , whistling through the scrubby pines and boulders that dotted the valley .
te	5	The huge rock wall seemed to be growing larger and larger , his own body would be the ore to be hammered on this anvil .
te	5	The passage was lit by something similar to glow stone , except they were glazed and set in the ceiling at regular five foot intervals .
te	5	He willed his legs to sprint , but the tiredness of running through snow had taken its toll , and his legs only managed an insufficient stagger .
te	5	Chapter 22 The Seventh Rung She can already cook a delicious lemon biscuit , and it turns out she is a rebel and a scholar ?
te	5	Instead , it was just a man wearing a gray , lacquered wooden mask , with a long black beard and curved ram horns attached .
te	5	" I 'd let you kill a Royal Companion , tie me to a tree , and take me prisoner so my brother could escape .
te	5	" Please forgive me if this is an affront , but I must ask you this ... " " Spit it out , man . "
te	5	Goat , head down to the camp and make sure that everything is going alright with the shipping of the rest of the slaves . "
te	5	The Flicker 's head turned from one guard to the other , like a dog wanting to obey , but not knowing who to listen to .
te	5	" This one knows it 's not the most comfortable of accommodations , Your Highness , but you will be safe and this is most important . "
te	5	The water level rose past their waists , and they became soaked as well as exhausted , but were able to refill their water skins at least .
te	5	He reached into the beast 's mind and chanted , " With wings that can turn the world around , turn us upside down . "
te	5	On a winged wolf Gar was a force to be reckoned with , but on a full grown dragon , he 'd be death itself .
te	5	If I were sucked out of you , I would likely just enter some other baby and have the same problem all over again . "
te	5	I 'll take your daughter with me for insurance that your men don 't practice archery on me during my flight out of here . "
te	5	Her mother knew death , could help her step gently into its dark embrace , meet her on the other side of the Flaming Gates .
te	5	There was no fighting the waves of tears that came like a storm , one trickling into the next , tiny tributaries releasing an ocean of grief .
te	5	Her father chanted , " Power inside me , these boundaries we shall break , for these are the souls I 've come to take . "
te	5	He leaned against the dais , on his knees now , but still the sounds poured from his mouth , along with spittle and drool .
te	5	The chanting , the groaning , the heart stone beating - it seemed as if they were all performing in a perverse choir of disharmony .
te	5	Rif felt as if the ground had been pulled beneath his feet , leaving only a gasping abyss into which he could fall for eternity .
te	5	They might have been Immortal , but they weren 't strong enough to break these bonds , even though they were clearly struggling against them .
te	5	" We haven 't found Grandmaster Sigel 's host in the last fifteen years ; I don 't think it likely we will find him now .
te	5	Alaina clambered on behind him and said , " You really know how to show a girl a good time , don 't you ? "
te	5	He knew Alaina had only kissed him because of the threat of imminent death , but he hoped that the kiss was the seed of something more .
te	5	Gar was the stronger of the two and his blue blade drew closer and closer to its target , sharp tip glittering in the moonlight .
te	5	- < > - The army of woven creatures followed behind the Shadow Queen and the Weaver into a secret door in the rock wall .
te	5	I have particularly vivid memories of Ultima Thule , in that little house with ... my parents ... They are my parents , I know they are .
te	5	But then - if one can 't change one 's name when one has amnesia , then what 's the point of it all anyway ? "
te	5	Then the tips of several large iron smokestacks ; I suppose they were used when the submarine was sailing on the surface of the sea .
te	5	This pleased the wolf cub so much that a few days afterwards he tried the same trick , and again the other wolves came to his help .
te	5	And at the funeral of the cub an old wolf said , " A liar will not be believed , even when he speaks the truth . "
te	5	But I was actually twenty-nine years old , in your years , when I left First Den , which was the year nineteen twenty nine here .
te	5	Her sorrow was that as a cub she had never known her parents , had never known the love of a father and mother wolf .
te	5	He had discovered that , in the only way that really mattered , they were not his parents , even though their blood flowed in his veins .
te	5	God knows , he had ended up in Bedlam , labelled insane because of his transformations , which the doctors hadn 't bothered to understand or explain .
te	5	From time to time a squid or a shark or a small school of fish would swim past , but most of the time there was nothing .
te	5	I honestly don 't know - perhaps there is a way of fixing the rudder so that the ship doesn 't go off course ? "
te	5	and pointed to the complex dashboard , a piece of brass covered with a complex latticework of levers , buttons and dials of every description .
te	5	Then he pointed to a small Vacuum Ray tube on the console , with a spinning line upon it that showed blips and bleeps of light .
te	5	Just as he said this his left foot slipped back and he fell forward and cried out , " Oh , Lord preserve me ! "
te	5	A cog shuddered deep in the submarine 's stern , even as Evans hastily jumped back and jerked the lever back to its middle position .
te	5	I do hope that 's right - I - I think that 's where it was - I 'm not really sure where it was . "
te	5	But please , please , restrain your curiosity - I 'm begging you , Evans , don 't fiddle with any of the other controls .
te	5	When Zev walked in , Evans was tightening some large steel bolts around his contraption with a spanner , and Jonas was holding the frame steady .
te	5	Evans ' contraption was very much like the machine in the warehouse , which Zev hadn 't seen ; but the boy had described it to him .
te	5	He reached down and grabbed the electric cord , searched the dashboard for a little while with his eyes , then said , " Ah !
te	5	The vacuum valves around the outside of the ring heated up and began glowing with a warm light and the contraption hummed slowly into life .
te	5	He turned another dial and a squiggly wave pattern appeared , being rewritten constantly slightly differently so that it appeared to be drifting slowly across .
te	5	" This island does indeed come from Somewhere Else , quite another universe , a different realm , but not recently , I would say .
te	5	The pupils of her eyes were white with cataracts , but she stared directly at Evans as though she could see him anyway , somehow .
te	5	To my surprise I understood exactly what the old woman was saying : ' Tell me why you are here and what you want . '
te	5	The old woman sat at the bow and I sat at the stern , for they judged me to be the heavier of the two of us .
te	5	The Kraken was below them now , about thirty degrees below the horizon , but it was so huge that it was behind them as well .
te	5	Jonas was shivering in the corner , holding himself like a madman and blathering , " I can 't believe it , I won 't believe it .
te	5	Evans , still at the console , mumbled over his shoulder to Jonas , " You get used to it after a while in this business . "
te	5	We 'll get overtime for this , I swear we will , double time for the entire trip , I 'll approve it myself . "
te	5	Evans is like me - nervous as hell - I know you are Evans , you can hide it better 'n me , but you still are .
te	5	I faced the possibility of death when I left my realm - dying , for me , is much more likely here in this entropic realm .
te	5	Well , unless of course she should ... " Evans said , " For the sake of the Deity , man , get it out . "
te	5	Evans was in the radio room , still putting his coat on , looking at the dials , " Don 't worry , that one 's mine .
te	5	The submarine was rocked by a gentle undulation that was gradually becoming bigger but the storm wind and the high ocean waves had not yet reached us .
te	5	Just keep it moving - I may have an idea ... I 'll be back in a minute ... " Then he disappeared down the hatch .
te	5	The hull began creaking and groaning , and could hear little trickles of water dribbling in indeterminate places , along the floor and the walls .
te	5	A terrible wailing started to form in my throat , but , perversely , a sudden sensation of water trickling over my foot reassured me .
te	5	We all laughed rather hysterically I 'm afraid - it was such a comical , bizarre sight - particularly considering the tension we were operating under .
te	5	The two planes flew over to the west of us , and away , but as they did several large barrels dropped into the water .
te	5	Sixty seven degrees two minutes north , three degrees twenty two minutes west , at a declension of zero point one two five degrees . "
te	5	Well there was something but I know you are just a human , a weak , wrong human and that explains a lot about you .
te	5	He would have to tell her that he loved her - he would have to tell her that this was why he lied to her .
te	5	After a long , long while , she finally said , in a quiet whisper , " It 's ... my terrible shame , Zev .
te	5	For a moment he was lost for words , but the silence became uncomfortable , so he said , " How did it happen ? "
te	5	" Yes - truly - I do - I really do - but I simply can 't understand why you feel ashamed of turning into a human ?
te	5	And to further the mystery , no secret codes have thus far been discovered anywhere in the books , though they have been sought , believe me .
te	5	He would have liked to stay within that place for much longer , but there were too many other pressing matters he couldn 't ignore .
te	5	Even though winter was in its dying days and spring would follow , it would be at least a month before the snow melted completely .
te	5	You mean the foreigner who demanded that grandfathers who should have been someplace warm and safe smash bottles and make weapons out of rusted old farm tools ?
te	5	" His name was Malik , and yes , " Regent Jenner replied , amazed that he was defending a man whose boorish demeanor he once despised .
te	5	" You cannot blame Regent Jenner for his gusto , I am sure you remember what it was like surviving your first day of battle .
te	5	The notion was nauseating , he knew he couldn 't force it on his own people , but his streets had to be cleaned before spring came .
te	5	" I agree that the attacks on the mines are an annoyance we will have to deal with , " the advisor began in his well-spoken voice .
te	5	" Some of those who aided our city have done wrong but let us not forget that many advances have been made because of their presence here .
te	5	He explained himself slowly and for the first time for many of them his voice wasn 't authoritative and proud , rather it sounded weakened .
te	5	With all eyes upon the mage , the king recognized him as the one who had once watched over the first entry point to the city .
te	5	He could see a number of weary people as they worked under the close supervision of guards , repairing the city walls and other such tasks .
te	5	Approaching the altar was a group of men , dressed in tight-fitting black uniforms with swords at their sides , and two staffs crossed on their backs .
te	5	His eyes wandered over each of them , like a spider across a web of trapped flies , but if they felt afraid none showed it .
te	5	His hair was as black as his eyes , but he moved slowly and deliberately as though he was too old to walk comfortably without a cane .
te	5	But before an act of extreme violence could take place , a pair of great beasts soared from the dark sky into the black city .
te	5	Not wanting to be outdone he forced his dragon , Golden Flame , to do the same since he thought Air Raid looked quite magnificent .
te	5	Although they hadn 't yet succeeded , Crimson Claw had found them useful for other things as they were both highly loyal and eager to please .
te	5	If she had really wanted to preserve balance she would have allowed him to kill at least as many humans as had previously killed wolves .
te	5	Others were hunched over , and still others took to clawing the ground like monkeys , scampering forward as much on knotted arms as bowed legs .
te	5	To make matters worse , every now and then , deep in the shadows of the shuffling men , Ryder caught a flash of something white .
te	5	Though he could make out neither shape nor form , his instinct told him that those flashing splashes of color represented the true teeth of this host .
te	5	Though she was cloaked in functional , protective armor , the curve of her natural form was still apparent and Ryder felt himself reacting to her presence .
te	5	" You are mistaken , " the red masked one said , stepping forward towards the Red Lady and showing no concern at the screeching sound .
te	5	This blue had infected their hair as well , and they all wore styles that were oddly reminiscent of thick heavy chains dangling off of their scalps .
te	5	There was a dark divinity to his voice , like he possessed knowledge no one else knew and most would be too terrified to hear .
te	5	All the villains noticed that somehow this being was able to look at each and every one of them while at the same time looking at none .
te	5	This world is the most unique world ever created , for it is the only world that has a connection to every other world . "
te	5	As a master liar he could easily tell a lie and no one ever knew it wasn 't the truth until it was too late .
te	5	To keep the fire from damaging the saddle , which Sampson forgot was fireproof , he quickly undid the rope from the horn and dropped it .
te	5	Having been glowing while she used her powers , the large dragon 's eyes were just returning to normal when Sampson refocused on the wild dragons .
te	5	His separated self allowed him to feel all that surrounded him , be it animal or human , building or plant , much more acutely .
te	5	Nothing on Kae 's face revealed that he was in fact seeing through his own separated self now , sending it far and wide across the city .
te	5	The clatter of hands reaching for swords , orders whispered on the air : Stay together , secure the hill first , then the tower .
te	5	" I am glad to hear it , it means you will be even more useful to us than simply slaughtering those who stand in our way .
te	5	Normally when he did this to normal human beings , his own Life Force blended with theirs , giving him access to their thoughts and emotions .
te	5	I will only do so once I have assurances from you that I will be the first in line to receive the rewards you offer . "
te	5	Winter was in its dying days and because of this , his armor wasn 't covered in animal fur , allowing its shine to be seen clearly .
te	5	The dwarf kingdoms had driven out most of the orc tribes from the northern mountains , which of course had led to increased raids on human settlements .
te	5	Which is why it made sense for the 7th brigade to be tasked with guarding and supervising the many freshly made mines along the countryside .
te	5	Rest assured , Lieutenant , the dwarf mines of the north are infinitely larger and richer than anything we could mine for in these parts .
te	5	That was the first time I had ever seen beings from another world and I can assure you it is something that I will never forget .
te	5	We have another destination although we keep a sharp eye out for potential raiders , " she replied as she mounted a particularly fine stallion .
te	5	The people the knights should have been protecting were forced to work for no pay and little food in order to rebuild the weakened treasury .
te	5	The entire time they moved at only a slow gallop , for they didn 't want the refugees to think they were charging against them .
te	5	Kalen inhaled deeply and the elements of the scent separated themselves into their fundamental components : conqueror 's sweat , raging heat , and human flesh .
te	5	The clouds of billowing smoke obscured his vision and the screams arising from the encampment ahead confused his senses , but he could feel their presence .
te	5	" Watch from the hill cowards , " Kalen shouted as he resumed his progress towards the small gathering of refuges he could sense lay just ahead .
te	5	His search came up empty , but the cries ahead directed him , and soon he came upon the last living mass of the refugee settlement .
te	5	The blades , claws and teeth of his brothers would leave nothing but tufts of hair and cubes of meat to mark this meek resistance .
te	5	He now felt the irony to his promotion now , his only real accomplishment during that battle was the fact he watched a great hero fighting .
te	5	He hadn 't smoked from his pipe in about two months , he just didn 't crave the taste in his mouth like he once had .
te	5	Out of boredom a number of guards would have loved to force the man away from the city , a way to kill a few minutes .
te	5	Even from outside the gate he could see a tower , a massive great white structure that dwarfed anything his humble homeland had to offer .
te	5	This part of the city wasn 't too bad off , but even from this courtyard he could see damages only war could bring about .
te	5	Before the captain sat on an identical stool he poured liquid from a jug into a large cup that occupied the top of a simple table .
te	5	He knew himself a better conversationalist than this , but the months of isolation and drain on his body had rid him of such ability .
te	5	" But to be honest with you I don 't know if my strength should be admired ... " " What makes you say that ? "
te	5	Slowly he looked down and saw that his hands were trembling violently , the Vaas spilling over the rim like larva from an angry volcano .
te	5	He couldn 't help but respect this man , not just because he had come to aid the city for no other reason than being asked .
te	5	He may have been disheveled , he may have been so weakened by the experience that he couldn 't be of much use military wise .
te	5	" I have always had trouble sleeping with a beard , the sound it makes when it rubs up against something always snaps me out of slumber .
te	5	Too often , she was caught up in the worries of battle and didn 't take the time to indulge in the lesser pleasures of existence .
te	5	A small contingent of soldiers surrounded her , but the majority of her host was engaged with refugees or performing other random acts of conquest .
te	5	Though the pain must have been great , the horse was far too well-trained , and too cognizant of its master 's wrath to protest violently .
te	5	" Yes , " the younger woman replied , " but the question remains , how do we ensure that these walls might remain hospitable ? "
te	5	" If I hadn 't attacked you , he would have , " Ryder answered with a growl as he clawed into a soldier 's neck .
te	5	" Just look over there at the one with the red mask , " Crimson Claw replied flicking his tail towards the villain he spoke of .
te	5	While the miner was distracted Scratch jumped onto Fang 's back which was slightly higher than normal because he was using his powers to levitate .
te	5	From there Scratch jumped aiming for the highest part of the mine wall that he could reach and launched himself off of it towards the enemy .
te	5	" You know we could have killed him faster if you didn 't have to show off your acrobatic abilities , " Crimson Claw said .
te	5	She had roughly a third of her army searching this city and he had originally planned on simply waiting to see what they had found .
te	5	He was glad he made that choice for he found something the Red Army hadn 't , even though they had recently searched this same area .
te	5	He ignored such a notion , he had dealt with many substances in his life , many that were more potent than whatever this liquid was .
te	5	He didn 't know what had just happened to him , but in some ways it reminded him of dying , something he knew all too well .
te	5	To prove to himself that his sense of touch wasn 't lying he quickly moved back to the bath , showing no fear of the liquid .
te	5	This was his face , the face that belonged to him before he had corrupted his body with spells , potions and everything in between .
te	5	" It never ceases to amaze me , " he spoke with a kind of melancholic tone , like he was about to recite poetry .
te	5	" That is hard to describe , they are a mixture of many things , shades of magic you see , from many forms of sorcery .
te	5	They were gathered together with the purpose of cleansing corruption from one 's body , but I am guessing you have already figured that out .
te	5	You certainly have an interesting collection of powers , I imagine they are of great use to you as my powers are to me . "
te	5	" We have waited for this chance for thousands of years , and we have plans in place , but we cannot rely on those plans alone .
te	5	" If you do this for us we will do all in our power to help you escape death ... once and for all . "
te	5	" First the Orc Confederation swept through the lands burning and destroying every human settlement they came across , so we fled to wherever we could .
te	5	There was a weariness in the air , the desperation of the last couple of months was beginning to take its toll on their minds and bodies .
te	5	It felt like this was the 1000th time they had gathered to discuss matters of the realm , something each of them was all too aware of .
te	5	An impressive feat to be sure , but I believe extreme fatigue and a lack of a proper diet played tricks with his mind . "
te	5	" I find it a little difficult to believe that , having never seen a dragon before , he would be able to hallucinate one .
te	5	" Well there will not be any feasts in the immediate future but there is enough food to keep everyone alive for about 5 weeks .
te	5	It didn 't make any sense , a day or two before he was screaming and trying to get away from the army of red .
te	5	The small pieces of information we were able to gather from him came under torture and even then he didn 't say much more . "
te	5	If I had to gamble on it , my bet would be this is lich magic , although I have never heard of such a spell . "
te	5	I will not send troops into such a situation , I will not give this Red Lady a chance to swell her ranks with my own soldiers .
te	5	Then we would have far more to worry about than this Red Army , the Sack Swords , the refugees or the orcs returning to attack . "
te	5	" We need to ensure that the ranks of this Red Army aren 't swelled further , and I believe this Malik can help prevent it .
te	5	He was actually anything but sure realizing that he had put his neck on the line , and so would have to find a way .
te	5	His coat was the length of his entire body , once a light green that now appeared quite gray , decorated by several dozen basic buttons .
te	5	The only other similarity the two shared in terms of garments was the fact that both wore makeshift armbands , created by torn pieces of potato sacks .
te	5	" You are going to have to be more specific than that , an army with only female commanders isn 't exactly unheard of . "
te	5	" When they attack they kill all the women , but leave most of the men alive , they recruit them into their army . "
te	5	" Foul things , things that don 't belong in this world , things that should only exist in the most mad of minds . "
te	5	" I have never seen her myself but they talk about it constantly , that the Red Lady is their master and they would never betray her .
te	5	Every army that has attacked its walls has been defeated , dwarf armies , elf armies , goblin armies , armies of giants , armies of wizards .
te	5	Slowly the man began to rise and while a guard placed a firm hand on his shoulder , he wasn 't forced back to his knees .
te	5	It wasn 't Malik , but a stranger , wearing a tight fitting black uniform , the hood of his cloak pulled low over his eyes .
te	5	He hoped that this man may have come from the same place as Malik , and that Malik might even have sent him in his stead .
te	5	Brown stains covered the stone ground here and there , old blood that had not yet been washed away , and perhaps never would be .
te	5	I apologize for not thinking that far ahead , the winters of this world can be harsh , I should have organized escorts for you . "
te	5	Kae could feel the sincerity in the King 's voice , and some small bursts of animosity coming from some of the others around the table .
te	5	The last time I saw him , he was lying in a puddle of blood still clutched by the queen , even in death . "
te	5	Kae 's betrayal of his oaths to the Protectors couldn 't be so bad if it was in aid of one favored by the gods .
te	5	He was no longer seeing phantoms of hunger , but real phantoms of his past , the kind whose haunting wasn 't easily dealt with .
te	5	But he couldn 't bring himself to talk about it , not even to the Commander who had served him so well over these years .
te	5	He took a deliberate moment to look each of the captains in the eye , each looked back , none showing any sign of betrayal .
te	5	A force that the Commander informs me shall be marching upon this very city and now we have 3500 less troops to defend our home !
te	5	There will be more orphans , widows and widowers in a city that has become filled with little more than orphans , widows and widowers .
te	5	His wrath was felt by each of the captains , his vigor reminding each of them of the great king that deep down he truly was .
te	5	" Many of the troops have felt the frustration of these times , they are not use to hiding or running away from their enemies . "
te	5	He waited for a confession that never came and so he began to walk back and forth before the captains , pacing like a hungry wolf .
te	5	" You have your orders and I demand that you each follow them to the letter , we will hide no longer , prepare to march ! "
te	5	One by one the captains moved away , they didn 't walk with gusto or with valor , but at the least they were following this order .
te	5	But we have no idea if the otherworld heroes will be able to come , perhaps all of them will , perhaps none of them . "
te	5	" My King forgive me if this is out of term but perhaps it is best if I speak to him , " the mage said .
te	5	But the mage made a good point , not to mention the fact he didn 't need to strain the loyalty of any more of his people .
te	5	It was true that the mages wore dark garments , but his uniform bore no fine details as the ones worn by the mages did .
te	5	" I got lost in the mountains and had to wait the winter out , and by the time I arrived here the battle was over . "
te	5	The strength of his voice made Kae remember the day he took his own vows , he had had similar conviction in his voice then .
te	5	It is disturbing to me how a man that carries so much respect and loyalty from others could exploit it in such a way . "
te	5	This man became a worse ruler than the king he had overthrown , because instead of respecting the loyalty he had once gained he exploited it .
te	5	It just goes to show how good a sense of direction you have , you can find things without even meaning to look for them .
te	5	He knew they were after the Shadow Stone , the problem was , try as he might he hadn 't been able to find it .
te	5	He then could see it for himself , a place within the chest plate , it would be ideal for a precious stone to sit within .
te	5	" I overheard a shadow mage speaking about it to the one called Kae , so it is true you really did teach them shadow magic . "
te	5	Not likely , it was just more of that silent , barely detectable defiance Protectors all too often availed of when faced with orders they disagreed with .
te	5	" Should I be concerned by the seven who have separated themselves from their bodies and whose translucent , wispy copies are now standing beside them ?
te	5	" But within this city I have seen sorcery I have little knowledge of , the kind that could be of great use to me .
te	5	I do not want you to be killed in the upcoming battle , so I will do my best to keep an eye on you . "
te	5	His costume was a doggy hoodie with a big yellow star to cover the big white one on his head which gave him his name .
te	5	The costume consisted of a blue hoodie shirt with a wolf head and nose that left Wonder Wolf 's own head and nose completely covered .
te	5	" And all this was expected , however there were footprints ... three sets of paw prints and human prints along with some brown and black hairs .
te	5	Having taken his ability to become a wolf from him as part of her job as the Ultimate Shifter , she knew who it was .
te	5	Due to this she had no true form of her own or felt the need to hide her identity using anything other than her real name .
te	5	" Not all , as far as we know The Virtual Vampire isn 't here , " Spy Girl thought to herself hoping that this was true .
te	5	" They will in time , " Trixie answered , " And actually it shouldn 't be too much longer before this begins happening to him .
te	5	Killing them would be like cutting the head off a spider , only the fangs were truly dangerous and without them the legs would be without direction .
te	5	He didn 't blink , he didn 't flinch , at first it seemed to have no effect , but then he lowered his head .
te	5	He trusted them now as he said , " I promise you my brilliance will be better on this battlefield than they were during the raids . "
te	5	Chapter 23 The sounds of marching could be heard from outside the tower , surrounding it like gallons of water uniting and heading for a drain .
te	5	The familiarity allowed his body to prepare for battle , while his mind was elsewhere , travelling through the long lonely roads of his past .
te	5	He had kept the phantoms at bay when he had given the order , but now with no one around they were in control of his thoughts .
te	5	He found himself stroking the cloak under his nose , smelling its scent , hoping that his nostrils would be filled with the smell of her perfume .
te	5	Even through the helmet he wore it felt very heavy , the weight of rule had felt lighter when the Orc Confederation had attacked this city .
te	5	" They also mentioned a character called Sampson , he has stolen a powerful magical wand that could be quite dangerous in his hands . "
te	5	He placed a strong hand on the regent 's shoulder as he said , " Today your words are needed more than your hands . "
te	5	The revelation shook the king to his very soul , because there had been a time when there was no one more loyal than this captain .
te	5	This wasn 't the king he was , it wasn 't what his troops had expected from the man they had once served so loyally .
te	5	Before he knew it he reached the final walkway of the city , the one that was built above the gates of the first entry point .
te	5	With an iron hand he took out his sword , the speed of which caused a slicing sound to echo throughout the city and beyond .
te	5	He didn 't know how long the roar went for , but it felt like an eternity , an eternity he was glad to live through .
te	5	With the wands being the key to accomplishing his own villainous goals he knew that all would be lost without the Shadow Stone 's powers .
te	5	The sound was followed by a symphony of steel and screams , as the two armies smashed into one another , like two beasts butting heads .
te	5	At the darkest moment , her daughters always rose up with strength and loyalty that made her absorbed male warriors seem almost feeble by comparison .
te	5	Match Head Ged knew this , but like any good commander he had used the desperation as motivation in place of letting it devour his troops .
te	5	The Sack Swords weren 't alone in wanting the city , Ged could see them , an army dressed in red , marching towards its gates .
te	5	Every Sack Sword echoed his bellow as they ran down the mountain slope , they were no longer silent , because they no longer needed to be .
te	5	The horse reared , and the Red Lady howled , drawing her sword in a seamless gesture and screaming both vocally and mentally to her host .
te	5	Her urging caused a surge and her men responded as the Red Lady sent her consciousness out to see what foe had set upon them .
te	5	This creature was past the point of bothering with a forged weapon as his claws had grown in substantially enough to be more effective in attack .
te	5	The Red Lady longed to witness this fight from her charge 's eyes , but could sense that the creature was too far gone to host her .
te	5	He was used to fighting battles consisting of millions of warriors , and this clash of only tens of thousands felt little more than a skirmish .
te	5	In the meantime , he killed time by killing many more refugees , allowing himself to get lost in the frenzy of blood and butchery .
te	5	His eyes began darting across the field , moving like insects that had been caught a flame and were flying madly in circles trying to extinguish themselves .
te	5	On the refugee side of the battle the individual stood out , for amongst the thousands he was the only one who wore a black uniform .
te	5	Kae spat , his tone ripe with anger as he took a step forward , his knuckles turning white from the strength of his grasp .
te	5	His separated self already stood beside the creature , studying it closely , waiting for the inkling of the first strike in the way his muscles moved .
te	5	He could feel the wind it created strike him like a flash of ice and he stumbled back , his nerves twisting as if on fire .
te	5	Yet if he did not draw on his power , use his separated self in the way he alone could , all would be lost .
te	5	Kae summoned all the Life Force he could hold in his chest , until its searing , red heat threatened to burn him from the inside .
te	5	The world spun around him , sounds of the battle still raging all around keeping rhythm to the pulsing , burning red of his Life Force .
te	5	He didn 't need to guess who the two sides were , the army led by the red cloaked woman was apart of the Red Army .
te	5	If any of them whether Sack Sword or Red Army begin to attack the gate , I want you to aim at their chest . "
te	5	Regent Jenner asked , noticing that the lieutenant had her full attention on the battle , making sure no one broke away and attacked the city gate .
te	5	It was the first time in three months that he hadn 't seen doubt , that emotion that felt like a rain of acid upon his soul .
te	5	Out of necessity the thousand troops had been scattered all through out the city so there wasn 't a single place that wasn 't observed .
te	5	Any horse that had not been eaten had been positioned all through the city to ensure that the 1000 troops were as mobile as possible .
te	5	He heard the war horn begin to be blown again before it suddenly fell to silence , whoever had been using it had been struck down .
te	5	He spat the blood out into the eyes of one of his many attackers , stopping them for the spilt second he needed to end their lives .
te	5	The corner of the city that the fight took place in was blocked off on three sides , meaning there was little room to maneuver .
te	5	The steel of his helmet worked well with his strength , as foul blood exploded into the air followed by the sound of breaking bones .
te	5	He struck his next enemy hard enough that the axe cut through its armor , ending its life in a grinding of bone , blood and steel .
te	5	" First make it look as if the shield is weakening so the dragons begin attacking us again then unleash it as an energy blast . "
te	5	But eventually he lined up his sight as best he could , he placed his hands out before him as if preparing to be handed something .
te	5	He remembered how disheveled they all had looked , like they too had spent months in the mountains trying to survive against the harshness of winter .
te	5	The power of the blow was shown by how violently Edo was tossed to the ground , his limbs flaying wildly as the body spun over itself .
te	5	The first is you will be defeated ... " The smile that had grown on his face now vanished , replaced by a much darker expression .
te	5	It took the oncoming might of a dragon to finally break both of them out of their dance , its gaping mouth glaring with countless killer teeth .
te	5	Instead they both leapt back , now realizing they had ascended into the middle of the sky battle between the dragons and the Heroes United .
te	5	Thousands of men , monsters and beasts were fighting below them , but none of that mattered at the moment to either one of them .
te	5	Both of them ascended higher , removing themselves from the paths of any dragons as they clashed once more in a blur of fighting fury .
te	5	He watched Edo carefully , he knew the power of the mist and didn 't want to corrupt his recently cleansed body with its rot .
te	5	For a few moments the two attacks became one , expanding like an enormous sphere , before it exploded under the weight of its own power .
te	5	To further his safety he brought his sword out to the other side to meet the weapon , hoping to redirect it as much as possible .
te	5	As he bounced a single time , the body rolling across a huge frame , he realized he had landed on the back of a dragon .
te	5	To the common eye it looked little more than a cylinder of dark blue metal , but to the informed it was so much more .
te	5	They stood in a very tense silence as they looked upon the wall , it had been smashed open far wider than what the cylinder had produced .
te	5	His hair white and sharp , what gathered their gazes the most was the man 's foot , it was raised slightly off of the ground .
te	5	His gaze fell upon each of them like a judgment from the gods , perhaps he really had been sent by the divinity of this world .
te	5	Using the corpse the man blocked the sword of the next attacker before ripping out their throat , using nothing more than a swipe of his fingers .
te	5	These blades were some of the most powerful weapons he had ever held , he was sure they would make quick work of the man .
te	5	He rushed back upon his horse , knowing time was against him , but before he galloped off he had to say one more thing .
te	5	Desperately Scratch continued his attack but without Fang 's claws to create them the sparks had died down enough for Scratch to see what had occurred .
te	5	" I don 't really think it 's the sword , " Scratch pointed out , panting slightly from the amount of energy he had used .
te	5	" Ah yes he did , he also told us that a trapped mouse has nothing left to lose so be careful of its teeth . "
te	5	But what concerned him deeply was their teeth , how long would it be before they put away their claws and begun trying to bite him ?
te	5	He had been reluctant to use this power , considering he knew its extent and what it did to him if he used it too much .
te	5	But he didn 't , it had caught him , it was as if he had tried to outrun his shadow and his shadow had grown angry .
te	5	Seeing the second half of his body fall broke him out of his trance and then he couldn 't think , see or feel anything .
te	5	This concern didn 't distract him , rather he used it to fuel himself onwards cutting down every Red Army soldier within reach of his blade .
te	5	A dragon , one born in this world had fallen on the edge of the battlefield , its enormous weight striking the earth like a collapsing mountain .
te	5	She was amazing , with one hand she killed enemies and with the other she prevented troops from fleeing , pushing them back into the battlefield .
te	5	They all sounded so faint in his ear like a very distant echo , he couldn 't even hear himself breathing anymore , let alone feel it .
te	5	As the sword came for him his vision caught a glimpse of something , a glint of steel that entered the edge of his vision .
te	5	He no longer felt like time could touch him , that a thousand years could pass and not a single wrinkle would appear on his face .
te	5	" The Shadow Stone cannot bring people back from the dead , " he stated flatly , it seemed at least some powers were beyond him .
te	5	His shadow that until this very moment had always followed from behind now moved front and center , its darkness pointing towards the light of the sun .
te	5	They each seemed frozen on the spot , their weapons held in mid strike as their eyes danced to a silent song of bewilderment and fear .
te	5	The Red Army and the Sack Swords , both formidable forces , were tiny in his gaze , smaller than even the most irrelevant of insects .
te	5	He looked down upon them the way a lion would look down upon a common house cat , they were no threat to him , not anymore .
